DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTINUATION OF HK'S SUCCESS SYSTIM ASSURED ................ 1
WORK STARTS ON JORDAN VALLEY CONTROT,T,ED TIP ..............
TENDERS C.J.LED FOR NEW C^RCO HANDLING AREk FACILITIES...... 2
new market complex tor tsuen w.jt .......................... 2
REPORT ON CONDITIONS OF WORK TO BE T.JTLED.................. 3
PART-TIME LECTURERS SOUGHT FOR ADULT EDUCATION ............. A
FREE CHECKUP FOR ELDERLY ON LnNTnU ......................... 5
MONG KOK CHILDREN'S CHOIR RECRUITING MEMBERS ............... 5
FRESH WATER SHOWERS FOR SWIMMERS ........................... 6
SCIENCE MUSEUM RO„D RESTRICTED .JTE^ EXTENDED .............. 6
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
1
CONTINUATION OF HK’S SUCCESS SYSTEM ASSURED * * * * *
WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE FIRMLY IN PLACE, THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IS ASSURED OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE SYSTEMS WHICH HAVE MADE FONG KONG’S SUCCESS POSSIBLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE DINNER PARTY OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS, MR JACOBS SAID, ^CONSISTENT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE WORK OF THE INSTITUTE WILL CERTAINLY CONTINUE TO FLOURISH AS IT HAS FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS.*
THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS WAS FORMED IN 1972 AND HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 600. IT IS INVOLVED IN THE FOSTERING OF THE PRACTICE OF SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES BY ARBITRATION.
♦THE INCREASED BUSINESS DEALINGS INVOLVING THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL NO DOUBT INCREASE THE DEMANDS UPON MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE,* HE SAID.
♦AND MEMBERS WILL NO DOUBT RISE TO MEET THE EXPECTATIONS FOR SPEEDY AND RELIABLE RESOLUTION OF COMMERCIAL DISPUTES WITH PRECISION AND ZEAL.*
MR JACOBS SAID THAT WITH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, HONG KONG’S POTENTIAL AS THE INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE OF THE EAST WOULD BE FULLY REALISED.
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WORK STARTS ON JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP
* * * * *
WORK HAS STARTED ON BUILDING A CONTROLLED TIP AT JORDAN VALLEY TO PROVIDE SEVEN HECTARES ON LAND FOR RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY FACILITIES.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A J9.54 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTING AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE TIP, AS WELL AS SURFACE DRAINAGE.
/THE SANITARY
iUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
2
THE SANITARY LANDFILL METHOD TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
WILL BE USED TO BUILD THE TIP IT WILL HAVE A DAILY CAPACITY
OF 680 TONNES OF
REFUSE
ONE MILLION THE TIP IS FULLY
TONNES OF REFUSE FORMED IN 1989.
------o
WILL HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED WHEN
TENDERS CALLED FOR NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA FACILITIES *****
TENDERS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR CONSTRUCTING FACILITIES FOR A NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING A TWO-STOREY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A PUBLIC TOILET AND TWO TICKETING BOOTHS.
WORK IS SEPTEMBER.
THE NEW METRES WIDE.
EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN
CARGO HANDLING AREA WILL BE 310 METRES LONG BY 30 CONSTRUCTION WILL START ALSO IN APRIL.
WHEN COMPLETED IN EIGHT MONTHS, IT WILL REPLACE AN EXISTING ONE IN THE VICINITY.
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NEW MARKET COMPLEX FOR TSUEN WAN *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIX-STOREY MARKET COMPLEX ON A 3 500-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF YEUNG UK ROAD AND CHUEN LUNG STREET IN TSUEN WAN.
INDOOR
TWEE LOWER FLOORS WILL BE FOR MARKET STALLS AND AN OFFICE WILL BE BUILT ON THE THIRD FLOOR. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INDOOR GAMES HALL. FOUR SQUASH COURTS, A PHYSICAL TRAINING ROOM, STORE ROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILERS ON THE REMAINING UPPER FLOORS.
WORK ON THE COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT 25 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
5
REPORT ON CONDITIONS OF WORK TO BE TABLED *****
A REPORT ON THE SURVEY ON CONDITIONS OF WORK FOR WOMEN WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TABLED FOR ENDORSEMENT AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 3) AFTERNOON.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY A WORKING GROUP ON INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROBLEMS UNDER THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ENDORSEMENT, THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS ON THE FINDINGS OF THE REPORT.
THE MEETING WILL RESUME AFTER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
QUESTIONS ON LEGAL MATTERS ARISING FROM THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF PREMISES WILL ALSO BE RAISED.
THE REPORTS OF THE SIX COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD WILL BE TABLED FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE REPORT UNDER AGENDA ITEM ONE OF THE MEETING, WILL TAKE PLACE DURING A BRIEF RECESS PERIOD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.
NOTE TO EDITORS t
YOU ARE INVITED TO COYER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
PART-TIME LECTURERS SOUGHT FOR ADULT EDUCATION *****
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATION FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS IN VARIOUS COURSES TO BE OPERATED IN THE 1987-88 SESSION STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION RUNS A NUMBER OF COURSES INCLUDING THOSE AT THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, TEACHERS’ COURSES, ENGLISH COURSE, GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, AND ADULT EDUCATION COURSE (GENERAL AND PRACTICAL BACKGROUND). IT ALSO RUNS COURSES IN ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN TEACHING YOUNG ADULTS PART-TIME IN THE EVENING. EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING THE RELEVANT COURSE WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS IF THEY ARE SEEKING POSTS IN THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, TEACHERS’ COURSES, ENGLISH COURSE, GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, AND ADULT EDUCATION COURSE (GENERAL BACKGROUND).
APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS A DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION OR ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHER TRAINING WITH EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING AT SENIOR SECONDARY OR POST-SECONDARY LEVELS WOULD FIND IT AN ADVANTAGE.
TEACHING POSTS IN DRESSMAKING, SEWING AND KNITTING, COOKERY AND WOODWORK IN THE ADULT EDUCATION COURSES (PRACTICAL BACKGROUND) ARE CONFINED TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH SPECIAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN THE RESPECTIVE SUBJECTS.
HOLDERS OF A SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE OR EQUIVALENT AND WITH SPECIAL SKILLS IN VARIOUS SUBJECTS OR HOBBY GROUPS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR POSTS AS HOBBY INSTRUCTORS IN THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES. SUBJECTS INCLUDE SINGING, MUSIC, DANCING, AEROBICS, PAINTING, HAIR-STYLING, HANDICRAFTS AND ALSO JAPANESE AND PUTONGHUA.
SERVING TEACHERS WITH ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE IN ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OR EXPERIENCED COMMUNITY WORKERS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATES OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES MAY ALSO APPLY BUT THEIR APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THEIR DEGREE COURSES.
EXISTING PAYMENTS FOR PART-TIME LECTURING ARE $145 PER HOUR FOR POST-SECONDARY LEVEL, $120 FOR SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, $95 FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, $85 FOR PRIMARY LEVEL AND $80 FOR HOBBY GROUPS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY. APPLICATIONS MUST REACH THE DEPARTMENT BY MARCH 31.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON 5-8392309.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
5
FREE CHECKUP FOR ELDERLY ON LANTAU * * * * *
ELDERLY RESIDENTS LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS OF SHA LO WAN AND SHUM SHEK ON LANTAU ISLAND TODAY (SUNDAY) RECEIVED FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS IN A PROGRAMME OPERATED JOINTLY BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF rf)NG KONG.
ABOUT 70 VILLAGERS AGED OVER 65 WERE GIVEN BLOOD PRESSURE TESTS AND SCREENING FOR DIABETES.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MEDICAL SOCIETY CARRIED OUT A SIMILAR PROJECT IN TUNG CHUNG LAST SUMMER AND DECIDED TO EXTEND THE PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE VILLAGES IN TAI 0 BECAUSE IT HAD PROVED USEFUL FOR THE ELDERLY, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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MONG KOK CHILDREN'S CHOIR RECRUITING MEMBERS
*****
THE MONG KOK CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS RECRUITING YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE DISTRICT.
CHILDREN FROM SIX TO 16 CAN JOIN THE CHILDREN’S GROUP WHILE THOSE OVER 16 CAN JOIN THE YOUTH GROUP.
CHOIR MEMBERS MAY SELECT TO TAKE CLASSES IN CHORUS SINGING, PERCUSSION BAND PLAYING AND DANCING.
TRAINING SESSIONS ARE CONDUCTED ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM. FEES ARE $100 PER SEASON.
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF 130, WAS SET UP IN 1975 BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO OBTAIN SYSTEMATIC AND FORMAL TRAINING IN MUSIC.
APART FROM CLASSROOM TRAINING, THE CHOIR HAS BEEN ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN MUSIC FESTIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS TO IMPROVE ITS PERFORMING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE, 85 IVY STREET, AND LIM POR YEN CENTRE, 110 BEECH STREET.
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/6........
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1987
FRESH WATER SHOWERS FOR SWIMMERS
****■*•
SWIMMERS AT CLEAR WATER BAY (1ST) BEACH IN SAI KUNG WILL BE ABLE TO USE FRESH WATER SHOWERS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SUMMER.
A BEACH HUT WHICH INCLUDES SHOWERS IS NOW BEING BUILT UNDER AN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROJECT.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR INSTALLATION OF FLUSHING AND SEWAGE PUMPING FACILITIES AT THE HUT.
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SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD RESTRICTED AREA EXTENDED *****
THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE ON SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH MODY ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARDS BY 180 METRES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 3).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 19^7
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ADVANTAGES OF MAINTAINING FREE MARKETS STRESSED ................ 1
✓
REVIEW OF COPYBIGHT LAW PLANNED ................................ 2
POLICY ON ENTRY OF HUSB,JiDS RELAXED ........................... 4
SHIPPING REGISTER STEEPING GBOUP ANNOUNCED ..................... 5
INTERNATIONAL BODY CONDEMNS TEXTILE BILL ....................... 5
WINDING-UP OBDEB MADE AGAINST TRAVEL FIBM ...................... 6
TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED ............................. 8
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ENDORSED .................... 9
LaE MEMBERS DISCUSS WIDE RnNGE OF ISSUES ...................... 11
BLACK BEAR IN GOOD CARE ....................................... 12
TUEN MUN TOUR ^RBaNGED FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS .................. 13
BOARD TO DISCUSS TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL .......................... 14
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ORGANISED .............................. 14
AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLES IN OPERATION ........................ 15
SPEEDPOST PICK-UP SERVICE EXTENDED ............................ 16
4
ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 2-6 IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS................. 16
ROjJDS, DRAINS FOR P.xK KONG VILLAGE EXTENSION ................ 17
TENDERS INVITED FOR COOKED FOOD CENTRE ........................ 17
BRIEFING ON SCHOOL BOUGHT PLACES .............................. 18
NO FLUSHING WATER IN KWUN TONG ................................ 18
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
18
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
1
ADVANTAGES OF MAINTAINING FREE MARKETS STRESSED *****
HONG KONG LOOKS TO SWITZERLAND, AND OTHER LIKE-MINDED TRADING PARTNERS, TO WORK FOR INCREASED ACCESS TO EACH OTHER'S MARKETS AND TO IMPROVE THE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES WITHIN THE MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
♦ THIS WILL BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO EVERYONE BECAUSE FREE TRADE BRINGS ABOUT INCREASED TRADE FOR ALL.+
SPEAKING AT THE BUSINESS LUNCH OF THE SWISS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR JACOBS SAID TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWITZERLAND HAD GROWN STEADILY IN RECENT YEARS, WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF SOME 8 PER CENT FROM 1981 TO 1985.
♦ LAST YEAR, WE SAW A PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING PERFORMANCE IN OUR TOTAL TRADE - A JUMP OF 39 PER CENT OVER 1985.+
TRADE BALANCE WAS HEAVILY IN SWITZERLAND'S FAVOUR, MR JACOBS ADDED, AND IN 1986, IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND WERE MORE THAN DOUBLE OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND.
♦ HOWEVER, AS WE TRADE ON A MULTILATERAL BASIS, A PRECISE BILATERAL BALANCE OF TRADE IS NOT WHAT WE SEEK. INSTEAD, WE ENDEAVOUR TO INCREASE OUR TRADE OVERALL,♦ HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT SWITZERLAND WAS THE 1OTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER OF HONG KONG AND HONG KONG THE 12TH FOR SWITZERLAND, MR JACOBS SA D HE BELIEVED THERE WERE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER EXPANSION, WHICH WOULD BENEFIT BOTH HONG KONG AND SWISS CONSUMERS.
♦ THE DEPENDENCE OF OUR ECONOMIES ON EXTERNAL TRADE, AND OUR PRACTICE OF FREE TRADE POINT TO THE POTENTIAL FOR OUR TIES TO BE BOOSTED,+ HE SAID.
♦ I AM SURE, THEREFORE, THAT IT IS IN OUR INTEREST TO WORK FOR FREE TRADE NOT ONLY IN THE HONG KONG-SWITZERLAND BILATERAL CONTEXT BUT ALSO IN THE WIDER INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT.♦
MR JACOBS SAID THAT PROTECTIONISM REMAINED A THREAT TO HONG KONG AND TO THE WORLD’S TRADING SYSTEM.
♦ IN THIS CONNECTION, THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, HELD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, PRESENTS US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HALT THE TENDENCY TOWARDS PROTECTIONISM AND TO LIBERALISE THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING REG I ME,♦ HE ADDED.
/TURNING TO........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
2
TURNING TO SWITZERLAND’S BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN THE TERRITORY, MR JACOBS SAID SWISS INTERESTS WERE ALREADY ACTIVELY REPRESENTED IN OUR SERVICES AND SWITZERLAND WAS HONG KONG’S SEVENTH LARGEST COUNTRY SOURCE OF INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 2 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
♦ THERE IS SCOPE FOR EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT AND GREATER PARTICIPATION BY SWISS INVESTORS,♦ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS TOLD SWISS BUSINESSMEN THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION.
♦ THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION HAS BEEN ASSURED OF THE CONTINUATION OF ALL THOSE ELEMENTS WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG’S SUCCESS POSSIBLE,♦ HE SAID.
♦ WE ARE PUTTING IN PLACE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY WITH A FREE ENTERPRISE CAPITALIST ECONOMY, FREE CONVERTIBILITY OF CURRENCY WITHOUT EXCHANGE CONTROL, GUARANTEES OF PERSONAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, PLUS A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.♦
ON THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY, MR JACOBS SAID IT HAD ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO THE OPPORTUNITIES HONG KONG OFFERED TO SWITZERLAND.
♦ THE EXTENSIVE BUSINESS LINKS HONG KONG HAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD SHOULD PROVE ATTRACTIVE TO BOTH CHINA IN HER DRIVE TO EXPAND TRADE AND INVESTMENT INTERNATIONALLY AS WELL AS TO FOREIGN COMPANIES SEEKING A ROLE IN THAT EXPANSION,+ HE SAID.
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REVIEW OF COPYRIGHT LAW PLANNED ft * ft ft *
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION WILL BE ASKED TO REVIEW THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG GROUP OF ASIAN PATENT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION.
THE ESSENTIAL PART OF THE COPYRIGHT EXERCISE, HE SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CONTINUED TO ENJOY THE RIGHTS AND MEET THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO COPYRIGHT, THE BERNE CONVENTION AND THE UNIVERSAL COPYRIGHT CONVENTION, WHICH HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO IT AND THEIR SURVIVAL AFTER 1997.
/+WE NEED
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
3
♦WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE TERM OF COPYRIGHT, PHOTOCOPYING AND EXCEPTIONS TO COPYRIGHT’ BROADCASTING AND CABLE DIFFUSION. CONVERSION DAMAGES (WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ABOLISH, MANY WOULD ’SAY NOT BEFORE TIME’) AND THE PROTECTION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE.♦
IN RELATION TO TRADE MARKS, HE SAID HONG KONG’S SELF-CONTAINED TRADE MARKS ORDINANCE HAD RECENTLY BEEN AMENDED TO BRING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PART B REGISTRATION INTO LINE WITH THOSE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE ADDED THAT +THE ORDINANCE AND OUR OWN TRADE MARK REGISTRY APPEAR TO BE CATERING ADEQUATELY TO HONG KONG NEEDS.♦
MR THOMAS SAID HE ALSO EXPECTED TO SEE THE LAW AMENDED TO ALLOW THE REGISTRATION OF SERVICE MARKS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR THOMAS OUTLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. HE SAID THAT IF HONG KONG WERE TO ADVANCE, ♦IT IS VITAL THAT WE SHOULD DEVELOP AND ENCOURAGE AND EXPLOIT TO MAXIMUM BENEFIT THE INTELLECTUAL PRODUCT OF OUR PEOPLE*.
TO DO THIS, LAWS PROTECTING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF OUR INVENTORS, INNOVATORS AND INDUSTRIALISTS HAD TO BE DEVELOPED.
♦ BUT PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON WHY HONG KONG SHOULD MAINTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE AND EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF LAWS PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS THE IMPACT THAT THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH A SYSTEM HAS ON HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL TRADING RELATIONS,♦ HE NOTED.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE LOCALISATION OF PATENT LAWS, HOWEVER, WOULD BE A MORE DIFFICULT PROCESS. VIEWS COLLECTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS WAS THAT, IN GENERAL TERMS, HONG KONG SHOULD NOT GRANT ITS OWN PATENTS BUT SHOULD CONTINUE THE SYSTEM OF REGISTERING PATENTS GRANTED ELSEWHERE AND THAT THE CLEAR FAVOURITE FOR REGISTRATION, IN PLACE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM PATENT, WAS THE EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE IN MUNICH.
VIEWS ON THE PETTY PATENT SYSTEM, ON THE OTHER HAND, WERE DIVIDED, MR THOMAS SAID.
♦EARLIER THIS YEAR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND I APPOINTED A PATENT STEERING COMMITTEE COMPRISING SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
♦ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE FIRSTLY, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE RESPONSES THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES CIRCULAR LETTER, SECONDLY, TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT WHAT PATENT SYSTEM SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN HONG KONG* AND THIRDLY, TO DRAW UP DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SYSTEM.
/♦THE STEERING .......
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 198?
♦THE STEERING COMMITTEE HAS STARTED WORK UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF BERTIE DE SPEVILLE, WHO IS INCIDENTALLY THE SECRETARY OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, AND IT HAS NOW MET FOUR TIMES. I HOPED THAT IT WILL BE IN A POSITION TO REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND MYSELF WITHIN 12 MONTHS, + MR THOMAS SAID.
THE AIM OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE TO DEVISE A SYSTEM THAT WAS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG - HONG KONG AS A RESERVOIR OF INVENTIVE TALENT, HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING CENTRE EAGER TO PROMOTE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT FROM OVERSEAS AND HONG KONG AS A RESPONSIBLE PARTICIPANT IN INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO PATENTS.
♦IN THIS ENDEAVOUR THE GOVERNMENT OF COURSE HAS AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN DETERMINING THE POLICY, FRAMING THE DRAFT LEGISLATION AND STEERING IT TO ENACTMENT. BUT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT, ALTHOUGH IT IS KEENLY INTERESTED IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND ITS EXPLOITATION, IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY GREAT TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN THE SUBJECT.
♦IT IS HEAVILY DEPENDENT FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON THE PATENT AGENTS AND SPECIALIST LAWYERS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO SO MANY OF WHOM, MAY I SAY, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY INDEBTED FOR THEIR VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
♦WE SHALL NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE THOUGHTS OF ALL OF YOU WHO WORK IN THIS SPECIALIST FIELD AND TO CONSULT YOU FULLY BEFORE WE LEGISLATE,* HE ADDED.
---o----
POLICY ON ENTRY OF HUSBANDS RELAXED M M* M* )€
S'HSEsSW
mm ™
TO HONCSKONGH|SlRESTjfcTm4l'-|^TF??MTXHICH THE «’MISSIOhT>F WIVES Sh»DI* 2nd CHIBA? B,CTED’ HAT IS T0 SAY’ VIETN4". LAOS, won AnARLY. THE RELAXATION WOULD NOT APPLY TO TMOSF hi^ramdq XJryE ^c1h^a.res,dents *"■> ““
HAY APPLY"?3RT?S2^S°TOj\%E^RA¥^„,S>Wh^tDO^c"?/O'''SI'ES'')E"TS
OF SW&ISWW
/5...
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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
5
SHIPPING REGISTER STEERING GROUP ANNOUNCED O O *
MEMBERSHIP OF THE STEERING GROUP ESTABLISHED TO DEVELOP DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR HONG KONG'S MODIFIED SHIPPING REGISTER WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PLAN TO SET UP THE STEERING GROUP WAS ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR WHEN THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES UNDER WHICH THE REGISTER WOULD OPERATE WERE PUBLISHED.
+THE STEERING GROUP WILL BE CHAIRED BY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR RAFAEL HUI, AND COMPRISES PERSONS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF HONG KONG’S SHIPPING INDUSTRY*, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STEERING GROUP IS MR KENNETH LO,
MR PETER THOMPSON, MR TING KAM-YUEN, CAPT E.H. FARROW, MR J.P. LEE, MR K.M. WALLACE, MR J. MATHEWS, MR G.A. HIGGINSON AND MR D.A. HALL. THEY HAVE, BETWEEN THEM, AN EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF HONQ KONG AND ITS SHIPPING INDUSTRY.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG IS AT PRESENT A PORT OF BRITISH REGISTRY. THIS STATUS CANNOT CONTINUE AFTER 1997 AND IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT ITS SHIPPING REGISTER ON A FOOTING WHICH CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION IN 1997 WITH A MINIMUM OF CHANGE.
THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES AGREED BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP LAST YEAR WILL ENSURE THAT EXISTING HIGH STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AND DRAW NEW AND CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND ITS SHIPS. THE STEERING GROUP'S ROLE IS TO RECOMMEND PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY THIS CAN BEST BE ACHIEVED.
ITS FIRST MEETING WILL BE HELD TOWARDS THE END OF THIS MONTH.
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INTERNATIONAL BODY CONDEMNS TEXTILE BILL X X X X M
A CLAIM OF +SERIOUS INJURY+ TO THE AMERCIAN TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY IN THE NEWLY-INTRODUCED TEXTILES BILL IS MERELY AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID USING THE NATION’S PROPER PROCEDURES TO ESTABLISH WHETHER SUCH INJURY REALLY EXISTS.
THIS IS THE VIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU TO WHICH HONG KONG, AND 14 NATIONS, BELONGS. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FOLLOWING A MEETING IN GENEVA LAST WEEK THE BODY HAD ISSUED A CONDEMNATION OF THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL ACT OF 1987 RECENTLY INTRODUCED INTO THE AMERICAN CONGRESS.
AHE STATEMENT
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
THE statement made the following points, SAID MR MILLERi
1. THE UNITED STATES TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY IS, IN FACT, IN GOOD SHAPE. THE SPONSORS OF THE ACT SIMPLY ASSERT +SERIOUS INJURY* IN THE LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO » AVOID USING ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES FOR IMPORT RELIEF.
• •
2. THE DOMESTIC MARKET IS EXPANDING WITH CONSUMER EXPENDITURE ON CLOTHING IN THE U.S. HAVING RISEN BY SIX PER CENT LAST YEAR AND OPTIMISTIC FORECASTS BEING MADE FOR THIS YEAR.
3. THE BILL CLAIMS IT CAN USE ARTICLE 19 OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE AND TARIFFS (GATT) BUT, IN FACT, THIS ARTICLE ONLY PROVIDES FOR TEMPORARY PROTECTION OF A PARTICULAR PRODUCT AND NOT OF AN ENTIRE INDUSTRY FOR 10 YEARS.
4. THE OFFER OF 10 PER CENT TARIFF CONCESSIONS PHASED OVER FIVE YEARS IS HARDLY COMPENSATION AND APPLIED ON PRODUCTS ALREADY UNDER QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS WOULD BE MEANINGLESS.
5. THE BILL’S MANDATORY SUGGESTION FOR THE SPACING OF IMPORTS EACH YEAR CLEARLY INDICATE THAT MAJOR NEW NON-TARIFF BARRIERS ARE ENVISAGED.
+HONG KONG TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN THIS MEETING AND WE FULLY AGREE WITH THE CONCERN THAT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED BY THE BUREAU,* SAID MR MILLER.
SUMMING UP, THE BUREAU STATED i *THE REAL INTENTION OF THE ACT IS NO DOUBT TO FREEZE AND TO EVENTUALLY ROOL-BACK THE PRESENT LEVEL OF IMPORTS THOUGH DEVIOUS MECHANISMS COMPRISING OF ABUSE OF ARTICLE 19, CIRCUMVENTION OF PROCEDURES FOR RELIEF OF STIPULATED IN THE U.S. TRADE ACT OF 1974. AND THE ARBITRARY SPACING OF IMPORTS AND THE MANIPULATION OF QUOTAS SO THAT THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY COULD ENJOY UNPRECEDENTED PROTECTION AND COULD MARK UP PRICES AND PRODUCTS.*
WINDING-UP ORDER MADE AGAINST TRAVEL FIRM
ft ft X X X
A WINDING-UP ORDER WAS MADE AGAINST AUSTRAVEL COMPANY LIMITED TODAY (MONDAY), FOLLOWING A PETITION PRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID ON FEBRUARY 5 ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF CUSTOMERS.
ANNOUNCING THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID THAT, ACCORDINGLY, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S APPOINTMENT AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR ON FEBRUARY 6 WAS EXTENDED.
/FORMER CUSTOMERS
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
- 7 -
FORMER CUSTOMERS OF THE COMPANY WHO HAD BOOKED HOLIDAYS (WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE INCLUDED TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND ACCOMMODATION) AND WISH TO CLAIM AGAINST THE COMPANY SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A PROOF OF DEBT FORM (l.E. A CLAIM FORM) TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAS A SPECIAL CLAIMS PROCEDURE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CLAIMANTS WHICH SHOULD BE FOLLOWED.
* COLLECT FORMS AND COMPLETE THEM AT
(I) SCOUT HALL COX’S ROAD, KOWLOON (NEAR JORDAN ROAD M.T.R.) OR
(II) 47TH FLOOR
QUEENSWAY GOVERMENT OFFICES
66 QUEENSWAY HONG KONG
BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS STARTING TOMORROW (TUESDAY)
* COMPLETE FORMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN AT COLLECTION CENTRES AND ENSURE THAT THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE (ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF BOOKING) ACCOMPANIES THE COMPLETED CLAIM FORM:
(A) ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPT (WHITE)
(B) ORIGINAL OFFICIAL RECEIPT (WHITE)
(C) HOTEL RESERVATION FORM (WHITE)
(D) ANY OTHER DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
M HAND IN THE COMPLETED CLAIM FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, TOGETHER WITH THE FEE OF $10, AT THE CLAIMS CENTRE, POST THEM TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, OR AS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED BY STAFF.
NOTICES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS GIVING DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL CLAIMS PROCEDURE.
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/8........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
8
TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED * * * * R
AS FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 4), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 3 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 2.52 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
NOTICE OF THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE TODAY (MONDAY).
BETWEEN
THE
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCUALTED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.25 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX, A SPOKESMAN FOR INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE, HE SAID.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 4, 1987.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSi
6.604 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 16, 1985 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1985;
5.524 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 30, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1985?
5.044 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 3, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 24, 1985;
4.564 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985;
4.084 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1985;
3.604 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.364 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.764 PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
/5.36% PER
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
3.36$ PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
4.32$ PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
4.08$ PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 14, 1986 AND BEFORE AUGUST 19, 1986;
3.36$ PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 19, 1986 AND BEFORE JANUARY 19, 1987;
2.52$
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 19, 1987 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS OF TAX.
RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT
EXAMPLEi SI 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MARCH 4, 1987, APRIL 4, 1987 AND MAY 4, 1987 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JUNE 3, 1987 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS 1
ON fl 000, MARCH 4, 1987 TO JUNE 3, 1987
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT S2.5O PER MONTH - S 7.50
ON SI 000, APRIL 4, 1987 TO JUNE 3, 1987
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT S2.5O PER MONTH - $ 5.00
ON SI 000, MAY 4, 1987 TO JUNE 3, 1987
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT S2.50 PER MONTH - S 2„5D
S15.00
--------0----------
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ENDORSED H * * M *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT A MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) ENDORSED A LONG-TERM WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING AND SAFEGUARDING WATER QUALITY WITHIN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE (WCZ).
THE PROGRAMME, KNOWN AS THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES.
/the committee........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
10 -
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE EXISTING WATER QUALITY IN SEVERAL PARTS OF THE TOLO WCZ DOES NOT AT PRESENT COMPLY WITH THE PROPOSED WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND MONITORING INDICATES THAT AFTER AN IMPROVEMENT IN 1905, THE DOWNWARD TREND IN WATER QUALITY IN TOLO HAS CONTINUED.
THE PROPOSED TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN INCLUDESi
* CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT DISCHARGES THROUGH THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, STARTING APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
* CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT DISCHARGES THROUGH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL INVESTIGATE DISCHARGES INTO SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND PASS THE INFORMATION ON ILLEGAL DISCHARGES TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
* IMPLEMENTATION OF A BAN ON THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO NEW TOWNS AND CONTROLS ELSEWHERE IN THE WCZ.
M MAXIMISATION OF THE USE OF THE SECONDARY SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO TO REDUCE THE DISCHARGE OF POLLUTANTS DIRECTLY TO WATERCOURSES.
M MARINE DISPOSAL OF ALUM SLUDGE FROM SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS INSTEAD OF DISCHARGING IT TO THE SHING MUN RIVER.
* INSTALLATION OF SEWER INTERCEPTION AND VILLAGE TREATMENT PLANTS TO REDUCE THE DIRECT DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED WASTEWATERS FROM UNSEWERED AREAS.
* CONTINUED AND IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO DISCOURAGE USE OF WATERCOURSES FOR WASTE DISPOSAL.
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED ALSO THE RELATED MATTER OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR WATERCOURSES IN THE TOLO HARBOUR CONTROL ZONE. IT IS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE THAT EPCOM SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE SET OBJECTIVES ARE ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.
EPCOM RECOMMENDED SOME STRENGTHENING OF THE OBJECTIVES IN ORDER TO FURTHER SAFEGUARD THE .ilVIRONMENT IN THE TOLO AREA.
OTHER TOPICS COVERED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED THE POTENTIAL AGGREGATE THAT EFFECTS A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS MIGHT HAVE ON DEEP BAY, AND THE PLANS TO REVIEW THE OVERALL STRATEGY FOR DISPOSAL OF SEWERAGE.
-------0---------- /11 ....................
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
11
LAB MEMBERS DISCUSS WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES
*****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MET THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR MATTERS AND LEGISLATION.
DURING THE MEETING, CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, THE BOARD AGREED TO SEND A DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE 73RD SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN GENEVA BETWEEN JUNE 3 AND 24 THIS YEAR.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WOULD COMPRISE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, A REPRESENTATIVE OF EMPLOYEES, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF EMPLOYERS.
THE BOARD THEN ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE FROM >10 500 TO >11 500 A MONTH TO KEEP IN PACE WITH THE GENERAL WAGE MOVEMENTS.
„ 'T.ALS0 AGREED ThAT THE MAXIMUM LIMIT FOR THE ADVANCE PAYMENT TO AN INJURED WORKER OR HIS DEPENDENTS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE BE RAISED FROM >10 000 TO >20 000, SUBJECT TO THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF SUCH PAYMENT WOULD BE DEDUCTED FROM THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO THE EMPLOYEE EVENTUALLY.
ALSO UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, MEMBERS SUPPORTED A MINOR MODIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE TO COVER HONG KONG WORKERS WORKING OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
MEMBERS FURTHER CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF MAXIMUM FINES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF OFFENCES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS AND TO INTRODUCE CUSTODIAL SENTENCES AS A DETERRENT MEASURE.
MEMBERS EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF CUSTODIAL SENTENCE BUT THEY WERE ASSURED THAT PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE WOULD ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS IN VERY SERIOUS CASES.
cuaik nEo?ueSTW£RE ,N GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. THEY SUGGESTED
®°IH PART,ES SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO CUSTODIAL PENALTIES AND THAT
THIS SHOULD BE WRITTEN DOWN IN THE LEGISLATION.
/AT A........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
12
AT A PREVIOUS LAB MEETING, MEMBERS HAD DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED IM PRINCIPLE THE CONTROL AND LABELLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES IN INDUSTRY. TODAY MEMBERS WERE FURTHER BRIEFED ON THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS INCLUDING A LIST OF ABOUT 230 DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES COMMONLY USED IN INDUSTRY AND THE STANDARD OF LABELLING.
ON A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ON MATERNITY LEAVE. MEMBERS ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS TO ENABLE A PREGNANT WORKER TO SE^VE NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE TO HER EMPLOYER AT ANY TIME AFTER HER PREGNANCY HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, AND TO PREVENT EITHER PARTY TO SERVE NOTICE OF TERMINATION DURING THE PERIOD OF MATERNITY LEAVE, EXCEPT BY MUTUAL CONSENT. HOWEVER, MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE EXISTING SIX-WEEK POST-NATAL LEAVE SHOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
AS REGARDS OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN IN INDUSTRY, MEMBERS SUPPORTED THAT THE LIMIT OF 48 HOURS OF WORK PER WE&C BE CHANGED TO 96 HOURS IN ANY PERIOD OF TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS AND THAT EMPLOYERS BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY TO CALCULATE OVERTIME WORK BY REFERENCE TO THE UNDERTAKING, OR TO DIFFERENT PARTS AND SETS OF THE UNDERTAKINGS, OR TO INDIVIDUAL WOMAN WORKERS.
LASTLY, THE BOARD STUDIED A PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO GIVE MEMBERS MORE TIME TO STUDY THE PAPER, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE ISSUE WOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSED AT THE BOARD’S NEXT MEETING IN APRIL.
- - 0 - -
BLACK BEAR IN GOOD CARE * * *
THE YOUNG ASIATIC BLACK BEAR WHICH CAME INTO THE CUSTODY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT YESTERDAY, HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY VETERINARY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND FOUND CLINICALLY TO BE IN VERY GOOD HEALTH.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE ANIMAL WAS VERY ACTIVE AND WAS DOING WELL IN THE SHEK WU HU! KENNEL. IT WAS IN GOOD CARE AND APPEARED TO BE UNDISTURBED BY ITS CAPTIVITY.
♦DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF ANY PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF ILL HEALTH. THE BEAR WILL BE PLACED UNDER CLOSE OBSERVATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME DURING WHICH REGULAR INSPECTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY OUR VETERINARY OFFICERS.
♦UNTIL THEN, A DECISION WILL BE MADE AS TO WHETHER THE ANIMAL WILL BE REPATRIATED BACK TO CHINA WHERE IT EVIDENTLY CAME FROM OR SENT TO AN OVERSEAS COUNTRY WHERE A SUITABLE HOME WILL BE FOUND FOR IT,+ HE SAID.
THE ASIATIC BLACK BEAR IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE. ANY ILLEGAL IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESSION OF THE SPECIES WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, AND TO $10 000 PLUS IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE.
------o ------ /1J.................
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
13
TUEN MUN TOUR ARRANGED FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS *****
COMMUNITY LEADERS IN TUEN MUN ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A ONE-DAY TOUR OF THE DISTRICT ON MARCH 15 TO LEARN ABOUT VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND FACILITIES.
THE TOUR WILL START AT 10 AM WITH A BRIEFING ON THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN BY THE PROJECT MANAGER (NT/NW) OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR SIU CHUEN, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT.
PARTICIPANTS WILL THEN LEAVE FOR THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL WHERE THEY WILL BE BRIEFED BY CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR S.H. AT THE NEWLY-COMPLETED CULTURAL COMPLEX.
PAO, ON FACILITIES
FROM SIU HONG COURT, PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND SEE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT NEARBY.
they will then be taken to the site of the tuen mun hospital WHICH, WHEN COMPLETED NEXT YEAR, WILL BE ONE OF THE HOSPITALS IN THE TERRITORY PROVIDING 1 600 BEDS.
THE GROUP WILL THEN HAVE A VEGETARIAN LUNCH AT AND THE TOUR WILL END WITH A SITE VISIT TO THE TOWN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX WHERE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER OF THE SI NO GROUP, MR TOMMY YEUNG.
THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE TOUR SHOULD APPLY TO THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING. SECOND FLOOR, OR CALL 0-4513046 OR 0-866052 FOR FURTHER DETAILS. EACH PARTICIPANT WILL HAVE TO PAY $20 FOR LUNCH AND TRANSPORT.
largest
CHING CHUNG KOON, CENTRE’
THE TOUR IS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE TRAINING CAMP FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS HELD IN JANUARY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ONE-DAY TOUR. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE PART SHOULD CONTACT THE INFORMATION OFFICER (MISS WENDY TSANG) ON 0-4513042 BY WEDNESDAY (MARCH 4).
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/14........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
- 14
BOARD TO DISCUSS TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL ft ft ft ft ft
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND ASSOCIATED ROADWORKS.
THE REPORT DETERMINES THE ALIGNMENT OF THE TUNNEL AND ASSOCIATED CONNECTING ROADS.
THE MAIN TUNNEL APPROACH ROAD WILL CONNECT WITH THE PROPOSED KWUN TONG BYPASS IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY, AND THE DIRECTOR OF MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON K)NG KONG LIMITED, MR J.M. WHITEFIELD, WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUERIES RAISED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO HAVE A FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA ON A PRIMARY SCHOOL SITE AT CHUK YUEN ESTATE NORTH-EAST PLATFORM.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL HEAR POLICY GUIDELINES FOR THE GRANTING OF AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRE LICENCES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE PROGRESS REPORT ON DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
-------0---------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ORGANISED ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE HOLDING AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK BETWEEN MARCH 14 AND 20 TO MARK ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
DURING THE WEEK, A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES AIMED AT FOCUSSING PUBLIC ATTENTION ON SAFETY AT WORK, WILL BE ORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SIX INDUSTRY-BASED SUB-COMMITTEES FORMED UNDER ISHC.
AHE HIGHLIGHT.........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
- 15 -
THE HIGH.IGHT OF THE EVENT WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON MARCH 20.
DETAILS OF THE WEEK’S PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, AND THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
------0-------
AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLES IN OPERATION ft ft ft ft *
A FLEET OF SEVEN AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLES OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WENT INTO SERVICE TODAY (MONDAY).
TWO MOTORCYCLES WILL BE DEPLOYED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO IN KOWLOON AND ANOTHER TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE REMAINING ONE WILL BE A MAINTENANCE RESERVE.
♦THE MOTORCYCLES CAN MANOEUVRE WITH EASE IN TRAFFIC REACH THE SCENE OF ACCIDENT BEFORE AN AMBULANCE,* A FIRE SPOKESMAN SAID.
JAMS AND SERVICE
♦THE MOTORCYCLE AMBULANCEMAN WILL GIVE FIRST AID TO ACCIDENT VICTIMS BEFORE THE AMBULANCE COMES TO TAKE THEM TO HOSPITAL.♦
THE TOTAL COST FOR THE MOTORCYCLES AND THEIR STOWAGE AMOUNTS TO ABOUT |35O 000.
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/16........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
16
SPEEDPOST PICK-UP SERVICE EXTENDED
*****
SPEEDPOST PICK-UP SERVICE WHICH IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS ON HONG KONO ISLAND, KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN ONLY. WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE URBAN AREAS OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND TAI PO FROM MARCH 16, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY)«
♦IN SPEEDPOST SERVICE, ACCOUNT MAINTAINED WITH THE LABELS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
POSTAGE IS EITHER CHARGED TO THE DEPOSIT POST OFFICE OR PREPAID BY FRANKING
♦TO USE THE SERVICE ALL CUSTOMERS HAVE UNDERTAKING TO REIMBURSE THE POST OFFICE IF EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF DEPOSIT REQUIRED.
TO DO IS TO SIGN AN THE POSTAGE PAYABLE
♦CUSTOMERS CAN THEN TELEPHONE THE POST OFFICE TO HAVE THEIR SPEEDPOST ITEMS PICKED UP FROM THEIR PREMISES AT NO EXTRA CHARGE,* HE ADDED. *
FOR TELEPHONE CALLS RECEIVED BEFORE 2.30 PM. COLLECTION 0N THE SAM£ DAY' OTHERWISE, IT WOULD BE MADE THE NEXT MORN I NG•
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITY AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE GENERALLY SHOULD CONTACT POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
-------o---------
ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 2-6 IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
*****
ALL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE TO ENROL PRIMARY 2 TO PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS FOR THE 1987-88 ACADEMIC YEAR.
CHILDREN WHO ARE SIX YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS OLD BY SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR MAY APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY 2 AND FOR THOSE ONE YEAR OLDER TO THE PRIMARY CLASS ONE YEAR SENIOR UP TO PRIMARY 6.
PARENTS OF SUCH STUDENTS SHOULD MAKE ENQUIRIES DIRECT WITH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS TO SEE IF THERE ARE VACANCIES AT ANY LEVEL. THE LEVELS OF CLASSES OPEN TO APPLICATION WILL BE CLEARLY SPECIFIED IN A NOTICE POSTED UP AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF EACH SCHOOL.
/APPLICATION FORMS .......
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1987
- 17
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THOSE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES IN PRIMARY 2 TO PRIMARY 6 FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 6) TO MARCH 13 EXCLUDING GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH ADMISSION IS SOUGHT. SELECTION WILL BE MADE ON MARCH 20.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE FREE AND NO ENTRANCE FEE IS CHARGED FOR ADMISSION TO ANY GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED PARENTS AND GUARDIANS THAT ALL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12 WHO ARE NOT IN SCHOOL SHOULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION.
-------o----------
ROADS, DRAINS FOR PAK KONG VILLAGE EXTENSION * * * * *
A TWO-WAY ACCESS ROAD WILL BE BUILT TO SERVE THE PAK KONG VILLAGE EXTENSION IN SAI KUNG.
INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTION OF PARKING AREAS AND RELATED DRAINAGE WORKS WITHIN THE EXTENSION AREA.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
-------o----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR COOKED FOOD CENTRE
* * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR BUILDING A 12-STALL COOKED FOOD CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG. RECREATIONAL AND OTHER FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE 1.049-HECTARE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI SHUN AND KWAI TAK STREETS.
THE FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, PUBLIC TOILET. MINI SOCCER PITCH, ROLLER SKATING RINK AND SITTING-OUT AREA.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MANAGEMENT OFFICE, STORAGE AREA AND DANGEROUS GOODS STORE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.
- o - -
/18........
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 198/
18
briefing on school bought PLACES * * * * *
AN UNATTRI BUTABLE BACKGROUND BRIEFING ON THE PHASING OUT OF 5 OOO BOUGHT PLACES FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE MEDIA AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING. INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
NO FLUSHING WATER IN KWUN TONG *****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (MARCH 5) FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
PREMISES AFFECTED INCLUDE LAM TIN ESTATE, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN CHI COURT, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, THOSE ALONG NEW PO LAM ROAD, HIP WO STREET BETWEEN HIU KWONG STREET AND SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND HONG LEE ROAD.
- o - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 329.522 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 348.166 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 59.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEVEL0E-1ZNT OF WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES MAPPED OUT........... 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY RELEASED................... 3
1986 EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED.... 6
DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO BE EXA1-HNED............. 9
ALL SET FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK......................... 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR FURTHER NT CIRCULAR ROAD WORKS........ 11
THIRD PHASE OF BOUGHT PLACE REDUCTION PROGRAMME........... 12
LICENCE REVOKED .......................................... 12
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT...................... 13
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE CONTROL TO BE DISCUSSED................. 13
TUEN MUN ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SATURDAY...................... 14
VISIT TO ISLANDS DISTRICT................................. 14
MARINE POLICE BASE TO BE EXTENDED ........................ 15
LOGO COMPETITION ENTRIES STILL WELCOMED................... 15
CM'HTTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ................. 15
ESTATE MANAGEMENT, CLEARANCES ON THE AGENDA............... 16
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN FOR ROAD WORKS................ 17
TAI PO NORTH INTERCBL'JiGS, TSING YI BRIDGE CLOSURE....... 17
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN KOKNHILL ................... 18
TRAFFIC CHANGES HI FANNING
18
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
1
DEVELOPMENT OF WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES MAPPED OUT
* M * * M
THERE ARE NOW 21 WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES PROVIDING 1 010 PLACES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK 82 HIN KENG CENTRE, SHE SAID THAT IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS A TOTAL OF 1 300 MORE PLACES WOULD BE PROVIDED BY AN ADDITIONAL 20 CENTRES.
♦HENCE BY 1990-91, THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 2 310 WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE PLACES,♦ SHE ADDED.
ON THE FUNCTION OF THESE CENTRES. MRS CHAN SAID THAT THEY PROVIDED TRAINING, CARE AND WORK FOR THE LOW MODERATE TO SEVERE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
♦THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THEIR PERSONAL AND SOCIAL ABILITIES, SO THAT THEY CAN BECOME PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND CAN EE ACCEPTED AS SUCH,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS PEOPLE HAD COME TO ACCEPT THAT THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, EVEN THOSE CATEGORISED AS SEVERE GRADE, HAD MORE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT THAN HAD HITHERTO BEEN THOUGHT POSSIBLE.
♦THUS PLACEMENT IN A WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE SHOULD NO LONGER BE SEEN AS AN END IN ITSELF, BUT SHOULD BE REGARDED AS PART OF AN ON-GOING TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR THE CLIENT,+ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES OF A WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE SHOULD BE TAILOR-MADE TO SUIT THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF CLIENTS.
OUTLINING THE SORT OF TRAINING THAT WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES MIGHT PROVIDE IN FUTURE, SHE SAID THAT IT COULD BE BROADLY DIVIDED INTO FOUR MAJOR AREAS.
♦THE FIRST AREA IS TO PROVIDE ACTIVITIES IN DAILY LIVING TRAINING WHICH AIMS AT PROVIDING AIDS FOR CLIENTS TO ACQUIRE SENSORY-PERCEPTUAL AND MOTOR SKILLS, SELF-CARE SKILLS AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
♦THE TRAINING INCLUDES PERSONAL HYGIENE, DRESSING, EATING, WASHING AND IRONING CLOTHES, ANSWERING THE DOOR BELL, MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS AND USING THE KITCHEN,+ SHE SAID.
AS THESE ACTIVITIES WERE NORMALLY CARRIED OUT IN A ROOM OR A FLAT, IT WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO SIMULATE SUCH NORMAL CONDITIONS INSIDE THE CENTRE, PERHAPS BY INCLUDING A MINIATURE FLAT ON THE PREMISES, SHE ADDED.
/the second........
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
- 2
THE SECOND AREA OF ACTIVITY WOULD BE IN SOCIAL TRAINING TO HELP THE CLIENTS TO FUNCTION IN GROUPS WITHIN THE CENTRE AS WELL AS IN THE COMMUNITY, AT WORK AND AT PLAY.
♦THE PROGRAMMES WILL STRESS CO-OPERATION, RELATIONSHIPBUILDING. PRACTICE IN MONETARY AND BUDGETTING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE IN TRAVELLING TO AND FROM WORK/PLAY BY USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, LEARNING TO DO ERRANDS AND TO USE COMMUNITY FAC IL IT IES,♦ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN ADDED THAT THE PROGRAMMES WOULD BE SUPPLEMENTED BY SITE VISITS TO PLACES SUCH AS THE MARKETS, THE POST OFFICE OR RESTAURANTS.
_ ™E THIRD AREA OF ACTIVITY WOULD BE ADULT EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING WOULD INCLUDE. APART FROM THE BASIC LITERARY AND NUMERICAL SKILLS, SEX EDUCATION AS WELL AS SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY, SHE SA ID.
♦THE LAST MAJOR ACTIVITY AREA WILL BE THE PROVISION OF WORK AND OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING TO PREPARE THE TRAINEE FOR WORK IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP OR A JOB WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IF HE IS SO ABLE.+ SHE SAID.
SHE ENVISAGED THAT APART FROM THE PROVISION OF TRADITIONAL WORK ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PACKAGING, PRINTING, SEWING OR WEAVING, IT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN SUCH SKILLS AS OFFICE CLEANING FOR THOSE TRAINEES WHO MIGHT EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.
CONCLUDING HER SPEECH. MRS CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS UNFAILING EFFORTS IN PROVIDING REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED.
THE KUK AT PRESENT OPERATES A SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE FOR A8 DISABLED CHILDREN, TWO RESIDENTIAL HOSTELS FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS AND THREE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 100 RESIDENTIAL AND 340 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE KUK ALSO HAD THREE PLANNED REHABILITATION PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, INCLUDING ONE RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR THE LOW MODERATELY/SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, ATTACHED TO ONE WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE, ONE HOSTEL FOR MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, AND ONE SHELTERED WORKSHOP.
♦WITH THE PRESENT ADDITIONAL 50 WORK ACTIVITY PLACES AND 50 RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR THE SEVERELY TO LOW MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, PO LEUNG KUK HAS FURTHER ENHANCED THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF CARE AVAILABLE FOR THE HANDICAPPED,* SHE SAID.
— 0 - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
3
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY RELEASED ft ft ft ft ft
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOW A RAPID INCREASE IN NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC IN JANUARY 1987, DUE TO THE LARGE DEMAND FOR CASH IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE LUNAR CHINESE NEW YEAR.
DESPITE THE LARGE CASH DRAWDOWN, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLARS DEPOSITS GREW, ALBEIT AT A SLOWER RATE THAN IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AS LUNAR NEW YEAR BONUSES WERE CREDITED TO BANK ACCOUNTS.
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY) INCREASED RAPIDLY IN JANUARY DUE TO THE INCREASE IN CASH HELD BY THE PUBLIC. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3 ALSO GREW FASTER THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHS.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN JANUARY. LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG'S VISIBLE TRADE AND OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG REGISTERED HIGHER GROWTH RATES THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHS.
A STATISTICAL TABLE, WHICH HAS BEEN SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION, SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1987 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.
DEPOSITS
IN JANUARY, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 8.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. SAVINGS DEPOSITS INCREASED FASTER, BY 4.7 PER CENT, BUT TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 1.4 PER CENT.
TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 1.2 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND 3-3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. OVER THE YEAR (l.E. THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF JANUARY), THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 13.7 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ALSO GREW MORE SLOWLY IN JANUARY, BY 1.0 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 1.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND 2.8 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 30.6 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS DECREASED Bv 0.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND BY 13.4 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR? ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND BY 32.9 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS ^CREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSI -TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 5.7 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 32.3 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER FELL BY 20.7 PER CENT.
/HONG KONG DOLLAR
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 198?
hdng kong dollar money supply
THE RAPID INCREASE IN NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC WAS REFLECTED IN FASTER GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml, BY 12.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY AFTER AN INCREASE OF 6.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER.
HK$M2 AND HK$M3 ALSO GREW FASTER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BY 4.7 PER CENT AND 3.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY REFLECTING THE CREDITING OF LUNAR NEW YEAR BONUSES. OVER THE YEAR, HK|M1 GREW BY 32.6 PER CENT, HK«M2 BY 23.9 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 16.3 PER CENT.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY Ml INCREASED BY 12.0 PER CENT IN JANUARY, AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 5.0 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 3.3 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml AND TOTAL M2 BOTH INCREASED BY 32.5 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL M3 INCREASED BY 23.3 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED AT A FASTER PACE IN JANUARY, BY 3.3 PER CENT AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND 1.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 16.1 PER CENT.
LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 3.0 PER CENT IN JANUARY WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES INCREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 14.8 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 17.4 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 3.4 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT IN DECEMBER? OVER THE YEAR THEY GREW BY 19.4 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 2.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT IN DECEMBDER | OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 17.3 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 149, THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 38 WHILE THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO TO 252.
/MONETARY STATISTICS........
5 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
MONETARY STATISTICS - JANUARY 1987
(HK$mn J
Jan 1987 Earlier , months
(% change tc > January 1987)
Money Supply Dec 1986 Oct 1986 Jan 1966
— — —
Ml - HK$ 57,967 51,600 ( 12.3 %) 47,649 ( 21.7 %) 43,721 ( 32.8 n- •.
Foreign currency 4,875 4,494 ( 8.5 %) 4,417 ( 10.4 %) 3,722 ( 31.0 •5’ X
Total 62,842 56,094 ( 12.0 %) 52,066 ( 20.7 %) 47,442 ( 32.5 0/ S
M2 - HK$ 249,029 237,776 ( 4.7 %) 225,138 ( 10.6 %) 200,936 f 23.9 * ;
Foreign currency 286,233 280,355 ( 2.1 %) 267,120 ( 7.2 202,913 ( 41.1
Total 535,262 518,131 ( 3.3 %) 492,258 ( 8.7 %) 403,900 ( 32.5 '0 /
M3 - HK$ 280,358 270,517 ( 3.6 %) 258,889 ( 8.3 %) 241,030 ( 16.3 %•)
Foreign currency 326,813 323,569 ( 1.0 %) 309,518 ( 5.6 %) 251,318 ( 30.0 A)
Total 607,172 594,085 ( 2 2 %) 568,407 ( 6.8 %) 492,349 ( 23 3 % 2
Notes and coins in circulation 29,294 22,412 ( 30.7 %) 21,391 ( 36.9 %) 22,663 ( 29.3 A )
of which held by public 25,367 19,295 ( 31.5 %) 18,571 ( 36.6 %) 18,364 ( 38.1 a ;
Deposits
Demand deposits 37,475 36,799 ( 1.8 %) 33,495 ( 11.9 %) 29,078 ( 28.9 %)
Savings deposits 130,241 125,476 ( 3.8 %) 118,625 ( 9.8 %) 100,574 ( ( (■ 29.5 % ')
Time deposits with banks 334,388 329,078 ( 1.6 %) 314,396 ( 6.4 %) 249,818 33.9 <v A
Time deposits with dtcs 67,103 71,176 ( -5.7 %) 72,213 ( -7.1 %) 84,626 -20.7
All HK$ deposits 248,477 .245,103 ( 1.4 %) 234,410 ( 6.0 %) 218,548 ( 13.7
All foreign currency deposits 320,731 317,426 ( 1.0 %) 304,321 ( 5.4 %) 245,548 ( ( 30.6 %)
Total 569,208 562,529 ( 1.2 %) 538,730 ( 5.7 % ) 464,096 22.6 X)
Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 36,717 35,502 ( 3.4 %) 35,151 ( 4.5 %) 30,744 ( ( 19.4
To finance merchandising trade 4,408 4,595 ( -4. 1 %) 4,609 ( -4.4 %) 4,246 3 8 % '
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 278,341 270,729 ( 2.8 %) 264,145 ( 5.4 %) 237,228 ( ( ( 17.3
Other loans for use outside H.K. 165,510 160,694 ( 3.0 %) 159,427 ( 3.8 %) 150,476 10.0 Oz ’
Other loans where the place of 32,213 29,077 ( 10.8 %) 30,616 ( 5.2 %) 22,781 41.4 X)
use is not known
All loans in HK$__ 257,712 250,226 ( 3.0 %) 244,508 ( 5.4 %) 224,496 ( ( ( 14.8 %)
All loans in foreign currencies 259,476 250,371 ( 3.6 %) 249,439 ( 4.0 %) 220,980 17.4 % >
Total 517,188 500,596 ( 3.3 %) 493,947 ( 4.7 %) 445,476 16.1 X)
0 - -
/6
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
6
1986 EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL
*****
ORIGIN RELEASED
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY groups IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF 1986 DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
TOGETHER THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 84 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC MERCHANDISE EXPORTS.
AMONG ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER 1985 WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (+$6 979 MILLION) ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+|6 027 MILLION), WEARING APPAREL (+33 375 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (+32 470 MILLION), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+|1 970 MILLION), AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+S647 MILLION).
IN RELATIVE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES OVER 1985 WERE NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+32 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (+31 PER CENT), TEXTILES (+29 PER CENT), AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+27 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS COMPARED WITH 1985 WERE RECORDED FOR NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (-$260 MILLION OR -9 PER CENT), AND LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (-S41 MILLION OR -9 PER CENT).
BESIDES THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ORIGINATING FROM THE MINING AND QUARRYING SECTOR ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM 1985 (+133 PER CENT), WHILE THOSE FROM OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING WENT UP BY 55 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION DECLINED BY 33 PER CENT.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 1986.
THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY REGROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.l.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
/WHEN referring ••«••••
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASS I Fl ED FIGURES, SOME CAUTION IS NECESSARY. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION.
IN SUCH CASES, THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE. NEVERTHELESS, STATISTICALLY, THE OVERALL VALUE OF THE ITEM IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE SEEN IN THE TABLE WHICH HAS BEEN SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION. THE TABLE IS ALSO OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 5-8234832). A TABEL ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1986+.
/Value of domestic .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
8
Value of domestic exports for merchandise, reclassified by industrial origin for 1985 and 1986
(Values in HKS million)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1985 1986 Value change % change
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural, livestock and 6 5 -2 -33
poultry production
Ocean and coastal fishing 243 375 133 55
Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing 3 7 k 133
Food 1 189 1 317 128 11
Beverages 215 229 14 7
Tobacco 907 927 21 2
Textiles (including knitting) 23 938 30 918 6 979 29
Wearing apparel, except 29 968 33 343 3 375 11
footwear and knitwear
Leather and leather products 468 427 -41 -9
Footwear 669 873 205 31
Wood and cork products, 752 766 • 15 2
furniture and fixtures Paper and paper products, 2 356 3 002 647 27
printing and publishing Chemicals and chemical products 1 350 1 604 254 19
Rubber products 166 147 -19 -11
Plastic products 10 337 12 307 1 970 19
Hon-metallic mineral products 474 623 150 32
Basic metals and fabricated 5 918 6 277 359 6
metal products
Machinery, except electrical 2 958 2 698 -260 -9
Electrical and electronic 27 757 33 784 6 027 22
products Transport equipment 146 159 13 9
Professional and optical 11 008 1? 478 2 470 22
equipment Other manufacturing industries 8 558 10 196 1 638 19
Electricity 443 463 20 5
Miscellaneous items
(e.g. developed photographic 54 58 U 7
plates and film, antiques, and works of art)
Total 129 882 153 983 24 102 19
Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding.
--------0---------
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
9
DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO BE EXAMINED
ft X X ft ft
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE IN PUBLIC THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1987-88 AT FOUR SPECIAL MEETINGS ON MARCH 4, 5, 10, AND 12.
DURING THE MEETINGS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE CALLED UPON TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN PERSON ON THOSE HEADS AND SUBHEADS OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE.
EACH MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON A PARTICULAR ASPECT OF THE DRAFT EST IMATESi
ft MARCH 4 (WEDNESDAY) — SECURITY SERVICES
ft MARCH 5 (THURSDAY) — SOCIAL SERVICES
ft MARCH 10 (TUESDAY) — ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
ft MARCH 12 (THURSDAY) — GENERAL SERVICES
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES PROVIDED BY CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GlS NEWSROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL, IN THE MORNING OF EACH meeting day.
IN ADDITION, COPIES OF THE ORAL QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED AND QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY WILL BE BOXED ON THE DAY BEFORE EACH MEETING. QUESTIONS FOR TOMORROW’S MEETING WILL BE BOXED LATER TODAY (TUESDAY).
------0-------
ALL SET FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ft ft ft ft ft
AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 14 AND 20 THIS YEAR BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE TO MARK ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
AND A. HOST OF ACTIVITIES WOULD BE MOUNTED DURING THE WEEK TO PUBLICISE SAFETY AT WORK IN INDUSTRIES.
/amoukcing.......
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
- 10 -
ANNOUNCING DETAILS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY). _ THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID THIS WOULD BE THE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ACTIVITY EVER SEEN IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OF MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
♦FROM THE PLANNING STAGE TO THE FINALISING OF THE PROGRAMMES. THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK HAS THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM VARIOU SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.
♦ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM FUN FAIR, EXHIBITION, PUBLICITY MESSAGES ON PARADE THROUGH DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT, QUIZZES, COMPETITIONS AND A VARIETY SHOW.
♦THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS PARTICULARLY HONOURED TO HAVE THE CONSENT OF TEN OMELCO MEMBERS INCLUDING SIR S.Y. CHUNG TO BE THE PATRONS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK,+ HE SAID.
MR YIU ALSO STRESSED THE NEED FOR TRIPARTITE RESPONSIBILITY. HE NOTED THAT FOR ANY SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO BE MADE, THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WAS A FUNDAMENTAL PREREQUISITE.
TO REFLECT THIS POLICY, MEMBERS OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WERE DRAWN FROM THE SIX INDUSTRY-BASED SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEES UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION, TEXTILES, PLASTICS, SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP-REPAIRING, METALWARE AND ELECTRONICS, IN ORGANISING THESE ACTIVITIES.
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN SHUN-TAI, WERE ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE WEEK’S EVENT.
THE INDUSTRI CAL SAFETY WEEK WOULD BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY SIR S.Y. CHUNG ON MARCH 14 AT THE HONG KONG BANK BUILDING GROUND FLOOR PLAZA IN CENTRAL.
A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONS WERE BEING ORGANISED AS °UN-UP EVENTS TO THIS PROMOTIONAL EFFORT INCLUDING AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADOR AWARD SCHEME LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, A COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN COMPETITION? AND AN EXHIBITION OF WINNING ENTRIES OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY STUDENT POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION CONCOURSE FROM MARCH 16 TO 20.
/in addition,
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
11
IN ADDITION, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BANNERS WILL BE ON $ESPLAY TtfjnnrMOUT THE TERRITORY. AS SPECIALLY DECORATED BUSES, TRAMS, TUG BOATSGAND a helicopter are being deployed to provide a visual impact, qhnqq ON THE SAME THEME WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST FROM A DECORATED BUS sentSo various industrial areas, complementing the audio effect.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEVEN-DAY EVENT WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW TO BE ORGANISED IN CO-OPERATION WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM ON MARCH 20.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL Of:F*CIATE AT ITS OPENING WHICH WILL BE BRAODCAST LIVE ON RADIO lONG KONG THE SAME EVENING.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR FURTHER NT CIRCULAR ROAD WORKS *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION CF A FURTHER STAGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
A 12—K ILOMETRE-LONG HIGH CAPACITY TRUNK ROAD RUNNING FROM AU TAU TO FAN KAM ROAD WILL PASS THROUGH SAN WAI, MAI PO, SAN TIN AND KWU TUNG ALONG THE ALIGNMENT OF THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD. THIS LATEST STAGE OF THE PROJECT MAKES UP ABOUT FOUR KILOMETRES FROM FAIRVIEW PARK TO MAI PO.
PHASE 1 FROM PAK SHEK AU TO FAN KAM ROAD WILL OPEN THIS MONTH. PHASE 2, FROM MAI PO TO PAK SHEK AU, IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1988. CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 3, FROM FAIRVIEW PARK TO MAI PO, IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE AND TO BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1989. PHASE 4, FROM AU TAU TO FAIRVIEW PARK, WILL START IN LATE 1987 AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1990.
A NEW BORDER CROSSING POINT FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AT LOK MA CHAU IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME AS PHASE 2 WORKS. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO COMPLETE PHASES 3 AND 4 OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO CATER FOR THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC. THIS IS PART OF THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE CONNECTING THE BORDER CROSSING WITH KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
PHASE 3 WILL INITIALLY BE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH A TWO-WAY SERVICE ROAD ON EACH SIDE. ADDITIONAL LANES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT A LATER DATE TO WIDEN THE CARRIAGEWAY TO DUAL THREE-LANE.
GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT FAIRVIEW PARK, MAI PO AND SAN TIN. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT SAN WAI, CHUK YUEN, YAU MEI SAN TSUEN AND WAI TSAI. OTHER ASSOCIATED WORK INCLUDES DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, LANDSCAPING AND ROAD L IGHTING.
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/12......
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
12
THIRD PHASE OF BOUGHT PLACE REDUCTION PROGRAMME * * * * *
THE THIRD PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF
BOUGHT PLACES FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN
SEPTEMBER 1988 WHEN MORE SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN
™E SECT0R ARE available through the schools building programme.
ta with previous practice, THE 12 SCHOOLS IN 13 premises
!®.®E OUT IN THE FINAL PHASE ARE BEING GIVEN 18 MONTHS NOTICE
ccDTCMnen 1 PLACES WILL NOT BE REQUIRED FROM THEM WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1988. BOUGHT PLACE STUDENTS IN THESE SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE
TO ENJOY FREE EDUCATION UNTIL THEY COMPLETE FORM 3. GUNIINUE
AFFECTS Xt'J'oOoW? WH,CH
£“e
POLICYHENTOj»CE4°?Hf’l°7?‘oNETHE PROv'siOn'o? Ipco»H«5"L-i!£R0''E° AND WAS ENDORSED BY THE EDUCATfoH^COMMISSIOW ’n^tTSePORt’X). ?-‘CES
PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 1984e
dc USED IN DETERMINING WHICH PRIVATE SCHOOLS SH0U1 n
IN ITS REPORT NO.2, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION EXPRESSED THE WISH TO CONSIDER WHAT MEASURES ARE APPROPRIATE TO ENSURE THAT PRIVATE SCHOOLS REMAINING IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME WILL OFFER THE SAME QUALITY OF EDUCATION AS THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PUT FORWARD FIRM PROPOSALS IN THIS RESPECT TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION LATER THIS YEAR.
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LICENCE REVOKED * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE LICENCE OF t DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH EFFECT FROM THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MARCH 3, 1987 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 32(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986. THE COMMISSIONER FURTHER ANNOUNCED THAT DNC LIMITED WILL THEN BE REGISTERED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY ON MARCH 4, 1987.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
- 13 -
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT
* M * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ERECTED ON THE NORTHERN SLOPE OF BELCHER GARDENS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ON THE ISLAND.
NOTICES ADVISING OCCUPANTS OF THE STRUCTURES THAT THE APPLICATION WOULD BE MADE IN THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON MAY 5 WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE OCCUPANTS WERE TOLD MORE THAN A YEAR AGO TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES THEMSELVES, BUT HAVE NEVER COMPLIED WITH THE ORDER.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WANTS TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES FIRST SO THAT DEMOLITION, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE, CAN GO AHEAD WITHOUT ENDANGERING OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS
CF THE PUBLIC.
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURE CONTROL TO BE DISCUSSED * * * *
A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES WILL BE DISCUSSED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 5).
THE PAPER EXAMINES VARIOUS PROBLEMS CREATED BY UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
IT SUMMARISES THE RESULTS OF A RECENT REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE PROCEDURES, POLICIES AND LAW RELATING TO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, AND SUGGESTS A POSSIBLE NEW APPROACH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
A GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WAI-DART, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT AND ANSWER QUERIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ELECT, BY SECRET BALLOT, CHAIRMEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEES FOR A NEW TERM OF OFFICE STARTING APRIL 1.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE USE OF THESE TWO COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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/14........
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 198?
14
TUEN MUN ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SATURDAY * * * * *
A ROAD SAFETY DAY FEATURING INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 7) AT THE TANG SHIU-KiN SPORTS GROUND IN TUEN MUN.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE FUNCTION WILL START AT 10 AM WITH A PARADE BY ROAD SAFETY TEAMS FROM 14 SCHOOLS AND A BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A PARACHUTE DEMONSTRATION.
A RIBBON-CUTTING AND PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE TO AWARD WINNERS OF RECENT DRAWING AND WORD GAME COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS TO A MODEL DRIVER AND PEDESTRIAN.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER.
MR STEPHEN SELBY, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR YIP HING-CHUNG, POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.H. COX, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, TRAFFIC MR I.M. BLAIR, AND COMMISSIONER OF ROAD SAFETY PATROL' MR CECIL CHAN.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A ROAD SAFETY BUS DISPLAY AND STALLS PROVIDING STIMULATING GAMES AT THE PLAYGROUND. FREE TICKETS FOR THE GAMES STALLS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
NOTE TO ED I TORSJ
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SATURDAY THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE BY 8.45 AM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER.
- - 0
VISIT TO ISLANDS DISTRICT
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL VISIT ISLANDS DISTRICT ON THURSDAY (MARCH 5) TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS AND MEET LOCAL LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSj
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT TO TAI 0, LANTAU, AT 12.10 PM. THE GOVERNMENT LAUNCH, +CLEMENTI+, WILL LEAVE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL BY 10 AM FOR MUI WO WHERE LAND TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TAI 0.
---0
/15
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1997
15
MARINE POLICE BASE TO BE EXTENDED *****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY AND THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 1 500 SQUARE METRES OF LAND AT TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE MARINE POLICE BASE THERE.
THE WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 60 METRES OF SLIPWAY, 85 METRES OF VERTICAL SEAWALL AND LAND RECLAMATION.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
---0------
LOGO COMPETITION ENTRIES STILL WELCOMED *****
APPLICANTS WISHING TO ENTER THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE REMINDED TO SEND IN THEIR ENTRIES BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S LOGO COMPETITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEO LEE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT RESPONSE SO FAR HAS BEEN GOOD AND URGED MORE ENTRIES BE SUBMITTED AS THERE WAS STILL A MONTH TO GO BEFORE IT CLOSED.
ENTRY FORMS FOR. THE COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SECRETARIAT, LOCATED ON THE 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-735078 OR 5-7350*5.
CASH AWARDS FOR THE TOP THREE PRIZES ARE $10 000, $5 000 AND $2 000 RESPECTIVELY.
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD * * * *
AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAMME WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 5).
PROPOSED BY THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION, THE PROGRAMME WOULD INVOLVE AN EXERCISE TO IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT AND TO ASSESS THEIR HARMFUL EFFECTS.
/in the light .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
16 -
IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROPOSAL, MEMBERS WILL EXPLORE MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
THEY WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL ON THE FUNDING OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 3B PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
------0-------
estate management, clearances on the agenda
• * * Jr r
OPERATIONS^? PILLAR51SLANDCANDECHl‘"kWUSJJJEwFRANCE RaVh^? and ts,Ns ” Wm^^X^^\eX^yAT TME
d.str^JnSs-hF^^^l0 sjss&s K*is8^;??c:-S^M.,N the the dIsTR?cTTLAn6sM0FFECE 0NLbEVELOPMFNfDn?YTA REPRESENTATIVE OF 7 IN SOUTH KWAI CHUNG. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTAINER TERMINAL
NOTE TO EDITORS!
IN THE C0NFERENCETR00M00F°KWA|TTSINsED|,?TR^rT2A30 PM 0N ThursDAY
0 - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
17
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN FOR ROAD WORKS *****
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS ON CHENGTU ROAD, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ABERDEEN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 6) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE SECTION OF CHENGTU ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND LOK YEUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
CMB ROUTE 77 WILL TRAVEL VIA ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD INSTEAD OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD ON ITS JOURNEYS TO ABERDEEN, WHILE OTHER VEHICLES ON ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR CHENGTU ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE FUNG TIN STREET AND NAM NING STREET.
THE NORTHERN SECTION OF NAM NING STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TIN STREET TO CHENGTU ROAD WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE.
NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE. HOWEVER. THESE BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER FUNG TIN STREET AND NAM NING STREET NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TIN STREET.
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TAI PO NORTH INTERCHANGE, TSI NG Yl BRIDGE CLOSURE
*****
THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO NORTH INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ROAD WORK FROM 9.30 AM TO 6 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 5).
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO TOLO HIGHWAY VIA TAI PO NORTH INTERCHANGE. MOTORISTS HEADING FOR FANLING SHOULD USE TAI PO ROAD (SHU I WAI), WHILE THOSE FOR KOWLOON CAN GAIN ACCESS TO TOLO HIGHWAY VIA THE ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE.
FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, ONE TRAFFIC LANE ON TSI NG Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR LAYING TELEPHONE CABLE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED.
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/18
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1987
18
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN KORNHILL * * * * *
THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URB*N CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE WESTBOUND LANE OF THE UNNAMED NEW RJ?M?_TRROusH f0RNH,LL LINKING DELIA MEMORIAL SCHOOL AND KING’S ROAD ►DUSE NO. 1094 IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE EXTENDED TO COYER THE WESTBOUND ANDEASTBOUND LANES 0F THE R0AD SECTION AND WILL OPERATE ROUND THE CLOCK STARTING FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 6).
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS. ALL°WED ° S °P
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN FANLING * * * *
_n?RES*£E TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 6) IN ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THREE NEW ROADS. 6' TO TIE IN WITH
_ . _THE new ROADS ARE ROAD 2505. ROAD 2506 AND ROAD 2507
TolcI! rGTnCoE.S? T0 SrtJNG HIM TONG FROM ROAD 2504 WILL BE^CLOS ED. TRAFFIC TO SUING HIM TONG WILL BE DIVERTED TO THESE NEW ROADS.
AT THE SAME TIME. ROAD 2507 WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROuiRiTtn
BUSES- N0 Will M WS”
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WED1L2SDAY, MARCH 4, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FITTING OUT OF WELFARE PREMISES TO BE EXPEDITED......... 1
JAPANESE TOLD TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN HONG KONG........ 2
GREATER EMPHASIS ON CIVIL SERVICE MAIIAG3ENT TRAINING .... 4
$300 OOJ BOOST FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND................ 5
GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC ................ 5
REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT..................... 6
SHA TAU KOK TO GAT NEJ RECREATION GROUND ............... 6
TWO SITES TO LET BY TENDER.............................. 7
TEMPORARY STAFF REQUIRED FOR SURVEY .................... 7
ELDERLY OF NORTH DISTRICT TREATED TO FEAST ............. 8
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS .................. 8
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, WATUILOO ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGES .... 9
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANCES IN THEN MUN
9
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1987
1
FITTING OUT OF WELFARE PREMISES TO BE EXPEDITED * O * K
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO HAVE FITT ING-OUT WORKS OF WELFARE PREMISES INCLUDED IN THE MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT IN FUTURE SO THAT SUCH FITTING OUT COULD BE FINISHED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE PREMISES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦COMPARED WITH THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF HAVING PREMISES
FITTED OUT AFTER THEY ARE HANDED OVER BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THIS WILL MEAN A SAVING OF SIX TO NINE MONTHS,+ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FONG WONG WOON TEI HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING, ONE OF THE FIRST BATCH OF 25 WELFARE PROJECTS ENTRUSTED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR FITTING OUT.
SHE SAID AT PRESENT FOUR TYPES OF SERVICES WERE INCLUDED IN THIS FITTING-OUT PROGRAMME. THESE WERE NURSERY, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE ADDED THAT THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WERE DISCUSSING FOR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAMME.
♦ IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS, MORE WELFARE FACILITIES CAN BE PROVIDED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC,+ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN THANKED THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE SERVICES.
SHE NOTED THAT THE NEW HOSTEL WOULD PROVIDE 115 MEAL PLACES AND 34 SELF-CARE PLACES, BRINGING THE TOTAL PROVISION FOR THE ELDERLY POPULATION TO 4917 MEAL PLACES AND 2 148 SELF-CARE PLACES.
LATER IN THE AFTERNOON, MRS CHAN OPENED THE CHEUNG WAH DAY NURSERY RUN BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN THE SAME ESTATE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING, SHE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE POLICY ON PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES IN THE LIGHT OF THE PUBLIC’S VIEWS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO 2.
♦THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS STILL PLANNING TO EXPAND NURSERY SERVICES AND ABOUT 1 500 MORE PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT CHEUNG WAH ESTATE HAD A POPULATION OF 23 000 AND THE NEW NURSERY SHOULD MEET TNE NEEDS OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS IN THE AREA.
THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS OPERATES A TOTAL OF TEN DAY NURSERIES WITH OVER 1 000 PLACES.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1987.
2
JAPANESE TOLD TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN HONG KONG ft ft * ft *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN IN OSAKA THAT HONG KONG OFFERED AN EXCELLENT OFFSHORE LOCATION FOR JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS.
SPEAKING AT AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE OSAKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND JETRO (JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANISATION), HE SAID NOW WAS THE TIME TO INVEST.
MR EASON, IN HIS SPEECH + HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND THE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT*, SAID THAT CIRCUMSTANCES NOW WERE ESPECIALLY FAVOURABLE FOR NEW JAPANESE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENTS.
+WHY ARE WE SEEING, IN 1986 AND 1987, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT INTEREST FROM JAPAN?
+THE STRONG YEN AND THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM ARE EXERTING PRESSURE ON MANY JAPANESE FIRMSj BUT WHY SHOULD HONG KONG BE CONSIDERED A SUITABLE OFFSHORE LOCATION?* HE ASKED.
MR EASON NOTED THAT CLEARLY NOT ALL JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS WOULD FIND HONG KONG A SUITABLE OFFSHORE LOCATION SINCE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE TERRITORY LACKED THE EXPANSE OF LAND REQUIRED FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY.
+BUT FOR MOST KINDS OF LIGHT AND MEDIUM INDUSTRY HONG KONG COMPARES VERY FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE REGION, IN TERMS OF MANPOWER TRAINING AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES.
♦ONE INDICATOR OF THIS IS GIVEN BY THE PROJECTS WHICH MY DEPARTMENT HAS ASSISTED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
+OUT OF 61 MANUFACTURING PROJECTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY SET UP IN HONG KONG, OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING SET UP, NO LESS THAN 32 BROUGHT WITH THEM TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR FIELD WHICH WAS HIGHER THAN THE LEVEL EXISTING IN HONG KONG AT THE TIME THEY SET UP. AND 18 OF THESE ALSO INTRODUCED SIGNIFICANT NEW PRODUCTS TO THE ALREADY WIDE RANGE PRODUCED BY HONG KONG INDUSTRY.*
MR EASON SAID HONG KONG OFFERED AN INVESTMENT CLIMATE SECOND TO NONE IN THE REGION WITH ITS EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MANUFACTURING, A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT WHICH MUST BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND A HARDWORKING, TRAINABLE AND PRAGMATIC WORKFORCE.
/POINTING........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 198?
POINTING TO THE 900 JAPANESE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN SET UP IN THE TERRITORY, HE SAID THEIR PRESENCE LENT CREDENCE TO HIS ASSESSMENT. THESE BUSINESSES COVERED EVERY BRANCH OF THE ECONOMY -FROM BANKING AND RETAILING TO CONSTRUCTION AND manufacturing.
ACCORDING TO JAPAN’S MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MITI), HONG KONG HAD RECEIVED 15 PER CENT OF ALL JAPANESE INVESTMENTS IN ASIA, MORE THAN IN ANY ASIAN COUNTRY EXCEPT INDONESIA, AND MORE THAN IN ANY EUROPEAN COUNTRY EXCEPT THE UNITED KINGDOM.
♦ IN FACT ONLY SIX COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD HAVE RECEIVED MORE JAPANESE INVESTMENT THAN HONG KONQ,+ HE SAID.
WHILE MUCH OF THIS INVESTMENT IS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, A SURVEY JUST PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT IN MARCH 1986, JAPAN WAS HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT WITH ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1984 AND MARCH 1986 THE AMOUNT INVESTED BY JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT, TO REACH U.S. $420 MILLION. DURING THE 12 MONTHS SINCE THE SURVEY, SOME SUBSTANTIAL NEW JAPANESE PROJECTS HAD COME ON STREAM, AND THE DEPARTMENT KNEW OF MORE THAN A DOZEN PROJECTS WHERE JAPANESE FIRMS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP HONG KONG FACTORIES AT THE MOMENT.
MR EASON SAID HONG KONG WELCOMED JAPANESE FIRMS COMING IN TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BECAUSE THEY BROUGHT VALUABLE SKILLS AND A CONCEPT OF QUALITY CONSCIOUSNESS TO THE LOCAL INDUSTRY.
+1 MAY ADD ONE OTHER ADVANTAGEi AS MORE JAPANESE GOODS ARE PRODUCED IN HONG KONG FOR EXPORT BACK TO JAPAN, THE DOUBTS AMONG JAPANESE CONSUMERS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG-MADE PRODUCTS SHOULD GRADUALLY DIMINISH,* HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THAT WHILE HONG KONG WELCOMED ALL INTEREST IN ITS INDUSTRY, IT PARTICULARLY VALUED MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT WHICH INVOLVED NEW PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, NEW PRODUCTS, AND MANAGEMENT ST^-ES DEDICATED TO ENSURING HIGH STANDARDS OF QUALITY.
♦BY ATTRACTING SUCH INVESTMENTS WE CAN HELP TO BROADEN THE RANGE OF HONG KONG PRODUCED GOODS, UPGRADE OUR TECHNOLOGY LEVELS, AND STIMULATE OUR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE THEIR OWN OPERATIONS,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1937
4
GREATER EMPHASIS ON CIVIL SERVICE MANAGEMENT TRAINING
*****
GREATER ATTENTION HAS BEEN FOCUSSED ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE LAST THREE TO FIVE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING TO DIRECTORATE STAFF FROM MORE THAN 50 DEPARTMENTS AT A PREVIEW OF A TRAINING PACKAGE +THE EFFECTIVE MANAGER*, DESIGNED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE FOR JUNIOR MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.
NOTING THAT IT WAS POLICY OBJECTIVE THAT ALL DIRECTORATE STAFF AND OFFICERS ON MPS POINTS 38-47 SHOULD RECEIVE TRAINING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT SKILLS, MR GREWAL SAID IT HAD BEEN A PROBLEM OFFERING SUCH TRAINING FOR OFFICERS ON MPS POINTS 20-37 BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF STAFF INVOLVED AND INADEQUATE TRAINING RESOURCES.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THE TRAINING CENTRE HAD DESIGNED AND PRODUCED A TRAINING PACKAGE FOR SUCH A GROUP OF JUNIOR MANAGERS.
+A TEAM OF CSTC TRAINERS IS NOW READY TO HELP YOU SET UP DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
+THE CENTRE WILL HELP ANALYSE TRAINING NEEDS, DRAW UP IMPLEMENTATION PLANS, ADAPT TRAINING MATERIALS, TRAIN TRAINERS AND EVALUATE THE PROGRAMME.+
MR GREWAL CALLED ON HIS AUDIENCE TO FOSTER A CLIMATE CONDUCIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR JUNIOR MANAGERS, TO ENCOURAGE THEIR TRAINERS TO TAKE UP THE TASK, TO RELEASE STAFF TO ATTEND COURSES AND TO MONITOR MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AS A CONTINUING COMMITMENT.
+1 BELIEVE THERE IS A LOT OF TALENT AND POTENTIAL IN THE JUNIOR RANKS, AND THAT WE CAN AND SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO TRAIN AND DEVELOP THEM. WE NEED TO INCULCATE THE RIGHT ATTITUDES AND VALUES TOWARDS PROVIDING SERVICE, AND MANAGING STAFF AS WELL AS OTHER RESOURCES.
+WE NEED TO IMPRESS UPON THEM WHAT ’GOOD MANAGEMENT’ IS, AND GIVE THEM THE CONCEPTS AND SKILLS TO MANAGE EFFECTIVELY.*
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/5.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1987
5
1300 000 BOOST FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ft ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RECEIVED A CHEQUE FOR $300 000 FROM SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER MR TAI TUNG-NGOK AS DONATION TO THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
IN ACCEPTING THE DONATION, MR LIAO SAID IT SIGNIFIED THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO THE FUND FROM DISTRICT AND GRASSROOT LEVELS.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE THE FUND WAS SET UP LAST DECEMBER, RESPONSE FROM DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
UP TO YESTERDAY, A TOTAL OF $11 812 441 HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. AT THE SAME TIME, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF ABOUT 300 SCHOOLS HAVE DONATED $976 859 TO THE FUND.
MR LIAO URGED THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE FUND WHICH WAS SET UP FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
_ - 0 - -
GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC 3E » *
THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (MARCH 8) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO SEE THE AZALEAS IN BLOOM.
THE OPEN DAY HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL EVENT SINCE 1968.
PEOPLE WISHING TO VISIT THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE ARE REQUESTED TO ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE AND LEAVE BY THE SIDE GATES SO THAT ALL CAN ENJOY THE FLOWERS WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO
OTHERS
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT ONLY THE GARDENS WILL BE OPEN AND THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.
SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL BE PRESENT AND VISITORS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1987
6
REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * * *
AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE CANOPY OF THE FIRST FLOOR OF 479 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, IS TO BE REMOVED.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY TO THE DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 12 FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF THE STRUCTURE.
IT PLACED NOTICES OF ITS INTENTION ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AN ORDER TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURE WAS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE A YEAR AGO, BUT NO ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL NOW GET COURT BACKING TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURE BEFORE DEMOLITION WHICH CAN THEN BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
- - 0 - -
SHA TAU KOK TO GET NEW RECREATION GROUND *****
HANDBALL ENTHUSIASTS IN SHA TAU KOK WILL SOON HAVE A VENUE TO PRACTISE THE GAME.
THE HANDBALL COURT, WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, IS ONE OF THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED AT A RECREATION GROUND IN THE AREA.
THE $3.1 MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE TWO BASKETBALL-VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A SINGLE-STOREY SERVICE BUILDING TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR TOILET AND CHANGING ROOMS, AN OFFICE AND A STORE ROOM.
WORK WHICH STARTED RECENTLY ON THE 8 114-SQUARE-METRE RECREATION GROUND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO AWARDED A $453 OOO CONTRACT TO INSTALL FLOODLIGHTS AND PARK LIGHTING FOR- THE RECREATION GROUND SO THAT IT CAN BE USED AT NIGHT.
— 0 - -
/7 ..
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1987
7
TWO SITES TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
A SHA TIN PETROL-FILLING STATION SITE AND A STORAGE SITE IN SHEUNG SHUI ARE BEING OFFERED FOR TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE SHA TIN SITE, LOCATED AT SHA TIN HEIGHTS ON TAI PO ROAD, MEASURES 2 191 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR USE AS A PETROL-FILL I NG STATION, EXCLUDING LUBRICATION SERVICE FACILITIES AND VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOPS.
TENANCY IS FOR FIVE YEARS.
A 1 459-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT KWU TUNG, SHEUNG SHUI, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE.
INITIAL TENANCY IS TWEE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 20.
-------0---------
TEMPORARY STAFF REQUIRED FOR SURVEY * * # *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING ABOUT 80 TEMPORARY STAFF FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS FROM BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS BETWEEN APRIL 21 AND MAY 8.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS, PREFERABLY AGED 25 OR UNDER, SHOULD HAVE ACQUIRED AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE E IN tHE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, INCLUDING CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES.
THE JOB, WHICH OFFERS A DAILY WAGE OF $135, IS OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND'WOMEN.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH °FF*CE„0^ T*®__ DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE. EM?UIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-270622, 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123 AND 0-4920154.
0 -
/8
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1937
8
ELDERLY OF NORTH DISTRICT TREATED TO FEAST * * * * *
ABOUT 1 200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT, ALL AGED OVER 65r WILL BE TREATED TO A NEW YEAR FEAST TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE FEAST IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES PERFORMANCES IN CANTONESE OPERA AND SONGS AS WELL AS A LUCKY DRAW. NEW YEAR GIFTS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS.
nFFiriATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE NORTH DISTRICT CFF ICER MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG, SoNTIER POL ICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR GYWN LLOYD, AND THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR PETER LIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TOMORROW TO BE HELD AT 4 PM AT CHOI WAH PALACE RESTAURANT, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
-------0----------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN AND HO MAN TIN AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED.
MEMBERS WILL ASK RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO CONSIDER THE PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AT THE JUNCTION OF TO KWA WAN ROAD, SAN MA TAU STREET AND SAN SHAN ROAD I A SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT BAILEY STREET NEAR MA TAU WAI ROADS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AT CHUNG HAU STREET NEAR MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
0--------
/9 ...
W
DAT, MARCH 4, 1?8?
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGES *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 6) TO ENABLE EXISTING BEAMS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO BE REMOVED.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS AREi
* PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND THE DOWN RAMP OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO DUNBAR ROAD AND PERTH STREET.
* PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO PREMISES ALONG THIS SECTION OF ROAD.
* THE EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE OUTERMOST TRAFFIC LANE OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BENEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE RESCINDED TEMPORARILY.
* VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND GROUND-LEVEL CARRIAGEWAY AND ARGYLE STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WATERLOO ROAD, PUI CHING ROAD AND SHEUNG HING STREET TO REJOIN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
* VEHICLES ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE SLIP ROAD TO PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD. __
------O---~
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN THEN MUN
*****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TUEN MUN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 6) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD TO BUTTERFLY BEACH AND ROAD 28A (THE ACCESS ROAD TO BUTTERFLY ESTATE) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION.
/DT ADDITION, .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 198?
10
IN ADDITION RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM LUNG MUN ROAD NORTHBOUND TO ROAD 28A WILL BE BANNED. MOTORISTS SHOULD USE THE LUNG MUN ROAD AND WU SHAN ROAD JUNCTION.
FROM AROUND 10.45 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 7), A NUMBER OF ROADS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT MINUTES TO ENABLE THE PARACHUTE PERFORMANCE TO BE HELD AT THE TUEN MUN
TANG
TSUN ROAD
SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
THESE ROADS ARE ROAD P2 AND ITS ASSOCIATED SLIP ROADS I WEN ROAD NORTH OF TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD AND TSING CHING KOON BETWEEN ROAD P2 AND TSUN WEN ROAD.
DURING THE CLOSURE, KMB ROUTES 61, 61A.AND 62 WILL NOT BE DIVERTED BUT WILL BE STOPPED BY POLICE ON SITE UNTIL THE PERFORMANCE IS OVER.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT REPORT +HELPFUL FOR REVIEW+ ........ 1
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRIES OUTLINED ................... 2
SIR DAVID SEES ISLANDS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENTS ................. 4
EXPANDED BUSINESS TIES WITH BELGIUM URGED .................... 5
GaTT nations attack u.s. textile bill ........................ 6
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR SHaM SHU I PO ....................... 7
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCED ...................... 7
SOUTHERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC SIGNS IMPROVED ..................... 8
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES OLE .RED IN WaN CHAI ..................... 9
PROPOSED TRaDE LEGISLATION IK U.S. EXPLalNED ................ 10
DETAILS OF CT,DEBT,Y FEE REDUCTION SCHEME SURVEY ............ 10
SURVEY ON BUILDING INDUSTRY UNDER WaY ....................... 11
BOaRD TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMJIT PROPOSALS ...................... 11
DISCUSSION ON HING WAH STREET NULLaH DECK CLEaRaNCE....... 12
KWAI TSING MINI-SOCCER FINAL TOMORROW ....................... 1?
PRIZES FOR SjJETY POSTER DESIGNERS........................... 15
MENT..L HEaLTH C.JLNIVAL IN SHA TH! ON SaTURDaY.............. 14
CaRNIVaL TO BOOST CIVIC aWaRENESS ORG;J!ISED................ 1^
YUEN LONG NORTHERN BYPaSS BEING EXTjtUDED ................... 15
CONTRACT aWARDED FOR FSD MaRRIED yjaRTERS ................... 15
STaGE LIGHTING FOR NEW WESTERN COMPLEX ...................... 16
TSING YI BRIDGE CLOSED FOR MONITORING ....................... 16
TONG MEI ROaD CLOSED TO TRAI’FIC ............................ 16
URBAN CLELiRWaY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHal .................... 17
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
1
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT REPORT +HELPFUL FOR REVIEW* * * * * ft
the report on representative government by the OMELCO CONsUERSlTwFLrRFFJlpADCDNnl BE HELPFUL WhEN ThE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 POLITICAL REVIEW LATER &Jr5/CTING G0VEBN0". si" MVID akersHoJes, siiX today THIS \ I nUKoDA Y ) •
nnur. HE NOTED that THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD DONE A VERY THOROUGH STUDY OF THE SITUATION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A TOUR OF TAI 0 ON LANTAU. SIR DAVID WAS ASKED ABOUT A SUGGESTION IN THE REPORT WHICH RECOMMENDED NO CHANGES TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THAT THE GOVERNOR REMAIN AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR DAVID SAID: +1 THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IN HONG KONG IS TO DEVELOP THE SYSTEM GRADUALLY AND TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND THEN REVIEW THEM AND THEN MOVE ON.
♦BUT WE SHOULDN'T GO IN FOR MAJOR CHANGES AND DRASTIC CHANGES ALL AT ONCE. IT’S MUCH BETTER TO PROCEED IN A GRADUAL WAY.*
THE GREEN PAPER WOULD BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF MAY, SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED IF THERE SHOULD BE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN 1988, THE ACTING GOVERNOR SAIDi +IT WILL DEPEND VERY MUCH UPON PEOPLE’S REACTIONS TO THE GREEN PAPER, I THINK. BUT WE’LL HAVE TO SEE WHAT THOSE REACTIONS ARE.*
EVERYTHING WAS BEING DONE IN PROPER TIME, HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION. SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS RAISED IN THE 1984 WHITE PAPER THAT THE PRESIDENCY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE LOOKED AT AGAIN IN THIS YEAR’S GREEN PAPER.
♦ BUT IF THE GENERAL VIEW IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANGE, THEN THAT’S THE GENERAL VIEW.+
ON WHETHER A DECISION HAD BEEN MADE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ASSESSMENT OFFICE TO GAUGE PUBLIC OPINIONS, SIR DAVID SAID: ♦WE WILL BE TELLING YOU ABOUT THAT VERY SHORTLY.+
COMMENTING ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT TO TAI 0, SIR DAVID SAID THE FIRST THING TO DO WOULD BE TO BUILD THE SECOND STAGE OF THE LUNG TIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND THEN TO CLEAR THE OLD STRUCTURES FROM THE CENTRAL OF THE CREEK THERE.
♦TAI 0 IS A VERY OLD FISHING SETTLEMENT. IT HAS A HISTORY OF SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS AND MANY OF THESE OLD STRUCTURES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CREEK THEMSELVES HAVE A HISTORY OF OVER 100 YEARS,+ HE SAID.
/♦BUT THERE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
♦BUT THERE ARE VERY SEVERE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS HERE BECAUSE THE TOWN HAPPENS TO BE BUILT TOO CLOSE TO THE SEA LEVEL. SO IT SUFFERS FROM CHRONIC FLOODING SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR,*
THE only way to cure that would be to raise the whole level OF the TOWN, SIR DAVID SAID. +THE PROBLEM IS A BIT LIKE THE PROBLEM IN VENICE,* HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RECENT VISITS BY MR GEORGE SHULTZ AND DR HENRY KISSINGER TO HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAIDi +THEY WERE PASSING THROUGH HONG KONG ON THEIR WAY TO OTHER PLACES.*
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GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRIES OUTLINED * * * * *
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ARE REINFORCED BY THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, AND ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE PROJECTED PROVISION OF NEARLY $5.9 BILLION FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME PROJECTS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH ON GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN RELATION TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, HE SAID THE MAIN AREAS OF THIS SUPPORT INCLUDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WHICH PROVIDED LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES WHICH COULD NOT BE CARRIED OUT IN ORDINARY MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND THE CLOSE MONITORING OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENERGY AVAILABLE.
FOR EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS, HONG KONG HAD THE WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST CONTAINER TERMINAL, AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND EXCELLENT WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, HE ADDED.
THERE WAS ALSO A GREATER WILLINGNESS ON THE PART OF LENDING INSTITUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
ELABORATING ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF STUDIES HAD BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS THE OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS THE OBSTACLES IN EACH OF THE MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTORS.
MANPOWER TRAINING WAS ALSO PROVIDED THROUGH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTES, WITH INPUTS FROM INTERESTED DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES.
/AS FOR
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
AS FOR SERVICES TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY, MR JACOBS SAID THESE WERE PROVIDED MAINLY, THOUGH NOT EXCLUSIVELY, BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, IN THE FORM OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND BUREAU SERVICES.
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE HIGHER QUALITY PRODUCTS, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS PROVIDING SERVICES WHICH INVOLVED THE ATTAINMENT OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS, CALIBRATION SERVICES AND LABORATORY ACCREDITATION.
EFFORTS WERE ALSO BEING MADE TO ATTRACT MORE INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY INTO HONG KONG.
♦WE ARE IMPROVING OUR MECHANISMS FOR TARGETTING FOREIGN MANUFACTURING FIRMS, DEVELOPING CONTACTS WITH FOREIGN INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND REINFORCING OUR INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES LOCATED OVERSEAS.♦
MR JACOBS EMPHASISED THAT ALTHOUGH GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN DOING MUCH TO ASSIST THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES, THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO DISRUPT THE MECHANISM OF THE MARKET FORCE.
♦THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TO ALLOW MARKET FORCES TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION TAKEN BY OUR INDUSTRY.
♦ WE HAVE NEVER ATTEMPTED TO DECIDE FOR BUSINESSMEN WHAT TYPE OF INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, WHAT SORT OF BUSINESS INVESTMENT SHOULD BE MADE, OR WHICH MARKETS SHOULD BE OPENED UP.
♦ WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT SUCH BUSINESS DECISIONS ARE BEST TAKEN BY BUSINESSMEN RATHER THAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS- AND THAT BUSINESSMEN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY,♦ HE SAID.
STRESSING THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WAS THE LINCH-PIN OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS - ACCOUNTING FOR SOME 22 PER CENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND ABOUT 33 PER CENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT -HE SAID IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT EXISTED TO ALLOW INDUSTRY TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY AND PROFITABLY.
♦ THIS HAS BEEN THE BASIC TENET OF OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN THE PAST THREE DECADES,+ HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE HISTORY OF SUCH POLICY DEVELOPMENT, MR JACOBS SAID A NUMBER OF STATUTORY BODIES HAb BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE 196O’S TO PROVIDE INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.
/these included .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 198?
THESE INCLUDED THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE H3NQ KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
IN THE 7O’S A POLICY IN LAND ALLOCATION WAS DEVELOPED TO ACCOMMODATE LAND FOR CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH WOULD BRING NEW AND SUBSTANTIALLY MORE SOPHISTICATED PROCESSES TO HONG KONG.
IN 1977, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN DIVERSIFICATION WAS FORMED TO ADVISE ON THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY, IN ORDER TO BROADEN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE OVER ITS TRADING COMPETITORS.
ON GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT EFFORTS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THEY WERE AIMED AT THE IDENTIFICATION OF OBSTACLES THAT PREVENTED MANUFACTURERS FROM FULLY TAPPING THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXISTED IN OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS, AND THEIR REMOVAL WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
------0-------
SIR DAVID SEES ISLANDS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENTS » I I H K
THE DISTRICT
ACTING GOVERNOR, TODAY (THURSDAY) ON DISTRICT PROBLEMS WITH
SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS.
VISITED THE ISLANDS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS
STARTING THE DAY ON LAMMA ISLAND WITH A MEETING WITH THE RURAL COMMITTEES OF NORTH AND SOUTH LAMMA, SIR DAVID THEN WENT TO PENG CHAU WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD CHA RMAN MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS AND BOARD MEMBERS.
H
SIR DAVID HE WAS BRIEFED IN THE AREA.
NEXT WENT ON A PLAN
ON TO TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU ISLAND WHERE TO RE-VITAL ISE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
I'
AT TAI 0
SIR DAVID TOURED THE LUNG TIN RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ^TTuc’n}cTD^TST SUCH SCHEME UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN 1 Ht DI STR I CT•
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH THE SILTING OF THE TAI 0 CREEK BY LOCAL RESIDENTS LIVING IN ♦PANG UKS+, WOODEN STILTED STRUCTURES LINING THE CREEK.
SIR DAVID THEN ATTENDED A LUNCH AT PO LIN MONASTERY HOSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI 0 RURAL COMMITTEE, MR YU YUEN-HEI.
THE REST OF THE DAY WAS SPENT INSPECTING DEVELOPMENTS ALONG THE SOUTH LANTAU COAST AND MUI WO, WHERE SIR DAVID SAW THE PROGRESS OF THE MUI WO PACKAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE THERE.
-----0------ /5............
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
5
EXPANDED BUSINESS TIES WITH BELGIUM URGED ft ft ft ft ft
HONG KONG AND BELGIUM ENJOY A CORDIAL ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP AND THE TERRITORY IS CONTINUOUSLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO EXPAND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN BELGIUM, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING HOSTED BY THE BELGIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL IN HONG KONG, MR HO SAID BELGIUM HAD ALREADY BEEN PLAYING A USEFUL PART IN FACILITATING TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND ITS THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, THE EEC AS A WHOLE.
IN 1986, THE EEC ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 13 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE. IT WAS HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST MARKET, TAKING SOME >31 300 MILLION WORTH OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND WAS ALSO OUR THIRD LARGEST SUPPLIER, SELLING SOME >31 700 MILLION WORTH.
MR HO SAID HONG KONG WAS AN IMPORTANT MARKET FOR EEC GOODS, WITH ITS IMPORTS PER CAPITA FROM THE EEC MORE THAN, FOR EXAMPLE, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.
HONG KONG WAS A VERY GOOD MARKET FOR BELGIAN PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY DIAMONDS, BUT THE BALANCE OF TRADE HAD ALWAYS BEEN IN BELGIUM’S FAVOUR.
♦WE DO NOT HAVE ANY TARIFF OR NON-TARlFF BARRIERS TO IMPORTS, AND NATURALLY SEEK TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE ACCESS FOR OUR PRODUCTS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.♦
HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES WERE CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVING TO MAINTAIN EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS AND IF THE OPPORTUNITIES WERE LEFT TO BE EXPLOITED BY MARKET FORCES WITHOUT HINDRANCE THROUGH PROTECTIONISM THERE WOULD BE INCREASED TRADE BOTH WAYS, HE SAID.
ON BELGIAN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR HO SAID BELGIAN INTERESTS WERE ALREADY PRESENT IN THE BANKING, FINANCIAL, INSURANCE AND MANUFACTURING SECTORS.
♦HONG KONG IS A GOOD PLACE FOR SUCH INVESTMENTi WE HAVE A HARDWORKING AND RESOURCEFUL WORK FORCE, EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, A LOW TAX REGIME, A STABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND AN IDEAL LOCATION ALONG THE TRADE ROUTES OF THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION, AND A GATEWAY TO CHINA.♦
Thursday, march 5, 1987
GATT NATIONS
6
ATTACK U.S. TEXTILE BILL X X * * X *
OPPOSITION TO THE U.S. TEXTILE AND APPAREL TRADE ACT OF 1987 HAS BEEN VOICED AT THE GATT COUNCIL MEETING IN GENEVA THIS WEEK BY FONG KONG, INDONESIA (WHICH SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE ASEAN NATIONS) TURKEY, URUGUAY, PAKISTAN, BRAZIL, INDIA AND YUGOSLAVIA.
HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO GATT, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE COUNCIL: +THIS BLATANTLY PROTECTIONIST BILL IS CLAIMED BY ITS SPONSORS TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 19 OF THE GATT AND IT IS ALREADY GAINING SUPPORT IN CONGRESS UNDER THE CLAIM THAT IT IS A MORE REASONABLE AND MODERATE MEASURE THAN THE JENKINS BILL ON WHICH THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO WAS SO NARROWLY SUSTAINED LAST YEAR.
♦IN FACT, THERE IS ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT THE BILL WHICH COULD BE REGARDED AS IN ANY WAY CONSISTENT WITH EITHER THE GATT OR THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.+
AFTER REVIEWING THE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL FOR WORLD TRADE MR CARTLAND WENT ON: +THIS IS NOT A BILL PROPOSED OR SUPPORTED BY THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION. INDEED, THE ADMINISTRATION DID ITSELF LAST YEAR VETO THE JENKINS BILL, AN EQUALLY DANGEROUS PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND HAS ALSO THIS YEAR INTRODUCED A GENERIC TRADE BILL DESIGNED TO PROMOTE U.S. COMPETITIVITY AND NOT TO PROMOTE SECTORAL PROTECTION.
♦OF COURSE WE SHOULD ALL WISH THE ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THIS DIRECTION BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE SHOULD ALL BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS POSED BY A MEASURE OF THIS NATURE.
♦THIS IS NOT JUST THE DANGER THAT THE BILL MIGHT BE ENACTED BUT ALSO THE DANGER THAT IT MIGHT NOT - AND THAT SOME PRICE IN TERMS OF PROMISES TO TAKE SOME OTHER TYPE OF PROTECTIVE ACTION ON TEXTILES MIGHT BE EXACTED.
♦SUCH PROMISES HAVE A WAY OF HAUNTING THE U.S. IMPORT MARKET FOR TEXTILES, INDEED ONE PROMISE THAT DATES FROM THE RUN-UP TO THE ELECTION OF THE PRESENT PRESIDENT IS IN FACT REFLECTED IN THIS BILL — THAT FUTURE IMPORT GROWTH SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THE LEVEL OF GROWTH IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET AS PERCEIVED BY THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY - ONE PER CENT.
♦THE MOST DANGEROUS ASPECT OF THIS BILL IS THAT IT IS BEING MISREPRESENTED AS BEING GATT CONSISTENT. I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS BODY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE TRUE NATURE OF THIS PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND OF THE THREAT IT POSES BOTH FOR THE GATT AND THE URUGUAY ROUND.+
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/7
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
7
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR SHAM SHU I PO * * * * *
MR GREGORY LEUNG WINQ-LUP, AT PRESENT THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON. WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR SYLVESTER TSE TAK-KAN AS SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER NEXT MONTH, A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR TSE WILL LEAVE HIS POST ON MARCH 23 AND AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TSANG HING-KAY, WILL ACT AS DISTRICT OFFICER UNTIL MR LEUNG TAKES OVER THE POST ON APRIL 21.
MR LEUNG WILL BE SUCEEDED BY MR FRANKIE LUI KIN-FUN WHO IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE. MR LUI’S LAST POSTING WAS WITH THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCED
* * * * *
THREE OFFICERS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRIAL OR RELATED FIELDS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS UNDER AN AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC).
tr
THEY ARE MR FOK KAM-CHEONG, SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO. LTD., MR MAN HOI-MING, ASSISTANT ENGINEER OF SHUI ON CONSTRACTORS LTD., AND MR LYON LING, SAFETY OFFICER OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG.
THE THREE WERE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM ISHC, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
CHAIRMAN OF THE JUDGING PANEL, MR ROBERT LAI, RECALLED THAT THEY HAD A HARD TIME CHOOSING THE MOST SUITABLE PERSONS.
♦THE THREE AMBASSADORS WERE SHORT-LISTED FROM SOME 30 FINALISTS AND WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, ADHERENCE TO THEIR SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DURING THEIR EMPLOYMENT OR CAREERS.*
MR LAI NOTED THAT IN THEIR SUBMISSIONS, MR FOK HAD PUT FORWARD A DESIGN TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF WATER PUMPS’ MR MAN HAD MADE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON WORK SAFETY AT HEIGHT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? AND MR LING HAD SUBMITTED A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY.
/THE three .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 198?
8 -
THE THREE WINNERS WILL LATER THIS MONTH VISIT INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN JAPAN WHERE THEY WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS. EACH WILL ALSO RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $3 OOO.
THERE WERE ALSO SEVEN RUNNERS-UP, EACH OF WHOM WILL RECEIVE #2 000 AND ANOTHER 20 CONSOLATION PRIZES OF #500 EACH.
THE NOMINATORS OF THE TOP TEN WINNERS WILL ALSO BE AWARDED SOUVENIRS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUPPORT TO THE SHCEME.
ALL WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS AT A GALA NIGHT TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON MARCH 20.
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADOR AWARD SCHEME, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY ISHC AND RTHK, IS PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMITTEE.
DURING THE WEEK FROM MARCH 14 TO 20 A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO ACHIEVE THE GREATEST POSSIBLE PUBLICITY IMPACT AND TO RELAY THE MESSAGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO THE PUBLIC.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC SIGNS IMPROVED * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP MAINTAIN CLOSE contactc THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE ITv
AREA COMMITTEES. THEY ALSO CONDUCT SITE VISITS Jin ARE S S’X CONSTANTLY ALERT TO VIEWS OF RESIDENTS. ARE
/PROIOLALS INCLUDED
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 198?
- 9 -
PROPOSALS INCLUDED ADDITIONAL SIGNS FOR CERTAIN AREAS, PLANTING LARGER SIGNS, THE RE-LOCATION OF OBSTRUCTED SIGNS AT MORE CONSPICUOUS SPOTS, THE REMOVAL OF REDUNDANT OR OUTDATED SIGNS, TIME SCHEDULES FOR NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION, AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION OF DIRECTIONAL SIGNS, CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS AND WARNING SIGNS OF SHARP ROAD DEVIATION OR TRAFFIC BLACKSPOTS.
MANY OF THE GROUP’S PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED AND ACTED UPON ACCORD INTLY. A NUMBER OF REDUNDANT SIGNS WERE REMOVED, WHILE SOME WERE IMPROVED.
RECENTLY, A +TO CAR PARK+ SIGN OBSTRUCTING THE PAVEMENT OF WESTBOUND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD WAS REPLACED BY A NEW ONE PLANTED NEAR GUARDRAILS.
CONCRETE BOLLARDS WERE ALSO PROVIDED ALONG THE BAND OF SHEK 0 ROAD NEAR CAPE D*AGUILAR ROAD TO PREVENT COACHES FROM PARKING ON THE PAVEMENT.
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN WAN CHAI M * * * *
NINE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT A REAR LANE OF HENNESSY ROAD IN WAN CHAI WERE CLEARED IN AN OPERATION TODAY (THJRSDAY).
THESE INCLUDED TWO COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES, FIVE STORAGE STRUCTURES AND TWO CANOPIES.
SOME OF THE STRUCTURES WERE ERECTED OVER GAS MAINS POSING A DANGER TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND SANITARY CONDITIONS WERE POOR.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE EXERCISES CARRIED OUT IN THE DISTRICT TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
10 -
PROPOSED TRADE LEGISLATION IN U.S. EXPLAINED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON PROPOSED NEW TRADE LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM, IN THE TRADE DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITEE TO ATTEND. -----------------------o------
DETAILS OF ELDERLY FEE REDUCTION SCHEME SURVEY
*****
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT SURVEY ON THE FEE REDUCTION SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED TO FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SCHEME, WAS CARRIED OUT WITH QUESTIONNAIRES SENT TO PARTICIPATING DOCTORS, DENTISTS. DISPENSARIES. LABORATORIES AND MAXI-CAB PROPRIETORS. ATTEMPTS WERE ALSO MADE TO STUDY MAXI-CAB DRIVERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS SENIOR CITIZENS.
CONVENOR OF THE SURVEY WORKING GROUP, MR MICHAEL LEE, AND THE SENIOR STATISTICIAN OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR K.K. AU, WILL PRESENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM, MR LIU SING-LEE, MISS MARGARET HONG, AND THE ASSISTANT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH.
THE FEE REDUCTION SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WAS INTRODUCED IN JUNE 1985 BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE. SINCE THEN, ABOUT 4 300 ENTITLEMENT CARDS WERE ISSUED TO OLD PEOPLE AGED OVER 60.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AT 3 PM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
11
SURVEY ON BUILDING INDUSTRY UNDER WAY *****
THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS CONDUCTING A MANPOWER SURVEY ON THE INDUSTRY.
THE BIENNIAL SURVEY, TO BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH 5 AND 27. WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT COLLECTING INFORMATION ON TRAINING NEEDS AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAD BEEN SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO HELP EMPLOYERS COMPLETE QUESTIONNAIRES.
EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO COOPERATE AND SUBMIT DETAILED INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE USED AS REFERENCE FOR FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET INDUSTRY NEEDS.
THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
- - 0 -
BOARD TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS *****
SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENi PROPOSALS FOR THE AREA OF SAI KUNG CREEK BETWEEN THE OLD TOWN AND TUI MIN HOI AND THE CLEAR WATER BAY PENINSULA NORTH AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT THE LAYOUT AND OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE TWO AREAS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A RESEARCH STUDY ON THE ATTITUDES OF RESIDENTS TOWARDS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY A PRIVATE RESEARCH COMPANY.
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD'S COMMITTEES WILL BE ELECTED AT THE MEETING AND MEMBERSHIP OF THESE COMMITTEES WILL ALSO BE DECIDED. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME, THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD FUND, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS BY THE DISTRICT'S NEWSPAPER, A REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, MR WAN YUET-KAU, AND PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
THURSDAY, MARCH J, 1987
12 -
THE SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS FOR 1987-88 WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR REFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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DISCUSSION ON HING WAH STREET NULLAH DECK CLEARANCE * * * * *
THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.15 PM TO DISCUSS THE CLEARANCE OF HING WAH STREET NULLAH DECK.
THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER WILL HOLD A PRESS BRIEFING AFTER A CLOSED-DOOR DISCUSSION ON THE CLEARANCE.
FOLLOWING THE BRIEFING THE MEETING WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHEN MEMBERS DISCUSS OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.
THESE INCLUDE THE DRAFT YEAR PLAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FOR 1987-88- ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS FACED BY BEACON HEIGHTS RESIDENTS- POLLUTION PROBLEM CAUSED BY FACTORIES AT THE JUNCTION OF YEN CHOW STREET AND KIU KIANG STREET- EXTENSION OF THE SHAM SHUI PO TEMPORARY WHOLESALE FRESHWATER FISH MARKET- AND THE INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY HOT LINE.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, AT 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AND THE BRIEFING TOMORROW.
/15........
THJRSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
13
KWAI TSI NG MINI-SOCCER FINAL TOMORROW
TOP SOCCER PLAYERS IN KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT WILL COMPETE IN THE FINAL OF THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE MINI-SOCCER CUP COMPETITION AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWAI SHING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE WINNING TEAM WILL BE AWARDED.
THE CUP, DONATED BY REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING TEAM AFTER THE
, MR LAM KIN-MING MATCH.
THE COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT, 27 TEAMS TOOK PART IN THE TOURNAMENT.
BESIDES MR LAM. OTHERS OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TIEN PEI-CHJN, CHAN KWOK-WAI AND CHOI HING-SHJN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG, AND DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR LIU WING-KWONG.
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PRIZES FOR SAFETY POSTER DESIGNERS * * * * *
WILL RECUvl ?HElRHEPJnEHS'?HiiL(^Dl?)r0STER DES,GN
safetWhKlI’h ‘b?VS
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KADER, AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, MR KENNETH TING, WILL JOINTLY
AND THE OFFICIATE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO PENTHOUSE OF EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
BE HELD AT 3 PM AT THE
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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
14
MENTAL HEALTH CARNIVAL IN SHA TIN ON SATURDAY *****
A CARNIVAL TO ENABLE SHA TIN RESIDENTS TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL HEALTH WILL BE HELD AT THE HlN KENG ESTATE FOOTBALL PITCH ON SATURDAY (MARCH 7).
STARTING AT 1.30 PM, PROGRAMMES OF THE CARNIVAL INCLUDE GAMES STALLS, A QUIZ CONTEST AND AN EXHIBITION ON MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION,
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE AND THE WORKING GROUP ON COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION EDUCATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEO KWAN WING-WAH, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM, THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, DR FANNY CHEUNG, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL.
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CARNIVAL TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS ORGANISED *****
A FUN-FILLED CARNIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG YOUNGSTERS THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 8) AT THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK.
THE +CIVIC EDUCATION DAY CARNIVAL* WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS, VARIOUS PERFORMANCES AND COMPUTER GAMES SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO INCULCATE ON CHILDREN CIVIC DUTIES AND GOOD MANNERS.
SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, YWCA AND THE SHEK TONG TSUI CARITAS YOUTH CENTRE, THE FUNCTION WILL START AT 2 PM.
GAME STALLS COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523462 OR 5-461071.
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/15
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987
15
YUEN LONG NORTHERN BYPASS BEING EXTENDED
THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BYPASS OF S34 MILLION FOLLOWING THE AWARD TERRITORIES NORTHWEST DEVELOPMENT LIMITED.
IS BEING EXTENDED AT A COST OF THE CONTRACT BY THE NEW OFFICE TO FRANK I CONTRACTORS
AT
THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A 17O-METRE THE JUNCTION Oi' TjiL BYPASS AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD
long flyover
IUD ’I W.’kb ^R£Y Tf*0UeH TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD TO AU TAU TO IMPROVE FLOW AT THIS HIGH-CAPACITY SIGNAL-CONTROLLED JUNCTION.
„ W0RK W*LL INCLUDE A TWO-WAY REINFORCED CONCRETE
i5,3i’ M£,RES IN WIDTH WITH CENTRAL DIVIDER AND
ASSOCIATED RAMPS AND ROADWORKS.
IN ADDITION, A lERliiNUS WILL BE BUILl AT FOOK HONG STREET J™£?m?MM0DATE publ,c LIGHT BUSES FROM THE EXISTING ON-STREET THIS W,LL HELP ,MPR0VE TRAFFIC FLOW WITHIN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.
WORK STARTED THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS
-------o ---------
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR FSD MARRIED QUARTERS X X X X ft
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT WORTH MORE THAN S16.8 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT MARRIED QUARTERS FOR FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL IN TUEN MUN.
THE RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS WILL BE SITED OFF CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN SAL ill I, ACROSS FROM THE SIU HONG COURT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
there will be 11 300 square metres of accommodation space FOR 160 FAMILIES IN A 20-ST0REY BUILDING.
the project will ALSO include a carpark, garden AND COVERED CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA.
WORK WILL START SOON AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 198-7
16
STAGE LIGHTING FOR NEW WESTERN COMPLEX * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $1.73 MILLION CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING STAGE LIGHTING IN THE NEW WESTERN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX BEING BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND MORRISON STREET.
WORK INVOLVES INSTALLING THE LIGHTING IN AN AUDITORIUM, LECTURE HALL AND FOUR LARGE REHEARSAL ROOMS.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE $83.68 MILLION COMPLEX, OCCUPYING A SITE OF 3 704 SQUARE METRES, IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1988.
TSI NG Yl BRIDGE CLOSED FOR MONITORING * * * * *
TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON SUNDAY (MARCH 8) TO ALLOW ITS STRUCTURE TO BE MONITORED.
THE HOURS OF CLOSURE WILL BE 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM, 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM AND 3 PM TO 4 PM.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL BE RE-OPENED TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
- 0 -
TONG MEI ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC X * X * *
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TONG MEI ROAD BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND BEDFORD ROAD IN MONG KOK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MARCH 7 (SATURDAY) TO MARCH 10 BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM DAILY.
THE MEASURE IS TO ENABLE BEAM REMOVAL WORK IN THE AREA TO BE CARRIED OUT.
TRAFFIC ON TONG MEI ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST OR LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO BEDFORD ROAD, FIR STREET, LARCH STREET, LIME STREET, TUNG CHAU STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.
*
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1987 - 17 -
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI *****
TWO ROAD SECTIONS IM WAN CHAI WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND THE CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 7).
THE TWO ROADS ARE THE SECTION OF TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD AND THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 361 TO 365.
THE RESTRICTION ON TONNOCHY ROAD WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS, WHILE THAT ON LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE MADE PERMANENT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND BILL GAZETTED................. 1
APPOINTED DAYS DECLARED FOR ./ATER POLLUTION CONTROL......... 2
SEMINAR ® WATER POLLUTION CONTROL NEEDS HELD ................ 3
GOVERNMENT'S HOS MORTGAGE FINANCE IN 198? ................... 3
'FOSTER RIGHT ATTITUDE ON SAFETY THROUGH YOUTHS' ............ 4
THREE COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE........................ 5
SIX +GOOD CITI ZEN St- PRESENTED AWARDS ..................... 6
DONATI® DRIVE TO BOOST SIR EDWaRD YOUDE FUND ................ 6
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT MARINE POLICE .................. 7
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR SAI KUNG VILLAGE...................... 7
SEMINAR FOR TRADE UNIONS ORGANISED ..........................
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THEN MUN TRANSPORT PROBLEMS............. 8
DETAILS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATI® TV SERIES ................... 9
SINGING FINALISTS TAKE TO THE STAGE.......................... 9
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBIT!® FOR ABERDEEN....................... 10
PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.................................. 10
SPEHUPOST SERVICE TO SERVE ALL SOUTH KOREA................... 11
JUNK BAY ROAD CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE WORK....................... 11
HaHT AVENUE CLOSED FOR SEWAGE WORK........................... 12
COTT® TREE DRIVE RESTRICTION ................................ 12
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND BILL GAZETTED *****
THE APPLICATION OF THE INCOME OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WOULD BE SUFFICIENTLY BROAD TO COVER THE FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION, LEARNING AND RESEARCH LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO ENABLE GRANTS OR LOANS TO BE MADE TO EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS BASED IN HONG KONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FUND COMMITTEE, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND BILL 1987 WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY, SIR S.Y. SAID THE APPLICATION OF THE INCOME OF THE FUND WAS DRAWN UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISH OF LADY YOUDE.
THE BILL, WHICH SOUGHT TO FORMALLY CREATE THE FUND BY LEGISLATION, WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (MARCH 11).
SIR S.Y. EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSED TWO-TIER STRUCTURE OF THE FUND, WHICH WOULD COMPRISE A BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND A COUNCIL, WAS MODELLED UPON THAT OF THE WINSTON CHURCHILL MEMORIAL TRUST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+FIRST, THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND WILL BE VESTED IN A BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER AND THREE OTHER MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,+ HE SAID.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO INVEST ANY MONEYS OF THE FUND, TO ENGAGE ANY PROFESSIONAL PERSON OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AS ADVISERS, TO BORROW MONEY AND TO ACCUMULATE ANY INCOME OF THE FUND.
♦SECONDLY, THE POWERS TO DETERMINE ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE APPLICATION OF THE INCOME OF THE FUND AND THE FULFILMENT OF ITS PURPOSES ARE GIVEN TO A COUNCIL, WHICH CONSISTS OF A CHAIRMAN, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER AND FIVE OTHER MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,♦ SIR S.Y. SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF LADY YOUDE AS ONE OF THE FIRST MEMBERS OF BOTH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE COUNCIL.
♦I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT LADY YOUDE HAD INDICATED HER AGREEMENT TO ACCEPT BOTH APPOINTMENTS,+ SIR S.Y. SAID.
ANTICIPATING THAT THE PUBLIC AT LARGE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FUND, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/sir s.y.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1?87
2 -
SIR S.Y. SAID THAT SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SETTING UP OF THE FUND ON DECEMBER 16, 1986 TO COMMEMORATE THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF THE LATE GOVERNOR, PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE FUND HAD BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING AND, WITHIN A MATTER OF TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE DONATIONS RECEIVED AND PLEDGED ALREADY EXCEEDED >75 MILLION.
THANKED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS, AND COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS IN THE COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC AND GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR THE FUND
HE REITERATED THAT FURTHER DONATIONS TO THE FUND WERE ALWAYS WELCOME AND THAT NO AMOUNT WAS TOO SMALL.
SIR S.Y. ALSO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE MASS MEDIA, BOTH THE PRINTED AND THE ELECTRONIC ONES, FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN PUBLICISING THE FUND.
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APPOINTED DAYS DECLARED FOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL *****
ACTION TO CONTAIN THE PROBLEM OF TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION INSIDE THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE MADE A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD WITH THE DECLARATION OF A FIRST APPOINTED DAY (FAD) AND A SECOND APPOINTED DAY (SAD) BY THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (APPOINTED DAYS) ORDER 1987 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DECLARATION OF THESE TWO DATES WERE NECESSARY FOR THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1986 TO TAKE EFFECT IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE.
+THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER IS TO APPOINT DAYS UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE ON WHICH THE PROVISIONS
OF THE ORDINANCE ARE TO APPLY. BY THIS ORDER, THE ACTING GOVERNOR APPOINTS APRIL 1, 1987 AS THE FIRST APPOINTED DAY AND APRIL 1, 1988 AS THE SECOND APPOINTED DAY,+ HE SAID.
♦IN BETWEEN THE FAD AND THE SAD, ALL EXISTING DISCHARGES OR DEPOSITS MUST BE DECLARED TO THE AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO OBTAIN EXEMPTION. IF ANY EXISTING DISCHARGE OR DEPOSIT IS NOT DECLARED, IT WILL BECOME ILLEGAL AFTER THE DECLARATION OF THE SAD. ALL NEW DISCHARGES WILL HAVE TO BE LICENSED AFTER THE FAD.+
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
- 3 -
SEMINAR ON WATER POLLUTION CONTROL NEEDS HELD
*****
MORE THAN 140 INDUSTRIALISTS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ATTENDED AN INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT-ORGANISED SEMINAR TODAY (FRIDAY) ON HOW TO COMPLY WITH WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PHILIP MACKLEY, EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO HELP BUSINESSMEN GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (GENERAL) REGULATIONS.
TOLO HARBOUR IS THE FIRST AREA TO BE DESIGNATED A WATER CONTROL ZONE AND FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR REGULATIONS WILL TAKE EFFECT.
MR MACKLEY SAID THAT THE SEMINAR WOULD BE REPEATED ON MARCH 20 WITH AN EXPECTED TOTAL ATTENDANCE OF ABOUT 140.
SPEAKERS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL BRIEFED THOSE ATTENDING.
AMONG THE SUBJECTS COVERED WERE THE LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL LIQUID EFFLUENTS AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES THEY PLACE ON INDUSTRIALISTS. ALSO OFFERED WAS ADVICE ON PRACTICAL AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE METHODS OF EFFLUENT TREATMENT WHICH HAVE THE BENEFIT OF ALSO PRODUCING ENERGY SAVINGS.
--------o ---------
GOVERNMENT’S HOS MORTGAGE FINANCE IN 1987 *****
SOME 62 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE ACTIVELY PROVIDING MORTGAGE' FINANCE FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME IN 1987.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RESPONSE OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS THIS YEAR’S MORTGAGE EXERCISE WAS EXCELLENT. THEIR COMMITMENT OF FUNDS SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEEDED THE ESTIMATED MORTGAGE FINANCE REQUIREMENT OF $3.4 BILLION, FOR SOME 12 000 FLATS TO BE SOLD THIS YEAR UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS).
+THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS’ FAVOURABLE RESPONSE REFLECTS THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THIS WORTHY SCHEME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BY THE END OF 1986, SOME 70 000 FLATS HAD BEEN SOLD UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES.
/HOS AND
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
HOS AND PSPS FLAT PURCHASERS WHO REQUIRE MORTGAGE FINANCE CAN APPROACH ANY ONE OF THE PARTICIPATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR ASSISTANCE.
A COMPLETE LIST OF THE PARTICIPATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IS AVAILABLE AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE, THIRD FLOOR, LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, JUNCTION ROAD, KOWLOON.
-----o------
’FOSTER RIGHT ATTITUDE ON SAFETY THROUGH YOUTHS’
*****
DESPITE THE CONCERTED EFFORTS MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE RATE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS REMAINED A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE 19TH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, HE NOTED THAT SOME 54 000 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR, WITH A DEATH TOLL OF 91.
♦THESE ACCIDENTS NOT ONLY RESULTED IN HUMAN SUFFERING, HARDSHIP AND WORRIES TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES, THEY ALSO CAUSED A GREAT ECONOMIC LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY.
+T0 FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF MIND FAVOURABLE TO SAFE PRACTICE IN THE WORKPLACE THROUGH YOUNGSTERS WOULD HELP PREVENT SUCH MISFORTUNES.+
HE SAID THAT THE SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT COULD BE DONE TO FOSTER THIS ATTITUDE OF MIND BECAUSE +IT PROVIDES A CHANCE FOR YOUNGSTERS TO DEVELOP THEIR DESIGN TALENT AS WELL AS TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY+.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS MR KENNETH TING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KADER INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED WHICH SPONSORED THE EVENT.
THIS YEAR MORE THAN 350 ENTRIES FROM 52 SCHOOLS WERE RECEIVED.
TOP PRIZE OF $3 000 IN DIVISION A FOR STUDENTS OF POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS WENT TO 10 VAI-HONG OF CARITAS BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS AND THE FIRST PRIZE OF Si 500 IN DIVISION B FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WAS AWARDED TO LAU TIN-WAH OF MARIA COLLEGE.
/there were .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
- 5 -
THERE WERE ALSO TEN CONSOLATION PRIZES OF 5600 EACH FOR DIVISION A AND $300 EACH FOR DIVISION B.
WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE USED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN ITS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES. THEY WILL ALSO BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION BETWEEN MARCH 16 AND 20.
--------0 - -
THREE COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
*****
THREE RESIDENTS WERE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR OUTSTANDING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR PHYSICAL EFFORTS OR INNOVATIVE IDEAS.
AT A CEREMONY AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR ALAN SCOTT, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE TO MR TAM PAK-HUNG, MR WU TING-PANG AND MR CHEUNG HO-YIN.
MR TAM, PRESIDENT OF THE TAM PAK HUNG SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE KENNEDY TOWN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON REGION, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS FINE EXAMPLE TO OTHER ELDERLY PEOPLE IN PARTICIPATING IN VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE AND FOR HIS GENEROUS SUPPORT TO PROJECTS FOR THE YOUNG AND FOR THE ELDERLY.
MR WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY (SOUTH) AREA COMMITTEE, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, WAS RECOGNISED FOR HIS EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTION TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT.
MR CHEUNG, MEMBER OF THE WAN CHAI COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AND IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS WORK IN ESTABLISHING THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE AND FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY BUILDING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN WAN CHAI.
THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION SCHEME FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1982. SO FAR, 35 CITIZENS HAVE RECEIVED THE COMMENDATION.
- - 0 - -
/6
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
6
SIX +GOOD CITIZENS* PRESENTED AWARDS * X X * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON PRESENTED +GOOD CITIZEN* AWARDS TO SIX PUBLIC-SPIRITED RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
THEY ARE MR TSANG CHIU-KWOK, MR MAK SHUN-PONG, MR LEE KWOK-HUNG, MR CHENG SZE-PING, MR WONG CHI-HUNG AND MR NG CHl-WAH.
THEY WERE NAMED +GOOD CITIZENS* BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND STRONG SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY DEMONSTRATED IN HELPING THE POLICE COMBAT CRIME.
--------o----------
DONATION DRIVE TO BOOST SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND * * * * *
TEN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF CHEUNG WAH ESTATE IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL LAUNCH A TWO-DAY DONATION DRIVE STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN SUPPORT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD TOMORROW EVENING AT THE ESTATE’S CENTRAL PLAYGROUND DURING WHICH THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG. THE CHAIRMEN OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL SINGERS WILL MAKE AN APPEAL TO RESIDENTS.
ON SUNDAY MORNING, CHAIRMEN AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE TEN MAC’S WILL ASSEMBLE AT THE COMMON CORRIDOR ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CHEUNG WAH ESTATE TO URGE RESIDENTS TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
DONATION BOXES WILL BE SET UP AT BOTH FUNCTIONS.
SO FAR, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE HAS RECEIVED ABOUT S32O 000, INCLUDING 1200 000 FROM THE FUNG YING SIN KOON, $46 480 FROM RURAL COMMITTEES AND $43 400 FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS.
-----0------
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
7
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT MARINE MOL ICE
******
MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE MARINE POLICE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN TSIM SHA TSUI FOR A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT ITS ORGANISATION AND OPERATION.
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, THE PARTY WAS RECEIVED BY THE REGIONAL COMMANDER MARINE, MR R.L.J. MACDONALD.
AFTER BEING BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE MARINE POLICE, THE GROUP SAW A COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING THE HISTORY OF THE FORCE.
THEY ALSO TOURED THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING TO SEE VARIOUS FACILITIES BEFORE BOARDING A POLICE LAUNCH FOR A FAMILIARISATION TOUR IN HARBOUR WEST.
TODAY’S VISIT, CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS PART OF THE FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO LEARN ABOUT FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
--------o ---------
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR SAI KUNG VILLAGE * * *
AN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IS TO BE INTRODUCED TO ELIMINATE PRESENT TRAFFIC HAZARDS AND ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT THE ENTRANCE TO FUNG ON VILLAGE BY HIRAM’S HIGHWAY IN SAI KUNG.
THE SCHEME, DETAILS OF WHICH ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) WOULD INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE AREA FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING PIG FEED.
LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES OFF THE ROAD NOW CAUSE CONSIDERABLE HAZARDS TO BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS.
THE SCHEME, TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE HlGWAYS DEPARTMENT, WILL INCLUDE PROVISION OF A SMALL CAR PARK AND AN AREA RESERVED FOR THE PIG MANURE BUNKER AND REFUSE COLLECTING ACTIVITIES.
FUNG ON VILLAGE HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 300 AND MANY OF THE VILLAGERS ARE ENGAGED IN PIG FARMING.
THE SCHEME WILL ALSO INVOLVE RESUMPTION OF PORTIONS OF THREE AGRICULTURAL LOTS, BUT NO DOMESTIC STRUCTURES WOULD BE AFFECTED.
OBJECTIONS TO THE SCHEME SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 5.
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/8........
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987 - 8 -
SEMINAR FOR TRADE UNIONS ORGANISED * * * * *
A SEMINAR ON +THE CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON TRADE UNIONS IN THE 9O’S* WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 8) FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AT THE FORMER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
ORGANISED BY THE REGISTRY OF TRADE UNIONS, THE SEMINAR WILL BE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MISS P.K. LAU, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR UNIONS, MR LEE KA I-Ml NG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR.
- - 0 ----------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TUEN MUN TRANSPORT PROBLEMS *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE "ILL MEET 0N M0NDAY (MARCH 9> T0 D,SCUSS ™E DISTRICT’S TRANSPORT PROBLEMS*
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDE THE EXAMINATION OF GREEN J’* SER*|CES IN THE DISTRICT, PROPOSED TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT VARIOUS JUNCTIONS ON THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG CORRIDOR, THE PROPOSED SCHEME TO LICENSE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ON SCHEDULED ROUTES TO CARRY GOODS ON CERTAIN ROUTES, TRAFFIC PROBLEMS NEAR MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND THE NEED FOR CROSSING FACILITIES NEAR THE YAN 01 SWIMMING POOL AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON MONDAY AT 10 AM IN L”L£0NEERENCE R00M 0F THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD.
- - 0 --------
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
9
DETAILS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TV SERIES
*****
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE HARBOUR CITY EXHIBITION CORNER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE JOINT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG-SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TELEVISION SERIES.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (TELEVISION) OF RTHK, MISS MARIA WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
------o -------
SINGING FINALISTS TAKE TO THE STAGE
*****
THE FINAL OF A SINGING CONTEST JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
EIGHTEEN FINALISTS WILL BE COMPETING IN THE POPULAR SONG AND CLASSICAL SONG SECTIONS, WITH MR DOMING LAM AS THE CHIEF ADJUDICATOR.
AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING AT THE CONTEST WILL BE YAU MA TEI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SANDY HO, AND URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR KWAN LIM-HO.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
0 --------
/10........
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
10
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION FOR ABERDEEN ft ft ft ft ft
A MINI-EXHIBITION ON FIRE PREVENTION WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE OPEN SQUARE THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 8) FROM NOON TO 3 PM.
THIS IS THE NINTH IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS DISPLAYED IN DENSELY POPULATED AREA THROUGHOUT HONG KONG. KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE CONSTANT NEED TO PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE PANELS WITH GRAPHICS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING GENERAL FIRE AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION WITH EMPHASIS ON THE DANGERS POSED BY SMOKE.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A FIRE PREVENTION INFORMATION LEAFLET AND GIVEAWAYS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
- - 0 - -
PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ft ft ft ft ft
WINNERS OF THE +THIRD BOOK REVIEW* WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 8). ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY RADIO HONG KONG AND SING TAO LIMITED, THE BOOK REVIEW IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING READING HABITS AND IMPROVING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
MR PAK YEUNG, A TAIWANESE WRITER INVITED TO BE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE CEREMONY, WILL DELIVER A SPEECH. OTHER GUESTS ATTENDING THE FUNCTION INCLUDE THE PANEL OF JUDGES OF THE THIRD BOOK REVIEW PRIZE COMPETITION, FAMOUS LOCAL WRITER AND GUESTS FROM THE CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL SECTORS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE ACADEMY ROOM, HOLIDAY INN HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
11
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO SERVE ALL SOUTH KOREA * * * * *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 27 CITIES IN SOUTH KOREA, WILL BE EXTENDED FROM MONDAY (MARCH 9) TO THE WHOLE OF THE REPUBLIC, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS, AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
- 0 - -
JUNK BAY ROAD CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE WORK
*****
JUNK BAY ROAD BETWEEN KAI TIN ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11.30 PM TO 5.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM MONDAY (MARCH 9) TO MARCH 11 TO ALLOW DRAINAGE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT FOR THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT.
MOTORISTS ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR LAM TIN WILL BE DIVERTED TO KAI TIN ROAD. THOSE ON KAI TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE SHOULD USE JUNK BAY ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD AND HIP WO STREET.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE, KMB ROUTES 15C, 15M AND 16 ON JOURNEYS TO LAM TIN WILL BE DIVERTED TO LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD INSTEAD OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD, JUNK BAY ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD.
BUSES LEAVING LAM TIN WILL BE DIVERTED TO KAI TIN ROAD, LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL ROUTINGS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1987
12
HART AVENUE CLOSED FOR SEWAGE WORK * * * *
A SECTION OF HART AVENUE IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (MARCH 9) FOR ABOUT FIVE DAYS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM DAILY FOR SEWAGE WORK.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
MOTORISTS ON CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI AREA SHOULD USE CAMERON ROAD.
--------o ----------
COTTON TREE DRIVE RESTRICTION M N * * *
THE NORTHERN LOOP ROAD OF COTTON TREE DRIVE IN CENTRAL WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND THE CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 9).
THE RESTRICTION, HOWEVER, WILL NOT APPLY TO THE LAY-BY LOCATED ABOUT 25 METRES NORTH OF THE JUNCTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE WITH LAMBETH WALK.
THE MEASURE, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS, IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIP ROAD OF THE NEW HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY.
--------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL; 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS SHOW GENE-ulL DECREASE............... 1
ATTCivNLY GTMTLAT. LEAVING GN PaGMCTICN TOUR ............. 3
RECLAMATION NCW C..T.T.ED WAN CHAI NORTH ................. 3
KOWLOON CITY STUDENTS SUPPORT YOUTH SUNT ................. 4
ATTAINMENT TISTS TO ASSESS LANGUAGE ABILITY INTRODUCED .... 5
TV SERIES WILL HELF BOOST HAPPY FAMILY LIFE............... 6
NOMINATIONS INVITED KL GOLT CITIZEN AWARD ................ 6
TAI C DENTAL H.T’-UTH PROJECT LAUNCHED.................... 7
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN KuRTH DISTRICT...................... 8
WAN CHAI CHILDREN'S CHOIR INVITES NEW RECRUITS............ 8
S13ONAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TCMCRIiOW.................. 9
TRAFFIC CHANGES HT KOWLOON AND SHEUNG SHUI ............... 9
TR-'kFFIC LEKCUTINGS IN iXWLOGN TONG .................... 10
HIRSH AND SAIT WATER CUTS ............................... 1°
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS SHOW GENERAL DECREASE
*****
THERE WAS A GENERAL DECREASE IN ALL MAJOR CATEGORIES OF TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN THE PERIOD OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) QUARTERLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY).
A TOTAL OF 1 780 COMPLAINTS WERE LODGED WITH THE UNIT DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW COMPARED WITH 1 959 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, WHILE 1 482 WERE RECORDED IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1985.
THE DOWNWARD TREND WAS DUE TO LESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TCU, MR MOHAMMED RUMJAHN, SAID.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES REMAINED THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP OF COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE TCU, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 42 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
A TOTAL OF 171 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED REGARDING THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE. THEY INVOLVED PROPOSALS TO INCREASE THE EXISTING FREQUENCY OF SERVICE OR TO INTRODUCE NEW ROUTES AND EXTEND EXISTING ROUTES.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE INADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE MOSTLY MADE BY COMMUTERS IN AP LEI CHAU AND TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AREA.
IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE INADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICE WERE MAINLY RELATED TO MTR OR KCR FEEDER BUS ROUTES AND EXPRESS BUS ROUTES, MANY OF WHICH SERVE THE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, TSUEN WAN AND TSING Yl.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MADE UP 437 CASES OR 67 PER CENT OF THE CASES INVOLVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
♦THESE COMPLAINTS WERE TAKEN UP INDIVIDUALLY WITH THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS CONCERNED OR WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES (NAMELY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONCERNING IRREGULARITIES IN GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES AND THE POLICE IN RESPECT OF TAXI MALPRACTICES),* MR RUMJAHN SAID.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ERRATIC BUS SERVICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE MAINLY DIRECTED AT BUS ROUTES SERVING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY WERE MAINLY LEVELLED AT EXTERNAL BUS ROUTES IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO AND BUS ROUTES SERVING TSUEN WAN, TSING Yl AND LAI CHI KOK AREA.
/TURNING TO........
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
2
TURNING TO GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, MR RUMJAHN POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT MINIBUSES NOT ADHERING TO APPROVED SCHEDULE OR ROUTING.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE RECEIVED BY THE TCU IN THE QUARTER TOTALLED 184 CASES COMPARED WITH 103 CASES RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE CONCERNED MALPRACTICES AND MISCONDUCT OF TAXI DRIVERS, NAMELY TAXI DRIVERS REFUSING HIRE OR SOLICITING PASSENGERS, NOT TAKING THE MOST DIRECT ROUTING, FAILING TO DRIVE TO DESTINATIONS AND OVERCHARGING.
CONCERNING SEA TRANSPORT, MR RUMJAHN SAID ROUTES OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY DROPPED FROM 37 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 10 CASES IN THE CURRENT QUARTER.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE INADEQUATE CARRYING CAPACITY, CLEANLINESS OF VESSELS AND PASSENGER FACILITIES.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION TOTALLED 300 CASES - 89 CASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 124 CASES IN KOWLOON, 58 CASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 29 CASES IN TUNNELS AND AREAS AFFECTED BY LRT WORKS.
FACTORS WHICH WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES AT KERBSIDE, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, INADEQUATE ROAD CAPACITY, ROAD WORK AND HAWKER OBSTRUCTION. OF ALL CASES CONCERNING VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION CAUSING CONGESTION, 43 PER CENT WERE DIRECTED AT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TOTALLED 78.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION AND ITS RELATED TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME, TRAFFIC FLOW IN TUNG CHAU WEST STREET AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND ROAD FURNITURE DECREASED FROM 204 CASES TO 139 THIS QUARTER. THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, MALFUNCTIONED TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS/AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES WENT DOWN FROM 190 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 161 CASES THIS QUARTER, MAINLY INVOLVING REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, ABANDONED VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC OFFENCES.
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT WAS SET UP UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS. IT OPERATES A 24-HOUR HOTLINE ON 5-776866.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
3
ATTORNEY GENERAL LEAVING ON PROMOTION TOUR *****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, WILL BE LEAVING FOR TORONTO THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING ON A 1O-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA TO PROMOTE HONG KONG.
DURING THE VISIT, MR THOMAS WILL GIVE SPEECHES TO THE ADVOCATES SOCIETY OF ONTARIO IN TORONTO, AND TO THE VANCOUVER CHAPTER OF THE HONG KONG CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
IN BETWEEN THESE TWO APPOINTMENTS, HE WILL ADDRESS THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN NEW YORK, THE INTERNATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE IN WASHINGTON, AND THE HONG KONG BAY AREA ASSOCIATION AND BAR ASSOCIATION OF SAN FRANCISCO.
HIS SPEECHES WILL COVER THE TOPICS OF + HONG KONG IN THE YEARS OF TRANSITION* AND +HONG KONG’S FUTURE LEGAL STATUS*.
MR THOMAS WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MARCH 17. DURING HIS ABSENCE, THE CROWN SOLICITOR, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, WILL BE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL.
- - 0 - -
RECLAMATION NOW CALLED WAN CHAI NORTH
*****
THE VAST WATERFRONT RECLAMATION AREA OF WAN CHAI NOW HAS AN OFFICIAL NAME +WAN CHAI NORTH*.
TO COPE WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE RECLAMATION, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT A PROPER NAME SHOULD BE GIVEN TO IDENTIFY IT WITH THE REST OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID.
THE NAMING OF THE AREA HAD UNDERGONE A PERIOD OF CONSULTATION WITH THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD. WAN CHAI NORTH WAS EVENTUALLY ENDORSED BY BOARD MEMBERS AND ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
often referred to as wan chai reclamation, the area covers ABOUT 38 HECTARES NORTH OF GLOUCESTER AND HARCOURT ROADS AND IS BOUNDED BY KIS TAMAR TO THE WEST AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB, NEAR KELLETT ISLAND, TO THE EAST.
+THE NEW NAME WOULD NOT ENTAIL ANY CHANGES TO THE EXISTING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+WAN CHAI
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
- 4 -
♦WAN CHAI NORTH WILL BE SHARED BY THREE EXISTING CONSTITUENCIES, NAMELY WAN CHAI WEST, WAN CHAI EAST AND CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL.
+THE AREA IS A HIVE OF DAILY ACTIVITY OFTEN ATTRACTING VISITORS TO THE MANY SPLENDID BUILDINGS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE CHINA RESOURCES BUILDING, THE SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, THE GREAT EAGLE CENTRE, THE SHU I ON CENTRE AND THE SOON TO BE COMPLETED EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE,+ HE ADDED.
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KOWLOON CITY STUDENTS SUPPORT YOUDE FUND
* * * *
TWENTY-EIGHT SCHOOLS FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT HAVE DONATED MORE THAN $134 OOO IN SUPPORT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND, BOOSTING DONATIONS THROUGH THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE TO ABOUT $348 000.
THE DONATIONS WERE FROM MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, SCHOOLS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS RESIDENTS.
IN ADDITION, DONATION BOXES PLACED AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CFFICE AT KAU PUI LUNG ROAD AND TWO SUB-OFFICES AT BULKELEY STREET IN HUNG HOM AND HO MAN TIN ESTATE HAVE COLLECTED ABOUT $3 300.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID RESIDENTS COULD CONTINUE TO MAKE DONATIONS AT THESE THREE OFFICES.
ALL DONATIONS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WERE WELCOME, HE ADDED.
/5 .
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
5
ATTAINMENT TESTS TO ASSESS LANGUAGE ABILITY INTRODUCED
*****
TO ASSIST SCHOOLS TO ASSESS THE LANGUAGE ABILITY OF STUDENTS AND TO CHOOSE WHETHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH BE USED AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED A HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE FOR USE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON THE NATURE AND USE OF THE HONG KONG ATTAINMENT (JUNIOR SECONDARY) TESTS AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TODAY (SATURDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID THE TESTS WOULD NOT ONLY ASSIST SCHOOLS IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS, IT WOULD HELP THE DEPARTMENT MONITOR EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AT THE JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL.
MR LI SAID TEST PAPERS HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS IN JULY LAST YEAR AND THEY WERE TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES. HE SAID HE HOPED THESE TESTS WOULD PLAY A SIGNIFICANT PART IN SHOWING THE LANGUAGE PROFILE OF STUDENTS.
♦THE TESTS WERE FURTHER EXTENDED TO COVER THE ASSESSMENT OF LANGUAGE STANDARDS AT THE END OF SECONDARY 1 AND PAPERS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR,+ HE SAID.
LANGUAGE TESTS AT SECONDARY 2 AND 3, AND SIMILAR TESTS IN MATHEMATICS FOR SECONDARY 1 TO 3 WOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED SOON.
MR LI SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS WAS TO HELP ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS PROGRAMMES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
HE URGED ALL SCHOOLS TO ADMINISTER THE TESTS AND THE 400 SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ATTENDING TODAY’S SEMINAR TO COOPERATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S EDUCATION RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT BY SUBMITTING A SPECIFIED SAMPLE OF TEST SCRIPTS FOR ANALYSES EVERY YEAR.
+WITHOUT A MORE SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, TEACHERS WOULD NOT PE CERTAIN WHERE THE WEAKNESSES OF STUDENTS ARE, AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT ANY CHANGES IN THE OVERALL STANDARDS OF THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS — CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS — OVER THE YEARS,+ MR LI SAID.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
6
TV SERIES WILL HELP BOOST HAPPY FAMILY LIFE *****
A SPECIAL TELEVISION SERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION HAS BEEN JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AS HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SERIES IS TO COINCIDE WITH THE MAIN THEME OF THE CAMPAIGN -♦HONOUR YOUR PARENT+.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE THE SPECIAL SERIES ♦UNDER THE LION ROCK--WARM CURRENT+, MRS DOE SAID IT WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING FAMILY MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER MEMBERS, TO DEVOTE MORE CONCERN AND RESPECT TO THEIR PARENTS, IN ORDER TO BUILD A HARMONIOUS AND HAPPY FAMILY.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE TELECAST BETWEEN 9.55 PM AND 10.55 PM ON TVB JADE TOMORROW (SUNDAY), NEXT SUNDAY (MARCH 15), MARCH 29 AND APRIL 12.
MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL ALSO BE HELD AT VARIOUS SPOTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY UNTIL THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
_ _ 0 - -
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR GOOD CITIZEN AWARD
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A LAST CHANCE TO RUN FOR THE +CITI ZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
THE SCHEME, INITIALLY HELD FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER LAST YEAR AS PART OF A CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH THIS YEAR AS A RESULT OF GOOD RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS.
UNDER THE SCHEME, TROPHIES ARE PRESENTED TO AN OUTSTANDING RESIDENT FROM EACH OF THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS ON A MONTHLY BASIS.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID CANDIDATES MUST EITHER LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE DISTRICT, BE TRUSTWORTHY AND KNOW THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A CITIZEN.
/THEY SHOULD
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
THEY SHOULD HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR OWN AREA AND HONG KONG IN GENERAL, AND HAVE COMMENDABLE RECORDS OR HAVE DEMONSTRATED CARE An6 CONCERN FOR OTHERS IN SOME WORTHY WAYS.
THE NOMINATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY CIVIC EDUCATION TEAMS IN THE RESPECTIVE AREAS WHO WILL THEN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO A FINAL SELECTION BOARD FORMED UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MARCH 18. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY.
AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS DURING A SEMINAR ON THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
0
TAI 0 DENTAL HEALTH PROJECT LAUNCHED * * * *
TAI 0 CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY WILL ENJOY TWO MONTHS OF FREE DENTAL SERVICE WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE ORAL HEALTH PROJECT.
THE PROJECT COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN BE GROUPED UNDER TWO CATEGORIES - EDUCATION AND TREATMENT.
THE EDUCATION ASPECT INCLUDES SCHOOL TALKS TO PROVIDE DENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION, COMPETITIONS AND GAMES TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM AND EXHIBITIONS AND PERFORMANCES TO REMIND PEOPLE TO KEEP UP THE EFFORT.
THE TREATMENT PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF DENTAL CHECK-UPS, FILLING, EXTRACTION AND PROVISION OF FALSE TEETH.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROJECT WILL BE A CARNIVAL ON APRIL 11 WHEN WINNING ENTRIES OF VARIOUS COMPETITIONS WILL BE DISPLAYED AND GAMES AND A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE ORGANISED.
DENTAL STUDENTS FROM THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILL GIVE SCHOOL TALKS AND PROVIDE TREATMENT.
THEY WILL ALSO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO LOOK INTO THE NEEDS AND TREATMENT AMONG THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF LANTAU NORTH-WEST HAS PROVIDED FUNDS FOR DENTAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN THE PROJECT.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, YWCA, TAI 0 RURAL COMMITTEE AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE CO-ORGAN ISI NG THE PROJECT.
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/8......
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
8
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT
*****
ABOUT 400 RUNNERS WILL COMPETE IN THE ANNUAL CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE SHEUNG SHU I SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE LOCAL INTERESTS IN SPORTS.
THE RACE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO WOMEN’S AND MEN'S SECTIONS, WITH WOMEN COVERING EIGHT KILOMETRES AND MEN 10 KILOMETRES.
WOMEN PARTICIPANTS WILL START AT 3.15 PM IN KJ NG LING VILLAGE AT THE ENTRANCE OF PING CHE ROAD WHILE THE MEN WILL RUN 15 MINUTES LATER FROM THE SING PING PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TA KWU LING. THEY WILL ALL FINISH AT THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG S MJ I.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT ABOUT 4.45 PM AT THE FINISH POINT. A VOLLEYBALL MATCH AND A PERFORMANCE BY LOCAL BMX BICYCLE TEAM WILL ALSO BE HELD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RACE AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW.
------o-------
WAN CHAI CHILDREN’S CHOIR INVITES NEW RECRUITS * * * *
CHILDREN INTERESTED IN SINGING ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE WAN CHAI CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
ESTABLISHED IN 1982 UNDER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE CHOIR AIMS TO PROMOTE ON INTEREST IN SINGING AND MUSIC AMONG CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT AND TO PROVIDE TRAINING.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE CHOIR HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE DISTRICT AND RECEIVED WARM SUPPORT.
A NEW TRAINING PROGRAMME CONDUCTED ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS WILL START SOON. CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 14, WHO ARE LIVING OR STUDYING IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE CHOIR AFTER AN AUDITION.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY A MONTHLY FEES OF $30.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-742281.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MARCH 21.
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/?......
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1987
9
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TOMORROW * * * *
MORE THAN 250 KWAI TSI NG RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO BE HELD AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE SEMINAR FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED A COURSE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
SPEAKERS WILL BE THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WAI-DART, SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR LEE KIN-CHUNG, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICAC, MR KWAN KWOK-HUNG, AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, MR LEE KANG-SUM.
THE SEMINAR AND TRAINING COURSE ARE ORGANISED BY WORKING GROUPS UNDER A KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEE AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT OFFICE.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON AND SHEUNG SHU I X X * X
TAI HANG TUNG ROAD NORTHWEST BOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 10).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTIONS WITH THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN END OF TONG YAM STREET.
DURING THE HEADING FOR WOH
CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON TAI HANG TUNG ROAD NORTHBOUND CHAI STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO TONG YAM STREET.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES IN WOH CHAI STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR TAI HANG TUNG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI HANG TUNG BUS TERMINUS BEFORE CONTINUING THEIR JOURNEY ON TAI HANG TUNG ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
IN KWUN TONG, THE UNNAMED ROAD OFF SHUNG SHUN STREET LEADING TO SAM KA TSUEN WILL BE DESIGNATED.A PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY. NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA.
IN SHEUNG SHU I, FROM 3 PM ON THE SAME DAY SAN TSOI STREET BETWEEN FU HING STREET AND SAN FAT STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
------o--------
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 19S7
10
TRAFFIC REROUTINGS IN KOWLOON TONG *****
A NUMBER OF ROADS IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE REROUTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 10).
THEY ARE •
* LANCASHIRE ROAD BETWEEN CAMBRIDGE ROAD AND OXFORD ROAD FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND,
* CAMBRIDGE ROAD BETWEEN HAMPSHIRE ROAD AND LANCASHIRE ROAD FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND,
* OXFORD ROAD BETWEEN HAMPSHIRE ROAD AND LANCASHIRE ROAD FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND}
* HAMPSHIRE ROAD FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND,
* MORAY ROAD FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND,
* SELKIRK ROAD FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
0 - -
FRESH AND SALT WATER CUTS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 10) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SAI KUNG TOWN, KAP PIN LONG, SHA KOK MEI AND SAI KUNG POLICE STATION.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, YIM PO FONG STREET, ARGYLE STREET SAI YEE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND ALONG THE SEAFRONT BACK TO JORDAN ROAD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, KARCH 8, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH PAY MESSAGE............................ 1
ACHIEVEMENTS OF YIN NGAI SOCIETIES PRAISED................. 1
TWO CENTRES FOR SHAM SHUT PO ELDERLY PLANNED ............... 2
MORE PEOPLE MEETING MONG KOK BOARD MEMBERS ................. 3
TAXI OPERATORS URGED TO CCUOPERATE DI SURVEY ............... 4
TAXI CONVERSION TABLES READY FOR COLLECTION................. 6
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVE-IENT SCHEME SHOWING RESULTS........... 7
1 OOO ATTEND CHILDREN'S CHOIR CGNCUIT ...................... 8
REFRESHER COURSE FOR NON-Ca.uLU.ATE ENGLISH TEACHERS.... 8
SHA TIN TOWN PARK TO BE COMPLETED BY YEAR END .............. 9
STUDENTS PUT ON CONCERN FOR SOCIETY EXHIBITION ............ 10
OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL CAMPS PLANNED ......................... 11
COMMUNITY BUILD DIG COMMITTEE TO MEET ................... 11
ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ON THE AGENDA .................... 12
SITE HIEPARATICN FOR JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP............... 12
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS TO r^CRM TUESDAY..................... 13
COMMITTEE TO LOCK EITO P.LKETG FRCBILNS ................... 13
ROAD CLOSED FOR BEAM INSTALLATION.......................... 14
SHA TAU KOK ROAD PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED ................. 14
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 19«7
1
QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE *****
FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE, AND IS EMBARGOED UNTIL EARLY TOMORROW (MONDAY) MORN I NGi
+TODAY ALL OF US IN THE COMMONWEALTH ARE CELEBRATING OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THIS GREAT FAMILY OF PEOPLES WHICH REACHES ACROSS OCEANS, LANGUAGES AND RACES. IT INCLUDES MANY WITH DIFFERENT VIEWS AND WAYS OF LIFE BUT ALL OF THEM HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON» THEY HAVE DISCOVERED HOW TO WORK THINGS OUT TOGETHER.
♦ONE OF THE GREAT STRENGTHS OF THE COMMONWEALTH LIES IN ITS ABILITY TO FIND SOLUTIONS BASED ON THE FUNDAMENTAL GOOD WILL OF ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AND ITS WILLINGNESS TO REACH COMPROMISES ON DIFFICULT PROBLEMS.
+ 1 THINK IT IS TRUE TO SAY THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A YOUNG GENERATION MORE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF THE LESS FORTUNATE AMONG YOU AND MORE WILLING TO HELP THEM. IT IS YOU WHO SHOW THAT-THE COMMONWEALTH IS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF POLITICS OR MONEY OR EVEN JUST COMMON SENSE — IT IS A MATTER OF THE HEART.
*SO TODAY, I WOULD ASK ALL OF YOU, WHEREVER YOU MAY BE, TO DO ALL YOU CAN TO HELP THE CAUSE OF HUMAN GOODNESS, TO SHARE WITH OTHERS YOUR ENTHUSIASMS AND VISIONS, YOUR THOUGHTS AND HOPES, AND ABOVE ALL YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
+JUST OVER 50 YEARS AGO MY GRANDFATHER KING GEORGE V SAID TO THE YOUTH OF HIS DAY 'BE READY AND PROUD TO GIVE TO YOUR COUNTRY THE SERVICES OF YOUR WORK, YOUR MIND AND YOUR HEART’. TODAY I ASK YOU TO GIVE THEM ALSO TO THE COMMONWEALTH.*
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ACHIEVEMENTS OF YIN NGAI SOCIETIES PRAISED * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AND THANKED THEM FOR THEIR RECENT SUPPORT FOR THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES SOME SIX YEARS AGO, THERE HAS BEEN MARKED DEVELOPMENT IN THEIR ACTIVITIES MAINLY DUE TO THE’ EFFORTS OF THE YIN NGAI MEMBERS.
THE MESSAGE WAS CONVEYED TO THE YIN NGAI MEMBERS BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MRS CARRIE YAU, AT THE SOCIETIES’ ANNUAL SPRING GATHERING.
/TUf NOAI .......
scow, jukch a, 1987
2
YIN NGAI SOCIETIES ARE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS FORMED TO PROVIDE AVENUES FOR HOUSEWIVES TO GET TOGETHER, EXCHANGE VIEWS IN HOUSECRAFT, HELP ONE ANOTHER AND BETTER USE THEIR SPARE TIME.
IN THE EARLY DAYS, THESE ASSOCIATIONS WERE MAINLY SET UP IN NEW TOWNS, WHERE HOUSEWIVES WERE FACING BOREDOM AND INVOLUNTARY ISOLATION IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT WITH UNFAMILIAR NEIGHBOURS.
SINCE THE YIN NGAI MOVEMENT BEGAN IN 1981, IT HAS SPREAD FROM THE NEW TOWNS INTO THE URBAN AREAS AND THEIR OBJECTIVES HAVE EXPANDED FROM PROMOTING WOMEN’S WELFARE TO ENCOURAGING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 30 YIN NGAI SOCIETIES WITH ABOUT 4 000 MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND A CENTRAL COUNCIL WAS FORMED IN 1985 TO MAINTAIN THE SOLIDARITY OF THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AS THE ORGANISATION GROWS.
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TWO CENTRES FOR SHAM SHU I PO ELDERLY PLANNED * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO BOOST FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHU I PO BY SETTING UP A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY ON THE SHAM SHU I PO RECLAMATION AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT TAI PO ROAD IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THESE PROJECTS IS WELL UNDERWAY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1988-89.
THE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, LOCATED AT 70 TAI PO ROAD, WILL BE OPERATED ON A NEIGHBOURHOOD BASIS TO MEET THE RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY IN THE AREA.
THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, WITH FACILITIES AND SERVICES EQUIVALENT TO TWO SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, WILL BE HOUSED IN THE SHAM SHU I PO COMMUNITY CENTRE OFF THE WESTERN KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
THIS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING HOME HELP, COUNSELLING, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, CANTEEN, FACILITIES FOR LAUNDRY, BATHING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION ON A DISTRICT BASIS.
/THE spokesman .......
SOKM, WEIGH 8, f$87
- 3 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THE COMPLETION OF THESE CENTRES, THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN SHAM SHU I PO, INCLUDING THOSE FROM NAM CHEONG AREA, WOULD FIND MORE PLACES TO ENJOY THEMSELVES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO AIMING AT SETTING UP TWO MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND A HOSTEL FOR THE AGED IN THE DISTRICT WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE ONE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, EIGHT SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, THREE SOCIAL CLUBS, TWO AGED HOSTELS, ONE AGED HOME, ONE AGED HOME FOR THE BLIND, AND ONE TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR AGED WOMEN IN SHAM SHU I PO AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.
VARIOUS SERVICES UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT, PROVIDE THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS ASSISTANCE IN HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT.
BESIDES, OUTREACH ING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE OFTEN RENDERED IN CASE OF NEED.
MEANWHILE, ANYONE INTERESTED IN WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHU I PO MAY CALL THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT WELFARE OFFICE ON 3-7209294.
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MORE PEOPLE MEETING MONG KOK BOARD MEMBERS
*****
MORE AND MORE MONG KOK RESIDENTS ARE SEEKING ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE FROM DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
IN THE PAST 10 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY, 238 COMPLAINTS CASES WERE HEARD BY MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN ITS MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME, AVERAGING ALMOST 24 CASES A MONTH.
♦THE FIGURE REPRESENTS A 24 PER CENT INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR,+ DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, SAID TODAY.
MOST COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS, ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES, BUILDING MANAGEMENT, HAWKERS AND MARKETS FACILITIES. THESE ACCOUNTED FOR MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF CASES HEARD.
OTHER CASES WERE MOSTLY ON TENANCY DISPUTES, GRIEVANCES ON SOCIAL SERVICES, COMPLAINTS ON PUBLIC OFFICERS, OR COUNSELLING ON SUCH PERSONAL MATTERS AS IMMIGRATION, LABOUR DISPUTES AND CRIMINAL RECORDS.
/+WE FEEL ......
SUHLAY, MASCK 8, 1^8?
♦WE FEEL OUR EFFORTS ARE BEING RECOGNISED WHEN MORE PEOPLE COME TO CONFIDE TO US ABOUT THEIR PROBLEMS.
♦ALSO, WE ARE GLAD THAT PEOPLE ARE ADOPTING A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS IMPROVING THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS, INSTEAD OF SITTING BACK AND BEING NONCHALANT TOWARDS THE SITUATION,* HE SAID.
MR CHOW SAID THE SCHEME HAD DEVELOPED FROM A MODEST ATTEMPT AT A VITAL LINK BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE PUBLIC OVER THE YEARS.
THE MEET THE PUBLIC SESSION IS HELD EVERY THURSDAY IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY TWO BOARD MEMBERS ON A ROSTER. A MAXIMUM OF 12 CASES ARE HANDLED AT EACH SESSION.
WHILE NOTING THE POPULARITY OF THE SERVICE, MR CHOW, HOWEVER, STRESSED THAT THEY WERE NOT COMPLACENT WITH THE SUCCESS.
PRESENTLY A LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME IS BEING LAUNCHED TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE SCHEME.
COPIES OF A NEWLY-DESIGNED POSTER AND APPOINTMENT CARDS ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDINGS AND ORGANISATIONS TO ADVERTISE THE SERVICE. SHOW WINDOWS OF THE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES AND NOTICE BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT ARE DISPLAYING MESSAGES OF THE SCHEME.
+WE URGE MORE PEOPLE TO BRING FORTH THEIR PROBLEMS AND VIEWS TO US SO THAT THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM IMPROVEMENTS MADE,* MR CHOW SAID.
RESIDENTS CAN EITHER PHONE IN OR WRITE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET BOARD MEMBERS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-809731.
- - 0 - -
TAXI OPERATORS URGED TO CO-OPERATE IN SURVEY X X X X X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS URGED TAXI OPERATORS TO CO-OPERATE IN A LARGE-SCALE SURVEY ON THE OPERATIONS OF BOTH URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
THE SURVEY COVERS THE ENTIRE FLEET OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WHILE ONE IN EVERY FOUR URBAN TAXIS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FOR THE EXERCISE, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+IT IS
S.'ffiMY, MARCH 8, T?87
- 5
*IT IS IMPORTANT FOR TAXI OPERATORS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY AS IT WILL HELP THE DEPARTMENT ASSESS CORRECTLY THE OPERATING CONDITIONS OF THE TRADE> THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, ADDING THAT INFORMATION COLLECT-', wOL_D BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WOULD ONLY BE USED IN STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE SURVEY CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS. FIRST, TAXI OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL IN A QUESTIONNAIRE ON THEIR OPERATIONS WHICH INCLUDE SUCH ITEMS AS OPERATING HOURS, DRIVERS’ WAGES AND FUEL AND MAINTENANCE COSTS.
SECOND, OPERATORS HAVE TO PRESENT THEIR TAXIS TWICE FOR A METER-READING SURVEY ON SPECIFIED DATES.
the first meter-reading exercise for NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WAS COMPLETED ON MARCH 3 AND 4 AND THE SECOND IS SET TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10 AND 11) FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED NEW TERRITORIES TAXI OPERATORS TO COME FOR THE SECOND METER-READING AT ANY OF THE CENTRES LISTED
X TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG
X TAI HING ESTATE, TUEN MUN
X TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO
X Yl CHUN STREET, SAI KUNG
X CHOI YUEN ROAD, SHEUNG S HU I
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ADDITIONAL MANPOWER WOULD BE DEPLOYED AT THE POPULAR CENTRES TO SHORTEN THE WAITING TIME FOR METERREADING.
MEANWHILE, METER-READINGS FOR URBAN TAXIS WILL BE TAKEN BETWEEN MARCH 23 AND 27 AND BETWEEN MARCH 30 AND APRIL 3 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SEVEN METER READING CENTRES FOR URBAN TAXIS ARE:
X CAR PARK OUTSIDE TIN KWONG ROAD DRIVING TEST CENTRE
X PITT STREET NEAR KWONG WAH HOSPITAL
X TAXI STAND AT PO ON ROAD OPPOSITE SO UK ESTATE
/* STADIUM .......
SUHDAT, MARCH 8, 1987
* STADIUM PATH NEAR SO KON PO VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE
* TAXI STAND AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI
X TAXI STAND AT TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER AND
* LEK YUEN STREET NEAR FUN CITY, SHA TIN.
A SIMILAR SURVEY WOULD BE CONDUCTED ON LANTAU TAXIS IN MAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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TAXI CONVERSION TABLES READY FOR COLLECTION
* * * * *
CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING EXISTING URBAN TAXI FARES AS AGAINST THE NEW FARE SCALE DUE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON MARCH 15 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY TAXI OPERATORS FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 10). THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE TABLES ALSO SHOW THE NEW SURCHARGES FOR LUGGAGE, BIRDS AND ANIMALS AND RADIO CALL, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED IN URBAN AS VELL AS NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS AS FROM THE SAME DATE.
URBAN TAXI OPERATORS MAY COLLECT THE TABLES AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES OR THE PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION AT ROOM 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THESE TABLES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS CF ALL URBAN DISTRICT OFFICES AND OF THE SHA TIN, KWAI TSING AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICES.
FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXI OPERATORS, NOTICES OF THE NEW TAXI SURCHARGES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LICENSING OFFICES, THE PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS OF ALL NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES EXCEPT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE FROM TUESDAY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED TAXI OPERATORS TO BRING ALONG THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WHEN COLLECTING THE CONVERSION TABLES OR NOTICES.
HE ALSO ADVISED THEM TO DISPLAY THE TABLES AND NOTICES AS APPROPRIATELY AS POSSIBLE IN THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THEIR METERS ARE RECALIBRATED.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
7
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME SHOWING RESULTS
***** fi
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPENT MORE THAN $300 000 IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT ACCORDING TO A REVIE- OF THE WORK OF ITS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE.
APART FROM LAUNCHING ANTI-POLLUTION CAMPAIGNS AND A SERIES CF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN INITIATING PROGRAMMES TO CLEAR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS IN BACK LANES AND STREETS.
FOUR VILLAGES - SHEK 0, TELEGRAPH BAY IN POK FU LAM. AND SAN WAI AND KAU WAI IN WONG CHUK HANG - WERE SURVEYED UNDER THE1' COMMITTEE’S COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
IN-DEPTH STUDIES HAVE ALSO BEEN CONDUCTED TO LOOK INTO BASIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE VILLAGES AND MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET DEMANDS WERE RECOMMENDED.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID WORKS SUCH AS REPAIR CF FOOTPATHS, ACCESSES AND DRAINS, AND PROVISION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AND RAIN SHELTERS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL CONDITION IN THESE AREAS.
♦CONDITIONS IN 17 SQUATTER AREAS HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPROVED SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1982,+ HE ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO INSTRUMENTAL IN SOLVING URGENT LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE DEPARTMENT. IN THE PAST YEAR, THE COMMITTEE COMPLETED 22 SUCH PROJECTS, MOSTLY IN SQUATTER AREAS.
THESE INCLUDED THE RESURFACING OF A WATER NULLAH IN KAU WAI VILLAGE, REPAIRING OF FOOTPATH AND FOOTSTEPS IN PEEL RISE VILLAGE, AND THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS AT TAI TAM TUK VILLAGE AND POSTAL NEST BOXES IN WONG CHUK HANG PATH VILLAGE.
POLLUTION OF THE HEUNG YIP ROAD NULLAH AND THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER WERE ALSO MATTERS OF CONCERN. THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A THOROUGH SURVEY LATER THIS YEAR TO INVESTIGATE MEASURES TO CONTROL POLLUTION OF THE NULLAH. 1
TO STEP UP PUBLIC EDUCATION, THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE DISTRIBUTED GARBAGE BAGS CARRYING THE +KEEP HONG KONG WATERS CLEAN* MESSAGE TO BOAT DWELLERS AND FISHING VESSELS IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER. R
A REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR FISHING VESSELS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR ACHIEVED ENCOURAGING RESULTS AND THE COMMITTEE p DECIDED THAT SUCH SERVICES SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT DURING OTHER MAJOR CHINESE FESTIVALS WHEN MOST FISHING VESSELS RETURNED TO THE TERRITORY.
- 0--------
t
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
8
1 000 ATTEND CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT
*****
ABOUT 1 000 PEOPLE WERE TREATED TO DELIGHTFUL PERFORMANCES BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT ITS ANNUAL CONCERT THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ALSO TOOK PART AND SANG THE +KOWLOON CITY SONG+ WITH THE CHOIR DURING THE CONCERT WHICH WAS HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
THE CHOIR SANG A WIDE RENDITION OF SONGS INCLUDING FOLK SONGS, HYMNS AND CLASSICAL MUSIC. THE CONCERT WAS FOLLOWED BY A GATHERING FOR PARENTS AND INSTRUCTORS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE CHILDREN’S STANDARD IN MUSIC.
THE CHOIR WITH 70 MEMBERS, AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 16, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1982 WITH SUPPORT FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MUSIC OFFICE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS.
ITS AIM IS TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN MUSIC AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF MUSIC THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND PERFORMANCES.
TODAY’S EVENT WAS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA TONG, AND URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR PAO PING-WING, OFFICIATED AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
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REFRESHER COURSE FOR NON-GRADUATE ENGLISH TEACHERS
*****
THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS CF ENGLISH TO ATTEND TWO IDENTICAL REFRESHER COURSES WHICH WILL INCLUDE AN OVERSEAS LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING PROGRAMME IN BRITAIN.
THE 16-WEEK FULL-TIME REFRESHER COURSES’ EACH LIMITED TO 5D PARTICIPANTS, ARE TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH PRESENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT IN LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TO STRENGTHEN THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS. THE FIRST COURSE WILL START IN SEPTEMBER. NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
/PARTICIPANTS .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
- 9 -
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO NEW PERSPECTIVES IN LANGUAGE LEARNING SO THAT THEIR REPERTORY OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES MAY BE IMPROVED.
THEY WILL NOT ONLY BE DEVELOPING THEIR ABILITY TO CREATE TEACHING MATERIALS BUT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE COURSES WILL BE FOLLOWED BY RESIDENTIAL INTENSIVE COURSES IN HONG KONG BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY NEXT YEAR AND IN BRITAIN BETWEEN JULY AND AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, TEACHERS WILL BE ISSUED A TEACHER REFRESHER COURSE CERTIFICATE.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO PUT FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE HAD AT LEAST FIVE YEARS POST-QUALIFICATION TEACHING EXPERIENCE, HAVE NOT ATTENDED A FULL-TIME REFRESHER COURSE FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS, AND HAVE DEVOTED AT LEAST 50 PER CENT OF THEIR TEACHING TIME TO THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH DURING THE LAST TWO ACADEMIC YEARS.
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SHA TIN TOWN PARK TO BE COMPLETED BY YEAR END * * * * *
THE SHA TIN TOWN PARK WILL BECOME A MAJOR ATTRACTION FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NEW TOWN AND THE URBAN AREAS WHEN IT IS FULLY COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $9 MILLION CONTRACT TO ENABLE REMAINING BUILDING WORK TO BE COMPLETED IN THE PARK.
TAKING SHAPE BETWEEN SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE AND THE NORTH BANK CF THE SHING MUN RIVER, THE WESTERN HALF OF THE PARK WILL HOLD ITS FIRST FUNCTION - THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW - FROM MARCH 14 TO 17 AND THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BY MID-1987.
THE BLEND OF OLD AND NEW, FORMALITY AND FUN, AND TRANQUILITY AND SHEER HIGH SPIRITS WILL BE THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE EIGHT-HECTARE PARK WHICH WILL COST NEARLY $70 MILLION TO CONSTRUCT.
IN ADDITION TO VARIOUS MODERN FACILITIES, IT WILL INCORPORATE AN ABERDEEN-BUILT JUNK THAT WILL NEVER SAIL ANYWHERE, A SECTION OF THE +GREAT WALL OF CHINA+, TWO FORTS, WATERFALLS AND A BRIGHT YELLOW PLASTIC +BANDSTAND+ FROM THE UNITED STATES.
/DIVIDED INTO........
SUNDAY, MAUCH 8, 198?
10
DIVIDED INTO SIX AREAS, THE PARK WILL BE VERY MUCH A PLACE FOR EXPLORING, WITH ONE AREA LEADING TO ANOTHER BUT WITH THE THEME AND EMPHASIS QUITE DIFFERENT IN EACH SECTION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PROMENADE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PARK BY THE RIVERSIDE FOR EARLY-MORNING JOGGERS AND EVENING STROLLERS.
A COMPUTER-CONTROLLED IRRIGATION SYSTEM WILL BE PROVIDED TO WATER ALL GARDENS AT NIGHT WHEN THE PARK IS EMPTY.
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STUDENTS PUT ON CONCERN FOR SOCIETY EXHIBITION *****
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION DEMONSTRATING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERN FOR SOCIETY WILL BE HELD AT THE SHUN TAK CENTRE FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 12).
ENTITLED +WE LOVE OUR HOME+, THE EXHIBITION IS PREPARED BY STUDENTS OF 13 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTR ICT.
A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS WILL BE PRESENTED IN AN IMAGINATIVE MANNER. THESE INCLUDE CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORKS, YOUTH’S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED, IRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND THE PLAGUE OF WAR AND FAMINE.
AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR A COMMUNITY PROJECT KNOWN AS THE +CIVIC EDUCATION SUITE+, THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE BOARD AND THE SHUN TAK ENTERPRISES CORPORATION LIMITED.
+IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE STUDENTS INVOLVED IN A COMMUNITY PROJECT AS THE EXPERIENCE AND SATISFACTION THEY GET WILL INCREASE THEIR ENTHUSIASM TO SERVE SOCIETY IN FUTURE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID.
+THEY WILL ALSO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER STUDENTS LESS INTERESTED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,* HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ICAC.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE SHUN TAK CENTRE FROM 1.30 PM TO 7 PM ON THURSDAY, FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM ON FRIDAY AND FROM 10 AM UNTIL 5 PM ON SATURDAY.
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/11........
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
11
OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL CAMPS PLANNED * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SERIES OF OUTDOOR CAMPS FOR ABOUT 6 500 UNDERPRIVILEGED SCHOOL CHILDREN AND CHILDREN FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THE PROJECT IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A $100 000 ALLOCATION FROM THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THE CAMPS AIM TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION OF SCHOOL SUBJECTS UNDER CAMPING SITUATION AND TO PROVIDE SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL LIVING IN A NATURAL OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT.
CAMPS WILL BE HELD AT 10 SITES INCLUDING GAUDETE HOUSE AT CHEUNG CHAU, SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP, YWCA YOUTH CAMP, WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE, MA WAN YOUTH CAMP, SUEN DOUH CAMP, PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP, HIGH ROCK CHRISTIAN CENTRE, BGCA BRADBURY CAMP IN SAI KUNG AND POKFULAM PHAB CENTRE.
- - 0 -
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET
*****
A REVIEW OF GUIDELINES FOR THE GRANT OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WILL BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN ORGANISING COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN 1986-87 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL PLANS TO PROMOTE DISTRICT CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES IN 1987-88.
OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE NOTICE BOARDS AND THE PLACING OF ADVERTISEMENT IN THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER IN 1987-88.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
- - 0 - -
/12
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
12
ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ON THE AGENDA * * * *
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS PROPOSED ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AT FUK MAN ROAD IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DELIBERATE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK IN THE TOWN.
A PROPOSAL TO TRIM SLOPES ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL ALSO EE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS-.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - 0 - -
SITE PREPARATION FOR JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP *****
SITE PREPARATION FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP WILL START IN MAY TO PROVIDE A FURTHER 30 HECTARES CF RECREATIONAL LAND.
WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A ONE-KILOMETRE-LONG CATCHWATER, A 150-METRE BOX CULVERT AND 600 METRES OF SEAWALL.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE CONTROLLED TIPPING WHICH CONSISTS OF SPREADING AND COMPACTING REFUSE IN LAYERS, COVERING EACH LAYER WITH EARTH AS TIPPING PROCEEDS.
>^,t,.TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DISPOSAL OF REFUSE WILL BEGIN IN EARLY 1989. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONTROL TIP WILL REACH ITS FULL CAPACITY IN SIX YEARS.
- - 0 - -
/T3
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
13
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS TO PERFORM TUESDAY
*****
SEVENTEEN WINNING TEAMS OF THE 16TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST
WILL PERFORM AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON TUESDAY (MARCH 10)
DURING THE TWO-HOUR SPECIAL, WINNERS WILL PERFORM VARIOUS TYPES OF DANCES INCLUDING WESTERN, ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL AND MODERN.
THE GROUPS, SELECTED FROM 98 DANCING TEANS THAT TOOK PART IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE CONTEST IN JANUARY, WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED PRIZES THAT EVENING.
THE 16TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE THE ACTING DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, PR. GREGORY LEUNG, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. EDDY CHAN, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR. POON CHI-FA I, CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES) KOWLOON EAST, MR. JOHNNY WOO, AND THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG ARTS ASSOCIATION, MRS. NG CHU LIN-FUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE AT 7.30 PM ON TUESDAY IN THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
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COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO PARKING PROBLEMS * * * *
CAR PARKING PROBLEMS ALONG ROUTE TWISK WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REQUEST BY A TSUEN WAN WEST AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR THE RE-ROUTING OF KMB BUS ROUTE 39A TO MEET THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
/IN ADDITION, .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1987
- 14 -
IN ADDITION, A PROGRESS REPORT ON WORKS OF MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WILL BE TABLED.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT IQ AM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
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ROAD CLOSED FOR BEAM INSTALLATION KO#
THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 10) TO MARCH 15 BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM DAILY FOR BEAM INSTALLATION WORK.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI NAN WEST STREET TO CHEUNG SHUN STREET.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TAI NAN WEST STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR MEI FOO OR KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DIVERTED TO TAI NAN WEST STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD . LEFT TURN FROM TAI NAN WEST STREET NORTHBOUND TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED.
------0--------
SHA TAU KOK ROAD PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED * * * *
THE ON-STREET GOODS
VEHICLE AND PRIVATE CAR PARKING SPACES
IN SHA TAU KOK ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 11).
t.u ™ESE PA?K,NG SPACES ARE LOCATED AT THE NORTHERN SIDE OF SHA wn c2nKR0AD (SHEK CHUNG AU) BETWEEN THE CROSS BORDER LINK ROAD AND SHUN LUNG STREET.
ISTS CAN MAKE USE OF THE NEW PUBLIC CAR PARK AT THE ^™ERN SHA TAU K0K R0AD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CROSS
dUKDcK LINK ROAD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY .. 1
DECEMBER, 1986 PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAI. TRADE ... 2
OUTREaCHING service PRIORITY AREaS to be reviewed .......... 7
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT......................... 8
CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ............................... 8
TOWN PARK, SITTING-OUT AREAS TO BE BUILT ................... 9
LABOUR RELATIONS SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED ....................... 9
NEW SET OF POSTAGE DUE LABELS OUT MARCH 2? ................. 10
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ................. 11
APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS TO BE CONSIDERED .................. 12
FORUM TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS ORGANISED .................. 1?
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN WaN CHaI........... 15
DINNER TRE..T FOR 500 MONG KOK ELDERLY...................... 14
DISCUSSION ON PRESERVING SaI KUNG FOLK SONGS................ 14
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HUNG HOM ........................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................ 15
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURAL
*
SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE THE INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT TO FACILITATE THE PROGRESS OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY FROM THE RELATIVELY LOW VALUE-ADDED, ASSEMBLY-INTENSIVE PHASE TO THE DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING OF MORE SPECIALISED, DIFFERENTIATED AND MINIATURISED ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR HO SAID THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS NOW AT A THRESHOLD OF A NEW ERA.
♦there are challenges, no doubt, but there are also tremendous
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION.*
MR HO SAID GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE EXISTING INDUSTRY, WITH ITS DEPENDENCE ON ASSEMBLY WORK AND THE APPARENT DIFFICULTY IT NOW HAD IN RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY ON THE ONE HAND, THE REALITIES OF OUR HEAVILY EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY AND OUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILL IN DIVERSIFYING WITHIN THE RANGE OF CONSUMER-ORIENTED LIGHT INDUSTRIES ON THE OTHER, A REALISTIC AIM FOR THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY MIGHT BE TO BREAK AWAY FROM ASSEMBLY-INTENSIVE WORK AND TO MOVE TOWARDS PRODUCT SPECIALISATION.
♦THIS BREAK-THROUGH calls for four basic elements,* he said.
♦FIRST, THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD INDUSTRIAL AND MECHANICAL DESIGN SERVICES, WHICH ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDED. TO SOME EXTENT, BY THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY LTD. AND THE RANGE OF MECHANICAL DESIGN SERVICES Of THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
♦SECOND, THE AVAILABILITY OF PRECISION-METAL AND PLASTICS PARTS. THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IS BEING FUNDED TO PROVIDE AN IMPROVED METALS DEVELOPMENT SERVICE.
♦ THIS MEASURE, COUPLED WITH THE NEW COURSES FUN BY THE PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WILL GO SOME WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING THE CAPABILITY OF OUR METALS FABRICATION AND L IG HT .ENG I NEER I NG INDUSTRIES IN THEIR SUPPORT OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
♦THIRD, THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONALLY TRACEABLE PRIMARY PHYSICAL STANDARDS BY THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY.
/+ FOU R7H, ENCOURAG EMENT
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
- 2 -
♦FOURTH, ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES RELEVANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NAMELY APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS (ASIC) DESIGN AND SURFACE MOUNTING*.
MR HO SAID IN RECOGNITION OF THE EMERGENCE OF ASIC AND THE NEED FOR SKILLED ASIC DESIGN ENGINEERS, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE LAUNCHING A SCHEME FOR THE TRAINING OF ENGINEERS IN ASIC DESIGN.
+UNDER THIS SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE, THROUGH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, A TRAINING GRANT TO ASSIST WITH THE COST OF OVERSEAS TRAINING IN THIS FIELD.*
AS REGARDS SURFACE MOUNTING, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY AIMED AT ESTABLISHING THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY (SMT) FOR HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURERS AND THE MEASURES THEY WOULD NEED TO TAKE TO OVERCOME THE INEVITABLE INITIAL PROBLEMS OF APPLYING THIS TECHNOLOGY, MR HO SAID.
HE SAID THAT WHILE IT WAS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT MORE THAN TWO DOZEN COMPANIES HAD ACQUIRED EITHER A ASIC DESIGN CAPABILITY OR SURFACE MOUNTING TECHNIQUES, THE WHOLE INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE TO RESPOND AND WORK TOGETHER TO BREAK THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS BEFORE FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT COULD BE ACHIEVED.
------0--------
DECEMBER, 1986 PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE * * * * *
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 16 PER CENT IN THE YEAR OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH 1985, WHILE THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT. THERE WAS THUS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN 1986.
IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, BOTH THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS PRICES ALSO INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 5 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) FOR 1986 AS A WHOLE DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT,
/COMPARING DECtMBSR
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
- 3 -
COMPARING DECEMBER 1986 WITH DECEMBER 1985, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT AND 18 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR THE MONTH REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED, AS COMPARED WITH A DECREASE RECORDED FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO A PICK UP IN THE RATE OF INCREASE IN EXPORT PRICES TOWARDS THE END OF 1986.
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 WHl CH SPEC IFI CAT I ON PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED. THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TOGETHER WITH OTHER STATISTICAL TABLES BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS SHOWN THEREIN INCREASED IN 1986 AS COMPARED WITH 1985. THESE INCLUDED WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+7 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT)’ CLOTHING (+2 PER CENT)5 FOOTWEAR (+1 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+1 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE REGISTERED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-8 PER CENT)*’ METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-6 PER CENT)’ DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-4 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FABRICS (-1 PER CENT). PRICES OF METAL MANUFACTURES AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING TEXTILE FABRICS (+47 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+26 PER CENT). NEVERTHELESS, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-26 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-6 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-4 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
/AS SHOWN
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
_ 4 -
AS SHOWN IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN 1986 AS COMPARED WITH 1985, RANGING FROM 3 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 16 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 33 PER CENT, WHILE THE IMPORT PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS REMAINED UNCHANGED.
IMPORTS OF MANY MAJOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME IN 1986 COMPARED WITH 1985. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS? LIVE POULTRY AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR AS WELL AS SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING WATCHES; CLOTHING AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AS WELL AS HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE IN 1986 COMPARED WITH 1985, INCLUDING DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS! COTTON YARN AND THREAD; PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS AS WELL AS PAPER AND PAPERBOARD. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN BASE METALS, EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AS WELL AS WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT IN VOLUME IN 1986 AS COMPARED WITH 1985.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITIES DECREASED IN 1986 OVER 1985, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES. HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR TEXTILE MACHINERY AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, RANGING FROM 17 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES TO 176 PER CENT FOR FUELS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 20 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DECEMBER 1986 ISSUE OF +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS* AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT HK$2.50 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, ON 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-823^918.
/Table 1: .......
5
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
Table 1; Increases in domestic exports by commodity group
Comparing Jan-Dec with Jan-Dec 1986 1985 Comparing with December December 1986 1985
Commodity group Value % Unit Value Volume % % Unit Value Value Volume % % %
Clothing 16 2 14 16 8 7
Textile fabrics 46 -1 47 44 3 39
Textile yarn and thread 26 * 26 22 5 16
Textile made-ups and related articles 12 4 8 14 10 4
Radios of all kinds 16 -8 27 46 -5 54
Electronic components -3 1 -4 -17 -4 -13
Footwear 16 1 15 -5 1 -6
Metal manufactures 16 * 16 23 7 15
Metal ores and scrap -30 -6 -26 -12 5 -16
Watches and clocks 25 7 17 19 5 13
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles * 7 -6 -4 6 -10
Domestic electrical appliances 7 -4 12 34 * 34
ALL COMMODITIES 19 2 16 25 5 18
Notes: * Insignificant, i.e. less than 0.5%
Percentage changes are calculated from trade indexes taken to more decimal places than those to be published in the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers". They may therefore differ from the percentage changes to be computed from the published figures.
/Table 2: .......
6
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
Table 2; Increases in imports by end-use category
Comparing Jan-Dec with Jan-Dec 1986 1985 Comparing with December December 1986 1985
End-use category Value % Unit Value Volume % % Unit Value Value % % Volume %
Foodstuffs 13 * 13 7 3 4
Consumer goods 28 9 17 29 8 20
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 23 3 19 27 6 20
Fuels -20 -33 20 -45 -37 -12
Capital goods 9 16 -6 35 10 23
ALL COMMODITIES 19 5 14 24 5 18
Table 3: Increases in re-exports by end -use category
Comparing Jan-Dec with Jan-Dec 1986 1985 Comparing with December December 1986 1985
End-use category Value % Unit Value Volume % % Unit Value Value % % Volume %
Foodstuffs 35 2 32 10 2 8
Consumer goods 29 4 24 50 4 44
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 15 -2 17 31 1 30
Fuels 86 -33 • 176 38 -35 112
Capital goods -12 10 -20 13 7 6
ALL COMMODITIES 16 2 14 33 3 29
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/7
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
7
OUTREACHING SERVICE PRIORITY AREAS TO BE REVIEWED
*****
A MONITORING GROUP WILL BE SET UP JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO REVIEW THE CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATING PRIORITY AREAS FOR OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.
THIS WAS THE DECISION REACHED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) TO CONSIDER THE EVALUATION STUDY OF THE SERVICE CONDUCTED BY DR AGNES NG OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE MONITORING GROUP WILL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE WHICH WILL THEN DECIDE ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE OUTREACHING TEAMS AND TO WHAT AREAS THE SERVICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED.
THE COMMITTEE, IN RECOGNISING THE USEFULNESS OF OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE, SAW THE NEED TO EXAMINE ITS ROLE IN THE TOTAL PERSPECTIVE OF VARIOUS YOUTH SERVICES.
IT ALSO CONSIDERED THAT THERE SHOULD BE CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THIS SERVICE AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.
regarding the target group for this service, the committee felt THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO CATER FOR YOUNG PERSONS IN THE 6-24 AGE GROUP, BUT WITH SPECIAL FOCUS for THOSE BETWEEN 8 AND 17.
TO IMPROVE THE SUPERVISION OF THE OUTREACHING TEAMS, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE ONE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (SWO) SUPERVISING THREE TEAMS TOTALLING 30 WORKERS INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING RATIO OF ONE SWO TO FOUR TEAMS OF 40 WORKERS.
HOWEVER, IT ALSO DECIDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE FLEXIBILITY IN DEPLOYMENT OF THESE TEAMS, SUCH AS SPLITTING INTO SMALLER TEAMS, BY THE OPERATING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE COMMITTEE FURTHER ENDORSED THAT THE CASELOAD OF EACH WORKER SHOULD BE REVISED FROM 32 CASES TO 45 CASES AND THAT THE INTEGRATED WORK APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 18 OUTREACHING TEAMS OPERATED BY EIGHT SUBVENTED AGENCIES IN 18 PRIORITY AREAS.
0 -
/8
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
8
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON APRIL 2 FOR A CLOSURE ORDER ON AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ATTACHED TO THE NORTHERN EXTERNAL WALL OF FLAT F ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF 9-21 GILLIES AVENUE, KOWLOON.
THE OCCUPANTS OF THE STRUCTURE HAVE SO FAR IGNORED A DEMOLITION ORDER MADE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURE TODAY (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID CLOSURE OF THE STRUCTURE WAS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
HE SAID DEMOLITION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS MADE.
- 0 - -
CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, WILL PRESENT A CHEQUE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL FUND RAISING COMMITTEE, MRS JUNE LI, AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ABOUT S5.2 MILLION HAS BEEN RAISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION FUND-RAISING ORGANISING COMMITTEE BETWEEN MAY 1986 AND MARCH THIS YEAR.
DURING THE PERIOD, A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CHARITY WALK, FILM PREMIERE, SUPERSTAR BASKETBALL MATCH, TAXI AND MINIBUS CHARITY RIDE, AND A FUND-RAISING COMPETITION AMONG THE DISTRICT’S 14 AREAS WERE HELD TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE HOSPITAL.
THE CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3.30 PM AT THE TELFORD CHINESE RESTAURANT, KOWLOON BAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
- 0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1937
- 9 -
TOWN PARK, SITTING-OUT AREAS TO BE BUILT *****
A CENTRAL TOWN PARK AND FIVE DISTRICT OPEN SPACES ARE TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO NEW TOWN TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE PARK, MEASURING 12 500 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT THF H1NCTI0N OF TING KOK AND TAI WO ROADS. FAC IL I ES v ILL INCLUDE PLAY AND SITTING-OUT AREAS, GARDENS ROCKS AND PALM TREES, A BASKETBALL COURT, A PAVILION AND A SUNDIAL.
IT WILL TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE FIVE OPEN SPACES, TOTALLING 29 750 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, WILL BE BUILT AT WAN TAU KOK LANE, WAN TAU STREET, WEST OF NAM WAN ROAD, NEAR PO HEUNG BRIDGE AND NEXT TO WONG SIU CHING CLINIC.
THF OPFN SPACE AT WAN TAU KOK LANE WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THREE TENNIS COURTS A FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, PUBLIC TOILETS, CHANGING ROOMS AND GARDEN AREAS, WHILE THE OTHERS WILL HAVE GARDENS AND PLAY AND SITTING-OUT AREAS.
THEY WILL ALL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 15 MONTHS.
LANDSCAPING WORK WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN
IS INVITING TENDERS FOR APR IL.
-------o----------
LABOUR RELATIONS S 1P0SIUM ORGANISED
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOSTING A ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON LABOUR RELATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND TRADE UNIONISTS IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY ON APRIL 8.
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT'S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, WILL PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND TO DISCUSS WAYS ON IMPROVING LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.
IN THE MORNING SESSION, A NUMBER OF EXPERTS FROM THE TRADE WILL BE INVITED TO ADDRESS PARTICIPANTS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS. THESE INCLUDE PROSPECTS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY. WAYS TO TACKLE LABOUR SHORTAGE, NEW TREND IN PAYROLL S STE‘ , ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND ITS IMPACT ON WORKERS, AND DIFFICULTIES FACED BY EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEE?
/THE AFTERNOON
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
10 -
THE AFTERNOON SESSION WILL LEGISLATION AND WAYS TO PREVENT PANEL DISCUSSIONS.
CONCENTRATE ON THE CURRENT LABOUR DISPUTES, WORKSHOPS AND
THE SYMPOSIUM WILL
BE HELD
AT THE
A FEE OF $260
HOLIDAY INN golden MILE WILL BE CHARGED FOR
HOTEL IN TS IM SHA TSUI. .... EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT STAFF AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS, FOR OFFICIALS OF TRADE UNIONS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS.
AND $180
THOSE WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT SHOULD CONTACT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8523505 BY MARCH 20.
0--------
NEW SET OF POSTAGE
*
DUE LABELS OUT MARCH 25 * * * *
POSTAGE DUE SPOKESMAN
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WITH NEWLY-DESIGNED LABELS WILL BE ON SALE ON MARCH 25, A POST OFF ICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
COMPRISING SIX DEMON I NAT I O'IS — 10 CENTS, 20 $1, $5 AND $10 — THE NEW SET OF LABELS DEPICTS A CHINESE CHARACTER + HIM + MEANING +DUE+.
CENTS, 50 CENTS, STYL ISED
♦the old design which bears a pair of weighing scales has REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE IT WAS FIRST ISSUFO IN 1923,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO COMMEMORATE THE ISSUE OF THE NEW LABELS, OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A FULL SET OF LABELS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY CHOP WOULD BE ON SALE ON MARCH 25, HE ADDED.
THE FIRST DAY COVERS, COSTING $17.30 FACH, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT PHILATELIC COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAR, T HF PEAK AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES.
MINT LABELS IN SE AT «.| s.80 AND IN PRESENTATION PACKS AT $18 WILL ALSO BE ON SALE AT THESE COUNTERS.
-•-ADVANCE ORDER FOR FIRST DAY COVERS IS ALSO AVAILABLE, + THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/UNDER THIS .......
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 198?
11
UNDER THIS SERVICE, CUSTOMERS CAN HAND IN THEIR COVERS, BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS, TOGETHER WITH THE ORDER FORM AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING POST OFFICES BETWEEN TODAY (MONDAY) AND MARCH 18+
HONG kong
KOWLOON
ABERDEEN
GENERAL POST OFFICE
SHAU KEI WAN TSAT TSZ MUI WAH FU
OUTLYING ISLANDS
CHEUNG SHA WAN INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE RENNIE’S MILL VILLAGE KOWLOON CENTRAL KOWLOON CITY KOWLOON EAST
NEW TERRITORIES
CHEUNG CHAU
LAMMA ISLAND MUI WO PENG CHAU TAI 0
SHA TAU KOK
SHA TIN CENTRAL
SHEK WU HUI
TAI PO
TSUEN WING STREET
TUEN MUN SAN HIU YUEN LONG
+THE FIRST DAY COVERS WILL THEN BE AFFIXED WITH THE REQUESTED NUMBER OF LABELS, (MINIMUM 51 IN FACE VALUE) AND CAN BE COLLECTED ON MARCH 26,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ADVANCE ORDER FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE OFFICES FROM TODAY (MONDAY).
AT THE SAME POST
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED STAMP COLLECTORS THAT AS POSTAL DUE LABELS WERE NOT STAMPS, +HAND BACK+ SERVICE AVAILABLE ON THE NORMAL FIRST DAYS OF ISSUE WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE.
------0-------
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
SCHOOLS AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR YOUTHS
BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 25.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THIS YEAR’S THEME IS +SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY+.
/LETTERS HAVE
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
- 12 -
LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION. APPLICATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 3.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THE APPLICATIONS IN MID-APRIL AND SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN MAY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
-------0 ---------
APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS TO BE CONSIDERED
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 11) TO CONSIDER 37 APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF A JOINT PROJECT WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR MARCH AND APRIL.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL EXAMINE THE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN SIU HONG COURT, PLANS AND PROGRAMMES OF THE TUEN MUN ARTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
0 --------
/13........
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
13
FORUM TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS ORGANISED * * * * *
A FORUM TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS RELATING TO UNRULY YOUTH IN KWAI CHUNG, TSI NG Yl AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI WOR HAU COMMUNITY HALL IN KWAI CHUNG WEST TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
SPEAKERS AT THE FORUM INCLUDE A SENIOR LECTURER OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, DR NELSON CHOW, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS GRACE YUNG, DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR ANTHONY CHAN, AND POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MR LO TAT-FAI.
THE FORUM IS PART OF A SERIES OF FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES ARRANGED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON UNRULY YOUTH IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AND SPONSORED BY THE RESPECTIVE BOARDS.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD COMPLETED A 60-PAGE SURVEY ON UNRULY YOUTH IN THE DISTRICTS DEALING WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PARENTAL AND SCHOOL SUPERVISION ON DELINQUENT AND NON-DELINQUENT YOUTH.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE FREE AT THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM STARTING AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT THE TAI WOR HAU COMMUNITY HALL IN WEST KWAI CHUNG.
-------0---------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN WAN CHAI
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS AT THE JUNCTION OF MORRISON HILL ROAD AND SUNG TAK STREET AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SERVICES OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 35M AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON TAXI FARE INCREASE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
-------0 -------- /14..................
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
14
DINNER TREAT FOR 500 MONG KOK ELDERLY * * * * *
MORE THAN 500 MONG KOK SENIOR CITIZENS AGED OVER 70 WILL BE TREATED TO DINNER TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
SIX WOMEN AND MEN AGED 90 AND ABOVE WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS FOR BEING THE OLDEST AMONG THE GROUP.
THE ANNUAL FUNCTION IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT COUNTRYMEN AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE RECEPTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DINNER RECEPTION TO BE HELD TOMMORROW AT 7 PM AT THE INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT, 612 NATHAN ROAD.
- - o - -
DISCUSSION ON PRESERVING SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS
*****
AT A MEETING OF THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY), MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON PROGRESS OF THE WORKING GROUP IN PRESERVING AND PROMOTING RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED WORK PLANS FOR 1987-88 FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- 0
s
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1987
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HUNG HOM * * * * *
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HUNG HOM FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 12) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF RECONSTRUCTION WORK ON GILLIES AVENUE.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE:
* VEHICLES ON GILLIES AVENUE SOUTHBOUND AND BAKER STREET HEADING FOR ON CHING ROAD, THE KCRC DEPOT AND THE CHINA TRAVEL SERVICES GODOWN SHOULD OPERATE VIA BAKER STREET, LO LUNG HANG STREET, CHEONG HANG ROAD AND THE NEW ACCESS ROAD.
* VEHICLES ON HUNG HOM WAN STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR ON CHING ROAD, THE KCRC DEPOT AND THE CHINA TRAVEL SERVICES GODOWN WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA THE U-TURN SLIP ROAD UNDERNEATH THE CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER TO GILLIES AVENUE NORTHBOUND, WINSLOW STREET, CHEONG HANG ROAD AND THE NEW ACCESS ROAD.
* VEHICLES DEPARTING THE CHINA TRAVEL SERVICES GODOWN THE KCRC DEPOT, ON CHING ROAD AND CHEONG WAN ROAD FOR WUHU STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO WINSLOW STREET, INNER CHATHAM ROAD, COOKE STREET AND GILLIES AVENUE.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 315.036 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 334.728 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 57.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LACK OF CONFIDENCE CLAIM NOT PROVED ....................... 1
IMPORTANT TO HAVE DEBATE ON BILL........................... 3
LEGCO MEMBERS HAVE BUSY SCHEDULE........................... 4
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR PURCHASE OF CUSTOMS COMPUTER SYSTEM.... 4
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR DECEMBER RELEASED ......... 5
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN NORTH DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTED ...... 10
S3 MILLION RAISED FOR HOSPITAL EXTENSION ................. 11
ANTI-RABIES DRIVE TO BE STEPPED UP ....................... 12
MORE FACTORY INSPECTIONS FOR SAFETY EXERCISE.............. 13
NEED TO PRESERVE TRADITION OF RESPECTING ELDERLY.......... 14
MORE TIME TO APPLY FOR TAXI VOUCHERS...................... 15
PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS AGAINST AUSTRAVEL.................... 16
CENTRAL j ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLaCES................ 17
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS SHOW THEIR WINNING STYLE............ 18
NEW PREMISES, NEW NAME.................................... 18
ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED .............. 19
CUSTOM-MADE PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR NEW OPEN SPkCE............. 19
MID-SPAN BRIDGING CEREMONY ............................... 20
mUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ,.......................... 20
APPLICATIONS TO SPONSOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ................ 21
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DaY ON COMMITTEE’S AGEMDm .............. 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TUNNEL EXIT ROAD..................... 22
SHORTER OPERATING HOURS FOR P.iRKING METERS............... 22
PLB PROHIBITED ZONE IN YUEN LONG ......................... 22
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
1
LACK OF CONFIDENCE CLAIM NOT PROVED
*****
A CLAIM THAT HONG KONG HAS A PERSISTENT PATTERN OF DISQUIET REFLECTED IN THE HESITANT PACE OF INVESTMENT AND IN SUSTAINED CAPITAL OUTFLOWS IS NOT PROVED BY FACTS, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHWEST, MR YEUNG SAID THERE WERE TWO AREAS THAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN IDENTIFIED BY SOME OBSERVERS AS INDICATING A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
THESE WERE CAPITAL OUTFLOWS FROM HONG KONG AND INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, HE POINTED OUT.
+0N THE FIRST POINT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE EXISTENCE OF A NET OUTFLOW OF FUNDS ON THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT IS THE UNDERLYING MOTIVATION.
♦WHILST THERE MUST HAVE BEEN SOME ADJUSTMENT IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS INTO OVERSEAS ASSETS AS A FORM OF INSURANCE AGAINST UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE, THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT MUCH OF THE OUTFLOW HAS BEEN MOTIVATED BY PURELY COMMERCIAL OR FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
♦ IN THE MONEY MARKET, FOR EXAMPLE, DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF EXCHANGE RISKS PROVIDED BY THE LINK BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR, FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS THE INTEREST RETURN AVAILABLE ON HONG KONG DOLLARS HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY BELOW THAT FOR U.S. DOLLARS, PROVIDING INVESTORS WITH AN INCENTIVE TO SHIFT INTO U.S. DOLLARS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LACK OF CONFIDENCE.
♦INDEED, OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS NET LENDING TO BANKS OVERSEAS BY BANKS IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY ON THE INCREASE.+
MR YEUNG SAID THERE WERE OTHER INDICATIONS THAT HONG KONG’S CAPITAL OUTFLOWS WERE NOT PRIMARILY MOTIVATED BY LACK OF CONFIDENCE.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, IT HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PRESS THAT HONG KONG ACCOUNTS FOR THE LARGEST SHARE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.
♦ FOR THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE, FOR OVER 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SOUTH CHINA INCLUDING THE SPECIAL IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN IN EXCESS OF
HONG KONG IS SAID TO HAVE ACCOUNTED VALUE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT. FOR ECONOMIC ZONES, HONG KONG’S SHARE 80 PER CENT.
♦THE QUESTION THAT ARISES IS BE INDUCED BY LACK OF CONFIDENCE.
WHETHER THIS CAPITAL OUTFLOW CAN
/+CLEARLY, .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
- 2
♦CLEARLY, EVEN IF ONE WERE SEEKING TO BUY INSURANCE, ONE WOULD DEAL ONLY WITH A COMPANY ONE TRUSTS.+
AS REGARDS THE TREND OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR YEUNG SAID DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG THERE WAS, NOT SURPRISINGLY, A WAIT-AND-SEE ATTITUDE.
♦HOWEVER, IN 1984, ON THE BACK OF RAPID GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1983 AND 1984 PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT TO AN ALL-TIME HIGH.
♦WHILE INVESTMENT IN THIS AREA FELL SLIGHTLY IN 1985, TRADE STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOW CLEARLY A VERY STRONG RECOVERY IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF ALL TYPES OF CAPITAL GOODS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1986.
♦STATISTICS OVER A LONGER PERIOD SHOW THAT, IN THE CASE OF MANUFACTURING, THERE IS A MARKED CORRELATION BETWEEN THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS:
GROWTH RATE ($) IN REAL TERMS
RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING DOMESTIC EXPORTS
1982 -26 -3
1983 19 14
1984 27 17
1985 -4 -5
1986 26 (ESTIMATE) 16
♦THIS IT IS DIFFICULT TO RECONCILE THE FACT THAT OVER A LONG PERIOD INVESTORS - PARTICULARLY THOSE IN MANUFACTURING - HAVE BEEN WILLING TO INVEST IN PLANT AND MACHINERY FOR USE IN HONG KONG WITH THE VIEW THAT CAPITAL IS BEING MOVED OUT OF HONG KONG BECAUSE OF A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN OUR ECONOMI.C FUTURE.
♦AND IT WOULD SEEM REASONABLE TO INFER FROM THE EVIDENCE THAT EVEN IF SOME OF THE OUTFLOWS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH AN ELEMENT OF UNCERTAINTY THIS IS NOT PREVENTING SIGNIFICANT PRIVATELY FINANCED INVESTMENT IN LONG-TERM PHYSICAL ASSETS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG.
/♦FINALLY,
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
+FINALLY, A SERIOUS LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WOULD BE QUITE INCONSISTENT WITH THE TREND OF INWARD INVESTMENT IN RECENT YEARS.
+STATISTICAL DATA ON THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN RESPECT OF PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT S HOW A SHARPLY RISING TREND:
VALUE OF INWARD INVESTMENT
($ MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES)
1983 12
1984 40
1985 286
1986 500
+MOREOVER THE QUALITY OF THAT INVESTMENT HAS BEEN IMPROVING OVER THE YEARS, AS EVIDENCED BY THE INCREASING USE OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MACHINES, THE INCREASING APPLICATION OF QUALITY CONTROL, THE INCREASING WILLINGNESS TO CARRY OUT PRODUCT DESIGN LOCALLY AND AN INCREASING NUMBER OF JOINT VENTURES, WHICH IS INDICATIVE AT LEAST OF A WILLINGNESS TO SHARE NEW PRODUCT AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES WITH LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
+THESE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF GROWING CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG ON THE PART OF OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING INVESTORS,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
IMPORTANT TO HAVE DEBATE ON BILL
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
ASKED ABOUT HIS REACTION TO COMMENTS EXPRESSED ON THE BILL, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WE HAD TO WAIT NOW UNTIL WE HAD THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
+THE PUBLIC ORDER BILL IS NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND IT WOULD BE QUITE WRONG OF ME AS PRESIDENT TO COMMENT ANY FURTHER AT THIS STAGE,+ HE SAID.
----------0--------------
1
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
LEGCO MEMBERS HAVE BUSY SCHEDULE
*****
NINETEEN MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THREE READINGS WHILE THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
FOUR BILLS - THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE ADOPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 ARE DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MAKE TWO MOTIONS ON THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE AND THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, TEN QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED BY MEMBERS.
- - 0 -
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR PURCHASE OF CUSTOMS COMPUTER SYSTEM
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A COMMITMENT OF $9 585 000 FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND TO ACCEPT ITS FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS.
THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WILL CENTRALISE CUSTOMS INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION RECORD TO FACILITATE RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION.
IT WILL ENHANCE THE DISSEMINATION AND EXCHANGE OF CUSTOMS INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION, AND PREVENT DUPLICATION AMONG DIFFERENT OFFICES IN COLLECTING AND MAINTAINING SUCH INFORMATION.
THE NEW SYSTEM CAN ALSO IMPROVE EXAMINATION PROCESS OF AIR AND SEA CARGO, MONITORING OF THE MOVEMENT OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, AND THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF DUTIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE A NUMBER OF OTHER PROVISIONS INCLUDING:
* THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE LIMITS OF FEES PAYABLE, UNDER THE LEGAL AID SCHEME, TO PRIVATE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS WHO UNDERTAKE LITIGATION WORK IN RESPECT OF CRIMINAL CASES ON BEHALF OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT I
/• S3 503 000 FOR
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
5 -
* S3 503 000 FOR HIRE OF SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL FEES BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT;
* $5 000 000 FOR THE EXPANSION AND REPLACEMENT OF PUBLIC ADDRESS, INTER-COMMUNICATION AND BROADCASTING SYSTEMS AND THE INSTALLATION OF A CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR BAGGAGE HANDLING AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ;
* S7 800 000 FOR A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOURTH REPLENISHMENT OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND;
* S30 417 000 TO MEET OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS FOR PARCEL POST, TRANSIT CHARGES, SURFACE MAIL, AIRMAIL AND SPEEDPOST TERMINAL DUES I AND
* $12 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF A FINAL LUMP SUM SUBVENTION TO THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
V ARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR THE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL.
-----0------
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR DECEMBER RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN DECEMBER 1986, PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED AT $7 167 MILLION, WAS 11 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1985 WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS 6 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1985, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ WERE 11 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT.
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT RECORDED ALMOST NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND SUBSTANTIALLY IN VOLUME.
/SUPERMARKETS
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
6
SUPERMARKETS EXPERIENCED A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME. BOTH DEPARTMENT STORES AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS EXPERIENCED MODERATE INCREASES IN SALES VALUE AND SLIGHT INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1985, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES AND OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND BY 5 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FUELS DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT HAD ALMOST NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND CONSIDERABLY IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES BY SUPERMARKETS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. BOTH CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS AND DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED MODERATE INCREASES IN SALES VALUE AND SLIGHT INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME.
_ W£EN COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARI SON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS TOTAI RFTAIi cai cc FOR fiECEMBER 1986 INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT INVALUETAND 12 PERCENT
VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF +0THER CONSUMER GOODS* WENT Jp b5
PER CENT IN VALUE AND 19 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
IN
18
IN
F00??TUFFS’ ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 12 PER CENT BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES FUELS AS WFI I t’pfdlrcMTF?M^WoAocoND ALL,ED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND
AS
VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS AND MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE SLIGHTLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
/TABLE 1
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 19^7
TABLE 1 (COPIES OF TABLES AND GRAPHS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION) PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER 1986 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1986.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN NOVEMBER 1986 AND DECEMBER 1986 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL SALES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE REATIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF DECEMBER 1986 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF NOVEMBER 1986 AND WITH THOSE OF DECEMBER 1985 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER 1986 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1985 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT RESPECTIVELY THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO DECEMBER 1986 AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED INDEXES AND TRENDS, FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO NOVEMBER 1986.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE DECEMBER 1986 SURVEY RESULTS IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT #1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234941.
✓
/TABLE 1 t TOTAL ......
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 198?
- 8
TABU I i TOTAL RETAIL 3A1BS
Total Retail Sales for December 1986 (Provisional Figure) ■ HKS7 167 million
for November 1966 (Revised Figure)
- HK|6 436 million
TABLE C 1 VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES GF RETAIL SALES
_______________FOR NOVEMBER AND DE-CIMBER 1°66____________
(Monthly average of Oot. 84 - Sept. 85 ■ 100)
Item Index of Retail Sales November 1986 December 1986 December 1986 compared with November 1986 December 1986 compared with December 1985 Oct. - Deo. 86 compared with Oot. - Dec. 85
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points Points < Points *
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES Value 115 128 ♦ 13 4 11 4 12 4 11 4 11 4 10
Volume 108 120 ♦ 13 4 12 4 7 46 ♦ 5 ♦ 5
(B) BY MAJOR TRADE CROUPS
Foodstuffs, alooholio drinks and tobaooo Value Volume 102 102 114 114 ♦ 12 ♦ 12 4 12 4 12 4 13 4 13 4 11 4 11 4 10 4 9 4 11 4 9
Fuels Value 84 87 + 3 ♦ 3 - 15 - 15 - 16 - 16
Volume 99 102 ♦ 3 4 3 • • • «
Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Volume 149 132 152 135 ♦ 3 4 3 4 2 4 2 4 10 4 7 4 1 4 1 ♦ 19 4 10 ♦ 15 ♦ 9
Consumer durables Value 118 122 + 5 4 4 4 18 4 17 4 17 4 16
Volume 106 110 4 4 4 4 4 7 4 7 4 6 * 5
Other consumer goods Value 117 139 4 22 4 18 4 14 4 11 4 11 4 10
Volume 107 128 4 21 4 19 4 6 4 5 4 3 + 3
(c) BY SELECTED TRADES
Supermarkets Value 109 128 4 19 4 17 4 14 4 12 ♦ 14 4 14
Volume 105 123 4 18 ♦ 17 . 4 11 4 9 4 11 4 11
Motor vehicles and parts Value Volume 131 106 147 119 4 16 4 13 4 12 4 12 4 48 4 49 4 26 4 28 4 39 4 17 4 39 4 18
Consumer durables other than motor vehicles and parte Value Volume 114 106 115 107 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 48 48 4 1 4 1 4 10 4 2 4 10 4 2
Department stores Value 126 159 4 33 4 26 4 12 48 4 10 4 8
Volume 112 143 * 31 4 27 43 +2 4 3 4 2
Notes 1
1. "Foodetuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobaooo" 1 no 1 tides "supermarkets".
2. "Consumer durables" includes "motor vehicles and parte",
3« "Other consumer goods" includes "department stores".
4. Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded index figures.
5. * denotes change 0$ less than 0.5*
/Graph 1: Value
- 9 - TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
Graph 1: Value Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Value index Value index
Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Volume index
130
Volume index
130
120
110
100
90
90
120
110
100
Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 84 85 * 86 87
Notes: (1) Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using the X-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census
Volume index
Seasonally adjusted volume index
- 0 - -/
/10
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
10
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN NORTH DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTED
*****
NORTH DISTRICT IS FAR FROM BEING A REMOTE AREA AND HAS VAST POTENTIAL FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHEUNG SAID WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN AND TAI PO NOW VIRTUALLY COMPLETED, THE THRUST OF DEVELOPMENT HAD SHIFTED NORTHWARDS ALONG THE RAIL-LINE TO NORTH DISTRICT.
TO DATE, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY SPENT $2 BILLION ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND ANOTHER »4.5 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
AMONG THEM WERE IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT LINK FROM THE HUB OF THE DISTRICT WITH THE URBAN AREA AS WELL AS WITH THE BORDER.
THESE INCLUDED THE COMPLETION OF THE FANLI NG BYPASS, EXTENSION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD TO KWU TUNG IN SHEUNG S HU I, WIDENING OF THE MAN KAM TO ROAD AND UPGRADING SHA TAU KOK ROAD.
MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE DISTRICT HAD A NUMBER OF FAVOURABLE FACTORS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. ONE OF THESE WAS THE ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF LABOUR FORCE.
POPULATION IN THE FANLING-SHEUNG SHU I NEW TOWN WOULD RISE FROM THE PRESENT 110 000 TO 256 000 ON FULL DEVELOPMENT IN THE LATE 1990’S. TOGETHER WITH THE 50 000 PEOPLE LIVING OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWN AREA, THE DISTRICT’S POPULATION WOULD EXCEED 300 000 BY THE TURN OF CENTURY, HE SAID.
ON THE PROMOTION OF THE ON LOK TSUEN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MR CHEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED VERY ATTRACTIVE BASIC TERMS FOR IN-SITU LAND EXCHANGES.
+S0 FAR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, FIVE IN-SITU LAND EXCHANGES IN THE AREA HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WHILE BASIC TERMS HAVE BEEN MADE ON ANOTHER FIVE,+ HE SAID.
TO FURTHER ENHANCE INVESTMENT IN THE ESTATE, MR. CHEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO EMBARKED ON AN EXTENSIVE RIVER TRAINING SCHEME IN THE NEARBY MA WAT RIVER AND A SUBSTANTIAL ROADS AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED THIS SEPTEMBER.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE DISTRICT WAS ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION WITH EASY ACCESSIBILITY AND PROXIMITY TO THE EXISTING BORDER CROSSINGS.
/THE MAN KAM ......
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 198?
THE MAN KAM TO CONTROL POINT TOGETHER WITH THE SHA TAU KOK CONTROL POINT AND THE FUTURE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING, ALL WITHIN A FEW KILOMETRES FROM THE NEW TOWN HAD MADE NORTH DISTRICT WELL PLACED IN DEVELOPING TRADE WITH THE SHENZHEN ECONOMIC ZONE, HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE DISTRICT FOR LONG-TERM INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WAS REFLECTED IN THE INTEREST SHOWN FOR THE THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND PUT UP FOR SALE LAST YEAR — ONE FOR COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND TWO FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, ALL OF WHICH HAD FETCHED UNEXPECTEDLY GOOD PRICES, HE ADDED.
------0-------
$5 MILLION RAISED FOR HOSPITAL EXTENSION
*****
KWUN TONG RESIDENTS AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS HAVE RAISED MORE THAN $5 MILLION FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL IN A YEAR-LONG FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR J55.2 MILLION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE, MRS JUNE LI, AT A CEREMONY HELD TO MARK THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR LIAO NOTED THAT THE HOSPITAL HAD CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH RESIDENTS OF EAST KOWLOON. OWING TO THE RAPID GROWTH OF POPULATION IN THE AREA, THE HOSPITAL HAD TO BOOST ITS FACILITIES TO COPE WITH DEMANDS.
THE $730 MILLION EXTENSION PLAN WOULD HELP INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF BEDS FROM THE OF A 20-ST0REY BUILDING SAID.
PRESENT 640 TO 1 400 AND THE CONSTRUCTION TO HOUSE NEW TREATMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE
MR LIAO NOTED THAT A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CHARITY WALK, FILM PREMIERE, CELEBRITY BASKETBALL MATCH, TAXI AND MINIBUS CHARITY RIDE, AND A FUND-RAISING COMPETITION HAD BEEN STAGED DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
/+THE SUCCESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1?87
12
+THE SUCCESS OF THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE FULLY DEMONSTRATED THE ENTHUSIASM AND CONCERN OF KWUN TONG RESIDENTS FOR THEIR DISTRICT,+ HE ADDED.
MR LIAO SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT THE CAMPAIGN HAD REACHED ITS ORIGINAL TARGET OF $5 MILLION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, THANKED DONORS AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
MR LAM SAID THE FUND-RAISING DRIVE ALSO DEMONSTRATED THE COMMUNITY BUILDING SPIRIT OF KWUN TONG RESIDENTS.
DURING THE CEREMONY, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE, MRS JUNE LI, AND DR E.H. PATERSON FROM THE HOSPITAL PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 14 AREAS, TAXI AND MINIBUS ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS VARIOUS DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS WHICH TOOK PART IN THE DRIVE.
------o-------
ANTI-RABIES DRIVE
TO BE STEPPED UP X X
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL STEP UP ITS ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE THIS MONTH TO PREVENT A RESURGENCE OF THE DEADLY DISEASE.
SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE INTENSIFYING ITS MOBILE INOCULATION SERVICES TO COVER MORE REMOTE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES INCLUDING TSI NG Yl ISLAND.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE TEAMS WOULD ALSO VISIT RURAL VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG AND YUEN LONG TO PROVIDE FREE INOCULATION AND LICENSING SERVICES TO DOG OWNERS.
+ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION AND STRAY DOG CONTROL ARE THE PRIMARY WAYS TO PREVENT RABIES OUTBREAK.
+ AN INOCULATION IS GOOD FOR THREE YEARS. TO KEEP UP THE IMMUNITY OF PETS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY RECEIVE INOCULATION AT INTERVALS NOT EXCEEDING THREE YEARS,+ DR CHENG SAID.
/IN ADDITION, ........
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
IN ADDITION, OTHER STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES. INCLUDING QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS AND OBSERVATION OF BITER ANIMALS, WERE IN FORCE TO KEEP THE SITUATION WELL UNDER CONTROL.
ON TSING Yl ISLAND, MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS WILL CALL AT ST. PAUL’S VILLAGE, YIM TIN KOK VILLAGE, LAM TIN NEW VILLAGE, LAM TIN OLD VILLAGE, TAI WONG HA VILLAGE, TAI WONG HA CHAN UK VILLAGE, TAI WONG HA CHEUNG UK VILLAGE, TAI WONG HA TANG UK VILLAGE, SAN UK TSUEN, LO UK TSUEN, CHUNG MEI SHEUNG TSUEN, AND CHUNG MEI HA TSUEN.
THE SAI KUNG VILLAGES TO BE VISITED INCLUDE SHA TSUI, MA NAM WAT, NAM A, MOK TSE CHE, LUNG MEI, NAM SHAN, TAI NO, KAI HAM, NAI CHUNG, CHE HA, KWUN HANG, MA KWU LAM, TSENG TAU, TAI TUNG, HOI HA AND PAK SHA 0.
THE YUEN LONG VILLAGES ARE TAI HONG WAI, KAT HING WAI, CHE TONG TSUEN, WING LUNG WAI, KO PO TSUEN, SHU I MEI TSUEN, SHU I TAU TSUEN, KAM TIN SAN TSUEN, SHA PO TSUEN AND FUNG KAT HEUNG.
DOG OWNERS IN THESE AREAS ARE URGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FREE INOCULATION SERVCIES AND TO SURRENDER UNWANTED ANIMALS TO the dog control teams.
+THE LAW REQUIRES ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS’ OLD TO BE LICENSED, INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND KEPT UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,* DR CHENG SAID.
-----0------
MORE FACTORY INSPECTIONS FOR SAFETY EXERCISE
*****
THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SPECIAL FIRE AND CHEMICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE EXERCISE IS AIMED AT STRIKING HOME THE NEED AS WELL AS VARIOUS WAYS AND MEANS OF PREVENTING FIRE AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS AT WORK.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FACTORY INSPECTORS WOULD CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON FACTORIES UNTIL THE END OF APRIL.
+SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO THOSE FACTORIES USING DANGEROUS CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND JEWELLERY WORKSHOPS USING PETROLEUM VAPOURISING JETS,* HE SAID.
/+IN ADDITION,
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
14
+IN ADDITION, FOLLOW-UP ACTION WILL ALSO BE TAKEN ON FACTORIES THAT HAD BEEN ISSUED WITH 'NO SMOKING’ PROHIBITION NOTICES DURING PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS.+
APART FROM CHECKING WORKING CONDITIONS, INSPECTORS WILL DISTRIBUTE TO WORKERS AN ILLUSTRATED LEAFLET ON THE CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES FOR THEIR REFERENCE.
THEY WILL ALSO REMIND EMPLOYERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO CARRY OUT REGULAR CHECKS ON EXHAUST SYSTEMS TO PLANTS AND PROCESSES TO ENSURE SAFETY IN WORKPLACES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN IS THE FOURTH MOUNTED BY THE DIVISION SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE FIRST THREE RELATED TO FIRE IN FUR-PROCESSING FACTORIES, SMOKING AT WORK, AND SAFE HANDLING AND USE OF CHEMICALS IN FACTORIES.
ALTOGETHER 7 400 VISITS WERE MADE TO FACTORIES DURING THE
LAST THREE CAMPAIGNS RESULTING IN 133 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT AGAINST IRREGULARITIES, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH CONCERNED BREACHES OF THE FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS.
AT THE SAME TIME, 2 617 FIRE PROHIBITION NOTICES WERE ISSUED TO PROHIBIT SMOKING IN THOSE FACTORIES WHERE INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE OR ARTICLE WAS PRESENT IN CONNECTION WITH ANY INDUSTRIAL PROCESS OR OPERATION.
THE SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THE RESULTS AS +ENCOURAG ING+ AND SAID SIMILAR CAMPAIGNS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN FUTURE TO SUSTAIN PROGRESS MADE SO FAR.
-------o----------
NEED TO PRESERVE TRADITION OF RESPECTING ELDERLY
*****
MORE THAN 500 MONG KOK RESIDENTS AGED OVER 70 WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) TREATED TO A FEAST IN HONOUR OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE DINNER RECEPTION, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, SAID THE VIRTUE OF RESPECTING THE ELDERLY AND FILIAL PIET* SHOULD BE PRESERVED AND WIDELY PROMOTED.
♦THE TRADITION OF RESPECTING THE ELDERLY IS ORIGINALLY DEEPLY ROOTED IN CHINESE SOCIETY. HOWEVER, WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF MODERN SOCIETY, THIS VALUABLE VIRTUE IS SEEN AS ARCHAIC AND GRADUALLY FADING OUT,+ SHE SAID.
/NOTING
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
NOTING THAT THIS WAS THE 12TH YEAR FOR THE MONG KOK DISTRICT COUNTRYMEN AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE THE SENIOR CITIZEN DINNER RECEPTION, MRS FUNG PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR TAKING THE LEAD TO PROMOTE THIS GOOD TRADITION.
SHE SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN ACTIVELY HELPING TO BOOST WELFARE OF THE AGED AND TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THEM.
THREE WOMEN AND THREE MEN, AGED 90 OR ABOVE, WERE SELECTED THE OLDEST CITIZENS AND RECEIVED SOUVENIRS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EARNEST CHEUNG.
THE RECEPTION WAS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD.
-------0---------
MORE TIME TO APPLY * * M-
FOR TAXI VOUCHERS * *
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME, DESIGNED TO SUBSIDISE THE TRAVELLING EXPENSES OF WHEELCHAIR-BOUND DISABLED, HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM MARCH 14 TO APRIL 14, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
+ AS IT WILL TAKE TIME TO COMPLETE APPLICATION FORMS, THE MOVE WILL ALLOW APPLICANTS AMPLE TIME TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME, AN ELIGIBLE PERSON WILL BE ISSUED WITH TAXI VOUCHERS AMOUNTING TO $55 PER MONTH TO PAY FOR TAXI FARES. APPLICANTS SHOULD BE 15 OR ABOVE WITH A MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME BELOW $5 400 AND WITHOUT ENJOYING TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR THEIR VEHICLES.
+APPLICANTS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE A STATUTORY DECLARATION ON THE APPLICATION FORMS. STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.*
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE SECOND FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONGl OR MAY BE OBTAINED THROUGH THE POST ON APPLICATION, EITHER IN WRITING OR BY PHONING (5-3623253).
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY POST OR BY AGENT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT THE SECOND FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG kong.
/COMPLETED .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
16
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS CAN ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON OR BY AGENT TO:
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT 28/F, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG;
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG ;
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE AT KCR HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES;
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE AT 56 DUNDAS STREET, NINTH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S KWUN TONG LICENSING OFFICE AT KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FIFTH FLOOR, 12 LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
FOR ENQUIRIES CALL 5-3623253.
-----0------
PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMS AGAINST AUSTRAVEL
*****
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER ESTABLISHED A SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH CLAIMS AGAINST AUSTRAVEL COMPANY LIMITED. TOTAL CLAIMS RECEIVED UP TO YESTERDAY (MONDAY) WERE 3 231 AMOUNTING $14.35 MILLION IN VALUE.
AS THE MAJORITY OF CLAIMS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, CLAIMANTS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING TWO SPECIAL CENTRES WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM 4 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY):
* SCOUT HALL, COX’S ROAD, KOWLOON.
* 47TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
AFTER THAT DATE CLAIMANTS SHOULD GO TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE 12TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
THE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING CLAIMS IS OTHERWISE EXACTLY THE SAME.
-----0------
*«*••••
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
17
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT CHILDREN WHO FAILED TO SECURE A DISCRETIONARY PRIMARY ONE PLACE FROM PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS EARLIER WILL BE CENTRALLY ALLOCATED A PLACE IN A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL.
PARENTS OF SUCH CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT SOON REQUESTING THEM TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DISTRIBUTION OR COLLECTION CENTRE TO COLLECT A +CHOICE OF SCHOOLS* FORM AND A LIST OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 15) TO MARCH 18 BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PARENTS SHOULD RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO THE SAME CENTRE WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD.
PARENTS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER BY MARCH 15 SHOULD CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5-724383 DURING OFFICE HOURS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN DISTRICTS WHERE PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS FALL SHORT OF DEMAND, CHILDREN WILL BE ASSIGNED TO SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS WHERE SUPPLY EXCEEDS DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED PARENTS THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE MADE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ENABLE CHILDREN TO BE ALLOCATED TO A SCHOOL NEAR THEIR HOME.
THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES IS SOLELY BASED ON PARENTAL CHOICE WITH NO REFERENCE TO THE POINTS SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT A RANDOMISATION METHOD WOULD BE USED TO ENSURE FAIRNESS TO ALL APPLICANTS WHEN PLACES AT A SCHOOL ARE OVERSUBSCRIBED.
PARENTS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESS RECENTLY OR ARE PLANNING TO MOVE TO A NEW ADDRESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE MUST INFORM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT SO THAT ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO ALLOCATE A PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THEIR NEW RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
/18
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
18
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS SHOW THEIR WINNING STYLE
*****
SEVENTEEN WINNING DANCING GROUPS OF THE 16TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES AND PERFORMED AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE PR IZE-PRESENTATI ON CEREMONY, ACTING DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GREGORY LEUNG, SAID THE CONTEST HAD OFFERED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR DANCE ENTHUSIASTS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.
HE SAID THE PREPARATORY WORK OF THE CONTEST HAD ALSO PROVIDED A CHANCE FOR RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
THE WINNERS ALSO PERFORMED VARIOUS TYPES OF DANCES INCLUDING WESTERN, ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL AND MODERN DANCES.
THE DANCING GROUPS WERE SELECTED FROM 98 TEAMS WHICH TOOK PART IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE CONTEST HELD IN JANUARY.
THE 16TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION (KTDCRPA) AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THIS EVENING’S CEREMONY WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR POON CHI-FAI, CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES), KOWLOON EAST, MR JOHNNY WOO, AND THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF KTDCRPA, MRS NG CHI LIN-FUN.
-----0------
NEW PREMISES, NEW NAME * * * *
THE SECRETARIAT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE THIRD UNIVERSITY WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF ST JOHN’S BUILDING, 33 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, ON THURSDAY (MARCH 12).
AFTER THE REMOVAL, IT WILL BE KNOWN AS THE SECRETARIAT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GENERAL REGISTRY OF THE SECRETARIAT ON 5-231517.
-------o--------
/19........
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987
19
ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED *****
ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN TO DEMOLISH ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES IN EAST KOWLOON.
the building authority will apply in hong kong district court ON APRIL 24 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE MADE AGAINST THE STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OVER FLATS 3601 AND 3604-3606, AMOY GARDENS, PHASE I, BLOCK B, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
THE AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) POSTED NOTICES OF ITS INTENTION ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES.
ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WERE ISSUED TO OCCUPANTS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN AUGUST 1984 AND JUNE 1986 BUT THEY HAVE BEEN ignored.
THE STRUCTURES WILL BE DEMOLISHED ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE AND CLOSING THEM BEFORE DEMOLITION IS NECESSARY TO AVOID DANGER TO THEIR OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
- - 0 - -
CUSTOM-MADE PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR NEW OPEN SPACE
*****
A LOCAL OPEN SPACE, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A VARIETY OF PLAY EQUIPMENT, IS TO BE BUILT AT KWAI CHUNG.
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN ON MARCH 6 UNDER A CONTRACT, WORTH $4.4 MILLION, AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO K. WONG CONTRUCTION COMPANY.
IT WILL BE LOCATED BETWEEN KWAI SHING CIRCUIT AND HING SHING ROAD, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 8 300 SQUARE METRES.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING EQUIPMENT, SITTING-OUT AREAS, ROOFED SHELTERS AND A FULLY EQUIPPED PLAY AREA OF 240 SQUARE METRES.
THE PROJECT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON COMPLETION IN EIGHT MONTHS. IT IS EXPECTED TO CATER MAINLY TO STUDENTS OF SEVERAL SCHOOLS IN THE AREA.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1987 •
20
MID-SPAN BRIDGING CEREMONY * * *
THE $200 MILLION TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE, DUE FOR COMPLETION IN OCTOBER, WILL HAVE ITS MID-SPAN JOINED AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 12) AT 11.30 AM.
THE PROJECT MANAGER (TSUEN WAN), DR E.G. PRYOR, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTING ENGINEERS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE TAKEN TO AND FROM THE BRIDGE BY COACH. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK PODIUM OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, BY 10 AM.
-----0------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MARCH 14) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 35 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
DL608 DL2888 DM786 DM6638 A Bl 07
DM560 DM866 DL5516 DM3378 DM928
CY8787 DM3181 DM1 DL6222 DN1
DL56O CK3 DM1088 DL313 AC107
DL861 HK638 AP8333 DM230 AC1686
AH2525 DL786 AA635 DM322 7707
DL8818 CK22 DM13 DL5000 DM822
SUCCESSFUL AFTER BIDDING. BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
/A DEPARTMENT .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1?8?
21 -
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS 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 112TH ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973-
- - 0
APPLICATIONS TO SPONSOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY
*****
APPLICATIONS TO SPONSOR THE 1988 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES AT LEAST NINE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE PROPOSED FOR THE DISPLAY, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR CLIVE OXLEY, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
FIREWORKS DISPLAY HAS NORMALLY BEEN HELD ON THE EVENING OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE MSB HEADQUARTERS ON THE 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BY APRIL 30.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE APPLICATIONS AND TO DECLINE TO GIVE REASONS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF APPLICATIONS.
------0--------
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY .ON * * *
COMMITTEE’S AGENDA *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (MARCH 12) TO DISCUSS WAYS TO COMMEMORATE THE UNITED NATIONS’ WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5.
ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN MANY COUNTRIES OVER THE YEARS TO COMMEMORATE THE DAY TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS.
/OTHER ITJMS........
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1?87
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROGRESS REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT CASES RECEIVED AT THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE,
-----o------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TUNNEL EXIT ROAD
***•*• *
THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 12) FOR ROAD WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE FLYOVER TO CAUSEWAY BAY.
------o-------
SHORTER OPERATING HOURS FOR PARKING METERS X X X X X
THE OPERATING HOURS FOR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING METERS IN SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL BE SHORTENED FROM THE EXISTING 16 HOURS A DAY TO 12 HOURS WITH EFFECT FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 12), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE NEW OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM INSTEAD OF FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT.
THESE METERS ARE LOCATED IN NG FONG STREET, SZE MEI STREET, LUK HOP STREET, KING FUK STREET, TSAT PO STREET, PAT TAT STREET, SAM CHUK STREET AND SHEUNG HEI STREET.
--.-0-------
PLB PROHIBITED ZONE IN YUEN LONG
X X X X X
TIN SHUI WAI SOUTH WESTERN ACCESS ROAD IN YUEN LONG WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR PROHIBITED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 13).
NO PLB WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA.
v. •- - - 0 ---
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
DETERMINED EFFORT TO REPEAL REPRESSIVE MEASURES ......... 1
PROTECTION WITHOUT .AFFECTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.. 4
MOTION TO DEFER BILL OBJECTED ........................... 5
FEATURES OF BILLS- HIGHLIGHTED........................... 6
KEEP TO SAFEGUARD OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST ............... 9
BILL NOT MEANT TO SUPPRESS FREEDOM OF SPEECH ........... 10
SPIRIT OF BILL SUPPORTED ................................ 11 -
BILL ROCKS FOUNDATION OF LEGAL SYSTEM .................. 12
PUTTING ONUS OF PROOF ON DEFENDANTS ’UNCONVINCING’ ..... 13
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST PRESSURE ON PRESS PROPOSED .......... 15
+F.ILSE NEWS+ CLAUSE SHOULD BE REPEALED ................ 16
NEED TO EXERCISE REASONABLE CONTROL..................... 17
IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING SHOULD BE RESTRICTED ........... 18
FULL PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON BILL URGED ................. 18
CALL FOR MORE TIME TO STUDY BILL ....................... 19
CALL FOR UNCONDITIONAL PRESS FREEDOM ................... 20
Backing for proper Safeguard for freedom of speech... 22
FREEDOM OF SPEECH CAN NEVER BE ABSOLUTE................ 23
’WE MUST LE.-i.RN HOW TO COMPROMISE’ .................. 25
...... /NO URGENCY ......
V
NO URGENCY TO EN«CT BILL................................... 27
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND............. 27
NEW LAW WILL STREAMLINE ADOPTION PROCEDURE ................ 29
CROWN'S ROLE IN PARTITION DISPUTES CLARIFIED .............. 30
EXCHANGE FUND BORROWING LIMIT RAISED ..................... 51
FUNDS APPROVED FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES .................... 32
FIRM BASE ESTABLISHED FOR aChDEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ... 33
ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR MENTALLY RETARDED RESIDENTS...... 34
INCREASE IN ISLAND LINE PATRONAGE EXPECTED ................ 35
IMPORTANCE OF DB CONSULTATION STRESSED .................. 36
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE BN(O) PASSPORT WELL UNDERWAY .......... 36
EXPENDITURE ON VILLaGE, NEW TOWN IMPROVIDENT OUTLINED ... 37
PAMPHLETS BEING PRODUCED ON GUIDELINES TO PREVENT AIDS .. 38
SUB-COMMITTEE SET UP TO REVIEW T.lXI POLICY .............. 39
MOST RECOMMENDATIONS IN EX-MENTaL PATIENT REPORT ACCEPTED 40
APPROVAL NEEDED FOR WORK .iFTER RETIR^ENT ................. 41
PLANS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC SIGNS IN MORE AREAS ............... 42
FIVE BILLS PASSED ....................................... 42
JOINT DECLARATION +WELL ON COURSE+ - THOMAS ................. 43
SIXTH JLG MEETING IN HONG KONG .............................. 44
OVERSEAS ATTACHMENTS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ..................... 45
BUILDING REGULATIONS AMENDMENTS «PPROVED ..................... 46
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ............................... 46
Da INFORMATION KIT AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS...................... 46
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TO KWA W«N .................... 47
BRIEFING ON CLEAUNCE ARRANGEMENTS .......................... 48
PROGRESS REPORT ON WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY ............ 48
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ON CnSTLE PEAK ROAD................. 49
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
1
DETERMINED EFFORT TO RtPEAL REPRESSIVE MEASURES • * * * * *
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WAS A +DETERMINED EFFORT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REPEAL THOSE REPRESSIVE MEASURES IN OUR LAWS WHICH WERE SO CONTRARY TO ALL THE FREEDOMS THAT HONG KONG STANDS FOR*, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
the bill, he ADDED, was introduced into the legislative COUNCIL MORE THAN two months ago following a long and thorough review OF EXISTING LEGISLATION DEALING WITH THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS IN HONG KONG.
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR FORD SAID AS A RESULT 01 THAT REVIEW *WHICH THE MEDIA ASKED FOR AND SUPPORTED*, the bill introduced into the council repealed provisions which had BEEN ON The STATUTE BOOKS FOR OVER 30 YEARS.
THESE PROVISIONS ARE:
(A) TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE 10 PRINT OR PUBLISH ANYTHING OF A SUBVERSIVE NATURE?
(ri) TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF NEWSPAPERS AND THEIR PUBLICATIONS ;
(C) TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROHIBITION OF THE IMPORTATION OF PUBLICATIONS ;
(D) TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS TO REFUSE OR SUSPEND THE REG ISTRA I ION OF NEWS AGENCIES;
(E) TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEIZURE OF PRINTING PRESSES;
(F) TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEARCH, SEIZURE, FORFEITURE AND THE DISPOSAL Of ARTICLES USED FOR CONTRAVENING THE (CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOL I DAT I ON) ORDINANCE; AND
(G) TO ALLOW THE REGISTRAR D REFUSE TO LICENSE, OR CANCEL "HE LICENCE OF DI STR I TUTORS.
*FOR SOME 3B YEARS THE COMMUNITY AND THE MEDIA IN HONG KONG HAVE LIVED WITH THESE PROVISIONS AS PART OF THE LAW, AND AMONGST THEM, IN THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION ORDINANCE IN CHAPTER 268 SECTION 6 WAS A PASSAGE CONCERNED WITH THE PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS,* MR FORD SAID.
IN SPITE OF THE EXISTENCE Of. THESE LAWS, THIS GOVERNMENT HAS ESPOUSED AND ENCOURAGED THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE MEDIA AND IN PUBLIC GENERALLY IN A WAY WHICH HAS DRAWN PRAISE, NOT ONLY FROM COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION, BUT FROM MANY PARTS OF THE WESTERN WORLD ALSO.
/♦BUT TWO .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
?
♦ BUT TWO MONTHS AGO IN ORDER TO BRING OUR LAWS INTO LINE WITH THE FREEDOMS WE PRACTISE IN HONG KONG, WE PROPOSED TO REPEAL THOSE DRACONIAN LAWS, AND RETAIN ONLY ONE CLAUSE IN ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION WHICH IS SOLELY CONCERNED WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER, + HE ADDED.
THE REMOVAL OF THE FALSE NEWS PROVISION FROM THE CONTROL OF ' PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE TO THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WAS A +CLEAR INDICATION THAT THE PROVISION IS NOT MEANT TO LIMIT PRESS OR PERSONAL FREEDOM BUT SIMPLY SAFEGUARD THE COMMUNITY FROM FALSE NEWS WHICH IS LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER*.
♦ WITHOUT DOUBT, THE PRESENT FORMULATION OF THE CLAUSE IS THE MOST MILDLY PHRASED SECTION IN ALL OUR PREVIOUS LEGISLATION.
♦ IT IS FOR THIS REASON, AND FOR THIS REASON ALONE, THAT WE HAVE INCLUDED THIS CLAUSE IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE. SO WE BELIEVE THAT THE COMMUNITY Io ENTITLED TO PROTECTION FROM IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTS WHICH HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE STABILITY OF this TERRITORY.
♦ IF IT IS EVER USED, IT WILL BE USED SPARINGLY, AND WITH PARTICULAR CARE. IT IS A MEASURE OF LAST RESORT.
♦ I TOTALLY REJECT EVERY ALLEGATION WHICH IMPUTES THE MOTIVE of this government in bringing in this clause, some, such as the ABSURD PROPOSITION THAT WE RETAINED IT TO SEEK FAVOUR WITH PEKING ARE BIZARRE TO SAY THE LEAST.+
MR FORD SAID HE WAS +ASTOUNDED BY THE WAY IN WHICH THIS PROPOSAL WHICH AIMS TO LIBERALISE PRESS LAW WAS GREETED IN THE LAST WEEK OF A TWO-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD BY OUR FRIENDS IN THE MEDIA+. HE THEN GAVE A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE QUOTATIONS BY THE MEDIA.
♦ AS A LONGTIME DEFENDER OF I HE PRINCIPLE OF FREE SPEECH I COULD HARDLY TAKE ISSUE WITH THE RIGHTS OF THE AUTHORS OF THESE QUOTATIONS TO SPEAK THEIR MIND AS THEY SEE FIT. BUT I ENJOY THAT FREEDOM TOO. I ENJOY THE FREEDOM TO SUGGEST THAT SUCH IRRATIONAL OUTBURSTS as these do little credit to certain sectors of the media in HONG KONG.*
IF ONE STUDIED WITH AN OPEN MIND THE CAREFUL EXPLANATION BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL EARLIER DURING THE MEETING, ONE WOULD APPRECIATE THE VERY LIMITED EFFECT OF RETAINING IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AN OFFENCE OF PUBLIC MISCHIEF FOR THE PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS, HE SAID.
♦OVER THE MANY YEARS I HAVE BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE MEDIA IN HONG KONG, I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BELIEVE, THAT THEY HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY AS WATCHDOGS IN OUR COMMUNITY,* MR FORD SAID.
/.BUT THE........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 3 -
♦ BUT THE TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE THEY EXERT OVER THE PUBLIC CARRIES WITH IT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESENT ARGUMENTS IN A FAIR AND BALANCED WAY, AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NEWS IS TRUTH.
♦ SIMILARLY, IT IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE ITS POWERS IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY. THE TRACK RECORD OF THIS GOVERNMENT, I BELIEVE, CAN GIVE NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN IN THIS REGARD.+
DESPITE ALL THAT HAD BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THE IMMEDIATE AND DAMAGING EFFECT OF INTRODUCING THIS LEGISLATION, MR FORD SAID, HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE MEDIA OR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FORESAW THE PROSPECT OF THE GOVERNMENT MAKING USE OF IT TO INHIBIT PERSONAL FREEDOM.
♦ MANY MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA HAVE INDEED MADE THIS POINT TO ME SPECIFICALLY.
♦ THEIR REAL FEARS HAVE BEEN NEATLY DESCRIBED BY THE VICE-
CHAIRMAN OF THE NEWSPAPER SOCIETY. THIS BILL WILL BE THE PERFECT
WEAPON IN TIME, SHOULD THE AUTHORITIES USE IT TO GAG THE PRESS.
♦SO AT THE HEART OF THEIR PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE THOUGHT
THAT A FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF THIS PLACE COULD USE THIS BILL IN A REPRESSIVE AND AUTHORITARIAN WAY.+
MR FORD SAID HE FOUND THIS ARGUMENT DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW ON THREE GROUNDS.
♦FIRSTLY, IF THE RULE OF LAW IS TO CONTINUE TO APPLY THE CONSIDERABLE BURDEN OF PROOF WHICH LIES WITH THE PROSECUTION WILL CERTAINLY INHIBIT ITS USE AS A REPRESSIVE MEASURE AGAINST THE FREEDOM OF The PRESS.
♦SECONDLY, THE ABSENCE OF ANY LAW WHICH MAKES THE DISSEMINATION OF FALSE NEWS AN OFFENCE WOULD NOT IN ITSELF GUARANTEE THAT THERE WOULD BE TOTAL PRESS FREEDOM. INDEED A BETTER SAFEGUARD WOULD BE TO BUILD A SYSTEM WITH CHECKS AND BALANCES SO AS TO ENSURE THAT POWERS WERE NOT ABUSED.
♦thirdly, sadly, if however a future government is determined to RESTRICT PRESS FREEDOM THE ABSENCE OR PRESENCE OF A LAW WOULD NOT INHIBIT IT, AS EVERY JOURNALIST WHO HAS WORKED ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION MUST KNOW.+
MR FORD ASKED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER THE RECORD OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON THE QUESTION OF PERSONAL FREEDOM WHILE RECOMMENDING THE BILL TO THE COUNCIL IN ITS REVISED FORM.
/+BrX3AUSE THIS.........
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 11, 1987
4
♦BECAUSE THIS BILL CANNOT BE LOOKED AT IN ISOLATION I WOULD STRESS THE EXTREMELY LIMITED EFFECT OF THE CLAUSE WHICH WE ARE DISCUSSING AND THE CONSIDERABLE BURDEN OF PROOFIT PUTS UPON THE PROSECUTION.
+IN PARTICULAR, I WOULD ASK MEMBERS TO REMEMBER THE KEY ELEMENT IM THE BILL WHICH REQUIRES PROOF BY THE PROSECUTION THAT ALARM IS LIKELY TO BE CAUSED TO THE PUBLIC OR THAT PUBLIC IS LIKELY TO BE DISTURBED. A CLAUSE, I MUST SAY, THAT VOCIFEROUS OPPONENTS OF THE BILL HAVE, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, CHOSEN TO IGNORE IN THEIR ARGUMENT AGAINST THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT.+
EARLIER, MR FORD THANKED ALL MEMBERS WHO SPOKE ON THE BILL.
♦ALL HAVE EXPRESSED WITH GREAT CONVICTION THEIR STRONGLY-HELD VIEWS AND THE DEBATE HAS BEEN LIVELY AND STIMULATING.
♦ IT IS FURTHER EVIDENCE, IF ANY WERE REQUIRED, OF THE FREEDOM WHICH WE ALL ENJOY TO SPEAK OUR HINDS IN THIS COMMUNITY.+
-----C------
PROTECTION WITHOUT AFFECTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION X * X * X
AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WILL PROTECT THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE PUBLICATION OF PUBLICLY DISRUPTIVE FALSE NEWS WITHOUT AFFECTING THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDENT) BILL 1986 AND THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION (AMENDMENT) BILL DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE, MR FORD EMPHASISED THAT THE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE AMENDMENTS WERE MADE FOLLOWING LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS WITH INTERESTED GROUPS AND MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE AIM OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS TO MEET REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY INTERESTED GROUPS, AND OFFICIALS READILY ACCEDED THESE SUGGESTIONS, HE SAID.
+1 BELIEVE IT SHOULD NOW BE APPARENT THAT THE AMENDMENT I AM MOVING WILL NOT INHIBIT THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN HONG KONG, WILL NOT LIMIT THE FREEDOM OF PRESS AND ABOVE ALL WILL NOT DISCOURAGE investigative reporting.
+IT IS SIMPLY DESIGNED TO PROtECT THE PUBLIC FROM A MISCHIEF, WHICH COULD CAUSE THEM UNNECESSARY ALARM.+
/Mr ford .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 5 -
MR FORD ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CAREFULLY MONITOR THE SITUATION AND WOULD REVIEW THE PROVISIONS IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE.
ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSES 4 AND 18 OF THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION (AMENDMENT) BILL IN RESPECT OF THE INTERPRETATION OF +NEWSPAPER+, MR FORD SAID THE PROPOSAL HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE OBSERVATIONS MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S AD HOC GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON PETER C. WONG.
+THE REVISIONS ARE NOW MUCH CLEARER FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO FIND OUT WHETHER A PUBLICATION IS REGISTRABLE UNDER THE AMENDED ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
MR FORD THANKED THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR COMMENTS ON THE SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
+THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTS IN PRINCIPLE THE VARIOUS POINTS MADE,-*- HE SAID.
♦APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE REGULATIONS WHICH WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SOON.+
------0-------
1 MOTION TO DEFER BILL OBJECTED X * X
THE PACE OF INTRODUCING THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDEMENT) BILL 1986 INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DOES NOT SUGGEST GREAT HASTE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A MOTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH TO DEFER THE SECOND AND THIRD READINGS OF THE BILL, MR FORD SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THE CHARGE THAT THE BILL WAS BEING RUSHED THROUGH COULD STAND REAL SCRUTINY.
MR FORD SAID THAT THE BILL WAS-GAZETTED ON DECEMBER 19, 1986 AND FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 7.
♦THIS ADMINISTRATION AGREED TO DEFER THE RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING TWICE, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 21 AND THEN FOR FEBRUARY 18,+ HE SAID.
THE ADMINISTRATION ALSO MET WITH THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THREE OCCASIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS.
/IT WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 198?
- 6 -
IT WAS THE RESULT OF THESE MEETINGS, WHICH CONSIDERED IN DETAILS THE PUBLISHED BILL AS,WELL AS POINTS RAISED BY THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS’ ASSOCIATION, THAT THE AMENDMENT TABLED TODAY WAS AGREED BY THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP.
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE REMOVAL OF THE WORD +MALICIOUS* AND THE WIDENING OF THE CLAUSE SO THAT IT WAS NOT LIMITED TO THE PRESS WAS INITIATED BY A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE AD HOC GROUP.
♦there must come a time when a majority decision must be
TAKEN,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT IF THE VIEWS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL COULD NOT REACH A CONSENSUS,* THEN WE SHOULD PUT THE MATTER TO THE VOTE*.
+WITH THESE REMARKS, I OBJECT THE MOTION OF MR SZETO WAH,* HE ADDED.
-----o------
FEATURES OF BILLS HIGHLIGHTED
*****
JHE CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE HON PETER C. WONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HIGHLIGHTED SOME AREAS OF THE TWO BILLS WHERE CONSENSUS WAS REACHED, AND THE AREA WHERE A COMMON VIEW COULD NOT BE OBTAINED.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILLS, MR WONG FIRST REFERRED TO THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND POINTED OUT THAT SUPPRESSION PROVISIONS ON LOCAL NEWSPAPERS HAD BEEN USED MOST SPARINGLY DURING THE EXISTENCE OF THE ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1951.
+THE PROPOSED DELETION OF 10 SECTIONS RELATING TO CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION OF LOCAL NEWSPAPER IS THEREFORE SUPPORTED BY THE AD HOC GROUP AS A POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS ENHANCING FREEDOM OF OUR PRESS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID MEMBERS WERE ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL DETAILS REQUIRED UNDER THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS, SUCH AS THE REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHS, HOME ADDRESSES AND HOME TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
/♦THE ADMINISTRATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 198?
- 7 -
♦THE ADMINISTRATION WAS RECEPTIVE TO OUR PROPOSALS AND IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT SOME OF THE PARTICULARS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION SUCH AS THOSE MENTIONED ABOVE WOULD BE DISPENSED WITH,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 RELATING TO THE PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS, MR WONG SAID ONE AREA WHERE THE AD HOC GROUP WAS ABLE TO REACH CONSENSUS WAS THAT THE SECTION SHOULD NOT ONLY AIMED AT THE PRESS SINCE IT WAS INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.
REPRESENTATIONS BY JOURNALISTS ON THIS POINT WAS DULY CONVEYED TO THE ADMINISTRATION, HE ADDED.
+THIS ARGUMENT WAS ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS LOGICAL AND A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY,* HE SAID.
ANOTHER AREA WHERE CONSENSUS WAS REACHED WAS THE DELETION OF +MALICIOUS+ AND +MALICE+ IN THE BILL. THE DELETION WOULD ALSO BE EFFECTED BY A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT.
MR WONG SAID THE POINTS OF CONTENTION WERE WHETHER THERE WAS A NEED TO RETAIN THE SECTION ON FALSE NEWS AND, IF IT WAS THOUGHT NECESSARY, WHETHER THE ONUS OF THE BURDEN OF PROOF REGARDING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FALSE NEWS SHOULD CONTINUE TO REST WITH THE ACCUSED.
ZHE NOTED THAT THOSE AGAINST THE SECTION FELT THAT IT REPRESENTED A DEPARTURE FROM THE COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE THAT AN ACCUSED WAS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL HIS GUILT WAS PROVEN BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT.
MR WONG ALSO NOTED THE ARGUMENT THAT IF A JOURNALIST FOLLOWED THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED PRINCIPLE OF KEEPING THE SOURCE OF HIS INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL, THEN HE WOULD BE DEPRIVED OF THE ONLY DEFENCE AVAILABLE TO HIM SHOULD HE BE CHARGED UNDER THE NEW SECTION.
♦FURTHERMORE, A FEW MEMBERS ALSO BELIEVE THAT IN CASES WHERE THE TRUTH OR AUTHENTICITY'OF THE NEWS IS NOT IMMEDIATELY OR READILY AVAILABLE, THE NEW SECTION WOULD POSE AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE BURDEN ON THE ACCUSED AND WOULD UNDULY INHIBIT FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY THE MEDIA WHICH MIGHT EVENTUALLY BRING OUT IMPORTANT AND MATERIAL FACTS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.*
NONETHELESS, DESPITE THE DOUBTS AND RESERVATIONS, OTHER MEMBERS WERE CONVINCED THAT THE BILL, AS AMENDED, STRUCK A FAIR BALANCE, MR WONG SAID.
/+SINCE IT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
8
+SINCE IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH WHAT WAS IN THE MIND OF THE PERSON PUBLISHING THE FALSE NEWS, IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO REQUIRE THE ACCUSED TO PROVE THAT HE HAD REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT THE NEWS TO WHICH THE CHARGE RELATES WAS TRUE.*
OTHERWISE, THE PROVISION WOULD BECOME A DEAD LETTER OF THE LAW, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT FALSE NEWS IN ITSELF WAS NOT AN OFFENCE UNDER THE EXISTING OR THE NEW SECTION. AN OFFENCE WOULD BE COMMITTED ONLY IF THE FALSE NEWS WAS ALSO LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER.
THE COMBINATION OF THESE TWO FACTORS WOULD MAKE IT EXTREMELY UNLIKELY FOR AN OFFENCE TO BE COMMITTED UNDER THE EXISTING OR THE NEW SECTION, PARTICULARLY UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID.
+IT IS FELT THAT IN HONG KONG TODAY, THERE IS JUSTIFICATION TO RETAIN SOME RESIDUAL POWER OVER UNSCRUPULOUS PUBLICATION, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO THE PUBLIC,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT BY NOT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THE PRESS AND THUS WIDENING THE AMBIT OF THE SECTION TO COVER ANY PERSON, REPRESENTED A CHANGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT, MR WONG SAID THIS VIEW WAS NOT SHARED BY A NUMBER OF MEMBERS.
'THEY WERE OF THE VIEW THAT THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT HAD ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME, WHICH WAS THE PREVENTION OF PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER.
+TO SUGGEST THAT MAKING IT AN OFFENCE FOR A PERSON TO PUBLISH FALSE NEWS LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER IS A THREAT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS STRETCHING REASON AND LOGIC TO A POINT WHERE IT STANDS ON VERY TENUOUS GROUNDS,+ MR WONG SAID.
NO PRESS, NO PERSON IN AN ORDERLY AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO COMMIT ACTS WHICH WERE PREJUDICIAL TO THE PUBLIC GOOD, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT AS A LAWYER, HE WAS NATURALLY NOT HAPPY ABOUT SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF PROOF TO THE ACCUSED. BUT IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE ARGUMENTS WERE FINELY BALANCED, HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE EXISTING PROVISION HAD BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE 1951, AND HAD NOT CAUSED ANY PROBLEM NOR POSED ANY THREAT AT ALL. NOR HAD IT BEEN ABUSED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT ANY TIME DURING THE PAST 36 YEARS.
+TO ALLOW THE TWO BILLS TO PASS INTO LAW IS A SENSIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE POLITICAL COMPROMISE,* HE CONCLUDED.
-----o-----
/9........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 9 -
NEED TO SAFEGUARD OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST
*****
THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ANY HINDERANCE OR CONTROL ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WAS UNDESIRABLE, i BUT THERE HAD TO BE A BASELINE TO UNDERSCORE THE PROFESSIONAL AND ■' SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY PERSON BEFORE THEY SPREAD A PIECE OF NEWS.
MR CHEN WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW SECTION 27 PROPOSED IN THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 DURING THE DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID HE HAD NO HESITATION TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW AND THE CRUCIAL ROLE PLAYED BY THE MEDIA IN REPORTING THE TRUTH.
+ BUT FOR AN IMPORTANT ISSUE SUCH AS PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS WHICH MAY CAUSE PUBLIC DISTURBANCE, A BALANCE HAS TO BE STRUCK IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST.
I
, + IN MY VIEW, THE BALANCE SHOULD BE TILTED IN FAVOUR OF THE
MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID HE HAD FULL FAITH IN THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE HONG KONG LEGAL SYSTEM AND THE COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE OF +PRESUMED INNOCENCE UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY*. HOWEVER, HE BELIEVED THAT PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE FLEXIBLY AND SENSIBLY APPLIED.
+THE RATIONALE FOR PLACING THE BURDEN OF PROOF ON THE IS THAT IN MANY CASES WHERE THE INGREDIENTS OF THE OFFENCE
j LARGELY WITHIN THE PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ACCUSED, IT WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE PROSECUTION TO ESTABLISH EVIDENCE TO PROVE THE GUILT,+ HE SAID.
TO FOLLOW THE PRINCIPLE OF +PRESUMED INNOCENCE* WOULD, IN SUCH CASES, NULLIFY THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LAW, HE ADDED.
IN THE CASE OF THE NEW SECTION 27, MR CHEN SAID HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THERE WERE ENOUGH JUSTIFICATION FOR A DEPARTURE FROM THE PRINCIPLE OF ^PRESUMED INNOCENCE*.
IN PRACTICE, HE EXPLAINED, BEFORE A PERSON COULD BE CHARGED, THE PROSECUTION WOULD HAVE TO PROVE THREE POINTS OF FACTS, NAMELY THAT THE NEWS WAS FALSE, THAT IT WAS LIKELY TO CAUSE DISTURBANCES TO PUBLIC ORDER, AND THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY PUBLISHED.
+GIVEN THESE INGREDIENTS, I THINK IT IS FAIR TO PLACE ON THE DEFENDANT THE BURDEN OF PROOF THAT HE HAS REASONABLE GROUND FOR BELIEVING THE NEWS WAS TRUE,* HE SAID.
THIS
DEFENCE ARE
/♦HAVING SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
10 -
♦HAVING SAID THAT, I AGREE THAT SAFEGUARDS SHOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ABUSE OF POWER,+ HE ADDED.
THEREFORE, HE WELCOMED THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION TO THE BILL MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S APPROVAL BE SOUGHT BEFORE A PROSECUTION COULD PROCEED UNDER THE NEW SECTION 27.
MR CHEN NOTED THAT SOME ARGUMENTS HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THOSE WHO OBJECTED TO THE NEW SECTION 27 THAT LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS AGAINST THE PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS WERE NO LONGER NECESSARY SINCE THEY HAD REMAINED DORMANT THROUGHOUT RECENT YEARS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE ABSENCE OF CASES WHICH INVOLVED THE INVOCATION OF LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS AGAINST PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS COULD BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO TWO FACTORS.
♦FIRSTLY, IT SERVES TO CONFIRM THE DISCIPLINE OF OUR JOURNALISTS WHO WORK CONSCIENTIOUSLY IN THE INTEREST OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
♦SECONDLY, IT DEMONSTRATES CLEARLY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH PROVISIONS IN DETERRING IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING,* HE SAID.
THE LACK OF PROSECUTION CASES SHOULD THEREFORE BE VIEWED IN A POSITIVE LIGHT, MR CHEN ADDED.
-------c---------
BILL NOT MEANT TO SUPPRESS FREEDOM OF SPEECH
*****
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WILL PROVIDE A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH TO BE PROPERLY EXERCISED AND IS NEVER MEANT TO SUPPRESS THIS FREEDOM, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR HO POINTED OUT THAT PEOPLE NOT ONLY .WANTED TO BE INFORMED BUT TO BE INFORMED ACCURATELY AND CORRECTLY.
HE STRESSED THAT PEOPLE WHO REPORTED OR PUBLISHED RESPONSIBLY NEED NOT WORRY ABOUT THE AMENDMENT TO BE PROPOSED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
/+THERE IE ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
+THERE IS A PROVISION FOR THE DEFENCE OF THE ACCUSED IF HE PROVES THAT HE HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT THE NEWS IS TRUE,* HE EXPLAINED.
+ AN ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARD IS THAT NO PROSECUTION WILL BE COMMENCED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL,* HE ADDED.
DR HO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AS THE RULE OF LAW PREVAILED IN HONG KONG AND THE JUDICIARY WAS INDEPENDENT, ANY ABUSE OF THE LAW BY THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE DEALT WITH JUDICIOUSLY BY THE COURTS.
+ IN OTHER WORDS, THE COURTS WOULD PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARD FOR THE PUBLIC AGAINST POSSIBLE ABUSES OF THE LAW BY THE ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.
------0-------
SPIRIT OF BILL SUPPORTED
*****
IF I HE DEGREE OF FALSE NEWS WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE PUBLIC DISTURBANCE, CERTAINLY THE PERSON WHO REPORTED THIS FALSE NEWS MUST BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY, THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, MR LEE SAID IT WAS IN THIS SPIRIT THAT HE SUPPORTED THE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL TO BE PROPOSED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
I
MR LEE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AN INTENTION OF GAGGING THE PRESS OR EXERCISING WIDE-SPREAD CONTROL OVER THE MEDIA. THIS WAS CERTAINLY NOT THE PRINCIPLE NOR THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL.
+WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS WITH REGARD TO FALSE NEWS WHICH IS LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER.*
MR LEE BELIEVED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WOULD AGREE THAT THERE WAS PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY INVOLVED IN JOURNALISM, AS IN ANY OTHER PROFESSION. TO REPORT FALSE NEWS WAS A SERIOUS MATTER AND SURELY IT WAS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT PROTECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS BECAUSE THE PROSECUTION MUST ESTABLISH THAT IT WAS FALSE NEWS, THAT THE FALSE NEWS MUST BE HARMFUL ENOUGH AS LIKELY TO CAUSE PUBLIC ALARM OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER, AND THAT THE PROSECUTION OF the offence must have the consent of the attorney general.
/+IF I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
12
+IF I BELIEVED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BILL IS IN ANY WAY A MEANS FOR GOVERNMENT TO GAG THE PRESS OR TO EXERCISE WIDE-SPREAD CONTROL OVER THE MEDIA WHICH WOULD IN TURN THREATEN OUR PRESS FREEDOM, I WOULD FIGHT AGAINST IT,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CONCERNS ABOUT PRESS FREEDOM AFTER 1997, MR LEE SAID THIS CONCERN WAS UNDERSTANDABLE BUT HE BELIEVED PEOPLE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE 1997 SYNDROM TO GET INTO THEIR HEADS.
+FRANKLY, THE SAR GOVERNMENT MAY MAKE NEW LAWS OR AMEND EXISTING LAWS AS THEY DEEM NECESSARY AT THAT TIME, THIS GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY MUST ADMINISTER AND ADMINISTER EFFECTIVELY IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD BEEN WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR NINE YEARS AND HAD HAD THE HONOUR OF SERVING HONG KONG ACCORDING TO HIS CONSCIENCE.
+1 AM PROUD OF HONG KONG AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS. I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL,* HE SAID.
--------0----------
BILL ROCKS FOUNDATION OF LEGAL SYSTEM
*****
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 TOUCHES ON A FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE BY SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF PROOF TO THE DEFENDANT, WHICH IS (WEDN€SDAY)GAINST BRIT,SH JUSTICE> ThE h0N K-c- CHAN SAID TODAY
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR CHAN SAID HE WOULD VOTE + NO+ TO SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE WHICH +ROCKS THE VERY FOUNDATION OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM AND THE FOUR BASIC FREEDOM OF HUMAN RIGHTS*.
HE SAID IT WAS VERY MUCH AGAINST UNIVERSAL JOURNALISTIC ETHICS FOR REPORTERS TO PRODUCE THEIR SOURCE OF INFORMATION, AND YET THE INFORMER MIGHT ALWAYS DENY WHAT HAD BEEN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT FREEDOM OF PRESS AND SPEECH WAS ONE OF THE MAIN PILLARS OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY AND THAT HE HAD PERFORMED HIS DUTIES OF REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINION.
-------0 ---------
/13........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
13
PUTTING ONUS OF PROOF ON DEFENDANTS ’UNCONVINCING’
*****
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE REMAINED UNCONVINCED ON THE NEED TO PUT THE ONUS OF PROOF ONTO THE DEFENDANT ACCUSED OF PUBLISHING FALSE NEWS.
SPEAKING AGAINST THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 27 IN THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 198,6, MR CHEONG SAID WHILE HE WAS AGAINST THE PRESUMPTION CLAUSE OF THE BILL, HE WAS NOT AGAINST THE SPIRIT THAT DETERRENT shouLd BE ESTABLISHED against THOSE PERSONS WHO PUBLISHED FALSE NEWS THAT WAS LIKELY TO ALARM PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURB PUBLIC ORDER.
CITING THE WATERGATE INCIDENT IN THE U.S. AS AN EXAMPLE, MR CHEONG QUESTIONED WHETHER THE NEW SECTION 27 WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OR EVEN IMPEDE THE WORK OF JOURNALISTS.
+COULD IT BE THAT UNDER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE DEFENDANTS WOULD HAVE TO PROVE THEIR*OWN INNOCENCE, THEY WOULD BE VERY HARD PUT TO PUT UP ANY MEANINGFUL DEFENCE UNLESS THEY REVEAL THE SOURCE OF THE INFORMATION?* HE QUESTIONED.
HE SAID HONG KONG SHOULD BE PRAGMATIC ENOUGH TO RECOGNISE THAT THERE EXISTED CERTAIN ETHICS AND PRACTICES WITHIN THE JOURNALIST TRADE AND THAT JOURNALISTS WORLDWIDE BY AND LARGE ADHERED STRINGENTLY TO THIS PRACTICE.
+IT WOULD AT BEST BE UNREASONABLE AND AT WORST WRONG FOR HONG KONG TO REQUIRE OUR JOURNALISTS TO BREAK SUCH AN INTERNATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE EVERY DESIRE TO TRY TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE OPPOSITION CAMPAIGN TO BLOCK THE BILL, MR CHEONG SAID THAT IN HIS VIEW EMOTIONS HAD BEEN UNNECESSARILY WHIPPED UP TO SO HIGH A LEVEL THAT ONE MIGHT BE LIABLE TO FALL INTO A TRAP OF LOOSING ONE’S SENSE OF BALANCE.
+PRESSURE CAMPAIGNS WERE MOUNTED DESIGNED TO LOBBY OR EVEN FORCE COUNCILLORS INTO A CORNER SO AS TO STOP THIS BILL DEAD,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG ADDED THAT THE NET EFFECT °F ALL THESE HIGH PRESSURE TACTICS REALLY HAD NOT BEEN CONDUCIVE TO COOL-HEADED AND OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECT MATTER.
STRIKING OUT REFERENCE
+FOR EXAMPLE, THE ADMINISTRATION IN _ _ 4™iCCn
TO LOCAL PAPERS IN THE AMENDED VERSION OF THE BILL, IS NOW ACCUSED OF PURPOSELY WIDENING THE SCOPE OF COVERAGE FROM THE OR IG INAL GAZETTED VERSION SO AS TO GAG THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN HONG KONG,
HE NOTED.
/THE FACT ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 198?
i
I
- 14 -
THE FACT OF THE MATTER WAS THAT SUCH REFERENCES WERE ONLY STRUCK OUT AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE SUBMISSIONS BY THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION, HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID THAT NO ONE, NOT EVEN THE SEVEREST CRITICS, SHOULD FOREVER APPROACH ANY ISSUE WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT GOVERNMENT ALWAYS HAD AN EVIL TWIST OF CONSPIRACY.
+IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO SURVIVE IN FUTURE AND IF WE DO TREASURE WHAT WE HAVE, THEN WE MUST NOT START TO APPROACH ANY ISSUE WITH UNBENDING SUSPICION IN OUR MINDS,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS A FACT THAT THIS BILL HAD BEEN DISCUSSED EXTENSIVELY IN AD HOC GROUP MEETINGS AS WELL AS IN FOUR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN-HOUSE MEETINGS AND THAT THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS HAD INDICATED SUPPORT FOR THE BILL.
+ AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, WHETHER ONE PERSONALLY LIKES IT OR NOT, IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF PRACTISING DEMOCRACY, IF ONE INTENDS TO REMAIN AS RESPONSIBLE TEAM PLAYERS, ONE MUST LEARN TO BE MATURE ENOUGH TO RESPECT AND ACCEPT THE DECISION OF THE MAJORITY,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT NEVERTHELESS IT MUST BE ACCEPTED AS ANOTHER FACT THAT THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY AND THOSE RELATED WITH IT PLUS SOME CONCERN GROUPS HAD MADE SOME ELEVENTH HOUR REPRESENTATIONS. HE SAID SOME OF THE POINTS RAISED WOULD NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.
HE STRONGLY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO UNDERTAKE FIRST TO CONTINUE TO PONDER ON THE POINTS RAISED AND, SECONDLY, IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, TO COMMIT TO A REVIEW OF ITS PROVISIONS WITHIN A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
HE ALSO URGED THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY NOT TO BE TOTALLY NEGATIVE AFTER THIS EPISODE.
+THIS COULD WELL BE THE CATALYST NEEDED THAT COULD SET INTO MOTION THE BUILDING OF A FOUNDATION FOR CLOSER DIALOGUE AND CO-OPERATION AMONGST DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE INDUSTRY,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BY AND LARGE BEEN RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIVE TO LOGIC AND RATIONALE, AND THAT IT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY FOR SUCH AN ADMINISTRATION TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO WELL-REASONED ANALYSIS AND/OR SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
0--------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 15 -
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST PRESSURE ON PRESS PROPOSED *****
PROVISIONS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST UNDUE PRESSURE ON JOURNALISTIC PRACTICE, TO BE EMBODIED IN THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, WERE PROPOSED BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE TWO BILLS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHEUNG SAID HE SUPPORTED THE GENERAL SPIRIT OF THE LEGISLATIONS, BUT RECOGNISED THAT NO AMOUNT OF VERBAL ASSURANCES OTHER THAN CONCRETE MEASURES ENSHRINED IN THE LAW MIGHT ALLAY THE FEARS OF THOSE IN THE TRADE OF PUBLICATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE TRIAL OF +PUBLISHING FALSE NEWS+ SHOULD BE CONDUCTED BY JURY AND THAT THE +BURDEN OF PROOF+ SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON THE PROSECUTION RATHER THAN THE DEFENDANT AS TWO SAFEGUARDS AGAINST UNDUE PRESSURE.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE MAINTENANCE OF A FREE PRESS SHOULD BE REGARDED AS THE CORNERSTONE OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN THE AREA CF THE MEDIA COMMUNICATION.
HE NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE CONTROVERSY WAS CENTRED ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.
HE SAID THE PROVISION WAS INTENDED AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST POSSIBLE ABUSES AND THAT IT WAS BEING INTRODUCED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT JOURNALISTS SHOULD NOT ABUSE THEIR RIGHTS IN PERFORMING A PUBLIC FUNCTION.
HE FELT OBJECTIONS OVER THE PROVISION LAY IN THE AMBIGUITIES WHEN IT CAME TO APPLICATION OF THE LAW.
+THERE SHOULD BE CLARIFICATIONS ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THE WAYS TO ASSESS OR ASCERTAIN THE EFFECT OF A NEWS ITEM WHICH IS ALLEGEDLY RESPONSIBLE FOR 'ALARMING PUBLIC OPINION OR DISTURBING PUBLIC ORDER’,+ HE SAID.
+NO SUCH IMPORTANT LAW, EVEN IF PASSED BY THE COUNCIL, MAY BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE FULFILMENT OF ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE UNLESS IT IS SO CLEARLY DRAFTED AS TO LEAVE VERY LITTLE ROOM FOR ABUSE BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED,* HE ADDED.
MR CHEUNG ALSO CAUTIONED THAT THE LIBERATION OF THE PRESS FROM ANARCHRON1ST IC LEGAL MEASURES SHOULD NOT MEAN A LICENCE TO PRINT WHAT ONE LIKED.
+WHERE THE AUDACITY TO SPEAK WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF DECENCY WILL ENSURE A HEALTHY STATE OF MASS COMMUNICATION BUSINESS, ABUSES - NOTABLY WHEN IT BECOMES A PHENOMENON - WILL IN DUE COURSE ENGENDER A PUBLIC SENTIMENT THAT MAY CRY FOR A RE-INSTITUTING OF THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE KIND WHICH WE WILL SOON REMOVE AND WHICH NO ONE, LEAST OF ALL OUR FRIENDS IN THE JOURNALISTIC FIELD, WOULD LIKE TO SEE,+ HE SAID.
-------o--------- /16........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 16 -
+FALSE NEWS+ CLAUSE SHOULD BE REPEALED
*****
SECTION 27 IN THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 regarding the publishing OF FALSE NEWS SHOULD BE REPEALED ALTOGETHER, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THIS DAY AND AGE OF INSTANT COMMUNICATION, HE SAID, THE PERPETRATOR OF FALSE NEWS COULD BE SWIFTLY DISAVOWED AND LOSE CREDIBILITY.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF THAT PARTICULAR SECTION IN THE BILL AND THAT HE WOULD VOTE AGAINST IT, IN EITHER THE AMENDED VERSIONS TO BE MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE EQUIVALENT OF THE +FALSE NEWS* OFFENCE HAD BEEN PART OF THE LEGISLATION FOR MANY YEARS AND HAD SO FAR NOT BEEN INVOKED THE QUESTION WAS WHETHER IT WAS WORTHWHILE RETAINING THE OFFENCE AS A DETERRENT, OR WHETHER IT SHOULD NOW BE ELIMINATED ALTOGETHER AT A TIME WHEN FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION WAS SUCH A HIGHLY SENSITIVE ISSUE DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
+ BY REINSTATING THE FALSE NEWS OFFENCE AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME ARE WE CAUSING FURTHER GENUINELY FELT ANXIETY THAT WE ARE IN DAGGER OF EVER SO IMPERCEPTABLY SLIDING DOWN THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF CONTROL OF THE PRESS AND OF FREE EXPRESSION?* HE QUESTIONED.
ALSO SPEAKING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID NEITHER OF THE TWO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MOVED BY MR LEE AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS A GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION, AND IT SUFFERED FROM BEING NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL IN THAT IT OBVIOUSLY AIMED TO APPLY TO THE PRESS IN PARTICULAR AND TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS WELL.
IF THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO ESTABLISH LEGAL SAFEGUARDS AGAINST THE PRESS ACTING IN AN IRRESPONSIBLY WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SPECIFIC IN THE DRAFTING OF THE REVISED AMENDMENT, HE SAID.
+ AS FOR APPLICATION OF CLAUSE 27 TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, I CAN ONLY EXPRESS TODAY MY GRAVE CONCERN SHOULD CLAUSE 27 BE ADOPTED TODAY, AND HOPE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL EXERCISE UTMOST CARE AND CAUTION IN PROTECTING THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN IN HONG KONG,* MR CHEONG-LEEN ADDED.
- 0 -
/17........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 17 -
NEED TO EXERCISE REASONABLE CONTROL X X * X X
TO EXERCISE A REASONABLE LEVEL OF CONTROL IN THE LEGISLATION FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC WAS A MUST, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR CHIU SAID HE SUPPORTED THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BILL.
HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT ALL LEGISLATORS SHOULD BE FAIR TO ALL AND THAT REVIEW EXERCISES SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE LIGHT OF THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OBTAINED FROM ENACTMENT.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS MOST UNFORTUNATE THAT THE REAL INTENTION, SINCERITY AND GOOD WILL TO AMEND THE OUTDATED ORDINANCE BY REMOVING THE SUPPRESSION PROVISIONS FROM THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION ORDINANCE AND TRANSFERRING THE CONTROL PROVISION REGARDING +PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS+ TO THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE HAD BEEN, TO A LARGE EXTENT, OVERSIGHTED.
HE SAID THE IDEA OF UPDATING THE ORDINANCE WAS GENERATED AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
+AS THE POLITICAL SITUATION AND FOREIGN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND HER NEIGHBOURHOOD COUNTRIES TODAY ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THAT IN THE PAST, THE GOVERNMENT IN CONSIDERING THE IMPORTANCE and Necessity to safeguard the freedom of the press during the TRANSITION AND THE PERIOD BEYOND 1997, FEELS THAT IT IS THE TIME TO REPEAL CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE REGARDING TO THE CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION OF NEWSPAPERS AND TO UPDATE SOME PROVISIONS OF OUR EXISTING ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS,*
HE SAID.
IN THE PROCESS OF SO DOING, THE NEED TO EXERCISE SOME SORT OF CONTROL TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF REPORTING WAS ALSO CONSIDERED AS IMPERATIVE, HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO WORRIES EXPRESSED BY CONCERNED GROUPS THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WOULD MEAN. AN INFRINGEMENT OF THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN GENERAL AND THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN PARTICULAR, DR CHIU SAID THEIR WORRIES AND ANXIETY WERE UNDERSTOOD AND THAT HE SHARED THEIR FEELINGS TO THE UTMOST.
HE SAID THAT AS A HONG KONG RESIDENT HE COULD NOT AGREE WITH THE JOURNALISTS AND PUBLISHERS MORE THAT PRESS FREEDOM WAS A FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN HONG KONG ESPECIALLY DURING THE NEXT 10 YEARS LEADING TO POST-1997.
♦WHILE I RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF FREEDOM OF PRESS, I CANNOT FORGET THAT TO RECEIVE ACCURATE AND RESPONSIBLE INFORMATION AND REPORTING IS ALSO A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.
+AS A LEGISLATOR, I AM BOUND TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THEM IF CONFLICT ARISES+ HE ADDED.
-------0--------- /18...................
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, •'1987
IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING SHOULD BE RESTRICTED
*****
THE HON HO SAI-CHU TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF HAVING A PROVISION IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WHICH RESTRICTED IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING OF FALSE NEWS, ALTHOUGH THE MEDIA WAS GENERALLY AGAINST HAVING SUCH A PROVISION IN THE STATUTE BOOKS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL, MR HO DECLARED AN INTEREST IN THE MATTER IN VIEW OF HIS POSITION AS PUBLISHER AND CHIEF EDITOR OF TIN TIN DAILY NEWS.
+1 PERSONALLY FEEL, AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING OF FALSE NEWS WHICH COULD UNDERMINE THE CONFIDENCE, INTERNAL STABILITY OF HONG KONG AND THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING BOTH HERE AND ABROAD.+
HE SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE TOO DIFFICULT A TASK FOR THE MEDIA TO CHECK AND VERIFY THE TRUTHFULNESS OR OTHERWISE OF AN ITEM OF NEWS.
+IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO AS THEY HAVE A PARAMOUNT DUTY TOWARDS THE PUBLIC RATHER THAN A DESIRE TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST AND TO BOOST THE MARKETABILITY OF THEIR PUBLICATIONS WITHOUT DUE REGARD TO THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THEIR CONDUCT,+ HE ADDED.
MR HO SAID THE MEDIA SHOULD NOT FEAR THE ENACTMENT OF SUCH A MEASURE AS A NEW PROVISION WOULD BE PROPOSED TO PROVIDE A DEFENCE FOR THE PERSON CHARGED AND THAT NO PROSECUTION WOULD BE COMMENCED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
HE NOTED THAT AT TIMES DIFFICULTIES MIGHT ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE MEDIA’S PROFESSIONAL ETHICS OF NOT DISCLOSING ITS SOURCE OF INFORMATION WITHOUT ITS PRIOR CONSENT BUT, IF THAT HAPPENED, THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT.
MR HO CONCLUDED BY ASKING THE GOVERNMENT FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT THE NEW SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR TRIVIAL CASES AS THE SECTION CLEARLY PERMITTED THOSE CASES TO BE TRIED SUMMARILY AND AS SUCH COULD NOT BE OF ANY GREAT MOMENT.
0 - -
/(/ FULL PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON BILL URGED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CRITICISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT FOR NOT HAVING WIDELY CONSULTED THE PUBLIC ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HUI SAID IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE MEDIA HAD NOT BEEN TREATED FAIRLY ON THIS OCCASION.
/+AT THE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 19 -
+AT THE VERY LEAST, THE BILL SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED HURRIEDLY TO THIS COUNCIL FOR SECOND READING BEFORE CLEAR DEFINITIONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN ON CERTAIN CONTROVERSIAL AND OBSCURE EXPRESSIONS.*
MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION ANNOUNCED ONLY LAST THURSDAY THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY WOULD PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 27 OF THE BILL TODAY, IT WAS DOUBTFUL THAT THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE AMENDMENT FULLY.
noting that the government probably intended to protect the PUBLIC FROM BEING AFFECTED BY FALSE NEWS WHEN PROPOSING THE BILL. HE SAID REPEATED EFFORTS TO EXPLAIN THE BILL HAD FAILED TO PUT THE MIND OF THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC AT EASE.
HE SAID THIS REFLECTED THAT THERE MIGHT ACTUALLY BE something amiss in the content and wording of some of its CLAUSES.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE DEFERRED TO ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR BOTH THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS BEFORE IT WAS PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL.
MR HUI SAID HE FELT THAT DURING THIS SENSITIVE TIME IF THERE WAS ANY NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENACT OR AMEND LEGISLATION OF A CONTROVERSIAL NATURE, THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE FULLY CONSULTED AND THEIR VIEWS SHOULD BE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION SO AS TO REDUCE CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE.
MR HUI CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH BY QUOTING A FAMOUS CHINESE SAYING: +VIRTUE ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR THE EXERCISE OF GOVERNMENT; AND LAWS ALONE CANNOT CARRY THEMSELVES INTO PRACTICE.*
-------0 ---------
CALL FOR MORE TIME TO STUDY BILL * * X *
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CRITICISED BY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AS BEING +TOO LOOSE TO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE THAT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS BEING SAFE-GUARDED ADEQUATELY*.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE HON RICHARD LAI SAID THE THREATS POSED BY SECTION 27 OF THE BILL ON PRESS FREEDOM WAS +REAL, IMMINENT AND ADVERSE TO PUBLIC INTEREST*.
/H£ COULD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
20 -
he could not endorse the bill as it now stands, but would only CONSIDER IT IF THE PRESS WOULD BE GIVEN REASONABLE PROTECTION FROM UNNECESSARY INTERFERENCE.
HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD URGED FOR THE REPEAL OF THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE LAST AUGUST BECAUSE OF A NUMBER OF +RESTRICTIVE AND OPPRESIVE+ PROVISIONS IN IT.
MR LAI SAID HE WAS DISMAYED TO FIND THAT THE PRESENT AMENDMENT AMOUNTED TO NO MORE THAN TRANSFERRING THE +MOST OBJECT IONABLE+ ELEMENT OF ONE ORDINANCE TO ANOTHER.
HE NOTED THAT SECTION 27 OF THE BILL RETAINED THE SAME PROVISION HITHERTO STIPULATED IN SECTION 6 OF THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
MR LAI SAID THAT SINCE MEMBERS WERE UNABLE TO COME UP WITH A CONSENSUAL DECISION AND IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT FLOOD OF PUBLIC OUTCRY, IT WOULD BE BETTER IF MORE TIME WAS ALLOWED TO STUDY THE AMENDMENTS CAREFULLY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE 36 YEARS OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE, IT HAD ONLY BEEN USED THREE TIMES AND ALL DURING THE 1967 RIOTS.
+THAT RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF - THE PRESS HERE IN HONG KONG, BY AND LARGE, IS RESPONSIBLE AND SELF-DISCIPLINED,* HE SAID.
MR LAI SUGGESTED THAT IT WOULD BE MORE SENSIBLE TO SEE HOW THE PRESS WOULD BEHAVE WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO THE THREATS OF THE BILL SINCE SIMILAR LEGISLATION COULD BE INTRODUCED IMMEDIATELY IF THE RESULTS WERE LESS THAN SATISFACTORY.
------0-------
CALL FOR UNCONDITIONAL PRESS FREEDOM X X X X X
FREEDOM OF SPEECH SHOULD BE UNCONDITIONAL AND THE IMPOSITION OF ANY CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WOULD RESULT IN A SITUATION WHERE ONE COULD ALWAYS TRUMP UP A CHARGE IN ORDER TO CONDEMN SOMEBODY, THE HON LEE YU-TAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, MR LEE SAID THE proposed section 27 of the bill WAS ENTIRELY contrary to the common law principle under WHICH an accused person was PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVED OTHERWISE.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 21
HE SAID THE PROVISION ALSO VIOLATED JOURNALISTS’ RIGHT OF KEEPING THE SOURCES OF NEWS SECRET. TO PROVE THAT THE TRUTH OF the NEWS HAD been VERIFIED was tantamount to divulging the SOURCE OF THE NEWS, AND HENCE THE PROVISION WAS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.
THE PROVISION NOT ONLY SUPPRESSED THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS BUT ALSO AFFECTED THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, HE SAID.
+ FOR INSTANCE, NEWSPAPER EDITORS, KNOWING THAT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY READERS ARE ALSO SUBJECTED TO SUCH SUPPRESSION, WILL BE DOUBLY CAREFUL IN PUBLISHING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, AND SO THE CHANNEL FOR THE PUBLIC TO AIR THEIR VIEWS WILL BE OBSTRUCTED,* HE SAID.
MR LEE NOTED THAT AS HONG KONG WAS A CAPITALIST SOCIETY, THERE WERE BOUND TO BE SOME UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE WHO WOULD MAKE USE OF LOOPHOLES IN THE LAW TO TAKE ADVANTAGES THROUGH FOUL MEANS. CRITICISM EXERTED BY PUBLIC OPINION WAS THE ONLY POSSIBLE CHECK.
+FOR THIS REASON, THE PRESS IS TASKED WITH THE MISSION OF UPHOLDING SOCIAL JUSTICE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE EXPRESSION *FALSE NEWS* AND +POSSIBLY GIVES RISE TO PUBLIC ALARM* AS USED IN SECTION 27 OF THE BILL INVOLVED SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT AND MIGHT RESULT IN +RULI NG BY MAN RATHER THAN RULING BY LAW*.
MR LEE CITED A RECENT CASE IN WHICH THE PRESS HAD UNCOVERED TWO INCIDENTS WHICH INVOLVED THE THREATENED POISONING OF PACKETED DRINKS. +WARNING LETTERS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO THE NEWSPAPERS. BUT AFTERWARDS, A CRIMINAL WAS ARRESTED AND CONVICTED, PROVING THAT THE NEWS REPORTED WAS TRUE.
+IF THE NEWS DISTRIBUTOR HAD BEEN PROSECUTED ACCORDING TO THE FALSE NEWS ORDINANCE, IT WOULD BE MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE WHEN THE NEWS WAS EVENTUALLY FOUND TO BE TRUE,* HE SAID.
EVEN IF THE BILL WAS PASSED BY THE MAJORITY, MR LEE SAID HE WOULD STILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT AN IMMEDIATE REVIEW, INCLUDING THE CONSULTATION OF THE JOURNALIST PROFESSION AND THE DELETION OF SECTION 27 IN FUTURE.
MR LEE SAID HE WISHED THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDING ORDERS, TAKE NOTE OF THE VOICES IN FAVOUR AND THOSE AGAINST THE BILL.
IF THERE WAS ONLY A NARROW GAP, HE HOPED THE PRESIDENT WOULD DECIDE WHETHER IT WAS NECESSARY TO TAKE COUNT OF THE VOTES SEPARATELY.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 22
AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR LEE REITERATED THAT THERE COULD BE NO COMPROMISE OVER FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THAT NO CONDITIONS SHOULD BE IMPOSED TO RESTRICT FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
HE SAID HE SUPPORTED THE AMENDMENT MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, NOT BECAUSE IT WAS A SATISFACTORY SITUATION BUT BECAUSE IT WAS LESS UNSATISFACTORY THAN THE ORIGINAL BILL AtP THE OFFICIAL AMENDMENT.
+1 WOULD ACCEPT ONLY THE COMPLETE DELETION OF SECTION 27 AND WOULD THEREFORE OPPOSE TO THE BILL BEING PASSED INTO LAW AT THE THIRD READING,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE REASON FOR SUPPORTING THE AMENDMENT WAS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AGAINST THE EVENTUALITY OF HIS OPPOSITION BEING REJECTED. IF THAT EVENTUALITY TRANSPIRED, HE WOULD MOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE A SATISFACTORY POSITION. BUT WITH THE AMENDMENT THE SITUATION WOULD BE A LESSER EVIL.
+IN THE CASE THAT EVEN THIS MOTION FAILED, I WOULD THEN VOTE AGAINST THE LESS PREFERABLE OFFICIAL AMENDMENT BECAUSE OF ITS EMBRACING EFFECT WHICH HAS LED TO PUBLIC ANXIETY,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IF OPPOSITION TO THE ENTIRE BILL FAILED, WHETHER WITH OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT, HE WOULD CALL UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT AN IMMEDIATE REVIEW OF THE LEGISLATION AND TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY FOR REMOVAL OF THE WHOLE SECTION 27 AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
+FOR THIS REVIEW, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST CONSULT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF THE JOURNALIST PROFESSION,* HE SAID.
------0 ------
BACKING FOR PROPER SAFEGUARD FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH X X * X *
TO
THE HON DAVID LI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUPPORTED THE AMENDMENT THE |PrcLIC 0RDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 PROPOSED BY THE HON
I Inn I I !\J L 11 •
nPRAT?PnwK|uc in <THEm»E^ SLA 'VE ''0UNCIL DURING THE RESUMED BILL’ MR Ll SA,D THAT ThE AMENDMENT, DRAFTED AS S,MILAR TERMS TO THE EQUIVALENT PROVISION IN THE CANADIAN FEDERAL CRIMINAL CODE. PROVIDED A PROPER SAFEGUARD FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION NOT ONLY OF THE MEDIA BUT OF EVERY CONCERNED CITIZEN OF HONG KONG.
/+MR LEE'S
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 23 -
+MR LEE’S AMENDMENT THEREFORE DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF ALL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL IN THEIR DESIRE TO SEE THAT WE MAINTAIN IN HONG KONG THAT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WHICH IS UNEQUALLED IN ANY OTHER TERRITORY IN ASIA,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID SECTION 6 OF THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION ORDINANCE RELATING TO FALSE NEWS WAS A DRACONIAN PIECE OF LEGISLATION.
+ITS PRESENCE ON THE STATUTE BOOK WAS A THREAT TO PRESS FREEDOM RELIEVED ONLY BY THE COMMON SENSE AND FAIRNESS OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN NOT SEEKING TO APPLY ITS PROVISIONS,* HE SAID.
MR LI SAID HE WAS NOT ALONE IN BELIEVING THAT COMMON SENSE AND FAIRNESS COULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS SATISFACTORY GUARANTEES OF THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+IT IS THEREFORE A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN TO ALL THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHOULD EXTEND 'THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL TO EVERY FORM OF EXPRESSION,* HE ADDED.
------0-------
FREEDOM OF SPEECH CAN NEVER BE ABSOLUTE X X X X *
FREEDOM OF SPEECH, LIKE ALL ABSOLUTE BUT MUST FIND ITS SCOPE THE RIGHTS AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN SAID TODAY
OTHER FREEDOMS, COULD NEVER BE LIMITED BY THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, HE SAID THAT IN THE PAST FEW DAYS DISCUSSION ON THE BILL HAD DEVELOPED INTO A CRESCENDO OF EMOTIVE COMMENT IN THE PRESS, DRAMATICALLY DESCRIBING THE AMENDMENT AS A +PRESS-GAGGI NG* MEASURE, AS BEING AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE COMMON LAW, AS A THREAT TO FREE SPEECH, AND EVEN AS THE BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY INTO THE AUTHORITARIAN NIGHT.
+WE MUST CAREFULLY WEIGH ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED BUT MUST ALSO ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND THAT THERE IS NEVER ANY ONE SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH CAN CLAIM TO BE THE BEST PROTECTOR OF OUR RIGHTS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE MOST VOCAL EXPRESSIONS COME FROM THOSE WITH A VESTED INTEREST,* HE SAID.
/MR SOHMEN........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
2U
MR SOHMEN NOTED THAT AT THE HEART OF THE PRESENT CONTROVERSY WAS THE PERCEIVED DIFFICULTY FOR THE CROWN TO PROVE, BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT, THE STATE OF MIND OF THE DEFENDANT WHEN THE SUBJECT MATTER WAS SO MUCH WITHIN THE DEFENDANT’S PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE AND WHEN IN THE ABSENCE OF DIRECT EVIDENCE, SUCH AS A CONFESSION, THE PROSECUTION HAD TO RELY SOLELY ON CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.
+TO SUGGEST THAT THE BURDEN OF PROOF IN THIS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD REST ENTIRELY WITH THE PROSECUTION IS IN ESSENCE AN ARGUMENT TO REMOVE THE THREAT OF CONVICTION IN ALL BUT THE MOST BLATANT CASES,+ HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN ADDED THAT THE RESULT WOULD PRODUCE BAD LAW AND THEREFORE NOT WORTHY OF SUPPORT.
HE SAID IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT THE INITIAL BURDEN OF PROOF AS TO +FALSEHOOD+ AND THE LIKELIHOOD TO +CAUSE ALARM OR DISTURB PUBLIC CONFIDENCE* REMAINED WITH THE CROWN.
THIS WAS IN ITSELF DIFFICULT AND REQUIRED A STANDARD OF PROOF HIGHER THAN THAT IMPOSED ON THE DEFENDANT FOR A DEFENCE, HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT ALL THOSE CLAIMING THAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD +MUZZLE+ THE MEDIA SHOULD BE CONSCIOUS OF THE RISK OF BEING CALLED SIMPLISTIC, AND OF PROPAGATING A RIGHT TO PUBLISH FALSEHOODS WITHOUT REGARD TO THEIR SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES.
MR SOHMEN ALSO REFERRED TO COMMENTS THAT BY IMPOSING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRONOUNCEMENTS ON ALL THOSE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, AND NOT JUST ON THE PRESS, A VERY DIFFERENT RESULT FROM THE ALLEGED +GAGGING OF THE PRESS* COULD RESULT.
+THE PUBLIC WAS QUITE CRITICAL OF A RECENT DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE FOR A FALSE STATEMENT MADE IN A FINANCIAL CONTEXT" DOES THIS NOT SUGGEST THAT THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THE NEED FOR STATUTORY LIMITATIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND ACCEPTS THE NEED FOR SANCTION?" HE QUESTIONED.
HE SAID HE DID NOT ACCEPT AS VALID THE ARGUMENTS THAT THE BILL COULD BE OPEN TO ABUSE BY THE PRESENT OR ANY FUTURE GOVERNMENT.
+ALL LAWS CAN BE MISINTERPRETED OR MISAPPLIED, BUT I SUBMIT THAT WE CANNOT LEGISLATE PROPERLY TO ACHIEVE CURRENT SOCIAL OBJECTIVES IF FROM THE START WE PREMISE OUR JUDGEMENT ON A DISTRUST OF EITHER THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM OR THE WILLINGNESS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULE OF LAW,* HE SAID.
-------0----------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
25
’WE MUST LEARN HOW TO COMPROMISE’ *****
IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY BETTER ALTERNATIVE AT THIS stage, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT VERSION OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR TAI SAID HE WAS SYMPATHETIC TO THE REQUEST FOR A SHORT EXTENSION OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE BILL.
APART FROM POLITICAL REASONS, HE SAID HE COULD NOT SEE ANY STRONG REASON WHY THE BILL COULD NOT BE DEFERRED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
+HONG KONG HAS LATELY BEEN SUBJECTED TO MUCH POLITICAL CONFRONTATION AND IT WOULD BE A MISCONCEPTION TO THINK THAT BY DEFERRING THE BILL IT COULD BE REGARDED AS DETRIMENTAL TO GOVERNMENT’S EFFECTIVENESS AND CREDIBILITY.
♦FOR THE LONGER TERM BENEFIT AND VIABILITY OF HONG KONG, WE MUST LEARN HOW TO COMPROMISE,* HE SAID.
SECTION 27(3) STIPULATED THE NECESSITY FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CONSENT TO INITIATE PROSECUTION AND HE WAS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR WHATEVER ACTION OR INACTION ON HIS PART REGARDING A PARTICULAR CASE.
z +TOO OFTEN WE TALK OF ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE EXECUTIVE TO THE LEGISLATURE, AND THE LEG ISLATORS’S ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PUBL IC.
♦ SHOULD NOT THE PUBLISHER IN TURN BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR WHAT HE PUBLISHES IF THE STATEMENTS HE MAKES ARE FALSE AND RESULT IN PUBLIC DISORDER?* MR TAI ASKED.
HE SAID UNTIL AND UNLESS THE BILL WAS PUT INTO PRACTICE AND CASE LAW ESTABLISHED REGARDING ITS PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT, OR THAT ALTERNATIVE WORDING WAS fOUND TO REMOVE THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE BILL, OR THAT THERE WAS CLEAR EVIDENCE WHICH INDICATED THAT THE BILL HAD INDEED IMPOSED SUPPRESSION ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH, HE WOULD SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL TODAY.
MR TAI ADMITTED THAT THE BILL HAD A NUMBER OF FLAWS. FIRSTLY, IT FAILED TO CLARIFY THE MEANING BEHIND THE WORDINGS SUCH AS ♦LIKELY TO CAUSE PUBLIC ALARM AND PUBLIC DISORDER+, THE PRECISE LEGAL IMPLICATION OF WHICH WAS UNCLEAR.
/SECONDLY, IT .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
26
SECONDLY, IT IMPOSED THE BURDEN OF PROOF ON THE DEFENDANT WHICH WAS CONTRARY TO COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE THAT THE PROSECUTOR HAD TO PROVE ALL THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ELEMENTS OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, AND INSTEAD REQUIRED THE ACCUSED TO PROVE THAT HE HAD COMMITTED THE OFFENCE IN THE ABSENCE OF THE REQUISITE CRIMINAL INTENT.
THE MAIN CRITICISM AGAINST THE BILL WAS THAT IT WAS A POSSIBLE THREAT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE PRESS, AND WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR JOURNALISTS TO PERFORM THEIR TASK. MR TAI SAID THIS CRITICISM WAS NOT WITHOUT MERIT.
NONETHELESS, IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, HE SAID ONE SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO DEPART FROM THE FUNDAMENTAL COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE BY SWINGING THE BURDEN OF PROOF ONTO THE DEFENDANT FOR THE SAKE OF AN EASIER CONVICTION.
ON BALANCE, IT WAS THE GRAVITY OF DAMAGE TO THE SOCIETY AND THE PRACTICAL ENFORCEMENT ASPECTS OF THE LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD RECEIVE THE SUPPORT TODAY FOR PUTTING THE BURDEN OF PROOF FOR THE REQUISITE CRIMINAL INTENT ONTO THE DEFENDANT IN CONTRARY TO THE COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE.
+WE HAVE A NUMBER OF SIMILAR OFFENCES IN THE STATUTE BOOKS IN WHICH THE DEFENDANT IS REQUIRED TO SHOW THAT AT THE TIME OF COMMISSION OF THE OFFENCE, HE DOES NOT HAVE THE REQUISITE CRIMINAL INTENT.
4| AGREE THAT WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO DIVERT FROM THAT COMMON LAW PRINCIPLE TOO EASILY EXCEPT ONLY FOR VERY EXCEPTIONAL CASES,* HE SAID.
ON THE LACK OF CLEAR DEFINITIONS FOR TERMS SUCH AS +LIKELY TO CAUSE* WHICH APPEARED IN THE BILL, MR TAI AGREED THAT IT WAS NOT SATISFACTORY.
HE FELT THAT IF A PUBLICATION WAS MADE WITH JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE, THOUGH NOT 100 PER CENT ACCURATE, AND IT TURNED OUT TO AROUSE PUBLIC ATTENTION TO A PARTICULAR ISSUE, IT SHOULD NOT RENDER THE PUBLISHER LIABLE TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
+THIS POSES A THREAT TO OUR‘FREEDOM OF SPEECH,* HE SAID.
-------0 - - - -
/27........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 27 -
NO URGENCY TO ENACT BILL
*****
THERE IS NO URGENCY IN ENACTING PROVISIONS IN THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, ACCORDING TO THE HON LAU WONG-FAT.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE NOTED THAT THE PROVISIONS WERE +OPEN TO QUESTION+.
+BESIDES, PEOPLE FROM ALL SECTORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE LEGAL SECTOR AND THE MEDIA, HAVE GIVEN A LOT OF COMMENTS ON THE BILL RECENTLY,+ HE SAID.
MR LAU REQUESTED THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO POSTPONE THE SECOND AND THIRD READINGS OF THE BILL +TO ALLOW FOR A THOROUGH STUDY INTO IT+.
-------o ---------
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND *****
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND BILL 1987 WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO FORMALLY CREATE THE FUND BY LEGISLATION.
IN ORDER THAT THE ORDINANCE MAY COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, THE BJLL PASSED THROUGH ALL STAGES IN ONE SITTING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND IN MEMORY OF THE DISTINGUISHED GOVERNORSHIP OF THE LATE SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
+IN ACCORDANCE WITH LADY YOUDE’S WISHES, THE APPLICATION AND PURPOSE OF THE FUND WILL BE SUFFICIENTLY BROAD TO COVER THE FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION, LEARNING OR RESEARCH LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO ENABLE GRANTS OR LOANS TO EE MADE FOR THAT PURPOSE TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS BASED IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
SUPPORT FOR THE FUND HAD BEEN ENTHUSIASTIC AND OVERWHELMING WITH DONATIONS FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH, TO DATE, STOOD AT 876 MILLION, AND MORE WERE EXPECTED, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE THE GENEROUS DONATION OF 830 MILLION BY STEWARDS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE $38 MILLION COLLECTED FROM MORE THAN 70 MAJOR COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS LEADING PHILANTHROPISTS.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 28 -
NOTING THAT WHILE THERE WERE NUMEROUS LARGE DONATIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS, MR LIAO SAID THE NUMBER OF DONATIONS WAS AS IMPORTANT AS THE AMOUNT DONATED.
+IN THIS RESPECT, IT IS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT THE $10 DONATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY MEMBERS HAS RECEIVED OVERWHELMING RESPONSE AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
♦ALL THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE TERRITORY EITHER SUPPORTED THE CAMPAIGN OR TOOK THE LEAD IN ENCOURAGING OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE.
+S0 FAR, 170 COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD RAISED DONATIONS TO THE FUND INVOLVING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.
+AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 200 000 STUDENTS FROM 340 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS DONATED THEIR POCKET MONEY TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE,+ MR LIAO ADDED.
THE TRUST FUND, AS A CHARITABLE TRUST, WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM TAX, AND DONATIONS TO IT, INCLUDING THOSE RECEIVED PRIOR TO ITS FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT, ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE.
THE FUND WILL BE VESTED IN A BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN AND FOUR MEMBERS.
THE TRUSTEES WILL BE EMPOWERED TO INVEST ANY MONEYS OF THE FUND, TO EMPLOY ANY PROFESSIONAL PERSON OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO ADVISE THEM ON INVESTMENT MATTERS, TO BORROW MONEY AND TO ACCUMULATE ANY INCOME OF THE FUND.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE AN ANNUAL REPORT AND TO SUBMIT ITS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A COUNCIL, COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN AND SIX MEMBERS, WILL BE SET UP TO APPLY THE INCOME OF THE FUND FOR ITS OBJECTIVES.
+THE STRUCTURE OF THE FUND IS DIFFERENT FROM SIMILAR FUNDS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND AND THE SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TRUST FUND WHICH ARE VESTED IN AND MANAGED BY A SINGLE TRUSTEE,+ MR LIAO SAID.
+THE PRESENT STRUCTURE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WILL BE LARGER THAN OTHER FUNDS.
+IN VIEW OF HER INTEREST IN THE FUND AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS OBJECT, THE BILL HAS PROVIDED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF LADY YOUDE AS ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS WELL AS THE COUNCIL.
+LADY YOUDE HAS INDICATED THAT SHE WILL BE HAPPY TO ACCEPT SUCH APPOINTMENTS,+ MR LIAO SAID.
/29........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
29
NEW LAW WILL STREAMLINE ADOPTION PROCEDURE
*****
THE ADOPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WHICH STREAMLINES THE EXISTING PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION, WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID ADEQUATE MANPOWER RESOURCES INCLUDING TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS ASSIGNED TO THE ADOPTION UNIT MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE NATURE AND WORKLOAD OF THE SERVICE.
+OTHERWISE THE IMPROVEMENTS ARISING FROM THE STREAMLINING OF THE ADOPTION PROCEDURES WILL BE GREATLY DIMINISHED,* HE SAIB.
DR HO EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE AIMED AT PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF THE INFANT, WHILE ADEQUATELY SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF THOSE PARENTS WHO SHOWED GENUINE INTEREST IN THE WELL-BEING OF THE INFANT.
ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, HE ADDED, WAS TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, IF HE WAS THE LEGAL GUARDIAN OF AN INFANT, TO OBTAIN AN ORDER FROM A COURT FREEING THE INFANT FOR ADOPTION.
BY VIRTUE OF THIS COURT ORDER, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE COULD PROCEED TO LOCATE A PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE HOME FOR THE INFANT AND THE INFANT MIGHT BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE FROM AN INSTITUTION TO A HOME WITH PARENTAL LOVE AND CARE, HE SAID.
+ IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONALISATION IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD,* HE SAID.
DR HO ADDED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A NUMBER OF CASES WHERE A CHILD HAD BEEN DEPRIVED OF A HOME FOR AN UNNECESSARILY PROLONGED PERIOD AS A RESULT OF HIS/HER PARENTS’ BLATANT INDIFFERENCE TOWARD THE CHILD’S INTEREST ON THE QUESTION OF CONSENT.
+THIS DEPRIVATION IS UNNECESSARY AND AVOIDABLE IN THE LIGHT OF THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR ADOPTION, LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS,* HE SAID.
THANKING DR HO FOR HIS SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THE NEEDS OF THE ADOPTIVE SERVICE HAD ALWAYS BEEN GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ALLOCATION OF MANPOWER RESOURCES.
+THE MANNING RATIO OF ONE WORKER TO 40 CASES, WHICH IS CONSIDERABLY MORE FAVOURABLE THAN FOR OTHER TYPES OF CASE WORK, TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION THE LABOUR INTENSIVE NATURE OF THIS SERVICE,* HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE, HE ADDED, WOULD ENABLE THE ADOPTION PROCEDURES TO BE FURTHER IMPROVED AND STREAM-LINED.
\ 1 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 30 -
CROWN’S ROLE IN PARTITION DISPUTES CLARIFIED
*****
THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS TO ABOLISH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT OF MAKING THE CROWN A NECESSARY PARTY TO EVERY PARTITION ACTION, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO REPLACE THIS REQUIREMENT WITH A REQUIREMENT FOR SERVICE OF THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTS ON THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE SO THAT HE WOULD HAVE NOTICE OF THE INTENDED PARTITION.
+THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THE MEANS FOR THE DIRECTOR TO OBTAIN MORE TIME, WHERE NECESSARY, TO SEEK ADVICE FROM OR INSTRUCT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
♦THIS IS ACHIEVED BY A PROVISION ALLOWING THE DIRECTOR TO FILE A MEMORANDUM IN COURT UPON WHICH THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE STAYED FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME.
+ALLIED TO THESE MEASURES IS THE PROVISION ENABLING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BE JOINED AS A PARTY AT ANY STAGE IN A PARTITION ACTION ON HIS APPLICATION.*
MR MATHEWS SAID THE PARTITION ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1969 AS A LAW REFORM MEASURE, PROVIDED FOR THE DIVISION OF THE OWNERSHIP OF BUILDINGS OR LAND HELD BY CO-OWNERS.
+THE NEED FOR THIS MACHINERY ARISES MOST FREQUENTLY WHERE THERE ARE DISPUTES BETWEEN CO-OWNERS. THE ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE COURT TO DIVIDE BUILDINGS AND LAND FAIRLY IN ACCORDANCF WITH SETTLED LEGAL PRINCIPLES,* HE EXPLAINED.
+THE ONLY PROBLEM WHICH HAS ARISEN IN PRACTICE IS THAT, AS THE ORDINANCE STANDS NOW, UNDER SECTION 3, THE CROWN HAS TO BE MADE A NECESSARY PARTY TO EVERY PARTITION PROCEEDING.
+A REVIEW WAS DONE TO SEE WHETHER PUBLIC ISSUES ARISE BEYOND THE INTERESTS OF THE PRIVATE PARTIES IN THESE CASES,* HE ADDED.
THE REVIEW, MR MATHEWS SAID, HAD BEEN PROMPTED BY A COURT CASE WHERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S COSTS IN APPEARING WERE DISALLOWED BY THE TRIAL JUDGE ON THE BASIS THAT THE CROWN’S INVOLVEMENT HAD BEEN UNNECESSARY.
+THIS REVIEW REACHED TWO CONCLUSIONS — FIRSTLY, EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT FEW ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE CROWN ARISE IN THESE ACTIONS AND SECONDLY, THAT ANY INTERESTS THE CROWN HAS CAN BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED WITHOUT THE INTERVENTION OF THE CROWN IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.*
/CALLING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 198?
- 31 -
CALLING THE AMENDMENTS SENSIBLE AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD, MR MATHEWS SAID THE CROWN WOULD NO LONGER HAVE TO BE A PARTY.
+IF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NEEDS TO INTERVENE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THE RIGHT TO DO SO IS EXPRESSLY RESERVED. COSTS TO THE PUBLIC PURSE OR THE PRIVATE LITIGANTS INVOLVED WILL BE SAVED.+
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE JUDICIARY, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION REPRESENTED BY THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY.
MR MATHEWS SAID THAT AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE HE PROPOSED TO MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO DELETE THE NEW SECTION 3B(3) (A) (II) IN CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL AS THERE WAS NO SYSTEM OF CAVEATS IN HONG KONG NOW AND THAT THIS PROVISION SERVED NO PRACTICAL PURPOSE.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
------o------
EXCHANGE FUND BORROWING LIMIT RAISED * * * * *
z,,rn,JnLB?RR0W,N2 L,M,T 0F THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS INCREASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FROM $30 BILLION TO $50 BILLION AFTER A MOTION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
LAST REVISED IN 1981, THE BORROWING LIMIT WAS SET TO GOVERN THE TOTAL BORROWING BY THE EXCHANGE FUND FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND VARIOUS FUNDS AND ALSO THE BORROWING BY THE FUND ARISING FROM MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.
MOVING THE MOTION, MR JACOBS SAIDj +THE BULK OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCUMULATED BALANCES ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND IN THE VARIOUS FUNDS IS INVESTED BY THE TREASURY WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND AGAINST THE ISSUE BY THE FUND OF INTEREST-BEARING DEBT CERTIFICATES.*
AN ARRANGEMENT WAS ALSO MADE TO ENABLE THE EXCHANGE FUND TO CONDUCT MONEY MARKET OPERAT IONS' WITH A VIEW TO INFLUENCING THE ^tuL, °F INTEREST RATES IN THE INTERBANK MARKET IN A WAY CONSISTENT WITH MONETARY POLICY OBJECTIVES.
/♦AS AT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 52 -
+AS AT THE CLOSE OF THE BUSINESS TODAY, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF DEBT CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE EXCHANGE FUND IN RETURN FOR MONEY TRANSFERRED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND THE VARIOUS FUNDS, IN OTHER WORDS THE TOTAL BORROWING BY THE EXCHANGE FUND FROM THESE SOURCES, WILL BE $26.9 BILLION,+ HE SAID.
+BORROWING ARISING FROM MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS WILL AMOUNT TO AN ADDITIONAL $2.9 BILLION, MAKING A TOTAL OF $29.8 BILLION, JUST SHORT OF THE BORROWING LIMIT OF $30 BILLION.+
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL RESERVES WERE EXPECTED TO TOTAL AROUND $32 BILLION BY THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AND WERE LIKELY SUBSTANTIALLY TO EXCEED THAT FIGURE IN VIEW CF THE SEASONAL INFLOW OF REVENUE AND THE LARGE TURNOVER IN PUBLIC FINANCES.
+THE CURRENT BORROWING LIMIT OF $30 BILLION WILL, THEREFORE, CONSTRAIN THE ABILITY OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO CONTINUE TO TAKE IN THESE FISCAL RESERVES BY THE ISSUE OF INTEREST-BEARING DEBT CERTIFICATES.
+IT WILL ALSO CONSTRAIN THE ABILITY OF THE EXCHANGE FUND IN ITS MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS,+ HE SAID.
'MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE APPROVAL OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO INTRODUCE THE RESOLUTION HAD BEEN OBTAINED, AND THAT THE RELATIVELY LARGE INCREASE WAS PROPOSED SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A SIMILAR MOTIQN INTO THE COUNCIL.
--------o----------
FUNDS APPROVED FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES
*****
A MOTION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SEEKING $16 266 785 000 ON ACCOUNT TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY ON EXISTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE START OF THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR ON APRIL 1 AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
-------0 - -
/33
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 33 -
FIRM BASE ESTABLISHED FOR ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS *****
A FIRM BASE HAS BEEN SECURED FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT CF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AS AN INSTITUTION CF INTERNATIONAL STANDING, THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACADEMY, MR SOHMEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE ACADEMY, SAID THAT DURING THE 1985-86 SESSION THE INSTITUTION HAD FACED THE DOUBLE CHALLENGE CF ESTABLISHING NEW TEACHING COURSES AND OF SETTLING INTO A NEW BUILDING OF CONSIDERABLE DIVERSITY AND COMPLEXITY.
HOWEVER, MOST OF THE INITIAL PROBLEMS WERE BEING SOLVED, HE SAID.
ARRANGEMENTS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE TO MANAGE AND LET ACADEMY VENUES ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS, TO ENRICH FURTHER THE CULTURAL RESOURCES OF THE TERRITORY AND TO GENERATE SOME LIMITED REVENUE, HE ADDED.
+THE ACADEMY IS PRESENTLY FULLY SUBVENTED AND NOT CHEAP. I SEE NO REASON WHY HONG KONG SHOULD BE SATISFIED WITH SECOND BEST IN AN AREA OF CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR ITS FUTURE,* MR SOHMEN SAID.
IN SEPTEMBER, THE ACADEMY’S FOUR SCHOOLS OF DANCE, MUSIC, DRAMA AND TECHNICAL ARTS COMMENCED OPERATION, ATTRACTING A BODY CF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF CALIBRE.
✓
ON THE ACADEMY’S CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY, MR SOHMEN SAID IT HAD RECOGNISED FROM THE BEGINNING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE NEED TO ESTABLISH CLOSE LINKS WITH THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG.
AN EXPANDING PROGRAMME OF OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY WAS BEING PURSUED, AND REGULAR VISITS WERE ARRANGED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.
THE ACADEMY WAS OFFERING CLASSES AND SEMINARS ON ARTS FOR THE PUBLIC AND FOR SPECIALIST GROUPS, AND HAD ACTED AS HOST FOR CONFERENCES ON THE ARTS IN HONG KONG AND AS A VENUE FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PERFORMING ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME, MR SOHMEN SAID THAT SINCE SPECIALISED TRAINING FACILITIES IN THE PERFORMING ARTS WERE LIMITED IN SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE ACADEMY HAD ESTABLISHED PART-TIME JUNIOR COURSES FOR EXCEPTIONALLY GIFTED CHILDREN IN DANCE AND MUSIC.
/+TWO ASPECTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- J4 -
♦TWO ASPECTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION ARE THE ADMISSION CF A LIMITED NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM ABROAD TO THE ACADEMY COURSES, AND THE ROLE OF THE FIRST-YEAR FOUNDATION COURSES,* HE ADDED.
MR SOHMEN PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND SOME FAR-SIGHTED INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR JOINT EFFORTS IN BRINGING ABOUT A BI-CULTURAL, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INSTITUTION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THEIR CONCEPT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTION SERVING LOCAL PEOPLE WAS VISIONARY AND HAD FEW PRECEDENTS IN THE WORLD, HE SAID.
-------0---------
ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR MENTALLY RETARDED RESIDENTS
*****
THERE ARE STANDING ARRANGEMENTS AND RULES TO PROTECT MENTALLY RETARDED..RESIDENTS IN A REHABILITATION INSTITUTION FROM ABUSE.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NQ THESE INCLUDED THE SEPARATION OF ACCOMMODATION BY OF PERSONAL CARE FOR MALE AND FEMALE RESIDENTS BY STAFF RESPECTIVELY.
, MR BRIDGE SAID SEX, THE PROVISION MALE AND FEMALE
THERE WERE CLOSE SUPERVISION OF ANY MALE WORKMAN REQUIRED TO ENTER A FEMALE DORMITORY TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS OR HEAVY WORK, STRICT PROHIBITION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF ANY RESIDENT, REGULAR AND FREQUENT INSPECTION OF INSTITUTIONS BY SUPERVISORY STAFF, AND GENERAL AWARENESS OF THE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AMONG THE RESIDENTS AND STAFF CONCERNED, HE ADDED.
+TWO ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF FEMALE INMATES BY TWO WARD ATTENDANTS OF A REHABILITATION CENTRE HAVE BEEN MADE IN RECENT WEEKS AND BOTH ALLEGATIONS ARE NOW BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE,* HE SAID.
+ APART FROM THESE THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER ALLEGATIONS OF RAPE OR ABUSE OF MENTALLY RETARDED FEMALE INMATES OF A REHABILITATION INSTITUTION DURING THE LAST THREE.YEARS.*
ON THE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING SUCH COMPLAINTS, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT WHEN A COMPLAINT OF ABUSE IN SUCH AN INSTITUTION WAS RECEIVED, THE SUPERINTENDENT IMMEDIATELY ENQUIRED INTO THE FACTS BY INTERVIEWING THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
/+AT THE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
55 -
♦ AT THE SAME TIME, THE SUPERINTENDENT INFORMS THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF THE ALLEGED V I CT I' IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
+AFTER THIS PRELIMINARY INQUIRY, THE CASE IS THEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION, AND CONCURRENTLY, TO SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
♦ ANY MEMBER OF THE STAFF OF AN INSTITUTION INVOLVED IN A CASE OF ABUSE IS INTERDICTED DURING THE POLICE INVESTIGATION AND, WHERE NECESSARY, DURING JUDICIARY PROCEEDINGS.
♦ WHETHER OR NOT THE INCIDENT LEADS TO A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS TAKEN,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
-------0---------
INCREASE IN ISLAND LINE PATRONAGE EXPECTED X X X X K
THE MAXIMUM ONE DIRECTION LOADING IN THE PEAK HOUR ON THE ISLAND LINE WAS SOME 25 OOO PASSENGERS AT PRESENT, WHICH wAS ONLY ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE COMPARABLE FIGURE ON THE TSUEN WAN LINE AND A4 PER CENT OF THAT ON THE KWUN TONG LINE, THE SECRETARY OF todaSP?RT’ THE H0N MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
LIT-FOR
MR LEUNG SAID
i-r ,.oEP,kY NG T0 A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR LEUNG SAID ,J,^AStW0RTH N0T,NG that of THE NEARLY 1.6 M ILL ION'PEOPLE CURRENTLY US *NG THE MTR SYSTEM DAILY, SOME 448 000 OR 28 PER CENT USED AN *$UAND LINE STATI0N (EXCLUDING CENTRAL AND ADMIRALTY) FOR AT LEAST ONE END OF THEIR JOURNEY.
, HE SAID,THAT ,T WAS TRUE THAT CURRENTLY THE ISLAND LINE WAS LESS WELL UTILISED THAN EITHER THE KWUN TONG OR TSUEN WAN LINES.
nK.iv IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT THE FULL ISLAND LINE HAS
BEE^ IN OPERATION FOR SOME NINE MONTHS AND THE GROWTH SINCE THE OPENING OF THE INITIAL SECTION BETWEEN ADMIRALTY AND WAN CHAI IN MAY 1985 HAS BEEN QUITE ENCOURAGING! THE CURRENT INTRA-ISLAND PATRUNAGE BEING SOME 50 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT ATTRACTED LAST YEAR.+
THE ISLAND LINE STATIONS HAD BEEN DESIGNED FOK THE LONG TERM, MR LEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD BE CONTINUING ITS EFFORTS TO ATTRACT ADDITIONAL PATRONAGE TO THE ISLAND LINE THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SERVICE AND THROUGH PROMOTIONS.
♦THERE WILL ALSO BE A NATURAL INCREASE IN DEMAND ONCE THE MANY f£W DEVELOPMENTS NEAR ISLAND LINE STATIONS ARE COMPLETED,+ HE SAID.
736 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- J6 -
IMPORTANCE OF DB CONSULTATION STRESSED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLACED GREAT IMPORTANCE ON CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS ON POLICY PROPOSALS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE YU-TAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LIAO SAID THE DECISION AS TO WHETHER DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CONSULTED ON A PARTICULAR POLICY ISSUE RESTED WITH THE POLICY SECRETARY CONCERNED.
+GENERALLY, SUCH A DECISION TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE DEGREE OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE MATTER, THE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE A FULL EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSED POLICY AND THE AVAILABILITY OF OPTIONS ON WHICH DISTRICT BOARDS ARE TO BE CONSULTED,+ HE ADDED.
MR LIAO ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEE TO IT THAT POLICY PROPOSALS WERE CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS.
-------0----------
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE BN(O) PASSPORT WELL UNDERWAY
* * * *• *
AS A REMINDER TO FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS AND AS PART OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING CAMPAIGN TO OBTAIN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT, SPECIMENS OF THE PASSPORT SHOWING THE NATIONAL STATUS AND OTHER ENDORSEMENTS WOULD BE HANDED OVER TO THOSE GOVERNMENTS AND TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG BEFORE THE ISSUE DATE OP UULY 19fl7, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID cEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
cAin RE^LVNG T0 A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR JEAFFRESON w « PERSONALLY TO CONSUL-GENERALS AND COMMISSIONERS
m/r5o^r^R ES T0 WHICH H0NG K0NG PEOPLE TEND TO TRAVEL MOST. LuLuth IMpORTANCE OF THEIR GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US
IMMEDIATELY IF THEY FORESAW ANY DIFFICULTIES.+
unm ES HAD S0 FAR PUBLICLY INDICATED THAT THEY
SnaSaREaBctJa.E NEW P^SPORT. THESE WERE THE UNITED STATES, 4MnA?miriUSTRAL ,A' NEW ZEALAND, SWITZERLAND, SPAIN, HUNGARY, ISRAEL
AND IUNGA. '
/♦AND I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 37 -
*iwn I wnilin 1 IKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO STATE OUR APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO THESE GOVERNMENTS FOR REACTING SO PROMPTLY,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
uc ea in tup RRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD MOUNTED AN EXTENSIVE D.PLoSuiS ExIrC|Ie'IPn«GLAESRTNSEPTEKSER TO EXPLAIN THE NEW BN(O) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT WENT WITH IF.
APPRO^E^aM MADE^By”HER^HAJESTVS^GOVERHMENT^TO^M^SS^OHS^^ £EN^ONpf EMENTE^SECONDL1"BY^Sl^L ' ACT I™°BY BRITISH MISSIONS IN THE CAPITALS OF THESE COUNTRIES.*
+AT THF SAME TIME THIRDLY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS APPROACHED ALL CONSULAR REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG.+
FAVOURABLE,
INITIAL REACTIONS OF OTHER G0V|R^’^N^atph THAT IT WOULD MR JEAFFRESON SAID, ADDING THAT NONE HAD STAT* WT RECOGNISE THE NEW STATUS AND PASSPORT.
the PASSPORT
ACCEPTANCE BY JULY 1 THIS YEAR,* HE SAID.
- - 0 -
EXPENDITURE ON VILLAGE, NEW TOWN IMPROVEMENT OUTLINED
TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON NEW WORKS IN THE NEW {OWNS AND RURAL K^It^Y ™ GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
tuc c vdc Kin i ti iRF I NCI UDED LAND FORMATION, ROADS AND THE COVER^S^!^ Ah .TIES AND FACILITIES NOT INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
NEW TOWN IMPROVEMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/THE POPULATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
THE POPULATION LIVING IN THE COUNTRY AND VILLAGES OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 29J ODO. THE POPULATION LIVING INSIDE THE NEW TOWNS AREAS AND RURAL TOWNSHIPS WHICH INCLUDED SOME 119 OOO PERSONS LIVING IN VILLAGE HOUSES AND OTHER STRUCTURES, WAS NOW ABOUT 1.6 MILLION, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS AND RURAL TOWNSHIPS WAS MAINLY CARRIED OUT UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE CONTROLLED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS AMOUNTED TO $12.3 MILLION IN 1983-84= $12.7 MILLION IN 1984-85 AND $13.5 MILLION IN 1985-86. EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 WOULD BE ABOUT $14.25 MILLION.
+FROM 1987-88 IMPROVEMENT WORKS OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS AND RURAL TOWNSHIPS WILL BE FUNDED BY MEANS OF A NEW PWP ITEM WHICH HAS $13 MILLION FOR NEW LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND $12 MILLION FOR URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS ACCESS ROADS IN AREAS ON THE FRINGES OF THE NEW TOWN, IN EACH OF THE NEXT FIVE YEARS,+ HE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, FOR MAINTENANCE OF
THERE WILL BE A NEW PROVISION OF $7.5 MILLION LOCAL PUBL IC WORKS.
+THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ALSO SPENDS ABOUT $3 MILLION PER ANNUM ON RURAL SANITATION SCHEMES, AND A FAIRLY SMALL PART OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS IS ALSO SPENT ON THESE AREAS,* HE SAID.
-------0 - -
PAMPHLETS BEING PRODUCED ON GUIDELINES TO PREVENT AIDS
*****
NEW PUBLICITY MATERIAL BEING PREPARED WILL INCLUDE GUIDELINES ON HOW TO PREVENT INFECTIONS BY THE AIDS VIRUS AND OTHER MICROORGANISMS WHEN CARRYING OUT ACUPUNCTURE, TATTOOING, EAR-PIERCING, SHAVING, MANICURE AND OTHER SIMILAR PROCEDURES, THE SECRETARY FOr< HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
□ i,Tn?E^L^NG T0 A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE HON iU^TON CnEONG-LEEN, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT ADVICE ON THE RISK OF ™A,NSM ?S ION OF HEPATITIS B THROUGH THE USL OF UNSTERILISED
1NATFD NEEDLES WAS INCLUDED IN PUBLICITY MATERIAL USED DURING A CAMPAIGN ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN 1983.
TO
"™EVER« THE PAMPHLETS PRODUCED DID NOT SPECIFICALLY REFER THE USE OF NEEDLES BY ACUPUNCTURISTS AND TATTOOISTS.
AC ,, in?! SHaoE™L^A ID IT WAS 'TENDED TO DISTRIBUTE THE NEW PAMPHLETS enr-u A$ P0SS IBLE» IN ADDITION TO PUBLICITY THROUGH OTHER MEDIA SUCH AS POSTERS AND TELEVISION.
- 0 -
/39........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1967
- 39 -
SUB-COMMITTEE SET UP TO REVIEW TAXI POLICY *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JACKIE CHAN TO CARRY OUT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE TAXI POLICY, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF SPECULATION CF TAXI LICENCES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY PROF THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, MR LEUNG SAID A RECENT SURVEY UNDERTAKEN ON BEHALF OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAD FOUND TENDER PRICE FOR LICENCES TO BE FOLLOWING THE MARKET PR ICE.
+THE VALUE OF A TAXI LICENCE HAS FLUCTUATED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS: IT FELL FROM $237 OOO IN 1970 TO 5161 000 IN 1984 AND HAS RISEN RAPIDLY TO 5450 000 AT THE TIME OF THE LAST TENDER EXERCISE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
+IN REAL TERMS, HOWEVER, ALLOWING FOR INFLATION, THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF A TAXI LICENCE HAS ACTUALLY GONE DOWN BY AS MUCH AS 23 PER CENT OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS.+
MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS FOUND IN THE SURVEY THAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE RISE IN THE VALUE OF A LICENCE INCLUDED THE PROFITABILITY OF TAXI OPERATION, WHICH HAD A DIRECT BEARING ON THE DEMAND FOR TAXI LICENCES’ GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY AND REAL INCOME WHICH RESULTED IN AN INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR TAXI LICENCES?
AND THE SUPPLY OF NEW LICENCES.
ALTHOUGH THE SURVEY RESULTS DID NOT PROVIDE ANY DIRECT EVIDENCE THAT SPECULATION WAS A MAJOR FACTOR, THIS ELEMENT COULD NOT BE RULED OUT ENTIRELY WHEN FREE TRADING TOOK PLACE AND THE SUPPLY OF NEW LICENCES WAS LIMITED, HE ADDED.
+THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE IS EXAMINING ALL FEASIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CURRENT METHOD OF ISSUING TAXI LICENCES. APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE THE CURRENT SYSTEM NOW IN OPERATION,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIMARY CONCERN WAS THE GENERAL QUALITY OF TAXI SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE OVERALL TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
+IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT BOTH THE QUALITY AND COST OF TAXI SERVICE IN HONG KONG ARE GENERALLY SATISFACTORY. EVEN SUPPOSING THERE IS SPECULATION IT IS NOT HAVING AN OBVIOUS EFFECT ON THE SERVICE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC,* HE ADDED.
-------0----------
/4o........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11,
1987
Ao
MOST RECOMMENDATIONS IN EX-MENTAL PATIENT REPORT ACCEPTED * * * * *
NINETEEN OF THE 32 RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND HAVE BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING IMPLEMENTED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, HE SAID THAT THE MORE IMPORTANT OF THESE INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL REGISTRY, THE USE OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CASE CONFERENCES, INCREASED OUTREACH SERVICES, THE STEPPING-UP OF PUBLICITY MEASURES, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY WORK AND AFTERCARE UNITS AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL HALF-WAY HOUSE PLACES.
+IN ADDITION, 11 RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING CHANGES IN THE LAW HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN A BILL TO AMEND THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE (CAP. 136).
+1 EXPECT THAT THIS BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL WITHIN THE CURRENT SESSION, SUBJECT TO THE AGREEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT ONLY TWO OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAD NOT BEEN ACCEPTED.
THE FIRST OF THESE WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY SQUAD, TO PROVIDE ON-THE-SPOT HELP FOR MENTAL PATIENTS and their families in emergency situations, should be examined.
+THE CONCLUSION WAS THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE A VERY APPROPRIATE WAY OF DEALING WITH SUCH SITUATIONS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PATIENT WAS VIOLENT’ NOR WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE TERRITORY-WIDE COVERAGE WITH THE LIMITED STAFF RESOURCES AVAILABLE.*
THE SECOND RECOMMENDATION THAT WAS NOT ACCEPTED WAS THAT A FULL-TIME PSYCHIATRIST SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE.
+ IN THIS CASE IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT OF TWO VISITING PSYCHIATRISTS WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PROPOSED CONSULTANT POST WITH OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED,* HE SAID.
/M
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, l^B?
41
APPROVAL NEEDED FOR WORK AFTER RETIREMENT * * * *
THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE REQUIRED RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS TO SEEK PRIOR APPROVAL BEFORE TAKING UP POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT OR WHEN ENTERING INTO BUSINESS, IF THE PRINCIPAL PART OF SUCH EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS WAS IN HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+OTHERWISE PENSION BENEFITS PAYABLE TO THEM MAY CEASE,+ HE SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR FORD SAID THAT FOR OFFICERS AT SECRETARY OR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT LEVEL A FURTHER CAVEAT WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT PERMITTED TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT UNTIL AT LEAST THREE MONTHS FROM THEIR LAST DAY OF ACTIVE SERVICE.
+ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNOR HAS DISCRETION TO WAIVE THIS ’SANITATION’ PERIOD, HE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD PERMISSION FOR UP TO TwJ YEARS IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE, IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY AR ISE,+ HE ADDED.
UNDER EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, PERMISSION WAS GRANTED FREELY IF THE FOLLOWING THREE CRITERIA wERt SATISFIED:
(A) THE OFFICER WILL NOT HAVE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER COMPETITORS 5
(B) THE OFFICER WILL NOT BE IN A POSITION TO USE OFFICIAL INFORMATION IMPROPERLY; AND
(C) THE OFFICER WILL NOT BE IN A POSITION TO EXERT INFLUENCE OVER HIS FORMER DEPARTMENT.
MR FORD SAID THAT APART FROM PROVISIONS OF THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE ALL OFFICERS WERE BOUND BY THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT AND WERE THUS DEBARRED FROM MAKING USE OF OR RELEASING ANY INFORMATION WHICH MIGHT BE SENSITIVE.
AS REGARDS OFFICERS WHO HAD RESIGNED FROM THE SERVICE WITHOUT A PENSION THEY WERE FREE TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITHOUT SEEKING PERMISSION BUT THEY TOO WERE BOUND BY THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT, HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
A?
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1937.".'
4?
PLANS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC SIGNS IN MORE AREAS * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING REDUCING THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC SIGNS IN MORE AREAS AS AND WHEN RESOURCES PERMIT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR LEUNG SAID TRAFFIC SIGNS HAD AN ESSENTIAL FUNCTION TO PERFORM, AND IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT IN A DENSELY POPULATED PLACE WITH HEAVY VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC THERE WERE GOING TO BE A LOT OF THEM.
AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS RECOGNISED A YEAR OR TWO AGO THAT IN SOME LOCATIONS THERE WERE SO MANY SIGNS THAT ROAD USERS COULD BE CONFUSED AS A RESULT.
+FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE IN 1984, WHICH ALLOWED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO SIMPLIFY SIGNING ARRANGEMENTS, TWO TRIAL AREAS, EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AND CAUSEWAY BAY, WERE CHOSEN TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SIGNS,* HE SAID.
ABOUT 350 SIGN PLATES IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI HAD BEEN REDUCED TO 130, AND IN CAUSEWAY BAY 674 SIGN PLATES HAD BEEN REDUCED TO 281.
+IN NEITHER AREA HAVE THERE BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC THAT THE REDUCED NUMBER OF SIGNS IS INADEQUATE. NOR HAVE THE POLICE EXPERIENCED ANY ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS.
+IN VIEW OF THIS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING OTHER AREAS FOR THE SAME TREATMENT AND WILL BE CARRYING OUT FURTHER, SIMILAR EXERCISES AS AND WHEN RESOURCES PERMIT,+ MR LEUNG SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RESOURCES WHICH COULD BE ALLOCATED TO THIS TASK WERE LIMITED AND IT WAS LIKELY TO BE SOME YEARS BEFORE THE WHOLE TERRITORY COULD BE COVERED.
-------0---------
FIVE BILLS PASSED * * *
ano oebhIt^nt,[x?h!;rei:i>.3ill 1,87 “4s read a sec°"d time
the meeting WAS ADJOURNED TO MARCH 18.
-------0--------- /4j...................
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1937
- U5 -
JOINT DECLARATION +WELL ON COURSE* - THOMAS *****
THE POLITICAL WORK OF IMPLEMENTING THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE IS WELL ON COURSE, THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN NEW YORK YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING BEFORE THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON U.S.-CH INA RELATIONS, MR THOMAS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF BOTH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION.
+THE JLG HAS BECOME ACCEPTED AS A USEFUL FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF POLICIES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE BEYOND 1997. NEXT YEAR IT WILL BECOME PERMANENTLY QUARTERED IN HONG KONG. ITS ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN SOL ID,+ HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE BULK OF THE LAND COMMISSION’S POLICY WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. + IT TOO HAS MADE EXCELLENT PROGRESS IN ENSURING THAT LAND WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO MEET HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS,+ HE SA ID.
+1 BELIEVE THESE YEARS ARE GOING VERY WELL. THERE IS ENORMOUS OPTIMISM AND HONG KONG HAS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE,* MR THOMAS SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THE IMPROVED FORTUNES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. + INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG HAS STEADILY REVIVED AND THIS REVIVAL IS NOW REFLECTED IN THE BOOMING MARKETS AND IN THE LEVEL'OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES.*
FOR ITS PART, MR THOMAS SAID, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE BY MAINTAINING ITS AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES. THESE INCLUDED THE BUILDING OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE BUILDING OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR THOMAS SAID THERE OBVIOUSLY WILL BE CHANGES, WITH A GREAT DEAL OF WORK REMAINING TO BE DONE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ARE COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THE AGREEMENT AND MAINTAINING THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. IT IS INDEED VERY MUCH IN THEIR INTEREST TO DO SO,+ HE SAID.
FOR ITS PART, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THOSE POLICIES WHICH HAVE IN THE PAST BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL IN ENSURING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND IN GIVING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ONE OF THE HIGHEST LIVING STANDARD IN ASIA, MR THOMAS SAID.
/+WE WILL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 198?
44
+WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS AND A WELL-REGULATED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT SO AS TO RETAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND OF OUR OWN PEOPLE AND TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
+HONG KONG THUS OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS. GIVEN THE DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION IN BOTH LETTER AND SPIRIT, I AM CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE ITS PRESENT IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE WORLD ECONOMIC SCENE,+ MR THOMAS CONCLUDED.
-------o --------
SIXTH JLG MEETING IN HONG KONG
*****
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THAT THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 17 TO 20. THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE NEW SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ROBIN MCLAREN.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR ERIC HO (SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HONG KONG), MR DICK CLIFT (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG), MR PETER THOMSON (COUNSELLOR, BRITISH EMBASSY, PEKING) AND MR CHRISTOPHER HUM (HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, FCO).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OF MR MCLAREN ON FLIGHT BR382 TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 5.55 PM (ETA).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM
ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT BUILDING AT 5 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
'♦5
OVERSEAS ATTACHMENTS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
TWO SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS ARE SOON TO BE SECONDED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, TRANSPORT BRANCH, MR RICKY FUNG, WILL BE SECONDED TO THE MANAGEMENT AND EFFICIENCY DIVISION IN THE MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL OFFICE OF THE CABINET OFFICE IN APRIL WHILE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS, WILL BE SECONDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN MAY.
BOTH SECONDMENTS WILL BE FOR ONE YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS EXTENSION OF OVERSEAS TRAINING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SAID THE OBJECT WAS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICERS TO GAIN WIDER EXPERIENCE IN A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT.
ALREADY AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER HOLDS A POST IN THE HONG KONG DEPARTMENT OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN LONDON WHILE OTHERS GAIN OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG OFFICES IN LONDON, GENEVA, BRUSSELS, WASHINGTON, NEW YORK AND SAN FRANCISCO. THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO ATTACH OFFICERS TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
HE ADDED THAT THE ATTACHMENTS WOULD BROADEN THE EXPERIENCE OF OFFICERS THROUGH PRACTICAL WORK WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS.
AT THE CABINET OFFICE, MR FUNG WILL ASSIST IN A STUDY TO LOOK AT THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THIS WILL INVOLVE VISITING A WIDE RANGE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS DEVELOPING CONTACTS WITH PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND FAMILIARISATION WITH PRACTICE IN THE CIVIL SERVICES IN OTHER COUNTRIES. HE MAY ALSO ATTEND APPROPRIATE COURSES AT THE CIVIL SERVICE COLLEGE.
MISS WILLIS, WHO HAS CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD, WILL BE SECONDED TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFITS PAYABLE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF SUPPORT. HER DUTIES ARE LIKELY TO INCLUDE DEALING WITH HOUSING BENEFITS INVOLVING ASSISTANCE WITH RENTS AND RATES.
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A6.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 46 -
BUILDING REGULATIONS AMENDMENTS APPROVED
*****
A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO UPDATE AND REVISE THE PROVISIONS CONCERNING EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES FOR INCLUSION IN THE AUTHORISED PERSONS’ AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS’ REGISTER.
THEY HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LAND AND BUILDINGS ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THE AMENDMENTS THROUGH PRACTICE NOTES ISSUED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
------o-------
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF K.N.K. INVESTMENT INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
------o ------
DA INFORMATION KIT AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS
**•■***■
A SET OF COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND FOR LOAN TO THE PUBLIC.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, AND A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CNTA, MR PETER TAM, JOINTLY PRESENTED ABOUT 700 SETS OF THE INFORMATION KIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.
♦THE PRODUCTION OF THE INFORMATION KIT IS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO TIE IN WITH PEOPLE’S CONCERN ON THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.+ MRS FAN SAID.
+ITS AIM IS TO PROVIDE SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE EXISTING POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.+
/THE INFORMATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
- 47
the information kit would serve as useful audio-visual aids OR REFERENCE MATERIALS IN THE ORGANISATION OF RELATED CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, SHE ADDED.
THE CONTENT OF THE INFORMATION KIT COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS WHICH INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN 1982; DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN 1985? THE FIRST ELECTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1985; AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS IN 1986, MR TAM SAID.
APART FROM A BOOKLET ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND FIVE FACT SHEETS, THE KIT ALSO CONTAINS A VIDEO TAPE WITH FOUR DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON THE VARIOUS ELECTIONS AND A SET OF 2O-MINUTE SLIDE-CUM-TAPE ON THE WORK OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.
THE KIT IS MAINLY IN CHINESE, BUT PART OF THE MATERIALS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH. ALL THE MATERIALS CAN BE USED SEPARATELY OR AS A PACKAGE TO SUPPLEMENT EACH OTHER.
A TOTAL OF 800 SETS OF INFORMATION KIT HAD BEEN PRODUCED AND THE MAJORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS. OTHER COPIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES MR TAM ADDED.
FOR ENQUIRIES ON THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION KIT, THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AT 3-665492.
-----0-----
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TO KWA WAN
*****
AN OPERATION TO CLEAR 32 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND EIGHT CANOPIES IN TO KWA WAN BEGAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ON-GOING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND CANOPIES IN SIX REAR LANES ARE BOUNDED BY THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND, SHING TAK STREET, MA TAU KOK ROAD AND MA TAU CHUNG ROAD.
SEVENTEEN OF THE CLEARED STRUCTURES WERE FOR COMMERCIAL AND STORAGE USES AND THE OTHERS FOR DOMESTIC UNITS. THIRTEEN FAMILIES COMPRISING 25 PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED AND THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR REHOUSING HAD BEEN OFFERED ACCOMMODATION.
THE CLEARANCE OPERATION, EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY TOMORROW, IS CO-ORDINATED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
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/48.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 /
- U8 -
BRIEFING ON CLEARANCE ARRANGEMENTS
* * * * *
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF UNAUTHORISED HAWKER STALLS PLYING THEIR TRADE IN FRONT OF THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
ASSISTANT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF ARRANGEMENTS THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO CONTINUE BUSINESS AFTER THEIR STALLS ARE CLEARED.
UNDER AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PLAN, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FRONT OF THE TEMPLE WOULD BE CLEARED AROUND AUGUST THIS YEAR. EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WOULD BE PAID TO ELIGIBLE STALL OWNERS.
MEANWHILE, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, WHICH IS THE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE AUTHORISED SOOTHSAYERS STALLS WITHIN THE TEMPLE BOUNDARY, HAS PLANNED TO BUILD A PERMANENT STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE ALL AUTHORISED STALLS.
AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE CLEARANCE WORKING GROUP, THE TUNG WAH GROUP HAS AGREED TO ALLOCATE THE 70 STALLS IN THE PERMANENT STRUCTURE TO THE UNAUTHORISED STALL HOLDERS BY DRAWING LOTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
----o------
PROGRESS REPORT ON WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY AT-A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THEY WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ON SURVEYS BEING CARRIED OUT UNDER THE STUDY. RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS WILL BE USED TO FORECAST TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE 1990’S AND TO DRAW UP STRATEGIES TO SOLVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED ELEVATED ROAD ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMITTEE.
/MEMBERS WILL
9
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987
49
MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL ON THE **PENJ,NG 0F THE P0K FU LAM R0AD T0 PROVIDE A FOUR-LANE CARRIAGEWAY FROM BONHAM ROAD TO SHEK PAI WAN ROAD.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON THE PROPOSED FARE INCREASE FOR A GOODS VEHICLE PARK, NEW OPERATING SCHEDULE OF TRAMS AFTER THE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND WIDENING Or THE PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT ALONG ARBUTHNOT ROAD WILL BE RAISED.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD. CENTRAL, STARTING AT 2.30 PM (TOMORROW).
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD
*****
THE KERBSIDE AND MIDDLE LANES OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SHA TSUI ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FOR ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
GENERAL TRAFFIC DIVERSION
* MOTORISTS ON WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD INTENDING TO MAKE LEFT TURNS ONTO SHA TSUI ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE ROUNDABOUT UNDER TSUEN WAN ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK, EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND MAKE RIGHT TURNS ONTO SHA TSUI ROAD.
* MOTORISTS ON THE WEST END OF SHA TSUI ROAD INTENDING TO MAKE RIGHT TURNS ONTO EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE ROUNDABOUT UNDER TSUEN WAN ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK.
TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF KMB STOP
THE BUS STOP OF KMB BUS ROUTES 52M, 57M. 59A, 59M, 60, 60M, 66, 66M, 67M, 68, 68A AND 68M WILL BE RELOCATED 50 METRES EASTWARDS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS TOR JANUARY RELEASED.............. 1
STOCK EXCHANGE ANNUAL FEE SET............................... 8
MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF BANK RETURNED ........................ 8
CIVIC EDUCATION BECOMING EVERYONE’S CONCERN................. 9
MORE DETAILS REQUIRED FROM EXPORTERS ....................... 10
NORTH BRIDGE DUE FOR OCTOBER COMPLETION..................... 10
TWO SITES TO LET BY TENDER.................................. 11
RARE WAR MAP FOUND ......................................... 12
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK SET TO START......................... 13
MORE AUTOMOBILE WORKERS NEEDED TO MEET DEMAND............... 14
SAI KUNG YOUTH CIVIC DAY FOR SATURDAY....................... 15
GYMNASTIC COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS ................. 15
CANADIAN BAND TO GIVE FREE CONCERT.......................... 16
U.S. CAMP TRAINING FOR YOUNG MUSICIAN....................... 16
DEBATE COMPETITION FINAL THIS SUNDAY ....................... 17
EXHIBITION ON +COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL*........................ 18
PO LAM ROAD REOPENS TO TRAFFIC.............................. 18
TEMPOR/iRY CLOSURE OF JUBILEE STREET ....................... 19
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ........................ 19
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
1
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY RELEASED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED TRADE VALUE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1987. COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY 1987, VALUED AT $49 574 MILLION, GREW BY 31 PER CENT. DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT TO $14 053 MILLION IN JANUARY 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 40 PER CENT TO $12 005 MILLION, THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1987 TO $26 057 MILLION, 36 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JANUARY 1986. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT TO $23 516 MILLION IN JANUARY 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN JANUARY 1986 AND JANUARY 1987. THE GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG TO THE NETHERLANDS (+95 PER CENT), JAPAN (+80 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+57 PER CENT), CHINA (+48 PER CENT) AND FRANCE (+43 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG'S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S., GREW LESS RAPIDLY (+17 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT.
IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS GENERALLY INCREASED BETWEEN JANUARY 1986 AND JANUARY 1987. ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+67 PER CENT), FRANCE (+45 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+44 PER CENT), ITALY (+43 PER CENT) AND CHINA (+34 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (-8 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE U.S., THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 78 PER CENT, 69 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT AND 37 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1087 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT TO $157 506 MILLION. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS AT $125 988 MILLION WAS 20 PER CENT HIGHER. TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 21 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT TO $280 664 MILLION. AS A WHOLE, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT.
ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY APRIL 1987.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TOGETHER WITH OTHER STATISTICAL TABLES BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
/COMPAHINO........
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
2
COMPARING JANUARY 1987 WITH JANUARY 1986, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $197 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $177 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $168 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $12 MILLION OR 4 PER CNET), AS WELL AS POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 48 PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $141 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $107 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $80 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $6 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT ) , AS WELL AS ELECTRIC CURRENT (BY $3 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 57 PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $273 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT), AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $41 MILLION OR 128 PER CENT)..
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR FURNITURE AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $0.4 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE UP BY 29 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN CLOTHING (BY $147 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $21 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 80 PER CENT, WITH GROWTH IN CLOTHING (BY $167 MILLION OR 166 PER CENT), AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $42 MILLION OR 117 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $37 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
/IMPORTS FROM
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
IMPORTS FROM CHINA INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE IN JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $566 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT)j TEXTILES (BY $282 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT)5 AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $228 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT}.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $61 MILLION OR 82 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $30 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $162 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT)} TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $111 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT)j AS WELL AS IRON AND STEEL (BY $94 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN TEXTILES (BY $45 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT)} AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $34 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN WAS UP BY 44 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $220 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT)} AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $127 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IRON AND STEEL (BY $36 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT).
Imports from the u.s. were up by 14 per cent, with increases IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $58 MILLION OR 226 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS ART If I Cl AL RESINS, PLASTIC MATERIALS, CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $54 MILLION OR 89 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ROSE BY 67 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN TEXTILES (BY $90 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT)} AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRIAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $77 MILLION OR 99 PER CENT). HOWEVER A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. OF INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $27 MIL'. ION OR 74 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY 1987 WITH JANUARY 1986, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY. INCREASES ■-■-RE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $237 MILLION OR 335 PER CENT)} TEXTILES (BY $186 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT). AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY <111 MILLION OR 146 PER CENT).
/hc.teyer,
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE $43 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT), AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $35
RECORDED IN IRON AND STEEL (BY AS WELL AS ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING MILLION OR 40 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY 69 PER CENT IN VALUE. COMMODITIES WITH INCREASES INCLUDED CLOTHING (BY $403 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $204 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $85 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS, TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (BY $20 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT), AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $8 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN WAS UP BY 33 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $69 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $26 MILLION OR 120 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $10 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ROSE BY 58 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN TEXTILES (BY $103 MILLION OR 84 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $38 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT). THE INCREASE TO JAPAN WAS 14 PER CENT, WITH GROWTH IN CLOTHING (BY $54 MILLION OR 221 PER CENT), AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY 3AB‘ CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $22 MILLION OR 84 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR RE EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $2 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE JANUARY 1987 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS-SUMMARY+ WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND MARCH 20, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5.50 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE EPORT, -■-HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE+, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY APRIL AT $15 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED 10 THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, ON 5-2:1437.5 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AUD STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234915.
/Table 1 : Domestic
Table 1 ; Domestic 5 - exports by ten major markets
Major Market January 1987 (HKD Mn.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Peicenta; increase ( * )
i U.S.A. 5,313 4,538 775 17
China 1,726 1,162 563 48
F.R. of Germany 1,202 765 436 57
U.K. 891 689 203 29
Japan 649 361 288 80
i Canada 458 355 102 29
Netherlands 341 175 166 95
Australia 265 281 -15 -6
France 257 180 77 43
Singapore 247 199 48 24
Table 2: Domestic exports by major commodity division '
1 Commodity division I > January 1987 (HKD Mn.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentage Increase ( % ) |
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 4,9’69 3,819 1,150 30
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 2,082 1,602 481 30
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 1,142 670 472 70
i Photographic apparatus, | equipment and supplies, 1 optical goods, ; watches and clocks 1,074 812 263 32
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related products 1,049 635 414 65
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and electrical parts thereof » 957 746 211 /Table 3i 28 Imports 1
Table 3: Imports from ten major suppliers
Major Supplier January 1987 (HKD Mn.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentage Increase ( % )
China 7,868 5,892 1,977 34
Japan 4,233 3,726 507 14
Taiwan 2,203 1,533 670 44
U.S.A. 1,767 1,553 214 14
Republic of Korea 1,052 630 423 67
Singapore 828 902 -73 -8
U.K. 745 584 161 28
F.R. of Germany 657 586 71 12
France 370 255 115 45
Italy 326 228 98 43
Table 4: Imports by major commodity division
Commodity January division 1987 (HKD Mh.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentage Increase ( % )
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related products 3,442 2,874 568 20
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 2,037 1,313 724
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 1,909 1,305 604 46
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 1,293 750 542 72
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 1,221 849 372 44
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 1,173 1,095 78 7
/Table 5* exports
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987 - t ~
Table 5: R^-exports by ten major markets
Major Market January 1987 (HKD Mn.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percer ‘
I hoi “^as' %
China 3,790 2,776 1,014 37
U.S.A. 2,545 1,502 1,044 69
Taiwan 602 452 150 33
Republic of Korea 584 369 215 58
Japan 576 503 72 14
Singapore 453 435 18 4
F.R. of Germany 311 175 136 "78
U.K. 221 140 81 50
Macau 215 200 14
Indonesia 195 159 36 23
Table 6: Re-exports by major commodity division
Commodity division (I January 1987 1KD Mn.) January 1986 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentag-increas ( %
Textile yarn,fabrics made-up articles and related products 1,750 1,361 389 29
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 1,607 892 715 80
Miscellaneous manufa ' ’ . £ 1 articles (mainly bab,r carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) §75 567 408 t2
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof q< a 636 282
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing appa^t-s and equipment 677 371 306
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 575 380 0 195
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1087
8
STOCK EXCHANGE
* *
ANNUAL FEE SET * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT THE ANNUAL FEE TO BE PAID BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED WILL BE SET AT 38 MILLION FOR 1987-88-
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE LEVEL OF THE FEE FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FEE, CHARGED UNDER THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION ORDINANCE. WAS DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF RELATING IT TO COST AS APPLICABLE TO FEES SET UNDER A STATUTORY POWER.
+ AS THE RELEVANT COSTS ARE THOSE INCURRED BY THE office OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING IN REGULATING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE, A DETAILtD COSTING EXERCISE WAS CARRIED OUT AND THE AMOUNT SUBSEQUENTLY IDENTIFIED.
♦WHILE ADHERING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL POLICY OF FULL COST RECOVERY WHEREVER APPROPRIATE, DETERMINATION OF THE ANNUAL FEE FOR THE STOCK EXCHANGE ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE FINANCIAL OF THE EXCHANGE COMPANY.
POSITION
+IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE CHARGING OF THE ANNUAL FEE WOULD NOT LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF TRANSACTION LEVY PRESENFL-INVESTORS,* THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
BORNE BY
-------0---------
MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF BANK RETURNED X * * X X
FOLLOWING THE ACQUISITION OF THE ENTIRE SHARE CAPITAL OF HONG NIN BANK LIMITED BY FIRST PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED, AND THE APPOINTMENT BY FIRST PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED OF NEW DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD OF HONG NIN BANK LIMITED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS DECIDED THAT IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TO REMAIN IN CONTROL OF AND CARRY ON THE BUSINESS OF HONG NIN BANK LIMITED.
ACCORDINGLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 57(1) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, RETURNED THE MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF HONG NIN BANK LIMITED TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (THURSDAY).
-------0---------
/9 .
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1TH7
9
CIVIC EDUCATION BECOMING EVERYONE’S CONCERN * * * * *
CIVIC EDUCATION HAS BECOME EVERYBOBY’S CONCERN AS A COROLLARY CF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN EXHIBITION ENTITLED +WE LOVE OUR HOME+ AT THE SHUN TAK CENTRE, MR LAM SAID THAT CIVIC EDUCATION NOW MEANT MUCH MORE THAN A TOPIC IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
HE SAID THAT THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION wAS A LONG-TERM TASK AND SUCCESS HINGED ON THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY YOUNG PEOPLE’S ENTHUSI^j IN PUTTING UP SUCH A MEANINGFUL EXHIBITION.
MR LAM ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE COUNCIL CF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS AND THE 13 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHO ORGANISED AND ASSISTED IN THE PROJECT.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OCCASION, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO, SAID THE BOARD SPENT ABOUT $190 ) • 1 LAST YEAR TO SUPPORT VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THt DISTR ICT.
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDED THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTErtN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS, MR LEE SHUNG-TAK, A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR WONG WING-TIM, AND THE MANAGER OF THE SHUN TAK ENTERPRISES CORPORATION LIMITED, MR SHUM YUE-TIM.
THREE SCHOOLS - THE HENRIETTA SCHOOL, THE ST. PAUL’S COLLEGE AND THE YING WA GIRLS’ COLLEGE - WERE AWARDED PRIZES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION WHILE OTHERS RECEIVED SOUVENIRS AT THE CEREMONY.
SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SHUN TAK ENTERPRISES CORPORATION LIMITED, THE PROJECT WAS ORGANISED BY THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE AND ASSISTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ICAC.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE SHUN TAK CENTRE UNTIL SATURDAY.
-------0----------
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1587
10
MORE DETAILS REQUIRED FROM EXPORTERS X X X X X
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS TO REQUIRE EXPORTERS OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF TEXTILES TO THE UNITED STATES TO PROVIDE MOPE DETAILS ON THEIR EXPORT LICENCE APPLICATION TO FAC IL TATE THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS PREPARATION FOR POSSIBLE CONSULTATIONS WHH THE U.S. ON THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (HS).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (MARCH 16), EXPORTERS OF INFANT’S WEAR, KNIT SHIRT-BLOUSE-SWEATER, SCARF-HANDKERCHIEF AND SUITS ARE REQUIRED TO DECLARE ON THE EXPORT LICENCES AND EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
THE INFORMATION WILL ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS PREPARATION FOR CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HS WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE APPLICATION 0F ^HE HS DEFINITIONS OF PRODUCTS COULD RESULT IN A CHANGE OF CLASSIFICATION (T SOME TEXTILE PRODUCTS COVERED BY THE CURRENT HONG KONG-U.S. BILATERAl'tEXTILES AGREEMENT. HONG KONG WILL SEEK CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. TO RESOLVE ANY CLASSIFICATION PROBLEMS.
A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS HAS BEEN ISSUED TO INFORM THE TRADE OF THE ADDITIONAL DETAILS WHICH ARE REQUIRED. COPIES OF THs NOTICE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE U.S. SECTION OF TRADr DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOOJ.
EXPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO ENSURE THAT THE REQUIRED ADDITIONAL DETAILS ARE PROPERLY DECLARED ON THE EXPORT LICENCES AND' EX.drjl AUTHORISATIONS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE EXPORT LICENCE AND EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS BEING REJECTED.
------0-------
NORTH BRIDGE DUE FOR OCTOBER COMPLETION X X X *
THE $200 MILLION TSI NG Yl NORTH BRIDGE TOOK A STEP TOWARDS COMPLETION TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH THE JOINING OF THE MID-SPAN FOR ONE OF ITS TWO CARRIAGEWAYS.
WORK FOR THE DUAL TWO-LANE BRIDGE STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1984 AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER TO PROVIDE A SECOND DIRECT LINK BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSING Yl ISLAND.
/OFFICIATING........
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S JOINING CEREMONY wERE THE PROJECT MANAGER (TSUEN WAN), DR E.G. PRYOR, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONTRACTOR, MAEDA-ORIENTAL JOINT VENTURE, AND THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS.
THE BRIDGE CROSSES THE NORTHERN END OF RAMBLER CHANNEL BETWEEN NGA YING CHAU IN TSING Yl AND SAM PAK TSIN IN TSUEN WAN.
IT WILL HAVE TWO CARRIAGEWAYS, EACH MEASURING 7.3 METRES IN WIDTH, AND TWO TWO-METRE-WIDE PEDESTRIAN FOOTWAYS WITH SERVICES DUCTS UNDERNEATH CARRYING GAS PIPES AND TELEPHONE CABLES.
THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE WILL BE 1 015 METRES, HAVING 19 SPANS FOR ITS MAIN CROSSING AND APPROACH VIADUCTS. IT Io SUPPORTED BY TWO PIERS CONSTRUCTED IN THE CHANNEL.
AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED ALONG THE BRIDGE AND WILL BE LINKED DIRECTLY TO NEARBY POLICE STATIONS SO THAT DRIVERS IN DISTRESS CAN CALL FOR ASSISTANCE.
APPROACH ROADS LINKING THE NEW ROAD NETWORKS ON NORTHERN TSING Yl AND THE EXISTING TEXACO ROAD ROUNDABOUT IN TSUEN WAN WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING Yl. THE NORTH BRIDGE WILL NOT ONLY SERVE NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE AREA, THE FIRST OF WHICH WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY THE END OF 1987, BUT wILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO ALL AREAS ON THE ISLAND.
IT WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF 2 500 VEHICLES AN HOUR IN EACH DIRECTION, GREATLY IMPROVING ACCESS TO AND FROM THE ISLAND AND ENHANCING ITS RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE POPULATION ON TSING Yl WILL INCREASE FROM THE EXISTING 80 000 TO 220 000 BY EARLY 1990.
----o------
TWO SITES TO LET BY TENDER
*****
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON TWO SITES IN SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN.
THE SHA TIN SITE, MEASURING 3 175 SQUARE METRES, IS AT LAI PING ROAD. IT IS FOR A BUILDING CONTRACTOR’S PLANT (EXCEPT A ROCK CRUSHING PLANT), MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE DEPOT FOR THE STORAGE OF BUILDING MATERIAL, PLANT, MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, GOODS (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) AND VEHICLES BELONGING TO THE TENANT.
/the initial........
THURSDAY, MARCH 12,,1987
- 12 -
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS 15 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE TUEN MUN LOT, AT LUNG MUN ROAD, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7 800 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS).
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH SITES IS NOON ON MARCH 27.
-------0----------
RARE WAR MAP FOUND * * *
A UNIQUE MAP DRAWN ON SILK SHOWING POSITIONS AT STANLEY DURING THE FINAL DAYS OF THE 1^41 BATTLE HAS BEEN DISCOVERED.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IS AT PRESENT MAKING AN APPEAL FOR ITEMS FOR A MUSEUM WHICH IT HOPES TO SET UP TO ILLUSTRATE THE HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT.
COLONEL JEREMY HUTCHINS, COMMANDING OFFICER, EXPLAINED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE APPEAL THE SILK MAP, MEASURING ABOUT 10 INCHES BY 15 INCHES, HAD BEEN UNCOVERED.
+THIS MUST HAVE BEEN DRAWN IN A PRISONER OF WAR CAMP AFTER THE SURRENDER,+ HE SAID. +IT IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING IN THAT IT GIVES PRECISE POSITIONS FOR THE VARIOUS UNITS AND DEFENCES AT STANLEY - WHERE SOME OF THE HEAVIEST FIGHTING AGAINST THE JAPANESE TOOK PLACE.+
THE MAP SHOWS PILLBOXES, MACHINE GUN, ANTI-TANK GUN AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUM POSITIONS, FIGHTING LIGHTS AND THE AREAS HELD BY NUMBER ONE BATTERY AND NUMBER T^O COMPANY OF THE OLD HONG KONG VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS.
DESPITE BEING CONCEALED DURING THE LONG YEARS OF CAPTIVITY THE MAP IS REMARKABLY WELL PRESERVED AND MOST FEATURES CAN EASILY BE MADE OUT.
IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE AT STANLEY, BOTH TO THF REGIMENT AND TO HONG KONG’S GENERAL HISTORY, THIS MAP IS A FIND OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE, SAID COLONEL HUTCHINS.
/+1 WOULD .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
- 13 -
+l WOULD LIKE TO REPEAT OUR APPEAL TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT HAVE SIMILAR MATERIAL TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THE REGIMENT. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ANYTHING WHICH MIGHT EE OF INTEREST - MAPS PHOTOGRAPHS, PIECES OF KIT, BADGES AND MEDALS,+ HE SAID.
+OF COURSE, PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT TO PART PERMANENTLY WITH OBJECTS OF SENTIMENTAL VALUE SO WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MAKE COPIES AND RETURN THE ORIGINALS IF DESIRED.+
THE ORIGINS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT CAN EE TRACED BACK TO 1854 WHEN Q9 INDIVIDUALS JOINED A VOLUNTEER FORCE TO PROTECT HONG KONG AGAINST AN ATTACK BY THE RUSSIANS AT A TIME WHEN BRITAIN AND THAT COUNTRY WERE AT wAR. IT IS THUS ONE OF THE OLDEST OF ANY OF THE MODERN VOLUNTEER UNITS.
------0--------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK SET TO START
* * * * *
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ORGANISED BY THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS ONLY DAYS AWAY BEFORE ITS OPENING THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 1A).
FINISHING TOUCHES ARE BEING PUT TO A BUS, A TRAM, A TUG BOAT AND A HELICOPTER WHICH WILL TOUR ROUND THE TERRITORY CARRYING MESSAGES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DURING THE SEVEN-DAY PERIOD.
THE BUS WILL VISIT INDUSTRIAL AREAS WHERE THREE CANTONESE SONGS WITH LYRICS SPECIALLY WRITTEN TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY WILL BE BROADCAST TO THE PUBLIC. PAMPHLETS AND SOUVENIR CUPS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID SPONSORSHIP OF THESE ACTIVITIES IS PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING.
+THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES HAVE PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT BY EITHER PROVIDING THESE FACILITIES FREE OR AT A NOMINAL FEE.+ MR YIU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS HAVE ALSO PUT IN A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORTS IN ORGANISING THE WEEK’S ACTIVITIES, THUS EXAMPLIFYING THE TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MOVEMENT.
-------0---------
/14
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
14
MORE AUTOMOBILE WORKERS NEEDED TO MEET DEMAND
*****
THE WORKFORCE IN THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTOR WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AT A STEADY RATE, ACCORDING TO THE 1986 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE INCREASE
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
AND THE
KONG AND
IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG ACROSS THE BORDER WOULD INCREASE THE DEMAND FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, SAID THE REPORT RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE COUNCIL’S AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD.
HOWEVER, MANPOWER REQUIRED IN THE PRIVATE CAR MAINTENANCE SECTOR WOULD REMAIN STAGNANT IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE BECAUSE OF The REDUCTION of THE PRIVATE CAR POPULATION AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANNUAL COMPULSORY INSPECTION, A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SURVEY REVEALED THAT THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY REMAINED STAGNANT FROM 1984 TO 1986 AT 12 223 MAINLY BECAUSE OF WEAKER DEMAND FOR REPAIRING SERVICES AS A RESULT OF THE CONTINUING DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS OVER THE PAST FEW
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, THE BOARD FORECAST THAT AN ADDITIONAL 340 CRAFTSMEN, 30 TECHNICIANS AND SIX TECHNOLOGISTS WOULD BE REQUIRED EACH YEAR UP TO 1992 TO MEET MANPOWER DEMAND.
LHE BOARD CONSIDERED THAT THE COUNCIL’S AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING ABOUT AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT TRAINEES FOR THE INDUSTRY.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES FULL-TIME BASIC TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT COURSES OF ONE YEAR AND SIX-MONTH DURATION TO SOME 30 TECHNICIANS AND 310 CRAFT TRAINEES.
OTHER DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE MANPOWER STRUCTURE, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRAINING ROUTES.
THE REPORT IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $10 PER COPY.
- 0
Thursday, march 12, 1987
15
SAI KUNG YOUTH CIVIC DAY FOR SATURDAY
*****
THE SAI KUNG YOUTH CIVIC DAY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 14) AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CIVIC DAY IS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING KNOWLEDGE ON CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND DEVELOPING A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE PROGRAMME WILL START AT 9.30 AM WITH A SEMINAR TO BE CONDUCTED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE ACTION COUNCIL, MR MAK HO I-WAH.
THE TWO WILL DISCUSS TOPICS RELATING TO YOUTH CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES IN SOCIETY AND THEIR ROLE IN ASSISTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF the DAY INCLUDE group DISCUSSIONS, QUIZ, PERFORMANCES, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND A VISIT TO THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT FARM AT TSIU HANG.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE YOUTH CIVIC DAY ARE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND WORKERS RECOMMENDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT ON SATURDAY AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE LEAVING FROM THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, NEXT TO STAR FERRY, BY 8.30 AM.
------0-------
GYMNASTIC COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS * * * *
MORE THAN 330 PRIMARY SCHOOLS CHlLDERN WILL TAKE PART IN A FOUR-DAY GYMNASTIC COMPETITION AT THE SHA TIN JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ON MARCH 14, 20, 21 AND 27.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
/CHILDREN .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 198?
- 16 -
CHILDREN FROM 35 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL COMPETE IN MORE THAN 40 EVENTS, INCLUDING FLOOR EXERCISE, HORIZONTAL BAR, PARALLEL BARS, VAULTING AND BEAM BENCH.
WINNERS OF THE EVENTS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR CHEUNG WAI-CHUNG, AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AT 4 PM ON MARCH 27.
- - - 0-------
CANADIAN BAND TO GIVE FREE CONCERT
* * * *
The NEIL MCNEIL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM TORONTO, CANADA, WHICH ARRIVED IN HONG KONG YESTERDAY, WILL GIVE A FREE CONCERT AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (MARCH 15) FROM 1 PM TO 2 PM.
DURING THEIR NINE-DAY STAY, IT WILL GIVE SCHOOL CONCERTS AT GOOD HOPE SCHOOL TOMORROW, ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE ON MONDAY AND MARYKNOLL CONVENT SCHOOL NEXT WEDNESDAY.
IT WILL ALSO HAVE MUSIC EXCHANGE WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED BY MR RUSSELL STACHlW AND MR MICHAEL GEREMIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR OF NEIL MCNEIL HIGH SCHOOL, WILL ALSO BE HELD FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE’S DISTRICT YOUTH BANDS.
THE BAND HAS PERFORMED EXTENSIVELY OVERSEAS INCLUDING JAPAN IN 1970, IRELAND AND NORTHERN FRANCE IN 1972, MONTE CARLO, ITALY AND FRANCE IN 1975, BRITAIN IN 1977, TRINIDAD IN 1979, HAWAII IN 1983 AND BERMUDA IN 1985.
------0--------
U S. CAMP TRAINING FOR YOUNG MUSICIAN * * * * *
A TALENTED YOUNG STRING PLAYER WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING IN SYMPHONIC MUSIC BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN THE 1987 NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD NEAR MICHIGAN IN THE UNITED STATES FROM
JUNE 21 TO AUGUST 17.
THE ANNUAL CAMP, CELEBRATING ITS 60TH SEASON, WILL MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE ARTISTES IN THE WORLD.
INCLUDE GREATEST
/THE MUSIC
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
17
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING INTERESTED MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18 WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS, AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE VIII (PRACTICAL) IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT TO APPLY.
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WITH ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE AND APPLICANTS WILL ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ARRANGED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE IN EARLY APRIL.
FEES FOR THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISER, BUT THE CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR HIS OR HER PERSONAL INSURANCE ABROAD, AND TO PLACE A SUM OF U.S. $200 IN THE CANDIDATE’S PERSONAL ACCOUNT WITH THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP TO MEET MINOR PERSONAL EXPENSES.
THE FIANL DECISION REGARDING THE SELECTION OF THE PARTICIPANT RESTS WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE. APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, CHEONG YIU BUILDING, 167-173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES, BY MARCH 25.
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DEBATE COMPETITION FINAL THIS SUNDAY X X X X X
THE FINAL OF THE INTER POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE DEBATE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE FEDERATION OF STUDENTS, WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 15) AFTERNOON.
THE FINALISTS ARE TEAMS REPRESENTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS INCLUDE HIGH COURT JUDGE, JUSTICE WONG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR CHAN YING-LUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON (DESIGNATE), MR PAUL LEUNG, AND THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR NG MING-LAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DEBATE TO BE HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK BANDSTAND AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987.
18
EXHIBITION ON +COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL + *****
AN EXHIBITION ON THE +COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL+ PROGRAMME OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
IT IS PART OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT THE theme of nurturing the younger generation in the district.
PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF TEACHING AIDS, STUDY OF THE GROWTH OF PLANTS AND KNITTING FOR THE ELDERLY.
APART FROM THE DISPLAY OF VARIOUS PRODUCTIONS, PARTICIPANTS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO ATTEND A DISCUSSION SESSION TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAMME.
THE EXHIBITION AND DISCUSSION WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM IN THE HALL OF THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE. 60 TAI HO ROAD.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EVENT INCLUDE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR WILLIAM SHlU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 - -
PO LAM ROAD REOPENS TO TRAFFIC * * * * X
THE SECTION OF PO LAM ROAD BETWEEN MA YAU TONG AND MAU WU TSAI IN JUNK BAY, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS, WILL REOPEN TO TRAFFIC AT NOON ON MONDAY (MARCH 16).
THE REOPENING MARKS THE COMPLETION OF WORK TO IMPROVE AND EXTEND PO LAM ROAD TO PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN SAU MAU PING ROAD AND JUNK BAY. THIS WILL BE THE MAIN ACCESS TO THE NEW TOWN UNTIL THE OPENING OF THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL IN 1990.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORK ALSO INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS IN AREA 10 TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF PO LAM HOUSING ESTATE, THE FIRST ESTATE IN JUNK BAY.
TO TIE IN WITH THE ROAD REOPENING, KMB ROUTE 90 AND NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 10 AND 10A WILL BE REROUTED BACK TO THIS SECTION OF PO LAM ROAD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM RENNIE’S MILL.
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/19 ••••♦♦
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1987
19
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF JUBILEE STREET
*****
JUBILEE STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 15) AND MONDAY (MARCH 16) FOR THE HOISTING OF A LARGE AIR CONDITIONING MACHINE.
VEHICLES ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL HEADING FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO REDDER STREET.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND
*****
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE ACCESS ROAD TO MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARDS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 14) FOR ABOUT 30 METRES TO A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MEANWHILE, ST. FRANCIS STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY TO 7 AM ON MARCH 16 TO FACILITATE THE REPAIR OF CABLES.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
IMPROVED NOISE PREVENTION, ABATEMENT CONTROLS SOUGHT ....... 1
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW ............. 4
WORKING GROUP’S REPORT STUDIED AT ACTA MEETING ............. 5
SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET UP .................. 6
TEXTILE TALKS TO RESUME AFTER .EASTER....................... 7
ROAD ALTERATIONS FOR MTR WORK IN KWUN TONG ................. 7
SHA TIN MAC’S SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND............. 8
SEMINARS ON MODERN MARICULTURE PRACTICES ORGANISED.......... 9
QUARRY BAY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO GO......................... 9
QUIZ .iND EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION............. 10
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS......... 11
DB MEMBERS LOOK aT TRAFFIC PROBLEM SPOTS ................... 11
MENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION STARTS SUNDAY.................... 12
CLEhN-UP WEEK IN TUEN MUN TO START SUNDAY................... 12
SPORTS WINNERS TO GET THEIR PRIZES ......................... 13
LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL TO BE UPGRADED ................. 14
SPEEDPOST LINK WITH MORE CITIES IN ITALY, MALAYSIA.......... 14
ANTI-SMOKING C.xMP^IGN CARNIVAL............................. 15
YOUNG MUSICIANS SOUGHT FOR CHINESE ORCHESTPu. .............. 15
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TUEN NUN, SHaM SfiUI PO.................. 16
BUS DIVERSIONS IN SHANGHAI STREET........................... 17
LEFT TURN B*tN ON TSING YEUNG CIRCUIT ...................... 17
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
1
IMPROVED NOISE PREVENTION, ABATEMENT CONTROLS SOUGHT * * * * *
A DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL, DESIGNED TO IMPROVE EXISTING CONTROLS FOR THE PREVENTION AND ABATEMENT OF NOISE IN HONG KONG, WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD, WITHIN THREE MONTHS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NOISE CONTROL BILL WAS THE LAST OF FOUR SETS OF COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION DEALING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE AND THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED IN 1980 AND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1983.
HE SAID THE NOISE CONTROL BILL WAS AIMED AT CONSOLIDATING EXISTING LAW RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF NOISE AND EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE.
+IT ALSO ENABLES THE INTRODUCTION OF DETAILED CONTROL CRITERIA, MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES AND OTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS WHICH WILL BE CONTAINED IN REGULATIONS AND TECHNICAL MEMORANDA,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE BILL’S PROPOSALS TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS FORMS OF NO ISEj
NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PREMISES AND PUBLIC PLACES!
THIS FORM OF NOISE, ALSO KNOWN AS GENERAL NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE, INCLUDES NOISE WHICH IS PRODUCED IN DOMESTIC PREMISES BY SOURCES SUCH AS TELEVISION SETS OR DOGS, AND NOISE PRODUCED IN PUBLIC PLACES BY HAWKERS, LOUDSPEAKERS ETC.
SUCH NOISE IS AT PRESENT CONTROLLED BY THE POLICE UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE AND THESE EXISTING PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED, LARGELY UNCHANGED, INTO THE BILL.
CONSTRUCTION NOISE AND PILING:
AT PRESENT, NOISE FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IS CONTROLLED UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE. THE EXISTING CONTROLS ARE SUCH THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE, BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7 AM OR ON A SUNDAY OR PUBLIC HOLIDAY, TO CARRY OUT ANY WORK USING POWERED MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A PERMIT.
THE PERMIT SYSTEM, HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO PILING, THE CARRYING OUT OF WHICH DURING THE RESTRICTED HOURS IS AN OFFENCE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED BY AN ORDER MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
/THE bill ......
fkiday, March 13, 1987
- 2 -
the bill incorporates similar provisions to those OUTLINED ABOVE, WITH A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT CHANGES.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE CONCEPT OF THE PERMIT SYSTEM FOR NIGHT WORK AND WORK ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL BE RETAINED. HOWEVER, THE SCHEME OF CONTROL WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER PRESCRIBED CONSTRUCTION WORK WHICH MAY NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRE THE USE OF POWERED MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT.
THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT MANY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE POWERED EQUIPMENT ARE AS NOISY AS WORK THAT DOES AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL AT NIGHT AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE REGULATIONS PRESCRIBING SUCH WORK WILL BE MADE AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
IN RESPECT OF NOISE FROM PILING, THE BILL PROPOSES A MORE REALISTIC APPROACH AND RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANT DISTINCTION BETWEEN PERCUSSIVE AND NON-PERCUSSIVE PILING.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT NON-PERCUSSIVE PILING, SUCH AS HAND-DUG CAISSONS, WILL BE TREATED AS ORDINARY CONSTRUCTION WORK AND CAN THEREFORE TAKE PLACE DURING THE RESTRICTED HOURS WITH A VALID PERMIT. THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO ANCILLARY WORKS SUCH AS THE POURING OF CONCRETE TO FORM A PILE, DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH PERCUSSIVE PILING OPERATIONS.
IN THE CASE OF PERCUSSIVE PILING, SUCH AS THE DRIVING OR SINKING OF A PILE BY DROP OR DIESEL HAMMER, THE CURRENT PROHIBITION ON SUCH WORK DURING THE RESTRICTED HOURS WILL BE RETAINED.
AN IMPORTANT CHANGE IS THAT PERCUSSIVE PILING WILL IN FUTURE ALSO REQUIRE A PERMIT DURING THE NON-RESTR ICTED HOURS. SUCH A PERMIT MAY LIMIT NOISY PERCUSSIVE PILING TO CERTAIN HOURS OF THE DAY WHERE NOISE SENSITIVE BUILDINGS, SUCn AS ounvvuo, N PROXIMITY, AND WHERE QUIETER PILING METHODS ARE NOT PROPOSED.
SUCH AS SCHOOLS, ARE IN CLOSE
A FURTHER PROVISION WHICH HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE BILL WILL ENABLE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE TO CONTROL PARTICULAR TYPES OF WORK AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
AS REGARDS THE PERMIT SYSTEM, THE BILL INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT OF +TECHNICAL MEMORANDA* WHICH WILL BE ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE ON THE ADVICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WHICH CONTAIN THE TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES TO BE APPLIED IN DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT A PERMIT SHOULD BE ISSUED AND WHAT CONDITIONS, IF ANY, SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PERMIT.
/NOISE FROM
FRIDAY, MARCH 1987
- 3 -
NOISE FROM PLACES OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES, DOMESTIC PREMISES OR PUBLIC PLACES}
THE BILL PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROLS TO DEAL WITH NOISE EMANATING FROM PLACES SUCH AS INDUSTRIAL, TRADE OR BUSINESS PREMISES. NOISE FROM ANY PLACE OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES, DOMESTIC PREMISES OR PUBLIC PLACES WILL BE CONTROLLED BY MEANS OF +NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICES+.
IT IS INTENDED THAT NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICES WILL BE SERVED ON OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF PREMISES IF THE NOISE EMITTED IS CAUSING A NUISANCE TO ANY PERSON, OR IF IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH OBJECTIVE TECHNICAL CRITERIA SET OUT IN THE RELEVANT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM.
A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE MAY REQUIRE THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER TO BRING HIS NOISE EMISSIONS INTO A STATE OF COMPLIANCE BY A CERTAIN DATE AND NON-COMPLIANCE WILL BE AN OFFENCE.
NOISE FROM PRODUCTS!
VARIOUS NEW PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED IN THE BILL TO CONTROL NOISE FROM INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS, ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT VERY FEW ITEMS WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THESE PROVISIONS WHICH ARE DESIGNED FOR USE ONLY WHEN TECHNICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES MAKE OTHER FORMS OF CONTROL INAPPROPRIATE.
THESE PROVISIONS WILL MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO MANUFACTURE. IMPORT OR SELL A PRESCRIBED PRODUCT IF IT IS INTENDED FOR USE IN HONG KONG AND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH NOISE STANDARDS SET OUT IN REGULATIONS.
POWERS ARE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE BILL TO MAKE REGULATIONS REQUIRING PARTICULAR ITEMS TO BE FITTED WITH NOISE CONTROL DEVICES OF A CERTAIN STANDARD. TO ASSIST WITH ENFORCEMENT, THE BILL WILL GIVE THE AUTHORITY THE POWER TO REQUIRE LABELLING SO THAT THE CLAIMED NOISE LEVEL OF PARTICULAR EQUIPMENT CAN BE ASCERTAINED.
A MANUFACTURER OR IMPORTER MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO MAKE AN ITEM AVAILABLE FOR NOISE TESTING OR INSPECTION OR TO HAVE IT TESTED AT SOME NOMINATED PLACE. IT IS INTENDED THAT SUCH REQUESTS WILL BE MADE ONLY WHEN THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT NOISE MADE BY A CERTAIN PRODUCT EXCEEDS A PRESCRIBED LEVEL AND RANDOM CHECKS WOULD NOT BE CARRIED OUT.
THE BILL ALSO INCLUDES COMPLEMENTARY CONTROLS FOR CERTAIN PRODUCTS ALREADY IN USE WHEN THE ABOVE PROVISIONS COME INTO FORCE. THE OBJECT IS TO PREVENT PRODUCTS FROM BECOMING EXCESSIVELY NOISY IN ACTUAL USE, SUCH AS THROUGH LACK OF MAINTENANCE.
/IT WOULD
FRIDAY, MARCH 1J, 1987
4
IT WOULD ALSO BE AN OFFENCE TO USE A PRESCRIBED PRODUCT WHICH DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE NOISE STANDARDS SPECIFIED IN REGULATIONS FOR SUCH ITEMS.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WERE APPLIED IN A FAIR AND REASONABLE MANNER, A PROCEDURE HAD BEEN INCLUDED TO ALLOW AN APPEAL TO BE MADE AGAINST THE SERVICE OF A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE OR
THE SERVICE OF NOTICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE TESTING OF PRODUCTS.
APPEALS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE AGAINST THE REFUSAL TO ISSUE A PERMIT FOR PERCUSSIVE PILING OR AGAINST THE CONDITIONS OF SUCH A PERMIT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD BE ENFORCED BY A NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. IT IS INTENDED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHOULD BE THE CENTRAL AUTHORITY FOR THIS PURPOSE.
HE ADDED THAT THE BILL DID NOT INCORPORATE PROVISIONS FOR CONTROLLING NOISE FROM AIRCRAFT, NOR DID IT DEAL WITH OCCUPATIONAL NOISE LIKELY TO DAMAGE THE HEARING OF WORKERS INSIDE THEIR WORKPLACE.
+THESE MATTERS ARE DEALT WITH RESPECTIVELY BY THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) ORDINANCE 1986 AND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
+ THERE IS ALSO A PROVISION WHICH EXPLICITLY STATES THAT THf CROWN SHALL BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW * * * * *
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG. AT THE GROUND FLOOR PLAZA OF THE HONG KONG BANK BUILDING IN CENTRAL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TO COINCIDE WITH ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
SIR S.Y. WILL TAKE A TRAM DECORATED WITH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MESSAGES FROM THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS DEPOT AT SHARP STREET EAST, WAN CHAI, TO CENTRAL TO PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY.
/HE WILL
FRIDAY, MARCH 1J, 1987
- 5 -
LABOUR^ ™LTONY hSSSSnS"'
Sf”T4HREEL^0TURR°^E^R}H1NrDUSTRIAL S4FET¥ WEEK’ 4N“ "‘LS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO THE GROUND FLOOR PLAZA OF THE HONG KONG BANK BUILDING AT 10.15 AM TOMORROW.
BE STAGED ON IN CENTRAL
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO COVER THE TRAM RIDE FROM WAN CHAI BY SIR S.Y. AND THE OFFICIATING PARTY. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE HONG KONG TRAMWAY DEPOT AT SHARP STREET EAST AT 9.45 AM.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASS I ST,
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WORKING GROUP’S REPORT STUDIED AT ACTA MEETING
*****
MEETING WORKING
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRAVEL AGENTS (ACTA). AT ITS TODAY (FRIDAY), CONSIDERED THE INTERIM REPORT OF THE AD HOC GROUP. THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP LAST MONTH TO EXAMINE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LONG-TERM MEASURES FOR STRENGTHENING CONSUMER PROTECTION AND TO SUGGEST INTERIM MEANS TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF FURTHER COLLAPSES OF TRAVEL AGENTS.
MEMBERS OF ACTA DISCUSSED AT LENGTH THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT AND GENERALLY ENDORSED THE MEASURES UNDER STUDY. THE COMMITTEE ADVISED THAT THE WORKING GROUP SHOULD CONTINUE WITH !nnuW?cKD^«i raEc°RT BACK T0 ACTA WITH FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AS Ouvli AO r vuO I dl. t •
The REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS ALSO REPORTED TO THE MEETING THAT, ACCORDING TO INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, 3 500 CLIENTS AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE OF AUSTRAVEL CO LTD HAD LODGED PROOF OF DEBT TO A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $16 MILLION.
-----o------
/6........
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
- 6 -
SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET UP iU M *
A SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS.
TODAY (FRIDAY), THE
IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE FOLLOWING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE FOR Two
YEARS BEGINNING FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR: tUMMITTEE FOR TWO
AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (CHAIRMAN)
MR D.V. LINDSAY
MR PETER NIE
MR POON TO-CHUEN
MR WONG YUM-YIN
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT
T.ir DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN RESPONSI Rli ITY nr THE COMMITTEE WAS TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER FOR I AROIIP om mattcdc RELATING TO the REGISTRATION Of PERsiNS AS SA™yLSe?s
THE REGULATIONS.
T0 QUAL,FY FOR REGISTRATION AS A SAFETY OFFICER A PERSON
MUST POSSESS EITHER: rriucn, a rtKiUN
*
A DEGREE OR DIPLOMA OF ANY SPECIFIED EXAMINING BODY IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE OR RELATED DISCIPLINE WITH AT LEAST ONE YEAR’S RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD?
OR
* A CERTIFICATE IN ANY SPECIFIED EXAMINING BODY IN INDUSTRIAL
rLFEEvTIn?Re?^?^“LorH’g'ene “|TH at «ast two
* SAEC"I’!;ItCAHTET0LFES ?5oC|EARE“,ERXEL”kNlN? ”?ERIl0N
HOWEVER. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN EMPLOYED AS A SAFETY OFFICER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE MAKING OF THESE REGULATIONS AND IS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO BE FIT AND PROPER B'i REASON OF HIS EDUCATION, TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILL IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MAY ALSO &E REGISTERED AS A SAFETY Gi l ICER IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS NORMALLY REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION.
+IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT, THE CASE MAY BE REFERRED TO THE SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR STUDY AND ADVICE,+ HE SAID..
SINCE REGISTRAfION STARTED IN DECEMBER LAST YFAR MORF Tuan 100 PEOPLE HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT? ’ HA OFFICERS TO^TAIN MLAP?l??a™»EF^ FROM^ANY^BRANCH^OFFtcES^F^^ 5-1® FACT0Ry 1 "SPEC10RATE D1 ’1 sf°s °°1 ^P^f
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
7
TEXTILE TALKS TO RESUME AFTER EASTER
*****
THE FIRST ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY ON A SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT TO THE CURRENT BILATERAL TEXTILES agreement, which expires on june 30, 1987 was adjourned today (FRIDAY).
agreements have yet to be reached on the number of categories
TO BE RESTRAINED, GROWTH RATES AND FLEXIBILITY.
NEGOTIATIONS WILL RESUME IN OSLO IN THE WEEK FOLLOWING EASTER.
- 0 -
ROAD ALTERATIONS FOR MTR WORK IN KWUN TONG
*****
PART OF THE TRAFFIC LANES IN SECTIONS OF KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD IN EAST KOWLOON ARE TO BE CLOSED FOR 12 MONTHS TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY LEADING TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
A NOTICE ABOUT THE ROAD ALTERATIONS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TEMPORARY ALTERATIONS WILL INCLUDE:
* REDUCTION OF THE WIDTH OF THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS IN THE SECTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD BETWEEN THE END OF THE EXISTING MTR VIADUCT AND TSUI PING ROAD TO A MINIMUM OF 9.1 METRES AND 6.5 METRES RESPECTIVELY, THUS MAINTAINING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AND TWO ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY;
* REDUCTION OF THE JUNCTION WIDTH AT KWUN TONG ROAD AND TSUI PING ROAD TO A MINIMUM OF NINE METRES;
* REDUCTION OF THE WIDTH OF THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS IN THE SECTION OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD BETWEEN TSUI PING ROAD AND CHA KWO LING ROAD TO A MINIMUM OF 9.1 METRES AND 6.5 METRES RESPECTIVELY, KEEPING THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AND TWO ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY;
/* REDUCTION OF
FRIDAY, MARCH 1J, 1987
- 8
X REDUCTION OF THE WIDTH OF THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS ON THE SECTION OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD BETWEEN CHA KWO LING ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD TO A MINIMUM OF 6.5 METRES AND 9.1 METRES RESPECTIVELY, MAINTAINING TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AND THREE ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY; AND
* REDUCTION OF THE JUNCTION WIDTH AT LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND CHA KWO LING ROAD TO A MINIMUM OF NINE METRES.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS WILL BE PUT AT THE AREAS AFFECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
ANY CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD ALTERATIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF REINSTATEMENT OF THE ROADS.
--------o ---------
SHA TIN MAC’S SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND X X- X- X *
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT ARE CONTINUING THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
TEN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF WO CHE ESTATE TODAY (FRIDAY) DONATED $7 OOO IN SUPPORT OF THE FUND.
COLLECTION BOXES FROM THE MAC’S WERE OPENED AT A BRIEFING CEREMONY AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE THIS MORNING.
MR LAM HUNG-CHIU ON BEHALF OF THE MAC’S PRESENTED THE PROCEEDS TO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM.
THE COLLECTION BOXES WERE PLACED AT OFFICES OF THE MAC’S DURING THE PAST FEW WEEKS FOR RESIDENTS TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
SO FAR THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS RECEIVED ABOUT $260 000, INCLUDING ABOUT $130 000 FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND $45 000' FROM THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
-----0------
/9........
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
9
SEMINARS ON MODERN MARICULTURE PRACTICES ORGANISED * * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF SEMINARS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO INTRODUCE MODERN MARICULTURE PRACTICES WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING MARICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCING MORTALITY RATE OF CULTURED STOCK.
THE FIRST OF THE SERIES, TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 17) AT 3 PM AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION, IS NOW OPEN FOR FREE ENROLMENT FROM MAR ICULTURISTS.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 30. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD TELEPHONE 5-520171 EXT. 25 DURING OFFICE HOURS FOR REGISTRATION ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
SENIOR FISHERIES RESEARCH OFFICER, DR RUDOLF WU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED COMPREHENSIVE STUDIES ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMMON CULTURED SPECIES IN RELATION TO THE VARYING hydrographical conditions of the local fish culture zones, and ON THE CAUSES OF FISH KILLS AND WAYS TO MINIMISE MORTALITY.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, A NEW METHOD OF NETCAgE CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR BETTER CULTURE PRACTICES.
+THESE NEW TECHNIQUES ARE BELIEVED TO BE ABLE TO RAISE THE MARICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY CONSIDERABLY AND INCREASED FISH YIELDS WILL BENEFIT CONSUMERS,+ DR WU SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SEMINAR WILL BE PRECEDED BY A PRESS BRIEFING AND DEMONSTRATION AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ABERDEEN FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION AT 2 PM, CONDUCTED BY DR WU AND RESEARCH OFFICERS, DR PATSY WONG AND DR PAUL MAK.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING AND THE SEMINAR.
------0-------
QUARRY BAY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO GO
* * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF 16-94 PAN HOI STREET, HONG KONG, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN LAST DECEMBER, REQUIRING THE STRUCTURES’ DEMOLITION.
/Notices of
FRIDAY, MARCH 1J, 1987
10
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON APRIL 13 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE.
------o-------
QUIZ AND EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION X X X X X
A QUIZ ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND A TWO-DAY SCHOOL EXHIBITION OF WORKS ON CIVIC THEMES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE EVENTS ARE ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS.
+ TOTAL OF 13 SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE QUIZ WHICH FEATURES CIVIC KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION OF THE DISTRICT AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
THE FINAL OF THE QUIZ, WITH THREE SCHOOLS COMPETING, WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, AN EXHIBITION FEATURING DISTINGUISHED WORKS ON CIVIC EDUCATION BY STUDENTS OF 15 SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRE.
EXHIBITS INCLUDING ESSAYS, HANDICRAFT, DRAWINGS AND CALLIGRAPHY WILL BE ON DISPLAY FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 15).
OFFICIATING AT THE QUIZ AND THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR LEUNG MAN-BUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE QUIZ FINAL AT 10 AM AND THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION AT 10.45 AM.
-------o--------- /11 .......
%-• '•-Mijh*-'
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1937
'■•'n M<;t 5jh»» "fit«. V •
T3{ -
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ft ft ft ft ft
■*' ' ' WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISITED THE HONG KONG FUTURES
EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TO SEE OPERATIONS AT THE TWO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
LED- BY BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, THE PARTY FIRST WENT TO THE ■fUTWE'S EXCHANGE AT NEW WORLD TOWER IN CENTRAL WHERE THEY WERE MET BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR KIM CHAM, AND BRIEFED BY THE MARKET OFFICER, MR ADRIAN WONG.
__ THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE AT EXCHANGE SQUARE. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, AND THE INTERNATIONAL AND CORPORATION AFFAIRS OFFICER, MISS HELEN TSE.
THEY TOURED THE OFFICE AND LEARNED ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS AND VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE.
TODAY’S TOUR WAS PART OF A FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORK AND OPERATIONS OF MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
------O--r-
DB MEMBERS LOOK AT TRAFFIC PROBLEM SPOTS ft ft ft ft ft
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED SEVERAI LOCATIONS WHERE SUGGESTIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS RECENTLY MADE RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUILD MORE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS FOR THE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC IN THE TWO AREAS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN. MR CHAN CHI-KWAN, ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER. MR CHEN CHIEH. AND AN ENGINEER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR MA MAN-LEUNG^ THEY FIRST WENT TO THE HUNG HOM FERRY PIER WHERE TWO NEARBY STREETS — WINSLOW STREET UNDERPASS AND HUNG HOM WAN STREET — WERE RECENTLY OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
MR CHAN TOLD MEMBERS THAT TRAFFIC HAD BEEN IMPROVED SINCE THE OPENING OF THE TWO STREETS.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOT ALL MOTORISTS WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE NEW ROADS AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD BE SETTING UP ROAD SIGNS AT THE JUNCTIONS OF BULKELEY STREET-PO LOI STREET AND WINSLOW STREET-GILLIES AVENUE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
THE NEW ROAD LINKS WOULD HELP IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW TO TSIM SHA TSUI, HO MAN TIN AND KOWLOON EAST.
FRIDAY, MARCH U, ' “8
12
MENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION STARTS SUNDAY
*****
RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AT AN EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL IN FANLING STARTING SUNDAY (MARCH 15).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF A SERIES OF HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE ILLUSTRATIONS ON THE CAUSE, COMMON PATTERN AND WAYS TO PREVENT MENTAL ILLNESS. INFORMATION PAMPHLETS AND bookmark^ QH mental hr TH and gei^erai §IJ I DELIAS FQP WITH
MENTALLY-ILL RELATIVES WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR TIM MILNES, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR ANTHONY YUEN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR LAW CHAK-TONG.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOUNTED AGAIN AT THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AT LUNG SUM AVENUE ON MARCH 17 AND 18 AND WILL MOVE TO SHEK WU HUI PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TIN PING ESTATE ON MARCH 19 AND 20.
OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM DAILY AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING EXHIBITION ON SUNDAY AT 10 AM AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
- 0 - -
CLEAN-UP WEEK IN TUEN MUN TO START SUNDAY
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT CLEAN-UP WEEK WILL BE HELD FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 15) TO MARCH 22 TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS 'N KEEPING THE DISTRICT CLEAN.
ORGANISED BY THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TUEN MUN COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT WILL FEATURE A NUMBER OF COMPETITIONS FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
/ENTRIES ARE
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED fDR A COLOUR I NG COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12. F HEY CAN ENTER THE SENIOR SECTION WHILE THOSE UNDER EIGHT CAN TAKE PART IN THE JUNIOR SECTION.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES AND SHOULD BE RETURNED BY 9 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 16).
STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBL IC ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND FAMILY CLEANSING COMPETITION. MEANWHILE, A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES WILL VISIT PARTICIPATING HJUSEHOLDS FOR THE SELECTION OF T HE MODEL FAMILIES.
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN-UP WEEK WILL BE OFFICIATED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR TSO SHIU-WAI, AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY AT The YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE where THE PUBLIC WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED "0 COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
------C -------
SPURTo WINNERS to get their prizes M- M- X- * *
WINNERS OF COMPETITIONS HELD BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN 1986-87 WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT AN ANNUAL PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE ASSOCIATION’S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 15).
WITH ALLOCATIONS TOTALLING $140 000 FROM THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE ASSOCIATION ORGANISED A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR.
THESE INCLUDED TABLE-TENNIS, BADMINTON, TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS.
THE PRESENTATION PERFORMANCE, A BALLET
CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A GYMNASTIC oHOW AND A TAEKWONDO DEMONSTRATION.
/OFFICIATING AT
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 198?
_ 14 -
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANISSA WONG, THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG, THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAM PAK-PING, AND REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS, MR TANG PUI-TAT AND MR MICHAEL LAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 5.30 PM AT THE LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AT 2 ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO.
-------0---------
AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL TO BE UPGRADED
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL.
TENDER FOR THE WORKS, WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND RELATED WORK AND UPGRADING OF THE ENTRANCE AREA TO THE HALL, WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE WORK IN EARLY 1988.
-------0---------
SPEEDPOST LINK WITH MORE CITIES IN ITALY, MALAYSIA
*****
THREE MORE CITIES IN ITALY AND 13 MORE IN MALAYSIA WILL BE SERVED BY SPEEDPOST SERVICE FROM MONDAY (MARCH 16), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE THREE CITIES IN ITALY ARE LIVORNO, CAGLIARI AND PALERMO.
AT PRESENT, 12 CITIES IN ITALY ALREADY HAVE THIS SERVICE. THEY ARE BARI, BOLOGNA, CATANIA, FIRENZE, GENOVA, MILANO, NAPOLI, PISA, PRATO, ROMA, TORINO, AND VENEZIA.
/IN MALAYSIA, .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 1J, 198?
1.5 -
IN MALAYSIA, THE 13 CITIES TO JOIN KUALA LUMPUR ARE ALOR SETAR, IPOH, JOHORE BAHRU, KANGAR, KOTA BAHRU, KOTA KINABALU, KUALA TERENGGANU, KUANTAN, KUCHING, MALAKA, PENANG, PETALING JAYA AND SEREMBAN.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG AND ONLY ADDRESSED TO KOTA KINABALU AND KUCHING W1LL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING, WHILE THOSE FOR THE OTHER CITIES WILL NORMALLY BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
-----o------
ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL * * *
THE ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE CYC KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND, KOWLOON CITY.
ONE OF THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, DR RONALD LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 -
YOUNG MUSICIANS SOUGHT FOR CHINESE ORCHESTRA
* * * * *
va„t ™E MUSIC 0FF>CE IS INVITING MUSICIANS TO JOIN ITS HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, WHICH HAS PARTICIPATED IN CONCERTS s'Sk'rs^STABLISwSt'iH ?97E8?“S "US'C EXCH*NGE PR0GRAmh
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TO STEP UP THE ORCHESTRA’S IcADcrDM r?cnGRnrMME’ ,T W0ULD BE REORGANISED AND NEW MEMBERS WOULD BE RECRUITED FOR 1987-88.
MAJOR EVENTS WHICH THE ORCHESTRA WILL TAKE PART IN INCLUDE 1HE CHINESE MUSIC WEEK AND THE MUSIC OFFICE ANNUAL STUDENT CONCERT.
/AN INTENSIVE
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME HAS BEEN DRAWN UP TO INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES, REHEARSALS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.
YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE WITH SKILL IN A CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION AT A LATER DATE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE, GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 138 AUSTIN ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON, BY MARCH 31.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7226240.
-------c----------
43 T
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TUEN MUN, SHAM S HU I PO *****
RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM HO PONG STREET TO PUI TO ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE BANNED FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
BUSES ON KMB RIGHT TURN AT THE PUI TO ROAD.
ROUTES 59, 59B, 61, 66 AND 66M SHOULD MAKE THE JUNCTION OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND
IN SHAM S HU I PO, THE U-TURN AND RIGHT-TURN BAN IN NAM CHEONG STREET WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON MARCH 16 FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ROAD REPAIR WORK THERE.
VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS FROM NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHWEST BOUND TO NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHEAST BOUND VIA YEE KUK
THE RIGHT-TURN BAN FROM YEE KUK STREET NORTHWEST BOUND TO NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHEAST BOUND WILL ALSO BE LIFTED.
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/17........
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1987
17
BUS DIVERSIONS IN SHANGHAI STREET * * * *
DUE TO ROAD WORK IN SOUTHBOUND SHANGHAI STREET BETWEEN ARRAN STREET AND MONGKOK ROAD, THE FOLLOWING BUS DIVERSIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED FROM 1 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 11) AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT EIGHT DAYS:
* BUS ROUTE 32, AAA, A6, 87A AND 87B ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD SOUTHEAST BOUND HEADING FOR TAI KOK TSUI FERRY ARE DIVERTED TEMPORARILY TO TRAVEL VIA LAI CHI KOK ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET SOUTH AND ARGYLE STREET.
* BUS ROUTE 12, 30 AND 36B ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD SOUTHEAST BOUND HEADING FOR JORDAN ROAD FERRY ARE DIVERTED TEMPORARILY TO TRAVEL VIA LAI CHI KOK ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET.
DURING THE PERIOD OF BUS DIVERSIONS, THE BUS STOPS FOR THESE ROUTES IN SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND PUBLIC SQUARE STREET ARE SUSPENDED. TEMPORARY BUS STOPS ARE PROVIDED IN NATHAN ROAD AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET SOUTH TO CATER FOR PASSENGER DEMAND.
MEANWHILE, THROUGH TRAFFIC FOR OTHER VEHICLES ON BOTH SIDES OF SHANGHAI STREET IS STILL MAINTAINED.
- o -
LEFT TURN BAN ON TSING YEUNG CIRCUIT
*****
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM TSING YEUNG CIRCUIT TO SHEK PAI TAU ROAD IN TUEN MUN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 16).
THE MOVE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK ON SHEK PAI TAU ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR TSING YEUNG CIRCUIT AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE ITO.
JOINT DECLARATION REFLECTS COMLITILNT TO LEGAL SYSTEM CONTINUING................................................... 1
TRIPARTITE COMMITMENT URGED TO PREVENT ACCIM'TTS ............ 1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDERIMPLOYMJNT STATISTICS RELEASED....... 2
ROLE OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS EMPHASISED....................... 4
BUSY YEAR FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES ................ 5
SPECIAL CAR NUMBIHS FETCH $886 OOO AT AUCTION ............... 6
CIVIC LESSONS AT A HOLIDAY CAMP.............................. 7
STIW MOVEOJTS AT CNTA ....................................... 7
TSUEN WAN FAIR TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ................... 8
REOPENING OF THREE SHEUNG SHUI ROADS ........................ 9
FRESH WATER CUT IN YAU TONG.................................. 9
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
1
JOINT DECLARATION REFLECTS
COMMITMENT TO LEGAL SYSTEM CONTINUING * * * * *
THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION DEMONSTRATE FIRM COMMITMENTS BY CHINA TO THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM AFTER 1997, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, REITERATED IN SAN FRANCISCO YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A JOINT LUNCHEON MEETING OF MORE THAN 140 MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG BAY AREA ASSOCIATION AND THE SAN FRANCISCO BAR ASSOCIATION, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM IS REFLECTED IN THE CONSIDERABLE DETAIL DEVOTED TO THE BASIC LAW AS PART OF THE FUTURE SAR’S +MINI CONST I TUT I0N+.
+THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW IS A MATTER FOR CHINA. WORK ON IT IS NOW IN PROGRESS AND NATURALLY AROUSES INTENSE INTEREST,* MR THOMAS SAID, ADDING THAT MANY PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS EITHER AS MEMBERS OF THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE OR AS MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF CITIZENS OF HONG KONG AND CHINA.
+THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS BEEN A SUCCESS IN ASSURING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THEIR WAY OF LIFE AND THE LEGAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FRAMEWORK BY WHICH THEY ARE GOVERNED WILL SURVIVE THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
HE UNDERLINED THAT HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY ARE AT STAKE: +THE HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS OF ITS POPULATION OF FIVE AND A HALF MILLION REST WITH THE OUTCOME, NOT TO MENTION ALSO THE FOREIGN INVESTORS, BANKERS AND TRADERS WHO HAVE BASED THEIR OPERATIONS UPON THIS SPRINGBOARD INTO EAST ASIA.+
TURNING TO THE FUTURE, MR THOMAS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FINE RECORD HELD BY CHINA FOR SCRUPULOUSLY ADHERING TO INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH IT HAS SIGNED.
+CHINA HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN BY FULFILLING HER OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION IN THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT, AND MAKING A SUCCESS OF DENG’S HISTORIC CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY — TWO SYSTEMS’,* MR THOMAS CONCLUDED.
-----o-----
TRIPARTITE COMMITMENT URGED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
*****
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED THE NEED FOR TRIPARTITE COMMITMENT TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK AT THE HONG KONG BANK GROUND FLOOR PLAZA, SIR S.Y. POINTED OUT that industrial safety and health had been a subject of growing CONCERN IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS.
/+INDUSTRIA.L........
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
2
♦INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS RESULT NOT ONLY IN LOSS OF PRODUCTION AND HEAVY COMPENSATION COSTS TO EMPLOYERS, THEY ALSO CAUSE HUMAN SUFFERING AND HARDSHIP TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES,* HE SAID.
+THEREFORE, FOR ANY SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO BE ACHIEVED, VIGOROUS EFFORTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE ESSENTIAL.*
SIR S.Y. ALSO PAID TRIBUTES TO THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR HAVING CONDUCTED MANY SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK.
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK IS BEING ORGANISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMITTEE.
THROUGHOUT THE WEEK STARTING TODAY, A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED INCLUDING A FUN FAIR, AN EXHIBITION, QUIZZES, COMPETITIONS AND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT.
IN ADDITION, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BANNERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT CONSTRUCTION SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AS DECORATED BUSES, TRAMS, TUG BOATS AND A HELICOPTER ARE DEPLOYED TO PROVIDE A VISUAL IMPACT.
SONGS WITH LYRICS SPECIALLY WRITTEN TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST FROM A +SAFETY* BUS SENT TO VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AREAS, COMPLEMENTING THE AUDIO EFFECT.
0 -
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
IN THE QUARTER NOVEMBER 1936-JANUARY 1937, THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION SHOWED FURTHER SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE, COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1986, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November 1936-JANUARY 1987 WAS 2.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 2.6 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1936 AND 3.0 PER CENT FOR THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO.
/THE DECREASES........
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
3 -
THE DECREASES of 0.6 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW the previous QUARTER AND OF 1.0 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN T HE QUARTER NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 54 600, LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 70 700 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1986 AND OF 80 800 FOR FOR THE SAME QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1986.
A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT 2.0 PER CENT IS THE LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RECORDED SINCE THE NEW SERIES OF UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WAS INTRODUCED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985. WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT SUCH A LOW LEVEL, THE LABOUR FORCE AS A WHOLE WAS EFFECTIVELY FULLY EMPLOYED.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987 WAS 1.2 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 1.3 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1986. THE RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1985-JANUARY 1936 WAS 2.5 PER CENT.
THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS QUARTER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME QUARTER ONE YEAR PREVIOUSLY IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987 WAS 31 700, LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 35 400 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1986 AND OF 67 100 FOR NOVEMBER 1985-JANUARY 1986.
CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK DUE TO ECONOMIC REASONS (SUCH AS SLACK WORK, MATERIAL SHORTAGE MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN AND INABILITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER 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 THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TwO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.
/THESG PROVIDE .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
4
these provide an early indication of the latest trend in THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION. THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADUSTED) FOR DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.0 PER CENT. (THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987 WAS ALSO 1.9 PER CENT.)
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-1NSTI TUT IONAL 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 MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSES 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 DECEMBER 1986 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE NEXT vVEEK AT $8.50 PER COPY.
--------0----------
ROLE OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS EMPHASISED * * * * *
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VILLAGE OFFICES AND RURAL COMMITTEES IN PARTICULAR, PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NEW RESIDENTS AS WELL AS ENHANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FANLING WAI VILLAGE OFFICE, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT WHILE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN HAD BEEN PROCEEDING AT A FAST PACE, THE ROLE OF RURAL ORGANISATIONS IN IMPROVING DISTRICT WELFARE WOULD NOT BE UNDERSTATED.
IN FACT, THE FANLING WAI VILLAGE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN PROMOTING BOTH EDUCATION AND WELFARE IN THE DISTRICT, AN EXAMPLE OF WHICH WAS THE SETTING UP OF THE YAN TAK STUDY ROOM AND THE FANLING PUBLIC SCHOOL, HE SAID.
THEIR TEN YEARS TA CHIU CELEBRATIONS AND THE MANY ACTIVITIES HELD FOR THE ELDERLY DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HAD ALSO GAINED WIDESPREAD SUPPORT IN THE DISTRICT, HE ADDED.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR ROGER HARDING.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
5
BUSY YEAR FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES
*****
MORE THAN 15 MILLION ENQUIRIES AND TELEPHONE CALLS SEEKING ADVICE AND INFORMATION WERE RECEIVED THROUGH THE 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE (PES) CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DURING THE 1986 CALENDAR YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF NINE PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE 13.9 MILLION HANDLED IN 1985, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THERE WERE MORE THAN 6.1 MILLION ENQUIRIES AND 9.117 MILLION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS WERE DISTRIBUTED,* HE SAID.
*OF THE SIX MILLION ENQUIRIES, FIVE POPULAR SUBJECTS BEING ASKED RANGED FROM GOVERNMENT JOB VACANCIES (237 000 OR 3.9 PER CENT)) LOCATION, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND OPENING HOURS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES (152 000 OR 3.6 PER CENT)j DISTRICT FUNCTIONS (233 000 OR 3.8 PER CENT) } PROCUREMENT OF POSTERS, PAMPH.ETS AND FORMS ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS (206 000 OR 3.4 PER CENT)) AND STATUTORY DECLARATION OR OATHS (184 000 OR 3 PER CENT),* HE EXPLAINED.
+LOCATED IN ALL 19 DISTRICTS, THE 67 PES CENTRES PROVIDE SERVICES SUCH AS ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, GIVING ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS, DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS AND LEAFLETS AND IN SOME CENTRES ALSO DEALING WITH LEGAL AND RENTAL PROBLEMS.
+MORE THAN 500 000 STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WERE ADMINISTERED DURING THE YEAR WHICH SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE OF 4.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THESE MAINLY WERE FOR DECLARATION OF TRUE COPIES, APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARS HlPS-GRANTS AND EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS,* HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT UNDER THE +FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME*, A TOTAL OF 3 119 CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY, OF WHICH 2 991 CASES WERE HANDLED BY THE SOCIETY’S SOLICITORS AND 309 WERE SUBSEQUENTLY REFERRED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.
+IN ADDITION, 12 059 PEOPLE CONSULTED THE RENT OFFICERS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT STATIONED AT 12 DISTRICT OFFICES (10 IN URBAN AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES) FOR ADVICE ON RENTAL AND TENANCY PROBLEMS,* HE ADDED.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR ON 3-692255.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
6
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FETCH 3886 000 AT AUCTION * * * * *
TH|RTY-F|VF special VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF 3886 000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND COR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL 0^ THE CITY HALL, STH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER DM1 AND DN1, EACH FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF 3189 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER (7707) WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF <1100 090 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS 31 000 FOR DM3181 AND DL5^16 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES:
5 8
nL608 3 000 DL786 5 000 DL313 9 090
DM560 8 000 CK22 80 000 MD23O 4 000
CY8787 WITHDRAWN DM786 A 000 DM322 8 000
DL560 12 000 DM1988 £ 000 DL^OOO 21 900
DL861 B 000 AP83G'’ 19 000 AB107 15 900
AH2525 7 000 AA635 13 000 DMQ28 12 000
HLR818 12 000 DM13 ir 000 AC107 15 000
DM866 16 000 DM6638 9 000 AC1£8£ 11 000
CK3 60 000 DM3378 8 000 DM822 16 000
HK638 33 000 DL6222 8 000 DL2888 12 900
SUCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITH 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 112TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 197?, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONCY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO 3(42 832 832).
---0-----
• o
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1937
7
CIVIC LESSONS AT A HOLIDAY CAMP * * * * *
ABOUT 120 YOUNGSTERS IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TOOK PART TODAY (SATURDAY) IN THE YOUTH CIVIC DAY AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CIVIC DAY WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR PROGRAMMES OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION campaign.
THE PROGRAMMES STARTED AT 9.30 AM WITH A SEMINAR CONDUCTED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE ACTION COUNCIL, MR MAK HOI-WAH.
they spoke about the rights and duties of youths in the
SOCIETY AND THEIR ROLE IN ASSISTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
AFTER THE SEMINAR, PARTICIPANTS WERE DIVIDED INTO TEN GROUPS TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. IN EACH GROUP, A LEADER AND A SECRETARY WERE CHOSEN TO START DISCUSSIONS WHILE TEACHERS WERE ALSO PRESENT TO GIVE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
PARTICIPANTS WERE THEN TESTED IN A QUIZ ON THEIR COMMON SENSE AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION. THEY LATER JOINED IN RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ARRANGED BY THE ORGANISERS.
THEY ALSO SPENT AN AFTERNOON AT THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT FARM AT TSIU HANG WHERE THEY WERE TOLD ABOUT VEGETATION, THE WAYS OF CUTTING GRASS AND APPLYING FERTILIZERS TO PLANTS.
MOST PARTICIPANTS, AGED BETWEEN 15 TO 21, WERE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHILE SOME WERE WORKERS RECOMMENDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
- - 0 - -
STAFF MOVEMENTS AT CNTA * * * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL GO ON ONE MONTH’S LEAVE FROM MARCH 27, AND HIS POST WILL BE TEMPORARILY FILLED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG.
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU, WILL ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DRS (NT). AND IN ADDITION HE WILL ALSO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (DEVELOPMENT) DURING THIS PERIOD, WHEN THE CURRENT INCUMBENT MR JOHN TELFORD, BECOMES THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
/assistant
SATURDAY, KARCH 14, 1987
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN, MR JOHNATHAN NG, WILL TAKE OVER AS ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HEADQUARTERS), MRS CARRIE YAU, WILL LEAVE CNTA ON MARCH 16.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (COMMUNITY INFORMATION), MR ALLAN CHOW, IN ADDITION TO HIS OWN DUTIES WILL TAKE OVER MRS YAU’S JOB UNTIL APRIL 29 WHEN MRS STELLA HUNG, CURRENTLY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, WILL TAKE OVER.
- - 0 - -
TSUEN WAN FAIR TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
*****
A FUN FAIR HAS BEEN ORGANISED TO BOOST PUBLIC AWARENESS ON WORK SAFETY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AT THE TSUEN WAN SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE AS ONE OF the major attractions of the CURRENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK, THE FAIR FEATURES 26 GAMES STALLS, SIX EXHIBITION BOOTHS ON SAFE WORK PRACTICES, AND AN HOUR-LONG DISC-JOCKEY SHOW TO BE HOSTED BY RTHK ARTISTE CHEA SHUK-MUI.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR RICHARD LAI, CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR ROBERT LAI, AND THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FAIR AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND AT 1 PM TOMORROW.
---0------
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1987
- 9 -reopening of three sheung shui roads
* * * *
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG SHUI FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 16) TO TIE IN WITH THE REOPENING OF THREE ROADS IN THE AREA.
THESE ROADS ARE ROAD SR9, ROAD SR6 AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE :
* THE EXISTING ACCESS FROM THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD TO HO SHEUNG HEUNG WILL BE CLOSED OFF. ALTERNATIVE ACCESS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
* THE EXISTING ACCESS FROM THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD TO KAM TSIN VILLAGE, HANG TAU VILLAGE AND KWU TUNG NEW MARKET WILL BE CLOSED. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROAD SR7 AT HANG TAU.
* THE EXISTING ACCESS TO CHAU TAU AND PAK SHEK AU FROM THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED OFF. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROAD SR6.
# ALTERNATIVE ACCESS BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND YUEN LONG WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM ROAD SR10, ROAD SR9, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROAD SR6.
------0-------
FRESH WATER CUT IN YAU TONG
X- X- X-
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU TONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CHA KWO LING ROAD, KO FAI ROAD, TUNG YUEN STREET AND SHUNG SHUN STREET, INCLUDING SHUNG TAK WAI, SHUNG YIU STREET, SZE SHAN STREET AND YAN YUE WAI.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 19&7
COITTENTS PAGE NO,
YEARBOOK FUTURES HK’S HOLD IN WORLD TRADE.................... 1
YOUTH PROJECTS TO HELP THE HOMELESS.......................... 2
THIRD WARMEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD............................. 3
KEEPING A CHECK ON YOUTH AND ELDERLY WELFARE................. 5
SCIENCE EDUCATION RESOURCE ROOM TO OPEN...................... 6
ENGLISH REFRESHER COURSES FOR PRIMAuY SCHOOL TEACHERS........ 7
TENDERS FOR RECHEATIOtlAL FACILITIES INVITED................. 7
COMMITTEE NUMBERS TO VISIT YIM TIN TSAI ..................... 8
UNICEF CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION ORGANISED.............. 8
DETAIIS OF SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT LACS.......................... 9
WORK TO START ON MUI iTO PUBLIC CEMETERY..................... 10
BRIEFING ON TRANSPORT STUDY REPORT........................... 10
BUS RE-ROUTING, SMOKING BAH ON AGENDA........................ 11
DISTRICT OPEN SPACE FOR KITAI CHUNG.......................... 11
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
1
YEARBOOK FEATURES HK’S * * *
ROLE IN WORLD TRADE
HONG KONG 1987, THE YEARBOOK OF EVENTS IN 1986 PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND JUST OFF THE PRESS, CARRIES A SPECIAL ARTICLE TH IS YEAR, SETTING OUT THE TERRITORY’S RESPONSIBLE ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF TRADING NATIONS.
ENTITLED +HONG KONG AS A PARTNER IN WORLD TRADE+, THE CHAPTER ONE FEATURE TAKES THE READER BRIEFLY THROUGH THE VARIOUS STAGES OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC HISTORY, TO ITS PRESENT PLACE AS THE 13TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD.
IT DESCRIBES HONG KONG’S EARLY DAYS, FROM +A BARREN ROCK WITH HARDLY A HOUSE UPON IT+, THROUGH ITS DEVELOPMENT AS AN ENTREPOT, MAINLY FOR THE CHINA TRADE, AND TO ITS EARLY INDUSTRIALISATION IN THE 195O’S, UP TO ITS PRESENT STAGE OF SOPHISTICATION IN BOTH THE MANUFACTURING AND THE SERVICE SECTORS.
THE ARTICLE IS A TIMELY REMINDER IN THESE PRESENT TIMES OF GROWING CONCERN OVER PROTECTIONISM, THAT THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM, WHEN LEFT TO AN ENERGETIC AND IMAGINATIVE PEOPLE, BACKED BY A STABLE ADMINISTRATION, OFFERS THE BEST BASIS FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS, BOTH LOCALLY AND ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE.
TO ILLUSTRATE THE ARTICLE, A COLOURFUL END-PAPER MAP ENTITLED +HONG KONG - BUYING FROM THE WORLD+ HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE YEARBOOK. IT DEPICTS HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET POLICY OF BUYING PRODUCTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
OF GENERAL INTEREST ALSO WILL BE A NEW CHAPTER GIVING DETAILS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION DURING THE YEAR OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
PICTORIALLY, TEN SECTIONS OF HONG KONG 1987 HAVE BEEN DEVOTED TO CAPTURING THE RANGE OF EXPRESSIONS AND THE MOOD OF THE PEOPLE IN SOME OF THEIR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS THE MAIN EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN HONG KONG OVER 1986.
THERE IS ALSO A FRONTISPIECE SHOWING THE ARRIVAL OF THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA, WHICH BROUGHT THE QUEEN AND PRINCE PHILIP TO HONG KONG AFTER THEIR HISTORIC VISIT TO CHINA.
READERS WILL ALSO NOTE THE NEW +COFFEE-TABLE+ APPROACH TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE PICTURES WHICH, IN THE DOUBLE SPREADS, PROVED TECHNICALLY MORE DEMANDING THAN USUAL.
IN KEEPING WITH THE PRACTICE WHICH HAS CONSISTENTLY MADE THE YEARBOOK THE LOCAL BESTSELLER, OTHER CHAPTERS PROVIDE A WIDE COVERAGE OF BOTH GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. THE REPORT COMPRISES 364 PAGES, INCLUDING COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS AND AN INDEX.
/the yearbook ......
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
2
THE YEARBOOK IS PRODUCED BY AND IS PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRODUCED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH.
THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES PRINTER. THE CHINESE VERSION IS DIVISION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
THE END-PAPER MAP IS PRODUCED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE,
PRICED AT $35, GOVERNMENT PUBLICAT CENTRAL, HONG KONG,
IT WILL BE ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE IONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE AND SHORTLY AT LEADING BOOKSTORES.
- 0 --------
YOUTH PROJECTS TO HELP THE HOMELESS * * * *
PROJECTS AIMING TO SERVE THE HOMELESS, SUCH AS STREET SLEEPERS, WILL BE ACCORDED PRIORITY CONSIDERATION IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT OTHER PROJECTS ALSO TO RECEIVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WOULD BE THOSE FOR SINGLE PARENTS, DEPRIVED CHILDREN, THE DISABLED, THE rLDERLY OR FAMILIES IN DEPRIVED AREAS.
+THE DECISION TO GIVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION TO THESE PROJECTS HAS BEEN TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE UNITED NATIONS’ DESIGNATION OF 1987 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS AND ALSO IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME WHICH IS 'SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY WITH YOUR IDEAS’,+ HE SAID.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE SCHEME OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTHS TO BROADEN THEIR SCOPE OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, TO ACHIEVE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITY, AND TO ATTAIN SATISFACTION IN PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CARRYING OUT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR SUBSIDIES TO FUND THE PROJECTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY).
THE APPLICATIONS, TOGETHER WITH DETAILED PROPOSALS SHOULD REACH THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE BEFORE MAY 1, 1987.
ALL PROJECTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE JANUARY 15, 1988.
EACH PARTICIPATING CROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25- AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION. DISCRETION MAY BE GIVEN TO ALLOW FOR SOME MEMBERS TO EXCEED THE AGE LIMIT TO UP TO 30.
/GROUPS........
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
GROUPS WITHOUT ANY SPONSOR, AFTER HAVING SOUGHT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY) OF THEIR DISTRICTS, MAY ALSO APPLY.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA WILL INCLUDE THE EXTENT OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, THE EXTENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT mf£.l?ll7,TY 0F THE PR0JeCT, AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.
THE MAXIMUM SUBSIDY FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS $4 500.
ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS, EACH DISTRICT WILL SELECT ITS MOST OUTSTAND!NG PROJECT TO COMPETE FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE +BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME AWARD*.
nlc FE°FlrE ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SCHEME CAN CONTACT THE DISTRICTS’ SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY).
-----0------
THIRD WARMEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD * * * *
FEBRUARY WAS THE THIRD WARMEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD, WITH A PEAN TEMPERATURE OF 18.3 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY.
IT WAS ALSO THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH WHICH WAS WARMER THAN USUAL. THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 17.8 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD, THE HIGHEST MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR THE SAME PERIOD BEING 18.2 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED IN 1979.
WEATHER ON FEBRUARY 1 WAS COOL AND MAINLY FINE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY SUNNY AND RELATIVELY WARM WEATHER DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
NORTHERLY MONSOON WINDS REACHED HONG KONG OVERNIGHT ON FEBRUARY 3 AND COOL BUT DRY CONDITIONS PREVAILED ON FEBRUARY 4 AND 5.
WHILE IT REMAINED COOL AT NIGHT FROM FEBRUARY 6 TO 8, THE AFTERNOONS WERE WARM.
ON FEBRUARY 9, THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY WITH RAIN. WARM AND HUMID CONDITIONS SET IN ON FEBRUARY 10 WHEN WINDS VEERED TO SOUTH OF EAST. OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, COASTAL FOG PATCHES DEVELOPED OVERNIGHT BUT DISSIPATED DURING THE MORNINGS, GIVING WAY TO SUNNY AND WARM WEATHER IN THE AFTERNOONS.
/ON FEBRUARY
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
4
ON FEBRUARY 13, FRESH EASTERLY WINDS CLEARED THE MIST AND DRIZZLE. IT BECAME MAINLY FINE AND WARM FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS AND A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 25 DEGREES CELSIUS - THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH - WAS RECORDED ON THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 18. *
STRONG EASTERLY WINDS AFFECTED HONG KONG THE FOLLOWING NIGHT AND DURING THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 19, BRINGING SOME LIGHT RAIN.
THE WEATHER CONTINUED TO BE BASICALLY CLOUDY FROM FEBRUARY 20 TO 24 AS A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA MOVED VERY SLOWLY SOUTHWARDS THROUGH HONG KONG.
CONTINUOUS LIGHT RAIN OCCURRED LATE ON FEBRUARY 21 AND THERE WERE MIST PATCHES ON FEBRUARY 22 AND 24. WINDY AND DRIZZLY CONDITIONS PREVAILED ON FEBRUARY 25 AND 26.
AN INTENSE COLD FRONT PASSED SOUTH ACROSS HONG KONG DURING THE EARLY MORNING OF FEBRUARY 27 AND BROUGHT PERIODS OF RAIN TO THE TERRITORY.
WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE NORTH REACHING 76 KM/H AT WAGLAN ISLAND, WHILE TEMPERATURES FELL FROM 17 DEGREES CELSIUS DURING THE EARLY MORNING TO ABOUT 11 DEGRESS CELSIUS BY THE LATE AFTERNOON.
IN THE EVENING, WINDS MODERATED SLIGHTLY AND THE RAIN STOPPED. TEMPERATURES CONTINUED TO DROP OVERNIGHT TO A MINIMUM OF 9.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SO FAR THIS WINTER. IT WAS A FEW DEGREES COLDER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED WITH A GOOD DEAL OF SUNSHINE ON FEBRUARY
THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.
ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE LEATHER DURING THE MONTH.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1 AND FROM FEBRUARY 3 TO 4. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 1 TO 3, FROM FEBRUARY 5 TO 8 AND ON FEBRUARY 15, 22, AND 28.
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 FEBRUARY 18 11 PM FEBRUARY 19 12.40 PM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEBRUARY 25 8 AM FEBRUARY 26 12.15 PM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEBRUARY 27 8.35 AM FEBRUARY 28 7 AM
/THE MONTH’S .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
5
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSH INE
RA INFALL
CLOUD INESS
147.5 HOURS = 38.8 HOURS AEOVE NORMAL
11.2 MM = 30.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
57 % - 14 7. LESS THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 78 % = NORMAL
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 20.7 DEGREES C - 1.9 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
FEAN TEMPERATURE 18.3 DEGREES C = 2.4 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 16.6 DEGREES C = 2.9 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 14.1 DEGREES C = 2.4 DEGREES C ABOVE FORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION
75.0 MM = 7.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
----------------------0------- KEEPING A CHECK ON YOUTH AND ELDERLY WELFARE *****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE HAS DIRECTED ITS EFFORT TOWARDS IMPROVING THE WELL-BEING OF YOUTHS AND THE ELDERLY IN THE PAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S WORK.
PROBLEMS AND SERVICES FOR THESE TWO GROUPS WERE MAJOR ISSUED DISCUSSED DURING COMITTEE MEETINGS IN 1986-87. THE COMMITTEE ALSO CONDUCTED A SURVEY AND EXPANDED ITS COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME TO BETTER SERVE OLD PEOPLE.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN STANLEY AND SHEK 0 TO LOOK INTO THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY FOR MEDICAL, TRANSPORT, SOCIAL WELFARE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES, AND WIDE-RANGING IMPROVEMENTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY SUGGESTED.
THE COMMITTEE HAS CALLED FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN REMOTE AREAS IN THE DISTRICT, AND A REVIEW OF THE POLICY OF PROVIDING ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY PER 30 000 POPULATION.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO INVITED DOCTORS AND DENTISTS IN NEARBY SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN TO JOIN ITS COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE ELDERLY LIVING IN STANLEY AND SHEK 0.
THE MEDICAL SCHEME, INITIALLY INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY TREATMENT AT REDUCED RATE TO PEOPLE AGED 60 OR ABOVE LIVING IN SOUTHERN, WAS ALSO EXPANDED FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR TO OLD PEOPLE WORK ING IN THE DISTR ICT.
/ON YOUTH
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
f>
ON YOUTH MATTERS, THE COMMITTEE HAS MADE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING INADEQUATE LIBRARY SERVICES IN AP LEI CHAU, THE TRUANCY PROBLEM AND NEED FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND LOITERING CF YOUTHS NEAR AN ESTATE SCHOOL.
IT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF OUTREACH ING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS BE EXPANDED TO COPE WITH GROWING YOUTH PROBLEM.
TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES, THE COMMITTEE DECIDED TO CONTINUE ITS SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME WHICH GIVES RECOGNITION TO COMMENDABLE VOLUNTARY WORKERS.
THE SCHEME WOULD BE EXPANDED THIS YEAR TO INCLUDE A GROUP SECTION.
IN THE PAST YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO SPONSORED SOCIAL SERVICES SUCH AS HOMEWORK TUITION, PHYSICAL CHECK-UPS AMD MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
-------0---------
SCIENCE EDUCATION RESOURCE ROOM TO OPEN It * * * K
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A SCIENCE EDUCATION RESOURCE ROOM FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 18).
THE RESOURCE ROOM, LOCATED AT THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, WILL OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY BETWEEN 2 PM AND 6 PM, AND EVERY SATURDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON.
IT AIMS AT PROVIDING A CENTRAL REFERENCE SERVICE ON SCIENCE TEACHING TO SCIENCE STAFF OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE RESOURCE ROOM IS STOCKED WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF PUBLICATIONS, EQUIPMENT CATALOGUES, RESOURCE PACKS, NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EXAMINATION PAPERS AS WELL AS SYLLABUSES, AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS, LEARNING PACKAGES AND OTHER RELEVANT RESOURCE MATERIALS ON THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE.
TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS VISITING THE RESOURCE ROOM WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE THESE MATERIALS. IN ADDITION, AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING SLIDES, LOOP FILMS AND ETV PROGRAMMES.
SCIENCE INSPECTORS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON DUTY DURING THE OPENING HOURS TO OFFER ADVISORY SERVICES TO VIS I TORS.
INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE RESOURCE ROOM DURING THE OPENING HOURS WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS.
EDUCATIONAL BODIES WISHING TO PAY GROUP VISITS TO THE RESOURCE ROOM ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BY TELEPHONE 5-811)24) 5-8392468 OR 5-8392613 ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.
------0 ------
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1087
7
ENGLISH REFRESHER COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM TEACHERS CF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO ATTEND TwO IDENTICAL REFRESHER COURSES TO BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL AND JULY THIS YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN THESE COURSES WHICH AIM AT ORIENTATING PARTICIPANTS TO THE REVISED PRIMARY ENGLISH SYLLABUS, AND IMPROVING THEIR FLUENCY AND ACCURACY IN SPOKEN ENGLISH.
TEACHERS WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO A RANGE OF COMMUNICATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES.
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR TEACHERS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE REFRESHER COURSES TO ENROL FOR THE ENGLISH CLASSES OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR ORAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS BEFORE WEDNESDAY (MARCH 18) TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE. CAUSEWAY BAY.
-------0----------
TENDERS FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INVITED *****
VISITORS TO THE WONG CHUK HANG SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL BE AELE TO ENJOY MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THESE WILL INCLUDE PAVILIONS, ARBOURS, SITTING AND PLANTING AREAS, A 125-METRE JOGGING TRACK WITH FITNESS STATIONS AND A SEPARATE SMALL SITTING OUT AREA AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE ACCESS ROAD ALONG NAM LONG SHAN ROAD.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE ITEMS.
WORK ON THE FACILITIES IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE. THEY WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT ON COMPLETION NEXT FEBRUARY.
TENDERS ARE ALSO INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TELESCOPIC BLEACHERS SEATING FOR 430 SPECTATORS IN THE SHA TIN INDOOR GAMES HALL TO BE BUILT NEAR THE JUNCTION OF YUEN *0 ROAD AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BLEACHERS SHOULD BE IN PLACE BY THE TIME THE INDOOR GAMES HALL IS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER. IT WILL BE MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
-------o----------
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1937
8
COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO VISIT YIM TIN TSAI
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD Vv ILL VISIT YIM TIN TSAI, A SMALL OUTLYING ISLAND IN THE DISTRICT, TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THIS IS ONE OF THE VISITS ARRANGED BY THE COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO REMOTE VILLAGES WHICH HAVE PROBLEMS OF INACCESSIBILITY AND DECREASING POPULATION.
A SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID SUCH VISITS WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO EXPRESS THEIR GOODWILL TO VILLAGERS AND TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THOSE LIVING FAR AWAY FROM TOWN.
AT THE SAME TIME, MEMBERS WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO COLLECT VILLAGERS’ OPINIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS OF THE DISTR ICT.
+IT IS, IN FACT, A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR MUTUAL EXCHANGE OF OPINIONS AND WE ARE ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN ANY PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE VILLAGERS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE,+ HE SAID.
FOR THE VISIT TO YIM TIN TSAI, MEMBERS WILL FIRST VISIT THE VILLAGE WHICH HAS A LONG HISTORY. AFTER THAT, THEY WILL VISIT AN OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH AND TOUR ROUND THE ISLAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARF INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT YIM TIN TSAI TOMORROW. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN BY 9.50 AM. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.
UNICEF CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION ORGANISED * * * *
SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 14 ARE INVITED TO
TAKE PART A DRAWING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS’ CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT FOSTERING CULTURAL EXCHANGES AND TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL CHILDREN TO EXTEND THEIR CONCERN TO THOSE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
/WINNING
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1987
- 9 -
■rue 0F THE L0CAL COMPETITION WILL BE SENT TO
INEwirSE4 IN NEW Y0RK F0R A WORLDWIDE CONTEST
■ U i^eJC^^i!UMBER 0F DRAWINGS WILL BE SELECTED FOR PRINTING AS ru lienor ^R»E^ *N<^ CARDS TO BE SOLD WORLDWIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF CHILDREN AND MOTHERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
THERE WILL BE THREE CATEGORIES IN THE COMPETITION - A JUNIOR SECTION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND SEVEN, AN INTERMEDIATE SECTION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 11 AND A SENIOR GROUP FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 14.
THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE +THE HOPE AND JOY OF LOCAL CHILDREN AS WELL AS THE UNIQUENESS OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE CULTURE*. ENTRIES MAY BE IN ANY FORM OF TWO DIMENSIONAL WORK IN A4 SIZE (210 MM X 297 MM).
THE FIRST PRIZE OF THE INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR GROUPS WILL EE A FREE TRIP TO BANGKOK FOR THE WINNER TOGETHER WITH ONE PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO VISIT UNICEF PROJECTS.
THE DRAWINGS, EACH ACCOMPANIED BY A COMPLETED ENTRY FORM, SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH SCHOOL HEADS TO POST OFFICE BOX 70100, KOWLOON, BY MARCH 23, AND BE ADDRESSED TO THE ORGANISER, DRAW HONG KONG FOR THE WORLD’S CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION (UNICEF) CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION.
-------0----------
DETAILS OF SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE
*****
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE 1987 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 17) AT 3.30 PM AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR CF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE.
THE RACE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE KWONG, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS), MR JONATHAN NG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
---0------
/10.........
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1997
10
WORK TO START ON MUI WO PUBLIC CEMETERY * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $2.1 MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING A PUBLIC CEMETERY AT NGAU KWU WAN IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
WORK INVOLVES THE FORMING OF TERRACES FOR ABOUT 300 BURIAL SPACES, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CONCRETE ACCESS TRACK, FOOTPATHS, DRAINAGE, A RETAINING WALL AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START SOON AND TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 -
BRIEFING ON TRANSPORT STUDY REPORT
*****
A PRESS BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN BY THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (KOWLOON), MR TSOH MING, AND GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR J.M. TURNER, ON THE EAST KOWLOON JOINT TRAFFIC STUDY REPORT ON TUESDAY (MARCH 17) AT 5 PM FOLLOWING ITS PRESENTATION AT A KWUN TONG TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING.
THE STUDY IS DESIGNED TO ASSESS THE LONG-TERM TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS IN EAST KOWLOON.
THE BRIEFING WILL BE HELD IN ROOM 111, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
- 0 -
/11
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 19J7
11
BUS RE-ROUTING, SMOKING BAN ON AGENDA
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (MARCH 17) TO DISCUSS THE RE-ROUTING OF A BUS ROUTE SERVING SHA KOK, SUN CHUI AND LUNG HANG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL OF BANNING SMOKING IN MEETINGS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES 1987-88 OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND PROGRESS REPORTS BY COMMITTEE CHA IRMEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR CF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE.
-------0----------
DISTRICT OPEN SPACE FOR KWAI CHUNG * * * *
A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE COVERING 23 HECTARES IS TO BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI TSING AND TSUEN WAN ROADS IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE PROJECT YARD, AN OFFICE,
LARGE-SCALE
WILL INCLUDE FOOTPATHS, A HORTICULTURAL MAINTENANCE TOILETS AND ANCILLARY LIGHTING.
LANDSCAPING WORK WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
TENDERS ARE
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 16 MONTHS
TO COMPLETE.
-------o---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
'TOO SOON' TO TALE ABOUT AISENDING PUBLIC ORDER LAN........ 1
ADVANTAGES 07 INDUSTRIAL ESTATES HIGHLIGHTED ................ 2
UPGRADING SKILLS OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS 1IEGDED ............ 4
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR STUDY W NEW LANDFILL SITE............... 5
CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES .................... 6
PLANS TO EIPROVE YUEN LONG NULLAH BUND ROADS ................ 7
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YUK. LONG GAS KGLOSION ................. 7
BRIEFING ON CONSTITUENCY BOUED'-RLES ........................ 8
SAI KUNG YOUTH NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED ........................ 8
CCM4ITT2E TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION....................... 8
NEU ADDRESS FOR POST OFFICE BRANCH........................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 9
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
'TOO SOON’ TO TALK ABOUT AMENDING PUBLIC ORDER LAW
*****
IT IS + A BIT TOO SOON+ TO TALK OF IMMEDIATELY AMENDING THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED LAST WEEK THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY)
+WE SHOULD SEE HOW THE LEGISLATION WORKS AND LOOK AT IT IN MORE DETAIL OVER THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD,* SAID SIR DAVID, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE AT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY’S TRAINING CENTRE IN ABERDEEN.
SIR DAVID SAID:+I DO THINK THAT LAST WEEK THE DEBATE TOOK PLACE IN GREAT DETAIL AND THERE WAS A VERY STRONG MAJORITY FOR THE DECISION NOT TO ADJOURN THE DEBATE AND TO CARRY ON WITH THE DEBATE.
+ THE DEBATE WAS FINALLY PASSED ALSO WITH A VERY STRONG MAJORITY.*
ASKED IF HE THOUGHT THAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD BE REVIEWED IN A FEW YEARS TIME, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS LOOKED AT LEGISLATION.
+LEGISLATION IS CONTINUALLY BEING AMENDED AND REVIEWED,* HE ADDED.
ASKED WHETHER THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL WOULD AFFECT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, SIR DAVID SAID:*I DON’T SEE WHY IT SHOULD DESTROY CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AFTER ALL.
+THE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK WERE VOTING ON THE MEASURE AFTER A VERY CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC DEBATE. SO IT SHOULD STRENGTHEN CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM.*
ON REPORTS THAT THE JOURNALISTS WERE GOING TO LOBBY FOR OVERRULING THE ORDINANCE, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THAT WAS THEIR RIGHT.
+T HAT IS THE RIGHT THAT WE ENJOY IN HONG KONG FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH,* HE SAID.
REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND REGIONAL COUNCIL SHOULD INFORM THEMSELVES THOROUGHLY OF ALL THE ISSUES INVOLVED AND ALL THE FACTS OF THE CASE.
+ IT’S NOT GETTING THROUGH TO THEM YET. BUT IN FACT WE HAVE REMOVED A GREAT DEAL OF REPRESSIVE LEGISLATION IN REPEALING LEGISLATION LAST WEEK AND I DON’T THINK THAT FACT IS THOROUGHLY APPRECIATED YET,* HE SAID.
/on a suggestion ......
MONDAY, MARCH 16, I987
2
ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD COME OUT AND EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LAW, SIR DAVID SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD GIVEN A VERY CLEAR EXPLANATION OF THE MEANING OF THE LAW AND THE WAY IT WOULD OPERATE IN HIS SPEECH LAST WEEK AND IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO READ HIS SPEECH.
ASKED WHETHER THE QUEEN WOULD OVERRULE THE LAW, HE SAID:
+ IN VIEW OF THE VERY STRONG MAJORITY IN T HE LEGISLATURE THAT PASSED THE LEGISLATION LAST WEEK, IT WOULD BE QUITE EXTRAORDINARY, I THINK, IF THE VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG LEGISLATURE WERE IGNORED.+
-------0----------
ADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES HIGHLIGHTED * * * * *
THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES OF THE
_ , , -- -- • - HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES
CORPORATION (HKIEC) OFFER AN IDEAL LOCATION AND A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION MARKING THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HKIEC, SIR DAVID SAID THE ECONOMIC TIDE IN HONG KONG WAS RUNNING STRONGLY AND FOREIGN BUSINESSMEN WERE RECOGNISING THE ADVANTAGES OF SETTING UP FACTORIES HERE.
+THE CORPORATION CAN EXPECT TO CONTINUE ITS VITAL ROLE OF PROVIDING THE NECESSARY LAND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NEW AND EXPANDING SPECIAL FACTORIES IN HONG KONG+.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE HKIEC NOW HAD BEEN THROUGH ITS FORMATIVE DIFFICULT YEARS WHEN THE VALUE OF THE ESTATE TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS NOT AS WELL DEVELOPED AS IT WAS NOW, AND WHEN THERE WERE MANY CONSTRUCTION AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS’THAT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO FACILITATE LAND SALES.
+THE CORPORATION HAS BEEN AELE TO RESPOND QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY TO INDUSTRIAL DEMAND THAT IT HAS ACHIEVED AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 18 AGREEMENTS FOR LEASE FOR OVER 11 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF LESS THAN FOUR HECTARES SOLD IN EACH OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS.+
,.k*THERE ARE N0W 41 COMPLETED FACTORIES IN TAI PO WITH ANOTHER .U™ER CONSTRUCTION AND AFTER A SLOWER START THERE HAS BEEN
AN UPSURGE OF INTEREST IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WITH 10 SITES TOTALLING NINE HECTARES HAVING RECENTLY BEEN GRANTED ON TOP OF THREE NEW SINGLE STOREY STANDARD FACTORIES RECENTLY COMPLETED BY THE CORPORATI ON.+
/SIR DAVID .......
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 198?
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS, ALL THE AVAILABLE LAND AT TAI PO WOULD HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF AND THAT YUEN LONG WOULD BE ALREADY WELL-DEVELOPED.
HE ADDED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE CORPORATION SHOULD NOT BE MEASURED WHOLLY IN FINANCIAL TERMS.
+THE CORPORATION THROUGH ITS SELECTION CRITERIA PROVIDES SITES FOR FACTORIES WHICH INTRODUCE TO HONG KONG NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES AND IS THEREFORE INSTRUMENTAL IN ATTRACTING NEW AND IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY FROM ABROAD.
+IN ADDITION, THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ALSO PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWNS AND HENCE TOWARDS A MORE BALANCED MIX OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS.+
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE RECEPTION WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION, MR STEPHEN CHEONG.
HE SAID THE CORPORATION AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE WHETHER OR NOT A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HAD TO BE BUILT.
♦THE MOMENT FOR DECISION MAY WELL BE REACHED WHEN THE WHOLE OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND HALF OF THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HAVE BEEN FILLED UP.+
HE ADDED THAT SALES HAVE BEEN PICKING UP RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, WITH ONLY 16 HECTARES LEFT AT TAI PO AND 54 HECTARES REMAINING AT YUEN LONG.
AS REGARDS THE ESTATES CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME, MR CHEONG SAID THE YUEN LONG ESTATE wAS COMPLETE AND WORK ON THE FINAL STAGE 3 AT TAI PO WAS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, BRINGING TO AN END ALL PLANNED CAPITAL WORKS.
♦THE CORPORATION HAS SPENT NO LESS THAN $980 MILLION ON THIS FORMIDABLE AMOUNT OF WORK AND HAS ALREADY RECOVERED OVER $400 MILLION FROM THE DISPOSAL OF LAND.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER THAT IN DUE COURSE THE FULL COSTS WILL BE RECOVERED AND THE OUTSTANDING LOANS FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND WILL BE FULLY REPAID,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD ACHIEVED ITS OBJECTIVES OF BROADENING AND ENHANCING THE BASE OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES HAD WELL AND TRULY BECOME Aw IMPORTANT MEDIUM BY WHICH HONG KONG ATTRACTED USEFUL TECHNOLOG IES.
/+THE INDUSTRIAL
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
+THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WERE CREATED TO PROVIDE SITES FOR THOSE MANUFACTURERS WHO COULD NOT OPERATE EFFICIENTLY IN ORDINARY MULTI-STOREY FACTORIES, AND WHOSE ACTIVITIES WOULD BROADEN THE BASE OF OUR INDUSTRIES EITHER THROUGH THE MANUFACTURE OF PRODUCTS NEW TO HONG KONG OR THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES.
+TO DATE, ALMOST 50 FACTORIES HAVE BEEN BUILT AND ARE IN PRODUCTION ON THE TWO ESTATES, WHILST A FURTHER 30 SITES HAVE BEEN GRANTED ON WHICH FACTORIES ARE BEING BUILT OR WILL SHORTLY BE CONSTRUCTED.
+THESE FACTORIES PRODUCE A WIDE RANGE OF MANUFACTURES AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, WHICH HELP TO BROADEN AND STRENGTHEN OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE AND OUR EXPORT PROSPECTS, BY VIRTUE OF BEING RELATIVELY NEW PRODUCTS AND THROUGH THE MAKING OF HIGH-PRECISION COMPONENTS AND PARTS.+
HE ADDED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD RECEIVED BETWEEN 20 AND 30 ENQUIRIES PER MONTH OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO FROM WHICH ABOUT IWO OR THREE HAD RESULTED IN ACTUAL APPLICATIONS BEING MADE FOR SITES, WITH A RATE OF APPROVAL RUNNING AT ABOUT 85 TO 90 PER CENT.
♦THE PAST TWO YEARS HAD BEEN THE DISPOSAL OF SOME 25 HECTARES CF LAND PLUS FIVE STANDARD FACTOR IES,+ HE NOTED.
+THESE RESULTS ARE EXCELLENT, REFLECTING AS THEY DO A HEALTHY INVESTMENT CLIMATE, THE GENERAL BUOYANCY OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, AND THE ATTRACTION OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE.+
UPGRADING SKILLS OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEEDED X * X * X
UPGRADING OF SKILLS WILL BE MORE AND MORE NECESSARY AS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BECAME BIGGER AND MORE COMPLEX, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
OFFICIATING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY’S THIRD TRAINING n HE SAID THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD A
YF,cAm c '*,TH A 22 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1985 IN THE
cnMMPMrfA.BkLEL00R AREA IN BtJILDING PLANS WITH CONSENT TO UUi II It Nut WUKK t
/as construction .......
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
- 5
AS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BECAME BIGGER AND MORE COMPLEX, SIR DAVID SAID, MANAGERS vVERE REQUIRED TO USE A WIDE RANGE OF NEW TECHNIQUES TO MONITOR AND CO-ORDINATE THE PROGRESS OF PROJECTS.
MECHANISATION IN THE INDUSTRY ALSO INCREASED THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED WORKERS TO OPERATE ADVANCED MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT.
TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S INCREASING NEEDS FOR ADVANCED SKILLS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING THAT THE TRAINING AUTHORITY WAS NOW RUNNING UPGRADING COURSES, INCLUDING ONE FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS LONG RECOGNISED THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A STEADY FLOW OF SKILLED WORKERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
THAT WAS WHY THE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY IN 1975 AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT TO THE AUTHORITY IN THE FUTURE, HE SAID.
TURNING TO CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, SIR DAVID DESCRIBED THE RISING NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES AS +ONE CLOUD IN AN OTHERWISE CLEAR SKY+.
TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY OF WORKER RECEIVED THE NECESSARY ATTENTION FOR COMPANY MANAGEMENTS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED REGULATIONS REQUIRING THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
rc THAT THE authority FULLY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE
SogKs"? £f «S.E"PHAS's UP0N SAFETV IN ALL ITS TR4INING
------o--------
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR STUDY ON NEW LANDFILL SITE X H * X *
AN AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND L.G. MOUCHEL AND PARTNERS (ASIA) FOR Ai< ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT TO IDENTIFY THE MAJOR IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY RESULTING FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A LANDFILL AT WONG MA HANG SHAN, TA KWU LING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION TO COMPREHENSIVE SITE INVESTIGATIONS, THE CONSULTANCY fcOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF ALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CONSTRAINTS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF APPROPRIATE MITIGATORY MEASURES FOR INCORPORATION IN THE DETAILED DESIGN, SUBSEQUENT OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPOSED LANDFILL.
/the consultancy .......
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
6
THE CONSULTANCY WOULD SPECIFICALLY CONDUCT STUDIES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS INCLUDING PROVISION OF POTABLE AND IRRIGATION WATER SUPPLY FOR THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES, PROVISION OF ROAD ACCESS TO THE LANDFILL AND THE SURROUNDING VILLAGE AREAS, ALL NECESSARY CONTROLS NEEDED TO REDUCE NUISANCE ARISING FROM DUST, ODOUR, GAS, AND NOISE FROM LANDFILL OPERATIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF THE TA KWU LING AREA BY THE PROVISION OF A RURAL SERVICE CENTRE AND SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES.
IN DEVELOPING PROPOSALS FOR THE LANDFILL SITE, PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS SO THAT PROGRESSIVE RESTORATION OF THE SITE IS ACHIEVED THUS ALLOWING A SWIFT RETURN TO ITS FINAL LAND USE PROBABLY FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
THE SITE INVESTIGATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY WOULD BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER THIS YEAR SO THAT THE PROPOSED LANDFILL COULD BE COMMISSIONED IN TIME TO REPLACE THE EXISTING NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES FACILITY AT SHUEN WAN BY EARLY 1990.
THE COST OF THE CONSULTANCY WITH RELATED SITE INVESTIGATIONS IS $8 MILL ION.
- - 0 - -
CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES * X X X X
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT F ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 33~57 TAI PAK TIN STREET, KWAI CHUNG, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
this follows the owners* failure to comply with orders ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JUNE 1985, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON APRIL 29, WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
-------0---------
/7 .0
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
- 7 -
PLANS TO IMPROVE YUEN LONG NULLAH BUND ROADS *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO RE-CONSTRUCT AND WIDEN THE NULLAH BUND ROADS AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE IN THE AREA OF SHAP PAT HEUNG IN YUEN LONG.
THE narrow bunds roads, running along the YUEN long nullah BUND, HAVE NOW BECOME AN IMPORTANT ACCESS INTO THE HEAVILY-POPULATED VILLAGES NEARBY.
THE ROADS ARE CONSTANTLY USED BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, CARS AND LORRIES TRANSPORTING GOODS FROM THE VILLAGES TO YUEN LONG. AS HEAVY VEHICULAR USAGE HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE EXISTING ROAD IT IS PROPOSED TO WIDEN AND STRENGTHEN THE ROAD TO CURRENT HIGHWAY STANDARDS.
EXISTING SERVICES AND UTILITIES SUCH AS WATER MAINS, GAS MAINS, ELECTRIC CABLES AND DUCTS AND TELEPHONE CABLES AND DUCTS LYING WITHIN THE LIMITS OF OR ADJACENT TO THE WORKS AREA MAY HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR REPOSITIONED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE latest government gazette.
ANY OBJECTION TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 12.
------0-------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YUEN LONG GAS EXPLOSION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE GAS EXPLOSION INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED RECENTLY AT FUNG KAM STREET AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL BE BRIEFED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CONCERNED ON DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT, WHICH RESULTED IN FOUR CASUALTIES' AND THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN FUTURE.
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, MEMBERS wILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT SAN TIN LAYOUT PLAN AND HA MEI SAN TSUEN EDGE AREA LAYOUT PLAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING aHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.39 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, YUEN LONG.
MEANWHILE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ON MARCH 20, HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 3.30 PM ON MARCH 27 (FRIDAY).
------0--------
/8......
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987 ■
8
BRIEFING ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES
*****
A BRIEFING ON THE PROPOSED EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, WILL EXPLAIN THE PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S 12 AREA COMMITTEES WILL ATTEND THE BRIEFING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING TOMORROW AT 7.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
SAI KUNG YOUTH NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A SURVEY ON YOUTH NEEDS ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF FREE EYE CHECK-UPS FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT AND THE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - 0 - -
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO CONSIDER A FUND APPLICATION FOR ORGANISING A SECONDARY SCHOOL ADVANCEMENT EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD ON APRIL 26, AIMS AT PROVIDING GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION FOR PRIMARY SIX STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
/IN ADDITION
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1987
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A MOTION BY A COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR DIK CHI YUEN, URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD A DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN NORTH DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW AT Q.3O AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
---0 - -
NEW ADDRESS FUR POST OFFICE BRANCH
*****
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH OF THE POST OFFICE (EXCEPT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS IMPORT-EXPORT CLASSIFICATION CENTRE AND The spectrum monitoring section) will move to its new office ON MONDAY (MARCH 23), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, TELEPHONE 5-8529600.
THE EXISTING BUSINESS HOURS OF THE BRANCH WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS IMPORT-EXPORT CLASSIFICATION CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND THE SPECTRUM MONITORING SECTION IN KWUN TONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ITS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AS USUAL. BOTH THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-236093 AND 3-395226 WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 51.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 301.465 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 321.598 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 54.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, March 17, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANGES PROPOSED TO DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, ELECTED SEATS ...................................................... 1
NEW CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR EASTERN DISTRICT ........... 2
SMALL RISE IN WATER CHARGES FROM APRIL 1 ................. 3
EAST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY PROPOSES KWUN TONG BYPASS ....
MEMBERS TO DEBATE 1987-88 BUDGET ......................-• 6
CO-ORDINaTION OF WELFARE SERVICES ESSENTIAL ................ 6
HELP FOR DISTRESSED PIG FARMERS BEING CONSIDERED ........... 7
BUS SPREhDS SAFETY MESSAGE TO WORKERS ...................... 8
TSUEN WAN DB TO HOLD YE.-.R-END CONFERENCE ................. 9
POSTFAX SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED jiPRIL 1 .................. 9
NEW MAINS TO IMPROVE SHAU KEI WhN SUPPLY .................. 10
MINI-SOCCER PITCH FOR LEI CHaU ............................ 11
DISTRICT BO^RD TO SHOW C«RE FOR THE NEEDY ................. 11
DETAILS OF GOOD CHILDREN CAMPAIGN TO BE ANNOUNCED.......... 12
CONSULTATION PAPER ON UNAUTHORISED WORKS FOR DISCUSSION .... 12
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TSING YI DRaIN^GE SYSTEM ............. 13
DISCUSSION ON IMPROVEMENT TO TRAIN SERVICES ............... 13
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTION TO BE DISCUSSED.......... 1*F
ANTI-DRUG FaMILY CaMP TO BE HELD ......................... 1*F
APPLICATIONS FOR SHa TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE.................. 15
VOCAL MASTER-CLaSS FOR MONDAY ............................. 16
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN ............................... 16
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG .............................. 16
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
1
CHANGES PROPOSED TO DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, ELECTED SEATS
*****
CHANGES TO DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS OF SOME OF THE CONSTITUENCIES HAVE BEEN PROPOSED FOLLOWING A REVIEW LAST YEAR.
THE PROPOSALS, IF ADOPTED, WOULD INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES IN THE TERRITORY FROM 145 TO 157 AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS FROM 237 TO 258.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 12 CONSTITUENCIES AND 21 ELECTED SEATS, A SPOKESMAN FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE PUT FORWARD BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE SET UP TO REVIEW THE SUBJECT. THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG, COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY OFFICE? THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT? THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROPOSED CHANGES INVOLVE THE ADJUSTMENT OF BOUNDARIES IN A NUMBER OF DISTRICTS. IN SOME CASES, CHANGES WOULD RESULT IN THE SPLITTING UP, DELETION, OR RENAMING OF EXISTING CONSTITUENCIES TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH AND MOVEMENT.
ALL BUT FOUR DISTRICTS, NAMELY KOWLOON CITY, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND SHAM SHU I PO, WOULD HAVE CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES OR THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS.
THE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES IN FOUR URBAN AND FIVE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS WOULD EACH BE INCREASED BY ONE. THESE ARE EASTERN DISTRICT, KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN, SOUTHERN DISTRICT, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl , YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN. NORTH DISTRICT WOULD HAVE AN ADDITION OF THREE CONSTITUENCIES.
AS REGARDS THE OVERALL INCREASE OF 21 ELECTED SEATS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE, EIGHT WOULD BE IN URBAN DISTRICTS AND 13 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
DISTRICTS WHICH WOULD HAVE ADDITIONAL ELECTED SEATS ARE KWUN TONG (3)5 EASTERN (4)? SOUTHERN (2)5 TSUEN WAN (3); KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl (1)? YUEN LONG (2)5 TAI PO (1)5 TUEN MUN (2)? SHA TIN (3) AND NORTH DISTRICT (1). IN WONG TAI SIN, THERE WOULD BE A DECREASE OF ONE ELECTED SEAT.
DISTRICT MAPS SHOWING THE CHANGES IN CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APRIL 8 FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS TO THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL FINALISE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY JULY.
------O------- /2......
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
NEW CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR EASTERN DISTRICT
*****
FOUR ELECTED SEATS AND ONE CONSTITUENCY WILL BE ADDED TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN THE 1988 ELECTIONS, MAKING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS TO 22 AND THE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES TO 13.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES IN A BRIEFING TODAY (TUESDAY), EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, SAID THE CHANGES WOULD CATER FOR FUTURE POPULATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
MR LEUNG SAID ALL THE PRESENT INTER-CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WOULD BE CHANGED WITHOUT AFFECTING THE DISTRICT BOUNDARY AS A WHOLE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DISTRICT BOUNDARY BETWEEN EASTERN AND WAN CHAI WHERE PART OF TAI HANG AREA NOW FALLING WITHIN EASTERN DISTRICT WOULD RETURN TO WAN CHAI.
UNDER THE NEW PROPOSAL, NORTH POINT WEST CONSTITUENCY WOULD BE SPLIT INTO TWO SEPARATE CONSTITUENCIES, NAMELY NORTH POINT NORTH AND NORTH POINT SOUTH, USING KING’S ROAD AS THE DIVIDING LINE. NORTH POINT NORTH WOULD HAVE TWO ELECTED SEATS WHILE NORTH POINT SOUTH WOULD HAVE ONE.
three more elected seats would go to causeway bay north, chai
WAN WEST AND CHAI WAN SOUTH RESPECTIVELY, MR LEUNG SAID.
CONCERNING THOSE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WHERE MORE CHANGES WOULD BE INVOLVED, THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF NORTH POINT EAST CONSTITUENCY WOULD SHIFT WESTWARD TO THE JUNCTION OF JAVA ROAD AND HOI YUE STREET WHILE A LINE RUNNING NEXT TO THE PETROL FILLING STATION OPPOSITE FINNIE STREET GOING UPHILL WOULD BECOME ITS SOUTHERN BOUNDARY.
RIGHT NEXT TO NORTH POINT EAST WOULD BE QUARRY BAY NORTH WHERE THE WESTERN BOUNDARY WOULD BE SHIFTED WESTWARD TO INCLUDE QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION, AND ITS EASTERN BOUNDARY WOULD SHIFT WESTWARD TO TAI CHEONG STREET, THUS RETURNING SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION TO SAI WAN HO CONSTITUENCY.
THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF QUARRY BAY SOUTH WOULD BE EXTENDED WESTWARD TO MEET THE CAUSEWAY BAY SOUTH CONSTITUENCY AND WAN CHAI WHILE THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY WOULD BE SET SOUTH OF THE PETROL FILLING STATION OPPOSITE FINNIE STREET.
SHAU KEI WAN HILLSIDE CONSTITUENCY WOULD BE RENAMED S HAU KEI WAN CONSTITUENCY AND THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY WOULD SHIFT NORTHWARD ALONG SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO INCLUDE THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS SOUTH OF THE ROAD.
THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF A KUNG NGAM CONSTITUENCY WOULD BE EXTENDED FURTHER EASTWARD TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE LYEMUN BARRACKS WHILE ITS SOUTHERN BOUNDARY WOULD RUN ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD UP TO ITS INTER-SECTION WITH TAI TAM ROAD.
/THE HILL .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
the hill slopes east of mount parker which is now part of A KUNG NGAM CONSTITUENCY WOULD BE INCLUDED IN CHAI WAN WEST. THE NEW DEVELOPMENT OF HANG FA CHUEN WOULD FALL WITHIN CHAI WAN WEST CONSTITUENCY.
MAPS OF THE PROPOSED DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APRIL 8, 1987.
-------C---------
SMALL RISE IN WATER CHARGES FROM APRIL 1 *****
there is to be a small increase in water charges from april i
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED AN AVERAGE RISE OF FIVE PER CENT TO COME IN ON APRIL 1 FOLLOWING THE FIFTH IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL REVIEWS.
LAST YEAR, THE INCREASE WAS ALSO FIVE PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE 1987-88 INCREASE WAS IN LINE WITH INFLATION AND ITS EFFECT WOULD BE TO MAINTAIN TARIFF CHARGES INTRODUCED IN APRIL 1979 AT THEIR ORIGINAL LEVELS IN REAL TERMS.
HE SAID DESPITE THE INCREASE, 20 PER CENT OF ALL DOMESTIC CONSUMERS WOULD CONTINUE TO PAY NOTHING FOR THE WATER THEY CONSUMED.
A FURTHER 70 PER CENT WOULD PAY LESS THAN 50 CENTS ADDITIONAL PER WEEK.
ONLY 10 PER CENT WOULD PAY MORE THAN 50 CENTS EXTRA PER WEEK AND OF THOSE ONLY THREE PER CENT WOULD PAY MORE THAN Si PER WEEK
AS FOR TRADE USERS THE MAJORITY WOULD PAY NO MORE THAN 50 CENTS EXTRA PER WEEK.
THE spokesman said charges for water were aimed at recovering the cost of the waterworks operation and the government undertook REVIEWS EVERY YEAR WHICH RESULTED IN SMALL INCREASES.
/HE SAID........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
4
HE SAID THE INCREASES HAD ALREADY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE REVISED CHARGE FOR WATER FROM CHINA ALONG WITH OTHER INCREASES IN OPERATING COSTS.
♦ IN DOLLAR TERMS THE MAJORITY OF CONSUMERS WILL HAVE VERY LITTLE ADDED TO THEIR WATER BILLS AND THOSE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE HARDLY AFFECTED BY THE INCREASES,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID SALT WATER FOR FLUSHING WOULD REMAIN FREE AND THE SAME QUANTITY OF FRESH WATER FOR FLUSHING - 30 UNITS - WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED FREE.
THE INCREASE WOULD NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BUSINESS OPERATIONS AS WATER CHARGES REPRESENTED A SMALL PART OF THE OPERATING COSTS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HE SAID.
-------0----------
EAST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY PROPOSES KWUN TONG BYPASS
*****
THE JUST-COMPLETED EAST KOWLOON JOINT TRAFFIC STUDY HAS RECOMMENDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A KWUN TONG BYPASS TO MEET ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC DEMAND IN THE REGION, THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (KOWLOON), MR TSOH MING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING AFTER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING, MR TSOH SAID THE STUDY WAS DESIGNED TO ASSESS THE LONG-TERM TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS IN THE EAST KOWLOON UP TO 1996 ARISING FROM THE PLANNED OPENING OF THREE NEW TUNNELS — EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, JUNK BAY TUNNEL AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
♦WITH THE ANTICIPATED OPENING OF THE THREE TUNNELS, THE PATTERN OF TRAFFIC FLOW IN EAST KOWLOON WILL CHANGE DRAMATICALLY,* MR TSOH SAID.
♦FINDINGS OF THE STUDY HAVE INDICATED THAT IN 1996, THE TOTAL PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC FLOW IN AND OUT OF THE REGION WILL MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT AT PRESENT.
♦THROUGH TRAFFIC IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE SIX-FOLD, WITH AN INCREASE OF ALMOST 50 PER CENT IN TERMINATING TRIPS. BY 1996, TRAFFIC ENTERING EAST KOWLOON FROM THE THREE NEW TUNNELS IN THE 8 AM TO 9 AM PEAK HOUR WILL EXCEED 10 000 PASSENGER CAR UNITS.
/+THE EXISTING .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 198?
- 5 -
+THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK IN EAST KOWLOON WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COPE WITH THE FORECAST INCREASE IN TRAFFIC, PARTICULARLY IN KWUN TONG ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A NEED FOR A HIGH QUALITY TRUNK ROAD NETWORK - AN ELEVATED KWUN TONG BYPASS - LINKING EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND JUNK BAY TUNNEL WITH TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL AND AIRPORT TUNNEL,* MR TSOH SAID.
THE PROPOSED BYPASS WILL RUN FROM THE JUNCTION OF JUNK BAY ROAD-LEI YUE MUN ROAD ACROSS WAI YIP STREET, ALONG THE WATERFRONT TO KOWLOON BAY AND THEN NORTH TO LINK UP TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
THE BYPASS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN THREE PHASES. PHASE I, DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1990, WILL CONSIST OF A GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT LEI YUE MUN ROAD-JUNK BAY ROAD PLUS AN ELEVATED LINK DOWN TO WAI YIP STREET.
PHASE II, EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1991, WILL LINK KOWLOON BAY WITH THE AIRPORT TUNNEL. IN THE LAST PHASE, THE BYPASS WILL LINK UP WITH TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN LATE 1992.
MR TSOH ADDED THAT ADDITIONAL GROUND LEVEL LINKS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AND LOCAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG AND NGAU TAU KOK.
+THE BYPASS AND OTHER PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN KWUN TONG WILL GREATLY IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN EAST KOWLOON. AS THE BYPASS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC TO USE THE CONGESTED KWUN TONG ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET, THE LEVEL OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL BE ENHANCED AS A RESULT OF A MORE FAVOURABLE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT,* HE ADDED.
THE STUDY, STARTED IN MARCH LAST YEAR, WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND CONSULTANTS OF THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED. THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WAS INFORMED OF THE STUDY IN JULY LAST YEAR. A REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE STUDY WAS MADE TO THE BOARD IN NOVEMBER AND THE BOARD HAD SUBSEQUENTLY COME UP WITH USEFUL COMMENTS.
A STUDY TO CONSIDER THE SHORT AND MEDIUM TERM TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS IN EAST KOWLOON WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1985 AT THE REQUEST OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE REGION. ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WERE APPROVED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND SOME OF THEM HAD ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
-------0-----------
/6........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
MEMBERS TO DEBATE 1987-88 BUDGET * X- * * *
FORTY-TWO MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND THURSDAY WHEN DEBATE ON THE 1987-88 BUDGET RESUMES.
MEMBERS SPEAKING TOMORROW ARE THE HON LYDIA DUNN, THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM, THE HON PETER C. WONG, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, THE HON PAULINE NG, THE HON PETER POON, THE HON KIM CHAM, THE HON JACKIE CHAN, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE, THE HON LEE YU-TAI, THE HON DAVID LI, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, THE HON ROSANNA TAM, THE HON ANDREW WONG, THE HON HO SAI-CMJ, THE HON RICHARD LAI, THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT, THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI, PROF THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG AND THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN.
THOSE SPEAKING ON THURSDAY ARE THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM, THE HON MARTIN LEE, DR THE HON DANIEL TSE, THE HON SELINA CHOW, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, THE HON HU FA-KUANG, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON POON CHI-FAI, THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON SZETO WAH, THE HON LAU WONG-FAT AND THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
0 - -
CO-ORDINATION OF WELFARE SERVICES ESSENTIAL
*****
CHILD CARE SERVICE IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND CLOSE CO-ORDINATION IS NEEDED BETWEEN IT AND OTHER WELFARE SERVICES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK KWUN TONG DAY NURSERY IN TSUI PING ROAD ESTATE, HE SAID THAT FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE TO ACHIEVE ITS MAXIMUM EFFECT, THERE MUST ALSO BE REGULAR CONTACT WITH FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT.
♦THERE IS A DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER AND A LIAISON NETWORK IN EACH DISTRICT TO ENSURE CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES,+ HE SAID.
♦CHILD CARE SERVICE, YOUTH AND CHILDREN SERVICES AND FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES ARE INTER-RELATED,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES IN KWUN TONG, MR LAW SAID THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 130 WELFARE UNITS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING 26 OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE REST BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO MEET DEMAND.
/♦AT THE
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 198?
♦ AT THE SAME TIME, GOVERNMENT IS ALSO PLANNING TO BOOST WELFARE SERVICES IN NEWLY-DEVELOPED AREAS, SUCH AS HING TIN ESTATE IN LAM TIN, THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY GARDEN ESTATE (REDEVELOPMENT) IN NGAU TAU KOK, TO KEEP IN PACE WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THERE,+ HE SAID.
MR LAW ADDED THAT IT WAS A TIMELY MOVE FOR PO LEUNG KUK TO OPEN THE DAY NURSERY IN THE REDEVELOPED TSUI PING ROAD ESTATE.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO CHILD CARE SERVICE, NOTING THAT PLANS WERE ALSO IN HAND TO STEP UP ITS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HELP FOR DISTRESSED PIG * *
FARMERS BEING CONSIDERED * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, said this (Tuesday) evening that his department was considering HELP FOR PIG FARMERS WHO WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S AGRICULTURAL WASTE CONTROL MEASURES.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION OF PIG-RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, DR LEE SAID THAT HE FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND APPRECIATED THE DIFFICULTIES CONFRONTING THE PIG FARMERS.
♦ WITHIN THE LIMIT OF OUR RESOURCES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF OUR LOAN FUNDS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONSIDERING PROVIDING TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE AFFECTED FARMERS,+ HE SAID.
♦CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN FOR ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO WILL BE DISPLACED FROM THE BANNED AREAS TO RE-ESTABLISH IN OTHER NON-POLLUTING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS.
♦DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUAL CASES, CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN FOR LOAN FUNDS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE OPERATING IN CONTROL AREAS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FACILITIES APPROVED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANIMAL WASTE SO AS TO MEET THE CONTROL STANDARD AND TO ENABLE THEIR OPERATION TO CONTINUE,+ HE ADDED.
/DR LEE .......
Tuesday, march 17, 1987
- 8 -
DR LEE EXPRESSED HIS BELIEF THAT WITH THE MUTUAL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL PIG FARMERS TO WORK OUT A PRACTICAL WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE DIFFICULTIES COULD EVENTUALLY BE OVERCOME.
HE NOTED THAT LOCAL PIG FARMERS PRODUCED SOME 570 000 HEADS OF LIVE PIG IN 1986, VALUED AT $325 MILLION.
HE PRAISED THE FEDERATION OF PIG-RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIEITIES FOR ITS ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTING PRODUCTIVITY IN THE PIG RAISING BUSINESS AND THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
BUS SPREADS SAFETY MESSAGE TO WORKERS
*****
DESPITE INCLEMENT WEATHER, FACTORY WORKERS IN SEVERAL INDUSTRIAL AREAS TURNED UP ENTHUSIASTICALLY TO GREET THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BUS CALLING ON THEM THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
ON BOARD THE BUS WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE METALWARE INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR TSANG BUN AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ORGANISED THE BUS VISIT AS PART OF THE CURRENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK PROGRAMMES. THEY TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE WORKERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SONGS WITH LYRICS SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE EVENT WERE BROADCAST FROM THE BUS AND SEVERAL HUNDRED SOUVENIR CUPS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON THE SAFE HANDLING OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS AND MACHINE GUARDING WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED.
THE BUS TOURED FIVE INDUSTRIAL AREAS THIS MORNING INCLUDING YAU TONG, KWUN TONG, SAN PO KONG, TO KWA WAN AND HUNG HOM. IT WILL CALL ON OTHER INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TAI KOK TSUI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
-------0----------
/9........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
9
TSUEN WAN DB TO HOLD YEAR-END CONFERENCE
*****
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT AN YEAR-END CONFERENCE TO SUMMARISE THE WORK OF THE BOARD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 19) EVENING.
MEMBERS OF RURAL COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AND TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE ASSISTED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE ART AND SPORTS NURTURE SCHEMES.
THE SCHEMES WERE CARRIED OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S THEME OF NURTURING THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF TSUEN WAN, AND OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEMES WILL BE SENT OVERSEAS ON STUDY AND GOODWILL TOURS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
- 0 - -
POSTFAX SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED APRIL 1
*****
+POSTFAX+ — A JOINT PUBLIC FACSIMILE SERVICE OF THE POST OFFICE’S INTELPOST AND THE CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED’S BUREAUFAX — WILL START ON APRIL 1, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
UNDER THE NEW SERVICE, CUSTOMERS WILL ENJOY A COMBINED, AND THEREFORE EXTENDED, NETWORK OF DESTINATIONS WHEN THEY HAND IN THEIR MESSAGES AT ANY OF THE 26 ACCEPTANCE POST OFFICES OR THE TWO CABLE AND WIRELESS SALES OFFICES.
+POSTFAX WILL OFFER HIGH-SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND 68 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD + THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+THERE WILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
10
+THERE WILL ALSO BE UNIFORM RATES FOR POSTFAX ITEMS ACCEPTED AT ANY OFFICE, WITH A HIGHER RATE FOR THE FIRST PAGE AND A REDUCED RATE FOR SUBSEQUENT PAGES.+
DOCUMENTS, LINE DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS UP TO A4 SIZE (ABOUT
21 CM BY 29 CM) WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION, AND THE MESSAGE WILL EITHER BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE WITHIN A FEW HOURS BY A SPECIAL MESSENGER OR TRANSMITTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE ADDRESSEE IF HE HAS HIS OWN FACSIMILE MACHINE.
AT NO EXTRA COST, CUSTOMERS COULD ALSO FAX THEIR MESSAGES TO THE POST OFFICE UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO ADDRESSEES ABROAD WHO DO NOT HAVE A FACSIMILE MACHINE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SERVICE CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE POSTFAX MANAGER OF THE POST OFFICE ON 5-8471148.
------o--------
NEW MAINS TO IMPROVE SHAU KEI WAN SUPPLY X X- X X X
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE LAYING OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN SHAU KEI WAN TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY.
ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE OF 900-MILL I METRE DIAMETER MH D STFFi LAID UNDERNEATh THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR IN^AI
WAN HO AND SHAU KEI WAN RECLAMATION AREAS.
IT WILL CHANNEL WATER FROM THE PUMPING STATION AT MOUNT PARKER TO CHAI WAN SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO CONSUMERS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE THE LAYING OF DISTRIBUTION MAINS ALONG TAI CHEONG, ALDRICH, KAM WAH AND MONG LUNG STREETS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
I
- 0 -
/11 .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
11
MINI-SOCCER PITCH FOR AP LEI CHAU
*****
A MINI-SOCCER PITCH WILL BE BUILT ON AP LEI CHAU TO IMPROVE THE ISLAND’S SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A S741 OOO CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START AT THE END OF MARCH AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE FENCED PITCH, TO BE LOCATED IN SHAN MING STREET, WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 1 400-SQUARE-METRE SITE.
The area will be provided with floodlighting as well as a
STOREROOM.
------0-------
DISTRICT BOARD TO SHOW CARE FOR THE NEEDY
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CARRY OUT TWO PROGRAMMES TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR CARE AND CONCERN FOR THEM.
THE PROGRAMMES, INITIATED BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. THEY INCLUDE GOODWILL VISITS TO SIX WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND A SEA TRIP FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY INSTITUTIONS ON MARCH 22 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE.
THE VISITS WILL COVER CHESHIRE HOME IN STANLEY, KAI CHI CHILDREN CENTRE IN WONG CHUK HANG, WAI KEI HOSTEL IN AP LEI CHAU, THE BRADBURY AND QUAN CHUEN HOMES IN TIN WAN, AND WAH HONG HOSTEL IN WAH FU ESTATE.
MEMBERS WILL TOUR THE INSTITUTIONS, CHAT WITH INMATES AND PRESENT THEM GIFTS. THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY VOLUNTARY WORKERS.
A SEA TRIP WILL BE ORGANISED FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OF THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE IN POK FU LAM ON APRIL 8 ON THE ADVENTURE SHIP +HUAN+.
THE ADVENTURE SHIP IS A REGISTERED CHARITY WHICH OPERATES A 9O-F00T CHINESE JUNK PROVIDING SAILING TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS.
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE HOPES THAT THE CRUISE WOULD PROVIDE HEALTHY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY FOR THE DISABLED CHILDREN. SIMILAR TRIPS MAY BE ORGANISED FOR CHILDREN OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS LATER IN THE YEAR.
-------0--------- /12....................
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
1?
DETAILS OF GOOD CHILDREN CAMPAIGN TO BE ANNOUNCED * * * * * i
MORE THAN 14 OOO PRIMARY 1 TO 6 PUPILS FROM 26 SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE +GOOD CHILDREN CAMPAIGN* TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
THE function, jointly organised BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, BAPTIST 01 KwAN SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, IS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG CHILDREN AND TO TEACH THEM TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 19) AT 4 PM AT THE HOPEWELL CITY RESTAURANT AT 183 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, MRS TSO WONG CHIU-YOK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MR NORMAN LO KAM-WAH WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY.
CONSULTATION PAPER ON UNAUTHORISED WORKS FOR DISCUSSION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS A CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
THEY WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUND FOR THE REPAIR OF A FOOTPATH AT FU TEI SHEUNG TSUEN, CONTROL OF POLLUTION FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS AND THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD.
/13........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
- 15 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TSING Yl DRAINAGE SYSTEM * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 19) AN INCIDENT IN WHICH FOUR CHILDREN INTRUDED INTO UNDERGROUND DRAINS IN TSING Yl.
THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING BE PRESENT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION
REPRESENTATIVES FROM NEW TERRITORIES DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ABOUT THE INCIDENT.
IN FEBRUARY, LED BY
MEMBERS AND REPRESENTAT THE SCENE TO LEARN MORE
IV
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW ES FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
ABOUT THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
IN
SUM, VISITED THE AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PM
IM THF CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE H|Sg GOvIrNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 155-174, HING
YOU ARE INVITED TO
COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30
KWAI
ON THURSDAY , 10TH FLOOR, FONG ROAD,
KWAI CHUNG.
DISCUSSION ON IMPROVEMENT TO TRAIN SERVICES
* * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS WAYS TO IMPROVE EXISTING TRAIN SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WO HOP SHEK DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DEALT WITH INCLUDE A REQUEST FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO ENTER THE SECTION OF LO WU STATION ROAD FROM SHA LING TO LO WU‘> PROPOSED NEw GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AND BICYCLE OBSTRUCTIONS IN FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
- 0-----------
/1U........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987 ‘
14
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTION TO BE DISCUSSED * * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (MARCH 19) TO DISCUSS THE URBAN COUNCIL’S PLANS TO PROMOTE CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO SUGGEST SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A FREE EMERGENCY HOTLINE SERVICE BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.
AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE URBAN COUNCIL RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMITTEE.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL BE A PROPOSAL BY A BOARD MEMBER FOR SETTING UP A SPECIAL HOUSING PROGRAMME FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 -
ANT I-DRUG FAMILY CAMP TO BE HELD *****
AN ANTI-DRUG FAMILY CAMP ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WILL BE HELD AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE IN SHA TIN BETWEEN MARCH 21 AND 22 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY).
MORE THAN 450 PEOPLE FROM FAMILIES IN CHAI WAN DISTRICT WILL PARTICIPATE. THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11.15 AM.
THE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TELEMATCH GAMES, FILM SHOWS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
/IN ADDITION
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 19&7
15
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A SEMINAR FOCUSSING ON THE THEME +TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN; DON’T LET DRUGS RUIN THEM+.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAMP ON MARCH 21 AND 22. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL BY 9.45 AM ON MARCH 21 AND WILL RETURN AT ABOUT 1 PM AFTER LUNCH. NARCOTICS DIVISION STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
FOR SEATING RESERVATION, PLEASE CONTACT ERIC CHAN OR WILLIAM LEE AT 5-8622764/5.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS FOR SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE
*****
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR TEAMS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1987 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD DURING THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON MAY 31.
THE RACE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SHING MUN RIVER FROM 8 AM TO 1 PM.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE SPORTS ASSOCIATION ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF SAU CHIEN HOUSE IN LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 8.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-615657.
0--------
/16........
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1987
16
VOCAL MASTER-CLASS FOR MONDAY
*****
A VOCAL MASTER-CLASS CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED VOCALIST ROBERTA PETERS WILL BE HELD AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 23) FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM.
ACCLAIMED AS A SOPRANO OF CONSIDERABLE CHARM AND ACCURACY, MISS PETERS HAS PERFORMED IN MANY COUNTRIES AND APPEARED FREQUENTLY ON TELEVISION AND IN FILMS.
SHE WILL SPEAK ON THE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES OF VOCAL MUSIC AT THE MASTER-CLASS AND ALSO COACH THREE VOCAL STUDENTS SELECTED FROM A RECENT AUDITION TO SING IN FRONT OF THE AUDIENCE.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 0-4928127.
------o-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN
*****
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE. TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON CERTAIN ROAD SECTIONS IN ABERDEEN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 20).
THE NORTHERN SECTION OF NAM ROAD AND FUNG TIN STREET WILL BE TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
NING STREET BETWEEN CHENgTU RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND
The same road section, together with FUNG tin street AND A 15-METRE STRETCH OF THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF NAM NING STREET JUST SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TIN STREET WILL BE MADE PEAK-HOUR (l.E. 7 - 10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS. '
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THESE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-----o-------
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 20) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK. b
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LEI YUE MUN AND LING NAM SAN TSUEN.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE MO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
ASSET CRITERIA FOR FOREIGN BANKS MORE FLEXIBLE......... 1
NEED TO PRESERVE AND FOSTER FAVOURABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT............................................ 2
SUPPORT FOR MAINTAINING LOW TAX REGIME................. 4
NEED TO RATIONALISE TAX SYSTEM......................... 5
PROS AND COLTS OF INDIRECT TAXATION EXAMINED .......... 7
CALL FOR MORE RESEARCH AND DEVELOBENT EFFORTS.......... 9
WARNING AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS OVERSE..S INVESTORS ..... 11
FAIR SHARE OF TAX FOR EVERYONE...................... 12
CALL TO MONITOR +SECUiHTISATION+ ACTIVITIES .......... 14
HK'S POSITION AS FINANCIAL CENTRE MUST BE RETAINED.. 18
BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAX SYSTJII NOT NEEDED ........ 20
TIME FOR ANOTHER REVIEW OF TAX POLICY ................ 22
PROPOSAL TO SPREAD TAX BURDEN CRITICISED ............. 24
MORE FUNDS NEEDED TO IMPROVE RURAL FACILITIES......... 26
BUDGET TOO CONSERVATIVE AND CAUTIOUS ................. 28
LABOUR PROBLEMS LEST UNHEEDED ........................ 29
WAYS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED..... 30
/BROADLY-BASED.......
BROADLY-BASED INDDLECT TAXES DIFFICULT TO INTRODUCE .... 32
SPECIAL SCHOOL PLANNED FOR NORTH POINT ....................... 35
ROOFTOP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ...................... 35
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION ORGANISED ................. 36
DB MEMBERS VISIT NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE.................... 36
DETAIIS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GAIA NIGHT ...................... 37
DETAILS OF BANKING ANNUAL REPORT.............................. 37
CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION FOR DISCUSSION ..................... 38
BOARD TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT..................... 38
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY .................................... 39
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
1
ASSET CRITERIA FOR FOREIGN BANKS MORE FLEXIBLE
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD RECENTLY CONSIDERED THE ASSET CRITERION OF FOREIGN BANKS TO SET UP BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AND IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL MAY APPROVE APPLICATIONS EVEN THOUGH THE ASSET CRITERION OF U.S. $14 BILLION WAS NOT SATISFIED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE MINIMUM ASSETS WAS NOT MEANT TO BE INFLEXIBLE AND THAT THERE WAS SOME DISCRETION.
HE RECALLED THAT THE CURRENT POLICY ON APPLICATIONS FOR BANKING LICENCES WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1981 AND IT WAS DESIGNED TO MODERATE THE INFLUX OF FOREIGN BANKS INTO HONG KONG BY RESTRICTING THE POOL OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICY HAD ACHIEVED THE OBJECTIVE AND FROM 1981 TO 1986 AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT SEVEN NEW LICENCES A YEAR WERE GRANTED.
+ HOWEVER, IN SETTING A HIGH ASSET THRESHOLD, THE POLICY HAS INEVITABLY FAVOURED BANKS INCORPORATED IN COUNTRIES WITH RELATIVELY LARGE ECONOMICS. OF THE 41 BANKS LICENSED FROM 1981 TO 1986, 18 ARE FROM JAPAN, 15 FROM EEC COUNTRIES, SIX FROM NORTH AMERICA AND FOUR FROM AUSTRALIA,* HE SAID.
+ NO LICENCES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN GRANTED TO BANKS FROM ANY OF THE SMALLER COUNTRIES IN THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION, ALTHOUGH THE REGION IS WELL REPRESENTED BY VIRTUE OF EARLIER ENTRY,* HE ADDED.
+THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES SINCE 1981.
FIRST, ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF THE LARGEST 100 BANKS IN THE WORLD ARE ALREADY LICENSED IN HONG KONG= ANOTHER FAST INFLUX IS THEREFORE UNLIKELY.
+SECOND, THE SIZE OF A BANK’S ASSETS IS NO LONGER REGARDED AS THE ONLY MEASURE OF ITS SOUNDNESS- OTHER MEASURES SUCH AS CAPITAL ADEQUACY, PROFITABILITY, QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT, ARE ALSO RELAVANT.
+THIRD, AS HONG KONG HAS ADVANCED AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A RAPID GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING, WITH MORE COUNTRIES OPENING THEIR DOORS TO FOREIGN BANKS.*
HAVING REGARD TO THE FACTORS, AN ELEMENT OF FLEXIBILITY
IN ADMINISTERING THE ASSET CRITERION WAS WARRANTED, AND FLEXIBILITY WAS ALSO NEEDED IF THAT CRITERION WAS NOT IN THE WAY OF FURTHER WIDENING THE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING PRESENCE IN HONG KONG.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
2
MR JACOBS ALSO NOTED THAT IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FROM FOREIGN BANKS, DISCRETION WOULD BE EXERCISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, WHERE THE APPLICANT WAS OF UNDOUBTED STANDING, AND WHERE GRANTING A LICENCE TO THE APPLICANT WOULD SERVE HONG KONG’S INTEREST AS A BROAD-BASED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE REPRESENTATION IN HONG KONG BY BANKS FROM THE APPLICANT BANK’S COUNTRY.
------0-------
NEED TO PRESERVE AND FOSTER FAVOURABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
*****
HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH DEPENDS ON THE ENTERPRISE. SKILL AND SHEER HARD WORK OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN OUR ECONOMY --NOT JUST ON SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+WE CAN HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE IN OUR FUTURE SO LONG AS THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PRESERVE AND FOSTER AN ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT FAVOURABLE TO ENTERPRISE, INVESTMENT, JOB CREATION AND WEALTH CREATION,+ SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN WAS LEADING THE DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
RESPONDING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S INVITATION FOR COMMENTS ON THE RELATIVE MERITS OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION. MISS DUNN EMPHASISED THAT PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE MUST BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER.
the principle behind direct taxation is that payment should BE RELATED TO ABILITY TO PAY, SHE SAID, AND THAT BEHIND INDIRECT TAXATION IS THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE RELATED TO CONSUMPTION.
A THIRD PRINCIPLE — THAT EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD MAKE SOME CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE FROM WHICH ALL BENEFIT — GENERALLY LEADS TO GOVERNMENTS ADOPTING A MIXTURE OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES.
IF ALL TAXATION IS INDIRECT, SHE SAID, THERE WOULD BE TOO HEAVY A BURDEN ON THE POOR FOR IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RAISE ENOUGH REVENUE BY TAXING ONLY LUXURIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, IF TAXATION WAS ALL DIRECT THEN MANY PEOPLE WOULD MAKE NO CONTRIBUTION BECAUSE IT WAS UNECONOMIC TO COLLECT DIRECT TAX ON SMALL INCOMES.
/MISS DUNN .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
MISS DUNN NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS GUIDED BY THREE ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES: THAT THE GENERAL LEVEL OF TAXATION SHOULD BE KEPT LOW} THAT THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE SIMPLE TO ADMINISTER} AND THAT IT SHOULD BE EASY TO UNDERSTAND.
NO TAX SYSTEM COULD BE FAIR TO EVERYONE, SHE SAID. +SO LONG AS THE BURDEN IS NOT TOO HEAVY AND THE INEQUITIES NOT TOO GREAT, THIS IS TOLERABLE.+
SHE FELT THAT THE PRECISE RATIO BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAX WAS UNIMPORTANT SO LONG AS WE HAVE SOME OF BOTH AND STICK TO OUR PRINCIPLES.
+BUT WHATEVER WE DO, I AM SURE WE SHOULD NOT IMPOSE ANY NEW TAX AT HIGH RATES NOR INCREASE AN EXISTING ONE SHARPLY.+
MISS DUNN SAID THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE WITH VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) HELD A LESSON FOR HONG KONG, AND SHE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE ANYTHING LIKE IT.
SHE DESCRIBED IT AS A + DEMORAL ISI NG TAX+ WHICH WAS VERY UNPOPULAR AND WIDELY AVOIDED BY MEANS OF UNRECORDED TRANSACTIONS, EVEN BY OTHERWISE LAW-ABIDING PEOPLE.
ON THE BUDGET GENERALLY, MISS DUNN WELCOMED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT THAT A STRATEGY FOR THE MEDIUM TERM IS ESSENTIAL TO THE STABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES AND THE STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY.
SHE AGREED THAT BALANCED BUDGETS WERE NOT ENOUGH, AND REITERATED THAT THE AIM MUST BE TO MAINTAIN THE REAL VALUE OF OUR RESERVES. TO DO THAT, WE MUST AIM AT STEADILY INCREASING ANNUAL SURPLUSES, SHE SAID, NOTING THAT OUR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES TOTAL ABOUT $25 BILLION.
MISS DUNN NOTED THAT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE HAD FALLEN BY ABOUT 20 PER CENT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, WHILE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE CONTINUED TO GROW. SHE WAS GLAD THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS NOW PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE PACE AT WHICH WE ARE TACKLING OUR LONG LIST OF OUTSTANDING PROJECTS.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE $30 BILLION BORROWING LIMIT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND FROM ANY ONE SOURCE. MISS DUNN SUGGESTED THAT IT WOULD BE MORE ACCEPTABLE TO SET THE LIMIT ABOVE $30 BILLION FOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FUNDS ONLY OR TO EXPRESS THE LIMIT AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S HOLDINGS.
MISS DUNN ALSO QUESTIONED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ARGUMENT THAT HE HAD ADOPTED THE PRINCIPLE THAT DUTY RATES SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN REAL TERMS.
/+WHEN ADDITIONAL ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1?87
- 4 -
♦WHEN ADDITIONAL REVENUE IS NEEDED. THE REAL YIELD ARGUMENT CAN BE USED TO JUSTIFY A PARTICULAR INCREASE, BUT IF THE REVENUE IS NOT NEEDED, THERE IS NO EARTHLY REASON WHY THE RATES SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE, OR REDUCED, OR ABOLISHED ALTOGETHER,+ SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN ALSO CALLED FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET AND RELATED DOCUMENTS, EMPHASISING THE NEED FOR COMPLETE, CLEAR AND COMPREHENSIBLE INFORMATION.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT AN EDITOR BE APPOINTED FOR ALL BUDGET DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, A CLEAR DEFINITION OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS NEEDED AND SHE HOPED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE TO FIND A SENSIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE DEFINITION.
+ IT IS AS ABSURD TO PRETEND THAT THE MTRC AND THE KCRC ARE NOT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS IT IS TO PRETEND THAT SUBVENTIONS TO PRIVATE OR QUAS I-PR IVATE INSTITUTIONS ARE NOT PART OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE,* SHE SAID.
--------0----------
SUPPORT FOR MAINTAINING LOW TAX REGIME
*****
THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE BROAD PRINCIPLE OF MAINTAINING A LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAX REGIME IN HONG KONG TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENT.
HE SAID HE WAS ALSO IN SUPPORT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARK THAT A HIGHER CONTRIBUTION FROM INDIRECT TAXES WAS MORE DESIRABLE IN THE LONGER TERM FOR HONG KONG.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEN SAID: + l AM IN FAVOUR OF A DIFFERENT MIX OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES, MOVING PROGRESSIVELY TOWARDS A HIGHER PROPORTION OF INDIRECT TAX IN OUR REVENUE STRUCTURE.*
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THERE SHOULD BE A MORE EQUITABLE ARRANGEMENT SINCE OUT OF A POPULATION OF SIX MILLION, THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 850 000 DIRECT TAXPAYERS IN HONG KONG, MOST OF WHOM WERE SALARY EARNERS WHO HAD NO OTHER MEANS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECT OF TAX INCREASE APART FROM HOPING FOR A SALARY ADJUSTMENT.
BY INCREASING THE INDIRECT TAX COMPONENT OF THE REVENUE, MR CHEN SAID WE WOULD HAVE A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF MAINTAINING OUR LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAX REGIME.
/+BY BROABEKINO........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 5
+BY BROADENING THE SOURCE FROM WHICH OUR TAX REVENUE IS DERIVED, NOT ONLY WILL THE GOVERNMENT BE LESS VULNERABLE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WHICH COULD BRING ABOUT A REDUCTION IN REVENUE FROM DIRECT TAXES, THE SO CALLED ’SANDWICHED CLASS’ WILL ALSO BE RELIEVED FROM BEARING THE BRUNT OF THE TAX BURDEN.
♦MOREOVER, IT IS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF OPEN GOVERNMENT THAT WHILST DEMANDING A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, OUR CITIZENS SHOULD ALSO LEARN TO ACCEPT THEIR OBLIGATION OF CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR THE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF OUR GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN EMPHASISED THAT ANY INCREASE ON INDIRECT TAXES SHOULD NOT BE AIMED AT SHIFTING THE TAX BURDEN ONTO THE LESS WELL-OFF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
ON THE IMPOSITION OF GENERAL SALES TAX, HE SAID HE DID NOT SUPPORT THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) SYSTEM.
HE SAID THIS WOULD BRING ABOUT A MAJOR DEPARTURE FROM OUR PHILOSOPHY OF MAINTAINING A SIMPLE AND EASY-TO-ADMINISTER TAX SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
♦WORST STILL, SUCH A SWEEPING TAX REFORM WILL CREATE INCENTIVES FOR TAX AVOIDANCE AND LEAD TO COSTLY ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS.
♦RATHER THAN INTRODUCING A NEW FORM OF TAXATION, THEREFORE IT SEEMS MORE LOGICAL FOR US TO PROCEED ON THE BASIS OF OUR EXISTING SYSTEM AND BRINGING IN, ON A PROGRESSIVE MANNER, MORE CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS INTO THE TAX NET,+ HE SAID.
IN THIS REGARD, MR CHEN AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT A PRACTICAL APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO AVOID ANY DAMAGE TO THE CONFIDENCE OF FOREIGN INVESTORS.
------0-------
NEED TO RATIONALISE TAX SYSTEM * * * * *
THERE IS A NEED TO RATIONALISE THE PRESENT TAX SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHT BALANCE AND EMPHASIS IS MAINTAINED AND ENHANCED, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD IN HIS FIRST BUDGET SPEECH INVITED DISCUSSION ON TWO POSSIBLE CHANGES TO MAKE THE PRESENT TAX SYSTEM MORE EQUITABLE AND FLEXIBLE.
/THE FIRST .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
6
THE FIRST CONCERNED THE INTRODUCTION OF SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, HE SAID.
IN THIS RESPECT, MR WONG SAID HE BELIEVED THE PRINCIPLE WAS SOUND BUT WHETHER IT WOULD FIT INTO THE EXISTING TAX STRUCTURE WAS A MATTER FOR FURTHER DELIBERATION.
MR WONG THEN ELABORATED HIS VIEWS ON THE SECOND SUGGESTION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON WHETHER A BROADER AND MORE STABLE TAX BASE SHOULD BE ADOPTED BY INCREASING THE PROPORTION OF REVENUE TO BE DERIVED FROM INDIRECT TAXES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD A SIMPLE TAX SYSTEM WHICH WAS CHEAP TO ADMINISTER AND EASY TO ENFORCE WITH THE BURDEN BORNE MAINLY THROUGH DIRECT TAXES SUPPLEMENTED BY A FEW CLEARLY DEFINED INDIRECT TAXES.
HE FELT THAT A MORE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION WAS WHETHER IT WAS RIGHT FOR A GOVERNMENT TO CHOOSE ARBITRARILY WHICH GOODS AND SERVICES WERE LUXURIES AND WHICH OF THEM SHOULD BE TAXED.
+THE REAL INEQUITY, IN MY VIEW, ARISES FROM THE UNEVENNESS AND PERHAPS DISCRIMINATION INVOLVED IN TAXING SELECTIVELY A SMALL NUMBER OF PRODUCTS AND LEAVING UNTOUCHED MANY OTHER LUXURY ITEMS WHICH MIGHT JUST AS REASONABLY BE SUBJECT TO TAX,* HE SAID.
CITING ILLUSTRATIONS, HE ASKED: +WHY TAX SOFT DRINKS AND NOT CHOCOLATES OR CAKES? WHY COSMETICS AND NOT JEWELLERY OR SILK DRESSES?*
MR WONG AGREED THAT A POSSIBLE AND PERHAPS MORE EQUITABLE SOLUTION WAS TO SPREAD THE LOAD VERY WIDELY BY TAXING AT VARYING RATES A WIDE RANGE OF GOODS AND SERVICES, THEREBY PRODUCING A SYSTEM OF INDIRECT TAXATION ALONG THE LINES OF THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) SYSTEM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT THE PERPLEXITY AND QUANTITY OF TAX RETURN FORMS FOR BUSINESSMEN IN THE UK AS A RESULT OF VAT HAD ALREADY CAUSED MANY SMALL BUSINESSES TO CLOSE DOWN, AND URGED HONG KONG TO LEARN THE LESSON FROM THE UK EXPERIENCE AND TO KEEP THE TAX SYSTEM SIMPLE.
+ AT THE END OF THE DAY, IF WE CHOSE TO MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF A BROADLY BASED INDIRECT TAX, THEN IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO DEVISE A SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF VAT, EASY TO ADMINISTER AND SUITABLE FOR APPLICATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR SIMPLE TAX STRUCTURE,* HE SAID.
/he stressed .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
HE STRESSED THAT INDIRECT TAXATION DID HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF PRESERVING INDIVIDUAL BASIC RIGHT OF CHOICE AND THAT AN UNDULY HIGH RATE OF DIRECT TAXATION WOULD NOT BE CONDUCIVE TO PROMOTING INCENTIVES.
ON BALANCE, MR WONG SAID HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF WIDENING THE TAX BASE BUT WARNED THAT CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN EXTENDING THE RANGE OF INDIRECT TAXES.
♦MODERN TAX SYSTEMS ARE ESSENTIALLY A COMPROMISE. OUR QUEST IS TO FIND THE RIGHT COMPROMISE IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
------0------
PROS AND CONS OF INDIRECT TAXATION EXAMINED
*****
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXAMINED IN DETAIL THE PROS AND CONS OF INDIRECT TAXATION DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
DR HO SAID HE COULD SEE SOME MERITS IN WIDENING THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXATION, SO LONG AS THE GENERAL TAXATION GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY PREVIOUS FINANCIAL SECRETARIES WERE BEING OBSERVED.
♦UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, INDIRECT TAXES ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO, BUT NOT REPLACING, DIRECT TAXES IN REVENUE RAISING j THE SAME BURDEN OF INDIRECT TAXES IS MERELY SPREAD MORE WIDELY ACROSS DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF THE SOCIETY,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THERE WERE GENUINE FEARS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE FEW ALTERNATIVES BUT TO ALLOW INDIRECT TAXATION TO SLIP INTO THE ROLE OF A MAJOR INSTRUMENT OF REVENUE RAISING IN THE FACE OF A LESS THAN SATISFACTORY EXPORT PERFORMANCE OR UNDER THE CONSTANT PRESSURE OF RISING SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS AND WELFARE, DR HO NOTED.
HE SAID INDIRECT TAXATION TOTALLY DISREGARDED THE ABILITY TO PAY AS TAXES WERE LEVIED AT THE SAME RATE UPON CONSUMPTION, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE INCOME LEVEL OF THE CONSUMER.
♦THIS TYPE OF TAXATION IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED TO RUN COUNTER TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SOCIAL EQUITY,+ HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS ORIENTED TOWARDS A MERCANTILE ECONOMY, IT HAD, NEVERTHELESS, IN THE LAST DECADE TAKEN ON THE FUNCTIONS OF A CARING AND BENEVOLENT GOVERNMENT.
/♦THESE POSITIVE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 8
♦THESE POSITIVE FEATURES OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE WELL SUITED TO THE UNIQUE DEVELOPMENTS OF HONG KONG, AND SHOULD NOT BE PUT IN JEOPARDY BY ADOPTING A TAXATION POLICY THAT PAYS NO ATTENTION TO THE PEOPLE’S ABILITY TO PAY,+ DR HO SAID.
HE SAID THAT AN ILL-CONCEIVED INDIRECT TAXATION SYSTEM, COUPLED WITH WIDE GAPS IN INCOME DISTRIBUTION CURRENTLY PREVAILING IN HONG KONG, MIGHT LIKELY ACCENTUATE NEGATIVE SENTIMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY AT THESE SENSITIVE TIMES OF TRANSITION.
HE NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MAKING GENEROUS PROVISIONS IN THE LAST 10 TO 15 YEARS FOR HOUSING, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE. THIS BENEVOLENT GOVERNMENT POLICY COULD BE READILY VERIFIED BY REFERENCE TO THE PREVIOUS ANNUAL POLICY SPEECHES AND BUDGET SPEECHES.
+1 WISH TO BE CONFIRMED THAT OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S THINKING ON INDIRECT TAXATION IS NOT A HINT TO SIGNIFY A REVERSING OF THE POLICIES ADVOCATED BY OUR FORMER GOVERNORS AND FINANCIAL SECRETARIES,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ONE OF THE REASONS ADVANCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN SUPPORT OF A BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAXATION WAS THE STABILITY OF REVENUE SOURCE.
HOWEVER, FOR THOSE COMMODITIES THAT COULD BE FORGONE WITH EASE, NO REVENUE WOULD BE GENERATED. NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS CAME UNDER THIS CATEGORY OF COMMODITIES. REDUCED CONSUMPTION OR DIMINISHED PURCHASING POWER ON THE PART OF THE CONSUMERS ON ACCOUNT OF POOR EMPLOYMENT OR UNDER-EMPLOYMENT WOULD LIKEWISE RESULT IN SHRUNKEN REVENUE, DR HO SAID.
+A MORE ASSURED AND LONG-TERM MEANS TO BOOST THE YIELDS TO THE PUBLIC COFFERS IS TO FURTHER IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO EXPORT THROUGH A PACKAGE OF GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED PLANSt INFRASTRUCTURAL INVESTMENT, CREDIT FACILITATION, RESEARCH AND PRODUCTIVITY PROMOTION, TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFER, TRAINING AND UPGRADING OF MANPOWER, MARKETING INFORMATION AND SO 0N,+ HE ADDED.
DR HO SAID EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORT CAPABILITIES WERE THE GENUINE LOCOMOTIVES OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THE MORE RELIABLE GENERATOR OF PUBLIC REVENUE.
HE WELCOMED A LOW RATE OF DIRECT TAXATION IF IT CAME ABOUT AS A RESULT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH. HOWEVER, IF IT CAME ABOUT AS A TRADE-OFF FOR A WIDENING NET OF INDIRECT TAXATION, HE WAS AFRAID THAT THIS POLICY OPTION MUST HAVE OVERLOOKED OTHER OBJECTIVES OF GREAT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MUST EXERCISE GREAT CARE AND UNDERTAKE THOROUGH CONSULTATION BEFORE DESIGNING A RIGHT MIX OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES TO YIELD THE REQUIRED RESOURCES TO MEET THE EXPANDING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AGAINST A SET OF DESIRABLE AND ACCEPTED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GOALS COMPATIBLE TO THE UNIQUE SITUATIONS OF HONG KONG, DR HO CONCLUDED.
------0-------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
9
CALL FOR MORE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
*****
HONG KONG’S IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES, OTHER THAN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, WERE LAGGING FAR BEHIND NEIGHBOURING COMPETITORS OWING TO INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES AND EFFORTS DEVOTED TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR WONG SAID THAT OUR EFFORTS AND INVESTMENTS IN THESE ACTIVITIES WERE INADEQUATE.
HE SAID IT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT IF WE WERE TO RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT ALONE TO FUND AND PUSH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND TO AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THEIR RESULTS IN THE INDUSTRIES.
HE CALLED ON INDUSTRIALISTS TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN AND COLLABORATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE A BETTER RESULT.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WOULD HELP IN THIS ASPECT, BUT MR WONG SAID SOME SPECIAL EFFORT WAS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY.
IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO RECONSIDER THE SUGGESTION OF charging CERTAIN INDUSTRIES A LEVY FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, IN ORDER TO QUICKEN THE PACE, PERHAPS CERTAIN TECHNOLOGIES IN CHINA COULD BE EMPLOYED TO UPGRADE LOCAL INDUSTRIES IF APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE MADE, MR WONG SAID.
HE WARNED IF WE DID NOT DEVELOP HIGH TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR PRODUCTIONS IN TIME, WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO CREATE ENOUGH JOBS FOR OUR BETTER EDUCATED AND BETTER TRAINED WORKERS.
+THE END RESULT IS THAT THE WAGES OF OUR LABOUR FORCE WOULD BE TOO HIGH TO ENABLE OS TO TAKE ON LABOUR-INTENSIVE JOBS.
+THIS WILL BE A REAL PROBLEM OF THE FUTURE IF WE FAIL TO START SYSTEMATICALLY AND ACTIVELY MAPPING OUT A PLAN TO DEVELOP OUR INDUSTRY AND ITS WORK FORCE TO ADOPT HIGH TECHNOLOGY,+ HE SAID.
ON ECONOMIC MATTERS, MR WONG SAID HE WAS GENERALLY CONVINCED OF THE RESILIENCE OF OUR ECONOMY, AND REMAINED OPTIMISTIC OF OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH EVEN THOUGH WE HAD HAD DIFFERENT PROBLEMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE COULD SEE THE PROBLEMS IN THE LONG RUN AND AGAINST THEM HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ACTIVE MEASURES TAKEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH THEM BEFORE THEY ASSUMED A PROPORTION LARGER THAN WE COULD HANDLE.
/HE ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
10
HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES WOULD REMAIN IN THEIR LEADING POSITION LOCALLY AND IN THE WORLD FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, TO COUNTERACT THE PROTECTIONIST RESTRICTIONS, WE NEEDED TO DIVERSIFY OUR PRODUCTS AS WELL AS TO UPGRADE THEIR QUALITY IN ADDITION TO DEVELOPING NEW MARKETS.
ON THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS, MR WONG SAID LESSONS SHOULD BE LEARNED FROM THE MESS WE EXPERIENCED AND ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE STRICTLY.
+WE CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAPPENING AGAIN AND BE MADE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESCUE,+ HE SAID.
ON WIDENING THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES AND THE SALARIES TAX NET MR WONG SAID HE FOUND THE CHOICE BETWEEN THEM A DILEMMA.
HE SAID THERE WERE PROS AND CONS OF THIS QUESTION AND HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO GIVE THE MATTER FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THE COMING MONTHS, AND TO TAKE IN THE OVERALL ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG IN THE INTERVENING PERIOD BEFORE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DREW UP THE NEXT BUDGET.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, HE EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, WHICH WAS RE-INTRODUCED IN 1985-86 MAINLY AS A REVENUE RAISING MEASURE, HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED EVEN WITH THE IMPROVED OVERALL REVENUE POSITION.
MR WONG ALSO SPOKE ON THE SUBJECT OF POLLUTION CONTROL. HE WELCOMED THE UPGRADING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY INTO A DEPARTMENT, WITH A SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET AND AN ENLARGED ESTABLISHMENT.
HE HOPED THAT NOT ONLY WOULD ITS STAFF BE EMPOWERED BY LAW TO COMBAT POLLUTION BUT THEY WOULD ALSO EDUCATE AND ADVISE INDUSTRIALISTS ON THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 11 -
WARNING AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS OVERSEAS INVESTORS
*****
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WARNED THAT SOME ■♦LESS THAN PRUDENT+ OVERSEAS INVESTORS WERE OUT TO MAKE A +QUICK BUCK* IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR CHEONG SAID BASED ON WHAT HE HAD HEARD AND READ SO FAR, THERE DID NOT SEEM TO BE MUCH MONEY BEING BROUGHT IN FROM ABROAD FOR HUGE INVESTMENTS.
HE SAID THAT RIGHTS ISSUES WERE ARRANGED OR TO BE ARRANGED IN MIND-BOGGLING SUMS DESIGNED TO REDUCE GEARING RATIOS WITH LOCAL MONEY AND HE FELT DUTY-BOUND TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF A SELF-BLOWN BALLOON BEING BURST THROUGH INDISCRIMINATE OVERSTRETCHING.
+AS WE MAY FACE UNCONTROLLABLE OR UNFORESEEN EXTERNAL FACTORS, HONG KONG CERTAINLY CAN ILL-AFFORD ANOTHER MAJOR SETBACK PRECIPITATED BY LESS THAN PRUDENT WHEELER DEALERS,+ HE WARNED.
MR CHEONG STRESSED THAT THE ECONOMY NOW OR EVEN IN FUTURE SHOULD BE BUILT ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS SUCH AS TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT TRADERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO EXPAND THEIR ACTIVITIES AND INCREASE THEIR INVESTMENTS.
HE NOTED THAT RESULTS OF REVIEW STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ALL POINTED TO ONE HANDICAP EXPERIENCED BY INDUSTRIALISTS - THAT OF DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THEIR EXPANSION AND UP-GRADING PROGRAMMES.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A CLOSE INTEREST IN THIS AND SAID IT WAS HIGH TIME THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY TO HONG KONG SHOULD NOT JUST BE RECOGNISED BY EMPTY WORDS BUT ALSO BY SOME WELL-BALANCED AND WELL THOUGHT-OUT ACTIONS.
ON THE BUDGET ITSELF, MR CHEONG PRAISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR BEING +EXTREMELY PRAGMATIC* AND SAID THIS DISPLAY OF PRAGMATISM AND CAUTION UNDERLINED HIS WEALTH OF WISDOM.
HE SUPPORTED THE BASIC PHILOSOPHIES ADOPTED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH AND COMMENTED THAT THE CALL FOR A DEBATE ON THE RATIO OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION WAS TIMELY.
HOWEVER, HE DID NOT THINK IT WISE TO EVENTUALLY MOVE THE RATIO BEYOND 50-50. SUGGESTING INSTEAD THAT THE SMALL SWING MARGIN OF 10 PER CENT SHOULD BE INITIALLY EXPLORED WITH THE AIM OF LEVYING A FEAVIER BURDEN ON CONSUMPTION OF LUXURIOUS ITEMS.
MR CHEONG ALSO AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT A MORE CAUTIOUS STEP SHOULD BE TAKEN OF THE FUTURE ECONOMY.
/HE NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
12 -
HE NOTED THE PROJECTED GROWTH RATE OF GDP FOR 1987-88 MIGHT WELL TURN OUT TO BE SLIGHTLY CONSERVATIVE BUT WARNED THAT THE EXISTENCE OF EXTERNAL UNCERTAINTIES CALLED FOR MORE VIGILANCE IN THE HOME FRONT WITH REGARD TO DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
MR CHEONG ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ENVIRONMENT CF ECONOMIC STABILITY WHICH WOULD BE CONDUCIVE TO THE WELL-BEING CF THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT POLITICS IN HONG KONG SHOULD NOT TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THE WORK TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE AND IT COULD NOT TAKE THE SAME DIMENSION AS IN OTHER INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES.
ELABORATING ON THIS, MR CHEONG REITERATED THAT PARTY POLITICS AND ADVERSARIAL POLITICS WERE DEFINITELY NOT CONDUCIVE TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE MAJORITY OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.
HE ARGUED THAT IN A SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG WHICH WAS VERY YOUNG IN ITS EXPOSURE TO POLITICS, THE PLAYING OF ADVERSARIAL POLITICS AND THE CONSTANT EMPLOYMENT OF PRESSURISING AND CONFRONTATIONAL TACTICS INVARIABLY HAD A GREATER RISK OF BREEDING INSTABILITY IN THE SOCIETY.
DRAWING ON HIS EXPERIENCES FROM PARTICIPATING IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, HE POINTED OUT THAT NO NEGOTIATION COULD EVER BE SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED IF +MEGAPHONE TACTICS WERE DEPLOYED ALL THE TIME*.
HE THEREFORE APPEALED TO ALL POLITICAL ASPIRANTS IN HONG KONG TO +THINK VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE EMBARKING ON THE USE OF NONPRODUCTIVE REBEL ROUSING TACTICS BECAUSE THE END RESULT WOULD MORE LIKELY THAN NOT LEAD HONG KONG TO A MORE ADVERSE SITUATION*.
-------0 - -
FAIR SHARE OF TAX FOR EVERYONE
*****
DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HER CONCEPT OF A GOOD BUDGET WAS THAT PROPOSALS TO RAISE REVENUE SHOULD COVER ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURE BY ENSURING THAT EVERYONE PAID A FAIR SHARE OF TAX, EXCEPT FOR THE VERY POOR.
+ IN CONSIDERING WHAT IS FAIR, WE RENDER THOSE WHO EARN MORE PAY PROPORTIONATELY MORE TAX, WITHOUT SUPPRESSING THE INCENTIVE TO WORK HARD,* DR IP SAID DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/SIDS ADDED...........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
13 -
SHE ADDED THAT THE TAX STRUCTURE SHOULD REMAIN SIMPLE AND THAT NO GROUP SHOULD BE SINGLED OUT TO PAY A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF TAX.
SHE SAID THAT IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD CONSIDERED SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, HIS BUDGET WOULD HAVE BEEN A PERFECT ONE.
IT WOULD BE UNAVOIDABLE AND UNFORGIVABLE IF SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN SHOULD BE EXCLUDED IN NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET, SINCE THE PROPOSAL FOR SEPARATE TAXATION HAD NOW BEEN UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY ALL THE NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
TURNING TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR EXPENDITURE, DR IP SAID THAT DEFICIENCIES WHICH WERE HIGHLIGHTED DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATE HAD ALWAYS BEEN WITH THE POLICIES THAN WITH THEIR ADMINISTRATION.
SHE SAID THAT AS CHANGES IN POLICIES WOULD INFLUENCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPENDITURE, THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE MORE SENSITIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY.
♦WHEN PAST NEEDS HAVE BEEN RELATIVELY SATISFIED COMPARED TO NEW EMERGING ONES, WE MUST BE BOLD TO RETRACT WITH NO FEAR OF SECTORAL CHALLENGE,+ SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE WITHDRAWAL OF WEEKEND TRANSPORT SUBSIDY FOR STUDENTS WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE. +PERPETUAT I NG AN EXPENDITURE FOR HISTORICAL REASONS, OR REFUSAL TO MAKE REVIEW BECAUSE OF THE SMALL FINANCIAL IMPLICATION, WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT FOR EACH ITEM OF EXPENDITURE THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS, BEFORE CALCULATING HOW MUCH MORE WAS NEEDED TO MEET RISING COST AND IMPROVE QUALITY, SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES FIRSTLY WHETHER THE NEED FOR SUCH EXPENDITURE STILL EXISTED AND SECONDLY WHETHER RECENT INTRODUCTION OF NEW SERVICES HAD CAUSED DUPLICATION.
THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE WAS ONE IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED DUPLICATION, SHE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, WHEN AREAS OF DEFICIENCY WERE IDENTIFIED, THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE PREPARED TO CREATE EXPENDITURE TO MEET THESE NEEDS WITHOUT FEAR OF STARTING A PRECEDENT, SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT DENTAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY WAS AN AREA WHERE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTEMPT TO MEET. LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT TO 65 YEARS WAS A FEASIBLE COMMITMENT.
SHE NOTED THAT MINIMISING EXPENDITURE EXCESSIVELY OR INADEQUATE PROVISIONS IN ONE SECTION OF A DEPARTMENT MIGHT HAVE UNTOWARD EFFECTS OF REDUCING OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THAT OR OF ANOTHER DEPARTMENT.
/iNADEftUATE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 14 -
INADEQUATE PROVISIONS OF HALFWAY HOUSES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, DISTRICT NURSING, HOME FOR THE AGED, CONVALESCENT BEDS AND HOME FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SERVED AS A BLOCKAGE TO HOSPITAL DISCHARGE, THEREBY WASTING ACUTE HOSPITAL SPACE.
SHE ALSO NOTED THAT AS THE GOVERNMENT OFTEN ALLOWED A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE BASED ON THE PREVIOUS ONE, THERE WAS A TENDENCY FOR LARGE DEPARTMENTS TO GROW AND NEW ONES TO REMAIN SMALL. THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WERE EXAMPLES OF THESE TWO EXTREMES.
+THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE HAVE NOW A CLEANER HONG KONG IN TERMS OF CORRUPTION AND A DIRTIER ONE IN TERMS OF POLLUTION,* SHE SAID.
SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A REDUCTION IN THE EXPENDITURE OF THE ICAC AND AN INCREASE IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, DR IP SAID THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO LOOK INTO WAYS OF MAXIMISING WORK OUTPUT. ALLOWING AN ANNUAL SINGLE INCREMENT TO ALL STAFF ACROSS THE BOARD GAVE NO SHORT TERM INCENTIVES AS IT DID NOT DISTINGUISH THE ANGELS FROM THE DEVILS.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD A FINE FLEET OF WELL QUALIFIED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO OUGHT TO BE GIVEN FAR MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN THEY WERE AT PRESENT. DELEGATION OF WORK TO CLERICAL WORKERS COULD RELEASE MORE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS TO OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS NOW HANDLED BY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.
SHE ADDED THAT A LOT OF VALUABLE MAN-HOURS WERE WASTED WHEN DECISIONS WHICH COULD BE MADE AT A PERSONAL LEVEL WERE LOADED ON TO COMMITTEES FOR FEAR OF ICAC.
+WE HAVE NOW GOT A FINE CIVIL SERVICE. IT IS ABOUT TIME WE GIVE THEM MORE TRUST,+ SHE SAID.
------o--------
CALL TO MONITOR +SECURITISAT ION+ ACTIVITIES *****
THE HON PETER POON TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR + SECURITISAT ION + ACTIVITIES IN THE BANKING AND SECURITIES MARKET.
NOTING THAT THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WAS REVIEWING THE SITUATION, MR POON SAID TIMELY MONITORING OF SUCH ISSUES WITH PROPER GUIDELINES WAS NEEDED BEFORE THE OCCURRENCE OF POSSIBLE UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS TO THE HONG KONG FINANCIAL MARKET.
/SPEAKING .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
- 15
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE SAID THAT FORMERLY WHEN CORPORATIONS NEEDED MONEY THEY WOULD raise it through capital issues or seek finance from banks.
NOW IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THEY COULD PRINT THEIR OWN MONEY WITHOUT giving securities or personal guarantees FROM DIRECTORS, he said.
MR POON SAID SUCH NEW INSTRUMENTS WERE USUALLY UNSECURED OR EVEN SUBORDINATED AND RELIED MAINLY ON THE REPUTATION OF THE ISSUING COMPANY.
THE RATIONALE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THAT IT WOULD REDUCE THE RISKS OF BANKS IF THERE WAS AN ACTIVE SECONDARY MARKET.
+BUT IF THERE IS NO SUCH MARKET TO SPREAD THE RISKS, IT SEEMS THAT THE BANKS, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES OR FUNDS ARE SHOULDERING A HIGH PROPORTION OF RISKS AT INTEREST WHICH IS SUBSTANTIVELY LESS THAN THAT FOR THE USUAL UNSECURED LOANS,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOTED THIS SCENARIO IN HONG KONG AND THAT A CHANGE IN INTEREST RATE TREND WOULD IMMEDIATELY AFFECT THEIR MARKET VALUE CONSIDERABLY.
MR POON AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT BOTH THE DISCLOSURE OF SHARES IN PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES AND INSIDER DEALING WERE CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS, BUT HE FELT THESE PROBLEMS NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED.
HE SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM BUT HE WAS SURE THE ISSUE WOULD BE FULLY DEBATED BEFORE ANY LAWS WERE INTRODUCED.
+ AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, HONG KONG NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO MAINTAIN ITS REPUTATION IN THE FIELD OF PROTECTION OF INVESTORS AND PROPER ETHICS AND CONDUCT IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR,+ HE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY POLICY, MR POON COMMENTED THAT THE GENERAL RULE OF KEEPING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WITHIN THE GROWTH OF T HE GDP WAS A SENSIBLE ONE.
HOWEVER, IF DID NOT MEAN THAT HONG KONG COULD NEVER GO INTO DEFICIT IN ANY ONE YEAR AND FINANCE IT BY ITS RESERVES OR ISSUING BONDS IF NECESSARY, HE SAID.
4-BUT the aim of building up our reserves gradually to a stronger level can hardly be faulted.
/+THERE ARE ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1ft, 1987
16 -
♦THERE ARE STILL SOME DARK CLOUDS AHEAD, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS • PROTECT I ONN I SM’, AGAINST WHICH WE HAVE NO DEFENCE.
+OUR OPEN ECONOMY IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SHOCKS AND THE VOLATILITY OF FUNDS OF OUR OWN PEOPLE AND FOREIGN INVESTORS,+ MR POON SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF BROADENING THE TAX BASE IN HONG KONG, MR POON NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS CONCERNED THAT ANY PACKAGE THAT HAD A MARKED ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE COST OF LIVING AND WAS EXPENSIVE AND DIFFICULT TO ADMINISTER WOULD NOT BE RIGHT FOR HONG KONG.
♦IN MY VIEW, A VALUE ADDED TAX TYPE OF INDIRECT TAX COMPLETELY FITS THIS FORMULA AND OUGHT NOT TO BE CONSIDERED + HE SAID.
♦WHETHER OTHER FORMS OF INDIRECT TAXES WHICH BROADEN THE TAX BASE WITHOUT UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED CAN FORM THE BASIS OF FURTHER CONS I DERAT I ON,+ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE REVENUE MEASURES FOR 1987-88, MR POON SAID THE MODERATE ADJUSTMENTS PROPOSED ON VARIOUS TAXFS, MOSTLY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION, WERE REASONABLE.
AS TO TAX CONCESSIONS, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, WHILE APPRECIATING THE 0.5 PER CENT REDUCTION IN CORPORATE TAX AND PROFITS TAX, WOULD PROBABLY LIKE TO SEE FURTHER REDUCTIONS, PREFERABLY TO THE STANDARD RATE SINCE THE FORMER INCREASES WERE MADE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES.
IN ANY CASE, MR POON SAID, SINCE HONG KONG'S TAX PHILOSOPHY WAS TO HAVE A SIMPLE AND LOW TAX REGIME, THE 0.5 PER CENT REDUCTION WAS AN INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT IN THIS RESPECT.
FURTHERMORE, HE WELCOMED THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN PERSONAL AND CHILD ALLOWANCES AND THE EXTENSION OF THE THIRD BAND OF TAXABLE INCOME IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
AS TO SEPARATE TAXATION, MR POON SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT DESPITE THE LARGE SURPLUS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT FOUND IT APPROPRIATE TO BE A LITTLE MORE GENEROUS.
AS TO The REVENUE WHICH WOULD BE LOST, if IT WAS INEQUITABLE TO COMBINE The WORKING WIFE’S INCOME WITH THAT OF HER HUSBAND AND CREATE ADDITIONAL TAX BURDEN, THE INEQUITIES SHOULD BE REMEDIED HE NOTED. ’
/IF THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
IF the present situation was allowed to continue, the cost OF IMPLEMENTING SEPARATE TAXATION WOULD INCREASE EVERY YEAR AND GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE MORE EXCUSES FOR NOT ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM, HE SAID.
HE SAID DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ALLOWANCE FOR MARRIED COUPLES WAS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT FOR A SINGLE PERSON, A WORKING WIFE HAD ADDITIONAL EXPENSES TO INCUR AND YET SHE WAS PENALISED FOR EARNING INCOME AS A WIFE INSTEAD OF AS A SINGLE PERSON.
HE THEREFORE ASKED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THIS AND INTRODUCE IT IN HIS NEXT BUDGET EVEN IF HE COULD NOT ACCEDE TO THE REQUEST FOR SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN FOR THE TIME BEING.
+THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE REVIEW COMMITTEE AND INVOLVES LITTLE EXPENSE TO IMPLEMENT UNDER THE PRESENT COMPUTERISED SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT.
+THOUGH THERE CAN NEVER BE ABSOLUTE FAIRNESS TO ALL TAXPAYERS UNDER ANY TAX SYSTEM, I URGE STRONGLY THAT THE MATTER SHOULD BE GIVEN SYMPATHETIC AND EARLY CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF DOUBLE TAXATION, MR POON SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN REVIEWING THIS, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO EMPLOYEES OF HONG KONG COMPANIES WHO MADE FREQUENT TRIPS TO CHINA.
HE SAID THE PROBLEMS ARE BEING QUANTIFIED AND THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON TIME-APPORTIONMENT SHOULD REDUCE SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS.
+ NO DOUBT BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE OF ALLEGED HARDSHIP SO THAT SUCH LEGISLATION CAN QUICKLY DEAL WITH THE IMMEDIATE SITUATION PENDING FURTHER STUDY OF THE DOUBLE TAXATION PROBLEM,* HE NOTED.
MR POON POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT, HONG KONG HAD NO DOUBLE TAX AGREEMENT WITH ANY COUNTRY AND IT HAD NOT BEEN NECESSARY SINCE HONG KONG’S RATES WERE LOW AND OTHER COUNTRIES NORMALLY GRANTED RELIEF OR REBATE FOR TAX PAID IN HONG KONG IN RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES.
ON ANTI-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION, MR POON SAID HONG KONG SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO INTRODUCE ANY COMPLICATED LEGISLATIONS WHICH MIGHT HAMPER legitimate OR NORMAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.
+ l AM SURE THAT, AS IN THE CASE OF THE GENERAL ANT I-AVOI DANCE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, THERE WOULD BE PROPER CONSULTATION TO AVOID SUCH A DANGER,* HE ADDED.
------0-------
/18........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
18
HK’S POSITION AS FINANCIAL CENTRE MUST BE RETAINED * * * * JI-
HONG KONG MUST RETAIN ITS SYSTEM OF LOW TAX STRUCTURE, MINIMUM RED TAPE, LOW ECONOMIC OVERHEADS, AND POLITICAL, LEGAL AND SOCIAL STABILITY IN ORDER TO REINFORCE AND ENHANCE ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THIS IN TURN WOULD FOSTER THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG FOR FURTHER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND LONGER TERM INVESTMENT COMMITMENT — THE KEY TO MAKING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG UNDER +ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS* A REALITY BY 1997.
MR CHEONG-LEEN GAVE FULL SUPPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REAFFIRMATION TO MAINTAIN A LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAX REGIME, WHERE THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO THE SPIRIT OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND THOROUGH DEDICATION TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES.
ON THE PRINCIPLE FOR WIDENING THE TAX NET, HE SAID THAT IN A LOW TAX TERRITORY LIKE HONG KONG, WITH ITS PROVEN RECORD OF ECONOMIC SUCCESSES, THE AIM SHOULD BE FOR A 50-50 RATIO IN THE YIELDS FROM DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES.
HE SAID THAT SPREADING THE TAX BURDEN MORE WIDELY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ON A RATIONALLY SELECTIVE ITEM-BY-ITEM BASIS, AND WITH THE NEED TO REVIEW ANNUALLY THE LEVEL OF INDIRECT TAX ON EACH SPECIFIC ITEM SHOULD BE AN ONGOING EXERCISE.
MR CHEONG-LEEN CALLED ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO LOOK INTO THE REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AND THE beverage INDUSTRY TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF CURRENT INDIRECT TAXES IMPOSED.
ON PERSONAL TAXATION, HE SAID HE WELCOMED THE REDUCTION OF STANDARD RATE, ADDING THAT THE TREND SHOULD BE DOWNWARDS IN THE COMING YEARS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ALLOWANCE FOR HOME BUYERS, ONE THAT SHOULD BE A BOON FOR LOWER-INCOME EARNERS, AND WHICH COULD BE IN THE REGION OF $20 000.
HE SAID THIS ALLOWANCE COULD ACT AS A FURTHER INCENTIVE FOR FAMILIES WHO WERE NOW IN RENTED PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES AT AN EARLIER DATE THAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CASE.
ON TAXATION OF MARRIED WOMEN, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WOULD SUPPORT THE VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE SEPARATE TAXATION FOR WORKING WIVES ON AN OPTIONAL BASIS.
/HE DID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 19
HE DID NOT FAVOUR THE SUGGESTION THAT WORKING WIVES SHOULD get an allowance as this approach, if adopted, might not be a PERMANENT SOLUTION.
ON THE GENERAL QUESTION of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE SALARY LEVELS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE SHOULD BE KEPT WITHIN THE RATE OF INFLATION AND BE BROADLY COMPARABLE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
REGARDING The DEVELOPMENT of The MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT TAKING ON A HIGHER AND MORE SOPHISTICATED PROFILE AS SEEN IN THE RECENT OPENING OF THE CAD/CAM CENTRE BY THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS WHICH WERE IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1, 1986 HAD BROUGHT A SERIOUS PROBLEM TO MANY SMALL FACTORIES.
+MANY SMALL FACTORIES ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CAPABILITY TO FULFIL THESE PROVISIONS AND ARE TRANSFERRING THEIR PRODUCTION INTO CHINA AS FAST AS IS PRACTICABLE.
+WE WILL HAVE TO EXPEDITE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTIVITY TO REPLACE THE LABOUR INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH ARE INEXORABLY BEING TRANSFERRED INTO CHINA,+ HE SAID.
LOOKING AT THE FUTURE IN TERMS OF PRESERVING STABLE LABOUR RELATIONS, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MOVE TOWARDS A PUBLIC CONCENSUS ON A PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM WHICH DID NOT HAVE TO BE A GOVERNMENT MANAGED SYSTEM, BUT WHICH COULD BE ADAPTED TO HONG KONG CONDITIONS WHEREBY WORKERS WOULD GET PROTECTION IN THEIR OLD AGE, BUT WHICH WOULD NOT CAUSE HONG KONG PRODUCTS TO BE OVER-PRICED IN WORLD MARKETS.
REGARDING COMMUNITY AND WELFARE SERVICES, MR CHEONG-LEEN AGAIN CALLED FOR THE SETTING UP OF AN OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN ORDER TO PLAN AND COORDINATE POLICIES and their implementation to make life more bearable and enjoyable FOR THE GROWING NUMBER OF SENIOR CITIZENS.
ON PUBLIC HOUSING, HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL GOOD QUALITY, SUBSIDISED HOUSING FOR NEARLY 8D0 000 PEOPLE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
HE ALSO URGED T HE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ENCOURAGE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO GIVE GREATER EMPHASIS TO HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES.
♦EVEN LOWER-INCOME FAMILIES WOULD NOWADAYS LIKE TO OWN THEIR OWN HOMES, AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE THEM EVERY PRACTICAL SUPPORT POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO BUILD UP THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
/TURNINO TO
WEDNESDAY, MAHCH 18, 198?
20
TURNING TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, HE SAID HE WELCOMED THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THE BUILDING OF FOUR NEW HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR EX-MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REDOUBLE ITS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THOSE IN NEED OF PSYCHIATRIC CARE AND ASSISTANCE.
HE ALSO SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME CONCERNING THE MENTALLY DISABLED.
LASTLY, HE REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SPONSOR MORE CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES.
HE SAID HE HOPED FISCAL MEASURES BY WAY OF TAX REBATES COULD BE GIVEN TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROVIDE INCREASED SPONSORSHIP TO THE ARTS AND SPORTS.
------0--------
BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAX SYSTEM NOT NEEDED *****
IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EXCELLENT FINANCIAL POSITION THERE IS NO COMPELLING NEED TO MAKE A MOVE TOWARDS A BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAX SYSTEM, THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CLYDESDALE POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT FINANCE WERE AND ALWAYS HAD BEEN IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND THEY WERE A GOOD DEAL BETTER THAN THEY APPEARED AT FIRST GLANCE.
HE SAID HE HAD REVIEWED THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS SINCE I960 TO DATE AND HAD FOUND THAT A SURPLUS HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED IN 22 OF THE 27 YEARS WHICH HAD ELAPSED SINCE THAT TIME. DEFICITS HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED IN ONLY FIVE YEARS.
MR CLYDESDALE SAID A CLOSE LOOK AT THE DEFICITS IN THE THREE SUCCESSIVE YEARS TO MARCH 1985 REVEALED THAT THEY RELATED ONLY TO THE CASH DEFICIT ARISING ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AFTER CASH TRANSFERS HAD BEEN MADE TO OTHER GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
IF WE DEDUCTED THE BUILD-UP OF CASH RESOURCES IN THESE OTHER FUNDS, THE ACCUMULATED DEFICIT FOR THOSE THREE YEARS WOULD BE REDUCED TO A MUCH LOWER FIGURE, HE SAID.
/IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
21
IN ADDITION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S SYSTEM OF CASH ACCOUNTING WHICH WAS WRITING OFF ASSETS AS SOON AS THEY WERE PAID FOR INCREASED THE DEFICIT AND MEANT THAT MANY VALUABLE ASSETS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE OVERALL FINANCIAL POSITION.
WHILE ACCEPTING THAT THE CASH SYSTEM WAS APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING IN HONG KONG, MR CLYDESDALE SAID IT WAS PROBABLY SAFE TO SAY THAT WE HAD NOT BEEN IN +DEFICIT+ IN ANY OF THE LAST 27 YEARS.
+HONG KONG HAS HAD ITS UPS AND DOWNS, AND YET EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT REVENUES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SUFFICIENT. THE PRESENT MIX OF DIRECT TAX AND INDIRECT TAX HOWEVER NARROWLY BASED, HAS YIELDED SUFFICIENT REVENUE BOTH IN BAD YEARS AS WELL AS THE GOOD YEARS,+ HE SAID.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, THERE WAS NO COMPELLING NEED TO INTRODUCE A BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAX SYSTEM.
MR CLYDESDALE SUPPORTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT A VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) WOULD BE WHOLLY INAPPROPRIATE, AS VAT WAS A MULTI-STAGE TAX THAT WOULD INVOLVE TOO MUCH ADMINISTRATION WITH ATTENDANT HIGH COSTS.
HE SAID BROADLY-BASED CONSUMPTION TAX WOULD AFFECT POOR PEOPLE MORE THAN RICH PEOPLE AND THAT IT COULD WORK INEQUITABLY IN SOCIAL TERMS.
+ IF A CONSUMPTION TAX IS SO CAREFULLY TAILORED AS TO HAVE A NEUTRAL AFFECT ON LOW INCOME GROUPS, IT TOO WILL BE A NARROWLY BASED TAX.
+THIS MAKES ONE WONDER WHETHER SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE REFORM IN THIS DIRECTION COULD ACHIEVE ANYTHING MEANINGFUL,* HE SAID.
MR CLYDESDALE SAID THERE WAS A STRONG CASE FOR MAINTAINING THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM AS IT WAS A BETTER REDISTRIBUTOR OF WEALTH.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, AS BUSINESS PROFITS AND SALARIES NORMALLY MIRROR MOVEMENTS IN GDP, REVENUES FROM THE PRESENT TAX REGIME SHOULD CONTINUE TO PRODUCE SUFFICIENT REVENUES TO MEET PLANNED GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE.
+AS WE ALL KNOW PUBLIC EXPENDITURES ARE TO BE LINKED WITH MOVEMENTS IN GDP, BE THEY UPWARDS OR DOWNWARDS,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO OTHER TAX PROPOSALS, MR CLYDESDALE SAID THAT THE 60-DAY RULE FOR OUTBOUND EXECUTIVES HAD GREAT POTENTIAL AS A PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO THE MANY SALARIES TAX DISPUTES THAT WOULD OTHERWISE ARISE, AND TO ONE ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM OF DOUBLE TAX WITH CHINA.
/HOIffiVIB, .........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
22
however, he said great care would be required in defining a +DAY OUT OF HONG KONG* AS IT SHOULD NOT BE SO LITERALLY DEFINED AS TO REQUIRE RETURN AFTER MIDNIGHT.
LIKEWISE, A PARTICULARLY DEFT TOUCH WAS CALLED FOR IN DRAFTING THE PROPOSED ANT I-AVOI DANCE PROVISION TO COUNTERACT +MYER-INSPIRED* TAX BASED FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS, HE SAID.
+LET US HOPE THAT THE DRAFTSMAN SELECTS A RIFLE RATHER THAN A BLUNDER-BUSS, AS THERE IS A GREAT DANGER THAT ANT I-AVOI DANCE PROVISIONS OF THIS TYPE CATCH MORE THAN THE MISCHIEF FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED,* HE ADDED.
MR CLYDESDALE THEN DREW MEMBERS’ ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT ONLY IN 1986-87 WOULD GOVERNMENT ENJOY THE FULL IMPACT OF REVENUES FROM 1986 BUSINESS PROFITS WHICH WERE GENERALLY WELL UP ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
HE HOPED, THEREFORE, THAT IN NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD SERIOUSLY RECONSIDER REMOVING THE 1.5 PER CENT PREMIUM RATE OF TAX ON CORPORATE PROFITS.
HE SAID THE DUTIES ON SOFT DRINKS AND COSMETICS SHOULD ALSO BE REMOVED, REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT AN EFFORT HAD HAD TO BE MADE TO PUT IN PLACE THE MACHINERY FOR COLLECTION.
+THERE IS NO NEED FOR DISCRIMINATORY LEVIES OF THIS NATURE IN THE PRESENT HEALTHY STATE OF GOVERNMENT FINANCES,* HE SAID.
FINALLY, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD REDUCE THE AIRPORT TAX TO A LEVEL WHICH WOULD KEEP TRAVELLING BUSINESSMEN HAPPY AND TOURISTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG AGAIN AND AGAIN.
+ $5O WOULD BE A GREAT DEAL MORE SENSIBLE THAN $120,+ HE SAID.
-------0----------
TIME FOR ANOTHER REVIEW OF TAX POLICY X X X X X
IT WAS NOW TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT ANOTHER REVIEW OF TAX POLICY, THE HON LEE YU-TAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR LEE SAID THAT A 10-YEAR REVIEW WAS TIMELY AS THE LAST SUCH STUDY WAS IN 1975.
/+A SUCCESSFUL ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
- 23 -
+A SUCCESSFUL REVIEW AT THIS TIME LEADING TO THE FORMULATION OF A LONG-TERM TAX STRATEGY WOULD CERTAINLY BE HELPFUL IN CONSOLIDATING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE MORE INCENTIVES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FISCAL MEANS.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNMENT COULD INCREASE THE DEPRECIATION RATES OF PLANTS AND MACHINERY AND ALSO CONSIDER GRANTING TAX CONCESSION TO ENTERPRISES INVESTING IN HIGH-TECHNOLOGY AND CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES. THIS MIGHT HELP TO ATTRACT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
AGREEING THAT A HIGHER RATIO OF INDIRECT TAX TO THE TOTAL TAX YIELD WAS DESIRABLE, MR LEE SAID THE PRESENT RATIO OF ABOUT 40 PER CENT WAS STILL UNSATISFACTORY.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE EXISTING METHOD OF TAXATION WAS NEITHER FAIR NOR OBJECTIVE.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A SURVEY ON PUBLIC CONSUMPTION PATTERNS BE CARRIED OUT TO DETERMINE WHICH ITEMS WERE INDISPENSABLE AND WHICH WERE CONSIDERED AS LUXURIES. BASED ON THE SURVEY, DUTIES ON LUXURY ITEMS COULD THEN BE IMPOSED OR INCREASED RESPECTIVELY.
♦THE DUTY ON BEVERAGES SHOULD BE SCRAPPED AND THE LOSS OF REVENUE FROM IT COULD BE MADE UP BY IMPOSING DUTIES ON LUXURY ITEMS OR BY INCREASING BETTING DUTIES.
+THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO REDUCE THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX, AND INSTEAD INCREASE THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX TO COVER f HE LOSS OF REVENUE,* HE SAID.
AS FOR DIRECT TAXES, MR LEE PROPOSED TO SPLIT THE TOTAL ALLOWANCES OF S12 000 FOR THE THIRD TO NINTH CHILDREN BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND CHILDREN. IT MEANT AN ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE OF U6 000 FOR EACH OF THE TWO, BENEFITING MOST FAMILIES.
ON SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED COUPLES, HE CRITICISED THE BUDGET FOR BEING INDIFFERENT TO PUBLIC OPINION BY FIRMLY REJECTING THE PROPOSAL.
TAX SHOULD BE LEVIED ACCORDING TO INCOME RATHER THAN MARITAL STATUS, HE SAID.
+IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE FALLING INTO THE CATEGORY OF THE 'SANDWICHED CLASS’, SOCIAL STABILITY WILL BE MUCH AFFECTED IF THEY ARE OVER-AGGRIEVED,* HE WARNED.
/on fu::ds
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
- 24 -
ON FUNDS FOR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE, MR LEE WONDERED WHY NO FINANCIAL SUPPORT WAS GIVEN TO IMPLEMENT THE 1 TO 3 OOO RATIO ALREADY AGREED BY THE AUTHORITIES.
HE SAID THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN AT THE SAME TIME TO IMPROVE FURTHER THE RATIO OF 1 TO 2 000.
LASTLY, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP AN EYE ON COMMERCIAL CRIMES AND TAKE EARLY MEASURES TO PREVENT THEM.
--------0----------
PROPOSAL TO SPREAD TAX BURDEN CRITICISED
**•***•
THE HON DAVID K P LI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CRITICISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SUGGESTION TO SPREAD THE TAX BURDEN MORE WIDELY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING DURING THE FIRST DAY’S DEBATE ON THE 1987 APPROPRIATION BILL, MR LI SAID IT WOULD BE GROSSLY INEQUITABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SHIFT MORE OF THE TAX BURDEN ONTO THOSE LESS ABLE TO BEAR IT, PARTICULARLY BY IMPOSITION OF MORE INDIRECT TAXES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT INDIRECT TAXES HAD TWO MAJOR SHORTCOMINGS APART FROM THE HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.
FIRSTLY, THEY WOULD DISTORT RELATIVE PRICES, RESULTING IN A MISALLOCATION OF RESOURCES AND AFFECTING HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A LOW-TAX CENTRE, HE SAID, CITING THE AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX AS A CASE IN POINT.
ACCORDING TO MR LI, THE GRAVEST DEFECT OF INDIRECT TAXES WAS THAT THEY WERE regressive, PARTICULARLY IF NECESSITIES WERE TAXED.
+INDIRECT TAXES ON NECESSITIES WOULD INCREASE THE TAX BURDEN ON OUR LOWER INCOME GROUPS AND HAVE A DISTINCTIVE EFFECT ON OUR WORKFORCE,+ HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE IDEA OF MORE INDIRECT TAXES SHOULD BE DISMISSED.
MR LI PRAISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S DECISION TO REDUCE THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX AND TO INCREASE THE PERSONAL AND CHILD ALLOWANCES, BUT HE DISAGREED WITH HIS REFUSAL TO CONSIDER SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, SAYING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE FAIR TO MIDDLE-INCOME WORKING COUPLES.
/HE WELCOMED........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
- 25
HE WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT WITH LESS DEPENDENCE ON THE FLUCTUATING INCOME FROM LAND SALES, GOVERNMENT REVENUE WOULD NOW BE BASED ON MORE STABLE SOURCES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THIS POLICY UNDER WHICH REVENUE WOULD BE BASED ON STABLE SOURCES.
MR LI NOTED THAT THE BALANCED BUDGETS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS WERE ACHIEVED MAINLY THROUGH A REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WITH LITTLE ATTEMPT TO CONTROL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, PARTICULARLY THE SALARY AND STAFF RELATED EXPENDITURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE SAID HE WAS DISTURBED BY THE FACT THAT GOVERNMENT HAD FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE INCREASE IN COST OF CIVIL SERVICE.
+THE MORALE OF THE PUBLIC SERVANTS IS MAINTAINED AT THE EXPENSE OF ALL TAXPAYERS AND AT THE COST OF A REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ON THE ONE HAND AND TO COMMIT SUFFICIENT CAPITAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE OTHER.
urging the government TO INTENSIFY the campaign against PROTECTIONISM, MR LI SAID THERE WERE AT LEAST TWO WAYS FOR INDUSTRIALISTS TO SURVIVE.
ONE WAS TO TRADE UP EXISTING PRODUCTS AND THE OTHER WAS TO DIVERSIFY INTO HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER A MORE LIBERAL DEPRECIATION AND INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND NEW MACHINERY.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CARRY OUT AN IN-DEPTH STUDY ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND TO DEVOTE SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES TO SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WHICH WOULD BENEFIT LONG-TERM GROWTH INDUSTRIES.
TURNING TO THE SUGGESTION TO REVALUE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, MR LI POINTED OUT THAT A REVALUATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WOULD MEAN THE ABANDONMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE FOR THE HONG KONG CURRENCY.
HE FELT THIS POSITION SHOULD BE STRONGLY DEFENDED AND ADDED THAT ONE OF THE MOST WORRYING MONETARY ISSUES WAS THE PROJECTED RISE IN INFLATION FOR 1987 WHICH THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY ITS BEST TO COMBAT.
/MR LI .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
26
MR LI REITERATED THE VIEW THAT THE BANKING ORDINANCE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY.
IN PARTICULAR, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOW AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS TO HAVE GREATER FREEDOM IN DEALING WITH SECURITIES RELATED BUSINESS.
HE SAID SECURITISATION COULD ALSO GIVE RISE TO A FALSE SENSE OF LIQUIDITY AND SINCE THE POTENTIAL DANGER ARISING FROM A LIQUIDITY CRISIS UNDER CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS WAS EVER PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER BUILDING-IN THE NECESSARY SAFETY-VALVE, NAMELY AN OFFICIAL DISCOUNT FACILITY.
ON MATTERS RELATING TO SECURITISATION, MR LI POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS AT PRESENT THE PROBLEM OF AUTHORITY DIVIDED BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS SHOULD DEVISE A SYSTEM WHEREBY ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE BANKING INDUSTRY BE DEALT WITH SOLELY BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
z *
- - 0 - -
MORE FUNDS NEEDED TO IMPROVE RURAL FACILITIES
THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ALLOCATE MORE FUNDS TO IMPROVE RURAL FACILITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR TAI SAID PEOPLE IN URBAN AREAS AND SATELLITE TOWNS ENJOYED A COMPARATIVELY UP-TO-STANDARD LIVING, WHILE THE VILLAGE AND RURAL POPULATION ENJOYED APPRECIABLY LESS THAN THEIR URBAN COUNTERPART.
HE NOTED THAT THE POPULATION LIVING IN T HE COUNTRY AND THE VILLAGES OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NUMBERED ABOUT 290 000 AND THE EXPENDITURE ALLOCATED TO LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS FOR 1987-88 WAS fll3 MILLION.
♦BEARING IN MIND THAT THERE ARE 600 VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED WILL BE INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL FACILITIES AND IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES,+ HE SAID.
MR TAI NOTED THAT THERE WAS ALSO THE PROBLEM OF RURAL ISOLATION AND DIFFICULTY OF ACCESS TO AND BETWEEN VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE QUESTION OF PRIVATE LAND WAS THE MAJOR OBSTACLE IN BUILDING AND MAINTAINING VILLAGE ACCESS.
/ONE POSSIBLE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION WAS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COMPENSATE LANDOWNERS FOR THE LAND NEEDED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS, HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW TRYING TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION OF RIVERS AND NULLAHS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY IMPOSING SEVERE CONTROLS OVER ANIMAL WASTE DISPOSAL AND THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES.
HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS DETERMINATION TO COMBAT THE POLLUTION PROBLEM BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND, STRONGLY URGED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ALLOCATE THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO RELIEVE THE PRESENT HARDSHIP OF FARMERS WHO WERE BEING FORCED OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE OF CONTROL MEASURES.
TURNING TO MEDICAL SERVICES, MR TAI SAID HE APPRECIATED THE PROVISION OF SI.2 BILLION FOR THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, IN ADDITION TO THE S899 MILLION FOR LAST YEAR.
AS TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WOULD BEGIN TO OPERATE IN 1988, THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR MEDICAL SERVICES WITHIN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WOULD BE ALLEVIATED. THIS WOULD PROVIDE A BETTER STANDARD OF MEDICAL CARE WHICH HAD BEEN LONG AWAITED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA, HE SAID.
+NEVERTHELESS, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE IS NO MENTION IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH REGARDING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONSULTANT’S REPORT,+ HE SAID.
MR TAI SAID THAT ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE OTHER PROPOSALS WERE LESS CONTROVERSIAL AND COULD BE IMPLEMENTED EASILY, PROVIDED THAT SUFFICIENT FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED.
HE ADDED THAT THE FINANCIAL PROVISIONS FOR SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WERE DISCUSSED DURING A LONG CONSULTATION PROCESS WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THE FINAL PROVISIONS MIGHT BE A QUARTER TO HALF OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN.
HE SAID SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WERE UNAWARE OF THE REASONS WHY THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN REDUCED AND COMPLAINT OF INADEQUATE FUNDS BEING ALLOCATED TO THEM. IT AFFECTED THE MORALE OF EMPLOYEES OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A MACHINERY SIMILAR TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONSULTANT’S REPORT BE SET UP SO AS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF BUDGET PREPARATION AND COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
------0-------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
28
BUDGET TOO CONSERVATIVE AND CAUTIOUS * * * *
THE HON RICHARD LAI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CRITICISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECH AS +TOO CONSERVAT IVE+ AND +TOO CAUTIOUS+.
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR LAI SAID HE MADE THE CRITICISM IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROJECTED GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY AND THE SURPLUS OF LAST YEAR WHICH WAS TEN TIMES THAT FORECAST.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AN OVER-CAUTIOUS APPROACH COULD VERY EASILY BE CONSTRUED AS BEING TOTALLY LACKING IN IMAGINATION AND INITIATIVE.
MR LAI EXAMINED THE BUDGET FROM TWO ANGLES. FIRST, HE REFERRED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SUGGESTION TO MODIFY THE PROPORTION OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAX BASES. HE SAID A WIDER INDIRECT TAX BASE MIGHT INCREASE THE TAX BURDEN OF THE LOWER CLASSES IN THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE SHELTER UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF TAX ALLOWANCES.
+OUR BUDGETARY POLICY MUST NOT BE DRAWN UP ONLY TO EFFECT A STABLE INCOME TO THE PUBLIC COFFER, IT ALSO HAS A SOCIAL FUNCTION OF REDISTRIBUTING WEALTH IN THE SOCIETY,+ HE SAID.
HE ARGUED THAT THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED BY HAVING A PROGRESSIVE DIRECT TAX SYSTEM IN WHICH THOSE WHO MADE MORE MONEY HAD TO GIVE MORE TO SOCIETY AND POINTED OUT THAT INDIRECT TAXES HAD NO SUCH DISCRIMINATION.
MR LAI SAID HE COULD NOT CONDONE IN PRINCIPLE THAT SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN WAS NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THIS BUDGET.
HE SAID THAT THE INTEREST OF MARRIED WOMEN SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO BE SACRIFICED FOR THE SAKE OF EXPEDIENCE AND SAVINGS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BURDEN OF FINANCING PUBLIC SPENDING SHOULD BE SHARED EQUITABLY AMONG DIFFERENT SECTORS OF SOCIETY.
SECONDLY, MR LAI COMMENTED ON SPECIFIC MEASURES CONTAINED IN THE BUDGET.
REFERRING TO THE 80 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE ALLOCATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, HE COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND TO THE CAUSE OF SECURING A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE.
HE QUESTIONED THE NECESSITY OF PROVIDING A TRANSIT SERVICE AREA FOR THE OPERATION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM AND THE RECENT DECISION BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO GIVE PRIORITY TO ROUTES CONNECTING YUEN LONG TO TAI WO OVER THE TSUEN WAN LINK.
/+! C0NT12H)..........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 29 -
+l CONTEND THAT A CROWN CORPORATION SHOULD SET THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC IN THE FOREFRONT.
+IF THE TSUEN WAN ROUTE WOULD SERVE MORE PEOPLE, IT SHOULD BE GIVEN PREFERENCE OVER OTHER ROUTES,+ HE SAID.
WITH REGARDS TO PROFIT TAX CUT, MR LAI REMARKED THAT SINCE HONG KONG OFFERED MANY ATTRACTIONS TO INVESTORS, THE 0.5 PER CENT CUT WOULD NOT BE A DETERMINING FACTOR TO INVESTORS.
HE NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DID NOT MENTION MEASURES THAT MIGHT BE ADOPTED TO STIMULATE THE GROWTH OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK INTO MORE POSITIVE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRIES TO A HIGHER TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT.
------0-------
LABOUR PROBLEMS LEFT UNHEEDED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS EVIDENTLY ATTACHING LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THUS RESULTING IN MANY LABOUR PROBLEMS BEING LEFT UNHEEDED, THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE, MR PANG POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISION ALLOCATED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS MERELY 0.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, HAD LONG REMAINED AT SUCH A LOW RATIO DESPITE THE INCREASING WORKLOAD OF THE DEPARTMENT AS A RESULT OF CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, AND THE REGULAR INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
MR PANG ALSO SAID THAT THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
♦DESPITE THE GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO THE PROBLEM OF ELDERLY PEOPLE BY SOCIETY AND THE GENERAL SYMPATHY EXPRESSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS NOT RAISED THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALL6WANCE, AND THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL ALLOWANCE FOR THE UNFORTUNATE AND HELPLESS OLD PEOPLE IS STILL MAINTAINED AT THE LEVEL LAID DOWN ON FEBRUARY 1, 1984 ALTHOUGH A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SURPLUS IS EXPECTED.
/+IT IS HOPED .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 30
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO HAVE ONCE DEDICATED THEIR YOUTH AND ENERGY TO SOCIETY IS ONLY AN ACT OF NEGLIGENCE RATHER THAN DISCRIMINATION,* HE SAID.
MR PANG SAID HE WHOLLY DISAGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S CONCEPTION IN CASTING THE NET OF INDIRECT TAXES WIDER.
HE SAID OTHER THAN LUXURY ITEMS WHICH COULD BE TAXED HEAVILY WITHOUT AFFECTING THE GENERAL PUBLIC MUCH, DUTY RATES SHOULD NOT BE LEVIED ON NON-ALCOHOLIC AND THIRST-QUENCHING DRINKS, WHICH WERE MOSTLY CONSUMED BY STUDENTS AND CHILDREN.
HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ABOLISH THE DUTY RATES ON SOFT DRINKS.
------0-------
WAYS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED
*****
PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ONE OF THE WAYS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WAS TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE MECHANISM FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, PROF POON SAID HONG KONG HAD LONG BEEN PLAYING THE PASSIVE ROLE OF +MATCHMAKER+ - KEEN MATCHING OF IMPORTED TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES WITH LOCAL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION NEEDS.
IF HONG KONG SHOULD MOVE INTO HIGH VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION, IT MUST STRENGTHEN LOCAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOP LOCAL EXPERTISE WHO COULD MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID.
TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, HE ADDED, THERE SHOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE MECHANISM IN HONG KONG TO CO-ORDINATE VARIOUS ASPECTS ASSOCIATED WITH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, SUCH AS THE PROMOTION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN PRODUCT INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, THE PROVISION OF A SATISFACTORY ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR PRODUCT RESEARCH AND PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE DISSEMINATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW TO LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS.
PROF POON ALSO COMMENTED ON SEVERAL OTHER AREAS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG AND REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THEM SERIOUSLY.
/the government .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 31
the government should protect local manufacturing industries FROM ANY DAMAGING EFFECTS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED FACTORIES, IN THE COURSE OF IMPLEMENTING A STRICTER POLLUTION CONTROL FOR BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, HE NOTED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER PROVIDING TAX CONCESSIONS, BY WAY OF AN INCENTIVE, TO THOSE LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS WHO HELPED IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY TAKING EFFECTIVE STEPS. SUCH AS USING MORE EXPENSIVE OIL, ADDING EXTRA EQUIPMENT, USING m6rE EXPENSIVE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.
PROF POON ALSO SAID THAT THE PROGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE MONITORED CONSTANTLY AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE PRAGMATIC MARKET STUDIES.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS STILL MAKING REFERENCES TO A REPORT TO REVIEW HONG KONG’S STRATEGY IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED EIGHT YEARS AGO. HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER, REVIEW AND ASSESS IN DEPTH THE ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORTj THE EFFECTS OF ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, AND THE MEASURES WHICH HAD TO BE TAKEN IN THE FUTURE TO ENHANCE THE PROSPECT OF FURTHER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN HONG KONG.
ON TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKETING RESEARCH STUDIES CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIES TO IDENTIFY TRENDS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, PROF POON SAID A CONTINUAL MONITORING OF THESE STUDIES TO ENSURE THEIR VALIDITY WAS IMPORTANT. HE REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE FUNDING FOR THIS EFFORT, SAYING THAT THIS WOULD BENEFIT THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE IN THE LONG RUN.
LASTLY, PROF POON URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY A'ND HEALTH COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT THE FUNCTIONS OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY, MONITORING AND ADVISING ON RELEVANT GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES, AND PROMOTING EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
32
BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAXES DIFFICULT TO INTRODUCE * X * * *
THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IN POLITICAL TERMS IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT TO INTRODUCE BROADLY-BASED INDIRECT TAXES IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS BECAUSE IN HONG KONG THERE WAS STILL A CONSIDERABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGHER AND LOWER INCOME EARNERS.
♦INDIRECT TAXES BROADLY APPLIED ARE CONSIDERED REGRESSIVE AS THEY INCREASE THE TAX LOAD ON THE LOWER INCOME GROUPS,+ HE ADDED.
SPEAKING DURING THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE, MR SOHMEN STRESSED THAT THE MOVE TOWARDS A LARGER SCOPE FOR INDIRECT TAXATION WOULD HAVE TO DEFUSE POSSIBLE CRITICISM THAT THEY WERE IMPOSED TO PRODUCE BENEFITS MAINLY FOR THOSE NOW BEARING THE BURDEN OF DIRECT TAXES.
FOR THIS REASON, HE SAID A LINK BETWEEN THE WIDENING OF THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES AND A LOWERING OF DIRECT TAXES MIGHT NEED TO BE AVOIDED ALTHOUGH QUESTIONS WOULD THEN UNDOUBTEDLY BE ASKED WHY INDIRECT TAXATION WAS TO BE EXTENDED AT ALL IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY IMMEDIATE NEED TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE.
ONE OTHER DRAWBACK OF INDIRECT TAXATION WAS ITS MORE LIMITED RESPONSIVENESS IN REVENUE TERMS TO POSITIVELY CHANGING ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS, HE SAID.
♦ ON BALANCE THEREFORE I WOULD ADVISE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO TREAD VERY CAREFULLY WHEN WALKING DOWN THIS PARTICULAR ROAD, EVEN THOUGH I AGREE WITH HIM THAT THE PROPORTION OF DIRECT TAXES CONTRIBUTING TO TOTAL REVENUE SHOULD BE KEPT AT A LEVEL OF CERTAINLY NOT MORE THAN 60 PER CENT.
♦PERHAPS WE SHOULD WATCH THE OUTCOME OF THE DEBATE IN OTHER COUNTRIES A BIT LONGER, AND THEN ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO PRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF OPTIONS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PROS AND CONS BEFORE WE JUMP,+ MR SOHMEN SAID.
HE DESCRIBED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S FIRST BUDGET AS ONE OF +REALISM AND PRUDENCE+, SAYING THAT HE FULLY CONCURRED IN HIS WARNING THAT HONG KONG’S CURRENT EXCELLENT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WAS DERIVED FROM EXTERNAL FACTORS.
HE SAID GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SHOULD CONTINUE, PARTICULARLY SINCE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DID NOT REALLY HAVE TO DEPRIVE ANY ONE SECTOR OF WHAT WAS NEEDED3 IN PARTICULAR THE COMMITMENTS OF $6 BILLION IN NEW CAPITAL SPENDING SPOKE FOR THEMSELVES.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 198?
- 33 -
ON THE WIDELY CRITICISED AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX, MR SOHMEN SAID WHILE THE TAX WAS PRODUCTIVE AND COST EFFECTIVE, THESE WERE NOT IN THEMSELVES GOOD ENOUGH REASONS FOR IT NOT TO BE REDUCED IN TIMES OF SURPLUS, SINCE IT WAS INCREASED IN DEFICIT YEARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING ADDITIONAL REVENUE.
WITH MANY NEW INVESTMENTS IN HOTELS AND EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION FACILITIES COMING TO FRUITION OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, EVERYTHING POSSIBLE SHOULD BE DONE TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE IN TOURISM AND BUSINESS TRAVEL, HE SAID.
+ALTERNATIVELY, AND IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REMAINS STUBBORNLY COMMITTED TO THIS TAX, PERHAPS HE SHOULD IMAGINATIVELY CONSIDER IT AS A POSSIBLE SOURCE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CURRENT PROBLEMS RELATED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION, FOLLOWING THE REGULAR FAILURES OF TRAVEL AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT’S APPARENT RELUCTANCE TO GET TOO MUCH INVOLVED IN AN EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY ROLE OVER THEM,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO DOUBLE TAXATION, MR SOHMEN SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT NOT MORE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE ON THAT FRONT TO DATE.
♦THE PROPOSED TIME-APPORTIONMENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE WELCOME BUT ARE BEING INTRODUCED FOR THE SAKE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE AND DO NOT ADDRESS THE QUESTION OF DOUBLE TAXATION WHICH IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT IN THE LIGHT OF THE STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC LINKS WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA,+ HE SAID.
HE MENTIONED A NEW PROBLEM LOOMING AHEAD FOR THE LOCAL SHIPOWNING INDUSTRY RESULTING FROM THE PASSAGE OF THE U.S. TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986.
THIS LEGISLATION IMPOSED A TAX LIABILITY ON THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS FOR GROSS FREIGHT EARNINGS FROM SHIP TRADING TO U.S. PORTS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE VESSELS’ FLAG.
+IF THE TERRITORY OF DOMICILE OF THE BENEFICIAL MAJORITY OWNER OF THE VESSEL CONCERNED, SUCH AS HONG KONG, HAS NO AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES PROVIDING FOR MUTUAL EXEMPTION OR REDUCTION OF TAX LIABILITY, OWNERS MAY POSSIBLY NEED TO CONSIDER SUCH EXTREMES AS PHYSICAL RELOCATION FROM HONG KONG,+ MR SOHMEN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE SHIPPING COMMUNITY WAS PRESENTLY WORKING ON MORE BACKGROUND FOR APPROPRIATE LIAISON WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND HIS SENIOR ADVISERS.
/on the size .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
- 34 -
ON THE SIZE OF AND REMUNERATION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR SOHMEN OBSERVED THAT IT WAS NOT ALWAYS A QUESTION OF RESTRAINING GROWTH RATES YEAR ON YEAR, BUT ALSO WHETHER THE GIVEN SIZE WAS NECESSARY.
+ IN HONG KONG WE HAVE ONE CIVIL SERVANT FOR ROUGHLY 30 CITIZENS,* HE SAID.
SINCE HONG KONG HAD AN EFFECTIVE CIVIL SERVICE, MR SOHMEN SAID HE WAS NOT SUGGESTING WE WERE NOT GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY BUT ASKED WHETHER WE COULD DO WITH A LITTLE LESS GOLD-PLATING.
COMMENTING ON THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE SERVICES SECTOR, MR SOHMEN SAID THAT WE NEEDED SOME FURTHER REGULATION IN THE FINANCIAL AND SECURITIES SECTORS TO AVOID FRAUDULENT PRACTICES OR OBVIOUS MISMANAGEMENT.
BUT HE WAS ALSO IN SUPPORT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SUGGESTION THAT WE MUST PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN THIS AREA, PARTICULARLY ON THE QUESTION OF CRIMINAL ISAT I ON OF INSIDER TRADING.
+REPUTATION IS ONE THING, BUT THE RISK OF ALSO DRIVING BONA FIDE BUSINESS AWAY ALTOGETHER ON WHICH SO MANY OF OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INCREASINGLY DEPEND, IS ANOTHER,* HE SAID.
FINALLY, MR SOHMEN SAID HE AGREED WE MUST BE CREATIVE IN THINKING, AND GENEROUS WITH OUR PURSE, TO DO ALL WE COULD IN HONG KONG TO UPGRADE MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION SKILLS.
+ALTHOUGH CAPITAL INVESTMENT FORTUNATELY SHOWED AN INCREASE AGAIN LAST YEAR, WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT FALL TOO MUCH BEHIND OUR NEIGHBOURS IN THE HIGH-TECHNOLOGY RACE, AND THAT WE RETAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTIVITY,* HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN SAID HE PARTICULARLY WELCOMED THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS MADE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION IN THE BUDGET, AND EXPRESSED HIS SUPPORT TO THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH THE THIRD UNIVERSITY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
35
SPECIAL SCHOOL PLANNED FOR NORTH POINT
*****
A SPECIAL SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT AT NORTH POINT TO CATER FOR ABOUT 100 MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.
THE NEW SCHOOL WHICH WILL BE READY IN 1988-89 WILL BE CALLED THE PO LEUNG KUK YU LEE MO FAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL. IT WILL HAVE A FOUR-STOREY SCHOOL PREMISES WITH 10 CLASSROOMS, FIVE SPECIAL ROOMS, A SCHOOL HALL AND OTHER FACILITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE SCHOOL’S FOUNDATION-STONE-LAYING CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, PRAISED THE DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
MR LI SAID PO LEUNG KUK RAN MORE THAN 20 SPECIAL SCHOOLS, SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS WHICH PROVIDED EDUCATION FOR MORE THAN 20 000 CHILDREN.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT PO LEUNG KUK AND OTHER CHARITABLE BODIES WOULD FURTHER EXTEND THEIR SUPPORT IN PROVIDING MORE SPECIAL EDUCATION FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN WHO NEEDED THEM.
- - 0----
ROOFTOP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WONG CHUK HANG, HONG KONG.
THEY ARE ON THE ROOF OVER FACTORIES G, H AND J OF BLOCK I, 33-35 YIP KAN STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 26 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN FEBRUARY 1986, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE.
- - 0----
/36
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
36
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION ORGANISED *****
THE CURRENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK WILL REACH ITS CLIMAX TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WHEN 40 WORKERS FROM THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY COMPETE IN A QUIZ COMPETITION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE (EISSC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, THE COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SHOPPING MALL OF SHUN TAK CENTRE IN CENTRAL.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE SAFETY WEEK FOR THE EISSC, MR C.D. TAM, MEMBER OF THE LAB, MISS LI FUNG-YING, AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.
WINNERS OF THE RECENTLY-HELD PERSONAL COMPUTER GRAPHIC DISPLAY CONTEST WILL ALSO RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE SHOPPING MALL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF SHUN TAK CENTRE TOMORROW. THE QUIZ COMPETITION WILL START AT 2.30 PM AND THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT ABOUT 4.30 PM.
---0 - -
DB MEMBERS VISIT NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
*****
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE RECENTLY COMPLETED NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE TO SEE THE FACILITIES THERE.
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, THE PARTY TOURED THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE SOON-TO-OPEN S40*MILLI ON PROJECT.
THEY LEARNED THAT THE NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE, SITUATED ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE NGAU CHI WAN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, WAS THE COUNCIL’S FIRST FULL-SCALE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE.
IT COMPRISES A 443-SEAT THEATRE, A LECTURE ROOM, AN EXHIBITION HALL, A DANCE PRACTICE ROOM, TWO MUSIC PRACTICE HALLS AND TWO ART STUDIOS.
MEMBERS ALSO SAW THE LIBRARY SITUATED AT THE SAME COMPLEX.
THE LIBRARY INCLUDES AN AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS ROOM AND A STUDY
ROOM
---0-----
/37
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
37
DETAILS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT * * * *
A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING DETAILS T HE INDUSTRI AL SAFETY CALA NIGHT WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BE HELD ON THE G,R9^NP FLOOR OF BROADCASTING HOUSE, KOWLOON, AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (TKJRSDAY).
TAKING PART IN THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR or TwF LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, HEAD OF RADIO ONE, MRS AVA CHIU, SENIOR PROGRAMME OFFICER, MISS JOHANA LAU, AND PRODUCER OF THE GALA NIGHT, MR FRANCIS MAK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
0
DETAILS OF BANKING ANNUAL REPORT K * K *
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1986 WILL BE HELD AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 5 PM.
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR ROBERT FELL, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND, COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING FROM 4.30 PM. PLEASE NOTE THAT CONTENTS OF THE REPORT SHOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST BEFORE THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
- - 0-------
/38........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
38
CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION FOR DISCUSSION * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE COMPETITION, TO BE HELD FROM MARCH 26 TO THE END OF APRIL IS AIMED AT MOTIVATING VILLAGERS TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN AND HEALTHY AND TO IMPROVE CLEANSING £ER‘/!CES AWn CArl1 ,T
SERVICES AND FACILITIES
IN VILLAGES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE GARDEN AT HO CHUNG AND THE INSTALLATION OF THE TENNIS COURT AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
EXTENSION OF THE REST floodlighting FOR
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SAI KUNG TOWN.
-----0-----*•
BOARD TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THJRSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT INVOLVING THE MELODY GARDEN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED ARE THE RE-ESTABLIS WENT OF POLICE REPORTING CENTRES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED COUPLES, CO-ORDINATION POLICY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ALLEGED LOAN SHARKING OPERATIONS IN TUEN MUN, THE 1986 EDITION OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND THE FILLING OF LAND AT AREA 47 (SOUTH) USING PULVERISED FUEL ASH.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO REPORTS SUBMITTED BY THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
------0-------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1987
39
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF ON SATURDAY (MARCH 21) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TIN KWONG ROAD, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, LOK SHAN ROAD AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.
0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING s
OF PATRON SAINT AND A WELL-BALANCED BUDGET............... 1
CULT. TO KEEP EXPENDITURE WITHIN LIMITS ................. 2
INCREASED SECURITY APPROPRIATION NEEDED ................. 4
TIME RIGHT TO RELY MORE GET INDIRECT TAXES .............. 6
CUMBERSOME APPLICATION PROCEDURE CRITICISED ............. 7
(WERAT.T. REVIEW OF PRIMARY MEDICAL CADE POLICY URGED .... 9
CALL TO MAINTAIN PRESENT INVESTMENT CLIMATE............. 11
IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICES NEEDED.... 13
'SANDWICHED CLASS' STILL LEFT IN THE COLD .............. 15
CULL TO ATM FOR STABLE ECONOMIC ENVZROIJMSNT............ 16
HK'S ECONOMIC FRCBL2-E OUTLINED......................... 18
NEED TO E4PRCVE SECURITIES MARKET MECHANISM............. 19
INTERESTS OF ALL TAKEN CARE OF IN BUDGET ............... 21
LEAKAGE OF EXCO PArEn. TO BE CHECKED ....................... 23
HK NOW THE WORLD'S SECOND BUSIEST CCNTAETER PORT............ 24
COMMISSIONER OF BANKING'S ANNUAL REPORT FUR 1986 ........... 25
SIGNIFICANT DROP IN NUMBER CP DRUG-ABUSERS ................. 27
SET OF HUNG KUNG LAWS PRESENTED ........................... 29
JAPAN RECOGNISES B1T(O) PASSPORT............................ 30
/COlflVTER.....
I
COMPUTER DISPLAY CONTEST WHINIRS GET PRIZES ..................... 30
fflAI TSTETG SHOWS SUPPORT FOR YCUDE FUND ....................... 31
TT.T.EG.'.T, STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ............................ 32
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IB KWUN TONG.......................... 33
SEMINAR CT REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT ORGANISED................... 33
CAMPAIGN AGAINST THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT ................... 34
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT TOMORROW............................ 34
SCOTT TO INSPECT CAS PARADE...................................... 35
OUTSTANDING YOUTHS TO GET PRIZES ................................ 35
WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS CT DISPLAY AGAIN............................. 36
CHING MING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ................... 36
CLOSURE OF TWO KWUN TONG ROADS TO CONTINUE....................... 38
TRAFFIC CHANGES BI CENTRAL..................................... 38
RESTRICTED ZONE ON PC ON ROAD
39
Thursday, march 19, 1987
1
OF PATRON SAINT AND A WELL-BALANCED BUDGET * * * * *
THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE 1987-88 BUDGET PRESENTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS ON THE WHOLE WELL-BALANCED.
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID THAT IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD TO CHOOSE A PATRON SAINT TO PROTECT HIM THROUGHOUT THIS TRANSITION PERIOD, THE +GODDESS OF MERCY WITH A THOUSAND HANDS* MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE, AS LONG AS 500 HANDS WERE USED TO COLLECT TAX AND THE OTHER 500 WERE USED FOR DISHING THE MONEY OUT AS EXPENDITURE FOR THE GOOD OF HONG KONG.
ON HONG KONG'S INTERNAL SECURITY, MR CHAN SAID THE DISCIPLINED FORCES HAD DONE THEIR BEST TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER.
♦ALTHOUGH THERE WERE RECENTLY SOME DARING ROBBERIES AND SHOOTINGS IN CENTRAL AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WILL NO DOUBT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THESE TYPICAL CRIMES OF LARGE CITIES EFFECT I V ELY,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE BRITISH GARRISON IN HONG KONG AND THE AUXILIARY ARMED FORCES REPRESENTED THE BRITISH PRESENCE HERE TO UPHOLD HONG KONG’S LAW AND ADMINISTRATION.
+IT IS ALSO WISE FOR EVERY ADMINISTRATION TO HAVE ALTERNATIVE ARMED FORCES AT THEIR DISPOSAL,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT IF HONG KONG DID NOT MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ARMED FORCES AND IF THERE WAS A ONE-1N-A-MILLI ON CHANCE THAT HONG KONG WAS INVADED, THEN IT WOULD BE A GOOD EXCUSE FOR TROOPS OF OTHER COUNTRIES TO COME TO OUR ASSISTANCE WHETHER WE LIKED IT OR NOT.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE DEATH PENALTY WAS A DETERRENT TO SERIOUS CRIMES, AND THAT CRIMINALS SHOULD REPAY THE COMMUNITY WITH SOME MANUAL LABOUR SUCH AS BUILDING ROADS ON REMOTE ISLANDS.
TURNING TO EXPORT TRADE, MR CHAN SAID THAT THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM WAS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE. HONG KONG MUST EMPHASISE THAT IT WAS A FREE PORT OPEN TO ALL COUNTRIES AND THAT IT WAS NOT LOGICAL TO USE PROTECTIONIST MEASURES TO PENALISE THIS TERRITORY FOR MAINTAINING OPEN AND FREE TRADE, HE ADDED.
ON TAXATION, MR CHAN SAID THAT HE WAS ALL FOR INDIRECT TAXATION ON NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS.
HE SAID INDIRECT TAXES WERE BETTER THAN COMPULSORY DIRECT TAXATION AS THE PUBLIC HAD THE OPTION TO PAY FOR THE INDIRECT TAX OR SAVE THEIR MONEY.
/+ I OHLY........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
2
+l ONLY REGRET THAT HEAVIER DUTIES ARE NOT PLACED ON NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS WHICH ARE HARMFUL TO PUBLIC HEALTH,* HE SAID.
ON THE REDUCTION OF THE STANDARD TAX RATE, MR CHAN NOTED THAT IT WAS ONLY A + TWO PER CENT FORWARD AND HALF PER CENT BACKWARD* STEP.
HE NOTED THAT IF ONE GAUGE -THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT’S MASTER PAY SCALE (MPS), ONE WOULD FIND THAT IN 1973-74 WHEN THE MPS WAS INTRODUCED, EMPLOYEES ON MPS POINT 9 JUST ENTERED THE TAX NET.
BY 1986-87, MPS POINT 9 WAS $41 880 PER ANNUM AND IF SEVEN PER CENT WAS ADDED FOR 1987-88, THE SALARY CORRESPONDED TO MPS POINT 9 WOULD BE $44 812 PER ANNUM — WHICH WAS WHAT THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE FOR SINGLE PERSON SHOULD BE, HE SAID.
------0-------
CALL TO KEEP EXPENDITURE WITHIN LIMITS
*****
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF GOVERNMENT BUDGET WAS TO SAVE ON RESOURCES AND TO KEEP EXPENDITURE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF INCOME, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR YEUNG SAID THIS PRINCIPLE INVOLVED THE REDISTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL RESOURCES WHICH, IF IMPLEMENTED IN A REASONABLE MANNER, WOULD INCREASE THE PACE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS.
HE SAID HE AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE GROWTH OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE BASED ON THE growth RATE OF RECURRENT REVENUE AND THAT DEFICIT FINANCING SHOULD NOT BE ADOPTED AS A LONG-TERM FISCAL POLICY.
HE NOTED THAT EACH YEAR, BEFORE AND AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE BUDGET, PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WOULD PUT FORTH REQUESTS FOR TAX REDUCTION. IF ALL THESE REQUESTS HAD TO BE ACCEDED TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
THEREFORE, A REASONABLE REDISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES WAS ESSENTIAL. IT SHOULD, HOWEVER, FOLLOW THE PRINCIPLE OF +EFFECTIVE PROVISION* TO AVOID WASTAGE AND CASES IN WHICH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THAT MERITED ALLOCATION OF FUNDS OR EARLY DEVELOPMENT WERE NOT PROVIDED WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES, HE SAID.
HE SAID THE HEALTHY GROWTH OF EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION THIS YEAR SHOWED THAT EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT STILL OCCUPIED A PROMINENT POSITION.
/+BUT IF ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
+ BUT IF IT IS TO RETAIN SUCH A POSITION ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FINANCE ALL THE EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION BY PUBLIC FUNDS,* HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER RAISING THE SCHOOL FEES OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTES TO MEET THE TREMENDOUS EXPENDITURE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF EDUCATION.
TURNING TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, MR YEUNG NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE IN 1982 THAT THE RATIO OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS TO STUDENTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED WHEN THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER SUPPLY.
+SINCE THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE YOUTH PROBLEM SERIOUSLY AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IMPORTANCE SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, WHY IS IT STILL UNABLE TO ALLOCATE THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO FULFIL ITS PROMISE AFTER FIVE YEARS WHEN BOTH MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE READILY AVAILABLE?* MR YEUNG ASKED.
ADDING THAT THE ABUSE OF SOFT DRUGS BY YOUNG PEOPLE HAD BECOME A TERRITORY-WIDE PROBLEM, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER ALLOCATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO REINFORCE ANT I-NARCOTICS WORK.
TURNING TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, MR YEUNG SAID THE GREATEST THREAT POSED BY THE 10 000 OR SO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES STRANDED IN HONG KONG MIGHT BE COMPARED TO A TIME BOMB WHICH COULD EXPLODE AT ANY TIME, AND NOT JUST THE S100 MILLION-PLUS EXPENDITURE WHICH HAD TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE GOVERNMENT ANNUALLY.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD TO WATCH CLOSELY THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN HER UNDERTAKING TO GIVE ACTIVE CONSIDERATION TO THE PROBLEM, SO AS TO ENSURE THAT DUE IMPORTANCE WAS ATTACHED TO THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
NOTING THAT SECURITY SERVICES WERE A THRIVING TRADE IN HONG KONG, HE SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT MUCH IMPORTANCE HAD BEEN ATTACHED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO THE SECURITY TRADE AS WELL AS TO THE STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY SECURITY COMPANIES.
+1 HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENACT, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE SERVICE STANDARD OF THE SECURITY TRADE SO THAT IT COULD BECOME PROFESSIONALISED,* HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ADDED THAT HE HAD TO TOUCH ON A SERIOUS PROBLEM CONCERNING SECURITY - THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF FALSE BURGLAR ALARMS. HE NOTED THAT IN 1985, THE POLICE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 25 846 BURGLAR ALARMS, BUT ONLY 201 OF THEM WERE GENUINE. AS A RESULT, THE POLICE HAD WASTED 150 000 MAN-HOURS IN HANDLING SUCH CASES.
THIS SITUATION MUST BE RECTIFIED, HE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE EARLY ACTION TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO CONTROL ALARM SYSTEMS, SO AS TO REDUCE THE WASTAGE OF POLICE RESOURCES,* HE SAID.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
4
INCREASED SECURITY APPROPRIATION NEEDED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER INCREASING THE APPROPRIATION ON SECURITY SERVICES IN THE BUDGET FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE TERRITORY’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
THE CALL WAS MADE THE HON CHUNG COUNCIL DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE
PUI-LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID LAW AND ORDER AND THE WHOLE SECURITY SYSTEM OF HONG KONG HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. HOWEVER, FOR LONG TERM PLANNING PURPOSES, VARIOUS PROGRAMMES AND ARRANGEMENTS TO SAFEGUARD SECURITY SHOULD BE GRADUALLY STEPPED UP.
HE SUGGESTED THAT SEVERAL AREAS
CONCERNING THE SECURITY
APPROPRIATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS TOP PRIORITIES.
MR CHUNG SAID FIRSTLY, CHANGING SITUATIONS AND MEASURES ADOPTED DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD WOULD DEMAND ADDITIONAL POLICE MANPOWER TO ENSURE GOOD INTERNAL ORDER, MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER AND DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES.
SECONDLY, IN THE AREA OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THERE WAS A NEED TO IMPROVE COMPREHENSIVELY THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, AMEND THE WATCHMEN ORDINANCE, DEVELOP NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME AND, ABOVE ALL, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
AS FAR AS PUBLIC ORDER WAS CONCERNED, MR CHUNG BELIEVED DISTRICT OFFICES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD NEED TO BE SUPPORTED BY A STRENGTHENED POLICE FORCE.
THIRDLY, AS THE GOVERNOR HAD SUGGESTED TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO CONSIDERING THE SUBJECT OF COUNTERING THE TRIAD PROBLEM, THE POLICE FORCE SHOULD OF COURSE BE STRENGTHENEDj AND DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION NETS MIGHT HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC WITH THE POLICE AS THE CENTRE OF COMMUNICATION.
FOURTHLY, THE PREVENTION, INVESTIGATION AND ARREST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS MIGHT BECOME A SPECIAL LONG-TERM JOB.
FIFTHLY, THE WORK OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND THE POLICE IN COMBATING ORGANISED ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTICS MIGHT ALSO NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED.
HOWEVER, TO REINFORCE THE SUPPRESSION OF NARCOTICS AND TO PREVENT SMUGGLING, IT WAS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE INSTANTLY THE EQUIPMENT USED BY SECURITY STAFF.
/SIXTHLY, .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
5
SIXTHLY, ALTHOUGH HONG KONG WAS NOT A SHOULD BE ADEQUATE PREPARATORY MEASURES TO
POLICE STATE, THERE COMBAT TERRORISTS
ACTIVITIES AND VIOLENCE SO AS TO ENSURE LAW AND ORDER DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
LASTLY, MR CHUNG SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAN APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENT MEASURES TO INCREASE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO THE POLICE AND CORRESPONDINGLY TO REDUCE MILITARY EXPENSES IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997.
AS A WHOLE, MR CHUNG SAID +IT WAS ACTUAL NEEDS+.
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGET RATHER BALANCED+ AND + IT MET
HE SAID HE SUPPORTED THE PRACTICAL PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THIS +SURPLUS BUDGET+ AND WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT HONG KONG WOULD DEVELOP FURTHER FINANCIALLY AND POLITICALLY AS IT ENTERED THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
HE ADDED THAT MAINTAINED AND THE STABILISE ECONOMIC
HE HOPED THE POLICY OF LOW TAXATION WOULD BE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE LONG-TERM PLANNING TO RESOURCES.
MR CHUNG SUPPORTED THE WIDEN THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TO STUDY THE ISSUE.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO TAXES AND PROPOSED A COMMITTEE
NOTING THAT THIS WAS A NEW FISCAL PLAN, HE SAID, HOWEVER, DIRECT TAX ON ACTUAL INCOME WAS NOT ONLY FAIR BUT MORE IN KEEPING WITH The PRINCIPLE OF OVERALL ECONOMIC BALANCE.
♦INDIRECT TAXES ARE NORMALLY DEPENDENT ON THE EXTENT OF CONSUMPTION. UNLESS IT IS CERTAIN THAT INCREASING CONSUMPTION WILL STIMULATE PRODUCTION, COMMODITY PRICES WILL INEVITABLY BE BOOSTED IF A WIDENED SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES IS PUT IN USE FOR A LONG TERM.
♦UNDER DEFICIT TRADING CONDITIONS, IMPORTED INFLATION WILL DEFINITELY BE ACCELERATED.
♦IN TURN, THE GENERAL PURCHASING POWER OF THE CONSUMER MARKET WILL RELATIVELY BE WEAKENED AND SALES WILL BE SLOWED DOWN OR REDUCED, RESULTING IN A DIRECT IMPACT ON PRODUCTION OUTLET AND TAX REVENUE,+ HE SAID.
AS A WHOLE, MR CHUNG SAID HE WAS WORRIED THAT THE LOSS INCURRED BY THE WIDENING OF THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES WOULD OUTWEIGH THE EXPECTED GAIN.
FINALLY, HE SAID THAT THE FOLLOWING THREE MEASURES MUST BE CARRIED OUT IF HONG KONG WAS TO TAG THE ABUNDANT FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
/FIRSTLY.........
THURSDAY, MARCH 1
6
FIRSTLY, THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW MUST BE UPHELD TO ENSURE POLITICAL STABILITY AND SOCIAL ORDER.
SECONDLY, THE ECONOMIC STATUS AND GOOD RELATIONSHIP WHICH HONG KONG HAD ATTAINED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE MUST BE MADE FULL USE OF, AND POSITIVE ACTION TAKEN TO CREATE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR MORE PRIVATE INVESTMENTS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
FURTHERMORE, ASSISTANCES BUT NOT ALLOWANCES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN ITS MOVE TOWARDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND TREMENDOUS EFFORTS MUST BE PUT IN EXTENDING NEW MARKETS IN ORDER TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S POTENTIAL.
THIRDLY, HONG KONG MUST NOT ONLY PUT THE FUNCTION OF HONG KONG AS THE WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST FINANCIAL CENTRE INTO FULL PLAY BUT ALSO MASTER MARKET MANAGEMENT.
HE SAID TEN OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSMEN WERE ATTRACTED TO HONG KONG AS A RESULT OF ITS FREE SYSTEMS AND LOW TAX POLICY.
YET THERE WAS ALWAYS A BIG RISK IN SPECULATION, HE WARNED.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROMPTLY PROCEED TO ENACT LAWS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN ORDER TO AVOID A STORM IN THE MARKET, HE SAID.
------o-------
TIME RIGHT TO RELY MORE ON INDIRECT TAXES X X X X X
A REVIEW OF THE APPROPRIATENESS AND PURPOSE OF MOVING TOWARDS GREATER RELIANCE ON INDIRECT TAXATION AS A MEANS OF RAISING GOVERNMENT REVENUES MAY NOW BE OPPORTUNE, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR LEE AGREED THAT A GRADUAL BROADENING OF THE TAX BASE BECAME MORE FEASIBLE AS THE SOCIETY BECAME WEALTHIER.
+INDEED FOR EQUITY REASONS IT MAY NOT BE UNDESIRABLE TO SPREAD SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES TO THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY SOME TAXES BUT NOT PRESENTLY INCLUDED IN THE TAX NET,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN SO DOING IT OPENED UP THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCING THE TAX BURDEN ON THE +SANDWICHED CLASS+ AND MIGHT ALSO PROVIDE A STABLE SOURCE OF GOVERNMENT REVENUE WHILE MAINTAINING A LOW TAX SYSTEM.
/HE CAUTIONED .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
HE CAUTIONED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER GREATER RELIANCE ON INDIRECT TAXES SHOULD BE SENSITIVE TO THE INHERENT REGRESSIVE NATURE OF SUCH TAXES AND SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY POSITIVE MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE BENEFITS FROV A BROADENED TAX BASE WOULD NOT BE BORNE BY THOSE WHO WERE THE LEAST WELL-OFF IN THE SOCIETY.
HE STRESSED THAT A BROADENING OF THE TAX BASE SHOULD NOT BE A PRETEXT FOR RAISING TOTAL GOVERNMENT REVENUES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TAXES WOULD ONLY BE ACCEPTABLE IF IT WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MEASURES TO REDUCE TAXES FROM OTHER REVENUE RESOURCES OR TO ELIMINATE VARIOUS OTHER LEVIES.
MR LEE SAID HE HAD THOUGHT VERY HARD TO THINK OF SOME NEW INDIRECT TAXES THAT COULD BE IMPOSED ON THE PUBLIC WHICH WERE EQUITABLE.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A TAX COULD BE CHARGED ON EXPENSIVE MEALS COSTING MORE THAN $100 PER HEAD BUT ADMITTED THAT THIS MIGHT NOT BE EASY TO SUPERVISE.
TURNING TO THE NEED FOR CONSISTENCY ON THE APPLICATION OF SOUND POLICIES, MR LEE NOTED IT WAS WIDELY BELIEVED THAT THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF HONG KONG OWED MUCH TO THE CONTINUED ADOPTION OF SOUND POLICIES WITHIN A LIBERAL, OPEN AND MARKET-ORIENTED ECONOMIC SYSTEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A FUNCTIONAL MARKET SYSTEM COULD ONLY BE achieved through free competition and not by the entrenchment of MONOPOLY INTERESTS OR T';HE PROVISION OF INCENTIVES TO PARTICULAR COMPANIES OR INDUSTRIES.
+PUBLIC INTEREST CAN ONLY BE DEFENDED AND THE PUBLIC’S FAITH IN THE GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY BE PRESERVED THROUGH CONSISTENCY IN ADHERING TO OUR SOUND ECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY POLICIES,+ HE SAID.
------0--------
CUMBERSOME APPLICATION PROCEDURE CRITICISED
X * * * *
t
THE HON SELINA CHOw TODAY (THURSDAY) CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR KINDERGARTEN FEE ASSISTANCE AS +CUMBERSOME AND BUREAUCRAT IC+ DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE.
NOTING THAT LESS THAN 25 PER CENT OF THE 40 000 ELIGIBLE KINDERGARTEN PUPILS ACTUALLY RECEIVED FEE ASSISTANCE, MRS CHOW SAID THE PROCEDURE LOOKED +MORE LIKE AN ATTEMPT TO DISCOURAGE APPLICATION THAN AN EFFORT TO BE HELPFUL+ AND CALLED FOR IMMEDIATE
IMPROVEMENT.
/SHE POINTED........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
8
SHE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE FEE ASSISTANCE METHODOLOGY PROPOSED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION NO. 2 REPORT, THE NET FOR ELIGIBLE PARENTS WOULD BE WIDENED CONSIDERABLY IN 1990 AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEREFORE TACKLE THE PRESENT UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION URGENTLY.
STILL ON THE SUBJECT OF EDUCATION, MRS CHOW RECALLED SHE WAS CRITICAL DURING THE DEBATE ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION NO. 2 REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S BACK-TRACKING ON AN EARLIER DECISION TO SET UP A RESEARCH CENTRE FOR THE TRAINING OF NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS.
SAYING THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY ANSWER TO HER QUESTION, SHE URGED THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE COMMISSION TO RECONSIDER THE DECISION AND TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THIS INSTITUTE IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE PARENTS ATTACHED TO PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION.
MRS CHOW ALSO SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE HON HUI YIN-FAT’S VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY REGARDING THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SCHOOLS.
HOWEVER, SHE CAUTIONED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BECOME OVER-TOLERANT WITH DELAYS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE POLICIES AND SHOULD BE MORE VIGILANT IN CENSURING SUCH DELAYS.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF TAXATION, MRS CHOW SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT HONG KONG SHOULD MOVE TOWARDS A MORE BROADLY BASED INDIRECT TAX SYSTEM.
SHE STRESSED THAT AS INDIRECT TAXES WERE SPENDING-BASED AS OPPOSED TO DIRECT TAXES WHICH WERE EARNING-BASED, THE TAXES SHOULD BE LEVIED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ON THOSE ITEMS ON WHICH THE DECISION OF SPENDING WERE DIRECTLY RATHER THAN INDIRECTLY CONTROLLED BY THE PAYERS.
THIS RULED OUT SPENDING DECIDED ON BY CHILDREN, YOUTHS AND THE ELDERLY WHO WERE BY AND LARGE DEPENDENTS OF EARNERS, SHE SAID.
SHE EXPLAINED THIS WAS THE REASON WHY SHE HAD ALL ALONG OBJECTED TO THE TAX ON SOFT DRINKS.
MRS CHOW DID NOT THINK THAT THE REDUCTION OF HALF A PER CENT ON CORPORATE PROFITS TAX WAS NECESSARY, SAYING THAT THE 18.5 PER CENT WAS STILL LOW BY WORLD STANDARD.
♦THIS IS AN AREA WHERE WE CAN SPARE THE CONCESSION,+ SHE SAID.
ON SEPARATE TAXATION, MRS CHOW SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S COMMENT ON THIS ISSUE WAS +TOTALLY AND ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE*.
SHE SAID IT WAS NOT LOGICAL NOR FAIR TO JUSTIFY THE CONTINUATION OF A DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MARRIED WORKING WOMEN BY DISMISSING THE REMOVAL OF THAT SAME DISCRIMINATION AS A PRIVILEGE.
SHE APPEALED TO THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK AT THE MOVE AS A RECTIFICATION OF AN INJUSTICE.
+ IT IS LONG OVERDUE. WE CAN AFFORD IT. LET US HAVE IT,* SHE ADDED.
---0 - -
Thursday, march 19, 1937
9
OVERALL
REVIEW OF PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE POLICY URGED * * * * *
DR THE HON CHIU HlN-KWONG TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE OVERALL PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE POLICY WITHOUT DELAY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, DR CHIU CALLED ON THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT BRANCH AND DEPARTMENT TO RESET THE PRIORITIES IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND CARE SERVICES, BEARING IN MIND THAT UNDER A SOUND AND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH SYSTEM, THE HIGH COST HOSPITAL SERVICES ONLY PLAYED A SUBORDINATE ROLE.
IN VIEW OF THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIMARY CARE AND ITS FUNCTION OF KEEPING PATIENTS FROM BEING ADMITTED OR RE-ADMITTED TO HOSPITALS, HE STRONGLY ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE PRIMARY CARE BOTH IN TERMS OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY.
DR CHIU SAID PRIMARY CARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG WERE DISEASE-ORIENTED, SUB-STANDARD AND SPORADIC.
+THE FIRST AND FOREMOST PROBLEM I WANT TO POINT OUT IS THAT IN GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PROPER MEDICAL RECORDS FOR PATIENTS, NOT TO MENTION THE PERSONAL, CONTINUOUS OR COMPREHENSIVE CARE,+ HE SAID.
SINCE MEDICAL RECORDS FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN THEY HAD BEEN VISITING THE SAME CLINIC THEY WERE TREATED AS NEW CASES EVERY TIME THEY WENT FOR SERVICES. WORSE STILL, DOCTORS WHO TOOK CARE OF THEM DID NOT HAVE THE FAINTEST IDEAS OF THEIR MEDICAL HISTORY, HE NOTED.
DR CHIU SAID THAT KEEPING MEDICAL RECORDS OF PATIENTS WAS OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE. ONE OF THE VITAL USES OF RECORDS WAS TO IDENTIFY AND TO KEEP TRACK OF PATIENTS’ DISEASE PATTERNS AND TO ENABLE THE HEALTH AUTHORITY TO PLAN FUTURE MEDICAL SERVICES, NEEDS AND DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY.
HE SAID THE SECOND DEFICIENCY WAS THE LACK OF DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP. A CLOSE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP BUILT OVER YEARS COULD PRODUCE FRANKNESS AND HONESTY WHICH WAS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE INVESTIGATION AND management OF ILL-HEALTH.
♦UNFORTUNATELY, THE THREE-MINUTE MEDICAL CONSULTATION IN OUT-PATIENT CLINICS LEAVES A VACUUM IN THIS AREA,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE MUST CLARIFY THAT IT WAS NOT THAT GOVERNMENT DOCTORS DID NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR PATIENTS, BUT IT WAS BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TIME TO CARE.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
- 10
HE SAID THAT ANOTHER PROBLEM FACING GOVERNMENT DOCTORS IN OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WAS LOW STAFF MORALE.
HE NOTED THAT GENERAL PRACTITIONERS RELIED ON THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS TO DESIGN AND ORGANISE CONTINUE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND TO GIVE ACCREDITATIONS. SUCH POSTGRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAMMES HAD NOT BEEN SUPPORTED BY PUBLIC FUNDS.
MANY CONSCIENTIOUS GENERAL PRACTITIONERS WENT ABROAD FOR ADVANCE TRAINING ON THEIR OWN AND CAME BACK TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY SERVICE IN THEIR WORK PLACE. HOWEVER, POST BASIC QUALIFICATION IN GENERAL PRACTICE OBTAINED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA OR HONG KONG WERE NOT GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION BY WAY OF BONUS INCREMENT FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, DR CHIU ADDED.
UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, MANY OF THEM LEFT THE PUBLIC SECTOR FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE. THOSE WHO REMAINED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WORKED UNDER PRESSURE AND WITH LOW STAFF MORALE, HE SAID.
+ AS LONG AS SUCH DETRIMENTAL ELEMENTS REMAINS, OUR PRIMARY CARE SERVICE CAN NEVER BE IMPROVED,* DR CHIU SAID.
TURNING TO FAMILY MEDICINE, HE SAID THAT A GREAT DEFICIENCY IN THE PRESENT MEDICAL SYSTEM WAS THAT FAMILY MEDICINE, WHICH WAS THE MOST ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT OF HEALTH CARE, HAD NOT YET BEEN BUILT INTO THE HEALTH SYSTEM.
+ | REGRET TO SAY THAT IN THE PAST FEW DECADES AN OVERWHELMING CONCENTRATION OF CARE ON HOSPITAL IS A MISPLACE OF EMPHASIS AND THAT THF PUBLIC IS LED TO BELIEVE THAT HOSPITAL SERVICE IS ALL THEY NEED TO SOLVE THEIR HEALTH PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
THAT EXPLAINED WHY A LARGE NUMBER OF CHRONIC PATIENTS WERE OCCUPYING ACUTE HOSPITAL BEDS TODAY, DR CHIU SAID.
+ THIS IS BECAUSE INSTEAD OF PROVIDING THEM WITH PERSONAL AND CONTINUING CARE WITH SPECIALISED SUPPORT FROM HOSPITALS AT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL, WE GIVE THEM COSTLY HOSPITAL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
DR CHIU ALSO SAID THAT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WERE STILL WAITING FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION IN REGARD TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONSULTANCY REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS.
*WE, APART FROM LOOKING UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO DO SOMETHING TO IMPROVE OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES, WORKING CONDITIONS AND SO FORTH, WISH TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SAID REPORT THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON health services and the medical development advisory committee CONSIDERED NOT NECESSARILY LINKED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL AUTHORITY,* HE SAID.
/turning to .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL DR CHIU NOTED THAI THE HOSPITAL WAS OPERATED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE DEFENCE COST AGREEMENT AND THAT ITS BUDGET, SUBSUMED WITH THE OVERALL COSTS OF THE GARRISON, WAS NOT SEPARATELY identifiable.
he said he would continue to look up to the government for the
RELEASE OF THE NEEDED INFORMATION WHEN IT WAS AVAILABLE.
------0--------
CALL TO MAINTAIN PRESENT INVESTMENT CLIMATE *****
IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS PRESENT FAVOURABLE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT TO ATTRACT EVEN MORE OVERSEAS INVESTORS FOR A LONG PERIOD, THE HON HU FA-KUANG SAID TODAY (Thursday).
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HU POINTED OUT THAT THERE COULD BE HESITATION FROM LOCAL INVESTORS TO FURTHER THEIR CAPITAL INVESTMENT TOWARDS THE END OF THE DECADE AS IT WOULD BE ONLY SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS BEFORE 1997.
HE SAID THE CONTINUED INVESTMENT BY FOREIGN INVESTORS WOULD PUT THE MIND OF LOCAL INVESTORS AT EASE ON THE FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG EVEN BEYOND 1997.
TURNING TO THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, MR HU PRAISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR HAVING WISELY DECIDED TO LOWER THE STANDARD TAX RATE AND PROFIT TAX BY 0.5 PER CENT WHICH GAVE A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF FUTURE MOVEMENT.
HE ALSO SHARED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT THE STABILITY OF PUBLIC FINANCES COULD BEST BE ASSURED BY ENDEAVOURING TO DEVELOP A BROADLY BASED TAX SYSTEM AND TO SPREAD THE TAX BURDEN MORE WIDELY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY.
COMPARING THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION, MR HU AGREED THAT A PRACTICAL APPROACH SHOULD BE TAKEN IN DEVELOPING A BROADLY BASED TAX SYSTEM.
+ INITI ALLY, WE SHOULD ONLY CONSIDER THOSE ITEMS WHICH ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO USE LESS OR EVEN NO USAGE,* HE SAID.
MR HU NOTED A NUMBER OF SHORTFALLS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
/HE SAID........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
12 -
HE SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED FOR THOSE WHO WERE THE LEAST ABLE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND WHO HAD BEEN RELYING ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND ON SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES.
HE CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF ALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCALES OF WHICH NO PROVISION WAS MADE IN THE BUDGET.
MR HU ALSO NOTED THAT HO PROVISION WAS MADE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMPROVED RATIO FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER.
AS THIS AREA OF NEED HAD BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED, HE SUGGESTED THAT SEPARATE AND ADDITIONAL FUNDS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED TO PROCEED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF THIS VERY IMPORTANT SERVICE.
MR HU MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM OF THE MENTALLY ILL WAS ANOTHER AREA FOR CONCERN AND SAID RECENT TRAGIC INCIDENTS WERE NOT JUST ISOLATED CASES.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT A CRITICAL REVIEW OF EXISTING PROVISION OF FACILITIES SUCH AS HALF-WAY HOUSES AND MANPOWER RESOURCES.
WITH REGARD TO HOUSING, MR HU SAID HE WELCOMED THE INITIATIVE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME WOULD GIVE POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF HOS/PSPS FLATS AN ALTERNATIVE OF AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO COVER DOWNPAYMENT TO BUY FLATS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+PROVIDED THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN KEEP THE FLAT PRICES WITHIN THE REACH OF ELIGIBLE PURCHASERS, THIS SCHEME CAN HELP GREATLY TO RESOLVE THE HOUSING REQUIREMENT FOR THOSE IN NEED WHILE THE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO BUILD AT LEAST 40 000 UNITS INCLUDING RENTAL HOUSING AND HOS/PSPS FLATS,+ HE SAID.
MR HU ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT NOW CONSIDER THE SALE OF PSPS SITES WITHOUT UNDERTAKING TO BUY BACK UNSOLD FLATS WHICH COULD BE SOLD FREELY BY THE DEVELOPERS AFTER AN AGREED TIME INTERVAL.
HE SAID THIS PROPOSED REVISED TERM COULD RELIEVE THE government FROM The financial risk of buying back UNSOLD FLATS.
------o-------
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
13
IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICES NEEDED
*****
THE 1987-88 BUDGET HAS HARDLY MADE ANY THE BASIC STANDARD OF SERVICES ESSENTIAL TO OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG, THE HON HUI (THURSDAY).
PROVISION FOR IMPROVING THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT YIN-FAT SAID TODAY
MR HUI NOTED THAT THE
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, I...
$625 MILLION SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION FOR THE YEAR 1987-88 REPRESENTED ONLY MORE THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET.
+ON THE OTHER HAND SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS, AMOUNTING TO «1 767 MILLION, ABSORBS SOME FOUR PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET, OR 63 PER CENT OF TOTAL ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT WHILE THE PERCENTAGE INCREASES FOR INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES APPEARED TO BE LARGE, RANGING FROM 3i PER CENT FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES TO 18 PER CENT FOR FAMILY SERVICES, THE BULK OF SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION WAS DESIGNATED FOR MAINTAINING existing services and funding new projects, only a small sum was left OVER FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES.
MR HUI ALSO NOTED THAT REHABILITATION, ONE OF THE MOST DEPRIVED SERVICE AREAS, WAS GIVEN ONLY $500 000 TO RAISE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.
♦ THESE FIGURES ONLY ATTEST TO THE EXTREMELY LOW PRIORITY AWARDED TO THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DREW UP ITS BUDGET ESTIMATES,+ HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THAT CHILD ABUSE CASES SUCH AS THE KWOK AH-NUI CASE, TRAGIC DEATHS IN CHILD CARE INSTITUTIONS, INCREASING NUMBER OF DIVORCE CASES, FREQUENT INCIDENTS OF GANG FIGHTS AMONG SCHOOL DRO OUTS AND THE GROWING WAITING LIST TO HOMES FOR THE AGED WERE GLARING EXAMPLES OF FAILURES IN PROVIDING TIMELY REMEDIES TO PEOPLE IN NEED.
nF ADDED THAT THESE FAILURES WERE LARGELY ATTRIBUTED TO THE iimpfai I^TIOAIIY LOW MANNING RATIO OF HONG KONG'S SOCIAL WORK FORCE iqWEM Is THE STRENGTH AND LACK OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF WELFARE JORWRS. ThIs WS WE OF THE REASONS WHY SERVICE STANDARDS HAD TO BE IMPROVED, HE SAID.
Turcp vjprf REASONABLE ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS PRODUCED THROUGH PAINSTAKING EFFORTS MADE BY JOTH GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE ON-GOING FIVE-YEAR PLAN REVIEW EXERCISE, H- SAID.
+ IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS NEGLECTED THE ?„"a"t ITA^^SHET^RB°w^r^TT KM 1 "IAJs Vn°E DoSn
THE DRAIN,+ HE SAID.
/MR HUI ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 14 -
MR HUI SAID THAT WITH AN OVERALL SURPLUS OF «4.9 BILLION FOR. THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IT WAS HIGH TIME THAT THE GOVERNMENT HONOURED ITS COMMITMENTS.
HE SAID THAT $38 MILLION WAS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT ALL AGREED IMPROVEMENTS THIS YEAR AND TO UPGRADE ALL SERVICES TO A REASONABLE STANDARD, AND THAT A SUM OF $36 MILLION, DERIVING FROM SURPLUSES ACCUMULATED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PAST YEARS, WOULD BE USED TO FUND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES ON A THREE-YEAR BASIS.
+THUS AN EXTRA $26 MILLION, REPRESENTING A TINY FRACTION OF OUR TOTAL BUDGET, CAN IMMEDIATELY RESOLVE OUR PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
MR HUI ALSO NOTED THAT THE FORMER FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD PROMISED LAST YEAR, TO LOOK INTO THE PERCENTAGE SHARE OF THE TOTAL PROCEEDS FROM THE LOTTERIES GOING INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND, WHICH HAD DROPPED FROM 5.75 PER CENT IN 1983 TO 1.5 PER CENT IN 1985.
+MY PROPOSAL, THEREFORE, IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REINSTATE THE FUND TO THE ORIGINAL 5.75 PER CENT AND APPROPRIATE 25 PER CENT OF THIS AMOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES,* MR HUI SAID.
TURNING TO THE ISSUE OF CHARGING FEES FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, MR HUI SAID THAT WHILE FEE CHARGING HAD ITS MERIT, INCLUDING GIVING SERVICE RECIPIENTS A SENSE OF PRIDE AND DIGNITY, IT WAS ONLY APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TYPES OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SUCH AS RECREATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES.
HONG KONG’S EXISTING SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY WAS GEARED TOWARDS HELPING THOSE WHO COULD LEAST HELP THEMSELVES - THE DEPRIVED, THE VULNERABLE AND PEOPLE AT RISK. FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT OR MIGHT NOT SEEK HELP VOLUNTARILY, FEE CHARGING WAS OUT OF THE QUESTION, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG HAD PROGRESSED TO A STAGE WHERE SOCIAL WELFARE COULD NOT BE ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE QUANTITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED.
+TODAY, WE HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SERVICE STANDARDS MUST BE ADEQUATE FOR CLIENTS TO MAINTAIN A DECENT LEVEL OF LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT BY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES, HONG KONG WOULD NOT ONLY ENABLE PEOPLE TO SHARE THE PROSPERITY TO WHICH THEY ALL CONTRIBUTED, BUT ALSO TAKE ONE STEP FURTHER IN THE PURSUIT OF EQUITY AND JUSTICE AS OPPOSED TO CHARITY.
~ 0
/15........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
15
’SANDWICHED CLASS’ STILL LEFT IN THE COLD
*****
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT DESPITE THE ROSY PICTURE PAINTED BY THE 1987-88 BUDGET, THERE WERE STILL A FEW PROBLEM AREAS TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MUST ADDRESS ITSELF.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT FOREMOST IN HIS MIND WAS THE CRITICISM THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONTINUED TO LEAVE THE SO-CALLED +SANDWICHED CLASS+ IN THE COLD ONCE AGAIN EMERGED IN A DISCORDANT NOTE.
♦THERE IS A BELIEF AMONG CERTAIN SECTORS OF OPINIONS THAT THE OVERALL PERSONAL INCOME TAX POLICY TENDS TO FAVOUR THE WELL-TO-DO THROUGH THE LIMIT OF A STANDARD TAX RATE AS WELL AS THOSE IN THE LOW INCOME BRACKETS, WHO ARE ENJOYING BENEFITS SUCH AS LOW-COST PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID THERE WERE DISCREPANCIES OF FAIRNESS IN THE TREATMENT OF INCOME EARNERS OF DIFFERENT BRACKETS, AND THE SANDWICHED CLASS WOULD HAVE TO BEAR WITH THE DEPRIVATION OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS.
TO HELP REDRESS THE IMBALANCE OF TREATMENT TOWARDS THE MIDDLE-CLASS WAGE EARNERS, MR CHEUNG SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A TAX REBATE SYSTEM IN THE FORM OF PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCES FOR HOUSING MORTGAGES.
THE measure would likely promote the development of hong KONG’S PROPERTY MARKET AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED TO HOME OWNERSHIP. THIS WOULD ALSO INDUCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY THROUGH THE PRIVATE ACQUISITION OF HOUSING UNITS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S TAX PROPOSALS, MR CHEUNG SAID DIRECT TAXATION SET AT A HIGH LEVEL WOULD NO DOUBT DAMPEN PEOPLE’S INCENTIVE AND BE UNFAIR TO THOSE COVERED BY THE DIRECT TAXATION NET.
ON THE OTHER HAND, A BROADLY BASED INDIRECT TAX WAS NOT WITHOUT ITS ADVERSE EFFECT, HE SAID.
+TO BROADEN THE INDIRECT TAX BASE WOULD MEAN THE IMPOSITION OF DUTIES AND FEES ON MORE ITEMS OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES WHICH WOULD INEVITABLY INCLUDE NON-LUXURI OUS ITEMS,+ HE SAID. SUCH A MEASURE WOULD AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS A WHOLE, PARTICULARLY THE LOWER INCOME GROUP.
HE SAID THE DUTIES AND FEES IMPOSED ON EACH ITEM MIGHT BE MILD, BUT IF THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES WERE TO BE WIDENED, THE ACCUMULATED EXPENSES WOULD LAY A BIG FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR THE LESS AFFLUENT.
/he urged .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 19&7
- 16 -
HE URGED THAT GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE DECIDING ON ANY MOVE TO BROADEN THE INDIRECT TAX BASE.
MR CHEUNG ALSO SAID THAT AS HONG KONG NOW HAD A HANDSOME AMOUNT OF SURPLUS AND A MORE ROBUST ECONOMIC GROWTH, IT WAS HIGH TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEND MORE IN BUILDING A STRONGER INFRASTRUCTURE.
HE SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ALLOCATE SUFFICIENT DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR THE VAST AREA OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD MEET THE GROWING EXPECTATION OF THE POPULATION THERE.
♦ ANY ATTEMPT TO SHIFT THE DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT WILL CERTAINLY CALL INTO QUESTION THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION ON LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AT A TIME OF CRUCIAL CHANGES,* HE SAID. * *
------o-------
CALL TO AIM FOR STABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE HON POON CHl-FAI TODAY (THURSDAY) ASKED HONG KONG PEOPLE NOT TO FEEL OVERJOYED BECAUSE OF THE TEMPORARY SPAN OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.
HE SAID HONG KONG SHOULD DEDICATE ITS EFFORTS TO STRIVE FOR A STABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT WITH LONG-TERM GROWTH.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR POON SAID SOCIAL STABILITY AND PROSPERITY WAS A PREREQUISITE FOR CREATING WEALTH AND RESOURCES. HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT IN THE COURSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM, ONE MUST BE PRAGMATIC AND DEVELOP STEP BY STEP, SO THAT HONG KONG'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
HE ADDED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT OF MANPOWER TRAINING, THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY, THE PROVISION OF ATTRACTIVE CONDITIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, THE PREVENTION OF EXCESSIVE SPECULATION ACTIVITIES, RESTRAINT ON THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND MINIMISATION OF UNNECESSARY WASTAGE WERE ALL IMPORTANT FACTORS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
TURNING TO THE BUDGET ITSELF, MR POON TOUCHED ON THE SUBJECT OF ROAD TOLLS.
/HE SAID........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
HE SAID IT APPEARED THAT TRAFFIC CONGESTION SEEMED TO BE AN ORDINARY PROBLEM HERE, BUT ITS ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY WERE FAR-REACHING, SUCH AS WASTAGE OF COMMUTERS’ TIME, AND INCREASES IN PETROL CONSUMPTION AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS.
MR POON CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPEDITE STUDIES ON FINDING A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
HE SAID HE DISAGREED WITH THE PROPOSAL BY AUTHORITIES TO INCREASE TOLLS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL IN ORDER TO REDUCE CONGESTION.
+IT WOULD IMPOSE EXTRA BURDEN ON PEOPLE LIVING OR WORKING IN SHA TIN AND ITS NEIGHBOURING AREAS.
+NOT ONLY WILL THE COST OF LIVING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF PEOPLE IN THOSE AREAS BE AFFECTED, THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF RESIDENTIAL OR INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THOSE AREAS WILL ALSO SUFFER DIRECTLY,+ HE SAID.
CITING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AS AN EXAMPLE, MR POON SAID UNLESS GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO MAKE DRASTIC AND PERSISTENT INCREASES IN TUNNEL TOLLS, THE EFFECT OF A SLIGHT INCREASE TO EASE CONGESTION WAS ONLY TEMPORARY.
+IN THE LONG RUN, APART FROM SPEEDING UP THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER OTHER RELIEVING MEASURES, SUCH AS COMPULSORY USE OF PREPAID TUNNEL TOKENS INSTALLING AUTOMATIC TOLLING MACHINES AT THE TUNNEL ENTRANCE AND IMPOSING DOUBLE CHARGES ON DRIVERS WHO PAY THEIR TOLLS ON THE SPOT.
+THESE MEASURES MIGHT SPEED UP THE PASSAGE OF VEHICLES THROUGH TOLL BOOTHS AND HELP IMPROVE THE SERVICE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AS WELL AS PROVIDING A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL,+ MR POON SAID.
ON THE WIDENING OF THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXATION, MR POON SAID HE FELT IT MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GENERATE, AS EXPECTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, A STABLE REVENUE FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ON THE CONTRARY, HE SAID, MORE PEOPLE OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER CLASSES WOULD BE CAUGHT IN THE NET OF INDIRECT TAXES.
TURNING TO THE GRAND PROJECT CONCERNING THE PROPOSED NEW AIRPORT RECENTLY PUT UP BY THE HOPEWELL-HUTCHISON CONSORTIUM, MR POON SAID IT WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE A FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AS WELL AS THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
BUT IN VIEW OF THE TREMENDOUS SCALE OF THE PROJECT, THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF CAPITAL INVOLVED, AND THE SERIOUS IMPACT ON THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, we SHOULD NOT ACT RASHLY AND MUST EXERCISE EXTREME CARE AND CARRY OUT METICULOUS EXAMINATION BEFORE DRAWING A CONCLUSION, HE SAID.
-------0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
HK’S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OUTLINED
*****
PROTECTIONIST PRESSURE COMPOUNDED WITH A WEAK TECHNOLOGY BASE IS THE REAL PROBLEM THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TACKLE IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE 199O’S, THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.
HE NOTED THAT PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT WAS GROWING IN HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE UNITED STATES, AND HONG KONG WAS CAUGHT IN THE NET EVEN THOUGH FREE TRADE WAS ADVOCATED AND PRACTISED HERE.
+MANY OF OUR INDUSTRIES ARE PREDOMINANTLY VALUE-ADDED ASSEMBLY-TYPE INDUSTRIES LACKING A STRONG TECHNOLOGY BASE WHICH, IN THE LONG RUN, WILL LOSE THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE DUE TO INCREASING COSTS,+ HE SAID.
AGREEING THAT DIVERSIFICATION, ATTRACTING FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER WERE ALL IMPORTANT ISSUES, MR LEE SAID HE HOPED THAT THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD. COULD COME UP WITH SOME POSITIVE PROPOSALS AND SOLUTIONS.
HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO HONG KONG’S MARKETS AND POTENTIAL MARKETS.
REFERRING IN PARTICULAR TO JAPAN, HE SUGGESTED HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIALISTS SHOULD LEARN THE +THREE P’S+ OF THE JAPANESE BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY - PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.
+WE MUST ALSO ADHERE TO THE JAPANESE STRICT REQUIREMENTS ON QUALITY AND DESIGN,+ HE ADDED.
MR LEE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE DIFFICULTY LAY IN THE FORMULATION OF A SOUND MARKETING STRATEGY AND POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN THIS AREA WAS NECESSARY.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR LEE STRESSED THAT INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION WAS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE.
HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN MANY TIMES BEFORE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ENHANCING THE REPUTATION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG AND ON HOW TO STRENTHEN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THESE INSTITUTIONS.
HE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECOGNISE THE WEAKNESS IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND POINTED OUT THAT THE INVESTMENT MUST BE MADE.
/+TT IS
I
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 19 -
+ IT IS EXPENSIVE BUT IT WILL RESULT IN A GREAT MANY INVISIBLE BENEFITS IN OUR FUTURE,* HE SAID.
LASTLY, MR LEE REFERRED TO THE SUBJECT OF INSIDER DEALING IN HONG KONG.
CONCEDING THAT A LOT OF DIFFICULTIES AND SENSITIVITIES WERE INVOLVED, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE RESPONSIBI LTY TO PROTECT INVESTORS FROM UNETHICAL PRACTICES.
+ l RECOGNISE THAT INSIDER DEALING IS ONLY ONE OF THE INTRICACIES OF BEING A FINANCIAL CENTRE BUT I FEEL OUR PHILOSOPHY SHOULD BE ONE WHEREBY WE STAND TALL ON OUR OWN MERITS AS OUR CREDITABILITY AND REPUTATION ARE ON THE LINE, ESPECIALLY AS WE HAVE ENTERED INTO THE WORLD ARENA, + HE SAID.
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NEED TO IMPROVE SECURITIES MARKET MECHANISM
* X * *
TO FOSTER HONG KONG’S CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AS ONE OF THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRES, AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE MARKET MECHANISM AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THE SECURITISATION PROCESo IS NECESSARY.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE HON KIM CHAM DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
ANY DELAY IN IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL, HE WARNED, AS OTHER CENTRES GEARED UP TO CHALLENGE HONG KONG’b POSITION Ao « MAJOR F INANC IAL CENTRE.
HE SAID THE SECURITISATION OF DEBTS INTRODUCED NEW DIMENSIJilo OF RISKS IN THESE NEW FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.
+PART OF THE SOLUTION LIES IN IMPROVING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND SUITABLE PROVISIONS AS COVER FOR THESE RISKS. PART OF THE SOLUTION APPEARS TO CALL FOR AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE MARKET MECHANISM,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT WITH UNCERTAINTIES IN A DEALERS’ MARKET IN WHICH SECURITIES OR PAPER ASSETS 'a ERE TRADED, LIQUIDITY COULD DRY UP AND BRISK TRADING MIGHT STOP SUDDENLY.
+HOWEVER, IF THESE INSTRUMENTS WERE TRADED WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN AN OPEN MARKET, THE DEPTH AND LIQUIDITY CF THE MARKET COULD BE ENHANCED,* HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 19BJ
20
TURNING TO ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE SECURITISATION PROCESS, MR CHAM SAID IN TERMS OF TURNOVER, THE SIZE OF THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET RANKED AMONG THE TOP ACTIVE MARKETS IN THE WORLD, YET CLEARING IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE WAS STILL CONDUCTED WITH THE 24-HOUR PHYSICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM.
HE FELT THIS NOT ONLY REPRESENTED A WASTE OF CLERICAL WORK AND MANPOWER, BUT IT COULD INHIBIT FURTHER GROWTH OF THE STOCK MARKET.
+ALTHOUGH IT CAN BE ARGUED THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE MUST BE LEFT TO DO ITS JOB, GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE THE NEEDED AND NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT A SIMPLER AND MORE EFFICIENT MARKET MECHANISM CONDUCIVE TO FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET,+ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGET, MR CHAM SAID HE ENDORSED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT A LABOUR FORCE AT FULL EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.
+ IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHICH IS LESS FAVOURABLY ENuOWcD IN NATURAL RESOURCES, FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICIES MUST EE uEARtD TOWARDS THE CREATION OF WEALTH BY ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES BUT NOT A MERE EMPHASIS ON THE RE-DI STR I BUT I ON OF WEALTH,+ HE NOTED.
HE ADDED THAT ECONOMIC STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE SHOULD DE FOUNDED ON A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN PRODUCTIVITY AND THE INCREASE IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WITHOUT IMPOSING A STRAIN ON THE LABOUR FORCE.
IN THE SHORT RUN, FURTHER DEMAND FOR OUTPUT COULD BE MET BY MARGINAL INCREASES OF PRODUCTIVITY OR ADDITIONAL OUTPUT THROUGH PROVISIONS IN OVERTIME EMPLOYMENT, HE SAID.
+IN THE MEDIUM TERM, WE MUST LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OUTPUT EITHER BY IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN ALL ECONOMIC SECTORS OR INDUCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECTORS WHICH COMMAND A HIGHER MARGINAL INCREASE IN VALUE-ADDED PER INCREASE IN INPUT,+ HE SUGGESTED.
WHILE EXPRESSING HIS GENERAL SATISFACTION WITH THE PACKAGE OF REVENUE AND TAX CONCESSIONS, MR CHAM ADVOCATED THAT MORE GENEROUS CHILD ALLOWANCES BE GRANTED TO SINGLE PARENTS, PARTICULARLY THE WIDOWED WITH CHILDREN TO BE RAISED.
HE ALSO SUPPORTED THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY’S CALL FOR A REDUCTION CF THE AIRPORT TAX, PROVIDED THAT THE REDUCED TAX PLUS OTHER INCOMtJ DERIVED FROM THE AIRPORT COULD COVER ITS OPERATIONAL COSTS.
AS A RESULT, THE AIRPORT TAX SHOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE li-.Aoc CF HONG KONG AS A SHOPPERS’ PARADISE, HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
21
INTERESTS OF ALL TAKEN CARE OF IN BUDGET * X * * *
THE HON LAU WONG-FAT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE 1987-88 BUDGET HAD TAKEN CARE OF THE INTERESTS OF THE VARIOUS STRATA OF THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR LAU SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD ADOPTED A CAUTIOUS AND FIRM APPROACH IN DRAWING UP THE BUDGET.
+AS THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG IS AFFECTED BY EXTERNAL FACTORS, AND IN PARTICULAR BY THE GROWING FORCE OF PROTECTIONISM, IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THE BUDGET WAS DRAWN UP IN A DISCREET MANNER,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT CLEARLY INDICATED IN THE BUDGET THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD FORMULATED AN ECONOMIC POLICY TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE LONG-TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, MR LAU SAID.
TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S TAX PROPOSALS, MR LAU SAID THAT ONE HAD TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE CONSEQUENCE OF WIDENING THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES AS PEOPLE OF THE LOWER MIDDLE CLASS WOULD SURELY BE AFFECTED.
IF IT WAS FOUND TO BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE MORE INDIRECT TAXES, THEY SHOULD ONLY BE IMPOSED ON LUXURIOUS ITEMS AND SHOULD NOT BE EXTENDED TO COVER DAILY NECESSITIES, HE SAID, ADDING THAT SALES TAX SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY OUT OF THE QUESTION.
HE ADDED THAT SINCE HONG KONG HAD MANAGED TO SURVIVE DURING THE ECONOMIC SLOW-DOWN IN THE EARLY 198O’S, THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THE TAX SYSTEM SHOULD BE CHANGED NOW WHEN THE ECONOMIC PROSPECT WAS BRIGHT.
MR LAU SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN FROM THE BUDGET THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR A FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS IN MARGINAL AND RURAL AREAS OF NEW TOWNS.
+THERE ARE REALLY VAST AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ARE REQUIRED FAIRLY URGENTLY,* HE SAID.
/HOWEVER, ........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
22
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT ONLY $25 MILLION WOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE YEAR 1987-88, THE FIRST YEAR of the five-year plan, he said this amount was far from enough.
+1 HOPE THAT The GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE FUNDS SO AS TO SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE INADEQUACIES IN THIS ASPECT,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR LAU SAID THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WAS NOT DULY TAKEN CARE OF AS THE BUDGET DID NOT INCLUDE ANY TAX CONCESSION FOR THE DEPRECIATION OF PLANT AND MACHINERY.
+WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT WITH INTENSIFYING COMPETITION IN OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS. A FAVOURABLE CALCULATION METHOD FOR DEPRECIATION WILL DEFINITELY BE EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL TO DOMESTIC PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE LOCAL ECONOMY IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DEPENDENT ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE IDEA FOR BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MR LAU SAID THAT SUCH A PROJECT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL VALUE APART FROM EASING AIR TRANSPORT IN FUTURE.
The project would UNDOUBTEDLY be an important economic JOINT VENTURE AMONG CHINA, BRITAIN, HONG KONG AND EVEN OTHER OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.
+IN OTHER words, WITH The CONSTRUCTION of an INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A SOLID FOUNDATION WILL BE LAID FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY,+ HE SAID.
---0----------
/23........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
23
LEAKAGE OF EXCO PAPER TO BE CHECKED X X X * *
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CERTAINLY LOOK INTO THE leakage OF A CONFIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PAPER ON FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, STRESSED TODAY (THURSDAY).
ASKED BY REPORTERS TO COMMENT ON THE LEAKAGE AFTER TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, HE SAID THE LEAKAGE OF CONFIDENTIAL OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS WAS A SERIOUS MATTER AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING IT SERIOUSLY.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT THINK THE LEAKAGE IN THIS CASE WOULD PUT THE GOVERNMENT INTO A DILEMMA.
HE SAID: +THE DOCUMENT ITSELF WAS, IN FACT, GOING TO BE SHOWN TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
♦THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN MORE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED BY SOMEONE
I DON’T THINK IT MATTERS IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, BUT IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE PRIVATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD REMAIN IN PRIVATE.
+THIS IS TRUE NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG, BUT IN ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, I THINK, THAT CABINET PAPERS STAY WITHIN THE CABINET.+
ON THE QUESTION OF CENSORSHIP OF FILMS, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO CONSIDER THE PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF FILMS WHICH WOULD HARM HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIPS NOT ONLY WITH CHINA, BUT WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
+WE HAVE TO, I THINK, CONSIDER THE PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF SUCH FILMS VERY SERIOUSLY INDEED,* HE SAID.
+MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG REALISE THAT THERE ARE SENSITIVITIES IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH NOT ONLY CHINA BUT WITH OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE TO BE RESPECTED,* SIR DAVID ADDED.
ASKED HOW SERIOUS THE LEAKAGE OF INFORMATION WOULD AFFECT THE GOVERNMENT IN DRAFTING REGULATIONS, HE SAID: +IT MAKES THE CONDUCT OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.*
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/24
o o
Thursday, march 19, 1987
24
HK NOW The WORLD’S SECOND BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT * * * * *
HONG KONG HAS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER OVERTAKEN NEW YORK AS THE WORLD’S SECOND BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT AFTER ROTTERDAM.
ACCORDING TO RECENTLY RELEASED FIGURES, THE PORT OF NEW YORK HANDLED 2 340 000 TEU’S (TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) IN 1986, REPRESENTING A DECLINE OF 27 000 TEU’S (OR 1.14 PER CENT) FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN COMPARISON, HONG KONG HANDLED 2 774 025 TEU’S LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 485 072 TEU’S (OR 21 PER CENT) OVER 1985.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR BERNARD TANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT WAS MADE MORE REMARKABLE BY THE FACT THAT KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS HAD AN AREA OF ONLY SOME 103 HECTARES WITH JUST FIVE TERMINALS.
♦SPACE IS STRETCHED TO ITS LIMITS FOR BOTH LOADING AND UNLOADING AS WELL AS STORING CONTAINERS,+ HE ADDED.
MR TANG POINTED OUT THAT SOME 500 000 TEU’S OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT LAST YEAR WERE HANDLED IN MID STREAM. +DESPITE THE LARGE VOLUME OF CONTAINER TRAFFIC, THE TRADITIONAL CARGO HANDLING FROM MID-STREAM CONTINUED TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
WHILE LAST YEAR’S PHENOMENAL GROWTH RATE OF 21 PER CENT WAS NOT EXPECTED TO BE MAINTAINED, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, USING AN AVERAGE NINE PER CENT GROWTH RATE PER YEAR, HE SAID.
AT THE MOMENT, A SIXTH TERMINAL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT KWAI CHUNG BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AT A COST OF ABOUT HKD2 BILLION.
♦WHEN COMPLETED IN LATE 1989, IT WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER 28 HECTARES OF LAND AT KWAI CHUNG.+
♦PLANNING IS ALSO UNDERWAY FOR TERMINAL SEVEN WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY ADD ANOTHER 32 HECTARES OF SPACE TO THE PORT,+ HE SAID. +TENDERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INVITED LATER THIS YEAR AND CONTRACTS SHOULD BE LET IN MARCH 1988.+
TERMINAL SEVEN IS EXPECTED TO BE IN OPERATION BY 1992. +BY THAT TIME HONG KONG’S TOTAL CONTAINER HANDLING CAPACITY WILL BE BOOSTED TO ABOUT 3.5 MILLION TEU’S, STRONGLY CHALLENGING ROTTERDAM’S POSITION AS THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT.+ SAID MR TANG.
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/25
Thursday, march 19, 1987
COMMISSIONER OF BANKING’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1986
*****
HONG KONG’S BANKING SECTOR HAD GENERALLY REACHED A PERIOD OF STABILITY AND CONSOLIDATION LAST YEAR AFTER A TROUBLED PERIOD A YEAR AGO, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR ROBERT FELL, SAID IN HIS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1986 PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE REPORT, THE FIRST PREPARED SINCE THE NEW BANKING ORDINANCE WAS IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON TUESDAY.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, MR FELL SAID: +THE PROBLEMS OF 1985 WERE SOLVED AND THE MAIN OBJECTIVE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1986 OF MAINTAINING STABILITY WAS ACHIEVED. THE BANKING SCENE IS NOW STABLE AND PROFITABLE.
+AS A SIGN OF THE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, BANKS CONTINUE TO SEEK ENTRY AND THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS THIS WEEK AGREED TO A FURTHER THREE BANKS RECEIVING LICENCES - TWO ITALIAN AND JAPANESE,+ HE ADDED.
THE REPORT WAS MADE UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHO, IN ADDITION TO PRESENTING TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, DISCUSSED IT WITH THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
IT CONSISTS OF FIVE PARTS COVERING THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
INTRODUCT ION
* A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERVISION AND BANKING LEADING UP TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE BANKING ORDINACE, 1986.
THE INDUSTRY
* THE MAKE-UP OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
* GENERAL STATISTICS INCLUDING GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF OWNERSHIP.
* NUMBERS, LOANS, DEPOSITS, ETC.
the office of the commissioner
* ORGANISATION AND STAFF.
* QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING.
* COMPUTERISATION.
/EVENTS IN 1986
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
26 -
EVENTS IN 1986
* MAJOR RESTRUCTURING OF CERTAIN BANKS TO OVERCOME IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS.
* NEW LICENCES AND REG ISTRATIONS1 REVOCATION.
* REVIEW OF COMFORT LETTERS.
* THE ENACTMENT OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986, THE NEW STATISTICAL RETURN.
* CLOSE LIAISON WITH OTHER BANKING SUPERVISORY BODIES OVERSEAS.
* THE MAINTENANCE OF A PUBLIC REGISTER OF ALL BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
* THE GUIDELINE ON CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BANK STAFF.
THE REPORT
* THE BANKING SCENE IN 1986.
* POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN STABILITY OF THE BANKING SECTOR.
* DECISION NOT TO INTRODUCE THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SCHEME.
* INVESTIGATIONS INTO CRIMINAL CASES IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR.
* FOLLOW-UP AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
* SIZE CRITERION OF NEW APPLICATIONS FOR BANKING LICENCE.
* FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE SUPERVISORY ROLE.
* GUIDELINES UNDER CONSIDERATION.
MR FELL SAID SUPERVISION WAS BASED ON A SYSTEM OF EXAMINATIONS AND THE REPORT GAVE THE NUMBER OF EXAMINATIONS MADE UNDER THIS ROUTINE.
+EXAMINATION OF INSTITUTIONS IS, OF COURSE, ONLY ONE OF THE TOOLS USED IN THE SUPERVISORY SYSTEM AND NOT ALL INSTITUTIONS ARE EXAMINED EVERY YEAR.
/+IN ADDITION .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 27
+IN ADDITION TO EXAMINATIONS, THERE IS AN ANALYSIS OF RETURNS SUBMITTED REGULARLY BY ALL INSTITUTIONS, THE MAINTENANCE OF A PUBLIC REGISTER CONTAINING ANNUAL AUDITED ACCOUNTS AND REPORTS, REGULAR CONTACTS WITH DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVES AND AUDITORS AND COMMUNICATION WITH OVERSEAS SUPERVISORY BODIES, VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES,* HE SAID.
IN THE REPORT, THE COST OF SUPERVISION HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED. THE DIRECT COSTS OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE FOR 1985-86 WERE IN THE ORDER OF $20 MILLION. THIS LEAVES OUT CERTAIN OTHER SUBSTANTIAL COSTS (E.G. ACCOMMODATION) AND THE COST OF THE WORK DONE BY OTHERS WHICH IS ALSO SUBSTANTIAL, E.G. THE COST OF DRAFTING THE NEW legislation.
CASES BEING PROSECUTED IN THE COURTS ARE SOMETIMES A SOURCE OF CONFUSION. THE REPORT EMPHASISES THAT THE PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED MANY OF THESE CASES TO BE DISCOVERED HAVE ALREADY BEEN DEALT WITH. THIS POINT HAS TO BE STRESSED. THE WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE IS TO PROTECT THE DEPOSITOR BY THE SYSTEM OF SUPERVISION DESCRIBED. COURT CASES MAY AND DO ARISE BUT THESE ARE SUBSEQUENT HAPPENINGS NOT NEW PROBLEMS. THE MATTERS DETECTED AND DEALT WITH IN 1985 AND 1986 WERE COMMITTED BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF MORE STRINGENT SUPERVISION.
SINCE THIS REPORT WAS MADE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS ANNOUNCED REVISED CRITERIA FOR THE LICENSING OF NEW BANKS. ANY VARIATION OF THE SIZE CRITERIA IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL AND IS LIKELY TO BE USED VERY SPARINGLY.
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SIGNIFICANT DROP IN NUMBER OF DRUG-ABUSERS X X X X X
HONG KONG’S CONTINUED DETERMINATION AND WILL TO FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS WAS REWARDED WITH A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS NEWLY REPORTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN DRUGS IN 1986 - A RECORD LOW FIGURE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
AT THE 63RD MEETING OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) TODAY (THURSDAY), COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, INFORMED MEMBERS THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE OF 22 PER CENT FROM 3 523 TO 2 747 IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA) IN COMPARISON WITH 1985.
AND THE NUMBER OF 21 DROPPED BY 17.5 PER
NEWLY REPORTED YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF CENT, FROM 949 TO 783.
/MR MORTIMER .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
28
MR MORTIMER ATTRIBUTED THE CONTINUING DOWNWARD TREND SINCE 1984 TO THE TERRITORY’S FOUR-PRONGED ANT I-DRUG STRATEGY WHICH INCLUDED LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION.
THE MEETING WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED FOR MAJOR AND MINOR DRUG OFFENCES RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT, FROM 12 434 IN 1985 TO 12 494 IN 1986.
THE PROSECUTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21 INDICATED A DECREASE OF 13.1 PER CENT FROM 1 191 IN 1985 TO 1 035 LAST YEAR.
THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS CARRIED OUT INTENSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNCEASINGLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THE MEETING NOTED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE INCREASE IN THE SEIZURES OF ILLICIT OPIATES, MAINLY NO. 3 HEROIN AND HEROIN BASE, TOTALLING 643 KILOGRAMS. A TOTAL OF 93 KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS RESIN WERE ALSO SEIZED.
MR MORTIMER SAID THAT THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS REPORTED TO THE CRDA FOR ABUSING MANDRAX HAD AROUSED CONCERN.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 260 PERSONS WERE REPORTED TO THE CRDA FOR ABUSING MANDRAX COMPARED WITH 72 IN 1985. ANOTHER 241 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR COMMITTING MANDRAX OFFENCES COMPARED WITH 60 IN 1985.
♦there was a significant increase in both the seizure of
MANDRAX TABLETS AND POWDER DURING THE YEAR,* HE SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD, 34 KILOGRAMS OF METHAQUALONE POWDER AND 273 745 MANDRAX TABLETS WERE SEIZED. HEAVY SENTENCES WERE BEING IMPOSED FOR OFFENCES INVOLVING MANDRAX.
♦ THE AMOUNT OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS RESIN SEIZED LAST YEAR DECREASED FROM 161 KILOGRAMS IN 1985 TO 93 KILOGRAMS,* MR MORTIMER ADDED.
ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES, HE NOTED THAT THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN DURING the COMING YEAR WOULD BE CONTINUED ON AN UNDIMINISHED SCALE THROUGH ELECTRONIC MEDIA, NEWSPAPERS AND POSTERS, AND IN COMMUNITY-BASED COMPAIGNS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG AND IN THE SCHOOLS.
♦ TO COMBAT THE INCREASING ABUSE OF MANDRAX AND CANNABIS, EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON INTENSIFIED PUBLICITY ON EDUCATING THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, ON THE DANGERS OF MANDRAX ABUSE,* HE SAID.
/+H0WKVER, .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
- 29
+HOWEVER, WE MUST NOT NEGLECT THE MAIN PROBLEM WHICH IS STILL THE ABUSE OF HEROIN,+ HE STRESSED.
TO GIVE FURTHER IMPETUS TO ACAN IN FORMULATING POLICIES TO CURB THE DRUG PROBLEM IN THE TERRITORY, MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF FIVE NEW MEMBERS SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR. THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 21 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA INCLUDE NINE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
THE FIVE NEW MEMBERS ARE THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, MR PAO PING-WING, MR ALAN HOO, DR JEFFREY DAY AND MRS PEGGY MIU.
MR HOO, A BARRISTER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, IS A COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION AND A MEMBER OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD FROM 1980 TO JUNE 1986.
DR DAY, A BIOLOGY TEACHER AT THE ISLAND SCHOOL, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL WHICH IS A BODY ESTABLISHED IN 1980 TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION IN ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOLS AND AMONG THE EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY.
MR PAO, AN ELECTED URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER AND A KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, IS A CONSULTANT TO THE HOLY CARPENTER CHURCH AND CENTRES. HE WAS SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS IN HONG KONG IN 1982.
MRS MIU IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT THE ARRAN STREET CHILD ASSESSMENT AND AID HEARING CLINIC.
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SET OF HONG KONG LAWS PRESENTED * * * *
THE BRITISH CONSUL-GENERAL IN SHANGHAI, MR TREVOR MOUND, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED A FULL SET OF HONG KONG’S ORDINANCES TO MR JIANG XUNLOU, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE EAST CHINA INSTITUTE OF POLITICS AND LAW, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE EAST CHINA INSTITUTE IN SHANGHAI. THE GIFT COMPRISES 26 VOLUMES OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR MOUND SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THE ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT OF LEGAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS AND THE INCREASING INTEREST IN CHINA IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
/IN REPLY.........
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 30 -
IN REPLY, MR JIANG SAID THAT THE LAW BOOKS WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN CHINA’S POLICY OF OPENING TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD. HE ALSO SPOKE WARMLY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INITIATIVE IN ESTABLISHING LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE INSTITUTE.
MR MOUND NOTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESEARCH OFFICE ON HONG KONG LAWS WITHIN THE EAST CHINA INSTITUTE AND SAID HE HOPED THAT THE GIFT WOULD ENABLE CHINESE LAWYERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
THE IDEA OF PRESENTING A SET OF +LAWS OF HONG KONG+ TO THE EAST CHINA INSTITUTE ORIGINATED FROM THE VISIT OF HONG KONG’S ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, TO THE INSTITUTE IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
DURING THE VISIT HIS HOSTS SHOWED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT HONG KONG’S LAWS, BUT SAID THAT THIS WAS HANDICAPPED BY THE LACK OF REFERENCE MATERIALS. IT IS HOPED THAT THE GIFT WOULD HELP TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING IN CHINA ON HONG KONG’S LAWS AND HOW THEY OPERATED.
-----0------
JAPAN RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE RECOGNITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS AND PASSPORT BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT. JAPAN IS A VERY POPULAR DESTINATION FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE.
- - - • 0-------
COMPUTER DISPLAY CONTEST WINNERS GET PRIZES
*****
AN AMATEUR COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGNER HAS WON THE GRAND PRIZE OF $5 000 IN THE PERSONAL COMPUTER GRAPHIC DISPLAY CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE (EISSC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE.
MR KWAN WING-CHIU, A BUILDING CONTRACTOR BY PROFESSION, SPENT SOME 80 HOURS TO WORK OUT HIS WINNING ENTRY.
/m his
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
IN HIS SUBMISSION, MR KWAN SUCCESSFULLY INCORPORATED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HINTS FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, PROPER WORKING PRACTICES, AND SAFETY MESSAGES FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THROUGH ANIMATED STORIES AND QUIZ GAMES.
THE SECOND PRIZE OF $3 500 WAS AWARDED TO MR WAN KIM-WAH AND THE THIRD PRIZE of 82 000 WENT TO MR LAU MAN-KIN. THERE WERE ALSO TEN CONSOLATION PRIZES OF 8500 EACH.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING PROFESSOR LAM YAT-WAH OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, PROFESSOR Y.C. CHENG OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR JOSHUA WONG OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MISS DONNA LIU OF MODERN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS AND THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EISSC.
PRESENTING PRIZES TO THE WINNERS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE SAFETY WEEK FOR EISSC, MR C.D. TAM, DESCRIBED THE CONTEST AS A NEW ATTEMPT IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+ IT IS HOPED THAT THE CONTEST WILL FOSTER THE RIGHT ATTITUDE ON SAFETY AMONG THOSE IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY,+ HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, AND A MEMBER OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, MISS LI FUNG-YING.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE SHOPPING MALL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF SHUN TAK CENTRE, CENTRAL, UNTIL SATURDAY (MARCH 21).
EARLIER, MISS LI ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE QUIZ COMPETITION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WHICH ATTRACTED SOME 40 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
-----0-----
KWAI TSI NG SHOWS SUPPORT FOR YOUDE FUND
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WILL RECEIVE A DONATION OF ABOUT 817 000 FOR THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND FROM A PRIMARY SCHOOL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE CONTRIBUTION CAME FROM ABOUT 1 000 SCHOOLCHILDREN AND STAFF OF THE SHEK YAM SALESIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG.
/with the .......
“THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 32
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT OFFICE, ABOUT 80 SCHOOLCHILDREN WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL IN A PAINTING SESSION TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE FUND.
IN THE EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF THE SHEK YAM ESTATE WILL BE GOING OUT IN FULL STRENGTH TO PROMOTE THE FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN. THEY PLAN TO PAY A DOOR-TO-DOOR VISIT TO URGE RESIDENTS TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND THE PAINTING SESSION TO BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE SHEK YAM SALESIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, ADJACENT TO THE SHEK YAM NO 1 PLAYGROUND IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG.
-------0----------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR OF 91, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JANUARY 1983 AND JANUARY 1986 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON APRIL 22 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
---0-----
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN KWUN TONG * * * X- *
TWENTY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE SIDE LANE OF NO. 302, AND THE REAR LANE OF NOS. 357-375, NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, WERE CLEARED IN AN OPERATION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THESE INCLUDED A DOMESTIC STRUCTURE AND 19 STORAGE STRUCTURES AND COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE EXERCISES CARRIED OUT IN THE DISTRICT TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITION.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
_ _ 0 - -
SEMINAR ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT ORGANISED X X * * *
A SEMINAR ON THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE ABERDEEN CIVIC CENTRE FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
ABOUT 100 MEMBERS FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
THE SEMINAR SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S community BUILDING COMMITTEE IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES, ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS AND REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
the three-hour seminar includes talks on various aspects of REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT BY MISS LAU PUI-KING, PRINCIPAL LECTURER IN BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AND MR SZE CW-SI AN OF CENTRE DAILY NEWS, FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR PAUL YOUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT the opening, together WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM, THEY WILL ALSO PRESENT TROPHIES TO 12 WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT'S ^CITIZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER AND JANUARY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TOMORROW IN THE ABERDEEN CIVIC CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL ABERDEEN MARKET COMPLEX, NO. 203, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
---0-----
/34
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
34
CAMPAIGN AGAINST THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT
*****
THE HO MAN TIN SOUTH AND NORTH AREA COMMITTEES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN ON SATURDAY (MARCH 21) AND SUNDAY AGAINST THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE LETHAL RESULT OF FALLING OBJECTS.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A STREET DRAMA AND AN EXHIBITION ON THE CAMPAIGN THEME, BOTH TO BE STAGED IN FOUR LOCATIONS IN THE AREA.
THE EXHIBITION WILL DISPLAY OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN THE ♦FALLING OBJECTS BAD GUY IMAGE DESIGN+ AND +ANT I-FALL I NG OBJECTS CARTOON AND SLOGAN* COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS LISTING OUT BLACKSPOTS IN THE AREA.
THE FOUR STREET DRAMA AND EXHIBITION EVENTS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT 2 PM AT 84 WATERLOO ROAD J DURING THE CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY ON SATURDAY AT 4 PM AT THE HO MAN TIN ESTATE MARKET OPEN SPACE} ON SUNDAY AT 11 AM AT THE 01 MAN ESTATE OPEN SPACE, AND ON SUNDAY AT 2 PM AT THE VALLEY ROAD ESTATE, BLOCK 8 OPEN SPACE.
THE CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HO MAN TIN SOUTH AND NORTH AREA COMMITTEES, HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS HO MAN TIN AND 01 MAN CENTRES, AND THE HOLY CARPENTER SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY AT 4 PM ON SATURDAY AT THE HO MAN TIN ESTATE MARKET OPEN SPACE.
-----0------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT TOMORROW
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, WAN CHAI, AT 8 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE EVENT MARKS THE FINALE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND LADY AKERS-JONES WILL ARRIVE AT THE STADIUM AT ABOUT 7.30 PM TOMORROW.
------0-------
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
35
SCOTT TO INSPECT CAS PARADE
*****
ANOTHER 160 MALE AND FEMALE AID SERVICES AFTER A PASSING-OUT
VOLUNTEERS WILL JOIN THE CIVIL PARADE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 21).
THEY HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING IN DISCIPLINE, FOREST FIRE-FIGHTING, RESCUE, FIRST-AID AND FOOT-DRILL, AND HAVE SATISFIED EXAMINERS OF THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PERFORM DUTY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR ALAN SCOTT, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE AND PRESENT SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS AS WELL AS THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATIONS TO OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS.
THE CAS BAND WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAS 34T H PASSING-OUT PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND, CHEUNG SAH WAN ROAD, AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
------0-------
OUTSTANDING YOUTHS TO GET PRIZES * * * * *
WINNERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT’S TEN OUTSTANDING YOUTHS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A CEREMONY ON SATURDAY (MARCH 21) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT JAYCEES AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE AWARD SCHEME IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR CHAN YING-LUN, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG, AND THE GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL OF THE HONG KONG JAYCEES, MR WILLIAM WU.
AN EXHIBITION ON THE SERVICE PROJECTS COMPLETED BY THE WINNERS WILL BE MOUNTED AT THE TOWN HALL ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AS WELL AS AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL FROM MARCH 23 TO 24.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SATURDAY AT 3 PM AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG S HU I .
------0--------
/36........
Thursday, march 19,
1987
36
WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS ON DISPLAY AGAIN * * * * *
AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING THE SHA TIN FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AGAIN AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA ON SATURDAY (MARCH 21) AND THE FOLLOWING DAY. »
THE EXHIBITS WERE ENTRIES IN A COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTINGS AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ABOUT 100 ENTRIES EXHIBITED AT THE RIVERSIDE PLAZA IN SHA TIN LAST MONTH WERE WELL-RECEIVED BY RESSDENTS.
- - 0 - -
CHING MING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS * * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE ROAD CLOSURE AND STRENGTHENING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
ROAD CLOSURE:
BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON MARCH 22, 29, APRIL 5, 6, 12 AND 19, THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD FROM WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT TO THE JUNCTION OF ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL PRIVATE VEHICLES INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, KIU TAU ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES) EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES.
FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION FROM NORTHBOUND NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
/AT THE
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
AT THE SAME TIME, FANLI NG PLAYGROUND ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND RESIDENTS FOR LOCAL ACCESS. THE FANLI NG KCR FORECOURT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5 EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
IN TSUEN WAN, LO WAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM ON MARCH 29, APRIL 4, 5, 6 AND 12. THE LO WAI END TERMINATING POINT FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81 AND 81M WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.
THE OLD ACCESS ROAD TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY FROM TEXACO ROAD IS NOW CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR TSI NG Yl NORTH BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND THE NEW ACCESS IS VIA WING SHUN STREET IN KWAI CHUNG. WING SHUN STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON MARCH 22, 29, APRIL 4, 5, 6, 12 AND 19. GRAVE SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THE MTR AND GET OFF AT KWAI FONG STATION.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES:
ON MARCH 29, APRIL 5 AND 6, KCR TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE OPERATED AT FANLING AT A FIVE-MINUTE INTERVAL DURING PEAK PERIOD FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM. FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, TRAIN SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT A TEN-MINUTE FREQUENCY. TRAIN SERVICES WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED FROM APRIL 17 TO 20.
A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70R, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK AT ABOUT THREE MINUTES FREQUENCY ON MARCH 22, 29, APRIL 5, 6, 12 AND 19. ON THE SAME DAYS, ANOTHER SPECIAL BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70S, WILL OPERATE FROM JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS TO WO HOP SHEK VIA TOLO HIGHWAY AT ABOUT SIX MINUTES INTERVAL.
MEANWHILE, KMB ROUTES 69, 70, 70K, 70X AND 73 WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED during the festival period, grave sweepers wishing TO GO TO SANDY RIDGE CAN EITHER TAKE THE REGULAR BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 73K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND SAN UK LING, OR THE TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU.
DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, PLB’S, TAXIS AND COACHES CARRYING passengers will only be allowed to set down passengers at designated LOCATIONS AND WAITING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. PLB’S AND PRIVATE CARS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN OR PICK UP PASSENGERS WITHIN ONE KILOMETRE ON TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) ON EITHER SIDE OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD, AND ALSO WITHIN 300 METRES ON TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) ON EITHER SIDE OF KIU TAU ROAD.
/as there .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1987
- 38 -
AS THERE WILL BE NO PARKING FACILITIES IN WO HOP SHEK AND PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG S HU I, FANLING AND TSUEN WAN CEMETERY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED, RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE CEMETERIES.
GRAVE SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF FANLING KCR STATION AND TO USE THE FOOTPATH ALONGSIDE THE SECTION OF THE TRUNK ROAD, ROAD D6 AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD.
0--------
CLOSURE OF TWO KWUN TONG ROADS TO CONTINUE
*****
SAU MAU PING ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD IN KWUN TONG, WHICH WERE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MARCH 17 AS A RESULT OF A MUDSLIP, WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIR WORK.
THE AFFECTED SECTIONS ARE SAU MAU PING ROAD BETWEEN HlU KWONG STREET AND JUNK BAY ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD NORTHEAST BOUND BETWEEN KAI TIN ROAD AND SAU MAU PING ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON SAU MAU PING ROAD AND HlU KWONG STREET HEADING FOR LAM TIN AREA SHOULD USE HIP WO STREET, KWUN TONG ROAD, LEI YUE MUN ROAD, JUNK BAY ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON KAI TIN ROAD HEADING FOR SAU MAU PING ROAD AND HlU KWONG STREET SHOULD USE JUNK BAY ROAD, LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND HIP WO STREET.
------0 - - - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL * * * *
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES TO BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY(MARCH 21).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE LINK ROAD BETWEEN UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY UNDER THE NE* ARRANGEMENTS.
/a 15-METRE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 198?
- 39 ’ -
A 15-METRE STRETCH OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GILMAN STREET JUST NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BECOME A PEAK-HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
MEANWHILE, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE UftBAN CLEARWAYS OPERATING BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY:
* THE EASTERN AND WESTERN KERBSIDE LANES OF GILMAN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THEIR JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION^ AND
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PIER ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH GILMAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION AT THE LAYBY ON EASTBOUND ROBINSON ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SEYMOUR ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 135 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.
0 -
RESTRICTED ZONE ON PO ON ROAD
*****
THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PO ON ROAD IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE MADE A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY STARTING 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG FAT STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE IIO.
JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE ............................. 1
'A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEET DIG' TOR JLG TEAMS ................. 2
PROPOSAL TO ALLOW I.D. CARDS .’OR MACAU, CHINA TRAVEL....... 3
OLD I.D. CARDS DECLARED INVALID............................. 4
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY A TRIPARTITE AFFAIR - SIR DAVID .......... 5
REGISTRATION REVOKED........................................ 6
JANUARY ORDERS—ON-HAND, SSPLOYMSKT, PAXROLL FIGURES OUT .... 6
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION PLATES FOR LIND REVISED.............. 9
CONTRACT AWARDED TO EXTEND MANAGEMENT OF CARPARKS........... 9
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT........................ 10
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT OUT......................... 10
VIEWS ON REPRESENTATFVE GOVERNMENT VITAL.................... 11
SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS BOUNDARY CHANGES .................... 11
MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONE STATION SITE OFFERED ................ 13
GOOD RESPONSE TO CLEAN-UP WEEK.............................. 13
GALA TIME FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WORKERS ............. 14
DETAIIS OF SAI KONG FOLK SONGS.............................. 14
DSTAIIS OF TREE-PLANTING PROGRAMME ......................... 15
GOOD CITIZENS TO RECEIVE APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES.......... 16
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
- 1 -
JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP:-
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS SIXTH MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 17 TO 20.
THE MEETING REVIEWED THE WORK OF THE GROUP IN THE PAST YEAR. THE TWO SIDES WERE SATISFIED WITH THE AGREEMENTS REACHED ON A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT SUBJECTS AND WITH THE PROGRESS MADE TOWARDS THEIR IMPLEMENTATION.
THE GROUP CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF A NUMBER OF MATTERS RAISED DURING THE FIFTH MEETING. POSITIVE RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED AND AGREEMENT REACHED ON SEVERAL ISSUES.
THE GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE CONTINUED PART ICI PAT ION OF HONG KONG IN THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL AFTER 1997 IN PARALLEL WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS ALREADY MADE IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
THE GROUP EXAMINED THE WORK OF THE SUB GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON HOW HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD) AFTER 1997. THEY HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO) AND THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS.
THE GROUP CONFIRMED SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES CONCERNING LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DISCUSSED AT PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF THE GROUP AND AT EXPERT MEETINGS. THEY REACHED AGREEMENT ON TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY BEFORE AND AFTER 1997. IT WAS AGREED THAT DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997, WHICH WILL HAVE A SEVEN-YEAR VALIDITY, MAY, AS FROM THAT DATE, CONTINUE TO BE USED UNTIL EXPIRY.
THE TWO SIDES HELD A USEFUL PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO DEFENCE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND THE NEED FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN THIS AREA. THEY AGREED TO PURSUE THEIR DISCUSSIONS AT EXPERT LEVEL.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP DECIDED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN LONDON FROM JULY 7-10, 1987.
-------0---------
/2........
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
2
'A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING’ FOR JLG
*****
TEAMS
THE FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT BY MR ROBIN MCLAREN, SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH TEAM OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AT A PRESS RECEPTION TODAY:
♦YOU’VE ALL SEEN THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH FINISHED ITS WORK THIS AFTERNOON. IT WILL BE CLEAR FROM THAT THAT WE HAVE HAD ANOTHER VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING.
+THE ATMOSPHERE WAS WARM, FRIENDLY AND BUSINESSLIKE. AS A NEWCOMER TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THOUGH NOT TO SINO-BR I T I S H NEGOTIATIONS, I HAVE TO SAY THAT I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY, STRUCK BY THE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION, THE EXCELLENT METHODS OF WORK BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.
♦ AS YOU WILL SEE FROM THE COMMUNIQUE, WE REACHED A NUMBER OF AGREEMENTS.
♦ THE FIRST ONE WAS ABOUT THE CONTINUED PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG IN THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL. AS YOU MAY KNOW, THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL IS, AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, A FORUM FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS AND IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR A TERRITORY LIKE HONG KONG WHICH DEPENDS ON TRADE TO TAKE PART IN ITS WORK.
♦ THERE IS ALSO A LINK, AS YOU WILL SEE, BETWEEN THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION WHICH ARE ENVISAGED FOR THE CCC ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN AGREED FOR THE GATT.
♦AGREEMENT WAS ALSO REACHED ON HOW HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD). THIS IS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO HONG KONG BECAUSE OF UNCTAD’S ROLE IN FORMULATING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF SHIPPING AND I NEEDN’T STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF SHIPPING TO HONG KONG.
♦ THAT WAS ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WHICH HAD BEEN DEALT WITH IN THE SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WHICH MR BURROWS TAKES PART IN. ANOTHER QUESTION WHICH IS BEING DISCUSSED IN THAT SUB-GROUP IS THE CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
♦ WE HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THAT, AND ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG OF THE VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS WHICH NOW APPLY IN HONG KONG, AND THE WORK OF THE SUB-GROUP IN THAT AREA WILL CONTINUE.
/♦THERE IS
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 193?
♦ THERE IS AN IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH DEAL I NG WITH MATTERS CONCERNING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. THE FIRST PART OF IT MEANS THAT THE WAY IS NOW CLEAR FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT TO BE USED IN VARIOUS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BEFORE BN(O) PASSPORTS BEGIN TO BE ISSUED ON JULY 1.
+T HE SECOND PART REFERS TO DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY. IN PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF THE JLG, AS YOU WILL KNOW, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED ON PASSPORTS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY. WITH THIS LATEST AGREEMENT WE HAVE NOW COVERED A FULL RANGE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS -- THE THREE TYPES OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS USED BY THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE. ALL THAT REMAIN ARE A SMALL NUMBER OF VERY SPECIALISED DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE ISSUED TO SEAMAN.
♦FINALLY, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE TWO SIDES HAD A USEFUL PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO DEFENCE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER IN THE HONG KONG SAR AND THE NEED FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN THIS AREA. YOU WILL ALSO SEE THAT IT WAS AGREED THAT THE DISCUSSIONS ON THIS SUBJECT WILL BE PURSUED AT EXPERT LEVEL.
♦THE ARRANGEMENT IS, AS YOU KNOW, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HOLDS ITS MEETINGS IN ROTATION IN LONDON, PEKING AND HONG KONG. THE NEXT MEETING IS DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN LONDON AND THE FINAL POINT FROM THE COMMUNIQUE IS THAT AGREEMENT WAS REACHED THAT THE NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE FROM JULY 7 TO 10.+
------0-------
PROPOSAL TO ALLOW I.D. CARDS FOR MACAU, CHINA TRAVEL
*****
sc^r-SE“E
f<-Din!L'PTK^N F0R THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY
that technical arrangements for this new measure would
BE IN PLACE FROM MAY THIS YEAR WITH THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPUTERISATION AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS.
PERSONEOF°nRTXoUJJH£LU^DER/HE CURRENT LEGISLATION. ANY rtKoUN OF OR OVER THE AGE OF 16 WAS REQUIRED TO PROniirr a vai in TRAVEL DOCUMENT, ENTRY PERMIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT ON EXAMINATinw BY AN IMMIGRATION OFFICIAL ON HIS ARRIVAL OR PRIOR TO HIS DEPARTURE.
/♦SINCE THE........
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
+SINCE THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD IS NOT A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT AS DEFINED IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, IT IS NECESSARY TO AMEND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THIS NEW MEASURE TO FACILITATE TRAVELLERS,+ HE SAID.
THE PROPOSAL IS CONTAINED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND SECTION 5(9) OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO EXEMPT ANY PERSON OR ANY CLASS OR DESCRIPTION OF PERSON FROM THE REQUIREMENT UNDER SECTION 5(*)(A) OF THE SAID ORDINANCE TO PRODUCE A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT, ENTRY PERMIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT.
+HOWEVER THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION DOES NOT INTEND TO EXERCISE HIS POWER OF EXEMPTION REGARDING CHILDREN UNDER 18. THEY SHOULD STILL BE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO CHINA AND MACAU ON RE-ENTRY PERMITS,+ HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES AN IMPROVEMENT TO SECTION 59 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH STIPULATES THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF DOCUMENTS.
ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY ARE THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1987.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AIM TO LIST OUT THE TYPE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION AT PRESENT ISSUES UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
IT ALSO PROPOSES THE REMOVAL OF FEES CONNECTED WITH THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORT FROM THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORTS.
-----0-----
OLD I.D. CARDS DECLARED INVALID
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED
OLD JUVENILE 1971 AND 1972
THAT ALL IN 1970,
IDENTITY CARDS BELONGING TO CHILDREN BORN
WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL DOCUMENTS FROM MARCH 29 THIS YEAR. A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT APPEARS IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY
(FRIDAY).
+ONCE AN OLD CARD IS DECLARED INVALID, IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY PURPOSE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SA ID.
/+F0R INSTANCE, ........
EBIDAY, MARCH 20, 19©7
- 5 -
+F0R INSTANCE, CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP STILL HOLDING THE OLD TYPE OF I.D. CARD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT AFTER MARCH 29,+ HE ADDED.
THOSE WHO HAD MISSED THEIR SPECIFIED CARD RENEWAL PHASE DUE TO THEIR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG OR ANY OTHER REASONS, SHOULD APPROACH THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES IMMEDIATELY.
+THESE CASES WILL BE LOOKED INTO THOROUGHLY AND DEALT WITH ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY A TRIPARTITE AFFAIR - SIR DAVID *****
HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED A SYSTEM OF TRIPARTITE DISCUSSION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
BUT HE WARNED THAT HONG KONG STILL HAD A LONG WAY TO GO IN RESPECT OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
SPEAKING AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH.
+WE HAVE LAWS ON SAFETY, WE HAVE A SYSTEM OF INSPECTION, BUT WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL PARTIES, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE FUTHER PROGRESS,+ HE SAID.
+THE PRACTICE OF SAFETY REQUIRES A KNOWLEDGE OF THE MEANS CF ACHIEVING IT AND I KNOW THAT IT IS THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY CONCERN TO ADVISE AND ASSIST IN MATTERS OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR SAFETY IN ALL POSSIBLE WAYS.*
SIR DAVID SAID HE BELIEVED THAT ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION WAS NOT BY ITSELF SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+THE ANSWER, I AM SURE, LIES IN THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF ENFORCEMENT, EDUCATION AND PERSUASION,* HE SAID.
/THE GAIA ......
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
THE GALA NIGHT WAS THE GRAND FINALE OF THE SAFETY WEEK HELD TO CELEBRATE THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
SIR DAVID EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE EVENT WOULD BE INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING HOME TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN INDUSTRY THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NEED TO RAISE THE LOCAL STANDARDS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+MAY IT ALSO BE AN IMPORTANT STEPPING-STONE ON THE PATH TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A TRADITION OF SAFETY IN HONG KONG WHICH WILL BE AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.+ HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF SOLID PACIFIC FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
---0-----
JANUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT
*****
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) AS REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED IN JANUARY 1987 AT THE SAME LEVEL AS THAT IN DECEMBER 1986, BUT INCREASED APPRECIABLY COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, ACCORDING TO RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING JANUARY 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, WHILE THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY RECORDED A MODEST DROP IN ITS ORDERS POSITION.
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1986, THE INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY WAS OFFSET BY A DECLINE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, WITH THE ORDERS POSITION IN OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED SHOWING LITTLE CHANGE.
THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN JANUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH BOTH DECEMBER 1986 AND JANUARY 1986. THE MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES OCCURRED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. OTHER INDUSTRIES RECORDED SOME INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT OVER JANUARY 1986, AND NO CHANGE OR A SLIGHT DECREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1986.
/ALL MANUFACTURINCJ
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 198?
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JANUARY 1987. COMPARED WITH BOTH DECEMBER 1986 AND JANUARY 1986. THESE LARGE INCREASES OVER DECEMBER 1986 WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE AWARD OF DOUBLE PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN MOST OF THE FACTORIES SURVEYED. THE INCREASE WAS MOST SIGNIFICANT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY WHERE THE LEVEL OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS TWICE AS HIGH AS THAT IN DECEMBER 1986.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN JANUARY 1987 REMAINED STABLE COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS SHOWED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES DUE TO THE AWARD OF DOUBLE PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES. COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, EMPLOYMENT SHOWED A MODERATE INCREASE, WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS. THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN JANUARY 1987 WAS SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED. AMONG THE SERVICES SECTORS SURVEYED, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN HOTELS INCREASED VERY SUBSTANTIALLY, WHILE THOSE IN BANKS DECLINED.
MOST BANKS SURVEYED ISSUED DOUBLE PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN DECEMBER 1986, WHILE MOST OF THE HOTELS SURVEYED ISSUED THOSE IN JANUARY 1987. COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, THE SERVICES SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT, AND MODERATE INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES WHICH HAVE BEEN SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
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 THE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. NEVERTHELESS, THESE RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JANUARY 1987 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.
/A. Orders-on—hand .......
- 8 - FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
A. Orders-on-hand in manufacturing Industrie a
Orders-on-hand ,
% increase/ . decrease- over ’ A • ■
in terms of months
Industry for January 198? Dec. 86 Jan. 86*
Wearing apparel 4.86 * • in 9
Textiles 2.74 -6 V
Plastic products 3.75 5 -3 : - i* h
Fabricated ’ etal products 4.32 * 36 ,
Electrical and electronic products 5.05 -1 5 M
Others 4.40 -1
All above industries 4.»,4£ * 6
Employment and earnings i I i y
Persons engaged at the './A
end of January 198? Fer capita earnings
% increase/ % increase/
decrease over as in decrease over
January 1987
Industry/Services Dec. 86 Jan. E 16 (HK$) Dec. 86 Jan. 86
Manufacturing -2 -2 5 621 48 21
Food and Drinks -1 4 6 374 56 4
Wearing apparel -2 -9 4 177 24 14
Textiles * 2 6 647 59 29
Plastic products -10 -12 6 593 108 56
Fabricated metal -1 1 5 051 60 50
products . i
Electrical and -2 1 5 057 44 12
electronic products
Others * 2 7 656 54 29
Construction** * 2 16^2 50 i {•• 42. ■,
Services * 2, 11 6
Banks * 6 8 566 -6 9
Hotels -1 -5 10 925 115 9
Public utilities * * 8 525 4
Others * 4 11 679 22 28
* Changes within - 0.5%
** Persons engaged cover comp my employees only; site workers employed by
labour-only sub-contractors not included.
Note : Unlike "orders—on—hand" .and ’’per capita earnings” which are average figure , the total number of persons eng ged by the firms surveyed is not meaningful information on its own (because this is a panel survey) and is therefore not shown.
-------0---------
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
9
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATES FOR LAND REVISED
*****
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATES FOR THE ACQUISITION OF LAND IN THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE INCREASED TO $58.20 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND $106.50 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR BUILDING LAND ON APRIL 1.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THESE NEW RATES REPRESENTED AN AVERAGE 13 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE EXISTING RATES AND WERE SIMILAR TO THE EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATE LEVELS APPLICABLE IN OCTOBER 1979.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THE NEW CURRENCY VALUES OF NEW TERRITORIES LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A-B) THAT WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1.
THE VALUES REPRESENT AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER PRESENT CURRENCY VALUES, DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THE LETTER B WAS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
CONTRACT AWARDED TO EXTEND MANAGEMENT OF CARPARKS *****
ELEVEN GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANAGED BY WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) PTY LTD. FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS FOLLOWING A CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WILSON PARKING, MR PAUL SIMPSON.
ALSO SIGNED WAS A CONTRACT EXTENDING WILSON PARKING’S RIGHT TO PRODUCE, MARKET AND SELL PRE-PAID TICKETS FOR GOVERNMENT ROAD TUNNELS UP TO APRIL 30, 1990.
WILSON PARKING HAVE BEEN RUNNING GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS SINCE THEY WERE PRIVATISED ON MAY 1, 1984. THE CURRENT AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE CARPARKS WILL HOWEVER EXPIRE AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
+THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1 WAS BASED ON WILSON PARKING’S EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE RECORD IN RUNNING THESE CARPARKS,+ MR LEEDS SAID AFTER THE CONTRACT SIGNING.
THE CARPARKS, LOCATED IN CENTRAL, ABERDEEN, TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI, KWAI FONG AND TSUEN WAN, PROVIDE OVER 7 000 PARKING SPACES.
/THB PRE-PAID
FIRDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
- 10 -
THE PRE-PAID TICKET SCHEME FOR THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WAS INTRODUCED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
THE SCHEME HAS GAINED POPULARITY AND NOW ABOUT 20 PER CENT CF MOTORISTS USING THE TWO TUNNELS TENDER TICKETS INSTEAD OF CASH.
THE PRE-PAID TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT WILSON PARKING’S
37 OUTLETS.
------0--------
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 50 SHU I NING STREET KOWLOON, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN APRIL 1985 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON MAY 22 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
------0--------
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT OUT * *** *
ncrcMDco ?EP9RT 0N THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR OCTOBER TO IS AVAILABLE AND CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER. ’
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERiqticq nr MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE attainment, activity statSs, occupation ?nmItry ’ ^aoo..W0RKED per week» monthly employment earnings as WEI I as’ unemployed unemployment and duration of unemployment for the
PURI I CATinMc°rcMToeRE|50RT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PERLCOPy!°NS CENTRE' GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $8.50
--------0---------
/11.........
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
11
VIEWS ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT VITAL K X * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING IT WAS ABSOLUTELY VITAL THAT RESIDENTS SHOULD MAKE KNOWN THEIR VIEWS ON THE'DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MR LORD SAID THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WOULD SOON BE ISSUED AND THE PUBLIC DEBATE ON IT WOULD DETERMINE HOW THE TERRITORY’S REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS WOULD EVOLVE.
THE SEMINAR-'WW ONE OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN PROGRAMMES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.
IT WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 MEMBERS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS.
ON THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, MR LORD SAID IT NOT ONLY SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO ALL CORNERS OF SOUTHERN, BUT ALSO PROVIDED A CHANCE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MANY PUBLIC SPIRITED CITIZENS OF THE DISTRICT THROUGH THE +CIT I ZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD SCHEME.
MEANWHILE, COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR PAUL YOUNG, SAID TONIGHT’S SEMINAR HAD ENABLED RESIDENTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
THE AND
AND
THE
ITS IMPORTANCE THROUGH EXCHANGING VIEWS.
THE SEMINAR INCLUDED TALKS, A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION, GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
A CEREMONY WAS ALSO HELD TO PRESENT TROPHIES TO 18 WINNERS OF
♦CITIZENS OF THE MONTH+ AWARD FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER AND
JANUARY.
0
SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS BOUNDARY CHANGES
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CHANCES IN CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 26).
RrtARn MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND THE Di SI Ri Cl BOARD BUDGET FOR 1987-88.
/THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1?87
- 12 -
THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES HAS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES IN SOUTHERN FROM THE PRESENT SIX TO SEVEN, AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS FROM 11 TO 13.
A MAJOR CHANGE IS TO SPLIT THE PRESENT ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU CONSTITUENCY INTO TWO CONSTITUENCIES, ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR AND AP LEI CHAU AND INCREASE THE TWO ELECTED SEATS TO THREE.
ANOTHER MAJOR CHANGE IS TO DETACH BAYS FROM THE WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS CONSTITUENCY AND TO ALIGN IT WITH STANLEY AND SHEK 0, LEAVING WONG CHUK HANG AS A CONSTITUENCY ON ITS OWN.
THE TWO CONSTITUENCIES WOULD EACH HAVE TWO ELECTED SEATS, AS COMPARED TO TWO SEATS FOR WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS AND ONE SEAT FOR STANLEY AND SHEK 0 AT PRESENT.
THE OTHER THREE CONSTITUENCIES -- TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN, POK FU LAM AND WAH FU -- WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE TWO ELECTED SEATS EACH.
THERE ARE ALSO PROPOSALS FOR A SLIGHT REALIGNMENT OF THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF WAH FU CONSTITUENCY WITH POK FU LAM AND THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN CONSTITUENCY WITH ABERDEEN.
LARGE SCALE MAPS SHOWING THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY UNTIL APRIL 8 FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALSO HOLD A BRIEFING TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSALS TO AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
MEANWHILE, AT NEXT WEEK’S MEETING, A NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS WOULD ASK QUESTIONS CONCERNING SQUATTER CONTROL, NORTH AP LEI CHAU DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE, FACTORY CANTEENS IN WONG CHUK HANG, URBAN COUNCIL’S SWIMMING LESSONS, AND THE RELOCATION OF A PLB STAND IN TUNG SING ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEES SEMINAR HELD LAST MONTH, AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, NO. 7-11 NAM NING STREET, MEI FUNG COURT, SECOND FLOOR, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
0—----
/«.....
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
13
MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONE STATION SITE OFFERED * * * * *
A SITE AT RED HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR IS TO BE OFFERED ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY DEPARTMENT.
AT TAI TAM THE BUILDI
, HONG KONG, NGS AND LANDS
THE 35-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A PUBLIC MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONE STATION.
TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON APRIL 3.
------0-------
GOOD RESPONSE TO CLEAN-UP WEEK *****
PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT CLEAN-UP WEEK WAS ENCOURAGING WITH 1 700 ENTRIES RECEIVED IN THE CHILDREN COLOURING COMPETITION AND 300 STORIES SELECTED FOR AN ESSAY COMPETITION FROM 25 LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, ADJUDICATION IN THE FAMILY CLEANSING COMPETITION HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR THE SELECTION OF MODEL FAMILIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
ORGANISED BY THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TUEN MUN COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CLEAN-UP WEEK WAS AIMED AT BOOSTING PUBLIC AWARENESS IN KEEPING THE DISTRICT CLEAN.
A CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN-UP WEEK FEATURING A VARIETY SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE AT 8.30 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 22) AT THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE AMPHITHEATRE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TUEN MUN COMMITTEE, MR TSO SHIU-WAI, CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN-UP WEEK, MR WONG KIN-HONG, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, AND THE DISTRICT HEALTH SUPER INTENDANT, MR HlU KWOK-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY.
------0--------
1..........
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1987
- 14 -
GALA TIME FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WORKERS
*****
ABOUT 12 000 EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL BE TREATED TO A FUN-FILLED GALA AT THE ESTATE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 22).
THE GALA, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG MERCHANTS AND PROFESSIONALS LIMITED AND THE TAI PO PERSONNEL CLUB AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG WORKERS.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS. A MAGIC SHOW, ACROBATICS, GAMES STALLS, AN EXHIBITION OF ARMOURED VEHICLES, DONKEY RIDES AND A TRAMPOLINE FOR CHILDREN.
TICKETS FOR GAMES STALLS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO EMPLOYEES THROUGH THE EIGHT FACTORIES PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO SHARE IN THE FUN.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANISSA WONG, TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, l*F STEPHEN WONG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, W HO YUNG-SANG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GALA AT 1.30 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE CAR PARK OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
----0------
DETAILS OF SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS
*****
tuc CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PRESERVATION AND
(SATURDAY) AT THE SA I KUNG TOWN HALL.
THF WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD S CULTURE RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE IN AUGUST 1985 TO COLLATE AND PROMOTE THE DISTRICT’S RURAL FOLK SONGS.
DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCE BY RURAL FXK sInGERS AND PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS.
/TAPES ABD .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 198?
Il- ••ic
TAPES AND BOOKLETS ON RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO INTERESTED PARTIES.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL ALSO ATTEND.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AT 10 AM AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL, PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - 0 - -
DETAILS OF TREE-PLANTING PROGRAMME * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (MARCH 23) TO ANNOUNCE A PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO PLANT TREES IN COUNTRY PARKS IN THE COMING WEEKS TO MARK THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MRS ROSANNA TAM AND GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR ROBERT CHAN, CO-ORGANISERS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
_ _ 0 - -
/16
Fp,DAY, MARCH 20, 1987
16 -
GOOD CITIZENS, TO RECEIVE APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES
*****
SIXTY-FOUR PUBLIC SPIRITED CITIZENS WHO HAVE HELPED COMBAT CRIME IN THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR BRAVERY AND ASSISTANCE AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF A SLOGAN COMPETITION HELD RECENTLY TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.
OFFICIATING At THE CEREMONY WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TSANG YAM-PUI.
!■< 't
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE MO.
CALL TO FIGHT AGAINST PROTECTIONISM......................... 1
’DONVT LET DRUGS RUIN YOUR CHILDREN’ ....................... 2
STAMP SET TO SHOW 19TH CENTURY HONG KONG.................... 4
PRESERVING SAI KUNG’S MUSICAL HERITAGE...................... 5
MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME FOR STUDENTS ......................... 6
64 CITIZENS COMMENDED FOR FIGHTING CRIME....................
BETTER TRAINED WORKERS NEEDED FOR FUTdTITUIil INDUSTRY...... 8
WIDENING OF WYNDHAM STREET PROPOSED......................... 9
NEW FIRE STATION FOR TAI PO................................. 9
TV HOMS VIEWING GROUP VISITS TELA........................... 9
FOUR LOTS TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION............................. 10
TEkCHSRS ATTEND SEMINAR ON FOOD CHEMISTRY................... 11
VARIETY SHOW TREAT FOR NORTH DISTRICT....................... 11
INVITATION TO JOIN ABELiDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES.............. 12
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSUEN WAN, TSH7G YI...................... 12
watell cuts nr sham seji po, westckn........................ 13
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
1
CALL TO FIGHT AGAINST PROTECTIONISM
* * * *
HONG KONG CAN MEAN BIG BUSINESS FOR AMERICAN EXPORTERS, DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, MR BILLY LAM, SAID IN SEATTLE YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AT A HALF-DAY SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LAM SAID THAT BOTH THE STATE OF WASHINGTON AND HONG KONG DEPEND UPON TRADE FOR SURVIVAL.
+ THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS CONSISTENTLY STANDS AT SOME 170 TO 180 PER CENT OF ITS GDP, WHILE THE STATE OF WASHINGTON MAINTAINS A SIMILARLY HIGH RECORD EXPORTING 124 PER CENT OF ITS GDP through its ports, + mr lam said.
*IT IS IN The COMMON INTEREST OF BOTH WASHINGTON AND HONG KONG TO FIGHT AGAINST PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION,* MR LAM SAID, AND CALLED UPON THE WASHINGTON TRADING COMMUNITY TO CHALLENGE THE PROPOSED TEXTILE AND APPAREL TRADE ACT AND ANY OTHER LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD SERIOUSLY ENDANGER TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
+HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST SUPPORTERS OF AND THE TRUEST PRACTITIONERS OF THE PRINCIPLES OF FREE TRADE. WE HAVE NO TARIFF OR NON-TARIFF BARRIERS AGAINST IMPORTS.*
HE BELIEVED WASHINGTON TOO, COULD IN NO WAY BENEFIT FROM FURTHER TRADE BARRIERS.
*HONG KONG CURRENTLY RANKS SIXTH AMONG WASHINGTON’S TRADING PARTNERS, WITH EXPORTS TO HONG KONG FROM THE STATE RANGING FROM AVIATION (BOEING AIRPLANES) TO CIGARETTES, PAPER AND FOODSTUFFS, INCLUDING APPLES AND EXCELLENT NEw WINES.
* IMPORTS TO WASHINGTON FROM HONG KONG INCLUDE APPAREL, TOYS AND ELECTRONICS,* MR LAM POINTED OU I, ADDING THAT THERE IS A HEALTHY TWO-WAY TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES WHICH AMOUNTED TO US.«1 367 MILLION IN 1985.
NOTING THAT WASHINGTON STATE IS ALREADY A MAJOR EXPORTER OF FARM PRODUCE TO HONG KONG, MR LAM STRESSED THAT THERE ARE STILL FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AS THE TERRITORY HAS TO IMPORT ALMOST 90 PER CENT OF ITS FOOD.
*STATISTICS SHOW THAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN HONG KONG CONSUMES MORE THAN US«65 WORTH OF US FARM PRODUCTS EACH YEAR,* MR LAM SAID.
/turning to........
t 1
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
2
TURNING TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR LAM REITERATED THE TERRITORY’S ABILITY TO REMAIN ASIA’S INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. HE CITED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, AND THE INCREASING FOREIGN INVESTMENT AS SERVING TO ENHANCE THIS ROLE.
ALSO DISCUSSING THE TOPIC OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, ANOTHER SPEAKER AT THE SEMINAR, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, MR ROBERT ASHWORTH, EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG WELCOMES INCOMING INVESTORS.
♦THERE IS A TRANSFORMATION NOW WELL ADVANCED IN OUR THINKING ON INDUSTRIAL POLICY, REPLANNING OUR STRATEGY FOR CONTINUED FUTURE PROSPERITY,+ MR ASHWORTH SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE EARLIER LAISSEZ-FAIRE ATTITUDE HAD BEEN REPLACED BY A ’NEW DEAL’ FOR INDUSTRY WHICH MAINTAINS ALL THE FORMER TRADITIONAL FREEDOMS COMBINED WITH SUPPORT WITHOUT INTERVENTION AS WELL AS CONSULTATION ON IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE.
AT THE SEMINAR, SPEECHES WERE ALSO GIVEN BY HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION VICE-PRESIDENT, SIMON EDWARDS, ON HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY TO CHI NAj BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE AMERICAS, ANDREW MA, ON TWO-WAY TRADE OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG I AND BY FORMER CHAIRMAN OF DOW CHEMICAL, ROBERT LUNDEEN, ON HIS 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG.
-------0---------
’DON’T LET DRUGS RUIN YOUR CHILDREN’ * * H *
PARENTS ARE URGED TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM THE DANGERS CF DRUG ABUSE BY PROVIDING THEM WITH PROPER PARENTAL CARE AND GUIDANCE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS FAMILY CAMP THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, GORDON MORTIMER, SAID CHILDREN, WHEN FEELING UNLOVED AND UNWANTED, WOULD GRADUALLY SUBSIDE INTO DRUG ABUSE, INTOXICATE THEMSELVES WITH AND BECOME DEPENDENT ON DANGEROUS DRUGS.
♦WHEN THEY FINALLY DISCOVER THE VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE WHICH DRUG ABUSE MAY CAUSE, IT MAY BE TOO LATE,+ MR MORTIMER SAID.
BUT HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S STRENUOUS AND CONTINUED EFFORTS AND THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY IN THE STRIKE AGAINST DRUGS WERE REAPING RESULTS.
/MR MORTIMER
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 198?
MR MORTIMER SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED FOR ABUSING DRUGS HAD STEADILY DECL INED SINCE 1984.
+HOWEVER, RECENTLY WE BEGAN TO SEE A RISING TREND IN THE ABUSE CF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES,+ HE SAID.
LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE QUANTITY OF MANDRAX SEIZED WITH 270 ODO-ODD MANDRAX TABLETS AND 34 KILOGRAMS OF MANDRAX POWDER.
MOREOVER, IN 1986, 174 OF THE 260 PERSONS REPORTED FOR MANDRAX ABUSE WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 21, INDICATING 67 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER REPORTED.
ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REPORTED FOR ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WAS SMALL COMPARED TO THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE HEROIN ABUSERS, MR MORTIMER ASSURED THAT THE RISING TREND WAS NOT TO BE NEGLECTED AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY.
+MANDRAX IS ADDICTIVE AND DANGEROUS,+ HE STRESSED, +AND IT CAN ALTER A PERSON’S BEHAVIOUR AND LEAD HIM OR HER INTO LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.+
ON THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, MR MORTIMER POINTED OUT THAT YOUNG PEOPLE COULD ONLY BE PERSUADED TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS AND BE SPARED THE AGONIES WHICH DRUG ABUSE COULD BRI No THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PARENTS.
ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE TWO-DAY FAMILY CAMP WAS ONE OF THE MANY PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES CARRIED OUT IN THE YEAR.
IN ADDITION TO GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A SEMINAR FOCUSING ON THE THEME + TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN' DON’T LET DRUGS RUIN THEM+, THE EVENT ALSO FEATURED SLIDE AND FILM SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, TELEMATCH GAMES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE FAMILY CAMP WHICH IS BEING HELD AT THE WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 450 PARTICIPANTS FROM FAMILIES IN THE CHA I WAN DISTR ICT.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
4
STAMP SET TO SHOW 19TH CENTURY HONG KONG
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WITH SCENES OF NINETEENTH CENTURY HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED ON APRIL 23, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
IN FOUR DENOMINATIONS -- 50 CENTS, 31.30, 31.70 AND 35 — THE SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BEAR NINETEENTH CENTURY PAINTINGS FROM THE ART COLLECTIONS OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.
THE SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ARE:
* 50 CENTS A VILLAGE SQUARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 1838, BY AUGUSTE BORGET. DEPICTED IS A TEMPLE NEAR A LARGE TREE WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY VILLAGERS INVOLVED IN THEIR DAILY CHORES AND ACTIVITIES}
* 31.30 BOAT DWELLERS IN KOWLOON BAY, 1838, ALSO BY BORGET. DEPICTED ARE BOAT-HOUSES DRAWN ASHORE AND SHELTERED NEAR TREES AND BY ROCKS}
* 31.70 FLAGSTAFF HOUSE, 1846, BY MURDOCH BRUCE. THIS WAS THE RESIDENCE OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MAJOR-GENERAL D’AGUILAR AT THE TIME AND CONTINUED TO BE THE RESIDENCE OF THE MILITARY COMMANDER UNTIL 1978 WHEN THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA WAS TAKEN OVER FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT PURPOSES" AND
* 35 A VIEW OF WELLINGTON STREET AND LYNDHURST
TERRACE IN THE LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY BY C. ANDRASI. DEPICTED IS A LIVELY CHINESE STREET SCENE SHOWING AN OPERATIC STAGE, SHOPS AND TRADESMEN VENDING THEIR WARES.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR JOHNNY YIM AND PRINTED IN IRELAND.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS, AT 50 CENTS EACH, WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM APRIL 9. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DAY OF ISSUE.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
5
PRESERVING SAI KUNG’S MUSICAL HERITAGE
*****
A DISTRICT BOARD APPOINTED WORKING GROUP HAS COMPLETED A MONUMENTAL TASK OF COLLECTING AND RECORDING RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE DISAPPEARED WITH THE PASSAGE
OF TIME AND MODERN MUSIC.
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION OF RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS WAS FORMED IN AUGUST 1985 BY THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTR ICT BOARD.
THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS TO COLLATE AND PROMOTE RURAL FOLK SONGS OF VARYING DIALECTS SO THAT SUCH NATIVE CULTURE COULD BE PASSED ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.
THERE ARE 17 MEMBERS IN THE WORKING GROUP WHO SPLIT UP THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION, THE SELECTION OF SUITABLE FOLK SONGS, THE PUBLICATION OF SONG ALBUMo AND THE TAPE-RECORDING OF THE MUSIC.
CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR HO KOON-SHIN SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FACED DURING THE COURSE OF COLLECTING THE SONGS WAS THE ABSENCE OF RECORDED MUSICAL SCORES.
MOST OF THE SONGS WERE NOT RECORDED IN ANY FORM AND THEIR PRESERVATION DEPENDED LARGELY ON SINGERS’ MEMORY AND VERBAL DELIVERY.
+THE SCATTERED POPULATION IN SAI KUNG AND THE COMMUNICATION IN THE NUMEROUS DIALECTS OF THE DISTRICT WERE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE ENCOUNTERED IN THE COLLECTION OF THESE FOLK SONGS,+ MR HO SAID.
♦ THE CO-OPERATION OF MANY PEOPLE WHO DEDICATED MUCH OF THEIR TIME AND EFFORT AS WELL AS THE FULL SUPPORT FROM THE SA I KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WHICH PROVIDED US WITH MORE THAN 521 000, MADE THIS PROJECT A SUCCESS,+ HE ADDED.
SO FAR, THE WORKING GROUP HAS COLLECTED MORE THAN 560 RURaL SONGS, OF WHICH 121 HAVE BEEN TAPE-RECORDED ^’LE JHE REST ING KEPT IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FOLK
IS BE
A TOTAL OF 1 000 CASSETTE TAPES AND BOOKLETS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, D I STR IC T BOARDS, DISTRICT OFFICES, PUBLIC LI BRAR IES, TERT I ARY EDUCATION INSTITUTES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE MEDIA AND OTHER INTERESTED
PARTIES.
MR HO SAID COMPOSERS OF THE FOLK SONGS INCLUDED SCHOLARS FARMERS, FISHERMEN, WORKERS AND MERCHANTS, MANY OF WHOM HAD LIVtD IN SAI KUNG FOR MANY YEARS AND SPOKE DIFFERENT DIALECTS.
/+THE CONTENTS........
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 198?
- 6 - i
+THE CONTENTS OF THE SONGS PROVIDE AN INSIGHT TO THE VARYING LIFE-STYLES OF THE PEOPLE SUCH AS A VILLAGER’S DAILY ROUTINE, POPULAR LEGENDS, SCHOLARS’ EMOTIONAL EXPRESSIONS AND LOVERS’ LAMENTS.
+ALL THE SONGS SHARE THE COMMON CHARACTERISTIC OF EXPRESSING THE FEELINGS OF THE COMPOSERS AS WELL AS THE S INGERS,+ MR HO SA ID.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS CAN APPROACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR PUBLIC LIBRAR IES.
MR HO HOPED OTHER DISTRICTS WOULD FOLLOW SAI KUNG’S LEAD IN PRESERVING TRADITIONAL FOLK SONGS SO THAT THE CULTURE HERITAGE CF THE TERRITORY COULD BE PASSED ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.
+THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING RURAL SAI KUNG FOLK SONGS CAN CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO FIND OUT ABOUT TRAINING CLASSES,+ SAID MR HO.
+THE WORKING GROUP IS KEEPING CLOSE CONTACT WITH FOLK SONG SINGERS IN OTHER DISTRICTS IN A JOINT EFFORT TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE RURAL FOLK SONGS,+ HE ADDED.
------0-------
MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME FOR STUDENTS
X X X X X
4,
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATION FROM SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TO JOIN A CENTRALISED MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME COMPRISING THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION MUSIC COURSE, THE HIGHER LEVEL MUSIC COURSE AND THE ADVANCED LEVEL MUSIC COURSE.
THE CENTRALISED SCHEME IS AIMED AT CATERING FOR THE NEEDS CF STUDENTS INTENDING TO INCLUDE MUSIC AS A SUBJECT IN THEIR STUD IES.
THE TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOWS THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN MUSIC IS OFFERED TO FORM 3 STUDENTS.
STUDENTS STARTING THEIR SIXTH FORM STUDIES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR CAN APPLY FOR EITHER THE ONE-YEAR HIGHER LEVEL MUSIC COURSE OR THE TWO-YEAR ADVANCED LEVEL MUSIC COURSE.
THE COURSES WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAYS, BUT THE ADVANCED LEVEL ONE WILL HAVE AN ADDITIONAL SESSION ON A WEEKDAY AFTER SCHOOL.
/no fees .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
7
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED BUT STUDENTS ATTENDING THE COURSE ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE PRESCRIBED STUDY SCORES AND RELATED RECORDINGS FOR PRIVATE STUDY.
APPLICANTS SHOULD OBTAIN THEIR PARENTS’ CONSENT TO ATTEND CLASSES OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS AT A CENTRE PROBABLY NOT NEAR THEIR HOME OR SCHOOL.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS BY APRIL 30 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MUSIC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 529, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
------0-------
64 CITIZENS COMMENDED FOR FIGHTING CRIME * * * * *
SIXTY-FOUR CITIZENS WHO HAD HELPED COMBAT CRIME IN THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS ENA CHAN SAID THE CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AND BRAVERY OF THE RECIPIENTS DEMONSTRATED THE TRUE SPIRIT OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP.
SHE SAID IT WAS THE SAME SPIRIT THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD TRIED TO PROMOTE IN THE PAST YEAR THROUGH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING A CRIME PREVENTION SEMINAR AND A DAY CAMP FOR YOUTH.
MRS CHAN ALSO SAID THE COMMITTEE WAS VERY CONCERNED WITH THE GENERAL LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT.
UNDER THE INITIATIVE OF THE COMMITTEE, SHE SAID, EIGHT ANTIPICKPOCKETING SIGNBOARDS HAD BEEN PUT UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH OVER PROPERTY.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, PR AUGUSTINE CHENG URGED RESIDENTS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE IN COMBATING CRIME.
HE SAID REPORTING CRIME, TAKING APPROPRIATE PREVENTION MEASURES AND TESTIFYING IN COURT WERE SOME OF THE WAYS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS COULD HELP IN FIGHTING CRIME.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, PRIZES WERE ALSO AWARDED TO WINNERS OF A SLOGAN COMPETITION ORGANISED TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, PR TSANG YAM-PUI.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
8
BETTER TRAINED WORKERS NEEDED FOR FURNITURE INDUSTRY * * * * *
PROPER TRAINING FOR FURNITURE WORKERS IS VITAL IF THE INDUSTRY’S COMPETITIVENESS IS TO BE SUSTAINED, ACCORDING TO THE 1986 SURVEY BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ON FURNITURE INDUSTRY.
THE SURVEY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, COVERED THE THREE TRADES OF WOOD FURNITURE-CARVING, RATTAN FURNITURE-MAKING AND METAL FURNITURE-MAKING.
IT SHOWED THAT WOOD FURNITURE WAS STILL THE MOST IMPORTANT AND LARGEST BRANCH OF THE INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING 3 499 WORKERS OR 55 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF 7 614.
THE BUSINESS OF THE THREE TRADES, THE REPORT SAID, WERE IN A STAGNANT STATE, A SITUATION THAT HAD BEEN PREVAILED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
+HOWEVER, THE METAL FURNITURE-MAKING TRADE APPEARS TO BE MORE ACTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAINTAIN A STEADY DEVELOPMENT,+ A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FINDINGS ALSO INDICATED THAT TAKING THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE, IT WAS FACED WITH A NUMBER OF DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS AN AGING WORKFORCE, RELUCTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN IN THE TRADE, STRONG COMPETITION FROM FOREIGN-MADE FURNITURE IN BOTH THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MARKETS AND RISING COST OF RAW MATERIALS.
+TO OVERCOME SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES, THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY SHOULD UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTS, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEREFORE, A BETTER TRAINED AND MORE VERSATILE WORKFORCE IS REQUIRED. INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD ORGANISE TRAINING SCHEMES TO UPGRADE THEIR WORKERS OR TO TRAIN NEW ONES.
IT WAS ESTIMATED IN THE SURVEY THAT AN ADDITIONAL 180 TO 200 CRAFTSMEN AND 20 TO 30 OPERATIVES WOULD BE REQUIRED ANNUALLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO MEET MANPOWER NEEDS.
THE REPORT, CONTAINING DETAIL STATISTICS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $10 PER COPY.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
- 9
WIDENING OF WYNDHAM STREET PROPOSED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN WYNDHAM STREET AS PART OF THE PROJECT TO UPGRADE AND CONNAUGHT ROAD.
THE SCHEME INVOLVES THE WIDENING OF WYNDHAM STREET ON ITS NORTH SIDE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LOWER ALBERT ROAD AND GLENEALY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE VICINITY.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 19.
------0--------
NEW FIRE STATION FOR TAI PO * * * *
A STANDARD SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION IS TO BE BUILT AT TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
IT WILL BE A FOUR-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH A FOUR-BAY APPLIANCE ROOM, OFFICES, BARRACKS AND DINING ROOM.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A DRILL YARD, UNDERGROUND OIL TANK AND GENERATOR ROOM.
ON COMPLETION, THE STATION WILL PROVIDE FIRE PROTECTION FOR TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN TAI PO EAST.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN JUNE AND TAKE A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
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TV HOME VIEWING GROUP VISITS TELA * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TELEVISION HOME VIEWING GROUP TODAY (SATURDAY) ,A™DED A SEM,NAR AND VISITED THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY TO GET FAMILIARISED WITH ITS WORKS.
WELCOMING THE MEMBERS, tHF COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MR HAROLD KWOK THANKED THEM FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN HELPIN- THE AUTHORITY IN REGULATING AND ASSESSING TFLFVISION PROGRAMMES.
/HE URGED
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
HE URGED THEM TO CONTINUE TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT TO THE AUTHORITY IN THE FUTURE.
THEY WERE THEN BRIEFED ON THE AUTHORITY’S ORGANISATION AND WORKS OF ITS VARIOUS SECTIONS.
THEY ALSO ATTENDED A DISCUSSION SESSION BEFORE VISITING DIFFERENT UNITS OF THE AUTHORITY.
THE TELEVISION HOME VIEWING SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1982 WITH THE AIM OF ASSISTING THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY AND THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS FOR TELEVISION.
HOME VIEWING HAVE SINCE BEEN SET UP IN THE TERRITORY’S 19 DISTRICTS WITH MEMBERS COMING FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. THEY ARE APPOINTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
- - 0 - -
FOUR LOTS TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION * * * * *
FOUR SITES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT AN AUCTION ON MONDAY (MARCH 23) AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE INDUSTRIAL LOTS AT SHEUNG ON STREET, CHAI WAN, AND KAI HING ROAD IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION. THE OTHERS INCLUDE A RESIDENTIAL LOT ON RAZOR HILL IM SAI KUNG AND A NON-INDUSTRIAL LOT AT WAN CHA' ROAD. HOMG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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/11
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
11
TEACHERS ATTEND SEMINAR ON FOOD CHEMISTRY
*****
MORE THAN 180 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TODAY (SATURDAY) ATTENDED A SEMINAR ON FOOD CHEMISTRY AT THE SPACE MUSEMUM LECTURE HALL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE SEMINAR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE MUSEMUM OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED AT INTRODUCING TO TEACHERS THE PRINCIPLES OF FOOD PRESERVATION BY THERMAL PROCESSING AS WELL AS THE METHODS AND EQUIPMENT USED IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CANNED FOOD.
A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR KWOK KIN-CHOR, GAVE CHEMISTRY TEACHERS A DETAILED TALK ON FOOD CHEMISTRY - THE THERMAL PROCESSING OF FOOD.
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VARIETY SHOW TREAT FOR NORTH DISTRICT
*****
RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.
riUlr°cn^.lrED BY THE N0RTH D|STR ICT STEERING COMMITTEE ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHOW WILL MARK THE CLOSE OF THE DISTRICT’S YEAR-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
„1A PROGRAMMES IN THE SHOW INCLUDE ORIENTAL DANCE, FOLK SONGS CHORAL SPEAKING, AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY A LOCAL CHINESE HJSIC ORCHESTRA, A POP BAND AND POP SINGERS.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR. MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNGj DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CLOSING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG SHU I.
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/12
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1987
12
INVITATION TO JOIN ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES * * * * *
BUSINESS FIRMS, FACTORIES, REGISTERED ASSOCIATIONS AND RESIDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN ABERDEEN ON MAY 31 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
AN ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE THE EVENT WHICH WILL LAST FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ALONG A 330-METRE CHANNEL OFF THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
THE RACES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S INVITATION, MEN’S OPEN AND LADIES’ OPEN SECTIONS. EACH TEAM SHOULD CONSIST OF NOT MORE THAN 22 MEMBERS INCLUDING THE DRUMMER AND A LEADER.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN URGED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO THE RACES WHICH HAVE A LONG TRADITION IN ABERDEEN.
LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO ORGANISATIONS TO INVITE THEIR PARTICIPATION. ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS END OF APRIL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSUEN WAN, TSI NG Yl
*****
SHA TSUI ROAD BESIDE CHUNG HANG NULLAH IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 24) FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO GO TO TSUEN WAN OR THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ADVISED TO USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
MEANWHILE FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM ON THE SAME DAY AND MARCH 25 ONE LANE OF THE TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR DRAINAGE WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1937 - 13 -
WATER CUTS IN SHAM SHU I PO, WESTERN
****#•
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (MARCH 24) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TAI NAM WEST STREET, YU CHAU WEST STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WESTERN WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF ON THE SAME DAY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SANDS STREET, POKFIELD ROAD, LUNG WAH STREET, KA WAI MAN ROAD, VICTORIA ROAD, SAI NING STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN NEW PRAYA, INCLUDING SAI WAN ESTATE AND KWUN LOONG LAU.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH OF FOOTWEkR INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTED ........... 1
50 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JaNUARY ..................... 2
SEMINARS ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION PLANNED................ 3
CUSTOMS TO GO COMPUTERISED ..................................... 5
SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT WELFARE CENTRES ...................... 5
SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN ...................... 6
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ..................... 7
CONTINUAL EFFORT TO BOOST CIVIC EDUCATION ...................... 7
BRIEFING ON TSIM SHA TSUI TRAFFIC STUDY ........................ 8
TENDER INVITED IOR HUNG HOM BAY SEAWALL ........................ 8
BETTER FACILITIES FOR INDOOR GAMES HALL ........................ 9
EASTERN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NEW SUBWAY ..................... 9
ISLANDS DISTRICT TO BE FEATURED IN TV SHOW..................... 10
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
1
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH OF FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTED ¥ ¥ ¥ * ¥■
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID HONG KONG’S FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY HAS SEEN CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN PRODUCTIVITY OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HONGKONG RUBBER AND FOOTWEAR MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED, MR YEUNG SAID THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL OR CONSTANT PRICE TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORT OF FOOTWEAR OVER THE 10 YEARS FROM 1977 TO 1986 HAS BEEN NEARLY 104 PER CENT.
♦THIS, TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND WORKERS IN 1986 HAS REMAINED MORE OR LESS AT ’HE SAME LEVEL AS IN 1977, MUST MEAN THAT THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY HAS UNDERGONE SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN PRODUCTIVITY, AND IT WOULD BE FAIR TO SAY THAT EACH WORKER IN T HE INDUSTRY HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED HIS OUTPUT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, + HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THE GROWTH COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO TWO FACTORS.
+CLEARLY, THE INDUSTRY IS INDEBTED TO A MORE EDUCATED AND BETTER TRAINED WORK-FORCE, THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN THE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION AND MANPOWER TRAINING OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
+BUT, SECONDLY, THE GROWTH OF PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR INDUSTRY ALSO OWES ITSELF TO SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT AND RE-1 NV ESTMENT IN PRODUCTION MACHINERY, PARTICULARLY THE KIND OF MACHINERY WHICH ENABLES YOU TO AUTOMATE YOUR PRODUCTION, TO BROADEN THE RANGE OF YOUR OUTPUT IN RESPONSE TO DEMAND, AND TO ATTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF QUALITY,* HE SAID.
THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY, ONE OF THE OLDEST INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG, DATES BACK TO THE 1940’S.
IN 1967 THERE WERE 280 FOOTWEAR FACTORIES IN HONG KONG, EMPLOYING 11 700 WORKERS AND EXPORTING $219 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS IN THAT YEAR. TEN YEARS LATER, THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES HAS INCREASED TO 620, EMPLOYING IN 1977 SOME 8 900 WORKERS AND EXPORTING GOODS WORTH $365 MILLION. WHILE THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES DECREASED SLIGHTLY TO 557 IN 1986 AND EMPLOYMENT REMAINED MORE OR LESS AT THE SAME LEVEL AS 10 YEARS AGO (8 186), EXPORTS HAD RISEN TO $1 200 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR WARNED THE INDUSTRY HOWEVER TO GUARD ITSELF AGAINST COMPLACENCY.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY WAS NOT IMMEDIATELY THREATENED BY PROTECTIONISM, IT WAS OPERATING IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND THERE WAS SCOPE FOR FURTHER GROWTH IN PRODUCTIVITY AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY.
/t-.R YEUNG ................
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
- 2 -
MR YEUNG NOTED THAT WHILE THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS TOWARDS AUTOMATING PRODUCTION, THERE WERE CLEARLY OTHER TECHNOLOGIES WHICH IT COULD ABSORB, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT.
IT IS NO EASY TASK FOR INDUSTRY TO ESTABLISH A CONSPICUOUS REPUTATION FOR ORIGINALITY IN DESIGN AND FOR QUALITY.
+TO REACH THIS GOAL REQUIRES YEARS OF PAINSTAKING EFFORT AND DETERMINATION, BUT ABOVE ALL IT REQUIRES CONSISTENT WILLINGNESS TO PURCHASE AND APPLY THOSE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS THAT CAN HELP YOU TO ENHANCE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY AND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR OUTPUT.
+IT IS IN THESE AREAS THAT ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY LIMITED, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT CAN BE OF HELP TO YOU. TOGETHER THEY PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS, AND I WOULD URGE THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING YOUR BUSINESS MORE EFFICIENT AND PROFITABLE TO USE THESE SERVICES,+ MR YEUNG SAID.
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50 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY
*****
AN 18-STOREY BLOCK EXTENSION OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL IN TSUEN WAN WAS AMONG 50 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN JANUARY.
ALSO APPROVED WERE PLANS FOR THREE SCHOOL BUILDINGS TO BE BUILT AT RED HILL ROAD IN TAI TAM, BOUNDARY STREET IN MONG KOK AND WHAMPOA DOCK IN HUNG HOM.
AS IN PAST MONTHS, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF APPROVALS - 27 -WERE FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL PROJECTS.
AMONG THEM WERE FIVE 36-38-STOREY TOWER BLOCKS AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN SHAM TSENG AND FOUR 33-37-STOREY APARTMENT BLOCKS AT ROBINSON ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS.
TWO FACTORIES - ONE AT TAI LIN PAI ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE OTHER AT CHAI WAN KOK STREET IN TSUEN WAN - WERE APPROVED DURING THE MONTH, TOGETHER WITH TWO WORKSHOPS IN SAI KUNG AND SHA TIN.
/PLANE FOR .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
PLANS FOR EIGHT PASSENGER STOPS OF THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WERE ALSO APPROVED FOR KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
FORTY-TWO NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING 23 APARTMENT AND AARTMENT-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND A CLUB HOUSE IN SHA TIN, WERE GIVEN CONSENTS TO START WORK IN JANUARY.
THE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION WAS 41-12 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND 23 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN JANUARY WAS ABOUT $699.2 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $489.6 MILLION FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
DURING THE MONTH, 23 CONSENTS TO DEMOLISH, AFFECTING 38 BUILDINGS, WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE RECEIVED 423 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS AND CARRIED OUT 817 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 162 REMOVAL ORDERS.
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SEMINARS ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION PLANNED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SERIES OF COURSES AND SEMINARS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH DIFFERENT SUBJECTS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEARCHERS DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
THE DEPARTMENT'S CHINESE TEACHING CENTRE IS TO CONDUCT SIX INDENT ICAL HALF-DAY COURSES IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS BETWEEN APRIL 2 AND 10.
THESE COURSES WILL CATER FOR 150 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. EACH COURSE WILL INCLUDE A SHORT TALK AND A WORKSHOP SESSION AT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE (KOWLOON UNIT) ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD.
THE FIRST SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS IS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM. IT IS LIMITED TO 60 TEACHERS.
/THE SEMINAR
jUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
THE SEMINAR WHICH IS AIMED AT EXPLORING POSSIBLE WAYS OF PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD AT MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON APRIL 28.
THE SECOND SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE ART AND CRAFT CURRICULUM. TWO HALF-DAY SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON APRIL 4 AND 11.
THESE SEMINARS WILL EXPLORE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ART AND CRAFT CURRICULUM THROUGH WHICH CIVIC EDUCATION WOULD BE PROMOTED AND OPPORTUNITIES WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR DISCUSSION AMONG PARTICIPANTS.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO ATTEND TwO SEMINARS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS AND POLLUTION TOPICS.
THE SEMINAR ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE LIMITED TO 72 TEACHERS. TWO HALF-DAY SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON APRIL 24.
THERE WILL BE 10 REPEATED SEMINARS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF POLLUTION TOPICS IN THE FORM 4-5 CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS.
THEY WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT BETWEEN APRIL 23 AND MAY 4.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINARS IS TO INTRODUCE TO CHEMISTRY TEACHERS SUGGESTED APPROACHES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF POLLUTION TOPICS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
5
CUSTOMS TO GO COMPUTERISED * * * *
THE EXISTING INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON BE CENTRALLY COMPUTERISED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF A SPECIALLY DESIGNED IN-HOUSE COMPUTER SYSTEM.
A SUM OF S9.5 MILLION HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE PURCHASE, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF THE SYSTEM.
THE SYSTEM, WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL IN ABOUT TWO YEARS’ TIME, WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN AREAS OF CUSTOMS CONTROL, THE COLLECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF INTELLIGENCE, AND THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF DUTIES.
IT IS ALSO A SYSTEM THAT IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AFTER FOUR YEARS OF STUDIES AND IS PART OF A MODERNISATION PROGRAMME OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM WILL COMPRISE A CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT, FIVE INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROLLERS, 12 PRINTERS AND 40 TERMINALS.
- - o -
SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT WELFARE CENTRES X X X X *
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD VISITED SIX LOCAL WELFARE INSTITUTIONS TODAY (SUNDAY) TO LOOK AT THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR CARE AND CONCERN.
THE GOODWILL VISIT, INITIATED BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, COVERED CHESHIRE HOME IN STANLEY, KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN WONG CHUK HANG, WAI KEI HOSTEL IN AP LEI CHAU, THE BRADBURY AND QUAN CHUEN HOMES IN TIN WAN, AND WAH HONG HOSTEL IN WAH FU ESTATE.
ACCOMPANIED BY SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD, MEMBERS TOURED THE INSTITUTIONS, CHATTED WITH INMATES AND PRESENTED THEM GIFTS. THERE WERE ALSO PERFORMANCES BY VOLUNTARY WORKERS.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR MEMBERS TO VISIT ANOTHER REHABILITATION INSTITUTION, THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND IN POK FU LAM LATER THIS MONTH.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE TWO REHABILITATION CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND 14 OTHERS RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT FOR THE DISABLED.
/AS FOR
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
- 6
E0R THE ELDERLY» THERE are two aged homes, three old age HOSTELS AND THREE CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.
ADMISSIONS TO THESE INSTITUTIONS ARE OPEN TO RESIDENTS FROM ALL PARTS OF HONG KONG.
Ai?DITION, THERE ARE SIX SOCIAL CENTRES SET UP IN SOUTHERN TO MEET DISTRICT NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
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SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN
*****
A STANDARD SECONDARY SCHOOL IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR TS ING SHAN TSUEN IN TUEN MUN TO SERVE THE GROWING POPULATION IN THE NEW TOWN.
„ „S|TUATED ON A 6 400-SQUARE-METRE SITE, THE MAIN TEACHING FLOCK OF THE SCHOOL WILL COMPRISE 24 CLASSROOMS AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, A LIBRARY AND WORKSHOPS WILL ALSO BE BU I LT.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES AN ASSEMBLY HALL WITH COVERED PLAY AREA ON GROUND FLOOR, SEPARATE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND STAFF QUARTERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE BASKETBALL COURT, CAR PARK AND PLANTING AREAS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/7
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS INVITING SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO APPLY FOR FUNDS IO ORGANISE THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OI-" ICES. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 15.
THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WITH DONATIONS COMING FROM LOCAL LEADERS. THE THEME THIS YEAR IS +SHARE THE JOY, SERVE THE COMMON ITY+.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE ON 0-254602.
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CONTINUAL EFFORT TO BOOST CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF CIVIC EDUCATION WAS TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITY TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY AND TO CULTIVATE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING SO THAT THEY WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY. NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE MR MATTHEW CHEUNG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WAS A GRADUAL AND ON-GOING PROCESS THAT WOULD NOT CONCLUDE IN ONE YEAR.
-••ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR WITH MORE THAN 7 000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN 20 EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
+WE WOULD CONTINUE OUR EFFORT IN BOOSTING THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES,* HE ADDED.
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U4
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
- 8 -
BRIEFING ON TSIM SHA TSUI TRAFFIC STUDY * M * R K
-MEMBERS OF THE RA^F IC. AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA 1&I DISTRICT BOAI-i) »LL i>E BRIEFED ON A TRAFFIC STUDY IN TSIM §HA TSUI AT THEIR l^pIHG TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY COMMISSIONED TWO
CONSULTANT FIRMS TO CARRY OUT THE STUDY WHICH IS TO IDENTIFY »|
•'«® ASSESS TRAFFIC-*'FMBUlE'WIWi^N THE AREA UP TO 1991 AND TO
RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS,
THE STUDY COVERS THE PENINSULA SOUTH OF AUSTIN ROAD AND EXAH,NAT,0N 0F PR0P0SALS
ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE A ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME AT GASCOIGNE ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD THE PROPOSAL INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE SEPARATED INTERSECTION AT THE JUNCTION CF THE TWO ROADS AND* THE WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO WIDEN AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN FUAD AND CANTON ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INV ITE-D T®- COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW LN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD,
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TENDER INVITED FOR HUNG HOM BAY SEAWALL
* * * * m
A 515-METRE-LONG SEAWALL IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AS PART OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT.
OTHER WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING FACILITIES, ACCESS ROAD, EXTENSION Or AN EXISTING DRAIN, CONSTRUCTION OF STORM-WATER DRAINAGE OUTFALLS AND COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE CF THE RECLAMATION.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SEAWALL AND ANCILLARY WORKS WHICH ARE DUE TO START IN JUNE.
WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE RECLAMATION, WHICH INVOLVES ABOUT 20.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED, STARTED LAST JULY FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $14.8 iiILLION CONTRACT.
THE RECLAMATION WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING KOWLOON GOODS YARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
------o ------ /9 .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
9
BETTER FACILITIES FOR INDOOR GAMES HALL *****
AIR-CONDITIONING, VENTILATION AND HOT WATER HEATING SYSTEMS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE SECOND INDOOR GAMES HALL IN TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE BETTER-EQUIPPED RECREATIONAL GROUNDS FOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $842 033 CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE SYSTEMS.
SITUATED ON A 6 688-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN WU SHAN ROAD, THE INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL SERVE NOT ONLY RESIDENTS OF THE NEARBY HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATES BUT ALSO THOSE LIVING IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA WHEN COMPLETED IN APRIL, 1988.
FACILITIES FOR BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS, SQUASH, GYMNASTICS AND OTHER INDOOR GAMES WILL BE PROV IDED.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE A STAND FOR 400 SPECTATORS, CHANGING ROOMS AND SHOWER FACILITIES, TOILETS AND OFFICES.
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EASTERN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NEW SUBWAY
*****
A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A SUBWAY AT A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 24).
THE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY WOULD PROVIDE A SAFE PEDESTRIAN LINK BETWEEN ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION AREA AND A KUNG NGAM INDUSTRIAL AREAS, AND WOULD BE ICE CONSTRUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR STAGE III PROJECT WHICH WILL START IN MAY THIS YEAR.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS TWO LETTERS FROM NAN FUNG SUN CHUEN OWNERS AND TENANTS ASSOCIATIONS AND SHAU KEI WAN HILLSIDE CONCERN GROUP ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
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/10........
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1987
10
ISLANDS DISTRICT TO BE FEATURED IN TV SHOW *****
ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE FEATURED IN A TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO BE BROADCAST FROM 6.45 AM TO 9 AM ON THE JADE CHANNEL ON MARCH 28.
THE PROGRAMME IS A JOINT PROJECT BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
PARTS OF THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN PRE-TAPED AND WILL BE BROADCAST WITH SEGMENTS TAKEN FROM A LIVE SHOW STAGED AT THE PAK SHE PRAYA ROAD, CHEUNG CHAU.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND HK-TVB WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE +GOOD MORNING ISLANDS* TV PROGRAMME AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 24) ON THE 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU, THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR DANIEL LAM, DEPUTY PRODUCTION MANAGER, MISS SOPHIA CHAN, AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, MR JOHNNY WONG, WILL ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOUR LOTS SOLD FOR $242.9 MILLION............................ 1
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION................................. 2
COMMUNITY SUPPORT INVITED TO PLOT TREES ..................... 2
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS MATRICULATION COURSE OFFERED....... 4
LAW COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS ORGANISED......................... 5
MEET THE MEDIA............................................... 5
JOINT COIS4ITTES TO MEET..................................... 6
LOOKING AT CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES ........................ 6
82 OOO BENEFIT FROM DISTRICT FUNCTIONS.......................
APPLICATIONS FOR SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE................... 8
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES ................. 8
VILLAGE ACCESS ROAD TO BE EXTENDED........................... 9
CLOSURE OF TSUEN WAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURIS...................... 9
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED.......................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEM.11TTS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN KOT................ 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 11
ONDAY, MARCH 23, 1937
1
FOUR LOTS SOLD FOR $242.9 MILLION * H * * *
FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL $242. ) MILLION TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE LAST AUCTION HELD BY THE BUILDINcj AND LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
LEASE TERMS FOR THE LOTS ARE TO START FROM THE DATE OF AGREEMENT AND EXPIRE ON JUNE 30, 2047. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WOULD ALSO HAVE TO PAY AN ANNUAL RENTAL RANGING FROM $300 TO $1 000 UP TO JUNE 30, 1997 AND THEREAFTER AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE TIME BEING OF THE LOT.
FETCHING THE HIGHEST PRICE WAS A 5 487-SQUARE-METRE LOT AT KAI HING ROAD, KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION. IT WAS SOLD TO KOTACHI LTD FOR $125 MILLION. BIDDING BEGAN AT $70 MILLION.
UNDER LEASE TERMS, THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 36 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE MARCH 31, 1991 FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE ONLY OTHER LOT STIPULATED FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES WAS SOLD FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE. LOCATED AT SHEUNG ON STREET IN CHAI WAN, THE 3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE-SITE WAS BOUGHT BY STRAIGHTFIELD LAND INVESTMENT LTD. FOR $70 MILLION. OPENING BID WAS $45 MILLION.
THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 21 500 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1991.
THE ONLY RESIDENTIAL LOT, MEASURING 3 800 METRES ON RAZOR HILL IN SAI KUNG, WAS SOLD TO JADE PINE LTD FOR $20.4 MILLION. BIDDING BEGAN AT $9 MILLION.
UNDER THE TERMS OF SALE, THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 1 710 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1991.
ANOTHER NON-INDUSTRI AL LOT, LOCATED AT WANCHAI ROAD, WAS BOUGHT BY CHING YEE REALTY LTD FOR $27.5 MILLION. BIDDING FOR THE 444.1-SQUARE-METRE-SITE OPENED AT $20 MILLION.
AS PART OF THE SALES AGREEMENT, THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE TO BUILD A GROSS AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 2 125-SQUARE-METRE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1091 FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USE, INCLUDING A SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE WITH ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION BUT EXCLUDING GODOWN.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULT OF THE AUCTION, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, PR C.M. MO, SAID THE PRICES FETCHED WERE VERY GOOD AND MORE THAN EXPECTED.
TODAY’S AUCTION BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LOTS SOLD TO 24 IN EIGHT AUCTIONS, WHICH REALISED A TOTAL REVENUE OF $2 371.8 MILLION THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
2
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION X X X X X
THE Tw/O SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE COMMISSION'S TWELFTH MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 26) AT 2.30 PM. THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE 1987-88 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
_ _ _ o----
COMMUNITY SUPPORT INVITED TO PLANT TREES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM, TODAY (MONDAY) JOINTLY APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO HELP IMPROVE THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT.
ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE TREE PLANTING SCHEME CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. IT WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY (MARCH 29) AND PROMISES TO BE A SPECIAL +TREAT+ FOR EVERYONE INTERESTED IN RAISING HIS OWN TREES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE 1987 SCHEME, DR LEE AND MRS TAM EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANTING TREES AND THE PUBLIC’S ROLE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
♦TREES ARE AMONG THE FEW INVALUABLE NATURAL RESOURCES IN HONG KONG. THEY NOT ONLY HELP TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT AND STOP SOIL EROSION AND SILTATION OF STREAMS AND RESERVOIRS, BUT ALSO REHABILITATE AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN DISTURBED BY DEVELOPMENT OR DAMAGED BY FIRE,+ DR LEE SAID.
♦EVERY YEAR, TREE PLANTING PROGRAMMES ARE ORGANISED TO RESTOCK OUR PLANTATION. IT HAS BEEN OUR POLICY TO ENCOURAGE ALL SECTIONS CF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER GENERATION, TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE PLANTING AND CARING OF TREES,+ HE ADDED.
IN SUPPORT, MRS TAM SAID: +TREES TAKE YEARS TO MATURE. RAISING TREES FROM SEEDS AND PLANTING THEM REQUIRE A LOT OF EFFORT, BUT IT TAKES EVEN A GREATER EFFORT TO CARE FOR THEM AND PROTECT THEM AGAINST VANDALISM AND FIRE.
♦IT IS THUS VERY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO REALISE THAT IT IS HIS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE THE WORK OF PLANTING TREEo AND CAR ING FOR THEM.+
SHE ADDED THAT THIS WAS ALSO A GOOD AND MEANINGFUL EXERCISE IN CIVIC EDUCATION AS +IT IS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THIS KIND CF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY THAT ONE DEVELOPS INTO A RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZEN+.
/also present .......
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE WERE MR ROBERT CHAN, GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, AND MR STEVE MASON, DIRECTOR OF SWIRE BOTTLERS LIMITED, WHO ARE RESPECTIVELY THE CO-ORGANISER AND SPONSOR OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT.
THE 1987 TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME WILL BE LAUNCHED BY A +CELEBRITY TREE PLANTING* DAY TO BE HELD AT A SCENIC PLANTING SITE AT HOI HA, IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ON SUNDAY (MARCH 29) AT 10.30 AM.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO, JOINED BY SOME 100 WELL-KNOWN PUBLIC FIGURES AND 1 □□□ SCHOOL CHILDREN, WILL PLANT THE FIRST TREES TO START OFF THIS YEAR’S TREE PLANTING ACTIV IT IES.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A NEW AND UNIQUE FEATURE IN THE 1987 SCHEME. +EACH PARTICIPANT, AFTER PLANTING A TREE, WILL BE GIVEN A SEED PACKET AND A COLOURFUL LEAFLET SO THAT HE OR SHE CAN RAISE A SEEDLING AT HOME FOR PLANTING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS IN THE 1988 PLANTING SEASON. A HANDSOME SOUVENIR WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED IN DOING S0,+ HE SAID.
TREE PLANTING DAYS FOR THE PUBLIC HAD BEEN SCHEDULED FOR ALL SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN APRIL.
TREE SEEDLINGS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FREE FOR PLANTING IN SEVEN DESIGNATED SITES IN COUNTRY PARKS AT TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG AND CLEARWATER BAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM.
DEPARTMENT STAFF WOULD EE ON DUTY TO PROVIDE TREE SEEDLINGS, TOOLS AND ANY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.
APART FROM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE FOR SOME 3 500 STUDENTS AND YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME IN GROUPS.
ANY ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION TRAINING AND EDUCATION UNIT AT 3-7332121 FOR REGISTRATION.
IN VIEW OF GROWING POPULARITY, DR LEE SAID, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN THIS WIDELY-ACCEPTED ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT HAD INCREASED BY TENFOLD FROM 1 700 PEOPLE IN 1982 TO 17 000 PEOPLE IN 1986.
+1 HOPE THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL COME FORWARD TO PLANT TREES IN THE COMING TREE PLANTING DAYS, SETTING A RECORD HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF. I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL FIND THE EXPERIENCE INTERESTING AND MEANINGFUL,* HE ADDED.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1937
4
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OVERSEAS MATRICULATION COURSE OFFERED
*****
A NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING OFFERED TO LOCAL STUDENTS TO ATTEND A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE LEADING TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WHICH IS RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING BR ITAIN AND CANADA.
THESE SCHOLARSHIPS, DONATED BY A NUMBER OF LEADING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, ARE TENABLE AT THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES COMPRISING ATLANTIC COLLEGE IN BRITAIN, PEARSON COLLEGE IN CANADA/ AMERICAN WEST COLLEGE IN THE UNITED STATES AND ADRIATIC COLLEGE IN ITALY.
THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES WERE ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EDUCATION. STUDENTS AND TEACHING STAFF OF THE MEMBER COLLEGES COME FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
AN INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL AND AN INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE PROJECTS AND FOR THE PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION OF NEW COLLEGES.
ENTRY TO EACH COLLEGE, WHICH IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, WILL BE BASED ON ACADEMIC ABILITY AND PERSONAL QUALITIES.
FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE, STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO TAKE A MINIMUM OF SIX SUBJECTS, THREE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL AND THREE AT THE SUBSIDIARY LEVEL.
SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE COLLEGE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO TAKE THE FULL TWO-YEAR COURSE.
STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT EACH SCHOLARSHIP WILL NORMALLY COVER ONLY PART OF THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES DURING THE TWO YEARS BUT NOT OTHER NECESSARY EXPENSES SUCH AS AIR PASSAGE.
APPLICANTS MUST BE OVER 16 AND UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND POSSESS A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
STUDENTS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL PR INC IPALS BY APR IL 10.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
5
LAW COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS ORGANISED
*****
WORKING JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE IN ^COMMERCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW+ JOINTLY ORGANISED EY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.
THE FOUR-WEEK COURSE IS ONE OF A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF WORKING JOURNALISTS. THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 6.30 PM TO 9.30 PM STARTING APRIL 29.
COURSE FEE IS ft85O, BUT PARTICIPANTS PAY ONLY #150 WITH THE BALANCE BEING BORNE BY THE COUNCIL. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 14.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON APPLICATION OF THE COURSE, CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
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MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
DR REED WILL BE SPEAKING ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORK OF HIS DEPARTMENT SINCE ITS REORGANISATION LAST APRIL AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. HE WILL ALSO ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY REPORTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1937
JOINT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * * X
THE JOINT URBAN-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR W.M. SULKE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL DISCUSS AMONG OTHER THINGS THE INCLUSION OF THREE PROPOSED NEW MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH BEGINS AT 2.30 PM IN COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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LOOKING AT CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, VISITED THE HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS (HIT) IN KWAI CHUNG THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE VISIT WAS THE SECOND IN A SERIES THIS YEAR TO ENABLE MR HAMMOND TO FAM IL I AR IES HIMSELF WITH LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND LABOUR SCENE.
HE WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE COMPANY’S GENERAL MANAbER (TERMINALS), MR CLIVE FLEGG, AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, MR PATRICK LAM.
MR HAMMOND WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPANY PROVIDED A COMPLETE CONTAINER HANDLING SERVICE OF LOADING AND DISCHARGING CARGOES ROUND THE CLOCK.
AT PRESENT, IT OPERATES TWO CONTAINER TERMINAL BERTHS AND A NEW ONE COVERING AN AREA OF 29 HECTARES IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1989.
HE WAS LATER SHOWN AROUND THE COMPUTER CENTRE, THE CONTROL TOWER AND THE CONTAINER YARD.
DURING THE VISIT, MR HAMMOND ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WITH THE MANAGEMENT A NUMBER OF TOPICS INCLUDING SAFETY AT WORK WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE DAY-TO-DAY CONTAINER HANDLING ACTIVITIES AT THE TERMINAL BERTHS AND CONTAINER DEPOTS, LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS, LABOUR LEGISLATION AND STAFF WELFARE.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 193/
7
82 090 BENEFIT FROM DISTRICT FUNCTIONS
*****
MORE THAN 82 090 PEOPLE TOOK PART AND BENEFITTED FROM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT DURING THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR.
REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME <5- i 030 WAS ALLOCATED TO SPONSOR LOCAL BODIES FOR ORGANISING COMHUN TY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
AMONG THE PROJECTS WERE FOUR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS TO ENHANCE PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. THESE WERE CAMPAIGNS ON HEALTHY LIFE, ROAD SAFETY, CIVIC EDUCATION AND FIGHT CRIME.
SOME 44 090 RESIDENTS PARTICIPATED IN PROGRAMMES ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGNS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO SPONSORED TWO SURVEYS TO FIND OUT PUBLIC VIEWS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND YOUTH SERVICES IN MONG KOK. THE FINDINGS WOULD BE USED TO FORMULATE POLICIES ON THE DISTRICTS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD, IN AN EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN THE CLOSE TIES WITH COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, ALLOCATED SOME $130 003 TO AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE LOCAL BRANCH OF YIN NGA I SOCIETY TO HELP ORGANISE OUTINGS, CAMPAIGNS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS.
FUNDS WERE ALSO ALLOCATED TO HELP ORGANISE A MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL, A LUNAR NEW YEAH CARNIVAL AND SPRING FESTIVAL RECEPTIONS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
DURING THE YEAR, MORE THAN fel50 9'39 WAS ALSO USED TO SPONSOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES, LUNCH-TIME CONCERTS, A TWO-WEEK CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL, AND AN INTERNATIONAL PEACE YEAR CONCERT.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO SPONSORED PRODUCTION OF PUBLICITY LEAFLETS ON AREA COMMITTEES AND THE OPEN-AIR ART GALLERY, AS WELL AS WORKING REPORTS ON VARIOUS DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
IN VIEW OF THE POPULARITY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES, THE COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE ITS SUPPORT TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE IS NOW INVITING AREA COMMITTEES, BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER COMMUNITY BODIES TO APPLY FOR FUNDS IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 10. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-815291.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
8
APPLICATIONS FOR SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE
*****
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR TEAMS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1987 SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE CELEBRATING THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON MAY 31.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, COMMERCIAL FIRMS, BANKS, NON-PROFIT-MAKING COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS, IN AND OUTSIDE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARE WELCOME.
THE EVENT WILL START FROM 8.3'9 AM OVER A 1 090-METRE COURSE AT THE TAI WU KOK RECLAMATION SITE, TUI MIN HOI.
COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH BOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIMES.
SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE RACE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACING AooOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFF ICE.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 20 AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHA HA PUBLIC SPORT FIELD, SAI KUNG TOWN. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-2811762.
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FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES * * * *
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
CHAIRPERSON OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE 1987, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN, SAID THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGE OF SIX AND 25.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS +SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY*.
LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ORGANISATIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 6.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-416315.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
9
VILLAGE ACCESS ROAD TO BE EXTENDED * X * X *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO EXTEND AN ACCESS ROAD AT SIU HANG VILLAGE IN FANLING TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE HINTERLAND OF THE VILLAGE.
THE WORK INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A ROAD EXTENSION, A RUN-IN, A PASSING PLACE TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORK.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY FOOTPATH WIL BE MAINTAINED SO THAT ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE VILLAGERS WILL BE MINIMISED.
THE PROPOSED EXTENSION WILL BE BUILT ON THE SAME BASH. OF THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD AT SIU HANG VILLAGE AND MANY OTHER SIMILAR VAN TRACKS IN THE RURAL AREA.
CONSTRUCTION WORK AND SUBSEQUENT MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE TAKEN UP BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
A PORTION OF A PRIVATE LOT INVOLVING AN AREA OF 216.5 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL HAVE TO BE RESUMED FOR THE PROJECT.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 19.
--------0---------
CLOSURE OF TSUEN WAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES X X X X X
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT A LANE NEAR 55 CHUNG ON STREET IN TSUEN WAN SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN FEBRUARY 1985 REQUIRING
DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 27 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, P8-7
10
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED * * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 471 LOCKHART ROAD, HONG KONG, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JULY 1986 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON JUNE 26 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
---0------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN * * * *
MA WANG ROAD BETWEEN WANG LOK STREET AND PING WUI STREET IN YUEN LONG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.15 AM TO 5.30 AM FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 26) TO MARCH 28 FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO TAI KIU ROAD, YUEN LONG ON LING ROAD AND PING WUI STREET. SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON WANG LOK STREET FOR JOURNEYS TO TUEN MUN WILL BE DIVERTED TO LONG YIP STREET, YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD, TAI KIU ROAD, YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD AND PING WUI STREET.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE DIVERSIONS, TRAFFIC ON TAI KIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT ON TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD.
IN TUEN MUN, RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT AT SOME ROAD JUNCTIONS WILL BE BANNED FROM 10 AM ON MARCH 26 FOR ABOUT A MONTH FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN -YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND ON TO TIN HAU ROAD WILL BE BANNED. MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE VIA KIN TAI STREET, KIN WING STREET AND TSUN WEN ROAD TO TIN HAU ROAD.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM TSUN WEN ROAD ON TO PUI TO ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED. MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE VIA TIN HAU ROAD AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO PUI TO ROAD WESTBOUND.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM TIN HAU ROAD ON TO PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE ALSO BANNED. MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE VIA TSUN WEN ROAD NORTHBOUND, KIN WING STREET, KIN TAI STREET, HO TIN STREET AND TSUN WEN ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND.
- - 0 - -
/11
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1987
11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 52.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 305.031 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 308.588 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS .............................. 1
STATEMENT SOON ON PUBLIC OPINION ASSESSMENT .................... 2
FAMILIARISATION VISIT OF SHENZHEN AND CANTON .................. 2
TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ................. 2
EPD CONTINUES COMBAT AGAINST POLLUTION ...................
LEGCO DEBATE ON CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION .................... 5
FUND SOUGHT FOR SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT............................. 5
SHA TIN PSPS SITE AWARDED ...................................... 6
WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS ............................ 7
carpenter road park to be further developed .................... 8
EXPANSION WORKS FOR CEMETERY PROPOSED ........................ 8
REFRESHER COURSE ON PHYSICaL EDUCATION ......................... 9
COURSES ON POLYSTYRENE FOmM MODEL-MaKING ....................... 9
REQUEST TO REVIEW LABOUR ORDINANCE ............................ 10
DFTATT.Fi OF FOOTBALL SCHEME TO BE .ANNOUNCED ................. 10
DETAILS OF SCHEME FOR ELDERLY TO BE ANNOUNCED.................. 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHA TIN, TSUIN WAN ......................... 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHAM SHUI PO, TUEN MUN ..................... 12
LEARNER DRIVERS BANNED ........................................ 12
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
1
NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS *****
THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY for illegal immigrants AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN THE MONTHS TO COME, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW GOVERNOR SIR DAVID WILSON, SNAKE-HEADS AND OTHERS WHO SOUGHT TO EXPLOIT THOSE WHO ATTEMPTED TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY WERE LIKELY TO START SPREADING RUMOURS OF AN AMNESTY. . HE CATEGORICALLY DISPELLED SUCH RUMOURS.
SPEAKING AFTER A VISIT TO THE BORDER, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE TECHNOLOGY USED TO DETECT ILLEGAL immigrants ON THE BORDER, COUPLED WITH VIGILANCE OF THE SECURITY FORCES, HAD ENSURED THAT MOST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE CAUGHT ACTUALLY ON THE BORDER AND SENT BACK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.
+ THE FEW WHO GET THROUGH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN IDENTITY CARDS. THEY WILL BE CAUGHT BY POLICE OR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT DURING THEIR ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OPERATIONS AND WILL ALSO BE SENT BACK,* HE SAID.
+WITH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ISSUING A NEW TYPE OF IDENTITY CARD LATER THIS YEAR, IT WILL BECOME EVEN EASIER TO DETECT THE FEW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE MANAGED TO SLIP THROUGH THE BORDER NET.
+THIS NEW CARD IS A VERY MUCH MORE COMPLICATED LOOKING ONE. IT HAS BEEN VERY CLEVERLY DESIGNED AND IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGE EFFECTIVELY,* HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED ON THE BORDER, A TREND WHICH HAD CONTINUED INTO MARCH. THIS WAS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE WARM WEATHER.
+ALTHOUGH IT IS TRUE THAT MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SEEM TO BE TRYING TO ENTER HONG KONG, IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT WITH THE AID OF THE TECHNIQUES NOW AVAILABLE TO HELP TO FIGHT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION A HIGHER PROPORTION OF THOSE TRYING TO ENTER ARE NOW BEING CAUGHT HERE AT THE BORDER,* HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THIS RECENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS HAD MADE THE SECURITY FORCES EVEN MORE WATCHFUL ON THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS.
*THE GOVERNMENT IS CAREFULLY MONITORING THE FIGURES FOR ILLEGAL CROSSERS AND NEW WAYS TO INCREASE THE ALREADY HIGH RATE OF ARREST ARE UNDER DISCUSSION AMONG THE POLICE, THE ARMY AND THE SECURITY BRANCH.*
HE ADDED THAT BORDER LIAISON GROUPS MET REGULARLY AND MUTUAL WAYS WERE WORKED OUT TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.
*1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, IN THE FUTURE, THE SMALL NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MANAGE TO SUCCEED IN CROSSING THE BORDER WILL BE REDUCED EVEN FURTHER,* HE SAID.
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/2........
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
2
STATEMENT SOON ON PUBLIC OPINION ASSESSMENT * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A STATEMENT TOMORROW OR SHORTLY AFTER ON HOW PUBLIC OPINION ON THE POLITICAL REFORM GREEN PAPER WILL BE ASSESSED, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE FOR TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS' JOCKEY CLUB YOUTH HOLIDAY CAMP IN YUEN LONG, SIR DAVID SAID A FIRM DECISION WAS MADE TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINION IN +A VERY CAREFUL AND CONSIDERED WAY+.
ASKED WHY AN ASSESSMENT OFFICE WAS NOT SET UP FOR THE 1984 REVIEW, SIR DAVID SAID: +AS I SAID, WE’LL MAKE A FULL STATEMENT TOMORROW, BUT THE TWO TASKS ARE NOT QUITE SIMILAR.+
- - 0 -
FAMILIARISATION VISIT OF SHENZHEN AND CANTON *****
THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR DICK CLIFT, WILL MAKE A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO SHENZHEN AND CANTON FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 26) TO MARCH 28.
HE WILL BE MEETING A VICE GOVERNOR AND OTHER PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS WHO WILL BRIEF HIM ON DEVELOPMENTS IN SHENZHEN AND GUANGDONG.
AN ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER, MISS ANNE SHEPHERD, AND AN INTERPRETER, MRS PAMELA LAI, WILL ACCOMPANY MR CLIFT ON THE VISIT.
- o - -
TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE TERMS OF 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD (TEXTAB) HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1987.
IN ADDITION, TWO NEW MEMBERS, MR HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND MR FRED K.T. CHIN, HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD WHILE FOUR MEMBERS, MR S.K. CHAN, MR KENNETH FANG, MR JOHN CHOW AND MR JACK TANG WILL RETIRE IN APRIL.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING APRIL 1 WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (MARCH 27).
/THE CHANGE
TUESDAY, I-mHCH ?4, 1987
the change is in line *ith the government’s policy of
NEW BLOOD IN ITS ADVISORY BODIES FROM TIME TO TIME.
INJECTING
the four OUTGOING members have served on RANGING FROM THREE TO 15 YEARS.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR THE CHAIRMAN OF TEXTAB, PAID TRIBUTE TO OUTGO VALUABLE SERVICE THEY HAD RENDERED.
TEXTAB FOR TERMS
ERIC HO, WHO IS ALSO ING MEMBERS FOR THE
MR TANG, 35, IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PENINSULA KNITTERS LIMITED WHICH SPECIALISES IN MANUFACTURING KNITWEAR FOR THE AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN MARKETS.
HE IS CURRENTLY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG WOOLLEN AND SYNTHETIC KNITTING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND A MEMBER OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AND THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD.
MR CHIN 47, A DIRECTOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE LIMITED, IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD (TAB).
ON MATTERS OF POLICY AFFECTING TRADE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY TAKES ADVICE FROM THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD COMPOSED PREDOMINANTLY OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
, THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD IS CONSULTED ON ALL MATTERS (OTHER THAN LABOUR MATTERS) AFFECTING The TEXTILES AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO CURRENTLY SERVE ON THE BOARD AND WHO HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED ARE: MR SAM T.S. CHEN, MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, MR DAVID E.Y. CHU, MR WILLIAM K.L. FUNG, MR RICHARD LAI, MR STEPHEN LAU, MR FRANK H. LIN, MR NELSON SOUSA, MR JAMES P.C. TIEN, MISS ELEANOR WONG, DR JAMES S.W. WONG. AND MR LINCOLN YUNG.
THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS COMPRISE THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE.
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A ...
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
4
EPD CONTINUES COMBAT AGAINST POLLUTION *****
THE DENSE POPULATION AND CONCENTRATION OF INDUSTRIES IN A SMALL PLACE LIKE HONG KONG PRODUCES ENORMOUS PRESSURE ON THE CITY AND ON ITS AIR AND WATER RESOURCES, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID ACTION ALREADY TAKEN HAD BY AND LARGE PREVENTED THE WORST CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE HAD BEEN ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS.
THESE INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE OBJECTIVE’DATA ON HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING NEW POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES’ IMPROVED LEGISLATION AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL PROGRAMMES! PROVISION OF MORE AND IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTES; AND CREATING A GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
DR REED ALSO SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
+WE EXPECT TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE 220 STAFF IN POST,+ HE SAID.
+THE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICIANS COVER A WIDE SPAN OF DISCIPLINE RANGING FROM CIVIL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERS TO TOWN PLANNERS, MATHEMATICIANS, CHEMISTS, PHYSICISTS, MICROBIOLOGISTS, BIOCHEMISTS AND BIOLOGISTS.+
+ IT WILL REQUIRE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT TIME TO RECRUIT ALL THESE STAFF AND SET THEM TO WORK PRODUCTIVELY ON PROTECTING HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.
DR REED ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EMBARK ON A SERIES CF NEW PROGRAMMES THIS YEAR IN CO-ORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THESE PROGRAMMES WOULD INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS IN TOLO HARBOUR WATER CONTROL ZONE; THE INTRODUCTION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK WASTES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION! IMPLEMENTATION CF THE VEHICLE EMISSION SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME! PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW POLLUTION CONTROL AND WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES! AND THE CONSULTATION AND PREPARATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOISE CONTROL BILL.
+ IN ADDITION TO THESE NEW DEVELOPMENTS, THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE AMONG WHICH I COUNT OUR EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE OCCURENCE OF NEW PROGRAMMES BY PLANNING AGAINST POLLUTION TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT,* HE CONCLUDED.
-------0-------- /5.....................
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
5
LEGCO DEBATE ON CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION *****
SIX MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
FIVE BILLS, 12 QUESTIONS AND TWO MOTIONS ARE AMONG MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.
OF THE FIVE BILLS, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
FOUR BILLS DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1986, THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE f»HARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES (AMENDMENT) RULES 1987.
. ------o--------
FUND SOUGHT FOR SHA * * *
TIN DEVELOPMENT * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A NEW ALLOCATION OF ABOUT $104 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE SECOND SHA TIN URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE SUM WOULD ENABLE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO REPAY MONEY ALREADY MADE AVAILABLE TO IT FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSING ESTATE AT SUN CHUI IN SHA TIN, TWO PRIMARY AND TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND A TRANSPORT STUDY OF THE SHA TIN-TSUEN WAN CORRIDOR.
A LOAN AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1980 TO FINANCE THE PROJECT. IN THE AGREEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT UNDERTOOK TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY THAT PORTION OF THE LOAN NOW AMOUNTING TO $104 784 000 IN RESPECT OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT.
ACCORDING TO ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS AGREED UPON, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FINANCE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DRAWINGS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE IN THE FORM OF A LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND TO SEEK SUBSEQUENT REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE BANK. IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE LOAN WOULD BE REPAYABLE OVER 40 YEARS.
/THE COMMITTEE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
6
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE A NUMBER OF OTHER PROVISIONS INCLUDING:
*
*
*
22 045 000 FOR REFUND OF RATES TO THE "^UNIVERSITIES BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE?
14 425 000 TO MEET PAYMENT FOR PATHOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
13 MILLION TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION FOR DUTY LAWYERS OF THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME? AND
A REVISION OF THE BASIC RATES OF PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCES TO ClilL SERVANTS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR ESTIMATED TO COST AN ADDITIONAL OF $5 MILLION IN THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR.
TmF COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO CONSIDER A SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.
------0-------
SHA TIN PSPS SITE AWARDED * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOT AT TAI WAI, SHA TIN, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ESTATE TO HOUSE ABOUT 3 000 PEOPLE.
SITUATED AT A PRIME LOCATION OPPOSITE THE NEW KCR TAI WAI STATION, THE 8 666-SQUARE-METRE SITE WAS AWARDED TO MILLION FIELD DEVELOPMENT LIMITED, A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN JDC CORPORATION AND CHEVALIER (HK) LIMITED, AT A PREMIUM OF $172.8 MILLION.
AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER (SHA TIN), MR EDMUND FUNG, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY, MR Y.C. CHOW.
MR FUNG SAID UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SALES, THE DEVELOPER WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH A MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 45 400 SQUARE METRES AS WELL AS ANCILLARY COMMERCIAL SPACE NOT EXCEEDING 1 000 SQUARE METRES.
A PUBLIC CAR PARK WITH 150 SPACES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
THE DEVELOPER PROPOSES TO BUILD THREE 24-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS WITH A TOTAL OF 864 UNITS, THE SALEBLE AREAS OF WHICH RANGE FROM 38.8 TO 54.35 SQUARE METRES.
/WHEN COMPLETED
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
WHEN COMPLETED IN LATE 1988, THE DEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO OFFER AMPLE LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE AT GROUND LEVEL FOR BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
MR FUNG SAID OF THE TENDERS RECEIVED, THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY MILLION FIELD WAS CONSIDERED THE BEST IN DESIGN TERMS BY THE SPECIAL TENDER BOARD. THE PREMIUM TENDERED WAS ALSO VERY COMPETITIVE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLEASED WITH THE KEEN INTEREST SHOWN BY DEVELOPERS IN THE SITE.
- 0 -
WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE ASKING FOR PARTICULARS OF THEIR FACTORIES OR FIRMS BY IMPERSONATING AS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID REPORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT RECENTLY BY A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS WHO WERE APPROACHED ON TELEPHONE BY PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS AND ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR BUSINESSES.
+NO OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN AUTHORISED TO COLLECT SUCH PARTICULARS OVER TELEPHONES,+ HE SAID.
HE REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT EVERY OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED WITH HIM A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A WARRANT BEARING HIS PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME.
STAFF OF THE FACTORY AND LABOUR INSPECTORATES ARE INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR WARRANTS WHEN VISITING FACTORIES.
The spokesman called on the public to check on the identity OF VISITORS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION WHEN IN DOUBT.
- 0 -
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
- 8 -
CARPENTER ROAD PARK TO BE FURTHER DEVELOPED * * * * *
THE CARPENTER ROAD PARK IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE FURTHER DEVELOPED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF AN $8.8 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE LATEST PROJECT - THE SECOND PHASE OF STAGE TWO - COVERS AN AREA OF 2.4 HECTARES AND WILL INTEGRATE PREVIOUS PHASES TO FORM A TOTAL PARK AREA OF 5.9 HECTARES.
THE DEVELOPMENT ACCOMMODATES BOTH PASSIVE AND ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
MAIN FEATURE OF THE ACTIVE AREA WILL BE AN INTER-TWINNED CYCLING AND JOGGING TRACK, GRADE-SEPARATED BY BRIDGES TO ENSURE SAFETY.
A TRICK CYCLING AREA AND CYCLE HIRE FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
PASSIVE RECREATION INCLUDE A LARGE ROCK GARDEN, EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING, SITTING-OUT AREAS, PAVILIONS AND TOILETS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1988.
------o-------
EXPANSION WORKS FOR CEMETERY PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD NEW URN BURIAL TERRACES AND EXTEND THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD TO THE WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF BURIAL TERRACES FOR 12 000 URNS, A 220-METRE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD, PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATHS AND STAIRCASES TO LINK UP THE TERRACES, SHELTERED RESTING AREAS FOR VISITORS, ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS AND PARK ING FAC IL IT IES.
THE EXPANSION WORKS ARE TO MEET THE PROJECTED NEEDS UNTIL THE EARLY 1990’S.
IT IS EXPECTED THE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1989.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORKS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 19.
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/9........
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
9
REFRESHER COURSE ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND A REFRESHER COURSE TO IMPROVE THEIR TEACHING SKILLS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS IN T HE TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT 5 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI .
PRACTICAL SESSIONS AND TALKS ON IMPROVEMENT IN THE TEACHING SKILLS IN ATHLETICS, WESTERN FOLK DANCE, GYMNASTICS AND GAMES WILL BE HELD DURING THE COURSE.
A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WHO FULFIL THE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSE SHOULD FORWARD APPLICATIONS TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY APRIL 1.
------0-------
COURSES ON POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODEL-MAKING
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD 13 IDENTICAL HALF-DAY COURSES ON POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODEL-MAKING FOR TEACHERS OF VARIOUS SUBJECTS STARTING APRIL 27.
THE COURSES ARE AIMED AT FAMILIARISING IN-SERVICE TEACHERS WITH THE BASIC TECHNIQUES OF MAKING POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODELS FOR USE AS TEACHING AIDS.
THE COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT AT 182 CANTON ROAD, TS IM SHA TSUI. EACH COURSE WILL INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTORY TALK AND A WORKSHOP SESSION.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS FOR THE COURSE SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BY APRIL 1 TO THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
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/10........
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
10
REQUEST TO REVIEW LABOUR ORDINANCE * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (MARCH 26) TO REQUEST THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO REVIEW AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE USE CF AIR COMPRESSORS AND BOILERS.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FROM THE YWCA CASTLE PEAK SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, THE LABOUR SERVICES CARNIVAL COMMITTEE AND THE SALVATION ARMY TAI HING CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE.
A REPORT ON THE SALE/OCCUPANCY OF FLATTED FACTORY UNITS IN TUEN MUN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
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DETAILS OF FOOTBALL SCHEME TO BE ANNOUNCED
*****
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK AND THE PRESIDENT CF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KIN-MING WILL MEET THE PRESS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR YOUTHS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE COMMON ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 155-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION, DR LAI MING-WAH AND THE ADVISER OF THE SCHEME, MISS BETTY MAIR WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
11
DETAILS OF SCHEME FOR ELDERLY TO BE ANNOUNCED
*****
ABOUT 1 700 RESIDENTS OF TSUEN WAN HAVE SO FAR BEEN ENROLLED FOR THE + PREFERENTI AL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY+ ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SCHEME, STARTED A YEAR AGO, PROVIDES PREFERENTIAL AND CONCESSIONARY SERVICES FOR THOSE AGED 65 AND ABOVE.
WITH A CARD ISSUED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME CAN ENJOY HALF-FARE FOR PUBLIC MINI-BUSES, CONCESSIONARY MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES.
THEY CAN ALSO OBTAIN DISCOUNTS WHEN SHOPPING AT CERTAIN SHOPS.
ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TSUEN WAN WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME CAN CONTACT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ON 0-4928519.
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO GIVE DETAILS ON THE PROGRESS AND RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 26) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YUEN-SUM, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER
DR FRANK CHEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN *****
THE TRAFFIC LAUES ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED SEPARATELY FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 27) TO APRIL 10 BETWEEN 9 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FOR ROAD WORK.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH PATIENCE AND CARE.
IN TSUEN WAN, CHUEN LUNG STREET BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD AND HAU TEI SQUARE WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON MARCH 27.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1987
12
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHAM SHUI PO, TUEN MUN
*****
FROM 11 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 26), SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHUI PO TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE LEFT-TURN BAN FROM BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD SOUTHBOUND ON TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE LIFTED. MEANWHILE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD AND TUNG CHAU WEST STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY
TRAFFIC
IN TUEN MUN, THE TRAFFIC LANES ON TSING LUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC SEPARATELY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 27) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN -YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER TSING LUN ROAD FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD. MOTORISTS CAN DRIVE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ROAD P2, TSUN WEN ROAD AND TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD TO TSING LUN ROAD.
— o
LEARNER DRIVERS BANNED
*****
NO LEARNER DRIVER WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER VILLAGE ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY FROM 7.30 AM TO 7.30 PM STARTING 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 27).
THE BAN, HOWEVER, WILL NOT BE IN FORCE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
FIRST BILINGUAL BILL READY BY MAY ....................... 1
BILINGUAL LAWS ’DESIRABLE AND EQUITABLE’ ............... 2
DOUBT OVER BILINGUAL LnW BILL EXPRESSED ................. 4
VIEWS ON GAP BETWEEN WRITTEN AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE..... 5
MOST APPROPRIATE FIRST STEP TAKEN ..................... 6
FULL COMMITMENT TO RAISING STANDARD OF CHINESE........... 7
SETTING UP OF CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION BaCKED ....... 10
CALL FOR FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE WIDER USE OF CHINESE .... 12
MOVE TO CONTROL DISPENSING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS .. 13
LABELLING OF MEDICINE TO GO BILINGUAL................... 14
IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES FOR HK RESIDENTS STREAMLINED .... 16
HOSPITAL RIGHT OF TRAFFIC mCCIDjiNT VICTIMS STRESSED .... 18
AD HOC GROUP REVEALS GOVERNMENT DEFICIENCIES............ 19
LEGaL aID FEES TO GO UP............................... 21
CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMaTES OF EXPENDITURE............ 21
CAVEATS IN PARTITION BILL DELETED ...................... 21
UPGC INTERIM REPORT TABLED.............................. 22
Baptist college m^iKes positive developments ........... 23
FIIM CLASSIFICATION BILL UNDER WAY ..................... 23
ATTORNEY GENERaL’S DISCRETION IN PROSECUTION EXPLAINED . 25
/CONTROL OF ......
CONTROL OF FRINGE GOLD TRADING NEED TO BE STUDIED .... 27
SECURITY STEPPED UP FOR CRIME-PRONE PARKS.............. 28
MONET LENDING LAW WORKING iJELL........................ 29
TAX DISPUTE CASES EXPLAINED........................... 30
TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL FEASIBILITY CONFIRMED.............. 31
ACTION TAKEN TO BOOST SUBVERTED HOSPITAL OCCUPANCY ... 32
EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION BEHIND SECRETARY SYSTEM...... 33
NEED TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT HOME STRESSED................ 34
LICENCE FOR BILLIARD CLUBS PROPOSED.................... 35
17 SENT ABROAD FOR SPECIAL TRAINING.................... 35
TOTR BILLS PASSED...........................'.......... 35
INDEPENDENT OPINION SURVEY OFFICE ON GREEN F.xPER SET UP ... 36
EFFECTIVE REGULATIONS VITAL FOR SECOND STOCK MARKET....... 38
EMPLOYl’IGRT,^ VACANCIESPAYROLL SURVEY STARTS............... 39
MAIL SERVICE OFFERED FOR 1987 YEARBOOK...................... 40
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED....................... 41
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TSIM SHA TSUI................. 42
POSTAL SERVICES TO T^BANON SUSPENDED ....................... 42
DETAILS OF T4I PO DRAGON BOAT RACE.......................... 42
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHAM 3HUI PO............................. 43
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2(_>, 19J7
1
FIRST BILINGUAL BILL READY BY MAY
*****
THE FIRST BILL WHICH WILL 1'E INTRODUCED INTO A BILINGUAL FORMAT IS EXPECTED TO BE TABLED BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY THIS YEAR SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
WAS DISCLOSED l.Y HIE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, IN WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (WEDNESDAY).
TODAY
HE ALSO SAID THE FIRST BILINGUAL BILL WOULD LIKELY BE THE PROPOSED NEW WEIGHT AND MEASURES BILL 1987.
MR THOMAS NOTED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED FEARS ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF THE RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL AVAILABLE TO HIS CHAMBERS AS THE GOVERNMENT EMBARKED ON THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT.
+1 LOOK FORWARD OF COURSE, TO THE FUTURE SUPPORT IN THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OR THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD IT BE NECESSARY TO COME BACK FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS OR FUNDS IN THE FUTURE,* HE ADDED.
MR THOMAS SAID THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILLS WAS ONLY THF FIRST STEP TO A HERCULEAN TASK.
+BUT GIVEN THE WILL AND THE SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL, THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE SHALL ACCOMPLISH OUR TASK,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE TWO PILLS WOULD PROVIDE A SOUND LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTING THE IMPORTANT PROJECT OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION.
MR THOMAS ALSO THANKED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP FOR STUDYING THE FILLS AND FOR THE COMMENTS MEMBERS MADE DURING THE DEBATE.
HE SAID THE AMENDMENTS TABLED TODAY WERE THE RESULT OF INTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE PROFESS IONS AND WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION, HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 198?
2
BILINGUAL LAWS ’DESIRABLE * * * X
AND EQUITABLE’
IN A COMMUNITY WHERE MORE THAN 98 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ARE CHINESE, IT IS BOTH DESIRABLE AND EQUITABLE THAT LAWS IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE ENACTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE HON PETER C WONG SAID IN THE LEG I SI AT IVI COIINCII IODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING TH! RESUMED ULBAIL UE IHE OH IC I AL LANGUAGE^ (AMENDMENT) BILL 1086 AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1986, MR WONG SAID THE ENACTMENT OF THE TWO RELATED BILLS WOULD REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF LAW MAKING IN HONG KONG.
MR WONG IS THE CONVENER OF A 14-MEMBER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO STUDY THE TWO BILLS.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE GROUP MET SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD INFORMAL BUT IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
HE NOTED THAT THE INFORMAL MEETINGS PROVED EXTREMELY FRUITFUL, AND THAT THE GROUP WAS INDEBTED TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE JUDICIARY FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY DEMONSTRATED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE BILLS, AND TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN THE DISCUSS IONS.
+1 BELIEVE CO-OPERATION OF THIS NATURE IS HIGHLY DESIRABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN A USEFUL DIALOGUE CAN BE ESTABLISHED, THUS PAVING THE WAY FOR THE SMOOTH PASSAGE OF IMPORTANT PIECES OF LEGISLATION,* HE ADDED.
MR WONG SAID THE PRINCIPLE OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF EXTENSIVE AND INTENSIVE CONSULTATION. A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE LAWS IN CHINESE WAS ISSUED FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION IN APRIL LAST YEAR AND AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT WAS HELD IN THE COUNCIL IN JULY.
THE PUBLIC’S WARM WELCOME TO THE PRINCIPLE OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION AND POINTS RAISED DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE HAD BEEN OF GREAT ASSISTANCE TO HIS AD HOC GROUP, HE NOTED.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN TASK OF THE GROUP WAS TO EXAMINE THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE BILLS AND THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS IN IMPLEMENTATION.
HE SAID THE BASIC PRINCIPLE THAT FINAL LEGISLATIVE POWER SHOULD REST WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND NOT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RECEIVED THE GROUP’S METICULOUS ATTENTION AND DEPARTURES FROM THIS PRINCIPLE IN THE BILLS HAD BEEN RESOLVED.
/Mi WONG........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 198?
MR WONG SAID AFTER CAREFUL DELIBERATION, THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, AND APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS INCORPORATING SUGGESTIONS BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION, WOULD BE MOVED BY THE HON K C CHAN AND THE HON SZETO WAH AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
ON THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, A NEW SUBSECTION (4) WILL BE ADDED TO THE NEW SECTION 4B TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PROPOSED ORDER DECLARING A TRANSLATION OF AN EXISTING LAW TO BE AN AUTHENTIC TEXT CANNOT TAKE LEGAL EFFECT UNLESS IT IS LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DRAFT AND APPROVED BY RESOLUTION.
•
THIS PROPOSED AMENDMENT ENSURED A POSITIVE ROLE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE PROCESS OF DECLARING AUTHENTIC TEXTS CF EXISTING LEGISLATION, BUT AT THE SAME TIME PLACED THE BURDEN CF PRODUCING SATISFACTORY TESTS ON THE ADMINISTRATION, MR WONG SAID.
IN THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 4C(1)(A), THE STATUTORY DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTION OF THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE EXPANDED TO MAKE IT EXPRESSLY CLEAR THAT THE ADVICE WHICH IT MAY GIVE TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL +MAY INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE SEQUENCE IN WHICH AUTHENTIC TEXTS OF ORDINANCES SHOULD BE DECLARED UNDER SECTION 4B(1)+.
THE INTENTION WAS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD A VALUABLE ROLE TO PLAY IN ADVISING THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON PRIORITIES OF ORDINANCES FOR TRANSLATION, THUS ENSURING THAT THE SEQUENCE WOULD BE REALISTIC AND PRAGMATIC, MR WONG EXPLAINED.
IN THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 4C(3), WHICH DEALS WITH THE COMPOSITION OF THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AN AMENDMENT WILL PROVIDE THAT THE BARRISTER APPOINTEE WILL BE APPOINTED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, AND THE SOLICITOR APPOINTEE AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE PRESIDENT CF THE LAW SOCIETY.
THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 4C(6) WILL BE SLIGHTLY AMENDED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAY CONSULT OTHER EXPERTS.
TURNING TO THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1986, MR WONG SAID THE NEW SECTION 1OE WOULD BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT NO NOTICE DECLARING WORDS, EXPRESSIONS, OFFICES TITLES ETC. AS EQUIVALENTS IN THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES SHOULD BE MADE UNLESS THE NOTICE WAS APPROVED IN DRAFT BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE FINAL POWER OF ENACTING LAW RESTS WITH THIS COUNCIL,* HE ADDED.
MR WONG CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH BY SAYING THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILLS WAS ONLY THE FIRST STEP TO BILINGUAL LEGISLATION AND MUCH WORK REMAINED TO BE DONE.
/+HESOURCES........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 4 -
+RESOURCES WILL BE A MAJOR PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY THE AVAILABILITY OF BILINGUAL LAW DRAFTSMEN.
+AT THE MOMENT, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS ABLE TO RECRUIT ONLY FIVE QUALIFIED OFFICERS FOR THIS PURPOSE AND IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT MANY PIECES OF LEGISLATION IN CHINESE WILL FLOW FROM THEIR COMBINED EFFORT,+ HE SAID.
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DOUBT OVER BILINGUAL LAW BILL EXPRESSED X X X * *
THE HON MARTIN LEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE HAD DOUBT OVER THE WISDOM OF SECTION 4 OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, WHICH PROVIDED THAT ALL NEW ORDINANCES MUST BE ENACTED AND PUBLISHED IN BILINGUAL FORMS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL, MR LEE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE SECTION MADE PROVISION FOR AN ORDINANCE TO BE PUBLISHED IN ONE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE WHEN IT WAS URGENT, THIS WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO DEAL WITH THE DANGER OF UNNECESSARY USE OF SCARCE BILINGUAL DRAFTING RESOURCES WHERE THE GOVERNMENT’S LEGISATIVE PROGRAMME CONTAINED ITEMS OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX NEW LEGISLATION WHICH HAD NO DIRECT IMPACT UPON THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
+WHAT IS THE POINT OF DEVOTING OUR LIMITED RESOURCES TO SUCH ESOTERIC NEW ORDINANCES AT THE EXPENSE OF THOSE EXISTING ORDINANCES WHICH CAN READILY BE IDENTIFIED AS IMPORTANT TO THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE?* HE QUESTIONED.
WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE NEW SECTION 4C(1)(A) RELATING TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR LEE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO RECORD A NOTE OF RESERVATION ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, WHOSE REPRESENTATIVES HAD MET WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL AND ALSO WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT IN EFFECT STATED THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MIGHT MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AS TO WHICH EXISTING ORDINANCE SHOULD RECEIVE PRIORITY IN THE TRANSLATION PROGRAMME.
/+WHILST THE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 5 -
♦WHILST THE AMENDMENT APPEARS TO BE AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE BILL AS GAZETTED, IT WILL IN REALITY BE MEANINGLESS IF THE RESOURCES OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S LAW DRAFTING DIVISION ARE SWALLOWED UP IN THE TASK OF COMPLYING WITH SECTION 4, WHICH PROVIDE THAT ALL NEW ORDINANCES MUST BE ENACTED AND PUBLISHED IN BILINGUAL FORM,* HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE HOPED THAT THE ASSURANCES WHICH THE AD HOC GROUP RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT AS TO THE ADEQUACY OF BILINGUAL DRAFTING RESOURCES WOULD PROVE TO BE WELL-FOUNDED, OTHERWISE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4C(1)(A) WOULD BE OF NO PRACTICAL HELP TO THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN ITS TASK OF ENSURING THAT GOVERNMENT TOOK NOTE OF PUBLIC OPINION ON THE QUESTION OF PRIORITIES IN THE TRANSLATION OF EXISTING ORDINANCES.
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VIEWS ON GAP BETWEEN WRITTEN AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE X X X X X
THE HON LEE YU-TAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ALTHOUGH THE CHINESE VERSION OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION WAS LIKELY TO BE WRITTEN MAINLY IN THE MODERN CHINESE LANGUAGE, ORAL STATEMENTS AND INTERPRETATIONS IN COURTS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN CANTONESE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1986, MR LEE SAID THE CANTONESE DIALECT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST EXTENSIVE MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT EVEN IF MUCH WIDER USE OF CHINESE BECAME POSSIBLE IN COURT PROCEEDINGS, PEOPLE WOULD STILL MAKE ORAL STATEMENTS IN CANTONESE, AND NOT KUO YU OR MODERN STYLE OF WRITTEN CHINESE.
+1 WOULD OPPOSE TO ANY SUGGESTION FOR THE USE OF KUO YU OR PUTONGHUA IN COURTS, WHICH IS NOT ONLY IMPRACTICAL BUT ALSO DETRIMENTAL TO PUBLIC CONFIDENCE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MAINLAND CHINA MUST BE PRESERVED, OTHERWISE THE CONCEPT OF +ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS* WOULD NOT SUCCEED.
MR LEE NOTED THAT SOME PROBLEMS MIGHT ARISE FROM THE GAP BETWEEN THE WRITTEN LANGUAGE AND THE SPOKEN DIALECT. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH AS AND WHEN THEY OCCURRED. ANY ATTEMPT TO ALIGN THE WRITTEN LANGUAGE AND THE SPOKEN DIALECT WOULD ONLY END UP IN COMPLETE FAILURE.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 198?
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS BEEN OPEN TO THE REST OF THE WORLD AND THE CHINESE LANGUAGE SPOKEN AND WRITTEN BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WAS MUCH RICHER IN CONTENT AND MORE DIVERSIFIED IN USAGE.
+IT IS THEREFORE UNWISE TO FOREGO A RICHER AND MORE DIVERSIFIED MEDIUM OF EXPRESSION IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE HARMON I SAT I ON,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, A NEW SUBSECTION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PROPOSED ORDER DECLARING A TRANSLATION OF AN EXISTING LAW TO BE AN AUTHENTIC TEXT COULD NOT TAKE LEGAL EFFECT UNLESS IT WAS LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DRAFT AND APPROVED BY RESOLUTION.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT ENSURED A POSITIVE ROLE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE PROCESS OF DECLARING AUTHENTIC TEXTS OF EXISTING LEGISLATION.
+LAWS MUST BE MADE ONLY BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHETHER IT IS NEW LEGISLATION OR A TRANSLATED VERSION OF EXISTING LEGISLATION WHICH HAS LEGAL FORCE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE FUNCTIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE MUST REMAIN DISTINCT FROM EACH OTHER, AND ANY COMPROMISE WOULD MEAN AN INFRINGEMENT OF ONE FUNCTION UPON THE OTHER.
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MOST APPROPRIATE FIRST STEP TAKEN * * * * *
THE PROMULGATION OF AN AUTHENTIC VERSION OF THE LAW IN CHINESE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE FIRST STEP TO BE TAKEN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION, THE HON ANDREW WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO 3) BILL 1986, MR WONG SAID THE BILLS WOULD GIVE EFFECT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILINGUAL LAW PROJECT WHICH WAS SO NECESSARY FOR THE CONTINUED STABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG TOWARDS 1997 AND BEYOND.
HE ALSO REITERATED THAT THE PRIORITIES LISTED IN THE DISCUSSION PAPER ON LAWS IN CHINESE WERE BASICALLY CORRECT AND SAID HE PERSONALLY BELIEVED THAT THE EXERCISE, AT LEAST IN THE BEGINNING, SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A +TRI AL AND AMEND+ PROCESS.
♦THIS IS CERTAINLY THE BEST WAY FOR THE STAFF AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO REALISE AND GRASP THE SUBTLETIES BEHIND THE LAWS,+ HE SAID QUOTING FROM HIS SPEECH DELIVERED DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE DISCUSSION PAPER HELD IN JULY.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
7
FULL COMMITMENT TO RAISING STANDARD OF CHINESE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE OBJECTIVE OF RAISING THE STANDARD OF CHINESE IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO PROMOTING WIDER USAGE OF THE LANGUAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION, MR BRIDGE SAID SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES WERE BEING DEVOTED TO THIS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AND OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING AND FACILITATING ITS USE AS A BASIC TOOL FOR COMMUNICATION, STUDY, WORK AND LEISURE, AND I SHARE (LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL) MEMBERS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF CHINESE IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,+ HE SAID.
THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION WAS, HOWEVER, HOW THIS OBJECTIVE COULD BE ACHIEVED ECONOMICALLY AND EFFECTIVELY, HE ADDED.
IN THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT, MR BRIDGE SAID, IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT THE MAJOR AREAS OF WORK OF THE PROPOSED FOUNDATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
* PUBLICATION OF HIGH-QUALITY TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR SCHOOLS)
* PUBLICATION OF HIGH-QUALITY LEISURE READING MATERIALS IN WELL WRITTEN CHINESE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC)
* PROMOTION OF THE USE OF GOOD MODERN CHINESE IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF ALL KINDS)
* STRENGTHENING OF THE POSITION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE COMMUNITY BY REQUIRING THAT PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE BE SPECIFIED AS A SELECTION CRITERION FOR APPOINTMENTS TO THE PUBL IC SERVICE? AND
* CONDUCTING AND SPONSORING RESEARCH ON THE USE OF MODERN
CHINESE.
MR BRIDGE SAID SPOKEN CANTONESE AND WRITTEN CHINESE HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED A PROMINENT POSITION IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT FULLY SHARED MEMBERS’ WISH TO SEE THE QUALITY OF THE LANGUAGE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED.
♦ THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE VIEW THAT THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE IS THROUGH THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS IN THIS DIRECTION.*
/A CHINESE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
8
A CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE HON SZETO WAH WAS FORMED LAST MAY TO IDENTIFY THE DEMAND FOR AND TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD-QUALITY TEXTBOOKS IN CHINESE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS, MR BRIDGE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE HAD COMPLETED THE FIRST STAGE OF ITS WORK AND PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW LOOKING AT AND WOULD AIM TO RESPOND TO AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, HE ADDED.
WORK WAS ALSO IN HAND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF CHINESE IN SCHOOLS, AND IN ITS REPORT NO. 1, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND'D THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ADOPT CHINESE AS THE TEACHING MEDIUM.
THIS RECOMMENDATION HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WROTE TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AUTHORITIES LAST YEAR AS A RESULT OF WHICH MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS EXPRESSED SOME INTEREST IN INCREASING THE USE OF CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION.
+THE availability of a good supply Of textbooks IN CHINESE IS, OF COURSE, A FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT IF THIS INTEREST ON THE PART OF SCHOOLS IS TO BE GIVEN EFFECT,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE IN A NUMBER OF OTHER AREAS IDENTIFIED BY THE WORKING PARTY.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP ITS EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE ABILITY OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AT ALL LEVELS TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY IN WRITTEN CHINESE AND HAS PROVIDED GUIDELINES ON THE STYLE AND FORMAT FOR OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE IN CHINESE.+
MOREOVER, HE ADDED, OFFICERS WHO NEEDED A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF CHINESE TO DO THEIR JOB EFFECTIVELY WERE REQUIRED TO PROVE THEIR COMPETENCE IN THE USE OF CHINESE BEFORE APPOINTMENT.
+SINCE 1985, A COMPULSORY TEST OF ABILITY IN THE USE OF CHINESE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE COMMON RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE, EXECUTIVE, LABOUR OFFICER AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES GRADES,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
THE USE OF CHINESE FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC HAD EXPANDED GREATLY SINCE THE ENACTMENT IN 1974 OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, WHICH DECLARED THAT BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH WERE TO BE CONSIDERED THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN HONG KONG.
more than 450 Chinese language officers were now working IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN TRANSLATING FROM ENGLISH INTO CHINESE FORMS, PUBLIC NOTICES, LETTERS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS INTENDED FOR RECIPIENTS WHO MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, MR BRIDGE SAID.
/SUBSTANTIAL........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE SINCE 1980 IN THE TRANSLATION OF LEGISLATION, AND A TOTAL OF 153 ITEMS OF LEGISLATION OF MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE AND WIDE PUBLIC INTEREST HAD SO FAR BEEN TRANSLATED INTO CHINESE.
♦ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT AUTHENTIC TEXTS, THESE TRANSLATION HAVE SERVED AS USEFUL REFERENCES FOR THE PUBLIC,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JULY 1985 AUTHORISED THE PRODUCTION OF AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE VERSION OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG AND THIS DECISION MEANT THAT CHINESE WOULD BE GIVEN A NEW STATUS AS AN ORIGINAL LANGUAGE OF LAW.
THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS TO THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WERE INTRODUCED LAST YEAR AND BILLS TO AMEND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, PAVING THE WAY FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF BILINGUAL LAWS, WERE PASSED BY THE COUNCIL TODAY, HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID PROBLEMS WERE FORESEEN FOR AN IDEA PUT FORWARD BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI WHO SUGGESTED THAT A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION, WITH ADEQUATE PUBLIC FUNDING, WOULD BE BEST PLACED TO UNDERTAKE THE JOB OF PROVIDING GOOD-QUALITY READING MATERIALS IN CHINESE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
♦ALTHOUGH THE WORKING PARTY ADVOCATED THAT THE PROPOSED FOUNDATION SHOULD PROVIDE GENERAL READING MATERIALS FOR THE PUBLIC, IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW THIS MIGHT BE ACCOMPLISHED, NOR HOW large an injection of public funds might be required, nor whether IT IS IN FACT A PROPER FUNCTION FOR A GOVERNMENT OR A GOVERNMENT-FUNDED BODY TO ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE WHAT PEOPLE READ AT THEIR LEISURE.*
HOWEVER, MR BRIDGE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WELCOME ANY PRIVATE INITIATIVE TO SET UP A FUND TO SPONSOR THE PUBLICATION OF GOOD-QUALITY READING MATERIALS IN CHINESE.
♦BUT I DO NOT FEEL IT IS EITHER NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BE SEEN TO BE INVOLVED IN DECIDING WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE PUBLIC TO READ.+
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID THAT IN THE LIGHT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF FUNDS TO BE MADE FOR RESEARCH AT THE VARIOUS TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS DURING THE NEXT TRI ENN I UM.
-------0---------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25,
1987
- 10 -
SETTING UP OF
CHINESE LANGUAGE * * * * *
FOUNDATION BACKED
A
USE OF
CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION SHOULD BE SET UP TO PROMOTE THE CHINESE, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION, MR YEUNG NOTED THAT THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR NOT PROCEEDING TO SET UP A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WERE THAT THE SIGNING OF THE SI NOBRITISH JOINT DECLARATION HAD ALREADY PROMPTED A GROWING TENDENCY IN THE COMMUNITY TO ATTACH MORE IMPORTANCE TO THE USE OF CHINESE, AND THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED HAD ALREADY ENCOURAGED THE USE OF CHINESE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.
YET, IF THESE REASONS WERE EXAMINED IN GREATER DEPTH, THEY INDICATED EXACTLY THAT THE SETTING UP OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WOULD BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PROMOTION OF THE USE OF CHINESE, HE SAID.
THE SETTING UP OF A FOUNDATION, HE SAID, WOULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS ON SOCIAL ASPECT, EDUCATION ASPECT AND RESEARCH.
SOCIALLY, THE USE OF CHINESE BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS VARIED CONSIDERABLY IN STYLE AND FORMAT. SOME USED THE LITERALLY STYLE WHILE OTHERS PREFERRED THE VERNACULAR LANGUAGE- SOME STUCK TO THE TRADITIONAL FORMAT WHILE OTHERS FOLLOWED THE WESTERN STYLE OF LETTER-WRITING. THIS LACK OF STANDARDISATION CAUSED GREAT INCONVENIENCE AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION, HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT MANY IMPORTED PRODUCTS WERE NOT PROVIDED WITH CHINESE SPECIFICATIONS. THIS HAD RESULTED IN THE MISUSE OF THE PRODUCT CONCERNED AND LED TO TRAGIC ACCIDENTS. A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WOULD DEFINITELY PLAY A USEFUL ROLE IN THIS RESPECT.
HE SAID THAT IN LINE WITH THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A BILINGUAL SOCIETY, THERE MIGHT BE A TENDENCY FOR PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH AS WELL AS IN CHINESE. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THIS DEVELOPMENT.
HE ADDED THAT AS ONE OF THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF SUCH A FOUNDATION WOULD BE TO PROMOTE THE BETTER USE OF CHINESE, IT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE TO CONSIDER THE SETTING UP OF A SPECIAL BODY TO APPRAISE THE USE OF CHINESE. THE APPRAISAL BODY COULD BE SET UP UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FOUNDATION.
HE SAID THE FOUNDATION WOULD ALSO BE THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY TO CO-ORDINATE THE EXPERT ADVICE OF THOSE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND IN THE LINGUISTIC FIELD IN TRANSLATING LAWS INTO CHINESE.
/he noted .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
HE NOTED THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAD NOT DEVELOPED A GOOD READING HABIT. THE FOUNDATION WOULD THEREFORE BE HELPFUL IN ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO READ HIGH QUALITY PUBLICATIONS. THIS WOULD MEAN THAT THE FOUNDATION COULD PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRODUCTION AND PUBLICATION OF HIGH-QUALITY READING MATERIAL.
TURNING TO THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE FOUNDATION, MR YEUNG SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS MUCH TO BE DESIRED IM THE LINGUISTIC STANDARD OF CHINESE TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS FOR ALL SUBJECTS. THEY CONTAINED SUPERFLUOUS WORDING AND DIALECTAL EXPRESSIONS.
+IN VIEW OF THIS, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL BODY TO BE CHARGED WITH THE TASK OF IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF CHINESE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS IN ALL SUBJECTS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE FOUNDATION COULD ALSO DETERMINE THE MOST SUITABLE WAY OF TEACHING PUTONGHUA IN HONG KONG AND HELP IMPROVE THE LINGUISTIC PROFICIENCY OF STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO THE SPOKEN LANGUAGE.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD PROMOTE CIVIC AND MORAL EDUCATION THROUGH THE USE OF CHINESE, SUCH AS THE PUBLICATION OF GOOD PERIODICALS IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE. THIS COULD BE ONE OF THE AREAS TO WHICH THE FOUNDATION SHOULD DEVOTE ITS EFFORTS.
TURNING TO THE FOUNDATION’S ASSISTANCE IN RESEARCH PROJECTS, MR YEUNG SAID IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SOME URGENT RESEARCH PROJECTS.
HE SAID IMMEDIATE STUDIES SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ON SUCH AREAS AS THE COMPILATION OF REFERENCE BOOKS, THE USE OF CHINESE AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE OF TRANSLATORS, PROFICIENCY IN SPOKEN LANGUAGES OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY THE MASS MEDIA, THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA, AND COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE USE OF CHINESE IN VARIOUS CHINESE COMMUNITIES.
IN CONCLUSION, MR YEUNG SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS NO APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROMOTING THE USE OF CHINESE TO ALL FORMS AND CLASSES IN SCHOOLS AND TO ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
+THE RIGHT APPROACH IS TO SET UP A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION TO UNDERTAKE THIS IMPORTANT TASK,*- HE SAID.
------0-------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987 '
12
CALL FOR FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE WIDER USE OF CHINESE * X * X *
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION IS NECESSARY TO PROMOTE THE WIDER USE OF CHINESE IN SOCIETY, THE HON LEE YU-TAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE TOPIC IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER ITS EARLIER DECISION ON THE SETTING UP OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION.
HE NOTED THAT A WORKING PARTY ON THE DEVELOPMENT QF THE FOUNDATION SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT IN FEBRUARY 1982 BUT IT TOOK THE GOVERNMENT MORE THAN FOUR YEARS TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT WOULD NOT SET UP SUCH A FOUNDATION.
HE SAID THIS MIGHT GIVE THE PUBLIC THE IMPRESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN DELAYING THE ISSUE DELIBERATELY.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD ALLOCATE SOME $40 MILLION FOR RECRUITING EXPATRIATE TEACHERS.
HE SAID HE FEARED THAT IF NO REVIEW WAS MADE ON THE DECISION TO SHELVE THE FOUNDATION, THE PUBLIC MIGHT MISUNDERSTAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVING FAVOURED TREATMENT TO ONE LANGUAGE OVER THE OTHER.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE SETTING UP OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WOULD ACHIEVE FOUR PURPOSES.
+FIRSTLY, AS THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY BEGUN ITS WORK, CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE GIVEN IN FUTURE TO GIVE SOME APPROPRIATE FORM OF ASSISTANCE TO PUBLISH SOME CHINESE TEXTBOOKS,+ HE SAID.
+IF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE COMES FROM PUBLIC REVENUE, THE PUBLIC MIGHT THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO INVOLVED AND MIGHT DOUBT WHETHER THESE BOOKS WERE OBJECTIVE ENOUGH.
+BUT IF THESE BOOKS WERE FINANCED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION WHICH IS INDEPENDENT THEIR OBJECTIVITY WOULD BE BEYOND DOUBT,+ HE STRESSED.
SECONDLY, MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT ENGLISH WAS GENERALLY USED AS THE MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION AMONG HONG KONG’S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND IN VIEW OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND THE NEED OF LOCALISATION, ACTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROFESSIONALISE CHINESE TRANSLATION.
HE SAID THIS COULD BE PROMOTED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION BY SETTING UP AN AD HOC COMMITTEE UNDER IT TO LIAISE WITH VARIOUS PROFESSIONS TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE WORK AND TO ALLOCATE SOME OF ITS RESOURCES TO FINANCE RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION WORK.
/MR LEE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 198?
- 13
MR LEE THEN REFERRED TO THE SO-CALLED +POP-CULTURE+ WHICH HE SAID HAD STRONG INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY AND HAD LED TO A GENERAL DECLINE IN THE POWER OF EXPRESSION AND THE CULTURAL STANDARD OF THE LOCAL POPULATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FOUNDATION MIGHT HELP DEVELOP A ♦COUNTER-CULTURE* BY MAKING AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS WHICH WERE DEFICIENT IN THE MARKET AND BY ALLOCATING NECESSARY RESOURCES TO SPONSOR THE MASS MEDIA TO PRODUCE CULTURAL PROGAMMES, SO AS TO REDUCE THE BAD INFLUENCE BROUGHT ABOUT BY +POP-CULTURE+.
MR LEE ALSO FELT THAT THE FOUNDATION COULD HELP PROMOTE CHINESE CULTURE AND CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING.
HE NOTED THAT WITH GREATER INPORTANCE ATTACHED TO THE USE OF CHINESE AND THE IMMINENT DRAFTING OF LAWS IN CHINESE, THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS ASSUMING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE.
THEREFORE, HE PROPOSED THE SETTING UP OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD INCLUDE NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE USE OF CHINESE IN OFFICIAL MATTERS.
-------0---------
MOVE TO CONTROL DISPENSING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SOUGHT APPROVAL FOR THE CONTROL OF THE DISPENSING CF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.
MOVING A MOTION ON THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE REGULATIONS WOULD PUT INTO PRACTICE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY AND ANCILLARY MATTERS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATION THAT PRESCRIPTIONS SHOULD BE DISPENSED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PHARMACISTS ENGAGED BY AUTHORISED SELLERS OF POISONS OR IN OTHER APPROVED OUTLETS.
HE SAID THAT REGULATION 4 PROHIBITED LISTED SELLERS OF POISONS FROM DISPENSING PRESCRIPTIONS WHILE REGULATION 6 PROHIBITED THE POSSESSION OR USE OF UNREGISTERED OR DEREGISTERED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, SUCH AS SYNTHETIC HORMONES, THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN BANNED BY EXISTING LEGISLATION.
/+REGULATION........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 14 -
+REGULATION 7 PROVIDES THAT, FOR MEDICINES WHICH CAN BE FREELY SOLD OVER THE COUNTER, INFORMATION ON THE KEY ASPECTS OF DOSAGE, ROUTE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
+THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT OVER THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT WHICH IS THAT LABELS GIVING DETAILS OF THE COMPOSITION, THE MANUFACTURER AND THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION SHOULD BE IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT A GRACE PERIOD OF 18 MONTIS WOULD BE ALLOWED FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL TRADE TO COMPLY WITH THIS PROVISION.
+REGULATION 8 INCREASES THE PENALTIES FOR THE ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND THEIR ILLEGAL SUPPLY TO UNAUTHORISED PERSONS IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE DETERRENT EFFECT CF THE EXISTING REGULATIONS.
+REGULATION 9 STIPULATES THE FORM OF LOGO FOR DISPLAY BY AUTHORISED SELLERS OF POISONS TO FACILITATE IDENTIFICATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.*
HE ADDED THAT THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS ALSO MADE A NUMBER CF MINOR CHANGES, MAINLY TO THE FORMS SPECIFIED IN THE REGULATIONS.
-----0-----
LABELLING OF MEDICINE TO GO BILINGUAL tv TV TV tv TV
A PROPOSED AMENDMENT IN THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE LABELLING OF MEDICINE WITH KEY INFORMATION TO BE PRINTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WAS SUPPORTED BY LEGISLATORS.
DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE REGULATIONS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT REGULATION 7 WAS +SENSIBLE AND NECESSARY*. SINCE THE MAJORITY OF CONSUMERS IN HONG KONG WERE CHINESE, AND A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WERE IMPORTED FROM OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.
SHE ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE A GRACE PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS BEFORE THE NEW LABELLING PROVISIONS BECAME EFFECTIVE SO THAT THE PHARMACEUTICAL TRADE HAD THE NECESSARY TIME TO COMPLY.
SHE SAID THAT THE AD HOC GROUP FELT IT DESIRABLE TO INCLUDE ON THE LABEL FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING POSSIBLE CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SIDE-EFFECTS OF A PRODUCT.
/she said
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
SHE SAID THAT THE GROUP UNDERSTOOD THAT SUCH AMENDMENTS MIGHT REQUIRE CONSULTATION AND MEMBERS DID NOT WISH TO DELAY THE PASSING OF these regulations which contained more important provisions. THE GROUP, HOWEVER, AGREED TO LET THE PHARMACY AND POISONS nMESBHNG°N C0MMITTEE T0 undeRtAKE THE MONITORING ROLE FOR THE
+THE ADMINISTRATION ASSURES US THAT IN FUTURE DURING THE PROCESS OF REGISTRATION, STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO REQUIRE INFORMATION REGARDING POSSIBLE CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND SIDE-EFFECT TO BE SPECIFIED ON THE LABEL OR LEAFLET ATTACHED TO A MEDICINE.
♦MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP TEND TO FEEL THAT A DIRECT LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE SUCH INFORMATION IS A BETTER SAFEGUARD THAN INDIRECT ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT.
+l WOULD THEREFORE URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO MONITOR THIS PROPOSED MEASURE CLOSELY. SHOULD IT BE FOUND NOT TO BE WORKING SATISFACTORILY, FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS MUST THEN BE MADE,+ DR IP SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED REGULATION 6, SHE SAID THAT THE EFFECT OF THIS NEW AMENDMENT WAS THAT NOT ONLY WAS THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF UNREGISTERED OR DEREGISTERED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS PROHIBITED, BUT POSSESSION OF THEM WAS ALSO AN OFFENCE.
DR IP SAID UNSCRUPULOUS TRADERS WOULD NOW BE PREVENTED FROM TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE LOOPHOLE BY STORING SUCH PRODUCTS OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL BUSINESS PREMISES.
SHE ALSO CALLED ON THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO USE DISPENSARIES WHICH HAD A QUALIFIED PHARMACIST IN ATTENDANCE.
DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG ALSO SPOKE ON THE REGULATIONS.
HE CONSIDERED THAT CLEAR, ACCURATE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON DOSAGE, ROUTE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION WERE ESSENTIAL, BUT DETAILS ON CONTRA-INDICATIONS, SIDE-EFFECTS, PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS WERE ALSO INDISPENSABLE.
+IT WILL BE IMPRACTICABLE, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO REQUEST PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS TO PROVIDE EVERY SINGLE DETAIL OF THE DRUGS CONCERNED.
♦HOWEVER, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ENSURE THAT KEY INFORMATION IS NOT OMITTED.
♦THEREFORE, THE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE IS URGED TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK ALL ESSENTIAL DETAILS DURING THE REGISTRATION PROCESS,* HE SAID.
/DR CHIU .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 16
DR CHIU ALSO DREW THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE ORIGINAL LITERATURE ON LABELS, LEAFLETS OR INSERTS OF SOME IMPORTED MEDICINES, WHEN TRANSLATED INTO CHINESE, HAD BEEN INTENTIONALLY ALTERED OR DELETED.
MOREOVER, A GREAT MAJORITY OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WERE CATEGORISED UNDER VERY BROAD TERMS.
DR CHIU SAID PATIENTS ON SELF-MEDICATION WERE OFTEN MISLED BY THE INACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE LABEL TO USE SUCH MEDICINE UNTIL THEY RAN INTO MORE GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF THE FAULTY MEDICATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, THEN THANKED MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR CAREFUL SCRUTINY OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS AND FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
AS TO DR IP’S AND DR CHIU’S SUGGESTION THAT MEDICINES SOLD OVER THE COUNTER SHOULD INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT POSSIBLE CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND SIDE-EFFECTS AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A DIRECT LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN THE REGULATIONS THAT THIS SHOULD BE DONE, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE WOULD CONVEY THIS IDEA TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDERATION.
+l AM SURE THAT THE BOARD WILL CAREFULLY MONITOR THE POSITION UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS.
+l WILL ALSO BRING THE BOARD’S ATTENTION TO DR CHIU’S COMMENTS ON THE NEED FOR ACCURATE TRANSLATION OF LABELS AND LEAFLETS RELATING TO IMPORTED MEDICINES,+ HE SAID.
0---------
immigration
PROCEDURES
*
FOR HK RESIDENTS STREAMLINED * * * *
HONG KONG RESIDENTS GOING TO CHINA AND MACAU WILL NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE LABORIOUS PROCESS OF GETTING RE-ENTRY PERMITS IN FUTURE IF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 19R7 BECOMES LAW, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO INCREASE THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION’S POWERS OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE SO AS TO ENABLE HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WHO AT PRESENT TRAVELLED ON RE-ENTRY PERMITS, TO TRAVEL TO CHINA AND MACAU ON THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
/+SECOJTDLY, ........
MAn - 198
17
■UjIDNEH iA
+SECONDLY, THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE REVISION OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO EXPRESS MORE BROADLY THE POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS,+ HE ADDED.
THE ARRANGEMENT FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO USE IDENTITY CARDS INSTEAD OF RE-ENTRY PERMITS WHEN TRAVELLING TO CHINA AND MACAU WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM - THE TRAVEL RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM (TRAICES) - WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO STREAMLINE AND IMPROVE IMMIGRATION CONTROL PROCEDURES.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND SHAM SHUI PO PIER SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MAY 1 THIS YEAR.
+IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AT CONTROL POINTS WHERE THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN INTRODUCED WILL KEY IN TO COMPUTER TERMINALS THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD MUNBERS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS AS THEY ARRIVE AND DEPART.
+THE SYSTEM WILL CHECK WATCH LISTS AND WILL RECORD MOVEMENTS OF PASSENGERS. THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF TO CHECK THE WATCH LIST MANUALLY, FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL CARDS OR FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF TO STAMP TRAVEL DOCUMENTS,* HE SAID.
THOSE WHO HELD IDENTITY CARDS BUT EITHER CHOSE TO OR HAD TO TRAVEL ON PASSPORTS OF OTHER TYPES OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT WOULD ALSO BENEFIT PROVIDED THEY PRODUCED THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD CONSULTED CHINA AND MACAU AND BOTH GOVERNMENTS HAD AGREED TO THE ARRANGEMENTS NOW PROPOSED. IN ADDITION, MACAU WOULD ACCEPT HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS AS ADEQUATE DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVELLERS FROM HONG KONG TO ENTER MACAU.
HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS WILL NOT BENEFIT THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, AMD THEY WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED TO USE THEIR RE-ENTRY PERMITS, THUS ENSURING THAT THEY WOULD NOT EASILY TRAVEL OUT OF HONG KONG WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR PARENTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
....
/ia........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 18 -
HOSPITAL RIGHT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS STRESSED * * * * *
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS SHOULD BE EQUALLY ABLE TO ENJOY THE HIGHLY SUBSIDISED SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC HOSPITALS LIKE OTHER CITIZENS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS , TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISK) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE FULLY AGREED WITH DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP THAT A COST RECOVERY SCHEME SHOULD NOT BE ABANDONED SIMPLY BECAUSE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES, BUT HE THOUGHT CIVIL SERVANTS WERE QUITE RIGHT TO QUESTION THE APPROPRIATENESS OF SUCH A SCHEME IF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST EXCEEDED THE REVENUE COLLECTED.
+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND EFFORT IN EXPLORING VARIOUS WAYS OF INCREASING THE VIABILITY OF THE HOSPITAL EXPENSES RECOVERY SCHEME.+
+HOWEVER.+ HE ADDED, +THE MAIN ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF REPEALING SECTION 8 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE IS THAT WE SEE NO JUSTIFICATION FOR REQUIRING INSURANCE COMPANIES TO MEET THE COSTS INVOLVED IN TREATING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS, WHEN NO SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE TO RECOVER HOSPITAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN TREATING OTHER TYPES OF INJURIES.+
HE SAID IN HONG KONG THE COST OF OPERATING PUBLIC HOSPITALS HAD ALWAYS BEEN A CHARGE TO THE GENERAL REVENUE.
+TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, LIKE OTHER CITIZENS WHO REQUIRE HOSPITAL SERVICES, SHOULD BE EQUALLY ABLE TO ENJOY THE HIGHLY SUBSIDISED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
+THE SPIRIT OF SECTION 8, WHICH WAS MODELLED ON A SIMILAR PROVISION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM LAW, HAS NO RELEVANCE IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE HON MARTIN LEE’S QUERY ON THE CORRECTNESS OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S ACTION IN SUSPENDING THE SCHEME IN 1981, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE WOULD CERTAINLY PUT MR LEE’S POINT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
+BUT IT SEEMS TO ME AS A LAYMAN THAT THE DIRECTOR WAS EXERCISING GOOD JUDGEMENT IN DISCONTINUING THE SCHEME WHEN IT BECAME CLEAR THAT ITS CONTINUATION WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CONTINUING LOSS TO THE PUBLIC FINANCES,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
19
AD HOC GROUP REVEALS GOVERNMENT DEFICIENCIES
*****
A NUMBER OF DEFICIENCIES WITHIN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION HAVE BEEN REVEALED BY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE MOTOR VEHICLES (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AS CONVENER OF THE GROUP DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR IP SAID THE OVERRIDING REASON FOR THE BILL WAS TO REPEAL A PREVIOUS SCHEME WHICH WAS BASED ON FAULTY PRINCIPLE.
SHE RECALLED THAT MEMBERS’ FIRST REACTION TO THE BILL WAS THAT IT APPEARED WRONG IN PRINCIPLE TO SUBSIDISE INSURANCE COMPANIES WHICH UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION WERE REQUIRED TO PAY EXPENSES INCURRED BY NON-PROFIT MAKING HOSPITALS IN TREATING PEOPLE INJURED BY THE INSURED VEHICLES.
SHE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP INITIALLY FOCUSSED ATTENTION ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THE RECOVERY SCHEME INSTEAD OF ABANDONING IT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN ARGUMENT FOR THE BILL WAS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES ARISING FROM THE SCHEME.
SHE STRESSED THAT MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WAY OF THE EXECUTION OF FAIR AND JUST LEGISLATION.
HOWEVER, AFTER A SERIES OF MEETINGS, THE ADMINISTRATION BROUGHT OUT THE SECONDARY ARGUMENT THAT THERE WAS NO JUSTIFICATION for motorists to bear the full cost of treating persons injured, DR IP SAID.
DR IP OUTLINED THE DEFICIENCIES WHICH WERE REVEALED BY THE AD HOC GROUP IN THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS OF THE BILL.
FIRSTLY IT TOOK THE GOVERNMENT 27 YEARS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE TO INSTITUTE ARRANGEMENTS TO RECOVER HOSPITAL EXPENSES FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES}
SECONDLY, THE MANAGEMENT SERVICE DIVISION WAS BROUGHT IN TO ASSIST WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES AROSE ONE YEAR after THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOVERY SCHEME BUT NONE OF ITS SIX RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ADOPTED AFTER EIGHT YEARS}
THIRDLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO LEGAL AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND THE SCHEME IN 1981}
fourthly, it took the government six years to bring the problem TO THE ATTENTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL } AND
FIFTHLY, THE PRIME REASON GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR REPEALING THE SCHEME WAS WRONG.
/LASTLY.........
AT, MARCH 25, 1987
- 20 -
LASTLY, ALL MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP AGREED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD ALWAYS BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN THE EXECUTION OF THE LAW RATHER THAN ABANDONING IT BECAUSE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES.
+IF HOWEVER THE POLICY BEHIND A LEGISLATION IS DOUBTFUL, THE MATTER SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY AND NOT AFTER 36 YEARS,+ DR IP SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID ALTHOUGH THIS WAS FIVE YEARS OVERDUE IT WAS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.
MR LEE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE ISSUE WHICH WAS A MATTER OF LEGAL PRINCIPLE.
HE WAS REFERRING TO THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN SEPTEMBER 1981 DECIDED, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO SUSPEND THE OPERATION OF THE RECOVERY SCHEME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED BY LEGISLATION IN 1978, AND THEN SEEK LEGISLATIVE SANCTION FOR ITS DECISION ONLY IN JULY 1986.
MR LEE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ON THIS OCCASION WAS NOT ACTING CONTRARY TO THE LEGAL ADVICE IT HAD RECEIVED ALTHOUGH THE ADVICE WAS WRONG.
SUMMARISING THE POSITION UNDER WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAD DECIDED IN 1981 NOT TO COLLECT THE PAYMENTS FOR THE REASON THAT THE SCHEME WAS THOUGHT TO BE NOT COST-EFFECTIVE, MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR WAS +CLEARLY DECLINING TO CARRY OUT SUCH A DUTY IMPOSED UPON HIM BY THIS COUNCIL AT HIS OWN REQUEST+.
HE SAID WHILST THIS CLEARLY SHOWED AN INSUFFICIENT GRASP OF THE RULE OF LAW BY THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE TIME, IT WAS AT LEAST OF SOME COMFORT THAT THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION HAD FINALLY APPRECIATED THE NECESSITY OF ACCOUNTING ON THIS ISSUE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE STRESSED THAT THE +RULE OF LAW+ MEANT THAT EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT, RESPECTED THE FUNDAMENTAL GROUND RULES LAID DOWN EITHER BY THE LEGISLATURE (THROUGH ORDINANCES) OR BY THE COURTS (THROUGH THE DECLARATION OF COMMON LAW PRACTICES).
+THE RULE OF LAW CANNOT BE COMPROMISED BY GOOD INTENTIONS,* HE STATED.
+FOR ONLY BY RESPECTING THE RULE OF LAW WILL THE GOVERNMENT COMMAND THE RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
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/21
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1937
21
LEGAL AID FEES TO GO UP * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT IN FEES PAYABLE TO COUNSEL AND SOLICITOR^ ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID TO CONDUCT CRIMINAL CASES,
WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
MOVING THE LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES (AMENDMENT) RULES 1037, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID THAT THE FEES WERE LAST INCREASED IN JANUARY 1982.
THE PRESENT INCREASE WAS TO REFLECT INFLATION AS EVIDENCED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SINCE THAT DATE, HE SAID.
------0--------
CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE
*****
A SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES TO EXPENDITURE IN THE THIRD QUARTER
THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87
WAS~TABLED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS SAID THAT ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.
+SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $217.1 MILLION WAS APPROVED,* SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION CF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENT VOTES.
MR JACOBS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT, DURING THE PERIOD, APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $480.8 MILLION AND NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $629.1 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
------0-------
CAVEATS IN PARTITION BILL DELETED X X X X X
AN AMENDMENT TO DELETE THE PROVISION OF CAVEATS IN THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE AMENDMENT DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID THERE WAS foo SYSTEM OF CAVEATS AGAINST LAND DEALINGS IN HONG KONG AND THEREFORE THIS PROVISION SERVED NO PRACTICAL PURPOSE.
+AS IT STANDS AT PRESENT NEW SECTION 3B(3)(A)( I I) IN CLAUSE 4 PROVIDES THAT A MEMORANDUM FILED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS IN A PARTITION ACTION WILL NOT OPERATE TO PREVENT THE MAKING OF AN ORDER TO PREVENT THE LAPSE OF A CAVEAT AGaINsT LAND DEALINGS,* HE ADDED.
------0-------
/22
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
22
UPGC INTERIM REPORT TABLED
*****
THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) IS TO ENSURE THAT THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR GRADUATES FROM THE TERTIARY SECTOR IS MET WITHOUT ANY DIMINUTION IN STANDARD AND WITH THE TAX-PAYER GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY, THE HON JOHN SWAINE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE UPGC’S INTERIM REPORT FOR THE PERIOD COVERING JANUARY 1985 TO DECEMBER 1986 AS ITS CHAIRMAN, MR SWAINE POINTED OUT THAT ON PRESENT PLANNING TARGETS THE TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION FOR THE SIX TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WOULD GROW TO 60 000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS BY THE YEAR 2000.
IN THE YEAR 1986-87, THE TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION WAS 32 300 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS, INCLUDING 26 000 FULL-TIME AND 21 400 PART-TIME STUDENTS, HE SAID.
MR SWAINE NOTED THAT THE COST OF TERTIARY EDUCATION RAN HIGH, WITH THE RECURRENT COSTS AMOUNTING TO SI 600 MILLION FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1986.
HE ALSO OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A NATURAL TREND ON THE PART OF THE NON-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS TO MOVE TOWARDS MORE AND MORE DEGREE WORK AT THE EXPENSE OF SUB-DEGREE COURSES.
+IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP A BALANCE BETWEEN THESE TYPES OF AWARDS AND ENSURE A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF COURSES AT HIGHER CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMA LEVELS SO AS TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT NON-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS ALSO HAD NATURAL ASPIRATIONS TO PROVIDE HIGHER DEGREE WORK AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAD INTRODUCED ITS FIRST PROGRAMMES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY BY RESEARCH.
+HERE AGAIN, IT IS NECESSARY TO PROCEED WITH CARE SO AS TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL, MR SWAINE SAID THE MAIN AREA OF CONCREN HAD BEEN THE QUESTION OF THE LENGTH OF COURSE LEADING TO A FIRST DEGREE.
HE POINTED OUT THERE WERE MANY FACETS TO THIS PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NO EASY SOLUTION IN SIGHT.
+IN THE END, THE ANSWER MUST BE FOUND IN WHAT BEST SERVES THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS AND IN THE BEST ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC RESOURCES TO MEET COMPETING DEMANDS,+ HE SAID.
— o-
/23
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
23
BAPTIST COLLEGE MAKES POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS * * * * *
THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, RAVING NEW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AFTER SETTING UP FOR 30 YEARS, WOULD CONTINUE IN THE YEARS AHEAD TO MATURE AS A DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC COMMUNITY SERVING THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION, THE HON WONG PO-YAU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1985-86 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGE’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID MANY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COLLEGE HAD BEEN MADE DURING THE YEAR.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THE COLLEGE HAD GAINED APPROVAL TO OFFER TWO BACHELOR DEGREE COURSES IN COMBINED SCIENCES AND SOCIAL WORK, AFTER THESE COURSES WERE GIVEN HIGH MARKS BY ACADEMIC VALIDATION TEAMS FROM THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS, HE NOTED.
IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A NINE PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SENIOR ACADEMIC STAFF WHILE THE TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION WAS l-ELD AT ZERO GROWTH, HE SAID.
INCREASED FUNDING HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO STAFF RESEARCH. WHICH HAD NOT ONLY INCREASED IN QUANTITY BUT ALSO EXPANDED IN SCOPE AND IMPROVED IN QUALITY, HE NOTED.
THE COLLEGE’S LIBRARY HAD BEEN COMPUTERISED WITH A FULLY-INTEGRATED AUTOMATION SYSTEM, AND ITS COLLECTION HAD EXPANDED BY 12 PER CENT TO REACH A NEW HIGH OF 150 000 VOLUMES, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PROCEEDED ON SCHEDULE AND A TEMPORARY SITE AT RENFREW ROAD NEAR THE CAMPUS HAD BEEN ACQUIRED AS DECANTING SPACE FOR THE STAFF AND STUDENTS WHEN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE CAMPUS WAS IN PROGRESS.
LASTLY, WHILE APPRECIATING THE SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC FUNDS, MR WONG ALSO THANKED THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR ITS CONTINUING SUPPORT TO THE COLLEGE.
------0-------
FILM CLASSIFICATION BILL UNDER WAY
* * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S AGREEMENT WOULD BE SOUGHT TO PUBLISH A DRAFT BILL TO IMPLEMENT A THREE-CATEGORY FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ON APR IL 3, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW, MR FORD ciin THF GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ___ RECOMMENDATION REACHED AT LAST FR'?AY’S IN-HOUSE MEETING TO ADOPT A LEGISLATIVE APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, AND DISCUSSIONS OF A DRAFT BILL WERE UNDER WAY WITH AN AD HOC GROUP UNDER THE CONVENORSHIP OF THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1?87
- 24 -
+AT THE MEETING OF THE AD HOC GROUP THIS MORNING, I UNDERSTAND IT WAS AGREED THAT EXCO’S AGREEMENT WOULD BE SOUGHT TO PUBLISH A DRAFT BILL ON APRIL 3 AND THEREAFTER PROVIDE A PERIOD FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
+THE INTENTION IS TO INTRODUCE THE BILL TO THIS COUNCIL FOR ENACTMENT WITHIN THE CURRENT SESSION,+ HE ADDED.
HE ADMITTED THAT THE WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE THREE-CATEGORY FILM CLASSIFICATION HAD PRESENTED DIFFICULTIES AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXAMINED TWO APPROACHES.
+THE FIRST IS BY ENACTING NEW LEGISLATION FOR FILM CENSORSHIP PURPOSES TO REPLACE THE EXISTING FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS WHICH ARE NOT SATISFACTORY BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE UNDER AN OMNIBUS ORDINANCE GOVERNING PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT AND WHICH LEGAL ADVICE HAS BEEN GIVEN EXPRESSING DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR LEGALITY,* HE SA ID.
IN DRAFTING THE LEGISLATION, MR FORD SAID PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED IN FINDING AN APPROPRIATE EXPRESSION OF THE PRINCIPLES CF FILM CENSORSHIP WHICH WOULD ADEQUATELY GUIDE THE FILM INDUSTRY. DIFFICULTIES WERE FOUND IN CIRCUMSCRIBING THE POWERS OF THE CENSORS AND SAFEGUARDING AGAINST POSSIBLE ABUSES, MR FORD ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID THE PUBLIC COULD BE SENSITIVE TO THE CRITERIA FOR CENSORING FILMS, CURRENTLY EMBODIED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE +NOTE OF GUIDANCE,* BEING CONFIRMED BY STATUE.
+CONSIDERATION WAS THEN GIVEN TO IDENTIFYING AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF INTRODUCING A SYSTEM OF FILM CLASSIFICATION WITHIN THE EXISTING FRAMEWORK.
+THIS COULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY AMENDING THE 'NOTE OF GUIDANCE’ TO INCLUDE A PROVISION FOR FILM CLASSIFICATION AND BY REQUIRING CINEMA-OPERATORS TO USE ALL REASONABLE MEANS TO ENSURE THAT IN RESPECT OF CATEGORY III FILMS ONLY PERSONS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS ARE ADMITTED,* MR FORD SAID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE BACKING, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN DIFFICULTIES IN ENFORCING THE REQUIREMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE LEGALITY OF THE EXISTING FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATION, MR FORD SAID THERE WAS VERY LITTLE DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT SINCE THE QUESTION WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN 1972.
+DURING THE 10 YEARS BETWEEN 1972 AND 1982, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN TO REMEDY THE LAW. FILE RECORD OF THE PERIOD SHOWED THERE WAS LITTLE, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE, DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT.*
/HE COULD .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 198?
HE COULD THEREFORE ONLY SECOND GUESS THE REASON FOR THE ADMINISTRATION NOT TO TAKE ANY ACTION TO REMEDY THE LAW. + l CAN ONLY MAKE ASSUMPTIONS, I CANNOT VERIFY THEM,* HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID IT WOULD SEEM THERE WAS LITTLE PRESSURE ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO RAISE THIS +RATHER DELICATE POLITICAL PROBLEM* AS THE SYSTEM HAD BEEN OPERATING TO THE APPARENT SATISFACTION OF THE PUBLIC AND THE CINEMA-OPERATORS.
HE ADMITTED THIS WAS NOT VERY SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION BUT AT LEAST IT HAD THE MERIT OF BEING HONEST.
HE SAID THE SITUATION HAD CHANGED SINCE 1982.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM PROPOSED WHICH BEGAN TO TAKE SHAPE WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS GAVE THE ADMINISTRATION THE GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO REVAMP THE LAW WHICH WAS OUTDATED AND UNSATISFACTORY ON SEVERAL ACCOUNTS, HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID DETAILS DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS WERE ISSUED IN MARCH, 1985 AND NO LESS THAN EIGHT DRAFTS OF THE BILL HAD BEEN PRODUCED.
HE ADMITTED DIFFICULTIES WERE ENCOUNTERED OVER THE EXPRESSION CF THE PRINCIPLES OF FILM CENSORSHIP AND THERE WERE INDEED DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO HOW THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE TACKLED.
BUT MR FORD STRESSED THERE WAS NO LACK OF WILL ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO TACKLE THE ISSUE.
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DISCRETION IN PROSECUTION EXPLAINED X X X X X
EVEN IF THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT TENDS TO PROVE THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS OF AN OFFENCE, A BARE PR I MA FACIE CASE IS, GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A PROSECUTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, MR THOMAS QUOTED THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE WHICH STATED THAT +THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL NOT BE BOUND TO PROSECUTE AN ACCUSED PERSON IN ANY CASE IN WHICH HE MAY BE OF OPINION THAT THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE DO NOT REQUIRE HIS INTERFERENCE*.
/ON FACTORS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
26 -
ON factors he took into account when making a decision whether to PROSECUTE, MR Thomas said that there must be a REASONABLE PROSPECT OF SECURING A CONVICTION BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE, NOR OF THE PUBLIC PURSE, THAT WEAK, OR BORDERLINE, CASES SHOULD BE PROSECUTED.
OTHER FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN ASSESSING WHERE THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC JUSTICE LAY WERE:
* WHAT ARE THE SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE OFFENCE?
* HOW SERIOUS WAS IT?
* WHAT WERE ITS PRACTICAL EFFECTS?
* WHAT EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ARE THERE?
X WHAT IS THE ATTITUDE OF THE SUSPECT?
X HOW WOULD THE DECISION TO LAUNCH A PROSECUTION AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE?
* HOW SERIOUS A VIEW WOULD A COURT TAKE OF THE OFFENCE IF THERE WERE A CONVICTION?
X WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES OF PROSECUTION BE OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE OR TO THE PENALTY A COURT WOULD BE LIKELY TO IMPOSE?
MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE LIST, THOUGH NOT EXHAUSTIVE, WAS SUFFICIENT TO INDICATE THAT JUDGEMENT WHETHER TO PROSECUTE ULTIMATELY DEPENDED ON A BROAD VIEW OF THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE.
ON THE POINT THAT HIS DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE MR ALAN BOND HAD BEEN VIEWED AS REFLECTING ADVERSELY ON HONG KONG’S STANDARDS IN THE SECURITIES FIELD AND ON ITS REPUTATION AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, MR THOMAS SAID THAT SUCH ALLEGATION PRESUPPOSED THAT A PROSECUTION SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT, WHICH WAS THE VERY POINT AT ISSUE.
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES WAS RIGHTLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MATTER AND WAS IN CONTACT WITH HIS CHAMBERS AND WITH THE POLICE.
+l REQUESTED THAT THE POLICE UNDERTAKE AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES, AND CHECK THE RECORDS OF THE JOURNALISTS AND OTHERS PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO ASCERTAIN EXACTLY WHAT WAS SAID.
+l RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS FROM MR BOND’S LAWYERS AND I DISCUSSED THE MATTER WITH MY ADVISERS IN CHAMBERS.
/HE AD'.DED
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 27 -
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD LOOKED AT ALL OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS AND CONCLUDED THAT A PROSECUTION SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT.
+DECISIONS OF THIS NATURE ARE ESSENTIALLY MATTERS OF JUDGEMENT.
+l WAS MADE AWARE THAT CRIMINAL LIABILITY WOULD BE KEENLY CONTESTED. MY VIEW WAS THAT THE OUTCOME OF A PROSECUTION WAS FAR FROM CERTAIN,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
+IN THE END, THE DECISION WAS MINE ALONE. NO QNE DIRECTED ME WHAT TO DO,+ HE STRESSED.
MR THOMAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE GOOD REASONS WHY AN ATTORNEY GENERAL DID NOT NORMALLY EXPLAIN IN PUBLIC A DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE IN A PARTICULAR CASE.
+IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM, THE ONLY PROPER PLACE FOR QUESTIONS OF GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF CRIME TO BE DETERMINED IS IN A COURT, WHERE THE ACCUSED HAS THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH the rules of criminal justice, and the opportunity to defend HIMSELF,+ HE SAID.
+IT WOULD BE QUITE WRONG FOR AN ATTORNEY GENERAL, HAVING DECIDED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD NOT PROCEED TO TRIAL IN THE COURTS, TO SAY ANYTHING IN PUBLIC THAT MIGHT BE TAKEN TO INDICATE A BELIEF IN THE SUSPECT’S GUILT, OR WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO A PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THAT VERY QUESTION,+ HE SAID.
0
CONTROL OF FRINGE GOLD TRADING NEED TO BE STUDIED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER THE FRINGE ELEMENT OF LOCO-LONDON GOLD TRADING COULD BE CAUGHT BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DANIEL TSE, MR JACOBS SAID WHILE MOST TRADING IN LOCO-LONDON GOLD IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED OUT BY HIGHLY REPUTABLE DEALERS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOTED THERE WAS A LESS DESIRABLE ELEMENT IN THE MARKET.
HE ADDED SOME COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN LODGED BY INVESTORS WHO FELT THEY HAD BEEN VICTIMISED. HE SAID THE PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE LESS REPUTABLE DEALERS WERE CLEARLY UNDESIRABLE AND COULD AFFECT THE REPUTATION OF HONG KONG’S GOLD MARKET, WHICH WAS AMONG THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD.
/+IF WE ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 28
+IF WE ARE TO INTRODUCE NEW MEASURES THAT GO BEYOND OUR EXISTING REGULATIONS IN RELATION TO TRADING IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR. THEN WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT IMPEDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUTABLE END OF THE MARKET,+ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ADVISED THE PUBLIC WHO FELT THEY HAD BEEN GIVEN LESS THAN SATISFACTORY SERVICE OR HAD OTHERWISE BEEN VICTIMISED WHILE TRADING IN LOCO-LONDON GOLD TO COME FORWARD AND REPORT THE FACTS TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING. IF AN OFFENCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED, THEN THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU WOULD BECOME INVOLVED, HE ADDED.
+HIGH RETURNS ARE USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH RISKS. IF INVESTORS WISH TO TRADE IN LOCO-LONDON GOLD, THEY ARE BEST ADVISED TO STAY WITH THE LARGE AND REPUTABLE DEALERS.
+IN OTHER WORDS, INVESTORS SHOULD THEMSELVES EXERCISE PRUDENCE AND CAUTION AND A DEGREE OF COMMON SENSE BEFORE GOING INTO THIS DIFFICULT MARKET, WHICH TENDS TO BE DOMINATED BY PROFESSIONALS,* HE ADDED.
-------o---------
SECURITY STEPPED UP FOR CRIME-PRONE PARKS
*****
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICING COUNTRY PARKS LIES WITH THE POLICE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE PARKS ARE LOCATED AND ANY SIGN THAT CRIME HAD INCREASED IN A PARTICULAR AREA WOULD BE MET WITH AN INCREASED ALLOCATION OF POLICE RESOURCES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C WONG, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT POLICE PATROLS WERE REGULAR IN COUNTRY PARKS EITHER BY CAR OR MOTORCYCLE OR ON FOOT. BESIDES, POLICE DOGS AND PLAINCLOTHES OFFICERS WERE ALSO DEPLOYED.
HE SAID THAT THE 29 MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND 20 PARK WARDEN POSTS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AT STRATEGIC POINTS IN THE PARKS ALSO SERVED AS CENTRES WHERE THE PUBLIC COULD SEEK ASSISTANCE AND REPORT CRIME.
HE ADDED THAT 115 UNIFORMED PARK WARDENS PATROLLED COUNTRY PARKS DAILY, REPORTED CRIMES TO THE POLICE AND SPECIAL PATROLS WERE MADE AT WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, CONCENTRATING ON THE MOST POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS.
/+SINCE THEY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 29
+SINCE THEY KNOW THEIR AREA WELL AND ARE IN RADIO CONTACT WITH MANAGEMENT CENTRES, THEY CAN HELP THE POLICE TO LOOK FOR THE CRIMINALS INVOLVED,* HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT A WORKING GROUP ON COUNTRYSIDE FIRES AND SECURITY, WHICH INCLUDED THE POLICE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MET EVERY TWO MONTHS.
+THE WORKING GROUP IS A USEFUL FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND IDEAS TO PROMOTE SECURITY IN OUR COUNTRY PARKS,* HE NOTED.
_ 0 - - - -
MONEY LENDING LAW WORKING WELL
*****
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE CONDUCTED LAST YEAR CONCLUDED THAT THE ORDINANCE WAS GENERALLY SUCCESSFUL IN PREVENTING LOAN SHARKING AND LENDING AT USURIOUS RATES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+IN PARTICULAR, THERE WAS SEEN TO BE NO NEED TO INCREASE THE PENALITIES PROVIDED UNDER THE ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR JACOBS SAID, HOWEVER, AN AMENDMENT BILL WHICH WOULD PROPOSE SOME AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE TO IMPROVE ITS OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION WAS NOW IN THE FINAL DRAFTING STAGES.
THE AMENDMENTS WOULD ALSO CONTAIN PROPOSALS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE POLICE IN CONTROLLING AND INVESTIGATING MONEY LENDERS, HE ADDED.
+IN PARTICULAR,* HE SAID, +THE BILL WILL PROPOSE THAT THE POLICE BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND SEARCH A MONEY LENDER’S PREMISES AND TO SEIZE DOCUMENTS, AND THAT THE TIME LIMIT FOR INSTITUTING PROSECUTIONS FOR ALL OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE BE EXTENDED FROM SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS.*
REGARDING STATISTICS ON PROSECUTIONS, MR JACOBS SAID THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE INCREASED FROM AN AVERAGE OF TWO PER MONTH BETWEEN JANUARY 1983 AND APRIL 1984 TO JUST UNDER SIX PER MONTH BETWEEN MAY 1984 AND FEBRUARY 1987.
ON THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THEY WERE ONLY AVAILABLE FROM JULY 1986 ONWARD.
HE SAID THAT OUT OF A TOTAL OF 37 PERSONS TRIED ON THE PRINCIPAL CHARGE OF LENDING MONEY WITHOUT A LICENCE OR LENDING MONEY AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE OF INTEREST IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, THERE WERE 14 CONVICTIONS REPRESENTING A CONVICTION RATE OF ABOUT 38 PER CENT.
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/3O
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
30
TAX DISPUTE CASES EXPLAINED
*****
SINCE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1984 WAS ENACTED IN FEBRUARY 1985, SOME 65 000 OBJECTIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR JACOBS SAID ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE INFORMATION, AN ESTIMATED 5 400 APPELLANT TAXPAYERS WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE IMMEDIATE PAYMENT IN CASH, BUT THE AMOUNT OF TAX INVOLVED WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ANOTHER 1 674 APPELLANT TAXPAYERS WERE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $903 MILLION AND 29 WERE REQUIRED TO FURNISH A BANK GUARANTEE INVOLVING SOME $52 MILLION, HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT AN ESTIMATED 57 000 APPELLANT TAXPAYERS WERE GRANTED UNCONDITIONAL HOLDOVER OF TAX BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE BUT THE AMOUNT OF TAX INVOLVED WAS NOT KNOWN.
HE NOTED THAT THESE 57 000 CASES ARE REFERRED TO AS HOLDOVER CASES SINCE, IN EVERY CASE WHERE AN OBJECTION IS LODGED, A HOLDOVER MUST BE CONSIDERED.
♦HOWEVER, IN MANY CASES, THE TAX IN DISPUTE CAN BE DISCHARGED BEFORE THE DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT ARRIVES AND THE HOLDOVER OF THIS TAX BECOMES A MERE FORMALITY,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE A TAXPAYER FAILS TO SUBMIT A RETURN WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME, AN ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT WILL BE ISSUED. AGAINST THIS ASSESSMENT, THE TAXPAYER WILL USUALLY LODGE AN OBJECTION ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE ASSESSMENT IS EXCESSIVE.+
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO VALIDATE THE OBJECTION, A RETURN MUST BE SUBMITTED, THEN IT WOULD BECOME APPARENT TO THE ASSESSOR THAT THE ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT WAS EXCESSIVE AND SHOULD BE REVISED DOWNWARDS. IN THIS SITUATION, THE TAX IN DISPUTE COULD OFTEN BE DISCHARGED BEFORE THE DUE DATE.
♦HOWEVER, IN CASES WHERE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DISCHARGE THE ASSESSMENT BEFORE THE DUE DATE, A HOLDOVER ORDER IS ISSUED. IT SHALL BE NOTED THAT UNCONDITIONAL HOLDOVER ORDERS ARE ALWAYS ISSUED IN RESPECT OF PROVISIONAL TAX IN DISPUTE IN AN ASSESSMENT UNDER OBJECTION,+ HE ADDED.
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/31
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
31
TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL FEASIBILITY CONFIRMED * * * * *
THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT COMPLETED LAST YEAR HAS CONFIRMED ITS ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY AND HAS IDENTIFIED THE MOST SUITABLE TUNNEL ALIGNMENT AND ROAD CONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR LEUNG SAID FURTHER SITE INVESTIGATIONS AND DETAILED DESIGN WERE IN PROGRESS AND THE PROJECT WOULD CONSIST OF A 4 KILOMETRE LONG DUAL TWO-LANE TUNNEL BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL IN KOWLOON AND SIU LEK YUEN IN SHA TIN, TOGETHER WITH APPROACH ROADS AND SLIP ROADS AT EITHER END TO CONNECT THE TUNNEL TO THE EXISTING AND FUTURE ROAD NETWORK.
+BEARING IN MIND THE TIME REQUIRED FOR DESIGN AND OTHER PREPARATORY WORKS, INCLUDING GAZETTING PROCEDURES, LAND RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE, PREPARATION, ASSESSMENT AND AWARD CF TENDERS OR PROPOSALS TO BUILD, AND POSSIBLY TO OPERATE THE TUNNEL, AND MOBILISATION BY THE SELECTED CONTRACTORS OR CONSORTIUM. THE EARLIEST CONSTRUCTION IS LIKELY TO START IN THE EARLY SUMMER OF 1988, JUST OVER ONE YEAR FROM N0W,+ MR LEUNG EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THE TUNNEL WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1992 BECAUSE BUILDING A TUNNEL OF THIS MAGNITUDE WAS A VERY COMPLEX TASK AND ADVICE FROM CONSULTANTS WAS NEEDED MAKING IT UNLIKELY THAT THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTENED.
+ON THE SHA TIN SIDE, RELATIVELY LITTLE CLEARANCE IS NECESSARY, WITH ONLY ABOUT 60 PEOPLE BEING DISPLACED. THE CLEARANCE AT THE DIAMOND HILL END WILL, HOWEVER, INVOLVE MOVING ABOUT 16 000 PEOPLE,+ MR LEUNG ADDED.
+T0 REDUCE DISRUPTION TO THE MINIMUM, REMOVAL OF THOSE AFFECTED WILL BE PHASED TO FIT IN WITH THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THE FIRST PHASE WOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE LATTER HALF OF THIS YEAR SO THAT PREPARATORY WORKS COULD START TO ALLOW COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNEL ITSELF IN EARLY SUMMER 1988.
HE ADDED FURTHER PHASES OF CLEARANCE WOULD FOLLOW TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF APPROACH ROADS AND TO PROVIDE THOSE AFFECTED WITH COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL POLICY.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
32
ACTION TAKEN TO BOOST SUBVENTED HOSPITAL OCCUPANCY *****
THE BED OCCUPANCY RATES OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WERE GENERALLY LOWER THAN THAT OF GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE OVERALL OCCUPANCY RATES IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WERE 78.9 PER CENT AND 90.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY LAST YEAR.
+THE BED OCCUPANCY RATES OF A HOSPITAL DEPENDS ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE TYPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL, THE CASE-MIX AND THE DURATION OF STAY OF THE PATIENTS,* HE SAID.
♦ IN ADDITION, THE TRADITIONAL PREFERENCE OF THE PUBLIC FOR ADMISSION INTO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS APPEARS TO BE ONE CAUSE OF THE RELATIVELY LOWER OCCUPANCY RATE IN THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AVERAGE OCCUPANCY RATE OF ALMOST 79 PER CENT FOR SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WAS BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND WAS ONLY RELATIVELY LOWER THAN WHEN COMPARED TO THE OVERCROWDED SITUATION IN MOST GOVERNMENT REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
+IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE A MORE EVEN UTILISATION OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITAL SECTORS,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE SAID THAT MEASURES WHICH HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TOWARDS THIS END INCLUDED:
* THE CONVERSION OF SPECIALTY WARDS WITH LOW OCCUPANCY RATES SUCH AS PAEDIATRIC AND OBSTETRIC WARDS, INTO SURGICAL AND MEDICAL WARDS FOR WHICH THERE WAS A GREATER DEMAND ,
* MORE PUBLICITY REGARDING THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OF SOME SUBVENTED HOSPITALS,
* ACTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT OF DOCTORS IN NEARBY CLINICS TO REFER MORE CASES TO SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, AND
* THE TRANSFER OF CONVALESCENT PATIENTS FROM GOVERNMENT REGIONAL HOSPITALS TO SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
+IN ADDITION, THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM RECOMMENDED A STRATEGY OF INTEGRATION THROUGH THE PROPOSED HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM.
+THIS RECOMMENDATION IS STILL BEING CONSIDERED AND NO FINAL DECISION HAS YET BEEN MADE,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
33
EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION BEHIND SECRETARY SYSTEM *****
THE STRENGTH OF THE +SECRETARY+ SYSTEM LIES IN THE DIVISION CF RESPONSIBILITY AMONG SECRETARIES ACCORDING TO PROGRAMME AREAS, NOT DEPARTMENTS, SO THAT THERE WAS EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION OF RELATED ACTIVITIES OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, FORD SAID THAT THE SYSTEM WHICH FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1973 MCKINSEY REPORT HAD SERVED THE ADMINISTRATION WELL.
+THE SYSTEM IS ALSO FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO ENABLE CHANGES IN PROGRAMMES TO BE MADE QUICKLY IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID. ’
+OVER THE YEARS, THE STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.
MR FORD EXPLAINED THAT WHILE IT WAS A FACT THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF KEY POLICY-MAKING OR SECRETARY POSTS WERE FILLED BY MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE, NOT ALL OF THEM WERE +GENERALISTS+ IN THE USUAL SENSE OF THE WORD.
SOME SECRETARIES WERE FORMERLY DEPARTMENTAL-PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS, SOME HAD A SPECIALIST BACKGROUND, WHILE OTHERS HAD DEVELOPED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF EXPERTISE IN THEIR AREAS CF WORK DURING THEIR LONG CAREERS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE, HE SAID.
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ALSO SEVERAL SECRETARYEQUIVALENT OR D6 POSTS WHICH WERE DEPARTMENTAL RANKS.
AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL, HE SAID, POSTS WERE FILLED BY BOTH DEPARTMENTAL-PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.
+PARTICULAR EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON SUCCESSION PLANNING IN ALL DEPARTMENTS WITH A VIEW TO GROOMING OFFICERS WITH POTENTIAL FOR HIGHER OFFICE,* HE SAID.
+THERE ARE INFORMAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CROSS-POSTINGS BETWEEN DIFFERENT CAREER STREAMS, SO THAT THE MOST SUITABLE OFFICER IS SELECTED FOR THE JOB.*
THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AS BEING AN IMPORTANT MEANS OF MAKING THE BEST USE OF THE TALENT AVAILABLE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
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/34.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
34
NEED TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT HOME STRESSED * * #
ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE TO TIGHTEN UP CONTROL MEASURES UNDER THE VARIOUS ORDINANCES WHICH COVER THE SALE AND LABELLING OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS CONTAINING POISONOUS OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES, THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO PROMOTE SAFETY PRACTICES AT HOME, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM, MR HO SAID THAT DEPENDING ON ONE’S DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS, THERE WERE A NUMBER OF ORDINANCES WHICH COVERED THE SALE AND LABELLING OF SOME SUCH PRODUCTS.
♦HOWEVER, THERE IS NO LEGISLATION WHICH CONTROLS THE USAGE OF THESE PRODUCTS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SOLD,+ HE SAID.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, CERTAIN HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS ARE CONTROLLED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO BE SOLD BY LISTED SELLERS OF POISONS AND LABELLED AS ’POISON’.
♦THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE CONTAINS PROVISIONS COVERING THE SALE AND SUPPLY OF DANGEROUS DRUGS BY LICENCE.
♦THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE CONTAINS PROVISIONS COVERING THE SALE AND SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES BY LICENCE AND FOR THE LABELLING OF REGISTERED AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES SUPPLIED OR OFFERED ON RETAIL SALE.
♦THERE ARE ALSO SOME PROVISIONS UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE, THE RADIATION ORDINANCE AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE WHICH MAY BE CONSIDERED RELEVANT TO THE ISSUE+.
MR HO SAID MANY HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY CONTAINED TOXIC SUBSTANCES AS SUCH, COULD CAUSE INJURY OR HARM IF THEY WERE USED CARELESSLY OR IN AN INAPPROPRIATE MANNER.
♦THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THROUGH ITS REGULAR PROGRAMME OF PRODUCT TESTING AND SUBSEQUENT DISCLOSURE OF UNSAFE ASPECTS RELATING TO THESE PRODUCTS IN THEIR USE, HAD MADE VERY USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS IN ALERTING THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS.
♦FOR ITS PART THE GOVERNMENT IS RUNNING A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ENCOMPASSING MANY ASPECTS OF SAFETY IN THE HOME, INCLUDING THE LOCKING UP OF DRUGS AND ENSURING THAT DANGEROUS OBJECTS ARE KEPT OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH.
MR HO ADDED THAT PROVISION HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE 1987-88 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON SAFETY IN THE HOME.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
35
LICENCE FOR BILLIARD CLUBS PROPOSED
*****
BILLIARD CLUBS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENCE IN THE SAME WAY AS LICENSED PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROPOSAL WAS TO CONTROL THOSE BOGUS PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS WHICH MASQUERADED AS PRIVATE CLUBS WHEN THEY WERE IN FACT BEING RUN AS COMMERCIAL +PUBLIC+ BILLIARD SALOONS.
BUT HE STRESSED BONA FIDE CLUBS PROVIDING B ILL I ARD FAC IL IT IES SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING.
HE ALSO SAID THAT LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE WERE BEING PREPARED AND A BILL TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL WAS EXPECTED TO BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
MR JEAFFRESON ADDED THE PROPOSAL WAS REACHED UPON AFTER THE LICENSING AUTHORITIES FOR PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, HAD CONDUCTED EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND THE NEW TERRITORIES GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
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17 SENT ABROAD FOR SPECIAL TRAINING * * * *
SEVENTEEN OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE SO FAR BEEN SENT ABROAD FOR SPECIAL TRAINING IN MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). '
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT ON THE NUMBER OF STAFF SENT ABROAD FOR SUCH TRAINING, MR BRIDGE SAID OF THOSE WHO WERE SENT ABROAD, ALL EXCEPT TWO WERE STILL WORKING IN THE PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORK FIELD.
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FOUR BILLS PASSED
*. X X it X
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1986, THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON IT WAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO APRIL 1. ---------------------------0-------- /36..................................................
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
36
INDEPENDENT OPINION SURVEY OFFICE ON GREEN PAPER SET UP
*****
AN INDEPENDENT SURVEY OFFICE WILL BE SET UP TO COLLECT, COLLATE AND REPORT ON PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE FORTHCOMING GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE SURVEY OFFICE ARE:
(A) TO INVITE AS WIDE A PUBLIC RESPONSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER: +T HE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT*, AND TO RECEIVE AND RECORD ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED IN WRITING BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1987, INCLUDING THOSE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO IT OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH ESTABLISHED CONSULTATIVE CHANNELS, AND
(B) TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 31, 1987, AN IMPARTIAL AND ACCURATE REPORT COLLATING AND PRESENTING ALL SUCH VIEWS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS:
(1) ELICITATION OF PUBLIC RESPONSE: THE SURVEY OFFICE SHALL INVITE GROUPS, ASSOCIATIONS, STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY BODIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO CONSIDER THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER AND TO FORWARD THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO THE SURVEY OFFICE} AND TAKE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE AS WIDE A RESPONSE AS POSSIBLE.
(2) PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS: THE SURVEY OFFICE MAY COMMISSION PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS} IT SHALL TAKE NOTE OF OTHER SURVEYS AND COMMENT ON THEM.
(3) CONFIDENTIALITY: DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF WHICH CONFIDENTIALITY HAS BEEN REQUESTED BY THE CONTRIBUTOR SHALL BE TREATED ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL BE DESTROYED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER.
(4) MEDIA REPORTS: THE SURVEY OFFICE SHALL MONITOR VIEWS AS REPORTED IN THE MEDIA, TO THE EXTENT THAT THESE COMPLEMENT, AND DO NOT REPEAT, SUBMISSIONS ALREADY RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE.
(5) SIGNATURE CAMPAIGNS AND SIMILAR DOCUMENTS: THE SURVEY OFFICE SHALL COMMENT UPON THE SOURCE AND METHOD OF COMPILATION OF SUCH DOCUMENTS, DRAWING ATTENTION TO ANY DUPLICATION OR REPETITION.
(6) THE REPORT SHALL, INTER ALIA, INCLUDE FACTUAL SUMMARIES OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
/(l) DEBATES, .........
MEOrESDlY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 37 -
(I) DEBATES, MINUTES AND SUBMISSIONS IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ,
(II) THE WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OF OTHER STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY BODIES, WITH THEIR MEMBERSHIP, FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES AND THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN FORMULATING THEIR SUBMISSIONS NOTED,
(hi) the written submissions of groups and associations, with their membership, functions and objectives AND THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN FORMULATING THEIR SUBMISSIONS NOTED!
(IV) THE WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT REQUEST CONFIDENTIALITY, AND
(V) THE WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO DO REQUEST CONFIDENTIALITY.
MR ADOLF HSU, AT PRESENT DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE jFRVICES AND INFORMATION, HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS COMMISSIONER OF the SURVEY OFFICE. HE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP HIS NEW ASSIGNMENT SHORTLY AFTER EASTER.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED TWO INDEPENDENT MONITORS TO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE NAMELY MR LI FOOK-KOW, -HO WILL SHORTLY BE RETIRING AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, FORMER MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE MONITORS WILL
HAVE THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF REFERENCE,
+ THE MONITORS ARE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE ALL ASPECTS OF THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE AND TO SUBMIT THEIR INDEPENDENT REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AS TO WHETHER THEY ARE SATISFIED THAT THE SURVEY OFFICE HAS PROPERLY, ACCURATELY AND IMPARTIALLY CARRIED OUT ITS DUTIES AND FOLLOWED THE PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED IN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.*
THEY WILL NOT INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE ON AN EXECUTIVE BASIS, BUT WILL HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED AND TO THE WORKING OF THE SURVEY OFFICE.
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/38........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 38 -
EFFECTIVE REGULATIONS VITAL FOR SECOND STOCK MARKET * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY ALLOW THE SETTING UP OF A SECOND STOCK MARKET IF AND WHEN IT WAS TOTALLY SATISFIED THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WHICH ADEQUATELY PROTECTED INVESTORS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
MR JACOBS SAID AN IDEA TO WHICH THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE, WHICH OPENED LAST APRIL, HAD BEEN DEVOTING MUCH ATTENTION WAS THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A SECOND MARKET.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF AN ESSAY COMPETITION ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE AND A LOCAL NEWSPAPER.
MR JACOBS SAID: + THE CREATION OF A SECOND MARKET HAS IN MANY COUNTRIES BEEN OF SIGNIFICANT VALUE IN SPREADING THE SHARE-OWNING HABIT AND IN HELPING ENTREPRENEURS TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO EXPAND THEIR BUSINESSES,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO READING THE REPORT ON A SECOND MARKET BEING PREPARED BY AN EXCHANGE’S WORKING PARTY WHEN IT WAS PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT LATER THIS YEAR.
+WE HAVE AT PRESENT AN ENTIRELY OPEN MIND ON THE SUBJECT.
+ IF A CLEAR NEED FOR SUCH A MARKET IN HONG KONG IS IDENTIFIED AND AN APPROPRIATE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK CAN BE DEVISED, I SEE NO REASON WHY A SECOND MARKET SHOULD NOT BE ESTABLISHED.*
MR JACOBS SAID HE WELCOMED THE CARE AND ATTENTION WITH WHICH THE SUBJECT WAS BEING RESEARCHED BY THE EXCHANGE’S WORKING PARTY.
IT WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT +CAREFUL ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO THE PROPOSED REGULATORY FRAMEWORK,* MR JACOBS SAID.
+THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLEAR IDENTIFICATION OF THE WAY THE MARKET WILL OPERATE.
+THERE MUST BE ADEQUATE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING SYSTEMS.
+THERE MUST ALSO BE ADEQUATE MEASURES OF PROTECTION FOR THE INVESTORS.*
/THERE WAS
S9
THERE WAS A COMMON COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A WELL-REGULATED AND PROPERLY-RUN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS HAILED THE OPENING OF THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE AS A +LANDMARK IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SECURITIES INDUSTRY*.
+IN THE FIRST MONTH OF BUSINESS, TURNOVER AVERAGED $440 MILLION WHICH IN ITSELF REPRESENTED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE AGGREGATE TURNOVER OF THE FOUR PREVIOUS EXCHANGES. NOW, DAILY TURNOVER EXCEEDING Si BILLION IS COMMONPLACE.+
THE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF THE STOCK MARKET OVER THE PAST YEAR MR JACOBS WENT ON, WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE THRIVING ECONOMY, THE MODERN AND EFFICIENT FACILITIES OF THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE AND HONG KONG’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT AS A CENTRE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS WHICH ATTRACTED A HOST OF FUND MANAGERS AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS.
EARLIER MR JACOBS PRAISED THE QUALITY OF THE ESSAYS IN THE COMPETITION AS TRULY IMPRESSIVE AND SAID THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES WAS AN INDICATION OF THE WIDESPREAD INTEREST IN THE STOCK MARKET.
------0 - - - -
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL SURVEY STARTS * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE MARCH 1987 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 88 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING 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 SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 31 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENT.
/SOME 10 000 ......
HEDNboDAY, MARCH 2J; 1^1
40 -
SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM "H'S SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JANUARY-MARCH 1987.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATIS.•CS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982) ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQU COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY COMPLETING THE FORMS, SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISlANCE Al THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PRINTED AT THE BACK OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES): 5-436551, 5-444301, 5-455661 AND 5-455668.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT D'JR 1 "G JANUARY - MARCH 1987, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOL lb It INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACAhvitS, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-444364
-----0-----
MAIL SERVICE OFFERED FOR 1987 YEARBOOK
*****
IN RESPONSE TO DEMAND, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SER. ■ PUBLISHING SUB-DIVISION IS OFFERING A SPECIAL MAIL SERVICE lO PEOPLE WISHING TO SEND THE HONG KONG 1987 YEAR BOOK OVERSEAS.
THE YEARBOOK COSTS $35, BUT FOR AN ADD IT IONAL SUF 0,■ 1 <' ■ THE GIS WILL PROVIDE SPECIAL HEAVY-DUTY PACKAGING TO ENSUE THE GOOD CONDITION OF THE BOOK, AND WILL ADDRESS IT AND SEND I’ BY SEA MAIL TO ALL DESTINATIONS.
AIR POSTAGE TO ASIAN COUNTRIES WILL AMOUNT TO $75, AND TO OTHER COUNTRIES $100, APART FROM THE $35 FOR THE YEARBOOK
♦CHARGES FOR POSTING AND PACKAGING ARE AT COST. THE SERVICE IS BEING OFFERED ONLY IN RESPONSE TO THE MANY REQUESTS WE HAYE RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE SEEKING A CONVENIENT SERVICE AND SECURE PACKAGING,* A GlS SPOKESMAN SAID.
/PAYMENT........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY CROSSED CHEQUE TO THE + HONG KONG GOVERNMENT*. THE TOTAL COST, INCLUDING The YEARBOOK IS: <565 BY SEA MAIL, $110 BY AIR TO ASIAN COUNTRIES, AND <5135 BY AIR TO ALL OTHER DESTINATIONS, HE SAID.
+THE POPULAR YEARBOOK IS SELLING FAST. IT IS VERY MUCH IN DEMAND OVERSEAS, AS WELL AS IN HONG KONG. IT IS CRAMMED WITH FACTS AND FIGURES, AND MANY COLOUR SECTIONS. PERSONS INTERESTED IN HAVING IT SENT OVERSEAS SHOULD PLACE THEIR ORDERS SOON,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ORDERS MAY BE PLACED WITH THE GIS PUBLISHING SUB-DIVISION AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, 2ND FLOOR, 13 DUDDELL STREET, CENTRAL.
---0------
UNAUTHORISED structures to be cleared
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT 191-203 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBL IC.
THESE STRUCTURES ARE ERECTED OVER THE STAIRCASES ON THE 11TH FLOOR AS WELL AS ATTACHED TO THE REAR EXTERNAL WALLS OF FLAT A ON THE SIXTH, 10TH AND 11TH FLOORS OF THE BUILDING.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 28 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JANUARY 1985 AND JULY 1986 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
- - 0 - -
/42
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987
- 42 -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TSIM SHA TSU I *****
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CO-ORDINATED AN OPERATION TO CLEAR 24 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
HALF OF THESE STRUCTURES WERE LOCATED IN REAR LANES BOUNDED BY MINDEN ROW, MODY ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND THE OTHERS IN AREAS BOUNDED BY HANKOW ROAD, PEKING ROAD, MIDDLE ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
+OF THE CLEARED STRUCTURES, 15 WERE USED AS STORAGE AND NINE FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $17 OOO WERE GIVEN TO ELIGIBLE BUSINESS OPERATORS, HE ADDED.
TODAY’S OPERATION, AS PART OF THE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT, WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE BU ILD INGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
SERVICES
-------0----------
POSTAL SERVICES TO LEBANON SUSPENDED ?. J
DUE TO THE CLOSURE OF BEIRUT AIRPORT, AIRMAIL AND AIR PARCEL SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LEBANON ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SURFACE MAIL AND SURFACE PARCEL SERVICES TO LEBANON ALSO REMAIN SUSPENDED, HE ADDED.
------0--------
DETAILS OF TA' PO DRAGON BOAT RACE ff- * X X X
THE TA! PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE WILL HOM1 ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS DETAILS OF THIS YEAR'S RACE.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION’S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AT 2 ON CHEUNG ROAD, TA i PO.
PRESIDING AT THE MEETING WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE COM! ~EE , M? STEPHEN WONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0--------
/43
oo»
•08 7
11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHAM SHU I PO *****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY, THE SECTION OF PEI HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK-STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 11 MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 27).
VEHICLES ON TAI PO ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR BERWICK STREET WILL HAVE TO USE PAK TIN STREET.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION ............................... 1
CS LOOKS AT PROGRESS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ............... 1
COMPANY LAW REFORM STANDING COMMITTEE'S REPORT RELEASED ... 2
MORE HOSPITALS TO MEET NEW TERRITORIES DEMAND ............. 3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED ............ 5
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY ........................ 8
SHIPPING REGISTER STEERING GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING ....... 11
DISTRICT BOARD ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNISED ..................... 12
AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE TELEPHONE CHANGED ................. 13
CLEARANCES TO IMPROVE CENTRAL-WESTERN ENVIRONMENT .......... 14
COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED .............. 15
SEMINAR TO CONCLUDE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ............. 15
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS OFF TO JAPAN ................. 16
FIRE STATION TO BE AIR-CONDITIONED.......................... 17
DETAILS OF UNIVERSITY DESIGN COMPETITION ................... 17
SERVICE MEDhL CLhSPS TO BE PRESENTED ....................... 18
SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY ................... 18
FIRE STATION OPENING ....................................... 18
TEACHERS INVITED TO ATTEND FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS............ 19
SEMINARS ON NEW SYLLABUSES ORGANISED ....................... 19
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT RTHK ............................ 20
DETAILS OF DRaINaGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS TO BE ANNOUNCED .. 20
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE ........... 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL ............................... 22
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CAUSEWaY BAY ............................ 22
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WaN CHAI ................... 23
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
1
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION * * * * *
THE TWELFTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD ON MARCH 26, 1987. THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR SHOULD AMOUNT TO 61 HECTARES. THE PROGRAMME COMPRISES 27 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS (INCLUDING FIVE HECTARES TO BE GRANTED TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY MAINLY FOR BUILDING PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING)! 17 HECTARES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES; AND 17 HECTARES FOR VILLAGE HOUSING, PUBLIC UTILITIES, EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE, RELIGIOUS, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER USES.
- - 0 - -
CS LOOKS AT PROGRESS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) MADE AN AERIAL TOUR OF THE NEW TOWNS AND VARIOUS SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS ARE UNDERWAY OR BEING PLANNED.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, THE HELICOPTER FLIGHT TOOK MR FORD OVER GREEN ISLAND, TSING Yl, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TIN SHU I WAI, YUEN LONG, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I BEFORE LANDING IN SHA TAU KOK.
THE PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRITORIES/NORTHEAST), MR ROBERT HANNA, BRIEFED MR FORD ON A THREE-YEAR PLAN TO REHOUSE THE POPULATION OF THE YIM LIU HA AND TSOI YUEN KOK SQUATTER AREAS IN A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 3 900.
OTHER IMPORTANT ENGINEERING WORKS IN THE AREA INCLUDE SITE FORMATION AND RECLAMATION OF ABOUT FOUR HECTARES OF LAND, CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND CORRESPONDING DREDGING OF AN AREA OF FORESHORE, WIDENING OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD, PROVISION OF AN ESTATE ROAD AND BUILDING OF ASSOCIATED SEWERS AND DRAINS.
AFTER LEAVING SHA TAU KOK, MR FORD FLEW OVER TAI PO, SHA TIN, MA ON SHAN AND SAI KUNG, LOOKING AT A NUMBER OF ONGOING PROJECTS ON ROUTE TO JUNK BAY.
THERE, THE PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERR I TORIES/SOUTH), MR TOM ARMOUR, BRIEFED HIM ON MAJOR WORKS UNDERWAY FOR THE NEW TOWN WHICH WOULD BE READY TO TAKE IN ITS FIRST RESIDENTS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS.
DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY PHASE I WILL PROVIDE HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES FOR ABOUT 220 000 PEOPLE BY THE MID-1990’S. IT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR ROAD LINKS, A TUNNEL, PUBLIC HOUSING, 13 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, FOUR INDOOR RECREATION CENTRES AND A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
/PHAbE II
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
PHASE II DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM KWUN TONG, AND ENABLE THE NEW TOWN TO HOUSE A TOTAL OF 325 OOO PEOPLE.
MR FORD ALSO SAW THE PROGRESS OF LAND FORMATION AND RECLAMATION WORKS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD TUNNEL LINKING THE NEW TOWNSHIP TO EAST KOWLOON AND KWUN TONG. CONSTRUCTION OF THE 900-METRE T,/IN-TUBE DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY TUNNEL BEGAN LAST YEAR AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN MID-1990.
MR FORD SAID JUNK BAY, WITH ITS WELL THOUGHT-OUT PLANNING AND COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF FACILITIES, HAD THE PROSPECT OF BECOMING AN EXCELLENT NEW TOWN.
+IT’S MARVELLOUS TO SEE THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE SO FAR. I AM SURE IT WILL BE VERY POPULAR WITH EVERYBODY,+ HE ADDED.
ON HIS RETURN TO HMS TAMAR, MR FORD FLEW OVER HUNG HOM BAY TO SEE MAJOR RECLAMATION WORKS IN PROGRESS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING) OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR PETER PUN, AND MR FORD’S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MRS FANNY LAW, ALSO TOOK PART IN THE TRIP.
------0-------
COMPANY LAW REFORM STANDING COMMITTEE’S REPORT RELEASED *****
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW RELEASED ITS THIRD ANNUAL REPORT AFTER IT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
REFORM TODAY (THURSDAY) HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY
IN ITS REPORT FOR 1986, THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED AND MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS. ONE OF THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD IS THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATION TO REGULATE WHAT SUMS MAY BE DISTRIBUTED AS PROFITS BY LIMITED COMPANIES TO THEIR SHARE-HOLDERS. THE LEGISLATION WOULD ONLY MAKE USTEDACOMPANlj’ESADY G°°D ACC0UNTING PRACT ICE FOLLOWED BY THE LEADING
THE report also contained recommendations REGARDING THE POWER OF COMPANIES TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN SHARES; REVISING SECTION 48 OF The COMPANIES ORDINANCE DEALING WITH PROHIBITION OF PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE OF ITS OWN SHARES AND SECTION 228A DEALING WITH SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. vuuunimkt
/the committee
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 3 -
THE COMMITTEE HAD MADE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ON A NUMBER OF VERY TECHNICAL MATTERS, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 80(2)(C) AND (E) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (REGISTRATION OF CHARGES CREATED BY COMPANIES) AND SECTIONS 79 AND 265 (PAYMENT OF CERTAIN DEBTS OUT OF ASSETS SUBJECT TO A FLOATING CHARGE IN • PRIORITY TO CLAIMS UNDER THE CHARGE, IN THE CASE OF BOTH RECEIVERSHIPS AND WINDING-UPS).
OTHER SUBJECTS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED THE MINIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR DIRECTORS AND WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR DIRECTORS AND THE QUESTION OF APPOINTMENT OF PRO; ES BY MEMBERS OF PRIVATE CLUBS.
THE COMMITTEE SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME DURING THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR CONSIDERING THE DIFFICULT SUBJECT OF INSIDER DEALING. DISCUSSION CONTINUED INTO 1987 AND A SEPARATE REPORT SETTING OUT THE COMMITTEE’S VIEWS WAS SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY LAST WEEK.
SUBJECTS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED DURING THE YEAR AND ON WHICH CONSIDERATION IS CONTINUING INCLUDED DIRECTORS’ DUTY REGARDING INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND THE PRINCIPLE OF ULTRA VIRES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, COMMERCIAL DIVISION, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 21ST FLOOR, 66, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THOSE INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR COMMENTS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, 24TH FLOOR, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JUNE 1.
-------o----------
MORE HOSPITALS TO MEET NEW TERRITORIES DEMAND *****
TWO NEW HOSPITALS ARE BEING PLANNED FOR TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE 1990’S.
PLANS FOR THESE HOSPITALS - THE NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL AND THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL - WERE DISCUSSED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC) TODAY (THURSDAY).
/MEMBERS NOTED
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 4 -
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE EXISTING 385-BED NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL AT BONHAM ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND WAS IN NEED OF MAJOR RENOVATION DUE TO ITS DILAPIDATED PHYSICAL CONDITION AND THE OBSOLESCENCE CF THE BUILDING.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE NEW NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL WITH ABOUT 630 BEDS BE BUILT INSTEAD IN TAI PO. IT WOULD BE AN ACUTE GENERAL HOSPITAL WITH A 24-HOUR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE, A SPECIALIST CLINIC, A SMALL GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND DAY HOSPITAL PLACES.
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE THE NE HERSOLE HOSPITAL WOULD OBVIATE THE NEED TO INJECT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS INTO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE EXISTING HOSPITAL.
THE PROJECT WOULD ALSO HELP TO RELIEVE THE SHORTFALL OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN TAI PO DISTRICT.
SITE FORMATION OF THE NEW HOSPITAL COULD START IN EARLY 1989 AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS COMPLETED IN 1992-93.
THE MEETING ALSO ENDORSED PLANS FOR A 1 200-BED NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT IN FANLING.
SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1996-97, IT IS TO HAVE 600 ACUTE GENERAL BEDS, 400 BEDS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL AND 200 FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, A 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AND A SPECIALIST CLINIC.
ANOTHER TOPIC DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING WAS HOSPICE CARE IN LOCAL HOSPITALS.
UNLIKE CONVENTIONAL CARE, THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE HOSPICE CONCEPT IS TO MAINTAIN DYING PATIENTS AT HOME FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND TO HARNESS DEDICATED VOLUNTEER SERVICE OF FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, PRIESTS AND THE COMMUNITY. IT IS AIMED AT PROVIDING EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL BEYOND THE HOSPITAL DOORS.
MEMBERS OF THE MEETING CONSIDERED THAT THERE COULD BE IMPROVEMENT TO TERM I NALLY-ILL PATIENTS IN LOCAL PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT HOSPICE CARE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF OVERALL MEDICAL PRIORITIES. IT WAS AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO SETTING UP A CO-ORDINATING CENTRE AT THE VARIOUS REGIONAL HOSPITALS TO LIAISE WITH VOLUNTARY OR PASTORAL SERVICES FOR FAMILY AND PATIENTS WHO REQUIRED SUCH CARE.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
5
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED *****
EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED TO SHOW SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN FEBRUARY 1987. THE GROWTH RATES OF DIFFERENT TRADE AGGREGATES VARIED CONSIDERABLY, HOWEVER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1987, AT $9 992 MILLION, INCREASED BY 19.7 PER CENT OR $1 645 MILLION COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 54.4 PER CENT OR S3 740 MILLION TO S10 616 MILLION, 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 S20 608 MILLION, WAS 35.4 PER CENT OR $5 385 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 42.0 PER CENT OR S7 135 MILLION OVER FEBRUARY 1986 TO $24 118 MILL ION.
IN FEBRUARY 1987, DOMESTIC EXPORTS. THE
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS EXCEEDED THAT OF LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS IN MARCH 1985.
AS THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS FASTER THAN THAT CF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION CF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RECORDED IN FEBRUARY 1987 WIDENED TO 14.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A VISIBLE TRADE GAP OF 10.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1986.
AS A RESULT OF THE TRADE SURPLUS RECORDED IN JANUARY, A CUMULATIVE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $969 MILLION WAS RECORDED FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY TAKEN TOGETHER, REPRESENTING ONLY 2 PER CENT CF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FOR THESE TWO MONTHS.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 27.4 PER CENT AND 46.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. AS A RESULT, TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 36.0 PER CENT. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS GREW BY 33.1 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH RATES ACHIEVED BY DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE LATTER PART OF 1986 HAD CONTINUED IN THE FIST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. SIMILARLY THE VERY SHARP RECOVERY IN RE-EXPORTS SEEN TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR WAS ALSO CONTINUING.
THIS WAS MAINLY THE RESULT OF CHINESE GOODS BEING CHANNELLED THROUGH HONG KONG AND REFLECTED CHINA’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ITS EXPORTS. THE STRONG GROWTH IN IMPORTS SUGGESTED THAT THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF EXPORTS SHOULD BE SUSTAINED IN THE COMING MONTHS.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 198?
- 6 -
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1987:
MERCHAND ISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS ■ • $9 $10 992 616 MILLION MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS ■ $20 608 MILL ION
IMPORTS • $24 118 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE ■ $3 510 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS DEC 86 TO FEB 87 HK$ MN. DEC 85 TO FEB 86 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 39 413 31 202 8 211 26.3
RE-EXPORTS 35 247 24 904 10 343 41.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 74 660 56 106 18 554 33.1
IMPORTS 75 102 57 969 17 133 29.6
TRADE BALANCE -442 -1 863 1 421
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY INCREASE
1987 1986
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. /O
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 992 8 347 1 645 19.7
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (48.5%) (54.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 10 616 6 876 3 740 54.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 20 608 15 223 5 385 35.4
IMPORTS 24 118 16 983 7 135 42. J
TRADE BALANCE -3 510 -1 760 -1 750
FEBRUARY JANUARY INCREASE
1987 1987
LAST MONTH HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. jk-
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 992 14 053 —4 061 - •28.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (48.5%) (53.9%)
/RE-EXTORTS
Thursday, march 26, 1987
RE-EXPORTS 10 616 12 004 -1 388 -11.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 20 608 26 057 -5 449 —23.9
IMPORTS 24 118 23 516 602 2.6
TRADE BALANCE -3 510 2 541 -6 051
JAN-FEB JAN-FEB INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1987 1986
HKft MN. HK.J MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 24 045 18 877 5 168 27.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (51.5%) (55.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 22 620 15 439 7 181 46.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 46 665 34 316 12 349 36.0
IMPORTS 47 634 35 789 11 845 33.1
TRADE BALANCE -969 -1 473 504
MAR 86 TO MAR 85 TO INCREASE
FEB 87 FEB 86
LAST 12 MONTHS HKS MN. HK$ MN. HKfl MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 159 152 128 212 30 940 24. 1
RE-EXPORTS 129 727 104 315 25 412 24.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 288 879 232 527 56 352 24.2
IMPORTS 287 800 233 124 54 676 23.5
TRADE BALANCE 1 079 -597 1 676
------0---------
/8........
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1987. THE NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPl(B) (OCTOBER 84 - SEPTEMBER 85 - 100) FOR FEBRUARY 1987 WERE 106.6 AND 106.7 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 3.9 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1986 FOR BOTH INDEXES.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NEW CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT AND THE NEW CPl(B), BY 0.5 PER CENT. THE AVERAGE NEW CPI(A) AND AVERAGE NEW CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1987 WERE 104.4 AND 104.7 RESPECTIVELY.
THE 1979-80-BASED CPI(A) AND CPl(B) FOR FEBRUARY 1987 WERE 169.1 AND 170.4 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987,. CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT AND CPl(B), BY 0.6 PER CENT. THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPl(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1987, AT 165.4 AND 166.8 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 3.0 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1986.
PRICE MOVEMENTS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE BASED ON THE NEW CPI SERIES.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPl(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.3 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING FEBRUARY, BUS FARES, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND OUTERCLOTHING AND CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING DECREASED.
THE NEW CPI(A) AND THE NEW CPl(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 CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2 000 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE NEW CP 1(B) BETWEEN $6 500 AND $9 999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY - SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987 AND FEBRUARY 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE - 100)
NEW CPI (A) NEW CPI (B)
SECTION INDEX FOR FEB 87 % change OVER JAN 87 % change OVER FEB 86 INDEX FOR FEB 87 % change OVER JAN 87 « change OVER FEB 86
FOODSTUFFS 103.3 +0.7 + 2.0 104.0 +0.8 +2.3
/HOUSING
108.6 .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
HOUSING 108.6 +0.2 +5.2 106.6 +0.2 + 3.7
FUEL AND LIGHT 91.1 + 1.6 -8.5 91.6 + 1.2 -8.0
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (for home CONSUMPTION) 111.1 +0.7 +5.4 111.0 +0.7 + 5.5
CLOTHING AND footwear 107.6 -1.0 +6.4 108.0 -1.4 +7.3
DURABLE GOODS 108.5 +0.2 +7.2 107.6 +0.1 +6.7
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 111.9 +0.6 +9.8 111.4 +0.6 +8.9
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 112.4 +4.7 +8.2 110.8 + 3.8 +6.9
SERVICES 114.4 -0.2 + 4.8 113.5 -0.2 +4.3
ALL ITEMS 106.6 +0.7 + 3.9 106.7 +0.5 + 3.9
FOR foodstuffs
INCREASED
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987, THE INDEX . ... ---------
BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.8 PER CENT IN NEW CP 1(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, SHRIMPS AND CRABS AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
COMPARED
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 1.6 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 1.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND KEROSENE.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPl(A) AND NEW CPI(B) DUE TO INCREASED DUTIES ON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(A) AND BY 1.4 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
/THE INDEX
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
10
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPl(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY AND FRESH FLOWERS.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 4.7 PER CENT IN NEW CP I(A) AND BY 3.8 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER BUS FARES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES DECREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND PACKAGE TOURS after THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. HOWEVER, THESE DECREASES WERE PARTLY OFFSET BY INCREASES IN THE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
(FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN 1 DECIMAL PLACE.)
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR FEBRUARY 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.50 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG I OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG! OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG, FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 108.9 IN FEBRUARY 1987, UP BY 0.5 PER CENT OVER JANUARY 1987 AND BY 5-1 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1986. THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT HK$10 000-24 999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
-------0----------
/11 ........
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
SHIPPING REGISTER STEERING GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING KUO*
THE STEERING GROUP FORMED TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON THE DETAILED WORKINGS OF THE MODIFIED HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER AGREED ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND WORKING PROCEDURES AT ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR RAFAEL HUI, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, AND WAS ATTENDED BY MR KENNETH LO, MR PETER THOMPSON, MR TING KAM-YUEN, CAPT E H FARROW, MR J P LEE, MR K H M WALLACE, MR J MATHEWS, MR G A HIGGINSON, MR D A HALL AND MR A R CLARK.
AT THE MEETING, THE STEERING GROUP AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF REFERENCE i
+TO RECOMMEND TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING GENERALLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES AGREED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA AND PUBLISHED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON 14 OCTOBER 1986.+
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE PROPOSALS WILL INCLUDE, INTER AL I As
(A) THE PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE REGISTER?
(B) QUALIFICATION FOR OWNING SHIPS ON THE REGISTER?
(C) METHODS BY WHICH THE MARINE ADMINISTRATION CAN FULFIL ITS OBLIGATIONS WITH REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, CODES OF PRACTICE ETC. IN RESPECT OF SHIP CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, SURVEY, CERTIFICATION AND MANNING, INCLUDING TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR CREW AND THEIR TRAINING ;
(D) MEASURES FOR THE EXERCISE OF WORLD-WIDE JURISDICTION OVER SHIPS ON THE REGISTER;
(E) FINANCING THE REGISTER;
(F) THE TAXATION OF SHIPPING AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE TAXATION SYSTEM TO OTHER JURISDICTION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ASSIST THE STEERING GROUP TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES, TWO COMMITTEES ARE TO BE SET UP. THE FIRST ONE WILL DISCUSS ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE OPERATION OF THE REGISTER AND WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR A R CLARK, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. THE SECOND ONE TO BE CHAIRED BY MR D A HALL, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CF MARINE WILL DISCUSS ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE REGULATION TO BE APPLIED TO HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS AND THEIR CREWS INCLUDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL STANDARDS.
/IN ADDITION, ........
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 12 -
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SPECIALIST WORKING GROUPS WILL BE SET UP UNDER THE TWO COMMITTEES TO CONSIDER PARTICULAR AREAS OF WORK. THEY WILL SUBMIT THEIR REPORTS TO THEIR PARENT COMMITTEE FOR ENDORSEMENT AND ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO THE STEERING GROUP.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE STEERING GROUP WILL COMPLETE ITS DELIBERATIONS IN TIME FOR THE MODIFIED REGISTER TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1990 OR 1991.
------o-------
DISTRICT BOARD ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNISED
*****
THE AIM OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WAS TO ACHIEVE HIGHER RESPONSIVENESS AND BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING GREATER PARTICIPATION BY RESIDENTS IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS. NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, M? MATTHEW CHEUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ELEVENTH SPEECH DAY OF THE SHA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, WITH ITS NETWORK OF COMMITTEES TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, HAD BROUGHT ABOUT SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
AMONG THEM WAS ITS CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL EDUCATION, NR CHEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT A WORKING GROUP ON THE PROVISION CF FORM I SCHOOL PLACES WITHIN THE DISTRICT WAS SET UP EARLY LAST YEAR.
AS A RESULT, A REPORT RECOMMENDING THAT FOUR ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE BUILT BY 1992 WAS SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE BOARD HAD ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE CONSTRUCTION CF A CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA OF SHA TAU KOK WHICH WOULD BE OPERATIONAL BY SEPTEMBER 1988, HE SAID.
ON TRANSPORT MATTERS, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD DONE MUCH IN THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EXPRESS BUS ROUTE 70X PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND KWUN TONG VIA TOLO HIGHWAY IN APR IL LAST YEAR.
+CREDIT ALSO GOES TO THE BOARD IN THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MAN KAM T0,+ HE SAID.
/MR CHEUNG
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 15
MR CHEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE BOARD HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED A TRAVEL SURVEY AND THE FINDINGS WOULD SERVE AS AN IMPORTANT REFERENCE FOR FUTURE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
REGARDING MEDICAL SERVICES, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT A PREFERENTIAL OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLIES WAS LAUNCHED FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
AN EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST JULY BY THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD SHOWN THAT SOME 75 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL WORKFORCE HAD JOBS OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT. SUCH FINDINGS WOULD BE MOST USEFUL FOR THE LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLANNING BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID THAT FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, A TOTAL CF S78O OOO HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE BOARD TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
THESE INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS, PAVILIONS, PLAYGROUNDS, RAINSHELTERS, FOOTPATHS AND VAN TRACKS.
TURNING TO THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT MORE THAN 120 EVENTS HAD BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TOGETHER WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
+OVER HALF OF THE DISTRICT’S POPULATION HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THESE ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE DISTRICT’S IMAGE, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD WOULD HOLD AN EXHIBITION ON FLOWERS, BIRDS, INSECTS AND GOLDFISH THIS AUTUMN.
IT WOULD BE THE FIRST DISPLAY OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY AND WAS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MANY ENTHUSIASTS BOTH FROM WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT, HE ADDED.
-------0----------
AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE TELEPHONE CHANGED X X X X X
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) COUNSELLING SERVICE WILL BE CHANGED FROM 3-7102553 TO 3-7802211 STARTING APRIL 1.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE HOURS OF OPERATION WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM INSTEAD OF 4 PM DAILY FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
/THE AIDS
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 14 -
THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE, MANNED BY EXPERIENCED HEALTH PERSONNEL, WAS SET UP ON NOVEMBER 25, 1985 TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING TO PEOPLE IN THE HIGH RISK GROUPS, AND PERSONS WHO FEAR THEY MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED THE INFECTION. IF NECESSARY, BLOOD TEST CAN BE PROVIDED.
CALLERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GIVE THEIR NAMES. ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMITY WILL BE PRESERVED.
UP TO THE END OF FEBRUARY 1987, THE SERVICE HAD RECEIVED 3644 CALLS SINCE ITS INCEPTION.
-------o----------
CLEARANCES TO
IMPROVE CENTRAL-WESTERN ENVIRONMENT
*****
A MAJOR CLEARANCE EXERCISE WAS CARRIED OUT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TO REMOVE 91 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ALONG A SECTION OF LUNG WAH STREET BELOW KWUN LUNG LAU IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
OF THESE STRUCTURES, 25 WERE DOMESTIC UNITS AND 66 WERE FOR COMMERCIAL AND STORAGE PURPOSES.
AMONG THE 164 PERSONS AFFECTED, 32 WERE ELIGIBLE FOR REHOUSING IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND 103 IN TEMPORARY HOUSING.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, TODAY’S OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
A SITTING-OUT AREA WITH BENCHES, ARBOUR AND TABLES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE SITE.
EARLIER THIS WEEK, A SIMILAR OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE LANE BEHIND BLAKE GARDENS, SIDE STREETS ALONG THE TAI PING SHAN STREET AND THE REAR LANE OF THE UPPER STATION STREET.
A TOTAL OF 86 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED AND 80 PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED. OF THESE, 50 PERSONS WERE RE-HOUSED IN PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY HOUSING.
-------0 ---------
/15........
1HURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED * * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A +CELEBRITY TREE PLANTING* ACTIVITY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 29) TO LAUNCH THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME.
JOINING SIR DAVID IN PLANTING THE FIRST TREES 100 WELL-KNOWN PUBLIC FIGURES INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OMELCO MEMBERS AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AS WELL CHILDREN.
WILL BE ABOUT OFFICIALS, AS 1 000 SCHOOL
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD A. 10.30 AM AT HOI HA IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD,
AND WILL FROM THE CANTON ROAD KOWLOON, BY 9 AM.
AS THE PLANTING SITE IS WITHIN A COUNTRY PARK WHERE PUBLIC VEHICULAR ACCESS IS RESTRICTED, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES OR TELEVISION CREW WISHING TO ARRANGE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD CONTACT THE AFD INFORMATION UNIT ON 3-7332176 BY 5 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR NECESSARY VEHICULAR PERMITS. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
SEMINAR TO CONCLUDE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
*****
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE TO CONCLUDE THE +86 CIVIC EDUCATION IN EASTERN DISTRICT*.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR PAUL YIN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) ABOUT 5150 000 WAS ALLOCATED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ORGANISE OVER 100 CIVIC EDUCATION ORIENTED ACTIVITIES IN 1986-87.
ENTITLED +EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR - FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL*, THE SEMINAR AIMS TO GATHER PUBLIC OPINIONS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT CF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEES, REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN THE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR, WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
/SPEAKERS INCLUDE........
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
16 -
SPEAKERS INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS PAULINE NG, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CARY YEUNG, CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, bft PAUL YIN AND MR LEE YU-TAI.
A DISCUSSION FORUM WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR CHAN YUK-CHEUNG AFTER THE TALKS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-884 KING’S ROAD.
-------o---------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS OFF TO JAPAN
*****
HONG KONG’S THREE NEWLY-NOMINATED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADORS WILL TAKE UP THEIR FIRST OFFICIAL ROLE BY VISITING INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN JAPAN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR FOK KAM-CHEONG, MR LYON LING AND MR MAN HOI-MING, ALL IN THEIR 2O’S, WERE SELECTED UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADOR AWARD SCHEME RUN BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
DURING THEIR WEEK-LONG STAY IN JAPAN, THEY WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY A DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR PANG KWOK-LAM, THE THREE AMBASSADORS WILL FIRST CALL AT THE NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN TOKYO WHERE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THEM TO VISIT ONE OF THEIR CONSTRUCTION SITES.
IN UOZU, THEY WILL VISIT THE YKK ZIPPERS COMPANY TO TAKE A FIRST HAND LOOK AT THE LATEST APPAREL ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURING MACHINERIES AND TO OBSERVE THE SAFE WORKING PRACTICES THERE.
BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 3, THE PARTY WILL VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN TOKYO WHICH ADVOCATES A SELF-IN IT I AT I NG INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DRIVE AMONG THE INDUSTRY.
-------0--------- /17.................
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
FIRE STATION TO BE AIR-CONDITIONED * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $746 330 CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF AN AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM IN A SUB-DIViSIONAL FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT AT JUNK BAY.
WORK HAS STARTED AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1988.
THE STATION AND DEPOT ARE BEING BUILT ON A 4 609-SQUARE-METRE SITE OPPOSITE PO LAM ESTATE TO PROVIDE FIRE-FIGHTING SERVICES FOR A POPULATION OF 223 030 IN PHASE ONE OF THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
BOTH BUILDING ARE OF FOUR STOREYS. A NINE-STOREY DRILL TOWER, DRILL YARDS AND ANCILLARY BUILDINGS WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
- 0 -
DETAILS OF UNIVERSITY DESIGN COMPETITION *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WILL BE HELD AT THE GlS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM.
CHAIRING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAPITAL WORKS AND BUILDING PROJECTS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, DR CHAN NAI-KEONG.
SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE, MR IAN MACPHERSON, AND CHIEF PROFESSIONAL ADVISER TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE, MR KEITH ROPER, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
/18
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987,
- 18 -
SERVICE MEDAL CLASPS TO BE PRESENTED *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, WILL PRESENT COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL CLASPS TO 42 STAFF AT A PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY, TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PARADE WILL ALSO MARK THE PASSING-OUT OF 31 RECRUIT OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE LEAVING FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT AT 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, AT 3 PM TOMORROW.
----o------
SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $11.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT ON A 6 445-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT YAU YUE WAN IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE ONE BLOCK OF 24 CLASSROOMS AND ANOTHER FOR SPECIAL ROOMS, INCLUDING SCIENCE LABORATORIES, TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS, A LIBRARY, MUSIC ROOM, DOMESTIC SCIENCE ROOM AND OFFICES.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT ARE AN ASSEMBLY HALL, BASKETBALL COURTS AND STAFF QUARTERS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, EXPECTED TO START SHORTLY AND TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL SUPPLEMENT THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE NEW TOWN WHERE THE POPULATION WILL GROW TO 75 000 PEOPLE BY 1990.
----o------
FIRE STATION OPENING
*****
A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION NEAR SHUN LEE ESTATE IN THE EASTERN PART OF KOWLOON WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF HEADQUARTERS COMMAND, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN= TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE STATION SERVES RESIDENTS OF THE NEARBY SHUN LEE ESTATE AND THOSE IN NGAU CHI WAN AND SAI KUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE OPENING OF THE SHUN LEE FIRE STATION, NEXT TO SHUN LEE ESTATE TOMOROW AT 11 AM.
0 -
/19
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
- 19 -
TEACHERS INVITED TO ATTEND FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND SEMINARS ON FOOD HYGIENE TO BE HELD IN APR IL.
TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 15 AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
THE SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL TAKE PLACE ON APRIL 23 AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
THE SEMINARS ARE TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE WAYS OF EDUCATING PUPILS TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING AND ENTERIC DISEASES, AND FOR TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS.
THE SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL INCLUDE TALKS ON THE CAUSES, EFFECTS AND PREVENTION OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ILLEGAL COOKED FOOD HAWKERS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE CF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
- 0 - -
SEMINARS ON NEW SYLLABUSES ORGANISED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A SERIES OF SEMINARS DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS ON THE NEW SYLLABUSES ENDORSED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
SECONDARY SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND TWO IDENTICAL SEMINARS ON THE NEW GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUSES FOR FORMS/MIDDLE 4 TO 5.
AIMED AT FAMILIARISING TEACHERS WITH THE NEW SYLLABUS AND TO ASSIST THEM IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION, THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, ON APRIL 22.
AT THE SEMINARS THE DEVELOPMENT AND AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEW GEOGRAPHY SYLLABUS FOR SENIOR FORMS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO TEACHERS. THE RESOURCE MATERIAL AND LEARNING ACTIVITY FOR THE NEW SYLLABUS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
/FROM MAY
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
FROM MAY 2, THE COMPUTER EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL CONDUCT 10 IDENTICAL SEMINARS FOR 400 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON THE TEACHING OF THE REVISED SYLLABUS FOR COMPUTER STUDIES IN FORMS 4 TO 5.
THE SEMINARS WHICH WILL DISCUSS THE MAJOR REVISIONS OF THE SYLLABUS WILL BE HELD AT THE COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 19 HOK YUEN STREET, HUNG HOM.
NOMINATION FOR THE SEMINAR ON THE NEW GEOGRAPHY AND THE REVISED COMPUTER STUDIES SYLLABUSES SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT EY MARCH 31 AND APRIL 14 RESPECTIVELY.
- 0 - -
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT RTHK * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO SEE ITS OPERATION.
LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, THE PARTY WAS MET BY SENIOR PROGRAMME OFFICER, MR WILLIAM LEE.
MEMBERS TOURED THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS, INCLUDING THE STUDIOS OF THE RADIO DIVISION AT BROADCASTING HOUSE, STUDIOS OF THE TELEVISION DIVISION AT TELEVISION HOUSE AND STUDIOS OF THE EDUCATION TELEVISION DIVISION AT EDUCATION TELEVISION HOUSE.
THEY ALSO HELD A DISCUSSION WITH RTHK STAFF IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE STATION.
- 0 -
DETAILS OF DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS TO BE ANNOUNCED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO GIVE DETAILS ON THE PROGRESS OF EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF THE CHUNG NAM INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN KWOK SHU I ROAD.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, MR CHOW TIK-HIN, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, AND STAFF OF THE MANAGEMENT SIDE OF THE BUILDING WILL ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
/THE CONFERENCE
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
21
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB AT HILLTOP ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2415) HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CLUB. IT WILL LEAVE FROM THE CARPARK OF THE FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD (NEXT TO TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING) IN TSUEN WAN BY 1.45 PM.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE X X X X *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE ON MAY 31 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE, THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ALONG THE WATERFRONT CF THE TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE RACE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S OPEN AND MIXED INVITATION SECTIONS.
EACH TEAM SHOULD CONSIST OF 27 MEMBERS COMPRISING A PADDLING CREW OF 24, A DRUMMER, A GONG-BEATER AND A COXSWAIN.
COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DRAGON BOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIMES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE DRAGON BOAT RACE WAS A LONG TRADITION IN THE DISTRICT AND HE URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO MAKE THE ANNUAL EVENT A SUCCESS.
LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO ORGANISATIONS TO INVITE THEIR PART ICIPATION.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION’S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE FROM MARCH 30.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 15. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111 EXTENSION 254.
o
/22
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987
22
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL
*****
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 28).
NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL ON TO RUMSEY STREET OR TO ENTER THE SECTION OF POTTINGER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
THE LEFT-TURN BAN ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR UTILITY DIVERSION WORKS. AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING CMB ROUTE 71, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CLEVERLY STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND RUMSEY STREET.
THE BAN ON LONG VEHICLES ON POTTINGER STREET, MEANWHILE, IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GILMAN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL be MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK. NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (I.E. 7 - 10 AM AND
4 - 7 PM) URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON A SMALL SECTION OF CHIU LUNG STREET WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS BY 11 METRES AND WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CAUSEWAY BAY
*****
TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF JARDINE’S BAZAAR, TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 28).
KESWICK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, WHILE THE SECTION OF JARDINE’S CRESCENT BETWEEN JARDINE’S BAZAAR AND KAI CHIU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER KESWICK STREET AND THE SECTION OF PENNINGTON STREET BETWEEN KESWICK STREET AND IRVING STREET. HOWEVER, ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE BANNED FROM JARDINE’S BAZAAR.
/AT THE
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 198?
- 2? -
AT THE SAME TIME, URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ALONG JARDINE’S BAZAAR WILL BE REARRANGED.
THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON THE SOUTHERN LANE OF JARDINE’S BAZAAR WILL BE LIFTED, WHILE THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JARDINE’S BAZAAR BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 33 AND 41, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANES OF JARDINE BAZAAR AND THAT OF KESWICK STREET WILL BE MADE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS.
IN ADDITION, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND IN JARDINE’S BAZAAR AND ALL METERED PARKING SPACES IN KESWICK STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
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URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI *****
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 28), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI WILL BE MADE PEAK-HOUR (7-10 AM AND 4-7 PM) URBAN CLEARWAYS DAILYt
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JOHNSTON ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH O’BRIEN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE SECTION OF O’BRIEN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH JOHNSTON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT FIVE 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.
0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MaRCH 27, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
DESIGN COMPETITION FOR NW UNIVERSITY .................... 1
SOUTH aFRICa RECOGNISES BN(O) PaSSPORT .................. 2
MASTER PLaN FOR METROPOLITAN aREa IN THE PIPELINE........ 2
TUBERCULOSIS CASES CONTINUE TO DROP .....................
aPPOINTMINTS TO URBaN, REGION. J, COUNCILS .............. 6
THREE BaNKS GR.1NTED LICENCES ........................... 7
LICENSING OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES .......... 7
INVESTMENT DI KNITWEaR INDUSTRY PRaISED ............ 8
REaR LaNE STRUCTURES CLEARED IN MONG KOK ................ 9
COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE OPENED ......................... 10
REVAMP OF CORRECTION. J, PROGRAMMES UNDER WAY ........... 10
BETTER FIRE DEFENCE FOR KOWLOON E..ST.................... 12
NG.U TaU KOK, KOWLOON BAY PLAN TENDED.................... 12
BORROW aREa PROPOSED FOR NT CIRCULAR ROaD SECTION........ 1J
YUEN LONG DB MEMBERS TOUR COUNTRY PARK F.-.CILITIES ..... 14
TENDERS C..LLED FOR SOFT LaNDSCaPE WORKS ................ 14
PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE WITHDR..WN ...................... 15
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO EGYPT EXTENDED .................... 15
SPEEDPOST TO JaPAN DIPROVED ........................ 16
Talks, workshops on rwedlll language teaching organised .. 16
TEMPORARY STAFF REQUIRED FOR SURVEY...................... 17
TUEN MUN DRaGON BOaT RaCE ENTRIES INVITED ............... 17
STUDENT CONCERT FOR SUNDaY............................... 18
SPECL.L TRaFFIC CHaNGES FOR RUGBY SEVENS................. 18
CHING MING TRaFFIC PLaN FOR HK ISLaND............ 19
RESTRICTED ZONES IN C.iNTON ROaD, CHI WO STREET .......... 21
ROaD CLOSED, PLB RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED ................. 22
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
1
DESIGN COMPETITION FOR NEW UNIVERSITY
*****
PRACTISING LOCAL ARCHITECTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE IN TWO STAGES AND WILL BE OPEN TO ALL PRACTISING ARCHITECTS WITH A REGISTERED OFFICE IN HONG KONG AND EITHER ON THE AUTHORISED PERSONS LIST I OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY OR A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. THERE WOULD BE NO OBJECTION IF THEY TEAM UP WITH OVERSEAS FIRMS.
ENTRANTS TO THE FIRST STAGE WILL HAVE TWO MONTHS TO PREPARE CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ON THE BASIS OF AN OUTLINE BRIEF.
A SHORTLIST OF AROUND FIVE OR SIX PRACTICES WILL THEN BE SELECTED ON THE MERITS OF THEIR SUBMISSIONS AND, SUBJECT TO A SEPARATE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR RESOURCE POTENTIAL AND EXPERIENCE, WILL PROCEED TO THE SECOND STAGE.
THE SECOND STAGE OF THREE MONTHS WILL REQUIRE THE SHORTLISTED PRACTICES TO PREPARE A FULL AND DETAILED MASTER PLAN FOR THE ENTIRE PHASED DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAMPUS ON THE BASIS OF A MORE DETAILED DESIGN REQUIREMENT BRIEF.
THE SHORTLISTED PRACTICES THAT GO FORWARD TO THE SECOND STAGE OF THE COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE $150 OOO AS a contribution to THE COST OF PREPARING THEIR SUBMISSIONS, AND THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL S85O ODO IN EXCHANGE FOR THE COPYRIGHT OF THE MASTER PLAN.
IT IS PROPOSED, THOUGH NOT GUARANTEED, THAT THE WINNER WILL BE COMMISSIONED AT THE END OF THE YEAR AS ARCHITECT FOR THE PROJECT, AND THIS SUM WOULD THEN BE ABSORBED IN HIS FEES.
THE ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY AN ASSESSMENT PANEL OF EXPERTS CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAPITAL WORKS AND BUILDING PROJECTS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, DR CHAN NAI-KEONG.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSESSMENT PANEL WILL INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECT PROFESSOR FUMIHIKO MAKI FROM JAPAN; PROVOST OF WORCESTER COLLEGE, OXFORD, LORD ASA BRIGGS! DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI MENG-CAN; AND MR CHUNG WAH-NAN, WINNER OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION FOR THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN ASSOCIATION WITH AN OVERSEAS PRACTICE.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE COMPETITION WILL START ON APRIL 16, 1987 AND THE SHORTLIST FOR THE SECOND STAGE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN JULY. THE SECOND STAGE WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AND THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER 1987. PRACTISING LOCAL ARCHITECTS WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST STAGE ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE PLANNING COMMITTEE BY APRIL 16.
/THE HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, A GROUPING OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS EMPHASISING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STUDIES AND PROVIDING POSTGRADUATE TRAINING AND RESEARCH WORK, WILL BE LOCATED AT TAI PO TSAI, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG ON THE 41 HECTARE SITE PREVIOUSLY RESERVED FOR KOHIMA BARRACKS.
THIS SITE CONTAINS ABOUT 16 HECTARES OF DEVELOPABLE LAND COMPRISING 38 SEPARATE PURPOSE DESIGNED AND READY FORMED PLATFORMS. ADDITIONAL LAND FOR EXPANSION PURPOSES HAS ALSO BEEN EARMARKED WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 14.5 HECTARES.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE CAMPUS WILL DEVELOP IN THREE PHASES. PHASE I IS EXPECTED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 500 TO 2 000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS (FTE'S) WHILE PHASE II WILL INCREASE THE CAPACITY TO 7 000 FTE’S. PHASE III WILL BRING THE CAMPUS UP TO ITS MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF ABOUT 10 000 FTE'S.
- - 0 - -
SOUTH AFRICA RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE RECOGNITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS AND PASSPORT BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT.
- - 0 - -
MASTER PLAN FOR METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE PIPELINE * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT STEERING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO PREPARE A MASTER PLAN FOR THE METROPOLITAN AREA, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MP GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
CALLED THE METROPOLITAN SUE-REGIONAL PLANNING STUDY, MR BARNES SAID IT WOULD GO MUCH FURTHER THAN OTHER PLANNING STUDIES FOR OTHER SUB-REGIONS.
+IT NEEDS TO COVER NOT ONLY WHAT SHOULD BE DONE AND WHERE WE MIGHT DO IT BUT ALSO HOW AND IN EROAD TERMS WHEN,+ HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (HONG KONG BRANCH) AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS.
/+INITIALLY, WE
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 198?
- 5 -
+ INITIALLY, WE ARE STUDYING ANALYSES OF ALL THE KNOWN MAJOR PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS TOGETHER WITH THE KNOWN OPPORTUNITIES, MAINLY IN TERMS Of NEW LAND FOR SOLVING THEM.
+SECONDLY, WE MUST STUDY THE STRATEGIC DEMANDS ON THE PETROPOLITAN AREAS IN TERMS OF HOUSING REQUIREMENTS, AIRPORT, PORT AND TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND IN THE REVISION OF PLANNING STANDARDS.
+THE THIRD STAGE IS AN ATTEMPT TO PUT THEM ALL TOGETHER PHYSICALLY ON MAPS AND CHARTS WITH INDICATIONS OF THE MAIN WORKS AND THEIR LIKELY STAGINGS.
+AT THIS STAGE, I BELIEVE WE WOULD DERIVE CONSIDERABLE BENEFIT FROM A PUBLIC COMMENT, AND wE WILL AIM TO PRODUCE A PUBLISHABLE OUTLINE DOCUMENT AND PERHAPS ORGANISE SEMINARS OR DISCUSSIONS TO CANVASS COMMENTS ON IT,+ HE SAID.
THE LATE STAGES WOULD PE TO SORT OUT THE IDEAS, MAKE BROAD ESTIMATES OF THE RESOURCES INVOLVED AND DERIVE FROM THEM A PROGRAMME OF WORKS AND OPERATIVES NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THEM, HE ADDED.
+l AM VERY ANXIOUS TO PRODUCE A MASTER PLAN WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGES TO MEET THE DYNAMISM OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT FROM YEAR TO YEAR, AND THIS WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE IF THE MASTER PLAN HAD ITSELF TO BE PUBLISHED,* HE SAID.
MR BARNES ALSO POINTED OUT SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
THESE INCLUDED INCINERATORS AND PETROLEUM DEPOTS SITED NEXT TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS, THE REMAINING SQUATTER AREAS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK-SPOTS, AND POLLUTION OF HONG KONG WATERS.
TO TACKLE THESE PROBLEMS, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGIC STUDIES HAD SHOWN THAT FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF PRESENT AND COMMITTED NEW TOWNS SCHEMES, THERE WOULD BE A GREATER ADVANTAGE CF INVESTMENT IN, AND CAPITALISATION ON PAST INVESTMENT IN, THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEIGHBOURING NEW TOWNS THAN IN FURTHER NEW TOWNS, BOTH IN TERMS OF PUBLIC DEMAND AND ALSO IN TERMS OF THE COST BENEFIT OF GOVERNMENT CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
MR BARNES ADDED THAT A PLANNING COMMITTEE TO WORK OUT REMOVALS AND PLANNING CONTROLS FOR WHAT WERE KNOWN AS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS WAS NOW WORKING UNDER HIS CHAIRMANSHIP.
♦THIS IS A MASS OF ACTIVITY, SOME PHYSICALLY STARTING AND MUCH IN THE COURSE OF PLANNING.
+THE WORKS COMPARED WITH NEW TOWN WORKS ARE MORE DIFFICULT IN THAT ALMOST ALL HAVE SOME ADVERSE EFFECTS ON SOME PERSON OR INTEREST AND WILL TAKE PLACE OVER A LONG PERIOD.
/+WHAT WE
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 198?
4
+WHAT WE MUST BE CAREFUL ABOUT, HOWEVER, IS THAT THEY DO NOT EACH STEAM AHEAD REGARDLESS OF THE OTHERS, AND THAT THEY ARE CO-ORDINATED IN A WAY WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT THERE ARE STEADY GAINS IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE,* MR BARNES CAUTIONED.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THERE SHOULD BE A GREATER PROPORTION OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND REPLENISHING THE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS NECESSARY AS MUCH OF THE HOUSING, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, WAS OLD AND WAS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN.
HE ALSO SAID THE GAP BETWEEN THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE URBAN AREAS AND THAT IN THE NEW TOWNS WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY MARKED.
MR BARNES ALSO NOTED THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD DECIDED TO INCREASE THE PACE OF REDEVELOPMENT OF ITS HOUSING ESTATES WITH A VIEW TO REPLACING EVEN MARK 4’S BEFORE THE MID-1990’S.
HE FURTHER SAID THE CLEARANCE OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WAS THE MEANS TO INCREASE THE SPEED AND QUALITY OF REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLDEST URBAN AREAS.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, IN COOPERATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, WAS EMBARKED ON A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE URBAN SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
HE ADDED THAT HIS BRANCH WAS WORKING OUT DETAILED USAGE AND THE ENGINEERING OF THE RECLAMATION SCHEMES TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE PORT AND THE URBAN AREAS.
------0-------
TUBERCULOSIS CASES CONTINUE TO DROP * X * X *
THE NUMBER OF NEW NOTIFICATIONS AND DEATHS FROM TUBERCULOSIS T0 DR0P ,N H0NG K0NG LAST YEARt THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR RUDY KHOO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY)
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, DR KHOO SAID NOTIFICATION OF THE DISEASE HAD DROPPED LAST YEAR TO 7 432 FROM 7 545 IN 1985 AND THE NOTIFICATION RATE FELL TO 134.3 PER 100 000 POPULATION IN 1986 AS COMPARED WITH 139.1 PER 100 000 THE YEAR BEFORE.
/DEATHS FROM
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
- 5 -
DEATHS FROM TUBERCULOSIS ALSO DROPPED FROM 409 IN 1985 TO 407 IN 1986 AND THE DEATH RATE FROM 7.5 TO 7.4 PER 100 000 POPULATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION.
DR KHOO SAID THESE DECLINES REFLECTED THE EFFORTS SPENT BY ALL PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS-.
♦ HOWEVER, THESE STATISTICS WERE STILL HIGHER THAN THOSE OF OTHER ADVANCED COUNTRIES AND THERE IS STILL A LOT MORE r0 BE DONE TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE CONTROL.
♦THEREFORE, ALL PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL PROGRAMMES MUST BE MAINTAINED AT A HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY,+ DR KHOO SAID.
TURNING TO STATISTICS ON CANCER, DR KHOO SAID THERE WERE 1 743 DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986, 150 MORE THAN THE NUMBER REPORTED IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1985.
HE NOTED THAT INTENSIVE AND SUSTAINED EFFORTS WERE OBVIOUSLY REQUIRED IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING WHICH HE SAID WAS REGARDED AS THE MAJOR SINGLE CAUSE OF CANCER MORTALITY.
TO THIS END, A PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DECEMBER 1986.
THE MAIN THRUST OF THE ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN THAT THE COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING IS TO FOCUS ON THE DANGERS OF PASSIVE SMOKING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ALERTING YOUNGSTERS TO THE HAZARDS OF HEALTH OF CIGARETTE SMOKING.
THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE AMOUNT OF NON-SMOKING AREAS IN PUBLIC PLACES IS ALSO BEING CONSIDERED.
IN THE CONTROL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED NEW LEGISLATION TO BAN THE IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO IN HONG KONG.
THE LAW WAS PASSED BY GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER 1986 AND BECAME EFFECTIVE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
ON CARDIAC SERVICE, DR KHOO SAID THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL HAD ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 606 OPEN-HEART OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT IN 1986 AND THE SUCCESS RATE REMAINED VERY HIGH.
IN ADDITION, TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES CONTINUED DURING THE YEAR.
/ON THE .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
ON THE ASSOCIATION’S NEW PROJECT, DR KHOO SAID THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL WAS PROGRESSING WELL AS SCHEDULED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD APPROVED THE COST OF REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT TO BE INCREASED FROM $158.18 TO $246.14 MILLION.
DR KHOO SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE THE SCOPE OF THE EXISTING PROJECT TO BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 24 GENERAL BEDS AND 152 INFIRMARY BEDS, THUS INCREASING THE TOTAL BED COMPLEMENT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO 614 BEDS.
THE TARGET DATE OF COMPLETION OF THE NEW RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL WOULD BE IN LATE 1989, DR KHOO ADDED.
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APPOINTMENTS TO URBAN, REGIONAL COUNCILS K K * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (FRIDAY) REAPPOINTED MR GERRY FORSGATE, DR PHILIP KWOK, DR RONALD LEUNG AND MR LO KING-MAN AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THAT
NR FORSGATE’S RE-APPOINTMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988 UNTIL MARCH 31, 1989 AND THE RE-APPOINTMENTS OF DR KWOK, DR LEUNG AND MR LO WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, 1987 TO MARCH 31, 1990.
ALSO ANNOUNCED WERE THE APPOINTMENTS OF TWO NEW MEMBERS, MRS ELEANOR CHING-MAN LING AND MR PAUL YOUNG TZE-KONG, FROM APRIL 1, 1987 TO MARCH 31, 1990.
IT WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FROM APRIL 1, 1987 UNTIL MARCH 31, 1990s
MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR LAU HON-KIT, MRS CHAN HO ON-NEI, MPS MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE, MR WILLIAM CHAU CHUN-WING, MR NATHAN MA NING-HEI, MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, MR CHONG KAM-NING, MR TANG CHI-LEUNG, MR RICHARD HO MAN-WUI AND MR YOUNG WING-YAU.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1937
- 7 -
THREE BANKS GRANTED LICENCES * * M X M
TWO ITALIAN BANKS AND A JAPANESE BANK HAVE BEEN GRANTED BANKING LICENCES TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG. A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE THREE BANKS WERE CASSA DI RISPARMIO DELLE PROVING IE LOMBARD IE AND BANCO DI NAPOLI OF ITALY, AND THE BANK OF FUKUOKA, LTD. OF JAPAN.
+ESTABLISHED IN 1823, THE CASSA DI RISPARMIO DELLt PROVINCIE LOMBARD IE HAS HAD A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1982. THE OTHER ITALIAN BANK, BANCO DI NAPOLI WAS A CHARITABLE INSTITUTION WHEN ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1539. HOWEVER, IT NOW CARRIES ON ALL THE MAIN ACTIVITIES OF A COMMERCIAL BANK. IT HAS NOT HAD A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG BEFORE,+ FE SAID.
+THE BANK OF FUKUOKA, LTD. WAS ESTABLISHED IN JAPAN IN 1945 AND IS CLASSIFIED AS A REGIONAL BANK. IT OPENED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG IN 1985,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN OBTAINING HONG KONG BANKING LICENCES REFLECTED HONG KONG’S DEVELOPING ROLE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE GRANTING OF THESE LICENCES BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG TO 154 OF WHICH 119 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
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LICENSING OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) GAZETTED PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE TO BRING VARIOUS LICENSING ORDERS IN LINE WITH CHANGING TECHNOLOGY.
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMERS OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING. HOWEVER, THE AMENDMENTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE COMMERCIAL PROVIDERS OF SUCH PUBLIC SERVICES ARE ALL REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED.
THE EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENTS IS NOT TO RESTRICT COMPETITION IN THE PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, RATHER THEY WILL ENSURE THAT COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ARE PROVIDED WITHIN AN ORDERLY LICENSING FRAMEWORK.
/A GOVERNMENT
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 198?
- 8 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY A NUMBER OF NEW PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES HAD BECOME AVAILABLE, AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO LICENSE THEM PROPERLY AS PUBLIC NON-EXCLUSIVE TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES (PNETS).
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS WILL ENABLE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC INTEREST BY GRANTING LICENSES ONLY TO A PROPERLY QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER.
HE WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO MONITOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PNETS AND THEREBY ACQUIRE MORE KNOWLEDGE OF THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF HONG KONG FOR MODERN TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES.
HE ADDED THAT THESE SERVICES INCLUDE PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONES, ELECTRONIC AND VOICE MAIL BOXES, MESSAGE STORAGE AND FORWARD/RETRI EVAL AND PUBLIC FACSIMILE.
THE PROPOSALS ARE GAZETTED UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION (EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 19871 TELECOMMUNICATION (CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED) (EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1987; AND THE TELECOMMUNICATION (PUBLIC NONEXCLUSIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE CUSTOMERS) (EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1987.
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INVESTMENT IN KNITWEAR INDUSTRY PRAISED K * H * K
THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN VALUE ADDED IN KNITTED OUTERWEAR EXPORTS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HAS REFLECTED FAIRLY SUSTAINED INVESTMENT BY THE INDUSTRY IN MODERN PLANT AND MACHINERY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF HONG KONG Q-MARK LICENCE TO LAWS FASHION KNITTERS LIMITED THIS AFTERNOON, MR YEUNG SAID THE INVESTMENT WAS REPRESENTED LARGELY BY COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN EQUIPMENT, AND AUTOMATIC AND COMPUTER AIDED KNITTING MACHINERY.
♦ IF THIS PACE OF INVESTMENT IS MAINTAINED OR ACCELERATED, THE KNITWEAR INDUSTRY WOULD BE EVEN BETTER PLACED TO EXPLOIT THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY THE GROWING TENDENCY ON THE PART OF ITS OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS TO PUT QUALITY BEFORE PR ICE,+ HE ADDED.
TRACING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KNITWEAR INDUSTRY, MR YEUNG SAID WHAT WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS THE GROWTH RATE OF VALUE ADDED IN THESE EXPORTS.
/+IN 1986,
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
- 9 -
♦IN 1986, EXPORTS OF KNITTED SWEATERS, PULLOVERS, CARDIGANS AND JACKETS AT NEARLY $10.3 BILLION ACCOUNTED FOR 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ALL KNITWEAR, AND FOR 20 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ALL TYPES OF GARMENTS.
♦DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THESE CATEGORIES GREW BY 12 PER CENT IN TONEY TERMS LAST YEAR WHILE GROWTH IN QUANTITY TERMS AMOUNTED TO LESS THAN 4 PER CENT.
♦THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF VALUE ADDED OF KNITTED OUTERWEAR OVER THE FIVE YEARS 1980 TO 1984 HAS BEEN ABOUT 14 PER CENT.+
MR YEUNG ALSO PRAISED THE LAWS FASHION KNITTERS FOR ITS HEAVY INVESTMENT IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT OVER THE PAST THRREE YEARS, WHICH LED TO THE AWARD OF THE PRESTIGEOUS HONG KONG Q-MARK BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
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REAR LANE STRUCTURES CLEARED IN MONG KOK * H M H
ABOUT 45 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE CLEARED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT T}IE REAR LANES OF 66-88 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, 71-113 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, 188-228 TONG MEI ROAD AND 1227-1239 CANTON ROAD IN MONG KOK.
THE STRUCTURES INCLUDED CANOPIES AND EXTENSIONS FROM PREMISES ON GROUND FLOOR, WHICH WERE CONSTRUCTED ABOVE GAS MAINS. THEY WERE MAINLY USED FOR WORKSHOPS, STORAGE AND DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
ABOUT 10 FAMILIES, COMPRISING 18 PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED. OF THESE. THREE WERE ELIGIBLE FOR RESETTLEMENT IN PUBLIC HOUSING, 11 IN rEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, AND TWO WERE GIVEN ALLOWANCES.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, TODAY’S CLEARANCE WAS A JOINT OPERATION CONDUCTED BY THE HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AND THE POLICE.
THE CLEARANCE WAS THE LAST CONDUCTED IN THE DISTRICT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 74 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE CLEARED EARLIER THIS YEAR IN THREE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES AT THE REAR LANES IN SECTIONS CF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SHANGHAI STREET AND FA YUEN STREET.
TEN MORE LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR’S CLEARANCE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
10
COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE OPENED
*****
or-nw.A MICROCOMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE CIVIL |ScADMCTnTHorN-lNG CENTRE T0 MEET THE growing DEMAND FOR OFFICERS TO LEARN TO USE THE EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVELY.
THE CENTRE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, WHO SAID THAT THE OPENING Of THE MICROCOMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE WAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE CONTINUING EFFORT THAT WAS BEING MADE BY THE CIVJL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE TO KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TRAINING FIELD.
COURSES OFFERED BY THE CENTRE WERE PRIMARILY TARGETTED AT DIRECTORATE STAFF AND SENIOR DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS.
MR GREWAL SAID THAT IN THE FIRST YEAR THE TRAINING CENTRE would offer about 50 basic courses for some 1 500 officers.
DEPARTMENTS MIGHT USE THE FACILITIES TO CONDUCT THEIR OWN IN-HOUSE COMPUTER TRAINING WHEN THE CENTRE WAS NOT RUNNING COURSES, S A I D •
TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY SOME 150 DIRECTORATE STAFF AND SENIOR PROFESSIONALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE FACILITIES AND A DEMONSTRATION OF PROGRAMMES.
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REVAMP OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES UNDER WAY
*****
THE OVERHAULING OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG INMATES IS IN GOOD PROGRESS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SAID AT A PARADE OF CORRECTIONAL STAFF AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S EXISTING UNITS FOR EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING WOULD BE AMALGAMATED TO FORM A NEW DIVISION, TO BE CALLED THE CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION SECTION.
♦this re-organisation is part of the move to ensure efficient IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES,+ MR CHAN SAID.
SCOUTING HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO TRAINING CENTRES — CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE — WITH CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AS LEADERS.
/♦PARTICIPATION HAS
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
11 -
♦PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING,* MR CHAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE CAPABILITIES AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE INMATE SCOUT GROUP HAD BEEN HIGHLY PRAISED AT THE RECENT DIAMOND JUBILEE JAMBOREE.
MR CHAN SAID GUIDING ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME FOR FEMALE INMATES, AND A GIRL GUIDE GROUP WAS DUE TO BE FORMED AT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION NEXT MONTH.
FURTHERMORE, MR CHAN SAID, IN AN ATTEMPT +TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT* OF YOUNG INMATES, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME HAD RECENTLY BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE CURRICULA AT TRAINING CENTRES.
+A DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING AUTHORITY WAS SET UP TO MONITOR ALL LEISURE-TIME ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SCHEME, AND TO ASSESS THE PROGRESS OF THE PARTICIPANTS,* HE SAID.
WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE +YOUNG OFFENDERS ASSESSMENT PANEL* IN EARLY APRIL, THE COURT WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE ON THE +MOST APPROPRIATE* PROGRAMME FOR CONVICTED YOUNG OFFENDERS, MR CHAN SAID.
THE PANEL WAS TO BE OPERATED JOINTLY WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT A PAROLE SYSTEM KNOWN AS THE +RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME* AND A +PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHEME* WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
+IN ORDER TO TAKE ON THIS VERY CHALLENGING TASK, THE DEPARTMENT'S AFTERCARE SERVICE IS BEING CRITICALLY REASSESSED TO AIM AT IMPROVEMENTS IN QUALITY AND SKILL,* HE SAID.
THE PARADE TODAY WAS TO HONOUR 42 VETERAN CORRECTIONAL STAFF AWARDED CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL.
THE CEREMONY ALSO MARKED THE PASSING-OUT OF 31 RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
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/12........
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
12 -
BETTER FIRE DEFENCE FOR KOWLOON EAST
*****
THE SHUN LEE F,RE STATION PROVIDES FIRST LINE RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY INCIDENTS IN THE AREA AND SPEEDY ASSISTANCE TO MAJOR INCIDENTS IN SAI KUNG AND NGAU CHI WAN AREAS, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER CEREMONYHEK-YUEN’ SA*D TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE STATION’S OPENING ’
□I AM ™EMclTT-!-?.r'-r4Hn ^’2' W^S COMPLETED IN 1986 UNDER THE PROGRAMME PLAN TO MEET THE TARGET OF SIX MINUTES RESPONSE TIME. ’
THE NEED TO ENHANCE FIRE DEFENCE IN THE NORTH-EASTERN SECTION OF THE NEW KOWLOON AREA WAS IDENTIFIED BY THE PLANNERS IN THE FIRE SERVICES AS EARLY AS 1976, HE ADDED. .
+THE COMMISSIONING OF THIS FIRE STATION HAS BEEN VERY TIMELY 1 AS THE POPULATION IN KOWLOON EAST HAS SOARED TO OVER ONE MILLION IN RECENT YEARS. hilliun
+TO MATCH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE, OVER THE PAST FOUR * YEARS, COMMISSIONED NEW FIRE STATIONS AT WONG TAI SIN SAI KUNG KOWLOON BAY AND SHUN LEE. ’
_ r- +WITH EFFECT ER0M JANUARY 1 1987 KOWLOON EAST DIVISION OF THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WAS SPlIt INTO TWO DIVISIONS NAMELY EAST KOWLOON DIVISION AND CENTRAL KOWLOON DIV IS ION,+ MR LAM SAID.
SHUN LEE FIRE STATION FALLS WITHIN THE NEW CENTRAL KOWLOON DIVISION WHICH HAS A BOUNDARY COVERING SOME 4 900 HECTARES WITH TOSmGHAR?SEGpj^LD INGSATTER AREAS °N h,ll~sides AND ACCESS PROBLEM
- - 0 - -
NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON BAY PLAN AMENDED
*****
A I NI NG THE AMENDMENTS. WHICH WERE GAZETTED TODAY fcDinAv) A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID MOST Of tSf Jfa 59 BOUND BY KAI CHEUNG ROAD, KAI FUK ROAD AND WANG JhIN ^RpJ?EAUAn BEEN REZONED FROM +OPEN SPACE+ AND + GOVERNMENT-INSTI TUT I ON ’ COMMUNITY+ (GIC) TO +0THER SPECIFIEDUSES* ANNOTATFn^+TRAnp theTmart!NDUS1RIAL-gODOWN use+ to fac,l,tate the DEVELOPMENT OF
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDED THE REZONING OF TWO to^oppn °F WANG KWUN R0ad and SHEUNG TO +OPEN SPACE+ TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF SUCH OF THE PROPOSED TRADE MART.
INDUSTRIAL YUET ROAD SPACE BECAUSE
/PART OF
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
PART OF THE +OPEN SPACE+ SITE TO THE SOUTHWEST OF KAI FUK ROAD-KAI CHEUNG ROAD INTERCHANGE HAS BEEN REZONED +GIC+ FOR THE FUTURE USE AS A HELICOPTER EMERGENCY LANDING ZONE, WHILE THE +GIC+ SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF LAM CHAK STREET AND KAI HING ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED +INDUSTRIAL+.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS THE REZONING OF THE +OPEN SPACE* SITE AT JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP TO +GREEN BELT* AND PARTS OF THE ADJACENT +GIC AND GREEN BELT* SITES TO +OPEN SPACE*.
IN ADDITION, A SMALL AREA OF +GREEN BELT* SITE AT CHOI SHEK LANE NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED +GIC*.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN WERE ALSO REVISED TO INCLUDE SCHEDULES OF USES FOR THE +TRADE MART* AND +1NDUSTRI AL-GODOWN USE*.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENT PLAN SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY APRIL 16.
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BORROW AREA PROPOSED FOR NT CIRCULAR ROAD SECTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A BORROW AREA AT KAI KUNG LENG IN YUEN LONG TO OBTAIN FILL MATERIALS FOR PHASE 4 OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BETWEEN AU TAU TO FAN KAM ROAD.
THE PROPOSAL ALSO INCLUDES RE-CONSTRUCTION AND WIDENING OF PARTS OF THE EXISTING ROAD TO PROVIDE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. EXCEPT FOR SOME EXTREMELY NARROW SECTIONS, FOR CONVERSION INTO A HAUL ROAD FOR TRANSPORTING FILL MATERIALS.
ON COMPLETION OF BORROWING ACTIVITIES, ALL CUT SLOPES AND SURROUNDING AREAS WILL BE HYDROSEEDED AND SUITABLY LANDSCAPED.
THIS PHASE OF THE WORKS, INVOLVING THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAIRVIEW PARK, WILL BE BUILT ON EARTH EMBANKMENT AND ABOUT 800 000 CUBIC METRES OF FILL WILL BE REQUIRED.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 26.
_ _ 0 - -
/14........
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1937
14
YUEN LONG DB MEMBERS TOUR COUNTRY PARK FACILITIES
*****
MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S NEW COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE AND TREE NURSERY AT TAI TONG TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THEIR OPERATION.
LED BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, AND THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG CHEUK-PUI, THE PARTY OF 18 WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU.
THEY WERE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE, THE NEWEST OF THE 29 CENTRES IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS, AND WERE BRIEFED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN MANAGING THE TAI LAM CHUNG COUNTRY PARK AND THE PLAN TO FURTHER IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PARK.
THE COMMITTEE EARLIER EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER SILTING OF THE bEARBY YUEN LONG NULLAH. THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT TAI TONG WOULD ENABLE LARGE SCALE AFFORESTATION TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE ERODED SLOPES OF NORTHERN TAI LAM CHUNG COUNTRY PARK AND WOULD THUS HELP REDUCE SOIL EROSION.
THE PARTY LATER VISITED THE ADJACENT TREE NURSERY WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE TWO EXISTING NURSERIES AT TAI LUNG, SHEUNG SHU I AND ON LANTAO ISLAND, ARE PRODUCING 800 000 SEEDLINGS THIS YEAR FOR PLANTING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS AND NEW TOWNS.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 2.6 HECTARES, THE TAI TONG NURSERY, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE THE TAI LUNG NURSERY, HAS SCOPE FOR FURTHER EXPANSION TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR TREE SEEDLINGS.
THE VISITORS WOUND UP THE TOUR BY PLANTING TREES IN THE COMPOUND OF THE TAI TONG COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE.
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TENDERS CALLED FOR SOFT LANDSCAPE WORKS
*****
THE
HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR ??^TnnAn^CAPE W0RK T0 RE-ESTABLISH A WOODLAND HABITAT ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN TO TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE.
LANDSCAPE WORK IS TO PRESERVE THE SCENIC AND 0F THE COUNTRYSIDE IN GENERAL AND TO REDUCE THE IMMEDIATE VISUAL IMPACT OF THE TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FROM THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
WORK, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS TO 5noP!fEIE^WILL INV0LVE THE PREPARATION OF MATERIALS NECESSARY FOR THE SOFT LANDSCAPING? SUPPLY AND PLANTING OF PLANTS ON SLOPES, NEW amENITY AREAS AND CAR PARKS; AND GENERAL ROADSIDE PLANT I NG.
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/15
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
15
PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE WITHDRAWN * * * * *
THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN SAI WAN HO AND KOWLOON CITY OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (APRIL 1).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERVICE WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUOUS DECLINE IN PATRONAGE AND THE OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OF OTHER CROSS HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUSES.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CANCELLATION OF THE ROUTE, THE SERVICE CF CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE 106 WILL BE STRENGTHENED BY DEPLOYING THREE-AXLE JUMBO BUSES.
♦THE WITHDRAWAL OF THIS FERRY SERVICE IS PART OF THE RATIONALISATION OF THE CROSS HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES OF THE HYF, AIMED AT BRINGING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMPANY’S SERVICES ESPECIALLY TO THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS ROUTES,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO EGYPT EXTENDED *****
NINE MORE CITIES FROM MONDAY (MARCH 30) (FRIDAY).
IN EGYPT WILL BE SERVED BY SPEEDPOST SERVICE , A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY
THE NINE CITIES IN EGYPT ARE AL-MANSOURA, AL-ZAGAZIK, ASWAN, BENHA, DAMANHOUR, DAMIETTE, ISMAIL I A, SUEZ AND TANTA.
AT PRESENT, THE SERVICE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO ALEXANDRIA, CAIRO AND PORT SAID.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1937
16
SPEEDPOST TO JAPAN IMPROVED
*****
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO JAPAN WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MERCHANDISE ITEMS FROM APRIL 1, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ON THE SAME DAY, THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO JAPAN WILL BE INCREASED FROM 10 KILOGRAMMES TO 20 KILOGRAMMES AND THE MAXIMUN SIZE EXTENDED TO 1.5 METRES IN LENGTH AND 3 METRES FOR THE LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINED.
THE NEW POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS!
ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 250 GRAMMES $55
ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 500 GRAMMES $65
EACH SUBSEQUENT 500 GRAMMES $15
+CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO JAPAN AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IN GENERAL ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
o - -
TALKS, WORKSHOPS ON REMEDIAL LANGUAGE TEACHING ORGANISED
*****
DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS AND TALKS ON REMEDIAL LANGUAGE TEACHING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHERS AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHINESE TEACHERS.
THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED A NUMBER OF GUEST SPEAKERS EXPERIENCED IN REMEDIAL TEACHING TO CONDUCT A SERIES OF SHORT TALKS AND TO DEVISE TEACHING-LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN REMEDIAL TEACHING ON APRIL 25 AND MAY 2.
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING ON APRIL 13 AND 14. THE WORKSHOPS ARE LIMITED TO 40 TEACHERS.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE CHILDREN’S LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND MATERIALS FOR REMEDIAL TEACHING. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO DESIGN TEACHING MATERIALS FOR USE IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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/17
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
TEMPORARY STAFF REQUIRED FOR SURVEY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING ABOUT 80 TEMPORARY STAFF FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STAFF WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS FROM BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS BETWEEN APRIL 21 AND MAY 8.
APPLICANTS, PREFERABLY AGED 25 OR UNDER, SHOULD HAVE ACQUIRED AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE E IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, INCLUDING CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES.
THE JOB, WHICH OFFERS A DAILY WAGE OF #135, IS OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND WOMEN.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-270622, 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123 AND 0-490215*.
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TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE ENTRIES INVITED *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE IS INVITING ENTRIES FROM ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVE COMPETITION.
BOTH MEN AND WOMEN PARTICIPANTS FROM GOVERNMENT BODIES, COMMERCIAL OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE SCHEDULED FOR THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ON MAY 31 ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF AREA 44 (WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA).
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES - DRAGON BOATS, MEDIUM DRAGON BOATS AND PHOENIX BOATS, RACING BOATS, RELATED FACILITIES AND REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE COMMITTEE.
INTERESTED TEAMS MAY OBTAIN AN ENTRY FORM FROM THE SIU HONG COURT SUB-OFFICE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE OR BY DIALLING 0-851954 OR 0-4513044. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ABOVE OFFICE BY MAY 1.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
- 18 -
STUDENT CONCERT FOR SUNDAY *****
A STUDENT CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE HELD AT THE COMMUNITY HALL, CARITAS HOUSE, CAINE ROAD, ON SUNDAY (MARCH 29) AT 3 PM.
THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S ISLAND YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, ISLAND YOUTH STRINGS AND INDIVIDUAL TRAINEES OF WIND, STRING AND CHINESE STREAMS.
STUDENT CONCERTS ARE ONE OF THE REGULAR MUSIC ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROVIDE TRAINEES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC AND TO ENABLE THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO SEE THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARD OF STUDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONCERT ON SUNDAY AT 3 PM.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR RUGBY SEVENS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY FOR THE RUGBY TOURNAMENT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 9 AM TOMORROW AND WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL CROWDS HAVE * DISPERSED AT AROUND 7.30 PM. THE SAME MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED AGAIN ON SUNDAY FROM 8 AM TO AROUND 7 PM.
* 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.
A EASTERN HOSPITAL
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
* 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 ONE-WAY 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. ALSO, ALL LEARNER DRIVERS WILL 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 BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM TOMORROW AND SUNDAY.
HOWEVER, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT AT SUN WUI ROAD AS DIRECTED BY THE POLICE.
- - 0 - -
CHING MING TRAFFIC PLAN FOR HK ISLAND * * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL.
THE MEASURES, WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DALLY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 29), APRIL A, 5, 6, 11 AND 12 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ARE:
CHAI WAN
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS.
/* THE SLIP
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
- 20
* 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.
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO 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.
* WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE.
* NO PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ALONG CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD AND THE SECTION OF SHEK 0 ROAD BETWEEN CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 5, 6 AND 12. VEHICLES PARKED ILLEGALLY WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
POK FU LAM
# CONSORT RISE WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD.
ABERDEEN
* PEEL RISE NEAR ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM SHEK PAI WAN ROAD TO ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
* CMB ROUTE 57 FROM CENTRAL (EXCHANGE SQUARE) TO VICTORIA ROAD WILL RUN FROM 7 AM TO 5.52 PM ON APRIL 5 ONLY AT A FREQUENCY OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES.
ROUTE 89
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 198?
- 21
* ROUTE 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 ON BOTH APRIL 5 AND 6 AT A FEQUENCY OF FIVE MINUTES. SPECIAL SHORT WORKING TRIPS WILL BE OPERATED FROM CHAI WAN MTR STATION IF NECESSARY.
* ON APRIL 5 AND 6, THE FIRST BUS STOP ON WAN TSUI ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED EXCEPT FOR ROUTE 89. A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE SET UP ON CHAI WAN ROAD EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HONG MAN STREET FOR ALL EASTBOUND BUSES.
X THE BUS STOP ON NORTHBOUND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH HAU TAK LANE WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON APRIL 5.
X 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-ROUTING MEASURES IN CHAI WAN.
CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON APPROACH ROADS TO CEMETERIES AND MOTORISTS SHOULD AVOID THESE AREAS IF POSSIBLE.
-------o --------
RESTRICTED ZONES IN CANTON ROAD, CHl WO STREET
*****
unn-r TIIE EX,ST,NG RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY ON NORTHBOUND CANTON ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE EXTENDED NORTHWARD FOR ABOUT 28 METRES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 31).
AT THE SAME TIME, CHI WO STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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/22
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1987
22
ROAD CLOSED, PLB RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED *****
CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN PUN SHUN TSUEN AND TSING LUNG TAU WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE LANE TWO WAY TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (MARCH 30) FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS WORK.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR TSUEN WAN OR TSING LUNG TAU ARE ADVISED TO USE TUEN MUN ROAD.
IN SHA TIN, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE ON TSUEN NAM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH SHING CHUEN ROAD AND CH IK LUK LANE WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACTIVE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION NEEDED ................. 1
RETURNING FROM TRADE TALKS IN SINGAPORE .................... 1
QUIZ TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISED .................. 2
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD REPORT PUBLISHED ........ 3
STUDY ROOMS OPEN TO SCHOOL CHILDREN ........................ 3
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO MUSICIANS, DANCERS ................. 4
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUNG SHUI, YUEN LONG .................. 5
TERMINUS FOR BUSES ONLY .................................... 5
dates for firing practice .................................. 6
SHUTDOWN FOR LEAKAGE TEST .................................. 7
NO FLUSHING WATER .......................................... 7
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
1
ACTIVE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION NEEDED
A SURVEY ON COMMUNITY NEEDS IN EASTERN DISTRICT SHOWS THAT ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT, BUT THEIR AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IS GENERALLY LOW.
SPEAKING AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR TODAY (SATURDAY), DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, SAID THE FIGURES INDICATED THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE NEEDED TO CONTINUE ITS WORK IN CONVEYING THE MESSAGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PUBLIC BETTER UNDERSTAND AND PARTICIPATE IN THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
+THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY ENCOURAGING LOCAL RESIDENTS TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SCHEME AND TO ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETING; AS WELL AS BY PROVIDING MORE CHANCES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES,+ HE SAID.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD DECIDED TO ORGANISE A DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME TO PROVIDE THE CHANCE FOR RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT AND TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT, MR YEUNG SAID.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PUBLICISE A LARGE-SCALE TERRITORY-WIDE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR,* HE ADDED.
♦THIS IS A CHANCE FOR THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OVER 21 AND THOSE WHO HAVE JUST MOVED INTO EASTERN DISTRICT.*
+BESIDES PROMOTING THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, THE DISTRICT CFFICE WILL ALSO MOBILISE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND TO EXERCISE CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES,* MR YEUNG SAID.
- - 0 - -
RETURNING FROM TRADE TALKS IN SINGAPORE * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR ERIC HO, RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, BRIGADIER GENERAL LEE HSIEN LOONG, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN SINGAPORE.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED DURING HIS VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DESIGNATE), MR HAMISH MACLEOD.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
2
THE ONE-DAY DISCUSSION CENTRED ON BILATERAL TRADE ISSUES, THE GATT NEW ROUND AND THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM IN THE UNITED STATES.
MR HO SAID SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG, BEING FREE TRADING ECONOMIES, HAD MUCH COMMON GROUND. +l EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT WITH OUR OPEN MARKETS OUR TWO-WAY TRADE MIGHT FURTHER EXPAND. +
ON MULTILATERAL ISSUES, THE TWO SIDES EXCHANGED VIEWS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS. MR HO NOTED WITH SATISFACTION THE SIMILAR VIEWS SHARED BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG ON MOST ISSUES, AND HOPED THIS WOULD CONTINUE.
POSSIBLE TRADE LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED STATES WAS ANOTHER ISSUE OF CONCERN IN THE TALKS. +l TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK SINGAPORE’S ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION,+ MR HO SAID.
IN 1986 SINGAPORE WAS HONG KONG’S SEVENTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND HONG KONG’S SIXTH LARGEST SUPPLIER OF IMPORTS.
ALSO RANKED NINTH AS A MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
------0-------
QUIZ TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISED
* * X X
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ COMPETITION TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR THE 13 CIVIC EDUCATION TEAMS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMPETITION IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES UNDER THE +KNOW HONG KONG, KNOW WONG TAI SIN+ PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THE ACTIVITIES WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH MORE INFORMATION ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN HONG KONG SO AS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT LATER THIS YEAR.
HE SAID A SEMINAR HELD EARLIER WAS WELL ATTENDED BY KAlFONGS.
A BOOKLET CONTAINING INFORMATION ON THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO BEEN PUBLISHED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE QUIZ COMPETITION WOULD FEATURE TOPICS ON GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS; THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, LEGAL AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS IN HONG KONG; THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD; AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN THE DISTRICT.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, AND URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS CECILIA YEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION TO WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION.
/MO1BERS OF........
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ COMPETITION TOMORROW AT 2 PM AT LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 161, LOK SIN ROAD, SAN PO KONG.
------0-------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD REPORT PUBLISHED * * * * *
A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE 52-PAGE REPORT, PRINTED IN FULL COLOUR, COVERS THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES FROM APRIL 1985 TO SEPTEMBER 1986.
INFORMATION IN THE REPORT. ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS, WILL HELP RESIDENTS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE BOARD AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AS A WHOLE.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, KAlFONG ASSOCIATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES, YOUTH AND ELDERLY CENTRES, SCHOOLS AND OTHER LOCAL BODIES IN THE DISTRICT.
REQUESTS BY INDIVIDUALS FOR COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE AT 5-8523002.
------0-------
STUDY ROOMS OPEN TO SCHOOL CHILDREN * * * * *
67 DO
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED A HOMEWORK FROM APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30
PROVIDE STUDY ROOM FACILIT QUIET SURROUNDING TO STUDY
ES AT AND
FACILITIES AT 38 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. F °
/STUDY ROOMS .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 198?
STUDY ROOMS WILL ALSO BE OPEN AT 29 SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 PM.
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION PAPERS FOR ADMISSION.
THE STUDY ROOM SCHEME HAS PROVED POPULAR, PARTICULARLY TOWARDS EXAMINATION PERIODS. IT IS AN EXTENSION OF THE NORMAL STUDY ROOM FACILITIES PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT ABOUT 200 LOCATIONS UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
ADDRESSES OF THESE STUDY ROOM CENTRES TOGETHER WITH THEIR OPENING HOURS ARE AVAILABLE AT INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.
-----0--------
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO MUSICIANS, DANCERS * * * * *
YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1987-88.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC FUND SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FOR TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN POST DIPLOMA STUDIES AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL COVER TUITION FEES, A TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN PASSAGE TO THE INTENDED COUNTRY OF STAY. A SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE MAY BE GRANTED ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL NEED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD CHOOSE ONE-YEAR COURSES AS THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NORMALLY FOR ONE YEAR ONLY.
CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR MUSIC OR MUSIC RELATED STUDIES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE UNDER THE AGE OF 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1, AND HAVE ALREADY STUDIED MUSIC UP TO THE STANDARD OF THE DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR EQUIVALENT.
AS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DANCE OR DANCE-RELATED STUDIES, CANDIDATES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1 AND HAVE STUDIED TO THE STANDARD OF THE DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF BALLET OR EQUIVALENT.
ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD ALSO HAVE AT LEAST THREE-YEAR RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
/APPLICATION FORMS
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROMs
* HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT (11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG BEFORE APRIL 8, OR 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI FROM APRIL 9); AND
* MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE (ADDRESSES OBTAINABLE FROM 5-458791)
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED IN PERSON TO THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT BY APRIL 15.
APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE AN INVITATION FOR AUDITION BY MAY 23 MAY ASSUME THEIR APPLICATIONS UNSUCCESSFUL.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM 5-458791 EXT. 25.
_ _ 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUNG SHU I, YUEN LONG X X X X X
FROM 11 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 30), KMB ROUTE 76K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND YUEN LONG WILL BE REROUTED TO TIE IN WITH THE REOPENING OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
ON JOURNEYS TO SHEUNG SHUI, IT WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD T3, ROAD SR6, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ROAD SR9 AND ROAD SR10. BUSES WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD SR10, ROAD SR9, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROAD SR7 ON JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG.
FROM 10 AM ON MARCH 31, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) AND FAU TSOI STREET WILL RESUME TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ROAD WORK.
- - 0 -
TERMINUS FOR BUSES ONLY
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 31), NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS OPPOSITE THE VEHICULAR FERRY PIER IN CENTRAL AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
6
DATES FOR FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 20 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:
APR IL DATE 1 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 TIME AM - 5 PM
APRIL 2 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 3 ' (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 7 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 9 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 10 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 11 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 13 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 14 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 15 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 16 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 23 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 24 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 25 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 27 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 28 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
APRIL 30 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — li L.59 PM
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/7........
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1987
- 7 -
SHUTDOWN FOR LEAKAGE TEST *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON
DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU TONG WILL BE TUESDAY (MARCH 31) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CHA KWO LING ROAD, KO FAI ROAD, TUNG YUEN STREET AND SHUNG SHUN STREET INCLUDING SHUNG TAK Wil, SHUNG YIU STREET, SZE SHAN STREET AND YAN YUE WAI.
-----o------
NO FLUSHING WATER * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 31) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SANDS STREET, HOK SZ TERRACE, POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, CAINE ROAD, GLENEALY. WYNDHAM STREET, REDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND THE SEAFRONT.
- - o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SURVEY OFFICE CAN CONDUCT OOT OPINION SURVEY................ 1
SIR PAVED STARTS TREE PLANTING SCHEME....................... 2
DISTRICT BOARD’S VIEWS ON TRAFFIC MATTERS HEEDED............ 3
MEMBERS NAMED TO FUND BOARD ................................ 4
NEW PARK FOR OLD CATTLE DEPOT IN KENNEDY TOWN............... 5
DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS TAKE TO THE STAGE.................... 6
MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES STAGE A CONCERT....................... 8
PLOTS OF GREEN FOR BUSY MONG KOK............................ 8
NEW 1-5EEB-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS IN TAI PO.................... 9
PLANS TO BIPROVE TO KHA WAN SEWERAGE........................ 10
PLAYGROUND FOR KWUN TONG.................................... 10
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
1
SURVEY OFFICE CAN CONDUCT OWN OPINION SURVEY
*****
THE SURVEY OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT ITS OWN PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY ON THE GREEN PAPER ON POLITICAL REVIEW IF NECESSARY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONFS. SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT A +CELEBRITY TREE PLANTING* ACTIVITY AT HOI HA, SAI KUNG.
ASKED WHETHER THE SURVEY OFFICE WOULD LAUNCH A TERRITORYWIDE SURVEY TO ASSESS THE OPINION OF THE SILENT MAJORITY ON THE GREEN PAPER, HE SAID THE TERMS OF THE OFFICE HAD BEEN VERY CARFFULLY DRAFTED SO THAT THEY GAVE IT VERY WIDE POWERS TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC OPINION WAS PROPERLY COLLECTED AND REPORTED TO THE GOVERNOR.
+AND IT DOES GIVE POWERS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE ITSELF TO CONDUCT ITS OWN PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY IF IT THINKS IT IS NECESSARY.
+SO IF YOU LOOK AT THE POWERS OF THF SURVFy OFFICE I THINK YOU WILL FIND THEY ARF VERY WIDE INDEED,* SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED WHY IT WOULD RE NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO ASSESS THE INFORMATION COLLECTED BY THE SURVEY OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE COMING GREEN PAPER THERE WOULD BE A WIDE VARIETY OF QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED.
HE SAID: +THE MATTERS CONCERNED ARE QUITE COMPLICATED AND THE OPTIONS FOR CHANGE ARE ALSO QUITE COMPLICATED, SO WE NEED TO SEPARATE THE TWO ASPECTS TO THIS.
+FIRST OF ALL, THE SURVEY: WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING, THEN TO SORT OUT THEIR FEELINGS AND THEN TO FORM AN ASSESSMENT AND ULTIMATELY TO COME TO DECISIONS AS TO WHAT WE ARE TO DO.*
SIR DAVID SAID THIS WOULD NOT RE AS SIMPLE AS THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE OVER THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION WHICH HE SAID WAS +REALLY MORE COMPARABLE WITH A WHITE PAPER THAN WITH A GREEN PAPER*.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE MEETING BETWEEN THE BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND HIS CHINESE COUNTERPART MR WU XUEQIAN, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS + A VERY GOOD THING* THAT IT DID OCCUR FROM TIME TO TIME.
HE ADDED: +THE SUBJECT OF THEIR DISCUSSIONS OF COURSE CENTRES ON HONG KONG, BUT EXACTLY WHAT THEY TALK ABOUT IS ENTIRELY FOR THEM TO DECIDE.*
- - 0-------
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
2
SI” DAVID STARTS tpeE PLANTING SCHEME ¥ y y
AN ATMOSPHERE OF CELEBRITY PREVAILED AT THE SCENIC SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK TODAY (SUNDAY) AS MORE THAN 100 WELL-KNOWN PUBLIC FIGURES TOOK PART IN A MAJOR TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO START OFF THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME.
LED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND LADY AKERS-JONES, THEY PLANTED THE FIRST TREES AT A PLANTING SITE AT HOI HA TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO JOIN THE TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME STARTING NEXT SUNDAY.
AMONG THEM WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MRS ROSANNA TAM, DR DANIEL TSE, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR CHAN YING-LUN, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, MR PANG CHUN-HOI, MR ANDREW WONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT, MR SZETO WAH AND MR TAI CHIN-WAH.
THEY WERE JOINED BY A PARTY OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN, COMMUNITY LEADERS, POPULAR TV ARTISTES LED BY MR ROBERT CHAN, GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, AND SOME 1 300 SCHOOL CHILDREN.
THE GOOD TURNOUT AND THE ENTHUSIASM ON DISPLAY WERE HAILED AS A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE SCHEME WHICH CELEBRATES ITS 30T H ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, AND WAS DESCRIBED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AS A REFLECTION OF +THE GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN FOR CARING FOR OUR TREES AND COUNTRYSIDE*.
IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OCCASION, DR LEE EXPRESSED HIS CONFIDENCE THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF ALL CONCERNED, THE TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY WOULD SOON BECOME AN ANNUAL AFFAIRS FOR THE COMMUNITY.
HE THANKED SIR DAVID FOR lllo KEEN SUPPORT AND INVALUABLE GUIDANCE OVER THE YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG'S COUNTRY PARKS AND IN CONSERVING THE LOCAL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
*WE OWE A GREAT DEAL TO YOU, SIR, FOR WHAT SCENIC COUNTRY PARKS TODAY,♦ DR LEE SAID.
WE HAVE IN OUR
THIS YEAR’S SCHEME HAS A NEW ATTRACTION AS EACH PARTICIPANT, AFTER PLANTING A TREE, WILL BE GIVEN A SEED PACKET AND A COLOURFUL LEAFLET SO THAT HE OR SHE CAN RAISE A SEEDLING AT HOME, FOR PLANTING IN THE 1988 PLANTING SEASON.
/TILE MAIN..........
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
the main thrust of the scheme is a series of tree planting DAYS ORGANISED FOR THE PUBLIC DURING THE COMING CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY AND EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD AS WELL AS EVERY SUNDAY IN APRIL WHEN TREE SEEDLINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE FOR PLANTING BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM DAILY IN DESIGNATED COUNTRY PARK PLANTING SITES.
THE SEVEN PLANTING SITES ARE AT TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG AND CLEAR WATER BAY.
DR LEE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN PLANTING TREES TO COME FORWARD ON THE SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AHEAD AND SET A RECORD HONG KONG TO BE PROUD OF.
APART FROM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION TRAINING AND EDUCATION UNIT AT 3-7332121 FOR ARRANGEMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMME. SO FAR, BOOKINGS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM OVER 7 500 STUDENTS AND YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN GROUPS.
THE 1987 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME IS CO-ORGANISED BY TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED AND SPONSORED BY SWIRE BOTTLERS LIMITED.
- - 0 - -
DISTRICT BOARD’S VIEWS ON TRAFFIC MATTERS HEEDED
*****
VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRASPORT COMMITTEE IN THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN HEEDED BY THE AUTHORITIES, ACCORDING TO A REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S WORK IN 1986-87.
MANY OF THE COMMITTEE’S SUGGESTIONS WERE ACCEPTED AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, TRAFFIC FLOW AND TRANSPORT SERVICES IN CERTAIN AREAS HAD IMPROVED AS A RESULT.
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE, THE COMMITTEE PROPOSED THAT THE NORTHERN SECTION OF NAM NING STREET SHOULD BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. THIS WAS ADOPTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND IMPLEMENTED ON MARCH 20.
AT THE COMMITTEE’S REQUEST, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO RAISED THE SPEED LIMIT OF ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD TO 70 KILOMETRES TO INCREASE ITS CAPACITY.
/IN WONG.......
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
IN WONG CHUK HANG, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND HEUNG YIP ROAD HAD EASED FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WHICH INCLUDED THE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC LANES , AND THE PROVISION OF AN EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM AND SIGNALISED PEDESTRIAN crossings.
ON ROAD SAFETY, THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED THAT THE HEIGHT OF CENTRAL DIVIDERS OF ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD AND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD BE RAISED AS A LONG-TERM MEASURE TO DETER JAYWALKERS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO MONITORED CLOSELY THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS TO COPE WITH THE DISTRICT’S GROWING NEEDS.
ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, TWO NEW BUS ROUTES, THE CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 107 AND THE HOLIDAY ROUTE 91A PLYING BETWEEN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE TO WAH FU, STARTED OPERATION LAST YEAR.
EIGHT OTHER ROUTES HAD NOW INCREASED THEIR SERVICES OR MADE DETOURS TO BETTER SERVE PASSENGERS PARTICULARLY DURING RUSH HOURS.
TO SERVE THE NEW LEI TUNG ESTATE ON AP LEI CHAU, TWO ROUTES LINKING THE ESTATE TO CENTRAL AND CAUSEWAY BAY RESPECTIVELY WILL COME INTO OPERATION LATER, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING ROUTE TO ABERDEEN.
FOR AP LEI CHAU OLD TOWN, A NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE TO WAN CHAI STARTED OPERATION LAST YEAR.
THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE DISTRICT’S MAJOR LINK WITH OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG, ALSO DREW THE COMMITTEE’S ATTENTION. MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED VIEWS ON THE NO-CHANGE TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AND THE EFFICIENCY OF ITS SERVICES. THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE TUNNEL’S CONTROL ROOM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 31) TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT ITS ACTUAL OPERATION.
------0-------
MEMBERS NAMED TO FUND BOARD * X X
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD.
OTHER MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED INCLUDE MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR WILLIAM TURNBULL, MR NICOLAS YEUNG, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL.
/AT THE SAME .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
- 5
AT THE SAME TIME, THREE NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED ARE MR CHEUNG WOOD-LUN, MISS LEE FUNG-YING AND MR HO SAI-CHU.
ALL MEMBERS WILL SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR TWO YEARS BEGINNING FROM APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE FUND BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE IN APRIL 1985.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, EMPLOYEES WHO ARE OWED ARREARS OF WAGES BY INSOLVENT EMPLOYERS CAN APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FROM THE FUND.
-----0 — —------
NEW PARK FOR OLD CATTLE DEPOT IN KENNEDY TOWN *****
RESIDENTS OF KENNEDY TOWN WILL OF AN OLD CATTLE DEPOT.
SOON HAVE A NEW PARK REMINISCENT
the park is constructed on the site of a cattle QUARANTINE DEPOT AT SMITHFIELD BUILT IN 1894 AS PART OF THE KENNEDY TOWN SLAUGHTERHOUSE COMPLEX.
nr- * A?OUT 1 ?00 SCfUARE METRES IN AREA, THE TEMPORARY PARK CONSISTS OF A SITTING-OUT AREA, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AND A TERRACED PLATFORM DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES.
TO ADD NOSTALGIC TINTS TO THE DESIGN, THE OLD CATTLE SHEDS HAVE BEEN PRESERVED AND CONVERTED INTO ARBOUR AND RAIN SHELTER AND THE WATER TROUGHS ARE BEING USED TO GROW PLANTS.
THE PROJECT IS THE DISTRICT BOARD’S LASTEST EFFORTS IN PUTTING TEMPORARILY VACANT LAND TO COMMUNITY USE.
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO CLOSE DOWN THE DFPOT LAST YEAR THE SITE WAS DESIGNATED FOR PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY 1990'S.’
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD RESPONDED QUICKLY TO INITIATE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND BUILD A TEMPORARY PARK THERE.
THE project manager AND THE BOARD’S environment and works COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MISS ESTHER CHAN SAID, «-WE JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT DURING THE 'TRANSITION PERIOD’.+
/+WE'RE QUITE.......
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
6
+WE’RE QUITE SURE RESIDENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL WELCOME THE NEW PARK DESPITE ITS TEMPORARY NATURE AS THE DENSELY BUILT AREA LACKS OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* SHE ADDED.
THE BOARD SPENT #200 000 TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECT BY TENDERING IT OUT TO A PRIVATE CONTRACTOR.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, WORKS WERE COMPLETED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS.
A SPECTACULAR OPENING, FEATURING LION DANCE, PROCESSION, CHILDREN’S MURAL PAINTING, EXHIBITION ON THE DEPOT’S HISTORY, AND POTTED AND STALL GAMES WILL BE HELD AT THE PARK ON SATURDAY (APRIL 4) AFTERNOON.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL LEUNG, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR WANG GUNGWU AND THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PROFESSOR K.C. LYE. THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO AND SOME BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO ATTEND.
ON THE SAME DAY, A COMMUNITY DAY WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED AT THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND NEARBY TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK AND THE CHILDREN’S DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE COMMUNITY DAY AT THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND AT 1.30 PM AND THE OPENING OF THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK AT 2.20 PM ON SATURDAY.
------0--------
DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS TAKE TO THE STAGE
WINNING TEAMS OF THE 23RD HONG KONG SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WILL STAGE A SERIES OF WINNERS PERFORMANCES AT NINE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONIES STARTING NEXT SUNDAY (APRIL 5).
AMONG THE 157 WINNING TEAMS WHICH WILL SHOW THEIR SKILLS AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND SHA TIN TOWN HALL ARE THE OVERALL CHAMPION OF THE SECONDARY SECTION, THE SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND THE ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL OF THE PRIMARY SECTION.
/OTHER WINNERS........
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
- 7
other winners are the overall second and third runners-up of THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SECTIONS — S.K.H. BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL AND BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL, KIANGSU-CHEKIANG PRIMARY P.M. SCHOOL AND KA LING SCHOOL OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD P.M. PRIMARY SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY.
TWENTY-FIVE TEAMS WHO RECEIVED HONOUR AWARDS AND 129 HIGHLY COMMENDED DANCE TEAMS WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING, PRESENTING A SELECTION OF CHINESE, ORIENTAL, WESTERN AND CREATIVE DANCES.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES FROM GUESTS OF HONOUR DURING EACH OF THE NINE PERFORMANCES STARTING 7.30 PM EVERY EVENING.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE PERFORMANCES IN THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU, ON APRIL 5} THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, ON APRIL 6; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, >IRS ROSANNA TAM, ON APRIL 7j SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), MR ANDY LIANG, ON APRIL 3j THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, ON APRIL 10j AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, ON APRIL 11.
THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MISS LEUNG SING-TAK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON APRIL 20, WHILE THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM, WILL GIVE AWAY THE AWARDS AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON APRIL 24 AND 25 RESPECTIVELY.
TICKETS FOR THESE PERFORMANCES AT $6, 510 AND $15 ARE AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS AT THE CITY HALL, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, SPACE MUSEUM AND TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY.
THE 23RD SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL. IT ATTRACTED 403 TEAMS FROM 263 SCHOOLS. A TOTAL OF 3 914 PERFORMERS TOOK PART IN THE DANCE FESTIVAL WHICH TOOK PLACE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
-------0---------
/8
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
8
MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES STAGE A CONCERT
*****
MORE THAN 200 TRA STUDENT CONCERT AT THE ROAD TODAY (SUNDAY).
NEES OF THE MUSIC COMMUNITY HALL OF
OFFICE PERFORMED AT A CARITAS HOUSE IN CAINE
CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT), MR WU CHOR-NAM, OFFICIATED AT THE CONCERT AND PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE TRAINEES.
+OVER THE PAST TWO TO THREE YEARS, I HAVE BECOME MORE ACQUAINTED WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE’S MANY ACTIVITIES, AND EACH TIME ------------------- BE IT THE CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE BAND
FL5IIVAL uk A'M I HAVE BEEN MUCH IMPRESSED BY_
THE ENTHUSIASM AND ENERGY WITH WHICH THE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE
I ATTEND A FUNCTION, Lu .......
FESTIVAL OR AN ORCHESTRAL CONCERT
I HAVE BEEN
ENTERED
INTO THEIR PERFORMANCES,+ MR WU SAID.
+IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE LEARNT MORE THAN JUST PLAY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT,+ HE SAID.
+ T HEY HAVE ALSO LEARNT TO VALUE HIGHLY AN ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH MUCH HARD WORK AND A KEEN SENSE OF COMMITMENT,+ HE
MADE ADDED.
HE CONGRATULATED THE INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND WISHED THEM AND THE TRAINEES CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO, SAID THAT THE REGIONAL CONCERTS WERE IMPORTANT FOR TRAINEES AS THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OFF TO THEIR PARENTS, TEACHERS AND FELLOW TRAINEES THE PROGRESS THEY HAD MADE DURING THE PAST YEAR.
MRS HO THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN MAKING THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME A SUCCESS.
THE CONCERT FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY THE ISLAND YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, ISLAND YOUTH STRINGS AND THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL CHOIR.
-------0----------
PLOTS OF GREEN FOR BUSY MONG KOK * * * *
FOUR BUSY AREAS IN MONG KOK HAVE BEEN FURNISHED WITH PLANTERS, ARBOURS AND BENCHES IN PROJECTS INITIATED BY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE NATHAN ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET, TIT SHU STREET AND PLAYING FIELD ROAD.
/AT A........
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
AT A TOTAL COST OF $275 OOO ALLOCATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE PROJECTS NOT ONLY MAKE UP FOR THE shortage OF AMENITY grounds IN the district but also help prevent on-street hawking in the areas.
the projects are part of an on-going programme aimed at providing a more pleasant and healthy living environment for residents of the highly developed areas.
IN ADDITION, THREE WELCOME SIGNS HAVE ALSO BEEN PUT UP AT THE boundaries of the district to foster a sense of identity.
OVER THE YEARS, THE COMMITTEE HAS CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO PROVIDE FLOWER BEDS, PLANTERS AND BENCHES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO ENDORSED PLANS TO PROVIDE AMENITY FACILITIES AT VARIOUS LOCATION INCLUDING WONG TAI STREET, CHERRY STREET, THE JUNCTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND YUEN PO STREET, AS WELL AS THE JUNCTION OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND NULLAH ROAD IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
- - 0----
NEW MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS IN TAI PO
*****
TAI PO RESIDENTS WILL HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCUSS AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS WITH THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM APRIL.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING MEET-THE-PUBL IC SESSIONS BY APPOINTMENT, BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET THE PUBLIC IN THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HEUNG SZE WUI STREET ON FRIDAYS (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) STARTING FROM APRIL 3.
TWO MEMBERS WILL BE ON DUTY ON A ROTATION BASIS, FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM AT EACH SESSION.
THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD BE TRIED FOR THREE MONTHS AFTER WHICH THE VALUE AND THE NEED TO RETAIN IT WOULD BE REVIEWED, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR STEPHEN WONG, SAID.
- - 0----
/10
o o o o
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1987
PLANS TO IMPROVE TO KWA WAN SEWERAGE
*****
ABOUT 850 METRES OF SEWERS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON, AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR THE AREA.
THE SEWERS, RANGING FROM 450 MILLIMETRES TO 1 950 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, WILL BE BUILT ALONG YUK YAT STREET AND BAILEY STREET AND IN THE TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION AREA.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL CHANNEL SEWAGE FROM TO KWA WAN DISTRICT TO THE SCREENING PLANT AT TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION WHICH IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN MIDD-1989.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 15-MONTH PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY.
---0 - -
PLAYGROUND FOR KWUN TONG * * * *
TWO ADJOINING SITES AT KUNG LOK ROAD IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO PLAYING AND SITTING-OUT AREAS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $5.02 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT.
ONE OF THE SITES, WHICH IS CLOSE TO LOK WAH ESTATE, WILL BE TURNED INTO A CYCLING GROUND WITH ANCILLARY FACILITIES, INCLUDING A KIOSK AND TOILETS.
A REST GARDEN WITH CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND AND STROLLING PATHS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE OTHER SITE.
WORK ON THE TWO SITES, OCCUPYING A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 1.8 HECTARES, WILL START SOON AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
---0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
Monday, march 30, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
HK CONTINUES TO RELY ON RESETTLEMENT TO SOLVE VR PROBLEM .. 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED .................. 1
HK’S SHARE IN UK TEXTILE M.UIKET DROPS...................... 5
CHAI WAN COMPOSTING PLANT TO BE U1<1RaDED................... 6
ANTI-PROTECTIONISM COMMITTEE AGREES ON WORK PROGRAMME ...... 7
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS ................ 8
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ............................ 8
PRE-QUnLIFICaTION TENDERS INVITED FOR FLYOVER WORKS ....... 9
SUBWAY SYSTEM FOR JORD.-iN RO^D aREa........................ 9
CHING MING HOLIDAY REMINDER................................. 10
APPLY EARLY FOR EaSTER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS .................... 10
ROaD CLOSURE ON LaNT^U ISLAND .............................. 11
SOUTHERN DISTRICT WATER CUT ............................. * 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 11
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1967
1
HK CONTINUES TO RELY ON RESETTLEMENT TO SOLVE VR PROBLEM
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT UNTIL A DURABLE SOLUTION TO HONG KONG’S VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM WAS FOUND, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE TO RELY ON RESETTLEMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE PAST CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED SEVERAL YEARS AGO THAT ALL NEW ARRIVALS SHOULD BE SCREENED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY WERE GENUINE REFUGEES AND THAT THOSE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES SHOULD BE REPATRIATED TO VIETNAM.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WOULD INVOLVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM AND WAS THEREFORE A MATTER FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT.
DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD NOT THOUGHT IT APPROPRIATE TO RAISE THIS MATTER WITH THE VIETNAMESE.
OUTLINING THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG’S REFUGEE PROBLEM, MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN DECIDED AT A UNHCR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN JULY 1979 THAT ALL THOSE LEAVING VIETNAM WERE PRESUMED TO BE REFUGEES ; THAT THE COASTAL STATES WOULD GRANT THEM ASYLUM ; AND THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WOULD PROVIDE RESETTLEMENT PLACES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THESE THREE DECISIONS WERE STILL IN OPERATION, SOME COUNTRIES HAD DECIDED THAT SOME OF THOSE IN HONG KONG WERE NOT REFUGEES WHILE SOME PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUi 1 WERE THREATENING TO TURN AWAY NEW ARRIVALS AND, IN THE MEANTIMc, RESETTLEMENT PLACES WERE DRYING UP.
THEREFORE, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO CONTINUE TO DEPEND ON RESETTLEMENT BEFORE A DURABLE SOLUTION TO THE REFUGEE PROBLEM WAS FOUND, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
- - 0 -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED
*****
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOW THAT HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW FASTER IN FEBRUARY THAN IN JANUARY 1087, BUT THAT NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC DROPPED AFTER THE SEASONAL DEMAND DUE TO THE CHINESE NEW YEaR WAS OVER. DEPOSITS IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ALSO CONTINUED TO GROW.
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY) FELL, REFLECTING THE DROP IN THE AMOUNT OF CASH HELD BY THE PUBLIC. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO GROW.
/TOTAL IDANS
MONDAY, MARCH JO, 1987
- 2 -
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO INCREASE. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG REGISTERED SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN FEBRUARY BUT LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE FELL.
DEPOSITS
IN FEBRUARY, HONG KONG DOLLAR SAVINGS DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO GROW AT A RAPID RATE, BY 4.2 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 3,7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1986 AND 4.7 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1987. DEMAND DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.7 PER CENT AND TIME DEPOSITS BY 0.5 PER CENT.
TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.3 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 3.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND 1.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR TO END FEBRUARY, THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 16.3 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ALSO GREW FASTER IN FEBRUARY, BY 2.3 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.0 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 28.3 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 6.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND BY 14.5 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR; ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 3.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND BY 31.6 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 2.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 1.8 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 32.9 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER FELL BY 23.1 PER CENT.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
A FALL IN NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC AFTER THE CHINESE l£W YEAR LED TO A DECREASE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml, BY 6.0 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AFTER AN INCREASE OF 12.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY.
HK$M2 AND HK$M3 ON THE OTHER HAND CONTINUED TO GROW, BY 1.0 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, HK$M1 GREW BY 27.6 PER CENT, HKIKM2 BY 24.9 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 16.8 PER CENT.
/TOTAL MONEY .......
MONDAY, MARCH ?O, 1987
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY Ml FELL EY 5.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 12.0 PER CENT IN JANUARY. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 2.0 PER CENT AND 1.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 26.3 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 INCREASED BY 32.0 PER CENT AND 22.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED EY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO GROW IN FEBRUARY, BY 1.3 PER CENT AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 1.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND 3.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 15.R PER CENT.
LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 2.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 16.8 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 14.7 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG FELL BY 1.3 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY; OVER THE YEAR THEY GREW BY 16.4 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY; OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 18.4 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS DECREASED BY ONE TO 148“ THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 37 WHILE THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY THREE TO 249.
/MONETARY STATISTICS
v.xzn-
4
MONDAY, MARCH }0, 1987
MONETARY STATISTICS - FEBRUARY 1987
Feb 1987 Earlier : months (HK$mn)
(% change to February 1987)
Money Supply Ml - HK$ Foreign currency 54,473 Jan 1987 Nov 1986 Feb 1986
57,967 ( -6.0 %) 48,581 ( 12.1 %) 42,690 ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 27.6 %)
5,046 4,875 ( 3.5 %) 4,821 ( 4.7 %) 4,433 13.8 %)
1 Otal M2 - HK$ 59,519 62,842 ( -5.3 %) 53,403 ( 11.5 %) 47,123 26.3 %)
251,490 249,029 ( 1.0 %) 228,167 ( 10.2 %) 201,422 24.9 %) %)
foreign currency 294,225 286,233 ( 2.8 %) 272,526 ( 8.0 %) 211,938 38.8
1 Ot al M3 - HK$ 545,714 535,262 ( 2.0 %) 500,693 ( 9.0 %) 413,360 32.0
282,105 280,358 ( 0.6 %) 261,551 ( 7.9 %) 241,476 16.8 %)
Foreign currency 333,484 326,813 ( 2.0 %) 314,902 ( 5.9 %) 261,279 27.6 %)
T Ota1 615,589 607,172 ( 1.4 %) 576,453 ( 6.8 %) 502,755 22.4 %)
Notes and coins in circulation of which held by public 23,914 20,998 29,294 25,367 (-(- •18.4 17.2 %) %) 21,549 18,813 ( ( 11.0 11.6 %) %) 21,581 18,615 ( ( 10.8 12.8 %) %)
Deposits
—
Demand deposits Savings deposits Time deposits with banks Time deposits with dtcs All HK$ deposits All foreign currency deposits Total 38,521 136,541 341,407 65,875 254,208 328,136 582,344 37,475 130,241 334,388 67,103 248,477 320,731 569,208 ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 2.8 4.8 2.1 -1.8 2.3 2.3 2.3 %) %) %) %) %) %) %) 34,590 120,926 319,369 70,992 237,184 308,693 545,877 ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 11.4 12.9 6.9 -7.2 7.2 6.3 6.7 %) %) %) %) %) %) 28,509 100,976 259,234 85,626 218,574 255,770 474,344 ( ( ( (■ ( ( ( 35.1 35.2 31.7 -23.1 16.3 28.3 22.8 %) %) %) %) %) %) %)
Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 36,228 4,558 36,717 4,408 ( ( -1.3 3.4 %) %) 34,864 3,978 ( ( 3.9 14.6 %) %) 31,131 4,732 ( ( 16.4 -3.7 %) %)
Other loans for use in H.K. Other loans for use outside H.K. Other loans where the place of use is not known 285,110 . 165,597 32,250 278,341 165,510 32,213 ( ( ( 2.4 0.1 0.1 %) %) %) 265,894 160,084 29,665 ( ( ( 7.2 3.4 8.7 %) %) %) 240,740 152,196 23,619 ( ( ( 18.4 8.8 36.5 %) %)
All loans in HK$ All loans in foreign currencies Total 263,659 260,084 257,712 259,476 ( ( 2.3 0.2 %) %) 246,805 247,680 ( ( 6.8 5.0 %) %) 225,712 226,705 ( ( ( 16.8 14.7 %) %)
523,743 517,188 ( 1.3 %) 494,485 ( 5.9 %) 452,417 15.8 %)
- 0 - - ' - - /5 ..
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1987
5
HK’S SHARE IN UK TEXTILE MARKET DROPS * * * * *
HONG KONG’S SHAPE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S IMPORT MARKET FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS HAS CONTINUED to FALL IN RECENT YEARS.
THIS w/aS THE MAIN FINDING OF AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF UK’S TRADE IN TEXTILES UNDER THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
THE REVIEW, CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, SHOWED THAT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (LDCS) IN GENERAL, AND HONG KONG IN PARTICULAR, WAS WORSE UNDER MFA |f| THAN UNDER MFA I I.
WHILE THE LDCS SHARE OF THE UK IMPORT MARKET, CALCULAIED IN VALUE TERMS, DECLINED FROM 29 PER CENT UNDER MFA II (1978-1^82) TO 28 PER CENT UNDER MFA III (1DR3-86), HONG KONG FARED EVEN WORSE WITH ITS SHARE DECLINING FROM 13 PEP CENT TO 10 PER CENT.
+THAT HONG KONG, WITH ITS COMPLETELY OPEN MARKET, SHOULD HAVE MERITED SUCH TREATMENT IS GROSSLY INEQUITABLE.
+ IT IS ALSO COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE TO THE UK’S DECLARED INTENTION THAT NEWLY-INDUSTRIALISING COUNTRIES SHOULD OPEN UP THEIR MARKETS.
+ |T REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER THE SLIGHT RECOGNITION PAID TO HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET UNDER MFA IV (1987-1991) WILL HELP MATERIALLY TO REDRESS THIS SITUATION,* THE REVIEW SAID.
THE REVIEW SA ID THAT THE UK’S TRADE DEFICIT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING REACHED + A MASSIVE* 2.6 BILLION POUND STERLING, OF WHICH TWO-THIRDS WAS DUE TO TRADE WITH OTHER EEC COUNTRIES, FROM WHICH THE UK IMPORTED TWICE AS MUCH AS IT EXPORTED.
DESPITE the DEFICIT, THE UK TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES REGISTERED FASTER GROWTH THAN THE AVERAGE OF THE UK ECONOMY, WITH PROFITABILITY INCREASING.
THE REVIEW SA IDs *EEC SUPPLIERS INCREASED THEIR SHARE OF THE UK IMPORT MARKET AT THE EXPENSE OF THE LDCS.
+THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THE UK TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES DERIVED NO BENEFIT AT ALL FROM MFA III, IF ONLY BECAUSE THE ARTIFICIALLY INFLATED PRICE LEVEL WILL HAVE ENLARGED THE INDUSTRIES’ PROFITS.
+BUT THE GREATEST DIVERSION OF TRADE FROM COMPETITIVE SOURCES TO HIGHER-PRICED SUPPLIERS WILL HAVE INCREASED THE COST TO THE BRITISH CONSUMER AND TO THE UK ECONOMY OF THE PROTECTION PROVIDED TO THE INDUSTRIES, WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING TO REDRESS THE LARGE TRADE DEFICIT THE INDUSTRIES HAVE WITH THE EEC.*
/POINTING TO .......
MONDAY, MARCH JO, 198?
POINTING TO THE FACT THAT UK’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IS LESS THAN HALF OF WHAT IT IMPORTS FROM EEC COUNTRIES, THE REPORT ARGUED THAT |T IS THIS LACK OF COMPETITIVENESS WITH OTHER MEMBER STATES, DESPITE LOWER UK WAGES IN MANY CASES, THAT |S THE INDUSTRIES’ MAIN WEAKNESS.
+THE MFA AND THE FOCUS ON TRADE WITH LDCS IS CERTAINLY IRRELEVANT TO THAT PROBLEM AND IN ALL PROBABILITY DISTRACTS FROM PROPER ATTENTION TO |T,+ the REVIEW SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD FROM 1QG7 TO 19P1, AND HAS GIVEN SOME
THE REVIEW SAID that FOR MFA IV WHICH RUNS THE EEC HAS ADOPTED A LESS RESTRICTIVE POLICY RECOGNITION TO HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET.
BUT GROWTH RATES FOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILES PRODUCTS ARE STILL LOWER THAN OTHER LDCS +SO IT IS OUESTIONABLE WHETHER THE BALANCE PROVIDED IN THE ORIGINAL MFA WILL BE RESTORED.+
-------0---------
CHAI WAN COMPOSTING PLANT TO BE UPGRADED *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO CONSIDER THE UPGRADING OF CHAI WAN COMPOSTING PLANT INTO A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION.
THE PRESENT PLANT CONVERTS REFUSE INTO COMPOST, BY A FERMENTATION PROCESS, AND THE PRODUCT PRODUCED AS A SOIL CONDITIONER. THE ODOUR FROM THIS PROCESS, AND FROM THE OPEN BARGE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF THAT PART OF THE WASTE STREAM THAT CANNOT BE COMPOSTED, CAUSES ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THEREFORE TO CONSIDER OTHER MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUITABLE METHODS OF DISPOSING OF THE WASTE THAT IS GENERATED ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
CONSULTANTS ARE BEING COMMISSIONED TO ASSIST WITH THIS PROJECT AND THE CONSULTANCY, WHICH WILL COST $2.5 MILLION, WILL CONSIDER WAYS OF UPGRADING THE PRESENT PLANT INTO A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION.
WITH A TRANSFER STATION ON THE CHAI WAN SITE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, COLLECTED BY URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT VEHICLES, WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO ENCLOSED CONTAINERS AND TRANSPORTED TO LARGE SANITARY LANDFILL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY EITHER LARGE BARGE OR BULK ROAD VEHICLES.
/THIS METHOD
MONDAY, MARCH ?O, 1987
this method of bulk transport, especially if barging is used, WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ROAD TRIPS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE NECESSARY lr COLLECTION VEHICLES THEMSELVES WERE REQUIRED TO TRANSPORT WASTE TO LANDFILLS.
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WASTE HANDLING METHODS WILL BE EMPLOYED IN THE NEW PLANT IN ORDER TO AVOID THE CURRENT PROBLEMS OF ODOUR, DUST AND BIRD NUISANCE.
THE CONSULTANCY WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON.
------o-------
ANT I-PROTECT I ON ISM COMMITTEE AGREES ON WORK PROGRAMME *****
THE STEERING COMMITTEE AGAINST PROTECTIONISM (SCAP) HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON AND DISCUSSED THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES CONCERNING TRADE LEGISLATION.
THE SCAR HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO MONITOR AND ASSESS THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM IN THE UNITED STATES ON HONG KONG’S TRADE INTERESTS, AND TO CO-ORDINATE ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY AND MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY RELATED BODIES TO MAXIMISE EFFECTIVENESS.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE IS DRAWN FROM THE OMELCO PANEL ON TRADE, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS AND THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE SCAP AGREED ON A PROGRAMME OF WORK, INVOLVING REGULAR MONITORING OF TRADE LEGISLATION DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES AND WAYS TO PUT FORWARD HONG KONG’S CASE FOR FREE TRADE EFFECTIVELY.
+WE HAD A VERY LIVELY AND USEFUL DISCUSSION. MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED THEIR IDEAS FULLY,+ THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR ERIC HO SAID AFTER THE MEETING.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE SCAP WILL BE HELD IN LATE APRIL.
MEMBERS OF THE SCAP ARE MR STEPHEN CHEONG, MR IRA KAYE, MR ALLEN LEE, MR MICHAEL MILES, MR S.K. NGAI, MR JACK SO, MR JACK C. TANG, MISS ELEANOR WONG, DR PHILIP WONG, DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES.
- - 0 - -
/8
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1987
8
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A S57.7 MILLION CONTRACT TO THE CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER AND ELECTRIC CORPORATION TO PROVIDE FLOOD PROTECTION FACILITIES FOR FOUR LOW-LYING VILLAGES NEAR TIN SHU I WAI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE VILLAGES ARE LO UK TSUEN, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND KIU TAU WAI.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY (MONDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY, MR LUO FU.
+THE CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOD PROTECTION EMBANKMENTS AROUND THE VILLAGES, CHANNELS AND CULVERTS, FOUR FLOOD-CONTROL PONDS, ONE PUMPING STATION FOR EACH VILLAGE, TWO BRIDGES, AND A NUMBER OF FOOTBRIDGES AND ASSOCIATED ROADS,* MR KWOK SAID.
+THIS IS PART OF A SCHEME TO PROTECT THE FOUR LOW-LYING VILLAGES FROM FLOODING,* HE ADDED.
THE WORKS WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - o - -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED * K * H *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE LANE BOUNDED BY 16-28 GORDON ROAD, 82-86 HING FAT STREET AND 1-1B AND 3 WING HING STREET, HONG KONG.
THESE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE CLOSED IN ADVANCE SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, AT 9.30 AM ON MAY 8 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1986 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1987
PRE-QUALIFICATION TENDERS INVITED FOR FLYOVER WORKS
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION TO A LIST OF PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD, OVER KWAI FOO ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD JUNCTIONS IN KWAI CHUNG.
IN ADDITION TO WIDENING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND THE CONSTRUCTION CF A BOX CULVERT AND A FOOTBRIDGE, THE WORKS ALSO COMPRISE THE WIDENING AND MODIFICATION OF EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES AND EXTENSIVE UTILITY AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS CAN BE MADE TO FREEMAN FOX AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST), 16TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON APRIL 16.
- 0 -
SUBWAY SYSTEM FOR JORDAN ROAD AREA
*****
PEDESTRIANS WILL SOON BE PROVIDED WITH A SAFE GRADE-SEPARATED FACILITY TO CROSS JORDAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET AS WELL AS IMPROVED ACCESS TO THE JORDAN ROAD BUS TERMINUS AND FERRY PIER IN YAU MA TCI.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE COMPLETION CF REMAINING BUILDING WORKS FOR A SUBWAY SYSTEM AT THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD, FERRY STREET AND CANTON ROAD, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM CONSISTS OF TWO SUBWAYS CROSSING JORDAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET WITH COVERED RAMPS AND STAIRCASES.
THE FERRY STREET SUBWAY WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING STEEL FOOTBRIDGE IN THE VICINITY.
- - 0 - -
/10
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1987
10
CHING MING HOLIDAY REMINDER *****
CHING MING FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON SUNDAY (APRIL 5), IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A DAY OFF THE FOLLOWING DAY, IF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY HAPPENS TO BE THEIR NORMAL REST DAY.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN $10 500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY-TO-DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
------O-------
APPLY EARLY FOR EASTER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
*• * * •* *
ANYONE INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS SHOULD APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG USUALLY INCREASES DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH, PEOPLE SHOULD APPLY FOR PASSPORT AND CERTIFICATE CF IDENTITY WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL,+ HE SAID.
+ IT NORMALLY TAKES 10 WORKING DAYS TO ISSUE THESE DOCUMENTS IF APPLICATIONS ARE MADE IN THE HEADQUARTERS BUT LONGER IF MADE IN THE BRANCH OFF ICES.
+RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES ARE NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS LIKELY IF THERE ARE MANY APPLICANTS COMING AT THE SAME TIME,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BY APPLYING EARLY IT WOULD NOT ONLY SPREAD THE WORKLOAD OF THE DEPARTMENT BUT ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS EXTRA TIME TO MEET ANY FURTHER VISA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS WHERE NECESSARY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7333111.
-----o ----------
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1987
11
ROAD CLOSURE ON LANTAU ISLAND
*****
TO FACILITATE THE HOISTING OF A large EQUIPMENT TO THE TUNG CHUNG POWER STATION ON LANTAU ISLAND, A 20-METRE SECTION OF TUNG CHUNG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD TO TAI PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 1) TO 1.30 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER, THE ROAD CLOSURE WILL BE POSTPONED TO BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT ON APRIL 2 AND 1.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE FOLLOWING WILL BE AFFECTED:
* THE SOUTH ISLAND SCHOOL ON NAM FUNG ROAD;
* PREMISES ON 45-65 DEEP WATER BAY ROAD;
* PREMISES ON 4, 16-58 AND 37-91 REPULSE BAY ROAD;
* PREMISES ALONG BELLEVIEW DRIVE, INCLUDING REPULSE BAY GARDENS MANSION;
AND
* PREMISES ON 34-52, 33~55 ISLAND ROAD AND THE ANTI-MALARIA
STORE
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 50.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 295.355 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 296.499 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 50.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARRIVAL OF SIR Da VID WILSON........ 1
CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR FILM CLASSIFICATION BILL .......... 4
RETaIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR JANUARY RELEASED .......... 4
anti-mosquito Campaign under way........................... 9
NINE TO SPEaK aT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE .................... 10
REGISTRATION REVOKED....................................... 10
PUBLIC ORDER (ANENDMJTIT) ORDINANCE TO BE EXPLAINED........... 10
NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS OUT IN JULY .................. 11
TWO COMMENDED FOR FUEL TANK RESCUE ........................ 12
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCES IN EASTERN............- 13
NEW WORKS PROPOSED FOR SHa TAU KOK, SHA TIN ............... 13
GRANTS OFFERED FROM TRENCH FUND ........................... 14
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CaR NUMBERS ON SATURDAY ................ 15
SOUTHERN DB TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW .............. 16
STUDY TOUR MEMBERS TO TELL OF EXPERIENCE .................. 16
TENDERS INVITED FOR CHEUNG CHAU RECLAMATION ............... 17
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ..................................... 17
ONE MalL DELIVERY ON MOFDaY ............................... 18
SHA TIN COMMITTEES TO MEET ................................ 18
TSUEN WAN DB TO REVIEW YEAR'S ACHIEVEMENTS ................ 18
VISIT TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE ................ 19
TRaFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL FOR GOVERNOR'S ARRIVAL..........■ 19
WAN CHAI URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION EXTENDED ................ 20
ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAM SHUI PO, KWUN TONG ................... 20
NO FLUSHING WaTER ......................................... 20
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
1
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR
*
ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID WILSON * * * *
HONG KONG’S NEW GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL ARRIVE BY AIR IN HONG KONG ON THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 9. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND THEIR SON, MR ANDREW WILSON.
THEY WILL ARRIVE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT AT ABOUT 2.40 PM AND WILL BE MET BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND LADY AKERS-JONES. THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE VIP ROOM, WHERE SIR DAVID WILL CHANGE INTO UNIFORM AND LATER DEPART BY CAR.
THE PARTY WILL BOARD THE LADY MAUR INE AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE FOR A HARBOUR CROSSING TO QUEEN’S PIER. DUR I JG THE CROSSING. THERE WILL BE AN ESCORT OF ROYAL NAVY. FIRE SERVCES AND MARINE p6l ICE VESSELS AND A FLYPAST OF ROYAL HONG KONG UXILIARY AIR FORCE, ARMY AND ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTER A 17-GUN SALUTE WILL BE FIRED FROM HMS TAMAR.
ON DISEMBARKING AT EDINBURGH PLACE, THE ACTING GOVERNOR WILL PRESENT THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG, AND THEIR SPOUSES, THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG AND THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
SIR DAVID WILL THEN INSPECT A GUARD OF HONOUR FORMED BY THE 1ST BATTALION 2ND KING EDWARD Vil’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES, FOLLOW ING WHICH MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND THEIR SPOUSES WILL BE INTRODUCED OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE TO THE CITY HALL.
SIR DAVID WILL ENTER THE CONCERT HALL AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF OVER 1 QOO GUESTS, WILL BE SWORN IN AS HONG KONG’S 27TH GOVERNOR. WELCOME SPEECHES WILL BE MADE BY SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES AND SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG. SIR DAVID WILL MAKE A REPLY.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A COMMUNITY RECEPTION FOR SIR DAVID AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT.
FOLLOWING THE RECEPTION, SIR DAVID WILL DOT THE EYES OF A LION OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF THE CITY HALL BEFORE DEPARTING FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE. AT ITS ENTRANCE, A GUARD OF HONOUR FORMED BY WE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL PRESENT ARMS AND SIR DAVID WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE COMPLIMENT.
NEDIA ARRANGEMENTS
THERE WILL BE PRESS POSITIONS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, THE TSM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE, IN EDINBURGH PLACE, AND INSIDE THE CITY HALL FOYER, CONCERT HALL AND RESTAURANT. A PRESS BOAT WILL BE PROVIDED TO COVER THE CROSSING OF THE LADY MAUR INE.
/MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES .......
TUESDAY, MkRCH J1, 1987
- 2 -
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ISSUED SPECIAL LAPEL BADGES FOR EACH OF THE POSITIONS FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO CARRY TELELENSES.
GIS WILL SUPPLY POOL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FIRING OF THE 17-GUN SALUTE AND THE ARMS PRESENTATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
RTHK WILL PROVIDE LIVE TV COVERAGE OF THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL CEREMONY.
SKETCH MAPS OF THE PRESS POSITIONS WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION. DETAILS OF THE FACILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(1) KAI TAK AIRPORT
A FIXED PRESS POSITION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN ONLY WILL BE SET UP AT THE PIER NEXT TO THE VIP SUITE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 1.30 PM. THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE RESTRICTED AREA BY GIS OFFICERS.
(2) TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE
THE FIXED PRESS POSITION IS BY THE WATERFRONT NEXT TO THE PONTOON. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE IN POSITION BY 2.45 PM.
(3) PRESS BOAT
THE BOAT WILL DEPART FROM HMS TAMAR. THOSE WHO WISH TO USE TH IS FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN GATE OF HMS TAMAR AT 2.15 PM.
(4) QUEEN’S PIER/ED INBURGH PLACE
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS, +A+ AND +B+, BOTH CF WHICH WILL PROVIDE VIEWS OF THE INSPECTION OF THE GUARD OF HONOUR, INTRODUCTION TO LEADING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AND LION DANCE.
/POSITION +A+ .......
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 198?
- 3
POSITION +A+ IS UNDER THE CANOPY OF QUEEN’S PIER AND WILL PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL VIEW OF SIR DAVID DISEMBARKING.
POSITION +B+ IS ON THE ROOF OF THE COVERED WALKWAY OF THE CITY HALL FRONTING EDINBURGH PLACE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE GROUND FLOOR LIFT LOBBY OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK AT 2.30 PM. THOSE WHO WISH TO COVER THE LION DANCE MAY STAY ON OR REASSEMBLE IN THE LIFT LOBBY AT 4.45 PM. THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE PRESS POSITIONS BY GIS OFFICERS.
(5) CITY HALL FOYER
THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION AT THE BAR AREA FOR THO >E WHO WISH TO COVER THE ENTRY OF SIR DAVID TO THE CONCERT HALL. ,!E APPROACH TO THE HALL WILL BE LINED BY MEMBERS OF YOUTH GROUPS. f*EDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE GROUND FLOOR LIFT LOBBY OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK AT 2.45 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO PROVIDE ESCORT. AFTER SIR DAVID HAS ENTERED THE CONCERT HALL, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN THE PRESS POSITION IN THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT.
(6) CITY HALL CONCERT HALL
THERE WILL BE A PRESS POSITION ON ONE OF THE SIDE BALCONIES. THE CONCERT HALL WILL BE LIT BY STUDIO LIGHTS. NO FLASH LIGHTING WILL BE ALLOWED. THOSE COVERING THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE LIFT LOBBY OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK AT 3 PM. THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE PRESS POSITION BY GIS OFFICERS.
(7) CITY HALL RESTAURANT
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE LIFT LOBBY OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK AT 4 PM. THEY CAN TAKE PICTURES INSIDE THE RESTAURANT ON A RAISED PLATFORM AT ONE END OF THE RECEPTION AREA. THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE AMONG THE GUESTS. IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THOSE INSIDE THE CONCERT HALL TO JOIN THIS PRESS POSITION.
APPLICATION FOR LAPEL BADGES
APPLICATION FORMS WHICH WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE DUTY OFFICER, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BY NOON ON SATURDAY (APRIL 4).
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR BADGES MAY NOT BE MET FULLY. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF BADGES ISSUED FOR EACH POSITION, PARTICULARLY FOR THE PRESS BOAT FACILITY, AS THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS THAT CAN BE CARRIED.
------0------- /i» .............
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
4
CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR FILM CLASSIFICATION BILL * * * * *
CONSULTATION ON THE BILL ON FILM CLASSIFICATION WILL LAST MORE THAN A MONTH, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THIS MORNING’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, SIR DAVID SAID: +WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW IS THAT WE ARE PROPOSING THAT A BILL WOULD BE PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY.
+AND THEN, THERE WILL BE A PERIOD "’F SEVERAL WEEKS - OVER A MONTH - FOR CONSULTATION ON THE BILL BEFORE IT GOES ANY FURTHER. AND THAT WILL ALSO GIVE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TIME TO LOOK AT IT AS WELL.
+ IT’S NOW BEING PUBLISHED AS A WHITE BILL BEFORE IT’S PUBLISHED AS A BLUE BILL.+
--------o ---------
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR JANUARY RELEASED
*****
„_,„!!!! VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY 1987, PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED AT $7 270 MILLION, WAS 18 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JANUARY 1986 WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS 12 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY ^TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ncUAJHIS IS IN L,NE WITH A SIGNIFICANT FIRMING UP IN CONSUMER
ochcaI'51"s of the chinese new yEAR ls ALS0
„ COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT IN VALUE oonnn5-r^ER CENT 1 N VOLUME. BOTH +CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS+ AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* WENT UP BY 21 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3/ER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FUELS HAD A DECREASE OF 15 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT ALMOST NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS ROSE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
/BOTH MOTOR .......
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
5
cllno-r?2Jtl.!U'0T0R VEHICLES AND PARTS AND DEPARTMENT STORES RECORDED salesAvolume!NCREASES in sales value and considerable INCREASES IN
r-vnr-r,?0NSUMER DURABI-ES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS
rars ,n sales 'alije ™
COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987
WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL S/v ES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 18 PER CENT iN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* WERE 13 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT.
FUELS DROPPED BY 15 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT HAD ALMOST NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND CONSIDERABLY IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES BY SUPERMARKETS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1986, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1987 INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES HAD INCREASES OF 3 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. FUELS AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* FELL BY 1 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
/RETAIL SALES
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
6
RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. +MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS* AND +CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS* RECORDED MODERATE AND SLIGHT INCREASES RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED SLIGHT DECREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS the REVISED total RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1936 AND the PROVISIONAL F|PURE FOR JANUARY 1987.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN 1986 AND JANUARY 1987 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FROM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), EITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF JANUARY 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR DFrFMRFR 1986 AND WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1986 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAII SALES IN THE THREE MONTHS NOVEMBER 1986-JANUARY 1987 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE ALSO GIVEN. ’
VALUERSJf
JrOM ™CTa0BEr?98iN?0TDHfc!„E8tR"wa6Y.a’JUSTE“ 'NDEXES 4ND TRE,,DS
nt-01 J8E 8EPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JANUARY 1987 SI1RVFY Results H 0N SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT publication sales centre GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT fl PER COPY*
PLACE, AT >1 PER COPY.
enquiries about the survey results DEPARTMENT’S WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE 5-8234941.
MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE STATISTICS SECTION ON
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, MARCH , 1987
TABU 1 t TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Bale* for January 198? (Provisional Figure) * HXI7 270 Billion for Dooenber 1986 (Revised Figure) . HXI7 166 Billion
TABU 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES CT RETAIL SALES ___________FOR DECEMBER 1986 AND JANUARY 1987
(Monthly average of Oot. 84 - Sept. 85 ■ 100)
Ites Index of Retail Sales December 1986 January 1987 January 1987 compared rith December 1986 January 1987 coopered with January 1986 Nov. 86 - Jan. 87 compared with Nov. 85 - Jan. 86
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points Points * Points
(A) roa ALL RETAIL TRADES Value 128 130 ♦ 2 ♦ 1 ♦20 ♦ 18 ♦14 ♦13
Volume 120 122 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦14 ♦ 12 ♦ 8 ♦ 8
(B) BT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco Value Volume 115 114 130 128 ♦ 16 ♦13 ♦14 ♦12 ♦26 ♦21 ♦25 ♦20 ♦16 ♦13 ♦16 ♦ 13
Fuels Value 87 86 - 1 - 1 -15 -15 -15 -15
VolUBO 102 101 - 1 - 1 • • • •
Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Voluae 152 135 157 146 ♦ 6 ♦11 ♦ 4 ♦ 8 ♦27 ♦18 ♦21 ♦ 14 ♦23 ♦ 14 ♦18 ♦11
Consumer durables Value 122 126 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 ♦14 ♦ 12 ♦ 15 ♦ 14
Voluae 110 113 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 5 ♦ 5
Other oontruafer goods Value 139 131 - 7 - 5 ♦23 ♦21 ♦15 ♦ 13
Volume 127 121 - 6 - 5 ♦ 15 ♦14 ♦ 7 ♦ 6
(c) BY SELECTED TRADES
Supermarketa Value 128 160 ♦33 ♦25 ♦52 ♦48 ♦26 ♦24
Voluae 123 154 ♦32 >26 ♦47 ♦44 ♦22 ♦21
Motor vehicles and parts Value Voluae 147 119 158 128 ♦11 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦ 7 ♦31 ♦12 ♦25 ♦10 ♦ 37 ♦17 ♦34 ♦ 16
Consumer durables other than ootor vehicles and parts Value Voluae 115 107 116 108 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 8 ♦ 1 ♦ 7 ♦ 1 ♦ 9 ♦ 1 ♦ 8 ♦ 1
Department stores Value 159 153 - 6 - 4 ♦27 ♦21 ♦17 ♦ 13
• Volume 143 142 - 1 - 1 ♦ 18 ♦ 15 ♦ 9 ♦ 7
Notes : 1. "Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco" includes "aupemarkets"•
2. "Consumer durables" includes "motor vehicles and parts".
3« "Other consumer goods" includes "department stores".
4. Figures denoting changes aro derived from the unrounded index figures.
5. • denotes change of less than 0.3.
/Graph 1: •••••••
Value index
- 8 - TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
Graph 1: Value Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Value index
Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Notes: (1) Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using the X-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
-------0 ------- /9.................
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
9
ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY
*****
A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE 5-8916443 WILL START OPERATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO GIVE ADVICE ON MOSQUITO PREVENTION WITH THE APPROACH OF THE HOT AND HUMID WEATHER.
„AljnATH!S IS PART °F THE tERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-MOSQUITO EDUCATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY The HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE IMMINENT NUISANCE.
EMPHASISING THE MESSAGE OF +NO STAGNANT WATER, NO MOSQUITO BREEDING*, THE UNIT’S SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR, MR WONG LUP-QAY, SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF MOSQUITO BREEDING:
■ * TO KEEP ALL TINS, BOTTLES AND OUTER TYRES AWAY FROM OPEN SPACES SUCH AS ROOFS, YARDS AND CANOPIES, AND TO TURN UPSIDE DOWN ALL LARGE RECEPTACLES WHICH CANNOT BE MOVED READILY:
* TO COVER WATER STORAGE TANKS AND SEE THAT THEY ARE IN GOOD REPAIR;
* TO ENSURE THAT DRAINAGE IS IN ORDER J AND
* TO RENEW WATER IN VASES AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY AND TO MAKE SURE THAT NO WATER ACCUMULATES IN TRAYS OF FLOWER POTS FOR MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS.
HE ALSO URGED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO FREQUENTLY INSPECT THEIR SITES AND TO REMOVE ALL STAGNANT WATER, OR TO SPRAY AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY A LAYER OF LIGHT DIESEL ON THE SURFACE OF WATER WHICH COULD NOT BE ELIMINATED.
♦DISTRICT HEALTH STAFF OF BOTH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE,* HE ADDED.
STAFF OF THE UNIT WILL ALSO SEND CIRCULAR LETTERS WITH SUPPORTING PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS, INCORPORATED OWNERS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES APPEALING FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION.
TO STIMULATE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE MESSAGE, POSTERS AND HANDBILLS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR DISPLAY, MR WONG SAID.
+THE MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED TO BROADCAST IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO ALLOWS MOSQUITO BREEDING ON PREMISES IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000.
- - o -
/1O
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
10
NINE TO SPEAK AT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE
*****
NINE OFFICIALS WILL BE SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987.
SPEAKING SECRETARY FOR FOR EDUCATION SECURITY, THE
WILL BE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORDl
HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS 5 SECRETARY AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE; SECRETARY FOR HON DAVID JEAFFRESON? SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO; SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES; SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG? SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO,
AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS.
IN ADDITION, TWO SESSIONAL PAPERS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE NEETING ARE THE REPORT BY THE TRUSTEE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1, 1985 TO AUGUST 31, 1986 AND THE REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1987-88.
-------o _ - - -
REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF CHOW SANG SANG FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
-------o---------
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE TO BE EXPLAINED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND INFORMATION, M? JAMES SO, WILL ATTEND THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2) TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES RAISED BY TWO MEMBERS ABOUT THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.
GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WAI-DART, WILL ALSO ATTEND TO INTRODUCE THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS SUGGESTED BY THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
/members will .......
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED RE-SURFACING SCHEME OF CHUN YEUNG STREET AND RE-SITING ARRANGEMENT FOR HAWKERS DURING AND AFTER RE-SURFACING WORKS.
THE DEFECTIVE ROAD CONDITIONS AT CHUN YEUNG STREET HAVE GIVEN RISE TO REPEATED COMPLAINTS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING TO TEMPORARILY RESITE SOME HAWKERS THERE SO THAT URGENT REPAIRS CAN BE MADE TO THE ROAD SURFACE.
TWO PROJECT MANAGERS OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. WILL ALSO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK ON THE PROJECT AND EXPLAIN THE NOISE NUISANCE EMITTED DURING CONSTRUCTION IN RESPONSE TO RECENT COMPLAINTS FROM NEARBY RESIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. >
------o ------
NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS OUT IN JULY
*****
A NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON JULY 13 TO REPLACE THE CURRENT SERIES INTRODUCED FIVE YEARS AGO.
DESIGNED BY A LOCAL ARTIST, MR ROBERT HOOKHAM, THE NEW STAMPS COMPRISE 15 DENOMINATIONS OF 10 CENTS. 40 CENTS, 50 CENTS. 60 CENTS, 70 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, SI, $1.30, Si.70, $2, S5, S10, S20 AND S50. 3
THE NEW DESIGN FEATURES THE HEAD OF THE QUEEN TAKEN FROM A PHOTOGRAPH OF A BAS-RELIEF BY ARNOLD MACHIN ON A GRADATED COLOUR BACKGROUND. DEPICTED UNDERNEATH THE QUEEN’S PORTRAIT ARE FINE LINE DRAWINGS OF SELECTED HONG KONG SCENES.
ON THE LOW DENOMINATIONS (10 CENTS TO $2), A COMMON DRAWING IS USED SHOWING A WATERFRONT VIEW OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT. ON HIGHER DENOMINATIONS, DIFFERENT DRAWINGS ARE USED, INCLUDING A WATERFRONT VIEW OF TSIM SHA TSUI (S5), A VIEW OF VICTORIA HARBOUR LOOKING TOWARDS KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL (S10), THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING ($20) AND GOVERNMENT HOUSE ($50).
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW STAMPS. FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
/THE EXISTING
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
- 12 -
THE EXISTING DEFINITIVE STAMPS '//ILL BE WITHDRAWN FiJOM SALE ON JULY 11. COVERS COMMEMORATING THEIR LAST DAY OF SALE WILL BE ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY AND A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED.
ALTHOUGH THE NEW STAMPS WiLL BE INTRODUCED ON JULY 13, THE OLD SERIES WILL REMAIN VALID FOR PREPAYMENT OF POSTAGE AFTER THAT DATE.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.
BESIDE THE NEW DEFINITIVE RANGE, TWO OTHER STAMPS OF A SMALLER SIZE AND DIFFERENT DESIGN WILL BE ISSUED SPECIFICALLY FOR STAMPVENDING MACHINES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME STAMPS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND ISSUED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE SMALLER 10 CENTS AND 50 CENTS STAMPS SHOW A HONG KONG FLAG ON A WHITE BACKGROUND AND A STYLISED MAP OF HONG KONG.
FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), ALL EXISTING SI STAMP-VENDING MACHINES WILL GRADUALLY BE CONVERTED TO DELIVER THE NEW 50 CENTS STAMPS. THEY WILL BE GRADUALLY SUSPENDED UNTIL JULY 13 FOR MODIFICATION WORK.
THE NEW MACHINES SHOULD PROVE MORE CONVENIENT IN MAKING UP POSTAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR CORRESPONDENCE. TEN CENTS STAMP-VENDING MACHINES WILL HOWEVER STILL BE AVAILABLE FOR USE DURING THIS PERIOD.
----0------
TWO COMMENDED FOR FUEL TANK RESCUE
*****
A FIRE OFFICER AND A FIREMAN WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WHEN RESCUING TWO MEN FOUND COLLAPSED IN THE FUEL TANK OF A VESSEL LAST MONTH.
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR WOO KWAN-KUEN OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATION TO SENIOR STATION OFFICER WAN KOON-PONG AND FIREMAN SHUM WAN-PO.
ON FEBRUARY 17, THE TWO MEN WERE CALLED TO THE S.S. ROYAL VIKING SKY BERTHED ALONGSIDE KOWLOON WHARF. WHERE TWO CLEANSING WORKERS WERE REPORTED LYING UNCONSCIOUS INSIDE A FUEL TANK.
AS THE ENTRANCE TO THE TANK WAS VERY NARROW, MR WAN COULD ONLY DEPLOY ONE BREATHING APPARATUS MAN WEARING TO GO DOWN INTO THE TANK.
GROPING IN THE SPACE BELOW, MR SHUM SUCCEEDED IN REACHING THE VICTIMS AND BROUGHT THEM TO SAFETY.
-------0--------- /1J.................
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
- 13
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCES IN EASTERN * * * * *
THREE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCES COVERING FIVE BACKLANES IN EASTERN DISTRICT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT TO REMOVE GAS LEAKAGE RISKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE FIVE TARGET LANES WERE THE BACKLANES OF TSI NG FUNG STREET AND WING HING STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY’ AND THE BACKLANES OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD, CHUN YEUNG STREET AND KING’S ROAD IN NORHT POINT.
THE CLEARANCE OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE. THE OPERATIONS COMPLETED THE BACKLANE STRUCTURE CLEARANCE PROGRAMME FOR 1986-87 IN THE DISTRICT.
A TOTAL OF 178 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED AND 15 LICENSED STALLS WERE ALSO TRIMMED DOWN TO THEIR PERMITTED SIZE.
THE 127 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCES HAD BEEN REHOUSED OR granted ex-gratia ALLOWANCES.
THESE BACKLANES WOULD BE REPAVED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AFTER THE REMOVAL OF ALL DEBRIS BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE COMPLETION OF NECESSARY REPAIR WORKS. BARRIERS AND WARNING NOTICES WILL BE PUT UP AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE LANES TO WARN AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF CLEARANCE FOR 1987-88 ALSO WOULD INCLUDE FIVE LOCATIONS, ONE IN NORTH POINT AND FOUR IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
IN ADDITION, SOME ILLEGAL STRUCTURES OCCUPYING PART OF THE PAVEMENT AT NORTH VIEW STREET WOULD ALSO BE REMOVED AFTER THE RESUMPTION OF THE STREET IN MID-1987.
A TOTAL OF 80 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CLEARED IN 1987-88.
-------0---------
NEW WORKS PROPOSED FOR SHA TAU KOK, SHA TIN
*****
NEW WORKS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT AT SHA TAU KOK AND SHA TIN TO COPE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN SHA TAU KOK, A SUBSIDIARY PUMPING STATION IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF SAN LAU STREET IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLANNED SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
/IT WILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 51, 1987
IT WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN THE EXISTING HIGHWAY BOUNDARY AND ALONGSIDE THE BOUNDARY WALL TO THE NULLAH.
ALSO PROPOSED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN SHA TAU KOK IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DETERIORATING BAILEY BRIDGE AT TAI TONG WU NEAR SHA TAU KOK ROAD.
A REINFORCED CONCRETE
THE PROPOSAL INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING
BOX CULVERT AT ABOUT 30 METRES UPSTREAM OF THE EX 1ST ING BAILEY BRIDGE; a SIX-METRE WIDE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH A 1.6-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE* DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE A CONSTRUCTING THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
AND
ON COMPLETION. THE EXISTING JUNCTION BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD TO TAI TONG WU VILLAGE AND THE SHA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED.
IN SHA TIN, THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES THE PROVISION OF AN ACCESS ROAD TO A SUBSTATION SITE TO BE GRANTED TO THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED.
THE WORK INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A 10.65-METRE WIDE ACCESS ROAD FROM THE FUTURE EXTENSION OF PIK TIN STREET TO SHA TIN TOWN LOT NO. 315, ASSOCIATED FOOTPATH, STREET FURNITURE, EARTHWORKS, DRAINAGE AND RETAINING WALLS.
NOTICES ON THE THREE PROPOSED WORKS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS IN WRITING MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 26.
-----0------
GRANTS OFFERED FROM TRENCH FUND
*****
ADO, . NCJLk F0R RECREATION AND SPORT (CRS) IS INVITING ^ICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR BOTH W°RKS AND NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR.
AND $2'5 M,LLI°N WILL BE ALLOCATED FOR CAPITAL WORKS AND NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS RESPECTIVELY TO WISh,Ng TO INITIATE PROJECTS WHICH WILL OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE, PERMANENT OR LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC.
THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE CRS OF THE MUNICIPAL
PRoVotq a cn t 1 dd am at ED T0 ENCOURAGE RECREATIONAL AND RELATED iiqcJnrT|S^onnr AT PR0m0t,NG PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PURPOSEFUL -PEOPLE LE SURE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PARTICULARLY OF YOUNG
/APPLICATION FORMS
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE INDOOR GAMES HALL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS. THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION 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, 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IS MAY 20 WHILE APPLICATIONS FOR NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS WILL BE RECEIVED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
----0------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ON SATURDAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 4) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY
HALL RECITAL HALL.
THE 38 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AVAILABLE : FOR B IDDING ARE:
DL8168 DM128 AB448 AA4428 DL9638
DL1688 CK33 DM288 DL393 DM7673
CYO779 DM7808 DL383 BB4428 3872
DM668 DL9633 DM821 DM918 AA331
DM3328 DM2 AT2O33 HK1686 DL60
CKO AV2OO3 DM123 DM929 BB322
DM1328 DL7351 DL7834 DM8368 EP218
AA1686 DM1011 DM168
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS AFTER THE BIDDING. MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS 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.
I
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 113TH ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-------0--------- /16.................
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
- 16 -
SOUTHERN DB TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS PLANS TO SET UP A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE DAIRY FARM SITE IN POK FU LAM.
THE BOARD’S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE DECIDED AT EARLIER MEETINGS THAT THERE APPEAR TO BE NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE DAIRY FARM SITE IF THE SERIOUS PROJECTED SHORTAGE OF TEMPORARY HOUSING SPACES IN THE SOUTHERN WAS TO BE ALLEVIATED.
THE ISSUE WAS RAISED BY ELECTED MEMBER, MR RAYMOND KWOK, AT THE BOARD’S LAST MEETING ON MARCH 26 FOLLOWING OBJECTIONS TO THE PLAN FROM SOME RESIDENTS IN POK FU LAM. THE BOARD SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO AGAIN LOOK INTO THE AVAILABILITY OF SITES IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL FURTHER STUDY THE MATTER AT TOMORROW’S MEETING.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND OVERSEAS STUDY TOURS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, NO. 7-11, NAM NING STREET, MEI FUNG COURT, SECOND FLOOR, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
-------C ---------
STUDY TOUR MEMBERS TO TELL OF EXPERIENCE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARDS WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2) TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT CF THEIR EXPERIENCE DURING A RECENT STUDY TOUR TO AUSTRALIA.
DURING THE TOUR, MEMBERS STUDIED URBAN TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN VARIOUS AUSTRALIAN CITIES AND STATES AS WELL AS EXAMINING THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS.
THEY ALSO VISITED MELBOURNE WHERE MEMBERS OBTAINED FIRSTHAND INFORMATION ON THE URBAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE CITY, WHICH HAS A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THE ONE PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN.
/TUEN MUN
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
- 17 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT, IN HIS CAPACITY AS TOUR LEADER, WILL MAKE A SPEECH AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, YUEN LONG.
-------0 ---------
TENDERS INVITED FOR CHEUNG CHAU RECLAMATION
*****
WORK ON THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 2.8 HECTARES OF LAND IN TAI SHEK HAU ON CHEUNG CHAU IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 350-METRE-LONG SEAWALL AND ASSOCIATED ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 21-MONTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
--------0----------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES * * *
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL HOLIDAYS ON APRIL 5 AND 6 AND THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM APRIL 17 TO APRIL 20.
THE EIGHT CLINICS WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE, YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON? LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
-------o----------
/18
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
18
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON MONDAY * * * * *
THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON APRIL 6 (MONDAY), THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, I Ic POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
FORTY-TWO POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI OFFICES IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WING STREET, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES w ILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM ? A TO NOON THAT DAY.
DETAILS OF THE 42 POST OFFICES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY POST OFFICE OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-231071.
------0-------
SHA TIN COMMITTEES TO MEET
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND THURSDAY RESPECTIVELY.
THE CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE REPORT OF WORKING GROUPS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETINGS. THE CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM ON THURSDAY. BOTH MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE SIXTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, KCR HOUSE.
------o-------
TSUEN WAN DB TO REVIEW YEAR'S ACHIEVEMENTS
*****
TSUEN REVIEW THE MEETING ON
WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN PAST YEAR’S ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE BOARD’S REGULAR THURSDAY (APRIL 2).
WILL
AFTER
H,s INTRODUCTION, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO SPEAK AND RAISE QUESTIONS ON ISSUES CONCERNING THE DISTRICT.
/LISTS ON
TUESDAY, MARCH J1, 1987
LISTS ON MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD'S COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR WILL BE TABLED FOR ENDORSEMENT.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR OF THE YUN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2).
0 - -
VISIT TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES WILL VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2).
ARRANGED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, THE GROUP WILL ALSO VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ITS WORK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE, NEXT TO THE KWAI HING MTR STATION, BY 1.30 PM.
- 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL FOR GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3) FOR THE DRESS REHEARSAL OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
THE MEASURES WILL BE REPEATED ON APRIL 9 WHEN THE ACTUAL WELCOMING CEREMONY IS HELD.
/FROM 2 PH
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1987
FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN HMS TAMAR AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FLAG CARS AND THOSE WITH PARKING LABELS. VEHICLES LEAVING THE CITY HALL CAR PARK WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT FOR ACCESS TO HARCOURT
ROAD
IN ADDITION, FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM, GREEN MINIBUS STANDS FOR ROUTES 1, 2, 3, AND 3A AT EDINBURGH PLACE EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED AND RESITED TO CONNAUGHT PLACE OUTSIDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.
- - 0 -
WAN CHAI URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION EXTENDED * * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR LRBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SECTION OF TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD, WHICH HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE MARCH 7, WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER MONTH FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3).
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
- - 0 - -
ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAM SHU I PO, KWUN TONG
*****
PEI HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC SINCE LAST FRIDAY (MARCH 27), WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT 11 MONTHS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY IN SHEK KIP MEI.
MOTORISTS ON TAI PO ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR BERWICK STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO PAK TIN STREET.
IN KWUN TONG, THE SERVICE LANE AT THE REAR OF HOUSE NOS. 1 TO 29 OF TAI YIP STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 2) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER DRAIN AND SEWER.
- 0 -
NO flushing water
* * * * *
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES ON TSING Yl ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8.30 AM TO 9 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3) DUE TO THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE TSING Yl SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.
ALL PREMISES ON TSING Yl ISLAND WILL BE AFFECTED.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL- 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 198?
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID WILSON
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID WILSON
* * * A *
Hong Kong’s new Governor, Sir David Wilson, will arrive by air in Hong Kong in the afternoon of April 9. He will be accompanied by Lady Wilson and their son, Mr Andrew Wilson.
They will arrive at Kai Tak Airport at about 2.40 pm and will be met by the Acting Governor and Lady Akers-Jones. They will be escorted to the VIP Room, where Sir David will change into uniform, and later depart by car.
The party will board the Lady Maurine at the Tsim Sha Tsui East promenade for a harbour crossing to Queen’s Pier. During the crossing, there will be an escort of Royal Navy, Fire Services and Marine Police vessels and a flypast of Royal HK Auxiliary Air Force, Army and Royal Air Force aircraft and helicopters. A seventeen gun salute will be fired from HMS Tamar.
On disembarking at Edinburgh Place, the Acting Governor will present the Chief Justice, the Chief Secretary, the Commander British Forces, the Bishop of Hong Kong, and their spouses, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong, and the Senior Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils.
Sir David will then inspect a Guard of Honour formed by the 1st Battalion 2nd King Edward Vil’s Own Gurkha Rifles, following which members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and their spouses will be introduced outside the entrance to the City Hall.
Sir David will enter the Concert Hall and, in the presence of over 1,000 guests, will be sworn in as Hong Kong’s 27th Governor. Welcome speeches will be made by Sir David Akers—Jones and Sir S.Y. Chung, Senior Member of the Executive Council. Sir David will make a reply.
- 2 -
After the ceremony, there will be a community reception for Sir David at the City Hall Restaurant. w t > • .
Following the reception, Sir David will dot the eyes of a lion outside the entrance of the City Hall before departing for Government House. At its entrance, a Guard of Honour formed by the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) will present arms and Sir David will acknowledge the compliment. ' «• f 4-
Media Arrangements
There will be press positions at Kal Tak Airport, the Tsim Sha Tsui East promenade, Edinburgh Place, and inside the City Hall foyer, Concert Hall, and Restaurant. A press boat will be provided to cover the crossing of the Lady Maurine. Media representatives will be issued special lapel badges for each of the positions for easy identification. Photographers are advised to carry telelenses. GIS will supply pool photographs of the firing of the 17 gun salute and the arms presentation by the Royal Hong Kong Regiment at Government House. RTHK will provide live TV coverage of the proceedings from the arrival of Sir David at Tsim Sha Tsui East to the conclusion of the City Hall Concert Hall ceremony. Sketch maps of the press positions are attached. Details of the facilities are as follows:
(1) Kai Tak Airport
A fixed press position for photographers and cameramen only will be set up at the pier next to the VIP suite. Media representatives are requested to assemble at the Press Room on the ground floor of the airport terminal building by 1.30 pm. They will be escorted to the restricted area by GIS officers.
- 3 -
(2) Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade
The fixed press position is by the waterfront next to the pontoon. Media representatives are requested to be in position by 2.45 pm.
(3) Press Boat
The boat will depart from HMS Tamar. Those who wish to use this facility are requested to assemble at the main gate of HMS Tamar at 2.15 pm.
(4) Queen*s Pier/Edinburgh Place
There will be two fixed press positions, “A” and "B", both of which will provide views of the inspection of the Guard of Honour, introduction to leading members of the community, and the eye-dotting ceremony and lion dance. Position "A” is under the canopy of Queen’s Pier and will provide the additional view of Sir David disembarking. Position ”B” is on the roof of the covered walkway of the City Hall fronting Edinburgh Place. Media representatives should assemble in the ground floor lift lobby of the City Hall High Block at 2.30 pm. Those who wish to cover the lion dance may stay on or reassemble in the lift lobby at 4.45 pm. They will be escorted to the press positions by GIS officers.
(5) City Hall Foyer
There will be a fixed position at the bar area for those who wish to cover the entry of Sir David to the Concert Hall. The approach to the Hall will be lined by members of youth groups. Media representatives should assemble in the ground floor lift lobby of the City Hall High Block at 2.45 pm. GIS officers will be present to provide escort. After Sir David has entered the Concert Hall, they will be able to join the press position in the City Hall
Restaurant.
- 4 -
(6) City Hall Concert Hall
There will be a press position on one of the side balconies* The Concert Hall will be lit by studio lights. No flash lighting will be allowed. Those covering the swearing-in ceremony are requested to assemble in the lift lobby of the City Hall High Block at 3 pm. They will be escorted to the press position by GIS officers.
(7) City Hall Restaurant
Media representatives are requested to assemble in the lift lobby of the City Hall High Block at 4 pm. They can take pictures Inside the restaurant on a raised platform at one end of the reception area. They will not be allowed to circulate among the guests. It will not be possible for those Inside the Concert Hall to join this press position.
Application for Lapel Badges
Please complete and return the attached application form to the Duty Officer, Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Queen’s Road Central, by 12 noon on Saturday, April 4, 1987.
Please note that your requirements for badges may not be met fully. It may be necessary to restrict the number of badges Issued for each position, particularly for the press boat facility, as there is a limit to the number of passengers that can be carried.
AEROBRIDGE
AEROBRIDGE
GATE 10
----------------- GATE 9
BAY 3
FINGER (PIER) iiil
PRESS
DOOR
~ —T"
V.I.P SUITE
m
KAI TAK AIRPORT ARRIVAL
SALISBURY ROAD 4fc±e*iJil
FOOTBRIDGE __।____i i--1—
TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE
ARRIVAL AT QUEEN’S PIER
CITY HALL
PRESS
TV/RADIO
PRESS
QUEEN’S PIER
CITY HALL, WELCOMING CEREMONY
a. ct m coco
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID WILSON
* * * * *
To : Duty Officer, Government Information Services Beaconsfield House, Queen’s Road Central, HK.
I wish to apply for lapel badges for admission to the following
press positions:
Press Position
*No. of Badges Required
Name of Assigned Reporter/Cameraman
(1) Kai Tak Airport
(2) Tslm Sha Tsui East Promenade
(3) Press Boat
(4) Queen’s Pier/ Edinburgh Place
"A”
“B"
(5) City Hall Foyer
(6) City Hall Concert Hall
(7) City Hall Restaurant
Signed :
Position :
Media Organisation :
Date : _________________________
*Please state number and give reasons if more than one badge is required.