DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MaY 1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
'HONG KONG A SAFE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS' ..................... 1
REGULATIONS AGAINST MaRINE POLLUTION GAZETTED ............... 2
FORMER FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS SITE TO BE AUCTIONED....... 3
HONG KONG PROMOTION IN BRUSSELS .............................
FUND MANAGEMENT POWER GRANTED ............................... 5
AREa COMMITTEES PLAY VIT.i ROLE IN DISTRICT AFFaIRS.......... 6
RhBIES INFECTED AREn TO BE RESCINDED ........................ 6
INNOVATIVE SPORTING PROGRAMME FOR INMATES ................... 7
CHEUNG CHAU SITES FOR TENDER ................................ 8
COURTESY C.1LL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIaL WELFARE ................ 9
LOOKING AT FIRE SERVICE OPERATIONS .......................... 9
VISIT TO SPECLtL EDUCATION CENTRE ........................... 10
SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT POST OFFICE ....................... 10
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ORGANISED ..................... 11
FUNDS aVhILaBLE FOR ORG..NISING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ......12
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT WASP NESTS ........................... 12
DETAILS OF aCADEMIC TV QUIZ.................................. 15
MEET THE MEDL. SESSION ...................................... 15
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHaNGES IN KOWLOON CITY ................... 14
UNDERPASS TO BE CLOSED FOR MalNTENiJJCE ..................... 14
RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP IN ABERDEEN ......................... 15
VILLAGE VEHICLES BANNED FOR BUN FESTIVAL .................... 15
FIRING PRACTICE TO BE HELD................................... 15
YUEN LONG Water CUT ......................................... 16
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1937
1
’HONG KONG A SAFE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS’
*****
HONG KONG IS A SAFE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS GIVEN ITS SOUND LEGAL SYSTEM WHICH IS GROUNDED IN THE COMMON LAW AND AN ESTABLISHED FREEDOM OF CONTRACT AND A RELIABLE AND FAIR JUDICIAL SYSTEM, THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN BRUSSELS YESTeAdAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG, MR THOMAS DREW ATTENTION TO THE SPECIFIC ASSURANCES CONTAINED IN THE S INO-BRITISH AGREEMENT REGARDING THE CONTINUED INDEPENDENCE OF HONG KONG’S LEGAL AND AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM UP TO AND AFTER 1997.
CONSIDERATION WAS ALREADY BEING GIVEN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A FINAL COURT OF APPEAL IN HONG KONG, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE AGREEMENT, IN THE EARLY 199O’S, HE ADDED.
ASKED ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE POSITION AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, MR THOMAS EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE, NOTING HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE TO CHINA AS WELL AS ITS ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.
+HONG KONG’S WELL REGULATED BANKING SECTOR, SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES EXCHANGES AND FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR GENERALLY MAKE IT AN ATTRACTIVE CENTRE FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS AS WELL,+ HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE NETHERLANDS-HONG KONG SOCIETY IN AMSTERDAM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 29), MR THOMAS WAS ASKED H0NGHK0n|GAFTERD1O97ANCIAL SAFEGUARDS F0R OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN
HE REITERATED THAT THE S INO-BRITISH AGREEMENT GUARANTEED THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S INDEPENDENT LEGAL SYSTEM AND JUDICIARY FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
+THE BASIS OF HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM IS, AND WILL REMAIN, THE COMMON LAW,+ HE STRESSED.
REPLYING A QUESTION ON THE LINK BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR, MR THOMAS REFERRED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S RECENT STATEMENT THAT THERE WERE DEFINITELY NO PLANS TO BREAK OR CHANGE THE LINK.
HE ALSO TOLD THE MEETING THE EXCELLENT RECORD OF CO-OPERATION AND CONCRETE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION, AND THE CURRENT HEALTHY STATE OF THE ECONOMY AMIDST CONCERNS OVER PROTECTIONIST TRENDS IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS.
ON IMMIGRATION MATTERS, MR THOMAS OUTLINED THE RECENT MEASURES TAKEN TO STEM THE INFLOW OF CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AWAITING RESETTLEMENT FROM HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
2
REGULATIONS AGAINST MARINE POLLUTION GAZETTED ft * ft * *
FOUR SETS OF REGULATIONS WERE GAZETTES TOBAY (FRIBAY) UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION)(HONo KONG) ORBER 1987. THE REGULATIONS COME INTO FORCE ON MAY 6 ANB GIVE EFFECT TO ANNEX II OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS 1973 (MARPOL).
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION DECjBEB IN 1969 TO CONVENE A CONFERENCE ON MARINE POLLUTION FROM SHIPS BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL 1973 THAT THE CONFERENCE MET IN LONDON.
DELEGATIONS FROM 72 COUNTRIES ATTENDED AS WELL AS OBSERVERS FROM EIGHT COUNTRIES ANB SOME 20 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS. THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SENT AN OBSERVER.
THE CONFERENCE PROBUCEB A CONVENTION MADE UP OF FIVE ANNEXES SEALING WITH PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY SHIPS FROMi
(I) OIL?
(II) NOXIOUS LIQUIB SUBSTANCES IN BULK;
(III) HARMFUL SUBSTANCES CARRIES BY SEA IN PACKAGES FORMS (INCLUDING FREIGHT CONTAINERS) ;
(IV) SEWAGE FROM SHIPS; AND
(V) GARBAGE FROM SHIPS.
THE
CONVENTION REQUIREMENTS WERE EXCEEDINGLY COMPLEX AND STRINGENT. VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS FOUND DIFFICULTY IN COMPLYING WITH THESE STANDARDS AS THE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO BE FITTED TO SHIPS ON THEIR REGISTERS WAS NOT IN EXISTENCE. THIS LED TO A FURTHER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN WHICH THE ORIGINAL CONVENTION REQUIREMENTS WERE MODIFIED AND CLARIFIEB..THEREAFTER VARIOUS COUNTRIES RATIFIED THE CONVENTION AND MADE THE NECESSARY STATE LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THE CONVENTION REQUIREMENTS.
THE VARIOUS ANNEXES WOULD NOT BECOME INTERNATIONALLY DINBING UNTIL A YEAR AFTER MORE THAN 15 NATIONS HAD RATIFIED IT WHO HAD, BETWEEN THEM. MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORLB TONNAGE OF MERCHANT SHIPS UNBER THEIR FLAG STATE CONTROL
ANNEX I BECAME BINBING INTERNATIONALLY ON OCTOBER 2. 1983 AND ANNEX II ON APRIL 6, 1987. ANNEX 111, IV AND V ARE NOT INTERNATIONALLY DI ND ING AS YET.
THE REGULATIONS GAZETTED TOBAY HAVE TWO EFFECTS!
ft THEY ALLOW THE MARINE BEPARTMENT TO ISSUE APPROPRIATE INTERNATIONALLY VALIB MARPOL ANNEX II CERTIFICATES „ TO SHIPS ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD LEAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES REFUSING TO ALLOW HONG KONG SHIPS TO ENTER THEIR PORTS AND, IF THEY DID SO, TO DETAIN THEM ;
A THEY ALLOW .........
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
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M
THEY ALLOW THE MARINE BEPARTHENT TO INSIST THAT
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING TRABING TO HONG KONG 8H0ULB
HAVE THE APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATES WHEN CARRYING CERTAIN CHEMICALS IN BULK.
LAST YEAR THE FOLLOWING CHEMICALS ENTEREB HONG KONG.
SHIPS CARRYING ONE OF THE SPECIFIED
CATEGORY OF CHEMICAL TOTAL METRIC TONS NO. OF SHIPS
A NIL NIL
B 76 220 19
C 43 832 41
B 74 135 33
A SMALL PARCEL OF SOME 503 TONS OF ONE OF THE CAT. A
CHEMICALS WAS IMPORTER IN 1985 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVERAL YEARS. CAT. A SUBSTANCES ARE THE MOST HAZARBOUS IF BISCHARGEB
INTO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT.
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FORMER FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS SITE TO BE AUCTIONED
*****
CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IS EXPECTED WHEN THE OLD CENTRAL FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING SITE IN DES VOEUX ROAD IS OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON MAY 29.
THE NON-INDUSTRIAL SITE MEASURES 2 008 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, EXCLUDING GODOWN, RESIDENTIAL AND CAR PARKING PURPOSES. A HOTEL WILL BE PERMITTED.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT MOT LESS THAN 18_8 ) ) SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ARE TO BE COMPLETED ON THE SITE BEFORE DECEMBER 31, looi.
THE BUILDING DATED BACK TO 1926 AND WAS USED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT UNTIL I960. IT WAS USED AS GOVERNMENT OFr ICco UNTIL 1982 WHEN IT WAS DEMOLISHED. THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION USED THE SITE UNTIL APRIL LAST YEAR WHEN IT WAS HANDED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT.
TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE ALSO TO BE SOLD AT THE SAME AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
/oriE is..........
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
l+
ONE IS AT KA YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, AND MEASURES ABOUT 3 200 SQUARE METRES.
THE BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 23 009 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE SITE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1991.
THE OTHER SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 057 SQUARE METRES, IS AT KING’S ROAD, QUARRY BAY.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE PURCHASER HAS TO DEVELOP NOT LESS THAN 6 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ALSO BY JUNE 30, 1991.
IT IS STATED IN THE LEASE CONDITIONS FOR BOTH SITES THAT THEY CAN BE USED AS GODOWNS, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
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HONG
KONG PROMOTION IN BRUSSELS K H M
SPECIAL ADVISER TO
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL LPAn A DELEGATION TO BRUSSELS NEXT WEEK TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS A^TRADe’aHD FINANCIAL CENTRE AS WEIL AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, SIR MICHAEL SANDBERG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, MR STEPHEN CHEONG AND MR HELMUT SOtflEN- DIRECTOR OF HONGONG BANK CHINA SERVICES, MR VICTOR SUN, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR TONY EASON.
THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON MAY 6, IS ORGANISED BY THE BELGIUM-HONGKONG SOCIETY TOGETHER WITH THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN BRUSSELS, THE BRUSSELS* CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG AND THE FINANCIAL EKONOMISCHE TIJD (A BELGIAN FINANCIAL ECONOMIC DAILY NEWSPAPER).
THE CONFERENCE IS AIMEB AT PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF OPPORTUNITIES HONG KONG OFFERS TO BELGIAN AND OTHER EUROPEAN BUSINESS AND TO ASSIST THEM TO MAXIMISE THESE OPPORTUNITIES IN A PRACTICAL WAY. SIR DAVID WILL SPEAK ON HONG KONG’S POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FUTURE.
/BEFORE RETURNING
MAY i, 19t7
5
BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG, SIR DAVID WILL VISIT VIENNA AMD ADDRESS THE AUSTRIA HONG KONG SOCIETY AND THE INSTITUTE FOR FOUNDATIONS*FORCTTiSTlmtiT‘°NS °M *** 7 °* TME T0P,C **>^0 KONGl • ■< W 1 I kF ■ v w t Vn I |1C | U I W W t ’ >
NOTE TO EDITORS.
SIR SAV IB WILL DEPART HONGKONG FOR THE CONFERENCE ON SUNBAY TO HONGKONG ON MAY 11 ON BOARS FLIGHT SR 431 ETA 9.50 AM.
—FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGES FOR MEMBERS OF the media to cover sir david*s departure, those wishing to use Tfr!3c‘L,TY are requested to assemble at the airport press room I? If 9,30 RM SUH,AY. gis representatives will
v N HiA NS 19 ASSIST#
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FUND MANAGEMENT POWER GRANTED
X K K *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS GRANTED AN EXEMPTION TO JARDINE
T0 ENABLE IT T0 MANAGE THE FUNDS OF COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
THE EXEMPTION, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), ..AS GRANTED UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 12 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE RESTRICTS THE BUSINESS OF TAKING DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG TO BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, BUT SECTION 13 <oP9HnR.LIH!LF.INANCIAL SECRETARY TO EXEMPT ANY PERSON FROM SECTIV 12 SUBJECT TO ANY CONDITIONS AS HE MAY IMPOSE.
K„w ACCORDING TO THE GAZETTE NOTICE, JARDINE MATHESON AND COMPANY MAY TAKE DEPOSITS FROM COMPANIES AS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING OR FROM EMPLOYEES OF SUCH COMPANIES.
rnMOA^vETAP^MA^N SAIU THAT THE EXEMPTION WAS TO ENABLE THE C2^ANY TO 1ANAGE THE FUNDS OF COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH IT, WHICH TECHNICALLY AMOUNTS TO THE BUSINESS OF TAKING DEPOSIT^.
,1Lllr.,, + 2T ,S» HOWEVER, NOT TAKING DEPOSITS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHICH THE BANKING ORDINANCE AIMS TO REGULATE,+ HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
6
AREA COMMITTEES PLAY VITAL ROLE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS ft ft * ft *
AREA COMMITTEES HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN IMPROVING RESIDENTS' WELFARE AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL. KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT'S EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES 1987-88 ORIENTATION SEMINAR AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN, MR FONG SAID THESE INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO ENVIRONMENT, TRAFFIC, COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS IN THEIR AREAS.
MR FONG SAID THE MAIN TASK OF AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WAS TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON VARIOUS MATTERS CONCERNING THE WELFARE OF THEIR DISTRICTS.
THROUGH THESE VALUABLE RECOMMENDATIONS, THEY HELPED MAKE THE SOCIETY A BETTER AND HEALTHIER PLACE TO LIVE, HE SAID.
♦THE SUCCESS OF AREA COMMITTEE DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE MEMBERS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND THEIR CLOSE CONTACT WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THE AREAS,♦ SAID MR FONG.
HE ENCOURAGED AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION ON LOCAL PROBLEMS AND TO RAISE QUESTIONS AT THEIR REGULAR MEETINGS IN
WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.
IN CASE OF MATTERS WHICH REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, THEY COULD ALSO CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WHICH WOULD LIAISE WITH APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS.
MR FONG SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD GIVE FULL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE AREA COMMITTEE IN DOING THEIR WORK.
THIS EVENING’S SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO SHARE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES ON VARIOUS MATTERS RELATING TO THE DISTRICT AND THEIR COMMITTEES.
MORE THAN 150 MEMBERS FROM THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES IN KOWLOON CITY ATTENDED THE SEMINAR.
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RABIES INFECTED AREA TO BE RESCINDED
*****
THE RABIES INFECTED AREA IN SO KWUN PO VILLAGE IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL BE RESCINDED WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 6, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
this followed a review of the situation by the agriculture AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SINCE THE OCCURRENCE OF THE LAST RABIES CASE IN THE VILLAGE ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO.
/THE DEPARTMENT'S .......
FRIDAY, HaY 1, 1987
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID THAT SINCE THE DESIGNATION OF THE INFECTED AREA LAST NOVEMBER, INTENSIVE ANTI-RABIES OPERATIONS INCLUDING HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VISITS, HAD PUT THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OUTBREAK OF THE DEADLY DISEASE.
+THE DECISION TO RESCIND THIS RABIES INFECTED AREA DOES NOT MEAN THAT EFFORTS TO CONTROL THE DISEASE WILL BE RELAXED,+ HE SAID.
+IN FACT, THE DESIGNATION OF THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA AS A RABIES INFECTED AREA WILL REMAIN IN FORCE TO PREVENT THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE DISEASE INTO THE TERRITORY.
+IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT’S DOG CONTROL UNIT WILL CONTINUE TO INOCULATE DOGS AND CONTROL STRAY DOGS AND STRICTLY ENFORCE CONTROL MEASURES INCLUDING THE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, AND COMPULSORY DETENTION OF BITER DOGS FOR OBSERVATION SO AS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A RABIES OUTBREAK TO A MINIMUM.+
DR CHENG SAID THAT LAST YEAR MORE THAN 43 530 DOGS WERE INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE AND OVER 15 200 STRAY DOGS ELIMINATED. SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, ANOTHER 14 000 DOGS WERE INOCULATED AND ANOTHER 5 200 STRAYS PUT DOWN.
HE WARNED THAT DUE TO THE UNIQUE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL NATURE OF RABIES, THE THREAT OF SPORADIC OUTBREAKS MIGHT STILL EXIST AND HE URGED DOG OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AND TO EXERCISE PROPER CONTROL OVER THEIR PETS AT ALL TIMES.
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INNOVATIVE SPORTING PROGRAMME FOR INMATES * * * * *
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME INTO ITS CORRECTIVE SYSTEM BY ENGAGING HONG KONG’S TOP-NOTCHED SPORTSMEN AND ARTISTS TO TRAIN PRISONERS AND YOUNG INMATES.
THE +ADVANCED RECREATIONAL TRAINING* SCHEME, BEING OFFERED
TO A SELECT GROUP OF TRAINING CENTRE INMATES AND PRISONERS IN
A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON ON LANTAU, WAS LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH, FOR DEVELOPING THE POTENTIALS AND TALENTS OF PERSONS IN CORECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE PROGRAMME INITIALLY COVERS SOCCER, TABLE-TENNIS, AND PAINTING. IF IT PROVES SUCCESSFUL IT WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE SUBJECTS.
/HONG KONG’S
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
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HONG KONG’S NATIONAL FOOTBALL COACH, MR KWOK KA-MING, AND TAELE-TENNIS HEAD COACH OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, PR CHENG CHUNG-YIN, ARE AMONG COACHES OF SPORTS TRAINING.
A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PAINTER AND A LECTURER OF THE EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, fR KONG KAI-MING, HAS ALSO BEEN ENGAGED AS THE LECTURER OF THE ONE-YEAR PAINTING PROGRAMME FOR ADULT PRISONERS.
THE SPORTS TRAINING IS DESIGNED TO EQUIP PARTICIPATING INMATES WITH A HIGH-LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT IN SELECTED SPORTS SO THAT THEY MAY SUBSTAIN THEIR INTEREST ON RELEASE.
AT PRESENT, 14 INMATES OF LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE, AGED BETWEEN 17 TO 21, TAKE PART IN THE SOCCER TRAINING. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE TABLE-TENNIS TRAINING IN PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IS 15. THEY BELONG TO THE 19 TO 23 AGE GROUP.
TRAINING SESSIONS ARE HELD ON THREE WEEKDAY EVENINGS AND A WEEKEND MORNING OR AFTERNOON. ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR INMATES TO TAKE PART IN MATCHES WITH FELLOW INMATES AND GUEST TEAMS FROM OUTS IDE.
THE PAINTING PROGRAMME IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. IT IS BASED ON THE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE PACKAGES PREPARED BY THE UNIVERSITY’S EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT. IT STARTS WITH MONOCHROME DRAWING, TO BE FOLLOWED BY wATER COLOUR PAINTING.
APART FROM GIVING TUITION TO PRISONERS, THE TEACHER ALSO GIVES PERSONAL DEMONSTRATION. IN ADDITION, A FULLY EQUIPPED PAINTING STUDIO IS MADE AVAILABLE IN THE PRISON TO ALLOW THE PARTICIPATING PRISONERS TO HAVE REGULAR PAINTING PRACTICES.
EIGHTEEN PRISONERS IN SHEK PIK PRISON, INCLUDING FOUR SERVING LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND OTHERS SERVING SENTENCES RANGING FROM SIX TO 15-1/2 YEARS, HAVE JOINED THE COURSE. THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ARRANGE 18 PRISONERS IN STANLEY PRISON TO PURSUE A PAINTING COURSE OF SIMILAR NATURE IN AUGUST.
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CHEUNG CHAU SITES FOR TENDER * * X X *
TWO NON-INDUSTRIAL SITES ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE OF THE LOTS IS AT PAK SHE SECOND LANE AND MEASURES ABOUT 260 SQUARE METRES.
/ACCORDING TO .......
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 198?
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 520 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY JUNE 30, 1989.
THE OTHER LOT, AT PAK SHE THIRD LANE, MEASURES ABOUT 235 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 470 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ALSO BY JUNE 30, 1989.
TENDERS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON MAY 29.
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COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE
*****
NEWLY-ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO DISCUSS WELFARE SERVICES PLANNED BY THE HOSPITAL.
THE CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG HOI-CHUEN, OUTLINED HIS PLANS IN THE COMING YEARS, INCLUDING THE OPENING OF A NURSERY IN LONG PING ESTATE IN YUEN LONG AND A COMMUNITY CENTRE IN LEUNG TIN ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
MRS WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HOSPITAL FOR ITS PROVISION OF HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPLEMENT THESE SERVICES.
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LOOKING AT FIRE SERVICE OPERATIONS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING VISITED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH ITS WORK AND ORGANISATION.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, MR GREWAL BOARDED A FIRE BOAT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PIER FOR THE CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT.
/AFTER TOURING
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
AFTER TOURING the DEPOT. HE WENT TO THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE SERVICES COMPLEX AT CANTON ROAD WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES JOINT COUNCIL AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIRE SERVICES STAFF ASSOCIATIONS.
MR GREWAL LATER VISITED THE ADJACENT FIRE SERVICES WORKSHOP AND COMMUNICATION CENTRE.
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VISIT TO SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE * * * * *
A PRESS VISIT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PERTH STREET SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE AT HO MAN TIN WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIAL SERVICES), MRS WINNIE CHAN, AND THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG, WILL TALK ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG DURING THE TOUR OF THE CENTRE WHICH OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT.
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SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT POST OFFICE
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISITED THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE OF THE POST OFFICE IN HUNG HOM THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POSTAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF A PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE TO FAMILIARISE MEMBERS WITH FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/Members toured
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
MEMBERS TOURED THE CENTRE AND SAW THE LATEST MECHANISED EQUIPMENT WHICH PROCESSED LETTERS, PARCELS AND MAIL BAGS AS WELL AS THE CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM AND THE CENTRAL CONTROL ROOM WHICH MONITORED THEIR OPERATION.
THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE DESPATCHING AND RECEIVING OF OUTGOING AND INCOMING SURFACE MAIL BAGS, THE PROCESSING OF LETTERS AND PACKETS COLLECTED FROM STREET POST BOXES AND BRANCH POST OFFICES, AND THE PREPARATION OF MAILS FOR DELIVERY.
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DRAWING COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ORGANISED * * * * *
THE +1987 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST+ WILL BE FELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 3) AT 9 AM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTEST WILL BE REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CREATIVE TALENT ON THEMES OF +WORLD OF PEACE+, +TSIM SHA TSUI EAST+ AND +THE FAVOURITE ANIMAL+.
THE CONTEST WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: SECTION A FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND EIGHT; SECTION B FOR THOSE BETWEEN NINE AND 13; AND SECTION C FOR DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER 13.
THREE WINNING AND SEVEN OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION WILL BE SELECTED AND AWARDED PRIZES.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, HARBOUR JAYCEES AND SING TAO LIMITED AND SPONSORED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOC I AT ION.
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL EE YAU MA TEI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SANDY HO, AND URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR KWAN LIM-HO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELD AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE UC CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987 -
- 12 -
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES * * * * *
LOCAL‘^UGIC^UOT^NFSO%DSHlS'iJur^%nOT^?RTS?iPoSRGiN^r^MFu5?^ FUNaiONSAFRoJTOCTOBERN TO THE END OF DECEMBER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ™E SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON, AS WELL AS ITS SUB-OFF ICEo.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR SUB-OFFICES BEFORE JUNE 26.
tuc vcttimc qiiP-rOMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY buildTng coJSItM Sill meet on august 13 ro consider applications.
--------0----------
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT WASP NESTS *****
THE PEST MR G.W. CHAU, OF WASP NESTS
CONTROL OFFICER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE EARLY REPORTS
NEAR THEIR HOUSES.
+THE MILD WINTER WE HAVE HAD MIGHT HAVE ALLOWED MANY YOUNG QUEEN WASPS TO SURVIVE AND TO START MORE NEW NESTS THIS YEAR,* HE SAID.
WASP NESTS LAST ONLY ONE YEAR AND WERE BROUGHT TO DESTRUCTION BY THE DEATH OF THE QUEEN AT THE END OF THE YEAR, HE ADDED.
NEW NESTS ARE STARTED BY SURVIVING YOUNG QUEENS IN SPRING.
BY SUMMER THE NESTS MAY REACH 30 CENTIMETRES IN DIAMETER WITH MORE THAN 10 000 WASPS INSIDE.
+ AS NESTS ARE USUALLY POSITIONED HIGH UP IN TREES, WASPS DO NOT CAUSE MUCH NUISANCE. THEY WILL NOT ATTACK PEOPLE UNLESS PROVOKED. HOWEVER OCCASIONALLY WHEN THEY BUILD NESTS UNDER EAVES OR OTHER PLACES CLOSE TO HOUSES, THE LARGE NUMBER OF FLYING INSECTS MAY INCONVENIENCE RESIDENTS,* HE EXPLAINED.
IN SUCH CASES, MR CHAU POINTED OUT, RESIDENTS SHOULD ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEM REMOVED.
REPORT CAN BE MADE TO THE NEAREST USD OR RSD DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OFFICE OR BY TELEPHONING 5-8102555 FOR URBAN AREAS AND 3-678694 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR CHAU ADDED, HOWEVER THAT IT WAS EASIER TO DEAL WITH SMALL NESTS AND THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTICE TO MAKE REPORTS AS SOON AS NESTS ARE FOUND.
-------0----------
/U.....
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
13
DETAILS OF ACADEMIC TV QUIZ * * * * *
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF AN ACADEMIC TV QUIZ WILL BE HELD AT NOON TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT BROADCASTING HOUSE, RTHK, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON.
THE QUIZ, SPONSORED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WILL BE PRODUCED BY RTHK AND ORGANISED BY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 345.
PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING (TV), MRS MARIA WAN, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, CNTA, MR FRANKIE LUI, AND MR JAMES SZETO OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 345.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
-----o------
MEET THE MEDIA SESSION
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, WILL HOLD A MEET THE MEDIA SESSION IN THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING AT 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON, NEXT MONDAY (MAY 4).
AFTER THE SESSION, THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE USE CF A CHEMICAL PROTECTION SUIT, A DECONTAMINATION KIT AND A THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEET THE MEDIA SESSION TO
SIXTH FLOOR OF THE HEADQUARTERS
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE BE HELD AT 3.30 PM ON MONDAY ON THE
BUILDING.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON CITY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 4) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
THE SECTION OF CARPENTER ROAD BETWEEN LUNG KONG ROAD AND TAK KU LING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES.
MEANWHILE, SOUTH WALL ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ACCESS ONLY FROM NGA TSIN WAI ROAD.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON CARPENTER ROAD HEADING FOR SOUTH WALL ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG KONG ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, ROAD WILL BE 'L0K SIN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG KONG
WHILE THOSE HEADING FOR ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD
KU LING ROAD.
AND TAK
-------o----------
UNDERPASS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
*****
THE WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS LEADING FROM NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH TO SOUTHBOUND GILLIES AVENUE, HUNG HOM, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 4) TO MAY 6 FOR MAINTENANCE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WISHING TO PROCEED TO HUNG HOM AREA ARE ADVISED TO USE THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
* CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHEONG WAN ROAD, ON WAN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE; OR
* GASCOIGNE ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, PAK KUNG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET, FAT KWONG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON MAY 7 AND 8, THE WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS LEADING FROM WINSLOW STREET TO NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS IN HUNG HOM WISHING TO PROCEED TO HO MAN TIN ARE ADVISED TO USE WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET. THOSE WISHING TO GO TO KWUN TONG ARE ADVISED TO USE THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
* WU HU STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD; OR
* CHEONG WAN ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND EAST KOWLOON WAY.
- - 0 - -
/15
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
15
RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP IN ABERDEEN
*****
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR CHANGES IN URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN ABERDEEN WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 4).
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUNG SING ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUNG MAN STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THIS ROAD SECTION FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
TWO OTHER ROAD SECTIONS IN THE AREA WILL ALSO BECOME PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK.
THEY ARE TUNG SING ROAD BETWEEN TSUNG MAN STREET AND ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUNG MAN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG SING ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION. ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS WITHIN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON AN EIGHT-METRE STRETCH OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUNG MAN STREET EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG SING ROAD, AND THE ROUND-THE-CLOCK PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUNG MAN STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.
-----0------
VILLAGE VEHICLES BANNED FOR BUN FESTIVAL
*****
TO FACILITATE THE LAUNCHING OF THE 1987 CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL, ALL VILLAGE VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM OPERATING ON CHEUNG CHAU BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 4).
------0-------
FIRING PRACTICE TO BE HELD
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 23 DAYS DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA ON THOSE DAYS WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE :
DATE TIME
MAY 1 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
/MAY 2
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1987
— 16
MAY 2 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 6 PM
MAY 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 8 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 9 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 14 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 15 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 21 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 22 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
MAY 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
_ _ _ _ 0 - -
YUEN LONG WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 4) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN SAI YU STREET, MA TIN TSUEN, LUNG TIN TSUEN, MUK KIU TAU TSUEN, PAK SHA TSUEN, TAI SHA PO AND TAI TONG, INCLUDING WAH KIN BUILDING.
0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UK AVIATION MINISTER DEPARTS FOR TALKS IN CHINA ........... 1
CENTRAL-KWUN TONG FER Y SERVICE WITHDRAWN ................. "1
HARMONISED SYSTEM FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADING PREPARED ...... 2
SUMMARY TABLES ON TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT PUBLISHED ........ 3
MONG KOK TO CELEBRATE MOTHER'S D^y ........................
CELLO MASTER CLASS ORGANISED ..............................
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS FIIM CENSORSHIP BILL .................. 5
CLOSURE OF STREET IN W.JIG TaU HOM ........................ 6
RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP IN HUNG HOM ....................... 6
ROAD CLOSURE IN JUNK BAY................................... 6
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1987
1
UK AVIATION MINISTER DEPARTS FOR TALKS IN CHINA *****
THE U.K. MINISTER FOR AVIATION. HONG KONG FOR PEKING THIS (SATURDAY) WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON CIVIL
MR MICHAEL SPICER, LEFT AFTERNOON TO HAVE TALKS AVIATION MATTERS.
DURING HIS FOUR-DAY VISIT IN HONG KONG, HE HAD MET WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT AIRLINES.
BEFORE DEPARTURE, HE TOLD REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT THAT HE WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTEREST BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND PARTICULARLY MATTERS ABOUT HONG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE STRUCTURAL CHANGES BEING CONSIDERED IN CHINESE AVIATION MATTERS WHICH MIGHT HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH THE COMING DISCUSSIONS.
MR SPICER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT CAAC HAD MANY MORE FLIGHTS THAN CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING AND HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE LESS OF AN UNBALANCED RELATIONSHIP IN THAT AIR SERVICE LINK.
♦I THINK SOME PEOPLE WHO FLY THE ROUTE CURRENTLY ARE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO GET SEATS, AND THERE MAY WELL BE A CASE I WOULD ARGUE CERTAINLY FOR EXTRA CAPACITY ON THAT ROUTE,+ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR SPICER SAID HE WOULD ARGUE THE CASE FOR REGIONAL ROUTES.
♦AS YOU KNOW, DRAGONAIR HAVE GOT APPLICATIONS FOR VARIOUS ROUTES INTO MAINLAND CHINA AND I SHALL BE PUTTING THE CASE FOR THOSE ROUTES, TOO,+ HE CONTINUED.
FINALLY, HE SAID HE BELIEVED THE COMING DISUSS IONS WOULD BE FRIENDLY AND POSITIVE; AND HE WOULD KNOW MORE WHEN HE RETURN TO HONG KONG NEXT SATURDAY.
------o-------
CENTRAL-KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE WIT»RAWN * * ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT BEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL ANB KWUN TONG OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM MONBAY (MAY 4).
THE SERVICE HAS BEEN OPERATING ONLY BUR I NG THE MORNING ANB peak’hoursAon Saturdays MeM’AYS T0 FR,,AYS AMB during THE MORNING
/TO COPE .......
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1987
2
TB CBPE WITH ANTICIPATES PASSENGER BEMANB FOLLOWING THE CANCELLATION OF THE FERRY SERVICE, EXTRA CROSS-HARBOUR BUSES WILL BE PUT INTO SERVICE, ANB HTR FREQUENCIES BETWEEN THE TWO POINTS WILL BE INCREASEB FROM THE SAME BAY.
KMB ANB CMB HAVE BEEN REQUESTER TO CLOSELY MONITOR PASSENGER
BEMAND IN KWUN TONG ANB CENTRAL ANB TO DEPLOY ABBITIONAL BUSES ON THE EXISTING CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 101 FROM KWUN TONG TO
KENNEBY TOWN IF NECESSARY.
FROM THE SAME BAY, MTR SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT A TWO-MINUTE FREQUENCY, STARTING HALF-AN-HOUR EARLY FROM 8 AM TO COPE WITH PASSENGER DEMAND.
THE IMPROVEMENT TO MTR SERVICES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL BUS SERVICES WILL MEET THE DEMAND OF 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 ANB CENTRAL VIA THE AIRPORT TUNNEL IS PROGRESSING.
------o ------
HARMONISED SYSTEM FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADING PREPARED M M * M *
HONG KONG IS PREPARED TO ADOPT A NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL +HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM* OR ♦HARMONISED SYSTEM* (HS) FOR SHORT.
WHEN THE NEW SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WILL BE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO USE IT IN MAKING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS, IN PLACE OF THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) REVISION 2 BASED SYSTEM CURRENTLY IN USE.
THE NEW IMPORT AND EXPORT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OR THE HONG KONG HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (HK HS), WILL COMPRISE SOME 5 500 EIGHT-DIGIT CODES.
THE HS IS DESIGNED BY THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL TO SERVE AS A MULTI-PURPOSE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE BY CUSTOMS AND STATISTICAL AUTHORITIES, TRADERS, CARRIERS AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
BY HARMONISING THE MAJOR NOMENCLATURES CURRENTLY IN USE IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES FOR CUSTOMS AND STATISTICAL PURPOSES, THE HS WILL FACILITATE THE COMPARISON OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE STATISTICS AND TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AMONG COUNTRIES USING THE SYSTEM AND WILL REDUCE THE COST INVOLVED IN RE-CLASSIFYING AND RE-DESCRIBING GOODS UNDER VARIOUS CLASSIFICATIONS WHEN THEY ARE TRANSPORTED FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER.
/The target........
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1987
THE TARGET DATE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE HS IS JANUARY 1, 1988. MOST OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES AND THE EEC, ARE LIKELY TO IMPLEMENT THE HS AS FROM THAT DATE. HONG KONG PLANS TO SYNCHRONISE WITH ITS MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
ONCE THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THE HS IS CONFIRMED, A NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST CONTAINING ALL THE EIGHT-DIGIT HK HS COMMODITY CODES AND DESCRIPTIONS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOK ON THE SUBJECT, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO PREPARE THE PUBLIC FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW SYSTEM.
A SERIES OF TRAINING SEMINARS WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED NEAR THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE TO ASSIST IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN UNDERSTANDING HOW TO APPLY THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST FOR REPORTING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS IN HK HS CODES.
IN THE MEANTIME, ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 17TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, ON 5-8234919.
------0-------
SUMMARY TABLES ON TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT PUBLISHED * * * * *
FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF THE TWO REPORTS ON THE 1986 BY-CENSUS IN FEBRUARY 1987, GIVING SUMMARY TABLES OF THE DATA AT DISTRICT AND CONSTITUENCY AREA LEVELS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PLEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) THfiEE OTHER REPORTS, GIVING THE SUMMARY TABLES AT THE TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT LEVEL.
THESE REPORTS. ENTITLED ♦HONG KONG 1986 BY-CENSUS -TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT SUMMARY TABLES*, DESCRIBE THE BROAD RANGE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND KOWLOON-NEW KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TABLES CONTAINED IN EACH OF THE REPORTS COVER DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOUSEHOLDS AND POPULATION SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD SIZE, HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION. HOUSEHOLD INCOME, TENURE, HOUSEHOLD RENT, AGE AND SEX, MARITAL STATUS, OCCUPATION. INDUSTRY, INCOME FROM EMPLOYMENT IND ACTIVITY STATUS. MAPS sfioWING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS ARE ALSO ATTACHED TO EACH OF THE REPORTS.
♦THE TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT SUMMARY TABLES ARE DESIGNED TO SHOW THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION BY SMALL GEOGRAPHICAL UNIT,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
/+MORE DETAILED .......
iATURDAY, MAY 2, 19&7
♦MORE DETAILED CROSS-TABULATIONS OF THE DY-CENSUSDATAAT THE DISTRICT LEVEL WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A SET OF 19 REPORTS TO BE RELEASED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.>
THE THREE REPORTS ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
------o-------
MONG KOK TO CELEBRATE MOTHER'S BAY *****
MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE ENTERTAINED TO A NIGHT OF DELIGHTFUL PERFORMANCES PRESENTED BY LOCAL FAMILIES ON THE EVE OF MOTHER'S DAY (MAY 0).
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED TO HONOUR MOTHERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION ANB TO REMIND CHILDREN ABOUT THE NEED TO LOVE AND RESPECT THEM.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE FAMILY FUNCTION CAN HELP PROMOTE HARMONY AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A FILM SHOW, GROUP GAMES, A LUCKY DRAW ANB LIGHT SNACKS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELB AT TAI KOK TSUI CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR ABOUT 200 PEOPLE. ABMISSION IS AT *3 PER PERSON.
THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED DY THE HONG KOK BRANCH OF YIN NGAI SOCIETY, SOCIAL WELFARE BEPARTMENT, HONG KONG YOUTH SERVICES CENTRE ANB THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICES AND SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARB.
office
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINEB FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT AT 157, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE IVY STREET.
----o -----
CELLO MASTER CLASS ORGANISES
*****
A CELLO MASTER CLASS CONBUCTEB BY MISS CELIA PONS WILL BE
tfLD ON MAY 10 FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
MISS PONB BEGAN HER CELLO STUDIES AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC IN LONDON AND WAS AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY IN WEST GERMANY.
/AT THE .......
SATURDAY. MAY 2, 1987
- 5 -
AT THE RASTER CLASS. MISS PONB WILL COACH TWEE CELLS STUBENT8 TS FLAY THE INSTRUMENT BEFORE THE AUBIENCE.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RESERVATIONS CAN IE MABE AT 3-7226240.
-------o ---------
NORTH BB TO BISCUSS FILM CENSORSHIP BILL w w w w w
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH Bl STR I CT BOARB WILL MEET ON MONBAY (MAY 4) TO BISCUSS THE DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL.
MH.nKUHtK l^rcJrh."“?U!,T4!TSI4tS£SIsrJJLM?H»icH»»,
MEMBERS on THE BILL WHICH SEEKS TO &NACT A NEW FILM
CENSORSHIP ORBINANCEANB THE INTROBUCTION OF A FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BISCUSS WHAT EFFECTS THE CANCELLATION GF THE RATES RELIEF SCHEME WILL HAVE IN THE DISTRICT.
baaba WILL ALSO BEAL WITH OTHER OOTSTANBING ITEMS
ANBOILTURE FACILITIES IN THE BISTRICT.
NOTE TO EBITORSi
vats Aoc iuvITF* TO COVER THE MEETING ON MONBAY AT 9• 30 AM
-----o------
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1987
- 6
CLOSURE OF STREET IN WANG TAU HOM M N M M M
FU MEI STREET BETWEEN FU YUE STREET AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD IN WANG TAU HOM WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO MAY 5 FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
TRAFFIC ON FU MEI STREET EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FU YUE STREET, WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
MEANWHILE, TRAFFIC ON FU MEI STREET WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD AND FU KEUNG STREET.
------o ------
RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP IN HUNG HOM
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN HUNG HOM WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILYi
M MA TAU WAI ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN FAT KWONG STREET AND PAK KUNG STREET;
M MAN YUE STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HOK YUEN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
M THE NORTHERN SIDE OF HOK YUEN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 3* METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
------o-------
ROAD CLOSURE IN JUNK BAY M M * * M
THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING PO BAY INDUSTRIAL SITES IN JUNK BAY » AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5) TO 4 PM
LAM ROAD AND THE EXISTING JUNK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM ON MAY 22 FOR ROAD WORKS.
THE AFFECTED SECTION IS ADJACENT TO THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS CAN OPERATE ON THE NEW ROADS C AND D FOR ACCESS TO aJ|D FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SITES.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC PRECAUTION URGED AGAINST SUI-WER DISEASES ....... 1
YOUTHS URGED TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2
SPIRIT HIGH IN KEEPING VILLAGES CLEAN ................. 3
SOUTHERN DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT BEING IMPROVED ........... 4
FIRST-HAND LOOK AT WORKING WORLD ...................... 5
BOARD TO DISCUSS FILM CENSORSHIP BILL .................. 6
EMERGENCY GENERATORS CONTRACT AWARDED .................. 7
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY ............... 7
ANOTHER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR PENG CHAU ................ 8
TSUEN WAN ROAD CLOSED FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION ......... 9
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR TAM KUNG FESTIVAL ................. 9
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1987
1
PUBLIC PRECAUTION URGED AGAINST SUMMER DISEASES * * M M *
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS
AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN 1986 THERE WERE 30 CHOLERA CASES AND 223 FOOD POISONING CASES, WHICH AFFECTED MORE THAN 1 000 PEOPLE.
DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1987, 34 FOOD POISONING CASES AFFECTING 121 PEOPLE WERE REPORTED.
THE SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED THAT ALTHOUGH NO CHOLERA CASE HAS KEN REPORTED SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT RELAX THEIR PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE DISEASE.
♦THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD TO PREVENT CHOLERA AND OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SUCH AS TYPHOID AND DYSENTERY IS TO OBSERVE PERSONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD HYGIENE,♦ HE STRESSED.
DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, PEOPLE TEND TO BE LESS CAREFUL IN THE CHOICE OF FOOD AND DRINKS. SINCE MOST GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND DRINK, PEOPLE SHOULD BE SPECIALLY CAREFUL IN THEIR EATING HABITS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT ALL FOOD SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY COOKED AND SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNCOVERED IF NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATELY.
♦THE CHOLERA BEING ENCOUNTERED TODAY IS CHOLERA EL TOR WHICH IS ENDEMIC IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD AND ISOLATED CASES ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR NOW AND THEN, BUT EPIDEMICS ARE UNLIKELY.
PUBLIC
♦CHOLERA VACCINATION IS OF NO PRACTICAL VALUE AS A
IEALTH PREVENTIVE MEASURE. THE STRICT ADHERENCE TO THE SIMPLE RULES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE SUCH AS WASHING OF HANDS AFTER TOILET AND BEFORE FOOD PREPARATION AND THE HYGIENIC HANDLING OF FOOD AND DRINKS ARE THE EFFECTIVE WAYS AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER
DIARRHOEA DISEASES,♦ HE SAID
PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES WHERE CHOLERA IS ENDEMIC ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE IN THE SELECTION OF FOOD AND DRINK.
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1987
2
YOUTHS URGED TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT * * * * M
A MEMBER OF THE LELISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS ROSANNA TAM, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR. TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS DURING THE REVIEW OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM LATER THIS YEAR.
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE ♦HONG KONG BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME AWARD 1986-87* HOSTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, YAU MA TEI.
MRS TAM NOTED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE COULD PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AT DIFFERENT LEVELS.
♦THE LOWEST LEVEL IS TO BE A LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN AND NEXT TO THAT IS TO SUPPORT STATUTORY GOVERNMENT ACTIONS.
♦MOVING YET TO A HIGHER LEVEL IS TO PAY ATTENTION AND TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RELATED AUTHORITIES AND TO GIVE OPINIONS WHEN NECESSARY.
♦THE HIGHEST LEVEL IS TO INITIATE DEVELOPMENTS TO IMPROVE THE SOCIETY,♦ SHE SAID.
♦WHAT WE ARE ADVOCATING TODAY IS ACTIVE, AND NOT PASSIVE, PARTICIPAT ION,♦ SHE ADDED.
MRS TAM CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM AND TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS FREELY.
HOWEVER, SHE STRESSED THAT BEFORE DOING SO, YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD FIRST ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE EXITING POLITICAL SYSTEM, THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE POLITICAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES OF OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES AND THE BASIC PRINCIPLES IN ASSESSING POLITICAL SYSTEMS.
IN HER WELCOMING REMARKS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, ffiS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THAT PROJECTS AIMED AT SERVING THE HOMELESS WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY WHEN APPLYING FOR SUBSIDIES UNDER THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME.
SHE NOTED THAT 1987 HAD BEEN DESIGNATED AS THE ♦INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS.♦
♦WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED TO ECHO THIS INTERNATIONAL THEME AND MAKE THIS OUR TARGET FOR THE 1987-88 OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME,♦ SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT IN THE BROADER SENSE, THE ♦HOMELESS* INCLUDED STREET SLEEPERS, SOLO-PARENT FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO LACK PROPER HOUSING AND REQUIRE ADEQUATE CARE.
/ON YOUTH
SUNDAY, MAY 3. 1987
ON YOUTH SOCIAL WORK IN GENERAL, MRS WONG SAID THAT FOR YEARS THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING SERVICES TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME USEFUL MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY BY FOSTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR PERSONALITY. CHARACTER, SENSE CF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND ABILITY TO USE THEIR LEISURE TIME BENEFICIALLY.
♦AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES IN VAROUS DISTRICTS TO CO-ORDINATE, DEVELOP AND PROMOTE YOUTH WORK, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
♦THERE ARE ALSO GROUP WORK UNITS IN COMMUNITY CENTRES TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE GROUP AND SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUP ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE,♦ SHE SAID.
VOLUNTERY AGENCIES, MRS WONG ADDED, WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES SUCH AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND OUTREACH ING SOCIAL WORK.
♦THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL CO-OPERATION, WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE VARIOUS ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE THE 'PILLARS OF SOCIETY’ OF OUR TOMORROW,♦ SHE SAID.
UNDER THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974. YOUTH GROUPS ARE GIVEN SUBSIDIES BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE fHEM TO DEVISE AND IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS THROUGH THE POOLING OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE, DEDICATION AND ENTHUSIASM AND THEREBY ENHANCING THEIR SOCIAL AWARENESS AND THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION.
THE BEST AWARD WAS INTRODUCED IN 1985-86 TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR YOUTH.
-------o----------
SPIRIT HIGH IN KEEPING VILLAGES CLEAN * M M * *
Vllun OF INVOLVEMENT AND CO-OPERATION IN LAST MONTH’S SAI
KUNG DISTRICT CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION WAS HIGHLY EVIDENT WITH GOOD AJJ^DANCE ARD PARTICIPATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE PERFORMANCE OF PARTICIPATING VILLAGES HAD HELPED TO !J£ENGTHEN RES’DENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION. AND AMPLIFIED THE VALUE OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN SUCH A WORTHY CAUSE AS KEEPING THE VILLAGES CLEAN, HE SAID.
/JOINTLY ORGANISED
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 198?
4
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION WAS HELD IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
A TEAM OF ADJUDICATORS WAS FORMED COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. LOCAL LEADERS, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND OFFICIALS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
DURING AN EIGHT-DAY INSPECTION OF THE VILLAGES, THE ADJUDICATORS HAD ASSESSED THE CONDITIONS OF THE MAIN ROADS, FOOTPATHS, SIDE LANES, PUBLIC OPEN SPACES, PUBLIC TOILETS, NULLAHS, STREAMS, SEA SHORE, OPEN CHANNELS AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
WHILE INSPECTING THE VILLAGES, THEY HAD ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS TO VILLAGERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AND WAYS TO IMPROVE CLEANSING SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
FOURTEEN VILLAGES TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION AND THE THREE WINNING VILLAGES ARE TAI HANG HAU VILLAGE, LUNG MEI VILLAGE AND KWUN MUN FISHERMEN VILLAGE.
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AND SOUVENIRS TO THE THREE WINNING VILLAGES AND OTHER PARTICIPATING VILLAGES WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 6).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY 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.
------o-------
SOUTHERN DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT BEING IMPROVED M * * * *
THE OUTLOOK AND FACILITIES OF A NUMBER OF SQUATTER VILLAGES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAVE IMPROVED AFTER CONSTRUCTION AND ACCESS IMPROVEMENT WORKS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES.
ABOUT 132 400 WAS SPENT ON VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION WORKS WHICH WERE RECENTLY COMPLETED IN THREE VILLAGES IN WONG CHUK HANG, STANLEY AND SHEK 0 UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, WHILE ANOTHER $122 815 WAS SPENT ON MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ELSEWHERE.
/PROJECTS CARRIED
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 19^7
5 -
PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN THE VILLAGES INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION CF A SITTING-OUT AREA IN MARY NEW VILLAGE, REFURBISHING A LATRINE IN KAU WAI AND REPAIRING AND RESURFACING FOOTSTEPS, ACCESSES AND A FOOTPATH AND PROVIDING A DRAIN COVER IN SHEK 0 VILLAGE.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WERE ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FOLLOWING SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE LAST YEAR.
UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, IN-DEPTH STUDIES WERE CARRIED OUT TO LOOK INTO BASIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE VILLAGES AND MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET DEMANDS WERE RECOMMENDED.
AREAS COVERED BY THE SURVEYS INCLUDED POWER AND WATER SUPPLY, SEWAGE DISPOSAL, REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES. STREET LIGHTING, POSTAL SERVICES: DRAINAGES. ACCESSES, LAW A&D ORDER, AND RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY FACILITIES.
MOST OF THE OTHER RECENTLY COMPLETED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WERE ALSO IN SC>UAJTERAREAS. THEYINCLUDED INSTALLATING GUARDRAILS, CONSTRUCTING FOOTSTEPS AND RESURFACING ACCESSES IN TELEGRAPH bAy, TAI HAU WAN (BISNEY ROAD) AND KELLETT BAY VILLAGES, REPAIRING A SECTION OF A STREAM COURSE IN BIG WAVE BAY VILLAGE AND CONSTRUCTING A RAINSHELTER AT THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND ON SANDY BAY ROAD.
WITH AN ALLOCATION OF 1657 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD THIS VEAR, THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL KEEP UP ITS EFFORTS IN IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
IN FACT, IT HAS RECENTLY ENDORSED A RECOMMENDATION TO CONDUCT SURVEYS IN pAk DAI NAI SQUATTER AREA (EAST AND WEST), AND SHU CHOI TIN AND TAI TAM TUK VILLAGES TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR REMEDIAL WORKS.
- 0
first-hand look at working world
* * * * *
THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ABV ISONY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A MONTH-LONG WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE REAL WORLD OF WORK.
MORE THAN 1 OOO STUDENTS FROM 40 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON CITY AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART in the Programme which starts on Thursday (may 7).
/THE PROGRAMME........
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1987
- 6 -
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES VISITS TO VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC ANB PRIVATE SECTORS INCLUBING TRAINING CENTRES OF DISCIPLINARY FORCES, TELEVISION STATIONS, BANKS, HOTELS, PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES ANB TOY FACTORIES.
THE VISITS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY SPECIALLY ASSIGNED PERSONNEL OF EACH ESTABLISHMENT AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS WILL ALSO BE USED WHERE NECESSARY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY STUDENTS IN THE PAST TWEE YEARS.
♦ IT ENABLES STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS SPECIALISED FIELD OF WORK AND TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ACTUAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH SUCH CAREERS-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES, THE STUDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO BEVELOP A MORE REALISTIC UNBERSTANBING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FINBING JOBS BEST SUITES TO THEIR POTENTIAL.
♦ ANB IN THE LONG TERM, OUR SOCIETY WILL BENEFIT FROM BEING ABLE TO OPTIMISE ITS USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES,* HE ABBEB.
------0 ------
BOARD TO DISCUSS FILM CENSORSHIP BILL ft ft * ft *
THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ON TUESDAY (MAY 5).
MEMBERS WILL COMMENT AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BILL WHICH DEALS WITH MATTERS CONCERNING FILM CENSORSHIP AND CLASSIFICATION.
AT THE MEETING, AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WILL KIEF MEMBERS AND ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS.
THE POLICY STATEMENT ON LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE NAMING OF A TUNNEL OF ROUTE 5-A TRUNK ROAD LINKING SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN. THE ROAD PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1989.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A QUESTION ON WHETHER THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WILL HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE DELIVERY OF SPEECHES BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
/REPORTS Ofl ......
SUNDAY, MAY J, 1987
REPORTS ON THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE COUNCIL. SECOND FLOOR ON THE TSUEN WAN STATION BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ROOM OF THE REGIONAL MULTI-STOREY CARPARK
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5).
--------0 ---------
EMERGENCY GENERATORS CONTRACT AWARBEl *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A 11.6 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING ANB INSTALLING SIX EMERGENCY GENERATORS.
THEY WILL DE INSTALLED AT THE TAI PO AND T8ING Yl DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STATIONS, SIU LEK YUEN DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION, ABERDEEN POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, Afo THE TAI LAM CENTRE FOR WOM^N.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT IS THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF GARAGE EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED ACCESSORIES FOR THE TAI PO AND TSI NG YF DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STAT OHS AND THE SIU LEK YUEN DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS
TO COMPLETE
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY
*****
^.»«MEf?BERS 0F THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (MAY 5) TO DISCUSS
ON LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY
OF THE NORTH DISTRICT THE POLICY STATEMENT
THEY WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE CHANGES TO THE EXISTING STRATEGY AND IN PARTICULAR, THE INTRODUCTION OF A HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME TO ASSIST THE LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES TO PURCHASE NEW PRIVATE FLATS.
/ACTING PRINCIPAL
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1987
- 8 -
ACTING PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, MISS THERESA WONG. WILL ALSO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DETAILS OF A PROPOSED SPECIAL SCHO6L FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROPOSED CENTRAL
TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE DISTRICT’S ANTI-SMOKING CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE PROGRESS OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SHA TAU KOK.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 5) AT CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY
BOARD SOCIAL 2.30 PM IN THE CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
--------o----------
ANOTHER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR PENG CHAU *****
AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 3 000 CUBIC METRES IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON PENG CHAU TO IMPROVE THE ISLAND’S WATER SUPPLY.
THE WORK ALSO INCLUDES LAYING 550 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAIN BETWEEN THE NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE EXISTING PUMPING STATION
NEAR TAI WO.
AT PRESENT, A SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 2 080CUBIC METRES SERVES RESIDENTS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 14-MONTH PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY.
- 0 - -
/9
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1*87
- 9
TSUEN WAN ROAD CLOSED FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION
*****
. -r«,I!MF0RARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED !£TSUEN WAN R0A® REAR THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD FROM WEDNESDAY (MAY 6) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLYOVER.
R?AD LeAD,M« FROM THE ROUNDABOUT TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSES TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.15 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY ON MAY 6 AND 7.
®“RI!Ja THE closure, motorists heading FOR kowloon will be K»6"IS &IEW.?' h‘ ™ M "0AD'VEUNa TEX‘“
TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.15 AM ANB 5.30 AM DAILY ON MAY 8 AND 9.
liir_ DURING THE CLOSURE. MOTORISTS HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD.
- - o -
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR TAM KUNG FESTIVAL *****
IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAM KUNG KEI WAN HAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN KAM WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 9
FESTIVAL, THE SECTION OF SHAU WA STREET AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5).
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EPCOM ENDORSES WASTE CONTROL MEASURES ................... 1
FIRST LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD REPORT PUBLISHED ............ 3
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEEDS TRAINING SUPPORT ............. 4
COOKED FOOD CENTRE FOR KWAI CHUNG ....................... 5
DETAILS OF KEEP EK CLEAN SPECTACULAR .................... 5
DISTRICT BOaRD SUPPORT FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DaY ........ 6
BOARD TO DISCUSS DRAFT FIIM CENSORSHIP BILL ............. 6
DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ...................... 7
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ........... 7
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SAI KUNG YOUTH NEEDS ............... 8
COMMERCE aND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE TO MEET ................. 8
FISHERFOLKS TO CELEBRATE T«M KUNG FESTIV.iL ............. 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
9
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1987
1
EPCOM ENDORSES WASTE CONTROL MEASURES *****
,1A_™E ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ENDORSED A WASTE DISPOSAL AMENDMENT BILL AND ASSOCIATED REGULATIONS NEEDED THE PREVIOUSLY AGREED TEN-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LENGTH OF THE PROGRAMME. AG?EED T0 A SCHEME FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF CHEMICAL WASTES AS WELL AS EXPRESSING THEIR CONCERN ABOUT ^St2aiTC9J1I..°£.AN APPEAL AGAINST a DECISION OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY.
LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME INCLUDED IN THE WASTE ^/^ENDMENT) BILL 1987 PROPOSES TO CONTROL POLLUTION BY ™u™n.GcL™E.ST?~ KEEP,N6 IN URBAN AREAS AND IMPLEMENTING STRINGENT «d™isposalLInEall%tIer1re?^ECT'0N ST0RAGE' ™e‘tment- transport
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE PHASESi (A) PHASE I (1988-1991)
LIVESTOCK KEEPING WILL BE BANNED IN HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON. NEW KOWLOON, AND IN THE DEVELOPED NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS TIN SHU I WAI AND JUNK
LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL WILL BE CONTROLLED IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL WATER CATCHMENT, RIVER INDUS, UPPER SHENZHEN CATCHMENT, TSUEN WAN HINTERLAND, TUEN MUN HINTERLAND, AND TAI LAM CHUNG.
(B) PHASE II (1991-1994)
LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL WILL BE CONTROLLED IN YUEN LONG HINTERLAND, TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG CORRIDOR, KAM TIN, TIN SHUI WAI HINTERLAND, SAN TIN, LAU FAU SHAN AND MAU WU TSAI.
(C) PHASE III (1994-1997) WILL COVER CONTROLS IN THE REMAINDER
OF THE TERRITORY.
LIVESTOCSTOCK KEEPERS IN BANNED AREAS AND THOSE IN CONTROLLED AREAS WHO CANNOT COMPLY WITH THE POLLUTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS WILL RECEIVE EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD.
DRAFT REGULATIONS REQUIRED TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WERE ENDORSED BY THE COMMITTEE. THESE COVERED THE STEPS LIVESTOCK FARMERS WILL NEED TO TAKE FOR THE SATISFACTORY COLLECTION STORAGE, TREATMENT AND TRANSPORTATION OF THEIR WASTES.
/THE GOVEHKUEJ.'T
MUNDAY, may 14, 1987
2
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS IN THE FORM OF ADVICE ON WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS, IN PROVIDING FACILITIES SUCH AS ACCESS ROUTES AND WASTE COLLECTION POINTS AND IN ORGANISING, AND INITIALLY PAYING FOR, A WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE.
THE DRAFT REGULATIONS ADDITIONALLY SET OUT DISCHARGE STANDARDS FOR ON-FARM WASTE TREATMENT WORKS. THESE ARE TO BE SET AT A LEVEL REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE CURRENT ILLEGAL DISCHARGE OF LIVESTOCK WASTE NO LONGER CONTINUES TO CAUSE GROSS POLLUTION TO HONG KONG’S STREAMS AND INSHORE WATERS.
THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF EPCOM ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR DEEP CONCERN THAT AN APPEAL BY EIGHT FACTORY OWNERS, WHO HAD BEEN REFUSED PERMISSION UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL CRD I NANCE TO INSTALL CHIMNEYS, HAD BEEN UPHELD. EPCOM MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE APPEAL HAD BEEN BASED PRIMARILY ON A LEGAL TECHNICALITY AND THEY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOSE NO TIME IN REMEDYING THE SITUATION.
THE EPCOM MEMBERS CONSIDERED AND UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED A SCHEME FOR THE CONTROL OF CHEMICAL WASTES. THESE COMPRISE SUCH WASTE SUBSTANCES AS ASBESTOS, POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS), HEAVY METALS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS, PESTICIDES, DANGEROUS GOODS, ACIDS AND ALKALIS OILY WASTES FROM SHIPPING AND TANNERY WASTES AND SLUDGES.
THE MAJOR POINTS OF THE SCHEME ARE THAT WASTE PRODUCERS ARE bELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF THEIR WASTES, THAT COMPETENT AND EXPERIENCED PERSONS BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING, TRANSPORTING AND DISPOSING OF THESE WASTES AND THAT THE AUTHORITY (DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION) MONITORS THE PROGRESS OF CHEMICAL WASTES FROM POINT OF ARISING TO POINT OF DISPOSAL.
THIS IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS +CRADLE TO-GRAVE+ CONTROL AND IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID THE HAZARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE CURRENTLY CAUSED BY THE OFTEN ILLEGAL AND INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL CF THESE WASTES TO LAND OR SEWERS.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED SOME RECENT INCIDENTS INVOLVING TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES, INCLUDING ONE FATALITY, AND THAT THE CURRENT ACCUMULATION OF THESE WASTES IN THE SEDIMENTS IN PARTS OF VICTORIA HARBOUR IS CREATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL +TIME BOMB+.
IN ORDER TO ASSIST INDUSTRIALISTS TO COMPLY WITH THE SCHEME THE GOVERNMENT WILL PREPARE CODES OF PRACTICE TO ADVISE INDUSTRY ON PROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. ADDITIONALLY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN THE FORM OF A CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT AND A CO-DISPOSAL LANDFILL SITE.
CONSULTANTS ARE CURRENTLY STUDYING THE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS CF THESE FACILITIES AND THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE TIME INDUSTRY NEEDS THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE LEGISLATION.
THE DETAILED PROPOSALS OF THE SCHEME OF CONTROL IN THE FORM CF REGULATIONS AND CODES OF PRACTICE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE WILL BE PRESENTED FOR EPCOM’S CONSIDERATION IN DUE COURSE.
- - 0 - -
/3
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1937
5
FIRST LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD REPORT PUBLISHED
*****
THE FIRST REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) COVERING 1985 AND 1986 HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRIPARTITE CONSULTATIVE BODY.
NOTING THAT THE HISTORY OF LAB WENT BACK TO 1927, MR HAMMOND SAIDi +OVER THE YEARS, THE BOARD HAS SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED ITS ROLE AND FUNCTIONS, AND PLAYED A MOST VALUABLE PART IN THE FORMULATION OF LABOUR POLICIES.
♦IT IS THROUGH TRIPARTITE CONSULTATION ON LABOUR LEGISLATION THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE QUALITY CF THE WORKING LIFE OF MORE THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN HONG KONG,+ IE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THE BOARD IS COMPOSED OF THE COMMISSIONER OR THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS THE EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN AND SIX REPRESENTATIVES EACH FROM EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, IT GAVE ADVICE ON NO LESS THAN 20 ITEMS OF LEGISLATION, NOTABLY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE RATE OF COMPENSATION, AND THE MAKING OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY PERSONNEL IN DESIGNATED INDUSTRIES.
THROUGH THE BOARD, HONG KONG HAS BEEN ABLE TO PARTICIPATE ON A TRIPARTITE BASIS IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES INCLUDING THE 10TH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION HELD IN JAKARTA IN DECEMBER 1985, AND AT THE 72ND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN JUNE 1986.
AT THE CONFERENCES, MEMBERS WERE ABLE TO SHARE EXPERIENCE WITH DELEGATES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND KEEP ABREAST OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR SCENE.
COMMITTEES ON SPECIAL SUBJECT AREAS HAVE ALSO BEEN SET UP UNDER THE BOARD TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING RANGE AND COMPLEXITY OF MATTERS WHICH REQUIRE ITS ATTENTION AND TO ENCOURAGE GREATER PARTICIPATION BY EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
THERE ARE NOW FIVE SUCH COMMITTEES DEALING RESPECTIVELY WITH EMPLOYMENT, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, LABOUR RELATIONS, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS. A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN CO-OPTED ID SERVE ON THESE COMMITTEES.
THE LAB REPORT FOR 1985 AND 1986 IS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE. COPIES ARE BEING SENT TO EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS, TRADE UNIONS AND LABOUR GROUPS AND OTHER INTERESTED BODIES.
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MONDAY, MAY 4,
1987
4
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEEDS TRAINING SUPPORT *****
THE EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS IMPROVED SINCE 1986 AND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AT A MODEST PACE IN THE COMING YEARS, THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SAID IN A MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE INDUSTRY.
TO COPE WITH THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD SAID THAT MANUFACTURERS SHOULD RAISE PRODUCTIVITY BY INVESTING IN NEW PLANT, MACHINERY AND TRAINING OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER,
IN THE REPORT, THE BOARD FORECAST THAT THE INDUSTRY WOULD ICED AN ADDITIONAL 430 TECHNOLOGISTS, 740 TECHNICIANS, 320 CRAFTSMEN AND 3 600 OPERATIVES EACH YEAR UP TO 1991.
THE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JUNE LAST YEAR REVEALED THAT AS THE RESULT OF THE WORLDWIDE DECLINE IN DEMAND FOR ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS IN 1985 AND EARLY 1986, THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY DROPPED FROM 107 000 IN 1984 TO 93 000 IN 1986.
AUTOMATION ADOPTED BY THE INDUSTRY AND THE REMOVAL OF MANY PRODUCTION FACILITIES FOR LOW-END ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WERE ALSO CAUSES FOR THE TECHNICAL MANPOWER REDUCTION.
THE SURVEY RECORDED THAT THE BIGGEST DROP WAS AT THE LEVEL CF OPERATIVE, FROM 78 000 IN 1984 TO 64 500 IN 1986.
OPERATIVES ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE CF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY.
DESPITE THE DROP OF MANPOWER DEMAND, THE INDUSTRY WAS STILL HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING OPERATIVES,, BECAUSE FEWER FORM 3 LEAVERS WENT INTO EMPLOYMENT AS MORE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES WERE AVAILABLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
SCHOOL LEAVERS’ PREFERENCE TO JOBS IN COMMERCIAL AND SERVICING SECTORS AND SERVING WORKERS LEAVING FOR JOBS IN SERVICING SECTORS HAD ALSO DIMINISHED THE MANPOWER SUPPLY AT OPERATIVE LEVEL.
NEVERTHELESS, THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT WHEN THERE WAS A DECLINE CF TOTAL MANPOWER, THE NUMBER OF TECHNICIANS GREW FROM 12 500 IN 1984 TO 13 600 IN 1986.
THE GROWTH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE WHICH LED TO THE DEMAND OF TECHNICIANS CF THAT TRADE.
THE INCREASING ADOPTION OF AUTOMATION HAD RESULTED IN THE UPGRADING OF SOME JOBS FROM CRAFT LEVEL TO TECHNICIAN LEVEL, THUS INCREASED THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED TECHNICIANS IN THE INDUSTRY.
THE SURVEY REPORT, CONTAINING DETAILED MANPOWER STATISTICS (F THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT 113.50 A COPY.
o - - - -
/5
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1587
COOKED FOOD CENTRE FOR KWAI CHUNG * * * * *
WORK ON A COOKED FOOD CENTRE AT KWAI CHUNG WILL START TODAY (MONDAY) FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $6.4 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
BESIDES THE 12-STALL COOKED FOOD CENTRE, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE 10 490-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI SHUN AND KWAI TAK STREETS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, PU$LIC TOILET, MINI SOCCER PITCH, ROLLER SKATING RINK AND SITTING-OUT AREA.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MANAGEMENT OFFICE, STORAGE AREA AND DANGEROUS GOODS STORE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.
DETAILS OF KEEP HK CLEAN SPECTACULAR
*****
GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TnU2cH!je?nO*TTfEr1957’*8 KEEP ^G ^0Ns CLEAN CAMPAIGN SPECTACULAR TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ON MAY 15.
« THE SPECTACULAR AND OTHER KEEP HONG KONG
VIT,ES ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP nO*6 K0NG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS RECEPTION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 3 PM IN THE FANLING AND TAI PO ROOMS, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ’ LOWER LEVEL 1, 64 MODY ROAD, KOWLOON. ’
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS RECEPTION WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE GTEER*JJG COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, AND ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR NG YU.
iun ^l.S!-CiIAIRMAN °F THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, WILLEALSO BEUPRESENT°NIGHT EXECUTIVE PR0DlJCER, MR PHILIP KAM,
NOTE TO ED I TORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1987
6
DISTRICT BOARD SUPPORT FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY * * * * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS AT THE DISTRICT’S BEACHES AND THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER IN A PUBLICITY DRIVE TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS’ WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5.
IN RESPONSE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S CALL, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE DECIDED AT A RECENT MEETING THAT MEMBERS SHOULD DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO BEACH-GOERS AND GARBAGE BAGS TO BOAT DWELLERS AND FISHING VESSELS IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE EFFORT WILL HELP AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO FIGHT POLLUTION AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT. THE PROGRAMME IS ALSO IN LINE WITH THE ON-GOING CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WATER POLLUTION PROBLEM IN THE DISTRICT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TARGET FOR IMPROVEMENT.
HE SAID THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HAS IMPLEMENTED A TRIAL REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR FISHING VESSELS IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND RESULTS HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORY.
♦AS MOST FISHING VESSELS WILL RETURN TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL, IT IS HOPED THAT THE PUBLICITY DRIVE ON JUNE 5 WILL HELP REINFORCE THE KEEP HONG KONG WATERS CLEAN MESSAGE AMONG THE FLOATING POPULATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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BOARD TO DISCUSS DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL
*****
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987 AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1987.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY (BOARDS AND ENTERTAINMENT) OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR JIM MICHIE, WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS ON THE BILL.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE POLICY STATEMENT ON LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY PUBLISHED LAST MONTH.
A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DEMOLITION OF THE WONG TAI SIN MARKET AND THE TAI SHING STREET TEMPORARY MARKET WHICH IS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT.
/OTHER ITEMS .......
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1987
- 7
0N THE AsEND* WILL INCLUDE THE QUESTION OF MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MORSE PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AT DIAMOND HILL (NORTH), AND THE PROGRESS REPORT ON DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT. '
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM AT THE FUNG MING HALL OF THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
- o -
DISCUSSION ON COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD'S CULTURE. RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 6) t6 DISCUSS TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR.
CURRENT
OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION WILL INCLUDE RECOMMENDING DB GRANTS. APPLICATIONS FOR DD FUNDS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND MATTERS ARISING FROM
PROCEDURES FOR FOR ORGANISING THE LAST MEETING
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30
tuu AKE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEH MUH GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD. ’
- o----------
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW *****
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN FOR 19D7-D8.
DURING THE MEETING, THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE WORK PLAN OF SING OFFICE IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL ALSO REVIEW THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS OF THE COMMITTEE IN THE PAST YEAR AND CONSIDER WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE CONTINUED IN 19S7-D8.
/foEHBEHS WILL ........
- 8 -
MONDAY, KAY U, 198?
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD 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.
------c-------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SAI KUNG YOUTH NEEDS X K* M
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A SURVEY ON YOUTH NEEDS ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND OTHER RELATED PROBLEMS.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROJECT OF FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR THE ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARB, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE TO MEET
*****
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A VISIT TO THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN JULY.
ALSO INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA ARE THE SITE FOR THE RELOCATION OF LARD-BOILING FACTORIES, LAND LEASE AT THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY AND SHORT-TERM WAIVER POLICIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1987
3
FISHERFOLKS TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL
*****
THOUSANDS OF FISHERFOLK AND WORSHIPPERS WILL GATHER AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.
THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL IS HELD ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE FOURTH LUNAR MONTH, THE BRITHDAY OF THE LEGENDARY TAM KUNG, WHO IS SAID TO BESTOW LUCK AND FORTUNE ON WORSHIPPERS.
JH,S YEAR» A GRAND PROCESSION FEATURING LIONS, UNICORNS AND DRAGONS FROM OVER 40 ASSOCIATIONS WILL DANCE ALONG SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TO THE TAM KUNG TEMPLE.
TO S?06"1 mr sar¥ ¥EUNG’ W"-L ‘ ¥IS,T
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CELEBRATION AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM TOMORROW.
-----o------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.9 PER CENT CAPACITY OR 286.738 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 243.426 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 41.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 5t 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
। GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH KEEP HK CLEAN SPECTACULAR .......... 1
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED ..... 1
PRIVATISATION OF ABATTOIRS PROPOSED ................... 6
CONFERENCE TO HIGHLIGHT INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES ...... 7
APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS ..... 8
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KWUN TONG ........................... 9
NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED ....... 10
SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS ..ND HOTELS 11
POSTER .JW ESSAY COMPETITIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT DaY...... 12
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LRT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS ...... 13
ORAL ENGLISH COURSES FOR JOURNALISTS .................. 13
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND .ALLOCATION ................ 11*
BUSY aGENDa FOR KWAI TSING DB MEETING ................. I't
SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO MEET ..................... 15
TREE PLANTING EXERCISE TO BE DISCUSSED ................ 15
WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN
16
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
1
GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH KEEP HK CLEAN SPECTACULAR M M M M M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE 1987-M KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN SPECTACULAR TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ON MAY 15.
THE SPECTACULAR, IN THE FORM OF AN ENTERTAINMENT-EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME, WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 6 000 PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE TWC-HOUR PROGRAMME WILL BE PRODUCED BY TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS RECEPTION TODAY (TUESDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, SAID THAT THE PROGRAMME, TO BE PERFORMED BY POPULAR SINGERS, ARTISTES AND YOUTHS WOULD BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB JADE THAT EVENING.
FOLLOWING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN THERE WILL BE AN EVENTFUL FORTNIGHT PACKED WITH CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES ORGANISED EITHER BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE OR THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
MR CHEUNG SAIB THAT THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WOULD JOIN URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS IN CLEANING UP A LITTER BLACKSPOT ON MAY 16 WHILE CLEANSING STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS WILL CARRY OUT A LARGE-SCALE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP EXERCISE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY STARTING MAY 18.
♦ANOTHER CLIMAX OF THE MONTH WILL BE THE ’APPEAL DAY’ ON MAY 30 DURING WHICH THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS WILL BE MOBILISED TO DISTRIBUTE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STICKERS TO 500 000 CITIZENS,♦ HE ADDED.
A LOT MORE CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE COMING MONTHS TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, APPEALED TO ALL HONG KONG ’BELONGERS* TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS CLEAN HONG KONG FUNCTIONS AND SPREADING THE CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGE WHENEVER AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
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RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED M M M M M
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY 1987, PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED AT >5 832 MILLION, WAS 5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1986 WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS 1 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR WHEREAS LAST YEAR IT WAS IN FEBRUARY.
/compared with .......
TUESDAY, MAY 5. 1987
2
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, RETAIL SALES OF +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME-AND THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED ALMOST NO CHANGE IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT DECREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
FUELS DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DROPPED BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN VALUE AND SLIGHTLY IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED MODERATELY IN VALUE AND SLIGHTLY IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES REGISTERED A RISE IN SALES VALUE BUT A FALL IN VOLUME, WHILE SUPERMARKETS HAD MODERATE DECREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
COMPARING THE TWEE MONTHS DECEMBER 1986-FEBRUARY 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD 12 MONTHS PREVIOUSLY, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* ROSE BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES vkUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR CONSUMER DURABLES WERE 13 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT.
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND CONSIDERABLY IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES BY SUPERMARKETS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS (THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN PARTICULAR), TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY 1987 DECLINED BY 20 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
/IN BOTH.........
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. ♦OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT. CONSUMER DURABLES BY IB PER CENT, FOODSTUFFS. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO BY 20 PER CENT, AND CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY 40 PER CENT.
RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DECREASED CONSIDERABLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME AND THOSE OF SUPERMARKETS AND MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED A VERY SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE IN SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
RRfSENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1907 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1907.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IM JANUARY 1907 AND FEBRUARY 1907 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES (B^ BY TWE0RELEVAMT6m!U|O» TRADES (WHICH FOrA PA^T OF
Jcroiiii'im ret,,l sues fr°m
>,.7 »
SALES IN THE TWEE MONTHS DECEMBER 1906-FEBRUARY 1907 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT, RESPECTIVELY, THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1904 2a£E"“AR* A*»S THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED INDEXES AND TRENDS FROM OCTOBER 1904 TO JANUARY 1907.
^C.5E«2RL.C2MT$,£,*Q ThE ANALYSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 1907 SURVEY RESULTS 8 0M SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT >1 PER COPY.
_ ENWIPIFS AMUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE ®ERAR™ENT’S WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION ON
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
4
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for February 1987 (Provisional Figure) ■ HKI5 8}2 million for January 1987 (Revised Figure) ■ HK|7 2?k million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 198? (Monthly average of Oct. 8U _ Sept. 85 ■ 100)
Item Index of Retail Sales January 1987 February 1987 February 1987 compared with January 1987 February 1987 compared with February 1986 Dec. 86 - Feb. 87 compared with Dec. 85 - Feb. 86
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco Fuels Clothing, footwear and allied products Consumer durables Other consumer goods (C) BY SELECTED TRADES Supermarkets Motor vehicles and parts Consumer durables other than sotor vehicles and parts Department stores Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume (Revised figures) 130 122 131 128 86 101 158 147 126 112 131 121 160 15* 158 128 116 108 152 1*»2 (Provisional figures) 10U 98 105 102 82 92 95 89 103 92 110 101 115 110 121 97 97 90 97 91 Points < -26 -20 -25 -20 -26 -20 -26 -20 - u - 5 -8 -8 -6U -<«0 -58 -'*0 -23 -18 -21 -18 -21 -16 -20 -16 -*»5 -28 -M* -29 -37 -2U -J1 -2* -19 -16 -18 -17 -55 -36 -51 -36 Points % ♦ 5 *5 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 • • -2 - 1 - 8 - 9 ♦ 2 ♦ 3 -20 -18 -25 -22 ♦10 *11 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 1U >15 ♦ 7 *8 - 7 - 6 - 10 - 8 ♦ 17 +16 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 8 ♦ 9 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 - 2 - 2 Points $ ♦13 *12 ♦ 7 *6 ♦ 13 *15 ♦ 10 *10 -13 -13 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 6 ♦ 5 - 2 - 1 ♦ 1** el3 ♦ 4 ♦ 4 ♦ 17 *16 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦ 20 ^17 ♦ 16 +14 ♦ 32 *29 ♦ 14 +13 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦l4 +11 ♦ 6 ♦ 5
Notes : 1. "Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco" includes "supermarkets". 2. "Consumer durables" includes "motor vehicles and parts". J. "Other consumer goods" includes "department -stores". Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded index figures. 5. • denotes change of less than 0.5.
/Graph 1: .......
5 - TUESDAY, HAY '>, 1987
Graph 1: Value Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Value index Value index
Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Volume index Volume index
Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar 84 85
Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun 86 87
Notes: (1) Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept 85 = 100
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using the X-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census
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TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
6
PRIVATISATION OF ABATTOIRS PROPOSED ft ft ft ft
BECAUSE OF THE INCREASINGLY HEAVY DEFICITS ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE ABATTOIRS AT KENNEDY TOWN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT PRIVATISATION OF THE SLAUGHTERING SERVICES SHOULD BE PURSUED, TO END WHAT IS AN INCREASINGLY UNACCEPTABLE BURDEN ON THE RATEPAYER.
♦THE TOTAL OPERATING DEFICITS AT THE TWO ABATTOIRS WERE 130.21 MILLION IN 1984/05, RISING TO 050.11 MILLION IN 1985/06 AND >63.37 MILLION IN 1906/87,* SAID AN URBAN COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.
IF THE PRIVATISATION PROPOSALS WENT AHEAD, HE SAID, THIS WOULD MEAN AN EXTENSION TO THE URBAN AREA OF A SCHEME ALREADY IMPLEMENTED AND PROVED SUCCESSFUL IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA.
♦AS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA, ONLY THE ACTUAL BUTCHERING WILL BE PRIVATISED - NOT THE ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FUNCTION OF MEAT INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE URBAN COUNCIL, THROUGH THE HEALTH INSPECTORATE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEAT RELEASED FOR SALE IS FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION THE COUNCIL IS SATISFIED THAT THERE WILL BE NO ALTERATION TO THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARDS IN RELATION TO THE INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OF MEAT.
♦THE EXPERIENCE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN THE TSUEN WAN SLAUGHTERHOUSE HAS SHOWN THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM IN ENFORCING APPROPRIATE MEAT STANDARDS IN A PROPERLY-RUN PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSE.
♦EFFECTIVE MEAT INSPECTION IS NOT ONLY ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH BUT ALSO VIEWED BY ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE MEAT TRADE AS BEING IN THEIR BEST BUSINESS I NTERESTS.♦
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRIVATISATION PROPOSALS WERE MADE AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL RELEVANT FACTORS.
♦FOLLOWING THE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS ITS EXECUTIVE ARM WILL NOW PROCEED TO DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE VARIOUS PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE MEAT TRADES,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANY PRIVATISATION OF THE ABATTOIRS WOULD INEVITABLY INVOLVE SOME STAFF REDUNDANCY, AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO MAKING SUITABLE AND REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABATTOIR STAFF LIKELY TO BECOME REDUNDANT. INITIAL EXPLORATORY DISCUSSIONS WITH AFFECTED STAFF ARE IN PROGRESS.
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TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
7
CONFERENCE TO HIGHLIGHT INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES *****
A CONFERENCE TO BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR WILL EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPANDING AND DIVERSIFYING HONG KONG’S CHEMICAL PROCESSING INDUSTRIES.
THE CONFERENCE +PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG’S CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES IN THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT* WILL BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHEMICAL SOCIETY AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE HONORARY PATRON OF THE SOCIETY, MR WONG PO-YAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT STATISTICS SHOWED A |1O BILLION A YEAR TRADE DEFICIT IN NON-ENERGY CHEMICALS.
♦WE BELIEVE THAT MUCH CAN BE DONE TO EXPLORE AND DEVELOP THIS POTENTIAL INDUSTRY AND TURN IT INTO A MORE SIGNIFICANT SECTOR IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY. IT CAN BE A STRONG ELEMENT IN ENSURING THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION) OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, MR IAN HOWARD, ECHOED MR WONG’S VIEW. HE SAID IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD THERE WERE NO EASY SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF SUCCESSFUL MANUFACTURE FOR EXPORT.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCTIVITY USUALLY REQUIRED INVESTMENT WHICH WOULD NOT BE FORTHCOMING UNLESS INVESTORS WERE CONVINCED THE RETURN WOULD BE SATISFACTORY.
THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL POLICY WAS TO ALLOW MARKET FORCES TO DETERMINE BUSINESS DECISIONS AND THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES. HOWEVER, THERE WERE AREAS WHERE OUTSIDE HELP WAS NEEDED AND IT WAS FOR THAT REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT FUNDS AND MAINTAINS A PROGRAMME OF STUDIES, BY CONSULTANTS, OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS USED TO IMPROVE THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND TO DRAW ATTENTION TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
HE COMMENDED THE HONG KONG CHEMICAL SOCIETY FOR TAKING THE INITIATIVE IN DRAWING ATTENTION TO NEW AND CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES IN A VERY IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE TERRITORY’S INDUSTRIAL BASE.
♦WE IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ARE MOST GRATEFUL TO THE SOCIETY FOR THEIR EFFORT AND MOST PLEASED TO LEND OUR ACTIVE SUPPORT TO THE EVENT,* HE SAID.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 12 AT THE HOTEL VICTORIA. THERE WILL BE FOUR WORKSHOPS, AT WHICH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FROM THE UNITED STATES, SINGAPORE, CHINA AND HONG KONG WILL PRESENT THEIR VIEWS. THE TOPICS WILL BE THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT; THE OPPORTUNITY; RESOURCES AND LIMITATIONS; AND DIRECTION AND STRATEGY.
/THE FINANCIAL........
TUEI DAY, MAY 5, 1987
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL SPEAK AT THE CLOSING SESSION.
THE CONFERENCE IS SPONSORED BY BAYER CHINA CO, LTD, DOW CHEMICAL PACIFIC LTD., THE HANG SENG BANK LTD., RANK XEROX (HONG KONG) LTD., THE SH&.L COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD.. UNITED OVERSEA ENTERPRISES LTD., CIBA-GIEGY (HONG KONG) LTD. AND MITSUI AND CO (HONG KONG) LTD.
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APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS » » « » *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE AN ADJUSTMENT OF ABOUT 6.30 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER BAND, 6.AO PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE BAND AND 7.13 PER CENT FOR THE LOWER BAND OF THE PAY SCALES AND PERSONAL SCALES CF CIVIL SERVANTS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THIS FOLLOWS THE ACCEPTANCE OF RESULTS OF A PAY TREND SURVEY BASED ON THE ABOVE INDICATORS BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL. THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
THE SURVEY WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF 64 COMPANIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE PERIOB FEBRUARY 1, 1986 TO JANUARY 31, 1987.
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE SIMILAR ADJUSTMENTS TO SCALES AND RATES FOR EMPLOYEES CF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS THAT ARE NORMALLY ABJUSTED IN LINE WITH CIVIL SERVICE PAY.
APPLICATIONS FOR PAY ADJUSTMENTS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $1 312 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AREi
* ADDITIONAL COST OF RETAINING THE SERVICES OF THE ♦ADVISER ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES* FOR A FURTHER TERM OF TWO YEARS IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT;
/* /iN INCHEA! E.........
"UELDAY, MAY 5» 1987
- 9 -
* AN INCREASE OF EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE TO EACH CADET OF THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL AND THE DELEGATION OF POWER TO APPROVE FUTURE INCREASES;
» COMMITMENTS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TWO SINGLE-ENGINED TRAINING AIRCRAFT AND AN INCREASE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT CEILING FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE;
ft FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF IMPLEMENTING STAGE 1 OF COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES FOR FORMS I TO III IN PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS;
ft COMMITMENT TO MEET AN INCREASE IN THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING PHASE I OF THE PERMANENT CAMPUS FOR THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG;
ft COMMITMENT FOR AN INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN SELECTED SUBJECTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS;
ft A CAPITAL GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO THE KOWLOON UNION CHURCH FOR ESTABLISHING A HOSTEL AND WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS;
ft A PROJECT ESTIMATE FOR PHASE XI AND A NET DECREASE IN THE TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATES FOR PHASES I TO X OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME;
ft GRANTS TO THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION FOR CONSTRUCTING A HOME FOR THE AGED AND CARE AND ATTENTION CENTRE; AND
ft COST FOR THE PURCHASE OF A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN THE PROCESSING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION CASES.
IN ADDITION. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUD-COMMITTEE.
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT KWUN TONG ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT KWUN TONG ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) AFTERNOON TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
SIR DAVID WILL TAKE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT AT THE KWUN TONG HIGH LEVEL RESERVOIR AND VISIT THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING SITE AT SAI CHO WAN.
/He will
TUEFDAY, MAY 5, 1987
10 -
HE WILL ALSO TOUR SHU I WO STREET HAWKER MARKET AREA AND EFORE ATTENDING A RECEPTION FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAIRMEN OF THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO KWUN TONG ON THURSDAY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE DY 1.45 PM AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING CARPARK, TUNG YAN STREET WHERE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED
*****
SEVERAL ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN NORTH POINT WHICH PREVENT THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OR REPLACEMENT OF GAS MAINS ARE TO DE DEMOLISHED WHEN A CLOSURE ORDER HAS BEEN OBTAINED.
THE STRUCTURES ARE IN THE LANES AND AT THE REAR AND SIDE OF 305-315, 321-333, KING’S ROAD, 1-5A, NORTH POINT ROAD, AND 17, YUET YUEN STREET.
THEY WERE ORDERED CLOSED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN MAY 15B5 AND FEBRUARY 15B7 BUT THE ORDERS HAVE NEVER BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN HONQ KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 7 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE ISSUED AND POSTED NOTICES TO THIS EFFECT ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).
AN AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID BESIDES AFFECTING THE GAS MAINS THE STRUCTURES ALSO AFFECTED THE MEANS OF ESCAPE AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL AND THEREFORE CREATED A FIRE HAZARD TO OCCUPANTS OF BUILDINGS IN THE VICINITY•
♦EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD FULLY SUPPORTS THE CLEARANCE OPERATION IN VIEW OF THE HAZARD THE STRUCTURES POSE.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID OBTAINING A CLOSURE ORDER WAS NECESSARY SO THAT DEMOLITION, WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT HAD BEEN OBTAINED, COULD GO AHEAD WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE STRUCTURES’ OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
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TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
11
SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, R STAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1986.
THE SURVEY COVERS WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS. QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO ABOUT 8 100 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 130 000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SURVEY.
DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES, OPENING AND CLOSING STOCKS, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE +WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS* SECTOR AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG. THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO RESPOND TO THE SURVEY. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THE SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31, 1987. OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY, WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, IF REQUIRED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STRESSES THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1587
12
POSTER AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT DAY M X « M
THE WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY WORKING GROUP UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) IS INVITING ENTRIES FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS FOR A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND FROM POS SECONDARY STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC FOR AN ESSAY COMPETITION COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE AIMED AT AROUSING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUNG AND THE GENERAL AS HONG KONG COMMEMORATES THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR.
WED WAS DESIGNATED 15 YEARS AGO BY THE UNITED NATIONS TO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS FOR THE PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT CF THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT.
THE POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SECTIONS. ENTRIES SHOULD BE MADE ON DRAWING PAPER OR CARD PAPER MEASURING 420 MM BY 554 MM, IN BLACK/WHITE OR COLOUR, AND SHOULD NOT BE FOLDED.
THREE CASH PRIZES AND FIVE OTHER AWARDS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR EACH SECTION. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT MAY SELECT OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FOR USE IN FUTURE CAMPAIGNS.
ESSAY COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO ENGLISH AND CHINESE SECTION. ENGLISH ENTRIES SHOULD BE TYPEWRITTEN ON A-4 SIZE WHITE PAPERS IN DOUBLE-LINE SPACING AND SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 1 000 WORDS. CHINESE ENTRIES SHOULD BE WRITTEN VERTICALLY IN CONVENTIONAL CHINESE CHARACTERS ON FAIR COPY PAPER AND SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 800 CHARACTERS.
»™REE CASH PR,ZE$ WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF EACH SECTION A R.!RS0RAb COMPUTER WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO CHAMPIONS OF THE TWO SECTIONS. ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATIONS IN THE PRESS.
L„Bl/ .«~T5HS«SH0^LD BE SENT T0 THE EPC0M W0RLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
SR0UP« C/O HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, 7TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BY MAJ,,^. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS ON JUNE 5. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO 5-8102650.
POSTERS ON THE TWO COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES. TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, DISTRICT OFFICES, THE IFBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1M7
15
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LRT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS * * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A 99 MILLION CONTRACT FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS CONNECTED WITH THE TUEN MUN TO YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROJECT.
TRACK ALONG THE FIRST PHASE OF THE LRT SYSTEM WILL CROSS ROAD JUNCTIONS AND AFFECT OTHER VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS.
A TRAFFIC SIGNALLING SYSTEM IS THEREFORE REQUIRED TO CONTROL VEHICULAR, PEDESTRIAN AND LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE MOVEMENTS EFFICIENTLY AND SAFELY.
ABOUT 70 JUNCTIONS, ALONG 21 KILOMETRES OF THE ROUTE, HAVE TO BE MODIFIED IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASED TRAFFIC.
THE 18-MONTH PROJECT WHICH ALSO INVOLVES ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORK FOR THE MODIFICATION OF ROAD JUNCTIONS AND ASSOCIATED CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS HAS JUST BEEN STARTED.
- - 0 - -
ORAL
THE JOURNALISM
ENGLISH COURSES FOR JOURNALISTS
*****
TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL JOURNALISTS TO APPLY FOR TWO COURSES ON ENGLISH
i» MID-JUNE.
ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES OF THE HONG KONG mi vTcruMir TMF TWO ORAL ENGLISH COURSES (ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE) ARE DESIGNED TO UPGRADE THE COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF JOURNALISTS.
CLASSES FOR BOTH COURSES WILL MEET ON EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING STARTING FROM JUNE 17 TILL JULY 13.
COURSE FEE IS $1 050. PARTICIPANT PAYS |150 ONLY, WITH THE BALANCE BORNE BY THE COUNCIL.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JUNE 2.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD ON 5-83323*1 EXT. 283.
- o -
/14
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
- 14 -
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND ALLOCATION H M * *
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) TO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
A TOTAL OF $650 000 HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR ORGANISING RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH YOUNG AND ELBERLY RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
I
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF CONVERTING A COVERED BASKETBALL COURT IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU I, INTO A SPORTS CENTRE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USAGE PATTERN OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES IN THE DISTRICT ; REGIONAL COUNCIL ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT IN MAY AND JUNE AS WELL AS REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
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BUSY AGENDA FOR KWAI TSI NG DB MEETING
*****
A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, ILLEGAL LOAN SERVICES, CAR PARK I NG FACILITIES, EDUCATION, AND CLINICS ON TSING Yl WILL BE ASKED AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 7).
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, DR LAI MING-WAH, WILL MOVE A MOTION TO SUPPORT HOOVER COURT CWNEfiS INCORPORATED IN SEEK ING HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON ALL UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
BOARD MEMBER, MR LEUNG YIU-CHUNG, WILL ALSO MOVE A MOTION TO REQUEST THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE AS IT WILL AFFECT FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN HONG KONG.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY AND THE DISTRICT BOARD BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN 1HE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFF ICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAN CHUNG.
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/15........
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
- 15
SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * * M
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OTHER TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE PROGRESS OF REDEVELOPMENT AT THE POK 01 HOSPITAL. THE WORKING GROUPONYUEN LONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER AND THE 1986/87 FINANCIAL REPORT ON DB SPONSORED SOCIAL SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13/F, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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TREE PLANTING EXERCISE TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
THE EXERCISE IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN LATE JUNE THIS YEAR TO MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987.
MCAuwuiit: RESULTS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CLEAN VILLAGE
DURING THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
tup meeting WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG D‘ST*’CNDFLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1987
16
WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN *****
FRESH WATER AND SALT WATER SUPPLIES TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 8) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY WO Yl HOP ROAD NEAR LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND ROUTE TWISK INCLUDING SAM TUNG UK RESITE AREA, LO WAI ROAD, SHING MUN ROAD, HILLTOP ROAD, HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB, Yl PEI CHUN ROAD, LO WAI CHUEN, SAN TSUEN, PAK TIN PA TSUEN, HOI PA CHUEN, SAI LAU KOK CHUEN, MA SIN PAI CHUEN, YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN, FU YUNG SHAN CHUEN, CHUK LAM SIM YUEN, TUNG PO TO, FU YUNG SHAN ROAD, YI PE I CHUN, PAK TIN PA SAN TSUEN, KWU HANG CHUEN, CHUNG KUK TO, NAM TIN CHUK.
CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE AND CHEUNG SHAN RESITE AREA WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE CCUNCII M.'DTING :
WORKS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMENDED...................... 1
PLEDGE OF SUPPORT TO LEGCO'S NEW PRESIDENT ............... 1
ROLE OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN KK nFFIRMED .................. 2
GOVERNMENT E.iS NO PLAN TO KILL LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY ....... 4
SHRINKAGE Oi> AGRICULTURAL LAND EXPLAINED....................6
GOVERNMENT URGED TO ASSIST DEEP SEA FISHING INDUSTRY ... 7
SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES URGED........................ 9
PRIMARY INDUSTR ES NEED GREETS. SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT . 11
COMMITTEE TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATED .. 12
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES POLICY
URGED . . >s..........1............................... 13
FLOOD PROTECTION aCTIQN 'MEANS BUSINESS' .................. 15
(ALL FOR URGIUT MLnSJREo TO TACKLE FLOODING ............... 16
URGENT ACTION , .GAINST NT FLOODING NEEDED ................ 17
FLOOD CONTROL TEaM SHOULD BE SET UP........................ 18
PHARMACY -.ND POISONS LIST UPDATED......................... 19
DUTY RATES INCREASED TO MEET INFLATION..................... 19
EXTENSION -OF JO OOC KT LEASES PROPOSED .. ................ 20
LEGISLATIVE EFFECTS-TO TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED........ 21
/Move to .....
MOVE TO REVISE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES ................. 21
BILL TO RaISE VEHICLE FEES INTRODUCED...................... 22
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENT FEES INCREASES BRING $20 MILLION 22
INDEPENDENT CORPORATION FOR OCEAN PaRK.................... 25
ESTaTE DUTY BILL INTRODUCED ............................. 24
THREE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE .. 24
BILL PROPOSES TO CONTROL OBNOXIOUS INDUSTRIES ............. 26
IMPROVEMENTS TO LIFTS AND ESCALATORS SAFETY PROPOSED .... 28
KCRC REPORTS $117 MILLION PROFIT .......................... 50
MTRC DEBT REPAYMENT FORECAST REALISTIC .................... 51
RIGHT OF INFORMATION LAW RULED OUT ........................ 55
NO URGENCY IN DECIDING ON REPLACEMENT aIRPORT ............. 54
POLICE FIRING UNDER STRINGUJT GUIDELINES .................. 56
PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION SCHEME A SUCCESS ................ 57
ASBESTOS REMOVAL SUBJECT TO REGULATORY CONTROL ............ 58
civil aviation policy explained ......................... 59
PLACEMUjT SERVICE OF DISABLED EMPLOYEES WORKING WELL .... 40
26 EX-SERVICEMEN APPLY FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP ............ 41
highway noise barriers not suitable to hk ................ 41
FLOODING CONTROL MEASURES TO BE BETTER CO-ORDINnTED...... 42
ONE BILL PASSED........................................ 45
hk Fares well Aim joint declaration ........................ 44
SIGNIFICANCE OF ASL,-PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT STRESSED............. 46
PAY SCaLE ADJUSTMENTS APPROVED ............................ 47
CONSULTANT STUDY ON CHEMICAL WaSTE TREATMENT PLaNT............ 48
EDUCATION BOaRD MEMBERS VISIT TECHNICAL SCHOOL ............... 49
COURSE FOR BANKING TRAINING OFFICERS OFFERED ................ 49
NEW HOME FOR RARE aNINaLS aND BIRDS .......................... 50
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NOISE CONTROL BILL ................... 51
KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE ON THE MOVE ................... 51
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN W«N CHAI ...................... 52
RESTRICTED ZONE ON TO KWa WaN ROAD ......................... 52
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
1
WORKS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMENDED ft * ft ft ft
ACTIVITIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES MAKE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PRESIDING HIS FIRST COUNCIL MEETING SINCE HE TOOK UP OFFICE. SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WORKS MEMBERS DEVOTED TO THE ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY OF THE COUNCIL BUT ALSO OF ITS COMMITTEES AND OF OMELCO.
♦ALL THESE ACTIVITIES MAKE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.+
HE ALSO THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY AND SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM AND PRESIDING OVER THEIR DEBATES.
- 0 - -
PLEDGE OF SUPPORT TO LEGCO’S NEW PRESIDENT ft ft ft ft ft
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PLEDGED, ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, FULL AND WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT TO SIR DAVID WILSON, WHO WAS PRESIDING OVER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE AS GOVERNOR.
SHE ALSO THANKED SIR DAVID FOR HIS WORDS OF GREETING DELIVERED AT THE BEGINNING OF TODAY’S SITTING AND EXTENDED TO HIM A VERY WARM WELCOME TO HONG KONG AND TO THE COUNCIL.
MISS DUNN SAID TO SIR DAVID THAT HE WOULD FIND SOME OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS LIVELY AND •NT1fR£STING. THEY REFLECTED A WIDE RANGE OF VIEWS FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
♦AND IT WILL BE CLEAR TO YOU THAT WE ALL OF US SHARE A COMMON OBJECTIVEi THAT OF THE WELL BEING AND GOOD GOVERNMENT OF THIS TERRITORY,♦ SHE SAID.
♦WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR GUIDANCE AND PLEDGE OUR FULL AND WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT TO YOU AS GOVERNOR AND AS PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNCIL,* SHE ADDED.
e-c AlSO WISHED SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON, WHO WAS AT THE PUBLIC GALLERY, A LONG, HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL stAY IN HONG KONG.
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/2........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
2
ROLE OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN HK AFFIRMED *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF SUPPORTING HONG KONG’S PRIMARY INDUSTRIES WITHOUT DIRECT SUBSIDY HAS SERVED THE INDUSTRIES VERY WELL, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT FULLY INTENDED THAT PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SHOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE ECONOMY, MR YAXLEY ADDED.
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, MR YAXLEY SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE CONTRIBUTION THAT FARMERS AND FISHERMEN MADE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
MR YAXLEY SAIDi +THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT GIVE DIRECT SUBSIDIES TO THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, NOR DOES IT SEEK TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE FREE OPERATION OF MARKET FORCES.
♦INSTEAD, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES INFRASTRUCTURAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT NECESSARY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FARMING AND FISHERIES AND LEAVES THEM TO ADJUST TO MARKET FORCES.♦
AS POINTED OUT, THE HON LAU WONQ-FAT, MR YAXLEY SAID THE INDUSTRIES WERE MOVING TOWARDS HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTION WHILE MAINTAINING A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF LOCAL FOOD SUPPLY.
THE INCOME GENERATED BY AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN 1985 WAS 11.25 BILLION, MR YAXLEY SAID, ADDING THAT ♦THIS IS NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT GIVEN THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PRIMARY SECTOR*.
THIS SECTOR CONTRIBUTED ABOUT ONE PER CENT TO THE GDP WHICH WAS NOT OUT OF LINE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES, DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING, HE SAID.
ON A SUGGESTION BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN THAT FAMILY OPERATIONS SHOULD BE TURNED INTO ENTERPRISING CORPORATIONS TO PRODUCE HIGH VALUE PRODUCTS, MR YAXLEY REPLIED THAT THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY WAS INDEED MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION.
IN 1986, THE FARM POPULATION WAS 26 OOO, AND ARABLE LAND AMOUNTED TO 9 450 HECTARES, WHICH RESPECTIVELY REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 23 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT OVER 1971, HE SAID.
♦YET, THE VALUE OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION HAS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT BETWEEN 1971 AND 1986, AND THE LOCAL SUPPLIES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THE MARKET. THE MARKET SHARES BY LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES, POULTRY AND PIGS ARE RESPECTIVELY 34 PER CENT, 40 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT.*
A RANGE OF TECHNICAL ADVICE AND FIELD SERVICES WAS BEING OFFERED TO THE FARMING INDUSTRY WHICH FOCUSED ON AREAS SUCH AS FARM MANAGEMENT, USE OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM, ROTARY CULTIVATORS, DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, ANIMAL HEALTH CARE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF PEST CONTROL DEVICES, MR YAXLEY SAID.
/A TOTAL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
A TOTAL OF 1 034 LOANS VALUED AT #13.0 MILLION WERE GRANTED FROM THREE LOAN FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE WORKING CAPITAL FOR farmers.
the USE OF MODERN TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT LED TO A GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, AND THE AVERAGE YIELD OF VEGETABLES PER YEAR WAS NOW ABOUT 67 TONNES PER HECTARES OF CULTIVATED LAND AS COMPARED WITH 48 TONNES IN 1961.
ON SUGGESTIONS THAT ECONOMIC PLANTS AND OTHER AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES BE PERMITTED WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS, MR YAXLEY SAID THIS WAS INDEED THE CASE.
TURNING TO THE FISHERIES SECTOR, MR YAXLEY SAID IT CONTRIBUTED OVER HALF OF THE LOCAL CONSUMPTION WITH AN EXPORT OF 41 510 TONNES LAST YEAR.
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED TECHNOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL FISHERMEN IN THE FORM OF TRAINING COURSES, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SERVICES.
HE SAID THE AIM WAS TO ASSIST THE INDUSTRY TO DIVERSIFY AND EXTEND FISHING GROUNDS, MODERNISE THE FLEET, UPGRADE POST-HARVEST technology, improve fi&h farm management and maintain orderly MARKETING.
IN 1986, A TOTAL OF 101 LOANS VALUED AT #6.6 MILLION WERE ISSUED FROM THE LOAN FUNDS.
IN THE CAPTURE FISHING INDUSTRY, THERE WERE 4 700 VESSELS WITH SOME 23 700 FISHERMEN, YIELDING 205 476 TONNES OF FISH IN 1986, MR YAXLEY SAID.
♦SINCE 1976, MARINE FISH PRODUCTION HAS INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HAVE BANNED OUR FISHERMEN FROM CERTAIN COASTAL WATERS.+
HONG KONG’S FISHING INDUSTRY WAS STILL SHORT OF THE CAPACITY TO ENGAGE IN DISTANT-SEA FISHING WHICH DEMANDED HEAVY CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL BACK-UP, MR YAXLEY ADDED.
HE SAIDt +AT PRESENT, OUR DEMAND FOR FISH PRODUCE DOES NOT REQUIRE CATCHES WHICH WILL JUSTIFY LARGE-SCALE, DEEP SEA FISHING OPERAT I ON.+
MR YAXLEY SAID HE AGREED WITH MR WONG PO-YAN THAT THIS TYPE OF FISHING HAD POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER WHAT FURTHER ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED.
ON AQUACULTURE, MR YAXLEY SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT 28 DESIGNATED FISH CULTURE ZONES WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 158 HECTARES.
/HE SAID: ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
4
HE SAIDi +THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THIS SECTOR HAS GREATLY IMPROVED. BETWEEN 1976 AND 1986. THE PRODUCTION PER HECTARES HAS INCREASED IN MONETARY TERMS BY 60 PER CENT.*
THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE, MR YAXLEY WENT ON, WAS TO ENHANCE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MAR ICULTURI STS THROUGH INCREASED TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY.
HE SAID HE NOTED THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG’S CONCERN OVER RECENT STAFF CHANGES IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. BUT SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME OF STREAMLINING THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONS WOULD NOT RESULT IN ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS IN REGULAR CONSULTATION WITH BOTH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTORS, AND THERE WERE AT PRESENT A NUMBER OF COMMITTEES COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE INDUSTRIES TO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT ON VARIOUS ISSUES.
A SUGGESTION BY MR WONG AND THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURAL ISSUES WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, MR YAXLEY SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MORE FORTHCOMING IN PRINT IN FUTURE ABOUT HONG KONG’S PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE TERRITORY’S WELFARE.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INDUSTRIES WAS IMPRESSIVE AND CREDIT MUST GO TO THE HARD WORK OF THE FARMERS AND FISHERMEN, AND THEIR FLEXIBILITY IN ADAPTING TO CHANGING NEEDS, MR YAXLEY CONCLUDED.
-----0-----
GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLAN TO KILL LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLANS TO DESTROY THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY OF HONG KONG AND THE OBJECT OF THE PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WAS TO MAKE A RADICAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF WATERCOURSES AND COASTAL WATERS.
*WE HAVE NO OBJECTION TO PIGS AND CHICKENS BEING KEPT IN SUITABLE AREAS, PROVIDED PROPER MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO DISPOSE OF THE WASTES THEY PRODUCE,* HE SAID , IN WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT LIVESTOCK FARMING WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTITUTED A SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD IN BUILT-UP AREAS.
/HE POINTED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 5 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT POLLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
FROM ANIMAL WASTE WAS A MAJOR
♦IT POSES SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS WHERE POLLUTED WATER IS FOR IRRIGATION OR WHERE SHELL FISHERIES AND PUBLIC BEACHES BECOME CONTAMINATED. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ANIMAL WASTES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF ALL STREAM POLLUTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ORGANIC POLLUTION ENTERING THE SEA»> HE SAID. *
HE ALSO NOTED THAT POLLUTION BY ANIMAL WASTES HAD LED TO A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF THE COASTAL WATERS. PARTICULARLY IN TOLO HARBOUR, AND IT IMPOSED HIGH COSTS ON
THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF THE NEED FOR TREATMENT FACILITIES AND THE REDUCTION SUPPLIES.
ADDITIONAL SEWAGE OF POTABLE WATER
THE PROPOSED SCHEME WILL PROHIBIT THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TOWNS- WHILE THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK IN THE REMAINING AREAS WHICH INCLUDE MOST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
♦IN THESE AREAS, LIVESTOCK KEEPERS WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS WHICH WILL COVER THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE,♦ MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
HE ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTROL SCHEME WAS THE SUBJECT OF EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND WITH THE FARMERS THEMSELVES BEFORE IT WAS AGREED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL LAST AUGUST.
♦ALL LIVESTOCK-KEEPERS WHO HAVE BEEN OPERATING IN THE AREA WHERE PIGS AND POULTRY ARE TO BE BANNED AND ALSO THOSE IN THE CONTROLLED AREAS WHO GO OUT OF BUSINESS BECAUSE THE NEW REGULATIONS MAKE IT UNECONOMIC FOR THEM TO CONTINUE, WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION^ HE SAID.
ORIGINALLY IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE COMPENSATION RATES SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE FOR DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES, BUT FOLLOWING A DISCUSSION IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE THIS HAD NOW BEEN RECONSIBEREB AND THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE PUTTING A REVISED PROPOSAL, WITH MORE GENEROUS RATES, TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LATER THIS MONTH.
MR CHAMBERS SAID CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED CONTROL STANDARDS WERE TOO STRINGENT AND THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO COMPLY WITH.
♦IT IS HOWEVER THE VIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT THAT ANY LESS STRINGENT STANDARDS WOULD NOT ACHIEVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE WATERCOURSES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES,♦ HE NOTED.
/IN ORDER
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 6 -
IN ORDER TO HELP THE FARMERS COMPLY WITH THE PROPOSED STANDARDS, DEMONSTRATION FARMS WILL BE SET UP BY THE EPD TO SHOW FARMERS HOW THE VARIOUS TREATMENT FACILITIES WORK.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE ADVICE ON ACCEPTABLE TECHNIQUES FOR WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL AND WILL ORGANISE COLLECTION SERVICES, WHICH WILL BE SUBSIDISED FROM PUBLIC FUNDS IN THE INITIAL STAGES.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THESE ASPECTS WERE BEING DISCUSSED IN THE AD HOC GROUP AND MEMBERS WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE LEGISLATION WHEN THE AMENDMENT TO THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
-----o ----
SHRINKAGE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND EXPLAINED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES. OUTLINED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE CAUSES FOR THE PROGRESSIVE SHRINKAGE IN THE AREA OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN EFFECTIVE USE OVER THE YEARS DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.
HE SAID THAT AS OF 1986, THE AMOUNT OF ARABLE LAND LYING FALLOW WAS 4 070 HECTARES, OR 43 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL 9 450 HECTARES OF ARABLE LAND. THIS POSITION HAS REMAINED MORE OR LESS STABLE SINCE 1977.
♦WHILE SOME OF THE LAND WAS ABANDONED LONG AGO BECAUSE IT WAS UNECONOMIC (BEING TOO SMALL, TOO REMOTE, OR AFFECTED BY INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY OR POOR DRAINAGE), MUCH OF THE REDUCTION IN RECENT YEARS OCCURRED BECAUSE LAND WAS TAKEN UP FOR DEVELOPMENT BY EITHER THE PUBLIC OR THE PRIVATE SECTORS,+ MR BARNES SAID.
MUCH ARABLE LAND WAS LEFT FALLOW IN EXPECTATION, NOT ALWAYS JUSTIFIED, OF ITS BEING DEVELOPED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, HE ADDED.
ANOTHER REASON FOR THE DECREASE IN PRODUCTIVE FARM LAND, MR BARNES SAID, WAS THAT THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE DID NOT AT PRESENT GIVE POWERS TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO ZONE LAND FOR RURAL USES IN SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURE, AND A RECENT JUDICIAL INTEPRETATION OF THE BLOCK CROWN LEASE HAD MADE ANY PROTECTION UNDER THE LEASE OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR ITS INTENDED FUNCTION EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.
+S0 GOOD FARM LAND IS BEING CONVERTED TO STORAGE, CAR DUMPS AND OTHER MONSTROSITIES, WHICH ARE SEEN AS MORE PROFITABLE USES THAN FARMING WITH LITTLE OR NO INTERFERENCE FROM GOVERNMENT. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES NEITHER GOVERNMENT NOR PRIVATE ENTERPRISE HAS THE INCENTIVE OR INDEED THE SECURITY TO INVEST IN AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE,+ MR BARNES ADDED.
/COMMENTING ON .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
COMMENTING ON THE CONCEPT OF DESIGNATING AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREAS AS ADVOCATED BY MR TAI CHIN-WAII, MR BARNES SAID IT WAS AN EXPLORATORY STEP TOWARDS REVERSING THE TENDENCY TO CONVERT GOOD FARM LAND INTO OTHER USES.
♦THE INTENTION IS THAT AREAS IDENTIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOULD BE DESIGNATED IN GOVERNMENT NON-STATUTORY SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING STATEMENTS AS BEING PLANNED FOR AGRICULTURE.
♦GENERALLY SPEAKING THESE ARE AREAS WHERE LITTLE LAND HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO OTHER USES AND WHERE AGRICULTURE IS STILL FLOURISHING.
♦SOME OF THESE PLANNING STATEMENTS ARE, AND ALL WILL BE, DISCUSSED IN DISTRICT BOARDS, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THIS DISCUSSION WILL HELP GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER THE OBJECTIVE TO ENCOURAGE AGRICULTURE IS WORTH PURSUING ACTIVELY AND CARRYING FORWARD TO, SAY, STATUTORY PROTECTION ON THE LINES OF COUNTRY PARK OR TOWN PLANNING LEGISLATION, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND OTHER ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE PRODUCTION,♦ HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE PROBLEM OF THE BUILDING OF DOMESTIC HOUSES ON FARM LAND, MR BARNES SAID SO MANY PEOPLE LIVED ON OR AROUND FARM LANDS THAT IT WAS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO SORT OUT THE FARMERS FROM THE REST. MOREOVER THE OLD FARMER'S HOUSE RELATING TO A PIECE OF FARM LAND WAS OFTEN OCCUPIED BY SOMEONE ELSE.
♦HOWEVER, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES HAS RECOGNISED THAT THERE SOMEIMTES IS A PROBLEM AND IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, IS TRYING OUT SCHEMES IN TWO AREAS FOR PERMITTING GENUINE FARMERS TO BUILD PROPER DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION ON THEIR LAND.+
♦ IF IT IS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A REAL STIMULUS TO OUR AGRICULTURE AND THAT IT WORKS IN OTHER RESPECTS, THE GENERAL APPLICATION OF THE SCHEME SHOULD BE SUPPORTED,+ MR BARNES SAID.
------o-------
GOVERNMENT URGED TO ASSIST DEEP SEA FISHING INDUSTRY * * * * ft
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE GREATER ASSISTANCE TO HONG KONG'S DEEP SEA FISHING INDUSTRY, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, MR WONG SAID THAT WITH TECHNOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT, HONG KONG'S FISHING FLEET HAD ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT MODERNISATION IN RECENT YEARS.
/+AS A
WEDNHbDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 8 -
+AS A RESULT, OUR FISHERMEN HAVE BETTER NAVIGATION AIDS, ENGINES AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT WHICH ENABLE THEM TO EXPLORE NEW FISHING GROUNDS FURTHER AWAY FROM BASE IN GREATER SPEED AND SAFETY,* HE SAID.
BUT DESPITE THE CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF THE LOCAL FISHING INDUSTRY, ITS POTENTIALS HAD NOT YET BEEN FULLY EXPLOITED, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT SINCE LOCAL FISHERMEN WERE NOW BETTER TRAINED AND EDUCATED AND MORE EXPERIENCED WITH FISHING OVERSEAS, THEY SHOULD FORM A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
GIVEN ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF LONG-RANGE SAILING, THIS CORE OF PROFESSIONALS COULD BECOME THE PIONEERS OF A NEW INDUSTRY.
MR WONG SAID THAT HONG KONG SHOULD AIM AT LARGE SCALE CATCHES FOR EXPORT.
♦ TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITIVENESS. OUR FISHING FLEETS SHOULD DEVELOP GRADUALLY INTO A SELF-CONTAINED PRODUCTION LINE TURNING THEIR CATCHES INTO TINNED GOODS OR DEEP FROZEN PRODUCTS FOR THE OVERSEAS MARKET,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SUCH OPERATIONS WOULD INEVITABLY REQUIRE HEAVY CAPITAL INVESTMENT. THIS NEW AND UNEXPLORED INDUSTRY PROVIDED A FRESH OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS, HE ADDED.
TO PROVIDE AN INITIAL IMPETUS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO STIMULATE PARTICIPATION BY INVESTORS.
+IT WOULD ALSO BE HELPFUL IF GOVERNMENT COULD PROVIDE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE TO THE FISHING COMMUNTIY ON THE OPERATIONAL AND MARKETING ASPECTS OF THEIR TRADE,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO AGRICULTURE, MR WONG SAID IT WAS HIS FIRM BELIEF THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO TURN FAMILY OPERATIONS INTO ENTERPRISING CORPORATIONS TO PRODUCE HIGH VALUE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
♦ I ALSO CONSIDER IT ESSENTIAL THAT MODERN TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE EMPLOYED TO YIELD BETTER QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY,* HE SAID.
MR WONG THEREFORE AGREED ENTIRELY WITH OTHER AGRICULTURAL EXPERTS THAT A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO LOOK INTO POSSIBLE WAYS OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, HAY 6, 1987
- 9 -
SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES URGED M * * N *
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE STRONG SUPPORT TO PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND MAKE MORE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN BUILDING AND PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.
♦ ONLY BY DOING SO. CAN LOCAL PRIMARY INDUSTRIES BE CLOSELY LINKED WITH OUR LIVELIHOOD AND ECONOMY. AND CONTINUE TO MAKE GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS ENHANCING THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID CURRENTLY THERE WERE ABOUT 1A OOO FAMILIES OR ABOUT 58 000 PERSONS STILL ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. THE LIVELIHOOD OF ABOUT 200 000 TO 300 000 PEOPLE DEPENDED ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO ECONOMIC BENEFITS, MR CHEUNG SAID THE TOTAL PRODUCTS FROM AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WERE VALUED AT |3 000 MILLION, WHICH DEFINITELY CONTRIBUTED POSITIVELY TO THE ECONOMIC growth Of hong kong.
BESIDES, AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN HELPING HONG KONG MAINTAIN A BASIC DEGREE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT EXCESSIVE RELIANCE ON THE IMPORT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WOULD LEAD TO THE STIFLING AND DECLINE OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES.
♦ SHOULD LE NEED THEIR SUPPORT AT OTHER TIMES. WE MAY FIND IT HARD TO REORGANISE AND INVIGORATE THEM TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING DEMANDS,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG CONSIDERED THAT A FAR-SIGHTED GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE A GOOD POLICY ON +FOOD+, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE FOUR MOST BASIC NECESSITIES OF LIFE.
♦ ALL ALONG, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SHOWN GREAT FORESIGHT IN THE PROVISION OF WATER SUPPLY AND HAS MANAGED TO OVERCOME ALL DIFFICULTIES IN THIS REGARD.
♦ RESERVIORS ARE BUILT SO THAT THE TERRITORY CAN BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN WATER SUPPLY.
♦ IF THE GOVERNMENT CAN APPLY SUCH PERSEVERING EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, GREAT PROGRESS WILL SURELY BE MADE VERY SOON,* HE SAID.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
10 -
TURNING TO THOSE ENGAGED IN THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG, MR CHEUNG SAID MANY WERE HARD-WORKING WITH AN ENTERPRISING SPIRIT.
♦THEY ARE WILLING TO INVEST THEIR MONEY AND DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO FURTHER DEVELOPING THEIR TRADES.
♦WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO DO IS TO GIVE THEM A PUSH BY PROVIDING THEM WITH SOME ASSISTANCE THROUGH ITS LAND POLICIES AND TO GIVE THEM SOME TECHNICAL ADVICE ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES WHICH THEY SHOULD ADOPT,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES HAD GREAT POTENTIAL TO BECOME ANOTHER LUCRATIVE EXPORT TRADE EARNING FOREIGN EXCHANGE FOR HONG KONG.
MR CHEUNG SAID IF THE CUT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WAS MADE BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES HAD BECOME LESS IMPORTANT, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE, AND THE LOSS WOULD EVENTUALLY OUTWEIGH THE GAIN.
HE THEN REMINDED THE GOVERNMENT THAT A POLICY THAT WAS CORRECT AND MET THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE FAR-SIGHTED AND INNOVATORY.
♦A FAR-SIGHTED GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO FORESEE THE FUTURE, PREDICT THE NEEDS OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAKE EARLY ARRANGEMENTS IN ORDER TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE COMMUNITY" IT SHOULD NOT REMAIN PASSIVE, MAKING ADJUSTMENT FOR ITS OWN SAKE AND BEING LED BY THE SO-CALLED ’TREND’,♦ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ♦POLICY+ AND +TREND+ WERE IN FACT INTERRELATED. THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT HAD THE MERIT OF BEING ABLE TO CHANGE THE ♦TREND+ BY MEANS OF POLICIES. THE MODERNISATION +POLICY+ OF THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SHOULD KEEP ABREAST WITH THE MODERNISATION ♦TREND+ IN HONG KONG AND THE TWO SHOULD NOT REPEL ONE ANOTHER.
MR CHEUNG ADMITTED THAT THERE WERE MANY PROBLEMS FACING PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG, WHICH INCLUDED COMPETITION FROM IMPORTED PRODUCTS, DECREASE IN ARABLE LANDS, LACK OF MEN TO TAKE UP FARMING, FISHERMEN GOING ASHORE TO SEEK NEW JOBS, DIFFICULTIES CONCERNING CASH FLOW AND THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTES.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, AS AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES HAD POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND THERE WAS A NEED FOR THEM TO DEVELOP FURTHER, IT WAS PROPER THAT THESE INDUSTRIES SHOULD HAVE STRONG SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1M7
11
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES NEED GREATER SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT M M M M M
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE GREATER ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT TO LOCAL PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND ABANDON ITS OUTDATED POLICY OF NON-INTERVENTION, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TAI STRESSED THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SHOULD NOT BE UNDER-ESTIMATED NOR NEGLECTED AND THAT THEIR CONTINUED EXISTENCE WAS ESSENTIAL.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE POLICY TOWARDS PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, ESPECIALLY AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, SHOULD BE REVISED SO THAT SUCH INDUSTRIES COULD REMAIN ECONOMICALLY VIABLE COMPARED WITH FOREIGN IMPORTS AND ACHIEVE A GREATER DEGREE OF STABILISATION IN THE SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
MR TAI SAID THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A STEADY SUPPLY OF BOTH LOCAL AND IMPORTED FOODSTUFF LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED.
HE NOTED THAT IMPORTED FOODSTUFF AT PRESENT DOMINATED THE MARKET AND IT THEREBY SHOWED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT PERFORMING ITS PRIMARY TASK OF ASSISTING AND PROMOTING LOCAL AGRICULTURE.
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE LOCAL AGRICULTURE, MR TAI SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER SELECTING CERTAIN AREAS TO BE DESIGNATED AS AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREAS WITHIN WHICH INFRASTRUCTURES WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE FARMERS TO MAINTAIN A VIABLE LIVELIHOOD.
HE SAID THE ADOPTION OF SUCH A PLAN SHOULD DO MUCH TO HELP STABILISE THE MARKET SUPPLY AND THE PRICE OF FOODSTUFF.
MR TAI POINTED OUT THAT ONLY 3 OOO HECTARES OF THE 7 000 HECTARES OF ARABLE LAND WERE UNDER CULTIVATION AT THE MOMENT AND URGED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO DEPLOY MORE STAFF TO EDUCATE FARMERS IN APPLYING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CULTIVATE FALLOW LAND SO AS TO ENCOURAGE AND EXPAND LOCAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
HE SAID AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY INDUSTRIES SHOULD EMPLOY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SO AS TO REDUCE LABOUR COSTS AND ACHIEVE GREATER EFFICIENCY.
♦THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO OUR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MANURE FROM PIG AND POULTRY FARMS, MR TAI WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASED DETERMINATION TO COMBAT SUCH NUISANCE AND HEALTH HAZARDS, BUT WARNED THAT SEVERE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES WOULD ENDANGER THE LIVELIHOOD OF NEARLY 26 000 PEOPLE WHO EARN THEIR LIVING BY REARING ANIMALS.
♦THEREFORE, I APPEAL TO THE COUNCIL TO DELIBERATE CAREFULLY OVER THE HARDSHIP OF THOSE WHO WILL BE AFFECTED AND SEARCH FOR A BETTER COMPROMISE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES AND THE LIVELIHOOD OF 26 000 FARMERS,♦ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
1?
COMMITTEE TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATED *****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED TO SET UP AN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN HONG KONG.
THE CALL WAS MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.
MR TAM SAID THERE WAS NO REASON WHY AGRICULTURE AS AN INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO FADE OUT AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT REGARD IT AS A ♦ TWILIGHT INDUSTRY* IN THE FIRST PLACE.
♦ACCORDING TO SOME COMMENTATORS, THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG IS UNDERGOING A PERIOD OF CHANGE AND IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE, THE INTRODUCTION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, EVEN TO THE EXTENT OF APPLYING BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES, AND THE WAY IN WHICH THE LOCAL INDUSTRY CAN BE MADE TO COMPLEMENT RATHER THAN COMPETE WITH AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA.
♦THESE ARE PROBLEMS WHICH I FEEL DESERVE OUR CAREFUL SCRUTINY AND SOME HARD TH INK I NG,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE GOVERNMENT THAT AGRICULTURE WAS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG- THAT FARMLAND MUST GIVE WAY TO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS AND THAT HONG KONG COULD INCREASE ITS RELIANCE ON CHINA ON THE PROVISION OF FISHERY AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
ON THE FIRST POINT, HE SAID THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY PLAYED A PART IN LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY HELPING TO MODERATE PRICES, STABILISING THE MARKET AND PRODUCE THE INCENTIVE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS.
IN ADDITION, STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD CONFIRMED THAT THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY AND RELATED TRADES, SUCH AS THE SUPPLY OF ANIMAL FEED AND MEDICINE AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND A MEANS OF LIVING FOR NEARLY 200 000 PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
HE QUESTIONED HOW WE COULD CATER FOR THE LIVELIHOOD OF THESE PEOPLE IF THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY ACTUALLY FELL INTO DECLINE.
IN ALL EVENTS, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY TO OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SECOND POINT, HE SAID THAT DESPITE GOVERNMENT’S FREQUENT ASSERTION ABOUT THE SHORTAGE OF LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT CF AGRICULTURE, THERE WERE STATISTICS TO INDICATE THAT FALLOW LAND HAD INCREASED FROM 1 100 HECTARES IN 1954 TO 4 070 HECTARES.
/+FOR THE........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
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♦FOR THE PURPOSE OF A BETTER ENVIRONMENT, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE SHOULD AIM AT A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN THE PLANNING AND APPLICATION OF LAND USE.
♦APART FROM PROVIDING ENOUGH LAND FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT, SUITABLE AREAS SHOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.*
MR TAM SAID THAT BACK IN 1979, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE HAD PROPOSED IN A PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LAND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CONSOLIDATED AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT CF INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL LAND.
REGARDING THE THIRD POINT, MR TAM SAID IT SEEMED TO HIM THAT AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WAS LOOKED AT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF COMPETITION WITH THE IMPORT OF FARM PRODUCTS FROM CHINA.
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THAT WITH THE HIGH VALUE OF LAND IN HONG KONG AND THE LACK OF SPACE FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE LONG TERM, IT WOULD BE MORE SENSIBLE TO RELY ON CHINA FOR SUPPLYING THE BULK OF THE NEED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE EXISTENCE AND CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY WAS THOUGHT TO BE UNNECESSARY.
MR TAM SAID THIS WAS A BIASED ARGUMENT AS IT OVERLOOKED THE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION OF OUR AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN SUPPLYING THE TERRITORY WITH AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WHICH, IN TERMS OF FRESHNESS AND QUALITY, WERE SUPERIOR TO ALL IMPORTED PRODUCTS AND, AS SUCH, COULD HARDLY BE REPLACED.
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COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES POLICY URGED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD APPOINT AS A MATTER OF URGENCY A POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO COMPREHENSIVELY REVIEW THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES POLICY. THE HON ANDREW WONG SUGGESTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS WOULD ALLOW THE SECTOR TO DEVELOP ON A FREE AND FAIR BASIS INTO REALMS OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY, AND TO MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING OR ANY NEW POLICY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, MR WONG SAID HE PERSONALLY AGREED THAT AN ARTIFICIAL POLICY TO MAINTAIN AN EXISTING MARKET SHARE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY NOR DESIRABLE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AS CONCLUDED BY A VALUE FOR MONEY STUDY CONDUCTED IN 1985.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
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HOWEVER, HE FELT THAT A POLICY CHANGE AS MAJOR AS THIS SHOULD NOT BE MADE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND CALLED FOR THE SETTING UP OF A POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION RATES AND PERCENTAGES IN VEGETABLES, PIGS, POULTRY AND MARINE FISH WERE NOT DUE TO A RIGID AND PROTECTIONIST MARKET SHARE ALLOCATED TO LOCAL PRODUCERS.
HE STRESSED THAT THESE LOCAL PRODUCTS COMPETED IN THE OPEN MARKET WITH IMPORTS AND THE PRODUCTION RATES AND PERCENTAGES WERE THEREFORE REAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF LOCAL PRODUCERS.
REFERRING TO GOVERNMENT’S SUBSIDIES TO THE INDUSTRIES, MR WONG SAID THEY WERE VERY MEAGRE.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE 1987-88 ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE. AN AMOUNT OF $78.8 MILLION HAD BEEN APPROVED FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR ALL REGULATORY EXPENDITURE EXCLUDING COUNTRY PARK EXPENDITURE, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING ACTUAL FIGURE FOR 1985-86 WAS $75.2 MILLION.
BY COMPARISON, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUBVENTIONS TO THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD WOULD BE $232 MILLION AND $56.7 MILLION RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING ACTUAL FIGURE FOR 1985-86 WERE $211.8 AlLLION AND $36.9 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
MR WONG ALSO ATTACHED AS AN APPENDIX TO HIS SPEECH HIS VIEWS ON MARICULTURE IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT STEADY PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARICULTURE HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN RECENT YEARS AND SAID ITS EXISTENCE AND VALUE SHOULD BE RECOGNISED.
HE SAID HE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER ADOPTING FAIR AND REASONABLE PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR THE INDUSTRY IN VIEW OF ITS POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP FURTHER.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
15
FLOOD PROTECTION ACTION 'MEANS BUSINESS’ ft ft * ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT GOVERNMENT’S FLOOD PROTECTION ACTION ♦MEANS BUSINESS* AND HE HAS APPOINTED THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES (DCES) AS GOVERNMENT’S MAIN CO-ORDINATOR IN RELATION TO ALL PREVENTION AND REMEDIAL ACTION AGAINST FLOODING.
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR BARNES SAID HE HAD ALSO RECENTLY REVIEWED BRIEFLY THE RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WHICH HAD RESPONSIBILITY FOR FLOOD CONTROL, AND CONCLUDED THAT THESE PROGRAMMES WERE VERY COMPREHENSIVE AND THAT ALL PARTS OF THE MACHINE WERE WORKING VERY WELL.
♦APART FROM THE FACT THAT WITH SUCH A WEALTH OF UNPLANNED ACTIVITY IN SUCH AN ENORMOUSLY VULNERABLE AREA THE PHYSICAL PROBLEMS OF FLOOD PREVENTION ARE THEMSELVES VERY FORMIDABLE- THE MAIN AREA --------- _ ----------------- __ __ THAT QF co-ordinatION AND OF
TO POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT SEEMS TO BE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY,* HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THAT DCES WOULD AS A MATTER OF URGENCY REVIEW ALL MEASURES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH DRAINAGE AND FLOODS AND ALL KNOWN BLACK-SPOTS WITH A VIEW TO TAKING THE BEST ACTION TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
HE SAID WITH A LAND-FALL OF ONLY 11 METRES OVER THE 9.5 KILOMETRES WHICH SEPARATED PAT HEUNG FROM THE MOUTH OF THE YUEN LONG RIVER, AND A MASS OF UNCONTROLLED ACTIVITY CHANGING THE INTERVENING LANDSCAPE DAY BY DAY TRE NORHT-WEST NEW TERRITORIES WAS LITTLE SHORT OF A DRAINAGE ENGINEER'S NIGHTMARE.
♦THERE ARE HOWEVER FOUR CATEGORY B ITEMS CONCERNED WITH FLOOD CONTROL IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT AND THE DIRECTOR WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT THESE BOTH IN RELATION t6 THE IMPENDING DEVELOPMENT OF TIN SHU I WAI TO WHICH THREE OF THEM ARE RELATED AND THE GENERAL PROBLEMS OF THE AREA.
♦SIMPLER LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING WATER-COURSES WILL ALSO BE LOOKED AT,< MR BARNES SAID.
♦WE ARE TOTALLY AGREED THAT IT IS TIME TO PLAN MORE A 1M£>DAUC SYSTEMATICALLY FOR WORKS ON A CONSIDERABLY LARGER SCALE TO IMPROVE PARTICULARLY THE ACCESS TO AND SANITATION IN THE VILLAGES AND RURAL AREAS-.
♦THIS YEAR'S ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR CONSIDERABLY INCREASES SPENDING ON THESE IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING FOR THE FIRST TIME A PROVISION FOR MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING WORKS, AND WE ARE PLANNING A FAR MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THEM.*
ON THE QUESTION OF PAYMENTS TO FARMERS UNDER THE COMMUNITY RELIEF TRUST FUND, HR BARNES SAID IT WAS TRUE THAT THESE WERE REGARDED AS EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS AND WERE NOT INTENDED TO COMPENSATE THE LOSS, BUT RATHER TO ASSIST FARMERS AT A ^CRITICAL TIME.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
16
CALL FOR URGENT MEASURES TO TACKLE FLOODING * * * * *
THERE IS A PRESSING NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE urgent REMEDIAL MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS OF FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. PARTICULARLY IN RURAL AREAS, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR TAI MADE THE CALL WHEN MOVING A MOTION FOR AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE DAMAGE TO THE FARMING COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES CAUSED BY FLOODING DURING THE MODERATE DOWNPOURS LAST MONTH WAS SEVERE AND VERY EXTENSIVE.
WITH THE BEGINNING OF THE RAINY SEASON AND THE APPROACH OF THE TYPHOON SEASON, HONG KONG COULD ANTICIPATE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE BEING CAUSED BY FLOODING AS WELL AS DANGER TO LIFE, HE ADDED.
MR TAI POINTED OUT THAT FLOODING HAD LONG BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE RURAL AND LOW-LYING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID OVER THE PAST YEAR, THERE HAD BEEN FREQUENT FLOODING IN PAT HEUNG, TIN SHUM, LAU FAU SHA. HA TSUEN AND THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE RAINY SEASON, BUT LITTLE HAD BEEN DONE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASING IMBALANCE IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN FAVOUR OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND LESS AVAILABLE FOR RURAL RESIDENTS, NOT ONLY THE LIVING STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RURAL RESIDENTS HAD NOT BEEN MAINTAINED, BUT IN MANY CASES HAD DETERIORATED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE NOTED.
MR TAI ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MUCH EXPERTISE THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY CONCfRNED WITH ENVIORNMENTAL AFFAIRS, MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE WATER COURSES AND RIVERS HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED OUT OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, RESULTING IN UNCERTAINTY AND SOME CONFUSION AS TO WHERE ACTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES LIE IN REGARD TO RECTIFYING THIS SITUATION.
♦ IN ORDER TO REMOVE THIS UNCERTAINTY AND ALLAY THE WORRIES AND FEARS OF THE RURAL RESIDENTS IN THE AFFECTED AREA THREATENED BY TORRENTIAL RAINS, IMMEDIATE AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES SHOULD NOW BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH THE FLOODING PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
IN REGARD TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MR TAI SAID THE EXISTING PRACTICE WAS THAT A SMALL INTEREST LOAN WOULD BE ADVANCED TO FARMER AFFECTED BY FLOODS AND A HANDOUT OF APPROXIMATELY |1 000 WOULD BE MADE TO LIVE-STOCK FARMERS.
HE FELT IF THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PRACTICE WAS TO ASSIST OR PROVIDE RELIEF TO AFFECTED FARMERS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE PRESENT AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE AS IT WAS TOG LIMITED AND TRULY INADEQUATE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
URGENT ACTION AGAINST NT FLOODING NEEDED K X M M M
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR DOING TOO LITTLE AND TOO LATE IN FLOOD PREVENTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, RESULTING IN CRIPPLING LOSS FOR FARMERS WHENEVER RAINSTORM OCCURS.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS DUNN SAIDi
♦ IT IS NOT ONLY THE MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD THAT IS THREATENED BY FLOOD BUT THE HOMES OF THE FARMERS AND OTHERS WHO LIVE IN THE RURAL AREAS.
♦ OUR FARMERS ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING SOME 34 PER CENT OF OUR VEGETABLES, 39 PER CENT OF OUR POULTRY AND 11 PER CENT OF OUR FRESH-WATER FISH. FLOODING NOT ONLY CREATES FOR THEM CRIPPLING LOSS, BUT ENDS UP PINCHING THE PURSES OF OUR HOUSEWIVES.
MISS DUNN SAID A NUMBER OF COMPLAINT CASES THAT HAD COME TO THE ATTENTION OF OMELCO HAD DRAWN COUNCILLORS TO SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD, AND MUST, ADDRESS IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY FLOODING.
THE FIRST WAS THE NEED FOR SPEEDY ACTION.
♦ AFTER THE FLOODS SUBSIDE, WE HAVE FOUND THAT IT OFTEN TAKES MONTHS OF LENGTHY DISCUSSION AND INVESTIGATION BEFORE THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT IS WILLING TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM.
♦ ANOTHER FEW MONTHS PASS WHILE REMEDIAL ACTION IS CONSIDERED, AND BEFORE WE KNOW IT THE RAINY SEASON IS UPON US AGA IN,+ SHE SAID
THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE APPARENT LACK OF EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION, SHE SAID.
SHE CITED A RECENT COMPLAINT CASE INVOLVING BLOCKED STREAMS IN FANLING CAUSED BY INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING IN WHICH THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TOOK MONTHS TO DECIDE ON THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT REMEDIAL WORKS.
AT THE END, THE COORDINATING DEPARTMENT WHICH HAD NEITHER THE STAFF RESOURCES NOR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE FOR THE REMEDIAL WORKS REQUIRED, HAD TO RELY ON PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR A SOLUTION. THIS MEA&T FURTHER MONTHS OF DELAY AND IS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH, SHE SAID.
WHILE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WERE POURED INTO DEVELOPING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NEW TOWNS AND ENSURING A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO ATTRACT NEWCOMERS, VERY LITTLE WAS DONE, IN COMPARISON, FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE NON-URBAN PARTS CF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY OVERALL POLICY OR PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEW RURAL POPULATION IN PROPERLY LAID OUT VILLAGES.
/riiB absence....
WEDNESDAY, f-..,Y 6, 1987
18 -
THE ABSENCE OF PROPER PLANNING HAD MEANT THAT THE RURAL POPULATION HAD TO BE ACCOMMODATED IN A MUCH MORE HAPHAZARD FASHION THAN WAS DESIRABLE. THOUSANDS LIVED IN HOMES THAT WERE SUBJECT TO FLOODING, SHE ADDED.
MISS DUNN HOPED THAT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE WOULD GENERATE INITIATIVE THAT WOULD FIRST, AND QUICKLY. LEAD TO AN ABATEMENT FLOODING RISKS. IT SHOULD THEN TACKLE ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS IS ING FROM THE NEGLECT OF DEVELOPMENT REALITIES IN THE NEW RR(TORIES.
FLOOD CONTROL TEAM SHOULD BE SET UP *****
THE HON LAU WONG-FAT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A FLOOD CONTROL TEAM TO PREVENT MAN-MADE FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LAU SUGGESTED THAT CONTRACTORS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DRAINAGE WORK IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS BEFORE COMMENCING WORK AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE.
HE SAID THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE DRAINAGE WORK, THE FLOOD CONTROL TEAM SHOULD CONDUCT AN INSPECTION AND ONLY THEN SHOULD CONSTRUCTION WORK BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED.
♦ THE FLOOD CONTROL TEAM MAY ALSO BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FLOOD CONTROL TEAM WOULD INEVITABLY INVOLVE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
♦HOWEVER, WOULD IT NOT BE MORE ADVISABLE TO ALLOCATE MORE FUNDS FOR DEVISING PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAN TO FORK OUT SUMS OF MONEY IN COMPENSATION AFTER EACH FLOODING?* HE QUESTIONED.
HE SAID THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF MAN-MADE FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE PROTECTION TO PEOPLE’S LIFE AND PROPERTY.
HE SAID THAT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF THE NEW TOWNS, VAST AREAS OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE BEING DEVELOPED IN CONNECTION WITH VARIOUS PROJECTS.
AS A RESULT OF WORK AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, ELEVATION OF EMBANKMENTS WHEN CONSTRUCTING ROADS AND STORING BUILDING MATERIALS, THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM WAS INADVERTENTLY ALTERED OR BLOCKED.
/THIS H .1)......
WEDNEbDA) , KAY 6, 1??7
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this had led to flooding in low-lying areas whenever there WAS HEAVY RAINFALL DURING THE WET SEASON. THE SITUATION WAS ?tcTicilLT«oi?A?!2eS ,N ™E N0RTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN PARTS OF I nt Ntw ItKKITORlES.
♦EVERY YEAR, FLOODING RESULTING FROM HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSES INESTI MATABLE LOSSES TO CROPS AND LIVESTOCK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AFFECTING THE LIVELIHOOD OF FARMERS,♦ HE NOTED. ,ES'
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PHARMACY AND POISONS LIST UPDATED K M * * M
THE PROPOSED PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENTS NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1987 AND THE POISON LIST (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 REFLECT THE LATEST UPDATING OF THE LIST AND SCHEDULES BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO EXTEND THE EXISTING POISON CLASSIFICATION OF QUININE AND ITS SALTS TO DERIVATIVES OF QUININE AND THEIR SALTS, SINCE THESE SUBSTANCES HAD THE SAME PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AS THE PARENT COMPOUND,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE (CAP. 138), THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD WAS EMPOWERED TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND POISONS, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE LIST OF POISONS UNDER CONTROL AND THE VARIOUS SCHEDULES CF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS WERE UPDATED BY THE BOARD FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN NEW PRODUCTS REQUIRING CONTROL APPEARED ON THE MARKET, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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DUTY RATES INCREASED TO MEET INFLATION * * * X X
THE MAIN PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THE INCREASES IN EXISTING DUTIES IS TO MAINTAIN THE DUTY RATES IN REAL TETERMS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING A MOTION ON THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, MR YAXLEY SAID THE INCREASED DUTIES CAME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 25, 1987 PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER SIGNED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR.
♦THE PROPOSALS ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF H65 MILLION IN 1987-88 i 160 MILLION FROM HYDROCARBON OIL, 150 MILLION FOR INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND IMPORTED ALCOHOL, AND 155 MILLION FROM TOBACCO,♦ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
20
EXTENSION OF 30 000 NT LEASES PROPOSED * * M *
THE ONLY PRACTICABLE WAY OF EXTENDING 30 000 LEASES IN THE l€W TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON WHICH EXPIRE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997 IS BY LEGISLATION, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL, MR BARNES SAID THE BILL WAS ESSENTIALLY ABOUT TWO THINGS, BOTH COVERED BY ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
THE FIRST WAS THE STATUTORY EXTENSION OF MOST NEW TERRITORIES LEASES. UNDER CLAUSE 6, ALL LEASES, EXCEPT SHORT-TERM TENANCIES AND LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES, WOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED WITHOUT A REQUIREMENT FOR PAYMENT OF PREMIUM.
HE SAID SOME OF THE LEASES WHICH WOULD BE EXTENDED CONTAINED SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION IF THE LAND WAS RESUMED BY GOVERNMENT. IF THE PRESENT FORMULA FOR CALCULATING COMPENSATION WERE RETAINED THE LESSEE WOULD RECEIVE CONSIDERABLY MORE THAN ORIGINALLY INTENDED.
HE EXPLAINED THE FORMULA WHICH WOULD ENSURE THAT CONTINUED TO BE PAYABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORIGINAL
COMPENSATION PRINCIPLE.
.u_ . SA’D THE SECOND MAIN ISSUE WAS SHORT-TERM TENANCIES
AND LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES WHICH WERE SPECIFICALLY EXCEPTED FROM THE PROVISIONS REGARDING RENEWAL IN PARAGRAPH 2 OF ANNEX III
OF JOINT DECLARATION.
. *WHEN THESE LEASES FALL DUE THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH
De?eK!iT^;:ss:.A§RA^frsN*ii1>?'<,"G ,nto account
ON LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES, WHICH HE SAID WERE USUALLY GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES, A COMMON FEATURE WAS THAT MOST CONTAINED A PERMANENT PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT AND WOULD NOT BE AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED.
TO AVOID ANY UNCERTAINTY OF TITLE TO LAND A CLAUSE IN THE BILL REQUIRED THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (LAND OFFICER) TO INDICATE LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES BY MAKING A NOTE TO THAT EFFECT ON THE LAND CFFICE REGISTER.
HE SAID THERE WERE 842 LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSFS AND path WOULD BE EXAMINED BEFORE A DECISION WAS TAKEN ON WHETHER TO EXTEND
IT.
♦HOWEVER, MOST LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES WILL BE EXTENDED, PROVIDED THE LAND IS STILL BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS ORIGINALLY GRANTED AND IS NOT REQUIRED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE,+ HE SAID.
FFFFP?RrJA?ucSBEXPLANATORY PAMPHLET OUTLINING NOT ONLY THE BE^DEALT^WITH A^N?STRAT?vF|HY^AnAlcc/2R SPEC,AL PURPOSES WOULD ik. uchli wiin ADMINISTRATIVELY HAD BEEN PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION.
o
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
LEGISLATIVE EFFECTS TO TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED
*****
A BILL GIVING LEGISLATIVE EFFECTS TO FOUR CONCESSIONS IN PERSONAL TAXATION, TWO IN PROFITS TAX AND ONE IN PROPERTY TAX AND INTEREST TAX WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, POINTED OUT THAT CLAUSE 8 OF THE BILL REDUCED THE STANDARD TAX RATE FOR BOTH PERSONAL TAXATION AND PROPERTY TAX AND INTEREST TAX FROM 17 PER CENT TO 16.5 PER CENT.
PROVISION FOR THE REDUCTION OF THE RATE OF TAX ON THE PROFITS OF CORPORATIONS FROM 18.5 PER CENT TO 18 PER CENT WAS CONTAINED IN CLAUSE 2 AND 7, HE ADDED.
THE AMENDMENTS TOOK EFFECT FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT ON APRIL 1, 1987.
AS REGARDS THE REFORM MEASURE, MR YAXLEY SAID PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD APPLY TO ARRANGEMENTS ENTERED INTO AFTER THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON FEBRUARY 25, 1987.
♦PAST ARRANGEMENTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED,♦ HE ADDED.
MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE TIME APPORTIONMENT ASSESSMENT OF SALARIES TAX SET OUT IN CLAUSE 11 OF THE BILL WAS A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION.
♦FURTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND APPROPRIATE AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------c-------
MOVE TO REVISE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES * * * * *
THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL WHCH PROVIDES FOR THE INCREASE IN THE ANNUAL BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, SAID THAT IhE AMENDMENT WAS SET OUT IN CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL AND WA$ DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 118 OF THE 1987 BUDGET SPEECH.
THE BILL CAME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, 1987 SIGNING OF AN ORDER BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD RAISED BY THE 1987 IS ESTIMATED TO BE |2O MILLION.
DEBATE ON THE BILL HAS BEEN ADJOURNED.
following the DAVID AKERS-JONES,
REVISED FEE FOR
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/22........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
22
BILL TO RAISE VEHICLE FEES INTRODUCED * * * * *
THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION
A BILL SEEKING TO INCREASE FEES FOR
OF MOTOR VEHICLES, PROVISIONAL AND FULL DRIVING LICENCES DRIVING TESTS, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY. SAID THE REVISED FEES WERE SET OUT IN CLAUSES 2 AND 5 OF THE BILL'WHICH AMENDED THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS AND THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS RESPECTIVELY.
THEY HAD COME INTO EFEECT ON FEBRUARY 25 AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
AS PART OF THE BUDGET PROPOSALS THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD FROM THE INCREASED FEES FOR 1987-88 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $45 MILLION.
DEBATE ON THE BILL HAS BEEN ADJOURNED.
--------o----------
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENT FEES INCREASES BRING $20 MILLION
* * * * *
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCREASES IN VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENT FEES, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REVISED FEES, WHICH WILL ADD AN ESTIMATED |20 MILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT REVENUE FOR 1987-88, ARE CONTAINED IN CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL, HE ADDED, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
THE BILL AMENDS THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS AND CAME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 25, 1987 AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE AS PART OF THE BUDGET PROPOSAL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL HAS BEEN ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 19B7
INDEPENDENT CORPORATION FOR OCEAN PARK * ft ft ft ft
AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY CORPORATION WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO OVERSEE THE OPERATION OF THE OCEAN PARK, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL, MR LIAO SAID THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL WAS TO PROVIDE FOR Ihe disengagement of the royal hong kong jockey club from
THE OCEAN PARK LIMITED.
♦THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS PROPOSED TO DIVEST ITSELF OF THE OCEAN PARK LIMITED WITH A CASH ENDOWMENT OF *200 MILLION.
♦THE
ENDOWMENT WILL BE PAID INTO A STATUTORY FUND, THE OCEAN PARK TRUST FUND, WHICH WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OCEAN PA&K CORPORATION. COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN, A DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND FIVE OTHER MEMBERS, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,♦
MR LIAO SAID.
THE BOARD WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING AND DEVELOPING OCEAN PARK AS A PUBLIC RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PARK AND EMPOWERED TO INVEST MONEYS OF THE FUND, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE
TRUSTEE ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.
♦AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE FUTURE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF OCEAN PARK FOR THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD UP TO JUNE 30, 1991 WAS UNDERTAKEN BY CONSULTANTS APPOINTED BY GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER
LAST YEAR.
♦THE CONSULTANTS CONFIRMED THAT OCEAN PARK WOULD BE ABLE TO SUPPORT ITS PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE CASH BALANCE AT THE END OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR, PROVIDED THAT THE EXISTING ATTENDANCE LEVELS COULD BE SUSTAINED AND ASSUMING A MINIMUM OF EIGHT PER CENT RETURN ON INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND,+ MR LIAO SAID.
THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION ORDINANCE WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ON A DATE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SO AS TO COINCIDE WITH APPOINTMENT OF THE BOARD OF THE OCEAN PARK AND THE RECEIPT OF THE CASH ENDOWMENT FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR LIAO SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
2't
ESTATE DUTY BILL INTRODUCED *****
A BILL SEEKING TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSAL IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR TWO CONCESSIONS RELATING TO ESTATE DUTY WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, SAID THE AMENDMENTS APPLIED IN RELATION TO THE ESTATES OF PERSON DYING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1987 AND THE ESTIMATED COST TO THE REVENUE WAS #25 MILLION PER ANNUM.
♦TO REDUCE THE INFLATIONARY ELEMENT INHERENT IN THE RISE IN ASSET VALUE IN RECENT YEARS, CLAUSE 6 ADDS A NEW SEVENTEENTH SCHEDULE REDUCING THE RATES OF DUTY PAYABLE ON ESTATES VALUED BELOW |5 MILLION,♦ MR YAXLEY SAID.
♦THE EFFECT OF CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL IS THAT PROPERTY, WHICH NOTIONALLY PASSES ON DEATH FOR THE PURPOSES OF ASSESSING ESTATE DUTY. WILL NOT INCLUDE GIFTS INTER VIVOS MADE BY THE DECREASED WHICH, IN THE CASE OF ANY ONE DONEE, DID NOT EXCEED IN THE AGGREGATE >100 000,+ HE SAID.
THE EXISTING EXEMPTION APPLIED TO GIFTS NOT EXCEEDING >50 000, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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THREE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE
*****
THREE AMENDMENTS TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WERE INTRODUCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS SEEK TO INTRODUCE CERTAIN PRESUMPTIVE LEVELS IN RESPECT OF ANY FORM OF FOUR SPECIFIED DANGEROUS DRUGS SO THAT A PERSON FOUND IN POSSESSION OF MORE THAN THESE LEVELS MAY BE PRESUMED TO HAVE HAD THE DRUGS IN HIS POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSE CF TRAFFICKING; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON FOUND IN DIVAN OR ESCAPING FROM ONE IS PRESUMED TO KNOW THE NATURE OF THE DRUG HE HAS BEEN TAKING; AND TO SET OUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE COURTS IEED NOT CONSIDER A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE REPORT.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE REASON FOR AMENDING THE PRESUMPTIVE LEVELS WAS THAT IN CASES OF POSSESSION OF DRUGS FOR UNLAWFUL TRAFFICKING, THE LAW AT PRESENT DID NOT LAY DOWN ANY PRESUMPTIVE LEVELS FOR CERTAIN DANGEROUS DRUGS FOUND OTHER THAN IN TABLET OR CAPSULE FORM.
/J.IHCIHCALI.Y, ill ERE.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 25 -
SPECIFICALLY. THERE WERE NO PRESUMPTIVE LEVELS FOR COCAINE, AMPHETAMINE, METHAQUALONE AND QUINALBARBITONE, ALL OF WHICH COULD EXIST IN POWDER FORM, HE SAID.
♦THIS AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE THE PROSECUTION TO ESTABLISH MORE EASILY THAT A DEFENDANT WAS IN POSSESSION OF THESE DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING.+
AS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WAS AIMED ENTIRELY AT THE ILLICIT SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID. +A PERSON WHO IS IN POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS DRUG IN ANY QUANTITY AND IN ANY FORM, LAWFULLY SUPPLIED OR PRESCRIBED BY A REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IS EXEMPTED UNDER THE LAW.+
ON THE PRESUMPTION REGARDING DRUGS CONSUMED IN DIVANS, W JEAFFRESON SAID AS THE LAW NOW STOOD, +ANY PERSON FOUND IN OR ESCAPING FROM A DIVAN SHALL, UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVED, EE PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN SMOKING, INHALING, INGESTING OR INJECTING A DANGEROUS DRUG THEREIN*, BUT THE PROSECUTION MUST PROVE THAT THE PERSON KNEW THAT THE DRUG INVOLVED WAS A DANGEROUS ONE.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT SOUGHT TO INCORPORATE AN ADDITIONAL PROVISION OF PRESUMPTION SO THAT A PERSON FOUND IN A DIVAN SHOULD NOT ONLY BE PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN USING A DANGEROUS DRUG THERE BUT ALSO TO HAVE KNOWN THE NATURE OF THE DRUG.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE COURTS AT PRESENT MUST CONSIDER A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE REPORT PREPARED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BEFORE IMPOSING ANY CUSTODIAL SENTENCE ON A PERSON CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE INVOLVING SIMPLE POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS OR EQUIPMENT FOR TAKING . DANGEROUS DRUGS.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD PROVIDE THAT THE COURTS NEED NOT CONSIDER SUITABILITY REPORTS WHEN, IN THE SAME PROCEEDINGS, THE OFFENDER WAS ALSO CONVICTED OF ANOTHER MORE SERIOUS OFFENCE AND WAS SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT FOR MORE THAN NINE MONTHS FOR THAT OFFENCE; OR WHEN THE OFFENDER WAS ALREADY IN PRISON SERVING A SENTENCE OF MORE THAN NINE MONTHS. . .
A PERIOD OF NINE MONTHS HAD BEEN SPECIFIED IN THE BILL TO CONFORM WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE WHICH STIPULATED THAT IF A PERSON IN RESPECT OF WHOM A DETENTION ORDER WAS IN FORCE WAS SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT FOR A TERM OF MORE THAN NINE MONTHS, THE FIRST-MENTIONED DETENTION ORDER SHOULD CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT, HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
26
BILL PROPOSES TO CONTROL OBNOXIOUS INDUSTRIES *****
DRAFT REGULATIONS INCLUDING MEASURES TO PREVENT THE DISCHARGE CF NOXIOUS OR OFFENSIVE EMISSIONS, LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR PREMISES USED FOR SPECIFIED PROCESSES, AND A PUBLIC RIGHT OF OBJECTION TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES WERE INTRODUCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR CHAMBERS SAID UNDER THE DRAFT REGULATIONS, PREMISES CURRENTLY USED FOR SPECIFIED PROCESSES WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS WITH THE EXCEPTION CF THE PLANTS LISTED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE. ALL OF WHICH HAVE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL FEATURES INCORPORATED INTO THEIR DESIGN AND WHICH WILL THEREFORE BE ABLE TO MEET THE LICENSING STANDARDS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1983 TO REPLACE THE FORMER CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE, AND TO ENABLE THE INTRODUCTION OF MEASURES TO CONTROL ALL AIR POLLUTANTS EMITTED FROM STATIONARY SOURCES, INCLUDING A WIDE RANGE CF TOXIC EMISSIONS.
♦BESIDES MAKING PROVISION FOR THE ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES CAUSED BY AIR POLLUTION AND THE BANNING OF UNSUITABLE FUELS AND MATERIALS, THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS TO CONTROL 23 CLASSES OF INDUSTRY, KNOWN AS ♦SPECIFIED PROCESSES+ WHICH ARE LISTED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE,+ M? CHAMBERS SAID.
♦IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING DRAFT REGULATIONS TO CONTROL THESE SPECIFIED PROCESSES, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE REQUIRED AMENDMENT IN ORDER TO AMPLIFY OR CLARIFY ITS PROVISIONS.*
♦CLAUSES 2(A) AND (B)(1) AMENDS SECTION 14 OF THE ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THAT ONLY CERTAIN DETAILS OF APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION RATHER THAN THE FULL TEXT OF APPLICATIONS, SO THAT COMMERCIAL SECRETS WILL BE PROTECTED,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID CLAUSE 2(B)(I I) AND CLAUSE 3 PROVIDED THAT HEALTH RISKS SHOULD CONSTITUTE LEGITIMATE GROUND FOR AN OBJECTION TO THE GRANT OF A LICENCE FOR A PARTICULAR EMISSION.
♦AT PRESENT THE ONLY GROUNDS FOR OBJECTION ARE THAT THE PROCESS WOULD INHIBIT THE ATTAINMENT OR MAINTENANCE OF AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES DECLARED UNDER THE ORDINANCE,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE SAID CLAUSES 4, 11 AND 15(A) PROVIDED FOR ANNUAL CHARGES TO MEET THE COST OF SURVEILLANCE FOR LICENSED AND EXEMPTED PREMISES, IN ADDITION TO THE ADMINISTRATION COSTS OF THE LI CE NS I NG SYSTEM. THIS PROVISION WILL BRING THIS ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH THE WATER
POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 27 -
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT THERE WAS AT PRESENT SOME CONFUSION ABOUT THE REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES IN RESPECT OF APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWAL OF LICENCES.
♦ CLAUSES 5(B) AND 8(A) AND (C) MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL ONLY APPLY WHEN THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE SO DIRECTS,♦ HE ADDED.
CLAUSE 5(0 DELETED THE REQUIREMENT IN SUB-SECTION 16(4) CF THE ORDINANCE FOR THE AUTHORITY TO RENEW OR REFUSE TO RENEW A LICENCE 21 DAYS BEFORE ITS EXPIRY.
♦ PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT REGULATIONS TO AVOID DISRUPTION TO OPERATIONS BECAUSE OF A DELAY IN LICENCE RENEWAL,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID CLAUSES 6, 13 AND 14 WOULD PERMIT THE TRANSFER OF LICENCES, WHICH WAS NOT POSSIBLE UNDER THE ORDINANCE AT PRESENT, WHILE CLAUSES 6, 7 AND 12 PROVIDED PENALTIES FOR THE SUPPLY OF FALSE INFORMATION AND FOR CONTRAVENING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A LICENCE OR EXEMPTION.
♦ THERE IS PROVISION IN CLAUSE 15(B) FOR PENALTIES FOR CONTINUING CONTRAVENTIONS, WHICH ALSO DO NOT EXIST AT PRESENT.
♦ CLAUSES 9 AND 10 STIPULATE THAT ONLY THE PERSON WHOSE LICENCE IS CANCELLED OR VARIED OR THE OWNER OF THE PREMISES WHOSE EXEMPTION IS CANCELLED OR VARIED MAY LODGE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO SAID THE DEFINITION OF +IRON AND STEEL WORKS+ IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE WAS EXPANDED TO BRING IT INTO LINE WITH DEFINITIONS OF OTHER METALLURGICAL WORKS. A GAS PRODUCTION PLANT AT TA I PO IS ADDED TO THE THIRD SCHEDULE, WHICH IS A LIST OF PLANTS EXCLUDED FROM EXEMPTION.
♦ THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT WHEN A LICENCE OR EXEMPTION IS CANCELLED OR VARIED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST COMPENSATION SHALL BE PAYABLE,♦ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
♦ CLAIMANTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO AGREE WITH THE AUTHORITY ON THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID MAY HAVE THEIR CLAIMS REFERRED TO A TRIBUNAL SPECIALLY APPOINTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOURTH SCHEDULE.♦
HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE FOR SUCH CASES TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL AND CLAUSES 18 AND 19 EFFECTED THIS CHANGE.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THESE DRAFT REGULATIONS HAD UNDERGONE EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY. HE URGED THE OPERATORS AFFECTED TO STUDY THEM CAREFULLY AND ANY COMMENTS AND ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
28
IMPROVEMENTS TO LIFTS AND ESCALATORS SAFETY PROPOSED *****
THE USE AND SOPHISTICATION OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS HAS INCREASED GREATLY SINCE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1960 AND THERE IS A NEED TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE TO IMPROVE AND UPDATE PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
HE SAID THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE NEEDED WIDENING TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PASSENGER CONVEYORS AND SERVICE LIFTS IN NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAK INGS.
PASSENGER CONVEYORS DIFFERED FROM ESCALATORS. THEY HAD ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED IN EMPIRE CENTRE AND HARBOUR CITY AND THEIR USE WAS LIKELY TO INCREASE. IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE DEFINITION OF ESCALATOR BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE PASSENGER CONVEYORS.
ALL SERVICE LIFTS IN FACTORIES WERE SUBJECT TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING (GOODS LIFTS) REGULATIONS WHICH DID NOT APPLY TO SERVICE LIFTS IN NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS. IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A NEW PART BE ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE TO EXTEND SAFETY PROVISIONS TO NON-INDUSTRIAL SERVICE LIFTS.
MR BARNES SAID QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF STAFF INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND INSPECTION OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS WERE CRUCIAL TO SAFETY.
THE EXISTING ORDINANCE DID NOT STIPULATE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF LIFT AND ESCALATOR ENGINEERS WHICH WERE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED TO STIPULATE THAT QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD BE A HIGHER DIPLOMA OR HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING CR EQUIVALENT; AND THAT EXPERIENCE SHOULD COMPRISE AT LEAST TWO YEARS’ RELEVANT APPRENTICESHIP PLUS AT LEAST THREE YEARS’ SUBSEQUENT WORK ON LIFTS OR ESCALATORS.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID, THERE WERE CURRENTLY NO QUALIFICATION OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFT AND ESCALATOR WORKERS WHICH HAD BEEN A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR IN A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS.
TO RECTIFY THIS, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A NEW SECTION BE ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE WHICH SPECIFIED QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE FOR LIFT AND ESCALATOR WORKERS AND THAT ONLY REGISTERED LIFT OR ESCALATOR ENGINEERS, COMPETENT EXPERIENCED LIFT OR ESCALATOR WORKERS, OR WORKERS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED BY EITHER OF THE FORMER TWO CATEGORIES BE PERMITTED TO CARRY OUT LIFT OR ESCALATOR WORKS.
/MR BARNES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 29 -
MR BARNES SAID IMPROVEMENTS IN LIFT AND ESCALATOR SAFETY LARGELY RELIED ON ANALYSIS OF ACCIDENTS ON EXISTING LIFTS AND ESCALATORS.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A NEW SECTION BE ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE REQUIRING ANY OCCURRENCE WHICH HAD CAUSED DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY, OR WHERE THERE HAD BEEN A MAJOR MECHANICAL OR SAFETY DEVICE FAILURE, TO BE REPORTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND bECHANICAL SERVICES.
ANOTHER MEASURE TO IMPROVE SAFETY WAS THE PROPOSAL TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY UNAUTHORISED PERSON TO ENDANGER HIMSELF OR OTHERS BY INTERFERING WITH ANY PART OF LIFT OR ESCALATOR INSTALLATIONS.
THE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALSO TAKEN TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS.
MR BARNES SAID LIFT AND ESCALATOR CONTRACTORS WERE NOW REGISTERED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON THE ADVICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES.
AFTER REGISTRATION, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD FREQUENT CONTACT WITH THE CONTRACTORS, WHEREAS THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAD VERY LITTLE.
IN ORDER TO MAKE THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF THESE CONTRACTORS MORE DIRECT AND EFFECTIVE, IT WAS PROPOSED TO TRANSFER THIS FUNCTION FROM THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HE SAID.
HE SAID CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFTS AND ESCALATORS WERE PRESENTLY CONTAINED IN THE BUILDING (LIFTS) REGULATIONS AND BUILDING (ESCALATORS) REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
TO RATIONALISE ADMINISTRATION, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT AT A LATER STAGE PROVISIONS FROM THESE REGULATIONS OF AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL NATURE BE TRANSFERRED TO A NEW SET OF REGULATIONS TO BE MADE UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE. IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT A NEW SECTION BE ADDED TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE THESE REGULATIONS.
♦SEVERAL OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED IN THE BILL ALL CF WHICH SERVE TO IMPROVE STANDARDS, SAFETY OR TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE,* MR BARNES SAID.
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/3O........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
jo
KCRC REPORTS >117 MILLION PROFIT * * *
NET PROFIT OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR WAS 1117 MILLION, REPRESENTING A 113 PER CENT INCREASE TO 1985, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE fl BILLION DEBT DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT AT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CORPORATION WAS COMPLETELY REPAID FOLLOWING THE REPAYMENT OF THE REMAINING 1500 MILLION IN 1986, MR YAXLEY SAID IN TABLING THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1986.
TOTAL REVENUE AMOUNTED TO |734 MILLION AND TOTAL CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES WERE f535.8 MILLION AND >155.2 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
MR YAXLEY NOTED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN ALL AREAS OF ACTIVITY DURING LAST YEAR.
TOTAL DOMESTIC PASSENGER TRAFFIC GREW BY 12.2 PER CENT TO 114.2 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS.
CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL THROUGH LO WU REACHED 19 MILLION PASSENGER MOVEMENTS, WHICH REPRESENTED 82 PER CENT OF ALL CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL FOR THE YEAR.
FREIGHT CARRIED TO AND FROM CHINA CONTINUED TO GROW BY 51 PER CENT AND 31 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
♦TO MEET THE GROWING DEMANDS AND CHANGING NEEDS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, THE CORPORATION HAS ORDERED 25 SETS OF NEW ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNITS, WITH THE FIRST SET EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR SERVICE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR,+ MR YAXLEY SAID.
♦THESE EXTRA UNITS, TOGETHER WITH THE MODIFICATION OF THE CURRENT FLEET OF 60 SETS, WILL INCREASE THE PASSENGER-CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE RAILWAY BY ABOUT 75 PER CENT.+
REFERRING TO THE CORPORATION’S FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ITS RAILWAY FACILITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR, MR YAXLEY SAID IT HAD MADE SOUND PROGRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE LRT IS NOW TAKING SHAPE IN TUEN MUN AND PREPARATORY WORK IS WELL ADVANCED IN YUEN LONG. PHASE ONE IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST 1988,♦ HE SAID.
THE CORPORATION HAD ALSO COMPLETED STUDIES TO APPRAISE FUTURE ROUTES TO COMPLETE THE SYSTEM IN THE REGION. MR YAXLEY SAID THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE LRT TO THE URBAN AREAS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/Noting that .......
WEDNESDAY, HAY 6, 1987
31
NOTING THAT FEEDER BUS SERVICES TO THE LRT WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION AND 25 DOUBLE DECKERS HAVE BEEN ORDERED, MR YAXLEY SAID THESE WOULD COMMENCE OPERATIONS IN THE LATTER PART OF THIS YEAR.
THE EXPANSION OF THE RAILWAY FREIGHT TERMINAL ON THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION WAS BEING STUDIED BY THE CORPORATION.
♦THIS DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT IF THE PROJECTED INCREASE IN RAIL FREIGHT ANTICIPATED FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF DOUBLE-TRACKING FROM BEIJING THROUGH TO SHENZHEN IN 1988 IS TO BE MET,* HE ADDED.
MR YAXLEY CONCLUDED THAT, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAD CLEARLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS AN EFFICIENT OPERATOR MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, AND HAD RUN
OF ONE OF HONG KONG'S THE FULLY ELECTRIFIED
HE CONGRATULATED EXCELLENT RESULTS.
KCR EFFICIENTLY AND PROFITABLY.
THE BOARD, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ON THEIR
- 0 -
MTRC DEBT REPAYMENT FORECAST REALISTIC ft ft ft ft ft
A TOTAL OF 532 MILLION PASSENGERS WERE CARRIED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IN 1986, WHICH IS AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT OVER THE 463 MILLION CARRIED’ IN 1985, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON JOHN YAXLEY SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE MTRC FOR 1986, MR YAXLEY SAID THE CORPORATION’S TOTAL REVENUE, DERIVED MAINLY SOM FARES, ROSE BY MORE THAN 21 PER CENT FROM 11.4 BILLION TO 11.86 BILLION AND ITS PROFIT BEFORE INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT FROM >372 MILLION TO 1472 MILLION.
♦THESE FIGURES DEMONSTRATE THAT COSTS WERE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE FINAL SECTION OF THE ISLAND LINE WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON MAY 23, 1986.
♦THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF FINANCE FOR THE CORPORATION’S INVESTMENT OF 124 600 MILLION IN ITS THREE RAILWAY LINES HAS BEEN LOANS WHICH AGGREGATED 119 200 MILLION AT DECEMBER 31, 1986.♦
WITH COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION, INTEREST ON THESE LOANS BECAME FULLY CHARGEABLE TO THE CORPORATION’S PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT IN 1986.
/+THESE CHARGES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 52 -
+THESE CHARGES AMOUNTED TO H«tl 408 MILLION, COMPARED WITH HK«1 106 MILLION IN 1985, AND CAUSED THE CORPORATION TO SUFFER A LOSS AFTER INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES OF HK$936 MILLION IN COMPARISON WITH A LOSS OF HK>788 MILLION A YEAR EARLIER.
L0SS WAS OFFSET TO A MATERIAL EXTENT BY A PROFIT OF HK|482 MILLION REALISED DURING THE YEAR ON PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, SO THAT THE FINAL LOSS FOR THE YEAR WAS HKB470 MILLION, A fSN?i2^RABhf l!?YiR2vE^nIn0N THE L0SS °F HK’788 MILLION SUFFERED in HR YAXLEY ADDED.
SUFFERED
SA,D HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE ITS INHERENT PROFITABILITY IN FUTURE YEARS.
+BUT, FOR SOME YEARS TO COME, ITS HEAVY BURDEN OF DEBT AND THE INTEREST CHARGES ON THAT DEBT WILL MEAN THAT LOSSES AFTER ° i!ISfsIvWlkk “nt,muea ^though they will be reduced to a useful DEGREE ?T PROFITS ON PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE REALISED AS DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND ARE COMPLETED.♦ HE ADDED.
MR YAXLEY SAID THE CORPORATION’S CAPITAL STRUCTURE. AND THE SHARE CAPITAL AND DEBT COMPONENTS OF THAT STRUCTURE, WA§ EXHAUSTIVELY ANALYSED BY THE CORPORATION AND BY GOVERNMENT WITH THE AID OF INDEPENDENT MERCHANT BANKING FIRMS TWO YEARS AGO.
^11U ♦,AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THAT ANALYSIS AND AFTER REVIEW BY THIS eSaor’h. J..WAME91BSB JO INCREASE THE CORPORATION’S AUTHORISED 8 t*ARE CAPITAL, T0 ,8SUE SHARES WITH A NOMINAL VALUE OF HK*5 000 MILLION T0 THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED IN PARTLY PAID ^2RtuaN?oI° PAY UP *** 500 M,LL,0N 08 THOSE PARTLY PAID SHARES IN TWO TRANCHES.*
™A8cHE OF HKfl 500 MILLION WAS PAID IN CASH TO
0M DECEMBER 31, 1985 ANB, IN TERMS OF THE COMMITMENT ShS?w!hTUf commitIee. the second tranche of hk>i ooo MILLION WILL BE PAID TO THE CORPORATION IN CASH BY APRIL 1988, HE SA I De
ne ?F CURRENT FORECASTS AND ESTIMATES, THE BOARD
™ l£!,.£2?P2RJT,OM AND 1 M0PE ™AT IT WILL N0T PROVE NECESSARY TO REQUEST THIS COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE REMAINING SUM OF HK|2 500 MILLION.
TO APPROVE PAYMENT
1 MUST CAUTION THAT ALL FORECASTS ARE FRAIL,+ HE STRESSED.
REASONABLE STABILITY
♦THOSE TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED ASSUME
•R JHE WORLD's CAPITAL MARKETS, AND HENCE IN INTEREST RATES, FOR TK»EE TO FIVE YEARS AND THEY ASSUME ALSO THAT THE MTRC WILL NOT SO’LD EXTENSIONS TO ITS SYSTEM, APART FROM THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WHICH IS BEING FINANCED BY AN INNOVATIVE MEANS ANALOGOUS TO A LONG-TERM LEASE.
/+WITH THE
WKDNEf.DAY, MAY 6, 198?
♦WITH THE ABOVE RESERVATION, I AM SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION’S CAPITAL STRUCTURE IS APPROPRIATE TO ITS VERY LARGE, VERY LONG-TERM CHARACTERISTICS AND I BELIEVE THAT ITS FORECAST OF REPAYMENT OF ITS DEBTS BY ABOUT THE END OF THE CENTURY IS REALISTIC IN THE LIGHT OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UPON WHICH the forecast rests.*
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE CORPORATION’S FINANCES AND ITS DEBT WERE WELL MANAGED AND IT HAD ESTABLISHED A GOOD STANDING WITH THE HONG KONG AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
HE THANKED THE BOARD, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE VERY EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER IN WHICH THEY HAVE MANAGED THE CORPORATION.
------o-------
RIGHT OF INFORMATION LAW RULED OUT M M M M
HONG KONG WILL BE BETTER SERVED BY BUILBING ON ITS OWN SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC AND BY DEVELOPING A MORE ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR FORD SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS, HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED A SYSTEM WHICH INVOLVED A STRONG ELEMENT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT.
♦AS ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THIS PROCESS IS TO ENSURE THAT INFORMATION IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH A WIDE VARIETY OF OUTLETS.
♦IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO A CONSTANT STREAM OF REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR INFORMATION AND THE MEDIA,* HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THAT THE THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, THE DISTRICT BOARDS. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE WIDESPREAD NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES PROVIDED FURTHER CHANNELS OF INFORMATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC.
♦MANY OF THEIR MEETINGS ARE NOW HELD IN PUBLIC AND COMMITTEES AND BOARDS WHICH STILL MEET IN CAMERA USUALLY MAKE KNOWN THEIR DELIBERATIONS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MEETING THROUGH PRESS CONFERENCES.*
SO THERE COULD BE LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE WELL SERVED IN TERMS OF THEIR ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, HE SAID.
/MR TORD, ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- -
MR FORD. HOWEVER. POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS ROOM FOR FURTHER MOVES TOWARDS OPEN GOVERNMENT.
+SOME MORE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES COULD CONSIDER OPENING THEIR MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC, SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICERS COULD MORE READILY RESPOND TO REQUESTS FROM THE MEDIA THAN THEY DO AT PRESENT.
♦I BELIEVE THAT THE GRADING OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS COULD BE MORE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE NOT OVERCLASSIFIED.
♦THIS SHOULD RESULT IN GOVERNMENT MORE FREELY AVAILABLE,♦ HE SAID.
INFORMATION BEING MADE
BUT MR FORD ALSO SAID THAT TO LEGISLATE TO PROVIDE A RIGHT THE RIGHT WAY TO PROCEED.
HE HAD YET TO BE CONVINCED THAT TO INFORMATION WAS NECESSARILY
♦EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA AND UNITED STATES, FOR EXAMPLE. HAS SHOWN THAT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LEGISLATION l£ DIFFICULT TO OPERATE IN PRACTICE AND COSTLY TO IMPLEMENT.
♦IN THESE COUNTRIES IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE RIGHT ACCESS TO INFORMATION CANNOT BE ABSOLUTE- THERE HUST BE SPECIFIED EXEMPTIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS AND TO ENSURE THE PROPER CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR FORD ADDED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IN CANADA HAS LED CIVIL SERVANTS TO BE RELUCTANT TO PUT THEIR VIEWS ON PAPER AT ALL.
HE SAID.
-------o----------
NO URGENCY IN DECIDING on REPLACEMENT AIRPORT *****
IT IS UNLIKELY THAT A DECISION ON A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BEFORE 1990-91, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM.
♦THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT IN THE LONGER TERM, HONG KONG WILL REQUIRE A NEW AIRPORT BUT THE QUESTION OF TIMING IS CRUCIAL,♦ ME SAID.
/MR YAXLEY
WEDNESDAY, HAY 6, 1987
- 35 -
MR YAXLEY EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO EXAMINE THE ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND TO CONSIDER WHETHER ANY WORK COULD BE DONE TO EXTEND ITS USEFUL LIFE.
♦PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE RUNWAY CAPACITY AT KAI TAK WILL NOT COME UNDER STRAIN UNTIL 1999, REACHING SATURATION POINT PROBABLY AROUND 2005,♦ HE SAID.
♦OBVIOUSLY IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE MAJOR INVESTMENT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE IN THE KAI TAK.+
HOWEVER, MR YAXLEY ALSO ADDED THAT IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO BRING FORWARD THIS TIMETABLE IF FREIGHT AND PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT KAI TAK INCREASED FASTER THAN CURRENT TRENDS INDICATED.
A STEERING COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WAS ESTABLISHED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR TO EXAMINE THE WESTERN HARBOUR-LANTAU STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL PREPARED BY THE HOPEWELL HOLDINGS CONSORTIUM, HE SAID.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER.
IN THE VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE PROPOSAL CONCERNED MEDIUM TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND THUS, IT MUST BE LOOKED AT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT, THE PORTS AND ROAD DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID.
A TEAM UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO WORK WITH THE CONSORTIUM’S PLANNERS TO DETERMINE HOW THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE PROPOSAL COULD FIT INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
♦THIS CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT SHOULD RESULT IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT’S INTENDED LONG TERM DEVELOPMENTS,^ MR YAXLEY SAID.
CONCERNING THE MANPOWER IMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM THIS PROJECT, HE SAID THAT GOVERNMENT PLANNERS WOULD PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO SUCH FACTORS IN THEIR DELIBERATIONS, AND WOULD BEAR IN MIND THE PREFERENCE FOR A PHASED APPROACH.
IN PARALLEL WITH THIS STUDY, MR YAXLEY SAID VARIOUS OPTIONS IN RELATION TO A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT WERE UNDER CONSIDERATION.
♦THE PREVIOUS STUDY ON CHEK LAP KOK IS OF RELEVANCE BECAUSE THAT SITE REMAINS AN OPT I ON.♦
-------0----------
/36........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
56 -
POLICE FIRING UNDER STRINGENT GUIDELINES * * * * *
A POLICE OFFICER MAY FIRE TO PROTECT HIMSELF OR ANY OTHER PERSON FROM DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY OR IN ORDER TO ARREST ANYONE HE SUSPECTS OF HAVING COMMITTED A SERIOUS OR VIOLENT CRIME. PROVIDED THAT NO LESSER DEGREE OF FORCE CAN ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A POLICE OFFICER FIRE IN A CONFINED OR CROWDED AREA, WHERE IT IS LIKELY THAT AN INNOCENT PERSON WILL BE INJURED,+ HE SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.
HE SAID THAT CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS TO POLICE OFFICERS ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH JUSTIFY THE USE OF FIREARMS AND THE USE OF FORCE GENERALLY, ARE SET OUT IN POLICE GENERAL ORDERS.
A POLICE OFFICER MUST NEVER USE MORE THAN THE MINIMUM FORCE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE HIS OBJECTIVE.
WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT, HE MUST GIVE A WARNING, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBEY THAT WARNING, BEFORE USING FORCE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
♦POLICE GENERAL ORDERS ALSO WARN POLICE OFFICERS THAT, IF THEY USE UNJUSTIFIABLE FORCE, THEY ARE LIABLE TO CRIMINAL OR CIVIL ACT I ON,♦ HE ADDED.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT ALL POLICE OFFICERS ARE TAUGHT TO HANDLE FIREARMS AS PART OF THEIR BASIC TRAINING. OFFICERS AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF 60 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION ON WEAPONS AND FIRE AT LEAST 480 ROUNDS OF REVOLVER AMMUNITION.
TRAINING PROGRESSES FROM SHOOTING AT STATIONARY TARGETS IN LOW LIGHT.
AN OFFICER AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL MUST PASS WRITTEN AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS ON WEAPONS HANDLING AND A FIRING QUALIFICATION TEST, HE ADDED.
AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL, MR JEAFFRESON SAID OFFICERS MUST ATTEND TWEE FIRING SESSIONS EACH YEAR, TAKING THEIR ANNUAL QUALIFICATION TEST ON THE THIRD SESSION. OFFICERS WHO NEED IT ARE GIVEN EXTRA INSTRUCTION BEFORE THEY TAKE THE TEST.
♦UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS AN OFFICER ALLOWED TO CARRY A FIREARM UNTIL HE HAS PASSED THE TEST,+ HE SAID.
IN 1987 ABOUT 23 000 POLICE OFFICERS WILL EACH FIRE 138 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF QUALIFIED FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS.
OFFICERS POSTED TO THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT OR TO OTHER SPECIALIST UNITS WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL TRAINING.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 37 -
HE SAID AT PRESENT THE POLICE HAVE ONLY THREE FIRING RANGES OUTSIDE THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AND POLICE TACTICAL UNIT.
♦THREE MORE ARE PLANNED TO BE READY WITHIN THE NEXT 3-A YEARS,+ f£ SAID.
IN ADDITION, A COMPUTER-AIDED LASER SIMULATOR WILL BE INTRODUCED AND WILL BE USING MORE VIDEO AND SLIDE PHOTOGRAPHY TO MAKE FIREARMS TRAINING MORE REALISTIC, HE ADDED.
PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION SCHEME A SUCCESS
*****
A PILOT SCHEME ON PRIVATE STREETS RESUMPTION LAUNCHED IN 1983 HAS PROVED TO BE A SUCCESS AND WAS GENERALLY WELL RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CHIU HlN-KWONG, MR LEUNG SAID THAT SEVEN PRIVATE STREETS - FOUR IN KOWLOON AND THREE IN HONG KONG - WERE RESUMED UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION)
FOLLOWING RESUMPTION, ALL ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE CLEARED AND ROAD SURFACES RECONSTRUCTED AND ALL WORKS WERE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED BY 1986.
♦IN LIGHT OF THIS EXPERIENCE, NINE MORE PRIVATE STREETS WERE SELECTED IN EARLY 1986 FOR RESUMPTION. FIVE OF THESE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESUMED AND CLEARANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION WORK WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY. PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE REMAINDER IS IN HAND,+ HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT TO BETTER CO-ORDINATE THE CONTINUED RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE STREETS IDENTIFIED TO HAVE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND TO MONITOR PROGRESS, A PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED LAST AUGUST UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
♦ANNUAL RESUMPTION PROGRAMMES HAVE NOW BEEN DRAWN UP. FOR 1987/88, 11 PRIVATE STREETS WILL BE RESUMED. FROM 1988/89 ONWARDS, THE RESUMPTION TARGET WILL BE INCREASED TO 25 STREETS EACH YEAR, SUBJECT TO RESOURCES BEING MADE AVAILABLE,♦ MR LEUNG SAID.
THE PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION COMMITTEE HAD DRAWN UP A SET OF SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING PRIORITIES.
/+THE5E CRITERIA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 38 -
♦THESE CRITERIA ARE SAFETY FACTORS. TRAFFIC CONSIBERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS,♦ MR LEUNG SAIB.
RESUMPTION WILL BE USEB MAINLY IN THE CASE OF PRIVATE STREETS UNDER MULTIPLE-OWNERSHIP AS OTHER SOLUTIONS TENS TO BE MORE READILY AVAILABLE IN THE CASE OF STREETS UNBER SINGLE OWNERSHIP, WHERE IT IS EASIER TO PWSUABE OWNERS TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENT WORKS THEMSELVES OR TO NEGOTIATE A VOLUNTARY SURRENBER.
♦WE ARE CONF I BENT THAT, THROUGH THE SUSTAINEB ANB CO-ORDINATED EFFORTS UNBER THE PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION PROGRAMME ANB PUBLIC SUPPORT, THE PROBLEM OF POORLY MANAGED PRIVATE STREETS WILL GRABUALLY BE RESOLVED,♦ HE SAID.
-------o ---------
ASBESTOS REMOVAL SUBJECT * * *
TO REGULATORY CONTROL M M
THE DISTURBANCE OR REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS IS SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNBER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING (ASBESTOS) SPECIAL REGULATIONS IMS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE MON JOffl CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, MR CHAMBERS SAID UNDER THESE REGULATIONS, CONTRACTORS WERE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR 20 DAYS BEFORE COMMENCING WORK SO THAT ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE INTO THE SCOPE OF SUCH WORK.
♦THE REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRED CONTRACTORS EITHER TO USE EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF ASBESTOS DUST INTO THE AIR, OR TO PROVIDE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING FOR EACH PERSON EMPLOYED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ASBESTOS PROCESS OR IN ANY PLACE INTO WHICH ASBESTOS DUST IS LIABLE TO ESCAPE,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE LOOSE ASBESTOS TO BE KEPT IN A CLOSED RECEPTABLE WHICH PREVENTS THE ESCAPE OF ASBESTOS DUST, ANB PROVIDE FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING OF PLANT AND PREMISES.*
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE USE OF THE MORE DANGEROUS BLUE AND BROWN ASBESTOS WAS NOT PERMITTED.
♦THE REGULATIONS SHOULD THEREFORE ENSURE THAT ALL STAFF WORKING WITH ASBESTOS, AND OTHER EMPLOYEES NEARBY WHO MAY BE AFFECTED, ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED, AND ALSO PROVIDE A CONSIDERABLE MEASURE OF PROTECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,+ HE ADBED.
/The environmental
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 39 -
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT. HE SAID, WAS DEVELOPING A BRIEF FOR CONSULTANTS TO EXAMINE THE EXTENT OF THE ASBESTOS PROBLEM IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON POSSIBLE ANALYSIS AND INSPECTION SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
♦CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THE NEED FOR FURTHER REGULATORY CONTROLS, INCLUDING THE LICENSING OF CONTRACTORS FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF ALL GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR LEASED BUILDINGS WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ASBESTOS MATERIALS NEED TO BE REMOVED.
♦WHERE REMOVAL IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY, THIS WILL BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WHERE REMOVAL IS CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY, REGULAR MONITORING WILL BE CARRIED OUT.+
------0-------
CIVIL AVIATION POLICY EXPLAINED * * * * *
HONG KONG'S AVIATION POLICY IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE HONG KONG TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND TO ENABLE HONG KONG-BASED AIRLINES TO COMPETE EFFICIENTLY WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS. THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RICHARD LAI, HE SAID THE POLICY WAS FORMULATED ON THE ADVICE OF THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD AND SUBSEQUENTLY CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 1985.
IN ADDITION, MR YAXLEY DESCRIBED AS MISCONCEPTION ALLEGATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWED AN INFLEXIBLE AND NON-VARIABLE ♦ONE AIRLINE PER ROUTE* POLICY WHICH CONFERRED A MONOPOLY ON AN INCUMBENT AIRLINE.
HE REFERRED TO TWO STATEMENTS ON GOVERNMENT'S AIR TRANSPORT POLICY MADE BY SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE AND MR JACOBS TO THE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20, 1985 AND ON FEBRUARY 18 THIS YEAR.
♦THESE TWO STATEMENTS OUTLINED THE COMPLEXITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS, THE VERY REAL DEGREE OF COMPETITION THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL AND THE LIMITATION ON OPTIONS OPEN TO THE GOVERNMENT IN BILATERAL AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS,♦ HE SAID.
-------0----------
Ao.....
WEDNESDAY, HAY 6, 19*7
- <+0 -
PLACEMENT SERVICE OF DISABLED EMPLOYEES WORKING WELL ft * * * *
THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE SUGGESTED THAT 9< OR 27 PER CENT, OUT OF A SAMPLE OF 349 BLIND PEOPLE IN THE 15-60 AGE BRACKET MIGHT BE UNEMPLOYED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR BRIDGE SAID THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER LAST YEAR ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED ON BEHALF OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE.
4-IN 19BO A SPECIAL DIVISION WAS SET UP IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE BLIND,* HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE DIVISION TRIED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLEB THROUGH THE MASS MEBIA ; TO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH INDUSTRY AND TO CONDUCT STUDIES TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE TYPES OF JOBS FOR THE DISABLED.
HE ADDED THAT THE DIVISION ALSO TRIED TO SOLICIT JOB VACANCIES FOR THE DISABLED BY VISITING AND WRITING TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS; TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR EACH JOB; AND TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS BY MAKING AWARDS TO THOSE WHO EMPLOY THE MOST; AND PUBLICISING THEIR EFFORTS AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS.
♦SINCE THE DIVISION WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY 1980 IT HAS MANAGE! TO PLACE ABOUT 4 500 DISABLED PEOPLE, OF WHOM ABOUT 400 WERE BLIND,* MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE SAID THIS NUMBER MIGHT SEEM DISAPPOINTINGLY SMALL. BUT SEEING HOW DIFFICULT IT COULD BE FOR THOSE WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES TO FIND JOBS AND THAT SO MANY BLIND PEOPLE HAD MANAGED TO DO SO, HE STRESSED THIS NUMBER HAD REFLECTED WELL BOTH ON THEIR OWN EFFORTS AND ON THOSE OF VARIOUS AGENCIES IN BOTH PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT.
♦I KNOW THAT EVERY SUCH PLACEMENT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF ‘ DEDICATION AND HARD WORK ON THE PART OF ALL CONCERNED,* HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID IN 19B2 A TECHNICAL AID AND RESOURCE CENTRE WAS SET UP IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
♦ITS PURPOSE IS TO DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE EQUIPMENT OR TO ADAPT MACHINES TO ENABLE DISABLED PEOPLE TO BE TRAINED FOR, AND WORK IN, A WIDER RANGE OF JOBS,* HE EXPLAINED.
♦THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION RUNS A FUND WHICH
PROVIDES GRANTS TO DISABLED WORKERS AND THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THE ADAPTATION OF MACHINERY OR PREMISES AND THE MANUFACTURE OR DIRECT PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD ENABLE A DISABLED PERSON TO MAKE
FULLER USE OF HIS WORKING ABILITY,♦ HE ADDED.
/MR BRIDGE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
41
MR BRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WERE LOOKING INTO THE MEASURES OF IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF THE DISABLED. INCLUDING THE BLIND.
HE SAID THEY WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
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26 EX-SERVICEMEN APPLY FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP * * * * X
TWENTY-SIX APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SINCE APRIL 30, 19B6 FOR REGISTRATION AS BRITISH CITIZENS UNDER SECTION 4(5) OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1M1 FROM EX-SERVICEMEN. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE BDTC'S OR OTHER BRITISH NATIONALS WHO HAVE SERVED WITH THE VOLUNTEERS OF OTHER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UNITS AS SPECIFIED IN THE FIRST CATEGORY UNDER THE ACT.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JOHN SWA I NE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID 17 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN APPROVED AND NINE WERE STILL BEING PROCESSED.
♦AS REGARDS EX-SERVICEMEN IN THE SECOND CATEGORY (NON-BDTC’S OR NON-BRITISH OR THOSE WHOSE SERVICE WAS NOT WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BUT WITH THE REGULAR FORCES), THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY APPLICATIONS SO FAR,* HE SAID.
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HIGHWAY NOISE BARRIERS NOT SUITABLE TO HK * * * * *
THERE ARE FEW LOCATIONS IN HONG KONG WHERE NOISE BARRIERS WOULD BE EFFECTIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAM-LUNG, MR BARNES SAID A STUDY OF NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES USED IN JAPAN WAS CARRIED OUT IN JULY 1985 BY A MEMBER OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
HIS MAIN FINDING WAS THAT NOISE BARRIERS WERE WIDELY USED, AND FAIRLY WELL SUITED.TO JAPAN, WHERE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WAS MOSTLY LOW RISE. MR BARNES SAID MOST SUCH BARRIERS COULD ONLY EFFECTIVELY REDUCE NOISE UP TO ROUGHLY FIVE OR SIX FLOORS ABOVE ROAD LEVEL.
/+IN HONG KONG,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 198?
42
♦IN HONG KONG, WHERE OUR DEVELOPMENT IS MOSTLY HIGH-RISE, THERE ARE FEW LOCATIONS WHERE SIMPLE NOISE BARRIERS WOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND THE BEST NOISE PROTECTION IS DISTANCE,* HE SAIB.
♦NEVERTHELESS, NOISE BARRIERS WILL BE USED WHERE THEY WOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICABLE.*
MR BARNES SAID ALONG THE SECTION OF ROUTE 5 RUNNING FROM TSUEN WAN TO SHA TIN, THERE WAS PROVISION FOR NOISE BARRIERS ADJACENT TO MEI LAM ESTATE IN SHA TIN.
ALSO, ON THE KAM TIN BYPASS, NOISE BARRIERS WOULD BE INSTALLED ON TOP OF EARTH MOUNDS SHOULD THEY BE FOUND EFFECTIVE, MR BARNES SAID.
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FLOODING CONTROL MEASURES TO BE BETTER CO-ORDINATED
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES HAS BEEN GIVEN OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY TO CO-ORDINATE FLOODING CONTROL MEASURES, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TOLB THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR BARNES SAID THE DIRECTOR WOULD HAVE TO REVIEW ALL THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING REMEDIAL WORKS, EMERGENCY MEASURES AND FOR INFORMATION ON FLOODING.
♦IF WE ARE DOING REASONABLY WELL NOW, HE MUST ENSURE THAT WE DO BETTER,♦ HE ADDED.
MR BARNES WENT ON TO OUTLINE THE WAYS IN WHICH GOVERNMENT SOUGHT TO PREVENT flooding.
HE SAID FIRSTLY, IT REQUIRED ITS OWN CONTRACTORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT EXCAVATION MATERIAL OR BUILDING DEBRIS FROM ENTERING THE STORM-WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM ON A HALF-FINISHED CONSTRUCTION SITE.
THIS REQUIRED A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT OF SUPERVISION ON THE PART OF THE CONTRACTOR AND ALSO A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF REGULAR SITE INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE.
SECONDLY, FOR PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SITES, APPOINTED AUTHORISED PERSONS WERE BOUND TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS TOOK SIMILAR PRECAUTIONS IN RESPECT OF THEIR WORK SITES.
♦IF A CONTRACTOR FAILS TO DO THIS, HE CAN BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, AND IF CONVICTED, IS LIABLE TO A FINE OR IMPRISONMENT,* MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID OBVIOUSLY HOW EFFECTIVELY EVERYBODY - AND IT WAS A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED ALL OVER THE TERRITORY -SUCCEEDED IN DOING HIS PART VARIED AND DEPENDED AT LEAST IN PART ON WARNING OF BAD WEATHER.
/+BUT THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- '♦J -
♦ BUT THE SITUATION WOULD BE VERY BAD INDEED IF THE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PRETTY WELL,* HE SAID.
THE NEXT LINE OF DEFENCE, MR BARNES SAID, WAS DESILTING ALL THE MAJOR STORM-WATER NULLAHS AND CULVERTS.
THIS WAS NORMALLY DONE ONCE A YEAR, WITH NULLAHS SUBJECT TO HEAVY SILTING BEING CLEARED AS MANY AS FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
DURING TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS, THE HIGHWAYS, URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS MUST ALL ENSURE THAT ALL DRAINS AND SURFACE CHANNELS WERE KEPT CLEAR.
HE SAID THE CAPACITY TO DRAIN AWAY VERY HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF RAINFALL WAS A BASIC NECESSITY FOR THE ENGINEERING OF ALL URBAN DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WAS WHY ALMOST EVERY NEW TOWN WAS BLESSED WITH AT LEAST ONE NULLAH RUNNING THROUGH ITS MIDDLE.
THERE WERE NOT FOOL-PROOF, HOWEVER- IF THEY GOT BLOCKED, WATER PILED UP UNTIL THE BLOCK WAS CLEARED.
CLEARANCE MAY TAKE TIME, BUT THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE MARGIN OF CAPACITY EVEN FOR VERY HEAVY RAINFALL AND GENERALLY SPEAKING THE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, WHEN COMPLETED, WERE EXCELLENT, HE ADDED.
WITH ALL THIS, SOME AREAS WOULD ALWAYS BE SUSCEPTIBLE.
♦ IN CHA KWO LING AND LEI YUE MUN, WHICH MR POON MENTIONED SPECIFICALLY, I UNDERSTAND THAT RECENT FLOODS WERE LOCAL. PARTICULARLY IN THE SQUATTER AREAS, WHERE THERE ARE SCATTERED MAN-MADE DEPRESSIONS PARTICULARLY PRONE TO FLOODING, AND CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL DUMPING OF REFUSE AND DEBRIS IS LESS EFFICIENT,♦ MR BRANES SAID.
♦ SO I THINK THAT THIS SYSTEM IS SUFFICIENTLY COMPREHENSIVE AND I SEE ONLY ONE MAJOR IMPROVEMENT WHICH NEEDS MAKING.
♦BECAUSE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE DIFFUSE, IT IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO BE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO GAPS IN THE SYSTEM.
* *
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ONE BILL PASSED M * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1987 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TEN OTHER BILLS - THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987* THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 1987, THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987. THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987. THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 13.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
44
HK FARES WELL AFTER JOINT DECLARATION ft * ft * *
THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT HAS BEEN WELCOMED BY THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND BY HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS INVESTORS AND TRADING PARTNERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TO THE BELG I UM-HONG KONG SOCIETY AT A BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN BRUSSELS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), ADDING THAT THE INGREDIANTS FOR MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WERE THERE AND THAT THE TERRITORY HAD FARED WELL SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT-DECLARATION.
SPEAKING ON THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FUTURE OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WITH RETURNING CONFIDENCE, THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG HAD RESPONDED TO OPPORTUNITIES AFFORDED BY THE GROWTH IN WORLD TRADE, BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA AND MORE GENERALLY DEVELOPMENT IN THE REST OF THE PACIFIC REGION.
ON BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE WAS A GROWTH RATE OF JUST UNDER NINE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND EIGHT PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OF INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY IN 1986.
♦ALSO INDICATIVE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE HAS BEEN THE REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN INVESTMENT IN ALL SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET,♦ HE SAID.
IN 1986, HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE AMOUNTED TO U.S.I71 BILLION SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT IN TERMS OF TOTAL TRADE, HONG KONG WA THE WORLD’S 13TH LARGEST TRADER.
there was also a rapid growth in re-exports of china origin IN 1986 AND EARLY 1987. REFLECTING THE RE-EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR ENTREPOT OF CHINA.
ON HONG KONG-BELGIUM TRADE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IT HAD BEEN ON A STEADY INCREASE IN RECENT YEARS AND THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE WAS ABOUT NINE PER CENT.
♦HONG KONG IS NOW A MAJOR COMMUNICATION CENTRE FOR THE FAR EAST. IN THE LAST DECADE, IT HAS ALSO BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES OF THE WORLD,♦ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IT WAS SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND WAS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF SINGAPORE.
♦AT THE SAME TIME, THERE HAS BEEN VAST EXPENDITURE ON THE WELFARE FOR A GROWING POPULATION,+ HE SAID, QUOTING EXAMPLES OF FREE EDUCATION FOR EVERY CHILD, MEDICAL SERVICE WITH ONLY NOMINAL CHARGES AND PUBLIC HOUSING FOR NEARLY HALF OF THE POPULATION.
/+THERE IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
♦there is an increasingly elaborate network of social welfare BENEFITS, AND LEGISLATION TO PROTECT WORKERS EXTENDS INTO ALMOST EVERY AREA OF EMPLOYMENT.♦
SIR DAVID ATTRIBUTED HONG KONG’S SUCCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES WHICH PROVIDED THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO ALLOW PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND TO PROSPER.
♦HONG KONG HAS ITS LAWS AND ITS REGULATORY MECHANISMS BUT WITHIN THOSE LIMITS, DECISIONS ARE LEFT TO THE MARKET PLACE AND THE PRESSURES OF COMPETING RESOURCES.
♦THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THAT ONE OF THE MOST ABSORBING AND IMPORTANT HATTERS FACING HONG KONG WAS TO DECIDE ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT AND ITS BUREAUCRATIC MACHINERY.
♦THERE IS A GREAT AND HEALTHY DEBATE GOING ON IN HONG KONG AT THE PRESENT TIME ABOUT THIS AND, FROM THIS DEBATE, WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO TWEE YEARS FIRM PRINCIPLES WILL HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ON THE PROCESSES WHICH WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TO BE FORMED,* HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, SIR DAVID SAID THAT BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAD JOINTLY COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO IMPLEMENT THEIR DECLARATION IN ALL ITS SUPPORTIVE DETAIL.
HE CITED EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL PROGRESS ALREADY ACHIEVED SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED TWO YEARS AGO, WHICH INCLUDED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HONG KONG'S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AS A SEPARATE ENTITY.
♦FULL AGREEMENT HAS ALSO ALREADY BEEN REACHED ON THE RANGE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO BE USED BY HONG KONG’S RESIDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.♦
AGREEMENT HAD ALSO BEEN REACHED ON THE LEGISLATION REQUIRED TO EXTEND TO 2047 LAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS WHICH EXPIRED IN 1997, AND ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHARING THE INCOME FROM THE SALE OF LAND BETWEEN THE PRESENT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND POST 1997 GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
♦BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR DETERMINATION TO MAKE THE JOINT DECLARATION WORK.
♦GOODWILL AND UNDERSTANDING ON THE PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS WELL WILL BE NECESSARY IN SMOOTHING THE WAY AHEAD,♦ HE ADDED.
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/U6........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 19*7
46
SIGNIFICANCE OF ASIA-PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT STRESSED * * * * *
EUROPE SHOULD REGARD THE EMERGING ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC AREA AS A CHALLENGE, RATHER THAN CONFRONTATION, THE BELGIAN MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND FOREIGN TRADE, MR HERMAN DE CROO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR DE CROO, WAS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE LUNCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, +HONG KONG GATEWAY TO CHINA AND THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN REGION* HELD IN BRUSSELS TODAY.
ADDRESSING SOME 150 DELEGATES ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC AREA FOR BELGIUM AND HER EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS, MR DE CROO SAID, *THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE TO THE WORLD ECONOMY OF THIS HUGE REGION HAS INCREASED IN TRULY SPECTACULAR FASHION IN RECENT YEARS AND EUROPE SHOULD NOT AND INDEED CANNOT AFFORD TO VIEW THIS SHIFT OF FOCUS OF WORLD TRADE AS CONFRONTATION BUT RATHER AS A CHALLENGE WHICH IT MUST ENDEAVOUR TO TAKE UP.*
MR DE CROO ALSO SAID, *IN BELGIUM ALONE, VARIOUS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE BELGIAN OFFICE OF FOREIGN TRADE AND VARIOUS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, HAVE BEEN PRIME MOVERS IN PROMOTING MUTUALLY PROFITABLE ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN THE REGION*.
♦IN THIS CONTEXT, I BELIEVE THAT GRATEFUL THANKS ARE DUE TO THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED *BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY* WHICH HAS INVITED SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED EXPERTS WITH PRACTICAL
KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG TO COME AND SPEAK HERE TODAY AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES,* THE MINISTER SAID.
ON BELGIUM’S TRADING TRADITIONS WITH HONQ KONG AND CHINA, MR DE CROO NOTED THAT +THEY ARE IN FACT THE LINCHPIN OF THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMIC INFLUENCE IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.*
♦ A SPECIFIC ILLUSTRATION SUPPORTING THIS ASSERTION IS THE FACT THAT AROUND 30 BELGIAN FIRMS OF ALL KINDS HAVE AN AGENCY IN HONG KONG, WHILE OUR BANKING SECTOR, MORE PARTICULARLY THE BELGIAN BANK, WHICH HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS THERE FOR OVER 50 YEARS AND HAS 15 OR SO HIGHLY CONSPICIOUS BRANCHES, PLAYS A LEADING ROLE IN THE TERRITORY’S AFFAIRS.
HE ALSO SAID BELGIAN FIRMS WERE MANAGING TO SUSTAIN A RELATIVELY SUBSTANTIAL FLOW OF TRADE IN GOODS WHICH - IN MANY CASES - WERE RE-EXPORTED TO THE CHINESE MAINLAND.
♦ IN ADDITION TO OUR MAIN EXPORT - DIAMONDS. WE ARE AWARE OF AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR BELGIAN CONSUMER GOODS IN HONG KONG, MAINLY LEISURE AND FOOD STUFFS.
♦ AS FOR IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG, THESE INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN 1986 BUT ARE STILL BELOW THE VALUE OF BELGIUM’S EXPORTS TO THE TERRITORY,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO LARGE SCALE PROJECTS, MR DE CROO SAlDt
/♦BELGIAN INDUSTRIES .......
WEflELDAY, MAY 6, 1987
♦ BELGIAN INDUSTRIES ARE FOCUSSING THEIR ATTENTION ON THE SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT FOR MAJOR LOCAL ELECTRICITY GENERATING FIRMS AND FOR HONG KONG’S PORT. AIRPORT, ROAD AND TOWN PLANNING INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEMES.
THE INTEREST OF OUR BUILDING INDUSTRY FIRMS IS SUCH THAT MY COLLEAGUE - THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS - IS GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SECONDING AN EXPERT FROM HIS DEPARTMENT TO OUR CONSUL-GENERAL IM HONG KONG IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN OUR LOCAL COMMERCIAL OFFICE WHICH MONITORS THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECTS IN HONG KONG ITSELF AND IN SOUTHERN CHINA.*
THE MINISTER STRESSED THAT HE WAS SURE THAT THE CONFERENCE WOULD SERVE TO AWAKEN THE INTEREST OF BELGIAN IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY HONG KONG AND THE ASIAN REGION.
PAY SCALE ADJUSTMENTS APPROVED MOI
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED EXPENDITURE OF Si 325 MILLION FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PAY SCALES OF CIVIL SERVANTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE PAY RISE OF 6.30 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER BAND, 6.AO PER CENT FOP THE MIDDLE BAND AND 7«13 PER CENT FOR THE LOWER BAND WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR AND WILL BE ,NTROOUCED AT THE END OF THIS MONTH. DIRECTORATE LEVEL CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE AN AVERAGE OF 6.27 PER CENT RISE.
ALSO COVERED DY THE PAY REVISION ARE SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH ENJOY FULL SUBSIDY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL FOLLOWED THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESULTS OF A RECENT PAY TREND SURVEY OF 6* PRIVATE COMPANIES CONDUCTED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE SURVEY TOOK INTO ACCOUNT ONLY INCREASES RELATING TO COST OF LIVING, COMPANY PERFORMANCE AND GENERAL INCREASES IN MARKET AREAS AND EXCLUDED OTHER INCREASES SUCH AS MERIT PAYMENTS AND PAY SCALE INCREMENT.
A8
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1937
- 48 -
CONSULTANT STUDY ON CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, IN PLANNING FOR THE PROPER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES, HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CENTRALISED FACILITY FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF TSI NG Yl ISLAND WHICH IS CONSIDERED SUITABLE AS IT IS FAR AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH TREATMENT FACILITIES WAS ESSENTIAL IF HONG KONG WAS TO AVIOD EXTENSIVE POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES.
AT THE SAME TIME, TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MARPOL CONVENTION WHICH WAS EXTENDED TO HONG KONG IN 1984, A RECEPTION FACILITY FOR MARINE OILY AND CHEMICAL WASTES WAS URGENTLY REQUIRED.
AN AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ERL (ASIA) LTD. THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $6.5 MILLION, IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
DURING PHASE ONE, THE CONSULTANT HAS TO PRODUCE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND PREFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FACILITY. THE CONSULTANT WOULD ALSO CARRY OUT AN INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EA) AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPROPRIATE CONTROL ICASURES AND REQUIREMENTS. THIS WOULD INCLUDE RISK EVALUATION TO ENSURE THAT ALL NECESSARY SAFETY MEASURES WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF THE FACILITY.
THE CONSULTANT WOULD ALSO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND CONTRACTUAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECTS, AND MAKE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS.
SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO PROCEED WITH PHASE TWO, THE CONSULTANT WOULD PREPARE TO INVITE TENDERS FROM EXPERIENCED WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE FACILITY.
DURING PHASE THREE, THE CONTRACTOR WOULD CARRY OUT SITE CONSTRUCTION WITH A VIEW TO COMMISSIONING THE FACILITY IN EARLY 1990.
TO ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS WERE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT DURING THE DESIGN STAGE OF THE PLANT, THE CONTRACTOR WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A DETAILED EIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1M7
'‘9
EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT TECHNICAL SCHOOL * * M M *
SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AN* THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING VISITED TANG SH1U KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THE MEMBERS WERE MR DAVID CHEUNG, MRS RITA FAN, THE REV. J.G. FOLEY, MR M. PAOLI AR I AND MRS MABLE CHOW.
ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR WONG SHEK-WAH, AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SERVICING UNIT), MR NG KOON-CHEE, THE VISITORS WERE GIVEN A CONDUCTED TOUR OF TH& SCHOOL PREMISES BY THE ACTING PRINICPAL OF THE SCHOOL, MR MA CHI-SAU.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL WAS ONE OF THE OLDEST GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WHICH OFFERED A TECHNICALLY-ORIENTED EDUCATION.
the party was also told how commercial and technical subjects COULD DE EFFECTIVELY BLENDED INTO THE CURRICULUM WHICH ALSO AIMED TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH GENERAL ACADEMIC EDUCATION CONSISTING OF ENGLISH, CHINESE, MATHEMATICS, ARTS AND SCIENCE SUBJECTS.
BOYS IN THE SCHOOL WERE OFFERED A GENERAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY COURSE UP TO FORM 2 BEFORE THEY WERE STREAMED INTO EITHER METAL OR WOOD BIASED CLASSES. GIRLS WERE OFFERED THE OPTIONS OF EITHER THE SCIENCE, THE COMMERCE OR THE HOME ECONOMICS STREAM.
THE VISITORS ALSO NOTED THAT THE SCHOOL OFFERED MATRICULATION CLASSES FOR STUDENTS WHO PREPARED TO FURTHER STUDIES IN ENGINEERING AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.
_ _ _ _ o-----
COURSE FOR BANKING TRAINING OFFICERS OFFERED * * * M M
TRAINERS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE ON INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES, WHICH IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AND THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE FOUR-DAY COURSE FROM MAY 26 WILL ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO IDENTIFY AND ANALYSE TRAINING NEEDS, TO STRUCTURE AND SEQUENCE LEARNING MATERIALS, TO ORGANISE ROLE-PLAY AND CHAIR DISCUSSION SESSIONS**” T0 SEL*CT AND PREPARE V.SUAL AIDS FOR USE IN TRAINING
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A 20-MINUTE SESSION WHICH WILL BE VIDEO-TAPED FOR PLAYBACK DISCUSSION.
/COURSE FEE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
- 50 -
COURSE FEE IS $427. BUT QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REFUNDED HALF OF THE FEE UNDER THE COUNCIL’S SUBSIDISED TRAINING SCHEME.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 12. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY EARLY AS THE CLASS IS LIMITED TO 15 PERSONS.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE COURSE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY CF THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 255.
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NEW HOME FOR RARE ANIMALS AND BIRDS *****
TWENTY-TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES KEPT IN THE CUSTODY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE FLOWN TO THEIR NEW HOME IN PEKING, CHINA, ON FRIDAY (MAY •).
THESE ANIMALS AND BIRDS, WHICH WILL JOIN THE BREEDING COLONIES IN THE PEKING ENDANGERED ANIMAL BREEDING CENTRE, ARE SEVEN RHESUS MONKEYS. FOUR BURMESE PYTHONS, TWO FISCHER’S LOVEBIRDS, EIGHT DERBYAN PARAKEETS AND A YOUNG ASIATIC BLACK BEAR.
THE LATTER WAS DISCOVERED AND CAPTURED AT MUK WU VILLAGE IN TA KWU LING IN EARLY MARCH THIS YEAR.
THESE PROTECTED SPECIES WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA IMPORT AND EXPORT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, DR EDGAR LI ONG, AT THE AFD AIRPORT ANIMAL HOSTEL BEFORE DEPARTURE.
PRESENT AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY WILL BE THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, AND SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HAND INQ-OVER CEREMONY AT THE AFD AIRPORT ANIMAL HOSTEL AT 61, CONCORD ROAD (OPPOSITE HEACO BUILDING) AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY. THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED A PRESS BRIEFING ABOUT THE HOMING EXERCISE.
BY
/51 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
51
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NOISE CONTROL BILL ft ft * ft *
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL.
THE DRAFT BILL CONSOLIDATES EXISTING LAW RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF NOISE. IT ALSO ENABLES THE INTRODUCTION OF DETAILED CONTROL CRITERIA, MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES AND OTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION FOR A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WHICH INVOLVES AN EXHIBITION, SEMINARS AND A SYMPOSIUM.
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, THE ISSUE OF THE RECENT REHOUSING OFFER FOR BOAT DWELLERS IM THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER WILL ALSO BE RAISED BY A MEMBER.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A STATUE AT PARK LANE BOULEVARD TO PROMOTE COURTESY, ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURVEILLANCE OF CLEARED REAR LANES AND ENVIRONMENTAL BLACKSPOTS AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT MAN CHEONG STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE ON THE MOVE ft ft ft ft ft
THE TSING Yl SUB-OFFICE OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED TO CHEUNG CHING ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), ADJACENT TO THE CHEUNG CHING BUS STATION ON THE ISLAND.
THE SUB-OFFICE WILL NOW OCCUPY ROOM 104, FIRST FLOOR OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 0-4974097. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE IS 0-4951735.
THE REMOVAL WILL PROVIDE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WITH BETTER ACCESS TO TSING Yl RESIDENTS TO UTILISE THE CENTRE FACILITIES IN ORGANISING AND PROMOTING FUNCTIONS. THE ARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO ENHANCE LIAISON WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN THE SAME BLOCK.
/52
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1987
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI ft * * ft ft
LOCKHART ROAD WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ARSENAL STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 49 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY STARTING FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 9).
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO SECTIONS OF THE EASTERN KERBSIBE LANE OF PERCIVAL STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL ALSO BECOME URBAN CLEARWAYS OPERATING BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT.
THEY ARE THE SECTION BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD, AND THE SECTION FROM THE JUNCTION OF PERCIVAL STREET WITH HENNESSY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE ABOVE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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RESTRICTED ZONE ON TO KWA WAN ROAD ft ft ft ft ft
THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR RESTRICTION ON TO KWA WAN ROAD NORTHBOUND, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 4? METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION. WILL BE REPLACED BY A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE STARTING FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 9).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
/
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STUDY TO TACKLE AIRPORT NOISE PROBLEM BEING CONDUCTED .. 1
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENT IN KWUN TONG ............. 2
FS HAS ‘USEFUL* VISIT TO CHINA .................... 4
BUTTERFLY BEACH FINALLY CLEANED UP ..................... 4
SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED ........... 6
UNIT SET UP TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK .................. 8
KOWLOON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION ............. 9
LAST TREE PLANTING DkY ON SUNDAY .................... 10
RETIRING OFFICER’S SERVICE COMMENDED ................... 10
OUTLINE OF STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED............ 11
SUMMER WORK FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS ........... 11
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NSW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ....... 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KENNEDY TOWN ............. 12
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ..................... 13
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
1
STUDY TO TACKLE AIRPORT NOISE PROBLEM BEING CONDUCTED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A STUDY ON HOW TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF NOISE FROM THE AIRPORT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF HIS SECOND DISTRICT VISIT, TO KWUN TONG, SIR DAVID SAID PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WERE VERY CONCERNED WITH THE NOISE FROM THE AIRPORT AND THE NOISE OF AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING.
+THERE IS A STUDY GOING ON AT THE MOMENT BY THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITIES ABOUT WHAT MIGHT BE DONE TO DEAL WITH THAT PROBLEM,+ HE SAID.
ASKED IF THE AIRPORT SHOULD BE MOVED AWAY FROM THE DENSELY-POPULATED DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID: +YOU ALWAYS FEEL DANGEROUS AS YOU FLY INTO KAI TAK, SO LOW OVER TOWN, BUT IT HAS ACTUALLY HISTORICALLY BEEN A VERY SAFE AIRPORT.+
ON WHETHER THE AIRPORT SHOULD BE MOVED TO ANOTHER LOCATION, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY EXPENSIVE TO +PICK UP AN AIRPORT AND MOVE IT+.
♦ THERE IS OF COURSE THOUGHT BEING GIVEN IN THE LONGER TERM FUTURE TO WHETHER OR NOT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A NEW AIRPORT DESIGNED FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC IN 1990’S AND LATER, BUT THAT IS, I THINK, A LONGER TERM PROJECT,* HE SAID.
♦ FOR THE MOMENT, THERE IS STILL ROOM FOR DEVELOPMENT IN KAI TAK ITSELF,+ SIR DAVID ADDED.
DESCRIBING HIS VISIT TO KWUN TONG AS INTERESTING, SIR DAVID SAID THE IMPRESSION THAT HE CAME AWAY WITH WAS ONE OF CONTRAST AND ONE OF CHANGE.
BY CONTRAST, HE MEANT THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE OLD AREAS AND THE OLD RESETTLEMENT BLOCKS AND THE VERY NEW ONES AND THE TREMENDOUS IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF HOUSING.
♦ AND CHANGE, LIKE THE ENORMOUS CHANGE TAKING PLACE THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, AN IMMENSE PROJECT, AND ALL THE ROAD WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THAT AND ALL THE SCHEMES GOING AHEAD FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
.AND ONE THIRD IMPRESSION I TO SHARII IS W■ A COMMUNITY WHICH IS DETERMINED TO TRY TO HELP ITSELF,♦ HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS TOLD THE UNITED CHRISTI ^HOSPITAL HAD A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND A LARGE PART U THAT HAD COME FROM THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ITSELF.
/+/JW THAT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
2
♦AND THAT I THINK IS VERY STRIKING EVIDENCE OF A DISTRICT WHICH HAS A SENSE OF LOYALTY TO THE DISTRICT AND A DESIRE TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT BY THEIR OWN ACTIONS,♦ HE SAID.
ON THE HAWKER PROBLEM, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD DISCUSSED THE MATTER WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICER AND WITH A NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
♦ IT’S OBVIOUSLY A VERY LARGE PROBLEM AND PEOPLE FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FEEL THAT IT’S VERY IMPORTANT INDEED TO DEAL WITH THE QUESTION OF HYGIENE, PARTICULARLY OF FOOD.+
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG WERE VERY CONSCIOUS CF THE DANGER OF HAVING UNHYGIENIC HAWKER FOOD STALLS.
♦ REMEMBER, FOR INSTANCE, THAT IN THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK LAST YEAR, EIGHT OF THE 20-0DD CASES IN HONG KONG CAME FROM KWUN TONG ITSELF, SO THEY ARE VERY ANXIOUS THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THE HAWKER PROBLEM,♦ HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT HE WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG, AND WAS PLEASED BY THE FRIENDLINESS OF EVERYBODY THERE.
ASKED HOW HE HANDLED PETITION LETTERS HE RECEIVED, SIR DAVID SAID WHEN A VISITOR CAME TO A DISTRICT, IT WAS A VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO PUT DOWN ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEMS THEY HAD ON PAPER AND HAND IT OVER, AND ALL PETITIONS WERE OF COURSE LOOKED AT VERY CAREFULLY.
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GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENT IN KWUN TONG K M * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED KWUN TONG TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SIR DAVID FIRST WENT TO THE KWUN TONG HIGH LEVEL RESERVOIR AND WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN.
ON TOP OF THE RESERVOIR, SIR DAVID GOT A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE DISTRICT AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER ON KWUN TONG IN GENERAL.
/TOE PARTY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
THE PARTY THEN LEFT FOR THE JORDAN VALLEY ESTATE WHERE
SIR DAVID PAID A VISIT TO A FAMILY OF SEVEN AT BLOCK 9 OF THE ESTATE
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THE ESTATE, BUILT IN 1959, WAS ONE OF THE OLDEST GROUP +B+ ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT. CURRENTLY HOUSING 8 391 PEOPLE FROM 1 924 FAMILIES, THE ESTATE WOULD BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PROVISION OF A SIZEABLE DISTRICT OPEN SPACE ON COMPLETION OF THE NEW JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ESTATE IN 1990.
LATER THE PARTY PROCEEDED TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING SITE AT SAI CHO WAN WHERE SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT BY DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND GOVERNMENT ENGINEER, EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, MR JOHN TURNER.
WORK ON THE 13.4 BILLION PROJECT STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1989-90. THE CROSSING WILL LINK CHA KWO LING IN KWUN TONG WITH QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
AT THE SITE, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE CROSSING IS WORK ON THE KWUN TONG BYPASS WHICH WILL CATER FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1990, TO OTHER PARTS OF KOWLOON.
WORK ON PHASE I OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY LTDIN ORDER TO TIE IN WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE CROSSING.
DEPARTING FROM THE WORK SITE, SIR DAVID WENT TO SHU I WO STREET IN KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE AND TOOK A WALK IN THE AREA.
SIR DAVID LEARNT THAT SHU I WO STREET WAS ONE OF THE HAWKER CONCENTRATION AREAS IN THE DISTRICT. IN DECEMBER 1985, A HAWKER RE-ORDERING EXERCISE WAS LAUNCHED IN WHICH MORE THAN 300 HAWKERS WERE ALLOCATED PITCH SITES AT SHU I WO STREET AND SHUNG YAN STREET. THESE HAWKERS WILL BE RESITED TO THE SHU I WO STREET MARKET COMPLEX WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN EARLY 1988.
, SIR DAVID ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE KWUN OF THE 14 AREA COMMITTEES.
BEFORE WINDING UP HIS VISIT IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND CHAIRMEN
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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
u
FS HAS ’USEFUL’ VISIT TO CHINA * O M *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE HAD A +USEFUL AND ENJOYABLE* VISIT TO CHINA.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN AT THE AIRPORT. MR JACOBS SAID THE VISIT WAS ESSENTIALLY A +FAMIL I ARISATION* ONE AND THAT DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN GENERAL.
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, THE VICE-MINISTER OF THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, MR LI PENG. AND OFFICIALS OF THE BANK OF CHINA, THE PEOPLE’S BANK OF CHINA AS WELL AS THE CHINA INTERNATIONAL TRUST AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION (CITIC).
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD BRIEFED THEM ON THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, THE BUDGET, THE STATE OF PUBLIC FINANCE, AS WELL AS THE LINK OF THE DOLLAR.
HE ADDED THAT MR JI HAD REITERATED TO HIM MR DENG XIAOPING’S RECENT REMARKS THAT THERE WAS NO REASON NOT TO EXTEND THE 50 YEARS CF THE JOINT DECLARATION FOR ANOTHER 50 YEARS IF EVERYTHING WENT WELL IN HONG KONG.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID VICE-MINISTER LI HAD STRESSED TO HIM THAT CHINA’S OPEN-DOOR POLICY WOULD CONTINUE WHEN HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN ON THE MATTER.
HE EXPECTED THAT THERE WOULD BE MORE CONTACTS SUCH AS HIS VISIT AS BOTH SIDES RECOGNISED THAT THESE CONTACTS WERE USEFUL.
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BUTTERFLY BEACH FINALLY CLEANED UP *****
TUEN MUN’S BUTTERFLY BEACH, ONCE HEAVILY POLLUTED, HAS AT LAST BEEN CLEANED UP, ACCORDING TO A GOVERNMENT REPORT.
THE REPORT, DETAILING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S MONITORING OF SOME 50 OF THE TERRITORY’S POPULAR BEACHES SHOWS THAT ONLY THREE ARE AT PRESENT UNACCEPTABLE FOR SWIMMING.
COMMENTING ON THE FINDINGS, THE HEAD OF EPD’S WATER POLICY GROUP, MR PAUL HOLMES, SAID +BUILDING UP THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR TUEN MUN, PLUS THE DIVERSION OF STREAM FLOWS WHICH ARE HEAVILY CONTAMINATED BY LIVESTOCK WASTES, HAS TAKEN TIME TO HAVE AN EFFECT BUT WE ARE NOW SEEING THE BENEFITS. THERE IS HOWEVER STILL A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT*.
/CASTLE PEAK
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
- 5
CASTLE PEAK BEACH, ONE OF THE THREE +UNACCEPTABLE+ BEACHES, IS AFFECTED BY LIVESTOCK WASTES AND SEWAGE, AND THE REPORT SHOW& THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME IMPROVEMENT, ALTHOUGH NOT ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE +NO SWIMMING* SIGNS TO BE TAKEN AWAY.
THE OTHER +UNACCEPTABLE+ BEACHES ARE ANGLERS’, IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, AND SILVERMINE BAY ON LANTAU ISLAND.
ANGLERS’ BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED TO SWIMMERS FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SIVERMINE BAY BEACH HAS FAILED THE GOVERNMENT TEST.
MR HOLMES EXPLAINED THAT THIS BEACH HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HE SAID THAT A NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT HAS BEEN BUILT AT A COST OF 111 MILLION AND WILL START OPERATION THIS MONTH. THIS SHOULD BRING ABOUT PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT AS MORE OF MUI WO IS CONNECTED DURING 1987 AND 1988. BUT POLLUTION DUE TO LIVESTOCK WASTE ON LANTAU IS LIKELY TO REMAIN UNCONTROLLED FOR SOME TIME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT A DECISION ON WHETHER TO DISCOURAGE SWIMMING AT SILVERMINE BAY WOULD BE TAKEN SOON BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON SIX OTHER GAZETTED BEACHES WHICH ARE POLLUTED TO A LESSER EXTENT. A NEW TRUNK SEWER BEING BUILT ALONG THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TUEN MUN TO SO KWUN WAT WILL ALLOW SOURCES OF POLLUTION TO BE REMOVED FROM BEACHES IN THAT AREA FROM 1988 ONWARDS.
POLLUTED DRAINS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REMOVED FROM REPULSE BAY AND SHEK 0 BEACHES. THIS YEAR, A $2.9 MILLION SCHEME WILL REMOVE POLLUTION FROM REMAINING STORMWATER DRAINS AT REPULSE BAY AND STANLEY MAIN BEACH.
THE EPD SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A SYSTEM OF CATEGORISATION OF BEACHES ACCORDING TO WATER QUALITY COULD BE INTRODUCED THIS SUMMER. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN BEACH WATER QUALITY WOULD NOT BE ACHIEVED UNTIL CURRENT PLANS FOR IMPROVED SEWERAGE AND THE CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE WERE IMPLEMENTED.
ANSWERING CRITICISM ABOUT THE STANDARDS THE GOVERNMENT USED FOR ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF BEACHES FOR SWIMMING, THE EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION RECOMMENDATIONS. ON WHICH THE HONG KONG STANDARDS ARE BASED, UERE NOT NECESSARILY RELEVANT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS AND WERE NOT DERIVED FROM QUANTITATIVE DATA ON THE RISK OF CATCHING A DISEASE. IN FACT, INFORMATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SICKNESS AND BEACH WATER QUALITY HAS ONLY RECENTLY BECOME AVAILABLE.
/MR HOLMES........
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
MR HOLMES ADDEDi ♦THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT SWIMMING IN POLLUTED WATER POSES A RISK TO HEALTH. WE ARE TRYING TO ESTABLISH EXACTLY WHAT THOSE RISKS ARE SO THAT THEY CAN BE KEPT WITHIN ACCEPTABLE BOUNDS*.
HE WAS REFERRING TO A THREE-YEAR INVESTIGATION BEING CARRIED OUT BY HIS DEPARTMENT WITH THE SUPPORT OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE.
IT INVOLVES A PROGRAMME OF INTERVIEWS WITH SWIMMERS AND INTENSIVE MEASUREMENT OF THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE WATER AT A NUMBER OF BEACHES.
AS HONG KONG HAS RELATIVELY FEW BEACHES SERVING A LARGE POPULATION, RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESTRICT ALREADY LIMITED AMENITIES MUST BE BASED ON THE BEST AVAILABLE INFORMATION.
EARLY INDICATIONS ARE THAT RISK OF INFECTION IS LOW COMPARED WITH THE FINDINGS OF A SIMILAR STUDY CARRIED OUT IN THE UNITED STATES. THE STUDY CONTINUES THIS YEAR.
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SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED X K K K K
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, 3 663 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 21.9 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 276 (OR 8 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 8 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO THE HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT.
WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+163) AND OIL TANKERS (+102), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (-59) AND ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (-29).
INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE RECORDED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+267), PANAMA (+50) AND LIBERIA (+12), BUT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE REGISTERED IN THE U.S. (-15) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (-14). THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 10 000 DWT (DEADWEIGHT TONS) INCREASED (+155).
/IN THE
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986. THERE WERE 3 672 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 22.1 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 288 (OR 9 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 8 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 24 PER CENT. ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS. 86 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS IMPORTS AND 14 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO. OF THE CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, 59 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 41 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (17 PER CENT), CHINA (14 PER CENT), JAPAN (14 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (ID PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (9 PER CENT), WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S. (20 PER CENT), CHINA (15 PER CENT), TAIWAN (11 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (6 PER CENT).
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (32 PER CENT) AND U.S. (15 PER CENT)? AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN CHINA (15 PER CENT) AND U.S. (12 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+93 PER CENT). SINGAPORE (+58 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (+52 PER CENT), CHINA (+46 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (+29 PER CENT)? BUT A DECREASE IN TONNAGE WAS NOTED FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN (-7 PER CENT). AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 24 PER CENT.
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (+101 PER CENT), TEXTILES OF MAN-MADE FIBRES (+65 PER CENT) AND PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+58 PER CENT)? BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD, ALL KINDS (-15 PER CENT).
DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT. INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+129 PER CENT), THE PHILIPPINES (+63 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+40 PER CENT).
/AMONG THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
- 8 -
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES. INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+343 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, N.E.S. (+173 PER CENT), INORGANIC CHEMICALS (+104 PER CENT) AND NON-FERROUS METALS (+102 PER CENT), BUT DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER (-47 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (-38 PER CENT) AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (-19 PER CENT).
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPOWNERS OF AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS AND COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG. EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT. PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BECAUSE OF RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS, A SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFESTS IS USED FOR COMPILING THE STATISTICS. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES IN THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT+ FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1986, WHICH IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE. GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE AT $14 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234887.
-----o------
UNIT SET UP TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK K * * M
A SPECIAL UNIT, THE SAFETY PROGRAMME PROMOTION UNIT, HAS BEEN SET UP WITHIN THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
ITS MAIN TASK IS TO PROMOTE VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR. MR YIP YUK—LUN, SAID THAT TO FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF MIND FAVOURABLE TO SAFE PRACTICE IN THE WORKPLACE, CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WAS NECESSARY.
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
9 -
♦ IT IS VITAL THAT EMPLOYERS PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND ADEQUATE TRAINING IN SAFETY MATTERS FOR THEIR WORKERS,+ « SAID.
♦ THE EMPLOYEES TOO HAVE A DUTY TO CO-OPERATE WITH HIS EMPLOYER IN IMPLEMENTING SAFETY MEASURES, FOR EXAMPLE BY OBSERVING NO-SMOKING SIGNS, BY WEARING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PROVIDED, AND BY NOT REMOVING THE GUARDS FROM MACHINERY.
♦ IT POINTS SUCH AS THESE WERE SCRUPULOUSLY OBSERVED, THE ACCIDENT RATE COULD BE CUT DRAMATICALLY.*
FOR A START, THE NEW UNIT IS COMPOSED OF A DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR AND TWO EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS.
THEY WILL CALL AT FACTORIES TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF SELF-REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION AT WORK.
THEY WILL ALSO OFFER ADVICE ON THE FORMATION OF IN-PLANT SAFETY COMMITTEES, ORGANISATION OF SAFETY PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE SAFETY MANAGEMENT.
THE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT ROOM 609, SIXTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523229.
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KOWLOON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN THE DISTRICT COURT, SHA TIN, ON JUNE 17 FOR A CLOSURE ORDER TO BE ISSUED IN RESPECT OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE MAIN ROOF AND IN THE LIGHTWELL OVER FLAT A ON THE FIFTH FLOOR AND ALSO THE LIGHTWELLS IN FLATS A AND B ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF 9, NAM KOK ROAD.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY CONSIDERS THAT ALL THE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE CLOSED SO THAT DEMOLITION CAN TAKE PLACE WITHOUT DANGER TO THEIR OCCUPIERS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
AN ORDER FOR THE STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED WAS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE LAST JULY BUT HAD BEEN IGNORED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SA ID OCCUPANTS OF THE STRUCTURES HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER NEXT MONTH THROUGH NOTICES PLACED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES.
HE SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION THAT DEMOLITION WOULD PROCEED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ORDER WAS OBTAINED.
-------0 -------- /10..................
THURSDAY, MAY 7, l?d7
10
LAST TREE PLANTING DAY ON SUNDAY H * K K M
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT SUNDAY (MAY 10) WOULD BE THEIR LAST CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN THE 1987 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD GO TO DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM ON THAT DAY WHEN TREE SEEDLING WOULD BE AVAILABLE FREE FOR PLANTING.
THE SEVEN COUNTRY PARK PLANTING SITES ARE TAI MO SHAN, BRIDE’S POOL, MUI WO, POKFULAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG AND CLEAR WATER BAY.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR S.P. LAU, SAID THAT UP TO LAST SUNDAY, MORE THAN 16 500 PEOPLE HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME TO PLANT MORE THAN 20 000 TREES.
THE 1987 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR ALL SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN APRIL, WAS EXTENDED TO COVER THE FIRST TWO SUNDAYS IN MAY TO MEET INCREASING REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC.
RETIRING OFFICER’S SERVICE COMMENDED
* * * * *
A SENIOR ENGINEER, MR TONG TAK-LEUNG, WAS PRESENTED A LETTER OF VALEDICTION TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR HIS 29 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, PRAISED MR TONG FOR HIS GOOD AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
MR TONG FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN^THE THEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1958. TWO YEARS LATER, HE BECAME ASSISTANT ENGINEER AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN SEPTEMBER 1981.
HE FIRST RETIRED IN 1984 WHEN HE WAS 55, BUT WAS RE-EMPLOYED AS SENIOR ENGINEER IN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
BEFORE HIS RETIREMENT, MR TONG HAS BEEN HANDLING TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND PARTICULARLY IN THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS.
0 - - - - /11 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
11
OUTLINE OF STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED M M M * M
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED AN ANNUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED +AN OUTLINE OF STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT, 1987+.
IT CONTAINS TWO PARTS. PART I DESCRIBES THE ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. PART II DELINEATES THE MAIN LINES OF CURRENT STATISTICAL ACTIVITY BEING UNDERTAKEN, AS WELL AS FORESEEN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS MATERIALS DESCRIPTIVE OF THE PAST AND THE PRESENT FOR EASY READING.
THE REPORT ALSO INCLUDES INFORMATION ON THE DISPOSITION OF STATISTICAL STAFF AND A LIST OF STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS. IT IS A USEFUL REFERENCE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN IMPROVING STATISTICAL SERVICES.
THE PUBLICATION IS NOW ON SALE AT |1O PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WANCHAI TOWER I, 19/F, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI.
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SUMMER WORK FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS
*****
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND SERVICE SECTORS TO OFFER ATTACHMENT PLACES FOR SOME 2 300 TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS THIS SUMMER.
FULL-TIME TECHNICIAN STUDENTS FROM THE SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL BE SENT TO WORK IN ESTABLISHMENTS RELATED TO THE FIELDS OF CHEMICALS, CLOTHING, TEXTILES, COMMERCIAL, COMPUTING, DESIGN, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND PR I NT I Ng.
♦PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IS A VITAL PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND EXPOSURE TO INDUSTRIAL OF REAL-LIFE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS WILL HELP STUDENTS APPLY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.
THE SUMMER ATTACHMENT SCHEME WOULD BENEFIT BOTH STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS IN THE LONG RUN, HE ADDED.
OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS, UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDY, VERY OFTEN SECURED PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT FROM EMPLOYERS WHO OFFERED THEM WORK IN THE PREVIOUS SUMMER.
EMPLOYERS WILLING TO OFFER PRACTICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS BETWEEN MID-JULY AND MID-SEPTEMBER SHOULD CONTACT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE DIRECT ON THE FOLLOWING NUMBERSt MORRISON HILL (5-745321), KWAI CHUNG (0-246221), KWUN TONG (3-7274331), MAKING WONG (3-615161), LEE WAI LEE (3-383611), TUEN MUN (0-830066), AND SHA TIN (0-6066227).
THURSDAY, MAY I, 1987
12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS * *
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE THE TWO NEW ROUTES FROM MONG KOK MTR STATION TO HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD AND FROM HUNG HOM TO MONG KOK BY THE END OF THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT AN EXTENSIVE SURVEY ON TRAFFIC NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW ON TRAFFIC SITUATION AFFECTED BY THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.
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, TO KWA WAN.
o
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KENNEDY TOWN * * * * M
TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF BELCHER’S STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KENNEDY TOWN FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 9) FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING COLLINSON STREET AND THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF BELCHER’S STREET BETWEEN HOLLAND STREET AND QUEEN S ROAD WEST FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
AFFECTED VEHICLES ON NORTHBOUND BELCHER’S STREET HEAD I NG FOR QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HOLLAND STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA.
ROUTEINGS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED. FOR JOURNEYS LEAVING KENNEDY TOWN, CMB ROUTES 5A, 5B, 5M. 10 AND 47, CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES {01, 104, 105. 113 AND GREEN MIHIBUS ROUTE 12 WILL BE REROUTED VIA COLLINSON STREET, KENNEDY TOWN PRAIA, TO REJOIN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST. TEMPORARY BUS STOPS WILL BE SET UP ON BELCHER’S STREET SOUTH OF COLLINSON STREET.
/IN ADDITION, ........
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1987
IN ADDITION, CMB ROUTES 5A, 5B AND 5M ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO KENNEDY TOWN Wilt BE DIVERTED VIA KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA AND SAI CHEUNG STREET TO REJOIN BELCHER’S STREET, WHILE CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 113 HEADING FOR SANDS STREET WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA.
TEMPORARY BUS STOPS WILL BE PROVIDED ON SAI CHEUNG STREET FOR ROUTES 5A, 5B AND 5M AND ON KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA SOUTH OF COLLINSON STREET FOR ROUTE 113. THESE DIVERSIONS WILL, HOWEVER, LAST FOR ONE MONTH ONLY.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL METERED PARKING SPACES AT HOLLAND STREET AND THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
MEANWHILE, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING ON A NUMBER OF ROADS IN KENNEDY TOWN FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY WHILE A 35-METRE STRETCH OF THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH COLLINSON STREET WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAY OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYSi
* QUEEN’S ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION ;
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
M THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH COLLINSON STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
______0-------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF DUCTS, THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF FENWICK STREET BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 4 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 9) TO 6 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 11).
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD HEADING FOR INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE LUARD ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD AND FENWICK STREET.
o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UK TAKES MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HK.................... 1
JEAFFRESON WELCOMES UK MOVE.................................. 2
REVIEW OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME: LUO................ 2
PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE .......... 6
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS REL&lSED......11
U.S. TEXTILES BILL HEARINGS ................................ 12
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS ................... 1J
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE POWERS MAINTAINED........................ 15
FEES REVISED FOR FIRE SERVICES REPORTS, CERTIFICATES........ 15
RARE ANIMALS FLOWN TO PEKING ............................... 16
SAFETY CAMPAIGN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER MONTH.................. 17
SEMINAR ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS ............................... 17
LANDSCAPING FOR SHING MUN SECTION OF ROUTE 5-./.-........... ng
POSTMEN HONOURED FOR LOYaL SERVICE.......................... 19
TIN SHUT WAI LAND FORMATION TENDERS INVITED................. 19
RESTRICTED ZONE ON SHA TAU KOK ROhD......................... 20
DETAILS OF AWARDS FOR FOOTBALLERS........................... 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NGhU TAU KOK, FANLING.....................21
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN CENTRAL ...................... 22
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
1
UK TAKES MORE VIETNAMESE * * * *
REFUGEES FROM HK *
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION BY DR MICHAEL CLARK, MP, ON WHAT FURTHER STEPS WERE BEING PROPOSED TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE CONTINUING FLOW OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT, MR DOUGLAS HURD, GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPLY IN THE PARLIAMENT TODAY (FRIDAY)t
♦THIS GOVERNMENT HAS AN EXCELLENT RECORD OF PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO RELIEVE THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE OUTFLOW OF VIETNAMESE TO HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE IN SOUTHEAST AS IA •
♦BETWEEN 1979 AND 1981 WE ACCEPTED FOR SETTLEMENT HERE, FOLLOWING THE INITIAL SURGE OF DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM, NEARLY 20 000 INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES OF WHOM OVER 12 000 WERE VIETNAMESE FROM HONG KONG. SUBSEQUENTLY WE CONTINUED TO ACCEPT VIETNAMESE BUT APPLIED THE NORMAL IMMIGRATION RULES GOVERNING FAMILY REUNION.
♦IN 1985, HOWEVER, FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEES SUB-COMMITTEE ON RACE RELATIONS AND IMMIGRATION, WE AGREED TO ACCEPT AROUND 500 VIETNAMESE (50 OF WHOM WERE NOT FROM HONG KONG) WHOSE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE ALREADY HERE DID NOT MEET THE NORMAL CRITERIA. FOLLOWING THAT AGREEMENT, SOME 1 200 FURTHER OFFERS OF INDIVIDUAL RESETTLEMENT FROM HONG KONG WERE MADE BY OTHER COUNTRIES.
♦WE HAVE NOW CONSIDERED WHAT FURTHER STEPS MIGHT BE TAKEN AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF THE NEED ON THE ONE HAND TO MAINTAIN TIGHT IMMIGRATION CONTROLS AND, ON THE OTHER, TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO HELP HONG KONG.
♦WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT WE SHOULD TAKE A FURTHER NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE FROM HONG KONG BOTH AS A CONTRIBUTION TO REDUCING THE POPULATION IN THE CAMPS IN HONG KONG AND TO GIVE A SIGNAL TO OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES OF OUR CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.
♦WE HAVE DECIDED THEREFORE TO ACCEPT FOR SETTLEMENT HERE 468 NAMED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS CLOSE RELATIVES OF THOSE ALREADY HERE. THEY WILL BE RESETTLED AT A RATE OF ABOUT 20 A MONTH SPREAD OVER ALMOST TWO YEARS TO ENSURE THAT OUR RECEPTION FACILITIES ARE NOT OVERSTRETCHED.
♦WE BELIEVE THAT AS IN THE PAST, OTHER COUNTRIES ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW SUIT AND OFFER A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF FURTHER RESETTLEMENT PLACES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG. WE SHALL BE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO PERSUADE THEM TO DO SO.
♦WE DO NOT, HOWEVER, CONSIDER THAT RESETTLEMENT ALONE IS A SUFFICIENT ANSWER TO HONG KONG’S REFUGEE PROBLEM. CONCERTED INTERNATIONAL ACTION AIMED AT A DURABLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS REQUIRED AND, TO THIS END, WE SHALL BE SEEKING TO PUT TO THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES AND THE MAIN RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES THE CASE FOR A COMMON APPROACH. IN DOING SO WE SHALL STRESS OUR OWN CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG OF WHICH THE RESETTLEMENT COMMITMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY IS CLEAR EVIDENCE.*
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
2
JEAFFRESON WELCOMES UK MOVE *****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WELCOMED THE DECISION TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO RENEW ITS INTAKE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG. HE SAID THIS DECISION WAS MOST WELCOME BOTH BECAUSE MORE REFUGEES WOULD NOW BE RESETTLED AND BECAUSE THE MOVE WOULD ASSIST HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO MORE FOR HONG KONG’S VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
\
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN A SIMILAR DECISION IN 1985, THE RESPONSE FROM OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES HAD BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING AND, AS A RESULT, A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES LEAVING HONG KONG TOOK PLACE IN 1986.
HE HOPED THAT THIS NEW BRITISH INITIATIVE WOULD STIMULATE A SIMILAR RESPONSE.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID BOTH THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS WOULD NOW INTENSIFY THEIR EFFORTS TO SEEK ADDITIONAL RESETTLEMENT PLACES FOR HONG KONG’S REFUGEES. AT THE SAME TIME, HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS DIALOGUE WITH OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES WITH THE AIM OF REACHING A DURABLE SOLUTION TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
HE SAID THE DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESETTLING THE REFUGEES WERE STILL BEING FINALISED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, BUT THE OFFTAKE WOULD BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEREAFTER THEY WOULD LEAVE AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY 20 EACH MONTH.
0
REVIEW OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
*****
SCHEMEi LIAO
A SERIES OF MEASURES HAS BEEN PROPOSED TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND TO ENHANCE TIES BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, DISTRICT BOARDS, RESIDENT BODIES AND THE COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS IN THE REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR LIAO SAID THERE WERE NO MAJOR CHANGES TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM ALTHOUGH SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PROVIDE FULLER SUPPORT TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND LOCAL BODIES.
/+THESE CHANGES
7
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 3 -
♦THESE CHANGES MEAN THAT DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE BETTER INFORMED ON DISTRICT MATTERS AND THAT THE CHANNELS FOR WIDER CONSULTATION ON DISTRICT AND TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED,+ MR LIAO SAID.
CERTAIN PROPOSALS, MADE BY DB MEMBERS DURING THE REVIEW, THAT CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY FOR PRACTICAL REASONS WOULD BE REVIEWED AT REGULAR INTERVALS, HE ADDED.
♦ I ANTICIPATE THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH I BELIEVE ARE VERY POSITIVE, WILL BE WELCOMED BY BOTH THE MAJORITY OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY,♦ MR LIAO SAID.
♦ WHILE MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED FAIRLY SOON. CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE REVIEW WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
♦ THE ROLE AND COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARDS AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
♦THE QUESTION OF WHETHER DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD HAVE AN EXTENDED AND MORE DIRECT MANAGEMENT ROLE WILL ALSO BE INCORPORATED IN THE DOCUMENT,+ MR LIAO SAID.
HE SAID SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE FAIRLY SIMPLE TO IMPLEMENT AS THEY INVOLVED PROCEDURES, WHEREAS SOME PROPOSALS WOULD INVOLVE AMENDING THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE.
THE REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, WHICH BEGAN LAST YEAR. COVERED THE FUNCTIONS, COMPOSITION AND OPERATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS- INTERFACE BETWEEN BOARDS AND THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY- AND THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMM ITTEE.
VIEWS OF ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE SOUGHT IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY ON FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCHEME, WHILE CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD WITH RELEVANT HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS LAST MONTH.
THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONSULTATIVE FUNCTION OF DISTRICT BOARDS ON LOCAL AND TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED THROUGH REGULAR BRIEFINGS BY GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS ON THEIR MAIN AREAS OF WORK AND ON THE BACKGROUND BEHIND MAJOR POLICIES AND ACTIONS.
WHILE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS TO RECEIVE ADVICE, PROVIDE INFORMATION AND RESPOND PROMPTLY TO DB’S REQUESTS, PROCEDURES SHOULD BE LAID DOWN TO REQUIRE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO RESPOND MORE POSITIVELY AND QUICKLY TO ADVICE AND REQUESTS OF THE BOARDS.
/DISTRICT BOARDS ........
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 4 -
DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE ABLE TO ARRANGE SPECIAL MEETINGS, OUTSIDE NORMAL BOARD MEETINGS, WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO RESOLVE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS.
POLICY BRANCHES WILL DECIDE ON WAYS TO CONSULT DISTRICT BOARDS ON TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES, WHILE DBS CAN ALWAYS CALL FOR FULL BRIEFINGS ON SUBJECTS WHERE PUBLIC CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN PREPARED.
GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD SET OUT IN CLEAR -------------------------------- AND TRE pRQS AND CONS QF
TERMS THE OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION EACH OPTION. APART FROM BRIEFINGS ON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD PROVIDE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF THEIR WORK IN THE WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD.
MAJOR PLANS AND PROGRESS, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE AN DISTRICT FOR CONSULTATION
THE REVIEW ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT MORE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS BE APPOINTED TO CENTRAL ADVISORY BOARDS.
NO CHANGE WAS RECOMMENDED TO THE METHOD OF ELECTION, ROLE AND TENURE OF OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. HOWEVER. LEGAL PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE TO ALLOW MEMBERS TO v6TE THE CHAIRMAN OUT OF OFFICE.
A VOTE OF ’NO CONFIDENCE’ AGAINST A DB CHAIRMAN MUST BE MOVED BY NO LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS CONCERNED AND WILL BE CARRIED ONLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF AT LEAST THREE-QUARTERS OF THE MEMBERS. WHERE THIS VOTE HAD FAILED, A SIMILAR MOTION CANNOT BE MOVED IN THE ENSUING SIX MONTHS, AND NO SUCH MOTION CAN BE MOVED WITHIN THE SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF A NEW CHAIRMAN.
THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED THAT AS THE PRESENT SYSTEM WAS WORKING WELL, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR A VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
LEGAL PROVISIONS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO STIPULATE THAT A DB MEMBER WHO FAILS TO ATTEND ANY DB MEETING FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD EXCEPT IN CASE OF PROLONG ILLNESS SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED RATHER THAN AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD AS AT PRESENT. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS THE NEW TERRITORIES RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WHOSE DISQUALIFICATION UNDER SECTION 9A(F) OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ORDINANCE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
ON THE QUESTION OF MORE FUNDS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AN INCREASE BE MADE IN THE OVERALL
FOR DBS TO CARRY OUT MINOR AND PROMOTE RECREATIONAL AND , THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED THAT PROVISION OF DB FUNDS IN THE
CONTEXT OF THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST.
IN ADDITION TO EXISTING TEAMS PROVIDED IN THE N^W TERRITORIES RFrlON MINOR WORKS TEAMS WILL BE SET UP IN THE URBAN REGION TO CARRY 6UT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR DBS. APPROVAL HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN FOR TWO MINOR WORKS TEAMS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN CNTA IN THE URBAN REGION IN 1987-88.
/THE DISTRICT
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
5
THE DISTRICT OFFICER WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE CONTROLLER OF THE FUNDS OF HIS RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARD AND TO DISBURSE THE FUNDS ON THE BOARD'S ADVICE.
THERE ARE NO POLICY CHANGES IN THE OPERATION OF DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIATS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER.
THE REVIEW AGREED WITH VIEWS EXPRESSED BY DB MEMBERS ON THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN STAFF AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES FOR THE DB SECRETARIAT. THIS WILL BE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
THE PRESENT PROVISIONS OF ONE ELECTED SEAT TO A POPULATION OF 25 000 AND TWO ELECTED SEATS TO A CONSTITUENCY OF 50 000 SHOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED. DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE REVIEWED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT POPULATION MOVEMENTS AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENTS, BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE.
THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL REMAIN AS A FORUM FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS TO DISCUSS AND RESOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS. AS AN IMPROVEMENT MEASURE IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DMC WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN REPORT ON ITS WORK AND DETAILED ACCOUNTS OF THE PROGRESS OF FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS REQUESTED BY THE DB TO EACH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.
THE REVIEW CONSIDERED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME IS A USEFUL CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE COMMUNITY, AND RECOMMENDED THAT EACH DISTRICT OFFICER TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD. SHOULD FURTHER REVIEW THE SCHEME TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, SUCH AS STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.
CONCURRENT WITH THE REVIEW ON THE DISTRICT ADM ININ3TRATION SCHEME, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ALSO COMPLETED A REVIEW ON THE FUNCTIONS, DEVELOPMENTS AND RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 110 AREA COMMITTEES AND THE 4 162 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
THE TWO, WHICH WERE FORMED IN THE EARLY 197O’S, HAVE BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME. THEY HAVE PERFORMED AN EFFECTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND HAVE PROVIDED AN EFFECTIVE TWO-WAY CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND ACTIONS.
THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED THAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE, AND RESOURCES ALLOCATED, TO EXPAND THE AC AND MAC SCHEMES AND THAT THE LINKS BETWEEN MACS, ACS AND DBS THROUGH CROSS MEMBERSHIP SHOULD NOT CHANGE.
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION IS THAT ADDITIONAL STAFF SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO CNTA AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY TO STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY OF SUPPORT TO AND LIAISON WITH ACS AND MACS. PROVISIONS TO THE DISTRICT OFFICES SHOULD ALSO BE INCREASED SO THAT THEY CAN FINANCE MORE COMMUNITY PROJECTS INITIATED BY THE ACS AND MACS.
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/6............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987 6
- 6 -
PRI-CE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE
5 *****
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 24 PER CENT AND 44 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 32 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CfeNT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. SO THAT THE PRICES OF TOTAL EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS 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 MONTHS OF A YEAR TEND TO BE MORE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, IT IS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER FIGURES COVERING A LONGER PERIOD. COMPARING THE TWEE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1987 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT, WHILE THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, AN INCREASE OF 29 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 24 PER CENT. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1987 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1986, THE VOLUME OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, SO THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/AS CAN ...........
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
1986
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY THESE INCLUDED CLOTHING (+7 PER CENT)- DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL ICES (+4 PER CENT)- FOOTWEAR (+4 PER CENT)- TEXTILE MADE-UPS ATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT)- WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+4 PER CEN
APPLIANCES (+4 PER CENT)- FOOTWEAR (+4 PER CENT)- TEXTILE MADE-UPS % AND RELATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT)- WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+4 PER CENT)' METAL MANUFACTURES (+3 PER CENT)- TRAVEL SOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FABRICS (+2 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-8 PER CENT)- ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-8 PER CENT) AS WELL AS RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-1 PER CENT). THE PRICE OF TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, INCLUDING TEXTILE FABRICS (+61 PER CENT)- TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+49 PER CENT)-RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+41 PER CENT)- DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+25 PER CENT)- ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+22 PER CENT)- METAL MANUFACTURES (+13 PER CENT)- METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+7 PER CENT) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+2 PER CENT).
HOWEVER. DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRAVEL GO6DS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-18 PER CENT)-CLOTHING (-10 PER CENT)- TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-7 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR (-5 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN FEBRUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH ^^BRUARY 1986, RANGING FROM 1 PER CENT FOR FOOTSTUFFS TO 9 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 28 PER CENT.
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORD IN FRUIT- SUGAR- WHEAT AND FLOUR- MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS- FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS AS WELL AS CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE AS WELL AS RICE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING TOBACCO MANUFACTURES- HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES- CAMERAS, FLASH. IGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AS WELL AS RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS.
/THE IMPORT ...........
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 8 -
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE IN FEBRUARY 1987 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, INCLUDING COTTON YARN AND THREAD- WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK- PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS-THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS- YARN AND WOOL AND MIXTURES AS WELL AS PAPER AND PAPERBOARD. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AS WELL AS SILK FABRICS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITIES INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1987 OVER FEBRUARY 1986, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES- TEXTILE MACHINERY AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, RANGING FROM 13 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 236 PER CENT FOR FUELS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FEBRUARY 1987 ISSUE OF THE ♦HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS* AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE NEXT WEEK AT >2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, ON 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234918.
/TABLE 1
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
9 -
TABLE 1* INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING JAN-FEB 1987 COMPARING FEBRUARY 1987
WITH JAN-FEB 1986 WITH FEBRUARY 1986
UNIT UNIT
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
______________ % % ______f__________t_______%________*___
CLOTHING 15 7 7 -4 7 -10
TEXTILE FABRICS 70 3 66 64 2 61
TEXTILE YARN AND
THREAD TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED 34 2 31 49 * 49
ARTICLES 5 6 -1 -3 4 -7
RADIOS OF ALL
KINDS 49 -4 55 41 -1 41
ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS 6 -7 14 13 -8 22 6
FOOTWEAR 9 2 7 -1 4 -5
METAL MANUFACTURES METAL ORES AND 24 3 21 16 3 13
SCRAP —9 -5 -5 -1 -8 7
WATCHES AND CLOCKS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND 17 4 12 5 4 2
SIMILAR ARTICLES DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL -1 3 -4 -16 2 -18
APPLIANCES 25 1 24 30 4 25
ALL COMMODITIES 27 NOTESi * INSIGNIFICANT, 3 I.E. LESS 24 THAN 0.5 20 PER CENT 3 16
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
FHIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 10 - »
TABLE 2i INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-FEB 1987 WITH JAN-FEB 1986 COMPARING FEBRUARY WITH FEBRUARY 1987 1986
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE $ UNIT VALUE 1 VOLUME $ VALUE UNIT VALUE % VOLUME $
foodstuffs 10 1 9 16 1 14
CONSUMER GOODS 41 7 32 52 6 43
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 42 3 38 57 3 53
FUELS -33 -31 -4 -33 -28 -6
CAPITAL GOODS 32 10 20 33 9 22
ALL COMMODITIES 33 4 29 42 3 37
TABLE 3l INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-FEB 1987 WITH JAN-FEB 1986 COMPARING FEBRUARY WITH FEBRUARY 1987 1986
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE $ UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE UNIT VALUE 1 VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 9 -1 10 12 -1 13
CONSUMER GOODS 63 3 58 61 2 58
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 39 1 37 55 1 53
FUELS 87 -30 167 140 -29 1 136
CAPITAL GOODS 38 3 34 49 2 46
ALL COMMODITIES 47 2 44 54 2 52
!
>
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/11
FRIDAY, HAY 8, 1987
11
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED * * * * *
THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 AMOUNTED TO $11 208 MILLION, WHICH WAS 10.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 13.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING WORK CARRIED OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND AT OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $7 3*7 MILLION, WHICH WAS 14.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 13.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985. THIS GAVE AN INDEX OF 111.5. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100 FOR THE INDEX.
THE FIGURES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE FREE FROM THE EFFECT OF DOUBLE-COUNTING OF CONSTRUCTION VALUE DUE TO THE SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. THEY ARE, THEREFORE, DIFFERENT FROM THE FIGURES ON CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 AMOUNTED TO $5 883 MILLION, WHICH WAS 15.6 PER CENT AND 16.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THIS GROSS VALUE, $1 968 MILLION WAS CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF PUBLIC PROJECTS, WHICH RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 19.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, OR AN INCREASE OF 10.2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT AT SITES, AT $3 916 MILLION, SHOWED INCREASES OF 13.9 PER CENT AND 19.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $2 236 MILLION. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 17.9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 22.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WAS $637 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20.9 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT A DROP OF 9.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL-RES I DENT I AL (COMPOSITE) BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $712 MILLION, WHICH WAS 6.3 PER CENT AND 29.2 PER CENT ABOVE THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE OUTPUT ...........
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 12 -
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $445 MILLION, WHICH WAS 15.9 PER CENT AND 1.4 PER CENT ABOVE THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS WAS $981 MILLION. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 42.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND AN INCREASE OF 99.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985. THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE WORK ON THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT. 4TH QUARTER 1986+ RELEASED TODAY BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY REPORT, PRICED AT $2 A COPY. IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER I, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234860.
U.S. TEXTILES BILL HEARINGS *****
ucaoiwc'I ON THE U S. TEXTILES BILL WERE HELD IN WASHINGTON
TODAY (FRIDAY).
?°he“ Emels J? i«?e«Kt to them covered by the bill.
the HEARINGS WERE CHAIRED BY CONGRESSMAN GIBBONS. VARIOUS VIEWS WERE EXPRESSED.
Tur tcvtii f caucus PLACED EMPHASIS ON THE INDUSTRY’S RECENT EFFORTS TO MODERNISE AND To MARKET D°"ESTIC PRODUCTS^ BUT AS THE I^|isOHABLE^*BREATH?ftGTRER?obLTO*REGA?H^?TS HEALTH*.
/THE HONORABLE
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
THE HONORABLE BRIAN BOYLE, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS, WASHINGTON STATE, BELIEVED THAT THE BILL WOULD HAVE SERIOUS ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS IN THE WEST COAST STATES, WHICH ENJOYED A HEALTHY EXPORT TRADE WITH THE PACIFIC RIM COUNTRIES. HE SAID THE BILL WOULD SACRIFICE THE WELL-BEING OF ONE REGION’S ECONOMY TO PROTECT ANOTHER REGION’S INDUSTRY.
THE FIBRE, FABRIC AND APPAREL COALITION FOR TRADE SUPPORTED THE ARGUMENTS OF THE TEXTILE CAUCUS, AND ADDED THAT THE BILL WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GATT AND DID NOT VIOLATE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION HAD THE FLEXIBILITY TO KEEP, TERMINATE, OR RE-NEGOTI ATE.
THE RETAIL INDUSTRY TRADE ACTION COALITION SPOKE AGAINST THE BILL, WHICH IT SAID VIOLATED THE MFA AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, WOULD DAMAGE THE RETAILING INDUSTRY, UNDERMINE THE URUGUAY ROUND, AND WAS UNNECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE HEALTHY STATE OF THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY.
THE HEARINGS WILL CONTINUE ON MAY 18.
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PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS
* ft * * *
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL RE-OPEN ON MONDAY (MAY 11) FOR THE ANNUAL EXERCISE OF ASSISTING REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO OBTAIN NEW TEACHING POSTS.
THE UNIT WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1975 TO HELP THESE TEACHERS TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE JOBS AS A RESULT OF THE DROP IN POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE AS WELL AS MOVEMENT OF POPULATION FROM URBAN AREAS TO NEW TOWNS.
THE UNIT HAS HELPED SOME 4 500 TEACHERS IN SECURING ALTERNATIVE POSTS OVER THE YEARS.
♦OUR 100 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE OVER THE YEARS IS DUE TO THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS MOST GRATEFUL,+ SAID MR CHAN SHIU-KI, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, WHO HEADS THIS YEAR’S PLACEMENT SERVICE
♦WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL BE GIVING THESE TEACHERS FULL ASSISTANCE AGAIN THIS YEAR,+ MR CHAN SAID.
/STAFFED BY ..........
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
14 -
STAFFED BY FOUR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SCHOOLS DIVISION, THE UNIT IS LOCATED AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ROOM 611, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
REDUNDANT TEACHERS ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER WITH THE UNIT FROM MAY 20 TO 27 FROM 9 AM TO 12.45 PM, AND FROM 2.15 PM TO 4.45 PM.
THE SCHEDULE OF REGISTRATION IS AS FOLLOWSi
MAY 20 (WEDNESDAY) FOR TEACHERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
MAY 21 (THURSDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN KWUN TONG AND
YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON
MAY 22 (FRIDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN WONG TAI SIN, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO AND KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON
MAY 25 (MONDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN AND ISLANDS, N.T.
MAY 26 (TUESDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl, N.T.
MAY 27 (WEDNESDAY)
FOR TEACHERS IN TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG, N.T.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON REGISTRATION MATTERS CAN BE MADE AT 3-7716123, 3-7718090, 3-7718119 AND 3-7718696 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
MR CHAN REMINDED TEACHERS WHO WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTERS OF THEIR REDUNDANCY UNDER THE AGREED PRINCIPLE OF +LAST IN, FIRST OUT* TO REGISTER WITH THE UNIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE.
♦ONCE REGISTERED WITH THE UNIT, ALL WILL BE HELPED TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POST IN AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR,+ MR CHAN SAID.
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/15
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
15
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE POWERS MAINTAINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED AN ORDER ENABLING THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO MAINTAIN THE SAME POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT IN RELATION TO THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE 1987 AS WERE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE WHICH IT REPLACES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1987, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WAS PURELY A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT AND NO NEW POWERS WERE BEING CONFERRED BY IT.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WERE EMPOWERED TO ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT ANY PERSON SUSPECTED OF HAVING COMMITTED AN OFFENCE AGAINST AN ORDINANCE SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ORDINANCE.
♦THE AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY AS THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE, ONE OF THE ORDINANCES SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE, WILL BE REPEALED AND REPLACED BY THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE 1987,+ HE SAID.
THE ORDER WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE 1987.
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FEES REVISED FOR FIRE SERVICES REPORTS, CERTIFICATES
*****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AN ADJUSTMENT OF CHARGES FOR CERTIFICATES AND REPORTS ’SSUED UNDER THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (REPORTS AND CERTIFICATES) REGULATIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADJUSTED CHARGES, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WERE MAINLY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION SINCE 1984 WHEN THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED.
THE CHARGE OF |120 FOR MAKING AND ISSUING THE CERTIFICATES
IS INCREASED TO >135. THE NEW CHARGE IN RESPECT OF REPORTS IS S150.
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/16..............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
16
RARE ANIMALS FLOWN TO PEKING
* M M
TWENTY-TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) FLOWN TO CHINA TO JOIN THE BREEDING COLONIES IN THE BEIJING ENDANGERED ANIMALS BREEDING CENTRE.
THESE INCLUDE SEVEN RHESUS MONKEYS. FOUR BURMESE PYTHONS, TWO FISCHER’S LOVEBIRDS, EIGHT DERBYAN PARAKEETS AND A YOUNG ASIATIC BLACK BEAR WHICH WAS DISCOVERED AND CAPTURED AT THE MUK WU VILLAGE IN TA KWU LING IN EARLY MARCH.
ALSO FLYING OUT WITH THE LIVE SPECIES WAS A PIECE OF GIANT PANDA SKIN SEIZED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THEY ARE PROTECTED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE WHICH ENFORCES THE SPIRIT OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES).
BOTH HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE PARTICIPANTS IN THE CITES UNDER WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED WILD BIRDS, ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY THIS MORNING. THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, HANDED OVER THE ENDANGERED ANIMALS TO THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINA’S ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA IMPORT AND EXPORT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, DR EDGAR LIONG.
♦TODAY’S OCCASION REFLECTS OUR CLOSER CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN THE WORLDWIDE EFFORT TO SAVE RARE SPECIES FROM EXTINCTION,* MR IU SAID.
THIS IS THE EIGHTH CONSIGNMENT OF LIVING ENDANGERED ANIMALS TRANSPORTED TO CHINA SINCE 198A. THE PREVIOUS SEVEN CONSlQNMNETS INVOLVED 101 RARE ANIMALS INCLUDING AN ASIATIC BROWN BEAR, AN ASIATIC BLACK BEAR, SEVEN PYTHONS, FIVE CROCODILES, 52 MONKEYS, 29 GIANT SALAMANDERS AND TWO SERPENT EAGLES.
MR IU SAID THAT THESE SPECIES CAME INTO THE CUSTODY OF THE DEPARTMENT AS A RESULT OF STRICT ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN CONTROLLING UNAUTHORISED IMPORT OF RARE ANIMALS OR BIRDS OR THEIR PARTS AND DERIVATIVES.
HE SAID THAT APART FROM THE IMPORT RESTRICTION, IT WAS ALSO ILLEGAL TO POSSESS OR EXPORT ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT LICENCES ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF >5 000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, AND flO 000 PLUS SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE, MR IU ADDED.
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/17 ............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
17
SAFETY CAMPAIGN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER MONTH
*****
THE EIGHT-WEEK SPECIAL FIRE AND CHEMICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO END LAST WEEK, HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER MONTH.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXTENSION WAS TO ENABLE FACTORY INSPECTORS TO CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS ON ALL FACTORIES MANUFACTURING NON-WOVEN POLYESTER-FIBRE SHEETINGS, POLYURETHANE-FOAM PADDINGS, EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE PRODUCTS, QUILTS, PADDED GARMENTS WITH SYNTHETIC SPONGY LININGS OR NATURAL-FIBRE UNDERLININGS, STUFFED TOYS, AND CARTONS.
FACTORY INSPECTORS CALLING AT THESE FACTORIES WILL PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO LOCKED EXITS, MAINTENANCE OF FIRE ESCAPES, STORAGE AND USE OF INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES, AND SOURCES OF IGNITION.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL ALSO REMIND EMPLOYERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO CARRY OUT REGULAR CHECKS ON EXHAUST SYSTEMS TO PLANTS AND PROCESSES TO ENSURE SAFETY IN THEIR WORKPLACES.
THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN IS THE FOURTH MOUNTED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR. THE FIRST THREE RELATED TO FIRE IN FUR PROCESSING FACTORIES, SMOKING AT WORK, AND SAFE HANDLING AND USE OF CHEMICALS IN FACTORIES.
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SEMINAR ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS * * *
A SEMINAR ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES WILL BE HELD FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS AS PART OF THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON AIDS.
THE SEMINAR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 9 AM TO 12.15 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING, HENNESSY ROAD.
THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF SEMINARS AND TALKS PLANNED FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS TO HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE ON THE KILLER DISEASE TO SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
/ABOUT ................
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 18 -
zczc
ABOUT 300 SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN TOMORROW'S SEMINAR. EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS MEMBER, DR CHIU HIN-KWONG, HAS BEEN INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE.
A CONSULTANT AND A SENIOR DOCTOR FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL SPEAK ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND
THE PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR AT 9 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 9).
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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LANDSCAPING FOR SHING MUN SECTION OF ROUTE 5 * M * * *
lANDSCAPING WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE SHING MUN SECTION nr ROHTFFIVE A SEVEN-KILOMETRE LONG TRUNK ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION to PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
n nee TO THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK, ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE OF THE SECTION IS IN OPEN AREAS AND 2.6 KILOMETRES IN TUNNEL.
SUBSTANTIAL LANDSCAPING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO BLEND THE ROADWORKS INTO THE RURAL SURROUNDINGS.
THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED BY TREE PLANTING AND CAREFUL SHAPING OF CUT SLOPES TO INTEGRATE WITH THE SURROUNDING TOPOGRAPHY.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK
BY 12 NOON ON MAY 29.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
FORMING PART OF THE DUAL TWO-LANE TRUNK ROAD 1989.
COMMENCE IN AUGUST AND TAKES ABOUT
NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN LATE
0 -
/19............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
19
POSTMEN HONOURED FOR LOYAL SERVICE * * * * M
/ POSTMEN ARE AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL TODAY
(FRIDAY) FOR THEIR LOYAL AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.
THEY ARE MR LEUNG KAM-CHUEN AND MR YIP CHEUK-YIN, BOTH AGED 59
MR LEUNG, ONE OF THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBERS IN THE POST OFFICE, JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS A MAIL COOLIE IN 1946. HE CLASS^H ?NS1953 CLASS 1,1 ,N 1947 AND WAS PR0M0TED TO POSTMAN
HE WAS REGRADED AS A POSTMAN IN 1967 AND IS DUE TO RETIRE LATER THIS MONTH.
MR LEUNG, WHOSE FATHER ALSO SERVED THE SAME DEPARTMENT FROM 1905 TO 1940. HAS BEEN DELIVERING MAIL IN NORTH POINT FOR MOST OF HIS CAREER.
MR YIP, WHO IS DUE TO RETIRE NEXT MONTH, JOINED THE POST OFFICE AS A MAIL COOLIE IN 1953. HE BECAME A POSTMAN CLASS II IN 1956 AND WAS REGRADED AS POSTMAN IN 1967.
MR YIP HAS BEEN DELIVERING MAIL IN THE DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AREA SINCE 1970 AND IS WELL LIKED BY RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.
--------o-----------
TIN SHUI WAI LAND FORMATION TENDERS INVITED * * * * *
TENDERS HAVE BEEN INVITED FROM A SHORT-LIST OF PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE MAIN LAND FORMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS FOR TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN IN THE NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE WORKS FOLLOW THE PREPARATORY CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD, REALIGNMENT OF THE TAI RIVER AND FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS NOW UNDERWAY.
THE WORKS COMPRISE DREDGING MATERIAL FROM DESIGNATED AREAS IN DEEP BAY, TRANSPORTING IT TO TIN SHUI WAI AND FORMING 169 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A PLANNED POPULATION OF 146 500. THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS IN TIN SHUI WAI CATCHMENT ARE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE PROJECT.
/THE WORKS ..............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 20 -
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR.
THE DREDGING IN A 2, 142.6-HECTARE AREA OF DEEP BAY HAS BEEN AUTHORISED UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED (RECLAMATIONS) ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SAID AUTHORISATION FOR THE DREDGING WORK TO PROCEED HAD BEEN GIVEN SUBJECT TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS. THESE INCLUDED MONITORING THE MARINE EFFECTS OF DREDGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE OYSTERS IN DEEP BAY.
HE SAID THE BOUNDARY OF THE WORKS AREA HAD BEEN ADJUSTED TO AVOID AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ANY EFFECTS ON OYSTER BEDS.
♦TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, THIS SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS CALMING THE WORRIES OF OYSTER FARMERS AS TO THE EFFECTS WHICH DREDGING WILL HAVE ON THEIR INDUSTRY,*
The SPOKESMAN SAID DETAILS OF THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE DREDGING WERE IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY’S) ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN COULD ALSO BE SEEN AND PURCHASED IF REQUIRED AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT on the fifth floor, Murray building, garden road, hong kong, as WELL AS AT YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE.
ANY CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY MAY 7 NEXT YEAR.
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RESTRICTED ZONE ON SHA TAU KOK ROAD ft****
THE
ucTorr n.^CI0N 0F Sha tau kok rOAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO A POINT ABOUT 170 METRES
™ E?AD 2 504’ W,LL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM
7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY STARTING FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 11).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS
/21 .............
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
- 21 -
DETAILS OF AWARDS FOR FOOTBALLERS
*****
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 1OTH HONG KONG FOOTBALLERS AWARDS AND THE SECOND HONG KONG YOUTH FOOTBALLERS AWARDS WILL BE HELD NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 12) AT 3 PM AT THE PARK LANE ROOM, 27TH FLOOR, PARK LANE HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, MR VICTOR HUI, CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG CHINESE FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION, MR WU KWOK-HUNG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR HO KAM-KWONG, AND GENERAL MANAGER, SPECIALTY RETAILING OF DAIRY FARM COMPANY LTD, MR MICHAEL BEDFORD.
THE EVENT IS CO-SPONSORED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO ED ITORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------o--------
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NGAU TAU KOK, FANLING *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN NGAU TAU KOK FOR ABOUT THREE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 11), FOR STORMWATER DRAIN DIVERSION WORK ON ON TAK ROAD.
ON TAK ROAD BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND ON WAH STREET WILL BE CONVERTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. MEANWHILE, THE LEFT TURN MOVEMENT FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND ON TO ON TAK ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
MOTORISTS ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR ON TAK ROAD ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE VIA ON SIN ROAD OR ON WAH STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD TO ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING FROM ROAD 2502 WILL BE CLOSED TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW ROAD 2504.
TRAFFIC TO ON LOK TSUEN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW ROAD.
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/22
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1987
22
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN CENTRAL ft ft ft ft ft
THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (7 AM
- 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON DES BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 51 AND 77 WILL BE EXTENDED TO 0 7 AM AND 7 PM DAIL? FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 11)
PERATE BETWEEN
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
AVIATION AGREEMENT TO BE REVIEWED.......................,....... 1
PROMOTION OP AIDS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ......................... 2
US LEADING SUPPLIER TO HK GOVERNMENT.......................... 3
ELDERLY URGED TO BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS ........................... 4
NEW QUARTERS FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF APPROVED ....... 5
CENSUS CHIEF TO MEET THE MEDIA ................................. 6
MELBOURNE STRINGS ’TO PLAY HERL................................. 6
BOARD CQMMITrES TO DISCUSS KENNEDY TOWN ETCUL3LxrlW............. 7
FOOTBALL SCHEME FOR KWAI T3ING YOUTHS........................... 7
SPEED LIMIT IN SHAM SHUI PO..................................... 8
TUEN MUN ROAD CLOSED FOR ROAD WORK.............................. 8
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD .................... 9
PROHIBITED ZONE IN SHA TAU KOK.................................. 9
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
1
AVIATION AGREEMENT TO BE REVIEWED
*****
THE BRITISH MINISTER FOR AVIATION, MR MICHAEL SPICER, HAS EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT A GOOD AGREEMENT WOULD EMERGE FROM NEXT MONTH’S AVIATION DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS INVOLVING ALSO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN TODAY (SATURDAY) FROM A WEEK-LONG VISIT IN CHINA, MR SPICER SAID THE TALKS, TO BE HELD FROM JUNE 3 TO 5, WOULD BE AT OFFICIAL LEVEL BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS. HE SAID HE WAS OPTIMISTIC THAT +WE WILL FORM A GOOD AGREEMENT*.
HE SAID HE HAD HAD VERY GOOD TALKS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN PEKING.
BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS AGREED THAT THEY MUST REVIEW THE EXISTING AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEM, ♦WITH A VIEW TO MODERNISING THAT AGREEMENT*, MR SPICER ADDED.
♦ I MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE PRESENT CAPACITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR AIRLINES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING SHOULD BE IMPROVED AND INCREASED SO THAT WE HAVE MORE FLIGHTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING AND BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MAJOR REGIONAL AIRPORTS*, HE SAID.
IT WAS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THE PRESENT PROPORTION OF FIVE PASSENGERS ON CAAC TO ONE PASSENGER ON HONG KONG BASED AIRLINES SHOULD BE PUT RIGHT TO ABOUT TWO TO ONE, PARTICULARLY ON THE PEKING-HONG KONG ROUTE, MR SPICER ADDED.
+AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEREFORE MORE FLIGHTS FOR CATHAY PACIFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SCHEDULED SERVICES FOR DRAGONAIR FROM HONG KONG TO THE REGIONAL AIRPORTS,* HE SAID.
MR SPICER ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA HAD PUT TO HIM VARIOUS PROPOSITIONS WHICH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS MUCH FOR BOTH PARTIES TO DISCUSS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1997
2
PROMOTION OF AIDS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
*****
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, DR CHIU HIN-KWONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS TO PROMOTE EDUCATION OF AIDS IN SCHOOLS TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISEASE AND THE WAYS OF PREVENTING THE DISEASE IN SCHOOLS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING, DR CHIU SAID AIDS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NO CURE FOR THE DISEASE WHICH WAS NOW SPREADING ALL OVER THE WORLD.
DR CHIU HOPED THAT SCHOOL CHILDREN WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT AIDS WAS MAINLY TRANSMITTED THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL PRACTICE, PROMISCUITY AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSE.
APART FROM SUSTAINED EFFORTS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EDUCATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, DR CHIU URGED THE PARTICIPANTS OF TODAY’S SEMINAR TO BRING THE MESSAGE OF THE DISEASE AND MEASURES OF PREVENTING THE DISEASE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN AS WELL AS THEIR PARENTS.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, TOLD THE GATHERING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO BE EDUCATED ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES TO COPE WITH THE PROBLEMS.
MR LI EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT SCHOOLS WOULD UTILISE ALL THE TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES TO PROMOTE AIDS EDUCATION IN THEIR FORMAL CURRICULUM, SEX EDUCATION, MORAL EDUCATION AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
TO ASSIST SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE PROMOTION OF AIDS EDUCATION, W LI SAID INFORMATION MATERIALS ON AIDS WERE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SEX EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT NORTH POINT. TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CENTRE.
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT (MHD), MR LI SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD PRODUCE GUIDELINES ON AIDS EDUCATION AND OTHER TEACHING MATERIALS FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS.
IN ADDITION, EDUCATION TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO SCHOOLS WOULD INCLUDE AIDS EDUCATION IN THE FUTURE, HE ADDED.
/Tunis would.......
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
- 3 -
THERE WOULD BE MORE SEMINARS ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND WAYS OF PREVENTING SUCH DISEASES IN SCHOOLS FOR SECONDARY, PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS TO GIVE A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION OF THE NATURE, MODE CF TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASES TO THE TEACHERS, W LI SAID.
AT TODAY’S SEMINAR, DR E.K. YEOH, CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN OF MHD, AND DR PATRICK LI. AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE OF MHD, GAVE TALKS ON +AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES* AND +PREVENTION CF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS* RESPECTIVELY. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MHD, DR S.H. LEE, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 300 SCHOOL FEADS AND TEACHERS.
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US LEADING SUPPLIER TO HK GOVERNMENT M M
THE UNITED STATES IS NOW THE LEADING SUPPLIER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR ROY KILVERT, SAID IN SAN FRANCISCO YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A BREAKFAST MEETINRNISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MANAGERS ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE. MR KILVERT POINTED OUT THAT IN 1982 THE UNITED STATES WAS THE THIRD LARGEST SUPPLIER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ORDERS AT US$11.4 MILLION (HK$88.98 MILLION). OR 6.8 PER CENT SHARE OF THE TOTAL. BY 1986 THIS HAD RISEN TO US$28 MILLION (HK$219.13 MILLION), OR 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF ORDERS.
MR KILVERT TOLD THE CALIFORNIAN BUSINESS EXECUTIVES THAT HONG KONG HAS NO PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS AND IS A COMPLETELY OPEN MARKET. CONTRACTS ARE LET BY THE GOVERNMENT AS A RESULT OF COMPETITION BY TENDER.
AS HONG KONG IS SIGNATORY TO GATT. AND THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS THE REGISTERED ENTITY, ITEMS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GATT RULES.
AS AN EXAMPLE, MR KILVERT CITED HIS CURRENT U.S. BUYING MISSION AND THE PROPOSED PURCHASE OF THREE SPECIALLY EQUIPPED HELICOPTERS FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE. THIS PURCHASE IS CURRENTLY OPEN TO TENDER AND COMPANIES FROM BRITAIN AND FROM FRANCE, AS WELL AS BELL HELICOPTER CO FROM THE UNITED STATES, ARE SUBMITTING PROPOSALS.
/r.' ADDITION.......
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1907
- 4 -
IN ADDITION TO THE INSPECTION AND EVALUATION OF BELL HELICOPTERS, MR KILVERT, ACCOMPANIED BY THREE RHKAAF OFFICERS -SQUADRON LEADER JOHN SHAWCROSS, SQUADRON LEADER GRAHAM MCINTOSH AND FLIGHT LIEUTENANT GRAHAM MURRELL - HAD VISITED BEECH AIRCRAFT CORPORATION IN WICHITA, KANSAS, TO FINALISE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR A SECOND BEECH SUPER KING B2OOC AIRCRAFT.
MR KILVERT ADDED THAT THEY THEN CONTINUED ON TO FORT WORTH, TEXAS, TO FINALISE THE PURCHASE OF AN INFRA-RED SCANNING DEVICE FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR THE RHKAAF.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS BUYING MISSION FOR THE RHKAAF FOLLOWS THE RECENT US$15.4 MILLION (HK$12O MILLION) CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND ANOTHER WEST COAST COMPANY. CALIFORNIA-BASED TANDEM COMPUTERS, FOR A NEW COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM TO REPLACE THE RHKPF’S 10-YEAR OLD EQUIPMENT.
DURING HIS STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR KILVERT VISITED TANDEM COMPUTERS AS WELL AS VARIAN ASSOCIATES, MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS OF SPECIALISED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
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ELDERLY URGED TO BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS * M M M M
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO THE ELDERLY, ESPECIALLY RECIPIENTS OF WELFARE BENEFITS, TO BE ON THEIR GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PLEA FOLLOWED A RECENT SPATE OF DECEPTION CASES REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FIELD UNITS IN NGAU TAU KOK, WONG TAI SIN AND ABERDEEN.
OF THE SEVEN CASES REPORTED IN THE LAST ONE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS, FOUR PROSPECTIVE VICTIMS WHO ARE RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MANAGED TO FOIL SUCH ATTEMPTS BY FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF CHECKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S FIELD UNITS. THE OTHER VICTIMS SUFFERED LOSSES RANGING FROM $400 TO $4 000.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SPECIAL EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE BY FIELD STAFF TO ADVISE CLIENTS TO BE ON THE ALERT.
♦WHEN THEY HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE IDENTITY OF ANY VISITOR CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF, THEY SHOULD CHECK WITH THE FIELD UNIT IMMEDIATELY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+UI1DER ITO........
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
♦UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THEY HAND OVER CASH TO ANY VISITOR CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF AND IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD NOTE THAT SERVICES SUCH AS ARRANGING SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS OR REFERRAL FOR COMPASSIONATE RE-HOUSING, ARE FREE OF CHARGE,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN THE RECENT CASES, THE NORMAL TRICK USED BY IMPOSTERS WAS TO OFFER A +SAVING SCHEME* WHEREBY ON THE PAYMENT OF A CERTAIN SUM OF MONEY, PARTICIPANTS WERE PROMISED THAT THEY WOULD GET MORE MONEY BACK. SEVERAL PROSPECTIVE VICTIMS WERE ABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE TRICK AND REPORTED THE INCIDENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
HOWEVER, A LESS FORTUNATE ELDERLY WIDOW. WHO HAD WEAK EYESIGHT AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SEEKING TREATMENT AND AWAITING HOSPITALISATION, WAS DECEIVED OF HER LIFE SAVING OF $4 OOO, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS SHAMEFUL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PHYSICAL DEFECT OF THE VICTIM.
HE HOPED THAT THE ELDERLY PEOPLE WOULD TAKE NOTE AND URGED THE PUBLIC TO REMIND ELDERLY MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES TO BE ON THEIR GUARD.
IF WELFARE RECIPIENTS ARE IN DOUBT OF THE IDENTITY OF ANY VISITOR CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF, THEY SHOULD CALL THE DISTRICT’S FIELD UNIT OR THE SWD HOTLINE *3-432255*.
NEW QUARTERS FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF APPROVED
*****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS OBTAINED APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF ABOUT 100 STAFF QUARTERS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF 150 MILLION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL STAFF DINNER AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT.
THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SAID, IS AMONG THE FIRST TO HAVE SECURED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OF SUCH MAGNITUDE TOWARDS HOUSING PROVISION. APART FROM THE PURCHASE, THE CONSTRUCTION OF DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS AT STANLEY AND HEI LING CHAU IS CURRENTLY AT FULL SWING.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT THE PAST YEAR ALSO SAW THE EXPANSION OF VARIOUS WELFARE AND TRUST FUNDS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH EMPHASIS ON MORE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.
THE DINNER WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 1 350 STAFF, INCLUDING 70 RETIRED STAFF.
o
/6........
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
6
CENSUS CHIEF TO MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR RICHARD BUTLER, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON MAY 11 (MONDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GlS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (GENERAL), MR BENJAMIN MOK NI-HUNGI THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (SOCIAL), MR JOSEPH LEE MAN-KONG I THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (ECONOMIC A), DR LUK CHI-MINGl AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (ECONOMIC B), MR FREDERICK HO WING-HUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 - -
MELBOURNE STRINGS TO PLAY HERE *****
THE CHAMBER STRINGS OF MELBOURNE WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON MAY 23 (SATURDAY) FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT.
ON MAY 25, THE GROUP WILL PERFORM AT A STUDENT CONCERT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 11 AM.
UNDER THE BATON OF ITS CONDUCTOR, CHRISTOPHER MARTIN, IT WILL PLAY VIVALDI’S CONCERTO GROSSO OP. 3 NO. 11 IN D MINOR, MOZART’S DIVERTIMENTO IN D MAJOR, K. 136, BROADSTOCK’S EXPEDITION, ELGAR’S SERENADE IN E MINOR, OP. 20 FOR STRING ORCHESTRA AND A CHINESE FOLK SONG SUITE.
THE STRINGS WAS FOUNDED IN 1980 AND IS A TRAINING ORCHESTRA FOR GIFTED STRING STUDENTS.
IT MADE ITS FIRST OVERSEAS TOUR IN 1981, PLAYING WITH DISTINCTION IN TOKYO, LONDON, PARIS AND VIENNA.
IN JANUARY 1985, IT MADE ITS SECOND TOUR TO EUROPE PRESENTING 15 CONCERTS IN FIVE COUNTRIES, INCLUDING LONDON, PARIS, MUNICH, SALZBURG, VIENNA, VENICE, FLORENCE, VITERBO, SULMONA AND ROME.
0----
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
7
I BOARD COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR
*****
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (MAY 11) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED STUDY ON EXHAUSTS FROM THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR AND THE ABATTOIR.
MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE STUDY AIMED TO AMELIORATE POLLUTION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PLANTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
IN ADDITION, A MEMBER HAS SUBMITTED A PROGRAMME TO IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN THE DISTRICT BY THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION FOR THE COMMITTEE’S DISCUSSION.
AMONG OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND THE CLEANSING SERVICE OF THE NEWLY OPENED SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 11) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT 14/F., HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
FOOTBALL SCHEME FOR KWAI TSI NG YOUTHS
*****
ABOUT 100 KWAI TSI NG YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16 ARE NOW RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER A FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME LAUNCHED WITH A DONATION OF S100 000 FROM LOCAL PEOPLE.
THE SCHEME IS RUN UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A SPORTS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
TWENTY YOUTHS ARE TO BE SELECTED AMONG THE GROUP, THROUGH A SERIES OF SOCCER MATCHES, FOR FURTHER TRAINING IN THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN JULY.
/mi Tsma
SATURDAY, l.IAY 9, 1987
8
KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SPORTS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, DR LAI MING-WAH, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AFTER THE FINAL OF THE SOCCER MATCHES AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWAI SHING TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWAI SHING.
- - 0 - -
SPEED LIMIT IN SHAM SHU I PO *****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 12), THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE REVERTED FROM THE EXISTING 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TO 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORK«
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 430 METRES WEST OF THE ACCESS ROAD OF CARITAS HOSPITAL TO A POINT ABOUT 550 METRES EAST OF THE SAME ACCESS ROAD; AND
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD AT PIPER’S HILL INTERCHANGE TO A POINT ABOUT 260 METRES WEST OF ACCESS ROAD OF CARITAS HOSPITAL ON WESTBOUND CHING CHEUNG ROAD.
-------0-------
TUEN MUN ROAD CLOSED FOR ROAD WORK *****
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD FROM SIU LAM INTERCHANGE TO WONG CHU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.30 AM TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 12) AND WEDNESDAY FOR ROAD WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON NORTHBOUND TUEN MUN ROAD HEADING FOR TUEN MUN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
-------0----------
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1987
9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD * ft * ft ft
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON TUESDAY (MAY 12) AND 15 FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION.
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.
HOWEVER, ACCESS TO PREMISES ALONG THIS SECTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE MAINTAINED. MOTORISTS ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR THESE PREMISES MAY USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING DIVERSION ROUTES»
ft PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ; OR
ft 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.
MEANWHILE, THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY (MAY 11), MAY 13 AND 14 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.
-------o----------
PROHIBITED ZONE IN SHA TAU KOK ft ft ft ft ft
the open area ON SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) NEAR SHA TAU KOK POLICE STATION AND SHA TAU KOK FIRE STATION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE 24-HOUR DAILY FROM 5 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 12).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA.
MEANWHILE, WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, THE VEHICLE eT SWJN LUNG STREET, SOUTH OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD WILL ALSO BE MADE A PROHIBITED AREA 24-HOUR DAILY.
from BUSES- WILL BE PR0HIB,TED
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MaY 10, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BLITZ AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF POSTERS ........................ 1
CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION .............. 1
RAIN PLAYS HAVOC IN APRIL ....................................... 2
WORKERS URGED TO HEED SAFETY RULES .............................. 5
OUTSTANDING AWARD FOR HIGHWAYS ENGINEER.......................... 5
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES ................... 6
PRIfrLiRY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT.................................... 7
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S ART ...................... 7
SAI KUNG WATER CUT .............................................. 8
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1987
1
BLITZ AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF POSTERS * * * M *
OVER 40 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED DURING A TWO-DAY BLITZ AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF POSTERS ON WALLS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND AT PUBLIC PLACES.
THE OPERATION, CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS WEEKEND (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY), WAS PART OF THE ACTION PLANNED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
THE PRACTICE OF DISPLAYING POSTERS OR SIMILAR FORM OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PLACES HAD CAUSED GREAT PROBLEMS TO ENVIRONMENTAL TIDINESS AND CLEANLINESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID THE DISPLAY OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS IN PRIVATE PLACES WITHOUT OWNERS’ CONSENT OR AT PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S AUTHORITY WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE AND CARRIED A MAXIMUM FINE OF 52 000.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE TWO DEPARTMENTS, BESIDES PROSECUTING PEOPLE STICKING POSTERS AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT APPROVAL, WERE ALSO CONSIDERING TAKING ACTION AGAINST ADVERTISED COMPANIES INVOLVED.
IN ADDITION, WARNING LETTERS WERE REGULARLY SENT TO THE KNOWN OFFENDERS IN EACH DISTRICT, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION WAS JUST ONE WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SELF-DISCIPLINE SHOULD BE EXERCISED AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE COMPANIES CONCERNED IN ORDER TO FULLY CONTAIN THE PROBLEM.
- - o - -
CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION * * X * *
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS LONG-TERM WORK AND FOR IT TO BE EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINED PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS ARE REQUIRED, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE +FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MOTHER’S DAY CARNIVAL* ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, HE SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD BEEN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINCE 1979.
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1987
+IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE IN ORDER TO FOSTER A MORE HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAKUPS,+ HE SAID.
AS FOR THE ACTUAL PROMOTION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERALL CO-ORDINATION AND PLANNING AS WELL AS THE ANNUAL TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WHILE THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS OF THE AGENCIES DEAL WITH THE ORGANISATION OF ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF DISTRICT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION COMMITTEES.
IN ADDITION, THERE IS A RESOURCE CENTRE IN THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE AUDIO-VISUAL, DISPLAY AND OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR USE BY THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS.
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS, INCLUDING RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, hEWSPAPER AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS, EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, TALKS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT OVER 50 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE 14 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ENGAGING IN THIS LONG-TERM WORK.
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RAIN PLAYS HAVOC IN APRIL *****
RA,NFALL ,N THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO 277 8 MM WHICH WAS about
TOR R E NT I AL RAIN ON APRIL 5 AND p c q । i i tc n । 1 qq n a c c o nr
wereD Inundated "in yuenSlongLAS ip> about 106 HECTARES 0F farmland
CF LIVESTOCK WERE DROWNED ' AND TAI P° AND °VER 5 333 HEADS
BY LIGHTING11n2£a^ KUN?Ewhfn AND TW0 0THERS WERE STRUCK
^R’VEdJNbrjnqNnq inKUNG^WHENuA^S^GNiIF^ICANTaSURGEuOF^WHNTER. MONSOON
/KAINFALL WUi
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1987
- 5 -
RAINFALL WAS CONFINED TO THE FIRST HALF OF THE MONTH, WITH AN EPISODE OF HEAVY RAIN AND HAILSTORM ON APRIL 5 AND 6 AND A SIGNIFICANT SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON APRIL 12 AND 13. WEATHER IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE MONTH WAS PREDOMINANTLY FINE AND WARM.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE WINTER MONSOON, THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF APRIL WERE RELATIVELY COOL AND MAINLY CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN.
ON APRIL 5, IT WAS DRIZZLY AND MISTY BEFORE THE WEATHER FURTHER DETERIORATED IN THE LATE AFTERNOON WHEN A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST. SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED HONG KONG AND HAIL WAS REPORTED IN SHA TIN AND LAI CHI KOK AROUND 5 PM.
INTENSE RAINSTORM ALSO AFFECTED MACAU. ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, A TOTAL OF 285.4 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED BETWEEN 4 AND 10 PM MAKING THIS MONTH THE WETTEST APRIL EVER FOR MACAU.
WITH THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE LINGERING NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST HEAVY AND THUNDERY SHOWERS PERSISTED IN THE REGION. THERE WAS TORRENTIAL RAIN ON APRIL 5 AND 6 WITH THE RAINFALL RECORDED ON APRIL 6 TO OVER 100 MM.
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS SUBSIDED BY THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 7 AND IT BECAME SUNNY ON APRIL 8. A WARM AND HUMID SOUTHEASTERLY AIRSTREAM THEN SET IN, BRINGING MIST AND FOG ON APRIL 9 AND 10. WITH WINDS VEERING FURTHER TO THE SOUTHWEST, IT WAS SUNNY AND HOT ON APRIL 11.
ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 12, A SIGNIFICANT SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED AND WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST. TEMPERATURES FELL SHARPLY BY ABOUT 5 DEGREES CELSIUS IN TWO HOURS AND SKIES TURNED OVERCAST WITH HEAVY SQUALLY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
A FISHERMAN WAS KILLED AND TWO OTHERS WERE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IN SAI KUNG THAT MORNING.
WINDS REMAINED STRONG UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 13 AND COOL AND WET CONDITIONS PREVAILED TO APRIL 14. MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 14.2 DEGREES CELSIUS WERE RECORDED DURING THE EARLY MORNINGS OF APRIL 1? AND 14, THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON APRIL 15 WITH SUNNY INTERVALS. WITH GENTLE BREEZES FROM THE EAST, IT BECAME MILD AND SUNNY OVER THE NEXT FOUR DAYS.
FROM APRIL 20 TO 24, MIST AND FOG OCCURRED OVERNIGHT BUT IT WAS SUNNY AND WARM IN THE AFTERNOON. THE FINE WEATHER PREVAILED OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS WITH AFTERNOON TEMPERATURE RISING TO 29.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 26, THE HIGHEST RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR.
/(.9VEHRIGOT « ..........
SUNDAY, HAY 10, 1987
OVERNIGHT ON APRIL 26, WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST, GIVING RISE TO SLIGHTLY COOLER AND CLOUDY CONDITIONS WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN. HOWEVER, ON APRIL 27, WINDS BECAME MODERATE AND SUNNY PERIODS RETURNED BETWEEN APRIL 28 AND 30.
IN APRIL, ONLY ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC. TROPICAL STORM PERCY DEVELOPED OVER THE PACIFIC ABOUT 510 KM EAST OF YAP ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 11. IT MOVED NORTHWESTWARDS AND DISSIPATED AT ABOUT 330 KM NORTHEAST OF YAP THE NEXT DAY.
DURING THE MONTH, SEVEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 5, 6, 7 AND 12. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 5, 6 AND 12 AND A LANDSLIP WARNING WAS ISSUED ON APRIL 6. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM APRIL 17 TO 19.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS*
WEATHER DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME
SYSTEM SIGNAL OF HOISTING OF LOWERING tr
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 31 11 PM APRIL 1 6.05 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APR IL 11 11 PM APR IL 13 6 PM
WINTER MONSOON THE STRONG MONSOON MONTH’S FIGURES APR IL AND DEPARTURES 27 5 FROM AM NORMAL APR IL WERE* 27 12 NOON
SUNSHINE
GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
130.2 HOURS - 10.0 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
12.53 MJ/SQ.M - 1.2 MJ/SQ.M BELOW NORMAL
277.8 MM - 138.4 MM ABOVE NORMAL
79 % - 3 % MORE THAN NORMAL
86 % - 3 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL
24.3 DEGREES C - 0.7 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
21.9 DEGREES C - 0.2 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
20.2 DEGREES C - 0.2 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
19.3 DEGREES C - 0.4 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
83.4 MM - 30.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
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/5........
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1987
5
WORKERS URGED TO HEED SAFETY RULES * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED WORKERS TO OBSERVE SAFETY REGULATIONS IN WORKPLACES AND NOT TO DO. ANYTHING LIKELY TO ENDANGER HIMSELF OR OTHERS.
THIS FOLLOWS A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A GARAGE WORKER WAS FINED $4 000 BY A CENTRAL COURT MAGISTRATE FOR INFLICTING SEVERE BURN INJURIES ON ANOTHER WORKER’S FEET.
THE CASE SHOWED THAT THE INJURED WORKER USED PETROL JO REMOVE SOME LUBRICANT STAINS ON HIS SHOES. THE PETROL SOAKED THROUGH HIS SOCKS WITH EXCESSIVE QUANTITY DRIPPING ON TO THE FLOOR.
THE DEFENDANT, ON SEEING THIS, SCARED HIM BY LIGHTING UP THE PETROL ON THE FLOOR WHICH IMMEDIATELY IGNITED THE SOCKS OF THE INJURED WORKER.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS, NO PERSON EMPLOYED IN FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS SHOULD WILFULLY AND WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE CAUSE DO ANYTHING LIKELY TO ENDANGER HIMSELF OR OTHERS.
ANYONE WHO CONTRAVENES ANY OF THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $10 000.
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO EXERCISE STRICTER SUPERVISION ON THEIR WORKERS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL THE SAFETY REGULATIONS.
HE ALSO URGED WORKERS NOT TO USE PETROL OR OTHER INFLAMMABLE SOLVENT TO CLEAN PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
-----0------
OUTSTANDING AWARD FOR HIGHWAYS ENGINEER *****
AN
ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH AN oBtSTANDiSg AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF THE EXCELLECT RESULTS Ft ACHIEVED AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE UNITED STATES LAST YEAR.
MR WAI CH I—SHING, 32, WAS AWARDED A FELLOWSHIP IN 1985 BY THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION TO STUDY FOR A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN HIGHWAY ENGINEERING AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANA.
BE THE
HE IS THE SECOND HONG KONG ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL TO AWARDED THE FEDERATION’S FELLOWSHIP TO FURTHER HIS STUDIES, FIRST BEING FORMER SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN,
27 YEARS AGO.
/FACING STRONG .......
MUNDAY, MAY 10, 198?
6
FACING STRONG COMPETITION FROM 20 FELLOW STUDENTS FROM 16 COUNTRIES, MR WAI WAS RECENTLY SELECTED FOR THE OUTSTANDING FELLOWSHIP STUDENT AWARD BY THE FEDERATION, WHI CH CONSISTS OF NEMBERS FROM MORE THAN 500 GOVERNMENTS, COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.
+MR WAI HAS BROUGHT GREAT CREDIT ON HIMSELF, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION,* THE DIRECTOR CF HIG WAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, SAID AFTER PRESENTING THE AWARD TO HIM ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANISATION.
SINCE JOINING THE GOVERNMENT IN 1977 MR WAI HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS.
ANOTHER HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ENGINEER, MR HEUNG YUK-SAI, WAS ALSO AWARDED A FELLOWSHIP BY THE FEDERATION LAST YEAR AND IS NOW STUDYING AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY.
-------o---------
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES * * * * *
RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS THROUGH THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO SPONSOR SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
OUT OF $73 000 ALLOCATED FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAS SET ASIDE $35 000 FOR GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND FOR ITS OWN AD HOC PROJECTS.
THE REMAINING FUNDS WILL BE SPENT ON ORGANISING THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME, THE COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY, SEA TRIPS FOR HANDICAPPED AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN, AND PUBLISHING A DIRECTORY OF SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS SHOULD REACH THE COMMITTEE SECRETARY AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE EACH COMMITTEE MEETING AND LATE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR MEETINGS IN 1987-88 ARE JUNE 8, AUGUST 10, SEPTEMBER 28, NOVEMBER 23 AND JANUARY 18.
EACH APPLICATION WILL WHETHER THE PROJECT SHOULD TO BE GRANTED.
BE
BE
STUDIED CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING SUPPORTED AND THE APPROPRIATE FUNDS
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE
TO
THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271
-------0--------- /7...................
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1987
7
PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT M M M M M
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED TWO PILING CONTRACTS, TOTALLING $2.17 MILLION, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT MA ON SHAN AND SHEK WU HUI, FANLING.
AT MA ON SHAN, THE SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT ON A 4 500-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN HANG SHUN STREET, WHILE THE SCHOOL AT SHEK WU HUI WILL BE BUILT ON A 3 700-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
WORKS ON BOTH CONTRACTS HAVE ALREADY STARTED AND WILL TAKE THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORK ON BUILDING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WILL THEN BEGIN UNDER SEPARATE CONTRACTS AND THE SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY NEXT SUMMER.
EACH SCHOOL WILL BE A SIX-STOREY BUILDING WITH 24 CLASSROOMS AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL. THERE WILL ALSO BE A COVERED PLAY AREA AND AN EXTERNAL PLAY AREA WITH BASKETBALL COURT.
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INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S ART
* * * * *
CHILDREN WITH A TALENT FOR ART WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK AT THE 29TH WORLD SCHOOL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE YOOK YOUNG FOUNDATION OF SOUTH KOREA.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE KOREAN CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN SEOUL TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG CHILDREN AND TO PROMOTE ART EDUCATION THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF CHILDREN’S ART.
CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12 ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT DRAWING, PAINTING, PRINT, COLLAGE, OR ANY OTHER TWO DIMENSIONAL WORK THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS TO EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTION ON THE THEME BUT THE SIZE OF WORK SHOULD NOT EXCEED 450 MM BY 550 MM.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION ARE REMINDED TO STATE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE PARTICULARS OF THE STUDENT (INCLUDING NAME, AGE, SEX AND NATIONALITY), THEME OF WORK, NAME AND ADDRESS OF SCHOOL AT THE BACK OF EACH ENTRY.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE ART AND CRAFT SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT BY JUNE 5.
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1987
8
SAI KUNG WATER CUT
*****
FRESHWATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 12) TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES AND VILLAGES ARE ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO TAI 0 MUN AND HIRAM’S HIGHWAY FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO PAK TAM CHUNG.
o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAT 11, 1987
CONTJiTS PAGE NO.
NO PLaN to change three-tier system ......................... 1
STANDARD COST SUBVENTION OF WELFARE AGENCIES EXTENDED ....... 1
•USEFUL' TRIP TO BRUSSELS aND VIENNA ........................ 3
MARCH EXTERNAL TRaDE STATISTICS RELEASED .................... 3
INCENTIVE AWARD SCHBdE FOR PUBLISHERS ....................... 10
GERMAN MPfe BRIEFED ON HK DRUGS SITUx.TION ............... 11
YaN 01 TONG PRaISED 'OR SERVICES TO NEW TOWN ................ 11
SAFETY OFFICER TRAINING COURSES INVITE .J>PLICaTI0N ......... 12
MORE FUNDS FOR SIR EDW..RD YOUDE FUND ....................... 13
WAN CHAI TRAFFIC AND T^JiSPORT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ... 13
TSUEN WAN COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER CULTURAL PROGRAMS............ 1A
ACCESS RO.-.D PROPOSED FOR LANTAU............................ 14
HOUSING STRATEGY ON DB aGENDa ............................... 15
RO,,D CLOSURE IN TUEK MUN FOR RO.J) WORK .................... 16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................ 16
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
1
NO PLAN TO CHANGE THREE-TIER SYSTEM *****
THERE IS AT PRESENT NO CONSIDERATION OF CHANGING THE GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT UNDER WHICH HONG KONG OPERATES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE ADDED THAT THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF THIS STRUCTURE WAS ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WHICH WOULD COME UP IN THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT LATER THIS YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL, DESCRIBED THE VISIT AS VERY USEFUL.
+1 MUST SAY I AM ENORMOUSLY IMPRESSED BY HOW MUCH THE URBAN COUNCIL DOES, HOW ITS ROLE HAS BEEN DEVELOPING, AND HOW VERY EFFICIENT THE SERVICES IT PROVIDES ARE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT NOT ONLY WAS HE STRUCK BY THE COUNCIL’S WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, BUT ALSO BY HOW MUCH THAT WENT ON BEHIND THE SCENE.
- o-----------
STANDARD COST SUBVENTION OF WELFARE AGENCIES EXTENDED
*****
A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PRESENT STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR SUBVENTED WELFARE AGENCIES SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO MORE WELFARE SERVICES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, Mios cLAINt CHUNG SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD LALLcJ FOR A’REVIEW OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE STANDARD COoT SUBVENTION SYSTEM IN MARCH 1986.
THE PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW WAS TO IDENTIFY ANY SHORTCOMING^ IN THE SYSTEM, WHICH wAS IMPLEMENTED IN 1982-83, AND ADVISE ON FUTURE METHODS OF SUBVENTION TO WELFARE AGENCIES.
THE WORKING GROUP CONCLUDED THAT THE AIM OF ESTABLISHING A SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION SYSTEM BASED SUBSTANTIALLY UPON STANDARD COSTS HAS YET TO BE ACHIEVED AS ONLY E’GHT WELFARE SERVICES ARE PRESENTLY SUBVENTED ON THE BASIS OF STANDARD COSTS.
THOSE EIGHT SERVICES ARE FAMILY CASEWORK, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, FOSTER CARE, NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, SMALL GROUP HOMES AND POOL BUS SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY.
/MISS CHUNG .......
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
2
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM HAD LED TO SUBVENTION SURPLUSES ACCUMULATING IN AGENCIES’ ACCOUNTS UP TO 1985-86 BUT SOME MODIFICATIONS TO THE SYSTEM LAST YEAR HAD +MORE CR LESS SOLVED THE PROBLEM AND SO REMOVED AN OBSTACLE TO MORE SERVICES BEING SUBVENTED ON THE BASIS OF STANDARD COSTS+.
THE WORKING GROUP ALSO CONCLUDED THAT THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM HAS IMPORTANT FEATURES WORTHY OF RETENTION, NAMELY, THE CATEGORISATION OF SERVICES FOR FUNDING PURPOSES, THE SETTING OF NOTIONAL STANDARD STAFFING LEVELS WHERE POSSIBLE, THE FLEXIBILITY FOR AGENCIES TO OPERATE WITHIN SUCH PARAMETERS, TO RAISE FUNDS TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND TO PLAN WITH CERTAINTY ABOUT SUBVENTION LEVELS AND THE EMPHASIS BY THE GOVERNMENT ON MONITORING SERVICE DELIVERY. A RETURN TO THE DISCRETIONARY GRANT SYSTEM OPERATING BEFORE 1982-83 WOULD THEREFORE BE INAPPROPRIATE.
THE WORKING GROUP HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE MODIFIED STANDARD COST SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER SERVICES FOR WHICH STANDARD COSTS CAN BE ESTABLISHED AND THESE WERE LIKELY TO INCLUDE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, HOMES FOR THE AGED, HOSTELS FOR THE AGED, RESIDENTIAL CRECHES, RESIDENTIAL NURSERIES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT +THIS WOULD STILL LEAVE MOST SUBVENTED WELFARE SERVICES FUNDED UNDER THE ’MODEL’ SYSTEM UNDER WHICH SUBVENTIONS ARE BASED ON PREVIOUS EXPENDITURE ADJUSTED FOR PRICE INCREASES+.
+THIS IS RATHER UNSATISFACTORY AS A LONG TERM SOLUTION AS THE MODEL SYSTEM WAS INTENDED ONLY AS A STOPGAP MEASURE WHILE THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED AND IT PERPETUATES DIFFERENT SUBVENTION LEVELS ESTABLISHED OVER THE YEARS FOR SIMILAR UNITS WITHIN THE SAME SERVICE*.
THE WORKING GROUP EXAMINED OTHER SUBVENTION SYSTEMS AND CONCLUDED THAT THE SYSTEMS IN THE EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SECTORS ARE UNSUITED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR.
HOWEVER, THE WORKING GROUP ALSO CONCLUDED THAT THERE ARE MERITS IN REPLACING THE MODIFIED STANDARD COST SYSTEM WITH A SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THAT USED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TO MEET STAFF SALARY REQUIREMENTS, BUT SUCH A SYSTEM CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT CONTROLS AND COMPUTERISATION OF PAYROLLS.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT SUCH A CHANGE WOULD REQUIRE A +DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY INVOLVING THE TREASURY, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE SUBVENTED WELFARE SECTOR*.
THE WORKING GROUP ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT STAFF SALARY SUBVENTIONS SHOULD BE RELEASED TO AGENCIES MONTHLY INSTEAD OF QUARTERLY AS AT PRESENT AND THAT CLAW-BACK OF INTEREST ON UNUSED SUBVENTIONS SHOULD BE DISPENSED WITH.
THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT WOULD NOW BE SENT TO THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR COMMENTS BEFORE BEING CONSIDERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN JUNE.
-------0--------- /?....................
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
3
’USEFUL’ TRIP TO BRUSSELS AND VIENNA * X * *
SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED AS +VERY USEFUL* THE VISIT HE HAD MADE TO BRUSSELS AND VIENNA WHERE HE LED A DELEGATION FROM HONG KONG TO PROMOTE THE TERRITORY AS A FINANCIAL AND TRADE CENTRE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE ENORMOUS INTEREST THERE WAS IN THESE PLACES IN HONG KONG. THERE WERE GOOD TURNOUTS OF BUSINESS LEADERS, BANKERS AND OFFICIALS AT CONFERENCES AT WHICH SIR DAVID AND OTHER HONG KONG LEADERS SPOKE.
HE ADDED THAT WHILE IN BRUSSELS AND VIENNA HE WAS ALSO ABLE TO TALK TO THE BRITISH AMBASSADORS THERE TO BRING THEM UP TO DATE ON EVENTS IN HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID SAIDi +1 AM SURE THAT THIS KIND OF VISITS TO GIVE FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THINGS IN HONG KONG IS MOST USEFUL.*
ASKED IF HE HAD EXPLAINED HONG KONG’S POSITION AFTER 1997 TO THE BELGIAN PEOPLE, SIR DAVID REPLIED THAT THE IMPORTANT THING WAS TO DESCRIBE, NOT THE EVENTS OF 1985 AND THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, BUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED SINCE THE AGREEMENT AND THE PROGRESS THAT HAD BEEN MADE IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS RELATING TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE THEN.
0
MARCH EXTERNAL
TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED * M M X M
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED TRADE VALUE STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1987. COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN MARCH 1987, AT #59 078 MILLION, GREW BY 53 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 41 PER CENT TO #14 483 MILLION IN MARCH 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 62 PER CENT TO #13 864 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN MARCH 1987 TO #28 347 MILLION, WHICH WAS 51 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1986. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 55 PER CENT TO #30 731 MILLION IN MARCH 1987.
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, NAY 11, 1987
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN MARCH 1986 AND MARCH 1987. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (+91 PER CENT), JAPAN (+80 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+64 PER CENT), FRANCE (+63 PER CENT) AND THE NETHERLANDS (+60 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+89 PER CENT), CHINA (+65 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+64 PER CENT), ITALY (+63 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (+60 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE U.S., THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 109 PER CENT, 93 PER CENT,87 PER CENT, 64 PER CENT AND 63 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, AT $153 378 MILLION, INCREASED BY 41 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT TO $38 528 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 52 PER CENT TO $36 485 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 41 PER CENT TO $75 012 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 41 PER CENT TO $78 366 MILLION.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS. THE MARKETS WITH THE FASTEST GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED CHINA (+77 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+70 PER CENT), JAPAN (+68 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+52 PER CENT) AND FRANCE (+41 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S., GREW BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+82 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+57 PER CENT), CHINA (+52 PER CENT), ITALY (+51 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+31 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE U.S., THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TAIWAN INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 92 PER CENT, 79 PER CENT, 66 PER CENT, 63 PER CENT AND 57 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/EXTENDING THE........
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
- 5 -
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1987, WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1986, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT TO $163 365 MILLION. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $135 026 MILLION, ROSE BY 30 PER CENT. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 28 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS TO $298 648 MILLION. TAKEN AS A WHOLE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE INCREASED BY 28 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 IN MARCH 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JUNE 1987.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986. INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS, THE MORE NOTABLE ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY $2 202 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1 543 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT); TEXT ILES (BY $1 348 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 312 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986. INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $3 704 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 866 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $1 972 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 835 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECHEAiiES
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
6 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $493 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $67 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2 097 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $1 835 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING 600°$ (BY $1 382 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT); AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 163 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $115 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT); AS WELL AS METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $46 MILLION OR 37 PER
CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COUNTRY AND BY COMMODITY ARE AVAILABLE IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE MARCH 1987 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND MAY 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 MARCH 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JUNE 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 1: .......
Table 1: Domestic exports by ten major markets
Major market Jan-Mar • 1987* (HKD Mn. ) Jan-Mar :87 over * •. Jan-Mar 86' . % ) March 1987. (HKD Mn.) Mar 87 \oyer/ Mar 86 ( X )
U.S.A. 14,006 13 5,055 18
China 5,552 77 2,233 91-
F.R. of Germany 3,223 52 1,181 64
U.K. 2,353 27 927 . 43
Japan • 1,792 68 743 .80 '
Canada 1,144 10 396 . 16
Netherlands 90U 70 324 60
Australia 783 7 295 34
Singapore 725 36 280 42
France 695 41 284 63
Table 2: Domestic exports by major commodity division
Commodity division Jan-Mar 1987 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Mar 87 over Jan-Mar 86 ‘ ( % ) March 1987 (HKD Mn.) Mar 87 over Mar 86 ( x )
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 12,411 22 4,359 37 •
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 5,870 36 2,338 • 43
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related products 3,292 69 1,348 ; .83
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 3,192 70 1,188 63
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances and electrical parts thereof i, 3,014 38 1.200 .39
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, uh cid •: 1 «.»c ks 2 969 19 J 138 /Table J: 21
« - MOW DAY, HAY 'll, 1^07
Table 3: Imports from ten majoi' suppliers
Major supplier Jan-Mar 1987 (HKD Mn . ) Jan-Mar 87 over Jan-Mar 86 .. C* ) March 1987 ('HKD Mn?) Mar BV oval* Mar 8* ♦ « )
China .23,172 52 ' 8,860 65
Japan lb,061 30 5,998 43
Taiwan 7,016 57 2,773 60
U.S.A. 6,880 29 2,487 51
Republic of Korea 3,494 82 1,365 69
Singapore 4 3,080 12 1,174 64
U.K. 2,575 31 1,042 42
F.R. of Germany 2,149 30 823 .40
Switzerland 1,390 26 551 47
Italy 1,339 51 616 63
Table 4: Imports by major commodity division
Commodity division Jan-Mar 1987 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Mar 87 over Jan-Mar 86 ( % ) March 1987 (HKD Mn.) Mar 67 over riar 86 ( x )
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related, products 11,829 46 4,897 63
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 7,100 68 2,804 68
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 5,573 55 2,117 58
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 4,325 29 1,742 50
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment • 4,281 75 1,680 82
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sp«»rl Ing goods' 4.040 59 1.676 /Table 5: 8k
9
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
• Major market Table 5: Re-exports by ten major markets Mar 87 over Mar 86 ( x )
Jan-Mar . 1987 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Mar 87 over Jan-Mar 86 ( X ) March 1987 (HKD Mn.)
China 11.808 48 4.554 54
U.S.A. 7,068 79 2,524 93
Taiwan 2,002 57 796 63
Republic of Korea 1,922 66 726 64
Japan 1,747 27 656 3fe
Singapore 1,387 15 526 24
F.R. of Germany 903 92 336 109
Macau 742 26 301 27
U.K. 679 63 304 87
Philippines 614 28 246 61
Table 6*. Re-exports by major commodity division
Jan-Mar Jan-Mar 87 March Mar 87
Commodity division 1987 over Jan-Mar 86 1987 over Mar 86
(HKD Mn.) ( % ) (HKD Mn.) ( X )
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related products 5,717 47 2,303 58
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 4,486 88 1,498 102
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 3,028 62 1,203 66
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 2,949 88 1,182 106
9 Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 2,035 77 792 81
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches arid clocks 1.754 O' S3 682 /10 .. 65
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
10
INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR PUBLISHERS
*****
PUBLISHERS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN SELECTED SUBJECTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TO ATTEND A MEETING WITH THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON FRIDAY (MAY 15).
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE CENTRES, ROOMS 29-30, 5TH FLOOR, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, STARTING AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE WILL ANNOUNCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME AT THE MEETING WHILE OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF THE PUBLISHERS DETAILED PROCEDURES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE AWARD SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID A COMMITMENT OF $7.2 MILLION FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLICATION OF GOOD QUALITY CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN SELECTED SUBJECTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST WEEK.
THERE WILL BE TWO CATEGORIES UNDER THE SCHEMEt
(1) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMOUNTING TO $150 000 WILL BE AWARDED TO PUBLISHER FOR PRODUCING EACH SET OF TEXTBOOKS FOR EACH OF THE 16 SUBJECTS. IN ADDITION, EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PUBLISHERS.
(2) EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE GIVEN TO PUBLISHERS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF TEXTBOOK WRITING FOR SIX SUBJECTS OF TEXTBOOKS.
UNDER THE INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME, EACH PART ICI PAT I NG PUBLISHER WILL BE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT WITH THE GOVERNMENT A SUM OF $50 000 PER SUBJECT, AND TO OBSERVE A CONTROLLED TIMETABLE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE TEXTBOOKS.
IF THE TEXTBOOK IS PRODUCED AND SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW ACCORDING TO THE TIMETABLE, THE DEPOSIT WILL BE REFUNDED TO THE PUBLISHER, WHO WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE INCENTIVE AWARD IF THE TEXTBOOK IS SUBSEQUENTLY INCLUDED IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECOMMENDED BOOKLIST.
0 -
/11
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
11
GERMAN MP’S BRIEFED ON HK DRUGS SITUATION *****
A DELEGATION OF THE GERMAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT (BUDGET COMMITTEE) THIS (MONDAY) MORNING VISITED THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND WAS GIVEN AN IN-DEPTH DEPICTION ON HONG KONG’S OVERALL DRUG SITUATION.
THE DELEGATION IS COMPRISED OF THREE MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET COMMITTEE, MR ADOLF ROTH, MR HELMUT WIECZOREK AND MR WERNER ZYWIETZ AND A SENIOR CIVIL SERVANT OF THE MINISTRY FOR FINANCIAL AFFAIRS, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, DR ALRED STENGER.
THE TEAM WAS BRIEFED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, ON HONG KONG’S EFFORTS AND STRATEGIES IN THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS.
THE GROUP LATER VISITED THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU DURING WHICH THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (INVESTIGATIONS), MR TONG KANG-SING, INTRODUCED TO THEM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ASPECTS OF ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK IN HONG KONG.
THE DELEGATION, ON AN ASIAN DRUGS STUDY TOUR INCLUDING HONG KONG, KUALA LUMPUR AND NEW DELHI, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
-----0-----
YAN Ol TONG PRAISED FOR SERVICES TO NEW TOWN
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED THE YAN Ol TONG, A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION, FOR ITS PERSEVERANCE IN THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN.
♦ FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN AND THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE YAN Ol TONG WITH ITS LONG TRADITION, WAS ABLE TO COPE WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS TO EXPAND ITS SERVICES AND BECOME A MATURE AND MULT I-SERVICE CHARITABLE ORGANISATION,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 8TH TERM OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE YAN Ol TONG BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DR HAYES SAID THE YAN Ol TONG HAD MAINTAINED ITS GROWTH PROGRESS ALONG WITH TUEN MUN WHICH DEVELOPED INTO A MODERNISED NEW TOWN IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.
♦ OVER THE YEARS, THE YAN Ol TONG HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO RESIDENTS BY PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES SUCH AS MEDICAL CARE, EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* HE ADDED.
/+THE TONG
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
12 -
♦THE TONG NOW OPERATES A CLINIC, A COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE, SWIMMING POOLS, SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS, YOUTH CENTRES, AND HOSTELS AND SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.
HE NOTED THAT A SERIES OF FUTURE PLANS WAS UNDER WAY, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOLS, A YOUTH CENTRE AND THE EXPANSION OF VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES.
THIS WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE EFFICIENT ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP AND THE FAR-SIGMTEDNESS OF YAN Ol TONG’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHICH ENABLED THE INSTITUTION TO DEVELOP AND EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, DR HAYES SAID.
------o-------
SAFETY OFFICER TRAINING COURSES INVITE APPLICATION
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATE COURSES TO TRAIN SAFETY OFFICERS FOR INDUSTRIES.
THEY INCLUDE ONE PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSE AND FOUR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSES IS TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE EFFECTIVE PROMOTION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN WORKPLACES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN HUNG HOM, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN MONG KOK, AND VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOUD BE RETURNED TO THE JOINT APPLICATION OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC BY MAY 20.
MEANWHILE, THE LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
SINCE REGISTRATION STARTED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 170 APPLICATIONS TO REGISTER AS SAFETY OFFICERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THOSE WHO INTEND TO REGISTER AS SAFETY OFFICERS ARE URGED TO CONTACT ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OR TELEPHONE 5-8524064 FOR ENQUIRIES.
-------o----------
/13........
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
15
MORE FUNDS FOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS SO FAR RECEIVED ABOUT #860 000 FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND THE PUBLIC IN SUPPORT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND.
IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, ABOUT S100 000 WAS RECEIVED, WITH MORE THAN $57 000 FROM ST LOUIS SCHOOL IN SAI YING PUN; $22 000 FROM THE INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND S20 000 FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE PUBLIC’S ENTHUSIASTIC AND PERSISTENT SUPPORT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED.
HE HOPED THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT ON A LONG-TERM BASIS SO THAT THE PRESENT AS WELL AS COMING GENERATIONS COULD BENEFIT FROM THE FUND.
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WAN CHAI TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
* * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN FOR 1987-88.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS AT THE JUNCTION OF TIN LOK LANE AND HENNESSY ROAD- AT TAI HANG ROAD NEAR TIGER BALM GARDEN; AND AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD, QUEENSWAY AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO RENAME STREETS AND FACILITIES ADJACENT TO THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
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MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
14
TSUEN WAN COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER CULTURAL PROGRAMME
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AND ITS BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AT A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 13).
THE BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $600 000 TO THE COMMITTEE FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR.
MAJOR EVENTS TO BE ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE THE ANNUAL TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL AND VARIOUS OTHER ACTIVITIES.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING ON MAY 13 AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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ACCESS ROAD PROPOSED FOR LANTAU * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING TO BUILD A 2 400-METRE-LONG VEHICULAR ROAD BETWEEN NGONG PING ROAD AND SHAM WAT ON LANTAU ISLAND TO PROVIDE TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR ABOUT 600 VILLAGERS LIVING IN SHAM WAT, SHAM SHEK TSUEN, SAN SHEK WAN AND SHA LO WAN.
APART FROM WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN A FERRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE, VILLAGERS MOVING BETWEEN SHA LO WAN AND NGONG PING ROAD HAVE TO USE EITHER AN INFREQUENT KAI-TO SERVICE OR A 4 900-METRE-LONG FOOTPATH BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
THE PROPOSED WORK IS THE FIRST OF A TWO-STAGE PROJECT AND WILL COMPRISE RECONSTRUCTION AND WIDENING OF SHAM WAT ROAD NORTH OF NGONG PING ROAD AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD ALONG THE ALIGNMENT OF THE EXISTING EARTH TRACK FROM SHAM WAT ROAD TO SHAM WAT.
ADEQUATE PASSING PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE ROAD TO CATER FOR MOVEMENT OF LIGHT MOTOR VEHICLES.
/EARTH CUTTING
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
- 15 -
EARTH CUTTING CF RETAINING WALLS LOCATIONS.
AND FILLING WORKS, TOGETHER WITH CONSTRUCTION AND BOX CULVERTS, WILL BE REQUIRED AT SEVERAL
SAFETY FENCES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 7.
SUBMITTED TO
WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE WILL MAINLY INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION CF A SIMILAR TYPE OF ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN SHAM WAT AND SHA LO WAN.
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HOUSING STRATEGY ON DB AGENDA * * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY RECENTLY PUBLISHED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATION AT AFFORDABLE COST FOR ALL HOUSEHOLDS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE THREE-TIER FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, DANGEROUS DRUG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1987, THE ROLE OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD IN COLLECTING VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE POLITICAL REVIEW, AND RELOCATION OF OLD SCHOOLS IN THE URBAN AREA TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN FOR CONTINUAL OPERATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS REPORTS OF THE DB COMMITTEES.
MISS LING KIT-CHING, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HOUSING BRANCH AND MISS EMMA LAU, SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON VARIOUS TOPICS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE 3RD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
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/16........
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1987
16
ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN FOR ROAD WORK
*****
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM THURSDAY (MAY 14) FOR ROAD WORK.
FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.15 AM FROM MAY 14 TO 16, THE SECTION OF TUEN FAT ROAD FROM TUEN MUN ROAD TO TUEN SHING STREET AND THE UNNAMED ROAD LEADING FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO TUEN FAT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
MOTORISTS ON SOUTHBOUND TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND, CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND TUEN SHING STREET WESTBOUND TO THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF TUEN FAT ROAD.
FROM 12.01 AM TO 5.30 AM FROM MAY 19 TO 21, THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH TUEN FAT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE TUEN FAT ROAD.
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH TUEN HI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.01 AM TO 5.30 AM FROM MAY 22 TO 24.
MEANWHILE, FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM FROM MAY 26 TO 29, THE UNNAMED SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM TUEN HING ROAD TO TUEN HI ROAD-AND TUEN HI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
MOTORISTS ON NORTHBOUND TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD SHOULD DRIVE VIA PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND, WHILE THOSE ON EASTBOUND TUEN HING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD NORTHBOUND AND PUI TO ROAD.
VEHICLES ON NORTHBOUND TUEN MUN ROAD SHOULD DRIVE STRAIGHT AHEAD ALONG TUEN MUN ROAD.
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 49.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 290.300 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 240.786 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 41.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK TO STAND FIRM AGAINST PROTECTIONISM ..................... 1
THREE-TIER SYSTEM WORKS EFFECTIVELY ........................ 3
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KWAI TSING............................
VIEWS SOUGHT IN CUSTOMARY LAW SUCCESSION ................... 5
TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP TO BEGIN .......................
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT STRAYS ..........................
SURVEYS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION................. • 8
REGISTRATION REVOKED FOR DEPOSIT-T. JCIN’G COMPANY ......... 9
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FINED FOR OVERCHARGING................... 10
LEGCO TO DEBATE CElJTR-‘iL PROVIDENT FUND.................. 11
COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE................ 11
PO LEUNG KUK PRAISED FOR EDUCATION SERVICES ............... 12
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ......................... 12
WAI CHING STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FaCE HkMMER............ 15
EASTERN DISTRICT BOaRD TO MEET ON THURSDAY ................ 1^
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS VATER SEEPAGE PROBLEMS ............... 15
Manpower survey ok insurance industry to begin ......... • 15
PROPERTY OWNERS REMINDED TO FILE RETURNS .................. 16
KO CHIU RO..D RE-ROUTED.................................... 17
CUL-DE-SaC TO BE CONVERTED................................. 17
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MONG KOK ........................... 18
18
NO FLUSHING WATER
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
HK TO STAND FIRM AGAINST PROTECTIONISM X X * * *
THE AND
HONG KONG SHALL TAKE ALL TERRITORY’S TRADING INTERESTS
STEPS IT CAN TO PROTECT THE TO ARGUE THE VIRTUES OF A FREE
TRADING SYSTEM AGAINST THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM HANGING OVER THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS
(TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER CELEBRATING THE 2OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CLOSELY MONITORING DEVELOPMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE UNITED STATES.
HE SAID IN RECENT YEARS GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE HAD LED TO VERY HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
♦OVER THE FIVE YEARS 1981/86 OUR TOTAL TRADE DOUBLED IN VALUE.
♦IN RECENT MONTHS THE GROWTH HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING. IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 41 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. IMPORTS GREW BY A SIMILAR AMOUNT,♦ HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DID NOT APPLY A TOTALLY HANDS-OFF POLICY TOWARDS THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES DESPITE ITS TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE.
♦HONG KONG OPERATES ON THE PHILOSOPHY THAT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF MARKET FORCES, OR ATTEMPT TO PLAN THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES, IS LIKELY TO DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD,* HE EXPLAINED.
HOWEVER. HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE NEED TO PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT V TAL TO THE EXISTENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THAT IS, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF TREATED WATER, ENERGY, INDUSTRIAL LAND, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS.
TO INVEST IN THIS KIND OF
SA ID,* IT WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE
♦THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT,♦ SIR DAVID THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DO THE SAME.*
HE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT JUST INTERNAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT MADE THE ECONOMY DYNAMIC, IT WAS PEOPLE THAT MADE A SOCIETY AND IT WAS PEOPLE THAT MADE AN ECONOMY A SUCCESS OR A FAILURE. ♦HONG KONG HAS BEEN VERY FORTUNATE IN ITS PEOPLE.♦
♦BUT WE CANNOT REST ON OUR LAURELS. WE MUST PLAN FOR THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
/+EUi< OUR .........
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
2
♦FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO GROW, WE NEED THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SKILLED MANPOWER AVAILABLE AT THE RIGHT LEVELS,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON EDUCATIONAL AND MANPOWER TRAINING PROGRAMMES.♦
NOTING THAT THE WORK OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN THIS, SIR DAVID SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY, WITH its Emphasis on science and technology, was a further demonstration CF THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE.
HE SAID THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WAYS TO HELP THE INDUSTRIES MAINTAIN THEIR EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS, THEY WOULD NEED TO MAINTAIN THEIR USUAL RESPONSIVENESS AND FLEXIBILITY TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE MARKET PLACE.
♦TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, COST REDUCTION, QUALITY DESIGN AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ARE SOME OF THE KEY FACTORS WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES,* SIR DAVID SAID.
♦ONLY BY THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN WE FOSTER THE GROWTH WHICH WILL SECURE OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE FUTURE.♦
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THE CORPORATION AND ITS ADVISERS, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, ON A JOB WELL DONE. HE SAID THE CORPORATION HAD COME A LONG WAY.
IN ITS FIRST YEAR, THE CORPORATION UNDERWROTE SOME 250 FIRMS AND 1300 MILLION WORTH OF EXPORTS. ♦NOW, 20 YEARS LATER, YOU HAVE A SOLID CLIENTELE OF 1 600 FIRMS AND LAST YEAR HAD INSURED EXPORTS OF f7 BILLION,* SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID THAT BY BUILDING UP A HEALTHY RATIO OF ASSETS TO RISK OVER RECENT YEARS, THE CORPORATION WAS WELL PLACED TO OFFER HONG KONG EXPORTERS NEW INSURANCE POLICIES THAT SUITED CHANGES IN THE TRADING ENVIRONMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD BE ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AS WELL AS IT HAD DONE THOSE IN THE PAST.
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1M7
3
THREE-TIER SYSTEM WORKS EFFECTIVELY M K M M
THE TWEE TIERS POLITICAL SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE WORKING VERY EFFECTIVELY AND IS NOW ACCEPTED AS BEING A VERY EFFECTIVE MECHANISM, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN TSUEN WAN, SIR DAVID SAID THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TIERS WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
♦BUT THE EXISTENCE OF THE TWEE TIERS, I THINK, IS NOW ACCEPTED DY EVERYBODY AS BEING A VERY EFFECTIVE MECHANISM,* HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THAT WAS STILL UNDER DISCUSSION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GREEN PAPER.
ASKED IF THERE WAS TO BE DRASTIC CHANGES IN THE ROLE OF EACH OF THE TWEE TIERS. HE SAID THAT WAS NOT FOR HIM TO SAY BECAUSE THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
♦IF YOU HAVE A GREEN PAPER EXERCISE, THE IDEA IS TO GET PEOPLE’S VIEW ON IT, NOT FOR ME TO SAY IN ADVANCE WHAT I THINK SHOULD BE DONE,* HE ADDED.
DESCRIBING HIS VISIT TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AS +VERY INTERESTING*. SIR DAVID SAID THE COUNCIL DID NOT EXIST WHEN HE LAST WORKED IN HONG KONG AND *SO IT’S SOMETHING WHICH IS NEW AND TO LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT IT’S DOING IS VERY HELPFUL*.
♦I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE AMOUNT OF WORK IT’S ALREADY DOING AND BY THE CLOSE LIAISON THERE IS BETWEEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND ALSO BETWEEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS,* HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT HE HAD BEEN BRIEFED ON THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION ON CERTAIN BEACHES.
♦THERE ARE TWEE BEACHES WHICH ARE NOW HEAVILY POLLUTED TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THEY BELIEVE IT'S NOT RIGHT TO HAVE SWIMMING THERE ANY MORE AND NATURALLY ENOUGH THEY ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT THAT BECAUSE OF THE GREAT POPULARITY OF THOSE BEACHES AMONG SWIMMERS,♦ HE SAIB.
SIR DAVID SAIB THE TOPIC OF POLITICAL REFORMS WAS NOT RAISED AT THE MEETING. +WHAT WAS HAPPENING WAS THEY WERE BRIEFING ME ON THE WORK BEING DONE BY THE COUNCIL,* HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1917
u
89VERNOR TO VISIT KWAI TSI NG * M * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR BAVID WILSON, ANB LADY WILSON WILL VISIT KWAI TSING DISTRICT ON THURSDAY (MAY 14) AFTERNOON TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS AND MEET COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE TOUR WILL START AT 2.30 PM WHEN THE GOVERNOR WILL GO BY HELICOPTER TO TSING Yl TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS THERE. HE WILL THEN FLY TO THE WO YEE HOP ROAD SPORTSGROUND IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG AND PROCEED BY CAR TO SHEK LEI ESTATE.
SIR BAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL TOUR A SHEK LEI ESTATE COMMERCIAL AREA AND VISIT BLOCK 14 MUTUAL AIB COMMITTEE BEFORE ATTENDING A TEA RECEPTION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS. CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES, YIN NQAI LADIES AND SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE ESTATE’S COMMUNITY CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO KWAI TSING THIS THURSDAY (MAY 14).
IN VIEW OF THE TIGHT SCHEDULE OF THE VISIT AND THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF THE TSING Yl BRIDGE, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT REPORTERS COVERING THE TSING Yl PART OF THE VISIT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ARRIVE SHEK LEI ESTATE IN TIME TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S TOUR THERE. IT IS ADVISABLE THEREFORE FOR YOU TO SEND TWO SEPARATE TEAMS SHOULD YOU WISH TO COVER THE WHOLE TOUR.
FOR THOSE WISHING TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT ON TSING Yl THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 2.30 PM OUTSIDE THE MAIN GATE OF TSING Y GARDENS, (NEAR THE TSING Yl ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOCCER PITCH) WHERE GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
TWEE GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 2.15 PM FOR THE WO YEE HOP ROAD SPORTSGROUND FOR THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO SHEK LEI ESTATE.
0 --------
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
5
VIEWS SOUGHT IN CUSTOMARY LAW SUCCESSION
*****
VIEWS OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG, WERE AN IMPORTANT ASPECT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE HIGH.Y COMPLEX CUSTOMARY LAW WHICH SUCCESSION TRUSTEESHIPS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF ’TSOS’ AND 'TONGS’ ARE BASED, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LIONS, DR HAYES SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE VILLAGES AND PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TO THE CUSTOMARY LAW.
AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THE REVISION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE THAT DEALS WITH THE CUSTOMARY LAW, DR HAYES SAID.
♦ THERE IS ALSO A NEED TO ENSURE THAT ANY REVISIONS TO CAP. 97 OF THE ORDINANCE ARE DONE IN THE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ACTUAL SITUATION AND THE EXTENT OF THE NEED TO MAKE CHANGES.
♦ WE SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT ANY CHANGES ARE USEFUL AND CONSTRUCT IVE,+ HE ADDED.
♦ THE COMPILATION OF MATERIALS ON DECISIONS IN VILLAGES AND CLANS OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS MIGHT HELP THOSE WHO DEAL WITH DISPUTES OVER PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE MAJOR CLANS,♦ SAID DR HAYES
DR HAYES POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR VILLAGES TO REGISTER THEIR SUCCESSION WITH THE AUTHORITIES SO THAT CLAIMS COULD BE DEALT WITH EASILY RATHER THAN TO ALLOW THE SITUATION TO DEVELOP INTO LONG-DRAWN DISPUTES.
♦ WE ARE NOT CHANGING CUSTOMARY LAW, WE ARE ONLY NOTING CERTAIN DIFFICULTIES HAVING ARISEN IN CONNECTION WITH IT.
♦ OUR MAIN AIM IS TO REVISE THE ORDINANCE AND TAKE WHATEVER STEPS SO THAT WE CAN IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CUSTOMARY LAW,+ DR HAYES SAID.
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1987
6
TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP TO BEGIN M N N M M
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATION THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL BE LAUNCHED ON MONBAY (MAY 18) TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS IN STREETS AND BUILDINGS.
THE OPERATION, TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PHASE OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND WILL LAST THOUGH JUNE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGlONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID THAT THE CLEAN-UP WILL BE OPERATED ON A STREET-BY-STREET AND BLOCK-TO-BLOCK BASIS, COVERING LANES, BUILDINGS. HAWKER AREAS, MARKETS. AND CANOPIES, REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTION, ABATEMENT OF MOSQUITO AND OTHER PEST NUISANCES.
DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTORS WILL BE INVOLVED ACTIVELY IN THE INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS, CARRYING OUT THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEANSING PROGRAMMES, ANT I-LITTER PATROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF CLEANSING AND HYGIENE LAWS.
TO SUPPORT THE NEW PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO CONDUCT INTENSIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD RENDER THEIR SUPPORT BY TAKING THE JUNK DIRECTLY TO A NEARBY COLLECTION POINT DURING ITS OPENING HOURS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT MAY CONTACT THEIR DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTOR REGARDING DETAILS OF THE OPERATION, LOCATION AND OPENING H9URS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
THEY MAY ALSO CALL UP THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY NUMBER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON 9-8680000 OR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON O-U55555 FOR SUCH DETAILS.
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/7
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
7
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT STRAYS
MM*
THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT'S ANT I-RABIES EFFORTS BY REPORTING STRAY DOGS AND SURRENDERING UNWANTED ANIMALS TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
they could do so simply by contacting the department's rabies CONTROL UNIT AT 3-624147 OR O-9O22O1, OR BY HANDING OVER THE ANIMALS TO ANY OF THE FOUR GOVERNMENT KENNELS SITUATED AT VICTORIA ROAD. HONG KONG ISLAND; AT SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, KOWLOON; AND AT SHA TIN AND SHEK WU HUI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG. SAID THAT REGULAR STRAY SWEEPING OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY DOG CONTROL TEAMS HAD A STABILISING EFFECT ON THE LOCAL STRAY DOG PROBLEM. THERE WERE 12 980 STRAYS ROUNDED UP IN 1985 AND ANOTHER 15 218 IN 1986.
♦HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL RISK POSED BY STRAY DOGS, THERE IS EVERY NEED TO RID THIS HEALTH ThFEAT SO AS TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF THE DEADLY DISEASE.
♦AND OUR TASK TO WIPE OUT STRAYS IN THE TERRITORY WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT FULL PUBLIC SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION,+ HE SAID.
DR CHENG SAID THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE STRAYS WERE THOSE LET LOOSE OR ABANDONED BY THEIR OWNERS. HE WARNED THAT ANY DOG OWNER WHO ALLOWS HIS DOG TO ROAM FREELY ON A PUBLIC THOROUGHFARE IS COMMITTING AN OFFENCE UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE AND WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
DESPITE THE RECENT RESCISSION OF THE RABIES INFECTED AREA IN SO KWUN PO, SHEUNQ SHUI, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES TO KEEP THE TERRITORY FREE FROM RABIES.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, THE COMPULSORY DETENTION AND OBSERVATION OF BITER ANIMALS, THE APPREHENSION OF STRAY DOGS, AND MOBILE INOCULATION SERVICES TO VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN MAY, THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS WILL VISIT SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND YUEN LONG.
THE RURAL VILLAGES IN SHA TIN TO BE VISITED INCLUDE SAN TIN TSUEN, KAT TIN TSUEN, SHEUNG KENG HAU, HA KENG HAU, TIN SUM TSUEN, TAI WAI SAN TSUEN, PAK TIN TSUEN, TUNG LO WAN, MO FAN TSUEN, TO FUNG SHAN AREA, SHEUNG WO CHE AND HA WO CHE.
IN SAI KUNG, THE TEAMS WILL BE VISITING VILLAGES OF TSENG LAN SHUE, TAI PO TSAI, HANG HAU, SHUI PIN, SEUNG SZ WAN, SHEUNG YEUNG, HA YEUNG, MAU WU TSAI, MA YAU TONG, TSEUNG KWAN 0, YAU YUE WAN, PO TOI 0, TAI HANG HAU, MANG KUNG UK, PAN LONG WAN, TAI WAN TAU AND PIK SHUI SUN TSUEN.
THE YUEN LONG VILLAGES ARE TSEUNG KONG WAI, FUNG KONG TSUEN, SHEUNG PAK NAI, HA PAK NAI AND SHA CHAU LEI.
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
8
SURVEYS ON BUILBING AND CONSTRUCTION *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECOTRS FOR 1986.
THE SURVEY IS AN ANNUAL ENQUIRY TO COLLECT STATISTICS FOR ASCERTAINING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ; FOR STUDYING THE COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS OF DIFFERENT TRADES In THE SECTORS; AND FOR ANALYSING THE COST AND OUTPUT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
ABOUT 5 900 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING TRADES WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE SURVEY, PROVIDING A FULL COVERAGE OF PROMINENT UNDERTAKINGS AND A RANBoA SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS!
* BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION;
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT;
* ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING; AND
* REAL ESTATE LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT.
STATISTICS COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY ARE REQUIRES DY BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS FOR FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
A DIFFERENT VERSION OF THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS USED FOR EACH OF THE FOUR DIFFERENT TRADE CATEGORIES. WHERE APPLICABLE, PROJECT RETURNS TO OBTAIN DATA ON INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION SITES AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES! TYPE OF OWNERSH P; NUMBER OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES; PAYMENTS FOR SUB-CONTRACT WORK ; OPERAT NG EXPENSES; VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED ; VALUES OF PROPERTIES UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT OUTLAYS (INCLUDING LAND VALUES); OTHER FORMS OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS; CAPITAL EXPENDITURE DY THE ESTABLISHMENTS SURVEYED; FLOOR AREA OCCUPIED FOR BUSINESS OPERATION; AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS) ORDER 198A, WHICH WAS MABE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORBINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 14 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 13, 1M4.
/SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLIS WENTS. MANAGEMENTS OF THE ESTABLIS WENTS CONCERNED ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF JULY 1987. UPON REQUEST
oi R i I v I I vw vwrRn mtni di i nt vr vul i • utvh n tyuuw i •
CENSUS OFFICERS WILL VISIT ESTABLIS WENTS TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING
THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND CERTIFICATION FOR THE SURVEY WHILE ON DUTY.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISWENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH CENSUS OFFICERS IN THE COURSE OF ENUMERATION SO AS TO FULFILL THEIR LEGAL AS WELL AS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE COMMISSIONER STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISWENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED ONLY IN AGGREGATE FORM FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT, FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES, IT WAS NOT ESSENTIAL FOR ACCOUNTS TO BE AUDITED DEFORE BEING REFERRED TO IN THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES DASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF RETURNS. THIS APPROACH IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO AVOID THE DELAY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE RESULT FROM WAITING FOR AUDITED ACCOUNTS.
ANY FURTHER ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234855.
REGISTRATION REVOKED FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF 'BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF GOLDEN KEY INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
J
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1507
10
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FINED FOR OVERCHARGING * ft ft * ft
AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OPERATOR WAS FINED MORE THAN fl5 000 IN WESTERN MAGISTRACY RECENTLY FOR OVERCHARGING A JOB-SEEKER.
THE FINE INCLUDED 17 500 FOR OVERCHARGING OF COMMISSION, S5 000 FOR OVERCHARGING OF FEES AND $2 500 COURT COSTS. THE DEFENDANT WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY |702 TO THE JOB-SEEKER AS COMPENSATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS. THE FEES CHARGEABLE BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY TO A JOB-SEEKER ON FIRST REGISTRATION, OR SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS, ARE LIMITED TO |3 PER REGISTRATION.
THE COMMISSION CHARGEABLE TO A JOB-SEEKER ON SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT IS NOT TO EXCEED TEN PER CENT OF HIS FIRST MONTH’S SALARY.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO LIMIT THE FEES CHARGEABLE BY AN AGENCY TO AN EMPLOYER TO |10 FOR EACH TYPE OF VACANCY REGISTERED ON FIRST REGISTRATION AND f5 ON RENEWAL OF SUCH REGISTRATION.
HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION CHARGEABLE BY AN AGENCY TO AN EMPLOYER ON SUCCESSFULLY FINDING AN EMPLOYEE FOR HIM IS A MATTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.
♦OTHER THAN THE PRESCRIBED FEES AND COMMISSIONS, THE LICENSEE OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS NOT ALLOWED TO RECEIVE ANY REWARD, PAYMENT OR ADVANTAGE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACEMENT OF A JOB-SEEKER,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED OPERATORS OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO DISPLAY THE FEE SCHEDULES AND LICENCE IN THE PLACE OF BUSINESS, TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY RETURNS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AND TO MAINTAIN FOR INSPECTION BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR REGISTERS BEARING PARTICULARS OF EVERY PERSON WHO REGISTERS FOR EMPLOYMENT OR PROCUREMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES MAY BE MADE TO THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR BEPARTMENT ON 5-0523535 OR 5-0523537.
0
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
11
LEGCO TO DEBATE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ft ft * * If
TWENTY-ONE MEMBERS WILL SPEAK DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL ANSWER THE POINTS RAISED.
TWO BILLS, TWO MOTIONS AND SEVEN QUESTIONS ARE AMONG OTHER MATTERS ON THE AGENDA.
THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF MARY INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
IN ADDITION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONSi ONE ON THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE OTHER ON THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE.
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COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE If * * ft ft
MEMBERS OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK TODAY (TUESDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO DISCUSS WELFARE PROJECTS PLANNED DY THE KUK IN THE COMING YEAR.
KUK CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHAN, SAID THAT A NUMBER OF PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SMALL GROUP HOME IN SHA TIN, A NURSERY IN TSUEN WAN AND A SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND A HOSTEL IN JUNK BAY FOR THE MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY-RETARDED, WERE IN THE PIPELINE.
MEANWHILE, IT WOULD EXPEDITE THE BUILDING OF A DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE AND HOSTEL IN SHA TIN AND PROCEED ACTIVELY WITH THE PLANNING OF A PURPOSE-BUILT ELDERLY PROJECT AT WONG CHUK HANG, HE ADDED.
MRS WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK FOR THEIR CONTINUED PROVISION OF HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPLEMENT THESE SERVICES.
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
12
PO LEUNG KUK PRAISED FOR EDUCATION SERVICES
* * M M M
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
MR LI WAS SPEAKING DURING A COURTESY CALL TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BY THE DIRECTORS OF THE NEW BOARD OF THE KUK, LED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL H.K. CHAN.
MR LI PLACED ON RECORD HIS THANKS TO THE KUK FOR RUNNING SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 10 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THREE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS AND SIX KINDERGARTENS WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT CF MORE THAN 20 000 PUPILS.
NOTING THAT A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS WERE IN THE PIPELINE OF THE KUK’S LONG-TERM PLANS, MR LI SAID THE KUK WOULD BE HELPING TO PROVIDE MORE SCHOOL PLACES IN THE NEW TOWNS AND URBAN AREA.
AMONG THE NEW PROJECTS ARE THE PO LEUNG KUK FONG WONG KAM CHUEN PRIMARY SCHOOL AT LEUNG KING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN, THE PO LEUNG KUK LUK HING TOO PRIMARY SCHOOL AT PO LAM ESTATE AT JUNK BAY AND PO LEUNG KUK TANG YUK TIEN COLLEGE AT WU KING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN. ALL THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
OTHER PROJECTS UNDER PLANNING OR CONSTRUCTION ARE THE YU LEE MO FAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT, THE PO LEUNG KUK KAP TZE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT JUNK BAY, THE PO LEUNG KUK LEI MUK SHU SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL AT LEI MUK SHU IN KWAI CHUNG, AND TWO KINDERGARTENS AT BOTH JUNK BAY AND MA ON SHAN NEW TOWNS.
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AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 16) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY AREi
/DM812........
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
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DM812 8938 DP188 CC13
DM6989 DN322 DM3807 BJ8881
DM1323 HK331 DM920 DP6828
DD8787 DP338 DK14 DN618
DM943 CK333 DP3228 125
DP228 HK7351 DN113 DN168
AA8881 DM3836 DM2928 BE951
CK99 DN836 DM33 DN2928
DM8O9 DM2026 DN3083 CC1313
AK1018 DK1 CG988 DN318
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF the AUCTION. PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND. THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE HATH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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WAI CHING STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE HAMMER M * M M *
AN APPLICATION IS TO BE MADE IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 7 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE MADE IN RESPECT OF SOME ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAI CHING STREET, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
IN DECEMBER 1M5, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ISSUED ORDERS TO THE INHABITANTS OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJOINING FLATS BA AND B5 ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF 1A - AA. WAI CHING STREET, TO HAVE THEM DEMOLISHED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
/IIOW, 17...........
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
1A
NOW, 17 MONTHS LATER, WITH THE WORK NOT HAVING BEEN CARRIED OUT, THE AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO SEEK THE HELP OF THE COURTS IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM.
THE AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) POSTED NOTICES ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES NOTIFYING OCCUPANTS OF ITS INTENTION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID CLOSURE OF THE STRUCTURES IN ADVANCE OF DEMOLITION WAS NECESSARY SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO DANGER TO OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHEN THE WORK WAS BEING CARRIED OUT.
HE SAID THEY WOULD BE DEMOLISHED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS OBTAINED. .
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EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET ON THURSDAY *****
_.u_ °F THE easterN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BISCUSS THE COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME (1987-1992) IN THEIR REGULAR MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 14). '
THE programme INCLUDES the provision of more parks AND
THERE WILL ALSO BE MORE INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDING AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IN CHAI WAN AND VARIOUS INDOOR GAMES CENTRES IN MARKET COMPLEXES SUCH AS THE UC QUARRY BAY COMPLEX, UC SAI WAN HO COMPLEX AND UC JAVA ROAD COMPLEX.
.... BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987 AND THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY DURING THE MEETING.
IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY TWO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNING THE BN(O) PASSPORT, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT TOCaEI»?rvFni%n^aRITY’ MR LEE LAF~SU^» WILL ATTEND THE MEETING •v uLAnlrY QUtnlcSa
NOTE TO EDITORS!
*0U *RE INVITED TO ATTEND THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD I!® 0M WRSDAY (MAY 14) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE R?®M,®F ™E EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 1ST FLOOR, 880-886, KING o "vAD«
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
15
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WATER SEEPAGE PROBLEMS * * * * *
^uu,the THEN MUN district board’s environmental improvement COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS WATER SEEPAGE PROBLEMS IN THE WU KING AND BUTTERFLY ESTATES.
AFTER RECEIVING A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS CONCERNING NOISE NUISANCE AND WATER SEEPAGE PROBLEMS FROM RESIDNETS LIVING ON THE TOP FLOORS OF WU KING ESTATE, COMMITTEE MEMBERS INTERVIEWED 90 HOUSEHOLDS OF THE ESTATE IN APRIL TO FIND OUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF In E r|E Y" fq ta tc HtciS ccn q c ’ AN0THER SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT
eoo^usEHOLoFwese Mv’wraf0 SIM'LAR c0"PLAINT3 ‘ND M0BE
OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE
HiEN MUN' PARTICULARLY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS STALLS ,N SHAN KING ESTATE- IMPROVEMENT TO J‘?AD2N® T0 TME MACLEHOSE TRAIL THROUGH THE ACCESS ADJACENT TOSHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD. AND MARINE LICENSING OFFICE-AND RESULTS OF A SEMINAR RECENTLY HELD ON INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE FINANCIAL ^eRErECT 0F ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND THE PROGRESS OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEETING GF THE COMMITTEE TOMORROW ‘M THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT m X™’"' TUE" *" 80VERNME’"
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MANPOWER SURVEY ON INSURANCE INDUSTRY TO BEGIN *****
THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A MANPOWER SURVEY BETWEEN MAY 18 AND JUNE 9 TO COLLECT UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATIONS.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO UNDERWRITERS, BROKERS, LOST ADJUSTERS AND THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY.
/hWPLOYERE ARE
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 198?
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EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE AS THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE USED TO FORMULATE MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY.
SURVEY OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO HELP COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION WILL BE DEALT WITH IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
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PROPERTY OWNERS REMINDED TO FILE RETURNS *****
PROPERTY OWNERS ARE TODAY PROPERTY TAX RETURN WITHIN ONE
(TUESDAY) REMINDED TO FILE THEIR MONTH FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR INLAND REVENUE, MR A.K. GILL, SAID THAT BY NOW ALL PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAD LET OUT THEIR PREMISES SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A PROPERTY TAX RETURN.
♦IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAVE LET THEIR PROPERTIES TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN WRITING IF THEY HAD NOT YET RECEIVED SUCH A RETURN,* HE STRESSED.
+WITH EFFECT FROM 1983/84, PROPERTY TAX IS CHARGED ON THE OWNER FOR THE ACTUAL RENT RECEIVABLE IN THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT,* MR GILL SAID.
HE ADVISED PROPERTY OWNERS TO KEEP SUFFICIENT RENT RECORDS SUCH AS DUPLICATES OF RENT RECEIPTS, FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS T ENABLE THEIR LIABILITIES TO BE READILY ASCERTAINED.
+UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, OWNERS HAVE TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR OWNERSHIP WITHIN ONE MONTH,* HE SAID.
THOSE WHO HAD BEEN EXEMPTED FROM PROPERTY TAX MUST ALSO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IF A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR OF USE TOOK PLACE
AFFECTING SUCH EXEMPTION.
HE WARNED THAT HEAVY PENALTIES MAY BE INCURRED FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE.
ANY OWNER REQUIRING FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES CAN TELEPHONE 5-8945178 OR WRITE TO THE PROPERTY TAX GROUP, 17TH OR 3OTH FLOOR, WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD.
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/17........
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
17
KO CHIU ROAD RE-ROUTED ft ft ft
KO CHIU ROAD BETWEEN KO LONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 13).
MOTORISTS ON KO CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR SAM KA TSUEN OR KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA KO LONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
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CUL-DE-SAC TO BE CONVERTED ft ft ft ft
A CUL-DE-SAC IN KWAI CHUNG IS TO BE TURNED INTO A TWOUGH-ROAB TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
WHEN THE WORK IS COMPLETED, MOTORISTS WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL FROM TAI WO HAU ROAD INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE CUL-DE-SAC WHICH WILL BE CONVERTED IS LOCATED AT KIN CHUEN STREET. IT WILL ALSO BE WIDENED TO 11 METRES TO ENABLE TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC.
OTHER WORK CONNECTED WITH THE PROJECT INCLUDES WIDENING A SECTION OF TAI WO HAU ROAD ANB WO TONG TSUI STREET; WIDENING A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAB AT WHAT WILL BECOME ITS JUNCTION WITH KIN CHUEN STREET; CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE AND SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROAD WORKS; AND INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS.
DURING CONSTRUCT I ON.TRAFFIC ALONG WO TONQ TSUI STREET AND KIN CHUEN STREET THOUGH THE WORKS AREA WILL BE MAINTAINED.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 7.
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/18
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1987
18
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MONG KOK * * *
THE SECTION OF PORTLAND STREET BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND YU CHAU STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM TWO WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 15).
THE MOVE IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
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NO FLUSHING WATER * * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 14) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE KWUN TONG, SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN, CHA KWO LING ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK, AND PART OF NGAU CHI WAN INCLUDING CHOI WAN ESTATE, FUNG SHING STREET AND NGAU CHI WAN STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES . BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG: TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
• - .i.—. — - — ■■
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
EVERY REASON TO FACE FUTURE WITH MORE CONFIDENCE ....... 1
NO CASE YET FOR REVIEW OF SECTION 27 ..................... 3
JUDICIAL ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSED ............................. 4
FLEXIBILITY MAINTAINED IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES ............... 5
JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL LIKELY TO BE LAST ...................... 5
SITE COVERAGE POLICY EXPLAINED .............................. 7
•QIGONG' INJURIES RECORDS NOT KEPT .......................... 8
NEED TO BALANCE SOCIAL WELL-BEING WITH ECONOMIC RISKS .. 8
PROPOSAL FOR FUND DERIVES FROM CONCERN ....................... 10
CALL TO THINK CAREFULLY ON CENTRA PROVIDENT FUND .,........... 1?
GROUNDS LkID FOR COLOURFUL DEBATE ............................ 16
EMPLOYERS NOT GIVEN CREDIT FOR WHAT HAD BEEN DONE ...... 17
THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO IMPROVE WELFARE FOR ELDERLY .. 18
SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE PR0VIDF21T FUND SYSTEM ................... 21
SUPPORT FOR PRIVZ.TE PROVIDENT FUND SCHiF.ES ................. 22
PRIV.-.TE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES FAVOURED .................... 23
/PRIVATE PROVIDENT .......
PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME ADVOCATED .................... 24
DECENTRALISED PROVIDENT SYSTEM URGED ....................... 26
BACKING FOR COMMISSION TO STUDY PROVIDENT FUND IDEA .... 28
COMMISSION PROPOSED 10 STUDY SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM .... 29
ELDERLY WORKERS NEED .'.DEPUTE RETIREMENT SYSTEM ........
ADMINISTRATION BL MED FOR LACK OF FORESIGHT................. 33
CALL FOR INDEPENDENT BODY TO M.-iNAGE FUND ................. 34
ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVIDENT FUND PRACTICABLE ............... ?6
•FUND WILL BRING MORE GOOD THAN H-JU-:1 .................. 37
PENSIONS PURCHASING POWER MAINTAINED....................... J8
ADDITIONAL EX-OFFICIO MEMBER FOR CEMETERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD ................................................. 39
FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF FL.RY BILL TABLED................ 40
FS LEAVES FOR DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT TALKS.................... 41
TAI HANG TUNG STORAGE SITE TO LET.............................. 41
PRESS VISIT.................................................. 42
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MONG KOK, THEN MUN ........................ 42
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
1
EVERY REASON TO FACE FUTURE WITH MORE CONFIDENCE
I I * H »
HONG KONG HAS EVERY REASON TO FACE ITS FUTURE WITH A GOOD DEAL MORE CONFIDENCE THAN MANY OTHER PLACES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY), REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE YU-TAI, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SUPPORTED HIS OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK WITH A LIST OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INDICATORS, AS WELL AS OPINION POLLS CARRIED OUT BY INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COMPANIES.
MR FORD LISTED THE FOLLOWING ECONOMIC INDICATORS WHICH HE SAID SHOWED +AN ENCOURAGING TREND+j
M INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY INCREASED 8 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1986’
ft RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT LAST YEAR;
M THE PROPERTY MARKET HAS SETTLED DOWN IN 1986;
M THE 13 OOO HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS PUT ON THE MARKET LAST YEAR WERE OVER-SUBSCRIBED BY NO LESS THAN 18 TIMES;
* THE VALUE OF AGREEMENTS FOR SALE AND THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT LAST YEAR;
ft LARGE SUMS OF MONEY BEING SENT ON LONG-TERM INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS ; AND
ft THE PRIVATE VENTURE CAPITAL INVOLVED IN THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, IN CONTAINER TERMINALS AND IN PROPERTY ALSO INDICATE A HIGH LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE.
ON OPINION POLLS, MR FORD SAID THE WORLDWIDE GALLUP POLL TAKEN AT THE END OF 1986 TO GAUGE PEOPLE'S VIEWS ABOUT THEIR FUTURE IN 31 COUNTRIES FOUND THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE THE MOST CONFIDENT ABOUT THEIR PROSPECTS FOR 1987.
HE ALSO SAID THE LATEST SRH SURVEY SHOWED THAT 73 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION IN HONG KONG WERE CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE.
+HOW MANY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, I WONDER, COULD MAKE SIMILAR CLAIMS?* HE ASKED.
MR FORD ALSO SAID HONG KONG HAD A TRADITION OF EMIGRATION DATING BACK OVER 30 YEARS AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND TRAVEL WERE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.
/WHILE THERE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
2
WHILE THERE WERE NO COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS GIVING THE NUMBER AND DETAILS OF THOSE WHO EMIGRATED, HE SAID THE ONLY STATISTICS THAT GAVE AN INDICATION WERE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG EACH YEAR ON HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND THE NUMBERS RETURNING.
MR FORD SAID THE NET OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS, EXCLUDING THOSE TO AND FROM CHINA, AVERAGED 20 000 BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984.
HE SAID THE FIGURE DROPPED TO ABOUT 11 500 IN 1985 AND WAS JUST UNDER 14 000 IN 1986.
HE ALSO SAID OVER 8 000 EX-HONG KONG RESIDENTS RETURNED ON FOREIGN PASSPORTS AND WERE GRANTED THE RIGHT TO LAND LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF BETTER JOB PROSPECTS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS HERE.
♦PEOPLE COMING BACK FROM THE UK, CANADA AND THE STATES, ARMED WITH DEGREES AND WORK EXPERIENCE, ARE HELPING TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY,+ HE SAID.
HE ADMITTED SOME PEOPLE DID FEEL UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
♦THE FACT IS THAT UNCERTAINTY EXISTS IN ANY SOCIETY. BUT WHEN ONE LOOKS AROUND AT THE LONG-TERM INTRACTABLE PROBLEMS FACING A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER COUNTRIES, HONG KONG HAS EVERY REASON TO FACE ITS FUTURE WITH A GOOD DEAL MORE CONFIDENCE THAN MANY OTHER PLACES.
♦OF COURSE THE COMMUNITY IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT THEY WILL HAVE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997. BUT THAT IS WHY THERE IS SO MUCH HEALTHY DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS TOPIC.
♦IF WE TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER OUR THRIVING ECONOMY, OUR REDUCING CRIME RATE, OUR HARDWORKING AND STABLE WORKFORCE AND THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY WHICH HAS NONE OF THE RACIAL, RELIGIOUS OR FACTIONAL PROBLEMS WHICH BESET SO MANY OTHER PLACES AT THIS TIME, I BELIEVE THAT WE COULD AGREE THAT HONG KONG HAS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR AND MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD T0,+ HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID IT WOULD BE A REFRESHING CHANGE IF THE VIEWS OF THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO DID HAVE REAL CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE AND WHO WERE DETERMINED TO STAY HERE AND MAKE IT WORK WERE TO BE GIVEN MORE PROMINENCE THAN HAD BEEN THE CASE IN RECENT MONTHS.
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/5.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19S7
5
NO CASE YET FOR REVIEW OF SECTION 27 M M * M M
THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE ANXIETY GENERATED IN SOME QUARTERS AND PARTICULARLY IN THE MEDIA BY THE RETENTION OF SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, BUT DID NOT YET SEE A CASE FOR A REVIEW OF THE SECTION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR FORD SAID HE BELIEVED THAT MUCH OF THE ANXIETY WAS BASEB ON A MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW AND ITS PRACTICAL EFFECTS.
♦TO HELP PUBLISHERS UNDERSTAND THEIR POSITION UNDER THE LAW AND TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THIS PROVISION WILL BE APPLIED IN PRACTICE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED THE GUIDELINES WHICH HIS CHAMBERS WILL FOLLOW WHEN ADVISING HIM ON WHETHER TO PROSECUTE UNBER THIS SECTION.
♦THIS STEP WILL, I AM SURE, GO A LONG WAY TO REMOVE CONCERN THAT THE PROVISION PLACES UNWARRANTED CONSTRAINTS ON THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.♦
HE SAID THAT THE PRINCIPLE BEHIND THIS CLAUSE WAS THAT THE COMMUNITY WAS ENTITLED TO PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW AGAINST IRRESPONSIBLE SCAREMONGERING CAUSED BY THE PUBLICATION OF FALSE NEWS.
♦THE COMPACTNESS OF THE TERRITORY, THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS AND THE TRADITION THEY HAVE OF PICKING UP ITEMS FROM OTHER NEWSPAPERS MEANS THAT RUMOURS TRAVEL EXTREMELY QUICKLY.
♦THERE HAVE BEEN MANY EXAMPLES OF REACTIONS BECOMING QUITE OUT OF PROPORTION TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NEWS,*- HE SAID.
♦HONG KONG IS PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE TO THE SPREAD OF FALSE NEWS IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO OTHER LESS DENSELY POPULATED COMMUNIT IES,+ HE ADDED.
♦ IT WAS THIS FACTOR,♦ HE SAID, ♦WHICH WAS UPPERMOST IN THE MINDS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHEN THEY ADVISED THIS PROVISION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE LAW AND, THE REASON WHY THIS COUNCIL ALSO ENDORSED ITS RETENTION.♦
HE SAID THE FALSE NEWS PROVISION SHOULD NOT INHIBIT JOURNALISTS FROM PUBLISHING NEWS WHICH THEY BELIEVE TO BE TRUE.
♦THE PROVISION IS SURELY CONSISTENT WITH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS WHICH THE RESPONSIBLE MEDIA HAVE ALWAYS SET THEMSELVES.
• • •
♦INDEED, I HAVE NOT NOTICED THAT EITHER BEFORE, OR SINCE, THE PASSING OF THIS LAW, THE MEDIA HAVE APPEARED TO BE IN ANY WAY INHIBITED BY IT.+
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 198?
♦ AS I HAVE SAID ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. THIS LAW IS NOT INTENDED TO UNDERMINE THE RIGHTS OF THE FREE PRESS IN HONG KONG IN ANY WAY.*
♦ IN MY SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN I INTRODUCED THE BILL. I MADE THE POINT THAT THIS CLAUSE WOULD BE USED ONLY AS A MEASURE OF A LAST RESORT AND. AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S GUIDELINES HAVE MADE CLEAR, IN A VERY LIMITED SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES.*
HE SAID THAT AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE GOVERNMENT DIB NOT YET SEE A CASE FOR A REVIEW OF SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.
♦ BUT ORDINANCES CAN BE REVIEWED AT ANY TIME, IF THERE IS A GENUINE NEED TO DO SO AND SUCH A NEED IS IDENTIFIED.
♦ WE BELIEVE IN THIS CASE, IT IS BETTER TO SEE HOW THE NEW MEASURE WORKS IN PRACTICE. IF AT A LATER STAGE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WISHES TO REVIEW THE CLAUSE, IT CAN OF COURSE DO SO,* HE ADDED.
------o-------
JUDICIAL ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSED *****
NO SERVING OFFICERS FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS WILL EE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT AS TEMPORARY MAGISTRATES AND DISTRICT JUDGES, UNTIL A CONSULTATION HAS YIELDED A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE POLICY GOVERNING JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS WAS A MATTER FOR THE CHIEF JUSTICE WHO WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSULTING THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION ON HOW TO ASSESS THE JUDICIAL ABILITIES OF MEMBERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS WHO APPEARED TO BE WELL QUALIFIED TO SIT ON THE BENCH.
♦UNTIL THAT CONSULTATION HAS YIELDED A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO THE QUESTION, NO APPOINTMENTS OF SERVING OFFICERS FR2M ™E T ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AS TEMPORARY MAGISTRATES AND DISTRICT JUDGES WILL BE CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.
MR THOMAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS HAD PROVIDED A VALUABLE SOURCE OF TALENT TO THE JUDICIARY IN THE PAST.
♦I AM SURE THAT IT WILL BE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN HONG KONG FOR THAT TO CONTINUE,* IE SAID.
o
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
5
FLEXIBILITY MAINTAINED IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES *****
MAINTAINING A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY WAS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN ALLOWING ORGANISERS OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO DESIGN THEIR PROGRAMMES WITH CERTAIN DISCRETION, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR LIAO SAID FUNDS ALLOCATED WERE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NEEDS AND PRIORITIES THROUGH THE ANNUAL BUDGETARY EXERCISE.
♦GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES IS PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF ANNUAL SUBVENTION.
FOR PROJECTS PROPOSED BY OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS, FUNDS ARE APPROVED ON INDIVIDUAL CASE MERITS,* MR LIAO SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF CASES WHERE SUBVENTED AGENCIES CHARGED HIGHER FEES FOR SIMILAR KINDS OF PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR COMMUNITY GROUPS, HE ADDED.
♦BUT THERE ARE ALSO CASES WHERE FEES CHARGED BY THESE AGENCIES ARE LESS THAN THAT OF OTHERS.
♦GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES ARE JUST ONE FACTOR IN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED. THE AVAILABILITY OF OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCE. THE OBJECTIVES AND POPULARITY OF THE PROGRAMMES ORGANISED. AND THE ABILITY OF THE TARGET CLIENTELE TO PAY FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMMES, ALSO AFFECT THE LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED,+ MR LIAO SAID.
♦GIVEN THE GREAT VARIETY OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES CARRIED OUT BY A LARGE NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND THE LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED CANNOT BE THE SAME IN ALL CASES,♦ MR LIAO ADDED.
----o------
JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL LIKELY TO BE LAST
*****
JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL IS LIKELY TO BE THE LAST LANDFILL IN THE URBAN AREA AND WILL BE REPLACED BY A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION AT KOWLOON BAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FA I, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL STARTED OPERATION LAST YEAR AND WAS EXPECTED TO OPERATE UNTIL 1989.
/THOUGH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
6 -
THOUGH THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL WOULD OPERATE FOR THREE YEARS ONLY, MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT SPECIAL ATTENTION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO T?IE NEED TO PREVENT NUISANCE, INCLUDING SMELL, WHICH MIGHT AFFECT NEARBY RESIDENTS.
♦EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THAT REFUSE IS COMPACTED AND COVERED IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY, AND THE ACCESS ROAD AND HARDSTAND I NG AREAS ARE CLEANED FREQUENTLY BY STREET-CLEANING VEHICLES.
♦MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO CONTROL INSECTS AND VERMIN BY ENSURING THAT WASTE IS COVERED, USE OF A SMALL WORKING FACE, EFFICIENT COMPACTION, THE ELIMINATION OF STANDING WATER AND THE USE OF PESTICIDES,* HE ADDED.
FOR THE BAD SMELLS IN THE VICINITY OF THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL MR CHAMBERS SAID THE MAJOR CAUSE WAS THE SPLASHING OF POLLUTED LIQUID FROM COLLECTION VEHICLES DELIVERING WET WASTE DURING RAINY SEASON.
HE SAID THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD AGREED TO CHECK THE DESIGN OF EXISTING REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES TO SEE WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE AND TO NOTE THIS PROBLEM WHEN PLACING ORDERS FOR NEW VEHICLES.
MOREOVER, MR CHAMBERS TOLD THE COUNCIL, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD KEPT THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMM TTEE FULLY INFORMED OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANDFILL AND THE MEASURES TAKEN TO CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND NUISANCE.
RECENT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED THE HYDROSEEDING OF EMBANKMENTS AND THE PLANTING OF TREES TO IMPROVE THE VISUAL APPEARANCE OF THE SITE.
♦MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD
♦MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD. SHUN LEE AREA COMMITTEE AND EAST NGAU TAU KOK AREA COMMITTEE VISITED THE LANDFILL ON OCTOBER 24, 1986 AND WERE GENERALLY SATISFIED WITH THE SITUATION,* HE SAID. A REQUEST FOR A FURTHER VISIT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WAS ALSO
MADE.
♦IN THE MEANTIME. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR OPERATIONS AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS WHERE NEEDED,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
WHEN THE LANDFILL IS REPLACED BY THE KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION, WASTE WOULD BE TRANSPORTED IN PURPOSE-BUILT CONTAINER TRUCKS FROM THE STATION TO LANDFILL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
♦TRUCKS AND TRANSFER STATION WILL BE DESIGNED TO CONTAIN ODOURS AND PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE TO SURROUNDING AREAS,+ NR CHAMBERS EXPLAINED.
-------o--------- /7........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1587
7
SITE COVERAGE POLICY EXPLAINED *****
DEVELOPMENT DENSITY IN HONG KONG IS CONTROLLED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, BY STATUTORY PLANS AND BY LEASE CONDITIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS STIPULATED THE MAXIMUM DENSITY WHICH MIGHT BE ALLOWED IF THERE WERE NO OTHER GENERAL DENSITY CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED IN THE AREA BY STATUTORY PLANS OR BY LEASE CONDITIONS.
THESE DENSITIES, WHICH WERE SHOWN IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS, WERE USUALLY KNOWN AS FULL ZONE I DENSITIES.
♦IN CERTAIN AREAS, HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT ONLY LOWER DENSITIES SHOULD BE PERMITTED, AND IS GUIDED BY SEPARATE DENSITY ZONING SCHEDULES IN FIXING THE UPPER LIMIT FOR MODIFICATIONS AND NEW LEASES,* MR BARNES SAID.
DENSITY ZONE II, WHICH APPLIED TO CERTAIN AREAS OF THE MID-LEVELS AND ZONES DESIGNATED FOR MEDIUM DENSITY HOUSING IN OTHER DISTRICTS, WAS AN EXAMPLE.
DENSITY ZONE III WAS FOR AREAS WHERE EVEN LESS DENSE DEVELOPMENT WAS PERMITTED.
IN SOME CASES THE CONSTRAINT WAS ENFORCED BY STATUTORY PLANS" IN OTHERS IT WAS MAINTAINED ADMINISTRATIVELY, SAID MR BARNES.
HE SAID THE CONTROL TABLES FOR DENSITY ZONE I WERE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE OF THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS AND SAID COPIES OF DENSITY ZONE TABLES FOR ZONES II AND III AND DENSITY ZONES SPECIFIC TO THE NEW TOWNS WERE ANNEXED TO HIS REPLY.
♦BUT DENSITY CONTROL IS NOT LIMITED TO THE CONSTRAINTS IN THESE TABLES, AS DENSITY MAY ALSO BE FURTHER CONSTRAINED BY OTHER REGULATIONS OR BY MORE SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN INDIVIDUAL LEASES,♦ HE SAID.
THE DENSITY ZONING TABLES ALSO MADE REFERENCE TO OTHER FACTORS IN SPECIFYING THE PERMITTED SITE COVERAGES OF INDIVIDUAL SITES.
THESE WERE THE HEIGHTS OF THE BUILDING PROPOSED AND, IN THE CASE OF THE DENSITY ZONE I TABLES, INTENDED USE (DOMESTIC OR NON-DOMESTIC).
IN THE CASE OF DENSITY ZONES I AND II THE NUMBER OF STREETS ON TO WHICH IT FACED ALSO DETERMINED THE SITE CLASSIFICATION.
/■►ALTHOUGH ADDITIONAL 00coim
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1987
- 8 -
♦although additional factors apply to non-domestic buildings, THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE BEHIND DENSITY ZONING OF INDIVIDUAL LOTS IS THAT THE MORE YOU REDUCE SITE COVERAGE THE HIGHER YOU CAN BUILD AND THE GREATER USABLE FLOOR AREA YOU CAN ACHIEVE,* MR BARNES SAID.
THE AIM OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF SITES AS A AND B AND C WAS TO REDUCE THE BULK OF THE BUILDING WHERE ITS SURROUNDINGS DID NOT ALLOW ENTRY OF SUFFICIENT LIGHT AND AIR, E.G. IN A CLASS A SITE, WHICH FRONTED ON TO ONE STREET, THE PERMITTED COVERAGE WOULD BE LESS THAN FOR A CLASS B SITE, WHICH FRONTED ON TO TWO STREETS.
--------o----------
’QIGONG' INJURIES RECORDS NOT KEPT *****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF REPORTED INJURIES LINKED TO THE PRACTICE OF ’QIGONG’ (A SYSTEM OF DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES) THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT STATISTICS WERE NOT KEPT IN A FORM WHICH ENABLED THE IDENTIFICATION OF THESE INJURIES.
♦IT FOLLOWS THAT WE CANNOT SAY FOR CERTAIN WHETHER ANYONE HAS RECEIVED TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF SUCH INJUR IES,+ HE ADDED.
------o-------
NEED TO BALANCE SOCIAL WELL-BEING WITH ECONOMIC RISKS *****
ALTHOUGH THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF A CENTRALLY MANAGED AND IMPOSED COMPULSORY SAVINGS SCHEME DO NOT RULE OUT THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROVIDENT FUND IN HONG KONG, THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND NOT PUSHED TO ONE SIDE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE POINTED OUT THAT SUCH A FUND WAS ESSENTIALLY A MANDATORY SAVINGS SCHEME, PAID FOR BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
/+SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
- 9 -
♦SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS OBVIOUSLY MEAN A REDUCTION IN THE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THESE TWO PARTIES FOR THEM TO USE IN OTHER WAYS AS THEY SEE FIT,* HE SAID.
FOR AN EMPLOYEE, ONE OF THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS WOULD BE TO REDUCE HIS TAKE-HOME PAY, MR YAXLEY SAID, ADDING THAT A FIVE PER CENT CONTRIBUTION WOULD BE THE SAME AS A FIVE PER CENT INCREASE IN SALARIES TAX.
FOR AN EMPLOYER, THE EFFECT WOULD BE ROUGHLY THE SAME AS AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 40 PER CENT IN THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX.
MR YAXLEY SAID THAT IN MOST CASES, THE INCREASED COST TO EMPLOYERS WOULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG'S PRODUCTS INTERNATIONALLY.
ON THE IMPACT ON PRODUCTION COSTS, HE SAID THAT MANUFACTURERS WERE UNLIKELY TO BE INDIFFERENT TO WHAT WOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO A FIVE PER CENT WAGE CLAIM OR EVEN MORE IF EMPLOYEES TRIED TO RECOVER THEIR CONTRIBUTION FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS.
AND TO REDUCE THE COST IMPACT, EMPLOYERS WOULD REDUCE THE SIZE OF SUBSEQUENT WAGE INCREASES OR REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES.
♦EVENTUALLY, MARKET FORCES WOULD TEND TO REDUCE REAL WAGES SUFFICIENTLY TO RESTORE FULL EMPLOYMENT, BUT WITH MUCH OF THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND HAVING BEEN TRANSFERRED TO EMPLOYEES,+ HE SAID.
♦IN THE INTERIM, SOME ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD BE SACRIFICED, BUSINESSES WOULD SUFFER AND JOBS MIGHT BE LOST.
♦IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE LOST ECONOMIC GROWTH MIGHT NEVER BE FULLY RECOVERED,♦ HE WARNED.
ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE VERY CONSIDERABLE ACCUMULATED FUNDS, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT AS THERE WAS ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF VIABLE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE LOCALLY, THERE WAS A DANGER THAT IF THE FUND WAS CONSTRAINED TO INVEST LOCALLY, IT WOULD BE OBLIGED TO INVEST IN LOWER QUALITY OF LOWER-YIELDING ASSETS TO THE POSSIBLE DETRIMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS.
IF, HOWEVER, A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE AVAILABLE FUNDS WAS INVESTED OVERSEAS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS, THIS COULB HAVE AN ADVERSE EFEECT UPON THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONfY MARKETS, AND, UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, COULD RESULT IN UNSETTLING FLUCTUATIONS IN THE LEVELS OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES.
/MH YAXLEY.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
10 -
MR YAXLEY ALSO NOTED THAT THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COULD HAVE A REDISTRIBUTIVE EFFECT ON THE FLOWS OF FUNDS BETWEEN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
AS CONTRIBUTORS TO THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD MOSTLY BE THE SMALL DEPOSITORS WHO CURRENTLY PUT THEIR SAVINGS IN BANKS, MR YAXLEY SAID UNLESS EFFICIENT RECYCLING PROCEDURES WERE DEVELOPED THIS COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR THE BANKING SECTOR, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE SMALLER LOCAL BANKS WHICH RELIED HEAVILY ON LOCAL DEPOSITS.
ON THE SUGGESTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NUMBER OF APPROVED PRIVATE FUNDS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO A CENTRALISED PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT MOST OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD IDENTIFIED IN RELATION TO THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE AND TO THE IMPACT ON EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WOULD STILL APPLY, ALBEIT AT A REDUCED SCALE.
MR YAXLEY CONCLUDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY NEEDED TO BE SATISFIED THAT THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A FUND JUSTIFIED THE RISKS TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AND TO THE ORDERLY PROGRESSION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
♦LET US SHOW FORESIGHT NOT ONLY IN RESPECT OF THE SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS BUT ALSO IN RESPECT OF OUR COLLECTIVE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AS A COMMUNITY.+ HE SAID.
o —
PROPOSAL FOR FUND DERIVES FROM CONCERN
* * N X *
THE PROPOSAL FOR A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND DERIVED FROM A VERY PROPER CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. AND THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT AFTER THEIR RETIREMENT THEY HAD ADEQUATE FUNDS TO BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A DECENT STANDARD OF LIVING, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. MR CHAMBERS SAID, ♦MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES HAVE SOME FORM OF CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY OR SOCIAL INSURANCE SYSTEM AND IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE QUITE APPROPRIATE THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONSIDER, AT THIS STAGE IN ITS DEVELOPMENT, WHETHER WE NEED TO DEVELOP SUCH A SYSTEM HERE.*
/MR CH/iMBERS.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1987
11
MR CHAMBERS SAID A SMALL WORKING GROUP WAS ESTABLISHED SOME TIME AGO TO EXAMINE THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY WERE BEING CATERED FOR BY THE PRESENT SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS.
♦ THE WORKING GROUP HAS NOT YET COMPLETED ITS STUDY AND NAS NOT REACHED THE STAGE WHERE IT CAN MAKE FIRM RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT SOME TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS HAVE BEGUN TO EMERGE,* HE SAID.
FIRST OF ALL, THERE WAS NO INDICATION FROM THE STATISTICS THAT THERE WAS A GENERAL BREAKDOWN OF THE EXTENDED FAMILY SYSTEM RESULTING IN A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ON THEIR OWN AND HAVING TO DEPEND ON STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
ACCORDING TO THE BY-CENSUS IN 1986, OVER 80 PER CENT OF THE ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVED WITH THEIR FAMILIES, 7.6 PER CENT LIVED WITH THEIR SPOUSES AND ONLY 11.9 PER CENT LIVED ALONE. THE PROPORTION LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES WAS CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN IN MOST WESTERN COUNTRIES.
♦ IT CAN BE SAID THEREFORE THAT FAMILIES IN HONG KONG BY AND LARGE ARE STILL LOOKING AFTER AND SUPPORTING THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS, ALTHOUGH AS SEVERAL MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT THIS CAN REPRESENT QUITE A HEAVY BURDEN ON LESS WELL-OFF FAMILIES,♦ MR CHAMBERS NOTED.
♦ IT IS TRUE THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO DO RELY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO MEET THEIR BASIC FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND THIS NUMBER IS LIKELY TO INCREASE,♦ HE ADDED.
IN JANUARY 1977, 7.3 PER CENT OF PEOPLE OVER 60 WERE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (29 935 OUT OF A TOTAL OF 412 200). IN JANUARY 1987, 6.2 PER CENT OF THE ELDERLY WERE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (40 575 OUT OF 656 100).
MR CHAMBERS SAID ALTHOUGH THE PERCENTAGE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAD DROPPED SLIGHTLY OVER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD, THE TOTAL NUMBER INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY AND THIS COULD RESULT IN A STEADILY INCREASING FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THE COMMUNITY IN THE YEARS TO COME.
ANOTHER CONCLUSION FROM THE STUDY WAS THAT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THERE WAS TO BE A COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM, CENTRALISED OR OTHERWISE, THERE WOULD STILL BE A NEED FOR A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, SIMPLY BECAUSE THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE WOULD BE THOSE WHO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER HAD NOT BEEN IN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND WOULD THEREFORE NOT HAVE BUILT UP A PROVIDENT FUND ADEQUATE TO MEET THEIR NEEDS IN THEIR OLD AGE.
/MR CHAMBERS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 198?
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT EVEN COUNTRIES WITH COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEMES FOUND IT NECESSARY TO HAVE SUPPLEMENTARY BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.
TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT CLEARLY VARIED VERY MUCH DEPENDING ON THEIR AGE. THEIR STATE OF HEALTH, OTHER PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE DEGREE OF FAMILY SUPPORT THEY RECEIVED.
♦DEPENDENCY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TENDS TO INCREASE AS PEOPLE
ADVANCE IN AGE, AND SIGNIFICANTLY AFTER THE AGE OF 75. THIS IS CLEARLY BECAUSE ADVANCING AGE BRINGS WITH IT INCREASING FRAILTY
AND ALSO BECAUSE ANY SAVINGS ACCUMMULATED COULD WELL BE EXHAUSTED BY THIS TIME.+ HE
DURING WORKING LIFE NOTED.
ON CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE WAYS OF MAKING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM MORE SENSITIVE TO THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE GREATEST NEED, MR CHAMBERS SAID. ONE POSSIBILITY WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE DIFFERENTIAL RATES OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR DIFFERENT AGE-GROUPS, WITH THE OLDER GROUPS, SAY OVER 75, RECEIVING A SOMEWHAT HIGHER ALLOWANCE THAN THOSE BELOW THIS AGE.
A SECOND IDEA WAS A FORM OF CONSTANT ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE, WHICH COULD BE PART OF EITHER THE NON-MEANS TESTED SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME OR AN ADJUNCT TO THE MEANS-TESTED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SYSTEM.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS ALLOWANCE WOULD BE PAYABLE WHEN AN ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED PERSON NEEDED CONTINUOUS CARE AND ATTENTION-THIS USUALLY MEANT EITHER THAT A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE BE EARNING, HAD TO STAY AT HOME, OR ALTERNATIVELY THAT SOMEONE HAD TO BE PAID TO COME IN THE LOOK AFTER THE INVALID.
♦THIS IDEA HAS AN ADDITIONAL ATTRACTION IN THAT NOT ONLY WOULD IT HELP OUR OBJECT OF KEEPING ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BUT IT SHOULD ALSO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES, FOR WHICH THERE IS AT PRESENT A LONG waiting-list.
♦ AS THE TITLE OF 1977 GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY INDICATED, THE MAIN AIM OF ANY SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IS TO ♦HELP THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES.
♦THE OBJECT OF OUR STUDY IS NOT TO DEMONSTRATE THAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IS NOT NECESSARY, BUT TO CONTRIBUTE TO CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ENSURE THAT OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS ARE ABLE TO LIVE IN DIGNITY AND REASONABLE COMFORT. WE SHALL PURSUE OUR STUDY WITH THIS AIM IN MIND,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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/1J........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
15
CALL TO THINK CAREFULLY ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND
X * * * M
HONG KONG MUST THINK VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE EMBARKING ON A COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR BRIDGE SAID IF COMPULSION CARRIED A DANGER OF ECONOMIC UPSETS, AND IF IT DID NOT IN ANY CASE ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF SECURITY IN OLD AGE FOR THOSE WHO WERE IN MOST NEED OF PROTECTION, THEN IT WAS NOT EASY TO SEE THE JUSTIFICATION FOR COMPELLING fHE ENTIRE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION TO CONTRIBUTION TO A PROVIDENT FUND.
♦IT IS, AFTER ALL, VERY MUCH EASIER TO SET UP SUCH A SCHEME THAN TO WIND IT DOWN ONCE IT HAS STARTED. ALL THE MORE REASON TO BE QUITE CLEAR ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVES BEFORE A DECISION IS TAKEN,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID BOTH THE CENTRALISED AND DECENTRALISED VERSIONS OF PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME BROUGHT BACK THE SAME QUESTION OF PRINCIPLEi SHOULD IT BE COMPULSORY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME OR SHOULD IT NOT.
♦BUT THIS IS NOT THE ONLY QUESTION AT ISSUE,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID A FUNDAMENTAL CONCERN WHICH HAD UNDERLAIN THE WHOLE PROVIDENT FUND DEBATE OVER THE PAST YEAR OR TWO WAS THE PROBLEM OF FINANCIAL SECURITY IN OLD AGE.
COMMENTING ON THE ARGUMENTS BY THE PROPONENTS OF COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, MR BRIDGE SAID IT WAS CERTAINLY TRUE THAT THE POPULATION WAS AGING AND THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OLD PEOPLE WAS GROWING BUT THE PICTURE WAS NOT AS BLEAK AS THIS IMPLIED.
♦PEOPLE TEND TO REMAIN FIT AND ACTIVE TO A MORE ADVANCED AGE AND ARE WORKING LONGER,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE PROPORTION OF OLD PEOPLE DRAWING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAS REMAINED SMALL AND THERE IS NO EVIDENCE AT PRESENT THAT FAMILIES ARE EITHER LESS ABLE OR LESS WILLING TO SUPPORT THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS.♦
HE SAID THAT BY STATING THIS OUT, IT WAS NOT TO DISMISS THE PROBLEM OUT OF HAND.
HE SAID IT REMAINED TRUE THAT THERE WAS WIDESPREAD CONCERN ABOUT FINANCIAL SECURITY IN OLD AGE AND THE QUESTION OF WHAT COULD AND SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS HAD TO BE ADDRESSED.
/+THE SETTING UP .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
14
♦THE SETTING UP OF A COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, WHETHER CENTRALISED OR DECENTRAL I ED, IS CERTAINLY ONE APPROACH, BUT IT IS NOT THE ONLY ONE, NOR IS IT NECESSARILY THE BEST,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE IMPLICATIONS OF ESTABLISHING A CPF WERE SET OUT IN A REVIEW PAPER ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH IN OCTOBER 1986, MR BRIDGE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, AMONG OTHERS, HAD BEEN CONSULTED.
♦THIS REVIEW REPRESENTS THE BEST ASSESSMENT OF THE SUBJECT THAT THE INTERESTED BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE, AND, I MUST EMPHASISE, IT WAS CARRIED OUT WITH AN OPEN MIND, AND IS AN HONEST ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH THE RELEVANT FACTS AND ISSUES,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE BASIC ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST A CPF WERE QUITE EASILY STATED UNDER THREE KEY ISSUESi THE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY- THE EFFECT ON FUTURE SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDS AND THE QUESTION OF COMPULSION.
ON THE FIRST POINT, MR BRIDGE SAID HE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO SHARE CERTAIN MEMBERS’ OPTIMISM ABOUT THE LIKELY ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF ESTABLISHING SUCH A SCHEME, WHETHER CENTRALISED OR NOT.
HE SAID THAT AS POINTED OUT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE MILLIONS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A CENTRAL SCHEME, OR COMPULSORY INDIVIDUAL SCHEMES, WOULD HAVE A COLLECTIVE IMPACT ON THE RATE OF INCREASE IN REAL WAGES.
♦THEY WOULD ALSO, IN THE SHORT TERM AT LEAST, TEND TO REDUCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONQ KONG PRODUCTS, AND POSSIBLY EVEN CAUSE SOME UNEMPLOYMENT,♦ MR BRIDGE ADDED.
♦IT IS NOT CLEAR THAT THOSE INDICATING THEIR WILLINGNESS TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH A SCHEME WOULD IN THE LONG TERM CONTINUE TO SUPPORT IT.+
ON THE EFFECT ON FUTURE SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDS, MR BRIDGE SAID PROVIDENT FUNDS PROVIDE THE BEST RETURN TO RETIREES WHO HAD BEEN IN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF YEARS AND WHO HAD EARNED A REASONABLY HIGH WAGE — IN OTHER WORDS PRECISELY THOSE WHO HAD BEEN IN THE BEST POSITION TO ACCUMULATE SAVINGS EVEN WITHOUT A PROVIDENT FUND.
HE SAID BY CONTRAST TO OTHER PLACES WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, ALMOST ALL OF THEM SMALL DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, HONG KONG WAS A SOPHISTICATED FINANCIAL CENTRE BELIEVED TO HAVE QUITE A HIGH SAVINGS RATE.
/+THERE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
- 15 -
♦THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIVATE SAVINGS FOR BOTH SMALL AND LARGE INVESTORS. WHICH ALLOW THE INDIVIDUAL TO BALANCE THE RATE OF RETURN AGAINST THE RISK ACCORDING TO HIS PARTICULAR NEEDS AND PREFERENCES,♦ MR BRIDGE SAID.
♦IT IS NOT CERTAIN THAT COMPULSORY TRANSFER OF A PORTION OF HIS SAVINGS TO A PROVIDENT FUND WOULD BRING HIM ANY REAL BENEFIT.^
ON THE OTHER HAND, COMPULSORY SCHEMES, WHETHER CENTRALISED OR DECENTRALISED, COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY DEGREE OF ADDITIONAL SECURITY TO THOSE WHO HAD NOT BEEN IN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT, OR WHOSE EARNINGS HAD CONSISTENTLY BEEN LOW - IN OTHER WORDS PRECISELY THOSE WHO WERE LIKELY NOW TO RELY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT TWO WORKING GROUPS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION TO EXAMINE ALTERNATIVES.
♦THE PROPER TIME TO EXPLORE OPTIONS IS BEFORE A DECISION IS TAKEN AND THAT IS OUR OBJECTIVE,♦ HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID THE REVIEW PAPER REFERRED IN GENERAL TERMS TO A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY.
MR BRIDGE SAID IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING FRAMEWORK OF SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISION WAS ONE ELEMENT IN SUCH A STRATEGY, WHILE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS WAS A SECOND ELEMENT.
♦THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS INTRODUCED INTO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE LAST YEAR HAVE ALREADY PROVIDED A SIGNIFICANT INCENTIVE TO THE SETTING UP OF COMPANY SCHEMES, SINCE THE EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY MAY BE OFFSET AGAINST HIS CONTRIBUTION TO ANY PAYMENT FROM AN APPROVED PROVIDENT FUND OR RETIREMENT SCHEME,♦ HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE PROPER TIME TO EXPLORE ALL THE OPTIONS WAS BEFORE A DECISION WAS TAKEN, AND IMPROVING THE LONG SERVICE SCHEME WAS CLEARLY ONE OF THE CHOICES OPEN.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT YET MADE UP ITS MIND ON THIS ISSUE AND IS GENUINELY OPEN TO ALL POINTS OF VIEW,* MR BRIDGE SAID.
♦THE SCOPE FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION, INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A COMMISSION, WILL BE ONE OF THE ISSUES WHICH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL WISH TO CONSIDER BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN,♦ HE SAID.
- o - - - -
/16........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
16
GROUNDS LAID FOR COLOURFUL DEBATE
*****
THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND BY 21 MEMBERS WOULD GIVE A FULL SPECTRUM OF CONFLICTING VIEWS ON THIS CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
LEADING THE DEBATE AS CONVENOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE ISSUE, MR CHAN SAID THE GROUP HAD SPENT MONTHS OF INTERVIEWING THE PUBLIC, GATHERING PUBLIC OPINION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND HOLDING NUMEROUS JOINT MEETINGS WITH THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON MANPOWER TO PREPARE FOR THE DEBATE.
HE SAID MEMBERS FINALLY CAME TO AN AGREEMENT OVER TWO POINTS WHICH WERE ENDORSED BY THE FULL LEGCO IN-HOUSE MEETING.
HE SAID MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE PROBLEM OF AGEING POPULATION NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED PROPERLY AS IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE INCREASE IN NUMBER WOULD IMPOSE A HEAVY BURDEN ON EXISTING SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN THE YEARS TO COME.
HOWEVER, MEMBERS ALSO RECOGNISED THAT THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS ONE OF THE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM AND THAT IN IDENTIFYING A PRACTICABLE SOLUTION, DUE CARE MliST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NO ADVERSE EFFECT WOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG konq, HE SAID.
OUTLINING HIS PERSONAL VIEWS ON THE ISSUE, MR CHAN SAID THE BONE OF CONTENTION SEEMED TO BE THE WISH BY SOME WORKERS THAT THEY SHOULD CONTRIBUTE FIVE PER CENT AND THE EMPLOYER TO CONTRIBUTE FIVE PER CENT OR MORE.
HE SAID EMPLOYERS VIEWED THE EXTRA FIVE PER CENT AS A HIDDEN REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN PAY WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THEIR GOODS AND MIGHT RESULT IN LESS PROFITS AND JOBS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THIS BONE OF CONTENTION SHOULD BE REMOVED AND NO FURTHER CONTRIBUTION SHOULD BE REQUIRED FROM EMPLOYERS.
HE ALSO OFFERED HIS OWN CALCULATIONS FOR A SCHEME WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A +FUND OF THE PUBLIC, BY THE PUBLIC AND FOR THE PUBLIC*.
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/17
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19«7
17
EMPLOYERS NOT GIVEN CREDIT FOR WHAT HAD BEEN DONE
*****
INDUSTRIALISTS IN HONG KONG ARE GENERALLY MUCH MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEIR EMPLOYEES THAN THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN CREDIT FOR, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND TODJY (WEDNESDAY).
REFERRING TO CERTAIN ALLEGATIONS THAT INDUSTRIALISTS’ UNFAVOURABLE RESPONSE TO THE SETTING UP OF THE FUND HAD BEEN DUE TO SELF-INTEREST AND THAT EMPLOYERS WERE BY AND LARGE INSENSITIVE TO THE WELFARE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES, MR CHEONG SAID HE WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
HE STRESSED THAT INDUSTRIALISTS WERE NOT AGAINST PROVISION OF BENEFITS TO THE WORKFORCE PER SE. THEY WERE SIMPLY ANXIOUS THAT NO LEGISLATION SHOULD BE PUSHED AND IMPOSED WITHOUT CAREFUL EXAMINATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVERSE IMPACTS, IF ANY, ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, HE SAID.
MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT MOST TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS DID SUPPORT EFFORTS IN THE QUEST FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO THE WORKING CONDITION OF THE WORKFORCE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IT WAS INDUSTRIALISTS’ VIEW THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT ANY PROVIDENT FUND SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON TOP OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT BENEFITS.
♦THE REALITY OF HONG KONG ENTERPRISE HAVING TO COMPETE IN THE WORLD MARKETS AGAINST OTHER COUNTRIES MUST BE RECOGNISED,♦ HE WARNED.
CENT OF THE SMALL-SIZE
MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE OVER 80 PER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG WERE MADE UP OF BUSINESSES EMPLOYING LESS THAN 20 PERSONS PER ESTABLIS WENT, IMPACT AND IMPLICATION OF ANY IMPOSED COMPULSORY SCHEME WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE CONTINUED VIABILITY OF THESE SMALL ENTERPRISES NEEDED TO BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY.
the
HE NOTED THAT THESE ESTABL IS WENTS COLLECTIVELY EMPLOYED A TOTAL OF 640 000 PEOPLE.
♦ IF. AS BEING SUGGESTED BY SOME THAT THESE ESTABLIS WENTS BE ALLOWED TO BE EXEMPTED FROM ANY COMPULSLORY SCHEMES, HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY ANSWER TO NEARLY 30 PER CENT OF OUR WORKING POPULATION HE ASKED, ADDING THAT THESE WERE POSSIBLY THE PEOPLE WHO MOST NEEDED HELP IN THE YEARS TO COME.
MR CHEONG SAID THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAD LATELY FELT THAT THE ISSUE HAD BEEN PUSHED TO THE FOREFRONT BY ACTIVISTS DEPLOYING TACTICS THAT INVARIABLY INVOKED THE SO-CALLED ♦WISHES OF THE PEOPLE*.
/HE EELT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
- 18 -
HE FELT THESE ACTIONS WERE NOT REALLY CONDUCIVE TO AN OBJECTIVE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUE OF PROVISION OF FUTURE RETIREMENT BENEFITS.
HE URGED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED AT IN THE MANRCO VIEW OF WHETHER OR NOT A HASTILY IMPOSED SCHEME WOULD ENDANGER THE VERY ECONOMIC SURVIVAL THAT EVERYONE WAS STRIVING FOR.
MR CHEONG SAID THAT THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAD TRIED TO ANALYSE AND ADDRESS PROBLEMS FROM THE MARCO ANGLE AND HAD COME TO SOME PRELIMINARY VIEWS IN A PAPER PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE.
HE SAID IT HAD BEEN MADE CLEAR THAT THE FEDERATION SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF A DETAILED AND OBJECTIVE STUDY OF THE ISSUE THROUGH A GOVERNMENT APPOINTED COMMISSION.
MR CHEONG ALSO LISTED SOME OF THE FINDINGS OF A PROJECT DONE BY MEMBERS ATTENDING A RECENT SENIOR STAFF COURSE WHICH HE SAID HAD MADE A VERY USEFUL START IN STUDYING THE PROBLEM IN REASONABLE DEPTH.
MR CHEONG SAID IT HAD BEEN GENERALLY ESTABLISHED BY ECONOMISTS THAT THE BETTER PROVISION THOUGH GOVERNMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY, THE DESIRE TO SAVE BY ITS CITIZENS WOULD DECLINE LEADING TO A SHRINKING OF REINVESTMENT RESOURCES FOR FURTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID COMPULSORY OR CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS REALLY NO MORE THAN FORCING PERSONAL SAVINGS INTO A POOL RUN AND CONTROLLED BY THE STATE THEREBY FREEZING THEIR USE UNTIL 20 OR 30 YEARS LATER.
HE ADDED THAT THIS FREEZING OF AVAILABLE ASSETS WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY.
------o-------
THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO IMPROVE WELFARE FOR ELDERLY
HI » UI
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVOCATED A THREEPRONGED APPROACH TO IMPROVE SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OLD AQEt ADOPT A SYSTEM OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, REVIEW THE EXISTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, AND EXTEND THE EXISTING LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS FOR WORKERS.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, DR HO SAID IT WAS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG TO ADOPT A SYSTEM OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES INSTEAD OF A COMPULSORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, HAY 1J, 1987
- 19 -
he said that under the private provident fund schemes the FUND SHOULD PREFERABLY COVER ALL WAGE-EARNERS IN THE SAME ESTABLISHMENT, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE MADE BY EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AT THE SAME RATE.
BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYEE, TO BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF THE BALANCE CREDITED TO THE EMPLOYEE’S ACCOUNT PLUS INTEREST GAINED. SHOULD BE PAYABLE UPON RETIREMENT OR INVALIDITY OR TRANSFER TO ANOTHER RETIREMENT SCHEME ON CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT, OR PAYABLE TO HIS SURVIVOR IN THE EVENTUALITY OF DEATH.
HE SAID THE FUND SHOULD BE MANAGED BY PRIVATE INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS AND SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT MONITORING AND REGULATION.
DR HO NOTED THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE SOME A 700 APPROVED PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUNDS AND RETIREMENT SCHEMES CATERING FOR ABOUT 300 000 WORKERS. ABOUT 50 NEW SCHEMES WERE APPROVED EACH MONTH FOR THE PAST YEAR.
♦WITH CONSCIOUS EFFORT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE THE SETTING UP OF SUCH SAVINGS SCHEMES, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE GROWTH OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUNDS WILL BE FURTHER ACCELERATED,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID A DECENTRALISED PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, BUILT ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, WOULD ONLY GENERATE AN INCREMENTAL IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL MARKET AND LIMIT DISRUPTION TO THE INDUSTRY’S PERFORMANCE, THUS MAKING IT MUCH EASIER FOR THE ECONOMY TO ADJUST AND TO MAINTAIN ITS EQUILIBRIUM.
♦THE RUN-UP TO 1997 IS A MOST SENSITIVE PERIOD; THE MASSIVE ABRUPT DISRUPTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMPULSORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD PROVE TO BE TOO DEVASTATING FOR OUR ECONOMY AND WOULD SHATTER THE BUSINESS CONFIDENCE, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS,♦ HE SAID.
AS THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WAS A VERY COMPLEX SYSTEM, FUSED WITH MANY UNCERTAIN LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS AND FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES, DR HO SUGGESTED THAT A COMMISSION COMPOSED OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES AND INVESTMENT AND ACTUARIAL EXPERTS SHOULD BE SET UP TO UNDERTAKE AN INDEPTH STUDY OF THE ISSUE.
DR HO SAID A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WARRANTED SERIOUS DISCUSSION. FIRSTLY, HE SAID, THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION MUST BE KEPT AFFORDABLE BY BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES.
/HE bAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1987
20
ME SAID THAT PERHAPS WORKERS WITH VERY LOW EARNINGS MIGHT BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SCHEME FOR TWO REASONS. THE LEVEL OF THEIR WAGES WAS BARELY ADEQUATE FOR THEIR SUBSISTENCE. THE CONTRIBUTIONS, IF MADE, WERE SO LOW THAT THE BENEFITS PAYABLE ON RETIREMENT WERE INSIGNIFICANT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY PURPOSES.
SECONDLY. HE SAID, THE TYPES OF CONTINGENCY NEEDS. IN RESPECT OF WHICH BENEFIT PAYMENTS WERE MADE, MUST BE UNEQUIVOCALLY DEFINED AT THE OUTSET.
♦IF THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME IS TO PROTECT AGAINST OLD AGE, BENEFITS SHOULD BE PAYABLE ONLY UPON RETIREMENT, INVALIDITY OR DEATH,* HE SAID.
THIRDLY, HE NOTED THAT SOME FEARS HAB BEEN EXPRESSED THAT IF RETIREMENT bInEFITS WERE PAYABLE IN A LUMP SUM, THE RECIPIENTS MIGHT SQUANDER THE LIFE-LONG SAVINGS IN ECONOMICALLY UNSOUND PURSUITS.
CONSEQUENTLY, ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF PAYMENT WERE PROPOSED.
THE BENEFICIARIES MIGHT BE PAID BY PERIODIC INSTALMENTS OR ADVISED TO PURCHASE ANNUITY SCHEMES.
FOURTH.Y. DR HO SAID, SOME SORT OF LEGISLATION MUST BE ENACTED TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNMENT OR A STATUTORY BODY TO REGULATE AND SUPERVISE THE OPERATION OF THE PROVIDENT FUNDS ENTRUSTED IN THE VARIOUS INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS.
LASTLY, TAX RELIEF MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE EMPLOYEE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROVIDENT FUND TO ENCOURAGE WAGE-EARNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SAVINGS SCHEME FOR OLD AGE.
REFERRING TO THE OTHER TWO PRONGS OF HIS SUGGESTION TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OLD AGE, DR HO SAID THE COMMISSION HE PROPOSED SHOULD ALSO REVIEW THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SCHEMES, AS THESE WELFARE PROVISIONS FORMED THE MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME FOR THE DESTITUTE ELDERLY.
♦IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS AND OTHER LABOUR LEGISLATION SHOULD ALSO BE REVIEWED AND EXTENDED,* HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT SUCH CONDITIONS AS THE QUALIFYING AGE OF THE WORKER, THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION, AND OTHER PAY ENTITLEMENTS SHOULD BE MODIFIED IN THE INTEREST OF WORKERS.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19B7
21
SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LAUNCH A WIDESPREAD CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT AND RETIREMENT SCHEMES, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE SAID HE HOPED THAT IN TWO TO THREE YEARS, LEGISLATION COULD BE INTRODUCED TO MAKE THE FUND COMPULSORY SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT STUDY SHOW THAT IT WOULD BE PRACTICAL AND DESIRABLE TO INTRODUCE SUCH LEGISLATION.
IN THE LIGHT OF ALL THE INFORMATION HE HAD STUDIED SO FAR, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT A FUND SYSTEM WAS SUITABLE TO HONG KONG’S FREE ENTERPRISE CONDITIONS WHERE THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY MUST BE FLEXIBLE, DYNAMIC ANB COMPETITIVE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.
HE SAID THAT THE QUESTION OF SETTING UP OF A FUND SHOULD NOT BE APPROACHED ON A PIECEMEAL BASIS, BUT WITHIN THE BROADER FRAMEWORK OF THE EXISTING TYPES OF SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISION SO AS TO PROGRESSIVELY BUILD UP FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SOCIAL SECURITY NETWORK.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT PROVISION FOR OLD AGE OR RETIREMENT WAS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TO BE CONSIDERED, NOT ONLY FOR THOSE IN THE LOWER INCOME BRACKETS, BUT ALSO FOR THE WHITE-COLLAR OR SANDWICH GROUP.
HE SAID THE EXISTING FRAMEWORK OF SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH RELEVANCE TO THE POSSIBLE SETTING UP OF A COMPULSORY PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM IN ABOUT THREE TO FIVE YEARS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT SHOULD IT BE RECOMMENDED THAT A PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM WOULD, IN THE LONG RUN, BE BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE, LEGISLATION SHOULD BE ENACTED TO PROTECT CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCH FUNDS.
IN ORDER TO GENERATE MORE SUPPORT ON THE PART OF EMPLOYEES FOR PARTICIPATION IN A PROVIDENT FUND. MR CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EVEN CHANGE THE EXISTING LEGISLATION TO ALLOW EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE, AND ALSO INTEREST INCOME AND GAINS EARNED ON PROVIDENT FUND MONEYS TO BE EXEMPTED FROM TAXATION.
LASTLY, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A MORE THOROUGH STUDY OF THE NEED, THE PRACTICABILITY AND THE RELATIVE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED FROM SOME FORM OF COMPULSORY PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
- 22 -
SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES fl N K M *
THE CONCEPT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMPLETELY CONTRARY TO HONG KONG'S BASIC ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY, THE HON DAVID K P LI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE PRIVATE SECTOR PROVIDENT SCHEMES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR THE HALF A MILLION WORKERS WHO AT PRESENT HAD NO GUARANTEED FORM OF SECURITY FOR THEIR OLD AGE.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL
PROVIDENT FUND, MR LI SAID THAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS BUT ONE OF THE OPTIONS TO PROVIDE THE ELDERLY WITH GREATER FINANCIAL SECURITY.
ONE OF THE FACTORS THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO CONSIDER IN EVALUATING THE NEED FOR A COMPULSORY SCHEME WAS WHETHER OR NOT VOLUNTARY SAVINGS WERE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SENIOR CITIZENS, HE SAID.
♦HONG KONG'S SAVINGS RATIO OF 25 PER CENT IS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD. OUR HIGH VOLUNTARY SAVINGS REBUT THE ARGUMENT THAT MOST OF OUR WORKERS ARE NOT CAPABLE OF SAVING ON THEIR OWN.
♦THE MAIN TASK OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO TAKE POSITIVE MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE THIS HIGH LEVEL OF VOLUNTARY SAVINGS.
♦THESE MEASURES COULD INCLUDE TAX CONCESSIONS FOR EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUNDS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE SCHEMES,♦ HE SUGGESTED.
ON THE TRANSFERABILITY OF PENSION BENEFITS, MR LI SAID THAT IT WOULD ENCOURAGE WORKERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO PRIVATE SCHEMES, BUT IT MIGHT ALSO RESULT IN AN UNDESIRABLE INCREASE IN LABOUR MOBILITY.
THIS WOULD IN TURN DISCOURAGE EMPLOYERS FROM COMMITTING RESOURCES TO LABOUR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL FOR THE TERRITORY'S INDUSTRIAL WELL-BEING.
MR LI FELT THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFERABILITY OF PENSION BENEFITS SO AS TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO PARTICIPATE AND TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE STABILITY OF THE WORKFORCE.
HE SAID THREE TO FIVE YEARS MIGHT BE AN APPROPRIATE MINIMUM PERIOD OF SERVICE REQUIRED BEFORE PENSION BENEFITS COULD BECOME TRANSFERABLE.
MR LI ALSO NOTED THAT GREATER FREEDOM TO UTILISE THE FUNDS ACCORDING TO EMPLOYEES’ OWN NEEDS WOULD MAKE PROVIDENT FUNDS MORE ATTRACTIVE TO CONTRIBUTORS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1987
HE SAID IF AN EMPLOYEE HAD THE OPTION TO USE HIS CONTRIBUTION AS COLLATERAL FOR A HOUSING LOAN. THIS WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE POPULARITY OF PROVIDENT FUNDS.
TO ENCOURAGE SMALL FIRMS TO SET UP SUCH SCHEMES, MR LI SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BROADEN ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXISTING LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME, FOR INSTANCE, BY SHORTENING THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF SERVICE FROM 10 YEARS TO FIVE YEARS.
♦AS EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITIES ON THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME CAN BE OFFSET BY THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO APPROVED PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUNDS, EMPLOYERS WOULD HAVE A GREATER INCENTIVE TO ESTABLISH PRIVATE FUNDS, IF THE PRESENT LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME IS BROADENED,* MR LI SAID.
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PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES FAVOURED *****
THE HON HELMUT SOWEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE FAVOURED A SYSTEM OF VOLUNTARY PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR S0K4EN SAID THAT WHEN HE TRAVELLED AROUND THE WORLD AND T^I ED TO EXPLAIN THE ESSENCE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY, HE INVARIABLY REFERRED TO THE DILIGENCE AND THE DEDICATION OF Th£ TERRITORY’S WORKING POPULATION AS ONE OF K)NG KONG'S MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS.
THERE WAS NO QUESTION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD THEREFORE LOOK AFTER ITS INDUSTRIOUS WORKFORCE, HE SAID.
♦ BUT IN THESE DISCUSSIONS I ALSO ALWAYS MENTION THAT OUR WHOLE ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND OUR POLICIES ARE BASED ON THE STRONG BELIEF IN THE BENEFITS OF ALLOWING MAXIMUM INDIVIDUAL CHOICE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS SURPRISED THAT A CALL FOR AN INCREASE IN TAXATION AND FOR CEDING TO GOVERNMENT THE AUTHORITY TO DEC I DE HOW AND WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD INDIVIDUALLY SAVE, AND HOW THESE SAVINGS SHOULD BE INVESTED — WHICH WAS WHAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD D0 — WAS FINDING SUPPORT IN HONG KONG.
♦ IT RUNS COUNTER TO OUR TRADITIONAL BELIEF ImtfREEDOM OF CHOICE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COULD WFLL BE THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO PROGRESS THROUGH A PROVEN RELIANCE ON OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL EFFORT,* HE SAID.
/HE QUESTIONED........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
24
HE QUESTIONED WHETHER HONG KONG WOULD ACCEPT BOTH THE SHORTTERM DISRUPTION TO THE ECONOMY AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE, AS WELL AS THE LONG-TERM NEGATIVE IMPACT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ON HONG KONG PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES.
HE ALSO DOUBTED WHETHER HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE PREPARED TO LEAVE VERY LARGE AMOUNTS OF THEIR COLLECTIVE SAVINGS IN THE CARE OF OTHERS, SINCE CLEARLY THEY COULD NOT WHOLLY BE INVESTED IN HONG KONG.
♦ IS A CENTRAL PROVIBENT FUND REALLY THE BEST ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM OF FINDING PROTECTION FOR THE ELDERLY OR THE UNEMPLOYED, AND WOULD WE NOT BE MOVING AWAY FROM A POLICY OF PROVIDING ONLY FOR THOSE TRULY IN NEED, TO THE IMPOSITION OF BENEFITS ALSO FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WISH OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE?* HE ASKED.
MR SO WEN ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER THE INVESTMENT RETURN ON A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD NECESSARILY BE AS GOOD AS OR BETTER THAN THE YIELD FROM INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENTS OR INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS.
HE SAID THAT IF ANY OR MOST OF THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS WERE IN THE NEGATIVE, THEN HE WOULD SUGGEST THAT A CASE HAD NOT BEEN MADE OUT FOR A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND AND THAT HONG KONG SHOULD RESTRICT ANY MOVE FORWARD TO THE AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES.
THESE ALTERNATIVES INCLUDED THE CONTINUATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE REGIMES ONLY FOR THOSE QUALIFYING, COMPULSORY BUT DECENTRALISED PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES OPERATING UNDER STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS, OR THE POLITICAL AND LEGAL ENCOURAGEMENT TO FOSTER THE GROWTH OF VOLUNTARY PRIVATE SCHEMES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID HE FAVOURED THE LATTER ALTERNATIVE IN ORDER TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULTS WHILE PRESERVING HONG KONG'S BASIC STRENGTHi THE WILL AND THE DETERMINATION TO SURVIVE AND SUCCEED BY INDIVIDUAL EFFORT.
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PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME ADVOCATED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM, THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR CHUNG SAID WHETHER A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD BE SET UP OR NOT HAD SIGNIFICANT AND FAR-REACHING IMPACTS.
/BEFORE A .......
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
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BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE, HE SAID, CAREFUL CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FIVE POINTSi THE NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES. EMPLOYERS’ CONSIDERATIONS, PRACTICAL PROBLEMS, THE PROS AND CONS OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IN ECONOMIC TERMS AND THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH A FUND.
HE SAID THAT A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THESE FIVE POINTS SHOWED THAT THE ISSUE OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS SIMPLY A QUESTION OF +PROPER MANAGEMENT AND ON WHOM THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT SHOULD FALL*.
HE SAID THAT INSTEAD OF ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A CENTRAL BODY TO MANAGE THE FUND, IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM ON ITS EXISTING BASIS.
HE SAID BASIC LEGISLATION ON THE PROVIDENT FUND SHOULD BE ENACTED TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF FUND MANAGEMENT.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FUND SHOULD BE TRANSFERABLE ON CHANGE OF EMPLOYERS IN ORDER TO FOSTER HEALTHY COMPETITION AMONG EMPLOYERS OF THE SAME TRADE.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A SUPERVISORY ROLE IN MONITORING AND PROVIDING GUIDANCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND TO GUARD AGAINST EMBEZZLEMENT AND TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF EMPLOYEES.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE, ON THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE PRINCIPLE OF RESPECTING AND PROVIDING FOR THE AGED, THE EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL AND MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL HOUSING UNITS FOR THE AGED AND THE ALLOCATION OF APPROPRIATE SUBVENTIONS TO HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
MR CHUNG ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE EXISTING LONG SERVICE GRATUITY SCHEME SHOULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO ADD A NEW PROVISION TO THE EFFECT THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARILY TENDERED HIS RESIGNATION WITH JUSTIFIED REASON, HE SHOULD BE OFFERED THE LONG SERVICE GRATUITY ACCORDINGLY, HE SAID.
THE PURPOSE OF REVISING THE LEGISLATION WAS TO PREVENT EMPLOYERS FROM FORCING THEIR EMPLOYEES TO RESIGN AND TO DULY PROTECT THE INTEREST OF EMPLOYEES CONCERNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
26
3 T g E 0
DECENTRALISED PROVIDENT SYSTEM URGED
*****
THE HON ANDREW WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF LEGISLATING FOR COMPULSORY PROVIDENT ARRANGEMENT BUT WAS AGAINST THE IDEA OF A COMPULSORY AND CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE GAVE THE REASONS BEHIND HIS PHILOSOPHY WHEN ADDRESSING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE SAID THE COMPULSION HE MENTIONED SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED TO MEAN A RESTRICTION ON THE EMPLOYEE’S FREEDOM TO HIS DECISION BETWEEN SPENDING AND SAVING AND HIS CHOICE OF FORMS OF INVESTMENT.
♦RATHER IT SHOULD BE READ IN THE LIGHT OF SAVINGS FOR OLD AGE AND JUSTIFIED ON THE GROUNDS THAT NO MAN OUGHT TO BE GIVEN THE LICENCE TO BECOME A CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HE BELIEVED THAT A DECENTRALISED SYSTEM WAS THE ONLY SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY.
HE SUPPORTED THE CALL FOR THE SETTING UP OF A COMMITTEE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO STUDY IN DETAIL THE NITTY-GRITTIES OF IMPLEMENTATION.
♦LET US NOT PROCRASTINATE AND PUT OFF TILL TOMORROW, AS THERE IS A TOMORROW AFTER TOMORROW, AND YET OTHER TOMORROWS TO FOLLOW,♦ HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE NECESSITY OF SOME ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE RUBRIC OF SOCIAL SECURITY WAS UNQUESTIONABLE, BE IT FOR HUMANE AND CHARITY REASONS OR ONLY IN THE INTEREST OF THOSE WHO REQUIRED PROTECTION AGAINST ACTS OF DESPERATION.
BUT, HE SAID THE KEY QUESTIONS WEREi FIRST, WERE THE BENEFITS UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS ADEQUATE BOTH IN TERMS OF ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND RATES OF PAYMENT? AND IF NOT, SECOND, SHOULD THEY BE MADE ADEQUATE BUT ONLY BY WAY OF FURTHER IMPROVING THE EXISTING arrangements?
HIS ANSWER TO BOTH QUESTIONS WERE + NO*.
ON THE FIRST QUESTION, HE SAID MEMBERS WERE ALL AWARE HOW STRINGENT THE CRITERIA AND HOW MEAGRE THE PAYMENTS WERE, ADDING THAT THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER’S REVIEW OF THE QUESTION OF THE IDEA OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS AMPLE EVIDENCE THAT THERE WAS INDEED DEFICIENCY IN THE BENEFITS PAID OUT UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS.
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/ON THE .......
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
27 -
ON THE SECOND QUESTION, HE SAID IT WAS NOT THAT THE BENEFITS SHOULD NOT BE MADE ADEQUATE, BUT THAT SOMETHING MORE THAN SIMPLY IMPROVING THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS WAS NEEDED.
♦ I HAVE TWO MAJOR OBJECTIONS TO RELYING PRIMARILY ON WELFARE PROVISIONS 1Y THE GOVERNMENT TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE RETIRED ELDERLY.
♦ ONE. ALL SUCH PROVISIONS ARE FUNDED BY CURRENT TAX REVENUE WHICH POsfe A VERY HEAVY BURDEN INDEED ON THE GOVERNMENT IN LEAN YEARS WHEN REVENUE IS NOT BUOYANT AND THE LEANER THE ECONOMY IF THE FATTER THE DEMAND FOR WELFARE PROVISIONS. IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD ONLY PROVIDE FOR SUBSISTENCE.
♦SECOND, THE RATES OF PAYMENT INEVITABLY BECOME MAJOR POLITICAL ISSUES CROPPING UP FROM TIME TO TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS IT IS THE ONE SURE WAY TOWARDS THE REDISTRIBUTIVE WELFARE STATE,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HE FEARED, WITHOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF ARRANGEMENTS SUCH AS THE PROVIDENT FUND, IT WOULD BECOME MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO WARD OFF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL DEMANDS IN THIS DIRECTION.
HE WENT ON TO EXPLAIN WHY HE BELIEVED FURTHER IMPROVING THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WAS NOT THE APPROPRIATE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF THE RETIRED ELDERLY.
MR WONG SAID WITH LABOUR LEGISLATIONS STIPULATING THE AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO BE PAID IN TIMES SEVERING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ASCERTAIN WHERE JUSTICE LAY, AND WITH WELFARE PROVISIONS KEPT AT A MINIMAL SUBSISTENCE LEVEL AND WITHOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF PROVIDENT SCHEMES, LABOUR LEGISLATIONS FOR WIDER AMBITS ANB COVERING MORE AREAS WOULD BECOME MAJOR POLITICAL ISSUES.
HE WAS THEREFORE OF THE OPINION THAT THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS OUGHT TO BE BOOSTED BY THE ADDITION OF PROVIDENT FUND ARRANGEMENTS.
LASTLY, HE SAID HE DID NOT SEE THE LOGIC BEHIND MANY EMPLOYERS* OBJECTION TO THE IDEA OF COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUNDS, WHETHER CENTRALISED OR DECENTRALISED BECAUSE EMPLOYERS WERE ALREADY SHOULDERING THIS COMPARABLE RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE EXISTING LONG SERVICE PAYMENT LEGISLATION.
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/28........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
28
BACKING FOR COMMISSION TO * *
STUDY PROVIDENT FUND IDEA * * *
THE HON KIM CHAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL FOR A COMMISSION COMPRISING EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND EXPERTS TO STUDY ISSUES RELATING TO A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND TO ENSURE PRACTICABILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND EQUITY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR CHAM SAID THAT IN ESSENCE A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME REPRESENTED FORCED SAVINGS ON EMPLOYEES AS IN THE LONG RUN REAL WAGES WOULD BE EQUAL TO THE PACKAGE OF SALARY PLUS BENEFITS WHICH WAS ADJUSTED TO REFLECT LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN HONG KONG’S FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY.
HE NOTED THAT RECENT ESTIMATES OF INITIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND MIGHT RANGE FROM >5 BILLION TO <10 BILLION A YEAR, BUT THE ANNUAL AVERAGE VALUE OF EQUITIES, WARRANTS, UNIT TRUSTS AND LOAN STOCKS TRADED IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS AMOUNTED TO ONLY #3 BILLION.
♦ THUS, COUPLED WITH ANY REQUIREMENT FOR THE FUND TO BE INVESTED IN HONG KONG, THIS WILL CREATE AN IMPACT ON THE EQUITY MARKET AS WELL AS THE DEBT MARKET,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHAM SAID THAT IN THE FUTURE THERE WOULD BE A DEMAND FOR WITHDRAWAL OF THE FUND AS THE POPULATION AGED AND FAMILY PLANNING REDUCED SUBSEQUENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND.
THE OUTFLOW OF FUNDS EXCEEDING THE INFLOW WOULD CAUSE A NET DRAIN ON THE FUND, HE SAID.
♦ IT IS THIS TIME IN THE FUTURE WHEN THE LIQUIDITY OF THE FUND HINGES ON THE PREVAILING STATE OF THE CAPITAL MARKET WHICH CAN CREATE PRESSURE ON THE DEBT OR EQUITY MARKET, NOT TO MENTION THE DIFFICULTY OF LIQUIDATING POOR QUALITY INVESTMENTS,* HE ADDED.
MR CHAM ALSO SAID THAT WHETHER INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND MUST BE RESTRICTED TO HONG KONG INSTRUMENTS WAS AN IMPORTANT POINT WHICH MUST BE ADDRESSED.
CONFINING INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG WOULD ENSURE EASIER SUPERVISION AND THE BENEFITS OF THE INVESTMENT MULTIPLIER EFFECT ACCRUING TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
HOWEVER, WITH A PORTFOLIO OF SIGNIFICANT SIZE, THIS WOULD INHIBIT FLEXIBILITY AND INVESTMENT CONFIGURATIONS.
ALTERNATIVELY, INVESTMENTS ABROAD MIGHT FACILITATE DIVERSIFICATION BUT THE LESSONS OF A EPHEMERAL STOCK NOT ADEQUATELY COVERED BY ASSETS OR TRADE MUST BE REMEMBERED, HE SAID.
/ANOTHER FACTOR........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1?, 1987
- 29 -
ANOTHER FACTOR WORTH CONSIDERING WAS THE IMPACT OF INFLATION ON WITHDRAWALS TO THE FUND. WHILE THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO COULD BE DIVERSIFIED FOR SECURITY AS WELL AS LIQUIDITY, IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT A DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO MIGHT HAVE TO SACRIFICE YIELD FOR QUALITY.
UPON WITHDRAWAL, THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT SHOULD BE AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE RATE OF INFLATION.
♦ IN THE EVENT THAT THE YIELD OF THE FUND DOES NOT MATCH THE RATE OF INFLATION, TO FORCE ALL EMPLOYEES TO SAVE INVOLUNTARILY BY LEGISLATION MEANS THAT THEY ARE FORCED TO LOSE OUT ON THE PURCHASING POWER OF THEIR HARD-EARNED SAVINGS,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHAM SAID THAT GIVEN THE RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES, HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUES INVOLVED.
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COMMISSION PROPOSED TO STUDY SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM M K M * *
THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE SUPPORTED THE CONCEPT OF AN IMPROVED SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FOR THE ELDERLY BUT COULD NOT SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND AS A MEANS TO SECURING THIS END.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR CLYDESDALE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WOULD DISCOURAGE BUSINESS INVESTORS AND BUSINESS INVESTMENT BECAUSE BUSINESS, WHICH WOULD BE PAYING DIRECTLY INTO SUCH A SCHEME AND YET HAD NO CONTROL OVER ITS DIMENSIONS, WOULD SEE NO END TO POTENTIAL GRADUAL INCREASES IN COST.
HE SAID THAT APART FROM THE INCREASING BURDEN OF A SCHEME WHICH HAD TO DEAL WITH A HIGHER AND HIGHER NUMBER OF AGED PEOPLE RETIRING FROM THE WORKFORCE, THERE WOULD BE IMMENSE PROBLEMS IN DEALING WITH THE HUGE CAPITAL SUMS PAID INTO THE SCHEME FROM DAY ONE.
/HE NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
- 30 -
HE NOTED THAT ASSUMING A CONTRIBUTION OF FIVE PER CENT OF SALARIES FROM EMPLOYEES AND FIVE PER CENT FROM EMPLOYERS, THE AMOUNT OF THE FUND HAD BEEN ESTIMATED AT OVER $10 BILLION A YEAR INITIALLY IF ALL THE WORKFORCE WAS TO BE COVERED.
+THE INVESTMENT OF CPF FUNDS ON THIS SCALE BY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO REQUIRE A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, LIKELY TO BE EXPENSIVE IN ITS OWN RIGHT,* HE SAID.
MR CLYDESDALE SAID A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WOULD BE BOUND TO INCREASE LABOUR COSTS.
HE NOTED THAT LOCAL MANUFACTURERS DID NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO CUSHIONING THE EFFECTS OF INCREASED PRODUCTION COSTS IN INDUSTRY THROUGH DOMESTIC PRICING MECHANISMS AS OVER 90 PER CENT OF THEIR PRODUCTION WAS EXPORTED AND THEIR PRODUCTS MUST REMAIN PRICE COMPETITIVE IN WORLD MARKETS.
HE SAID THERE WERE BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
♦I BELIEVE WE MUST NOW LOOK CLOSELY AT THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING SOME FORM OF OLD AGE PENSION WHICH IDEALLY WOULD NOT REQUIRE MEANS TESTING AND WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY BE OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED HONG KONG RESIDENTS AT AGE 65,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF OLD AGE PENSIONS AND THE COST WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO BE FOUND FROM GENERAL REVENUE.
+1 APPRECIATE THAT THE FUNDING OF SUCH A PROPOSAL WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BUT I BELIEVE OUR ECONOMY COULD ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL COST,* HE SAID.
HE PROPOSED THAT A COMMISSION BE SET UP TO STUDY THE PRESENT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN ITS ENTIRETY. SUCH A COMMISSION COULD EE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OLD AGE SCHEME AS PART CF ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.
HE SAID THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED THAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SHOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG, THEN THE WAY WAS CLEAR FOR AN IMPROVEMENT IN EXISTING SOCIAL SECURITY MEASURES.
♦HOWEVER, THESE MUST BE LOOKED AT AS PART OF AN OVERALL SYSTEM WHICH NOT ONLY PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES AT AN ACCEPTABLE COST BUT WHICH IS DEVELOPED AS A WHOLE RATHER THAN AS A SERIES OF RELATED BUT UNCO-ORDINATED MEASURES WHOSE COST CANNOT BE ACCURATELY ASSESSED,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
51
ELDERLY WORKERS NEED ADEQUATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM ft ft ft * ft
AN INADEQUATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR ELDERLY WORKERS BROUGHT NOT ONLY PROBLEMS OF MATERIAL DEPRIVATION BUT ALSO SPIRITUAL SUFFER AS WELL, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT ONLY TO SATISFY THEIR MATERIAL WANTS BUT TO LOOK FOR A WAY TO ENTITLE THEM TO A BASIC STANDARD OF LIVING IN A RESPECTABLE AND DIGNIFIED WAY, MRS TAM SAID.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MRS TAM SAID THOSE RETIRED PEOPLE WHO EVEN HAD THE ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR FAMILIES MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
♦WITHOUT ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE AND DEPRIVED OF THE CHOICE OF THEIR PREFERRED WAY OF LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT, THEY MAY ENCOUNTER VARIOUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FAMILY. THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL STATES AND EVEN THEIR WILL OF LIVING,* SHE SAID.
IN RECENT YEARS, THE PROBLEM OF ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY HAD BECOME SERIOUS, AS EVIDENCED IN THE RISING TREND OF SUICIDE AMONG THE ELDERLY, SHE ADDED.
MRS TAM SAID THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME DID PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY ELDERLY BUT THE WAY THE ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED, HOWEVER, WOULD HURT THEM PSYCHOLOGICALLY.
AFTER ALL, SHE SAID, HONG KONG’S SOCIAL WELFARE WAS AIMED AT THOSE WHO COULD NOT HELP THEMSELVES EITHER ON A LONG-TERM OR SHORT-TERM BASIS.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ITSELF CARRIED A STRONG STIGMA TO CAUSE FEELINGS OF INFERIORITY AND USELESSNESS AMONG THE RECIPIENTS.
SHE FELT THAT A MORE POSITIVE AND IDEAL SOLUTION WAS TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM OF AN INADEQUATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND ESTABLISH A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME.
♦EMPLOYEES CAN, UNDER THE PRINCIPLE OF WORK MORE AND EARN MORE, SAVE UP PART OF THEIR EARNINGS WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG AND SECURE A PENSION UPON RETIREMENT AT THEIR OLD AGE.
♦IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THEIR RELATIVES, THE RETIRED EMPLOYEES ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A BASIC LIVING STANDARD AND HAVE MORE FREEDOM IN CHOOSING THEIR PREFERRED RETIRED LIFE WITHOUT LOSING EITHER SELF-RESPECT OR SELF-CONFIDENCE,* SHE SAID.
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/Mrs tam ..........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 198?
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MRS TAM SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED BY MERELY ENCOURAGING THE EMPLOYERS TO SET UP THEIR OWN SCHEMES ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. OTHERWISE, AT THE CURRENT RATE OF 50 NEW SCHEMES BEING SET UP EACH MONTH, IT WOULD TAKE A VERY LONG TIME FOR ALL THE 200 000 ESTABLISHMENTS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES, TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR OWN SCHEMES.
SHE BELIEVED THE MOST APPROPRIATE APPROACH WAS TO REQUIRE ALL EMPLOYERS OF DIFFERENT SIZES OF ORGANISATIONS TO ESTABLISH PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES THROUGH LEGISLATION.
SHE SAID SUCH PROVIDENT FUND SHOULD HAVE FIVE CHARACTERISTICS.
FIRSTLY, ALL PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE REQUIRED BY LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH PROVIDENT FUNDS WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
SECONDLY, TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION, A GRADUAL APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN STAGES STARTING WITH THE LARGE ENTERPRISES AND FOLLOWED BY MEDIUM AND SMALL-SIZED ENTERPRISES.
THIRDLY, A STANDARD REQUIREMENT FOR ALL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES SHOULD BE LAID DOWN BY LEGISLATION.
FOURTHLY, IN THE EVENT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, THE EMPLOYEE’S PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE TRANSFERABLE TO HIS NEW FUND.
FIFTHLY, INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISE COULD ENGAGE INSURANCE COMPANIES OR FINANCIAL FIRMS TO MANAGE THEIR OWN FUNDS.
MRS TAM REITERATED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ACTIVELY CONSIDER HOW TO ESTABLISH A PROVIDENT SCHEME.
SHE BELIEVED THIS WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL SECURITY FOR THE RETIRED WORKERS, OF THE PRESSURE OF AN AGING POPULATION AND OF THE MAINTENANCE OF SOCIAL STABILITY FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS TO COME.
♦I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A COMMISSION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STUDY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND,* SHE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
ADMINISTRATION BLAMED FOR LACK OF FORESIGHT
M * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS BLAMED FOR NOT ONLY FAILING TO ACCEPT BUT ALSO IGNORING THE VIEWS AND ADVICE EXPRESSED IN THE 1967 +REPORT BY THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY TO CONSIDER CERTAIN ASPECTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY*, AS WELL AS THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES DURING DISCUSSIONS ON THE +GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT 1977*.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (CPF).
HE POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING EMPLOYERS, WERE FULLY AWARE THAT THE SECURITY OF AGED WORKERS AFTER RETIREMENT WAS ACTUALLY A SOCIAL PROBLEM WHICH NEEDED AN URGENT SOLUTION.
HE ADDED THAT A CONSENSUS OF OPINION, INCLUDING VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S AD HOC GROUP TO PREPARE FOR THE DEBATE, HAD ALREADY BEEN REACHED.
MR PANG SAID SINCE THE ISSUE OF WHETHER A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED WAS BROUGHT UP, THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED HAD BEEN USING DELAYING AND PERFUNCTORY TACTICS.
HE SAID THE SETTING UP OF TWO INTERNAL WORKING GROUPS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AND TO EXPLORE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES WAS APPARENTLY AN ATTEMPT TO THWART THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CPF AND COMPLETELY BETRAYED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO SHIRK ITS RESPONSIBILITY.
THE CURRENT ATTITUDE AND POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE CPF FULLY CONFIRMED THE FORESIGHT AND ADMONISHMENT CONTAINED IN THE 1967 REPORT.
+ IT WOULD THEN AVAIL NOTHING TO LAMENT THE FACT THAT FORESIGHT HAD NOT PREVAILED A FEW YEARS EARLIER,* HE SAID.
MR PANG CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FACE REALITY RESOLUTELY BY ADOPTING A FAIR AND POSITIVE APPROACH TOWARDS THE CPF, AND BY SETTING UP A SPECIAL COMMISSION TO STUDY THE CPF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MR PANG REITERATED THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE +GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT* IN 1977.
THEY PROPOSED THAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO A LIFE INSURANCE SCHEME FOR EMPLOYEES MUST BE COMPULSORY, SO THAT ALL EMPLOYEES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE COULD PARTICIPATE, AND THAT THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION MUST BE RAISED TO FIVE PER CENT.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1J, 1987
HE SAIB THAT TRADE UNIONS AND LABOUR ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG HAD NEVER GIVEN UP HOPE AND HAD ALL ALONG BEEN PRESSING THE GOVERNMENT TO FACE UP TO THE FACT OF AN AGING WORKFORCE AND THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THEIR LACK OF SECURITY ON RETIREMENT. RELEVANT MEASURES WERE THUS REQUIRED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
MR PANG CONCLUDED BY QUOTING FROM THE 1967 REPORT ON SOCIAL SECURITY! +WE ARE THUS CONVINCED THAT THE TIME HAS COME WHEN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD BE PERSUADED AND, IF NECESSARY. COMPELLED TO BEGIN ASSISTING ITSELF IN MAKING PROVISION FOR ITS OWN OLD AGE. WHILE RESISTENCE TO SUCH MEASURES CAN BE EXPECTED FROM CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE GROUNDS THAT THEY WOULD CONSTITUTE INTERFERENCE WITH THE LIBERTY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT THESE SAME PEOPLE WILL BE QUICK TO B.AME THE ADMINISTRATION FOR LACK OF FORESIGHT WHEN A VAST AND INSOLUBLE PROBLEM OF OLD AGE POVERTY EMERGES.*
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CALL FOR INDEPENDENT BODY TO MANAGE FUND *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME THROUGH LEGISLATION TO BE MONITORED AND MANAGED BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY, THE HON LEE YU-TAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR LEE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE FUND SHOULD BE NAMED ♦STATUTORY PROVIDENT FUND*, DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MIGHT NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN A FUND BEING MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE OF THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY AND THE HANDING OVER OF THE SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA.
♦THE WORD ’CENTRAL’ MAY EASILY LEAD TO THE MISUNDERSTANDING ' > THAT THE FUND IS ’MANAGED BY GOVERNMENT’ AND A CHANGE OF NAME IS THEREFORE NECESSARY,♦ HE SAID. 1 >
QUOTING FIGURES, MR LEE SAID MOST PEOPLE WOULD PROBABLY SPEND MORE THAN 10 YEARS IN RETIREMENT AND HE FEARED THAT SOCIAL WELFARE AND PERSONAL SAVINGS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THIS PROBLEM.
/+THE ESTABLISHMENT
WEDNESDAY, HAY 1J, 1987
- 35 -
♦THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND FOR THE ENTIRE WORKFORCE IS THEREFORE THE ONLY SOLUTION,* HE URGED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A SURVEY REPORT SHOWED THAT NEARLY 90 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WHO WERE YOUNG WORKERS THOUGHT THERE WAS A NEED TO ESTABLISH A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND AND THlEE-QUARTERS OF THEM WERE WILLING TO PAY A MONTH.Y CONTRIBUTION.
MR LEE SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SETTING UP A SELECT COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE ISSUE.
♦THE REASON IS THAT A SELECT COMMITTEE WILL MEET IN PUBLIC AND OPEN HEARINGS CAN BE HELD TO LISTEN TO THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES,* HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID SUCH A WORKING PROCEDURE WOULD CERTAINLY BE FAIR AND OBJECTIVE AND WOULD THUS GAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT.
MR LEE ALSO FELT THAT IF A STATUTORY PROVIDENT FUND SYSTEM WAS TO BE INTRODUCED, A CUSHIONING OR ADJUSTMENT PERIOD SHOULB BE ALLOWED FOR THE MEDIUM AND SMALL ENTERPRISES, SUCH AS THOSE WITH LESS THAN 100 EMPLOYEES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION, THESE ENTERPRISES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME AT THEIR OWN WILL BUT THEY WOULD BE OBLIGED TO JOIN AFTER THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD.
MR LEE FELT THAT PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY INCREASE PRODUCTION COSTS AS THESE WOULD ALSO DEPEND ON THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE PRODUCTION AUTOMATION AS WELL AS THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND RELATIONSHIP IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ORDINANCE, . EMPLOYEES COULD NOT GET THEIR PAYMENT UNTIL THEIR EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED.
♦AS A RESULT, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OLD AND WEAK, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AND REFUSE TO RESIGN OR RETIRE ON THEIR OWN,+ HE SAID.
HE ARGUED THAT THIS WOULD LEAD TO A SITUATION WHERE EMPLOYEES WOULD BECOME SENILE COLLECTIVELY. WHICH WAS DETRIMENTAL TO THE RATE OF PRODUCTION AND PROBABLY NOT TO THE BENEFIT OF EMPLOYERS AS WELL.
THEREFORE, HE PROPOSED THAT BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED TO ALLOW AGED EMPLOYEES WHO HAD LOST THEIR WORKING ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE PAYMENT SO AS TO PREVENT THE AGING PROBLEM AMONG EMPLOYEES.
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
36
ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVIDENT FUND PRACTICABLE
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS PRACTICABLE AND ESSENTIAL, THE HON SZETO WAH TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, MR SZETO SAID THAT TO PROVIDE FOR LIVELIHOOD OF RETIRED OLD PEOPLE WAS NOT JUST A KIND OF MORALITY, BUT IT WAS ALSO FOR THE SAKE OF RAISING A BETTER YOUNGER GENERATION.
HE SAID: + IF THERE IS NO SYSTEM IN THE SOCIETY TO TAKE CARE OF THE ELDER GENERATION, THE RESPONSIBILITY WILL NATURALLY FALL ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN THE FAMILY.
♦THEN THEY WILL BE OBLIGED TO SHOULDER THE DOUBLE BURDEN OF TAKING CARE OF THE OLD AS WELL AS THE YOUNG, AND WILL INEVITABLY AFFECT THEIR CARE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
♦IF THE SOCIETY CAN BUILD UP A SYSTEM TO SHARE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF LOOKING AFTER THE ELDER GENERATION, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON LOOKING AFTER AND RAISING A BETTER NEXT GENERATION.+
MR SZETO SAID AT PRESENT THERE WERE TWO MAJOR RIVAL CAMPS -ONE IN FAVOUR OF AND ONE AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE WARNED THAT A FLAT REJECTION OR A PROMPT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL WOULD LIKEWISE AGGRAVATE ANTAGONISM BETWEEN THE TWO CAMPS.
BUT HE FELT THE TWO RIVAL CAMPS WERE NOT WITHOUT POINTS IN COMMON, THERE WAS BUT A LACK OF COMMUNICATION.
♦IF THE SPIRIT OF CONSULTATION COULD BE FULLY EXPLOITED AND THE MATTER IS DELIBERATED IN DETAIL, THESE TWO CAMPS WILL GRADUALLY REDUCE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM AND JOIN HANDS TO ESTABLISH A SECURITY SCHEME FOR RETIRED OLD PEOPLE,+ MR SZETO SAID.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF BETTER COMMUNICATION, DEVELOPING A SPIRIT OF CONSULTATION AND DETAILED DELIBERATION , HE SAID HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A COMMISSION WHICH WOULD INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
57 -
’FUND WILL BRING MORE GOOD THAN HARM’ * M * M *
DR THE HON CONRAD LAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WAS IN SUPPORT OF SETTING UP A COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME, THE OPERATION OF WHICH WAS TO BE CO-ORDINATED AND MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND. DR LAM SUGGESTED THAT A COMMISSION SHOULD FIRST BE SET UP LATER THIS YEAR TO STUBY ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHEME IN DETAIL AND DETERMINE THE MODE OF OPERATION.
HE SAID THE FUND SHOULD BE COMPULSORY. UNIFIED (AND TRANSFERABLE), STABLE, OFFERING SAFEGUARD AND INVOLVING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION SHOULD THEN FORWARD ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PARTIES CONCERNED FOR CONSULTATION BEFORE BEING SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
TWO YEARS FROM NOW, ALL LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND A MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY COULD BE SET UP TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE PROVIDENT FUND, ME ADDED.
DR LAM SAID THAT EMPLOYING DELAYING TACTICS WAS NOT THE PROPER WAY TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS AND, ON THE CONTRARY, SUCH ACTION WOULD ERODE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
■HF WE BEAR IN MIND THAT WE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT AND ADOPT A COMPROMISING ATTITUDE, I AM SURE THAT ALL CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES CAN EASILY BE RESOLVED,* HE SAID.
DR LAM NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD SAID IN HIS SWEARING-IN SPEECH THAT + ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY SHARE THE FRUIT OF OUR SUCCESS* AND THAT *WE MUST ALSO MEET THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE MUST CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES. WE MUST THINK OF THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WHO CANNOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES*.
DR LAM SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FUND SCHEME WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REALISING THE ABOVE UNDERTAKINGS.
JUDGING FROM THE PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO THE OMELCO MANPOWER PANEL ON APRIL 30, 1987, DR LAM SAID HE WAS VERY WORRIED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO EMPLOY +DELAYING TACTICS* ON THE FUND ISSUE, AS SOME FIGURES WHICH HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY WERE REPRESENTED IN PERCENTAGES IN ORDER TO CREATE A MISLEADING IMPRESSION THAT THEY HAD FALLEN.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AQEB 60 AND ABOVE LIVING ALONE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INCREASED FROM 25 769 IN 1976 TO 32 527 IN 1986. BUT IN THE DOCUMENT THE FIGURES WERE PRESENTED AS 57.1 PER CENT IN 1976 AND 45.9 PER CENT IN 1986.
/SIMILARLY, THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 198?
- 38 -
SIMILARLY, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AGED 70 AND ABOVE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE INCREASED FROM 18 810 IN 1976 TO 31 736 IN 1986, BUT THE FIGURES WERE WRITTEN AS 13.2 PER CENT IN 1976 AND 12.8 PER CENT IN 1986.
DR LAM SAID HE AGREED THAT THE ESTABLISWENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS AN INTERNAL MATTER OF HONG KONG.
♦THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE IN FAVOUR OF SETTING UP THE FUND. IT WILL NOT BRING ABOUT ANY DRASTIC CHANGES TO OUR SOCIETY AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW,+ HE SAID.
♦ABOVE ALL, THERE IS AN ACTUAL NEED FOR THE SETTING UP OF SUCH A FUND WHICH WILL BRING MORE GOOD THAN HARM TO HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.*
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PENSIONS PURCHASING POWER MAINTAINED * * * ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY IS TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE MOTIONS ON THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND ON THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE. MR FORD SAID THE MAINTENANCE OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS WAS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC PENSION ADJUSTMENTS IN LINE WITH MOVEMENTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX(A).
♦DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM 1 APRIL 1986 TO 31 MARCH 1987, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX(A) ROSE BY 5.2 POINTS OR 3.23 PER CENT.*
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A PENSION INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT SHOULD BE AWARDED WITH EFFECT FROM 1 APRIL 1987, HE SAID.
CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS INCLUDED PENSIONS PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME.
♦THE TOTAL COST OF INCREASING ALL PENSIONS BY TWEE PER CENT IS ESTIMATED AT |24.4 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
THIS WAS A STATUTORY CHARGE WHICH MAY BE AUTHORISED BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL UNDER THE APPROPRIATE ORDINANCES, MR FORD SAID.
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/59........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
39
ADDITIONAL EX-OFFICIO MEMBER FOR CEMETERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD X X M X M
THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES WILL BECOME AN ADDITIONAL EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES FOLLOWING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES ORDINANCE.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE AMENDMENT WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD REMAINED NOT LESS THAN 12 NOR MORE THAN 20.
♦ AT PRESENT, THE BOARD MANAGES THREE CEMETERIES LOCATED AT ABERDEEN, TSUEN WAN AND CHAI WAN.
♦ A NEW SITE AT JUNK BAY HAS BEEN GRANTED TO THE BOARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CEMETERY WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN 1989,* MR LIAO SAID.
♦ THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES IS EXPECTED TO BECOME INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN THE BOARD’S ACTIVITIES, THEREFORE IT WAS PROPOSED THAT HE SHOULD BE MADE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER,♦ HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IS THE EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD WHILE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS AND THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES EXERCISES SUPERVISORY CONTROL ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER PRIVATE CEMETERIES IN THE URBAN AREA, WHILE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, A SIMILAR FUNCTION IS PERFORMED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
uo
FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF MARY BILL TABLED K K1
A BILL WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO PROVIDE THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF MARY INCORPORATION WITH AN EXPRESS POWER TO SELL OR TO DISPOSE OF ITS PROPERTIES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF MARY INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE HON PETER C WONG SAID THAT THE CORPORATION HELD VARIOUS PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG, ONE OF WHICH WAS NO LONGER REQUIRED.
IN ORDER TO AVOID INCURRING FURTHER COST IN MAINTA I NING THE PROPERTY, THE CORPORATION HAD DECIDED THAT IT SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF.
♦HOWEVER. THE PRESENT PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BO NOT INCLUDE AN EXPRESS POWER TO SELL OR DISPOSE OF PROPERTIES HELD BY THE CORPORATION,♦ MR WONG NOTED.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS THEREFORE TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH A POWER.
THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONAIRES OF MARY IS A CORPORATION SOLELY INCORPORATED IN 1955. IN ADDITION TO THEIR MISSIONARY WORK THE CORPORATION UNDERTAKES A NUMBER OF OTHER ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE THE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION, THE RELIEF OF POVERTY AND SICKNESS, AND OTHER CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
MR WONG ADDED THAT THE OPPORTUNITY HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO AMEND A SPELLING ERROR IN THE NAME OF THE CORPORATION. THE INCORRECTLY SPELT ♦MISSIONAIRES+ WOULD BE SUBSTITUTED BY THE CORRECTLY SPELT ♦MISSIONARIES*.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/41
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
FS LEAVES FOR DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT TALKS * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, LEFT HONG KONG THIS EVENING (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE HE WILL MEET THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FOR PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ON NEGOTIATING THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
k GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS THE PRESENT DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT EXPIRES ON MARCH 31, 1988, IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MINISTRY ON THE TERMS OF A SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENT.
MR JACOBS WILL LEAD A SMALL HONG KONG TEAM IN THE TALKS WHICH INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SECURITY AND FINANCE BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE TALKS, WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO LAST SEVERAL DAYS, WILL START ON MAY 21 AFTER MR JACOBS COMPLETES SOME LEAVE IN THE UK. SUBSEQUENT ROUNDS OF TALKS WILL BE HELD IN LONDON AND HONG KONG.
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TAI HANG TUNG STORAGE SITE TO LET *****
A STORAGE SITE AT TAI HANG TUNG, KOWLOON, IS TO BE LET ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
MEASURING ABOUT 4 000 SQUARE METRES AND SITUATED BETWEEN TAT CHEE AVENUE AND TO YUEN STREET, THE SITE IS FOR STORING GOODS OR PARKING, INCLUDING BUSES, COACHES AND MINI-BUSES, BUT NOT PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTH-Y AFTERWARDS. JT
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON MAY 29.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1987
42
PRESS VISIT * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A PRESS VISIT AT 2 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 15) TO SEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO GOVERNMENT VESSELS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE +GOVERNMENT NEW CONSTRUCTION SECTION* OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE VISIT ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT ROOM 2126, 21/F.. HARBOUR BUILDING, 3« PIER ROAD, CENTRAL AT 1.50 PM ON MAY 15 (FRIDAY). A BRIEFING ON THE WOrI( OF THE GOVERNMENT NEW CONSTRUCTION SECTION WILL BE GIVEN BY MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS.
the press party will then be taken by launches to take PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TWO GOVERNMENT VESSELS WHICH ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE HONG KONG SHIPYARD.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MONG KOK, TUEN MUN M M M M M
THE SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN YU CHAU STREET AND PORTLAND STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 15).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON TSING WUN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH PUI TO ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 400 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT 500 METRES SOUTHWARD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG MUN ROAD.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 198?
COWENTS PAGE NO.
TSING YI DEVELOPMENT PLAN 'SENSIBLE' ........................... 1
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENT IN KWAI TSING .................... 2
BBC TO SET UP HK RELAY STATION ............................... 3
JIG EXPERT GROUP MEETING .................................... 4
NICOLLS ASSUIiES DEPUTY BaNKING COMMISSIONER POST .............. 4
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED .............. 5
GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH KEEP HONG KONG GLEAN CAMPAIGN .............. 6
•TREE FOR PEACE' TO LAUNCH WORLD ENVIRONMENT DaY ............... 7
EXPERTS TO SPEAK AT INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CONFERENCE ............ 9
ARMY RE-CONSTRUCTS LANTaU PIER................................ 10
RETIRING TRJ1SP0RT COMMISSIONER FETED.......................... 10
IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN RURnL jiREAS ON aGENDA........... 11
DISTRICT SCHOOL HE..DS COUNCIL TO MEET....................... 12
DONATIONS TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND........................... 13
CrtRNIV.Jj ON CIVIC EDUCATION................................ 13
VISIT TO MACaU TERMINAL .................................... <|4
BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL WaSTE ............................. 15
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN ADMIR.LTY ........................ 15
CLOSURE OF ..RGYLE STREET WESTBOUND ........................... 16
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE IN CONNaUGHT PLaCE ....................... 16
PLB PROHIBITED ZONE IN HUNG HOM ............................ 16
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
1
TSING Yl DEVELOPMENT PLAN ’SENSIBLE’ *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE PLAN FOR TSING Yl ISLAND IS THAT RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED IN THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE ISLAND WHILE INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER USERS ON THE WEST AND THE SOUTH, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF HIS THIRD DISTRICT VISIT, TO KWAI TSING, SIR DAVID SAID THE PLAN SEEMED TO BE A VERY SENSIBLE ONE.
♦ IN THAT WAY, YOU MAKE USE OF THE DEEP WATER ROUND THE WEST AND SOUTH OF TSING Yl ISLAND, AND YOU ALSO HAVE A RIDGE OF HILLS BETWEEN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA AND THE RESIDENTIAL AREA,* HE SAID.
THE SHORT-TERM PLAN, HE ADDED, WAS TO KEEP VERY CARLFUL WATCH ON ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATION THERE. *AND THAT’S BEING DONE,* HE NOTED.
ASKED IF THE CHINA RESOURCES INSTALLATIONS IN THE NORTHEAST WOULD BE REMOVED TO THE SOUTH, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A POSSIBILITY.
♦ I UNDERSTAND THERE HAS BEEN SOME PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION WITH CHINA RESOURCES, AND THERE IS A LONG TERM POSSIBILITY OF MOVING THE INSTALLATION, BUT THERE ARE NO PRECISE PLANS YET TO DO IT. IT REQUIRES A LOT OF NEGOTIATION TO MOVE A SITE OF THAT SORT,* HE SAID.
ELABORATING ON HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT — FIRST TO TSING Yl ISLAND AND THEN TO SHEK LEI ESTATE — SIR DAVID SAID HE FOUND TWO ASPECTS OF THE VISIT +PARTICULARLY INTERESTING*.
ONE WAS THE CONTRAST BETWEEN OLD BUILDING ESTATES AND NEW ONES.
♦ I’VE SEEN SOME OF THE OLD BUILDINGS NEAR HERE WHICH ARE GOING TO BE RE-DEVELOPED. BUT I’VE ALSO SEEN SOME OF THE NEW BUILDINGS ON TSING Yl ISLAND, LIKE TSINQ Yl GARDENS FOR INSTANCE, WHERE THE STANDARD IS ENORMOUSLY IMPROVED ON THE EARLIER ESTATES,♦ HE SAID.
♦ AND WHAT ONE IS SEEING IS STEADY DEVELOPMENT TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, WHICH IS VERY ENCOURAGING,* HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT PROGRESS ON ACTION TAKEN AGAINST CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUB-STANDARD BLOCKS. SIR DAVID SAID A LOT OF RESEARCH WAS BEING DONE INTO THAT AT THE MOMENT ON THE LEGAL SIDE.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK DONE BY A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN THE ESTATE TO BRING DOWN THE CRIME RATE WITH AN ALARM SYSTEM AND TO IMPROVE THE CO-OPERATION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE ESTATE.
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THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
2
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENT IN KWAI TSI NG *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED KWAI TSI NG TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AND HAD A WALK-ABOUT AMONG THE PEOPLE OF SHEK LEI ESTATE IN EAST KWAI CHUNG.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ARRIVED BY HELICOPTER ON TSING Yl WHERE THEY WERE GREETED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK. DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, AND PROJECT MANAGER, DR EDWARD PRYOR.
THEY FIRST WENT TO A VANTAGE POINT ABOVE THE HONG KONG UNITED DOCKYARD WHERE THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE LAND USE POSSIBILITIES ON WEST TSING Yl BY DR PRYOR.
ON HIS WAY TO THE TSING Yl TOWN CENTRE, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED BY MR COAK ON POLITICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL MATTERS RELATED TO THE DISTRICT AND ON PLACES OF INTEREST INCLUDING THE RESITE VILLAGES AND CHUN KWAN TEMPLE.
ON ARRIVAL AT TSING Yl GARDENS, A PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECT WHICH WOULD HOUSE 8 OOO PEOPLE WHEN COMPLETED, SIR DAVID WAS GREETED BY THE TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN
TIN-SUNG AND MR WONG DA I-HEI.
ON THE ROOF OF THE GARDENS, SIR DAVID HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF NORTH-EASTERN TSING Yl WHERE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS WERE IN PROGRESS INCLUDING THE NORTH BRIDGE.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE |200 MILLION BRIDGE STARTED IN 1984 AND WHEN COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR, WOULD PROVIDE A SECOND LINK BETWEEN TSING Yl AND THE MAINLAND.
FURTHER RECLAMATION WORK, WHICH STARTED LAST YEAR, WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1990 AND PROVIDE SOME 64 HECTARES OF LAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH SCHOOLS, RECREATION FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE. WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED INTO A MODERN SELF-CONTAINED TOWNSHIP IN THE 199O’S, THE POPULATION OF TSING Yl WOULD INCREASE TO AROUND 200 000.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN TOOK TO THE AIR BY HELICOPTER FOR BUSTLING NORTH KWAI CHUNG. THEY FLEW OVER RAMBLER CHANNEL AND HAD AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG.
ARRIVING AT THE WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTSGROUND, THEY VIEWED THE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AGAINST THE CONTRASTING BACKGROUND OF FACTORY AND PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING BY CAR TO SHEK LEI ESTATE.
/SIR DAVID .......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
- 3 -
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN WALKED ALONG WAI KEK STREET PAST BLOCKS 4 AND 6 WHICH ARE TO BE REDEVELOPED UNDER THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON NEXT VISITED A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN BLOCK 14 OF THE ESTATE AND WERE MET BY CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN NGA I, WHO EXPLAINED TO THEM THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNIT ALARM SYSTEM AND SERVICES RENDERED BY THE COMMITTEE TO RESIDENTS.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT THE SHEK LEI ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE WHERE THEY MET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, CHAIRMEN OF SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES, SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM THE ESTATE AND MEMBERS OF THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY. SIR DAVID WAS PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND LADY WILSON WAS PRESENTED WITH FLOWERS BY A YOUNG MEMBER OF THE KWAI TSING BALLET TROUPE WHO PERFORMED FOR THEM DURING THE RECEPTION.
------0-------
BBC TO SET UP HK RELAY STATION M M M M M
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS GRANTED A LICENCE TO THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION TO OPERATE A FAR EASTERN RADIO BROADCAST RELAY STATION IN HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RELAY STATION, LOCATED AT TSANG TSUI IN TUEN MUN, WAS EXPECTED TO START BRAODCASTING THIS AUTUMN.
♦THE LICENCE HAS BEEN GRANTED BEFORE THE TARGET DATE FOR COMMISSIONING TO ENABLE BBC TO START TESTING THE TRANSMITTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATION THERE WOULD BE IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF RELAYS OF BBC’S EXTERNAL BRAODCASTS IN HONG KONG.
THE PROGRAMME FEED TO THE BBC RELAY STATION WILL CARRY THE WORLD SERVICE IN ENGLISH BUT IT WILL ALSO BE INTERSPERSED WITH VERNACULAR TRANSMISSIONS CONSISTING OF MANDARIN, JAPANESE AND POSSIBLY KOREAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE BRAODCASTS RELAYED BY THE BBC RELAY STATION ARE INTENDED TO COVER NORTHEAST ASIA AND THE NORTH PACIFIC INCLUDING NORTHERN AND CENTRAL CHINA, JAPAN AND THE KOREAN PENINSULA.
ONE CONDITION IN THE LICENCE IS THAT THE LICENSEE SHALL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, TO ANY OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE OR APPARATUS OPERATING IN OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
0---------
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
4
JLG EXPERT GROUP MEETING * * X X M
THE NEXT MEETING of THE JLG SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WILL BE HELD ON MAY 20 TO 22 IN HONG KONG.
THE BR,TISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR F. BURROWS WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY TWO OTHER MEMBERS, MR NORMAN CHAN AND MR ANTHONY TO.
iurrcccLHvR EXPERTS FR0M THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL ATTEND AS
------0-------
NICOLLE ASSUMES DEPUTY BANKING COMMISSIONER POST * M X * X
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING HAS ANNOUNCED THAT MR ANTHONY (TONY) WILLIAM NICOLLE TODAY (THURSDAY) ASSUMES THE POST OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER. MR NICOLLE IS ON SECONDMENT FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND AND IS THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING DESIGNATE.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MR NICOLLE ARE AS FOLLOWS!
BORN 1935- LONDON
EDUCATION TIFFIN SCHOOL. KINGSTON 1948-53 KING’S COLLEGE, LONDON (LLB) 1953-56 NATIONAL SERVICE (ROYAL ARTILLERY) 1956-58
CAREER BANK OF ENGLAND 1958- INITIAL TRAINING FOLLOWED BY VARIOUS ASSIGNMENTS IN THE BANK’S OVERSEAS DEPARTMENT, BANKING DEPARTMENT-ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT. HAS WORKED ON BANKING SUPERVISION SINCE 1977; LATEST POST SENIOR MANAGER, WITH PARTICULAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS SECONDMENTS! TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 1968-70 (SECRETARY OF THE MOVEMENT OF EXPORTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE) TO THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND WEALTH 1974-75
PERSONAL MARRIED (JOSEPHINE (JO) ANNE) 1960 ONE SON, ONE DAUGHTER
-------o--------- /5........
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
5
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED * K * II
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION IMPROVED, IN THE QUARTER JANUARY - MARCH 1987, COMPARED WITH THE LAST QUARTER OF 1986, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY -MARCH 1987 WAS 2.1 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 2.2 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1986 AND 3.2 PER CENT FOR THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR EARLIER. THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS QUARTER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT. THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 54 800, LESS THAN THE FIGURES OF 59 400 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1986 AND OF 85 000 FOR THE SAME QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1986.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1987 WAS 1 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 1.2 PER CENT FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1986. THE RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1986 WAS 2.3 PER CENT. THE DECREASES OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND OF 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT. THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1987 WAS 25 500, LESS THAN THE FIGURE OF 31 800 FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1986 AND OF 61 700 FOR JANUARY - MARCH 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 ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (THAT IS PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY. THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION. THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1987 WAS 1.8 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.9 PER CENT. (THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT.)
/THE UNEMPLOYMENT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 198?
- 6 -
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14 DOO HOUSEHOLDS OR 51 OOO PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN 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 AROUND JUNE 20.
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GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN X K X X M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING TO LAUNCH THE 1987/88 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE LAUNCHING SPECTACULAR, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN/ REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, IS AIMED AT DELIVERING THE CAMPAIGN’S MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN A LIVELY AND ENTERTAINING WAY.
THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE SINGING PERFORMANCES, DRAMA, GAMES AND GAGS Hl GM. 16 MT I NG THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN — WE’RE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.
POPULAR SINGERS ALAN TAM, ANITA MUI, SALLY YEH, DANNY CHAN, LUI FONG, TOGETHER WITH ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT ARTISTES AND VARIOUS YOUTH GROUPS, WILL PERFORM TO SPREAD THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE.
THE SHOW, PRODUCED BY THE TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, BE TELECAST LIVE FROM 9.05 PM ON TVB JADE.
WILL
I
HOTE
KEEP
TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING SPECTACULAR OF THE HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTS AT 9.05 PM.
/THE PRESS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
THE PRESS IS REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE RECEPTION DESK OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE HONG KONG COLISEUM (BROWN GATE) BETWEEN 8 AND 8.15 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO COLLECT THEIR PRESS BADGES FROM GIS OFFICERS.
TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS WILL BE ARRANGED INSIDE THE ARENA TO FACILITATE REPORTERS TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AND THE PROGRAMME THAT FOLLOWS.
PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES. USE OF FLASH LIGHT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE ARENA.
- - - - 0---------------
’TREE FOR PEACE’ TO LAUNCH WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY * * * * ft
HONG KONG WILL COMMEMORATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5 WITH A +TREE FOR PEACE* CEREMONY AT THE POKFULAM COUNTRY PARK.
ON THE SAME DAY (DESIGNATED WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY HONG KONG 87). THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10 AM IN THE COUNTRY PARK TO REVEAL A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
THE TREE-PLANTING CEREMONY, TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM, WILL BE OFFICIATED BY A HOST OF DIGNITARIES INCLUDING CONVENOR OF THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS! CHAIRMAN OF EPCOM, DR DAVID JOHNS; CHAIRMAN OF THE WED WORKING GROUP, MR WAN SHEK-LUN; AND DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, DR STUART REED.
MEANWHILE, IN VIEW OF FAVOURABLE RESPONSE, THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES TO A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND AN ESSAY COMPETITION TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30.
WITH SUPPORT FROM VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES, A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED BETWEEN MAY 18 ANfi JUNE 7, AND THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS OF SHA TIN. MONG KOK, WONG TAI SIN, SOUTHERN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG, YAU MA TEI, EASTERN AND NORTH DISTRICTS WILL BE ORGANISING VARIOUS FUNCTIONS TO CELEBRATE THIS MEANINGFUL EVENT.
/INTERESTED PARTIES .......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
INTERESTED PARTIES OR INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE ACTIVITIES CAN CONTACT THE ORGANISERS DIRECT. MAJOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING!
DATE ACTIVITIES/VENUE CONTACT TEL. NO.
MAY 10
MAY 25 TO JUNE 5
OPENING CEREMONY OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP (HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL) SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
1987 TREE PLANTING WEEK (JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/ REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE)
3-624351
MAY 27
SEMINAR ON +ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG* (HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS, HONG KONG LANDSCAPE GROUP, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS) UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MAY 31 TO JUNE 4
JUNE 5 TO JUNE 7
JUNE 5 TO JUNE 7
EXHIBITION ON +NOISE POLLUTION* (OCEAN JAYCEES) NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN
EXHIBITION ON *NOISE POLLUTION* (OCEAN JAYCEES) NEW WORLD CENTRE
EXHIBITION ON *ENDANGERED SPECIES OF CHINA - MILU DEER* (MILU FOUNDATION, FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AND HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC) HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
JUNE 6
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT OF THE UCMS) TO BE DECIDED
5-8102109
5-8482478
5-285771
5-285771
5-228008/7
3-7171989
/DURING THE
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
- 9 -
DURING THE PERIOD, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG LANDSCAPE GROUP AND THE HONG KONG CHEMICAL SOCIETY WILL DEVOTE THEIR JOURNALS OR NEWSLETTERS TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUBJECTS.
THE INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY (HONG KONG BRANCH) WILL ALSO BE CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION IN A LOCAL ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
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EXPERTS TO SPEAK AT INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CONFERENCE ft ft ft ft ft
SIX INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXPERTS WILL BE SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE ENTITLED ♦INTERNATIONAL UPDATE ON TOBACCO-RELATED PROBLEMS* THIS SATURDAY (MAY 16).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH. THE CONFERENCE WILL COVER TOPICS LIKE SMOKING AND NON-CANCEROUS RESPIRATORY LUNG DISEASES, TOBACCO AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES, TOBACCO AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH, PASSIVE SMOKING, THE WORLD TOBACCO PANDEMIC AND PUBLIC EDUCATION ON TOBACCO.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL GIVE A WELCOMING ADDRESS, FOLLOWED BY AN INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, DR RONALD LEUNG.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THEN 100 PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING PERSONNEL FROM THE MEDICAL FIELD, MEDICAL JOURNALISTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATIONS, COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE THIS SATURDAY AT 9.30 AM AT THE FORMER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CENTRAL.
- 0 -
/1O........
THURSDAY, MAY 1A, 1987
10
ARMY RE-CONSTRUCTS LANTAU PIER *****
THREE VILLAGES IN NORTHEASTERN LANTAU WILL AGAIN BE ABLE TO TRANSPORT THEIR GOODS TO THE MARKETS WHEN THE ARMY COMPLETES RE-CONSTRUCTING A VITAL SEA LINK - THE PAK MONG PIER.
THE 30-METRE LONG PIER IS THE ONLY SEA LINK FOR PAK MONG, NGAU KAU LONG AND TAI HO VILLAGES TO THE MARKETS IN KOWLOON WHERE THEIR AGRICULTURAL GOODS ARE SOLD.
THE PIER WILL ALSO SERVE AS THE BERTHING PLACE FOR THE FLOATING CLINIC WHICH CALLS AT the villages WEEKLY.
the ORIGINAL PIER WAS BUILT IN LATE 1971 AND HAD DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT IT HAD BEEN RENDERED UNUSABLE. THIS PROMPTED VILLAGERS TO SELL THEIR GOODS AT MUI WO INSTEAD OF KOWLOON, WHICH MEANT THEY HAD TO WALK ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS DAILY TO GET TO THE MARKET.
AT THE REQUEST OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ARMY AGREED TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE AND LABOUR TO RE-BUILD THE PIER WHILE THE DISTRICT OFFICE PROVIDED THE FUNDS AND NECESSARY MATERIALS.
THE WORK INCLUDED PEELING THE ERODED STEEL PILES, STRENGTHENING THEM AND RE-DECKING THE PIER SURFACE.
THE PROJECT WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE E TROOP, 68TH GURKHA FIELD SQUADRON OF THE QUEEN'S GURKHA ENGINEERS. WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MAY 23.
-------o----------
RETIRING TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER FETED
****•*■
STAFF OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT RETIRING COMMISSIONER, MR PETER LEEDS. YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
BADE FAREWELL TO THEIR AT A DINNER RECEPTION
MR LEEDS WILL LEAVE THE DEPARTMENT ON MAY 18, 36 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
ENDING HIS
AT THE DINNER, MR LEEDS WAS PRESENTED A SOUVENIR BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WHO PRAISED THE COMMISSIONER FOR PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN Th£ DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
THE SOUVENIR IS MADE OF A BUS GEAR AND A ROTATIVE THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S LOGO.
PLAQUE WITH
/thanking his .......
THURSDAY, HAY 14, 198?
11
THANKING HIS COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR DEDICATED ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION IN THE PAST YEARS, MR LEEDS SAID THE EXPERIENCE AND CO-OPERATION HE GAINED DURING HIS 15-YEAR STAY IN THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE REMEMBERED FOREVER.
MR LEEDS FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1951 AS SUB-INSPECTOR IN THE HONG KONG POLICE. SIX YEARS LATER, HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO BECOME AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
BETWEEN 1957 AND 1970, HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, INCLUDING THE THEN RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE FINANCE BRANCH.
HE WAS POSTED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AS CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER IN 1972. HE ROSE TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1973 AND THEN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER IN 1979. IN 1982, HE BECAME COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
SOME OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. HE ALSO PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE FORMULATION OF THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN AUGUST 1984.
-------o----------
IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN RURAL AREAS ON AGENDA * ft * ft ft
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE DISTRICT’S RURAL AREAS DURING ITS REGULAR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
APART FROM THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WHICH COST >2.5 MILLION, MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THREE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES TO BE CARRIED OUT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THESE PROJECTS ARE IMPROVEMENT TO VAN TRACKS FROM MA WAT TO TUNG KOK WAI IN FANLING AND AT TSUNG PAK LONG IN SHEUNG SHU I AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND/SITT ING-OUT AREA AT TUNG KOK WAI, FANLING.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE LAYOUT PLAN FOR A 5.8-HECTARE AREA SOUTH OF LUEN WO HUI AND THE PROPOSAL OF USING A SITE NORTH OF ON LOK TSUEN IN FANLING AS A PLANT NURSERY.
/OTHUR ITEMS........
THURSDAY, MAY 1L, 1987
12
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REQUESTS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND VILLAGE LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
0---------
DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS COUNCIL TO MEET * M M #
THE COUNCIL OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE OFFICERS* MESS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THE COUNCIL, COMPRISING HEADMASTERS AND HEADMISTRESSES OF GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, WAS FORMED IN 1983 UN6ER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO STRENGTHEN LINKS AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG SCHOOLS.
THE COUNCIL HAS IN THE PAST ORGANISED VARIOUS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS, VISITS AND FORUMS FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS.
THE COUNCIL PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING BY MOBILISING STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR CAMPAIGNS OR FUNCTIONS ORGANISED BY LOCAL BODIES.
BEING A FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT BODY, THE COUNCIL DRAWS ITS FUNDS FROM SPONSORSHIP BY THE DISTRICT BOARD OR THROUGH VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS AND RELIES ON THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR SECRETARIAL SUPPORT.
AT THE COMING ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR 1987-88 WILL BE ELECTED.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS EL IZABETH TSE, WILL BE PRESENT TO GIVE PRIZES TO WINNING STUDENTS OF A QUIZ ON CIVIC EDUCATION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD EARLIER.
/AFTER THE
"HUHSDaY, . • >¥ 1987
AFTER THE PRESENTATION, DIRECTOR OF the CHINESE UNIVERSITY PRESS, MR TSIM TAK-4.UNQ, WILL GIVE A TALK ON ♦EDUCATION -- ITS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE+.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND THE TALK ON EDUCATION STARTING AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW.
DONATIONS TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ft ft ft ft ft
THE
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND MR LEE QUE-WAI, WILL RECEIVE TWO DONATIONS TOTALLY 196 000 FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, AND THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MISS CHENG PIK-NIN, TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM IN THE ANTE CHAMBER ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
CARNIVAL ON CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
HUNDREDS OF SCHOOL STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN A CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (MAY 17).
THE CARNIVAL ON CIVIC EDUCATION 1987 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY FOUR HONG KONG DISTRICT COMMITTEES OF CYC AND SPONSORED BY THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL OF DISTRICT 303, ZONE V.
/THci JWX'.TUR.......
TftURiJAY, ti.r, 1*+, 1987
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL OF DISTRICT 303, MR HENRY K.K. LUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE CARNIVAL.
APART FROM EXHIBITION STANDS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION SET UP AT THE VENUE, STUDENTS FROM 15 SCHOOLS WILL PRESENT VARIOUS PERFORMANCES AT THE CARNIVAL FROM 11 AM TO 4 PM, WHICH WILL INCLUDE OVERTURE, MARCHING BAND, DANCE, SCOUT CAMP, FIRE SONG AND CHOIR SINGING.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 17).
VISIT TO MACAU TERMINAL HMM
A VISIT TO SEE THE OPERATION OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME AT MACAU FERRY TERMINAL HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 9.30 AM.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER (COMPUTER PROJECT), MR ANDREW LEE, WILL GIVE A BRIEFING ON COMPUTERISED IMMIGRATION CONTROL DURING THE 1-1/2-HOUR PRESS VISIT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS VISIT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 9.30 AM AT THE WEST GATE, DECK 3 OF MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN FRONT OF THE FAR EAST JETFOIL ENTRANCE. STAFF OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REMINDED NOT TO TAKE CLOSE UP SHOTS AT THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND THE COMPUTER TERMINAL DURING THE TOUR.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1987
15
BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL WASTE M M M M M
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED BY AN OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ON THE AGRICULTURAL WASTE SCHEME AT A MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL STUDY THE PROPOSED BOUNDARIES OF CONTROLLED AREAS UNDER THE WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET FOR THE COMMITTEE DURING THE YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ACTION PLAN AND PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN RESITE VILLAGES, AND THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE TSUEN WAN WEST ULTRA HIGH LEVEL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM SCHEME WHICH INVOLVES PROVIDING WATER SUPPLY TO SQUATTER AREAS ON HILL SLOPES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES 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 FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 16) AND SUNDAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR QUEENSWAY WILL BE DIVERTED TO COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF ST. JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER TO REJOIN QUEENSWAY, WHILE THOSE ON EASTBOUND HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL HAVE TO USE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF ST. JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF TAMAR STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN QUEENSWAY AND DRAKE STREET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 18) FOR ROAD WORKS.
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, DURING WHICH AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING CMB ROUTES 12M, 40M AND 79M, WILL BE DIVERTED TO RODNEY STREET AND DRAKE STREET.
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/16
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 19«7
16
CLOSURE OF ARGYLE STREET WESTBOUND
ARGYLE STREET WESTBOUND UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES ON SATURDAY (MAY 16) FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS HEADING WEST FOR WATERLOO ROAD OR ARGYLE STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND, SHEUNG HING STREET AND PUI CHING ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET; OR VIA PUI CHING ROAD AND SOARES AVENUE TO ARGYLE STREET.
/
MOTORISTS WISHING ACCESS TO THE PREMISES ALONG THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND PUI CHING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND, SHEUNG HING STREET, PUI CHING ROAD, SOARES AVENUE, ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND AND WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
- o - -
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE *****
THE EXISTING 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HARBOUR VIEW STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE APPLIED TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ONLY FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 16).
NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.
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PLB PROHIBITED ZONE IN HUNG HOM *****
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING HUNG HOM WAN STREET TO THE EAST OF PO LOI STREET IN HUNG HOM FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 16).
THE EXTENT OF THE PROHIBITED ZONE WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS.
o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
CONTENTS Page no.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ANTI-CORRUPTION LnWS............. 1
COLOURFUL SPECTACULAR LAUNCHES KEEP HK CLEaN CAMPAIGN .... 5
AIRPORT CONCESSION CONTRACT AWaRDED ..................... 6
FIRST JOINT MEETING ON SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.............. 7
NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER aND OFFICES .^PROVED........ 8
PROPORTION OF LOWER TAR CIGARETTES UP aGaIN .............. 8
TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS COMMENDED FOR EDUCATION SERVICES 9
Manpower survey on jewellery industry planned ............ 9
SIR DENYS JOINS STREET CLEaNING OPERATION ............... 10
AIDS PRESS BRIEFING ..................................... 10
DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROGRAMME ............... 11
t
COOKED FOOD CENTRE FOR MONG KOK ......................... 11
PLAN TO RESUME HaVFU STREET 10R REPAIR................... 12
TEMPORARY RO«D CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ...................... 12
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
1
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ANT I-CORRUPT ION LAWS *****
HONG KONG’S ANT I-CORRUPT I ON LAWS MAY BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE TWO PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES UNDER WHICH THE ICAC OPERATES.
THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE CONTAINED IN THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN T HE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
AN ICAC SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE COMMISSION REGULARLY REVIEWS THE TWO ORDINANCES AND FROM TIME TO TIME. WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, PROPOSES GENERAL AMENDMENTS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING AND ENSURING THE CONTINUING EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LEGISLATION.
THE PRESENT PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP FOLLOWING FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE JUDICIARY, THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON SECURITY, THE BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE SIX EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED IN THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE’S SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC BODIES.
ONE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS PROVIDES FOR A CLEARER DEFINITION OF ♦PUBLIC SERVANT.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT PRESENT ANY +MEMBER OF A PUBLIC BODY* IS A + PUBLIC SERVANT* FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR THE PURPOSES OF VARIOUS OFFENCES INVOLVING THE OFFERING OR ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANTAGES. THE TERM +MEMBER+ IS EXTREMELY WIDE WHEN APPLIED TO CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SEVERAL OF WHICH ARE ♦PUBLIC BODIES* UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
ANY PERSON WITH A RIGHT TO VOTE, AND SOMETIMES EVEN UPON PAYMENT OF A SUBSCRIPTION, MAY BE A MEMBER OF A CLUB OR ASSOCIATION WHICH IS A PUBLIC BODY; AND ALL UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATES OF A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE, MAY BE MEMBERS OF THAT INSTITUTION.
♦IT IS CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT OF THE LEGISLATION THAT SUCH PERSONS SHOULD BE AT RISK OF COMMITTING AN OFFENCE BASED UPON SO TENUOUS A CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC BODY AS MEMBERSHIP ALONE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ACCORDINGLY, IT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
2 -
accordingly, it is proposed that the definition OF *PUBLIC SERVANT* BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT IN THE CASE OF A CLUB OR ASSOCIATION WHICH IS A PUBLIC BODY, ONLY OFFICE HOLDERS AND PERSONS WITH MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS. IN THE CASE OF AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WHICH IS A PUBLIC BODY, ANY OFFICE HOLDER AND ANY MEMBER OF ANY BOARD, COMMITTEE OR OTHER BODY OF THE INSTITUTION WHICH IS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE INSTITUTION’S LEGISLATION, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OR MANAGEMENT OF THE AFFAIRS OF THE INSTITUTION, WILL BE A PUBLIC SERVANT.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO SEEK TO CLARIFY THE PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE SURRENDER AND RETURN OF A SUSPECT’S TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND TO MAKE THEM BOTH FAIR AND FLEXIBLE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, WHICH EMPOWERS A MAGISTRATE TO ORDER A SUSPECT TO SURRENDER HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO THE ICAC, LENDS ITSELF TO PUBLIC CRITICISM ALTHOUGH IT HAS PROVED A VERY EFFECTIVE AID TO THE INVESTIGATION OF CORRUPTION OFFENCES.
ONE CRITICISM IS THAT AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH AN ORDER IS *EX PARTE,* I.E. THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY FOR THE OWNER OF THE DOCUMENTS TO APPEAR AND OPPOSE THE ORDER, BUT THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR APPEAL.
SECONDLY, THERE IS NO SATISFACTORY PROCEDURE FOR THE TEMPORARY RETURN OF THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO THE HOLDER WHO MAY WELL HAVE URGENT AND JUSTIFIABLE REASONS FOR THEIR RETURN.
WHILE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS CONFIRM THAT AN INITIAL APPLICATION FOR SURRENDER IS TO BE *EX PARTE*, THEY PROVIDE THAT REASONABLE NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A THREE-MONTH EXTENSION OF THE ORIGINAL SIX-MONTH DETENTION PERIOD BE GIVEN TO THE HOLDER OF THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
THERE IS ALSO A NEW PROVISION ENABLING A SUSPECT TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE RETURN OF HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME. IF HIS REQUEST IS REFUSED, OR IF IT IS GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, HE MAY APPEAL TO A MAGISTRATE. THE COMMISSIONER MAY ALSO ELECT TO REFER THE APPLICATION TO A MAGISTRATE FOR DETERMINATION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
THE RETURN OF A TRAVEL DOCUMENT BY EITHER THE COMMISSIONER OR A MAGISTRATE MAY BE UPON CONDITIONS AS TO THE FUTURE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLDER AND FURTHER SURRENDER OF THE DOCUMENT, AND THE HOLDER MAY BE REQUIRED TO GIVE SECURITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THOSE CONDITIONS, BY WAY OF ENTERING INTO A RECOGNIZANCE OR DEPOSITING ASSETS OR BOTH.
PROVISIONS EXIST FOR THE ICAC TO ARREST THE HOLDER WHEN HE HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS, AND TO EMPOWER A MAGISTRATE TO MAKE AN ORDER FOR FORFEITURE OF ANY SECURITY PROVIDED.
/OM THE
ERIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
ON THE SUBJECT OF ARRESTS, IT IS PROPOSED TO INSERT A NEW SECTION IN THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION ORDINANCE TO GIVE ICAC OFFICERS THE POWER TO ARREST PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY ARRESTED AND GRANTED BAIL FOR CORRUPTION OR RELATED OFFENCES, IF THERE IS SOUND REASON TO BELIEVE THAT BAIL HAS BEEN, OR WILL BE, BROKEN.
♦POLICE OFFICERS HAVE SIMILAR GENERAL POWERS UNDER THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
♦IT IS BOTH SENSIBLE AND PRACTICAL FOR COMMISSION OFFICERS TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THIS POWER IN RELATION TO CASES THEY ARE INVESTIGATING. AT PRESENT THE POLICE TAKE SUCH ACTION AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMISSION BUT THIS INVARIABLY CAUSES UNNECESSARY DELAY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ANOTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENT CONCERNS THE CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY OF CORRUPT CROWN SERVANTS.
AT PRESENT, WHEN A CROWN SERVANT IS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE OF BEING IN CONTROL OF UNEXPLAINED PECUNIARY RESOURCES OR PROPERTY DISPROPORTIONATE TO HIS EMOLUMENTS, THE COURT MAY, IN ADDITION TO A SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE, MAKE AN ORDER FOR PAYMENT TO THE CROWN OF A SUM OF MONEY NOT EXCEEDING THE VALUE OF THE UNEXPLAINED RESOURCES OR PROPERTY.
♦SO LONG AS THE ORDER REMAINS ONLY A PERSONAL DEBT, A CONVICTED PERSON MAY ARRANGE HIS AFFAIRS SO AS TO PUT HIS ASSETS OUT OF REACH, WHILE RETAINING CONTROL, AND PLEAD POVERTY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT PROVIDES FOR THE MAKING OF AN ORDER FOR THE CONFISCATION OF PARTICULAR PROPERTY FOUND AT THE TRIAL TO BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE CONVICTED CROWN SERVANT, WHETHER IT IS IN HIS POSSESSION OR IN THE HANDS OF A THIRD PARTY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SUCH POWER IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF LIMITATIONS AND SAFEGUARDS. FIRSTLY, AN APPLICATION Jor"S ORDER MUST BE MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITHIN 28 DAYS AFTER THE CONVICTION.
SECONDLY, WHERE THE ASSETS ARE HELD BY A J Hl RD PARTY, THAT PARTY MUST BE GIVEN REASONABLE NOTICE OF THE ORDER AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW CAUSE WHY IT SHOULD NOT BE MADE.
THIRD! Y NO ORDER MAY BE MADE UPON ASSETS HELD BY A THIRD PARTY IF THE'COURT IS SATISFIED THAT HE RECEIVED THE PROPERTY IN GOOD FAITH AND HAS SUBSEQUENTLY INCURRED SUCH EXPENSE OR OBLIGATIONS THAT IT WOULD BE UNJUST TO MAKE SUCH AN ORDER.
/LASTLY, A
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
LASTLY. A CONFISCATION ORDER AND A MONETARY PENALTY UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS CANNOT BE IMPOSED IN RESPECT OF THE SAME ASSETS.
AS A FURTHER SAFEGUARD, THE PROPOSED NEW LAW PROVIDES THE THIRD PARTY WITH THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL AGAINST SUCH AN ORDER. A CONVICTED PERSON MAY APPEAL UNDER THE CRIMINAL
PROCEDURE ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED POWERS OF CONFISCATION ARE NARROWLY BASED IN THAT THEY APPLY SOLELY TO CROWN SERVANTS AND THOSE CLOSELY RELATED TO CROWN SERVANTS, AND TO THE ONE OFFENCE OF A CROWN SERVANT BEING IN CONTROL OF ASSETS DISPROPORTIONATE TO EMOLUMENTS, AND TO ASSETS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A TRIAL AND CONVICTION.
♦SIMILAR POWERS OF CONFISCATION EXIST IN MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE USA AND AUSTRALIA, WITH RESPECT TO THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG-TRAFFICKING, AND IN THE USA WITH RESPECT TO ORGANISED CRIME,+ THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
♦THE CIVIL LAW COUNTRIES OF EUROPE HAVE, IN GENERAL, WIDE POWERS OF CONFISCATION IN CRIMINAL CASES, WITH SOME COUNTRIES, E.G. ITALY, EXTENDING THE POWER TO THE PROPERTY OF THIRD PARTIES.
♦IN ENGLAND THE HODGSON COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE PROFITS OF CRIME AND THEIR RECOVERY (1984) RECOMMENDED THAT GENERAL POWERS OF CONFISCATION BE AVAILABLE TO UK COURTS. IT ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE POWER SHOULD EXTEND TO THE PROPERTY OF THIRD PARTIES WHICH COULD BE TRACED TO THE PROCEEDS OF THE OFFENCE. WITH CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND WITH A RIGHT TO BE HEARD AND TO 6PPOSE AN ORDER. A NUMBER OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN THE DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES ACT 1986.+
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO SEEK TO AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO DEALINGS IN PROPERTY BY SUSPECTS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND BY THIRD PARTIES.
♦UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ICAC MAY ISSUE A NOTICE RESTRICTING DEALINGS IN PROPERTY BY SUSPECTS UNDER INVESTIGATION,♦ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE LAW FIRSTLY TO CLARIFY THAT A NOTICE WILL APPLY ALSO TO INCOME FROM A SPECIFIED PROPERTY UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED, AND SECONDLY TO PROVIDE THAT ONCE A PROSECUTION IS COMMENCED, A NOTICE WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL PROCEEDINGS, INCLUDING PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO ANY PENALTY OR CONFISCATION ORDER, ARE CONCLUDED.
/AT PRriliENT............
FRIDAY, MaY 15, 1987
- 5 -
AT PRESENT A NOTICE LAPSES AFTER TWELVE MONTHS UNLESS A FURTHER ORDER IS MADE. THE NEW PROVISION PREVENTS A NOTICE FROM BEING INADVERTENTLY ALLOWED TO LAPSE AT A TIME WHEN RESTRICTION IS MOST NECESSARY, AND IT CONSIDERABLY SIMPLIFIES THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.
AS FOR ORDERS RESTRAINING DEALINGS IN PROPERTY BY THIRD PARTIES, IT IS SIMILARLY PROPOSED THAT SUCH AN ORDER MAY ALSO APPLY TO INCOME FROM A SPECIFIED PROPERTY AND THAT IT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL A CONFISCATION OR MONETARY PENALTY ORDER MADE ON THE CONVICTION OF A SUSPECTED PERSON IS COMPLIED WITH.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS EXISTING PROVISION IN THE LAW FOR A PERSON TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO REVIEW A NOTICE OR A RESTRAINING ORDER WHICH HAS BEEN SERVED ON HIM.
THE BILLS ALSO PROPOSE TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR A NUMBER OF OFFENCES UNDER THE TWO ORDINANCES, NOTABLY THE OFFENCE OF CROWN SERVANTS LIVING BEYOND THEIR OFFICIAL MEANS OR BEING IN POSSESSION OF UNEXPLAINED ASSETS.
♦THERE HAS BEEN JUDICIAL CRITICISM THAT THE LEVEL OF MAXIMUM FINES FOR THIS PARTICULAR OFFENCE IS TOO LOW IN VIEW OF THE SUMS FREQUENTLY INVOLVED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
*IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT IT IS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FROM $500 000 TO $1 MILLION ON INDICTMENT AND FROM $100 000 TO $500 000 ON SUMMARY CONVICTION.*
OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE MINOR REFINEMENTS TO THE POWERS OF ICAC INVESTIGATING OFFICERS, SECURITY FOR BAIL, CERTIFICATES OF STATUS AND EMOLUMENTS OF CROWN SERVANTS. AND AMENDMENTS TO THE ICAC (TREATMENT OF DETAINED PERSONS) ORDER RECOGNISING THE EXISTENCE OF ICAC’S PURPOSE-BUILT DETENTION CENTRE.
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COLOURFUL SPECTACULAR LAUNCHES KEEP HK CLEAN CAMPAIGN X * X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, PERFORMED A SWITCH ON CEREMONY TONIGHT (FRIDAY) AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH THE $5.5 MILLION KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE 1987-88 CAMPAIGN, THE LARGEST EVER STAGED SINCE ITS LAUNCHING 15 YEARS AGO, WAS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, WITH SUPPORT FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.
/! 1 MAKING iT.......
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING SPECTACULAR, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN-REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG. THANKED THE POPULAR SINGERS AND CELEBRITIES WHO TOOK THE LEAD TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY APPEARING IN THE LAUNCHING MUSIC VIDEO AND FOR TAKING PART IN THE SPECTACULAR.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT WHICH WAS MUCH EMPHASISED IN THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WAS MANIFESTED IN THE EVENT TONIGHT WHEN HUNDREDS OF PERFORMERS AND THE CAPACITY CROWD SANG THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN THEME SONG WHICH HAS ALREADY BECOME A HOUSEHOLD TUNE.
THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME, FEATURING SINGING PERFORMANCES, DRAMA, GAMES AND GAGS, CENTRED AROUND THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN — *WE’RE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN*.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT OF +PRIDE IN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT* TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO REMIND THEM THAT KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE.
APPEALING TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN, MR CHEUNG URGED EVERYONE TO PITCH IN AND MAKE A COMMITMENT TO KEEP THE CITY CLEAN.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING, A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
*MAY I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO YOU ALL TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES WE HAVE PLANNED IN THE COMING MONTHS AND TO HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE WHENEVER AND
WHEREVER POSSIBLE*, MR CHEUNG SAID.
THE LAUNCHING SPECTACULAR, ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 6 QOO PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, WAS PRODUCED BY TELEVISION ‘BROADCASTS LIMITED AND TELECAST LIVE ON TVB JADE TONIGHT.
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AIRPORT CONCESSION CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
THE CONCESSION FOR THE SALE OF LIQUOR AND TOBACCO AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS BEEN OFFERED TO KIU FAT INVESTMENT CORPORATION LTD. FOLLOWING AN OPEN TENDER EXERCISE.
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR THORPE TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY FOR FIVE YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, AND A FURTHER THREE YEARS SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY
• PERFORMANCE.
THE NATURE OF BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE CONCESSIONAIRE WILL BE FOR THE SALE OF A WIDE RANGE OF DUTY FREE LIQUOR, WINES, BEER, CIGARETTES, CIGARS AND PIPE TOBACCO.
0--------
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
7
FIRST JOINT MEETING ON SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND * M M * *
LADY YOUDE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) TO ATTEND THE FIRST JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE COUNCIL OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, BOARD CHAIRMAN, M? LEE QUE-WEI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE JOINT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 23).
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS MORNING AT THE ANTE CHAMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, WHEN HE RECEIVED TWO DONATIONS TOTALLING $97 430 FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR RAYMON ANNING, AND THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MISS CHENG P IK-NIN.
HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE AND THE CHAMBER FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS OF $87 410 AND $10 020 RESPECTIVELY TO THE FUND.
THE CONTRIBUTION BY THE POLICE FORCE IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SO FAR MADE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦THE GOOD RESPONSE BY CIVIL SERVANTS TO APPEAL FOR DONATIONS TO THE FUND REFLECTS NOT ONLY THEIR CONCERN ABOUT EDUCATIONAL MATTERS IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO THEIR PROFOUND RESPECT FOR THE LATE GOVERNOR,* HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND ORDINANCE IN APRIL, A HOARD OF TRUSTEES, EMPOWERED TO INVEST ANY MONEYS OF THE FUND, AND A COUNCIL, TASKED TO APPLY THE INCOME OF THE FUND FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION, WERE ESTABLISHED.
HE MENTIONED THE FUND HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AND SO FAR $81.5 MILLION INCLUDING THIS MORNING’S CONTRIBUTIONS HAS BEEN COLLECTED.
MR LEE HOPED THE PUBLIC WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FUND AND DONATIONS COULD STILL BE MADE AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY OFFICES, AS WELL AS BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG BANK, THE HANG SENG BANK AND THE HANG LUNG BANK.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1937
8
NEW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND * * * * *
OFFICES APPROVED
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A SCHEME TO CONSTRUCT A NEW COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ANCILLARY OFFICES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT thp EXISTING COUNCIL CHAMBER WAS TOO SMALL TO SEAT MEMBERS COMFORTABLY, AND SUFFERED FROM POOR ACOUSTICS. SPACE WAS ALSO LIMITED IN THE ATTENDEES’ WAITING ROOM AND THE OFFICES OF THE COUNCILS DIVISION, HE ADDED.
THE NEW FACILITY WOULD BE LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO THE EAST OF THE EXISTING CHAMBER. IT WOULD INCLUDE A NEW AND LARGER CHAMBER WITH FACILITIES FOR VISUAL PRESENTATIONS AND A SOUND ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM, A MORE SPACIOUS ATTENDEES’ ROOM, LARGER WASHROOMS AND LARGER ANCILLARY CFF ICES.
+THE SCHEME IS EXPECTED TO COST AROUND $8.2 MILLION, AND FUNDS WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE SCHEME, WHICH WOULD TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WAS PART OF AN ONGOING PROJECT TO REFURBISH THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
----o------
PROPORTION OF LOWER TAR CIGARETTES UP AGAIN
*****
THE PROPORTION OF LOWER TAR CIGARETTES WAS GOING UP AGAIN, ACCORDING TO LATEST FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE TAR AND NICOTINE CONTENT OF CIGARETTES SOLD IN HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WAS A CONTINUATION OF AN ENCOURAGING TREND.
+MEDICAL OPINION IS COMPARATIVELY FIRM ON THE LESSER RISKS OF LOWER TAR,+ HE EXPLAINED.
HOWEVER, THE AVERAGE YIELD OF NICOTINE, THE ADDICTIVE ELEMENT IN CIGARETTES, HAD GONE UP SLIGHTLY AFTER FALLING FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
AND THERE WERE MORE BRANDS ON THE MARKET, DESPITE THE OVERALL DECLINE IN SMOKERS.
+THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOT SMOKING AT ALL AND SMOKING LOW TAR IS FAR MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN THAT BETWEEN SMOKING LOW AND HIGH TAR CIGARETTES,* HE STRESSED.
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/9........
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
9
TUNG WAH GROUP OF
HOSPITALS COMMENDED FOR EDUCATION SERVICES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TUNG WAH GROUP OF HJSPITALS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING EDUCATION SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
MR LI MADE THE REMARKS WHEN THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUP, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MRS THERESA LAU PO WING KAM, PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTORATE OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ITS HEADQUARTERS.
MR LI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE GROUP FOR ITS DEDICATION IN RUNNING 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ONE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, 16 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, ONE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL AND SEVEN KINDERGARTENS WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF MORE THAN 25 OOO STUDENTS.
LEARNING THAT A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS WERE IN THE HANDS OF THE GROUP, MR LI ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPLEMENT THE SERVICES IN EDUCATION.
AMONG THE NEW PROJECTS, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS SIN CHU WAN PRIMARY SCHOOL AT TAI WAI IN SHA TIN AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS LO KON TING MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT LONG PING ESTATE IN YUEN LONG WILL BE OPEN IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR IN SEPTEMBER TO PROVIDE MORE SCHOOL PLACES IN THE NEW TOWNS.
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MANPOWER SURVEY ON JEWELLERY INDUSTRY PLANNED *****
THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A MANPOWER SURVEY BETWEEN MAY 19 AND JUNE 9 TO UPDATE INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATIONS.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO 54-0 SELECTED JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH EMPLOY SKILLED WORKERS IN THE CUTTING, SETTING OF PRECIOUS STONES AND THE MAKING OF GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY.
EMPLOYERS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE BY SUPPLYING ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR THE DRAWING UP OF TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY.
OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUEST IONA IRE.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
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FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
10
SIR DENYS JOINS STREET CLEANING OPERATION * * * ft *
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL JOIN HANDS WITH KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGNERS IN A CLEAN-UP OPERATION AT YAU MA TEI TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SIR DENYS WILL START CLEANING UP A SECTION OF SHANGHAI STREET BETWEEN MARKET STREET AND KANSU STREET IN FRONT OF THE YAU MA TEI LIBRARY AT 9 AM.
ACCOMPANYING SIR DENYS IN THE OPERATION WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE AND MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UC/RC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR WALTER SULKE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE POOL TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT 8.10 AM AT THE UC CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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AIDS PRESS BRIEFING ft ft ft
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PRESS BRIEFING ON MONDAY (MAY 18) AT 3 PM TO ANNOUNCE THE STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THE PRESS BRIEFING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MHD CONFERENCE ROOM, 9TH FLOOR SUNNING PLAZA, HYSAN AVENUE.
DR. S.H. LEE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING) AND DR. E.K. YEOH, CONSULTANT, WILL SPEAK AT THE BRIEFING.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE ER IEFING.
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/11 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987
11
DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROGRAMME
*****
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (MAY 18) TO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC DISCUSS A DETAILED SERVICES FOR THE DISTRICT.
THE PROGRAMME IS DRAWN UP BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THE BASIC GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BUS AND FERRY SERVICES IN THE COMING TWO YEARS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY A HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S FEASIBILITY REPORT CONCERNING A WATERFRONT HIGHWAY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ELEVATED ROUTE 7 PROJECT ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
A REVIEW ON THE DISTRICT’S EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMITTEE FOR COMMENTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO LAUNCH A COURTESY CAMPAIGN AMONG PEDESTRIANS AND PASSENGERS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON IMPROVE A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT QUEEN’S ROAD WEST STREET WHICH HAS BEEN A TRAFFIC BLACKSPOT.
MEASURES TO NEAR CENTRE
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY AND PHASE TWO OF THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY AS WELL AS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE UPGRADING AND DUALLING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING STARTING AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 18) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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COOKED FOOD CENTRE FOR MONG KOK
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY COOKED FOOD CENTRE IN MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
OCCUPYING A SITE OF 160 SQUARE METRES AT THE JUNCTION CF SHANGHAI STREET AND SOY STREET, THE SINGLE-STOREY CENTRE WILL ACCOMMODATE 15 COOKED FOOD STALLS TO BE RESITED FROM SOY STREET AND SHANTUNG STREET.
WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED NEXT JANUARY.
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FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1987'
12
PLAN TO RESUME HAVEN STREET FOR REPAIR * * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME HAVEN STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY SO THAT THE ROAD AND DRAINS CAN BE REPAIRED AND MAINTAINED TO A PROPER STANDARD.
THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES REPAIRING THE DEFECTIVE CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTPATH AND DRAINS WITHIN THE PRIVATE STREET.
THE WIDTH OF THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE REDUCED FROM NINE METRES TO 7.3 METRES, WHILE THE WIDTH OF THE FOOTWAY ON EACH SIDE OF THE STREET WILL BE INCREASED FROM 1.5 METRES TO 2.35 METRES.
HAVEN STREET IS NOW UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP AND IS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED AND MAINTAINED, A SITUATION WHICH HAS CAUSED CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 14.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI
*****
PART OF ARSENAL STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC NEXT WEEK FOR ROAD WORKS.
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF ARSENAL STREET BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 9.30 PM UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING ON MONDAY (MAY 18) AND TUESDAY (MAY 19).
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO LOCKHART ROAD, FENWICK STREET AND INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD.
IN ADDITION, FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF ARSENAL STREET BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES ON INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE FENWICK STREET TO REJOIN LOCKHART ROAD.
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE AGAIN BETWEEN 9 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
WORKS OF PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING .JiD HEaLTH PRaISED 1
CHIEF JUSTICE HELPS CLEaN LITTER BLaCKSPOT ................. 2
COMPUTER LITERACY FOR JUNIOR SECONDaRY SCHOOLS ............. 3
REVISED TAI PO DISTRICT HANDBOOK PUBLISHED ................. 4
BIGGER BUDGET FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOaRD................... 5
SPECIAL CAR NOS. SaLE BY AUCTION ........................... 6
VOLUNTEERS TO HOLD ANNUAL PARADE............................ 7
HIGH1,UYS CHIEF TO MEET THE MED!........................... 7
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ............. 8
ENVIRONMiNT. Jj IMPROVIDENT COMMITTEE TO MEET .............. 8
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHaNGHaI STREET ......................... 9
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
1
WORKS OF PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH PRAISED * ft ft ft *
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH IS DUE TO BE FULLY ESTABLISHED UNDER ITS OWN ORDINANCE LATER THIS YEAR ONCE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION HAS BEEN PASSED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE ENTITLED ♦INTERNATIONAL UPDATE ON TOBACCO-RELATED PROBLEMS+, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
♦ IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE VERY APPROPRIATE THAT THE COUNCIL IN ITS PRESENT PROVISIONAL FORM SHOULD HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PUBLICISE BOTH ITS OWN WORK AND THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL EVIDENCE WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS WORK,* HE SAID.
AND HE HOPED THAT THE CONFERENCE WOULD PROVIDE AN EVEN FIRMER AND MORE UP-TO-DATE BASE FOR THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH TO CONTINUE THE WORK SO EXCELLENTLY BEGUN BY THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL.
MR CHAMBERS THANKED ORGANISERS AND SPEAKERS OF THE CONFERENCE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, AND SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE IN THE AUDIENCE A WIDE RANGE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CONCERNED ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, DR RONALD LEUNG, SAID AT THE SAME CONFERENCE THAT OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACHIEVED A SUCCESS IN THE FIELD OF SMOKING AND HEALTH WHICH HAD BEEN NOTED WORLDWIDE.
NUMBERS OF SMOKERS HAD DROPPED CONSIDERABLY THROUGH A COMBINATION OF EXEMPLARY LEGISLATION, INTENSIVE PUBLICITY, AND THE STRONG DISINCENTIVE OF A VERY SHARP TAX HIKE, HE SAID.
DR LEUNG SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN THE COUNCIL A GREAT ’SEND-OFF’ WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF TWO MAJOR ADVANCES IN LEGISLATION AGAINST TOBACCO USE, NAMELY THE PROSPECTIVE BAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING ON TV AND RADIO AND A COMPLETE BAN ON SMOKELESS TOBACCO.
♦ IT IS, THEREFORE, LOGICAL TO PRESUME THAT OUR COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH SHOULD FOLLOW UP ON THESE TWO ISSUES.
♦ WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON AN EVENTUAL COMPLETE BAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING IN ALL ITS FORMS, AND TO ARRIVE AT A TIMETABLE FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE BAN ON TV AND RADIO TO ALL OTHER ADVERTISING MEDIA.
/+FURTHERMORE, AS .......
LATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
2
♦FURTHERMORE, AS WITH SMOKELESS TOBACCO, IT SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT ANY OTHER NEW FORMS OF TOBACCO USE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED NOR WILL IT BE APPROVED IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXTENT OF RISKS OF TOBACCO USE IN ANY OF ITS FORMS,+ HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE WERE OTHER INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXPERTS, WITH TOPICS COVERING SMOKING AND NON-CANCEROUS RESPIRATORY DISEASES, TOBACCO AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, TOBACCO AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH, PASSIVE SMOKING, THE WORLD TOBACCO PANDEMIC AND PUBLIC EDUCATION ON TOBACCO.
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CHIEF JUSTICE HELPS CLEAN LITTER BLACKSPOT * * * * *
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, OFFERED FULL SUPPORT TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY PHYSICALLY CLEANING UP A LITTER BLACKSPOT AT YAU MA TEI THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
WEARING THE CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT WITH THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN LOGO AND SLOGAN, SIR DENYS TOOK PART IN SWEEPING A SECTION OF SHANGHAI STREET BETWEEN MARKET STREET AND KANSU STREET.
SIR DENYS DECIDED TO JOIN TODAY’S CLEAN-UP OPERATION AS HE REALISED THAT THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE LARGEST EVER SINCE IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1972, NEEDED THE SUPPORT OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
HE HOPED THAT HIS PARTICIPATION WILL AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS TOWARDS THE CAMPAIGN AND THEREBY ENCOURAGING THEM TO JOIN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FORCES.
JOINING HANDS WITH SIR DENYS IN THE OPERATION WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE AND MR CHEUNG YANG-LUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UC/RC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR WALTER SULKE.
THEY AGREED THAT SUPPORT FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION WOULD GIVE ANOTHER IMPETUS TO THE CAMPAIGN.
SATURDAY, HAY 16, 1987
5
COMPUTER LITERACY FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS MO »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO ASSIST SOME 70 PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO OFFER COMPUTER L'T'FACY COURSES TO JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE PHASED INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER LITERACY COURSE IN FORM I AND III STARTING SEPTEMBER. APPLICATIONS SHOULD DE SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE JUNE 8.
TO ENABLE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED A COMMITMENT OF 37.5 MILLION FOR THE PROJECT WHICH INCLUDED 36.3 MILLION FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND U.S MILLION FOR NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.
THE OBJECTIVE OF INTRODUCING COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES WAS TO ENABLE ALL STUDENTS TO RECEIVE SOME FORM OF COMPUTER EDUCATION DURIN?, THEIR NINE-YEAR FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE EMPHASIS OF THE COURSES IS TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN GENERAL RATHER THAN ON PROGRAMME WRITING.
COMPUTER EDUCATION WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TO PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS IN 1982 THROUGH THE SUBJECT OF COMPUTER STUDIES AT FORMS IV AND V. IT HAS BECOME A WELL ESTABLISHED SUBJECT AND CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED IM MORE THAM 80 PEP CENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS. I
g EXISTING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR SCHOOLS UNDER THE COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE TO SUPPORT THIS NEW SUBJECT WHILE SOFTWARE PACKAGES WILL BE PROVIDED BY STAGES FOR USE IN THE PRACTICAL SESSIONS OF THE COURSE.
FOR THOSE SCHOOLS WHICH HAD NOT ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN THE COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME MIGHT ALSO OFFER COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT THEY WOULD BE EXPECTED TO MAKE USE OF THEIR OWN COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
o
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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
4
REVISED TAI PO DISTRICT HANDBOOK PUBLISHED X ft * * ft
THE REVISED EDITION OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT HANDBOOK WITH UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE 72-PAGE HANDBOOK IN CHINESE WAS PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE • AS A PUBLICATION INTRODUCING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TAI PO TO RESIDENTS.
♦THE FIRST EDITION OF THE HANDBOOK PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1983
I REFLECTED CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITY WITH INFORMATION ON VARIOUS € FEATURES, ORGANISATIONS AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE HANDBOOK HAD ATTRACTED A HIGH READERSHIP AND WAS A VALUABLE REFERENCE TO HELP BOTH INDIGENOUS AND NEW RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND AND INTEGRATE INTO THE CHANGING COMMUNITY.
IN VIEW OF THE DISTRICT’S POPULATION GROWTH AND CHANGES IN THE DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION, EMPHASIS WAS PUT ON EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW EDITION, HE POINTED OUT.
THE REVISED HANDBOOK, WHICH IS ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS AND CHARTS, HAS TWEE NEW CHAPTERS ON THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, AND THE SAI KUNG NORTH SUB-DISTRICT.
THE CHAPTER ON THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD PROVIDES READERS WITH COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND WORK OF THE BOARD.
THE CHAPTER ON FUTURE TRANSPORTATION LINKS OF TAI PO HIGH.IGHTS THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT.
L GENERAL INFORMATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH SUB-DISTRICT IS SUMMARISED IN ANOTHER CHAPTER.
f A TOTAL OF 20 000 COPIES OF THE HANDBOOK HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS, RURAL COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE AT THE SECRETARIAT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES FROM 'KINDAY (MAY 18).
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I j /5...........
I
L_________ _____~______________________________________________________________________
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
5
BIGGER BUDGET FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $1.56 MILLION FOR 1987-88, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT NINE PER CENT FROM $1.43 MILLION LAST YEAR, A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE BOARD PLANS TO SPEND $903 000 ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS UNDER THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEES, AND $657 000 ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, HE SAID.
OF THE $830 000 ALLOCATED TO THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, $285 000 WILL SERVE AS GRANTS TO LOCAL BODIES AND RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES, WHILE $222 000 WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR SOME 40 PROGRAMMES RUN BY THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL AND ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION.
ANOTHER $130 000 ARE BUDGETED FOR PUBLICITY ON THE DISTRICT BOARD VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS.
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAS SET ASIDE $35 000 FROM ITS $73 000 ALLOCATION FOR GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND FOR ITS OWN AD HOC PROJECTS.
THE REST WILL BE SPENT ON ORGANISING THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME, THE COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY, SEA TRIPS FOR HANDICAPPED AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN, AND PUBLISHING A DIRECTORY OF SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS IM THE DISTRICT.
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL SPEND MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF ITS FUNDS ON AMENITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS SUCH AS BUILDING SITTING-OUT AREAS AND RAIN SHELTERS.
ANOTHER ONE-THIRD WILL BE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. BUDGETED FOR THE PROVISION AND EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE WATCH TEAMS
SPENT ON ACCESS IMPROVEMENT AND AND A SMALL AMOUNT HAS BEEN REPLENISHMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING IN SQUATTER AREAS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
6
SPECIAL CAR NOS. SALE BY AUCTION * * * * *
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $1 167 100 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 125 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $210 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DK1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $180 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 EACH FOR DM6989, DM943, DM2026, DM3807.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF
$
DM812 4 000
DM6989 1 000
DM1323 6 500
DD8787 4 100
DM943 1 000
DP228 22 000
AA8881 8 500
CK99 70 000
DM809 3 200
AK1018 7 000
I
8938 120 000
DM322 11 000
HC331 27 000
DP338 32 000
CK333 60 000
HK7351 6 500
DM3836 8 500
DN836 7 000
DM2026 1 000
DK1 180 000
TODAY’S AUCTIONt
t
DP188 23 000
DM3807 1 000
DM920 3 600
DK14 5 500
DP3228 25 000
DN113 11 000
DM2928 6 500
DM33 90 000
DN3O83 3 100
CG988 18 000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
$
CC13 90
BJ8881 8
DP6828 5
DN618 12
125 210
DN168 30
BE951 3
DN2928 8
CC1313 24
DN318 10
CASH OR BY
§§§§§§§§§§
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITH 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 114TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $44 643 932.
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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
7
VOLUNTEERS TO HOLD ANNUAL PARADE * * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS IN HAPPY VALLEY TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL T.A. BOAM, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE OF 89 MEN AND 14 WOMEN OF RECRUIT CADRE NO. 43 WHO HAVE COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMME AND WILL BECOME MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT.
MAJOR-GENERAL BOAM WILL PRESENT AWARDS TO THE BEST RECRUIT, THE BEST SHOT AND THE BEST SPORTING TROOP DURING THE CEREMONY.
A LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WILL GO TO A BRITISH ARMY SERVICEMAN ON LOAN TO THE REGIMENT WHILE FIVE OFFICERS WILL RECEIVE THE EFFICIENCY DECORATION AND 20 MEMBERS THE EFFICIENCY MEDAL.
NOTE TO ED ITORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 10 AM TOMORROW AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS IN 1 SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
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HIGHWAYS CHIEF TO MEET THE MEDIA ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON MAY 18 (MONDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS (HEADQUARTERS), MR IAN MURRAY MILLER; AND THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (HONG KONG), MR LEUNG MIN-SUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
8
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN *****
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 18) TO CONSIDER THE DRAFT FANLING-SHEUNG SHU 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.
GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR EDMUND LO, AND THE CHIEF TOWN PLANNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR CHAN HUNG-KWAN, WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE ZONING PLAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON MONDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR YUEN LONG (87/88) AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 18).
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME 87/88, THE PROGRESS REPORT FROM THE STREET MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP UNDER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT
C0MM,TTEE AND THE KEEP YUEN LONG DISTRICT CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY LONG DISTRICT BOARD,
2 KIU LOK SQUARE
TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD (MAY 18) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN . 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES. YUEN LONG.
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SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1987
9
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHANGHAI STREET
*****
THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHANGHAI STREET IN MONG KOK WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 19).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BUTE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BUS-ONLY SCHEME FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ................... 1
MORE CAMPING FACILITIES BEING PLANNED ....................... 2
HOTEL AND OFFICES PLAN FOR FERRY TERMINAL SITE APPROVED...... 3
MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES NEEDED FOR FRESH GRADUATES............ 4
NEW LINK FOR Ma CN SHAN aND SAI KUNG......................... 5
CHAIRMEN FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES ELECTED...... 6
FINAL CONTRACT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR kWaRDED .......... 7
DRAGON BOAT DISPLAY AT TalKOO SHING.......................... 7
LEARN-TO-SWIM SCHEME FOR PRIMARY PUPILS ..................... 8
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSALS.......... 9
CLEAN-UP IN WAN CHAT. ....................................... 9
NEW PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON CITY .......................... 10
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN...................................... 10
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
BUS-ONLY SCHEME FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD *****
A BUS-ONLY LANE SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (MAY 25) ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD DURING MORNING PEAK HOURS ON WEEKDAYS TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO WORK.
THE LANE SPECIALLY EARMARKED FOR BUSES WILL BE ABOUT 670 METRES LONG EXTENDING FROM WORLDWIDE GARDENS TO THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE TUNNEL. IT WILL BE OPERATING BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SCHEME WILL REDUCE BUS JOURNEY TIME BY ABOUT FOUR MINUTES BY ALLOWING BUSES TO BYPASS TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID KMB ROUTES 48, 70X, 72B, 72X, 73X, 74A, 74X, 75X, 82M, 82X, 87 AND 89C MAY BE DIVERTED TO CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ON KOWLOON-BOUND JOURNEYS DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD IN THE EVENT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ON THE APPROACHES TO THE BUS LANE.
IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANY VEHICLE, OTHER THAN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE BUS OR A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WITH PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO ENTER THE BUS LANE. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 61M, WHICH PROVIDES A SCHEDULED SERVICE FROM TAI WAI TO KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION, WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE THE BUS LANE.
♦THE CONGESTION PROBLEM ON THE APPROACHES TO LION ROCK TUNNEL IS A MATTER OF INCREASING CONCERN TO GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS TO RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN AND THE EAST NEW TERRITORIES.
♦SINCE 1984, VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED TO ALLEVIATE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM AND TO INCREASE THE THROUGHOUT THOUGH THE TUNNEL+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THESE INCLUDE THE OPENING OF FOUR ADDITIONAL TOLL BOOTHS, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRE-PAID TUNNEL TICKETS AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE EXACT PAYMENT LEGISLATION.
♦ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PURSUING TWO LONG-TERM ROAD PROJECTS TO RESOLVE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM, THAT IS ROUTE 5 LINKING SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN AND THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL LINKING SHA TIN WITH EAST KOWLOON, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE BUS LANE SCHEME BE INTRODUCED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUTERS TRAVELLING BY BUS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/at PRESET.......
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 198?
2
AT PRESENT, ABOUT 54 OOO PEOPLE TRAVEL TO KOWLOON THROUGH LION ROCK TUNNEL BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM- 45 000 RIDERS OR 83 PER CENT OF THEM ARE BUS PASSENGERS.
TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR THE TRAFFIC SITUATION FOLLOWING ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND WILL CARRY OUT A REVIEW IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE INFORMATION LEAFLET AND THE MAP SHOWING THE BUS LANE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICES.
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MORE CAMPING FACILITIES BEING PLANNED *****
THERE ARE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING OF NEW CAMPS AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SOME OF THE EXISTING ONES IN THE COMING YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION PAK SHA WAN SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE IN SAI KUNG, SHE SAID WHILE SOME CAMPS WERE DIRECTLY OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 25 RESIDENTIAL CAMPS PROVIDING 2 918 CAMP BEDS AND SEVEN SEA ACTIVITY CENTRES WERE RUN BY 11 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO ASSIST THEM IN MEETING THEIR RECURRENT COSTS.
♦BY 1990/91 AN ADDITIONAL 1 660 CAMP BEDS WILL BE AVAILABLE OF WHICH 350 ARE PLANNED FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR,* SHE SAID.
MRS WONG BELIEVED THAT CAMPING HAD ITS UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE IN ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
+FOR ONE THING, IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAN, ORGANISE, WORK AND LIVE TOGETHER, IF ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE, IN A PLEASANT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
♦THE PROVISION OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ALSO ENABLES YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE GROUP LIFE UNDER PROPER LEADERSHIP AND GUIDANCE, ENABLING THEM TO WIDEN THEIR PERSPECTIVE AND TEST OUT NEW WAYS OF CO-EXISTING WITH OTHERS,* SHE SAID.
+A FAMILY MAY BENEFIT FROM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE A FEW CAREFREE AND INEXPENSIVE DAYS IN NATURAL AMD PROTECTED AR EAS•
Asocial and......
SUNDAY, MY 17, 198?
♦SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF CAMPS FOR GATHER I NG,+ SHE ADDED.
ON THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG, MRS WONG NOTED THAT OVER THE PAST 75 YEARS IT HAD GROWN TO BECOME A LARGE ORGANISATION WHICH ENJOYED THE SUPPORT OF OVER 45 OOO SCOUTS, SCOUTERS AND OTHER MEMBERS IN 1 267 UNITS CO-ORDINATED BY FOUR SCOUT REGIONS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE ASSOCIATION OPERATED SEVEN ACTIVITY CENTRES AND CAMPSITES FOR ITS MEMBERS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS AND WELFARE AGENCIES.
SHE COMPLIMENTED MEMBERS OF THE PAK SHA WAN SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR PILOTING THE PLANNING AND PREPARATION WORK FOR THE PHASE III DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRE.
UPON COMPLETION OF PHASE III IN 1988, THE CENTRE WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES FOR SEA ACTIVITIES FOR SCOUT MEMBERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS A DAY CENTRE, BUT WILL ALSO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH MORE COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRACTICE IN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING.
MRS WONG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION FOR CONTINUING TO LOOK FORWARD, TO ANTICIPATE THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND TO BE WILLING TO DEVELOP EXISTING AND CHALLENGING PROGRAMMES TO MEETING THESE NEEDS.
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HOTEL AND OFFICES PLAN FOR FERRY TERMINAL SITE APPROVED OH**
A HOTEL AND OFFICES BLOCK DEVELOPMENT ON THE HONG KONG/CHINA FERRY TERMINAL SITE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, WAS AMONG 49 PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN MARCH.
THE 18-STOREY HOTEL WILL HAVE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 13 338 SQUARE METRES AND A TOTAL OF 395 ROOMS. THE SIX BLOCKS OF OFFICES TO BE DEVELOPED ON THE SITE WILL ALSO BE 18 STOREYS AND HAVE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 110 660 SQUARE METRES.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 26 RELATED TO APARTMENT/RESIDENCE AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING TWO 32-STOREY BLOCKS IN TSUEN WAN AND TbREE 28-STOREY BLOCKS IN YUEN LONG. THEY ALSO INCLUDED A SEVEN-STOREY EXTENSION TO THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
/FIVE FACTORIES ......
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 198?
FIVE FACTORIES WERE APPROVED, INCLUDING ONE ON THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK ON 44 PROJECTS WAS GIVEN DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING THREE HOTEL PROJECTS AT CITY GARDEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND (620 ROOMS), CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (257 ROOMS) AND CANTON ROAD (487 ROOMS).
THE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS WHICH RECEIVED OCCUPATION PERMITS WAS 40 — 14 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON AND 21 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN MARCH WAS $600 MILLION, GIVING A TOTAL FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR OF #1 598 MILLION.
CONSENTS TO DEMOLISH ISSUED DURING THE MONTH NUMBERED 39 AFFECTING 122 BUILDINGS.
THE OFFICE’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 561 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, CARRIED OUT 1 111 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 375 REMOVAL ORDERS.
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MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES NEEDED FOR FRESH GRADUATES
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, MR CHAN SUI-KAU, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO FRESH GRADUATES OF POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS AND UNIVERSITIES.
IN AN APPEAL LETTER SENT TO SOME 1 200 MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, MR CHAN NOTED THAT OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE JOB VACANCIES ADVERTISED IN THE PRESS REQUIRED EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES.
THE LIMITED JOB OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO FRESH GRADUATES HAS THEREFORE UPSET THEM MOST, HE ADDED.
♦ IT IS APPRECIATED THAT EMPLOYMENT OF INEXPERIENCED STAFF ENTAILS MUCH TRAINING AND INCONVENIENCE,* MR CHAN SAID.
♦ IF, HOWEVER, THIS LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE PROBLEM OF POACHING OF EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY SERIOUS AS THE POOL OF AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES WILL SOON BE EXHAUSTED THROUGH EMIGRATION, RETIREMENT AND BUSINESS EXPANSION.
/+1N THE........
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1?87
- 5 -
♦ IN THE END, EVERY COMPANY WILL SUFFER A HIGHER STAFF COST, INCLUDING THE COST TO PAY FOR RE-TRAINING OF ’EXPERIENCED’ JOB-HOPPERS AND A HIGHER STAFF TURN-OVER RATE.+
MR CHAN URGED EMPLOYERS TO CONTACT THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (HEES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH HAD A LARGE POOL OF JOB-SEEKERS POSSESSING EITHER UNIVERSITY, POST-SECONDARY OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
♦ AS AN EMPLOYER, YOU REALLY HOLD THE KEY TO A MORE PROSPEROUS HONG KONG WHICH NEEDS STRONG BASE OF HIGH-CALIBRE AND WELL-TRAINED HUMAN RESOURCES,+ HE STRESSED.
THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES WAS SET UP IN 1976 TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT SERVICES IN HONG KONG. ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.
WITH THE EXPANSION OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS PLACEMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS.
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NEW LINK FOR MA ON * * K
SHAN AND SAI KUNG * * *
CONSTRUCTION HAS STARTED ON A SECTION OF THE MA ON SHAN-NAI CKJNG LINK ROAD BETWEEN LOK WO SHA AND NAI CHUNG AS PART OF THE SCHEME TO CONNECT THE EXPANDING NEW TOWN OF SHA TIN/MA ON SHAN WITH THE SCENIC SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
A CAPITAL WORKS ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR DAVID ENGLISH. SAID IT WOULD CONNECT THE EXISTING ROAD AT NAI CHUNG WHICH LEADS TO TAI MONG TSAI IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT WITH THE ROAD NETWORK BEING CONSTRUCTED IN THE MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT AREA OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
HE SAID THE EFFECT OF THIS LINK, WHICH IS ABOUT 1.5 KILOMETRES LONG, WAS THAT SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES AREAS WOULD HAVE ANOTHER CONNECTION TO SAI KUNQ AND THE HIGH ISLAND AREA OTHER THAN THAT CURRENTLY PROVIDED VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND CLEARWATER BAY ROAD.
THIS SECTION OF THE LINK ROAD WILL COST $15 MILLION TO BUILD AND OPEN TO TRAFFIC BY JULY, 1988. THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS ALONG THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE ROAD, A BRANCH ROAD LEADING TO THE BEACH AT LOK WO SHA, ENLARGEMENT OF EXISTING CAR AND COACH PARKING FACILITIES NEAR THE BEACH AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
/THE BUS.......
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
THE BUS TERMINAL AND CAR PARK AT NAI CHUNG AND THE ROAD LEADING TO THE BEACH WILL BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY LINK ROAD WILL ALSO PROVIDE GOOD RECREATIONAL ACCESS TO NEW AREAS. WHILE THE 3.5-METRE WIDE CYCLE TRACK WILL LINK UP WITH THE EXISTING AND PROPOSED CYCLE TRACK NETWORK OF SHA TIN. IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO CYCLE FROM TAI PO TO NAI CHUNG THROUGH SHA TIN WHEN THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED.
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CHAIRMEN FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES ELECTED
X X X X X
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ELECTED THE CHAIRMAN FOR ITS FIVE COMMITTEES FOR THE 1907-88 FINANCIAL YEAR, A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE FIVE COMMITTEES ARE FORMED TO FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN OVER-SEEING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DISTRICT.
THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 31, 1988.
THE NEW CHAIRMEN ARE MR ALBERT POON FOR THE WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING FOR THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MISS MAR YUET-HAR FOR THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE,MR MAN HON-MING FOR THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AND MR KO TAM-KAN FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALSO ENDORSED THE APPOINTMENT OF NINE CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE FIVE COMMITTEES FOR THE 1987-88 TERM IN ORDER TO WIDEN INPUT IN THE DISCUSSION OF LOCAL PROBLEMS.
THEY INCLUDED SOCIAL WORKERS, PROFESSIONALS, KAlFONGS, INDUSTRIALISTS AND EDUCATIONALISTS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
7
FINAL CONTRACT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AWARDED * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL SIGN A fl84-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FINAL SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON TUESDAY (MAY 19).
BEING DEVELOPED IN THREE STAGES AT A TOTAL COST OF |1.76 BILLION MOST OF THE CORRIDOR, INCLUDING THE SECTION FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO 6HAU KEI WAN AND A SHO^T SECTION AT THE EASTERN END FROM WING TAI INTERCHANGE TO CHAI WAN, HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND OPENED TO
TRAFFIC.
THE FINAL SECTION COVERED BY THE CONTRACT TO BE AWARDED ON TUESDAY IS FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO WING TAI INTERCHANGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF THE EMPIRE CENTRE, MODY ROAD, EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 10 AM.
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DRAGON BOAT DISPLAY AT TA I KOO SHING
*****
AN 11-METRE LONG DRAGON BOAT DECORATED WITH COLOURFUL BANNERS, BATTLE FLAGS, PADDLES AND A PARASOL WILL GO ON DISPLAY AT AN EXHIBITION ON THE ORIGINS OF THE DRAGON BOAT RACES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA, TA I KOO SHING BETWEEN MAY 19 AND JUNE 2.
SIX DISPLAY PANELS ON THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES 1987 AND THE ORIGINS OF TUEN NQ FESTIVAL WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITED.
IT IS THE THIRD EXHIBITION SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND CITYPLAZA MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO PROMOTE CHINESE CULTURE AND TOURISM IN THE DISTRICT.
AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 19) AT 6.30 PM ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA.
/eastern district........
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
8 -
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG? EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG? CENTRE MANAGER OF CITYPLAZA, MR JOHN WAGNER AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MANAGER OF HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, MR CONRAD LI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 19) AT 6.30 PM ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING.
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LEARN-TO-SWIM SCHEME FOR PRIMARY PUPILS *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN CONDUCT ITS POPULAR +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AS PART OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
SWIMMING CLASSES WILL BE HELD FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY BETWEEN 8 AM TO 5 PM IN THREE SERIES.
EACH CLASS WILL CONSIST 12 ONE-HOUR LESSONS. TUITION AND ADMISSION TO ALL SWIMMING POOL ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT SWIMMING POOLS IN PAO YUE KONG SWIMMING POOL CENTRE AND CHAI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND? KWUN TONG, LAI CHl KOK PARK, SHAM SHUI PO PARK LEI CHENG UK, MORSE PARK AND TAI WAN SHAN IN KOWLOON; FANLING, KWAI SHING, §HA TIN AND YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TOWNS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE QUALIFIED SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS TO TEACH SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO MUST BE BEGINNERS AND OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL 12 LESSONS.
MORE THAN 4 000 SCHOOL CHILDREN WERE BENEFITED FROM THE ♦LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME LAST SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS WISHING THEIR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE ♦LEARN-TO-SWIM* SCHEME ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FOURTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MAY 23 (SATURDAY).
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SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1987
9
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS KO*
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS SEVERAL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS.
AMONG THESE ARE THE WIDENING OF MODY LANE TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SALISBURY ROAD, THE PROVISION OF BUS STOP SHELTERS AT PARK LANE BOULEVARD AND A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT THE JUNCTION OF MODY ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE 1987-88 WORK PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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CLEAN-UP IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN WAN CHAI WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (MONDAY) MORNING.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN; WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA AND CHAIRMAN OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM.
THE CLEAN-UP OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE LUARD ROAD ON-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT (NEAR SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND) BEFORE 8.30 AM GlS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
SUNDAY, M*Y 17, 1987
10
NEW PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON CITY *****
TEN NEWLY INSTALLED PARKING METERS IN PENTLAND STREET, KOWLOON CITY WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) TO REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA.
THESE PARKING METERS ARE FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTOR CYCLES AND BICYCLES. FIVE OF THEM ARE FOR HALF-AN-HOUR WHILE THE OTHER FIVE ARE FOR TWO HOURS.
THE PARKING FEES FOR BOTH TYPES OF METERS ARE |1 FOR 30 MINUTES.
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WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY ON WO LANE, SHIN HING STREET, 76-130, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET AND 270-276, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, INCLUDING 1-2 TSUI ON LANE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT LIAISON GROUP SIXTH MEETING AGREEMENT ............... 1
11 MORE INFECTED BY *IDS VIRUS ........................... 5
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .iN on-going exercise............. 7
TAC MEETS TAXI REPRESENTATIVES ON SEAT BELT ............... 8
TERRITORY-WIDE CL^M’-UP LAUNCHED .......................... 9
QUARTERLY business survey RESULTS RELEASED ............... 11
STUDENT WORK ORIENT;-.TIOL PROGRzJiME IN FULL SWING....... 13
applications called for school summer olympiad.......1^
REPORT ON HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS PUBLISHED........... 15
FORCE MUSEUM TO GET PERiANENT HOME...................... 15
KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE FOR BOAT PEOPLE ....................... 16
NAMING OF ROUTE 5 TUNNEL ............................... 17
COMMITTEE TO APPROVE FUNDS FOR PROJECTS .................. 17
TAI PO COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SCHOOL PLACES ................ 18
SHINING LANDMARK IN MONG KOK ............................. 18
WAN CHAI CULTURAL AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING..... 19
KWONG FUK ROAD BUS LaNE TO BE CLOSED...................... 19
TRAFFIC CHaNGES IF r^ERDEEN .............................. 20
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO ............................. 20
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................. 20
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1937
1
JOINT LIAISON GROUP SIXTH MEETING AGREEMENT * * * * *
AT THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AGREEMENT
WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF HONG KONG DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES AFTER JUNE 30, 1997. IN CONFIRMATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS EXCHANGED MEMORANDA IN PEKING ON MAY 18, 1987, THE TEXTS OF WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MEMORANDUM
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE THE HONOUR TO REFER TO THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG. THE EMBASSY ALSO REFER TO THE EXCHANGES OF MEMORANDA BETWEEN THE EMBASSY AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DATED APRIL 11 AND NOVEMBER 27, 1986.
TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY WILL NOT EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ISSUE DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY WITH A SEVEN-YEAR VALIDITY DURING THE PERIOD UP TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 1997. IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT SUCH DOCUMENTS CF IDENTITY MAY CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES. IT IS FURTHER THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT ANY REFERENCE TO +HONG KONG+ IN DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BEFORE JULY 1, 19Q7 WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION* OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PERSONS WHOSE STAY IN HONG KONG IS SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS MAY STILL BE USED FOR THE HOLDERS’ RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 IF THE DOCUMENTS BEAR A VALID RE-ENTRY VISA. DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED TO PERSONS WHOSE STAY IN HONG KONG IS UNCONDITIONAL AND WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO ACQUIRE ANY OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS wILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT WHICH WILL ENABLE THE HOLDERS TO RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 -
+THE HOLDER OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY RETURN TO HONG KONG DURING ITS VALIDITY WITHOUT A VISA.*
/HIE UNITED........
MONDAY, (IAY 18, 1987
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THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA SHALL AUTHORISE THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, PASSPORTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL CHINESE NATIONALS WHO HOLD PERMANENT IDENT ITY.CARDS CF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL OTHER PERSONS LAWFULLY RESIDING IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
TO ENABLE DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1 1997 TO BE SUITABLE FOR USE AFTER THAT DATE, THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT WILL MODIFY THE PRESENT DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY BY INTRODUCING THE CHANGES DESCRIBED IN THE ANNEX.
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HOLDERS OF DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY BEARING A VALID RE-ENTRY VISA, OR THE ENDORSEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE, WILL BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, AND THAT ANY REFERENCE IN SUCH DOCUMENTS TO +HONG KONG+ WILL BE TAKEN, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION*.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE FORMAT OF DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES
THE PRESENT DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES WILL BE MOD IF I ED BY s
(1) INSIDE THE FRONT COVER :
(A) DELETING THE WORDS +T0 TEMPORARY RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG* FROM THE FIRST PARAGRAPH;
(B) ADDING THE FOLLOWING NEW PARAGRAPH AFTER THE FIRST PARAGRAPH s
+THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT VALID FOR THE HOLDER’S RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHOUT A VALID RE-ENTRY VISA UNLESS THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT APPEARS ON PAGE 4 .
+THE HOLDER OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY RETURN TO HONG KONG DURING ITS VALIDITY WITHOUT A VISA.*
(C) DELETING THE SECOND SENTENCE WHICH READS +IT IS NOT VALID FOR THE HOLDER’S RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHOUT A RE-ENTRY VISA-* FROM THE SECOND PARAGRAPH ;
/(2) PAGE 3..........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1')87
(2) PAGE 3 : REPLACING + ALL COUNTRIES* BY +ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD*
(3) PAGE 4 AND PAGES 6 TO 44 : REPLACING THE OVERPRINTING OF THE CREST BY ANOTHER SECURITY DESIGN
(4) INSIDE THE BACK COVER s
(A) DELETING NOTE 3 WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER WHO INTENDS TO RETURN TO HONG KONG SHOULD OBTAIN A RE-ENTRY VISA BEFORE LEAVING;
(B) DELETING NOTE 4 WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER IS NOT ENTITLED TO BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION;
(C) DELETING THE WORDS +OR TO THE NEAREST BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION OR CONSULATE* FROM THE SECOND SENTENCE OF NOTE 5 WHICH REFERS TO WHAT THE HOLDER SHOULD DO IF HE LOSES HIS DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY ;
(5) REMOVING ALL OTHER COLONIAL INSIGNIA SUCH AS CRESTS WHICH APPEAR ON THE ISSUING OFFICER’S STAMP;
(6) INTRODUCING OTHER AMENDMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES. THESE INCLUDE REPLACING +IDENTIF I CAT ION DOCUMENT NO.+ON PAGE 5 BY +H.K. IDENTITY CARD/H.K. BIRTH CERT. NO.*, ADDING A NOTE WHICH STATES THAT ANY CHILD INCLUDED IN THE DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY CAN ONLY TRAVEL WITH THE PRINCIPAL HOLDER AND ANOTHER NOTE WARNING HOLDERS THAT THE ILLEGAL TRANSFER OF THE DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE.
MEMORANDUM (TRANSLATION)
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CF CHINA ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE MEMORANDUM DATED MAY 18, 1987 CF THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCERNING HONG KONG DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES AND, WITH REFERENCE TO THE RELEVANT DISCUSSIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HAS THE HONOUR TO ELABORATE THE POSITION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS RAISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM AS FOLLOWS :
/1. IN ACCORDANCE
MONDAY, MAY 18, 198?
1. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV CF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE QUESTION CF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL ALLOW DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 (MODIFIED AS DESCRIBED IN THE ANNEX TO THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM AND WITH THE NORMAL oEVEN-YEAR VALIDITY) TO CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1°97 UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES.
2. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL AGREE THAT DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PERSONS WHOSE STAY IN HONG KONG IS SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS MAY STILL BE USED FOR THE HOLDERS’ RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 IF THE DOCUMENTS BEAR A VALID RE-ENTRY VISA! AND THAT DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED TO PERSONS WHOSE STAY IN HONG KONG IS UNCONDITIONAL AND WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO ACQUIRE ANY OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN AN ENDORSEMENT TO STATE THAT SUCH PERSONS MAY RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHOUT A VISA DURING THE VALIDITY OF THE DOCUMENT.
3. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, ANY REFERENCE TO +HONG KONG+ IN DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+. FOR THIS, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'o REPUBLIC OF CHINA EXPRESSES ITS UNDERSTANDING.
4. THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT SHALL AUTHORISE THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, PASSPORTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CF CHINA TO ALL CHINESE NATIONALS WHO HOLD PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL OTHER PERSONS LAWFULLY RESIDING IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
5. TO FACILITATE TRAVELLING ABROAD BY HOLDERS OF DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES TH«1 HOLDERS OF DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY BEARING A VALID RE-ENTRY VISA, OR THE ENDORSEMENT AS SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE UNITED hINGDCM MEMORANDUM, WILL BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, AND THAT ANY REFERENCE IN THEM TO + HONG KONG+ WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 19^7, EE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+ OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
/5........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
5
11 MORE INFECTED BY AIDS VIRUS *****
ANOTHER 11 PERSONS IN HONG KONG WERE FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) VIRUS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN IT RELEASED THE LATEST STATISTICS ON THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME ON AIDS.
THE NEW FIGURE BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR HIV ANTIBODY TO 83, INCLUDING THE FOUR CONFIRMED AIDS PATIENTS WHO HAD ALL DIED - ONE DIED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 8 425 PERSONS WERE TESTED FOR THE AIDS INFECTION BY THE VIRUS UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
OF THESE, 11 WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR HIV ANTIBODY. THESE INCLUDED THREE REFERRALS FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND
CLINICS, FIVE REFERRALS FROM PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS, TWO PATIENTS AT THE SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS AND ONE HAEMOPHILIAC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS A SIXFOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REFERRALS FROM PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST FROM A PREVIOUS QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 35 TO 224 IN THE QUARTER UNDER REVIEW.
♦THE PROPORTION OF POSITIVE TEST WAS 4.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTERS AS COMPARED TO 2.2 PER CENT IN THE LAST QUARTER,* HE ADDED.
THESE FIGURES INDICATE THAT THE EXTENT OF INFECTION IN THE PEOPLE WHO CAME FORWARD FOR TESTING HAS NOT INCREASED.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, GROUPS WHO ARE AT RISK OF BEING INFECTED BY THE VIRUS SUCH AS SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PERSONS. MULTITRANSFUSED PATIENTS AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS ARE TESTED FOR THE INFECTION.
SINCE APRIL 1985, A TOTAL OF 46 818 PERSONS HAD BEEN TESTED AND SO FAR 83 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
DURING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1987, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO CARRIED OUT HIV TESTS FOR 38 869 BLOOD DONORS AND ONE OF THEM WAS FOUND TO BE POSITIVE.
SINCE ITS MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME IN AUGUST 1985, THE NUMBER OF BLOOD DONOR UNITS TESTED BY THE RED CROSS FOR AIDS ANTIBODY TOTALLED 232 945.
/UP TO........
MONDAY, MAY 1987
UP TO NOW, FOUR BLOOD DONOR UNITS WERE FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE VIRUS.
SINCE THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTENSIFIED ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON AIDS ON APRIL 21, THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE HAD RECEIVED 2 411 CALLS.
THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE WAS FIRST SET UP IN NOVEMBER 1985, AND UP TO NOW, OVER 7 770 CALLS WERE RECEIVED.
MEANWHILE, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A PRE-CAMPAIGN SURVEY CONDUCTED TO FIND OUT PEOPLE’S AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS.
ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS, VIRTUALLY ALL ADULTS WERE AWARE OF AIDS, WITH TELEVISION AND NEWSPAPER BEING THE PRIMARY SOURCES OF AWARENESS.
THE SURVEY RESULT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS OVERWHELMING CONSENSUS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LAUNCH MORE INTENSIVE PUBLICITY REGARDING AIDS SO THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISEASE AND HOW TO PREVENT AND AVOID IT.
THE PRE-CAMPAIGN SURVEY, COMMISSIONED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WAS CARRIED OUT BETWEEN APRIL 2 AND 10 - JUST BEFORE THE LAUNCH OF THE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY programme.
THE AIM OF THE SURVEY WAS TO SERVE AS A BENCHMARK STUDY ON PEOPLE’S KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS PRIOR TO THE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES.
IT ALSO SHOWED THAT SLIGHTLY MORE THAN HALF THE PEOPLE INTERVIEWED WERE CONSCIOUS OF PUBLICITY ON AIDS IN TELEVISION, PARTICULARLY THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE.
A SECOND SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED AT A LATER STAGE TO FIND OUT THE CHANGE IN PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS AIDS AFTER THE LAUNCHING OF THE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON THE DISEASE.
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MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
7
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AN ON-GOING EXERCISE *****
THE PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IS AN ON-GOING EXERCISE AND WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987 WILL STIMULATE FURTHER EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TO MARK THE START OF A SERIES OF COMMEMORATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY HAD BEEN OFFICIALLY CELEBRATED IN HONG KONG.
♦ AND IT IS QUITE APPROPRIATE THAT THIS SHOULD BE SO, NOT ONLY BECAUSE THERE IS AN INCREASING AWARENESS IN HONG KONG OF THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT, BUT ALSO BECAUSE WE HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL MAJOR STEPS DURING THE PAST YEAR TO TACKLE LONG-STANDING POLLUTION PROBLEMS AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A GOOD PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS RECALLED THAT BEFORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT CAME INTO OPERATION A YEAR AGO, THE POLLUTION CONTROL POWERS WERE EXERCISED BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦THIS WAS NOT ONLY CONFUSING AND INCONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC BUT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO PURSUE CO-ORDINATED POLICIES.
+ NOW THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE FUNCTIONS ARE CENTRALISED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT. THIS SHOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO INTRODUCE MORE EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROJECTS,* HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO HlGH-IGHTED SEVERAL MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SCENE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN RECENT MONTHS - THE DECLARATION OF THE FIRST WATER CONTROL ZONE AND THE FIRST AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ZONES’ THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE WATER POLLUTION REGULATIONS? THE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW REGULATIONS REGARDING AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AND THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL.
♦THERE ARE PLANS FOR A CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT PROJECTS TO CLEAN UP THE TERRITORY’S NULLAHS AND WATERCOURSES,
AND THERE IS AN AMBITIOUS SCHEME TO DEAL WITH THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY LIVESTOCK WASTES,* MR CHAMBERS
SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID TODAY’S WORKSHOP WAS PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT IN THAT IT WAS THE FIRST OF ITS TYPE TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG USING THE TRAINING PACKAGE DEVELOPED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION FOR THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME.
♦THIS WORKSHOP,* MR CHAMBERS SAID, +AND OTHERS WHICH I UNDERSTAND ARE TO BE ORGANISED IN THE FUTURE, REPRESENTS A STEP FORWARD IN THAT IT FOCUSES ON THE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY DECIDE THE LEVEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS WHICH THEIR ORGANISATIONS WILL ADOPT.*
------0-------- /8................
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
TAC MEETS TAXI REPRESENTATIVES ON SEAT BELT * * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MISS MARIA TAM, AND A COMMITTEE MEMBER, DR STEPHEN TANG, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TAXI TRADE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE VICARIOUS LIABILITIES OF TAXI DRIVERS FOR THEIR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WHO FAIL TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
THE TRADE HAS VOICED CONCERN ON THESE LIABILITIES AND HOPED THAT TAC WOULD RECONSIDER ITS RECOMMENDATION.
THE TRADE IS NOT AGAINST THE WEARING OF THE BELT BUT FEEL THAT THE PASSENGER SHOULD BE MADE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILING TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE ALSO REPEATED THEIR CONCERN THAT TAXI DRIVER SHOULD BE VICARIOUSLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHO FAILS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
MISS TAM FELT THAT THE VIEWS REFLECTED WERE NOT UNREASONABLE AND WOULD CONSIDER WHETHER THE VICARIOUS LIABILITIES SHOULD BE LIMITED TO CHILDREN UNDER 15 IN THE FRONT SEAT. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE REGULATIONS NO. 45(1)(D) (PUBLIC SERVICES VEHICLE) AND 7(3) (SAFETY EQUIPMENT) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE CAP. 374.
UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION, VICARIOUS LIABILITIES ONLY APPLY TO DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS. THE PENALTIES ARE A FIXED PENALTY OF $140, OR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT BY WAY OF SUMMONS.
AT THE END OF THE MEETING, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TAXI TRADE AND TAC MEMBERS PRESENT HAVE GENERALLY AGREED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION EXTENDING VICARIOUS LIABILITY TO TAXI DRIVERS FOR THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER’S FAILURE TO WEAR A SEAT BELT SHOULD BE ON THE FOLLOWING BAS ISj
X THAT TAXI DRIVERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE AT ALL FOR THE FAILURE OF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AGED 15 OR ABOVE IN WEARING A SEAT BELT;
* THAT THE VICARIOUS LIABILITY OF THE TAXI DRIVERS FOR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS BELOW 15 YEARS OF AGE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2 000 BY WAY OF SUMMONS OR $100 ON FIXED PENALTY;
X THAT THERE IS A DEFENCE OF REASONABLE EXCUSE AVAILABLE TO THE TAXI DRIVERS IN ANY EVENT.
THE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT ARE FROM 24 TAXI UNIONS AND THE MAIN PLB ASSOCIATION.
/if th ;.........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
- 9 -
IN THE EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE TAC MEMBERS AND THE TRADE, THE FOLLOWING POINTS OF CONCERN WERE EXPRESSEDi
* THAT IT IS NOT DESIRABLE FOR UNDER AGE PASSENGERS TO USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IN ANY CASE;
ft THAT FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY, ALL FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS SHOULD WEAR SEAT BELTS;
ft THAT DRIVERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE CARRYING AN UNCOOPERATIVE PASSENGER;
ft THAT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHOULD BE PUNISHED AS THE MAIN CULPRIT OF SUCH OFFENCES.
TAC MEMBERS SHALL RECOMMEND TO TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TO COMMENCE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ON THIS ISSUE AND PREPARE THE PUBLIC FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
THE PENALTY FOR ANY DRIVER AND/OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER FOR HIS OWN FAILURE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT WILL BE A FINE OF $5 OOO AND THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT UPON SUMMONS, OR 1140 ON FIXED PENALTY.
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TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP LAUNCHED ft ft ft ft ft
PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL ENJOY A MORE DECENT LIVING ENVIRONMENT WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATION TODAY (MONDAY).
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, WHICH WILL LAST THROUGH JUNE, WAS LAUNCHED EARLY THIS MORNING FOLLOWING AN OPENING CEREMONY AT WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM CUT A RIBBON AND THEN LOADED A BIN OF JUNK ON TO A REFUSE COLLECTION VAN.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY STAFF OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/THE CLEAN-UP
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
10
THE CLEAN-UP WOULD BE OPERATED ON A STREET-BY-STREET AND BASISt COVERING LANES, BUILDINGS, HAWKER AREAS, MARKETS, CANOPIES, REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTION, ABATEMENT OF MOSQUiTO AND OTHER PEST NUISANCES, HE ADDED.
IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO CONDUCT INTENSIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO RENDER THEIR SUPPORT BY TAKING JUNK TO THEIR NEARBY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS FROM MAY 18 TO 24i
DISTRICT TEL. NO.
EASTERN 5-601048
SOUTHERN 5-547152
WESTERN 5-488173
WAN CHAI 5-8322757
CENTRAL 5-446111 EXT. 46
YAU MA TEI 3-7243843
SHAM SHU I PO 3-861618
MONG KOK 3-949484
KOWLOON CITY 3-7111684
WONG TAI SIN 3-233152
KWUN TONG 3-455731
SAI KUNG 3-2815366
NORTH 0-6570436
YUEN LONG 0-753691
TUEN MUN 0-4513085
TSUEN WAN 0-4904414
KWAI TSI NG 0-256321
SHA TIN 0-6065776
RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTOR AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ABOVE FOR DETAILS OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, LOCATION AND OPENING HOURS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
- - 0 -
/11
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
11
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ft ft ft ft ft
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AS REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED LARGELY STABLE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. FIRMS ACROSS ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE UPTREND IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, BUSINESS EXPERIENCES OF FIRMS VARIED AMONG FIRMS IN DIFFERENT TRADES IN THE FIRST QUARTER. ON BALANCE, THE BUSINESS SITUATION FOR THE SECTOR REMAINED GOOD, AS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986. AS REGARD BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, FIRMS EXPECT THE BUSINESS SITUATION TO IMPROVE.
THE MAJORITY OF RESPONDING FIRMS IN THE BANKS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES BUSINESS REPORTED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE BUSINESS CONDITION IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FURTHER IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987.
FIRMS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION BUSINESS INDICATED THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION EXPERIENCED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WAS AS FAVOURABLE AS THAT EXPERIENCED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986. ALSO, OPTIMISM REGARDING THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER IS REFLECTED BY RESPONDING firms.
ABOUT 1 000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY AND WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, EXPERIENCES OF FIRMS IN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES VARIED IN THE FIRST QUARTER. AS COMPARED WITH FIRMS IN THE OTHER INDUSTRIES, FIRMS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY ACHIEVED BETTER IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. AS FOR OTHER INDUSTRIES, MILD IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS WAS REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES INDUSTRIES WHILE FIRMS IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED SOME DECLINE IN BUSINESS.
/AS REGARDS........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
12
AS REGARDS EXPECTATIONS OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WIDESPREAD OPTIMISM IS REFLECTED AMONG FIRMS ACROSS ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS IN THE MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EXPECT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
ON BALANCE, FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES SECTOR EXPERIENCED LITTLE CHANGE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER WHILE THOSE IN THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. DUE LARGELY TO SEASONAL FACTORS, THE RESPONDING HOTELS EXPERIENCED A DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER ARE GENERALLY EXPECTED BY RESPONDENTS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND HOTELS SECTORS. IN CONTRAST, THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS EXPECT A DECLINE DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY FIRMS.
AS REGARDS PROBLEMS FACED BY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, FIRMS CONTINUED TO BE AFFECTED BY PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES AND SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR IN THE FIRST QUARTER. IN ADDITION, A GENERAL SHORTAGE OF LABOUR WAS ALSO REPORTED BY FIRMS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROBLEM OF HIGH MATERIAL PRICES HAS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN SIGNIFICANT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THERE WAS A LARGE PROPORTION OF FIRMS CITING PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL AND FOREIGN FIRMS IN HONG KONG AS PROBLEMS FOR BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS.
FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR WERE VERY MUCH AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION IN THE FIRST QUARTER. OTHER MORE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS INDICATED BY RESTAURANTS WERE INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS, SHORTAGE OF STAFF GENERALLY, HIGH STAFF COSTS AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER. HIGH STAFF TURNOVER WAS ALSO COMMON AMONG HOTELS. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO PREVAIL IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
PRICE COMPETITION WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FACED BY THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION AND BANKS BUSINESSES FOR BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF 1987. BANKS WERE ALSO AFFECTED EXTENSIVELY BY HIGH STAFF TURNOVER, THOUGH THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM IS EXPECTED TO DIMINISH IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD IMPROVED, REMAINED THE SAME OR DETERIORATED IN THE QUARTER JUST ENDED AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
/FX)R THE...........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 19^7
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FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION WOULD IMPROVE, REMAIN THE SAME OR DETERIORATE. THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $3.50 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-823*779.
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STUDENT WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME IN FULL SWING X M M X X
A MONTH-LONG WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS NOW IN FULL SWING.
THE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED ON MAY 7, INCLUDES VISITS TO ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS. IT IS AIMED AT ENABLING STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS SPECIALISED FIELDS OF WORK AND TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ACTUAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
SO FAR, MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS FROM 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SHAM S HU I PO, KOWLOON CITY AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICTS HAVE VISITED A WIDE RANGE OF ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDING BANKS, NEWSPAPERS. AIRLINE CATERERS, TELEVISION STATIONS, PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES AND TRAINING CENTRES OF DISCIPLINARY FORCES.
DURING THE VISITS, THE STUDENTS WERE BRIEFED ON THE JOB NATURE, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION IN ITS OWN SPHERE OF WORK.
/A LABOUR
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
14
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAMME FOUND THE VISIT BOTH INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING.
♦WE HOPE THAT THROUGH SUCH CAREERS-ORIENTATED ACTIVITIES, THE STUDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO DEVELOP A MORE REALISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING JOBS BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTERESTS AND POTENTIAL,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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APPLICATIONS CALLED FOR SCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPIAD * * * ft *
SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE SECOND SCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPIAD THIS SUMMER.
ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPIAD IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOL ATH.ETES TO SHARE THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES IN VARIOUS SPORTS.
THIS YEAR’S OLYMPIAD WILL TAKE PLACE FROM JULY 12 TO 26 AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT 3 OOO SECONDARY PUPILS WOULD PARTICIPATE IN FIVE SPORTS - ATHLETICS, BADMINTON, BASKETBALL, SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL.
THE BEST THREE SCHOOLS IN BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS GRADE IN EACH COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED WITH TROPHIES.
THE BEST THREE SCHOOLS IN EACH GRADE WITH THE HIGHEST OVERALL SCORE WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
IN ADDITION, THE THREE BEST OVERALL CHAMPION SCHOOLS WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $5 000, t3 000 AND f2 000 RESPECTIVELY BY A SPONSOR FOR IMPROVING PHYSICAL EDUCATION FACILITIES.
THE FINALS FOR BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COMPETITIONS TOGETHER WITH THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, WAN CHAI, ON JULY 26.
SCHOOL ENTRIES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FOURTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY MAY 30.
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/15........
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
15
REPORT ON HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS PUBLISHED *****
A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED + HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS, 1976-1986+ HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY SUPPLIES TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND PROVIDES A USEFUL AND CONVENIENT REFERENCE FOR STUDIES ON ENERGY BOTH WITHIN GOVERNMENT AND AMONG THE PUBLIC.
THE REPORT CONTAINS COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, INCLUDING OIL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICITY, GAS, COAL AND CHARCOAL.
FOR VARIOUS OIL PRODUCTS, STATISTICS ON LIST PRICES, STORAGE CAPACITY, TANK STOCK, IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND QUANTITY OF SALES BY TYPE OF USER ARE PRESENTED IN THE REPORT.
FOR ELECTRICITY AND GAS, THE REPORT SHOWS TARIFF CHARGES, generating capacity, production and consumption by type of user, for COAL AND CHARCOAL, FIGURES ON IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ARE GIVEN.
ANNUAL DATA ON MOST OF THESE STATISTICS FOR 1976 TO 1986 ARE ALSO PROVIDED. IN ADDITION, QUARTERLY FIGURES FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ARE PRESENTED FOR SOME OF THE ITEMS.
THE REPORT PROVIDES FRESH INFORMATION NOT PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE AS WELL AS ENERGY STATISTICS AVAILABLE FROM OTHER PUBLICATIONS, SUCH AS FUEL IMPORTS FROM +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS*.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBL I CAT IONS SALES CENTRE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE CENSUS’AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT ®9.5O A COPY.
FORCE MUSEUM TO GET PERMANENT HOME
*****
THE FORMER WAN CHAI GAP POLICE IMPROVED AND CONVERTED INTO A FORCE
THE NEw MUSEUM WILL OCCUPY 523 AND GROUND FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
STATION AT COOMBE ROAD IS TO MUSEUM.
SQUARE METRES OF THE EASEMENT
THERE WILL BE FOUR GALLERIES FOR DISPLAYING PHOTOGRAPHS AND LITERATURE ON THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL HUNG KONG PuL ICE FORCE, POLICE UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS.
/< :1IKi< IV;','IJ J I Hl- ....................
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
1f>
OTHER FACILITIES SUCH AS OFFICES, STORES AND TOILETS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE REDECORATION AND RE-FLOORING CF THE BUILDING, AND PROVISION OF AIR-CONDITIONING, SECURITY AND FIRE F IGHTING SYSTEMS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK WHICH WILL START IN JULY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MUSEUM, WHEN COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR, WOULD REPLACE THE FORCE MUSEUM CURRENTLY LOCATED IN LEASED ACCOMMODATION AT A COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
_ _ _ _ o - - - -
KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE FOR BOAT PEOPLE
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEGUN TO DISTRIBUTE GARBAGE BAGS TO FISHING VESSELS IN T HE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER FROM TODAY (MONDAY) TO JUNE 12 TO ENCOURAGE BOAT PEOPLE TO DISPOSE OF THEIR GARBAGE PROPERLY.
THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE APPROVED #17 600 TO CARRY OUT THE SCHEME WHICH ALSO INVOLVES DAILY COLLECTION OF GARBAGE FROM BOATS.
SOME 10 000 PLASTIC BAGS CARRYING THE MESSAGE +KEEP HONG KONG WATERS CLEAN* WILL BE DISTRIBUTED OVER THE FOUR-WEEK PERIOD.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMITTEE DECIDED TO CARRY OUT THE SCHEME FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF A PILOT EXERCISE DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
+T HE COMMITTEE FELT THAT TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS, SIMILAR EXERCISES SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT DURING FESTIVAL PERIODS. SUCH AS TUEN NG, WHEN MOST FISHING VESSELS RETURN FOR THE CELEBRATIONS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS IN LINE WITH THE ON-GOING CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT, AND WOULD ALSO COINCIDE WITH THE UNITED NATION’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES.
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1^»37
17
NAMING OF ROUTE 5 TUNNEL * * * * *
THE NAMING OF THE TUNNEL, LINKING SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, WILL BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW’S (TUESDAY) SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEET ING.
THE TUNNEL IS PART OF ROUTE 5, A SEVEN KILOMETRE TRUNK ROAD WHICH WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN wAH. CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS STARTED AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED Hi LATE 1989.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL AND THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY DURING THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND THE ICAC SHA TIN OFFICE COMMUNITY LIAISON WORK PLAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) mF 9.30 AM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, *=TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE.
COMMITTEE TO APPROVE FUNDS FOR PROJECTS *****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO APPROVE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS’ APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE ORGANISATION OF A ♦COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE+ PROJECT TO HELP RAISE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS AND CONCERN ON LOCAL AFFAIRS AND PROBLEMS. ACTIVITIES PLANNED INCLUDE SEMINARS, TRAINING COURSES, VISITS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS, SURVEYS AND AN OPEN FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
TAI PO COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SCHOOL PLACES
*****
THE TAI PO SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MEASURES TO MEET THE SHORTFALL OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH WAS PUBLISHED RECENTLY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATION AT AFFORDABLE COST FOR ALL HOUSEHOLDS, AND THE WORK TARGETS OF THE COMMITTEE IN 1987/88.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE DEPARTMENTAL REPORT ON EXISTING AND PLANNING PROVISIONS OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN TAI PO FOR 1987/88 AND THE ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FIRST TAI PO SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD.
- 0 -
SHINING LANDMARK IN MONG KOK
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK WILL BE FLOODED WITH LIGHT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING IN A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU.
THE LANDMARK, A CIRCULAR MARBLE COLUMN LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD, WAS OPENED IN MARCH LAST YEAR BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO.
THE BOARD LATER ACCEPTED A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL FLOODLIGHTS SO THAT THE LANDMARK COULD BE CLEARLY VISIBLE EVEN AT NIGHT-TIME.
A TREE-PLANTING CEREMONY WILL ALSO BE HELD BEFORE THE SWITCHON AT A NEARBY FLOWER BED TO COMMEMORATE THE 1987 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON THE TRAFFIC ISLAND AT THE JUNCTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
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/19 ...
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
19
WAN CHAI CULTURAL AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN FOR 1987/88.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME AS WELL AS THE PLANS TO PROMOTE CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR HOLDING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIS IN 1987/88.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
KWONG FUK ROAD BUS LANE TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE KWONG FUK ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE BETWEEN WAN TAU STREET AND PO HEUNG STREET, TAI PO WILL BE CLOSED FOR ROAD WORK BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12 NOON TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
DURING THE CLOSURE, KMB 74A AND 74X WILL BE DIVERTED STREET AND PO HEUNG STREET.
ROUTES NO. 69, 70, 72A, 72B, 72X, VIA WAN TAU STREET, HEUNG SZE WUI
THE BUS STOP IN KWONG FUK ROAD WILL BE RELOCATED TO HEUNG SZE WUI STREET.
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1987
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN *****
YUE WOK STREET IN TIN WAN, ABERDEEN, WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 20).
AT THE SAME TIME, YUE KO STREET BETWEEN SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND YUE WOK STREET WILL BECOME TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL EE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLO« INC-DAY SO THAT A LEAKAGE TEST CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KWEILIN STREET, LAI CHI KOK ROAD, YEN CHOW STREET AND CHEUNG SHA wAN ROAD, INCLUDING APLIU STREET, YU CHAU STREET, KI LUNG STREET, TAI NAN STREET ANO SHAM SHU I PO MARKET.
0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*«•**•*
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 50.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 296.961 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 263.876 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
CONTENTS Page no.
princess Margaret to visit hong kong ........................ 1
STABLE EXCHANGE RATE KEY TO HK ECONOMIC GROWTH .............
CHAMBER REFLECTS GROWING BRITISH BUSINESS INTEREST IN HK ... 6
CMB'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE SATISFACTORY ..................... 7
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VET SURVEY OFFICE PROPOSALS ........... 8
FINaL CONTRACT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SIGNED .......... 10
EXPANSION OF OUTREaCHING SOCIAL SERVICE MAPPED OUT ......... 11
FOURTH QUARTER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED ....... 12
MONG KOK LANDMARK LIT UP ................................... 16
SKILLS CENTRES FOR DISABLED HOLD OPEN DAY .................. 16
LEGCO TO CONSIDER WAGE CEILING FOR EMPLOYEE PROTECTION ..... 17
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF aP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL............. 17
SHA TIN NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENS ........................... 18
BOARD COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FIIM CENSORSHIP ................. 18
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOaRD TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY ........ 19
REVISION OF BUS SERVICES TO BE DISCUSSED.................... 20
HUNG MUI KUK ROAD TO BE CLOSED.............................. 20
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
1
PRINCESS MARGARET TO VISIT HONG KONG
*****
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARGARET, COUNTESS OF SNOWDON, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, BY THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT FROM CHINA FOR A THREE-DAY VISIT.
ACCOMPANIED BY VISCOUNT LINLEY AND LADY SARAH ARMSTRONG-JONES, SHE WILL ATTEND A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING VISITS TO THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION AND OCEAN PARK.
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL ALSO OPEN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AND A NEW WORKSHOP AT HMS TAMAR, AND ATTEND A LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FIXED PRESS POSITIONS WILL BE SET UP FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE ROYAL PARTY’S VISIT.
ONLY ACCREDITED MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WITH APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE PRESS POSITIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PRESS BADGES WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION LATER TODAY.
THE FOLLOWING ARE MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE VISIT:
ACCREDI TAT ION
ALL MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA COVERING THE PROGRAMME HAVE TO BE ACCREDITED SPECIALLY FOR THE VISIT. NORMAL NEWS MEDIA IDENTIFICATION ALONE WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO GAIN ACCESS TO OFFICIAL PRESS POSITIONS.
IDENTIFICATION OF ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE BY LAPEL BADGES. THE APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGE MUST BE WORN FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL FUNCTION IN ORDER TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE POSITIONS.
ON OCCASIONS WHERE IT WILL EE NECESSARY TO USE A POOL SYSTEM, PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY GIS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES, TV STATIONS AND PERIODICALS.
/APPLICATION FORM
TUESDAY, MAY 19, ">987
APPLICATION FORM
THE APPLICATION FORM FOR ACCREDITATION AT EACH PRESS POSITION PROVIDED FOR THE VISIT WILL BE BOXED SEPARATELY. EDITORS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE GIS DUTY OFFICER, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BY 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 22, AT THE LATEST. APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ISSUED BY GIS OFFICERS TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE SPOT BEFORE EACH FUNCTION BEGINS.
USE OF FLASH LIGHTS AND TELE-LENSES
EDITORS ARE ADVISED THAT FLASH LIGHTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED AND MAY NOT BE PERMITTED WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS.
TELE-LENSES WILL BE NECESSARY FOR SOME EVENTS.
GENERAL
EDITORS ARE ADVISED TO RETAIN THE DETAILED PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRIEFING THEIR REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSIGNED TO COVER THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS. FURTHER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM ON THE 6TH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
YOU ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT HRH’S PUBLIC FUNCTIONS WILL BE CHECKS.
ALL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH SECURITY
PRESS FACILITIES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
ARRIVAL
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS MARGARET, ACCOMPANIED BY VISCOUNT LINLEY AND LADY SARAH ARMSTRONG-JONES, WILL ARRIVE BY THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT AT ABOUT 3 PM. THEY WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON.
THERE WILL BE A FIXED PRESS POSITION OPPOSITE THE AIRCRAFT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 1.30 PM.
/THURSDAY, MAY 28 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
THURSDAY, MAY 28
ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL VISIT THE ACADEMY AT 11.10 AM.
A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 10 AM FOR THE ACADEMY WHERE TWO FIXED POSITIONS, AT A DANCE STUDIO AND THE ORCHESTRAL HALL, WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION
HRH WILL ARRIVE AT THE GIRL GUIDES HEADQUARTERS AT 11.50 AM. SHE WILL ALSO PLANT A TREE AT THE END OF THE TOUR.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS FOR THIS EVENT. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 10.30 AM.
EDITORS SHOULD NOTE THAT MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COVER THE GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION.
FMS TAMAR
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL ARRIVE AT 2.30 PM TO UNVEIL A PLAyUE TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF A NEW WORKSHOP AT TAMAR AND WATCH A SEARCH AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION.
A PRESS POSITION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE UNVEILING CEREMONY AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION. ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THIS FUNCTION SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN GATE OF TAMAR BY 1.33 PM AT THE LATEST.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
HRH WILL OPEN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AT 11.30 AM.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED POSITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF THE OPENING CEREMONY AND AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
/TRADE DEVELOPMENT
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 198?
TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL ATTEND A LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHO,. BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AT 12.30 PM AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL.
DUE TO SPACE LIMITATION, ONLY POOL COVERAGE WILL BE ARRANGED. STILL PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE SUPPLIED BY GIS, AND THERE WILL BE SEPARATE POOL ARRANGEMENT FOR TELEVISIONS.
OCEAN PARK
HRH WILL ARRIVE AT 2.30 PM AND UNVEIL A PLAQUE FOR OCEAN PARK’S NEW AVIARY. SHE WILL ALSO VISIT THE ATOLL REEF.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF THE AVIARY AND ATOLL REEF. THE SAME GROUP OF MEDIA REPRESENTAT VES WILL BE ABLE TO COVER BOTH POINTS IF THEY TRAVEL ON THE OFFICIAL PRESS COACH WHICH LEAVES C.G.O. CARPARK AT 1.15 PM.
DEPARTURE
HRH WILL LEAVE HONG KONG AT 11 PM BY FLIGHT CX201.
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING. ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10 PM.
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STABLE EXCHANGE RATE KEY TO HK ECONOMIC GROWTH ft ft X ft X
A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE HAS BEEN All IMPORTANT FACTOR CONTRIBUTING steui’g s’Ace Sal wheh HOMS koto Mci*» W»5 LK«ea it ths US BOLLAR.
THIS WAS STATE* TODAY (TUESDAY) lY THE lEPUTY SECRETARY FOR monetary Affairs* hr Joseph yam. when he addressed the Chinese ASSOCIATION OF JtpOSIT-TAKI NG COMPANIES LIMITED AT A DINNER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE IT WAS A FACT THAT IN OCTOBER 3 IT WAS BASICALLY ON POLITICAL REASONS THAT HONG KONG LINKED ITS DOLLAR TO US DOLLAR. HOWEVER. WITH HINDSIGHT. HE WAS CONVINCED THAT THE ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATIONS WERE BY THEMSELVES SOUND ENOUGH TO MERIT THE TAKING OF SUCH ACTION.
/ASSESSING THE
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
5
ASSESSING the strengths EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, MR YAM LINK WITH THE US DOLLAR IN A FROM A PEGGED RELATIONSHIP.
ANB WEAKNESSES OF HONG KONG’S LINKE© EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG HAD A FORMAL MANNER WHICH WAS SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT
♦THE LINK IS ARGUABLY A
STRONGER FORM OF RELATIONSHIP THAN A PEG, ANB IS SIMILAR TO THE 19TH CENTURY GOLD STANDARD AND THE 20TN CENTURY ’CURRENCY BOARD’ SYSTEM. AT THE CENTRE ©F IT IS THE FIXED PRICE AGAINST THE US DOLLAR AT 7.80 FOR THE ISSUE OR REDEMPTION OF CURRENCY NOTES. THlft IS AN IMPORTANT ANCHOR WHICH IS NOT NORMALLY A FEATURE IN A PEGGED RELATIONSHIP,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
♦IT PROVIDES A CLEAR, ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ARBITRAGE WHEN the exchange rate in the foreign exchange market moves significantly AWAY FROM the LINKED RATE. THERE IS NO FORMAL INTERVENTION RANGE, BUT THE OPTION TO INTERVENE. IN A MUCH MORE FLEXIBLE MANNER THAN IN THE CASE OF A PEGGED RELATIONSHIP, IS THERE,* HE ADDED.
HOWEVER. HE ADMITTED THAT ONE UNDESIRABLE ASPECT IN PEGGING Oft LINKING ONE’S CURRENCY TO ANOTHER CURRENCY WAS THAT THE DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ANB MONETARY CONDITIONS THEN BECOME MUCH MORE DEPENDENT ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DOMINANT ECONOMY, IN PARTICULAR THE MOVEMENTS OF THE DOMINANT CURRENCY.
♦WE HAVE SEEN HOW THE STRENGTHENING OF THE US DOLLAR IN 1984
OUR GDP GREW BY LESS THAN 1 PER CENT IN 1985 BUT BOUNCES BACK
TO RECORD A GROWTH RATE OF ALMOST 9 PER CENT IN 1986
♦OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 5 PER CENT IN 198? BUT GREW BY 16 PER CENT IN 1986. THE RECENT WEAKNESS OF THE US DOLLAR HAS ALSO THREATENED TO BRING HIGHER INFLATION. THERE WERE ALSO SPECULATIVE INFLOWS INTO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, NECESSITATING ADJUSTMENTS THROUGH LOWER INTEREST RATES AND HIGHER GROWTH RATES OF THE MONEY SUPPLY. HK|M3 GREW IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1986 BY 12 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST
HALF.
IT GREW BY ANOTHER 6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF
THIS YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR YAM NOTED THAT THESE RATHER UNUSUAL FLUCTUATIONS MUST BE PUT IN THEIR PROPER CONTEXT. *NO BOUBT THEY ARE A REFLECTION OF THE EXTENT OF ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY UNDER THE LINKEB EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM. BUT WHAT WE HAVE SEEN RECENTLY WERE RATHER EXTREME MOVEMENTS IN THE US DOLLAR. AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE DEUTSCHEMARK THERE WAS A SWING OF ALMOST 50 PER CENT.
♦THE FACT THAT, EVEN AGAINST SUCH VOLATILE CONDITIONS, WE ACHIEVED, OVER A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS, VERY RESPECTABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH FULL EMPLOYMENT AND MODERATE INFLATION, ON TOP OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY, IS VERY MUCH A VINDICATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM OF OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/6
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 19l7
6
CHAMBER REFLECTS GROWING BRITISH * * * M
BUSINESS INTEREST IN HK *
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG REFLECTED A GROWING INTEREST AMONG BRITISH BUSINESSMEN IN THE TERRITORY. BOTH IN ITS OWN RIGHT AND AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS EVENING (TUESDAY).
of «*.« iss.rsrawiMfSTUSMii ns
LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND THE SEVENTH LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS.
♦THE VALUE 0F BRITISH INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS VERY LARGE, INCLUDING AS IT DOES. SERVICE. FINANCING AND TRADING COMPANIES. PRECISE FIGURES FOR THESE SECTORS ARE DIFFICULT TO COME BY. BUT INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ALONE IS OVER >1 BILLION,* THE GOVERNOR SAIB.
HE ADDED THAT IN 1906, HONG KONG DOUG KT FROM DR ITAIN GOODS WORTH ABOUT 960 MILLION POUND (ABOUT HKflE.9 BILLION), MAKING HONG KONG THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR BRITISH EXPORTS IN ASIA, COMING JUST AFTER JAPAN.
♦LET’S BRING THESE STATISTICS DOWN TO A MANAGEABLE SIZE. THEY MEAN THAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN OR CHILD IN HONG KONG BUYS POUND STERLING 177 (ABOUT HK|2 310) WORTH OF BRITISH GOODS EACH YEAR. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HONG Kofo AS A MARKET IS CLEAR IF YOU COMPARE THIS WITH POUNB STERLING 1*0 (ABOUT HK|1 03*) PER HEAD IN WEST GERMANY, POUND STERLING *5 (ABOUT UNITED STATES AND POUND STERLING 10 (ABOUT HK|131) PER HEAD IN
T HK|1 03*) PER HEAD HK|589) PER HEAD IN THE
JAPAN,* HE SAID
HE ALSO SAID HE SENSED A NEW DETERMINATION OF BRITISH BUSINESSMEN TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE HONG KONG MARKET AND TO WORK IN IT.
♦WE IN HONG KONG WELCOME THIS TREND. WE HOPE THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER WILL HELP TO MAINTAIN ANB DEVELOP THIS INTEREST AND STRENGTHEN THE TRADING LINKS BETWEEN US,* HE ADDED.
- 0
/7
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
7
CMB’S OVERALL PERFORMANCE SATISFACTORY ft * * * ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE OVERALL MECHANICAL CONDITION OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY'S (CMB) BUSES AND THE RECENT OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) LEARNT TODAY (TUESDAY).
AS ITS MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, THE TAC CONSIDERED THE REPORT ON CMB’S PERFORMANCE WHICH COVERED ASSESSMENTS ON BUS MAINTENANCE, ACCIDENT TRENDS, COMPLAINTS, QUALITY OF SERVICE, DEPOT PROVISION AND COMPANY MANAGEMENT.
THE REVIEW COVERED THE PERIOD BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1986 AND FEBRUARY 28, 1987. IT WAS FOUND THAT CMB HAD COMPLIED WITH NEARLY ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TAC WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCE. SPECIFIC MEASURES TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IMPROVED TRAINING COURSES, THE SETTING UP OF A QUALITY CONTROL GROUP, THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ORGANISATION AND METHOD CONSULTANT AND RATIONALISATION OF THE BUS FLEET.
THE TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE SAFETY STANDARD OF CMB BUSES HAD IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY DURING THE YEAR. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF SAFETY DEFECTS FOUND ON CMB BUSES DURING SPOT CHECKS HAD BEEN REDUCED FROM 0.5 DEFECT PER BUS IN EARLY 1986 TO 0.3 BY THE END OF THE YEAR. THIS SAFETY LEVEL IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF KOWLOON MOTOR BUS BUSES.
THE NUMBER OF INJURY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CMB BUSES HAD BEEN REDUCED BY 16 PER CENT FROM 433 IN 1985 TO 363 IN 1986. MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE IMPROVING TREND, DUE LARGELY TO THE IMPROVED MAINTENANCE STANDARDS INTRODUCED AS A RESULT OF TAC’S MONITORING AND TIGHTER STAFF SUPERVISION BY CMB, DID PROVIDE REASON FOR OPTIMISM.
REGARDING THE QUALITY OF CMB SERVICES, TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE COMPANY CONTINUED TO DEPLOY SUFFICIENT BUSES TO MEET THE SCHEDULED REQUIREMENTS AND THAT 96 PER CENT OF BUS DEPARTURES WERE ON SCHEDULE.
THE REPORTS OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT SHOW THAT CMB’S SHARE OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS CONTINUED TO DECLINE IN 1986. IT DROPPED FROM 25.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF ALL MODES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986 TO 15.6 PER CENT IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
ALTHOUGH SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS WERE FOUND IN ITS MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE COMPANY DOES NOT HAVE A MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE MANAGERS WITH THE DATA NECESSARY FOR ASSESSING THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF MAINTAINING OLD BUSES VIS-A-VIS THEIR REPLACEMENT BY NEW BUSES. AS A FIRST STEP TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION, MEMBERS SUGGESTED THAT THE COMPANY SHOULD SET UP A COMPUTERISED MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN ORDER TO PLAN AND MAKE DECISION ON ITS BUS REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME IN A MORE RATIONAL MANNER, AND WORK OUT AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY CMB’S BUS SCRAPPING AND PURCHASING PROGRAMME.
/I'ilE C.HlTTtJE......
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 198?
8 -
THE COMMITTEE AGREED THAT THE PERFORMANCE SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED AND ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL THAT THE SUBMIT ANOTHER REPORT TO THE TAC I
FUTURE MONITORING OF CMB’S ON A WIDER RANGE OF INDICATORS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD
N ONE YEAR’S TIME.
APART FROM REVIEWING CMB’S PERFORMANCE, THE TAC ALSO CONSIDERED AN INTERIM REPORT ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW SUBMITTED BY A TAC SUB-COMMITTEE. THE REVIEW WHICH COMMENCED IN AUGUST HAS EXAMINED DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF TAXI OPERATION WHICH INCLUDED THE ROLE OF TAXIS IN THE OVERALL TRANSPORT HIERARCHY, HOW THE OPTIMUM SIZE OF THE TAXI FLEET MAY BE DETERMINED, POSSIBLE MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TAXI SERV,CE’ A*® ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF ISSUING TAXI LIGENCES•
their vie“s
.... TAC t°DAY ENDORSED THE INTERIM REPORT AND THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S NEXT TASK WILL BE THE PREPARATION OF A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT FOR CONSIDERATION OF ALL DISTRICT BOARDS. THE TAC TODAY STRESSED AGAIN THAT TAXI PREMIUM WOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT M!S^R!oN?nIAX‘ FARE ,NC*E*SES. THIS IS Ls5 t5e PRACTICE ”1 » HI N I He TRADE.
the DEFERRED TO TAC.
APPLICATION FROM LANTAU TAXIS FOR A FARE INCREASE HAS BEEN FOR FUTURE UP-TO-DATE RESEARCH FIGURES TO BE PROVIDED
- 0 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VET SURVEY OFFICE PROPOSALS * * * * *
, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT fJ.A MILLION, FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SURVEY OFFICE AND THE OFFICE OF THE MONITORS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS, THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE AN INCREASE OF >5 322 000 IN THE ESTABLISHMENT CEILING OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION OF 53 NONDIRECTORATE POSTS FOR THE TWO OFFICES.
/THE MAIN .......
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 19^7
- 9 -
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE GF THE SURVEY OFFICE IS TO OBTAIN AS WIDE A PUBLIC RESPONSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF MAY.
IN PARTICULAR, IT HAS TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE *SILENT MAJORITY* WOULD BE ELICITED.
THE SURVEY OFFICE IS COMMISSIONED TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 31 THIS YEAR, AN IMPARTIAL ANB ACCURATE REPORT COLLATING AND PRESENTING ALL VIEWS AND OPINIONS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC AND EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA.
AND TO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, TWO INDEPENDENT MONITORS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON THEIR OBSERVATIONS ON THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE.
OTHER ITEMS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE ARE*
M AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $2 057 000 TO ASSIST THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION TOWARDS BUILDING AND EQUIPPING A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL TO KO CHIU ROAD, KWUN TONG;
M A COMMITMENT OF <3 50# 000 TO ASSIST THE HILDESHEIM MISSION TOWARDS EXTENDING AND EQUIPPING THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE - A BOARDING SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND;
M AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY *3 AAA 000 TO ASSIST THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TOWARDS BUILDING AND EQUIPPING A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR THE MILDLY AND MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AT LAI KING;
M AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF OWNER-OCCUPIER ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO OFFICERS POSTED TO THE LONDON OFFICE ;
* A REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF THE SPECIAL ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM RECRUITED STAFF WORKING IN THE LONDON OFFICE FROM 20 PER CENT OF BASIC SALARY TO 10 PER CENT OF BASIC SALARY FOR NEW APPOINTEES;
ft INCREASES IN THE DAILY HONORARIA PAYABLE TO DEPUTY JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT, DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES AND TEMPORARY MAGISTRATES; AND
ft HIGHER LIMITS OF OVER-COMMITMENT IN 1987-80 FOR FIVE CAPITAL ACCOUNT BLOCK VOTES FOR WHICH THE STANDARD LIMIT OF 50 PER CENT IS INADEQUATE.
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR THE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL.
-------o----------
/10........
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
10
FINAL CONTRACT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SIGNED *****
THE CONTRACT TO BUILD THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE OF THE ISLAND
EASTERN CORRIDOR WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS LAST STAGE OF THE NINE-KILOMETRE-LONG SUPER HIGHWAY WILL RUN FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO THE WING TAI INTERCHANGE.
WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN EARLY 1990, MOTORISTS WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO CHAI WAN IN A MATTER OF MINUTES.
TODAY’S CONTRACT. SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS. MR HAROLD EATON, AND MR J. HAMILTON OF LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY. LTD., WAS VALUED AT 1184 MILLION AND BRINGS THE TOTAL COST OF THE CORRIDOR TO SI.76 BILLION.
THE WORK IN THIS CONTRACT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF AN 8G0-METRE-LONQ DUAL TWO-LANE ELEVATED ROAD FROM SHAU KE I WAN, WHERE THE CORRIDOR AT PRESENT ENDS, ALONG THE EASTERN SIDE OF ALDRICH BAY THROUGH A KUNG NGAM TO LYEMUN BARRACKS, AND A 1.6-KILOMETRE DUAL TWO-LANE GROUND-LEVEL ROAD RUNNING THROUGH LYEMUN BARRACKS ALONG THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE HENG FA CHUEN DEVELOPMENT TO WING TAI INTERCHANGE.
SLIP ROADS WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE CORRIDOR FROM A KUNG NGAM, HENG FA CHUEN DEVELOPMENT AND WING TAI ROAD.
LOCAL SERVICE ROADS WILL BE PROVIDED AT A KUNG NGAM TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
THE FIRST SECTION OF THE CORRIDOR, PROBABLY HONG KONG’S MOST AMBITIOUS ROAD PROJECT TO DATE, OPENED IN JUNE, 1984, AND RAN FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAIKOO SHING. THE SECOND STAGE, FROM 1AIK00 SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN, OPENED JUST OVER A YEAR LATER. THE SHORT SECTION FROM WING TAI INTERCHANGE TO CHAI WAN HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE JUNE, 198$.
THE CORRIDOR HAS RELIEVED TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND BY PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRAVELLING ALONG KING’S ROAD AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD. TRAFFIC ALONG THESE TWO ROADS NOW RUNS SMOOTHLY IN COMPARISON TO THE SITUATION IN THE LATE 197O’S AMD EARLY 1980’S.
0
/11 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
11
EXPANSION OF OUTREACH ING
X X
SOCIAL SERVICE MAPPED OUT
XXX
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO EXPAND THE OUTREACH ING SOCIAL SERVICE AT THE RATE OF IWO TEAMS PER YEAR OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
THE PROPOSAL WAS PUT FORWARD BY THE STEERING GROUP SET UP JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO EXAMINE THE CRITERIA AND INDICATORS FOR PRIORITY AREAS FOR THIS SERVICE, THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE EXISTING TEAMS, THE DEMAND FOR SUCH SERVICES IN NEW TOWNS AND OTHER AREAS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE TEAMS SHOULD BE REDEPLOYED AND HOW THE SERVICE SHOULD BE EXPANDED.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACCEPTED THAT IN SELECTING PRIORITY AREAS, THREE PRINCIPAL INDICATORS — THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE PROSECUTED, THE SIZE OF YOUTH POPULATION AND POPULATION DENSITY — SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
CONSEQUENTLY. IT WAS AGREED THAT IN THE ORDER OF PRIORITY, THE SIX ADDITIONAL TEAMS WOULD BE ALLOCATED TO SHA TIN, WONG TAI SIN, YUEN LONG, KOWLOON CITY, KWAI CHUNG/TSING Yl AND EASTERN.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE EXISTING 18 TEAMS, THE COMMITTEE SHARED THE STEERING GROUP’S VIEW THAT THEY SHOULD BE RETAINED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF REDEPLOYING ONE TEAM TO ANOTHER AREA, SUBJECT TO FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THE OPERATING AGENCY.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO ENDORSED THAT THE ENTIRE OUTREACH ING SERVICE SHOULD BE MONITORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE STEERING GROUP TO PREPARE FOR ANOTHER REVIEW IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
ALSO AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE ITEMS OF IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING WELFARE SERVICES TO BE FUNDED BY THE RECOVERED SURPLUS OF $6 MILLION AND AMONG THEM WAS ONE TO IMPLEMENT AND AGREED IMPROVEMENT OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER TO STUDENT RATIO FROM liA OOO TO 113 000.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND COMPOSITION OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY TO BE SET UP WITHIN THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH WERE ALSO DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
1?
FOURTH QUARTER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED
*****
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986. AT 165.2, WAS 27.3 POINTS OR 19.8 PER CENT ABOVE THAT FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE INBEX SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 6.6 POINTS OR 4.2 PER CENT. DESPITE THE THIRD QUARTER IS USUALLY THE PEAK SEASON FOR MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES.
ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED, THE UPSURGE IN THE LEVEL OF PRODUCTION WAS LARGELY DUE TO A CONTINUED STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN MANY OVERSEAS MARKETS. THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN LINE WITH THE US DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM HELPED BOOST THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS IN MANY OVERSEAS MARKETS.
INDUSTRIES WITH THE MOST SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 WERE NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (*33.2 PER CENT), LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (*28.0 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (*28.0 PER CENT), PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (♦26.6 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (*26.1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A FEW INDUSTRIES REPORTED A DECLINE IN PRODUCTION OVER THE SAME PERIOD. THESE INCLUDED BASIC METALS (-19.0 PER CENT), BEVERAGES (-2.9 PER CENT) AND TOBACCO (-1.6 PER CENT).
COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986. INDUSTRIES WITH INCREASES IN PRODUCTION INCLUDED BASIC METALS (*29.0 PER CENT), TOBACCO (*20.9 PER CENT), AND PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (♦13.1 PER CENT).
PARTLY DUE TO SEASONAL INFLUENCE, THE INDEX OF PRODUCTION IN THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY DROPPED RATHER SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 35.4 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER. SOME MANUFACTURERS REPORTED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE LOCAL PRODUCTION OF BEER AND SOFT DRINKS BECAUSE OF REDUCED DEMAND FOR THEIR OUTPUT FROM CHINA AND CHANGES IN THE FIRMS' PRODUCTION POLICIES.
/Tilt; OTHbH..............
15
'.'Uli.DnY, I l ■ 1“, 1 '> 7
THE OTHER INDUSTRIES WITH A DECLINE IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER WERE PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (-11.4 PER CENT). PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-0.4 PER CENT) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-7.7 PER CENT).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES. A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER REMOVING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGE.
TWO TABLES ON THE QUARTERLY INDICES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT ION.......
FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1586 HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED. ONE IS A SUMMARY TABLE FOR BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, WHILE THE OTHER GIVES A MORE DETAILED INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE ♦REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, FOURTH QUARTER 1986* AT 13 PER COPY.
THE PUBLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER. 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION AaY ALSO BE ARRANGED WITH THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234832.
TUESDAY, LaY 19&7
14
Table 1 Sunmary table of quarterly inflexes of industrial production by broad induatry group, 4th quarter 1983 to 4th quarter 1986
(1981 - 100)
Broad induatry group Weight 1983 1984 1985 1986 1983 1984 1985 1986
4Q IQ 2Q 3Q 4Q IQ 2Q 3Q 4Q •* IQ 2Q 30 4Q
1. Food, beveragea and tobacco 34.8 110.9 119.0 138.5 150.2 122.6 102.9 122.8 126.6 123.6 125.6 133.6 145.1 149.7 136.7 144.4 161.9 157.8
2. Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 251.3 106.0 113.8 105.0 124.8 115.6 104.3 114.1 115.9 120.7 95.3 97.1 104.6 122.8 102.5 121.5 130.7 144.3
3. Textilea (including knitting) 127.4 103.5 115.0 119.6 150.0 110.8 99.6 119.5 120.7 120.1 85.9 119.6 132.3 140.7 100.9 147.2 174.6 177.4
4. Paper producta and printing 61.3 133.1 157.1 156.8 183.1 141.7 121.4 160.2 177.4 169.3 139.2 157.9 163.5 166.5 141.0 178.4 204.4 208.4
5. Chemical, rubber, plaatic and non-metallic Mineral producta 110.0 120.8 160.3 160.5 184.2 122.6 113.2 153.0 199.9 175.1 134.6 163.9 183.0 160.5 134.8 182.8 217.2 201.9
6. Basic Metals, fabricated netal producta and nonelectrical Machinery 104.1 105.1 132.2 130.8 148.1 111.2 113.1 139.1 151.9 124.8 108.1 140.5 136.2 138.2 107.4 154.2 162.3 168.6
7. Electrical and electronic products, professional equipsent and optical goods 216.2 123.2 133.5 128.9 144.8 142.2 109.3 126.7 143.0 155.1 118.8 129.1 129.7 138.1 126.1 143.2 148.2 161.6
8. Miscellaneous Manufacturing induatriea 94.9 117.6 154.6 114.1 130.0 141.6 119.1 145.1 168.3 185.8 104.5 105.7 121.8 124.5 121.1 125.7 132.0 141.1
Kll Manufacturing induatriea 1000.0 113.9 132.0 126.0 146.2 125.4 109.1 130.5 144.5 143.7 109.5 124.6 132.1 137.9 116.8 144.3 158.6 165.2
TUESDAY, ’AY 1?, 1987
Table 2
Quarterly indexes of industrial production by induatry group _____________4th quarter 1983 to 4th quarter 1986_______________
(1981 - 100)
Industry group Weight 1983 1984 1985 1986 1983 1984 1985 1986
4Q 10 20 30 *0 10 20 30 40 10 20 30 40
1.1 Food 20.5 120.5 119.1 135.4 154.3 139.2 108.3 123.5 121.9 122.6 128.9 129.9 135.1 147.8 143.4 154.4 155.3 163.9
1.2 Beverage 9.6 98.0 109.5 107.6 114.3 95.1 74.7 124.4 140.2 98.5 80.7 112.8 134.6 102.2 89.6 114.8 153.5 99.2
1.3 Tobacco 4.7 95.3 137.9 215.1 206.0 106.4 137.1 116.3 119.2 178.9 203.2 191.9 209.8 255.3 203.8 161.1 207.8 251.2
2 Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 251.3 106.0 113.8 105.0 124.8 115.6 104.3 114.1 115.9 120.7 95.3 97.1 104.6 122.8 102.5 121.5 130.7 144.3
J Textiles (including knitting) 127.4 103.5 115.0 119.6 150.0 110.8 99.6 119.5 120.7 120.1 85.9 119.6 132.3 140.7 100.9 147.2 174.6 177.4
4.1 Psper and paper products 11.9 182.5 240.2 223.8 255.8 207.6 190.9 255.7 270.9 243.4 187.6 232.4 263.2 212.1 187.8 263.5 303.2 268.6
4.2 Newspsper printing, job printing and other printing 49.4 121.2 137.1 140.7 165.5 125.8 104.7 137.2 154.9 151.5 127.6 140.0 139.5 155.5 129.7 157.9 180.6 193.9
5.1 Chemicals and chemical products 15.1 125.3 133.2 160.5 192.9 132.7 124.8 116.3 147.9 143.6 148.5 153.9 164.5 175A 152.1 179.6 223.8 215.9
5.2 lubber products 3.2 134.6 150.4 122.4 120.7 173.3 108.5 141.1 158.3 193.7 99.6 144.1 116.5 129.4 87.5 115.1 139.6 140.7
5.3 Plastic products 81.1 121.1 174.0 169.7 194.2 119.3 114.0 168.0 225.0 189.1 139.0 174.0 199.6 166.0 137.6 194.8 232.0 212.4
5.4 Nou-metallic mineral products 10.6 108.5 97.0 102.2 114.1 117.7 91.8 93.7 94.9 107.4 91.6 107.2 102.9 107.2 102.7 115.5 117.7 120.6
6.1 Basic metals 9.0 109.7 98.1 89.9 79.8 109.1 94.4 99.8 97.7 100.4 70.3 89.8 95.7 103.7 79.3 90.9 65.1 84.0
6.2 Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment 77.0 95.9 138.1 133.2 151.7 103.0 114.1 146.9 165.9 125.6 110.0 142.8 139.0 140.9 104.3 157.7 171.5 173.1
6.3 Machinery, except electrical 18.1 141.9 124.2 140.7 167.2 147.1 118.4 125.2 119.5 133.6 118.8 155.7 144.3 144.0 134.4 170.9 171.6 191.8
7.1 Consumer electrical and electronic products 103.2 113.1 150.0 134.9 157.7 128.0 116.0 134.3 164.6 185.2 128.9 138.2 124.7 147.6 135.2 151.8 162.0 181.8
7.2 Electrical and electronic parts, accessories and machinery 60.3 114.3 105.0 99.8 100.2 137.0 87.5 105.8 110.8 115.9 95.6 101.6 107.7 94.4 83.0 99.2 111.6 106.8
7.3 Professional and scientific equipment, photographic and optical gooda, watches and clocks 52.7 153.2 133.8 150.6 170.5 176.1 121.1 135.8 137.5 140.9 125.5 142.7 164.8 169.4 157.6 176.6 163.2 184.6
8.1 Leather products and footwear (except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear) 12.2 72.8 67.9 66.4 82.6 94.4 60.7 74.3 65.2 71.3 50.3 69.8 74.5 70.8 74.2 80.9 84.1 91.2
8.2 Wood and cork products, and furniture and fixtures (except primarily of metal) 18.5 83.1 83.7 86.9 99.2 89.7 85.1 81.8 85.0 83.0 87.9 83.3 83.6 92.8 86.0 94.9 101.6 114.1
8.3 Transport equipment 27.0 98.5 133.2 113.0 136.4 117.2 111.7 118.4 155.3 147.5 109.2 112.6 118.4 111.6 150.5 161.0 121.8 112.4
8.4 Miscellaneous manufacturing industriee, n.e.c. 37.2 163.3 233.8 144.3 156.2 200.5 160.6 219.2 252.9 302.3 127.2 123.7 158.8 167.3 132.7 130.1 170.2 191.8
All manufacturing industries 1000.0 113.9 132.0 126.0 146.2 125.4 109.1 130.5 144.5 143.7 109.5 124.6 132.1 137.9 116.8 144.3 158.6 165.2
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
16
MONG KOK LANDMARK LIT UP *****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK WAS LIT UP WITH FLOODLIGHTS AFTER A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD, THE DISTRICT LANDMARK, A CIRCULAR MARBLE COLUMN, WAS CONSTRUCTED TO GIVE AN IDENTIFICATION TO THE DISTRICT AND TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
IT WAS OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
FLOODLIGHTS WERE LATER INSTALLED TO ILLUMINATE THE MONUMENT SO THAT IT COULD BE VISIBLE AT NIGHT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, THANKED THE KING KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO THE INITIAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANDMARK AND THE SUBSEQUENT INSTALLATION OF THE FLOODLIGHTS.
♦WE HOPE THIS FINE TRADITION OF FRIENDLY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE ORGANISATION AND THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT MORE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT,♦ HE SAID.
A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WAS ALSO HELD TODAY PRIOR TO THE SWITCH-ON TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
THREE YOUNG CASSIA SURATTENSIS WERE PLANTED IN A NEARBY FLOWER BED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG- CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR CLEMENT TAO AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR WONG YUEN-WEI.
SKILLS CENTRES FOR DISABLED HOLD OPEN LAY
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ATTEND TH- JOINT .PEN DAY OF THE KwUN TONG AND ABERDEEN SKILLS CENTRES FOR THE DISABLE ON THURSDAY (MAY 21).
THE CENTRES’ DISABLED TRAINEES HAVE MADE MORE THAN 2 TOO PRODUCTS RANGING FROM SWEATERS, LEATHER GOODS, TEAK FURNITURE, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS GADGETS FOR DISPLAY AND FOR SALE.
VISITORS CAN LEARN HOw THE DISABLED RECEIVE VOCATIONAL TRAINING WHICH IS GEARED TO FUTURE EMPLOYMENT.
/l AtUGED !f i.....
I'UK.MAY, KAY 19, T*7
MANAGED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, THE CENTRES OFFER 420 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TRAINING PLACES IN GARMENT-MAKING, OFFICE MACHINE PRACTICE, ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, PRINTING, CARPENTRY AND SO ON.
THE OPEN DAY * ILL BE FROM Y.30 AH TO NOON AND 1.33 PM TO 4 PM AT THE KwUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED AT 487 KwUN TONG ROAD, KOWLOON.
-------o --------
LEGCO TO CONSIDER WAGE CEILING FOR EMPLOYEE PROTECTION
*****
A MOTION TO RAISE THE WAGE CEILING OF NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES TO WHOM THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO til 500 PER MONTH WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DURING TOMORROW’S SITTING, EIGHT QUESTIONS AND THREE BILLS ARE AMONG OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
-------o . — -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL *****
THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM TOMORROW (MAY 20) FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK TO UPGRADE ITS FACILITIES.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF AN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND UPGRADING THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM. WORKS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN FEBRUARY, 1988.
DURING THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD, THE HALL AND THE CHANGING ROOMS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE, WHILE THE CONFERENCE ROOM WILL REMAIN OPEN AS USUAL.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
18
SHA TIN NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENS
* * M * *
A NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY kDUSE THE COUNTER WILL PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE AND U EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO RESIDENTS, REPLACING THE EXISTING CENTRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL'S SHA TIN ADVICE CENTRE WILL ALSO PROVIDE ADVICE AND COUNSEL IN THE SAME OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ARE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT; THE CHAIRMAN ©F JHE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS SELINA CHOW LIANG SHJK-YEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, Ar NG CHAN-LAM AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEO KWAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE JOINT OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE'S PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S SHA TIN ADVICE CENTRE AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY
HOUSE.
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BOARD COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FILM CENSORSHIP *****
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) TO DISCUSS THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE BILL AT THE MEETING.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL JO CONVERT THE FORMER FIRE STATION ON BELCHER’S STREET INTO A CENTRE OF INTEGRATED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
/TWBWJ. a'11.1 ....
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
19
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER ORGANISING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT 14/F, HARBOUR BUILDING,
AT 2.30 CENTRAL 3B PIER
ROAD, CENTRAL.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS HOUSING STRATEGY M N N M M
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) TO DISCUSS THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987 AND 1HE URBAN COUNCIL’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. MR DEREK GOULD; ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION. W JIM MICHIE; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MISS ELLE SHUM WILL ATTEND THE METING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S REGIONALISATION SCHEME, AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 21) IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, NO. 7-11, NAM NING STREET, MEI FUNG COURT, 2/F, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1987
20
REVISION OF DUS SERVICES TO BE DISCUSSED N N N M N
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER THE REVISION OF BUS ROUTE 69K AND THE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 56K.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE INTRODUCTION OF A BUS LANE ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND THE PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTING A PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE NEAR FUNG KAI SCHOOL.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE RELOCATION OF STOPPING PLACES FOR THE GUANGDONG TO HONG KONG COACH' INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN RAILING ALONG TAI PO ROAD OUTSIDE CHEUNG WAH ESTATE AND RELOCATION OF THE TAXI STAND AT FU HING STREET NEAR SAN FUNG AVENUE.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE I NV ITI ED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLINQ.
HUNG MUI KUK ROAD TO BE CLOSED f? -fc -X- -X*
THE SLOW LANE ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD OPPOSITE LUNG HANG ESTATE, SHA TIN, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 22).
THE CLOSURE IS TO ALLOW A SURVEY TO MEASURE THE VIBRATION OF THE HIGHWAY BRIDGES THERE.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
- o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
EDUCATION AND PREVENTION FOCUS OF AIDS CAMPAIGN ............ 1
RTT.T, ALLAYS WORRIES OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS, CLIENTS..... 2
WAGE CEILING FOR EMPLOYEE PROTECTION RAISED ................ 3
MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE PUTONGHUA TEACHING OUTLINED .......... 4
NEED TO EMPLOY DISABLED PERSONS STRESSED.................... 5
AIR QUALITY IN TUNNELS UNDER CONSTANT CONTROL .............. 6
MECHANISM OF CALCULATING NT LAND RESUMPTION COMPENSATION EXPLAINED.................................................. 7
PROPORTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF HANDICAPPED CASES SMALL ... 8
POLICY TO LEVY TRUST FUNDS SUPERVISION FEES EXPLAINED ... 9
GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS CLOSE LIAISON WITH HOUSING SOCIETY . 10
TWO BILLS AND ONE MOTION PASSED ......................... 10
NEW LaNTAO BUS COMPANY FARE INCREASE APPROVED................. 11
FILIPINO-MAID CASES TO BE CONSIDERED ......................... 12
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED . 13
CHANGES TO (JJOTA GROUPING ANNOUNCED ......................... 17
THREE NT SITES FOR RENT ...................................... 17
DONATION TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ............................ 18
COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ....................... 18
SHA TIN NEW ENQUIRY COUNTER OPENS ............................ 19
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT 20
GOVERNOR VISITS KOWLOON CITY ON FRIDAY ..................... 20
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER ON LOK TSUEN PLAN ...................... 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN ABERDEEN ................... 22
traffic management scheme on tsing yi ........................ 22
POSTAL SERVICE TO LEBANON RESUMED ............................ 23
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
1
EDUCATION AND PREVENTION FOCUS OF AIDS CAMPAIGN
M * * M M
THE GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR THE CONTROL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) WAS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH EDUCATION AND PREVENTION AS IT HAD NO EFFECTIVE CURE YET, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CHIU HlN-KWONG, MR CHAMBERS LISTED THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT
THE POLICYi
ft AN EXPERT COMMITTEE ON AIDS WAS SET UP TO MONITOR LOCAL SITUATION AND LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND KNOWLEDGE ON AIDS;
ft A MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE NETWORK WAS INTRODUCED TO DETECT, REPORT AND INVESTIGATE AIDS CASES. A SPECIAL SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR HIGH RISK GROUPS WAS SET UP IN 1985 I
ft MASS SCREENING OF ALL DONATED BLOOD AND THE USE OF A MUCH SAFER BLOOD PRODUCT FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEAMOPHILI ACS;
ft A SPECIAL CLINIC WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING TO THE PUBLIC ; AND
ft PROVISION OF INFORMATION AND EDUCATION REGARDING AIDS AND ITS PREVENTION AND CONTROL.
IN VIEW OF THE INCREASED THREAT POSED BY THE DISEASE BOTH IN HONG KONG AND WORLDWIDE, MR CHAMBERS SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS WAS ESTABLISHED IN JANUARY TO FORMULATE AND EXECUTE PLANS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
♦THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT STARTED TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON AIDS AS EARLY AS 1983.♦ HE SAID.
♦THESE EFFORTS WERE INTENSIFIED IN 1985,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO SAID EFFORTS WERE DIRECTED AT THEE TARGETS, THE HIGH RISK GROUPS, HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
APART FROM THE MEDIA PUBLICITY WHICH INCLUDED ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO. ADVERTISING IN NEWSPAPERS AND ON THE MTR, PRESS INTERVIEWS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF PAMPHLETS AND POSTERS, AND FEATURE ARTICLES IN MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS, A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE WAS ALSO ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 1985.
OTHER MEASURES TAKEN INCLUDED EDUCATION THOUGH GROUPS SUCH AS DOCTORS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS, WHOSE SERVICES WERE ENLISTED TO CONVEY fnE MESSAGE TO THEIR PATIENTS, CLIENTS AND PUPILS, HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO SAID EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY HAD SPECIFICALLY BEEN DIRECTED AT CERTAIN GROUPS WHICH WERE BELIEVED TO BE PARTICULARLY AT RISKS SUCH AS BAR GIRLS. CLIENTS ATTENDING SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS, PRISONERS AND INMATES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S CORRECTIONAL HOMES.
0 -
/2
WEDNESDAY, MAY 80, 1987
2
BILL ALLAYS WORRIES OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS, CLIENTS ft ft ft ft ft
THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS FOR ALL A PROBLEM THAT HAS FROM TIME TO TIME CONVEYANCERS OF REAL ESTATE ANB THEIR CLIENTS,
THE PURPOSE OF TO RESOLVE ONCE AND WORRIED HONG KONG'S THE ATTORNEY GENERAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID IN THE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR THOMAS SAID IN THE FUTURE ALL STATUTORY DECLARATIONS MADE FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 5 OF THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY ORDINANCE SHOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT IF TAKEN BEFORE A SOLICITOR WHO HAD ACTED OR WAS ACTING FOR A PERSON AFFECTED BY THE TRANSACTION OR THE PARTNER, CLERK OR PERSON IN THE EMPLOY OF SUCH SOLICITOR OR HIS PARTNER.
♦THE STATUTORY DECLARATION THAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE SAFEGUARD MAY ITSELF BE REQUIRED TO PROVE TITLE IN A COURT PROCEEDING,♦ HE SAID.
OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS WERE REQUIRED BY HONG KONG LAW TO BE MADE BEFORE A SOLICITOR NOT ACTING FOR ANY OF THE PARTIES TO THOSE PROCEEDINGS.
♦UNFORTUNATELY, A PRACTICE HAS GROWN UP IN HONG KONG FOR THE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS TO BE SWORN BEFORE THE VERY SOLICITOR ACTING IN THE SALE WHERE THE POWER OF ATTORNEY HAS BEEN RELIED ON.
♦THE LAW SOCIETY, HAVING CONSULTED EMINENT COUNSEL IN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, CONSIDERS THAT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES THERE IS DOUBT ABOUT THE VALIDITY OF THIS WIDESPREAD PRACTICE IN HONG KONG.+ MR THOMAS EXPLAINED.
THE LAW SOCIETY HAD THEREFORE PROPOSED, AND THE ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTED, THE AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF DISTURBING THE VALIDITY OF PAST SALES WHERE THE PRACTICE HAD BEEN FOLLOWED, MR THOMAS SAID IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED IN THE BILL THAT ALL DOUBT OVER PAST TRANSACTIONS SHOULD BE LAID TO REST AND THIS VALIDITY CONFIRMED RETROSPECTIVELY.
♦THIS IS THE SECOND OBJECT OF THE BILL.+ HE SAID.
THE BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LAW SOCIETY, AND MIGHT INDEED BE GRATEFULLY WELCOMED BY ALL THOSE CONVEYANCERS WHO BY SOME RARE OVERSIGHT HAD UNWITTINGLY ADOPTED THIS QUESTIONABLE PRACTICE, MR THOMAS ADDED.
IN HONG KONG, OWNERS OF PROPERTY FOUND IT CONVENIENT TO SELL THEIR PROPERTY THROUGH AN AGENT WHOM THEY APPOINTED UNDER A POWER OF ATTORNEY. THIS PERSON, WHO COULD BE CALLED THE DONEE, ACTED IN ALL RESPECTS AS IF HE WERE THE VENDOR OF THE PROPERTY INCLUDING PUTTING HIS SIGNATURE TO THE DOCUMENTS THAT CONVEYED TITLE TO THE PROPERTY.
/IN TIME........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
IN TIME THIS PROPERTY MIGHT AGAIN BE SOLD AND RESOLD IN RELIANCE UPON THE VALIDITY OF THAT SALE. MR THOMAS SAID, *IF THERE WERE ANY QUESTION CONCERNING THE POWER OF THE DONEE TO ACT ON THE VENDOR’S BEHALF, THIS COULD AFFECT THE TITLE OF THE IMMEDIATE PURCHASER AND ALL SUBSEQUENT PURCHASERS DOWN THE LINE.*
THE PROBLEM AROSE BECAUSE UNKNOWN TO THE DONEE AND THE FIRST PURCHASER, THE POWER OF ATTORNEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN REVOKED OR TERMINATE^, FOR EXAMPLE, BY THE DEATH OF THE OWNER.
SECTION 5 OF THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY ORDINANCE ALREADY PROVIDED THAT THE INTEREST OF THESE PURCHASERS WOULD BE PROTECTED NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT THE POWER OF ATTORNEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN REVOKED IF EITHER THE DONEE OR THE FIRST PURCHASER HAD NO KNOWLEDGE
OF THAT REVOCATION.
THE SECTION WENT FURTHER AND PROVIDED THAT IF THE FIRST PURCHASER HAD MADE A STATUTORY DECLARATION TO THE EFFECT THAT HE DID NOT KNOW THAT THE POWER OF ATTORNEY HAD BEEN REVOKED IT SKMJLD BE CONCLUSIVELY PRESUMED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW.
THE SECTION ALSO ENABLED THIS STATUTORY DECLARATION TO BE MADE WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE SALE FROM THE DONEE TO THE FIRST PURCHASER OR WITHIN A LIKE TIME OF ANY OTHER SUBSEQUENT SALE.
♦THUS THE TITLE OF THE FIRST PURCHASER AND THE CHAIN OF TITLES OF SUBSEQUENT PURCHASERS ARE PROTECTED,* MR THOMAS SAID.
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WAGE CEILING FOR EMPLOYEE PROTECTION RAISED *****
THE WAGE CEILING OF THE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES TO WHOM THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED SHOULD BE RAISED TO fll 500 PER MONTH, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE MOTION ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, MR PAGLIARI SAID WHEN THIS ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN SEPTEMBER I960, ITS PROVISIONS WERE ALSO APPLIED TO NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES WHO WAGES DID NOT EXCEED Si 500 PER MONTH.
♦SINCE THEN, THIS WAGE CEILING HAS BEEN REVISED PERIODICALLY TO MAINTAIN ITS ORIGINAL VALUE. THE MOST RECENT REVISION WAS IN MAY 1986, WHEN THE CEILING WAS RAISED TO $10 500,* HE SAIB.
/HR PAGLIARI .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
MR PAGLIARI ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A RECENT REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE ORIGINAL MONTH.Y WAGE OF tl 500 WOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN ESTIMATES MONTH.Y WAGE OF Sil 098 IN MARCH 1987.
*AS IN PREVIOUS REVIEWS, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FIGURE SHOULD BE ROUNBED UP TO TAKE SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIKELY RISE IN THE OVERALL WAGE LEVEL BEFORE THE CEILING IS NEXT REVISED,* HE SAID.
♦THIS PROPOSAL HAS RECEIVED THE UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD,* HE ADDED.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED.
-------o — —
MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE PUTONGHUA TEACHING OUTLINES M M * M M
THE
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE MORE SCHOOLS TO TEACH PUTONGHUA EITHER DURING SCHOOL HOURS OR AS AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE MN MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY), REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM PROF ThI HON C.K. POON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR PAGLIARI SAID THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION. FOLLOWING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS IN REPORT NO. 1, CONTINUED TO MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS
IN THAT AREA.
HE SAID APPROXIMATELY 50 PER CENT OF ALL SCHOOLS -PRIMARY AND SECONDARY - WERE PROMOTING THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
HE OUTLINES THAT AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL, PUTONGHUA WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AS AN OPTIONAL SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER 1986, FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A PILOT SCHEME IN A LIMITED
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS.
OF THE 87# PUBLIC-SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, 310 WERE NOW OFFERING PUTONGHUA AS AN INDEPENDENT SUBJECT AND A FURTHER 181 WERE PROMOTING LEARNING OF THE LANGUAGE THROUGH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
♦THESE NUMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE OVER TIME,* HE ADDED.
AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL, MR PAGLIARI SAID, A PILOT SCHEME COVERING FORMS 1-3 IN 51 ScfoOLS WAS LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER A» WOULD BE COMPLETED IN JULY THIS YEAR. THE SCHEME WAS BEING MONITOREB AND EVALUATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HE ADBED.
/HE ALSO .......
iii.'WEbD.t
20, 1987
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE 51 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE PILOT SCHEME. 62 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE ALREADY OFFERING PUTONGHUA WITHIN THE FORMAL CURRICULUM AND ANOTHER 46 WERE PROMOTING IT ON AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR BASIS.
MR PAGLIARI POINTED OUT THAT COURSES HAD ALSO BEEN ORGANISED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS RUNNING EVENING COURSES WHILE THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WAS OFFERING COURSES IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS RETRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE.
♦SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 843 SERVING TEACHERS HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING IN THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA AND PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE REFRESHER COURSES TO ENSURE THAT STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED,♦ HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION BEGAN OFFERING PRE-SERVICE TRAINING IN PUTONGHUA TEACHING AS AN ELECTIVE SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR AND 144 STUDENTS WERE CURRENTLY ENROLLED.
♦A TOTAL OF AROUND 2 600 TEACHERS WILL HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING BY 1992, WHICH SHOULD ENABLE ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO INTRODUCE THIS SUBJECT IF THEY WISH,* MR PAGLIARI FURTHER ADDED.
NEED TO EMPLOY DISABLED PERSONS STRESSED ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR FORD SAID THAT IN 1984, THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYED 1 762 DISABLED PERSONS; IN 1985 THE TOTAL STOOD AT 1 960 AND THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR 1986 WAS 2 357. THESE FIGURES REPRESENTED RESPECTIVELY, 1.03 PER CENT, 1.13 PER CENT AND 1.34 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CIVIL SERVICE, HE ADDED.
♦THIS YEAR’S FIGURES SHOW AN ENCOURAGING INCREASE IN THAT THERE ARE NOW 2 832 DISABLED PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, OR 1.58 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STRENGTH.
/+0F .'IIESE, ..............
■ 2( ,
PER CENT ARESBLIND°OR PARTf ALL Y^SIG HIED **21SfLpL HAND1 CAPPED» *2 OR PARTIALLY DEAF AND THE REMAIN I ir onE/ER CENT ARE DEAF handicapped or are e?-JeHntalMW?;2Sts,'. he^aid?1 ARE mentally
MR FORD ALSO SAID THAT PROMOTIONAL VISITS WERE CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY STAFF OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO DEPARTMENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS TO REMIND DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS: TO PUBLICISE THE WORKING ABILITY OF THE DISABLED: AND TO UNDERSTAND AND TO IRON OUT, IF POSSIBLE, PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY DEPARTMENTS IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS.
FUNDS WERE ALSO PROVIDED, HE SAID, TO DEPARTMENTS WHICH REQUIRED ALTERATIONS TO OFFICE PREMISES OR THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST DISABLED EMPLOYEES IN THEIR PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES.
HE FURTHER ADDED THAT SOME DEPARTMENTS WERE MAKING SPECIAL EFFORTS TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT TO THE HANDICAPPED. THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION, FOR EXAMPLE, INITIATED A 10-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAMME IN 1985 FOR VISUALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS WITH A VIEW TO RECRUITING FROM AMONG THEM SUITABLY QUALIFIED TRAINEES AS CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER, COURT INTERPRETER AND POLICE INTERPRETER, HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT PLACEMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS WAS NOT ALWAYS EASY BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE THE LEAD IN THIS RESPECT BY EMPLOYING DISABLED PERSONS WHENEVER SUITABLE VACANCIES AROSE.
AIR QUALITY IN TUNNELS UNDER CONSTANT CONTROL ft ft ft ft ft
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TWEE TOLL TUNNELS HAVE WELL PROCEDURES FOR CONTROLLING THE AIR QUALITY INSIDE THEM AMD WELFARE» THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS
IvDAT \WtuNtoDAYJ<
ESTABLISHED THE
, SAID
LEG I SLAT^VE^COUHCK ?^MRTCHAMBERS I. !?"tSl?"Hr wl ITV fl T«
eveT *ALL IHAVE ,NSTALLED CONTINUOUS MONITORING AND ALARM 5Y5TEMSHE SAID*
/HR ii.I-H-JR; ..................
w.un'f ,
c, w
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE PRIME CONCERN WAS CARBON MONOXIBE. WHICH WAS AN IMPORTANT AIR POLLUTANT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS. STANDARDS WERE LAID DOWN IN THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL REGULATIONS TO CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING THE GAS.
IN ADDITION. AIR TURBIDITY WAS MEASURED IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND PETROLEUM VAPOUR WAS MEASURED IN THE CROSS HABOUR TUNNEL.
HE ALSO SAID THAT WHEN THE MONITORING RESULTS REACHED PREDETERMINED LEVELS, AN ALARM SYSTEM WAS TRIGGERED.
AT THE FIRST STAGE OF ALARM, THE TUNNEL CONTROLLER WAS ALERTED TO SWITCH ON ADDITIONAL EXHAUST AND AIR SUPPLY FANS TO IMPROVE TUNNEL VENTILATION .
AT THE SECOND STAGE OF ALARM, THE FAN CAPACITY FOR VENTILATION WAS FURTHER INCREASED.
WHEN THE FINAL STAGE OF ALARM WAS REACHED, MEASURES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO CONTROL THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES ENTERING THE TUNNEL AND IF NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE TUNNEL.
MECHANISM OF CALCULATING
NT LAND RESUMPTION COMPENSATION EXPLAINED X X X X M
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE COULD CONFIRM THAT THE PRESENT AVERAGE MARKET VALUE OF NEW TERRITORIES AGRICULTURAL LAND HAD REACHED THE LEVEL PREVAILING IN 1981.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAI CHlN-WAH, MR BARNES SAID, HOWEVER, THE MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND HAD LITTLE RELAflONSHlP WITH THE CALCULATION OF THE BASIC EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATE FOR RESUMPTION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WAS RELATED, AS THE SIR Y.K. KAN WORKING GROUP REPORT ON 1978 PUT IT. TO ♦EXPECTATIONS UNDER THE LETTER B LAND EXCHANGE SYSTEM*. MR BARNES SAID THESE ♦EXPECTATIONS* WERE QUANTIFIED BY REFERENCE TO THE VALUE OF THREE MAIN CATEGORIES OF LAND, NAMELY COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ZONE I, RES IDENT I AL ZONES 2, 3 AND 4, AND INDUSTRIAL, IN THE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
/I/.JiBilT; IN..........
MOVEMENTS IN THE VALUE OF SUCH LAND WERE MEASURED EVERY SIX MONTHS. AND CONVERTED INTO THE BASIC EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATE PAYABLE UPON RESUMPTION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMULA PROPOSED IN SIR Y.K. KAN’S REPORT, MR BARNES ADDED.
♦ALTHOUGH THE MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND HAS NOW REACHED ONCE AGAIN ITS 1981 LEVEL, VALUES OF DEVELOPABLE LAND IN THE TUI EE NEW TOWNS HAVE NOT IN GENERAL TERMS REACHED THE LEVEL PREVAILING IN 1981- HENCE THE EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATES PAYABLE NOW ARE LOWER THAN THOSE PAYABLE IN 1981,+ HE SAID.
c
PROPORTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF HANDICAPPED CASES SMALL
*****
SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST MENTALLY HANDICAPPED FEMALES ONLY CONSTITUTE A SMALL PROPORTION OF REPORTED SEXUAL ABUSE CASES FOR THE WHOLE POPULATION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR THOMAS SAID THE POLICE HAD KEPT SEPARATE STATISTICS ON SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST MENTALLY HANDICAPPED FEMALES ONLY SINCE JANUARY 1983.
♦ TWELVE CASES WERE REPORTED IN 1983, SIX IN 1984. 22 IN 1985 AND 20 IN 1986,♦ HE SAID. FOR THE WK)LE POPULATION, MR THOMAS SAID 1 179 CASES OF SEXUAL OFFENCES WERE REPORTED IN 1983, 1 218 IN 1984, 1 356 IN 1985 AND 1 330 IN 1986.
♦ IN VIEW OF THE RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD DURING WHICH STATISTICS HAVE BEEN KEPT, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DRAW ANY MEANINGFUL CONCLUSION AS TO TRENDS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR THOMAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ALWAYS DIFFICULTIES OF A LEGAL NATURE IN PROSECUTING CASES OF SEXUAL ABUSE, ♦THERE IS RARELY AN EYE WITNESS PRESENT, SOME OFFENCES SPECIFICALLY REQUIRE CORROBORATION.
THAT IS TO SAY
♦ AND IN OTHERS, THE LAW RECOGNISES THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO CONVICT ON THE EVIDENCE OF THE VICTIM ALONE AND LOOKS FOR CORROBORATING EVIDENCE, THAT IS TO SAY, INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE WHICH SUPPORTS THE TESTIMONY OF THE VICTIM IN RELATION TO THE
CORROBORATING EVIDENCE
ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGE.
♦ SUCH EVIDENCE IS OFTEN NOT AVAILABLE,♦ HE SAID.
IN THE CASE OF VICTIMS WHO ARE MENTALLY DEFECTIVE, THERE WAS THE ADDED DIFFICULTY OF DECIDING WHETHER THEY WERE CAPABLE OF GIVING EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE CHARGE AND HOW MUCH WEIGHT A COURT WAS LIKELY TO GIVE TO THEIR EVIDENCE.
♦ THIS IS ONE OF THE FACTORS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY MEMBERS OF MY CHAMBERS WITH THE HELP OF THE POLICE WHEN CONSIDERING WHETHER OR NOT TO PROSECUTE,♦ MR THOMAS SAID.
DESPITE THESE DIFFICULTIES, MR THOMAS SAID 13 PROSECUTIONS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST MENTALLY HANDICAPPED FEMALES WERE INSTITUTED IN 1983, FIVE IN 198U, 15 IN 1985 AND 11 IN 1986.
♦ I REGRET THAT NO STATISTICS ARE KEPT TO SHOW THE RESULT OF THESE PROSECUTIONS.♦
FINALLY, MR THOMAS TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS NOW CONSIDERING THE USE OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT TO RECORD EVIDENCE TAKEN FROM THOSE SUCH AS YOUNG CHILDREN, WHO MIGHT BE INTIMIDATED BY THE ATMOSPHERE OF A COURTROOM AND FOUND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO GIVE EVIDENCE WITH CONFIDENCE.
♦ SUCH METHODS, IF THEY EVENTUALLY PROVE ACCEPTABLE, COULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO PERSONS WHO, BECAUSE OF A MENTAL HANDICAP, MAY BE SIMILARLY INHIBITED,♦ HE SAID.
POLICY TO LEVY TRUST FUNDS SUPERVISION FEES EXPLAINED M M * M M
AN ANNUAL SUPERVISION FEE MIGHT BE CHARGED BY THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE INCOME OF A STATUTORY FUND WHEN THE RELEVANT ORDINANCE SETTING UP THE TRUST FUND EMPOWERED IT SO TO DO, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN YAXLEY, TOLD IhE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS IT INCURS IN SUPERVISING THESE FUNDS AND A CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IS IN FACT EXERCISED,/ MR YAXLEY SAID WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.
♦THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST AND THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST ARE THE TWO FUNDS GRANTED A PARTIAL EXEMPTI ON.♦
♦THE ORDINANCES CONCERNING THE TWO FUNDS PERMIT THE RECOVERY OF COSTS UP TO A SUM EQUIVALENT TO 2.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL INCOME, THAT IS ABOUT |82 000 PER ANNUM AGAINST ACTUAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS OF 1161 000,♦ HE SAID.
♦IN PRACTICE, THE GOVERNMENT COLLECTS ONLY |30 000. THE SHORTFALL BEING MET THROUGH A SUBSIDY BY THE TAXPAYER,♦ HE ADDED.
/10........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
K'
GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS CLOSE LIAISON WITH HOUSING SOCIETY *****
THE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY ON DAILY MATTERS AND HAS A NUMBER OF SENIOR OFFICERS SITTING ON THE SOCIETY’S COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RICHARD LAI ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT EXERCISE SUPERVISION OVER THE SETTING OF RENTS AND HOUSE PRICES BY THE SOCIETY, MR LIAO SAID: +THE SOCIETY IS A STATUTORY ORGANISATION WHICH MANAGES ITS OWN AFFAIRS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.+
♦IT IS NOT GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO INTERFERE IN THE AFFAIRS OF SUCH INDEPENDENT BODIES AND GOVERNMENT THEREFORE DOES NOT DIRECTLY EXERCISE SUPERVISION OVER THE RENTS AND HOUSE PRICES CHARGED BY THE SOCIETY,♦ HE SAID.
TWO BILLS AND ONE MOTION PASSED *****
THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND Tmf DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WERE PASSED IN THE LFrlSi ativf COUNCIL AFTER THEIR SECOND AND THIRD READINGS TODAY (WEDNESDAY)^ time Iw mmtI "™r*DjoS!"T) BILL 1987 "AS RE‘D ‘ SECO’,[I TO WhShVM, Ih»T^K^STS?’^SE0.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
11
NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY FARE INCREASE APPROVED ft ft ft ft ft
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A FARE INCREASE FOR THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (NLB) WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JUNE 1, 1987.
THE INCREASE, AVERAGING 10.5 PER CENT, WILL RANGE BETWEEN 10 CENTS AND 60 CENTS FOR JOURNEYS ON MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, AND BETWEEN 20 CENTS AND fl ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A FARE INCREASE FOR THIS YEAR WAS PREDICTED TO BE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE COMPANY’S OVERALL VIABILITY IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. THE COMPANY’S LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WAS CONSIDERED TO BE RATIONAL.
♦THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE TRANSPORT BRANCH, THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAVE EXAMINED DETAILS OF THE COMPANY’S APPLICATION FOR A FARE INCREASE AND HAVE FOUND THEM TO BE REASONABLE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE WAS REVIEWED IN 1986 IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS APPLICATION OF AN EXTENSION OF FRANCHISE. THE REVIEW FOUND THAT THE COMPANY HAD BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT SERVICE AND THAT IT WAS ALSO PLANNING TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS BUS MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.
THE EXISTING AND REVISED FARE SCALE OF NLB ARE*
ADULT SINGLE FARE
group of ROUTES JOURNEY DISTANCE NOT EXCEEDING MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
EXISTING REVISED EXISTIN G REVISED
(KM) (!) (S) (•) (t)
1 ORDINARY 4 0.80 0.90 1.60 1.80
ROUTES 8 1.70 1.90 2.20 2.50
13 2.20 2.50 4.00 4.50
17 3.30 3.60 5.00 5.50
20 4.00 4.50 6.00 6.60
/24 4.50........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
24 4.50 12 5.00 7.00 7.50
27 5.50 6.00 8.50 9.00
31 6.00 6.60 9.00 10.00
II NGONG PING 4 2.00 2.20 3.00 3.40
ROUTES 24 6.00 6.60 9.00 10.00
IN CERTAIN INSTANCES. HOWEVER, NLB WILL CHARGE FARES BELOW THE MAXIMUM SPECIFIED IN THE REVISED SCALE.
-------o---------
FIL I PI NO-MAID CASES TO BE CONSIDERED
* M X * M
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION CONFIRMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE HAS AGREED TO CONSIDER ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS THE POSSIBILITY OF ALLOWING FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS CAUGHT BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON REVISED CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO CHANGE EMPLOYERS AND TO ATTEST NEW CONTRACTS BEFORE THEIR RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECURITY BRANCH POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WOULD CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF ALLOWING THOSE HELPERS WHOSE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN TERMINATED IN WRITING EITHER BY THEMSELVES OR BY THEIR EMPLOYERS WITHIN TWO-MONTHS BEFORE APRIL 17 TO CHANGE EMPLOYERS AND TO HAVE NEW CONTRACTS ATTESTED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE CASES WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS AND THE DIRECTOR WOULD ALSO CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THOSE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN SERIOUS DISPUTES WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO HAD THEIR CONTRACTS TERMINATED IN WRITING EITHER BY THEMSELVES OR THEIR EMPLOYERS WITHIN TWO-MONTHS BEFORE APRIL 17 TO APPLY TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE FOR APPROVAL TO CHANGE EMPLOYMENT ON THE BASIS OF THEIR ’EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES’ BEFORE THEY SUBMIT THEIR CONTRACTS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ATTESTATION.
♦CLAIMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, IN ANY CASE NOT LATER THAN JUNE 17, 1987,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT CLAIMS UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY CLEAR EVIDENCE, SUCH AS WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF TERMINATION RECEIVED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE APRIL 17, 1987 OR THAT A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN LODGED WITH EITHER THE IMMIGRATION OR LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH CONTRACT CONDITIONS BEFORE THAT DATE.
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/13........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
13
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED
*****
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) AS REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED IN MARCH 1987. COMPARED WITH BOTH FEBRUARY 1987 AND MARCH 1986, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING MARCH 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND. TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, WHILE THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED SLIGHTLY.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED FOR THE WEARING APPAREL. FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ONLY THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED A DECLINE IN THE ORDERS POSITION, WHILE THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN MARCH 1987 REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN FEBRUARY 1987, BUT DROPPED SLIGHTLY COMPARED WITH THE LEVEL IN MARCH 1986.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987. THE TEXTILES. PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES RECORDED SOME INCREASES
IN EMPLOYMENT. WHILE THE WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME DECREASES.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986. EMPLOYMENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED, BUT IT ROSE IN ALL THE OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED.
BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY
IN MARCH 1987 COMPARED WITH BOTH FEBRUARY 1987 AND MARCH 1986.
AMONG ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, THERE WERE INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987. THE INCREASES WERE PARTICULARLY RAPID FOR THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE ALSO REPORTED BETWEEN MARCH 1986 AND MARCH 1987 AMONG MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH PARTICULARLY RAPID INCREASES REPORTED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
/NOTWITHSTANDING AN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 198?
14
NOTWITHSTANDING AN INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS, THERE VAS A MOBEST BROP IN PAYROLL IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY BETWEEN MARCH 1986 AND MARCH 1987 DUE TO BECREASEB EMPLOYMENT.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1987 REMAINEB UNCHANGED COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987 AND INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986. ON THE OTHER HAND, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY COMPARED WITH BOTH FEBRUARY 1987 AND MARCH 1986.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1987 WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN FEBRUARY 1987, WHILE PAYROLL ANB PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASES MODERATELY. AMONG THE VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS, ONLY BANKS RECORDED A SLIGHT DECREASE IN PAYROLL ANB IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
COMPARES WITH MARCH 1986, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS INCREASED SLIGHTLY DESPITE THE DECREASE RECORDED IN HOTELS. AS FOR PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS, ALL THE SERVICES SECTORS RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES OVER MARCH 1986.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN 0RDER3-0N-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLES BELOW.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.
AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT 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 BIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MARCH 1987 IS NOW 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 fl.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-823*820.
/A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
- 15 -
A. 0RDERS-0N-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY
WEARING APPAREL
TEXTILES
PLASTIC PRODUCTS
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
IN TERMS OF MONTHS FOR MARCH 1987 * INCREASE/ DECREASE OVER
FEB.87 MAR.06
4.94 3 7
2.68 -4 9
3.90 X -3
4.59 6 32
5.16 1 -1
4.49 1 2
4.54 1 * 4 ••
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF MARCH 1987 PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES < INCREASE/ DECREASE OVER FEB.87 MAR.86 AS IN MARCH 1987 (HKf) % INCREASE/ DECREASE OVER FEB.87 MAR.86
MANUFACTURING X -1 3 559 5 13
FOOD AND DRINKS X 3 3 880 2 6
WEARING APPAREL -1 -6 2 976 3 12
/TEXTILES
1
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
- 16 -
TEXTILES 1 5 3 741 11 11
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4 -10 3 239 5 4
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 1 2 3 495 3 26
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -1 1 3 323 4 14
OTHERS -1 3 4 795 4 12
MM CONSTRUCTION M 7 5 286 15 18
SERVICES M 2 6 230 2 10
BANKS * 4 5 642 -1 10
HOTELS M -3 4 263 M 9
PUBLIC UTILITIES M M 6 016 1 9
OTHERS 1 5 8 124 5 9
M CHANGES WITHIN ♦ 0.5 PER CENT
MM PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLU8ED.
NOTEi UNLIKE ♦ORDERS-ON-HAND* AND *PER CAPITA EARNINGS* WHICH ARE 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.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 19*7
17
CHANGES TO QUOTA grouping ANNOUNCED * * M *
ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO KEEP SUITS, WOOL COATS AND WOOL TROUSERS UNDER THE SAME GROUPING, THAT IS, GROUP K FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THE TRANSFER-OUT PERCENTAGE FOR THE U.S. MARKET.
UNDER THE TEXTILE QUOTA TRANSFER RULES. A QUOTA-HOLDER WHO TEMPORARILY TRANSFERS 50 PER CENT OR MORE 0^ THE QUOTA-HOLDING WITHIN A PARTICULAR GROUP OF CATEGORIES FOREGOES A PROPORTION OF THE QUOTA OTHERWISE DUE FOR ALLOCATION TO HIM IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF GROUP K WHICH IS A HIGHLY UTILISED CATEGORY WITH A LOW RATE OF TEMPORARY TRANSFER-OUT.
IT WAS AGREED AT THE LAST REVIEW OF THE TEXTILES QUOTA TRANSFER RULES IN DECEMBER 1986 THAT THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THREE PARTICULAR GROUPS FOR THE U.S. MARKET SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS’ TIME.
THE THREE GROUPS ARE GROUPS D (COTTON, WOOL AND MAN-MADE FIBRES SWEATERS). E (SILK BLEND AND OTHER VEGETABLE FIBRES SWEATERS) AND K (SUITS, WOOL COATS AND WOOL TROUSERS). AS FAR AS GROUP K WAS CONCERNED, ONE OPTION WAS TO PUT THE WOOL COATS AND TROUSERS UNDER GROUP J (COATS) AND GROUP F (TROUSERS) RESPECTIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE RESULTS OF THE REVIEW ON GROUPS D AND E WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.
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THREE NT SITES FOR RENT X X X X X
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOTS ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE, AT THE JUNCTION OF CONTAINER PORT AND TSUEN WAN ROADS, KWAI CHUNG, MEASURES 5 000 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR CAR PARKING.
THE TENANCY IS SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTH.Y AFTERWARDS.
/THE NEXT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
- 18 -
THE NEXT SITE OF 6 930 SQUARE METRES IS SITUATED NEAR SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS AND IS FOR STORING GOODS.
HOWEVER, STORAGE OF CONTAINERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
THE LAST SITE, MEASURING 1 612 SQUARE METRES, IS AT FUNG KONG TSUEN, YUEN LONG, AND IS FOR USE AS A PRIVATE OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN AND NURSERY.
THE TENANCIES FOR THESE TWO SITES ARE ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 5.
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DONATION TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND
* * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, MR LEE QUO-WEI, WILL RECEIVE A DONATION OF *19 350 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR RALPH SPENCER, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE ANTE CHAMBER ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
-------o----------
COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION *****
MEMBERS OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, TO DISCUSS EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS PLANNED BY HOSPITAL IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL, MRS ALICE CHIU, SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL NO. 2 SECONDARY SCHOOL WAS NOW IN FULL SWING AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE SCHOOL WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.
/'HIE SECOND
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
- 19 -
THE SECOND NEW PROJECT UNDER PLANNING WAS A NEW PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN, MRS CHIU SAID.
MR LI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN RUNNING ONE SECONDARY SCHOOL AND TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
HE ASSURED THE BOARD OF THE HOSPITAL THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE EVERY ASSISTANCE TO THEM TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
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SHA TIN NEW ENQUIRY COUNTER OPENS M * M M
THE SHA TIN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES COUNTER PROVIBES A VALUABLE SERVICE TO RESIDENTS BY HANDLING A MONTH.Y AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 4 800 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND 1 420 STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEO KWAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW ENQUIRY COUNTER, HE SAID THE COUNTER ALSO ANSWERED PUM.IC ENQUIRIES, PROVIDED FREE LEGAL ADVICE AND DISTRIBUTED VARIOUS GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS.
♦THE ENQUIRY COUNTER PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CHANNELLING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND HELPS STRENGTHEN RESIDENTS’ TIES AND SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.
THE ENQUIRY COUNTER, PREVIOUSLY LOCATED ON THE 6TH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, HAS MOVED TO THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING FROM TODAY.
MEANWHILE, THE HANG ON ESTATE SUB-OFFICE ENQUIRY COUNTER WILL COMMENCE IN LATE JUNE PROVIDE FURTHER SERVICES TO THE NEW TOWN RESIDENTS, MR KWAN SAID.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL ALSO START SERVICING SHA TIN RESIDENTS IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE FROM TODAY.
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/20........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
20
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT UP TO 1988.
THEY WILL COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AT THE WESTERN EXIT OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD WHICH AIM AT EASING THE GROWING CONGESTION IN THE APPROACH ROADS OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
THE MEASURES WOULD PROHIBIT VEHICLES FROM USING THE CENTRAL DISTRICT-BOUND OUTER LANE TO JUMP THE QUEUE OF TUNNEL-BOUND VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE LANE.
MOREOVER. THE LAST TWO GANTRY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ON THE CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WOu£.D ALSO BE MODIFIED TO ELIMINATE CONFUSION TO DRIVERS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT MEASURE ON SHAUK I WAN ROAD AT ITS JUNCTIONS WITH STREET AND TAI NING STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM ROAD TO TAIKOO RESERVOIR.
TAI HONG GREIG
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 1ST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
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GOVERNOR VISITS KOWLOON CITY ON FRIDAY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON WILL VISIT KOWLOON CITY ON FRIDAY (MAY 22) AFTERNOON TO LEARN ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL TAKE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT AT A ROOFTOP ADJACENT TO THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
/THEY WILL .......
^rflXiESDAY, Ji .Y 20, 1987
?1
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR PRIVATE STREETS IN TO KWA WAN, KA WAI CHUEN IN HUNG HOM, BEFORE ATTENDING A RECEPTION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO KOWLOON CITY ON FRIDAY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI BEFORE 1.30 PM WHERE TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER ON LOK TSUEN PLAN
* * N * *
MEMBERS OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL TO CONSIDER THE LAYOUT PLAN FOR THE ON LOK
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES MEET ON FRIDAY (MAY 22)
TSUEN INDUSTRIAL AREA.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF 46.81 HECTARES AND WILL BE ZONED FOR INDUSTRIAL/WORKSHOP DEVELOPMENT WITH SITES RESERVED FOR OPEN SPACES. A WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET, COOKED FOOD STALLS AND PARKING FACILITIES.
DURING THE MEETING, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR PATRICK CHUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE ORGANISATION AND WORK OF THE COUNCIL.
A PAPER ON THE DISTRICT’S LAND SALES PROGRAMME FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 22) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN ABERDEEN *****
FROM ROAD
TUNG
MAIN
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ABERDEEN 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 22) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
VEHICLES OVER TWEE TONNES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING SING ROAD BETWEEN WU PAK STREET AND WU NAM STREET.
AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD PROCEED VIA WU NAM STREET AND ABERDEEN ROAD.
IN ADDITION, TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES.
THEY ARE CHENGTU ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF WU NAM STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH WU PAK STREET- AND TUNG SING ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES NORTH OF WU NAM STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH WU PAK STREET.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY PROHIBITED ZONE ON WU NAM STREET EAST OF TUNG SING ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TERMINUS FOR CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 107 ON TUNG SING ROAD WILL BE RELOCATED TO CHENGTU ROAD BETWEEN WU PAK STREET AND WU NAM STREET.
CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 107 AND CMB ROUTE 98 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO KAI YIP AND LEI TUNG ESTATES RESPECTIVELY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WU NAM STREET, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, LOK YEUNG STREET AND TUNG SING
ROAD.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ON TSING Yl *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ’MPLEMENTEB ON TSING Yl TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT TSING Yl SOUTH BRIDGE FROM SATURDAY (MAY 23).
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1987
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISES BUSES ANB QREEN MINIBUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM MAKING RIGHT TURNS FROM TSINQ Yl ROAB NORTHBOUND ON TO THE BRIDGE; FROM THE BRIDGE ON TO TSINQ Yl HEUNG 3ZE WUI ROAD NORTHBOUND; AND FROM CHUNG MEI ROAD ON TO TSINQ Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
MOTORISTS ON TSINQ Yl ROAD NORTHBOUND WISHING TO GO TO KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TSINQ Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON TSINQ Yl SOUTH BRIDGE WHO WISH TO QO TO NORTH TSINQ Yl WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TSING Yl ROAD; WHILE THOSE ON CHUNG MEI ROAD WHO WISH TO GO TO KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TSING Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD NORTHBOUND AND THE ROUNBABOUT AT FUNG SHUE WO ROAD.
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POSTAL SERVICE TO LEBANON RESUMED * * * *
FOLLOWING THE RE-OPENING OF THE BEIRUT AIRPORT. AIRMAIL AND AIR PARCEL SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LEBANON HAVE RESUMED, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE FIRST AND SECOND CLASS AIRMAIL AND AIR PARCELS UP TO 5 KG.
HOWEVER, SURFACE MAIL AND SURFACE PARCEL SERVICES TO LEBANON REMAIN SUSPENDED.
- 0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG.TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MaY 21, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
+ATTaCK+ ON ASSETS OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS PROPOSED ........ 1
CLOUD THREATENING HK'S ECONOMIC GROWTH ...............-• 2
EDUCATION CRUCIAL TO HK FUTURE .......................... “+
GOVERNMENT aND PRIVATE CO-OPERATION KEY TO EDUCATION ... 5
IMPORTANCE OF COMMON LaW STRESSED ...................... 6
MORE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PLANNED .................... 9
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT.............. 10
FIRST JOINT MEETING OF MEMORIAL FUND ON SATURDAY ....... 11
SUBSIDIES FOR PERFOW'.ING ARTS ORGANISATIONS, ARTISTS .. 11
NEW MARKET COMPLEX FOR TSUEN WAN ....................... 12
1986 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT PUBLISHED ............. 1J
SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS PRESS CONFERENCE ............ 13
SEMINAR FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS ............... 1*1
MEETING ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS............................. 12*
YOUTH PROBLEMS TO BE DISCUSSED ......................... 15
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE ............... 15
CAS TO HOLD EXERCISE.................................... 16
NEW ROADS IN SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION OPENED.............. 16
RESTRICTED ZONE IN CAUSEWAY BAY......................... 17
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL ......... 17
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
1
♦ATTACK* ON ASSETS OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS PROPOSED
*****
IN A MAJOR ATTEMPT TO STRIKE AT THE FINANCIAL ROOTS OF THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE STRICTER MEASURES WHICH WILL ENABLE THE COURT TO MAKE CONFISCATION ORDERS TO RECOVER THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THIS MOVE IS TARGETTED AT THOSE CONVICTED OF SERIOUS DRUG OFFENCES SUCH AS TRAFFICKING AND MANUFACTURE AND CONSPIRING TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE CONFISCATION ORDERS SCHEME WOULD ENABLE THE COURT TO ASSUME THAT ALL PROPERTY CURRENTLY HELD BY THE OFFENDER OR TRANSFERRED TO HIM WITHIN THE PREVIOUS SIX YEARS WAS RECEIVED AS A PAYMENT OR REWARD IN CONNECTION WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THE COURT WILL ASSESS THE VALUE OF HIS PROPERTY AND ORDER HIM TO PAY THAT AMOUNT.
FAILING PAYMENT, MR MULLOY SAID, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE COURT WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO IMPOSE A FURTHER TERM OF IMPRISONMENT ON A SLIDING SCALE UP TO TEN YEARS ACCORDING TO THE AMOUNT IN DEFAULT.
THIS WILL BE IN ADDITION TO ANY TERM OF IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED FOR THE DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES.
HOWEVER, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE CONFISCATION ORDER MIGHT BE REDUCED IF THE COURT IS SATISFIED THAT THE OFFENDER’S AVAILABLE PROPERTY WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PAY THE AMOUNT OF THE ORDER.
THIS PROVISION IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY SINCE THE VALUE OF PROPERTY MAY FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY BETWEEN THE TIME OF THE CONFISCATION AND ITS ACTUAL REALISATION.
♦AS THE SCHEME WILL INVOLVE INVESTIGATION INTO THE OFFENDERS’ ASSETS, THERE WILL HAVE TO BE CONSULTATION WITH BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ON DETAILED DRAFTING OF THE LEGISLATION,+ MR MULLOY SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG’S DECISION TO HAVE LEGISLATION SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO RECOVER PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IS IN LINE WITH SIMILAR DECISIONS TAKEN BY A NUMBER OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
♦THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS SUPPORTS THE PRINCIPLE OF ATTACKING TRAFFICKERS’ ASSETS,+ HE SAID.
TRAFFICKING .......
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
2
DRUG TRAFFICKING IS ORGANISED TO EARN HUGE PROFITS WHICH ARE BEING USED TO FINANCE OTHER ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GAMBLING, PROSTITUTION AND OTHER CRIMES.
MR MULLOY POINTED OUT THAT MONEY FROM THESE ACTIVITIES COMPLETES THE CYCLE BY HELPING TO FINANCE THE DRUG TRADE FURTHER.
♦SO LONG AS THESL PROFITS GO UNTOUCHED, CONVICTED ACCOMPLICES AND CONFISCATED DRUG CONSIGNMENTS CAN BE QUICKLY REPLACED.
♦THEREFORE, THERE IS A NEED TO ATTACK THE ASSETS OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS,♦ HE SAID.
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CLOUD THREATENING HK’S ECONOMIC GROWTH ft ft ft ft ft
THERE IS A CLOUD ON THE HORIZON, DESPITE EXCELLENT PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC EXPANSION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING AT THE PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL PLENARY SESSION IN SAN FRANCISCO.
MR MACLEOD WAS REFERRING TO PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES IN THE U.S. AND TO THE DANGER THAT THESE WILL LEAD TO PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION IN THE COUNTRY, WHICH WILL IN TURN SERIOUSLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECT THE CLIMATE OF WORLD TRADE.
♦THE SILVER LINING TO THE CLOUD, AS IT WERE, IS THAT THERE ARE SEPARATELY, IN GENEVA, EFFORTS GOING ON (IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS OF MULTILATERAL TRADE) TO IMPROVE BOTH THE RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THEIR OBSERVANCE,♦ SAID W MACLEOD.
MR MACLEOD APPEALED TO THE COUNCIL TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD CF PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION SUCCEEDING, NOTING THAT EFFORTS IN GENEVA COULD LEAD TO NOTHING IF LEGISLATION GOES TOO FAR, PARTICULARLY SECTORAL LEGISLATION LIKE THAT WHICH THE U.S. TEXTILES LOBBY IS AGAIN TRYING TO PUSH THROUGH, DESPITE ABOVE AVERAGE PLANT UTILISATION AND PROFITS AND DESPITE ALREADY HAVING MORE PROTECTION VIA QUOTAS AND TARIFFS THAN ANY OTHER SECTOR.
MR MACLEOD REFUTED A CENTRAL MYTH OF THE *DEINDUSTRIALISATION OF AMERICA^.
HE QUOTED EXAMPLES OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SIDE CF THE U.S., WHICH ROSE OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS BY 3*3 000, WHILE IN OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED.
/HR MACLEOD........
TIlURUD/iY, !!AY 21, 1987
- 3 -
MR MACLEOD FURTHER NOTED A U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT ESTIMATE WHICH STATES THAT EVEN IF ALL UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES WERE REMOVED, THIS WOULD ACCOUNT FOR LESS THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE US$170 BILLION U.S. TRADE DEFICIT.
♦I AM SURE THAT THE MORE WE ALL OPEN OUR MARKETS AS FAR AS WE ARE ABLE, THE BETTER FOR WORLD TRADE, AND FOR THE PROSPECTS CF AVOIDING EXTREMIST TRADE LEGISLATION,* HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC EXPANSION, MR MACLEOD SAID IN ADDITION TO THE BROADER QUESTION OF WHETHER ATTEMPTS TO REINFORCE THE DISCIPLINES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE WILL SUCCEED THE KEY FACTORS HAVE TO BE THE TERRITORY’S TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS, CHINA AND THE U.S.
♦WE FACE IN HONG KONG A SYSTEM IN TRANSITION? BUT THE POINT TO BEAR IN MIND IS THAT THE TRANSITION OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS PROBLEMS,♦ SAID MR MACLEOD. NOTING THAT FROM PAST RECORD, HONG KONG SHALL &AKE THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND WILL TACKLE THE PROBLEMS WITH DETERMINATION.
MR MACLEOD DISCLOSED THAT THE BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG INCREASED TEN TIMES SINCE CHINA’S ♦OPEN-DOOR* POLICY BETWEEN 1978 AND 1985.
ON THE SECOND KEY FACTOR, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE TRADING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S.. HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, REMAINS ALSO OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE.
♦WE GREATLY VALUE OUR ROLE AS A MAJOR BUSINESS PARTNER FOR THE USA IN ASIA, AND WE BELIEVE THE VALUE IS TWO-WAY,♦ ADDED MR MACLEOD.
IN 1986, 112.5 BILLION IN TWO-WAY TRADE WAS RECORDED.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG IS ABOUT 13TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF ITS TOTAL TRADE, AND THIS IS ON AN UPWARD TREND. HE FURTHER ADDED THAT HONG KONG’S IMPORTS ARE AS LARGE AS ITS EXPORTS.
TRADE WITH THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION IS VITAL TO HONG KONG, SAID MR MACLEOD, QUOTING THE EXAMPLE THAT IN 1986 AROUND 75 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL IMPORTS OF US$35 BILLION WERE FROM THIS REGION.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND PACIFIC CO-OPERATION BOTH FEATURE VERY LARGELY IN HONG KONG’S PAST PROGRESS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS, SAID W MACLEOD.
♦THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRONICS HAS INCREASED SO FAST IN RECENT YEARS THAT IT NOW CONSTITUTES AROUND ONE FIFTH CF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, SECOND ONLY TO GARMENTS,* HE ADDED.
HONG KONG’S GDP HAS BEEN GROWING SINCE 1980 AT ABOUT SIX PER CENT IN REAL TERMS AND IT IS FORECAST TO GROW IN 1987 BY A FURTHER SIX PER CENT.
A....
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
U
EDUCATION CRUCIAL TO HK FUTURE
*****
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FROM JUST OVER <5 BILLION IN 1982-83 TO NEARLY $10 BILLION THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HO TIM BUILDING OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A CRUCIAL TASK TO EDUCATE THE TERRITORY’S YOUNGER GENERATION, TO TRAIN AND EQUIP THEM TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF TOMORROW.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TOWARDS THIS END WERE AMBITIOUS.
+THEY MUST BE AMBITIOUS IF WE ARE TO DEVELOP THE FULL POTENTIAL OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO BUILD FOR OUR FUTURE,* SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD NO MATERIAL RESOURCES BUT TALENTED PEOPLE, ADDING THAT +UPON THE EDUCATION OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS TERRITORY THE FATE OF THIS TERRITORY DEPENDS*.
IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR, SIR DAVID SAID THESE PLANS INCLUDED THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING TWO UNIVERSITIES TO PROVIDE 10 000 DEGREE PLACES EACH BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY ; THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STUDIES; AND THE PROVISION OF DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
♦WHEN THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE COMPLETED, THE NUMBER OF FIRST YEAR FIRST DEGREE PLACES WILL INCREASE TO 8 800, MORE THAN DOUBLE THE EXISTING NUMBER,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT PROVIDING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL WAS INEVITABLY EXPENSIVE, SIR DAVID SAID GIVEN THE CONSTRAINTS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL BUDGET, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS WERE SPENT IN AREAS WHERE THE NEED WAS THE GREATEST.
HE ADDED THAT WITH EDUCATION ALREADY ACCOUNTING FOR THE LARGEST SHARE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET, CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WERE MORE THAN WELCOME.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE NEW HO TIM BUILDING WHICH WAS A *JOINT VENTURE PROJECT* FUNDED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE DONORS.
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, SIR DAVID SAID THAT SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1963, THE UNIVERSITY HAD CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
/he said ......
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
5 -
HE SAID THOUSANDS OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN HAD BENEFITED FROM A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF INSTRUCTION FOUNDED ON THE UNIVERSITY'S UNIQUE COLLEGIATE SYSTEM.
♦A FOURTH COLLEGE IS UNDER EXAMINATION FOR THE ENGINEERING STUDIES,♦ SIR
NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW DAVID ADDED.
AND PROPOSALS ARE FACULTY OF
HE SAID THESE ADDITIONS, WHEN MATERIALISED, WOULD FURTHER BROADEN THE BASIS OF THE UNIVERSITY.
HE NOTED THAT PRIVATE DONATIONS HAD ALWAYS PLAYEB AN IMPORTANT AND INDISPENSABLE ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.
♦YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WALK FAR IN OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, HARVARD, OR ANY WORLD FAMOUS UNIVERSITY TO SEE THE RESULTS, OR TO HEAR THE NAMES, OF BENEFACTIONS MADE OVER HUNDREDS OF YEARS,♦ SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID THIS PROCESS CONTINUED AND HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE HOW NOTABLY IT CONTINUED IN HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE LAST TRIENNIUM, PRIVATE DONATIONS RECEIVED BY THE UNIVERSITY AMOUNTED TO SOME |60 MILLION WHICH WAS NO SMALL AMOUNT BY ANY STANDARD.
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GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE CO-OPERATION KEY TO EDUCATION * * * M *
ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN THE AMOUNT OF PRIVATE BENEFACTIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE H9 TIM BUILDING IN THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. SIR DAVID SAID THE NEW BUILDING WAS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF PRIVATE BENEFACTION AND GOVERNMENT EFFORT CO-OPERATING.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DECLARE THE BUILDING OPEN.
♦I HAVE, OF COURSE, BEEN HERE MANY TIMES BEFORE WHEN I LIVED AND WORKED IN HONG KONG, BUT TO COME AS A CHANCELLOR IS A GREAT PLEASURE AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN THE HO TIM BUILDING,* HE SAID.
/ASKED TO .......
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
6
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED CHANGE FROM TWEE TO FOUR YEARS OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION. SIR DAVID SAID THESE THINGS HAD BEEN LOOKED AT BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION. AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WAIT FOR A FULL CONSIDERATION AND REPORT BEFORE MAKING UP ITS MIND.
♦ON AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. WHICH YOU KNOW IS A VERY COMPLICATED ONE. REQUIRES A LOT OF RESEARCH BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT REACHES A BEcIsiON. I WOULDN'T DARE TO GIVE A PERSONAL OPINION ON SUCH A COMPLEX SUBJECT. ON WHICH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ARGUED FOR SO LONG. I SHALL WAIT FOR THE REPORT*.
SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT KNOW THE PRECISE TIMING OF THE REPORT AND WOULD WAIT UNTIL THE REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
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IMPORTANCE OF COMMON LAW STRESSED
* * * »
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS THE BROAD COMMITMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE LAWS IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT 345, MR THOMAS SAID, *OF THESE. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IS THE SPECIFIC GUARANTEE THAT THE COMMON LAW WILL CONTINUE TO BE PART OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG*.
HE SAIB THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT PROVISION FOR TWEE MAIN REASONS. *FIRST. THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL THEREBY INHERIT PERHAPS THE MOST SOPHISTICATED AND COMPREHENSIVE BODY OF LAW KNOWN TO MAN*.
MR THOMAS EXPLAINED THAT THE COMMON LAW CONSISTS OF THE PRINTED REPORTS OF JUDGEMENTS ANB DECISIONS OF THE HIGHER COURTS IN ENGLAND, HONG KONG AND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE THE COMMON LAW HAS TAKEN ROOT, STRETCHING BACK OVER LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF YEARS.
♦ BECAUSE THE COMMON LAW SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH, THERE ARE NOW HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF REPORTED CASES FROM DEVELOPEI SYSTEMS WITH DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS WHICH ESTABLISH IN SPECIFIC CASES THE LEGAL PRINCIPLES THAT REGULATE THE VARIOUS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THOSE WHO ARE GOVERNED, AND BETWEEN ONE INDIVIDUAL AND ANOTHER,* HE SAID.
/+IN ALL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 198?
7
♦IN ALL THESE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. LIKE HONG KONO, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF LAW ARE DERIVED FROM ksT JUDICIAL DECISIONS. LAWYERS RESORT TO THE BOOKS TO FIND ILLUSTRATIONS OF THOSE PRINCIPLES APPLIED TO PARTICULAR CASES, ANB CITE THEM AS PRECEDENTS AS PART OF THEIR ARGUMENT.♦
THE JOINT DECLARATION STATES THAT ♦THE COURTS ... MAY REFER TO PRECEDENTS IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS,* MR TWMAS ADDED.
SO AFTER 1BB7, AS TODAY, IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING TO FIND A HONG KONG LAWYER REFER TO JUDGEMENTS FROM N0T ONLY RONG KONG, wit COURTS IN ENGLAND* AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CANADA, AND KENYA IN oSeR TO DEMGNSTRAfE TO THE c6uRT HOW THE ^ARTICULAR DISPUTE DKFME IT WAD TO BE DECIDED, CONSISTENTLY WITH THE CASE LAW, NE
SAIB.
♦THIS IS A VERY WITH A POPULATION OF < SAIB.
MR THOMAS NOTED KONG WAS TO BE FOUND IT IS TO BE FOUND IN IN THEIR RAW MATERIAL THE COMMON LAW.*
IMPORTANT INHERITANCE FOR A SMALL TERRITORY ONLY FIVE AND A HALF MILLION PEOPLE,♦ HE
THAT ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE LAW IN HONG IN HONG KONG'S ORDINANCES. +THE BULK OF THE LEGAL. TEXT BOOKS ANB COMMENTARIES ANB , THE LAW REPORTS, WHICH TOGETHER MAKE MP
THE SECOND FEATURE OF THIS IMPORTANT GUARANTEE, * SAID, WAS THAT HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN PART OF A MUCH LARGER LEGAL COMMUNITY MADE UP OF ALL THOSE JURISDICTIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WHICH APPLY THE COMMON LAW.
♦THE COURTS OF HONG KONG WILL NOT BE CONFINED TO THEIR OWN DODY OF CASK LAW OR THEIR OWN LIMITED SUPPLY OF PRECEDENTS. AS NEW DEVELOPMENTS TAKE PLACE, BOTH HERE AND IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS, fSTAILISHED PRINCIPLES MAY &EED TO BE RECONSIDERED AND REFINED TO ACCORD WITH MODERN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS,♦ MR TWMAS SAID.
AS THE COMMON LAW RESPONDS TO THIS CHALLENGE. 80 HOHg KO*G WILL DE ABLE TO DRAW UPON THE REASONING OF JUDGES IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS AND WHERE APPROPRIATE TO APPLY THEM IN HONG KONG,
« SAIB.
♦THE COMMON LAW IS THEREFORE A LARGE CONSTANTLY REPLENISHED,* MR THOMAS SAIB.
♦HONG HONG WILL BE ABLE TO DRAW FROM DECIDING ITS OWN DISPUTES.
RESERVOIR ©F LEGAL WISDOM
THIS RESERVOIR IM
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT
♦ESPECIALLY IN A COMMUNITY WHERE THE EEXIJ ffJgutS’Be’J’usSED'li’To’oTHER1ohh0h\aw JURIOICTIOM, AuJ’wT TOR JUDSES SHOULD BE EBLE TO DRAW IHSPIRATIOR FROM THEH.
/♦THE JOINT
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 198?
8
♦THE JOINT DECLARATION UNDERLINES THAT,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID IT VAS PROVIDED THAT HONG FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS TO
K0NG HAY RECRN IT JUDGES SIT IN THE COURT OF FINAL
APPEAL. *IN THAT WAY. WE SHALL ENJOY IN HONG KONG'S COURTS THE BENEFIT OF JUDICIAL TALENT TRAINED AND DROUGHT UP IN OTHER COMMON
LAW JURISDICTIONS, BRINGING THEIR ACQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO BEAR UPON HONG KONG'S PROBLEMS.
*SO HONG KONG'S LEGAL SYSTEM WILL NOT LIE IN SOME SPACE CAPSULE, CUT OFF FROM THE REST OF THE COMMON LAW WORLD.*
♦INSTEAD IT WILL REMAIN PART OF IT, INVOLVED IN IT, AND INSPIRED BY IT,* MR THOMAS SAID.
THE THIRD FEATURE OF THIS IMPORTANT PROVISION VAS THAT THE PRESERVATION OF THE COMMON LAW IN HONG KONO WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SAFEGUARD FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS AND TO PROVIDE SAFEGUARDS against ABUSE OF POWER, HE SAID.
♦THERE ARE A WEALTH OF CASES TO PEG OUT THE ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF THE RULE OF LAW THAT NO PERSON, NOT EVEN THE HIGHEST MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE, NOR THE MOST HUMBLE POLICE OFFICER OR BUREAUCRAT MAY TAKE ANY STEP TO DEPRIVE AN INDIVIDUAL OF LIBERTY OR PROPERTY OR ANY VALUABLE RIGHT UNLESS HE CAN POINT TO SPECIFIC AUTHORITY UNDER THE LAW TO DO SO.
♦THIS IS PART OF THE THEME OF THE COMMON LAW THAT EVERY PERSON IS FREE TO DO AS HE WISHES SO FAR AS THE LAW IS CONCERNED, UNLESS THERE IS A PROHIBITION OR RESTRAINT IMPOSED DY THE LAW,* THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ONLY LAST WEEK THE COURT OF APPEAL SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING WAS FORDIDDEN EXCEPT THAT WHICH WAS EXPRESSLY PERMITTED! RATHER IT WAS A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING WAS PERMITTED EXCEPT THAT WHICH WAS EXPRESSLY FORDIDDEN
MANY OF THE CHECKS AND SAFEGUARDS WHICH ARE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE ARE DERIVED FROM PRINCIPLES
DEVELOPED BY THE COMMON LAW, HE SAID.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JURY, THE RIGHT OF JURORS TO GIVE A VERDICT ACCORDING TO THEIR CONSCIENCE AND NOT UNDER ANY COERCION OR THREAT! THE RIGHT TO PERSONAL LIBERTY WHICH WAS SAFEGUARDED BY THE PROCEDURES OF HABEAS CORPUS ! THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE, THE RIGHT TO BE SILENT IN THE FACE OF QUESTIONING’ THE DUTY OF ADMINISTRATORS TO DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC FAIRLY AND EVEN-HANDEDLY, AND SO ON, HE ADDED.
IN CONCLUSION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAIDi DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGES THE FACT THAT THE LAW IMPORTANT PART IN THE HONG KONG SAR TO PROMOTE AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY.*
♦THE JOINT
WILL PLAY AN
THE PROSPERITY
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
MORE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PLANNED M M M M M
— ~ THE PRESENT SITUATION OF OVERCROWDING IN MENTAL HOSPITALS EE GRADUALLY IMPROVED IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS WITH THE PROVISION MORE BEDS AND DAY PLACES.
WILL OF
lu « MED,CAL DEVELOPMENT advisory committee (MDAC) discussed J* GREAT LENGTH TODAY (THURSDAY) THE DEVELOPMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
IN THE NEXT DECADE. THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS FOR MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS WILL INCREASE BY MORE THAN 2 500. THE EXISTING NUMBER CF BEDS IS 3 731.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE OF 700 BEDS FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
FOR THE MENTALLY INFIRM, THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ADDITIONAL «□ BEDS.
HOWEVER, LARGE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS ARE NO LONGER PLANNED AND FURTHER PROVISION OF IN-PATIENT PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES WILL BE INTEGRATED WITH GENERAL HOSPITALS ON A REGIONAL BASIS.
THIS WILL OBVIATE THE STIGMA OF HAVING TO STAY IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL, SPEED UP REHABILITATION AND ALLOW EARLY INTEGRATION OF THE PATIENT BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY.
IT WAS BELIEVED THAT, WHERE POSSIBLE. TREATMENT AT PSYCHIATRIC CUT-PATIENT CLINICS OR DAY HOSPITALS, SUPPORTED BY COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSING SERVICE, SHOULD BE PURSUED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO HOSPITAL TREATMENT.
FOR OUT-PATIENT SERVICE, THERE ARE PLANS TO BOOST THE NUMBER CF CLINICS FROM THE PRESENT 15 TO 18. IN ADDITION, FOUR OF THE EXISTING CLINICS WILL BE EXTENDED OR REPROVISIONED IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 464 DAY HOSPITAL PLACES IN 11 INSTITUTIONS.
BY 1991, THREE OF THE EXISTING HOSPITALS WILL BE EXTENDED AND FIVE MORE WILL BE BUILT, PROVIDING AN EXTRA 322 PLACES.
TURNING TO PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, THE MDAC ENDORSED THE PROPOSED NEW PLANNING RATIO FOR PSYCHIATRIC NURSES IN HOSPITALS.
/mn day.....
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
10
FOR DAY SHIFTS, THE RATIO OF NURSES FOR ACUTE BEDS WILL BE REVISED FROM iiiO TO I18.5. FOR LONG STAY BEDS, THE RATIO WILL BE CHANGED FROM iil8 TO I1I6.
AT THE MEETING TODAY, THE COMMITTEE ALSO ENDORSED THE EXPANSION OF TRAINING FACILITIES FOR PSYCHIATRIC NURSES.
AT PRESENT. THE ANNUAL INTAKE CAPACITY OF THE TWO EXISTING TRAINING SCHOOLS FOR PSYCHIATRIC REGISTERED NURSES IN KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL AND CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL IS 120 AND 40 RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, TWO NEW SCHOOLS ARE PLANNED IN THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL AND EASTERN HOSPITAL WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY 1991.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE TRAINING CAPACITY FOR PSYCHIATRIC ENROLLED NURSES WILL ALSO BE EXPANDED.
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CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT * M M * M
-hjc MR DAV,D F0RD, today (Thursday) visited
JUL?oR(!«LDfPAR™ENT T0 L00K AT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG’S PORT AND SHIPPING SERVICES.
^J£C0MPANIED BY THE DEpUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR DERICK HALL, {JBFORD MET DIVISION HEADS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT MARBOim BUILDING WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN 1HE PORT AND AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL, THE VESSEL TRAFFIC Man*SEMENT SYSTEM. AND THE PREPARATION WO&K RELATED TO 1HE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT SHIPPING REGISTER.
^Hf,w*s,T°LD THAT TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD AND PSfPON?’8,L1T,es OF THE DEPARTMENT, ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES AND STAFFING SUPPORT WERE ALREADY UNDER WAY.
/11 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
11
FIRST JOINT MEETING OF MEMORIAL FUND ON SATURDAY *****
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE COUNCIL OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WILL BE HOLDING THEIR FIRST JOINT MEETING ON SATURDAY (MAY 23), AND LADY YOUDE, A MEMBER OF BOTH THE BOARD AND THE COUNCIL, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING, THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE QUO-WEI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦THE JOINT MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE FUND- GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING THE FUND’S INCOME BROAD AREAS FOR WHICH THE FUND’S INCOME MAY BE APPLIED AND METHODS AND PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING THE FUND’S INCOME IN THE 1987/88 ACADEMIC YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS MORNING IN THE DINING HALL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, WHERE HE RECEIVED A DONATION OF tl2 400 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR RALPH SPENCER.
THE DONATION WAS THE SECOND CONTRIBUTION FROM MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER. THE FIRST DONATION OF 1100 000 WAS MADE ON MARCH 6.
MR LEE PRAISED THE CHAMBER’S INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND CIVIC-MINDED PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL MATTERS.
INCLUDING THIS MORNING’S DONATION, HE SAID THE FUND HAD COLLECTED MORE THAN |81.6 MILLION.
MR LEE HOPED THE PUBLIC WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FUND AND DONATIONS COULD STILL BE MADE AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OR TREASURY OFFICE, AS WELL AS SOME 300 BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG BANK, THE HANG SENG BANK AND THE HANG LUNG BANK.
-------c ---------
SUBSIDIES FOR PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS, ARTISTS
*****
PERFORMING ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS IN THE TERRITORY WILL RECEIVE ABOUT *17.8 MILLION IN PUBLIC SUBSIDIES IN THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR UNDER THE GRANT APPLICATION SCHEME OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
THE COUNCIL HAS ALREADY ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT THAT SOME 116.3 MILLION WILL BE AWARDED AS GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS TO FIVE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS IN MEETING PART OF THEIR RECURRENT COSTS FOR THE YEAR.
/'. HE ORGANISATIONS......
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
12 -
THE ORGANISATIONS WHICH WILL RECEIVE GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS ARE THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, HONG KONG’S LEADING CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA? THE CHUNG YIN THEATRE COMPANY. HONG KONG’S ONLY FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT DRAMA COMPANY? THE C TV CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG BALLET LIMITED HONG KONG’S PREMIER MODERN AND CLASSICAL DANCE COMPANIES 5 AND THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY WHICH ORGANISES HONG KONG’S ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL.
A FURTHER tl.5 MILLION HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THE AWARD OF PROJECT (AND OTHER) GRANTS WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO HELP OTHER PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS IN MOUNTING SPECIFIC PERFORMANCES AND PROJECTS.
STARTING THIS YEAR, APPLICATIONS FOR THESE GRANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA), 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
HONG KONG
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED SECRETARIAT ON 5-735878, 5-735425 OR
BY CALLING THE CFPA 5-735565.
-----o------
NEW MARKET COMPLEX FOR TSUEN WAN *****
A >39 MILLION CONTRACT WAN HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE
FOR BUILDING A MARKET COMPLEX AT TSUEN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE MARKET WILL JUNCTION OF YEUNG UK
OCCUPY A 3 500-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE ROAD AND CHUEN LUNG STREET.
FLOORS OF THE SIX-STOREY BUILDING WILL PROVIDE STALLS. OFFICES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES ------------------------------- A PHYSICAL
LOWER THREE
THE
SPACE FOR 332 MARKET
DEPARTMENT, AN INBOOR GAMES HALL, FOUR SQUASH COURTS, A PHYSICAL TRAINING ROOM, STOREROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS WILL BE ON THE REMAINING FLOORS.
WORK ON THE COMPLEX STARTED THIS WEEK AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS.
/13
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
13
1986 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT PUBLISHED M K * * K
AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) FOR 1986 WAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICES INDICES DURING 1986.
INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE FOUR CHARTS AND SEVEN TABLES SHOWING MOVEMENTS OF BOTH CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) BY SECTION AND GROUP OF COMMODITY/SERVICE AS WELL AS THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL CHANGE IN THE INDICES.
INDICES BY SECTION AND GROUP OF COMMODITY/SERVICE OF THE 1979/80-BASED SERIES AND OF THE 1984/85-BASED SERIES ARE PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE, AT HKS12 A COPY. AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS REPORT CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
-------o----------
SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS PRESS CONFERENCE K * M M H
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 1987/88 SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5/F., BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, DR S.F. LAM, WILL TALK ABOUT THE WORK AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMITTEE THIS YEAR, INCLUDING Tfit PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES AND MATERIAL TO DE LAUNCHES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1987 LAND SPORTS SAFETY DAY.MR P.E. BIRNEY AND CHAIRMAN OF Tl£ WORKING PARTY ON THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY, MR J.A. FORTUNE, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE TWO EVENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
-------0--------- /14....................
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
SEMINAR FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS ft ft ft ft ft
THE 21ST CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS' SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE AUDITORIUM OF HANG SENG BANK BUILDING, 2OTH FLOOR, IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES AND INSTITUTIONS), MR BRIAN FRENCH, WILL GIVE AN OPENING SPEECH ON CAREERS AND GUIDANCE WORK IN SCHOOLS AT THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR AT 9 AM TOMORROW.
- - o -
MEETING ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS * * ft * ft
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG WILL F€ET NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBERS OF SIX AREA COMMITTEES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRICT MATTERS.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 19B7
15
YOUTH PROBLEMS TO BE DISCUSSED ft ft ft ft ft
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS ON TACKLING PROBLEMS OF UNRULY YOUTHS AT A MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 22).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FINDINGS BY A WORKING GROUP ON UNRULY YOUTHS IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE FORMAT AND ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG SMOKE-OUT DAY TO BE HELD LATER IN THE YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-20® CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY ON SATURDAY (MAY 23) MORNING.
HE WILL ADDRESS THE PARADE AND PRESENT SILVER WHISTLES TO THE BEST RECRUITS.
ON PARADE WILL BE 21 OFFICERS AND 63 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE DEPARTMENT’S BASIC TRAINING COURSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY AT THE DEPARTMENT'S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT AT 23/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, AT 8.45 AM.
- (
/1
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987 •
16
CAS TO HOLD EXERCISE
*****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD A HONG KONG REGIONAL EXERCISE ON SATURDAY (MAY 23).
THE EXERCISE WILL TAKE PLACE AT TWO SITES — THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK, TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD AND THE CAS HONG KONG TRAINING CENTRE, HAWTHORN ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, FROM 3 PM TO 11 PM. ABOUT 230 CAS OFFICERS AND MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE EXERCISE.
THE AIMS OF THE EXERCISE ARE TO TEST THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, CO-OPERATION AND LIFE-SAVING SKILLS OF CAS OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF HONG KONG REGION DURING EMERGENCIES AS WELL AS THE COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN DISTRICTS AND HONG KONG REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE POOL TRANSPORT SHOULD REPORT TO MR TAM TAK-KWONG ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMANDER, HK AT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HEADQUARTERS AT 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 4 PM.
NEW ROADS IN SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION OPENED *****
SIX UNNAMED NEW ROADS IN SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION NEAR THE FERRY PIER WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF THESE ROADS, WHICH WILL ALL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY TRAFFIC, A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR SAI WAN HO FERRY PIER, INCLUDING CMB ROUTE NO. 14, 82A AND D3 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 19 AND 20, WILL HAVE TO PROCEED STRAIGHT AHEAD IN A NORTHBOUND DIRECTION AFTER PASSING THROUGH TAI HONG STREET. THEY WILL THEN HAVE TO TURN RIGHT AT THE FIRST CORNER BEFORE TURNING LEFT TO THE FERRY PIER.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS AS THEY DRIVE ALONG.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1987
17
RESTRICTED ZONE IN CAUSEWAY BAY M M M M M
THE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON GREAT GEORGE STREET BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 23).
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
- o -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL M M M M M
, * SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED A
7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR GOODS VEHICLES FOR WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY
(MAY 23/•
^uuJ«u-rS£SI2°L.’LTHE S0UTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF WITH pEDDER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES
EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DOUGLAS STREET.
_ „J!2b62?BS.VEH,CLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
I,HE» THE 24”H0UR DAILY BUS LANE ON THE CONNECTION SEPARATING THE OUTER AND INNER LANES OF
WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN PEDDER AND POTTINGER STREETS WILL BE OPENED TO ALL VEHICLES.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS KOWLOON CITY ................................ 1
WALLED CITY PLAN 'A MAJOR STEP FORWARD' ..................... 2
POLLUTION COMPLAINTS HOTLINE SET UP ......................... 3
MACLEOD STRESSES HK'S AFFINITY WITH JEST CO^ST .............. 4
HK MARKET OPEN TO U.S. PRODUCTS ............................. 5
ASBESTOS REMOVAL SPECIALISTS INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS.......... 7
WAGE CEILING RAISED TO $11 500 .............................. 7
BUS LANE SCHEME ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO BE INTRODUCED ... 8
MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED...................... 8
FIRST JOINT MEETING OF MEMORIAL FUND ........................ 9
IMPORTANT ROLES OF AREA COMMITTEES STRESSED ................. 10
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS TO BE SET UP........... 10
MORE WELFARE FACILITIES FOR YUEN LONG........................ 11
TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO BE EXPANDED...................... 12
SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST IN SPORTS ......................... 13
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHEK WU HUI .......................... 14
REVIEW ON CONTROL hND LICENSING OF CRAFT UNDER WAY........... 15
VESSEL OWNERS REMINDED OF RADIC LICENCE...................... 16
WAN CHAI YIN NGAI SOCIETY PRAISED ........................... 17
HK-MACAU FERRY PIER DECK FOR RENT ........................... 17
..WARDS FOR OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ............ 18
ABERDEEN DRAGON B0.1T RACES PRESS CONFERENCE................. 18
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK CONDITIONS FOR WOMEN .............. 19
TRAFFIC, ARRANGEMENTS IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET 20
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 TO BE EXTENDED ....................... 21
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
1
GOVERNOR VISITS KOWLOON CITY
*****
BRAVING HEAVY RAIN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SPENT AN AFTERNOON VISITING KOWLOON CITY TODAY (FRIDAY), WHICH WAS THE FOURTH OF HIS FAMILIARISATION TOURS TO THE DISTRICTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU- KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON FIRST TOOK A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT FROM A NEARBY PRIMARY SCHOOL.
SIR DAVID LEARNT THAT A SIX-HECTARE URBAN COUNCIL PARK WAS BEING DEVELOPED ON A NEARBY SITE TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS INCLUDING JOGGING AND CYCLING TRACKS, VOLLEYBALL COURTS, BASKETBALL COURTS, AND A ROCK GARDEN.
THE SITE WAS FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY ABOUT 14 OOO PEOPLE OF SAI TAU VILLAGE AND WAS COMPLETELY CLEARED IN JULY LAST YEAR.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT A ROAD WIDENING PROJECT TO PROVIDE A ONE WAY THREE-LANE ROAD TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE AREA WOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1988 ALONG CARPENTER ROAD.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO BRIEFED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR H T LUI, ON THE PROGRESS OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO PRIVATE STREETS IN TO KWA WAN TO SEE THE DIFFERENCES IN ROAD SURFACE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SANITARY CONDITIONS BETWEEN A RESUMED AND AN UNRESUMED PRIVATE STREET. EIGHT PRIVATE STREETS IN TO KWA WAN WERE RESUMED UNDER A PILOT SCHEME IN 1983 AND TWEE MORE WOULD BE RESUMED LATER THIS YEAR.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE 37 PRIVATE STREETS IN KOWLOON CITY, REPRESENTING 13 PER CENT OF ALL THE PRIVATE STREETS IN THE TERRITORY AND MOST OF THEM WERE IN TO KWA WAN AND HUNG HOM SUB-DISTRICTS.
THE PARTY WALKED THROUGH A PRIVATE STREET WHICH WAS PARTIALLY BLOCKED BY STRUCTURES AND VEHICLES.
SIR DAVID LATER WENT TO THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S KA WAI CHUEN IN HUNG HOM WHICH WAS BEING REDEVELOPED FROM THE PRESENT NINE SIX-STOREY BLOCKS TO EIGHT 17-STOREY BLOCKS IN FOUR PHASES.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT PHASES I AND I I OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FINAL PHASE WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1991.
/'ll GOVidilNOR..........
FMDAY, MAY 22, 198?
2
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ALSO VISITED A FAMILY AT KA LAI HOUSE AND HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH MEMBERS OF A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE ON HOW THE COMMITTEE HELPED FOSTER NEIGHBOURLINESS AND THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AMONG RESIDENTS.
SIR DAVID LEARNT THAT THE BUILDING HAD JOINED THE +NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME* WHICH WAS FIRST LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT IN 1985.
A TOTAL OF 1 823 HOUSEHOLDS IN 27 BUILDINGS HAD JOINED THE SCHEME SINCE THEN.
THE PARTY ALSO WENT TO THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN AND TOURED A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A NURSERY, A WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
SIR DAVID CONCLUDED HIS VISIT AT A RECEPTION IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE CENTRE WHERE HE MET KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
0---------
WALLED CITY PLAN ’A MAJOR STEP FORWARD’ *****
THE RE-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR KOWLOON WALLED CITY IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FR IDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF HIS FOURTH DISTRICT VISIT, TO KOWLOON CITY, SIR DAVID SAID THE WALLED CITY HAD BEEN A PROBLEM FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
NOTING THAT HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEMS IN THE WALLED CITY IN THE PAST, HE SAID, +WHAT INTERESTS ME NOW IS THE PROGRESS IN REDEVELOPING THAT AREA, ALL OF THAT IS AT THE MOMENT GOING VERY WELL.*
♦I’D SEEN THE APPALLING PROBLEMS THERE FOR MANY MANY YEARS. IT'S BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH THOSE PROBLEMS. THE FACT THAT WE ARE NOW TACKLING THEM IS I BELIEVE A MAJOR STEP FORWARD AND SOMETHING ABOUT WHICH I PERSONALLY AM DELIGHTED,* SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT HIS CONCERN WAS TO SEE THAT THE WALLED CITY EE PROPERLY RE-DEVELOPED AND TO SEE THAT THE PROGRAMME WENT AHEAD WELL.
ASKED IF HE WOULD GO INTO THE WALLED CITY AREA SOME OTHER DAY, It SAID THERE WERE MANY PLACES IN HONG KONG HE HAD GOT TO VISIT.
/+TB1:; POPULATION .....
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
- 3 -
♦THE POPULATION OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY IS SOMETHING LIKE 33 OOO, EIGHT PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT WE ARE NOW IN. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PLACES TO VISIT. AS I SAY, WHAT MATTERS TO ME IS TO SEE THAT RE-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME GOING AHEAD WELL,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF UNLICENSED DOCTORS AND DENTISTS INSIDE THE WALLED CITY, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING VARIOUS WAYS TO HELP THEM.
♦AT THE MOMENT WHAT IS BEING PLANNED IS VARIOUS WAYS OF TRYING TO HELP THEM TO RE-DEVELOP TRADES WHICH ARE NOT ILLEGAL BUT WHICH MAKES USE OF SOME OF THEIR TALENTS, THAT I THINK IS THE RIGHT WAY TO APPROACH THE PROBLEM,♦ HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD TALKED WITH MEMBERS OF A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE TO HEAR ABOUT THE WORK THEY WERE DOING, AND ALSO HEARD ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEMES TO FIGHT CRIME.
♦BOTH OF THOSE ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE HERE. AND IT’S ENCOURAGING TO SEE HOW MUCH WORK IS DONE AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL LIKE THAT BY A LARGE NUMBER OF VERY DEDICATED PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
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POLLUTION COMPLAINTS HOTLINE SET UP * K M * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS AND DIRECT THEIR ENQUIRIES ON POLLUTION MATTERS TO A NEW +HOTLINE+ SERVICE FROM MONDAY (MAY 25).
THE +POLLUTION HOTLINE* NUMBER IS 5-8152244.
THE SERVIE IS INTRODUCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT BECAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS ARE OFTEN COMPLEX, AND CAN INVOLVE SEVERAL OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. AS A RESULT, THE PUBLIC ARE SOMETIMES BEWILDERED AS TO WHERE OR H3W THEY SHOULD LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS ON POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
THE HOTLINE SERVICE WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO LODGE COMPLAINTS AND WILL ALSO SPEED UP REMEDIAL ACTIONS TO BE UKEH BY.DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED. FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HOTLINE AND THE USE OF A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO MONITOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS AND INITIATE REMEDIAL OR PREVENTIVE ACTIONS MORE EFFICIENTLY.
THE HOTLINE WILL BE MANNED BY STAFF OF THE COMPLAINTS AND i l AIQON ’SECTION AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SINCERE BUILDING OFFICE. A RECORDING FACILITY WILL BE USED TO TAKE COMPLAINTS OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
/as each .......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 198?
AS EACH COMPLAINT IS RECEIVED IT WILL BE CATEGORISED AND RECORDED IN A COMPUTER TO ENABLE MORE EFFECTIVE FOLLOW-UP ACTION AND REGULAR ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT RECORDS.
THE SECTION WAS SET UP WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING GROUP (EAPQ) OF THE EPD IN JUNE LAST YEAR FOLLOWING A REORGANISATION OF THE THEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. APART FROM DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS ON ALL POLLUTION, THE SECTION IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING THE DEPARMENT’S LIAISON WITH OMELCO, THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AND WITH THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE SECTION HAD RESPONDED TO OVER 5 OOO COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES CONCERNING POLLUTION MATTERS.
♦WITH THE PUBLIC’S GROWING AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND THE PROGRESSIVE INTRODUCTION OF POLLUTION CONTROLS, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER IN THE COMING YEAR,* HE ADDED.
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MACLEOD STRESSES HK’S M *
AFFINITY WITH WEST COAST M N *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (MAY 23) PRAISED THE FORMATION OF THE NEW HONG KONG-SEATtLe ASSOCIATION AS A MEANS TO FOSTER CLOSER LINKS BETWEEN WASHINGTON STATE AND HONG KONG.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING IN SEATTLE CO-SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG-SEATTLE ASSOCIATION. THE WASHINGTON COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE, THE WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL AND THE PORT OF SEATTLE, MR MACLEOD EMPHASISED HONG KONG’S AFFINITY TO THE WEST COAST OF THE USA.
HE NOTED THE SIMILARITY IN THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE TWO PLACES, BOTH BELIEVING IN THE BENEFITS OF FREE TRADE.
♦IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THERE IS PARTICULAR AWARENESS HERE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PACIFIC BASIN, AND OF THE BENEFITS TO YOUR ECONOMY FLOWING FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
ADMITTING THAT PROTECTIONISM IN THE USA CASTS A SHADOW OVER HONG KONG’S OTHERWISE EXCELLENT TRADING PROSPECTS, MR MACLEOD REFUTED THE ARGUMENTS AND MYTHS PRESENTED TO JUSTIFY TRADE BARRIERS, SUCH AS IMPORTS MEANING LOST JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES, OR THAT THE UNITED STATES IS BEING DE-INDUSTRIALISED.
/11E Sa ID...........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
- 5 -
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG IS APPRECIATIVE OF THE EFFORTS OF WASHINGTON STATE’S POLITICAL LEADERS, AS WELL AS TRADE AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS FROM THE STATE, IN EXERTING PRESSURE AGAINST ANY EXTREME PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION. HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THEIR INFLUENCE OVER EVENTS IN WASHINGTON DC AGAINST THE JENKINS BILL LAST YEAR.
HE NOTED TOO THAT HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE USA IS A LONG STANDING AND MUTUALLY B'NEFICIAL ONE WHICH GOES BEYOND TRADE.
♦ONE ONLY HAS TO THINK OF THE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO HAVE BENEFITTED FROM EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND RETURNED TO THE TERRITORY WITH WARM FEELINGS TOWARDS THE USA.
+THIS RELATIONSHIP ALSO INVOLVES A VERY SUBSTANTIAL US PRESENCE AND INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG. THE US CONSULATE HAS ESTIMATED THE TOTAL US INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AT ABOUT US$6 BILLION (ABOUT *146.8 BILLION),* HE SAID. ♦THERE ARE ABOUT 15 000 US CITIZENS RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND AROUND 900 US FIRMS NOT JUST IN BUSINESS, BUT IN THE SERVICE SECTOR TOO.
♦NEVERTHELESS, TRADE IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE RELATIONSHIP, AND THE USA IS OUR LARGEST MARKET,+ MR MACLEOD EMPHASISED.
HE REMINDED HIS AUDIENCE THAT DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE TRADE BALANCE IS IN HONG KONG’S FAVOUR, THE TERRITORY’S MARKET IS OPEN WITHOUT QUOTA OR TARIFF TO US AND OTHER GOODS- AND THAT OVERALL HONG KONG - IN ITS TRADE WITH THE WORLD - DOES NOT RUN A SURPLUS.
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HK MARKET OPEN TO U.S. PRODUCTS *****
U.S
GOODS IN HONG KONG IS FAR
The POTENTIAL FOR SALES OF U.S. GOODS IN HONG KONG IS FAR FROM EXHAUSTED. DESPITE THE FACT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE BUY MORE ™AN*4 92° W0RTH A YEAR PER CAPITA ALREADY, THE SENIOR DIRECTOR AFFAIRS IN NEW YORK, MR BILL DORWARD, SAID YtoltKDAY (MAY 21) ■
« -r MR DORWARD WAS SPEAKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUM OE JHE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS IN NEW YUK K •
TUC 3 F2RUM ,S 0NE 0F THE M03T HIGH-POWERED in
U* UR,TE2 HAIESZ W,TH TH,S YE*R*S MEETING FEATURING SUCH NAMES AS U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, CLAYTON YEUTTER, AND EEC AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S., SIR ROY DENMAN.
/l.IH DOJMAilD........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
6
MR DORWARD SAID THAT ANYONE IN THE U.S. WHO THOUGHT HE HAD PRODUCTS OR SERVICES WHICH WERE WORLD COMPETITIVE HAD A WIDE-OPEN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST OUT HIS BELIEF IN HONG KONG.
BUT NO ONE WAS GOING TO HAND IT TO THEM ON A PLATTER, HE SAID ♦HONG KONG IS A TOUGH, COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, WHERE SUCCESS IN SELLING DEPENDS MAINLY ON THE THREE BASIC CRITERIA OF PRICE, QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY.♦ *
AS AN EXAMPLE. MR DORWARD POINTED TO THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICAN TEXTILE COMPANIES TO INCREASE THEIR SHARE OF THE HONG KONG MARKET, PARTICULARLY WITH THE ADVANTAGE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RISING JAPANESE YEN. HE POINTED OUT THAT JAPAN NOW PROVIDES ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE IMPORTS, WHICH ARE VALUED AT MORE THAN >20 BILLION A YEAR.
♦THAT IS ASSUMING (THE AMERICAN TEXTILE COMPANIES) HAVE THE PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF COURSE- BUT IF THEIR PRODUCTION IS ALREADY TOO FULLY COMMITTED TO TRY FOR A SHARE OF SUCH A HUGE MARKET, WHY ARE THEY MAKING SUCH NOISY DEMANDS FOR STILL MORE PROTECTION AGAINST IMPORTS? THEY SURELY CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO TREATS OF AMERICAN PROTECTIONISM AGAINST FOREIGN IMPORTS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM HONG KONG, MR DORWARD SAID THAT THE TERRITORY LOOKED WITH MOUNTING CONCERN AT THE ATTEMPTS CURRENTLY BEING MADE TO RESTRICT SUCH IMPORTS EVEN FURTHER.
♦THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL MANUFACTURERS IN THE U.S. AND OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES HAVE NOW ENJOYED GREATER PROTECTION, TARIFF AND NON-TARIFF. FOR MORE YEARS THAN ANY OTHER SECTOR SINCE THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
♦ I THINK MOST OF THOSE PRESENT WOULD AGREE THAT THE TEXTILE PROTECTIONISTS ARE STILL FIGHTING YESTERDAY'S WAR. THE FUTURE HAS TO LIE WITH THE REDUCTION OF BARRIERS, NOT THEIR INCREASE- WITH EXPANSION OF TRADE, NOT REDUCTION,* HE SAID.
MR DORWARD SAID THAT THE IDEA OF A COMMUNITY LIKE HONG KONG MAINTAINING BALANCED TRADE WITH ALL ITS MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS WAS LUDICROUS.
♦IM FACT THE WHOLE IDEA OF BALANCING TRADE BY COUNTRY OR BY PRODUCT SECTOR IS A NONSENSE, BECAUSE IT DENIES THE OBVIOUS ADVANTAGE TO ALL CONCERNED OF BUYING AND SELLING IN THE BEST MARKETS. TO TRY TO FORCE BILATERAL TRADE BALANCES BY GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN TRADE, TO EVERYBODY’S DISADVANTAGE,* HE SAID.
0
/7
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
7
ASBESTOS REMOVAL SPECIALISTS INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS WITH CAPABILITIES IN THE SPECIALIST WORK OF ASBESTOS REMOVAL TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE FACILITIES THEY ARE ABLE TO OFFER.
A NOTICE OF THE INVITATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦THIS IS PART OF AN OVERALL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DEVELOPED TO ENSURE THAT ASBESTOS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IS PROPERLY DEALT WITH,* SAID A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN.
HE SAID CONTRACTORS WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTS IF THEY WERE ABLE TO SHOW THAT THEY WERE PROPERLY EQUIPPED AND THAT NOT ONLY PROFESSIONALS, BUT ALSO SUPERVISORS AND WORKMEN WERE FULLY TRAINED.
♦THE DEPARTMENT PLACES SPECIAL EMPHASIS UPON SAFETY STANDARDS AND PROTECTION OF BOTH THE OPERATIVES EXECUTING REMOVAL WORKS AND THE USERS OF BUILDINGS.
♦CONTRACTORS WHO MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAZETTE NOTICE WILL BE INTERVIEWED.
♦IF THEY ARE ACCEPTABLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY WIN REMOVAL CONTRACTS THOUGH OPEN TENDERING, THEIR PERFORMANCE WILL BE CAREFULLY MONITORED TO ENSURE GOOD STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED,♦ HE ADDED.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING DETAILS BY CONTRACTORS IS JUNE 19.
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wage CEILING RAISED TO fll 500 I I X *
A MOTION PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY TO R**SE THE WA6E CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES UNDER THE today™fr]day),nance from *10 500 T0 •11 500 «comes EFFECTIVE ^J-*B0UR BE'ARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
HE SAID THE WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES HAD BEEN REVISED PERIODICALLY TO MAINTAIN ITS ORIGINAL VALUE AND THE LAST REVISION WAS MADE ABOUT A YEAR AGO.
ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PROVISIONS SLIM EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE MAY BE MADE AT ANY OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
8
BUS LANE SCHEME ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO BE INTRODUCED * * ft ft
A BUS-ONLY LANE SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (MAY 23) ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD DURING MORNING PEAK HOURS ON WEEKDAYS TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO WORK, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE LANE SPECIALLY EARMARKED FOR BUSES WILL BE ABOUT 670 METRES LONG EXTENDING FROM WORLDWIDE GARDENS TO THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE TUNNEL. IT WILL BE OPERATING BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE BUS LANE SCHEME WILL REDUCE THE BUS JOURNEY TIME BY ABOUT FOUR MINUTES BY ALLOWING BUSES TO BYPASS TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID KMB ROUTES 48, 70X, 72B, 72X, 73X. 7AA, 7 AX, 75X, 82M, 82X, 87 AND 89C MAY BE DIVERTED VIA CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ON KOWLOON-BOUND JOURNEYS DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD IN THE EVENT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ON THE APPROACHES TO THE BUS LANE.
IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE FOR ANY VEHICLE. OTHER THAN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE BUS OR A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WITH PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO ENTER THE BUS LANE. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 61M, WHICH PROVIDES A SCHEDULED SERVICE FROM TAI WAI TO KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION, WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE THE BUS LANE.
TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR THE TRAFFIC SITUATION FOLLOWING ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND WILL CARRY OUT A REVIEW IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
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MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) APPOINTMENTS TO THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL.
INDUSTRIALIST AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN HAS BEEN NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL.
/THE OTHER .......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
- 9 -
THE OTHER FIVE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL INCLUDE LADY YOUDE, WIDOW OF THE LATE GOVERNOR, MR ANTHONY KAN YUET-MING, PROFESSOR LEUNG WAI-SUN, DR LUI MING-WAH AND DR BENJAMIN TSOU KA-YIN. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER IS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL IS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND ORDINANCE MASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MARCH THIS YEAR
IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR APPLYING THE RECURRENT INCOME OF THE FUND FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF THE EDUCATION AND LEARNING OF, AND RESEARCH BY, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
MR ANTHONY KAN IS AN ECONOMIST BY TRAINING AND IS AT PRESENT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ASIA) OF NEW ZEALAND REINSURANCE CO. LTD. DR LUI MING-WAH OBTAINED HIS DOCTORATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE BACK IN 1973 AND IS NOW THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KEYSTONE ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS ARE FROM THE LOCAL ACADEMIC CIRCLE. PROFESSOR LEUNG WAI-SUN IS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHILE DR BENJAMIN TSOU IS HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
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FIRST JOINT MEETING OF MEMORIAL FUND * * * M *
THE FIRST JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE COUNCIL OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), CENTRAL.
AFTER THE MEETING, LADY YOUDE, WHO IS A MEMBER OF BOTH THE BOARD AND THE COUNCIL; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FR LEE QUO-WEI, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN WILL TALK TO THE PRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE LOBBY OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT 11.15 AM.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 19«7
10
IMPORTANT ROLES OF AREA COMMITTEES STRESSED
*****
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF AREA COMMITTEES IN THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
ADDRESSING 22 NEWLY APPOINTED AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT A GATHERING AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE. MR LAM SAID THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF AREA COMMITTEES WHICH HAD PROVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TWO-WAY CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
HE SAID THE MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF AREA COMMITTEES WERE TO PROMOTE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND MEASURES, TO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND TO IDENTIFY SHORTFALLS AND DEFICIENCIES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THEIR AREA.
♦PAST RECORD SHOWED THAT THEIR VIEWS WERE VERY OFTEN CONSTRUCTIVE AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD CONSIDERABLE REGARD FOR THEM,* HE SAID.
♦AREA COMMITTEES HAVE ALSO PROVED TO BE ESSENTIAL IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY SPIRIT,+ HE ADDED.
MR LAM HOPED THAT AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE COULD LIAISE MORE CLOSELY WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ACT AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCALS.
HE ALSO REMINDED THEM TO REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHER ’KAIFONGS* TO DO THE SAME IN A MAJOR EXERCISE DUE TO START IN AUGUST.
- 0 -
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS TO BE SET UP
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A RESOURCE CENTRE TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION MATERIALS ON CAREERS EDUCATION AND GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICE AND INSTITUTIONS), MR BRIAN FRENCH, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 21ST CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS’ SEMINAR, MR FRENCH SAID THE RESOURCE CENTRE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED ONCE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES WERE AVAILABLE.
/THE ANNUAL
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
The ANNUAL SEMINAR ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 150 TEACHERS WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS AND THE HANG SENG BANK.
REFERRING TO THE FIVE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS MADE AVAILABLE TO EACH STANDARD-SIZE SCHOOL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, MR FRENCH SAID THE ADDITIONAL GRADUATE TEACHER PROVIDED IN 1983 WAS SPECIFICALLY TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO ALLOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE TO THEIR TEACHING STAFF.
♦THE YEAR ALSO SAW THE OPENING OF THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF AN ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR CAREERS TEACHERS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS,* HE SAID.
♦ALONGSIDE CAREERS EDUCATION, GUIDANCE WORK IS BEING PROMOTED IN SCHOOLS AND A SUGGESTED GUIDE ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.*
*AT THE SAME TIME, A PILOT SCHEME - SCHOOLS SUPPORT SCHEME - AIMED TO STRENGTHEN GUIDANCE SERVICES IN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS HAD BEEN LAUNCHED AND SERVICES AND EXPERTISE OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WERE ALSO AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT,* MR FRENCH SAID.
TO PROVIDE IN-SERVICE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO SPONSORED COURSES TO BE RUN BY TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF WHICH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAS OFFERED A CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SCHOOL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR WHILE BOTH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WOULD MOUNT SPECIAL COURSES FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS IN AUGUST.
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MORE WELFARE FACILITIES FOR YUEN LONG * M * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE NEEDS OF YUEN LONG, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 1987-89, MRS WONG ADDED THAT THERE WERE REGULAR REVIEWS OF THE EXISTING FACILITIES AS WELL AS PLANNING AHEAD AS HOW TO MEET THE NEEDS.
/♦IT 13........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
12 -
♦IT IS PLANNED THAT BETWEEN 1987 AND 1990, WELFARE FACILITIES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE BOOSTED WITH THE ADDITION OF THREE MORE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, FOUR DAY CHILD CARE CENTRES, A MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, A HALF-WAY HOUSE AND TWO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WITH RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES,+ SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THE LONG PING CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE TO BE OPENED BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SHORTLY WAS AMONG THE PROJECTS BEING DEVELOPED TO MEET THE DISTRICT NEEDS.
SHE TRACED THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH DATED BACK TO 1970 AND COMPLIMENTED THE OFFICE-BEARERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY AND GROUP ACTIVITIES, YOUTH WORK AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES.
SHE SAID THE DEPARTMENT FULLY SUPPORTED THESE ACTIVITIES AND SUBVENTION TO THE TOWN HALL IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN >2.3 MILLION.
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TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO BE EXPANDED X * * * *
THE AREA OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IS TO BE INCREASED BY 2.9 HECTARES ACCORDING TO AN AMENDMENT PROPOSED TO THE DRAFT TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE SITE, SITUATED TO THE EAST OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WAS ORIGINALLY RESERVED FOR EXPANSION OF AN ADJOINING SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID^EXPANSION OF THE PLANT WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY AS SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN THE AREA WERE SUFFICIENT.
♦THE LAND RELEASED CAN NOW BE INCORPORATED INTO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT THE REQUEST OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
CORPORATION,^ HE SAID.
IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO AMEND THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN BY CHANGING THE ANNOTATION OF THE SITE FROM 'OTHER SPECIFIED USES (SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT)’ TO ’OTHER SPECIFIED USES (INDUSTRIAL ESTATE)’.
THE AMENDMENT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) AND A RELATED NOTICE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY JUNE 11.
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FRIDAY, MAY 22, W
- 14 -
talking on land sports safety, chairman of the working group ON THE 1987 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR P.E. BIRNEY, SAID ALTHOUGH LAND-BASED SPORTS ARE INTRINSICALLY LESS RISKY JHAN THOSE WHICH ARE WATER-BASED, PEOPLE DO FALL OFF RO£KS, OR LOSE THEIR WAY IN THE HILLS, OR OTHERWISE END UP DEAD OR INJURED.
♦WHILST THERE ARE DOUBTLESS MANY FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENTS IN SPORT, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT IGNORANCE, OR SHEER LACK OF CARE, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH, ARE THE PRIME CAUSES,* MR BIRNEY SAID.
HOWEVER, THESE CAN ALL BE BEFOREHAND, HE STRESSED.
REMEDIED BY TAKING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS COMMITTEE WILL STAGE TWO MAJOR PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO PUT ACROSS THE +PLAY SAFE* MESSAGE.
THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE ON SUNDAY (MAY 24) TO PROMOTE THE SAFETY MESSAGE THROUGH WATER SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS, EQUIPMENT DISPLAYS AND A MAGNIFICENT SEA PARADE.
THE SECOND ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR WILL BE THE LAND SPORTS SAFETY DAY SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER IN THE FORMAT OF SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. TO CONCENTRATE THE MESSAGE DIRECTLY ON GROUPS AND AGENCIES INSTRUCTING AND TRAINING PARTICIPANTS IN LAND SPORTS.
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NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHEK WU HUI * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A STANDARD PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SCHOOL WILL OCCUPY A SITE MEASURING ABOUT 3 600 SQUARE METRES IN AREA 7, SHEK WU HUI, FANLING. IT IS ABOUT 10 MINUTES’ WALK FROM SHEUNG SHUI KCR STATION.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IT WILL INCLUDE A SEVEN-STOREY SCHOOL BLOCK COMPRISING 24 CLASSROOMS, A COVERED PLAYGROUND, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND FIVE OTHER SPECIAL PURPOSE ROOMS.
OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE QUARTERS, A BASKETBALL COURT, CAR PARK AND PLANTING AREAS.
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FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
- 15 -
REVIEW ON CONTROL AND LICENSING OF CRAFT UNDER WAY M * * * *
EXISTING REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE LICENSING AND CONTROL OF LOCAL CRAFT UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE WILL BE AMENDED, OR REPLACED BY NEW LEGISLATION.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE. MR DERICK HALL, WHILE ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR HALL NOTED THAT THE PURPOSE OF LICENSING LOCAL CRAFT WAS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SAFETY STANDARDS AND TO MONITOR AND REGULATE THE OPERATION OF VESSELS. IT WAS ALSO A DEVICE FOR RECOVERING THE COSTS OF PROVIDING VARIOUS MARINE SERVICES.
HE, HOWEVER, ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE EXISTING MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS GOVERNING LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS, MISCELLANEOUS CRAFT AND PLEASURE VESSELS WERE +ARCHAIC+, ■•LACKED PRECISION* AND WERE +LARGELY INCOMPREHENS IVE TO NEWCOMERS FROM OVERSEAS*.
HE SAID THIS WAS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO HONG KONG’S LEGISLATION REGARDING INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING (AT EIGHT MILLION TONS GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE HONG KONG HAS THE 11TH LARGEST REGISTRY IN THE WORLD) WHICH WAS BY AND LARGE UP TO THE MINUTE AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT IN OPERATION.
+WE THEREFORE INTEND TO CARRY OUT A ZERO-BASE REVIEW WITH THE INTENTION OF PRODUCING A SYSTEM BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM, CONSISTENT WITH SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER,* SAID MR HALL.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE AN OPEN MIND ON THE MATTER AND WOULD WELCOME IDEAS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR, THE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AND PLEASURE VESSEL COMMUNITY.
HE SAID AN OFFICER WOULD BE APPOINTED TO CARRY OUT THE REVIEW OF LICENSING POLICY, TO CONSIDER THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES AND TO PRODUCE PROPOSALS.
REGULATIONS CONCERNING STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND MANNING WOULD, HOWEVER. BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIVISION TO BE FORMED IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
ANOTHER FUNCTION OF THE NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIV IS ION WOULD BE IN CONNECTION WITH THE SETTING UP AND OPERATION OF THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER.
/MH HALL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 198?
- 16 -
MR HALL POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS AT PRESENT A BRITISH PORT OF REGISTRY AND THAT A +MODIFIED+ REGISTER WAS BEING CREATED CAPABLE OF CARRYING ON AFTER 1997 UNDER THE SPECIAL ADM INSTRATIVE REGION.
♦THE MAIN PRINCIPLES TO BE ADOPTED IN THE FORMULATION OF THE NEW REGISTRY HAVE ALREADY BEEN AGREED WITH THE CHINESE. THE DETAILS ARE NOW BEING DEVELOPED BY A STEERING GROUP,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT MANY +LOCAL CRAFT* USING THE PORT WERE NOT REGISTERED OR LICENSED IN HONG KONG AND THE DIVISION WOULD EXAMINE THE EXTENT HONG KONG STANDARDS SHOULD DOVETAIL WITH THE STANDARDS IN CHINA.
♦WHATEVER IS DECIDED, I HOPE THAT BY THE VERY EARLY 1990’S WE WILL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO INTRODUCE COMPREHENSIVE, SENSIBLE AND SOUND REGULATIONS FOR ALL LOCAL CRAFT,♦ MR HALL SAID.
NOTING THE IMPORTANCE IN THE CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIVISION AND OTHER OPERATIONAL DIVISIONS, HALL SAID A SMALL STEERING GROUP CHAIRED BY HIMSELF WOULD BE SET UP TO CO-ORDINATE THE TWO FUNCTIONS AND TO MONITOR PROGRESS.
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VESSEL OWNERS REMINDED OF RADIO LICENCE
*****
THE POST OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED PLEASURE VESSEL OWNERS THAT UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN LICENCES FOR ALL RADIO EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING RADARS AND NAVIGATIONAL RECEIVERS, INSTALLED ON BOARD PLEASURE VESSELS.
♦A PLEASURE VESSEL RADIO NETWORK STATION LICENCE IS NECESSARY IN CONNECTION WITH ALL RADIO STATIONS FITTED ON LOCAL PLEASURE VESSELS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH BOAT CLUBS, MARINAS AS WELL AS FOR MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS TO SHORE SUBSCRIBERS,* A SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE, POSSESSION OR USE OF ANY APPARATUS FOR RADIOCOMMUNICATION WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE WAS AN OFFENCE.
*THE OFFENDER WILL BE LIABLE, ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF 15 000 AND TO TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ENFORCEMENT OF THIS REQUIREMENT WOULD BE STRENGTHENED DURING THIS BOATING SEASON.
INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION OF A LICENCE COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH OF THE POST OFFICE AT FIFTH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, OR BY CALLING 5-8529608, HE SAID.
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/17 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
17
WAN CHAI YIN NGAI SOCIETY PRAISED ft ft ft ft ft
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, PRAISED THE WAN CHAI YIN NQAI SOCIETY FOR BRINGING TOGETHER WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY BY ORGANISING VARIOUS
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE WAN CHAI YIN NGAI SOCIETY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY), MR GARCIA SAID THE SOCIETY HAD ENCOURAGED WOMEN TO USE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO BECOME INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, APART FROM TAKING CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1983, THE SOCIETY HAD PROMOTED THE SPIRIT OF +SELF-HELP AND MUTUAL AID* AND ORGANISED VARIOUS FUNCTIONS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY AND CONDUCTED VISITS TO THE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLIES, HE ADDED.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THE SOCIETY WOULD CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY AND THAT MORE WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT WOULD BENEFIT FROM ITS WORK, MR GARCIA SAID.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED MISS ANNA TANG WHO WAS RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE THIRD TERM OF THE WAN CHAI YIN NGAI SOCIETY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
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IK-MACAU FERRY PIER DECK FOR RENT ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF PORTIONS OF DECK 1 ON THE INNER AND OUTER PIERS OF THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
THE PORTIONS. WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 7.9 SQUARE METRES, ARE TO DE USED FOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES FOR THE SALE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS.
THE TENANCY WILL DE FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE YEARLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 26.
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/18........
H
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
18
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS *****
THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAS SELECTED TWEE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS FROM A NUMBER OF ENTRIES AND THE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
ALL THE PARTICIPATING PROJECTS WERE SUBSIDISED BY THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE LAST YEAR.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR PETER TAM? CONVENOR OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP OF THE COMMITTEE, MR MAK HOI-WAH AND THE SPONSOR OF THE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT AWARD, MR SHEUNG HOK-MING.
THE WINNERS WILL ALSO PRESENT THEIR PROJECTS AT THE FUNCTION AND EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 2.49 PM IN THE FANLING ROOM, LOWER LEVEL I, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
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ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES PRESS CONFERENCE *****
THE 19S7 ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 24) AT THE JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT IN SHUM WAN, ABERDEEN, TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THIS YEAR’S RACES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LIU LIT-FOR, WILL MOST THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
AN EYE-DOTTING AND EMBLEM HANGING CEREMONY FOR FOUR DRAGON BOATS WILL BE PERFORMED BY MR LIU, MR KEUNG YIN-MAN. MR YUNG CHEK-CHOW AND MR JOSEPH CHAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD, AND OFFICIALS FROM THE POLICE, MARINE POLICE AND MARINE DEPARTMENT.
/press badges........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 198?
- 19 -
PRESS IADSES FOR COVERING THE RACES TO BE HELD IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER ON MAY 31 WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE. THE OFFICIATING GUEST FOR THE RACES IS THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD.
THE RACES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO ED(TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ft
WORK CONDITIONS FOR WOMEN ft ft ft ft
THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (MAY 25) TO DISCUSS FOLLOW-UP WORK TO A SURVEY ON THE CONDITIONS OF WORK FOR WOMEN WORKERS IN THE DISTR ICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME AND BUDGET OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1987/88. THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS APPROVED FUNDS AMOUNTING TO 1155 000 TO THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, 2/F., TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-201 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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/20........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 19G7
- 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET * M * M *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET FROM MONDAY (MAY 29) FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.
PRINCESS MARGARET AND ARGYLE STREET WILL FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE
ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD BE CLOSES TO VEHICLES ON MAY 29 AND 26 FOLLOWING MORNING.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHDOUND HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD TO PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD.
VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE PREMISES ALONG THIS SECTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE MAINTAINED.
MOTORISTS CAN USE THE FOLLOWING ROUTESt
* PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE ROAD FLYOVER; OR
KU STREET, PERTH PRINCESS MARGARET
U-TURN LOOP NEAR
N PUI CHING ROAD, WATERLOG ROAD NORTHBOUND THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND. PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SGufHBOUND AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE FLYOVER OPPOSITE PERTH STREET.
ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES ON MAY 26 AND 27 FROM 1.30 AM TO 9.30 AM.
DURING THIS ROAD CLOSURE PERIOD, THE FOLLOWING DIVERSION ROUTES ARE AVAILABLE'
N MOTORISTS IN ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON CITY WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE THE FLYOVER ACROSS PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD; OR
* MOTORISTS IN WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND ANB PUI CHING ROAD ' HEADING FOR ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND MAY USE SOARES AVENUE, ARGYLE STREET AND THE FLYOVER ACROSS PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD. THEY CAN ALSO TRAVEL VIA WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND. U-TURN LOOP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCfc EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND ARGYLE STREET.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1987
- 21 -
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 TO BE EXTENDED * * * *
NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 PLYING BETWEEN YUEN LONG (FOOK TAK STREET) AND TONG YUEN IN SUNG SHAN SAN TSUEN WILL BE EXTENDED FROM MONDAY (MAY 25) TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE FOR PASSENGERS.
THE EXTENDED ROUTE WILL TERMINATE OUTSIDE TUNG KONG STORE IN SUNG SHAN SAN TSUEN. TO COINCIDE WITH THE MOVE, A SHORT WORKING ROUTE FROM YUEN LONG (FOOK TAK STREET) TO TONG TAU PO WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 7 AM TO 9.15 AM AT 15~MINUTE INTERVAL.
MEANWHILE, THE FREQUENCY OF THE EXISTING EIGHT MINUTES TO 12 OPERATING DETAILS OF THE SERVICE
THE SERVICE WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM MINUTES. THE FARE AND OTHER WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE ITO.
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND MEETING................... 1
EXPERT TALKS Oil DEFENCE ARD PUBLIC ORDER................ 2
POSITIVE APPROACH OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES COMMENDED... 2
OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS AWARDED............. 3
33 PASS MEDICAL EaAILDSATIOiT............................ 4
PIERS FOR WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET PROPOSED.............. 5
WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY HT EAST TSUI SHA TSUI PROMENADE .... 6
MELBOURNE STRINGS TO GIVE FREE CONCERT................... 7
REFRESHER COURSES FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS .............. 8
SEMINARS GN BOOKICEPL G XW PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF.......... 9
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMLNDLR............................... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGECNTS IN MONG KOK AND KHUN TONG........... 10
TRAFFIC CHANGES LT NORTH POINT.......................... 10
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1937
1
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND MEETING * * * * *
A JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE COUNCIL OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WAS HELD TODAY (SATURDAY).
4lIV uIuL£0ARD 0,7 TRUSTEES OF THE FUND IS EMPOWERED BY LAW TO INVEST ?2N.EY? 0F THE FUND£ WHILE the COUNCIL OF THE FUND IS RESPONSIBLE *FFIrH.NG ,TS ,NC0ME TOR THE furtherance of education, learning OR RESEARCH FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
LADY YOUDE, WHO IS A MEMBER OF BOTH THE BOARD AND THE COUNCIL, SAID AFTER TODAY’S MEETING THAT SHE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, MR Q.W. LEE, SAID A PROFESSIONAL INVESTMENT FIRM HAD BEEN APPOINTED INVESTMENT MANAGERS FOR THE FUND.
MR LEE SAID THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT NOW STOOD AT $82.4 MILLION INCLUDING INTEREST EARNED.
♦FURTHER DONATIONS TO THE FUND ARE WELCOME. NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL FOR SUCH A WORTHY CAUSE,+ HE ADDED.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN, SAIDi ♦THE COUNCIL WILL BE MAKING A DETAILED STUDY OF THE SCOPE OF EXISTING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES, AND OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR RESEARCH SO THAT INCOME FROM THE FUND CAN BE USED IN AREAS WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST.♦
THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO SEEK TO USE THE FUND IN AREAS WHICH WILL BENEFIT HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
♦THE COUNCIL HOPES, LATER THIS YEAR, TO AWARD SOME SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS TO MEET OUR OBJECTIVES. BUT GIVEN THE TIGHT TIMING, THE COUNCIL PREFERS NOT TO ADOPT A DEFINITIVE PROGRAMME AT THIS STAGE,♦ HE ADDED.
♦AS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS HAVE A CUMULATIVE EFFECT ON THE INCOME OF A FUND, THE COUNCIL WILL REQUIRE TO DETERMINE CAREFULLY THE NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS THAT CAN BE OFFERED EACH YEAR, BEARING IN MIND OTHER CALLS UPON THE INCOME OF THE FUND,+ MR CHEONG SAID.
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1987
2
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE X ft * *
AND PUBLIC ORDER ft
AT THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE
FOLLOWING THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS
SINO-BRTTISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AN EXPERT MEETING ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE
SIDES ON MAY 27-28 IN LONDON,
THE BRITISH SIDE WILL BE LED BY MR CHRISTOPHER HUM, HEAD OF THE HONG KONG DEPARTMENT AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS.
POSITIVE APPROACH OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES COMMENDED ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ADOPTING A POSITIVE APPROACH IN ITS REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES WHICH HAVE ENABLED A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF PRISONERS TO RE-INTEGRATE SUCCESSFULLY INTO THE SOCIETY.
SPEAKING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY, MR CHAN DESCRIBED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ACHIEVEMENT, ESPECIALLY THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF TREATMENT PROGRAMMES FOR PRISONERS, IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS AS ♦REMARKABLE*.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS FULFILLED ITS ROLE IN REFORMING AND REHABILITATING PRISONERS RATHER THAN JUST PUNISHING THEM. ♦THIS IS A MUCH MORE COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT TASK THAN SIMPLY LOCKING THEM AWAY,* HE SAID, ♦IT IS ALSO FAR MORE POSITIVE.+
THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SAID, HAS DEVISED DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES TO SUIT DIFFERENT TYPES OF PRISONERS, AND TO HELP THEM WITH THEIR EDUCATION, GIVE THEM VOCATIONAL TRAINING, GUIDE THEM TO LIVE POSITIVELY AND WORK CONSTRUCTIVELY, SO THAT THEY WILL RETURN AS USEFUL MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY.
♦IT REQUIRES SCIENCE IN THE DESIGN OF SUCH PROGRAMMES AND HUMANITY IN THEIR APPLI CATION,+ HE SAID.
♦THE RECIDIVISM RATE OF FORMER INMATES OF THE DEPARTMENT'S INSTITUTIONS IS VERY LOW BY WORLD STANDARDS,♦ THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY SAID. +THIS HAS MADE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG MUCH RESPECTED AND ADMIRED BY PENAL ADMINISTRATORS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,* HE ADDED.
/H?; niATSED.......
iatuhday, may 23, 1987
HE PRAISED THE DEPARTMENT FOR MAKING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO ITS CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES, AND CITED THE INTRODUCTION OF SCOUTING AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SCHEME TO YOUNG OFFENDERS AS EXAMPLES.
+1 UNDERSTAND THERE ARE MORE REVIEWS AND MANY INNOVATIONS IN THE PIPELINE,* MR CHAN SAID, ADDING THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE INCREASINGLY AWARE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTRIBUTION IN PREVENTING CRIME.
TWENTY-ONE OFFICERS AND 63 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE DEPARTMENT’S BASIC TRAINING WERE ON PARADE TODAY. TWO BEST RECRUITS, MR YUEN MAN-TAK AND MR LAU WAI-YIN, WERE AWARDED SILVER WHISTLES BY THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY.
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OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS AWARDED * X * * *
THREE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION FROM A NUMBER OF ENTRIES AND THE WINNERS WERE AWARDED PRIZES OF UP TO S8 000 AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY).
TOP OF THE LIST WAS A CARTOON PICTURE EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS. THROUGH THE CARTOON CHARACTERS, IT EXPLAINED THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CITIZEN.
THE FIRST RUNNER-UP WAS THE PIONEERING CITIZENSHIP EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE SHUN LEE TSUEN CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, THE PROJECT INCORPORATED A TRAINING PROGRAMME AND A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDED TALKS, SURVEY, EXHIBITION, QUIZ AND FORUM.
THE SECOND RUNNER-UP WAS AN EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE Y.M.C.A. THE THEME CENTRED ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
ALL THE PARTICIPATING PROJECTS WERE SUBSIDISED BY THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION LAST YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, PETER TAM, SAID *THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARD SCHEME IS TO STIMULATE AND ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART IN THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME TO ORGANISE BETTER AND MORE INNOVATIVE PROJECTS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.*
/h:; added
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 193?
HE ADDED THAT $250 000 WAS SET ASIDE FOR THE SUBSIDY OF CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS LAST YEAR AND THE AMOUNT FOR THIS YEAR HAD BEEN DOUBLED.
WITH INCREASED RESOURCES. THE MAXIMUM GRANT PER PROJECT HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $10 000 TO 150 000 PER PROJECT.
EXPLAINING THE CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF THE OUTSTANDING PROJECTS, CONVENOR OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP, MR MAK HOI-WAH, SAID THE WINNING AWARDS WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY.
THE AWARD SCHEME WAS SPONSORED BY THE PENINSULA LIONS CLUB AND THE PRIZES AMOUNTING TO $30 000 WERE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS BY PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB, MR SHEUNG HOK-MING.
the winners also presented their projects at the function
AND EXCHANGED THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY UNDER THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS SCHEME ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL JUNE 16.
APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH DETAILS OF APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE OBTAINABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-665492 AND 3-669074.
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38 PASS MEDICAL EXAMINATION * * * *
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 38 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED THE PART II (ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE PAPER) OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS THIS YEAR.
THE 1987 PART II EXAMINATION HAS BEEN HELD TWICE, IN MARCH AND MAY, GIVING CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF EXAMINATION DATES AND ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE FAILING IN THE FIRST EXAMINATION A SECOND CHANCE TO TAKE THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION IN THE SAME YEAR.
OF THE 40 CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE PART II LICENTIATE EXAMINATION IN MARCH, 31 PASSED. ANOTHER 18 CANDIDATES, INCLUDING FIVE WHO FAILED IN MARCH TOOK THE MAY EXAMINATION, AND SEVEN WERE SUCCESSFUL.
/A LI THOSE......
jatuhday, may 23, 1987
ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THE PART II EXAMINATION THIS YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE PART III EXAMINATION SCHEDULED FOR JULY THIS YEAR.
THE PART III LICENTIATE EXAMINATION IS AN ORAL EXAMINATION ON CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS.
EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE GIVEN AN ORAL EXAMINATION IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
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PIERS FOR WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET PROPOSED * M M * M
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT FIVE PIERS AT SAI YING PUN TO PROVIDE CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES FOR THE SOON-TO-BE-BUILT WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET.
THE PIERS, WHICH ARE TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN TWO STAGES ALONG THE SEA FRONT OF THE MARKET, WILL HAVE A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 2 8OO SQUARE METRES AND WORK ON THEM IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER.
STAGE I WORK, COMPRISING PIERS 3, 4 AND 5, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1990, AND STAGE II WORK ON PIERS 1 AND 2, IN MARCH 1992.
A NOTICE ABOUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY JULY 21.
WORK ON THE MARKET WILL START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN IWO PHASES BETWEEN 1990 AND 1992.
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SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1987
6
WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WILL SEE A SPECTACULAR SEA PARADE, THRILLING AIRSEA RESCUE PERFORMANCES AND A HOST OF OTHER ATTRACTIONS CONNECTED WITH WATER SPORTS.
LEADING THE COLOURFUL SEA PAGEANT WILL BE TWO DRAGON BOATS OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, FOLLOWED BY A PROCESSION CF SHIPS, LAUNCHES, CRUISERS, SPEED BOATS, SAILING SHIPS AND BOATS, CANOES AND WINDSURFERS REPRESENTING THE ROYAL NAVY, MARINE POLICE, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND NUMEROUS WATER SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AFTERNOON IS THE DRAMATIC AIR-SEA RESCUE DEMONSTRATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE HELICOPTERS AND MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES.
THESE EXCITING EVENTS ARE SOME OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY PROGRAMME, TO BE STAGED FROM 2 PM TO 5.30 PM ALONG THE TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, THE OCCASION WILL PROMOTE THE +PLAY SAFE+ MESSAGE WITH A VARIETY CF WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES, SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS AND STATIC DISPLAYS.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY VICE-CHAIRMAN CF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, DR S.F. LAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR J. A. FORTUNE.
CANOEING AND WINDSURFING SIMULATORS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPERIENCE THE JOYS OF CANOEING AND WINDSURFING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MINI-THEATRE SHOWING VIDEO FILMS ON THE TECHNIQUES OF MAJOR WATER SPORTS.
QUIZ COMPETITION FORMS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE AND COMPETITORS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A SEVEN-DAY RESIDENTIAL LAND TRAINING COURSE AT THE HONG KONG OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL, A COURSE IN ELEMENTARY DINGHY SAILING WITH THE SAIL TRAINING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG OR FOOD AND BUFFET COUPONS.
/W HIG PAIiT.............
•UP !JAY, I-IAY 23, 1987
TAKING PART IN THE DAY’S EVENT WILL BE THE ADVENTURE SHIP LTD., HONG KONG OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL, HONG KONG UNDERWATER FEDERATION, HONG KONG WATER SKI ASSOCIATION, SAIL TRAINING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, WINDSURFING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG CANOE UNION, HONG KONG AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION, ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS, HONG KONG FEDERATION YOUTH GROUPS, CIVIL AID SERVICES, SCOUT ASSOCIATION CF HONG KONG, THE ROYAL NAVY, MARINE POLICE, POLICE CADET SCHOOL AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
MRS ELSIE TU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE SET UP TO FACILITATE COVERAGE.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE NEAR THE TEMPORARY DAIS (OPPOSITE TO THE TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE) NOT LATER THAN 1.45 PM WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY GIS OFFICERS.
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELE-LENSES.
MELBOURNE STRINGS TO GIVE FREE CONCERT
» * M K I
(satur^yWa four-day°v is ARR,VED ,N *>NS K0NG T0DAY
eTO ‘J HAVE MUS,C EXCHANGE WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH STRINGS TOMORROW AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.
ux.i ?? S,VE A FREE CONCERT AT THE SHA TIN TOWN
HALL AT 11 AM FOR MORE THAN 1 000 STUDENTS.
/r v.inju) r:........
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1?S7
- 8 -
FOUNDED IN 1980, THE GROUP COMPRISES 31 MEMBERS AND HAS GIVEN CONCERTS IN MANY COUNTRIES.
ITS CONDUCTOR, MR CHRISTOPHER MARTIN, IS PRESENTLY A SENIOR LECTURER IN VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CONDUCTING AT THE FACULTY OF MUSIC, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE AND IS ACTIVE IN CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCTING.
THE GROUP WILL LEAVE FOR MELBOURNE NEXT TUESDAY.
REFRESHER COURSES FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS M M M M N
PRIMARY TWO MATHEMATICS TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND FOUR IDENTICAL ONE-DAY REFRESHER COURSES ON THE TEACHING OF MEASUREMENT.
THE COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, BETWEEN JUNE 29 AND JULY 7.
IT IS HOPED THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW APPROACH RELATED TO THE TEACHING OF MEASUREMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW PRIMARY MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS AT THE END OF THE COURSE.
LEARNING-TEACHING ACTIVITIES ON MEASUREMENT WILL BE INTRODUCED TO TEACHERS THROUGH LECTURES, DISCUSSIONS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MAY 30 (SATURDAY).
/9........
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1987
3
SEMINARS ON BOOKKEEPING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF X * * X *
AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL CLERICAL STAFF WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND A SERIES OF FOUR-DAY SEMINAR ON THE PROMOTION OF ACCOUNTING SYSTEM BASED ON THE MODEL DEVELOPED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NEXT MONTH.
THE SEMINARS ORGANISED BY THE AUDIT SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE HELD AT LUI KEE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTRE AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
THE SEMINARS AIM AT IMPROVING THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING SKILLS OF CLERICAL STAFF IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TO ACQUAINT THEM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE OF AID, THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND RELEVANT CIRCULARS ON FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGH DISCUSSION AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE ACCOUNTS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * ft * ft
TUEN NG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON SUNDAY (MAY 31) IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A DAY OFF THE FOLLOWING DAY, IF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY HAPPENS TO BE THEIR NORMAL REST DAY.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN >11 500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE'S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY-TO-DAY. HOLIDAY PAY SWULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAYS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1987
10 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN MONG KOK AND KWUN TONG M * * K M
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND FROM TUESDAY (MAY 26) TO MAY 28 TO FACILITATE THE DELIVERY OF ESCALATORS.
MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN SAI YEE STREET AND TUNG CHOI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON THESE DAYS. DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, TURNING FROM SAI YEE STREET ON TO MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
TO TIE IN WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON SAI YEE STREET NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR MONG KOK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SAI YEE STREET NORTHBOUND, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, NATHAN ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD.
TRAFFIC ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST HEADING FOR MONG KOK ROAD VIA SAI YEE STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, NATHAN ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD.
MEANWHILE, OVER-NIGHT SERVICES OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 61M, 63K, 65K AND 18S ON JOURNEY TO MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, NATHAN ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD.
MEANWHILE, IN KWUN TONG, THE RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD NORTH OF TSUI PING MARKET ON TO TSUI PING ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED FROM 10 AM ON MAY 26 FOR ROAD SAFETY REASON.
MOTORISTS ON THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD HEADING FOR HIP WO STREET ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA TSUI PING ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NORTH POINT * K * *
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM THE ACCESS ROADS OF METRO FORTRESS GARDEN AND FORTRESS GARDEN ON TO FORTRESS HILL ROAD IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 25).
— o-
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON STREET SLEEPERS ................ 1
spectacular launch for water sports safety ................ 2
DELEGATES TO ATTEND ILO CONFERENCE ........................ 2
REMINDER FOR SALARIES TAX RETURNS ......................... 5
TWO MAJOR ROADS IN TSUEN WAN TO BE LINKED ................. 4
THE SECOND WEEK CLEAN-UP .................................. 4
SEMINARS aND FORUIi ON CIVIC EDUCATION .................... 6
MONG KOK OFFENSIVE AGAINST CRIME .......................... 7
LAUNDRY BUILDING FOR TUEN MUN HOSPITAL..................... 7
DRAGON BOAT RaCES IN NERDLEN .............................. 8
PAVILION OPENING TO CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY........ 9
SECOND SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TSUEN W.JI ................... 10
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN ................................... 10
SUNBAY, MAY 24, 1987
1
co-ordinating committee on street sleepers
ft * ft * *
A co-ordinating committee on street sleepers has been ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN THE YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE AIM OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WAS TO REVIEW THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AND PROGRAMMES IN ORDER TO CO-ORDINATE ACTION RELATING TO STREET SLEEPERS.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON STREET SLEEPERS, TO BE CONVENED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, WILL BE CHAIRED BY MISS ELAINE CHUNG, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.
THE MEMBERS AREi MISS LOLLY CHIU. PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE’ MR ALFRED CHUI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE? MR MOK YIU-KWONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING’ MR CHUNG YIU-FAN, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’ MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (NARCOTICS DIVISION) 5 DR W.M. CHAN, PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICER (RESEARCH) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’ MR L.F. SAYER, STAFF OFFICER OF THE POLICE’ MR FRANKIE LUI, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION! AND MR WILSON FUNG, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE (SECRETARY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE WELFARE NEEDS OF THE STREET SLEEPERS WERE ONLY ONE ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM.
♦SOME OF THE STREET SLEEPERS HAVE HOUSING NEEDS WHILST OTHERS APPEAR TO HAVE MENTAL PROBLEMS OR ARE DRUG ABD ICTS. STREET SLEEPING ITSELF ALSO POSES AN ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE. CO-ORDINATION AMONG DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IS THEREFORE CALLED FOR IN ORDER TO FORMULATE A PACKAGE OF ACTIONS TO DEAL WITH THE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF STREET SLEEPERS,♦ HE SAID.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON STREET SLEEPERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A NEW SERVICE TO STREET SLEEPERS, THAT IS, A DAY RELIEF CENTRE CUM TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR STREET SLEEPERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE DAY RELIEF CENTRE WAS TO PROVIDE SOME BASIC CLEANING UP SERVICES FOR LONG-HAIRED STREET SLEEPERS BEFORE REFERRING THEM FOR OTHER SERVICES.
♦THE IDEA OF THE TEMPORARY SHELTER IS TO PROVIDE THESE PEOPLE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT REVERT TO STREET SLEEPING WHILST AWAITING SUITABLE LONG TERM ARRANGEMENTS,♦ HE ADDED.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL MOLD ITS FIRST MEETING IN EARLY JUNE.
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SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
2
SPECTACULAR LAUNCH FOR WATER SPORTS SAFETY * ft * ft ft
BOATS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES TOOK PART IN A SPECTACULAR SEA PARADE OFF THE EAST T3IM SHA TSUI PROMENADE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE COLOURFUL PAGEANT OF DRAGON BOATS, SAILING AND SPEED BOATS, CANOES, LAUNCHES, CRUISERS AND WINDSURFERS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY LAUNCHED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU, TODAY.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, DR S.F. LAM’ THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1987 WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR J.A. FORTUNE 5 AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR C.W.B. OXLEY.
MRS TU EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE +PLAY SAFE* APPROACH TO WATER SPORTS IN HER OPENING ADDRESS.
♦ MANY ACCIDENTS ARE DUE TO CARELESSNESS AND HUMAN ERRORS WHICH CAN BE AVOIDED,♦ SHE SAID.
♦ WE SHOULD THEREFORE ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY RULES AND NEVER FORGET TO USE OUR COMMON SENSE,♦ SHE ADDED.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, MR FORTUNE STRESSED THE NEED TO GET ACROSS THE ♦PLAY SAFE* MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC AND NOT JUST TO SPORTSMEN WHO GENERALLY ALREADY KNEW THE SAFETY RULES.
♦ REMEMBER, THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE CAMPAIGN - IT IS UP TO YOU TO ENSURE THE SAFETY MESSAGES WE TRY TO PUT OVER TO YOU TODAY ARE PRACTISED,♦ HE CONCLUDED.
TODAY’S PROGRAMME ALSO FEATURED WATER SPORTS SKILLS, AIR-SEA RESCUES WITH RHKAAF HELICOPTERS AND MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES, ROYAL NAVY RESCUES AND LAND-BASED DISPLAYS AS WELL AS FILM SHOWS.
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DELEGATES TO ATTEND ILO CONFERENCE ft ft ft ft ft
A TRIPARTITE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL LEAVE FOR GENEVA LATER THIS WEEK TO ATTEND THE 73RD SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, DR LUI MINQ-WAH OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION. AND MR CHENG YIU-TONG OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS.
I UNDAY. MAY 24, 1987
5 -
BOTH DR LUI AND MR CHENG ARE MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND ARE REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY.
DURING THE CONFERENCE PERIOD BETWEEN JUNE 3 AND 24. THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL ACT AS ADVISERS TO THE BRITISH DELEGATION.
AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE INFORMATION AND REPORTS ON THE APPLICATION OF CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION AND SOCIAL SECURITY, AND SAFETY AND HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION.
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REMINDER FOR SALARIES TAX RETURNS * K N M M
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED SALARIED TAXPAYERS TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED SALARIES TAX RETURNS TO THE DEPARTMENT IN A WEEK’S TIME.
♦FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED RETURNS BY THE END OF MAY IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES,* DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR A.K. GILL SAID.
MORE THAN 900 000 RETURNS FOR FINAL ASSESSMENT 1986/87 AND PROVISIONAL PAYMENT 1987/88 HAD BEEN ISSUED ON MAY 1, 1987, HE SAID.
♦ MAKING AN INCORRECT OR FALSE RETURN WITH A FRAUDULENT INTENT TO EVADE TAX IS ALSO AN OFFENCE,* HE WARNED.
♦ ON CONVICTION. AN OFFENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO A HEAVY PENALTY, THE MAXIMUM BEING IMPRISONMENT FOR TWEE 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 IMPRISONMENT,♦ HE ADDED.
ANY SALARIED TAXPAYER WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURN FORMS OR WHO HAS ANY ENQUIRY IS ADVISED TO TELEPHONE 5-8942028, OR WRITE TO G.P.O. BOX 132, HONG KONG.
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SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
4
TWO MAJOR ROADS IN TSUEN WAN TO DELINKED ***** I
A DIRECT LINK IS TO BE BUILT BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK AND YEUNG UK ROADS TO FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK SERVING TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE.
THE LINK BETWEEN THE TWO MAJOR ROADS WILL BE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY ALONG THE EXISTING ALIGNMENT OF KWAN MUN HAU AND LUEN YAN STREETS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, WHICH HAS BEEN PROPOSED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, IS SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER.
IT WILL INCLUDE WIDENING A SECTION OF KWAN UPGRADING AND EXTENDING LUEN YAN STREET TO LINK AND YEUNG UK ROADS AND UPGRADING AND REALIGNING TAU PA ROAD.
MUN HAU STREET, UP WITH SHA TSUI A SECTION OF MA
OTHER ROADWORKS WOULD INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO KWU HANG ROAD’ MODIFICATIONS TO SECTIONS OF HAM TIN AND TSUEN WAH STREETS’ AND IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF THE ROAD JUNCTIONS AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD/KWAN MUN HAU STREET/TSUEN WAH STREET’ SHA TSUI ROAD/KWAN MUN HAU STREET ! AND LUEN YAN STREET/YEUNQ UK ROAD/MA TAU PA ROAD.
UNDER THE PROJECT, A SERIES OF FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEMS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AND THE STORMWATER CULVERT BENEATH LUEN YAN STREET AND MA TAU PA ROAD ENLARGED.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE WORKS AND ALTERATIONS OF SERVICES AND UTILITIES.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS WHICH ARE DUE FOR COMPLETION AT THE END OF 1989 HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. OBJECTIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 21.
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THE SECOND WEEK CLEAN-UP * * * *
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND WEEK TOMORROW (MONDAY).
LAST WEEK, THE CLEANSING STAFF OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CLEANED UP LANES, BUILDINGS, HAWKER AREAS, MARKETS AND CANOPIES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
/THE operation
SUNDAY. MAY 24, 19^7
THE OPERATION ALSO INCLUDED REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTION, AND ABATEMENT OF MOSQUITO AND OTHER PEST NUISANCES.
IN THE COMING WEEK (MAY 25 TO 31), CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTSi
DISTRICT TEL. NO.
EASTERN 5-601048
SOUTHERN 5-547152
WESTERN 5-488173
WAN CHAI 5-8322757
CENTRAL 5-446111 EXT 46
YAU MA TEI 3-7243843
SHAM SHU 1 PO 3-861618
MONG KOK 3-949484
KOWLOON CITY 3-7111684
WONG TAI SIN 3-233152
KWUN TONG 3-455731
SAI KUNG 3-2815366
NORTH 0-6570436
YUEN LONG 0-753691
TUEN MUN 0-4513085
TSUEN WAN 0-4904414
KWAI TSI NG 0-256321
SHA TIN O-6O65776
IN SUPPORT OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP, AN ANTI-LITTER BLITZ OPERATION WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT IN THE SAME PERIOD.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO RENDER THEIR SUPPORT BY NOT LITTERING AND BY TAKING THE JUNK TO THEIR NEARBY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTOR AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED TO FIND OUT THE DETAILS OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, LOCATION AND OPENING HOURS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
6
SEMINARS AND FORUM ON CIVIC EDUCATION
M M M M M
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SEMINARS AND A FORUM ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION though THE teaching of SCIENCE SUBJECTS.
THREE IDENTICAL SEMINARS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOQY/HJMAN BIOLOGY AND INTEGRATED SCIENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, BETWEEN JUNE 18 AND 20.
AIMED AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH THE WAYS AND MEANS PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE EFFECTIVELY, THE SEMINARS ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TO EXCHANGE THEIR TEACHING EXPERIENCE THROUGH DISCUSSIONS PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
OF SUBJECTS TEACHERS AND
PARTICIPATING TEACHERS WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE CIVIC EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES A CENTRAL REFERENCE, INFORMATION AND ADVISORY SERVICE FOR TEACHERS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE TEACHING OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE IPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS) OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF ------------------- --------------- WSA(J AVEMUE CAUSEWAY
PRINCIPAL ____________________ .. ______ THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS BAY, BEFORE JUNE 3 (WEDNESDAY).
MEANWHILE, THE FORUM ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHING, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (HKU), THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE RAYSON HUANG LECTURE THEATRE OF HKU ON JUNE 27.
THE ONE-DAY FORUM WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPATING TEACHERS TO HAVE AN OVERVIEW OF HOW CIVIC EDUCATION MAY BE INTEGRATED INTO THE TECHING OF SCIENCE SUBJECTS AND MATHEMATICS BY REFERENCE TO CURRENT PRACTICES.
THERE WILL BE TWO PLENARY LECTURES GIVEN BY EDUCATION EXPERTS AND SHORT PRESENTATIONS BY TEACHERS ON HOW CIVIC EDUCATION MAY BE HIGK.IGHTED IN A SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS LESSON.
APPLICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FORUM SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AT TOWER B, ROOM 612, HUNG HOM COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 33-37 MA TAU WAI ROAD, HUNG HOM, KOWLOON, BEFORE JUNE 13 (SATURDAY).
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
7
MONG KOK OFFENSIVE AGAINST CRIME ft ft ft ft
DISTRICT-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE THE TACTICS PLANNED THIS YEAR TO TACKLE CRIME AND VICE IN MONG KOK.
THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WOULD FOCUS ON CRIME PREVENTION TO ALERT RESIDENTS TO THE NEED OF TAKING PRECAUTIONS, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR JACOB CHAN SAID.
♦ A PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY HAS BEEN OUTLINED TO COMBAT THE SURGE OF PICKPOCKETING ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT, PARTICULARLY IN CROWDED AREAS,* MR CHAN SAID.
♦PUBLICITY CARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED WHILE BANNERS AND POSTERS ARE TO BE ERECTED AND DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY TO WARN PASSENGERS, COMMUTERS AND SHOPPERS TO BE WARY OF CRIMINALS,♦ HE ADDED.
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD FOR GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERY SHOP OWNERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES TO GUARD AGAINST ROBBERIES AND BURGLARIES.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL VISIT BUILDING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO URGE THEM TO STEP UP PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
♦RESIDENTS WILL BE REMINDED OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CO-OPERATING WITH THE POLICE IN REPORTING AND DETECTING CRIME,+ MR CHAN SAID.
APART FROM THE MAIN EVENTS, THERE WILL BE OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THESE INCLUDE A CARNIVAL, THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME, BASKETBALL MATCHES AND VISITS TO DISCIPLINARY DEPARTMENTS TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR WORK AND DUTIES.
ABOUT f5O 000 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES PLANNED BY THE COMMITTEE.
0 - -
LAUNDRY BUILDING FOR TUEN MUN HOSPITAL ft * ft ft *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A LAUNDRY BUILDING AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL.
THE SINGLE STOREY BUILDING, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 4 750 SQUARE METRES, WILL COMPRISE A MEZZANINE FLOOR AND BASEMENT.
/IT! . Af.n.l 'LEE
rilKUAY, MrtY 2't, 1987
ITS FACILITIES, BESIDES MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF TUEN MEN HOSPITAL, WILL ALSO SERVE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENT MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG AREA.
STORAGE AREAS WILL BE IN HE BASEMENT, WHILE LOADING AND UNLOADING, WASHING, DRYING AND IRONING AREAS WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
THE MEZZANINE FLOOR WILL BE USED FOR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, STAFF CHANGING AREAS AND TOILETS.
WORK WILL START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER, 1989.
THE HOSPITAL, DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1988, WILL HAVE 1 656 BEDS AND COST ABOUT $2 000 MILLION.
IT WILL SERVE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND THE NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
0 - -
DRAGON BOAT RACES IN ABERDEEN * M * *
A TOTAL OF 59 TEAMS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD IN ABERDEEN ON MAY 31 (SUNDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (SUNDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE 1987 ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LIU LIT-FOR, SAID THE RACES WOULD TAKE PLACE ALONG A 330 t METRE CHANNEL OFF THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE RACES ARE DIVIDED INTO FULL-SIZED AND MEDIUM-SIZED DRAGON BOAT DIVISIONS, WITH THE LATTER SUB-DIVIDED INTO OPEN, LADIES OPEN, AND INVITATION SECTIONS.
SEVENTEEN MORE TEAMS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR. THERE WILL BE EIGHT TEAMS COMPETING IN THE FULL-SIZED BOATS DIVISION AND 51 TEAMS IN THE MEDIUM-SIZED DIVISION.
THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS COME FROM FIRMS, FACTORIES, YOUTH GROUPS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS AND FISHERMEN BODIES.
/rm: rir.7.1.
SUNDAY, MAY 2'i, 1987
- 9 -
THE FINAL EVENTS WILL START AT 3 PM AND WINNERS OF THE FOUR SECTIONS WILL COMPETE FOR THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP AT A.15 PM.
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT A.45 PM. WINNERS OF EACH OF THE FOUR SECTIONS WILL BE PRESENTED TROPHIES, WHILE ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
ON THAT DAY, TWO SPECTATOR STANDS WILL BE SET UP NEAR THE FLYOVER ADJOINING ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND THE ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD. ENTRY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE. RESIDENTS CAN ALSO ENJOY THE RACES ALONGSIDE THE PROMENADE AT THE WATERFRONT.
AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR FOUR DRAGON BOATS WAS HELD AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE.
COSTING >218 500, WITH |43 700 FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ARE ORGANISED JOINTLY WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT. POLICE, MARINE POLICE, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
--------0----------
PAVILION OPENING TO CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ft ft ft ft ft
A CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION AT BRIDES’ POOL ROAD, SHA TAU KOK WILL BE OPEN TO PICNICKERS AND MORNING WALKERS IN NORTH DISTRICT ON TUESDAY (MAY 26).
THE PAVILION, BUILT WITH GREEN TIDES AND RED COLUMNS, IS ONE OF THE MINOR InVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATION’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY, FOLLOWED BY A TREE PLANTING EXERCISE.
/OFFICIATING AT
BUNDAY, MAY 24, 1987
10 -
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE BlSTR I CT BOARS CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMONB PANG' ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIM MILNES; CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU YUM-MAN AND THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MRS AMY WONG.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT BRIDES’ POOL ROAD, SHA TAU KOK ON TUESDAY (NAY 26). A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AT 9.30 AM.
--------0----------
SECOND SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TSUEN WAN MIX
A SECOND FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN TSUEN WAN IS TO BE BUILT AT SHING MUN ROAD, SHEUNG KWAI CMJNG.
IT WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF 35 000 CUBIC METRES AND CATER FOR THE INCREASING NEEDS OF BOTH TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 1 800 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS RANGING IN DIAMETRE FROM 700 TO 900 MILLIMETRES WILL BE LAID FROM THE SERVICE RESERVOIR TO THE JUNCTION OF YAU MA HOM AND CHEUNG WING ROADS AND A A30-METRE ACCESS ROAD WILL BE BUILT ALONG SHING MUN ROAD.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROJECT. WORK WILL START IN AUGUST AND TAKE 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY SO THAT A LEAKAGE TEST CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY ABERDEEN STREET, CAINE ROAD, LADDER STREET. BRIDGES STREET AND STAUNTON STREET, INCLUDING HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS; AND LADDER STREET, CAINE LANE, KUI IN FONG AND BRIDGES STREET.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GREIN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT OUT ON WEDNESDAY .. 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR APRIL 1987 ...................... 2
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT INSPECTS BUS LANE SCHEME .,...... h
SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTS PLANNING S'D MANAGEMENT ............ 5
SCHOLARSHIPS TO PUT ACROSS FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE........... 6
WAN CriAl ILLEGAL STRUCTURE FACES DEMOLITION................ 7
NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SELJJ KEI WaN ..............
RECLAMATION WORK AT TUEN MUN ............................... 8
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS TOY FACTORY ................. 9
MELBOURNE STRINGS IK HONG KONG ............................. 10
HOLIDAY POSTS SERVICES ANNOUNCED .......................... 10
NEW DRAGON BOaTS TO BE LAUNCHED IN TAI PO................... 11
SOUTHERNi DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS............ 11
DRAGON BOAT RnCES IN EASTERN DISTRICT ...................... 12
RECREATION .JJD SPORTS PROGELiMME TO BE DISCUSSED........... 13
SWIMMING GALA PRIZE PRESENTATION ........................ 13
PRINCESS MSGaRET ROS FLYOVER CLOSED aT NIGHT ............... 14
WATER CUTS IN SHAM SHU I PO ................................ 12*
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ I2*
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
1
GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT OUT ON WEDNESDAY * * M * *
THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
AND COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AFTER IT HAS BEEN TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GREEN PAPER COULD REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ONE MILLION CHINESE AND 250 000 ENGLISH COPIES HAD BEEN PRINTED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN ABOUT 300 OUTLETS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AFTER THE GREEN PAPER IS TABLED, A SPECIAL COUNTER WILL BE SET UP ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HEADQUARTERS AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 5 PM TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES.
THE GREEN PAPER WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICE COUNTERS OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND THE TREASURY, AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GREEN PAPER COULD REACH THE WIDEST SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY, SEVEN MOBILE TEAMS WILL ALSO BE DEPLOYED IN THE FIRST TEN DAYS TO FACILITATE DISTRIBUTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FROM 8 AM TO 7.30 PM DAILY, ONE TEAM WILL BE STATIONED AT THE STAR FERRY PIER IN CENTRAL, AND THE OTHER SIX WILL MAKE BLANKET COVERAGE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A PUBLICITY PACKAGE WILL BE LAUNCHED TO COINCIDE WITH THE RELEASE OF THE GREEN PAPER.
THEY INCLUDE A TV API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST), A TV SLIDE AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS WHICH WILL BE BROADCAST FROM MAY 28 TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE GREEN PAPER AND TO URGE THEM TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON IT.
TO PROVIDE A CONSTANT REMINDER, POSTERS WITH THE COPY LINE ♦THE GREEN PAPER YOU NEED TO READ* WILL BE PUT UP ON THE SAME DAY ON SOME 800 GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THIS WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A POSTER DISPLAY IN MTR AND KCR TRACK SIDES AS WELL AS STATION LOBBIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/2
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
2
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR APRIL 1987 * ft ft * *
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR APRIL 1987 WERE 108.1 AND 108.3 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 5.0 PER CENT AND 4.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER APRIL 1986, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NEW CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT AND THE NEW CP 1(B), BY 1.2 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE NEW CPI(A) AND AVERAGE NEW CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1987 WERE 105.2 AND 105.5 RESPECTIVELY.
DURING THE 3-MONTH PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPl(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.4 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING APRIL, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WERE HIGHER. RENTALS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DWELLINGS, CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES JEWELLERY, TAXI FARES AND FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS ALSO WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND OTHER FRESH SEA PRODUCTS 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 89 999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDICES FOR APRIL 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDICES, AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987 AND APRIL 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE - 100)
SECTION NEW CP 1(A) NEW CPI(B)
INDEX FOR APR. 87 % change OVER MAR. 87 $ CHANGE OVER APR. 86 INDEX FOR APR. 87 % change % OVER MAR. 87 change OVER APR. 86
FOODSTUFFS 104.7 ♦ 1.3 >4.0 105.1 + 1.1 >4.0
HOUSING 109.1 ♦0.5 + 4.7 106.9 >0.2 ♦3.1
FUEL AND LIGHT 92.7 >0.9 -2.8 93.5 ♦ 1.2 -2.3
/ALCOHOLIC DRINKS .......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
- 3 -
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 116.2 +0.2 +9.7 116.2 ♦0.3 ♦9.8
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 113.8 + 5.7 +5.8 115.6 ♦6.8 ♦6.4
DURABLE GOODS 109.5 ♦0.5 ♦ 4.1 108.8 ♦0.6 ♦4.2
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 113.7 +1.1 ♦10.7 113.5 ♦ 1.2 ♦9.7
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 113.7 ♦0.4 ♦7.3 112.4 +0.5 +6.9
SERVICES 114.8 +0.3 +5.9 114.1 ♦0.4 ♦5.6
ALL ITEMS 108.1 +1.1 +5.0 108.3 ♦1.2 ♦4.7
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 1.1 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SHRIMPS, CRABS AND FRESH FRUITS. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(B) DUE TO HIGHER RENTS AND RATES FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME HOUSING SOCIETY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 1.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 5.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 6.8 PER CENT IN NEW CP 1(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.6 PER CENT IN NEW CP I(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND VIDEO AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 1.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY AND FRESH FLOWERS.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B), REFLECTING THE FULL EFFECT OF THE RECENT TAXI FARE INCREASE.
/1’HICE MOVEMENTS.......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ^CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR APRIL 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 WANCHAI, HONG KONG > OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE &ENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
MEANWHILE. THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 110.7 IN APRIL 1987, UP BY 0.9 PER CENf OVER MARCH 1987 AND BY 6.1 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1986. THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT |£tlO 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.
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COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT INSPECTS BUS LANE SCHEME M * M M M
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. MR RICHARD SCURF I ELD, THIS (MONDAY) MORNING INSPECTED THE OPERATION OF THE BUS-ONLY LANE IMPLEMENTED TODAY IN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
MR SCURFIELD WAS ACCOMPANIED BY TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER, DR STEPHEN TANG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NT EAST INTER-DISTRICT WORKING GROUP ON LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, MR CHOY KAN-PUI.
THE BUS LANE, DESIGNED TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS GOING TO WORK, IS ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD FROM WORLDWIDE GARDENS TO THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE TUNNEL. IT WILL BE OPERATING FROM 7.30 AM TO 9 AM DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
/AT PRESENT, .......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
- 5
AT PRESENT, 54 OOO PERSONS TRAVEL TO WORK THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL DURING MORNING PEAK HOURS. ABOUT 45 000 RIDERS OR 83 PER CENT OF THEM ARE BUS PASSENGERS.
♦THE SCHEME IS THE LATEST MEASURE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC USING THE TUNNEL. ON THE FIRST DAY OF ITS OPERATION, THE BUS LANE HAS BEEN OPERATING SMOOTHLY. AN INITIAL SURVEY HAS INDICATED THAT BUS JOURNEY TIME HAS BEEN REDUCED BY ABOUT TWO MINUTES,* MR SCURF I ELD SAID.
TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND IN THE APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL AND WILL CARRY OUT A REVIEW
IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, MR SCURF I ELD ADDED.
-------o ---------
SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING *****
AND MANAGEMENT
A SEMINAR ON +ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY* WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27) AT THE RAYSON HUANG THEATRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE EVENT AIMED AT STIMULATING PUBLIC INTEREST DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG FORMS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN COMMEMORATION OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED).
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WILL DELIVER THE KEYNOTE SPEECH WHILE CHAIRMAN OF EPCOM, DR DAVID JOHNS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EPCOM’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WORKING GROUP, S.L. WAN, WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES IN HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS FOCUSSING ON AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION AND RADIATION, WATER AND WASTES MANAGEMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS AND THE CENTRE OF URBAN STUDIES AND URBAN PLANNING OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG LANDSCAPE GROUP AND THE CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE SEMINAR WILL LAST FROM 9.45 AM TO 4.30 PM AND INTERESTED PARTIES CAN DIRECT THEIR ENQUIRIES TO 5-740883 EXT. 29.
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/6
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
6
SCHOLARSHIPS TO PUT ACROSS FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING YOUTH IN THE DISTRICT UNDER A ♦GOOD STUDENT, GOOD CITIZEN* AWARD SCHEME AIMED AT PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TH S (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHUNG-YING SAID THE AWARD SCHEME WAS SET UP IITH SPECIFIC AIMS TO PROMOTE
YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY THE ’FIGHT CRIME’ MESSAGE, APART STUDY HARD.
ACTIVITIES AND TO PUT ACROSS FROM ENCOURAGING THEM TO
HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SPIRIT SO THAT MUTUAL HELP COULD
INCULCATE ON YOUTH A COMMUNITY BE PRACTISED TO COMBAT CRIME.
„ wJ.5ES,DES» THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL ALSO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THEIR SERVICES TO SOCIETY,’ HE SAID.
nr- T/?*T THE SCHEME WAS BEING LAUNCHED WITH THE SUPPORT
OF THE POLICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME SCHOLARSHIPS. 'JA,7M,N6 SA,D THEY H0PED UP 10 100 STUDENTS IN THE DISTRlrf COULD BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME AND EACH WOULD BE AWARDED >500.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF FORM 2 OR ABOVE. THOSE WITH GOOD ACADEMIC RECORD AND CONDUCT WILL BE CONSIDERED AND PRIORITIES WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE ACTIVELY TAKEN PART IN SOCIAL SERVICES OR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE RELATED WITH FIGHTING CRIME.
APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN AND STUDENTS SHOULD FIRST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THEIR SCHOOLS. THE WORKING GROUP WILL VET THE APPLICATIONS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
MR NGAI STRESSED CIVIC-MINDED STUDENTS
THAT THE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE TO REWARD THE RATHER THAN THE ELITE.
HE ALSO HOPED THE PUBLIC WOULD SUPPORT THE SCHEME SO THAT MORE STUDENTS COULD BENEFIT FROM MORE DONATIONS.
n.e-rnf£?LlCAT,0N F0RMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES OR THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JULY 31.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-0523002 OR 5-8170196.
-------o-------- /7.......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
7
WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURE FACES DEMOLITION * * ft * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO TAKE WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS COURT ON JULY 28 FOR A CLOSURE WHICH IS ON THE MAIN ROOF OVER SHIP STREET.
COURT ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH A
TO APPLY IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT ORDER TO BE MADE ON THE STRUCTURE FLAT F ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF 53,
IT HAS DECIDED ON THIS ACTION BECAUSE THE OCCUPANTS OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE HAVE IGNORED A DEMOLITION ORDER ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1985, MADE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT IT INTENDED TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS OBTAINED.
A SPOKESMAN SAID NOTICES INFORMING OCCUPANTS THAT AN APPLICATION IS TO BE MADE FOR A CLOSURE ORDER WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY.
HE SAID IT WAS THE USUAL PRACTICE TO OBTAIN A CLOSURE ORDER FIRST SO THAT DEMOLITION COULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE STRUCTURE’S OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
------o--------
NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SHAU KEI WAN ft ft ft ft *
tuf GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO MODIFY NAM HONG STREET IN SHAU KEI MAH I‘ CONNECTION WITH BUILDING A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOB 21 000 PEOPLE IN THE AREA.
TmF STREET WHICH CROSSES SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE A MAIN vruirtli AR ACCESS FOR THE ESTATE’S SITE FORMATION WORK, AND THE MO NCATIONS W?LL INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF SEVERAL SAFETY FEATURES AND A TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM.
PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS TO PROPERTIES ON THE STREET WILL BE MAINTAINED, EXCEPT THAT THERE WILL BE A 7 AM TO 7 PM NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION ON ALL VEHICLES.
UPON COMPLETION OF SITE FORMATION WORK, THE STREET WILL BE RESURFACED AND THE SAFETY FEATURES REMOVED.
IT WILL THEN BECOME THE ACCESS TO THE NEW ESTATE, TOGETHER WITH SUN SING STREET.
/TH?; SITE...........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
8 -
THE SITE FORMATION WORK WILL NECESSITATE THE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTER AREAS ABOVE NAM HONG STREET AND THE CLOSURE OF TWO FOOTPATHS WHICH LEAD TO PRIVATE LOTS OCCUPIED BY K|K LOK TUNG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY LIMITED. HOWEVER, A TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED BEFORE THE FOOTPATHS ARE CLOSED AND A NEW PERMANENT ACCESS BUILT AFTER SITE FORMATION WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED TO ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO VISIT THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
IN THE EVENTUAL LAYOUT OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, IT IS INTENDED THAT THE KIK LOK TUNG WILL BE SURROUNDED BY A DISTRICT PARK AND ADDITIONAL ACCESS WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE.
THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (EAST) PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, NOW UNDER PLANNING, WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 5 500 FLATS WHEN COMPLETED IN 1994. IT wiLL BE BUILT ON AN ELEVATED SITE TO THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, ABOVE ALDRICH BAY.
WORK ON FORMING THE SITE IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 1991.
NOTICES OF THE PROPOSED WORKS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY OBJECTION IN WRITING SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OR BEFORE JULY 21.
-------o ----------
RECLAMATION WORK AT TUEN MUN M N * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE SOUTH OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO MEET FUTURE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS.
OF THIS AREA, ABOUT 2.2 HECTARES WILL BE FOR A PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA- 2 9 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN USE- 1.8 HECTARES FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT-AND THE REMAINDER FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES, DISTRICT ROADS AND LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE AREAS.
THE WORK ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF AND A MAIN STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
FILL MATERIAL FOR THE RECLAMATION WILL IN YUNG LONG TO THE WEST OF THE TOWN. THEY SEA THROUGH AN EXISTING JETTY IN THE AREA.
A 300-METRE-LONG SEAWALL
BE EXTRACTED FROM AREAS WILL BE TRANSPORTED BY
/THE PROJECT........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
- 9 -
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
SECTIONS OF THE RECLAMATION FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE AREAS WILL BE COMPLETED EARLIER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS JUNE 19.
---o------
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS TOY FACTORY ft * ft ft ft
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (MONDAY) CONTINUED HIS VISITING PROGRAMME TO FACTORIES LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND LABOUR SCENE.
ARRIVING AT THE PLAYMATES INDUSTRIAL CO LTD IN TUEN MUN, MR HAMMOND WAS GREETED AND SHOWN AROUND THE PLANT BY ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR THQMAS CHAN, AND THE ADMINISTRATION MANAGER. MR JOHN LAW.
THE COMPANY MANUFACTURES DOLLS AND TOY CARS FOR EXPORT MAINLY TO NORTH AMERICA AND EMPLOYS SOME 1 300 WORKERS.
MR HAMMOND WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPANY PROVIDED VARIOUS WELFARE BENEFITS FOR ITS EMPLOYEES INCLUDING A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME AND MAINTAINED GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE MANAGEMENT TOOK POSITIVE VIEWS TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND THAT A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER HAD JUST BEEN APPOINTED TO LOOK AFTER STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT.
- o -
/10
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
1C
MELBOURNE STRINGS IN HONG KONG
*****
A CONCERT BY THE CHAMBER STRINGS OF MELBOURNE AT THE SHAT IN TOWN HALL WAS WELL RECEIVED TODAY (MONDAY) BY AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 1 OOO STUDENTS.
UNDER ITS CONDUCTOR, MR CHRISTOPHER MARTIN, THE ORCHESTRA PERFORMED POPULAR PIECES INCL NG VIVALDI’S CONCERTO GROSSO OP. 3 NO. 11 IN D MINOR, MOZARVS DIVERTIMENTO IN D MAJOR, K. 136 AND BROADSTOCK’S EXPEDITION.
AFTER THE CONCERT, THE ORCHESTRA ATTENDED A LUNCH RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
IN A WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO SAID THIS KIND OF INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXCHANGE hAd HELPED IMPROVE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND THE PERFORMANCE STANDARD OF YOUNG MUSICIANS.
AT THE RECEPTION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE MR CLIVE OXLEY, PRESENTED A CHINESE INSTRUMENT — ZHONG-HU — TO THE MELBOURNE STRINGS AS A SOUVENIR.
THE MELBOURNE STRINGS IS NOW IN HONG KONG FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT AND WILL LEAVE FOR AUSTRALIA TOMORROW.
--------o ---------
HOLIDAY POSTAL SERVICES ANNOUNCED
*****
tTpostJo?Ii& KU*
;u* "ew
SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO' j WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
TOST m
0
/11
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
11
NEW DRAGON BOATS TO BE LAUNCHED IN TAI PO * * * * *
TWO NEWLY-BUILT DRAGON BOATS WILL BE LAUNCHED AT AT THE TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO, WEDNESDAY (MAY 27).
A CEREMONY ON
THE DRAGON BOATS WILL BE USED IN THIS YEAR’S TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY.
THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION RACE BY WINNING TEAMS OF THE LAST YEAR’S RACE.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY AT THE TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
--------o ---------
SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
*****
YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WHO OLD ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR
ARE OVER 18 YEARS
.art .sms । . i"
Smce'spowsh’" PLAV HUSIC‘L ",SIRUMENTS-* * D'STR.CT
♦THE PRACTISING HOURS OF THE CHOIR SUNDAY,♦ HE ADDED.
ARE FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM EVERY
CHOIR IS MANAGED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE THE SPO,*SORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD. SINCE ITS I!* CH0,R HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE DISTRICT AND RECEIVED WARM SUPPORT.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE AND THE ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATIONS’S OFFICE AT LEI CHAK HOUSE, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
-----0 -
/12........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
12
DRAGON BOAT RACES IN EASTERN DISTRICT
*****
RESIDENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL CELEBRATE TUEN NG FESTIVAL EARLIER THAN USUAL WITH DRAGON BOAT RACES IN CHAI WAN ON FRIDAY (MAY 29) AND IN SHAU KEI WAN ON SATURDAY.
THE CHAI WAN DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 11.30 AM TO 4.30 PM AT THE CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING BASIN AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS.
ON SATURDAY, THE SHAU KEI WAN FISHERMEN DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM AT THE WATER COURSE OUTSIDE THE BREAKWATER OF ALDRICH BAY.
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL T.A. BOAM, WILL PRESENT THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE CUP TO THE WINNING TEAM OF THE LARGE BOAT RACES.
A TOTAL OF 18 TEAMS OF LARGE BOATS COMING FROM ALL OVER THE TERRITORY AND 27 TEAMS OF MEDIUM SIZED BOATS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS WILL BE COMPETING IN THE RACES TO BE HEL.D IN BOTH CHAI WAN AND SHAU KEI WAN.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD SUBSIDISED $20 000 FOR THE FISHERMEN SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHAI WAN FISHERMEN RECREATION CLUB TO ORGANISE THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL ARRIVE AT THE CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING BASIN (NEXT TO THE OLD CHAI WAN FERRY PIER) AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY, WHILE THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL T.A. BOAM, WILL ARRIVE AT THE VIP STAND ON BOARD A HYF FERRY NEXT TO THE SHAU KEI WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AT 3.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
-------o----------
/1J........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
13
RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME TO BE DISCUSSED
M K N M M
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ITS PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987/88 TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
AN ALLOCATION OF <600 000 WAS APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD LAST MONTH FOR ORGANISING SPORTS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE 2 27’Sir.. HALF 0F THE FUNDS allocated will BE reserved for the NINTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL.
£2™-lT7E WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DI STR I CT GAMES LEAGUE.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, 1/F., TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.
------c-------
SWIMMING GALA PRIZE PRESENTATION * M M * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION SHA TIN BRANCH WILL HOLD ITS 9TH INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOLS SWIMMING GALA PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT A PM IN THE SHA TIN ROYAL JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE KWONG’ DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM 5 RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR ROGER LAU> DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEO KWAN WING-WAH; SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG PO-MING AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR KWAN TING-FAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
-------o---------
/14........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1987
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER CLOSED AT NIGHT
*****
THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27) AND MAY 28 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.
- - o - -
WATER CUTS IN SHAM SHU I PO
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (MAY 28) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY MAPLE STREET, SYCAMORE STREET, TUNG CHAU STREET, NAM CHEONG STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
- 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 319.749 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 272.535 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS TO MAKE STATEMENT ON GREEN PAPER ........................ 1
PATIENT LOBBYING HK’S RESPONSE TO TEXTILES BILL ............ 2
STRONG EXPORT-LED ECONOMIC GROWTH CONTINUES IN FIRST QUARTER 3
APRIL PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED ................ 7
F.S. RETURNS FROM TALKS.................................10
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS.......... 10
DRAGON BOAT iUCES ON SUNDAY ................................ 11
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SaI KUNG ................................. 13
FOOD HYGIENE HOTLINE IN OPERATION .......................... 11*
CONSTRUCTION OF LRT BRIDGE PROPOSED ...................... 1*+
NEW PUMPHOUSE FOR HUNG HCM BxY RECLAMATION ................. 15
MILLION CONTRACT FOR LIFTS AND ESCALATORS .............. 16
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ................................... 16
MORE CHILD CARE FACILITIES FOR SHA TIN ..................... 17
CALL TO PAY WaGES ON TIME .................................. 18
COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCLuL WELFARE................. 18
DB TO FORM WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REVIEW ............... 19
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEhN COMMITTEE TO MEET .................. 19
WATER CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE RE-OPENED .................... 20
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MATERNITY LEAVE SCHEME ................ 20
VIOLIN MASTERCLASS .................................... 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS M.JJGaRET ROhD NORTHBOUND..... 21
RESTRICTED ZONES IN TSUEN W.iN ............................. 22
WATER CUTS IN YAU TONG ..........;.......................... 22
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1937
1
CS TO MAKE STATEMENT ON GREEN PAPER * * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL MAKE A STATEMENT UN THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 11 BILLS IN TOMORROW’S SITTING.
AMONG THE 11 BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON NINE BILLS WHICH ARE ALSO DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING. AMONG THEM ARE THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987. THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF BILLS SEEKING TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECTS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET PROPOSALS.
IN ADDITION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE STANDING ORDERS TO ALLOW THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO MAKE THE STATEMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER AFTER MOTIONS AND BILLS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE RELEASE OF THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOli, 5/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER AT THE GIS NEWSROOM ON 6/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE FROM 2.30 PM TOMORROW. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO NOTE THAT THE GREEN PAPER THEY OBTAIN IN ADVANCE IS EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL 4.30 PM.
- - 0 -
/2
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
?.
PATIENT LOBBYING HK’S RESPONSE TO TEXTILES BILL X X X X M
ACTION HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN BY HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN THE U.S. AND ELSEWHERE TO ALERT INTERESTED PARTIES TO THE FULL IMPLICATIONS OF THE U.S. TEXTILES BILL TO BUILD UP ORGANISED OPPOSITION TO IT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEET'NG OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR MILLER SAID HONG KONG’S RESPONSE TO THE THREATS OF THE BILL WAS TO CONTINUE WITH THE PATIENT PERSISTENT LOBBYING EFFORTS AND THERE WERE SIGNS THAT HONG KONG’S MESSAGE ABOUT ITSELF HAD BEEN GETTING THROUGH.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO BOTH HOUSES AND CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 19 THIS YEAR, SOUGHT TO LIMIT GLOBAL IMPORTS OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL FROM ALL SOURCES TO 1986 IMPORT LEVELS WITH ANNUAL GROWTH AT ONE PER CENT AND WITH A REVIEW AFTER 10 YEARS.
+IT COULD NOT BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT RUNNING INTO CONFLICT WITH THE MFA-NEGOTIATED BILATERAL AGREEMENTS. INDEED, IT COULD PROBABLY ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED BY REPLACING THE EXISTING SYSTEM BY GLOBAL QUOTAS ADMINISTERED BY THE USA.
+CONTRARY TO ITS CLAIMS, IT WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH GATT PROVISIONS.
+IT IS CLEARLY PROTECTIONIST AND PUTS AT RISK NOT ONLY TEXTILES BUT URUGUAY ROUND OF MTN TALKS AND INDEED THE WHOLE INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM.+
HE ADDED THE LIKELIHOOD OF IMPORT CONTROL REPLACING EXPORT CONTROL WOULD HAVE SERIOUS ADVERSE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY AND WOULD LEAD TO CONSIDERABLE UNCERTAINTY AND DISRUPTION.
MR MILLER ALSO SAID THERE WERE ALTOGETHER FOUR MAIN PIECES CF TRADE LEGISLATION CURRENTLY BEFORE CONGRESS WHICH WERE OF SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG.
+APART FROM THE SECTOR-SPECIFIC TEXTILES BILL, THE OTHER THREE ARE +GENERIC+ TRADE BILLS, ONE INTRODUCED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ONE BY THE SENATE AND ONE, FOR GOOD MEASURE, BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
+THE HOUSE BILL, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY THE FULL HOUSE, IS MORE EXTREME AND SEEKS TO LIMIT THE PRESIDENT’S DISCRETION IN DEALING WITH TRADE PROBLEMS.
/+THE MjriATE..........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 198?
♦THE SENATE BILL, WHICH IS STILL UNDER DISCUSSION, WHILE MORE MODERATE STILL SEEKS TO LIMIT THE PRESIDENT’S DISCRETION IN CERTAIN AREAS, WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION’S BILL PUTS EMPHASIS ON COMPETITIVENESS INSTEAD OF ON MORE RESTRICTIVE TRADE MEASURES.*
+PROTECTION 1ST SENTIMENT IN THE U.S. CONGRESS IS FOUNDED ON SUSTAINED AND GROWING TRADE DEFICITS COUPLED WITH AN ENORMOUS AND INTRACTABLE BUDGET DEFICIT.
+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN VERY VOCAL IN ITS OPPOSITION NOT ONLY TO THE TEXTILES BILL, BUT ALSO TO A VARIETY OF MEASURES IN THE GENERIC BILLS.
+BUT THAT BEING SAID THERE ARE STILL DANGERS FOR HONG KONG,* HE WARNED.
+THERE IS THE DANGER THAT THE TEXTILES BILL WILL PASS BOTH HOUSES, THAT MEASURES WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE FINAL GENERIC TRADE BILL AND THAT MEASURES INCORPORATED IN EITHER BILL MAY UNDERMINE THE MULTILATERAL PROCESS IN THE GATT, AND PREVENT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF GREATER LIBERALISATION IN THE SERVICES, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND AGRICULTURE.*
------0-------
STRONG EXPORT-LED ECONOMIC GROWTH CONTINUES IN FIRST QUARTER M M N M M
THE GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WAS MAINLY EXPORT-LED, CONTINUING THE TREND ESTABLISHED IN THE LATTER PART OF 1986, ACCORDING TO THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1987 PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS STILL PROVIDED A MAJOR IMPETUS TO OVERALL GROWTH, RE-EXPORTS FEATURED PROMINENTLY IN THE RECENT GROWTH PATTERN OF EXTERNAL TRADE, THE REPORT ALSO SAID.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 28 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. THIS WAS HIGHER THAN THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 23 PER CENT IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1986.
WHILE IMPROVED DEMAND FOR IMPORTS IN MANY OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PERFORMANCE, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR (IN LINE WITH THE DEPRECIATION OF THE US DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM) AGAINST MAJOR CURRENCIES AND THE CAUTIOUS ATTITUDE OF LOCAL MANUFACTURERS IN RAISING PRICES HAVE ALSO HELPED ENHANCE THE EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS.
/THE LATEST
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
THE LATEST FIGURES ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND ON THE ORDER BOOK POSITIONS OF LARGE MANUFACTURERS SUGGEST THAT DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE IS LIKELY TO REMAIN GOOD IN THE COMING MONTHS.
RE-EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 4S PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 COMPARED ITM THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986. AS RE-EXPORTS GREW AT A FASTER RATE THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS. THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE TO 49 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 FROM 45 PER CENT IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
DOMESTIC DEMAND, IN RESPECT OF BOTH CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT, WAS STRONG IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS FOR RETAINED IMPORTS OF BOTH FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS WAS ABOUT 9 PER CENT.
REFLECTING THE OPTIMISTIC BUSINESS OUTLOOK, MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT WAS MAINTAINED AT A HIGH LEVEL, AS INDICATED BY THE ESTIMATED 24 PER CENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A BUOYANT ECONOMY, THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR WAS STRONG AND OUTSTRIPPED SUPPLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. AS A CONSEQUENCE, BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES WERE AT VERY LOW LEVELS.
THE STRONG AGGREGATE DEMAND WITHIN THE ECONOMY COUPLED WITH THE DELAYED EFFECT OF THE INCREASES IN IMPORT PRICES DURING 1986 HAVE PUSHED UP THE RATE OF INFLATION. USING CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AS AN INDICATOR, THE RATE OF INFLATION ACCELERATED TO 4.3 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 FROM 3.6 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
THE REPORT ASSESSES DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE FIRST S HARTER OF 1987 USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE. IT ALSO PDATES THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMY WHICH WAS GIVEN IN THE 1986 ECONOMIC BACKGROUND PUBLISHED ON BUDGET DAY. APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS, AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS GREW RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986.
ALTHOUGH CHINA’S IMPORT CONTROL MEASURES STILL REMAINED IN FORCE, THE GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY ABOUT 75 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986.
/THIS WAS
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
5
THIS WAS PROBABLY DUE, IN PART, TO INCREASED OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE WITH CHINA, IN LINE WITH THE STRONG GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN GREW MORE RAPIDLY THAN THOSE TO THE UNITED STATES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, REFLECTING THE SHARP DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE EUROPEAN CURRENCIES AND THE JAPANESE YEN.
THE STRONG GROWTH OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WAS MAINLY DUE TO AN UPSURGE IN RE-EXPORT TRADE WITH CHINA WHICH HKS FEATURED PROMINENTLY BOTH AS A MARKET AND AS A SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS.
RETAINED IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 27 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, REFLECTING A FIRM DOMESTIC DEMAND AND BUOYANT MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY. A LARGE PART OF THIS INCREASE COMPRISED RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION. OVERALL IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 36 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
THE REPORT FURTHER POINTS OUT THAT OVER TH,S„^RIOD. THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT 41 PER CENT, WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS THAT OF IMPORTS. HENCE A VISIBLE TRADE GAP OF SIMILAR MAGNITUDE TO THAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986, EQUIVALENT TO 4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS. FIRST. THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED STEADY AGAINST THE US DOLLAR THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. NOTWITHSTANDING THE SPECULATIVE PRESSURES ON THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM EXPERIENCED IN JANUARY AND EARLY FEBRUARY, A MAXIMUM DEVIATION OF ONLY 0.6 PER CENT FROM THE LINKED RATE WAS RECORDED.
/SECOND, HONG KONG
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
- 6 -
SECOND, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY GREW RAPIDLY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, LARGELY DUE TO INCREASED DOMESTIC CREDIT CREATION. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GROWTH RATE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS SLOWED DOWN, BUT WAS STILL HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
THIRD, IN LINE WITH THE BUOYANT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND LOW INTEREST RATES, LOANS AND ADVANCES INCREASED AT A FASTER RATE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THAN DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
FOURTH, REFLECTING THE MOVEMENT OF MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT RATES ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WERE REDUCED IN MID JANUARY BUT SUBSEQUENTLY REVISED UPWARDS IN EARLY MARCH AS SPECULATIVE PRESSURES ON THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM SUBSIDED.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WERE AT VERY LOW LEVELS. IF THE OLD SERIES OF LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS IS TAKEN TO BE COMPARABLE WITH THE NEW SERIES, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, AT 2.1 PER CENT, WAS THE LOWEST QUARTERLY FIGURE RECORDED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1975 WHEN UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE FIRST COMPILED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
REFLECTING THE STRONG DEMAND FOR LABOUR RELATIVE TO ITS SUPPLY, EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN MOST OF THE SERVICES SECTORS, IN TERMS OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN MONEY TERMS AND IN REAL TERMS DURING 1986.
THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, SO THAT FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE, THE QUANTITY OF MANUFACTURING OUTPUT WAS 16 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1985. ALL MAJOR INDUSTRIES RECORDED INCREASES IN OUTPUT IN 1986.
ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS.
FIRST, THE PRICES AND RENTALS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PROBABLY INCREASED LESS RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 THAN IN THE LATTER PART OF 1986, GIVEN THAT THE SUPPLY OF NEW FLATS WAS MORE ABUNDANT. NEVERTHELESS, TRADING IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET REMAINED ACTIVE.
/SECOND, KEFLECTING .......
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
7
SECOND, REFLECTING AN EXCESS DEMAND FOR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, OFFICE RENTALS INCREASED FURTHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. THIRD the upward trend in the prices and rentals for sfdpping SPACE* ESPECIALLY FOR PRIME LOCATIONS, HAS CONTINUED INTO THE FlRST’QUARTER OF 1987. FOURTH, WITH REGARD TO INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, THE BUOYANT PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN RECENT MONTHS HAS HELPED MAINTAIN DEMAND AT A HIGH LEVEL.
ON PRICES, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE RATE OF INFLATION PICKED UP TOWARDS THE END OF 1986 AND INCREASED FURTHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THE ACCELERATION IN THE RATE OF INFLATION WAS ATTRIBUTABLE
An4INST MOST MAJOR CURRENCIES RESULTED IN INCREASE IN IMPORT PRICES DURING 1986, THE EFFECT OF WHICH IS NOW BEING TRANSMITTED TO THE RETAIL LEVEL.
HOWEVER. SOFT WORLD COMMODITY PRICES IN GENERAL AND STABLE IMPORT PRICE& FOR CHINESE GOODS HAVE EXERTED SOME DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE OVERALL UPWARD TREND IN CONSUMER PRICES.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT $10.00 A COPY.
- - 0 - -
APRIL PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED * * ft ft *
EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED TO SHOW RAPID GROWTH IN APRIL 1987, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL 1987, AT $14 539 MILLION, INCREASED BY 28.1 PER CENT OR $3 191 MILLION OVER APRIL 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 49.1 PER CENT OR $4 695 MILLION TO $14 255 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $28 794 MILLION, WAS 37.7 PER CENT OR $7 886 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 35.6 PER CENT OR $8 012 MILLION OVER APRIL 1986 TO $30 489 MILLION.
/AS THE
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 198?
- 8 -
AS THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS SLOWER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRABE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) IN APRIL 1987 NARROWED TO 5.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A GAP OF SEVEN PER CENT IN APRIL 1986. HOWEVER, IN ABSOLUTE VALUE TERMS, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT RECORDED IN APRIL 1987, AT fl 695 MILLION, WAS |126 MILLION MORE THAN THAT RECORDED IN APRIL 1986.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FOUr MONTHS OF 1987 WAS >103 806 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF 153 066 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF 150 740 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY >29 7*7 MILLION OR 40.2 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY >12 572 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS >17 175 MILLION OR 51.2 PER CENT.
BY
OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY >30 705 MILLION OR 39.3 PER CENT, TO >108 854 MILLION.
TO
A CUMULATIVE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF >5 048 MILLION, EQUIVALENT 4.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1987. THIS COMPARES WITH A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF >4 090 MILLION IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1986, WHICH WAS EQUIVALENT TO 5.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THAT PERIOD.
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 FOUR MONTHS 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 US DOLLAR, AGAINST MOST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE COURSE OF 1986 AND THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1987.
THE VERY RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONT« 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, EXPORT PERFORMANCE WAS LIKELY TO REMAIN GOOD IN THE COMING MONTHS.
/The Census........
TUESDAY, KAY 26, 1987
9
The Census and Statistics Department has released the
following provisional merchandise trade figures for April-
MERCHANDISE; Domestic Exports 114,539 al Ilion
Re-exports 114,255 million
Total Exports $28,794 aillion
Imports $30,489 aillion
Trade balance $1,695 aillion
(in deficit]
C'.'HPAAATIVE FIGURES
Latest 3 months Feb 87 to Apr 87 HKt Mn. Feb 86 to Apr 88 HKt Mn. Increase
HKt Mn. X
Domestic Exports 39.014 29,984 9,050 30 2
Re-exports 38,735 25,002 13,733 54 9
Total Exports 77.749 54.986 22.783 41 4
laports 85.338 59,343 25.995 43 8
Trade balance -7.589 -4.377 -3.212
Sask* month »ast year April 1987 HKt Mn April 1986 HKt Mn 1ncrease
HKt Mn X
Domestic exports 14,539 11,346 3. 191 28 1
(t of Total Exports) (50.5X) (54.3%)
Re-expvrls 14.255 9.560 4,605 49.1
Total Exports 2s.7y4 20.908 7.886 37.7
Imports 30,489 22,477 8.012 35 6
Trade balance -1.695 -1,569 -128
April March Increase
Last month 1987 1987
HKt Mn HKt Mn HKt Mn X
Domestic Experts 14,539 14,483 56 0.4
(X of Total Exports) (50.5X) (51.IX)
Re-exports 14.255 13,864 391 2 8
Total Exports 28.794 28.347 447 16
Imports 30.489 30.731 -242 -0.8
Trade balance -1.635 -2,384 689
Calendar year to-date .1 an • Apr 1987 HKt Mn Jan-Apr 1986 HKt Mn. Increase
HKt Mn. X
Domestic Exports 53,066 40,494 12.572 31 0
(X of Total Exports)) (51.IX) (54.7X)
K-?-exports 50.740 33.565 17.175 51.2
Total Exports 103,806 74,059 29.747 40 2
imports 108.854 78.149 30.705 39 3
Trade balance -5,048 -4.090 -958
Last 12 months May 86 to Apr 87 HKt Mn May 85 to Apr 86 HKt Mn Increase
HKt Mn. X
Domestic Exports 166.556 131.740 34.816 28 4
Re-exports 139.721 103.863 35.858 34 5
Total Exports 306.277 235.603 70.674 30 0
Imports 306,660 235.770 70,890 30 1
Trade ba lance -383 -167 -216
-------0---------
/1O........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
10
F.S. RETURNS FROM TALKS * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE NEXT ROUND OF TALKS ON THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT WOULD BE HELD IN HONG KONG IN JULY.
MR JACOBS MADE THE COMMENTS WHEN RETURNING FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF TALKS IN LONDON ON MAY 21 AND 22.
HE SAID THE TALKS WERE CONDUCTED IN A CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG TEAM WERE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ROBERT UPTON, AND MR IAN WOTHERSPOON AND MR JOHN SHANNON FROM THE FINANCE BRANCH.
MR JACOBS REITERATED THAT THE TALKS WERE ON THE DEFENCE COSTS ONLY AND THE FUTURE OF THE BRITISH GARRISON IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE DISCUSSED.
- - o-----------
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED Sil 636 IN INJURIES GRANT FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO NINE PEOPLE INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT LAST THURSDAY.
THREE PEOPLE, INCLUDING A MINI-BUS DRIVER AND HIS WIFE, WERE KILLED AND 28 PEOPLE INJURED IN THE COLLISION BETWEEN A BUS AND A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD ON MAY 21.
FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT, OFFICERS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YUEN LONG AND KWAI CHUNG FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND FIELD UNITS AS WELL AS THE TAVA SECTION CONTACTED THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS TO RENDER NECESSARY ASSISTANCE. A TOTAL OF «9 000 IN BURIAL GRANT HAD BEEN APPROVED FROM CHARITABLE FUNDS FOR THE TWO BEREAVED FAMILIES.
IN ADDITION, THE FIVE ORPHANS OF THE MINI-BUS DRIVER WERE GIVEN DISCRETIONARY GRANT OF $10 000 FROM A CHARITABLE FUND. THE MONEY WAS HANDED OVER TO THEM YESTERDAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EL IZABETH WONG.
STAFF OF THE TAVA SECTION ARE STILL PROCESSING ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS FROM THE REMAINING VICTIMS.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
-------o---------- /11 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1937
11
DRAGON BOAT RACES ON SUNDAY * * * * *
IT WILL BE A FESTIVE WEEKEND THIS SUNDAY (MAY 31) WHEN THE THEN NG FESTIVAL IS CELEBRATED WITH EXCITING DRAGON BOAT RACES, COLOURFUL DECORATIONS AND RICE DUMPLINGS.
THE ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT RACES HAVE BECOME ONE OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE VENUES OF MAJOR RACES THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
IN SHA TIN, THE GOVERNOR WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE RACES WHICH WILL FEATURE 120 TEAMS COMPETING IN DRAGON AND PHOENIX BOATS ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER.
AT THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL WATCH THE RACES AND PRESENT PRIZES. A TOTAL OF 53 TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN LARGE, INDIUM AND PHOENIX BOATS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACES IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER WHERE 59 TEAMS WILL BE VYING FOR TOP HONOURS IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT.
IN TAI PO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS. A TOTAL OF 55 TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN THE OPEN AND INVITATION SECTIONS ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACES WHERE 45 TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN THE 1 OOO-METRE COURSE FROM PAK SHA WAN TO THE WATERFRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN.
IN TUEN MUN, THE SECRETARY, GENERAL DUTIES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE DRAGON BOAT RACE THERE. A TOTAL OF 53 TEAMS IN LARGE, MEDIUM AND PHOENIX BOATS WILL COMPETE IN VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE RACES WHICH WILL BE THE BIGGEST HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THERE WILL BE SPECIAL BUS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE DRAGON BOAT RACE IN THE CASTLE PEAK BAY TYPHOON SHELTER OFF WU KING ESTATE IN AREA 44.
BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 1.30 PM ON THAT DAY, BUS ROUTES 59 AND 61A WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WU KING ROAD AND WU SHAN ROAD AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GOING TO THE RACES ARE URGED TO USE BUS ROUTES 59, 59B AND 61A.
/ORGANISERS OF........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 19$7
12 -
_n ?ERS 0F THE DRAG0N BOAT RACES HAVE URGED THE PUBLIC
J? USE pUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GET TO AND FROM THE VENUES OF THE RACES AS PARKING SPACE WILL BE LIMITED
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE FOLLOWING ARE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COVERAGE OF VIP’S ATTENDING THIS SUNDAY’S DRAGON BOAT RACES IN SHA TIN, YAU MA TEI, ABERDEEN, TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND SAI KUNG.
SHA TIN : THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT AROUND 11.55 AM AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL WHERE HE WILL PROCEED TO THE GRANDSTAND ON THE BANK OF THE SHING MUN RIVER. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR EARLIER SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE UP POSITION TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL. AS THE NUMBER OF PRESS BADGES ARE LIMITED, ONE ORGANISATION IS ENTITLED TO ONLY ONE BADGE. PRESS BADGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE INFORMATION OFFICER (SHA TIN) AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN.
YAU MA TEI : THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, W DONALD LIAO, WILL ARRIVE AT THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AT ABOUT 3 PM. PRESS BADGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF CNTA, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, NO. 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE GRANDSTAND IS AT THE JUNCTION OF FERRY STREET AND MAN CHEONG STREET.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT : THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL ARRIVE AT ABOUT 3.30 PM AT THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER GRANDSTAND NEAR THE FLYOVER ADJOINING ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD. PRESS BADGES FOR THE RACES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION CF CNTA, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, NO. 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TAI PO : THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL ARRIVE AT ABOUT 11 AM AT THE GRANDSTAND ALONG THE WATERFRONT CF TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. PRESS BADGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE INFORMATION OFFICER (TAI PO) AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD.
/£AI KUMG : ........
TUESDAY, MAY 2f>, 1987
- 13 -
SAI KUNG : THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL ARRIVE AT ABOUT 1 PM AT THE GRANDSTAND, NEAR THE WATERFRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN. PRESS BADGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE INFORMATION OFFICER (SAI KUNG), 2ND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
TUEN MUN : THE SECRETARY, GENERAL DUTIES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL ARRIVE AT ABOUT 12 NOON AT THE CASTLE PEAK TYPHOON SHELTER, OFF WU KING ESTATE IN AREA 44. PRESS BADGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE INFORMATION OFFICER (TUEN MUN), 2ND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
-------0 ---------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SAI KUNG * ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON. AND LADY WII ‘SON wii 1 taiid SAI KUNG DISTRICT ON THURSDAY MAY 28) AFTERNOON TO s!ftJ latest developments of the district ’4d wet“o?< cohmuJ!ty
LEADERS.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL FLY BY HELICOPTER TO JUNK BAY AND STOP AT A VANTAGE POINT TO TAKE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
THEY WILL ALSO VISIT THE HANG HAU PUBLIC SCHOOL AT THE MANG KUNG UK VILLAGE AND A FAMILY AT THE TUI MIN HOI RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL THEN TOUR SAI KUNG OLD TOWN AND SEE THE LIFE OF THE FLOATING POPULATION IN THE CHUNG MEI TUK AREA. THEY WILL THEN ATTEND A TEA RECEPTION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
-r ARE, INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO SAI KUNG ON THJRSDAY (MAY 28). TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE *°*L00N PUBL,C P,ER’ NEXT TO STAR FERRY, BY 1.45 PM SHARP. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG fELE-LENSES.
-------o--------- .......
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
14 food hygiene hotline in operation *****
A TELEPHONE HOTLINE MANNED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH HAS COME INTO OPERATION THIS MONTH TO GIVE ADVICE ON THE PREVENTION OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
THE HOTLINE, OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST, SERVES TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HYGIENE WITH THE APPROACH OF SUMMER.
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN DIAL 5-8916443 TO LISTEN TO A RECORDED MESSAGE. THEY CAN ALSO MAKE ENQUIRIES. STAFF OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL CALL BACK AND ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,* SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR MR WONG LUP-GAY SAID.
MR WONG URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES!
* DO NOT PATRONISE UNLICENSED COOKED FOOD HAWKERS BECAUSE THE PLACE AND WAYS IN WHICH THEY PREPARE THEIR FOOD ARE USUALLY NOT HYGIENIC;
* USE REFRIGERATORS PROPERLY AND STORE RAW AND COOKED FOOD SEPARATELY;
* COOK FOOD THOROUGH-Y AND CONSUME WHILE STILL HOT, LEFTOVERS SHOULD ALSO BE REHEATED THOROUGHLY;
* COVER CUTS AND SORES WITH WATERPROOF DRESSINGS BEFORE COOKING AND EATING 5
* KEEP CLEAN PERSONAL HABITS AND ALWAYS WASH HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD; AND
* MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN.
-----o-----
CONSTRUCTION OF LRT BRIDGE PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A BRIDGE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO CARRY LIGHT RAIL CARRIAGES.
THE PROPOSED BRIDGE IS TO RUN GENERALLY IN A NORTH-SOUTH DIRECTION FROM NEAR SIU HONG COURT TO NEAR PRIME VIEW GARDEN.
/IT WILL .......
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
- 15 -
IT WILL RUN ACROSS THE OLD AND NEW CASTLE PEAK ROADS AND IT WILL BE PART OF THE FORMATION OF THE LIGHT ------------------------------------------LIGHT RAIL
RML^RESERVE FOR THE REGIONAL EXTENSIONS OF THE
TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE EASTERN SPAN OF AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE MODIFIED TO CONNECT IT TO THE FUTURE STOP ON THE PROPOSED LRT BRIDGE.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES SLIGHT REALIGNMENT OF A S HORT SECT I ON OF the existing carriageway and some associated drainage and ANCILLARY WORKS.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 21.
-------o----------
NEW PUMPHOUSE FOR HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION ft ft ft ft ft
WORK HAS BEGUN ON CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPHOUSE WHICH WILL BECOME PART OF PHASE ONE OF THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION, THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
PROJECT ENGINEER, MR GEORGE KU, SAID THE PUMPHOUSE CONTRACT COMPRISED CONSTRUCTION OF AN UNDERGROUND SEA WATER PUMPING STATION AND LAYING APPROXIMATELY 700 METRES OF SALT WATER SUPPLY PIPES.
THE $5.4 MILLION CONTRACT, AWARDED TO EXPRESS TRANSPORT AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD., WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT FEBRUARY.
MR KU SAID THE NEW PUMPHOUSE WOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN THE KOWLOON GOODS YARD OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, ADJACENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE. IT WAS REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PUMPHOUSE AT HUNG HOM FERRY PIER WHICH WILL BE ENGULFED BY THE RECLAMATION.
THE 13.5-HECTARE RECLAMATION WORK, WHICH BEGAN LAST JULY, IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR EXPANSION OF THE KOWLOON GOODS YARD. IT WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1989.
-------o----------
/16
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
>44 MILLION CONTRACT FOR LIFTS AND ESCALATORS M M M M
WORK ON INSTALLING LIFTS AND ESCALATORS IN A 49-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT HARBOUR ROAD ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION HAS COMMENCED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $44 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
FORTY-FIVE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN WHAT WILL BE THE TALLEST GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING SO FAR CONSTRUCTED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF STOREYS. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 30 MONTHS.
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.
WHEN COMPLETED, 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.
THE COMPLEX, WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED IN FIVE STAGES, INCLUDES A BASEMENT CAR PARK, A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, THREE TOWER BLOCKS AND A LANDSCAPED PLAZA.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL FIVE STAGES WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE EARLY 1990’S.
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED X X X X
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON WONG KWONG-TIN ON OCTOBER 6, 1982 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON KUNG WAH ON' JUNE 30, 1986 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
WONG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MRS TAM LEUNG KIT-FAN WHILE KUNG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LUK LOK-FUK.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
*
17
MORE CHILD CARE FACILITIES FOR SHA TIN *****
A TOTAL OF FOUR SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 450 PLACES WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN SHA TIN OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
+ IN ADDITION, TWO SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL OPEN THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE 120 PLACES FOR PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,+ HE SAID.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN AND JUVENILES WELFARE ASSOCIATION LTD POK HONG ESTATE CHILDREN GARDEN IN SHA TIN.
AT PRESENT, THE NEW TOWN HAS 14 SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES WITH 1 540 PLACES AS WELL AS FIVE PRIVATE CENTRES.
MR CHJI NOTED THAT THE SETTING UP OF CHILD CARE CENTRES HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICES.
+APART FROM PROVIDING MORE CENTRES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ALSO ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE,* HE SAID.
+FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE IN 1975, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO DEAL WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND THE RELATED REGULATIONS, TO INSPECT THE VARIOUS CENTRES REGULARLY AS WELL AS TO GIVE ADVICE TO AND DISCUSS WITH CENTRE OPERATORS AS HOW TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AND PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN,* HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTRODUCED A FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME IN 1982 TO ENABLE LOW-INCOME AND NEEDY FAMILIES TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN EITHER TO CHILD CARE CENTRES OR KINDERGARTENS.
MR CHUI COMPLIMENTED THE NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN AND JUVENILES WELFARE ASSOCIATION LTD FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE SCENE IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE NOTED THAT WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW CENTRE TODAY, THE AGENCY WOULD BE OPERATING FOUR CHILD CARE CENTRES WHILE TWO MORE WERE BEING PLANNED FOR OPENING WITHIN THIS YEAR IN TAI PO AND TSI NG Yl.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
18
CALL TO PAY WAGES ON TIME
* H M
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WAGES MUST BE PAID ON TIME.
AT THE SAN PO KONG MAGISTRACY RECENTLY, THE PROPRIETOR OF AN ELECTRICAL FACTORY WAS FINED $3 500 FOR FAILING TO PAY WAGES ON TIME TO SEVEN EMPLOYEES UPON TERMINATION OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT.
THE CASE SHOWED THAT THE FOUR-MONTH ARREARS OF WAGES WERE PAID ONLY CONSEQUENT TO AN ORDER MADE BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL AFTER A LAPSE OF TWO MONTHS.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, WAGES DUE AT THE END OF THE WAGE PERIOD MUST BE PAID AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE BUT IN ANY CASE NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS THEREAFTER.
SIMILARLY, WAGES AND OTHER SUMS DUE MUST BE PAID WITHIN SEVEN DAYS ON THE COMPLETION OR TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO WITHOUT ANY REASONABLE GROUNDS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND, UPON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000.
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COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS TODAY (TUESDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO DISCUSS WELFARE PROJECTS PLANNED BY THE GROUP IN THE YEAR.
GROUP CHAIRMAN, MRS THERESA LAU, OUTLINED THE GROUP'S VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE EXPANSION OF THE CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN SHUEN WAN, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LARGE YOUTH HOLIDAY CAMP IN SHEUNG SHU I, AND ADDITIONAL DAY NURSERIES IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
MRS WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE GROUP FOR THEIR CONTINUED PROVISION OF HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPLEMENT THESE SERVICES.
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/19........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
19
DB TO FORM WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REVIEW * * * *
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REVIEW.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE GROUP WILL HELP PUBLICISE THE CONTENT CF THE GREEN PAPER AMONG RESIDENTS, ENCOURAGE MORE RESPONSES AND COLLECT VIEWS.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LAUNCHING OF A LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO IMPRESS UPON RESIDENTS THE IMPORTANCE CF PROPER MANAGEMENT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITEIS WILL BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, INCLUDING A SYMPOSIUM, EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS TO BE CONDUCTED BY AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 5 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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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 (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ANTI-SPITTING DRIVE.
THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CAMPAIGN, AND THE PROPOSED KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES DISTRICT PARTICIPATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH BEGINS AT 2.30 PM IN COMMITTEE ROOM NO.2, 4/F, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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/20........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
20
WATER CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE RE-OPENED *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE AT SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK, WAS RE-OPENED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CENTRE WAS CLOSED SEVEN WEEKS AGO TO FACILITATE ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
ENQUIRIES CAN NOW BE MADE AT THE CENTRE FROM 8.30 AM TO 4.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAYS.
PAYMENT OF WATER BILLS CAN ALSO BE MADE AT THE CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAYS.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MATERNITY LEAVE SCHEME
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS GOVERNMENT’S RECENT PROPOSAL TO[ AMEND THE MATERNITY LEAVE SCHEME AT THEIR MEETING ON THJRSDAY (MAY 28).
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A RECENTLY HELD SEMINAR ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION FROM INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS, AN ARTICLE §N t!!e INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT of TUEN MUN IN PRODUCTIVITY NEWS+, AND PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDING DB GRANTS.
GRANTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN ON THE 3RD FLOOR, TUEN
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD.
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/21........
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
21
VIOLIN MASTERCLASS K M K
WORLD RENOWNED MUSICIAN, KURT SASSMANSHAUS, WILL CONDUCT A VIOLIN MASTERCLASS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE ON SATURDAY (MAY 30) FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.
AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE MUS IKHOCHOCHULE KOLN IN WEST GERMANY, SASSMANSHAUS FURTHERED HIS STUDIES IN AMERICA AND WAS AWARDED A MASTER DEGREE IN JU ILL I ARD SCHOOL.
HE IS NOW THE HEAD OF THE STRINGS DEPARTMENT OF THE CINCINNATI COLLEGE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.
AT THE MASTERCLASS, HE WILL COACH FOUR MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES TO PLAY WORKS OF BACH, MOZART, BEETHOVEN AND KREISLER BEFORE THE AUDIENCE.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTERCLASS IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FOR RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 3~722624O.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND * * * * *
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 29) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION.
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.
HOWEVER. ACCESS TO THE PREMISES ALONG THIS SECTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROA& NORTHBOUND WILL BE MAINTAINED. MOTORISTS ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR THESE PREMISES MAY USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING DIVERSION ROUTESi
N PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET. PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVERi 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.
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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1987
22
RESTRICTED ZONES IN TSUEN WAN *****
A SECTION OF SHEK WAI KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 29).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD TO A POINT 110 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TEXACO ROAD NORTH.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TING KAU PUBLIC CAR PARK AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED A ROUND-THE-CLOCK PROHIBITED ZONE FOR VEHICLES WITH GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES.
WATER CUTS IN YAU TONG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (MAY 29) FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN LEI YUE MUN TSUEN AND LING NAM SAN TSUEN.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MaY 27, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER LISTENED TO WITH GREkT CmRE..... 1
ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW UPDATED ......................... 4
CHANGES PROPOSED TO ICAC POWERS OF ARREST............ 7
CHANGE IN IMMIGRATION LhW URGED ..................... 8
CALL TO CLARIFY STATUS OF HK CHINESE WITH FOREIGN PASSPORTS............................................ 10
UK URGED TO ESTABLISH BN(O) STATUS................... 11
CALL FOR EARLY INTRODUCTION OF DECL. JUTION MECHANISM .... 1J
MOVE TO SIMPLIFY ID C.xRD RENEW, JL WELCOMED......... 14
BILL AMENDED TO CLEAR DOUBTS ........................ 14
INLAND REVENUE BILL SUPPORTED ....................... 15
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE RELEASES FIRST REPORT.... 16
INTERNAL DISCUSSION ON COURT OF FDUL .-J>PEAL BEGUN.. 17
ANNUAL SCREENING FOR VISUAL IMPEDIMENT............... 18
GREIN PAPER OPTIONS IN LINE WITH JOINT DECLu JUTION . 19
COUNCIL TO CONSIDER CIGARETTE SALE BAN ON YOUNG PERSONS . 19
/EDUCATION ROLE .....
EDUCATION ROLE OF CABLE TV CONSIDERED ...................... 20
FLOTATION CLASS SYSTEM TO STAY ............................. 21
POLICE EFFECTIVE IN TACKLING MTR INDECENT ASSAULTS........ 22
TRaM LIFEGUARD DEVICE REMOVED AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION ... 23
OBJECTIVES OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING OUTLINED ................. 24
FRAUDULENT PRACTICES OF EMPLOYMENT STAMPED OUT .............. 25
MOTION TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDER PaSSED ..................... 26
EIGHT BILLS PASSED ........................................ 26
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON GREEN P.J>ER ....................... 27
PRINCESS MARGARET ARRIVES HONG KONG .’......................... 28
*
GOVERNOR TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE............................ 30
SYSTEMATIC REPLANNING aND ADJUSTMENT NEEDED TO RESOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL FOE.............................................. 31
NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN VILLAGES PROPOSED....................... 35
JOINT URBAN, REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW ................ 35
NEW DRAGON BOkTS LAUNCHED IN TAI PO ........................... 36
DB TO BE BRIEFED ON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE ..................... 37
WE. NESDAY, MAY 27, 1^87
1
VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER LISTENED TO WITH GREAT CARE
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALED TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE OPTIONS IT PRESENTED AND SEND IN THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
+1 URGE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO SO, AND ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR VIEWS WILL BE LISTENED TO WITH GREAT CARE,* MR FORD SAID.
TABLING THE DOCUMENT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER WAS TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE HONG KONG SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED, AND IF SO, IN WHAT MANNER AND OVER WHAT TIME SCALE.
+THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER TODAY SIGNALS THE BEGINNING CF THE PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER. DURING THIS PERIOD THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG - EVERY INDIVIDUAL, GROUP AND ORGANISATION - WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STATE THEIR VIEWS ON WHAT THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO, OR SHOULD NOT DO, IN 1988 BY WAY OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL GREEN PAPER IN AT LEAST TWO RESPECTS.
+FIRST, SOME OF THE ISSUES ADDRESSED IN IT HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOE SUBJECT OF KEEN DEBATE AMONG SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST YEAR OR SO, INDEED, MUCH OF THE CONTENT OF THE GREEN PAPER REFLECTS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THAT DEBATE.
+SECONDLY, THE GREEN PAPER DOES NOT STATE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY INTENTIONS OR CONTAIN SPECIFIC PROPOSALS FOR ACTION. INSTEAD, IT SETS OUT POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN 1988 AND PRESENTS THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST EACH OF THOSE OPTIONS, AS WELL AS THE FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND WHEN CONSIDERING THE CHOICE OF OPTIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID SOME OF THE VIEWS AND ARGUMENTS AIRED IN THE PUBLIC DEBATE MIGHT WELL BE AIMED AT TRYING TO INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINION, AND HE URGED EVERY PERSON IN HONG KONG TO FORM Hlb O^N VIEWS.
+EVERY PERSON IN HONG KONG IS FREE TO AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH ANY OTHER PERSON’S POINT OF VIEW. THE GOVERNMENT IS ANXIOUS TO HEAR THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AMD I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THEY ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF FORMING THEIR 0*N JUDGMENT,* HE SAID.
+AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED, MIND UNTIL WE HAVE LISTENED TO THOSE VIEWS,*
WE SHALL KEEP AN OPEN HE STRESSED.
/\ -R KURD.......
WKlXJEf.DAY, KAY 27, 1987
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE INDEPENDENT SURVEY OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLIC RESPONSE, IN PARTICULAR, THE RESPONSE OF THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION WHO HAD SO FAR REMAINED SILENT. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICE IS TO SEEK OUT AND RECORD THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
TO ENSURE THAT THE SURVEY OFFICE CARRIES OUT ITS DUTIES PROPERLY, ACCURATELY AND IMPARTIALLY, TWO INDEPENDENT MONITORS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO OVERSEE ITS WORK.
MR FORD WENT ON TO SAY THAT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PERIOD CF PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE SURVEY OFFICE WOULD PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL AND ACCURATE REPORT COLLATING AND PRESENTING ALL THE VIEWS WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED.
HE NOTED THAT THE REPORT WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 31 THIS YEAR AND IT WOULD THEN BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND PUBLISHED.
+ THE GOVERNOR-1N-COUNC IL WILL THEN FORM A JUDGMENT, IN THE LIGHT OF THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT, AND TAKING FULL ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS REFLECTED IN IT, AS TO THE RIGHT STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN 193d.
+THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THAT TIME, LIKE ALL OTHER DECISIONS CF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, WILL BE CORPORATE DECISIONS TAKEN IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AS A WHOLE. THEY WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A WHITE PAPER, PROBABLY EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THE PUBLIC DEBATE WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKING PLACE MIGHT WELL HAVE GIVEN SOME THE IMPRESSION THAT THE 1987 REVIEW WAS CONCERNED SOLELY WITH THE QUESTION WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1988.
HOWEVER, A QUICK GLANCE THROUGH THE CONTENT PAGES OF THE GREEN PAPER WOULD READILY SHOW THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE, HE SA ID.
+THE GREEN PAPER IS IN FACT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT COMPRISING THREE LEVELS OF INSTITUTIONS: THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* MP FORD SAID.
IT WOULD DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES CONCERNING NOT ONLY THE ROLE AND COMPOSITION OF THESE BODIES, BUT ALSO THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THEM, HE ADDED.
THESE ISSUES WERE, MR FORD SAID, +F IRST, THE COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE URBAN aND REGIONAL COUNCILS, AND POSSIBLE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE LINKS BETWEEN THEM-
/♦.SECOMDLY; THE..........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
+SECONDLY» THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, INCLUDING POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE NUMBERS AND BALANCE OF OFFICIAL, APPOINTED, AND ELECTED MEMBERS AND THE QUESTION WHETHER NEW FORMS OF ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE INTRODUCED;
+THIRDLY; THE QUESTION WHETHER THE GOVERNOR SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL; AND
+FOURTHLY; VARIOUS PRACTICAL QUESTIONS SUCH AS THE SEQUENCE AND TIMING OF ELECTIONS, THE VOTING AGE AND ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.+
+ IN EACH CASE THE GREEN PAPER CONSIDERS, IN THE LIGHT OF THE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SO FAR, THE OPTIONS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN 1988,+ MR FORD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GREEN PAPER DID NOT RECOMMEND ANY ONE OPTION IN PREFERENCE TO ANOTHER, BUT SET OUT THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST EACH OF THOSE OPTIONS.
ALL OF THEM WERE GENUINE OPTIONS, HE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS. THERE IS NO PRE-DETERMINED OUTCOME,* MR FORD STRESSED.
NOTING THAT MUCH HAD HAPPENED SINCE THE LAST REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN 1984, MR FORD SAID +THE ISSUES BEFORE US HAVE FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE WELL-BEING CF OUR COMMUNITY, AND IT IS NOT SURPRISING, THEREFORE, THAT THERE IS, A RANGE OF SINCERELY HELD VIEWS WITH REGARD TO THE PACE AND DIRECTION OF CHANGE.+
HE REFUTED CRITICISM THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS TRYING TO ABDICATE ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT CHANGES TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE SYSTEMS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN 1Q88.
+THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT IT HAS THAT RESPONSIBILITY, AND WILL DISCHARGE IT WHEN THE TIME COMES FOR DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN,+ HE SAID.
+BUT, IN THE FACE OF THE DEBATE NOW TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT IT HAS ANOTHER, MORE IMMEDIATE RESPONSIBILITY: TO LISTEN TO THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG ON HOW THEY WISH TO SEE THESE SYSTEMS DEVELOP, AND TO DO SO UNFETTERED BY PRECONCEIVED IDEAS AS TO THE RIGHT COURSE TO TAKE,+ MR FORD ADDED.
MR FORD SAID THE SUCCESS OF ANY COMMUNITY DEPENDED UPON THE COMBINATION OF A NUMBER OF FACTORS, AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WAS HAVING A STABLE AND CONSISTENT GOVERNMENT THAT COULD OPERATE EFFECTIVELY, AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE MAKING UP THAT COMMUNITY.
/+THIS MEANS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
+THIS MEANS A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, AS THEY CHANGE AND DEVELOP OVER TIME, AND WHICH IS PREPARED TO RESPOND TO THOSE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS IN FORMULATING AND CARRYING OUT ITS POLICIES,+ HE SAID.
THIS WAS THE GOVERNMENT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ENDEAVOURED TO BE, MR FORD SAID.
+FOR MANY YEARS WE HAVE BEEN COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING OUR GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS ALONG MORE REPRESENTATIVE LINES, IN STEP WITH THE GROWTH WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF THE WISH FOR A SmY, AND FOR DIRECT PARTICIPATION, IN THE PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT.+
HE SAID THIS COMMITMENT WAS REFLECTED IN THE WIDE RANGE OF CHANNELS WHICH NOW EXISTED THROUGH WHICH THE VIEWS AND CONCERNS CF THE COMMUNITY COULD BE MADE KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT.
+THEY INCLUDE AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, ON WHICH MANY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE PARTICIPATE, AS WELL AS THE MORE FORMAL INSTITUTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT: THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THIS COUNCIL ITSELF.+
MR FORD SAID THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GRADUAL, AND THE STEPS TAKEN CAREFUL AND MEASURED. HE SAID AT EACH STAGE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSULTED EXTENSIVELY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
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ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW UPDATED
*****
CHANGES TO THE ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW ARE AIMED AT CLARIFYING OR IMPROVING PRESENT PROCEDURES OR REVISING PENALTIES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR THOMAS SAID NONE OF THE CHANGES WERE INTENDED TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT EXTENSION TO THE POWER AND RANGE CF OPERATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
HE SAID IT WAS SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE LAST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LEGISLATION UNDER WHICH THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION OPERATED.
/HE ADDED........
WEDNESDAY, MAY ?7, 1987
- 5 -
HE ADDED THE LATEST REVIEW HAD SHOWN THE NEED FOR A MODEST NUMBER OF CHANGES TO BOTH THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION ORDINANCE WHICH IS THE COMMISSION’S CHARTER, AND THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE WHICH CONCERNED ITS OPERATIONS.
HE SAID THE BILL CONTAINED A NEW PROVISION SEEKING FOR CONFISCATION ORDERS BE MADE OF THE PROPERTY OF CROWN SERVANTS CONVICTED OF BEING IN CONTROL OF UNEXPLAINED WEALTH.
+IT IS AN ESSENTIAL DETERRENT TO CORRUPTION THAT NEITHER AN OFFENDER NOR HIS CLOSE RELATIVES AND ASSOCIATES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF HIS CORRUPTION,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT PROVISION FOR ADDITIONAL MONETARY PENALTY ORDERS WERE INCLUDED IN THE ORDINANCE IN 1974 AND MORE THAN 20 SUCH ORDERS HAD BEEN MADE SINCE THE PROVISIONS WERE INTRODUCED.
HOWEVER, HE EXPLAINED, IN A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CASES, RECOVERY HAD BEEN ONLY PARTIALLY SUCCESSFUL AND THEN ONLY AT THE EXPENSE OF LENGTHY COURT PROCEEDINGS BY THE CROWN.
+S0 LONG AS AN ORDER REMAINS A PERSONAL DEBT, A CONVICTED PERSON MAY ARRANGE HIS AFFAIRS SO AS TO PUT HIS ASSETS OUT OF REACH -- WHILE RETAINING CONTROL — AND THEN PLEAD POVERTY,+ FR THOMAS SAID.
MR THOMAS EXPLAINED THAT AS THE TRIAL OF A CROWN SERVANT ALWAYS INVOLVED A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE ASSETS IN HIS CONTROL, AND AN IMPLICIT FINDING, IF HE WAS CONVICTED, THAT SOME OR ALL OF THOSE ASSETS REPRESENTED THE PROFITS OF HIS CORRUPTION.
+IT SEEMS LOGICAL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A MORE DIRECT PROCEDURE FOR TAKING HOLD OF THOSE ASSETS IDENTIFIED AS TAINTED, WHETHER THEY ARE IN THE HANDS OF AN OFFENDER OR A RELATIVE OR AN ASSOCIATE,+ HE ADDED.
ANOTHER PROVISION INTRODUCED WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE MAKING BY THE DISTRICT COURT OR HIGH COURT OF AN ORDER FOR CONFISCATION CF PROPERTY IN THE CONTROL OF THE CONVICTED PERSON TO A VALUE NOT EXCEEDING THE VALUE OF ASSETS THE ACQUISITION OF WHICH HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORILY EXPLAINED.
HE ADDED THAT SUCH POWER WAS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF LIMITATIONS AND SAFEGUARDS.
IMPORTANT
+FIRST, THE APPLICATION FOR AN ORDER MUST BE MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITHIN 28 DAYS AFTER THE CONVICTION.
+SECONDLY, WHERE THE ASSETS ARE HELD BY A PERSON OTHER THAN THE PERSON CONVICTED, THEN THAT OTHER PERSON MUST BE GIVEN A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW CAUSE WHY THE ORDER SHOULD NOT BE MADE.
ATHIRDLY, NO ......
WEDNESDAY, NAY 27, 1987
BY A PERSON SATISFIES THE
+THIRDLY, NO ORDER MAY BE MADE UPON ASSETS HELD OTHER THAN THE PERSON CONVICTED IF THAT OTHER PERSON COURT THAT AN ORDER WOULD BE UNJUST IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
+FOURTHLY, A CONFISCATION ORDER AND A MONETARY PENALTY ORDER CANNOT BE IMPOSED IN RESPECT OF THE SAME ASSETS,+ HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR A THIRD PARTY IN POSSESSION OF CONFISCATED ASSETS A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL AGAINST A CONFISCATION ORDER, HE SAID.
MR THOMAS EMPHASISED THAT THE POWER OF THE COURT TO ORDER CONFISCATION APPLIED SOLELY TO CONVICTED CROWN SERVANTS OR FORMER CROWN SERVANTS AND THEIR CLOSE ASSOCIATES? TO THE ONE OFFENCE, AND TO ASSETS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A TRIAL. IT WOULD ALSO BE DISCRETIONARY IN EVERY CASE, HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR THE POSSESSION AS A CROWN SERVANT OF UNEXPLAINED WEALTH FROM $500 000 TO $1 MILLION ON INDICTMENT AND FROM $100 000 TO 0500 000 ON A SUMMARY CHARGE.
AMENDMENTS CONCERNING MAGISTRATES’ POWERS TO ORDER THE SURRENDER OF A SUSPECT’S TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WERE ALSO PROPOSED.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE EXISTING PROVISIONS PROVED A VERY EFFECTIVE AID TO THE INVESTIGATION OF CORRUPTION OFFENCES, SOME ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT PROVISIONS WERE CRITICISED AS UNFAIR TO THE SUSPECT AND LACKING IN FLEXIBILITY.
THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED WOULD MAKE THE PROCEDURE BOTH FAIRER AND MORE FLEXIBLE IN THAT A SUSPECT MAY APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR RETURN OF HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.
+THE RETURN MAY BE MADE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AS TO THE FUTURE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLDER AND FURTHER SURRENDER OF THE DOCUMENT, AND THE HOLDER MAY BE REQUIRED TO GIVE ADEQUATE SECURITY. THERE IS PROVISION FOR APPEAL AGAINST A REFUSAL TO RETURN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OR THE IMPOSITION OF UNREASONABLE CONDITIONS,* HE ADDED.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROVIDED THAT A PERSON WHO HAD FAILED TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS UPON WHICH A TRAVEL DOCUMENT WAS RETURNED MAY BE ARRESTED AND HIS SECURITY BE FORFEITED, HE SA ID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE ARREST OF ANY SUSPECT WHO WAS BELIEVED TO BE ARRANGING HIS DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG WHILE INVESTIGATIONS WERE PROCEEDING, AND FOR THE ADMISSION OF SUCH A PERSON TO BA IL.
/SUSPECTS HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
SUSPECTS HAVE AT TIMES REQUESTED THAT DUE TO THE DIFFICULTY CF RAISING A LARGE BAIL AT SHORT NOTICE, THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DEPOSIT PROPERTY AND, IN PARTICULAR, TITLE DEEDS, IN LIEU OF PART OF THE CASH BAIL.
HE PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR THIS OPTION.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WHICH AROSE FROM PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, HE SAID, WAS TO ADMIT A CERTIFICATE SIGNED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO PROVE THE STATUS AND EMOLUMENTS OF A CROWN SERVANT OR FORMER CROWN SERVANT.
+ THE CERTIFICATE AVOIDS THE PRODUCTION OF FILES AND WITNESSES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ON MATTERS WHICH ARE RARELY IN DISPUTE. THE CERTIFICATE EVIDENCE MAY CF COURSE BY REBUTTED BY THE DEFENDANT.*
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDED NEW DEFINITIONS OF +PUBLIC SERVANT* AND +MEMBER OF A PUBLIC BODY*, MINOR CHANGES TO REMOVE SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE EXISTING POWERS OF COMMISSION OFFICERS WHEN INVESTIGATING AN OFFENCE, AND RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF NOTICES AND ORDERS RESTRAINING DEALINGS IN THE PROPERTY OF SUSPECTS.
-------0---------
CHANGES PROPOSED TO ICAC POWERS OF ARREST X X X X X
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS SOUGHT IN THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 CONCERNED THE POWERS OF ARRESTS BY COMMISSION OFFICERS, THE ATTORNEY - GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID, A SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE CONTAINED A LIST OF OFFENCES FOR WHICH A COMMISSION OFFICER MIGHT ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFENCE WAS DISCLOSED IN THE COURSE OF AN INVESTIGATION INTO AN OFFENCE UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE.
INCLUDED IN THE LIST WAS THE OFFENCE OF OBTAINING A PECUNIARY ADVANTAGE BY DECEPTION UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE THEFT ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
HE CONTINUED, HOWEVER, IN 1980, PART OF THE SECTION WAS REPEALED AND REPLACED BY THREE SEPARATE OFFENCES DEALING WITH, RESPECTIVELY, OBTAINING SERVICES BY DECEPTION, EVADING LIABILITY BY DECEPTION, AND MAKING OFF WITHOUT PAYMENT.
/+A FURTHER
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 198?
- 8 -
+ A further related offence, that of procuring false entries in THE RECORDS OF A BANK OR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, WAS ADDED TO THE THEFT ORDINANCE IN 1986.+
HE THEREFORE PROPOSED TO INSERT THESE FOUR OFFENCES INTO THE STATUTORY LIST.
ANOTHER CLAUSE WAS PROPOSED TO GIVE COMMISSION OFFICERS THE POWER TO ARREST SUSPECTS WHO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY ARRESTED AND GRANTED BAIL IN RESPECT OF CORRUPTION OFFENCES, WHERE THERE IS SOUND REASON FOR BELIEVING THAT BAIL MAY BE BROKEN.
+AT PRESENT POLICE TAKE SUCH ACTION AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMISSION,+ HE SAID.
OTHER AMENDMENTS WERE OF A MINOR NATURE, INCLUDING INCREASING THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR THE OFFENCES OF OBSTRUCTION AND OF MAKING FALSE REPORTS TO COMMISSION OFFICERS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANMENT DETENTION FACILITIES IN THE MURRAY ROAD CARPARK BUILDING AND THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIALIST GRUARDING OFFICERS.
MR THOMAS MOVED THAT THE DEBATE ON THE MOTIONS BE ADJOURNED.
-----0------
j
CHANGE IN IMMIGRATION LAW URGED
*****
IT POSSIBLE FOR
KONG PERMANENT HONG KONG THEIR
THE GOVERNMENT WAS URGED TO GIVE CONSIDERATION TO A FURTHER CHANGE IN THE IMMIGRATION LAW WHICH WOULD MAKE "
NON-CHINESE HONG KONG BELONGERS TO BECOME HONG RESIDENTS BY DECLARING THEIR INTENTION TO MAKE
)
PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
IMMIGRATION
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE .
(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, CONVENOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THESE BILLS, THE HON JOHN SWAINE, SAID SUCH A MOVE WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROVIDED THAT
FOUR CATEGORIES OF PERSONS SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG. THEY WERE: HONG KONG BELONGERS, CHINESE RESIDENTS, RESIDENT BRITISH CITIZENS AND PERSONS WHO IMMEDIATELY BEFORE 1ST JANUARY 1983 WERE RESIDENT UK BELONGERS.
he noted that of these four categories of persons, the only PERSON WHO AT PRESENT HAD THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO LAND AND REMAIN IN HONG KONG WAS THE HONG KONG BELONGER, AGAINST WHOM NO DEPORTATION ORDER COULD BE MADE.
/THE RIGHT.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
THE RIGHT OF THE THREE OTHER CATEGORIES OF PERSONS TO LAND WAS MADE EXPRESSLY SUBJECT TO SECTION 20(6) WHICH PROVIDED THAT THE RIGHT TO LAND SHOULD CEASE WHILE A DEPORTATION ORDER WAS IN FORCE AGAINST SUCH PERSONS.
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, THE STATUS OF HONG KONG BELONGER WOULD BE SUBSUMED IN THE NEW STATUS OF HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT.
HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS WERE DEFINED ESSENTIALLY AS FORMER HONG KONG BELONGERS PLUS THE FORMER CATEGORY OF CHINESE RESIDENTS, THAT WAS THOSE PERSONS WHO WERE WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHINESE RACE AND WHO HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS.
+OUR IMMIGRATION LAW WILL THUS BE BROUGHT CLOSER TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AS CLAUSE XIV OF ANNEX I THERETO SPECIFIES THAT A CHINESE NATIONAL WHO HAS ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG,+ MR SWAINE EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, A NON-CHINESE HONG KONG BELONGER WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENJOY RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 BUT MUST INSTEAD TRY TO QUALIFY UNDER CLAUSE XIV AS SOMEONE WHO HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS AND HAD TAKEN HONG KONG AS HIS PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
HE ALSO NOTED THE STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY THAT THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENT 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 BY SIGNING A SIMPLE DECLARATION.
UNDER THE BILL, RESIDENT BRITISH CITIZENS AND RESIDENT UK BELONGERS WOULD NOT HAVE THE STATUS OF HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT AND THEY WOULD STILL BE LIABLE TO DEPORTATION.
♦HOWEVER UNDER A NEW SECTION 8 WHICH I WILL MOVE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, THEIR RIGHTS WILL BE CLEARLY AND POSITIVELY SET OUT, NAMELY (A) TO LAND IN HONG KONG (B) NOT TO HAVE IMPOSED UPON THEM ANY CONDITIONS OF STAY AND (C) NOT TO HAVE A REMOVAL ORDER MADE AGAINST THEM,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE LIABILITY TO DEPORTATION OF THIS CATEGORY OF PERSONS WOULD ARISE ONLY IF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL DEEMED IT CONDUCIVE TO THE PUBLIC GOOD ON THE GROUND THAT THE DEPARTURE OF SUCH PERSON FROM HONG KONG WAS NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF THE SECURITY OF HONG KONG OR FOR POLITICAL REASONS AFFECTING THE RELATIONS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY.
/He explained........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
10
HE EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THIS LIABILITY TO DEPORTATION IN THESE NARROW CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH PREVENTED RESIDENT BRITISH CITIZENS AND UK BELONGERS FROM ENJOYING THE FULL BENEFITS OF RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE WERE MANY SUCH RESIDENT BRITHISH CITIZENS IN HONG KONG WHO WOULD WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO CROSS THIS DIVIDE AND BECOME HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
+ l WOULD THEREFORE URGE THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVE CONSIDERATION TO A FURTHER CHANGE IN OUR IMMIGRATION LAW WHICH WOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR SUCH PERSONS TO BECOME HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS BY DECLARING THEIR INTENTION TO MAKE HONG KONG THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE, A MOVE WHICH WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION,* HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, MR SWAINE SAID: + IF A PERSON IS AGGRIEVED BY A DECISION OF A REGISTRATION OFFICER NOT TO ISSUE A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD OR TO DECLARE SUCH A CARD INVALID, HE MAY APPEAL TO A TRIBUNAL SPECIALLY SET UP FOR THIS PURPOSE UNDER THE NEW SECTION 3C TO BE KNOWN AS THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TRIBUNAL.*
-------0---------
CALL TO CLARIFY STATUS OF HK CHINESE WITH FOREIGN PASSPORTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO SEEK CLARIFICATION WHETHER HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF CHINESE RACE HOLDING FOREIGN PASSPORTS WILL BE ENTITLED TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE AFTER 1997.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
POINTING OUT THAT THIS WAS A MATTER OF IMPORTANCE, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE HOPED THE ISSUE COULD BE DISCUSSED WITHIN THE SPIRIT CF THE JOINT DECLARATION SO THAT PEOPLE UNDER THIS CATEGORY WOULD STILL BE ENTITLED TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE AFTER 1997.
+1 BELIEVE THAT SUCH PERSONS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF WHICH MAY WELL BE AROUND HALF-A-MILL ION BY 1997, SHOULD BE GIVEN EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO RETURN TO HONG KONG AND TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY,* HE SAID.
/HR CHEONG-LEEN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
11
Min £r£2.NJ?-l7EEN N0TED THAT under the new legislation, about five PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD BECOME +HONG KONG PERMANENT
PES 2ENTS+ TO BE ISSUED PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS AS EVIDENCE OF
THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
n™-,. UE SAID THE BILL SHOULD BE WELCOMED BY ALL THE FIVE MILLION PEOPLE CONCERNED.
r»n IMAD HWvSDck?2cnL^SuD,J° N0TE THAT NON-CHINESE PERSONS WHO HAD £!D'NAR'E/ RES,DED ,N HONG KONG BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD CF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE AND HAD TAKEN HONG KONG AS PERMANENT RESIDENCE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE GIVEN THE BY SIGNING A SIMPLE DECLARATION TO THE EFFECT.
THEIR PLACE OF RIGHT OF ABODE
HE COMMENDED THIS AS A PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENT ENCOURAGF EXPATRIATES WHO HAD SETTLED IN HONG KONG TO CONTINUE RESIDING HERE PERMANENTLY AND MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOCIETY.
AND HOPED IT WOULD
-----0------
UK URGED TO ESTABLISH BN(O) STATUS
*****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON MARIA TAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH THE STATUS OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BNO) PASSPORTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME VALUE AS THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN (BDTC) PASSPORTS.
MISS TAM WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
SHE NOTED THAT SINCE SEPTEMBER 1986, 17 NATIONS HAD FORMALLY INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT THE BN(O) PASSPORTS.
+THIS FIGURE STILL FALLS FAR SHORT OF OUR EXPECTATIONS,* SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT THERE WERE NATIONS WHICH MAINTAINED CLOSE TRADING RELATIONS WITH HONG KONG, AND THEIR PEOPLE HAD FAMILY LINKS WITH HONG KONG PEOPLE, BUT HAD NOT YET FORMALLY DECLARED THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT THE BN(O) PASSPORT. AMONG THESE NATIONS WERE MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SOUTH KOREA, INDIA AND THAILAND.
SHE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT, HOLDERS OF BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES PASSPORTS COULD ENTER AT LEAST 69 NATIONS OR PLACES WITHOUT VISAS.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 12 -
TURNING TO THE TWO BILLS, SHE SAID THEIR MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO DEFINE WHO WOULD ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS. SHE ADDED THAT THE BILL CLEARLY STATED THAT THESE PEOPLE WOULD BE: PERSONS WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF THE CHINESE RACE WHO HAD BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE? BDTCS WHO HAD A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG (BY VIRTUE OF ARTICLE 2 OF THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986)’ BDTCS WHO HAD A CONNECTION WITH THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES SET OUT IN SCHEDULE 6 OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT, AND COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS WHO HAD THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG BEFORE JANUARY 1 1983 BY VIRTUE OF BEING A HONG KONG BELONGER.
MISS TAM NOTED THAT APART FROM THOSE WHO HAD RENOUNCED THEIR BDTC STATUS AFTER JANUARY 1, 1983, SUCH AS PEOPLE WHO HAD ACQUIRED DUTCH NATIONALITY, ALL OTHER PEOPLE WHO NOW HAD THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WOULD RETAIN THEIR FULL RIGHTS.
PEOPLE WHO HAD THE RIGHT OF ABODE WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO LAND, WITH FREEDOM FROM CONDITIONS OF STAY, FREEDOM FROM REMOVAL AND FREEDOM FROM DEPORTATION.
+IT FOLLOWS LOGICALLY THAT A PERSON WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WHO WAS DEPORTED BY A FOREIGN STATE WOULD BE RETURNED TO HONG KONG AND NOT TO MAINLAND CHINA,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT APART FROM THE 3.25 MILLION PEOPLE MENTIONED, THERE WOULD BE A FURTHER 1.74 MILLION CHINESE RESIDENTS ENJOYING SUCH RIGHTS.
SHE ADDED THAT WHILE THE TWO BILLS WOULD ESTABLISH THE BASIS OF RESOLVING THE ISSUE CONCERNING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND PASSPORTS, PRACTICAL ACTION HAD TO BE TAKEN TO STRIVE FOR GREATER ACCEPTANCE OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT BY MORE COUNTRIES.
SHE SAID ALIENS SHOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE AFTER RESIDING IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS SO THAT THEY COULD BECOME QUALIFIED WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AS SPECIFIED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
SHE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PUBLICISE AND EXPLAIN THE NEW LEGISLATION TO HONG KONG PEOPLE LIVING OVERSEAS AND ALLOW THEM TO HAVE THEIR IDENTITY CARD RENEWED.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO FULLY EXPLAIN THE APPEAL PROCEDURES TO THE PUBLIC CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, SHE SAID.
-------o--------- /13........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, I50?
1?
CALL FOR EARLY INTRODUCTION
MM*
OF DECLARATION MECHANISM
M M
THE MECHANISM FOR DECLARATION ALLOWING NON-CHINESE PERSONS TO OBTAIN THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE INTRODUCED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, THE HON LEE YU-TAI URGED DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE IMMIGRATION AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEE SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE BILL USED A RACIAL DISTINCTION TO DETERMINE WHO WOULD BE GIVEN THE RIGHT OF ABODE.
HE WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT NON-CHINESE PERSONS WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS AND WHO HAD TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE RIGHT OF ABODE BY MEANS OF A SIMPLE DECLARATION.
HOWEVER, HE REGISTERED HIS UNEASE ABOUT GIVING RIGHTS ACCORDING TO RACIAL DISTINCTION AND HOPED THIS WOULD NOT BE USED IN FUTURE LEGISLATION AS A BASIS FOR GRANTING RIGHTS.
MR LEE SAID HE WAS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE BILL IN TAKING AWAY THE RIGHT TO LAND OF NON-CHINESE PERSONS WHO HAD RENOUNCED THEIR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN (BDTC) STATUS SINCE JANUARY 1, 1Q83.
HE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE COULD RESUME THEIR BDTC STATUS AT ANY TIME BEFORE JULY 1, 1997, THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF GIVING UP THE OTHER NATIONALITY.
HE EXPRESSED HIS SYMPATHY FOR THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WERE ANXIOUS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND SAID THEY COULD NOT BE BLAMED FOR TAKING OUT INSURANCE BY OBTAINING FOR THEMSELVES A FALLBACK NATIONALITY.
+PEOPLE WHO ACQUIRE OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP DO NOT WISH TO LEAVE HONG KONG, BUT THEY ARE MERELY TAKING A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE,+ HE SA ID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
14
MOVE TO SIMPLIFY ID CARD RENEWAL WELCOMED
*****
THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S UNDERTAKING THAT PROCEDURES WILL BE MADE AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE SO THAT PERSONS RETURNING TO HONG KONG AND RENEWING THEIR IDENTITY CARDS WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY DECLARATION ABOUT WHETHER THEY POSSESSED FOREIGN PASSPORTS.
HE WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WHICH SEEKS TO REPEAL REGULATION 17 OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS WHICH REQUIRES CERTAIN IMMIGRANTS TO SURRENDER THEIR IDENTITY CARDS WHEN EMIGRATING FROM HONG KONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
AS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMIGRATING FROM HONG KONG SHOWED NO INDICATION OF DECREASING WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, MR CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE IT CLEAR IN THEIR OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAMME THAT SUCH PEOPLE WERE WELCOMED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG AT ANY TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
+AND PROVIDING THEY MEET THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE, THEY WILL BE ISSUED WITH A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WITH MINIMUM RED TAPE AND DELAY,+ HE SAID.
----0------
BILL AMENDED TO CLEAR DOUBTS
*****
THE PURPOSE OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS TO MAKE CLEAR THAT ANY CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FOR THE TRANSFER OF A RIGHT TO A STREAM OF TAXABLE INCOME IS ITSELF CHARGEABLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS SAID THE AMENDMENT PUT BEYOND DOUBT THAT THIS CONSIDERATION WAS TAXABLE IN THE HANDS OF THE TRANSFEROR NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXCLUSION ON PROFITS ARISING FROM THE SALE OF CAPITAL ASSETS CONTAINED IN THE GENERAL CHARGING PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE.
HE SAID THAT THE NEW SECTION 15A, CONTAINED IN CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL, WAS INTENDED TO COUNTER THE SO-CALLED +MYER+ TYPE TAX AVOIDANCE SCHEMES BY BRINGING TO CHARGE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE RIGHT TO A STREAM OF TAXABLE INCOME.
+HOWEVER, FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE BILL, THE VIEW HAS BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED SECTION 15A, AS PRESENTLY DRAFTED, MAY NOT ACHIEVE ITS DESIRED OBJECT AND WILL LEAD TO DISPUTES OVER ITS EFFECT,+ HE ADDED.
/IT HAD .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 198?
- 15 -
IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED THAT BECAUSE THE SECTION DID NOT EXPRESSLY SAY THAT THIS CONSIDERATION WAS AN INCOME RECEIPT. IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT SUCH RECEIPT AROSE FROM THE SALE OF A CAPITAL ASSET AND WAS THEREFORE NOT CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX.
+WHILST THE POINT MAY BE ARGUABLE, I AGREE THAT WE SHOULD SEEK CLAR ITY,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE AMENDMENT IN NO WAY EXTENDED THE SCOPE OF THIS ANTl-AVO IDANCE MEASURE FROM THAT DESCRIBED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH AND EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE BILL. NEITHER DID IT SEEK JO RENDER ONSHORE, AND THEREFORE ASSESSABLE, THE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FOR THE TRANSFER OF A STREAM OF OFFSHORE INCOME.
HE SAID THERE BEING IN BREACH OF FUNDAMENTAL TO THE
COULD BE NO QUESTION OF THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION THE TERRITORIAL SOURCE PRINCIPLE WHICH IS TAXATION SYSTEM.
- - 0 - -
INLAND REVENUE BILL SUPPORTED
XXX
CONVENER OF THE OMELCO TAXATION PANEL, THE HON PETER POON SAID THE PANEL HAD CONSIDERED A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 15A(1) OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH WOULD MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FOR THE TRANSFER OF A RIGHT TO RECEIVE INCOME FROM PROPERTY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A TRADING RECEIPT.
MR POON WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE MAINLY TO PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS CONCESSIONS IN THE AREAS OF PERSONAL, PROFIT, PROPERTY AND INTEREST TAXATION.
THE PANEL WAS SATISFIED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WAS DESIRABLE TO ELIMINATE ANY DOUBT AS TO THE PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NEW ANTI-AVOIDANCE PROVISION AGAINST THE SO-CALLED ’MYER’ SCHEME, HE ADDED.
MR POON SAID THAT THE PANEL HAD RECEIVED A REPRESENTATION FROM AN ACCOUNTING FIRM WHICH SOUGHT CLARIFICATION AS TO WHETHER THE WORDS ’DEEMED TO BE' IN THE NEW SECTION 15A OF THE BILL WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF INCLUDING OFFSHORE PROFITS.
AFTER A MEETING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, THE PANEL WAS SATISFIED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SUCH EFFECT AS IT WAS CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE Iff! THAT THE INCOME FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION ISA WOULD ONLY COVER INCOME OR PROFITS ARISING IN OR DERIVED FROM HONG KONG, HE SAID.
-------o-------- /16........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 198?
16
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE RELEASES FIRST REPORT UHM
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE. AN INDEPENDENT MONITORING GROUP APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN EARLY 1986 TO TAKE OVER THE WORK PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE FORMER UMELCO POLICE GROUP (UPG), HAS RELEASED ITS FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.
TABLING THE REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HlS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE. THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID DURING THE YEAR 1986, THE COMMITTEE EXAMINED IN DETAIL 4 536 COMPLAINT CASES, EMBRACING 6 198 SEPARATE POINTS OF COMPLAINT, . PROCESSED BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE (CAPO) (F THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT OVER THE 4 080 CASES HANDLED BY THE FORMER UPG IN 1985.
THE REPORT STATES THAT THE LARGEST SINGLE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT (27,9 PER CENT) WAS ABOUT OVERBEARING, IMPOLITE CONDUCT OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OF POLICE OFFICERS, FOLLOWED BY NEGLECT OF DUTY OR IMPROPER ACTION (21.9 PER CENT), ASSAULT (21.1 PER CENT), UNNECESSARY USE OF AUTHORITY (13.9 PER CENT) AND FABRICATION OF EVIDENCE (8.3 PER CENT).
IN ADDITION, THE REPORT STATES THAT AS A RESULT OF COMPLAINT INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE CAPO, EITHER CRIMINAL OR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS WERE INSTITUTED OR OTHER _ . FORMS OF INTERNAL ACTION WERE TAKEN AGAINST 1 081 POLICE OFFICERS DURING 1986.
HOWEVER, MR CHEN SAID THE FIGURES FOR PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND THE VARIOUS FORMS OF DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTION TAKEN AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE DIFFICULT AND FRONT-LINE NATURE OF POLICE WORK AS WELL AS THE 3.1 MILLION POTENTIAL POLICE-PUBLIC CONFRONTATION SITUATIONS IN 1986, COMPRISING 1.8 MILLION PERSONS STOPPED AND SEARCHED AND 1.3 MILLION TRAFFIC SUMMONSES AND TICKETS ISSUED BY THE POLICE.
+HAVING SAID THIS, THE COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO PLEDGE ITS , CONTINUED DETERMINATION TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERGRITY OF INVESTIGATIONS INTO COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND TO EXERT ITS UTMOST TO BE WORTHY OF THE TRUST THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN VESTED WITH BY THE GOVERNOR,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHEN SAID BECAUSE OF THE SOUND FOUNDATION LAID DOWN BY THE FORMER UPG, THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ABLE TO ASSUME ITS RESPONSIBILITIES WITHOUT DISRUPTION AND DEVELOP THE MONITORING SYSTEM FURTHER WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.
/THE COMMITTEE,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 17 -
THE COMMITTEE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF AN INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT, WAS ABLE TO MONITOR THE PROCESSING BY THE CAPO OF EACH AND EVERY COMPLAINT CASE MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE POLICE, HE NOTED.
IN THE COURSE OF EXAMINING THE COMPLAINT CASES DURING THE YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO PROPOSED A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO POLICE PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM AND ASSISTING THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN MINIMISING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE, MR CHEN SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO NOTES THAT A TOTAL OF 4 544 NEW CASES WERE REGISTERED BY THE CAPO IN 1986. WHICH SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 4.8 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE (4 333) FOR 1985.
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE HAS A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN, DRAWN FROM THE OMELCO, AND EIGHT MEMBERS WHO ARE ALL ACTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS THE ONLY OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE COMMITTEE.
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INTERNAL DISCUSSION ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BEGUN * * * * *
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CONSULT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, MR THOMAS SAID SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WOULD CONSTITUTE STEPS TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE VESTING OF POWER OF FINAL ADJUDICATION IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
+CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WOULD SERVE TO ENSURE THAT ANY COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ESTABLISHED BEFORE 1997 WAS CAPABLE OF SURVIVING 1997 WITH A MINIMUM OF CHANGE TO ITS ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES,+ HE SAID.
MR THOMAS ADDED THAT THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND HIS COLLEAGUES HAD BEGUN TO SET OUT IDEAS ON THE FORM WHICH A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL MIGHT TAKE.
+THESE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED ON A PRELIMINARY BASIS WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION, AND WE HAVE SOUGHT ADVICE FROM LONDON ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL IMPLICATIONS.*
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
18
ANNUAL SCREENING FOR VISUAL IMPEDIMENT * * X K *
THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THERE IS ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE SITUATION AS REGARDS THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WEARING SPECTACLES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR CHAMBERS SAID NO SPECIFIC SURVEY ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WEARING SPECTACLES HAD BEEN CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS. FOWEVER, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DID CONDUCT A COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME ANNUALLY AMONGST PRIMARY ONE PUPILS TO DETECT ANY VISUAL HEARING OR SPEECH IMPEDIMENTS, HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID STUDENTS WHO WERE FOUND TO HAVE EYESIGHT PROBLEMS WERE REFERRED TO SPECIALIST CLINICS FOR ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIAL ACT ION.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT IN 1985/86, OUT OF 84 677 PRIMARY ONE PUPILS SCREENED TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE EYESIGHT PROBLEMS, 4 803 WERE REFERRED TO SPECIALIST CLINICS AND 4.23 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ADVISED TO WEAR SPECTACLES.
IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, HE ADDED, 86 400 WERE SCREENED, 6 300 WERE REFERRED AND 5.91 PER CENT WERE ADVISED TO WEAR SPECTACLES.
+APART FROM THE SCREENING PROCESS, OTHER MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE HEALTH EDUCATION SYLLABUS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS INCLUDED A STUDY OF THE EYES AND THEIR CARE, AND PUPILS WERE TAUGHT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUITABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS FOR SCHOOL WORK AND ABOUT THE CORRECT DISTANCE BETWEEN THE EYES AND THE BOOK WHEN READING.
HE ADDED THAT THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS REQUIRED CLASSROOMS AND BLACKBOARDS TO BE ADEQUATELY LIT AND TEXTBOOKS TO USE PRINT OF APPROPRIATE TYPE AND SIZE.
AN EDUCATION CIRCULAR GAVE DETAILED ADVICE ON THESE REQUIREMENTS AND ALSO ON EYE CARE AND THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS TO THE EYES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
19
GREEN PAPER OPTIONS IN LINE * * * *
WITH JOINT DECLARATION X
THE PUBLIC ARE FREE TO COMMENT ON THE OPTIONS OF THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AS THEY WOULD NOT BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM ON WHETHER THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUE OF DIRECT ELECTIONS WITHOUT FEARING THAT BY DOING SO THEY WOULD BE INFRINGING THE PROVISIONS OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON ALL THE ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
MR LIAO SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE FREE TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ANY OF THE OPTIONS DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER.
+WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THEM IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION,+ MR LIAO SAID.
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COUNCIL TO CONSIDER CIGARETTE SALE BAN ON YOUNG PERSONS X X X X X
THERE IS AT PRESENT NO PLAN TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO BAN THE SALE OF CIGARETTES TO PERSONS UNDER 18 IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH STATISTICALLY THE EFFECT OF SUCH LEGISLATION, SINCE SO MANY OTHER FACTORS ALSO AFFECTED THE NUMBERS OF YOUNG SMOKERS.
no GAID ™AT according TO INFORMATION FROM THE WORLD HEALTH n?GAn^AT 0N» A NUMBER °F COUNTRIES PROHIBITED THE SALE OF 2!nAoIZTES~T0 CHILDREN UNDER 16. THESE INCLUDED THE UNITED KINGDOM SOUTH AUSTRALIA, ICELAND AND SPAIN. URUGUAY BANNED CIGARETTE SALES TO PERSONS UNDER 18.
TO l<m ANn°Tuc?vTnnoAJ JHE BRITISH LEG ISLAT I ON DATED BACK TO 1933 AND THE PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE WAS INCREASED LAST YEAR.
/+HOWEVER, ACCORDING ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 20 -
+ H0WEVER, ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY, THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE LAW IS COMMONLY FLOUTED. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT SUCH A BAN CAN ACTUALLY INCREASE THE ATTRACTION OF CIGARETTES BY MAKING THEM FORBIDDEN FRUIT,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT HE WAS SCEPTICAL ABOUT THE VALUE OF INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO BAN THE SALE OF CIGARETTES TO YOUNG PEOPLE, GIVEN THE ENFORCEMENT DIFFICULTIES.
+ HOWEVER I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS QUESTION IS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING OF THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH AND I AWAIT THEIR ADVICE WITH INTEREST,* HE ADDED.
n
EDUCATION ROLE OF CABLE TV CONSIDERED M * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PRESENTLY CONSIDERING THE IMPLICATIONS FOR TELECOMMUNICATION POLICY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF CABLE TELEVISION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS RITA FAN ON WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ONE CHANNEL OF THE CABLE TELEVISION [^SERVED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, MR JACOBS SAID AT PRESENT HE WAS NOT ABLt TO GIVE A DEFINITIVE ANSWER.
+WHEN A DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THIS POLICY ISSUE, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE LICENSING CONDITIONS OF CABLE TELEV IS ION,* HE SA ID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD TAKE A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THE TELECOMMUNICATION POLICY ISSUES COULD BE SETTLED.
MR JACOBS TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD RECOMMENDED THE FORMATION OF AN OPEN EDUCATION CONSORTIUM AND ALSO RECOMMENDED THE RESERVATION OF ONE CABLE TELEVISION CHANNEL FOR POST-SECONDARY OPEN EDUCATION.
SHOULD THE COMMISSION’S^ECOMHE^DATION^ON^STABL ISH I HU Al^ TO INTRODUCE A CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE, BE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RESERVING
OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE BE WHEN A DECISION IS REACHED CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WILL SUCH A CHANNEL,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
21
flotation class
* *
SYSTEM TO STAY * * *
THE FLOTATION CLASS SYSTEM DID NOT HAVE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT UPON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND IT SHOULD BE A PERMANENT FEATURE OF ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLI AR I, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PAULINE NG, MR PAGLI AR I SAID THE FLOATING CLASSES WERE A DEVICE TO ACHIEVE A MORE EFFICIENT USE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PREMISES.
+ AS SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE PROVIDED WITH A MIXTURE OF STANDARD CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS FOR CERTAIN SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES, IT IS POSSIBLE TO OPERATE MORE CLASSES THAN THERE ARE ACTUAL CLASSROOMS,+ MR PAGLI AR I SAID.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THERE HAD BEEN FLOATING CLASSES IN THE PRE-VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS SINCE THE 195OS AND 196OS, AND FLOATING CLASSES WERE NOT UNCOMMON IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA.
MR PAGLIARI TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG PROPOSED THE EXTENSION OF THE FLOTATION SYSTEM GENERALLY TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS PART OF A SERIES OF TEMPORARY MEASURES TO PERMIT THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.
+ A REVIEW OF THESE TEMPORARY MEASURES, INCLUDING FLOTATION, WAS CARRIED OUT IN 1977 WITH A VIEW TO ASSESSING THEIR EFFECTS ON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW WERE INCORPORATED IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON +THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION*.
IT CONCLUDED THAT FLOTATION REPRESENTED AN EFFICIENT USE OF SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION, WITHOUT ANY SACRIFICE IN QUALITY.
MR PAGLIARI POINTED OUT THAT IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, 289 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WERE OPERATING A TOTAL OF 1 559 FLOATING CLASSES. REPRESENTING SOME 17 PER CENT OF ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY CLASSES.
+ THE ASSESSMENT IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER, THAT THE USE OF FLOATING CLASSES DID NOT IMPAIR THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, WAS BASED ON THE SITUATION WHERE A STANDARD SCHOOL CONSISTED OF 24 CLASSROOMS PLUS 12 SPECIAL ROOMS AND WOULD ACCOMMODATE EITHER 5 OR 6 FLOATING CLASSES,* HE SAID.
+THIS DEGREE OF FLOTATION WAS FELT TO BE ACCEPTABLE AS IT WOULD ACHIEVE A MORE INTENSIVE USE OF TEACHING FACILITIES, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL SAVINGS IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, WITHOUT LOSS OF QUALITY OF EDUCATION,* HE ADDED.
/♦SINCE THEN,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
22
+SINCE THEN, HOWEVER, ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS AND OTHER CURRICULAR CHANGES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED, SUCH AS COMPUTER STUDIES AND REMEDIAL TEACHING, WHICH REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SPECIAL ROOMS AND A REVIEW HAS BEEN MADE OF THE DESIGN OF THE STANDARD SCHOOL TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT.*
+THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF STANDARD CLASSROOMS TO PERMIT A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF FLOATING CLASSES IN EACH SCHOOL,* HE SAID.
MR PAGLIARI INFORMED THE COUNCIL THAT A NEW DESIGN FOR A STANDARD SECONDARY SCHOOL WAS BEING CONSIDERED WHICH WOULD HAVE 26 CLASSROOMS, 14 SPECIAL ROOMS AND THREE SMALLER ROOMS FOR REMEDIAL OR SPLIT-CLASS TEACHING.
+IF ADOPTED, THIS WOULD EASE THE ADMINISTRATIVE INCONVENIENCE WHICH THE FLOTATION SYSTEM CAUSES TO THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT,* HE ADDED.
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POLICE EFFECTIVE IN TACKLING MTR INDECENT ASSAULTS
*****
ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF REPORTED INDECENT ASSAULTS WITHIN MTR STATION PRECINCTS HAS INCREASED, THE POLICE ARE TACKLING THE PROBLEM EFFECTIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT 16 WOMEN REPORTED THAT THEY HAD BEEN INDECENTLY ASSAULTED WITHIN THE MTR SYSTEM IN 1986 AND 12 CASES WERE REPORTED UP TO THE END OF APRIL THIS YEAR.
+MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE POLICE MANGE TO ARREST THE ASSAILANT.* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 1983, EIGHT OUT OF TEN ASSAILANTS HAD BEEN ARRESTED.
+ FOR THE 12 CASES THIS YEAR, ALL THE CULPRITS WERE CAUGHT.* HE ADDED. ’
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/23
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
25
TRAM LIFEGUARD DEVICE REMOVED AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION ******
THERE IS NO CONCRETE PROOF THAT THE LIFEGUARD DEVICE AT THE FRONT CHASSIS OF TRAMS HAS BEEN AN EFFECTIVE DEVICE FOR SAVING THE LIFE OF A PERSON KNOCKED DOWN BY A TRAM, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR LEUNG SAID THE REMOVAL OF THE LIFEGUARD DEVICE FROM TRAMS IN AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS OF THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LTD TO REDUCE NOISE FROM TRAMS.
♦BECAUSE IT INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO A TRAM BODY, THE COMPANY SOUGHT THE ADVICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES LAST YEAR BEFORE DOING SO,+ HE SAID.
♦ THE DIRECTOR, AFTER CONSULTING OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE POLICE, HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS, INFORMED THE COMPANY THAT HE HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE REMOVAL OF THE LIFEGUARD DEVICE,+ HE ADDED.
♦ IT IS NO LONGER STANDARD PRACTICE ELSEWHERE TO FIT LIFEGUARDS ON TRAMS AND THIS IS NOT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT UNDER THE TRAMWAY ORDINANCE,+ HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE ISSUE OF REMOVING LIFEGUARDS WAS NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY.
♦ THE FACT THAT THE COMPANY SOUGHT GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS, EVEN WHEN THERE WAS NO LEGAL OBLIGATION TO DO SO, INDICATES THAT IT DID NOT WISH TO ACT AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST,+ HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT ACCORDINGLY RESEARCHED ITS OWN RECORDS TO SEE IF THE LIFEGUARDS HAD REDUCED THE RISK OF INJURY AND FATALITY AMONGST THE VICTIMS OF TRAM ACCIDENTS, AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THEY HAD.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
OBJECTIVES OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING OUTLINED
*****
I HF BROAD OBJECTIVE OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING IN A DISCIPLINED AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT IS TO BRING ABOUT CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR m SOCIAL ATTITUDES SO THAT YOUNG OFFENDERS WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO LIVE AS LAW-ABIDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AFTER THEI < DISCHARGE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS,'TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM, mr CHAMBERS SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT RAN SEVEN HOMES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS WHO WERE SUBJECT TO PROBATION ORDERS WHH RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OR SENTENCED BY COURTS TO A PERIOD OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING.
THE COURSE CONTENT AND TEACHING MET HODS OE™E BOYS AND GIRLS HOMES WERE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEWS, BOTH BY THE DEPARTMENT AND BY SPECIALIST OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CHECK IF THEY WERE IN LINE WITH THE NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY, HE SAID.
+T HF 1983 REVIEW NOTED THAT AS MOST OF THE TRAINEES HAD VERY LOW EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, POOR WORK DI SC I PL I NE AND WERE MORE ORIENTED TOWARDS PRACTICAL SUBJECTS, IT WAS .RECOMMENDED THAT THE COURSES SHOULD PROVIDE TRAINING FOR SEMI-SKILLED JOBS,* HE ADDED.
THE REVIEW ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES IN THESE HOMES SHOULD BE MORE INTENSIVE SO AS TO BETTER EQUIP THE TRAINEES FOR EMPLOYMENT AFTER DISCHARGE.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ALSO HAD PLANS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME IN THESE RES I DENT I AL HOMES BY EMPLOY I NG QUALIFIED TEACHING STAFF, INCLUDING TECHNICAL TEACHERS, TO TAKE OVER TEACHING DUTIES FROM SOCIAL WORKERS.
MR CHAMBERS INFORMED THE COUNCIL THAT THE TRAINING PROGRAMME OFFERED TO THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ HOMES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE department included the teaching of academic subjects, vocational TRAINING COURSES AND TRAINING IN SOCIAL SKILLS.
+THE SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR BOYS INCLUDE CARPENTRY, SEWING AND TAILORING, PRINTING, WELDING, ELECTRICAL WIRING, RADIO REPAIRS, MOTOR CAR MAINTENANCE, METAL WORK AND LEATHER WORK; THOSE FOR GIRLS 'NCl-OOE SEEING AND TAILORING, KNITTING AND EMBROIDERY, COOKING AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT,* HE SAID.
+EACH PERSON IS GIVEN A CHOICE OF AT LEAST THREE SUBJECTS,*
HE ADDED.
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/25
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27,
1987
FRAUDULENT PRACTICES OF
* *
EMPLOYMENT STAMPED OUT * * *
1 HE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE STEPS TO STAMP OUT FRAUDULENT PRACTICES CONNECTED WITH THE EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW, MR JEAFFRESON SAID STATISTICS AS REGARDS PROSECUTION OF FRAUDULENT PRACTICES HAD ONLY BEEN KEPT SINCE MID-1985.
SINCE THEN, 204 FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, REPRESENTING 15.6 PER CENT OF THOSE INVESTIGATED, HAD BEEN PROSECUTED FOR TAKING UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT AND FURNISHING FALSE CONTRACTS, HE SAID.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, HE ADDED, 50 BOGUS EMPLOYERS, REPRESENTING 41.3 PER CENT OF THOSE INVESTIGATED, WERE PROSECUTED FOR SIGNING FALSE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS WITH FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
TO STAMP OUT SUCH FRAUDULENT PRACTICES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID The IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAD ESTABLISHED a task force TO INVESTIGATE SUCH OFFENCES. The TASK FORCE WOULD VISIT ESTABLISHMENTS WHERE FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS MIGHT BE WORKING ILLEGALLY AND WOULD INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT OTHER THAN DOMESTIC SERVICE OR WORKING AS DOMESTIC SERVANTS FOR EMPLOYERS OTHER THAN THOSE IN THEIR OFFICIAL CONTRACTS, HE SAID.
♦ ALL THOSE DOMESTIC HELPERS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED WILL BE RETURNED TO THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO HONG KONG AGAIN TO WORK.
♦EMPLOYERS WHO ARE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO EMPLOY FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS,+ HE ADDED.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE RECENTLY REVISED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT LIMITING THE STAY OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS NORMALLY TO TWO WEEKS OR LESS AFTER A CONTRACT WAS TERMINATED SHOULD ALSO HELP REDUCE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO WORK ILLEGALLY OUTSIDE THEIR CONTRACTS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1787
MOTION TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDER PASSED * * * * *
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, MOVED A MOTION ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STANDING ORDER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ALLOW THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AFTER MOTIONS AND BILLS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED.
MOVING THE MOTION, MR THOMAS SAID THAT STANDING ORDER 11 REQUIRED THAT STATEMENTS BE MADE BEFORE MOTIONS AND BILLS WERE PROCESSED.
HOWEVER, AS IT WAS THE DESIRE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER IN HIS OWN CAPACITY AND THE PRESIDENT WAS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO PRESIDE AT THE MEETING LATER, MR THOMAS MOVED THAT THE STANDING ORDER 11 (1)(F) BE SUSPENDED TO ENABLE THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO BE IN HIS USUAL PLACE TO MAKE THE STATEMENT AFTER THE BILLS HAD BEEN DEALT WITH.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED.
EIGHT BILLS PASSED X * *
EIGHT BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE : THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
TWO OTHER BILLS - THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
A MOTION TO SUSPEND THE STANDING ORDER 11(1)(F) TO ENABLE THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO MAKE A STATEMENT AFTER THE COMPLETION OF PROCEEDINGS ON GOVERNMENT MOTIONS AND BILLS WAS ALSO PASSED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 27 -
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON GREEN PAPER
*****
the government is anxious to hear the views of the people of HONG KONG ON THE ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND WILL KEEP AN OPEN MIND UNTIL IT HAS LISTENED TO THOSE VIEWS, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT A PRESS BRIEFING HELD AFTER THE TABLING OF THE GREEN PAPER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED THAT ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD STUDY THE GREEN PAPER, CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE OPTIONS AND SEND IN THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE AT GPO BOX 8800.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER WAS TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE SYSTEMS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED IN 1988, AND IF SO, IN WHAT MANNER.
+ IT COVERS THE COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, AND POSSIBLE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE LINKS BETWEEN THEM.
+IT LOOKS AT THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE METHODS OF CHOOSING ITS MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE QUESTION WHETHER NEW FORMS OF ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE INTRODUCED.
♦ IT DISCUSSES WHETHER THE GOVERNOR SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’ AND IT LOOKS AT VARIOUS PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF ELECTIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT ALTOGETHER SOME 40 OPTIONS WERE PRESENTED FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE GREEN PAPER WAS EASILY AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WISHING TO OBTAIN A COPY AND WOULD encourage members of the public to come forward and give their VIEWS.
MR CHAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS. +THEY WILL HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 TO SEND THEIR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO THE INDEPENDENT SURVEY OFFICE WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP TO COLLECT THEIR VIEWS AND, EVENTUALLY, TO REPORT ON THEM.+
+MY OWN OFFICE AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL ALSO BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE FACTUAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS AIMED AT CLARIFYING THE CONTENTS of the green paper,+ he said.
HE ADDED THAT CNTA STAFF WOULD BE OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
/FIRSTLY, AT ........
rfWIXSEEDAY, HAY ?7, 19&7
FIRSTLY, AT THE REQUEST OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, CNTA STAFF WOULD ASSIST IN RECORDING THE MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER, AND FORWARDING THESE MINUTES TO THE SURVEY OFFICE AFTER CONFIRMATION BY THE ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.
SECONDLY, CNTA STAFF WOULD BE PREPARED TO ASSIST DB’S, AC’S AND COMMUNITY GROUPS IN ORGANISING PUBLIC MEETINGS OR SEMINARS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE GREEN PAPER.
THIRDLY, IN GENUINE CASES OF NEED, CNTA STAFF WOULD BE PREPARED TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS ONLY ABLE OR PREPARED TO STATE THEIR VIEWS ORALLY BUT WISHING THEIR VIEWS TO BE RECORDED AND FORWARDED TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
+IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S NEUTRAL AND OPEN-MINDED POSITION IN THE REVIEW, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL NOT TAKE PART IN ANY DISCUSSIONS ON I HE SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES DEALT WITH IN THE GREEN PAPER,+ MR CHAN SAID.
HOWEVER, AS INDIVIDUALS, THEY MIGHT SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE IN THE SAME WAY AS ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMON ITY.
♦ THE SURVEY OFFICE WILL HAVE UNITL OCTOBER 31 TO COMPILE ITS REPORT FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,* MR CHAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE REPORT WOULD ALSO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND PUBLISHED.
♦ THEREAFTER, A WHITE PAPER SETTING OUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREPARED AND PUBLISHED, PROBABLY EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR,* MR CHAN SAID.
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PRINCESS MARGARET ARRIVES HONG KONG * * * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARGARET, COUNTESS OF SNOWDON, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT.
ARRIVING ON THE QUEEN’S FLIGHT AFTER TOURING CHINA, THE PRINCESS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY HER CHILDREN, VISCOUNT LINLEY AND LADY SARAH ARMSTRONG-JONES.
AS THE PRINCESS STEPPED DOWN FROM THE AIRCRAFT, SHE WAS RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON.
/THE GOVERNOR........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
THE GOVERNOR THEN PRESENTED HER TO THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM5 SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR QIAO ZONGHUAI.
A STEP-LINING PARTY PROVIDED BY THE 1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS WAS PRESENT AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE PRINCESS.
PRINCESS MARGARET, WHO LAST VISITED HONG KONG IN 1966 AND STOPPED-OVER IN 1969, WILL BE HAVING A BUSY PROGRAMME DURING HER SHORT STAY.
TOMORROW MORNING, SHE VISITS THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI BEFORE CROSSING THE HARBOUR TO TOUR THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE HONG kong GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE PRINCESS VISITS HMS TAMAR TO UNVEIL A PLAQUE COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF A NEW NAVY WORKSHOP AND WILL ALSO WATCH A SEARCH AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION.
ON FRIDAY, PRINCESS MARGARET WILL OPEN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL BEFORE VISITNG THE OCEAN PARK IN THE AFTERNOON TO OPEN A NEW AVIARY AND TOUR THE ATOLL REEF.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
REMINDER ON PRINCESS MARGARET’S PROGRAMME TOMORROW;
ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL VISIT THE ACADEMY AT 11.10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 10 AM FOR THE ACADEMY WHERE TWO FIXED POSITIONS, AT A DANCE STUDIO AND THE ORCHESTRAL HALL, WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION
HRH WILL ARRIVE AT THE GIRL GUIDES HEADQUARTERS AT 11.50 AM. SHE WILL ALSO PLANT A TREE AT THE END OF THE TOUR.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS FOR THIS EVENT. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 10.30 AM.
EDITORS SHOULD NOTE THAT MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COVER THE GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION.
HMS TAMAR
PRINCESS MARGARET WILL ARRIVE AT 2.30 PM TO UNVEIL A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF A NEW WORKSHOP AT TAMAR AND WATCH A SEARCH AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION.
A PRESS POSITION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE UNVEILING CEREMONY AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION. ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THIS FUNCTION SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN GATE OF TAMAR BY 1.30 PM AT THE LATEST.
- 0 -
GOVERNOR TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 2n1 IN THE CIS P°ESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. DUE TO LIMITATION OF SPACE, ATTENDANCE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL HAVE TO BE RESTRICTED TO ONE REPORTER FROM EACH PRINT MEDIA ORGANISATION.
/Afi 1'OH
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 31 -
AS FOR THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA, EACH STATION IS REQUESTED TO SEND A CREW OF NO MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE (EXCLUDING THE REPORTER). THEY ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EARLIER TO SET UP THEIR CAMERAS AT FIXED POSITIONS.
THERE WILL BE A TWO-MINUTE PHOTO-CALL BEFORE THE START OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE FOR STILL PHOTOGRAPH.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT CLEAN SOUND OUTLETS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RECORDING PURPOSES AT THE BACK OF THE CONFERENCE ROOM.
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SYSTEMATIC REPLANNING AND ADJUSTMENT NEEDED TO RESOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL FOE *****
HONG KONG CANNOT IMMEDIATELY ASPIRE TO THE SAME STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENT AS THOSE ENJOYED IN SOME OTHER COUNTRIES WITH MORE USABLE LAND. THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES WAS SPEAKING AT A ONE-DAY JOINT SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS AND THE CENTRE OF URBAN STUDIES AND URBAN PLANNING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN COLLABORATION WITH THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS AND THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR, HELD TO MARK THIS YEAR'S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5, IS TO STIMULATE PUBLIC INTEREST IN DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
MR BARNES SAID WITH SO MUCH INVESTED IN LAND AND EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS, HONG KONG COULD NOT ACHIEVE IMPROVEMENTS OTHER THAN THROUGH A LONG AND SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME OF REPLANNING AND ADJUSTMENT.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES HE BELIEVED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE TO SEGREGATE POLLUTING INDUSTRY.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN EXTRAORDINARILY FORTUNATE THAT IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS THERE WAS LESS SERIOUSLY POLLUTING INDUSTRY THAN IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND, BECAUSE MOST OF THE TERRITORY’S INDUSTRY OPERATED IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED FOR RENT AND SALE AND THERE HAD ALWAYS BEEN A PHILOSOPHIC RELUCTANCE TO DICTATE WHO SHOULD DO WHAT AND WHERE, POLLUTERS WERE MORE TOTALLY MIXED UP WITH OTHER INDUSTRY AND LAND USERS THAN WAS NORMAL ELSEWHERE.
/SO SEGREGATION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 5? -
SO SEGREGATION WITH OTHERS INVOLVED MOVING OUT FACTORY OPERATIONS FROM WHOLE BUILDINGS OR SINGLE FLOORS, AND IT MEANT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATE FACTORY AREAS FOR THEM WHERE THEY WERE NOT IN A POSITION TO POLLUTE ANYONE ELSE.
+l THINK THIS IS ACHIEVABLE FOR WHAT ONE CAN CALL SMALL POLLUTERS, WHOSE TOTAL LOAD MAY BE MANAGEABLE IF REMOVED FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS,+ MR BARNES SAID.
+BUT FOR VERY MAJOR POLLUTERS WE MUST SEGREGATE AND REDUCE THE OVERALL POLLUTION LOAD OR CLOSE THEM DOWN.+
MR BARNES SAID EFFORTS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE TO REMOVE WHAT WERE KNOWN AS THE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS, THAT WAS, STORAGES OF SUBSTANCES WHICH IF ESCAPED COULD DAMAGE AND SET AT RISK LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE.
HERE THE HARM DONE IN ROUTINE OPERATION TO THOSE WHO LIVED NEXT DOOR WAS MINIMAL, AS THEY WERE IN FACT WELL PROTECTED BY THE SELF-INTEREST OF THOSE OPERATING THE STORAGE, BY SAFETY REGULATIONS AND BY THEIR ENFORCEMENT.
+l THINK PERHAPS THE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF PROTECTION IS THE OPERATORS’ OWN INTEREST IN SAFETY, WHICH IS A FACTOR WHICH SELDOM EXISTS IN RELATION TO POLLUTION,* HE SAID.
+AND FOR MYSELF I WOULD RATE A HIGHER PRIORITY TO MOVING THE FACTORY, WHICH IS CONTENTEDLY CUTTING ITS COSTS BY DAILY FILLING UP THE GUTS OF ITS NEIGHBOURS WITH SO2, THAN TO THE COMPANY WHICH HAS A MASSIVE INTEREST, IN BOTH FINANCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS AND ALSO IN ITS OVERALL REPUTATION WORLDWIDE, IN THE PROTECTION OF BOTH ITS GOODS AND ITS NEIGHBOUR FROM DANGER.
+THAT IS WHY I PUT THIS FORM OF SAFETY IN A LOWER PRIORITY THAN POLLUTION, ESPECIALLY AIR POLLUTION, THOUGH I REALISE THAT I WILL BE STICKING MY NECK OUT A LONG WAY IN DOING SO, AND THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC, EXCITED BY HORROR STORIES IN THE MEDIA, MAY NOT FEEL THE SAME WAY.*
MR BARNES SAID THE THIRD PRIORITY FOR REPLANNING WAS THE OLDER URBAN AREAS.
+THESE ARE AS I HAVE SAID ELSEWHERE BEFORE, GOING DOWNHILL QUITE STEADILY, AND THEY NEED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SORTING OUT.*
HE SAID THIS WAS BEING DONE IN SEVERAL WAYS, THE FIRST BEING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
THE CONTRIBUTION IT COULD MAKE WAS IN REDEVELOPING LARGER BLOCKS OF LAND AND STREETS WITH A BETTER ENVIRONMENT THAN PRIVATE DEVELOPERS HAD HITHERTO ASPIRED TO.
/HUT THIS........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
- 33 -
BUT THIS WOULD NOT ALONE ACHIEVE EVEN THE KIND OF STANDARDS HONG KONG WAS NOW SEEKING TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEW TOWNS, LET ALONE THE STANDARDS TO WHICH ONE MIGHT EXPECT THE BETTER-EDUCATED AND MORE AFFLUENT HONG KONG CITIZEN OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY TO ASPIRE.
THE PROBLEM WAS DENSITY OF BUILDINGS, OF PEOPLE AND OF ACTIVITY.
TO A CERTAIN EXTENT THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME WAS HELPING AND WOULD CONTINUE TO HELP SORT OUT THE DENSITY OF PEOPLE.
SINCE 1961, THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THE CENTRAL PARTS CF CENTRAL. WESTERN, WAN CHAI, EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO, AND KOWLOON CITY HAD DECREASED FROM ABOUT 2.1 MILLION TO 1.8 MILLION, DESPITE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECLAMATIONS AND OTHER HITHERTO UNPOPULATED AREAS IN THEM WITHIN THIS PERIOD.
THIS PROCESS MUST CONTINUE, BUT BUILDING VOLUME IN THESE AREAS HAD INCREASED ENORMOUSLY AND NO PARALLEL INCREASE IN CIRCULATION AND OPEN SPACE HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, AND ACTIVITIES AT GROUND LEVEL IN TERMS OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, ILLICIT TRADING AND INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS CONTINUED TO CONGEST DOWNTOWN STREETS AT LEVELS WHICH SEEMED AT LEAST AS OPPRESSIVE AS 25 YEARS AGO.
THE GOVERNMENT’S FORWARD DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED IN 1985 AIMED THAT URBAN EXPANSION TO FOLLOW THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME SHOULD BE ON NEW HARBOUR RECLAMATIONS AT KENNEDY TOWN, KOWLOON AND HUNG HOM BAY.
+IT IS QUITE ESSENTIAL THAT THESE RECLAMATIONS SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS LAND FOR GRABS, FOR NEWLY IMPORTED POPULATION, OR FOR REVENUE, BUT AS THE MAIN MEANS BY WHICH OVER PERHAPS A VERY LONG TIME THE DENSITY OF BUILDING IN THE OLDER URBAN DISTRICTS MAY BE RELIEVED BY THE REMOVAL OF BUILDINGS AND ACTIVITIES FROM THE BUSIER DOWNTOWN AREAS AND THEIR REPLACEMENT WITH OPEN SPACE AND CIRCULATION AREAS,+ SAID MR BARNES.
IN THE AREAS WHERE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES PREDOMINATED, SUCH AS NORTH-EAST KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG, SIMILAR IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE ACHIEVED WITH THE REPLANNING OF THE OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS, ALTHOUGH WITH THE LARGER AREAS TO BE PLANNED AS A WHOLE, THERE WAS NOW POSSIBILITY FOR ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS.
+FAIRLY RECENTLY I ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PRODUCE A MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE WHOLE OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA,* HE SAID.
+THIS WILL BE A STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROPOSALS GUIDING THE USE OF NEW LANDS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLDER AREAS.
+THE MAIN MOTIVATION FOR SUCH A RESTATEMENT IS ENVIRONMENTAL,* MR BARNES SAID.
/HE ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
HE ALSO SAID A REALLY GOOD LOOK NEEDED TO BE TAKEN AT THE RURAL AREAS BETWEEN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE COUNTRY PARKS.
LAND USE HAD FOR VARIOUS REASONS BEEN VIRTUALLY UNCONTROLLED AND MANY OF THESE AREAS WERE NOW A MIXTURE OF DUMPS AND PIGSTIES AND SQUATTER STRUCTURES CAUSED BY PROSPEROUS FARMING COMMUNITIES IN THE EARLY SIXTIES.
THERE WAS NO SEWERAGE AND FEW ROADS AND THE NATURAL STREAMS WERE CHOKED WITH PIG AND HUMAN MANURE WHICH IN TURN AFFECTED THE SEA WATER AND BEACHES AROUND THE COAST.
+l THINK THE TURNING POINT IN THESE AREAS WILL BE THE BANNING AND LICENSING OF PIG FARMS WHICH WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION IN THE COMING YEAR,* MR BARNES SAID.
THE LOAD OF MANURE IN THE STREAMS HAD HITHERTO MADE ANY REAL ATTEMPTS AT SEWERAGE SYSTEMS QUITE POINTLESS, BUT WITH A REDUCTION OF ANIMAL WASTES, SEWERAGE AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS SHOULD BECOME A PRACTICAL, IF EXPENSIVE, PROPOSITION AND MUST BE CONSIDERED.
+BUT IF THIS IS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SYSTEM OF PLANNING CONTROL TO ENSURE THE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS ARE NOT OVERLOADED AND THAT REAL IMPROVEMENT IS ACHIEVED IN THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
+THE EXPENDITURE IMPLICATIONS ARE CONSIDERABLE- THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS STILL MORE FORMIDABLE, AND I SHALL BE PROPOSING THAT A SUBSTANTIAL WORKING PARTY COMPRISING BOTH OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS SHOULD BE SET UP TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SYSTEMATIC IMPLEMENTATION,* MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID HE SINCERELY BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG MUST ATTEMPT AND SUCCEED IN URBAN SURGERY, HOWEVER PAINFUL, AND THAT THE TIME WAS RIGHT TO START IT NOW BECAUSE THE BASIC HOUSING PROBLEM WAS WELL ON THE WAY TO A TOLERABLE SOLUTION AND HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC RESOURCES TO DEVOTE TO A STEADY PROGRAMME OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, PROVIDED THEY WERE GIVEN PRIORITY.
HE ALSO SAID THE RELATIVE AND INCREASING INFERIORITY OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL MISMATCHES WERE BEGINNING TO OBTRUDE TO THE EXTENT WHICH PEOPLE WOULD FIND INTOLERABLE AND THAT HONG KONG STILL HAD SOME OPPORTUNITIES IN TERMS OF LAND TO SORT OUT THE GREATER PART OF THE PROBLEMS.
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/35........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1987
NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN VILLAGES PROPOSED * * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD FOUR NEW ROADS IN TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO THREE VILLAGES AND THEIR NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING AREAS.
THE NEW ROADS, WHICH ARE PART OF A PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN CORRIDOR, WILL BE BUILT AT SAN HING TSUEN, TUEN TSZ WAI AND TSI NG CHUEN WAI.
THEY WILL BE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAYS, RANGING IN WIDTH FROM 5.5 TO 7.3 METRES, WITH FOOTPATHS ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES.
ROADSIDE CAR PARKING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT SOME LOCATIONS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, LANDSCAPING AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
A TOTAL OF 21 714 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 664 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND AT THE THREE VILLAGES WILL NEED TO BE RESUMED FOR THE ROAD WORK.
NOTICES OF THE PROPOSED WORK AND RESUMPTION HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 21.
— n —
JOINT URBAN, REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW
*****
THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRIBUTION OF PLASTIC REFUSE BAGES TO THE FLOATING POPULATION AT TOMORROW’S (THURSDAY) MEETING.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL FURTHER TALK ON THE CORPORATE INVOLVEMENTS BY THE OIL COMPANIES AND THE SUPERMARKETS, AND THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/THE COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2?, 1987
the committee will also report on the activities held this month, such as the clean-up by the chief justice, the coliseum SHOW AND THE BLITZ OPERATION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DISPLAY OF POSTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL OPEN AT 10 AM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, 2/F., REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, N.T.
-------0
NEW DRAGON BOATS LAUNCHED IN TAI PO
*****
TWO NEWLY-BUILT DRAGON BOATS FOR THIS YEAR’S TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE WERE LAUNCHED AT A CEREMONY AT THE TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE CEREMONY BEGAN WITH AN OFFERING OF DELICACIES TO THE PATRON GOD OF FISHERMEN, TAI WONG YEH, BY CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE 1987, MR STEPHEN WONG.
THE OFFERING WAS ACCOMPANIED BY PRAYERS IN THE HAKKA DIALECT BY RELIGIOUS PRACTITIONERS.
DR
AFTER THE OFFERING, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES LAWRENCE LEE, DOTTED THE EYES OF THE DRAGON BOATS.
9
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION RACE BY LAST YEAR’S RACE WINNING TEAMS.
THIS YEAR’S RACE WILL BE HELD ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 31).
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS.
BE THE
/57........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1*87
57
DB TO BE BRIEFED ON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE * * * H
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR H.T. LUI, AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY POLICY STATEMENT WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HOUSING BRANCH, MR D. GOULD, AND THE SENIOR PLANNING OFFICER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR T.C. YUEN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME, A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND THE ICAC MEI TUNG OFFICE LIAISON WORK PLAN 1987/88.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
- - c
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
CONTESTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENTS IN SAI KUNG...................
JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT INTERESTING — SIR IL.VID................
BUSY MORNING FOR THE ROYAL VISITOR........................... 3
PRINCESS MARGARET TOURS HMS TAMAR............................ 5
SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST) BILL TO BE PUBLISHED .... 6
NT TAXIS IN MA ON SHAN, JUNK BaY.............................
PROGRESS MADE ON HO CHUNG RIVER CLEAN-UP .................... 10
HK, SINGAPORE IN COPYRIGHT PaCT ............................. 11
GREEN MINIBUS FARES TO GO UP ................................ 11
PRIME CENTRAL SITE TO BE AUCTIONED........................... 12
AGRICULTURAL aND LIVESTOCK FaRMERS VISIT EPD ................ 12
PROPERTY OWNERS REMINDED TO SUBMIT TaX RETURNS .............. 13
TRAINING SCHEME ON aSIC TECHNOLOGY...........................
CHAT WAN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE REDEVELOPED........... 14
DB MEMBERS VISIT TELEPHONE COMPANY........................... 15
EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE.............. 15
ROAD CLOSURES IN WaN CHAI ................................... 16
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT DEVELOPMENTS IN SAI KUNG
*****
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON TOURED SAI KUNG TODAY (THURSDAY) TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, THEY FIRST FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO JUNK BAY WHERE THEY WERE MET BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN.
FROM A VANTAGE POINT, SIR DAVID HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE VAST AREA AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER/NEW TERRITORIES (SOUTH), MR TOM ARMOUR AND THE CHIEF ARCHITECT/4, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, FP BONA CHEUNG ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL AS THE HOUSING PROJECTS BEING BUILT IN JUNK BAY.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THE JUNK BAY NEW TOWN WAS BEING DEVELOPED IN TWO PHASES WITH A PLANNED POPULATION OF ABOUT 325 OOO. PHASE ONE OF THE DEVELOPMENT WHICH WAS WELL UNDER WAY, WOULD HOUSE ABOUT 223 OOO PEOPLE BY THE LATE 1990S. THE IN-TAKE OF POPULATION INTO THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, PO LAM ESTATE, WAS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER.
A FULL RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AS WELL AS AN INTEGRAL ROAD NETWORK FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL MOVEMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE PARTY THEN DROVE TO THE HANG HAU DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOL AT THE MANG KUNG UK VILLAGE. ON THE WAY, SIR DAVID WAS ABLE TO SEE A NUMBER OF PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING TSUI LAI I ESTATE, PO LAM ESTATE, A FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT, YAU YUE WAN VILLAGE RESITE AREA, KING LAM ESTATE AND YAN MING COURT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
AT THE HANG HAU DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOL, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE MET BY THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SHA TIN/SAI KUNG), RR HO WAI-MAN- SCHOOL SUPERVISOR, MR SING SAI-ON AND HEADMASTER, RR HO YAU-CHING. SIR DAVID WAS SHOWN THE ACTIVITIES AND BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE COMBINED CLASS SYSTEM OF THE SCHOOL.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT, TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION STANDARD, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD COMBINE FIVE VILLAGE SCHOOLS IN THE HANG HAU AREA INTO A CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WAS FORMING AN INCORPORATED BODY TO TAKE UP THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL.
AFTER LEAVING THE SCHOOL, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEM PAID A VISIT TO A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, TUI MIN HOI CHUEN, IN SAI KUNG. AS THEY STROLLED THROUGH THE ESTATE, THEY STOPPED BY A KINDERGARTEN AND CHATTED WITH THE CHILDREN THERE.
/ACCOMPANIED BY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
2
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CF THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, MR GEORGE THOMAS, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON THEN VISITED A SIX-MEMBER FAMILY ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF HOI CHEONG LAU. LADY WILSON WAS PRESENTED WITH A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS BY THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF THE FAMILY.
TUI MIN HOI CHUEN, A WELL-DESIGNED AND MANAGED ESTATE, WAS COMPLETED BETWEEN 1984 AND 1985. THERE ARE 303 FLATS OF SIZES RANGING FROM 3-PERSON TO 10-PERS0N UNITS, WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY FOR ABOUT 1 600 PEOPLE. THE COST FOR CONSTRUCTING THE ESTATE WAS ABOUT $34.5 MILLION.
ARRIVING AT THE SEA FRONT PROMENADE IN SAI KUNG TOWN, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON STROLLED THROUGH SAI KUNG OLD TOWN. THEY NOTED THAT THE OLD TOWN WAS A MIXTURE OF A TOURIST ATTRACTION, A SHOPPING PLACE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, A SUPPLY BASE FOR THE FISHING FLEET AND A SAMLL INDUSTRIAL BASE FOR COTTAGE INDUSTRIES.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON ALSO STOPPED BY AN OLD PIER TO VIEW THE CHUNG MEI TUK AREA WHICH IS A SAMLL INLET ANCHORING ABOUT 81 BOATS HOUSING 700 TO 800 PEOPLE. THE CREEK WILL BE RECLAIMED NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE MORE PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN AREA.
BEFORE WINDING UP THE VISIT, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL WHERE THEY MET MEMBERS CF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES AND WERE PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN.
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JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT INTERESTING — SIR DAVID * X X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) ON HIS FIFTH DISTRICT VISIT THAT IT WAS INTERESTING TO SEE A NEW CITY --JUNK BAY — AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS DEVELOPMENT AND THE FIRST STAGE OF A CITY WHICH WOULD HOUSE 300 000 PEOPLE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF HIS TOUR OF SAI KUNG, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS ALSO VERY IMPRESSED BY THE STANDARD OF THE HOUSING ESTATE AT TUI MIN HOI.
+1 KNOW SAI KUNG DISTRICT VERY WELL WHEN I LIVED IN HONG KONG BEFORE, BUT WHAT I KNEW THEN WAS THE MOUNTAINS OF SAI KUNG WHICH IS WHAT MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG OF COURSE APPRECIATE,* HE SAID.
/TALKING ABOUT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
TALKING ABOUT POLLUTION IN SAI KUNG, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD SEEN A CREEK IN THE AREA WHICH HAD CAUSED A SERIOUS POLLUTION PROBLEM.
♦THERE IS A LOT OF THAT SORT OF PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WHICH WE'VE GOT TO DEAL WITH. THIS PARTICULAR ONE IS GOING TO BE DEALT WITH BY FILLING IN THAT AREA AND REDEVELOPING IT. BUT WE HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM OF POLLUTION IN MANY PARTS OF HONG KONG WHICH IS NOW TIME WE DID MORE WORK ON,+ HE ADDED.
ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TIGHTEN CONTROL ON THE HOUSING SOCIETY AS A RESULT OF PETITION BY RESIDENTS OF TUI MIN HOI COMPLAINING ABOUT HIGH RENT, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE HOUSING SOCIETY ON A MATTER LIKE THAT.
♦THE HOUSING SOCIETY IS OF COURSE INDEPENDENT. IT MUST BE FOR THE HOUSING SOCIETY TO SET THE LEVEL OF ITS OWN RENT. IT DOES IT ON THE ECONOMIC BASIS AS I UNDERSTAND IT WITHOUT SUBSIDY. I THINK IT HAS TO BE LEFT TO THE HOUSING SOCIETY TO DO THAT
TO DO THAT
ITSELF,* HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE GREEN PAPER, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS GOING TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AND HE WOULD NOT LIKE TO PREEMPT WHAT HE WAS GOING TO SAY AT THE CONFERENCE.
-------o----------
BUSY MORNING FOR THE ROYAL VISITOR
*****
IT WAS A BUSY MORNING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ON THE FIRST FULL-DAY PROGRAMME OF HER THREE-DAY KONG.
WHEN SHE EMBARKED VISIT IN HONG
SHE FIRST CALLED AT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI BEFORE CROSSING THE HARBOUR TO THE KING’S PARK HEADQUARTERS OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION.
ARRIVING AT THE HARBOUR ROAD PREMISES OF THE ACADEMY SHORTLY AFTER 11 AM, PRINCESS MARGARET WAS GREETED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE BY THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE, LADY WILSON, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE ACADEMY, DR HELMUT SOHMEN.
DR SOHMEN THEN PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMY, DR BASIL DEANE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MRS KATHERINE YAU, THE ACADEMY’S DEAN OF DRAMA, MR CHUNG KING-FAI, AND THE DEAN OF TECHNICAL ARTS, MR RICHARD BERRY, TO THE PRINCESS.
/WAVING TO .......
. <• i THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1?8?
- 4 -
WAVING TO STUDENTS ALONG THE WAY TO THE LIFTS, THE PRINCESS WENT TO A DANCE STUDIO ON THE FOURTH FLOOR WHERE A XIN JIANG DANCE LESSON WAS IN PROGRESS.
SHE WATCHED WITH INTEREST AND TALKED TO THE ACADEMY’S DEAN OF DANCE, MR CARL WOLZ, AS WELL AS THE STUDENTS.
THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE FIRST FLOOR WHERE THE PRINCESS VISITED AN EXHIBITION OF THE SCHOOL OF DRAMA AND THE SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL ARTS.
THE PRINCESS WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE ORCHESTRAL HALL TO WATCH MUSIC STUDENTS ATTENDING LESSON AND SHE MET THE ACADEMY’S DEAN CF MUSIC, MR ANGUS WATSON.
BEFORE LEAVING THE ACADEMY FOR THE NEXT STOP OF HER VISIT, THE PRINCESS RECEIVED A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FROM MISS KIM WONG, A DANCE STUDENT, AT THE ACADEMY’S ATRIUM.
GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION IN KING’S HONOUR ALONG THE DRIVEWAY TO
AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE
PARK, GUIDES MOUNTED A GUARD OF ----
WELCOME THE ROYAL VISITOR. ON ARRIVAL, PRINCESS MARGARET WAS
MET BY THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER, LADY JANE AKERS-JONES, WHO THEN PRESENTED TO HER VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION, DR STANLEY HO, MRS PENELOPE BOAM, AND THE HONARARY TREASURER OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR JOHN BUTLER.
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY AKERS-JONES, THE PRINCESS TOURED THE HEADQUARTERS FACILITIES AND SIGNED THE VISITORS’ BOOK.
THE PRINCESS ALSO SAW A MULTI-NATIONAL +BROWNIE REVEL+ h I TH CHINESE, ENGLISH, GURKHA AND VIETNAMESE BROWNIES DEMONSTRATING THEIR SKILLS. SHE LATER CHATTED WITH THE BROWNIES.
PRINCESS MARGARET THEN VISITED A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG GUIDE ACTIVITIES AND MET OTHER OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AT A TEA RECEPTION.
BEFORE SHE DEPARTED THE GASCOIGNE ROAD HEADQUARTERS, PRINCESS MARGARET PLANTED A PURPLE BAUHINIA IN THE GARDEN TO MARK THE OCCASION AND RECEIVED A MEMENTO - A SILVER DISC WITH THE GUIDE LOGO - FROM A BROWNIE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRINCESS MARGARET’S VISIT TO THE ACADEMY AND THE GIRL GUIDES HEADQUARTERS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK LATER. COLOUR SLIDES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM LATER.
/REMINDER OF .......
1
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
- 5 -
REMINDER OF THE PRINCESS’ PROGRAMME TOMORROW (FRIDAY):
TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
HRH WILL OPEN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AT 11.30 AM.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED POSITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF THE OPENING CEREMONY AND AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
OCEAN PARK
HRH WILL ARRIVE AT 2.30 PM AND UNVEIL A PLAQUE FOR OCEAN PARK’S NEW AVIARY. SHE WILL ALSO VISIT THE ATOLL REEF.
THERE WILL BE TWO FIXED PRESS POSITIONS FOR COVERAGE OF THE AVIARY AND ATOLL REEF. THE SAME GROUP OF MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO COVER BOTH POINTS IF THEY TRAVEL ON THE OFFICIAL PRESS COACH WHICH LEAVES C.G.O. CARPARK AT 1.15 PM.
DEPARTURE
HRH WILL LEAVE HONG KONG AT 11 PM BY FLIGHT CX201.
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING. ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVER I NG THE DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10 PM.
-----o------
PRINCESS MARGARET TOURS HMS TAMAR X X X X X
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARGARET, COUNTESS OF SNOWDON, OPENED A NEW NAVY WORKSHOP THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN SHE VISITED HMS TAMAR.
u
THE PRINCESS CUT A RIBBON AND UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO DECLARE IT OPEN.
THE WORKSHOP, THE FORTH BLOCK, IS NAMED AFTER A DEPOT SUPPORT SH|p hms FORTH. IT PROVIDES DOCKSIDE FACILITIES TO THE HONG KONG SQUADRON’S FIVE PEACOCK-CLASS PATROL CRAFT AND OTHER NAVAL VESSELS.
I
/the opening
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
6 -
THE OPENING WAS FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE AFTER PRINCESS MARGARET DOTTED ITS EYES TO GIVE IT LIFE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, AND THE ACTING CAPTA IN-1N-CHARGE, ROYAL NAVY, COMMANDER GEOFF HARVEY, THE ROYAL VISITOR LATER BOARDED A PATROL CRAFT, HMS PLOVER, TO WATCH A SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VISIT BY PRINCESS MARGARET TO FMS TAMAR WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE LATER TODAY. COLOUR SLIDES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GlS NEWSROOM.
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SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST) BILL TO BE PUBLISHED *****
ONE OF THE MAIN AIMS OF THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 1987 IS TO LET THE PUBLIC AND THE MANAGEMENT OF LISTED COMPANIES KNOW WHO ACTUALLY CONTROLS THEIR COMPANIES, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE BILL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR NENDICK SAID IT SHOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ALSO MAKE INSIDER DEALING MORE DIFFICULT AND CREEPING TAKEOVERS HARDER TO CONCEAL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED THE PUBLICATION OF THE BILL WHICH FOLLOWED CLOSELY THE PROVISIONS OF THE UK COMPANIES ACT AS A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION. THE BILL WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON JUNE 5.
+ THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO REQUIRE SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS (ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS 10 PER CENT OR MORE OF SHARES WITH VOTING RIGHTS) OF LISTED COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE PARTICULARS OF THEIR SHAREHOLDINGS AND TO REQUIRE THE DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF THE LISTED COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE PARTICULARS OF THEIR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN SHARES AND DEBENTURES OF SUCH COMPANIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED COMPANIES.
♦ THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO GIVE NOTICE TO THE COMPANY OF ANY change in those interests, the obligations will extend to similar INTERESTS HELD BY THE SPOUSE OR ANY CHILD OR STEP CHILD OF HIS OR HIS SPOUSE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS OF A SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDER, DIRECTOR OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE,+ HE SAID.
/A LISTED ......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
A LISTED COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A REGISTER AND INDEX OF INTERESTS WHICH IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION. IN ADDITION, THE LISTED COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO PASS SUCH INFORMATION ON TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES.
LISTED COMPANIES AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THROUGH THE APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTORS WITH POWERS OF INVESTIGATION, OR DIRECTLY, CAN INVESTIGATE SHARE OWNERSHIPS. MEMBERS OF A LISTED COMPANY WHO TOGETHER HOLD AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THE PAID-UP CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE IT TO INVESTIGATE THE OWNERSHIP OF ITS SHARES. THE HIGH COURT AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY IMPOSE +FREEZING ORDERS* ON SHARES WHERE THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING OUT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SUCH SHARES.
+DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE DEALINGS HAD BEEN A CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT HERE, AS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. THE BILL WAS THE FRUIT OF YEARS OF DELIBERATIONS,* HE SAID.
MR NENDICK EXPLAINED THAT THE SUBJECT WAS FIRST DISCUSSED BY THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE IN 1973.
+AFTER SOME YEARS, THE SUBJECT WAS AGAIN EXAMINED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM, HAVING REGARD TO EXISTING LEGISLATION ON THE SAME MATTER IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND THE PRACTICE IN OTHER MAJOR WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRES.
+BOTH THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT LEGISLATION BE INTRODUCED TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDINGS AND SHARE DEALINGS,* HE ADDED.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM PUBLISHED AN OUTLINE OF THEIR PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATION ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1985 AND INVITED COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS FROM PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
AFTER CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS AS A RESULT OF THIS INVITATION, THE STANDING COMMITTEE SUBMITTED FULL PROPOSALS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN LATE 1985, RECOMMENDING NEW LEGISLATION BE ENACTED ALONG THE LINES OF THE UK COMPANIES ACT.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACCEPTED THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION IN PRINCIPLE AND APPROVED THE PREPARATION OF A WHITE BILL EMBODYING THEIR PROPOSALS. THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE BILL BEFORE IT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
/THE BILL ......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
- 8
THE BILL IS COMPLEX AND HIGHLY TECHNICAL. THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS WILL BE SPECIFICALLY INVITED TO COMMENT: T HE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE, THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF SECUR TY ANALYSTS LTD, THE HONG KONG UNIT TRUST ASSOCIATION. THE ASSOCIATION OF THE INSTlfuTE OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATORS IN HONG KONG, THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONgJ THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
THE BILL WILL ALSO BE SENT TO THE 260 LISTED COMPANIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO COMMENT ON THE BILL, COPIES OF WHICH CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
+THE BILL MIGHT NEED TO BE REVISED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT COMMENTS RECEIVED. A REVISED DRAFT WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND THE SECURITIES COMMISSION FOR FURTHER ADVICE,+ HE NOTED.
MR NENDICK HOPED THAT A FINAL DRAFT BILL WOULD BE READY FOR SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL FOR ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1988.
THERE WILL BE A THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD. ALL COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, 2A-TH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, BEFORE SEPTEMBER 5, 1987.
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NT TAXIS BAN IN MA ON SHAN, JUNK BAY X X X X X
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED NOT TO ALLOW NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO OPERATE IN THE NEW TOWNS OF MA ON SHAN AND JUNK BAY INCLUDING RENNIE’S MILL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECISION TO BAN NT TAXIS FROM THESE TWO NEW TOWNS WAS IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING A TAXI SERVICE IN THE REMOTER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+T0 ALLOW THEM TO OPERATE IN NEW TOWNS CLOSE TO THE URBAN AREA WOULD RESULT IN A DETERIORATION IN THE LEVEL OF THEIR SERVICE TO THE REMOTER NT AREAS,+ HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
9
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE BAN IN RESPECT OF MA ON SHAN WOULD BE REVIEWED WHEN ADDITIONAL ROAD LINKS WERE PROVIDED TO MA ON SHAN NEXT YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PRINCIPAL ACCESS ROUTES TO MA ON SHAN, WHOSE POPULATION INTAKE HAS JUST BEGUN, WERE SIU LEK YUEN ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, BOTH PASSING THROUGH SHA TIN AND WERE CLOSED TO NT TAXIS.
+ACCESS FROM SAI KUNG TO MA ON SHAN VIA SAI SHA ROAD WILL BE POSSIBLE ONLY WHEN THE NAI CHUNG LINK ROAD IS COMPLETED IN 1988,+ HE SAID.
AS REGARDS JUNK BAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNTIL THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL OPENED IN 1989, THE MOST IMPORTANT ACCESS ROUTE TO THIS NEW TOWN WOULD BE PO LAM ROAD, PASSING THROUGH PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA CURRENTLY PROHIBITED TO NT TAXIS.
IT WAS CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE NEW TOWN TO BE SERVED BY URBAN TAXIS AS MOST EXTERNAL TAXI JOURNEYS WERE EXPECTED TO INVOLVE TRAVEL TO AND FROM KOWLOON.
+ADEQUATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN WHEN POPULATION INTAKE BEGINS LATER THIS YEAR,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO PROHIBIT ACCESS OF NT TAXIS TO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO AMEND THE SEVENTH SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT, NT TAXIS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ANDERSON ROAD, THE ROAD LEADING FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO CLEAR WATER BAY FILM STUDIOS BEYOND A POINT 170 METRES FROM THE JUNCTION AND ALL NEW ROADS LEADING FROM HANG HAU ROAD INTO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN. IT DOES NOT AFFECT THE EXISTING OPERATION OF NT TAXIS ON HANG HAU ROAD.
NO AMENDMENT TO THE NT TAXI BOUNDARIES WILL BE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A BAN ON NT TAXIS FROM MA ON SHAN.
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/10........
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
10
PROGRESS MADE ON HO CHUNG RIVER CLEAN-UP * * * *
FOLLOWING A RECENT VISIT BY SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT. THE GOVERNMENT NOW FEELS THERE IS SOME REAL PROSPECT OF IMPROVEMENT TO THE NOTORIOUS HO CHUNG RIVER.
FOR THE PAST TWO DECADES, THE HO CHUNG RIVER HAS BEEN HEAVILY POLLUTED BY COLOURED AND HOT EFFLUENT FROM FOUR BLEACHING AND DYEING FACTORIES. AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH THREE OF THE POLLUTERS CONCERNED TO CLEAN UP THEIR DISCHARGES EITHER BY INSTALLING NEW WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES OR BY PUTTING THEIR EXISTING FACILITIES IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.
ONE FACTORY, HOWEVER, HAS NOT YET AGREED TO THE CLEAN-UP AND FAILED TO ATTEND A RECENT MEETING TO CONSIDER THE MATTER. THE AUTHORITIES HAVE RESOLVED, THEREFORE, THAT UNLESS THEY RECEIVE SATISFACTORY PROPOSALS SHORTLY, RE-ENTRY PROCEEDINGS WILL BE INITIATED AGAINST THE FACTORY CONCERNED.
THE SITE VISIT WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR PETER MANN, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (WASTE AND WATER), MR JOHN BOXALL.
♦AS WE HAVE TO USE THE UNWIELDY PROCEDURE OF RE-ENTRY UNDER THE LEASE CONDITIONS, THIS HAS INVOLVED A PROTRACTED AND TIME CONSUMING EFFORT BY THE OFFICERS OF MY DEPARTMENT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE TO GET AGREEMENT TO CLEAR UP THIS ENVIRONMENTAL BLACKSPOT,+ MR BOXALL SAID.
♦IF THE EXISTING LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WERE APPLIED TO THE WHOLE TERRITORY IT WOULD BE FAR EASIER AND QUICKER TO CLEAN UP THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. AT THE MOMENT IT IS LIKE HAVING TO FIGHT WITH YOUR HANDS TIED BEHIND YOUR BACK,+ HE ADDED.
MR MANN ADDED THAT HIS POLICY BRANCH WAS CONSIDERING WAYS OF SPEEDING UP THE APPLICATION OF CONTROLS TO AREAS OTHER THAN TOLO HARBOUR.
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/11.........
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
- 11 -
HK, SINGAPORE IN COPYRIGHT PACT *****
HONG KONG’S WORKS WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IN SINGAPORE WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE UK COPYRIGHT (SINGAPORE) ORDER 1987 TO THE TERRITORY.
UNDER SINGAPORE'S NEW COPYRIGHT ACT 1987. THE SINGAPORE AUTHORITIES SHALL NOT MAKE REGULATIONS APPLYING COPYRIGHT PROTECTION TO ANY COUNTRY WITHOUT RECIPROCAL PROTECTION.
TO RESPOND TO THIS AND TO ENSURE CONTINUED COPYRIGHT,PROTECT I ON IN SINGAPORE, THE UK COPYRIGHT (SINGAPORE) ORDER 1987, WHICH IS ALSO EXTENDED TO COVER HONG KONG, WAS MADE.
THE ORDER WAS MADE BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL ON MAY 18 AND WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 18, 1987.
THE EXTENSION OF THE ORDER TO HONG KONG MEANS BOTH SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG WILL ENJOY RECIPROCAL COPYRIGHT PROTECTION.
THE EXTENSION OF THE ORDER TO HONG KONG IS AN INTERIM MEASURE PENDING LOCALISATION OF THE COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION. THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS ABOUT TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY OF THE SUBJECT.
- - 0 - -
GREEN MINIBUS FARES TO GO UP
*****
APPROVEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR FOUR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO RAISE THEIR FARES FROM MONDAY (JUNE 1), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AFFECTED ROUTES ARE j ROUTE 9OM FROM LAI KING HEADLAND TO MEI FOO MTR STATION} 91 FROM LAI KING HEADLAND TO TSUEN WAN-92M FROM WAH YUEN CHUEN TO MEI FOO MTR STATION? AND 93 FROM WAH YUEN CHUEN TO TSUEN WAN.
THE FARES WILL BE REVISED FROM THE EXISTING #1.5 TO #2 WHILE A SECTION FARE OF «1 WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
MEANWHILE, THE #1 SECTION FARE FOR ROUTE 47M, VILLAS TO LAI KING MTR STATION, WILL BE CANCELLED. FARE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT #1.5.
FROM WONDERLAND HOWEVER, THE FULL
--------o----------
/12
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
- 12 -
PRIME CENTRAL SITE TO BE AUCTIONED * * * * *
CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IS EXPECTED WHEN THE FORMER CENTRAL FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING SITE ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL IS OFFERED FOR SALE AT AN AUCTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SITE MEASURES 2 098 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING A HOTEL.
TWO INDUSTRIAL LOTS IN CHAI WAN AND QUARRY BAY WILL ALSO BE PUT UP FOR SALE AT THE SAME AUCTION. BOTH CAN BE USED AS GODOWNS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE AUCTION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.
--------o ----------
AGRICULTURAL
AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS VISIT EPD
*****
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATION TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH ITS LABORATORY FACILITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL REGULATIONS.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR STEPHEN FISHER AND WERE RECEIVED ON ARRIVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER), MR JOHN BOXALL AND HIS STAFF.
THE VISITORS WERE SHOWN THE VARIOUS LABORATORIES IN THE LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE CONTROL GROUP, INCLUDING THE COMPUTER ROOM AND THE AIR TELEMETRY SYSTEM IN THE AIR AND NOISE DIVISION.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE EFFECTS ON WATERCOURSES FROM ANIMAL WASTE DISCHARGE.
DURING THE MEETING, THE REPRESENTATIVES WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD BE GIVEN ASSISTANCE BY THE DEPARTMENT WHICH INCLUDE ADVICE ON COST-EFFECTIVE LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT METHODS! SUPERVISION OF COLLECTION SERVICE, CONSTRUCTION OF COLLECTION POINTS AND ACCESS ROADS; AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF COMPOSTING OR CONSOLIDATION PLANTS
FOR PROCESS OF MANURE.
0 --------
/13
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
13
PROPERTY OWNERS REMINDED TO SUBMIT TAX RETURNS * * * * *
PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH A PROPERTY TAX RETURN WERE REMINDED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE PROPERTY TAX RETURN FOR 1986/87 TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT BY JUNE 8.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR A.K. GILL, SAID THAT THOSE WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT A RETURN WOULD BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTIES UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
+ALL RETURNS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY EXPLANATORY NOTES AND PROPERTY OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THEM CAREFULLY BEFORE THEY FILL IN THE FORMS,+ HE SAID.
+ANYONE WHO HAS DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING THE FORMS CAN EITHER TELEPHONE THE ASSESSOR OR CALL AT THE PROPERTY TAX SECTION, WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG, FOR INFORMATION.*
MR GILL ALSO REMINDED PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE CHARGEABLE TO PROPERTY TAX THAT WHEN THERE WAS A CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP, WHETHER BY SALE OR TRANSFER, THE VENDOR OR TRANSFEROR MUST NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT IN WRITING WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE TRANSACTION.
♦OWNERS WHO HAVE OCCUPIED PREMISES FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN EXEMPTED FROM THE CHARGE SHOULD ALSO INFORM US IN WRITING IF THEY CEASE TO OCCUPY THESE PREMISES EXCLUSIVELY FOR SUCH PURPOSES,+ HE ADDED.
-----o------
TRAINING SCHEME *
TO encourage manufacturers
ON ASIC TECHNOLOGY * *
, ------- TO INVEST IN APPLICATION SPECIFIC
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (ASIC) TECHNOLOGY, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING C°UNClL'S COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS IS NOW LAUNCHING nuSocS!<D SED SCHEME F0R THE TRAINING of engineers in asIc design ON BEHALF OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
„UNDER THE SCHEME, AN EMPLOYER MAY RECEIVE A GRANT OF UP TO I v°makitNDI NG AN ENgINEER for ASIC TRAINING OVERSEAS FOR AdUUi SIX MONTHS.
+ IT IS BELIEVED THAT WITH THE SUPPLY OF PROPERLY TRAINED MANPOWER, HONG KONG'S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CAN QUICKLY BUILD UP AN ASIC DESIGN CAPABILITY WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE MANUFACTURE ° councHiiEspEan s!?d.HIGH vaLUE-4°DED electronic products,*
/+THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
- 14 -
♦THERE IS SOME URGENCY FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TO ACQUIRE AND EMPLOY ASIC TECHNOLOGY EXTENSIVELY BECAUSE OUR COMPETITORS HAVE BEEN MAKING GREAT EFFORTS TOWARDS ADOPTING ITS USE.+
ASIC IS A NEW GENERATION OF CHIP WHICH IMPROVES PRODUCT PERFORMANCE AND CUTS PRODUCTION COSTS THROUGH INCREASING CIRCUIT INTEGRATION.
IT IS LIKELY THAT ASIC WILL REPLACE THE STANDARD IC CHIPS, A MAJOR OUTPUT OR COMPONENT FOR LOCAL ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
+IF MANUFACTURERS ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THE CHANGE OF TECHNOLOGY, THE INDUSTRY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RETAIN ITS EXISTING ASSEMBLY WORK OR TO MOVE UPMARKET BY MANUFACTURING MORE SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME, THE EMPLOYER SHOULD BE A USER OF ASIC OR INVESTOR IN ASIC DESIGN EQUIPMENT AND RELATED SOFTWARES AND BE ABLE TO ARRANGE TRAINING FOR THE ENGINEER AT AN APPROPRIATE OVERSEAS FACILITY.
HE SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR THE ENGINEER UPON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG IN THE FIELD OF ASIC DESIGN FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
ENGINEERS WITH RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND ADEQUATE ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR TRAINING UNDER THE SCHEME.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE SCHEME SHOULD BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL’S TECHNOLOGISTS TRAINING UNIT ON 5-893241 EXT. 276.
--------0 ----------
CHAI WAN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE REDEVELOPED X X X X X
AN EXISTING REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT CHEUNG LEE STREET IN CHAI WAN IS TO BE REDEVELOPED AND UPGRADED.
OCCUPYING A 160 SQUARE-METRE SITE, THE NEW SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A CARBON FILTERED EXTRACT SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE UNPLEASANT ODOURS.
TWO CONTRACTS WORTH S855 260 HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR REDEVELOPING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE AND INSTALLING THE EXTRACT SYSTEM.
THE WORK WILL START BY THE END OF MAY AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
0
/15
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1987
- 15 -
DB MEMBERS VISIT TELEPHONE COMPANY * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS OPERATION.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF THE ON-GOING PROGRAMME FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE WORK OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES.
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, THE PARTY WENT TO THE COMPANY’S MAINLAND EAST REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN NGAU TAU KOK AND WERE MET BY REGIONAL MANAGER, MR Y.C. HO.
MEMBERS THEN TOURED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE COMPANY. INCLUDING CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE CONTROL CENTRE, CUSTOMER SERVICES AND STARLINE SERVICES DEMONSTRATION SECTION, INTERNATIONAL CALL CENTRE AND EXCHANGE EQUIPMENT SECTION.
LATER, MEMBERS ATTENDED A DISCUSSION WITH STAFF OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY.
-----o------
EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE X X X X X
STUDENTS WHO HAD OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN THE RECENT INTER-SCHOOL MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL STAGE A SPECIAL SHOW IN KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL ON SATURDAY (MAY 30).
THE PERFORMANCE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT ART COUNCIL WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SEVEN DANCES, TWO CHOIR SINGING AND TWO INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS FROM KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EASTERN DISTRICT.
/EASTERN DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 198?
- 16 -
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG! DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANGl CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, MRS JEANIE CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ART COUNCIL, MISS CHRISTINA TING AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (HONG KONG EAST), MRS WONG KO MEI-WAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING SCHOOL SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCE WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 30) AT 2.15 PM AT KlANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL, 30 CHING WAH STREET, NORTH POINT.
--------0 ----------
ROAD CLOSURES IN WAN CHAI
* H K H K
TO FACILITATE THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ST. JAMES’ CZTTLEmL ^LJ*-SERV,CE COMMUNITY CENTRE, LUNG ON STREET AND THE SECTION CF STONE NULLAH LANE SOUTH OF KAT ON STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 30)
SETTLEMENT
WILL BE SUSPENDED1PARK,NG SPACES AL0NG STONE NULLAH LANE
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROSPEROUS ECONOMY KEYSTONE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE ..... 1
HRH OPENS TUEN MUN TOWN HALL ............................... 2
PRINCESS MARGARET SEES OCEAN PARK .......................... 3
PRINCESS MARGARET LEAVES HONG KONG .........................
THREE GOVERNMENT SITES SOLD FOR S968 MILLION ............... 5
NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA AT TA KWU LING .................... 6
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL IN THE PIPELINE .................. 7
FRANCHISE PROPOSALS INVITED FOR TATE'S CmIRN TUNNEL ........ 8
18 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FORT STREET FaCE DEMOLITION ....... 9
REVIEW ON CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN MONTHLY STATISTICS DIGEST . 10
HO HEADS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ......................... 10
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE VISITS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 11
TWO LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE................................... 11
SHA TIN SITE FOR PSPS DEVELOPMENT .......................... 12
KEEP HK CLEAN CaMPAIGN APPEAL DAY .......................... 12
JOIN THE REGIMENT CALL...................................... 13
MONG KOK CLEAN-UP LAUNCHED.................................. 1^
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES .................................... 15
FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG ................ 15
PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ................................ 16
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD ......................... 16
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR DRAGON BOAT RACES ................. 17
NT RECREATIONAL BUS ROUTE TO RESUME ........................ 18
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL ................................. 18
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
1
PROSPEROUS ECONOMY KEYSTONE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
*****
A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY IS THE KEYSTONE TO ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN HIS OPENING REMARK AT HIS FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE SINCE HE TOOK UP OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID +AT THE MOMENT, OUR ECONOMY IS DOING VERY WELL BUT THIS FACT MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO PAY ATTENTION TO ENSURING THAT OUR ECONOMY REMAINS DYNAMIC AND THAT ENTERPRISE IS REWARDED.+
NOTING THAT HE HAD NOW BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN WEEKS, SIR DAVID SAID HE FOUND IT STRIKING THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE ENORMOUS PROGRESS OVER THE LAST DECADE, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF QUANTITY OF WHAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED.
HE SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY THE ENORMONS VITALITY OF THE PLACE AND HE WAS ALSO CONSCIOUS OF THE +RISING ASPIRATIONS AMONGST PEOPLE HERE*.
+ PERHAPS ONE COULD LOOK AT THIS IN TERMS OF A SEARCH FOR IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY, TO MATCH TO IMPROVEMENTS IN QUANTITY WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE LAST DECADE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
♦ THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS WHERE MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. ONE THINKS OF THE QUALITY OF HOUSING, ONE THINKS OF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT - WHERE THE RAPIDITY OF DEVELOPMENT HAS CREATED ITS OWN PROBLEMS,+ HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID GOING AROUND HONG KONG EVEN IN THE PERIOD OF SEVEN WEEKS, HE WAS STRUCK BY +T HE AMOUNT OF TIME PEOPLE SPEND IN HONG KONG, DEVOTED TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS*.
+ AND I AM THINKING HERE, NOT JUST OF PEOPLE IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS - WHICH GET A GOOD DEAL OF PUBLICITY - BUT AT A MUCH LOWER LEVEL, GETTING DOWN TO ADVISORY BOARDS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF VERY VALUABLE WORK DONE BY A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
+ IT GOES, I THINK WITH A SYSTEM WHICH HAS GROWN UP OVER THE YEARS, WHERE THAT HAPPENS AND WHERE THERE IS ALSO CONSULTATION - AND CONSULTATION IS, OF COURSE, WHAT WE ARE JUST EMBARKING UPON IN THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSING THE GREEN PAPER, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED JUST TWO DAYS AGO,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
2
HRH OPENS TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
K * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS MARGARET OPENED THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
FLYING IN A WESSEX HELICOPTER OF 29 SQUADRON ROYAL AIR FORCE, THE PRINCESS HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF HONG KONG DURING THE 15-MINUTE TRIP TO TUEN MUN.
SHE WAS GREETED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO’ THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT? AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, WHEN THE FELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN AT TUEN MUN SPORTS GROUND.
THE PARTY THEN TRAVELLED BY CAR TO TUEN MUN TOWN HALL WHERE SHE MET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG? THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUM THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN? THE DIRECTOR OF ACHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI ? THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK 5 AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE hEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG.
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN THEN PRESENTED OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO THE PRINCESS AND MADE A SPEECH TO WELCOME THE ROYAL VISITOR.
MR CHEUNG SAID THAT WITH THE OPENING OF THE TOWN HALL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A VARIETY OF QUALITY PROGRAMMES FOR RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN AND NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS.
+1 AM SURE THAT THIS VENUE WILL BECOME A FOCUS OF CULTURAL ACTIVITY AND GIVE LOCAL RESIDENTS A GREAT DEAL OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
PRINCESS MARGARET THEN UNVEILED A PLAQUE, DECLARING OPEN THE TOWN HALL.
SHE ALSO TOURED THE TOWN HALL TO LOOK AT ITS FACILITIES, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WHO BRIEFED HRH ON THE BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE BUILDING.
THE TOWN HALL IS A MULTI-PURPOSE CULTURAL VENUE CONSISTING CF AN AUDITORIUM, AN EXHIBITION GALLERY, A CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST MODERN AND BEST EQUIPPED VENUES OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
/PRINCESS MARGARET .......
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
- 5 -
PRINCESS MARGARET LATER WENT TO THE EXHIBITION HALL WHERE SHE MET LOCAL DIGNITARIES AND CHAIRMEN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS AT A RECEPTION. PRINCESS MARGARET ALSO SAW A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRINCESS MARGARET’S TOUR OF TUEN MUN WILL BE SENT BY THE FACSIMILE NETWORK LATER. BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS AS WELL AS COLOUR SLIDES OF HER ACTIVITIES TODAY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GIS NEWSROOM, 6/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE LATER.
REMINDER ON PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR HRH’S DEPARTURE.
HRH WILL LEAVE HONG KONG AT 11 PM BY FLIGHT CX2O1.
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING. ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10 PM.
------o-------
PRINCESS MARGARET SEES OCEAN PARK
M M M M M
PRINCESS MARGARET VISITED OCEAN PARK AND OPENED ITS NEW AVIARY THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON. THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE, THE
PRINCESS WAS RECEIVED ON ARRIVAL BY THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARK, MR GORDON MACWHINNIE; AND GENERAL MANAGER, MR KEN TOMLINS.
AFTER UNVEILING A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE AVIARY, THE PRINCESS SPENT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AT THE OCEAN THEATRE, ENJOYING PERFORMANCE BY DOLPHINS, SEALIONS AND A KILLER WHALE.
SHE LATER PROCEEDED TO THE ATOLL REEF AND WALKED THROUGH THE CORAL REEF EXHIBITION AND TOURED THE FOUR LEVELS OF THE AQUARIUM.
EARLIER, PRINCESS MARGARET ATTENDED A LUNCHEON HELD BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN MANDARIN HOTEL.
SHE WAS WELCOMED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR JACK SO.
/the luncheon........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
THE LUNCHEON WAS FOLLOWED BY A FASHION SHOW WHICH FEATURED DAY AND EVENING WEAR AS WELL AS FUR AND JEWELLERY CREATED BY LOCAL DESIGNERS.
THE LUNCHEON WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON; THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, AND MRS FORD; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; AND OTHER DIGNITARIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
AT OCEAN PARK AND AT NETWORK LATER.
FOR COLLECTION
PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN OF PRINCESS MARGARET THE LUNCHEON WILL BE SENT VIA THE FACSIMILE COLOUR TRANSPARENCIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM ONCE THEY ARE READY.
--------o ---------
PRINCESS MARGARET LEAVES HONG KONG
*****
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS MARGARET, LEFT HONG KONG TONIGHT (FRIDAY) AFTER A THREE-DAY VISIT IN WHICH SHE SAW MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE TERRITORY AND MET A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON, THE PRINCESS ARRIVED AT KAI TAK AIRPORT BY CAR SHORTLY BEFORE THE FLIGHT FOR LONDON LEFT AT ABOUT 11 PM.
BIDDING FAREWELL TO HER AT THE AIRBRIDGE WERE THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL, SIR MARK HEATH; THE AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE GOVERNOR, SUPERINTENDENT LAWRENCE KNOX; THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, MR PETER SUTCH ! THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR THORPE; AND THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, MR RICHARD SIEGEL.
0--------
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
5
THREE GOVERNMENT SITES SOLD FOR $968 MILLION M- * M M M
THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $968 MILLION AT AN AUCTION TODAY (FRIDAY).
ATTRACTING MOST INTEREST FROM BUYERS AND ALSO FETCHING THE HIGHEST PRICE WAS A PRIME SITE AT DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. IT WAS SOLD TO HANG SENG BANK LIMITED FOR $840 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $480 MILLION.
THE SITE, FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY THE CENTRAL FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING A HOTEL.
HOWEVER, GODOWNS, RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AND CARPARKS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ON THE 2 098-SQUARE-METRE SITE.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER HAS TO PRODUCE AT LEAST 18 800 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1991.
TWO INDUSTRIAL LOTS WERE ALSO SOLD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT THE SAME AUCTION.
ONE IS AT KA YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, AND MEASURES ABOUT 3 200 SQUARE METRES. IT WAS PURCHASED BY MINBASE LIMITED AT $83 MILLION.
THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 23 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE SITE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1991.
THERE IS A HEIGHT RESTRICTION OF 113.4 METRES ON THE SITE.
THE OTHER SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF 1 057 SQUARE METRES, IS AT KING’S ROAD, QUARRY BAY. BIDDING OPENED AT $16 MILLION AND IT WAS FINALLY SOLD FOR $45 MILLION.
IT IS STIPULATED IN THE LEASE TERMS THAT THE BUYER - HONG KONG TOBACCO COMPANY LIMITED - HAS TO DEVELOP NOT LESS THAN 6 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY JUNE 30, 1991.
THE HEIGHT RESTRICTION ON THE SITE IS 85.34 METRES.
IT IS STATED IN THE LEASE CONDITIONS FOR BOTH SITES THAT THEY CAN BE USED AS GODOWNS, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULT OF THE AUCTION, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, W TIM MILLS, SAID THE PRICES WERE +EXTREMELY GOOD.+
-------0
/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
6
NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA AT TA KWU LING * * * * *
THE NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA AT TA KWU LING, NEW TERRITORIES CAME INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW TO GIVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT TO THE DESIGNATION.
THE NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA LIES TO THE SOUTH OF THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA BOUNDARY, TO THE NORTH OF SIU HANG TSUEN AND PING CHE AND BETWEEN SIU HANG TSUEN AND LO SHUE LING IN THE WEST AND TSUNG YUEN HA AND PING CHE IN THE EAST.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING RABIES INFECTED AREA IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA WHICH HAS BEEN IN FORCE SINE 1980.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), DR THOMAS YIP, SAID DESIGNATION OF THE NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA FOLLOWED A CONFIRMED INDIGENOUS RABIES CASE IN SING PING SAN TSUEN EARLIER THIS WEEK. IT INVOLVED A THREE-MONTH-OLD PUPPY WHICH DIED OF RABIES AFTER HAVING BITTEN FOUR PEOPLE.
HE SAID, +N0 DOGS ARE ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT INTO OR OUT OF THE RABIES INFECTED AREA WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
♦SPECIAL SIGNS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ERECTED AROUND THE AREA TO WARN THE PUBLIC TO THIS EFFECT.+
INSIDE THE DESIGNATED AREA, INTENSIVE OPERATIONS ARE CONTINUING INCLUDING HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VISITS TO ENSURE ALL DOGS ARE INOCULATED AND LICENSED, AND TO RID THE AREA OF STRAY DOGS.
IN THE PAST TWO DAYS, 38 DOGS WERE CAUGHT OR VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED BY LOCAL VILLAGERS TO DOG CONTROL STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT. IN THE SPECIAL OPERATION CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA TODAY, ANOTHER 59 DOGS AND TWO CATS WERE ROUNDED UP INSIDE THE INFECTED AREA.
DR YIP ADVISED THAT ANY DOG BITING INCIDENT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE WITHOUT DELAY AND THE BITER ANIMAL HANDED OVER TO THE NEAREST GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR OBSERVATION.
♦PROMPT REPORTING WILL ENABLE EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS CF THE DISEASE AND EARLY REMEDIAL MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO PREVENT ITS SPREAD,+ HE STRESSED.
DR YIP ALSO URGED DOG OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AND PUT UNDER PROPER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, AND TO SURRENDER UNWANTED DOGS TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PREVIOUS RABIES OUTBREAK WAS IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN A 75-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WAS BITTEN BY A RABID DOG IN SO KWUN PO VILLAGE IN SHEUNG SHU I.
-------0--------- /7...................
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
7
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL IN THE PIPELINE *****
A BILL ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES TO DEFINE A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENT BASED ON THE METRIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS IS EXPECTED TO BE ENACTED SHORTLY, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE ROLE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN CONSUMER PROTECTION AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLLON NORTH, MR WILLIAMSON SAID THE BILL ALSO AIMED AT STIPULATING BOTH THE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES PERMITTED TO BE USED FOR TRADE IN HONG KONG.
+TO BE ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE NEW LEGISLATION INTENDS TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE THE FRAUDULENT USE OF WEIGHING OR MEASURING EQUIPMENT FOR TRADE AND THE POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY AND USE OF EQUIPMENT WHICH IS UNAUTHORISED, FALSE OR DEFECTIVE.
+REGULATIONS GOVERNING TRADE TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE USE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WILL ALSO BE STIPULATED,+ HE ADDED.
WHILE CUSTOMS OFFICERS ARE GENERALLY NOT SEEN AS ENFORCERS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, MR WILLIAMSON SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD A TRADE COMPLAINTS UNIT WHICH HANDLED COMPLAINTS LODGED BY OVERSEAS BUYERS AND TOURISTS AGAINST HONG KONG BUSINESS CONCERNS FOR ALLEGED TRADE MALPRACTICES SUCH AS THE NON-DELIVERY OF GOODS, INFERIOR QUALITY OF GOODS AND OVER-CHARGING.
+IN 1986, THE UNIT RECEIVED 140 COMPLAINTS FROM TOURISTS, AND 113 CASES WERE SETTLED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE PARTIES CONCERNED.+
ANOTHER AREA OF CONSUMER PROTECTION RELATING TO THE MAKING OF GOLD AND PLATINUM UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE IS ALSO ENFORCED BY THE CUSTOMS.
THE GOLD MARKING ORDER WAS MADE IN JANUARY 1985, AND ACTION IS ALSO WELL IN HAND TO INTRODUCE A PLATINUM MARKING ORDER.
+IT IS PROPOSED THE MARKING OF PLATINUM WILL BE TRADED WITHIN THE STANDARDS OF FINENESS 850-990 WHICH WILL ACCORD WITH HONG KONG’S TRADING STANDARDS GENERALLY WHILE ALSO COMPLYING WITH INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.*
AS DISTINCT FROM-CONSUMER PROTECTION ALONE, MR WILLIAMSON SAID INTENSIVE ACTIONS WERE ALSO TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT AGAINST COUNTERFEIT I NG.
+IN 1986, COUNTERFEIT GOODS, VALUED AT HK$64 MILLION, WERE SEIZED AND 725 PERSONS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS.
+S0 FAR THIS YEAR, COUNTERFEIT GOODS TO THE VALUE OF FKS20 275 190 HAVE BEEN SEIZED AND 257 PERSONS PROSECUTED.*
-----0------ /8............
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
8
FRANCHISE PROPOSALS INVITED FOR TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING PROPOSALS FOR A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A NOTICE IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY’S) GAZETTE INVITES INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT THEIR PROPOSALS IN TRIPLICATE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.
HE SAID THE PARTIES HAD FIRST TO DEPOSIT $25 OOO AS A PLEDGE OF THEIR +BONA F IDES+ AT THE TREASURY ACCOUNTS BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR AT THE SUB-TREASURIES IN NORTH POINT, KOWLOON OR KOWLOON CITY.
THEY COULD THEN OBTAIN THE PROJECT BRIEF AND DESIGN CRITERIA FROM THE REGIONAL HIGHWAYS ENG INEER/KOWLOON, FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON, ON PRODUCTION OF THE DEPOSIT RECEIPTS AND LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION, HE SAID.
HE SAID DEPOSITS WOULD BE RETURNED WITHOUT INTEREST IN RESPECT OF PROPOSALS NOT ACCEPTED, BUT THE GOVERNMENT RESERVED THE RIGHT TO RETAIN A DEPOSIT WHERE NO PROPOSAL WAS SUBMITTED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
THE TUNNEL’S ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY, ITS MOST SUITABLE ALIGNMENT AND ROAD CONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS WERE CONFIRMED AND IDENTIFIED IN A STUDY COMPLETED LAST YEAR.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A FOUR-KILOMETRE LONG TWIN TUBE ROAD TUNNEL UNDER TATE’S CAIRN BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL, EAST KOWLOON, AND SIU LEK YUEN, SHA TIN.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN 1988. ON COMPLETION 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.
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/9........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
9
18 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FORT STREET FACE DEMOLITION
*****
EIGHTEEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON FOUR MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AT NORTH POINT ON HONG KONG ISLAND ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED.
THE STRUCTURES ARE:
(I) ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLATS B, C AND D ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF 2-4, FORT STREET 5
(II) ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLATS A, C AND D ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF 6-8, FORT STREET?
(Ill) ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLATS C AND D ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF 10-16, FORT STREET;
(IV) ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLAT B ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND FLAT A ON THE 22ND FLOOR OF 18-20, FORT STREET; AND
(V) ON THE FLAT ROOF TO AND PROJECTING FROM THE EXTERNAL WALL OF FLAT A ON THE 23RD FLOOR OF 18-20, FORT STREET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE AUTHORITY FELT THE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE CLOSED SO THAT THEY COULD BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
HE SAID A NOTICE INFORMING OCCUPANTS THAT THE AUTHORITY INTENDED TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 25 WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY.
HE SAID OCCUPIERS WERE ORIGINALLY TOLD TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN NOVEMBER, 1984, AND MARCH AND SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR, BUT THEY HAD DECLINED TO OBEY THE ORDER.
DEMOLITION WOULD TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS HAD BEEN OBTAINED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/10........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
10
REVIEW ON CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN MONTHLY * X X * X
STATISTICS DIGEST
THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED +A REVIEW ON THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR*.
THE ARTICLE DEPICTS THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IL DECENT YEARS.
IT CONTAINS INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TYPES OF CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS ENGAGED IN NEW CONSTRUCTION WORKS, RENOVATION AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTORS, AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS ENGAGED IN SPECIALISED JOBS.
THE INFORMATION GIVEN INCLUDES THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AND THE EXPENSES OF CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, VALUE OF SUB-CONTRACT WORK AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES.
BESIDES STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS, THE ARTICLE TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, WITH BREAKDOWNS BY END USES OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND PUBLIC/PRIVATE SECTORS.
THE MAIN SOURCES OF INFORMATION ARE THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS AND THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY. PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 19/F, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVIEW ARTICLE, PLEASE CALL THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234856.
------0-------
HO HEADS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION X X X X *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR E.P. HO AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 25, 1987. HE SUCCEEDS MR F.K. LI.
MR HO, AGED 59, SERVED IN THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE FROM FEBRUARY 1954 UNTIL JUST BEFORE THIS NEW APPOINTMENT.
HE HAS ALSO PREVIOUSLY BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS; AND A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH TEAM ON THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. HE WAS AWARDED THE CBE IN 1981 FOR PUBLIC SERVICE.
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/11
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
11
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE VISITS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SPENT THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TOURING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND THE LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, W GREWAL VISITED MAJOR DIVISIONS AT THE HEADQUARTERS AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION WORK.
APART FROM TALKING TO THE DIRECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR GREWAL ALSO MET STAFF SIDE MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR GENERAL DISCUSSIONS.
AT THE LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, MR GREWAL WAS BRIEFED ON THE TRAINING OF STAFF, THE OPERATION OF THE THREE CENTRAL SYSTEMS OF SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION, NAMELY, PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION, SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT.
MR GREWAL ALSO TOURED THE EDUCATION RECORDS UNIT WHERE WORK IS IN PROGRESS TO SET UP A COMPUTERISED PUPILS’ RECORD CARD SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND PLANNING PURPOSES.
----o------
TWO LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE
*****
A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AND AN INDUSTRIAL LOT ARE TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE RESIDENTIAL SITE IS ON FUNG SHING STREET, HAMMER HILL, KOWLOON, AND MEASURES ABOUT 5 600 SQUARE METRES.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER MUST COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 16 800 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY JUNE 30, 1991.
THE INDUSTRIAL SITE IS AT SHA TIN NEAR CITY ONE. MEASURING 1 776 SQUARE METRES, THE LAND WILL BE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5 328 SQUARE METRES, ALSO BY JUNE 30, 1991.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JADE BALLROOM OF THE FURAMA HOTEL ON JUNE 24 AT 2.30 PM.
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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
12
SHA TIN SITE FOR PSPS DEVELOPMENT *****
A SITE FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT AT TIN SAM, SHA TIN, IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ACCORDING TO SALES CONDITIONS, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO PROVIDE 1 900 TO 2 000 RESIDENTIAL UNITS RANGING BETWEEN 35 SQUARE METRES AND 55 SQUARE METRES IN AREA ON THE 1.9 HECTARE SITE OPPOSITE LUNG HANG ESTATE.
ON COMPLETION, THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST 108 110 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC GROSS FLOOR AREA, PLUS 1 100 SQUARE-METRES OF SPACE FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE, ON WHICH GODOWN AND CINEMA DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
ABOUT 6 900 SQUARE METRES AT THE GROUND FLOOR LEVEL.
OF OPEN SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 17.
______n-------
KEEP HK CLEAN CAMPAIGN APPEAL DAY *****
ABOUT 2 000 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE AWAY 500 000 PIECES OF KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STICKERS TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (SATURDAY) THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE STICKERS, BEARING THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN SLOGAN +WE’RE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN+, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE CF CHARGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF TOMORROW’S +APPEAL DAY+ WAS TO INSTILL A SENSE OF SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TOWARDS A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO PUT ON THE STICKERS AS A GESTURE TO ’PITCH IN’ TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE +APPEAL DAY+ WAS NOT A FUND-SOLICITING EXERCISE.
+IT MERELY FORMS ONE OF THE SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO AROUSE PUBLIC ATTENTION TOWARDS KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
/♦THEREFORE, MEMBERS.........
FRIDAY, MAY ?9, 198?
- 13 -
♦THEREFORE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NEED NOT GIVE ANY MONEY WHEN THEY RECEIVE THE STICKERS,+ HE SAID.
TO LEND SUPPORT TO THE APPEAL DAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UC/RC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, URBAN COUNCILLOR MISS CECILIA YEUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE WILL JOIN HANDS WITH CYC MEMBERS TO DISTRIBUTE THE STICKERS TO THE PUBLIC AT THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE OUTSIDE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE LOBBY OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2/F, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, N.T., AT 9 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). GIS CFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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JOIN THE REGIMENT CALL
K * * K
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON ENTHIS I AST IC YOUNG MEN WHO WOULD LIKE TO FACE THE CHALLENGE AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN THE REGIMENT DURING ITS CURRENT RECRUITMENT DRIVE.
THIS YEAR, THE VOLUNTEERS ARE LOOKING FOR 150 MALE RECRUITS.
THE ANNUAL RECRUITMENT STARTED IN EARLY MAY AND HAS RECEIVED A FAVOURABLE RESPONSE SO FAR.
♦JOINING THE VOLUNTEERS IS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE. IT GIVES RECRUITS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET AWAY FROM THEIR DAILY ROUTINE. THEY CAN DRILL AND CAMP IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, LEARN THE BASIC MILITARY SKILLS AND ENJOY COMRADESHIP,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIMENT SAID.
♦IT WILL HELP BUILD ONE’S CHARACTER AND SELF-RELIANCE, BROADEN ONE’S OUTLOOK AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF CITIZENSHIP,* HE ADDED.
/APPLICANTS SHOULD .......
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
14
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE 17 OR ABOVE, HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH.
THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND HAVE THEIR EMPLOYERS’ CONSENT BEFORE APPLYING TO JOIN THE FORCE.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. THE RECRUITING OFFICER OF THE REGIMENT CAN BE CONTACTED AT 5-761371 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
MONG KOK CLEAN-UP LAUNCHED
* K
URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY LEADERS OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT TODAY (FRIDAY) JOINED HANDS TO SWEEP STREETS AND EMPTY DUST BINS IN A CLEAN-UP DEMONSTRATION TO RESIDENTS.
THE EVENT, HELD IN THE NULLAH STREET SITTING-OUT-AREA, IS PART CF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER, MR CHAN KWOK-MING, REMINDED RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS THAT TO KEEP THE DISTRICT CLEAN WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE PART IN CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES TO HELP FOSTER A PLEASANT AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT TO LIVE IN.
ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN INCLUDED A CLEAN STREET COMPETITION, A BUILDINGS CLEAN-UP COMPETITION AND THE YEAREND CLEAN-UP.
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/15........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
15
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES *****
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON MAY 31 (TUEN NG FESTIVAL) AND JUNE 1 (MONDAY) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THE EIGHT CLINICS WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON’ LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
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FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG * * * *
ABOUT 400 ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG WILL GATHER AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL FOR FREE EYE CHECK-UP TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OPTOMETRISTS FROM AN OPTICAL COMPANY WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO ELDERLIES WHO ARE ALL AGED 65 OR ABOVE WITH COMPUTERISED EYE CHECKING MACHINE.
ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S 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.
THERE WILL BE AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 AM TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, MR WAN YUET-KAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR THE ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10 AM AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE LEAVING THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, NEXT TO STAR FERRY, AT 9.15 AM SHARP.
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/16........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
16
PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
*****
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE 1987 COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY WILL BE HELD AT MARINA ROOM 1, THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTORATE), MR SO FAI-CHO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY.
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD * * * *
THE TWO TRAFFIC LANES ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM SUNDAY (MAY 31) TO JUNE 27 FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
THE AFFECTED SECTION IS BETWEEN CONTAINER PORT ROAD FLYOVER AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE LAI KING HILL ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
17
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR DRAGON BOAT RACES
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YAU MA TEI, SHA TIN AND TAI PO ON SUNDAY (MAY 31) FOR THE DRAGON BOAT RACES.
IN YAU MA TEI, MAN CHEONG STREET BETWEEN MAN WAI STREET AND FERRY STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 0.01 AM TO 6 PM. AT THE SAME TIME. MAN WAI STREET BETWEEN MAN CHEONG STREET AND MAN SING STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON SOUTHBOUND FERRY STREET FOR JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER MAY USE FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND, CANTON ROAD SOUTHBOUND, JORDAN ROAD FERRY CONCOURSE AND CANTON ROAD NORTHBOUND.
VEHICLES IN FERRY POINT HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI MAY USE MAN WUI STREET, FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND, SAIGON STREET, CANTON ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND.
MEANWHILE, FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM, THE METERED PARKING SPACES AT MAN CHEONG STREET AND THE PUBLIC CAR PARK ADJACENT TO THE JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER WILL BE SUSPENDED.
IN SHA TIN, SAND MARTIN BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7.30 AM TO 1.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY. TRAFFIC CROSSING SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LION BRIDGE AND BANYON BRIDGE.
KMB ROUTES 48, 69, 70, 72A, 81K, 170 AND 281 ? AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 65K AND 67K WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
MEANWHILE, TWO SECTIONS OF CYCLE TRACK ALONG BOTH BANKS OF SHING MUN RIVER BETWEEN SAND MARTIN BRIDGE AND BANYON BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7.30 AM TO 1.30 PM.
IN TAI PO, DAI KWAI STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DAI CHEONG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AND CYCLISTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FROM 7.30 AM AND 2 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
KMB ROUTE 72K, OPERATING FROM TAI PO KCR STATION TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AS WELL AS KCR SERVICES WILL BE ENHANCED.
AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION MAY OCCUR ALONG TING KOK ROAD NEAR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
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/18
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1987
18
NT RECREATIONAL BUS ROUTE TO RESUME
*****
THE NEW TERRITORIES RECREATIONAL BUS SERVICE 91R, PLYING BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL MTR STATION AND CLEAR WATER BAY, WILL BE RESUMED FROM SUNDAY (MAY 31).
THE SERVICE WILL ONLY OPERATE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN SUMMER AT A 1O-MINUTE INTERVAL DURING PEAK HOURS. THE FARE WILL BE $3 FOR SINGLE JOURNEY.
- 0 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL *****
THE EXISTING LEFT-TURN BAN FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL INTO RUMSEY STREET ON VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH, WHICH HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE MARCH FOR UTILITY DIVERSION WORKS, WILL EE IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER THREE WEEKS.
AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING CMB ROUTE NO. 71, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CLEVERLY STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND RUMSEY STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
Saturday, May 30, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
PROGRESS MADE CN DEFENCE T,.LKS ............................ 1
HK AID TO FIRE VICTIMS ..................................... 1
WORK BEGUN ON NEW MUSEUM OF ART ............................ 2
SCHOOL .iDMINISTRaTION A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE .............. 3
PREMISES RESERVED FOR WELFARE SERVICES ..................... 4
SAI KUNG FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR THE ELDERLIES ............... 4
VOLUNTEERS WaNTED FOR PROBATIONER SCHEME ................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR NT REGIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS ........ 6
THREE CONTRACTS AWaRDED..................................... 6
NEW ACCOMMODATION FOR CUSTOMS KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE .... 7
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BC.xRD TO DISCUSS NOISE CONTROL.......... 7
ROaD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN rJ^D SAU MaU PING ................. 7
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGaRET RCaD FLYOVER............. 8
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHEUNG SHUI ............ 8
WATER SUPPLY IN TSUEN WaN .................................. 8
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1987
PROGRESS MADE ON DEFENCE TALKS
*****
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR R.I.W. UPTON AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, MR D. TSANG, RETURNED TO HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) FROM LONDON, WHERE THEY HAD BEEN ATTENDING EXPERT LEVEL TALKS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES ON THE MATTER OF DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EXPERTS FROM THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES MET IN LONDON ON MAY 27 AND 28 TO DISCUSS QUESTIONS RELATING TO DEFENCE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER.
AS agreed at the sixth meeting of the joint liaison group, they CARRIED FORWARD DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO DEFENCE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND THE NEED FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN THIS
AREA
the spokesman said that the atmosphere at the talks had been EXCELLENT, THAT IT HAD BEEN A GOOD MEETING AND THAT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE.
HK AID TO F IRE VICTIMS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE K5 MILLION WORTH OF RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR VICTIMS OF THE FOREST FIRE DISASTER IN HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE OF NORTHERN CHINA.
THE RELIEF FUNDS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
THE ACTION wAS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO AN APPEAL LAST WEEK bY THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY F Uh AID FOR THE 50 000 MADE HOMELESS BY THE FIRES AND FOR THE THOUSANuo INJURED IN FIGHTING THEM.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE USING THE $5 MILLION TO PKuVlbL FOOD, BLANKETS, AND SOME MEDICAL SUPPLIES. ABOUT 1 800 TONNES OF RICE, 290 TONNES OF CANNED MEAT AND It TONNES OF BISCUITS WILL DE PROVIDED, TOGETHER WITH 5 000 BLANKETS, 10 000 DISPOSABLE SYRINGES, 10 HOSPITAL AIR MATTRESSES AND QUANTITIES OF BLEACHING AGENT.
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRwAYS HAVE OFFERED TO PROVIDE, FREE OF CHARGE, SPACE FOR A FIRST BATCH OF RELIEF SUPPLIES TO BE SENT OUT ON JUNE 2, (TUESDAY) AND FOR A SECOND BATCH ON JUNE 5.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE PRESS TO COVER THE LOADING OF RELIEF SUPPLIES AT THE AIRPORT ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 8.30 AM. GIS OFFICERS wILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1937 •
?
WORK BEGUN ON NEW MUSEUM OF ART * * * *
FOUNDATION WORK ON THE NEW MUSEUM OF ART AT TSIM SHA TSUI HAS STARTED FOLLOWING THE RECENT AWARD OF A $11.6 MILLION PILING CONTRACT TO A LOCAL COMPANY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
LOCATED NEXT TO THE SPACE MUSEUM AND THE CULTURAL CENTRE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THE NEW MUSEUM BUILDING WITH AN OPEN PEDESTRAIN PIAZZA WILL COVER AN AREA OF ABOUT 5 000 SQUARE METRES.
IT WILL CONSIST OF FIVE STOREYS AND A ONE-LEVEL BASEMENT.
FIVE EXHIBITION GALLERIES, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 4 500 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE DISPLAY OF CONTEMPORARY HONG KONG ART, ART IN CHINESE HISTORY, HISTORICAL PICTURES, CHINESE ANTIQUITIES AND CHINESE FINE ART.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A 1 300-SQUARE-METRE TEMPORARY EXHIBITION ALLERTS FOR VISITING EXHIBITS.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A LECTURE HALL, LIBRARY AND A NUMBER OF ART STUDIOS, TOGETHER WITH WORKSHOPS FOR CONSERVATION, RESTORATION, GRAPHIC DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY, CARPENTRY, METAL AND PLASTIC WORKS, WILL BE INCLUDED.
ARTEFACT STORES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE STORAGE OF OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS, PAPER AND TEXTILE WORKS, CERAMIC AND STONE WARES, AND WOOD AND METAL WORKS.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE AND CURATORIAL OFFICES, A BOOK SHOP, SOCIETY ROOM AND REFRESHMENT CORNER.
THE PILING WORK FOR THE NEW MUSEUM BUILDING WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN EARLY 1988 AND BE COMPLETED IN 1990.
THE NEW MUSEUM WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING MUSEUM LOCATED AT THE HIGH BLOCK OF THE CITY HALL.
THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE PROJECT IS $125 MILLION.
SATURDAY, HAY 30, 1987
5
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE * * * M *
THE RAPID EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION DURING THE LAST DECADE HAS LED TO A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STAFF IN LOCAL SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, bR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THIS RESULTED IN A STANDARD-SIZE SECONDARY SCHOOL NOW USUALLY HAVING AS MANY AS 59 TEACHERS, MR LI ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MIDDLE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR CATHOLIC COUNCIL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID THE COMPLEXITIES OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, COUPLED WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF A LARGE STAFF, PRESENTED A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO ALL SCHOOL PR INC IPALS.
+THERE IS FORTUNATELY A GROWING RECOGNITION THAT THE PRINCIPAL NEEDS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS AND SKILLS IN ORDER TO MANAGE HIS OR HER SCHOOL EFFECTIVELY,* MR LI SAID.
+PERHAPS LESS WIDELY APPRECIATED, HOWEVER, IS THE FACT THAT MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS AND SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT NOT ONLY TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS BUT ALSO TO THE SENIOR TEACHERS INVOLVED IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION - THE MIDDLE MANAGERS WITHIN THE SCHOOL.*
NOTING THAT MOST ORGANISATIONS RELIED HEAVILY ON DELEGATION TODAY, MR LI SAID DELEGATION MUST BE BASED ON TRUST AND IN TURN, WAS BUILT ON THE MANAGER’S CONFIDENCE THAT HIS ASSISTANTS HAD Trie ABILITY AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO ASSIST IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION CF THE ORGANISATION INCLUDING STRONG POWERS OF CO-ORDINATION.
ON THE INTEGRATION OF MANAGEMENT THEORY WITH EDUCATION, bR LI SAID IT WAS A FIELD WHICH IN MANY RESPECTS WAS STILL LARGELY UNEXPLORED. MOST OF THE MANAGEMENT THEORIES COULD NOT BE DIRECTLY APPLIED WITHOUT MODIFICATION TO EDUCATION BECAUSE IT WAS GENERALLY NOT PROFIT-ORIENTED. IN ADDITION, EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES, TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE, SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND THE LIKE WERE NOT EASILY MEASURABLE, HE SAID.
+THE INTEGRATION OF MANAGEMENT THEORY WITH EDUCATION IS THEREFORE BECOMING AN AREA OF GROWING CONCERN AMONG EDUCATORS,* SAID MR LI, ADDING THAT TODAY’S WORKSHOP WAS A SIGNIFICANT AND POSITIVE STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF SUCH INTEGRATION IN LOCAL SYSTEM.
MR LI EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO THE PROBLEMS ATTACHED TO MIDDLE MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS FROM THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY SPEAKERS FROM THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND WOULD BENEFIT MORE AFTER JOINING THE PANEL DISCUSSION DURING THE COURSE OF THE WORKSHOP.
-------o--------- /A........
AY, MAY 30, 1937
4
PREMISES RESERVED FOR WELFARE SERVICES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESERVED 29 PREMISES IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF NURSERIES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING WELFARE AGENCIES TO APPLY FOR THESE PREMISES WHICH WILL BECOME AVAILABLE OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
THE PREMISES WILL BE LOCATlD IN 12 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND FIVE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
WHEN COMPLETED, 15 OF THESE NEW PREMISES WILL BE USED AS NURSERIES AND THE REMAINING 14 AS SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THESE WELFARE PREMISES HAS BEEN SENT TO WELFARE AGENCIES FOR THEIR INFORMATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT URGED INTERESTED AGENCIES TO APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 19/F., 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1987.
^SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION TO PROVIDE A PARTICULAR SERVICE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY IMPLY THAT RECURRENT SUBVENTIONS OR CAPITAL GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND WOULD BE FORTHCOMING.
+SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE MADE IN DUE COURSE AND EACH CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- 0 - -
SAI KUNG FREE EYE CHECK-UP FOR THE ELDERLIES X X X X X
ABOUT 400 ELDERLIES IN SAI KUNG TOOK PART IN THE FREE EYE CHECK-UP TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WERE EITHER 65 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE AND HAD ENROLLED THEMSELVES FOR THE CHECK-UP ON APRIL 27.
AMONG THEM, 195 ELDERLIES WERE RECOMMENDED BY SEVEN ELDERLY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT WHILE THE REST WERE INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS.
OPTOMETRISTS FROM AN OPTICAL COMPANY WERE ON HAND TO CHECK THE EYES OF THE ELDERLIES WITH COMPUTERISED EYE CHECKING MACHINE.
/TH(.)£ WHO
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1987
- 5 -
THOSE WHO WERE FOUND TO HAVE POOR EYE SIGHT WERE ENCOURAGED TO BUY SPECTACLES AT A COST OF ONLY MO, WHILE THOSE RECEIVING PUBLIC ALLOWANCE COULD GET THEM FREE.
HOWEVER THEY WERE ALSO PERMITTED TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR THE SPECTACLES IN PERSON OR BY REPRESENTATIVE ON JUNE 3 (WEDNESDAY) IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL IF THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PAY TODAY.
MEANWHILE, PAMPHLETS ON EYE CARE WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO THE ELDERLIES TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THIS SUBJECT.
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE ON JUNE 3, 17 AND 26 TO TAKE THE ELDERLIES TO THE OPTICAL COMPANY FOR SPECTACLES FITTING.
SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE PROJECT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, JUNK BAY MEDICAL RELIEF COUNCIL AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE ON EYE CARE AND AROUSING RESIDENTS’ CONCERN FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.
-------0----------
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR PROBATIONER SCHEME * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.
PEOPLE WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER. WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION AND RICH LIFE EXPERIENCE AND WHO Are INTERESTED IN HELPING OTHERS, ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS (VSP).
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE FOR THi VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS AT ROOM 1028, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO MAGISTRACIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VSP CENTRE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 15.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL ATTEND A BRIEF ORIENTATION COURSE BEFORE THEY WORK TOGETHER WITH PROBATION OFFICERS IN HELPING YOUNG OFFENDERS IN THEIR REHABILITATION.
APART FROM BEFRIENDING PROBATIONERS, THE VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP THEM DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES AND HABITS, AND CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS. TUITION AND USEFUL GUIDANCE CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE
PROBATIONERS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO MR M.C. FUNG ON TELEPHONE 5-8955230.
- o - -
/6........
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1987
6
TENDERS INVITED FOR NT REGIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CENTRALISED NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL POL ICE JeADQUARTeSs AT TAI PO TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE AT TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN.
on inc work FOR THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN JUNE, AND WORK ON ITS SUPERSTRUCTURE IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
SITUATED AT A 7 700-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR THE SUN HING GARDEN PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT, THE NErt upAnoiiartfrS WILL HAVE A COMPOUND, A PARADE/INSPECTION AREA, A !I^ToS^ BUILDING AND A rSnGE OF ’ S INGLE-STORE Y ANCILLARY BUILDINGS.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE MAIN BUILDING WILL INCLUDE (TRICES; INTERVIEW, CONFERENCE AND REPORT ROOMS! CONTROL/ COMMUNICATION CENTRES! COMPUTER ROOMS! BARRACK ROOMS AND LOCKER/ REST ROOMS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE AND A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL WHICH CAN BE TURNED INTO A GYMNASIUM OR AN ASSEMBLY HALL.
THE SINGLE-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDINGS WILL BE USED AS WORKSHOP) AND FOR STORAGE.
A TOTAL OF 25 670 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE BUILDINGS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 19.
------0-------
THREE CONTRACTS AWARDED * * *
THREE CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $3.19 MILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR FIRE SERV ICE, LIFT AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AT THE RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS FOR FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL BEING BUILT AT TUEN MUN.
WORK ON THE CONTRACTS HAS ALREADY STARTED AND WILL TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE QUARTERS ARE BEING BUILT OFF CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN SAN HUI AND WILL BE 20-ST0REYS, PROVIDING 11 300 SQUARE METRES OF ACCOMMODATION SPACE FOR 160 FAMILIES.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A CARPARK, GARDEN AND COVERED CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA.
THE QUARTERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER, 1988.
______0-------- /7.................
7
NEW ACCOMMODATION FOR CUSTOMS KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE
*****
THE KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM OCEAN CENTRE TO THE STAR HOUSE IN TSIM SHA TSUI FROM JUNE 2 (TUESDAY).
THE NEW OFFICE WILL PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES AND MORE COLLECTION COUNTERS. TO SHORTEN THE QUEUING TIME FOR LODGEMENT OF TRADE DECLARATIONS, COUNTERS ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS ACCORDING TO THEIR SPECIAL FUNCTIONS.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7234325.
- - 0 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS NOISE CONTROL *****
MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2).
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM CF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, 2/F., TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.
- - o - -
ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN AND SAU MAU PING *****
ROAD D9 IN TUEN MUN BETWEEN THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD/ROAD D9 ROUNDABOUT AND TSENG CHOI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 1) AND TUESDAY FOR ROAD WORK.
MOTORISTS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR YUEN LONG SHOULD DRIVE VIA PUI TO ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD, WHILE THOSE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON SHOULD DRIVE STRAIGHT AHEAD ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD.
/MEANWHILE, TRAFFIC
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1987
- 8 -
MEANWHILE, TRAFFIC ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTH OF ROAD D9 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TUEN MUN ROAD AND PUI TO ROAD.
IN SAU MAU PING, TWO SECTIONS OF ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM JUNE 2 TO JUNE 6 BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
THE ROAD SECTIONS ARE : SAU MAU PING ROAD BETWEEN SHUN ON ROAD AND HIP WO STREET I AND HIP WO STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SAU MAU PING ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH CF THE SAME JUNCTION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SAU MAU PING ROAD SHOULD USE SHUN ON ROAD.
------o ------
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER *****
THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 2) TO JUNE 6 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.
------o-------
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHEUNG SHU I *****
ROAD L9 BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH ROAD DI AND ROAD D7 IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES 24 HOUR DAILY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2).
NO PLBS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROHIBITED AREA.
------o--------
WATER SUPPLY IN TSUEN WAN
*■**■*•*
WATER PRESSURE TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2) FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE MAINS WORK.
TSUEN WAN FOLLOWING
WILL REDUCE DAY FOR
SIDE OF TAI HO ROAD
THF AFFECTED PREMISES ARE AT THE WEST TO 13TMKEST0NE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
(SUPPLEMENT)
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 19^7
THE FULL TRANSCRTPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DaVID WILSON, ON MaY 29, 1987
1
H.E. i THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND GOOD AFTERNOON. IT IS NICE TO SEE THAT THERE IS A WORLD BEYOND THE CAMERAS AND TO SEE ALL CF YOU. I HAVE NOW BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR SOME SEVEN WEEKS, EXACTLY SEVEN WEEKS YESTERDAY. PERHAPS I COULD START JUST BY SHARING VERY BRIEFLY WITH YOU, SOME OF MY INITIAL IMPRESSIONS.
THE FIRST ONE IS SOMETHING WHICH STRIKES ANYBODY COMING BACK TO HONG KONG EVEN AFTER A VERY SHORT TIME AWAY AND THAT IS, THE ENORMOUS VITALITY OF THE PLACE. ONE SEES IT ALL AROUND, IN BUILDING AND IN PLANNING, FOR THE MEDIUM AND FOR THE LONG-T^RM FUTURE. NOW, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SEE, FOR MYSELF, AS MUCH AS I CAN IN A SHORT TIME, OF THAT PLANNING AND THAT WORK.
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THE POSITIVE THINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE, I’VE ALSO BEEN LOOKING AT SOME OF THE THINGS WHICH STILL HAVE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.
IT IS VERY STRIKING, I THINK, THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE ENORMOUS PROGRESS OVER THE LAST DECADE, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS CF QUANTITY OF WHAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED. IF YOU LOOK AT THE HOUSING PROGRAMME, TRANSPORT PROGRAMME, MEDICAL CARE, ALL OF THESE THINGS ENORMOUSLY STRIDE OVER THE LAST DECADE.
BUT I AM ALSO CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT, AFTER MY SEVEN WEEKS HERE, THAT THERE ARE RISING ASPIRATIONS AMONGST PEOPLE HERE. PERHAPS ONE COULD LOOK AT THIS IN TERMS OF A SEARCH FOR IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY, TO MATCH THE IMPROVEMENTS IN QUANTITY WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE LAST DECADE.
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS WHERE MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. ONE THINKS OF THE QUALITY OF HOUSING, ONE THINKS OF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT — WHERE THE RAPIDITY OF DEVELOPMENT HAS CREATED ITS OWN PROBLEMS. SO MUCH HAS BEEN DONE BUT THERE IS A GREAT DEAL STILL TO BE DONE.
THE OTHER POINT WHICH STRIKES ME IS THAT YOU CAN ONLY DO WITH THESE THINGS, YOU CAN ONLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IF YOU HAVE A SOUND ECONOMIC FOUNDATION. A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY IS THE KEYSTONE TO ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE.
AT THE MOMENT, OUR ECONOMY IS DOING VERY WELL BUT THIS FACT MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO PAY ATTENTION TO ENSURING THAT OUR ECONOMY REMAINS DYNAMIC AND THAT ENTERPRISE
IS REWARDED.
/ONE LAST .......
2 -
ONE LAST IMPRESSION AND, THAT IS, GOING AROUND EVEN IN THE PERIOD OF SEVEN WEEKS, I AM VERY STRUCK INDEED BY THE AMOUNT OF TIME PEOPLE SPEND IN HONG KONG, DEVOTED TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS. AND I AM THINKING HERE, NOT JUST OF PEOPLE IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS - WHICH GET A GOOD DEAL OF PUBLICITY - BUT AT A MUCH LOWER LEVEL, GETTING DOWN TO ADVISORY BOARDS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF VERY VALUABLE WORK IS DONE BY A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. I FIND THAT VERY IMPRESSIVE.
IT GOES, I THINK, WITH A SYSTEM WHICH HAS GROWN UP OVER THE YEARS, WHERE THAT HAPPENS AND WHERE THERE IS ALSO CONSULTATION -AND CONSULTATION IS, OF COURSE, WHAT WE ARE JUST EMBARKING UPON IN THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSING THE GREEN PAPER, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED TWO DAYS AGO.
WITH THOSE FEW INITIAL IMPRESSIONS, MAY I SAY THAT I SHALL BE HAPPY TO TRY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE GOT.
Q: SALLY BLYTH (RTHK), SIR DAVID, THE 1984 WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STATES IN ITS CONCLUSIONS THAT ON THE QUESTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS - AND I QUOTE, +THE BULK OF PUBLIC RESPONSE FAVOURED A CAUTIOUS APPROACH WITH A GRADUAL START, BY INTRODUCING A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS IN 1988 AND BUILDING UP TO A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER BY 1997.+ THE GOVERNMENT’S GREEN PAPER THIS WEEK FAILS TO MENTION THESE CONCLUSIONS. THE 1984 WHITE PAPER WAS MEANT TO POINT THE WAY FORWARD. IS THE GOVERNMENT NOW SWEEPING ITS ENTIRE CONTENTS UNDER THE CARPET?
A: THE SHORT ANSWER IS +NO+. BUT LET ME EXPAND ON THAT.
THE 1984 WHITE PAPER HAD ONE KEY SECTOR IN ITS DECISIONS AND THAT WAS, TO INTRODUCE FOR THE FIRST TIME, AN ELEMENT OF INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THAT WAS A VERY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH HONG KONG HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD. THAT, OF COURSE, HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED. WE HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH THE NEW SYSTEM FOR JUST OVER A YEAR AND A HALF.
ANOTHER POINT WHICH WAS MADE IN THE CONCLUSIONS TO THE WHITE PAPER WAS THAT THE QUESTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS WOULD BE FURTHER CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF A REVIEW WHICH WAS PUT TO 1987, INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL. THAT, OF COURSE, IS THE REVIEW WHICH WE ARE NOW EMBARKED ON. SO THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT EXACTLY.
/Q: BERNARD FONG ........
3
Qs BERNARD FONG (SCMP), I HAVE A SPONTANEOUS QUESTION, SIR.
A: I HOPE THEY ARE ALL SPONTANEOUS.
Qs BERNARD FONG, WHAT MARK, SIR, DO YOU WISH TO LEAVE ON HONG KONG? LORD MACLEHOSE IS KNOWN FOR HOUSING AND OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS AND SIR EDWARD YOUDE FOR THE JOINT DECLARATION. AND NOW, YOURSELF, THE GOVERNOR OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD. YOU HAVE SAID YOU WOULD WAGE WAR ON POLLUTION, PROMOTE TRADE AND ADVANCE HIGH EDUCATION. WILL ALL THESE THINGS BE ACHIEVED WHEN YOU ARE FACED WITH THE DELICATE JOB CF REFORMING THE POLITICAL SYSTEM AND PLEASING CHINA? YOU HAVE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ON POLITICAL CHANGES, BUT THEN YOU HAVE ALSO SAID 'GO SLOW ON REFORMS’. WHICH THEN IS YOUR REAL POSITION, SIR?
As WITH RESPECT, FOR A SPONTANEOUS QUESTION, THAT’S EXTREMELY LONG. IT IS ALSO QUITE DIFFICULT TO PICK ON ONE THING TO ANSWER IT. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DONE, WHEN I FINISH HERE - IS TO HAVE CARRIED AS SINCERELY AS POSSIBLE THE JOB CF BEING GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS WHERE, OVER TIME, I HOPE I WILL CONCENTRATE MY EFFORTS. BUT HAVING BEEN HERE ONLY SEVEN WEEKS, IT IS RATHER TOO EARLY TO SAY EXACTLY WHERE THOSE WILL BE. I HOPE THAT, WHEN IT COMES TO GIVING MY FIRST ADDRESS TO LEGCO IN OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR, THAT SOME OF THE AREAS WHERE I THINK EFFORT SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED, WILL BECOME APPARENT.
Qs EMILY LAU (FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW), SIR DAVID, SINCE HONG KONG IS THE ONLY BRITISH COLONY THAT WILL NOT BE GIVEN INDEPENDENCE AND INSTEAD WILL BE HANDED OVER TO A COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT, DOES THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY IN MAKING SURE THAT A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS IN PLACE BEFORE THE HANDING OVER IN 1997? AND DO YOU THINK THAT REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INCLUDE SOME ELEMENTS, AT LEAST, CF DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATURE?
A: THE RESPONSIBILITY, IF YOU INTERPRET THAT NARROWLY, WILL HAVE TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY WHICH IS DEFINED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND EVERYTHING THAT IS LAID DOWN IN THAT. THAT, OF COURSE, AS YOU KNOW, LAYS DOWN THAT THE LEGISLATURE WILL BE ELECTED BY, OR IN, 1997, BUT DOES NOT SAY PRECISELY HOW THAT SHOULD BE DONE.
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOTH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UP UNTIL 1997, CAN BE SUMMED UP, I SUGGEST, IN ADMINISTERING EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
PRECISELY WHAT FORM OF GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO EVOLVE HERE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL DEPEND PARTLY ON WHAT IS GOING TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR 1997. NOW THAT IS A MATTER FOR THE BASIC LAW, WHICH WILL BE PASSED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS! AND PARTLY WHAT IS EVOLVED HERE, WHICH WILL DEPEND, IN TURN, ON THE SORT OF RESPONSE THAT ONE GETS TO THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE NOW.
/Q: miLY LAU, .....
u
Qi EMILY LAD, SO YOU ARE SAYING THAT RESPONSIBILITY MAY MEAN NOT INTRODUCING ANY FORM OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT HERE BY 1997? X
A: I AM NOT TRYING TO DEFINE IT IN THOSE TERMS. I AM TRYING TO DEFINE IT IN TERMS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION FOR MAINTAINING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY. THOSE ARE THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES. HOW ONE EVOLVES THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, AS I HAVE JUST SAID, DEPENDS, FIRST OF ALL, WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO FINISH UP IN 1997, WHICH IS PARTLY FOR THE BASIC LAW TO DEFINE AND, PARTLY, BECAUSE A LARGE SECTOR OF THE BASIC LAW IS ALREADY DEFINED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION PARAMETERS, PARTLY ALSO ON WHAT EVOLVES BETWEEN NOW AND 1997. ONE CANNOT AT THIS STAGE SAY EXACTLY WHAT FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT IS GOING TO BE. WE ARE ONLY JUST STARTING ON THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE.
Qt MAK YIU-ON, MING PAO, SIR, THE CONSULTATION PROCESS IS IN PROGRESS AND PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT PEOPLE REMAIN SILENT. WOULD YOU PROMISE THAT EXCO WOULD NOT PUT ASIDE THE OPINION EXPRESSED, AS THERE IS FEW PEOPLE GIVE THEIR VIEWS?
A: I HOPE IT’S BEEN MADE CLEAR, CERTAINLY I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT CLEAR NOW, THE GOVERNMENT WISHES AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER. IT IS NOT A SIMPLE SUBJECT, AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY COMMENTED ON THE GREEN PAPER. IT DOES REQUIRE VERY CAREFUL THOUGHT, CONSIDERED OPINIONS TO BE PUT FORWARD. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO SAID THAT THOSE OPINIONS WILL BE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DECISIONS ARE TAKEN AT THE END OF THIS PROCESS. SO I HOPE PEOPLE ARE CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WISH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, INCLUDING ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SPOKEN OUT YET, TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS, HAVING THOUGHT ABOUT THEIR VIEWS VERY CAREFULLY.
Q: JAMES TAM (SING PAO DAILY NEWS), WOULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF ACCOUNT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST TACTICS ON OUR LONG TERM PROBLEM OF REFUGEES?
A: ARE YOU THINKING OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES?
Q: JAMES TAM, YES.
At PERHAPS I COULD SAY A NUMBER OF THINGS ON THAT. FIRST OF ALL, IT IS AN ENORMOUS PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG, HAVING TO LOOK AFTER REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM, MANY OF THEM PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH THIS TERRITORY, WHEN AT THE SAME TIME AS WE ALL KNOW, THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA, OFTEN OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME CONNECTION WITH THIS TERRITORY.
SO THE FIRST THING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS, I AM VERY CONSCIOUS CF THE SIZE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF IT. WE HAVE NOW GOT SOME 7 800 REFUGEES HERE. THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS THIS IS TO DO AS MUCH AS POSSIBLY CAN TO1 ENSURE THAT RESETTLEMENT CONTINUES AND INCREASES.
/WE HAVE .......
5
WE HAVE JUST RECENTLY HAD A NEW OFFER OF RESETTLEMENT FROM THE UK. BOTH THE UK GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE USING THAT OFFER TO GO TO OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND SAY, +WHAT MORE ARE YOU NOW PREPARED TO DO TO TAKE PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG?+
AT THE MOMENT, THE OUTFLOW FOR RESETTLEMENT IS GREATER THAN THE INFLOW, THE TRICKLE INFLOW, OF NEW REFUGEES. BUT THE OUTFLOW IS NOT FAST ENOUGH AT THE MOMENT. WE WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FASTER.
Q: JAMES TAM, ARE WE HAVING ANY NEW SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM BECAUSE RESETTLEMENT NUMBERS ARE DECREASING IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING IN MIND TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION?
A: LONGER TERM, THERE IS THOUGHT BEING GIVEN AND CONSULTATION GOING ON BETWEEN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTS, ABOUT HOW TO ACHIEVE A LONG TERM SOLUTION WHICH MIGHT, FOR INSTANCE, INVOLVE RETURNING TO VIETNAM, PEOPLE WHO ARE DEFINED AS +ECONOMIC MIGRANTS* RATHER THAN STRAIGHT POLITICAL REFUGEES.
THOSE DISCUSSIONS ARE GOING ON NOW.
TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT, YOU NEED TWO PRE-CONDITIONS. THE FIRST AND VERY SIMPLE ONE IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM HAS TO BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT PEOPLE BACK, OTHERWISE YOU CAN’T DO IT. THE SECOND IS, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WOULD QUITE RIGHTLY WISH TO BE ASSURED THAT PEOPLE SENT BACK ARE GOING TO BE DECENTLY TREATED.
SO, UNTIL YOU HAVE THOSE TWO CONDITIONS IN PLACE, YOU CAN’T PROCEED WITH A PROGRAMME OF REPATRIATION.
Qt CHAN CHUNG-KWUN (ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS), SIR, I WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE ON THE GREEN PAPER AGAIN. THE SCOPE OF THE GREEN PAPER IS RATHER LIMITED, ACCORDING TO SOME CRITICS, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS OPINIONS AND VIEWS ON TOPICS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE GREEN PAPER?
A: THERE ARE, OF COURSE, A LARGE NUMBER OF ISSUES DEALT WITH IN THE GREEN PAPER. I HAVE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT TOO MANY ISSUES ARE DEALT WITH IN THE GREEN PAPER. NOW, IF PEOPLE HAVE VIEWS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE GREEN PAPER, THEN THEY SHOULD STILL PUT THEM FORWARD. IF THEY ARE FAR REMOTE IN SUBJECT FROM WHAT THE GREEN PAPER IS DISCUSSING, SAY, THEY WERE ON TRADE POLICY, TO TAKE A RATHER RIDICULOUS EXAMPLE, THEN YOU CAN’T EXPECT THAT TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. BUT IF THEY ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE SUBJECTS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, THEN, OF COURSE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT VIEWS THAT ARE EXPRESSED.
Q: ANN BROCKLEHURST, REUTERS, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS GROWING NUMBER OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO ARE LEAVING HONG KONG FOR COUNTRIES LIKE CANADA AND AUSTRALIA?
/A: FOR A
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A* FOR A LONG TIME IN HONG KONG, THERE HAS BEEN A TRADITION OF PEOPLE BEING EDUCATED ABROAD AND MOVING THROUGH HONG KONG AND SETTLING ABROAD. SO THE QUESTION OF PEOPLE MOVING OUT OF HONG KONG IS NOTHING NEW.
IT IS ALSO A TRADITION OF HONG KONG NOT TO TRY IN ANY WAY TO RESTRICT PEOPLE’S FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, AND I THINK THAT’S A TRADITION WHICH PEOPLE CONSIDER TO BE VERY IMPORTANT.
AT THE MOMENT, WE’VE GOT A FAIRLY STEADY MOVEMENT. IT’S BEEN AVERAGING OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS ABOUT 20 000 A YEAR. FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, THE FIGURES FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU CAN DEFINE THEM ACCURATELY, HAVE BEEN LOWER THAN THAT NUMBER. AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, AGAIN TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU CAN DEFINE IT ACCURATELY, I THINK’THEY ARE GOING ABOUT NORMAL.
AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAVE GOT ANOTHER PHENOMENON, WHICH IS NOT ENTIRELY NEW, BUT WHICH SEEMS TO BE INCREASING. THAT IS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE SETTLED ABROAD, OR ESTABLISHED A RIGHT OF RESIDENCE ABROAD RETURNING TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THEY FIND THE ENVIRONMENT MORE CONDUCIVE IN EVERY WAY. THEY FIND IT CULTURALLY MORE CONDUCIVE, THEY FIND IT ECONOMICALLY MORE CONDUCIVE.
SO WE HAVE GOT A FLOW IN BOTH DIRECTIONS - AND IT IS NOT A NEW FLOW. SO I DON’T THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED BE OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT.
I MIGHT JUST ADD ONE POINT, from PERSONAL background, AND THAT IS, THAT AS A SCOTSMAN, I COME FROM A COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DOING THAT FOR MANY GENERATIONS.
Q: TSUI MING-YUEN (WEN WEI PO), SIR, BACK TO THE GREEN PAPER. IT HAS LISTED OUT ABOUT 40 OPTIONS FOR THE PUBLIC TO CONSIDER, WHETHER THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED IN 1988 BUT, AT PARAGRAPH 114, THE PAPER CAUTIONED THE PUBLIC THAT CERTAIN OPTIONS OR COMBINATIONS OF OPTIONS WOULD HAVE A GREATER IMPACT THAN OTHERS ON THE BALANCE OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR, DO YOU THINK THE PUBLIC HAS THE KNOWLEDGE TO CONSIDER WHICH COMBINATION IS THE BEST FOR SOCIETY, WITHOUT THE NECESSARY INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION? SECONDLY, DO YOU THINK IT IS A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT TO SEEK THE PUBLIC OPINION WITHOUT TELLING THEM THE IMPLICATIONS OF ANY COMBINATIONS?
A: FIRST OF ALL, I THINK IT IS RIGHT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO LAY OUT A SERIES OF OPTIONS AND TO SAY TO THE PUBLIC, IT IS NOW UP TO YOU TO PUT FORWARD YOUR VIEWS ON THESE OPTIONS. SECONDLY, IF THE PUBLIC IS GOING TO DO THAT, IT IS ALSO RIGHT THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD REALISE HOW COMPLEX THESE ISSUES ARE. THAT VARIOUS COMBINATIONS HAVE DIFFERENT SORTS OF EFFECT.
/TO TRY .......
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TO TRY TO OVERSIMPLIFY THE ISSUES WOULD NOT, I BELIEVE, BE DOING A SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. THEY ARE COMPLICATED, THEY CANNOT, OR THEY SHOULD NOT, BE OVER-SIMPLIFIED.
NOW, YOUR OTHER POINT ABOUT LAYING OUT ALL THE IMPLICATIONS OF EACH POSSIBLE COMBINATION - AND I UNDERSTAND THE POINT AND I TAKE IT - BUT IF YOU DID TRY TO DO THAT IN DETAIL, YOU WOULD finish up with a very large green paper indeed, it would be of BOOK SIZE.
SO, I think, what one must rely on is the public and DISCUSSION BY INFORMED PEOPLE, WORKING OUT FOR THEMSELVES WHAT THOSE IMPLICATIONS ARE, CONSIDERING THE IMPLICATIONS BEFORE THEY PUT IN THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
Q: CLAUDIA MO (AFP), SIR, WHY DOESN’T HONG KONG GOVERNMENT KEEP PROPER EMIGRATION FIGURES? AND, SECOND QUESTION, DO YOU THINK THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY IN HONG KONG HAS BECOME OUR SHADOW GOVERNMENT?
A: THEY DON’T SEEM TO BE INTERRELATED BUT LET ME TRY TO ANSWER THEM. THE FIRST ONE - THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS, BECAUSE THERE IS NO CONTROL OVER MOVEMENT OUT OF HONG KONG. I FEEL SURE THAT PEOPLE HERE WOULD NOT WANT THERE TO BE THAT SORT OF CONTROL. SO WHAT YOU HAVE IS FIGURES FOR PEOPLE HOLDING VARIOUS HONG KONG DOCUMENTo, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, LEAVING, AND YOU HAVE OTHER FIGURES FOR THOSE PEOPLE COMING BACK IN. BUT YOU CAN NEVER TELL WHETHER SOMEBODY LEAVING IS GOING FOR A TWO WEEK HOLIDAY TO BALI, FOR EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES AT UNIVERSITY, OR FOR LIFE TIME SETTLEMENT. NOR DO I BELIEVE THAT WE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SHOULD BE ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS. THAT WOULD BE FETTERING THE RIGHT OF MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE.
Q: CLAUDIA MO, CERTAINLY YOU CAN GET SUCH FIGURES FROM CONSULATES?
A* YOU CAN GET FROM CONSULATES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE APPLYING FOR VISAS. YOU DON’T ALWAYS KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY TAKE UP THOSE VISAS AND USE THEM. SO THE FIGURES THAT COME FROM THE VARIOUS CONSULATES HERE ARE, THEMSELVES, ALSO NOT TOTALLY ACCURATE FOR WHO IS LEAVING THIS TERRITORY TEMPORARILY, OR WHO IS LEAVING PERMANENTLY.
THE SECOND QUESTION, IF I COULD GO ON TO THAT, WAS +IS THE NCNA BECOMING A SHADOW GOVERNMENT?* NO.
RECENT REMARKS OF CHINESE
Q: JANE HUTCHEON (RTHK), HAVING HEARD THE
LEADERS INCLUDING DENG XIAO PING, CAN YOU oAY THAT CHINA S VIEWS WILL NOT INFLUENCE OUR SHORT TERM FUTURE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT EVEN IF THEIR STATED OPINIONS RUN CONTRARY TO WHAT HONG KONG VIEWS
ARE ON THE green PAPER?
7<: A NUMBER
£
A: A NUMBER OF VIEWS HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD BY A LARGE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE. IN THE LONG TERM, THAT IS, IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW AND DEFINING OF THE SITUATION OF POST-1997, IT SEEMS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THE VIEWS OF CHINESE LEADERS WILL BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE, BECAUSE THE BASIC LAW IS TO BE PASSED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS. BUT, ON THE VIEWS PUT FORWARD BY ANYBODY, I WOULD CAUTION PEOPLE TO READ VERY CAREFULLY WHAT THOSE VIEWS ARE. THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS AS SIMPLE OR ONE-WAY AS THE INTERPRETATIONS WOULD SOMETIMES PUT THEM. SO FAR AS THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE IS CONCERNED, A large NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE ARE PUTTING FORWARD VIEWS BUT IT IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO DECIDE THEMSELVES WHAT VIEWS THEY THINK THEY WANT TO PUT TO THE GOVERNMENT. AND I AM SURE THEY ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF DOING THAT THEMSELVES.
Q: MATTHEW LEUNG (HONG KONG STANDARD), THE GREEN PAPER MENTIONED THAT THE NEW ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONCEPT FOR LONG-TERM DISCUSSION AND SINCE IT IS MENTIONED IN CHAPTER 1 OF THE GREEN PAPER THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE 1987 REVIEW IS TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED IN 1988 AND IN WHAT MANNER= SO MY QUESTIONS ARE WHY THIS IDEA AMONG COUPLES OF OTHERS FOR LONGER TERM DEVELOPMENT SUGGESTED BY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SELECTIVELY LISTED IN THE GREEN PAPER. MY SECOND QUESTION IS, IS IT THE KIND OF RECOMMENDATION OR DIRECTION PUT FORWARD BY THE ADMINISTRATION?
A: LET ME TAKE THE SECOND PART FIRST. THE ANSWER IS NO. IT IS PUT FORWARD AS SOMETHING TO FLOAT FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION, BUT IT IS NOT THOUGHT BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THIS IS AN OPTION WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN UP IN 1988. THAT IS VERY LARGELY BECAUSE IT IS A RELATIVELY NEW IDEA IN THE COMMUNITY AND IF IT WAS GOING TO BE USED IT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL MORE THOUGHT IN WORKING OUT HOW IT WOULD APPLY IN DETAIL. SO IT IS PUT FORWARD AS ONE OF THE IDEAS WHICH HAS BEEN CIRCULATING IN THE COMMUNITY, TO SEE AT THIS STAGE WHETHER PUBLIC DISCUSSION WOULD THRASH THIS IDEA OUT OR WOULD TREAT IT AS SOMETHING WHICH THE PUBLIC WOULD NOT WANT TO PURSUE FOR THE LONGER TERM FUTURE BUT NOT FOR 1988.
Q: STEVE VINE (OBSERVER), SIR DAVID, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO HAVE MADE IT QUITE CLEAR ITS OWN VIEW ON THE INTERPRETATION OF The JOINT DECLARATION IN THAT THEY DON’T THINK IT IS FOR THIS ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD. DO YOU THINK THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, WHICH WAS THE OTHER SIGNATORY OF The DECLARATION SHOULD MAKE CLEAR ITS VIEW ON ITS INTERPRETATION OF THAT PART OF THE AGREEMENT?
/A: I AM
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A: I AM NOT SURE QUITE WHICH BIT OF THE AGREEMENT YOU ARE REFERRING TO? THE PART OF THE AGREEMENT WHICH IS VERY RELEVANT TO THE EXERCISE THAT WE ARE CARRYING OUT AT THE MOMENT IS THE PART THAT I REFERRED TO JUST EARLIER, WHICH WAS THAT THE LEGISLATURE AFTER 1997 WILL BE FORMED BY ELECTIONS, BUT WITHOUT DEFINING WHAT THOSE FORMS OF ELECTION SHOULD BE. AS FAR AS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED, ON THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE, THEY HAVE MADE THEIR POSITION QUITE CLEAR AND THAT IS THAT THIS IS TO BE GENUINE CONSULTATION IN WHICH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE NO PRE-CONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT THE OUTCOME. SO THAT POSITION HAS BEEN MADE QUITE CLEAR.
HAVE BEEN
Q: STEVE VINE, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHAT THE CHINESE ------ ---
SAYING IS NOT WHAT IS THE OUTCOME BUT SIMPLY THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD NOT BE MAKING SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES. THAT THOSE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES ARE IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO HAVE SAID NOTHING ON THAT MATTER?
A: I AM NOT TOO SURE EXACTLY WHAT STATEMENT BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT YOU ARE REFERRING TO. CAN I JUST PUT IT IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT CONTEXT AND THAT IS THERE IS A REAL PRACTICAL PROBLEM WHICH IS APPARENT TO EVERYBODY AND THAT IS THE BASIC LAW, DEFINING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN ON THE ELECTION OF THE LEGISLATURE IN 1997, SO THAT BASIC LAW CAN DETERMINE HOW THAT SECTION OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE THRASHED OUT BY 1997.
SO YOU HAVE A PRACTICAL PROBLEM ABOUT HOW TO ENSURE THAT WHEN IT COMES TO 1997 THERE IS NOT A SUDDEN CHANGE OF SYSTEMS. YOU HAVE A PROBLEM OF MAKING SURE THAT THE BRIDGE MEETS ACROSS THE TIME IN JULY 1997. THAT I THINK IS A PRACTICAL PROBLEM. AND SO FAR AS CHINESE GOVERNMENT STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN REFERRING TO CHANGES, THAT IS THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM WHICH I THINK THEY ARE REFERRING TO.
Q: WILLIAM FUNG (ATV), DO YOU THEN ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SPEAK OUT THEIR MIND ON THE GREEN PAPER BUT WHICH IS THE MORE IMPORTANT - THE QUANTITY, THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC OPINION OR THE CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW?
A: SORRY, COULD YOU SAY THAT AGAIN? WHICH DO I THINK IS MORE IMPORTANT?
Q: WILLIAM FUNG, THE QUANTITY, THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC OPINION OR THE CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW?
A: I’VE GOT THREE OPTIONS. FIRST OF ALL, WE WANT QUANTITY OF REACTION TO THE GREEN PAPER. SECONDLY, WE VERY MUCH WANT QUALITY OF REACTION. I SAID EARLIER THAT THESE ARE COMPLEX ISSUES. I DO THINK THAT IS A VERY SERIOUS POINT, THEY ARE NOT SIMPLE ISSUES. SO ONE IS LOOKING FOR THOUGHTFUL QUALITY OF RESPONSE, PEOPLE WHO HAVE REALLY CONSIDERED THE ISSUES AND THE IMPLICATIONS. SO WE ARE LOOKING FOR BOTH OF THOSE. AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY OF EVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WHICH WILL MEET AS A BRIDGE WHAT IS ESTABLISHED IN THE BASIC LAW. I THINK NO SENSIBLE PERSON WOULD SAY THAT THIS CONVERGENCE OR A LACK OF CONVERGENCE WOULD BE SENSIBLE.
/THE 'JORD...........
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the WORD +CONVERGENCE+ WHICH ITSELF IS A PERFECTLY RESPECTABLE WORD HAS BEEN MUCH-ABUSED BY OVER-REPETITION? BUT IF ONE THINKS OF IT IN TERMS OF A BRIDGE MEETING ACROSS A PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME, THEN I THINK ANYBODY APPLYING COMMON-SENSE WOULD SAY THAT THE BRIDGE OUGHT TO MEET IN T HE MIDDLE AND NOT MISS.
Q: WILLIAM FUNG, SO FINALLY YOU ARE SAYING THAT EVENTUALLY IT IS CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW THAT IS MOST IMPORTANT?
A: I DIDN’T SAY THAT, I SAID THAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR THREE DIFFERENT SORTS OF THINGS AND I WOULD NOT LIKE TO OVER-SIMPLIFY MY ANSWER. ALL OF THOSE THREE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT. PERHAPS, TO TRY TO GET TO YOUR ANSWER, THERE IS NO STRAIGHT YES OR NO ANSWER TO THAT. ONE SHOULD SAY THAT WE ARE TRYING TO EVOLVE A SYSTEM GRADUALLY HERE= WE ARE TRYING TO DO IT BY CONSULTING OPINION IN HONG KONG. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING TOWARDS DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW= THEY TOO ARE CONSULTING.
I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THEY WILL LOOK WITH GREAT INTEREST AT THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION WE ARE CARRYING OUT NOW. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THESE TWO EXERCISES TO GO IN PARALLEL, SO THAT THE PROBLEM ABOUT HOW YOU MEET UP AT THE END OF THE DAY SHOULD BE SOLVED IN THAT MANNER.
Q: DAVID DODWELL (FINANCIAL TIMES), IT STRIKES ME THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY THE CRUX, THE GREEN PAPER DEBATE IS MUCH LESS TO DO WITH WHATEVER FORM OF ELECTIONS OCCUR NEXT YEAR THAN IT IS TO DO WITH MAKING SURE THAT WHEN CHINA ACTUALLY BUILDS ITS SIDE OF THE BRIDGE, THAT SIDE OF THE BRIDGE IS SHIFTED TO MEET THE BRIDGE THAT IS BEING CONSTRUCTED THIS SIDE, I.E. IT IS LIKE A COVERT EFFORT TO PERSUADE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT THEY HAVE TO BUILD THE BRIDGE THERE AND NOT WHERE THEY ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING IT.
A: WITHOUT GETTING TOO TIED UP ON THE METAPHORS, WE CAN’T PRc-JUDGc. WHAT THE SHAPE OF THE BRIDGE WILL BE OR WHEREABOUTS ON THE MAP IT WILL GO. THE WHOLE EXERCISE OF CONSULTATION IS TO TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE THE PILLARS OF THE BRIDGE ARE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE VIEWb OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
Q. BETTY LIU, TVB NEWS, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF PUBLIC OPINION DOESN’T NECESSARILY CONVERGE WITH THE CHINESE VIEWS ON THE BASIC LAW? FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HERE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DIRECT ELECTIONS, ON THE OTHER HAND YOU HAVE DENG XIAOPING SAYING HE Io NOT REALLY FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG. WHAT WILL HAPPEN THERE?
A: IT IS NOT FOR ME TO INTERPRET CHAIRMAN DENG XIAOPING. BUT I DON’T THINK HE SAID THAT IN SIMPLE TERMS. I THINK THAT IS WHY I SAID LOOK VERY CAREFULLY AT THE WORDING OF WHAT HE SAID.
/THERE ARE .......
THERE ARE TWO UNKNOWNS IN THAT 5 THE FIRST UNKNOWN IS, WE DO NOT ACTUALLY KNOW AT THIS STAGE WHAT IS GOING TO COME OUT OF THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE. WE QUITE SIMPLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT PUBLIC REACTION IS GOING TO BE. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT. THE SECOND UNKNOWN IS WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO BE WRITTEN INTO THE DRAFT CF THE BASIC LAW, SO YOU HAVE TWO UNKNOWNS.
WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY EARLIER WAS THAT SINCE BOTH THE CHINESE SIDE AND WE IN HONG KONG ARE ENDEAVOURING TO CONSULT PUBLIC OPINION AND TO PAY DUE ATTENTION TO PUBLIC OPINION, THAT ONE HOPES THE EXERCISE WILL PROCEED IN PARALLEL, SO THE SORT OF SCENARIO THAT YOU ARE DESCRIBING WON’T ARISE. THAT MUST BE THE HOPE, THAT MUST BE WHAT ONE IS AIMING FOR.
Q: BETTY LIU, TVB» BUT IF IT DOES HAPPEN?
As THAT IS VERY HYPOTHETICAL BASED ON TWO HYPOTHETICAL PROBLEMS.
Q: CHEUNG KIT-FUNG (PAI SHING)t I HAVE HEARD THAT SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND MR WU XUEQIAN HAVE DISCUSSED THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS. CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT THE DISCUSSIONS LEAD TO SOME SORT OF CONSENSUS OR AGREEMENT?
A: THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECENT MEETINGS BETWEEN SIR GEORFFREY HOWE AND FOREIGN MINISTER WU XUEQ|AN. ONE WAS IN GENEVA, ONE WAS RECENTLY IN BANGKOK WHEN BOTH OF THEM, IF I REMEMBER RIGHTLY, WERE THERE FOR AN ESCAP CONFERENCE. AT BOTH OF THOSE MEETINGS THEY DISCUSSED MOST OF iHE TIME A LARGE RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES BUT ALSO DID TOUCH ON HONG KONG. AND THE WHOLE TIME THERE IS DISCUSSION GOING ON ABOUT HONG KONG, BETWEEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON THE WHOLE QUESTION OF TRANSITION, BUT THE GREEN PAPER WHICH HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED IS A DOCUMENT PUT OUT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SO WHAT YOU HAVE GOT IN THE GREEN PAPER IS THE VIEWS PUT OUT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
Qs NG TING-KAI (ATV), THE AIM OF THE GREEN PAPER IS TO REVIEW THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THE ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED?
Qt CHAN YUN-CHI (ATV) AND THE LINKAGE - WE ARE TOGETHER. THE LINKAGE BETWEEN EXCO AND LEGCO WHICH WAS PROVIDED FOR BY SIR HADDON-CAVE IN 1985.
As THE 1984 WHITE PAPER IN ITS CONCLUSION SAID, IF I REMEMBER RIGHT, THAT THERE HAD BEEN VERY LITTLE PUBLIC RESPONSE ON THE QUESTION OF THE COMPOSITION OF EXCO AND THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING WHICH COULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE FUTURE, NOT WITH ANY SPECIFIC TIME GIVEN FOR THAT.
/IT WAS
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IT WAS SAID EARLIER THIS YEAR, IT WAS I BELIEVE MADE QUITE CLEAR THAT THE POSITION OF EXCO AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF EXCO TO LEGCO WOULD NOT BE FURTHER DISCUSSED AT THIS STAGE. TWO REASONS REALLY FOR THAT; ONE IS, WE HAVE ONLY JUST GONE THROUGH A MAJOR CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM. AS I SAID EARLIER WE HAVE ONLY JUST HAD OVER 1-1/2 YEARS OF FOR THE FIRST TIME HAVING AN INDIRECTLY ELECTED ELEMENT IN LEGCO. SO THAT WAS QUITE A CONSIDERABLE CHANGE. THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO FOLLOW A STEP BY STEP AND GRADUAL APPROACH, SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT FEELS IT IS RIGHT NOW TO CONSIDER ONLY FURTHER INCREMENTAL CHANGES, NOT SOMETHING WHICH MIGHT HAVE MAJOR CONS I TUT IONAL IMPLICATIONS, LIKE HOW YOU FORM EXCO AND HOW YOU MIGHT CHANGE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCO AND LEGCO. THOSE ARE THINGS WHICH WOULD GO MUCH FURTHER IN CONSTITUTIONAL TERMS.
Q: FUNG YUK-LIN (RTHK), SIR, YOU STRESSED MANY TIMES ON THE CONVERGENCE BUT THE BASIC LAW WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL 1988. WILL IT CONFINE THE SCOPE OF REVIEW THIS YEAR? WILL THERE BE FURTHER REVIEWS BEFORE 1997?
A: SORRY, I DIDN’T GET CLEAR THE MIDDLE PART OF THAT QUESTION.
Q: FUNG YUK-LIN (RTHK), THE POINT IS THE BASIC LAW WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL NEXT YEAR AND THE POLITCAL REVIEW IS ONGOING NOW. WILL THE BASIC LAW CONFINE THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW THIS YEAR. CAN WE WAIT UNTIL THE BASIC LAW COMES OUT?
A: THE BASIC LAW IS CLEARLY ONE OF THE FACTORS WHICH PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL WISH TO HAVE IN THEIR MINDS WHEN THEY LOOK AT THIS GREEN PAPER. IT IS ONE OF THE FACTS OF LIFE WHICH PEOPLE WILL WANT TO BE AWARE OF.
AS I HAVE SAID SEVERAL TIMES, IT IS FOR THE BASIC LAW TO DEFINE PRECISELY HOW THE LEGISLATURE WILL BE FORMED IN 1997, THAT IS A FACT CF LIFE. BUT WHAT WE ARE DOING AT THE MOMENT IS CARRYING OUT A CONSULTATION ON WHETHER OR NOT THERE SHOULD BE CERTAIN CHANGES IN THE WAY YOU ELECT THE LEGISLATURE. THAT IS NOT WAITING UNTIL THE BASIC LAW COMES OUT. IT WAS A REVIEW WHICH WAS PROMISED FOR 1937 AND THEREFORE IT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN 1987.
Q: FUNG YUK-LIN (RTHK), WAS THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THIS REVIEW?
/A: WHAT I ........
As WHAT I SAID AT THE BEGINNING WAS THAT THE EXISTENCE OF A BASIC LAW, THE FACT THAT THE FIRST DRAFT WILL NOT COME OUT UNTIL 1988. THE BASIC LAW ITSELF PROBABLY WOULD NOT BE PASSED UNTIL 1990 IS AN IMPORTANT POLITICAL FACT WHICH PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL WISH TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, I FEEL SURE, IN CONSIDERING ALL THE RANGE OF OPTIONS PUT DOWN IN THE GREEN PAPER. SO TO THAT EXTENT THE BASIC LAW DOES HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE GREEN PAPER AND IT CLEARLY WILL IN PEOPLE’S MINDS.
Q: CHEUNG CHEE-KWONG (TVB), SIR DAVID, THE GREEN PAPER DOESN’T EVEN MENTION THE DATE FOR THE NEXT REVIEW. CAN WE EXPECT ONE IN THE FUTURE?
A: THAT’S ONE OF THE THINGS WHICH WILL BE LOOKED AT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS DRAFTING THE WHITE PAPER. IT DIDN’T SEEM RIGHT .
AT THE MOMENT IN THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE TO BE LOOKING TWO STEPS AHEAD TO WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE ANOTHER REVIEW AND IF SO WHEN. BUT THAT’S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WILL BE LOOKED AT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WHITE PAPER. I
Q: CAN YOU EXPECT ONE, SAY, IN 1989 OR 1990?
A: WELL. YOU ARE NOT ASKING ME NOW TO START DRAFTING THE WHITE PAPER. ALL I CAN SAY AT THIS STAGE IS THAT WHETHER OR NOT TO WRITE INTO THE WHITE PAPER THE EXISTENCE OF ANOTHER REVIEW AND, IF SO, THE TIMING OF IT, THAT WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE END OF THIS EXERCIou. NOW IF THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANOTHER REVIEW AND THAT IT SHOULD BE AT A CERTAIN TIME, THEN I HOPE THEY WILL PUT FORWARD THOSE IDEAS DURING THE GREEN PAPER EXERCISE.
' I
Qs ANN QUON, (SUNDAY MORNING POST), IN 1979 THE THEN GOVERNOR MACLEHOSE MET WITH DENG XIAOPING IN PEKING AND WHEN HE RETURNED TO HONG KONG, HE TOLD INVESTORS TO PUT THEIR HEARTS AT EASE. YOU YOURSELF AS POLITICAL ADVISER AND SIR S.Y. KAN AS SENIOR EXECUTIVE UNOFFICIAL WERE PART OF THAT GROUP. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS WITH VARYING DEGREES OF AUTHENTICITY AS TO WHAT ELSE WAS SAID AT THAT MEETING WITH DENG. COULD YOU NOW AT THE START OF YOUR GOVERNORSHIP PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?
As FIRST OF ALL, IT WAS SIR Y.K. KAN. THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR NAME AT THE BEGINNING BECAUSE KNOWING WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN RECENTLY, THERE IS ONE POINT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE UP AND I THINK IT IS RIGHT THAT THE RECORD SHOULD BE PUT STRAIGHT ON IT.
CHAIRMAN DENG XIAOPING AT THAT TIME RE-STATED THE CHINESE POSITION ABOUT HONG KONG WHICH IS THAT HONG KONG IS CHINESE TERRITORY. BUT IT IS WRONG TO SUGGEST THAT HE SAID THAT CHINA HAD MADE A DEFINITE DECISION TO TAKE OVER HONG KONG IN 1997, OR TO SUGGEST THAT LORD MACLEHOSE THEN SOMEHOW CONCEALED THIS FACT. THAT IS QUITE WRONG.
/IT IS .......
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IT IS WRONG FURTHER, AND I AM REFERRING I THINK TO THE ARTICLE YOU WROTE, TO SUGGEST THAT THERE WAS INTER-CONNECTION BETWEEN WHAT ALLEGEDLY HAPPENED THEN AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT OF 1981. THAT’S QUITE SIMPLE TO CHECK, BECAUSE THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT OF 1981 GOES BACK, IF I REMEMBER RIGHT, TO A GREEN PAPER IN 1977 WHICH WAS THEN PICKED UP BY THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION. SO THAT LONG PRE-DATES THE VISIT BY LORD MACLEHOSE TO PEKING. I HOPE THAT MAKES THAT POINT CLEAR.
Qt CAROLINE DEWHURST (ATV), YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT +CONVERGENCE+ OF THE BASIC LAW. DO YOU THINK PARTIAL DIRECT ELECTIONS CAN BE PART OF THAT CONVERGENCE?
As WITH RESPECT, IT’S NOT ME THAT KEEPS TALKING ABOUT CONVERGENCE. I HAVE SAID SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE BASIC LAW IS A FACT OF LIFE. THE OPTIONS WHICH ARE BEING PUT FORWARD IN THE GREEN PAPER ARE, AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID WHEN HE WAS INTRODUCING IT IN LEGCO, THOSE ARE ALL GENUINE OPTIONS, •SO THEY ARE ALL BEING PUT FORWARD FOR DISCUSSION. MY HOPE IS THAT BECAUSE BOTH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONSULTING PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS CONSULTING PEOPLE IN HONG KONG IN DRAFTING ITS BASIC LAW, THAT THOSE TWO PROCESSES AND THE CONCLUSIONS WILL GO IN PARALLEL.
Qs HARVEY STOCKWIN (TIMES OF INDIA): I WANT TO TAKE YOU BACK TO YOUR IMPRESSIONS, SIR. HOW DOES IT FEEL WAY INTO THE POST-COLONIAL ERA TO BECOMING A COLONIAL GOVERNOR? I WOULD LIKE TO COUPLE THAT WITH TWO ADDENDA, THAT’S THE BROAD QUESTION. SECONDLY, OF COURSE, YOU ARE THE FIRST GOVERNOR TO TAKE OVER, KNOWING THE POST-COLONIAL ERA WILL ALSO ONE DAY SOON AFFLICT HONG KONG. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, YOU SAY THAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. DO YOU AGREE THAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE DURING YOUR GOVERNORSHIP TO GIVE HONG KONG’S POLITY A VIGOROUS DEGREE OF SELF-RELIANCE AND THAT THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL BUTTRESS TO THE PROSPEROUS ECONOMY TO WHICH YOUR REFER?
A: THAT IS A SERIES OF INTER-CONNECTED QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IN 1987, LET ME PUT IT LIKE THAT?
IT FEELS A TREMENDOUS HONOUR, AND I DON’T USE THAT PHRASE LIGHTLY, TO BE ASKED TO DO THIS JOB. I CANNOT THINK OF A MORE WORTHWHILE JOB TO BE ASKED TO DO. THE FACT THAT THERE IS NOW CLARITY ABOUT THE LONG-TERM FUTURE IN A WAY THAT THERE HASN’T BEEN FOR, LET’S SAY THE LAST 30 YEARS OR SO, DOESN’T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNOR OR OF THE GOVERNMENT TO DO ITS UTMOST TO ADMINISTER HONG KONG WELL IN THE INTERESTS OF ITS PEOPLE DURING THAT TIME. THAT’S WHY I SAID THAT I BELIEVE THERE IS A LOT THAT IS STILL TO BE DONE ON THE BASIS OF AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF ACHIEVEMENT IN THE PAST.
/‘M FAR........
15
SO FAR AS THE LAST PART OF THE QUESTION IS CONCERNED, WHAT ONE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HERE IS A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIVE TO THE PEOPLE, WHICH HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE, SO THAT IT CAN CARRY OUT POLICY EFFECTIVELY, SO THAT PEOPLE FEEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND SO THAT IN TURN PRODUCES A STABLE SOCIETY, A DYNAMIC SOCIETY AND A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY.
Q* (UNIDENTIFIED)*. COMING FROM A COUNTRY IN WHICH THE POLITICAL PARTY COMPETITION IS NOW IN VERY FULL SWING, DO YOU FEEL THAT THE EMERGENCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN HONG KONG WOULD BE A HEALTHY OR UNFORTUNATE PHENOMENON?
As IT’S VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO COMMENT ON THAT WITHOUT SEEMING TO PRE-JUDGE WHAT PEOPLE MIGHT SAY IN THE GREEN PAPER. THE POINT I WOULD MAKE IS THAT THERE HAS NOT IN HONG KONG BtEN A TRADITION OF PARTY POLITICS, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN PART OF THE HONG KONG TRADITION. CONFRONTATIONAL POLITICS HAS NOT BEEN_ PART OF THE HONG KONG TRADITION EITHER. I SENSE THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DO NOT LIKE CONFRONTATIONAL POLITICS, BUT THAT IS ONLY ME SENSING THAT AND IT IS FOR OTHER PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLt IN HONG KONG, TO SAY WHETHER THAT IS SO.
AND A FINAL POINT, THAT IN DEVELOPING THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT ONE SHOULD EVOLVE ON THE BASIS OF HONG KONG o OWN EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN SIMPLY TRYING TO COPY SYSTEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN ADOPTED ELSEWHERE.
HONG KONG, MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID, IS A UNIQUE PLACE. IT NEEDS ITS OWN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.
Q: (UNIDENTIFIED): NOW WE HAVE THE GREEN PAPER MANY PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO WONDER WHY A CLAUSE TO ESTABLISH A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEEPLY ROOTED, FIRMLY ROOTED, IN HONG KONG, DID NOT APPEAR IN THE GREEN PAPER THIS YEAR?
Ai FIRST OF ALL, I DON’T THINK ANY GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT SHOULD NECESSARILY XEROX COPIES OF A PREVIOUS DOCUMENT. SO YOU DON’T EXPECT ONE DOCUMENT TO REFER TO EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE ONE BEFORE IT. THE ANSWER I HAVE JUST GIVEN, I THINK, RELATES VERY CLOSELY TO THE QUESTION YOU’VE ASKED. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION EVOLVING WHICH IS RESPONSIVE TO PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, WHICH HAS THEIR SUPPORT AND IN THAT SENSE IS ROOTED IN HONG KONG. THAT’S WHAT ONE MEANS BY BEING ROOTED IN HONG KONG, HAVING THE SUPPORT, HAVING THE RESPECT CF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, SO THE GOVERNMENT CAN OPERATE EFFECTIVELY. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHAT EVERYBODY WANTS. I’M SURE, IS A GOVERNMENT WHICH OPERATES EFFECTIVELY IN THE
A:
F IRST OF ALL
I DON’T
INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
CHEN YUN-CHEE
16
Q: CHEN YUN-CHEE (ATV): WILL THERE BE A FURTHER REVIEW BEFORE 1997?
As I DID ANSWER THAT JUST BEFORE.
Q: (UNIDENTIFIED) (QUESTION INAUDIBLE)
A: WHEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MADE ITS ANNOUNCEMENT RECENTLY ABOUT TAKING ANOTHER BATCH OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SAID IT WELCOMED THAT, AND IT WELCOMED THAT BECAUSE IT GIVES AN OPPORTUNITY BOTH FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO GO TO OTHER RE-SETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND SAY, WILL YOU NOW UP YOUR INTAKE. NOW, OF COURSE, THERE ARE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO WOULD ALWAYS WISH BRITAIN TO TAKE MORE, AUSTRALIA TO TAKE MORE AND THE UNITED STATES TO TAKE MORE. THAT IS VERY UNDERSTANDABLE. WHAT WE MUST TRY TO DO IS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THESE RE-SETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TAKE MORE. THE LAST BIT OF YOUR QUESTION ABOUT WHOSE POLICY DECISION WAS IT ORIGINALLY. IT WAS A POLICY DECISION BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THIS IS FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
_ _ .-o----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FUY 31, 1987
CONTENTS P/.GE NO.
CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN MEDICAL CONSULTANTS' RETORT ......... 1
PROVISIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LOADING OF VEHICLES........ 3
GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRiiHTS aVaILABLE.................... 5
TRAINING COURSES FOR TECHNICS TEaCHERS ..................... 6
MASSIVE CLEAN-UP TO CONTINUE ............................... 6
WATER CUTS IN Tnl PO ....................................... 8
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1987
1
CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN MEDICAL CONSULTANTS’ H M H H H
REPORT
THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS AROUSED CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC INTEREST AND WAS WIDELY RECOGNISED AS INNOVATIVE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE RELEASE OF A SUMMARY REPORT OF PUBLIC OPINION MARKING THE COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DOCUMENT WAS TO PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF PUBLIC VIEWS EXPRESSED THROUGH THE VARIOUS CHANNELS DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WHICH LASTED FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 1986.
HE ADDED THAT THE VIEWS RECEIVED WERE EXTREMELY USEFUL AND ALL OF THEM HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONSIDERING THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TO MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, THE PROPOSAL FOR A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE SEEMED A FAIRLY RADICAL ONE AND THIS ISSUE ATTRACTED A LOT OF COMMENTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VIEWS.
+TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES SUGGESTED IN THE REPORT WERE OBVIOUSLY WELCOMED,* HE SAID.
THE PUBLIC WAS ESPECIALLY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE ENHANCEMENT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN HOSPITAL SERVICES AS RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT.
THE SPOKESMAN, HOWEVER, NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC ALSO EXPRESSED AN APPREHENSION THAT THE PROPOSAL MIGHT BE THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST STEP TOWARDS SHIRKING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN MEDICAL SERVICES AND IN PARTICULAR THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MIGHT EVENTUALLY BE MADE FINANCIALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT.
+THE GENERAL PUBLIC WAS CONCERNED THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL MIGHT AFFECT THE MORALE OF THOSE STAFF CURRENTLY WORKING IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND THEREBY THEIR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
+THE HARD WORK REQUIRED OF AND GIVEN BY PRESENT GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL STAFF WAS GENERALLY APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE MAJORITY OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTES WERE IN FAVOUR OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL, ALTHOUGH A SMALL NUMBER HELD OPPOSITE VIEWS.
+ INDEED, THEY WERE GENERALLY IN FAVOUR OF MOST OF THE PROPOSALS IN THE REPORT,* HE SAID.
/TURNING TO........
♦ JNDA mAV 1987
'I T ’VlTin H
4 - ? ■ -
TURNING TO THE RESPONSE FROM STAFF GROUPS TOWARDS THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL, HE SAID THAT STAFF FROM SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WELCOMED THE PROPOSAL BECAUSE THE CONSULTANTS SUGGESTED UPGRADING THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO A LEVEL CLOSER TO THOSE OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
HOWEVER, MOST OF THE STAFF GROUPS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS OBJECTED TO HAVING A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AS THEY WERE AFRAID OF LOSING THEIR CIVIL SERVICE STATUS AND HAVING THEIR CURRENT FRINGE BENEFITS REDUCED.
AS FOR THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, THEY WERE GENERALLY IN FAVOUR OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL IN VIEW OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE FACILITIES OF THEIR HOSPITALS AS WELL AS THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THEIR STAFF. THEY, HOWEVER, WISHED TO SEE THEIR HOSPITALS TO CONTINUE UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
THE SUMMARY REPORT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON OCTOBER 15 LAST YEAR.
+ON BALANCE, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL WAS SUPPORTED, WITH THE CAUTION THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING SUFFICIENT FUNDING FOR MEDICAL SERVICES.
+MEMBERS ALSO URGED GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT WHICH WOULD BRING ABOUT IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENTS PENDING FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS ON THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL,+ HE SAID.
THEY ALSO CALLED UPON GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A FURTHER REVIEW ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, NOTING THAT THESE WERE COMPLEMENTARY TO HOSPITAL SERVICES,* HE ADDED.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROPOSAL WAS SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC) WHICH DISCUSSED THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT AT TWO MEETINGS HELD LATE LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, THE MDAC RECOMMENDED A CAUTIOUS APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTATION AND URGED GOVERNMENT TO DEVISE A STRUCTURE WHICH COULD PROVIDE THE MAXIMUM DEGREE OF INTEGRATION AT MINIMUM COST AND DISRUPTION.
THE SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OPINION ALSO RECORDED VIEWS EXPRESSED BY VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE INTERNAL ORGANISATION OF THE HOSPITALS, TO INTRODUCE MORE EFFECTIVE COST CONTROL AND TO IMPROVE THE FEE STRUCTURE.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1987
- 3 -
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, WITH MEMBERS FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, FINANCE BRANCH AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAD BEEN SET UP TO CONSIDER WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE FEASIBLE AND DESIRABLE AND HOW BEST TO IMPLEMENT THEM.
A TOTAL OF 2 600 COPIES OF THE SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OPINION IN ENGLISH AND 2 200 IN CHINESE HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO ALL STAFF GROUPS, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY BODIES CONCERNED. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
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PROVISIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LOADING OF VEHICLES
* * M M M
GOODS CARRIED ON TRUCKS ARE SOMETIMES NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THUS PUTTING AT RISK THE LIVES OF PEOPLE ON BOARD AND OTHER ROAD USERS.
BESIDES BEING HAPHAZARDLY FASTENED, LOADS ARE ALSO OFTEN SEEN TO BE WRONGLY LADEN.
TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PROVISIONAL CODE WHICH EXPLAINS IN DETAIL, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES TO BE ADOPTED FOR TRANSPORTING LOADS SAFELY.
KNOWN AS THE +PROVISIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE LOADING CF VEHICLES*, IT IS AIMED AT GIVING ADVICE TO GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS ON THE SAFE WAY TO LOAD THEIR VEHICLES WITHOUT ENDANGERING THEMSELVES AND OTHER ROAD USERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PROVISIONAL CODE IS PUBLISHED AS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON WHICH INTERESTED PARTIES CAN COMMENT. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TRUCK OPERATORS IN MID-JUNE.
HE INDICATED THAT THE ACTUAL CODE ITSELF IS EXPECTED TO BE ISSUED SOME TIME NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
+WHILE THE PROVISIONAL CODE WILL NOT HAVE THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS CF THE CODE ITSELF, IT IS HOPED THAT GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF FOLLOWING THE ADVICE IT CONTAINS IN ORDER TO ENHANCE NOT ONLY THE SAFETY OF VEHICLES AND PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN THESE OPERATIONS, BUT ALSO USERS GENERALLY,* HE SAID.
/AT PRESENT .......
SUNDAY, MAY , 1987
AT PRESENT THERE ARE MORE THAN 83 OOO LICENSED GOODS VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, CONSISTING OF 66 690 LIGHT VEHICLES, 16 450 MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES AND ABOUT 200 HEAVY VEHICLES,
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS PRACTICE AT PRESENT IS THAT OF ALLOWING AND IN SOME CASES ENCOURAGING, PERSONNEL TO BE CARRIED ON OR WITHIN THE LOAD.
+THIS IRRESPONSIBLE PRACTICE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THEM AS THEY COULD BE CRUSHED BY THE LOAD OR THROWN OFF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE RESTRAINT,+ HE SAID.
+A FURTHER UNSATISFACTORY PRACTICE CONCERNS THE CARRIAGE OF LOOSE BULK LOADS OF WASTE OR EXCAVATED MATERIAL. THEY ARE SOMETIMES LOADED ABOVE THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING DROPS OR BEING BLOWN AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS PRESENTS AN OBVIOUS DANGER TO OTHER ROAD USERS.
+THE PROVISIONAL CODE POINTS OUT THAT SUCH LOADS SHOULD BE PROPERLY CONTAINED WITH COVERS EXTENDING OVER AND DOWN THE SIDES CF THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE SPILLAGE DOES NOT OCCUR.
+OFTEN WHEN LOOSE MATERIAL IS BEING TRANSPORTED, SOME OPERATORS WILL INCREASE THE DEPTH OF THE SIDES BY THE USE OF ODD PIECES OF WOOD IN ORDER TO CARRY MORE MATERIAL.
♦THE PROVISIONAL CODE POINTS OUT THAT THIS PRACTICE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS THE PIECES OF WOOD ARE NOT SECURED TO THE VEHICLE AND CAN BE EASILY DISLODGED, WITH THE CONSEQUENT LOSS OF PART OF THE LOAD,+ HE SA ID.
HE ADDED THAT IF THE VEHICLE CAN SAFELY CARRY AN INCREASED LOAD HEIGHT, THEN ANY EXTENSIONS TO THE SIDES MUST BE MADE BY USING ONLY PROPERLY DESIGNED EXTENSION PIECES WHICH CAN BE SECURELY FIXED TO THE VEHICLE.
THE CODE ALSO CITES THAT FOR LONG MATERIAL IT IS ACCEPTED THAT CERTAIN LOADS WILL HAVE TO EXTEND BEYOND THE FRONT OR REAR CF A VEHICLE, BUT OFTEN USING A LARGER VEHICLE WILL ENABLE THE LOAD TO BE LAID FLAT ON THE CARRYING PLATFORM WITHOUT ANY PART CF THE LOAD PROJECTING FROM THE VEHICLE.
WHERE LOADS SUCH AS REINFORCEMENT RODS OR BAMBOO POLES ARE CARRIED AND DO PROJECT BEYOND THE VEHICLE THEY MUST BE PROPERLY LASHED DOWN SO THAT NO MOVEMENT OF THE LOAD OCCURS. IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE HEADBOARD, IF SUPPORTING THE LOAD, IS STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE LOAD.
/ON TRANSPORTING
™Hl)AY, MAY 51, 1987
- 5 -
ON TRANSPORTING CONSTRUCTION PLANT, THE PROVISIONAL CODE ILLUSTRATES SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF HOW SUCH PLANT CAN BE CARRIED SAFELY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE HEIGHT OF THE LOAD CARRIED ON A VEHICLE MUST NOT EXCEED 4.6 METRES ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
OTHER WARNINGS GIVEN CONCERN THE ARRANGEMENT OF LOADS, LOADING AND UNLOADING ON STEEP GRADIENTS, OBSTRUCTIONS TO FOOTPATHS BY GOODS WAITING TO BE LOADED, AND THE HAZARDS OF ROLLER LOADING DEVICES FITTED TO SOME VEHICLES.
_ _ _ _ (., _ _ _ _
GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS AVAILABLE * H M K *
THE ANNUAL GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR BOTH THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE AND THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE WILL BE OFFERED TO NEEDY STUDENTS INTENDING TO FURTHER FULL-TIME STUDIES IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR STARTING SEPTEMBER.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE OBTAINED RESULTS OF A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH LEVEL IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN THE YEAR AWARDED INDICATING LIKELY SUCCESS IN THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION OR IN THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HEADS OF SCHOOLS.
THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE GRANT WILL BE DETERMINED IN TH-LIGHT OF FINANCIAL NEED AND FUNDS AVAILABLE. GRANTS AWARDED IN 1986/87 WERE ABOUT $160 PER MONTH. GRANTS SHALL BE TENABLE AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE STUDIES FOR THE ACADEi-ilc YEAR FOR WHICH THE GRANT HAS BEEN AWARDED. ANY GRANT-HOLDER WHO LEAVES BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF ONE YEAR MAY BE REQUIRED TO REFUND THE AMOUNT RECEIVED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MAY DISCONTINUE A GRANT IF THE RECIPIENT FAILS TO MERIT THE AWARD BY REASON OF LACK OF PROGRESS OR UNSATISFACTORY CONDUCT.
EACH APPLICATION SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A COMPLETED STATUTORY DECLARATION AND OTHER REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. AN AWARD WILL NOT BE MADE TO A STUDENT WHOSE PARENT OR GUARDIAN HAS MADE A FALSE DECLARATION OR FAILED TO REVEAL THE INCOME OF THE WHOLE FAMILY.
/PARENTE and........
SUNDAY, MAY J1, 1987
PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT ANY PERSON WHO MAKES A FALSE STATUTORY DECLARATION IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
APPLICATION FORMS OF THE MAINTENANCE GRANTS CAN BE OBTAINED STARTING TUESDAY (JUNE 2), FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
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TRAINING COURSES FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS * * * * *
TO ASSIST IN-SERVICE TECHNICAL TEACHERS WHO ARE ACADEMICALLY QUALIFIED TO OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS, THE HiLo KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL RUN TWO-YEAR PART-TIME TRAINING COURSES FOR THEM IN SEPTEMBER.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE FULL-TIME TEACHERS OF TECHNICAL OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS IN THE POLYTECHNICS OR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND HAVE A MINIMUM OF ONE YEAR’S EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING AT LEAST ONE OF THESE SUBJECTS.
THEY SHOULD ALSO POSSESS EITHER A DIPLOMA, A HIGHER CERTIFICATE OR A HIGHER DIPLOMA AWARDED EY A POLYTECHNIC OR A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT APPLICATIONS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL HEADS TO THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, BEFORE JUNE 10 (WEDNESDAY).
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MASSIVE CLEAN-UP TO CONTINUE
*****
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP WILL ENTER ITS THIRD-WEEK FROM TOMORROW (JUNE 1) AND WILL LAST THROUGH THE MONTH.
STAFF OF THE URBAN REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY uU i MASSIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN LANES, BUILDINGS, HAwKER AREAS, MARKETS AND CANOP IES.
/THEY WILL .......
EUNDAY, MAY J1, 1987
- 7. -
THEY WILL ALSO REMOVE OBSTRUCTION AND CLEAR THE MOSQUITO AND PEST NUISANCES IN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS.
SINCE THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP WAS LAUNCHED TWO WEEKS AGO, IT HAD PROVEN TO BE VERY POPULAR. • MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ALSO TOOK PART IN CLEANING UP THEIR SURROUNDING AREAS TOGETHER WITH THE CLEANSING STAFF OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS.
SUPPORT WILL ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM RESIDENTS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN OF THE KAI TAK REFUGEE CAMP. THEY WILL JOIN HANDS WITH THE KWUN TONG CLEANSING STAFF TO CLEAN UP THE CAMP AREA TOMORROW (MONDAY) MORNING.
RESIDENTS OF OTHER DISTRICTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT THE CLEAN-UP BY TAKING THE LITTER TO THEIR NEARBY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT THE HEALTH INSPECTOR OF THEIR RESPECTIVE . DISTRICTS FOR DETAILS OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP-, LOCATIONS AND OPENING HOURS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD. '
BETWEEN JUNE 1 TO 7, CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS!
DISTRICT TEL. NO.
EASTERN SOUTHERN WESTERN WAN CHAI CENTRAL YAU MA TEI SHAM SHUI PO MONG KOK KOWLOON CITY WONG TAI SIN KWUN TONG SAI KUNG NORTH YUEN LONG TUEN MUN TSUEN WAN KWAI TSI NG SHA TIN TAI PO • • • 5-601048 5-547152 5-488173 5-8322757 5-446111 EXT 46 3-7243843 3-861618 3-Q494A4 3-7111684 3-233152 3-455731 3-2815366 O-657O436 0-753691 0-4513085 0-4904414 0-256321 O-6O65776 ■0-6577111 EXT 155
IN SUPPORT OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP, AN ANTI-LITTER BLITZ OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN KWUN TONG, WAN CHAI, SHAM SHU I PO, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND KOWLOON CITY IN THE SAME PER IOD.
o
/8........
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1987
- 8
WATER CUTS IN TAI PO
M M * M *
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3) TO 7 THE FOLLOWING DAY SO THAT MAINS WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
PO AM
WAN
THF SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM
•J TAll STREET TO TAI PO KAU INCLUDING KWONG FUK ESTATE AND WANG ?Gi< TOUR! WONG VI AU. MEI w6oN SAN TSUEN, YIN TZE LANE, STRAFFORD HOUSE TAl PO KAU TA1 PO KAU SAN WAI, LO6KOUT LANE, ST. CHRISTOPHER’S* HOME, ISLAND HOUSE, TAI PO POLICE STATION, TAI Po’kCR STATION AND SHAN TONG TSUEN.
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