DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
contents pace no.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING s
SIMPLE TAX STRUCTURE SERVING HONG KONG WELL................. 1
ESTIMATED SURPLUS HIGHER THAN FORECAST...................... 3
STRONG ECONOMY PUTS OFF NEED TO REVISE FORECAST............. 5
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE CONTROL VITAL......................... 6
FREEDOM NEEDED FOR SECURITIES RELATED BUSINESS.............. 7
NEED TO KEEP REASONABLE AMOUNT OF RESERVES IN HAND....... 7
CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTED TO WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG....... 8
SOCIAL •.TFT,FAR0 FARING WELL IN 1 CAKE-SLICING EXERCISE' ... 11
EDUCATION COMMISSION SET ON PROPER COURSE.................. 14
RESOURCES SUFFICIENT FOR LAW AND ORDER MAINTENANCE....... 17
COMMITMENT TO HOUSING REMAINS TOP PRIORITY ................ 20
POLICY OF ENGAGING CONSULTANTS TO BE STUDIED............... 21
PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK SUBSTANTIALLY TMTROVED............ 22
GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STRESSED .... 25
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION BY ERIC HO COMMENDED.............. 26
LONG SERVICE OF RETIRING SECRETARY LAUDED ................. 28
EX-GRATLA PAYMENTS AIMED AT REDUCING HARDSHIPS................ 29
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED...................... 29
TAI PO STORAGE SITE TO LET ................................... 30
MiCT THE MEDIA................................................ 30
OPENING OF MEN FACTORY ....................................... 31
31
32
32
SHEUNG SHUI SPEED LIMIT REVISED .... RESTRICTED ZONES ON NT CIRCULAR ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, APRIL. 1 1987
1
SIMPLE TAX STRUCTURE SERVING HONG KONG WH
*****
SEPARATE TAXATION OF MARRIED WOMEN OR THE INTRODUCE WORKING-WIFE ALLOWANCE WAS NEITHER DESIRABLE NOR NECESS/’ HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACO" THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 1 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS SAID: +OUR PRESENT SYSTEM IS BASED ON THE ABILITY TO PAY, HAS SERVED US WELL BECAUSE i .S SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND COST EFFICIENT TO ADMINISTER,
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE Ju'JL. . ARGUED THAT SEPARATE TAXATION OF MARRIED WOMEN WAS DES THE POINT OF VIEW OF SOCIAL JUSTICE.
THE HON PAULINE NG, HE SAID, HAD SUGGESTED THAT SE"1' TAXATION WOULD BENEFIT THE LABOUR MARKET BY ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE, WHILST OTHER MEMBERS HAD SUGGESTED ALLOWANCE FOR WORKING WIVES BE INTRODUCED.
+T HE INCOMES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE AGGREGATED BEC/ ABILITY TO PAY TAX DEPENDS ON THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE . . NOT UPON THE EXTENT TO WHICH EACH PARTNER RECEIVES T;
MR JACOBS SAID.
THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF JOINT ASSESSMENT, HE WENT ON. " THE MARRIED COUPLE AS THE FISCAL UNIT OF CHARGE, AND ME1 REQUIREMENTS OF EQUITY BY ENSURING THAT TWO FAMILIES WJ■' INCOMES WERE LIABLE TO IDENTICAL AMOUNTS OF TAX.
+ON THE BASIS OF EXISTING ALLOWANCES, SEPARATE i. "J'j
CREATE DIFFERENT RESULTS ON FAMILY TAX BURDENS DEPEND i i.\-RELATIVE INCOME SPLIT BETWEEN THE TWO WORKING SPOUSES, I WHETHER ONE, OR BOTH, SPOUSES ARE INCOME EARNERS,'
THE TOTAL TAX PAYABLE AFTER A COMPLICATED PROCESS SEPARATE TAXATION COULD BE THE SAME AS THAT ASSESSED UH"-PRESENT SYSTEM OF AGGREGATION, HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT IF SEPARATE TAXATION WERE ONLY ABOUT 16.5 PER CENT OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS WOULD Cli l!
THE REMAINING 83.5 PER CENT WOULD NOT.
+ IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES I QUESTION WHETHER THE AL"' AL RESOURCES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL COULD EE HE SAID.
ADOPTION OF SEPARATE TAXATION OVERLOOKED A MARRIED IN"' INEVITABLY CLOSE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL TIES WITH HIS Of PARTNER, HE ADDED.
/WITH REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
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WITH REGARDS TO MRS NG’S COMMENTS, MR JACOBS SAID, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM INHIBITED WOMEN WHO WISHED TO WORK FROM JOINING THE WORKFORCE.
+ON THE CONTRARY, HONG KONG’S FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE AT 48.5 PER CENT ALREADY COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THAT IN MANY DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO SUGGESTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION OF A WORKING-WIFE ALLOWANCE, MR JACOBS SAID SUCH AN ALLOWANCE WOULD BE EXPENSIVE.
AN ANNUAl ALLOWANCE OF $20 000 PROPOSED BY THE HON PETER POON WOULD COST $530 MILLION AT 1986-87 LEVELS OF INCOME.
♦ADDITIONALLY, THE INTRODUCTION OF A WORKING-WIFE ALLOWANCE WOULD UNDULY COMPLICATE OUR SIMPLE SYSTEM OF TAXATION, AND HAVE THE EFFECT OF CONFERRING BENEFITS ON A PARTICULAR GROUP OF TAXPAYERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GREATER MAJORITY,* HE SAID.
MR JACOBS THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR COMMENTS DURING THE EARLIER DEBATE ON THE OTHER ASPECTS OF TAXATION, INCLUDING THE VIEWS ON A BALANCE BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES.
+1 SENSED SOME APPRECIATION OF THE POTENTIAL VALUE OF A WIDER AND MORE STABLE TAX BASE - HOWEVER BALANCED BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT SOURCES.*
HE SAID HE AGREED WITH COMMENTS BY SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NOT HAVE A VALUE ADDED TAX. *1 DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A VALUE ADDED TAX WOULD BE RIGHT FOR HONG KONG,* MR JACOBS SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD DOUBTS ABOUT SOME MEMBERS’ SUGGESTION THAT FURTHER +LUXURY+ ITEMS BE BROUGHT INTO THE INDIRECT TAX NET, AS TO WHETHER THIS WOULD EFFECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO HIS OBJECTIVE OF MORE STABLE TAX YIELDS AND A BROADER BASE.
+T0 CONCENTRATE UPON THEM WOULD AMOUNT TO NO MORE THAN A TINKERING WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM.*
HE REPEATED AN ASSURANCE THAT +NOTHING WILL BE PROPOSED WITHOUT THE MOST CAREFUL APPRAISAL AND CONSIDERATION OF THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS*.
+THE PRESENT TAX REGIME HAS SERVED US WELL AND WILL NOT BE LIGHTLY CHANGED,* MR JACOBS SAID.
ALL ASPECTS OF THE TAX STRUCTURE WERE EXAMINED EACH YEAR, MR JACOBS SAID. +1 WOULD NOT WANT ANYONE TO THINK THAT IN PUTTING TOGETHER OUR PROPOSALS OUR APPROACH IS ARBITRARY.*
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 198?
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HE SAID IT WAS NOT AN OVERSIGHT THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF AN INCREASE IN THE DEPENDENT PARENTS ALLOWANCE.
♦SINCE THE ALLOWANCE HAD BEEN INCREASED AS RECENTLY AS 1986 I FELT THAT AN IMPROVEMENT IN CHILD ALLOWANCES DESERVED GREATER PRIORITY THIS YEAR,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID MISS DUNN SHARED HIS VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRATEGY FOR THE MEDIUM TERM.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE TOOK ISSUE WITH HER ON ONE POINT WHEN SHE QUESTIONED THE NEED TO MAINTAIN DUTY RATES IN REAL TERMS.
+TO MY MIND, ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF OUR FISCAL STRATEGY IS THAT WE SHOULD NOT LET OUR SPECIFIC TAX RATES ERODE IN REAL TERMS IN THE GOOD TIMES AND THEN BE FACED WITH HAVING TO INCREASE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS SUBSTANTIALLY WHEN THINGS TURN AGAINST US. SHARP CHANGES IN DUTY RATES ARE DISRUPTIVE,* HE SAID.
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ESTIMATED SURPLUS HIGHER THAN FORECAST
* * X *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REVISED THE ESTIMATED SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87 FROM $3.1 BILLION TO S3.7 BILLION.
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT GENERAL REVENUE FOR THE YEAR HAD MARGINALLY IMPROVED FROM $43.1 BILLION TO $43.6 BILLION MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED STAMP DUTY FROM EVEN HIGHER LEVELS OF STOCK MARKET TURNOVER THAN PREVIOUSLY ANTICIPATED.
IN TERMS OF EXPENDITURE ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT, MR JACOBS FORESAW LITTLE CHANGE FROM THE REVISED ESTIMATES GIVEN IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
A SLOWER PACE OF EXPENDITURE ON THE CAPITAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY SUBVENTED BODIES WAS PARTLY OFFSET BY SLIGHTLY HIGHER PAYMENTS ON THE PURCHASE OF WATER FROM CHINA AND UNDER THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS SAID EXPENDITURE FROM THE VARIOUS FUNDS WAS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT $250 MILLION LOWER DUE TO THE DELAY IN SOME PLANNED PURCHASES OF PROPERTY.
/BUT HE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
BUT HE SAID THIS WAS LARGELY THE HOME OWNERSHIP fund following
OVERALL, THE NET POSITION ON TO VARY SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THAT G HE SAID.
OFFSET BY LOWER RECEIPTS ON DELAY IN THE SALE OF FLATS.
THE FUNDS WAS NOT EXPECTED I VEN IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH,
BUT HE SAID REVENUE WAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO LAST MINUTE HIS COMMENTS TODAY REGARDING 1986-87 WERE STILL BASED ON ESTIMATES AS FIGURES FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCE WERE AVAILABLE ONLY TO THE END OF FEBRUARY. FINANCE
ADAiii-M? JACOBS NOTED THAT EXTENSIVE COMMENTS HAD BEEN MADE ABOUT THE BUDGET, BUT HE REGARDED THE DESCRIPTION +SIMPLY
AS A PR0PER AND CONSIDERED JUDGEMENT OF HlS rnOrOS ALS•
HE DISAGREED WITH A SUGGESTION THAT HIS BUDRFT WAR i Ark-iMr< Tn ijLat0N’ SAY,Nu THAT HIS PROPOSALS WERE PREPARED IN RELATION
HAD HAPPENED ,N The past AND what WAS FORESEEN FOR THE r U I U K t •
+ 1 MIGHT ADD THAT I HAVE THEREFORE ALREADY BEGUN TO EXAMINE OPTIONS FOR 1988,+ HE SAID. BEGUN TO
RESP°NDING TO COMMENTS THAT THE BUDGET WAS NOT DOING ENOUGH FOR INDUSiRY MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF INDUS I RY IN HONG KONG THROUGH SUCH BODIES AS THE INDUSTRY ?nuELKnMEWLn0ARD' THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
„ BEI ’Ev" that so far our programmes have been successfui OF COURSE, THEY CAN BE FURTHER DEVELOPED AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING. IT IS AM ON-GOING TASK.+
ALS0 SA,D WHILE IT WAS eaSY TO GIVE A RANGE OF FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR INDUSTRY, ALL TOO OFTEN THEY DID NOT HAVE THE DESIRED EFFECT. U U
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT WHATEVER WE DO GIVES VALUE FOR .»ETT6STA^.^T™iT“NHjTl?!A^DH^REET2oTBEcJA?LR?UciNHfY BU^EQUALLV
BE,BG HJSTLED IBT°
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
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STRONG ECONOMY PUTS OFF NEED TO REVISE FORECAST * * * * *
THE ECONOMY IS PERFORMING WELL AT PRESENT AND CURRENT EVIDENCE DOES NOT CALL FOR ANY REVISION IN THE ECONOMIC FORECAST FOR 1987, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 INDICATED THAT THE GROWTH MOMENTUM BUILT UP IN THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR HAD CONTINUED.
+THE CURRENT ORDER BOOK STRONG.
POSITIONS OF MANUFACTURERS REMAIN
+THIS AND THE FACT THAT RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR WERE STILL BUOYANT, SUGGEST THAT THE MOMENTUM WILL BE SUSTAINED FURTHER INTO THE YEAR,+ HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS STILL DERIVING SOME ADVANTAGE IN TERMS OF THE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS PRODUCTS FROM THE DEPRECIATION OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, MR JACOBS SAID THIS FACTOR, HOWEVER, WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE LESS INFLUENCE ON EXPORT GROWTH IN THE FUTURE.
THUS, IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC PRODUCTS COULD SLACKEN, GIVING A RELATIVELY LOWER GROWTH RATE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE FIRST HALF, HE NOTED.
MR JACOBS SAID HE BELIEVED IT WAS LIKELY THAT IN 1987 WE WOULD SEE GREATER INFLATIONARY PRESSURES THAN IN 1986.
THE RATE OF INFLATION AT THE CONSUMER LEVEL ACCELERATED SOMEWHAT TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 SHOWED THAT THIS INFLATIONARY PRESSURE WAS PERSISTING.
+THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN RECENT MONTHS HAS BEEN AT AN ALL TIME LOW, WHILE THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES HAS RISEN SHARPLY.
♦THIS TIGHT SITUATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE TO EXERT AN UPWARD PRESSURE ON WAGES AND SALARIES,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN THREATS TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED GROWTH WERE EXTERNAL, AND CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS THROUGH A SERIES OF OVERSEAS VISITS BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO ARGUE OUR CASE FOR FREE AND OPEN TRADE.
/6........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
f>
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE CONTROL VITAL
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THE CONTROL OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS THE KEY TO ENSURING THAT TOTAL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE DOES NOT GROW FASTER THAN THE ECONOMY CAN AFFORD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR JACOBS ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PAID CLOSE ATTENTION.
MR JACOBS SAID HE SHARED THE CONCERN EXPRESSED REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTROLLING THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON STAFF, DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING COSTS AND SO ON.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNLIKE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE TENDED TO BE CUMULATIVE AND ITS UPWARD TREND WAS POTENTIALLY MORE INEXORABLE.
ON THE TREATMENT OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION IN THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THERE WERE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHICH WERE NEEDED FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES.
BUT HE SAID FOR GDP CALCULATIONS, THERE WAS AN INTERNATIONAL DEFINITION OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, WHICH WE MUST FOLLOW.
+ AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THOSE ASPECTS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR OVER WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS A DIRECT BUDGETARY INFLUENCE- THIS IS WHAT WE CURRENTLY TRY TO REFLECT IN THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT,+ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE CONCLUSION WAS THAT IT WAS LESS IMPORTANT TO FIND A SINGLE STATISTIC THAN IT WAS TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT EACH STATISTIC MEANT AND TO APPLY IT CONSISTENTLY AND IN THE CORRECT CONTEXT.
+A STEP WE HAVE TAKEN THIS YEAR IS TO SET OUT IN THE APPENDICES TO THE BUDGET SPEECH AN INDICATION OF HOW THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT IS BUILT UP AND ITS RECONCILIATION WITH THE GDP MEASURE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
+WE WILL BE GIVING FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SECTION OF THE APPENDICES,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
FREEDOM NEEDED FOR SECURITIES RELATED BUSINESS * * * * *
IT IS GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL PHILOSOPHY THAT AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS THAT DEAL WITH SECURITIES RELATED BUSINESS SHOULD BE GIVEN AS MUCH FREEDOM AS POSSIBLE SO LONG AS THEY ARE AWARE CF THE RISKS INVOLVED AND ARE ADEQUATELY CAPITALISED TO ASSUME THOSE RISKS. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE SUBJECT OF SECURITIES DEALING BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS WAS CURRENTLY BEING EXAMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR BANKING.
+IT IS USEFUL TO REMEMBER IN THIS CONNECTION THAT THE NEW CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE ARE NOT SCHEDULED TO COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1988 AND THAT THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS IN THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, DESIGNED FOR GOOD PRUDENTIAL REASONS FOR COMPLIANCE BY THOSE DEALING IN SECURITIES, ARE OF A DIFFERENT, AND MORE SPECIALISED NATURE,+ l*R JACOBS SAID.
HE ADDED HOWEVER THAT IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT ARBITRAGING BETWEEN DIFFERENT SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS COULD BE DAMAGING TO MARKET REPUTATION AND TO THE INTERESTS OF DEPOSITORS AND INVESTORS.
+IT IS OUR AIM TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION OF REQUIREMENTS IN THESE TWO AREAS’ HENCE MY DECISION ANNOUNCED SOME TIME AGO AND IMPLEMENTED LAST SEPTEMBER TO BRING TOGETHER UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL MARKET,+ HE SAID.
ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE POTENTIAL DANGER ARISING FROM A LIQUIDITY CRISIS UNDER THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS WAS EVER PRESENT, MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY ITS BEST TO KEtP AHEAD OF MARKET DEVELOPMENTS SO AS TO AVOID ANY POTENTIAL DANGERS.
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NEED TO KEEP
REASONABLE AMOUNT OF RESERVES IN HAND
*****
tuc finamciai SECRETARY THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (uiFriNFsnATHAT THE GOVERNMENT’S RESERVES WERE THE BEST GUARANTEE CF STABILITY IN OUR PUBLIC FINANCES AND PRUDENCE DICTATED THAT REASONABLE AMOUNT IN HAND WAS KEPT.
wiiiniMr up THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLAnVE CoJncTE, MR JACOBS SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WACH CAREFULLY.
/ACKNOWLEDGING THAT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
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ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE GENERAL TENOR OF REMARKS MADE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THESE RESERVES, HE SAID THE FAC. THAT THEY WERE RECOVERING FROM A PERIOD DURING WHICH THEY WERE FALLING IN REAL TERMS WAS REASSURING.
TO A SUGGESTION THAT HE DELIBERATELY DID NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ECONOMY TO PRODUCE A MORE OBVIOUSLY POPULAR BUDGET, MR JACOBS SA IDs + l DO NOT CONSIDER THAT BUDGETo SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO SECURE SHORT-LIVED POLITICAL KUDOS.+
MR JACOBS THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET AND ASSURED THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE DEBATE WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING TOGETHER FUTURE BUDGETARY PROPOSALS.
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CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTED TO WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG
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THE CIVIL SERVICE IS COMMITTED TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG AND HELPING TO GOVERN IT EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+THE STYLE OF THE GOVERNMENT MAY CHANGE, PERSONALITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN THIS COUNCIL MAY CHANGE, BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE MUTUAL CONCERN OF MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL CERTAINLY NOT CHANGE,* HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR FORD SAID GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY OF GOVERNMENT ACTIONS HAD BECOME INEVITABLE AS HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE NOW MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE, MORE DEMANDING AND MORE PREPARED TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS.
+PUELIC DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS HAS ALSO BECOME MORE LIVELY, SOMETIMES EVEN HEATED, AND THE FULLEST JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY GOVERNMENT MEASURE IS NOW EXPECTED AS A MATTER OF COURSE.
+THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE HEALTHY AND GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY AND WE IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE WELCOME THEM,* HE SAID.
BUT MR FORD SAID WHEN THE CLAMOUR OF DEBATE WAS OVER, DECISIONS MUST BE TAKEN AND SOMETIMES THEY WERE NOT POPULAR WITH ALL SECTORS CF THE COMMUNITY.
/♦ALTHOUGH THERE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
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+ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE ROOM FOR DIFFERENCES OF OPINION ON HOW ISSUES ARE BEST HANDLED, I HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT THE MOTIVATION CF THE GOVERNMENT IN REACHING DECISIONS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, IS NOT IN QUESTION,+ HE STRESSED.
MR FORD ALSO SAID PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS FOR BETTER SERVICE, BETTER RESULTS AND MORE EMPHASIS ON COST EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC SPENDING WERE RISING.
ON THE QUESTION OF EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR FORD ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE MOMENTUM OF THE VALUE-FOR-MONEY EXERCISE WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
ON TOP OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF VALUE FOR MONEY STEERING GROUPS IN SEVEN DEPARTMENTS, MR FORD SAID SIMILAR GROUPS WOULD SHORTLY BE ESTABLISHED IN FOUR OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND HE HOPED ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES WOULD BE SO COVlREd BY THE END OF MARCH 1988.
ON THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR FORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONTINUED TO CONTAIN THE SIZE OF THE SERVICE.
+AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF FIVE YEARS OF ZERO GROWTH, THE PROVISION OF 3 454 NEW POSTS IN THE 1987-88 DRAFT ESTIMATES REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF JUST 1.9 PER CENT OVER THE ESTABLISHMENT APPROVED FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR AND IS, I SUGGEST, NOT AN UNREASONABLE INCREASE,+ HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID SOME EXPANSION WAS INEVITABLE AS THE POPULATION GREW AND NEW TOWNS WERE DEVELOPED TO ACCOMMODATE THAT GROWTH.
HE SAID PRESSURE ALSO BUILT UP TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EXISTING SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE OLDER ESTABLISHED AREAS PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELDS OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE ADMITTED THAT SOMETIMES THE QUALITY OF SERVICES, PARTICULARLY IN SOME AREAS OF SOCIAL WORK, HAD NOT ALWAYS KEPT PACE WITH PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS WHICH HAD RISEN SHARPLY AS HONG KONG HAD BECOME MORE AFFLUENT AND AWARE OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
+THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY LACK OF WILL OR VISION BY THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES BUT THEIR EXPANSION HAS BEEN RESTRICTED BY OUR CONTINUING POLICY OF WORKING TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE SERVICE AS A WHOLE,+ HE ASSERTED.
HE SAID PERSONAL FREEDOM AND ENTERPRISE WERE CENTRAL TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF A NON-INTERVENTION ECONOMIC POLICY WHICH HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL.
/+IN THE .......
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+ IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES SECTOR WE ARE ACUTELY AW/’.Hl CF i > NEED NOT TO STIFLE THE ASPIRATIONS AND INITIATIVE OF INDIVIDUAL. WHO COLLECTIVELY CONTINUE TO TURN THE GREAT WHEEL OF SUCCESS ! HONG KONG.+
BUT HE ADMITTED THAT +OUR LAUDABLE DESIRE NOT TO MOVE TU-.aKDo A ’WELFARE STATE’ PHILOSOPHY TENDS TO INFLUENCE OUR DUTY Ab A GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE LEAD IN PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE C\ FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT FEND FOR THEMSELVES OR WHO HAVE REAL SOCIAL PROBLEMS+.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROPORTION OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WAS COMPARATIVELY SMALL.
+GREAT STRIDES COULD BE MADE WITH SMALL INCREASES WITHOUi PUTTING AT RISK THE WORK ETHIC OF OUR PEOPLE.
+SOME INCREASES IN THE STRENGTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN CERTAIN AREAS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED BUT, IN MY VIEW, THESE INCREASES WOULD ALSO REPRESENT VALUE FOR MONEY,+ HE SAID.
ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARY LEVELS, MR FORD AGREED THAT A MAJOR CONSIDERATION WAS THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIR COMPARISON WITH PAY FOR COMPARABLE EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+BUT I MUST ADD THAT CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN CANDIDATES OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE IF WE ARE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN EFFICIENT SERVICE WITH HIGH MORALE,+ HE SAID.
NOTING THE COMMMENTS ON THE SYSTEM OF ANNUAL INCREMENTS, MR FORD SAID INCREMENTS WERE AWARDED IN RECOGNITION OF SERVICE GIVEN AND EXPERIENCE GAINED, AND COULD BE STOPPED OR DEFERRED UN GROUNDS OF MISCONDUCT OR LACK OF DILIGENCE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THERE WERE REAL DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED In APPLYING AN INDUCEMENT AWARD RELATED TO PERFORMANCE TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT RULE OUT ITS POSSIBILITY.
ON PROMOTION CRITERIA, MR FORD SAID: +CIVIL SERVICE POLICY O'i PROMOTION IS NOT BASED ON HOW FEW MISTAKES ONE MAKES BUT ON Ai ILITY, EXPERIENCE AND PERFORMANCE -- IN SHORT, ON MERIT.+
MR FORD ALSO SAID TRAINING WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROCESS CF INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY BY AIMING TO ENSURE THAT THE POTENTIAL CF STAFF WAS FULLY DEVELOPED AND USED.
+THERE IS, FOR EXAMPLE, PROVISION OF $57 MILLION IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TO ENABLE THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE TO PROVIDE THIS YEAR TRAINING FOR 8 □□□ OFFICERS TO IMPROVE THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL PERFORMANCE, 12 000 OFFICERS TO IMPROVE THEIR GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGERIAL ABILITY AND 8 000 OFFICERS TO IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS,+ HE SAID.
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SOCIAL WELFARE FARING WELL * X
IN ’CAKE-SLICING EXERCISE’ XXX
SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY CF HEALTH AND WEALTH SERVICES CAN BE MADE IN THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, PR CHAMBERS DISABUSED MEMBERS’ IDEA THAT SOCIAL SERVICES DID NOT DO WELL IN THIS YEAR’S +CAKE-SLIC I NG EXERCISE*.
THE TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MEDICAL SUBVENTIONS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING SOCIAL SECURITY, SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL IN 1987-88 WILL BE $7.37 BILLION, AS COMPARED TO THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $6.65 BILLION IN 1986-87.
+MEDICAL SUBVENTIONS HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT AND THE PROVISION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BY NO LESS THAN 82 PER CENT,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
AS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID THAT THE INCREASE WAS OVER 20 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID A MAJOR ISSUE WHICH WOULD AFFECT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERVICES WAS THE DECISION ON WHETHER A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, AND IF SO, HOW.
HE SAID THAT THIS QUESTION HAD WIDE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STRUCTURE OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, STAFF AND THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM, ITS FUNDING AND THE DELIVERY OF SERVICE. HE STRESSED SUCH AN IMPORTANT DECISION COULD BE RUSHED.
ON MEMBERS’ SUGGESTION THAT THERE WERE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT WHICH COULD BE IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM, HE SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD ALREADY COMPLETED PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ON ALL THE RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE CONSULTANTS.
+ ITS NEXT TASK WILL BE TO DRAW UP, IN ORDER OF PRIORITY, A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATIONS. THIS WORK WILL PROCEED IN PARALLEL WITH THE DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONCEPT.+
/ONCE THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 198?
12 -
ONCE THE MAJOR ISSUES RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM HAD BEEN RESOLVED, HE SAID THERE SHOU'. REVIEW ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PRIMARY CARE INCLUDING IMPROVEME CF MEDICAL RECORDS, DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS, POST GRAD ' TRAINING AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ADOPTING THE SYSTEM OF FAMILn MEDICAL CARE.
ON THE STAFFING SITUATION FOR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY IN HOSPITALS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT / S COMMITTEE HAD ADVISED THAT THE DOCTOR IN CHARGE SHOULD HAVE AL LEAST FIVE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL PRACTICE AND THIS '’OU! BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS MANPOWER RESOURCES PERMITTED.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A SIMPLISTIC COMPARISON CF THE LEVEL OF FUNDING OF THE TWO TYPES OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL COULD BE MISLEADING.
+GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, PART IC IULARLY THE BIG REGIONAL HOSPITALS, ARE GENERALLY EQUIPPED AND STAFFED TO HANDLE THE MORE DIVERSE COMPLEX AND ACUTE CASES WHILE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS NORMALLY CATER FOR LESS ACUTE OR CONVALESCENT CASES, WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE UE SAME LEVEL OF STAFFING OR EQUIPMENT.*
HE ADDED THAT MAJOR DEVLOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT PROJI-WERE IN HAND FOR MANY SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, WHICH WHEN COMPLETED WOULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT UPGRADING OF THE SERVICES THE. PROVIDED.
TURNING TO SOCIAL WELFARE, MR CHAMBERS DISPELLED
EXPRESSED BY SOME MEMBERS THAT LIMITED PROVISION HAD BE MADE IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF WELFARE SERVICES AND THAT THE LEV- , CF SOCIAL WELFARE MIGHT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ABOUT $20 MILLION HAD BEEN SET AS I D- OR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SERVICES AND ABOUT $25 MILL -INTRODUCTION OF NEW SERVICES.
+THESE FUNDS WILL ENABLE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO BE EMPLOYED TO REDUCE THE CASELOAD OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN FAMILY SERVICE IN THE MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE AND IN SOCIAL SECURITY F .
+THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO INTRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS IM OTH-R AREAS OF SOCIAL SERVICES SUCH AS HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY, COMMUNI i > CENTRES AND CHILDREN’S HOMES,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO RECEIPTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND, HE SAID r, BE WATCHING THE SITUATION VERY CAREFULLY AND WOULD TAKE THERE APPEARED TO BE A RISK THAT THE FUND WAS FALLING DANGEPGU. .. . LOW.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 13 -
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT A SET OF CRITERIA BE FORMULATED FOR ASSESSING SUBVENTIONS TO MEET THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS CF AGENCIES, HE SAID IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH SUCH GUIDELINES OF CRITERIA BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY IN SIZE, HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, NATURE OF WORK AND TYPE OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION OCCUPIED BY AGENCIES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WAS PREPARED TO RE-EXAMINE THE QUESTION TO SEE WHETHER A MORE SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT COULD BE ACHIEVED.
REFERRING TO A SUGGESTION THAT $2.8 MILLION FROM THE URPLUS WHICH WAS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO ENABLE THE NEW RATIO OF ONE SOCIAL WORKER FOR 3 OOO STUDENTS BE IMPLEMENTED FROM SEPTEMBER, MR CHAMBER SAID THAT TRIS WOULD EE DISCUSSED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHORTLY.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD AGREED THAT THE CRITERIA FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE OUTREACH ING SOCIAL SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE DEMAND FOR THIS SERVICE IN NEW TOWNS SUCH AS SHA TIN AND YUEN LONG SHOULD BE EXAMINED.
TURNING TO SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT VIEW WAS THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY WAS BEST PROVIDED THROUGH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCES RATHER THAN BY SUBSIDIES TO PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENABLE THEM TO INTRODUCE CONCESSIONARY RATES.
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY WAS ONE OF THE TWO AREAS OF WELFARE SERVICES WHICH CALLED FOR HIGH PRIORITY, HE SAID.
+NOT ONLY ARE THE NUMBERS OF THE ELDERLY STEADILY INCREASING, BUT WITH CHANGES IN OUR SOCIETY THE NEED FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES IS BECOMING MORE PRESSING.
+PERHAPS THE MOST ACUTE SHORTAGE IS IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES, BUT ALMOST EQUALLY IMPORTANT ARE THE SERVICES WHICH ENABLE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS HOME HELP COMMUNITY NURSING AND DAY CARE CENTRES.+
+THE OTHER PRIORITY AREA IS PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, SUCH AS OUTREACH AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK,* HE SAID.
+WE SHOULD RECONDSIDER OUR PRIORITIES AS BETWEEN THESE SERVICES AND THE PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, UNIFORMED ORGANISATIONS AND GROUP ACTIVITIES, WHICH AT PRESENT RECEIVES ALMOST THREE TIMES AS MUCH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AS THE PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK ACTIVITIES.+
/HE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 198?
14
HE ADDED THAT THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THESE QUESTIONS WOULD BE SOUGHT.
TURNING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE 82 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE RECURRENT PROVISION WAS DUE TO TWO MAIN FACTORS.
THE FIRST ONE, HE SAID, WAS THE RE-ORGANISATION OF POLLUTION CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES AND THEIR CENTRALISATION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT; AND THE SECOND INITIATION CF NEW MEASURES IN THE MAIN FIELDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL -AIR, WATER, AND WASTE DISPOSAL.
HE SAID THAT IN THE PAST, TOO FEW RESOURCES HAD BEEN DEVOTED TO THE PROTECTION OF HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT, BUT DURING THE CONING YEAR, +WE SHALL BE TAKING ACTION ON TWO PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS, NOISE AND THE DISPOSAL OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE.?
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EDUCATION COMMISSION SET ON PROPER COURSE
*****
_n ™E PR0PER COURSE FOR THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TO FOLLOW IS TO CONTINUE TO PRODUCE ADVISORY REPORTS TO BE DEBATED FREELY AND OPENLY BY THE PUBLIC AND IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY M?cnEcUCAT!°N AND MANpOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SLEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL J?nm’nMRcBDcc?ollrTnofnE?oS^GGEST,0NS THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SHOULD BE RESTRUCTURED AS THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT CO-ORDINATION BY THE COMMISSION OF THE VARIOUS ADVISORY BODIES INVOLVED IN EDUCAT I ON.
♦THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT IN CO-ORDINATING THE WORK OF THE AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
THE COMMISSION HAS FOUND DIFFICULTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE UNIVERSITY AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING
+ IT IS GRANTING OF ACHIEVE.+
HARD, UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, TO SEE WHAT THE ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE POWER TO THE COMMISSION WOULD
ON THE OTHER HAND, DESIRABLE TO CO-ORDINATE MANNER.
MR BRIDGE AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE EDUCATION FINANCING IN A MORE RIGOROUS
/■•■PROGRESS HAS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 198?
♦progress has been made in implementing the recommendation IN REPORT NO. 2 FOR A CONSULTANT TO ADVISE ON THE CREATION OF COMPUTER MODELS FOR EDUCATIONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING,+ HE SAID.
AS REGARDS MEMBERS’ DISSATISFACTION WITH THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION FUNDS IN THE BUDGET, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF THE TOTAL BUDGET.
SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE WOULD ALSO ARISE OVER THE COMING YEARS WHEN THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2 WERE IMPLEMENTED, HE SAID.
AS TO THE COMMENTS THAT RESULTS OF THE PRESENT EDUCATION SYSTEM WERE UNCERTAIN, MR BRIDGE SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WOULD INCLUDE A STUDY OF CURRICULA AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES IN ITS REPORT NO. 4, TO BE PUBLISHED IN 1988.
REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A MORE BROADLY BASED REVIEW, MR BRIDGE NOTED IT WAS ONLY FIVE-AND-A-HALF YEARS SINCE THE LLEWELYN REPORT WAS PUBLISHED AND SINCE THEN TWO REPORTS BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
♦AFTER THIS PROLONGED PERIOD OF REPORTS AND DISCUSSION, TO BEGIN YET ANOTHER OVERALL REVIEW COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED AT THE PRICE OF SERIOUS AND CONTINUED DISRUPTION TO OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM,+ HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE DECISION TO SET UP A TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS OF NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS WAS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
A PROGRAMME OF FEE INCREASES AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY AND SIXTH-FORM LEVEL WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAST YEAR TO RESTORE OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD THE REAL VALUE OF FEES ORIGINALLY SET IN 1978, HE ADDED.
A WORKING PARTY WAS NOW CONSIDERING THE PRINCIPLES IN THE FUTURE ON WHAT AMOUNTED TO A FAIR AND REASONABLE SHARE OF THE COST OF SENIOR SECONDARY, SIXTH-FORM AND TERTIARY COURSES.
ON THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE FIVE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, MR BRIDGE SAID ABOUT $45 MILLION HAD BEEN SET ASIDE IN THE CURRENT TRIENNIUM AND MORE THAN DOUBLE THIS AMOUNT WOULD BE EARMARKED IN THE GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM.
TURNING TO LABOUR MATTERS, MR BRIDGE SAID HE FEARED THAT A PUBLIC CONSENSUS ON A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME MIGHT BE DIFFICULT TO ATTAIN.
/♦THERE SEEMS .......
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♦THERE SEEMS TO ME TO BE A VERY BROAD DIVISION OF OPINION BETWEEN THOSE WHO FAVOUR A COMPULSORY SCHEME OF SOME KIND, WHETHER CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED OR RUN ON A REGULATED BUT DECENTRALISED BASIS, AND THOSE WHO FAVOUR VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENTS,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID HE HOPED THE REPORTS BY THE TWO WORKING GROUPS ON THE ALTERNATIVES TO A COMPULSORY SCHEME, PROBABLY AVAILABLE BY THE END OF MAY, WOULD PROVIDE A BASIS FOR AN INFORMED DECISION AS TO WHICH APPROACH WAS MORE SUITABLE TO HONG KONG.
AS TO THE REMARK THAT LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WOULD HELP CAUSE PROPRIETORS IN LABOUR-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES TO TRANSFER THEIR OPERATIONS TO CHINA, MR BRIDGE SAID IT ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY A VERY SMALL PART OF THE VARIABLES IN THE TOTAL COST EQUATION.
HOWEVER, HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE LIKELY COST OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LABOUR LEGISLATION WOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
HE SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO UNDERTAKE A FURTHER REVIEW IN THE NEAR FUTURE OF THE OVERALL IMPACT OF LABOUR LEGISLATION ON PRODUCTION COSTS.
ON SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR BRIDGE SAID THE PROPOSAL WAS ENDORSED BY BOTH EMPLOYEE
AND EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND WAS NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH.
MR BRIDGE SAID HE DISAGREED WITH THE COMMENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SAYING THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S PROVISION SOUGHT FOR 1987-88 EXCEEDED THE APPROVED ESTIMATE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR BY 12.5 PER CENT AND THAT FOR 1982-83 BY SOME 96 PER CENT.
SOME 78 NEW POSTS WOULD ALSO BE CREATED IN THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT OVER THE CURRENT ESTABLISHMENT, TO COPE WITH INCREASING WORKLOAD, HE SAID.
TURNING TO REHABILITATION SERVICES, WHILE NOTING THE CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE LOW PRIORITY TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SERVICES, MR BRIDGE SAID IT WAS REASONABLE THAT HIGHER PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO MAINTAINING EXISTING STANDARDS OF SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO PRESSING DEMANDS.
MR BRIDGE ALSO INFORMED MEMBERS THAT THE DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES, BOTH LONG-STAY CARE CENTRES AND HALFWAY HOUSES, WOULD BE MET IN FULL BY THE EARLY 199O’S, INCLUDING PROVISIONS FOR FORMER MENTAL PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS TENDENCIES TO VIOLENCE.
ON MANPOWER RESOURCES, HE SAID THE MANNING SCALE FOR MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER IN THE PSYCHIATRIC FIELD WOULD SHORTLY BE IMPROVED, AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND OVERSEAS STUDIES WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN TO HELP DEVELOP THE MANPOWER REQUIRED FOR SOCIAL WORK IN THIS PARTICULAR FIELD.
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WEDNESDAY, APR IL 1, 1987
17
RESOURCES SUFFICIENT *
FOR LAW AND ORDER MAINTENANCE * * * *
THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES ARE GETTING RESOURCES SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES EFFECTIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL SECURITY RESTED FAIRLY AND SQUARELY WITH THE POLICE FORCE.
+THOROUGH PLANNING HAS ENSURED THAT OVER THE YEARS THE POLICE FORCE HAS RECRUITED THE MANPOWER, DEVELOPED THE ORGANISATION, PROVIDED THE TRAINING AND ACQUIRED THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY FOR THIS TASK.
+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY OF THE POLICE FORCE TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE ROLE OF THE BRITISH GARRISON IN HONG KONG, 14? JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN RECENT YEARS ITS MAIN DUTY HAD BEEN TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE CIVIL ADMINISTRATION AS REQUIRED, WHICH WAS PRIMARILY TO ASSIST THE POLICE FORCE IN PREVENTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
ON THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE COST OF THE BRITISH GARRISON AS A WHOLE AND OF THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL IN PARTICULAR, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GARRISON AND ALL ITS FACILITIES WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.
PENDING THE DRAWING UP OF THE NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, M? JEAFFRESON SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MADE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE GARRISONS COSTS, BUT IT WAS IN THE MAIN UP TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE GARRISON REQUIRED AND WHAT CONSTITUTED NECESSARY EXPENDITURE.
ON THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT WITH THE END OF THE TOUCH-BASE POLICY, CLOSER CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA, CONSTRUCTION OF THE BORDER FENCE AND THE RE-EQUIPPING OF THE MARINE POLICE FORCE, IT BECAME MORE DIFFICULT FOR WOULD-BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO GAIN ACCESS TO HONG KONG IN THE FIRST PLACE.
THE NEW STYLE OF IDENTITY CARD AND THE REQUIREMENT TO CARRY IT AND TO PRODUCE IT FOR THE PURPOSE OF GAINING EMPLOYMENT HAD MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR EVADERS TO STAY IN HONG KONG.
/♦AND WHEN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 18 -
+AND WHEN THEY ARE DETECTED, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO REPATRIATE ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS,* HE SAID.
ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT LAST YEAR, AS A RESULT OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO RELAX ITS FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA IN RESPECT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WITH RELATIVES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THERE WERE NOW 7 922 REFUGEES IN CAMPS IN HONG KONG, THE LOWEST NUMBER SINCE 1979.
+BUT THE PROSPECTS FOR RESETTLEMENT FOR THE REST OF THIS YEAR ARE NOT ENCOURAGING.
+IN ACCORDANCE WITH MEMBERS’ REQUEST DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE OF JANUARY 7, I SHALL BE REPORTING ON PROGRESS ON ASPECTS (F THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THAT DATE,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE AS BEING INVOLVED IN PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS IN 1986.
A LARGE-SCALE SCHOOL SURVEY ON PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND THE CONTINUOUS REPORTS FROM OUT-REACH SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER SOURCES WOULD PROVIDE A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE EXTENT OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S TOP CONCERN WAS TO SAVE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM FALLING PREY TO DRUG ADDICTION, AND IN 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGAIN ACCORDED THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN TOP PRIORITY.
ON THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL LIAISON IN ANTI-NARCOTICS STRATEGY, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT CLOSE AND EFFECTIVE LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION WAS IN FACT MAINTAINED WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION AND BEYOND AND WITH THEIR DRUG LIAISON OFFICERS HERE IN HONG KONG.
+THE MEASURES WE ARE TAKING TO COMBAT TRIADS SHOULD HELP TO REDUCE THE SCALE OF ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING,* HE SAID.
TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF COMPULSORY TREATMENT FOR ADDICTS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THIS NEEDED TO BE APPROACHED WITH SOME CARE.
/+IN THE........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 19 -
+ IN THE PRESENT SITUATION WHERE THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED ADDICTS IS FALLING, WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE ADDICTS TO VOLUNTEER FOR TREATMENT AND SHOULD HOLD IN RESERVE THE POSSIBILITY CF FURTHER COMPULSORY TREATMENT PROGRAMMES.
+APART FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS ASPECTS OF COMPULSORY TREATMENT FOR A MEDICAL CONDITION, WE SHOULD BEAR IN MIND THAT A BROADENING CF THE COMPULSORY TREATMENT PROGRAMMES COULD DRIVE THE ADDICTION PROBLEM FURTHER UNDERGROUND WHERE IT COULD THRIVE AND THE DEMAND FOR ILLICIT DRUGS INCREASE,+ HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO MOST CONCERNED WITH THE RISING TREND IN JUVENILE CRIME AND DELINQUENCY.
ONE OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S MAJOR THRUSTS, HE SAID, WAS AGAINST TRIADS AND THEIR BAD INFLUENCE ON YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL THAT THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM 1:4 OOO STUDENTS TO 1:3 000 STUDENTS.
ON THE REGULATION OF THE SECURITY INDUSTRY AND OF BURGLAR ALARMS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THEY WERE BOTH BEING CONSIDERED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
+WE HAVE RECENTLY HAD THE FIRST MEETING OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED WITH THE ADVICE OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SECURITY ASSOCIATION TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE LEGISLATION THAT NEEDS TO BE PREPARED TO IMPROVE AND TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS OF THE SECURITY INDUSTRY.
+OUR INTENTION IS THAT BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR WE WILL HAVE A DRAFT BILL READY FOR MEMBERS’ CONS(DERATION,+ HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ISSUED DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE POLICE TO HAVE POWERS TO INSPECT ALARM SYSTEMS AND TO SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS.
♦SHOULD THEIR ADVICE BE IGNORED, WE ARE PROPOSING THAT THE POLICE SHOULD CEASE TO RESPOND TO THE PARTICULAR BURGLAR ALARMS INVOLVED,+ HE SAID.
♦ALSO, BECAUSE OF THE CONSIDERABLE NOISE NUISANCE THESE FALSE ALARMS CAUSE, WE ARE PROPOSING THAT ALL ALARMS SHOULD BE FITTED WITH AUTOMATIC CUT-OFF DEV ICES.+
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUT APPROPRIATE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO THE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
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/20........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
20
COMMITMENT TO HOUSING REMAINS TOP PRIORITY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HOUSING REMAINED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF ITS POLICY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR LIAO SAID THAT PROPOSALS ON HOW BEST PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR RESOURCES COULD BE OPTIMISED TO MEET HONG KONG’S HOUSING DEMAND BETWEEN NOW AND THE TURN OF THE CENTURY WERE CONTAINED IN A RECENTLY COMPLETED REVIEW.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WOULD MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY REVIEW AT NEXT WEEK’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING. MR LIAO ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD COMMENTED ON THE RATIO BETWEEN HOME OWNERSHIP AND PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS, LONG-TERM HOUSING DEMAND AND THE PROPOSED HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME.
+ IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT THERE HAS BEEN A MAJOR CHANGE IN THE PATTERN OF DEMAND FOR HOUSING WITH PEOPLE INCREASINGLY WISHING TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOME,+ SAID MR LIAO.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WAS TO PUT GREATER EMPHASIS ON BUILDING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.
SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE SITES IN THE URBAN AREA, MR LIAO SAID HE AGREED WITH SUGGESTIONS THAT THE SUPPLY OF K>ME OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS SHOULD BE INCREASED.
MR LIAO ALSO SAID THAT THE INCOME LIMIT FOR FAMILIES QUALIFYING FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS WAS BEING REVIEWED REGULARLY.
+0N THE BASIS OF THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR ALL AND TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THE CLAIMS OF THE MOST NEEDY, GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERING HOW THE DEMAND FOR HOUSING CAN BEST BE MET,+ HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR SPORTS AND WOULD CONSULT REGULARLY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT ON THIS SUBJECT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENCOURAGING MORE PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES.
/+GENEROUS AND .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 21
+GENEROUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTERS OF SPORTS AND CULTURE MAY BE INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE HAS BEEN EXPLORING WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE THE POSSIBILITY OF PROVIDING FURTHER TAX INCENTIVES TO DONORS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ HE ADDED.
ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, MR LIAO SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO ESTABLISH THREE ADDITIONAL DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAMS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAD ALWAYS PROVIDED ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE TO RESIDENTS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS, AND SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, 82 ADDITIONAL OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND 32 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD BEEN FORMED IN PRIVATE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, HE SAID.
+THE FOUR DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAMS SET UP OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE SO FAR PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS AND MANAGEMENT BODIES IN 142 BUILDINGS,* MR LIAO SAID.
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POLICY OF ENGAGING CONSULTANTS TO BE STUDIED * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS. THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A THOROUGH STUDY ON THE MERITS OF CONSULTANTS WOULD BE CONDUCTED BEFORE ENTERING INTO FURTHER COMMITMENTS.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987, MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT UNDER POLICY ENDORSED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE IN 1983 CONSULTANTS FOR ENGINEERING PROJECTS WERE NORMALLY EMPLOYED ONLY WHEN GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE EITHER THE NECESSARY EXPERTISE OR SUFFICIENT IN-HOUSE RESOURCES.
IN THE NEW TOWNS, IT WAS DECIDED TO EMPLOY CONSULTANTS IN THE EARLY 197O’S BECAUSE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO EMBARK ON A VERY MAJOR EXPANSION PROGRAMME VERY QUICKLY, AND IT WOULD HAVE DELAYED THAT PROGRAMME IF WE HAD ATTEMPTED TO RECRUIT OR REDEPLOY STAFF IN-HOUSE FOR THE JOB.
+HOWEVER, THE SCOPE OF THESE CONSULTANTS WILL REDUCE AS THE MAIN WORKS ARE COMPLETED, AND I WILL ENSURE THAT A THOROUGH STUDY OF THE MERITS OF THE SITUATION IS DONE BEFORE ENTERING INTO ANY FURTHER COMMITMENTS AND THAT THE EMPLOYMENT OF CONSULTANTS IS PROPERLY JUSTIFIED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE IN EACH CASE,* HE SAID.
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 22 -
MR BARNES SAID HE WAS ALSO CONCERNED TO BUILD UP THE EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL PROFESSIONALS, AND WAS PLEASED TO SEE HOW MANY LOCALS WERE NOW EMPLOYED BY THE CONSULTANTS.
ON THE PLANNING OF TSI NG Yl, MR BARNES SAID THE PLANNING POLICY FOR TSING Yl MUST CLEARLY BE POPULATION IN THE EAST AND NORTH-EAST AND INDUSTRY AND PETROLEUM ETC. IN WEST AND SOUTH WITH THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE TO DIVIDE THEM.
+ l AGREE THAT WE HAVE IN THE PAST PUT TOGETHER WHAT ARE NOW SEEN AS UNSUITABLE NEIGHBOURS IN EAST AND NORTH TSING Yl, AND IN THE LONG TERM WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TRY TO SORT THEM OUT WHENEVER OPPORTUNITY ARISES,+ HE SAID.
+WE ARE STUDYING THIS AND OTHER PLANNING PROBLEMS IN CONNECTION WITH WHAT WE CALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS IN A SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
+WE WILL HOWEVER QUITE SOON HAVE A SECOND BRIDGE FOR TSING Yl, WHICH WILL REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON A SINGLE ROUTE,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO IMPROVEMENT OF RURAL AREAS, MR BARNES SAID GOVERNMENT WAS PUTTING SUBSTANTIALLY MORE RESOURCES INTO RURAL ACCESS ROADS AND SANITATION SCHEMES THIS YEAR THAN PREVIOUSLY AND THIS SHOULD PRODUCE MORE RESULTS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE ACCEPTED THE NEED FOR A SYSTEMATIC programme OF upgrading RURAL SANITATION AND GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING HOW THIS SHOULD BEST BE ACHIEVED.
+RESUMPTION HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN AVOIDED BECAUSE OF THE SELF-HELP TRADITION OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, BUT I ACCEPT THAT SOME RESUMPTION MAY BE NECESSARY.
+ l SHOULD POINT OUT HOWEVER THAT RESUMPTIONS MEAN BOTH TIME AND MONEY, AND IF ALL PRIVATE LAND REQUIRED TO IMPROVE THE RURAL AREAS MUST BE RESUMED, THIS IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN A MUCH LONGER PROGRAMME,* HE SAID.
------0 ------
PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED * X X X X
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CITING THE COMPLETION OF THE ELECTRIFICATION CF THE KCR AND THE MTR ISLAND LINE AS EXAMPLES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1937, M? LEUNG SAID: +SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAS ALSO BEEN MADE WITH HIGHWAYS PROJECTS, FOR EXAMPLE THE OPENING OF THE TOLO HIGHWAY AND OTHER WORK ON THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
/+WORK HAS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 23 -
+WORK HAS ALSO STARTED ON THE ROUTE 5 TUNNEL LINKING SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, THE TUNNEL BETWEEN JUNK BAY AND THE URBAN AREA, THE UPGRADING OF THE CONNAUGHT ROAD AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
♦AND MORE LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS ARE BEING PLANNED, SUCH AS THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND, FURTHER INTO FUTURE ROUTE X, TO LINK THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN AREA IN THE MID TO LATE 199O’S.
+THERE IS ALSO THE COMPUTERISED AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, OPERATING AT PRESENT OVER MUCH OF KOWLOON AND PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND SHORTLY TO BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE WHOLE NORTH SHORE CF THE ISLAND.+
MR LEUNG SAID THAT WHEN RESULTS OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2) BECAME AVAILABLE TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO DECIDE ON TRANSPORT LINKS TO THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES DURING 1988.
THE STUDY WAS STARTED LAST NOVEMBER WITH AN AIM TO PRODUCE RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRANSPORT POLICIES AND A PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH TO THE YEAR 2001.
+DURING THE COURSE OF ITS WORK, THE STUDY TEAM WILL BE ASSESSING THE VARIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR EXPANSION OF OUR FIXED RAIL NETWORK, AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT LINES SHOULD BE BUILT AND WHEN,* HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE KCRC AND THE MTRC WERE ALSO CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIXED RAIL LINK TO EITHER TUEN MUN OR YUEN LONG.
WHILE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE KCRC REPORT, AND OTHER WORK DONE IN THIS FIELD BY AGENCIES SUCH AS THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MTRC, THE STUDY TEAM WOULD ALSO EXAMINE VARIOUS OPTIONS IN TERMS CF THEIR ECONOMIC AND OTHER BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, AS WELL AS THEIR FINANCIAL VIABILITY, HE ADDED.
ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT TOOK GREAT PAINS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE KEPT TO REASONABLE LEVELS. THIS PROCESS INVOLVED CLOSE SCRUTINY OF THE FIVE-YEAR PLANS OF FRANCHISED COMPANIES, TO ENSURE THAT THE LEVEL OF INVESTMENT PROPOSED MATCHED TRANSPORT NEEDS.
MR LEUNG ASSURED MEMBERS THAT FARE INCREASES WERE ONLY AGREED TO AFTER THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, AND WERE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE VIABILITY OF THE COMPANY CONCERNED WITHIN THE TERMS OF ITS SCHEME OF CONTROL, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ENSURING AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF SERVICE.
/ON FISCAL........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 24 -
ON FISCAL RESTRAINTS ON PRIVATE CAR OWNERSHIP, MR LEUNG SAID THIS HAD RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS LICENSED FROM ABOUT 192 OOO IN 1982 TO ABOUT 139 000 TODAY.
HE NOTED HOWEVER THAT THIS DECLINE HAD BEEN OFFSET BY AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OTHER VEHICLES SO THAT THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN 1982.
ON THE PROBLEMS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION, MR LEUNG SAID A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CONGESTION WAS AN INEVITABLE FEATURE OF LIFE +AND IN THIS RESPECT HONG KONG COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH MANY ' OTHER MAJOR CITIES-*-.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP CONGESTION WITHIN LIMITS AND TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION WHEREVER
THIS WAS ANOTHER AREA WHERE THE CTS-2 STUDY WOULD GIVE
™EtheVlongIrTter™ he'added. AS T0 THE "E,SlJRES °PEN T0 H0N6 K0Na
■ l'?{L.L!«NG SA,D THE REAL SOLUTION TO THE CONGESTION PROBLEM AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL LAY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN S^L IF APPROVED, CONSTRUCTION WORK WOULD START IN THE EARLY SUMMER OF 1988, WITH COMPLETION IN 1992.
TASK W,LL BE THAT 0F TRY1 NG TO KEEP CONGESTION ™A™EPJ^BLE LIMITS- THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS IN WHICH WE HOpE JO D° TH,S» BUT NONE OF THEM I AM AFRAID IS A PERFECT ANSWER, + HE SA ID.
WORKS TO
OVER THE OR EARLY
MEASURES INCLUDED RESERVING THE NEW THIRD SOUTHBOUND LANE
ON THE SHA TIN SIDE FOR BUSES IN THE MORNING PEAK HOUR! IMPROVEMENT THE OLD TAI PO ROAD WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED BY STAGES NEXT TWO YEARS? AND THE OPENING OF ROUTE 5 IN LATE 1939 1990.
+IN ADDITION, THE KCRC WILL BE TAKING DELIVERY OF 25 NEW THREE CAR UNITS FROM LATE THIS SUMMER. THESE WILL INCREASE THE RAILWAY CAPACITY BY 40 TO 50 PER CENT. ALL THESE WILL HELP AMELIORATE THE PRESENT SITUATION,+ HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG ALSO OUTLINED OTHER POSSIBLE MEASURES LIKE INCREASING ™E G?$I.0F US,NG THE TUNNEL TO SLOW DOWN THE BUILD-UP IN TRAFFIC, RESTRICTING THE USE OF THE TUNNEL BY CERTAIN CLASSES OF VEHICLES £cCER™IN TIMES. 0R BY MAKING DIFFERENTIAL CHARGES ACCORDING TO CLASS 0F vfh<CLE, AND, IN THE LONGER TERM, AUTOMATED TOLL COLLECTION. HE ADDED THAT A STUDY OF SYSTEMS ADOPTED ELSEWHERE WAS UNDERWAY.
uieu ne./^URED MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACUTELY AWARE THAT BE D0NE IF H0NG K0NG WAS T0 HAVE A TRANSPORT AMSLNIrJt.n?R ,TS CONTINUED ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, AND TO REASONABLE COST?™^’ M°DERN STANDARD 0F FACILITIES AT A hioipuIHL3t£°ND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY WILL PROVIDE US WITH T0 FURTHER STEPS NEEDED AND SHOULD IDENTIFY ANY NEW
•N T AT urSo?iQUIRED T0 THIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE ON A CONTINUING BASIS,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 25 -GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STRESSED *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S PART IN HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT EXISTS FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT TO TAKE PLACE AND FOR BUSINESS TO FLOURISH. THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATIONS BILL 1987, MR HO SAID GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED STRONG INFRASTRUCTURAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, SOUND EDUCATIONAL AND MANPOWER TRAINING PROGRAMMES, SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL LAND AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS, AND ENSURED THAT ESSENTIAL UTILITIES WERE AVAILABLE.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO FACILITATE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND NEW MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, HE ADDED.
MR HO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO CONSTANTLY ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
+ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) WE HAVE ’ AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDIES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
+EACH STUDY INVOLVES IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATIONS BY EXPERTS OF THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS WELL AS FORECASTS OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE TYPE AND LEVEL OF WORLD DEMAND FOR THE PRODUCTS MADE BY THE INDUSTRY BEING STUDIED.*
ON THE PACE OF UPGRADING ACHIEVED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, MR HO SAID ON THE BASIS OF THE EVALUATION BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD WAS SATISFIED THAT THE NEED FOR MORE ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS WAS IDENTIFIED.
+WE THEN RECOMMENDED THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, THROUGH THE UPGC, TO DEVOTE PRIORITY TO A LARGER OUTPUT OF ELECTRONIC engineers DURING THE NEXT TRIENNIUM.
♦SECONDLY, AN IDENTIFIED GAP BETWEEN WHAT ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES WERE BEING TAUGHT AND WHAT THEIR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS EXPECTED OF THEM WAS ALSO BROUGHT TO THE NOTICE OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SO THAT THEY MIGHT MODIFY THEIR CURRICULA WITH A VIEW TO THEIR GRADUATES BECOMING MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN COMPUTER AND MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGIES.
+THIRDLY, HAVING ESTABLISHED A GROWING WORLD TREND TOWARDS THE USE OF APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, THE DESIGN OF WHICH INVOLVES SKILLS WHICH ARE NOT YET BEING TAUGHT IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SOUGHT THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR A PILOT SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO ENABLE PRACTISING ENGINEERS TO LEARN THESE DESIGN SKILLS ABROAD.*
/MR HO
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
26 -
MR HO SAID THAT ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TO EXTEND THE PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, AND THE QUALITY PROMOTION AND INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS TO STUDY VENTURE CAPITAL OPERATIONS.
REFERRING TO THE CALL FOR GOVERNMENT STIMULATION OF INVESTMENT OR RE-INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY, MR HO SAID THIS WAS PROBABLY NOT A CODED MESSAGE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO START THINKING OF INVESTMENT grants.
♦THIS SORT OF THINKING IS JUST NOT ON. IN THE FIRST PLACE THERE IS NO CASE FOR TRANSFERRING ONE MANUFACTURER’S MONEY INTO THE POCKET OF ANOTHER.
+SECONDLY, SUBSIDIES ARE LIABLE TO BE NEUTRALISED ON THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS THUS PRODUCED BY COUNTERVAILING DUTIES.
+IF I MAY SAY SO THE BEST INCENTIVE TO INVESTMENT IS THE ABILITY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR TO KEEP HIS PROFITS IN HIS OWN POCKET.+
ON PROTECTIONISM, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO COUNTER MOVES BY PROTECTIONISTS IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS, AND WOULD LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED IN OUR MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TOWARDS THIS PROBLEM.
+IN THE UNITED STATES OUR RESOURCES WILL BE DEPLOYED TO EVEN BETTER EFFECT WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF IN THE AUTUMN FOR OUR SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE TO BE LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, AND OUR OFFICE THERE WILL ALSO BE MOVED TO MORE SPACIOUS NEW PREMISES TO ACCOMMODATE OUR HARDWORKING STAFF,* HE SAID.
-------0 --------
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION BY ERIC HO COMMENDED X X * X X
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE GOOD SENSE AND CALM DETERMINATION OF THE RETIRING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, ENABLED MANY COMPLEX TRADE ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED, MOST NOTABLY THE RENEGOTIATION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT AND ASSOCIATED BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS.
IN A VALEDICTORY DELIVERED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THAT MR HO SUCCESSFULL'' IMPLEMENTED THE REORGANISATION OF THE FORMER TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
/+THIS PERIOD
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
- 27 -
+THIS PERIOD ALSO SAW HONG KONG PLAYING A GRADUALLY INCREASING ROLE IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, INCLUDING THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS LAST YEAR, AND A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN OUR EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVERSELY AFFECTING HONG KONG.+ HE ADDED.
+INTERNALLY, A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF THE TEXTILE QUOTA SYSTEM WAS SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT.+
SIR DAVID SAID IN ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE JUDGMENT AND ADVICE OF MR HO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN FORMULATING THE POLICIES IN THE MATTERS WHICH WERE SO VITAL TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MR HO HAD ALSO MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY BY EXPANDING GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT SERVICES AND ENSURING THE EXISTENCE OF THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL GROWTH.
HE SAID MR HO JOINED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL 1977 ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COUNCIL, HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING A POLICY OF UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, BRINGING TO THE TASK HIS GENUINE CARE AND CONCERN FOR OTHER PEOPLE.
HE ALSO SAID THAT MR HO’S CONTRIBUTION AS A MEMBER OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD BEEN NO LESS SIGNIFICANT.
+WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, HONG KONG HAS, SINCE APRIL 1986, BEEN ACCEPTED AS A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
LASTLY, HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH MR HO WAS RETIRING FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF HIS WISDOM AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERTISE AS HE WOULD TAKE UP APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IN MAY.
+1 AM SURE MEMBERS WILL WANT TO JOIN ME IN WISHING HIM SUCCESS IN HIS NEW APPOINTMENT AND WE WISH MR AND MRS HO MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
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/28........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
28
LONG SERVICE OF RETIRING SECRETARY LAUDED
*****
SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RETIRING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, FOR HIS SERVICE IN THE COUNCIL.
IN A VALEDICTORY DELIVERED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS DUNN NOTED THAT MR HO WAS ONE OF THE LONGEST-SERVING MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, BOTH AS SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AND AS SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AND HAD BEEN ENLIGHTENING MEMBERS WITH HIS KNOWLEDGE AND WISE ADVICE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS.
MISS DUNN SAID MR HO’S RELATIONS WITH HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE COUNCIL HAD ALWAYS BEEN CHARACTERISED BY CALMNESS, SINCERITY AND GOOD HUMOUR, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS’ MANY FORMAL AND INFORMAL CONTACTS WITH HIM OUTSIDE THE CHAMBER HAD BEEN MADE SO MUCH EASIER AND MORE FRUITFUL BY HIS CHARMING, PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING MANNER.
+1 AM SURE THAT THESE QUALITIES HAVE PLAYED NO SMALL PART IN ENSURING THE SUCCESS OF RECENT IMPORTANT TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, WHICH HAVE RESOLVED A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT QUESTIONS AFFECTING OUR FUTURE TRADE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD,+ SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN ADDED THAT FEW CIVIL SERVANTS COULD MATCH MR HO’S RICH AND VARIED EXPERIENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
+IT IS PERHAPS A MEASURE OF THE LENGTH OF HIS SERVICE THAT MOST OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES IN WHICH HE HAS WORKED SO ABLY AND DEVOTEDLY NOW NO LONGER EXIST: THEY HAVE BEEN REORGANISED, RENAMED OR SUBDIVIDED,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT MR HO WAS RETIRING FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE BUT WOULD CONTINUE TO SERVE HONG KONG IN HIS NEW POSITION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
SHE SAID SHE COULD THINK OF NO PERSON BETTER QUALIFIED TO FILL THIS IMPORTANT AND RESPONSIBLE POSITION. SHE ALSO HOPED MR HO AND HIS WIFE GRACE EVERY HAPPINESS IN THE FUTURE.
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/29........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1937
- 29 -
EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS AIMED AT REDUCING HARDSHIPS
*****
EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES ARE MADE TO REDUCE HARDSHIPS CAUSED TO PEOPLE WHOSE LIVELIHOODS ARE AFFECTED BY GOVERNMENT PROJECTS AND ARE NOT A LEGAL RIGHT TO ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR SELBY SAID COMPENSATION AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED AS THEY WERE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT POLICIES FROM EACH OTHER.
COMPENSATION PAYMENTS WERE MADE TO PEOPLE WHO LEGALLY HELD PROPERTY AND WERE AFFECTED BY GOVERNMENT CLEARANCES AND PROJECTS, WHILE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE CLAIMANTS NOT LEGALLY ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION, HE SAID.
CITING SEVERAL EXAMPLES, MR SELBY SAID SOME COMMON AREAS WHERE GOVERNMENT MADE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WERE CASES WHERE TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS BELIEFS WERE DISTURBED AS A RESULT OF CLEARANCES OR PROJECT WORKS.
+ONE SUCH BELIEF IS FUNG SHU I WHICH WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO PROVE IN A COURT OF LAW THAT ANY DISTURBANCE TO IT HAD CAUSED HARDSHIP TO A PARTICULAR AREA OR VILLAGE,+ MR SELBY SAID.
+WHILE THERE IS NO PROVISION IN THE LAW BY WHICH PEOPLE CAN CLAIM FUNG SHU I AS A RIGHT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS A VERY HIGH REGARD FOR CHINESE CUSTOMS AND WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS PAY OUT EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO MEET THE COST OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES TO WARD OFF THE BAD EFFECTS OF FUNG SHU I DISTURBANCES,* HE ADDED.
MR SELBY SAID ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE POLICY WAS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES OR PROJECTS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN THE PUBLIC’S INTEREST.
-------0---------
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN APRIL TO JUNE 1987.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
SOME 5 OOO HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
♦
/ABOUT HALF
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.
INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO wILL ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR COOPERATION.
ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS, EACH CARRYING AN IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE TREATED CONFIDENTIALLY AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.
-------o----------
TAI PO STORAGE SITE TO LET X X X X X
A SITE AT DAI KWAI STREET ADJACENT TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IS TO BE LET ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE 4 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR THE STORAGE OF BUILDING MATERIALS OR COMPONENTS. €
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON APRIL 24.
-------o----------
MEET THE MEDIA X * M-
THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, WILL MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GlS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0--------
/51
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 19B7
31
OPENING OF NEW FACTORY
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN CF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR STEPHEN CHEONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A NEW FACTORY COMPLEX OF THE JAPANESE NIPPON HUME CONCRETE (HK) LTD. AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3) AT THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE COMPANY. THE COACH WILL BE WAITING OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF REGENT HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 1 PM FOR THE TRIP TO THE FACTORY AT WANG LEE STREET, YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
- o -
SHEUNG SHU I SPEED LIMIT REVISED
*****
A SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR FROM 4 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3).
THE SECTION RUNS FROM A POINT OF ABOUT 150 METRES EAST OF SHEUNG SHU I ROUNDABOUT TO CHAU TAU, INCLUDING PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NT CIRCULAR ROAD, FROM A POINT OF ABOUT 200 METRES EAST OF KAM TSIN VILLAGE HO TING SCHOOL TO A POINT OF ABOUT 150 METRES EAST OF SHEUNG SHU I ROUNDABOUT, WILL BE LIFTED.
THE EXISTING 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SAME SECTION OF THE NT CIRCULAR ROAD WILL ALSO BE RESCINDED.
AT THE SAME TIME, A NUMBER OF ROADS IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
THESE ROADS ARE ROAD SR9 AT TSUNG PAK LONG; ROAD SR6 NEAR PAK SHEK AU; AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN ROAD SR9 AND ROAD SR6.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987
52
RESTRICTED ZONES ON NT CIRCULAR ROAD
*****
A SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE AND A PROHIBITED AREA FOR LEARNER DRIVERS FROM 4 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 3).
THE SECTION RUNS FROM A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES EAST OF KAM TSIN VILLAGE HO TUNG SCHOOL TO CHAU TAU, INCLUDING THE PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA AND LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ROAD SECTION.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED TO ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
THIS SECTION IS BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES EAST OF SHEUNG SHU I ROUNDABOUT AND CHAU TAU, INCLUDING THE PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE.
-------0----------
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND
*****
ST. FRANCIS STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 4) TO 7 AM ON WORKS.
CLOSED TO TRAFFIC APRIL 7 FOR ROAD
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, TO ENTER THE EASTBOUND TRAM TRACK VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF THE OF THE DAY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED IN WESTERN DISTRICT ON DES WITH WATER STREET TO A SAME JUNCTION AT ANY TIME
- - o -----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ............ 1
•
PUBLIC COMMENTS SOUGHT ON FUN CENSORSHIP BILL ............. 5
DAY'S VISIT TO SHENZHEN ................................... 8
FRANCE RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT ......................... 9
WEST GERMANY RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT ................... 9
NEW SECTION OF NT CIRCULAR RO«D TO OPEN TOMORROW........... 9
NEW CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE OPENS ...................... 10
GRADUATING FIREMEN TOLD TO EMULATE SENIORS ............... 11
GRAVE-SWEEPERS URGED TO PREVENT HILL FIRES ............... 11
DB TO DISCUSS CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILD II G WORKS ... 12
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR HOSPITAL WORKS .... 13
COURSE ON PUTONGHUA TEACHING ORGANISED ................... 13
KENNEDY TOWN PARK OPENING .............................. 14
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO HOLD nNNUnL CONCERT ................... 14
FARMERS TO LEaRN FROM AUSTRALIA .......................... 15
PRESS VISIT TO GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD ....................... 15
INAUGURATION CEREMONY .................................... 16
X
SEMINAR ON FEE INCREASES ................................. 16
SPECIAL TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT FOR CHING MING .... 17
THJRSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
1
RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT * * * *
IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS *
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE HONG KONG LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE INCLUSION OF A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS AND HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY (C OF IS) WERE RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY).
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THAT THE BILLS WILL
BE INTRODUCED THE LEGISLATION
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ...
INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8). HAS TO BE ENACTED BEFORE JULY 1 1987 TO ALLOW ISSUE -• -r OF IDENTITY CARDS AND BN(O) PASSPORTS TO COMMENCE FROM THA DATE
OF NEW FORMS
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS OR COMMENTS SHOULD WRITE TO THE OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (OMELCO) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT
OFFICES.
BACKGROUND
TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG RESIDENTS CAN CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ABROAD WITH THE SAME EASE AND CONVENIENCE BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAVE AGREED, THROUGH DISCUSSIONS IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THAT BN(O) PASSPORTS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987 WILL CONTAIN AN ENDORSEMENT TO SHOW CLEARLY THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
THE WORDING OF THIS ENDORSEMENT AS AGREED BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENT IS:
♦THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT (OR CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY) HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (XYZ) WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+
TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, IT HAS FURTHER BEEN AGREED THAT NEW FORMS OF IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FROM JULY 1, 1987 WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY ARE REPLACED BY IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) GOVERNMENT.
THE NEW FORMS OF IDENTITY CARDS TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1 1987
ARE : A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WHICH STATES THAT TS HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO WILL HAVE THAT RIGHT AND A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD WHICH DOES NOT STATE THAT ITS HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG FOR OTHERS WHO WILL NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT.
/THE TERM .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
- 2 -
THE TERM +RIGHT OF ABODE* DOES NOT EXIST IN THE PRESENT IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE. BEFORE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS STATING THE HOLDERS’ RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG CAN BE ISSUED SO AS TO SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, IT IS NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE THIS TERM INTO THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE. IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO AMEND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS.
DEFINITION OF +RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG*
THE TERM +RIGHT OF ABODE* IS GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD TO INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND REMAIN IN ONE’S COUNTRY AND TO BE FREE FROM DEPORTATION. ALTHOUGH THE TERM +RIGHT OF ABODE* DOES NOT EXIST IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AT PRESENT, THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT OF ABODE IS THERE.
PERSONS WHO ARE + HONG KONG BELONGERS+ AS PRESENTLY DEFINED IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE (BROADLY SPEAKING 3.25 MILLION PERSONS WHO ARE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTC’S) BY VIRTUE OF A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG AND ARE ENTITLED TO HOLD A BN(O) PASSPORT) WHO ENJOY THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS AND fREEDOMS WHICH GIVE THEM THE EQUIVALENT OF RIGHT OF ABODE -
(A) THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG !
(B) THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY!
(C) FREEDOM FROM REMOVAL; AND
(D) FREEDOM FROM DEPORTATION.
THREE OTHER CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE ENJOY THE FIRST THREE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN HONG KONG BUT ARE DEPORTABLE UNDER LIMITED SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY ARE:
(A) +CHINESE RESIDENTS* : PERSONS OF CHINESE RACE WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS, OF WHOM THERE ARE ABOUT 1.74 MILLION. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM ARE TRAVELLING ON A C OF I 5
(B) +RESIDENT BRITISH CITIZENS* : BRITISH CITIZENS WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS; AND
(C) +RESIDENT UNITED KINGDOM BELONGERS+ : A SMALL NUMBER OF FOREIGN NATIONALS MARRIED TO BRITISH CITIZENS, AND CERTAIN OF THEIR CHILDREN, WHO HAD AT ANY TIME ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS.
/THE IMMIGRATION .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 198?
- 5 -
The IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 SEEKS TO DEFINE THE +RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG* TO INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO LAND AND TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY AND TO BE FREE FROM REMOVAL OR DEPORTATION.
THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AS DEFINED WILL BE ACCORDED TO A NEW CATEGORY OF PERSONS TO BE CALLED + HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS* COMPRISING ALL PERSONS WHO ARE AT PRESENT DEFINED AS +HONG KONG BELONGERS+ OR +CHINESE RESIDENTS*.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO AMEND THE DEPORTATION PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE TO REMOVE +CHINESE RESIDENTS* FROM THOSE WHO ARE DEPORTABLE FROM HONG KONG.
SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, ABOUT FIVE MILLION HONG KONG RESIDENTS WILL BECOME *HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS* AND WILL ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD STATING THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 1, 1987 THEIR BN(O) PASSPORTS OR C OF I’S ISSUED FROM THAT DATE WILL CONTAIN A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT.
+RESIDENT BRITISH CITIZENS* AND +RESIDENT UNITED KINGDOM BELONGERS+ WILL NOT BE ACCORDED THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION. BUT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG.
ISSUE OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS STATING THE HOLDERS’ RIGHT OF ABODE
UNDER THE EXISTING REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORD!NANCE, A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD IS ONLY A PROOF OF IDENTITY. THE NEW IDENTITY CARDS TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987 WILL IN ADDITION REFLECT THE immigration status of the holder, that is whether or not he has the
RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
AT PRESENT, CHILDREN UNDER 11 YEARS OF AGE AND HONG KONG RESIDENTS OVERSEAS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HOLD AN IDENTITY CARD. BUT BOTH CATEGORIES WILL FROM JULY 1, 1987 HAVE TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE THEY CAN BE ISSUED WITH OR BE INCLUDED IN BN(O) PASSPORTS OF C OF I’S WITH A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT.
THE MAJOR PROVISIONS INTRODUCED BY THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 ARE INTENDED TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(A) TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS STATING THE HOLDERS’ RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO PEOPLE WITH THAT R IG HT ;
(B) TO PROVIDE THE STATUTORY FRAMEWORK NECESSARY FOR ANOTHER IDENTITY CARD REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME FROM JULY 1, 1987;
/(C) TO mPOWER
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
U
(C) TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION TO ISSUE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS TO CHILDREN UNDER 11 AND MONG KONG RESIDENTS OVERSEAS IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR APPLICATION FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS OR C OF I’S. (AS UNDER THE PRESENT PRACTICE, UNLESS THEY ARE APPLYING FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS OR C OF I’S, CHILDREN UNDER 11 AND HONG KONG RESIDENTS LIVING OVERSEAS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO HOLD IDENTITY CARDS)?
(D) TO PROVIDE AN APPEALS PROCEDURE FOR APPLICANTS FOR PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS WHO ARE REFUSED THE ISSUE OF SUCH CARDS ON THE GROUND THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD AS PROOF OF ONE’S RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG?
(E) TO ESTABLISH A REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TRIBUNAL TO DETERMINE SUCH APPEALS AND TO STIPULATE THAT A PERSON WHO WISHES TO APPEAL WILL HAVE TO DO SO WITHIN 90 DAYS OF HIS BEING NOTIFIED OF THE DECISION OF THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO REFUSE TO ISSUE HIM WITH A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS
the issue of new forms of identity cards will involve arrangements similar to those adopted in the last re-issue EXERCISE WHICH HAS BEEN COMPLETED EARLY THIS YEAR. IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS WILL BE ASKED TO COME FORWARD IN SPECIFIED GROUPS BY AGE AND SEX TO HAVE THEIR CARDS REPLACED AND EXISTING CARDS WILL BE DECLARED INVALID PROGRESSIVELY. ADEQUATE PUBLICITY WILL BE ARRANGED.
THE EIGHT IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE CENTRES WILL REMAIN OPEN OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. THE WHOLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
AS APPLICANTS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS AND C OF I’S FROM JULY 1, 1987 WHO ARE NOT HOLDING A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WILL NEED ONE IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN THEIR DOCUMENTS, THE immigration DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE SPECIAL arrangements TO ISSUE THEM WITH PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS AT THE TIME WHEN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE ISSUED. THE AIM IS TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
/FURTHER LEGISLATIVE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
- 5 -
FURTHER LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
the present legislative proposals are arrangements of a transitional nature to meet the immediate objective of including A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN BN(O) PASSPORTS AND C OF I’S.
ON JULY 1, 1997 PEOPLE WILL ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.
TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, FURTHER LEGISLATIVE CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 1997 TO BRING THE PROVISIONS REGARDING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG COMPLETELY INTO LINE WITH THOSE SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
-------o----------
PUBLIC COMMENTS SOUGHT ON FILM CENSORSHIP BILL
*****
THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL, WHICH SEEKS TO INCORPORATE THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING FILM CENSORSHIP AND TO PROVIDE FOR A FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON FILM CLASSIFICATION AND CENSORSHIP AT JACKSON ROAD BY MAY 15.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FILM CENSORSHIP HAD BEEN PRACTISED IN HONG KONG SINCE 1953 AND HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC AS A GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY.
AT PRESENT, THE PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA FOR APPROVING OR DISAPPROVING A FILM ARE CODIFIED IN A +NOTE OF GUIDANCE* ISSUED IN 1973 FOR REFERENCE BY THE FILM INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC. THESE PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA COVER A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS, FROM SEX AND VIOLENCE, TO RACE AND RELIGION, TO CONTEMPT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND HARM TO GOOD RELATIONS WITH OTHER TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DRAFT BILL WAS AIMED AT REGULARISING THE PRESENT FILM CENSORSHIP PROCESS AND EMBODYING IN LAW THE PRINCIPLES OF CENSORSHIP CURRENTLY EXERCISED ADMINISTRATIVELY
THROUGH THE +NOTE OF GUIDANCE*.
/HE EXPLAINED
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
- 6 -
HE EXPLAINED THAT ONE REASON FOR THIS APPROACH WAS THAT THE PRINCIPLES WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE COMMUNITY’S EXPECTATIONS OF FILM CENSORSHIP.
+IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO THE FILM INDUSTRY AS TO WHAT MIGHT BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND WOULD EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR ANY EXCISION OR DISAPPROVAL,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THESE PRINCIPLES WOULD ENABLE FILMS TO BE CENSORED ON MORAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL GROUNDS.
COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING CENSORSHIP GUIDELINES AS EMBODIED IN THE +NOTE OF GUIDANCE*, THE DRAFT BILL DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR CENSORING FILMS ON GROUNDS OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, PUBLIC DISORDER, INCITING HATRED OR CONTEMPT OF THE SYSTEM OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OR BRINGING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE INTO DISREPUTE.
THE POWER FOR CENSORING A FILM ON GROUNDS OF ITS LIKELIHOOD TO SERIOUSLY PREJUDICE GOOD RELATIONS WITH TERRITORIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG IS RETAINED. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT HONG KONG DEPENDS ON GOOD TRADING RELATIONS WITH MANY OVERSEAS TERRITORIES AND IT WOULD BE IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST NOT TO JEOPARDISE THESE RELATIONS IN THE MOST SERIOUS CASES.
AS REGARDS THE FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, THE DRAFT BILL PROPOSES THAT FILMS INTENDED FOR EXHIBITION WOULD BE CLASSIFIED BY THE CENSOR INTO THE FOLLOWING THREE CATEGORIES:
* CATEGORY I - APPROVED FOR GENERAL EXHIBITION TO
PERSONS OF ANY AGE ?
* CATEGORY II - APPROVED FOR GENERAL EXHIBITION TO
PERSONS OF ANY AGE SUBJECT TO SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO THE VIEWING OF THE FILM BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 AS HE SHALL CONSIDER APPROPRIATE; OR
* CATEGORY III - APPROVED FOR EXHIBITION ONLY TO PERSONS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FILMS PASSED AS CATEGORIES I AND II WOULD ONLY REQUIRE THE OCCASIONAL INSPECTION BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THAT THE VERSIONS SHOWN WERE THE ONES APPROVED.
+ENFORCEMENT ACTION WOULD LARGELY BE IN RESPECT OF CATEGORY I I I FILMS,* HE SAID.
/CATEGORY III
THURSDAY, APRIL ?, 1987
- 7 -
CATEGORY III FILMS WOULD BE FOR RESTRICTED AUDIENCES ONLY AND CINEMA OPERATORS SHOWING THIS CATEGORY OF FILMS WOULD BE OBLIGED, UNDER THE DRAFT BILL, TO ENSURE THAT SUCH FILMS ARE VIEWED ONLY BY PERSONS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18.
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY WOULD IN TURN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING OUT SPOT CHECKS ON CINEMAS SHOWING CATEGORY III FILMS, FOR EXAMPLE, AT THE ENTRY OR EXIT POINTS, AND FOR TAKING PROSECUTION ACTION WHERE APPROPRIATE AGAINST THE CINEMA OPERATORS CONCERNED.
IT WOULD, HOWEVER, BE A DEFENCE FOR THE EXHIBITOR TO SHOW THAT HE HAS TAKEN ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE EXHIBITION OF THE FILM TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM PENALTY would be a fine of ’10 000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND FINE OF 1550 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION.
IN ADDITION, THE AUTHORITY MAY ALSO ISSUE A WARNING LETTER TO THE OFFENDING OPERATOR, SUSPEND OR REVOKE HIS CINEMA PERMIT GRANTED UNDER SECTION 8 OF THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE.
ON FUTURE CENSORSHIP STANDARDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD COMPLETED A LARGE-SCALE OPINION STUDY THROUGH A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO FIND OUT WHAT THE CENSORSHIP STANDARDS SHOULD BE UNDER THE NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
♦ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +IT IS LIKELY THAT THERE WILL BE SOME RELAXATION IN STANDARDS FOR CATEGORY III FILMS, BUT THAI CATEGORY •' F'LMS MAY BE SUBJECT TO SIMILAR CENSORSHIP STANDARDS AS THOSE PRESENTLY APPLIED TO FILMS CONSIDERED 'NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN’.♦
THE DRAFT BILL STATES THAT A CENSOR SHALL EXAMINE A FILM TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FILM IS OR IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EXHIBITION. THE CENSOR SHALL ALSO EXAMINE ANY ACCOMPANYING SOUNDTRACK OF THE FILM.
THE CENSOR MAY CONSULT ANY PERSON HE CONSIDERS NECESSARY BEFORE REACHING HIS DECISION IN RESPECT OF THE FILM. AT PRESENT ABOUT 90 SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED BY ROSTER TO VIEW FILMS with the CENSORS AND TO TENDER ADVICE.
/THE DRAFT
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
8 -
THE DRAFT BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR APPEALS. A FILM DISTRIBUTOR AGGRIEVED BY A DECISION OF A CENSOR OR THE FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY MAY APPEAL TO A BOARD OF REVIEW COMPRISING THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION AS THE EX OFFICIO CHAIRMAN AND NINE OTHER PERSONS (NOT LESS THAN SIX OF WHOM SHALL BE NON-OFFICIALS) AS MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THIS PROVISION WILL ENABLE GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE review process than provided for under the present film
CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS.
THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 17 FOR ENACTMENT WITHIN THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
UNTIL THE BILL IS PASSED INTO LAW, FILMS SUBMITTED FOR CENSORSHIP WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONSIDERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES.
TO FACILITATE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, A BACKGROUND NOTE SETTING OUT THE PROPOSALS IN THE DRAFT BILL TOGETHER WITH CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE PROVISIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY TO INTERESTED PARTIES.
----0 -----
DAY'S VISIT TO SHENZHEN
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL PAY A ONE-DAY VISIT TO SHENZHEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR FORD WILL BEGIN HIS TOUR AT SHEKOU AND WILL VISIT VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SET UPS IN THE SEZ. HE WILL ATTEND A LUNCH HOSTED BY SHENZHEN OFFICIALS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MRS FANNY LAW, ON THE TRIP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE RETURN OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, BY HELICOPTER FROM MAN KAM TO AT HMS TAMAR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE
TO TAMAR BY 4.15 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-------0 ---------
/9........
9
Thursday, april 2, 1937
FRANCE RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT
*****
THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF FRANCE INFORMED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING THAT THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO RECOGNISE THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT AS A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT WHEN IT COMES INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1, 1987.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE RECOGNITION OF THE BN(O) STATUS AND PASSPORT BY THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT. FRANCE IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS OF HONG KONG TRAVELLERS.
-----o-----
WEST GERMANY RECOGNISES BN(O) PASSPORT
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE RECOGNITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS AND PASSPORT BY THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED IS A
F°R H°NG K0NG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING FOR DUcll'Itoo Un rLLAbUKtrt
-------o----------
NEW SECTION OF NT CIRCULAR ROAD TO OPEN TOMORROW
*****
A NEW SECTION OF THE NEw TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEAR KWU TUNG IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL RE OPENED TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND MOTORISTS WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL FROM SHA TIN TO PAK SHEK AU IN A HIGH CAPACITY, LIMITED ACCESS TRUNK ROAD.
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL OFFICIATE AT AT ™E PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE to mIrk THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW SECTION FROM FAN KAM ROAD TO PAK SHEK AU. ,il™J^ErSECTI0N’ BUILT T0 TRUNK R0AD STANDARD, IS A THREE-CI TnnrTnE DUAL TW0~LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH SPACE ALLOWED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION TO A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
SERVICE ROADS AND FIVE FOOTBRIDGES ARE ALSO PROVIDED.
/DIRECTION EIGNS
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
10
DIRECTION SIGNS HAVE BEEN PUT UP ALONG THE TRUNK ROAD AS WELL AS THE SERVICE ROADS AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS TO DIRECT MOTORISTS.
CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE NEW ROAD SECTION US ABOUT 5»119 MILLION.
IT FORMS THE FIRST PART OF THE NEw TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WHICH COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION IN FOUR PHASES OF A 12-KILOMETRE HIGH CAPACITY TRUNK ROAD FROM FAN KAM ROAD TO AU TAU, RUNNING ALONG THE ALIGNMENT OF THE EX I ST INC CASTLE PEAK ROAD THROUGH KWU TUNG, SAN TIN, MAI PO AND SAN WAI.
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT, FROM PAK SHEK AU TO Mm I Pu, WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC BY LATE 1988 TO COINCIDE WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE VEHICULAR .-OI-DER LINK AT LOK MA CHAU WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PROVIDING A HIGH CAPACITY TRUNK ROAD BETWEEN CHINA AND THE KOWLOON URBAN AREAS.
THE WHOLE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY LATE 1990. --------------------------------o--------
NEW CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE OPENS
* «■ * * *
THE PURPOSE OF SETTING UP CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IS TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR INTERESTS, CHARACTER AND POTENTIAL THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN GROUP RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ALSO TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND ENHANCE THEIR SOCIALISATION SKILLS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION’S CHUK YUEN CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN WONG TAI SIN, SHE NOTED THAT THERE WERE 38 WELFARE AGENCIES ENGAGING IN YOUTH WORK IN HONG KONG AND THEY OPERATED MORE THAN 180 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES WITH SUBVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
■•■THERE ARE SOME 900 YOUTH SOCIAL WORKERS SERVING IN THESE CENTRES WHICH HAVE ABOUT 170 000 MEMBERS,+ SHE SAID.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW CENTRE OPENED TODAY WAS AMONG THE FIRST BATCH OF 25 WELFARE PROJECTS THE FITTING OUT OF WHICH WAS HANDLED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
SHE ALSO SAID THAT SINCE ITS COMING INTO OPERATION LAST DECEMBER THE CENTRE HAD ALREADY ATTRACTED ''ORE THAN 1 400 MEMBERS WITH The DAILY ATTENDANCE RATE OF SOME 120 YOUTHS.
+THIS SIGNIFIES A GOOD START FOR THE CENTRE AND TO LEARN THAT THE ACTIVITIES OFFERED WILL BE FURTHER WITH THE SETTING UP OF A TOY LIBRARY,+ SHE SAID.
I AM PLEASED ENRICHED SOON
MRS WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION FOR ITS -TOn'Ti. ! i?tJT I Of’ TO ' OUT H ; OH I AL YORK, NOTING THAT ITS SERVICES INCLUDED THE OPERATION OF YOUTH AND CHILDREN CENTRES, OUTREACHING TEAMS, YOUTH HOSTELS, INDOOR GAMES HALLS AND THE EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME.
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/11 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
11
GRADUATING FIREMEN TOLD TO EMULATE SENIORS
*****
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL T.A. BOAM, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOLD THREE GROUPS OF GRADUATING FIREMEN TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS EFFICIENTLY AND SELFLESSLY AS THEIR SENIOR COLLEAGUES.
ADDRESSING A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 48 RECRUITS AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, MAJ GEN BOAM SAID THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS A DISCIPLINED SERVICE THAT REQUIRED A HIGH LEVEL OF TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, INITIATIVE, PHYSICAL COURAGE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
+THROUGH SOME OF THE SIMULATED EXERCISES YOU HAVE COMPLETED IN TRAINING YOU WILL HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT YOU MAY HAVE TO FACE IN THE FUTURE.
+IT IS WHEN YOU ARE ALONE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH A LIFE-SAVING MISSION TO COMPLETE THAT ALL YOUR SKILLS AND PHYSICAL COURAGE WILL BE CALLED UPON.
+YOUR SERVICE HAS A LONG TRADITION OF PUBLIC SERVICE, EFFICIENCY AND BRAVERY AND I KNOW YOU WILL ALL MAINTAIN THEIR TRADITION AND REPUTATION, AND ACQUIT YOURSELVES WELL,+ HE SAID.
THE BEST RECRUIT AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO FIREMAN FUNG PAK-ON.
- 0 -
grave-sweepers urged to prevent hill fires
* * * * *
PEOPLE VISITING ANCESTRAL GRAVES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL PERIOD WERE URGED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST HILL FIRES DESPITE THE PREVAILING HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS.
THE COUNTRY PARK PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR C.W. LAI, SAID 19 HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED IN THE LAST CHING MING FESTIVAL PERIOD, RESULTING IN MORE THAN 1 700 TREES AND 53 HECTARES OF PLANTATION DAMAGED.
THESE FIRES, HE SAID, WERE ALL CAUSED BY HUMAN NEGLIGENCE. +ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE HUMID NOW, THERE IS STILL A NEED FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. THEY CAN DO SO JUST BY OBSERVING A FEW SIMPLE RULES,+ MR LAI SAID.
/THESE ARE :
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 198?
12 -
THESE ARE :
K BURN WORSHIPPING ITEMS IN METAL CONTAINERS;
* DO NOT LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS STICKS AND PAPERS UNATTENDED? AND
X MAKE SURE ALL BURNING ITEMS ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING THE GRAVE SITE.
MR LAI ALSO REMINDED PICNICKERS TO LIGHT FIRES ONLY AT DESIGNATED BARBECUE AREAS.
LEAD TO A
4-mPrAl LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY I COUNTRYSIDE.+ HE SAID.
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DB TO DISCUSS CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS
*****
SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
A REPORT OF THE PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS wITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN ON THE DOCUMENT WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL ON THE 1987-88 SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD STUDY TOUR TO EITHER THE PHILIPPINES, THE UNITED
KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, OR
OTHER ITEMS TO BE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, PROVISIONAL TIME-TABLE COMMITTEES.
SINGAPORE.
DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE PUBLIC ORDER ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS, AND THE REVISED OF MEETINGS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2 PM, IIN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM AT 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
-----0------
/13
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR HOSPITAL WORKS
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION TO A LIST OF PRE-QUALIFI ED TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL.
THE NEW HOSPITAL ON HONG KONG ISLAND, OCCUPYING ABOUT 188 OOO SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA, WILL COMPRISE FIVE MAIN BUILDINGS WITH 1 550 BEDS.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE LANDS AND WORKS APPROVED CONTRACTORS LIST I GROUP +C+ FOR BUILDING WORKS OR LIST II FOR BUILDING WORKS MAY APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFI CAT I ON.
ALSO PLUMBING CONTRACTORS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION TO THE LIST OF APPROVED PRE-QUALIFI ED PLUMBING CONTRACTORS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD WILL BE 40 MONTHS.
-----0-------
COURSE ON PUTONGHUA TEACHING ORGANISED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA AND OTHER SUBJECTS TO ATTEND A HALF-DAY COURSE ON HOW TO TEACH PUTONGHUA MORE EFFECTIVELY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO WAYS AND MEANS OF ORGANISING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA.
THE COURSE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, ON MAY 23.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSE SHOULD FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE TEACHING CENTRE ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 165, MA TAU WAI ROAD, BY APRIL 10.
- - 0----------
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
14
KENNEDY TOWN PARK OPENING * * * * *
THE NEW SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE OPENED AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 4).
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY F0RS6ATE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MP GRAHAM BARNES, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY ( HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) MR PAUL LEUNG, 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 FACULT' OF ARCHITECTURE, PROFESSOR ERIC LYE.
A COMMUNITY DAY ORGANISED BY THE BOARD TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE PARK WILL START HALF-AN-HOUR EARLIER AT THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND NEARBY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS,
-------o ---------
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO HOLD ANNUAL CONCERT
*****
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL STAGE ITS ANNUAL CONCERT ON APRIL 18 AT 8 PM AT THE AUDITORIUM OF SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
THE ORCHESTRA wILL TREAT THE AUDIENCE TO A SUPERB MUSIC PROGRAMME UNDER THE BATON OF ITS PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR, YIP WING-SIE.
MISS YIP WON THE FIRST PRIZE AS WELL AS THE +LYRE DOR+ TROPHY IN THE 35TH CONCOURS INTERNATIONAL DES JEUNES CHEFS D’ORCHESTRE DE FRANCE IN SEPTEMBER 1985.
SHE GUEST CONDUCTED THE HONC K' FAN ASIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, THE GUANGZHOU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, THE CENTRAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF PEKING AND THE NATIONAL CAPITAL ORCHESTRA DE TOULOUSE, FRANCE.
SHE WAS APPOINTED RESIDENT CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA FROM SEPTEMBER 1986 AND PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR 1986-87.
TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS AT THE CITY HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, SPACE MUSEUM, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND TOM LEE MUSIC CO (CAUSEWAY BAY, CAMERON LANE, . .1 KOO SHING CITY PLAZA AND MAN YEE BUILDING BRANCHES).
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-283257.
- - 0 - -
/15........
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
15
FARMERS TO LEARN FROM AUSTRALIA
*****
A GROUP OF 15 VEGETABLE GROWERS WILL LEAVE ON MONDAY (APRIL 6) FOR AUSTRALIA ON A TEN-DAY TOUR TO STUDY MODERN TECHNIQUES IN VEGETABLE GROWING AND MARKETING AND TO SEE THE LATEST FARM MACHINERIES.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION AND THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, THE STUDY TOUR, THE TENTH SINCE 1977, IS THE FIRST TO AUSTRALIA.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, WILL PRESENT A BANNER TO THE GROUP TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MARK ITS DEPARTURE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BANNER PRESENTATION TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT THE AFD HEADQUARTERS’ CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 14TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
PRESS VISIT TO GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD
*****
A PRESS VISIT TO THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD ORGANISED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 7).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO ATTEND THE PRESS VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PIER AT PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BY 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY.
A MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH WILL TAKE THE PRESS PARTY ACROSS THE HARBOUR TO THE DOCKYARD, LEAVING THE PIER AT 2.40 PM SHARP.
0 - -
THURSDAY, APR IL 2, 1987 -
16
INAUGURATION CEREMONY * * *
THE 1987-88 SHAM SHU I
CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 8 COMMUNITY HALL, CHEUNG SHA
PO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ INAUGUR, ' 1 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LAI K WAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MR GREGORY LEUNG, AND SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT COMMANDER, W PAANG KUI-SAN: WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
-------o----------
SEMINAR ON FEE INCREASES
*****
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S +IN PERSPECTIVE+ PROGRAMME WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SEMINAR ON TUITION FEE INCREASE FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PODIUM FROM 5 PM TO 6 ' ) Ph TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBEh PROFESSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG? CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, MR LEE YU-TAI? CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY OF HONG KONG SCHOLARS, DR NG CHING-FAI? AND CHAIRMAN OF THE " COMMITTEE ON COLLEGE STUDENTS’ FINANCE, MR WONG NGAN-LIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER.
_ _ 0 ---------
/17........
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1987
- 17 -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT FOR CHING MING
* * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL TO FACILITATE GRAVE-SWEEPERS GOING TO CEMETERIES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WO HOP SHEK ROAD FROM THE WO HOP SHEK MIN I-ROUNDABOUT TO THE JUNCTION OF ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL PRIVATE VEHICLES FROM 4 AM TO 8 PM ON APRIL 5, 6, 12 AND 19. THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES. KIU TAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC 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 NT TRUNK ROAD LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND RESIDENTS FOR LOCAL ACCESS. THE FANLING 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 APRIL 4, 5, 6 AND 12. THE OLD ACCESS ROAD TO THE TSUEN WAN CEMETERY FROM TEXACO ROAD IS CLOSED 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 APRIL 4, 5, 6, 12 AND 19. GRAVE-SWEEPERS SHOULD
TAKE THE MTR AND GET OFF AT KWAI FONG MTR STATION.
IN SHAM SHU I PO, WING MING STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM ON APRIL 5 TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN YEE KUK WEST STREET, YU CHAU WEST STREET, KING LAM STREET, WING HONG STREET AND TAI NAN WEST STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, GRAVE-SWEEPERS GOING TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY SHOULD USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK WEST STREET AND KING LAM STREET.
RESIDENTS GOING TO THE HAMMER HILL CEMETERY SHOULD USE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.
ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, KCRC AND KMB WILL STEP UP THEIR SERVICES DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD ON APRIL 5, 6, 12 AND 19, KMB WILL OPERATE SPECIAL BUS SERVICES - ROUTES 7OR AND 70S - FROM FANLING KCR STATION TO WO HOP SHEK AND FROM JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS TO WO HOP SHEK RESPECTIVELY.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191
11RIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SCREENING AND REPATRIATION REMAIN LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO VR PROBLEM ..................................................... 1
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES GAZETTED ...................... 3'
UNITED STATUS ANNOUNCES 1987 GENERALISED SCHUSG OP HIE?n<_NCES ............................................. 5
ft.W. LEE BEADS YCUDE FUND BOARD OP TRUSTEES .................... 6
SLOPE SAFETY GIVEB HIGH PRIORITY ............................... 7
COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE QUALITY, RANGE OF EDUCATION STRESSED . 9
YEN VALUE HAKES HK MORE ATTRACTIVE ’CR JAPANESE INVESTORS .. 10
LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PAPER REVETTED ............................ 11
GENERAL HOLIDAYS IN 1988 ANNOUNCED.............................. 12
REGISTRATION REVOKED ........................................... 13
LIST OF ANTIBIOTICS EXPANDED ................................... 13
LO TIE WAIT FISH CULTURE ZONE BOUNDARIES .UTUTDRD............... 14
REMMDHl TO PAY SECOND QUARTER RAES ............................. 14
BANNER IRESLNTED TO TARTARS OK AUSTRALIAN STUDY TOUR......... 15
BANGLADESH JOINS SEEDFOST NJTJCRK............................... 16
LOOKING AT 0I.LL.LTI01, OF CIVIL AVIATION DAPARELKT............. 17
CHEJG LONG TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR HOi-G KOl'G ISUND .............. 18
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITING CHOIR MSES1S ........................... 19
TEMFOiLiltY TRAFFIC CHAl'TGES ET CENTRAL........................ 19
FIRST AID COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TE..CHERS .................. 19
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1^87
1
SCREENING AND REPATRIATION REMAIN LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO VR PROBLEM * * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S LONG TERM POSITION ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IS THAT IT HOPES TO INTRODUCE A SCREENING PROGRAMME SO THAT AS A RESULT OF THE SCREENING SOME REFUGEES WOULD BE SENT BACK TO VIETNAM IF THEY ARE PROVED NOT TO BE REFUGEES IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, THIS AFTERNOON WHEN ASKED TO CLARIFY THE GOVERNMENT STAND ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
+THIS HAS BEEN OUR LONG TERM HOPE FOR SOME PERIOD OF TIME AND IT DOES DEPEND ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT BEING ABLE TO TAKE UP THE SITUATION WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS VERY WELL AWARE OF THE PRESSURES THERE WERE ON HONG KONG IN TERMS OF THE PROBLEM.
+ |T’S NOT A PROBLEM THAT IS GOING AWAY EASILY, AND WE ARE IN REGULAR TOUCH WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ABOUT IT, AND OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE,+ HE ADDED.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT OTHER OPTIONS OPEN TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IF REPATRIATION WAS NOT VIABLE, MR FORD SAID:
+THE OPTIONS ARE PRETTY LIMITED, AS YOU KNOW. WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE POSSIBILITY OF REPATRIATION, BUT IT’S NOT GOING TO BE EASY.
+ IF WE AREN’T ABLE TO DEAL WITH IT IN THAT WAY, THEN WE SHALL HAVE TO PRESS AHEAD ON RESETTLEMENT. THAT’S THE ONLY OTHER ALTERNATIVE THAT’S OPEN TO US.+
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE POSITION WAS THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE MORE SURE THAN THEY WERE AT PRESENT OF THE TREATMENT THAT REFUGEES WOULD HAVE IF THEY WERE RETURNED.
+THAT IS THEIR PRESENT POSITION, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT IT’S THEIR POSITION FOREVER,+ HE ADDED.
MR FORD ALSO STRESSED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, DID NOT INDICATE IN HIS EARLIER SPEECH THAT A FIRM DECISION HAD BEEN MADE ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
+HE PRESENTED IT AS A PROPOSAL,+ HE SAID.
/Til3 PROPOSAL
Friday, april 3, 1987
- 2
THE PROPOSAL FOR SCREENING WAS MADE SOME TIME AGO AND THE PROPOSAL FOR REPATRIATION WAS ONE WHICH +IS STILL ON THE CARDS*, HE SAID.
ASKED HOW LONG THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO WORK OUT THE REPATRIATION OF REFUGEES, MR FORD SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS RELYING ON OTHER COUNTRIES MAKING AN APPROACH TO VIETNAM.
+OBVIOUSLY SOME OF THE COUNTRIES WHO ARE PRESENTLY RECEIVING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE INTERESTED ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEM,+ HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THAT THE SITUATION HAD MOVED A VERY LONG WAY SINCE THE UNHCR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN 1979, WHICH SET UP THE ORIGINAL PLAN FOR THE COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM AND RESETTLEMENT.
+OBVIOUSLY IN TERMS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE MOUNTED IS SOMETHING WHICH HAS TO BE PUT TOGETHER,* HE ADDED.
MR FORD DESCRIBED HIS FIRST TRIP TO SHENZHEN AS USEFUL, PLEASANT AND INSTRUCTIVE.
HE SAID HE SAW THE PORT DEVELOPMENT AND SOME MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY THERE, ADDING THAT THE DEVELOPMENT IN SHENZHEN AFTER SIX YEARS OF TURNING ITSELF FROM A VILLAGE INTO A CITY OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE HAD BEEN IMPRESSIVE.
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR AND THEY HAD AN +INTERESTING+ DISCUSSION OF HONG KONG’S RECENT DEVELOPMENT.
+ 1 THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE DO LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE BORDER AND HONG KONG AND INDEED IN THE DELTA ALTOGETHER, AND WE TALKED ABOUT THE NEED FOR LIAISON ON STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, ON LINKS IN TERMS OF ROAD LINKS AND RAILINGS AND THE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE AND HOW WE MIGHT IMPROVE THOSE IN THE FUTURE,* MR FORD SAID.
HE SAID THEY HAD ALSO AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE USEFUL IF THE TWO SIDES STRENGTHENED THE PLANNING LINKS IN FUTURE REGULAR MEETINGS, ADDING THAT DETAILS WOULD BE DISCUSSED AT A LATER DATE.
ASKED WHETHER THE SUBJECT OF AIRPORTS HAD BEEN RAISED IN THEIR DISCUSSION, MR FORD SAID HE HAD BRIEFED THE SHENZHEN MAYOR, MR LI HAO, ON HONG KONG’S CURRENT THINKING ON THE AIRPORT AND WAS TOLD ABOUT CHINA’S HOPES FOR AN AIRPORT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER.
+WE OBVIOUSLY AGREED THAT WHEN THE TIME CAME FOR DECISIONS THERE MUST BE TALKS BETWEEN US ON HOW THE BEST DEVELOPMENT COULD HAPPEN,* HE SAID.
/MR TORD .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
MR FORD SAID HE GOT THE IMPRESSION THAT CHINA WAS STILL LOOKING AT FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND THAT ITS PLANS WERE AT A VERY EARLY STAGE.
♦ AND I THINK THERE AREN’T FIRM DECISIONS ON WHETHER IT WOULD BE A SMALL AIRPORT OR FOR SERVING LOCAL CHINA NEEDS OR WHETHER IT WOULD BE A LARGER AIRPORT,+ HE SAID.
asked whether it would conflict with hong kong’s new second AIRPORT, MR FORD SAID: +l THINK THAT PLANNING IS AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE THAT WE CAN AVOID ANY QUESTION OF CONFLICT THERE.+
+ l CERTAINLY DO NOT THINK THAT WILL CREATE A PROBLEM FOR US,+ HE ADDED.
ASKED WHEN CHINA AND HONG KONG WOULD MEET AND DISCUSS THE PROBLEM, MR FORD SAID THERE WOULD BE QUITE SOME TIME YET.
+OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE AT A VERY EARLY STAGE OF PLANNING. AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE OF KAI TAK, AND THAT WE WON’T BE IN A POSITION TO TAKE A DECISION ON THE FUTURE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN HONG KONG, I THINK, FOR AT LEAST TWO OR THREE YEARS. SO LONG AS WE STAY IN TOUCH IN THE MEANTIME, I THINK THAT’S ALL WE NEED TO DO,+ HE SAID.
------0--------
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES GAZETTED
*****
THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH AIMS CHIEFLY TO IMPROVE OR STREAMLINE CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE CONTROL OF SPECIFIED PROCESSES UNDER THE ORDINANCE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SPECIFIED PROCESSES COVER MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS AND PLANTS OF HIGH AIR POLLUTION POTENTIAL SUCH AS ELECTRICITY WORKS, CEMENT WORKS AND INCINERATORS.
TWENTY-THREE CATEGORIES OF PROCESSES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS SPECIFIED PROCESSES. APART FROM THOSE MENTIONED ABOVE, OTHERS INCLUDE ACRYLATE WORKS, ALUMINIUM WORKS, CERAMIC WORKS, CHLORINE WORKS, COPPER WORKS, GAS WORKS, IRON AND STEEL WORKS, METAL RECOVERY WORKS, MINERAL WORKS, PETROCHEMICAL WORKS,, SULPHURIC ACID WORKS, TAR AND BITUMEN WORKS, FRIT WORKS, LEAD WORKS, AMINES WORKS, ASBESTOS WORKS, CHEMICAL INCINERATION WORKS, HYDROCH.ORIC ACID WORKS, HYDROGEN CYANIDE WORKS, AND SULPHIDE WORKS.
/THERE ARE ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 198?
THERE ARE 106 EXISTING SUCH WORKS IN HONG KONG, ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORDS.
NEW SPECIFIED PROCESS WORKS WILL BE SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. HOWEVER, EXISTING WORKS ALREADY REGISTERED WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING PROCEDURES.
BUT HE ADDED THAT EXEMPTION WILL LAPSE WITH ANY CHANGE, MODIFICATION OR RENEWAL OF PLANT.
BY INSTALLATION OF NEW PLANT, FOR EXAMPLE, AN EXISTING SPECIFIED PROCESS WORKS WILL BECOME SUBJECT TO LICENSING. THE APPROACH IS TO CONTROL EXISTING PROCESSES AS THEY CHANGE OR INTRODUCE NEW PROCESSES.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER SAID THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, PROTECTS TRADE AND MANUFACTURING SECRETS J ALLOWS TRANSFER OF LICENCE} AND STIPULATES PENALTIES FOR SUPPLY OF INCORRECT INFORMATION AND VIOLATION OF LICENSING AND EXEMPTION CONDITIONS.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) FIRST CONSIDERED THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IN MAY LAST YEAR AND ADVISED THAT INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
AN EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION EXERCISE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ARRANGED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THIRTY-THREE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS WERE INVITED TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT BILL. MEETINGS WERE ALSO ORGANISED AT WHICH REPRESENTATIVES OF HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT BRIEFED INDUSTRIAL REPRESENTATIVES ON THE PROPOSALS.
SIX WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED LAST OCTOBER. TWO ORGANISATIONS INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT WHILE THE OTHER FOUR HAD NO OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IN GENERAL ALTHOUGH THEY HAD MADE SPECIFIC COMMENTS.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS AMENDED IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS RECEIVED AND WAS ENDORSED BY EPCOM IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON MARCH 24 AND APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
the first and the second reading of the bill
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS SCHEDULED ON MAY 6.
IN THE
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FRIDAY, APR IL 3, 1987
5
UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES 1987 GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES * * * * *
+THE US ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 2, 1987 SOME CHANGES TO ITS GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES,* A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SA ID TODAY (FR IDAY).
THE CHANGES WHICH WILL AFFECT HONG KONG ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(I) NINE NEW ITEMS INCLUDING CERTAIN HOUSEHOLD WARE, AMD TIME SWITCHES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE GSP LIST.
US IMPORTS OF THESE NINE ITEMS FROM HONG KONG IN 1986 AMOUNTED TO US Dl.l MILLION. SUCH IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG WILL IN FUTURE EE ELIGIBLE FOR GSP BENEFITS.
(II) ELEVEN ITEMS INCLUDING CORDLESS HANDSET TELEPHONES, ANTENNAS, AND CERTAIN TOY ITEMS HAVE BEEN RE-DESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE FOR DUTY-FREE GSP STATUS. IMPORTS OF THESE ITEMS FROM HONG KONG IN 1986 WERE US *188.8 MILLION.
(Ill) DE MINIMUS WAIVERS HAVE BEEN GRANTED TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS, IMPORTS OF WHICH FROM HONG KONG IN 1986 AMOUNTED To US $29.2 MILLION.
(IV) HONG KONG WILL LOSE ELIGIBILITY IN 10 ITEMS, TRADE IN WHICH IN 1986 AMOUNTED TO US *329 MILLION.
THESE CHANGES WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1987.
IN OVERALL TERMS, BASED ON 1986 DATA, HONG KONG WILL LOSE ELIGIBILITY IN ABOUT US $140 MILLION WORTH OF TRADE. THIS COMPARES WITH A TOTAL US $1.2 BILLION OF TRADE FROM HONG KONG WHICH ENJOYED GSP DUTY FREE STATUS IN 1985.
COMMENTING ON THE CHANGES, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THEY AROSE FROM THE 1987 REVIEW OF THE GSP PROGRAMME. THE REVIEW DECIDES THE ELIGIBILITY STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS BASED ON 1986 TRADE DATA, MEASURED AGAINST THE COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS SET FOR EACH PRODUCT UNDER THE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME. THE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW WAS COMPLETED ON JANUARY 2, 1987.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT MOST OF THE TRADE WHICH WILL EE REDESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE FOR GSP BENEFITS AS A RESULT OF THE ANNUAL REVIEW IS FOR PRODUCTS WHICH WERE GRANTED A WAIVER FROM PAYING DUTY UNDER THE PRESIDENT JAL REVIEW.
MOST OF THE TRADE WHICH WILL LOSE ELIGIBILITY LIES IN PRODUCTS FOR WHICH THE NEW, LOWER COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS WERE PUT IN PLACE UNDER THE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EXAMINE THE RESULTS IN MORE DETAIL WHEN FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CHANGES BECOMES AVAILABLE.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
6
Q.W. LEE HEADS YOUDE FUND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
*****
MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HANG SENG BANK, MR LEE QUO-WEI, HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WAS SET UP UNDER THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND ORDINANCE WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD COMPRISE LADY YOUDE, WHO WILL ALSO BE A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF THE FUND, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO? LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, MR PETER POON WING-CHEUNG WHO IS AN ACCOUNTANT AND MR J.J. SWAINE, A QUEEN’S COUNSEL AND A STEWARD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THEY HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM APRIL 1, 1987 TO MARCH 31, 1990.
IN HER MESSAGE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUND, LADY YOUDE SAID: +1 WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED SO GENEROUSLY TO THE FUND.
+1 AM DELIGHTED TO KNOW THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF DONATIONS HAS SO FAR REACHED $80 MILL ION,+ SHE SAID.
LADY YOUDE ALSO THANKED SIR S.Y. CHUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE FUND COMMITTEE FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN PUBLICISING THE FUND AND IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ITS FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT.
+1 LOOK FORWARD VERY MUCH TO SERVING AS MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OF THE COUNCIL OF THE FUND,* SHE ADDED.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE BOARD IS EMPOWERED TO INVEST ANY MONEYS OF THE FUNDS, TO EMPLOY ANY PROFESSIONAL PERSON OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO ADVISE IT ON INVESTMENT MATTERS, TO BORROW MONEY AND TO ACCUMULATE ANY INCOME OF THE FUND.
THE 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 BE MADE FOR THAT PURPOSE TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS BASED IN HONG KONG.
THE APPLICATION OF THE INCOME OF THE FUND WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL AND SERVICED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
7
SLOPE SAFETY GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TO SLOPE SAFETY IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OF RESOURCES BEING EXPENDED AND POSITIVE ACTIONS BEING TAKEN, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, DR EDWARD BRAND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID WORKS WOULD BE IN PROGRESS ON 91 SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $66 MILLION THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
OF THE 62 SLOPES AND WALLS ON WHICH WORK IS TO START DURING THE YEAR, 19 ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND THE REST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WORK ON 29 SLOPES AND WALLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED DUR ING THE PERIOD.
IN 1986-87, $64 MILLION HAD BEEN SPENT ON STABILISING 83 SLOPES AND WALLS OVER THE TERRITORY. THIRTY OF THEM WERE COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR.
DR BRAND STRESSED THAT ROUTINE CONTROL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CHECKING OF ALL NEW PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GEOTECHNICAL DESIGNS, CONTINUED TO BE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF HIS OFFICE.
+THESE ACTIVITIES ENSURE THAT UNSATISFACTORY SLOPES, RETAINING WALLS AND SITE FORMATION WORKS ARE NOT CONSTRUCTED, AND THAT EXISTING UNSAFE SLOPES AND WALLS ARE INVESTIGATED AND RECTIFIED,+ HE EXPLAINED.
FROM 1976, THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE HAS BEEN PURSUING RIGOROUSLY ITS LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF STABILISATION MEASURES TO UNSATISFACTORY SLOPES AND RETAINING WALLS.
SINCE THEN MORE THAN $650 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON STABILISING MORE THAN 450 SLOPES AND WALLS IN THE TERRITORY.
EXPENDITURE ON THE PROGRAMME CONTINUES AT THE RATE OF MORE THAN $65 MILLION PER YEAR, WHILE ANNUAL SLOPE MAINTENANCE COST IS AN ADDITIONAL $40 MILLION.
THESE DO NOT INCLUDE STABILISATION WORK CARRIED OUT IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AS PART OF CAPITAL PROJECTS.
FROM 1986-87, THE PROGRAMME HAS INCLUDED STABILISATION OF SOME UNSATISFACTORY SLOPES AND WALLS WHICH COULD INDIRECTLY CAUSE L03S OF LIFE BY MAJOR DISRUPTION TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
/THESE INVOLVE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
8
THESE INVOLVE SLOPES ALONG ROADS WHICH PROVIDE SOLE ACCESS TO HOSPITALS. RESERVOIRS, RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND SO ON. FOUR SUCH SLOPES, COSTING ABOUT U MILLION TO STABILISE, ARE INCLUDED IN THE WORKS TO PE UNDERTAKEN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
OCCUPATION OF UNSAFE SLOPES BY SQUATTERS CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM.
THESE SLOPES CANNOT BE RECTIFIED UNDER THE PROGRAMME BECAUSE LARGE CLEARANCES ARE INVARIABLY NEEDED BEFORE WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT. HOWEVER, THE SITUATION WILL BE IMPROVED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
SQUATTERS WILL CONTINUE TO EE CLEARED FROM LAND REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENT, AND THIS WILL COVER SOME SITES OCCUPIED BY SQUATTERS ON UNSAFE SLOPES.
THE OFFICE IS CONTINUING TO CARRY OUT STABILISATION WORK WHERE POSSIBLE ON SLOPES WHICH AFFECT SQUATTERS. EIGHT SLOPES ARE BEING STABILISED PRIMARILY TO SAFEGUARD THESE PEOPLE THIS YEAR.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, APART FROM UNDERTAKING ITS SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES IN SELECTED SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS, IS IMPLEMENTING THE NON-DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE PROGRAMME, UNDER aHICH 53 003 SQUATTERS ARE BEING CLEARED FROM THE MOST UNSTABLE SLOPES BY THE EARLY 1990’S.
OTHER WORKS OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE INCLUDE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS LABORATORIES, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF QUARRIES, AND PROVISION OF SITE INVESTIGATION, TERRAIN EVALUATION, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND GEOTECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICES.
DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS, A LARGE NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS PROVIDING IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THOSE CONCERNED WITH PLANNING, LAND DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND QUARRYING WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC.
MORE IMPORTANT PUBLICATIONS ARE THE SERIES OF NEW GEOLOGICAL MAPS WITH SIX ACCOMPANYING MEMOIRS AND THE SERIES OF GEOTECHNICAL AREA STUDY PROGRAMME REPORTS.
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FRIUAY, APR IL 3, 1987
9
COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE QUALITY, RANGE OF EDUCATION STRESSED * * * * *
TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS BEEN A LONG STANDING PRIME OBJECTIVE CF THE GOVERNMENT, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, SA Id TODAY (FR (DAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE STUDENT UNION CF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE MS APPARENT BY THE AMOUNT CF MONEY SPENT ON EDUCATION EACH YEAR.
EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION INCREASED FROM ^5 135 MILLION IN 1982—83 TO $9 758 MILLION IN 1987-88, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE FROM 14.3 PER CENT TO 18.3 PER CENT IN TERMS OF ITS SHARE OF GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL SPENDING.
+SOME 25 PER CENT OF THE ALLOCATION FOR THIS NEW FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE SPENT ON TERTIARY EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THAT BY THE END OF THE CENTURY, THERE WOULD BE 8800 FIRST-YEAR FIRST-DEGREE PLACES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
+THE COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IS DOUBTLESSLY ANOTHER MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE PROVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
*S0 FAR TWO DEGREE COURSES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, BUT IT IS PLANNED THAT DEGREE COURSES V. ILL, IN TIME, BE OFFERED TO ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO RECOGNISED THE NEED TO INVEST FURTHER IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE CAPACITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
+IT IS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE THAT HONG KONG NOT ONLY HAS A SUFFICIENT POOL OF TRAINED MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS, BUT ALSO THE EXPERTISE TO ENABLE INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG TO COMPETE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD IN THE FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY.
+IN THIS REGARD, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH BEING UNDERTAKEN IN OUR INSTITUTIONS AND SOME jf>45 MILLION HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE CURRENT TRIENNIUM,* HE SAID.
FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES UPON GRADUATION EITHER IN HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS, MR CHAN SAID THAT FUNDS WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM IN THE FORM OF A WIDE RANGE CF SCHOLARSHIPS.
HE ALSO SAID HE BELIEVED THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WOULD BE DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE UP RESEARCH WORKS IN FIELDS RELATED TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
/IO........
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FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
- 10 -
YEN VALUE MAKES HK MORE ATTRACTIVE FOR JAPANESE INVESTORS
*****
THE RECENT DRAMATIC RISE IN VALUE OF THE YEN AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR HAS MADE HONG KONG, WHICH IS LINKED THE U.S. DOLLAR, PARTICULARLY ATTRACTIVE AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE FOR THE JAPANESE, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A NEW FACTORY COMPLEX OF THE JAPANESE NIPPON HUME CONCRETE (HK) LTD IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MR YEUNG SAID THE NUMBER OF JAPANESE COMPANIES COMING TO HONG KONG HAD INCREASED ACCORDINGLY.
TO ASSIST INVESTORS, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM OVERSEAS, TO RESOLVE THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS THEY WERE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER IN SETTING UP FACTORIES IN HONG KONG, MR YEUNG SAID A ONE-STOP UNIT HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION DIVISION OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT A WIDE RANGE OF FACTORS NEEDED TO BE CONSIDERED BY AN INVESTOR SETTING UP A FACTORY HERE, AS IN ANY OTHER LOCATION. MANAGEMENT MUST ASSESS THE AVAILABILITY AND COST OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, LABOUR, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES, AS WELL AS THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BUILDING AND SAFETY AND HEALTH LEGISLATION ON THE TYPE OF INDUSTRY IN WHICH THEY WERE INVOLVED.
+ALL THIS COULD INVOLVE A TIRESOME AND TIME-CONSUMING ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH OFFICIALS FROM NUMEROUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER PUBLIC AND BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS, AND IT IS TO HELP INVESTORS SORT OUT ALL THEIR PROBLEMS THROUGH ONE FOCAL POINT THAT WE HAVE SET UP THE ONE-STOP UNIT.+
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, SAID THERE HAD BEEN A VERY STRONG INTEREST IN INVESTING IN HONG KONG AND A GENERAL REALISATION OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
WHILE ONLY THREE SITES WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 2.4 HECTARES WERE GRANTED IN 1985-86, EIGHT GRANTEES SIGNED AGREEMENTS IN 1986-87 TO LEASE 6.6 HECTARES AND FOUR FURTHER APPLICATIONS WERE APPROVED FOR A TOTAL AREA OF 5.7 HECTARES WHICH WERE STILL UNDER NEGOTIATION.
MR CHEONG SAID BOTH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS HAD RAPIDLY INCREASED THE ESTATE’S POPULARITY.
+EXTERNALLY, CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BROUGHT YUEN LONG CLOSER TO THE MAIN URBAN AREAS AND THE ESTATE IS NOW LESS THAN 40 MINUTES DRIVING TIME FROM THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS.
/+WITH THE ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 198?
♦WITH THE COMPLETION NEXT YEAR OF THE ROAD LINK AT LOK MA CHAU, IT WILL BE LESS THAN 15 MINUTES DRIVE FROM A MAJOR CROSSING POINT INTO THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE.
+THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR, AND TRAVELLING TIME ON THE SYSTEM TO TUEN MUN WILL BE ONLY 25 MINUTES.+
MOREOVER, MR CHEONG SAID HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS HAD INCREASED THE LOCAL SUPPLY OF LABOUR.
♦RESIDENTS ARE ALREADY MOVING INTO THE NEARBY LONG PING HOUSING ESTATE AND THIS WILL BE FULLY OCCUPIED WITH A POPULATION OF 35 OOO BY AUGUST THIS YEAR.
♦INTERNALLY, THE LAND PREMIUM HERE IS CURRENTLY ONLY $900 PER SQUARE METRE, WHICH IS $200 PER SQUARE METRE CHEAPER THAN THE PRICE AT THE OTHER INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TAI PO.
♦THERE IS ALSO A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF SITES AVAILABLE HERE WITH 53 HECTARES OF LAND STILL REMAINING TO BE TAKEN UP, AND LESSEES ARE ALLOWED TO USE HEAVY FUEL OIL WITH 2.5 PER CENT SULPHUR CONTENT, WHICH REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL SAVING IN FUEL COSTS OVER SOME OTHER AREAS OF HONG KONG.+
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LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PAPER REVIEWED
*****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HELD A MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AND CONSIDERED A PAPER REVIEWING THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE PAPER WAS COMPILED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE LIGHT OF THE FIRST YEAR OPERATION OF THL SCHEME AND COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC.
AT THE MEETING, CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, BOARD MEMBERS NOTED THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS AND OPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE PAPER WHICH IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
USEFUL VIEWS WERE EXCHANGED AND IN VIEW OF THE COMPLEXITY CF THE ISSUE, IT WILL BE DISCUSSED IN GREATER DETAILS AT A LATER
DATE.
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/12 00.0
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
12
GENERAL HOLIDAYS IN 1988 ANNOUNCED *****
THE LIST OF 1988 GENERAL HOLIDAYS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS CHING MING AND EASTER MONDAY BOTH FALL ON THE SAME DAY (APRIL 4, 1988) THERE IS TO BE AN ADDITIONAL GENERAL HOLIDAY ON APRIL 5, 1988. THIS HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WILL BE ON JUNE 11, 1988.
ALL OTHER HOLIDAYS IN 1988 WILL BE TAKEN ON THE DAYS ON WHICH THEY FALL DUE.
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR ANY YEAR IN HONG KONG ARE NORMALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL OF THE PRECEDING YEAR.
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1988s
EVERY SUNDAY
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY FRIDAY 1 JANUARY
LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY
THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY
THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY
GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY 1 APRIL
THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 APRIL
EASTER MONDAY/CHING MING FESTIVAL MONDAY 4 APRIL
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY TUESDAY 5 APRIL
THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SATURDAY 11 JUNE
THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY MONDAY 13 JUNE
TUEN NG FESTIVAL SATURDAY 18 JUNE
THE SATURDAY PRECEDING THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST SATURDAY 27 AUGUST
LIBERATION DAY, BEING THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST MONDAY 29 AUGUST
/the bat .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
13
THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL
CHRISTMAS DAY
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
THE SECOND WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
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MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER
SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER
MONDAY 26 DECEMBER
TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER
REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *
REGISTRATION
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE
OF UNISTOCK FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE
BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
- - 0 - -
LIST OF ANTIBIOTICS EXPANDED X X X *
THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AN EXPANDED LIST OF ANTIBIOTICS WHICH WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1, 1987.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID THAT THE EXPANDED LIST INCLUDE EIGHT ANTIBIOTICS WHICH HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED SINCE THE LIST WAS LAST AMENDED 10 YEARS AGO.
THE NEW SUBSTANCES INCLUDE AMPHOMYCIN, CLAVULANIC ACID, FOSFOMYCIN, MONENSIN, NATAMYCIN, PLEUROMUTILIN, ACLARUBICIN AND MUPIROCIN.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT WITHOUT EXCEPTION ALL ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE CONTROLLED AS THEY ARE POTENT SUBSTANCES WHICH MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL EFFECT AND RESISTANT BACTERIAL STRAINS IF NOT USED PROPERLY.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ARE ALLOWED TO SELL, SUPPLY OR ADMINISTER BY WAY OF TREATMENT ANTIBIOTICS LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE ANTIBIOTICS REGULATIONS. ANY PERSON WHO COMMITS SUCH AN OFFENCE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF 910 000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS.
THE ANTIBIOTICS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 WHICH PROPOSED THE INCLUSION OF THESE EIGHT NEW ANTIBIOTICS IN THE LIST WERE MADE ON MARCH 24 BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
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/14
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
- 14 -
LO TIK WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE BOUNDARIES EXTENDED
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE EXTENSION OF THE LO TIK WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE ON LAMMA ISLAND UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE.
THE EXTENSION, WHICH TAKES IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOLLOWING A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, INVOLVES THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE EXISTING ZONE BOUNDARIES, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN ITS DESIGNATED AREA FROM 4.1 HECTARES TO 11 HECTARES.
THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID THE EXTENSION WAS MADE TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR FISH CULTURE SPACE FROM MAR ICULTURI STS.
LO TIK WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE IS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR OF THE 28 FISH CULTURE ZONES DESIGNATED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
+APART FROM THE 56 LICENSEES ALREADY PRACTISING IN THE AREA, MANY APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED OVER THE YEARS FOR SITES IN LO TIK WAN. THE PRESENT EXTENSION SHOULD BE ABLE TO CATER FOR UP TO 70 APPLICANTS ALREADY WAITING FOR SITES IN THE AREA,+ HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONE WAS TAKEN AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND DUE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MAR ICULTURI STS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE EXTENSION IS PART OF AN OVERALL REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR ON LOCAL MARICULTURE PRACTICES. THE REVIEW RESULTED IN THE REVISION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF SEVEN FISH CULTURE ZONES AND THE DESIGNATION OF THE YIM TIN TSAI (EAST) FISH CULTURE ZONE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
0
REMINDER TO PAY SECOND QUARTER RATES
* * * *
RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER CF 1987 MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON APRIL 30.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT LATE PAYMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE AND A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT ON ACCOUNTS STILL OUTSTANDING SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
HE SAID RATEPAYERS SHOULD HAVE BY NOW RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES.
/THOSE WHO ......
FRIDAY, AIRIL 3, 198?
- 15 -
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION OF THE TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), NINTH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG, THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, OR THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL-BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT RATES MUST BE PAID BEFORE THE DUE DATE,+ HE POINTED OUT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PREMISES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT RATEPAYERS WHO HAD SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING +PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY AUTOPAY+ WAS SHOWN IN THE NOTE.
IN THIS CASE THEIR PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON APRIL 30, 1987.
IN THIS CONNECTION, RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
TO AVOID QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
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BANNER PRESENTED TO FARMERS ON AUSTRALIAN STUDY TOUR
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED A BANNER TO A DELEGATION OF 15 VEGETABLE FARMERS WHO WILL BE LEAVING ON MONDAY (APRIL 6) ON A 10-DAY STUDY TOUR OF AUSTRALIA.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION AND THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, THE TOUR — THE TENTH SINCE 1977 — IS THE FIRST TO AUSTRALIA.
/SPEAKING AT
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
16 -
AND TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH MARKETING PRACTICES Afi. ED BY ADVANCED COUNTRIES.
iM*AnniTlON HF SAID THE VISITS ENABLED THEM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS.
HE NOTED THAT NINE SIMILAR TOURS HAD BEEN ORGANISED iO THE UNITED KINGDOM; HOLLAND, JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES.
■♦•THESE TOURS HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL, AND FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPATING FARMERS HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AS THEY HAVE BROUGHT BACK USEFUL TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW AND HAVE SHARED IT WITH THE.R FELLOW FARMERS,* DR LEE SAID.
WHILE IN AUSTRALIA, THE DELEGATION, ACCOMPANIED BY AGRICULTURAL OFFICFR MR C C. CHAN WILL VISIT RESEARCH CENTRES, WHOLESALE MARKETS AND VEGETABLE FARMS TO SEE THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN GROWING BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWERS, CELERY AND ROOT CROPS.
THEY WILL ALSO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND THE QUEENSLAND CHAMBER OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
-----0---------
BANGLADESH JOINS SPEEDPOST NETWORK
*****
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO BANGLADESH FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 7), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS WILL BRING TO 50 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO THE METROPOLITAN CITY AREA OF DHAKA, AND THE MUNICIPAL JURISDICTION CF CHITTAGONG, KHULNA AND RAJSHAH I IN BANGLADESH.
ITEMS POSTED ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY FOR THE METROPOLITAN CITY AREA OF DHAKA WILL BE DELIVERED THE NEXT WORKING DAY WHILE THOSE POSTED ON TUESDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY. FOR OTHER AREAS IN BANGLADESH DELIVERY WILL NORMALLY TAKE ONE WORKING DAY LONGER.
BOTH +CdNTRACT+ AND +0N DEMAND* SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
/THE MAXIMUM .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 198?
- 17 -
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT PER ITEM IS 20 KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE:
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 25OG $ 70
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 25OG AND 500G ft 80
EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500G ft 25
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE TO BANGLADESH AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE GENERALLY SHOULD CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
--------0---------
LOOKING AT OPERATION OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT *****
ThF SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. MR HARNAM GREWAL, VISITED THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND KAI TAK AIRPORT THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR THORPE MR GREWAL CALLED ON THE AIR SERVICES, THE AVIATION SAFETY, THE TECHNICAL AND PLANNING AND THE FINANCE DIVISIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON ITS ORGANISATION, DIVISIONAL FUNCTIONS AND STAFFING.
MR GREWAL MET STAFF OF DIFFERENT LEVELS AND DISCUSSED VARIOUS CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS WHICH INCLUDED STAFF BENEFITS, TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS, QUARTERING AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENTAL GRADES.
AT KAI TAK, HE WORK IN THE FLIGHT AIRPORT MANAGEMENT, CONTROL TOWER AND T
MET STAFF REPRESENTATIVES AND SAW STAFF AT INFORMATION ROOM, THE VIP RECEPTION SECTION, ■
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTION, THE AERODROME HE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE.
-------0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
18
CHING MING TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND
*****
THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), APRIL 5, 6, 11 AND 12.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE:
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS.
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND CREMATORIUM FROM CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE RESTRICTED TO HEARSES AND VEHICLES CARRYING PASSENGERS TO SERVICES AT THE CREMATORIUM.
* 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 FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM TOMORROW, SUNDAY, APRIL 6 AND 12.
* CONSORT RISE IN POK FU LAM WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD.
* PEEL RISE NEAR ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM SHEK PAI WAN ROAD TO ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
CMB ROUTE 57 FROM CENTRAL (EXCHANGE SQUARE) TO VICTORIA ROAD WILL RUN FROM 7 AM TO 5.52 PM ON SUNDAY ONLY AT A FREQUENCY OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES, WHILE 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 SUNDAY AND MONDAY AT A FREQUENCY OF FIVE MINUTES.
IN ADDITION, 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.
------0-------
/19......
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1987
- 19 -
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITING CHOIR MEMBERS
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR ITS CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN'S ENSEMBLE AND THOSE AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 INTERESTED IN CHINESE FOLK SONGS ARE INVITED TO APPLY.
THE ENSEMBLE, FORMED IN 1981 TO PROMOTE SINGING, HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS INTRODUCING A GREAT VARIETY OF CHINESE FOLK SONGS.
IT REHEARSES ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 25. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7149255.
------0-------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL
* * * *
TO FACILITATE UTILITY DIVERSION WORK, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TO NOON ON SUNDAY (APRIL 5).
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE BANNED FROM THE SAME SLIP ROAD FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 7) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. THE BAN THIS TIME IS TO FACILITATE THE DIVERSION OF CABLES.
AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD PROCEED VIA QUEENSWAY, RODNEY STREET, DRAKE STREET, TAMAR STREET, HARCOURT ROAD TO REJOIN COTTON TREE DRIVE.
-------0----------
FIRST AID COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS * A A 7t it
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD TwO IDENTICAL FIRS! A COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEXT MONTH.
EACH COMPRISING EIGHT HALF-DAY SESSIONS, ™E COURSES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE AREA HEADQUARTER^ AT EITHER MACDONNELL ROAD, HONG KONG, OR 104 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
CERTIFICATES FROM ST JOHN AMBULANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO CANDIDATES WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE.
FOR THE COURSE SHOULD REACH THE PHYSICAL OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FOURTH , HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY APRIL 8.
APPL ICATIONS EDUCATION SECTION FLOOR, LEE GARDENS
- 0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, AP.ilL 4, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THOROUGH CONSULTATION ESSENTIAL ON FILM CENSORSHIP BILL .... 1
TRAIN THE MENTALLY 1IaI'iDICAPPED TO BE INDEPENDENT .......... 1
MORE APPEALS OVER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE ....................... 3
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRArFIC ACCIDENTS VICTIMS ............ 5
ENTHUSIASTIC START FOR TREE PLANTING SCHEME .................. 6
NEW PARK FOR KENNEDY TOWN OPENED ............................. 6
COMPUTER COURSES .JTO SEIHGRS FOR TEACHERS ................... 8
J7 SPECIAL C.iR NUMBERS SOLD................................ 9
REGIONS CUSTOMS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD......................... 10
FOOTBRIDGE FOR TAI WO HaU ESTaTE PROPOSED..................... 10
RO..D CLOSED, RESTRICTED LONE SET UP ......................... 10
JOINT COMMITTEE TO DISCULS LIGHT R«IL PROPOSAL ............... 11
CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.................... 11
RO.iD CLOSURE IN W.»N CH.il .................................. 11
NEW NT EXPRESS BUS ROUTE INTRODUCED .......................... 12
RIGHT-TURN BaN IN WOi'.G CHUK HaNG
12
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1937
1
THOROUGH CONSULTATION ESSENTIAL ON FILM CENSORSHIP BILL
*****
CONSULTATION ON THE BILL ON FILM CENSORSHIP MUST BE THOROUGH AND THERE MUST BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE CRITICISMS AND SUGGESTIONS PROPERLY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SPORTS COMPLEX AT SO KON PO, HE SA IDs +BUT WHETHER AT THIS STAGE ONE MONTH OR TWO MONTHS OR THREE MONTHS IS REQUIRED, I THINK WE SHOULD WAIT AND SEE.*
HE STRESSED THE IMPORTANT THING WAS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GET HOLD OF THE BILL AND STUDY IT THOROUGHLY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
ASKED WHY IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO ASSESS PUBLIC VIEWS COLLECTED BY THE SURVEY OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GREEN PAPER ON POLITICAL REVIEW WAS QUITE A LONG AND COMPLICATED PAPER AND HAD GOT MANY QUESTIONS IN IT.
+THEREFORE WE NEED TO HAVE A SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINIONS ON EACH OF THE VARIOUS QUESTIONS AND THEN ULTIMATELY THE DECISION AS TO WHAT TO DO HAS TO BE DECIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND, OF COURSE, IN CONSULTATION WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO SPORTS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DECENT FOOTBALL PITCH IN KOWLOON FOR ITS TWO-AND-A-HALF MILLION PEOPLE.
+1 THINK THERE ARE VERY CONCRETE PROPOSALS WHICH THE URBAN COUNCIL HAVE FOR IMPROVING THE MONG KOK STADIUM.*
UPGRADING THE MONG KOK STADIUM TO PROVIDE A GOOD PITCH *WAS NOT ASKING FOR TOO MUCH*, SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT HE HOPED SOMEDAY TOO THE HONG KONG STADIUM WOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED.
HE FELT HONG KONG SHOULD BUILD UP A STRONG LOCAL TEAM OF FOOTBALLERS, AND THAT THERE WAS NEED TO TRAIN UP LOCAL FORWARDS TO TAKE THE PLACE OF OVERSEAS PLAYERS.
-------0---------
TRAIN THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TJ BE INDEPENDENT
*****
THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SHOULD BE CAREFULLY TAILORED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MAXIMUM SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND EXHIBITION OF +A SELF-MADE TEACHING KIT COMPETITION AND PHOTO SHOOTING COMPETITION* ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF WORKERS SERVING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
/SHE SAID .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
2
SHE SAID THAT OUR COMMUNITY WAS MAKING A CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENT IN THE CARE AND TRAINING OF THE MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
+THE COST OF THIS SERVICE TO OUR 4 OOO SEVERE OR LOW-MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS CAN BE VERY HIGH.
+FOR INSTANCE, IT COSTS ABOUT $50 000 A YEAR TO PROVIDE A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL IN THIS CATEGORY WITH RESIDENTIAL CARE AND WORK ACTIVITIES.
+T0 GET THIS FIGURE INTO PERSPECTIVE, IT REPRESENTS ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT AS IT COSTS TO PROVIDE A UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S EDUCATION FOR A YEAR,* SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, SHE NOTED THAT THERE WAS ONE BIG DIFFERENCE.
+THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE IS BEING TRAINED TO BECOME A HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.
+OUR ADULT MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ARE LIKELY TO NEED SOME FORM OF LIFE-TIME CARE AND SUPPORT, FINANCED FROM PUBLIC REVENUE, UNLESS OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THEM ARE CAREFULLY TAILORED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MAXIMUM SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE,+ SHE SAID.
♦THIS PROBLEM REPRESENTS A NEW CHALLENGE TO OUR SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION,* SHE ADDED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE 21 WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES CATERING FOR 1 030 TRAINEES.
THE PLAN WAS TO ESTABLISH ANOTHER 18 CENTRES WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1 200 PLACES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE ESTIMATED TOTAL DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THIS GROUP WOULD REACH 1 000 PERSONS.
SHE STRESSED THAT THIS EXPENSIVE PROGRAMME HAD TO BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED AND MONITORED TO ATTAIN TWO OBJECTIVES.
+THE FIRST IS TO SEE THAT THE SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES INVESTED IN THE WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE IS USED TO THE BEST advantage WHICH MEANS THAT IT HAS THE APPROPRIATE PROGRAMME AND A PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED SYLLABUS,* SHE SAID.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE FIRST STEP IN THAT DIRECTION MIGHT BE TO TRANSLATE OUR LOCAL EXPERIENCE AND CURRENT PRACTICES INTO A FORMAL TRAINING PACKAGE WHICH COVERED ALL ASPECTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS’ WORK AND DAILY LIFE.
+JUST AS IMPORTANT IS THE OTHER OBJECTIVE: THAT THESE CENTRES ASSIST THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE IN TERMS OF VOCATIONAL SKILLS AS WELL AS SELF-CARE AND SOCIAL RELATIONS,* SHE SAID.
/+AND THE
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
+ AND THE PROGRAMME MUST BE SUITED TO THE HONG KONG SITUATION,+ SHE ADDED.
MRS GOODSTADT SAID THAT SOCIAL WORKERS IN THIS FILED MUST ALSO HAVE SOME BASIC QUALITIES BEFORE THESE OBJECTIVES COULD BE ATTAINED.
+FIRST, THEY MUST HAVE A FIRM CONVICTION IN REHABILITATION WORK AND BELIEVE THAT THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, EVEN OF THE MOST SEVERE GRADE, ARE CAPABLE OF BEING TRAINED AND THAT THE TRAINEES SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS LITTLE CHILDREN OR BABIES AND BE GIVEN PASSIVE CARE AND THUS DEPRIVING THEM OF DEVELOPING THEIR POTENTIAL,* SHE SAID.
■•■SECOND, REHABILITATION WORKERS MUST HAVE DEDICATION AND IMAGINATION AND SHOULD NOT FOLLOW RIGIDLY A SET MODE OF TEACHING AND TRAINING THE HANDICAPPED.
+THE TRAINING SHOULD BE TAILORED TO THE APTITUDE AND RECEPTIVENESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL TRAINEE,* SHE ADDED.
MRS GOODSTADT COMPLIMENTED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS DEDICATION TO SERVING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
------0 ------
MORE APPEALS OVER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE * * * *
THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD (SSAB) RECEIVED 132 APPEALS AGAINST THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION ON ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS IN THE YEAR 1985-86, ACCORDING TO THE BOARD’S ANNUAL REPORT.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 63 APPEALS, OR 91.3 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR.
THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE APPEALS WERE RELATED TO DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, ACCOUNTING FOR 118 CASES OR ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
THE SSAB CHAIRMAN, MR CHIU CHUN-BONG, WHO HAS SERVED THE BOARD FOR FIVE YEARS, POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE APPEALS WERE AGAINST THE MEDICAL FINDINGS ON WHICH THE DECISION OF THE ELIGIBILITY OF AN APPELLANT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS WAS ORIGINALLY BASED.
IN PROCESSING THESE APPEALS, IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE APPELLANTS TO UNDERGO A MEDICAL RE-ASSESSMENT, HE SAID.
AHE APPEAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
4
THE APPEAL BOARD THEREFORE LIAISED CLOSELY WITH THE MEDICAL AND FEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ENLIST ITS ASSISTANCE IN ARRANGING MEDICAL BOARDS FOR MEDICAL RE-ASSESSMENT. DURING THE YEAR, 116 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES AND TWO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE CASES WERE REFERRED TO SUCH BOARDS.
OF THESE 118 APPEALS REFERRED TO THE MEDICAL BOARDS FOR RE-ASSESSMENT, THE BOARDS CONFIRMED THE INITIAL MEDICAL FINDINGS IN 66 CASES AND VARIED THE DECISIONS IN 49 CASES, MR CHIU ADDED. THE REMAINING THREE CASES WERE WITHDRAWN.
THE OTHER APPEALS RECEIVED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD WERE CONNECTED WITH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME.
NINETY-SEVEN APPEALS WERE HEARD DURING THE YEAR INCLUDING 14 BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR.
THE BOARD CONFIRMED THE DECISIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN 55 CASES AND VARIED THEM IN 42 CASES.
THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS IN CONNECTION WITH SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES CONTINUES TO BE AN IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE BOARD WHICH COMPRISES FOUR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THESE COMPLAINTS DID NOT NECESSARILY BECOME APPEALS BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS OF SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS COULD BE SOLVED AFTER A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION BY THE STAFF OF THE BOARD OR THROUGH A REVIEW OF THE CASE BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE REPORT SAID.
DURING THE YEAR, THE BOARD RECEIVED 198 COMPLAINTS, AS AGAINST 161, IN THE PRECEDING YEAR. OF THESE, 94 WERE SETTLED BY THE STAFF OF THE BOARD, SIX WERE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES FOR ACTION AND 98 EVENTUALLY BECAME APPEALS.
THE BOARD ALSO MADE SOME SUGGESTIONS AIMED AT IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES.
IT PROPOSED THAT FOR A CASE OF SELF-WITHDRAWAL WHERE A WRITTEN STATEMENT CANNOT BE OBTAINED FROM THE APPLICANT, THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO SEND A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM THE REASONS FOR CLOSING THE CASE, RATHER THAN RELYING ON VERBAL NOTIFICATION.
IT ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SHOULD BE GIVEN A DISCRETIONARY POWER TO ENTERTAIN LATE APPLICATIONS FOR TAVA AFTER THE SIX-MONTH DEADLINE WHERE THERE ARE ACCEPTABLE REASONS FOR THE DELAY, SUCH AS ILLNESS OR DISABILITY.
/A DEPARTMENT .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
- 5 -
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WELCOMED THE SUGGESTIONS AND SAID THAT ACTION HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF THE CLOSURE CF A CASE.
APPEALS CAN BE MADE AT THE OFFICE OF THE APPEAL BOARD ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, PACIFIC HOUSE, 2O-2OB QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL’ OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON 14TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY? OR THE DEPARTMENT'S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, VICTORIA CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY; OR AT ANY OF ITS SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
--------0----------
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS VICTIMS * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPROVED $12 699 AS BURIAL AND INJURIES GRANTS FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE FAMILY AFFECTED BY A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MARCH 22, 1987.
A 39-YEAR-OLD ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN WAS KILLED WHILE HIS WIFE, IWO CHILDREN AND MOTHER-IN-LAW WERE INJURED IN THE COLLISION BETWEEN A GOODS VAN AND A BUS ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
ANOTHER SUM OF OVER $17 800 FROM THE FUND WAS ALSO APPROVED FOR NINE OF THE 17 PEOPLE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT ON TAI PO ROAD OUTSIDE THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE ON THE SAME DAY, WHICH INVOLVED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS.
OF THE OTHER EIGHT VICTIMS, SEVEN WERE NOT QUALIFIED FOR ASSISTANCE AS THEY HAD NOT ATTAINED THE MINIMUM THREE-DAY HOSPITALISATION REQUIREMENT WHILE ONE APPLICATION IS STILL BEING PROCESSED BY TAVA STAFF.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS, REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1737
6
ENTHUSIASTIC START FOR TREE PLA TING SCHEME
*****
THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL SWING INTO FULL GEAR TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WHEN THE FIRST TREE PLANTING DAY IN THE YEAR TAKES PLACE AT SEVEN DESIGNATED COUNTRY PARK PLANTING SITES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN PLANTING TREES SHOULD GO TO THE PLANTING SITES AT TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG AND CLEARWATER BAY WHERE DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM TO PROVIDE FREE TREE SEEDLINGS AND ADVICE.
TREE PLANTING DAYS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR ALL SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN APRIL.
THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, SAID TODAY THIS YEAR’S TREE PLANTING SCHEME HAD MET WITH VERY ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC.
+BEFORE THE TREE PLANTING DAYS ACTUALLY START, WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED BOOKING FOR OVER 8 000 STUDENTS AND YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME IN GROUPS,+ HE SAID.
MR IU EXPECTED A GOOD TURNOUT AT THE TREE PLANTING DAYS AHEAD AS PEOPLE ARE BECOMING CONCERNED ABOUT THE LOCAL COUNTRYSIDE ENV IRONMENT.
HE SAID THAT TO CELEBRATE ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME OFFERED A NEW ATTRACTION TO THOSE INTERESTED IN RAISING THEIR OWN TREE SEEDLINGS.
+AFTER PLANTING A TREE, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE GIVEN A SEED PACKET AND A COLOURFUL LEAFLET FOR RAISING A SEEDLING AT HOME, FOR PLANTING IN THE 1988 PLANTING SEASON.
+A HANDSOME SOUVENIR WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED IN DOING S0,+ MR IU ADDED.
HE URGED ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT AT 3-7332121 FOR REGISTRATION.
------0-------
NEW PARK FOR KENNEDY TOWN OPENED *****
THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK BUILT ON THE SITE OF AN OLD CATTLE DEPOT IN KENNEDY TOWN WAS OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON IN THE GAIETIES OF THE CHILDREN’S DAY.
AT THE PARK, GUESTS WERE INVITED TO PUT THEIR SIGNATURES ON A COLOURFUL MURAL PAINTING BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
/THE DEPUTY
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
- 7 -
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, PAUL LEUNG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE, PERFORMED AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR THE LION DANCE AS A CURTAIN-RAISER.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, THEN UNVEILED A MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE PARK.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO SAID THE BOARD HAD BEEN MAKING STRENUOUS AND PERSISTENT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
+THE RE-LOCATION OF THE CATTLE DEPOT, WHICH HAS CAUSED ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES FOR A LONG TIME, AND THE BUILDING OF SUCH A NICE RESTING PLACE ARE VERY GOOD EXAMPLES,+ HE SAID.
+BY MAKING CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TEMPORARILY VACANT LAND, THE BOARD HAS DEMONSTRATED INGENUITY AND IMAGINATION AND ABOVE ALL, GENUINE CONCERN FOR PEOPLE’S WELL-BEING,* HE ADDED.
+BESIDES, IT REFLECTS THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD IS PLAYING AN EFFECTIVE ROLE IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE SCHEME,* HE SAID.
+IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING, THE PROJECT IS ALSO A MATTER CF SIGNIFICANCE AS IT INVOLVED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
I
MR KO SAID THE FACT THAT THE WHOLE PROJECT WAS SUPERVISED BY A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER ALSO SHOWED THE BOARD’S SINCERITY AND DETERMINATION IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
+WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WORKS WERE COMPLETED WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT TIME, IN FACT JUST A FEW MONTHS, AT A FAIRLY LOW COST OF $200 000,+ HE SAID.
THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, DR WANG GUNGWU SAID THE PROJECT WAS VERY MEANINGFUL. HE SAID AS SOME ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS HAD VOLUNTEERED TO PREPARE THE LAY-OUT PLAN, IT ALSO SYMBOLISED THE JOINT EFFORTS OF +THE TOWN AND THE GOWN* IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY.
DR WANG ENCOURAGED OTHER STUDENTS TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO SHOW THEIR GRATEFULNESS TO SOCIETY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE OF hKU, PROFESSOR ERIC LYE AND THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE, MISS ESTHER CHAN.
ABOUT 1 800 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, THE PARK CONSISTS OF A SITTING-CUT AREA, WITH ARBOUR AND RAIN SHELTER CONVERTED FROM OLD CATTLE SHEDS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AND A SPECIALLY DESIGNED PLATFORM FOR OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES.
- - 0 - -
/8
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
8 -
COMPUTER COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS
*****
THE COMPUTER EDUCAT I ONI CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARMENT IS INVITING TEACHERS TO ATTEND A SERIES OF COURSES AND SEMINARS ON THE TEACHING OF COMPUTER \STUD I ES AND THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN SCHOOLS.
THREE IDENTICAL COURSES FOR COMPUTER TEACHERS ON LOGO PROGRAMMING WILL START IN APRIL 24. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO TEACHERS PREPARING TO TEACH THE COMPUTER LITERACY SYLLABUS FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 PROPOSED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
THESE COURSES ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING TEACHERS WITH KNOWLEDGE ON LOGO PROGRAMMING THROUGH TALKS, DISCUSSIONS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WITHOUT PRIOR KNOWLEDGE IN COMPUTER WILL ALSO HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEARN THIS SUBJECT IN FIVE IDENTICAL THREE-DAY SHORT COURSES ON COMPUTER AWARENESS BETWEEN MAY AND JUNE.
ONE OF THE COURSES IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHERS, THE SECOND FOR CULTURAL CRAFTS TEACHERS WHILE THE THIRD FOR MUSIC TEACHERS. THE REMAINING TWO COURSES WILL BE OFFERED TO TEACHERS OF OTHER SUBJECTS.
FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, SIX IDENTICAL THREE-DAY COURSES ON COMPUTER AWARENESS WILL ALSO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY AND JUNE.
ONE OF THE COURSES WILL BE OPEN TO CULTURAL CRAFTS TEACHERS AND ANOTHER FOR MUSIC TEACHERS. THE REMAINING FOUR COURSES ARE FOR TEACHERS OF OTHER SUBJECTS.
ALL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY TEACHERS ATTENDING THESE COURSES CAN GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE USE OF FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE.
FOUR IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON COMPUTER AWARENESS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN MAY AND JUNE.
AIMED TO AROUSE TEACHERS’ AWARENESS IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN SCHOOLS, THE THEME OF THE SEMINARS WILL BE ON COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION. THERE WILL BE A FILM SHOW FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION ON A SELECTED THEME IN EACH SEMINAR.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSES AND THE SEMINARS SHOULD FORWARD APPLICATIONS TO THE COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 19 HOK YUEN STREET, HUNG HOM, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
0
/9........
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
9
37 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD *****
THIRTY-SEVEN SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $643 000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CK9 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $70 003.
ANOTHER NUMBER CK33 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $63 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR DL9633 AND DM7673.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICESt
$ $ $
DL8168 2 000 AV2OO3 7 000 BB4428 6 000
DL1688 7 000 DL7351 2 000 DM918 7 000
CY9779 5 000 DM1011 5 000 HK1686 23 000
DM668 26 000 AB448 12 000 DM929 9 000
DM3328 14 000 DM288 25 000 DM8368 7 000
CK9 70 000 DL383 25 000 DL9638 2 000
DM1328 10 000 DM821 5 000 DM7673 1 000
AA1686 9 000 AT2OO3 3 000 3872 39 000
DM128 30 000 DM123 17 000 AA331 16 000
CK33 63 000 DL7834 WITHDRAWN DL60 25 000
DM7808 4 000 DM168 46 000 BB322 30 000
DM2 60 000 AA4428 8 000 BP218 6 000
DL9633 1 000 DL393 16 000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS CF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 113TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $43 475 832.
THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DL7834 WAS WITHDRAWN.
------0-------- /10...............
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
10
REGIONAL CUSTOMS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, LEFT HONG KONG YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND THE REGIONAL INAUGURAL CONFERENCE OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL IN AUSTRALIA.
THE FIVE-DAY REGIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT CANBERRA IS FOR THE REGIONS OF THE FAR EAST, SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA, AUSTRALASIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.
THE CONFERENCE WILL DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO CO-OPERATION WITHIN THE REGION AGAINST CUSTOMS FRAUDS AND ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONISED COMMODITIES DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM, FACILITATION OF PASSENGER PROCESSING AND THE ROLES OF CUSTOMS SERVICES AND THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL IN THE REGION.
- - o -
FOOTBRIDGE FOR TAI WO HAU ESTATE PROPOSED
*****
A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS TAI WO HAU ROAD IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF TAI WO HAU ESTATE IN TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN PROPOSED.
ABOUT 38 METRES LONG, THE 4.5-METRE WIDE FOOTBRIDGE WILL PROVIDE A COVERED PEDESTRIAN LINK BETWEEN TWO PARTS OF THE ESTATE.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, NORMAL PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORK WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. WRITTEN OBJECTION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 2.
- - 0 - -
ROAD CLOSED, RESTRICTED ZONE SET UP *****
THE SLOW LANE ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR KAK TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 7) TO APRIL 24 BETWEEN 9 PM AND 6 AM (EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS).
THE MOVE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, COX’S ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN AUSTIN ROAD AND TAK SHING STREET IN TSIM SHA TSUI 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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
11
JOINT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIGHT
*****
RAIL PROPOSAL
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICE OF THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS WILL MEET AT 10.30 AM ON APRIL 8 (WEDNESDAY).
CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DB’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR WONG KIN-HONG, THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS KCRC'S RECENT PROPOSAL TO EXTEND ITS LRT SERVICE FROM YUEN LONG
TO TAI PO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE 3RD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN Hl ROAD.
-----0-----
CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE AT SAI YEE STREET IN MONG KOK WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 7) FOR ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DURING THE PERIOD, CONSUMERS COULD MAKE THEIR ENQUIRIES AT OTHER CENTRES LISTED AT THE BACK OF WATER BILLS.
PAYMENT OF WATER BILLS COULD ALSO BE MADE AT OTHER CENTRES OR BY POST.
------o--------
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
TO FACILITATE RESURFACING WORKS IN FLEMING ROAD, WAN CHAI, THE SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN JAFFE ROAD AND INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON TUESDAY (APRIL 7), WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN O’BRIEN ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
VEHICLES ON FLEMING ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO JAFFE ROAD, O’BRIEN ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD AND STEWART ROAD.
-------0--------- /12..................
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1987
12
NEW NT EXPRESS BUS ROUTE INTRODUCED K K * * *
A NFW EXPRESS BUS ROUTE 73X PLYING BETWEEN FU SHIN IN TAI AND TSUEN WAN FERRY WILL COME INTO OPERAIION ON TUESDAY (APRIL
PO 7).
THE NEW SERVICE WILL OPERATE ALONG FU SHIN ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, TAI PO CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS, KWONG FUK ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, TAI PO r5Ad TOLO HIGHWAY, SHA TIN ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TAI HO ROAD AND OTHER MAJOR ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OPERATING from 5.40 AM TO 11.54 PM, I HE SERVICE WILL RUN AT TEN TO 12-MINUTE FREQUENCY. THE FARE WILL BE !f|:3.6O FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
_ _ _ o--------------
RIGHT-TURN BAN IN WONG CHUK HANG X X X X
NO VEHICLE ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT TO NAM LONG SHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 7) AND WEDNESDAY TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA WONG CI4JK HANG ROAD EASTBOUND, OCEANARIUM INTERCHANGE AND HEUNG YIP ROAD.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUITDAY, APRIL 5, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SURVEY OFFICE FOR WALLED CITY CLAIMANTS.................... 1
CONSTRUCTION OF EiUN TONG BYPASS PROPOSED.................. 1
PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MALARIA........... 2
FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TUEN MUN................. 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL PROJECTS.......... 5
SEMINAR ON TEACHING OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES .................. 5
IGTUN TONG DB TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING...................... 6
PUBLIC MORTUARY TO BE BUILT AT SHA TIN..................... 6
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR ART DESIGN COMPETITION.................. 6
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS ...........................*..... 7
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1937
1
SURVEY OFFICE FOR WALLED CITY CLAIMANTS * * * * *
THE SUB-OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SET UP TO EXAMINE AND VERIFY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF CLAIMS IN OWNERSHIP CF PROPERTIES IN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 7).
LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 17, LOK FU ESTATE, THE SUB-OFFICE WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM, AND 2 PM TO 5 PM DAILY. ON SATURDAYS THE OFFICE WILL OPERATE FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
IT WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ANYONE WHO HAS REGISTERED WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT DURING the PRE-CLEARANCE SURVEY OF PROPERTIES IN THE WALLED CITY WILL THE SUB-OFFICE BY LETTER TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS
BE CALLED TO ATTEND
FOR EXAMINATION AND VERIFICATION.
+NO ONE SHOULD ATTEND THE SUB-OFFICE UNLESS THEY ARE CALLED,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID.
+ NON-RES IDENT OWNERS WHO WISH TO MAKE A CLAIM BUT HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT MAY CALL AT THE SUB-OFFICE IN PERSON WITH ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE,* IE ADDED.
♦ THIS EXERCISE WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SIX TO NINE MONTHS,* HE SAID.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WILL THEN COMPILE A REPORT TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
-------0---------
CONSTRUCTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PROPOSED XXXII
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT PHASE ONE CF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN THE AREA AND TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND JUNK BAY TUNNEL.
THE ENTIRE BYPASS PROJECT, TO BE BUILT IN THREE PHASES, WILL PROVIDE DIRECT LINKS BETWEEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL, THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
/PHASE ONE .......
SUNDAY, AfRIL 5, 1987
2
PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT, WHICH COVERS LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD TO WAI YIP STREET, WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION CF ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAYS AND GROUND LEVEL ROADWORKS.
ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAYS ARE ALSO TO BE CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN LEI YUE MUN ROAD-JUNK BAY ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET.
A NEW GROUND LEVEL ROAD IS TO BE BUILT ALONG THE ALIGNMENT CF THE ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAYS CONNECTING LEI YUE MUN ROAD, CHA KWO LING ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET, TO PROVIDE SECONDARY ACCESS.
A NEW ROAD IS ALSO TO BE PROVIDED BETWEEN KING YIP STREET AND CHA KWO LING ROAD.
SECTIONS OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD, JUNK BAY ROAD, WAI YIP STREET AND KING YIP STREET ARE TO BE-REALIGNED AND WIDENED TO SUIT THE
WORKS AND INCREASE IN TRAFFIC.
CERTAIN EXISTING ACCESSES ARE BEING REPROVISIONED TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE ,2.
-------0---------
PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MALARIA *****
WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN THE WARMER SEASON, LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY, ARE ASKED ONCE AGAIN TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION AGAINST THE RISK OF MALARIA INFECTION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN QUITE A NUMBER OF IMPORTED MALARIA CASES DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS - 101 IN 1984, 162 IN 1985 AND 127 LAST YEAR.
HONG KONG IS VULNERABLE TO MALARIA BECAUSE THE TERRITORY IS A MAJOR CENTRE FOR BOTH TOURISM AND BUSINESS. THERE IS ALSO A GREAT RISK OF THE MALARIA PARASITES BEING BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG BY TRAVELLERS FROM MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES.
/+IN VIEW .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1987
- 3 -
+ IN VIEW OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF HONG KONG, IT IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PREVENT THE IMPORTATION OF MALARIA PARASITES CARRIERS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE URGED TRAVELLERS TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES, PARTICULARLY PERSONAL PROTECTION, AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES WHEN THEY VISIT MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES, WHICH INCLUDE CHINA, INDIA AND PAKISTAN AND VARIOUS SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
IF BITTEN BY MOSQUITOES, TRAVELLERS SHOULD BE ON THE ALERT FOR MALARIA SYMPTOMS SUCH AS A CHILL OR FEVER AND SEEK EARLY TREATMENT IF THESE APPEAR.
INTENDING TRAVELLERS CAN OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES FROM THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ONLY EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG CAN PROTECT ITSELF AGAINST THE IMPORTATION OF MALARIA CASES IS THROUGH AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF SURVEILLANCE, CONSISTING OF CASE DETECTION, TREATMENT, INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIAL ACTION. THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED SUCH A SYSTEM.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES WHEN VISITING RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BECAUSE MALARIA IS TRANSMITTED BY ANOPHELINE MOSQUITOES WHICH ARE FOUND IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
PEOPLE GOING CAMPING OR TO PICNIC AREAS AND ESPECIALLY THOSE PLANNING TO STAY OVERNIGHT, SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTIONS, LIKE WEARING LONG TROUSERS AND LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS OR COATS AND ALSO USE INSECT REPELLENTS. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD ALSO USE MOSQUITO NETS OR SCREENS.
+BUT THE BEST PREVENTIVE MEASURES WOULD BE TO STOP MOSQUITOES FROM BREEDING,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MOSQUITOES TRANSMITTING MALARIA BREED IN CLEAR WATER STREAMS AND STAGNANT WATER WITH VEGETATION. THEY ARE MOSTLY FOUND IN IRRIGATION DITCHES, HILL STREAMS, EXCAVATION SITES AND ABANDONED PADDY FIELDS.
+MALARIA IS A NOTIFIABLE DISEASE AND EVERY CASE NOTIFIED WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AS TO THE POSSIBLE SOURCE OF INFECTION,* HE SAID.
BLOOD SAMPLES ARE TAKEN FROM PATIENTS WITH CLINICAL SYMTOMS CF MALARIA, AND ALL CASES ARE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.
/after treatment........
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 19»7
AFTER TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL, FOLLOW-UP ACTION BY HEALTH OFFICIALS WILL CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER SIX MONTHS WITH BLOOD SCREENING AT MONTHLY INTERVAL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HEALTH EDUCATION IS ANOTHER ESSENTIAL PART OF ANTI-MALARIA ACTIVITY BY THE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
+THIS IS USUALLY IN THE FORM OF HEALTH TALKS TO VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS, DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS AND LEAFLETS AND SOMETIMES HOUSE TO HOUSE VISITS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO MOUNTING LOCALISED ANTI-MALARIA PROGRAMMES IN SOME AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.
MEANWHILE, THE URBAN SERV.ICES DEPARTMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO CONTROL MOSQUITO BREEDING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF LARVICIDES AND INSECTICIDES TO POTENTIAL MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES.
- - 0 - -
FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TUEN MUN * * * * *
A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL BE BUILT AT TUEN MUN TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO RESIDENTS OF BUTTERFLY ESTATE AND ADJACENT DEVELOPING AREAS.
THE RESERVOIR, WITH A CAPACITY OF 14 000 CUBIC METRES, WILL BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR PILLAR POINT.
PIPES WILL LATER BE LAID ALONG TIN HAU, WONG CHU AND LUNG MUN ROADS NEAR CHOY YEE BRIDGE.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1937
5
TENDERS INVITED FOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL PROJECTS *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT CF 17 MEDIUM DRAGON AND PHEONIX BOATS FOR THE 1987 TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES OM MAY 31.
TO FACILITATE TENDERERS, A INTERESTED PERSONS. DETAILS OF
SITE VISIT WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE VISIT WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
THE DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF 15 BOATS FROM THEIR STORAGE PLACE TO AND FROM THE RACE AREA. THE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE MANPOWER TO SAFEGUARD THE BOATS AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR VENUE DECORATION.
THE COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF AREA 44 NEAR WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSJNG AREA.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE ABOVE PROJECTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-851954 OR 0-4513044.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BY 5 PM ON APRIL 10 (FRIDAY).
- - 0----
SEMINAR ON TEACHING OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES * * * *
Tup EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATION AUTHORITY WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A SEMINAR FOR SENIOR SECONDARY TCArufPQ am A ^FTTION OF THE EXAMINATION SYLLABUS FOR RELIGIOUS Stills eSdorsIo Cby the hJng koJg certificate of examination RELIGIOUS STUDIES SUBJECT COMMITTEE.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE CENTRE ON THE NINTH FLOOR, 19 CAINE ROAD, ON MAY 9.
IT IS AIMED AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH THE CHRISTIAN APPROACH AND TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS %™E RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE AND THOSE OF CONFUCIUS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY APRIL 10.
------0-------
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1987'
6
KWUN TONG DB TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING
X X X X X
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 7) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS WHETHER THE DISTRICT SHOULD BE SPLIT INTO TWO.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER'THE SPECIAL MEETING.
- 0--------
PUBLIC MORTUARY TO BE BUILT AT SHA TIN
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A PUBLIC MORTUARY AT FU SHAN IN SHA TIN.
THE BUILDING
PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY
OF ABOUT 2 500 SQUARE METRES NEAR LOWER SHING MUN ROAD.
IT WILL INCLUDE A PUBLIC RECEPTION AREA, MORTUARY, LABORATORIES AND OFFICES ON THE LOWER FLOORS, AS WELL AS STAFF QUARTERS ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
-------o----------
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR ART DESIGN COMPETITION * * * *
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A POSTER AND T-SHIRT DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE DISTRICT’S 1987 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE COMPETITION AIMED AT ENHANCING THE INTEREST OF YOUTHS IN ART DESIGN AND DEVELOPING THEIR ABILITY AND CREATIVITY.
DESIGNS .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 1987
DESIGNS SHOULD BE BASED YOUTH PROGRAMME WHICH IS +TO COMMUNITY+.
ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER SHARE THE JOY OF SERVING THE
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - ONE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ANOTHER FOR ALL RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS APRIL 30. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG TOWN HALL, THE RENNIE’S MILL SERVICE CENTRE AND THE HANG HAU LOVE SERVICE CENTRE.
-------o----------
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS * * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SHEUNG SHU I AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8) FOR MAINS WORK.
IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD, CAMERON ROAD. NATHAN ROAD, HAIPHONG ROAD, HANKOW ROAD, PEKING ROAD AND CANTON ROAD, INCLUDING HUMPHREYS AVENUE, PRAT AVENUE, CARNARVON ROAD AND LOCK ROAD.
IN SHEUNG SHU I, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE ALONG MAN KAM ROAD FROM HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN TO MAN KAM TO POLICE STATION, INCLUDING HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN, FU TEI AU ROAD, LO WU CAMP, LO WU TSUEN, TAK YUET LAU TSUEN, LIU POK TSUEN, SHA LING SA& TSUEN, SAN UK LING TSUEN, MUK WU ToUEN AND NGA YIU TSUEN.
ON THE SAME DAY, SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES BETWEEN 9-1/2 MILES TO 12 MILES OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE STOPPED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, AIRIL 6, 198?
CONTENTS PACE NO.
43 lots to bl sold THIS JEIAIICIAL YEAH ................ 1
PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL IN HABES PHEVEKTION............ 1
SURVEY OF U4PL0Y1CNT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL GOEIG ON....... 2
GOVERNMENT QUARRY TO BE MODERNISED...................... 3
SEMINAR Ox: AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES ........ 3
CLEAN VIATEK CAMPAI® EI EASTERN DISTRICT................ 4
SPECIAL HISTORICAL STAMPS OF SATE APRIL 23 ............. 5
DB COM UTTER TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROPOSALS ............. 5
DETAIIS OF AMBITIOUS CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIC2T.......... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR .UP LEI CHAU SEABED DREDGETG........ 7
ROAD CLOSED TOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION................. 7
REPUISE BAY WATER CUT................................... 7
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1987
1
43 LOTS TO BE SOLD THIS FINANCIAL YEAR X X X X X
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR DUNCAN SCOTT-WILL, WILL GIVE DETAILS OF THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 43 SITES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AND TENDER DURING THE YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11.30 AM IN THE GlS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL. -
- - 0 - -
PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL IN RABIES PREVENTION •X £ X- K JE
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-RABIES DRIVE BY GETTING THEIR DOGS INOCULATED IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICE, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID THAT PUBLIC SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT PARTICULARLY IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA AND NORTHERN PARTS OF the NEW TERRITORIES WHERE THE THREAT OF RABIES IS PREDOMINANTLY HIGHER.
+ AN INOCULATION IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS. RE-1NOCULAT I ON EVERY THREE YEARS IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO KEEP UP THE IMMUNITY OF YOUR PETS,* HE SAID.
DOG OWNERS SHOULD BRING THEIR DOGS TO ANY OF THE FOUR GOVERNMENT KENNELS OR THE 19 DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY INCLUDING ONE EACH ON LANTAO ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU FOR INOCULATION. COPIES OF AN ANTI-RABIES LEAFLET WHICH LISTS OUT THE ADDDRESSES OF THESE KENNELS AND CENTRES, ARE OBTAINABLE FREE FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE AFD HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
+|T IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR PETS UNDER PROPER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES AS THIS WILL REDUCE THE CHANCE OF THEM COMING IN CONTACT WITH ANY RABID ANIMALS OR STRAY DOGS WHICH ARE POTENTIAL RABIES CARRIERS,* DR CHENG SAID.
/HE CALLED
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 198?
- 2
HE CALLED UPON THE PUBLIC TO HELP TACKLE THE LOCAL STRAY DOG PROBLEM BY REPORTING STRAYS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S RABIES CONTROL UNIT AT 3-624147 AND BY SURRENDERING UNWANTED ANIMALS TO THE NEAREST GOVERNMENT KENNEL.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH ITS STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES INCLUDING THE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, COMPULSORY DETENTION OF BITER DOGS FOR OBSERVATION, STRAY DOG CONTROL AND PROVISION OF FREE INOCULATION SERVICES BY THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS.
IN APRIL, THE TEAMS WILL VISIT VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG AND SAI KUNG TO MAKE THEIR SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE DOG OWNERS THEREAT.
THE SAI KUNG VILLAGES. WHICH THE TEAMS WILL VISIT, ARE KO TONG, UK TAU, TO KWA PENG AND TUNG SAM KEI.
THE VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG INCLUDE SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI, HA TSUEN MARKET, SAN UK TSUEN, LEI UK TSUEN, TIN SAM TSUEN, LO UK TSUEN, TUNG TUA TSUEN AND HONG MEI TSUEN.
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SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL'GO I NG ON
X X X X X
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 88 OOO 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).
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF MARCH 1987. REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
/nnXiRMATION........
MONDAY, /UHIL 6, 1987
3
INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 31 FOR EACH SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENT. SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD JANUARY-MARCH 1987.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE'SURVEY HAS MOVED TO (WANCHAI TOWER I, HARBOUR ROAD) AT THE END OF MARCH RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTIES COMPLETING THE FORMS SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
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GOVERNMENT QUARRY TO BE MODERNISED X * X X *
A LABORATORY IS TO BE HOUSED IN A NEW FOUR-STOREY BUILDING AT MOUNT BUTLER QUARRY TO TEST ITS AGGREGATE AND ASPHALT PRODUCTS UNDER A $2 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED RECENTLY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
WORK INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING AND THE CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-STOREY BLOCK INTO A CANTEEN.
THE LABORATORY WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW BUILDING WHILE OTHER FACILITIES, INCLUDING OFFICES, WASHROOMS AND CHANGING ROOMS, WILL BE ACCOMMODATED ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
ALSO AWARDED WERE THREE CONTRACTS TOTALLING MORE THAN «53*i 000 FOR THE PROVISION OF FIRE SERVICE, AIR CONDITIONING AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS FOR THE BUILDING AND THE CANTEEN.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE MODERNISATION OF THE MOUNT BUTLER QUARRY, THE ONLY GOVERNMENT-OPERATED QUARRY IN THE TERRITORY FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE DIAMOND HILL QUARRY LAST NOVEMBER.
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SEMINAR ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES 3E X X X X
TO ENABLE TEACHERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE, MnnF OF TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS OF AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE D^SEASES^AND^WAYS OF PREVENTING THEM IN SCHOOLS, A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
tup qFMlNAR IS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUC*TION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
/TEACHERS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 198?
- 4 -
TEACHERS OF SOCIAL STUDIES, HUMAN BIOLOGY, SEX EDUCATION, MORAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT COUNSELLING ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, ON MAY 9.
A CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN AND A SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICES OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE TALKS ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND THE PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY APRIL 15.
----O-----
CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN IN EASTERN DISTRICT *****
A LARGE SCALE CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED AT CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AND CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING AREA IN MID-JUNE THIS YEAR.
A 'WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN TYPHOON SHELTERS’ HAS BEEN FORMED UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO PLAN AND CO-ORDINATE THE CLEAN WATER ACTIVITIES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR TO BOON-MAN, SAID THAT THE CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT AROUSING BOAT DWELLERS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN TYPHOON SHELTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
AN AMOUNT OF S55 400 WAS APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN IN SUMMER THIS YEAR.
'CLEAN WATER’ MESSAGE WILL BE BROADCAST BY TRAILER BOATS AND FREE GARBAGE BAGS AND PUBLICITY PENNANTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE BOAT DWELLERS DURING A WATER TOUR TO THE TYPHOON SHELTERS.
A VARIETY SHOW WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE SHAU KEI WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL FISHERMEN ASSOCIATIONS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP KEEP THE TYPHOON SHELTER CLEAN.
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/5........
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1987
5
SPECIAL HISTORICAL STAMPS ON SALE APRIL 23
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS DEPICTING HISTORICAL SCENES OF HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON APRIL 23.
THE STAMPS, DESIGNED BY MR JOHNNY YIM, WERE PRINTED IN IRELAND BY BDT INTERNATIONAL SECURITY PRINTERS LTD. •
THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, SI.30, Si.70 AND $5.
THEY WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 9).
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON THE SAME DAY.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM THURSDAY TO APRIL 15 AT ALL POST OFFICES. THE MINIMUN ORDER IS FIVE.
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $10 AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, AS WELL AS BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICES ON APRIL 23.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROPOSALS * * * *
PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN MONG KOK WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD IN A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
FOLLOWING A SURVEY ON SEWERAGE PROBLEMS INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN DRAINAGE DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS COMPILED TWO REPORTS ON THE ISSUE AND PUT FORWARD VARIOUS PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO SET UP WORKING GROUPS TO OVERSEAS MATTERS RELATING TO THE drainage PROBLEM, ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACES, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLD MONG KOK DISTRICT.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1987
MEMBERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THIS YEAR’S BUDGET FOR THE BOARD AND WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND THEIR USES TO THE COMMITTEE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG COMPAlGN AND THE EXTENT OF THE BOARD’S PARTICIPATION IN IT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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DETAILS OF AMBITIOUS CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN * * * * *
THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE THE MOST AMBITIOUS IN TERM OF RESOURCES.
THE OPERATIONAL AND PUBLICITY DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN, INCLUDING A CAMPAIGN LAUNCH SPECTACULAR AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM IN MID-MAY, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE PANEL OF SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF JOINT URBAN COUNCIL REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG HON-KOU, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR WALTER SULKE.
A ONE-MINUTE MUSIC VIDEO, FEATURING CELEBRITIES AND LEADING SINGERS HELPING TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN WILL BE SHOWN AFTER THE PRESS CONFERENCE. THE VIDEO FORMS THE FIRST PUBLICITY COMPONENT CF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
---o-----
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1987
7
TENDERS INVITED FOR AP LEI CHAU SEABED DREDGING X X X X X
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR DEEPENING THE SHALLOW SEABED OFF AP LEI CHAU EAST RECLAMATION.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE DREDGING AND REMOVAL OF ROCK FROM THE SHALLOW SEABED TO ENABLE THE OPERATION OF THE FUTURE BOATYARDS ON THE RECLAMATION.
TAKING SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE, THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY.
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ROAD CLOSED FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION X X X X X
THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE WAN CHAI FERRY PIER BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 8) TO FRIDAY (APRIL 10) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON HUNG HING ROAD WESTBOUND WILL HAVE TO USE SEAFRONT ROAD TO JOIN FLEMING ROAD.
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REPULSE BAY WATER CUT X X X X X
TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE REPULSE BAY BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 9)
FRESH WATER SUPPLY AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY REPULSE BAY ROAD BETWEEN HEADLAND ROAD AND BEACH ROAD, 9-127 SOUTH BAY ROAD AND ALL PREMISES AT SOUTH BAY CLOSE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SITES ON LAND SALES PROGRAMME........................... 1
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE CLOSELY MONITORED ................. 2
TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED ........................ 3
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR WALLED CITY CLEARANCE OFFICE ............. 5
NEW CLEAN CAMPAIGN AIMS TO WIDEN NET ...................... 6
19 MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ................. 7
REGISTRATION REVOKED ..................................... 8
NEW SALT WATER PUMPING STATION FOR EAST KOWLOON............ 8
WORK STARTS ON JOINT-USERS BUILDING ....................... 8
MUSIC OFFICE ON THE MOVE ................................ 9
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR MUSIC FUND GRaNTS ................... 9
BONSAI ENTHUSIASTS INVITED TO COMPETE .................... 10
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WaSTE CONTROLS ............... 10
BROjiDCaSTING TIME OF TV SPECL.L on governor ............. 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR GOVERNOR'S ARRIVAL .............. 11
ROAD CLOSURE IN REPULSE BAY .............................. 12
TUEN MUN /JATER CUT ..................................... 12
WkTER STORaGE FIGURE
12
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
1
43 SITES ON LAND SALES PROGRAMME
*****
FOLLOWING THE RECENT LAND COMMISSION AGREEMENT TO THE DISPOSAL OF 61.74 HECTARES OF LAND IN 1987-88, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT WOULD BE OFFERING A TOTAL OF 43 SITES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AND TENDER DURING THE YEAR.
OF THESE SITES, 13 WILL BE IN THE URBAN AREA AND 30 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR DUNCAN SCOTT-WILL, SAID THAT THE PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME OF LAND SALES BY AUCTION AND TENDER COMPRISED A TOTAL OF ABOUT 25 HECTARES.
THE FIRST AUCTION SALE IN MAY WILL INCLUDE A PRIME COMMERCIAL SITE OF 2 040 SQUARE METRES IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
SITUATED OPPOSITE THE CENTRAL MARKET, THE FORMER +FIRE STATION* SITE IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT KEEN INTEREST FROM DEVELOPERS.
ANOTHER VALUABLE SITE TO BE SOLD LATER IN THE YEAR WILL BE THE FORMER QUEEN’S GARDEN SITE IN OLD PEAK ROAD FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
A LARGE SITE OF 2.4 HECTARES AT KOWLOON BAY WILL BE AUCTIONED IN JUNE AND THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF DEVELOPING FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN USE OR AS A TRADE MART.
SITES TO BE OFFERED IN THE NEW TOWNS WILL INCLUDE TWO COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES IN THE FAST-DEVELOPING FANLING, A LARGE 1.5-HECTARE SITE IN TAI PO ADJOINING THE TAI PO RAILWAY STATION WHICH WILL REQUIRE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ON A PODIUM ABOVE A TRAFFIC INTERCHANGE, AND TWO SITES OF ABOUT ONE HECTARE AND TWO HECTARES RESPECTIVELY FOR HIGH AND MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN.
THERE WILL BE THREE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME SITES, LOCATED AT SHA TIN, SHEK WU HUI AND JUNK BAY, TO BE OFFERED BY TENDER.
TO MEET THE DEMAND OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, TEN SITES WILL BE PROVIDED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING THREE AT ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, ONE FOR LOW DENSITY DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN AND ONE AT JUNK BAY.
MR SCOTT-WILL SAID THAT 3.6 HECTARES OF LAND FOR COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL USE AND 8.7 HECTARES OF HIGH DENSITY HOUSING SITES WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE DURING THE YEAR AND THAT THE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED BY LETTER B TENDER SYSTEM.
HE STRESSED THAT THE SALES PROGRAMME WAS PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
+FURTHER DETAILS AND DATES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND MAJOR NEWSPAPERS IN THE USUAL WAY,* HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE TENTATIVE LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 3RD FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR FROM ANY OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
2
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE CLOSELY MONITORED
*****
THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSE, IN PARTICULAR MANDRAX, IS BEING MONITORED CLOSELY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND NECESSARY STEPS TO REDUCE THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR THESE DRUGS ARE BEING TAKEN.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, NR GORDON MORTIMER, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
+IN 1986, THERE WERE CLEAR INDICATIONS OF AN INCREASE IN THE ABUSE OF MANDRAX AND MARIJUANA BY YOUNG PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SITUATION HAD BEEN REVIEWED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS LAST YEAR AND SUITABLE PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL WITH EMPHASIS
ON MANDRAX AND MARIJUANA
WAS BEING PREPARED.
+CARE MUST BE TAKEN NOT TO EXCITE CURIOSITY AND THEREBY ENCOURAGE EXPERIMENTATION IN THIS TYPE OF DRUG TAK ING,+ HE SAID.
+THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS HAS BEEN AND IS BEING CAREFULLY MONITORED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.
+ON THE BASIS OF REPORTS TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE IN RESPECT OF INDIVIDUAL DRUG ABUSERS’ SURVEYS AMONG HEROIN ADDICTS ON THE TYPES OF DRUGS EVER ABUSED BY THEM? SURVEYS IN SCHOOLS? SEIZURES OF ILLICIT DRUGS? PROSECUTIONS’ AND THE NUMBER OF DRUG ABUSE RELATED ADMISSIONS TO THE PSYCHIATRIC WARDS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS OF HOSPITALS, THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AS SERIOUS A PROBLEM AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION AS HEROIN IS,+ HE ADDED.
IN 1986, A TOTAL OF 273 745 TABLETS OF MANDRAX AND 34 KGS. OF MANDRAX POWDER WERE SEIZED.
♦SOME OF THE MANDRAX IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN SMUGGLED FROM CHINA,+ HE SAID.
MR MORTIMER SAID THAT ALL REASONABLE STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA AND IN HONG KONG TO ERADICATE THIS SMUGGLING AND THAT CLOSE LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION WAS BEING MA INTA I NED.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE JUDICIARY HAD RECONISED THE PROBLEM BY EQUATING THE SENTENCING LEVEL FOR MANDRAX CASES WITH THAT FOR OPIUM CASES, MR MORTIMER EMPHASISED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR UNLAWFULLY TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS DRUGS WAS LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 MILL ION.
HE SAID THAT A BILL PUBLISHED RECENTLY TO AMEND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WOULD MAKE IT EASIER TO PROSECUTE MANDRAX TRAFF ICKERS.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
5
TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED X % X % *
AS FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 9), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 3.36 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.00 PER CENT(TAX FREE).
NOTICE OF THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE TODAY (TUESDAY).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCUALTED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.28 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE 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 APRIL 9, 1987.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSs
5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 30, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1985;
5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 24, 1985»
4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985;
4.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 19855
3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985?
/3.36% PER .........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 198?
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, 19B7 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987;
3.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 4, 1987 AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987, BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT CF TAX.
EXAMPLEj $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON APRIL 9, 1987, MAY 9, 1987 AND JUNE 9, 1987 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JULY 8, 1987 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS
ON SI 000, APRIL 9, 1987 TO JULY 8, 1987
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT S2.8O PER MONTH - $ 8.40
ON $1 000, MAY 9, 1987 TO JULY 8, 1987
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $2.80 PER MONTH - $ 5.60
ON $1 000, JUNE 9, 1987 TO JULY 8, 1987
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $2.80 PER MONTH - $ 2.80
$16.80
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/5........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
5
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR WALLED CITY CLEARANCE OFFICE
* * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $148.4 MILLION, FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL OFFICE FOR THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY OVER THE FOUR FINANCIAL YEARS FROM 1986-87 TO 1989-90.
THE SPECIAL OFFICE, TO BE HEADED BY A DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, WILL COMPRISE FOUR DIVISIONS WITH STAFF FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING SURVEYS WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING THE ELIGIBILITY OF RESIDENTS AFFECTED FOR COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING5 DETERMINING THE LAND TITLES OF PROPERTY OWNERS 5 REHOUSING RESIDENTS AFFECTED5 ASSESSING AND PAYING DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCE AND EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION? ASSESSING AND PAYING COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF INTEREST IN LAND 5 HANDLING REQUESTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND COMPLAINTS OF REDIDENTS AND PHYSICALLY DEMOLISHING ALL THE STRUCTURES ON SITE.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE SPECIAL OFFICE. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF SIX DIRECTORATE POSTS AND 233 NON-DI RECTORATE POSTS IN THE FOUR DEPARTMENTS, TO PROVIDE STAFF TO PLAN, CO-ORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT THE CLEARANCE OPERATION.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A NEW RECURRENT ACCOUNT SUBHEAD ENTITLED +CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY+ TOGETHER WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $17 897 000 TO MEET THE RECURRENT EXPENSES OF THE OFFICE, AND A NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF $7 859 000 FOR THE FlTTING-OUT OF THE OFFICE.
OTHER ITEMS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE ARE i
* THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ESTIMATED AT $11 490 000 FOR 1987-88 AND $4 383 000 A YEAR THEREAFTER AR I ST I NG FROM THE INCLUSION OF NEW BENEFICIARIES AND THE INCREASED RATES OF MAINTENANCE GRANTS PAYABLE FROM THE WAR MEMORIAL FUNDl
* AN INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF AN OFFICER’S EFFECTS FOR WHICH INSURANCE CHARGES ARE REIMBURSIBLE TO $58 500 FOR UP TO THREE YEARS’ SERVICE AND $3 900 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR, WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, 1987? AND
* A NON-ACCOUNTABLE ENTERTAINMENT ALLOWANCE OF $12 000 PER MONTH FOR THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE PAYMENT OF UTILITIES CHARGES FOR HIS OFFICIAL RESIDENCE ESTIMATED AT $5 000 PER MONTH FROM THE PUBLIC FUNDS.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR THE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL.
0 -------
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
6
NEW CLEAN CAMPAIGN AIMS TO WIDEN NET *****
+WE’RE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN* IS THE THEME AND SLOGAN OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN EVER WHICH WAS INTRODUCED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
LEADING the MEDIA COMPONENT OF the CAMPAIGN IS A MUSIC VIDEO WHICH FEATURES A WIDE RANGE OF CELEBRITIES AND PERSONALITIES FROM SINGER ALAN TAM TO URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR GERRY FORSGATE, AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, ALL + PITCHING IN*.
THE THEME WILL BE FURTHER DEVELOPED IN A SERIES OF TOPICAL TELEVISION API’S (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST) AND PRINTED MATERIALS BUT THE REAL OBJECTIVE OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT FROM BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND THE CORPORATE SECTORS.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVOLVED IN A ROUND OF ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, RC MEMBER MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU, THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UC-RC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WHICH OVERSEES THE CAMPAIGN. POINTED OUT IT WOULD BE AN ACTIVE RATHER THAN PASSIVE CAMPAIGN.
+WE DO NOT SIMPLY RE-STATE THE OBVIOUS 'DOS AND DON’TS OF LITTERING BUT SEND OUT AN APPEAL FOR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION,* HE SAID.
+IN A SENSE IT WILL BE A RECRUITMENT DRIVE,* MR CHEUNG EXPLAINED, +IN WHICH NO ONE IS TOO GREAT OR TOO SMALL TO BE ACCEPTED.*
ON THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE CAMPAIGN, THAT OF DECISION AND POLICY-MAKING, THE PROCESS HAS ALREADY BEGUN.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, UC MEMBER MR WALTER SULKE, ANNOUNCED THAT THREE INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE NEITHER CIVIL SERVANTS NOR URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILLORS WOULD BE JOINING THE STEERING COMMITTEE.
THEY ARE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIVE GUILDS UNION, MR IP YEUK-LAM, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MCDONALDS, MR DANIEL NG, AND EDUCATIONALIST AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN.
MR SULKE, WHO WAS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF LAST YEAR’S COMMITTEE, REITERATED THAT THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WOULD GIVE THE SENSE OF +THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY MOVING FORWARD INTO A CLEANER FUTURE*.
/+WHAT WE
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 198?
- 7 -
+WHAT WE WILL TRY AND DO IS TO INSTIL SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN HONG KONG PEOPLE WHICH WILL HOPEFULLY BE PASSED ON FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION,+ HE SAID.
+IN OTHER WORDS, TO ACTUALLY INTRODUCE A NEW FEELING. DESIRE FOR, AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, A PRIDE IN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT,+ HE ADDED.
A
MR SULKE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT EVENTUALLY THE CAMPAIGN WOULD BE TAKEN OVER BY PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO COUNCILS AS WAS THE CASE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. FOR EXAMPLE, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
IF THAT WERE TO TAKE PLACE, THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE WOULD HAVE A DIRECT STAKE IN THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE CAMPAIGN, MR SULKE EXPLA I NED.
+WHEN I SAY PUBLIC, CORPORATIONS, THE MEDIA, HE SAID.
I MEAN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, THE THE STUDENTS AND THE MAN IN THE STREET,*
♦SELF-MOTIVATION WOULD REPLACE OFFICIAL EXHORTATION,* HE EMPHASIZED, +AND OUR YEARS OF CAMPAIGNING WILL BE WELL REWARDED.*
THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE PLACE LIVE ON TELEVISION ON MAY 15 WITH AN ENTERTAINMENT SPECTACULAR IN THE HONG KONG COLISEUM.
-----o------
19 MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT ADJOURNMENT DEBATE *****
NINETEEN MEMBERS WILL SPEAK DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE +CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT: REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES* IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TEN QUESTIONS, THREE BILLS AND FOUR MOTIONS ARE AMONG OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(N0.2) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION CF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IS THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
THE FOUR MOTIONS ARE ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE TO BE MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE AND COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO BE MOVED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND ON ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO BE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
IN ADDITION, TWO STATEMENTS WILL BE MADE AT THE MEETING. ONE WILL BE MADE BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN ON THE BUILDINGS (ADM IN ISTRATI ON)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 AND THE OTHER BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON THE +LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY - A POLICY STATEMENT APRIL 1, 1987+.
-------o--------- /8........
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
8
REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THF RFrI str at ion
- - 0----------
NEW SALT WATER PUMPING STATION FOR EAST KOWLOON
R
THE ONE-STOREY PUMPING STATION, TO BE BUILT NEAR THE SEAFRONT IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, WILL HAVE THREE ELECTRICAL PUMPSETS, EACH WITH A CAPACITY OF 50 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
WORKS ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED INTAKE CULVERT AND MA INLAY I NG WORKS.
THE NEW PUMPING STATION IS A REPLACMENT OF THE EXISTING KWUN TONG SALT WATER PUMPING STATION WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE DEMOLISHED.
^IER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 16-MONTH PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY.
-------o----------
WORK STARTS ON JOINT-USERS BUILDING
*****
WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING IN SHEUNG FUNG STREET IN WONG TAI OF A $16.5 MILLION CONTRACT.
A MULTI-STOREY JOINT-USERS SIN FOLLOWING THE AWARD
THE LOWER TWO FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WILL ACCOMMODATE A MARKET WITH 23 STALLS, 57 MINI-STALLS, OFFICES, STORE ROOMS, TOILETS AND COLLECTION POINT.
A REFUSE
THE REMAINING FLOORS WILL COMPRISE A CARPARK WITH ABOUT 300 SPACES.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------o ---------
/9........
TUESDAY, APR IL 7, 1987
9
MUSIC OFFICE ON THE MOVE
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES ERANCH WILL BE MOVING FROM WING ON CENTRE TO THE NEW WANCHAI TOWER TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ADMINISTRATION SECTION, THE PROFESSIONAL (MUSIC) SECTION AND THE DISTRICTS SECTION WILL NOW OCCUPY THE 25TH FLOOR OF THE WANCHAI TOWER I AT 12 HARBOUR ROAD.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE 5-8235314.
--------o ---------
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR MUSIC FUND GRANTS * * * * *
ALL REGISTERED NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS CAN NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1987-88 PRIMARILY FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE FIELDS OF MUSIC, DANCE AND OTHER ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES.
GRANTS WERE PREVIOUSLY MADE TO SCHOOLS, MUSIC AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS FOR PURCHASING MUSICAL OR DANCE INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT. PAYING INSTRUCTORS’ FEES FOR TRAINING, PURCHASING MUSIC BOOKS, SCORES AND TAPES, ORGANISING MUSIC EVENTS SUCH AS CONCERTS, MUSIC CAMPS AND DANCE WORKSHOPS.
APPLICATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE FOR GRANTS FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHICH CONFORM WITH THE OVERALL EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE FUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC FUND SAID GRANTS TOTALLING #538 OOO WERE APPROVED IN 1986-87 FOR FIVE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, NINE MUSIC AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS AND 34 SCHOOLS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:
* HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG? AND
* MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON 5-8235327.
-------o ---------
/10
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987-
10
BONSAI ENTHUSIASTS INVITED TO COMPETE
*****
BONSAI ENTHUSIASTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BONSAI SHOW FROM APRIL 25 TO MAY 4 AT CHING CHUNG KOON.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY organised BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY. THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TOURISTS ASSOCIATION, YAU MA TEI FERRY CO. LTD., AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. LTD.
PARTICIPANTS CAN SUBMIT ONLY ONE BONSAI WORK WITH THE DIAMETER OF THE CONTAINER NOT EXCEEDING 75 CENTIMETRES FOR THE OPEN SECTION.
THE SCHOOL SECTION IS DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CATEGORIES, AND STUDENTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR BONSAI OR FLOWER PLANTS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS. HOWEVER, THE FLOWER PLANTS SHOULD BE grown IN a CONTAINER WITH A DIAMETER BETWEEN 15 AND 30 CENTIMETRES.
INTERESTED PERSONS CAN OBTAIN AN ENTRY FORM FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES OR BY DIALLING 0-851925 WHILE STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN A FORM FROM THEIR SCHOOLS.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE MONASTERY BY NOON ON APRIL 24 AND THEY WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY UNTIL THE END OF THE SHOW.
-------0 --------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WASTE CONTROLS
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE AGRICULTURAL WASTE CONTROL SCHEME AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO RESUME DISCUSSION ON THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN SHA TIN OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND THE PROGRESS REPORT BY ITS WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW TO BE HELD IN THE SIXTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, KCR HOUSE.
-------o----------
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1937
11
BROADCASTING TIME OF TV SPECIAL ON GOVERNOR * * * * *
A SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY +SIR DAVID WILSON THE NEW GOVERNOR*, PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE FOLLOWING TIME:
STATION/CHANNEL TIME •
ATV-GOLD 8 PM - 8.38 PM
ATV-DIAMOND 7.20 PM - 8 PM
TVB-JADE 7 PM - 7.40 PM
TVB-PEARL 6.50 PM - 7.30 PM
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE REPEATED ON SUNDAY (APRIL 12) AT:
STATION/CHANNEL TIME
% ATV-GOLD 11.22 AM - 12 NOON
ATV-DIAMOND 1.05 PM - 1.40 PM
TVB-JADE 1.30 PM - 2.10 PM
TVB-PEARL 12.30 PM - 1.10 PM
--------o----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TO WATCH OUT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND SUSPENSION OF FERRY SERVICES ON THURSDAY (APRIL 9) TO COINCIDE WITH THE WELCOMING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, 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 BETWEEN 2 PM AND 8 PM. VEHICLES LEAVING THE CITY HALL CAR PARK WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT FOR ACCESS ON 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.
MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 3.15 PM AND 4 PM, THREE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES WILL BE SUSPENDED AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE OF PART OF THE HARBOUR. THE AFFECTED ROUTES ARE STAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND HUNG HOM, HYF FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND JORDAN ROAD AND HYF HOVERFERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
------o------- /12......
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1987
12
ROAD CLOSURE IN REPULSE BAY * * *
FAIR OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL
IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUN .... .. _ or.
SCHOOL, THE CUL-DE-SAC END OF SOUTH BAY CLOSE IN REPULSE BAY LEADING TO THE SCHOOL’S SWIMMING POOL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 3.30 PM TO 7.30 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 10).
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.30 PM ON APRIL 11 (SATURDAY).
-----0--------
TUEN MUN WATER CUT
* * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM TO 9 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 10) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG TSING LUNG ROAD, INCLUDING SIU HONG COURT, KEI LUN WAI, SUN HING TSUEN AND TSZ TIN TSUEN.
-------o---------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 52.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 305.699 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 282.711 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 48.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
I
’ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL i-SPTE'G :
CHANGE REQUIRED TO IffiEOT RISING HOUSING DEMAND......... 1
DEFINITION OP RIGHT OP ABODE IN HONG l-ONG EXPLAINED. 3
N®i TD CARDS TO REAR RIGHT OP ABODE LKDORSEffiFT......... 8
MAN COPEiITTED 'WITH TOTAL ENERGY TO GOOD OP HK' ....... 10
SIR DAVID LAUDED 'OR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG... 12
SWITCH TO MARKET BORROWINGS FOR MTRC FINANCING.......... 13
NEU RULES FOR BETKRUPTCY /UH) LIQUIDATION APPROVED... 14
ROAD USERS' CODE APPROVED ............................. 14
LOCAL PROFESSIONAL NULLIFICATIONS RECOGNISED............ 15
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION - ISSUES NEED
RESOLVEIG............................................. 16
LEGCO PANEL READY TO SUPPORT OMBUDSMAN IDEA ............ 18
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION ADVOCATED 19
OMBUDSMAN IS NOT THE PANACEA............................ 2^
OMBUDSMAN SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO L'JGCO............... 22
COMMISSIONER EXPECTED TO CHANGE WRONG DECISIONS...... 23
WATCHDOG HOLE TO ENHANCE GTTICPERCY .................... 24
NO WEWD JO CHANGE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM............... 24
NEED TO ENHANCE EXISTING CHANNELS OF COMPLAINT.......... 25
STRENGTHENING OP OMELCO COUTU TUTS DIVISION ADVOCATED .. 26
EIDEPIKDEHT OMBUDSMAN OFFICE BACKED..................... 28
/SUPPORT ......
SUPPORT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF OMBUDSMAN...................... 29
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMH7ISTRATIQN SOUGHT BY PUBLIC.......... 30
OMBUDSMAN WILL HELP REDUCE OKELCO WORKLOAD.................. 31
HALT, FOR CREATION OF COMMISSIONER FOR INVESTIGATIONS .... 32
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINIS'TRATION ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY . 33
OMELCO AND OMBUDSMAN TO CCMPL3CHT EACH OTHER................ 35
VR REPATRIATION HUSAINS LONG-TERM AIM....................... 37
POLIOS COVERAGE ADEQUATE AT C.ilHB-FRONE AREAS......... 37
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE POLICY EXPLAINED ......................... 38
HOUSING STRATEGY TO BE WIDELY PUBLICISED .................. 39
ADEQUATE HOSPIT.J, BEDS GE HK ISLAND ASSURED ............... 39
UTILISATION RATE OF SEC QUOTAS EXPLAINED ................... 40
PERMITS ISSUED 'TO 1 202 WIVES AND CHILDREN ................ 41
THREE HEAT STROKE FATALITY CASES REPORTED .................. 42
PUBLIC DUMPING SITES DEPEND ON AVAILABILITY................. 42
SOME IRP EQUIPMENT PUT TO 'GOOD USS' ....................... 43
ONE BILL PASSED ............................................ 44
LIVE TV, RADIO COVERAGE OF GOVERNOR'S ARRIVAL.................. 45
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDKEffiT) ORDINANCE GULDELDPES TO BE ISSUED . 46
SHARES ISSUING ABILITY TO BE CONSIDERED ..................... 47
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1987 ............................. 48
JANUARY INI CL , VOLUME MCVUE3NTS OF KUPERS AL TRADE........... 49
MORE DIALOGUE HOTUESN HABAOilXT, WORKERS ENCOURAGED.......... 53
!>
EPD TASKED TO HAIDLE ASBESTOS PROBLEMS ........................ 54
DEADLINE REMINDER FOR TAXI VOUCHER APPLICANTS ................. 55
TWO BLiKSUTIOK LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED .......................... 56
TWO STORAGE SITES UP i'QR RENT................................. 57
SUMMER PROGRAMME DESIGN CONTEST PETRUS SOUGHT ................. 58
CSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE MOVE................................... 58
DISCUSSION ON CONTROL GF UJUiUTHCRISLD BUILDU-G WORKS........ 59
EAST2R MAIL DELIVERY ARR/UGE’LSTS.............................. 59
SPECIAL TRAFFIC FLAN PGR NIGHT RACE MELTING ................... 60
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
1
CHANGE REQUIRED TO MEET RISING HOUSING DEMAND
*****
A LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY REVIEW HAS IDENTIFIED A NEED FOR A MODEST CHANGE IN DIRECTION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE MORE THAN A MILLION NEW FLATS BY 2001 TO MEET RISING HOUSING DEMAND FROM THE PEOPLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING A POLICY STATEMENT ON LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY, HE SAID THE PRESENT OVERALL HOUSING PRODUCTION AT 70 000 FLATS A YEAR WAS UNLIKELY TO BE ACHIEVED IF PRESENT POLICIES REMAINED UNCHANGED.
MOREOVER, ALTHOUGH RENTAL NEEDS WOULD BE MET, MR FORD SAID THERE WOULD STILL BE AN OUTSTANDING DEMAND FROM AN ESTIMATED 100 000 FAMILIES WHO WISHED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES.
+MUCH OF THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR HOME PURCHASE COMES FROM EXISTING AND PROSPECTIVE PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING TENANTS AND FROM THOSE AFFECTED BY RE-DEVELOPMENT.
+MANY OF THESE COULD AFFORD TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES BUT SUCCESSIVE OVER-SUBSCRI PT IONS FOR HOS AND PSPS FLATS HAVE PREVENTED THEM FROM DOING SO.
+THE PREFERENCE OF PROSPECTIVE PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING TENANTS AND FAMILIES IN ESTATES TO BE RE-DEVELOPED WILL BE GAUGED, AND FROM WITHIN THE PUBLIC HOUSING QUOTA A SUFFICIENT BALANCE OF HOME OWNERSHIP AND RENTAL FLATS WILL BE BUILT TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR EACH.
+IN THIS WAY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REHOUSED WILL NOT BE REDUCED AND THE CHANCE OF SUCCESS OF APPLICANTS UNDER PRESENT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES WILL BE IMPROVED.
MR FORD ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INTRODUCE A HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME, OFFERING ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS THE OPTION OF AN INTEREST-FREE DOWN PAYMENT LOAN TO HELP THEM BUY A NEW FLAT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+IT WILL COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING ASSISTED HOME PURCHASE SCHEMES AND WILL INCREASE THE OPTIONS OPEN TO THOSE WISHING TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES.
+BY STIMULATING RE-DEVELOPMENT OF OLDER AND UNDER-DEVELOPED PRIVATE SITES, IT SHOULD INCREASE THE CHOICE OF LOCATION FOR PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS.
MR FORD ADDED THESE INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME PURCHASE SHOULD INCREASE THE UPWARD MOBILITY OF SITTING TENANTS AND IN SO DOING RELEASE RENTAL FLATS FOR THE MORE NEEDY AND INCREASE THE SPEED AT WHICH THEY COULD BE REHOUSED.
/HE LAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 2 -
HE SAID EACH LOAN REPRESENTED ONE RENTAL FLA। MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION.
+AS SUCH IT IS A REPLACEMENT FOR GOVERNMENT'S BUILDING SUBSIDY RATHER THAN A DOUBLE SUBSIDY TO THE RECIPIENT AS HAS BEEN SUGGESTED BY SOME WHO HAVE COMMENTED ON THE SCHEME,+ HE ADDED.
MR FORD STRESSED THE NEW STRATEGY DID NOT ENVISAGE ANY REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SECTOR BUT PROVIDED FOR AN OVERALL INCREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS SUBSIDISED BY GOVERNMENT.
+NOR DOES IT, IN ANY WAY, DETRACT FROM THE PRIORITY GIVEN TO HOUSING THOSE MOST IN NEED,* HE STRESSED.
HE ALSO SAID THE NEW STRATEGY WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING UNDER EXISTING POLICIES, INSTEAD THEY STOOD TO BENEFIT BY BEING GIVEN A GREATER CHOICE BETWEEN RENTAL AND PURCHASE.
+THE INCREASED EMPHASIS ON HOME OWNERSHIP WILL IMPROVE THE OVERALL CASH FLOW OF THE HOUSING PROGRAMME AND SHOULD ENABLE THE ENHANCED PROGRAMMES TO BE MET WITH NO MAJOR INCREASE IN THE SHARE OF SOCIAL PROGRAMMES FUNDS WHICH HAVE TO BE ALLOCATED TO HOUSING,* MR FORD ADDED.
HE SAID THE NEW STRATEGY WOULD REQUIRE CAREFUL CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ACTIVITIES AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE READY TO USE THE HOS AND PSPS TO MEET ANY FAILURE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROVIDE THE NUMBER OF FLATS NEEDED AT AFFORDABLE PRICES.
♦THE ACTIVITIES OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE HOUSING SOCIETY THE FUTURE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSELY CO-ORDINATED,* HE SA’D.
MR FORD SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD Pi AY A CENTRAL ROLE IN CARRYING OUT ALL ASPECTS OF THE STRATEGY INTO EFFECT, INCLUDING THOSE PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE HOS, PSPS AND THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME.
HE ADDED THAT SPECIFIC PROPOSALS RELATING TO THE DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY WOULD BE PUT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION.
MR FORD ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE OVERALL FINANCING OF THE HOUSING PROGRAMME AND CONSIDERING APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE FINANCING OF THE HOUSING PROGRAMME.
/+THIS WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
+THIS WILL INCLUDE AN EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND MIGHT PLAY IN FUTURE,* HE ADDED.
MR FORD ALSO SAID A PROGRAMME FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD NON-SELF-CONTAINED BLOCKS WAS ALREADY UNDER WAY AND WOULD PROVIDE NEW HOMES FOR 125 OOO FAMILIES.
+THE NEW STRATEGY EXTENDS THIS RE-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO THE OTHER GROUP B ESTATES,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT IN ACCEPTING THIS, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED A COMMITMENT TO REHOUSE 135 000 FAMILIES MORE THAN UNDER ITS PRESENT POLICY.
MR FORD SAID IN BRIEF, THE NEW HOUSING STRATEGY WOULD BE MORE DEMAND-LED. +IT WILL EXTEND RE-DEVELOPMENT TO MOST OF THE OLDER PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ESTATES AND WILL PROMOTE HOME PURCHASE BY BUILDING MORE FLATS FOR SALE AND BY INTRODUCING THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME.
*IN THIS WAY IT WILL BE ABLE MORE CLOSELY TO MATCH THE PROVISION OF HOUSING TO THE ASPIRATIONS OF THOSE TO BE HOUSED. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES FROM ALL HOUSING SECTORS AND INTRODUCES THE DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY NEEDED TO ALLOW CHANGES WHEN THESE ARE NECESSARY TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS,* HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW STRATEGY FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR TO ALLOW THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO: BE MADE.
HE SAID WIDE PUBLICITY WAS BEING GIVEN TO THE STRATEGY AND COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED BODIES WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN PRODUCING THE INITIAL PROGRAMMES FOR ITS STRATEGY.
-------0---------
DEFINITION OF RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG EXPLAINED * * * * *
A BILL SEEKING TO DEFINE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG As THE RIGHT TO LAND AND REMAIN IN HONG KONG AND THE RIGHT NOT T? it. DEPORTED OR REMOVED FROM HONG KONG, wAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1987, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID fHE DEFINITION INCLUDED ALL THE COMPONENTS OF MGHT OF ABODE AS THE TERM WAS GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD, INCLUDING
FREEDOM FROM DEPORTATION.
/THE BILL........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 4 -
THE BILL IS COMPLEMENTARY TO THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, HE NOTED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE TwO BILLS INTRODUCED IMPORTANT MEASURES INTO HONG KONG LEGISLATION.
+FOR THE FIRST TIME THE TERM 'RIGHT OF ABODE’ WILL BE APPLIED IN LAW TO HONG KONG PEOPLE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+SOME FIVE MILLION HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL BE ACCORDED THIS RIGHT WHICH WILL GIVE THEM THE RIGHT TO LAND AND REMAIN IN HUNG KONG WITHOUT ANY IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS. THEY WILL NOT BE DEPORTABLE OR REMOVABLE FROM HONG KONG.
+THEY WILL BE DESCRIBED BY A NEW TERM ’HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT’. THIS TERM WILL BE EASILY UNDERSTOOD. ’HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS’ WILL HAVE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS WHICH WILL BE EVIDENCE FOR ALL TO SEE THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
+THE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL HELP TOWARDS GUARANTEEING HONG KONG PEOPLE’S TRAVELLING CONVENIENCE BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.+
MR JEAFFRESON SAID TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS AND OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY WOULD CONTINUE TO TRAVEL WITH THE SAME EASE AND CONVENIENCE IN THE TRANSITION PERIOD AND AFTER 1997, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAD DISCUSSED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE DOCUMENTS AND RELATED MATTERS IN THE 3 INO-BRITISH JOINT LIA ISON GROUP.
THE TWO GOVERNMENTS HAD AGREED THAT BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS MIGHT INCLUDE AN ENDORSEMENT INDICATING THE HOLDER’S RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
THE WORDING OF THE ENDORSEMENT AS AGREED BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS WAS: +THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (XYZ) WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WERE CONSISTENT wITH THIS AGREEMENT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO RESULTED FROM THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 WHICH GAVE EFFECT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WHICH ENABLED PASSPORTS IN THE NEW STATUS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987.
/hr jeaffrexjn........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 5 -
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE DATE OF JULY 1 SIGNIFICANT IN RESPECT OF CERTIFICATES OF ♦CHINESE RESIDENTS+.
1937 *AS EQUALLY DENTITY NOW USED BY
+IT HAS BEEN AGREED WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA THAT CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY MAY CONTINUE TO BE ISSUED FROM THAT DATE UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 WITH A FULL TEN-YEAR VALIDITY AND MAY CONTINUE TO BE USED UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATE + uc o a 1 n 9
(OVERSEAS)
w , +THEY WILL ALSO INCLUDE A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH WILL BE INCLUDED IN BRITISH NATIONAL ' PASSPORTS.+
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE ARRANGEMENT TO INCLUDE A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WAS BASED UPON THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THE SINO-BR IT ISH JOINT DECLARATION.
♦SUCH AN ENDORSEMENT WHICH SHOWS THAT THE HOLDER OF THE DOCUMENT WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN FREELY TO HONG KONG IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS AND TO THE CONTINUED ACCEPTABILITY OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BEFORE AND AFTER 1997,+ HE STRESSED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO CREATE THE NEW CATEGORY OF PERSONS +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS+ COMPRISING ALL WHO WERE AT PRESENT DEFINED IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AS +HONG KONG BELONGERS+ OR +CHINESE RESIDENTS+.
HE SA IDs +BROADLY SPEAKING, THE FORMER COVER 3.25 MILLION HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS AND THE LATTER ANOTHER 1.74 MILLION PERSONS OF CHINESE RACE WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE.
+THE RIGHT OF ABODE AS DEFINED WILL BE ACCORDED TO THIS NEW CATEGORY OF PERSONS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE RIGHT NOT TO BE DEPORTED FROM HONG KONG CURRENTLY ENJOYED BY +HONG KONG BELONGERS+ WILL BE EXTENDED TO +CHINESE RESIDENTS+.
+THE BILL AMENDS THE DEPORTATION PROVISIONS IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMMUNITY FROM DEPORTATION OF PERSONS WHO ARE AT PRESENT DEFINED AS +CHINESE RESIDENTS.*
THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TERMS +HONG KONG BELONGER+ AND +CHINESE RESIDENT* BY A NEW EXPRESSION +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT* REMOVED A DISTINCTION, WHICH HAS BEEN DRAWN ON THE BASIS OF BRITISH NATIONALITY, BETWEEN TWO MAJOR CATEGORIES OF HONG KONG RES IDENTS.
/+LUBJECT TO........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
6 -
♦SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THIS LEGISLATION, ALL HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WILL BE +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS* AND WILL BE ENTITLED TO A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
+THIS CHANGE IN NOMENCLATURE ENTAILS CERTAIN CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND OTHER LEGISLATION WHICH ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BILL. BUT THEY WILL NOT INVOLVE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN SUBSTANCE.*
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WERE OF A TRANSITIONAL NATURE AND WERE INTENDED TO MEET THE IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE OF INCLUDING A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987.
FURTHER LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WOULD BE INTRODUCED BEFORE
JULY 1, 1997 SO THAT THE CATEGORIES OF PERSONS ENJOYING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WERE ON THAT DATE COMPLETELY IN LINE WITH THOSE SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT ON JULY 1, 1997 PEOPLE WOULD
ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV CF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.
UNDER THAT SECTION, THE FOLLOWING THREE CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION:
M ALL CHINESE NATIONALS WHO WERE BORN OR WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE, AND PERSONS OF CHINESE NATIONALITY BORN OUTSIDE HONG KONG OF SUCH CHINESE NATIONALS;
M ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE AND WHO HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE WHO WERE BORN OF SUCH PERSONS IN HONG KONG BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION:
* ANY OTHER PERSONS WHO HAD THE RIGHT OF ABODE ONLY IN HONG KONG BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
/HR JEAFFREEON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 7 -
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE VAST MAJORITY OF + HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS+ TO WHOM THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE ACCORDED BY THIS BILL WOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION UNDER THE FIRST OF THESE CATEGORIES, BY VIRTUE OF BEING CHINESE NATIONALS WHO WERE BORN IN HONG KONG, OR WHO HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE.
OTHER +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS* AS NOW DEFINED IN THE BILL WHO WERE NOT CHINESE NATIONALS WOULD BE ABLE TO RETAIN THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE UNDER THE OTHER CATEGORIES, HE SAID.
BUT MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT THERE MIGHT BE A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE AMONG THOSE TO BE ACCORDED THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG IN THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WHO WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION ON JULY 1, 1997 BECAUSE THEY DID NOT MEET THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+THEY WOULD BE ’HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS’ WHO ARE NOT CHINESE NATIONALS, HENCE DO NOT FALL INTO THE FIRST CATEGORY, AND WHO COMPLY NEITHER WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECOND CATEGORY NOR WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE THIRD CATEGORY,* HE SAID.
+IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THEY WOULD EE A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF NON-CHINESE NATIONALS WHO ON JULY 1, 1997 MAY NOT HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE, OR WHO MAY HAVE SO RESIDED BUT HAVE NOT TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE' IN EITHER CASE THEY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE ELSEWHERE.*
MR JEAFFRESON SAID +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS*, WHO WERE NON-CHINESE NATIONALS AND HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS, MIGHT CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION UNDER THE SECOND CATEGORY IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ONCE THEY HAD ESTABLISHED THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
HE SAID THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAD REACHED A COMMON UNDERSTANDING THAT THE WAY TO ESTABLISH THAT SUCH A PERSON HAD TAKEN HONG KONG AS HIS PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE WOULD BE THE SIGNING OF A SIMPLE DECLARATION BY THE PERSON IN QUESTION.
+THIS METHOD WILL ALSO APPLY TO OTHER NON-CHINESE NATIONALS WHO WILL NOT ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG NOW BUT WHO WISH TO ACQUIRE THAT RIGHT IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION UNDER THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.* HE SA ID.
/♦THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
8 -
♦ THIS IS A PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENT WHICH SHOULD REASSURE NON-CHINESE NATIONALS OF THEIR CONTINUED ABILITY TO ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+
PROVISIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG BY LONG-TERM HONG KONG RESIDENTS, THAT IS, THOSE WHO HAD BEEN HERE CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS, OTHER THAN THOSE WHO WOULD FALL WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF +HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS+ AS DEFINED WERE NOT CONTAINED IN THE PRESENT PROPOSALS.
THIS WAS BECAUSE THOSE PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO HOLD A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
BUT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY THEIR PRESENT RESIDENTIAL STATUS IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT WHEN THE LEGISLATION WAS EVENTUALLY BROUGHT INTO COMPLETE CONFORMITY WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THESE LONG-TERM RESIDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG IF THEY SO WISHED BY THE SIGNING OF A SIMPLE DECLARATION.
+ALTHOUGH THIS ARRANGEMENT TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE WILL ONLY BE EFFECTED BY FUTURE LEGISLATION, ITS BENEFITS ARE FOTH IMMEDIATE AND FAR-REACHI NG,+ HE SAID.
+IT SHOULD HELP TO REASSURE OTHER COMMUNITIES IN HONG KONG THAT THEY HAVE A LONG TERM FUTURE HERE AND WILL BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IF THEY SO wlSH.+
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
-------o----------
NEW ID CARDS TO BEAR RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT
*****
THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS TO INTRODUCE A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD STATING THE HOLDERS RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WAS NEEDED TO ENABLE A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT TO BE INCLUDED IN BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY, HE ADDED, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
/AT PRETKNT,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 198?
AT PRESENT, UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD IS ONLY A PROOF OF IDENTITY.
+SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THIS BILL, THE NEW IDENTITY CARD TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR WILL IN ADDITION REFLECT THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE HOLDER, THAT IS wHETHFR OR NOT HE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+
+A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD STATING THE HOLDER’S RIGHT ABODE IN HONG KONG 4 ILL BE ISSUED TO PERSONS wHO HAVE THAT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
OF
R IGHT
+THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT WILL BE DIFFERENT FORM OF IDENTITY CARD WHICH WILL NOT THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG
ISSUED WITH A INCLUDE A STATEMENT KONG.
+TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE AGREED THAT THE NEW FORMS OF IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY ARE REPLACED BY IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THEREFORE, IN CONTRAST TO THE IDENTITY CARDS CURRENTLY IN USE WHICH HAD A FIXED PERIOD OF VALIDITY, THE NEW CARDS TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR WOULD NOT SPECIFY THE DATES ON WHICH THEY MUST BE RENEWED, HE ADDED.
ON THE PROCEDURE OF ISSUING THE NEW IDENTITY CARD, HE SAID IT WOULD TAKE THE FORM OF A REPLACEMENT EXERCISE TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
+IT WILL INVOLVE ARRANGEMENTS SIMILAR TO THOSE ADOPTED IN THE LAST RE-ISSUE EXERCISE. IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS WILL BE ASKED TO COME FORWARD IN SPECIFIC GROUPS DY AGE AND SEX TO HAVE THEIR CARDS REPLACED AND EXISTING CARDS WILL BE DECLARED INVALID PROGRESSIVELY.+
+THOSE WHO ARE APPLYING FOR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY BUT WHO HAVE NOT YET OBTAINED A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WILL NEED ONE IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS,* HE POINTED OUT.
SO THE BILL SPECIFICALLY PROVIDES FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS TO APPLICANTS FOR THESE TWO TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. AND THESE PEOPLE WOULD GET THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS AHEAD OF THEIR SCHEDULED TURN IN THE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME, HE SAID.
/♦TO MINIMISE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
10
THE IMMIGRATION
+T0 MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC, THE IMM!GRATION DEPARTMENT to ILL MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ISbUE THE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD AT THE SAME TIME AS IT ISSUES THE TRAVEL DOCUMENT.*
+THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION TO ISSUE PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS TO CHILDREN UNDER 11 YEARS OF AGE AND TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS LIVING OVERSEAS toHO HAVE THE RIGHT CF ABODE IN HONG KONG,+ MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
+THESE TWO CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD. BUT THEY WILL NEED1 TO BE ABLE TO GET A PERMANENT ONE IF THEY WISH TO BE ISSUED W I TH A BRtT IbH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY wI TH A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT FROM JULY THIS YEAR.+
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL IN THIS BILL WAS THE SETTING UP OF AN APPEALS PROCEDURE.
+THE BILL ESTABLISHES A REGISTRATION OF PERSONS JR BUNAL TO DETERMINE APPEALS FROM PERSONS WHO APPLY FOR PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS AND WHO ARE THEN REFUSED THEM.
+THEY MAY APPEAL ONLY ON THE GROUNDS THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT CF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND THE TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALING WILL BE QQ DAYS.*
CF
+THE REGISTRATION OF ADJUDICATORS APPOINTED
PERSONS TRIBUNAL WILL CONSIST OF A PANEL BY THE GOVERNOR,+ HE ADDED.
THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE GOVERNING APPEALS TO THE TRIBUNAL AND THE DETAILED PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE IDENTITY CARD REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME WOULD BE SET OUT IN SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0----------
MAN COMMITTED ’WITH TOTAL ENERGY TO GOOD OF HK’
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED THE OUT-GOING PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AS +A MAN wHO HAS COMMITTED HIMSELF WITH TOTAL ENERGY TO THE GOOD OF HONG KONG+.
IN A VALEDICTORY TO MARK SIR DAVID’S LAST APPEARANCE AS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, MR FORD PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION SIR DAVID HAD MADE TO HONG KONG - +NOT ONLY AS A NEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL, BUT ALSO IN THE COURSE OF THE 30 YEARS YOU HAVE WORKED FOR YOUR COMMUNITY*.
/DOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
11
NOTING THAT SIR DAVID BEGAN HIS CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES BACK IN 1959, HE SAID THE PHENOMENAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE REGION WERE IN NO SMALL MEASURE DUE TO SIR DAVID’S WORK ANU HIS SKILFUL AND SYMPATHETIC HANDLING OF THE MANY SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS INVOLVED.
+OF NO LESS SIGNIFICANCE, SIR, IS YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT,* HE ADDED.
ON SIR DAVID’S APPOINTMENT AS CHIEF SECRETARY, MR FORD SAID: + IN 18 MOMENTOUS MONTHS IN THIS ROLE YOU HAVE GIVEN EFFECTIVE AND REASSURING LEADERSHIP NOT ONLY TO THE CIVIL SERVICE BUT TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.*
HE PRAISED SIR DAVID’S STEADFASTNESS OF PURPOSE AND HIS SENSITIVITY TO THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG IN THE MONTHS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WHICH HAD BROUGHT US ALL THROUGH A D IFF ICULT PER IOD.
THE FACT THAT SIR DAVID HAD DECIDED TO MAKE HONG KONG HIS PERMANENT PLACE OF RESIDENCE WAS CLEAR EVIDENCE AS TO WHERE HIS ROOTS WERE, HE ADDED.
MR FORD ALSO POINTED OUT THE +TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION* LADY AKERS-JONES HAD MADE DURING HER TIME HERE.
+TOGETHER YOU HAVE MADE AN UNBEATABLE TEAM AND OUR GREATEST CONSOLATION IS THAT IT IS A TEAM WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY TOGETHER ON ITS HOME GROUND,* HE SAID.
MR FORD WISHED SIR DAVID, LADY AKERS-JONES AND THEIR FAMILY THE VERY BEST OF GOOD FORTUNE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
IN REPLY, SIR DAVID THANKED COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP THROUGHOUT HIS YEARS OF SERVICES AND LEFT THEM WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE FROM EDMUND BURKE:
+PARLIAMENT IS NOT A CONGRESS OF AMBASSADORS FROM DIFFERENT AND HOSTILE INTERESTS. IT IS A DELIBERATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONE NATION WITH ONE INTEREST, THAT OF THE WHOLE, WHERE NOT LOCAL PURPOSES, NOT LOCAL PREJUDICES OUGHT TO GUIDE, BUT THE GENERAL GOOD RESULTING FROM THE GENERAL REASON OF THE WHOLE.*
--------0----------
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1937
12
SIR DAVID LAUDED FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG
*****
SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE ON BEHALF OF HER COLLEAGUES TO THE OUT-GOING PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, FOR ALL THAT HE HAD DONE FOR HONG KONG DURING HIS 30 YEARS HERE.
IN A VALEDICTORY DELIVERED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS DUNN SAID IT WOULD TAKE A WHOLE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE TO DESCRIBE THE PROGRESS THAT HAD BEEN MADE IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND DAILY LIFE OF HONG KONG IN THE LAST 3'0 YEARS.
SHE SAID SIR DAVID’S CONTRIBUTION TO THAT PROCESS HAD EEE! IMMENSE.
+IT HAS EARNED YOU NOT ONLY THE ADMIRATION OF MANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES IN GOVERNMENT, BUT ALSO THE RESPECT AND AFFECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ SHE SAID TO SIR DAVID.
SHE ADDED THAT SIR DAVID HAD GUIDED THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH IMAGINATION WHICH HAD ENABLED NEW TOWNS, HOUSING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, AND TRADITIONAL VILLAGE LIFE TO EXIST SIDE BY SIDE.
SHE SAID THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTS AND COMMUNITY LIFE IN THE DISTRICTS HAD OWED MUCH TO SIR DAVID’S ENCOURAGEMENT AND HE HAD PLAYED NO SMALL PART IN BRINGING ABOUT THE INCREASING RICHNESS AND VITALITY THAT PEOPLE SAW AROUND THEM WHEREVER THEY WENT IN HONG KONG.
SHE NOTED THAT MORE RECENTLY, SIR DAVID HAD, AS CHIEF SECRETARY, MADE USE OF HIS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE TERRITORY AND ITS PEOPLE, AND HIS SKILLS AS AN ADMINISTRATOR TO PROMOTE STABLE AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT.
+AND FOUR MONTHS AGO, WITH THE SUDDEN DEATH OF SIR EDwARD YOUDE, YOU TOOK ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNOR AT A TIME OF GREAT SADNESS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT DURING THESE FOUR MONTHS, THERE HAD BEEN NO SLACKENING OF THE VIGOROUS AND PROGRESSIVE PACE AT WHICH THt GOVERNMENT WORKED.
+WHEN THE NEW GOVERNOR ARRIVES TOMORROW HE WILL SEE A THRIVING, ENERGETIC AND WELL-GOVERNED SOCIETY, WHICH IS WELL PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGES THAT ARE TO COME,+ SHE SAID.
ALTHOUGH SIR DAVID RETIRED FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, HIS VALUABLE WORK IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS NOT YET FINISHED.
/+YOUR POSITION .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
" 15 -
+YOUR POSITION AS ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR WILL, I AM CERTAIN, KEEP YOU VERY BUSY IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AND WE CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR WISE COUNSEL,+ MISS DUNN ADDED.
SHE ADDED THAT NO ACCOUNT OF SIR DAVID’S WORK IN HONG KONG WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF LADY AKERS-JONES WHO, IN ADDITION TO SUPPORTING SIR DAVID SO DEVOTEDLY THROUGHOUT HIS LONG CAREER, HAD HERSELF EARNED A PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE.
+HER WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, AND IN PARTICULAR HER ENERGETIC AND PRODUCTIVE ASSOCIATION WITH THE GIRL GUIDES, WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED IN HONG KONG,+ MISS DUNN SAID.
SHE WISHED SIR DAVID AND LADY AKERS-JONES A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY RETIREMENT.
-------0---------
SWITCH TO MARKET BORROWINGS FOR MTRC FINANCING
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EMPOWERED THE GOVERNMENT TO GRANT GUARANTEES, FREE OF CHARGE, FOR FINANCING INSTRUMENTS ISSUED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) UP TO A TOTAL VALUE OF $3 OOO MILLION.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE INSTRUMENTS WOULD REPLACE, AND IN TURN CANCEL, THE LONGER TERM GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED EXPORT CREDIT DEBT OBLIGATIONS.
THE INSTRUMENTS WOULD INCLUDE FLOATING OR FIXED-RATE LOANS WITH TERMS OF BETWEEN TWO TO NINE YEARS, HE ADDED.
+THIS SWITCH TO MARKET BORROWINGS WILL BENEFIT THE CORPORATION BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT INSTRUMENTS WILL CARRY LOWER INTEREST RATES AND SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST COST SAVINGS ARE EXPECTED,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BENEFIT BECAUSE MTRC WILL REPLACE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED EXPORT CREDIT DEBT OBLIGATIONS DUE TO MATURE WITHIN TWO YEARS WITH MARKET BORROWINGS WITHOUT SEEKING GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES FOR SUCH INSTRUMENTS.*
THE AMOUNT INVOLVED WOULD BE ABOUT #1 500 MILLION AND THE VALUE OF GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES FOR MTRC LOANS WOULD BE REDUCED BY THE SAME AMOUNT.
+THIS WILL HAVE A BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON THE PUBLIC PURSE IN THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR THESE THEORETICAL CONTINGENCIES,* MR JACOBS SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT AVAILABLE TO MTRC, ALL FREE OF CHARGE, STOOD AT $6 100 MILLION AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1986.
------- o _ _ - - /iu .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
1*»
NEW RULES FOR BANKRUPTCY AND LIQUIDATION APPROVED *****
NEW RULES ON THE HEARING OF APPLICATIONS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL BANKRUPTCIES AND TO COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS WERE APPROVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING TWO RESOLUTIONS OF THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) RULES 1987 AND THE COMPANIES (WI ND ING-UP)(AMENDMENT) RULES 1987, THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID THESE RULES WERE MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO ENABLE APPLICATIONS RELATING TO SUCH PROCEEDINGS TO BE ADJOURNED AT THE DISCRETION OF A JUDGE, FOR DETERMINATION IN CHAMBERS BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT.
♦PROVISION IS MADE FOR THESE MATTERS TO BE ADJOURNED FROM CHAMBERS BACK TO COURT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REGISTRAR OF A JUDGE, OR IF THE CONTENDING PARTIES SO REQUEST IT,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SUCH HEARINGS WERE, ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE APPLICATION, DETERMINED BY A JUDGE IN OPEN COURT OR BY A JUDGE IN CHAMBERS.
♦THERE IS SOME DISPARITY HOWEVER. WHILE IT IS POSSIBLE FOR HEARINGS RELATING TO COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AT THE DISCRETION OF A JUDGE TO BE ADJOURNED FOR DETERMINATION IN CHAMBERS BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR HEARINGS RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL BANKRUPTCIES,+ HE SAID.
♦THE ANOMALY HERE IS THAT THE JUDGE DEALING WITH BANKRUPTCY
IS ALSO THE JUDGE DEALING WITH COMPANIES AND THE PROCEDURES UNDER
THE TWO SETS OF RULES ARE VERY MUCH THE SAME,+ HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT THE MAJORITY OF APPLICATIONS TO COURT WERE FORMAL
IN NATURE, UNCONTESTED AND GENERALLY WERE WITHOUT THE APPEARANCE OF THE APPLICANT OR THE PARTY WITH WHOM THE APPLICATION WAS CONCERNED.
♦IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES THERE IS NO NEED FOR A HEARING BY A JUDGE WHETHER IN COURT OR IN CHAMBERS. SUCH APPLICATION CAN BE DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT IN CHAMBERS,+ HE SAID.
------0 ------
ROAD USERS’ CODE APPROVED *****
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ROAD USERS' CODE AS A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS WAS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ’ HE
THE C0DE» prepared UNDER SECTION 109(1) OF the road traffic ORDINANCE, WAS DESIGNED NOT ONLY TO GIVE A COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF KONG’S TRAFFIC LEGISLATION REQUIREMENTS IN LAY TERMS BUT LEGISLATION*’MR LEUNG'sAd/^3 °F C0NDUCT T0 COMPLEMENT THE
/Moreover, the
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 15 -
MOREOVER, THE CODE PROVIDED ADVICE ON THE LAW AND RULES OF CONDUCT, INFORMATION ON ROAD SAFETY AND VARIOUS ROAD FEATURES AND TRAFFIC SIGNS.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT OVER ONE MILLION COPIES OF THE CODE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF ITS PUBLICATION.
THE CODE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION IN MID-1987 WHEN FURTHER DETAILS OF ITS CONTENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
COPIES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY FREE OF CHARGE TO LEARNER DRIVERS, DRIVING INSTRUCTORS AND ROAD SAFETY ORGANISATIONS. ALL APPLICANTS UPON FIRST APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF DRIVING LICENCES DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF PUBLICATION WILL ALSO RECEIVE FREE COPIES AND A SEPARATE CHAPTER ON CYCLING EXTRACTED FROM THE CODE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, COPIES OF THE CODE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS OUTLETS.
THE CODE, SET TO REPLACE THE OLD HIGHWAY CODE, WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
THE RESOLUTION WAS PASSED.
--------0----------
LOCAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNISED X X X X K
THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 AS ANOTHER MOVE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNISE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
SPEAKING ON THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHENG SAID THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT THE INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AND OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS INTO THESE REGULATIONS WAS INITIATED BY THE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS , ALTHOUGH SUCH LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS HAD LONG BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AS ALTERNATIVE PREREQUISITES FOR REGISTRATION OF AUTHORISED PERSONS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
16 -
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD ALSO ENABLE EQUIVALENT TO RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY THE PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ANY ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DEGREES TO BE ACCEPTED FOR
THIS PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGED The FACT THAT MANY REPUTABLE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION MIGHT AWARD QUALIFICATIONS IN ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING INSTEAD OF DEGREES, WHICH WERE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY, HE ADDED.
HE SAID PROFESSIONAL AUTHORITY ON
HE AGREED THAT RECOGNITION OF OTHER ACADEMIC OR QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD BE A DECISION MADE BY THE BUILDING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE REGISTRATION COMMITTEE.
TO FACILITATE COMPETENT EXECUTION OF STATUTORY FUNCTIONS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, MR CHENG SAID HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENT FOR ONE YEAR’S CONTINUOUS PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE TO BE GAINED IN HONG KONG BEFORE REGISTRATION.
MOREOVER, TO TIDY UP THE EXISTING REGULATIONS, HE SAID IT WAS DESIRABLE TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO ABOLISH THE FULL EXAMINATION IN VIEW OF ABSENCE OF ANY APPLICANTS FOR MANY YEARS AND TO MAKE THE PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEWS DISCRETIONARY AS IN SOME INSTANCES SUCH INTERVIEWS MIGHT NOT BE NECESSARY, SUCH AS ON RE-REGISTRATION.
-------o ---------
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION ---- ISSUES NEED RESOLVING
* X X * *
THERE are a number of issues concerning the establishment OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WHICH NEED TO BE RESOLVED AND IT WILL BE FOR SOME TIME BEFORE MORE DEFINITE PROPOSALS CAN BE PUT FORWARD FOR DISCUSSION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR FORD SAID PUBLIC RESPONSE DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD OF A LITTLE MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS +WAS COMPARATIVELY SMALL+.
HE SAID ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THE 50 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED FAVOURED THE INTRODUCTION OF AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING MALADMINISTRATION -- THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION.
MR FORD NOTED THAT THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WAS ALSO DISCUSSED IN 17 OF THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS AND IN THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND A SIZEABLE PROPORTION OF THE MEMBERS SPOKE IN FAVOUR OF THE CREATION OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION.
/+THE RESPONSE,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 17 -
+THE RESPONSE, COMBINED WITH the VIEWS EXPRESSED IN TODAY’S ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, INDICATED THAT THERE IS SCOPE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT,* HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, AS MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ISSUES, WHICH NEED TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE A DECISION TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION CAN BE TAKEN,+ HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID ONE SUCH CONCERN WAS THE RELATION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WITH THE GOVERNOR.
+IT WAS SUGGESTED IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY, AND REPORT TO, THE GOVERNOR. THIS POSITION HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY SOME, WHEREAS OTHERS HAVE ARGUED THAT HE SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY, AND REPORT TO, THIS COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WENT ON TO SAY THAT A COMMISSIONER APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL COULD BE SEEN AS A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING COMPLAINT SYSTEM OPERATED BY OMELCO, AND WAS CONSISTENT WITH LEGCO’S ROLE AS THE MONITOR OF THE WORK OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT WOULD ALTER MATERIALLY THE ROLE OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ADMINISTRATION. THIS MATTER CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE GIVEN VERY CAREFUL CONS I DERAT I ON,+ HE CONTINUED.
THERE HAD ALSO BEEN COMMENTS THAT THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD HAVE WIDER POWERS THAN THOSE SUGGESTED IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT.
ON THIS POINT, MR FORD SAID IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE NECESSARY FOR THE COMMISSIONER, IF ONE WAS TO BE ESTABLISHED, TO HAVE SUFFICIENT POWERS TO DISCHARGE HIS FUNCTIONS EFFECTIVELY.
♦BUT THERE ALSO HAVE TO BE LIMITS SO THAT FOR INSTANCE, THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES IS NOT INTERFERED WITH,* HE NOTED.
MR FORD SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE OR REALISTIC TO EXPECT A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION TO HEAD AN ALL POWERFUL INSTITUTION ABLE TO RESOLVE EVERY KIND OF PROBLEM AND REVIEW ALL DECISIONS INCLUDING THOSE OF A POLICY OR JUDICIAL NATURE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT DIFFERENT VIEWS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED CONCERNING WHETHER THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE COMMISSIONER OR WHETHER ACCESS SHOULD BE THROUGH MEMBERS OF OMELCO, AND THERE WERE CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN LEGCO TODAY TO ENSURE THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO OVERLAPPING OF FUNCTIONS BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER AND OTHER CHANNELS FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.
MR FORD REITERATED THAT THERE WERE COMPLEX AREAS TO WHICH MUCH THOUGHT MUST BE GIVEN AND THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO STUDY THE MATTER AND BRING FORWARD DEFINITE PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS.
-------0 -------- /18....................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 18 -
LEGCO PANEL READY TO SUPPORT OMBUDSMAN IDEA
*****
THE CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP TO EXAMINE THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, THE HON SELINA CHOW, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WERE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE PRINCIPLE OF THE FORMATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, MRS CHOW SAID MEMBERS ALSO AGREED THAT THE OPTION FOR CREATING SUCH A POST DESERVED TO BE EXAMINED IN MUCH MORE DETAIL, PARTICULARLY REGARDING ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, POSITION WITH THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND THE QUESTION OF FINALITY.
SHE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED WITH THE STUDY EXPEDITIOUSLY.
RECOUNTING THE WORK OF THE AD HOC GROUP, MRS CHOW SAID THAT DURING ITS FIVE MEETINGS THERE WAS ACTIVE DISCUSSION ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.
♦ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC RESPONSE CANNOT BE DESCRIBED IN ANY WAY AS OVERWHELMING, IT IS A FACT THAT A CLEAR MAJORITY OF THE 50 OR SO SUBMISSIONS ARE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE THIRD OPTION IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT - THAT IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADM INI STRAT I ON,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THE GROUP FELT THAT THE OPTION OF MAKING NO CHANGE TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM WAS NEITHER REALISTIC NOR DESIRABLE. ALL AGREED THAT THE OPTION WHICH CALLED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ALL EXISTING CHANNELS SHOULD NOT ONLY BE ACCEPTED BUT POSITIVELY SUPPORTED.
MRS CHOW ADDED THAT SHE PERSONALLY WAS CONVINCED THAT ALL EXISTING CHANNELS FOR REDRESS WERE BY AND LARGE RECEPTACLES OF grievances RATHER than investigative INSTRUMENTS OF alleged MALADMINISTRATION.
♦WITH THE GRADUAL POLITICISING OF OUR SYSTEM, THERE IS MERIT IN HAVING AN INSTITUTION TO UNDERTAKE THAT INVESTIGATIVE FUNCTION INDEPENDENT OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM, WHILE EXISTING CHANNELS ARE IMPROVED UPON TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AS WELL AS TO RESOLVE THOSE GRIEVANCES WHICH HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH MALADMINISTRATION,+ SHE SAID.
IN ORDER THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS SEEN TO BE FAIR AND INDEPENDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE, THOUGHT SHOULD GO INTO HIS QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION, AS WELL AS THE KEY QUESTION OF WHETHER HE WAS ANSWERABLE TO THE GOVERNOR OR THE LEGISLATURE, SHE ADDED.
/MRS CHOW .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 19 -
MRS CHOW SAID THERE WAS ONE POINT ON WHICH SHE WOULD NOT COMPROMISE. + l BELIEVE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION’S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MUST BE FINAL.*
SHE SAID THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF DISSATISFIED CLIENTS, AND IF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION HAD TO REPEATEDLY LOOK AT CASES, IT WOULD UNDERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE COMMISSIONER, AND CREATE ENORMOUS AND UNNECESSARY WASTAGE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES.
--------0----------
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION ADVOCATED
*****
NOTHING SHORT OF AN INDEPENDENT BODY WITH INVESTIGATIVE POWERS AS STRONG AS THOSE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION SHOULD BE SET UP IF PUBLIC GRIEVANCES WERE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND DEALT WITH PROPERLY, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR HUI SAID HONG KONG NEEDED A PROPERLY CONSTITUTED COMMISSION FOR ADMINISTRATION THAT WOULD PROJECT AN INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL PUBLIC IMAGE LIKE THAT OF THE POPULAR JUDGE BAO CHING-TIN OF THE SUNG DYNASTY.
+ | WISH TO EMPHASISE THAT THE STATUS AND POWER OF THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE CONFERRED BY STATUTE TO ENSURE HIS INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY. THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNOR, INSTEAD OF TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, IN ORDER TO REINFORCE HIS MONITORING FUNCTION,* HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THAT APART FROM BEING DIRECTLY ACCESSIBLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO FILE COMPLAINTS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE OR PERSONAL INJUSTICES, THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD ADOPT FORMAL AND SYSTEMATIC PROCEDURES THAT WERE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AS SITUATIONS REQUIRED.
IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT THE SUBORDINATES OF THE COMMISSIONER WERE TOTALLY INDEPENDENT FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR THEM TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY. +THEY WORK UNDER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH SERVES AS THE FINAL AUTHORITY OF APPEAL.*
MR HUI SAID THAT FOR THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION TO BE IMPARTIAL, HE SHOULD NOT BE A FORMER CIVIL SERVANT, BUT SHOULD BE SOMEONE WITH HIGH COMMUNITY STANDING NOMINATED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
/♦THIS IMPARTIALITY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 20 -
♦THIS IMPARTIALITY HOWEVER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PERVADING AUTHORITY — POWERS TO COLLECT EVIDENCE, TO GAIN ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND FILES AND TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION BY SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE BEST OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMMENT FREELY, NOT JUST ON THE DEFECTS OF SYSTEM, BUT ON POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND RELATED PERSONNEL. IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSIONER’S AUTHORITY SHOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDING PROSECUTION BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES ON CIVIL SERVANTS.
MR HUI SAID THE LIMITATIONS OF THE OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION WERE ONLY TOO REAL TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, WHO WERE SO OVERLOADED WITH COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS THAT THEY SIMPLY COULD NOT AWARD ENOUGH ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUAL CASES.
HE SAID THE CRUX OF THE MATTER WAS THAT ALL INVESTIGATIONS WERE DONE BY OMELCO STAFF WHO FOR THE LACK OF STATUTORY AUTHORITY COULD ONLY RELY ON OFFICIAL RECORDS, CORRESPONDENCE, TELEPHONE CALLS AND MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+IT IS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT BY SECONDED OFFICERS INTO CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS PREPARED BY SENIOR OFFICIALS WOULD BE TOTALLY IMPARTIAL,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE RECORD OF 2 911 NON-CORRUPTI ON REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE ICAC IN 1986 SPOKE FOR THE SUCCESS OF AN INDEPENDENT AVENUE OF REDRESS THAT HAD COMMANDED THE CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT OF PEOPLE WITH GRIEVANCES TO PURSUE.
+A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IS THE ONLY MEANS THROUGH WHICH JUSTICE FOR ALL IS SEEN TO BE DONE BY OUR GOVERNMENT, AND WHICH WILL DEFINITELY ENHANCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997,+ MR HUI CONCLUDED.
------0 ------
OMBUDSMAN IS NOT THE PANACEA * X X * X-
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION COULD BE A MEANS TO IMPROVE UPON THE EXISTING MACHINERY TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS AN END IN ITSELF.
+THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IS DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO BE THE PANACEA FOR OUR COMPLAINANTS AND THOSE WHO SEEK REDRESS OF THEIR GRIEVANCES,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN HE SPOKE DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRI EVANCES.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 21
HE SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO COME TO A CONCLUSION WHETHER TO SUPPORT THE IDEA OF ESTABLISHING A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, BECAUSE THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER DID NOT DESCRIBE PRECISELY THE SORT OF ORGANISATION THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS LIKELY TO BE IN TERMS OF ITS POWERS AND TERMS OF REFERENCE.
HE SAID HE COULD ACCEPT THE IDEA OF CREATING A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION UNDER TWO CONDITIONS.
FIRST, IF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS ESTABLISHED, HE MUST BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT POWER WHICH SHALL BE NO LESS THAN THOSE PRESENTLY ENTRUSTED TO OMELCO MEMBERS TO ENABLE HIM TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, IT MUST BE CLEARLY ESTABLISHED, PREFERABLY BY LEGISLATION, THAT HIS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDARIONS WERE FINAL.
MR CHEN SAID ONCE A COMPLAINANT HAD CHOSEN TO TAKE HIS CASE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, HE MUST ACCEPT AND RESPECT THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISION AS FINAL. NO FURTHER APPEALS COULD BE MADE UNLESS THE COMPLAINT BECAME A MATTER FOR THE JUDICIARY.
HE SAID THE REASON WAS SIMPLE: +WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THAT THE PURPOSE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IS TO IMPROVE UPON THE EXISTING SYSTEM.
+IF HIS DECISIONS CAN BE CHALLENGED THUS THE COMPLAINT CAN BE PURSUED ELSEWHERE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD BECOME JUST AN ADDITION TO THE MANY ALREADY EXISTING CHANNELS OF REDRESS AND THE PURPOSE OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT WOULD BE TOTALLY DEFEATED.+
SECONDLY, HE PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD ONLY DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS REFERRED TO HIM BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
+THIS IS A FILTERING OR SCREENING PROCESS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IS NOT TO BE OVER-BURDENED WITH INDISCRIMINATE COMPLAINTS, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR HIS EFFECTIVE OPERATION.
+IN FACT IT IS ALSO IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE ADOPTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION,* MR CHEN EXPLAINED.
HE THEN PROPOSED THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER BE MODELLED ON HIS UNITED KINGDOM COUNTERPART:
(A) HIS AUTHORITY IS TO BE PRESCRIBED BY LAW;
(B) THE COMPLAINT SHOULD BE MADE TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER WHO SHALL THEN REFER IT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, AND
/(C) THE COMMISSIONER ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
22
(C) THE COMMISSIONER CANNOT ACT ON HIS OWN INITIATIVE, NOR CAN HE RECEIVE SUBMISSIONS DIRECTLY FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
MR CHEN SAID THAT UNLESS THE CONDITIONS HE OUTLINED WERE SATISFACTORILY MET, HE WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF CREATING A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION.
0---------
OMBUDSMAN SHOULD BE * *
ACCOUNTABLE TO LEGCO * * *
THE INDEPENDENT STATUS OF AN OMBUDSMAN SHOULD NOT MAKE HIS PARTICULAR OFFICE A SEPARATE +EMPIRE+ OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR CHEUNG SAID THE OMBUDSMAN’S APPOINTMENT, FUNCTIONS AND REMOVAL MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR CHEUNG FELT THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS IN RESPECT OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AUTHORITIES.
FOR THE SMOOTH WORKING OF THE CHECKS AND BALANCES OF THE MECHANISM IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR THE SETTING UP OF A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, WHO THOUGHT THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION HAD FAILED TO PERFORM HIS DEFINED DUTIES, HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE MUST NOT ACT AS A COURT OF APPEAL FROM THE COMMISSIONER’S FINDINGS, BUT RATHER, AS AN AUTHORITY TO REVIEW HIS WORK SO THAT REMEDIAL MEASURES, SUCH AS REDEFINING THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER, MIGHT BE TAKEN FROM TIME TO TIME TO IMPROVE THE REDRESS SYSTEM, HE SAID.
HE BELIEVED THE EXISTENCE OF AN OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM OUGHT TO BE SEEN AS A STRONG PROFESSIONAL ARM OF OMELCO OR ITS SUPPLEMENT, RATHER THAN ITS REPLACEMENT IN THE AREA OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST ADMINISTRATION.
SPEAKING ON THE FUNCTION OF THE OMBUDSMAN, MR CHEUNG SAID IT SHOULD BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO ONE OF INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS OF INJUSTICE TO CITIZENS RESULTING FROM FAULTY ADMINISTRATION ON THE PART OF A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, NOT AMOUNTING TO ILLEGALITY.
+THIS REFERS TO THE PROBLEM OF ’MALADMINISTRATION’ AND THE OMBUDSMAN IS A CHANNEL WHEREBY PRIVATE CITIZENS MAY LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS AGAINST A PUBLIC AUTHORITY, WHICH HAS, THOUGH ACTING WITHIN THE LAW, FAILED TO OBSERVE THE PROPER STANDARDS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONDUCT,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
23
COMMISSIONER EXPECTED TO CHANGE WRONG DECISIONS
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WILL ONLY BE MEANINGFUL AND VALUABLE IF HE CAN FULFIL THE GENERAL PUBLIC’S EXPECTATION THAT HE CAN CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT’S WRONG DECISIONS, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING’ DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. MR CHAN EXPRESSED DOUBT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER AS IT WAS UNDERSTOOD FROM THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT THAT IT WOULD ONLY BE AN ADDITIONAL AVENUE OF COMPLAINT AND APPEAL.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW THE EXACT POWER OF THE COMMISSIONER, ESPECIALLY WHEN BOTH THE COMPLAINANTS AND THE MEMBERS INVOLVED IN THE CASE WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME OF the investigations.
MR CHAN SAID ALTHOUGH HE GAVE HIS SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO DETAIL THE COMMISSIONER’S POWERS, THE AMBIT OF INVESTIGATION AND THE OPPORTUNITIES OF RE-EXAMINATION OF ANY CASES BEFORE ANY DECISION WAS MADE.
MR CHAN SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD ADHERE TO CERTAIN STATUTORY PROCEDURES WHEN MAKING INVESTIGATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPLAINANTS RECEIVED FAIR TREATMENT.
+ IN THE EVENT OF UNREASONABLE COMPLAINTS, THE COMMISSIONER CAN, BY VIRTUE OF HIS INDEPENDENT STATUS, MAKE FAIR DECISION WITHOUT BEING AFFECTED BY POLITICAL ELEMENTS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE ALSO FELT THAT THOSE PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO HAD ERRED, DELIBERATELY WRONGED THE INNOCENT OR DONE INJUSTICE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR MISDEEDS.
+1 HOPE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WILL POINT OUT THOSE PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MALADMINISTRATION SO AS TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ATTITUDE AND EFFICIENCY OF CIVIL SERVANTS,* HE SAID.
REGARDING THE REDRESS SYSTEM, MR CHAN SAID THAT IT WAS A BASIC RIGHT OF THE PUBLIC TO LODGE COMPLAINTS TO COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHO SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER IT THEIR BASIC OBLIGATION TO LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC’S VIEWS.
HE FELT THEREFORE THAT THE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM SHOULD BE RETAINED EVEN AFTER THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS APPOINTED.
+THE COMMISSIONER AND THE MEMBERS SHOULD KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT EVEN IF THE FORMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INVESTIGATION,* HE SAID.
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/24........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
24 -
WATCHDOG ROLE TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY *****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION COULD ACT AS A WATCHDOG OVER THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY AND ENHANCE ITS EFFICIENCY, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE COMMISSIONER COULD RELIEVE SOME OF THE PUBLIC COMMITMENTS OF OMELCO MEMBERS, THUS ALLOWING THEM MORE TIME FOR OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS OTHER THAN HANDLING COMPLAINTS.
+AT PRESENT, THE COMPLAINTS DIVISION OF OMELCO DEALS WITH 1 OOO CASES A YEAR, OF WHICH 35 TO 40 PER CENT CONCERNED GOVERNMENT MALADMINISTRATION OR INJUSTICE.
+WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT Op THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, THESE CASES CAN BE DEALT WITH BY THE COMMISSIONER,* HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THAT THE OFFICE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY THE PUBLIC AS IT MEANT AN ADDITIONAL INDEPENDENT STATUTORY REDRESS CHANNEL FOR HANDLING GRIEVANCES.
ON THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, MR YEUNG SAID THEY SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND STIPULATED IN LEGISLATION TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF WORK.
ON THE WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER, MR YEUNG SUGGESTED THAT HIS WORK SHOULD BE RELATED TO INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS OF GOVERNMENT MALPRACTICE AND INJUSTICE.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMITTEE INCLUDING OMELCO MEMBERS FOR MONITORING THE WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION.
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NO NEED TO CHANGE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM
*****
THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE NEED TO CHANGE ANY OF THE EXlSTINr CHANNELS OF COMPLAINTS OR TO ELIMINATE ANY ONE OF THEM THE HON KIM CHAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR CHAM SAID THE DIVERSITY °F CHANNELS PROVIDED A NATURAL SYSTEM OF CHECKS AND
BALANCES.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 25 -
,D«.HE.FELT ThE CREATION of a new body, whether it was CALLED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, SHOULD BE DEVELOPED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE.
+WE MUST AVOID THE PITFALL OF SETTING UP A NEW BODY FOR THE SAKE OF ESTABLISHING IT,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAM POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS TO IDENTIFY THE OPERATING ELEMENTS OF ADMINISTRATION NOW.
IMPORTANT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION THE PROPOSED COMMISSIONER FOR
r,Ll£IING,?EVERAL °F THE vital elements which the GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO ADDRESS, HE SAID OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES COULD BE IDENTIFIED, SO THAT THE IMPLICATIONS OF EACH OPTION COULD BE FULLY CONSIDERED.
HE ALSO NOTED THE ARGUMENT THAT THE NEED FOR A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION AROSE FROM POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTERESTS BY INVOLVING MEMBERS IN INVESTIGATORY DETAILS.
MR CHAM SUGGESTED THAT THESE FEARS COULD BE ALLEVIATED WITH ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES SUCH AS DIVERSIFIED MEMBERSHIP IN HANDLING CASES AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.
HE REITERATED THAT IT WOULD BE MORE PRUDENT TO DEVELOP THE EXISTING CHANNELS TO MEET INADEQUACIES OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
+ IN THE EVENT THAT A NEW BODY NEEDS TO BE CREATED, IT MUST WORK IN CO-ORDINATION WITH EXISTING BODIES, CERTAINLY NOT TO DISRUPT THEM,+ HE ADDED.
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NEED TO ENHANCE EXISTING CHANNELS OF COMPLAINT *****
THERE IS A NEED TO RETAIN AND IMPROVE EXISTING CHANNELS OF COMPLAINT AND IF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM CAN BE GRAFTED ON WITH CONSTRUCTIVE RESULTS IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT IN PRINCIPLE A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION COULD BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG, PROVIDING THAT IT WAS WELL THOUGHT OUT AND PROPERLY STRUCTURED.
/FIRSTLY, HE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 26 -
FIRSTLY, HE SAID, SUCH A COMMISSIONER WOULD BE IN POSITION TO TAKE OVER ON PRESENT INDICATIONS UP TO ABOUT HALF THE CASES WHICH WERE RECEIVED BY THE OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION EVERY YEAR, AND HE WOULD BE SEEN BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO BE ACTING INDEPENDENTLY OF OMELCO AND OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
SECONDLY. THE FACT OF HAVING A SEPARATE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD HAVE THE SALUTARY EFFECT OF PUTTING THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS EVEN MORE ON THEIR TOES IN THE PROCESSING OF COMPLAINTS EFFICIENTLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY.
THIRDLY, FROM TIME TO TIME HIS REPORTS TO THE GOVERNOR WOULD HAVE TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, AND AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR HIS ANNUAL REPORT COULD BE DEBATED BY THE COUNCIL.
FOURTHLY, THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD NOT IN ANY WAY DETRACT FROM THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF OTHER CHANNELS OF COMPLAINT, SUCH AS THE WARD OFFICES OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, URBAN COUNCILLORS, REGIONAL COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON HOW SUCCESSFULLY A HONG KONG-STYLE OMBUDSMAN OR COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM COULD BE DEVISED TO MEET TNE NEEDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THE HONG KONG POLITICAL SYSTEM.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE SYSTEM COULD NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE AN IDENTICAL MODEL OF THE NEW ZEALAND, CANADIAN, SCANDINAVIAN OR THE BRITISH SYSTEMS.
MR CHEONG-LEEN ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO PREPARE A DETAILED REPORT ON THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION BEFORE TAKING A FINAL DECISION.
-------o----------
STRENGTHENING Of OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION ADVOCATED X X X * X
THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE BELIEVED THAT A STRENGTHENED OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION SHOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE PROPOSED COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IN HANDLING COMPLAINTS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR CHUNG SAID THAT AS THE PUBLIC HAD FOR LONG BEEN WELCOMED TO LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS WITH OMELCO, IT WAS ONLY NATURAL TO EXPAND THE JURISDICTION OF OMELCO IN RESPECT OF THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
" 27 -
HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT, OMELCO COULD MAKE DIRECT CONTACT WITH RESPONSIBLE OFFICERS AND GAIN ACCESS TO RELEVANT PAPERS IN THE COURSE OF HANDLING COMPLAINTS.
+ON THE BASIS OF THIS ARRANGEMENT, THE CHIEF ASSISTANT SECRETARY (COMPLAINTS) OF OMELCO MAY BE DELEGATED AN APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY TO FUNCTION AS A STATUTORY COMMISSIONER FOR COMPLAINTS,* HE SAID.
THE INCUMBENT WOULD BE CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HANDLING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE CIVIL SERVICE AND WOULD BE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO OMELCO UNDER THE EXISTING STRUCTURE.
MR CHUNG SAID THAT UPON THE REQUEST OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMPLAINTS, OMELCO’S DUTY ROSTER MEMBERS WOULD EXAMINE A CASE TO SEE IF AN AD HOC GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP TO HANDLE THE CASE REPORTS SUBMITTED BY THE CHIEF ASSISTANT SECRETARY (COMPLAINTS) OR THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMPLAINTS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMPLAINTS MIGHT, EITHER BY HIMSELF OR THROUGH THE AD HOC GROUP, SEEK TO SETTLE THE COMPLAINT BY REFERRING IT TO THE RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER AN ESTABLISHED PROCEDURE. AS A FURTHER STEP, LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS COULD BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM CONCERNED. ■
MR CHUNG NOTED THAT IN THE EYES OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE PROPOSED COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION MUST PLAY A ROLE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE LEGENDARY +JUSTICE BAO* WHO OFFERED REDRESS TO PEOPLE’S GRIEVANCES.
BUT THIS IN FACT WOULD NOT BE THE CASE AS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT STATED THAT THE PROPOSED COMMISSIONER COULD ONLY HANDLE COMPLAINTS AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION OR DERELICTION OF DUTY AND WOULD NOT BE EMPOWERED TO DEAL WITH CASES CONCERNING GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND DECISIONS, COURT JUDGEMENT, PERSONNEL MATTERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS WELL AS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST.
+HOW CAN SUCH A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION BE ABLE TO DEAL SQUARELY WITH ISSUES THAT PEOPLE ARE MOST CONCERNED WITH AND FOR WHICH PEOPLE HAVE A REAL NEED TO SEEK REDRESS?* MR CHUNG QUESTIONED.
HE SAID THAT IN THE COURSE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO ESTABLISH A REDRESS SYSTEM WHICH HAD AN EMPTY TITLE BUT NO REAL POWER, IT WOULD IN THE LONG RUN ONLY LET PEOPLE DOWN AND MAKE THEM EVEN MORE DISCONTENDED.
/28........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
28
INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN OFFICE BACKED * * * *
AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, ANSWERABLE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SHOULD BE SET UP TO HANDLE SUFFICIENTLY SERIOUS COMPLAINTS.
the call was made by the hon Thomas clydesdale during the ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DECUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID, SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REFERRING ALL CASES TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER.
+IN CASES WHERE COMPLAINTS ARE BEING MADE AGAINST THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITSELF OR ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE THE POWER TO CONSIDER SENDING THEM FORWARD TO THE COMMISSIONER,* HE ADDED.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALSO BE EMPOWERED TO AUTHORISE THE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE PUBLIC SUCH DETAILS OF VALID COMPLAINTS AS MAY SEEN NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, HE SUGGESTED.
MR CLYDESDALE NOTED THAT THE NEW OFFICE SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RESOURCES FROM THE OUTSET. NOT ONLY IN FINANCIAL TERMS BUT ALSO IN REGARD TO THE QUALITY OF THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS STAFF, AS WELL AS THE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS GIVEN TO HIM.
HOWEVER, HE FOUND IT NECESSARY TO DEFINE CAREFULLY THE BOUNDARIES OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS RIGHT TO REQUIRE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
+THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF WILL HAVE TO BE DEFINED SINCE THERE ARE MANY ORGANISATIONS FULLY OR LARGELY SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
MR CLYDESDALE STRESSED THAT THE NEW OFFICE WAS TO PROVIDE AN AVENUE OF COMPLAINT FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WERE AGGRIEVED AND WHO HAD FOUND NO MEANS OF OBTAINI NG REDRESS.
+OURS IS AN OPEN SOCIETY AND SUCH AN OFFICE WILL HELP KEEP IT SO,* HE SAID.
HE CITED THE PUBLIC DISTRUST OF THE GOVERNMENT AND CALL FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION TO CONTAIN GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION, BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ICAC IN 1974, AS THE +PRIME EXAMPLE OF FAILURE OF THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM*.
+WE MUST NEVER FORGET THIS LESSON NOR THE VERY GREAT IMPROVEMENT THAT HAS OCCURRED THROUGH' GENU I NE AND HONEST EFFORT TO SET UP AN ORGANISATION WHICH THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AT ALL LEVELS, CAN TRUST AND TO WHICH COMPLAINTS CAN BE MADE WITH CONFIDENCE,* HE SAID.
MR CLYDESDALE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT EXISTING CHANNELS FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES WERE ADEQUATE NOR THAT THEY ENJOYED WIDE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.
these channels should be most carefully considered with a view
TO IMPROVEMENT WHERE POSSIBLE, HE PROPOSED.
-----o-----
/29........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
29
SUPPORT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF OMBUDSMAN
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WITH FULL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF HIS JOB WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUPPORTED BY THE HON RICHARD LAI.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR LAI SAID ALL EXISTING CHANNELS FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES EXCEPT THOSE OF OFFICIAL BODIES WERE SET UP PRIMARILY FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
THESE CHANNELS, SUCH AS THE OMELCO, WERE FIRST AND FOREMOST IND ISPENSIBLE PARTS OF THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND WERE NOT SPECIALLY SET UP TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS.
MR LAI SAID THE PRESENT CHANNELS FOR REDRESS GAVE AN IMPRESSION THAT THEY WERE SCATTERED AND CONFUSING.
+IF THERE WAS A UNIFIED CHANNEL FOR PEOPLE TO APPROACH, AND FROM IT THE MATTER COULD BE REDIRECTED TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS FOR ACTION AND RECTIFICATION, IT WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY SIMPLIFY THE REDRESS PROCESS AND MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.+
HE ADDED THAT THE SUSPICION THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TENDED TO FAVOUR THEIR OWN STILL EXISTED AMONG A LOT OF PEOPLE.
IF AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, WHICH WOULD NOT BE A PART OF THE GOVERNMENT MECHANISM, WAS SET UP PEOPLE WOULD HAVE MORE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN THE FAIRNESS WITH WHICH IT WOULD HANDLE COMPLAINTS, HE SAID.
MR LAI SAID THAT IF THE SYSTEM OF REDRESSING GRIEVANCES IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WAS NOT ADEQUATE AND COMPREHENSIVE, PEOPLE WOULD BOUND TO MAKE FREQUENT REPRESENTATIONS TO BODIES OUTSIDE THE SAR GOVERNMENT. THE EFFECTIVENESS AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD THEN BE PUT IN DOUBT.
HE SAID THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD DEMONSTRATE THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO LIBERALISE THE POLITICAL PROCESS, AND WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN ENHANCING THE IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT IMAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT.
TURNING TO THE POWERS OF AND THE CANDIDATE FOR THE POST, NR LAI SAID THE FIRST AND MOST FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT THE COMMISSIONER WOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF POLICY MAKING AND SHOULD NOT EVEN COMMENT ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES. THE ROLE OF MONITORING POLICY MAKING WAS THE DOMAIN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 198?
- 50 -
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY AND ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE CLEARLY THE BOUNDARIES OF THE POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER IF IT WAS DECIDED THAT SUCH AN CFFICE SHOULD BE SET UP.
TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMISSIONER WOULD ENJOY AN INDEPENDENT REPUTATION, HE SHOULD BE GIVEN A RELATIVELY LONG TERM OF OFFICE, SUCH AS FIVE YEARS, MR LAI SUGGESTED.
HE ADDED THAT A HIGH COURT JUDGE MIGHT BE AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE IN THIS REGARD.
-----o------
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SOUGHT BY PUBLIC
*****
THE PUBLIC HAVE CLEARLY INDICATED THEIR WISH TO SEE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, THE HON, LEE YU-TAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR LEE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD +HONOUR ITS WORDS+ BY ACCEDING TO THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE.
A PROPERLY RUN GOVERNMENT WAS NOT A GOVERNMENT FREE FROM MISTAKES BUT ONE WHICH RECEIVED COMPLAINTS AND WHICH WAS WILLING TO RECTIFY MISTAKES AND MAKE IMPROVEMENTS, MR LEE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, MR LEE SAID THAT IN TERMS OF OBJECTIVITY, IT SEEMED THET HE WOULD BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS THAN COUNCILLORS.
IT WOULD ALSO BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION TO HANDLE ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING MALADMINISTRATION, WHILE THE OMELCO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING AND REFERRING COMPLAINTS, SO AS TO FACILITATE COORDINATION.
MR LEE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROMISED IN 1985 TO ENHANCE THE AVENUES OF COMPLAINTS AND THAT A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WOULD BE ISSUED TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO DEBATE ON THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT.
/+THE ISSUE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 31 -
+THE ISSUE HAD BEEN REPEATEDLY DELAYED AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES WAS NOT PUBLISHED UNTIL AUGUST 1986. THE DOCUMENT IS BRIEF AND NON-COMMITTAL. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN WAS INSUFFICIENT FOR DISCUSSION AT DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
+MANY PEOPLE HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THE SINCERITY OF GOVERNMENT’S PROMISE AS MADE IN THE 1985 POLICY ADDRESS ON THE ISSUE. THEY ALSO QUESTION WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAINTAIN OR LOOSEN ITS DETERMINATION TO GOVERN HONG KONG.
♦THESE QUESTIONS MUST BE DEALT WITH IN A PRACTICAL MANNER AND CONCRETE MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN TO RELIEVE THE PUBLIC OF THEIR ANXIETIES,+ HE SAID.
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OMBUDSMAN WILL HELP REDUCE OMELCO WORKLOAD
*****
THE CREATION OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION POST WILL GREATLY RELIEVE THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF OMELCO MEMBERS IN THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINT CASES, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR LIU SAID 40 PER CENT OF THE 1 000 COMPLAINT CASES HANDLED BY THE OMELCO EACH YEAR WAS ABOUT GOVERNMENT MALADMINISTRATION AND INJUSTICE.
+IF THE NUMBER OF CASES WHICH REQUIRES OMELCO MEMBERS TO INTERVIEW CLIENTS IS REDUCED, MEMBERS CAN DEVOTE MORE ATTENTION TO SOCIAL AND POLICY ISSUES,+ HE SAID.
MR LIU SAID AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WITH ADEQUATE POWER COULD BE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED BY THE PUBLIC AS AN ORGANISATION FOR REDRESS.
♦THEY CAN LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY TO THE COMMISSIONER WHETHER THEY BE COMPLAINTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT MALADMINISTRATION CR PERSONAL GRIEVANCES, AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR REFERRALS WHICH WASTE MUCH TIME,+ HE SAID.
♦THE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE,* HE ADDED.
MR LIU SAID FIRSTLY, THERE WERE INSTITUTIONS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS BUT THEY WERE NOT INDEPENDENT AND HAD LIMITED JURISDICTION AND POWER.
SECONDLY, SOME INSTITUTIONS ARRANGED DUTY ROSTER MEMBERS TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC AND THERE WERE NO OFFICERS SPECIALLY ASSIGNED TO HANDLE THE CASES.
MR LIU SAID THAT IF THESE SHORTCOMINGS COULD BE OVERCOME, THE EFFICIENCY OF THE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM WOULD BE IMPROVED.
-------0 -------- /J2................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
32
CALL FOR CREATION OF COMMISSIONER FOR INVESTIGATIONS
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR INVESTIGATIONS WAS CALLED FOR BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR SOHMEN SAID THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE A PERSON WITH AN OUTSTANDING PERSONAL RECORD OF INTEGRITY, USE OF AUTHORITY AND LEADERSHIP WITHOUT HAVING BEEN, OR LATTERLY BEEN, A GOVERNMENT SERVANT.
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE INDEPENDENT AND ACCOUNTABLE ONLY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO WHICH AN ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER’S ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S OWN OBSERVATIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD ACT UNDER THE POWERS CONFERRED UPON HIM BY STATUTE AS THE INTERMEDIARY BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND ALL EXECUTIVE BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT. HE SHOULD BE CONCERNED PRINCIPALLY WITH MALADMINISTRATION AND ALLEGED MISUSE OR ABUSE OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY, BUT NOT WITH POLICY MATTERS OR THOSE CLEARLY FALLING WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE COURTS.
FINDINGS OF THE COMMISSIONER WOULD BE CONSIDERED FINAL, INCLUDING THE FINDINGS AS TO HIS OWN JURISDICTION, AND NOT IN THEMSELVES BE SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE OR JUDICIAL REVIEW OR APPEAL OR PETITION PROCEDURES EXCEPT WHERE THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER ITSELF WAS BEING CHALLENGED IN THE COURTS.
MR SOHMEN SAID THAT ACCESS TO THE OMBUDSMAN FROM THE PUBLIC MUST BE DIRECT AND BE OPEN TO EVERY RESIDENT OF HONG KONG WITHOUT THE NEED FOR APPROVAL BY ANY AUTHORITY, BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OR BY SIMILAR PERSONS OR BODIES.
HE SAID THE EXISTING COMPLAINTS CHANNELS — THE OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION, URBAN COUNCIL WARDS, THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, DISTRICT BOARD FUNCTIONS, DISTRICT OFFICES -- COULD BE ABOLISHED ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE.
+THE RIGHT OF FORMAL APPEAL TO THE GOVERNOR AVAILABLE UNDER CERTAIN ORDINANCES SHOULD BE REVIEWED, BUT THEY TOGETHER WITH PETITIONERS TO THE GOVERNOR AND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OUGHT GENERALLY TO BE RETAINED,* HE ADDED.
IT MUST HOWEVER REMAIN POSSIBLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BRING COMPLAINTS OF A POLICY NATURE TO THE ATTENTION OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VIA THE AVENUE OF OMELCO PANELS OR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUPS, WHILE THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION SHOULD ALSO BE RETAINED TO DEAL WITH OFFENCES FOR WHICH IT HAD JURISDICTION, MR SOHMEN SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 198?
- 33 -
HE SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE WOULD BE SEEN AS A SIGNIFICANT MOVE TOWARDS OPEN GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
+CONFIDENCE BY THE CITIZENS IN RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE AUTHORITY MUST BE A DESIRABLE OBJECTIVE FOR ANY GOVERNMENT. AND IF AN OMBUDSMAN IS A POSSIBLE METHOD TO ACHIEVE IT. WE MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE THE EFFORT,+ HE CONCLUDED.
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COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY
X K * K *
THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS AN ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY MEASURE WHICH SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. FRS TAM GAVE HER SUPPORT TO THE NEED FOR FURTHER DEVELOPING THE REDRESS SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
SHE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS NOW ON THE THRESHOLD OF POLITICAL CHANGES. +T0 ENSURE THAT WE PASS THROUGH THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD SMOOTHLY, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR RESIDENTS IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.+
SHE SAID SHE BELIEVED A SOUND REDRESS SYSTEM WOULD NOT ONLY SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF THE CITIZENS, BUT ALSO ENHANCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND TRUST IN THE GOVERNMENT.
ALTHOUGH THERE WERE QUITE A NUMBER OF AVENUES OF COMPLAINTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG, MRS TAM SAID THEY WERE SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS.
+AS FAR AS THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES ARE CONCERNED, IT IS TRUE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE OMELCO CAN REFLECT VIEWS AND GRIEVANCES OF THE PUBLIC TO THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED.
+HOWEVER, WITH REGARDS TO THOSE CONCERNING MALADMINISTRATION IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE ABOVE ORGANISATIONS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THEM BECAUSE THEY DO NOT POSSESS ADEQUATE INVESTIGATORY POWER,+ SHE SAID.
/FURTHERMORE, MEMBERS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- J4 -
FURTHERMORE, MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL INCREASINGLY IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES WITH THEIR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL GROUPS, AND WERE RESPONSIBLE TO THESE BODIES. CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS MIGHT ARISE IF THEY WERE INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF MALADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+HENCE, TO FURTHER DEVELOP OUR COMPLAINT SYSTEM, IT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO MERELY IMPROVE THE EXISTING CHANNELS.
+WE MUST CREATE AN INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL REDRESS AUTHORITY INVESTED WITH ADEQUATE POWER TO HANDLE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT MALADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+THE PROPOSED COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION IS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION,+ SHE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, MRS TAM SAID THAT THE COMMISSIONER, WHO COULD BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SHOULD MAINTAIN A HIGH DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE AND NEUTRALITY.
+ALSO, HIS TENURE OF OFFICE SHOULD BE FIXED FOR A RELATIVELY LONG PERIOD OF TIME. ONCE APPOINTED, HE SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED AT WILL.
+THE OFFICER SHOULD HAVE FULL POWER TO EMPLOY STAFF HE NEEDS AND ALL EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE DEFRAYED BY A SEPARATE FUND.
+THE STATUS AND POWER OF THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE CONFERRED AND SAFEGUARDED BY STATUTE,+ MRS TAM SAID.
ON THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, MRS TAM SAID HE WAS TO HANDLE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MALADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
AS SUCH, HE SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE EXISTING REDRESS AVENUES. ON THE CONTRARY, THE WORK OF THE NEW AND OLD COMPLAINTS CHANNELS SHOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY.
AFTER THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN SET UP, THE OMELCO SHOULD CONTINUE TO HANDLE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES, MRS TAM SAID.
REGARDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION AND THE PUBLIC, SHE SAID THE TWO SHOULD HAVE A GOOD COMMUNICATION.
+SINCE THE REDRESS CASES HANDLED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE PERSONS CONCERNED, THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LODGE COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY TO THE COMMISSIONER OTHER THAN THROUGH THE OMELCO, IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC INTERESTS AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SEEK REDRESS,* SHE SAID.
/LASTLY, MRS ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 35 -
LASTLY, MRS TAM SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE CONFERRED WITH THE RIGHT TO DECIDE ON THE WAYS TO HANDLE A CASEi HE SHOULD BE GIVEN INVESTIGATORY POWER TO ENABLE HIM TO CALL FOR AND HAVE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT, SUMMON GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO MAKE STATEMENTS, AND TO ENTER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR INSPECTION.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD SUBMIT REPORTS TO THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, AS WELL AS TO RECOMMEND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST THE OFFICERS CONCERNED.
+HE SHOULD ALSO COUNCIL FOR SCRUTINY
SUBMIT WORKING REPORTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE AT REGULAR INTERVALS,+ SHE SAID.
--------o ---------
OMELCO AND OMBUDSMAN TO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER
*****
THE HON LAU WONG-FAT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION AND THE CMELCO COULD BE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER IN THE HANDLING CF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, MR LAU SAID COMPLAINTS CONCERNING GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WHILE THOSE RELATING TO POLICIES SHOULD BE TAKEN UP BY THE OMELCO.
+AS SUCH, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION MAY RELIEVE THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF OMELCO MEMBERS, THUS ENABLING THEM TO CONCENTRATE ON POLICY-RELATED ISSUES,* HE SAID.
MR LAU FELT THAT THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND THAT HE SHOULD BE GIVEN ADEQUATE POWER TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.
+ HIS DUTY CAN BE CONFINED TO THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION WHICH CAUSES INCONVENIENCE AND INJUSTICE TO THE PUBLIC.
+THESE COMPLAINTS MAY INCLUDE DERELICTION OF DUTY, ABUSE OF POWER, ULTRA VIRUS AND. TARDINESS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
+CASES INVOLVING BREACHES OF CRIMINAL LAWS SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE JUDICIARY,* HE ADDED.
/Mr lau........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 198?
- 36 -
MR LAU STRESSED THAT THE ULTIMATE AIM OF ESTABLISHING A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WAS TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.
ANY ARGUMENT THAT THE EXISTENCE OF THE ICAC REMOVED THE NEED OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION COULD NOT HOLD WATER, HE SAID.
MR LAU EMPHASISED THAT ADEQUATE POWER OF INVESTIGATION MUST BE DELEGATED TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION, WHO MUST BE GIVEN FULL AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ON THE COURSE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN WHEN A COMPLAINT WAS RECEIVED.
VESTED WITH SUCH POWER AS CALLING IN THE OFFICERS CONCERNED, OR EVEN HAVING ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS FOR INSPECTION, TH COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE ABLE TO INVESTIGATE GRIEVANCES THOROUGHLY, HE NOTED.
MOREOVER, HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER COULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED OR RECTIFY THEIR MISTAKES.
TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD DISCHARGE HIS DUTIES EFFECTIVELY AND UPHOLD JUSTICE, MR LAU SUGGESTED THAT HE SHOULD SUBMIT WORKING REPORTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REGULARLY.
+ 1? WILL ENABLE THE COUNCIL IO HAVE A BULL PlcfURE uB Ills WORK. IF EVER HE PRACTISES FAVOURITISM, THE COUNCIL MAY GIVE FULL PLAY TO ITS MONITORING FUNCTION AND KEEP MALADMINISTRATION UNDER CONTROL BY REFERRING TO HIS REPORTS,* HE SAID.
MR LAU SAID: +IF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IS TO BE UPHELD AND HONG KONG TO REMAIN STABLE AND CONTINUE TO PROSPER, WE MUST HAVE AN IMPARTIAL AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT.*
HE WAS THEREFORE CONFIDENT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WOULD HELP IN ACHIEVING THIS GOAL.
+IF APPROPRIATE STATUS AND POWER ARE DELEGATED TO THE SUITABLE PERSON, I AM SURE THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION WILL PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE REDRESS SYSTEM OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
- 0 -
/37
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
37
VR REPATRIATION REMAINS LONG-TERM AIM *****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM AIM IS TO REPATRIATE TO VIETNAM ALL NEW ARRIVALS WHO AFTER SCREENING CANNOT ESTABLISH THAT THEY ARE REFUGESS IN TERMS OF THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED DEFINITION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT HOWEVER THE GOVERNMENT MUST FIRST BE SATISFIED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE TREATED INHUMANELY ON THEIR RETURN TO VIETNAM.
REGARDING THE POSITION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THE ISSUE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IT WAS AS STATED BY MR RENTON IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON JANUARY 21 WHEN HE SAID:
+WE ARE CONSULTING OTHER MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND THE UNHCR TO SEE WHAT CAN FURTHER BE DONE AT PRESENT ....... REPATRIATION FROM HONG KONG COULD TAKE PLACE ONLY WHEN WE AND OTHER MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE MUCH MORE CONVINCED THAN WE ARE NOW ABOUT, FOR EXAMPLE, HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM, AND HOW SUCH MIGRANTS WOULD BE TREATED AND LOOKED after IF they WENT BACK TO VIETNAM.*
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POLICE COVERAGE ADEQUATE AT CRIME-PRONE AREAS
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE POLICE COVERAGE WAS AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL WHERE RECENT ROBBERY INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL AND REGENT ARCADE IN KOWLOON, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN ALL AREAS WITH A CONCENTRATION OF HIGH SERIOUS CRIME RISK PREMISES, POLICEMEN PATROLLING IN UNIFORM WERE SUPPORTED BY OFFICERS IN PLAIN CLOTHES AND BY SPECIAL HIGH-RISK AREA PATROLS.
HE ADDED THAT FREQUENT VISITS WERE ALSO MADE BY MOBILE UNITS IN HIGH-RISK AREAS.
+TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY IN HIGH-RISK PREMISES, THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU IS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS ADVICE ON HOW IT MIGHT BE IMPROVED . CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS VISIT THE PREMISES AND ADVISE ON IMPROVEMENTS, AND THEY VISIT THE PREMISES AGAIN LATER TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT THEIR ADVICE IS BEING FOLLOWED,* HE SAID.
/MR JEAFFRESON .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 38 -
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT A WORKING GROUP ON SECURITY OF GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE HOW SECURITY IN HIGH-RISK PREMISES COULD BE IMPROVED.
THE WORKING GROUP, ASSISTED BY THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF TRADE ASSOCIATIONS TO ADVISE ON UP-TO-DATE AND EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES, HE ADDED.
MOREOVER, IT HAD HELD SEMINARS, PUBLISHED ADVISORY BOOKLETS AND VISITED JEWELLERS AND GOLDSMITHS TO GIVE ON-THE-SPOT ADVICE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
+THESE EFFORTS SEEM TO BE HAVING SOME EFFECT. SECURITY MEASURES INSTALLED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU FOILED FIVE ROBBERIES IN 1985 AND FOUR IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986. ROBBERIES IN JEWELLERY SHOPS AND SIMILAR PREMISES DECLINED FROM 92 IN 1983 TO 54 IN 1986. UP TO THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR THERE HAVE BEEN 11,+ HE NOTED.
--------0-----------
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE POLICY EXPLAINED X X X X X
THE ELDERLY PERSON OR HIS RELATIVES SHOULD APPROACH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SHOULD A RECIPIENT’S ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG WAS PROLONGED BEYOND 90 DAYS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER EACH CASE SYMPATHETICALLY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
+IN APPROPRIATE CASES THE DEPARTMENT HAS DISCRETION TO CONTINUE PAYMENT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AFTER AN ABSENCE OF MORE THAN 90 DAYS.+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE EXPLAINED OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WAS A NON-MEANS-TESTED PAYMENT INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO CARE FOR ELDERLY MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES, AND TO MEET THE EXTRA EXPENSES ARISING FROM OLD AGE.
+IT IS PAID FROM GENERAL REVENUE AND IS NOT A CONTRIBUTORY PENS I ON,+ HE ADDED.
HE SAID RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG WAS A NECESSARY QUALIFICATION FOR RECEIVING THE ALLOWANCE, BUT AN ABSENCE OF 90 DAYS WAS ALLOWED TO PERMIT RECIPIENTS TO VISIT RELATIVES AND TO GO ON HOLIDAY TRIPS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
-------0--------- /39................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
39
HOUSING STRATEGY TO BE WIDELY PUBLICISED * * * * *
THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH WAS OUTLINED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, WOULD BE WIDELY PUBLICISED, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY.
+VIEWS 0F4THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED BODIES WILL BE WELCOMED AND TAKEN INTO CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IN WORKING OUT THE INITIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY,+ MR LIAO SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT ON THE CRITERIA IN DETERMINING THE NEED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON A POLICY PAPER, MR LIAO SAID THERE WERE SEVERAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN SUCH A DECISION.
+ IN DETERMINING WHETHER PUBLIC CONSULTATION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF A POLICY PAPER, THE RELEVANT POLICY SECRETARY WILL USUALLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NATURE OF THE SUBJECT, THE DEGREE OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN IT, THE AVAILABILITY OF OPTIONS FOR THE CONSULTATION AND WHETHER THE PROPOSALS WOULD INVOLVE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO EXISTING POLICIES,+ MR LIAO SAID.
+THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAS JUST OUTLINED DOES NOT REPRESENT A CHANGE IN HOUSING POLICY, BUT PROPOSES CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO ACHIEVE THE POLICY OBJECTIVES.
+ ITS IMPLEMENTATION WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING UNDER PRESENT POLICIES,* HE SAID.
+ IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO PUBLISH A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT,* MR LIAO ADDED.
- - 0 - -
ADEQUATE HOSPITAL BEDS ON HK ISLAND ASSURED
*****
THE PROVISION OF HOSPITAL BEDS WAS PLANNED ON A REGIONAL RATHER THAN A DISTRICT BASIS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, HE SAID THE PROPOSAL RECENTLY ENDORSED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO REMOVE THE NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL FROM HONG KONG ISLAND TO TAI PO WAS MADE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR HOSPITAL BEDS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
/Hr chambers
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
40
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE EXPANSION PROJECTS AT THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM, AND THE NEW EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL, HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD HAVE 5 400 BEDS BY 1991, WHILE THE PROJECTED REQUIREMENT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 4 460 BEDS.
HOWEVER, IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES, THE REQUIREMENT IN 1991 WAS ESTIMATED AT 3 300 BEDS AND THE PROVISION BY THAT YEAR WOULD ONLY AMOUNT TO 1 840 BEDS, HE ADDED.
+THE PRESENT NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL IS IN A SOMEWHAT DILAPIDATED CONDITION AND THE NATURE OF THE SITE MAKES REDEVELOPMENT THERE IMPRACTICABLE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE WESTERN DISTRICT WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF IN TERMS OF HOSPITAL BEDS BECAUSE OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION WHICH'WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 700 BEDS BY 1988/
DESPITE THE LOSS OF 385 BEDS AT THE NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL IN THE YEAR 1992/1993, THIS STILL MEANT A NET GAIN OF ABOUT 315 BEDS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE PROVISION OF 614 NEW BEDS AT THE RUTTONJEE SANATHORIUM BY 1990 AND 1 580 IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL BY 1991 WOULD FURTHER EASE THE PRESSURE ON THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
-------o---------
UTILISATION RATE OF EEC QUOTAS EXPLAINED
*****
THE UTILISATION RATE OF QUOTAS MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THE TEXTILES AGREEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC) || EXPECTED TO INCREASE SOMEWHAT IN 1987-88, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON NGAI SHlU-KIT ON THE REASONS WHY THE UTILISATION RATE OF EEC QUOTAS IN 1986-87 WAS MARKEDLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF OTHER TRADING PARTNERS, SUCH AS THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, SWEDEN AND NORWAY, MR MACLEOD SAID THE MAIN DETERMINANT OF UTILISATION OF TEXTILE QUOTAS WAS CLEARLY DEMAND FOR THE PRODUCTS UNDER RESTRAINT AND HENCE UTILISATION VARIED FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS TRUE THAT UTILISATION OF QUOTA FOR THE EEC TENDED TO BE LOWER THAN FOR OTHER MARKETS, AND AN IMPORTANT REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT IT WAS A RELATIVELY INFLEXIBLE AGREEMENT, WITH QUOTAS DIVIDED UP AMONG THE 12 MEMBER STATES AS WELL AS AMONG SOME 35 DIFFERENT PRODUCTS.
/+THUS WHILST
WEDNESDAi, ArRIL I , 1987
41
+ THUS WHILST QUOTAS FOK SOME PRODUCTS IN SOME MEMBER STATES ARE FULLY UTILISED, IN OTHERS THE DEMAND SIMPLY ISN’T THERE, BRINGING THE AVERAGE UTILISATION DOWN.+
ASKED WHAT PLANS THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO PROMOTE A HIGHER UTILISATION RATE OF EEC QUOTAS IN 1987-88, MR MACLEOD SAID UTILISATION OF EEC QUOTAS WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE SOMEWHAT IN 1987-88, PARTLY BECAUSE RECENT TRENDS IN EXCHANGE RATES WERE TENDING TO MAKE OUR EXPORTS MORE COMPETITIVE IN THE EEC, AND PARTLY BECAUSE THE NEW HONG KONG - EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT, WHICH TOOK EFFECT THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME ALLOWED SOME MODEST TRANSFER OF QUOTA BETWEEN MEMBER STATES.
+WE PLAN TO CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH FLEXIBILITY AS IS AVAILABLE UNDER THE AGREEMENT IS USED TO THE FULL EXTENT THAT DEMAND PERMITS, INCLUDING THIS NEW PROVISION FOR TRANSFER BETWEEN STATES,+ HE SAID.
PERMITS ISSUED TO 1 202 WIVES AND CHILDREN
*****
BETWEEN AUGUST 1, 1986 AND MARCH 31, 1987 THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED ENTRY PERMITS TO 1 202 WIVES AND CHILDREN FROM MACAU TO ALLOW THEM TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG WITH THEIR RESIDENT MJSBANDS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT PERMITS WERE ALSO ISSUED TO 4 580 VISITORS TO VISIT HONG KO NG.
HE SAID THAT WIVES FROM CHINA WHO HAD LIVED IN MACAU FOR SEVEN YEARS AFTER JANUARY 14, 1979 AND THEIR CHILDREN WERE ALLOWED TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG WITH THEIR HONG KONG RESIDENT HUSBANDS.
+FORMER RESIDENTS OF CHINA WHO HAVE ALSO LIVED IN MACAU FOR SEVEN YEARS SINCE JANUARY 14, 1979 ARE NOW ALLOWED TO VISIT HONG KONG.+ HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
THREE HEAT STROKE FATALITY CASES REPORTED
* * * * X
THREE PERSONS DIED OF HEAT STROKE OUT OF THE 20 WHO SUFFERED FROM DISEASES ARISING FROM THE EFFECTS OF HEAT BETWEEN 1982 AND 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAMBERS QUOTED STATISTICS FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ADDING THAT THE EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE INCLUDED HEADACHE, VERTIGO, FAINTNESS, ABDOMINAL DISTRESS, CONFUSION AND RAPID BREATHING.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE NO PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS AND THE FIRST INDICATION IN SOME CASES MIGHT BE LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
♦TREATMENT OF HEAT STROKE IS BY PROMPT AND RAPID COOLING, EITHER BY IMMERSION IN COLD WATER, OR BY EVAPOPRATION COOLING, THAT IS THE REPEATED WETTING OF SKIN WHILE IT IS FANNED STRONGLY,* HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID HEAT STROKE COULD BE PREVENTED BY AVOIDING PROLONGED STRENUOUS PHYSICAL EXERTION IN CONDITIONS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY.
IF SUCH EXERTION COULD NOT BE AVOIDED, GRADUAL PHYSICAL ADJUSTMENT TO HIGH TEMPORARY CONDITIONS WAS ADVISED.
+ IN ADDITION, ADEQUATE FLUIDS SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE AND DURING EXERTION, AND THE BODY SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY EXPOSED TO PERMIT SWEATING,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
+ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHICH DECREASE SWEATING OR AFFECT THERMO-REGULATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED,* HE ADDED.
- 0 -
PUBLIC DUMPING SITES DEPEND ON AVAILABILITY X X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT BIND ITSELF TO PROVIDING DUMPING SITES WHICH ARE CONVENIENT FOR ALL BECAUSE THE DEMAND IS NOT CONSTANT AND RECLAMATION CANNOT BE SET UP EVERYWHERE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARIA TAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
MR BARNES SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER FORMALISED ITS POLICY ON PUBLIC DUMPING, IT TRIED TO HAVE DUMPING CAPACITY AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT PLACES.
♦FIRSTLY BECAUSE IT IS AN ECONOMIC WAY TO DO THE RECLAMATIONS WE WANT TO DO AND HAVE COMPLETED LEGAL FORMALITIES FOR- SECONDLY BECAUSE IT REDUCES INDISCRIMINATE ILLEGAL DUMPING- AND THIRDLY BECAUSE IT HELPS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC DUMPING IN DIFFERENT AREAS DEPENDED ON THERE BEING A GOING RECLAMATION OR PROJECT WHICH NEEDED FILL IN THE AREA.
HE SAID AT PRESENT THERE WAS INTERMITTENT RECLAMATION AT TELEGRAPH BAY AND THERE WERE PUBLIC DUMPS OPEN AT MA ON SHAN AND TUEN MUN. AND LATER IN THE YEAR, THE HUNG HOM BAY WOULD BE REOPENED FOR DUMPING FOR A SHORT PERIOD.
MR BARNES CONCEDED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN IDEAL SITUATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO IMPROVE IT BY THE NEXT DRY SEASON.
+BUT CONTRACTORS WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT SOMETIMES THEY HAVE TO DUMP ON SITES ACROSS THE HARBOUR OR FURTHER AFIELD.+
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SOME ERP EQUIPMENT
X * *
PUT TO ’GOOD USE’
MOST OF THE MANPOWER FOR THE ERP PILOT SCHEME WAS PROVIDED BY THE CONSULTANTS AND ONE TRAFFIC ENGINEER SECONDED TO THE STUDY TEAM HAD RETURNED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE YU-TAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE EQUIPMENT ACQUIRED FOR THE SCHEME FELL INTO TWO BROAD CATEGORIES.
HE SAID THE FIRST CATEGORY COVERED HARDWARE FOR DATA CAPTURE THAT WAS DESIGNED FOR THE STUDY AND COULD ONLY BE OF USE FOR AN ERP RELATED APPLICATION.
♦PRESENT INTENTIONS ARE THAT THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE KEPT FOR A FURTHER FEW YEARS UNTIL IT IS CLEAR THAT THE TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED,+ HE SAID.
/THE OTHER
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
THE OTHER CATEGORY, HE SAID, INCLUDED SMALLER ITEMS WHICH WERE MAINLY CONSUMABLES OF MORE GENERAL USE.
HE ADDED THAT ROADSIDE CABINETS WOULD BE REMOVED AND USED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO HOUSE AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC COUNTERS.
♦OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INCLUDING VIDEO RECORDERS, SLIDE PROJECTORS AND MICRO COMPUTERS WILL ALSO BE PUT INTO GOOD USE BY THE DEPARTMENT,*
♦ ITEMS FOR WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAS NO RELEVANT USE WILL BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT EITHER FOR REALLOCATION OR FOR DISPOSAL,+ HE ADDED.
- 0 - -
ONE BILL PASSED * * *
THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OTHER BILLS - IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 - WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 6.
- - o - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
45
LIVE TV, RADIO COVERAGE OF GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL
THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR, (THURSDAY) WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO HONG KONG AND COMMERCIAL
SIR DAVID WILSON, TOMORROW ON ALL FOUR TV CHANNELS AND RADIO.
SIR DAVID, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND THEIR SON ANDREW, WILL ARRIVE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT BY FLIGHT CX 710, SCHEDULED TO LAND AT 2.40 PM. THEY WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND LADY AKERS-JONES. SIR DAVID WILL TAKE A SHORT REST AND CHANGE INTO UNIFORM BEFORE LEAVING BY CAR FOR THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE TO BOARD THE LADY MAUR INE.
LIVE TV COVERAGE, PROVIDED BY RTHK, WILL BE TRANSMITTED FROM ABOUT 3.20 PM, FROM THE ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY AT THE PROMENADE, TO THE END OF THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY IN THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT ABOUT 4.45 PM.
DURING THE HARBOUR CROSSING TO QUEEN’S PIER, THERE WILL BE A FLYPAST AND AN ESCORT OF VESSELS OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES. A 17“ GUN SALUTE WILL BE FIRED FROM HMS TAMAR.
ON DISEMBARKING AT QUEEN’S PIER, THE ACTING GOVERNOR WILL PRESENT THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, THE BISHOPS OF HONG KONG, THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, THE DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY AND THE DOYEN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS.
SIR DAVID WILL THEN INSPECT A GUARD OF HONOUR FORMED BY THE 1ST BATTALION 2ND KING EDWARD Vil’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES. MEMBERS CF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND THEIR SPOUSES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO SIR DAVID BEFORE HIS ENTRY TO THE CITY HALL.
DURING THE 49-MINUTE CEREMONY IN THE CONCERT HALL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF OVER 1 000 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY, SIR DAVID WILL BE SWORN IN AS HONG KONG’S 27TH GOVERNOR.
THERE WILL BE A COMMUNITY RECEPTION FOR SIR DAVID AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT AFTERWARDS. SIR DAVID WILL DOT THE EYES OF A LION AND WATCH A LION DANCE PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL BEFORE LEAVING FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHERE HE WILL BE WELCOMED ON ARRIVAL BY A GUARD OF HONOUR FORMED BY THE ROYAL HK REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
NOTE TO EDITORS*
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REMINDED THAT ONLY HOLDERS OF LAPEL BADGES ISSUED BY GIS MARKED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE VARIOUS PRESS POSITIONS WILL BE ALLOWED INSIDE THESE POSITIONS.
THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE ASSEMBLY PLACES NOT LATER THAN THE TIMES ANNOUNCED. FOR EASE OF REFERENCE, THE ASSEMBLY PLACES AND LATEST ARRIVAL TIMES FOR THE PRESS POSITIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS*
(1) KAI TAK AIRPORT (PRESS ROOM ON GROUND FLOOR OF TERMINAL BUILDING, 1.30 PM)
/(2) TSIM SHA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 46 -
(2) TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE (PRESS POSITION BY SIDE OF PONTOON, 2.45 PM). THOSE PROCEEDING TO THIS PRESS POSITION SHOULD USE THE FOOTBRIDGE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE AND SHANGRI-LA HOTEL.
(3) PRESS BOAT (HMS TAMAR MAIN GATE, 2.15 PM)
(4) QUEEN’S PIER/EDINBURGH PLACE + A+ AND +B+ (GROUND FLOOR LOBBY OF CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, 2.30 PM). THOSE WHO WISH TO COVER THE LION DANCE MAY STAY ON OR REASSEMBLE IN THE LIFT LOBBY AT 4.45 PM.
(5) CITY HALL FOYER (GROUND FLOOR LOBBY OF CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, 2.45 PM)
(6) CITY HALL CONCERT HALL (GROUND FLOOR LOBBY OF CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, 3 PM)
(7) CITY HALL RESTAURANT (GROUND FLOOR LOBBY OF CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, 4 PM)
A PRESS KIT CONTAINING BACKGROUND NOTES ON THE EVENTS AT THE ARRIVAL OF SIR DAVID WILSON WILL BE BOXED AT GIS FOR COLLECTION THIS EVENING. IN THE EVENT OF EXTREMELY BAD WEATHER WHICH REQUIRES A CHANGE IN THE PROGRAMME TOMORROW, DETAILS AND MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NOT LATER THAN 1 PM.
------o--------
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE GUIDELINES TO BE ISSUED X X * X X
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD ISSUE SOME GUIDELINES TO SHOW THE PUBLIC HOW THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+1 HOPE THAT WILL SET PEOPLE’S MINDS AT REST,+ HE ADDED.
THE PBULIC ORDER BILL HAD BEEN DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUITE THOROUGHLY, SIR DAVID SAID, WHICH WAS THE LONGEST SESSION EVER TO TAKE PLACE IN THE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER PLANTING A TREE AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL, SIR DAVID ALSO SAID HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE NEW GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, UP TO DATE WITH CURRENT EVENTS IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS AFTER HIS ARRIVAL.
♦IT WILL BE UP TO HIM REALLY HOW MUCH AND IN WHAT WAY HE WISHES ME TO GIVE HELP AND ADVICE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,+ HE ADDED.
/+I SHOULD
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 47 -
+l SHOULD MAKE MYSELF AS USEFUL AS POSSIBLE TO THE NEW GOVERNOR AND THE ADMINISTRATION.+
SIR DAVID SAID HE THOUGHT THE NEW GOVERNOR WOULD HAVE A BUSY SCHEDULE, ADDING THAT HONG KONG WAS NOW AN EXTREMELY BUSY PLACE WITH SOME VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FACING IT.
ASKED ABOUT HIS FEELINGS ON THE LAST DAY AS ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY PLEASANT TO BE ABLE TO PLANT A TREE ON THIS DAY.
+IT NOT ONLY MARKS AN END BUT IT MARKS A BEGINNING, AND TO PLANT A TREE AND TO KNOW THAT THAT TREE WILL GO ON GROWING FOR THE NEXT 30 OR 40 OR 50 YEARS IS REALLY A VERY GREAT PLEASURE TO ME BECAUSE I PARTICULARLY LIKE PLANTING TREES,+ HE SAID.
+AND ALSO IT HAS EXTRA SIGNIFICANCE IN THAT I’M 60 THIS YEAR. I’M RETIRING THIS YEAR, AND IT’S IN SHA TIN WHICH I’VE TAKEN SO MUCH PLEASURE IN WATCHING IT GROW OVER THESE LAST FEW YEARS.
+S0 I FEEL THAT THE TREE IN SHA TIN IS ALL PART OF ME AND PART OF LIFE.+
ASKED WHY HE CHOSE TO LIVE IN HONG KONG AFTER RETIREMENT, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD LIVED HERE FOR 30 YEARS AND HIS ROOTS WERE IN HONG KONG.
-----0------
SHARES ISSUING ABILITY TO BE CONSIDERED * * * * *
FOLLOWING THE JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED EARLIER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) °F THE ST0CK EXCHANGE, DR RONALD LI, AND THE SECURITIES. MR RAY ASTIN, THE SECRETARY FOR AFFA,RS’ MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED THAT, AT THE 2FoI^ FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, HE HAS STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM TO CONSIDER ^nun.^ATTER °F URGENCY WHETHER OR NOT THE PRESENT ABILITY OF TOMTHE IRSNOMI NA!SUV Y0T ’ NG R 1 G HTS DISPROPORTIONATE
their NOMINAL value is in the INTERESTS OF THE GFNFRAl iTY OF SHAREHOLDERS, AND IF NOT, TO IDENTIFY WHETHER ANY ChANpfq TO the PRESENT LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ARE DeIIrTbLE^ G
-----0------
/48
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 48 -
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1987 *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, AND HIS STAFF MET THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AND THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR PAY CLAIMS FOR 1987. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ALSO MET THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL.
+THE RESULTS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION’S 1986-87 PRIVATE SECTOR PAY TREND SURVEY, THE PAY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE THREE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS AND THE RESULTS OF THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE CONDUCTED IN 1986-87 WERE CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING,* SAID MR GREWAL.
+WE WERE AUTHORISED TO MAKE AN OFFER OF A PAY AWARD TO THE STAFF SIDES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1987 BASED APPROXIMATELY ON THE 1986-87 PRIVATE SECTOR PAY TREND INDICATORS, THAT IS, AN INCREASE OF 6.3 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER BAND, 6.4 PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE BAND AND 7.13 PER CENT FOR THE LOWER BAND.*
THE OFFER WAS MADE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN MAKING THE PAY OFFER MR GREWAL ALSO INDICATED THAT +WHILE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NOTED THE RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED BY THE STAFF SIDES REGARDING THE CONDUCT OF THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY AND ITS RESULTS, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS IN PRINCIPLE THE GENERAL RESULTS OF THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY WHICH HAS BEEN CONDUCTED INDEPENDENTLY AND IN AN UNBIASED MANNER, AND WILL NOW CONSIDER HOW THEY SHOULD BE REFLECTED IN CIVIL SERVANTS’ TOTAL PAY PACKAGE IN FUTURE. THE THREE COUNCILS WILL BE CONSULTED IN DUE COURSE ON THE DETAILS OF ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE*.
THE OFFER HAS BEEN FORMALLY ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE THREE COUNCILS. THEY HAVE, HOWEVER, RESERVED THEIR POSITION REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY. THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL HAS ADDITIONALLY EXPRESSED RESERVATION ON THE VALIDITY OF THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY TO THE POLICE FORCE.
- 0
/49........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
1*9
JANUARY PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE *****
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 30 PER CENT AND 37 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986. HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
WHILE THIS STRONG GROWTH IN THE TRADE AGGREGATES WAS A CONTINUATION OF THE TREND OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, IT WAS PROBABLY AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, AND BY THE FACT THAT THE BASE OF COMPARISON IN JANUARY 1986 WAS RELATIVELY LOW.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ALSO ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 4 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED. THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS TRADE FIGURES FOR THE BEGINNING MONTH OF A YEAR TEND TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, IT IS ALSO USEFUL TO CONSIDER FIGURES FOR THE LATEST THREE MONTHS TOGETHER. COMPARING THE three months ending January 1987 with the three months ending JANUARY 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, A GROWTH OF 28 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ALSO ROSE BY 20 PER CENT. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1987 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF 18 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, PRICES OF REEXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
/THE CHANGES .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 50 -
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986. THESE INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+8 PER CENT) 1 CLOTHING (+7 PER CENT)? WATCHES AND CLOCKS ( + 5 PER CENT) I TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT) I TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+4 PER CENT) ; TEXTILE FABRICS (+3 PER CENT) I METAL MANUFACTURES (+2 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR (+1 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-7 PER CENT)? RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-6 PER CENT) ; METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-2 PER CENT) AS WELL AS DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-1 PER CENT).
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, INCLUDING TEXTILE FABRICS (+70 PER CENT) I RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+66 PER CENT) ?
METAL MANUFACTURES (+27 PER CENT)? DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+23 PER CENT)? CLOTHING (+21 PER CENT)? WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+21 PER CENT)? TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+18 PER CENT)? FOOTWEAR (+16 PER CENT)? ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+8 PER CENT)? TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+6 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-12 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, RANGING FROM 1 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 10 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 34 PER CENT.
SOME OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS? MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS AS WELL AS WHEAT AND FLOUR. HOWEVER, NOTABLE DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR? TEA AND COFFEE? SUGAR AS WELL AS ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CAMERAS, FLASH. IGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY? RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS? FOOTWEAR ? CLOTHING? ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AS WELL AS HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS! PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AS WELL AS WATCHES.
/THE IMPORT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 51 -
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE IN JANUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, INCLUDING WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR’ THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS’ PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS AS WELL AS WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR SILK FABRICS? CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ET., EXCEPT GLASS; AS WELL AS FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1987 OVER JANUARY 1986, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES? INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY? AS WELL AS TEXTILE MACHINERY. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF REEXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1986, RANGING FROM 8 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 118 PER CENT FOR FUELS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE JANUARY 1987 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS* AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON FRIDAY AT HKJ2.5O 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 5-8234918.
TABLE 11 INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING JANUARY 1987
WITH JANUARY 1986
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE 1 UNIT VALUE VOLUME %
clothing 30 7 21
TEXTILE FABRICS 75 3 70
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 22 4 18
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND
RELATED ARTICLES 13 8 4
/RADIOS OF
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 52 -
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 56 -6 66
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 1 -7 8
FOOTWEAR 16 1 16
METAL MANUFACTURES 30 2 27
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -14 -2 -12
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 26 5 21
TRAVEL GOODS HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 10 4 6
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 22 -1 23
ALL COMMODITIES 33 3 30
NOTE! 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: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END -USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JANUARY 1987 WITH JANUARY 1986
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 6 1 5
CONSUMER GOODS 31 7 22
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 29 3 25
FUELS -34 -34 1
CAPITAL GOODS 31 10 18
ALL COMMODITIES 25 4 21
/Table j:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 53 -
TABLE 31 INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JANUARY 1987 WITH JANUARY 1986
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
foodstuffs 7 -1 8
CONSUMER GOODS 64 4 58
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 27 1 25
FUELS 49 -32 118
CAPITAL GOODS 30 4 25
ALL COMMODITIES 40 2 37
------0-------
MORE DIALOGUE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT, WORKERS ENCOURAGED *****
GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WILL LEAD TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WORKERS’ LIVES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+IN THE WIDER CONTEXT, A HARMONIOUS WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY OF HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, MR HAMMOND SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ENCOURAGING MORE DIALOGUE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS.
+T0 HELP ACHIEVE THIS, IT HAS ORGANISED SEVERAL SYMPOSIA ON LABOUR RELATIONS WHICH HAVE PROVIDED A USEFUL FORUM FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, OFFICIALS OF BOTH TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON SUBJECTS OF COMMON INTEREST,+ HE SAID.
+THESE SUBJECTS HAVE INCLUDED THE ACHIEVEMENT OF HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, AND WAYS ANB MEANS OF IMPROVING LABOUR RELATIONS.*
/MR HAMMOND .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
5*+
MR HAMMOND SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ORGANISE, IN CONJUNCTION UITH EMPLOYERS’ ANO EMPLOYEES’ ORGANISATIONS, MORE SUCH SEMINARS AND FORUMS TO P^OTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS BY BOTH PARTIES.
TODAY’S SYMPOSIUM, THE THIRD INDUSTRY-BASED TRIPARTITE SYMPOSIUM ON LABOUR RELATIONS ORGANISED BY THE PROMOTION UN IT OF TH£ LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE FROM THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
SIX GUEST SPEAKERS WERE INVITED TO ADDRESS THE PARTICIPANTS. THEY INCLUDED THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS MR CHAN SUI-KAU? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GARMENT MAKING TRADE WORKERS UNION MR KAN CHl-SHlNG? THE DIRECTOR OF CARLO GARMENT FACTORY LIMITED AND SWEETMART GARMENT WORKERS LIMITED MR JAMES Y.Y. CHANJ SENIOR LECTURER FROM THE INSTITUTE OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC MR ALLEN T.S. NG? THE SENIOR CONSULTANT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL MR PETER Y.F. MOKF AND AN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICER OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL MR K.K. FUNG.
THE TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDED PROSPECTS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, WAYS TO TACKLE LABOUR SHORTAGE. NEW TREND IN PAYROLL SYSTEM, ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND ITS IMPACT ON WORKERS, AND DIFFICULTIES FACED BY EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
- - 0 ----------
EPD TASKED TO HANDLE ASBESTOS PROBLEMS * * * *
INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT RECENT RENOVATION WORK CARRIED OUT IN THE OCEAN TERMINAL BUILDING HAS DISTURBED ASBESTOSCONTAINING MATERIALS.
AIR SAMPLES IN THE BUILDING WERE TAKEN ON MARCH 27 AND 28 AND THESE INDICATED THAT THE LEVEL OF ASBESTOS FIBRES MARGINALLY EXCEEDED THE LEVEL RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BE MET AFTER ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORK IN A BUILDING HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT. THE HIGHEST LEVEL FOUND IN THE SAMPLES TESTED WAS 30 TIMES LOWER THAN THAT SET FOR THE PROTECTION OF PERSONS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS IN THE WORK PLACE.
THE EPD HAS ADVISED WHARF PROPERTIES LIMITED, THE OWNER OF OCEAN TERMINAL, ON MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
/A DEPARTMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 55 -
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT, ALTHOUGH THE ASBESTOS LEVELS POSED A POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK, SUCH A RISK WAS STATISTICALLY VERY SMALL, AND THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT BE UNDULY CONCERNED.
+ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN HONG KONG ARE EXPOSED DAILY TO ASBESTOS FIBRES WHICH ARE INEVITABLY PRESENT EVEN IN THE OUTSIDE ATMOSPHERE,+ HE ADDED.
A BRIEF VISIT TO THE OCEAN TERMINAL BUILDING WOULD NOT, IN HIS VIEW, RESULT IN ANY DETECTABLE INCREASE OF ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES.
COMMENTING ON AN ARTICLE IN AN ENGL ISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER YESTERDAY WHICH REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO CONTROLS TO MAKE SURE THAT CONTRACTORS USED THE CORRECT PROCEDURES TO DISPOSE OF ASBESTOS MATERIAL AFTER THEIR REMOVAL FROM BUILDINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SUCH CONTROLS DO EXIST.
♦■THE EPD HAS ISSUED A CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE HANDLING, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTES UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL
ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
FOLLOWING RECENT DISCUSSIONS WITHIN GOVERNMENT AND BEFORE THE OCEAN TERMINAL INCIDENT CAME TO LIGHT, EPD HAS BEEN GIVEN THE TASK OF DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF ASBESTOS IN PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS, HE STRESSED.
-------0----------
DEADLINE REMINDER FOR TAXI VOUCHER APPLICANTS
*****
APPLICANTS FOR SUBSIDIES UNDER THE PILOT TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 14).
UNDER THE SCHEME, WHEELCHAIR-BOUND DISABLED WILL BE ISSUED WITH VOUCHERS OF 855 A MONTH TO PAY FOR TAXI FARES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE APRIL 1.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY POST OR BY AGENT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, SECOND FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG.
/forms can
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
FORMS CAN ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON OR BY AGENT TO:
X TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 28TH FLOOR, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG kong;
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG 5
* 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.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO URGED TAXI DRIVERS TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME BY ACCEPTING THE VOUCHERS FROM WHEELCHAIR-BOUND PASSENGERS AS PAYEMNT FOR TAXI FARES.
* ALT HOUGH THERE IS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR TAXI DRIVERS TO ACCEPT THE VOCHERS, THEIR COOPERATION WILL HELP MAKE THE TRIAL SCHEME A SUCCESS,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
TAXI DRIVERS CAN CASH THE VOUCHERS AT THE OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT PRINTED AT THE BACK OF THE VOUCHERS BY SHOWING THEIR TAXI DRIVING LICENCES.
SPECIMENS OF THE VOUCHERS WITH DENOMINATIONS OF $1, S2 AND «5 HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE TAXI TRADE ASSOCIATIONS FOR THEIR REFERENCE. THE ASSOCIATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN REQUESTED TO CIRCULATE THE VOUCHERS AMONG MEMBERS AND TO DISPLAY THEM AT PROMINENT PLACES IN THEIR OFFICES.
------o-------
TWO immigration LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED X X X X *
THE COMMISSIONING OF TWO HIGH-SPEED IMMIGRATION LAUNCHES MARKED THE COMPLETION OF THE MODERNISATION PROGRAMME OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FIVE VESSELS, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE TWO VESSELS AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, MR CARTER SAID THEY WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION DUTIES AT THE ENCHORAGES AND OTHER SHIP SEARCHING AND PATROL DUTIES.
/THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 57 -
THE NEW LAUNCHES ARE EQUIPPED WITH UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY INCLUDING MARINE RADARS AND VHF RADIOS.
QTCCI T*En1^“r»I^E-L0NG LAUNCHES, WITH THE HULL MADE OF MELDED * SPEED 0F 12’5 kNOTS, WERE BUILT BY A LOCAL SHIPYARD AT A COST OF ABOUT $1.7 MILLION EACH.
MR CARTER LIT JOSS STICKS AT THE CEREMONY AND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SEA GODDESS 'TIN HAU’ AT T HE TIN HAU TEMPLE. AFTER THE ^REMONY, THE NEW launches CAST OFF AND SALUTED TO THE GODDESS BY COMPLETING THREE FIGURES-OF-EIGHT AT JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THREE NEW LAUNCHES WERE COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MODERNISATION
PROGRAMME.
-------0 --------
TWO storage sites up for rent
*****
TWO SITES IN TUEN MUN AND KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
MEASURING 2 336 SQUARE METRES, THE TUEN MUN SITE NEAR WU KING ESTATE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSE.
HOWEVER, THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IS NOT PERMITTED.
TENANCY FOR THE SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE KOWLOON BAY SITE, LOCATED AT WANG HOI ROAD, MEASURES 2 200 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR STORING NON-DANGEROUS GOODS.
TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON APRIL 24.
-------0---------
/58........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987*
- 58 - .
SUMMER PROGRAMME DESIGN CONTEST ENTRIES SOUGHT
*****
CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC-MINDED RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ENTER A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN TSUEN WAN.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE 1987 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ARE GEARED TO THE THEME OF +SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY*.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE PROGRAMME HAS SENT OUT LETTERS TO SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE DESIGN COMPETITION.
DESIGNS SHOULD BE CENTRED ON THIS YEAR’S THEME.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE ENTRIES ARE A4 (210 X 297 MM) FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS SECTION AND A2 (420 X 594 MM) FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS SECTION AND THE OPEN SECTION.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES IS MAY 2.
ENTRIES SUBMISSION AND ENQUIRIES ON THE POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD OR ON 0-449662.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS.
THE FIRST WINNING ENTRY OF EACH SECTION WILL BE USED AS THE DESIGN FOR THE PROGRAMME’S POSTER AND COVER DESIGN OF THE PUBLICATIONS ON THE PROGRAMME.
-------0----------
CSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE MOVE
*****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS WILL MOVE TO WANCHAI TOWER I OVER THE WEEKEND.
AFTER THE REMOVAL, THE DEPARTMENT’S ADMINISTRATION, INDUSTRIES AND ACCOUNTS SECTIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN OPERATING AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WILL NOW COME UNDER ONE ROOF.
THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS WILL OCCUPY THE 23RD AND 24TH FLOORS OF THE BUILDING AT 12, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-8235117.
-------o ---------
/59
9
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
- 59 -
DISCUSSION ON CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS *****
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (APRIL 10) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WEI-DART, WILL ATTEND TO INTRODUCE THE DOCUMENT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM BOARD MEMBERS.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE LOCATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF EMERGENCY HELPLINE TELEPHONES IN THE DISTRICT. THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY INTENDS TO INSTALL FIVE SUCH TELEPHONES IN REMOTE AREAS IN EACH DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSED KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD BUDGET OF SI.85 MILLION IN 1987-88? AN APPLICATION FOR S60 000 DISTRICT BOARD FUND TO PRODUCE AN INFORMATION KIT TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT’ AND A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE AN ELDERLY CENTRE AT HO MAN TIN ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON FRIDAY AT 2.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE AND NO SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
------0-------
EASTER MAIL DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS *****
THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON FRIDAY (APRIL 17) AND ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON APRIL 18 AND APRIL 20 DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAYS, EXCEPT ON THE MORNINGS OF APRIL 18 AND APRIL 20, WHEN 42 POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
THE 42 POST OFFICES INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WING STREET, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DETAILS OF THE 42 POST OFFICES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM LOCAL POST OFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-231071.
0--------
/60........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987
60
SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLAN FOR NIGHT RACE MEETING *****
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR IN HAPPY VALLEY THIS WEEKEND (APRIL
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS 11) FOR THE NIGHT RACE MEETING.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN FORCE FOR THE WEDNESDAY EVENING MEETINGS. HOWEVER, THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT AROUND 4.30 PM TO COINCIDE WITH THE EARLIER START OF THE FIRST RACE, WHICH IS AT 6.30 PM INSTEAD OF THE USUAL 7.45 PM.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TRAFFIC ON A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN HAPPY VALLEY, WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL EITHER BE DIVERTED CR RE-ROUTED. LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM LEIGHTON ROAD, SHAN KWONG ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, CANAL ROAD EAST AND THE SERVICE ROADS LEADING TO CANAL ROAD FLYOVER BETWEEN 4.30 PM AND 11 PM.
ALSO FROM 4 PM ONWARDS UNTIL MIDNIGHT, PARKING SPACES IN WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, SPORTS ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, 01 KWAN ROAD AND YIU f WAH STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL CMB ROUTE IM WILL OPERATE BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION AND HAPPY VALLEY FROM 4.30 PM AT A 15-MINUTE FREQUENCY. ROUTINGS OF BUSES AND MINIBUSES WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED TO AVOID THE RE-ROUTED ROADS.
THE RACE MEETING WILL END AROUND 10 PM AND THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL LAST UNTIL THE CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR KEEP HK CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE ... 1
VIENS ON ARTS POLICY WELCOMED .............................. 1
DB TO DISCUSS POLITICAL REFORM WORKING GROUP................ 2
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEM .................... 3
SPECIAL MARINE ARRANGECUTS FOR TUI HAU FESTIVAL............. 3
YOUNG AMBASSADORS MEET THS PRESS ........................... 4
SEMINAR TO CELEBRATE PROGRAMME'S ANNIVERSARY................ 5
THURSDAY, APR IL 9, 1987
1
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR KEEP HK CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE
*****
THREE NEW UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR CHEUNG HON-KAU TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE MEMBERS ARE MR IP YEUK-LAM, A MERCHANT AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FIVE GUILDS UNIONj MR DANIEL NG, AN EX-MEMBER OF EPCOM AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MCDONALD’S} AND MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, AN EDUCATIONALIST AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SIT ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE’S DECISION TO OPEN ITS MEMBERSHIP TO CONCERNED CITIZENS THAT ARE NEITHER URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS NOR CIVIL SERVANTS IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SOLVING THE SOCIAL PROBLEM OF LITTERING.
THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE EXISTING 25 OFFICIAL MEMBERS IN MAKING DECISIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE LARGEST-EVER KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH BEGINS AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
--------0---------
VIEWS ON ARTS POLICY WELCOMED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED VIEWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE FORMULATION OF A POLICY FOR THE ARTS IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE STRESSED THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WERE ANXIOUS THAT THE FUTURE POLICY ON THE ARTS SHOULD REFLECT THE INTERESTS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
/COMMENTING .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
2
COMMENTING ON RECENT PRESS REPORTS ON A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION ON APRIL 3 AND 4, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF A BOYCOTT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
+SOME OFFICERS AT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK AT THE SECOND PART OF THIS FORUM, WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 11,+ HE SAID. +THEY WERE NOT INVITED TO THE FIRST SESSION.*
+IN ADDITION, ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE FORUM IS TO PUT TOGETHER VIEWS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE WORKING GROUP OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND IT WOULD BE BEST FOR THE GROUP TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE SUCH VIEWS WITH DUE OBJECTIVITY.
+THE OFFICERS INVITED, WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP, HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE ASSOCIATION THAT IT WOULD THEREFORE NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR THEM TO ATTEND THE FORUM AS SPEAKERS,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE WORKING GROUP ALREADY HAD PLANS TO SEEK VIEWS FROM LOCAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS AND ADMINISTRATORS, AND WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REPORT ON THE FORUM FROM THE HONG KONG ARTS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION.
--------0 - -
DB TO DISCUSS POLITICAL REFORM WORKING GROUP
*****
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REFORM TO HELP GAUGE PUBLIC VIEWS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND THE PROGRESS OF TARGET BUILDINGS IDENTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM FOR IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS.
ALSO AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ELECT CHAIRMEN TO THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND DECIDE ON THEIR MEMBERSHIP.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSED BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1987-88 AND PROGRESS REPORTS BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
-----0--------
A.......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
3
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEM *****
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT THE SECTION OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD BEHIND THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE 1987-88 BUS STOP SHELTER CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME, AND THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAFFIC AND NOISE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AT BERWICK STREET.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL MARINE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL AT TAI MIU WAN IN SAI KUNG FROM APRIL 18 TO 20 ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF A SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE FROM NORTH POINT PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATEI FERRY COMPANY.
OWNERS AND MASTERS OF VESSELS WHICH ARE LICENSED FOR THE PLYING LIMITS INVOLVED ARE ALSO URGED TO OBSERVE THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY MARINE DEPARTMENT AND ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE LAUNCHES PATROLLING IN THE AREA.
SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (EAST REGION), MR ALLAN CHADWICK, SAID TODAY THAT SOME 60 000 TO 70 000 WORSHIPPERS WERE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL BY SEA TO THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL OVER THE LONG WEEKEND.
+WE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FESTIVAL TO THE LOCAL MARINE COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE NO WISH TO DELAY WORSHIPPERS UNNECESSARILY.
/+0N THE
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
+0N THE OTHER HAND, WE ALSO WISH TO AVOID ANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND ANY OVERLOADING OF THE LANDING FACILITIES AND IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY FOR ALL PARTIES CONCERNED THAT STRICT CONTROL MUST BE IMPOSED,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT VESSELS APPEARING TO BE OBVIOUSLY OVERLOADED MAY BE STOPPED.
MR CHADWICK THEREFORE URGED OWNERS OF VESSELS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND MARINE POLICE TO MAKE THE FESTIVAL AS SAFE AND SMOOTH RUNNING AS POSSIBLE.
MEANWHILE, OPERATORS OF VESSELS WHICH ARE NOT LICENSED TO CARRY PASSENGERS BUT INTEND TO CARRY WORSHIPPERS TO TAI MIU WAN OVER THAT WEEKEND MAY OBTAIN PERMITS AT ANY MARINE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE APRIL 16 PROVIDED THAT
K THE VESSELS HOLD A VALID LICENCE FOR THEIR NORMAL TRADE,
H THE DATES FOR WHICH THE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED ARE STATED, AND
* THEY MEET ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, E.G. SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF LIFEJACKETS AND LIFEBUOYS.
IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN PIER AT TAI MIU WAN USED BY HYF FERRIES, MR CHADWICK SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A LANDING PONTOON TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR DISEMBARKING AND RE-EMBARKING PASSENGERS FROM SMALL CRAFT.
HOWEVER, LIGHTERS AND LARGE VESSELS MORE THAN 15 METRES IN LENGTH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BERTH ALONGSIDE THE PONTOON. +THEY WILL HAVE TO ANCHOR AS DIRECTED BY OFFICIAL LAUNCHES,+ SAID MR CHADWICK.
+PASSENGERS ON ANCHORED VESSELS WILL NEED TO BE FERRIED TO THE LANDING PONTOON BY SMALLER CRAFT WHICH MUST ALSO OBTAIN A PERMIT TO DO SO ON OR BEFORE APRIL 16,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHADWICK WARNED THAT VESSELS WITHOUT VALID LICENCES OR PERMITS OR IN BREACH OF ANY CONDITIONS MAY BE PROSECUTED.
- - 0--------
YOUNG AMBASSADORS MEET THE PRESS * * * *
THE 20 NEWLY SELECTED YOUTH AMBASSADORS OF TSUEN WAN FOR THE YEAR WILL MEET THE PRESS AT A RECEPTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY ARE EITHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE ARTS AND SPORTS NURTURE SCHEMES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD OR NOMINATED BY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE DISTRICT.
/the youth ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
THE YOUTH AMBASSADOR SCHEME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1985 AS A DISTRICT PROJECT TO SUPPORT THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
AT THE RECEPTION, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIUi DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR NORMAN SIN WILL INTRODUCE THE AMBASSADORS AND GIVE DETAILS OF THEIR FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE AN OVERSEAS STUDY-CUM-GOODWILL VISIT.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
- - 0 - -
SEMINAR TO CELEBRATE PROGRAMME’S ANNIVERSARY
*****
A LUNCHEON SEMINAR TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S +5 000 YEARS OF CHINESE HISTORY* WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (APRIL 11).
OFFICIATING GUEST OF THE SEMINAR, MR SZETO WAH. WILL SPEAK ON +THE DIFFICULTIES FACED IN DEVELOPING EDUCATION ON HISTORY IN HONG KONG+.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY AT STUDIO 2, BROADCASTING HOUSE, 30 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID VIIISON, KCMG
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
SPECTACULAR WELCOME FOR SIR DAVID WILSON * * * * *
BUSY HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY) ROLLED OUT THE RED CARPET TO STAGE A SPECTACULAR WELCOME FOR SIR DAVID WILSON, ITS 27TH GOVERNOR.
PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE NEAREST VANTAGE POINTS OR GATHERED ROUND TELEVISION SETS TO WATCH THE ARRIVAL AND THE SOLEMN SWEARING-IN CEREMONY.
LIVE TELEVISION COVERAGE ALLOWED THEM TO CATCH THEIR FIRST GLIMPSE OF SIR DAVID, LADY WILSON AND THEIR SON ANDREW SHORTLY AFTER THEY STEPPED OFF THE PLANE AT KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT ABOUT 2.35 PM.
THERE TO GREET THEM WERE THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND LADY AKERS-JONES.
STEPPING INTO THE VIP ROOM FOR A SHORT REST AND QUICK CHANGE, SIR DAVID EMERGED RESPLENDENT IN WHITE UNIFORM FOR THE DRIVE TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TO BEGIN HIS CRUISE ACROSS THE HARBOUR.
CAMERA-TOTING TOURISTS, OFFICE WORKERS AS WELL AS CHILDREN LINED THE SIDES OF THE PIER TO WATCH SIR DAVID BOARD THE GOVERNOR’S LAUNCH, THE LADY MAURINE.
A PLEASANTLY SURPRISED SIR DAVID WAVED AT THE CHEERING CROWD.
EVEN THE BUSTLING HARBOUR CAME TO A MOMENTARY STANDSTILL AS THE LADY MAURINE SAILED TOWARDS QUEEN’S PIER ESCORTED BY A FLOTILLA OF MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES, HMS PEACOCK AND HMS SWIFT AND THE WATER-SPRAYING FIRE SERVICES VESSEL, THE ALEXANDER GRANTHAM.
OVERHEAD, FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ARMY AIR CORPS AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE FLEW PAST IN FORMATION WHILE A 17-GUN SALUTE WAS FIRED FROM HMS TAMAR.
AN EVEN LARGER CROWD WAITED AT EDINBURGH PLACE WHERE SIR DAVID DISEMBARKED. AS CAMERAS CLICKED AWAY TO RECORD THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION, SIR DAVID STEPPED ASHORE.
UNDER THE PORTICO OF QUEEN'S PIER, SIR DAVID WAS WELCOMED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AND LADY ROBERTS- THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, AND MRS FORD, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, AND MRS BOAM j THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE RIGHT REVEREND PETER KWONG, AND MRS KWONGj THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE MOST REVEREND JOHN BAPTIST WU5 THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, SIR S.Y. CHUNG. THE SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS LYDIA DUNN. THE DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, MR XU JIATUN, AND THE DOYEN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS, MR HERMES DUARTE ARIAS.
/AS THE.........
I rfCtA ,YAUcAUHl THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
- 2 -
un? ilw OlVAll 801 3M00J3W HAJUOAIJJH.,
AS THE FIRST SIX BARS OF;;THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WAS STRUCK UP BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND, SIR DAVID STEPPED ONTO THE DAIS TO TAKE THE SALUTE. HE THEN INSPECTED THE GUARD OF HONOUR FORMED BY THE 1ST BATTALION 2ND KING EDWARD Vil’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES.
T3TO> U3H 3H1 ™ HAJU0A103"c A d.-.>A 1
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE THEN INTRODUCED TO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND THEIR SPOUSES BEFORE HE PROCEEDED INTO THE CONCERT HALL WHERE THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY TOOK PLACE. 3hT pMA jAVlRRA THT HOTAW 01 BT32 MOIclVdJJi j
TO THE ACCOMPANIMENT OF FANFARE PLAYED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND, SIR DAVID ENTERED THE HALL PACKED WITH LOCAL DIGNITARIES INVITED TO WITNESS THE MEMORABLE OCCASION.
■' 'I *
rang a la IAM£1LIAWI>’I RAT IA/t TA 3UAJ9 3H l
THE CEREMONY BEGAN WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CEREMONY.
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'THE CLERK OF COUNCILS, MR ALISTAIR LANG, THEN READ THE COMMISSION BEFORE SIR DENYS INVITED SIR DAVID TO TAKE AND SIGN THE THREE OATHS — THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, THE OFFICIAL OATH AND THE JUDICIAL OATH.
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AFTER THE OATHS, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES AND SIR S.Y. CHUNG READ THEIR WELCOMING SPEECHES BEFORE SIR DAVID REPLIED. ■
THE GOVERNOR AND HIS FAMILY THEN SPENT THE NEXT HOUR MEETING ABOUT 800 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AT A RECEPTION HELD AT THE CITY J4ALL RESTAURANT. E 3 31 S - U YJ .BA
WHEN SIR DAVID STEPPED OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE CITY HALL AGAIN, HE DOTTED THE EYES OF LION WHICH IMMEDIATELY SPRUNG TO LIFE AND PERFORMED A TRADITIONAL DANCE.
ALMOST TWO HOURS AFTER HIS ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID AND HIS FAMILY THEN DROVE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHERE THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) PRESENTED ARMS.
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,THE GOV;ERNpRjO«IR DAVID WILSON, WILL FlkD NO LACK OF RESOLUTION AND INGENUITY TN',-HONG KONG TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES AND TO CONTINUE ^JS&iSW .U- . S
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SPEAKING AT'THE Ngw GOVERNOR’S SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL TODAY ( T HJRSDA Y)/) i S I R DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME A MORE COMPLICATED PLACE SINCE SIR DAVID WILSON WAS LAST HERE, BUT THE CHANGE HAD BEEN MATCHED BY A GROWTH IN ITS ABILITY TO FACE UP; TO, MATTERS OF INCREASING COMPLEXITY.
/+NEW DIMENSIONS .....
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1987
3
+NEW DIMENSIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO OUR LIVES, THROUGH THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG IN THE PACIFIC REGION AND in the world,+ he said.
+WE HAVE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE PROUD OF BUT, GIVEN THE VERY NATURE OF HONG KONG AND THE RAPID GROWTH OF ITS POPULATION there are many areas in which we are lagging behind and many things we must improve.*
SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID THAT IN SOME CASES IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY WERE DONE BUT IN OTHERS DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE DECISIONS HAD TO BE MADE.
+WE HAVE DEVISED OUR OWN METHODS OF INVOLVING PEOPLE AT ALL LEVELS IN THE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS TO OUR PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.
+WITH THESE DEVELOPMENTS COMES A PRIDE, A GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING, A SENSE OF PURPOSE TEMPERED WITH REALISM AND, AT TIMES, AN UNDERSTANDABLE ANXIETY THAT THE GOING MAY NOT ALWAYS BE SMOOTH.*
SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THIS VARIETY OF EMOTIONS AND ATTITUDES FOUND IN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD TO BE REMEMBERED, AND +IT IS THEIR WELFARE AND THEIR FUTURE THAT MUST BE OUR CONCERN*.
HE WELCOMED SIR DAVID WILSON’S RETURN TO HONG KONG AS +OUR GOVERNOR and our friend* and hoped that he and his family WOULD GREATLY ENJOY THEIR LIFE IN HONG KONG.
MOST FITTING GOVERNOR CHOSEN TO LEAD HONG KONG
*****
SIR DAVID WILSON HAS BROUGHT WITH HIM THE MOST FITTING CREDENTIALS FOR THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG DURING THESE IMPORTANT AND SENSITIVE YEARS OF TRANSITION IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SAID AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID SIR DAVID HAD PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF HONG KONG, KNOWLEDGE OF CHINA AND ITS PEOPLE AND DEEP INVOLVEMENT IN THE SI NO-BRITISH DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATION AND THE JOINT LIAISON group.
SIR S.Y. ALSO PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT FOR THE NEW GOVERNOR AND WISHED SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON A LONG, HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF DUTY IN HONG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY DURING THE PAST FEW DECADES.
/+WE HAD ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 198?
4
+WE HAD GONE THROUGH A DECADE OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE 195O’S, OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1960’8, AND OF RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE 1970’5,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE 198O’S SAW THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE IN THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE SI NO—BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IN WHICH SIR DAVID WILSON TOOK AN IMPORTANT PART.
SIR S.Y. SAID DESPITE ITS SIZE AND ABSENCE OF NATURAL MATERIAL RESOURCES, HONG KONG WAS NOW AMONG ONE OF THE MOST PROSPEROUS AND STABLE TERRITORIES IN THE WORLD.
+WE ACHIEVED A HIGH REAL GROWTH RATE OF NINE PER CENT IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT LAST YEAR AND EXPECT AN EQUALLY RESPECTABLE GROWTH OF SIX PER CENT IN 1987. PERSONAL INCOMES ARE CONTINUING TO RISE IN REAL TERMS.
+THESE COUPLED WITH LOW RATES OF INFLATION, PRACTICALLY NO UNEMPLOYMENT AND AN EVER IMPROVING STANDARD OF LIVING HAVE ENABLED US TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF OUR OWN LABOUR.
+WE ALSO ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM, A LOW CRIME RATE, A PROUD RECORD OF PUBLIC HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE,+ HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL THE ACHIEVEMENT OF HONG KONG TODAY WERE THE RESULT OF A HARDWORKING AND ENTERPRISING PEOPLE, AND THE PRESERVATION OF ALL THESE WAS THE OVERRIDING CONCERN OF THE PEOPLE HERE.
- - 0-------
PLEDGE TO CONTINUE ’REMARKABLE PROGRESS’
*****
HONG KONG’S NEW GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) PLEDGED TO DO ALL HE COULD TO ENSURE THAT OUR +REMARKABLE PROGRESS CONTINUES AND THAT ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY SHARE THE FRUIT OF OUR SUCCESS+.
SPEAKING AT HIS SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AS HONG KONG’S 27TH GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID SAID TO RETURN AS GOVERNOR WAS +A GREAT PRIVILEGE AND A GREAT HONOUR*.
+ HONG KONG HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY EVEN IN THE SHORT SPACE OF FIVE AND A HALF YEARS SINCE I LAST LIVED HERE,* HE SAID.
GREAT AS THE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN, SIR DAVID SAID THE WORK TO BUILD THE HONG KONG OF TOMORROW WAS ALL AROUND US.
/+WE MUST ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 198?
5
+WE MUST CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT AND INITIATIVE. WE MUST MAINTAIN A FRAMEWORK OF SOUND ADMINISTRATION BACKED BY CLEAR AND ENFORCEABLE LEGISLAT ION.+ HE ADDED. ’
+AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST
n ALSO MEET THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS
OF THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.+
ON THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AND THE ORGANISATION OF ADMINISTRATION, SIR DAVID SAID IT MUST REMAIN RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY.
+IT IS IN RESPONSE TO THESE NEEDS THAT HONG KONG’S UNIQUE SYSTEM HAS BEEN MOULDED AND DEVELOPED,+ HE SAID.
NOTING THE IMPORTANT ROLES PLAYED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, SIR DAVID SAID THE REVIEW ON THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THESE ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT AND THEIR VARIOUS COMPONENTS INVOLVED SERIOUS ISSUES WITH FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES.
+WE MUST APPROACH THEM CALMLY AND WITH COMMON SENSE,+ HE SAID.
+IF THERE IS TO BE ANY CHANGE IT SHOULD BE PRUDENT AND GRADUAL. IT MUST NOT DISRUPT THE STEADY PROGRESS WE HAVE BEEN MAKING, NOR THE STABILITY WHICH WE PRIZE.+
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ON HIS ARRIVAL FIVE YEARS AGO, SPOKE WITH CONFIDENCE OF FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE VITAL QUESTION OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
NOW THAT THE FUTURE WAS CLEAR, HE SAID, AND HE HAD NO DOUBT, GIVEN THE MANIFEST GOODWILL AND COMMITMENT OF BOTH THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, THE VITAL PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE STEADY PROGRESS.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD STRIVE TO BUILD ON THE FOUNDATIONS SIR EDWARD HAD LAID.
+ CHALLENGING TIMES LIE AHEAD OF US, BUT HONG KONG HAS SHOWN TIME AND AGAIN THAT IT HAS THE WILL AND DETERMINATION TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES AND TO RESPOND TO CHALLENGE AND TO CHANGE.+
SIR DAVID SAID LADY WILSON AND HIMSELF WERE PROUD TO RETURN TO HONG KONG.
+WE DEDICATE OURSELVES TO WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU FOR THE WELL-BEING AND FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE,* HE CONCLUDED.
---0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EASY TRAVEL SCHEME IN OPERATION MAY 1 ...................... 1
MORE COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(O) PASSPORT ....................
NEW LEGCO VOTERS URGED TO REGISTER ......................... 2
RUN-DOWN AREA IN SAI YING PUN TO BE REDEVELOPED ............ 4
MOVE TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE NUISANCE...................... 5
BILL TO MAKE OCEAN PARK INDEPENDENT GAZETTED................ 6
YOUTH LRADtWS SET TO EtS.tRK ON JAPaN TRIP .................
LICENCE REVOKED ............................................ 8
AMENDMENTS TO NT CIRCULAR ROAD SECTION PROPOSED ............ 8
GUIDE ON DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES PUBLISHED .................... 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR JUNK BAY ENGINEERING WORKS ............. 9
ENTRY DEADLINE FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE.................. 10
COURSES ON REMEDIAL TEACHING ORGANISED ..................... 1C
ORAL HEaLTH CARNIVAL FOR TaI 0.............................. 11
SPF.EDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED IN SAUDI aRaBIa ................ 11
PROPERTY REVIEW 198? ON SaLE................................ 11
SPECIaL ARRMGEti^rS FOR NIGHT IUCE MEETING TOMORROW......... 12
ROaD CLOSURE IN ’AJJ Ci-AI
12
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
1
EASY TRAVEL SCHEME IN OPERATION MAY 1 * * * X- X
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME (ETS) WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON MAY 1.
THE scheme is the result of the gradual computerisation of ALL HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS.
UNDER THE SCHEME, TRAVELLERS USING THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD (HKIC) AT THE COMPUTERISED IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO FILL IN ARRIVAL-DEPARTURE CARDS.
HOLDERS OF IDENTITY CARDS BEARING THE ’XXX’ SYMBOL WILL FURTHER BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME BY BEING EXEMPTED FROM REQUIRING A HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT INITIALLY FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM MACAU, AND LATER FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM CHINA VIA ENTRY-EXIT POINTS.
+ IF YOUR I.D. CARD HAS THREE ASTERISKS ON IT, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM MACAU VIA MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND SHAM SHU I PO PIER WITHOUT HAVING TO OBTAIN A RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND IT WON’T BE NECESSARY FOR YOU TO FILL IN ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARDS WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
+THIS SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND SHAM SHU I PO PI ER ONLY AT THIS STAGE, + HE ADDED.
HE STATED THAT THE ETS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN FOUR PHASES IN LINE WITH THE COMPUTER INSTALLATION SCHEDULE.
DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS PHASES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PHASE immigration CONTROL POINTS DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION
1 MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND SHAM S HU 1 PO PIER MAY 1, 1987
2 LO WU AND HUNG HOM TERMINALS AUGUST 1, 1987
3 MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK TERMINALS NOVEMBER 1, 1987
4 HONG KONG AIRPORT MID 1988
SHA TIN-MEI SHA AND HONG KONG-CHINA TERMINALS MID 1983
LOK MA CHAU TERMINAL MID 1989
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ’XXX’ SYMBOL PRINTED ON IDENTITY CARDS INDICATES THAT THE HOLDER IS A CHINESE HONG KONG RESIDENT AGED 18 OR ABOVE WHOSE STAY IN HONG KONG IS NOT LIMITED BY THE DIRECTOR OF*1 MM I GRAT I ON AND WHO DOES NOT HOLD A FOREIGN TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
/+ALL CHILDREN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
2
+ ALL CHILDREN AGED BELOW 18 AND SOME ADULT TRAVELLERS WILL STILL NEED TO OBTAIN HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS WHEN TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA AND MACAU.
+THESE PERSONS INCLUDE THOSE WHOSE HKIC XX* HAVE BEEN PERFORATED, DEFACED, LOST OR THOSE WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM OBTAINING HKIC XXX. +
HE ADDED THAT EXISTING HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT MAY CONTINUE TO BE USED WITHIN ITS VALIDITY BUT CHILDREN INCLUDED IN THE PERMIT MUST TRAVEL WITH THE PRINCIPAL HOLDER AT THE NON-COMPUTERISED CONTROL POINTS.
------0 ------
MORE COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(O) PASSPORT X X X X X
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF SWEDEN, NORWAY, DENMARK AND ITALY THAT THEY WILL RECOGNISE THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH IT.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE RECOGNITION OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT BY THESE COUNTRIES, ALL OF WHICH ARE POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR HONG KONG TRAVELLERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS PARTICULARLY PLEASED IN BEING INFORMED THAT SWEDEN HAS DECIDED TO ABOLISH ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENT FOR VISITORS HOLDING BDTC AND, IN FUTURE, BN(O) PASSPORTS.
THE GOVERNMENT OF ITALY HAS DECIDED THAT THE PROVISION THAT NO VISAS ARE NECESSARY FOR BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS FOR VISITS OF UP TO THREE MONTHS SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO BN(O) PASSPORTS.
------0--------
NEW LEGCO VOTERS URGED TO REGISTER X X X X X
ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM APRIL 15 TO MAY 6 TO TAKE IN NEW APPLICANTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REGISTER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS, ROLLED OVER FROM YEAR TO YEAR, IS OPEN ANNUALLY DURING SPECIFIC PERIODS TO TAKE IN NEW APPLICANTS REGARDLESS WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE YEAR.
/+ALTHOUGH 1987........
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
♦ALTHOUGH 1987 IS NOT AN ELECTION YEAR FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO SIGN UP AS AN ELECTOR AND ONCE REGISTERED, AN ELECTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO REAPPLY FOR REG I STRAT I ON,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ FOR THOSE WHO MISS THE FIRST REGISTRATION PERIOD, THEY WILL HAVE A SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO GET REGISTERED FROM JUNE 19 TO JULY 1,+ HE ADDED.
THE NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE COMMERCIAL? INDUSTRIAL? FINANCIAL? LABOUR? SOCIAL SERVICES? MEDICAL? TEACHING? LEGAL; AND ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING WHILE THE 12 ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES COMPRISE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
♦FOR ENROLMENT AS AN ELECTOR IN A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE SPECIFIED REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATION FORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY AND MUST ALREADY BE REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT YET ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL, THEY SHOULD FIRST APPLY FOR REGISTRATION ON THAT ROLL BY SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR BEFORE SEEKING REGISTRATION ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ROLL DURING APRIL 1988,+ HE ADDED.
INVITATIONS ARE BEING SENT TOGETHER WITH REGISTRATION FORMS TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AND THROUGH THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS.
FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS, WHO FORM THE LARGEST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, THEY ARE INVITED TO PICK UP REGISTRATION FORMS AT ANY OF THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, OR CNTA DISTRICT OFFICES.
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS, CNTA DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED ELECTORS TO INFORM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS, FOR THE UPDATING OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION ON 5-8932196.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 198-7
4
RUN-DOWN AREA IN SAI YING PUN TO BE REDEVELOPED
*****
AN AREA PRESENTLY DOMINATED BY DILAPIDATED PREWAR AND EARLY POSTWAR TENEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN WILL BE REDEVELOPED INTO A COMPREHENSIVELY-PLANNED RESIDENTIAL AREA.
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA, COVERING A SITE OF 4 200 SQUARE METRES AT THIRD STREET-WATER STREET, WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY AS ONE OF ITS URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES.
TO ENABLE THE SCHEME TO GO AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ORDERED THE RESUMPTION OF 26 PRIVATE LOTS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA.
THE LOTS TO BE RESUMED ARE NOS 178-180, 194-210 AND 218-222 THIRD STREET, NOS 3. 7, 12-13 YUK MING STREET, NOS 1-5 KU I YAN LANE, NO 23 WATER STREET AND NOS 2-4 YAU YEE LANE.
NOTICES HAVE BEEN SERVED ON AFFECTED PROPERTIES, NOTIFYING OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF THE RESUMPTION.
THE HOUSING SOCIETY HAS STARTED INTERVIEWING RESIDENTS TO DETERMINE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR REHOUSING.
QUALIFIED RESIDENTS WILL BE REHOUSED EITHER IN EXISTING HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES OR SELECTED HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, OR ALTERNATIVELY, THEY CAN SELECT TO PURCHASE A FLAT IN ONE OF THE SOCIETY’S URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES.
IN ADDITION, GOVERNMENT WILL OFFER STATUTORY COMPENSATION TO OWNERS OF LOTS AFFECTED FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR INTEREST AND EX-GRATIA CASH ALLOWANCES TO BONA FIDE OCCUPANTS TO ASSIST THEIR REMOVAL.
WHEN THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME IS COMPLETED IN 1990, IT WILL PROVIDE 366 DOMESTIC UNITS FOR SALE, AN ELDERLY CENTRE, A DAY NURSERY, A YOUTH-CHILDREN CENTRE AND AN EXTENSIVE AREA OF LANDSCAPED GARDEN AND CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AT PODIUM LEVEL.
A LARGE SECTION OF THE SITE WILL ALSO BE JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY THE SOCIETY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL INTO A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR THE BENEFIT OF RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID: +THE SCHEME IS HAILED AS A MAJOR INITIATIVE IN UPGRADING AND REVITALISING THE GENERALLY RUN-DOWN ENVIRONMENT OF THE SAI YING PUN DISTRICT.
+IT WILL NOT ONLY CREATE AN ATTRACTIVE MODERN ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO PROVIDE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH THE MUCH-NEEDED COMMUNITY AND RECREATION FACILITIES,+ HE ADDED.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
5
MOVE TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE NUISANCE
*****
REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE FRAMEWORK ENVISAGED UNDER THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) ORDINANCE FOR REDUCING THE NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED 3Y AIRCRAFT WERE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN JUNE 1986, AIMS TO PROHIBIT AIRCRAFT FROM LANDING OR TAKING OFF IN HONG KONG IF THEY DO NOT POSSESS A NOISE CERTIFICATE OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF PERMISSIBLE NOISE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NO ISE)(CERT IFI CAT I ON) REGULATIONS 1987, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, PROVIDE FOR LIMITED EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE ORDINANCE THAT AIRCRAFT OF PRESCRIBED CLASSES MUST CARRY NOISE CERTIFICATES OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL NOISE STANDARDS.
THEY ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE GRANT OF NOISE CERTIFICATES TO HONG KONG REGISTERED AIRCRAFT AND POWERS TO SUSPEND AND CANCEL NOISE CERTIFICATES, AND TO INSPECT AIRCRAFT IN REGARD TO THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH NOISE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION TO APPLY THE LEGISLATION TO DIFFERENT CLASSES OF AIRCRAFT AT DIFFERENT TIMES, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION’S (ICAO) REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM OF NOISE IN AIRCRAFT OPERATION.
THIS DOCUMENT, WHICH LAYS DOWN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE EMISSION OF NOISE BY AIRCRAFT WAS FORMALLY ADOPTED BY THE ICAO COUNCIL IN 1981 AS AN ANNEX TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION.
ICAO HAS RECOMMENDED THE APPLICATION OF ITS STANDARDS TO FOREIGN AIRCRAFT NOT BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1988 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR AN ORDERLY PHASED APPROACH TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ANNEX.
+AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, + IT IS DESIRABLE FOR HONG KONG TO TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE ICAO NOISE STANDARDS BY EXCLUDING ’NOISY’ AIRCRAFT FROM THE HONG KONG REGISTER AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE.*
ALSO PUBLISHED TODAY WERE TWO NOTICES MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THE FIRST SIMPLY BRINGS THE ORDINANCE INTO EFFECT ON MAY 1, 1987, WHILE THE SECOND ONE, ENTITLED THE 'CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NO ISE)(A IRCRAFT CLASSES) NOTICE’, APPLIES THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE TO THE FOLLOWING CLASSES OF AIRCRAFT WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, 1987:
(A) SUBSONIC JET AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN HONG KONG;
(B) SUBSONIC JET AIRCRAFT NOT REGISTERED IN HONG KONG BUT OWNED OR OPERATED BY A COMPANY INCORPORATED, OR BY A PERSON ORDINARILY RESIDENT, IN HONG KONG.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS FIRST STAGE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEGISLATION WILL HAVE NO IMMEDIATE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON AIRCRAFT NOISE LEVELS IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AS ALL AIRCRAFT IN THE CLASSES SPECIFIED ABOVE ARE THOUGHT TO BE CAPABLE OF COMPLYING WITH THE LEGISLATION. + HOWEVER, IT IS OBVIOUSLY A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,+ HE SAID.
+AS IN COUNTRIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, FOREIGN AIRCRAFT OPERATING INTO AND OUT OF HONG KONG WILL BECOME SUBJECT TO NOISE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AT A LATER DATE IN THE SECOND STAGE OF IMPLEMENTATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+T0 THIS END, THE SITUATION WILL BE MONITORED TO DETERMINE WHEN IT WILL BE APPROPRIATE TO DO THIS. BUT IN KEEPING WITH THE ICAO RECOMMENDATIONS, THIS WILL NOT BE BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1988,+ HE ADDED.
-------0---------
BILL TO MAKE OCEAN PARK INDEPENDENT GAZETTED
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO MAKE THE OCEAN PARK FULLY INDEPENDENT FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 1987 PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY CORPORATION TO BE KNOWN AS OCEAN PARK CORPORATION TO REPLACE THE OCEAN PARK LTD.
THE CLUB HAS PROPOSED TO DIVEST ITSELF OF THE OCEAN PARK LTD WITH A CASH ENDOWMENT OF $200 MILLION. THE ENDOWMENT WILL BE PAID INTO A STATUTORY TRUST FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE BOARD OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION, WHICH WILL BE EMPOWERED TO MAKE INVESTMENTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.
INTEREST GENERATED BY THE FUND MAY BE USED TO MEET ANY CAPITAL OR RECURRENT EXPENSES OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION IF REQUIRED. HOWEVER, THE TRUST FUND CAPITAL CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR THE OCEAN PARK, WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF the GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
IN KEEPING WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE, THE OCEAN PARK TRUST FUND, WHICH IS A CHARITABLE TRUST, MAY NOT BE PLEDGED AS SECURITY FOR ANY LOAN WHICH THE COMMITTEE OR BOARD MAY SEEK TO RAISE.
AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE FUTURE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE OCEAN PARK UP TO JUNE 30, 1991 WAS UNDERTAKEN BY CONSULTANTS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
/THE consultants
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
THE CONSULTANTS CONFIRMED THAT THE OCEAN PARK WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPORT A PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND MAINTAIN A POSITIVE CASH BALANCE AT THE END OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR, PROVIDED THAT EXISTING ATTENDANCE LEVELS COULD BE SUSTAINED AND ASSUMING A MINIMUM EIGHT PER CENT RETURN ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE S200 MILLION ENDOWMENT FUND.
THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION WILL COMPRISE NOT LESS THAN SEVEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND WILL BE TASKED TO RUN THE OCEAN PARK AS A PUBLIC RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PARK.
THE BOARD CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN WOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM THE MEMBERS.
THE BILL ALSO MAKES PROVISION FOR THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION AND THE OCEAN PARK TRUST FUND TO BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE END OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR TOGETHER WITH A REPORT BY THE CORPORATION ON ITS ACTIVITIES, THE NUMBER OF ATTENDANCES AT OCEAN PARK AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND DURING THAT PERIOD.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 6, 1987.
------0-------
YOUTH LEADERS SET TO EMBARK ON JAPAN TRIP
*****
SOME 160
YOUNG PROSPECTIVE LEADERS ARE ALL READY TO SET SAIL FOR JAPAN ON A WEEK-LONG LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOLLOWING A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY) IN WHICH THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY MR JOHN CHAN, PRESENTED A FLAG TO THEIR CHIEF DELEGATE TO MARK THE START OF THE VOYAGE.
IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE PATRON OF +YOUNG LEADERS VOYAGE+, MR CHAN CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ORGANISING THE PROJECT AS PART OF ITS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.
+THE 'YOUNG LEADERS VOYAGE’ IS AN EXCITING AND MEANINGFUL PROJECT WHICH WILL NO DOUBT BE OF IMMENSE BENEFIT TO THOSE W HO PARTICIPATE IN IT OR ASSOCIATED WITH IT,- REMARKED MR CHAN WHEN HE RECEIVED THE DELEGATES’ REPRESENTATIVES MISS NORA CHENG, MR NG LEUNG YAU AND MR BOSCO LEE IN HIS OFFICE.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE PROJECT, AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 35, WERE CHOSEN FROM VARIOUS BACKGROUNDS AND PROFESSIONS BY A PANEL. THEY WILL DEPART BY -CORAL PRINCESS- FOR KAGOSHIMA, JAPAN ON TUESDAY (APRIL 14).
/DURING THE
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 198?
- 8
DURING THE FOUR-DAY CRUISE, THEY WILL ATTEND A SERIES OF SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS. WHILE IN KAGOSHIMA, THEY WILL STAY WITH JAPANESE FAMILIES.
THE PARTY IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG BY PLANE ON APRIL 20.
-------o----------
LICENCE REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE LICENCE OF ANZ FINANCE (FAR EAST) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH EFFECT FROM THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON APRIL 10, 1987 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 32(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
-----0 -----
AMENDMENTS TO NT CIRCULAR ROAD SECTION PROPOSED
*****
A SECTION OF THE NEW KAT HEUNG WILL BE AMENDED THE PLANNED AU TAU BYPASS
TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEAR FUNG TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE CONNECTIONS TO
IN YUEN LONG.
A GAZETTE NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, WHICH WERE AIMED AT CATERING FOR THE CIRCULAR ROAD TRAFFIC IN THE LONGTERM, WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT COMPRISES A 12-KILOMETRE TRUNK ROAD FROM AU TAU TO FAN KAM ROAD THROUGH MAI PO, SAN TIN AND KWU TUNG.
IT WOULD INITIALLY BE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH SERVICE ROADS. ADDITIONAL LANES WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED AT A LATER DATE TO WIDEN THE CARRIAGEWAY TO DUAL THREE-LANE.
HOWEVER, AN ENGINEERING STUDY HAS RECOMMENDED THAT A SECTION OF THE ROUTE NEAR FUNG KAT HEUNG BE AMENDED TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE CONNECTIONS TO THE PLANNED AU TAU BYPASS, WHICH WILL LINK THE CIRCULAR ROAD WITH THE FUTURE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS AND THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG EASTERN CORRIDOR TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM.
IT ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE SECTION OF THE CIRCULAR ROAD SOUTH OF FUNG KAT HEUNG BE REDUCED TO A DUAL TWO-LANE DISTRIBUTOR ROAD, AND THE PROPOSED SERVICE ROADS DELETED ALONG THIS SECTION.
TODAY’S NOTICE COVERS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AUTHORISED PLANS AND SCHEME FOR THE SECTION FROM AU TAU TO FAIRVIEW PARK.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY MAY 8.
-----o------
/9.......
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
9
GUIDE ON DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, HAS PUBLISHED A REFERENCE BOOKLET ON THE PROPER CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES COMMONLY USED IN INDUSTRY.
THE BOOKLET WHICH IS BILINGUAL, AIMED AT PROTECTING PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY AGAINST ANY RISKS WHICH MAY ARISE FROM THE USE OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE BOOKLET CONTAINED 231 DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES COMMONLY USED AND HANDLED IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG.
SERVING AS A QUICK GUIDE FOR THOSE WORKING IN THE FIELD AND FOR EMPLOYERS OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN PARTICULAR, THE PUBLICATION COMPRISES FIVE SECTIONS DEALING RESPECTIVELY WITH WHY AND HOW DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AND LABELLED, USEFUL HINTS ON CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING, AND DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
IT ALSO ADVISES ON THE USE OF STANDARD RISK SYMBOLS, THE EFFECTS OF RISKS AND BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT WHEN A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THIS BOOKLET, IT DID NOT MEAN THAT IT WAS FREE FROM RISKS.
CONTACTS SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER WHO SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE RELEVANT INFORMATION.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR JUNK BAY ENGINEERING WORKS *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT CONSISTS OF RECLAMATION WORKS AND ROADWORKS AT THE HEAD OF JUNK BAY TO PROVIDE LAND AND ACCESS FOR FUTURE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND GOVERNMENT FACILITIES.
INCLUDED IN THE ROADWORKS WOULD BE A TRUNK ROAD IN THE RECLAMATION AREA, PART OF THE EASTERN APPROACHES LINKING I^E TRUNK ROAD WITH JUNK BAY TUNNEL, AND AN ACCESS ROAD TO AREA 85 (SIU CHI SHA) TO SERVE FUTURE INDUSTRIAL LOTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY 1987 AND TO TAKE 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. t
-----o------
/10
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
10
ENTRY DEADLINE FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE
*****
DRAGON-BOAT RACE TEAMS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S TAI PO RACE SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY NEXT WEDNESDAY (APRIL 15).
THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ON MAY 31 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE, 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 DRAGON BOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIMES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE 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.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111 EXTENSION 254.
- - 0 - -
COURSES ON REMEDIAL TEACHING ORGANISED *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND SIX IDENTICAL HALF-DAY COURSES ON REMEDIAL TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE.
THE COURSES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD BETWEEN MAY 27 AND 29.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO WAYS AND MEANS OF IMPROVING STUDENTS’ WRITING ABILITY. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING REMEDIAL CLASSES.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSES SHOULD FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO THE CENTRE BY MAY 15.
- - 0 -
/11
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1987
11
ORAL HEALTH CARNIVAL FOR TAI 0
*****
RESIDENTS OF TAI 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE TREATED TO A CARNIVAL AT THE FAT HO COLLEGE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO PROMOTE ORAL HEALTH.
STARTING AT 10 AM THERE WILL BE EQUIPMENT AND THE WINNING ENTRIES OF IN CONNECTION WITH ORAL HEALTH.
AN EXHIBITION ON DENTAL VARIOUS COMPETITIONS HELD
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI 0 ORAL HEALTH CARNIVAL HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING IN FAT HO COLLEGE, TAI 0 ROAD.
THE GOVERNMENT LAUNCH, +CLEMENTI+ WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL AT 9 AM SHARP FOR MUI WO WHERE LAND TRANSPORT WILL TAKE THE PRESS TO FAT HO COLLEGE IN TAI 0.
------o-------
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED IN SAUDI ARABIA
*****
TWO MORE CITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA WILL BE SERVED BY SPEEDPOST SERVICE FROM MONDAY (APRIL 13), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO CITIES ARE ALBAHA AND TABOUK.
AT PRESENT, 19 CITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA ALREADY HAVE THIS SERVICE. THEY ARE ABHA ARRAS, BALGURASHl, BUREIDA, DAMMAM, DHAHRAN, HAIL, JEDDAH, JUBAIL, JUBAIL SINAI YA, KHOBAR, K HAM IS-MUS HAYT, MAKKAH, MEDINA, RIYADH, TAIF, UNIEZA, YANBU AND YANBU SINAI YA.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
-----C-------
PROPERTY REVIEW 1987 ON SALE
*****
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1987 PROPERTY REVIEW IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $65 PER COPY. A SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE REVIEW WAS RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 9, 1987.
THE REVIEW COVERS THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1986 AND PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, VACANCIES, TAKE-UP, RENTAL AND PURCHASE PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
/12......
- 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 10,-1 7
- 12 -
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NIGHT RACE MEETING TOMORROW
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING FOR THE RACE MEETING.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN FORCE FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING MEETINGS. HOWEVER, THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT AROUND 4.30 PM TO COINCIDE WITH THE EARLIER START OF THE FIRST RACE, WHICH IS AT 6.30 PM INSTEAD OF THE USUAL 7.45 PM.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TRAFFIC ON A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN HAPPY VALLEY, WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL EITHER BE DIVERTED OR RE-ROUTED. LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM LEIGHTON ROAD, SHAN KWONG ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, CANAL ROAD EAST AND THE SERVICE ROADS LEADING TO CANAL ROAD FLYOVER BETWEEN 4.30 PM AND 11 PM.
ALSO FROM 4 PM ONWARDS UNTIL MIDNIGHT, PARKING SPACES IN WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, SPORTS ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, 01 KWAN ROAD, AND YIU WAH STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL CMB ROUTE IM WILL OPERATE BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION AND HAPPLY VALLEY FROM 4.30 PM AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS. ROUTINGS OF BUSES AND MINIBUSES WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED TO AVOID THE RE-ROUTED ROADS.
THE RACE MEETING WILL END AROUND 10 PM AND THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL LAST UNTIL CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED.
-------0----------
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI # K K K K
TAI YUEN STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 13 TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY DRAINAGE REPAIR WORKS.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW ACCESS TO MA CHAI HANG, CHUK YUEN TO BE BUILT............ 1
NEW ROAD PROPOSED FOR ’WESTERN RECLAMATION .................. 1
STUDENTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR DB VOTER REGISTRATION ............. 2
FREE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR TAI 0 RESIDENTS ................... 2
PAMPHLET ON NORTH DISTRICT PUBLISHED ........................ 5
DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS RECEIVE PRIZES ....................... 5
1
DB TO DISCUSS MUI WO DEVELOPMENT ............................ 4
EXHIBITION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN’S CREATIVE WORK............. 4
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT ....................................... 5
BAN ON STRAIGHT-aHEAD MOVEMENT .............................. 5
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1987
1
NEW ACCESS TO MA CHAI HANG, CHUK YUEN TO BE BUILT
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO BUILD A WESTERN ACCESS ROAD TO MA CHAI HANG AND CHUK YUEN TO COPE WITH TRAFFIC DEMAND IN CENTRAL KOWLOON.
THE WORK COMPRISES CONSTRUCTING A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE ACROSS LUNG CHEUNG ROAD LINKING MA CHAI HANG THROUGH AN AT-GRADE ROAD TO A MAJOR INTERSECTION WITH BROADCAST DRIVE AND JUNCTION ROAD
THE INTERCHANGE WILL PROVIDE THROUGH MOVEMENTS AND CONNECTIONS BETWEEN WESTERN ACCESS AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
FU MEI STREET WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED WITH ITS WESTERN SECTION REALIGNED TO CONNECT WITH THE WESTERN ACCESS.
PORTIONS OF RENFREW ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE AND JUNCTION ROAD AFFECTED BY THE SCHEME WILL ALSO BE REALIGNED OR WIDENED TO IMPROVE THROUGH-PUT TRAFFIC CAPACITY OF WESTERN ACCESS.
A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY WILL BE PROVIDED ACROSS JUNCTION ROAD IMMEDIATELY EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN ACCESS TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED BY AROUND 1989.
-----o-----
NEW ROAD PROPOSED FOR WESTERN RECLAMATION
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A 350-METRE-LONG CARRIAGEWAY AT WESTERN RECLAMATION TO SERVE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THE 13.5-METRE-WIDE CARRIAGEWAY, LEADING FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST OPPOSITE WATER STREET, WILL BE USED AS ACCESS TO THE WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET AND WATER PUMPING STATION NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
IT WILL FORM PART OF THE PERMANENT ROAD NETWORK AT THE WESTERN RECLAMATION WHEN COMPLETED.
IN ADDITION, FOOTPATHS WILL BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD AS WELL AS ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY WRITTEN OBJECTION SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 9.
0----- /2............
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1987
2
STUDENTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR DB VOTER REGISTRATION * * * * *
MORE THAN 30 STUDENT LEADERS FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING ATTENDED A RECEPTION TO PROMOTE THE FORTHCOMING VOTER REGISTRATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE RECEPTION WAS JOINTLY HOSTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (GENERAL) FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR PETER TAM, URGED THE STUDENTS TO SUPPORT THE FORTHCOMING VOTER REGISTRATION.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S VOTER REGISTRATION WOULD AIM AT ENCOURAGING MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY REGISTERING AS VOTERS IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
THE NEXT VOTER REGISTRATION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN AUGUST 15 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1987.
STUDENT LEADERS HAD EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT IN PROMOTING THE REGISTRATION BY MAKING STUDENT UNION OFFICES AVAILABLE AS APPLICATION FORMS DISTRIBUTION POINTS AND BY APPEALING TO FELLOW STUDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
DURING THE DISCUSSION, THEY ALSO EXCHANGED VIEWS ON WAYS TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
STUDENT LEADERS ATTENDING TODAY’S RECEPTION CAME FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, BAPTIST COLLEGE, LINGNAN COLLEGE AND SHUE YAN COLLEGE.
------o ------
FREE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR TAI 0 RESIDENTS
* * * *
A ONE-WEEK DENTAL TREATMENT SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY IN TAI 0, LANTAU ISLAND, AS PART OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ORAL HEALTH PROJECT.
APART FROM THE TREATMENT EXERCISE, A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL AND DENTAL HEALTH.
ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME WAS A CARNIVAL HELD IN TAI 0 TODAY TO HIGHLIGHT THE ORAL HEALTH PROJECT.
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDED SCHOOL TALKS ON DENTAL HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND GAMES, AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE PROJECT WAS SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH-WEST, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AND THE FAY CHAI KIN YEE TAK CLUB AND ORGANISED BY COMMUNITY GROUPS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
--------o----------
/5........
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1937
3
PAMPHLET ON NORTH DISTRICT PUBLISHED
*****
AN INFORMATION PAMPHLET ON THE CHARACTERISTICS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH DISTRICT HAD BEEN PUBLISHED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFF ICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE PAMPHLET, IN CHINESE AND SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE THEME +TO KNOW AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY*.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE POPULATION, THE COMPOSITION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN HOUSING, TRANSPORT, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES, RECREATION AND CULTURE AS WELL AS COMMUNITY BUILDING.
THE PAMPHLET ALSO CONTAINS A MAP OF THE DISTRICT’S BOUNDARY, CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.
A TOTAL OF 38 OOO COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL SCHOOLS, RURAL COMMITTEES AND VILLAGE OFFICES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
-----o------
DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS RECEIVE PRIZES
*****
THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL WAS PACKED TO CAPACITY LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT FOR THE PERFORMANCE STAGED BY WINNERS OF THE 23RD SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL.
DEMONSTRATING THEIR DANCE SKILL ON STAGE WERE THE OVERALL CHAMPION. FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP IN BOTH THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS SECTION AS WELL AS OTHER AWARDS WINNING TEAMS OF THE DANCE FESTIVAL.
IN BETWEEN THE SHOWS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, PRESENTED TROPHIES TO THE WINNING TEAMS. THEY INCLUDED THOSE FROM THE SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE (CHAMPION OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION) ’ ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL (CHAMPION OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION) ? S.K.H. BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDAY SCHOOL AND BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL (FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP OF ^CoJd AR Y 1c HOOL SECT I ON RESPECTIVELY), AND KIANGSU-C HEK I ANG PRIMARY P.M. SCHOOL AND KA LING SCHOOL OF PRECIOUS BLOOD PM SCHOOL (FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP OF PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION).
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1987
4
DB TO DISCUSS MUI WO DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (APRIL 13) TO DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUI WO.
THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME INCLUDES ENGINEERING WORKS SUCH AS RECLAMATION, SITE FORMATION, CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND FOOTPATHS AND VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES, PROVISION OF SEWER AND DRAINAGE AND RIVER TRAINING WORKS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THE PROPOSED PULVERISED FUEL ASH LAGOON ON LAMMA AND THE MARICULTURE ZONE AT SOK KWU WAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL DENTAL SERVICES ON LANTAU, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HONG KONG AND ISLANDS DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, AND THE FORMATION OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2 PM ON MONDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- 0 -
EXHIBITION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN’S CREATIVE WORK
*****
PUPILS WITH A FLAIR FOR ART AND CRAFT WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK AT AN OPEN EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE EXHIBITION OF THEIR CREATIVE WORK FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1986-87 WILL BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, NORTH POINT, BETWEEN JULY 13 AND AUGUST 15.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE TYPES OF WORK TO BE SUBMITTED BY STUDENTS.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION ARE ADVISED TO SEND UP TO 30 PIECES OF THEIR PUPILS’ WORK INCLUDING 10 FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORK TO THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE FOR SELECTION BETWEEN JUNE 8 AND 12.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1907
5
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT * * * * *
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE EASTER HOLIDAYS BETWEEN APRIL 17 AND 20.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON APRIL 13 TO 16 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
- - o - -
BAN ON STRAIGHT-AHEAD MOVEMENT *****
THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD MOVEMENT FROM HIU KWONG STREtT WESTBOUND TO HIP WO STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE BANNED TO ALL VEHICLES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 14).
THE MOVE, TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY CONDITION IN THE AREA BEFORE TRAFFIC SIGNALS ARE INSTALLED, IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
MOTORISTS ON HIU KWONG STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR CHEUNG WO COURT SHOULD USE HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND, YUET WAH STREET AND HIP WO STREET NORTHBOUND.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DECEMBER Et.fPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STATISTICS CUT .... 1
AGREEMENT SIGNED POR HYDRAULIC, WATER QUALITY STUDIES........ 6
YOUDE EUND CHAIRMAN TO RECEIVE DONATION...................... 6
SEMINAR HELD ON FAMILY HARMONY .............................. 7
APPLICATIONS OPEN TOR SPONSORING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ....... 8
VIDEO TO PROMOTE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ................ 8
COURSES, SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT MONTH............... 9
MOVE TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO YUEN LONG.................... 10
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
1
DECEMBER EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STATISTICS OUT
*****
THERE WERE 865 600 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1986, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 2.1 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH DECEMBER 1985, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 620 100 IN DECEMBER 1986, WAS 3.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1985.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 194 300, WAS UP BY 7.4 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 6.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1985.
A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN DECEMBER 1986 WERE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THESE SECTORS COVER THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1986 IN THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, BY COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 1986, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PERSONS ENGAGED
(EMPLOYMENT) IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 85 SEPT. 86 DEC. 86 DEC. 86 ON DEC. 85 DEC. 86 ON SEPT. 86
MANUFACTURING 847 600 869 800 865 600 +2.1 -0.5
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCT ION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 66 300 69 000 70 800 +6.8 +2.7
/’rf}10T£SALE ATO
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 198?
- 2
WHOLESALE AND 600 400 614 900 620 100
RETAIL, IMPORT
AND EXPORT
TRADES AND
RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
+3.3
+0.8
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
180 900 191 100 194 300
+7.4
+1.6
* BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
COMPARING DECEMBER 1986 WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES, IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR) AND IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 2.7 PER CENT, 0.8 PER CENT, AND 1.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE SURVEY ALSO PROVIDES VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS, OTHER THAN FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION. THE OVERALL FIGURES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 1986, ARE AS FOLLOWSs
NUMBER OF REPORTED
VACANCIES IN
PERCENTAGE CHANGEX
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 85 SEPT. 86 DEC. 86 DEC. 86 ON DEC. 85 DEC. 86 ON SEPT. 86
MANUFACTURING 15 080 32 090 25 760 +70.8 -19.7
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 5 530 8 530 10 850 +96.3 +27.2
/financing, .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERV ICES
2 350 2 930
3 300
+40.3
+12.5
X BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.
RELATIVE TO DECEMBER 1985, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR? THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR? AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 70.8 PER CENT, 96.3 PER CENT AND 40.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES DECREASED BY 19.7 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES INCREASED BY 27.2 PER CENT AND 12.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR? AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR? THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR? AND THE F INANC I NG, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY
MANUFACTURING
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE*
4TH QTR. 4TH QTR. 4TH QTR. 1986 ON
1985 1986 4TH QTR. 1985
HKS MN HK$ MN
7 317 8 390 + 14.7
5 557 6 459 + 16.2
/FIKANCING, .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERV ICES
3 075 3 679
+19.6
* BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 14.7 PER CENT, 16.2 PER CENT AND 19.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN DECEMBER 1985 AND DECEMBER 1986, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED. TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR DECEMBER 1985 AND DECEMBER 1986 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOWt
NOMINAL INDEX OF
PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED
(JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 85 DEC. 86 DEC. 86 ON DEC. 85
MANUFACTURING 212.2 242.4 + 14.2
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 229.2 264.9 +15.6
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 279.3 305.8 + 9.5
/REAL INDEX.......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED
(JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 85 DEC. 86 DEC. 86 ON DEC. 85
MANUFACTURING 133.6 147.2 +10.2
WHOLESALE AND 144.3 160.8 +11.4
RETAIL, IMPORT
AND EXPORT
TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
FINANCING, 175.9 185.7 + 5.6
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS
SERV ICES
BETWEEN DECEMBER 1985 AND DECEMBER 1986, INCREASES OF 14.2 PER CENT, 15.6 PER CENT AND 9.5 PER CENT WERE REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR J AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WERE 10.2 PER CENT, 11.4 PER CENT AND 5.6 PER CENT. I*; ' DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPQRT OF EMPLOYMENT) VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, DECEMBER 1986, WHICH' IS AVAILABLE AT $11 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 4^,HARBOUR RO,ftp, 'WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
SUNDAY, APR IL 12, 1937 ■
6
AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR HYDRAULIC, WATER QUALITY STUDIES
*****
A $33 MILLION CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR CONDUCTING HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY STUDIES OF THE VICTORIA HARBOUR HAS BEEN SIGNED BETWEEN THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HONG KONG).
THE DEPARTMENT’S PROJECT MANAGER (URBAN AREA), MR KWEI SEE-KAN, WHO SIGNED THE AGREEMENT, SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF THE FORMULATION CF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, VARIOUS RECLAMATION DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS AND A NEW SHIP MOORING SYSTEM HAD BEEN PROPOSED.
♦THESE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 600 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE HARBOUR AREA FOR URBAN GROWTH, INCLUDING PROVISION FOR FURTHER CONTAINER TERMINALS AND RELATED FACILITIES.
+THE PURPOSES OF THE STUDIES ARE TO ASSESS THE HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY IMPLICATIONS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PROPOSALS AND TO RECOMMEND THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OPTION WITH THE ASSURANCE OF THE ACCEPTABLE CONSEQUENTIAL HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR KWE I EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS WERE LOCATED AT THE VICTORIA HARBOUR AND WESTERN ANCHORAGE, THE TERRITORIAL WATERS HAD TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM SO THAT THE KNOCK-ON EFFECTS FROM DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL AS ITS CONSTRAINTS COULD BE PROPERLY ASSESSED.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS’ FIRM IS REQUIRED TO EMPLOY SPECIALIST SUB-CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE THE STUDIES THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL MODELS OF THE PROPOSALS, THE HARBOUR AND TERRITORIAL WATERS.
HYDRAULIC RESEARCH LIMITED, WATER RESEARCH CENTRE, LONDON OFFSHORE CONSULTANTS AND LIVESEY HENDERSON HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED TO ASSIST WITH THE STUDIES WHICH WILL TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
------o-------
YOUDE FUND CHAIRMAN TO RECEIVE DONATION * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD hEMORIAL FUND, MR LEE QUO-WEI, TO THE FUND FROM THE PRESIDENT MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR CEREMONY TOMORROW (MONDAY).
OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE WILL RECEIVE A DONATION OF $100 003 OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE LAWRENCE CHU, AT A PRESENTATION
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM AT THE DINING HALL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
/THE DONATION .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12,1198?
7
THE DONATION IS THE FIRST SINCE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WAS SET UP EARLY THIS MONTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
------0-------
SEMINAR HELD ON FAMILY HARMONY *****
A SEMINAR TO PROMOTE HARMONY IN THE FAMILY WAS HELD IN SAI KUNG TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY LEADERS.
REPRESENTATIVES OF VILLAGES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT ATTENDED THE SEMINAR IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.
DURING THE SEMINAR, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TENDER FAMILY ELECTION PROJECT, A FILM ON FAMILY EDUCATION WAS SHOWN TO ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A HARMONIOUS FAMILY.
PAMPHLETS AND APPLICATION FORMS WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO THEM SO THAT THEY WOULD HELP PROMOTE THE ELECTION AMONG OTHER RESIDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP ON TENDER FAMILY ELECTION SAID THE PROJECT WAS ALSO ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH AIMS AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR RIGHTS AND DUTIES BOTH IN THE FAMILY AS WELL AS IN THE COMMUNITY.
ALL RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART OR NOMINATE A FAMILY FOR ELECTION. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 10.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
AN ADJUDICATION PANEL HAS ALSO BEEN FORMED TO ASSESS THE FAMILY WHICH WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECT. THIS PANEL CONSISTS OF 10 MEMBERS, FIVE OF THEM ARE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHILE THL OTHERS COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.
-------0---------
/8........
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
8
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SPONSORING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
*****
RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE AREA COMMITTEES TO SPONSOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE HAS SET ASIDE A ELOCK ALLOCATION OF $60 000 THIS YEAR FOR THE PURPOSE.
TO STRENGTHEN TIES AMONG THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES AND RESIDENT BODIES, THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE POWER TO VET APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED UNDER ITS SCHEME AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD SHORTEN THE TIME AND SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP.
+EACH AREA COMMITTEE IS GIVEN AN APPROPRI AT ION OF FUNDS ACCORDING TO POPULATION, THE NUMBER OF RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS AND THE PAST YEAR’S EXPENDITURE PATTERN IN THE CONSTITUENCY,* HE SAID.
+THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH APPLICATION IS $1 500, WHILE THAT FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PICNICS AND VEGETARIAN MEALS IS $750,+ HE SAID.
RESIDENT BODIES CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND BRANCH OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TEN DAYS BEFORE EACH AREA COMMITTEE MEETING.
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS EXCEEDING $1 500 TO ORGANISE LARGE-SCALE ACTIVITIES MUST BE MADE TO THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE DIRECT. ENQUIRIES ON DETAILS OF THE BLOCK ALLOCATION SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
VIDEO TO PROMOTE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD * * * *
A 20-MINUTE VIDEO OUTLINING THE WORK AND FUNCTION OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S CHARACTERISTICS AND FACILITIES HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND IS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS.
THE VIDEO, PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AIMS TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
/IT WILL ......
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
IT WILL HEILP THE PUBLIC LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT AND BUILD A SENSE OF BELONGING SO THAT THEY COULD BE MORE READY TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
THE PRODUCTION OF THE VIDEO IS PART OF THE PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT’S YEAR-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN 1986-87.
PRESENTED IN A DRAMATIC FORMAT THROUGH A +TREASURE HUNT+ QUIZ, THE VIDEO FEATURES TELEVISION ARTISTE MISS LISA WANG AS NARRATOR AND INTERVIEWER WHO INTRODUCES THE DISTRICT BOARD, CHATS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DISTRICT OFFICER AS WELL AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THREE COMMITTEES ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING.
THROUGH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND INTERVIEWS, THE VIDEO GIVES A CONCISE AND INFORMATIVE INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES.
COPIES OF THE VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-7110171 EXTENSION 36.
- - 0 - -
COURSES, SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT MONTH * X X X X
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A SEMINAR AND FOUR IDENTICAL COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON THE PROMOTION CF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS AND CHINESE LANGUAGE.
A HALF-DAY SEMINAR INTRODUCING THE WAYS AND MEANS OF PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE AT ROOM 915, ARGYLE CENTRE, STAGE ONE, MONG KOK, ON MAY 16.
FOUR IDENTICAL HALF-DAY COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, BETWEEN MAY 18 AND 21.
THE COURSES ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
- - 0 - -
/10
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 1987
I ■ '
- 10 -
MOVE TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO YUEN LONG * * * *
TENDERS ARE INVITED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT FOR ABOUT 2 500 METRES OF WATER MAINS TO BE LAID ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM TAN KWAI TSUEN NEAR HUNG SHU I KIU TO YUEN LONG.
THE NEW 700-MILLIMETRE DIAMETER WATER MAINS, A DUPLICATE OF EXISTING MAINS ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, IS REQUIRED TO COPE WITH INCREASING DEMAND IN THAT SECTION OF ROAD AND YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW TECHNOLOGY PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN INDUSTRY ........... 1
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED ....... 2
HONG KONG LAUDED FOR YOUDE FUND DONATIONS ............. 11
STaFF POSTINGS aT CNTA ................................ 12
FARE RISE FOR TWO GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ................ 12
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOaRD SUPPORTS SPORTS EVENTS ........ 13
DETAILS OF NT LEaSE BILL ..............................
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEMES .. 14
SHAM SHUT PO CHILDREN'S CHOIR INVITES NEW MEMBERS...... 15
WaN CHAI COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING .................... 15
MONG KOK COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET ......... 16
SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING COMMITTEE TO MEET ........ 16
TENDERS Called FOR NEW ROaD IN Ma ON SHzJJ ............ 17
WIDENING OF TAl PO RO„D PROPOSED....................... 17
NEW ROaD IN TIN WaN TO OPEN ........................... 17
CHEUNG SHA WaN RO«D EASTBOUND CLOSED .................. 18
KWUN TONG WATER CUT ................................... 18
WATER STORaGE FIGURE
18
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
1
NEW TECHNOLOGY PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN INDUSTRY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND TO ITS WIDEST POSSIBLE DISSEMINATION AMONG THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THIS WAS STATED THIS EVENING (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, IN A SPEECH TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
SAID MR YEUNG: +TECHNOLOGI CAL DEVELOPMENT STRENGTHENS THE EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR MANUFACTURING OUTPUT, AND COMPETITIVENESS IN TURN FOSTERS GROWTH.
+THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING MAINTAINING ITS GROWTH MOMENTUM IS EVEN MORE APPARENT WHEN WE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTOR ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT AND 22 PER CENT OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.+
MR YEUNG SAID THE THRUST OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IS DIRECTED TOWARDS REMOVING OBSTACLES TO THE ACQUISITION OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE TECHNOLOGIES ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT. SUCH SERVICES INCLUDE MANPOWER TRAINING, THE PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT AND QUALITY PROMOTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND THE FUNDING OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
HOWEVER TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION IS ONLY ONE FACET OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
♦THE OTHER HAS TO BE ITS EXTENSIVE ABSORPTION AND APPLICATION BY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, AND THAT IS BY NO MEANS AN EASY OBJECTIVE TO ACHIEVE.
+THIS IS BECAUSE WE HAVE A PREPONDERANCE OF SMALL BUSINESSES COUPLED WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF CONCENTRATION IN LIGHT, RELATIVELY LABOUR-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING.
+BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT, OVER TIME AND WITH SOME ENCOURAGEMENT, OUR MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY WILL RESPOND TO THE NEED TO BECOME MORE EFFICIENT, TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR OUTPUT AND TO INNOVATE, IF IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED CONVINCINGLY THAT FAILURE TO DO SO MEANS INCREASING THE RISK OF GOING OUT OF BUSINESS,+ MR YEUNG SAID.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1937
2
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED TRADE VALUE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1987. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1987, VALUED AT $44 726 MILLION, GREW BY 39 PER CENT.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT TO $9 992 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 54 PER CENT TO $10 616 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1987 TO $20 608 MILLION, WHICH WAS 35 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1986.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 42 PER CENT TO $24 118 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1986 AND FEBRUARY 1987. THE GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (+97 PER CENT) WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS ALSO RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE NETHERLANDS (+54 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+44 PER CENT), JAPAN (+37 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+33 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND AUSTRALIA DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+91 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+70 PER CENT), CHINA (+63 PER CENT), FRANCE (+46 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (+40 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (-4 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, THE UNITED STATES, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 90 PER CENT, 80 PER CENT, 77 PER CENT, 75 PER CENT AND 55 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1987, VALUED AT $94 300 MILLION, INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME TWO MONTHS IN 1986. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT TO $24 045 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 47 PER CENT TO $22 620 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT TO $47 634 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1987 WITH THE SAME TWO MONTHS IN 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS. THE MARKETS WITH THE FASTEST GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED THE NETHERLANDS (+76 PER CENT), CHINA (+68 PER CENT), JAPAN (+60 PER CENT). THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+46 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+32 PER CENT).
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
- 5 -
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S., HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKETJN GREW BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1987 FROM MAJOR SUPPLIERS GENERALLY INCREASED WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+78 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+55 PER CENT), FRANCE (+45 PER CENT), CHINA (+45 PER CENT), AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+25 PER CENT). A DECREASE WAS, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (-6 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE U.S., THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, TAIWAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 83 PER CENT, 73 PER CENT, 67 PER CENT, 53 PER CENT AND 47 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1987, WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT TO 5159 152 MILLION. THE VALUE CF RE-EXPORTS, AT $129 727 MILLION, ALSO ROSE BY 24 PER CENT. THUS, TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 24 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT TO $287 800 MILLION. TAKEN AS A WHOLE, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT.
ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR FEBRUARY 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MAY 1987.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT. FURTHER ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $295 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT)’ TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $266 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT); AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $173 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $23 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT); AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $16 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
/ON THE.......
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
4
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 68 PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $339 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT)? TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $257 MILLION OR 119 PER CENT)’ AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $229 MILLION OR 84 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $8 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT); AS WELL AS FURNITURE AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 46 PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $393 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $64 MILLION OR 95 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR FOOTWEAR (BY $3 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE UP BY 18 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN CLOTHING (BY $135 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $37 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 60 PER CENT, WITH GROWTH IN CLOTHING (BY $202 MILLION OR 110 PER CENT) 5 AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES. AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMIPRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $46 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $41 MILLION OR 54 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 CHINA INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT IN VALUE IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1 108 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT)? TEXTILES (BY $908 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT)5 AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $469 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $79 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT)? AS WELL AS METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $58 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT).
/ON THE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
- 5 -
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $471 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT)I TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $210 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT); AS WELL AS IRON AND STEEL (BY $161 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $62 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT)? AS WELL AS FURNITURE AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $18 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE UP BY 20 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $135 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT)? AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $117 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $83 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN WERE UP BY 55 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $558 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT)’ AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $254 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ROSE BY 78 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN TEXTILES (BY $233 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $202 MILLION OR 137 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF IRON AND STEEL (BY $64 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMUNITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $563 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT)? OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $358 MILLION OR 318 PER CENT); AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $189 MILLION OR 116 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $62 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT); AS WELL AS IRON AND STEEL (BY $46 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
/ON THE.........
MONDAY, APRIL 1?, 1987
- 6
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY 73 PER CENT IN VALUE. COMMODITIES WITH INCREASES INCLUDED CLOTHING (BY $763 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT)? MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $413 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT) ? AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $140 MILLION OR 212 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $12 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT)’ AS WELL AS ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS, TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (BY $8 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN WAS UP BY 53 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $183 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $45 MILLION OR 119 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS, TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (BY $7 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ROSE BY 67 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES IN TEXTILES (BY $199 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT)? AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $89 MILLION OR 91 PER CENT).
THE INCREASE TO JAPAN WAS 23 PER CENT, WITH GROWTH IN CLOTHING (BY $80 MILLION OR 134 PER CENT) ? AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $41 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA OF COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $3 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE FEBRUARY 1987 ISSUE OF THE + HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND APRIL 20 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5.50 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1987 WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY MAY 1987 AT $15 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, ON 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234915.
/table ..........
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
TABLE Is DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 (%) FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (%)
U.S.A. 8 951 11 3 639 3
CHINA 3 319 68 1 593 97
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 062 46 860 33
U.K. 1 426 18 535 2
J\PAN 1 049 60 400 37
CANADA 748 7 291 -16
NETHERLANDS 576 76 234 54
AUSTRALIA 488 -5 223 -3
SINGAPORE 445 32 198 44
FRANCE 411 29 154 10
TABLE 2s DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIV IS ION JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 (%) FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (?o)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8 052 15 3 083 -4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARR IAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3 531 31 1 449 32
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2 005 74 863 78
AEXTILE yarn, .....
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
- 8 -
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 944 61 895 56
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 831 18 757 3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1 814 37 f 858 48
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 (%) FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (%)
CH INA 14 312 45 6 444 63
JAPAN 9 063 23 4 831 33
U.S.A. 4 393 20 2 626 24
TA IWAN 4 243 55 2 040 70
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2 129 78 1 076 91
SINGAPORE 1 907 -6 1 078 -4
U.K. 1 532 25 787 22
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 326 24 669 39
SWITZERLAND 839 16 534 40
FRANCE 755 45 385 46
/TABLE 4 s
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIV IS ION JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 (%) FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6 932 36 3 490 56
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTR ICAL PARTS THEREOF 4 296 67 2 260 81
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSOR IES 3 455 53 1 546 61
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2 602 71 1 309 69
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2 583 17 1 410 28
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES. TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2 364 46 1 142 48
/TABLE 5: .......
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
10 -
TABLE 5l RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 W FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (%)
CHINA 7 254 45 3 465 55
U.S.A. 4 545 73 1 999 77
TA IWAN 1 206 53 604 80
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1 196 67 612 75
JAPAN 1 091 23 516 34
SINGAPORE 861 10 408 18
F.R. OF GERMANY 567 83 256 90
MACAU 441 25 226 50
U.K. 375 47 155 35
PHILIPPINES 369 12 200 51
TABLE 6s RE- -EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIV IS ION JAN-FEB 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 87 OVER JAN-FEB 86 (%) FEBRUARY 1987 (HKD MN.) FEB 87 OVER FEB 86 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABR ICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 414 41 1 664 57
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2 988 81 1 381 83
ELECTR I CAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1 825 60 908 79
/MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
11
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARR IAGES,
TOYS, GAMES
AND SPORTING GOODS) 1 767 78 792 85
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 243 75 566 66
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 072 46 498 40
-------0----------
HONG KONG LAUDED FOR YOUDE FUND DONATIONS
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, MR LEE QUO-WE I, TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES, ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT TO THE FUND OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
MR LEE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH $80 MILLION HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE FUND, THE APPLICATION OF THE FUND’S INCOME WOULD BE DETERM I NED BY A COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
EXPLAINING THE COMPLEXITY OF ADMINISTERING THE FUND, HE SAID DUE TO LOW LOCAL INTEREST RATE AND HIGH EXCHANGE RATE OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES, THE ANNUAL INCOME OF THE FUND MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH TO SETTLE OVERSEAS EDUCATION EXPENDITURES AT PRESENT BECAUSE PAYMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES.
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS MORNING AT THE DINING HALL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, WHERE HE RECEIVED A DONATION OF $100 000 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR LAWRENCE CHU.
/THE DONATION
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 198?
12 -
THE DONATION WAS THE FIRST SINCE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WAS SET UP UNDER THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND ORDINANCE.
MR LEE SAID THAT THE MAJOR TASK OF THE BOARD WAS TO ADMINISTER THE FUND AND ANY INCOME ACCUMULATED WOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE APPLICATION OF THE FUND.
MR LEE SAID HE HOPED THE PUBLIC WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FUND AND DONATIONS COULD BE SENT TO VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY? THE TREASURY AND ITS SUB-TREASURIES? THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, THE HANG SENG BANK AND THE HANG LUNG BANK AND THEIR BRANCHES.
------o-------
STAFF POSTINGS AT CNTA * * * * *
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) OF CNTA, MR GREGORY LEUNG, WILL TAKE UP HIS NEW POST AS SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICER ON APRIL 21.
HIS POST WILL BE FILLED BY MR FRANKIE LUI, FORMERLY AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH.
MEANWHILE, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, WILL TAKE UP HIS NEW POST AS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY FROM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 15).
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, WILL ASSUME MR YEK’S DUTIES AS DISTRICT OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN.
-------o---------
FARE RISE FOR TWO GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES
*****
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR TWO GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES PLYING TAI PO TO INCREASE THEIR FARES FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 16), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE TWO SERVICES ARE ROUTES 21K AND 22K OPERATING FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO WAI TAU AND FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO KAM SHAN RESPECTIVELY.
FOR ROUTE 21K, THE SECTION FARE FOR THE JOURNEY BETWEEN TAI PO KCR STATION AND TAI PO TAU WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING $1 TO SI.50, WHILE THE FULL FARE FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO WAI TAU WILL REMAIN AT $2.
MEANWHILE, THE FULL FARE OF ROUTE 22K FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO KAM SHAN WILL BE REVISED FROM SI TO $1.30. A SECTION FARE OF SI WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THE JOURNEY FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO TAI PO MARKET AND FROM TAI PO MARKET TO KAM SHAN.
------0-------- /13...............
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
15
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD SUPPORTS SPORTS EVENTS
*****
TWENTY-TWO SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS AND THE FORMATION OF AN ATH.ETICS CLUB WITH A SPONSORSHIP OF $107 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD ARE BEING PLANNED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL THIS YEAR, A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE INITIALLY ENDORSED $41 435 TO SPONSOR 11 PROJECTS TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER.
THE COUNCIL’S 1987-88 PROGRAMME CONTAINS A GREAT VARIETY OF HEALTHY AND ENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES TO MEET THE DIVERSE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGES AND OCCUPATIONS.
THE EVENTS RANGE FROM SOCCER, BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, VOLLEYBALL, TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITIONS TO SWIMMING GALA AND ATHLETIC MEET.
THERE ARE ALSO EVENTS FOR DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY SUCH AS BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL MATCHES FOR WOMEN, BASKETBALL COMPETITION FOR WORKERS AND EMPLOYEES, MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION FOR FISHERMEN AND A POTTED SPORTS DAY FOR THE ELDERLY.
THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME FEATURES TWO NEW EVENTS, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY RUN AND A BOWLING NEW STARS TOURNAMENT. POPULAR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE COLOURED BOAT AND THE SANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS WILL AGAIN BE HELD AND THERE ARE ALSO INTERCONSTITUENCY EVENTS TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING.
THE DISTRICT DISTRICT
COUNCIL ALSO PLANS TO HARRIERS, TO ORGANISE
FORM AN ATHLETICS CLUB, THE SOUTHERN TRAINING FOR SPORTSMEN IN THE
ALL THESE PROJECTS WILL BE ORGANISED JOINTLY WITH THE RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE (SOUTHERN) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. SIMILAR JOINT PROGRAMMES ORGANISED LAST YEAR HAD ATTRACTED THE PARTICIPATION OF MORE THAN 4 800 PEOPLE.
- 0 - -
/14
MONDAY, APRIL 1J, 1987
14
DETAILS OF NT LEASE BILL *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON THURSDAY.
IT WILL BE JOINTLY CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR JOHN TODD, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR CHAU CHAM-SON AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT 3.30 PM FOR ADVANCE READING OF A PAMPHLET CONCERNING THE BILL.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEMES *****
THE APPRENTICE PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR APPRENTICES TRAINING PLACES AVAILABLE IN INDUSTRIES.
THE UNIT HAS A NUMBER OF CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES IN THE JEWELLERY, ELECTRICAL, MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING, PLASTICS, TEXTILE AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED FORM 3 MAY JOIN CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME WHICH INCLUDES THREE TO FOUR YEARS ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
SOME TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHlP VACANCIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. APPLICANTS SHOULD BE FORM 5 GRADUATES WITH GRADE E OR ABOVE IN FOUR RELEVANT SUBJECTS IN THE HKCE EXAMINATION.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON VACANCIES AVAILABLE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE UNIT AT THE 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, OR ON 5-8932341 EXT. 298.
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/15
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
- 15 -
SHAM SHU I PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR INVITES NEW MEMBERS *****
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FROM SHAM SHU I PO RESIDENTS AGED SIX TO TWELVE TO JOIN THE SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR, ESTABLISHED IN 1982 UNDER THE D^STR?ct'BOARDRT ASS0CIATI0N’ ,S FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY THE
IT HAS BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE +YOUTH SPECTACULAR* DURING THE QUEEN’S VISIT LAST YEAR AND IN MANY OTHER DISTRICT EVENTS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 39 TONKIN STREET? SHAM SHUI PO ART ASSOCIATION AT ROOM S14, LAI FU HOUSE, LAI KOK ESTATE.
APPLICANTS WOULD BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN ADMISSION TEST IN EARLY MAY. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL TRAINING EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
NEW MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR WILL PAY ADMISSION FEE OF $100 AND AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF $150.
-----o------
WAN CHAI COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM TO DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING A LAY-BY OUTSIDE THE YMCA HARBOUR VIEW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE AT HARBOUR ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
--------0----------
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
16
MONG KOK COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE ALLOCATIONS OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW ITS EXISTING PRACTICES IN ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
A VOTING TEAM WILL BE FORMED TO EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND THE APPLICATION OF FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
MEMBERS’ VIEW WILL ALSO BE SOUGhfT ON THIS YEAR’S DRAFT BUDGET FOR THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - o - -
SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING COMMITTEE TO MEET
*****
THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO RESUME DISCUSSIONS ON THE PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AT MA ON SHAN, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE JUNCTION NEAR CHUN SHEK BUS TERMINUS AND THE RENTAL POLICY OF THE HOUSING
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 9.30 AM AT THE SIXTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE,
- 0 -
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
- 17 -
TENDERS CALLED FOR NEW ROAD IN MA ON SHAN * * * *
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY IN MA ON SHAN AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE 1.2-KILOMETRE CARRIAGEWAY WILL CONNECT THE FUTURE MA ON SHAN TOWN CENTRE WITH THE PROPOSED NAI CHUNG LINK ROAD.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT ARE SITE FORMATION OF ABOUT FIVE HECTARES OF LAND NEAR THE YOUTH CAMP IN WU KAI SHA FOR PROPOSED RESIDNETIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND PROVISION OF ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS SEWERS, DRAINS, EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAY AND 18 MONTHS FOR THE REMAINING WORK.
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WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD PROPOSED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN A SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD FROM HO TUNG LAU TO THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY FROM TWO LANES TO THREE LANES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
WORKS INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF 840 METRES OF CARRIAGEWAYS FROM 7.3 METRES TO 10.3 METRES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1.6-METREWIDE FOOTPATH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CARRIAGEWAY AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL CLIMBING LANE ALONG THIS SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD WOULD ALSO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORKS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 9.
------o--------
NEW ROAD IN TIN WAN TO OPEN H H K X M
A NEW ROAD IN TIN WAN, ABERDEEN, WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 16).
THE ROAD, LINKING YUE WOK STREET AND YUE LEI STREET, HAS YET TO BE NAMED. TOGETHER WITH YUE KO STREET AND YUE LEI STREET, IT WILL BECOME ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE.
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/18........
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1987
18
CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND CLOSED
*****
CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN MAPLE STREET AND POPLAR STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO APRIL 27 FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR NATHAN ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHBOUND AND TAI PO ROAD; OR VIA NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHBOUND AND TAI PO ROAD.
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KWUN TONG WATER CUT
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 15) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SAU LAI STREET AND TAK WO STREET, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS 1-17, SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 310.516 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 270.858 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
BILL TO EXTEND NT LEASES TO 2047 TO BE GAZETTED................ 1
REGISTRATION REVOKED........................................... 2
YUEN LONG CELEBRATES TIN HAU FESTIVAL.......................... 3
MARINE DEPARTMENT'S SERVICES FOR EASTER........................ 4
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO STAGE CONCERT............................... 4
SHAM SHUT PO DB C0I2OTTEE MEETING TOMORROW..................... 5
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED ....... 5
TRAFFIC CHANGES Ei CENTRAL..................................... 6
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
1
BILL TO EXTEND NT LEASES TO 2047 TO BE GAZETTED X X- X- * X-
A BILL TO EXTEND ALL LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON EXCEPT SHORT-TERM TENANCIES AND LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES, UNTIL JUNE 30, 2047 WITHOUT REQUIRING PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL PREMIUM WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 16).
THE BILL, THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987, WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 7 AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 6.
ALL LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL EXPIRE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 27, 1997. UNDER THE TERMS OF PARAGRAPH TWO OF ANNEX I I I TO THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, ALL LEASES WHICH EXPIRE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997, EXCEPT SHORT-TERM TENANCIES AND LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES, MAY BE EXTENDED, IF THE LESSEE SO WISHES, FOR A PERIOD EXPIRING NOT LATER THAN JUNE 30, 2047 WITHOUT PAYMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL PREMIUM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THERE ARE OVER 30 000 LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MANY OF THEM IN MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP, AND IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE IN PRACTICE TO EXTEND EACH OF THEM INDIVIDUALLY.
+THE ONLY PRACTICABLE WAY OF EXTENDING SO MANY LEASES IS BY LEGISLATION.
♦ ANY PERSON WHO DOES NOT WANT HIS LEASE TO BE EXTENDED AS PROPOSED IN THE BILL WILL NEED TO REGISTER A MEMORANDUM IN THE LAND OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.+ HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE CHARGING OF AN ANNUAL RENT EQUAL TO THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE FROM THE DATE THE ORIGINAL LEASE TERM EXPIRES.
IT WILL BE ADJUSTED IN STEP WITH ANY CHANGES IN THE RATEABLE VALUE THEREAFTER. THE RENT OF RURAL LAND HELD BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS WILL, HOWEVER, REMAIN unchanged.
SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ARE DEFINED IN THE BILL AS LEASES WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY GRANTED FOR A TERM OF NOT MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS. WHEN EXISTING SHORT-TERM TENANCIES FALL DUE, THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS, AS AT PRESENT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT long-term DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES ARE THOSE GRANTED, USUALLY BY PRIVATE TREATY, FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES SUCH AS PUBLIC UTILITIES, SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS, WELFARE FACILITIES, RECREATIONAL CLUBS, PETROL FILLING STATIONS, KEROSENE STORES, PIERS, CHURCHES, CIVIL SERVANTS’ CO-OPERATIVE AND GOVERNMENT BUILT HOUSING SCHEMES, SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AND AIRPORT SUPPORT SERVICES AND INDUSTRIES.
/A COMMON .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 198?
- 2
A COMMON FEATURE OF MOST SUCH LEASES IS A PERMANENT (FOR THE FULL TERM OF THE LEASE) PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND. LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES ARE THEREFORE DEFINED IN THE BILL AS LEASES WHICH CONTAIN A PERMANENT PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT.
THERE ARE 842 LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. EACH WILL BE EXAMINED AND, IF APPROPRIATE, EXTENDED INDIVIDUALLY.
+LEASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE KOWLOON PENINSULA (I.E. THE AREA SOUTH OF BOUNDARY STREET)WHICH EXPIRE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997, WILL ALSO, WHERE APPROPRIATE, CONTINUE TO BE EXTENDED INDIVIDUALLY,* SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A PAMPHLET EXPLAINING THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL IS BEING PRINTED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S MARKETING OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
THE PAMPHLET WILL INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE DETAILS OF THE BILL BUT ALSO A LIST OF THE 842 LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. THE POLICY FOR EXTENDING EACH TYPE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE LEASE AND THE FORMULA FOR THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION UPON RESUMPTION OF LAND BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE EXPLAINED IN THE PAMPHLET.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED ALL HOLDERS OF LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE PAMPHLET AND ACQUANT THEMSELVES WITH THE NEW ARRANGEMENT.
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REGISTRATION REVOKED X X X X X
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF GUARDIAN FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
3
YUEN LONG CELEBRATES TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
THE ANNUAL TIN HAU FESTIVAL WILL FALL ON MONDAY (APRIL 20) THIS YEAR AND COLOURFUL CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD IN YUEN LONG, highlighted by a grand procession to commemorate the birthday of the sea goddess.
THE ANNUAL PROCESSION, FIRST HELD IN 1963, IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE WITH ABOUT 2 000 PEOPLE FROM 12 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART.
STARTING AT 10.30 AM, THE TWO-HOUR PARADE OF DRAGON, LIONS, FLOATS, CHIU CHOW GONGS AND DRUMS AND CHINESE FOLK DANCES WILL SET OFF FROM FUNG CHEUNG ROAD IN YUEN LONG TOWN EAST.
IT WILL WIND ALONG HOP YICK, TAI TONG, KAU YUK AND TAI YUK ROADS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM FOR A FINALE.
THE PROCESSION ROUTE THIS YEAR HAS BEEN PLANNED SPECIFICALLY TO AVOID USING THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD) IN THE TOWN WHERE EXTENSIVE ROAD WORKS ARE UNDER WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. DR JAMES HAYES WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE FESTIVAL PROCESSION. HE WILL OFFICIATE THE CELEBRATIONS AT 11 AM AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM.
IN CONNECTION WITH FESTIVAL, A TRADITIONAL +FA PAU+ LOTTERY WILL ALSO BE HELD IN THE OPEN AREA OUTSIDE THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHU HA, SHAP PAT HEUNG AT 2.30 PM.
THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO TIN HAU (GODDESS OF HEAVEN) FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD TIDINGS ALL YEAR ROUND. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS EVENTS FOR YUEN LONG PEOPLE, DATING BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS A COASTAL FISHING VILLAGE AND THE RESIDENTS WERE MAINLY FISHERMEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO BE HELD FROM 10.30 AM IN YUEN LONG ON MONDAY. PRESS BADGES FOR THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, NO. 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON. PLEASE NOTE THAT AS PRESS BADGES ARE LIMITED, EACH ORGANISATION IS ENTITLED TO ONLY TWO BADGES. TWO GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER BY 9 AM SHARP ON MONDAY TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO YUEN LONG. SEATS WILL BE ALLOCATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
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/4........
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
4
MARINE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES FOR EASTER * * * * *
„oriT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY^ THAT ITS
PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE AND MACAU FERRY TERM INAL CENTRAL WII i REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY ON FRIDAY (APRIL 17 APR II l! n inL WHICH ARE THE EASTER HOLIDAYS. ’’ IL 18 AND 20’
THE DEPARTMENT’S MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AT SHAM SHU I PO AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WILL ALSO MAINTAIN NORMAL OPENING HOURS FROM 7.30 AM TO 9.30 PM AND FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM RESPECTIVELY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
ALSO OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATIONS FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ARE THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, WESTERN DISTRICT, RAMBLER CHANNEL, CHAI WAN AND SHAM S HU I PO, AND THE PUBLIC WATERFRONTS AT YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON BAY AND TUEN MUN.
THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AND THE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR. HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE ONLY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 11 AM ON SATURDAY AND MONDAY.
ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
-----0-----
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO STAGE CONCERT
*****
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC WILL PRESENT A CONCERT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 18) AT 8 PM AT
OFFICE THE
SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
UNDER ITS PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR, YIP WING-SIE, THE 89-MEMBER ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY POPULAR PIECES INCLUDING CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD VON GLUCK’S +ALCESTE+ OVERTURE, SAMUEL BARBER’S ADAGIO FOR STRINGS, MAURICE RAVEL’S PAVANE POUR UNE INFANTE DEFUNTE AND TCHAIKOVSKY’S ROMEO AND JULIET FANTASY OVERTURE.
FRANCE,
L_.. IHE YEARS» ThE orchestra HAS HELD REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS PERFORMING OVERSEAS IN AUSTRALIA CYPRUS FRANCE, ISRAEL, MACAU, UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND CONDUCTORS SUCH AS FOU TSONG EDEN AND TAMIR SHALOM RONLY-RIKLIS, GEORG TINTNER, SIR DAVID WILLCORKS AND ’
KENNETH TEAN.
TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 ARE AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS AT C’IY HALL’ QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, SRACE MUSEUM, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND TOM LEE MUSIC CO. (CAUSEWAY BAY, CAMERON LANE, TAI KOO SHING CITY PLAZA AND MAN YEE BUILDING BRANCHES).
-------0 - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
5
SHAM SHU I PO DB COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW * * * * *
THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE PLAN FOR PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL j THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING PURPOSE PROPOSED BY THE VETTING SUB-COMMITTEEj AND A PROPOSED SEMINAR ON +STREET SLEEPER PROBLEMS IN SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT*.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM IN THE BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM, AT 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
- 0 - -
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED X X X X X
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FLYOVER.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD TO PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD.
ACCESS TO PREMISES ALONG THIS SECTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL HOWEVER BE MAINTAINED. MOTORISTS ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR THESE PREMISES MAY USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING DIVERSION ROUTES:
* PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER, OR
* PUI CHING ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND, U-TURN LOOP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND, AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE FLYOVER OPPOSITE PERTH STREET.
---0-----
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1987
6
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL
*****
TO FACILITATE THE LAUNCHING OF ROUND TABLE EASTER FAIR 1987, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND MS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 17) TO 7 PM THE NEXT DAY.
MEANWHILE. FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON A 40-METRE STRETCH OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CLEVERLY STREET WILL BE EXTENDED BY 15 METRES BOTH EASTWARDS AND WESTWARDS.
THE MEASURE, TO BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, IS TO FACILITATE CABLE DIVERSION WORKS.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR GETS AERIAL VIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS................... 1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED ....... 1
HK STILL LEADS WORLD IN TWO EXPORT CATEGORIES .............. 3
EXTRA HOTLINE ON AIDS SET UP ............................... 6
SURVEY ON INVESTMENT IN HK'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY ........ 7
CGO TELEPHONE NUMBERS CHANGING ............................. 8
SPECIAL TREAT FOR TREE PLANTERS ............................ 8
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR SEVEN SITES............................ 9
PRESS TOUR OF MONG KOK BUILDING ............................ 10
COMMITTEE TO MEET ON SOCIAL SERVICES........................ 11
DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL TO BE DISCUSSED.................... 11
REMINDER TO MAINTAIN CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY .............. 12
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS.............. 12
KWUN TONG, CLEAR WATER BAY WATER CUTS ...................... 13
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 19-37
1
GOVERNOR GETS AERIAL VIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID wILSON, TOOK TO THE AIR THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING FOR A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT HONG KONG’S BUSTLING DEVELOPMENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY HIS SPECIAL ADVISOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE GOVERNOR BOARDED A ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE DAUPHIN HELICOPTER AT HMS TAMAR AT 9.30 AM FOR 90-MINUTE TOUR.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES ON LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR AS WELL AS IN THE VARIOUS NEW TOWNS.
SIR DAVID LEARNED OF PLANS THAT WILL BE EMBARKED BY THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE YEARS AHEAD.
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UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987, THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION SHOWED FURTHER IMPROVEMENT WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE, COMPARED WITH THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC-}
DEPARTMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WERE AT THE LOWEoT LEVELS RECORDED SINCE THE NEW SERIES OF LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS WAS INTRODUCED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985. THIS INDICATES THAT CONDITIONS IN THE LABOUR MARKET HAVE TIGHTENED UP FURTHER IN RECENT MONTHS.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WAS 2.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 2.4 PER CENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 1986 AND 3.0 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASES OF 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS PERIOD AND OF 1.0 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1986 FEBRUARY 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 52 600, LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 65 100 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 1986 AND OF 79 900 FOR SAME PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 1986.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR 1.0 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 1986. THE 1Q86 WAS 2.0 PER CENT.
DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WAS 1.2 PER CENT FOR THE THREE-MONTH RATE FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY
/THE DECREASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
2
THE DECREASE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIGICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 1 0 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT. THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WAS 27 400, LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 33 100 FOR THE PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 1986 AND OF 53 9TT FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 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 CF 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. THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.0 PER CENT. (THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WAS ALSO 1.9 PER CENT.)
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14 003 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-I NSTI 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 ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1987 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE NEXT WEEK AT 159.50 PER COPY.
-------0--------- /3....................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
- 5 -
HK STILL LEADS WORLD IN TWO EXPORT CATEGORIES * * * *
HONG KONG WAS THE LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING, TOYS AND GAMES IN THE WORLD IN 1985.
HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF DOMESTIC TYPE FANS (AFTER TAIWAN) AND THE THIRD LARGEST EXPORTER OF COMPLETE WATCHES (AFTER SWITZERLAND AND JAPAN).
FOR EXPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS AND HANDBAGS AS WELL AS RADIOBROADCAST RECEIVERS, HONG KONG RANKED FOURTH IN BOTH CATEGORIES (AFTER TAIWAN, ITALY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA- AND JAPAN, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA RESPECTIVELY).
DETAILS OF THESE ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1986+ ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $20 PER COPY.
THE REVIEW CONTAINS A BRIEF TEXT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1986, 13 GRAPHS AND 39 STATISTICAL TABLES WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS.
THE REVIEW PRESENTS A SUMMARY ACCOUNT OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1986, INCLUDING A CONCISE AND COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF TRADE BY MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS AND BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, AND STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS PERFORMANCE IN WORLD TRADE AND IN PRINCIPAL OVERSEAS MARKETS COMPARED WITH THOSE OF MAJOR COMPETITORS.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE STATISTICS ON EXCHANGE RATES OF PRINCIPAL FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE EFFECTIVE (TRADE-WEIGHTED) EXCHANGE RATE INDEX FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, IMPORTS ROSE BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN 1986, WHICH WAS MUCH HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF 4 PER CENT RECORDED IN 1985. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE NOTED DURING 1986 IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA (BY $22 670 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $3 078 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (BY $399 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT) AND BRAZIL (BY $289 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN 1986, AFTER SUFFERING A DECLINE OF 6 PER CENT IN 1985. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED (BY $6 532 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT AND BY $3 005 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY), WHILE THAT TO THE U.S.S.R. DECREASED (BY $161 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN VALUE TERMS WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS OF TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $8 923 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT)5 AS WELL AS ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $6 630 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT).
/ON THE ...........
I
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 198?
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY 51 985 MILLION OK 23 PER CENT)’ AS WELL AS IN ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $1 284 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY 57 250 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT)’ AS WELL AS IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY U 889 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
HOWEVER. DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY 5325 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT) AS WELL AS LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY 520 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORT TRADE GREW BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE 26 PER CENT GROWTH RATE RECORDED IN 1985. RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. AND TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY $7 657 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT, AND BY 51 971 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTo TO CHINA (BY $5 130 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) AND TO THE U.S.S.R. (BY $57 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
THE COMMODITIES WITH SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN VALUE TERMS WERE ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $5 714 MILLION CR 75 PER CENT)! AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $4 095 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $2 384 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT)- AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $782 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
IN 1986, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN INCREASED BY $16 969 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE RtCORDED IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $5 574 MILLION CR 78 PER CENT).
THE U.S. WAS THE LARGEST MARKET, ACCOUNTING FOR 36 PER CENT OF ALL RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN THROUGH HONG KONG; THE MAJOR GROWTH TO THIS MARKET WAS IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $3 814 MILLION OR 100 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE TRADE IN 1986, REPRESENTING 22 PER CENT CF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, INCREASED BY $25 699 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1985. IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, AIRBORNE TRADE CONSTITUTED 1 PER CENT OF TOTAL TRADE.
INCREASES IN AIRBORNE TRADE WERE REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN (BY $2 059 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. (BY $2 893 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AND RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. (BY $1 691 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).
/BY COMMODITY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
- 5 -
BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF INCREASED BY S3 133 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT; WHILE FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR, ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES INCREASED BY $4 858 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT. AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ROSE BY SI 730 MILLION OR 117 PER CENT.
AS REGARDS SEABORNE TRADE, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 56 PER CENT IN VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1986, AN INCREASE OF $37 864 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT OVER 1985 WAS RECORDED. IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, 91 PER CENT OF TOTAL TRADE WAS CARRIED BY SEA.
A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN (BY $2 666 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT), AS WELL AS IN SEABORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND SEABORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. (BY $3 655 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT AND BY $6 012 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, THE VALUE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY $5 241 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT; AND THAT OF SEABORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS, INCREASED BY $2 937 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT.
AN INCREASE IN SEABORNE RE-EXPORTS WAS RECORDED IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $3 826 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
THE REVIEW ALSO PUBLISHES UNIT VALUE INDEXES AND QUANTUM INDEXES WHICH ARE OFTEN USED TO ASSESS THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE.
DURING 1986, IN TERMS OF TRADE VOLUME, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH 1985.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUMES OF TEXTILE FABRICS (BY 47 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (BY 27 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (BY 26 PER CENT) AS WcLL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 17 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FUELS (BY 20 PER CENT) AS WELL AS RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES (BY 19 PER CENT).
AS FOR THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR FUELS (BY 176 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOODSTUFFS (BY 32 PER CENT).
/based on .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 198?
BASED ON UNIT VALUE INDEXES, IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 5 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL EXPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX, DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT.
WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE PRICES OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT.
ENQUIRIES ON THE REVIEW MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234915.
- 0 - -
EXTRA HOTLINE ON AIDS SET UP * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP ANOTHER HOTLINE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH GENERAL INFORMATION ON AIDS -- ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME.
STARTING THIS WEEK, AIDS INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TWO 24-HOUR HOTLINES 5-8330180 (IN ENGLISH) AND 5-724533 (IN CHINESE) INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING SINGLE BILINGUAL HOTLINE.
CALLERS WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR AN EXTENDED TEN-MINUTE RECORDED PROGRAMME PROVIDING THEM WITH A GENERAL PICTURE OF AIDS, ITS MODES CF TRANSMISSION, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION MEASURES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW ARRANGEMENT GIVES CALLERS A CHANCE TO CHOOSE THE MEDIUM THEY PREFER, THUS SHORTENING THE TIME REQUIRED FOR LISTENING TO THE BILINGUAL TAPE.
+SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE FIRST HOTLINE SERVICE IN MARCH 19o5, A TOTAL OF 13 561 CALLERS HAD MADE USE OF THE SERVICE,* HE SAID.
OF THE CALLERS, 697 HAD RAISED QUESTIONS AND 523 CALLERS HAD LEFT THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR FURTHER CONTACT.
+IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE AND TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON AIDS, ARRANGEMENT WERE THEREFORE MADE TO INSTAL THE SECOND HOTLINE SERVICE,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
- 7 -
SURVEY ON INVESTMENT IN HK’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY X * * * *
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL SOON BE CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. THIS SURVEY IS NOW CARRIED OUT ANNUALLY (THE 1986 REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR).
THE SURVEY HAS TWO PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES:
* TO UPDATE THE'DEPARTMENT’S DATA ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, IN TERMS OF CAPITAL DEPLOYED, EMPLOYMENT CREATED, NEW OR IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCED, PRODUCTS AND EXPORT PROSPECTS 5 AND
X TO ASSESS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF HONG KONG AS A LOCATION FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
THE 1987 SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN APRIL AND JULY. INFORMATION GATHERED IS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FURTHER OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND TO ASSIST PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO EVALUATE INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES AND ESTABLISH FACTORIES IN HONG KONG.
IT ALSO GIVES THE DEPARTMENT A CLEARER PICTURE OF OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
THE TARGET OF THE SURVEY ARE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG WHICH INVOLVE OVERSEAS INTERESTS, AND ARE WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY :
* COMPANIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG;
X LOCAL COMPANIES WHOSE PARENT COMPANIES ARE OUTSIDE HONG KONG» OR
X PERSONS WHO ARE NOT PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.
ALL THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSIST IN THE SURVEY AND TO RETURN COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THE MIDDLE OF MAY. THEY ARE INVITED TO APPROACH MRS TRACEY SHJM ON 3-7222426 FOR A COPY OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF APRIL.
THE DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND RESTRICTED FOR ITS OWN USES. REPORTS WILL BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE AND ALL QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE DESTROYED AS SOON AS THE REPORTS ARE FINALISED.
PUBLICATION OF THE RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED TOWARDS THE END
of the year.
-------o----------
/8
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15/ 1987
8
CGO TELEPHONE NUMBERS CHANGING * * * * *
A NEW PABX SYSTEM WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TELEPHONE EXCHANGE CF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT LOWER ALBERT ROAD AFTER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
WITH EFFECT FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 21), THE PREFIX OF PRESENT CGO TELEPHONE NUMBERS +95+ AND +951+ WILL BE CHANGED TO +8102+ WHILE THE LAST THREE DIGITS OF THE NUMBERS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGE WILL AFFECT OFFICES OF VARIOUS OF BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND DEPARTMENTS IN THE CGO, INCLUDING THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT, TREASURY AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE ISSUE NO 1, 1987 OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED IN MAY OR JUNE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PLEASE NOTE THAT WITH EFFECT FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 21), THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAT PRESS OFFICE WILL BE CHANGED AS FOLLOWS:
RR MARK PINKSTONE SECRETARIAT PRESS OFFICER 5-8102975 E
MRS JULIANA CHEN PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFF ICER 5-8102976
RRS REBEKAH WONG SENIOR INFORMATION OFF ICER 5-8102968
RR DANIEL SIN SENIOR INFORMATION OFF ICER 5-8102979
MISS IRENE LAU INFORMATION OFFICER 5-8102978
MISS MAY CHUNG ASSISTANT INFORMATION OFFICER 5-8102977
----o------
SPECIAL TREAT FOR TREE PLANTERS
*****
FANCY BEING PHOTOGRAPHED w ITH TELEVISION ARTISTES AND WEARING A T-SHIRT PERSONALLY SILKCREENED BY YOUR IDOLS WITH AN ATTRACTIVE TREE PLANTING LOGO IN THEIR PRESENCE.
THEN COME TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON FRIDAY (APRIL 17).
/ALL YOU .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
9 -
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TO BRING ALONG A BLANK T-SHIRT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY AT PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK FROM 11 AM TO NOON ON THAT DAY. THE FIRST 400 PEOPLE WILL BE AWARDED THE BONUS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR S.P. LAU, SAID THE EVENT WAS PART OF THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ARRANGED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
APART FROM THE SPECIAL TREAT, HE SAID, ANYONE INTERESTED IN PLANTING TREES COULD DO SO AT THE SEVEN DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS AND THE REMAINING SUNDAYS IN APR IL.
THESE SEVEN SITES ARE PAK TAM CHUNG, TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY AND CLEARWATER BAY WHERE DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM TO PROVIDE FREE TREE SEEDLINGS AND ADVICE. EACH VOLUNTEER WILL BE AWARDED A SEED PACKET AND A COLOURFUL LEAFLET.
MR LAU SAID, +THE WEATHER CONDITIONS OF THE TWO PREVIOUS SUNDAYS DISAPPOINTED MANY BUT STILL SOME 400 ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC DID SHOW UP TO PLANT ABOUT 500 SEEDLINGS.*
+MOREOVER, THE SCHEME IS RECEIVING OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY. TO-DATE, ADVANCE BOOKINGS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR OVER 11 000 STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME IN GROUPS.*
HE URGED ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT AT 3-7332121 FOR REGISTRATION.
--------o----------
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR SEVEN SITES * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF SEVEN SITES.
THREE OF THEM - 135 SQUARE METRES EACH - ARE AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG, AND ARE FOR USE AS INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOPS.
THE TENANCIES ARE THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER THREE SITES ARE FOR PUBLIC CAR PARKING PURPOSE.
/THE first .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 198?
10 -
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT WESTERN RECLAMATION OFF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND MEASURES 14 640 SQUARE METRES. THE TENANCY IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE ON MONTHLY BASIS.
ALSO LOCATED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE OTHER IS AT SMITHFIELD, KENNEDY TOWN, AND COVERS AN AREA OF 2 925 SQUARE METRES. THE TENANCY IS THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE THIRD PARKING SITE MEASURES 2 580 SQUARE METRES AND IS LOCATED OFF FUK TONG ROAD, KWUN TONG. THE TENANCY IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE LAST SITE, FOR STORING DANGEROUS GOODS, IS AT TAI LEI ISLAND, PENG CHAU, AND MEASURES 150 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS AT NOON ON MAY 1.
-----o------
PRESS TOUR OF MONG KOK BUILDING
*****
A PRESS TOUR HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING IN MONG KOK TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO LEARN ABOUT A $2.7 MILLION RENOVATION PROJECT THAT HAS HELPED RECTIFY STRUCTURAL DEFECTS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAD EARLIER DECLARED THE 23-YEAR-OLD BUILDING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND HAD ORDERED OWNERS TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS TO THE EXTERNAL WALLS AND COMMON AREAS.
THE BUILDING, WHICH COMPRISES SOME 350 DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL UNITS AND ACCOMMODATES ABOUT 1 800 RESIDENTS, ALSO SUFFERED FROM A NUMBER OF MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND WAS IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF THE TARGETS FOR IMPROVEMENT BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM.
A BRIEFING WILL BE HELD BY THE HOUSING MANAGER, MR CHONG SZE-CHIU, TO EXPLAIN THE BACKGROUND OF THE RENOVATION PROJECT AND REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE TEAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW FOR THE BRIEFING BEFORE STARTING THE TOUR.
-------0----------
/11
11
COMMITTEE TO MEET ON SOCIAL SERVICES * * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD STANDING ORDERS, PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDING DISTRICT BOARD GRANTS AND WORK REPORT OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR 1986-87.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MATTERS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING - ANTI-DRUGS CAMPAIGN IN TUEN MUN, FOURTH REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON REVIEWING THE SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, YOUTH PROBLEMS IN TUEN MUN, PROVISION OF CHILDREN I.D. CARD SERVICES, AND THE VIEWS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LOCAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS ON PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2.
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, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
----o------
DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL BY THE BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE ALLOCATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THREE BOARD MEMBERS HAVE JOINTLY SUBMITTED A WRITTEN QUESTION, INVITING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR LIU LIT-FOR, ELECTED FROM THE ISLAND WEST CONSTITUENCY, TO CLARIFY HIS POSITION ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE AT THE MEETING.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
-------0--------- /12...................
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
12
REMINDER TO MAINTAIN CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO TAKE ADEQUATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS WORKING AT HEIGHT IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THIS FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A CONTRACTOR OF A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, WAS FINED $10 000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SUITABLE GUARD RAILS AROUND THE EDGE OF A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE CASE INVOLVED A WORKER WHO FELL TO THE GROUND FLOOR AND SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES WHEN WORKING ON AN UNGUARDED CONCRETE SHADE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, THE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ENSURE THAT EVERY CORNER BREAK, EDGE OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACE THROUGH OR FROM WHICH ANY PERSON ON THE SITE IS LIABLE TO FALL FOR MORE THAN TWO METRES EITHER SUITABLE RAILS OF ADEQUATE STRENGTH
MUST BE PROVIDED WITH OR FIXED COVER INGS TO ARTICLES.
PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS, MATERIALS AND
ANY EMPLOYER WHO CONTRAVENES SAFETY REGULATIONS IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50 000.
-----o------
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS
*****
UP TO 70 000 WORSHIPPERS ARE EXPECTED TO CONVERGE ON THE JOSS HOUSE BAY TEMPLE TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL DURING THE TWO-DAY WORSHIP CEREMONY STARTING SUNDAY (APRIL 19).
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY TO TAKE WORSHIPPERS TO JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THE FIRST FERRY WILL DEPART FROM THE NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER AT 8.30 AM ON SUNDAY AND THE LAST FERRY FROM JOSS HOUSE BAY TO NORTH POINT WILL LEAVE AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 20).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT SINCE CAR PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE THE CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB WILL BE RESERVED FOR RELATED GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY. WORSHIPPERS SHOUND MAKE USE OF FERRY SERVICES TO REACH THE TEMPLE.
/THE BURNING .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1987
- 13 -
THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS AND BRINGING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO THE TEMPLE WILL BE PROHIBITED. HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR BURNING OF PAPER AND JOSS STICKS.
THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED TO THROW RUBBISH INTO LITTER BINS NEARBY AND NOT TO USE LOUDHA ILERS OR REBROADCAST TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA.
DURING THE TWO DAYS, FERRIES WILL BE OPERATING OVERNIGHT SERVICES FROM APRIL 19 AND RESIDENTS LIVING NEAR THE NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE CROWD AND THE INCONVENIENCE WHICH MAY BE CAUSED. GIS 2 -
-----0 ---------
KWUN TONG, CLEAR WATER BAY WATER CUTS *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AND CLEAR WATER BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 13 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 18) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
IN KWUN TONG, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL VILLAGES AND PREMISES ALONG SHUN ON ROAD, LEE ON ROAD, SHUN KING STREET, SHUN CHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN STREET, FUNG SHING STREET FROM PING TIN STREET TO NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, JATS INCLINE, HONG NING ROAD FROM HIP WO STREET TO KUNG LOK ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD. ON SHIN ROAD, ON TAK ROAD, CHUN WAH ROAD, HIP WO STREET FROM SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD TO HIU KWONG STREET, HIU KWONG STREET FROM HIP WO STREET TO SAU MAU PING ROAD AND SAU MAU PING ROAD FROM SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD TO HIU KWONG STREET, INCLUDING BLOCKS 1 TO 5 AND 9 TO 12 OF UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, PHASES I, I I AND I I I OF LOK WAH ESTATE, BLOCKS 1-17 AND 32-40 OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE AND SHUN ON ESTATE.
IN CLEAR WATER BAY, THE STOPPAGE WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG PO LAM ROAD FROM MA YAU TONG TO RENNIE’S MILL, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO TAI AU MUN AND HIRAM’S HIGHWAY FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO HO CHUNG, INCLUDING MA YAU TONG, RENNIE’S MILL AND MARINA COVE.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, AIRIL 16, 198?
contents page no.
FOREIGN DOMESTIC H 111 .PERS CONDITIONS REVISED ........... 1
QUICKER AMBULANCE RESPONSE TEffi ADOPTED .................. 3
CS STATEMENT ON SECOND AIRPORT PROPOSALS .................. 4
FUTURE OF KAI TAK AIRPORT BEING STUDIED ................... 5
PRIVATE CONSORTIA TO BE INVITED FOR TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL ... 5
NO LETDOWN ON GUARD AGAINST CERTIFICATION SYSTEM ABUSE .... 6
NEIL LIFT AND ESCALATOR SAFETY MEASURES PROPOSED........... 8
BOARDS PAY $4.82 MILLION INJURIES COMPENSATION ............ 8
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS..... 10
EDUCATION COMMISSION MEMBERS REAPPOINTED.................. 10
FOURTH QUARTER RESTAURANT SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED......... 11
WAGE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER PUBLISHED ...................... 15
SPEC TAT. REVIEW ON SALARY STATISTICS .................... 20
CS LOOKS AT WORK GF ADD .................................. 20
VISIT TO ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDFSSTAHDULG..................... 21
LAND EXECUTIVES PASS POLYTECHNIC COURSE................... 22
TRAINING COURSE FOR STAFF OF DB MEMBERS' OFFICES ......... 22
FUNDS FOR TAI PC SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME................... 23
LAUNCHING OF AIDS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN...................... 23
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI........................ 24
SPECTAT. FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL.............. 24
TSUEN WAN WATER CUT....................................... 24
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
foreign domestic helpers conditions revised
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED REVISED CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, WHICH COVER CONDITIONS OF STAY, CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT, RENEWAL OF CONTRACT, WAGE LEVEL, PART-TIME WORK AND INSURANCE POLICIES.
THESE WERE APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RECENTLY FOLLOWING A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE SECURITY BRANCH LAST YEAR AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON APRIL 21, 1987.
AS REGARDS THE ENTRY POLICY, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED THAT THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS IN HONG KONG SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED OR LIMITED FOR THE TIME BEING.
EXPLAINING THE REVISED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, MOSTLY FROM THE PHILIPPINES, ARE AT PRESENT ADMITTED INTO HONG KONG ON SIX-MONTHY PERIODS OF STAY.
♦THIS HAS LED TO SOME FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS BREAKING CONTRACTS EARLY IN THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD TO WORK ILLEGALLY FOR ANOTHER EMPLOYER OR IN OTHER JOBS UNTIL THE PERIOD OF STAY IS UP,* HE SAID.
THE NEW CONDITION OF STAY WILL STIPULATE THAT WHEN A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER’S CONTRACT IS TERMINATED, SHE WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR THE REMAINDER OF HER CURRENT SIX MONTHS OR FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER THE TERMINATION OF HER CONTRACT, WHICHEVER IS THE SHORTER.
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION COULD ADJJST THIS REQUIREMENT TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF A PARTICULAR CASE.
ON CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT AS THIS WAS NORMALLY ALLOWED IN THE SECOND YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT IT HAD LED TO FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS JOB-HOPPING AFTER COMPLETING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CONTRACT.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR OF AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT EXCEPT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS WHEN THE EMPLOYER IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE WITH THE CONTRACT BECAUSE OF EXTERNAL TRANSFER, DEATH OR FOR FINANCIAL REASONS.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN DECIDED THAT A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT A NEW AND VALID CONTRACT BEFORE SHE LEAVES HONG KONG IF HER FORMER CONTRACT HAS RUN ITS COURSE.
+ HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO HAVE BROKEN THEIR contracts, they WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT A new AND VALID CONTRACT BEFORE THEY LEAVE THE TERRITORY,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
/A:, il XSAUDS.......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
2
AS REGARDS WAGE LEVEL, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED THAT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE WAGE FOR NEWLY ARRIVED FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS SHOULD BE NO LESS THAN $2 300 PER MONTH AND BE SUBJECTED TO REGULAR REVIEW.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE PRESENT WAGE RANGE OF BETWEEN
<51 900 AND 92 050 APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS SHOULD BE REVISED, SO THAT THE WAGE OF NEWLY ARRIVED FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WOULD BE COMPARABLE TO LOCAL FULL-TIME DOMESTIC HELPERS. THE NEW WAGE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 21 AND WILL APPLY TO NEW CONTRACTS AS FROM THAT DATE.
the executive council also noted that some foreign domestic HELPERS WORK AS PART-TIME HELPERS FOR OTHERS ON THEIR DAY-OFF OR DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS WHEN THEY SHOULD BE WORKING FOR THE EMPLOYER WHO IS PARTY TO THEIR CONTRACT.
MR JEAFFRESON WARNED THAT SUCH PRACTICES ARE AGAINST THE CONDITIONS OF STAY IMPOSED ON FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS AND IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO EMPLOY, FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME, FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO HAVE BEEN PERMITTED TO STAY IN HONG KONG TO WORK FOR ANOTHER PERSON.
♦PERSONS WHO ASSIST FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO BREAK THE LAW COMMIT AN OFFENCE WHILE FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO TAKE PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT IN THIS MANNER MAY BE REMOVED FOR BEING IN BREACH OF CONDITIONS OF STAY.
♦PERSONS SO REMOVED WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RE-ENTER HONG KONG TO WORK AS FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO EMPLOYERS WISHING TO FIND DOMESTIC HELPERS, FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME, AND EMPLOYEES LOOKING FOR SUCH WORK.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT OTHER THAN DOMESTIC SERVICE, CONTRARY TO THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO COVER ACCIDENTS ARISING OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
♦EMPLOYERS WILL NOT BE OBLIGED TO PROVIDE GENERAL MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES SINCE EMPLOYERS OF LOCAL WORKERS ARE NOT OBLIGED TO DO SO.
♦FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS ARE ENTITLED TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, THE EXPENSES OF WHICH SHOULD BE BORNE BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE EXISTING CONTRACT,+ MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
3
QUICKER AMBULANCE RESPONSE TIME ADOPTED * * * *
the government has decided to adopt in principle TEN MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY CONSULTANTS WHO WERE ENGAGED TO oT?SYtIHE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNEMT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS DELIBERATIONS BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND DEVELOP2 F°R CLEAR P0L,CY GUIDELINES AS TO HOW THE SERVICE SHOULD
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A ONE-YEAR CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE HEALTH OPERATIONAL RESEARCH UNIT (HORU), A UK FIRM WITH EXTENSIVE WORLDWIDE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF AMBULANCE SERVICES, UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A GOVERNMENT INTER-DEPARTMENTAL AMBULANCE SERVICES REVIEW STEERING GROUP.
The STUDY WAS INITIATED IN 1985 TO SEE HOW THE SERVICE COULD BE MADE MORE EFFICIENT. IN FACT, GIVEN THE HIGH LEVEL OF DEMAND AND THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, THE CONSULTANTS CONSIDERED THAT THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS INDEED PROVIDING A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE TO THE HONG KONG PUBLIC.
THE spokesman elaborated that basically, the consultants had RECOMMENDED THAT THE TARGET TRAVEL TIME, I.E. THE INTERVAL BETWEEN MOBILISING A VEHICLE AND ITS ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT, SHOULD BE SET AT THE LEVEL OF TEN MINUTES WITHIN WHICH 95 PER CENT OF EMERGENCY CALLS IN THE URBAN AREAS INCLUDING THE NEW TOWNS MUST FALL. THIS TEN-MINUTE TARGET TIME MEANS THAT 50 PER CENT OF THE CALLS WILL BE MET IN ABOUT FOUR TO FIVE MINUTES ONLY.
AT PRESENT, 95 PER CENT OF EMERGENCY CALLS IN THE URBAN AREAS ARE MET WITHIN TRAVEL TIMES OF 14 TO 15 MINUTES. THEREFORE, THE PROPOSED TEN-MINUTE TARGET TIME FOR URBAN AREAS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT. IT ALSO REPRESENTS A BETTER LEVEL OF SERVICE THAN that AIMED for in the urban AREAS in the united KINGDOM, WHICH HAS ADOPTED IN PRINCIPLE A STANDARD OF AN ELEVEN-MINUTE TRAVEL TIME.
FOR RURAL AREAS, THE CONSULTANTS CONSIDER THAT IT IS NOT REALISTIC TO EXPECT A BETTER PERFORMANCE THAN THE CURRENT STANDARD OF SERVICE, I.E. 95 PER CENT OF RURAL CALLS ARE REACHED WITHIN 30-35 MINUTES. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE AREAS.
NEW AMBULANCE DEPOTS WILL BE SO LOCATED AND BUILT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS GRADUALLY TO MEET THE TEN-MINUTE TARGET TIME. MEANWHILE THE AMBULANCE SERVICE HAS ALREADY TAKEN TEMPORARY MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE TIME IT TAKES TO REACH AN INCIDENT, SUCH AS BY OUTPOSTING OF AMBULANCES AT ADDITIONAL FIRE STATIONS.
/DI ADDITION, .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
IN ADDITION, THE CONSULTANTS HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS IN RELATION TO THE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CARRY OUT A DETAILED STUDY TO EXAMINE AND IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONSULTANTS HAD NOT BEEN BRIEFED TO LOOK AT TRAINING ASPECTS AS THIS WAS NOT THEIR SPECIALTY. BUT HE SAID THE AMBULANCE SERVICES REVIEW STEERING GROUP WAS ALREADY LOOKING AT THIS AREA AND PLANS WERE IN HAND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF THE BASIC TRAINING SIGNIFICANTLY.
THE GROUP WOULD ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE QUESTION OF ADVANCED TRAINING AND WHETHER THIS MIGHT BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
CS STATEMENT ON SECOND AIRPORT PROPOSALS X X X X *
FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, AFTER A MEETING THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A CONSORTIUM LED BY MR GORDON WU OF HOPEWELL HOLDINGS:
THE SECOND MEETING WITH MR GORDON WU HAS BEEN VERY USEFUL. THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN EXAMINED IN DETAIL. IN THE VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT MR WU’S PLANS CONCERN MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND AS SUCH, MUST BE LOOKED AT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF the AIRPORT, the ports and road developments.
WE ARE ALL AGREED THAT THERE IS A LONG-TERM NEED FOR A NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG. THE QUESTION OF TIMING IS THE CRUCIAL ELEMENT IN THE DECISION TO BUILD IT.
IN THE MEANTIME The GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO EXAMINE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND ITS GROWTH IN DEMAND WITH A VIEW TO REACHING A DEFINITIVE DECISION AS TO THE MAXIMUM USEFUL LIFE OF THE EXISTING FACILITIES.
IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO CONSIDER WHETHER ANY WORK COULD BE DONE TO EXTEND THAT USEFUL LIFE. OBVIOUSLY IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE MAJOR INVESTMENT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE IN KAI TAK.
IN PARALLEL WITH THIS STUDY, POLICY OPTIONS IN RELATION TO A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION. THIS INCLUDES THE PREVIOUS STUDY ON CHEK LAP KOK.
AS TO THE REMAINING COMPONENTS OF THE PROPOSAL, THE GOVERNMENT INDICATED ITS PREFERENCE FOR A PHASED APPROACH. A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING UNIT OF LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO WORK WITH MR GORDON WU’S PLANNERS TO DETERMINE HOW THE VARIOUS PROPOSED COMPONENTS COULD FIT INTO THE OVERALL GOVERNMENT STRATEGY. THIS CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT SHOULD RESULT IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT’S INTENDED LONG TERM DEVELOPMENTS.
------0--------
/5.......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
FUTURE OF KAI TAK AIRPORT BEING STUDIED
*****
A DECISION ON THE FUTURE OF KAI TAK AIRPORT WOULD BE MADE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE SECOND MEETING WITH MR GORDON WU OVER PLANS FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND OTHER RELATED PROJECTS, MR FORD SAID A WORKING GROUP WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO WORK WITH MR WU’S PROPOSED PLANNERS TO DETERMINE HOW THE VARIOUS PROPOSED COMPONENTS COULD FIT INTO THE OVERALL GOVERNMENT STRATEGY.
THESE PLANNERS WOULD AND THEIR WORK WOULD TAKE
GET DOWN TO WORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SEVERAL MONTHS, HE ADDED.
THE SAME TIME THAT KAI TAK WAS BEING
MR FORD SAID THAT AT -------- ----- , _
LOOKED AT, PLANS FOR REPLACEMENT AIRPORTS, INCLUDING CHEK LAP KOK AND MR WU’S PROPOSAL, WOULD BE LOOKED AT IN PARALLEL, + SO THAT WHEN WE HAVE A DECISION ON KAI TAK, WE’LL THEN BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE SECOND AIRPORT AT THE SAME TIME*
-------0---------
PRIVATE CONSORTIA TO BE INVITED FOR TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON INVITE INTERESTED CONSORTIA TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AS A PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECT FOLLOWING A RECENT DECISION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
+A NOTICE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE IN LATE MAY TO INVITE INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT THEIR PROPOSALS TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PROPOSED TUNNEL LINKING EAST KOWLOON WITH SHA TIN WILL RUN FOR SOME 3.9 KILOMETRES UNDER TATE’S CAIRN BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL AND SIU LEK YUEN. IT IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN 1992.
+THE TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE TRAFFIC RELIEF TO LION ROCK TUNNEL AND WILL BE LINKED WITH THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE PROPOSED KWUN TONG BYPASS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES HAD GENERATED MUCH ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC THROUGH LION ROCK TUNNEL, THE CAPACITY OF WHICH WAS NOW REACHING SATURATION.
/+THE WEED
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
6
+THE NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC ROAD LINK BETWEEN EAST SHA TIN AND KOWLOON WAS IDENTIFIED IN T HE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES STUDY (NENTS) COMPLETED IN 1982.
+PARALLEL INVESTIGATIONS BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE INDICATED THAT A TUNNEL STARTING IN THE REGION OF DIAMOND HILL QUARRY COULD BE DRIVEN UNDER TATE’S CAIRN TO SHA TIN,* HE SAID.
IN APRIL 1986, THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT AN ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDY TO ESTABLISH THE ALIGNMENT OF THE TUNNEL AND ITS CONNECTING ROADS AND TO PREPARE PRELIMINARY DESIGNS. THE CONSULTANTS’ FINDINGS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AS A SATISFACTORY BASIS FOR DETAILED DESIGN.
--------0----------
NO LETDOWN ON GUARD AGAINST CERTIFICATION SYSTEM ABUSE H K K H K
THE TRADE AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF COMPANIES WHICH BREACH ANY OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE TEXTILES CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE (SYSTEMS), 14? ALAN LAI, AT A MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY WORKERS GENERAL UNION THIS EVENING (APRIL 16).
THE MEETING WAS ARRANGED FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS BY THE UNION THAT SOME MANUFACTURERS WERE CONTRACTING THE LINKING AND LOOPING PROCESSES AND THE MANUFACTURE OF KNITWEAR GARMENTS TO FACTORIES IN CHINA. A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE UNION CLAIMED THAT SOME WORKERS WERE ASKED TO ACT IN COLLUSION WITH MANUFACTURERS TO GIVE FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF THE FINISHED PRODUCTS.
MR LAI SAID THE MEETING HAD BEEN USEFUL AND HAD CLARIFIED CERTAIN MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE NEED FOR CERTIFICATION, AND THE NEED TO CARRY OUT OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG IN ALL CASES.
MR LAI ADDED THAT CERTIFICATION WAS NOT REQUIRED IN RESPECT CF ITEMS WHICH WERE MADE FOR THE HONG KONG MARKET, OR FOR OVERSEAS MARKETS WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE CERTIFICATION. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, LINKING AND LOOPING COULD LEGITIMATELY BE PERFORMED ELSEWHERE.
MR LAI EXPLAINED THAT KNITWEAR IS ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE CF HONG KONG ORIGIN ONLY IF THE PROCESS OF LINKING AND LOOPING, WHICH IS REGARDED BY HONG KONG AS THE PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG.
/MR IAI .......
THURSDAY, ATUIL 16, 198?
- 7 -
MR LAI SAID THAT IF A MANUFACTURER FALSELY DECLARES THAT LINKING AND LOOPING HAS BEEN DONE IN HONG KONG (WHILE IN FACT IT HAS BEEN OUTSIDE HONG KONG), IT WOULD CONSTITUTE A CRIMINAL CFFENCE UNDER THE RULES FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF HONG KONG OR IGIN.
HE SAID BOTH DEPARTMENTS WERE DETERMINED TO CARRY OUT A FULL INVESTIGATION AND HE URGED THE UNION MEMBERS TO ASSIST THE AUTHORITIES BY SUPPLYING SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON WHERE THEY THOUGHT MALPRACTICES MIGHT BE TAKING PLACE. THIS REQUEST FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION HAD BEEN PASSED ON IN PREVIOUS MEETINGS WITH WORKERS IN 1985 AND 1986.
THE CUSTOMS OFFICIALS PRESENT AT THE MEETING REQUESTED THOSE UNION MEMBERS WHO ARE AWARE OF SPECIFIC MALPRACTICE TO COME FORWARD AND GIVE INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN THEIR INVESTIGATION.
MR LAI STRESSED THAT BOTH DEPARTMENTS HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN VERY STRINGENT ACTION TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE TEXTILES CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM.
COMMENTING FURTHER ON HONG KONG’S EFFORTS TO CONTROL MALPRACTICES, MR LAI ADDED THAT IN 1986, A TOTAL OF 655 COMPANIES WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED BY THE CUSTOMS FOR ALL TYPES OF CFFENCES AGAINST HONG KONG’S TEXTILES CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM RESULTING IN FINES OF Uli 659 686. THIS COMPARES WITH 490 PROSECUTIONS IN 1985 AND FINES OF $6 384 100.
THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A FINE OF 5500 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO TWO YEARS FOR SUCH OFFENCE.
+BOTH DEPARTMENTS TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF THE TEXTILES CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING SYSTEM AND WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF LETTING OUR GUARD DOWN,+ MR LA I SAID.
IN ADDITION TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ALSO IMPOSES ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AGAINST OFFENDING COMPANIES.
IN 1986, FOR INSTANCE, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TOOK ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION IN 472 INSTANCES AGAINST TEXTILES CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING MALPRACTICE. SUCH ACTIONS INCLUDED PERMANENT SURRENDER OF QUOTAS, INVALIDATING THE EXPORT LICENCE CONCERNED, NULLIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUTURE QUOTA ALLOCATION, DEBARMENT FROM PARTICIPATION IN THE FREE QUOTA ALLOCATION SCHEME AND DENIAL CF LICENSING FACILITIES.
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/8........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
8
NEW LIFT AND ESCALATOR SAFETY MEASURES PROPOSED
*****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL SAFETY AND UPGRADE THE MAINTENANCE STANDARD OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 7 AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE LIFT AND ESCALATOR CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION.
IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 6,
1987
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE BILL DEALS WITH THE REGISTRATION OF LIFT AND ESCALATOR ENGINEERS, REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS, PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORISED INTERFERENCE WITH LIFTS OR ESCALATORS, COMPETENCY OF LIFT AND ESCALATOR WORKERS, AND EXTENDS THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE TO COVER THE CONTROL OF PASSENGER CONVEYORS AND SERVICE LIFTS IN NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
FEES TO ENABLE THE ADMINISTRATION TO RECOVER COSTS OF SERVICES UNDER THE AMENDED ORDINANCE ARE SPECIFIED IN THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (FEES) REGULATIONS 1987. THE FEES HAVE BEEN APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCH .
- - 0 - -
BOARDS PAY $4.82 MILLION INJURIES COMPENSATION X X X X X
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS LAST YEAR PAID OUT $4.82 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ 1985-86 ANNUAL REPORT.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 13.4 PER CENT OVER COMPENSATION PAYMENTS OF $4.25 MILLION IN THE PRECEDING YEAR. THESE PAYMENTS WERE GIVEN TO 822 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES AND FOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
THE AMOUNT OF CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 87 PER CENT OR $4.21 MILLION OF THE TOTAL AWARDS DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW.
IT ALSO BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME IN 1973 TO $26.85 MILLION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR MARTIN LEE, SAID THAT THE PUBLIC’S INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE SCHEME AND AN INCREASE IN THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION RATES BY 6.8 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FHJM JANUARY 1986 HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGHER PAY OUT.
/NR LEE
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
MR LEE SAID THAT 1 329 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED IN 1985-86, REPRESENTING ABOUT 16.9 PER CENT OF THE 7 824 CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES REPORTED TO THE POLICE IN THE YEAR.
SIMILAR TO THE PATTERN OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR, VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND WOUNDING AS WELL AS ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY MADE UP THE MAJORITY, ABOUT 93 PER CENT, OF THE APPLICANTS.
THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS ARISING FROM CASES OF FALLING OBJECTS WITH 27 APPLICATIONS AS COMPARED WITH 18 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
APPLICATIONS RELATED TO HOMICIDE, MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER CASES ROSE MARGINALLY TO 46 AS AGAINST 44.
DURING THE YEAR, THERE WAS NO APPLICATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION.
OF ALL THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 951 WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE WHILE 361 WERE SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $596 294 WAS GRANTED AS THE FINAL AWARD TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES VICTIM INJURED IN A GOLDSMITH SHOP ROBBERY IN 1984. BEFORE THIS, HE HAD ALREADY RECEIVED INTERIM AWARDS AMOUNTING TO $45 555.
IN GRANTING the compensation, THE boards TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE SERIOUSNESS OF A VICTIM’S INJURY, HIS SUFFERING, RESIDUAL DISABILITY AND LOSS OF EARNINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BASIS OF COMMON LAW DAMAGES, MR LEE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE CLEIC SCHEME WAS CONSTANTLY REVIEWED TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS AND THE BOARDS HAD PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT PERIOD FROM THREE MONTHS TO SIX MONTHS IN RESPECT OF INJURY GRANT AND INTERIM ADJUSTMENT GRANT TO VICTIMS OF SERIOUS INJURIES.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL WAS TO GIVE THE BOARDS DISCRETIONARY POWER TO INCREASE THE AWARDS TO RAPE VICTIMS, AND TO VICTIMS WHO HAD DEMONSTRATED EXEMPLARY EFFORTS IN ASSISTING THE POLICE IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND ARREST OF CRIMINALS IN SPITE OF PERSONAL EMBARRASSMENT, INCONVENIENCE OR FEAR.
THE REPORT NOTED THAT THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, WHILE THE PROPOSAL FOR A BEREAVEMENT GRANT WAS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
---0 - -
/1O
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
10
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS
X X X X X
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR ROBERT GAFF AND HAS REAPPOINTED SIR OSWALD CHEUNG, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN AND MR G.M. MACWHlNNIE TO THE BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM MAY 1, 1987.
MR ROBERT GAFF IS REPLACING MR C. H. TUNG, WHO HAS SERVED ON THE BOARD FOR THREE YEARS SINCE 1984. MR GAFF CURRENTLY SERVES ON THE HONG KONG LOTTERIES BOARD, SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE. HE IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE rf)NG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY MR C.W. NEWTON, ARE MR P.J. WRANGHAM, MR DAVID NENDICK (SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS), THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
------0-------
EDUCATION COMMISSION MEMBERS REAPPOINTED X X * X
THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FOR A FURTHER ONE YEAR TERM UNTIL MARCH 31, 1988.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REAPPOINTMENT, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, WOULD ENSURE CONTINUITY IN THE COMMISSION’S WORK PROGRAMME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSION IS AT PRESENT CONSIDERING PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITS SECOND REPORT.
♦DURING THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS WORK, UNDER THE CONTINUED CHAIRMANSHIP OF DR Q.W. LEE, THE COMMISSION WILL EXAMINE CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
+THE COMMISSION’S CONCLUSIONS ON THESE SUBJECTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN ITS THIRD REPORT, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO SHORTLY BEGIN A STUDY OF THE IMPORTANT QUESTION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF ANY CHANGES THERETO FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1988.
------0-------
Thursday, april 16, 1987
11
FOURTH QUARTER RESTAURANT SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED * * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, ESTIMATED AT $5 590 MILLION, WAS 12 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, WHILE THE VOLUME OF SALES WAS 9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $2 447 MILLION, WHICH WAS 14 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE (19 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985, FOLLOWED BY BARS (13 PER CENT), CHINESE RESTAURANTS (12 PER CENT), NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (8 PER CENT), AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY ETC.) (7 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS} CHINESE RESTAURANTS) BARS) OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES) AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE WHOLE OF 1986 WITH THE WHOLE OF 1985, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS ROSE BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME, AND THE TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT.
FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS (15 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY BARS (10 PER CENT), OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (9 PER CENT), CHINESE RESTAURANTS (7 PER CENT) AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (6 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS AGAIN SHOWED THE LARGEST INCREASE, AT 13 PER CENT. THE GROWTH, IN VOLUME TERMS, RECORDED BY OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES) CHINESE RESTAURANTS) BARS) AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS WERE 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER -- AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS — TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS WENT UP BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME) AND THE VALUE OF PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT.
/between .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 198?
- 12
BETWEEN THOSE TWO QUARTERS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS AND THOSE OF BARS INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
BUT TOTAL RECEIPTS OF OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS I THOSE OF FAST FOOD SHOPS BY 4 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUMEi AND THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR TOTAL RECEIPTS OF AND TOTAL PURCHASES BY THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 AND WITH THOSE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985i AND COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1986 WITH THOSE FOR 1985 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
CHART 1 DEPICTS THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983 TO THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT SI PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234941.
/TABLE 1 i .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 198?
- 13 -
TABLE I ! TOTAL RESTAURAMT RECEIPTS AMD PURCHASES
3rd qtr. 1986 4th qtr. 1986
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant receipts (in HKI Billion) 5 102 5 590
Total purchases by restaurants (in HKI Billion) 2 194 2 447
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUNE INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 3RD QUARTER 1986 AND 4TH QUARTER 1986
(Quarterly average of October 84 - Septeaber 85 « 100)
1 Type of restaurant Index of 1 1 I 1 | 1 st-4th qtr. 1986!
total 1 3rd 1 4th 1 4th qtr. 1906 1 4th qtr. 1986 11
restaurant ! quarter J quarter 1 coapared with ’ coapared with • coapared with ' st-4th qtr. 19851
receipts I 19B6 1 19B6 1 3rd qtr. 1986 1 4th qtr. 19B5 11
1 (Revised :(Provisional! Points X 1 Points 1 J 1 figures) Sfigures) 1 1 1 III 1 1 Points X t 1 1 1
Chinese restaurants Value ' 107 I 123 1 17 15 1 14 12 1 i : i i * i 7 1 1 1
Volute 1 103 ! 119 1 15 15 1 10 10 1 111 1 1 ii: : : 5 5 1 1 1
Non-Chinese restaurants Value 1 113 1 108 1 -6 -5 1 8 8 1 6 6 1
• । । । । Voluae 107 1 101 1 -6 -6 1 3 3 1 III 1 1 2 2 i 1 1
Fast food shops Illi 1 Value 1 130 1 125 1 -5 -4 1 19 19 1 III 1 1 16 15 1 1 1
Voluae 1 126 1 120 1 -6-5 1 16 16 1 III 1 1 13 13 1 1
Bars II I 1 1 Value 1 115 1 129 ! 15 13 1 15 13 1 lit ! t 10 10 1 1 1
t i i I । Voluae I 105 1 118 1 13 12 ’ 1 8 7 1 III 1 1 4 w 4 1 1 1
•Other eating and drinking places III 1 1 Value ! 118 1 114 1 -4 -3 1 8 71 111 1 1 9 9 ♦ 1 1 1
Voluae 1 113 1 109 1 . -4 -3 1 5 5 1 6 6 1
Entire restaurant sector III 1 1 Value 1 110 ! 120 1 11 10 1 13 12 1 • 8 8 1 1
। • । । । Voluae I 106 1 115 I 9 91 9 91 5 5 i 1
Note i Figures denoting changes are derived froo unrounded figures, and positive figures denote increases whereas negative figures denote decreases.
- 14 - THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 198?
Chart 1: Value and Volume Indexes of Restaurant Receipts
(Quarterly average of Oct. 1984 — Sept 1985 » 100)
Key
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
15
WAGE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER PUBLISHED * * X X X
THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR DECEMBER 1986, AT 137.7, INCREASED BY 7.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1985 AND BY 1.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE DECEMBER 1986 AND DECEMBER 1985 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 6.8 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 6.1 PER CENT FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 8.0 PER CENT FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 9.6 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 6.9 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE DECEMBER 1986 AND SEPTEMBER 1986 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.2 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 1.4 PER CENT- FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.6 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT WHILE THAT FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR DECREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT.
THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1985 TO DECEMBER 1986 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1. DETAILED BREAKDOWNS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 104.5 IN DECEMBER 1986, WAS 3.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN DECEMBER 1985 AND 0.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
FROM DECEMBER 1985 TO DECEMBER 1986, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.1 PER CENT} FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT} FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 4.2 PER CENT} FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 5.8 PER CENT} AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.1 PER CENT.
COMPARING DECEMBER 1986 WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT} FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 1.0 PER CENT« FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.1 PER CENT} AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.9 PER CENT. WHILE THAT FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT.
THE REAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1985 TO DECEMBER 1986 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3-
/these nominal .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1?87
- 16
THESE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDEXES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EACH QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, COVERING BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR.
SUCH INDEXES MEASURE CHANGES IN WAGE RATES BY HOLDING THE STRUCTURAL PATTERN OF THE LABOUR FORCE WITH RESPECT TO INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, SEX AND MODE OF PAYMENT THE SAME AS THAT OF MARCH 1982, WHICH IS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDEXES.
WHILE THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGE RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL WAGE INDEX, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE WAGES RECEIVED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH INTERVALS.
STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW THE WAGE INDEXES AND THE INDEXES ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE WAGE RATES PROVIDE A MEASURE OF THE UNIT PRICE OF LABOUR, PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS A MEASURE OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
WAGES RATES REPRESENT THE AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK, AND ARE DEFINED TO INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AND SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, MEAL BENEFITS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, GOOD ATTENDANCE BONUS AND NIGHT SHIFT ALLOWANCE.
IN ADDITION, YEAR-END BONUS AND OTHER GURANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES THAT ARE PAID LESS FREQUENTLY THAN MONTHLY, ARE CONVERTED TO AN EQUIVALENT MONTHLY RATE WHEN COMPILING THE WAGE RATE INDEXES.
TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS. APART FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED CASH RECEIPTS, IT ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NON-GUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
/AS A RESULT, ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
17
AS A RESULT, MOVEMENTS IN WAGE RATES DO NOT NECESSARILY WITH THOSE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED.
CONFORM
A-n FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES
AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOL. 1, DECEMBER 1986 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
The VOL. if ISSUE OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS OF WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED ™ BE **A,LABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN EARLY MAY 1•
F°R ENQUIRIES about the wage indexes, contact the wages and LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234746 OR 5-8234747.
/Table 1 »
- 18 - THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
Table 1 : Nominal Wage Indexes by Selected Major Economic Sectors
Indexes (March 1982 ■ 100) Selected Major Economic Sectors _______________________________________________
Dec. 1985 Mar. 1986 Jun. 1986 Sept. 1986 Dec. 1986
Manufacturing 128.1 131.2 133.7 135.2 136.8
Wholesale/Retall, 122.6 124.1 125.4 128.3 130.1
Import/Export trades and
Restaurants and Hotels
Transport Services 145.6 151.7 154.4 156.4 '157.3
Business Services 131.0 135.4 139.8 143.7 143.6
Personal Services 124.5 125.8 130.2 130.0 133.1
All Sectors Above 128.6 131.6 134.0 136.2 137.7
Table 2 : Nominal Wage Indexes for Major Industries in the Manufacturing Sector
Indexes (March 1982 • 100)
Industry _____________ _______________________—
Dec. 1985 Mar. 1986 Jun. 1986 Sept. 1986 Dec. 1986
Garments 121.0 122.9 125.7 126.1 127.0
Gloves 138.9 140.8 142.0 144.4 145.7
Handbags 124.2 124.9 125.8 128.9 131.9
Cotton Splnnlcg/Weavicg 129.6 135.5 139.8 144.3 148.1
Kjxittiug 130.3 134.2 137.4 138.8 138.5
Bleaching and Dyeing 134.0 139.1 144.9 148.4 150.0
Printing 133.3 135.7 139.9 141.5 142.6
Plastic Products 127.9 132.2 134.1 135.6 136.7
Metal Products 130.5 135.3 137.2 139.3 140.8
Electrical Appliances 136.5 143.3 145.7 148.2 151.5
Electronics 132.8 136.2 137.2 140.3 . 143.5
Watches and Clocks 134.7, 141.8 145.0 144.8 147.9
Manufacturing 128.1 131.2 133.7 135.2 136.8
♦
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1?87
- 19 -
Table 3 : Real Wage Indexes by Selected Major Economic Sectors
Indexes (March 1982 ■ 100) Selected Major Economic Sectors __________________________________ -___________
Dec. 1985 Mar. 1986 Jun. 1986 Sept. 1986 Dec. 1986
Manufacturing 100.8 102.3 102.7 103.2 103.9
Wholesale/Retail, 96.5 96.7 96.4 97.8 98.8
Import/Export trades and
Restaurants and Hotels
Transport Services 114.6 118.2 118.7 119.3 119.4
Business Services 103.1 105.5 107.5 109.6 109.1
Personal Services 98.1 98.1 100.1 99.2 101.1
All Sectors Above 101.3 102.6 103.0 103.9 104.5
- - 0 - -
/20
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
20
SPECIAL REVIEW ON SALARY STATISTICS * * * *
A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE, ENTITLED +SALARY STATISTICS OF MIDDLE-LEVEL MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES+, IS INCLUDED IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTH.Y DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
BEFORE 1984, ONLY EMPLOYEES UP TO THE SUPERVISORY LEVEL IN DIFFERENT BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS WERE COVERED IN THE REGULAR WAGE SURVEYS CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. AS A RESULT, WAGE STATISTICS FOR MIDDLE-LEVEL MANAGERIAL STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NOW, WITH THE EXTENSION OF EMPLOYEE COVERAGE, THE WAGE STATISTICS SYSTEM BECOMES MORE COMPLETE FOR ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND POLICY FORMULATION.
THE ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE OBJECTIVES, COVERAGE AND GENERAL METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES — EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) WHICH HAS BEEN CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT ONCE EVERY YEAR SINCE 1984.
ALSO CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE SALARY LEVELS STARTING FROM JUNE 1983, THE ABSOLUTE SALARY RATES OF A NUMBER OF OCCUPATIONS FOR JUNE 1986 AND THE ENTITLEMENTS TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS FOR JUNE 1986.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY. PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
CS LOOKS AT WORK OF AFD X X X X
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, VISITED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, MR FORD WAS THEN BRIEFED ON THE WHOLESALING SYSTEM IN THE MARKETING OF FRESH FOOD PRODUCE IN HONG KONG.
HE WAS ALSO TOLD THE EXISTING TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT WHOLESALE FACILITIES AND THE WORK DONE BY THE DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE SUCH FACILITIES BY REPROVISIONING OLD MARKETS AND BUILDING NEW ONES.
/MR FORD
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
- 21 -
MR FORD NOTED THAT A TEMPORARY POULTRY MARKET HAD BEEN BUILT AT WESTERN RECLAMATION AND WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN JULY THIS YEAR. THE NEW MARKET WILL REPLACE THE KENNEDY TOWN POULTRY MARKET AT FORBES STREET WHICH IS CREATING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE AREA.
HE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT PLANS WERE IN HAND FOR CONSTRUCTING TWO LARGE WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEXES AT WESTERN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN RESPECTIVELY WHICH WERE EXPECTED TO COME ON STREAM IN THE 199OS.
MR FORD ALSO MET THE FOUR ASSISTANT DIRECTORS IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONAL BRANCHES AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
THE SUBJECTS OF INTEREST WHICH WERE DISCUSSED DURING MR FORD’S VISIT INCLUDED THE MANAGEMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS AND THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT TO FORECAST THE FUTURE NEED FOR SUCH FACILITIES, THE CONTROL OF PESTICIDES AND RABIES, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
______0-------
VISIT TO ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING * X X X
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, TODAY (THURSDAY) MET STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING WAS PART OF MR GREWAL’S SERIES OF VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF DEPARTMENTS.
mr rRFWAI DESCRIBED HIS TALKS WITH THE WATER SUPPLIES STAFF AS +PART%F AN ONGOING EFFORT TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTAND I NG AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND DEPARTMENTS.+
+OUR DISCUSSIONS COVERED A NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS. I THINK THE VISITS ARE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL IN THAT THEY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DEPARTMENTAL STAFF TO BRING THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS TO MY ATTENTION AND ENABLE ME IN TURN TO SEE THEM WORKING ON THE GROUND AT FIRST HAND,+ HE ADDED.
AFTER THE MEETING AT WATER SUPPLIES HEADQUARTERS, MR GREWAL, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, LEFT FOR THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS, WHERE HE TOURED THE FACILITY AND MET WSD SITE STAFF AT WORK.
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/22
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1937
22
LAND EXECUTIVES PASS POLYTECHNIC COURSE X X X X X
TEN LAND EXECUTIVES OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE HIGHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME IN LAND ADMINISTRATION RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES TODAY (THURSDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR CHAU CHAM-SON, SAID THE COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, HAD PROVED TO BE A VERY SUCCESSFUL TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR LAND EXECUTIVES OVER THE YEARS.
+SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1974, A TOTAL OF 231 LAND EXECUTIVES HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE WITH MORE THAN HALF OF THEM ACHIEVING EXCELLENT EXAMINATION RESULTS.
+THE PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE PROVIDES FORMALISED TRAINING IN LAND ADMINISTRATION FOR NEWLY-RECRUITED LAND EXECUTIVES,+ MR CHAU SAID.
PASSING THE COURSE, HELD ONE DAY A WEEK AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, IS A REQUIREMENT FOR CONFIRMATION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT.
SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF LOCAL SERVICES) LAND SURVEYING AND MAP INTERPRETATION , VALUATION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS? LAW RELATED TO LAND ADMINISTRATION? BUILDING CONSTRUCTION? LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT) ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS.
------o-------
TRAINING COURSE FOR STAFF OF DB MEMBERS’ OFFICES X- X X X
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A TRAINING COURSE FOR THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OF UNOFFICIAL DB MEMBERS’ OFFICES FROM APRIL 27 TO JULY 24 TO ENHANCE THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE AND THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE COURSE IS DIVIDED INTO SIX LECTURES: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THE PLANNING AND USE OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE? AN INTRODUCTION OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AN INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, THE TECHNIQUE OF INTERVIEWING THE PUBLIC AND THE PROCEDURES OF HANDLING COMPLAINTS) AND THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE DISTRICT.
LECTURERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, CNTA, NT/NW DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (TUEN MUN), HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY, AND BAPTIST COLLEGE.
THE COURSE IS FREE OF CHARGE. A CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTEND THE WHOLE COURSE.
------0-------
/23........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
23
FUNDS FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
*****
ABOUT $270 000 WILL BE SPENT ON THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN TAI PO, CHAIRMAN OF THE NEWLY-FORMED TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE 1987, MR HO YUNG-SANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR HO ALSO INVITED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO APPLY FOR FUND TO organise ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
HE ADDED THAT ABOUT $140 000 WOULD COME FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FUND AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHILE THE REMAINDER WOULD BE FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
MR HO SAID LETTERS WOULD SOON BE SENT TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE programme.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TING KOK ROAD. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BY MAY 15.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111 EXTENSION 244.
-------0----------
LAUNCHING OF AIDS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN * * * *
THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE NEXT TUESDAY (APRIL 21) TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCHING OF A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON AIDS.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, DR S.H. LEE, CONSULTANT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, DR E.K. YEOH, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES (PUBLICITY), MR PETER MOSS, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
- - 0---------
/24........
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987
24
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, ST FRANCIS STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 18) TO 7 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 21).
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL X x«rx X
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT (EAST) FERRY PIER AND JOSS HOUSE BAY WILL BE OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. LTD. DURING THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE SPECIAL FERRIES WILL START RUNNING AT 8.30 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 19) AND OPERATE OVERNIGHT UNTIL 4 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE FREQUENCY RANGES FROM 60 TO 90 MINUTES AND WILL BE INCREASED TO 45 MINUTES BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM ON MONDAY. THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM NORTH POINT TO JOSS HOUSE BAY IS SCHEDULED FOR 2.30 PM ON MONDAY.
FARES CHARGED PER SINGLE JOURNEY WILL BE $17 FOR ADULTS AND $11 FOR CHILDREN ON DELUXE CLASS AND $12 AND $7 RESPECTIVELY FOR THOSE RIDING ON ORDINARY CLASS.
IN ADDITION, FERRY SERVICES LINKING NORTH POINT WITH KOWLOON CITY AND HUNG HOM RESPECTIVELY WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY.
- - 0 - -
TSUEN WAN WATER CUT XXX
FRESHWATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 19) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY 116-142 YEUNG UK ROAD, FUI YUI KOK STREET AND WANG LUNG STREET.
- - 0----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NG.
HET AID) WARM MARCH SETS NEW RECORD .......................... 1
CENTRAL AND t.TSSTlRN DB VISITING CHINA ...................... 4
ENQUIRIES AND COrTLAINTS MADE EASY............................ 4
FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME AT TIN SHUT WAI....................... 5
FRIDAY VOCAL MUSIC LSC'TURES...............,.................. 5
CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR TENDER FAMILY ELECTION.................. 6
MORAL EDUCATION SEMBfAR FOR TEACHERS ORGANISED................ 6
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT CHANGES FOR TH; HAU FESTIVAL...............
PERilANUPT CLOSURE OF SHEUTG TaK STREET IROPOSMD.............. 8
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
1
WET AND WARM MARCH SETS NEW RECORD
* * * M
WITH A MEAN MONTHLY TEMPERATURE OF 21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS, MARCH 1987 WAS THE WARMEST MARCH ON RECORD, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE THREE PRECEDING MONTHS WERE ALSO WARMER THAN USUAL AND THE rEAN TEMPERATURE FOR THE FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONTHS ENDING MARCH, 18.7 DEGREES CELSIUS, WAS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD.
MARCH WAS ALSO VERY WET WITH A TOTAL RAINFALL OF 234.0 MILLIMETRES, MORE THAN FOUR TIMES THE NORMAL AMOUNT.
THE TORRENTIAL THUNDERSTORMS FROM MARCH 16 TO 18 RESULTED IN 194.7 MM OF RAINFALL, THE HIGHEST RECORDED FOR ANY THREE-DAY PERIOD IN MARCH. ON MARCH 18, HAIL WAS REPORTED IN NORTHERN KOWLOON AND THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF MARCH WAS COOL AND DRY WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE ON MARCH 2. WARMER AND HUMID CONDITIONS SET IN ON MARCH 4. MORNING MIST WAS REPORTED ON MARCH 5 BUT IT WAS SUNNY AND WARM IN THE AFTERNOON.
A SOUTHERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT WARM AND CLOUDY WEATHER WITH SOME RAIN OVER THE NEXT FOUR DAYS. ON MARCH 10, THE WEATHER WAS MAINLY FINE APART FROM MIST AND FOG DURING THE HORNING.
ON MARCH 11 AND 12, FRESH WINDS FROM THE EAST GAVE RISE TO CLOUDY AND FOGGY WEATHER WITH DRIZZLE.
OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS SET IN AND THE WEATHER IMPROVED WITH SUNNY PERIODS DURING THE DAY. ON MARCH 14, IT WAS VERY WARM WITH A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.0 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE HIGHEST RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR.
ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 15, THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED FROM THE EAST BRINGING MIST AND LIGHT RAIN AGAIN. TEMPERATURES FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 19.5 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE EVENING.
WITH A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE AT THE SURFACE JUST TO THE NORTH CF HONG KONG AND VERY ACTIVE MOISTURE-LADEN SOUTHWESTERLIES ALOFT, WIDESPREAD SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS BROKE OUT AROUND DAWN ON MARCH 16 AND CONTINUED FOR MOST OF THE DAY.
SQUALLS WITH GUSTS UP TO 62 KILOMETRES PER HOUR FELL A 10-METRE TREE IN HO MAN TIN AND BLEW DOWN A SCAFFOLDING IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, DAMAGING A LORRY AND A TAXI.
HEAVY AND THUNDERY SHOWERS CONTINUED THE NEXT DAY. THEY WERE PARTICULARLY INTENSE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 AM RESULTING IN 50.1 MH CF RAINFALL, THE HIGHEST HOURLY RAINFALL RECORDED FOR MARCH. THE RAINFALL OF 126.4 MM FOR THE DAY ALSO BROKE THE DAILY RECORD FOR MARCH.
/THS TCilBENTIAL.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
2
>' ,'r f <»' v
THE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR RESULTED IN 116 CASES OF FLOODING AND FOUR CASES OF MINOR MUDSLIPS. IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, 49 HECTARES OF VEGETABLE FIELD WERE INUNDATED. ROAD SUBSIDENCE ALSO OCCURRED IN KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN.
THUNDERSTORMS RETURNED ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 18 WITH HAIL OCCURRING BETWEEN 8 AM TO 8.45 AM. ACCORDING TO THE 32 REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, HAIL WAS OBSERVED IN SAI KUNG, SHA TIN AND THE NORTHERN PART OF KOWLOON.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED MARKEDLY WITH SOME SUNNY INTERVALS ON THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18. APART FROM SOME MORNING MIST, THERE WERE SUNNY PERIODS DURING THE NEXT DAY.
IT WAS WARM AND CLOUDY WITH MIST AND DRIZZLE FROM MARCH 20 TO 24. HOWEVER, SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WERE AGAIN REPORTED ON MARCH 21.
AN INTENSE SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ACCOMPANIED BY SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS AND STRONG WINDS ARRIVED DURING THE SMALL HOURS OF MARCH 25. THE WEATHER REMAINED RAINY AND WINDY THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHILE TEMPERATURES CONTINUED TO DROP TO A MINIMUM OF 13.0 DEGREES CELSIUS ON THE EARLY MORNING OF MARCH 26. THIS WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED FOR THE MONTH.
ON THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 25, A FISHING VESSEL SANK IN STRONG WINDS OFF BASALT ISLAND NEAR SAI KUNG AND A MAN WAS REPORTED MISSING.
ON MARCH 26, IT WAS MAINLY CLOUDY AND WINDY. WINDS MODERATED ON THE AFTERNOON OF MARCH 27 BUT THERE WAS DRIZZLE WHICH CONTINUED INTO THE NEXT DAY.
FROM MARCH 29 TO 31, THE WEATHER WAS WARMER WITH FOG AFFECTING HONG KONG WATERS. IT WAS PARTICULARLY FOGGY ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 31 WHEN VISIBILITIES WERE REDUCED TO 50 METRES AT KOWLOON LAY AND 100 METRES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, CHEUNG CHAU AND WAGLAN ISLAND. THERE WERE HIST PATCHES AND DRIZZLE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY WHEN WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST AGAIN.
THERE WERE NO TRQPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ,DUR ING THE MONTH.
. ' . r
IN MARCH, A TOTAL' OF 10 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER,,
/thuhderstorh........
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 16 TO 18, 21 AND 25. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 17, 18 AND 25.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM MARCH 1 TO 2. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM MARCH 2 TO 3.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 25 5.05 AM MARCH 26 7.00 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 26 5.00 PM MARCH 27 2.55 PM
WINTER STRONG MARCH 31 11.00 PM APR IL 1 6.05 AM
MONSOON MONSOON
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE 62.8 HOURS = 38.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
2 2
GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 8.07 MJ/M - 3.47 MJ/M BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 234.0 MM - 179.2 MM ABOVE NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 84 % - 8 % MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 86 % - 4 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL
REAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 23.5 DEGREES C- 2.2 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN TEMPERATURE 21.3 DEGREES C- 2.8 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 19.7 DEGREES C- 3.4 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 18.8 DEGREES C= 3.8 DEGREES C ABOVE NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 57.3 MM = 40.0 MM BELOW NORMAL
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/4
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
4
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB VISITING CHINA
*****
A CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD DELEGATION LEFT FOR CHINA THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING ON A NINE-DAY STUDY TOUR.
TOUR LEADER AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHOW YIN-SUM,
said this was the first visit to china by district boards.
during the TOUR, MEMBERS WILL VISIT FOUR CITIES - PEKING. HANGZHOU, SUZHOU AND SHANGHAI.
THEY will MEET OFFICIALS OF THE STATE COUNCIL AS WELL AS MUNICIPAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON URBAN MANAGEMENT AND CITIZEN PART ICI PAT I ON.
THE DELEGATION INCLUDES THE BOARD’S SECRETARY, SEVEN BOARD MEMBERS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, AND SEVEN AREA COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES.
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ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS MADE EASY * * * *
A LEAFLET OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP CF DEPARTMENTS HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO FACILITATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN REFERRING THEIR ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES FOR PROMPT ACTION.
FOR EASE OF REFERENCE, THE PAMPHLET ALSO INCLUDES SOME OF THE MORE COMMON SUBJECTS OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS UNDER THE RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS.
+FOR EXAMPLE, ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MANHOLE COVERS, CRASH BARRIERS, CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTPATHS ARE LISTED UNDER HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT- SEWERS, OVERFLOWING MANHOLES AND FLOODING UNDER CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT- LEAKING FIRE HYDRANTS, BURST WATERMAINS AND LEAKING WATERMAINS UNDER WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT- UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES, DANGEROUS SIGNBOARDS AND DANGEROUS BUILDINGS UNDER BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT,* A BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BRANCH ALSO HAS JURISDICTION OVER THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFF CE BUILDING AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S MARKETING OFFICc ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1937
5
FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME AT TIN SHU I WAI
*****
A S4-MILLI0N CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF 10 SCREW PUMPS AT FOUR PUMPING STATIONS NEAR TIN SHU I WAI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS PART OF A FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME IN THE AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH AWARDED THE CONTRACT, SAID THE WORK INCLUDED THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF THE SCREW PUMPS, TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES.
+ IT WILL ENABLE WATER ACCUMULATED IN FLOOD PONDS IN LO UK TSUEN, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND KIU TAU WAI TO DISCHARGE INTO DRAINAGE CHANNELS, THUS PROTECTING THE FOUR LOW-LYING VILLAGES FROM FLOOD I NG,+ HE ADDED.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FRIDAY VOCAL MUSIC LECTURES
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS ON VOCAL MUSIC BY ANNA CHENG AT TSUEN WAN SsIcJInTrIoN THREE CONSECUTIVE FRIDAYS FROM 7.30 PM TO 9.30 PM STARTING APRIL 24.
A RECIPIENT OF VARIOUS AWARDS. MISS CHENG GRADUATED WITH A BA MUS^C DEGREE FROM THE MARYLHURST COLLEGE IN OREGON.UNDER qiqtfr Cl AUD IA FOLTZ SHE FURTHERED HER VOCAL STUDIES WITH GLADYS WHITEHEAD IN CANADA AND GORDON CLINTON OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC IN LONDON.
SHE MAS GIVEN RECITALS AND MADE TELEVISION AND ^DIO APPEARANCES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND HAS APPEARED WITH THE CBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN WINNIPEG.
SINCE RETURNING TO HONG KONG IN 1976, MISS CHENG HAS EEEN A FACULTY MEMBER OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG
THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS AND ADMISSION IS FREE. FOR ENQUIRIES CALL 0-4928127.
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/6........
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
6
CANDIDATES SOUGHT FOR TENDER FAMILY ELECTION
* * * K
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES OR TAKE PART THEMSELVES IN A TENDER FAMILY ELECTION, ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITHIN THE FAMILY, THE ELECTION IS AIMED AT HIGHLIGHTING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THEIR OWN FAMILIES.
ALL FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART OR NOMINATE A TENDER FAMILY FOR ELECTION.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED BY A 10-MEMBER ADJUDICATION PANEL WHICH WILL VISIT THE FAMILIES TO OBTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR LIFE.
PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE AWARDED TO THE 10 MOST OUTSTANDING FAMILIES, THEIR NOMINATORS AND ALL OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION IS MAY 10. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE (SAI KUNG), JUNK BAY MEDICAL RELIEF COUNCIL AND THE RENNIE’S MILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-2814455 EXTENSION 26.
------0-------
MORAL EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS ORGANISED X X X X x
,_JHE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON MORAL EDUCATION.
THE SEMINARS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE
sia® si™
PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
JMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO SJJENDTHE SEMINARS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE cniil9-!-?^®/ETH ICAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ip§pj mayDiP(™mJ;.LEE g4,,dens- flys‘N “eJue"Scwse5"E6ay,
---0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
7
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG AND KWUN TONG NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 20) FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
IN YUEN LONG, FROM 9 AM UNTIL THE PROCESSION IN CELEBRATION CF THE FESTIVAL IS COMPLETED, FUNG KAM STREET, FUNG YAU STREET SOUTH, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
FROM 10 AM, TAI TONG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
FROM 7 AM ON APRIL 19 TO 10 PM ON APRIL 21, THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, WHILE THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
DURING THIS PERIOD, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 WILL BE REROUTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
TO TIE IN WITH TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, A NUMBER OF BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES WILL BE DIVERTED FROM 9 AM ON APRIL 20 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS OVER.
BUS ROUTE 56 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.
NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 31 AND 32 WILL BE DIVERTED. MEANWHILE, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 39 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED. ROUTE 73 WILL ALSO OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE FROM TONG YUEN TO TAI KEI LENG.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS OVER. THESE PARKING SPACES ARE LOCATED AT TAI YUK ROAD, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD AND TAI TONG ROAD.
IN KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 900 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON THE SAME DAY. MOTORISTS ON WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR YAU TONG WILL BE DIVERTED TO HOI YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE, THE U-TURN MOVEMENT FROM CHA KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND TO CHA KWO LING ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE PERMITTED.
MEANWHILE, THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND FOR ROUTES 23 AND 23A OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 175-193 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1987
- 8 -
PERMANENT CLOSURE OF SHEUNG TAK STREET PROPOSED *****
A PORTION OF SHEUNG TAK STREET IN LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, KOWLOON, IS PROPOSED TO BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY TO MAKE WAY FOR FURTHER REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE.
THE CLOSURE OF THE PORTION OF THE STREET, WHICH IS BETWEEN FORMER BLOCKS 2 AND 3 OF THE ESTATE, IS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THREE TRIDENT BLOCKS UNDER PHASE VII OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
THE REMAINING SECTION OF SHEUNG TAK STREET SOUTH OF TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND THE TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD TO BE CONSTRUCTED WILL BECOME A TWO-WAY ROAD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 15.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
Saturday, .lpril 18, 1987
CONTENTS Page no.
danger of unattended children to be highlighted............ 1
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR YOUNG DESIGNER OF YEAR COMPETITION ..... 1
POLICE KOWLOON REGIONAL CENTRE TO BE REDEVELOPED .......... 2
EXPLAINING WORK OF TOWN PLANNING INFORMATION UNIT.......... 3
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR KWUN TONG ORGANISATIONS ............ J
MORE TEAMS TOR SHa TIN DRAGON BOaT RaCE ................... A
TENDERS INVITED FOR DRaGON BOaT FESTIVaL STANDS ........... 5
TUEN MUN TRAFFIC CHaNGES FOR TIN HaU FESTIVaL ............. 5
SATURDAY. APRIL 18, 1987
1
DANGER OF UNATTENDED CHILDREN TO BE HIGHLIGHTED X- X M- M- X-
A SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE BEING LAUNCHED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
THESE ACTIVITIES, TOTALLING SOME 125 ITEMS, WILL COME IN THE FORMS OF EXHIBITIONS, TALKS, FORUMS, COMPETITIONS, PARENTS’ MEETINGS, VARIETY SHOWS AND CARNIVALS AND THEY ARE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT SOME 100 000 PARTICIPANTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, +WE ARE SURE THAT PARENTS ARE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF LEAVING CHILDREN AT HOME UNATTENDED THROUGH VARIOUS TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGNS, SUCH AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND HOME SAFETY.
♦HOWEVER, WE ARE REINFORCING THESE PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO REMIND THEM AND TO ESTABLISH DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE TARGET CLIENTELE SO AS TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE FURTHER.+
AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE ACTIVITIES WOULD BE TO ENCOURAGE MORE MUTUAL HELP AMONG NEIGHBOURS TO TAKE CARE OF CHILDREN ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, HE SAID.
GROUPS FOR PARENTj ARE BEING FORMED TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO TAKE TURN IN CARING FOR EACH OTHER’S YOUNG CHILDREN FOR A SHORT WHILE WHEN NECESSARY.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IS BEING ENLISTED TO ORGANISE SPECIAL PROGRAMMES TO ENSURE THE MESSAGE REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
♦ABOVE ALL, WE WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO PARENTS THAT APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE FOR THE PROPER CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN WHENEVER THEY LEAVE THE HOME, NO MATTER FOR A LONG OR SHORT PERIOD OF T|ME,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT ANY OF THE 13 DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES.
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ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR YOUNG DESIGNER OF YEAR • * * * * *
COMPETITION
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SIXTH HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION.
THE AWARD IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE DESIGN COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR.
/AIMED AT .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 198?
2
AIMED AT PROMOTING THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL FORM 5 STUDENTS WHO WILL BE SITTING FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION. THESE SUBJECTS INCLUDE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, METALWORK, WOODWORK AND PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE REAL SIZE WORKING MODELS AND BE SUPPORTED BY RELEVANT MATERIALS SHOWING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LEADING TO THE END PRODUCTS.
CONTESTANTS ARE FREE TO SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF DRAWING AND SKETCHES TO ILLUSTRATE THEIR IDEAS.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON, BEFORE JULY 2.
CASH AWARDS FOR WINNERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE THE SAME AS LAST YEAR. THE WINNER OF 1986 HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD’S PREMIER AWARD WON A CASH PRIZE OF #3 OOO WHILE PRIZE MONEY FOR OTHER WINNERS RANGED FROM $250 TO $1 000.
LAST YEAR THERE WERE MORE THAN 100 ENTRIES OF WHICH 24 WERE HONOURED WITH AWARDS. THE 1986 HONG KONG DESIGNER AWARD WENT TO MR LEE YAU-WING OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR HIS DESIGN OF A WIND GAUGE WHICH WAS CHOSEN BY THE JUDGING PANEL FOR ITS TECHNOLOGICAL VALUE, SIMPLICITY IN DESIGN AND GOOD CRAFTSMANSHIP.
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POLICE KOWLOON REGIONAL CENTRE TO BE REDEVELOPED
THE KOWLOON REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE OF THE POLICE FORCE IN ARGYLE STREET, MONG KOK, IS BEING REDEVELOPED TO ACCOMMODATE A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM.
SIX CONTRACTS WORTH A TOTAL OF ABOUT $14 MILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR VARIOUS WORKS.
THE MAIN CONTRACT IS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRE AT A COST OF $9.2 MILLION.
WORKS INVOLVE DEMOLITION OF INTERNAL STRUCTURE, EXCAVATION FOR DRAINAGE, FORMATION OF THE EXTERNAL ENVELOPE OF THE BUILDING, AND EXTERNAL LANDSCAPING.
THE OTHER CONTRACTS ARE FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A LIFT, AN AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM, A LOW-VOLT CUBICLE SWITCHBOARD, AND ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SERVICES FACILITIES.
WORKS HAVE ALREADY STARTED AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/3........
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1987
3
EXPLAINING WORK OF TOWN PLANNING INFORMATION UNIT * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A CHINESE PAMPHLET INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE CENTRAL INFORMATION UNIT OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE.
THE PAMPHLET WAS PUBLISHED TO MEET GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TOWN PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS IN CREATING THE OPTIMUM LIVING ENVIRONMENT UNDER VARIOUS CONSTRAINTS.
+PEOPLE NOWADAYS ARE BECOMING MORE CONCERNED ABOUT TOWN PLANNING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT. PART OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIT IS TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A CHANNEL TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER CONSTRUCTIVELY,* SAID SENIOR TOWN PLANNER (CENTRAL INFORMATION), MR ANDREW CHAN.
+THE UNIT ALSO CENTRALISES ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION ON ALL ASPECTS OF TOWN PLANNING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY — SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AND THE LOCATION OF SCHOOLS, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS. THE INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL WITH A LEGITIMATE REQUEST,*
HE ADDED
THE PAMPHLET IS AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT MARKETING OFFICE AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE DIRECTED TO THE UNIT ON 5-8482402.
- - 0 - -
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR KWUN TONG ORGANISATIONS
*****
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-KWOK, SAID APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT BY APRIL 30.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1987
MR LAM SAID THE ACTIVITIES MUST BE HELD BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR AND MUST BE NON-PROFIT MAKING.
THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAS SET ASIDE ABOUT $200 000 FOR ORGANISATIONS OTHER THAN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS TO APPLY.
ANOTHER APPLICATION EXERCISE WOULD BE HELD IN JULY.
- - 0 - -
MORE TEAMS FOR SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE X * * * *
A TOTAL OF 119 DRAGON BOAT TEAMS WILL BE COMPETING FOR TOP HONOURS IN THE SHING MUN RIVER DURING THE COMING TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON MAY 31.
THE RACE, WHICH TAKES PLACE IN THE SECTION OF THE RIVER BETWEEN BANYAN BRIDGE AND SAND MARTIN BRIDGE COVERING A DISTANCE OF 650 METRES, HAS BEEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS IN SHA TIN.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN WAI SAID: *THIS YEAR, 30 MORE TEAMS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACE THAN LAST YEAR.
+THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE SECTORS, JOURNALISTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
THE RACE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE DIVISIONS, FEATURING MEDIUM BOATS, SMALL BOATS AND PHEONIX DRAGON BOATS. ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 56 TEAMS FOR THE MEDIUM, 42 FOR SMALL AND 21 FOR PHEONIX RACES.
MORE THAN 50 000 SPECTATORS ARE EXPECTED TO WATCH THE RACE. THE RACE WHICH STARTS AT 8 AM ON MAY 31 WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY TVB.
COSTING $400 000, WITH $15 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND ASSISTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1987
5
TENDERS INVITED FOR DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL STANDS
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECTATORS’ STAND, COMMAND POST AND CHANGING ROOMS FOR THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES'ON MAY 31.
THE DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL BE HELD ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF AREA 44 NEAR WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT NO.l, TUEN HI ROAD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MR TONG ON 0-840233 AND THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NOON ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 22).
-----0------
TUEN MUN TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN AREA 12, TUEN MUN, FROM 7 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 20) FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE ROAD CLOSURES AND SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES.
TIN HAU ROAD SOUTH OF SAN HOP LANE- SAN ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD- AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN PING CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
ALL PARKING SPACES AT SAN ON STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD CARPARKS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
-------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, mPRIL 19, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
39 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY ............. 1
CIVIC EDUCATION TO FOCUS ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. 1
WINNERS OF CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION DRAWN .......... 2
MORE SEMINARS CW CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT MONTH ............ 3
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES IN FaNLING........... 4
EMERGENCY ACCESS ROAD TO VILLAGE PROPOSED .............. 4
SPECIAL POSTAL COUNTERS TO OPEN ......................
RECLAMATION AT SAI KUNG CREEK PROPOSED ................. 5
KWUN TONG DB TO ANNOUNCE WORK PLaN DETAILS ............. 6
NO FLUSHING WATER ...................................... 6
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1997
1
39 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY *****
A TOTAL OF 39 NEW BUILDING PLANS, INCLUDING 21 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN FEBRUARY.
+AMONG THEM WAS A FIVE-STOREY STAFF-STUDENT CENTRE FOR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN SHA TIN,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
+TW0 COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ONE OF 22 STOREYS IN HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND THE OTHER OF 23 STOREYS IN NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, WERE ALSO INCLUDED.
+JUNK BAY NEW TOWN CONTINUES TO DEVELOP, WITH THE BOO APPROVING THREE PROJECTS, COMPRISING TEN BUILDINGS, FOR OFFICE-WORKSHOP, COMMERCIAL-CARPARK AND APARTMENT-KINDERGARTEN PURPOSES,* HE ADDED.
THE OFFICE ALSO GRANTED CONSENTS TO COMMENCE WORK FOR 45 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, OF WHICH 15 WERE FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
THE CONSENTS ALSO INCLUDED A SAILING CENTRE AND A ROVING SHED FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB ON MIDDLE ISLAND.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION WAS 23 “ NINE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO IN KOWLOON AND 12 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY WAS OVER $299 MILLION, BRINGING THE TOTAL FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS CF THE YEAR TO ABOUT $998 MILLION.
DURING THE MONTH, 17 CONSENTS TO DEMOLISH, AFFECTING 31 BUILDINGS, WERE ISSUED.
THE OFFICE’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 414 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 962 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 187 REMOVAL ORDERS.
-----0------
CIVIC EDUCATION TO FOCUS ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
*****
THE REVIEW ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE THE THEME OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, AT A RECENT MEETING, ENDORSED A PROGRAMME FOR PHASE THREE OF THE CAMPAIGN WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE RELEASE OF THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
/.rilE ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, APRIL 19. 1987
2
THE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEETINGS, DISCUSSIONS BY VARIOUS SECTORS IN THE COMMUNITY AND A SEMINAR.
THE GENERAL CONCEPT OF CITIZENSHIP WAS PUBLICISED AMONG RESIDENTS DURING THE FIRST TWO PHASES OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTED LAST AUGUST.
THROUGH WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY CIVIC EDUCATION TEAMS FORMED UNDER THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES.RESIDENTS WERE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE A GREATER INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
PHASE THREE OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL PREPARE RESIDENTS FOR THE POLITICAL REVIEW. THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUE, ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS AND REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMME, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER AT A SPECIAL MEETING, WHILE AREA COMMITTEES WILL DISCUSS THE ISSUE AT THEIR REGULAR MEETINGS.
THE CIVIC EDUCATION TEAMS WILL THEN VISIT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THEIR AREAS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS. RESIDENTS WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO HOLD BUILDING-BASED DISCUSSION SESSIONS.
A ROUND-UP SEMINAR WILL BE HELD TOWARDS THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD TO CONSOLIDATE THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS COLLECTtD. IT WILL FEATURE TALKS, GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSIONS AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS.
-------o----------
WINNERS OF CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION DRAWN * K * *
RESULTS OF THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION HELD TO CELEBRATE THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE ( ISHC) LAST MONTH WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
OVER 450 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED AND A LUCKY DRAW WAS CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE THE WINNERS AMONG THE CORRECT ENTRIES.
/THE FIRST
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1987
THE FIRST PRIZE OF $2 003 WENT TO MR KWONG CHAM-MING, AND THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES OF $1 500 AND $500 WENT TO MR TSE KWOK-WING AND MR CHAN MING-HOI RESPECTIVELY. THERE WERE ALSO TEN CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $200 EACH.
MAKING THE DRAW WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR K.Y. TONGSON> THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN; AND THE MANAGING EDITOR CF THE SING TAO LTD, MR LEE KAM-HUNG.
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE SING TAO LTD. IT WAS AIMED AT AROUSING THE AWARENESS AMONG EMPLOYERS, SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS IN THE INDUSTRY TOWARDS SAFETY AT WORK.
-------0 -
MORE SEMINARS ON CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT MONTH * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING TWO MORE SEMINARS ON CIVIC EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEXT MONTH.
THE TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE CF EDUCATION AT ARGYLE CENTRE, PHASE ONE, 688 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, ON MAY 23 AND 30.
THEY ARE AIMED AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH THE PLANNING CF CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE SCHOOL. THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.
THE OTHER TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE USE OF TEACHING KITS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE ON MAY 9 AND 23.
THE SEMINARS, ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS-CIVIC EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, ARE AIMED . AT INTRODUCING TEACHING KITS FOR USE IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE URGED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
- 0 -
/A........
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1987
4
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES IN FANLING
* * * * *
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN PROHIBITED ZONES FOR ALL PUBLIC L WEDNESDAY (APR IL 22).
FANLING WILL BE DESIGNATED IGHT BUSES FROM 10 AM ON
THE ROAD SECTIONS ARE THE ACCESS ROAD TO WO HANG FROM SHA TAll KOK ROAD? THE ACCESS ROAD TO MAN UK BIN FROM SHA TAU KOK JoAD? THE ACCESS ROAD TO TAN CHUK HANG FROM SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND LAU SHU I HEUNG ROAD SOUTH OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD.
NO PLB WILL EE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROHIBITED AREA.
-------0---------
EMERGENCY ACCESS ROAD TO VILLAGE PROPOSED * * * * *
A 200-METRE-L0NG EMERGENCY ACCESS ROAD FOR LEI YUE MUN VILLAGi KWUN TONG, IS PROPOSED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE 4.5-METRE-WIDE ACCESS ROAD * ILL RUN FROM THE TURNING CIRCLE OF A NEW ROAD TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN SAM KA TSUEN, ALONGSIDE AN EXISTING FOOTPATH, TO NEAR THE LEI YUE MUN JETTY.
ON COMPLETION, IT WILL BE USED BY FIRE ENGINES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES IN EMERGENCIES AND BY PEDESTRIANS DURING NORMAL TIMES.
ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED.
OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE WRITTEN TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 15.
------o--------
SPECIAL POSTAL COUNTERS TO OPEN H K X H H
SPECIAL COUNTERS FOR NORMAL POSTAL SERVICES WILL BE SET UP IN 17 POST OFFICES ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) — THE FIRST DAY THE FOUR NEW SPECIAL STAMPS, WHICH BEAR HISTORICAL SCENES OF HONG KONG, ARE ISSUED.
AS ALL POST OFFICES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CROWDED WITH STAMPCOLLECTORS FOR FIRST-DAY COVERS, SPECIAL COUNTERS FOR MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO TRANSACT NORMAL POSTAL BUSINESS WILL BE SET UP IN THE FOLLOWING POST OFFICES:
HONG KONG ISLAND:
GENERAL POST OFFICE; BEACONSFIELD HOUSE; CAUSEWAY BAY? HENNESSY ROAD; MORRISON HILL; NORTH POINT; QUEEN’S ROAD; SHEUNG WAN ;
/Kowloon and .......
SUMDAY, APRIL 19, 1987
- 5 -
KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES:
KOWLOON CENTRAL? CHEUNG SHA WAN; GILLIES AVENUE ; KOWLOON city; kwun tong; mong kok ; sham shui po;tsim sha tsui; tsuen WING STREET.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO REMAIN PATIENT IN CASE QUEUES ARE FORMED ON THURSDAY, AND IF POSSIBLE, TO TRANSACT THEIR NORMAL POSTAL BUSINESS ON THE DAY BEFORE OR AFTER.
FIRST-DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP AT $10 EACH WILL ALSO BE ON SALE, AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICES ON THE DAY OF SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE.
-------0----------
RECLAMATION AT SAI KUNG CREEK PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO RECLAIM ABOUT 5.7 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT SAI KUNG CREEK IN SAI KUNG.
THE RECLAMATION IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT AREA, RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, ASSOCIATED ROADS, AMENITY AND OPEN SPACE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK MUST BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY JUNE 15.
-------o----------
/6........
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1987
6
KWUN TONG DB TO ANNOUNCE WORK PLAN DETAILS
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY (APRIL 21) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF ITS WORK PLANS FOR 1987-88.
ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, NR LAM HANG-FA I 5 FIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, MR LAM KIN-KWOK, W POON CHI-FA I, MR LI TING-KIT, MR LAM LEUNG-KI, MR LI WAH-MING; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING, MR HAU SHUI-PUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
- - o - -
NO FLUSHING WATER * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 22).
THE SUSPENSION IS TO FACILITATE MAINS WORK IN THE AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT , PAYROLL FIGURES OUT . 1
ENVIRONMH’T WORKING GROUPS FORMED IN MONG KOK ................ *+
ARTS, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN PROGRAMMED .............. 5
SOUTH LANTAU STUDY COMMISSIONED ............................... 6
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ROADS LaYOUT CHaNGES PROPOSED ............... 6
DENTAL CLINIC TO SERVE TUEN MUN STUDENTS ...................... 7
MINES DIVISION ON THE MOVE..................................... 7
SEMINARS FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS ORGANISED ....................... 7
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETS TOMORROW ........................ 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHa TIN TO BE DISCUSSED................ 9
LUNCHEON SPEECH ON CLEAN CAMPAIGN ............................. 9
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
1
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT
*****
IN FEBRUARY 1987 THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) AS REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED COMPARED WITH BOTH JANUARY 1987 AND FEBRUARY 1986, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987 THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES IMPROVED, WHILE THAT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY DROPPED SL IGHTLY.
IN GENERAL, THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS FIGURES FOR THE MONTHS CF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1987 IN THE SECTORS SURVEYED WERE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE CHANGES SHOWN IN THIS RELEASE SHOULD, THEREFORE, BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN FEBRUARY 1987 REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN JANUARY 1987, BUT DROPPED SLIGHTLY BELOW THE LEVEL IN FEBRUARY 1986.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987 THE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY WAS OFFSET BY THE DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 EMPLOYMENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY, WHILE THAT IN ALL OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED ROSE.
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN FEBRUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987 DUE TO THE AWARD OF DOUBLE PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN JANUARY 1987.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 MOST INDUSTRIES RECORDED SOME INCREASES IN PAYROLL, EXCEPT FOR THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE TWO INDUSTRIES ALSO DECLINED, ALONG WITH THOSE IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN FEBRUARY 1987 INCREASED SLIGHTLY COMPARED wITH JANUARY 1987. THE INCREASE WAS MORE SIGNIFICANT WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986. HOWEVER, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER BOTH JANUARY 1987 AND FEBRUARY 1986.
/IN THE
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
- 2
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN FEBRUARY 1987 WAS SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY. AMONG THE SERVICES SECTORS SURVEYED, A SLIGHT DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT AND THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN HOTELS. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 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 BELOW.
COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING
CONNIES 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 FEBRUARY 1987 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, 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 IN MANUFACTURI NG INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF MONTHS FOR FEBRUARY 1987 % INCREASE/ DECREASE OVER
JAN.87 FEB.86
WEAR ING APPAREL 4.81 -1 7
TEXTILES 2.78 1 14
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.89 4 *
/FABRICATED METAL .......
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.31 X < >9
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 5.13 2 1
PRODUCTS
OTHERS 4.44 1 1
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES 4.49 1 5
——————————
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED END OF FEBRUARY AT THE 1987 PER CAPITA EARNINGS
% INCREASE/ % INCREASE/
DECREASE OVER AS IN DECREASE OVER
INDUSTRY/ FEBRUARY 1987
SERVICES JAN. 87 FEB. 86 (HKS) JAN. 87 FEB. 86
MANUFACTURING * -1 3 399 -40 2
— —— —————— — — —
FOOD AND DRINKS * 3 3 820 -40 7
WEARING APPAREL * "7 2 883 -31 9
TEXTILES 2 4 3 363 -49 -1
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -3 "H 3 077 -52 -8
FABRICATED METAL -2 2 3 389 -33 -6
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND X 2 3 204 -36 5
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS * 4 4 595 -40 -3
CONSTRUCTION** 1 7 4 589 -40 -16
—————
SERVICES X 2 6 117 -34 6
———
BANKS * 5 5 681 -34 11
/HOTELS -1 .........
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
HOTELS -1 -2 4 257 -61 1
PUBL IC UTIL IT IES * * 5 942 -29 7
OTHERS * 4 7 717 -34 1
K MM
0.5%
CHANGES WITHIN +/-
SITE WORKERS
EMPLOYEES ONLY I
PPR90NS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY _____
EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.
NATF■ UNI IKE +ORDERS-ON-HAND+ AND +PER CAPITA EARNINGS+ WHICH ARE
-I- AVERAGE FIGURES, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY
THE FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
- - 0 - -
ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUPS FORMED IN MONG KOK M M M M
FOUR WORKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN FORMED UNDER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO MONITOR SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE WORKING GROUPS WILL FOCUS ON THE DISTRICT’S AGEING PROBLEM, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, DRAINAGE PROBLEM AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE.
THE DETERIORATION OF BUILDINGS IN SOME PARTS OF MONG KOK HAS BEEN A MATTER OF SERIOUS CONCERN AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE WORKING GROUPS FORMED TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM WILL TRY TO ASSESS THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION AND TO STUDY THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO URBAN DECAY.
UP TILL NOW, ALL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED AND CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
THE WORKING GROUP SET UP TO CONSIDER TRASNPORT MATTERS WILL CONDUCT INDEPTH STUDY AND CONSULTATION ON ISSUES OF WIDER SCOPE.
A THIRD WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’S SURVEY ON SEWERAGE PROBLEM WHICH HAD IDENTIFIED A LARGE NUMBER OF FLOODING SPOTS AND LEAKING PIPES IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL FOLLOW UP ON THE SURVEY REPORT, IN ORDER TO WORK OUT WAYS TO ALLEVIATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HYGIENIC NUISANCES CAUSED BY DRAINAGE BLOCKAGE.
/ILLEGAL TAPPING
HOIIDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE HAD ALSO CREATED SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO LT: HAD RECENTLY PROPOSED A NEw SCHEME CF PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL METER SUPPLY FOR HAWKER STALLS IN THE SECTION CF TUNG CHOI STREET BETWEEN NELSON STREET AND SHANGTUNG STREET.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL CO-ORDINATE AND MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUPS wILL SOON MEET TO DEFINc THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE AND TO MAP OUT PLANS TO BRING A BETTER ENVIRONMENT AND MORE PLEASANT LIVING CONDITIONS TO THE RESIDENTS.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE THREE EXISTING WORKING GROUPS UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE MATTERS CONCERNING TENDER AWARD, FLOODLIGHT INSTALLATION TO THE DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK, AND THE NELSON STREET AMENITY PROJECT.
- 0 - -
ARTS, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN PROGRAMMED * * * *
TWELVE PROJECTS COMPRISING 18 ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES WITH SPONSORSHIP OF $115 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD ARE BEING PLANNED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION THIS YEAR, A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE INITIALLY ENDORSED $69 100 TO SPONSOR SEVEN PROJECTS TO BE HELD BETwEEN APR IL AND AUGUST.
THE ASSOCIATION’S l®87-88 PROGRAMME CONTAINS A GREAT VARIETY CF PERFORMANCES, RANGING FROM CONCERTS, DRAMA, DANCE TO CANTONESE OPERA, TO MEET THE DIVERSE INTERESTS OF RESIDENTS.
A BALANCED SPREAD OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT’S SIX CONSTITUENCIES TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG RESIDENTS.
TWO LARGE-SCALE PROGRAMMES ARE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING STUDENTS VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD IN JUNE OR JULY AND A CHILDREN’S ARTS WEEK IN OCTOBER.
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL FEATURE SPEECH, SINGING AND DANCE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL STUDENTS, WHILE THE ARTS WEEK WILL INCLUDE PAINTING AND HANDICRAFT COMPETITIONS, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, A CHILDREN’S BOOKS EXHIBITION AND A CARNIVAL WITH ARTS STAFFS AND PERFORMANCES.
/WHILE THE
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
WHILE THE DISTRICT’S YOUTH CHOIR AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR, BOTH FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, WILL EACH GIVE A NUMBER OF CONCERTS, PROFESSIONAL GROUPS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM.
IN ADDITION TO TWO OUTDOOR AND TWO INDOOR FORMAL CONCERTS, THE YOUTH CHOIR WILL ALSO GIVE CONCERTS AT FOUR ELDERLY AND REHABILITATION CENTRES.
MOST PROGRAMMES WILL BE PRESENTED JOINTLY WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND SOME ALSO WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE. THE ASSOCIATION’S PROGRAMMES LAST YEAR HAD ATTRACTED AN AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 6 500 PEOPLE.
- - 0 - -
SOUTH LANTAU STUDY COMMISSIONED
*****
A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH LANTAU WILL START TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOLLOWING THE COMMISSIONING CF THE STUDY BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY IS TO FORMULATE A DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH LANTAU TO MEET SET OBJECTIVES IN RECREATION, CONSERVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS.
THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
- - 0 -
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ROADS LAYOUT CHANGES PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO REVISE THE ORIGINAL INTERNAL ROADS LAYOUT FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE STAGE III WHICH WAS AUTHORISED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON MAY 4, 1984.
THE REVISIONS INCLUDE PARTIAL DELETION OF THE MAIN EAST-WEST DISTRIBUTOR ROAD, R0AD+11+, CURTAILMENT OF TWO CULS-DE-SAC AND THE ADDITION OF TWO CULS-DE-SAC.
THE ROADS LAYOUT HAS TO BE REVISED DUE TO THE CHANGE IN LAND USE AND THE SUB-DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL LOTS.
THE ROADS INVOLVED WILL SERVE THE USERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL LOTS, GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, PUBLIC FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE TO BE PROVIDED ON THE RECLAMATION AREA.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED REVISION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED REVISION SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 15.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
7
DENTAL CLINIC TO SERVE TUEN MUN STUDENTS
*****
A DENTAL CLINIC TO SERVE ABOUT 60 000 PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IS BEING BUILT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES .EDARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $16.47 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOUR-STOREY CLINIC BUILDING AT TSUN WEN ROAD.
THE LOWER TWO FLOORS WILL ACCOMMODATE THE CLINIC WHILE THE UPPER TWO FLOORS WILL BE FOR (jVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE CLINIC WILL CONSIST OF 30 DENTAL CHAIRS, SURGERY ROOMS AND OFF ICES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------0-------
MINES DIVISION ON THE MOVE
*****
THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE MINES DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL SOON BE MOVING FROM HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL TO THE FIFTH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
THE MOVE WILL BRING VARIOUS UNITS UNDER ONE ROOF AND WILL ENABLE STAFF MEMBERS TO PROVIDE BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.
FROM MONDAY (APRIL 27), THE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES ON MINES AND QUARRIES WILL BE 3-7332370 AND THAT FOR EXPLOSIVES WILL BE 3-7332371.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING NUMBERS FOR REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED, THAT IS 3-366347 FOR ACCIDENTS ON MINES AND QUARRIES, AND 5-702415 FOR EXPLOSIVES.
------0-------
SEMINARS FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS ORGANISED
*****
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF BIOLOGY ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF ECOLOGY AT HONG KONG CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION LEVEL AND ANOTHER SEMINAR FOR BIOLOGY PANEL CHAIRMEN/ CONVENERS TO BE HELD IN MAY.
THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF ECOLOGY WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE CF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE CENTRE AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG, ON MAY 9.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEARN THE PRACTICAL APPROACH IN THE TEACHING OF ECOLOGY AND TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND SHARE EXPERIENCE IN THIS ASPECT.
/TWO IDENTICAL .......
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
- 8 -
TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS FOR BIOLOGY PANEL CHAIRMEN/ CONVENERS, ORGANISED BY THE BIOLOGY SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON MAY 16 AND JUNE 6.
THERE WILL BE TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ON SELECTED TOPICS RELATED TO THE PROMOTION AND MANAGEMENT Of HE SUBJECT IN SCHOOLS AT THE SEMINARS. THE TALKS WILL COVER THE RECENT TRENDS IN THE TEACHING OF BIOLOGY IN SCHOOLS, THE CONDUCT OF PANEL MEETINGS AND RECORD TAKING, AND ORGANISATION OF BIOLOGY RELATED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, VISITS TO THE SCIENCE EDUCATION RESOURCES kOOM OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THE PARTICIPANTS. SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
------o-------
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETS TOMORROW X X X X X
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL, THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, THE POLICY STATEMENT ON LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY AND THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ASK A QUESTION REGARDING GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS ROOFTOP DWELLERS WHO ARE EVICTED FROM BUILDINGS DECLARED TO BE DANGEROUS OR SUBJECT TO DEMOLITION.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE YEAR-END REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES FOR 1Q86/87 AND THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR 1987/88.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, 8TH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
--------o----------
/9........
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1987
9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN TO BE DISCUSSED *****
A SURVEY ON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PILOT SCHEME ON DESIGNATING GREEN MINIBUS STOPPING PLACES AND PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES.
DISCUSSION WILL ALSO RESUME ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL FOR ACCOMMODATING TRAFFIC GROWTH BETWEEN EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON AND THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF N.T. PLB ROUTE 63K TO TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE SIXTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW AT 9.30 AM.
- - o - -
LUNCHEON SPEECH ON CLEAN CAMPAIGN
*****
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, WILL GIVE A LUNCHEON TALK TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MR SULKE WILL SPEAK ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE CLEANSING WORK AND ITS FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, AND ALSO THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD TO REDUCE LITTER.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LUNCHEON SPEECH, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 PM AT THE CHING ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SHERATON HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE IIO.
PEEP BAY OYSTER BSD SURVEY ANNOUNCED ...................... 1
LOWER PENALTIES x"QR SEAT BELT OFFENCES ENDORSED .......... 3
PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO +ADOPT+ PUBLIC PIACES ............. 4
REVISION OP lIQtJETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED ............... 6
UN CHIEF TO BE BRIEFED ON DRUGS SITUATION.................. 7
INVITATION TO JOIN ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES .............
LORRY DRIVERS TO LEARN CONTAINER PORT DEVELOPMENT.......... 8
FORTY-FOUR USD OFFICERS RETIRE............................. 8
ONE MORE ’IEEE FOR EMPLOYER'S RETURNS ..................... 9
INTERMEDIATE COURSE ON PUTONGHUA FOR JOURNALISTS........... 9
BONSAI SHOW EI TUEtT MUN................................... 10
LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE HESTETG........................ 10
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ........... 11
WATER CUT EI TSB4 SHY TSUI AND LANTAU...................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................... 11
TUESDAY, APRIL 21,
1937
1
DEEP BAY OYSTER BED SURVEY ANNOUNCED * * * * *
AN OYSTER BED SURVEY EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN APRIL 28 AND MAY 1 IN THE FORESHORE OF DEEP BAY FOR A MARINE CLEARANCE LATER THIS YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKt 'IN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SURVI IS TO MEASURE THE AREA OF INDIVIDUAL OYSTER BEDS UNDER ACTIVE CULTIVATION ON THE SEABED OPPOSITE MONG TSENG WHICH IS RE.HIRED TO MAKE WAY FOR A MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE.
THE ROUTE WILL BE USED AS A CHANNEL TO TRANSPORT DREDGED MARINE FILL FROM THE GAZETTED DEEP BAY MARINE BORROW AREA FOR LAND FORMATION OF TIN SHU I WAI.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE SURVEY, THE CHANNEL WILL BE MARKED OUT BY SATURDAY (APRIL 25) WITH BUOYS AND PLASTIC FLOATS TO PINPOINT ITS LOCATION AS WELL AS FOR OYSTER FARMERS INVOLVED WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE TO REGISTER THEIR CLAIMS.
MEASURING ABOUT 4.2 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH, THE ROUTE WILL HAVE TWO SECTIONS OF DIFFERENT WIDTHS OF 200 AND 450 METRES wITH THE NARROW END LINKED TO SHORE.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 165 HECTARES OF SEABED WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED FOR THE ROUTE.
ELIGIBLE OYSTER FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE WILL BE ENTITLED TO PAYMENTS OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND THE FINDINGS CF THE SURVEY NEXT WEEK WILL FORM ONE OF THE BASES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PAYMENTS.
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG SAID THAT IN VIEW CF THE NATURE OF THE OYSTER FARMING INDUSTRY, THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF OYSTER FARMERS CONCERNED IN IDENTIFYING THEIR INDIVIDUAL OYSTER BED IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE SURVEY.
+IN THIS CONNECTION, WE HAVE SOUGHT THE ASSISTANCE OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE LAU FAU SHAN OYSTERS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES OYSTER AND CRUSTACEAN UNITED ASSOCIATION TO INFORM, THROUGH THEM, THE OYSTER FARMING COMMUNITY THE PURPOSE, TIMING AND LOGISTICS OF THE SURVEY.*
NOTICES WERE POSTED ON APRIL 9 AT THE TWO ASSOCIATIONS, THE HA TSUEN AND PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEES PREMISES AS WELL AS CONCERNED VILLAGE OFFICES TO NOTIFY ALL OYSTER FARMERS IN THE AFFECTED FORESHORE TO TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO MARK OUT THE OYSTER BED BOUNDARIES UNDER THEIR CULTIVATION.
/MR WOIIG............
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
- 2
MR WONG NOTED THAT THE SURVEY WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY THIS YEAR BUT HAD BEEN POSTPONED TO THIS MONTH AFTER THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL AS SUGGESTED BY THE TWO OYSTER ASSOCIATIONS ON THE GROUNDS OF TIDAL CONDITIONS IN DEEP BAY AND THAT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD SHOULD BE AVOID ) AS IT WAS THE HARVESTING SEASON FOR THE INDUSTRY.
HOWEVER, MR WONG STRESSED THAT THE FORTHCOMING SURVEY WOULD BE A ONE-OFF EXERCISE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO CONDUCT PROMPTLY BECAUSE ANY DELAY OR SLIPPAGE OF THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE IN VIEW OF THE TIGHT SCHEDULE OF CONTRACT AND PUBLIC FUNDS INVOLVED.
MR WONG URGED ALL OYSTER FARMERS AFFECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY, ADDING THAT THOSE WHO FAILED TO DO SO WOULD RISK FORFEITING THEIR CLAIMS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF ACTIVELY CULTIVATED OYSTER BEDS OPPOSITE MONG TSENG WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CHANNEL, AND MOST OYSTER BEDS IN DEEP BAY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT.
+INNER DEEP BAY, WHICH IS INTENSELY CULTIVATED FOR OYSTERS, HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY EXCLUDED FROM THE MARINE BORROW AREA,+ HE SA ID.
REGARDING THE DEEP BAY MARINE BORROW AREA, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE PROPOSAL WAS FIRST ENDORSED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD IN JUNE 1985 AND SINCE THEN THERE HAD BEEN MANY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE OYSTER ASSOCIATIONS AND A WIDE RANGE OF CONSULTATION.
THE DECISION TO RECOMMEND DEEP BAY AS A MARINE BORROW AREA (HENCE THE MARINE CLEARANCE OF OYSTER BED FOR THE CHANNEL) WAS MADE AFTER PROLONGED DELIBERATION BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED, HAVING CONSIDERED THAT OBTAINING THE REQUIRED QUANTITY CF FILL FROM THERE IS MORE PRACTICAL, ECONOMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE THAN OBTAINING LAND-BASED FILL OR OTHER OPTIONS.
IT WOULD ALSO AVOID PROBLEMS SUCH AS CLEARANCES, LAND RESUMPTION, NUISANCE AND FUNG SHU I ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING EARTH FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES, HE ADDED.
SOME 12 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILL WAS REQUIRED TO COVER THE FISH PONDS AND LOW LYING AREAS OF TIN SHU I WAI AS PART OF THE LAND FORMATION WORK, WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DEVEOP INTO A NEW TOWN TO INITIALLY ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION OF 146 500 IN THE 1990’S.
THE FIRST PLOT OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IS EXPECTED TO BECOME AVAILABLE IN TIN SHU I WAI IN LATE 1988, AND THE FIRST INTAKE OF TENANTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN EARLY 1991, TO BE FOLLOWED BY PRIVATED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
-------o----------
/5........
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
1
LOWER PENALTIES FOR SEAT BELT OFFENCES ENDORSED *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED DRAFTING GUIDELINES TO LOWER THE PENALTIES FOR DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES IN RESPECT OF THEIR VICARIOUS LIABILITY SHOULD A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER FAIL TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IN PRIVATE CARS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION WHEN THE LATTER FAILS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
THE PRESENT PENALTIES ARE.A FIXED PENALTY OF $140, OR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT IF PROSECUTIONS ARE BY WAY OF SUMMONS.
AT THE MEETING IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, TAC MEMBERS ACCEPTED THE EXTENSION OF VICARIOUS LIABILITY TO DRIVERS OF TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES FOR THEIR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS* FAILURE TO WEAR A SEAT BELT AS THESE TWO GROUPS OF DRIVERS HAVE UNDER THE PRESENT LAW -REGULATION 45 (1) (D) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS - A BASIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE VEHICLES.
HOWEVER, THEY ADVISED THAT A LOWER PENALTY SHOULD APPLY TO THE DRIVERS.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, TRANSPORT BRANCH, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE, IT WAS AGREED THAT AS THE VICARIOUS LIABILITY OF PRIVATE CAR DRIVERS AND DRIVERS OF TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES IN RESPECT OF A PASSENGER’S FAILURE TO WEAR A SEAT BELT WAS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME, THE SAME PENALTY SHOULD APPLY.
TAC NOW ENDORSED DRAFTING GUIDELINES FOR A UNIFORM AND REDUCED PENALTY FOR THE THREE GROUPS OF DRIVERS, WHICH WILL BE A FIXED PENALTY OF $100 OR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2 000 ON PROSECUTION BY SUMMONS IN VIEW OF THE HARDSHIP THAT MAY BE FACED BY DRIVERS OF TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
MEMBERS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE DEFENCE OF +REASONABLE EXCUSE+ PROPOSED FOR DRIVERS OF TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES FOR THE FAILURE OF THEIR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS IF THEY WISHED TO CONTEST A SUMMONS.
AT THE MOMENT, THIS IS AN OFFENCE WITH STRICT LIABILITY UNDER THE LAW.
NOTICES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE STATING THE LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT WOULD BE DISPLAYED IN TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES. NOTICES IN JAPANESE WOULD ALSO BE DISPLAYED IN TAXIS.
/MEMBERS WILL........
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 198?
- 4 -
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE ISSUE AGAIN WHEN THE DRAFT LEGISLATION IS READY.
AT THE MEETING TODAY, TAC MEMBERS ALSO EXAMINED THE FIRST REPORT OF THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN (1987-1991) OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY.
MEMBERS ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE IN RESPECT OF THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, FLEET REQUIREMENT AND DEPOT PROGRAMME IN KMB’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN.
-------o---------
PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO +ADOPT+ PUBLIC PLACES X- * M- * M-
THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS BEEN URGED TO SUPPORT THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY +ADOPTING* THEIR SURROUNDING PUBLIC PLACES.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR SULKE EXPLAINED THAT A CORPORATION OR AN ORGANISATION COULD +ADOPT+ PUBLIC PLACES BY TAKING UP THE CLEANSING RESPONSIBILITY OF A SURROUNDING AREA, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY.
+ONE OF THE COMMON FEATURES OF THE CAMPAIGNS IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IS THAT CORPORATIONS AND SCHOOLS ADOPT A CITY SQUARE, A PARK OR A BEACH AND THEY THEN ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY GO AND CLEAN IT,+ HE SAID.
MR SULKE HOPED THAT WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THIS PRACTICE COULD START TAKING PLACE IN HONG KONG.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE HAS TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TO ACCOMPLISH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF REAL PARTICIPATION AND REAL INVESTMENT FROM THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BY OPENING THE COMMITTEE TO THREE NEW MEMBERS.
TWO OF THEM ARE CONNECTED WITH GROUPS THAT ARE POTENTIAL SOURCE OF LITTERER AND THE THIRD NEW MEMBER IS AN EDUCATIONALIST.’
+IN TERMS OF INVOLVEMENT, WE ARE LOOKING MAINLY TO YOuVh, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE ENTHUSIASM AND OPENNESS TO NEW IDEAS, AND TO THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE MUSCLE AND INFLUENCE.
/♦THIS IS
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
- 5 -
♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG THAT CAMPAIGN POLICY AND DECISION-MAKING HAS TO A DEGREE BEEN TAKEN OUT OF THE HANDS OF OFFICIAL BODIES,+ MR SULKE SAID.
♦I HOPE THAT IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE WE CAN STEP ASIDE AND TURN OVER THE CAMPAIGN TO THE PUBLIC,* HE ADDED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGNS IN OTHER PLACES OF THE WORLD WERE INITIATED, LED AND FINANCED NOT BY GOVERNMENTS, BUT BY A BROAD CROSS SECTION OF THE SOCIETY.
IN HONG KONG, THE CLEANSING WORK IN ONE OF THE SQUATTER VILLAGES WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE. MR SULKE REVEALED THAT SINCE THE CLEANSING RESPONSIBILITY OF THAT VILLAGE WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE, THERE HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CLEANLINESS.
THIS WAS UNDERSTANDABLE BECAUSE IF PEOPLE HAD TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THEMSELVES, THEY WOULD NOT LITTER IN THE FIRST PLACE, MR SULKE ADDED.
CITING HONOLULU, HAWAII AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS RUN BY THE GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LITTER CONTROL. THE COMMITTEE WAS CHAIRED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LITTER-PRODUCING INDUSTRIES ON A ROTATION BASIS.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE CAME FROM RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HAWAII VISITORS BUREAU, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. SCOUTING AND OTHER YOUTH GROUPS, THE MILITARY, PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS, FAST FOOD, SNACK AND BEVERAGE ASSOCIATIONS, LABOUR UNIONS, RETAIL GASOLINE DEALERS AND EVEN REFUSE COLLECTION ASSOCIATIONS.
HE SAID THAT IN HONOLULU, WHICH RESEMBLED HONG KONG FOR BEING A TOURIST CENTRE WITH A MAJORITY POPULATION OF ASIAN, LITTER HAD BEEN REDUCED BY 40 PER CENT SINCE 1977.
THE SUCCESS OF THE CAMPAIGN IN 10 YEARS’ TIME INDICATED THAT WHEN PEOPLE WERE GIVEN A SENSE OF BELONGING TO A GROUP, OF BEING PART OF THE LAND, THEY WOULD FEEL A SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN SOLVING SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
MR SULKE ANTICIPATED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD SPEND ABOUT $500 MILLION ON CLEANSING SERVICES THIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, IF LITTER COULD BE REDUCED ON THE SAME SCALE AS IN OTHER PLACES OF THE WORLD, HONG KONG RATEPAYERS WOULD SAVE A LARGE PART OF THE CLEANSING EXPENDITURE AMOUNTING TO ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE $500 MILLION.
/HR SULKE .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
6
md qiii Kf ^aid this year’s keep hong kong clean campaign, UNLIKE PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS WHICH EMPHASISED *BIG BROTHER WATCHING YOU+^WOULD APPEAL TO EVERYONE’S BETTER NATURE.
♦THIS TIME WE ARE GOING TO TRY AND CHARM OUR FELLOW CITIZENS INTO SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR,* HE ADDED.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH, MR SULKE REITERATED THAT SUPPORT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD BE THE CATALYST TO PUT THIS CAMPAIGN INTO THE HANDS OF ALL HONG KONG PEOPLE.
------0-------
REVISION OF MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED XX * M
THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBI I9HPD F1SURES FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS IN THE MONETARY STATISTICS COVERING THE PERIOD JULY 1982 TO FEBRUARY 1987.
THE REVISION OF THE FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSIT FIGURES WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE, IN THE MONTHLY MONETARY STATISTICS RETURNS AND OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, A NUMBER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES MIS-CLASSIFIED THE FOREIGN CURRENCY NOTES AND BONDS THEY ISSUED IN OVERSEAS MARKETS AS CUSTOMER DEPOSITS.
A result of these revisions, changes were also rfouirfd SUP^^a’^rfVpeRIOD !»tquK?ioI?T‘L DEP0SITS *ND T0TAL M0"Er
AdJ!sTh”IsTEO Tffi T“T
REVISIONS.
REV,SED TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FOR ALL DEROS^-TAKING INSTITUTIONS, AS AT the END OF 1986, ARE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS BY $11.9 BILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 3.7 PER CENT FROM THE ORIGINAL FIGURE OF $317.4 BILLION! THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATES OF THESE DEPOSITS FOR THE YEARS 1984, 1985 AND 1986 ARE REVISED FROM 26.2 PER CENT, 35.2 PER CENT AND 34.0 PER CENT TO 20.2 PER CENT, 35.2 PER CENf AND 39.7 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY.
DErofffs W Jeposimak^^compaJies8.?^? h*Sy.'®""C"""E’^TH
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/7
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
- 7 -
UN CHIEF TO BE BRIEFED ON DRUGS SITUATION *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD (INCB) OF THE UNITED NATIONS, MR ABDELAZIZ BAHI, WHO IS IN HONG KONG FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT WILL BE BRIEFED ON HONG KONG’S DRUGS SITUATION AND THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
COMMENTING ON HIS VISIT HERE, MR BAHI SAID THE INCB, IN CARRYING OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, HAD TO ACT IN CO-OPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTS AND MAINTAIN DIALOGUES WITH THEM.
+SUCH DIALOGUES,* HE SAID, +ARE PURSUED THROUGH REGULAR CONSULTATIONS AND SOMETIMES THROUGH SPECIAL MISSIONS ARRANGED IN AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT CONCERNED.*
DURING HIS STAY, MR BAHI WILL MEET THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, W DAVID JEAFFRESON, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARRY MULLOY AND THE ACTING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU, MR YIP KWOK-KEUNG.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HEI LING CHAU DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, THE VIOLET PEEL METHADONE CLINIC OPERATED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE SHEK KWU CHAU TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTRE RUN BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS.
MR BAHI ARRIVED FROM THAILAND ON MONDAY AND WILL LEAVE FOR BEIJING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 24).
-----0-----
INVITATION TO JOIN ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES
*****
BUSINESS FIRMS, FACTORIES, REGISTERED ASSOCIATIONS AND ?«S!2ENTS ARE BEI NG INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN ABERDEEN ON MAY 31 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
.e DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS MONDAY (APRIL 27) AND NO ENTRY FEE IS REQUIRED FOR THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
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.
HE SAID LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ORGANISATIONS TO INVITE their participation and entry forms are available at the southern DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND ST ANLEY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987 ’
8
LORRY DRIVERS TO LEARN CONTAINER PORT DEVELOPMENT *****
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WILL CHAIR A BRIEFING SESSION FOR CONTAINER LORRY DRIVERS ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTAINER PORT AND ITS FACILITIES.
THE BRIEFING WILL BE HELD AT 7 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG. SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
MEMBERS OF THE CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEE’S GENERAL UNION, HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNERS ASSOCIATION, AND THE HONG KONG STOREHOUSES AND TRANSPORTATION STAFF ASSOCIATION ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND. INDEPENDENT CONTAINER LORRY DRIVERS AND LORRY SERVICE OPERATORS ARE ALSO INVITED TO TAKR PART.
DURING THE SESSION, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUTURE LAND USES, BACK-UP AREAS AND RELATED ROAD WORKS. THE MANAGEMENT OF MODERN TERMINALS LTD WILL ALSO MAKE A PRESENTATION.
A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION WILL FOLLOW TO ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO MAKE ENQUIRIES AND SUGGESTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING SESSION FOR CONTAINER LORRY DRIVERS TO BE HELD AT 7 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION.
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FORTY-FOUR WSD OFFICERS RETIRE
*****
I
FORTY-FOUR RETIRING OFFICERS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WERE HONOURED TODAY (TUESDAY) UPON THEIR RETIREMENT.
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE THEATRE HALL, CIVIL AID SERVICES.
THOSE RETIRING OFFICERS INCLUDED COMMUNICATIONS CONTROLLERS, ARTISANS, MOTOR DRIVERS AND WORKMEN.
AMONG THEM, THREE OFFICERS HAD SERVED MORE THAN 39 YEARS WHILE MOST OF THE OTHERS HAD AT LEAST 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
SPORTS TROPHIES WERE ALSO AWARDED AT THE CEREMONY TO WINNERS OF DEPARTMENTAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
- \9 '
ONE MORE WEEK FOR EMPLOYER’S RETURNS
*****
EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED EMPLOYER’S RETURN OF REMUNERATION AND PENSIONS TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR INLAND REVENUE, MR A.K. GILL, SAID THAT MORE THAN 72 OOO RETURNS FOR 1986-87 HAD BEEN ISSUED TO EMPLOYERS ON APRIL 1, 1987.
♦FAILURE TO SUBMIT COMPLETED RETURNS BEFORE APRIL 30 IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES,+ HE SAID.
♦MAKING AN INCORRECT OR FALSE RETURN WITH A FRAUDULENT INTENT TO EVADE TAX, OR TO ASSIST ANY OTHER PERSON TO DO SO, IS ALSO AN OFFENCE. ON CONVICTION, AN OFFENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTY, THE MAXIMUM BEING IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS AND A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED. THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE HIGH COURT HAS RECENTLY WARNED THAT, ON CONVICTION, THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE LIABLE TO IMMEDIATE CUSTODIAL SENTENCE.
♦IT IS THE EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE NOTICE IN WRITING OF THE COMMENCEMENT OR CESSATION OF ANY EMPLOYMENT, OR THE DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG, OF ANY EMPLOYEE, WHO IS OR IS LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX,+ HE ADDED.
MR GILL REITERATED THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WAS LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTIES.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURNS FORMS OR WHO HAS ANY ENQUIRY ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE 5-8942030 OR WRITE TO G.P.O. BOX 132, HONG KONG.
-----o------
INTERMEDIATE COURSE ON PUTONGHUA FOR JOURNALISTS
*****
THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING JOURNALISTS TO APPLY FOR A COURSE ON INTERMEDIATE PUTONGHUA.
THE 48-HOUR COURSE IS CONDUCTED BY THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AND WILL RUN FROM JUNE 8 TO JULY 15 EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING.
COURSE FEE IS Si 450. BUT UNDER THE BOARD’S SUBSIDISED TRAINING SCHEME, A COURSE PARTICIPANT PAYS #150 ONLY.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 22.
ENQUIRIES ON COURSE DETAILS AND APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
_______0--------- /10...................
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987'
10
BONSAI SHOW IN TUEN MUN * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN 1987 BONSAI SHOW WORKING COMMITTEE, THE REV HAU PO-WOON WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) IN THE WAN SHUI TONG IN CHING CHUNG KOON TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE EXHIBITION.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE COMMITTEE, MR HO HUI-WING, AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (TUEN MUN), MR EDWARD YAU.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION, WHICH FEATURES HUNDREDS OF RARE AND EXOTIC POTTED AND FLOWER PLANTS, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TOURISTS ASSOCIATION, YAU MA TEI FERRY CO LTD, AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO LTD.
IT WILL BE HELD IN THE MONASTERY FROM APRIL 25 TO MAY 4.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
- - o - -
LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING X X X * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHENG HON-KWAN, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 23) AT 2.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, TO BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE MORNING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
/11
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1987
11
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER , *****
THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND APRIL 23 FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR RECONSTRUCTION..
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GROUND LEVEL WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
------0--------
WATER CUT IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND LANTAU *****
PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN THURSDAY
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF
(APRIL 23) AND FRIDAY FOR MAINS WORK.
IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED AT 11 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AREA POUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, PEKING ROAD, HAIPHONG ROAD, AUSTIN ROAD, AND CANTON ROAD, INCLUDING LO^ ROAD, ASHLEY ROAD, HANKOW ROAD, KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND ICHANG oTREET.
ON LANTAU ISLAND, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FROM 8 AM TO 5 PH ON THURSDAY. »
AFFECTED PREMISES INCLUDE SHU I HAU VILLAGE, TONG FUK CENTRE, MA PO PING PRISON AND TONG FUK VILLAGE IN TONG FUK? ALL PREMISES IN CHEUNG SHA EXCLUDING SOUTH LANTAU HOSPITAL; ALL PREMISES IN PUI J INCLUDING LO UK TSUEN, PUI 0 SUN TSUEN, PUI 0 KAU TSUEN AND HAM TIN AND SHEK PIK PR ISON.
-----o -----
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 52 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 304.989 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 257.429 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SURVEY UNDERWAY....................... 1
FULL HONOUR FUNERAL FOR FIRE OFFICER ....................... 2
FREE SERVICE FOR RECRUITING DOMESTIC HELFERS ............... 3
LIAO PRAISES PO LEUNG KUK................................... 3
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLAN........................... 4
NORTH DISTRICT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PRESENTED TO DB.......... 5
AIR-CONDITIONING CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES ... 5
RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED ..................................... 6
urban CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON JAVA ROAD .................... 6
ACCESS ROAD TO THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE CLOSED......... 7
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987
1
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SURVEY UNDERWAY
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE YEAR 1986.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE VARIOUS INDUTRI AL SECTORS IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
+THE AIMS OF the SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE RELEVANT SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) AND FOR STUDYING THE COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS OF DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES,+ HE SAID.
+RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WILL PROVIDE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO FORMULATE POLICIES AND MAKE DECISIONS,* HE ADDED.
ABOUT 8 OOO ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, COVERING THE SECTORS OF MANUFACTURING, MINING AND QUARRYING, AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, MAN-HOURS WORKED, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (l.E. WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), EXPENSES ON CONTRACT AND COMMISSION WORK, PURCHASES AND OTHER EXPENSES, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AS WELL AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND STOCKS.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO 15 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT BY RECORDED DELIVERY TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEY AND THEY ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31, 1987.
ON REQUEST, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHEMNTS AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY THE GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND THE CERTIFICATION FOR THE SURVEY WHILE ON DUTY.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE ENUMERATION SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AS WELL AS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
/HE STRESSED .......
•■.’EDH2SDAY, APRIL 22, 198?
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED ONLY IN AGGREGATE INFORMATION FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS WOULD NOT BE ESSENTIAL FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATING TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY. THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF RETURNS ARE SUBMITTED. THIS APPROACH IS NECESSARY TO AVOID THE DELAY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE RESULT FROM WAITING FOR AUDITED ACCOUNTS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234818.
---0 - -
FULL HONOUR FUNERAL FOR FIRE OFFICER X * X X X
AN OFFICIAL FUNERAL SERVICE IN FULL HONOUR FOR THE LATE STATION OFFICER MR CHAN YUEN-LEUNG WHO DIED IN A NO. 4 ALARM FIRE IN A TSUEN WAN FACTORY ON APRIL 16 WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 26) AT THE LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL PAY TRIBUTE DURING THE SERVICE.
THE FUNERAL CORTEGE WILL LATER STOP OUTSIDE THE FACTORY BUILDING IN YEUNG UK ROAD, TSUEN WAN FOR +ON-SITE+ FUNERAL RITES ON ROUTE TO THE CHAI WAN CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY WHERE MR CHAN WILL BE BURIED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE SERVICE SHOULD GATHER OUTSIDE THE LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION IN WO Yl HOP ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, BEFORE 10.15 AM AS A SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CEREMONY AT ABOUT 10.30 AM. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE ASSISTANCE.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, ABilL 22, 1987
3
FREE SERVICE FOR RECRUITING DOMESTIC HELPERS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LOOKING FOR DOMESTIC HELPERS AND PERSONS SEEKING SUCH EMPLOYMENT MAY CALL AT THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.
THE LES OPERATES 15 BRANCH OFFICES IN MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES PROVIDING FREE SERVICES TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS.
AT PRESENT IT HAS IN HAND A NUMBER OF VACANCIES FOR DOMESTIC HELPERS.
+EMPLOYERS NEED ONLY CONTACT ANY OF THE OFFICES BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON, GIVING ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION SUCH AS TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS, AS WELL AS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ON RECEIPT OF A VACANCY ORDER, STAFF OF THE LES WILL SELECT SUITABLE CANDIDATE FROM THE REGISTER OF JOB-SEEKERS FOR INTRODUCTION TO A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER.
♦ WHETHER THE EMPLOYER OFFERS EMPLOYMENT TO A CANDIDATE OR WHETHER THE CANDIDATE ACCEPTS THE OFFER IS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY FOR BOTH PARTIES.*
AS FOR JOB-SEEKERS, THEY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO REGISTER WITH THE NEAREST LES BRANCH OFFICE, BRINGING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARD AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-270622, 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123 AND O-492O15A.
- - 0 - -
LIAO PRAISES PO LEUNG KUK * * * *
The secretary for district ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED THE SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE SERVICES PLANNED FOR IN NEWLY ESTABLISHED NEW TOWNS BY THE PO LEUNG KUK.
HE SAID THE KUK WOULD PROVIDE A KINDERGARTEN, A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND A HOSTEL-CUM-WORKSHOP FOR the mentally handicapped in junk bay and a small group home and A KINDERGARTEN IN MA ON SHAN.
/'WELCOMING 20
WEDNESDAY, AIRIL 22, 198?
WELCOMING 20 PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS DURING A COURTESY CALL TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION THIS AFTERNNON, MR LIAO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK’S PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOPED THE KUK WOULD CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE DISTINGUISHED RESULTS IN THE YEAR AHEAD.
HE SAID THE KUK COMPLETED ITS FIRST ELDERLY SERVICES CENTRE LAST YEAR, AND WAS ACTIVELY PLANNING TO PROVIDE AN INTERGRATED ELDERLY SERVICE CENTRE AT WONG CHUK HANG, A RECREATION AND DAY CARE CENTRE AT TSI NG Yl AND A DAY CARE CENTRE AT TAI KOK TSUI IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE KUK HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED A SUITABLE SITE IN TAI TONG, YUEN LONG TO DEVELOP ITS SECOND YOUTH HOLIDAY CAMP AND HAS ALREADY MADE AN APPLICATION TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE FOR THE SITE.
+AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE KUK WILL CONTINUE ITS PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS TO BRING THE KUK CLOSER TO THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
---0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLAN
*****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS ITS WORK PLAN FOR 1987-88.
ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS PROGRAMME DRAWN UP BY THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR AND THE FORMATION OF A VETTING COMMITTEE TO ASSESS FUND APPLICATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987
5
NORTH DISTRICT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PRESENTED TO DB
*****
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (APRIL 24) TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT FANLING/SHEUNG S HI I OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF 773 HECTARES AND WHEN PUBLISHED WILL BRING THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREA UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING COVERAGE IN LINE WITH OTHER NEW TOWNS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND TAI PO.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROBLEM OF INADEQUATE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT, ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARINE FISH CULTURE ZONE IN SAM CHUNG, KAT Oj STUDY REPORT ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE RECREATION AND CULTURE FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUND AND THE ELECTION OF CO-OPT MEMBERS TO THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 24) AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD. FANLING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
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AIR-CONDITIONING CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $8.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING AND INSTALLING AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS TO MULTI-PURPOSE HALL OF 15 COMMUNITY CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE PHASES.
A | R—CCNn ITI C’l I<ILL 'V'lLMLE I'1 T9E 'lALLS OF THE ppr.in ^hEI’ Y*: ,'fMr Tf । $|N, f,Pr» YUE ;AN rO'iMIJNITY of-NT^ES IN '■ I D- ’iULY.
/HALLS OF .......
u'EDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987
- 6
HALLS OF THE TAI YUEN, SHEK WAI KOK, LOK WAH ESTATE, KAI YIP AND SHUN LEE COMMUNITY CENTRES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN EARLY OCTOBER.
WORK UNDER THE LAST PHASE FOR THE HALLS OF THE WO CHE, CHEUNG WAH, SHEK KIP MEI, CHOI WAN, ON TING/YAU Ol AND LEK YUEN COMMUNITY CENTRES WILL BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1988.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO AWARDED A $1.09 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT YUEN LONG DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WORKS WILL TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED * * * *
AM TO 10 AM
CADOGAN STREET
FROM 7 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25), THE EXISTING 7 daily restricted zone on the western kerbside lane of IN WESTERN DISTRICT BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BELCHER'S STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES NORTH OF
JUNCT1 °N WILL BE L,FTED E0R AB0UT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY NO FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.
VEHICLE OTHER THAN HENG FA CHUEN PUBLIC
---0-----
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON JAVA ROAD X X X X X
. 10 AM 0N FRIDAY (APRIL 24), JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT FROM
12 METRES EAST 0F KAM HONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 97 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
TO FAaLITA?iURoAo“wHORKs“'LL “E F°RCE F°R S'X M0NTHS' IS
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1987
7
ACCESS ROAD TO THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE CLOSED
*****
THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM SALISBURY ROAD TO THE J^TERNATIONAL mah rrwTRF will BF CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 8 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25) TO 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
niiRINr THE CLOSURE ALL PUBLIC PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE THE INTERNATIONALHMA?L CENTRE STll BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION WORK P^ESTRIANS ARE abv/iqfd That THE k'OOTBRIDGE LINKING THE KOWLOON KCR STATION/ S ioLISEuJ AnS THEINTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE/TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON APRIL 25 TO 10 PM THE following day.
PEDESTRIANS CAN USE THE FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS HONG KONG ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD TO TRAVEL BETWEEN THE TWO AREAS.
— o —
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PEOPLE RESPONDING TO ANTI-AIDS DRIVE......................... 1
CLEAN FOOD HYGIENE URGED ...................................... 1
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PERFORMING ARTS GRANTS ............... 3
JURY LIST TO BE POSTED......................................... 4
BIGGEST BONSAI SHOW EVER AT CHING CHUNG KOON................... 4
KWAI TSHTG TREE PLANTING DAY .................................. 5
BOARD TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY ................... 6
NEW COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE OPENS ......................... 6
PRESS CONFERENCE ON ASBESTOS .................................. 7
CASUAL LABOURERS FOR CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.................. 7
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ............................... 7
NIGHT CLOSURE OF HUT KENG STREET .............................. 8
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
1
PEOPLE RESPONDING TO ANTI-AIDS DRIVE * * * * *
RESPONSE TO THE ANTI-AIDS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SO ENCOURAGING THAT THERE MIGHT BE A NEED TO PRINT MORE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS CONTAINING INFORMATION OF THE KILLER DISEASE TO COPE WITH PUBLIC DEMAND, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
PEOPLE HAD BEEN TURNING UP AT THE VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION POINTS TO COLLECT THE PAMPHLETS SINCE THE LATEST ANTI-AIDS CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED ON TUESDAY.
AT ONE DISTRIBUTION POINT, THOUSANDS OF PAMPHLETS IN CHINESE AND IN ENGLISH WERE TAKEN BY THE PUBLIC.
FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE, THE DISTRIBUTION POINTS WILL MOVE WEEKLY FROM ONE BUSY LOCATION TO ANOTHER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. PAMPHLETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES, SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS AND OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENTS OF HOSPITALS.
IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-AIDS MESSAGE WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE BY TWO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES MOBILE UNITS WHICH WILL BE TOURING DIFFERENT AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ON FOUR SUNDAYS, BEGINNING APRIL 26, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON, AND FROM 1 PM TO 4 PM.
MEANWHILE, PEOPLE WHO FEEL THEY ARE AT RISK OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE CAN CONTACT A PHONE-IN AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE ON 3-7802211 FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM.
ADDITIONALLY, TWO RECORDED AIDS INFORMATION LINES ARE OPERATED 24 HOURS DAILY ONs 5-8330180 IN ENGLISH, AND 5-724533 IN CANTONESE.
---0 - -
CLEAN FOOD HYGIENE URGED * * * *
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON AND THE EXPERIENCE OF A CHOLERA OUTBREAK LAST YEAR, THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH UNCLEAN AND UNWHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER.
MAKING THE APPEAL, THE HYGIENE ADVISER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DR RON PERRY, WARNED THE PUBLIC TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST FOOD POISONING AND DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, DYSENTERY, TYPHOID AND VIRAL HEPATITIS.
+THE PUBLIC SHOULD OBSERVE PROPER PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE FOOD THEY CONSUME IS HYGIENIC AND FREE FROM CONTAMINATION AND DETERIORATION,+ DR PERRY SAID.
/HE SAID
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
— 2 —
HE SAID the public should remember the following when eating AT HOME:
* MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN?
* CLEAN HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD;
* USE WHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER;
* USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;
*
STORE ALL PERISHABLE FOOD NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION IN REFRIGERATOR. COOKED FOOD STORED IN REFRIGERATOR SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM RAW FOOD ITEMS;
* DO NOT THAW FROZEN FOOD UNTIL IT IS NEEDED;
* NEVER USE A CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE FOR CUTTING COOKED FOOD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN USED FOR CUTTING RAW FOOD, PARTICULARLY MEAT OR POULTRY;
* COOK FOOD, ESPECIALLY MEAT, THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;
K EAT COOKED FOOD WHILE IT IS STILL HOT. DON'T LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME;
X FOOD TO BE KEPT OVERNIGHT SHOULD BE PUT IN A REFRIGERATOR. RECOOK LEFTOVERS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING, AND
* ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE SHOULD BE PUT INTO A COVERED CONTAINER PENDING DISPOSAL.
DR PERRY ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL FOOD HAWKERS AND UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES AS THE FOOD THEY SELL MIGHT BE UNCLEAN AND POSE A SERIOUS RISK TO HEALTH.
+THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED NOT TO PURCHASE CUT FRUIT FROM ANY ILLEGAL FRUIT VENDORS BECAUSE FRUIT CAN EASILY GET CONTAMINATED ONCE THEY ARE CUT OPEN.
+SAFE FOOD, GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE ARE THE STRONGEST WEAPON AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES,+ DR PERRY SAID.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
3
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PERFORMING ARTS GRANTS *****
LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PROJECT (AND OTHER) GRANTS FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) UNDER THE COUNCIL’S GRANT APPLICATION SCHEME 1987-88.
ABOUT $1.5 MILLION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISBURSEMENT OF PROJECT (AND OTHER) GRANTS THIS YEAR.
CFPA GRANTS ARE DISBURSED WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING STANDARDS OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE. APPLICATIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND TO INDIVIDUALS RESIDENT IN HONG KONG, AND PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO HAVE DISPLAYED Pr6fESSIONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD PERFORMING ARTS.
APPLICANT ORGANISATIONS SHOULD BE BONA FIDE, REGISTERED BODIES WHICH HAVE CLEARLY STATED NON-PROFIT-MAKING AIMS OR WHICH ARE REGISTERED CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
CFPA GRANTS ARE AWARDED TO FUND ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987-88.
STARTING THIS YEAR, PROJECT (AND OTHER) GRANTS APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND WILL BE ASSESSED AT MEETINGS TO BE HELD EVERY TWO MONTHS STARTING FROM MAY. APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE APPLICATIONS BEING RECEIVED.
THE CRITERIA FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT GRANTS ARE: AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE, NATURE OF PROJECT AND CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CFPA SECRETARIAT ON 5-735878, 5-735425 OR 5-735569.
DURING 1986-87, THERE WAS AN ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS GRANT APPLICATION SCHEME, WITH 13 LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS AND 50 ARTS ORGANISATIONS SUBMITTING A TOTAL OF 78 APPLICATIONS.
A TOTAL OF 24 LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS AND ARTISTS WERE AWARDED 34 GRANTS TOTALLING ABOUT $1.1 REPRESENTS A MORE THAN FOUR-FOLD INCREASE OVER THAT
TWO INDIVIDUAL MILLION WHICH OF 1985-86.
-----0 - -
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
4
JURY LIST TO BE POSTED X X X
A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING AT NO. 38, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG ON MAY 1, THE ACTING REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR JULIAN BETTS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS, WHEN ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSE DULY ASSIGNED IN SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST.
---0 - -
BIGGEST BONSAI SHOW EVER AT CHING CHUNG KOON
*****
THE CHING CHUNG KOON IN TUEN MUN WILL PRESENT ITS BIGGEST BONSAI SHOW EVER FROM APRIL 25 TO MAY 4.
FEATURING SOME 500 RARE AND EXOTIC POTTED AND FLOWER PLANTS, THE TUEN MUN ’87 BONSAI SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, YAU MA TEI FERRY CO LTD., AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO LTD.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION AIMS AT PROMOTING THE ART OF GARDENING AND HORTICULTURE AND GIVING THE PUBLIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY SOME OF NATURE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND FLOWERS.
IN ADDITION TO A RICH COLLECTION OF POTTED PLANTS FROM THE MONASTERY, THERE WILL ALSO BE RARE SPECIES OF VARYING SIZES AND STYLES WHICH WILL BE SHOWN TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.
VISITORS WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE WINNING ENTRIES, BOTH BONSAI WORKS AND FLOWER PLANTS, OF STUDENTS AND PLANT ENTHUSIASTS IN THE SCHOOL AND OPEN SECTION COMPETITION RECENTLY HOLD IN THE DISTRICT.
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHOW WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUENj DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI j ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR K.S. YIP ; AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25) AT THE MONASTERY.
/THE 10-DAY
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
- 5 -
DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM.
VISITORS FROM THE TUEN MUN
TO 6 PM ON SATURDAYS AND
THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FREE TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE FERRY PIER TO CHING CHUNG KOON FROM 9 AM
SUNDAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BONSAI SHOW AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25) AT CHING CUJNG KOON IN TSING CHUNG ROAD, TUEN MUN.
THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 9.30 AM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER.
------0--------
KWAI TSING TREE * X
PLANTING DAY *
MORE THAN 120 SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT WILL DO THEIR PART TO PRESERVE NATURE IN A TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25).
THE ENTHUSIASTIC TREE PLANTERS COME FROM LAI KING CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, KWAI CHUNG SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE AND YIN NGAI SOCIETY.
THE KWAI CHUNG SOUTH THREE PLANTING DAY IS ARRANGED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL PROVIDE FREE TREE SEEDLINGS AND ADVICE TO PARTICIPANTS FROM 10 AM TO NOON.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, DR TED PRYOR WILL TAKE THE LEAD TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN. OTHER GUESTS INCLUDE REGIONAL COUNCILLORS MR LAM KIN-MING, MS HO ON-NEI AND MR LI WING-TAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH STARTS AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY AT A PLANTING SITE ADJACENT TO THE LAI KING CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, KWAI CHUNG ROAD. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG AT 9.30 AM.
-------Q--------
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
6
BOARD TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY
*****
SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE REVIEW ON LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOUSING BRANCH AND DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN AND PRESENT THE RELEVANT PAPERS TO BOARD MEMBERS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE LIAISON WORK PLAN FOR 1987/88 BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICAC MEI TUNG OFFICE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE DISCUSSION ON THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987, DISBURSEMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS 1987/88, A REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, MR WAN YUET-KAU, AND THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) 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 - -
NEW COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE OPEN^
*****
THE SECOND PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS AND THE FIRST FUNDED BY THE COMMUNITY WILL BE OPENED AT TAI HANG TUN IN CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 25).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE .THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY. AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, MR EDWARD HO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AT 1.20 PM.
---0------
/7
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987
- 7 -PRESS CONFERENCE ON ASBESTOS *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ANSWER MEDIA QUESTIONS ON ISSUES RELATED TO THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS IN BUILDINGS.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE JOINTLY CHAIRED BY SENIOR STAFF FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM IN THE GlS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5/F BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
-------0----------
CASUAL LABOURERS FOR CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO RECRUIT ABOUT 50 CASUAL LABOURERS FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE STAFF WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ASSIST IN CLEARING AND REMOVING REFUSE IN PUBLIC PLACES FOR ABOUT A MONTH STARTING FROM MAY 18.
THE JOB OFFERS A DAILY WAGE OF $110 AND IS OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUT DEPARTMENT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-270622, 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123 AND 0-4920154.
-----0--------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING AT 38, YUET WAH STREET.
/NOTICE OF
THURSDAY, ABRIL 23, 1987
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 26 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JANUARY AND JULY 1985, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE.
- - 0 - -
NIGHT CLOSURE OF HIN KENG STREET *****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OVERHEAD FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS HIN KENG STREET IN SHA TIN, A SMALL SECTION OF HIN KENG STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CHE KUNG MIU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 0.01 AM TO 5.30 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 26) TO APRIL 28.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ACCESS TO SHEUNG KENG HAU AND HA KENG HAU WILL STILL BE MAINTAINED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 198?
CONTUiTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ON POLITICAL REVIEW .. 1
GOVERNMENT POSITION ON FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS CLARIFIED . 3
SURVEYS TO BE CONDUCTED ON ASBESTOS Ei BUILDINGS........... 3
1986 RE-EXPORT FIGURES ANALYSED ........................... 4
FOUR SITES OFFERED TO LAND ENTITLEMENTS HOLDERS............ 8
RSD DIRECTOR TO JOB! CEMETERIES BOARD ..................... 8
YAU MA TEI DB TO HEAR VdJS IROM RESIDENTS ................ 9
ROUTE 5 TSUEN WAN CONNECTIONS CONTRACT AWARDED ............ 10
CUSTOMS CHIEF TO MEET THE MEDIA ........................... 10
FIRST GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOR INMATES.......................... 11
PART-TIME EVENING COURSE FOR. WORKERS ..................... 11
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN ADMIRALTY
12
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ON POLITICAL REVIEW
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING TO COME OUT OF THE REVIEW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
SIR DAVID WAS ASKED BY REPORTERS ON ARRIVING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING FOR A LUNCHEON WITH OMELCO MEMBERS TO COMMENT ON REMARKS MADE BY THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, YESTERDAY.
SIR DAVID SAID HE THOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE REVIEW HAD BEEN MADE VERY CLEAR A NUMBER OF TIMES.
+IT’S A REVIEW WHICH IS COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES. THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT WHAT’S GOING TO COME OUT OF IT. IN MAKING ITS DECISION AT THE END OF THE PROCESS OF REVIEW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SAID THAT IT WOULD TAKE FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ON ALL OF THOSE ISSUES,+ HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, WAS ALSO INTERVIEWED BY RTHK TODAY ON SIR S.Y. CHUNG’S REMARKS.
WHEN ASKED FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S REACTIONS TO THE REMARKS, CHAN SA IDs
+AS SIR S.Y. HAS HIMSELF MADE CLEAR, HE WAS STATING HIS PERSONAL VIEWS, AS MANY OTHERS IN HONG KONG HAVE DONE AND NO DOUBT WILL CONTINUE TO DO. INDEED THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ENCOURAGING EVERYBODY TO STATE HIS VIEWS - THAT’S THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE, AND THAT’S THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY OFF ICE.+
ASKED WHETHER DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988 WAS EFFECTIVELY BEING RULED OUT, MR CHAN SA IDs
+THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN POSITION ON THIS IS VERY CLEAR, AND HAS ALREADY BEEN REITERATED MANY TIMES AND I WOULD DO IT ONCE MORE: THE 1987 REVIEW WILL BE A GENUINE REVIEW THERE ARE NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ON OUR PART, NO PRE-DETERMINATION OF THE OUTCOME AND FULL ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+
+THE OPTION OF INTRODUCING SOME ELEMENT OF DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988 WILL BE CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER. SO WILL THE OPTION OF HAVING NO CHANGE. THERE WILL INDEED BE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT OPTIONS.
+IN THE GREEN PAPER, WE WILL NOT BE LEADING PUBLIC OPINION TOWARDS, OR AWAY FROM, ANY OF THOSE OPTIONS.
/+LLT’S NOT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
- 2 -
+LET’S NOT FORGET TOO THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS IS NOT THE ONLY SUBJECT OF THE REVIEW - IT IS NOT.
+THE REVIEW WILL BE WIDE-RANGING. IT WILL LOOK AT ALL THREE LEVELS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, AND^THEMETHOD^OF^ELECTI NG
MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS BUT ONE TO BE DISCUSSED.*
MR CHAN WAS FURTHER ASKED WHETHER PEOPLE COULD BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT WHEN THE SENIOR MEMBER OF EXCO WAS INTIMATING THAT THE DIRECT ELECTIONS WERE BEING RULED OUT, HE SA IDs
+l DO NOT AGREE THAT WHAT SIR S.Y. SAID SHOULD BE TAKEN AS RULING OUT ANYTHING. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS A CORPORATE BODY. WHEN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERS IMPORTANT MATTERS MEMBERS TAKE ALL FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, AND THEY TAKE DECISIONS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
+ALSO, AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC. THE JUDGMENT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MAKES, ON THE BASIS OF THAT REPORT, WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED IN A WHITE PAPER. SO EVENTUALLY, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO JUDGE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THEIR VIEWS HAVE BEEN TAKEN ADEQUATELY INTO ACCOUNT.*
ASKED WHETHER RECENT REMARKS BY THE CHINESE LEADER, MR DENG XIAOPING, ON THE SUBJECT HAD REINFORCED SIR S.Y. CHUNG’S, MR CHAN SA IDs
+WHAT MR DENG SAID IS CLEARLY VERY IMPORTANT AND CLEARLY IT HAS NOT PASSED UNNOTICED IN HONG KONG. BUT I DO NOT THINK IT IS FOR ME TO TRY AND ANTICIPATE WHAT EFFECT MR DENG’S REMARKS -OR ANYBODY ELSE’S REMARKS FOR THAT MATTER - MAY HAVE ON THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW. WE’LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT THE OUTCOME IS.*
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ON MEETING THE REPORTERS OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING SAID IT WAS NICE TO SEE THEM ALL AGAIN.
+l DON’T SEEM TO HAVE SEEN YOU FOR AGES. I’VE BEEN STUCK IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MEETING A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND SEEING SOMETHING OF HONG KONG FROM THE AIR. SO THAT’S PROBABLY WHY I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU, BUT I HOPE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS I’LL BE GETTING AROUND MUCH MORE IN SEEING HONG KONG ON THE GROUND.*
+AND IT’S VERY NICE TO BE COMING TODAY TO HAVE LUNCH WITH OMELCO. OMELCO PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. SO IT’LL BE NICE I HAVE LUNCH TODAY AND TALK TO MEMBERS,* SIR DAVID SAID.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 198?
3
GOVERNMENT POSITION ON FOREIGN DOMESTIC MELPERS CLARIFIED > * > x x
COMMENTING ON AN ARTICLE CONCERNING GOVERNMENT EASING CURBS OVER MAIDS WHICH APPEARED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) PRESS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION IS PREPARED TO ALLOW FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHOSE CONTRACTS EXPIRED A FEW WEEKS BEFORE LAST WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE REVISED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TO EXTEND THEIR STAY FOR A SHORT WHILE BEYOND THE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THEIR VISAS.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONSIDER ATTESTING NEW CONTRACTS SUBMITTED BY THESE FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS IF THE PREVIOUS ONES HAVE RUN THEIR COURSE. AS REGARDS THOSE WHO HAVE BROKEN THEIR PREVIOUS CONTRACTS, IN PRINCIPLE, NEW CONTRACTS WILL NOT BE ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE HELPERS LEAVE THE TERRITORY.
THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES HAD REQUESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECONSIDER REVISING ITS PROCEDURES FOR THOSE FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO HAVE BROKEN THEIR CONTRACTS, IN PARTICULAR THAT THEY BE ALLOWED TO HAVE A NEW CONTRACT ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE THEY RETURNED TO MANILA. BUT THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT WHILE THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAD NOTED THE REQUEST, NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN TAKEN.
------o-------
SURVEYS TO BE CONDUCTED ON ASBESTOS IN BUILDINGS
X X X X
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS PREPARING TO ENGAGE A PRIVATE CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO LOOK INTO THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF ASBESTOS PRODUCTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT ON STEPS TO BE TAKEN, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AIR AND NOISE) OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR ROBERT LAW, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SURVEY WAS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE THIS YEAR AND TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, MR LAW SAID.
HOWEVER, AT THE SAME MEETING THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON, SAID ASBESTOS PRODUCTS, WHICH MIGHT BE FOUND IN EXISTING PRIVATE BUILDINGS, POSED NO HEALTH PROBLEM PROVIDED THEY ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND UNDISTURBED.
/+IT IS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
- 4 -
+ IT IS ONLY THE HIGH RISK BUILDING PRODUCTS SUCH AS SPRAYED ACOUSTIC PLASTER AND PIPE LAGGING WHICH PRESENT A PROBLEM WHEN DAMAGED,* MR PHILL IPSON SAID.
MEANWHILE, AN EARLIER SURVEY ON THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS COVERING 333 AIDED SECONDARY AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS REVEALED 61 OF THEM REQUIRED ROUTINE MONITORING WHILE 13 NEEDED REMEDIAL ACTION, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT W PAUL CORSER, SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO STARTED A SURVEY RECENTLY OF ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS PRODUCTS AND THEIR CONDITION. THE SURVEY WILL COVER OVER 5 OOO BUILDINGS AND TAKE THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
+IF HIGH RISK ASBESTOS PRODUCTS ARE UNDAMAGED, THEY ARE LEFT IN PLACE AND REGULARLY RE INSPECTED. SO FAR, ONLY FOUR GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS HAVE REQUIRED ACTION TO REMOVE DAMAGED ASBESTOS ACOUSTIC PLASTER,* MR CORSER ADDED.
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1986 RE-EXPORT FIGURES ANALYSED
*****
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, VALUED AT $122 546 MILLION IN 1986, INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH 1985, ACCORDING TO A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET
CHINA, THE U.S.A., JAPAN, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WERE THE TOP FIVE MARKETS FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, AND THEY SHARED 33 PER CENT, 18 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1986.
CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1986. BUT, WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECREASED BY $5 130 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 097 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT)j ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $2 081 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELETRI CAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 580 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT).
/HO’.IEVl®, .........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $1 634 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $504 MILLION OR 228 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A., THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, RECORDED AN INCREASE OF $7 657 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT. COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE CLOTHING (BY $3 834 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT) j MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1 780 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $394 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, NOTABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS (BY $61 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $50 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY $1 190 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN FISH. CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $392 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $244 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT). A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN NONFERROUS METALS (BY $327 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN SHOWED AN INCREASE OF $1 614 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $906 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $122 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT). BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN NONFERROUS METALS (BY $107 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA GREW BY $1 971 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $614 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $489 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT) BUT A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $32 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
AS SOURCES OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, CHINA, JAPAN, THE U.S.A., TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA CONTRIBUTED 42 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS IN 1986.
CHINA CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1986, WITH A GROWTH OF 49 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN SUCH TRADE COMPARED WITH 1985.
/ANALYSED .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
- 6
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $5 574 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY S3 081 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $2 923 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES
(BY $269 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS WELL AS IN NON-FERROUS METALS
(BY $259 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).
JAPAN REMAINED THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1986, THOUGH WITH A DECLINE OF 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN SUCH TRADE. DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $2 333 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $971 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $812 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT). INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $309 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $247 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF U.S.A. ORIGIN INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN 1986 WHEN INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $351 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $242 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT). BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $310 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF TAIWAN ORIGIN DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT. THE COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $626 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $226 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $134 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALSO DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT, PARTICULARLY FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $491 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $77 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT). BUT AN INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $173 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1986+ WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13.50 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TEL. NO. 5-8234915.
/TABLE .........
FRIDAY, AIRIL 24, 1987
TABLE 1! RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-DEC 1986 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1985 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) percentage INCREASE ( % )
CHINA 40 894 46 023 -5 130 -11
U.S.A. 22 362 14 705 7 657 52
JAPAN 6 676 5 486 1 190 22
TAIWAN 5 939 4 325 1 614 37
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5 843 3 872 1 971 51
SINGAPORE 5 259 4 388 871 20
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 688 1 554 1 134 73
MACAU 2 584 2 556 28 1
U.K. 2 489 1 233 1 256 102
INDONESIA 2 407 2 301 106 5
TABLE 2: RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR COUNTRI ES OF ORIGIN
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN JAN-DEC JAN-DEC INCREASE percentage
1986 1985 (HKD MN.) INCREASE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
CHINA 51 597 34 628 16 969 49
JAPAN 18 579 22 504 -3 926 -17
U.S.A. 10 411 9 474 938 10
TAIWAN 8 681 9 561 -880 -9
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 596 3 667 -71 -2
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 424 2 039 384 19
U.K. 1 920 1'731 189 11
SWITZERLAND 1 862 1 417 444 31
FRANCE 1 476 1 252 223 18
ITALY 1 100 1 079 21 2
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/8
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
8
FOUR SITES OFFERED TO LAND ENTITLEMENTS HOLDERS *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B) TO TENDER FOR THREE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND ONE NON-INDUSTRIAL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE THREE RESIDENTIAL SITES ARE IN YUEN LONG, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN, WHILE THE NON-1NDUSTRI AL LOT SITUATES IN TAI PO.
THE YUEN LONG SITE, IN MA TIN, IS ABOUT 2 475 SQUARE METRES. THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 4 901 SQUARE METRES BY JUNE 30, 1991.
THE SHA TIN SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 8 100 SQUARE METRES, IS AT TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 24 300 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY 31, 1991.
THE TUEN MUN SITE. LOCATED AT 19 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 7 813 SQUARE METRES.
AT LEAST 15 470 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE SITE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1991.
THE NON-INDUSTRIAL SITE IN TAI PO OLD MARKET MEASURES ABOUT 4 270 SQUARE METRES.
A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 15 100 SQUARE METRES MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 30, 1991 WITH THE LOWEST FOUR FLOORS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL) PURPOSES AND FOR A PUBLIC CAR PARK, AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS NOON ON MAY 22.
------0-------
RSD DIRECTOR TO *
JOIN CEMETERIES BOARD * * *
A BILL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TO INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES AS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES TO PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE OPERATION OF PRIVATE CEMETERIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OPERATES THREE CEMETERIES AT ABERDEEN, TSUEN WAN AND CHAI WAN, AND A NEW SITE AT JUNK BAY WAS GRANTED RECENTLY TO THE BOARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
NEW CEMETERY.
/AT PRESENT, ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
t
- 9 -
AT ddcqcmt t hF SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION aAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKEMAN EXPLAINED THAT BY VIRTUE OF THE PRIVATE CEMETERIES (URBAN COUNCIL) BY-LAWS, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES EXERCISED SUPERVISORY CONTROL ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER PRIVATE CEMETERIES IN THE URBAN AREA.
IN APRIL 1985, THE PRIVATE CEMETERIES (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS WAS ESTABLISHED AND THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES WAS ALSO EMPOWERED TO SUPERVISE PRIVATE CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL LAST YEAR, THE PRIVATE CEMETERIES (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS WAS REPLACED BY THE PRIVATE CEMETERIES (REGIONAL COUNCIL) BY-LAWS, AND AS A RESULT THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES BECAME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF PRIVATE CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦ AS THE BOARD NOW MANAGES A CEMETERY IN TSUEN WAN AND ITS NEW CEMETERY IN JUNK BAY IS EXPECTED TO BECOME OPERATIONAL IN 1989, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES IS EXPECTED TO BECOME INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN THE BOARD’S ACTIVITIES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
YAU MA TEI DB TO HEAR VIEWS FROM RESIDENTS
*****
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD IS ORGANISING A SEMINAR THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 26) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH LOCAL BODIES ON DISTRICT MATTERS.
AT THE SEMINAR, REPORT ON THEIR WORK
THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WILL AND DISTRICT ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST YEAR.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN DISCUSSION ON DISTRICT PROBLEMS AND ISSUES RAISED BY THE PARTICIPANTS WHO WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS.
♦ THE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SHOULD ENABLE THE FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND VIEWS FROM RESIDENTS ON WHILE RESIDENTS CAN AT THE SAME TIME HAVE A BETTER OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD,+ SAID DISTRICT BOARD CHA WHO WILL CHAIR THE SEMINAR.
BOARD TO OBTAIN DISTRICT MATTERS UNDERSTANDING
IRMAN, MR YIP WAH,
/THE SEHUJZiB..........
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 3.30 PM AT THE GA WO RESTAURANT, THIRD FLOOR, 343 NATHAN ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT 3.30 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 26) AT THE GA WO RESTAURANT, THIRD FLOOR, 343 NATHAN ROAD. THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE.
- - 0 - -
ROUTE 5 TSUEN WAN CONNECTIONS CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
A $161.3 MILLION CONTRACT WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NUMBER OF WORKS PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS ROUTE 5 TSUEN WAN CONNECTIONS.
THE WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO UNDERPASSES TO CONNECT SHEK WAI KOK ROAD TO WAI TSUEN ROAD UNDER TEXACO ROAD AND TO CONNECT Yl PEI CHUN ROAD TO SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDER CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD.
IT WILL INCLUDE EXTENDING CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD EASTWARDS TO THE TOLL PLAZA AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WO Yl HOP INTERCHANGE, FIVE FOOTBRIDGES AND TWO SUBWAYS.
IMPROVEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO THE TSUEN KAM ROUNDABOUT, SHEK WAI KOK, Yl PEI CHUN AND SAM TUNG UK ROADS AND THE EXISTING CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WILL BE UPGRADED TO TRUNK ROAD STANDARDS.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL COMMENCE NEXT WEEK AND TAKE 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
CUSTOMS CHIEF TO MEET THE MEDIA * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, WILL HOLD A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION AT 3 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 27) IN THE FUNCTION ROOM OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS, RUMSEY STREET CARPARK BUILDING, 9/F, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
A PRESS TOUR OF THE CUSTOMS CONTROL POINT AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL HAS ALSO BEEN ARRANGED AT 2 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
/FACILITIES
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1987
FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE CUSTOMS POINT THERE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND BOTH EVENTS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO JOIN THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL. TOUR SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICE, NeXT TO THE FEDERAL RESTAURANT ON 3/F, SHUN TAK CENTRE, CENTRAL, AT 1.45 PM.
---0-----
FIRST GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOR INMATES X * X
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP THE FIRST GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOR YOUNG FEMALE INMATES THIS WEEKEND. THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, SHEK 0 ROAD, HONG KONG, AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, LADY AKERS-JONES, IS TO OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT ON THE 23RD FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, AT 12.45 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
- - 0 - -
PART-TIME EVENING COURSE FOR WORKERS X X X X X
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES TO BE OFFERED AT ITS EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, INCLUDING THE NEW CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE 125 COURSES IN 15 TEACHING DISCIPLINES ARE MAINLY AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS PROVIDING COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR WORKERS IN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND SERVICE SECTORS.
/THE 15
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 198?
- 12 -
THE 15 DISCIPLINES ARE: HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY PRINTING, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, DESIGN, MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING APPLIED SCIENCE AND COMPUTER STUDIES.
A NUMBER OF NEW COURSES SUCH AS STORE SUPERVISION SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND FOOD PROCESSING WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME INTO THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S CURRICULUM.
EVENING COURSE STUDENTS ARE ONE TO FOUR EVENINGS A WEEK IN T YEARS.
NORMALLY REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASS HE DURATION RANGING ONE TO THREE
... , «2ETA1LS °F ALL PART-TIME EVENING COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN LOCAL PAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES TO APPLICANTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE FOLLOWING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES: MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG, LEE WAI LEE TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES. ’
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS SATURDAY, MAY 9. 1987.
STUDENTS SITTING FOR THE 1987 HKCE EXAMINATION MAY ALSO APPLY.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN ADMIRALTY * * * * *
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE SECTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE GROUND LEVEL BETWEEN DRAKE STREET AND QUEENSWAY, AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DRAKE STREET BETWEEN TAMAR STREET AND COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON APRIL 27 (MONDAY), 28, MAY 1 AND 2.
DURING THE PERIOD, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR QUEENSWAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA COTTON TREE DRIVE ™T2VER’ THE SL,P R0AD S0UTH OP ST. JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER TO REJOIN QUEENSWAY, WHILE THOSE ON EASTBOUND HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF ST. JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
JOINT OPERATION NETS MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SUSPECTS........ 1
SURVEY OF OYSTER BEDS BEGINS NEXT WEEK......................... 2
1340-J.IQii
FIRST COMMUNITY-BUILT COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE OPENED .. 4
INMATE GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOUNDED................................ 5
YOUTH MUSIC CAMP TO BE HEID IN JULY .......................... 6
COURSES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS ....................... 7
FINANCIAL BOOST FOR SPORTS AID FOUNDATION..................... 8
DB TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY...................... 8
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TAIKOO SHING............................... 8
SHEUNG FOO STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ......................... 9
REPROVISIONING OF RESTERN CARGO AREA......................... 10
LOK MAN ROAD IN CHAI WAN RE-ROUTED .......................... 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
1
JOINT OPERATION NETS MORE ILLEGAL
*****
IMMIGRANT SUSPECTS
A JOINT TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION WAS MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION THIS WEEK AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WO HAVE EVADED ARREST.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 139 PEOPLE. NINETEEN OF THEM WERE SUSPECTED TO BE EVADERS AND 10 OTHERS WERE BELIEVED TO BE AIDERS AND ABETTERS.
FORTY-FIVE OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATR I AT ION.
OTHER HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (SATURDAY) THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
+OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
+A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS,* HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 22) MORNING AND ENDED AT THE SAME TIME THE NEXT DAY, POLICE STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 31 052 PEOPLE, 2 726 VEHICLES AND 789 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
A TOTAL OF 54 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER 15 WERE WARNED IN RESPECT CF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1 000.
ANOTHER NINE PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY POSSESSING IDENTITY CARDS WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO THEM.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 5 406 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION CF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
/A TOTAL .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 198?
2 -
A TOTAL OF TWO PERSONS IN TWO ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
ANOTHER 44 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE KEEPING EITHER NO RECORD OR IMPROPER RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
-------0----------
SURVEY OF OYSTER BEDS BEGINS NEXT WEEK X X X X *
OYSTER FARMERS IN LAU FAU SHAN WHOSE CULTIVATED OYSTER BEDS FALLS WITHIN THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE MARKED OUT TODAY IN THE DEEP BAY FORESHORE ARE URGED TO ASSIST IN THE SURVEY EXERCISE BEGINNING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 28).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD - APRIL 28 TO MAY 1 - OYSTER FARMERS ARE REQUESTED TO MARK OUT THEIR INDIVIDUAL OYSTER BED BOUNDARIES WITHIN THE
ROUTE WITH BAMBOO STICKS.
A SITE COUNTER WILL BE SET UP IN THE LAU FAU SHAN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL WHERE AFFECTED OYSTER FARMERS CAN COLLECT BAMBOO STICKS WITH MARKERS AND REGISTER THEIR PERSONAL PARTICULARS.
THEY SHOULD IDENTIFY THEIR OYSTER BEDS FROM 10 AM TO NOON, AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM DAILY BETWEEN MONDAY AND THURSDAY (APRIL 27 AND 30). THE SITE COUNTER WILL BE OPEN ON MONDAY (APRIL 27) TO COINCIDE WITH A LOW TIDE TO BE OBSERVED ON THAT DAY.
STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SCENE THROUGHOUT THE SURVEY TO ASSIST THE OYSTER FARMERS IN THE REGISTRATION WORK AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BAMBOO STICKS.
THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL FORM ONE OF THE BASES FOR ASSESSMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES PAYABLE TO ELIGIBLE FARMERS ACCORDING TO A RATE OF $9.4 PER SQUARE METRE OF OYSTER BED UNDER ACTIVE CULTIVATION HAVING A STOCKING DENSITY OF NO LESS THAN 70 CULTCHES PER 100 SQ. METRES.
THE RATE AND BOTTOMLINE DENSITY WAS RECENTLY REVISED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
/before the ......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 198?
BEFORE THE REVISION, THE ORIGINAL RATE WAS SB PER SQUARE METRE AND THE BOTTOMLINE DENSITY WAS 35 CULTCHES PER 10 SQUARE METRES, WHICH REQUIRES A CLAIMANT TO HAVE AN OYSTER BED FIVE TIMES DENSER THAN THE REVISED ONE BEFORE HE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES.
COMMENTING ON THE SURVEY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS PRINCIPALLY CONDUCTED TO IDENTIFY THE INDIVIDUAL OYSTER FARMERS WHOSE OYSTER CULTIVATION WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE FORTHCOMING MARINE CLEARANCE AND TO WORK OUT A DETAILED ASSESSMENT TO FACILITATE PAYMENTS OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO THEM.
WITH REGARD TO THE STATE OF OYSTER CULTIVATION IN THE AREA, THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONDUCTED A FREEZING SURVEY BY SIDE SCAN SONAR DEVICES IN JANUARY LAST YEAR WHEN THE HARVESTING SEASON OF OYSTER FARMING WAS AT ITS PEAK.
THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WAS COLLATED AND ANOTHER SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN JULY DURING WHICH DIVERS WERE DEPLOYED TO VERIFY THE DENSITY OF OYSTER SPREAD WITHIN THE ROUTE AS RECORDED BY THE SONAR SURVEY. THE DATA OBTAINED FROM THE FREEZING SURVEY WERE FOUND TO BE BROADLY ACCURATE.
DURING THE FORTHCOMING SURVEY, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LAU FAU SHAN OYSTERS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES OYSTERS AND CRUSTACEAN UNITED ASSOCIATION WILL BE INVITED TO WITNESS THE WORK AND TO ASSIST INDIVIDUAL OYSTER FARMERS.
MEMBERS OF THE TANG YAU KUNG TONG (A TSO TONG OF THE TANG CLAN) WILL ALSO BE INVITED IN VIEW OF THEIR DECLARED INTEREST TOWARDS THE OYSTER BEDS.
----------------0-------- TRADE AGREEMENT REACHED WITH NORWAY *****
A NEW THREE YEAR BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT HAS BEEN INITIALLED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CURRENT AGREEMENT EXPIRES ON JUNE 30, 1987.
UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT FOUR CATEGORIES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER RESTRAINT WILL BE LIBERALISED. THESE ARE IMPROVEMENTS IN GROWTH RATES AND FLEXIBILITIES FOR THE 11 CATEGORIES REMAINING UNDER RESTRAINT.
THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AFTER TWO ROUNDS OF NEGOTIATIONS. THE FIRST ROUND WAS HELD IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 11-13 AND THE SECOND ROUND IN OSLO FROM APRIL 22-24. THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO OSLO WAS LED BY MR JOSEPH WONG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE.
------0-------
/4........
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
4
FIRST COMMUNITY-BUILT COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE OPENED
THE FIRST COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE FUNDED BY THE COMMUNITY WAS OPENED AT THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
THE SECOND PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE AFTER THE ONE AT PAK TAM CHUNG IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK, THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE BRINGS TO FOUR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VISITOR CENTRES IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS.
THE OTHER TWO SMALLER CENTRES IN ABERDEEN AND TAI MEI TUK WERE CONVERTED FROM OLD OFFICE BUILDINGS.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 90 SQUARE METRES IN TAI HANG TUN, A POPULAR KITE FLYING AND PICNIC AREA, THE NEW CENTRE WAS BUILT AT A COST OF $500 000. THE PROJECT WAS CONCEIVED AND FUNDED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON AND DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY ITS MEMBERS.
IN HIS ADDRESS, DR LEE SAID THAT THE OPENING OF THE NEW CENTRE MARKED A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.
+1 HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT THE COUNTRY PARKS PROGRAMME WOULD NOT COME TO FULL FRUITION UNLESS IT WAS TO BENEFIT ADDITIONALLY FROM THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION FROM THE COMMUNITY.
+1 AM DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO STAND HERE TODAY IN FRONT OF SUCH A POSITIVE AND PRACTICAL EXPRESSION OF THAT GOODWILL,+ HE ADDED.
JOINING DR LEE IN TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CLUB’S PRESIDENT, MR EDWARD S.T. HO, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEYj AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, NR KEVIN HO.
DR LEE SAID THAT THE MAIN FUNCTION OF A VISITOR CENTRE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES IN A POPULAR COUNTRY PARK.
+1 AM SURE THAT MANY THOUSANDS OF VISITORS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS CENTRE AND HAVE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES AND THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION,+ HE SAID.
DR LEE LATER PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO MR EDWARD HO IN RECOGNITION OF THE CLUB’S CONTRIBUTION AND UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW CENTRE.
THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE WHICH FEATURES A SKYLIGHT CEILING CONSISTS OF AN EXHIBITION AREA WITH A LARGE GLASS PANEL COMMANDING A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE N INEPIN GROUP.
/THE DISPLAY .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1?87
- 5 -
THE DISPLAY MOUNTED AT THE CENTRE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK AS WELL AS LOCAL VEGETATION, AND GIVES SAFETY ADVICE ON KITE FLYING.
THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK IS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR OF THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS DEVELOPED AND MANAGED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. ITS AREA OF 615 HECTARES FEATURES MANY FASCINATING LANDSCAPE ATTRACTIONS AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS INCLUDING THE FAMOUS TUNG LUNG FORT, THE TUNG LUNG ISLAND ROCK CARVING, THE LUNG HA WAN ROCK CARVING AND THE CENTURIES-OLD JUNK ISLAND CUSTOMS STATION.
------0-------
INMATE GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOUNDED *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SET UP THE FIRST GIRL GUIDE UNIT FOR TRAINING CENTRE INMATES.
THE NEWLY-FORMED HONG KONG 141ST ISLAND RANGER GUIDE SERVICE UNIT AND BAND HAS 30 MEMBERS, AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 21. NINE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, BEING THEMSELVES QUALIFIED GUIDE LEADERS, WILL HELP CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES FOR THE UNIT.
LADY AKERS-JONES, THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, OFFICIATED AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY AT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION THIS AFTERNOON. TOGETHER WITH THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR G.D. HYDES, LADY AKERS-JONES INSPECTED THE GIRL GUIDES.
IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS, MR HYDES SAID THAT SCOUTING AND GUIDING ACTIVITIES WILL +ENHANCE THE ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE* AND ASSIST IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES, I.E., PREPARING INMATES FOR SUCCESSFUL RE-INTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY UPON RELEASE.
MR HYDES SAID THAT THE TRAINING CENTRE PROGRAMME PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AIMED AT THE PHYSICAL, ACADEMIC, MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE INMATES. APART FROM CLASSROOM EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED TO CULTIVATE THE CHARACTERS OF THE INMATES.
+THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH GUIDING WILL HELP THEM (INMATES) TO BETTER COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE,* MR HYDES SAID.
+BY HONOURING THE GUIDING PROMISE, I AM SURE THEY WILL LEARN TO BECOME USEFUL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND BE PREPARED TO HELP THE NEEDY WHENEVER THE OCCASION ARISES.*
/mr HYdES •••••••
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
MR HYDES SAID THAT GUIDING ACTIVITIES FOR FEMALE INMATES HAD NEVER BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE DEPARTMENT, WHEREAS SCOUTING PROGRAMMES INVOLVING TRAINING CENTRE BOYS EXISTED AS EARLY AS 1950.
THE FIRST INMATE SCOUT GROUP FOUNDED IN THE THEN STANLEY TRAINING CENTRE HAD TO BE DISBANDED UPON THE CLOSURE OF THAT CENTRE IN 1973. SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO INCLUDE SCOUTING INTO THE TRAINING CENTRE CURRICULA WERE IN VAIN BECAUSE OF ADM INSTRATIVE REASONS.
FOLLOWING A FEASIBILITY STUDY EARLY LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT EMBARKED ON REVIVING SCOUTING ACTIVITIES. THE 221ST HONG KONG SCOUT GROUP COMPRISING 78 INMATES FROM TWO TRAINING CENTRES WERE EVENTUALLY FORMED IN JULY LAST YEAR.
MR HYDES SAID TODAY’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE RANGER GUIDE SERVICE UNIT +MARKS ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT UNPRECEDENTED IN THE HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT+. HE ALSO THANKED LADY AKERS-JONES FOR HER STAUNCH SUPPORT FOR THE GUIDING MOVEMENT IN CORRECTIONAL SETTING.
------o-------
YOUTH MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD IN JULY X M * * *
YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A SUMMER CAMP WHERE THEY CAN ENHANCE THEIR MUSICAL SKILLS AND ENJOY VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE 1987 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL EE HELD AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG FROM JULY 18 TO AUGUST 2.
THE CAMP IS PRIMARILY AIMED AT DEVELOPING AND ENHANCING THE MUSICAL CAPABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING IN A SUMMER CAMP ATMOSPHERE.
+PROMISING YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL BE RECRUITED BOTH LOCALLY AND FROM OVERSEAS TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMP TO HELP FOSTER INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH MUS IC,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID.
RENOWNED MUSICIANS WILL BE INVITED TO CONDUCT MASTER CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS. OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE FILM SHOWS AND HI-FI MUSIC APPRECIATION.
SECTIONAL AND ORCHESTRAL REHEARSALS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE CAMPERS PREPARING THEM FOR A FINALE CONCERT TO BE HELD AT SHAT IN TOWN HALL ON AUGUST 1.
/apart from .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
- 7 -
APART FROM MUSIC TRAINING, A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP.
TO ADD VARIETY TO THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES, THREE ORCHESTRAS AND TWO BANDS WILL BE ORGANISED.
APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CAMP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, SENIOR BAND OR CHINESE ORCHESTRAS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE WHILE APPLICANTS FOR THE JUNIOR BAND SHOULD BE UNDER 14 AS AT JULY 17 THIS YEAR.
FEES FOR CAMP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MEMBERS ARE $420 EACH WHILE THOSE FOR OTHER BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS ARE $200.
ALL CAMP FEES ARE INCLUSIVE OF TUITION FEES, THREE MEALS EACH DAY AND ACCOMMODATION.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES CF THE MUSIC OFFICE FROM APRIL 24 ONWARDS.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 9. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-8235314.
-------0----------
COURSES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
*****
THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL CONDUCT TWO IDENTICAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS STARTING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE COURSES ARE OPEN TO NON-QRADUATE TEACHERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND OF SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES.
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A 16-WEEK FULL-TIME COURSE TO BE FOLLOWED BY 18 MONTHS OF SUPERVISED TEACHING PRACTICE IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.
THE COURSES CATER FOR TEACHERS OF SEVEN AREAS OF SPECIALISATION, INCLUDING EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, OF THOSE WHO ARE MENTALLY, VISUALLY OR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, OF THOSE WITH IMPAIRED HEARING, OF THOSE WHO ARE MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED, AND MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS.
A CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO TEACHERS WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE SUCCESSFULLY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAYj THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SUB-OFFICE ON 7TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOKt SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 6 CALDECOTT ROAD IN KOWLOON, AND ITS ANNEXE AT 8 YUEN CHAU KOK ROAD IN SHA TIN.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD THROUGH SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE AT SHA TIN BEFORE MAY 29.
------0-------
/8......
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
8
FINANCIAL BOOST FOR SPORTS AID FOUNDATION *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SIR OSWALD CHEUNG, WILL PRESENT A $5 MILLION CHEQUE TO THE SPORTS AID FOUNDATION OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT ON MONDAY (APRIL 27) AT 4 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROOMS, 5TH FLOOR, ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
DB TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY
*****
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (APRIL 27) TO DISCUSS THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY AND THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, THE PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN FLAT HILL QUARRY AREA, NGAU TAU KOK, AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORT ON CLEARANCE OPERATION AND REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 27) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TAIKOO SHING
*****
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN TAIKOO SHING FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 28).
TAIKOO SHING ROAD AND TAIKOO WAN ROAD BETWEEN TAI WING AVENUE AND TAI YUE AVENUE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND AND ONE-WAY EASTBOUND RESPECTIVELY.
/IN ADDITION
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
IN ADDITION, TAI MOD AVENUE AND TAI FUNG AVENUE BETWEEN TAIKOO SHING ROAD AND TAIKOO WAN ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND AND ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND RESPECTIVELY.
AT THE SAME TIME, CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE 21, 83, AND 721 AFTER LEAVING TAIKOO SHING BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI FUNG AVENUE, TAIKOO SHING ROAD, TAI MOU AVENUE AND TAIKOO WAN ROAD.
ROUTE 780 ON ITS JOURNEY TO CENTRAL ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA TAIKOO SHING ROAD, TAI MOU AVENUE AND TAIKOO WAN ROAD, WHILE ON ITS JOURNEY BACK TO CHAI WAN (EAST), IT WILL TRAVEL VIA ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, TAIKOO WAN ROAD, TAI WING AVENUE, TAIKOO SHING ROAD, TAI MOU AVENUE. TAIKOO WAN ROAD, TAI WING AVENUE AND TAIKOO SHING ROAD.
---0 - -
SHEUNG FOO STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
*****
TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK DUE TO A WATERMAINS BURST IN SHEUNG FOO STREET OUTSIDE HOMANTIN ESTATE BLOCK NO 3, SHEUNG FOO STREET WHICH IS NOW CLOSED TO TRAFFIC WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT FIVE DAYS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE, KMB BUS ROUTES 7B, 8, 17, 18 AND 109 ARE BEING DIVERTED.
ROUTES 7B, 8, AND 18 ARE DIVERTED VIA FAT KWONG STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD AND SKIP SHEUNG SHING STREET ON RETURN JOURNEYS.
ROUTE 17 IS DIVERTED TO OPERTATE VIA FAT KWONG STREET AND SHEUNG SHING STREET AND OMIT SHEUNG FOO STREET ON RETURN JOURNEYS.
MEANWHILE, ROUTE 109 IS DIVERTED VIA SHEUNG SHING STREET INSTEAD OF SHEUNG FOO STREET.
- - 0 - -
/10
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1987
10
REPROVISIONING OF WESTERN CARGO AREA
*****
WORK ON THE REPROVISIONING CARGO WORKING AREA ON HONG KONG DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY
OF WESTERN DISTRICT PUBLIC ISLAND HAS BEGUN, A HIGHWAYS (SATURDAY).
THE WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 360 METRE X 30 METRE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA IN BITUMINOUS MATERIALS, A PERIMETER WALL ABOUT 340 METRES LONG, AND THE ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN ON APRIL 21 AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS/HONG KONG REGION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
-------0-------
LOK MAN ROAD IN CHAI WAN RE-ROUTED
*****
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 27), LOK MAN ROAD IN CHAI WAN FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG MAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAW UPDATED TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY ......................... 1
HONG KONG ELECTRONICS IN UK SHOW ........................... 2
MACAU FERRY TERMINAL BOUNDARY EXTENDED ..................... 3
SUBSIDY AVAILABLE FCR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ............. k
NENDICK DEPARTS FOR ADB MEETING ............................ 6
EMPLOYERS REMINDED ON COMPULSORY INSURANCE ................. 7
SEMINAR FOR aRT AND DESIGN PANEL CHAIRMAN .................. 8
FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG ................ 8
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIa ................................... 9
FURTHER WORKS ON TUEN MUN CONTROLLED TIP ................... 9
FUNDS AVaILaBLE FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ................. 10
INDOOR GAMES HALL FDR CHAI WAN .............................
WORKSHOPS ON LIBRARY MANAGEMENT ............................ 11
TRaM-ONLY LANES ON SHAU KEI WaN ROAD ....................... 11
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
1
LAW UPDATED TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY K * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSTANTLY IMPROVING LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THAT VEHICLES ON THE ROADS ARE SAFER AND THAT THE BEHAVIOUR OF ROAD USERS IS SUITABLE TO THE PREVAILING CONDITIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ROAD SAFETY PATROLS AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM, MR LEUNG SAID: + TO THIS END, AN ADVISORY BOOKLET, THE ROAD USERS’ CODE HAS BEEN PRODUCED, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN JUNE THIS YEAR.*
OUTLINING THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY IN HONG KONG, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION WHICH IS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION OF ROAD SAFETY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICISED AND PROMOTED ROAD SAFETY CONCEPTS THROUGH RADIO AND TELEVISION, THE PRESS, POSTER CAMPAIGNS AND THROUGH PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
+F INALLY,* HE SAID, + AT A PLANNING STAGE, THE GOVERNMENT TRIES TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S ROADS AND FOOTWAYS ARE DESIGNED TO INCORPORATE THE LATEST SAFETY FEATURES SUITABLE FOR ANY GIVEN LOCATION, WHETHER THESE BE AN AERIAL WALKWAY OR A SIMPLE BARRIER.*
MR LEUNG SAID ROAD SAFETY WAS A SERIOUS BUSINESS. +IN FINANCIAL TERMS, ROAD ACCIDENTS COST MONEY FOR THOSE INVOLVED, AND FOR THE POLICE AND THE AUTHORITIES WHO MUST INVESTIGATE ANY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*
+MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHERE THERE ARE CASUALTIES, THERE IS A HUMAN COST. WHETHER IT BE A MINOR INJURY OR A FATALITY, PEOPLE ARE HURT. IN SERIOUS CASES, FAMILIES CAN LOSE A LOVED ONE,* HE SAID.
+THIS IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT PLACES SUCH A PREMIUM ON ROAD SAFETY,* HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT WHEN THE ROAD SAFETY PATROL SCHEME FIRST STARTED IN 1963, ONLY TWO SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED AND THERE WERE JUST 48 MEMBERS. NOW, 24 YEARS LATER, OVER 12 000 STUDENTS FROM 204 SCHOOLS ARE INVOLVED.
+IT IS THE PROUD BOAST OF THE ROAD SAFETY PATROLS, AND INDEED A VERY JUSTIFIED BOAST AT THAT, THAT IN THEIR 24 YEARS OF EXISTENCE, NOT ONE PEDESTRIAN HAS BEEN INJURED AT A CROSSING UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PATROL,* HE SAID.
0--------
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
2
HONG KONG ELECTRONICS IN UK SHOW
*****
HONG KONG WILL BE TAKING PART AGAIN IN THIS YEAR’S 'BRITISH ELECTRONICS SHOW’ EXHIBITION, WHICH OPENS ON TUESDAY (APRIL 28) AT LONDON’S OLYMPIA EXHIBITION CENTRE.
THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME HONG KONG TAKES PART IN THE ALL-ELECTRON ICS/EC IF SHOW, WHICH IS THE + HEART+ OF THE PRESTIGIOUS EXHIBITION AND THE LARGEST ELECTRONICS SHOW IN EUROPE, SECOND ONLY TO ^ELECTRON ICA+ IN MUNICH.
THE 12TH ALL-ELECTRON ICS/ECIF SHOW PRESENTS A WIDE RANGE OF ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLED PRODUCTS IN SOME 400 STANDS REPRESENTING COMPANIES FROM BOTH THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ABROAD.
+WE ARE PLEASED TO PARTICIPATE AGAIN IN THE EXHIBITION. IT IS EXPECTED THAT OUR PRESENCE THERE WILL HELP INCREASE OVERSEAS INVESTORS’ INTEREST IN HONG KONG AND IN TURN ENCOURAGE MORE INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY+, THE PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT (INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION) OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S LONDON OFFICE, MR DONALD FLETCHER SAID.
+UNLIKE THE OTHER STANDS, WE ARE THERE MAINLY TO CULTIVATE AND DEVELOP NEW INVESTMENT POTENTIAL RATHER THAN PROMOTING FINISHED PRODUCTS,* HE ADDED.
♦VISITORS TO OUR STAND WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY THROUGH GRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND A RANGE OF PROMOTION LITERATURE. WE WILL ALSO GIVE ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO VISITORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
♦THE STAND RECEIVED SEVERAL HUNDRED VISITORS LAST YEAR AND WE EXPECT THIS YEAR’S RESPONSE WILL AGAIN BE VERY ENCOURAGING,* MR FLETCHER SAID.
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IS HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORT EARNER, ACCOUNTING FOR 21.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THE UNITED KINGDOM IS THE FIFTH LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WITH AN INVESTMENT VALUE OF SOME 9137 MILLION IN 1985.
0--------
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
5
MACAU FERRY TERMINAL BOUNDARY EXTENDED * * X- X X
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY EXTENDED THE BOUNDARIES OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL TO ENSURE THE SAFE MANOEUVRING OF FERRIES WHEN ARRIVING FROM AND DEPARTING TO MACAU.
THE NEW TERMINAL BOUNDARIES, WHICH CAME IN EFFECT IN MARCH, EXTENDED THE ORIGINAL DISTANCE OF 50 METRES MEASURED FROM THE OUTER PIER TO 90 METRES.
+ANY STEP THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A COLLISION IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR WHEN THE SAFETY OF SO MANY PASSENGERS IS INVOLVED,+ SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (TERMINALS), MR J.D. SHEARMAN, SAID.
THE NEW TERMINAL BOUNDARIES HAVE BEEN MARKED BY YELLOW BUOYS AT THE CORNERS AND DELINEATE AN AREA OF ABOUT 11.3 HECTARES.
THE AREA DELINEATED BY THE NEW BOUNDARIES HAS BEEN GAZETTED AND RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR FERRY VESSELS USING THE TERMINAL. ALL OTHER VESSELS INCLUDING SAMPANS, PLEASURE VESSELS, TUGS, LIGHTERS, ARE NOW USUALLY PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BOUNDARIES.
MR SHEARMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OPERATED A CONTINUOUS VHF RADIO-TELEPHONE SERVICE WHICH PERMITTED COMPREHENSIVE MARINE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE FERRIES AS THEY APPROACHED THE TERMINAL. +IN THIS WAY, INCOMING AND OUTGOING FERRIES CAN BE MANOEUVRED SAFELY UNDER ADVICE+, HE SAID.
SAFETY AROUND THE APPROACHES IS ONLY ONE OF THE MANY ASPECTS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WHICH IS USED BY FIVE COMPANIES OPERATING FERRIES TO MACAU AND HANDLES SOME 8 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PLAYS A CO-ORDINATING ROLE IN ARRANGING THE SAILING SCHEDULES OF THE 32 FERRIES THAT MAKE 164 TRIPS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU EVERY DAY.
AT THE MOMENT, 460 OFFICERS FROM 6 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, POLICE, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES STAFF THE TERMINAL, UNDER THE CO-ORDINATING INFLUENCE OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
MR SHEARMAN WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TERMINAL SINCE ITS OPENING IN 1985 CHAIRS VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS SET UP TO FACILITATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE OPERATORS OF THE FERRIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THE HONG KONG - MACAU FERRY TERMINAL FACILITATION STANDING COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE, PORTS DIVISION, MEETS QUARTERLY TO DEAL WITH POLICY MATTERS AFFECTING PASSENGER TRAFFIC.
/AT THE
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 198?
4
AT THE SAME TIME, MR SHEARMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE FACILITIES INSIDE THE TERMINAL - WHICH ARE AMONG THE MOST ADVANCED IN THE WORLD - WERE WORKING PROPERLY. THESE RANGED FROM BERTHING CONTROL EQUIPMENT, SAILING INFORMATION DISPLAYS AND SECURITY SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS TO ESCALATORS, LIGHTING AND THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ROLE, ACCORDING TO MR SHEARMAN, WAS THE PLANNING OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS REVIEWING SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR THE TERMINAL, HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID AN EVACUATION EXERCISE WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO FAMILIARISE STAFF OF FERRY COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH WAYS OF escorting passengers SAFELY from the TERMINAL BUILDING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
MR SHEARMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WAS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BUILDINGS SUCH AS THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION WHERE PEOPLE COULD DISPERSE SIMPLY BY LEAVING THE BUILDING AS SOON AS THEY REACHED THE GROUND FLOOR.
IN CASE OF THE TERMINAL, MR SHEARMAN SAID PEOPLE WOULD EVACUATE OVER THE TWO LINKING BRIDGES TO THE SHJN TAK CENTRE OR TO THE OUTER PIER WHERE THEY COULD BE RESCUED EITHER BY HELICOPTER FROM THE ROOF OR BY VESSELS BERTHED ALONGSIDE.
IN ADDITION, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS A CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHERE THE TERMINAL STAFF ARE TRAINED IN THE USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLIANCES, HE ADDED.
+WHAT’S MORE, THERE IS ALWAYS A NUCLEUS GROUP OF ABOUT 6 MARINE DEPARTMENT STAFF ON SHIFT DUTY TO OFFER HELP WHENEVER NECESSARY+, MR SHEARMAN SAID.
-----------------------o-------- SUBSIDY AVAILABLE FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS
X * * X X
ABOUT HALF-A-MILL I ON DOLLARS HAD BEEN SET ASIDE BY THE COMMITTEE ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO SUBSIDISE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS ON CIVIC EDUCATION THIS YEAR.
♦THIS IS DOUBLE THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE SCHEME LAST YEAR,+ CONVENOR OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP OF THE COMMITTEE, MR MAK HOI-WAH SAID.
/+THE INCREASE........
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
+THE INCREASE IN FUNDS TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE RECEIVED IN THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS SCHEME ORGANISED LAST YEAR AND THE HIGH QUALITY OF THE PROJECTS COMPLETED,* HE ADDED.
AFTER CAREFUL VETTING OF MORE THAN 12Q APPLICATIONS, 30 ■PROJECTS WERE SELECTED LAST YEAR BY THE COMMITTEE. THESE INCLUDED EXHIBITIONS, VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEMES, SEMINARS, SURVEYS, PRODUCTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, PUBLICATION OF HANDBOOK ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND MANY OTHER DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES. '
♦WITH INCREASED RESOURCES THIS YEAR, THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP IS ABLE TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM GRANT PER PROJECT FROM $10 000 TO $50 000,+ MR MAK ADDED.
+THIS, WE HOPE WOULD ATTRACT PROJECTS OF A LARGER SCALE AND TERRITORY-WIDE IN NATURE,+ HE CONTINUED.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUBSIDY ARE NOW OPEN AND THE DEADLINE IS JUNE 16, 1987.
THE AIM OF THE SCHEME IS TO STIMULATE ORGANISATIONS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION, AND TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
+THE BASIC CONTENTS OF THESE PROJECTS SHOULD ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO UNDERSTAND AND PRACTISE ’RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP’, TO UNDERSTAND AND UPHOLD CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO UNDERSTAND THE MAJOR ELEMENTS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MAkI NG HONG KONG AN OPEN, COSMOPOLITAN AND MODERN SOCIETY,+ MR MAK SAID.
+IT SHOULD ALSO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF POLITICS, THE RULE OF LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE-TO UNDERSTAND THE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED CHANGES AND CHALLENGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG AND TO UNDERSTAND CHINA’S PAST AND PRESENT, TO COMPREHEND HER TRADITION AND CULTURE AND TO BE CONCERNED FOR HER FUTURE DEVELOPMENT,+ MR MAK SAID.
+SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS WILL BE INFORMED BY THE END OF JULY AND ALL PROJECTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR,+ HE ।SAID.
+IN DECIDING THE SUBSIDY, EACH APPLICATION WILL BE ASSESSED
>, ACCORDING TO THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT, THE TARGET GROUP AND NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, THE AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUfRED AND THE FEASIBILITY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAMME.
/• • • f -t ■ • *
♦PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS WITH SNOWBALL OR MULTIPLIER EFFECT,+ MR MAK ADDED.
/SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS........
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS COULD RECEIVE AN ADVANCE PAYMENT OF 50 PER CENT OF THE SUBSIDY IF NECESSARY WHILE THE BALANCE WILL BE PAID UPON SUBMISSION OF AN INTERIM REPORT AND FINANCIAL RECEIPTS.
A REPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE ORGANISERS WITHIN ONE MONTH AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
+T0 MAXIMISE THE USE OF RESOURCES, THE SCHEME WILL NOT SUBSIDISE SCHOOL PROJECTS HELD SOLELY FOR STUDENTS NOR PROJECTS ALREADY SPONSORED BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL,+ HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH DETAILS OF APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE NOW OBTAINABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, 13/F, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-665492 AND 3-669074.
- 0 -
NENDICK DEPARTS FOR ADB MEETING * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, LEFT FOR JAPAN TODAY (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE 20TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO BE HELD IN OSAKA FROM APRIL 27-29.
MR NENDICK IS EXPECTED TO ADDRESS THE MEETING AT A GOVERNOR’S
SESSION
OTHER MEMBERS IN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE TWO PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARIES FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR THOMAS SHARR AND MISS SARAH WU. THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 30 (THURSDAY).
- 0 -
SUNDAY, APRIL 26,1987
- 7 -
EMPLOYERS REMINDED ON COMPULSORY INSURANCE * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER MUST HAVE A VALID INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER THE FULL AMOUNT OF HIS LIABILITIES FOR COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES AND DEATH SUSTAINED BY HIS EMPLOYEE AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENT AT WORK.
+THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WOULD OBTAIN COMPENSATION TO WHICH HE IS ENTITLED UNDER THE LAW,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
+THE INSURANCE POLICY MUST BE ISSUED BY AN INSURER AUTHORISED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO CARRY ON ACCIDENT INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
+EMPLOYERS MUST BEAR THE FULL COST OF THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEDUCT THE COST FROM THE EARNINGS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES,+ HE ADDED.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF #50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE ORDINANCE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* 7/F., HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL.: 5-8955920)
* 4/F., CANTON ROAD government OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
(TEL.: 3-688662)
* 5/F., KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
12 LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KOWLOON. (TEL.: 3-490453)
* 1/F., KCR HOUSE, SHATIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES. (TEL.: O-6O65539)
* 6/F., KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES. (TEL.: 0-238907)
* 1/F., EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
(TEL.: 0-4980022)
-------o---------
/8........
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
8
SEMINAR FOR ART AND DESIGN PANEL CHAIRMAN *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE ROLE OF AN ART AND DESIGN PANEL CHAIRMAN.
THE SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5TH FLOOR, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON MAY 30 (SATURDAY).
THE SEMINAR AIMS AT FAMILIARISING ART AND DESIGN PANEL CHAIRMEN WITH THEIR ROLE IN CURRICULUM PLANNING AND THE WAYS TO CARRY OUT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EFFECTIVELY.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE ART SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
-------0---------
FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG
*****
ELDERLIES IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CAN BEGIN TO ENROL FOR FREE EYE CHECK-UPS TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
THE ENROLMENT, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM, IS PART OF THE SAI KUNG ELDERLY OPTOMETRY PROJECT WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MAY 30 (SATURDAY).
ELDERLIES AGED 65 OR ABOVE WILL BE GIVEN FREE EYE CHECK-UPS BY OPTOMETRISTS WITH A COMPUTERISED EYE CHECKING MACHINE.
AS THE NUMBER OF ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 400, IT WILL BE CONDUCTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND LETTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO RURAL COMMITTEES, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INVITING ELIGIBLE ELDERLIES TO TAKE PART.
ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, THE AIMS OF THE PROJECT ARE TO ENHANCE ELDERLIES’ KNOWLEDGE OF CARE FOR THEIR EYES AND TO AROUSE PEOPLE’S CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ENROLMENT OF SAI KUNG ELDERLIES FOR A FREE EYE CHECK-UP TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
------0--------
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
9
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA * * X *
INSIGNIA FOR 79 PEOPLE WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 6 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
SEVENTY-FOUR RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE FIVE WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.
AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, WHO WAS AWARDED THE COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF THE BATH (MILITARY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS AT THE INSIGNIA PRESENTATION MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE GlS NEWS DIVISION AT 4 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET GlS OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM NOT LATER THAN 5.30 PM.
NEWSPAPERS WITHOUT SUCH PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAMBRIDGE’S STUDIO, 802, YIP FUNG BUILDING, 2-12 D’AGUILAR STREET, CENTRAL, TELEPHONE 5-223314.
------o--------
FURTHER WORKS ON TUEN MUN CONTROLLED TIP *****
FURTHER CONTROLLED TIPPING WORK AT PILLAR POINT VALLEY IN TUEN MUN WILL START IN JULY FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF PHASE II OF THE PROJECT.
THE PHASE III WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONTINUATION OF CONTROLLED TIPPING AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
CONTROLLED TIPPING CONSISTS BASICALLY OF SPREADING AND COMPACTING OF REFUSE IN LAYERS, AND COVERING EACH LAYER WITH INERT EARTH AS TIPPING PROCEEDS.
ALL WORKING FACES OF THE TIP WILL BE SEALED OFF DAILY TO ELIMINATE HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARDS.
WHEN THE TIP IS COMPLETELY FILLED, ABOUT 5.5 HECTARES OF OPEN SPACE CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY USE.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------0-------- /10..................
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
10
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES * * * * *
RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS THROUGH THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO SPONSOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE HAS SET ASIDE $225 000 THIS YEAR FOR SPONSORING LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING FESTIVAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS SHOULD REACH THE COMMITTEE SECRETARY AT LEAST THREE WEEKS BEFORE EACH COMMITTEE MEETING AND LATE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR MEETINGS IN 1987/88 ARE MAY 12, JULY 6, SEPTEMBER 1, OCTOBER 26 AND DECEMBER 21.
A SUB-COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO VET THE APPLICATIONS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE ON WHETHER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED AND THE APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO BE GRANTED.
OF THE $225 000 ALLOCATION, $125 000 WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE DISTRICT’S SIX CONSTITUENCIES WHILE $100 000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR SPONSORING OTHER TYPES OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY BE HELD ON A DISTRICT-WIDE BASIS.
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BELOW $1 500 CAN BE FORWARDED TO THE AREA COMMITTEES WHICH ARE GIVEN A BLOCK ALLOCATION OF $60 000 TO SPONSOR SMALLER-SCALE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE CONSTITUENCIES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
- 0 - -
INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR CHAI WAN
*****
AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IS TO BE BUILT IN CHAI WAN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
COMPRISING THREE BASKETBALL COURTS, THE INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL BE BUILT ON TOP OF AN EXISTING CARPARK BETWEEN YEE SHING AND YEE FUNG STREETS.
ADJACENT TO THE CARPARK WILL BE A THREE-STOREY ANNEX BUILDING LINKING WITH THE INDOOR GAMES HALL ON THIRD FLOOR.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE ANNEX BUILDING INCLUDE THREE SQUASH COURTS, A LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANT, DANCING ROOM, FITTNESS TRAINING ROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE INDOOR GAMES HALL AND THE ANNEX BUILDING. WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1988.
- 0 -
/11 .
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1987
11
WORKSHOPS ON LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
******
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND EIGHT IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON CLASS LIBRARY MANAGEMENT TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 26 AND JUNE 19.
THE WORKSHOPS, EACH COMPRISING TWO HALF-DAY SESSIONS, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE EXTRA-MURAL TOWN CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON 9TH FLOOR, SHUN TAK CENTRE, WEST TOWER, 200 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE WORKSHOPS AIM AT PROMOTING THE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF A CLASS LIBRARY AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS THROUGH TALKS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MAY 6 (WEDNESDAY).
- - 0 - -
TRAM-ONLY LANES ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD X X * X M-
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 29), THREE SECTIONS OF TRAM TRACK ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE MADE TRAM-ONLY LANES.
THEY ARE:
X THE WESTBOUND TRAM TRACK FROM A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES EAST OF SUN SING STREET TO A POINT ABOUT SEVEN METRES EAST OF HOI NING STREET;
* THE WESTBOUND TRAM TRACK FROM A POINT ABOUT 17 METRES WEST OF HOI NING STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 22 METRES EAST OF HOLY CROSS PATH? AND
* THE EASTBOUND TRAM TRACK FROM HOI AN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 27 METRES EAST OF HOI FOO STREET.
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THESE TRAM-ONLY LANES AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 37 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOI NING STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOI AN STREET.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 81 ......................... 1
LINK SYSTEM WORKS WELL.................................... 5
'USEFUL AND FRIENDLY' EXCHANGE OF VIEWS .................... 6
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OF CHILDREN UNDER 14 FROM CHINA ........ 7
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED ............... 8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1987 ..................... 12
AVIATION EXPERTS MEETING IN PEKING ........................ 15
NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE ON OVERSEhS STANDARDS REyJIRFMENTS . 15
KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE TO BE Vi’ITHDRAWN ................. 16
S5 MILLION BOOST FOR SPORTS AID FOUNDATION ................ 17
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY FOR HOSPITAL EXTENSION ............... 17
SPECIaL DISPLaY ON CIVIC EDUCATION ........................ 18
RESUMPTION OF FUK KWAN AVENUE FOR MAINTENANCE ............. 18
DB COMMITTEE TO ELECT NEW CHaIRMaN ...................... 19
DONaTION TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ......................... 19
DETAILS OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT .......... 20
FUND ALLOCATION TO BE DISCUSSED.......................... 20
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEaN COMMITTEE TO MEET................ 21
TaI PO DB MEETING TOMORROW................................ 21
LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ................... 22
TSUEN WAN WaTER CUT ....................................... 22
WATER STORaGE FIGURE
22
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1 °87
1
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA to R1
*****
INSIGNIA FOR 81 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY SIP DAVID WILSON, AT A CEREMONY at GOVERNMENT (MONDAY) EVENING.
THE GOVERNOR, HOUSE THIS
SEVENTY-SIX RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED BY THE CUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE FIVE WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST qf INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:
C.B. (MIL.)
MAJOR-GENERAL THE HOm THOMAS ANTHONY BOAM CBE O.B.E.
THE HON .JOHN WALTER CHAMBERS JP
MR VINCENT CHOU WEN-HSIEN JP
MR NOEL MARTIN GLEESON JP
MP JOHN TREVOR THORPE JP
MISS ELEANOR BE I-LEE WONG JP
O.B.E. (HON.)
MR GEORGE TSENG-YONG CHU
MR CONAL FRANCIS MARY O’KELLY JP
I.S.O.
MR LI T|N-MING
MR FRANK DEREK ROOME JP
M.B.E.
MR CHAN KWOK-CHUEN
MR JAMES CH’I EM MING-NIEN
MR JAMES HERBERT EVANS
/MR KWONG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
- 2 -
MR KWONG HOI-LAM
MR DAVID LEE SHU-TAI
DP MOK WAH-CHAAN
M.B.E. (MIL.)
CAPTAIN PETER CHUNG TUNG-SHI MG
MAJOR LAU PO-CHI ED
QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL
MR MARTIN JOHN LOVATT
B.E.M.
MR CHAN KIM-HUNG
MR CHEUNG KA|-KWONG
MR CHU PING-KIM
MR FONG CHING-CHUNG
MR KWAN MAN-HUNG
MRS LEUNG LO LAI-HING
MRS LEUNG YEUNG KIT-KUEN
MR SO WAH-KIU
MP SUN TA I
MRS TAM CHU SOK-YING
MR TO TAM-WING
MP TSANG KWONG-LEIJNG
MR YU KWOK-HUNG
B.E.M. (MIL.)
SERGEANT LEUNG CHUNG—YUEN
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
- 3 -
I ,S.M.
MP CHEUNG tat
MR L*U SAW?
MR LEUNG WING
MRS TSOI HO LA I-HING
OUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR brave CONDUCT
MR NG KWAN-WAI
MR FU SIU-WING
MR LI HOI-CHIN
0.P.M.
MR MALCOLM GEORGE FARNHAM CPM
MR RICHARD COIJPTMEY SMALLSHAW CPM C.P.M.
ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE
MR TSANG YAM-PUI
MP BRUCE FERGUSON
MR DAVID MAPT|M HODSON MR ANTHONY JOHN FER”|GE
MP DEpEK CLIVE BUTLER
MP RICHARD GRAHAM BELL
MP DUNN ma|-BUN
MR ALEXANDER CHALMERS
MR LUNG K|N-KE I
MP CHANG SOU-TIEN
MR MAN WAl-YU
MR LEE MAN-TONG
MR LEE HING-MAN
MP KWOK KAM-FUI
IRE SERVIC
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
- 4 -
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MR JO^N FREDERICK GODDEN
MR CHAN HOI
MP TSANG KWONG-YU
MP CHAM CHEUNG-KIT
Mp CHAN SHU-FAI
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN CHOW-FAN
MR CHAN K|NG—HUNG
MR CHEUNG KAM-HUNG
DR CHEUNG SAU—CHING
MR CHUNG YEE-ON
MR KWOK HON-MING
MR KWONG KWOK-KAM
MR LEUNG OM-FOOK
MR LUI CH I-KWAI
MR SHUM CHI-KIN
MR TANG TIJNG-KWONG
MR WONG LUEN-KIN
MP YAU YUK-TAK
MP YIN TEK-SHIMG
MADAM LOLA YOUNG
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT BUTT YIU-MING ae
FLIGHT SERGEANT CHOI CHIU-M|NG AE
MP CHAN WAI-KWAI
MP YU CHAU—FlU
MR CHENG CH I-Ml NG
------0------- /5................
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 19R7
5
LINK SYSTEM WORKS WELL * * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS NOT COME UNDER ANY PRESSURE TO STRENGTHEN ITS CURRENCY AND THE LINK WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR IS WORKING WELL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
WHILE ADMITTING THAT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAD BEEN TRADING VERY NEAR THE LINK RATE FOR SOME TIME AND OCCASSIONALLY CAME UNDER PRESSURE, MR JACOBS STRESSED IT WAS NOT SEVERE AND THE LINK WAS WORKING.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS AT A PRESS BRIEFING ON TRADE MATTERS, MR JACOBS REITERATED THAT THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THE LINK SHOULD NOT REMAIN UNTIL 1997 OR INDEED BEYOND AS HONG KONG WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS OWN MONETARY AFFAIRS UNDER THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+ IT’S PERFECTLY NATURAL FOR THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY OF LITTLE HONG KONG TO BE LINKED TO ANOTHER MAJOR TRADING CURRENCY,+ HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY S«|D THEY HAD A + VERY USEFUL AND FRIENDLY EXCHANGE* WITH THE U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, MP MALCOLM BALDR|GE, IN the MORNING.
HE ADDED THAT THE MEETING HAD COVERED A HOST OF SUBJECTS IN RELATION TO TRADE AND THE U.S. VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE GENERALLY, AS WELL AS ITS CONCERN A3OIJT SOME MARKETS NOT BEING OPEN AND Fair.
HE S&|n SECRETARY BALDPIPE HAD STRESSED FAIR TRADE AND ASKED WHETHER HONG KONG SHOULD DO MORE TO PERSUADE ITS NEIGHBOURS TO OPEN UP THEIR MADHETS.
+1 THINK the BEST WAY FORWARD IS TO KEEP TALKING TO PEOPLE, KEEPING URGING THE CASE OF OPEN, FREE AND FA|R TRADE. I THINK THE MESSAGE |S GRADUALLY GEtt|MG THROUGH,* MP JACOBS SAID.
HE ADDED That THE FORMER SErRETAPY FO° tpa.DE AND INDUSTRY, MR ERIC HO, HAD COMPLETED A POUND OF VISITS, INCLUDING KOREA AND JAPAN, ARGUING THE CAUSE OF FREE, OPEN AND FA|R TRADE.
ASKED WHAT HONG KONG COULD DC EVEN AMERICANS COULD NOT PERSUADE JAPAN TO OPEN UP, MR JACOBS SAID;
+1 THINK PERSUASION, CONSTANT DIRECT CONTACT, CONSTANT REFERENCE TO HOW WE HAVE PERHAPS 3ENEFITTED BY BEING SUCH AN OPEN ECONOMY, WE ape A MARVELLOUS EXAMPLE OF HO.'/ AN OPEN ECONOMY REALLY WORKS TO THE BENEFIT OF EVERYONE.*
ON WHETHER HONG KONG AGREES I th THE U.S. DEFINITION OF FAIR TRADE, THE SECRETARY FOR TPADE a^r INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SA in.
/+I THINK
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
+ । IT’S V£RY CLtA-P that S’-JARE the 3aSIC ti|D|j$t pp
iLS. administration Policy, t,iat is to say crE-i vap^ets to DEP’FOPCE Tup toy A‘jn -''Mt |t vODr JESTER ' A KE tHE NE1
QOUND ’'TR|-, ;\»M|^H MEANS, AMC*,/? ctlipo riptoQ 7'’EQE TH*- PJLES AREN’T >;CRK|N^ VE°Y MELL, I'-’^C-VE TM£
+THOSE ape ™c Tjpmc; t: C!iL’» ENTIRELY nO ALONH ' I TH f HE ADDED, “
-------0----------
’USEFUL AND FRIENDLY’ EXCHANGE OF VIEWS * * * * X
, JnE™ NANF AL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, DESCRIBED TALKS EARLIER TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND THE VISITING U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, MR MALCOLM BALDRIGE, AS + A VERY USEFUL AND FRIENDLY EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON A RANGE OF TOPICS*.
THE MEETING TOOK PLACE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 9.30 AM AND LASTED ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF AN HOUR. IN ADDITION TO LHLHovNClnL SECRETARY, BOTH THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND ’^STRY, MR HAM,SH MACLEOD, AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR JOSEPH YAM, WERE PRESENT AT THE TALKS.
+ IN ADDTION TO A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG, A MAJOR THEME WAS OF COURSE BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL TRADE,* MR JACOBS COMMENTED.
ii c DISCUSSED TRADE AND TEXTILE LEGISLATION PENDING IN THE U'S- CONGRESS, AND EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S APPRECIATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO RESIST PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES.
,,,-r +C!-EARLY BOTH HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES HAVE A COMMON INTEREST IN ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO OPEN MARKETS AND STRENGTHEN THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM, AND THERE ARE NO MAJOR BILATERAL ISSUES BETWEEN US, HENCE THE GOOD ATMOSPHERE OF THE TALKS.*
- 0 -
/7
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
7
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OF CHILDREN UNDER 14 FROM CHINA
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF CHANGING ITS POLICY CONCERNING THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA AND IT WILL REPATRIATE ALL WHO MANAGED TO EVADE THE SECURITY CONTROLS AT THE BORDER AREAS.
THIS REITERATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY WAS SPELT OUT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER.
+ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE SENT BACK, WHETHER THEY ARE CHILDREN OR ADULTS,+ MR CARTER WHO WISH TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG SHOULD MAKE USE CHANNELS AVAILABLE.+
REGARDLESS OF SAID. +THOSE OF THE LEGAL
UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, SOME 27 OOO PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER HONG KONG UNDER THE ONE-WAY PERMIT SCHEME FOR SETTLEMENT EACH YEAR. IN ADDITION, RESIDENTS OF CHINA CAN VISIT HONG KONG FOR SHORT PERIODS PROVIDED THEY HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH TWO-WAY EXIT-PERMITS. THEY HAVE TO LEAVE WHEN THE PERIOD OF STAY IS UP.
REFERRING TO THE CONTINUING PHENOMENON OF CHILDREN BEING SMUGGLED INTO HONG KONG, MR CARTER SAID THAT THE AUTHORITIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER HAD WORKED HARD TO ENSURE THAT THIS SMUGGLING WAS BROUGHT TO AN END.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN WHO MANAGED TO EVADE ARREST AT THE BORDER WOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAY, MR CARTER SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY HAD ALWAYS BEEN TO REPATRIATE THEM, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE CASES WHERE STAY WAS ALLOWED FOR HUMANITARIAN REASONS. FOR EXAMPLE IN SOME CASES WHERE THE CHILD WAS UNDER 14 AND WHERE BOTH PARENTS WERE IN HONG KONG, THE CHILD HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO STAY.
+BUT,+ MR CARTER STRESSED, +WE HAVE NOW REACHED THE STAGE WHEN THE HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS FOR ALLOWING A FEW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO STAY ARE BEING EXPLOITED BY CRIMINALS FOR ILLICIT MONETARY GAIN, PLACING THE LIVES OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN JEOPARDY IN SO DOING.
+THE HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS TO STAY HAVE TO BE TIGHTENED. IMMIGRANTS, REGARDLESS OF AGE, ATTEMPT TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN CHILDREN’S LIVES AT RISK TO NO
ON WHICH A FEW HAVE BEEN ALLOWED IN PRINCIPLE, ALL ILLEGAL WILL BE REPATRIATED. THOSE WHO SMUGGLED IN WILL BE PUTTING THEIR PURPOSE.
+ HOWEVER, THOSE PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN UNDER 14 HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED ILLEGALLY BUT WHO HAVE NOT REPORTED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD TAKE THEIR CHILDREN TO THE investigation DIVISION OF the IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, SIXTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
/+SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
- 8 -
+SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN AGREED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE ISSUE OF ONE-WAY PERMITS TO SUCH CHILDREN PRESENTING THEMSELVES FOR REGISTRATION DURING THIS PERIOD, WHOSE PARENTS ARE IN HONG KONG.
+THIS WILL REQUIRE PARENTS TAKING THEIR CHILDREN TO SHENZHEN TO COLLECT THE PERMITS ON A DAY TO BE DETERMINED, AND RETURNING THE SAME DAY TO HONG KONG. PARENTS WILL BE ADVISED LATER INDIVIDUALLY OF THE ARRANGEMENTS.
+ALL CHILDREN SHOWING UP AFTER APRIL 28 WILL BE REPATRIATED AS A MATTER OF POLICY,* MR CARTER SAID.
ON THE REPATRIATION OF CHILDREN, HE SAID ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO ENABLE PARENTS OR CLOSE RELATIVES TO ESCORT THE CHILDREN BACK TO CHINA IF THEY WISH TO DO SO. THE PARENTS AND RELATIVES WILL OF COURSE BE ABLE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG AT ANY TIME.
ON CHILDREN LEFT IN CHINA BY PARENTS WHO ARE ALREADY IN HONG KONG, MR CARTER SAID THAT IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL BE ISSUING ONE-WAY PERMITS TO THEM IN DUE COURSE.
+ IT IS ALSO OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL BE TAKING STEPS IN THE ISSUE OF ONE-WAY PERMITS TO PREVENT FAMILIES BEING SPLIT IN FUTURE,* MR CARTER ADDED.
IN CONCLUDING, MR CARTER URGED PARENTS WHO HAVE LEFT BEHIND CHILDREN IN CHINA TO APPLY FOR THESE CHILDREN TO COME TO HONG KONG THROUGH THE LEGAL CHANNEL, THE ONE-WAY PERMIT SYSTEM. HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1986 SOME 8 200 CHILDREN HAVE JOINED THEIR PARENTS USING THIS SYSTEM.
-------c----------
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED
*****
EXTERNAL TRADE SHOWED VERY RAPID GROWTH IN MARCH 1987. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF ALL THE TRADE AGGREGATES IN VALUE TERMS ACCELERATED.
ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH 1987, AT $144 483 MILLION, INCREASED BY 41.0 PER CENT OR $4 214 MILLION OVER MARCH 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 61.8 PER CENT OR $5 298 MILLION TO $13 864 MILLION.
/TAKING DOMESTIC .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE O’?. TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $28 347 MILLION, WAS 50.5 PER CENT OR $9 512 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 54.6 PER CENT OR $10 848 MILLION OVER MARCH 1986 TO $30 731 MILLION.
„ AS THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) IN MARCH 1987 WIDENED TO 7.8 PER CENT, COMPARED •“ ' ----
5.3 PER CENT IN MARCH 1986.
WITH A GAP OF
IN ABSOLUTE VALUE TERMS, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT RECORDED IN MARCH 1987, AT $2 384 MILLION, WAS MORE THAN DOUBLE THAT RECORDED IN MARCH 1986.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WAS $75 012 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $38 528 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $36 484 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $21 861 MILLION OR 41.1 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $9 382 MILLION OR 32.2 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY $12 479 MILLION OR 52.0 PER CENT. OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $22 694 MILLION OR 40.8 PER CENT, TO $78 366 MILLION.
A CUMULATIVE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3 354 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. THIS COMPARES WITH A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $2 521 MILLION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986, WHICH WAS EQUIVALENT TO 4.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THAT QUARTER.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE LATTER PART OF 1986 HAD CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, REFLECTING STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS AND THE STIMULATING EFFECT OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN LINE WITH THAT OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, AGAINST MOST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE COURSE OF 1986 AND THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1987.
/THE VERY........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
10
THE VERY RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FLOURISHING ENTREPOT TRADE WITH CHINA, WHICH FEATURED PROMINENTLY BOTH AS A SOURCE AND AS A MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT, GIVEN THE STRONG GROWTH IN IMPORTS THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF EXPORTS WAS LIKELY TO BE SUSTAINED IN THE COMING MONTHS.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1987:
PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS: RE-EXPORTS t
TOTAL EXPORTS : IMPORTS ;
TRADE BALANCE :
514 483
513 864
528 347
530 731
52 384
MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION
(IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
JAN 87 TO JAN 86 TO 1NCRFASF
LATEST 3 MONTHS MAR 87 MAR 86
HK5 MN. HK5 MN. HK5 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 38 528 29 146 9 382 32.2
OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (51.4%) (54.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 36 484 24 005 12 479 52.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 75 012 53 151 21 861 41.1
IMPORTS 78 366 55 672 22 694 40.8
TRADE BALANCE -3 354 -2 521 -833
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MARCH 1987 HK5 MN. MARCH 1986 HK5 MN. HK5 INCREASE
MN. $
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 14 483 (51.1%) 10 269 (54.5$) 4 214 41.0
/RE-EXPORTS 13 864 .........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
11
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 13 864 28 347 30 731 -2 384 8 566 18 835 19 883 -1 048 5 298 9 512 10 848 -1 336 61.8 50.5 54.6
LAST MONTH MARCH 1987 HK$ MN. FEBRUARY 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HKfi MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 14 483 (51.1%) 9 992 (48.5%) 4 491 44.9
RE-EXPORTS 13 864 10 616 3 248 30.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 28 347 20 608 7 739 37.6
IMPORTS 30 731 24 118 6 613 27.4
TRADE BALANCE -2 384 -3 510 1 126
LAST 12 MONTHS APR 86 TO MAR 87 HK$ MN. APR 85 TO MAR 86 HK« MN. HK$ INCREASE MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 163 365 130 052 33 313 25.6
RE-EXPORTS 135 026 103 802 31 224 30.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 298 391 233 854 64 537 27.6
IMPORTS 298 648 233 092 65 556 28.1
TRADE BALANCE -257 762 -1 019
-----0------
/12........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
12
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1987 *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR
DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED MARCH 1987.
THE NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) (OCT. 84/SEP. 85 - 100) FOR MARCH 1987 WERE 106.9 AND 107.0 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 4.4 PER CENT AND 4.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER MARCH 1986.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE NEW CPI (A) AND AVERAGE NEW CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1987 WERE 104.7 AND 105.1 RESPECTIVELY.
THE 1979/80-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) FOR MARCH 1987 WERE 169.8 AND 171.1 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT. THE AVERAGE tPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1987, AT 166.0 AND 167.5 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 3.2 PER CENT AND 3.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1986.
PRICE MOVEMENTS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE BASED ON THE NEW CPI SERIES.
DURING THE 3-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.3 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING MARCH, TAXI FARES, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND CIGARETTES AND CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH FRUIT DECREASED.
THE NEW CPI(A) AND THE NEW CPI(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 S9 999 A MONTH.
/CHANGES IN .......
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
COMPARED WITH
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES AS — E2 —!l FEBRUARY 1987 AND MARCH 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW?’
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE - 100)
NEW CPI(A) NEW CPI(B)
SECTION INDEX FOR MAR. 87 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 87 % change OVER MAR. 86 INDEX FOR MAR. 87 % change OVER FEB. 87 f> change OVER MAR. 86
—————— ——————— ——————— —————
FOODSTUFFS 103.4 +0.1 + 2.7 104.0 -0.0* + 3.0
HOUSING 108.6 +0.0* + 5.0 106.6 +0.0* +3.5
FUEL AND LIGHT 91.8 +0.8 -7.3 92.4 +0.9 -6.8
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR home CONSUMPTION) 116.0 +4.4 +9.8 115.9 + 4.4 +9.8
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 107.7 +0.1 +4.7 108.2 +0.2 + 4.9
DURABLE GOODS 108.9 +0.4 +6.3 108.2 +0.5 +6.0
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 112.5 +0.5 +9.5 112.1 +0.7 +8.6
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 113.2 +0.7 +8.6 111.8 +0.9 +7.5
SERVICES 114.5 +0.1 + 5.8 113.7 +0.2 + 5.4
ALL ITEMS 106.9 +0.3 +4.4 107.0 +0.3 +4.2
* LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND DECREASED MARGINALLY IN NEW CPI(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED WHILE THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH FRUIT DECREASED. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
/THE INDEX
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
14
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) INCREASED BY 4.4 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CP I(A) AND NEW CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF CIGARETTES.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF TOILET REQUISITES, COSMETICS, JEWELLERY, TOYS AND HOBBIES.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER TAXI AND SCHOOL BUS FARES AS WELL AS HIGHER DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCE FEES.
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 MARCH 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG 1 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 AT 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 109.8 IN MARCH 1987, UP BY 0.8 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1987 AND BY 5.7 PER CENT OVER MARCH 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--------
/15........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
15
AVIATION EXPERTS MEETING IN PEKING * X * X K
AN EXPERT MEETING ON THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF CIVIL AVIATION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH SIDES ON APRIL 28 TO 29 IN PEKING.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR F. BURROWS WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
------o-------
NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE ON OVERSEAS STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS
* * * * *
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY INTRODUCED AN ENQUIRY/ ADVICE SERVICE ON OVERSEAS PRODUCT STANDARDS, TESTING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS TO ASSIST LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS TO COMPLY WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN
OVERSEAS MARKETS.
+THE NEW SERVICE AIMS TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE TECHNICAL CONTENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, CFFER SUGGESTIONS ON WAYS TO BETTER ENABLE A PRODUCT TO MEET THE REQU IREMENTS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+IN ADDITION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS PRODUCT STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS AND KEEPS CERTAIN STANDARDS REGULATIONS OF SOME OVERSEAS COUNTRIES FOR MANUFACTURERS’ AND EXPORTERS’ REFERENCE,+ HE ADDED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE CORRESPONDENT MEMBERSHIP OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION FOR HONG KONG HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM THE HONG KONG STANDARDS AND TESTING CENTRE LIMITED TO THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AS FROM APRIL 1, 1987.
+AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSFER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOW TAKEN OVER FROM THE CENTRE ITS COLLECTION OF ABOUT 76 000 VOLUMES OF INTERNATIONAL AND OVERSEAS NATIONAL STANDARDS.
+THESE STANDARDS, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND FACT SHEETS CONCERNING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF SOME OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS, ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC’S REFERENCE AT THE PRODUCT STANDARDS BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT, THROUGH WHICH SPECIFIC STANDARDS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED FROM THE STANDARDS ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.+
INTERESTED PARTIES WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE ENQUIRY/ADV ICE SERVICE, OR TO READ OR PURCHASE THE INTERNATIONAL AND OVERSEAS NATIONAL STANDARDS, ARE WELCOME TO CALL AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCT STANDARDS BRANCH (ROOM 1439, OCEAN CENTRE, 14/F, TSIM SHA TSUI) OR CONTACT MR TSANG PING-SUM (TEL. NO. 3-7222583) OR MRS BETTY LAM (TEL. NO. 3-7222449).
SET OUT IN HEALTH AND SAFETY 6/87 ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
FULL DETAILS OF THE SERVICES ARE STANDARDS CIRCULARS NO. 5/87 AND NO.
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/16........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
16
KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN *****
THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND KWUN TONG OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM MONDAY (MAY 4), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID THAT FROM THE SAME DAY EXTRA CROSS-HARBOUR BUSES WILL BE PUT INTO SERVICE, AND MTR FREQUENCIES BETWEEN THE TWO POINTS WILL BE INCREASED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE FERRY SERVICE WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ENDORESED 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 MTR AND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL BUSES.
THE FERRY SERVICE HAS BEEN OPERATING ONLY DURING THE MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND DURING THE MORNING HEAK HOURS ON SATURDAYS.
THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERVICE IS PART OF THE RATIONALISATION CF THE CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES OF THE HYF, AIMED AT BRINGING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMPANY’S SERVICES ESPECIALLY TO OUTLYING DISTRICT ROUTES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMTTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON THE CANCELLATION OF THE FERRY ROUTE AND ON THE COMPENSATORY TRANSPORT SERVICES.
HE SAID KMB AND CMB HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE PASSENGER DEMAND IN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL AND TO DEPLOY ADDITIONAL BUSES ON THE EXISTING CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 101 FROM KWUN TONG TO KENNEDY TOWN IF NECESSARY.
HE EMPHASISED THAT FROM THE SAME DAY, MTR SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT A TWO-MINUTE FREQUENCY FROM 8 AM-HALF-AN-HOUR EARLIER THAN AT PRESENT - TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED PASSESNGER DEMAND.
THE IMPROVEMENT TO MTR SERVICES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL BUS SERVICES WILL MEET THE DEMAND OF THE ABOUT 600 PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE FERRY SERVICE.
MEANWHILE, NEGOTIATION WITH THE TWO BUS COMPANIES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL VIA THE AIRPORT TUNNEL IS PROGRESSING, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/17........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 19S7
17
55 MILLION BOOST FOR SPORTS AID FOUNDATION
*****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TODAY (MONDAY) DONATED $5 MILLION TO THE SPORTS AID FOUNDATION (SAF) FORMED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT LAST DECEMBER.
THE FOUNDATION AIMS AT HELPING SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN IN THE TERRITORY TO ACHIEVE SPORTING EXCELLENCE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOCKEY CLUB, SIR OSWALD CHEUNG, PRESENTED THE $5 MILLION CHEQUE TO MR WONG WAH SANG, MEMBER OF THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE ON SAF AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CLUB IN HAPPY VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, W F.K. HU NOTED THAT THE OCCASION WAS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHEME AS THE FOUNDATION RECEIVED ITS FIRST AND A SIZEABLE DONATION THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF THE CLUB.
HE SAID THE SCHEME WOULD IN FUTURE PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SPORTSMEN IN NEED.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, W A.K. CHUI, PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO SIR OSWALD IN APPRECIATION CF THE DONATION.
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TOPPING OUT CEREMONY FOR HOSPITAL EXTENSION
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TOPPING OUT OF A $389 MILLION EXTENSION TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, POKFULAM, ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 29) AT 3 PM.
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS PART OF AN $864 MILLION SCHEME, INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 29-STOREY BUILDING FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS? A 12-STOREY BLOCK TO HOUSE A PSYCHIATRIC UNIT? AND IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING FACILITIES.
WORK ON THIS SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT STARTED IN MAY 1985 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1989.
%
WORK ON EXTENDING QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL STARTED IN 1982 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY COMPLETED IN 1992.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. A GOVERNMENT COACH FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE LEAVING FROM MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, BY 2 PM.
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/18........
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
18
SPECIAL DISPLAY ON CIVIC * * * * *
EDUCATION
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL MOUNT A SERIES OF SPECIAL DISPLAYS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AT ITS CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE STARTING FRIDAY (MAY 1).
THE FIRST SERIES CONSISTING OF WINNING PROJECTS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION OF THE INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION (1986) WILL BE HELD BETWEEN FRIDAY (MAY 1) AND JULY 31.
THE CENTRE, LOCATED AT ROOM 303-304, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM, AND FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM EVERY MONDAY! FROM 9 PM TO 12.30 PM, AND FROM 2 PM TO 6.30 PM EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON EVERY SATURDAY.
TEACHERS VISITING THE CENTRE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE THE CIVIC EDUCATION MATERIALS ON DISPLAY.
INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS ARE THE OPENING HOURS WITHOUT PR
WELCOME TO VISIT THE CENTRE DURING IOR ARRANGEMENTS.
TEACHERS WISHING TO PAY GROUP VISITS TO THE CENTRE AND TO DISCUSS WITH THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE CENTRE DURING THE EXHIBITION ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BY TELEPHONING 5-656239 IN ADVANCE.
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RESUMPTION OF FUK KWAN AVENUE FOR MAINTENANCE
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME FUK KWAN AVENUE IN CAUSEWAY BAY FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PURPOSES.
DUE TO MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP, THE FREQUENTLY-USED ROAD IS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED AND MAINTAINED. APART FROM CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS, THE ROAD MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS IF THE SITUATION IS ALLOWED TO DETERIORATE.
RESUMPTION OF THE ROAD IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT REPAIR WORK, AND MAINTAIN THE ROAD AND DRAINS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE TRAFFIC ALONG THE ROAD TO BE EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED.
THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES REPAIR OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTPATH AND DRAINS WITHIN THE STREET.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS IN WRITING MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JUNE 23.
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/19
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
19
DB COMMITTEE TO ELECT NEW CHAIRMAN * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL ELECT THEIR NEW CHAIRMAN FOR 1987-88 AT A MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE STREET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT, THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN 1987-88 AND THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987.
MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 1987-88.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
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DONATION TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND
* * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT THE CORAL ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, HOTEL FURAMA, CENTRAL, STARTING AT 6 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR ROBIN CHAN YAU-HING, WILL DONATE $20 000 FROM THE SURPLUS FUNDS RAISED FOR ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL LAST YEAR TO SUPPORT THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND AND PRESENT THE CHEQUE TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG-
ABOUT 200 COMMUNITY LEADERS, INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR LIU LIT-FOR, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO, AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION.
/20
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
20
DETAILS OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT M * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE DECISIONS TAKEN ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (BUILDING AND SYSTEMS), W HSU SHOW-HOO, AND THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER OF JSEA SECTION CF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR KWOK WAI-KWONG, WILL CHAIR THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 2.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDlTORSi
you are Invited to attend the press conference.
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FUND ALLOCATION TO BE DISCUSSED
* ** **
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN 1987-88 AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEET IN 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.
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MONDAY, APR IL 27, 1987
21
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR WALTER SULKE, WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS PROGRESS ON THE PREPARATION FOR THE 1987-88 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE FORTHCOMING BLOCK-TO-bLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATION, THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S INVOLVEMENT IN CLEANING UP A LITTER BLACKSPOT AND CORPORATES’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH BEGINS AT 2.30 PM IN COMMITTE ROOM NO 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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TAI PO DB MEETING TOMORROW
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION OF Db FUNDS FOR 1987/88 AND WHETHER THE DB SHOULD SUPPORT ORGANISING THE 1987/88 ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AT 152-172 TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 9.30 AM.
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/22
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1987
22
LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
*•*■***•
A TRAFFIC LANE ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD a ILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 30) TO MAY 1 BETWEEN 8.30 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
THE AFFECTED SECTION IS OPPOSITE WORLDWIDE GARDEN AND Io adUUT 500 METRES LONG.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH PATIENCE AND CARE DURING THE LANE CLOSURE.
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TSUEN WAN WATER CUT * * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PO HEUNG STREET, KwUNG FUK ROAD, PAK SHING STREET, SUI ON STREET, HEI YUEN STREET, YAN HING STREET, YAN WO LANE, SHUN TAK STREET AND WAI Yl STREET, INCLUDING NAM SHING STREET, WAI YAN STREET, ON FU ROAD, TSING YUEN STREET AND FU SHIN STREET.
- - 0 -
WATER STORAGE F IGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 50.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 294.514 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 252.618 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.1 PER CENT OF CAPAC ITY.
o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR’S FIRST DISTRICT VISIT ............................ 1
REGISTRATION OF CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CLOSE ............. 1
LINK SYSTEM NOT TO BE TAMPERED WITH......................... 2
INVITED TO VISIT CHINA ..................................... 3
AG LEAVING FOR OVERSEAS DUTY VISIT ......................... 4
OVERALL CRIME FIGURE SHOWS DECREASE ........................ 4
JSEA SCALING TEST TO BE SCRAPPED............................ 5
TRIAL RUN FOR INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE ................. 7
PLANS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION ........... 8
1986 AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED ........ 9
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN WALLED CITY SURVEY.................... 14
KWEILIN STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED............ 14
DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ........ 15
CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY .................................. 15
PILOT DENTAL SCHEME FOR ISLANDS RESIDENTS .................. 16
TV PROGRAMME TO FOCUS ON YAU MA TEI ........................ 16
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES ............ 17
KWAI TSING TO CELEBRATE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.................... 18
DETAILS OF RESEARCH REPORT TO BE ANNOUNCED.................. 18
ENVIRONMENTS IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET.................. 19
SEA TRIP FOR H.kNDIC.iPPED CHILDREN ........................ 20
SURVEY OFFICE MOVED ........................................ 20
SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TO BE WIDENED................ 21
SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO UK AFFECTED........................... 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ^JUtiNGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG................ 22
ADMIRALTY RC,J) CLOSURE DEFERRED............................ 22
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
1
GOVERNOR’S FIRST DISTRICT VISIT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT YUEN LONG ON THURSDAY (APRIL 30), THE FIRST OF HIS VISITS TO THE 19 DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY.
APART FROM SEEING THE MANY PUBLIC WORK DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, SIR DAVID WILL VISIT SOME COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT INCLUDING THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE LUT SAU HALL AND THE POK 01 HOSPITAL.
HE WILL CONCLUDE HIS VISIT BY ATTENDING A RECEPTION TO BE HOSTED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO YUEN LONG ON THURSDAY. A GOVERNMENT COACH WILL LEAVE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE CARPARK AT 1.30 PM SHARP TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO YUEN LONG.
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REGISTRATION OF CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CLOSE
*****
UP TO 5 PM TODAY (TUESDAY), ABOUT 300 CHILDREN WHO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA HAVE REPORTED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED AGAIN THAT TODAY’S REGISTRATION ARRANGEMENT WAS A ONE-OFF EXERCISE AND WOULD NOT BE REPEATED.
ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND IN HONG KONG, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WILL BE REPATRIATED AS A MATTER OF POLICY, HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
2
LINK SYSTEM NOT TO BE TAMPERED WITH * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TODAY (TUESDAY) REITERATED TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK THAT THE HONG KONG/U.S. DOLLAR LINK WOULD NOT BE TAMPERED WITH LIGHTLY.
SPEAKING AT THE 2OTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK NOW BEING HELD IN OSAKA, JAPAN, MR NENDICK STRESSED THAT HONG KONG, BEING A SMALL AND HIGHLY EXTERNALLY ORIENTATED ECONOMY, MUST LOOK FOR STABILITY BOTH IN ITS INTERNAL ECONOMY AND IN WORLD TRADE.
+ONE CRITICAL ELEMENT OF OUR ECONOMY IS OUR CURRENCY,+ MR NENDICK SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAD BEEN LINKED TO THE U.S. DOLLAR IN OCTOBER 1983, HONG KONG’S ENTIRELY FREE AND OPEN ECONOMY CONTINUED TO ADJUST QUICKLY TO ANY EXTERNAL IMBALANCES, BUT THE BURDEN OF ADJUSTMENT NOW FELL ALMOST ENTIRELY ON HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC INTEREST RATES, MONEY SUPPLY AND PRICE LEVELS.
+THE RELATIVE VOLATILITY IN THESE DOMESTIC VARIABLES IS THE PRICE WE PAY FOR THE STABILITY OF OUR CURRENCY AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR.
+BUT THAT STABILITY IS OF PROFOUND IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG, BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY, AND WILL NOT BE TAMPERED WITH LIGHTLY,+ MR NENDICK STRESSED.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG JUST LIKE ALMOST EVERYBODY ELSE, WAS AFFECTED BY THE VOLATILITY OF INTERNATIONAL CURRENCIES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
+IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE WORLD ECONOMY TO SEE MORE STABILITY IN CURRENCY RATES. I HOPE THAT THE INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN IN THE GROUP OF FIVE AND RELATED FORUMS CAN ACHIEVE THlS,+ HE SAID.
MR NENDICK STRESSED THAT HONG KONG HAD NOT TAKEN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OF THE LINK WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR.
+WE HAVE TAKEN THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH, HAVING TO ACCEPT A DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT OF OUR ECONOMY IN 1985 FOLLOWING A PERIOD WHEN THE U.S. DOLLAR WAS CLEARLY OVER-VALUED IN WORLD TERMS BUT BENEFITING AS THAT CURRENCY SUBSEQUENTLY DECLINED AGAINST OTHER MAJOR WORLD CURRENCIES.
+1 WOULD POINT OUT, TOO, THAT OVER THE PERIOD SINCE THE LINK WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1983 OUR TRADE ACCOUNT HAS BEEN BROADLY IN BALANCE. THIS YEAR WE EXPECT A MODEST TRADE DEFICIT,+ MR NENDICK SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
TURNING TO WORLD TRADE, MR NENDICK NOTED THAT THE EVER-PRESENT THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM CONTINUED TO REPRESENT A PERMANENT CLOUD ON THE ECONOMIC HORIZON.
+WHILST PROTECTIONISM IS AN EMOTIVE SUBJECT AND THE IMPOSITION OF SELECTIVE PROTECTIONIST MEASURES ARE OFTEN SEEN BY SOME AS AN EASY SOLUTION TO TRADE IMBALANCES, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE LONG TERM EFFECT WILL BE A SLOWDOWN IN WORLD TRADE - IN THE END NO ONE WILL BENEFIT.
+l WOULD THEREFORE URGE THOSE COUNTRIES CONTEMPLATING THE INTRODUCTION OF PROTECTIONIST POLICIES, IN WHATEVER GUISE, TO BEAR IN MIND THAT PROTECTIONISM IS INFECTIOUS AND THAT BARRIERS ARE MORE EASILY ERECTED THAN DISMANTLED.
♦THERE WILL NEARLY ALWAYS BE OTHER SOLUTIONS ALTHOUGH THEY MAY APPEAR LESS PALATABLE IN THE SHORT TERM,’* HE SAID.
AT THE MEETING, MR NENDICK ANNOUNCED THAT HONG KONG HAD DECIDED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF U.S.$1 MILLION TOWARDS THE FOURTH REPLENISHMENT OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND.
♦ THIS DEMONSTRATES OUR DESIRE TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION AND PLAY OUR FULL PART AS A MEMBER OF THE BANK,+ HE SAID.
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INVITED TO VISIT CHINA * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, WILL VISIT CHINA AT THE INVITATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BANK OF CHINA, MR WANG DEYAN, FROM MAY 2 TO 7.
THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR RICHARD CLIFT, AND MRS LILY KING, THE SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER.
MR JACOBS AND MR NENDICK WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS ON FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND MONETARY MATTERS WITH BANKING OFFICIALS AND OFFICIALS OF OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. MR JACOBS WILL ALSO RENEW THE CONTACTS HE ESTABLISHED WHEN HE VISITED CHINA IN NOVEMBER 1985 AS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987'
4
AG LEAVING FOR OVERSEAS DUTY VISIT
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, WILL BE AWAY FROM HONG KONG ON AN OVERSEAS DUTY VISIT FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) UNTIL MAY 9.
HE WILL BE APPEARING AS LEADING COUNSEL ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BEFORE THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN AN APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL (YUEN KUN-YEU AND OTHERS VS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL) DECIDED IN MARCH 1986.
THE APPELLANTS, DEPOSITORS OF THE DEFUNCT AMERICA AND PANAMA FINANCE CO. LTD, ALLEGED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD BEEN NEGLIGENT AND/OR IN BREACH OF STATUTORY DUTY IN HIS SUPERVISION OF THAT COMPANY AND THAT HE WAS THEREFORE LIABLE TO REIMBURSE THEIR LOST DEPOSITS. BUT THEIR CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES WERE DISMISSED IN THE HIGH COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL. THE APPELLANTS HAVE NOW APPEALED TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
BEFORE THE START OF THE CASE, MR THOMAS WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON +THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG+ TO THE NETHERLANDS-HONG KONG SOCIETY TOMORROW. HE WILL ALSO GIVE A TALK ON THE SAME SUBJECT TO THE LEGISLATION AND TAXATION COMMITTEE OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE CROWN SOLICITOR, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, WILL BE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL DURING THE PERIOD WHEN MR THOMAS IS ON DUTY VISIT OVERSEAS.
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OVERALL CRIME FIGURE SHOWS DECREASE
*****
THE OVERALL CRIME KNOWN TO POLICE IN 1986 WAS 81 411 CASES AS OPPOSED TO 86 944 FOR 1985, A DECREASE OF 6.4 PER CENT, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ADDRESSING THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEETING, MR ANNING SAID THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES AND BURGLARIES REPORTED IN 1986 DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 20 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985.
"THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT WE ARE MAKING SOME PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE SAID.
/MR ANNING
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 198?
- 5 -
MR ANN I NG TOLD MEMBERS THAT IN COMPARATIVE TERMS HONG KONG SHOWED UP MOST FAVOURABLY WHEN ITS CRIME SITUATION WAS COMPARED WITH OTHER MODERN CITIES AND TERRITORIES.
"BUT WE MUST NOT BE COMPLACENT BECAUSE CRIME HAS RISEN BY 4 PER CENT IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR”.
ON THE LAW AND ORDER IN ISLANDS DISTRICT, MR ANNING NOTED THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 26 CRIMES IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CRIMES IN 1986 OVER THAT OF 1985.
’’THIS MAY WELL BE DUE TO THE CONSTANT ENCOURAGEMENT TO REPORT ALL CRIMES, NO MATTER HOW SIGNIFICANT, TO THE POLICE.
”OF CONCERN, HOWEVER, IS THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN BURGLARIES FROM 140 CASES IN 1985 TO 167 IN 1986, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 20 PER CENT.”
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THESE CASES COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED AS MORE THAN HALF OF THE REPORTED BURGLARIES INVOLVED NO BREAK-IN.
MR ANNING SAID DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES PROVIDE A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY FOR THE POLICE TO ACQUAINT MEMBERS WITH THE CURRENT CRIME SITUATION AND TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND DETERMINATION OF IDEAS FOR THE PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF CRIME.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THEIR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE OF WHICH HE IS A MEMBER.
-------o ---------
JSEA SCALING TEST TO BE SCRAPPED *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC SCALING TEST OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) WILL BE ABOLISHED FROM NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1987.
THE TEST WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW METHOD TO ALLOCATE SUBSIDISED FORM 4 PLACES, AS PROPOSED IN THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF JSEA PUBLISHED LAST OCTOBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE DECISION TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW PLACEMENT METHOD KNOWN AS MER (MEAN ELIGIBILITY RATE) - ALLOCATION HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE SUPPORT OF MOST SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE JSEA.
/OF THE
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
6 -
of the 360 secondary schools which responded to a questionnaire ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT. 308 (86 PER CENT) WERE |N FAVOUR OF THE NEW PLACEMENT METHOD. ONLY 17 SCHOOLS PREFERRED TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING JSEA SYSTEM. THE REMAINING 35 SCHOOLS EITHER HAD NO COMMENT OR PROPOSED OTHER NEW PLACEMENT METHODS.
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE MER-ALLOCATI ON METHOD ARE:
X THE PUBLIC SCALING TEST WILL BE ABOLISHED;
* PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO SELECT A QUOTA OF THEIR OWN FORM 3 STUDENTS (BASED ON SCHOOL’S PAST PERFORMANCE IN JSEA) FOR PROMOTION TO FORM 4. FOR NEW PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, THEIR QUOTA WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF THE SSPA STANDARD SCORES OF THEIR FORM 1 INTAKE THREE YEARS AGO.
X CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL APPLY ONLY TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT SELECTED BY THEIR OWN SCHOOL AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED BUT CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL. FOR THESE STUDENTS. THEIR FORM 3 INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS WILL BE SCALED BY THEIR SSPA STANDARD SCORES TO ARRIVE AT AN ORDER OF MERITS AS THE BASIS FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION. PARENTAL CHOICE WILL ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ALLOCATION PROCESS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW PLACEMENT METHOD WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1989 IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED AND ANY FURTHER RESEARCH WHICH NEEDS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE REVIEW WILL ALSO DETERMINE WHETHER IN 1991 (WHEN THE JSEA IS DUE TO BE PHASED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO 1) THE POST-1990 ALLOCATION ARRANGEMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON THE REVIEW OF THE JSEA SHOULD BE INTRODUCED OR WHETHER THE MER-ALLOCATION METHOD, MODIFIED OR UNMODIFIED, SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THAT YEAR AND BEYOND.
TO BE FAIR TO ALL FORM 3 STUDENTS PROGRESSING TO FORM 4 AND TO MINIMISE THE TRANSFER OF STUDENTS FROM ONE SCHOOL TO ANOTHER, THERE IS A NEED TO REVISE THE CLASS STRUCTURE OF SOME OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS. SCHOOLS CONCERNED WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE LIKELY CHANGES.
HEAD OF ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE NEW PLACEMENT METHOD IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
-----o----------
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
7
TRIAL RUN FOR INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE X X X X X
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED THE START OF A PILOT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE TO BE MOUNTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, WITH THE AIM OF HELPING MANUFACTURERS INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE QUALITY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WHO IS THE IDB CHAIRMAN, EXPLAINED AFTER THE BOARD’S MEETING THAT THERE WERE THREE IMMEDIATE AIMS OF THE SERVICES
TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AMONG MANUFACTURES OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT;
X TO EXPLAIN HOW THESE SERVICES WOULD HELP MANUFACTURERS TO ACHIEVE PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH AND QUALITY ENHANCEMENT; AND
X THROUGH REFERRAL, TO ASSIST THEM TO OBTAIN THESE SERVICES.
FOUR TEAMS ARE TO BE FORMED FROM INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT STAFF, EACH CONSISTING OF A TRADE OFFICER AND AN ENGINEER. THEY WILL VISIT A FACTORY, EXAMINE ITS OPERATIONS AND DISCUSS ITS NEEDS AND ANY PROBLEMS. THEY WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE SERVICES OF THE HKPC, THE DEPARTMENT, TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND EXPLAIN HOW THESE SERVICES COULD HELP THE FACTORY.
THE PILOT SERVICE WILL CONCENTRATE ON MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES. NO NEW STAFF WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE SCHEME, MANPOWER COMING FROM PRIMARILY EXISTING DEPARTMENT STAFF.
THE BOARD ENDORSED THE EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME NOTING THAT WHILE THE CLIENTELE OF THE HKPC AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS, THE NORMAL PROMOTION EFFORTS OF THE TWO ORGANISATIONS NEEDED TO BE SUPPLEMENTED BY INCREASED DIRECT CONTACT WITH MANUFACTURERS IN THEIR FACTORIES.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE PILOT SERVICE SHOULD RUN FOR SIX MONTHS. IT WILL THEN BE ASSESSED BY THE IDB, WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING WHETHER A PERMANENT SERVICE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
8
PLANS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION *****
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED PLANS TO BOOST OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.
THE PLANS, DRAWN UP BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, PROPOSE THE STRENGTHENING OF ITS EXISTING INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME IN FOUR BROAD AREAS:
* DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED TARGETTING SYSTEM FOR USE IN IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL INVESTORS OVERSEAS?
* PREPARATION OF MORE UP-TO-DATE AND BETTER RESEARCHED PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR USE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH POTENTIAL INVESTORS ;
* AUGMENTATION OF STAFF RESOURCES IN OVERSEAS OFFICES; AND
* MEASURES TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY AND KNOW-HOW FROM FOREIGN INVESTORS TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST FOUR YEARS OF ITS INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME, TOGETHER WITH THE INFORMATION FROM STUDIES BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS, MAKE POSSIBLE AN INCREASINGLY SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF COMPANIES OVERSEAS WHICH ARE LIKELY BOTH TO PROSPER IN HONG KONG AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
AT THE SAME TIME, IF COMPANIES CAN BE BETTER IDENTIFIED, IT IS ALSO DESIRABLE TO PRESENT THE ADVANTAGES OF HONG KONG TO THEM MORE EFFECTIVELY; HENCE THE PROPOSAL FOR IMPROVED RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION OF PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION.
AS REGARDS OVERSEAS OFFICES, CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE CONTINUING STRENGTH OF JAPANESE INTEREST IN HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING LOCATION MAKES IT DESIRABLE TO OPEN A SATELLITE OFFICE IN JAPAN, POSSIBLY IN THE KANSAI REGION WHERE THERE ARE MANY DYNAMIC, SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE FIRMS.
GIVEN THE SIZE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE UNITED STATES AS A SOURCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO EXPLORE NEW METHODS OF ACHIEVING BETTER COVERAGE THERE.
IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, INVESTMENT INTEREST HAS BEEN PICKING UP AND THE AIM IS TO MONITOR THE SITUATION OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS TO DETERMINED WHETHER AN INCREASE IN STAFF OR FURTHER RATIONALISATION OF THE DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE BRUSSELS AND LONDON OFFICES MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE.
/AS REGARDS
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
- 9 -
AS REGARDS FACILITATING THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY, THE FURTHER EXPLORATION OF TWO SPECIFIC MEASURES IS PROPOSED. THE FIRST WOULD INVOLVE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ON A COST-SHARING BASIS UNDER WHICH EXPERTS FROM OVERSEAS WOULD VISIT HONG KONG AND WORK WITH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT. THE AIM WOULD BE TO MATCH NEEDS AND INTEREST IN HONG KONG WITH THE TECHNOLOGICAL STRENGTHS AVAILABLE IN A PARTICULAR COUNTRY.
THE SECOND MEASURE WOULD INVOLVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT NEEDED TO ATTRACT FIRMS ENGAGED IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, PRODUCT DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.
INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION IS PRESENTLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ONE STOP UNIT IN HONG KONG AND ITS FIVE OVERSEAS OFFICES IN LONDON, BRUSSELS, TOKYO, SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK. LAST YEAR OVERSEAS FIRMS ASSISTED BY THE DEPARTMENT INVESTED SOME $550 MILLION IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.
-----0------
1986 AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED *****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN 1986, AT $122 927 MILLION, INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH 1985, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN 1986, 28 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 21 PER CENT OF IMPORTS AND 19 PER CENT OF RE-EXPORTS (ALL BY VALUE) WERE CARRIED BY AIR. THESE REPRESENTED INCREASES AS COMPARED WITH THE 26 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY (ALL BY VALUE) OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS CARRIED BY AIR IN 1985.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 204 446 TONNES OR 0.4 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL IMPORT TONNAGE, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR 332 314 TONNES OR 1.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPORT TONNAGE.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.
/ANALYSED BY
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
10
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, INCREASES IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $4 858 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT) ; PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1 602 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) ; MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $998 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $571 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN VALUE WERE RECORDED IN METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $370 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT); POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $12 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $4 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT).
FURTHER ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY WITHIN COMMODITY CATEGORIES REVEALED INCREASES IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE U.S. (BY $1 921 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $828 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $239 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $171 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS TO THE U.S. (BY $346 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO SINGAPORE (BY $103 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT).
However, decreases were recorded in metalliferous ores and METAL SCRAP TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $238 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC GERMANY (BY $108 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT); POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TO THE U.S. (BY $29 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS TO TAIWAN (BY $4 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.
INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3 133 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2 680 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1 838 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $792 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT).
IN CONTRAST, DECREASES WERE NOTED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $440 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT); POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $225 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $97 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT).
/INCREASES WERE .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
11
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM JAPAN (BY $1 211 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT) AND MALAYSIA WEST (BY $630 MILLION OR 186 PER CENT) s NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES FROM INDIA (BY $588 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT) AND ISRAEL (BY $568 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM SWITZERLAND (BY $1 048 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES FROM THE U.S. (BY $803 MILLION OR 102 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FROM THE U.S. (BY $300 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $106 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $107 MILLION CR 89 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES FROM THE U.S. (BY $71 MILLION OR 87 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO MAJOR MARKETS ARE DEPICTED IN TABLE 3.
INCREASES IN VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1 730 MILLION OR 117 PER CENT) ; ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 517 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $507 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURERS (BY $384 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $91 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $75 MILLION CR 25 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $25 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT).
INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE U.S. (BY $1 371 MILLION OR 124 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $96 MILLION OR 185 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $894 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $483 MILLION OR 95 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO CHINA (BY $139 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURERS TO JAPAN (BY $178 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS TO CHINA (BY $58 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $14 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $86 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS TO JAPAN (BY $21 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT).
/FURTHER DETAILS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
12
details are contained in the comprehensive report 41ONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE. DECEMBER 1986+ WHICH IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13.50 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ^oo^n?lRECTED T0 THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON >-0234915.
TABLE li AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-DEC 1986 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1985 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE ( % )
U.S.A. 21 624 18 731 2 893 15
F.R. OF GERMANY 3 723 2 471 1 252 51
JAPAN 3 623 2 325 1 298 56
U.K. 2 148 1 684 463 28
CANADA 1 335 1 123 212 19
FRANCE 1 021 624 397 64
NETHERLANDS 966 721 245 34
SWITZERLAND 946 661 285 43
SINGAPORE 945 648 298 46
ITALY 569 350 220 63
TABLE 2i AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-DEC 1986 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1985 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE ( % )
JAPAN 13 017 10 958 2 059 19
U.S.A. 10 447 9 500 948 10
SWITZERLAND 3 993 2 663 1 331 50
/U.K. 3 079 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
- U -
U.K. 3 079 2 693 386 14
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 447 2 293 154 7
TAIWAN 2 426 2 023 403 20
SINGAPORE 2 302 1 915 387 20
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2 139 1 572 568 36
ITALY 2 031 1 633 398 24
ISRAEL 1 764 1 211 552 46
TABLE 31 AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-DEC JAN-DEC INCREASE PERCENTAGE
1986 1985 INCREASE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
U.S.A. 5 544 3 853 1 691 44
TAIWAN 3 113 2 067 1 046 51
JAPAN 2 386 1 683 703 42
CHINA 2 150 2 188 -38 -2
SINGAPORE 1 688 1 653 35 2
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1 546 890 655 74
U.K. 675 392 283 72
F.R. OF GERMANY 658 326 332 102
SWITZERLAND 441 403 38 9
AUSTRALIA 388 290 98 34
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TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1907
- 14
GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN WALLED CITY SURVEY * * * * *
MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF THE 10 000 FAMILIES LIVING IN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY WHO ARE COVERED IN A HOUSING SURVEY, HAVE BEEN SCREENED TO DETERMINE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR REHOUSING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE BY STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN CARRYING OUT THE DETAILED SCREENING AND THE SURVEY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JUNE,+ HE SAID.
+GOOD PROGRESS IS ALSO BEING MADE BY STAFF OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WHO ARE RECEIVING ABOUT 100 CLAIMS DAILY ON OWNERSHIP FROM ABSENTEE-OWNERS AND OWNER-OCCUPIERS WITHIN THE WALLED CITY,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OVERSEEING THE CLEARANCE OF THE WALLED CITY HAD SET JULY-AUGUST AS THE TARGET DATE FOR FINALISING THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING PACKAGE.
MEASUREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL PREMISES WITHIN THE WALLED CITY HAVE STARTED, THE RESULTS OF WHICH WILL FACILITATE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PACKAGE TO BE WORKED OUT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
A SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE HAS BEEN SET UP IN BLOCK 17 OF LOK FU ESTATE TO HANDLE QUERIES REGARDING THE WORK OF DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE CLEARANCE. THESE INCLUDE THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
-----0------
KWEILIN STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED *****
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF 91-93, KWEILIN STREET, KOWLOON, ARE
OVER THE FIFTH FLOOR OF TO BE DEMOLISHED.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 26 AND HAS POSTED NOTICES ON THE STRUCTURES INFORMING RESIDENTS.
THE AUTHORITY WISHES TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES FIRST SO THAT DEMOLITION CAN TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS WITHOUT ENDANGERING OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF the PUBLIC.
AN ORDER TO THE OCCUPIERS TO ARRANGE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES THEMSELVES ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER, 1985, HAS NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
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/15........
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
15
DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUPPORT FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND * * * * *
CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ROBIN CHAN YAU-HING, AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING, PRESENT A CHEQUE FOR $20 000 TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, IN SUPPORT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
MR CHAN SAID THE DONATION WAS MADE FROM SURPLUS FUNDS RAISED FOR ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL LAST YEAR.
PART OF THE SURPLUS WAS GIVEN TO THE COUNCIL OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS FOR PURCHASING EQUIPMENT TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE REMAINDER WAS USED TO SPONSOR THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION.
THE COMMITTEE HAD RAISED ABOUT $780 000 LAST YEAR WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND ABOUT $730 000 WERE SPENT ON MORE THAN 40 PROGRAMMES IN THE FESTIVAL.
GUESTS INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER. MR LIU LIT-FOR, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND MORE THAN 100 COMMUNITY LEADERS ATTENDED THE RECEPTION.
------0 - - - -
CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECENTLY AWARDED A $318 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A 49-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING AT HARBOUR ROAD ON WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
THE BIGGEST TO BE AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 30).
THE CONTRACT, THIS YEAR, WILL BE MR JOSE LEI, AND A ON THURSDAY (APRIL
THE BUILDING,
WHICH IS PART OF A GOVERNMENT COMPLEX ON A 16 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE BOUNDED BY HARBOUR ROAD TO THE NORTH AND GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE SOUTH, WILL BE USED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON COMPLETION.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND TAKE THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT SIGNING WHICH wILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPAI ON THE 35TH FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING Al
3 PM.
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/16........
TUESDAY, APRIL
PILOT DENTAL SCHEME FOR ISLANDS RESIDENTS
*****
OUTREACH DENTAL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CH ON A ONE-YEAR PILOT SCHEME TO ISLANDS DISTRICT RESIDENTS STARTING IN TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU ON THURSDAY (APRIL 30).
A TEAM OF DENTISTS WILL GO TO THE DISTRICT ONCE A WEEK PROVIDE CHECK-UPS, EXTRACTION AND SIMPLE FILLING SERVICES. THEY WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE PAMPH.ETS ON DENTAL HEALTH TO PATIL AND OTHER RESIDENTS.
FOR THE FIRST FEW MONTHS, THE DENTISTS WILL ATTEND AT THE TUNG CHUNG AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) CENTRE AMD WILL EXTEND THE SERVICES TO OTHER REMOTE AREAS LATER.
THE PROJECT WAS PROPOSED BY THE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL AND ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE DENTAL PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT WHILE THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCE, TRANSPORTATION OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORTING STAFF.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE OUTREA DENTAL SERVICES IN AMS CENTRE IN TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU AT li A THURSDAY (APRIL 30).
PRESS INTERVIEWS WITH DR PETER TREPPER, THE DENTIST IF WILL BE ARRANGED AFTER THE CEREMONY.
PRESS MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE GOVERNM +CLEMENTI+ TO COVER THE CEREMONY. IT WILL SAIL OFF AT 9 AM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
TV PROGRAMME TO FOCUS ON YAU MA TEI
*****
A TWO-HOUR TELEVISION PROGRAMME FEATURING THE CHARACTF'" AND DEVELOPMENTS OF YAU MA TEI WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON ON MAY 8 FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM.
THE +GOOD MORNING YAU MA TEI+ PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY PF BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD AND TEL'"'/I' BROADCASTS LIMITED.
/DETAILS OF
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
- 17 -
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR 490 NATHAN ROAD.
PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH TVB REPRESENTATIVES AND ARTISTES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR * *
SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES * * *
SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE 87, MR LAW CHAK-TONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT $95 000 WOULD BE SPENT THIS YEAR, THE BULK OF WHICH WAS FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WILL BE +SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY+ AND ACTIVITIES WILL AIM AT ENHANCING YOUNG PEOPLE'S SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION. THE TARGET AGE GROUP WILL BE THOSE AGED BETWEEN 6 AND 25.
LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING SCHOOLS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO ENCOURAGE PART ICI PAT I ON. APPLICATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 18. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-901358.
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/18
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987'
18
KWAI TSI NG TO CELEBRATE TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
KWAI TSING RESIDENTS AND MORE THAN 20 000 WORSHIPPERS ARE EXPECTED TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE GODDESS TIN HAU AT THE TSING Yl ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOCCER PITCH ON THURSDAY (APRIL 30).
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSING Yl TIN HAU FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. CIVIL AID SERVICES OFFICERS WILL ALSO BE AT THE SCENE TO ASSIST.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, A MEMBER OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR CHAN PO-FONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CHING, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, ARE AMONG GUESTS TO OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE TEN BEST +FA PAU+ WILL BE SELECTED FROM AMONG 100 PRESENTED FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES TO CELEBRATE THIS COLOURFUL ANNUAL EVENT WHICH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR CHINESE FESTIVALS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FESTIVAL AT THE TSING Yl
^dE5nCth5rsd^T;?Ni??§Se2mT‘TCH- ts,ng vl RUR4L C0MHITTEE
- - 0 - -
DETAILS OF RESEARCH REPORT TO BE ANNOUNCED
*****
A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SHAM S HU I PO FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO GIVE DETAILS OF A RESEARCH REPORT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HOUSING POLICY AND CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
....... THE RESEARCH WAS TO STUDY AND ANALYSE THE CAUSE OF CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND TO GIVE SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENT.
_ _ MAY, THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED AN INFORMATION DOCUMENT ON THE COMPARISON BETWEEN CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PRIVATE HOUSINGS. THE DOCUMENT SHOWED THAT THE CRIME SITUATION IN PUBLIC FUSING ESTATES WAS MORE SERIOUS THAN THAT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR?
/The working
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
- 19 -
THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP UNDER TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM.
THE COMMITTEE LAST JULY
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DIST? OFFICE, 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
-----0------
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVE?' COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND ACTIVITIES FOR 1987-88.
THE COMMITTEE WILL RECEIVE AN ALLOCATION OF $800 000 WHICH INCLUDE $490 000 TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 1987-88 AND $310 000 TO PAY FOR PROJECTS APPROVED THE PREVlOU YEAR.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 2 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE ADJACENT TO CHUN MAN COURT AT CARMEL VILLAGE INTO A SITTING-OUT AREA FOR RESIDENTS.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $175 000 WITH COARbt AGGREGATE FILLING AND $115 000 WITHOUT COARSE AGGREGATE FILLING.
OTHER ITEM ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE 1987-88 KEEP HONG KOI.L CLEAN COMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDlTORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
0--------
TUESDAY, APRIL
- 20 -
SEA TRIP FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN * * * * *
TWENTY-EIGHT CHILDREN from THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE A DAY OF FUN AND GAMES TODAY (TUESDAY) IN A CRUISE ORGANISE, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMITTEE’S MEMBERS, THE CHILDRE' EARLY THIS MORNING FROM THE SHUM WAN MARINE POLICE PIER C. THE ADVENTURE SHIP +HUAN+. THEY LEARNED ABOUT SAIL, TRAIN AND TOOK PART IN GROUP GAMES ORGANISED BY +HUAN+ STAFF.
THE ADVENTURE SHIP IS A REGISTERED CHARITY WHICH C'-7" 1
A 90-F00T CHINESE JUNK PROVIDING SAILING TRAINING AND ACT FOR YOUNGSTERS.
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE HOPED THAT THE CRUISE WOULD PROVIDE HEALTHY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY FOR THE DISABLED CHILDREN, SIMILAR TRIPS MAY BE ORGANISED FOR CHILDREN OF OTHER INST.. LATER IN THE YEAR.
THE TRIP WAS ONE OF THE COMMITTEE’S PROGRAMMES TO SHOW T’"-'R CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE NEEDY IN THE DISTRICT. THEY VIS r REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY INSTITUTIONS LAST MONTH TO Fl7’’ MORE ABOUT THEIR NEEDS.
------0 ------
SURVEY OFFICE MOVED
* * * * *
THE SURVEY OFFICE SET UP TO COLLECT, COLLATE AND REPOR PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAS MOVED FROM CLUB LUS ITANO 'iU TO THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA BARRACKS ’0’ BLOCK.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OFFICE ARE:
* MR ADOLF HSU, COMMISSIONER, SURVEY OFFICE 5~29675
* MR Y. Y. CHEUNG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 5-286184
* GENERAL REGISTRY 5-29(834
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/21
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
21
SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TO BE WIDENED *****
A SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN THE JUNCTIONS OF KAM WAH STREET AND MIU TUNG STREET WILL BE WIDENED TO 7.3 METRES.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE RAISING OF THE LEVEL OF THE EXISTING ROAD AND THE LAYING OF NEW STORMWATER DRAINS AND A SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
THE WORKS ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE PERSISTENT FLOODING PROBLEMS IN THE AREA.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
-----o-----
SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO UK AFFECTED *****
DUE TO A CIVIL SERVICE PAY DISPUTE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHICH LED TO A WORK TO RULE BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS, SOME SPEEDPOST SERVICES ARE AFFECTED, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
NORMAL SERVICE CAN BE MAINTAINED FOR BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, BUT ITEMS CONTAINING MERCHANDISE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH A DECLARED VALUE IN EXCESS OF 100 POUND STERLING ARE SUBJECT TO DELAY, HE SAID.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE FURTHER ADVISED AS SOON AS THE SITUATION RETURNS TO NORMAL, HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1987
22
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG
*****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GREEN MINIBUS TERMINUS IN FOOK HONG STREET IN YUEN LONG, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1).
ALL PARKING SPACES ON FOOK HONG STREET AND TWO PARKING SITES ON THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD SOUTH OF BLOCK 2, YUEN LONG ESTATE, WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 1 AM.
FROM 5.45 AM, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 73 AND 74 WILL TERMINATE AT YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI KIU ROAD WHILE TERMINI OF ROUTES 75 AND 76 WILL BE RELOCATED TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG CHAU ROAD FROM 5.50 AM.
IN ADDITION, FROM 5.45 AM, ON ITS JOURNEYS TO SUNG SHAN SAN TSUEN, ROUTE 73 WILL BE OPERATED VIA YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD AND SAI TAI STREET WHILE ITS JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD WILL BE OPERATED VIA TUNG LOK STREET, SAU FU STREET AND YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, ON ITS JOURNEYS TO SHING UK TSUEN, ROUTE 74 WILL BE OPERATED VIA YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD, WANG CHAU ROAD AND YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WHILE ON ITS JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD, IT WILL NOT BE OPERATED ALONG SAU FU STREET, FOOK HONG STREET AND FOOK TAK STREET.
FROM 5.50 AM, ROUTES 75 AND 76 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO HA WAN TSUEN AND SIU HOM TSUEN WILL BE OPERATED VIA YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD AND SAI TAI STREET WHILE THEIR JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD WILL BE OPERATED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUNG LOK STREET AND YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD.
- - 0 - -
ADMIRALTY ROAD CLOSURE DEFERRED
*****
OWING TO DELAYS IN ROAD WORKS, TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN ADMIRALTY WILL NOT BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AS SCHEDULED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON MAY 1 (FRIDAY) AND 2.
THE TWO ROADS ARE THE SECTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE GROUND LEVEL BETWEEN DRAKE STREET AND QUEENSWAY, AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DRAKE STREET BETWEEN TAMAR STREET AND COTTON TREE DRIVE.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL. 29, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
ANTI-AIDS CAMPAIGN ON RIGHT TRACK........................ 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED................... 2
QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION TOPPED OUT................. 7
SEJ-HNAR ON BIDUSTRIAL POLLUTION ORGANISED............... 8
NON-SMOKERS URGED TO E.IERCISE THEIR RIGHT.............. 11
VIEvIS INVITED ON B SHARES ............................. 12
TREE PLANTING PERIOD TO BE EXTENDED..................... 13
DELEGATION LEAVING ON AUSTRALIA FAMILIARISATION VISIT.. 14
CENTRAL REGISTER BIFORMATION FOR PRIVATE S3CTCR......... 14
CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY.................... 15
TV PROGRAMME TO PORTRAY YAU MA TAI DISTRICT............. 16
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY................. 17
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET.................... 17
ORIENTATION FOR AREA CO1&1ITTEE NUMBERS................. 18
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION............. 18
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES EI 'JO YI HOP ROAD................. 19
OPERATING HOURS OF PARKZ’G METERS SHORTENED............. 19
TAI PO TAPS OFF TONIGHT................................. 19
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
1
ANTI-AIDS CAMPAIGN ON RIGHT TRACK * K X X *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL DEVOTE AS MUCH MONEY AS IS NEEDED TO FIGHT THE AIDS PROBLEM, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY FOR A NEW EXTENSION OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, MR FORD SAID AIDS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WORLDWIDE AND THERE WILL BE NO LACK OF RESOURCES IN DEALING WITH IT.
FEW NEED ABOUT
r-t THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE IN HAVINr vcov CASES HERE IN HONG KONG, NEVERTHELESS THERE IS AN OBVlOhJ Ur EDUCATION AMONG THE PUBLIC. TO WARN THE PUBLIC
THAT *SGWHy’THE CAMPaIc/SaS PR0BLEM |N GENERAL, AND
ihai ib WHY THE CAMPAIGN WAS EMBARKED UPON,* HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HAD ADOPTED A SENSIBLE APPROACH IN THAT THEY HAD TAKEN VERY GREAT CARE IN TRYING TO DECIDE UPON THE THEMES OF THE PROGRAMME.
+THEY ARE GOING TO REVIEW THOSE IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC OPINION AND PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE PROGRAMME. EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD THE GOVERNMENTS UNDERTAKE AIDS PROGRAMMES. YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY ARE HEAVILY CRITICISED BY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO SAID THEY’VE GONE TOO FAR OR THEY HAVEN’T GONE FAR ENOUGH,* HE SAID.
HE THOUGHT THAT IN HONG KONG THE PROCEDURE WHICH HAD BEEN FOLLOWED WAS BEING VERY CAREFUL AND WAS A WISE ONE.
PI^E TW0 0F THE PROGRAMME, DEALING WITH THE PREVENTIVE SIDE OF AIDS WAS BEING LOOKED AT. THERE WAS AN AGREEMENT ® ™EEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED THAT THE USE CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME
YESTERDAY OF CONDOM
PROGRAMME HE SAID.
TOLD BY GIS THAT THIS IS LIKELY TO BE THE CASE. SO THE WILL PROGRESS AND IT WOULD BE MONITORED AS WE GO ALONG,*
ASKED ABOUT PROGRESS ON THE INDEPENDENT MEDICAL AUTHORITY, NR FORD SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL CONSIDERING ALL THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANTS REPORT WHICH RAISED VERY BIG QUESTIONS FOR THE ORGANISATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
+MR CHAMBERS (SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE) IS WORKING HARD ON IT NOW AND I HOPE THAT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS WE WILL BE ABLE TO GO TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR A DECISION ON WHAT WE SHOULD DO ABOUT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY,* HE ADDED.
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/2........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED
*****
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOWED A CONTINUATION IN THE RAPID GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS IN MARCH. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ALSO GREW FASTER IN MARCH THAN IN FEBRUARY.
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY) FELL SLIGHTLY IN MARCH, REFLECTING A DROP IN THE AMOUNT OF CASH HELD BY THE PUBLIC. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3, HOWEVER, GREW FASTER THAN IN FEBRUARY.
GROWTH IN LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ACCELERATED IN MARCH. LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE INCREASED RAPIDLY AFTER THE SLIGHT FALL IN FEBRUARY. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ALSO INCREASED.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR MARCH 1987 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 SETS OUT FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
DEPOSITS
IN MARCH, HONG KONG DOLLAR TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED RAPIDLY, BY 4.5 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. DEMAND AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS ALSO INCREASED, BY 0.9 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 1.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND 2.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE YEAR (l.E. THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF MARCH), THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 20.4 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ALSO GREW FASTER IN MARCH, BY 2.8 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 37.7 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 8.1 PER CENT IN MARCH AFTER A FALL OF 6.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.9 PER CENT IN MARCH AND BY 18.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEARt ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.3 PER CENT IN MARCH AND BY 41.8 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 3.0 PER CENT IN MARCH WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 37.0 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER FELL BY 15.8 PER CENT.
/honq kouo dollar........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
hong kong dollar money supply
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY Ml FELL BY 0.5 PER CENT IN MARCH AS CASH HELD BY THE PUBLIC DECREASED BY 2.8 PER CENT. HK«M2 AND HK$M3 HOWEVER GREW MORE RAPIDLY THAN IN FEBRUARY, BY 2.3 PER CENT AND 2.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, K<SM1 GREW BY 29.5 PER CENT, HK«M2 BY 28.5 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 20.3 PER CENT.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY Ml FELL BY 0.2 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER HAVING DECREASED BY 5.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 2.8 PER CENT AND 2.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 29.5 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 INCREASED BY 35.8 PER CENT AND 28.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED AT A FASTER PACE IN MARCH, BY 4.1 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 18.7 PER CENT.
LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT IN MARCH WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES BY 6.3 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 18.3 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER BY 19.2 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASE BY 8.6 PER CENT AFTER A FALL OF 1.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, OVER THE YEAR THEY GREW BY 23.4 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 2.8 PER CENT IN MARCH AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 21.8 PER CENT.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 4.3 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 5.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 23.8 PER CENT.
/loans to........
WEDNESDAY, ARIIL 29, 1987
4 -
LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES INCREASED 0.1 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 3.0 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 3.8 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR INCREASED BY 6.4 PER CENT AFTER A FALL OF 8.1 PER CENT IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1986. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS FELL BY 3.0 PER CENT.
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) CONTINUED TO INCREASE RAPIDLY, BY 9.2 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 11.6 PER CENT AND 7.7 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS, REFLECTING THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 42.5 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
OF REPORT™"’uCENSEDPDEF0sfT-TAKS%OHp!!ui 1! 149- THE WJMBER
/MONETARY STATISTICS........
AX, APRIL 29, 1987
- 5 -
MONETARY STATISTICS - MARCH 1987
Money Supply Mar 1987 Earlier months (% change to March 1987) (HK$mn)
Feb 1987 Dec 1986 Mar 1986
Ml - HK$ 54,193 54,473 ( -0.5 %) 51,600 ( 5.0 %) 41,850 ( 29.5 %)
Foreign currency 5,190 5,046 ( 2.9 %) 4,494 ( 15.5 %) 4,021 ( 29.1 %)
Total 59,383 59,519 ( -0.2 %) 56,094 ( 5.9 45,871 ( 29.5 %)
M2 - HK$ 257,310 251,490 ( 2.3 %) 237,776 ( 8.2 %) 200,196 ( 28.5 <•/ \
Foreign currency 303,553 294,225 ( 3.2 %) 280,355 ( 8.3 %) 212,897 ( 42.6 %)
Total 560,863 545,714 ( 2.8 %) 518,131 ( 8.2 %) 413,093 ( 35.8 %)
M3 - HK$ 287,802 282,105 ( 2.0 %) 270,517 ( 6.4 %) 239,171 ( 20.3 4. )
Foreign currency 331,799 323,041 ( 2.7 %) 311,691 ( 6.5 %) 242,937 ( 36.6 %)
Total 619,601 605,145 ( 2.4 %) 582,208 ( 6.4 %) 482,108 ( 28.5 %)
Notes and coins in circulation 23,411 23,914 ( -2.1 %) 22,412 ( 4.5 %) 21,329 ( 9.8 %)
of which held by public 20,410 20,998 ( -2.8 %) 19,295 ( 5.8 %) 18,504 ( 10.3 %)
Deposits
Demand deposits 38,974 38,521 ( 1.2 %) 36,799 ( 5.9 %) 27,367 ( 42.4 %)
Savings deposits 137,204 136,541 ( 0.5 %) 125,476 ( 9.3 %) 100,013 ( 37.2 %)
Time deposits with banks 355,711 341,407 ( 4.2 %) 329,078 ( 8.1 %) 260,825 ( 36.4 %)
Time deposits with dtcs 54,910 55,432 ( -0.9 %) 59,298 ( -7.4 %) 65,208 ( -15.8 %)
All HK$ deposits 260,361 254,208 ( 2.4 %) 245,103 ( 6.2 %) 216,294 ( 20.4 %)
All foreign currency deposits 326,438 317,693 ( 2.8 %) 305,549 ( 6.8 %) . 2137,119 ( 37.7 %)
Total Loans and advances 586,798 571,901 ( 2.6 %) 550,651 ( 6.6 %) 453,413 ( 29.4 %)
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 39,360 36,228 ( 8.6 %) 35,502 ( 10.9 %) 31,885 ( 23.4 %)
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 4,482 4,558 ( -1.7 %) 4,595 ( -2.5 %) 5,657 ( -20.8 %)
Other loans for use in H.K. 293,151 285,110 ( 2.8 %) 270,729 ( 8.3 %) 240,655 ( 21.8 %)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 172,400 165,597 ( 4.1 X) 160,694 ( 7.3 %) 155,372 ( 11.0 %)
Other loans where the place of use is not known 35,908 32,250 ( 11.3 %) 29,077 ( 23.5 %) .25,672 ( 39.9 %)
All loans in HK$ 268,729 263,659 ( 1.9 %) 250,226 ( 7.4 %) 227,254 ( 18.3 %)
All loans in foreign currencies 276,572 260,084 ( 6.3 %) 250,371 ( 10.5 %) 231,987 ( 19.2 %)
Total 545,300 523,743 ( 4.1 %) 500,596 ( 8.9 %) 459,241 ( 18.7 %)
/TABLE? 2 ;
< TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF - 6 - AY, APRIL 29, 1987 - MARCH 1987
SECTOR
LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY
• Mar 1987 Dec 1986 Earlier quarters change to March 1987) Sep 1986 Mar (HK$mn) 1986
Manufacturing 26,227 25,140 ( 4.3 23,773 ( 10.3 X) 211, 191 ( 23.8 X)
Transport and transport equipment 18,583 18,060 ( 2.9 X) 19,428 ( -4.3 X) 20', 438 • ( -9.1 X)
Building, construction and property development 36,819 34,603 ( 6.4 %) 37,635 ( -2.2 X) 37=, 944 ( -3.0 X)
Wholesale and retail trade 33,688 33,650 ( 0.1 X) 34,708 ( -2.9 %) 32,460 ( 3.8 X)
Financial concerns* Individuals: 23,975 23,064 ( 3.9 %) i 22,424 ( 6.9 X) 19,619 ( 22.2 X)
to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 6,435 6,260 ( 2.8 %) 6,309 ( 2.0 %) 5,959 । ( 8.0 X)
to purchase other residential property 46,848 42,902 ( 9.2 X) 39,835 ( 17.6 X) 32,875 ( 42.5 X)
other purposes 34,791 29,410 ( 18.3 X) 26,194 ( 32.8 X) 23,373 ( 48.9 X)
Others 65,786 57,640 ( 14.1 X) 51,752 ( 27.1 46;, 797 ( 40.6 X)
Total * This excludes 293,151 270,729 ( funds advanced to banks 0 8.3 %) 262,058 and deposit-taking ( 11.9 %) companies ’240,655 . 1 ( 21.8 X)
/T
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
- 7 -
QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION TOPPED OUT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO MEET EXPECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND TO IMPROVING STANDARDS WHENEVER THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE TOPPING OUT OF A $389 MILLION EXTENSION TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AT POKFULAM.
MR FORD SAID MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MADE UP ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND THE CURRENT YEAR PROVISION WAS SEVEN PER CENT ABOVE LAST YEAR’S ALLOCATION.
HE SAID THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY MARKED A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS COMPLETION OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME WHICH BEGAN IN 1982.
TO DATE, STAGE I OF THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN COMPLETED WITH A NEW COMPUTERISED SCANNING UNIT AND A NEW PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT ALREADY IN OPERATION.
ON COMPLETION OF STAGE II IN MID-1989, THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD ADD 844 BEDS TO THE HOSPITAL, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER TO OVER 2 100.
♦THE EXPANSION IS NEEDED TO MEET AN INCREASING DEMAND ON THE HOSPITAL WHICH HAS A BED OCCUPANCY RATE CONSISTENTLY ABOVE 85 PER CENT, AND AT TIMES EXCEEDING 90 PER CENT,+ MR FORD SAID.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF EXPANSION WERE IN PAEDIATRICS AND PSYCHIATRY, BUT OTHER DEPARTMENTS WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN A SHARE OF THE ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION MADE AVAILABLE ON THE VACATION OF THE EXISTING PAEDIATRIC AND PSYCHIATRIC WARDS.
IN ADDITION TO BEING THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ALSO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN TRAINING MEDICAL PERSONNEL, PROVIDING BACK UP TEACHING AND RESEARCH FACILITIES TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR BOTH UNDERGRADUATE AND POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL TRAINING.
FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF CONSULTANTS APPOINTED TO REVIEW THE RANGE OF TEACHING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG, THE PRESENT DEVELOPMENT ALSO SOUGHT TO IMPROVE THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCE THE STANDARDS OF TEACHING FACILITIES THROUGH THE MODERNISATION OF DIAGNOSTIC, TREATMENT AND CLINICAL SUPPORT SERVICES, HE SAID.
/nr ford
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
8
MR FORD SAID THE EXTENSION PROGRAMME WOULD MAKE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW SPECIALIST SERVICES SUCH AS A BURNS UNIT AND A RECONSTRUCTIVE UNIT FOR ACCIDENT PATIENTS WHO AT PRESENT HAD TO BE ACCOMMODATED IN GENERAL WARDS.
BY 1992, TOO, CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL WARDS.
+AS HONG KONG BECOMES MORE SOPHISTICATED IN TERMS OF LIFESTYLE, PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT, OUR MEDICAL SERVICES MUST ALSO KEEP ABREAST OF MODERN SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES AND AIM FOR EFFICIENT AND HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES,+ MR FORD SAID.
COMPLETION OF THE MAIN STRUCTURAL WORK OF THE TWO NEW MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS -- ONE FIVE-STOREY PODIUM WITH A 23-STOREY TOWER, THE OTHER A 12-STOREY BLOCK — AND THE MAIN HOSPITAL ENTRANCE ALTERATION PROVIDES AN APPROPRIATE MILESTONE FOR THE HOSPITAL’S HALF CENTURY OF EXISTENCE.
STAGE II SITE FORMATION WAS COMPLETED IN LATE 1984, WHILE THE MAIN BUILDING WORK STARTED IN MAY THE FOLLOWING YEAR. COMPLETION OF STAGE II WILL ADD 76 OOO SQUARE METRES OF SPACE TO THE HOSPITAL.
THE FIVE-STAGE EXTENSION PROGRAMME WILL BE FULLY COMPLETED IN 1992.
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SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION ORGANISED X X X X X
CO-OPERATION FROM INDUSTRIALISTS IN PREVENTING THEIR TRADE EFFLUENTS AND WASTE WATERS FROM DISCHARGING INTO STORM WATER DRAINS IS ESSENTIAL IN THE COMBAT AGAINST INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.
THE PLEA CAME FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS BEEN CHECKING UP ON ILLEGAL DISCHARGES OF DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS, AT TUEN MUN IN PARTICULAR.
WITH THE RECENT GAZETTING OF THE FIRST APPOINTED DAY FOR THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE, THE DEPARTMENT IS PLAYING AN ACTIVE AND IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
THE DECLARATION IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT BY BACKING THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO CONTROL INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES OF POLLUTANTS AND EFFLUENTS FROM DOMESTIC TREATMENT WORKS.
/speaking .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
9
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE TUEN MUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS IN TUEN MUN, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (LIQUID AND SOLID WASTES), DR ELLEN CHAN, POINTED OUT THAT IN TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE, BLEACHING AND DYEING FACTORIES AND ELECTROPLATING FACTORIES WERE FOUND TO BE THE WORST INDUSTRIAL POLLUTERS.
+TRADE EFFLUENTS PRODUCED BY THE BL-EACHlNG AND DYEING FACTORIES ARE OFTEN HOT, CORROSIVE IN NATURE AND HIGHLY COLOURED,+ SHE SAID.
+TRADE WASTES PRODUCED BY THE ELECTROPLATERS ARE ALSO HIGHLY CORROSIVE AND CONTAIN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES SUCH AS CYANIDE AND HEAVY METALS SUCH AS ZINC, COPPER AND CHROMIUM.+
DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF PROPER DRAINAGE FOR RECEIVING DISCHARGES, DOMESTIC SEWAGE, INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS AND POLLUTED WASTE WATERS OFTEN FIND THEIR WAY INTO STORM WATER DRAINS VIA UNAUTHORISED CONNECTIONS, SURFACE CHANNELS, KERB GULLY TRAPS AND GRATING OPENINGS.
SHE POINTED OUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE REQUIRED THAT THE QUALITY OF WASTE WATERS DISCHARGED INTO PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS SHOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE FABRIC OF SEWERS, THE SAFETY OF SEWER WORKERS AND THE OPERATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS DOWNSTREAM.
+THE QUALITY REQUIRED DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS THE FACTORY IS ENGAGED IN, VOLUME OF WATER USED, TYPES OF WASTES GENERATED AND ITS LOCATION,* SHE SAID.
+LIMITATIONS NEED TO BE PLACED,* DR CHAN SAID, +ON POLLUTANTS SUCH AS COLOUR, HEAVY METALS, AND OTHER TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. WHERE THE QUALITY OF A TRADE EFFLUENT IS IN BREACH OF THESE REQUIREMENTS, PRE-TREATMENT WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED AT THE FACTORY’S OWN EXPENSE. SUCH PRE-TREATMENT MAY BE INSTALLED IN AN INDIVIDUAL FACTORY OR AS A CENTRALISED SYSTEM IN THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING TO SERVE SOME OR ALL OF THE OCCUPIERS.*
DR CHAN STRESSED THAT FACTORY OWNERS MUST FIRST APPOINT AN AUTHORISED PERSON WHO SPECIALISED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT, THEN APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT ON EFFLUENT QUALITY REQUIREMENTS. THE PROPOSED TREATMENT SYSTEM WOULD THEN BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOR APPROVAL.
/•fONCE the .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 198?
10 -
+0NCE THE TREATMENT PLANT IS APPROVED AND CONSTRUCTED, THE FACTORY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AND OUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT ROUTINE TESTS TO MONITOR THE QUALITY OF THE EFFLUENT DISCHARGED.
+WHERE FACTORIES WHICH ARE BREACHING DRAINAGE CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS, THEY ALSO NEED TO APPOINT AUTHORISED PERSONS AND OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR ANY ALTERATION OF DRAINAGE WORKS.
+CURRENT LEGISLATION EMBODIED IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIRES POLLUTED WASTE WATERS TO BE DISCHARGED INTO FOUL SEWERS AND PROHIBITS THE DISCHARGE OF TRADE EFFLUENTS INTO STORM WATER DRAINS,+ SHE ADDED. +T0 MEET THIS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS, THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ALL DRAINAGE WORKS IN FACTORY ESTABLISHMENTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING AUTHOR ITY.+
DR CHAN CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTING MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN TUEN MUN AND THESE INCLUDED BOTH CONTROLLING POLLUTION AT ITS SOURCE AND ABATEMENT MEASURES SUCH ASs
* THE PROVISION OF A COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO SERVE THE ENTIRE DISTRICT}
* THE INSTALLATION OF A DRY WEATHER FLOW INTERCEPTION SCHEME TO INTERCEPT AND DISCHARGE POLLUTED SURFACE WATERS FROM THE HEAD OF THE NULLAH TO THE FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM}
* THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME}
* MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE WATER CIRCULATION IN THE TUEN MUN TYPHOON SHELTER $ AND
* ROUTINE DREDGING OF POLLUTED BOTTOM SEDIMENTS IN THE NULLAH.
DURING HER PRESENTATION, DR CHAN SHOWED SLIDES TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINAR AS WELL AS PROVIDING POSTERS ADVOCATING THE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS.
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/11 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
11
NON-SMOKERS URGED TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT *****
IT IS UP TO NON-SMOKERS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF THEIR GOOD HEALTH AND IT IS ALSO THEIR DUTY TO ASSIST SMOKERS TO GIVE UP THE HABIT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, DR RONALD LEUNG, TOLD A ZONTA CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AS THE LATEST COLLECTED EVIDENCE ON PASSIVE SMOKING SHOWED THAT NON-SMOKERS COULD ALSO BE LET HALLY AFFECTED BY TOBACCO SMOKE, DR LEUNG SAID THIS SHOULD PROVIDE A REASON FOR A NEW ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT BY NON-SMOKERS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT MOST SMOKERS AS WELL AS NON-SMOKERS HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF A RECENT SURGE OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN THE U.S. ENSURING CLEAN INTERNAL AIR IN THE WORKPLACE AND PUBLIC PLACES.
HE SAID DIVERSIONARY CALLS FOR MORE RESEARCH OR ATTENTION TO OTHER INTERNAL AIR POLLUTANTS SHOULD BE VIEWED AGAINST THE SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR AVAILABLE KNOWLEDGE ON THE NATURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE, THE LACK OF A SAFE LOWER LIMIT OF EXPOSURE FOR CANCER, THE OBVIOUS IRRITATION TO THE MAJORITY, AND THE SPECIFIC SERIOUS EFFECTS ON ASTHMATICS AND OTHERS.
HE DISMISSED THE SUGGESTION THAT SMOKING IN PUBLIC WAS A NATURAL RIGHT WHICH SHOULD OVERRULE T HE RIG HT OF EVER YONE ELSE TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE HEALTH DANGER OF AMBIENT SMOKE.
CITING THE LEGAL MAXIM, +YOUR RIGHT TO SWING YOUR FIST ENDS WHERE MY NOSE BEGINS*, DR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SMOKERS WOULD NOT BE PREVENTED FROM SMOKING WHERE THIS DID NOT AFFECT OTHERS.
DR LEUNG ALSO SAID KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER OF PASSIVE SMOKING WAS NEW AND NEEDED TO BE PASSED ON TO THE HONG KONG PUBLIC RATHER THAN CLAIMING THEY TOLERATED IT.
+THEY SHOULD BE INFORMED THAT THEY ARE UNNECESSARILY EXPOSING THEIR LUNGS TO AMBIENT SMOKE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED CIGAREETE SMOKING WAS THE MOST SINGLE IMPORTANT FACTOR OF PREMATURE DEATHS AND DISABILITY.
HE SAID IN THE UK, OUT OF 1 OOO SMOKING TEENAGERS AS MANY AS 250 WOULD DIE OF SMOKING-RELATED DISEASES AS AGAINST ONLY 26 OF CAR ACCIDENTS AND 6 OF HOMICIDE.
/+IN HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
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+IN HONG KONG, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 3 OOO DEATHS ARE CAUSED BY SMOKING RELATED DISEASES, I.E., EIGHT DEATHS PER DAY FROM SMOKING,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT IT WAS NOT JUST THE SCALE OF PREMATURE DEATH WHICH PUT SMOKING IN THIS SPECIAL SERIOUS CATEGORY, IT WAS REGRETTABLE ALSO THE MOST EASILY PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF BOTH ILL HEALTH AND PREMATURE DEATHS WORLDWIDE.
DR LEUNG ALSO SAID THERE WAS SUFFICIENT MEDICAL EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT IF TOBACCO WERE A NEW PRODUCT, THE APPLICATION OF MODERN CONSUMER PROTECTION STANDARDS WOULD HAVE MEANT ITS OUTRIGHT BAN EVERYWHERE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S RECENT BAN ON SMOKELESS TOBACCO, A FORM OF TOBACCO WHICH HAD NOT ESTABLISHED ITSELF IN THE TERRITORY.
DR LEUNG QUESTIONED WHETHER THOSE WHO CONTINUED TO SMOKE REALLY KNEW THAT THE RISKS OF SMOKING WERE OF COMPARABLE DEGREE TO OTHER THINGS THEY SEEMED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT.
HE SUGGESTED IT MUST BE BOTH THE ADDICTIVE NATURE OF THE HABIT AND THE LONG LEADTIME FOR CANCER WHICH +MADE CAUSE AND EFFECT SEEM REMOTE TO THE SMOKER*.
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VIEWS INVITED ON B SHARES * * *
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INVITED INTERESTED PARTIES TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE ISSUE OF B SHARES BY LIMITED COMPANIES.
THE MOVE FOLLOWED A RECENT DECISION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ASK THE STANDING COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE +WHETHER OR NOT THE PRESENT ABILITY OF COMPANIES TO ISSUE SHARES WITH VOTING RIGHTS DISPROPORTIONATE TO THEIR NOMINAL VALUE IS IN THE GENERAL INTEREST OF SHAREHOLDERS AND IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, AND IF NOT, TO IDENTIFY WHETHER ANY CHANGES TO THE PRESENT LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ARE DESIRABLE*.
COMMENTS ON THE ISSUE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING BEFORE MAY 29 TO THE SECRETARY, STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, COMMERCIAL DIVISION, 21ST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
13
TREE PLANTING PERIOD TO BE EXTENDED *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXTENDED THE 1987 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME HELD THIS MONTH TO THE FIRST TWO SUNDAYS IN MAY TO MEET INCREASING PUBLIC REQUESTS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MISSED THE PREVIOUS TREE PLANTING DAYS SHOULD GO TO THE SEVEN DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES ON MAY 3 AND 10 BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM WHEN SEEDLINGS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FREE FOR PLANTING.
THE SEVEN COUNTRY PARK PLANTING SITES ARE AT TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG AND CLEAR WATER BAY.
THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, SAID THAT DESPITE INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE FIRST TWO TREE PLANTING DAYS IN EARLY APRIL, THE MONTH-LONG SCHEME MD MET WITH OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC.
+SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE PROJECT, MORE THAN 15 000 PEOPLE HAVE PLANTED SOME 18 600 TREES.
+THE RESPONSE FROM PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS IS PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING. WHILE SOME 9 000 PARTICIPANTS CAME FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS, ANOTHER 1 500 FROM 30 ORGANISED GROUPS ARE AWAITING THEIR TURNS TO PLANT TREES. AND YET REQUESTS ARE STILL POURING IN,+ HE ADDED.
THIS INTEREST, HE SAID, IS A VIVID REFLECTION OF THE GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN FOR CARING FOR TREES AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
MR IU SAID HE EXPECTED A NEW RECORD FOR THIS YEAR’S SCHEME. LAST YEAR’S TURNOUT WAS 17 000 PEOPLE PLANTING ABOUT 20 000 TREES.
HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A NEW ATTRACTION IN THE CURRENT SCHEME IN THAT AFTER PLANTING A TREE, EACH PARTICIPANT WOULD BE GIVEN A SEED PACKET AND A COLOURFUL LEAFLET FOR RAISING SEEDLINGS AT HOME, FOR PLANTING IN THE 1988 PLANTING SEASON.
+THOSE WHO SUCCEED IN DOING SO WILL BE AWARDED A HANDSOME SOUVENIR,+ HE ADDED.
MR IU URGED ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT IN GROUPS TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 3-7332121 FOR EARLY REGISTRATION.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
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DELEGATION LEAVING ON AUSTRALIA FAMILIARISATION VISIT K X K H M
A DELEGATION OF FOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL GO ON A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO AUSTRALIA EARLY NEXT MONTH IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSALS FOR THE MODIFIED HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
THE DELEGATION, LED BY MARINE DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYOR GENERAL OF SHIPS, MR ALLAN PYRKE, WILL DEPART HONG KONG FOR CANBERRA AND SYDNEY ON SATURDAY (MAY 2) AND RETURN ON MAY 13.
OTHER MEMBERS ARE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF SHIPS, MARINE DEPARTMENT, DR ANTHONY Y.C. LEE, SENIOR SURVEYOR OF SHIPS, MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR RAYMOND C.K. TANG, AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ECONOMIC SERVICES), MISS JANET WONG.
DURING THE VISIT, THE GROUP WILL MEET OFFICIALS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT IN CANBERRA AND FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE DAY-TO-DAY WORK CF THE DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYORS BY VISITING THEIR SYDNEY OFFICE.
THE DELEGATION WILL LOOK AT THE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE METHODS USED BY THE AUSTRALIAN MARINE ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONTROL CF SHIPS ON THEIR REGISTER AND IN THEIR PORTS. TOPICS WILL INCLUDE THEIR REGISTRY PROCEDURES, CONSULTATION PROCESSES, THE DRAFTING AND ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION, CERTIFICATION AND EXAMINATION SYSTEMS, CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS, FINANCING, STAFFING, CREWING, EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY STANDARDS AND PORT STATE CONTROL.
+WE NEED TO FAMILIARISE OURSELVES WITH THE PRACTICES OF OTHER MARINE ADMINISTRATIONS, AS WELL AS THOSE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSALS FOR A MODIFIED SHIPPING REGISTER,* MR PYRKE SAID.
+KNOWLEDGE OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRACTICES OF VARIOUS MARINE ADMINISTRATIONS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM WHICH IS TAILORED TO FIT THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.
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CENTRAL REGISTER INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE SECTOR X * * M- *
NON-CONFI DENT I AL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS RECORDED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF.
THE COMPREHENSIVE'AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 300 000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG SERVES AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYS ON BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS, WHILE OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK.
/the private .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
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THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN MAKE USE OF NON-CONFIDENTI AL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE NAME, THE ADDRESS, THE MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND THE EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS FOR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEY, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT PROMOTION PURPOSES.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY OF A PHOTOCOPY OR A MAGNETIC TAPE OF THE LISTING OF NON-CONFI DENT I AL PARTICULARS.
A CHARGE WILL BE LEVIED FOR THIS SERVICE. THE RATES ARE $2.50 PER PHOTOCOPY CONTAINING ABOUT 10 ESTABLISHMENTS, AND $330 PER STREAM HOUR OF COMPUTER TIME IF THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON A MAGNETIC TAPE WHICH IS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-823*760.
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CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY * * * * *
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO CONVERGE ON CHEUNG CHAU THIS SUNDAY (MAY 3) TO SEE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION.
THERE WILL BE 12 FLOATS, LION AND UNICORN DANCES, FLAG PARADES, CHINESE FOLK DANCES AND FESTIVE MUSIC FEATURING DRUMS AND GONGS.
ALSO FEATURED IN THE PROCESSION WILL BE SHRINES OF DEITIES AND THE CHERISHED SWORD OF THE GOD PAK TEI.
THE TWO-HOUR PROCESSION WHICH INVOLVES SOME 2 000 PEOPLE INCLUDING SEVERAL HUNDRED SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL START AT 2 PM FROM THE PAK TEI TEMPLE AND WILL PASS THROUGH VARIOUS STREETS TO THE RECLAMATION AREA AT PRAYA STREET ALONG THE WATERFRONT.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST OF HONOUR.
THE BUN FESTIVAL WAS FIRST ORGANISED ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO TO APPEASE THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES ON THE ISLAND AND HAD SINCE BEEN HELD WITHOUT INTERRUPTION.
FESTIVITIES IN THIS YEAR’S BUN FESTIVAL WILL START TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WITH WORSHIPPING AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUNS AND SUNDAY’S PROCESSION WILL BE THE HIGH POINT OF THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL.
/AS a mark........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, I987
16
AS A MARK OF SINCERITY AND HUMBLENESS, THE ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM MEAT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM FRIDAY AND NO ANIMALS WILL BE SLAUGHTERED DURING THE PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE RECLAMATION AREA OF PRAYA STREET.
PRESS POSITIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TELEVISION CREWS WILL BE ARRANGED NEAR THE VIP STAND. YOU ARE REMINDED THAT MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE ON TO THE PATH OF THE PROCESSION DURING THE PROCESSION.
PRESS BADGES WILL BE ISSUED FOR THE OCCASION BUT AS THE NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, EACH ORGANISATION WILL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO ONE BADGE.
THE BADGES ARE READY FOR COLLECTION AT THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF CNTA, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
A FERRY WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER, CENTRAL, AT 12.30 PM ON SUNDAY FOR CHEUNG CHAU. PRESS MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENT. THE FERRY WILL TAKE PRESS MEMBERS BACK TO CENTRAL AFTERWARDS.
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TV PROGRAMME TO PORTRAY YAU MA TEI DISTRICT
* * K *
A +GOOD MORNING YAU MA TEI+ TV PROGRAMME JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB JADE ON MAY 8 FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM.
THE PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT, AS WELL AS THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS THREE COMMITTEES ON TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY BUILDING MATTERS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, SAID THE PROGRAMME SHOULD ENABLE THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS, TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS WILL SPEAK ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE DISTRICT DURING THE PROGRAMME.
THE TWO-HOUR SHOW WILL ALSO INTRODUCE THE WORK OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP UNDER THE DISTRICT OFFICE SINCE 1985 TO DEAL WITH MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
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/17 ...an
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
17
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DEREK GOULD, AND SENIOR PLANNING OFFICER FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR T.C. YUEN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE STRATEGY AND ANSWER QUERIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ORGANISATION OF A MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF IDENTITY WITH THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE NEW MEMBERSHIP OF SYCAMORE ART GALLERY DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS FOR THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS RAISED BY MEMBERS TO PROVIDE AN ELDERLY CENTRE AND A HOME FOR THE AGED IN THE DISTRICT.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL REVIEW A REVISED BUDGET FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN 1987-88. IT IS PROPOSED TO SET ASIDE $180 000 TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND $120 000 TO PUBLISH A KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD THIRD TERM REPORT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THREE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO FORM THE KOWLOON CITY ORIENTAL DANCE GROUP, PURCHASE DANCING COSTUMES FOR THE DISTRICT’S WESTERN DANCE GROUP, AND TO _ ORGANISE FOLK MUSIC SINGING CONTEST AND THREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
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/18
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
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ORIENTATION FOR AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE AN ORIENTATION GATHERING FOR THE DISTRICT’S 1987-88 AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 1).
MORE THAN 150 NEWLY-APPOINTED MEMBERS FROM EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE GATHERING IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS TO MEET AND BE ACQUAINTED WITH EACH OTHER AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF AREA COMMITTEES.
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE BRIEFINGS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE DISTRICT AND AREA COMMITTEES.
VARIOUS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR
AT 7.30 PM
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ORIENTATION GATHERING KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MAY 1) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, 89 CHUNG HAU
STREET, HO MAN TIN.
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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION
X X X X
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS AT PAK SHA WAN.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO BAN GOODS VEHICLE ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND FROM THE ROAD NETWORK AT HANG HAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1987
19
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN WO Yl HOP ROAD *****
TWO SECTIONS OF WO Yl HOP ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY STARTING ID AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 1).
THEY AREt
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HO FUNG COLLEGE AND ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION QUARTERS, AND
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION QUARTERS AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HO FUNG COLLEGE.
NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS THERE.
OPERATING HOURS OF PARKING METERS SHORTENED 1XX KX
THE OPERATING HOURS FOR ALL GOODS VEHICLE PARKING METERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE SHORTENED FROM TME EXISTING 16 HOURS TO 12 HOURS WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY (MAY 1).
THE NEW OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM INSTEAD OF FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT.
AFFECTED METERS ARE LOCATED AT KING WAH ROAD AND PAK FUK ROAD IN NORTH POINT, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, THE CAR PARK NEAR THE TEMPORARY MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS, YUE KWONG ROAD IN ABERDEEN, THE CAR PARK ON AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD NEAR LEE CHI ROAD IN AP LEI CHAU, SAN HA SRTREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, FUNG YIP STREET, SUN YIP STREET AND ON YIP STREET IN CHAI WAN, AND HAU WO STREET IN
KENNEDY TOWN
TAI PO TAPS OFF TONIGHT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 AM TOMORROW FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PO HEUNG STREET, KWONG FUK ROAD, PAK SHING STREET, SUI ON STREET, HEI YUEN STREET, YAN HING STREET, YAN WO LANE, SHUNG TAK STREET AND WAI Yl STREET, INCLUDING NAM SHING STREET, WAI YAN STREET, ON FU ROAD, TSI NG YUEN STREET AND FU SHIN STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR IMPRESSED WITH YUEN WNG DEVELOPMENT............... 1
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN WNG DISTRICT........ 2
CHANGES TO LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME ANNOUNCED ......... 4
HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT FEES, VALIDITY REDUCED .......... 7
SLIM MAJORITY IN BILL PASSAGE SEEN AS ’ENCOURAGING’ ....... 7
CS LOOKS AT SPORTS CENTRE FACILITIES ...................... 8
COMPUTERS AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS SWITCHED ON ......... 9
OFF-STREET TRAINING FOR LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS PLANNED ..... 9
CONTRACT FOR TAT.T.EST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AWARDED . . 10
PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORTS KEEP HONG KONG CLEaN .kPPELJj...... 11
$1 million raised in cle^n for charity drive .............. 12
ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT INVITES MSE RECRUITS ............. 13
ENGINEER TRAINEES GET MORE SUBSIDY ........................ 12*
KWAI TSING CELEBRATES TIN HAU FESTIVAL..................... 14
MONG KOK TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........................ 15
DB MEMBERS VISIT TELEPHONE COMPANY ........................
FURTHER DELS FOR UK POSTAL ITEMS.............•............. 17
THIRD TSUEN WaN «MBULhNCE DEPOT ........................... 17
DETAILS OF nDVANCED RECREATIONS TRAINING PROGRAMME......... 17
POSTPONEMENT OF CLEARANCE TO BE DISCUSSED ................. 18
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ................... 19
BEST YOUTH PROJECT AWARD CEREMONY ......................... 19
TSING YI BRIDGE CWSED FOR MONITORING....................... 20
ROAD CWSED, PROHIBITED ZONE SET UP ........................ 20
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
1
GOVERNOR IMPRESSED WITH YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENT *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT l£ WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY YUEN LONG HAD MANAGED TO COMBINE TRADITIONAL WAY OF LIFE WITH VERY ACTIVE MODERN DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS FIRST DISTRICT VISIT, TO YUEN LONG, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY THE VARIOUS PLACES HE HAD SEEN AND THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
♦ONE HAS A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF LOYALTY TO THIS DISTRICT BY THE COMMUNITY AND FOR ME IT’S BEEN A FASCINATING AFTERNOON,+ HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE SMELL OF A NULLAH IN YUEN LONG, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS A PLAN TO DEAL WITH IT, BUT IT WOULD TAKE TIME.
AT THE REQUEST OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DOING A SURVEY ON WHAT MIGHT BE DONE IN THE SHORT TERM AND A REPORT WOULD BE COMING OUT WITHIN A MONTH. + BUT IT NEEDS WORK DONE ON IT. IT WILL TAKE TIME AND THE HOPE IS THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE IN THE SHORT TERM,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT POLLUTION WAS A TREMENDOUS PROBLEM. + IT’S NOT JUST THE NULLAH HERE, IT’S A PROBLEM ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG, IT IS NOT EASY TO DEAL WITH,* HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS IMPRESSION ON HIS VISIT TO THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY INTERESTING FOR HIM TO SEE THE CHANGE THERE.
+1 WAS HERE FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AGO WHEN THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT ACROSS THE BORDER WAS JUST BEGINNING. AND I AM VERY STRUCK BY NOW THE AMOUNT OF MOVEMENT THERE IS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN, AND I HOPE THAT IS GOING TO BENEFIT THIS PART OF HONG KONG, BECAUSE WITH TRANSPORT GOING ACROSS THAT SHENZHEN RIVER BRIDGE, IT WILL HELP THE DEVELOPMENT CF THE NORTH-WEST PART OF THE TERRITORY,* HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF ANIMAL WASTE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE WAS A SCHEME TO COMPENSATE FARMERS WHO WOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THE NEW ANIMAL WASTE PROGRAMME.
HE HOPED THE SCHEME WOULD DEAL WITH THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS WHICH FARMERS FACED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEEDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROBLEMS LIKE THE NULLAH, AND THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE FARMERS. +OBVIOUSLY, THEY ARE VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT THEIR OWN FUTURE,* HE CONTINUED.
/ASKED ABOUT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
- 2
ASKED ABOUT FARMERS’ COMPLAINT THAT THE COMPENSATION WAS TOO LITTLE, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS AN INCREASE RECENTLY IN THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD LOOKED AT IT VERY CAREFULLY AND CONCLUDED THAT THE COMPENSATION WAS FAIR AND REASONABLE.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE CRIME RATE IN THE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID HE HAD NOT GONE INTO DETAILS OF CRIME STATISTICS TODAY.
+WHAT HAS STRUCK ME IS NOW ONE SEES A VERY LIVELY COMMUNITY, AND IT IS THAT SIDE, A POSITIVE SIDE, THAT I HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN, RATHER THAN SOME OF THE OTHER SIDE.+
WHEN BEING ASKED TO DEFINE THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIR DAVID SAID THE DEFINITION. TO HIM. WAS QUITE SIMPLE. +IT IS NORTH OF BOUNDARY STREET, BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND SHENZHEN RIVER.+
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT LADY WILSON WAS VERY KEEN TO VISIT AS MUCH OF HONG KONG AS SHE COULD, AND HE CERTAINLY HOPED SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMPANY HIM AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE ON FUTURE TRIPS.
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GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) INSPECTED VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN YUEN LONG, ONE OF THE BUSIEST DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE A RANGE OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE AREA AND PROVIDE VITAL LINKS WITH CHINA.
THE VISIT TO YUEN LONG MARKED THE FIRST OF SIR DAVID’S TOUR TO A DISTRICT SINCE TAKING UP OFFICE, AND WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY SIMILAR VISITS TO 18 OTHER DISTRICTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ARRIVED BY HELICOPTER AT MAI PO WHERE THEY WERE GREETED BY YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG, AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN.
THEY FIRST WENT TO THE WORK SITE FOR THE SHENZHEN RIVER BRIDGE PROJECT ALONG THE BORDER ROAD. SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK ON THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING BY THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON.
/THE LOK
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
- 3 -
THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING IS BEING BUILT TO COPE WITH THE GROWING VOLUME OF CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC. THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT, EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF 1988, WILL INCLUDE A DUAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAY LINKING A CONCRETE BRIDGE OVER THE SHENZHEN RIVER, UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AN INTERCHANGE WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AND BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES. CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED AT $245 MILLION.
SECOND STAGE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE DETERMINED BY FUTURE TRAFFIC VOLUME IN THE AREA. IF GIVEN THE GO AHEAD, THIS WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $150 MILLION.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN VISITED THE POK 01 HOSPITAL AND WERE MET BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG HOI-CHUEN, WHO EXPLAINED TO THEM THE HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION PLAN. UNDER THE SCHEME, THE NUMBER OF BEDS AT POK 01 HOSPITAL WILL BE INCREASED TO 420 BY AROUND 1990. IN ADDITION TO NEW QUARTERS FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES, A CASUALTY WARD AND AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WILL BE BUILT.
AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN CENTRE, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WENT TO THE ROOF OF A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING TO LOOK AT THE SITE OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS AND ITS ENVIRONS. THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE LRT DIRECTOR, MR JOE WADE, ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT. STAGE 1 OF THE PROJECT, WHICH COMPRISES SIX ROUTES WITH 23 KILOMETRES OF DOUBLE TRACK, WOULD START OPERATION IN AUGUST 1988 AS SCHEDULED.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN DROVE ALONG YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD AND STOPPED AT THE BRIDGE OVER THE NULLAH. THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, YUEN LONG, MR ALAN WONG, ON THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH POLLUTION OF THE NULLAH AND MEASURES TAKEN TO AMELIORATE THEM.
AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, SIR DAVID WAS SHOWN VARIOUS FACILITIES BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG SHU I-FAT. HE CHATTED WITH SOME STUDENTS ATTENDING DANCING CLASS THERE AND SAW CHILDREN PLAYING IN THE TOY ROOM. LADY WILSON WAS PRESENTED WITH A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS BY ONE OF THE CHILDREN.
SIR DAVID THEN WALKED TO LUT SAU HALL WHERE HE MET THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE, MADAM LEUNG SING-TAK, AND THE MANAGER OF THE CIVIC CENTRE MR JEFF YING SHIU-YIN.
/THE MAIN ......
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
the main feature of the hall is the auditorium which can ACCOMMODATE 880 SPECTATORS. IT IS USED AS THE MAIN VENUE FOR MANY CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS IN THE DISTRICT SUCH AS THE ANNUAL YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, SIR DAVID ATTENDED A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE AND WAS PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN.
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CHANGES TO LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) TWO CHANGES TO THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME WHICH OFFERS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND LOANS TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
THE CHANGES ARE MADE FOLLOWING A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN RESPONSE TO SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE IN 1986.
THE CHANGES WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM THE 1987-88 ACADEMIC
YEAR ARE:
(A) THE APPORTIONMENT OF ANNUAL DISPOSABLE INCOME (ADI) BETWEEN GRANTS AND LOANS IS REVISED FROM THE RATIO OF 50:50 TO 60:40; AND
(B) AN INTEREST OF 2.5 PER CENT P.A. WILL BE CHARGED ON LOANS.
IN DECIDING TO IMPLEMENT THESE CHANGES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE.
♦ THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS CHANGED ITS BASIC POLICY WHICH IS THAT NO STUDENT WHO IS OFFERED A PLACE IN ANY OF THE FIVE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE RENDERED UNABLE TO ACCEPT THAT PLACE BECAUSE OF LACK OF MONEY,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ASSISTANCE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE THE FORM OF BOTH GRANTS AND LOANS,* HE ADDED.
/THE CHANGES .......
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
- 5 -
THE CHANGES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ENSURE THAT THE POLICY OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME IS ACHIEVED AS ECONOMICALLY AS POSSIBLE. GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AS A WHOLE ARE LIMITED AND MUST BE USED WHERE THE NEED IS THE GREATEST.
TERTIARY EDUCATION IS ALREADY HEAVILY SUBSIDISED AND SINCE TERTIARY EDUCATION ENABLES A STUDENT UPON GRADUATION TO INCREASE HIS EARNING POWER, IT IS REASONABLE FOR HIM TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TOWARDS THE COST OF HIS TERTIARY EDUCATION.
AN INTEREST CHARGE HAD BEEN SET SINCE A TOTALLY INTEREST FREE LOAN REPRESENTS A FURTHER SUBSIDY FOR THE STUDENT AND THE RATE OF 2.5 PER CENT HAD BEEN ADOPTED AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE REPAYMENT CAPACITY OF STUDENTS AFTER GRADUATION.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHANGES, THE INCREASE IN MONTH-Y REPAYMENT FOR ALMOST ALL STUDENTS WOULD BE LESS THAN $80. THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT INTEREST WOULD ONLY ACCRUE FROM THE DATE ON WHICH REPAYMENT BEGINS WHICH IS NORMALLY AFTER GRADUATION.
+THE REPAYMENT PERIOD REMAINS UNCHANGED AT FIVE YEARS, BUT IT CAN BE EXTENDED IN HARDSHIP CASES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF EACH CASE,+ HE ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
IN ORDER TO ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECT OF THESE CHANGES ON THE MONTHLY REPAYMENT, TWO EXAMPLES BASED ON FICTITIOUS ANNUAL DISPOSAL INCOME HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT AS FOLLOWS. A BACKGROUND BRIEF ON THE ANNUAL DISPOSAL INCOME APPORTIONMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GlS DUTY OFFICER ON REQUEST.
EXAMPLES
(A) 3-YEAR DEGREE COURSE IN ARTS
MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE ATTAI NABLE
KTOTAL AMOUNT
AMOUNT RECEIVED OF ASSISTANCE
BY A STUDENT WITH RECEIVED FOR
AN ADI OF $8 000 3 YEARS
ADI APPORTIONMENT RATIO
50:50 60:40 50:50 60:40
/GRANT <7 28o .........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
- 6 -
GRANT $7 280 $4 980 $4 520 $14 940 $13 560
LOAN $10 900 $8 600 $9 060 $25 800 $27 180
* ASSUMING ALL FIGURES REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 3 YEARS.
MONTHLY REPAYMENT UPON GRADUATION WITH AN ADI $430
APPORTIONMENT RATIO OF 50:50 AND NO INTEREST CHARGE
MONTHLY REPAYMENT UPON GRADUATION WITH AN ADI $483
APPORTIONMENT RATIO OF 60:40 AND A 2.5 PER CENT P.A.
INTEREST CHARGE
INCREASE IN MONTHLY REPAYMENT $53
(B)' 6-YEAR DEGREE COURSE IN MEDICINE
KTOTAL AMOUNT
MAXIMUM AMOUNT RECEIVED OF ASSISTANCE
ASSISTANCE BY A STUDENT WITH RECEIVED FOR
ATTAINABLE AN ADI 1 OF $8 000 6 YEARS
ADI APPORTIONMENT RATIO — 50:50 60:40 50:50 60:40
grant $7 820 $7 820 $7 820 $46 920 $46 920
LOAN $10 900 $10 900 $10 900 $65 400 $65 400
* ASSUMING ALL FIGURES REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 6 YEARS.
MONTHLY REPAYMENT UPON GRADUATION WITH AN ADI $1 090
APPORTIONMENT RATIO OF 50:50 AND NO INTEREST CHARGE
MONTHLY REPAYMENT UPON GRADUATION WITH AN ADI $1 161
APPORTIONMENT RATIO OF 60:40 AND A 2.5 PER CENT P.A.
INTEREST CHARGE
INCREASE IN MONTHLY REPAYMENT $71
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/7........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
7
HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT FEES, VALIDITY REDUCED
*****
FEES FOR A MULTIPLE HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT WILL BE REDUCED FROM THE EXISTING $50 TO $35 WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THE VALIDITY OF THE TRAVEL DOCUMENT WILL ALSO BE REDUCED FROM TEN TO FIVE YEARS.
AN THAT AS PHASES, BETWEEN
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) CONTROL POINTS ARE BEING GRADUALLY COMPUTERISED IN HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS ARE BEING PHASED OUT GRADUALLY NOW AND 1989.
+WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW, HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS WILL RF ISSUED ON A ONE-PERSON-ONE-PERMIT BASIS. PARTICULARS OF CHILDREN WILL THEREFORE NO LONGER BE INCLUDED IN THEIR PARENTS’ OR GUARDIANS’ HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS,+ HE SAID.
+SINGLE JOURNEY HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS VALID FOR SIX MONTHS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN AT A FEE OF $10 EACH. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN WILL, IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, BE ISSUED WITH SINGLE HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS.
+HOWEVER. CHILDREN ALREADY INCLUDED IN EXISTING HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS OF THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MAY STILL TRAVEL ON THESE PERMITS PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE TRAVELLING WITH THE PRINCIPAL HOLDERS AND PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE UNDER 16. SUCH CHILDREN THEREFORE NEED NOT APPLY FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS UNTIL THEIR PARENTS’ OR GUARDIANS’ RE-ENTRY PERMITS EXPIRE,+ HE ADDED.
DETAILED PROCEDURE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE RE-ENTRY PERMITS IS SET OUT IN THE LEAFLET +HOW TO APPLY FOR A RE-ENTRY PERMIT* OBTAINABLE FROM IMMIGRATION OR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE TO THE INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ON 3-73331H.
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SLIM MAJORITY IN BILL PASSAGE SEEN AS ’ENCOURAGING’
* * * * *
THE SLIM MAJORITY ACHIEVED IN PASSING THE GEPHARDT AMENDMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WAS DESCRIBED AS ENCOURAGING BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CONTROVERSIAL'AMENDMENT TO THE TRADE BILL WAS APPROVED •BY A 218 TO 214 VOTE. IT WOULD REQUIRE MAJOR EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO EASE TRADE BARRIERS AND REDUCE THEIR TRADE SURPLUSES WITH THE UNITED STATES OR FACE A TEN PER CENT ANNUAL CUTBACK IN IMPORTS UNTIL 1992.
/+ALTHOUGH WE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 50, 1987
8
+ ALTH0UGH WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE GEPHARDT AMENDMENT HAS BEEN PASSED, WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE SLIM MAJORITY WHICH SUGGESTS THAT IT IS MOST UNLIKELY THAT AN EVENTUAL PRESIDENTIAL VETO COULD BE OVER-RIDDEN,+ SAID MR TONY MILLER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS ONLY ONE STEP IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS THE SENATE VERSION OF THE TRADE BILL IS STILL TO BE DEBATED AND THEN BOTH BILLS MUST BE RECONCILED THROUGH THE CONFERENCE STAGE OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE.
MR MILLER SAID HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE AMENDMENT AS PASSED REPRESENTS A WATERED-DOWN VERSION WHICH WOULD EXCLUDE HONG KONG AS A TRADING PARTNER WHICH HAS NO UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES.
+NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE CONCERNED AT ANY LEGISLATION WHICH REDUCES PRESIDENTIAL DISCRETION IN TRADE MATTERS, REPLACING NEGOTIATIONS WITH CRUDE MANDATORY SANCTIONS,+ HE SAID.
0
CS LOOKS AT SPORTS CENTRE FACILITIES *****
THE SWIMMING POOL OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WILL BE OPENED FOR COMPETITION PURPOSE WHEN ITS 1 OOO-SEAT SPECTATOR STAND IS COMPLETED IN AUGUST, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WAS TOLD DURING HIS VISIT TO THE CENTRE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
BRIEFED ON THE CENTRE’S LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, MR FORD LEARNED THAT THE #8.3 MILLION BUILDING PROGRAMME INCLUDED A FITNESS ROOM FOR SWIMMERS AND A CANOE STORE ROOM.
ON OTHER SPORTS FACILITIES, A $1.35 MILLION PROJECT WOULD REPLACE THE SYNTHETIC FLOOR OF THE CHAMPIONS HALL WITH WOODEN FLOORING, TURNING IT INTO A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS VENUE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CENTRE’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR HOWARD WELLS, MR FORD TOURED THE CENTRE WATCHING VARIOUS TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN ACTION.
HE WAS ALSO SHOWN TESTS ON ATHLETES AT THE SPORTS SCIENCE LABORATORY AND A DISPLAY OF FLOOR EXERCISES BY JUNIOR GYMNASTS.
o -
/9........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
COMPUTERS AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS SWITCHED ON *****
THE COMPUTERISATION OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL AND THE SHAM SHU I PO PIER WENT INTO OPERATION AFTER A SWITCHlNG-ON CEREMONY THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE SIX COMPUTERS INSTALLED AT THESE TWO CONTROL POINTS WILL BE LINKED TO 63 SMALL TERMINALS AT IMMIGRATION COUNTERS. THIS WILL SPEED UP IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ WORK IN CHECKING ON HONG KONG
PASSENGERS.
SPEAKING AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE +EASY TRAVEL SCHEME+, WHICH WOULD START TOMORROW (FRIDAY), MARKED A NEW ERA IN HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION CONTROL WORK.
UNDER THE SCHEME, HONG KONG RESIDENTS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARDS.
HOLDERS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS BEARING A +***+ SYMBOL WILL FURTHER BE EXEMPTED FROM PRESENTING A HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT, INITIALLY FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM MACAU VIA THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND THE SHAM SHU I PO PIER, AND LATER FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM CHINA VIA OTHER CONTROL POINTS FOLLOWING THE PHASED COMPUTERISATION OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL BETWEEN NOW AND 1989.
THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING MANAGER, DR COLIN GREENFIELD, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG OPERATIONS OF IBM, MR HENRY CHOW, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE SWITCHlNG-ON CEREMONY AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
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OFF-STREET TRAINING FOR LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS PLANNED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS TO COMPLETE A BASIC OFF-STREET TRAINING COURSE IN A DIRVING SCHOOL BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO OBTAIN A LEARNER DRIVING LICENCE TO PRACTISE RIDING ON PUBLIC ROADS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING.
HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS WERE NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO UNDERGO ANY FORMAL TRAINING BEFORE TAKING DRIVING TESTS AND A LEARNER MOTORCYCLIST COULD THEREFORE RENT A MOTORCYCLE AND LEARN TO RIDE BY HIMSELF ON PUBLIC ROADS.
/+SUCH A
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 198?
10 -
+SUCH A METHOD OF LEARNING IS OBVIOUSLY FAR FROM I DEAL,+ HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT MANY LEARNER MOTORCYCLISTS IN HONG KONG WERE ALREADY AWARE OF THE NEED TO LEARN TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE PROPERLY AND IN SAFE CONDITIONS.
IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, OUT OF 367 MOTORCYCLISTS TESTED, 186 WERE TRAINED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING AT ITS TWO TRAINING CENTRES AT WONG CHUK HANG AND SHA TIN.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE TEACHING AND TRAINING OF LEARNER DRIVERS HAD MANY BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES.
+NOT ONLY CAN THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF SAFE AND CONSIDERATE DRIVING BE FULLY BROUGHT HOME IN A SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME, THE TRAINING IN AN OFF-STREET ENVIRONMENT ALLOWS THE STUDENT TO ACQUIRE THE BASIC SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE BEFORE FACING THE RIGOURS OF HONG KONG’S BUSY ROADS,+ HE SAID.
-----o-----
CONTRACT FOR TALLEST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AWARDED
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A S318-MILLI0N CONTRACT TO A LOCAL CONTRACTOR FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 49-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT HARBOUR ROAD ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
IT IS THE TALLEST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING SO FAR CONSTRUCTED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF STOREYS.
THE CONTRACT, THE LARGEST AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR. WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF SHUN SHING CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED, MR TSE KWOK-WAH.
THE BUILDING IS PART OF A GOVERNMENT COMPLEX BEING BUILT ON A 16 000-SQUARE-METRE SITE BOUNDED BY HARBOUR ROAD TO THE NORTH AND GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE SOUTH.
THE COMPLEX, BEING DEVELOPED IN FIVE STAGES, INCLUDES A BASEMENT CAR PARK, A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, THREE TOWER BLOCKS AND A LANDSCAPED PLAZA.
/THE FOUNDATION
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 198?
- 11
THE FOUNDATION AND BASEMENT WORKS FOR THE ENTIRE SITE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WERE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1985 AND MID-1986.
ONE OF THE TOWER BLOCKS, A 3O-STOREY COURTS AND OFFICES BUILDING, WAS COMPLETED EARLY THIS YEAR.
WORK ON THE CURRENT CONTRACT FOR THE 49-STOREY BUILDING
IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SHORTLY AND TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE. A TOTAL OF 108 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE TREASURY AND IMMIGRATION, WATER SUPPLIES AND RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENTS.
CONTRACT DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTS FOR A SECOND 49-STOREY OFFICES BUILDING AND LANDSCAPED PLAZA IN THE FIFTH AND FINAL STAGE ARE ALREADY UNDER PREPARATION.
COSTING ABOUT $1.3 BILLION TO DEVELOP, IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL FIVE STAGES WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE EARLY 199O’S.
THE COMPLEX FORMS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OFFICES BUILDING PROGRAMME TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON LEASED PRIVATELY-DEVELOPED OFFICE ACCOMODATION.
OTHER BUILDINGS IN THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE AN 11-STOREY BUILDING ON TOP OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY MONG KOK STATION AND A TOWER BLOCK AT QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, UNDER A JOINT VENTURE WITH A PRIVATE DEVELOPER.
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PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORTS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN APPEAL X X X X X
A NUMBER OF COMPANIES HAVE RESPONDED FAVOURABLY TO THE APPEAL MADE BY KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGNERS BY EXPRESSING KEEN INTEREST TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN.
TAKING THE LEAD IN JOINING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FORCES ARE REPUTABLE COMPANIES FROM THE OIL INDUSTRY AND SUPERMARKET BUSINESS AS WELL AS AN ASSOCIATION OF THE MOTOR TRADERS.
AT TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) MEETING OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MEMBERS WILL REPORT ON THE LATEST SITUATION OF THIS CORPORATE INVOLVEMENT.
/THE COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
- 12
THE COMMITTEE WILL FURTHER TALK ON THE PROGRESS OF OTHER ITEMS, INCLUDING THE COLISEUM SHOW ON MAY 15 AND THE PLANNED BLITZ AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DISPLAY OF POSTERS AT PUBLIC PLACES.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SECOND MEETING OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
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$1 MILLION RAISED IN CLEAN FOR CHARITY DRIVE
*****
STUDENTS OF 401 PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS RAISED MORE THAN «1 MILLION FOR THE 1986-87 CLEAN FOR CHARITY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.
TO THANK STUDENTS, MEMBERS OF THE CYC DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN, THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG HELD A TEA RECEPTION AT THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 1986-87 CLEAN FOR CHARITY, MRS ALICE CHIU, ACCEPTED A CHEQUE OF Si 077 209 FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, AT THE RECEPTION.
MR LI LATER PRESENTED PRIZES TO 12 STUDENTS WHO WON THE CLEAN FOR CHARITY PAINTING COMPETITION.
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/13
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
1?
ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT INVITES MALE RECRUITS *****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, THE PART-TIME VOLUNTEER MILITARY UNIT KNOWN AS +THE VOLUNTEERS*, IS INVITING YOUNG MEN OF MATURE CHARACTER, GOOD PHYSIQUE AND HIGH CALIBRE TO JOIN THE FORCE.
THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE THIS YEAR WHICH WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (MAY 1) IS TO RECRUIT MALE VOLUNTEERS TO FILL 150 VACANCIES.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS BY JUNE 5, 1987..
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN BASIC MILITARY SKILLS, INCLUDING HANDLING RIFLES, SUB-MACHINE GUNS, VEHICLES AND ASSAULT BOATS, DRILL, OPERATION OF RADIO EQUIPMENT, MAP READING, AS WELL AS FIRST AID.
TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON FOUR EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND TWO NINE-DAY TRAINING CAMPS BEFORE PASSING OUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOLUNTEERS SAID THE ROLE OF THE REGIMENT IS TO SUPPORT THE BRITISH ARMY AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY IN HONG KONG AND THIS OFFERS A GOOD CHANCE FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO FACE CHALLENGES TO SERVE THE COMMUNTIY.
+ IT WILL HELP BUILD ONE’S CHARACTER AND SELF-RELIANCE, BROADEN ONE’S OUTLOOK AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF CITIZENSHIP,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+SERVICE IN THE REGIMENT CAN ALSO CULTIVATE A MORE MATURE, HEALTHY AND CAPABLE PERSONALITY AND THE VOLUNTEERS WILL GAIN PRECIOUS EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISORY SKILLS, JUDGMENT AND DECISION-MAKING.+
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE 17 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE, HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH. THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE A REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND HAVE THEIR EMPLOYERS’ CONSENT FOR JOINING THE FORCE BEFORE THEY APPLY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE REGIMENT’S RECRUITING OFFICER AT 5-761371. '
-------o--------- /1U........
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
- 14
engineer trainees get more subsidy
*****
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MONTHLY SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATE TRAINEES RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME (EGTS) HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $2 000 TO 82 150 WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL
1.
THE SUBSIDY FOR ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES RECEIVING APPROVED PRACTICAL TRAINING IN INDUSTRY UNDER THE SCHEME ALSO HAS GONE UP FROM 81 000 TO 81 200 PER PERSON PER MONTH.
THE EGTS, INTRODUCED IN 1983, IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS TO ENABLE ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY PRACTICAL TRAINING.
EACH TRAINEE RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE SCHEME WILL BE GRANTED A SUBSIDY TO BE PAID THROUGH HIS EMPLOYER AS PART OF HIS SALARY.
SINCE 1983, A TOTAL OF 130 TRAINING SCHEMES FROM 92 EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE.
EMPLOYERS WISHING TO OFFER TRAINING PLACES FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES AS WELL AS undergraduates MAY CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE ON 5-8932341 EXT. 271.
-------o---------
KWAI TSING CELEBRATES TIN HAU FESTIVAL
*****
MORE THAN 30 000 KWAI TSING RESIDENTS, FISHERMEN AND WORSHIPPERS TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK PART IN COLOURFUL CELEBRATIONS TO COMMEMORATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE SEA GODDESS TIN HAU ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
STARTING FROM 8.30 AM, THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS AND WORSHIPPERS WERE ATTRACTED BY THE GRAND PROCESSION OF LIONS, UNICORNS AND COLOURFUL ’FA PAU’, PRESENTED BY ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ON THEIR WAY FROM THE TSING Yl NEW PIER TO THE ALTAR.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CELEBRATIONS WAS THE ARRIVAL BY SEA AND LAND OF THE ’FA PAU’, FOLLOWED BY A CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AT NOON NEAR TSING Yl GARDEN.
AMONG OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND THE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF KWAI TSING POLICE DISTRICT, MR BRIAN ELEY.
/IN CONNECTION
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 198?
IN CONNECTION WITH THE FESTIVAL, A TRADITIONAL ’FA PAU’ LOTTERY WAS HELD. THE TEN BEST 'FA PAU’ WERE SELECTED AMONG SOME 90 PRESENTED TO CELEBRATE THIS ANNUAL EVENT, ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CHINESE FESTIVALS.
1946
THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CELEBRATED ON TSI NG Yl SINCE AND HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO
TIN HAU FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD TIDINGS ALL YEAR ROUND. IT IS THE BIGGEST AND LARGEST RELIGIOUS EVENT FOR TSI NG Yl PEOPLE
AND RESIDENTS OF THE FISHING VILLAGES ON THE ISLAND.
THE FIVE-DAY CELEBRATIONS THIS YEAR WHICH STARTED ON TUESDAY INCLUDES A CULTURAL EVENT AND A CHINESE OPERA PERFORMANCE.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TSI NG Yl TIN HAU FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SOME 1 000 PEOPLE FROM MORE THAN 20 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART. AMONG THEM WERE THE TS I NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEE, TSI NG Yl TIN HAU TEMPLE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, LOCAL TRADE AND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS.
------o-------
MONG KOK TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL
K * * * #
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO ORGANISE A DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ IDENTIFICATION WITH THE DISTRICT.
THE MAIN THEME OF THE FESTIVAL WILL CENTRE ON +HOME+ AND WILL INCLUDE TOPICS SUCH AS SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS, FAMILY LIFE, IMPROVEMENT ON LIVING CONDITIONS AND HOME SECURITY.
+ IT IS HOPED THAT THE FESTIVAL CAN HELP FOSTER RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AND PROMOTE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROSPERITY,* DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, SAID.
+WE ALSO HOPE IT CAN PROMOTE THE IMAGE OF THE BOARD AS WELL AS STRENGTHEN ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH AREA COMMITTEES AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS,* HE ADDED.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE A NUMBER OF LARGE-SCALE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRADE FAIR, SALES DISCOUNT CAMPAIGN, PARADES, ILLUMINATIONS IN MAJOR STREETS, VARIETY SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS ON LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN DECEMBER AND EARLY JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SERIES OF PRE-ACT IV IT IES STARTING IN JUNE TO BUILD UP A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE LEADING TO THE MAIN EVENTS.
/A MONG
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
- 16 -
A MONG KOK FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, COMPRISING COMMUNITY LEADERS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HAS BEEN FORMED
TO CO-ORDINATE THE FESTIVAL.
+THE BOARD HAS AGREED TO SET ASIDE S300 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO SPONSOR THE FESTIVAL. WE ALSO WELCOME DONATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO THE EVENT,+ MR CHOW SAID.
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DB MEMBERS VISIT TELEPHONE COMPANY
*****
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO SEE ITS OPERATIONS AND THE VARIOUS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE COMMUNITY.
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, AND ACCOMPANIED BY WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, THE PARTY FIRST WENT TO THE NGAU TAU KOK ENGINEERING CENTRE.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE COMPANY'S REGIONAL MANAGER, MR HO YU I-CHEONG, ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE CONTROL WHICH HANDLED REPORTS OF TELEPHONE BREAKDOWNS, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICES WHICH PROCESSED THE APPLICATIONS OF NEW TELEPHONE LINES.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED TO THE STARLINE SERVICES WHICH FEATURED SPEED dialling, INCOMING CALL ALERT, AND BLOCKING UNWANTED INCOMING CALLS.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE YUEN CHAU KOK ENGINEERING CENTRE AND SAW AN EXHIBITION OF THE HIGH PERFORMANCE TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK. THE NETWORK PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF USES, INCLUDING WIRED TELEVISION, FACSIMILE, AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE, MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONE AND MANY OTHER TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
THE TOUR ENDED AT THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CENTRE. MEMBERS LEARNT THAT THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT DIALLING (IDD) WAS NOW AVAILABLE TO 151 DESTINATIONS.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
17
FURTHER DELAY FOR UK POSTAL ITEMS
*****
DUE TO AN ESCALATION IN THE WORK-TO-RULE ACTION BY UNITED kingdom customs officers, several categories of postal items TO THE UK WILL BE AFFECTED, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEEDPOST PACKAGES, AIR AND SURFACE PARCELS CONTAINING INACCURATELY DECLARED, UNDER-DECLARED OR UNDECLARED ITEMS OF MERCHANDISE ARE NOW SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT DELAY, HE SAID.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED EARLIER THAT SPEEDPOST ITEMS CONTAINING MERCHANDISE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH A DECLARED VALUE IN EXCESS OF 100 POUND STERLING WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE FURTHER ADVISED AS SOON AS THE SITUATION RETURNS TO NORMAL, HE ADDED.
- - o - -
THIRD TSUEN WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT
*****
PILED FOUNDATION WORK FOR A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AMBULANCE DEPOT AT TSUEN WAN STARTED TODAY (THURSDAY) UNDER A CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE THE THIRD AMBULANCE DEPOT IN TSUEN WAN WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1988, AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 25 AMBULANCE DEPOTS AND STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE FOUNDATION WORK WILL BE COMPLETED AT A COST OF $586 720 BY THE END OF AUGUST, WHILE WORK ON THE TWO-STOREY DEPOT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE 12 MONTHS.
THE NEW DEPOT, LOCATED AT WAI TSUEN ROAD OPPOSITE LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN, WILL HAVE THE CAPACITY FOR FOUR AMBULANCES.
- - 0 -
DETAILS OF ADVANCED RECREATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
*****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A PILOT SCHEME TO GIVE +ADVANCED RECREATIONAL TRAINING* TO A SELECTED GROUP OF INMATES WITH THE AIM OF DEVELOPING THEIR POTENTIALS AND TALENTS.
HONG KONG’S NATIONAL SOCCER COACH, MR KWOK KA-MING, AND TABLE-TENNIS HEAD COACH AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, MR CHENG CHUNG-YIN, ARE AMONG COACHES OF THE TRAINING programmes FOR YOUNG INMATES.
/WELL-KNOWN LOCAL
THURSDAY, APRIL JO, 1987
- 18 -
WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PAINTER AND LECTURER OF THE EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR KONG KAI-MING, HAS ALSO BEEN ENGAGED FOR THE ONE-YEAR PAINTING PROGRAMME FOR ADULT PRISONERS.
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE +ADVANCED RECREATIONAL TRAINING* WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 11 AM AT LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE. APART FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATORS. MR KWOK, MR CHENG AND MR KONG WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE NEWS CONFERENCE AND TAKE PART IN THE PRESS TOUR OF THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE PROVIDED. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT AT 23/F., WANCHAI TOWER I 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BY 10.15 AM TOMORROW.
------0-------
POSTPONEMENT OF CLEARANCE TO BE DISCUSSED X X X X X
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO CONSIDER A REQUEST TO POSTPONE THE CLEARANCE OF HING WAH STREET NULLAH DECK.
THE PROPOSED CLEARANCE WAS APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE ON MARCH 6 TO BE CARRIED OUT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, PEOPLE AFFECTED HAD FORWARDED THEIR REQUEST TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FOR A THREE-YEAR POSTPONEMENT.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE IMPROVEMENT OF LIGHTING AT REAR LANESj IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES AT THE SLOPE BEHIND SO UK BUS TERMINUS; RENOVATION OF PUBLICITY CUBES; PLACEMENT OF PLANTERS ON PAVEMENT AT KING LAM STREET; AND REPAIRING OF A FENCE AT KING LAM STREET SITTING-OUT AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.15 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR. 39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
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/19
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
19
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED REVISION OF THE SERVICE FOR NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73.
A PROPOSAL HAD BEEN MADE THAT THE ROUTE, RUNNING BETWEEN FOOK TAK STREET AND TONG YUEN AT SUNG SHAN SAN TSUEN, SHOULD EXTEND ITS SERVICE FURTHER UPHILL TO TERMINATE OUTSIDE TUNG KONG STORE.
IT HAD ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE ROUTE SHOULD OPERATE BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND TONG TAU PO DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOURS TO BETTER SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ON THE 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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BEST YOUTH PROJECT AWARD CEREMONY
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE + BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME AWARD 1986-87+ PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (MAY 3).
THE SCHEME, ESTABLISHED IN 1974, AIMS TO ENABLE YOUTH GROUPS TO INITIATE AND IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE AND MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS WITH SUBSIDIES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. OUTSTANDING PROJECTS FROM EACH DISTRICT THEN TAKE PART IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE BEST AWARD COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE HALL OF THE HENRY G LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI, AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY.
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/20
20
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1987
TSI NG Yl BRIDGE CLOSED FOR MONITORING
*****
TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (MAY 3) FOR SEVERAL HOURS TO ALLOW ITS STRUCTURE TO BE MONITORED.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM- 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM- AND 3 PM TO 4 PM.
DURING THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE, TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT FIVE-MINUTE EMERGENCY SERVICES.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE RE-OPENED INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR
_ _ _ c -------------
ROAD CLOSED, PROHIBITED ZONE SET UP *****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, KORN HILL ROAD IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE CLOSED TO EASTBOUND TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 2) AND MAY 3.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR SHAU KEI WAN AND FURTHER EAST WILL HAVE TO USE KING’S ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER FUK KWAN AVENUE IN TAI HANG.
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