DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL RHT.FL.SRD ................... 1
RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS ................ 4
tuen mun anti-Narcotics campaign starts Wednesday .......... 5
SEMINARS on hong KCNG ATTAINMENT tests for teachers......... 5
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR Ma ON SHAN .......................... 7
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BO; .RD SUIFORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ... 7
MORE GREEN MINI-BUS ROUTES IN MONG KOK PROPOSED............. 8
TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MOVES TO MURRAY BUILDING .. 9
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO TEXACO RO„D ........................... 9
temporary closure of princess Margaret road northbound...... 10
RE-CONSTRUCTED PIER ON LiNTAU OPENS ........................ 11
CnSTLE PEAK ROaD CLOSED FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION ........ 11
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE IN .ADMIRALTY
12
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED
*****
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOWED THE GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY SLOWED DOWN IN APRIL AS THE SPECULATION INFLOW INTO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR EARLIER THIS YEAR SUBSIDED.
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY) WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A NEW SHARE ISSUE AND RECORDED A FAIRLY RAPID INCREASE. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3 BOTH SHOWED A SMALL INCREASE.
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ALSO GREW MORE SLOWLY IN APRIL THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHS. THIS WAS DESPITE THE SMALL UPWARD ADJUSTMENT IN BANKS’ DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES ON APRIL 7. GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO BE RAPID AS US DOLLAR INTEREST RATES FIRMED MARKEDLY DURING THE MONTH.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO INCREASE. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG REGISTERED A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN APRIL BUT LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE RECORDED ONLY A SMALL INCREASE.
DEPOSITS
IN APRIL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.5 PER CENT AND TIME DEPOSITS BY 1.2 PER CENT. SAVINGS DEPOSITS, HOWEVER, FELL BY 0.4 PER CENT. TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.7 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 2.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND 2.4 PER CENT IN MARCH.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW FASTER IN APRIL, BY 3.7 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND 2.8 PER CENT IN MARCH. OVER THE YEAR (I.E. FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL), THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 38.8 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 3.8 PER CENT IN APRIL. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1 PER CENT IN APRIL WHILE ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 3.7 PER CENT.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 2.5 PER CENT IN APRIL WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY 1.4 PER CENT. OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS, THE FORMER GREW BY 8.6 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER FELL BY 1.7 PER CENT.
/mono kofq........
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1?8?
hong KONG dollar money supply
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml INCREASED BY 2.1 PER CENT IN APRIL AFTER THF POST-LUNAR NEW YEAR FALL OF 6 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL THERE WAS STILL A NET FALL IN HKfiMl OF 4.6 PER CENT. HK DOLLAR MR AND M3 CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN APRIL BUT AT SLOWER RATES, BY 0.9 PER CENT AND 0.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH o 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT IN MARCH. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THEY INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
FOR THE
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY Ml INCREASED BY 3.8 PER CENT IN APRIL, AFTER A FALL OF 0.2 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL, TOTAL M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 7.3 PER CENT AND 6.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, BUT TOTAL Ml FELL BY
2 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKIING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO GROW, BY 2.3 PER CENT IN APRIL AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND 4.1 PER CENT IN MARCH. IOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 3.4 PER CENT IN APRIL WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF hONC KONG ROSE BY 0.4 PER CENT AFTER THE RAPID INCREASE PER "CENT IN MARCH? OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 17.4 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED FASTER IN APRIL, BY 3.2 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND 2.8 PER CENT IN MARCH.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 150 THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 35 WHILE THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO TO 248.
/Monetary statistics
- 3 -
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 19&7
Apr 1987
Money Supply
Ml - HK$ Foreign currency Total
M2 - HKS
Foreign currency Total
M3 - HK$
Foreign currency
Total
Notes and coins in circulation of which held by public
Deposits
Demand deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits with banks
Time deposits with dtcs
All HKS deposits
All foreign currency deposits Total
Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade To finance- merchandising trade not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K.
Other loans for use outside H.K.
Other loans where the place of use is not known
All loans in HKS
All loans in foreign currencies Total
MONETARY STATISTICS - APRIL 1987
Earlier months (X change to April 1987)
(HK$mn)
Mar 1987 Jan 1987 Apr 1986
55,319 54,193 ( 2.1%) 57,967 ( -4.6 X) 92,189 (-40.0 X)
6,293 5,190 ( 21.3 %) 4,875 ( 29.1 X) 3,917 ( 60.7 X)
61,612 59,383 ( 3.8 %) 62,842 ( -2.0 X) 96,106 (-35.9 X)
259,603 257,310 ( 0.9 %) 249,029 ( 4.2 X) 248,716 ( 4.4 X)
314,984 303,553 ( 3.8 X) 286,233 ( 10.0 X) 220,781 ( 42.7 X)
574,587 560,863 ( 2.4 X) 535,262 ( 7.3 X) 469,497 ( 22.4 X)
290,150 287,802 ( 0.8 X) 280,358 ( 3.5 X) 285,463 ( 1.6 X)
343,964 331,799 ( 3.7 X) 316,368 ( 8.7 X) 249,399 ( 37.9 X)
634,115 619,601 ( 2.3 X) 596,727 ( 6.3 X) 534,862 ( 18.6 X)
23,739 23,411 ( 1.4 X) 29,294 (-19.0 X) 20,165 ( 17.7 X)
20,705 20,410 ( 1.4 X) 25,367 (-18.4 X) 17,347 ( 19.4 X)
40,907 38,974 ( 5.0 X) 37,475 ( 9.2 X) 78,759 (-48.1 X)
140,858 137,204 ( 2.7 X) 130,241 ( 8.2 X) 97,017 ( 45.2 X)
363,340 355,711 ( 2.1 %) 334,388 ( 8.7 X) 269,981 ( 34.6 X)
55,681 54,910 ( 1.4 X) 56,658 ( -1.7 X) 61,589 ( -9.6 X)
262,167 260,361 ( 0.7 X) 248,477 ( 5.5 X) 263,466 ( -0.5 X)
338,618 326,438 ( 3.7 X) 310,286 ( 9.1 X) 243,879 ( 38.8 X)
600,785 * 586,798 ( 2.4 X) 558,763 ( 7.5 X) 507,346 ( 18.4 X)
39,515 39,360 ( 0.4 X) 36,717 ( 7.6 X) 33,664 ( 17.4 X)
4,563 4,482 ( 1.8 X) 4,408 ( 3.5 X) 4,865 ( -6.2 X)
302,643 293,151 ( 3.2 X) 278,341 ( 8.7 X) 279,002 ( 8.5 X)
177,205 172,400 ( 2.8 X) 165,510 ( 7.1 X) 160,076 ( 10.7 X)
34,065 35,908 ( -5.1 %) 32,213 ( 5.7 X) 24,327 ( 40.0 X)
277,950 268,729 ( 3.4 X) 257,712 ( 7.9 X) 267,413 ( 3.9 X)
280,042 276,572" ( 1.3 X) 259,476 ( 7.9 X) 234,521 ( 19.4 X)
557,992 5*5,300 ( 2. J X) 517,188 ( T.9 X) 501,934 ( 11.2 X)
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A....
4
RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS * * * * *
WITH THE ADVENT OF THE SUMMER VACATION, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS OF THE LAW GOVERNING THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, YOUNG PERSONS BELOW 15 YEARS OF AGE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES OR INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
HOWEVER, CHILDREN WHO ARE AGED 13 OR ABOVE MAY, FROM THEIR PARENTS, BE ENGAGED ON PART-TIME BASIS IN ESTABLISHMENTS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS.
WITH APPROVAL NON-INDUSTRIAL
WHO HAVE NOT EMPLOYED
+THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN COMPLETED FORM III SECONDARY EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE DURING THEIR NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS AND THAT THEIR ^RS OF WORK BE LIMITED TO TWO HOURS ONLY ON ANY SCHOOL DAY OR FOUR HOURS ON ANY OTHER DAY DURING THE SCHOOL TERM.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THFY MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT HOURS A DAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DURING THE SUMMER VACATION BUT THE EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE THEM AT LEAST ONE-HOUR BREAK FOR REST OR MEAL AFTER A CONTINUOUS SPELL OF WORK OF FIVE HOURS.
+THE REGULATIONS ALSO STIPULATE THAT CHILDREN WHO HAVE REACHED 13 BUT HAVE NOT COMPLETED FORM III ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS INCLUDING THE KITCHEN OF AN EATING PLACE, HAIR-DRESSING SALOON AND MASSAGE PARLOUR.+
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON EMPLOYERS INTENDING TO TAKE ON YOUNG JOB SEEKERS TO CHECK THE APPLICANT’S IDENTITY CARD TO ENSURE THEY WERE NOT UNDER AGED.
THOSE WHO CONTRAVENE ANY PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS ARE LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF S1O OOO.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8524165, 3-7332444 OR 0-232664.
/5
MONDAY, JUNE I, 1987
TUEN MUN ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN STARTS WEDNESDAY
*****
THE 1987 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN TO START ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3) WILL FEATURE A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR THE YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SIX-MONTH LONG CAMPAIGN WHICH AIMS AT COLLECTING INFORMATION ON DRUG-ABUSE AND ENHANCING AWARENESS TO DANGERS OF DRUGS WILL COMPRISE FILM SHOWS, SEMINARS, VISITS AND EXHIBITIONS.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOT ICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY? TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY; AND DB MEMBER, MR SO SHlU-SING WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A FILM SHOW.
ENTITLED +CHRISTIANE F+, THE GERMAN PRODUCTION TELLS OF A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND HER TRAGIC ENCOUNTER WITH SOFT DURGS AND HERO I N.
TO ENABLE MORE RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUTHS, TO VIEW THE FILM, TWO EXTRA SCREENINGS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED OVER THE WEEKEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1987 T'JEN MUN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOT I CS CAMPAIGN AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3) IN THE NEW TOWN CINEMA AT TUEN FAT ROAD. THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 8.A5 AM SHARP AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER.
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SEMINARS ON HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS FOR TEACHERS
*****
THE EDUCATION RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SERIES OF SEMINARS ON THE NATURE AND USE OF THE HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
THERE WILL BE THREE SEMINARS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS AND TWO SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS.
/ALL HALF-DAY
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
- 6 -
ALL HALF-DAY SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN YAU MA TEI BETWEEN JUNE 20 AND JULY 25.
TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY THE OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF THE HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS FOR PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
PRINCIPAL INSPECTORS OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO JOIN THE DISCUSSION SESSION DURING THE COURSE OF THE SEMINARS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE SEMINARS WAS TO ASSIST TEACHERS TO BETTER PREPARE FOR THE EFFICIENT USE OF THE HONG KONG ATTAINMENT TESTS IN THEIR TEACHING AND GUIDANCE SO AS TO HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
THE SERIES III OF THE ATTAINMENT TESTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL WAS IN USE BY SCHOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS SINCE 1984 AND CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN 1985 WHILE THE SERIES I OF THE TESTS FOR THE THREE SUBJECTS FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WAS MADE AVAILABLE BETWEEN JULY LAST YEAR AND LAST MONTH (MAY).
THE ATTAINMENT TESTS HAVE THE FOLLOWING FOUR MAIN FUNCTIONS:
* TO EVALUATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS CURRICULA HAD BEEN ACHIEVED AT EACH LEVEL AND TO KEEP RECORDS OF THESE RESULTS;
X TO DIAGNOSE AREAS OF STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS IN THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS FOR EDUCATION GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING;
X TO CHECK EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS OF THE THREE SUBJECTS WITHIN SCHOOLS IN TERMS OF YEARS, LEVELS AND CLASSES, AS WELL AS THE SEX AND AGE OF PARTICIPANTS AGAINST THE OVERALL STANDARDS IN HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO PLANNING A MORE EFFECTIVE TEACHING PROGRAMME OF INSTRUCTION FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS OF STUDENTS; AND
X TO IDENTIFY THE LESS ABLE STUDENTS FOR INTENSIVE TREATMENT IN ORDER TO BRING THEM UP TO THE STANDARDS OF THEIR CLASSMATES AT THE SAME LEVEL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID +IT IS HOPED THAT RESEARCH INTO THE TEST RESULTS CAN HELP IDENTIFY THE FACTORS AFFECTING ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN SCHOOLS, AND EVALUATE VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES.+
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
7
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR MA ON SHAN * * * * *
the government will build the fifth primary school in tai S HU I hang (area 75), MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT, WITHIN THE NEXT 13 MONTHS.
AN INVITATION TO TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT WAS PUBLISHED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR PATRICK HAU, SAID WORK ON THE PROJECT WAS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
MR HAU SAID THE STANDARD PRIMARY SCHOOL WOULD CONSIST OF 24 CLASSROOMS AND THREE SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, COVERED PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL COURT AND STAFF QUARTER.
n —
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD SUPPORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
*****
The SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S programme to support THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5) WILL START OFF WITH DRUMS AND FANFARE NEAR THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT, A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE +PROTECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT* MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE DISSEMINATED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO ESTATE TENANTS IN SOUTHERN, AND BY The SOUTHERN DISTRICT INDUSTRIALISTS ASSOCIATION TO LOCAL FACTORY OPERATORS.
APART FROM WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY PUBLICITY, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE IS ALSO RUNNING A REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR FISHING VESSELS IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER UNTIL JUNE 12.
THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY PUBLICITY DRIVE, TO BE HELD FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM, WILL BEGIN WITH A 15-MINUTE PERFORMANCE BY THE CORPS OF DRUMS OF THE 1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS NEAR THE JUMBO PIER IN ABERDEEN.
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL DISTRIBUTE PLASTIC LITTER BAGS TO DWELLING BOATS AND FISHING VESSELS IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AND PAMPH.ETS AND PUBLICITY MATERIAL TO SHOPPERS AT THE WONG CHUK HANG MARKET AND BEACH-GOERS IN REPULSE BAY AND DEEP WATER
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO CARRY OUT SPECIAL CLEAN UP OPERATIONS IN THE DISTRICT’S PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
/+IT TS
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 198?
8
+ |T IS HOPED THAT THESE EFFORTS WILL HELP AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO FIGHT POLLUTION AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT,* THE DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLICITY DRIVE, BANNERS AND POSTERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP IN THE DISTRICT AND 2 OOO CAPS AND STICKERS CARRYING THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY LOGO AND SLOGAN ARE PREPARED.
THESE ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND BRANCH OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY ON A FlRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS FROM TODAY.
LAST WEEK, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM, AND BOARD MEMBERS TOOK PART IN AN URBAN COUNCIL’S TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME IN ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
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MORE GREEN MINI-BUS ROUTES IN MONG KOK PROPOSED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE THREE MORE GREEN MINI-BUS ROUTES TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE ROUTES WILL PLY BETWEEN MONG KOK KCR STATION AND SHANGHAI STREET? MONG KOK MTR STATION AND HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD; KING HOM (WHAMPAO) AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED OF THE TEMPORARY USE OF A SITE AT LUEN WAN STREET AND ARGYLE STREET.
IN VIEW OF THE SHORTAGE OF PARKING SPACE IN THE DISTRICT, IT HAS BEEN PROPOSED THAT THE SITE BE LET AS A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CARPARK BY PUBLIC TENDER.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
0-------- /9
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
9
TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MOVES TO MURRAY BUILDING
*****
THE HEADQUARTERS AND A DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL ROAD, CENTRAL, THIS MONTH.
NUMBER OF OFFICES OF THE TERRITORY MOVE INTO MURRAY BUILDING AT GARDEN
THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS WILL MOVE ON JUNE 8 FROM TIAN AN CENTRE ON GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE 18TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING AND ITS ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE CHANGED TO 5-8482946.
THE NEW territories/south DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL MOVE from EMPIRE CENTRE AT EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, AND BOWEN ROAD, HONG KONG, TO THE 17TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING ON JUNE 16. THE ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE 5-8482756.
THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, NOW LOCATED AT THE GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, HARBOUR CENTRE, AND SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WILL MOVE TO THE 15TH, 16TH AND 17TH FLOORS OF MURRAY BUILDING BETWEEN JUNE 22 AND JULY 6. THE NEW ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE 5-8482847.
ALL FUTURE CORRESPONDENCE WITH HEADQUARTERS AND THE TWO OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE NEW OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE IN FUTURE ON THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
THE 11TH TO 18TH FLOORS OF MURRAY BUILDING HAVE BEEN LEFT VACANT TO ENABLE REFURBISHMENT AFTER THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED TO THE NEWLY-BUILT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES LAST DECEMBER. THE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE MID-JUNE.
THE 11TH TO 14TH FLOORS AND PART OF THE 15TH FLOOR WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WHICH ALREADY OCCUPIES THE 1ST TO 1OTH FLOORS OF MURRAY BUILDING.
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IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO TEXACO ROAD
*****
MAJOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
DETAILS OF THE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WERE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE SCHEME IS ALSO EXPECTED TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND SAFETY IN THE AREA.
/A TERRITORY .......
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
10
A TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORK WAS PART OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE TEXACO ROAD/TSUEN WAN BYPASS INTERCHANGE AND IMPROVEMENTS TO TEXACO ROAD SCHEME WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE FROM EARLY 1988.
THE MAJOR WORKS UNDER THE SCHEME WILL INCLUDE WIDENING A SECTION OF TEXACO ROAD FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO KWAI FUK ROAD AND CONSTRUCTING A VIADUCT ALONG THE SECTION.
A SECTION OF KWAI FUK ROAD WILL BE WIDENED AND REALIGNED AND A NEW CROSS ROAD JUNCTION CREATED AT YEUNG UK ROAD/TEXACO ROAD FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS YEUNG UK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD WILL BE BUILT*AT THIS NEW CROSS ROAD JUNCTION.
MODIFICATION OF THE ROAD JUNCTIONS OF TEXACO ROAD AT TSUEN FU STREET, TSUEN WING STREET AND SHA TSUI ROAD IS INCLUDED IN THE
OTHER IMPORTANT ANCILLARY WORKS WILL INVOLVE STABILISATION OF SLOPES ON THE EAST SIDE OF TEXACO ROAD, STABILISATION OF SLOPES AND LANDSCAPING ON THE EAST SIDE OF KWAI FUK ROAD AND CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE WORKS AND ALTERATIONS OF SERVICES AND UTILITIES.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT NOT LATER THAN JULY 28.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND
* X X X X
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 4) 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 ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE MAINTAINED. MOTORISTS ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR THESE PREMISES MAY USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING DIVERSION ROUTES:
X PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ; OR
X PUI CHING ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND, U-TURN LOOP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE FLYOVER OPPOSITE PERTH STREET.
0 -
/11
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 1987
11
RE-CONSTRUCTED PIER ON LANTAU OPENS
*****
RE-CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THE PAK MONG PIER - THE ONLY SEA LINK FOR PAK MONG, NAGU KWU LONG AND TAI HO VILLAGES IN NORTHEASTERN LANTAU - CARRIED OUT BY THE ARMY AND FUNDED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
A BRIEF CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW PIER WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE PIER.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ARMY, LOCAL VILLAGERS AND DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENT ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE MARINE LAUNCH PH 1 WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL AT 9 AM.
_ _ —
castle peak road closed for footbridge construction
*****
CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM THURSDAY (JUNE 4) FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
FROM 30 MINUTES AFTER MIDNIGHT TO 5.30 AM ON JUNE 4 AND 5. THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) BETWEEN R6AD DO AND ROAD P2 JILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI) SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON SHOULD DRIVE VIA ROAD DO, TUEN HING ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD, WHILE THOSE FOR TAI HING SHOULD USE TSING LUN ROAD AND TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD.
TRAFFIC HEADING FOR CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) SOUTH OF ROAD P2 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSING LUN ROAD, TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD, TSUN WEN ROAD AND ROAD P2.
MEANWHILE, THE SAME SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (NORTHBOUND)’ AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM ROAD P2 TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1.30 AM TO 6 AM ON JUNE 8 AND 9.
MOTORISTS FROM TAI HING HEADING FOR YUEN LONG SHOULD USE TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD AND TSING LUN ROAD, WHILE THOSE ON TUEN MUN ROAD NORTHBOUND SHOULD USE TUEN HING ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROAD D9.
/12 ..
MONDAY, JUNE I, 1987
1? -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN ADMIRALTY *****
TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS, TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN ADMIRALTY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC LATER THIS WEEK.
THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF TAMAR STREET BETWEEN DRAKE STREET AND QUEENSWAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 4) TO 5.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE AGAIN DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5).
IN ADDITION, THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF RODNEY STREET BETWEEN QUEENSWAY AND DRAKE STREET WILL BE CLOSED DAILY FROM 30 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT TO 5-30 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5) AND SATURDAY.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON DRAKE STREET HEADING FOR QUEENSWAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA COTTON TREE DRIVE TO REJOIN QUEENSWAY.
MEANWHILE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON QUEENSWAY TO ADMIRALTY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ARSENAL STREET, HARCOURT ROAD, RODNEY STREET SOUTHBOUND AND DRAKE STREET.
IN ADDITION, CMB BUSES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE ADMIRALTY MTR STATION (WEST) BOs TERMINUS TO REJOIN QUEENSWAY.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 11 AND 31 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL NOT PASS THROUGH RODNEY STREET, DRAKE STREET AND TAMAR STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THEIR STOP AT DRAKE STREET WILL BE RELOCATED TO QUEENSWAY OUTSIDE ADMIRALTY GARDEN.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GREEN PAPER MOTION ON LEGCO AGENDA ......................... 1
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VET VARSITY COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY GRANT . 1
MORE COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(O) ............................. 2
AVIATION TEAM LEAVES FOR PEKING ............................ 3
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES.................. 3
EDUCATION MUST MEET THE NEEDS OF CHANGING SOCIETY .......... 5
FIRST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED ................................................... 6
RETAIL S.LLES SURVEY FOR MARCH RELEASED .................... 9
GOVERNOR TO VISIT CENTRAL i>ND WESTERN .................... 13
GMB STOPS PILOT SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED ................... 13
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ...................... 14
SUBSIDIES OFFERED FOR SPECIAL STUDIES ..................... 16
PAK MONG PIER RE-OPENS .................................... 1?
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED .................................. 17
CONTRACTORS URGED TO FENCE OFF EDGES ...................... 18
ROUTE 5 SHA TIN CONNECTION CONTRACT AWARDED................ 18
SITTING OUT nREA AT WONG CHUK rUNG RESERVOIR .............. 19
IMPROVEMENTS TO LO WAI ROAD PROPOSED ...................... 20
NEW FLUSHING SYSTEM FOR WAN CHAI ........................ 20
RESTRICTED ZONE IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROaD ................... 21
SAN P0 KONG WATER CUT ..................................... 21
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................... 21
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
1
GREEN PAPER MOTION ON LEGCO AGENDA X H X X X
THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, WILL MOVE A MOTION URGING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HOC DAVID FORD, WILL MAKE A STATEMENT IN RESPONSE.
ANOTHER MOTION WILL BE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK FIVE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS DURING TOMORROW’S MEETING.
AMONG‘THE THREE BILLS, THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, WHILE THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 4987 WILL GO THROUGH COMMITTEE STAGE AND TH IB READING.
IM ADDITION, SEVEN MEMBERS WILL SPEAK AT AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY. THE SECRETARY FOR HEhLTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS WILL ANSWER THE POINTS FAISLu.
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VET VARSITY COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY GRANT X X X X *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED AT ITS MEETING T<^ORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF 239 OJO rOVPRIUr TUP THREE FINANCIAL YEARS 1937-88 TO 1989—90 FOR IMPLEMENTING A CO-ORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON COMPUTER-AIDED-DESIGN AND COMPUTER-AIDED-MANUFACTURE TECHNOLOGY AT THE
TWO UNIVERSITIES.
THE TECHNOLOGY WILL ENABLE COMPUTERS TO BE USED AS TOOLS IN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, AND IT IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN IMPROVING PRODUCT QUALITY AND REDUCING PRODUCTION COSTS BY SHORTENING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION CYCLE TIMES AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.
UNDER THE CO-ORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WOULD UNDERTAKE TO DEVELOP THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR USE IN LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
OTHER ITEMS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE ARE:
* PREPAYMENT IN FULL THE 3240 MILLION OUTSTANDING BALANCE OF THE TERM LOAN EXTENDED TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG FOR THE PURCHASE OF ITS TEMPORARY PREMISES AT ARGYLE CENTRE AND TERMINATION OF THE INTEREST RATE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT;
* SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF 32.56 MILLION TO MEET GRANTS TO COVER INTEREST FORGONE IN 1987-88 FOR CITY POLYTECHNIC TEMPORARY PREMISES;
* EARLY REPAYMENT OF THE FOUR OUTSTANDING LOANS AMOUNTING TO ABOUT 3400 MILLION TO THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK;
X RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO NOTE THE CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS DURING THE FINAL QUARTER OF 1986-87 IN PURSUANCE OF SECTION 8 OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
- 0 -
MORE COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(O) * H UK *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE KOREAN CONSUL-GENERAL ON THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA’S RECOGNITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH IT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAS ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF PORTUGAL THAT PORTUGAL WILL RECOGNISE THE BN(O) PASSPORT. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THIS MOVE BY THE PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT.
o
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
3
AVIATION TEAM LEAVES FOR PEKING
*****
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR RAFAEL HUI, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AIR SERVICES) OF CIVIL AVIATION, W PETER LOK, LEFT FOR PEKING TODAY (TUESDAY) AS MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM-CHINA AVIATION TALKS.
THE DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY U.K. UNDER SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, MR HANDLEY STEVENS.
THE TALKS, WHICH START TOMORROW, WERE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 9 BY THE BRITISH MINISTER FOR AVIATION MR MICHAEL SPICER AFTER A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO CHINA.
AT THAT TIME MR SPICER SAID THE DISCUSSIONS WILL BE ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM AND PARTICULARLY MATTERS ABOUT HONG KONG. THE TALKS WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 5.
c —
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES
*****
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
OF THE 36 029 CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, 23 066 (64 PER CENT) WILL BE ALLOCATED TO SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST THREE CHOICES, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
PARENTS CONCERNED ARE ADVISED TO RETURN TO THEIR OWN DISTRI BUT ION/COLLECTI ON CENTRE ON SATURDAY (JUNE 6) OR SUNDAY (JUNE 7) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM TO COLLECT AN ^ALLOCATION SLIP+.
THE +ALLOCATION SLIP+ WILL SHOW THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILD IS ALLOCATED, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES FOR REGISTRATION AND SOME NOTES TO PARENTS.
PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING THEIR CHILD TO THE SCHOOL TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES ON THE SPECIFIED DATES ON JUNE 10 OR 11.
REGISTRATION HOURS FOR AM SCHOOLS ARE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON AND FOR PM SCHOOLS BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM. FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
/IN THE
TUESDAY, JllflE 2, 1987
IN the event that parents who for some personal reasons cannot REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILD IS ALLOCATED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
FAILURE TO REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UPON REGISTRATION, THE +ALLOCATION SL I P+ SHOULD BE SURRENDERED TO THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS MUST NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCATION IS POSSIBLE.
IN CASE PARENTS HAVE SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS HAVING MOVED TO ANOTHER DISTRICT RESULTING IN THE SCHOOL BEING TOO FAR AWAY FROM THEIR NEW HOME, THEY ARE ADVISED TO GO IN PERSON TO THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 2ND FLOOR, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG TO SEEK ASSISTANCE.
+THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY PROOF SUCH AS RENTAL RECEIPTS, RATES DEMAND NOTES, WATER BILLS, ELECTRICITY BILLS BEARING THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR THE GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD.+
+IF THEIR REQUEST IS JUSTIFIED, THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILD AT A SCHOOL NEARER TO THEIR NEW HOME,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦SHOULD PARENTS FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE SCHOOL AFTER REGISTRATION, THEY ARE ADVISED TO GET SOME ASSURANCE OF ACCEPTANCE FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL BEFORE THEY RETRIEVE THE +ALLOCATION SLIP-*- FROM THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL BECAUSE RETRIEVAL OF THE SLIP MEANS CANCELLATION OF THE PLACE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARENTS OF ALL CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL EARLIER LAST YEAR NEED NOT REPEAT REGISTRATION FORMALITIES.
PARENTS WHO WISH TO MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5-724383 DURING OFFICE HOURS STARTING SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
-------0----------
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 19G7
5
EDUCATION MUST MEET THE NEEDS OF CHANGING SOCIETY *****
EDUCATION MUST BE PREPARED TO MEET THE GROWING EXPECTATIONS CF THE COMMUNITY AND TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPIDLY CHANGING AND PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTORATE), MR SO FAI-CHO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE FIFTH COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION, MR SO SAID YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE 80’S WERE GROWING UP IN A WORLD IN WHICH MODERN TECHNOLOGY WAS CONSTANTLY IMPINGING UPON THEIR LIVES.
+THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS HAVE MUCH TO OFFER IN PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THESE CHANGES,+ HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS OFFERING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS WAS NOW RAPIDLY INCREASING, MR SO SAID THAT SOME 20 000 CANDIDATES ENTERED FOR THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS.
THE STUDY OF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AND COMMERCE SHOWED STUDENTS HOW THE WORLD OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE OPERATED AND HELPED THEM APPRECIATE HOW AND WHY CERTAIN FINANCIAL DECISIONS WERE MADE, MR SO ADDED.
+ IF ONE LOOKS AT THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF KEYBOARD SKILLS, FOR EXAMPLE, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT CF MICRO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, THEN IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT THESE WILL PLAY AN EVER-INCREASING ROLE IN FURTHER STUDY, IN THE HOME AND ART WORK,* MR SO SAID.
+HENCE, BASIC TRAINING IN TYPEWRITING IS OBVIOUSLY A VALUABLE SKILL FOR ANY STUDENTS,* HE CONTINUED.
BY INVOLVING STUDENTS IN REALISTIC TASKS IN THE COMPETITION THAT BROUGHT THEM INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE COMMERCIAL WORLD, NR SO SAID, IT ALSO MADE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO CIVIC EDUCATION.
+IN THIS WAY, STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY ON THE ASPECT OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IS FOSTERED AND A WIDE RANGE OF INTER-PERSONAL SK ILLS DEVELOPED.*
THE COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY TO STIMULATE INTEREST AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS IN VARIOUS COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
/THERE WERE .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 198?
- 6 -
THERE WERE 212 ENTRIES FROM MORE THAN 1 400 SECONDARY STUDENTS OF 30 SCHOOLS.
THE FIRST PRIZE WENT TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS SUN HOI DIRECTORS’ COLLEGE WHILE BOTH THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WERE WON BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY, MR YIP SHIU-MING.
-------o----------
FIRST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED
X X X X X
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WERE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILE, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED PETAL PRODUCTS.
TOGETHER THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 83 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC MERCHANDISE EXPORTS DURING THE PERIOD.
AMONG ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986 WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+$2 644 MILLION), TEXTILES (+$1 956 MILLION), WEARING APPAREL (+$1 602 MILLION), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+$588 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL_EQUIPMENT (+$550 MILL ION (+$322 MILLION
AND BASIC
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF
INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES 1986 WERE TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+158 PER CENT), LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (+64 PER CENT), TOBACCO (+53 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+43 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+41 PER CENT) AND NON-ELECTRICAL
MACHINERY (+41 PER CENT).
/ON THE
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
- 7 -
ON THE OTAfgn HAND, A SLIGHT DECREASE COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 19f«WAS RECORDED IN THE BEVERAGES INDUSTRY (-$3 MILLION OR -5 PER CEN®*
BESIDES W. MANUFACTURING SECTOR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ORIGINATING FROM OCEAN ANMJOASTAL FISHING ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 19® (+98 PER CENT), WHILE THOSE FROM AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK ANDWOULTRY PRODUCTION WENT UP BY 23 PER CENT.
THE INFOIflATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSE BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987. ]
THIS SERI® IS DERIVED BY REGROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UBER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO TME INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODDED.
TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (ISIC), AS DISTINCT FROM J HE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASS IF ICATIOM(SITC) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS RETORTS.
WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASS IFIED FIGURES, SOME CAUTION IS NECESSARY. 1CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION. IN SUCH CASES, Till INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED IS NOT REALLY THEiSOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE. NEVERTHELESS, STAT 1STICALLY.tTHE OVERALL VALUE OF THE ITEM IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
A TABLE SHOWING DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT TEL. NO. 5-82.34832). A TABLE ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS |LSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1987+. /
< -----------
r
/Value of .......
• - 8 - TUESDAY, TUNE 2, 1987
Value of domestic exports for merchandise, er of 1987
reclassified by industrial origin for the first auar
— > (HK> 'OOP)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1st qtr. 1987 1st qtr. 1986 Value change % change
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural, livestock and 1,589 1,297 292 23
poultry production Ocean and coastal fishing 131,110 66,238 , 64,872 98
Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing 1,M 1,369 130 9
Food 301,070 271,371 29,699 11
Beverages 51,011 53,780 -2,769 -5
Tobacco 344,803 225,472 119,331 53
Textiles (including knitting) 7,598,615 5,642,578 1,956,037 35
Wearing apparel, except 8,367,282 6,765,556 1,601,726 24
footwear and knitwear Leather and leather products 112,578 68,502 44,076 64
Footwear 222,413 183,561 38,852 21
Wood and cork products, 185,565 159,347 26,218 16
furniture and fixtures Paper and paper products, 760,429 549,268 211,161 38
printing and publishing Chemicals and chemical products 417,564 308,658 I 108,906 35
Rubber products 41,353 39,782 1,551 4
Plastic products 2,616,353 2,028,201 588,152 29
Non-metallic mineral products 161,941 114,826 47,115 41
Basic metals and fabricated 1,586,976 1,264,648 322,328 25
metal products Machinery, except electrical 790,065 561,131 228,934 41
Electrical and electronic 8,810,228 6,165,761 2,644,467 43
products Transport equipment 35,152 13,628 । 21,524 158
Professional and optical 3,108,454 2,558,292 550,162 22
equipment 2,722,083 1,958,411 , 763,672
Other manufacturing industries 39
Electricity 146,842 131,193 15,649 12
Miscellaneous items
(e.g. developed photographic 12,812 12,984 -172 -1
plates and film, antiques, and works of art)
Total 38,527,765 29,145,851 , 9,381,914 32
Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to
rounding.
Industrial Research Section, (Tel. : 5-8234832) 1
Census & Statistics Department, 4
Hong Kong. f
May 1987 J
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1937
9
RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MARCH RELEASED * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1987, PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED AT $6 548 MILLION, WAS 15 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1986 WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS 10 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, RETAIL SALES OF +CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS+ AND +CONSUMFR DURABLES* BOTH INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE. THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME WERE 13 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* WENT UP BY 18 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WERE 8 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT.
FUELS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
SALES BY SUPERMARKETS RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN SALES VALUE AND MODERATELY IN SALES VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS REGISTERED A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* ROSE BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 14 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WERE 8 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT.
FUELS DROPPED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES 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 comjared .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 198?
- 10 -
WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH 1987 INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 32 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FUELS ROSE BY 19 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 17 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. +CONSUMER DURABLES* AND +FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC-DRINKS AND TOBACCO* INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
+OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
+CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS* AND +SUPERMARKETS+ RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
DEPARTMENT STORES EXPERIENCED A MODERATE INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE MARCH 1987 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234941.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF TABLES AND GRAPHS SHOWING THE MARCH RETAIL SALES SURVEY WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MARCH 1987.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY 1987 AND MARCH 1987 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF MARCH 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AND WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1986 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT, RESPECTIVELY, THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO MARCH 1987 AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED INDEXES AND TRENDS FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1987.
/TABLE 1 ......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
11
TABLE 1 ! TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for March 1987 (Pro ria local Figure) ■ HX16 548 million
for February 1987 (Revised Figure) ■ 8M5 828 million
TABLE 2 t VALUE AT© VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUART AND MARCH 1987
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 ■ 1OO)
Index of Karch 1987 Karch 1987 Jan. • Karch 87
Ite* Retail 1987 1987 compared with compared with compared with
Sales February 1987 Karch 1986 Jan. • Karch 86
(Revised (Provis- Pointe % Pointe * Points M
figures) ional figures)
(A) FOB ALL RETAIL TRADES Value 104 117 ♦15 ♦12 ♦15 ♦15 ♦ 13 ♦13
Volume 98 109 ♦11 ♦11 ♦ 10 ♦10 ♦ 8 ♦ 8
(B) BT MAJOR TRADE CROUPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 105 113 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦ 12 ♦ 11
drinks and tobacco Volume 102 110 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 8 ♦ 8
Fuels Value 82 97 ♦15 ♦19 - 2 - 2 - 9 - 9
Volume 92 108 ♦16 ♦17 ♦ 6 ♦ 6 ♦ 3 ♦ 3
Clothing, footwear and allied products Value 94 128 ♦32 ♦34 ♦20 ♦19 ♦ 9 ♦ 8
Volume 88 116 ♦28 ♦32 ♦ 14 ♦13 ♦ 3 ♦ 2
Consuaer durables Value 103 117 ♦15 ♦ 14 ♦19 ♦ 19 ♦ 14 ♦ 14
Volume 92 104 ♦13 ♦ 14 ♦ 10 ♦ 10 ♦ 5 ♦ 5
Other consumer goods Value 11O 120 ♦ 10 ♦ 9 ♦18 ♦ 18 ♦19 ♦18
Volume 101 109 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦11 ♦ 11 ♦11 ♦11
• (C) 8T SELECTED TRADES
Supermarkets Value 115 127 ♦12 ♦10 ♦ 18 ♦ 17 ♦21 ♦ 18
Volume 110 121 ♦11 ♦10 ♦ 14 ♦13 ♦ 17 ♦13
Kotor vehicles and Value 121 149 ♦28 ♦24 ♦51 ♦52 ♦x3 ♦ 30
parts Volume 97 120 ♦22 ♦23 ♦33 ♦37 ♦ 16 ♦ 16
Consumer durables 97 108 ♦ 11 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦ 8
other than motor
vehicles and parts Volume 90 100 ♦ 10 ♦11 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 2 • 2
Department stores Value 97 103 ♦ 6 ♦ 6 ♦11 ♦11 ♦13 ♦ 12
Volume 91 94 ♦ 3 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 ♦ 6 ♦ 7 ♦ 7
Notes : 1. "Foodatuffi, alcoholic drinks and tobacco" Includaa "supermarkets".
2. "Consumer durables" Includaa "motor vehicles and parts".
3. "Other consumer goods" Includes "department stores".
A. Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded Index figures •
•*
/Graph 1: .♦•••♦•
12 - TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 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
84 85 86 87
Notes: (1) Monthly average of Oct. 84 • Sept. 85 = 100
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using • the X-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U S Bureau of the Census
---------0----------- /1?..........................
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
13
GOVERNOR TO VISIT CENTRAL AND WESTERN *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ON THURSDAY (JUNE 4) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL BEGIN THEIR TOUR IN SHEUNG WAN TO LOOK AT TRADITIONAL WHOLESALE BUSINESS THERE.
THEY WILL THEN VISIT A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT SUNG HING LANE, KWUN LUNG LAU AND TOUR SMITHFIELD IN KENNEDY TOWN.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WILL ALSO ATTEND A TEA RECEPTION AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT THIS THURSDAY (JUNE 4). GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK AT LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 1.45 PM SHARP.
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GMB STOPS PILOT SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED *****
A PILOT SCHEME TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF DESIGNATING STOPPING PLACES FOR GREEN MINIBUSES (GMB) IN RESTRICTED ZONES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM FRIDAY (JUNE 5), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
GMB’S ARE NOW OPERATING ALONG FIXED ROUTES AND SCHEDULES OF SERVICES AND ARE PERMITTED TO STOP AT APPROVED LOCATIONS IN RESTRICTED ZONES TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS. THE FACT THAT GMB STOPPING PLACES CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED HAVE SOMETIMES CAUSED CONFUSION TO PASSENGERS.
ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT GMB’S IN RESTRICTED
♦THE DESIGNATION OF STOPS FOR
GMB’S WILL
TO BETTER REGULATE THE KERBSIDE ACTIVITIES OF _. _ ..cuncoc
AREAS AND TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON GMB ROUTES TO PASSENGERS,*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INITIALLY, TEN LOCATIONS EACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MOSTLY IN RESTRICTED AREAS CF BUSY DISTRICTS, HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR THE SCHEME.
/THE FIRST
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
_ 14 _
THE FIRST THREE GMB STOPS TO BECOME OPERATIONAL ARE IN TSE WAN SHAN ROAD FOR ROUTES 18, 19 AND 37M ? SOARES AVENUE FOR ROUTES 5M, 27M AND 28M ; AND IN TAI SHING STREET FOR ROUTE 52. THE OTHER GMB STOPS WILL COME INTO OPERATION SHORTLY.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE ABOUT 1 180 GMB’S OPERATING 170 APPROVED ROUTES WITH A DAILY PATRONAGE OF ABOUT 546 000. THERE ARE ABOUT TOO APPROVED GMB STOPPING PLACES IN RESTRICTED ZONES. OF THESE, ABOUT 200 EACH ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON WHILE THE OTHER 300 ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+THE SCHEME, WHICH ALSO GAINS SUPPORT FROM THE GMB TRADE, WILL BE REVIEWED IN THREE MONTHS AFTER ALL THE 30 DESIGNATED GMB STOPS HAVE COME INTO OPERATION. THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED IF PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES X X X X X
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM JUNE 4, 1987, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 3.84 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.36 PER CENT (TAX FREE), ACCORDING TO A LEGAL NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE SO.32 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1987.
/CERTIFICATES WHICH .......
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
- 15 -
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS;
5.04 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 24, 1985;
4 56 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985;
4 08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1985;
3.60 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
3 36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
4 32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
4.08 PER CENT
3.36 PER CENT
2.52 PER CENT
3.00 PER CENT
3.36 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 14, 1986 AND BEFORE AUGUST 19, 1986;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 19, 1986 AND BEFORE JANUARY 19, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 19, 1987 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 4, 1987 AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987, AND
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987.
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
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/16........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
- 16
SUBSIDIES OFFERED FOR SPECIAL STUDIES
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
MORE THAN $440 000 WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM THE TWO FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: + THE FUNDS ARE TO HELP PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES, AND ALSO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES WHO WISH TO PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING.
♦ THE FUNDS ALSO AIM AT ASSISTING CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES TO COMPLETE THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLING AS A PREREQUISITE FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION.+
APPLICATIONS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES WILL CLOSE ON JULY 17 WHILE THOSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 14.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC, BAPTIST COLLEGE, ANY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ANY ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION AND AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.
APPLICANTS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE STUDENTS IN FORMS 4 TO 7, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE BIOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE RELEVANT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL OR FISHERIES INDUSTRIES AND RELATED TRADES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FUNDS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT 3-7332227.
-----o ---------
/17
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
17
PAK MONG PIER RE-OPENS *****
ALLOCATIONS TO THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS FUND OF ISLANDS DISTRICT HAS INCREASED 60 PER CENT TO S3.5 MILLION SO THAT MORE WORKS PROJECTS CAN BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF ISLANDERS, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN SHERWIN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEWLY RE-CONSTRUCTED PAK MONG PIER, MR SHERWIN POINTED OUT THAT THE PAK MONG PROJECT WAS AN ILLUSTRATION OF HOW CO-OPERATION COULD GET THINGS DONE.
THE TWO-MONTH PROJECT, WHICH WAS INITIATED AND FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE E TROOP, 68TH GURKHA FIELD SQUADRON OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS.
THE 30-METRE LONG PIER WILL PROVIDE THE ONLY SEA LINK FOR VILLAGERS FROM PAK MONG, NGAU KWU LONG AND TAI HO IN NORTHEASTERN LANTAU WITH MARKETS IN KOWLOON WHERE THEIR AGRICULTURAL GOODS ARE SOLD.
MR SHERWIN SAID HE HOPED THIS KIND OF CO-OPERATION WOULD CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE.
AFTER A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM KUT-SHING, PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ARMY TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.
0 - -
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED * * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON ZEE KIM-HUNG AND WONG CHI—SHI NG ON OCTOBER 10, 1984 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO SENTENCES OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT. ZEE AND WONG WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHENG CHIU.
- - 0 -
/18
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 198?
18
CONTRACTORS URGED TO FENCE OFF EDGES
* * X H
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED BUILDING 0 CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE GUARDRAILS AT FLOOR EDGES AND STAIRCASES OF BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
THIS FOLLOWS THE CONCLUSION RECENTLY OF A COURT CASE BEFORE THE KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY IN WHICH A BUILDING CONTRACTOR WAS FINED $40 000 FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SUITABLE GUARDRAILS IN A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
IN PASSING SENTENCE, THE MAGISTRATE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEFENDANT HAD NO PREVIOUS CONVICTION RECORD, A DETERRENT FINE HAD TO BE IMPOSED TO BRING THE ATTENTION OF OTHER CONTRACTORS TO THE SAFETY LEGISLATION.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, FLOOR EDGES, BALCONIES, LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES FROM WHICH A PERSON IS LIABLE TO FALL MUST BE SECURELY FENCED OFF.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO SPECIFIED CERTAIN PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, HE ADDED.
ANY EMPLOYP.; WHO CONTRAVENES THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50 000.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE REGULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
------o -------
ROUTE 5 SHA TIN CONNECTION CONTRACT AWARDED X X X X X
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $209 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN CONNECTION FOR ROUTE 5.
THF SHA TIN CONNECTION WILL START NEAR THE BOUNDARY OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, NORTH OF HEUNG FAN LIU, AND JOIN THE EXISTING TAI PO ROAD hEAR SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE.
THE CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR, HARBOUR CONSTRUCTION LTD.
/THE WORK, ........
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
- 19 -
THE WORK, WHICH WILL START IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH, WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A 2.2 KILOMETRE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, THREE FLYOVERS, CYCLETRACKS, FOOTPATHS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT
< DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 151, GLOUCESTER ROAD, TIAN AN CENTRE,
' 8TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
-------0----------
SITTING OUT AREA AT WONG CHUK HANG RESERVOIR * H H K H
A 2 2OO SQUARE METRE SITTING OUT AREA ABOVE WONG CHUK HANG SERVICE RESERVOIR IN NAM LONG SHAN ROAD IS TO BE BUILT FOR MORNING WALKERS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
A CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, WORTH $1.67 MILLION, WAS SIGNED RECENTLY BETWEEN THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HUNG LEE CONSTRUCTION AND DECORATION COMPANY.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A 125-METRE JOGGING TRACK, FITNESS STATIONS, SITTING AREAS, ARBOUR, PLANTING AREAS AND A PAVILION.
A SMALLER SEPARATE SITTING OUT AREA WILL BE BUILT AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE RESERVOIR CONSISTING OF A TOILET, BENCHES AND PLANTS.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT JANUARY WHEN IT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
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/20
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987 .
20
IMPROVEMENTS TO LO WAI ROAD PROPOSED
X M * K
A SECTION OF LO WAI ROAD IN TSUEN WAN IS TO BE IMPROVED TO ENHANCE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE ROAD BETWEEN HILLTOP ROAD AND THE VILLAGE AREA NEAR YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, WHICH IS NOW SUBSTANDARD AND IN A POOR STATE OF REPAIR.
THE 600-METRE LONG STRETCH OF ROAD WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED AND WIDENED TO 6.75 METRES, WITH PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS, DRAINS AND UTILITY SERVICES.
OTHER WORK WILL INVOLVE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING ROAD BRIDGE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING AREA NEAR YUEN YUEN INSTITUT
OBJECTIONS IN WRITING MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JULY 28.
- o -
NEW FLUSHING SYSTEM FOR WAN CHAI X X X X X
A NEW SALT WATER FLUSHING SYSTEM IS TO BE PROVIDED FOR WAN CHAI, HAPPY VALLEY, CAUSEWAY BAY AND TAI HANG TO REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR FRESH AND WELL WATER FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE AREAS.
THE PROJECT, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES, WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1989 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF S30 MILLION.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FIRST MAINLAYING WORK FOR WAN CHAI, WHICH WILL INVOLVE LAYING 4 000 METRES OF 200 TO 700-MILLI METRE DIAMETER SALT WATER MAINS FROM KENNEDY ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND THEN RUNNING MAINLY ALONG JOHNSTON AND JAFFE ROADS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS JUNE 19.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 1987
21
RESTRICTED ZONE IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD *****
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5), CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND CHOI FUNG PATH WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
o--------
SAN PO KONG WATER CUT
* * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SAN PO KONG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5) FROM 10 AM TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN THE SAN PO KONG.
-------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 58.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 342.510 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 269.940 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.1 PER CENT CF CAPACITY.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
PUBLIC VIEWS FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN WHITE PAPER .... 1
DUNN URGES THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK UP OK GREEN PaPER.......... 2
NEW PENSION SCHEME PROPOSED .............................. 5
BETTER PROSPECTS FOR QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE services' ................................................ 7
SUBVENTION POLICY ON CENTRAL /JMINISTR/l'ION EXPENSES EXPLAINED.................................................. 10
SUBVENTION POLICY NEEDS OVERALL REVIEW ................... 11
IMPROVEMENT TO WELFARE SERVICES URGED..................... 1}
GOVERNMENT LACKS SINCERITY IN SUBVENTION POLICY .......... 15
MOVE ON SUBVENTION OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COST SUPPORTED ................................................. 17
SUBVENTED WELFARE SECTOR GETS RAW DEnL.................... 17
FULL SUBVENTION FOR CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COST URGED ... 19
APPOINTMENTS TO NEW BOaRD OF OCEaN PriRK CORPORATION SUGGESTED ................................................. 21
AMENDMENTS TO AVOID .J1BIGUITY ........................... 21
MEASURES TAKEN TO EASE NTE SCHOOL SHORTAGE ............... 22
/NEEDS TO .......
24
NEEDS TO PROVIDE INTERPRETATION SERVICE RECOGNISED FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS WELL CO-ORDINaTED ................ 25
EDUCATION .ND PUBLICITY ON SOFT DRUGS STEPPED UP ............ 26
NUMBER OF LIGHT BUSES LIMITED .............................. 28
TWO BILLS PASSED............................................. 28
NEW MILESTONE IN SERVICE TO MEDIA ............................. 29
HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION .................................... JO
ANGLO rtSEAN BANK NEVER ..PPROVED: BANKING COMMISSIONER..... J1
ROUTE 5 SHa TIN CONNECTION CONTRACT AWARDED ................... J2
ANTI-NaRCOTICS BLITZ IN TUEN MUN OPENS......................... JJ
MORE DONATIONS TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND ....................... J4
FARE HIKE FOR GREEN BUS ROUTES TO GO UP ....................... J4
TWO NT SITES TO BE LET BY TENDER .............................. J5
PRESS CONFERENCE ON KWaI TSING FIGHT CRIME SCHEMES ............ J5
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DkY PUBLICITY DRIVE IN SOUTHERN ............. j6
TRAFFIC ARR.1NGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI ............................. J6
TING ON STREET'CLOSED ......................................... 37
HUNG HOM WATER CUT ........................................ 37
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
1
PUBLIC VIEWS FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN WHITE PAPER
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN THE WHITE PAPER WAS PUBLISHED EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO JUDGE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THEIR VIEWS IN DECIDING ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF A MOTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN THAT THE COUNCIL URGES THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE OPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT BY SENDING THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE, MR FORD SAID:
+1 TRUST THAT THERE IS NOW NO DOUBT IN THE MINDS OF THE PUBLIC AS TO GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO A GENUINE AND OPEN REVIEW OR TO OUR SINCERITY IN WISHING TO OBTAIN THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO ENDORSE MOST STRONGLY MISS DUNN’S CALL FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THE GREEN PAPER BY SENDING THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
+1 REALISE THAT THE GREEN PAPER IS A LENGTHY DOCUMENT DEALING WITH COMPLEX ISSUES, AND THAT THE TASK OF DIGESTING ITS CONTENTS AND FORMING VIEWS ON THE OPTIONS PRESENTED IS NOT AN EASY ONE.
♦BUT THEY ARE IMPORTANT ISSUES FOR THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG, AND IT IS INCUMBENT UPON ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO CONSIDER THESE ISSUES CAREFULLY, FORM THEIR OWN JUDGMENT ABOUT HOW THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE OUR SYSTEMS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN,+ HE STRESSED.
MR FORI) NOTED THAT THE CALL FOR THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY TO SPEAK OUT HAD COME FROM PEOPLE WITH WIDELY DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW AND HAD BEEN TAKEN UP STRONGLY AND COMMENDABLY BY THE MEDIA.
+WE ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED BY THE FACT THAT SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER THERE IS MUCH LESS SUPPORT FOR THE IDEA THAT THIS CONSULTATIVE EXERCISE IS A WASTE OF TIME BECAUSE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WILL HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON DECISIONS EVENTUALLY TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
+SO THE FACT IS THAT THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THE GREEN PAPER WILL BE FULLY AND FAIRLY REFLECTED IN THE REPORT OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, THAT REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED; IT WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY AND ITS CONTENTS FULLY DEBATED IN THIS COUNCIL.+
MR FORD STRESSED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION, AS WELL AS THE INDEPENDENT SURVEY OFFICE, WAS DOING ALL IT COULD TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER.
HE SAID A MAJOR EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE GREEN PAPER WAS READILY AVAILABLE IN ALL PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
/MORE THAN........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3» 1987
2
MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION COPIES HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN UP BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE PRINTING OF ADDITIONAL COPIES TO ENSURE THAT STOCKS DID NOT RUN OUT, HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THE SURVEY OFFICE WOULD BE SENDING OUT OVER 8,000 LETTERS TO DISTRICT BOARDS, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER COMMUNITY BODIES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS, SPECIFICALLY INVITING THEM TO SEND IN THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER.
THE SURVEY OFFICE WAS ALSO PUTTING ACROSS ITS MESSAGE BY ADVERTISEMENT IN THE PRESS AND ON TELEVISION.
A FIRM WITH SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS WOULD SHORTLY BE APPOINTED TO ASSIST THE SURVEY OFFICE, HE SAID.
TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MAKING THEIR VIEWS HEARD, STAFF OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WOULD, UPON REQUEST, ASSIST LOCAL BODIES BY RECORDING THE MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER, AND FORWARDING THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE AFTER THEY HAD .BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.
CNTA STAFF WOULD ALSO BE PREPARED, IN GENERAL, TO ASSIST COMMUNITY GROUPS IN ORGANISING PUBLIC MEETINGS OR SEMINARS TO DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER, MR FORD SAID.
IN ADDITION, CNTA STAFF WERE WILLING TO ASSIST INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WHO WERE UNABLE TO STATE THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING BUT WERE PREPARED TO DO SO ORALLY, BY RECORDING THEIR VIEWS, HAD THEM CHECKED BY THE INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED AND FORWARDING THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
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DUNN URGES THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK UP ON GREEN PAPER *»»»***
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY TO READ THE GREEN PAPER ON POLITICAL REVIEW, TO WEIGH ITS CONTENTS, IO PONDER ITS OPTIONS AND TO RECORD HIS OR HER VIEWS UPON THEM.
MISS DUNN WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN MOVING THE MOTION WHICH READ: +THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR. VIEWS ON THE OPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER: THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT BY SENDING THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE+.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 1987
- 3 -
SHE SAID MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PUT THEIR FAITH IN THE WISDOM AND GOOD CONSCIENCE OF THE COMMUNITY.
+IT MAY BE THAT ONLY A FEW CAN BE ARTICULATE ADVOCATES. BUT EVERYONE CAN BE A JUDGE OF WHERE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY LIE,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WERE OF ONE MIND IN URGING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER OPTIONS BY SENDING THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
SHE RECALLED THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WHEN TABLING THE GREEN PAPER LAST WEEK, HAD EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT PLACED ON OBTAINING THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER. HE HAD ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO ENCOURAGE A RESPONSE FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION WHO WERE SILENT.
+1 SPEAK FOR ALL MY FELLOW MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WHO ARE NOT PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN GIVING OUR FULL SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ENDEAVOURS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THERE WERE GOOD REASONS FOR THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK UP. THE OPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER DID MATTER BECAUSE THEY IDENTIFIED THE CHOICES TO BE MADE IN SHAPING THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID CHANGES TO THE INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT COULD NOT BE INTRODUCED WITHOUT CONSULTING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+BUT IT IS NOT ONLY OUR RIGHT TO SAY WHAT WE THINK, IT IS ALSO OUR DUTY TO DO SO IF WE CARE FOR HONG KONG,+ SHE ADDED.
SHE SAID THAT FOR MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG — AS ELSEWHERE — THERE WAS QUITE ENOUGH TO DO AND TO THINK ABOUT MAKING A LIVING AND SUPPORTING A FAMILY. THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOVERNMENT WAS SEEN AS SOMETHING TOO ABSTRACT, AND IRRELEVANT TO THE DAILY LIVES TO BE OF MUCH CONCERN.
AS PEOPLE LOOKED AROUND AT THE UNMISTAKABLE SIGNS OF PROSPERITY AND MATERIAL PROGRESS, SOME MIGHT THINK THAT THIS ATTITUDE HAD NOT DONE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ANY HARM.
BUT IT WAS NOW NO LONGER RIGHT FOR THOSE WHO CARED FOR HONG KONG TO REMAIN INDIFFERENT.
+AS WE EMBARK UPON THIS IMPORTANT CONSULTATION EXERCISE, WHICH POINTS OUT POSSIBLE WAYS FORWARD TOWARDS A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNMENT MUST KNOW WHAT THE COMMUNITY, AS A WHOLE, WANTS.
/+IT NEEDS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
+ IT NEEDS TO BE SURE THAT IF ANY REFORMS ARE TO BE INTRODUCED, THEY WILL HAVE THE CLEAR SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BEHIND THEM,+ SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT IMPORTANT CHANGES COULD NOT BE MADE WITH ONLY THIN SUPPORT OR ON THE BASIS OF WHAT A FEW ARTICULATE VOICES ADVOCATED, OR IN THE FACE OF INCOHERENT OPINIONS.
SO THIS WAS THE CHANCE FOR THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY TO BE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DISCOVER WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTED AND DID NOT WANT.
MISS DUNN SAID THERE WERE NO EXCUSES FOR REMAINING SILENT. SOME HAD SUGGESTED THAT PEOPLE HERE WOULD BE INHIBITED FROM SPEAKING OUT FRANKLY BECAUSE OF PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE ATTITUDE OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
BUT AS THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD SAID LAST FRIDAY DURING HIS PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHINESE VIEWS WERE NOT ALWAYS’ AS SIMPLE OR ONE WAY AS THE INTERPRETATIONS SOMETIMES PUT UPON THEM.
IT WAS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO DECIDE THEMSELVES WHAT VIEW THEY THOUGHT THEY WANTED TO PUT TO THE GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN ALSO NOTED THAT SOME HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ALREADY MADE UP ITS MIND WHAT TO DO WITHOUT WAITING TO HEAR THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATION.
♦NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH -- AND 1 SPEAK AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,+ SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THE ADVICE WHICH THE GOVERNOR WOULD RECEIVE FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE GIVEN AS ALWAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OATH EACH MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL HAD TAKEN: TO GIVE COUNSEL AND ADVICE TO THE GOVERNOR FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND TO CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND TRULY SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
SHE SAID ADVICE WOULD BE TENDERED BY EACH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER FOR THE GOVERNOR’S DECISION. +NO ONE MEMBER CAN SPEAK FOR OTHERS.+
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
5
NEW PENSION SCHEME PROPOSED i ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A BILL SEEKING TO GRANT NEW PENSION BENEFITS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE \NI) TO AMEND, LARGELY CONSEQUENT I XL, EXISTING ORDINANCES CONTAINING REFERENCES TO PENSION MATTERS, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING o|. rill PENSION BENEI ITS BILL 1987, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON D\V I D FORD, SAID THE EXISTING (IV LI. SERVICE PENSION SCHEME HAD BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1949 AND IT HAD BEGUN TO SHOW ITS \GE IN REC ENT M VRS.
HE SAID THAT A REVIEW WAS UNDERTAKEN FOLLOWING I? EQI ESTS FROM STAFF WHICH CONFIRMED THVT THE PRESENT PENSION XRRANGEMENTS WERE IN NEED OE MODERNISATION.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THIS REVIEW X NEW SCHEME WAS DEVISED WHICH IT WAS FELT WAS MORE IN KEEPING WITH Till REQI IREMENTS OF THE HONG KONG c IV IL SERVICE OF TODAY," MR FORD CONTINUED.
THE MAIN ELEMENTS OE THE SCHEME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
♦ THE NORMAL AGE OF RETIREMENT IS RAISED IRON 55 TO 60;
♦ THE PENSION EARNING FACTOR FOR PENSIONABLE STAFF KILL BE VDJUSTED FROM 1/600TH TO 1/675TH AS A CONSEQUENCE TO RAISING THE RETIREMENT AGE. IN ADDITION, Till LOWER PENSION FACTOR FOR STVFF OTHER THAN PENSIONABLE STAFF WILL BE BROUGHT INTO I INI W J I II THAI FOR PENSIONABLE STAFF FROM A CURRENT DATE. THE MAXIMUM PENSION WHICH (AN Bl EARNED WILL REMAIN AT TWO/THIRDS OE FINAL SALARY;
♦ CIVIL SERV VNTS WILL BE VLLOWED TO ( OMMUTI Ip I’O 50 PER (ENT OF THEIR PENSION FOR A LUMP SUM INSTEAD OE 25 PER c ENT;
♦ CIVIL SERV ANTS WHO C OMPLETE NOT LESS THAN TEN YEARS SERVICE WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THEIR EARNED PENSION BENEFITS ON REACHING NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE;
♦ SPEC I AL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES. INDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS HEAD OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES OR THE GOVERNOR IN THE c XSE OF DIRECTORATE STAFF WM L BE EMPOWERED TO PRESCRIBE WITH ANY GRADE, RANK OR CATEGORY OF OFFICER SHOULD RETIRE on OPERATIONAL GROUNDS XT V SPECIFIED AGE BETWEEN 55 XND 60. WHERE THE RETIREMENT AGE IS SET \T BELOW 60 OFFICERS RETIRED UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL RECEIVE AN ENHANCED PENSION;
/• SERVING OFFICERS ........
WEDNEUDkY, JUII’ri 3, 1987
♦ SERVING OFFICERS WILL BE VI. LOW El) TO RETIRE WITH THEIR PENSION BENEFITS AT ANV TINI- AFTER REACHING THE AGE op 55; VND
*
PENSIONS VRE MADE V RIGHT RATHER THAN .A PRIVILEGE VS IS THE CASE AT PRESENT.
MR EORD SAID THE NEW PENSION SCHEME WOULD APPLY OFI-I'ERS APPOINTED AFTER THE DATE OF ITS 1 NTRODl ' T1 ON, OFFICERS MIGHT TRANSFER TO THE NEW PENSION SCIIEMI OR REMAIN EXISTING SCHEME AS THEV PREFER.
TO ALL
SER'ING
ON HIE
’’THERE IS PROVISION IN THE BILL FOR THE SECRETARY FOR THE ( IV II. SERVICE NOT TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS To TRANSFER TO THE NEW SCHEME WHERE HF CONSIDERS SUCH ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC SEIM I' I- , " HI* SVID.
HE VDDED, HOWEVER, THAT VITLH VI'IONS TO TRANSFER TO THE NEW SCHEME WOULD ONIA BE REJECTED IN EXCEPTIONAL < JRCUMSTANCFS SI CH AS WHEN VN OFFICER’S PERFORMANCE HAD BEEN So POOR.
"it is \n unfortunate: VND UNAVOIDABLE I A< T THAT WHILE THE BASK PROVISIONS OF < IV IL SERVICE PENSION SCHEMES ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD Till LEGISLATION NECESSVRX To IMPLEMENT THEM TENDS To Bl TECHNICALLY COMPLEX," MR FORD SAID.
"THIS IS BEC VISE OF ALL THE DIFFERENT C IRCUMSTVNCES WHICH HAVE TO BE COVERED: OFFICERS DYING, OFFICERS INJURED ON DUTY, OFFICERS RETIRING THROUGH ILLNESS, OFFICERS TRANSI-ERRED I ROM OR TO OTHER COUNTRIES, 01 I JC ERS RETIRED ON DISC IPLINARV GROUNDS VND SO ON.’
Ill- SAID THAT C LVUSES I To 5 OF THE BILL Dili O MORE THAN TO Bl I LD Till- ELEMENTS OE THE NEK PENSION SCHEME ON I • > AN EXISTING lOlXDVTION OF ( IV II SERVKI PENSION PR I N< I I’Ll S VND PRACTICE.
HE VDDED THAT Till REMAINING CLAUSES OF Till- BILL MAKE AMENDMENTS TO V NUMBER OF ORDINANCES:
(A) To EXTEND Till VPPI I < Al I ON Of THESE ORDINANCE TO OFFICERS WHO C OMI UNDER THE NEW PENSION SCHEME;
(B) TO BRING Till TERMS USED IN THE ORDINANCES AND THE NEW PENSION BENFIITS Bill INTO LINE;
<C ) TO ENSURE THAI DOUBLE BENEIITS ARE NOT PAYABLE UNDER THE EXISTING VND NEW PENSION SCHEMES IN RESPEC T Ol Till SVMF PERIOD OE SERV ICE; AND
CD) TO TAKI VC COUNT OF PENSIONS BEING MADE V RIGHT.
/’•Th' ADDITION, ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
"IN ADDITION, AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO UPDATE Till-PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCES, TO 1NTRODUCE IMPROVED CHANGES AND TO REMOVE ANOMALIES," HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID THE PRINCIPAL AMENDMENTS WERE TO THE PENSION ORDINANCE, WHICH GOVERNED THE EXISTING PENSION SCHEME, TO ENABLE IT TO REMAIN COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW PENSION SCHEME AND TO UPDATE ITS PROVISIONS WHERE NECESSARY.
THE WIDOW’S AND CHILDREN’S PENSION ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED TO UPDATE CERTAIN OF ITS PROVISIONS BUT PR1N(IPALLY TO ENSURE THAT OFFICERS WHO TRANSFER TO THE NEW PENSION SCHEME CONTINUED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE LEVEL OF DEPENDANTS PENSION FOR WHICH THEY HAD CONTRIBUTED.
’’THE PENSION INCREASE ORDINANCE HAS ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR ITS APPLICATION TO OFFICERS ON THE NEW PENSION SCHEME AND TO ENSURE THAT OFFICERS WHO QUALIFY FOR A DEFERRED PENSION RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF PENSION INCREASES BUT ONLY PAYABLE ON REACHING NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE,” MR FORD SAID.
NOTING THAT AFTER 1997, PENSIONS WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, MR FORD SAID THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME IN ITS PRESENT FORM -AND HAD INDICATED THAT THEY FOUND IT FULLY ACCEPTABLE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BETTER PROSPECTS FOR QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE' SERVICES
THERE ARE NOW MUCH BETTER PROSPECTS FOR QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE SERVICES WITH THE IMPROVED FINANC IAL CLIMATE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUN< IL, MR CHAMBERS SAID DURING THE YEARS OF TIGHT BUDGETARY RESTRAINT ’’WE MUST CONCENTRATE ON MUC H-NEEDED QUANTITATIVE EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES, AND THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO STANDARDS HAVE NECESSARILY HAD TO TAKE \ BACK SEAT.
/’’BUT IN .........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1?87
- 8 -
“BUT IN THE IMPROVED FINANCIAL CLIMATE THERE ARE NOW MUCH BETTER PROSPECTS FOR QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS.
“ALREADY, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE SUBVENTION SURPLUSES IN THE PAST YEARS SHOULD BE RE-ALI/'CATED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING SERVICES,” HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKING GROUP SET UP ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAST SUMMER WAS TO REVIEW THE BASIC ISSUE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION SYSTEM AS A
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GROUP DID NOT DEAL WJ TH CERTAIN MORE SPECIFIC TOPICS, IN PARTICULAR THE CATEGORISATION OF SOME SERVICES, AND THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF MULTI-SERVICE AGENCIES.
HE NOTED THAT IN ITS REPORT SUBMITTED RECENTLY, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THE STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM, IMPLEMENTED SINCE 1983 AND AS ALREADY MODIFIED ON AN INTERIM BASIS ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHOULD BE RETAINED, AND EXTENDED TO OTHER SERVICES FOR WHICH STANDARD COSTS COULD BE ESTABLISHED.
EXPLAINING THE CALCULATION OF THE STANDARD COSTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID: "THEV HAVE TWO ELEMENTS-STAFF (OSTS BASED ON THE NUMBER AND LEVEL OF STAFF REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE, CALCULATED B\ USING THE MID-POINTS OF THE SALARY SCALES OF THE APPROPRIATE RANKS AND GRADES.
“AND SECONDLY A GRANT TO COVER OTHER NECESS \RY ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE SUCH AS UTILITY CHARGES AND PROGRAMME EXPENSES.“
HOWEVER, A MAJOR DTFFKU’TV II\D ARISEN FROM THE USE OF THE MIDPOINTS OF SALARV SCALES TO CALCULATE THE SALARY ELEMENT OF STANDARD COST, HE SAID.
“BECAUSE AGENCIES’ ACTUAL STAFF (’OSTS IN MANY CASES TURNED OUT TO BE WELL BELOW THE MID-POINT LEVEL, SUBSTANTIAL SURPLUSES RESULTED,” HE ADDED.
"THESE SURPLUSES ACCUMULATED IN RESERVE ACCOUNTS, WHICH COULD ONLY BE USED WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.”
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT IT WAS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A HAVE LARGE SUNS BEING TIED UP IN AGENCIES’ RESERVE PARTICULARLY AT A TIME OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCY WHEN AVAILABLE FOR WELFARE SERVICES WERE STRICTLY LIMITED.
SYSTEM TO ACCOUNTS, THE FUNDS
IN SPITE OF THE INITIAL LIMITATIONS OF THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM, THE WORKING GROUP ON THE SUBVENTION POLICY CONCLUDED THAT THE SYSTEM HAD IMPORTANT FEATURES WHICH WERE WORTHY OF RETENTION, AND THAT A RETURN TO THE DISCRETIONARY GRANT SYSTEM OPERATING BEFORE 1982 WOULD BE INAPPROPRI ATE.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1987
IN HIS OWN VIEW, MR CHAMBERS AGREED WITH THE WORKING GROUP THAT AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CALCULATING SALARY REQUIREMENTS SHOULD BE FURTHER EXPLORED TO SATISFACTORILY RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
HE LOOKED FORWARD TO RECEIVING THE ADVICE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT, WHICH HAD ALSO BEEN STUDIED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SYSTEM.
CONCERNING THE CATEGORISATION OF SERVICES IN THE NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM, MR CHAMBERS SAID, "CATEGORY I SERVICES ARE THOSE FOR WHICH A STANDARD COST CAN BE ESTABLISHED AND WHICH ARE EITHER STATUTORY IN NATURE OR ENSURE THAT A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN NEED IS MET. OTHER SERVICES ARE PLACED IN CATEGORY II.”
"A SERVICE IN CATEGORY I RECEIVES SUBVENTION AT 100 PER CENT OF THE STANDARD COST ESTABLISHED FOR THAT SERVICE,” HE CONTINUED.
HE FURTHER SAID THAT CATEGORY II SERVICES RECEIVED A SUBVENTION COVERING A PROPORTION OF THE STANDARD COST, OR IF A STANDARD COST COULD NOT BE ESTABLISHED, A LUMP SUM, THE AMOUNT TO BE DECIDED ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE.
STATING THE PRINCIPLE BEHIND THE CATEGORISATION SYSTEM, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO THE MOST ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
AS REGARDS THE SUBVENTION FOR CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF MULTI-SERVICE AGENCIES, HE SAID IT WAS NOT PRACTICABLE TO HAVE A STANDARD COST ARRANGEMENT FOR A NON-STANDARD SERVICE AS THE ADMINISTRATION.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WAS NOW REVIEWING THE METHOD OF SUBVENTING CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION WITH A VIEW TO RATIONALISING THE METHODOLOGY AND WORKING OUT SOME PRINCIPLES FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF SUBVENTION.
"THE REVIEW, WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER, WILL INCLUDE AGENCIES’ ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS, IN ADDITION, REFERRED TO THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE AGENCIES AND THE GOVERNMENT "WHICH IS THE BASIS OF OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES".
HE REFUTED THE ALLEGED CONTINUAL BATTLE BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT RESOURCES COULD NOT BE UNLIMITED AND THAT THERE HAD TO BE CONTROLS AND MONITORING OF HOW PUBLIC MONEY WAS SPENT, MR CHAMBER’S OWN EXPERIENCE WAS THAT "THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF GENUINE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES".
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/10
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
10 -
SUBVENTION POLICY ON CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES EXPLAINED * * * * *
NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTIONS TOWARDS CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THAT YEAR,THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAMBERS SAID LUMP SUM GRANTS WERE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TOWARDS THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF RUNNING THE HEADQUARTERS OF MULTI-SERVICE AGENCIES AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
+THE LEVEL OF SUBVENTION VARIES FROM ONE AGENCY TO ANOTHER,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
+DUE TO DIFFERENCES IN THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, THE PATTERN OF ADMINISTRATION, AND THE SIZE, RANGE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES, IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO USE THE STANDARD COST APPROACH IN ASSESSING THESE SUBVENTIONS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
IN 1983/84, 33 SUBVENTED WELFARE AGENCIES RECEIVED SUBVENTIONS WHILE 34 AGENCIES FROM 1984/85 TO 1986/87 AND 36 AGENCIES FOR 1987/88 WERE GRANTED SUBVENTIONS.
+UNDER THE LUMP SUM GRANT SYSTEM, AGENCIES ARE GIVEN THE DISCRETION TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES THE NUMBER AND THE RANK OF STAFF EMPLOYED AND HOW THE SUBVENTION SHOULD BE USED TO SUIT THEIR OPERATIONS,+ MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS CONTINUED TO OUTLINE THE GOVERNMENT POLICY IN THE WELFARE, MEDICAL AND EDUCATION FIELDS REGARDING THE GRANTING OF SUCH subvention • ••
+THE’ DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IS NOW REVIEWING THE BASIS FOR . •SUBVENIklNQ ' GBNTRAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES WITH A VIEW TO RATIONALISING THE METHODOLOGY AND DEVISING STANDARDS FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF SUBVENTION.
THE GENERAL POLICY IN THE MEDICAL FIELD WAS TO SUBVENT ONLY THE DIRECT COSTS OF PROVIDING VARIOUS MEDICAL SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
+NO NEW APPLICATION FOR SUBVENTION OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES HAS BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT THE POLICY OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SUBVENT THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING SCHOOLS.
BOTH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD NO PLANS TO REVIEW THE EXISTING POLICY, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
11
SUBVENTION POLICY NEEDS OVERALL REVIEW ♦ * ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW ON ITS SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY AS THERE WERE SO MANY PROBLEMS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICE HERE, THE HON DESMOND LEE YU-TAI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ADDED THAT THE REVIEW PANEL NEEDED NOT BE AN INTERNATIONAL ONE BUT THERE MUST BE PARTICIPATION FROM OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT.
MR LEE WAS LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY AS CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP PREPARING FOR THE DEBATE.
HE NOTED THAT THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED BASING ON A GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY REPORT COMPLETED IN JUNE 1980 AND A REVIEW REPORT BY A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP IN MAY THIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, BOTH EXERCISES WERE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE MEMBERSHIPS OF THE WORKING PARTY AND OF THE WORKING GROUP CONSISTED ENTIRELY OF OFFICIAL MEMBERS, HE SAID.
’’FOR THIS REASON, IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONVINCE THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR THAT THE TWO STUDIES ART OBJECTIVE," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM, MR LEE SAID THE SYSTEM WAS SUPPORTED NOT ONLY BY ALL THE SIX MEMBERS SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE; BUT ALSO BY HEADS OF AGENCIES WHOM HE HAD CONSULTED.
HOWEVER, HE OBSERVED THAT THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER ALL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, AND THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE IMPROVED.
UNDER THE EXISTING STRUCTURE, MR LEE SAID, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENTERED INTO PARTNERSHIP, WHEREBY AGENCIES PROVIDED THE SERVICES AS REQUIRED, AND GOVERNMENT MADE AVAILABLE THE RESOURCES.
HOWEVER, HE REGRETTED THAT A JOINT ENTERPRISE SPIRIT HAD NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE TWO PARTNERS AND IT SEEMED THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF MUTUAL TRUST BETWEEN THE TWO.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT PRACTICE, THE STANDARD COST ASSESSMENT MIGHT NOT MEET THE ACTUAL REQUIREMENT OF THE SERVICE.
HE SAID AS SERVICE PROVIDERS, THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WOULD PREFER PARTICIPATION IN THE STANDARD COST SETTING PROCESS AND CONSULTATION AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL.
/Mr lee
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 1987
12
MR LEE SAID THE PRESENT FUNDING ARRANGEMENT DID NOT ALLOW FLEXIBILITY EITHER FOR IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OR EXPANSION.
HE SAID SOME AGENCIES HAD TOLD HIM THAT THEY HAD SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK BUT WERE UNABLE TO USE THESE SAVINGS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE ABOVE THE RATIO OF ONE WORKER FOR FOUR SCHOOLS.
ON THE PROPOSAL BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO CHANGE FROM QUARTERLY PAYMENT OF GRANTS TO MONTLY PAYMENT, MR LEE SAID THIS MIGHT LEAD TO CASHFLOW PROBLEMS PARTICULARLY WHEN THERE WAS TURNOVER OF STAFF.
FURTHERMORE, THE KEEPING OF MONTHLY INSTEAD OF QUARTERLY ACCOUNTS WOULD CERTAINLY INCREASE THE WORKLOAD OF ADMINISTRATION.
THEREFORE, THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR PREFERRED THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT OF QUARTERLY PAYMENT WHICH ALLOWED SLIGHTLrY MORE FLEXIBILITY.
TURNING TO THE RESTRAINT IN EXPANSION IN NEW AREAS OR TRIAL PROJECTS, MR LEE PROPOSED THAT SOME MARGIN OF FLEXIBILITY BE CONSIDERED FOR THE USE OF SAVINGS IN NEW AREAS OF SERVICE.
"THE CLAWING BACK OF INTERESTS ON SAVINGS IS A MOST UNWELCOME ARRANGEMENT.
"THE ACTUAL AMOUNT WHICH IS RECOVERED IN THIS WAY IS VERY SMALL AND INVOLVES A LOT OF ADMINISTRATION.
"I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT IS NOT WORTHWHILE AND SHOULD BE DISPENSED WITH," HE SAID.
ON THE CATEGORISATION OF SERVICES, MR LEE URGED THAT IT SHOULD BE REVIEWED AT REGULAR INTERVALS AND THAT AGENCIES BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE REVIEW, OR AT LEAST BE CONSULTED IN THE PROCESS.
IN RESPECT OF SERVICES IN CATEGORY II (DESIRABLE SERVICE), THE PROPORTION OF SUBSIDY SHOULD ALSO BE REVIEWED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE AGENCIES, HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE ON THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED, MR LEE HOPED THAT THE CATEGORISATION OF THIS FUNCTION COULD BE REVIEWED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY AND THAT FINANCIAL PROVISIONS WERE SET ASIDE FOR IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING THE DIRECTOR’S DECISION, SO AS TO AVOID FURTHER DELAY.
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/1J
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
13
IMPROVEMENT TO WELFARE SERVICES URGED * » « « *
THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT BOTH QUALITY AND QUANTITY WERE IMPORTANT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOT A REASONABLE PROPORTION OF FUND FOR IMPROVING EXISTING SERVICES WHEN DECIDING THE ALLOCATION OF WELFARE SUBVENTIONS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY, MRS TAM SAID THAT AT PRESENT A GREAT PROPORTION OF THE ANNUAL WELFARE PROVISION WAS USED TO MAINTAIN EXISTING SERVICES WHILE THE REST WERE USED FOR EXPANDING NEW SERVICES. FUNDS FOR IMPROVING THE EXISTING SERVICES, HOWEVER, WERE SERIOUSLY LACKING, SHE NOTED.
SHE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 206 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, GROWING AT A RATE OF 11 NEW CENTRES PER YEAR. BUT AS FAR AS QUALITY WAS CONCERNED, THE STANDARD RATIO FOR SUPERVISORY STAFF HAD NEVER BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
TURNING TO ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS, MRS TAM AGREED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO APPROPRIATELY MONITOR THE FINANCE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
AT THE SAME TIME, ONE MUST REALISE THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE GOVERNMENT WERE CLOSE PARTNERS IN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC. THERE SHOULD BE MUTUAL TRUST BETWEEN THE TWO.
MRS TAM SAID THAT AS POINTED OUT IN THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT, AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE IN GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION MUST BE TO ALLOW MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THEIR FINANCES.
"BASED ON THE ABOVE PRINCIPLE, I SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM OF SUBVENTION INTRODUCED SINCE 1982-83," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE FOLLOWED AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE.
SHE ALSO CONSIDERED THE MODIFIED STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM AS SUGGESTED BY THE REPORT ACCEPTABLE. HOWEVER, THERE WERE THREE POINTS WHICH MERITED SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
FIRST, IN CHANGING THE PAYMENT OF STAFF COST TO A MONTHLY-BASIS INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUS QUARTERLY BASIS, THE GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE THAT SUCH PAYMENTS REACHED THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WELL BEFORE THE PAY-DAY OF EACH MONTH.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT A REVIEW OF THE CASH FLOW SITUATION IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SHOULD BE MADE AFTER A YEAR’S IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW PROCEDURE.
SECOND, SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE EXTENDING THE STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM TO OTHER LONG-AWAITED SERVICES.
/"I AM .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 1987
- 14 -
"I AM GLAD THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO EXTEND THE STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM TO EIGHT OTHER SERVICES," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THE THIRD POINT WAS THAT SHE HAD RESERVATION ABOUT THE PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM WITH THE ONE SIMILAR TO THE CIVIL SERVICE IN MEETING STAFF SALARY REQUIREMENTS.
"THIS SYSTEM WOULD TIGHTEN THE CONTROL ON STAFFING IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND IS CONTRARY TO THE PRINCIPLE OF FLEXIBILE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES," SHE SAID.
MOREOVER, ONCE THIS SYSTEM WAS IMPLEMENTED, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WOULD LOSE THEIR UNIQUENESS AND BECOME ANOTHER KIND OF GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
TURNING TO THE MONITORING OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES’ FINANCES, MRS TAM SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOCATE SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR THE AGENCIES TO EMPLOY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTING STAFF TO MANAGE THEIR ACCOUNT, IN ADDITION TO INCREASING ITS OWN MONITORING STAFF.
ON THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MRS TAM SAID THAT IN THE PAST, THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY STANDARD RATIO OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION STAFF TO THE SCOPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
"IT IS TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE A SET OF STANDARDS FOR REFERENCE OF THE AGENCIES TO IMPROVE THEIR STAFFING STANDARD IN CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION," SHE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, SUFFICIENT FUNDS SHOULD BE GRANTED TO THOSE AGENCIES WHICH WERE BELOW STAFFING STANDARDS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR STAFFING IN CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION, SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER TREATING CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION AS CATEGORY I SERVICES, WHICH WERE FULLY SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
- 0----------
/->5..........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
15
GdVfcfcNMENT LACKS SINCERITY IN SUBVENTION POLICY * * * * *
THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT Lacked sincerity in achieving the subvention policy objectives which ARB TO GIVE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PREDICTABLE INCOME TO FINANCE THEIR SERVICES AND MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF RESOURCES.
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SbBVENtlON POLICY TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR: HUI ALSO CHARGED THE GOVERNMENT FOR LACKING COMMITMENT TO THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD COSTS SYSTEM PROMISED IN 1982.
HE SAID THAT THE CRUX OF THE MATTER LAY IN AN UNEASY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH HAD DETERIORATED.
"A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT’S INVETERATE ATTITUDE MUST PRECEDE ANY POLICY CHANGE," HE SAID.
"INSTEAD OF RESTRICTING THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT SET AT MINIMUM STANDARDS, GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO LIVE UP TO ITS FIRM COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL WELFARE, PARTICULARLY WHEN INCREASE IN SOCIAL WELFARE ALLOCATIONS HAD BEEN PROMISED FOR 1987-88," MR HUI SAID.
HE SET OUT A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNMENT’S ACTION:
* THAT A THREE-YEAR PLAN BE DRAWN UP TO PUT ALL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES UNDER THE STANDARD COSTS SYSTEM;
* THAT A CONTINUING EXERCISE BE STARTED IMMEDIATELY TO REVIEW AND UPGRADE CATEGORY II SERVICE (DESIRABLE SERVICE) TO CATEGORY 1 (ESSENTIAL SERVICE) IN KEEPING WITH CHANGING SOCIAL NEEDS;
♦ THAT CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION BE CLASSIFIED AS CATEGORY I SERVICE AND SUBVENTED IN FULL;
» THAT LUMP SUM DISCRETIONARY GRANTS BE ELIMINATED.
IN ADDITION, HE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD REPLACE ITS OBDURATE CONTROL AND MONITORING WITH POSITIVE, OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT IN RETURN FOR GOOD MANAGEMENT WITH CLEAR ACCOUNTABILITY.
"TO DEMONSTRATE GOVERNMENT’S OPEN ATTITUDE AND TO PURSUE THE PARTNERSHIP RELATIONSHIP, I WOULD URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER THE SUGGESTION FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO BE REPRESENTED ON THE WORKING GROUP AND OTHER COMMITTEES DEALING WITH THE FINANCING AND OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
/"THIS MOVE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
- 16
"THIS MOVE NOT ONLY FALLS IN LINE WITH THE RISING TREND OF DEMOCRACY, BUT IS THE SURE WAY TO BRING ABOUT INSPIRED CO-OPERATION FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN OUR JOINT EFFORTS TO SOLVE HONG KONG’S MANY AND VARIED SOCIAL PROBLEMS," MR HUI SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONLY EIGHT TYPES OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WERE PRESENTLY SUBVENTED UNDER THE STANDARD COSTS SYSTEM LAUNCHED IN 1982, WHILE THE MAJORITY OF SERVICES WERE OPERATING UNDER UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION OF GETTING PERCENTAGE SUPPORT OR LUMP SUM DISCRETIONARY GRANTS.
HE URGED THAT AN IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLE SHOULD BE DRAWN UP IMMEDIATELY FOR THE SETTING OF STANDARD COSTS FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICES, INCLUDING CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF ESTABLISHEMNT; AND IF NECESSARY, STANDARDS COULD BE SET FOR JUST ONE PARTICULAR SERVICE OR EVEN ONE SPECIFIC AGENCY.
UNDER THE STRINGENT CONTROL IN SUBVENTION ADMINISTRATION, MR HUI SAID VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD ENCOUNTERED MUCH DIFFICULTIES IN EMPLOYING EXTRA STAFF REQUIRED TO MEET NEW SERVICE NEEDS.
LONG-TERM PLANNING, SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE QUALITY WERE A LUXURY FOR THE SUBVENTED AGENCIES, WHICH ALSO SUFFERED FROM CASH FLOW PROBLEMS.
ON THE POSITIVE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF SUBVENTION BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN THE FUTURE, MR HUI SUGGESTED THAT THE CODE OF AIDS ADOPTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS BE EXTENDED TO THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
HE DEMANDED THAT MORE ACCOUNTING STAFF RESOURCES BE PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO COMPLY WITH THE MANY FINANCIAL MONITORING AND SUBVENTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS NOW BEING ENFORCED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
FURTHERMORE, DUE TO RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, MR HUI SAID MANY SUBVENTED SERVICES REQUIRED UPGRADING.
HE MENTIONED THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE. .
ON THE BASIS OF CALCULATING RECOGNISED COSTS, MR HUI SAID THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION BETWEEN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE FORMER INSISTED ON A DECENT STANDARD OF SERVICE, WHILE THE LATTER, THE MINIMUM SERVICE STANDARD.
HE SAID THE FACT THAT THE LONG STANDING PROBLEM OF SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION HAD NOT BEEN SOLVED AFTER ALL THESE YEARS MADE A MOCKERY OF OUR STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY.
-------0--------- /17 ...................
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
17
MOVE ON SUBVENTION OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COST SUPPORTED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO FORMALLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF SUBVENTION TO MEET THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS OF SUBVENTED AGENCIES WAS SUPPORTED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION POLICY, DR IP SAID INADEQUATE PROVISION OF SUBVENTION FOR HEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATION OF SUBVENTED AGENCIES WAS RECOGNISED TO CAUSE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
SHE DREW THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE'S ATTENTION 1’0 TWO ASPECTS WHEN REVIEWING THE METHOD OF ASSESSING SUBVENTIONS TO MEET THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS OF AGENCIES.
FIRSTLY, SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACCEPT THAT SUPERVISION OF SERVICE PROJECTS WAS NECESSARY AND THAT SUCH SUPERVISION REQUIRED HEAD OFFICE STAFF AND THEREFORE INCURRED COST.
"AS SUCH STAFF COST IS PART AND PARCEL OF THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF SERVICE PROJECTS, I CANNOT SEE ANY REASON WHY SUBVENTION SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN," SHE ARGUED.
SECONDLY, SINCE A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF HEAD OFFICE EXPENDITURE WAS SPENT ON PLANNING FOR EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND FOR NEW PROJECTS AND THAT THIS MIGHT TAKE MONTHS OR EVEN YEARS, SUCH EFFORTS SHOULD FORM PART OF THE PROJECT EXPENSES AND THEREFORE BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUBVENTION, DR IP SAID.
"IF FULL SUBVENTION FOR HEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATION IS NOT FORTHCOMING, IT IS ONLY EQUITABLE TO GRANT SUBSIDY TO THAT PORTION OF HEAD OFFICE EXPENSES RELATED TO SUPERVISION AND PLANNING OF SUBVENTED PROJECTS," SHE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
SUBVENTED WELFARI SECTOR GETS RAW DEAL ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
HON'G KONG’S SUBVENTED WELFARE SECTOR IS RECEIVING A RAW DEAL AT THE HANDS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, DR THE HON CONRAD LAM TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION! POLICY, DR LAM SAID THE REMARK WERE ALSO AGREED BY THE HON DAVID LI WHO HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN VOLUNTARY SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 17 YEARS BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PRESENT TO SPEAK DUE TO OVERSEAS COMMITMENTS.
/DR LAM
I
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 18 -
DR LAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AIMED TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT A MINIMUM COST.
AS A RESULT, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE FORCED TO OPERATE ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET, HE SAID.
"IN HONG KONG'S SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR, WE GET WHAT WE PAY FOR -HOWEVER, NEITHER WHAT WE PAY NOR WHAT WE GET FOR IT IS GOOD ENOUGH," HE NOTED.
THEREFORE, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EITHER MUCH NEEDED NEW SERVICES NOR TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF EXISTING SERVICES, HE ADDED.
DR LAM SAID HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSALS BY THE WORKING GROUP ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION ADMINISTRATION ON EXTENDING THE MODIFIED STANDARD COST SYSTEM AND ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT SYSTEM BASED ON ACTUAL STAFF COST. HOWEVER, HE WAS CONCERNED THAT EVEN IF ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP WERE IMPLEMENTED, MAJOR PROBLEMS WOULD REMAIN UNRESOLVED.
DR LAM ASKED WHY THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WAS NOT FULLY SUBVERTED.
HE SAID AT PRESENT THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF MOST AGENCIES WAS DESPERATELY SHORT-HANDED BECAUSE THEY SIMPLY DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO ATTRACT THE CALIBRE OF STAFF THEY NEEDED TO UPGRADE THEIR STANDARD OF SERVICE.
"THE PRESENT SITUATION IS A TOTALLY UNREALISTIC STATE OF AFFAIRS. HOWEVER, THERE IS A WORKABLE ALTERNATIVE.
"IF WE WERE TO FULLY SUBVENT THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF WELFARE AGENCIES, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DO A FAR BETTER JOB WHICH, IN TURN, WOULD UPGRADE THE COORDINATION AND PLANNING AND ULTIMATELY, THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE AGENCIES," HE SUGGESTED.
NOTING THAT THE WORKLOAD OF THE LONG-SUFFERING ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENTS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD DRAMATICALLY ESCALATED SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM IN 1983, DR LAM ASKED: "ONLY BY SUBVENTING QUALIFIED ACCOUNTING STAFF FOR MAJOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, COULD THE GOVERNMENT REALISTICALLY ACHIEVE ITS AIM OF IMPROVING FINANCIAL CONTROLS OVER SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION?"
ON THE EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES, DR LAM SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD ACKNOWLEDGED ITS DIFFICULTIES IN MAKING QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENTS, PARTICULARLY OF COUNSELLING AND CASEWORK SERVICES.
/HE THEREFORE........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
- 19 -
HE THEREFORE CALLED FOR A POLICY REVIEW, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE AMERICAN SYSTEM, WHICH PRESCRIBED AN OPEN PLANNING PROCESS FOR WELFARE AGENCIES WITH EMPHASIS ON CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT.
DR LAM SAID LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES STOOD READY AND WILLING TO FULFIL THEIR ESSENTIAL ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES.
“THEY DO A MAGNIFICIENT JOB BUT ONE THAT IS MADE MUCH MORE DIFFICULT BY GOVERNMENT FAILURE TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE FINANICAL SUPPORT THEY REQUIRE FOR CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES.
“THE GOVERNMENT MUST UNCLENCH ITS TIGHT FINANCIAL FIST AND GIVE THE AGENCIES SUBVENTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES THAT WILL ENABLE THESE AGENCIES AND THEIR STAFF TO PROVIDE THE NEEDY AMONG US WITH THE QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICE THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE - AND DOES NOT,” HE ADDED.
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FULL SUBVENTION FOR CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
*****
COST URGED
FULLY
THE HON F K HU TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUBVENT THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
CALLED ON
COST OF
THE GOVERNMENT TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE
AGENCIES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL DURING
DEBATE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTED BY THE REVIEW OF THE WELFARE SUBVENTION ADMINISTRATION FOR ITS Of AQQfQqiMG SUBVENTIONS TO MEET
POLICY, MR
ITS
WORKING
FAILURE
METHOD OF ASSESSING SUBVENTIONS TO
THE HU
ADJOURNMENT
SAID
GROUP ON
HE WAS
SOCIAL
TO CONSIDER THE
THE CENTRAL
ADMINISTRATION
COST.
THE ’REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP SAID THE ISSUE WOULD BE SEPARATEL^ EXAMINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
“THIS WILL MEAN A FURTHER DELAY IN CONSIDERING ANY IN SUBVENTING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO MEET THIS IMPORTANTCOST,” MR HU SAID.
IMPROVEMENT PARTICULARLY
/THE CENTRAL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 1987
20 -
THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION COST OF AN AGENCY WAS AT PRESENT CLASSIFIED AS CATEGORY II, MEANING THAT IT WAS SUBVENTED AT A PERCENTAGE.
THE COST COVERED THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF A SOUND MANAGEMENT INCLUDING THE SALARY OF THE AGENCY DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ACCOUNTANT, SECRETARY AND THEIR SUPPORTING STAFF AND IN MANY CASES RENTALS FOR THEIR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.
MR HU NOTED THAT IN PRACTICALLY EVERY POLICY STATEMENT OR WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, IT WAS EITHER IMPLIED OR EXPLICITLY STATED THAT THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WAS THE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND THAT THEIR MUTUAL RELATION WAS ONE OF PARTNERSHIP.
"IN THE SPIRIT OF SUCH STATEMENTS, THE PROVISION OF AN EQUALLY EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP FOR THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IS FULLY JUSTIFIED," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SINCE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IT WAS JUSTIFIED TO BE RANKED AS A CATEGORY I SERVICE, MEANING THAT IT WAS FULLY SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR HU SAID HIS OTHER CONCERN WAS THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY AGENCIES. HE NOTED THAT THE REPORT BY WORKING GROUP MAINLY TALKED ABOUT COSTS, NUMBERS AND FIGURES.
"I SUGGEST THAT WE SHOULD MAKE ROOM FINANCIALLY TO ALLOW IMPROVEMENTS TO THE QUALITY OF THEIR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES AS ALREADY PLANNED," HE SAID.
HE ALSO QUESTIONED THE ADEQUACY OF THE EVALUATION SECTION AND THE FIELD STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CARRYING OUT THE DAY-TO-DAY MONITORING OF THE SUBVENTED AGENCIES.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT EACH SUBVENTED SERVICE UNIT CAN BE \ISITED ONLY THREE TIMES A YEAR AND I WONDERED IF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IS SATISFIED THAT THE EXISTING LEVEL OF CONSULTATION AND THE FREQUENCY OF THESE LIAISON VISITS CAN ENSURE THAT IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES WILL BE POSITIVELY ENCOURAGED", HE SAID.
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/21 ........
APPOINTMENTS TO NEW BOARD OF OCEAN PARR CORPORATION SUGGESTED » « ♦ ♦ »
THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER APPOINTING MEMBERS FROM BOTH THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS TO THE NEW BOARD OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION.
HE SAID THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WERE VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN PROVIDING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR HONG KONG’S 5.5 MILLION POPULATION AND THAT THE APPOINTMENTS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE NOMINATED BY THE RESPECTIVE COUNCILS OR ALTERNATIVELY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY.
"THIS WOULD ASSIST IN REDUCING DUPLICATION AND STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL THOSE PARTIES WHICH ARE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES," HE ADDED.
MR CHEONG-LEEN WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE OCEAN PARK FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS INDICATED THAT THE (ASH FLOW PROJECTIONS RELIED HEAVILY ON ATTENDANCE ASSUMPTIONS.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE EVALUATION, MR CHEONG-LEEN WELCOMED THE BILL WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE CORPORATION TO BE OPERATED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ON COMMERCIAL LINES, WITHOUT A CONTINUOUS CALL ON PUBLIC FUNDS; AND BEARING IN MIND THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE OCEAN PARK BEING RUN AS A "PUBLIC RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PARK".
HE SAID ATTRACTING A CONTINUOUSLY HIGH OR ADEQUATE ATTENDANCE LEVEL WAS A MAJOR TASK AND SOMETIMES A PROBLEM IN ALL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OF THIS NATURE.
"THIS WILL BE A TREMENDOUS CHALLENGE TO THE NEW BOARD OF THE CORPORATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD, AND CURRENT ATTENDANCE FIGURES AND PROJECTIONS WILL NO DOUBT HAVE TO BE SCRUTINISED CONTINUOUSLY AND ANNUALLY; SIMILARLY FOR ANY 5-YEAR ROLL-FORWARD PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
-----0------
AMENDMENTS TO AVOID AMBIGUITY
*****
AMENDMENTS TO THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 1987 WOULD AVOID ANY AMBIGUITY OF THE STATUS OF THE CORPORATION IN ITS OPERATION OF THE TRUST FUND AND ALSO TO PROVIDE A MORE REALISTIC REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP TO FORM A QUORUM TO HOLD A MEETING, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, MR LIAO SAID THAT THE BILL PROVIDED FOR A QUORUM OF FOUR MEMBERS TO CALL A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION.
/"IM ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
- 22 -
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MAJORITY VIEW, IT IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE THAT THE SIZE OF THE QUORUM BE LINKED REALISTICALLY TO THE SIZE OF THE BOARD’S MEMBERSHIP, MR LIAO SAID.
AN AMENDMENT WAS THEREFORE INTRODUCED TO STIPULATE THAT A QUORUM SHOULD CONSIST OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS, HE ADDED.
IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE OCEAN PARK TRUST FUND, AN AMENDMENT WAS INTRODUCED TO SPECIFY THAT THE CORPORATION WAS THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, MR LIAO SAID.
THE AMENDMENT WOULD AVOID ANY AMBIGUITY OF STATUS OF THE CORPORATION, AS IT WAS NOT DESCRIBED SPECIFICALLY TN THE LEGISLATION THAT THE CORPORATION WAS THE TRUSTEE, HE ADDED.
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MEASURES TAKEN TO EASE NTE SCHOOL SHORTAGE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
IT IS GOVERNMENT POLK \ THAT SUFFICIENT PUBLIC SECTOR PLACES BE PROVIDED IN THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE TO MEET TOTAL DEMAND FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION AND TO MEET APPROVED TARGETS FOR SENIOR SECONDARY AND SIXTH FORM PLACES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HONOURABLE ANDREW WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR PAGLIARI SAID, HOWEVER, IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT THERE WOULD BE A SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE NEW TOWNS AND A CORRESPONDING SURPLUS OF PLACES IN THE URBAN AREAS BECAUSE OF THE CONCENTRATION OF EXISTING SCHOOLS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE NEW TOWNS AND CONSEQUENT MOVEMENT OF POPULATION TO THEM.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN AWARE OF THESE IMBALANCES FOR SOME TIME AND CONSIDERS THEM TO BE ACCEPTABLE PROVIDED THAT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IS NOT EXCESSIVE, THAT THE DISTANCES INVOLVED IN GETTING TO SCHOOL ARE NOT TOO GREAT AND THAT CONVENIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
MR PAGLIARI NOTED THAT CERTAIN MEASURES WERE TAKEN AS A MATTER OF ROUTINE TO PREVENT THESE IMBALANCES FROM BECOMING TOO GREAT. "IN PARTICULAR NEW SCHOOLS BEING BUILT TO CATER FOR EXPANDING DEMAND TERRITORY-WIDE ARE LOCATED, WHEREVER POSSIBLE IN AREAS WHERE THE SHORTAGE OF PLACES IS GREATEST, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO REMOTE AND ISOLATED DISTRICTS," HE SAID.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 198?
- 23 -
IN ADDITION THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM TRIED TO ENSURE THAT A STUDENT WAS ALLOCATED A PLACE IN AN AREA AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO HIS HOME OR IN A LOCATION CONVENIENTLY SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HE ADDED.
"UNFORTUNATELY THESE ROUTINE MEASURES DO NOT ALWAYS PREVENT SERIOUS IMBALANCES FROM OCCURRING," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
THE EMERGENCE OF A SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY PLACES IN NEW TERRITORIES EAST CAME TO LIGHT IN MID-1985 WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE LOCATION OF 35 ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN THE PERIOD 1987-1993 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AS PART OF A PACKAGE OF MEASURES DESIGNED TO PERMIT THE PHASING-OUT OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT IN 1991, HE NOTED.
HENCE, 11 OF THE 35 ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE ALLOCATED TO THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO FURTHER MEASURES TO COPE WITH- THE KNOWN PROBLEM IN TUEN MUN, MR PAGLIARI SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SHATIN WAS NOT AT THAT TIME CONSIDERED TO BE AS SERIOUS A PROBLEM AS TUEN MUN BECAUSE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF MASS TRANSPORTATION TO ADJACENT DISTRICTS IN NORTH KOWLOON WITH SURPLUS PLACES.
NEVERTHELESS, MR PAGLIARI SAID, THE PROBLEMS OF NT(EAST) WERE SUFFICIENTLY ACUTE TO CAUSE THE GOVERNMENT TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN PLANNING FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF 11 SUB-STANDARD SCHOOLS FROM THE URBAN AREAS TO NT(EAST) BY 1992, IN ADDITION TO THE 11 SCHOOLS ALLOCAED TO THE AREA.
DESPITE THESE MEASURES, UPDATED POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY AGE AND DISTRICT WHICH BECAME AVAILABLE EARLY LAST YEAR HAD REVEALED THAT THE SHORTFALL OF SECONDARY ONE PLACES IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN PREVIOUSLY INDICATED, RISING TO SOME 5,900 FORM ONE PLACES BY 1993.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THEREFORE WORKED OUT A NUMBER OF SHORT-TERM REMEDIAL MEASURES FOR SHATIN SIMILAR TO THOSE APPLIED SUCCESSFULLY IN TUEN MUN LAST YEAR, HE SAID.
THESE MEASURES, MR PAGLIARI SAID, INCLUDED REDUCTION IN THE PERCENTAGE OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES FROM 10 PER CENT TO FIVE PER CENT; ADOPTION OF A NEW CLASS STRUCTURE IN EXISTING AND ALL NEW SCHOOLS; AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMPLETION DATE AND THE OPENING OF NEW SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, A CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME WAS PROPOSED FOR A FURTHER 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS BY 1993 IN THE AREA, HE SAID.
/"THE COMBINATION .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
’’THE COMBINATION OF THESE MEASURES WILL HOLD THE SHORTF/u^ _ FORM ONE PLACES WITHIN TOLERABLE LIMITS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND REDUCE IT THEREAFTER, WITH ITS COMPLETE ELIMINATION BY 1993,” MR PAGLIARI SAID.
’’MUCH, HOWEVER, WILL DEPEND ON THE ACCURACY OF OUR POPULATION PROJECTIONS AS ANY ALTERATION IN THE RATE OF BUILD-UP OF POPULATION IN THE AREA OR IN THE AGE GROUP MIX WILL INEVITABLY AFFECT THE SHORTFALL POSITION,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE 1986 BY-CENSUS FIGURES WHICH WOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS SUMMER SHOULD GIVE A CLEARER PICTURE.
"PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE RELEVANT PROJECTIONS WILL BE LOWER THAN PREVIOUS FORECASTS, WHICH SHOULD RESULT IN AN EARLIER SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS FACING NT EAST IF THE BUILD UP OF NEW HOUSING IN NT EAST FOLLOWS THE REVISED PATTERN,” MR PAGLIARI SAID.
"IF, HOWEVER, THE REVERSE TURNS OUT TO BE THE CASE, WE WILL CONSIDER FURTHER REPROVISIONING OF SCHOOLS FROM THE URBAN AREA TO NT EAST," HE ADDED.
-------0 -
NEEDS TO PROVIDE INTERPRETATION SERVICE RECOGNISED * * t t *
THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS AND CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN STEPPED UP IN RECENT YEARS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (TODAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR FORD SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS HAD INCREASED FROM SEVEN IN APRIL 1983 TO 16 IN JUNE 1987 AND THE NUMBER OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS HAD INCREASED FROM 343 TO 508 OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
HE SAID RECRUITMENT WAS UNDERWAY TO FILL THE EXISTING THREE VACANT POSTS OF SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS AND 57 VANCANCIES OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS.
"THE LARGE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS GRADE IS A REFLECTION OF THE HIGH RATE AT WHICH NEW POSTS ARE CREATED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR TRANSLATION WORK," HE CONTINUED.
/CONCERNING THE
I
WEDNELDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 25
CONCERNING Till RECRUITMENT EXERCISES CARRIED OCT TWICE EACH YEAR, MR EORD SAID THE RESPONSE TO THE RECRUITMENT OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS HAD BEEN GOOD BIT GOOD SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS, PARTICULARLY FOR INTERPRETATION FROM ENGLISH TO PUTONGHUA, WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY.
THEREFORE, A SPECIAL PROGRAMME HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO TRAIN CIVIL SERVANTS WITH POTENTIAL TO BECOME SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS WITH A VIEW TO V TRANSFER ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME SINCE LAST YEAR, HE SAID.
“BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR PUTONGHI V INTERPRETATION, A SPECIAL CADRE OF 17 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS HAS BEEN FORMED TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE FOR HIGH LEVEL MEETINGS SUCH AS THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION MEETINGS,” HE NOTED.
MR FORD ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ON THE JOB, PART TIME DAA-RELEASE AND OVERSEAS TRAINING WERE PROVIDED TO SIMULTANEOUS INTEPRETERS AND CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS.
THERE WERE PLANS TO INVITE OVERSEAS EXPERTS IN CONFERENCE INTERPRETATION TO COME TO HONG KONG TO TRAIN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS, HE ADDED.
--------0----------
FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS WELL CO-ORDINATED
STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE LIAISON AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG THREE POLICY BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WHICH HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR JACOBS SAID THE THREE BRANCHES, NAMELY THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH AND THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, HAD RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS THAT IMPINGED ON THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF WORK.
’’ACTIVITIES ON NEGOTIATIONS IN THESE AREAS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE WORK OF EACH BRANCH AND ARE BEST DEALT WITH BY THE POLICY SECRETARY RESPONSIBLE IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE."
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HE HELD OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY IN RELATION TO THE WORK OF ALL THE THREE BRANCHES AND THERE WAS CLOSE LIAISON AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG THEM.
/26
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
26
EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON SOFT DRUGS STEPPED UI' ♦ » ♦ * *
PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC 1TY PROGRAMME REGARDING THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES SHOULD BE INTENSIFIED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAY ID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS RITA FAN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE MAIN THRUST OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANT I-NARCOTICS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME HAD ALWAYS BEEN DIRECTED \T YOUNG PEOPLE.
IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE HAD GONE DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY, FROM 1,121 IN 1983 To 783 IN 1986.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE MOST COMMONLY ABUSED DRUG AMONG THESE
PEOPLE WAS HEROIN. BUT THERE WERE NOW INDICATIONS THAT MORE YOUNG
PEOPLE HAD BEEN ABUSING SUCH PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AS MANDRAX AND
CANNABIS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS OR SO, HE ADDED.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE ADVICE GIVEN BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IACAN) THAT THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME REGARDING THE DANGERS OF THESE DRUGS SHOULD BE INTENSIFIED.
MR JEAFFRESON THEN LISTED OUT MEASURES THAT HAD EITHER BEEN TAKEN OR WOULD BE TAKEN IN Till' CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR:
♦ MORE FREQUENT BROADCASTS OF ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST (APIS) ON PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES IN GENERAL;
» PLACING LARGE POSTERS RELATING TO PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AT CONSPICUOUS PLACES AND PLACES FREQUENTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE;
* ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN HIE YOUTH AGAINST DRIGS SCHEME;
♦ INCLUDING IN THE SCHOOL TEACHING KIT AN INFORMATION SHEET ON PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES;
* PRODUCING A SIMILAR INFORMATION LEAFLET FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND PARENTS;
* STRENGTHENING THE CONTENT OF SCHOOL TALKS GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM BY INCLUDING MORE INFORMATION ON THE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSING THESE DRUGS; AND
» EXPANDING THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM.
/MR JEAFFRESON .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHED THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM IN FEBRUARY 1H8 4 TO GIVE DRUG EDl'C AT I ON TALKS TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 15 IN FORM I TO FORM III CLASSES AND THAT NO CONSIDERATION WAS VET GIVEN TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE OBJECT OF THE TEAM IS TO REACH ALL YOUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BEFORE ANY OF THEM LEAVE AT THE AGE OF’ 15 AFTER THE NINE-YEAR PERIOD OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION. THOSE WHO LEAVE SCHOOL AT THIS EARLY AGE ARE CONSIDERED TO BE MORE VULNERABLE TO UNDESIRABLE INFLUENCES THAN THOSE STILL ATTENDING SCHOOL.
"SCHOOL TALKS ARE AIMED AT GIVING STUDENTS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG PROBLEM \ND THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE," HE
IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, HE ADDED, HIE TEAM COMPLETED ITS IRST CYCLE OF TALKS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AFTER GIVING ABOUT 600 TALKS TO SOME 200,000 STUDENTS IN THE TERRITORY.
"HAVING RECENTLY REVIEWED THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TEAM, ACAN ADVISED THAT THE SCHOOL TALKS PROGRAMME SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO (OVER STUDENTS IN FORMS l\ AND \ AS WELL. ACCORDINGLY, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO AC QUIRE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES," HF SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON FURTHER SAID THAT AS REGARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, THE VIEW WAS THAT DRUG EDUCATION SHOULD MORE APPROPRIATELY BF PROV IDED FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN OF SUCH A YOUNG AGE AND THAT PARENT SEMINARS AND FAMILY CAMPS WERE ORGVNTSED FROM TIME TO ['IMF.
Ill ALSO NOTED THAT DRl G EDUCATION WAS BEING PROMOTED IN PRIMARY 6 CLASSES THROUGH THE TEACHING OF HEALTH EDI ( VT1ON.
- o-----------
/28........
WEDNESDAY, JINE 3, 1987
- 28 -
NUMBER OF LIGHT BUSES LIMITED ♦ ♦ ♦ i ♦
A MOTION 'JO EXTEND THE PERIOD LIMITING THE LIC FNSING Ob' PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO JUNE 20, 1989 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE (OUNCII TODA A (WEDNESDAY). " "
MOVING THE MOTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THE EFFECT OF THE EXTENSION WAS THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER Ob VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED AS PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WOULD REMAIN AT 4 350 AS ORDERED B\ THE GOV ERNOR I N COUNCIL ON JUNE 10, 1986.
TWO BILLS PASSED I * I
THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BILL 1987 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLSTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ANOTHER BILL - THF PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 - WAS READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON IT WAS ADJOURNED.
DURING THE SITTING, THF SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, MOVED A MOTION URGING THF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS J N REPRESEN TAT IVE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION, SEEKING TO \MEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO EXTEND THE PERIOD FOR THE LIMIT ON THE NUMBER Ob VEHICLES WHICH MAY BE REGISTERED AS PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES SPECIFIED IN THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (LIMITATION ON NUMBER) NOT 1 ( E 1986 TO JUNb 20, 1989, WAS PASSED.
- 0 -
/29
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
29
NEW MILESTONE IN SERVICE TO MEDIA
*****
THE NEW TELEPRINTER NETWORK IN GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES (GIS), WHICH REPLACES THE SYSTEM THAT HAD SERVED THE MEDIA IN HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS, OFFICIALLY CAME INTO OPERATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT PROVIDES FOR THE DIRECT INPUT OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE TEXTS AND THE SIMULTANEOUS TRANSMISSION OF A NEWS ITEM TO MORE THAN 60 NEWSPAPERS, AGENCIES AND TV AND RADIO STATIONS AT A SPEED OF 100 ENGLISH CHARACTERS OR 20 CHINESE WORDS PER SECOND WHICH IS MANY TIMES QUICKER THAN THE OLD SYSTEM.
WITH ADVICE FROM THE POSTMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE, THE NEW TELEPRINTER WAS DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMAPNY.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM MORE THAN 60 MEDIA ORGANISATIONS WITNESSED AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY JOINTLY OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE, MR MIKE GALE, AT THE GIS NEWS ROOM IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE THIS MORNING.
BEFORE PRESSING A KEYBOARD SWITCH TO TRANSMIT THIS PRESS RELEASE TO SUBSCRIBERS OF THE NETWORK TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE NEW TELEPRINTER, MRS YAU TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE NEW SYSTEM REPRESENTED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN GIS SERVICE TO THE MEDIA.
SHE SAID.TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION TO THE MEDIA AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WAS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF GIS SERVICE, AND A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT LINK WITH MEDIA ORGANISATIONS WAS A VITAL COG IN THE WHEEL.
MRS YAU SAID IN RECENT YEARS, TYPEWRITERS HAD DISAPPEARED FROM THE NEWSROOM OF MOST NEWSPAPERS AS REPORTERS AND SUB-EDITORS WERE WORKING IN FRONT OF COMPUTER TERMINALS. THE CHINESE NEWSPAPER^ TOO, SHE SAID, WERE SWITCHING TO COMPUTER.
NOTING THAT THE GIS TELEPRINTER SYSTEM HAD GROWN FROM A MODEST START OF SIX LINES 25 YEARS AGO TO OVER 60 SUBSCRIBERS TODAY, MRS YAU SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN LOOKING AROUND FOR A NEW TELEPRINTER SYSTEM TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE.
SHE THANKED THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE AND THE POSTMASTER GENERAL FOR DESIGNING AND INSTALLING THE SYSTEM.
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE, MR GALE,IN CONGRATULATING GIS ON.THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM, OUTLINED THE MANY "REMARKABLE FEATURES" OF THE NEW NETWORK AND SAID IT HAD POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
"WE HOPE TO SEE THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT COMPUTER LINK BETWEEN GIS AND NEWSPAPER COMPUTER TYPESETTING SYSTEM, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF OVERSEAS NEWS TRANSMISSION.
/"AND ALREADYt ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE J, 1987
- JO -
"AND ALREADY, THE SYSTEM HAS CREATED INTEREST OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT FOR HIGH SPEED INFORMATION BROADCASTING IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE," MR GALE NOTED, f
MRS YAU THEN INAUGURATED THE NEW NETWORK BY TRANSMITTING THIS PRESS RELEASE THROUGH THE NEW SYSTEM.
-------0---------
HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE AN AREA OF 18 HECTARES WITHIN THE 36 HECTARES NOW BEING RECLAIMED IN HUNG HOM BAY TO THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) FOR EXPANSION OF ITS FREIGHT YARD.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE 18 HECTARES TO THE KCRC WAS BASED ON ASSESSMENTS OF THE AMOUNT OF LAND THE CORPORATION WOULD REQUIRE FOR FREIGHT YARD DEVELOPMENT UP TILL THE LATE 1990S.
HE STRESSED THE CONSIDERABLE STRATEGIC VALUE OF THE REMAINDER OF THE RECLAMATION IN PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL SPACE TO FACILITATE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT.
AS REGARDS THE OVERALL PLANNING OF THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT PREFERRED THE FOLLOWING OPTION:
I) AN 18-HECTARE FREIGHT YARD EXPANSION WITH ONE PODIUM OF ABOUT FIVE HECTARES TO BE BUILT ON IT TO ACCOMMODATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND CARRY THE HUNG HOM BY-PASS. THE REMAINDER OF THE FREIGHT YARD EXPANSION AREA WOULD BE COVERED BY A COVER FOR NOISE ABATEMENT PURPOSES, EIGHT HECTARES OF WHICH MIGHT BE FOR RECREATIONAL USE;
II) THE REST OF THE RECLAMATION WOULD BE EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY USES AND OPEN SPACES;
III) ROAD LINKS WOULD BE BUILT TO CONNECT EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WITH HUNG HOM (I.E. THE HUNG HOM BY-PASS), AND TO CONNECT PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD WITH THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION, f
/HE WENT
WEDNESDAY, ’’INE
31
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT DEVELOPMENT IN THE BAY WAS SUBJECT TO A PEAK-HOUR TRAFFIC GENERATION CAPACITY AND, GIVEN THAT CONSTRAINT, THE ABOVE OPTIONS WOULD REPRESENT THE MOST ECONOMICAL USE OF LAND AND BEST meet Planning objectives.
HE EXPECTED ABOUT 15 HECTARES TO BE GRANTED IN 1989 AND THE REST TN 1990. FULL COMPLETION OF THE RECLAMATION WAS NOT EXPECTED UNTIL 1993. DETAILS REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED FUTHBR WITH KCRC BEFORE THE AGREEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IS SOUGHT.
- - 0 - -
ANGLO ASEAN BANK NEVER APPROVED: BANKING COMMISSIONER
i i i i t
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING NOTED RECENTLY THAT A WRIT OF SUMMONS HAS BEEN ISSUED BY A DEPOSITOR tN HIGH COURT ON MAY 25 AGAINST AN ORGANISATION CALLED ANGLO ASEAN BANK AND TRUST LIMITED APPARENTLY AT ITS LAST KNOWN ADDRESSES AT ROOM 1414, MELBOURNE PLAZA, 33 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND ROOM 202, FAR EAST EXCHANGE BUILDING, 8 WYNDHAM STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE COMMISSIONER STATES THAT ANGLO ASEAN BANK AND TRUBt LIMITED HAS NEVER APPLIED TO HIM FOR APPROVAL OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY OFFICE IN HONG KONG AND HAS THEREFORE NEVER BEEN AUTHORISED TO ACT IN ANY BANKING CAPACITY IN HONG KONG.
IN REPLY TO HIS ENQUIRY TO THE CENTRAL BANE OF VANUATU, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND LIQUIDATOR IN VANUATU INFORMED THE COMMISSIONER THAT A WINDING-UP ORDER WAS MADE ACAINST THE COMPANY ON DECEMBER 11, 1985 ON WHICH DATE THE COMPANY’S BANKING LICENCE WAS ALSO REVOKED. ACCORDING TO THE CENTRAL BANK’S RECORD IN VANUATU, THERE WAS NO KNOWN OFFICE IN HONG KONG.
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ADVISES ANY PERSON WHO MAY HAVfe MADE DEPOSITS WITH THE COMPANY IN HONG KONG TO REPORT THE MATTER TO THE POLICE AND TO FILE THEIR PROOFS OF CLAIMS WITH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND LIQUIDATOR IN VANUATU FOR RECOVERY OF THEIR DEPOSITS.
0 -------
/32
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
52
ROUTE 5 SHA TIN CONNECTION CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
WORK ON THE SHA TIN CONNECTION OF ROUTE 5 IS TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH WITH THE AWARD OF A $210 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF HARBOUR CONSTRUCTION LTD., MR PATRICK CHAN AND MR GERRIT DE NYS.
THIS, TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTING THE SHING MUN SECTION AND TSUEN WAN CONNECTION WILL FORM THE MAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE TRUNK ROAD.
THE SHA TIN CONNECTION WILL START NEAR THE BOUNDARY OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, NORTH OF HEUNG FAN LIU, AND JOIN THE EXISTING TAI PO ROAD NEAR SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE.
THE WORK INCLUDES A 2.2-KILOMETRE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, 1.2 KILOMETRES OF WHICH WILL BE ELEVATED.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE TWO FLYOVERS CONNECTING ROUTE 5 WITH TAI WAI AND A FLYOVER CONNECTING THE HIGHWAY WITH THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD IN FRONT OF TUNG LO WAN.
THE CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR FORMATION WORK FOR SEVERAL RESIDENTIAL SITES IN PAK TIN.
IN ADDITION, SOME SPECIAL FEATURES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE TRUCK ROAD PROJECT, SUCH AS PROVISION OF NOISE BARRIERS AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF FIVE CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS AT STRATEGIC POINTS ALONG THE TRUCK ROAD FOR SURVEILLANCE PURPOSES.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEVEN-KILOMETRE-LONG TRUCK ROAD LINKING SHA TIN WITH TSUEN WAN STARTED WITH A $452 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED FOR THE SHING MUN SECTION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
IT COMPRISES TWIN TWO-LANE TUNNELS UNDER SMUGGLERS RIDGE AND NEEDLE HILL, THREE BRIDGES PLUS A TOLL PLAZA AND AN ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL BUILDING AT TSUEN WAN NEAR WO YI HOP ROAD.
WORK ON THE TSUEN WAN CONNECTION STARTED LAST MONTH AT A COST OF $161.3 MILLION, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF TWO UNDERPASSES TO CONNECT SHEK WAI KOK ROAD TO WAI TSUEN ROAD UNDER TEXACO ROAD AND YI PEI CHUN ROAD TO SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDER CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD.
IN ADDITION, AN INTERCHANGE AT WO YI HOP, FOOTBRIDGES AND SUBWAYS WILL BE BUILT AND CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED.
THE WHOLE TRUNK ROAD IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT THE END OF 1989.
- 0 -
/53
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
ANTI-NARCOTICS BLITZ IN TUEN NUN OPENS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED NOT TO ABUSE DRUGS, BOTH OPI ATE AND PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1987/88 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.
HE NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY WOULD, IN ADDITION TO AN OVERALL ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY STRATEGY, ALSO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND YOUTHS IN PARTICULAR ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES.
MR MULLOY SAID THAT TO ERADICATE THE ROOT OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN SOCIETY WAS A LONG LASTING AND CHALLENGING TASK FOR EVERY AUTHORITY IN THE WORLD.
"HONG KONG, HOWEVER, WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM STANCE AND DETERMINATION AND THE WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM THE COMMUNITY, HAS EXPERIENCED SUCCESSFUL HARVESTS AND ENCOURAGING RESULTS," HE SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR NG CHEUK-TAI, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE CEREMONY, NOTED THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT REMINDING THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF THE NEED TO BE ALERT TO PSYCHOTROPK DRUG ABUSE AND TO ADOPT A PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS LI FE.
ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE TUEN NUN DISTRICT OFFICE, ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGES WILL BE DISSEMINATED THROUGH A VARIETY’ OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE SIX-MONTH LONG CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
THESE INCLUDE ANT I-NARCOTICS ORIENTATED FILM SHOWS, DRAMMAS, EXHIBITIONS, SLIDE SHOWS AND THE PUBLISHING OF NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENTS.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE ALSO ROCK-CLIMBING COURSES, ADVENTURE SHIP VOYAGES, VISITS TO CUSTOMS TRAINING SCHOOL AND AN ANTI-DRUG SEMINAR (AMP WHICH ARE ALL OPEN TO LOCAL YOUTHS.
OTHER GUESTS JOINING MR MULLOY AND MR NG AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TUEN MUN), MR STEPHEN SELBY AND THE (HAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SOCIAL SERVICES SUB-COMMITTEE, MR SO SHIV-SING.
ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITIES, THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY AN ANTI-NARCOTICS SLIDE PRESENTATION \ND THE SHOWING OF A FILM.
APART FROM TUEN MUN DISTRICT, ANTI-NARCOTICS DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS WILL ALSO BE ( YRRIED OUT IN SOUTHERN, SHAM SHU I PO AND YAU MA TEI THIS YEAR.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
5**
MORE DONATIONS TO SIR EDUARD YOUDE FUND * * * * *
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU WILL RECEIVE A CHEQUE FOR $20,059 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PO LEUNG KUK, MR MICHAEL CHAN TOMORROW (THURSDAY), AS DONATIONS FROM STUDENTS OF YAO LIN SUN COLLEGE TO THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND.
THE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM 1N THE CONCERT HALL OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL DURING THE PO LEUNG KUK YAO LIN SUN COLLEGE SIR EDWARD YOUDE FUND RAISING CUM FIFTH ANNIVERSARY VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL FEATURE SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA, AND MUSIC PERFORMANCES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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FARE HIKE FOR GREEN BUS ROUTES TO GO UP *****
THE FARES ON THREE GREEN MINIBUS (GMB) ROUTES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE ADJUSTED WITH EFFECT FROM SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
THE THREE GMB ROUTES ARE: ROUTE 33 FROM YUEN LONG TO HA PAK NAI; ROUTE 34 FROM YUEN LONG TO LAU FAU SHAN; AND ROUTE 35 FROM YUEN LONG TO TSIM BE1 TSUI.
ON ROUTE 33, THE FULL FARE WILL BE EXISTING $3.5 TO $4. THE NEW SECTION FARES FROM CHOK HANG, PAK NAI AND LAU FAU SHAN WILL BE RESPECTIVELY.
INCREASED FROM THE YUEN 1ONG TO LONG $3.5, $3 AND $1.7
THE FARE ON ROUTE 34 WILL GO UP FROM $1.5 TO $1.7 AND NO SECTION FARE WILL BE CHARGED ON THIS ROUTE.
MEANWHILE, THE FULL FARE ON ROUTE 35 WILL GO UP FROM $2.5 TO $3, WHILE NEW SECTION FARES OF $1.7 AND $1.5 WILL BE CHARGED FROM YUEN LONG TO LAU FAU SHAN AND SHA KIU RESPECTIVELY.
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/35........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
35
TWO NT SITES TO BE LET BY TENDER t t t I t
TWO NEW TERRITORIES LOTS ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE, AT AREA 26E IN KWAI CHUNG, MEASURES ABOUT 4,050 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PARKING OF CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY.
THE OTHER SITE OF ABOUT 1,924 SQUARE METRES IS SITUATED AT KIN TAK STREET, YUEN LONG, AND IS ALSO FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCIES FOR BOTH SITES ARE ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 19.
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PRESS CONFERENCE ON KWAI TS1NG FIGHT CRIME SCHEMES i ♦ t I I
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Y1 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO INTRODUCE VARIOUS SCHEMES TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS IN HELPING EACH OTHER AND THE AUTHORITIES TO CURB CRIME.
THE PRESS ((INFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 166-174, MING FONG ROAD.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS, MR YAU HON-KEE, MRS NANCY LAN, MR LEE LYEN-YUEN, MR SIU KONG-YU AND MR KINSEN FOK, AS WELL AS POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MR TAM LUN-CHEUNG AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 11 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION) 166-174, MING FONG ROAD.
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
36
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY PUBLICITY DRIVE IN SOUTHERN ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS AT THE DISTRICT'S BEACHES, MARKETS AND THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER IN A PUBLICITY DRIVE TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5) MORNING.
THE HALF-DAY PROGRAMME WILL START WITH A 15-MINUTE PERFORMANCE BY CORPS OF DRUMS OF THE 1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS AT 9.30 AM NEAR JUMBO PIER IN ABERDEEN.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL THEN BOARD SAMPANS TO DISTRIBUTE PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS TO VESSELS IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER FROM 9.45 AM TO 10.30 AM. THEY WILL TOUR THE WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE MARKET FROM 10.30 AM TO 11 AM AND DEEP WATER BAY AND REPULSE BAY FROM 11 AM TO 12.30 PM TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIAL TO RESIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES.
- - O -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF MORRISON HILL ROAD BETWEEN WAN CHAI ROAD AND SHARP STREET WEST WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ZONE.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER CANAL ROAD WEST BETWEEN SHARP STREET WEST AND HENNESSY ROAD.
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
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/37
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1987
37
TING ON STREET CLOSED
TING ON STREET EAST OF TING FU STREET IN NGAU TAU KOK IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD REPAIR WORK FOLLOWING A WATER MAINS BURST THERE.
TO TIE IN WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE, THE SECTION OF TING FU STREET SOUTH OF TING ON STREET HAS BEEN REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL LAST UNTIL SATURDAY (JUNE 6).
-------0----------
HUNG HOM WATER CUT
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 5) TO NOON THAT MAINS WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
IN THE
HUNG HOM WILL FOLLOWING DAY
BE
SO
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES AVENUE» WHAMPOA STREET, WINSLOW STREET, BAKER COURT, WUHU STREET, WA FUNG STREET MING ON STREET, I..~ ... ...
AT
LO
BULKELEY LUNG HANG
STREET,
STREET
HUNG HOM BAY CENTRE AND VALLEY^OAD^ KEET' WALKER R0AD ’
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, JUNE 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK PEOPLE URGED TO PLAY THEIR PART ......................... 1
BEACH GRADING SYSTEM RECOMMENDED ........................... 1
PROFESSIONAL BODY ON WATER POLLUTION AND MANAGEMENT FORMED . 3
LIVESTOCK WhSTE CONTROL BILL TO BE GAZETTED ................ 5
FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS AS INTERIM MEASURE........... 6
'SYMPATHETIC REDEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN
RECOGNISED ...............................................
GOVERNOR TOURS CENTRAL AND WESTERN ......................... 8
INSOLVENCY FUND TO COVER WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE............ 9
YAU MA TEI CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT DAY ...................... 10
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TO BE COMMEMORATED.................... 11
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS PRINTING DEPARTMENT ................. 11
1986 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT aND RELATED SERVICES .............. 12
SUMMER SPORTS SCHEME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ................... 13
ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO BE BUILT AT SHa TIN .................... 12*
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS aND MEASURES BILL............... 15
FOOTBALLER AWARD PRESS CONFERENCE .......................... 15
SH.J-! SHUT PO DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE......... 16
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE IN TUEN MUN TO BE WITHDRAWN............. 16
SPEEDPOST TO SAUDI ARABIA EXTENDED ......................... 17
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
1
HK PEOPLE URGED TO PLAY THEIR PART
*****
SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE GREEN PAPER OUTLINING WAYS IN WHICH THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG MIGHT BE FURTHER DEVELOPED.
ADDRESSING THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON DURING ITS INSTALLATION CEREMONY, HE SAID THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT THEIR FUTURE.
"ALL OBSERVERS WILL BE TAKING NOTE BOTH OF WHAT IS SAID AND OF THE DEGREE OF PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE. I REPEAT: BOTH FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS PRINTED ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER AND MADE SPECIAL EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT THESE CAN BE COLLECTED AS CONVENIENTLY AS POSSIBLE.
"SO WE HAVE PLAYED OUR PART. NOW IT IS UP TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PLAY THEIRS," MR TSAO SAID.
HE CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE ZONTA CLUB TO TAKE THE LEAD, THINK HARD ABOUT THE VARIOUS OPTIONS IDENTIFIED AND CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC DEBATE.
"THE WAY AHEAD FOR ALL OF US, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY, IS A CHALLENGING ONE. WE HAVE TO WORK OUT WHAT HONG KONG WILL BE LIKE AFTER 1997 AND HOW WE DEVELOP IN THE INTERIM TO MEET THAT FUTURE SITUATION.
"BUT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT DIVIDES GOVERNMENT FROM THE CITIZENS. RATHER IT IS AN EXERCISE ON WHICH WE MUST BE UNITED IN TRYING TO FIND THE BEST WAY FORWARD," HE ADDED.
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BEACH GRADING SYSTEM RECOMMENDED * * * * *
THE
THE
BEACH
A GOVERNMENT INTER-DEPARTMENT GROUP WILL RECOMMEND TO URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS A SYSTEM OF GRADING BEACBES ^ASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S REGULAR MONITORING
WATER QUALITY.
OF THE BEACHES INTO THREE CATEGORIES, POOR, WAS AGREED ON BY THE RECENTLY POLLUTION GROUP AT ITS MEETING TODAV
THE GRADING SYSTEM NAMELY GOOD, ACCEPTABLE AND ESTABLISHED BEACH WATER
(THURSDAY).
/THE GRADING .......
THURSDAY, JUNE U, 1987
2
THE GRADING WILL BE BASED ON THE E. COLI COUNTS IN THE WATER. E. COLI IS A MEMBER OF THE GROUP OF FAECAL COLIFORMS AND IS AN INDICATOR OF WATER POLLUTION PREFERRED BY INTERNATIONAL SPECIALISTS.
THE CRITERIA OF GRADING WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
A. GOOD: 0 TO 99 E. COLI PER 100 MILLILITRES OF WATER
B. ACCEPTABLE: 100 TO 999 E. COLI PER 100 MILLILITRES OF WATER
C. POOR: OVER 1,000 E. COLI PER 100 MILLILITRES OF WATER
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETING, CHAIRMAN OF THE GROUP, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR PETER MANN, SAID IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE GRADING INFORMATION REGARDING BEACHES SHOULD BE DISSEMINATED TO THE PUBLIC REGULARLY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA.
MR MANN SAID THE GROUP BELIEVED THAT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A SIMPLE GRADING SYSTEM SO THAT THEY COULD DECIDE IF THEY SHOULD TAKE TO A PARTICULAR BEACH.
’’HOWEVER, IT WILL BE UP TO THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS TO DECIDE WHETHER WARNING SIGNS SHOULD BE PUT UP AT BEACHES FOUND TO BE UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING,” HE SAID.
MR MANN SAID THE BEACH WATER POLLUTION GROUP WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE GRADING SYSTEM TO THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
"IF THE COUNCILS AGREE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS, THE GRADING SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE CURRENT SWIMMING SEASON," HE SAID.
APART FROM THE GRADING SYSTEM OF BEACHES, MR MANN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED DRAFT LEGISLATION ON THE CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.
"SUBJECT TO ITS ENACTMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE NEW LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT WOULD BRING ABOUT MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BEACH WATER QUALITY AND THE GENERAL WATER QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS THE SECOND ONE SINCE THE BEACH WATER POLLUTION GROUP CAME INTO BEING IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
PROFESSIONAL BODY ON WATER POLLUTION AND MANAGEMENT FORMED * * * * t
MONITORING OF WATER QUALITY AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL IN THE TERRITORY' TOOK A STEP FORWARD TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH THE AMALGAMATION OF THREE UK PROFESSIONAL BODIES TO FORM THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE INSTITUTION OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IWEM).
THEY ARE THE INSTITUTE OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL, THE INSTITUTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERS AND THE INSTITUTE OF WATER ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING MARKING THE AMALGAMATION OF THE THREE PROFESSIONAL BODIES, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID THIS WAS A FAR-SIGHTED AND IMAGINATIVE STEP ON THE PART OF THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED.
"THE TIMING IS IMPECCABLE," SAID DR REED, "BECAUSE I BELIEVE WE ARE AT THE THRESHOLD OF A PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL MAKE EVEN HONG KONG'S PAST SPECTACULAR ACHIEVEMENTS SEEM PEDESTRIAN BY COMPARISON".
"MOST OF THE DEVELOPMENTS I REFER TO," DR REED CONTINUED, "HAVE POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FOR THE QUALITY OF THE WATERS THAT SURROUND THE TERRITORY AND FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO SERVICE THE EXPANDING DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL NEEDS OF THE POPULALTION".
"IT WILL REQUIRE THE COMBINED, CO-ORDINATED AND SUSTAINED EFFORTS OF ALL THOSE WITH PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN THESE FIELDS TO ENSURE THAT WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN RELATION TO SAFEGUARDING OUR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT AND OUR WATER SUPPLY IS DONE."
DEVELOPMENTS REFERRED TO BY DR REED AS LIKELY TO AFFECT WATER QUALITY INCLUDED THE POSSIBLE NEW AIRPORT, LARGE ADDITIONAL MARINE RECLAMATIONS, MANY OF THEM IN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR AREA, MAJOR EXPANSIONS IN ROAD AND RAIL LINKS WITH CHINA LEADING TO CONCOMITANT REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EXPANSION IN PORT FACILITIES WAY BEYOND THE TERMINAL 6 THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND TERMINAL 7 WHICH IS NOW AT THE DESIGN STAGE.
"I BELIEVE THERE WILL BE NO INSUPERABLE PROBLEMS," DR REED ASSERTED. "BUT I FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO SOUND A WORD OF WARNING AT THIS STAGE IN RELATION TO THE OVERALL STYLE OF DEVELOPMENT. THIS IS THAT THE CONSERVATIVE CREEPING INCREMENTALISM THAT HAS SERVED US REASONABLY WELL IN THE PAST MAY NOT BE A VIABLE APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE".
"FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE PAST WE HAVE RECLAIMED SUCCESSIVE AREAS OF LAND ADJACENT TO EXISTING URBAN AREAS AND FOR EACH RECLAMATION WE HAVE ADDED ON THE SEWERAGE INCREMENTALLY AND EXTENDED THE SUBMARINE OUTFALLS. THIS HAS BEEN MORE OR LESS SUCCESSFUL IN THE PAST IN AVOIDING THE WORST WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
/"BUT I .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 1987
’’BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE WE CAN CONTINUE WITH THIS APPROACH OF CREEPING INCREMENTALISM.”
“WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO ADOPT A MUCH MORE IMAGINATIVE APPROACH AND TO LOOK AT MAJOR INTERCEPTION SCHEMES AND TRUNK SEWERS THAT MATCH THE NEEDS OF A CONURBATION EXPANDING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.”
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON,” DR REED CONTINUED, "THAT WE ARE PROPOSING A MAJOR STUDY AIMED AT ESTABLISHING AN OVERALL SEWAGE STRATEGY FOR HONG KONG AND WE ARE SUFFICIENTLY WELL ADVANCED TO HAVE RECENTLY CARRIED OUT A PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CONSULTANTS WHO HAVE THE REQUIRED EXPERIENCE TO CARRY OUT THIS SORT OF WORK.”
DR REED ALSO REFERRED TO THE SUCCESSIVE RECLAMATIONS THAT HAD AND ARE TAKING PLACE OFF, FOR EXAMPLE, KWAI CHUNG WHICH WOULD INEVITABLY INTERFERE WITH THE FREE FLOW OF WATER AND COULD HAVE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS ON WATER QUALITY IN THAT AREA.
"WE NEED TO LOOK AT RADICALLY DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVES FOR PORT DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR EVERY ALTERNATIVE WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER QUALITY NOT JUST IN VICTORIA HARBOUR. WE NEED TO EXAMINE ALSO HOW RECLAMATIONS OR STRUCTURES IN THE HARBOUR COULD AFFECT, TO COIN A PHRASE, THE FLUSHING OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.”
WE WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER-BASED WATER QUALITY MODEL THAT WILL ENABLE THE VARIOUS OPTIONS TO BE TESTED FOR THEIR EFFECT ON WATER QUALITY.
"IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES,” DR REED CONCLUDED, ”IT IS ESSENTIAL, ESPECIALLY IN A SMALL PLACE SUCH AS HONG KONG, THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE AND THRIVING BODY OF PROFESSIONALS IN THE WATER QUALITY, SEWERAGE AND WATER SUPPLY FIELDS WHO HAVE AN ORGANISATION, LIKE THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED IWEM, THAT CAN ARRANGE LEARNED SOCIETY ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS SO THAT THOSE CONCERNED CAN SUBJECT THEIR IDEAS, PROPOSALS AND PROJECTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR PEERS AND THEIR SENIORS.”
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
5
LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL BILL TO BE GAZETTED * » »
A BILL WHICH AMENDS THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE TEN-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME WILL BE GAZETTED NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 12).
UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, LIVESTOCK KEEPING WILL BE PROHIBITED IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND THE NEW TOWNS WHILE IN THE REST OF THE TERRITORY, THE STORAGE, COLLECTION, TREATMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE WILL BE CONTROLLED BY REGULATIONS.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR TO OMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH EXPLAINED THAT THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME WOULD BE PHASED OVER 10 YEARS. TO ASSIST LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTROLS, FREE COLLECTION SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED DURING PHASE I OF THE SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT POLLUTION FROM ANIMAL WASTE HAD BEEN A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM. "LIVESTOCK FARMING IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND POSES SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS WHERE POLLUTED WATER IS USED FOR IRRIGATION OR WHERE SHELL FISHERIES AND PUBLIC BEACHES BECOME CONTAMINATED.
"LIVESTOCK WASTE POLLUTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 70 PER CENT OF ALL STREAM POLLUTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ORGANIC POLLUTION ENTERING THE SEA. IT HAS LED TO A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN THE QUALITY OF COASTAL WATERS, PARTICULARLY IN TOLO HARBOUR, AND IMPOSES HIGH COSTS ON THE COMMUNITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 50,000 TONNES PER MONTH OF LIVESTOCK WASTE IS CURRENTLY DISCHARGED UNTREATED INTO HONG KONG’S WATERCOURSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE VARIOUS EXISTING CONTROLS ON THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE, THEY WERE PIECEMEAL AND INEFFECTIVE. "THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME PROVIDES A TERRITORIAL STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM," HE SAID.
LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN PROHIBITED AREAS AND THOSE IN CONTROLLED AREAS WHO SATISFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS AND HAVE THEREFORE CEASED LIVESTOCK KEEPING, WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS. A “FREEZING" SURVEY OF EXISTING LIVESTOCK FARMS WILL BE CONDUCTED TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS WILL REQUIRE AN EXPENDITURE OF AROUND $500 MILLION OVER A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
6
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF THE CONTROL SCHEME WAS TO REDUCE POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL, AND IF THESE MEASURES PROVED INADEQUATE, THEN FURTHER MEASURES, SUCH AS THE EXTENSION OF PROHIBITED AREAS, MIGHT BE NECESSARY,
HE CITED THE EXAMPLE OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH WHERE LIVESTOCK WASTE FROM NEARBY FARMS WAS SERIOUSLY AFFECTING THE WATER QUALITY. "IF THE WATER QUALITY DOES NOT IMPROVE, CONSIDERATION WILL HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO MAKING SILVERMINE BAY A PROHIBITED AREA," HE SAID.
-----0------
FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS AS INTERIM MEASURE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE NEW FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS AS AN INTERIM MEASURE PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1987 .
THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), ON WHICH DAY THEY WILL COME INTO OPERATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW REGULATIONS WOULD REPLACE THE EXISTING FILM CENSORSHIP REGULATIONS AND INCORPORATE THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH CENSORING OF FILMS AND RELATED ADVERTISING MATERIAL WOULD BE CARRIED OUT. THIS WOULD REMOVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE LEGAL BASIS FOR FILM CENSORSHIP PRACTICES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE CENSORSHIP PRINCIPLES SET OUT IN THE NEW REGULATIONS WERE IDENTICAL TO THE PRINCIPLES SPECIFIED IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE OF GUIDANCE PUBLISHED IN 1973.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROMULGATION OF THE INTERIM MEASURE WOULD NOT PREJUDICE FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL AND THAT IT WOULD LAPSE ON THE ENACTMENT OF THE NEW ORDINANCE.
"SUBJECT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL, A REVISED DRAFT BILL WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR FURTHER PUBLIC CONSULTATION DURING THE SUMMER," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL MAY, BY REGULATION, PROVIDE FOR THE CENSORING OF FILMS AND RELATED MATERIAL IN SUCH MANNER AND ON SUCH PRINCIPLES AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED IN THE REGULATIONS.
THE NEW REGULATIONS WOULD SERVE AS AN INTERIM MEASURE AS IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL IS UNLIKELY TO BE ENACTED DURING THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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/7........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
7
'SYMPATHETIC’ REDEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN RECOGNISED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE HOPED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WOULD BE CARRIED OUT SYMPATHETICALLY, PAYING ATTENTION TO SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL SHOPS AND TRADITIONAL WAYS OF LIVING THERE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING THE DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID IT SEEMED TO BE AN AREA IN WHICH THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION COULD PLAY A VERY USEFUL PART ONCE IT WAS SET UP.
"THERE ARE A NUMBER OF IDEAS THAT ARE ALREADY THERE FOR THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. 1 LOOKED AT ONE AREA TODAY WHICH MIGHT BE DEVELOPED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. IT’S A VERY GOOD AREA FOR THAT SORT OF DEVELOPMENT."
AS A RESIDENT OF CENTRAL DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO FIND THAT THERE WAS SUCH AN ACTIVE DISTRICT BOARD WORKING IN HIS INTEREST.
HE SAID THERE ARE PROBLEMS SUCH AS POLLUTION AND TRAFFIC THAT NEEDED TO BE DEALT WITH, AND THE GREEN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT COULD HELP SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS.
"THEY’RE THE SORT OF THING WHICH OBVIOUSLY CONCERNS ALL RESIDENTS IN THIS AREA, AND IN A WAY, ME AS WELL," HE SAID.
THEY WERE ALL PROBLEMS THAT WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO SOLVE, ONE OF THE WAYS THAT SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS COULD BE SOLVED LONG TERM IN THE AREA WAS THROUGH THE GREEN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IF AND WHEN THAT WENT AHEAD.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS SO MUCH CONTRAST BETWEEN CENTRAL AREA AND WESTERN, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY THE PROBLEMS OF AN AREA WHERE THERE WAS VERY DENSE HOUSING AND WHERE AT THE MOMENT THERE WERE INADEQUATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
"IT’S ALSO STRIKING WHAT CAN BE DONE IN A VERY SMALL AREA LIKE THE SUNG HING LANE WHERE YOU CAN MAKE A RECREATIONAL GARDEN OR IN THE SMITHFIELD AREA WHERE THE DISTRICT BOARD ITSELF IS TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO DEVELOP RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND HAS SET UP A VERY GOOD INFORMAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THAT," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS IMPRESSION ON THE SHOPS HE VISITED, SIR DAVID SAID THE INTERESTING THING WAS TO SEE SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL SHOPPING AREAS AND TO SEE THE SALE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINES OR GINSENG OR DRIED FISH.
"1 ASKED A LOT OF THEM HOW BUSINESS WAS AND THEY ALL SAID BUSINESS WAS VERY GOOD, WHICH IMPRESSED ME BECAUSE THE SORT OF GOODS THEY WERE SELLING IN MANY CASES WERE VERY EXPENSIVE," HE ADDED.
/COMMENTING ON........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 198?
COMMENTING ON HIS DISTRICT VISITS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY USEFUL TO GET OUT AND SEE THINGS FOR HIMSELF. "A LOT OF MY WORK HAVE TO BE DONE SITTING IN MY OFFICE, OR SITTING IN EXCO, SITTING IN LEGCO I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT I SHOULD SEE FOR MYSELF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONGKONG, AND TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IS POSSIBLE, MEET PEOPLE MYSELF, LISTEN TO SOME OF THE THINGS WHICH CONCERN THEM.
"SO FOR ME, IT MAKES ALIVE THE SORT OF PROBLEMS WHICH OTHERWISE, I’D ONLY READ ABOUT ON PAPER," HE SAID.
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GOVERNOR TOURS *
CENTRAL AND WESTERN * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON FIRST WENT TO NAM PAK HONG, A CENTRE FOR TRADITIONAL WHOLESALE BUSINESS LOCATED IN BONHAM STRANDS EAST AND WEST AND WING LOK STREET.
THERE, THEY WERE MET BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THE HISTORY OF NAM PAK HONG (LITERALLY MEANING "SOUTH-NORTH TRADING CENTRE") DATED BACK AS EARLY AS THE LATTER HALF OF 19TH CENTURY WHEN HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A THRIVING ENTREPOT.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN WENT TO NEARBY KO SHING STREET, ONE OF THE EARLIEST DEVELOPED AREAS IN HONG KONG, WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON URBAN RENEWAL PLANS FOR THE AREA.
THE PARTY THEN TURNED INTO DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO VISIT AN AREA KNOWN LOCALLY AS "HAM YU LAAN" OR "SALTED FISH MARKET", WHICH COMPRISES A CLUSTER OF SHOPS SPECIALISING IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL OF PRESERVED SEAFOOD.
THEY THEN WALKED TO THE NEARBY SUNG HING LANE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WHICH WAS BUILT IN A SMALL OPEN SPACE SURROUNDED BY DENSELY POPULATED DOMESTIC BUILDINGS.
THEIR NEXT STOP WAS KWUN LUNG LAU, A RENTAL HOUSING ESTATE BUILT AND MANAGED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY, AND HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF KENNEDY TOWN FROM ITS ROOFTOP.
/THE GOVERNOR
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
- 9 -
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO AMELIORATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR AND ABATTOIR, AND ON THE GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION FEASIBILITY STUDY.
THE GREEN ISLAND PROJECT, IF GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD, WOULD BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF POPULATION FOR WESTERN.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN VISITED A FAMILY OF FIVE IN KWUN LUNG LAU BEFORE LEAVING FOR SMITHFIELD BELOW.
THEY TOOK A WALK IN THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK, A PROJECT BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD ON THE SITE OF THE OLD SMITHFIELD CATTLE DEPOT TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT BY MAKING CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TEMPORARILY VACANT LAND.
ON THE WAY TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT HARBOUR BUILDING ON PIER ROAD, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME.
THE SCHEME, WHICH WOULD INCREASE CAPACITY FOR VEHICLES ALONG THE CONGESTED CONNAUGHT ROAD, INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FLYOVERS, AN UNDERPASS, AND THE DUALLING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON CONCLUDED THEIR TOUR BY ATTENDING A TEA RECEPTION AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE THEY MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
INSOLVENCY FUND TO COVER WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE
* * * «
WORKERS WHOSE EMPLOYERS BECOME INSOLVENT WILL IN FUTURE BE ABLE TO CLAIM SEVEN DAYS' WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE UP TO A PREFERENTIAL LIMIT OF $2,000 IF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS ENACTED.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THEIR RIGHTS TO CLAIM FOUR MONTHS’ WAGES IN ARREARS OR $8,000, WHICHEVER IS LESS, FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND SET UP TWO YEARS AGO.
DETAILS OF THE BILL ARE EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE NEXT FRIDAY (JUNE 12) FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED EXTENSION WOULD PROVE TO BE AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYEES OF INSOLVENT FIRMS, AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES, WHILE THEY WERE SEEKING NEW EMPLOYMENT.
/Hi) .'XPIdlNED
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
10 -
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO LIMIT TO SEVEN DAYS* WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE INITIALLY HAD BEEN TAKEN WITH CAUTION SINCE "A DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY RESULTING IN A GREATER NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES, OR A DECLINE IN THE GROWTH OF NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS RESULTING IN A LOWER-THAN-ESTIMATED LEVY INCOME, COULD UPSET THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE FUND”.
"HOWEVER, THE OPERATION OF THE FUND WILL BE REVIEWED AGAIN IN ONE YEAR’S TIME TO DETERMINE WHETHER A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE COVERAGE CAN BE JUSTIFIED," HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO MAKE SOME CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKRUPTCY AND COMPANIES ORDINANCES TO REMOVE INCONSISTENCIES IN THE LIMITS ON PAYMENTS FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT AN EMPLOYEE WILL BE ABLE TO CLAIM FOR OUTSTANDING WAGES AS PREFERENTIAL PAYMENT, AND NOT BE TREATED AS AN ORDINARY CREDITOR SIMPLY BECAUSE A PETITION FOR BANKRUPTCY OR WINDING-UP IS MADE MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE EMPLOYEE HAS APPLIED TO THE FUND.
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE PROTECTION OF WATGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD WERE CONSULTED ON THE AMENDMENTS.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ON JUNE 17.
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YAU MA TEI CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT DAY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A SITTING-OUT AREA WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS ALONG THE WATERFRONT AT MAN CHEONG STREET.
THE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
BENCHES, PLANTER BOXES AND ARBOURS ARE PROVIDED IN THIS DENSELY POPULATED AREA AND FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH WILL OFFICIATE AT A PI AGUE UNVEILING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT A SITTING-OUT AREA ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF MAN CHEONG STREET, YAU MA TEI TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 11 AM.
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/11 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
11
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TO BE COMMEMORATED * * * * *
THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE FOLLOWED BY A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY AT THE POKFULAM COUNTRY PARK AT 10 AM TOMORROW (JUNE 5).
EPCOM CHAIRMAN DR DAVID JOHNS; SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS; DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, DR STUART REED; AND CHAIRMAN OF WED SUB-COMMITTEE MR S.L. WAN WILL ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
OFFICIATING AT THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY. TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE THE MEDIA TO AND FROM THE POKFULAM COUNTRY PARK. PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 9.15 AM TOMORROW GOVERNMENT VANS WILL DEPART AT 9.30 AM.
IN THE EVENT OF UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE PRESS CONFERENCE WOULD BE HELD AT THE G.I.S. PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 10 AM.
- 0 -
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS PRINTING DEPARTMENT
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, VISITED THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT ITS WORK.
HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR HARRIS MYERS, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE WORK AND RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR FORD THEN SAW THE OPERATION OF THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS WHICH USE THE LATEST PRINTING TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT TO COPE WITH THE HEAVY DEMAND.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE INSTALLATION SOON OF ADVANCED COMPUTER SYSTEMS WOULD BE ABLE TO MEET THE NEED FOR PRODUCING THE LAWS OF HONG KONG BILINGUALLY AND IN FACING-PAGE FORMAT WHEN REQUIRED NEXT YEAR.
/A CUSTOMER
THURSDAY, JUNE U, 198?
- 12 -
A CUSTOMER LIAISON OFFICE WAS RECENTLY SET UP TO PROMOTE PRINTING FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH INCLUDE THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
SINCE APRIL 1983, THE SECURITY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PRODUCING THE NEW IDENTITY CARD WHICH CONTAINS SPECIAL FEATURES TO HELP REDUCE FORGERY AND COUNTERFEITING. MR FORD WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO PRODUCE THE SECOND PHASE NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM JULY OF THIS YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENT PRODUCES MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF ALL GOVERNMENT’S REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUOUS STATIONERY, ENABLING THE GOVERNMENT TO SAVE ABOUT $2 MILLION PER YEAR.
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1986 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ♦ I ♦ ♦ ♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1986.
THE SURVEY COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES SHIPPING COMPANIES AND AIRLINES.
IT ALSO COVERS SUCH TRANSPORT-RELATED SERVICES AS THOSE PROVIDED BY CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 3,600 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF SOME 40,000 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, BUSINESS TURNOVER \ND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
/SUCH ECONOMIC .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 19^7
SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TRANSPORT 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 ESTABLISHEMENTS 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 It OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 11 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE IN 1984.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31. 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 COMPLEI ING 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.
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SUMMER SPORTS SCHEME FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS TRAINING COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR SOME 2,600 PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE FORTHCOMING SUMMER VACATION.
THE SUMMER SPORTS SCHEME FOR SCHOOLS WILL OFFER 67 CLASSES OF TRAINING COURSES IN 10 SPORTS INCLUDING SAILING, CANOEING, ROWING, ORIENTEERING, ARCHERY, LIFE SAVING, FENCING, GYMNASTICS, VOLLEYBALL AND JUDO.
THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM VARIOUS SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF SWIRE BOTTLERS LIMITED.
IT AIMS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP THE BODY AS WELL AS THE MIND OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
/INSTRUCTORS Will........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
14
INSTRUCTORS WILL SELECT A BOY AND A GIRL FROM EACH CLASS AS THE BEST ATHLETES ACCORDING TO ATTENDANCE, IMPROVEMENT AND CONDUCT DURING THE COURSES.
THESE BEST ATHLETES WILL BE PRESENTED A PRIZE IN A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 21 AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL, NORTH POINT.
PARTICIPANTS ACHIEVING AN 80 PER CENT ATTENDANCE WILL OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE FROM THEIR COACHES.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE TRAINING COURSES WITH WRITTEN PARENTAL PREMISSION ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE JUNE 20 (SATURDAY).
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ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO BE BUILT AT SHA TIN
*****
A ROAD SAFETY TOWN FOR CHILDREN IS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN TO BRING HOME TO LOCAL RESIDENTS THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
ITS MAIN FEATURES WILL INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A CYCLING PROFICIENCY AREA, AN OUTDOOR INSTRUCTION AREA, A LECTURE ROOM AND A WORKSHOP.
IT IS PART OF A PROJECT TO PROVIDE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON LOCAL OPEN SPACE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THESE FACILITIES WILL BE BUILT ON SEVEN SITES NEAR YUEN CHAU KOK AND SHA TIN WAI, SHA TIN.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SKATING RINK, AMENITY AND SITTING OUT AREAS, MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND A SERVICE BUILDING.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON JUNE 19.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
- 15 -
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987.
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, Mie STEVE BARCLAY, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE HEAD OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN HOWARD, AND A SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MR ERIC AU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, AT 12 NOON TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
------0--------
FOOTBALLER AWARD PRESS CONFERENCE
*****
A SECOND PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 1 OTH HONG KONG TOP FOOTBALLERS AWARDS AND THE SECOND HONG KONG YOUTH FOOTBALLERS AWARDS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO HONG KONG TELEVISION, HONG KONG FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION AND HONG KONG CHINESE FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM AT THE MARINA ROOM, THE EXCELSIOR.
ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE INCLUDE THE HEAD OF CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICES, RTHK, MR RAYMOND NG; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KIN-MING; (HAIRMAN OF HONG KONG CHINESE FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION, MR WU KWOK-HUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR HO KAM-KONG AND GENERAL MANAGER, SPECIALTY RETAILING OF DAIRY FARM CO. LTD., MR MICHAEL BEDFORD.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM EIGHT LOCAL SOCCER TEAMS WILL ALSO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND RECEIVE SOUVENIRS FROM THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
o
/16........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987 - 16 -
SHAM SHUI PO DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE * » » * »
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1986.
SEVEN MEMBERS OF THF BOARD WILL ALSO SUBMIT WRITTEN QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER EXPLANATION ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE ISSUE.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL AND THE FIVE YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (JUNE 5) AT 2.30 PM. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM AT 39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE IN TUEN MUN TO BE WITHDRAWN » » » * «
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 46 OPERATING FROM AREA 4B TO YAU 01 IN TUEN MUN TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM SUNDAY (JUNE 71, THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT APPROVAL WAS GIVEN AS THE SERVICE HAD BEEN OPERATING AT A LOSS.
THE OPERATOR OF THE SERVICE HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO PUT UP NOTICES AT THE TERMINAL POINTS AND INSIDE THE VEHICLES OF THE ROUTE TO ADVISE PASSENGERS OF THE SERVICE WITHDRAWAL.
AFFECTED PASSENGERS CAN TAKE THE ALTERNATIVES OF KMB ROUTE 59B FROM SIU HONG COURT TO BUTTERFLY ESTATE; AND ROUTE 63 FROM YUEN LONG TO TUEN MUN FERRY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/17........
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1987
17
SPEEDPOST TO SAUDI ARABIA EXTENDED
*****
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO SAUDI ARABIA WHICH IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO 21 CITIES WILL BE EXTENDED TO THREE MORE CITIES, NAMELY AL BIKEIRIYA, AL KHARJ AND AL MEDHNAB, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE 24 CITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ABHA AL BIKEIRIYA AL KHARJ AL MEDHNAB ALBAHA ARRAS BALGURASHI BUREIDA DAMMAM DHAHRAN HAIL JEDDAH JUBAIL JUBAIL SINAIYA KHOBAR KHAMIS-MUSHAYT MAKKAH MEDINA RIYADH TABOUK TAIF UNIEZA YANBU YANBU SINAIYA
MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL PUBLISHED........................ 1
STIFFER PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF HYGIENE LaWS .............. 2
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENE <tND TECHNOLOGY BILL PUBLISHED ......... 3
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY ON TWO FINANCE COMPANIES ............. 4
GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL EDUCATION ........ 5
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO OFFER SUMMER COURSES ................. 6
call for more investment in machinery ....................... 7
STUDY TO KEEP HK MOVING ON NEXT CENTURY UNDERWAY............. 8
1985 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION >JJD RKiL ESTATE SECTORS RESULTS PUBLISHED ................................... 9
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BO^RD SUPPORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY... 11
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR TSUEM WAN ........... 12
AMENITY PLOT OPENS ON ENVIRONMENT DAY....................... 1J
TREE PLANTING CEREMONY IN WAN CHAI ........................ 1J
PROPERTIES TO BE LET BY TENDER ............................. 14
DONATION TO HELP REHABILITATED DRUG FUSERS ................. 14
SCHOOLS CHINESE D<JICE TEAM TO PERFORM IN CANADA............ 15
TREE PLANTING DAY AT TAI 0.................................. 16
MAGISTRATES SEE SAFETY STANDARDS ON THE SPOT ............... 16
CASH AID TO FAMILY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM .............. 17
POSTFAX SERVICE EXTENDS TO PANAMA .......................... 17
TAI WO HAU COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY........................ 18
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON JUNE 1} ............................... 19
NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLkN AMENDED..................... 20
GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE............... 20
PRINCESS MaRG/JUST ROmD FLYOVER CLOSED AT NIGHT............. 20
CENTRAL TR.1M /kND BUS-ONLY LaNE LIFTED..................... 21
HEAVY VEHICLE RUI IN WnN CHAI .............................. 21
CHEUNG HONG BUS TERMINUS DESIGNATED PROHIBITED ZONE...... 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NORTH POINT ............................. 21
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
1
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL PUBLISHED *****
UPDATING HONG KONG’S FIRST PUBLICATION OF A BILL
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LEGISLATION IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
SAW THE
THE CURRENT LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1885 AND LAST AMENDED IN 1937 AND FAILS TO MEET MODERN REQUIREMENTS.
THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987 PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE HAS 1EXTS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH. THIS IS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT BY INTRODUCING A NUMBER OF BILLS IN BOTH LANGUAGES BY WAY OF A "DUMMY RUN", THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR STEVE BARCLAY SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE BILL IS PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ONLY THE FORMER TEXT WILL BE DEBATED AND PASSED INTO LAW. THE CHINESE TEXT WILL ALLOW INTERESTED PARTIES TO SEE AND COMMENT ON HOW SUCH LEGISLATION SHOULD BE PRESENTED IN THE FUTURE.
THE PRESENT ORDINANCE HAS TWO MAIN FAILINGS IN THAT IT DOES NOT COVER THE METRIC SYSTEM, TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED, AND ITS PROVISIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT ARE BOTH INAPPROPRIATE AND INEFFECTIVE.NEITHER THE TREASURY NOR THE POLICE HAS THE ABILITY TO KEEP THE DETAILED REFERENCE STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE PRESENT LAW.
"THIS BILL WILL STRENGTHEN HONG KONG'S REPUTATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMMUNITY," SAID MR BARCLAY. "WE WILL BE SEEN TO BE USING INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS AND TO HAVE A CAPABILITY OF MEETING THE STANDARDS OF OVERSEAS MARKETS."
HE SAID THAT WITHIN HONG KONG THE INTERESTS OF BOTH CONSUMERS AND TRADERS WILL BE SAFEGUARDED BY THE USE OF RATIONAL AND MODERN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. THE USE OF IMPERIAL AND CHINESE UNITS WILL STILL BE PERMITTED UNDER THE BILL BUT THEY WILL BE DEFINED BY REFERENCE TO THE APPROPRIATE METRIC UNIT.
THE NEW BILL WILL:
* DEFINE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT FOR USE IN HONG KONG AND STIPULATE BOTH THE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LAWFUL FOR USE IN TRADE.
* PROVIDE FOR REFERENCE STANDARDS TO BE MAINTAINED.
* PROVIDE FOR OFFENCES AGAINST 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.
* GIVE REGULATION-MAKING POWERS GOVERNING TRADE TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE USE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES; AND
* PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY TO ENFORCE THE LEGISLATION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE WILL HAVE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, ASSISTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST.
-----0------ /2.............
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
2.
STIFFER PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF HYGIENE LAWS
» * * » ♦
A BILL SEEKING TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND FOOD HYGIENE LAWS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE OR REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AIM AT UPDATING THE EXISTING LEVELS OF PENALTIES IMPOSED UNDER THE ORDINANCE WHICH ARE LOSING DETERRENT EFFECT.
A MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1960. A MAJOR REVISION WAS LAST MADE IN 1978/79, BUT THE MAJORITY OF PENALTIES HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED AND NOW REQUIRE REVISION.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED REVISION WAS TO IMPROVE CONTROL UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
”A WORKING GROUP OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH HAS CONDUCTED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PENALTIES INVOLVED AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE RAISED GENERALLY BY 150 PER CENT TO 200 PER CENT, I.E. FROM $10,000 TO $25,000 IN RESPECT OF FINES AND FROM $250 TO $600 IN RESPECT OF THE DAILY PENALTY (THE MAXIMUM PRISON SENTENCE WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED AT SIX MONTHS),” HE SAID.
THE PROPOSALS HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT:
♦ THE INFLATION RATE BASED ON THE MOVEMENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) BETWEEN 1978/79 (WHEN THE LAST MAJOR REVISION OF FINES WAS MADE) AND 1985/86;
♦ THE INCREASE IN ENFORCEMENT STAFF COSTS DURING THE SAME PERIOD; AND
♦ THE NATURE AND SERIOUSNESS OF EACH OFFENCE AND THE DETERRENT REQUIRED.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR LITTERING SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $1,000 TO $2,500 AND THE DAILY FINE FROM $50 TO $150; AND THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR HAWKING WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE BE INCREASED FROM $1,000 FINE TO $2,500 FINE AND ONE MONTH IMPRISONMENT (FOR FIRST CONVICTION), AND TO $5,000 FINE AND 6 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT (FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION), WHILST THE DAILY FINE SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $50 TO $150.
/•’THE PROPOSED
FRIDAY, JUNE 5/1987
"THE PROPOSED CHANGES CONTAINED IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987 ARE SUPPORTED BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS. AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, WHICH WILL RAISE THE LEVELS OF THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES THAT CAN BE IMPOSED BY REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, BOTH COUNCILS WILL SIMILARLY INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES PRESCRIBED UNDER THEIR BY-LAWS”, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 17. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON IT CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES AT 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG OR TO OMELCO AT 8, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
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UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BILL PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE SETTING UP OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
GAZETTE TODAY
(FRIDAY)
THE THIRD UNIVERSITY
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND INCORPORATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
BILL 1987
HONG KONG
TO
PURSUE
ITS
THF BILL SETS OUT THE POWERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OBJECTS WHICH ARE TO PROVIDE FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH PARTICULARLY in IcIIncS Technology, engineering, management and business studies Ind to ^assist in the economic and social development of HONG KONG.
O...T7 uni Rk THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE GOVERNOR WILL BE THE CHANCELLOR OF
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE COUNCIL AND A SENATE.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT, A
THE COURT WILL BE AN ADVISORY BODY WHOSE RAISING FUNDS FOR AND PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE.
FUNCTIONS INCLUDE THE UNIVERSITY IN
THE COUNCIL, WITH FULL GOVERNING POWERS, WILL KEY ACADEMIC STAFF MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY, OVERSEAS ACADEMICS AND PROMINENT LEADERS DRAWN FROM OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
BE MADE UP OF OTHER LOCAL AND A WIDE SPECTRUM
/THE SENATE, ........
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
THE SENATE, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES AND ALL ACADEMIC MATTERS.
OTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY; THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COURT AND SENATE; THE CONSTITUTION, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE FACULTIES, THE BOARDS OF FACULTIES, THE SCHOOLS, THE BOARDS OF SCHOOLS AND THE CONVOCATION; THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES AND OTHER ACADEMIC AWARDS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE STATUTES, TO BE MADE BY THE COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON JUNE 17, WITH A VIEW TO COMPLETING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
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INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY ON TWO FINANCE COMPANIES
*****
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, MR NOEL M. GLEESON, TODAY (FRIDAY) CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS APPOINTED AS LIQUIDATOR OF FIRST BANGKOK CITY FINANCE LIMITED IN JULY 1986 AND THAI MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE LIMITED IN SEPTEMBER 1986, ON WINDING-UP PETITIONS PRESENTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOLLOWING REPORTS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
THE FORMER PRINCIPALS OF THE COMPANIES WERE THAI NATIONALS WHO LEFT HONG KONG BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND THEY HAVE NOT MADE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW SINCE THAT TIME.
MANY FINANCIAL RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE COMPANIES’ OFFICES.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAS MADE A DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANIES AND THIS INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING.
THE ESTIMATED LIABILITIES OF FIRST BANGKOK CITY FINANCE LIMITED ARE APPROXIMATELY $402 MILLION AND THAT OF THAI MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE LIMITED ARE APPROXIMATELY $139 MILLION.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAS ALREADY REALISED SUBSTANTIAL ASSETS AND FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE BEING PURSUED.
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/5........
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 198?
5
GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL EDUCATION
*****
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO BUILD UP THE PROVISION OF DEGREE PLACES TO AT LEAST 30 PER CENT OF THE ULTIMATE STUDENT POPULATION BY MID 1990S, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, SIR DAVID SAID THE PLANS WERE AMBITIOUS BUT THEY WERE EVIDENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL.
HE SAID HONG KONG'S SUCCESS RELIED HEAVILY ON THE ABILITY OF ITS BUSINESSMEN TO SELL THEIR PRODUCTS OVERSEAS AND ON THE PRODUCTS THEMSELVES TO BE COMPETITIVE.
"TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS AND THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS GOODS, WE MUST KEEP ABREAST OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ON ALL FRONTS," SIR DAVID ADDED.
"TO DO THIS, WE MUST INVEST IN OUR FUTURE BY CONSTANTLY IMPROVING OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM AND INCREASING THE EMPHASIS ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION."
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF LONG AND SHORT-TERM TRAINING COURSES, SIR DAVID SAID THE PRESENT OUTPUT AT THE CRAFTSMAN AND TECHNICIAN LEVEL WAS ABOUT RIGHT.
"AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS LONG RECOGNISED THE GROWING DEMAND FOR TECHNOLOGISTS, AS APPLIED TECHNOLOGY USED IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES BECOMES INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS TO MEET THIS DEMAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED IN 1981 THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE REVIEWING POST-SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, TO ESTABLISH A SECOND POLYTECHNIC, AND TO EXPAND SIGNIFICANTLY THE PROVISION OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNOLOGISTS AND PROFESSIONALS.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ONLY FIVE YEARS SINCE THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ITS DECISION TO BUILD A SECOND POLYTECHNIC AND A LOT HAD BEEN DONE SINCE THEN.
THE LEGISLATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WAS ENACTED IN 1983 FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST CITY POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL IN JANUARY 1984, AND THE FIRST STUDENT INTAKE USING TEMPORARY PREMISES BEGAN IN OCTOBER THAT YEAR.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE SIZE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC HAD EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN THE THREE YEARS SINCE THE FIRST STUDENTS ENROLLED.THERE WERE SOME 4,500 STUDENTS AT PRESENT.
/"THE RANGE
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 6 -
"THE RANGE OF SUBJECTS AVAILABLE FOR STUDY HAS EXPANDED EQUALLY FAST: THERE ARE NOW 20 DIFFERENT COURSES IN EIGHT ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING TWO AT DEGREE LEVEL," SIR DAVID ADDED.
"COMPETITION FOR PLACES IS FIERCE: ON AVERAGE 13 STUDENTS APPLY FOR EVERY PLACE."
HE SAID THAT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AS MORE COURSES WERE INTRODUCED IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR. "SOME OF THESE WILL BE AT DEGREE LEVEL, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S SECOND LAW SCHOOL."
NOTING THAT THE BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW CAMPUS WAS PROCEEDING ON SCHEDULE AND ON-CAMPUS FACILITIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEAR’S STUDENT INTAKE, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WOULD MAKE AVAILABLE LABORATORY AND WORKSHOP FACILITIES WHICH WERE LACKING AT THE PRESENT TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION.
"THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WILL ALSO SOON EMBARK ON ITS SECOND PHASE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WILL INCREASE THE TOTAL CAPACITY FROM 8,000 FULL TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS IN THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM TO 13,500 FULL TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS IN THE TRIENNIUM 1994-97," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED ALL PRESENT AND PAST MEMBERS OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO ACCOMPLISHING SO MUCH IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
-----o------
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO OFFER SUMMER COURSES
*****
THE SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ARE NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 213 SHORT COURSES TO BE OFFERED THIS SUMMER.
THESE SUMMER COURSES COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS IN THE AREAS OF COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, COMPUTING STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, PRINTING, TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, DESIGN AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING.
THE COURSES RANGING FROM EIGHT TO 60 HOURS ARE OFFERED MAINLY FOR WORKING PEOPLE WHO WANT TO UPDATE THEIR SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE, THOUGH SOME OF THE COURSES ALSO CONCERN HOBBY AND LEISURE SUBJECTS.
DETAILS OF THE SUMMER SHORT COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN THE PRESS TOMORROW (SATURDAY). CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 20.
APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES TO APPLICANTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND DISTRICT OFFICES STARTING FROM TOMORROW.
------O-------- /7.................
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 7 -
CALL FOR MORE INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY * * * * *
INVESTMENT IN UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY NEEDS TO BE ENCOURAGED IF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE TO CONTINUE TO BE COMPETITIVE IN ITS EXPORT MARKETS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE STH MACHINERY AND MATERIALS EXHIBITION, MR MACLEOD SAID IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG EXPORTED 90 PER CENT OR MORE OF ITS MANUFACTURED GOODS AND THAT THE COMPETITION FOR OVERSEAS MARKETS WITH OUR PRINCIPAL ASIAN COMPETITORS WAS INTENSE, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WERE UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE TO ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS OF QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY WHILE KEEPING DOWN PRODUCTION COSTS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
"INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND THE USE OF MODERN MACHINERY ARE PERHAPS THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ACHIEVING GROWTH IN PRODUCTIVITY BECAUSE THEY INCREASE OUTPUT, REDUCE ERROR AND WASTE, AND ENABLE QUALITY LEVELS TO BE IMPROVED CONSISTENTLY."
MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT OUR MANUFACTURERS LAST YEAR INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THIS AREA.
"IN 1986, THE VALUE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER 1985."
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THIS KIND OF INVESTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW IF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY RESPONDED AS EFFICIENTLY AND SPEEDILY TO DEMAND IN OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS AS IT HAD DONE IN THE PAST.
TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CONSULTANCY AND OTHER SERVICES ALREADY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG WHICH CAN HELP THEM ACHIEVE PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, MR MACLEOD SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WOULD BE INTRODUCING A PILOT SCHEME LATER THIS YEAR CALLED THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE.
"UNDER THIS PILOT SCHEME, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE MAKING VISITS TO OVER 300 MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES DURING A SIX-MONTH PERIOD, TO EXPLAIN TO MANUFACTURERS THE EXISTING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS."
IT IS HOPED THAT IN THE COURSE OF THESE VISITS THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE SOME OF THEIR CONTACTS OF THE POTENTIALLY BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THESE SERVICES IN TERMS OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH AND QUALITY ENHANCEMENT.
"A REVIEW WILL BE CARRIED OUT AFTER THESE VISITS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THERE IS A NEED FOR A PERMANENT EXTENSION SERVICE AND, IF SO, PRECISELY WHAT FORM IT SHOULD TAKE AND WHAT ITS OBJECTIVES SHOULD BE," MR MACLEOD ADDED.
O -
/8.......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
8
STUDY TO KEEP HK MOVING ON NEXT CENTURY UNDERWAY *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE A REASONABLY CLEAR VIEW OF WHAT WILL BE NEEDED TO KEEP HONG KONG MOVING INTO THE NEXT CENTURY WHEN THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY IS COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCH MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, MR LEUNG SAID WORK ON THE STUDY STARTED LAST NOVEMBER AND THE FINAL PHASE OF DEFINING THE RECOMMENDED INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND REPORTING THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE STUDY WOULD BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE SECOND STUDY WAS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE FIRST CONDUCTED BETWEEN 1973 AND 1976.
"THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES THIS TIME ARE TO REVIEW TRANSPORT INVESTMENT AND POLICY OPTIONS UP TO THE YEAR 2001, AND TO PRODUCE AN IMPROVED TRANSPORT PLANNING MODEL, EMPLOYING THE LATEST TECHNIQUES TO ASSIST IN THE FORMULATION OF FUTURE TRANSPORT POLICY AND PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE MAIN PROJECTS THAT WERE BEING LOOKED AT DURING THE STUDY INCLUDED:
* ROUTE X BETWEEN NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND WEST KOWLOON,
* THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY,
* THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING,
* ROUTE 7 FROM WESTERN TO ABERDEEN,
* AN MTR EXTENSION TO JUNK BAY, AND
* RAIL LINK CONNECTING THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES TO THE URBAN AREA.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT ROAD CONSTRUCTION HAD BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE AS HONG KONG HAD NOW BUILT MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE CHEAPER PROJECTS.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS ALSO UNLIKELY THAT RESOURCES WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR THE TRANSPORT NETWORK NECESSARY TO MEET UNRESTRAINED TRANSPORT DEMAND, EVEN IF IT WAS ACCEPTABLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER TERMS TO BUILD ALL THE ROAD AND SO ON NECESSARY FOR THIS.
MR I,EUNG SAID THE STUDY WOULD THEREFORE TAKE POSSIBLE CONSTRAINTS INTO ACCOUNT, AND WOULD ASSIGN PRIORITIES TO DIFFERENT PROJECTS AND PROPOSE DIFFERENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMMES TO MATCH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RESOURCES.
/THE STUDY .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 19?>7
9 -
THE STUDY WOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE EFFECT OF DELAYING IMPROVEMENTS AND EXAMINE WAY OF KEEPING TRAFFIC MOVING ON A LIMITED NETWORK.
"THIS MAY INCLUDE RESTRAINING LESS ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC BY INCREASING CHARGES FOR VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND/OR USE, OR GIVING EVEN GREATER PRIORITY THAN AT PRESENT TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE SECOND STUDY WOULD NOT BE THE END OF THE MATTER AS TRANSPORT PLANNING WAS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS, PARTICULARLY IN A VIBRANT, ACTIVE SOCIETY SUCH AS HONG KONG.
"THE SITUATION WILL CONTINUE TO BE MONITORED AND ADJUSTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS MADE ON A REGULAR BASIS, GEARED TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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1985 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS RESULTS PUBLISHED t * * » *
THERE WERE 7,321 CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING IN 1985 EMPLOYING DIRECTLY A TOTAL OF 97,148 PERSONS, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE 1985 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WHICH WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 1986 TO EARLY 1987 PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TOTAL GROSS V ALUE OF CONSTRUCT ION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING 1985 AMOUNTED TO $39,333 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SURVEY SHOWED.
THE TOTAL EXPENDITURES BY CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1985 WERE $38,108 MILLION, WHICH INCLUDED $10,120 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND PAYMENTS TO LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS; $11,875 MILLION ON CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES; $13,821 MILLION ON SUB-CONTRACT WORK RENDERED BY FEE SUB-CONTRACTORS; AND $2,292 MILLION ON MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES.
AT $12,053 MILLION, THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS 1 PER CENT LESS THAN THAT IN 1984. VALUE ADDED IS A MEASURE OF THE SECTOR'S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
/OVER ONE-THIRD .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
10 -
OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ENGAGED IN RENOVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES. HOWEVER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GENERAL TRADE CONTRACTORS PERFORMING AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 12 PER CENT OF THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS BUT CONTRIBUTED $25,467 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED.
THE REST OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONSISTED OF MOSTLY SPECIAL TRADE CONSTRACTORS, SUCH AS CONTRACTORS SPECIALISING IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTINGS.
THE SURVEY DID NOT COVER LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS WHO MAINLY SUPPLIED LABOUR TO WORK ON A JOB-TO-JOB BASIS. HOWEVER, THE OUTPUT OF THESE SUB-CONTRACTORS WAS IMPLICITLY INCLUDED IN THAT OF THE CONTRACTORS COMMISSIONING THEIR SERVICES.
APART FROM CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO INCLUDED FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT; AND ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING.
THERE WERE 3,652 ESTABLISHMENTS IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OPERATING DURING 1985, ENGAGING A TOTAL OF 28,913 PERSONS.
THEIR GROSS OUTPUT IN 1985 WAS $16,767 MILLION WHICH INCLUDED $10,149 MILLION OF SERVICE AND RENTAL INCOME, $6,217 MILLION OF GROSS MARGIN OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND $401 MILLION OF OTHER INCOME. THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURES WERE $6,708 MILLION.
AT $14,087 MILLION, THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS 7 PER CENT MORE THAN THAT IN 1984. THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE ESTABLISHMENTS THAT DEVELOPED REAL ESTATE PROJECTS FOR THEIR OWN OCCUPATION OR THOSE THAT OWNED LAND WITHOUT DEVELOPING IT DURING THE REFERENCE YEAR. ALSO EXCLUDED WERE REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS.
REGARDING ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES, THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT THERE WERE 575 SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING IN 1985 ENGAGING A TOTAL OF 9,270 PERSONS. THEIR TOTAL BUSINESS RECEIPTS WERE $2,108 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 19 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984. THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURES WERE $1,631 MILLION OF WHICH $988 MILLION WAS ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES. THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS $1,452 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984.
/BESIDES STATI LTICS
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
BESIDES STATISTICS ON ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO COLLECTED DATA ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SITES AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. A TOTAL OF 1,793 SITE CONTRACTS WERE CARRIED OUT IN 1985 WITH THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AMOUNTING TO $19,652 MILLION, WHICH WAS 7 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT IN 1984. THIS INCLUDED $7,163 MILLION ON PUBLIC PROJECTS AND $12,489 MILLION ON PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SITES.
WITH THE GRADUAL COMLPETION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE PROJECT, THE SHARE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT SITES DROPPED TO 36 PER CENT IN 1985, COMPARED WITH 42 PER CENT IN 1984.
THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, AT $7,210 MILLION IN 1985, WAS 10 PER CENT ABOVE THAT IN 1984. THE INCREASE OCCURED MOSTLY IN PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS WHICH ACCOUTED FOR 64 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN 1985, COMPARED WITH 58 PER CENT IN 1984.
THE VALUE ACCRUED TO PRIVATE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS DURING 1985 WAS $15,864 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984. THE TOTAL PROJECT OUTLAYS WERE $11,344 MILLION WHICH INCLUDED PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS, FEES FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY, INTEREST PAYMENTS AND OTHER PROJECT EXPENSES.
THE SUMMARY STATISTICS FROM THE 1985 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE APRIL 1987 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS. MORE DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE SURVEY REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.
IN THE MEANTIME, ENQUIRIES REGARDING SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234855.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD
»
SUPPORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY * t « * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TOURED WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE MARKET THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TO SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE AS PART oJa PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE DISTRIBUTED PAMPHLETS AND PUBLICITY MATERIAL TO SHOPPERS AND STALL OPERATORS.
/THE PUBLICITY .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 198?
12 -
THE PUBLICITY DRIVE WAS LAUNCHED WITH A 15-MINUTE PERFORMANCE BY THE CORPS OF DRUMS OF THE 1ST BATTALION COLDSTREAM GUARDS AT THE WONG CHUK HANG CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL. THE PERFORMANCE WAS ATTENDED BY SEVERAL HUNDRED SCHOOL CHILDREN.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE ACTIVITY, BANNERS AND POSTERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP IN THE DISTRICT AND 2,000 CAPS AND STICKERS CARRYING THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY LOGO AND SLOGAN ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS.
THE COMMITTEE HOPED THAT THE EFFORT WOULD HELP AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO FIGHT POLLUTION AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT. THE DISTRICT’S PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ALSO STAGE SPECIAL CLEAN UP OPERATIONS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR TSUEN WAN * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD PLANS TO IMPLEMENT SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT TO INCORPORATE THE THEME OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
PROPOSED PROJECTS INCLUDE IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO FOOTPATHS AND FOOTBRIDGES AT PUN SHAN TSUEN, CHAI WAN KOK AND KWONG PAN TIN TSUEN; CONSTRUCTION OF RAIN SHELTERS; AND ERECTION OF COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES IN SQUATTER AREAS.
A TOTAL OF $520 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE COMMITTEE FOR SUCH PROJECTS, WHICH IS AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 20 PER CENT COMPARED WITH FUNDS OF LAST YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE AGREED AT A MEETING LAST MONTH TO SUPPORT THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS TO ENHANCE COLLECTIVE ACTION TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
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/15
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 15 -
AMENITY PLOT OPENS ON ENVIRONMENT DAY * » ♦ ♦ »
THE MAN CHEONG STREET SITTING-OUT AREA WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE TO COMMEMORATE THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
THE AREA, WHICH WAS FURNISHED WITH BENCHES, ARBOURS AND PLANTER BOXES WOULD BE A VALUABLE AMENITY PLOT FOR RESIDENTS IN THE VICINITY.
THE PROJECT WAS SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TO ENLIVEN THE ENVIRONMENT IN FERRY POINT.
THE BOARD HAD ALSO AGREED TO EFFECT A SERIES OF MINOR ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS LATER THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE TH . LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE RESIDENTS.
DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR DAVID KWAN AND FERRY KWOK-CHUNG THIS MORNING TO OPEN THE SITTING-OUT
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; MR YIP WAH; ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, POINT AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YIP OFFICIATED AT A PLAQUE UNVEILING CEREMONY
AREA.
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TREE PLANTING CEREMONY IN WAN CHAT ♦ ♦ ♦ *
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT TUNG LO WAN ROAD, OPPOSITE THE MORETON TERRACE BUS TERMINUS ON SUNDAY (JUNE 7).
THE EVENT IS PART OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S PROGRAMME IN SUPPORT OF ’’WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987” AND TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF BEAUTIFYING WAN CHAI DISTRICT AND MAKING IT A BETTER AND CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE WAN CHAI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARMAN CHIU, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY IN WAN CHAI, DR ALBERT CHEUNG, AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TREE PLANTING CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JUNE 7) AT 10.30 AM AT TUNG LO WAN ROAD, OPPOSITE THE MORETON TERRACE BUS TERMINUS.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 14 -
PROPERTIES TO BE LET BY TENDER * ♦ t ♦ *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET SEVERAL GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES BY TENDER.
ONE IS THE LEFT AND REAR PORTIONS OF THE GROUND FLOOR AND PORTIONS OF THE COCKLOFT OF NO. 356A, RECLAMATION STREET.
IT MEASURES 65.8 SQUARE METRES IN AREA AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE TERM OF THE TENANCY AGREEMENT IS ONE YEAR CERTAIN AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
ALSO TO BE LET ARE TWO KIOSKS ON THE PEDESTRIAN DECK AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OF THE TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX.
EACH MEASURES 16 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR RETAILING PURPOSES, EXCLUDING SALE OF WET GOODS.
THE TERM OF BOTH TENANCIES WILL BE THREE YEARS CERTAIN, RENEWABLE AFTERWARDS FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS.
TENDER FORMS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 3.
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DONATION TO HELP REHABILITATED DRUG ABUSERS ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
MORE VOLUNTARILY REHABILITATED DRUG ABUSERS CAN BE HELPED THROUGH GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE AND USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY THF COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, SAID YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
MR MULLOY WAS SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHEN HE RECEIVED, ON BEHALF OF THE EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE COMMITTEE FOR VOLUNTARILY REHABILITATED DRUG ABUSERS AS ITS HONORARY PRESIDENT, A DONATION OF $35,000 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON, MR WONG CHUNG-MING.
WHILE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY FOR ITS CONTINUED SUPPORT S2CIAL WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG, THE COMMISSIONER ALSO COMMENDED THE OUTSTANDING JOB DONE BY THE COMMITTEE.
/SINCE ITS .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
- 15 -
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1975, THE EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE COMMITTEE HAS SUCCESSFULLY FOUND JOBS FOR 2,705 VICTIMS OF DRUG ADDICTION AND HELPED THEM RE-ENTER SOCIETY.
THE DONATION WAS THE SEVENTH ANNUAL ONE FROM THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON TO THE COMMITTEE.
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SCHOOLS CHINESE DANCE TEAM TO PERFORM IN CANADA * » * * »
THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS CHINESE DANCE TEAM WILL SHOW ITS PACE AT THE LANDMARK ON SUNDAY (JUNE 7) BETWEEN 2.30 PM AND 3.15 PM BEFORE LEAVING FOR A 1 O-DAY TOUR OF VANCOUVER IN CANADA ON TUESDAY (JUNE 9).
THE PERFORMANCE WILL FEATURE DANCES ENTITLED SONG OF HARVEST (KOREAN), THE SPRING OF ZIANGIANG, THE FISH (TAI TRIBE), MURAL FAIRY (CLASSIC) AND THE DANCE OF SEEDLING (HAN TRIBE).
SUNDAY’S PERFORMANCE AND THE OVERSEAS TRIP ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, HONG KONG LAND COMPANY LIMITED, JARDINE MATHESON COMPANY LIMITED, THE LAW’S FOUNDATION TRUST, JAPAN AIR LINES AND HONG KONG BANK.
THE DANCERS COMPRISING TWO BOYS AND SIX GIRLS ARE FROM PEI CHIAO MIDDLE SCHOOL, MUNSANG COLLEGE, FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL, HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE, SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, S.K.H. BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL AND ST. MARGARET GIRLS’ SCHOOL (KOWLOON).
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS CHINESE DANCE TEAM WERE SELECTED AMONG THE BEST STUDENT DANCERS OF THE SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL HELD ANNUALLY IN JANUARY.
IN VANCOUVER, THE TEAM WILL ATTEND THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR HEALTH PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION WORLD CONFERENCE AT WHICH SEMINARS AND PERFORMANCES IN CHINESE DANCE WILL BE GIVEN.
THE TEAM HAS WON WIDE ACCLAIM IN ITS PREVIOUS OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES IN CANADA, ENGLAND, GREECE, ISRAEL, JAPAN AND SPAIN IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
APART FROM OVERSEAS TOURS, THE TEAM ALSO PERFORMS REGULARLY AT VARIOUS LOCAL VENUES DURING FESTIVALS. THEY ALSO FORMED THE BACKBONE OF A SPECTACULAR MASS DANCE OF 300 STUDENTS STAGED AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM DURING THE VISIT OF THE QUEEN.
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/16
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
16
TREE PLANTING DAY AT TAI O » t * ♦ *
A TREE PLANTING DAY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE NT/SOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND TAI O YOUTH CLUB WILL BE HELD AT TAI O, LANTAU TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
A BRIEF CEREMONY TO MARK THE OCCASSION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM IN SHEK TSAI PO, TAI O.
THE ISLANDS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN SHERWIN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI O RURAL COMMITTEE, MR YU YUEN-HET, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE. THE LAUNCH ’CLEMENTI WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL AT 9 AM AND LAND TRANSPORT ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MUI WO.
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MAGISTRATES SEE SAFETY STANDARDS ON THE SPOT ♦ ♦ t t ♦
FIVE MAGISTRATES SPENT THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON INSPECTING A METAL MANUFACTURING FACTORY IN TSUEN WAN.
THEY WERE MISS POLLY LO FROM THE SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, MR WALLY YEUNG FROM THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, MR GEORGE LEE FROM THE SHA TIN MAGISTRACY, MR S.K. WONG FROM THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY, AND MR Z.E. LI FROM THE FANLING MAGISTRACY.
ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY A SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR HO SING-CHUEN, AND A LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MRS PAULA YEUNG, THE MAGISTRATES TOURED THE FIVE-STOREY FACTORY WHICH MANUFACTURES MAINLY ALUMINIUM KITCHEN UTENSILS.
THEY NOTED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF HYDRAULIC AND POWER PRESSES WAS BEING USED IN THE PRODUCTION WORK. THESE PRESSES HAVE IN THE MAIN BEEN PROVIDED WITH MACHINE GUARDS TO PROTECT THE WORKERS.
TODAY’S VISIT WAS PART OF A PROGRAMME ARRANGED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE MAGISTRATES TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ON THE SPOT, IN PARTICULAR IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
17
CASH AID TO FAMILY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM « » ♦ * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED $53,370 IN CASH ASSISTANCE TO THE FAMILY OF A 53-YEAR-OLD CASUAL CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO DIED AFTER A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO.
THE FINANCIAL AID COMPRISED $44,940 IN DEATH GRANT AND $8,430 IN INTERIM ADJUSTMENT GRANT FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND. IN ADDITION TO THE $3,000 IN BURIAL GRANT EARLIER RELEASED TO THE FAMILY FROM CHARITABLE FUND, THIS BRINGS TO $56,370 THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CASH AID GIVEN TO THE FAMILY.
THE VICTIM IS SURVIVED BY A 45-YEAR-OLD WIFE AS WELL AS TWO SONS AND TWO DAUGHTERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 19.
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S KWAI CHUNG FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND FIELD UNIT WILL CONTINUE TO RENDER NECESSARY ASSISTANCE TO THE FAMILY.
THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, INVOLVING A BUS AND A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS, OCCURRED ON MAY 21 AT THE 13-AND-A-HALF-MILESTONE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE TWO OTHER PEOPLE ALSO DIED AND 28 PEOPLE WERE INJURED. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS EARLIER GIVEN TO QUALIFIED VICTIMS.
THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS, REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
- - 0 -
POSTFAX SERVICE EXTENDS TO PANAMA * ♦ » * »
THE POSTFAX SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO PANAMA FROM MONDAY (JUNE 8), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS A JOINT POST OFFICE AND CABLE & WIRELESS (HK) LTD PUBLIC FACSIMILE SERVICE. POSTFAX ITEMS HANDED IN AT GPO BEFORE 6 PM WILL BE ACCORDED SAME-DAY DELIVERY IN PANAMA. DOCUMENTS (HANDWRITTEN OR TYPED), DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS UP TO A4 SIZE ARE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION.
"ALL POSTFAX ITEMS ARE HANDLED WITH CARE AND CONFIDENTIALITY," A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/AFTER ACCEPTANCE
FRIDAY, JUNE 5» 1987
- 18 -
AFTER ACCEPTANCE, THESE ITEMS WILL BE SCANNED, CONVERTED INTO HIGH-SPEED ELECTRONIC IMPULSES AND TRANSMITTED DIRECT TO THE RECEIVING GATEWAY IN THE DISTANT COUNTRY.
THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO PANAMA WILL BE:
'SHORT MESSAGE' FACILITY $60
FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $80
FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME $40
ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE CAN HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 26 ACCEPTANCE POSTOFFICES OR THE TWO CABLE & WIRELESS SALES OFFICES AT THE EXCHANGE SQUARE AND HERMES HOUSE.
POSTFAX SERVICE IS NOW OFFERING HIGH-SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND 69 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. ALL THE IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS OF HONG KONG ARE INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE NETWORK, SUCH AS THE U.S.A., THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CHINA, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.
POSTFAX HAS BEEN CALLED THE FASTEST MAIL ON EARTH BECAUSE IT ONLY TAKES A NUMBER OF HOURS FOR A MESSAGE TO BE DELIVERED ABROAD AFTER TRANSMISSION, RATHER THAN DAYS BY CONVENTIONAL MAIL FACILITIES. IT IS ALREADY ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUBLIC ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES AND IS STILL GROWING FAST.
FOR SPEEDIER TRANSMISSION AND AT NO EXTRA COST, FACSIMILE MACHINE OWNERS IN HONG KONG CAN FAX THEIR MESSAGES TO THE POST OFFICE UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO ADDRESSEES ABROAD WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR OWN FACSIMILE EQUIPMENT.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTFAX MANAGER ON 5-8471148.
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TAI WO HAU COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
MORE THAN 1,000 KWAI TSING RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE TAI WO HAU COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY IN WEST KWAI CHUNG TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
DURING THE EVENT, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM, A NUMBER OF DEMONSTRATIONS INCLUDING CHINESE KUNG FU, TAI CHI SWORD AND TOI KUEN TAO WILL BE HELD. THERE WILL ALSO BE SINGING GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.
/IN THE
FRIDAY, JUDE 1?8'
19
IN THE SAME MORNING, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT BOARD,.MR HO TUNG-CHING WILL OFFICIATE AT AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE KWAI CHUNG WEST SUB-OFFICE IN THE CENTRE.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS FOR TSING YI RESIDENTS TO MAKE ENQUIRIES AS WELL AS USING THE FACILITIES IN THE CENTRE. THE ARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO ENHANCE LIAISON WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN THE SAME BLOCK.
THE SUB-OFFICE WILL BE IN ROOM 103, FIRST FLOOR OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 0-201774. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE IS 0-221058.
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ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON JUNE 13 t ♦ * » *
THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE MAIL DELIVERY NEXT SATURDAY (JUNE 13) AND NO MAIL DELIVERY ON JUNE 15 (MONDAY), WHICH ARE GENERAL HOLIDAYS, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
ON JUNE 13 (SATURDAY), 42 POST OFFICES ,1NC^DING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA ISUI pS OFF Ss IN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WING STREET, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND POST the new TERRITORIES, WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
TAI PO
FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON JUNE 15 (MONDAY).
CAN BE BUREAU
DETAILS OF THE 42 POST OBTAINED FROM ANY POST
AT 5-231071.
OFFICES WHICH WILL BE OPEN ON JUNE OFFICE OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY
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/2O
I
I
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 1987
- 20 -
NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED
*****
AN'AMENDMENT TO THE NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSED MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AND OVER-RUN TUNNELS FOR THE EASTERN flARBOUR CROSSING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN AMENDED TO PASS TO THE NORTH OF BRAEMAR HILL ROAD.
THIS WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMENDED MTR ALIGNMENT GAZETTED UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE ON FEBRUARY 13, 1987.
OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENT SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY JUNE 25.
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a
GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE * * » ♦ ♦
THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY (JUNE 8) AND JUNE 9 FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINTENANCE.
MOTORISTS ON WESTBOUND GASCOIGNE ROAD HEADING FOR FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO USE THE GROUND LEVEL ROADS VIA GASCOIGNE ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FERRY STREET.
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PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER CLOSED AT NIGHT
*****
THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY (JUNE 8) AND FROM JUNE 10 TO 11 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 THE GROUND LEVEL WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
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/21
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1987
CENTRAL TRAM AND BUS-ONLY LANE LIFTED *****
THE BUS AND TRAM-ONLY LANE IN CENTRAL ALONG A 60-METRE STRETCH OF THE WESTBOUND OFFSIDE LANE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH RUMSEY STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 8).
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
- 0 - -
HEAVY VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI ♦ » » » *
NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF HEARD STREET BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 8).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TEN WEEKS FOR ROAD
WORKS.
- - 0 -
CHEUNG HONG BUS TERMINUS DESIGNATED PROHIBITED ZONE ♦ t ♦ » *
THE CHEUNG HONG BUS TERMINUS ON TSING YI WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 6 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 8).
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NORTH POINT ♦ * * ♦
NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM JAVA ROAD ON TO SHU KUK STREET WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAM HONG STREET AND TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD BEFORE REJOINING SHU KUK STREET.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
Saturday, june 6, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRICE aND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF M.JICH EXTERNA TRADE ......... 1
PARENTS’ ROLE UNDERLINED ................................... 6
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS SHOW DEXTERITY .JW CREATIVITY IN CONTESTS............................................... 7
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOC,>L STUDENTS........ 8
TREE PLANTING D^Y BOOSTS CIVIC EDUCATION ................... 9
TUEN MUN TREE PLANTING DaY ON SUNDAY ....................... 10
PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR TENDER FAMILY WINNERS................ 10
REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAY ............................... 11
EmRly welfare payment ...................................... 12
PRINCESS MARGARET RO.^D NORTHBOUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC................................................... 12
LAI CHI KOK RO^D CLOSED FOR RESURFACING
12
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OE MARCH EXTERNAL TRADE
♦ » t ♦ *
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 28 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATE.
TOGETHER WITH A 49 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT THE PRICES OF TOTAL EXPORTS 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.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1987 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF 24 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 22 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, BOTH THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT, WHILE IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR MARCH 1987 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, PRICES OF DOMESTIC MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN MARCH 1987 COMPARED 1986. THESE INCLUDED CLOTHING (+9 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+6
EXPORTS OF WITH MARCH PER (ENT);
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+6 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+4 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+3 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+1 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METAL MANUFACTURES (+1 PER CENT). DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-8 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-7 PER CENT) AS WELL AS RADIOS OF
ALL KINDS (-1 PER CENT).
/THE DOMESTIC........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
2 -
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL MAJOR COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN MARCH 1987 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, INCLUDING TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+82 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+81 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+52 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+51 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+43 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+34 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+26 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+22 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+20 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+15 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+5 PER CENT); AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR (+4 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1987 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN MARCH 1987 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, RANGING FROM 1 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 8 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUEL DECREASED BY 15 PER CENT.
IMPORTS OF MANY MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN MARCH 1987 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN FRUIT; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS AS WELL AS LIVE POULTRY. HOWEVER, DECREASED IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE AS WELL AS VEGETABLES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; FOOTWEAR; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES AS WELL AS CLOTHING.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE IN MARCH 1987 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, INCLUDING RAW COTTON; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; WOVEN COTTON FABRICS; PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS. A DECREASE WAS NOTED FOR FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
/IHPORTT, OF ........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE BY 38 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN MARCH 1987 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS (A EGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL COMMODITIES INCREASED IN MARCH 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES; ELECTRICAL MACHINERY; CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; AS WELL AS SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR MARCH 1987 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN MARCH 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1986, RANGING FROM 16 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 74 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MARCH 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE NEXT WEEK AT HK$2.5O PER COPY. ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG ON 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234918.
/1'nble 1: .........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
h
Table 1:
Increases in domestic exports
by commodity group
Comparing Jan-Mar 1987 Comparing March 1987
with Jan-Mar 1986 with March 1986
Commodity group Value % Unit Value % Volume % Value % Unit Value % Volume %
Clothing 22 8 13 37 9 26
Textile fabrics 77 3 72 89 4 81
Textile yarn and thread 54 2 51 85 1 82
Textile made-ups and related articles 17 6 11. 41 5 34
Radios of all kinds 49 -3 54 50 -1 52
Electronic components 2 -8 10 -4 -8 5
Footwear 9 3 6 10 6 4
Metal manufactures 34 2 31 52 1 51
Metal ores and scrap 4 -5 10 33 -7 43
Watches and clocks 17 4 13 18 3 15
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles 7 3 4 25 2 22
Domestic electrical appliances 26 3 22 27 6 20
ALL COMMODITIES 32 3 28 41 3 37
Note:
Percentage changes are calculated from trade indexes taken to more decimal places than those to be published in the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers". They may therefore differ from the percentage changes to be computed from the published figures.
/Table 2:
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
Table 2- Increases in imports by end-use category
Comparing Jan-Mar 1987 with Jan-Mar 1986 Comparing March 1987 with March 1986
End-use category Unit Value Value Volume % % % Unit Value Value Volume % % %
Foodstuffs 12 1 10 15 1 14
Consumer goods 49 6 41 65 5 57
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 49 3 45 61 3 57
Fuels -20 -26 9 17 -15 38
Capital goods 38 9 26 50 8 39
ALL COMMODITIES 41 4 36 55 3 50
Increases in re-exports by end-use category
Table 3:
Comparing Jan-Mar 1987 with Jan-Mar 1986 Comparing March 1987 with March 1986
End-use category Unit Value Value Volume Unit Value Value Volume
% % % % % %
Foodstuffs 11 -1 12 14 -1 16
Consumer goods 68 3 64 79 3 74
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 46 2 44 58 2 55
Fuels 64 -23 112 27 -9 39
Capital goods 43 3 40 52 2 50
ALL COMMODITIES 52 n 49 62 2 W..
0 - /6 ...
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987'
6
PARENTS’ ROLE UNDERLINED * * * * *
THE FAMILY IS THE CHILD’S BEST SHELTER AND BASIC SCHOOL FOR LIFE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "LOVE OUR CHILDREN -1987 CHILDREN’S MONTH" ORGANISED BY CARITAS, MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE FAMILY HAD TO BE NURTURED IF WE DID NOT WANT IT TO BE SMOTHERED IN PERSONAL AND LARGELY MATERIAL AMBITIONS.
SHE NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG FAMILY WAS UNDER CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE AND DESPITE THE BEST EFFORTS OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION, THE DRIVE TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL SUCCESS MIGHT PROVE TOO GREAT A STRAIN FOR MANY HOMES.
CITING THE UPWARD TREND IN BOTH THE DIVORCE RATE AND THE AMOUNT OF JUVENILE CRIMES OVER THE LAST DECADE, SHE SAID IT WAS WORRYING BECAUSE THE STATISTICS ONLY REPRESENTED EXTREME CASES.
THE DIVORCE RATE PER THOUSAND MARRIED COUPLES WAS 0.9 IN 1976 AND ROSE TO 3.6 IN 1986. THE RATE OF JUVENILE CRIMES ROSE FROM 2.1 PER THOUSAND TO 7.9 OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
"BEHIND THESE LEGAL STATISTICS LIE THE FAMILIES IN WHICH THE QUALITY OF MARRIAGE HAS DETERIORATED AND THE YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE ANTI-SOCAIL ATTITUDES BUT STAY OUT OF TROUBLE WITH THE POLICE," MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
SHE ARGUED THAT THIS TREND TOWARDS MORE RATHER THAN FEWER SOCIAL PROBLEMS AS WE HAD BECOME MORE PROSPEROUS COULD NOT BE BLAMED ON THE OUTSIDE WORLD BECAUSE HONG KONG SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE ITS OWN PROBLEMS.
NEITHER COULD IT BE BLAMED ON THE SOCIAL SERVICES, SHE SAID.
"WHILE CERTAINLY WE COULD ALWAYS DO WITH MORE RESOURCES IN THIS FIELD, WE HAVE TO RECOGNISE THAT THROUGH THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SUCH AS CARITAS, PLUS SUSTAINED CAMPAIGNS LIKE THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME, WE HAVE DONE A GREAT DEAL TO PROTECT THE FAMILY," SHE SAID.
"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY HAS SOME 24,000 FAMILY CASES. OVER THE LAST YEAR, ITS CASEWORKERS HANDLED OVER 36,000 FAMILY PROBLEMS.
"THE CONTRIBUTION BY THE EIGHT FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCLUDING CARITAS, HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIAL, HANDLING ALMOST 8,000 FAMILY CASES," SHE ADDED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT FAMILY PROBLEMS WERE USUALLY COMPLEX AND ABSORBED CONSIDERABLE TIME FROM PROFESSIONALS WHO TEND TO REQUIRE MORE EXPERIENCE AND MATURITY TO TACKLE THE TOUGHER CASES.
/"THE COST .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 198?
"THE COST (INCLUDING SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES) OF THIS FAMILY CASE COUNSELLING SERVICE PROVIDED BY MORE THAN 350 SOCIAL WORKERS IS $60 MILLION PER YEAR.
"THESE FIGURES HIGHLIGHT THE AWARENESS IN THE SOCIAL PROFESSION OF FAMILY PROBLEMS AND SOCIAL WORKERS CANNOT BE ACCUSED OF BEING COMPLACENT," SHE SAID.
SHE BELIEVED THAT THE BASIC PROBLEM PERHAPS HAD TO DO WITH THE SPECIAL DRIVE TO SUCCEED THAT WE FOUND IN HONG KONG WHICH MIGHT AFFECT FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
EMPHASISING THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE CHILDREN’S GROWING UP PROCESS, SHE SAID CHILDREN COULD ONLY LEARN TO BE GOOD PARENTS THEMSELVES THROUGH LEARNING FROM THEIR PARENTS.
SHE SAID IT WAS UP TO PARENTS TO DECIDE HOW PRECIOUS THEIR FAMILIES WERE TO THEM AND WHAT PRIORITY THEY WANTED TO GIVE TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
"THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR ’CHILDREN’S MONTH’ BY CARITAS PRESENT A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE THE ROLE OF THE HONG KONG FAMILY AND TO REMIND THE COMMUNITY THAT THE FAMILY HAS TO BE NURTURED IF WE DO NOT WANT IT TO BE SMOTHERED IN PERSONAL AND LARGELY MATERIAL AMBITIONS,” SHE SAID.
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TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS
SHOW DEXTERITY AND CREATIVITY IN CONTESTS
*****
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR HORACE KNIGHT, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED PRIZES AND TROPHIES TO STUDENTS WHO EXCELLED IN THE ANNUAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PROJECT AND SKILLS COMPETITIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR KNIGHT SAID THE HIGH STANDARDS ACHIEVED BY THE STUDENTS IN THE COMPETITIONS REFLECTED THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION THEY RECEIVED IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE PROJECT COMPETITION AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL WAS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PUT THEORY TO PRACTICE; TO REACH OUT BEYOND THE CONFINE OF TEXTBOOKS AND BASIC WORKSHOP PRACTICE; TO LEARN TO WORK AS MEMBERS IN A TEAM; AND ABOVE ALL TO BE RESOURCEFUL, CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE.
AHE PROJECT.........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1?8?
8 -
THE PROJECT ENTRIES INVOLVED THE APPLICATION OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY KNOWLEDGE AND INCLUDED AN ELECTRIC CAR FOR THE DISABLED, A COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MILLING AND DRILLING MACHINE, A SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM, AN AUTOMATIC TABLE-TENNIS BALL SERVER, A PROGRAMMABLE CRANE SYSTEM AND A LIFT SYSTEM.
THE SKILLS COMPETITION WHICH WAS OPEN TO CRAFT STUDENTS WAS A CONTEST MAINLY OF DEXTROUS SKILLS.
MORE THAN 200 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES. ANOTHER 25 STUDENTS WERE AWARDED THE CHEN HSONG SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.
-------0---------
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS * * * * *
TWO JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE MONBUSHO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 1988 ARE BEING OFFERED TO LOCAL STUDENTS OF 17 AND 22 YEARS OF AGE AS AT APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR (1988).
ONE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES AND THE OTHER FOR NATURAL SCIENCES IN JAPAN.
THE AWARDS NORMALLY TENABLE FOR FIVE YEARS FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR TO MARCH 1993 WILL COVER TUITION, ACCOMMODATION, LIVING EXPENSES AND RETURN PASSAGE.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE PASSED TWO RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL; OR THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND ONE RELEVANT SUBJECT AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL IN A GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM; OR SATISFIED THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF EITHER THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG OR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
APPLICANTS NEED NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF JAPANESE, BUT THEY MUST BE WILLING TO RECEIVE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF JAPANESE.
/APPLICATION FORMS
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE COURSES OF STUDY ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SAME OFFICE BEFORE JULY 15 (WEDNESDAY).
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ENROLLED AT THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL ATTACHED TO THE TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES AND WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-YEAR COURSE ON THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND SUCH OTHER SUBJECTS AS ARE NECESSARY TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSE.
A GRANTEE WHO HAS COMPLETED THE PRESCRIBED COURSE AT THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL WILL GO ON TO A NATIONAL UNIVERSITY IF HE PASSES THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION CONDUCTED BY THE UNIVERSITY. MONBUSHO, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY CONCERNED AND THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL, WILL DECIDE ON THE UNIVERSITY TO WHICH A GRANTEE SHOULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION.
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TREE PLANTING DAY BOOSTS CIVIC EDUCATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
MORE THAN 80 STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS TOOK PART IN A TREE PLANTING DAY AT SHEK TSAI PO, TAI O TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, MR JOHN SHERWIN, SAID THAT TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES COULD CULTIVATE CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AND ENHANCE ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AMONG YOUTHS.
IT COULD ALSO IMPROVE AND BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH WOULD BE WELL-FITTED TO THE ’ISLANDS -- MY HOME’ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HE SAID.
THE TREE PLANTING DAY, WHICH WAS INITIATED BY THE TAI O YOUTH CLUB, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES/SOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
THE SEEDLINGS PLANTED TODAY COMPRISED THREE SPECIES -- BOMBAX MALABARICUM, ALEURITES MOLUCCANA AND ACACIA CONFUSA.
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/10........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
1C
TURN MUN TREE PLANTING DAY ON SUNDAY
*****
MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE FROM 30 SCHOOLS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, COMMUNITY BODIES AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO COINCIDE WITH THE "WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY" AND TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE TREE PLANTING DAY WILL FEATURE SOME 70 TREES OF 2 TO 3 METRES HIGH, TO BE PLANTED ALONG THE RIVERSIDE OF TSOI YEE BRIDGE.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED; CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG FAT-KEE; DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.H. COX; CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR S.H. PAU; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR R.B.J. CROSS; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW; AND DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR HUI KWOK-HUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY. THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 7).
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PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR TENDER
*****
FAMILY WINNERS
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM FUN DAY FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TENDER FAMILY ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
a TOTAL OF 69 PARTICIPATING FAMILIES, INCLUDING 10 WINNING FAMILIES, WILL GATHER FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT.
PROGRAMMES OF THE DAY WILL INCLUDE SINGING, DANCE PERFORMANCE, TELE-MATCHES AND AN EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING; DISTRIC I WILLIAM WAN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MRS ANITA CHAN.
SAI KUNG ASSISTANT
BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR
KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC
/THE TENDER........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
11
THE TENDER FAMILY ELECTION IS ONE OF MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATIOLN CAMPAIGN WHICH AIMS AT AROUSING RESIDENT AWARENESS OF THEIR RIGHTS AND DUTIES BOTH IN THE FAMILY AS WELL AS IN THE COMMUNITY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, NEXT TO STAR FERRY, AT 1.30 PM SHARP.
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REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE FIRST FLOATING HOLIDAY FOR THIS YEAR FALLS ON JUNE 15, THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, IF EMPOYERS HAVE NOT ALREADY FIXED THE DATES FOR THE FLOATING HOLIDAYS FOR THIS YEAR AND THEIR EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT REQUESTED THE HOLIDAYS BE ADDED TO THEIR PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, EMPLOYEES SHALL BE GRANTED THE FIRST FLOATING HOLIDAY ON THE ABOVE DATE AND THE SECOND FLOATING HOLIDAY ON AUGUST 31, THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST.
ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THAT HOLIDAY IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY ND 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, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY, HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
- 0-----------
/12........
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1987
12
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT » * ♦ ♦ ♦
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON JUNE 13 TO 15.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON JUNE 10 TO 12 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
-------C---------
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON TUESDAY (JUNE 9) 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 THE 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:
» PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER; OR
♦ PUI CHING ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND, U-TURN LOOP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE FLYOVER OPPOSITE PERTH STREET.
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LAI CHI KOK ROAD CLOSED FOR RESURFACING
*****
LAI CHI KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN CHEUNG SHUN STREET AND CHEUNG MOU STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 9) TO JUNE 12 FOR RESURFACING.
MOTORISTS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD EASTBOUND, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BOTH DIRECTIONS OR BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR LAI CHI KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO USE CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET WESTBOUND.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW FIRE STATION FOR TAI PO EAST ............................. 1
EMERGENCY GENERATORS FOR SIX GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS............. 1
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS ........... 2
COMPUTER COURSES aND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS.................... 3
WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE FULLY MET ............... <+
WAN CHal DISTRICT SUPPORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT D^Y ............. 5
EXTENSIVE .iNTI-LITTER OPERATIONS ................;........... 5
to kwa W.-N Water cut ........................................ 6
SUNDAY . JUNE 7 , 1987
1
NEW FIRE STATION FOR TAI PO EAST » ♦ ♦ t K
CONSTRUCTION OF A STANDARD SUB DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AT TAI
PO EAST WILL START THIS MONTH.
A $4.7 MILLION CONTRACT fOR THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED 1HIS WEEK BETWEEN THE ARCH ITECTURAI SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CHUN WO CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MISS ROSALYN WAI, SAID THE NEW STATION WOULD PROVIDE FIRE PROTECTION FOR TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN TAI PO EAST.
IT WILL BE A FOUR-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH AN APPLIANCE ROOM CONSISTING OF FOUR BAYS, A DRILL YARD, BARRACKS AND DINING ROOM. ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE AN UNDERGROUND OIL TANK AND GENERATOR ROOM.
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EMERGENCY GENERATORS FOR SIX GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ♦ ♦: K ♦ *
EMERGENCY GENERATORS WILL BE PROVIDED Al SIX NEW GOVERNMENI BUILDINGS, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION. AS BACK-UP FACILITIES 10 ENSURE CONTINUOUS ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR THEIR MAIN OPERATIONS IN FUTURE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $2.67 MILLION CONTRACT 10 G.E.C. (HONG KONG) LIMITED FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLALTION OF SIX GENERATORS AND ASSOCIATED ACCESSORIES.
THEY WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE WESTERN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX IN SHEUNG WAN; HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI; SHEUNG FUNG STREET CARPARK/MARKE1 BUILDING IN WONG TAI SIN; NEW PUBLIC WORKS CENTRAL LABORATORY IN KOWLOON BAY; SHA TIN MORTUARY; AND HEI LING CHAU ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE PHASE II.
THESE BUILDINGS WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE OR TWO YEARS AND WORK ON INSTALI ING THE EMERGENCY GENERATORS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND APRIL. 1989.
0 -
SUNDAY, JUNE’ 7, 1987
2
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS * * t t i
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE CENT RAI AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD IO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
IHESE PROJECTS SHOULD BENET IT A WIDE SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY AND BE HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROMOTE SOLIDARITY AND A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AMONG RESIDENTS.' A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BOARD HAS EARLIER ALLOCATED MORL I HAN $370,000 FROM ITS $1.4 MILLION FUNDS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING MORE THAN 50 COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ' THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OF THE $370,000 ALLOCATION, $80,000 WAS GRANTED TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE SPORTS FESTIVAL, AN INTER HONG SPORTS PROGRAMME AND A DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITION.
THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) RECEIVED $75,000 FROM THE BOARD TO RUN A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING DANCE COMPETITIONS, SINGING CONTESTS, ARTS EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCES, TO ENHANCE LOCAL PEOPLE’S QUALITY OF
SOME $80,000 WAS GIVEN TO SIX AREA COMMITTEES TO HOLD SEMINARS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND TO ORGANISE LIAISON AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
IHE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE ALSO RECEIVED ABOUT $30,000 TO CARRY OUT VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES FOR YOUTH AS WFI I AS THE ELDERLY.
IN ADDITION, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. INCLUDING Y.W.C.A CARITAS ELDERLY CENTRES AND RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS. WERF GRANTED* SUBSIDIES TOTALLING $110,000 TO CARRY OUT PROJECTS RANGING FROM CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS, OUTDOOR PURSUITS, SPORTS EVENTS, ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE FAMILY EDUCATION TO HEALTH PROGRAMMES FOR DIFFERENT SECTORS OF I HF COMMUNITt.
APPLICATION FOR FUNDS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED 10 I HF DISTRICT BOARD'S FINANCE COMMIT IFF BEFORE JUNE 50. CREATIVE PROJECTS may BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8573478.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1987
- 3 -
COMPUTER COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS t > * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONDUCT A SERIES OF 12 COURSES SEMINARS ON COMPUTER AWARENESS III
COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE ON TEACHING OF COMPUTER AND THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
WILL
SIX
SCHOOL
THERE WILL 8E THREE COURSES ON TEACHERS AND THREE OTHERS
COMPUTER AWARENESS FOR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
PRIMARY TEACHERS
BETWEEN JULY 6 AND AUGUST 24.
THESE THREE-DAY INTENSIVE AWARENESS AMONG BOTH PRIMARY AND KNOWLEDGE IN COMPUTER.
ANOTHER SIX COURSES ON THE LITERACY ON LOGO PROGRAMMING WII I 21.
COURSES AIM TO PROMOTE COMPUTER SECONDARY TEACHERS WITHOUT PRIOR
TEACHING OF FORMS I TO III COMPUTER BE HELD BETWEEN JUL'i 9 AND AUGUST
THESE TWO DAY COURSES WILL
PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH
KNOWLEDGE ON
LOGO PROGRAMMING AND PRIORITY Will TO TEACH THE PROPOSED CURRICULUM LITERACY SYLLABUS FOR JUNIOR FORMS
BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
PREPARE COMPUTER
IN THE 1987/88 ACADEMIC YEAR.
PARTICIPANTS OF THESE COURSES
HANDS -ON EXPERIENCE THROUGH I HF USE EDUCATION CENTRE AT 19 HOK YUEN ST REE
WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF FACILITIES AT I, HUNG HOM.
OF THE
GAINING COMPUTER
THE TWO SERIES
FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
OF SIX HAIL DAY SEMINARS ON COMPUTEP AWARENESS TEACHERS Will FOCUS ON COMPUTER IN CONTROL AND
OFFICE AUTOMATION
I HE SEMINARS AIM TO PROMOTE TEACHERS’ AWARENESS IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN INDUSTRY AND OFFICE.
THERE WILL BE A FILM SHOW ON A PARTICULAR IN CONTROl AND OFFICE AUTOMAI ION FOLLOWED BY A TOPICS COVERED RY THE FILM
THEME UN COMPUTERS DISCUSSION ON THE
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING COURSES OR THE SEMINARS ARF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT COMPUTER
TO NOMINATE TEACHERS ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR EDUCATION CENTRE AS SOON
TO ATTEND THE NAMES TO THE AS POSSIBLE.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1987
WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE FULLY MET
* * K K I
MORE THAN 1,000 STUDENTS FROM 40 SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE JUST COMPLETED A MONTH LONG WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED GROUP VISITS TO 22 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS COVERING BANKS, NEWSPAPERS, AIRLINES, TELEVISION STATIONS, PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES, HOTELS AND TRAINING CENTRES OF DISCIPLINARY FORCES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS WELL RECEIVED BY CAREERS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TAKING PART TN IT.
"FEEDBACK FROM THE PARTICIPANTS INDICATES THAT THE PROGRAMME HAS FULLY MET ITS OBJECTIVE OF INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO THE: WORLD OF WORK BY VISITING THE ACTUAL. WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND OBSERVING PEOPLE IN VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS AT WORK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE, WE ARE PLANNING TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE CONTENT AS WELL AS TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE PROGRAMME LN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME WAS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE CAREERS GUIDANCE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE IN HONG KONG TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR ABILITIES AND INTERESTS.
IT OPERATES THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES WHICH ARE EQUIPPED WITH A VARIETY OF AUDIO-VISUAL FACILITIES INCLUDING A MICRO-COMPUTER TO DISSEMINATE OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION ON SOME 200 TYPES OF JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. SUCH INFORMATION IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL TO PROSPECTIVE SCHOOL-LEAVERS.
LAST YEAR, 1 HE SERVICE PROVIDED 469 CAREERS TALKS TO SOME 78,780 YOUNG PEOPLE IN 231 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND SIX VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
IT ALSO ORGANISED SIX CAREERS CONVENTIONS WHICH WERE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 19,900 STUDENTS FROM 156 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
10 COMPLEMENT CAREERS SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. THE SERVICE FURTHER ORGANISED A ONE-YEAR PART-TIME DAY RELEASE CERTIFICATE COURSE AND A SEMINAR FOR CAREERS TEACHERS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
- C -
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1987
- 5 -
WAN CHAI DISTRICT SUPPORTS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ♦ k * » *
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD
MEMBERS
TREE PI AN 1 ING CEREMONY HELD AT TERRACE BUS TERMINUS, IN SUPPORT OF
TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK PART IN A WAN ROAD, OPPOSITE I HE MORETON
TUNG LO ........--- .
THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987.
HIP CHAIRMAN OF THE WORK GROUPING ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY IN
PLACED AI VARIOUS SPOTS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT TO
IN CONCRETE AND WOULD BE
BEAUTIFY
THE
ENVIRONMENT.
IO
AND
THE MESSAGE "TO CONSERVE ENVIRONMENT, BE BROUGHT HOME TO THE LOCAL WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO MAKE WAN CHAI A BETTER AND
IT WAS HOPED THAT
BEAU I IE >' WAN CHAI " WOULD
RESIDENTS
1HA1 1HFY
CLEANER PLACE
TO LIVE IN. DR CHEUNG SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE DISIRICI BOARD HAD RESERVED rTMANPF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL VOLUNI ARY GROUPS AND SCHO.MS 10 PROMOTE I HE THEME OF ENVIRONMENT BEAUTIFYING THE DISTRICT, DR CHEUNG ADDED.
$100,000 TO
AGENCIES, COMMUNITY
PROTECTION AND
ALSO TAKING PARI IN TODAY.’S ASSISTANI DISTR1CI OFFICER, MISS CAPMAN MRS PEGGY LAM, AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARD
CEREMONY WERE CHIU; DISTRICT MEMBERS.
1 HE WAN CHA I COARD CHAIRMAN,
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EXTENSIVE ANT I I 1 I TER t ♦ t
OPERA I IONS
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP Will CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT IN 18 DISTRICTS IN 1 HE FORTHCOMING WEEK OF JUNE 8 10 14.
THIS IS THE FOURTH WEEK OF THE CLEAN UP OPERATION WHICH WAS LAUNCHED IN MID-MAY.
IN SUPPORI OF THE CLEAN UP OPERATION, MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TET NORTH AREA COMMITTEE WILI TAKE PARI IN CLEANING UP AN AREA BOUNDED BY THE MA 11 IAN ROAD, SHANGHAI STREET, PUT STREET AND DUNDAS STREET IN THE MORNING OF JUNI 1 .
RESIDENTS WISHING 10 OFFER SUPPORT TO 1 HE CLEAN-UP MAY CONTACT THE HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THEIR OWN DISTRICTS FOR DETAILS OF THE OPERA I IONS.
DISTRICT
TEL. NO.
EASTERN
SOUTHERN
5-601048
5-547152
/WESTERN 5-488173 ..........
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1987
- 6 -
WESTERN 5-488173
WAN CHAI 5-8322757
CENTRAL 5-446L1 I EXT 46
YAU MA TEI 3-7243843
SHAM SHUT PO 3-861618
MONG KOK 3-949484
KOWLOON CITY 3-711L684
WONG TAI SIN 3 233152
KWUN TONG 3-455731
SAI KUNG 3-2815366
NORTH 0-6570436
YUEN LONG 0-753691
TUEN MUN 0 4904414
SHA TIN 0-6065776
TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT 155
AN ANTI LITTER BLITZ WILL BE CARRIED OU I IN WAN CHAI, KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUT PO , YAU MA IE I, MONG KOK, KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN DURING THE SAME PERIOD
------0--------
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT ► »: *
FRESH WA1ER SUPPL t 10 CERTAIN PREMISES IN 10 KWA WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 10) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
IHE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY : ( 1) MA TAU WAI ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD AND TIN KWONG ROAD; AND (2) MA TAU WAI ROAD, KIANG HSI STREET, KO SHAN ROAD AND CHI KIANG STREET, INCI UDING LOK SHAN ROAD AND LOK MAN SUN CHUEN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
major expansion of port needed .............................. 1
NEED TO CONTROL USE OF CHEMICALS AT WORK STRESSED............ 2
AIR ACCIDENT REPORT PUBLISHED.......................,........ 3
1986 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES ......................................... 4
HEALTH TALK FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ...................... 6
WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION TO BE REFURBISHED................ 6
DISTINGUISHED CYC MEMBERS RECEIVE PRIZES .................. 7
CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROxJ) FLYOVER POSTPONED......... 7
’WEAK WATER SUPPLY IN TSUEN W.-»N ........................... 7
TSZ WAN SEiN WATER CUT ...................................... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE r....................................... 8
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
1
MAJOR EXPANSION OF PORT NEEDED
» t » »
A MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE PORT IS NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE GROWING THROUGHPUT, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PACIFIC RIM FORUM ORGANISED BY THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, MR BARNES SAID THE PORT WAS NOW UNDER INCREASING STRAIN.
CHINESE EXPORTS TRANS-SHIPPED THROUGH HONG KONG WERE INCREASING AT 15 PER CENT PER ANNUM AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL WAS WORKING AT VIRTUALLY FULL CAPACITY.
BACK-UP AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE PORT WERE NOTHING LIKE SUFFICIENT, AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS CONTAINER STORAGE AND REPAIR, WERE SPREAD CHAOTICALLY THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.
"WE NEED A MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE PORT WHICH CANNOT TAKE PLACE AROUND THE EXISTING KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS," MR BARNES SAID.
"SO EXPANSION INTO A NEW AREA OR AREAS IS URGENT AND WE ARE JUST NOW STARTING ON THE STUDY WHICH WILL ESTABLISH WHERE THESE AREAS WILL BE."
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A VERY CENTRAL AIRPORT WITH ONLY ONE RUNWAY.
"WE MAKE DO NOW, AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DO SO TILL THE END OF THE CENTURY, BUT BY THEN IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO COPE.
"SO THERE ARE MAJOR STRATEGIC DECISIONS TO BE MADE ABOUT A NEW ONE, AND, BECAUSE A NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG MEANS NEW RECLAMATION AND WE HAVE DONE ALL THE EASY RECLAMATIONS ALREADY, THIS COULD BE A VERY LONG JOB," HE SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD NEAR CRITICAL PROBLEMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, WHICH, WITH OTHER SEEMINGLY MORE VITAL PRIORITIES, HAD BEEN PUT OFF FACING UP TO.
IN PARTICULAR SEWERAGE SCHEMES WERE LIKELY TO ABSORB A VERY MUCH LARGER PROPORTION OF CAPITAL BUDGET THAN BEFORE.
MR BARNES SAID THE NEW TOWNS WHICH HAD BEEN BUILT IN THE SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES WERE PLANNED WITH BETTER HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT THAN THE URBANISED AREAS AROUND THE HARBOUR WHICH WERE DEVELOPED EARLIER.
THE OLD STREETS WERE PLANNED FOR FOUR STOREYS, BUT NOBODY BUILT LESS THAN 15 NOWADAYS. SO VERY RADICAL URBAN RENEWAL WAS A VERY HIGH PRIORITY.
ON HOUSING, HE SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW IN SIGHT OF MEETING BASIC HOUSING TARGETS.
/RUT IN .......
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
- 2
BUT IN THE MEANTIME GOALS HAD CHANGED, AS PEOPLE ASPIRED TO A GOOD HOME WHICH DID NOT MEAN THE SAME THING AS IT DID IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES WHEN THE TARGETS WERE ESTABLISHED.
"SO THERE IS A HUGE TASK OF REPLACING HOUSING, BOTH IN THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THIS TASK, INVOLVING AS IT DOES THE REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING HOMES, COULD EASILY BE AS MASSIVE AS EXPANDING THE PORT,” HE ADDED.
MR BARNES TOLD DELEGATES HONG KONG WAS A PLACE WHICH EXUDED INDUSTRY AND DYNAMISM AND IF CAPITAL WORKS COULD BE TAKEN AS A MEASURE THEY WOULD PROBABLY SEE GREATER CONFIDENCE IN ITS FUTURE THAN MOST OF ITS NEIGHBOURS, AND ONE IN WHICH AUSTRALIA AND OTHER PACIFIC RIM NEIGHBOURS WERE PARTICIPATING PROBABLY TO A GREATER EXTENT THAN EVER BEFORE.
NEED TO CONTROL USE OF CHEMICALS AT WORK STRESSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THE NEED FOR A REGULATORY SYSTEM OVER THE USE OF CHEMICALS AT WORK.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST OF TWO FIVE-DAY SEMINARS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ITS STAFF MEMBERS, MR CHEN SAID THERE WERE ABOUT ONE MILLION WORKERS EMPLOYED AT SOME 83,000 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG.
’’THE WORK OF MANY INVOLVES THE HANDLING AND USE OF CHEMICALS AND THUS THEY ARE EXPOSED TO VARIOUS DEGREE OF ASSOCIATED HAZARDS,” HE SAID.
"IT IS OBVIOUS THAT A REGULATORY SYSTEM OVER THE USE OF CHEMICALS AT WORK IS NECESSARY,”
MR CHEN REITERATED THAT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH HAD ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT AREAS OF WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THAT MEMBERS OF ITS FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISIONS HAD MADE A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORTS TO ENSURE CHEMICAL SAFETY AT WORK.
/’’THE PRINCIPLES
HONDA/, JUNE 8, 1987
- 5 -
"THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF CHEMICAL SAFETY AND APPROPRIATE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, HANDLING, DISTRIBUTION, USE AND DISPOSAL OF CHEMICALS ARE NEW AREAS NOW RECEIVING OUR URGENT ATTENTION," HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S ASIAN AND PACIFIC PROJECT FOR LABOUR ADMINISTRATION (APPLA) MR MUINUDDIN KHAN, WHICH SPONSORED THE TWO SEMINARS.
THREE EXPERTS IN CHEMICAL SAFETY AND CONTROL FROM AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BE GUEST SPEAKERS.
THEY ARE SENIOR LECTURER IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FROM THE CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, PERTH; DR M. NEDVED, CONSULTANT OCCUPATIONAL PHYSICIAN; DR P. HOLLINGWORTH, AND CHIEF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENIST MR B. CHESSON.
THEIR PRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF LABOUR INSPECTION IN HONG KONG.
AND AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE MODERN APPROACH TO CHEMICAL HAZARDS CONTROL, INSPECTION SKILLS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS, INSPECTION SKILLS FOR THE 1NDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF CHEMICAL HEALTH HAZARDS, DISPOSAL OF LARGE SCALE WASTES/TOXICS FOLLOWING A CHEMICAL ACCIDENT, AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE.
--------0----------
AIR ACCIDENT REPORT PUBLISHED *****
THE REPORT OF A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION INTO AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A LUFTHANSA BOEING 747 FREIGHT AIRCRAFT WHICH RAN OFF THE RUNWAY AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON OCTOBER 18, 1983, WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT NIGHTTIME WHEN THE AIRCRAFT'S TAKE-OFF WAS REJECTED FROM A HIGH SPEED FOLLOWING A NO.2 ENGINE MALFUNCTION.
IN THE LATER STAGES OF THE DECELERATION THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE PAVED SURFACE OF THE RUNWAY ON TO SOFT GROUND AND SUFFERED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.
/THERE WERE........
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO THE CREW WHO WERE THE ONLY PEOPLE ABOARD.
A VERY DETAILED, COMPREHENSIVE AND TIME-CONSUMING INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE TAKE-OFF BEING REJECTED AT HIGH SPEED AT A POINT WHERE THE REMAINING RUNWAY LENGTH WAS INSUFFICIENT TO ENSURE A SAFE STOP. FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS THE AIRCRAFT HAD USED MORE RUNWAY TO REACH THIS POINT THAN WAS NORMAL.
THE REASON FOR THE AIRCRAFT LEAVING THE RUNWAY PAVED SURFACE WAS NOT DETERMINED.
THE REPORT, ENTITLED "REPORT ON THE ACCIDENT TO LUFTHANSA BOEING 747 AT HONG KONG AIRPORT ON 18 OCTOBER, 1983", IS WRITTEN IN ENGISH AND AVAILABLE ON SALE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $35 PER COPY.
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1986 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES * * » * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1986.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE COVERED IN THE SURVEY:
(A) STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING FACILITIES FOR HIRE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC;
(B) POSTAL, TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, RADIO AND CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, MESSAGE DELIVERY AND MESSAGE EXCHANGE SERVICES;
(C) ALL FINANCE (EXCEPT BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES; LOAN, MORTGAGE AND DISCOUNT COMPANIES; DEALERS/BROKERS AND EXCHANGES IN STOCKS AND SHARES, COMMODITY FUTURES, GOLD BULLION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE; PAWNSHOPS; MONEY CHANGERS; AND OTHER FINANCIAL UNDERTAKINGS;
/(D) INSURERS, .........
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
- 5 -
(D) INSURERS, RE-INSURERS, AGENTS AND BROKERS OF ALL KINDS OF INSURANCE AND INSURANCE-RELATED SERVICES;
(E) ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, ADVERTISING, DATA PROCESSING, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY RENTAL, LEGAL, NEWS AGENCY, SECRETARIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 2,400 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF SOME I I,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, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SECTORS CONCERNED AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR 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 ll OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 12 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.
- - 0 -
/6
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
- 6 -
HEALTH TALK FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
RESIDENTS IN WONG PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ALIMENTARY TRACT AT A EVENING.
TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE
TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS HEALTH EDUCATION TALK
ABLE TO LEARN ABOUT
RELATING TO THE
TOMORROW (TUESDAY)
THE TALK WILL START AT 8.30 PM IN THE FUNG MING HALL OF THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE, AND WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE. THERE WILL BE SLIDE-SHOWS ON HEPATITIS AND GASTRIC ULCER.
A DOCTOR, A PHARMACIST, A DIETITIAN AND A REGISTERED NURSE WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY ATTENDANTS.
THE FUNCTION IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF HEALTH EDUCATION TALKS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.
OTHER TALKS PLANNED FOR THE YEAR INCLUDE COMMON PAEDIATRIC PROBLEMS, CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND COMMON GERIATRIC PROBLEMS.
-------0---------
WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION TO BE REFURBISHED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
REFURBUISHING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION AT SHA TIN PASS ROAD.
THE STATION, WHICH WAS BUILT MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO, WILL UNDERGO REFURBISHMENT WORK AT THE OFFICES, BARRACKS, MESSES, CANTEENS AND THE WELFARE AND RECRUITMENT FACILITIES.
ONE LIFT AND ONE EMERGENCY GENERATOR WILL BE REPLACED, WHILE THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL BE UPGRADED.
THIS PROJECT IS PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO OLDER POLICE STATIONS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF FITNESS TRAINING ROOMS IN EXISTING STATIONS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. THESE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 26.
- 0 - -
/7
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1987
DISTINGUISHED CYC MEMBERS RECEIVE PRIZES ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB IN KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT WHO DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST YEAR WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT A CEREMONY AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 2 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
KWAI TS1NG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN L. COAK; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER EDUCATION), MRS RU1H LAU; AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT, MR LEE SHEW-LAI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE CEREMONY WILL ALSO FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY I YC MEMBERS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
------0-------
CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER POSTPONED ♦ * ♦ t t
IHb. CLOSURE Ob PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVETR TO SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY (JUNE II) WILL BE POSTPONED TO JUNE 12 DUE TO TECHNICAL PROBLEM.
THE CLOSURE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FLYOVER, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 10 PM ON JUNE 12 TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING
WEAK WATER SUPPLY IN TSUEN WAN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE REDUCED IN PRESSURE FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE BETWEEN CHUNG HANG NULLAH AND TING KAU.
/8........
MONDAY,
JUNE 8, 1987
TSZ WAN SHAN WATER CUT * ♦ * » ♦
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLIES TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AN ON THURSDAY (JUNE 1!) UNTIL 5 PM THE SAME DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 1 - 68 TSUI FUNG STREET, 1 - 60 MING FUNG STREET, 1 - 53 FEI FUNG STREET, 37 - 39 SHEUNG FUNG STREET, OUR LADY’S COLLEGE AND THE CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE.
WATER STORAGE FIGURE I * ♦ » »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 61.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 361.128 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 286.687 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 18.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT STUDIES TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR.................... 1
ANTI-II OPERATION NETS 14................................... 2
CALL ON HK PEOPLE TO FaCE UP THEIR FUTURE................... 3
PLASTICS INDUSTRY CENTRE PROPOSED .......................... 4
NEW PREMISES FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL............. 6
17 NEW .iIDED SECONDARY AND PREVOCnTIONAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER ............................................., . . .. 7
1985 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT .vND RELATED SERVICES RESULTS PUBLISHED....................................................... 8
TWO BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED IN LEGCO ........................ 11
MANPOWER SURVEY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY........................ 11
CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT ^WARDED .............................. 11
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
1
AIRPORT STUDIES TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR ♦ * ♦ ♦ #
A STUDY OF THE ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HKIA) BY A CONSULTANT IS TO START LATER THIS \EAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REVEALED TODAY (TUSADAY) THAT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CONSULTANT SELECTED TO CARRY OUT THE STUDY WERE EXPECTED TO BEGIN SHORTLY WITH A VIEW TO THE STUDY BEING LAUNCHED IN THE FINAL QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WITH COMPLETION SOME 10 MONTHS LATER.
"ASSUMING WE (’AN ADHERE TO THIS TIMETABLE", THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, "THE GOVERNMENT WILL KNOW BY THE END OF 1988 HOW MANY MORE YEARS OF LIFE THERE ARE LEET IN HKIA AND WHETHER ANY MORE CAN BE ADDED TO IT BY EXPANDING THE AIRPORT AREA.
"WE WILL THEREFORE BE IN A POSITION TO ADDRESS POSITIVELY, PROBABLY IN 1989 OR 1990, THE QUESTION OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.
"CERTAINLY, AS MATTERS STAND, AND ON THE BASIS OF PRESENT PROJECTIONS OF DEMAND, IT IS CLEAR THAT HONG KONG WILL REQUIRE A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT. THE QUESTION IS WHERE AND WHEN."
TO SUPERVISE THE WORK OF THE CONSULTANT AND TO DEAL WITH PLANNING MATTERS RELATED TO THE QUESTION OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, AN AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STUDIES UNIT IS TO BE SET UP SHORTLY WITHIN THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW UNIT WOULD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CONCERN ITSELF WITH THE AIRPORT ASPECTS OF THE HOPEWELL CONSORTIUM’S PROPOSAL ON WESTERN HARBOUR - LANTAU STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND ALSO BE RE-EXAMINING THE PLAN FOR THE CIIEK LAP KOK AIRPORT, WHICH WAS SHELVED FOUR YEARS AGO.
FINALLY, THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT FUTURE HONG KONG AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR BOTH EXPANDED FACILITIES AT KAI TAK AND A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT (WHEREVER THAT WOULD BE SITED) WOULD HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PLAN RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO BUILD AN AIRPORT AT BAISHI ZHOU.
"ON SUCH MATTERS AS FLIGHT PATHS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, THERE MUST INEVITABLY BE LIAISION AND CO-OPERATION" HF. SAID.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9,
1987
2
ANTI-11 OPERATION NETS 14 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION WAS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT A RESTAURANT AND FOOD SHOP IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
A TOTAL OF THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND 11 TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED AS DISH CLEANERS, WAITERS AND CASUAL WORKERS WERE ARRESTED DURING THE OPERATION.
AT 2 PM TODAY, A JOINT TASK FORCE CONSISTING OF IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS, LABOUR INSPECTORS AND POLICE OFFICERS RAIDED THE RESTAURANT AND THE FOOD SHOP SIMULTANEOUSLY. WAITERS, STAFF IN THE KITCHENS AND ALL CASUAL WORKERS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ASKED TO PRODUCE THEIR PROOFS OF IDENTITY WHICH WERE CHECKED AGAINST THE EMPLOYEE RECORDS KEPT BY THE MANAGEMENT.
THE THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE MEN AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 35 WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG FROM FUJIAN OR HAIFENG EARLIER THIS MONTH. ONE WAS FOUND WORKING AT THE FOOD SHOP AND THE REMAINING TWO WERE WORKING AT THE RESTAURANT.
THE ELEVEN TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WERE SIX MEN AND FIVE WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 26 AND 60. ENQUIRIES REVEALED THAT THEY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY THIS YEAR AND THEY WERE ALL ON VALID LIMIT OF STAY.
THEY WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE TAKEN UP EMPLOYMENT FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
ONE OF THE TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WAS WORKING AT THE FOOD SHOP AND THE REST OF THEM WERE FOUND WORKING IN THE RESTAURANT.
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IS STILL CONTINUING THE INVESTIGATION AND ENQUIRIES WILL ALSO BE MADE TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY AIDERS AND ABETTERS INVOLVED.
"THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO WILL BE REPATRIATED ONCE THEY ARE INTERCEPTED. IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO STEP UP ITS ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND WE WILL PROSECUTE THOSE WHO AIDED AND ABETTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG AND THOSE TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WHO TAKE UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT HERE," WARNED THE CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR LAM TUNG-KAN, WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION TODAY.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE INVESTIGATION HOT-LINE 5-8933744 OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO REPORT ANY DOUBTFUL IDENTITY CARDS THEY HAVE COME ACROSS DURING OFFICE HOURS.
/"ANY PERSON .......
TUESDAY, JUNE % 1987
”ANX PERSON WHO EMPLOYS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OR AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS NOT LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION, WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND UP TO ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT,” MR LAM SAID.
’’TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS ARE PERMITTED TO LAND HONG KONG AS VISITORS. LIKE ALL OTHER VISITORS THEY ARE SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION OF STAY THAT THEY DO NOT TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT HERE, PAID OR UNPAID. THOSE WHO BREACH THEIR CONDITION OF STAY ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND THE PENALTIES PROVIDED BY THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE ON CONVICTION ARE A FINE OF UP TO $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO TWO YEARS.
’’FROM 1986, 97 TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WERE ARRESTED FOR TARING UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT, OUT OF WHICH 88 WERE PROSECUTED.
”UP TO MAY THIS YEAR, 69 TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WERE ARRESTED FOR THE SAME OFFENCE, OUT OF WHICH 33 WERE PROSECUTED,” MR L AM ADDED.
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CALL ON HK PEOPLE TO FACE UP THEIR FUTURE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANCE IN THE FUTURE GREATER THAN AT ANY TIME IN ITS HISTORY, THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE NEW OFFICE-BEARERS 1987/88 INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS THE MOMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO KNOW THE FUTURE AND TO WORK HARDER TO TURN THE COLD PRINT OF THE AGREEMENT ABOUT THE FUTURE INTO A REALITY.
HE SAID IN HONG KONG THERE HAD BEEN A HEIGHTENING OF PUBLIC AWARENESS, AND PUBLIC ATTITUDES TO THE SOCIAL EVILS OF CRIME, CORRUPTION AND CLEANLINESS HAD BEEN RADICALLY ALTERED; PEOPLE HAD BECOME MORE INVOLVED; AND THEY IN TURN HAD DEMANDED A GREATER RESPONSE FROM THEIR GOVERNMENT.
"1 KNOW OF NO CITY IN THE WORLD THAT HAS A SYSTEM OF OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE CITY SIMPLY TO SPREAD INFORMATION AND TO ACT AS A SOUNDING-BOARD BETWEEN PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT,
/’’MOR DO
TUESDAY, JUNE 9. 1987
4
"NOR DO YOU FIND OPPORTUNITIES IN OTHER CITIES FOR THE VIEWS AND PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE TO BE ACTIVELY AND PUBLICLY DISCUSSED AS THEY ARE IN OUR, MAINLY ELECTED, DISTRICT BOARDS," HE SAID.
FINALLY, SIR DAVID SAID THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG LIE IN ABILITY TO RESPOND TO CHANGE AND CHALLENGE. AND HE FOUND NO REASON DOUBT HONG KONG PEOPLE’S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES MOULD AND ADAPT OUR GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS IS NOW MORE CLEARLY DEFINED THAN AT ANY TIME
ITS TO THEY
FACED "AS WE FUTURE WHICH HISTORY."
IN
A OUR
"MUCH HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY, BUT ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE FUTURE AND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE COULD SPELL SUCCESS OR FAILURE, HE SAID.
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PLASTICS INDUSTRY CENTRE PROPOSED ♦ » » » *
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) TODAY ENDORSED A PLAN TO SET UP A COMPANY TO OWN AND MANAGE AN INDUSTRIAL CENTRE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO HONG KONG’S PLASTICS CONVERSION AND RELATED INDUSTRIES.
THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY IS THE THIRD LARGEST EXPORT EARNER IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS A SIZABLE PROCESSING MACHINERY ACTIVITY.
THE DECISION TO SET UP THE COMPANY STEMS FROM THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF A CONSULTANCY CARRIED OUT ON HONG KONG’S PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY IN 1985.
THAT STUDY SAID THAT THE INDUSTRY WAS WEAK IN LEVELS OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, EQUIPMENT QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
QUALITY CONTROL AND MOULD QUALITY WAS POOR, PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WAS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT AND INSUFFICIENT ADVANTAGE WAS TAKEN OF THE WIDE RANGE OF AVAILABLE MATERIALS, THE STUDY ALSO SAID.
IT WARNED THAT COMPETITIVENESS WOULD DECLINE FURTHER IF THE INDUSTRY DID NOT MOVE RAPIDLY INTO HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS.
/INDEED, IN
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
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INDEED, IN VIEW OF THE EXTENSIVE AND INCREASING USE OF PLASTICS IN MANY END PRODUCTS, ANY IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY’S OUTPUT WOULD IMPROVE NOT ONLY ITS OWN COMPETITIVENESS BUT ALSO THAT OF OTHER INDUSTRIES, FOR EXAMPLE, ELECTRONICS.
THE PROPOSAL ENDORSED BY THE IDB IS FOR A COMPANY TO BE SET UP TO PLAN AND MANAGE THE OPERATIONS OF THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, WHICH WILL PROVISIONALLY BE LOCATED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC FOR THE PURPOSE INITIALLY OF:
» PROVIDING INFORMATION ON MATERIALS, PRODUCT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY;
* PROVIDING A FOCAL POINT FOR THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY TO CONSULT WITH OTHER ORGANISATION; AND
♦ PROVIDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES.
IT IS ALSO ENVISAGED THAT THE CENTRE WILL DIVERSIFY INTO OTHER INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
FURTHER CONSULTATION, IN PARTICULAR WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, IS NECESSARY BEFORE DETAILS CAN BE FINALISED.
THE COMPANY’S ACTIVITIES WILL BE FINANCED PARTLY BY A GENEROUS DONATION OF $10 MILLION FROM CHEN HSONG MACHINERY CO LTD, AND PARTLY BY FEES FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO BE RENDERED.
IN THE LIGHT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FORECASTS AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF FURTHER DONATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE CASE FOR MAKING A CAPITAL GRANT.
COMMENTING ON THE IDB’S DECISION, THE CHAIRMAN, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID: "IT HAS TAKEN US SOME TIME TO REACH A DECISION ON THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATION, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO RECORD MY APPRECIATION OF THE COOPERATION OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, WHICH IT IS HOPED WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THIS NEW INITIATIVE AND MY APPRECIATION OF THE GENEROUS DONATION THAT CHEN HSONG HAS MADE AVAILABLE FOR THIS ENTERPRISE."
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
6
NEW PREMISES FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL *****
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT A PURPOSE-BUILT BUILDING TO HOUSE ALL THE PRESENT AND FUTURE ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) UNDER ONE ROOF.
THE NEW BUILDING WILL GO UP ON A SITE IN THE KOWLOON TONG/YAU YAT CHUEN AREA, ADJACENT TO THE NEW CITY POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS. THE TARGET DATE FOR COMPLETION OF THE NEW BUILDING IS 1990.
AT PRESENT THE HKPC REQUIRES TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION - LABORATORIES AND WORKSHOPS, AND OFFICE SPACE. THE OPERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL ARE NOW SCATTERED AROUND FIVE SEPARATE LOCATIONS IN LEASED SPACE. WITH PLANS TO EXPAND SERVICES TO INDUSTRY, MORE SPACE WOULD HAVE TO BE OBTAINED.
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING TODAY DECIDED THAT THE MOST SUITABLE LONG-TERM SOLUTION WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PURPOSE-BUILT HKPC BUILDING.
SPEAKING AFTER THE MEETING, THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE NEW BUILDING SEEMED THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE LONG TERM NEEDS OF THE HKPC, AND CONSIDERATION WOULD NOW BE GIVEN TO THE CASE FOR PROVIDING A LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO MEET THE COST OF THE NEW BUILDING - ESTIMATED AT $125.9 MILLION SPREAD OVER THE PERIOD 1987 TO 1990.
THE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHOSEN SITE, AT THE JUNCTION OF THE EXTENSION OF TAT CHEE AVENUE AND TO YUEN STREET, ARE THAT IT IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE HKPC’S CLIENTS, BEING EQUIDISTANT FROM THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG; IT HAS GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES, THERE IS A GOOD ENVIRONMENT; IT IS CLOSE TO THE NEW CAMPUS OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC; AND IT IS LARGE ENOUGH TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES.
INITIALLY, SAID MR JACOBS, THE HKPC WOULD REQUIRE LESS THAN THE BUILDING’S TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 18,600 SQUARE METRES. THEREFORE, IT IS INTENDED THAT, AS A TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT AND UNTIL THE HKPC REQUIRES ALL THE SPACE WITHIN THE BUILDING, THE SURPLUS BE LET TO BUSINESSES ENGAGED IN COMPATIBLE ACTIVITEIS, SUCH AS CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN PRODUCT DESIGN AND INNOVATION, THE APPLICATION OF IMPROVED PROCESSES AND OTHER HIGH-TECHNOLOGY RELATED BUSINESSES.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
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17 NEW AIDED SECONDARY AND ♦
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SEVENTEEN NEW AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS INCLUDING THREE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL COME ON STREAM IN SEPTEMBER TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 19,000 SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
AMONG THE NEW SCHOOLS, SIX ARE LOCATED IN TUEN MUN, TWO IN YUEN LONG, TWO IN SHA TIN, AND TWO IN KOWLOON, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE REMAINING FIVE SCHOOLS ARE SITED AT TAI PO, JUNK BAY, TSUEN WAN, TSING YI AND CHEUNG CHAU.
STARTING NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR, TUEN MUN STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO ENROL AT THE PO LEUNG KUK TANG YUK TIEN COLLEGE AND BUDDHIST LEUNG CHIK WAI MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT WU KING ESTATE, THE YAN 01 TONG TIN KA PING SECONDARY SCHOOL AND YAN PING INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION LEE LIM MING COLLEGE AT SHAN KING ESTATE, THE TUEN MUN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AT AREA 2A AND THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL SECONDARY SCHOOL AT AREA 31.
IN YUEN LONG, THE TWO NEW SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN NAMED THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS NO. 15 COLLEGE AND POK 01 HOSPITAL TANG PUI KING MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT LONG PING ESTATE.
THE NEW SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN ARE THE KWOK TAK SENG CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AT CHUN SHEK ESTATE AND THE CHIU CHOW ASSOCIATION SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MA ON SHAN.
OTHER NEW SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE THE CARMEL DIVINE GRACE FOUNDATION SECONDARY SCHOOL AT JUNK BAY, THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION SECONDARY SCHOOL AT CHEUNG ON ESTATE ON TSING YI, THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE AMERCIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOO HON FAI PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT TSUEN WAN, THE BUDDHIST WAI YAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT CHEUNG CHAU, AND THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA MADAM FUNG LEUNG KIT MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN TAI PO.
IN KOWLOON, THE NING PO NO.2 COLLEGE AT SHUN TIN ESTATE IN KWUN TONG AND THE HONG KONG WEAVING MILLS ASSOCIATION CHU SHEK LUN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT KOWLOON BAY ARE ALSO SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER.
FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 12 NEW PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
AMONG THE SCHOOLS, FOUR ARE LOCATED AT SHA TIN AND MA ON SHAN, TWO AT YUEN LONG WHILE THE OTHERS AT TUEN MUN, FANL1NG, AP LEI CHAU, LEI YUE MUN, JUNK BAY AND QUARRY BAY. THEY WILL PROVIDE 23,000 MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES.
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1985 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES RESULTS PUBLISHED
*****
A TOTAL OF 34,811 TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1985, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 1 PER CENT OVER 1984, ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1985 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THEY ENGAGED, IN TOTAL, 137,445 PERSONS, AN INCREASE OF 5 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN 1985, THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED $56,734 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME; AND SPENT $7,060 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND $44,372 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES.
THEIR GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS (I.E. THEIR ACQUISITION OF FIXED ASSETS LESS PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF FIXED ASSETS) WERE $12,513 MILLION.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 1984, BUSINESS RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES BY 13 PER CENT; OPERATING EXPENSES BY 7 PER CENT; AND GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS BY 150 PER CENT.
THE SECTOR’S VALUE ADDED (REPRESENTING ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) GREW BY 6 PER CENT TO $13,933 MILLION IN 1985, FROM $13,103 MILLION IN 1984.
ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRANSPORT GROUP, THE SURVEY REVEALED THAT, IN 1985, "SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT" ENJOYED THE LARGEST SHARE OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME, AT $22,838 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR TOTAL. "OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT" ACCOUNTED FOR ANOTHER 22 PER CENT; "AIR TRANSPORT" TOOK UP 15 PER CENT; "LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT" 12 PER CENT; "LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT" 5 PER CENT; "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO WATER TRANSPORT" 3 PER CENT; "INLAND WATER TRANSPORT" 2 PER CENT; AND "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT" 1 PER CENT.
"LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT" CONTRIBUTED 31 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE SECTOR. THE SECTOR’S REMAINING CONTRIBUTION WAS MADE BY "OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT" (19 PER CENT); "AIR TRANSPORT" (14 PER CENT); "SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT" (12 PER CENT); "LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT" (11 PER CENT); "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO WATER TRANSPORT" (7 PER CENT); "INLAND WATER TRANSPORT" (4 PER CENT); AND "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT" (2 PER CENT).
WHEN COMPARED WITH 1984, "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO WATER TRANSPORT" SHOWED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (25 PER CENT); FOLLOWED BY "INLAND WATER TRANSPORT" (16 PER CENT); "LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT" (15 PER CENT); "LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT" (11 PER CENT); "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT" (10 PER CENT); "AIR TRANSPORT” (7 PER CENT); AND "SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT" (6 PER CENT). "OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT", HOWEVER, REGISTERED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
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IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED, "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO WATER TRANSPORT" AGAIN RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE OVER 1984 (34 PER CENT); FOLLOWED BY "SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT" (18 PER CENT); "INLAND WATER TRANSPORT" (15 PER CENT); "LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT" (12 PER CENT); "LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT" (9 PER CENT); AND "SUPPORTING SERVICES TO LAND TRANSPORT" (4 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, 'OCEAN AND COASTAL WATER TRANSPORT" SHOWED A DECREASE OF 8 PER CENT; AND "AIR TRANSPORT" A DECREASE OF 5 PER CENT.
THE ATTACHED TABLE COMPARES SOME SELECTED PRINCIPAL STATISTICS BY MAJOR GROUP FOR 1984 AND 1985.
THE 1985 SURVEY WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR, AND UPDATING ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG. DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDED TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME, AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY, TOGETHER WITH ANALYTICAL TABLES SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR ALL ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED BY MAJOR GROUP AND ANALYSED BY VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, ARE INCLUDED IN THE STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1985 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES".
THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE IN MID-JUNE 1987 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234925.
/COMPARISON OF
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10
COMPARISON or SELECTED PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR All ESTABLISHMENTS IN T1I2 TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES SECTOR BUTWKEN 1984 AND 1965
•NUMBER NUMBER BUSINESS CROSS
OP or NUMBER CCKPfiNSA- RECEIPTS ADDITIONS
ESTABLISH- PERSONS or TION or OPERATING AND OTHER TO FIXED VALUE
MAJOR GROUP KENTS DC AC ED EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EXPENSES INCOXE ASSETS ADOD
1 Ma. 1 Mn. 1 Ma. 1 Ma. 1 *1.
LAND PASSENGER 1905 20 94? 51 517 29 764 1 822 J 857 6 782 ’0 toj 4 747.
TRANSPORT 19D4 19 902 49 481 29 241 1 485 5 227 5 894 4 268 5 608
Jt change ♦5 ♦4 ♦2 ♦8 ♦19 ♦ 15 ♦149 ♦12
LAND FREIGHT 1905 9 870 25 095 14 890 405 1 449 i 7’* 18? 1 554
TRANSPORT 1904 10 857 25 500 12 21? 464 1 540 2 455 148 1 405
$ change -9 ♦8 ♦22 ♦50 ♦10 ♦ 11 ♦28 ♦9
SUPPORTING SERVICES 1985 79 1 098 1 045 51 ’7? 515 It 52?
TO LAND TRANSPORT 1984 102 1 019 969 45 148 46? tr JU
jC change -25 ♦8 ♦10 ♦20 ♦21 ♦ 10 45 ♦4
OCEAN AND COASTAL 1985 401 15 09? 15 081 1 552 9 555 It 121 ?i8 2 690
VATER TRANSPORT 1984 410 15 210 <5 ’<7 1 552 9 505 12 547 284 2 925
jt change -2 .1 -1 ♦1 ♦1 -2 ♦155
INLAND WATER 1985 747 6 758 5 640 299 729 1 275 155 605
TRANSPORT 1984 718 8 454 5 554 264 458 1 097 140 525
£ change ♦4 ♦4 ♦5 ♦12 ♦14 ♦14 -5 ♦15
SUPPORTING SERVICES 1985 758 6 654 6 154 547 1 245 1 91? 515 M
TO WATER TRANSPORT 1984 626 5 592 4 842 260 1 015 1 554 26J 486
t change ♦21 ♦2? ♦27 ♦55 ♦22 ♦25 ♦10 ♦54
AH TRANSPORT 1985 50 9 588 9 568 1 470 4 216 8 571 199 1 922
1984 47 8 905 8 905 1 249 5 624 8 045 -J’» 2 015
% chuife ♦4 ♦5 ♦5 ♦18 ♦11 ♦7 -145 -5
SERVICES INCDDDfTAL 1985 1 980 21 875 20 956 1 114 21 141 22 858 542 1 683
TO TRANSPORT 1984 1 858 20 57? 19 820 954 19 926 21 519 199 1 450
change ♦7 ♦4 ♦4 ♦1? ♦4 ♦6 ♦72 ♦ 18
ALL TRANSPORT GROUPS 1965 54 811 157 445 102 955 7 060 44 572 56 754 12 ill 15 955
1984 54 479 150 557 96 516 6 254 41 422 55 554 5 005 15 105
% change ♦1 ♦5 ♦7 ♦15 ♦? ♦4 ♦150 *4
GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT 1965 5 1 179 1 179 162 257 1 204 4? «5’
SERVICES 1984 5 1 154 1 156 146 245 1 021 78 755
% change 0 ♦2 ♦2 ♦9 ♦4 ♦ 18 -40 ♦ 16
Notes i (t) («) (3)
Individual Iteae may not add up to total duo to rounding* Flfuroe denoting changee ore derived from unrounded flguree. Value added le 1 •eaeuxe of the contribution of an economic tootor to Hong Koag'e Orona Domestic Product, the definition can bo found in the "1985 Survey of Transport and Hoisted Services" report.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 1987
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TWO BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED IN LEGCO
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER TWO BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDENSDAY).
THE TWO BILLS, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, ARE THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987.
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MANPOWER SURVEY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY FROM JUNE 10 TO 26 TO COLLECT UPDATE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT AND MANPOWER SITUATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TWO WEEKS AGO TO SELECTED EMPLOYERS.
DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE AND PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE USED To FORMULATE TRAINING PLANS IO MEET DEMANDS OF THE INDUSTRY.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ORGANISATION.
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CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT AWARDED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE PRELIMINARY STUDY AND DESIGN OF A VICTORIA BARRACKS LINK ROAD AND IMPROVEMENTS TO KENNEDY ROAD HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO HALCROW ASIA PARTNERSHIP.
THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES STRAIGHTENING TWO HAZARDOUS BENDS ON KENNEDY ROAD, ONE AROUND THE VALLEY OPPOSITE ELECTRIC HOUSE, AND THE OTHER AT MONTGOMERY BLOCK SPUR. A VICTORIA BARRACKS LINK IS PROPOSED TO CONNECT JUSTICE DRIVE IN THE BARRACKS WITH KENNEDY ROAD TO THE EAST OF ELECTRIC HOUSE.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, BRIAN CLOUSTON AND PARTNERS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNERS, ARE EMPLOYED AS SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS PROGRAMMED TO START IN MID-1988 WITH COMPLETION EXPECTED BY THE END OF 1990.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
BILL TO MODERNISE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LAW INTRODUCED .... 1
PUBLIC HEALTH BILL KEEPS DETERRENT EFFECT ................... 2
DISCRETION SCHEME NOT CAUSE OF JUVENILE CRIME ............... 3
CONSULAR ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION FOR BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS ................................................... 4
MANUFACTURERS NOT DISCOURAGED BY LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME.............................................•....
NEW ROAD TO LINK NW NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON ............. 6
SCHOOL LEAVERS WARNED AGAINST UNSCRUPUIOUS EMPLOYERS ........ 7
HIGH STANDARDS IN MONITORING YOUTH AND CHILDREN PROGRAMMES 7
ASSESSMENT OF PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES IN OCTOBER .............. 8
WAYS TO CLAIM PAY OUTLINED .................................. 9
APRIL EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED ........................ 10
SUSPENSION OF IDENTITY CARD SERVICES .......................... 18
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FORT STREET TO BE DEMOLISHED............. 19
MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING HOLIDAYS......... 20
THREE NT SITES TO BE LET BY TENDER ............................ 20
DB SEEKS VIEWS ON GREEN PaPER ................................. 21
YUEN LONG DB TO CONSIDER NULLAH ............................... 21
TURNING MOVEMENT IN MONG KOK BANNED ........................... 22
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
1
BILL TO MODERNISE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LAW INTRODUCED
*****
THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987 SOUGHT TO PROVIDE A MODERN LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO FACILITATE THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF TRADE, SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF BOTH TRADERS AND CONSUMERS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE BILL FOR SECOND READING, MR MACLEOD SAID THE EXISTING WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 51), WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1885 AND LAST AMENDED IN 1937, DID NOT MEET CONTEMPORARY REQUIREMENTS AND IN PARTICULAR MADE NO REFERENCE TO THE METRIC
SYSTEM, ALSO, ITS ENFORCEMENTPROVISIONS WERE INAPPROPRIATE AND INEFFECTIVE, HE ADDED.
"THE BILL WILL ENHANCE HONG KONG'S REPUTATION OVERSEAS AS A TRADING COMMUNITY THAT USES MODERN, INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS."
MR MACLEOD SAID A NUMBER OF BROAD AREAS WERE COVERED BY THE BILL.
"FIRST, IT DEFINES THE UNITS OF MEASUREMENT, AND STIPULATES THE UNITS, AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WHICH ARE LAWFUL FOR USE FOR TRADE IN HONG KONG.
"SECONDLY, IT PROVIDES FOR OFFENCES AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY TO ENFORCE THE LEGISLATION.
"LASTLY, THE BILL GIVES REGULATION-MAKING POWERS GOVERNING TRADE TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE USE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES."
HE SAID WHILE THE BILL HAD BEEN DRAFTED HAVING REGARD TO THE VIEWS RECEIVED FROM A WIDE RANGE OF RELEVANT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, ITS ENACTMENT WAS LIKELY TO REQUIRE A DEGREE OF ADJUSTMENT ON THE PART OF SOME SECTORS OF THE TRADING COMMUNITY.
"TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE INVOLVED HAS ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITY TO ADAPT TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BRING THE LEGISLATION INTO EFFECT UNTIL AT LEAST 12 MONTHS AFTER ENACTMENT. DURING THIS PERIOD EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO EDUCATE AND INFORM TRADERS OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS."
MR MACLEOD ALSO NOTED THAT THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987 WAS SIGNIFICANT AS IT WAS THE FIRST BILL DRAFTED AND GAZETTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT.
"HOWEVER, ONLY THE ENGLISH TEXT OF THE BILL WOULD BE DEBATED IN THIS COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENACTMENT," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
?
PUBLIC HEALTH BILL KEEPS DETERRENT EFFECT
*****
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987 IS TO PRESERVE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS UPDATED THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES RELATING TO VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE.
HE SAID THE BILL SOUGHT FIRST TO AMEND SFCflON 143 (A) OF THE ORDINANCE TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES THAT MIGHT BE IMPOSED BY REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE FROM $10,000 TO $25,000 FOR FINES AND FROM $250 TO $600 FOR DAILY PENALTY.
IT ALSO AMENDED THE NINTH SCHEDULE OF THE ORDINANCE TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND FOOD HYGIENE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, AND ALSO TO DELETE SECTION 79 (3) FROM THE SCHEDULE.
MOREOVER, THE BILL DELETED SECTION 15 (IC) OF THE ORDINANCE TO BRING THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE PUBLIC CLEANSING AND PREVENTION OF NUISANCES (URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL) BY-LAWS WITHIN THE AMBIT OF SECTION 143 (A).
MR CHAMBERS EXPLAINED THAT MOST OF THESE PENALTIES HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1978.
"INFLATION SINCE 1978, INCREASES IN ENFORCEMENT STAFF COSTS DURING THE SAME PERIOD AND THE NATURE AND SERIOUSNESS OF EACH OFFENCE AND THE DETERRENT REQUIRED ARE THE FACTORS WHICH HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN WORKING OUT THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES.
"BOTH THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL HAVE ENDORSED THESE PROPOSALS. AFTER THE BILL HAS BEEN ENACTED, THE TWO COUNCILS WILL SIMILARLY INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES PRESCRIBED UNDER THEIR BY-LAWS," HE ADDED.
THE DEBATE ON THIS MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
5
DISCRETION SCHEME NOT CAUSE OE JUVENILE CRIME * * * * *
THE INCREASE JN THE NUMBER OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS AND ITS POSSIBLE ORIGINS WOULD NOT NEGATE THE PRESUMPTION ON WHICH CHE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT DISCRETION SCHEME JS BASED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY,THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE SCHEME IS BASED ON A PRESUMPTION THAT YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 17 SHOULD NOT BE PROSECUTED IN THE COURTS UNLESS THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR DOING SO," HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DI? THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR JEAIFERSON, SAID MOST OF THE INCREASE WAS JN RESPECT OF THEFT FRO SHOPS.
"WE SUSPECT THAT THIS INCREASE IS MORE A RESULT OF BETTER SECURITY MEASURES AND A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO REPORT SUCH THEFTS RATHER THAN A WEAKNESS ARISING FROM THE SUPERINTENDENTS’ DISCRETION SCHEME," HE STRESSED.
HE ALSO SAID THE OBJECT OF HIE SCHEME WAS TO GIVE YOUNG OFFENDERS AN OPPORTUNITY IO OVERCOME THE CONSEQUENC ES OF ANY IMPULSIVE AND MINOR TRANSGRESSIONS WITHOUT HAVING TO GO THROUGH THE REST OF THEIR LIVES WITH THE STIGMA OF CRIMINAL RECORDS.
"RATHER THAN BEING PROSECUTED, THEY SHOULD 111-: GIVEN A SEVERE WARNING IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR PARENTS."
MR JEFFERSON OUTLINED THE FACTORS THAT POLICE OFFICERS MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION ]N DETERMINING WHETHER THERE WERE GOOD GROUNDS FOR PROSECUTION : THE PUBLIC' INTERESTS YND THE INTEREST OF THE OFFENDER; THE TYPE OF OFFENCE, HOW PREVALENT IT WAS IN THAT
PARTICULAR DISTRICTS AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ACTUAL OFFENCE COMMITTED; THE ATTITUDE OF THE COMPLAINANT AND OF THE PARENTS OR GUARD I AN.
"THEY MUST HAVE EVIDENCE SUFFICIENT FOR X PROSECUTION AND THE OFFENDER MUST ADMIT THE OFFENC IF HE IS GOING TO BE CAUTIONED," HE ADDED.
MR JEFFERSON POINTED OUT HIE SCHEME HAD BEEN REVIEWED THREE TIMES SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1963: IN 1966, JN 1978 AND JN 1985-86 BY I'HE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH, A SI B-COMM1TTEE OF 'HIE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
"HIE SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED AGAIN IN JULY 1987 AND FROM I INE TO TIME THEREAFTER,"
"THE LAST REV IEW LED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO I SSI E NEW AND EXPANDED GUIDELINES IN JANUARY 1987," SAID MR JEFFERSON.
A....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
CONSULAR ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION FOR BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS * » * t t
HONG KONG RESIDENTS HOLDING BRITISH PASSPORTS ARE ENTITLED TO THE SAME ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION AS BRITISH CITIZENS WHEN BEING INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL OR JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS WHILE TRAVELLING ABROAD, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE FORMS OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
* NOTIFICATION OF ARREST
IN COUNTRIES WITH WHICH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD SIGNED AND RATIFIED A CONSULAR CONVENTION, THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES WERE OBLIGED IF REQUESTED BY THE DETAINEE TO INFORM BRITISH CONSULAR OFFICERS OF THE ARREST OR DETENTION OF BRITISH NATIONALS WHICH INCLUDED HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS.
THE CONSULAR OFFICERS WOULD THEN INFORM THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF THOSE RESIDENT IN HONG KONG. THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD THEN NOTIFY THE NEXT-OF-KIN IF THE PERSON ARRESTED SO REQUESTED;
» ADVICE ON LOCAL PROCEEDINGS AND LEGAL AID
THE CONSULAR OFFICERS WOULD GIVE ADVICE TO BDTCS ARRESTED ON THE LOCAL PROCEEDINGS, THEIR RIGHTS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL AID.
THEY WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE PERSONS CONCERNED TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ANY FREE LEGAL AID THAT WAS AVAILABLE, AND THAT THEY WERE CHARGED AND BROUGHT TO TRIAL WITHOUT UNNECESSARY DELAY, OR ELSE WERE RELEASED;
* VISIT BY BRITISH CONSULAR OFFICER
CONSULAR OFFICERS WOULD REGULARLY VISIT BRITISH NATIONALS IMPRISONED OVERSEAS. THEY WOULD TRY TO ENSURE THAT THE CONDITIONS OF DETENTION, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER SENTENCE, WERE IN CONFORMITY WITH UNITED NATIONS STANDARD MINIMUM RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS;
* REPATRIATION
WHERE REPATRIATION WAS REQUIRED AND AUTHORISED THE CONSULAR OFFICERS WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE AS REGARDS DOCUMENTATION AND FUNDING.
/HOWEVER, FOR
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
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HOWEVER, FOR CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY HOLDERS, NOT BRITISH NATIONALS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THEY WERE BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION.
SINCE THEY WERE NOT ENTITLED TO
BUT GIVEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, BRITISH CONSULAR POSTS HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO AS MUCH AS THEY COULD FOR HONG KONG C OF I HOLDERS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE ABROAD, SUCH AS OFFERING CERTAIN OTHER CONSULAR SERVICES OF ASSISTING WITH REPATRIATION AND RENEWAL OF C OF IS, HE ADDED.
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MANUFACTURERS NOT DISCOURAGED BY LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME » * » * ♦
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME HAS NEITHER DISCOURAGED SMALL MANUFACTURERS FROM CONTINUING PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG NOR HAS INDUCED THEM TO SET UP PRODUCTION OUTSIDE OF HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGL1ARI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR PAGLIARI SAID ACCORDING TO FIGURES PRODUCED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE NUMBER OF SMALL MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG, THAT WAS THOSE EMPLOYING LESS THAN 100 PERSONS, HAI) ACTUALLY RISEN BY ONE PER CENT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED IN SUCH COMPANIES HAD ALSO RISEN BY THREE PER CENT.
FURTHERMORE, THIS ITEM WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A BUSINESS PROBLEM IN THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY REPORT PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
"THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY INFORMS ME THAT LARGE NUMBERS OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS HAVE INDEED SET UP PRODUCTION FACILITIES ACROSS THE BORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER LAND AND LABOUR COSTS," HE SAID.
HE SAID, HOWEVER, THE COST TO EMPLOYERS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SCHEME’S OPERATION HAD BEEN ESTIMATED AT LESS THAN 0.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PAYROLL OF ALL EMPLOYERS, AND WAS NOT EVEN MARGINAL WHEN COMPARED WITH LOWER LAND AND LABOUR COSTS OVER THE BORDER.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
6
NEW ROAD TO LINK NW NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON *****
IT IS NOT ENVISAGED THAT THE EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF ROUTE X WILL BRING ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ROUTE X IS THE PROPOSED ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND URBAN KOWLOON.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RICHARD LAI, MR LEUNG SAID ROUTE X WOULD HOWEVER PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCESS TO THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES, AND THUS COULD BE EXPECTED TO BENEFIT THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THERE.
HE SAID IT WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED AS AN ADDITIONAL ROUTE FOR CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC.
"THE. NEED FOR THE ROUTE X ROAD LINK WAS ESTABLISHED BY SEVERAL SUB-REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES CONDUCTED BETWEEN 1981 AND 1985," MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE TIMING AND PRIORITY RELATIVE TO OTHER TRANSPORT PROJECTS FOR CONSTRUCTING ROUTE X DEPENDED MAINLY ON THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE BUILD-UP OF CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC.
"THIS WILL BE ASSESSED IN THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2) NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TERRITORY. RESULTS OF THE STUDY SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN MAY 1988," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID IN VIEW OF THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE TO SELECT AND PROTECT THE PREFERRED ROUTE TO FACILITATE DETAILED PLANNING, CONSULTANTS WOULD SHORTLY BE ENGAGED TO CARRY OUT A PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY TO IDENTIFY THE BEST ALIGNMENT FOR THIS ROAD AND TO ESTIMATE ITS ORDER OF COST.
HE SAID THE STUDY WOULD COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10,
1987
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SCHOOL LEAVERS WARNED AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS * * * * »
COMPREHENSIVE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ON CAREER AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IS PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, HE SAID THIS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE INCLUDED WARNINGS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO BEWARE OF EXPLOITATION BY UNSCRUPULOUS INDIVIDUALS.
"EVERY YEAR AT ABOUT THIS TIME THERE IS AN EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AIMED SPECIFICALLY AT SCHOOL LEAVERS, INVOLVING RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, PRESS RELEASES, CIRCULARS TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, AND PAMPHLETS ISSUED TO F3, F5, AND F6 LEAVERS."
"THIS PUBLICITY IS REINFORCED BY THE CAREERS GUIDANCE TEACHERS IN THE SCHOOLS AND BY THE STAFF OF THE FIVE CAREERS ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE 15 LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT." MR PAGLIARI SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LEGAL PROTECTION AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES WAS GIVEN BY THE REQUIREMENT FOR SUCH AGENCIES TO BE LICENSED, WITH FEES AND COMMISSIONS CONTROLLED BY THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS.
IF ANY SCHOOL LEAVER WAS IN ANY DOUBT AS TO THE STATUS OF ANY LOCAL OR OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE IN WHICH HE PROPOSED TO CONTINUE HIS STUDIES, OR IF HE WAS IN ANY WAY DOUBTFUL OF THE BONA FIDES OF AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT, HE COULD CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE, MR PAGLIARI SAID.
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HIGH STANDARDS IN MONITORING YOUTH AND CHILDREN PROGRAMMES *****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING ADOPTS A VERY HIGH STANDARD IN MONITORING TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTS WHICH ARE INTENDED FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PAULINE NG CONCERNING PROVOCATIVE OR VULGAR LYRICS OF SONGS BROADCAST ON TELEVISION OR RADIO, MR LIAO SAID THE BROADCASTING OF INDECENT LYRICS CONSTITUTED AN OFFENCE UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE IN THE SAME WAY AS THE PUBLICATION OF AN INDECENT ARTICLE.
/"MOREOVER, UNDER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 19&7
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"MOREOVER, UNDER THE CODES OF PRACTICE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER, TELEVISION AND RADIO LICENCES ARE PROHIBITED FROM BROADCASTING ANY MATTER, INCLUDING LYRICS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED OBSCENE, VULGAR, INDECENT OR PROFANE," MR HAO SAID.
"THE COMMISSIONER REGULARLY MONITORS THE LYRICS OF SONGS BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO AND TAKES ACTION TO STOP THE BROADCAST OF ANY LYRICS WHICH ARE IN BREACH OF THE CODES OF PRACTICE.
"IN DOING SO, THE COMMISSIONER ADOPTS A HIGHER STANDARD IN RESPECT OF PROGRAMMES AND MATTERS WHICH ARE INTENDED FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS," HE ADDED.
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ASSESSMENT OF PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES IN OCTOBER
*****
A FULL ASSESSMENT ON THE EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE OF A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE COMPLIANCE OF THIS CODE.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE WAS INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER TO PROVIDE A GUIDE FOR OPERATORS OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"SINCE THEN STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN VISITING THESE HOMES TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE," HE SAID.
"WHILE SOME OF THE HOMES HAVE ALREADY TAKEN POSITIVE ACTION TO INTRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS THE INSTALLATION OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT, OTHERS HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMPLYING WITH THE PER CAPITA SPACE STANDARDS AND IN RECRUITING NURSING STAFF WITH THE RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LATER CONSIDER WHAT FURTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN AND IN PARTICULAR WHETHER LEGISLATION SHOULD BE PROPOSED IN THE LIGHT OF THE ASSESSMENT.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
9
WAYS TO CLAIM PAY OUTLINED *****
THERE ARE THREE POSSIBLE WAYS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSIST EMPLOYEES WHOSE EMPLOYERS FAIL TO MAKE PAYMENTS AWARDED TO THEM BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WITHIN A SET PERIOD OF TIME, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI, MR PAGLIARI SAID FIRSTLY, THE EMPLOYEE COULD APPROACH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITH THE CERTIFICATE OF AWARD WHICH HAD BEEN ISSUED BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
HE SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD THEN ISSUE A WARNING LETTER TO THE EMPLOYER REMINDING HIM THAT THE NON PAYMENT OF WAGES AND OTHER RELATED BENEFITS WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"IF THE EMPLOYER IGNORES THIS WARNING, PROSECUTION WILL BE INSTITUTED AGAINST HIM IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
"EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IN MOST CASES OF THIS KIND EMPLOYERS WILL PAY THE SUM AWARDED BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL."
HE SAID HOWEVER, THAT A MAGISTRATE’S COURT DID NOT HAVE THE POWER TO ENFORCE AN AWARD BUT ONLY TO IMPOSE AN APPROPRIATE PENALTY.
"SECONDLY, IF THE EMPLOYER CONTINUES TO FAIL TO PAY AN AWARD THE EMPLOYEE MAY, IF HE QUALIFIES, OBTAIN THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT TO HELP HIM TO ENFORCE THE AWARD THROUGH A DISTRICT COURT,” HE SAID.
THIRDLY, HE SAID IF THE NON PAYMENT WAS BECAUSE OF THE INSOLVENCY OF THE EMPLOYER, THE EMPLOYEE COULD APPROACH THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND FOR THE PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING WAGES.
MR PAGLIARI SAID HE INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A BILL TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE FUND TO COVER WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE AT THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
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APRIL EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED t * * ♦ ♦
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN APRIL THIS YEAR STOOD AT $59,282 MILLION AND REPRESENTED A 37 PER CENT GROWTH IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 28 PER CENT TO $14,539 MILLION IN APRIL 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 49 PER CENT TO $14,255 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN APRIL 1987 TO $28,794 MILLION, WHICH WAS 38 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1986.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 36 PER CENT TO $30,489 MILLION IN APRIL 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN APRIL 1986 AND APRIL 1987. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+78 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+69 PER CENT), CHINA (+69 PER CENT), FRANCE (+64 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+44 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+74 PER CENT), ITALY (+60 PER CENT), CHINA (+50 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+43 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (+41 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE U.S.A., THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 140 PER CENT, 123 PER CENT, 77 PER CENT, 60 PER CENT AND 51 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO APRIL 1987, AT $212,661 MILLION, INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME FOUR MONTHS IN 1986.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO $53,067 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 51 PER CENT TO $50,740 MILLION. THUS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT TO $103,806 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 39 PER CENT TO $108,854 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY TO APRIL 1987 WITH THE SAME FOUR MONTHS IN 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS. THE MARKETS WITH THE FASTEST GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED CHINA (+74 PER CENT), JAPAN (+71 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+70 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+50 PER CENT) AND FRANCE (+47 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S.A., GREW BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
/IMPORTS IN .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1?8?
11
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO APRIL 1987 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED TN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+80 PER CENT), ITALY (+54 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+52 PER CENT), CHINA (+51 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (+30 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE U.S.A., THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 100 PER CENT, 81 PER CENT, 79 PER CENT, 64 PER CENT AND 55 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
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 APRIL 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JULY 1987.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS, THE MORE NOTABLE ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY $2,934 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $2,066 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $1,914 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,690 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $33 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); AS WELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $24 MILLION OR 32 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 FOUR MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $5,008 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,736 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $2,774 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,499 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT).
/however, decreases
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
12 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $480 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $71 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THR FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,878 MILLION OR 89 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $2,686 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1,919 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT); AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,572 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $335 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT); AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $130 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE AVAILABLE IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE APRIL 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY” WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND JUNE 20, 1987, 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 APRIL 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JULY 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: .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-APR 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR 87 OVER JAN-APR 86 (%) APRIL 1987 (HKD MN.) APR 87 OVER APR 86 (%)
U.S.A. 19,281 12 5,274 10
CHINA 7,858 74 2,306 69
F.R. OF GERMANY 4,243 50 1,020 44
U.K. 3,250 25 897 22
JAPAN 2,539 71 746 78
CANADA 1,513 9 369 8
NETHERLANDS 1,193 70 294 69
AUSTRALIA 1,044 7 261 8
SINGAPORE 1,040 37 314 40
FRANCE 1,008 47 313 64
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-APR JAN-APR OVER 87 APRIL APR 87 OVER
COMMODITY DIVISION 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR (%) 86 1987 (HKD MN.) APR 86 (*>
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS)
16,670 21 4,259 21
8,257 33 2,387 28
/textile yarn.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
- 1U -
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, 68
MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,687 69 1,395
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPROCUDING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,322 64 1,129 50
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,183 35 1 , 168 28
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,138 17 1 , 169 12
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS
JAN-APR 87 APR 87
JAN-APR OVER APRIL OVER
MAJOR 1987 JAN-APR 86 1987 APR 86
SUPPLIER (HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
CHINA 32,469 51 9,297 50
JAPAN 21,067 27 6,006 21
TAIWAN 9,743 52 2,727 41
U.S.A. 9,314 30 2,435 31
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,008 80 1,514 74
SINGAPORE 4,235 19 1,154 43
/U.K. .5,517
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
U.K. 3,517 26 943 13
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,960 28 810 24
SWITZERLAND 1,955 28 565 34
ITALY 1,886 54 547 60
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-APR 87 APR 87
JAN-APR OVER APRIL OVER
COMMODITY 1987 JAN-APR 86 1987 APR 86
DIVISION (HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (*)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES
AND RELATED PRODUCTS 16,845 42 5,015 35
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,868 61 2,768 46
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND ( CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,849 55 2,276 54
TE LECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,963 72 1,682 65
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5,945 25 1,620 . 16
/Miscellaneous
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
- 16 -
MISCELLANEOUS 1,636 45
MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,676 54
TABLE 5: RE -EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-APR 1987 (HKD MN . ) JAN-APR 87 OVER JAN-APR 86 (%) APRIL 1987 (HKD MN.) APR 87 OVER APR 86 (%)
CHINA 16,512 49 4,703 51
U.S.A. 9,801 79 2,733 77
TAIWAN 2,805 55 803 51
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,686 64 764 60
JAPAN 2,450 32 703 47
SINGAPORE 1,923 20 536 35
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,278 100 374 123
MACAU 1,022 ’ 26 280 27
U.K. 996 81 317 140
INDONESIA 807 21 222 11
/TABLE 6:
. ■ -j -a .AJ r
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
- 17 -
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-APR JAN-APR OVER 87 APRIL APR 87 OVER
COMMODITY DIVISION 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-APR (%) 86 1987 (HKD MN.) APR 86 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, 53
MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,163 49 2,446
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING . ACCESSORIES 6,124 89 1,638 91
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,248 59 1,219 50
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,169 85 1,221 79
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,935 89 900 125
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,412 51 658 47
-----0------
/18........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
18
SUSPENSION OF IDENTITY CARD SERVICES
*****
IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND NEW IDENTITY CARDS RE-ISSUE SCHEME ON JULY 1, 1987, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES WILL SUSPEND SOME OF THE SERVICES FROM JUNE 22 TO JUNE 30, BOTH DATES INCLUSIVE.
ALL REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES WILL, HOWEVER, REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS PERIOD TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF LOSS AND TO ISSUE IDENTITY CARDS DUE FOR COLLECTION. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE LOST THEIR IDENTITY CARDS MAY STILL APPROACH THESE OFFICES.
FULL SERVICES WILL RESUME ON JULY 1, 1987.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:-
HONG KONG TEL. NO.
HONG KONG BRANCH SHOPS G6-G11, GROUND FLOOR PROVIDENT CENTRE 21-53 WHARF ROAD NORTH POINT 5-642374
ABERDEEN OFFICE ABERDEEN CENTRE, BLOCK K-N SHOP 4B, GROUND FLOOR 12-16 NAM NING STREET ABERDEEN 5-548100
QUEENSWAY BRANCH NEW RODNEY BLOCK 2ND FLOOR 99 QUEENSWAY 5-286753
KOWLOON TEL. NO.
KOWLOON BRANCH EMPIRE CENTRE 2ND FLOOR 68 MODY ROAD TSIM SHA TSUI 3-680479
KOWLOON CITY OFFICE HANG CHIEN COURT GROUND FLOOR WYLER GARDEN 7-9 WAI KING STREET 3-656532
KWUN TONG OFFICE AMOY PLAZA ROOM 54-60, 2ND FLOOR 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD 3-7559545
I
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
- 19 -
NEW TERRITORIES
TSUEN WAN BRANCH 0-4984242
LEVEL 4, TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER
TSUEN WAN WATERFRONT TSUEN WAN
TAI PO OFFICE 0-6577111
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES EXT. 292
3RD FLOOR TING KOK ROAD
YUEN LONG OFFICE 0-754114
3RD FLOOR YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES 2 KIU LOK SQUARE
-----0------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FORT STREET » * * ♦ ♦
TO BE DEMOLISHED
AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON A MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL , FORT STREET, NORTH POINT IN THE DISTRICT COURT, 15.
THE BUILDING MADE IN RESPECT OF BUILDING AT 21 - 23 HONG KONG, ON JULY
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLATS A AND B ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND PROJECTING FROM THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF FLAT B ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID IT WAS THE AUTHORITY’S OPINION THAT THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SHOULD BE CLOSED SO THAT THEY COULD BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
HE SAID NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY.
ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES UNDER A SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WERE ISSUED IN OCTOBER 1984, AND IN MAY AND JULY LAST YEAR, BUT NONE HAD BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
DEMOLITION WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
0 -
/2O
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
20
MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES REMAIN OPEN DURING HOLIDAYS
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ITS PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AND MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY ON JUNE 13 AND 15 (SATURDAY AND MONDAY) WHICH HAVE BEEN DECLARED GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S MACAl FERRY TERMINAL (SHAM SHI I PO) AND CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WILL ALSO MAINTAIN THEIR NORMAL OPENING HOURS FROM 7.30 AM TO 9.30 PM AND FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM RESPECTIVELY ON THESE HOLIDAYS.
ALSO OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATIONS FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY DURING THI HOLIDAYS ARE THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN (HAI, YAU MA TEI, KWI N TONG, TSUEN WAN, WESTERN DISTRICT, RAMBLER CHANNEL, (HAI WAN AND SHAM SHU] PO, AND THE PUBLIC WATERFRONTS AT YAI MA TEI, KOWLOON BAY AND TUEN MLN.
THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AND THE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE, BOTH LOC ATED ON THI 3RD FLOOR, HARBOUR Bl I LUING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENTRY AND Ol I’WARD C LEARANC E ONLY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 11 AM ON JUNE II (SUNDAY).
ALL OTHER SEC TIONS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED DURING Till HOLIDAYS.
-------0---------
THREE NT SITES TO BE LET BY TENDER *****
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOTS ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 1,175 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED AT KAU TO, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, AND IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY, COMMERCIAL GARDEN, INCLUDING GROWING, STORAGE AND SALE OF PLANTS, FLOWERS AND OTHER ANCILLARY' GARDEN PRODUCTS .
THE TENANC Y IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY' AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER TWO SITES AT HOI HING ROAD, TSUEN WAN, AND HING FONG ROAD, KWAI (HUNG, MEASURE 3,700 SQUARE METRES AND 1(7,800 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH ARE INTENDED FOR ISE AS FEE PAYING PUBLIC C AR PARKS FOR PARKING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCIES ARE ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS ON Till- SITES IS NOON ON JUNE 26.
- 0 -
/21
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1987
- 21
DB SEEKS VIEWS OK GREEN PAPER I t ♦ * t
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD KILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS ON THE GREEN PAPER OF THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO SEEK TO ADOPT A PROPER AND SYSTEMATIC METHOD TO REFLECT VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
A WORKING GROUP WILL BE FORMED TO UNDERTAKE THE TASK. TEMPORARY OFFICES ARE BEING PROPOSED AT EACH OF THE SIX CONSTITUENCIES TO FACILITATE LOCXL RESIDENTS IN AIRING THEIR VIEWS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF SURVEY FINDINGS ON THE PROVISION OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE PRIORITY ACCORDED TO CAPITAL WORK PROJECTS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY! AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
-------0--------
YUEN LONG DB TO CONSIDER NULLAH PLANS
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE NULLAHS IN THE DISTRICT.
BINNIE & PARTNERS (HK), WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED TO UNDERTAKE A STUDY ON WAYS TO REDUCE THE FOUL SMELL AND VISUAL IMPACTS OF THE NULLAHS HAD PROPOSED A SCHEME WHICH INVOLVED THE BUILDING OF AN INFLATABLE DAM DOWNSTREAM OF YUEN LONG, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION AND LOW FLOW CHANNELS IN THE NULLAHS.
/THE BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 198?
22
THE BOARD WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE WHICH SUGGESTS THE INTRODUCTION OF A HOME FAMILIES SEEKING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM
LONG TERM PURCHASE
THE
HOUSING STRATEGY LOAN SCHEME FOR
GOVERNMENT IN BUYING
HOMES.
MEMBERS’
VIEWS WILL BE CONSULTED ON
YUEN LONG HIGHWAY
WHICH WILL
THE NEW YUEN
CONSTRUCTION
SECTION OF
OF
THE THE
THE LAST
FORM THE ROAD. IT IS
tfrriTORIES CIRCULAR TRUNK ROAD. 11 is PROPOSED THAT ,oRsuiTEFASTNTRAVELRwiTHBTHE°sj*BBoTidHtTFsBTE ata,\ooii,{(ilohbtres per
TRUNK
DESIGNED
HOUR.
WATER TREATMENT AND TRANSFER REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE THE SEVENTH YUEN LONG ARTS
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE FACILITIES AT AU TAU, THE SECOND INTERIM REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND THE REPORI ON
FESTIVAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU. (THURSDAY) 13/F, YUEN
ARE INVITED TO
COVER
IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM
LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
THE MEETING AT 9:30 AM TOMORROW OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
-----0------
TURNING MOVEMENT IN MONG KOK BANNED * ♦ ♦
TURNING MOVEMENT FROM TUNG CHAU STREET NORTHWEST BOUND ON TO SYCAMORE STREET OR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WILL BE BANNED PERMANENTLY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW THERE FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON TONG MEI ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR SYCAMORE STREET ARE ADVISED TO OPERATE VIA PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
BILL TO UPDATE MENTAL HEALTH LAW PROPOSED............... 1
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY PROPOSED ........................ 5
PRIVY COUNCIL DISMISSES ~PPE~L ......................... 6
IMPORTANCE OF TACKLING ORGANISED CRIME STRESSED ........ 8
NEED TO BALANCE aLL PARTS OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM STRESSED . 9
ILLEGAL IMMIGRiNTS DIFFICULT TO FIND JOB ............... 10
STRAY SWEEPING IN RABIES INFECTED ,kREA................. 11
DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS .................... 12
RESULTS OF BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR SURVEY RELEASED .... 12
CO-OPERATION OF EMPLOYERS URGED......................... 16
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS OF NOLLE BILL EXTENDED............... 16
RELIEF SUPPLIES LEAVE FOR CHINA......................... 17
EX-GRATL. ALLOWANCE FOR OYSTER FARMERS.................. 18
NEW I.D. C.J© RE-ISSUE SCHEME TO START ON JULY 1 ....... 18
DB TO PROMOTE GREEN P^PER............................... 19
SEMINARS ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS .......................... 20
SPEEDPOST TO EGYPT EXTENDED............................. 21
CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO VISIT STREET SLEEPERS........ 21
INFORMATION ON LITTER OFFENCE COMPUTERISED ............. 22
REPROVISIONING OF LEUN WO HUI PLAYGROUND................ 22
MORE DONATION TO FUND................................... 23
TEMPOR.LRY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL .................. 23
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
1
BILL TO UPDATE MENTAL HEALTH LAW PROPOSED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED EXTENSIVE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE THE LAW GOVERNING THE RECEPTION, DETENTION AND TREATMENT OF MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, DETAILED THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE MENTAL HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT MANY PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 136 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) HAD BECOME OUTDATED DUE TO CHANGES IN REHABILITATION CONCEPTS FOR AND THE SOCIAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS.
"THE MAIN DEFECTS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE LIE IN THE ABSENCE OF A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR A MEDICAL ASSESSMENT BEFORE A PATIENT IS DETAINED IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION; THE LACK OF PROVISION FOR GUARDIANSHIP FOR THE MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE; THE LACK OF PROVISION TO PERMIT CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE OF PATIENTS WITH POWER FOR THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT TO RECALL THE PATIENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS HE IMPOSED; THE ABSENCE OF A CHANNEL FOR APPEAL BY NON-OFFENDER PATIENTS SIMILAR TO THAT CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR OFFENDER PATIENTS; AND THE LACK OF A CLEAR LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR THE POLICE TO REMOVE SUSPECTED MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS WHO ARE IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF CARE AND CONTROL TO HOSPITAL," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
WITH A VIEW TO REMOVING THESE DEFECTS AND UPDATING THE PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE, THE MENTAL HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL PROPOSES EXTENSIVE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS. THE MAIN PROVISIONS IN THE BILL INCLUDE:
(A) REPLACEMENT OF DEFINITION OF ’MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSON' BY A DEFINITION OF MENTAL DISORDER.
THE BILL, HOWEVER, PROVIDES THAT NO PERSON MAY BE DEALT WITH AS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL DISORDER BY REASON OF PROMISCUITY OR OTHER IMMORAL CONDUCT, SEXUAL DEVIANCY, OR DEPENDENCE ON DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.
IT ALSO STIPULATES THAT OF THE MEDICAL OPINIONS GIVEN IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR COMPULSORY DETENTION BEYOND THE INITIAL OBSERVATION PERIOD OR FOR GUARDIANSHIP, ONE OF THE EXAMINING DOCTORS MUST HAVE SPECIAL EXPERIENCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDER.
(B) THE REVISION OF ADMISSION PROCEDURE TO INCLUDE MEDICAL INPUT.
AS A RESULT, AN APPLICATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETENTION AND OBSERVATION MUST IN FUTURE BE FOUNDED ON THE WRITTEN OPINION OF A REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WHO HAS TO BE SATISFIED THAT THE ADMISSION IS JUSTIFIED BY THE NATURE AND DEGREE OF THE MENTAL DISORDER AND IS NECESSARY IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PATIENT’S HEALTH OR SAFETY OR FOR THE PROTECTION OF OTHER PERSONS.
/T- J TILL.....
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
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THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT AN ORDER FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETENTION AND OBSERVATION MAY BE MADE WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE PATIENT’S RELATIVE. HOWEVER, THE DOCTOR OR SOCIAL WORKER WHO MADE THE APPLICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL PRACTICAL STEPS TO INFORM A RELATIVE OF THE PATIENT.
ORDERS FOR DETENTION AND OBSERVATION SHALL CONTINUE TO BE SIGNED BY A DISTRICT JUDGE, MAGISTRATE OR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND IT IS NOT PROPOSED TO MAKE ANY CHANGE TO THIS EXISTING ARRANGEMENT.
(C) ADMISSION OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS ABOVE THE AGE OF 18 TO GUARDIANSHIP.
THE POWERS OF THE GUARDIAN WHO CAN BE EITHER THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OR ANY PERSON APPROVED BY HIM, INCLUDE THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND TO REQUIRE ACCESS TO IT TO BE GIVEN TO DOCTORS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER SPECIFIED PERSONS AND TO REQUIRE THE PERSON SUBJECT TO GUARDIANSHIP TO ATTEND AT SPECIFIED PLACES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, TRAINING, EDUCATION OR OCCUPATION.
TO ENSURE THAT GUARDIANSHIP IS SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW, ALL GUARDIANSHIP ARRANGEMENTS SHALL CEASE TO BE OF ANY EFFECT ON THE EXPIRATION OF TWO YEARS FROM THEIR COMMENCEMENT UNLESS RENEWED BY A FURTHER APPLICATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
(D) CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR MENTAL PATIENTS WHO HAVE A MEDICAL HISTORY OF VIOLENCE OR A DISPOSITION TO COMMIT SUCH VIOLENCE BUT IN THE VIEW OF MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT ARE READY FOR DISCHARGE FROM MENTAL HOSPITAL.
THE CONDITIONS WHICH CAN BE IMPOSED BY THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT MAY INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT TO RESIDE IN A SPECIFIED PLACE, TO ATTEND FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT, TO TAKE PRESCRIBED MEDICINE, OR TO BE SUPERVISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
PATIENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH ANY SUCH CONDITIONS MAY BE RECALLED TO THE HOSPITAL. SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNOR AND ON THE ADVICE OF A DOCTOR, IT IS PROPOSED THAT SIMILAR POWERS FOR CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE BE GIVEN TO THE COMMISSIONER. OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES FOR OFFENDER PATIENTS DETAINED IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE.
/(E) ADMISSION OF ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
- 3 -
(E) ADMISSION OF OFFENDER PATIENTS INTO A MENTAL HOSPITAL.
THIS INCREASES THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO A SENTENCING COURT OR MAGISTRATE TO ORDER AN OFFENDER TO BE DETAINED IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL AS IF HE WERE ADMITTED AS A NON-OFFENDER PATIENT AND HE WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR DISCHARGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT WITHOUT ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION.
(F) CONTINUED DETENTION OF CRIMINAL PATIENTS IN CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE AFTER EXPIRY OF THEIR PRISON SENTENCES.
WHERE AN OFFENDER PATIENT HAS BEEN DETAINED IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE AND IT IS CONSIDERED THAT HE SHOULD NOT BE DISCHARGED AT THE END OF THE TERM OF THE PRISON SENTENCE OR PERIOD OF THE HOSPITAL ORDER, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MAY APPLY TO THE COURT FOR A HOSPITAL ORDER AUTHORISING FURTHER DETENTION.
SUCH APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY MEDICAL OPINION AND JUSTIFIED BY THE NATURE AND DEGREE OF THE MENTAL DISORDER AND THE NEED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC.
(G) THE SETTING UP OF A MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING HOSPITAL ORDER APPEAL TRIBUNAL WHICH ONLY DEALS WITH PETITIONS SUBMITTED BY OFFENDER PATIENTS.
THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE CHAIRED BY A PERSON WITH SUITABLE LEGAL EXPERIENCE AND WILL CONSIST OF MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE MEDICAL FIELD, SOCIAL WORK AND OTHER PROFESSIONS.
IT IS EMPOWERED TO REVIEW THE CASE OF A PATIENT LIABLE TO DETENTION, OR PERMITTED TO BE ABSENT FOR A TRIAL PERIOD, OR CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED OR ADMITTED TO GUARDIANSHIP.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL STIPULATES THAT IF A PATIENT OR HIS RELATIVE DOES NOT EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE TRIBUNAL WITHIN 12 MONTHS AFTER THE RIGHT FIRST BECOMES AVAILABLE, THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OR THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, AS APPROPRIATE, MUST REFER THE PATIENT’S CASE TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR AN AUTOMATIC REVIEW.
(H) DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION TO DETAINED PATIENTS.
IT REQUIRES THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF EVERY MENTAL HOSPITAL OR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE TO TAKE SUCH STEPS AS ARE PRACTICABLE TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PATIENT IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL IS INFORMED OF THE PATIENT’S RIGHT UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
/(I) POWERS TO ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
(I) POWERS TO ENTER PRIVATE PREMISES AND TO REMOVE MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT A MAGISTRATE MAY GRANT A WARRANT AUTHORISING A POLICE OFFICER AND OTHER AUTHORISED PERSONS TO ENTER ANY PRIVATE PREMISES IN THE PRESENCE OF AN APPROVED SOCIAL WORKER OR COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSE IF THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON LIABLE TO BE TAKEN OR RETAKEN UNDER THE ORDINANCE OR A PERSON SUSPECTED TO BE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL DISORDER IS TO BE FOUND THERE.
IT ALSO EMPOWERS A POLICE OFFICER TO TAKE INTO CUSTODY A SUSPECTED MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSON, AND REMOVE HIM FORTHWITH TO THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL WHERE HE MAY BE DETAINED FOR UP TO 24 HOURS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENABLING HIM TO BE EXAMINED BY A DOCTOR AND OF MAKING THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS TREATMENT AND CARE.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES AND HAD INDICATED THEIR GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSALS. THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HELD CONSULTATIONS WITH THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS, OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES, THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. AS A RESULT, A NUMBER OF CHANGES WERE MADE IN RESPONSE TO THEIR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT BECAUSE OF THE REVIEW OF DETENTION AND DISCHARGE PROCEDURES, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GUARDIANSHIP SCHEME AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL PROPOSED IN THE BILL, THERE WILL BE FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND JUDICIARY. THE TOTAL ANNUAL RECURRENT COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL IS ESTIMATED AT $19.3 MILLION.
THE BILL WHICH HAS RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE FORMALLY GAZETTED ON JUNE 19 AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON JULY 1.
VIEWS ON PROVISIONS OF THE BILL CAN BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 7/F., CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD OR TO OMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
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5
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY PROPOSED * » * ♦ *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED DRAFT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR TSAO SAID DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD BE CONTAINED IN THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY BILL 1987 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR TSAO SAID THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE SETTING UP OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WITH RESPONSIBILITY OVER TELEVISION, RADIO AND CABLE TELEVISION.
IT WILL CONSIST OF UP TO 12 PERSONS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, THREE OF WHOM WILL BE PUBLIC OFFICERS AND THE REMAINING NONOFFICIALS. THE CHAIRMAN WILL COME FROM THE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
MR TSAO SAID, INITIALLY, THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WOULD BE TO ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE. ITS RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER RADIO AND CABLE TELEVISION AFTER LEGISLATION FOR THESE SERVICES HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP.
"IT WILL TAKE OVER THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESENT TELEVISION AUTHORITY AND TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD, WHICH WILL CEASE TO EXIST," HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID AMONG THE MAIN FUNCTIONS ASSUMED BY THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE THE SUBMISSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL CONCERNING APPLICATIONS FOR, AND RENEWALS AND REVOCATIONS OF, TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCES AND THE ISSUE OF CODES OF PRACTICE FOR THE INDUSTRY.
"OTHER PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY WILL BE TO SECURE PROPER STANDARDS OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN RELATION TO BOTH PROGRAMME CONTENT AND TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE," HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
"THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL REFER TO THE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION ALL COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ANY ALLEGED BREACHES, BY A LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON, OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BROADCASTING LICENCE, A CODE OF PRACTICE OR THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE," MR TSAO SAID.
THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS AMENDMENTS TO THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE TRANSFER OF POWERS AND FUNCTIONS UNDER THAT ORDINANCE FROM THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY AND THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
/the broadcasting
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 198?
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THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BILL 1987 IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24, 1987.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD.
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PRIVY COUNCIL DISMISSES APPEAL
*****
THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL HAS HELD THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES OWED NO DUTY OF CARE TO POTENTIAL DEPOSITORS WHEN EXERCISING HIS SUPERVISORY DUTIES TO CONTROL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
IN A JUDGMENT HANDED DOWN YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10), THE PRIVY COUNCIL DISMISSED THE APPEAL BROUGHT BY FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS IN A CASE INVOLVING A COLLAPSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS Q.C., APPEARED AS LEADING COUNSEL ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN THE APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL (YUEN KUN-YEU AND OTHERS VS AG) DECIDED IN MARCH 1986.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MEMORY THAT AN ATTORNEY GENERAL OF HONG KONG HAS ARGUED A CASE IN THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
COMMENTING ON THE JUDGMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID: "1 AM VERY PLEASED TO LEARN OF THE RESULT. CLEARLY THIS DECISION IS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION IN RELATION TO ITS VARIOUS REGULATORY ROLES."
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR ROBERT FELL, ALSO WELCOMED THE DECISION. HE SAID: "WE HAVE LEARNT A GREAT DEAL FROM OUR EXPERIENCE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS AND BOTH THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND SUPERVISORY PRACTICE HAVE BEEN OVERHAULED TO MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS AS A WORLD BANKING CENTRE.
/"NEVERTHELESS, THE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
"NEVERTHELESS, THE EXERCISE OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION WOULD BE MADE VERY DIFFICULT IF THE COMMISSIONER HAD TO BE CONCERNED AT ALL TIMES ABOUT POSSIBLE LAW SUITS. THIS DECISION REMOVES THAT UNCERTAINTY BUT, OF COURSE, UNDERLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION TO PROTECT DEPOSITORS AND THE GENERAL INTEGRITY OF BANKING IN HONG KONG.”
IN DISMISSING THE APPEAL, THE PRIVY COUNCIL ADVISED THAT "THE ISSUES IN THE APPEAL RAISE IMPORTANT ISSUES OF PRINCIPLE, HAVING FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS AS REGARDS THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY IN NEGLIGENCE OF A WIDE VARIETY OF REGULATORY AGENCIES CARRIED ON UNDER THE AEGIS OF CENTRAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ALSO TO SOME EXTENT BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL BODIES. SUCH AGENCIES ARE IN MODERN TIMES BECOMING AN INCREASINGLY FAMILIAR FEATURE OF THE FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL SCENE."
THE APPELLANTS ALLEGED THAT THEY HAD DEPOSITS IN A COMPANY KNOWN AS THE AMERICA AND PANAMA FINANCE CO LTD WHICH WERE LOST WHEN THE COMPANY WENT INTO LIQUIDATION ON FEBRUARY 25, 1983.
THEY BROUGHT AN ACTION IN THE HIGH COURT ALLEGING THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD BEEN NEGLIGENT AND/OR IN BREACH OF STATUTORY DUTY IN HIS SUPERVISION OF THAT COMPANY AND THAT HE WAS THEREFORE LIABLE TO REIMBURSE THE APPELLANTS THEIR LOST DEPOSITS.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL APPEARED ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONER IN THE HIGH COURT BEFORE MR JUSTICE JONES ON AN APPLICATION TO STRIKE OUT THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE GROUNDS THAT THERE WAS NO CAUSE OF ACTION. MR JUSTICE JONES ACCEPTED THE ARGUMENT AND STRUCK OUT THE PROCEEDINGS. THE APPLICANTS APPEALED TO THE COURT OF APPEAL AND WHEN THE COURT OF APPEAL DISMISSED THE APPEAL, TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
THE APPELLANTS HAVE THROUGHOUT THE PROCEEDINGS BEEN REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL INSTRUCTED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT.
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IMPORTANCE OF TACKLING ORGANISED CRIME STRESSED ♦ * * * *
A VERY IMPORTANT TASK IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF LAW IS TO LOOK AT WAYS TO TACKLE MORE EFFECTIVELY ORGANISED CRIMES, INCLUDING TRIADS,THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING OF PO LEUNG KUK, MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE FELT THAT HONG KONG’S CURRENT LAWS AND RULES THAT WENT WITH THEM SERIOUSLY LIMITED THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES TO TACKLE CRIMINAL ORGANISATIONS.
"OUR INVESTIGATIVE MACHINERY IS HAMPERED BY THE FACT THAT WE CANNOT GET AT AND PRODUCE IN COURT EVIDENCE WHICH EXISTS," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE AMERICANS, AMONG OTHERS, HAD CONFRONTED THESE PROBLEMS, MR JEAFFRESON DISCLOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SENDING A LAWYER TO THE UNITED STATES THIS SUMMER TO SEE HOW THE AMERICAN SYSTEM FOR TACKLING ORGANISED CRIME WORKED.
"THEN I HOPE WE MAY AGAIN ASK THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR VIEWS," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN AMERICA, THERE WAS THE GRAND JURY, AN INVESTIGATIVE BODY WHICH HAD ITS ANCESTRY IN BRITISH COMMON LAW. "IT IS A POWERFUL DEVICE FOR INVESTIGATING ORGANISED CRIME," HE ADDED.
"THE AMERICANS ALSO HAVE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION AIMED AT TACKLING CRIMINAL CONSPIRACIES. THEY CALL IT RACKETEERING. THIS LEGISLATION HAS HELPED THE AUTHORITIES THERE TO HAVE SOME NOTABLE SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS IN TACKLING THE HEADS OF ORGANISED CRIME," HE SAID.
ON A PROPOSAL REGARDING POLICE SUPERVISION OF TRIADS OR DANGEROUS CRIMINALS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE ISSUE WAS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION. "THIS IS A DIFFICULT AREA AND NOT ONE TO BE RUSHED INTO."
HE POINTED OUT THAT A MAJOR INITIATIVE WOULD BE A TRIAD RENOUNCIAT1ON SCHEME, WHEREBY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE FORCED TO JOIN TRIADS OR DID SO WHEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BAD "BROTHERS" MIGHT FORMALLY RENOUNCE THEIR PREVIOUS BAD WAYS.
"I THINK ONE OF THE KEY AREAS IS OUR DRIVE TO LET OUR YOUNG PEOPLE KNOW WHAT EVIL ASSOCIATING WITH TRIADS CAN BRING. A NUMBER OF DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS ARE LOOKING AT THE PROBLEM IN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS.
"CENTRALLY, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IS ALSO TRYING TO WORK OUT WHAT THE BEST RESPONSE IS.
"SHORTLY SOME INTENSIVE PUBLICITY WILL BE LAUNCHED AGAINST TRIADS. AND WE INTEND TO PRODUCE MATERIAL FOR THE SCHOOLS TO USE TO DISCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS FROM JOINING TRIADS," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
9
NEED TO BALANCE ALL PARTS OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM STRESSED * * * * »
HONG KONG MUST ADJUST GRADUALLY AND MAINTAIN THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM INSTEAD OF DWELLING ON JUST ONE PART OF THE SYSTEM, THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM ENTITLED "THE HISTORIC TRIANGLE OF BRITAIN, CHINA AND HONG KONG: A 60-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE" AT BAPTIST COLLEGE, SIR DAVID SAID THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATURE AND BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AND THE POLITY AS A WHOLE MUST BE MAINTAINED.
HE ADDED THAT THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG WHICH HAD RESULTED IN A STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT PROVIDED BY BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA WAS BEING SUBTLY BUT NEVERTHELESS RADICALLY ALTERED.
"THE COLONIAL UMBRELLA WILL BE FOLDED UP AND PUT AWAY, CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY WILL BE RESUMED BUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE WITH ALL THOSE INGREDIENTS, WHICH HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN THE PAST, WILL BE RETAINED," HE NOTED.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WOULD ELECT ITS LEGISLATURE AS ONE OF THE DEVICES TO DEMONSTRATE ITS HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY AND IT HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH HEATED DEBATE.
"IT IS A DEBATE WHICH IS TENDING TO GET OUT OF FOCUS WITH, PERHAPS, AN OBSESSIVE INTEREST IN THE PART TO BE PLAYED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT ATTENTION BEING GIVEN TO THE WEB OF INTERLOCKING RELATIONSHIPS WHICH AT PRESENT COMPOSE AND WILL IN FUTURE COMPOSE THE HONG KONG POLITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
TURNING TO THE TRIANGULAR RELATIONSHIP OF BRITAIN, CHINA AND HONG KONG, HE SAID THAT IF THERE WAS ONE COMMON FACTOR AT THE HEART OF THE TRIANGLE, IT WAS THE HARBOUR OF HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS TRADE, AND TWENTIETH CENTURY TRADE SYMBOLISED NOW BY BOTH THE HARBOUR AND THE AIRPORT THAT LINKED THE TRIANGLE TOGETHER. "THE REST IS THE PEOPLE, THE NATIONS INVOLVED AND THE POLITICS."
"NOW, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, TRADE IS AT THE CENTRE OF THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND WILL BE IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE DOUBLING OF RAILWAY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING, THE INCREASING AIR ROAD AND FERRY LINK FROM HONG KONG TO ALL PARTS OF CHINA, AND THE SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT THAT MOVE IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG BY THE THOUSANDS EVERY MONTH TO DESTINATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE THE SYMBOLS OF TRADE AND PROSPERITY.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DIFFICULT TO FIND JOB ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
IT IS "INCREDIBLY" DIFFICULT FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO FIND EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG EVEN IF THEY HAVE MANAGED TO SNEAK INTO THE TERRITORY, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR WOODHOUSE SAID JOINT OPERATIONS BY THE IMMIGRATION AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS AND THE POLICE WERE MOUNTED REGULARLY AGAINST PEOPLE WORKING ILLEGALLY IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THOSE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND FISH FARMS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION AFTER OVERSEEING THE LOADING OF THE THIRD CONSIGNMENT OF RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR VICTIMS OF THE FOREST FIRE DISASTER IN HEILONGJIANG, MR WOODHOUSE SAID: "THE INFORMATION WE RECEIVE FROM THE FEW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT WE DO PICK UP IS THAT FEW OF THEM WORK FOR MORE THAN A WEEK OR TWO."
HE WARNED THAT IT WAS A CRIME TO EMPLOY ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT.
THE OFFENCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $50,000 FINE AND UP TO ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
MR WOODHOUSE SAID THE LARGE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT BY THE SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER WAS INDICATIVE OF QUITE A SUCCESS RATE.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO MONITORED VERY CLOSELY THE "EVASION RATE" WHICH MR WOODHOUSE SAID WAS "REMAINING RELATIVELY CONSTANT",
"AND THAT SUGGESTS TO US THAT WE ARE SIMPLY BEING MUCH MORE SUCCESSFUL AT THE FRONTLINE IN CAPTURING THOSE THAT ARE COMING ACROSS".
ASKED ABOUT A SHIFT IN THE ORIGINS OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MR WOODHOUSE SAID IT WAS PART OF A "SEASONAL FLUCTUATION THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED".
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
11
STRAY SWEEPING IN RABIES INFECTED AREA ♦ ♦ * * ♦
A SERIES OF INTENSIVE STRAY SWEEPING OPERATIONS IN THE DESIGNATED TA KWU LING RABIES INFECTED AREA WERE COMPLETED (THURSDAY).
NEWLY TODAY
THE OPERATIONS WHCIH BEGAN ON MAY 27 WHEN A RABIES CASE WAS UNCONED IN SING PING SAN CHUEN, TA KWU LING WERE CARRIED OUT IN DIFFERENT HOURS OF THE DAY IN 21 VILLAGES. A TOTAL OF SIX DOG CONTROL
TEAMS WERE MOBILISED.
"WITH THE SUPPORT FROM BEEN SUCCESSFUL, RESULTING IN AND 316 SURRENDERED VOLUNTARILY
LOCAL VILLAGERS, OUR OPERATIONS
A TOTAL OF 29 TO OUR DOG
INFECTED AREA," THE SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR NORMAN CHENG SAID.
DOGS BEING ROUNDED CONTROL STAFF IN OF THE AGRICULTURE
HAD
UP THE AND
THE RECENT RABIES OUTBREAK SPARKED OFF GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DEADLY DISEASE. DURING THE PERIOD, 322 PEOPLE REQUESTED THE DEPARTMENT TO DISPOSE OF A TOTAL OF 717 UNWANTED DOGS AND 19 CATS TERRITORY WIDE.
IN ADDITION, 441 BITER CASES WERE REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND THE ANIMALS HANDED OVER TO THE FOUR GOVERNMENT KENNELS FOR OBSERVATION.
"THE INCREASED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NECESSITY TO CURB FURTHER OUTBREAK AND THE PUBLIC CO-OPERATION TOWARDS THIS AIM HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO BRINGING THE DISEASE UNDER CONTROL," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL SPARE NO EFFORTS TO COMBAT THE DEADLY DISEASE THROUGH STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES. THESE MEASURES INCLUDE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, COMPULSORY DETENTION OF BITER DOGS FOR OBSERVATION, STRAY DOG CONTROL AND PROVISION OF FREE INOCULATION SERVICES BY THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS.
IN JUNEj THE TEAMS WILL VISIT VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG AND SHA . TIN TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES TO DOG OWNERS THERE.
THE RURAL VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG TO BE VISITING INCLUDE NAM PJN WAI, SAI PIN WAI, YEUNG UK TSUEN, SHUI CHIU SAN TSUEN, SHUI CHIU LO WAI, MA TIN TSUEN, TSUNG CHING SAN TSUEN, TAI KEI LING TSUEN AND SHAN PUI TSUEN.
IN SHA TIN, THE TEAMS WILL BE VISITING VILLAGES OF FO TAN, FO TAN SQUATTER AREA, MAN HANG TSUEN, HO LEK PUI, WONG CHUK YEUNG, WO LIU HANG, BUT TSZ WO, KWAI TI, LOK LO HA AND HO TUNG LAU.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 111 198?
12
DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ♦ * * » *
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS FOUR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS PROPOSED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PROJECTS INCLUDE A PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY BETWEEN TAT CHEE AVENUE EXTENSION AND KOWLOON TONG KCR/MTR STATIONS; CONSTRUCTION OF NEW LAI CHI KOK BUS TERMINUS; IMPROVEMENTS TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD; AND REALIGNMENT OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN HING WAH STREET AND TAI NAM STREET WEST.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO LAUNCH TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE SHAM SHUI PO ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN 1987/88; PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND TAT CHEE AVENUE; AND PROPOSED ERECTION OF SIGNS BANNING LEARNER DRIVERS FROM DIANTHUS ROAD, IN YAU YAT CHUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH STARTS AT 2.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, 39 TONKIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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RESULTS OF BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR SURVEY RELEASED
*****
A TOTAL OF 172 STORAGE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1985 REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 10 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984, ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY RESULTS OF A CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED 3,322 PERSONS OR A DECREASE OF FOUR PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 1984, THE 1985 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SHOWED.
THEY GENERATED $873 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (A DECREASE OF 5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984), AND SPENT $165 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (+3 PER CENT AND $573 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES (+5 PER CENT). THE VALUE ADDED OF THIS SECTOR, REPRESENTING ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, DROPPED BY 11 PER CENT TO $405 MILLION IN 1985.
/IN THE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
- 13 -
IN THE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR WHICH INCLUDES TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, COURIER, RADIO-PAGING AND OTHER TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES, THERE WERE 162 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1985, AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OVER 1984. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1 PER CENT TO 19,616.
COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AMOUNTED TO $1,543 MILLION (+10 PER CENT) AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $1,757 MILLION (-31 PER CENT). BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $6,548 MILLION, WHILE THE CONTRIBUTION OF THIS SECTOR TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT TO $4,225 MILLION.
IN THE FINANCING SECTOR, 2,009 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION DURING 1985, A DECREASE OF 1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984. THIS SECTOR COMPRISES BILL DISCOUNTING COMPANIES, CREDIT INSTITUTIONS, FINANCE, LEASING, LOAN AND MORTGAGE COMPANIES, PAWNSHOPS, INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES, SECURITY, COMMODITY FUTURES AND GOLD BULLION BROKERS AND DEALERS, MONEY CHANGERS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKERS AND DEALERS; BUT IT EXCLUDES BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH ARE COVERED UNDER A SEPARATE SURVEY.
COMPARED WITH 1984, THE SECTOR’S TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED ROSE BY 10 PER CENT TO 19,814. COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT TO $1,957 MILLION. HOWEVER, OPERATING EXPENSES DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT TO $5,782 MILLION. BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME GREW BY 7 PER CENT TO $18,190 MILLION, WHILE THIS SECTOR’S VALUE ADDED INCREASED SLIGHTLY TO $3,147 MILLION.
IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THERE WERE 5,189 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1985, AN INCREASE OF 18 PER CENT OVER 1984 .
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, INCLUDING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND DATA PROCESSING FIRMS; COMPANIES ENGAGING IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING, ADVERTISING, DESIGNING, SECRETARIAL AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES; TECHNICAL SERVICES AND MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANIES; ENGAGED A TOTAL OF 52,889 PERSONS, AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT OVER 1984.
THEY SPENT $3,403 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (+22 PER CENT) AND $5,306 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES (+17 PER CENT), AND GENERATED $11,234 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (+18 PER CENT).
/THE SECTOR
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
11*
THE SECTOR CONTRIBUTED $5,690 MILLION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (+19 PER CENT), MEASURED IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED.
IN THE INSURANCE SECTOR, WHICH INCLUDES GENERAL AND LIFE INSURERS, INSURANCE AGENTS AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES, THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT TO 1,073, WHILE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT TO 11,964. THIS SECTOR GENERATED $8,582 MILLION OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME (+23 PER CENT). COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AMOUNTED TO $922 MILLION AND OPERATING EXPENSES TO $825 MILLION, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 25 PER CENT AND 31 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1984.
THE 1985 SURVEY WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS AND OF UPDATING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDED TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME, AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY, TOGETHER WITH THE ANALYTICAL TABLES SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR ALL ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED BY SERVICES GROUP/SECTOR AND ANALYSED BY VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, ARE INCLUDED IN THE STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1985 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES".
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE IN EARLY JULY 1987 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234926.
/Comparison of
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 198?
- 15 -
'fiaapariaoa of selected principal statistics for all oetabliahMats la the Storwge, CoMualea class, — Financing, Insurance and Suslaoeo Services Sectors betveea 198* and i«65
#0 » e 0
Sector .fuaber of astabllabsents Ifuaber of Persons engaged Jhuaber of employees ConpoaeatlM of employees Operating expenses , tastacAO receipts and other in cone Tains added
Oh. Ph. Ph. Ph.
Storage 198* 191 3 «»76 3 *66 16O.8 5*7.5 915.1 *55U
1985 172 3 322 3 317 165.1 572.9 873.1 *o*.7
< change -10 -h ♦3 ♦5 -5 -11
Coaaunieatioas 198* 152 19 555 19 319 1 393.S 2 552.* 6 226.3 3 *73.5
1985 162 19 616 19 532 1 5*2.9 1 6 5*8.0 * 225.*
< change ♦25 *1 el ♦ 10 -31 ♦5 ♦21
Financing 198* 2 056 18 067 16 92$ 1 662.7 6 222.1 16 956.1 3 1*3.8
1985 2 009 19 81* 18 66U 1 957.0 5 78i.3 13 189.3 3 1*7.2
t change -1 ♦ 10 ♦10 ♦18 -7 ♦7
Business services 198* * *0$ *5 891 *2 50* 2 793.9 * 321.9 9 512.7 * 763.6
1985 5 i«9 52 889 *8 *59 3 *02.8 5 504.1 11 m.6 5 690.2
% change ♦18 ♦ 15 ♦13 ♦22 ♦17 • ♦19
Insurance 198* 1 005 10 6c3 10 077 737.1 628.1 $ 966.8 •
1985 1 075 11 96* 11 *28 922.* 325.3 « 532.3 •
< change ♦7 ♦15 ♦13 ♦25 ♦31 ♦23 •
Govemaent/Seai-{Overnneat institutions 198* 1985 2 2 * *31 * 512 * *51 * 512 366.2 *22.8 333.0 *33.2 876.7 1 067.* •
< change 0 ♦2 ♦2 ♦15 ♦30 ♦22 •
Hofs : (1) / denotes less than O.^t la aagnltudo.
(2) la the financing sector, value added ves not complied for investaent sad holding eoapaniee due to the special features of tbelr business operation. Hence, total value added for the sector did aot Include that of Investaeat and holding coirpaniea.
(?) Value added vas aot compiled for the insurance sector sad govornseat/ceai«govoruaent institutions.
(*) Governaent/seal-governaent institutions comprised the Post Office and the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation.
(5) Figures denoting changes are derived fros unrounded figures.
(6) Value added is a aeasure of the contribution of an economic sector to Hoag Kong’s Cross Ooaestlc Product. The definition can be found in the ”1985 Survey of Storage, Coaewnications Financing, Insurance and Business Services” Deport.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
- 16 -
CO-OPERATION OF EMPLOYERS URGED
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE WITH ITS OFFICERS.
THE APPEAL FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE EMPLOYER OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING WAS FINED $750 BY A SAN PO KONG MAGISTRATE FOR OBSTRUCTING A LABOUR INSPECTOR. HE WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY $1,000 COURT COST.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE INSPECTOR WENT TO THE FACTORY TO CHECK THE EMPLOYEES’ RECORDS AND IDENTITY CARDS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION AND IMMIGRATION ORDINANCES.
HE SAID THE EMPLOYER, AFTER LEARNING THE IDENTITY OF THE INSPECTOR, BECAME HOSTILE AND UNCO-OPERATIVE. NOT ONLY DID HE REFUSE TO LET THE INSPECTOR CARRY OUT HER DUTIES, HE ALSO TOOK A PHOTOGRAPH OF HER WITHOUT HER CONSENT.
IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE POLICE AND OTHER SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTORS WERE CALLED IN THAT THE EMPLOYER FINALLY PRODUCED HIS EMPLOYEES’ RECORD FOR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALL LABOUR INSPECTORS WERE AUTHORISED TO ENTER AND INSPECT, AT ALL REASONABLE TIMES, ANY PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF PART IVB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AND OTHER LABOUR LEGISLATION.
UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO OBSTRUCTS OR DELAYS AN AUTHORISED OFFICER IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS DUTIES COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
-------0----------
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS ON NOISE BILL EXTENDED
*****
IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC, THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF VIEWS ON THE DRAFT NOISE CONTROL BILL 1987 HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF JUNE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ORIGINAL DEADLINE WAS JUNE 13, 1987.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD BEFORE JULY 1, 1987.
------- o------- /17........
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
- 17 -
RELIEF SUPPLIES LEAVE FOR CHINA * * * * *
THE THIRD AND THE LARGEST CONSIGNMENT OF RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR VICTIMS OF THE FOREST FIRE DISASTER IN HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE WILL BE TRANSPORTED BY KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TO CHINA EARLY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE ARTICLES, COSTING MORE THAN $4 MILLION, COMPRISED 1,250 TONNES OF RICE, 280 TONNES OF CANNED MEAT AND 2.8 TONNES OF BISCUITS.
THE 1,533 TONNES OF FOOD SUPPLIES WILL LEAVE HUNG HOM STATION ON 27 GOODS WAGONS AT 6.14 AM TOMORROW AND ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE PROJECT FOR RECEIVING FOREST DIASTER RELIEF UNDER THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FORESTRY IN SEVEN TO NINE DAYS.
APPROVAL FOR $5 MILLION OF RELIEF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WAS SOUGHT FOLLOWING AN APPEAL THREE WEEKS AGO BY THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FORESTRY TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO HELP THE 50,000 MADE HOMELESS BY THE FIRES AND THE THOUSANDS INJURED IN COMBATTING THE FIRES.
TWO PLANE-LOADS OF RELIEF ITEMS CONSISTING OF BLANKETS, DISPOSABLE SYRINGES, HOSPITAL AIR MATTRESSES, MEDICINE, FOOD SUPPLIES AND BLEACHING AGENT HAD ALREADY BEEN FLOWN TO CHINA ON JUNE 2 AND JUNE 5 THROUGH COURTESY OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FACILITIES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LOADING OF THE RELIEF SUPPLIES ON THE GOODS WAGONS AT THE KOWLOON GOODS YARD OF THE KCRC IN HUNG HOM AT 1.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY).
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, WILL BE ON HAND TO BRIEF MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE EXERCISE.
THOSE COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE GATEWAY OF THE KOWLOON GOODS YARD NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE OFF SALISBURY ROAD AT 1.15 PM.
- - O - -
/18
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
18
EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR OYSTER FARMERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
IN RESPONSE TO A REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE APPEAL BOARD FOR OYSTER FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE TSANG TSUI PHASE II PULVERISED FUEL ASH LAGOONS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEVISED AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PACKAGE TOTALLING $1 MILLION FOR 34 APPELLANTS, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING, MR SELBY SAID OYSTER FARMERS WHOSE APPEALS WERE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD, WHICH COMPRISED UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS, HAD BEEN BRIEFED ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE REPORT.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT AND ALL THE APPELLANTS HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AS GENUINE OYSTER FARMERS.
HOWEVER, AS THE FARMERS DO NOT OWN THE SEA-BED WHERE THE OYSTER FARMS ARE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE LAW. TO OVERCOME THIS, AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WAS OFFERED TO THE OYSTER FARMERS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE TSANG TSUI PHASE II OYSTER FARMERS WERE FARMING AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME DENSITY AS THOSE IN PHASE I.
MR SELBY ALSO ADDED THAT GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THAT EXCEPTIONAL TREATMENT WAS NECESSARY IN THIS CASE BECAUSE OF PARTICULAR DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN CARRYING OUT THE SITE SURVEY OF OYSTER BEDS AT TSANG TSUI AND IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO WORKING METHODS TO AVOID THESE DIFFICULTIES IN FUTURE.
- - 0
NEW I.D. CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME TO START ON JULY 1 ♦ * ♦ * *
THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME WILL START ON JULY 1
THIS YEAR.
’’UNDER THIS SCHEME, ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY CARDS FOR NEW ONES,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
AS THERE ARE ABOUT 4.8 MILLION CARDS TO BE RENEWED,ISSUE OF THE NEW CARDS WILL BE PHASED OVER A PERIOD OF A FEW YEARS.
/THERE ARE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
- 19 -
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE SCHEME. THEY ARE HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD (PIC), WHICH IS ISSUED TO A HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENT WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, AND HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD (IC), WHICH IS ISSUED TO A PERSON WHO DOES NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT. THE NEW IDENTITY CARDS WILL THEREFORE REFLECT THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE HOLDERS.
THE ISSUE OF NEW FORMS OF IDENTITY CARDS WILL INVOLVE ARRANGEMENTS SIMILAR TO THOSE ADOPTED IN THE LAST RE-ISSUE EXERCISE WHICH HAS BEEN COMPLETED EARLY THIS YEAR.
IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS WILL BE ASKED TO COME FORWARD IN SPECIFIED GROUPS BY AGE AND SEX TO HAVE THEIR CARDS REPLACED, AND EXISTING CARDS WILL BE DECLARED INVALID PROGRESSIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "THE FIRST GROUP OF PERSONS TO BE CALLED FORWARD WILL BE MEN BORN BETWEEN 1952 AND 1968."
"MEN BORN OF THESE AGES SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR THEIR PERIOD TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY CARDS," HE ADDED.
-------0----------
DB TO PROMOTE GREEN PAPER
* * * *
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO APPROVE WORK PLANS TO PROMOTE THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
A WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REFORM WAS RECENTLY SET UP TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
IT PROPOSED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED TO SOLICIT PUBLIC VIEWS. THESE INCLUDE THE DISPLAY OF POSTERS AND BANNERS, HOLDING EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS, DISTRIBUTION OF PAMPHLETS AND CONDUCTING OPINION POLLS.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO REVIEW THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS ON THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME.
THE RECENT REVIEW ON THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE SCHEME, AMONG OTHER AREAS, SHOULD BE EXAMINED IN EACH DISTRICT FOR IMPROVEMENT.
/Himbers' views
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON TSIM SHA TSUI RESIDENTS’ PROPOSAL OF RENAMING THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TO YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT BOARD IN ORDER TO SHOW THAT THE TWO AREAS ARE ACTUALLY COVERED BY THE ONE BOARD.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS A MEMBER’S SUGGESTION OF STEPPING UP PUBLICITY TO REMIND PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEATS OF TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO WEAR SEAT BELTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD.
- - 0 - -
SEMINARS ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
TO ENABLE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WAYS TO PREVENT AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE THREE SEMINARS FOR THEM NEXT MONTH AS PART OF THE CURRENT PROGRAMME TO INCREASE THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY’S AWARENESS OF THESE DISEASES.
THE SEMINARS WILL FOCUS ON THE NATURE, MODE OF TRANSMISSION, SYMPTOMS OF AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
IT WILL BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT GASCOIGNE ROAD IN YAU MA TEI ON JULY 9 AND AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING AT 15 HENNESSY ROAD IN WAN CHAI ON JULY 10.
MEDICAL OFFICERS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE TALKS AT THE SEMINARS ON AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AS WELL AS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THEIR SPREAD IN SCHOOLS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR OF HEALTH EDUCATION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE JUNE 16 (TUESDAY).
/21
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
21
SPEEDPOST TO EGYPT EXTENDED
*****
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO EGYPT, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE TO 12 CITIES, WILL BE EXTENDED TO GIZA FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 16), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
FROM THE SAME TIME, THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR A SPEEDPOST ITEM TO EGYPT WILL BE INCREASED FROM 15 KG TO 20 KG, AND THE MAXIMUM SIZE EXTENDED TO 1.05 METRES IN LENGTH AND 2 METRES FOR THE LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINED.
THE 13 CITIES IN EGYPT TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE ALEXANDRIA, AL-MANSOURA, AL-ZAGAZIK, ASWAN, BENHA, CAIRO, DAMANHOUR, DAMIETTE, GIZA, ISMAILIA, PORT SAID, SUEZ AND TANTA.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
0 - -
CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO VISIT STREET SLEEPERS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON STREET SLEEPERS WILL VISIT YAU MA TEI THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING TO SEE AT FIRST HAND THE STREET SLEEPERS PROBLEM IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, AND COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, THE SECURITY BRANCH, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
IT HAS BEEN SET UP TO REVIEW THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AND PROGRAMMES IN ORDER TO CO-ORDINATE ACTION RELATING TO STREET SLEEPERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE HENRY G LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, NOT LATER THAN 9.15 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - 0 - -
/22
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
22
INFORMATION ON LITTER OFFENCE COMPUTERISED
*****
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH A COMPUTER FIRM TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE COMPUTER-BASED LITTER OFFENCE RECORD SYSTEM (CLORS) IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CLORS, IMPLEMENTED SINCE 1982, HAS PROVED TO BE VERY USEFUL IN PROVIDING THE GOVERNMENT WITH RELEVANT AND UP-DATED INFORMATION ON LITTER OFFENCES FOR STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLANNING.
THE COMPUTERISED RECORD SYSTEM ALSO GIVES THE COURTS SUFFICIENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR IMPOSING APPROPRIATE FINES ON RECIDIVISTS.
AS THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE USEFUL IN MANY ASPECTS, A SUM WAS SET ASIDE IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO CONTINUE ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
THE COMPUTER FIRM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, INPUTING AND UPDATING INFORMATION, AND PRINTING OUT DAILY AND MONTHLY REPORTS.
UNDER CLORS, REPORTS ON THE LITTER OFFENCE, BREAKDOWN OF FINES IMPOSED ON LITTERBUGS, ANALYSIS OF CONVICTION BY AGE GROUP, BY DISTRICT OR BY NATURE OF THE OFFENCES, AS WELL AS A LIST OF RECIDIVISTS WILL BE PRINTED OUT EITHER REGULARLY OR ON REQUEST.
STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAN MAKE USE OF THESE REPORTS IN THE DAILY OPERATION OR EXTRACT OTHER INFORMATION FROM THE COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.
--------0----------
REPROVISIONING OF LEUN WO HUI PLAYGROUND * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $660,000 CONTRACT FOR REPROVISIONING OF LUEN WO HUT PLAYGROUND AT FANLING.
THE PLAYGROUND, OPPOSITE ON LOK TSUEN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,775 SQUARE METRES AND WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND A BASKETBALL COURT, INCLUDING CONCRETE BENCHES.
ANOTHER CONTRACT WORTH $136,000 HAS ALSO BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION.
LIGHTING WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE PLAYGROUND.
WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF OCTOBER.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1987
25
MORE DONATION TO FUND ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, MR LEE QUO-WEI, WILL RECEIVE A DONATION OF *36,000 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG WATCH TRADES AND INDUSTRIES, MR TAN GIOK-SEI, AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11.15 AM IN THE DINING HALL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AT 11 AM.
- C -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS, NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 13) FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NO. 103 ON ITS JOURNEYS TO POKFIELD ROAD, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEENSWAY, RODNEY STREET, DRAKE STREET, TAMMER STREET AND HARCOURT ROAD TO REJOIN COTTON TREE DRIVE.
- O -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONGKONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
CONTENTS P~GE NO.
NEW BRITISH NATIONS (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT TO EE ISSUED........ 1
IMPORTANCE OF INVESTORS' CONFIDENCE STRESSED................ 2
BILL TO DESIGNATE HOSTELS GAZETTED.......................... 5
APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONALS TO COMMODITIES COMMISSION SOUGHT-...................................................4
BILL TO ENSURE QUALITY INSURANCE MARKET PROPOSED............ 5
NEW AUDIT FEE STRUCTURE FOR INSOLVENCIES PROPOSED........... 7
SUPRIME COURT (AIEMMENT) BILL 1987 PUBLISHED................ 8
ORDER TO EXTEND COMPULSORY PILOTAGE PUBLISHED............... 10
TALKS ON HARMONISHED SYST1N NEARLY COJxPLETED .............. 11
ENGLISH IMPORTANT TO FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HK ............... 12
PRIVATE SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTE TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.......... 1?
DEMOLITION OF KOWLOON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES................. ,. 14
STUDY ON METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES ........... 15
HUNG HOM PROPERTY TO LET ................................... 15
MUSIC CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN ................................ 15
EASTERN DISTRICT CLZ-Jv WATER CAMPAIGN...................... 16
AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS SWING INTO ^CTION ................. 17
POSTAL SERVICES EXTENDED ..-................................ 18
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES .................................... 20
MEET THE MEDIA.............................................. 21
HUNG HOM W^.TER CUT ........................................ 21
SaN PO KONG W^TER CUT ....................................... 21
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT TO BE ISSUED *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT AS FROM JULY 1, 1987, BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS BY VIRTUE OF A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, E.G. BY BIRTH, NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG, MAY ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) AND A BRITISH PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH THIS STATUS.
"THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BRITISH PASSPORT AT THEIR CHOICE, NAMELY, A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS PASSPORT WHICH IS VALID UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 OR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT WHICH IS VALID FOR TEN YEARS, BUT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HOLD BOTH TYPES OF PASSPORT AT THE SAME TIME," THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER EXPLAINED.
"A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT CANNOT BE RENEWED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, WHEREAS A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT CAN BE RENEWED AFTER THAT DATE. BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS MAY OF COURSE CONTINUE TO USE THEIR CURRENT PASSPORT.
"IF, HOWEVER, THEY WISH TO APPLY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF THEIR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT FOR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT, THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE JULY 1, 1997," HE ADDED.
THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT WILL INCLUDE AN ENDORSEMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT THE HOLDER OF THE PASSPORT HAS A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WHICH STATES THAT HE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1987, HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WHICH IS VALID FOR TEN YEARS WILL ALSO INCLUDE A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT.
"APPLICANTS FOR THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT AND HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY, TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987, ARE THEREFORE REQUIRED TO HOLD A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY HAVE A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, THEIR APPLICATION FOR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR HONG KONG t'KRTt F1C.Y l‘K OF IDENTITY WILL NORMALLY TAKE THREE WEEKS. FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD,ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THEM TO APPLY FOR ONE AT A NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE. THE TWO APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL NORMALLY TAKE ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, ’A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT’ AND A LEAFLET ON 'HOW TO APPLY FOR A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY’ ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ANY IMMIGRATION OR DISTRICT OFFICES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ENQUIRE ABOUT THE NEW PASSPORT ON 3-7395577 (CHINESE SPEAKERS) OR 3-7396677 (ENGLSIH SPEAKERS) FOR INFORMATION ON BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT. THEY CAN ALSO CALL 3-7396811 (CHINESE SPEAKERS) OR 3-7333111 (ENGLISH SPEAKERS) FOR INFORMATION ON HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
2 -
IMPORTANCE OF INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE STRESSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT IT IS WRONG FOR IT TO INTERFERE IN BUSINESS DECISIONS OR INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE "GET TO KNOW YOUR INVESTMENT '87 EXHIBITION", SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT SOUGHT ONLY TO ESTABLISH A FAIR FRAMEWORK IN WHICH ALL CONCERNED, PROFESSIONALS AND NON-PROFESSIONALS ALIKE, COULD OPERATE WITH CONFIDENCE.
"WE ARE THEREFORE UPDATING OUR INVESTMENT LEGISLATION, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT BOTH DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER MAJOR CENTRES AND HONG KONG’S UNIQUE FEATURES.
"WE ARE DOING THIS IN CONSULTATION WITH THOSE WHO HAVE DIRECT EXPERIENCE THROUGH THEIR OWN INVOLVEMENT IN THE MARKET."
HE QUOTED AS AN EXAMPLE THE WHITE BILL ON DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDINGS, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION SOME 10 DAYS AGO.
"WE ARE ALSO WORKING TO STRENGTHEN THE PRESENT LEGISLATION AGAINST INSIDER DEALING," HE SAID.
"WE ARE DETERMINED TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT, THAT ALLOWS INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES THE FREEDOM TO ENGAGE TN ACTIVITIES OF THEIR OWN CHOICE, AND THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVING FORCES OF PRIVATE INITIATIVE, INNOVATION, COMPETITION, RISK AND REWARD TO PLAY A FULL PART IN THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUING SUCCESS."
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD PROVIDED THE POLITICAL BASIS FOR HONG KONG'S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE TO CONTINUE WELL INTO THE FUTURE.
"THE GROWTH IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CHANNELLED THROUGH HONG KONG, WHICH IS CONTINUING UNABATED, DEMONSTRATES THE CONFIDENCE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
"WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR MARKETPLACE CONTINUES TO WARRANT INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE: THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE AS EFFICIENT AS ANY ELSEWHERE," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IF HONG KONG WAS TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE, IT HAD TO CONTINUE TO UPGRADE ITS STANDARDS.
"THOSE WHO OPERATE IN THE MARKETS WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE OF THEIR TRADING METHODS.
/"THEY MUST .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 5 -
’’THEY MUST ENSURE - AND BE SEEN TO ENSURE - THAT MARKET RULES ARE FAIR AND THAT THEY ARE BEING FOLLOWED,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO MAINTAINING HEALTHY STOCK MARKET IN HONG KONG.
’’THIS ACCOUNTS FOR ALL THE EFFORTS OVER THE PAST DECADE, BY BOTH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND BY GOVERNMENT, WHICH LED TO THE UNIFICATION OF THE PREVIOUS FOUR SEPARATE EXCHANGES.
“THESE EFFORTS HAVE NOW BORNE FRUIT. THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE IS ONLY 14 MONTHS OLD. BUT IT HAS SHOWN ALREADY THAT IT CAN BEAR COMPARISON WITH ANY STOCK EXCHANGE IN THE WORLD IN ITS USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND IN ITS EFFICIENCY," HE SAID.
AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION, SIR DAVID LOOKED AT THE EXHIBITS PUT UP BY VARIOUS INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
DESCRIBING THE EXHIBITION AS A "VERY GOOD" ONE, SIR DAVID SAID: "I AM PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT IT’S GOING TO GO ON TO NEW YORK.”
"SO THE PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES, TOO, WILL SEE WHAT OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE FOR INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG."
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BILL TO DESIGNATE HOSTELS GAZETTED ♦ » » ♦ ♦
THE SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1987 WHICH SEEKS STATUTORY PROVISION FOR THE DESIGNATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF HOSTELS, ALSO KNOWN AS HALF-WAY HOUSES, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT PRESENT, PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN SENTENCED BY THE COURTS UNDER THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE, DETENTION CENTRES ORDINANCE AND TRAINING CENTRES ORDINANCE, MAY BE REQUIRED ON THEIR RELEASE TO LIVE TEMPORARILY IN SUPERVISED ACCOMODATION, KNOWN AS HALF-WAY HOUSES.
THESE HALF-WAY HOUSES ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE OBJECT OF THE BILL IS TO MAKE STATUTORY PROVISION FOR THEIR DESIGNATION AND ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR THIS PURPOSE REFERRED TO AS "HOSTELS".
/THE new
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
THE NEW BILL INTRODUCES A NEW SECTION 24B INTO THE PRISONS ORDINANCE SO THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL BE AUTHORISED TO DESIGNATE PREMISES THAT MAY BE USED AS HOSTELS TO BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
THIS SECTION WILL PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES THE AUTHORITY TO CHARGE RESIDENTS FOR THEIR OWN MAINTENANCE IN A HOSTEL IF THEY ARE IN EMPLOYMENT.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO AMEND THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE AND TRAINING CENTRES ORDINANCE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE CONDITIONS OF ANY SUPERVISION ORDER ISSUED UNDER THESE ORDINANCES MAY INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT OF RESIDENCE IN A HOSTEL.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24.
--------0----------
APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONALS TO COMMODITIES COMMISSION SOUGHT » ♦ ♦ * ♦
TO AMEND THE COMMODITIES
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED
ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMMODITY TRADERS TO THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION.
TRADING FUTURES
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER SECTION 12(1) OF THE ORDINANCE, PERSONS APPOINTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF TRADING COMMISSION AND ITS COMMITTEES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM TRADING
THE COMMODITIES
IN
COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS.
OF PROFESSIONAL
’’THIS HAS EFFECTIVELY BARRED THE APPOINTMENT COMMODITY FUTURES TRADERS TO THE COMMISSION, THEREBY DEPRIVING THE BENEFIT OF ADVICE DERIVED FROM REGULARLY UPDATED EXPERIENCE.
IT OF TRADING
•’THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 12 WILL REMOVE THIS RESTRICTION AND THUS MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ACTIVE FUTURES TRADERS TO BE APPOINTED,” HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 5 -
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT GIVEN THE SPECIALISED NATURE AND INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF COMMODITY FUTURES, THE APPOINTMENT OF SUCH PERSONS WOULD BENEFIT THE COMMISSION AND THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FUTURES INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT THERE IS NO SUCH RESTRICTION RELATING TO THE SECURITIES COMMISSION IN THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ANY IMPROPER USE OF INFORMATION, THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO AMEND SECTION 11(1) OF THE ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT ANY PERSON FROM USING INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE COURSE OF EXERCISING ANY DUTIES OR FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR GAIN OR AVOIDANCE OF LOSS.
"CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROHIBITED FROM TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES," HE SAID.
THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 17.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING AT TWO EXCHANGE SQUARE OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD.
-----0 ---------
BILL TO ENSURE QUALITY INSURANCE MARKET PROPOSED
*****
PROPOSED LEGISLATION AIMED AT BRINGING ABOUT A MEANINGFUL QUALITY CONTROL OVER ENTRY TO THE LOCAL INSURANCE MARKET WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 IS TO GIVE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY A DISCRETIONARY POWER TO REFUSE AN APPLICATION BY A COMPANY TO BE AN AUTHORISED INSURER ON A GROUND NOT SPECIFIED IN SECTION 8(2) AND (3) OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
/HE SAID
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
6
HE SAID THAT UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE ORDINANCE, ANY COMPANY WHICH WISHES TO CARRY ON ANY CLASS OF INSURANCE BUSINESS MUST APPLY TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY FOR AUTHORISATION TO DO SO.
SECTION 8(2) OF THE ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT AUTHORISE A COMPANY IF ANY DIRECTOR OR CONTROLLER OF THE COMPANY IS NOT A FIT AND PROPER PERSON TO HOLD THAT POSITION. SECTION 8(3) SPECIFIES THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT AUTHORISE A COMPANY UNLESS THE COMPANY SATISFIES CERTAIN CONDITIONS RELATING TO ITS NET ASSETS, CAPITAL AND MANAGEMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 8(2) AND (3) WERE INTENDED TO BE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. ”IF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS TO AUTHORISE ANY APPLICANT WHO SATISFIES THESE MINIMUM CONDITIONS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO EXERCISE MEANINGFUL QUALITY CONTROL OVER ENTRY TO THE LOCAL INSURANCE MARKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PROLIFERATION OF LOW QUALITY INSURANCE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
"IN THE INTEREST OF POTENTIAL POLICY HOLDERS, THE BILL WILL AMEND SECTION 8 TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY WITH EXPRESS POWER TO REFUSE AUTHORISATION ON A GROUND NOT SPECIFIED IN SECTION 8(2) AND (3)," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT ANY COMPANY WHOSE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT MAY APPEAL TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
"IN THE EVENT OF SUCH AN APPEAL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD REVIEW THE CASE AND MAKE AN INDEPENDENT AND FINAL DECISION,” HE SAID.
BOTH THE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND THE LIFE INSURANCE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND EXPRESSED FULL SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
TO ASSIST POTENTIAL APPLICANTS, THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS DRAWN UP SOME ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES WHICH IDENTIFY IN GENERAL TERMS THE AUTHORISATION CRITERIA.
THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO COMPANIES PROPOSING TO APPLY TO BE AN AUTHORISED INSURER.
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO THE INSURANCE OFFICER AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD.
-----0 - -
/7........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 7 -
NEW AUDIT FEE STRUCTURE FOR INSOLVENCIES PROPOSED *****
TWO BILLS PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARGING OF AUDIT FEES BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND SEEKING TO PROVIDE HIM WITH DISCRETIONARY POWERS IN AUDITING THE ACCOUNTS OF LIQUIDATORS AND TRUSTEES WERE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO BILLS GAZETTED WERE THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987 AND THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
"THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THESE BILLS IS TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SCALE OF AUDIT FEES CHARGED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT BY A SCALE OF AD VALOREM CHARGES AND TO GIVE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER A DISCRETION WHETHER TO AUDIT ACCOUNTS OF TRUSTEES AND LIQUIDATORS", MR ROBIN HEARDER, ASSISTANT REGISTRAR GENERAL IN CHARGE OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, SAID.
UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, ALL ACCOUNTS OF TRUSTEES IN BANKRUPTCY AND LIQUIDATORS OF COMPANIES IN COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION WERE REQUIRED TO BE AUDITED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND AN AUDIT FEE WAS CHARGED. THIS HAD BECOME VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND WAS IN MANY CASES UNNECESSARY.
A REVIEW OF THE AUDIT FEE STRUCTURE HAD SHOWN THAT THE AUDIT FEE WAS DISPROPORTIONATE BETWEEN LOW ASSET AND HIGH ASSET INSOLVENCIES AND THAT A MORE EQUITABLE SPREAD WAS DESIRABLE, MR HEARDER SAID.
COMSEQUENTLY, IT WAS PROPOSED TO ABOLISH THE AUDIT FEE, AS SUCH, AND TO INTRODUCE A NEW SCALE OF AD VALOREM CHARGES PAYABLE ON THE SUBMISSION OF ACCOUNTS BY BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEES AND COMPANY LIQUIDATORS, HE ADDED.
MR HEARDER SAID THAT COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING AUDIT FEE, THE PROPOSED AD VALOREM FEES WERE MARGINALLY HIGHER IN SMALLER AND SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER IN LARGER INSOLVENCIES, WHICH WAS CONSIDERED FAIRER TO CREDITORS.
"IT IS NOT EXPECTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE PROPOSED AD VALOREM FEES WOULD RESULT IN ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN TOTAL REVENUE OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE WHICH WOULD STILL BE OPERATED MAINLY ON A DEFICIT BASIS DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF SMALL UNREMUNERATIVE CASES,’ HE SAID.
A FURTHER PROPOSAL SOUGHT TO AMEND SECTION 295 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH THE INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN $100,000 IS APPORTIONED BETWEEN THE COMPANY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS CREDITORS AT SUCH RATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AND THE GENERAL REVENUE.
"THE PRESENT PRACTICE IS TO ADJUST THIS RATE WITH CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES FROM TIME TO TIME SO AS TO LEAVE THE GENERAL REVENUE WITH A RATE OF ABOUT 1.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
/"THIS AMENDMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 19&7
- 8 -
"THIS AMENDMENT WOULD AVOID THE NEED FOR SUCH ADJUSTMENTS IN THE FUTURE AND WOULD PROVIDE THAT 1.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM ON SUCH INVESTMENTS, OR SUCH OTHER RATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WOULD BE PAID TO THE GENERAL REVENUE AND THAT THE BALANCE, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, WOULD BE PAYABLE TO THE COMPANY FOR THE BENEFIT OF CREDITORS," HE EXPLAINED.
MR HEARDER SAID A FURTHER AMENDMENT WAS PROPOSED TO THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE AND THE BANKRUPTCY RULES WHICH WOULD REQUIRE PERSONAL SERVICE OF BANKRUPTCY NOTICES AND BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS WITH PROVISION FOR SUBSTITUTED -SERVICE BY COURT ORDER IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THIS WOULD ABOLISH THE PRESENT PROCEDURE WHEREBY SUCH NOTICES AND PETITIONS CAN BE SERVED BY POST WHICH HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSATISFACTORY IN THAT SOMETIMES THEY WERE NOT RECEIVED BY THE PERSON ON WHOM THEY WERE TO BE SERVED.
THE TWO BILLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 24.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILLS CAN WRITE TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT IN QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG OR TO OMELCO AT 8, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PUBLISHED
*****
THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE AND STREAMLINE THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE HIGH COURT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE BILL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE IN ITS PRESENT FORM WAS BASED UPON THE SUPREME COURT (CONSOLIDATION) ACT 1925 OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE ORDINANCE AND THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE BY THE RULES COMMITTEE ESTABLISH THE LAW GOVERNING PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE HIGH COURT.
/IN 1984
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 9 -
IN 1984 A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE SUPREME COURT RULES COMMITTEE, COMPRISING A JUDGE, BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS AND CROWN COUNSEL, WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS MOST OF WHICH HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BILL. THESE PROPOSALS RELATE ONLY TO THE COURT’S CIVIL JURISDICTION AND NOT TO ITS PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE IN CRIMINAL CASES.
SOME OF THE CHANGES MADE BY THE BILL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
» CLAUSE THREE CHANGES THE NAME OF THE COURT FROM "THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE" TO "THE SUPREME COURT OF HONGKONG".
* CLAUSE 18 INTRODUCES A NUMBER OF NEW SECTIONS. SECTIONS 21F, 21G AND 21H CODIFY THE RULES RELATING TO THE COURT’S POWER TO GRANT RELIEF FROM FORFEITURE OF A LEASE WHEN THE TENANT HAS FAILED TO PAY RENT DUE.
* CLAUSE 27 INSERTS A NEW SECTION 34B TO EXTEND THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS CIVIL JURISDICTION MAY CONSIST OF ONLY TWO JUSTICES OF APPEAL, AT PRESENT IT MAY CONSIST OF TWO JUSTICES ONLY FOR HEARING APPEALS AGAINST INTERLOCUTORY ORDERS OR JUDGMENTS.
* CLAUSE 29 PROVIDES THAT DEPUTY REGISTRARS AND ASSISTANT REGISTRARS OF THE SUPREME COURT MAY BE CALLED MASTERS. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE TITLE GIVEN TO SUCH OFFICERS THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH.
* CLAUSE 36 ABOLISHES ALL WRITS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE.
* CLAUSE 37 SUBSTITUTES A NEW SECTION 48 WHICH PROVIDES THAT INTEREST MAY BE INCLUDED IN ANY JUDGMENT NOT ONLY IN RESPECT OF THE DEBT OR DAMAGES FOR WHICH JUDGMENT IS GIVEN BUT ALSO IN RESPECT OF ANY SUM PAID BEFORE THE JUDGMENT, UP TO THE DATE OF PAYMENT. THE AWARD OF INTEREST IS MADE SUBJECT TO RULES OF COURT.
ONE PROPOSAL OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE, THAT THERE SHOULD BE A POWER IN THE COURT TO GRANT INTERIM DECLARATIONS AGAINST THE CROWN, IS TO BE FURTHER STUDIED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THE PROPOSAL WILL BE SET OUT IN A DISCUSSION PAPER TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY AND CIRCULATED TO INTERESTED PARTIES FOR THEIR COMMENTS.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
10 -
ORDER TO EXTEND COMPULSORY PILOTAGE PUBLISHED * t » » »
AN ORDER TO INTRODUCE THE SECOND PHASE OF THE COMPULSORY PILOTAGE UNDER THE PILOTAGE ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 84) WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT OF FIRST SCHEDULE) ORDER 1987 EXTENDS, WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1, 1987 THE REQUIREMENT FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE GENERALLY TO SHIPS OF 5,000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE (GRT) OR OVER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT ON APRIL 30, 1985, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE AMENDMENT OF THE PILOTAGE ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE FOR SHIPS NAVIGATING WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE PHASES.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF DOING SO WAS TO IMPROVE CONTROL OVER SHIPPING AND TO PROMOTE SAFETY BY REQUIRING VESSELS TO CARRY ON BOARD PILOTS IN AREAS OF NAVIGATIONAL DIFFICULTY.
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING NUMBER AND SIZE OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING THE PORT EACH YEAR, INCREASING SILTING OF CERTAIN AREAS OF THE HARBOUR AND INCREASING TRAFFIC FLOWS TO AND FROM THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AND THE OIL BERTHS," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE INTENTION WAS TO INTRODUCE COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IN THREE PHASES:
(A) PHASE I - COMPULSORY GRT; PILOTAGE FOR ALL SHIPS OVER 10,000
(B) PHASE II - COMPULSORY GRT; AND PILOTAGE FOR ALL SHIPS OVER 5,000
(C) PHASE III - COMPULSORY PILOTAGE FOR ALL SHIPS OVER 1,000
GRT.
THE FIRST PHASE CAME INTO OPERATION ON AUGUST 1, 1985. THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ADVISED THAT THE SECOND PHASE OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE SHOULD BE INTRODUCED ON AUGUST 1, 1987. THE THIRD PHASE IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1989.
ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY ARE THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 UNDER THE SAME ORDINANCE.
THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PROPOSES TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM 11 TO 13 AND THE QUORUM FROM FIVE TO SEVEN; AND TO EMPOWER THE PILOTAGE AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT AN APPLICANT FORM MEDICAL EXAMINATION IF HE HAS, WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, SUBMITTED HIMSELF TO A SIMILAR EXAMINATION.
/THE BILL
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
11
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO PRESCRIBE FEES FOR MEDICAL TESTS; AND TO EXEMPT CERTAIN TYPES OF HAMPERED VESSELS FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE.
THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 STIPULATES THE DIFFERENT FEES TO BE CHARGED UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR SPECIFIED EXAMINATIONS.
--------0----------
TALKS ON HARMONISED SYSTEM NEARLY COMPLETED * * * * *
A COMPLEX SERIES OF NEGOTIATIONS AROUND THE WORLD TO FJSURE THAT HONG KONG DOES NOT LOSE OUT THROUGH THE INTRODUC'I ION I A HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM IS NEARLY COMPLETED.
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TALKS HAD SUCCEEDED IN ESTABLISHING A BROADLY NEUTRAL RESULT FOR THE UNITED STATES, EEC, CANADA, JAPAN, SWEDEN, NORWAY, FINLAND, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA.
"SOME FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ARE STILL OUTSTANDING WITH OUR SMALLER TRADING PARTNERS BUT WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT SIMILAR OLI'OMES WILL BE ACHIEVED," HE SAID.
THE NEW SYSTEM INTRODUCES SIMPLICITY RECORDING OF WORLD TRADE - THOUGH TO THE LAYMAN INTRODUCTION CAN SEEM COMPLEX.
AND LOGIC INTO THE THE DETAILS OF ITS
"IN THE PAST, FOR INSTANCE, THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DOZEN COUNTRIES MAKING KNIVES AND FORKS," SAID MR SZE. "ONE WOULD (ALL I HEM CUTLERY, ANOTHER EATING UTENSILS, ANOTHER SMALL METAL PRODUCTS, ANOTHER TABLE IMPLEMENTS AND SO ON. IT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE COMPARISONS ON TOTAL FIGURES."
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM WOULD ENSURE THAT EVERY NATION USED HIE SAME
DEFINITIONS.
/aet’er January .........
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
12 -
AFTER JANI ARY 1, 1988, WHEN THE SYSTEM IS SCHEDULED FOR IMPLEMENTATION, MOST OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS WILL CLASSIFY PRODUCTS BY REFERENCE TO THE SAME STATISTICAL CODING. THIS WILL MAKE IT MICH EASIER TO ANALYSE AND MONITOR TRADE IN PARTICULAR PRODUCTS.
THE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE NECESSARY BY THE FACT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SYSTEM HAS LED TO THE NEED IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES FOR A RELATED RECALCULAT1 ON OF DUTY RATES FOR SOME PRODUCTS. TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS DOES NOT HARM HONG KONG’S TRADE, THE GOVERNMENT ENTERED INTO TALKS WITH ITS TRADING PARTNERS UNDER ARTICLE 28 OF THE GATT, SAID MR SZE.
-------0---------
ENGLISH IMPORTANT TO FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HK * ♦ I ♦ ♦
ENGI J SB IS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES,
KONG, SAID
TODAY (FRIDAS I.
OFFICIATING AT
SIR DAK ID SAID BECAUSE OF HIS KONG.
THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF ( ARMEL ENGLISH SCHOOL, WAS HIS NATIVE TONGUE BUT IN HONG
IT WAS NOT BECAUSE ENGLISH THIRTY YEARS EXPERIENCE OF
LIVING AND WORKING
THE EASE WITH WHICH HONG
HE SAID --------
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED MEANS OF COMMUNICATION r r.i r km THE
OF THE
ESSENTIXL FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING
TERRITORY
KONG PEOPLE COULD
TO
ENGLISH -
IMPORTANCE
USE
WAS OF
AN ONE THE
TODAS AS A ( ENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL
FINANCE
THE THIRTEENTH TRADING NATION
OF THE WORLD
AND
AND COMMERCE, NOT-TO-BE-MISSED
CITY FOR TRAVELLERS.
A
'ENGLISH HAS NOW BECOME A WORLD LANGUAGE. IF OUR PLACE IN THIS WORLD, HONG KONG MUST MAINTAIN STANDARD OF ENGLISH SPEAKING AND WRITING, HE ADDED.
WE ARE TO KEEP
AND IMPROVE ITS
AND FINANCIAL PARTNERS AND OUR PARTS OF THE REGION WHERE THEIR NOT BETTER THAN IN HONG KONG.
'IF WE DO NOT, OUR TRADING TOURISTS WILL DRIFT AWAS TO OTHER ABIL1TS TO CONVERSE IS NO WORSE IF
/’’OTHER PLACES
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 13 -
"OTHER PLACES IN THE REGION HAVE MANY YEARS AGO COME TO THIS CONCLUSION: SINGAPORE IS A VERY FINE EXAMPLE.”
SIR DAVID XLSO SAID CHINA TODAY WAS PLACING GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH; THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OF CHINA NEVER MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK AND PRACTISE THEIR ENGLISH, AND THEY EXPERIENCED NO LOSS OF NATIONAL PRIDE OR IDENTITY IN DOING SO.
"ENGLISH IS IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG TODAY NOT BECAUSE OF ITS PAST HISTORY BUT BECAUSE OF HISTORY YET TO BE WRITTEN," HE ADDED.
SIR DAY ID ALSO SAID HONG KONG HAD ACHIEVED A STANDARD GF LIVING WHICH WAS HIGH EVEN BY WORLD STANDARDS.
"THE DEDICATION AND DYNAMISM OF INDIVIDUALS IN PRIVATE LIFE AND IN.OUR MANY ORGANISATIONS AND THE WORK OF DEVOTED AND DETERMINED PEOPLE OF VISION HAS BY FAITH AND IDEALISM OVERCOME MANY OBSTACLES, HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD FAIL TO FIND A WAY TO RESOLVE THE QUESTIONS CONFRONTING THEM AFTER HAVING REACHED SUCH HIGH LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT.
_---------0-------------
PRIVATE SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTE TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ♦ » ♦ ♦ »
PRIVATE SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS IO IHE EDUCATION SYSTEM BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A DEMAND FOR SCHOOLS OPERATING WITH A FLEXIBLE AND LIBERAL APPROACH TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION, MR LI SAID SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW, PRIVATE SCHOOLS OPERATED IN A VERY AUTONOMOUS MANNER.
/A£ FAR
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1?87
1U
AS FAR AS THE PROVISION OF SERVICES EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLACED EQUAL IMPORTANCE ON
WAS
SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
PRIVATE
CONCERNED,
SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO
THE INSPECTORATE DIVISION
INVITED TO TAKE PART IN DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
ALL SCHOOLS, AND PRIVATE
SCHOOLS EXTENDED SCHOOLS
MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY
THE
AND
ITS
WERE THE
NR LI ALSO REVEALED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
DEPARTMENT WOULD MAKE
TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF TO THAT OF SUBSIDISED
-------0----------
DEMOLITION OF KOWLOON
* * *
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS ON
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON.
THE APPLICATION WILL BE MADE IN THE DISTRICT COURT ON
AUGUST 12 FOR AN ORDER TO BE ISSUED IN RESPECT OF STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT ROOFS ADJACENT TO FLATS A, B, D, E, F, I, J, K, M, N, O AND P ON
THE FIRST FLOOR AT THE JUNCTION OF WOH CHAI AND TONG YAM STREETS.
THE AUTHORITY WANTS THEM CLOSED SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID THE CLOSURE WAS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN OCTOBER, 1985, REQUIRING’DEMOLIT ION OF THE STRUCTURES.
HE SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WOULD START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO THE DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 13 WERE ALSO POSTED TODAY ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT ROOFS OF THE THIRD FLOOR OF 89 - 93, BATTERY
STREET.
ORDERS REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ISSUED IN DECEMBER, 1985, HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY THE OCCUPANTS.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 15 -
STUDY ON METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES * ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS SERVICES (OVERSEAS) LTD. TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH CONSULTANCY STUDY OF THE INDUSTRIES.
COMMISSIONED P-E A TECHNO-ECONOMIC METALS AND LIGHT
CONSUI TING
AND MARKET
ENGINEERING
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMPANY WOULD WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
BE
THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY IS TO IDENTIFY THE DETERMINANTS AND CONSTRAINTS UPON GROWTH OF THE METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AND RECOMMEND A STRATEGY FOR PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION. THE CONSULTANCY 'LL TAKE ACCOUNT OF MARKET CONDITIONS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD.
THE FINAL CONSULTANCY REPORT IS DUE FOR SUBMISSION CONSULTANTS IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
BY THE
-------0----------
HUNG HOM PROPERTY TO LET ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A HUNG HOM PROPERTY’ IS TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND COCKLOFT OF 80, WUHU S1REET, THE 136.3 SQUARE METRES PROPERTY IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 10.
------0-------
MUSIC CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
A CARNIVAL OF MUSIC AND FUN WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON MONDAY (JUNE 15).
SHOWS,
HUNDREDS CHORAL S
OF YOUNGSTERS WILL BE TREATED TO INGING AND DANCE PERFORMANCE AMID A
BAND MUSIC, MAGIC JOYOUS ATMOSPHERE.
/THEY WILL .......
FRIDAY, JUKE 12, 19?7
- 16 -
THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO TRY THEIR HAND AT VARIOUS INSTRUMENTS SU( H AS DRUMS AND ORGANS DISPLAYED IN SPECIALLY GAME STALLS.
MUSICAL DESIGNED
.JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG NKONG, THE CARNIVAL INTEREST IN SERIOUS MUSIC AMONG CHILDREN.
PARTICIPANTS CAN ALSO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AND ICE-CREAM WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.
WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD IS AIMED AT PROMOTING
WITH MUPPETS. DRINKS
THE CARNIVAL STARTING AT 2 PM WILL BF CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO; BOARD MEMBER, CONTROLLER (EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION) OF RTHK ,
PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING ALONG CARNIVAL WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE.
OPENED BY DISTRICT BOARD MR LAI KWOK-HUNG AND MR CHU PUI-H1NG.
THEIR CHILDREN TO THE
- 0-----------
EASTERN DISTRICT (LEAN WATER CAMPAIGN ♦ ♦ I i t
CLEAN WATER MESSAGES WILL SPREAD THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AND CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING AREA IN A LARGE SCALE CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTS ON MONDAY (JUNE 15) .
ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN TYPHOON SHELTERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CAMPAIGN AIMS AT PROMOTING AWARENESS IN SANITATION AND HYGIENE AT THE TYPHOON SHELTERS IN EASTERN DISTRICT.
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL TAKE PART IN A CRUISE AND VISIT BOAT DWELLERS IN THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AND CARGO HANDLING AREA; CLEAN WATER MESSAGES AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE TOUR.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL HANI) OVER ALL THE PUBLICITY MATERIALS SUCH AS PENNANTS, PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS, STICKERS AND LITTER BINS TO PARTICIPANTS AT A REST GARDEN IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AT 9 AM.
/ALL THE .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 17 -
ALL THE PARTICIPANTS WILL THEN BOARD A BEAUTIFULLY DEC'h.ATED LAUNCH WHICH WILL SET OUT FOR THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, (HAI WAN CARGO HANDLING AREA AND ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER TO PROMOTi THE AWARENESS OF WATER HYGIENE AMONG THE FISHING COMMUNITY.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A STAGE PERFORMANCE FEATURING SINGING AND DANCING BY THREE WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES WHICH WIL1 BE HELD AT THE SHAl KEI WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AT 3 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL START AT 9 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 15) IN THE REST GARDEN AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER. MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE ALSO INVITED TO ACCOMPANY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON BOARD THE LEISURE LAUNCH TO COVER THF. SEA CRUISE.
REPORTERS CAN ALSO COVER THE EVENT AT 11.30 AM AT THE SHAU KEI WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WHEN THE DB MEMBERS CALL AT THE FISHING
COMMUNITY IN ALDR1CII BAY.
-----0------
AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS SWING INTO ACTION » » » » *
THE EIGHTH AUXILIARY LITTER WARD^N SCHEME WILL LAUNCHED BY URBAN COUNCILLOR, T^G KAM-BIU, AI CIVIC CENTRE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
BE OFFICIALLY
NGAU CHI WAN
IS ONE OF
tup AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME
PARTICIPATION PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL KEE
THE
COMMUNITY
HONG
KONG
CLEAN COMMITTEE.
JOIN JULY
MORE THAN 600 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO S"?,T”io K.ZSS™ o'israsE of their refuse properly.
THE AND
/,\T TOMORROW’S.......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 18 -
AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE GUIDELINES OF THEIR DUTY, AND BE PRESENTED WITH CAPS AND T-SHIRTS BEARING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN LOGO.
note: to editors:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EIGHTH AUXILIARY' LITTER WARDEN SCHEME TO BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE NGAtl CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE, 11 'LEAR WATER BAY ROAD, KOWLOON. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
----Q-------
POSTAL SERVICES EXTENDED » » * * *
ITEMS AND 22 (MONDAY),
FOUR MORE POST OFFICES WILL ACCEPT SPEEDPOST OVERSEAS PARCELS OF INCREASED WEIGHT AND SIZE FROM JUNE THF POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE CHAI WAN POST OFFICE, QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE, SHEUNG WAN POST OFFICE AND SA! YING PUN POST OFFICE.
THE ADDITION BOOSTS THE NUMBER OF POST OFFICES ACCEPTING SUCH ITEMS TO 29. THEY ARE:
ON HONG KONG ISLANDS
GENERAL POST OFFICE
ABERDEEN POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE
CHAI WAN POST OFFICE
HARBOUR BUILDING POST OFFICE
HENNESSY' ROAD POST OFFICE
/KIHG’S ROAD .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 19 -
KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE SHEUNG WAN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE WONG CHUK HANG POST OFFICE WYNDHAM STREET POST OFFICE IN KOWLOON
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GILLIES AVENUE POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KOWLOON EAST POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE MA TAU WAI POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE SAN PO KONG POST OFFICE SHAM SHU I PO POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES KWAI FONG POST OFFICE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE
/IN ADDITION, .....
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
- 20 -
IN ADDITION, THE POST OFFICES AT SHA TIN CENTRAL, TAI PO AND TUEN MUN SAN HUI ALSO ACCEPT OVERSEAS PARCELS OF INCREASED WEIGHT AND SIZE.
WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DAY, , THE POSTFAX ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE PLUS THE ABOVE 29 POST OFFICES.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTFAX MANAGER, THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES OR THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-8471148, 5-8471108 OR 5-231071 RESPECTIVELY.
-------0----------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES * * * * »
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON JUNE 14 (SUNDAY) AND JUNE 15 WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, BUT WILL BE CLOSED ON JUNE 13.
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.
-----0----------
/21
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1987
21
MEET THE MEDIA * ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON JUNE 16 (TUESDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 4.00 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
0 - -
HUNG HOM WATER CUT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM WILL BE TURNED OFF ON MONDAY (JUNE 15) FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
- - 0
SAN PO KONG WATER CUT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF SAN PO KONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (JUNE 16) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUPPLEMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 198?
EMBARGOED news item
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES AND BROADCASTING STATIONS :
The following announcement
on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List will be made in London at OOO1 hours GMT on Saturday, June 13-
Publication is permitted
in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday, June 13), but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.
The news may be broadcast
from 6 am onwards tomorrow (Saturday, June 13)t over the local radio and television stations.
On NO account should any
of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews, or for information related to their careers, or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced*
HONOURS
CBE - Commander, Order of the British Sknpire OBE - Officer, Order of the British linpire ISO - Companion, Imperial Service Order MBE - Member, Order of the British Ehpire BEM - British linpire Medal QR4 - Queen’s Police Medal CPM - Colonial Police Medal
Badge of Honour
1
C.B.E.
। The Hon. John Joseph Swaine OBE, QC, JP
Mr Swaine is a well-established
Queen’s Counsel in Hong Kong. He has made a significant constribution to the Legislative Council on which he has served as a member since 1980.
The Hon. WONG Po-yan, OBE, JP
Mr Wong Po-yan has made a significant contribution to the Legislative Council, particularly % in the Finance Committee. He serves on numerous committees dealing with trade and industry.
/O.B.E
2
Mr CHAU Cham-son, JP
Mr Chau joined the Hong Kong Civil Service as a temporary Assistant Town Planning Officer of the Public Works Department in 1960. %
He has been involved in every aspect of toifrn planning in Hong Kong. He was promoted to the post of Director of Building Development in 1984.
Mr LI Fook-hing
Mr Li has been very active in the planning of a hospital extension and has raised funds in order to serve more people in East Kowloon area.
Mr Charles Cho-Chiu SIN
Mr Sin has made major contributions to the work of the Housing Authority, and through it, to the community. He is a successful lawyer and has been actively involved in the unification of the stock exchanges in Hong Kong.
Professor Rosie YOUNG Tse-tse, JP
Professor Young has gained recognition both internationally and locally through her long and dedicated work in the field of medical and health care.
/cont * d ...
3
O.B.E. (cont'd)
Rev. Fr. Francisco Lerda
Father Lerda has devoted many years to community work in Hong Kong, most of these to Caritas, a major Catholic organisation in Hong Kong whose work is also recognised by the award.
Henry Litton Esq, QC, JP
Mr Litton has served the community throughout with a distinguish career at the Bar. He has been Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association 7 times and made many other contributions to the community.
/I.S.O. ...........
4
x.s.o.
Gordon Penrhyn Blenkinsop Esq, JP
Mr Blenkinsop entered Government
Service 21 years ago. He is now Commissioner of Rating and Valuation.
Anthony Noel Savage Esq, JP
Mr Savage entered the Colonial Administrative Service in Kenya in 1953, and the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1969. He has held a wide range of posts and made an important contribution to the development of the temporary housing programme in the early seventies. His most recent appointment was Principal Assistant Financial Secretary.
Mr WONG Kwok-choy, JP
Mr Wong joined the Civil Service in 1958. He has played a key role in planning and executing many public works projects. He is now Principal Government Engineer.
I cont *d ...
5
I.S.O. (cont’d)
Mr KUO Ketchen, Stephen z • •
Mr Kuo joined the Immigration Department • t
in 1963o He has made a significant contribution to discussions on the immigration and nationality aspects of the Sino-British Agreement.
Robert Baillie Hanna Esq, JP
Mr Hanna joined the Hong Kong Government in 1958. He has made a valuable contribution to the planning and development of New Towns in the New Territories. He is now Principal Government Engineer.
/M.B.E. ............
6
M.B.E.
Mr CHUI Kwong
Mr Chui entered the Civil Service in 1952.
He is'now the Chief Supervisor of the Scientific . » Assistants in the Central Forecasting Office in the Royal Observatory. : • 9
Mr Tommy Kimmin CHOY, CPM
Mr Choy joined the Hong Kong Government in 1950 and is now Assistant Director of Municipal Services. He was involved in the planning of counter-measures to combat the cholera outbreak in the summer of 1986.
Mr PANG Ching-kong
Mr Pang joined the Hong Kong Post Office in 1951. He is now Controller of Posts.
Mr James KUNG
Mr Kung is Chairman of Chekiang First Bank of China. He has a long association with the Chinese Young Men’s Christian Association.
Dr Judith Mary Longstaff Mackay-
Dr Mackay has been actively involved in health education since her arrival in 1967.
Mr Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro
Mr Cordeiro has been a broadcaster for 30 years, the last 26 with Radio Television Hong Kong.
/B.E.M........
7
B.E.M.
Mr CHAN Tsip
> Mr Chan has served the Hong Kong Government for 20 years. He is an Artisan at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Mr CHAN Tze-kong
Mr Chan joined the Urban Services Department in 1960. He is the Officer-in-charge of the Urban Council nurseries.
Mr CHAU Tin-kwai
Mr Chau is a Senior Amenities Assistant in the Urban Services Department.
Mr WONG Hoo-y-ing
Mr Wong has served in the Civil Aid Services since 1958. He is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Kowloon East District.
Mr LING Kam-shing
Mr Ling joined the Correctional Services
as a Prison Warden in 1956 and was promoted to Officer in 1962.
/Cont ’d ..
8
B.E.M. (Cont'd)
Mr LAM Pui-tin
• Mr Lam joined the Correctional Services as
a Warden in 1958 and was promoted to Assistant Officer I in 1972 o
Mr LI Yuen-ting
Mr Li entered the civil service 35 years ago. He is a Senior Transport Officer.
Mr TSUI So
Mr Tsui is a Senior Foreman in the
Urban Services Department.
Mr HUI Man-kam
Mr Hui joined the Government in 1954.
He is a Chief Customs Officer.
Mrs SHA NG Siu-hing
Mrs Sha has been involved in immigration work since she began her clerical career in 1955.
/Cont1d..
9
B.E.M. (Cont’d)
Mr LAU Yung-sum
Mr Lau has over 30 years experience in collecting and identifying plant specimens. He discovered a flowering herb, now named * "Trapatiens Hongkongensis".
Mr CHAN Kee-yeung
Despite Mr Chan’s disability, he has served the Government’s Maintenance Branch for nearly 25 years.
Mr SO Pak-lam
Mr So joined the Medical and Health
Department in 19$0,
He is a Chief Hospital Foreman.
Mr LEE Che-ming
Mr Lee has served the Government for over 25 years. He is a Principal Technical Officer (Civil).
/Q-P4U........
Donald McFarlane Watson Esq, CPM
J Mr Watson joined the Hong Kong Police .in 1960. He is an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Frederic Samuel McCosh Esq
Mr McCosh has served in the Hong Kong
Police since 1958. He is .an Assistant
Commissioner of Police.
11
C.P.M.
Peter Wilkin Ferry Esq
Mr Ferry joined the Hong Kong Police
in 1963. He is a Senior Superintendent
Mr Daniel George Robinson
Mr Robinson joined the Hong Kong Police in 1965. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Mr TSUI Sui-cheung
Mr Tsui has served in the Hong Kong Police for nearly 35 years. He is a Chief Inspector.
Robert Anthony Allen Esq
Mr Allen has served the Hong Kong
Police for 22 years. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Christopher John Boswell Esq
Mr Boswell joined the Hong Kong Police in 1966. He is now Senior Superintendent.
/Cont’d ..
12
C.P.M. (Cont’d) •» ••
Ronald Arthur Whitley Esq
, Mr Whitley joined the Hong Kong Police in 1969, having served in the Nyasaland and Malawi Police Forces. He is a Superintendent.
Mr CHAN Kwong
Mr Chan is an Inspector in the Hong Kong Police Force. He joined in 1950.
Mr CHAN Yat-kwong
Mr Chan joined the Hong Kong Police in
1959. He is a Station Sergeant.
Mr LI Ming
Mr Li is a Sergeant in the Hong Kong Police Force which he joined in 1951.
Mr KEUNG Lun-chiu
Mr Keung is a Station Sergeant in the Hong Kong Police, which he joined in 1962.
Mr WAT Tsan-hung
Mr Wat joined the Hong Kong Police
in 1955. He is a Sergeant in the Force.
/Cont *d ..«
13
C.P.M. (Cont'd)
Mr LAU Hon-hung
Mr Lau has served in the Hong Kong Police for 35 years. He is a Station Sergeant in the Force.
Mr TSANG Kan-ping
Mr Tsang is a Station Sergeant with the Royal Hong Kong Police, which he joined in 1964.
Mr TANG Hei-kwong
Mr Tang joined the Hong Kong Police in 1954. He is a Sergeant in the Force.
Mr CHAN Wah-ding
Mr Chan joined the Eire Services in
1964. He is a Senior Divisional Officer in Command of the Fire Protection Bureau’s ITew Project Division.
Mr CHAN Kam-shuen
Mr Chan joined the Fire Services in 1958 and is a Principal Fireman.
/Cont’d ...
14
C.P.M. (Cont'd) »
• Mr TSUI Wing-kui
Mr Tsui is a Principal Fireman with the Service, which he joined in 1958.
Mr YIP Lun-cheung
Mr Yip is a Senior Divisional Officer
in the Fire Services, which he joined in 1960-
Mr CHEUNG Chan-chung
Mr Cheung is a Superintendent (Ambulance).
He joined the Service in 1960.
/Badfie of Honour -............
15
Badge of Honour
Mr Larry Yeh Fu-yao
Mr Yeh has served the Government for 34 years and for the past 13 years with the Corruption Prevention Department of ICAC.
Mr LAM Kwok-kwong, Jasper
Mr Lam has been * Chairman of the
Southern District Board since 1980, and is an active member of the Uah Fu Area Committee,
Mrs YUNG MA Shan-yee, Betty
Mrs Yung is active in community affairs and is an elected member of the Eastern District Board,
Mr TAO Man-kwong
Mr Tao has a long record of community service in the North District. He has ever been involved in the re-development of Sha Tau Kok.
Mr CHAN Lai-sang
Mr Chan is a member of the Mong Kok District Board and has participated in district affairs and community activities since 1981.
/ Cont’d
16
Badge of Honour (Cont1d)
Mr FUNG Kwong-chung
Mr Fung has made a significant contribution to the Wong Tai Sin community for over 10 years, and has involved himself in providing entertainment and recreation to local residents.
Mr FU Yuen-hung
Mr Fu, a retired fireman, is an elected member of the Tsuen Wan District Board and has been village representative of Sham Tseng Village since 1963.
Mrs TSE LING Suk-yin
Mrs Tse has participated widely in community affairs and is a member of the Sham Shui Po District Board.
Mr KU Sze-chung
Mr Ku is a prominent Kaifong who has served the community for over 20 years, and has supported youth services in many district councils and associations.
Mr LEUNG Chung-por
Mr Leung is a school principal. He has been actively involved in local community work in Mid-levels (Western) Area Committee for many years.
/ Cont’d
17
Badge of Honours (Cont’d)
Mr LEE Chi-kwong
Mr Lee has served the Mongkok community since the 1970*s and has been active in the Mong Kok West Area Committee.
Mrs CHAN Fok Po-chun, Anita
Mrs Chan is the principal of a secondary school in Sai Kung. She is involved in the promotion of civic education and recreational activities for children and young people in the District.
Mr WONG Kwok-choi
Mr Wong has a long history of participation * in local community affairs. He has been an Area Committee Member since 1979 and has taken part in the organization of many cultural and recreational activities in Sham Shui Po.
Ms Helen CHEN Kwok-ying
Ms Helen Chen has been working for the welfare of children for many years. She has made notable contributions to the care of children with multiple handicaps.
18
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 198?
BRITISH FORCES
The following members of the British Forces who are serving or having recently served in the Hong Kong Command are recipients of awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List :
O.B.E.
Lieutenant Colonel R.J.S. Wardle Commander Officer,
1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards
M.B.S.
Major Jaibahadur Gurung M®V«O* 6 Gurkha Rifles—Training
Depot Brigade of Gurkhas
Warrant Officer 2 G.C. McKenzie now serving in Allied Forces Central Europe
Major G.B. Watkins
A.R.R.C.
Major M.A. Quickfall
Quartermaster, 7 Gurkha Rifles
British Military Hospital, Hong Kong
Lance Corporal M.L. Briggs
Staff Sergeant Siva Limbu
Staff Sergeant I.G. Walsh
1st Battalion
The Coldstream Guards
7 Gurkha Rifles
now serving in Army Air Corps Centre Middle Wallop
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
Saturday, june 13, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO MaKE VIEWS KNOWN — CS .............. 1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP BY 13 FER CENT ................... 2
COMPUTER LITERACY COURSE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS.......... U
TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS .............................. 5
MAY IS WET AND CLOUDY....................................... 5
IMPROVEMENT TO NGAU TaU KOK TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME....... 8
EIGHTH AUXILL.RY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME LAUNCHED ............. 10
PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR YOUTH CONTEST ....................... 10
RO*-tD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG ............................... 11
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1987
IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO MAKI-
V IEWS KNOWN
-- < S
» t » ♦ *
THE CHI EI- SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT, IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, FOR PEOPLE TO MAKI THEIR VIEWS KNOWN ABOU'I HOW THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE BODIES DEVELOP.
’ SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AI IIR PART I< 1 PAT ING IN THE RI , IONAL COUNCIL'S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS XT TSUEN WAN SPORTS '.'MUND, MR FORD SAID THE REGIONAL COUNl1L AND DISTRICT BOARDS DID A LOI FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, \NI) TODAY ’S ( ELEBRATIONS WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF ORGANISATION AT DISTRl( l LFVEL.
ASKED ABOUT SPECIAL XDVISER TO THE GOVERNOR SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES’ COMMENTS Till- OTHER DAY CONCERNING DISTRICT BOARD.' AND REGIONAL COUNCIL IN THE PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE GREEN PAPER, MR I ORD SAID: "WE BELIEVE THAT THE SYSTEM FOR CONTINUING REGIONAL COUMCIJ AND I RBAN COUNCIL AND HIE DISTRICT BOARDS IS V GOOD SYSTEM AND THOSE THREE TIERS SHOULD REMAIN.
"BUT OBVIOUSLY THERE IS ROOM FOR CHANGE OR DEVELOPMENT i; ALL THESE AREAS AND I THINK THAT’S WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR IN THE GREEN PAPFR -- NOT ONLY TO FOCUS ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL POINT, BUT ALSO TO DISCUSS THESE VERY IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HONG KONG'S REPRESENTATION WHICH DO SO MUCH FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND I THINK WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT."
COMMENTING ON THE CELEBRATIONS ITSELF, MR IORI) SAID HF. WAS VERY IMPRESSED AND PRAISED THE REGIONAL I’OUNf IL FOR ORGANISING IT.
"IT’S A MARVELLOUS SIGN. GREAT CREDIT FOR THE REGIONAL COUNl II, FOK ORGANISING THIS SORT OF OCCASION WHICH, I’M SURE, IS VERY POPULAR, AND I'M VERY IMPRESSED BY EVERYTHING I ’ V F. SEEN."
MR FORD SAJI) HI- HOPED Oil AS IONS OF IBIS SORT, IN WHICH THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE, ENJOYED THEMSELVES, WOULD CONTINUE To BE AN ANNUAL EVENT AND WOULD GO ON MUCH BEYOND 1997.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1987 '
2
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP BY 13 PER CENT ♦ » ♦ * ♦
COMPLAINTS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH THIS YEAR DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE QUARTERLY REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU).
A TOTAL OF 1,556 COMPLAINTS WERE LODGED WITH THE UNIT LURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, COMPARED WITH 1,780 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, WHILE 1,423 WERE RECORDED IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1986.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, CONSTITUTING APPROXIMATELY 43 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, REMAINED THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP OF COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE UNIT, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF TCU, MR MOHAMMED RUMJAHN SAID.
REGARDING THE ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE, 177 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED. "THEY AROSE FROM PROPOSALS TO INCREASI THE EXISTING FREQUENCY OF SERVICE OR TO INTRODUCE NEW ROUTES AND EXTEND EXISTING ROUTES," MR RUMJAHN EXPLAINED.
CONCERNING COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICE, THOSE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE MAINLY FROM COMMUTERS ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORELINE OF THE ISLAND, WHILE THOSE IN KOWLOON AND TH! NEW TERRITORIES WERE MAINLY RELATED TO MTR OR KCR FEEDER BUS ROUTES AND EXPRESS BUS ROUTES, MANY OF WHICH WERE SERVING THE NEW [’OWNS OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, KWAI CHUNG AND TS1 NG YI.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MADE UP 421 CASES OR 63 PER CENT OF THE CASES INVOLVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE TAKEN UP INDIVIDUALLY WITH THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS CONCERNED (NAMELY THE BUS COMPANIES, FERRY COMPANIES AND RAILWAY CORPORATIONS) OR THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES (NAMELY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF IRREGULARITIES IN GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES AND THE POLICE IN RESPECT OF TAM MALPRACTICES), MR RUMJAHN SAID.
"COMPLAINTS ABOUT ERRATIC BUS SERVICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE MAINLY DIRECTED AT BUS ROUTES SERVING Till SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND THE EAST-WEST ROUTES ON THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND.
"IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY WERE MAINLY LEVELLED AT EXTERNAL BUS ROUTES IN KOWLOON EAST AND SHA TIN, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN," HE
SAID.
TURNING TO GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, HE SAID THE MAIN COMPLAINTS WERE MINIBUSES NOT ADHERING TO APPROVED SCHEDULE OR ROUTE1NG AND THE MISCONDUCT OF DRIVERS.
/THOUGH A .......
SATURDAY, JUNE 1^, 1?8?
THOUGH \ SIZABLE PROPORTION OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SIRVICE WAS LODGED DIRECTLY WITH THE POLICE BY THE PUBLIC, MR RUMJAHN NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY TCI IN THE QUARTER TOTALLED 207 OASIS AS COMPARED WITH 184 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS Q(ARTER, MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVIC E WERE CONCERNED WITH MALPRACTICES AND MISCONDUCT OF TAXI DRIVERS, NAMELY TAXI DRIVERS REFUSING HIRE OR SOLICITING PASSENGERS, NOT TAKING THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE]NG, FAILING TO DRIVE TO DESTINATIONS AND OVERCHARGING.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, COMPLAINTS CONCI RNI NG ROUTES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY ROSE BY TWO CASES TO 12.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE REGULARITY OF SERVICE, CLEANLINESS OF VESSELS AND PASSENGER FACILITIES, MR RUMJAHN SAID.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION TOTALLED 283 CASES - 57 CASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 111 CASES IN KOWLOON, 82 CASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES \ND 33 CASES IN TUNNELS AND AREAS AFFECTED BY LRT WORKS.
FACTORS WHICH WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES XT KERBSIDE, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, INADEQUATE ROAD CAPACITY, ROAD WORK AND HAWKER OBSTRUCTION.
MR RUMJAHN POINTED OUT THAT 39 PER CENT AND 33 PER CENT OF ALL CASES CONCERNING VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION CAUSING CONGESTION WERE DIRECTED AT LORRIES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES RESPECTIVELY.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TOTALLED 117. THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION AND ITS RELATED TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME, TRAFFIC FLOW IN HOI TAI STREET AND NAM HONG STREET IN HONG KONG AND TAM KUNG ROAD IN KOWLOON.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND ROAD FURNITURE CONTINUED TO DECREASE FROM 139 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 111 THIS QUARTER. THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, MALFUNCTIONED TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS/AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES INCREASED FROM 161 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 178 CASES THIS QUARTER. THEY WERE MAINLY RELATED TO REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, ABANDONED VEHICLES AND OTHER TRAFFIC OFFENCES.
TCU WAS SET UP UNDER Till TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS. IT OPERATES A 21-HOUR HOTLINE ON 5-776866.
--------O -
/'...........
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1987
4
COMPUTER LITERACY COURSE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED FUNDS FOR 70 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO OFFER COMPUTER LITERACY STUDIES \S A NEW SUBJECT IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MR Y.T. LI SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION, MR LI SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT 68 SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD APPLIED TO OFFER THIS SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER WITH ANOTHER 52 SCHOOLS LAUNCHING THE SUBJECT IN 1988.
IN TEACHING THE SUBJECT, MR LI SAID TEACHERS SHOULD ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE TO HELP STUDENTS BUILD UP THEIR CONFIDENCE IN HAND ING COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS TN UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF COMPUTER.
THEY SHOULD ALSO MAKE STUDENTS \WARE OF THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY AND TO EQUIP STUDENTS WITH APPROPROIATE KNOWLEDGE, TECHNOLOGY AND ATTITUDE TO MEET HIE CHALLENGE OF "COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY", HE ADDED.
IN REVIEWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES IN SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID A START WAS MADE TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC' SECTOR SCHOOLS JO OFFER COMPUTER STUDIES IN FORMS 4 AND 5 IN 1982.
BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, 294 OR 90 PER CENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WOULD OFFER COMPUTER COURSES.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOCATED $30 MILLION TO EQUIP SCHOOLS WITH THE NECESSARY COMPUTER EQUIPMENT. A COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE WAS SET UP WITH A $4.5 MILLION ALLOCATION FROM THE MACLEHOSE FUNDS TO PROMOTE TEACHERS’ AWARENESS IN COMPUTER EDUCATION.
MR LI ALSO PLEDGED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROMOTE COMPUTER EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS. A STUDY WAS BEING MADE TO INCLUDE THE TOPIC OF MICRO-COMPUTER IN RELEVANT SCHOOLS SUBJECTS AND CONS IDERATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO EXTEND COMPUTER STUDIES TO FORMS 6 AND 7.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS ACTIVELY PLANNING IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS TO COINCIDE WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE COMPUTER LITERACY STUDIES.
THE DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND THE CENTRE OF COMPUTER STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WAS ALSO LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF PRODUCING SOFTWARE FOR USE IN TEACHING THE NEW SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER.
-------0--------- /5....................
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1987
5
TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION WILL RUN SEVEN COURSES FOR SERVING TEACHERS TO UPDATE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR SUBJECT MATTERS AND IMPROVE TEACHING SKILLS.
THE COURSES TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER WILL INCLUDE ONE-YEAR COURSES ON THE TEACHING OF MUSIC IN KINDERGARTENS, TEACHING OF ART AND CRAFT IN KINDERGARTENS, TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TRAINING OF PROFICIENCY IN PUTONGHUA AS WELL AS TWO-YEAR COURSES ON THE TEACHING OF ART AND CRAFT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TEACHING OF FOLK DANCE AND TEACHING OF ORIENTAL DANCE.
THE COURSES WILL CONSIST OF LECTURES AND PRACTICAL WORK. CLASSES WILL BE HELD NORMALLY BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM ONE EVENING A WEEK FROM SEPTEMBER TO JUNE NEXT YEAR AT A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OR GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.
THE COURSE FEES WILL BE $300 PER YEAR PAYABLE IN TWO EQUAL INSTALMENTS.
THE COURSES ARE OPEN TO ALL SERVING REGISTERED OR PERMITTED TEACHERS. PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE ALREADY TEACHING A RELEVANT SUBJECT IN DAY SCHOOLS OR WILL BE TEACHING THE SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY. COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SECTION BEFORE JUNE 27 (SATURDAY).
- - 0 - -
MAY IS WET AND CLOUDY *****
FREQUENT ENCOUNTERS OF THE ACTIVE MOISTURE-LADEN SOUTHWEST MONSOON WITH COOLER AIR FROM THE NORTH OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST RESULTED IN WETTER AND CLOUDIER WEATHER IN HONG KONG IN MAY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE IN THE MONTH WAS 102.8 HOURS, ONLY ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE NORMAL, AND THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL OF 460.2 MM, WAS 54 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL.
/CUMULATIVE RAINFALL
SATURDAY, JUNE 1?, 1987
6
CUMULATIVE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY AMOUNTED TO 995.7 MM, WHICH WAS 77 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL FOR THE SAME PERIOD. THUNDERSTORMS WERE FREQUENT AND OCCURRED ON 12 DAYS IN MAY.
A WATERSPOUT WAS SIGHTED OFF THE COAST OF LAI CHI KOK NEAR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN ON MAY 16.
IT WAS HOT AND SUNNY ON MAY 1 BUT THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY ON MAY 2. THUNDERSTORMS BROKE OUT ON THE MORNING OF MAY 3 AS A COLD FRONT SWEPT SOUTHWARDS PAST HONG KONG. WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST IN THE LATE AFTERNOON BRINGING LIGHT RAIN AND RESULTING IN FALLING TEMPERATURES.
COOL, WET AND WINDY CONDITIONS CONTINUED UNTIL MAY 5 WHEN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 19.9 DEGREE CELSIUS WAS RECORDED, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.
AS WINDS VEERED TO THE SOUTHEAST ON MAY 6, MIST AND FOG SET IN WITH VISIBILITIES REDUCED TO 1,200 M AND 200 M AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND WAGLAN ISLAND RESPECTIVELY ON THE MORNING OF MAY 7. THUNDERY SHOWERS AFFECTED HONG KONG IN THE FOLLOWING EVENING AND CONTINUED UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 8.
A 20-METRE CHINESE CARGO SHIP ’’JIANGJI 20” CAPSIZED OVER THE WATERS OFF CAPE D’AGUILAR AND TWO CREWMEN WERE INJURED.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED WITH SUNNY PERIODS ON MAY 9 AND 10. SUNNY AND HOT CONDITIONS PREVAILED FROM MAY 11 TO 13, WITH AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES RISING TO 30.5 DEGREE CELSIUS ON MAY 13, THE MAXIMUM RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR. THE WEATHER REMAINED FINE ON MAY 14 AND 15 .
AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA GAVE RISE TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN HONG KONG ON MAY 16.
A WATERSPOUT WAS REPORTED OFF THE WATERS OF LAI CHI KOK NEAR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AT ABOUT 1:30 PM. ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, THE WATERSPOUT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR SINKING A 6-METRE FISHING BOAT AND INJURING TWO PEOPLE. WINDOWS IN SOME HOUSES IN THE AREA WERE ALSO DAMAGED AND A 10-METRE TREE WAS FELLED.
IN KENNEDY TOWN, SEVEN WOODEN HUTS WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE AFTER BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE MINOR LANDSLIPS OCCURRED IN KWAI CHUNG AND MT. NICHOLSON. HEAVY AND SQUALLY THUNDERY SHOWERS CONTINUED INTO THE NIGHT.
THE RAIN BECAME LESS HEAVY DURING THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE TROUGH HAD PASSED SOUTH OF HONG KONG. WITH COOLER EASTERLIES ESTABLISHED OVER THE TERRITORY IN THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS, THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH LIGHT RAIN.
/THE RETURN ........
.ATURDYY, JUNE 1J, 1?8?
THE RETURN OF THE TROUGH FROM THE SOUTH GAVE RISE TO SHOWERY CONDITIONS WITH MORNING THUNDERSTORMS ON MAY 20 AND 21.
AS A RESULT OF COOLER AIR FROM THE NORTH INTERACTING WITH THE MOISTURE-LADEN SOUTHWEST MONSOON OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS, TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR AND INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS BATTERED THE TERRITORY ON MAX 22. A TOTAL OF 107.5 MM OF RAIN WERE RECORDED THAT DAY AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. SQUALLS UP TO 87 KM/H WERE REPORTED AT CHEUNG (HAU. AN AIRCRAFT WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER TAKE OFF FROM KAI TAK AND W \S FORCED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG.
MORE THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF MAY 23. THE HEAVY RAINSTORMS OF MAY 22 AND 23 CAUSED OVER 66 CASES OF FLOODING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND AT LEAST SIX CASES OF MINOR LANDSLIPS.UNDER THE THREAT OF \ MUDSLIP A FAMILY OF FOUR IN WONG CHUK HANG WAS EVACUATED. A ROAD SUBSIDENCE OCCURRED IN MONG KOK.
FROM MAY 20 TO 24, SEVERE RAINSTORMS ALSO AFFECTED GUANGDONG WITH OVER 300 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE PROVINCE.
ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, THE HEAVY RAIN CAUSED RIVER LEVELS TO RISE AND OVERFLOW, INUNDATING OVER 190,000 HECTARES OF FARMLAND. AS A RESULT, 92 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 411 PEOPLE WERE INJURED.
CONDITIONS REMAINED SHOWERY WITH SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS. SEX ERE THUNDERSTROMS RECURRED ON MAY 27 AS A COLD FRONT DEVELOPED TO THE NORTH OF HONG KONG. THE COLD FRONT PASSED SOUTH ACROSS THE TERRITORY EARLY ON MAY 28 AND SLIGHTLY ( OOLER WEATHER WITH LIGHT RAIN PREVAILED UNTIL MAY 29. THE WEATHER IMPROVED WITH SUNNY PERIODS ON MAY 30 AND 31.
THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC’ AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH. IN MAY, SEVEN AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MAY 3, 7, 8, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27 AND 31. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MAY 17, 22 AND 23. A LANDSLIP WARNING WAS ISSUED ON MAY 22.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE & TIME OF DATE & TIME OF
HOISTING LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON
WINTER MONSOON
STRONG MONSOON
STRONG MONSOON
MAY 3 3.15 PM
MAY 4 5.00 PM
MAY 4 12.05 PM
MAY 5 4.00 AM
/.’’HE MONTH’S......
SATURDAY, JUNE 1}, 1987
8
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE
102.8 HOURS; 59.8 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 11.69 MJ/SQ.M; 4.95 MJ/SQ.M BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 460.2 MM; 162.1 MM ABOVE NORAML
CLOUDINESS 83 %; 10 % MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 89 %; 6 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 27.2 DEGREE CELSIUS; 1 .7 DEGREE CELSIUS B E LOW- NORMAL
MEAN TEMPERATURE 25.0 DEGREE CELSIUS; 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS BELO W NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPI h’ VIURE Z.l. 1 DEGRFI- < Il ; 11 :. 0.1. Dl iJRI' E 1 1 l.'l H’S HE LoW NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 23.0 DEGREE CELSIUS; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION
84.9 MM;
60.5 MM BELOW NORMAL
- 0-----------
IMPROVEMENT TO NGAU TAU KOK TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME
♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET AND NGAU TAU KOK FIFTH STREET WILL BE REROUTED TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 16) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WIDENING WORK THERE TO FURTHER IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE MEASURE, AN IMPROVEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IMPLEMENTED IN NGAU TAU KOK SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, IS INTRODUCED AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE KWUN TONG TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TRADE ASSOCIATIONS.
/AS PLBS .......
I
SATURDAY, JUNE 1J, 1987
AS PLBS WILL BE ABLE TO RE-ENTER NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AFTER PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS IN NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET AND FIFTH STREET FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURE, THIS WILL HELP MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO PLB PASSENGERS. J ,
I'NDER TllE NEW MEASURE, NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC, WHILE NGAU* TAU KOK FIFTH STREET BETWEEN FOURTH STREET AND THE MIN1-ROUNDABOUT OUTSIDE BLOCK 12 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC.
IN ADDITION, THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ON NGAU TAU KOK .FOURTH STREET NORTHBOUND CAN OPERATE VIA NGAU TAU KOK FIFTH STREET, MINI-ROUNDABOUT, NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET SOUTHBOUND AND RETURN TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WESTBOUND. j
TO COINCIDE WITH THE REROUTINGS, TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN NGAU TAU KOK WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES.
THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET WILL BE MADE A RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ALL VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT, WHILE THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET NORTH OF THE UNNAMED ROAD LEADING TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY. • I
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION UPON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURE AND WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO FURTHER IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA IF NECESSARY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- 0 - -
/10
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1987
10
EIGHTH AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME LAUNCHED
♦ * * * ♦
MORE THAN GOO SECONDARY
AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME
SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO TAKE PART JN THE WILL PATROL THE BEACHES THIS SUMMER.
THE FORM FOUR AND FIVE STUDENTS RECRUITED EROM 32 SCHOOLS WERE BRIEFED BY URBAN COUNCILLOR MR TONG KAM-Bll \T THE OPENING CEREMONY HELD AT THE NGAU (HI WAN CJVJC CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).
DELIVERING AN OPENING XDDRESS, MR TONG SAID: "THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME, THE EIGHTH YEAR THIS TIME, IS ONE OF THE STUDENT PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.”
"THE SCHEME HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG THE STUDENTS AND IS IMPLEMENTED SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PAST YEARS,” HE ADDED.
THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS WILL MAKE USE OF THEIR SUMMER VACATION TO HELP THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF CLEAN UP THE REPULSE BAY, DEEP WATER BAY, SHEK O, STANLEY MAIN BEACH AND BIG WAVE BAY BEACHES.
THEY WILL ALSO ADVISE THE BEACH-GOERS TO LITTER PROPERLY AFTER SWIMMING OR BARBECUING.
MR TONG PRAISED THEM FOR SETTING A GOOD
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BY PHYSICALLY TAKING PART JN
DISPOSE OF THEIR
EXAMPLE TO OTHER
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
AND WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF A (LEAN HONG KONG.
"YOUR EFFORTS WOULD SURELY ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE CLEAN HONG KONG FORCES,” HE SAID.
THE PUBLIC CAN IDENTIFY THE BEACH WARDENS BY THEIR CAPS AND T-SHIRTS BEARING THE ’KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN’ LOGO.
-------0-----------
PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR YOUTH CONTEST *****
REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 12TII HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
MORE THAN 8,DUO YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITIONS, SPONSORED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WHICH INVOLVED SUCH ACTIVITIES AS TRANSLATION \ND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION, CHINESE ESSAY WRITING, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, DEBATE, POSTER AND SLOGAN DES I GN, ( REAP I VE STORY WRIT I NG, CH 1NESE SPEECH PRESENTATION, PAINTING AND NEWS AND A( ADEM IC QUIZ.
/4iR CHAU
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1987
MR (HAI WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OE THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF THE COMPETITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL, CENTRAL.
- 0 -
ROAD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD BETWEEN WO YIP HOP ROAD AND TSUEN KWAM INTERCHANGE, KWAI CHUNG, WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 16) FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 5.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDaY, JUNE 14, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMUNITY URGED TO HELP STEM OUT II ........................ 1
COMPLIANCE OF FIRE PRECAUTION REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL........ 2
TRAINING COURSE FOR SECONDARY CAREERS TEACHERS.............. 3
ECOLOGY COURSES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS .............. 3
55 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL ........................
PROVIDING THA'S IN MA ON SHAN .............................. 5
ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING TEST REMINDER .................. 5
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP SUPPORTED .......................... 6
SHEK WU HUI DISTRICT OPEN SPACE ............................ 8
ROAD BRIDGES OVER YUEN LONG NULLAH.......................... 8
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHaH SHUI PO ............................ 9
SUNDAX , JUNE II, 1U«7
COMMUNITY URGED To III.LP STEM OUT II
*****
ANYONE WHO ALLOWS AN ILLEGAI IMMIGRAM, EVEN A A ER X ( LOSE RELATIVE, TO STAY IN Ills HOME IS COMMITTING Illi i»FFENCE OF AIDING AND ABETTING, A GOVERNMENT oEl I' I Al t XRNED TODAY < SI N’DAX ) .
INDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO ASSISTS AN UNAUTHORISED ENTRANT To REMAIN IX HONG KONG COMMITS AN OF’FENCE AND IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, IO \ FINE OF $200,000 AND TO 1MPRISONMENT FOR 10 YEARS; AND, OX SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT Fol THREE YEARS.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SEC URI TY , ME KEN IvOoDHOlSE, SAID ANYONE. WHO PROVIDED SHELTER FOR AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, IRRESPECTIVE. WHETHER ANA MATTRIAL HELP WAS GIVEN, MIGHT FIND HIMSELF COMMITTING AN OFFENCE UNWITTINGLY.
FRIENDS OR RELATIVES Kill KNOWINGLY PROVIDED \N ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WITH SHI LTER FELL INTO Till SAMI CATEGORY AS THOSE CRIMINALS AND OPPORTUNISTS WHO HELPED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOR GAIN TO COME DR STAY IN THE TERRITORY, MR WOODHOUSI SAID.
HIE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING I A ERV EFFORT TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM SNEAKING INTO Til! TIIRI ToRA, AND WE. NEED THE HELP AND << -OPERATION IRON THE COMMUNITY, III- SAID.
IT IS A GREAT PITY TO SEE PEOPLI GET!ING INTO TROUBLE WITH THE I AW FOR SHELTERING II LEGAL I MM IGRANTS BECAUSE OF THEIR KIND-HEARTEDNESS OR DIM To IGNORANCE Ol THE LAW.”
HE POINTED ol T THAT MORE TH\\ 100 LEO!LF WERE ARRESTED LAST YEAR FOR AIDING AND ABETTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO STAY IN HONG KONG.
’’WHILE MANA <’F THEM KERF CRIMINALS COMMITTING HIE OFFENCE FOR MONETARY GAIN, THERE WERE ALSO MAKA OTHERS WHo CLAIMED TO Bl- HELPING ( LOSE RELATIVES OR FRIENDS,’* MR WOODHOUSE SAID.
DURING HIE FIRST I IVI MoNI ID Ol THIS YEAR, ZUZ AIDERS AND ABETTERS WERE ARRESTED, AN INC REASI c'F K» (A ER I III- SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THERE IS ABSOL’TELX \O EXCISE Fol» HIE <1 FENCE -AND OFFENDERS WILL Bl TAKEN TO COURT/' III- STRESSED.
MR WOODHOUSE ADDED III AT IT KAS ALSO l.NLAWIIL 1'0 EMPI OX I LLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
ANYONE WHO EMI LOXS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OR EMPLOYEE WHo IS NOT LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE COMMITS AN oEl EXC I AND IS LIABLE To . MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
JOINT OPERATIONS WERI MOCXTED I Eg LAR..Y BY Till IMMIGRATION AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS v\|» HI; POLK I. I FLI SH OLT THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, HE SAID.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
2 -
COMPLIANCE OF FIRE PRECAUTION REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 88 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST FACTORY PROPRIETORS FOR BREACHING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
IN 85 OF THESE CASES, THE PROPRIETORS WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $181,200. THE OTHER THREE CASES WERE DISMISSED.
A BREAKDOWN OF THE STATISTICS SHOWED THAT 36 CONVICTED CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP EXIT DOORS UNLOCKED AND FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCT FIRE RESISTING EXIT DOORS AND CONSTRUC EXIT DOORS TO OPEN OUTWARDS.
ANOTHER 37 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FIRE PRECAUTION ORDERS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, ENSURE NO SMOKING IN WORKPLACES OR IN THE PROHIBITED PART OF A NO!ifIABLE WORKPLACE AND REMOVE SOURCE OF IGNITION.
OF THE REST, SEVEN CONCERNED FAILURE TO MARK CONTA:1ERS, STOREROOMS OR CUPBOARDS USED FOR STORING INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE OR STORE INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES IN SUITABLE CONTAINERS, AND Fl.E ON ILLEGAL ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO THE PREMISES OF THE WORKPLACE.
"FIRE PREVENTION IN FACTORIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN AREA TO WHICH FACTORY INSPECTORS DIRECT PARTICULAR ATTENTION," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS ALREADY PROVIDE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY FACTORIES.
"BUT IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND TO OBSERVE GOOD SAFETY PRACTICES AT ALL TIMES."
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IS EMPOWERED TO REQUIRE THE PROPRIETOR OF A NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACE TO ADOPT SPECIFIC FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH A NOTICE AMOUNT TO AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATED TO FIRE PREVENTION IN FACTORIES CAN BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
-------O ---------
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
5
TRAINING COURSE FOR SECONDARY CAREERS TEACHERS * * ♦ * ♦
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL HAVE ANOTHER OPPORT I TY TO LEARN THE BASIC THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES ON CAREERS GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING AS WELL AS BASIC SKILLS IN PROMOTING CAREERS EDUCA' ION AT A TRAINING COURSE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTi A-MURAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
IT AIMS TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN, AND AWARENESS OF, THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAREERS EDUCATION, AND CAREERS GUIDANCE/COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS.
AS THERE ARE ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE, SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER EACH IN HEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, POKFULAM ROAD, BEFORE JUNE 20 (SATURDAY).
----------------------0------- ECOLOGY COURSES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DE!ARTMENT WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE TWO THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY COURSES FOR MIDDLE VI STUDENTS AND 13 FOUR-DAY RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY COURSES FOR LOWER AND UPPER FORM 6 STUDENTS DURING THE TERM-TIME IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR (1987-88) AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AT SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
THERE WILL BE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN EACH COURSE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH STUDY AND ENJOYMENT IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ABOUT 600 STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THE ACADEMIC CONTENT OF THE COURSE WILL BE BASED ON THE HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES.
EACH HIGHER LEVEL COURSE WILL START ON TUESDAY AND END ON THURSDAY WHILE THE ADVANCED LEVEL WILL START ON TUESDAY AND END ON FRIDAY OF THE SAME WEEK.
ONE TEACHER FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE CAMP WITH THE STUDENTS AND TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING THE COURSES.
NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSES, BUT ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT $88 AND $132 PER STUDENT AND PER TEACHER PER COURSE FOR HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENTS RESPECTIVELY.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING THEIR STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE COURSES ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR, FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG, BEFORE JUNE 19.
-------0---------
A....
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
- 4 -
55 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL
*****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) APPROVED 55 PLANS IN APRIL, INCLUDING A FACTORY AND A FACTORY COMPLEX ON THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT YUEN LONG.
THE FACTORY WILL HAVE FIVE STOREYS AND THE APPLICANT IS SOF1LLA COMPANY LIMITED.
THE FACTORY COMPLEX WILL CONSIST OF THREE ONE-STOREY, ONE TWO-STOREY AND ONE SIX-STOREY BUILDINGS.
THE APPLICATION WAS MADE BY PEN-TSAO MATERIA-MEDICA CENTRE LIMITED.
FOUR OTHER FACTORIES WERE APPROVED DURING THE MONTH.
ALSO IN YUEN LONG, THE BOO APPROVED PLANS FOR A 12-STOREY APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BLOCK FOR NAN FUNG TEXTILES LIMITED, AS WELL AS TWO OTHER SIMILAR BLOCKS OF 17 AND 20 STOREYS.
AS IN PAST MONTHS, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF APPROVALS - A i OTAL OF 27 - WERE FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL PROJECTS.
DURING THE MONTH, PLANS FOR THREE WORKSHOPS, TWO WAREHOUSES AND A HOME FOR THE AGED WERE ALSO APPROVED.
THE NUMBER OF NEW BUILDING PROJECTS FOR WHICH CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK WAS GIVEN TOTALLED 64, OF WHICH 34 WERE APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
THE CONSENTS ALSO INCLUDED A NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING FOR HONG KONG UNIVERSITY IN POKFULAM ROAD AND AN EDUCATION INSTITUTION FOR CITY POLYTECHNIC IN TAT CHEE AVENUE.
THE COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN APRIL WAS ALMOST $467 MILLION, BRINGING THE TOTAL FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO MORE THAN $2,065 MILLION.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION WAS 24, OF WHICH 10 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND EIGHT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN APRIL, 24 CONSENTS TO DEMOLISH AFFECTING 48 BUILDINGS, WERE ISSUED, INCLUDING THREE YWCA BUILDINGS IN MACDONNELL ROAD.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION OF BOO RECEIVED 436 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, CARRIED OUT 1,145 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 288 REMOVAL ORDERS.
--------0----------
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
PROVIDING TUA’S IN MA ON SHAN * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN MA ON SHAN DURING A MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 16).
HOUSING DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON THE PROPOSAL FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL BE THE ESTIMATED AREA OF LAND RESERVED FOR SALE IN SHA TIN IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT AT THE ”T” JUNCTION NEAR CHUN SHEK BUS TERMINUS, THE SUBWAY AND FOOTBRIDGE LINK BETWEEN HOLFORD GARDEN AND GRANDEUR GARDEN, AS WELL AS THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN KCR STATION.
- 0 - -
ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING TEST REMINDER
*****
GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE DRIVING ARTICULATED VEHICLES AFTER AUGUST 24 THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN REMINDED TO APPLY TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR A DRIVING TEST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
”A SPECIAL UNIT HAS BEEN SET UP TO EXPEDITE TEST ARRANGEMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AS ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVERS,” A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
'THE MOVE IS TO TIE IN WITH THE EXPIRY OF THE THREE-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD STIPULATED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS AFTER WHICH HOLDERS OF THE ’ALL GOODS VEHICLES’ DRIVING LICENCE ISSUED BEFORE AUGUST 25, 1984 WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE ARTICULATED VEHICLES,” HE EXPLAINED.
/HE ADDED
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
- 6 -
HE ADDED THAT SINCE THE REGULATIONS CAME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 25, 1984, MORE THAN 3,000 DRIVERS HAD PASSED THE ARTICULATED VEHICIF DRIVING TEST WHILE 2,150 OTHERS HAD BEEN EXEMPTED FROM THE TEST TN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS.
THE ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING TEST WILL UNTIL AUGUST 24 FOR THOSE IN POSSESSION OF A LICENCE ATTENDING THE TEST FOR THE FIRST TIME.
BE FREE OF CHARGE CLASS 20X DRIVING
APPLICANTS SHOULD CONTACT THE SHA TIN DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS OFFICE AT 5/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN OR THE DRIVING TEST SECTION HEADQUARTERS AT 19 PUI CHING ROAD, HO MAN UN, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON EITHER 0-6061676 OR 3-7141708.
-----0------
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP SUPPORTED t i t * ♦
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP HAS RECEIVED FULL SUPPORT FROM RESIDENTS OF VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE PAST FOUR WEEKS.
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, LAUNCHED IN MID-MAY AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, HAS BEEN CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR NEARLY A MONTH.
STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS HAD CLEANED UP MANY STREETS AND BUILDINGS, CLEARED PEST NUISANCES AND PROSECUTED MANY LITTERBUGS.
WHEN THE OPERATION IS COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE IN A MORE DECENT AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
/THE CLEAN-UP
SUNDAY, JUNZ 14, 1987
THE CLEAN-UP WILL CONTINUE FROM JUNE 15 TO 21 IN THE
FOLLOWING DISTRICTS:
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 SHUI PO 3-861618
MONG KOK 3-949484
KOWLOON CITY 3-7111684
WONG TAI SIN 3-233152
KWUN TONG 3-455731
NORTH 0-6570436
YUEN LONG 0-753691
TUEN MUN 0-4513085
TSUEN WAN 0-4904414
SHA TIN 0-6065776
TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT 155
ISLAND 5-8523204
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT THE HEALTH INSPECTORS ON THE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED FOR DETAILS OF THE OPERATION.
IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, AN ANTI-LITTER BLITZ WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT IN WAN CHAI, SOUTHERN, EASTERN AND KWUN TONG DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
-------0--------- /8..................
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
- 8 -
SHEK WU HUI DISTRICT OPEN SPACE * * * * *
A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE, MEASURING 3.91 HECTARES, KILL BE CONSTRUCTED AROUND SO KWUN PO VILLAGE, SHEK WU HUI, TO PROVIDE MORE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
THE FACILITIES KILL INCLUDE THREE BASKETBALL COURTS, 'I KO VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, A ROLLERSKATING RINK, CHANGING ROOMS AND PUBLIC TOILETS.
A JOGGING TRAIL, SITTING ARFAS AND A PLAY AREA WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
AN EXISTING PUBLIC TOILET WILL BE RENOVATED AND IMPROVED AS PART OF THE PROJECT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS
THE PROJECT TO BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 3.
AND TAKE ABOUT
NINE
INVITING TENDERS
FOR
ROAD BRIDGES OVER YUEN LONG NULLAH
*****
TWO BRIDGES ARE TO BE BUILT OVER THE WESTERN NULLAH AT YUEN LONG.
THE BRIDGES, BOTH 13.5 METRES LONG, ARE LOCATED AT MA WANG ROAD OPPOSITE PING WL’I STREET AND MA MIU ROAD. EACH WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A FOOTPATH.
WHEN COMPLETED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR, THEY WILL PROVIDE EXTRA ACCESSES TO YUEN LONG TOWN, THEREBY REDUCING THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC TRAVELLING TO THE AREA VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED TO CARRY’ OUT THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN SEPTEMBER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 3.
-------0---------
/9........
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 1987
9 -
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHAM SHUI PO ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF MEI LAI ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY WITH EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY (JUNE 17).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1987
CONTOIS PAGE NO.
RESTORATION OF FRENCH MISSION BUILDING ..................... 1
WAN CHal DB TO DISCUSS GREEN PaPER ......................... 2
WORKSHOP aND SEMINARS ON COMPUTER TEACHING ................. 5
SUBSIDISED LET,'DING COURSES FOR BANKING ST.JF ............. k
DB TO SUPPORT PITCHING-IN CAMPAIGN ......................... 5
MUSICAL TREAT FOR THEN MUN RESIDENTS ....................... 5
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR Sal KUNG SWIMMING GALA ............... 6
IMPROVEMENT TO FIRE HYDRANTS................................ 6
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1987
1
RESTORATION
OF FRENCH MISSION BUILDING * * * » »
A NEW CHAPTER WILL BE ADDED TO THE COLOURFUL HISTORY OF THE FRENCH MISSION BUILDING NEXT MONTH WHEN IT IS TAKEN OVER THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 1916 AND 1919 BY THE FRENCH MISSIONS ETRANGERES, THE FRENCH COLONIAL-STYLE STRUCTURE WAS LAST OCCUPIED BY VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT UNTIL DECEMBER LAST YEAR. IT THEN UNDERWENT A FIVE-MONTH FITTING-OUT PROGRAMME DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR BILL GREAVES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ANTIQUITIES SECTION SAID THE ELEGANT THREE-STOREY BUILDING BEHIND THE ISD HEADQUARTERS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE WAS GRADED I ON THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD’S LIST OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, MEANING THAT IT WAS CONSIDERED TO HAVE CONSIDERABLE HISTORIC OR ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO PRESERVE IT.
FOR THIS REASON, OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN TO INCLUDE IN THE $5.9 MILLION PROGRAMME, WHICH BEGAN ON MARCH 1, A VALUABLE AMOUNT OF RESTORATION, IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL FITTING-OUT WORK FOR ISD.
"FORTUNATELY, THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING SUITS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW OCCUPANTS AND THIS HAS ENABLED US TO CARRY OUT MUCH OF THE RESTORATION WORK TO THE SATISFACTION OF BOTH CONSERVATIONISTS AND ITS END USERS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE IMPRESSIVE DOMED CHAPEL ON THE FIRST FLOOR,WHICH FORMED SUCH AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE LIFE OF THE ORIGINAL MISSION, IS TO BE OPENED UP, RESTORED AND USED AS THE CONFERENCE ROOM," MR GREAVES SAID.
OTHER WORK INCLUDES REMOVAL OF THE UNSIGHTLY AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, EXPOSURE OF THE ORIGINAL MAHOGANY AND TILED FLOORING, REMOVAL OF LATER PARTITIONING WHERE POSSIBLE AND A COMPLETE REDECORATION IN MORE SYMPATHETIC COLOURS.
THE NEW OCCUPANTS WILL BE THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT'S PHOTOGRAPHIC LIBRARY AND THE PUBLISHING AND PROMOTIONS SUB-DIVISIONS, WHICH ARE NOW SCATTERED IN THREE SEPARATE LEASED LOCATIONS. THE MOVE WOULD BRING ALL MAJOR ISD ACTIVITIES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITS DEPARTMENTAL UNITS, IN ONE CENTRALISED LOCATION ADJACENT TO HEADQUARTERS.
THE ONLY OTHER NEW OCCUPANT WILL BE THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND, WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN A ONE-YEAR TENANCY OF THE SPACIOUS BASEMENT FOR OFFICES.
THE BUILDING, AT NO. 1, BATTERY PATH, OCCUPIES ONE OF THE FIRST DEVELOPED SITES IN CENTRAL, HAVING BEEN BOUGHT IN 1842 BY THE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF TRADE, MR A.R. JOHNSTON.
/FROM 184J .......
MONDAY, JUNE 15> 1987
2
FROM 1843 TO 1846, JOHNSTON’S HOUSE WAS OCCUPIED BY HONG KONG’S FIRST TWO GOVERNORS, SIR HENRY POTTINGER, AND SIR JOHN DAVIS. IT IS SAID OWING TO THE NOISE FROM THE ADJOINING MURRAY BARRACKS, SIR JOHN MOVED FROM JOHNSTON’S HOUSE INTO NEW ACCOMMODATION PUT UP BY THE MAGISTRATE, MR W. CAINE, ON THE SITE OF TODAY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL. THE BUILDING THEN BECAME THE TERRITORY’S COURTHOUSE.
FROM 1846 TO ITS DEMOLITION 70 YEARS LATER, THE ORIGINAL BUILDING WAS IN TURN OCCUPIED BY TRADERS A. HEARD & COMPANY, THE FINANCIER, EMANUEL BELILIOS (WHO RENAMED THE BUILDING ’’BEACONSFIELD"), HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK JUNIOR STAFF MESS AND THE RUSSIAN CONSULATE.
ON MAY 22, 1915, THE SITE WAS PURCHASED FROM BELILIOS BY THE MISSIONS ETRANGERES DE PARIS FOR $90,000 AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRECNCH MISSION BUILDING BEGAN THE FOLLOWING YEAR. ALTHOUGH THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE WAS LAID ON MARCH 24, 1917, THE BUILDING WAS NOT FINALLY COMPLETED UNTIL 1919, WHEN IT BEGAN SERVICE AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE FOR THE ORGANISATION.
JUST PRIOR TO THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION, IT WAS OFFERED TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR TEMPORARY USE BY THE BROADCASTING AND EVACUATION DEPARTMENTS. AFTER THE WAR, IT WAS USED AS A HOSTEL, SUBSEQUENTLY BEING BOUGHT BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR $2.8 MILLION AND CONVERTED TO OFFICES FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN FEBRUARY, 1968, IT WAS TAKEN OVER BY THE JUDICIARY WHICH USED IT TO HOUSE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AND, FROM JULY, 1978, TO OCTOBER, 1984, THE SUPREME COURT. IT WAS THEN REVERTED TO VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT UNTIL LAST DECEMBER.
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WAN CHAI DB TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER
*****
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND WILL MAKE SUGGESTIONS FOR SUITABLE THEMES FOR SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES IN 1989.
/IN ADDITION, .......
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1987
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS REGARDING HEALTH HAZARDS CAUSED BY ASBESTOS EMITTED BY VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOPS IN WAN CHAI; SETTING UP OF A CO-ORD INANT I NG COMMITTEE TO HANDLE PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY; PENSION FOR STAFF OF THE TUNG WAII GROUP OF HOSPITALS, AND THE SALE OF HORMONE-IMPLANTED CHICKENS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE SETTING UP OF THE HONG KONG AND ISLANDS DIVISION BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, AND THE PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES, DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, AND AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THF WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, 8T1I FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
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WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS ON COMPUTER TEACHING * * * * *
A TWO-WEEK SUMMER
LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR
SEMINARS ON COMPUTER
HOLD
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP ON COMPUTER-ASS ISTED SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND TWO CONTROL TECHNOLOGY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN AUGUS'I .
THE WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE HELD COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 21ST FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS AUGUST 10 TO 21.
INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN AT THE INSTITUTE AT PARK-IN STREET, MONG KOK, BETWEEN
THE WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE USE OF MICRO-COMPUTERS IN LANGUAGE LEARNING, AND TO ENABLE THEM TO MAK . USE OF COMPUTERS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING.
/Participants will .......
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 198?
4
PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN HANDS-ON COMPUTER EXPERIENCE, AND THROUGH DISCUSSIONS WILL LEARN THE USES OF THE COMPUTER FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION BEFORE JUNE 17.
THE TWO SEMINARS ON COMPUTER CONTROL TECHNOLOGY WITH EMPHASIS ON COMPUTER INTERFACE WILL BE HELD AT THE COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 19 HOK YUEN STREET, HUNG HOM, ON AUGUST 15 AND 22.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH COMPUTER INTERFACE PROJECTS. THIS WILL REQUIRE THE APPLICANTS TO HAVE A BASIC KNOWLEDGE IN COMPUTER AND BASIC PROGRAMMING.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER EACH TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (COMPUTER EDUCATION), COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE, BEFORE JUNE 24.
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SUBSIDISED LENDING COURSES FOR BANKING STAFF
*****
THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS INVITED THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO CONDUCT A BASIC LENDING COURSE FOR JUNIOR BANKING STAFF.
THE ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE COURSE FROM JULY 6 IS DESIGNED FOR STAFF WHO HAVE TAKEN UP CREDIT AND LENDING WORK WITHOUT FORMAL TRAINING IN LENDING.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD HAVE ABOUT TWO YEARS BANKING EXPERIENCE AND ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF ACCOUNTANCY.
COURSE FEE IS $550 A PERSON. THE COUNCIL WILL REIMBURSE HALF OF THE FEE TO PARTICIPANTS IF THEY ARE RECOMMENDED TO JOIN THE COURSE BY EMPLOYERS AND BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE WITH AN ATTENDANCE RECORD OF NOT LESS THAN 80 PER CENT.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JUNE 25. FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR S.M. WOO, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 255.
-------o--------- /5........
MONDAV, JUNE 15, 1987
DB TO SUPPORT PITCHING-IN CAMPAIGN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO SUPPORT THE TERRITORY-WIDF PITCHING-IN TO KEEP HONG RANG (LEAN CAMPAIGN, MEMBERS OE THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, QUHllfcS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WILL PARTICIPATE IN A CLEAN-UP ACTIVITY ON WEDNESDAY (.JUNE 17) \T 993-997 KING’S ROAD.
A REFUSE COLLECTION VAN UI LI DRIVE INTO THE COMMON • COURT'S ARD
OF THE BUILDING, WHERE URBAN COUNC 11 LORS, MR MAN SAI-CHFONG, MRS < HOW CHEUNG WAI-PING AND CHAIRMAN Ol THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MRS RFTTY YUNG, WILL
PITCH-IN AND DUMP REFUSE INTO THE VAN.
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN UP OPERATION STARTED IN I HE OlSTKi I' ON MAY 18 WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 26 URGING LOCAL RESIDENTS To KEEP ’ THEIR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO (OVER THE PITCHING-IN ACTIVITY OF KEEP lb \G KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE HELD AT Till COMMON COURTYARD OF i AK LEE, PO LEE AND WAI LEE BUILDINGS AT 993-997 KING’S ROAD AT 2.30 UM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 17).
- 0 - -
MUSICAL TREAT FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ t ♦ I
THE TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL GIVI A FREE CONCERT AT 8 PM ON JUNE 20 (SATURDAY) IN THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, SIU HONG COURT.
DURING THE CONCERT, THE CHOIR WILL JOIN THE HONG KONG ASSOC I AT I ON OF THE CHRISTIAN MUSICIANS LTD. IN PERFORMING A NUMBER OF POPULAR WORKS.
FREE TICKETS WILL BE WAILABLE \T ALL SUB*OFFICES OF HIE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1987
- 6 -
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SAI KUNG SWIMMING GALA t » » t »
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AND OTHER SWIMMING ENTHUSIASTS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1987 SAI KUNG DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD ON JULY 12 (SUNDAY) IN THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, AT TUI MIN HOI.
THE SWIMMING GALA IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.
THE FIRST EVENT WILL START AT 9 AM AND THE LAST RACE WILL BE AT 3 PM.
THE MEN’S DIVISION IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS AND THE WOMEN’S INTO THREE, ACCORDING TO THE AGE OF PARTICIPANTS.
WINNERS WHO ARE SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WILL REPRESENT THE DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS SWIMMING COMPETITION.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 4. FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE), BOTH IN SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET; OR THE SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION, 16 PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON 3-2814149.
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IMPROVEMENT TO FIRE HYDRANTS ♦ * ♦ » »
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE FIRE HYDRANTS OF PRINCESS MARGARET AND KWAI CHUNG HOSPITALS.
THE WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FIRE SERVICE TANKS, EACH WITH A CAPACITY OF 115,000 LITRES, AND A PUMP ROOM WHICH WILL MEASURE ABOUT 40 SQUARE METRES.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS BY NOON ON JULY 3.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
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I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG'S FUTURE AIRPORT NEEDS .......................... -]
REGULATORY EFFORTS TO ENHANCE INVESTORS' CONFIDENCE..... 2
CONSULTANTS TO STUDY LION ROCK TUNNEL CONGESTION ........... 5
PUBLIC ORDER (aKENDMINT) ORDINANCE DISCUSSED ............... 6
GOVERNOR TO VISIT TUEN MUN ................................. 6
MEMBERS TO SCRUTINISE «MBULANCE SERVICE..................... 7
INQUIRY INTO SHIP LOSS ORDERED.............................. 7
DB TO CONDUCT CONSULTATION WORKS ON GREEN PaPER ............ 8
GREEN PAPER ON DB AGENDA ................................... 8
SPECIAL DB MEETING TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER .................. 9
FC TO VET NEW UNIVERSITY FUND .............................. 9
SUMMER COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCIENCE TEmCRERF-............... 10
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ...................... 11
IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON TUEN MUN NULLAH .................... -|-j
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN NAM KOK ROAD TO EE DEMOLISHED..... 12
TENDERS INVITED TO IMPROVE GASCOIGNE aND CHATHAM ROaDS .... 12
IMPROVEMENTS TO VICTORIA ROaD PROPOSED .................... 15
KWaI CHUNG ROAD CLOSED FOR TRAFFIC SIGN INSTALLATION.... 1J
KWal HEI STREET CLOSED..................................
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED.................................
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
1
HONG KONG’S FUTURE AIRPORT NEEDS t t ♦ *
ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM KAI SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SPOKE RELATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
TAK THIS EVENING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S REPLACEMENT AIRPORT
THE FINANCIAL INITIATIVES IN LN HONG KONG.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT, IN 1980 AND AS A FOLLOW-UP FROM EARLIER STUDIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO PRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE STI DY OF clIFK LAP KOK AS A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT SITE.
THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT HAD SHOWN THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WAS ENTIRELY FEASIBLE.
"WORLD-WIDE ECONOMIC FACTORS AND THE F1NAM. 1 AL CONSTRAINTS ON THE GOVERNMENT AT HIE TIME RESULTED IN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDING, IN FEBRUARY 1983, TO SHELVE, AND 1 UNDERLINE ’SHELVE’, THE CHEK LAP KOK PLAN," MR JACOBS SAID.
"IT WAS ALSO MADE < LE AR WHEN THAT DECISION WAS ANNOUNCED THAT IN PRINCIPLE IT WAS DESIRABLE TO CONSTRUCT A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING ONE WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE TERRITORY’S LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY. AT THE SAME TIME THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE FACILITIES AT KAI TAK TO MEET MORE IMMEDIATE DEMAND.
"ONE SIGNIFICANT AND VISIBLE SIGN, BUT NOT THE ONLY ONE, OF THAT PARTICULAR DECISION, WILL Bl THE FIFTY PERCENT INCREASE IN FACILITIES AT THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1988," HE ADDED.
THE EINANC I \L SECRETARY THEN SPOKE OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION IN AUGUST 1986, IN Till LIGHT OF AN ACCELERATED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC DEMAND AT KAI T \K AND ITS RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF Till ROLE OF AIR TRANSPORT TO Till TERRITORY’S ECONOMY, TO CONSULT THE EXECUTIVE < OUNC I L.
"AFTER INTERN XL CONSIDERATION BY ALL INTERESTED DEPARTMENTS, A PAPER DEALING WITH HONG KONG’S POSSIBLE FUTURE AIRPORT OPTIONS WAS SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE • 01 N' IL FOR ADVICE ON MARCH 10 THIS YEAR.
"THE DEC I SION WAS TAKEN THEN THAT CONSULTANTS SHOULD BE COMMISSIONED TO STUDY THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL AND ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF KAI TAK. IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT Till- CHEK LAP KOK OPTION SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED TOGETHER WITH OTHER POSSIBLE SITES," HE SAID.
"KI IIAAI ALWAYS RECOGNISED THE EVENTUAL NEED IOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT," MR JACOBS CONTINU'D. "THE REAL QUESTION HAS BEEN ONE OF TIMING AND LOCATION, BECAUSE HONG KONG WANTS THE BEST FAC IL1TY IN THE RIGHT I.OC ’AT LON AT THE PROPER TIME, TO ENSI RE IIS COMMERCIAL SI C< ESS. IN GENERAL TERMS IT ALSO MAKES GOOD INVESTMENT SENSE FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED NOT TO HAVE A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT BEFORE IT REALLY IS NEEDED.
/’’THE STUDY
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
2
"THE STUDY OF KAI TAK AIRPORT, WHICH J EXPECT TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1988, SHOULD ENABL1 THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHEN A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT IS LIKELY TO BE REQUIRED," HI' ADDED.
THE HISTORY OF REPLACEMENT AIRPORT STUDIES, THE ADMINISTRATION'S INITIATIVE IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISION OF MARCH 10 THIS YEAR, MR JACOBS ADDED, WERE TIMELY.
THERE WAS NO SUBSTANCE IN THE SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ONIA NOW COMING ALIVE TO THE NEED FOR A NEW AIRPORT AND SIMPLY-REACTING TO THE HOPEWELL CONSORTIUM'S PROPOSAL FOR THE WESTERN HARBOUR-LANTAU DEAELOPMENT PROJECT AND TO THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION BY THE PRC’S STATE ( >1 N( 1 L TO APPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIRPORT AT BAI SHI ZHOU.
"MR GORDON WU MADE HIS INITIAL PROPOSAL TO THE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, SOME TIME AFTER WE HAD DECIDED OPTIONS.
GOVERNMENT IN
TO RE-EXAMINE
"SINCE THEN, OUR PLANNERS HAVE HELD A NUMBER OF
MEETINGS WITH
MR WU AND HIS STAFI,
TO ASCERTAIN WHAT COMMON GROUND THERE IS
BETWEEN
OUR OVERALL STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR A FUTURE AIRPORT, PORI' AND
RELATED
FACILITIES AND THE CONSORTIUM’S PROPOSAL.
"I MUST EMPHASISE THAT THE GOVERNMENT < ANNOl' LOOK AT THE AIRPORT QUESTION IN ISOLATION," HI STRESSED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY W\S PLEASED TO NOTE PRIVATE SECTOR INTEREST IN Till- HOPEWELL CONSORTIUM’S PROPOSAL. "I WELCOME THIS INTEREST. OBVIOUSLY, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND FINANCING REFLECT CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG."
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REGULATORY EFFORTS TO ENHANCE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SEES NO FUNDAMENTAL CONFLICT BETWEEN REGULATORY EFFORTS IN THE FINANCIAL MARKET AND THE MAINTENANCE OF AN OPEN AND COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE "INVESTMENT HONGKONG ’87" CONFERENCE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE, RATHER THAN BEING THE MAIN DRIVING FORCE.
/TO ENHANCE........
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 19?7
TO ENHANCE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STRENGTHEN EFFORTS IN SEVERAL AREAS. THEY INCLUDED THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE BILL ON DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDINGS, THE REVIEW ON LEGISLATIONS ON INSIDER TRADING AND THE QUESTION OF B-SHARES.
MR JACOBS SAID THESE REGULATORY EFFORTS WERE NECESSARY, NOT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT WAS AN INTERVENTION THAN BEFORE.
HE SAID, HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS MAINTAINED LOW AND SIMPLE TAX WHILE MANY COUNTRIES HAD, OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, MOVED FROM RELATIVELY LOW TAX TO HIGHER TAX AND NOW HAVING LEARNED THEIR LESSONS, HAVE TURNED BACK.
"I TOOK PARTICULAR PLEASURE IN REDUCING, ALBEIT MODESTLY, OUR ALREADY LOW TAX IN MY FIRST BUDGET SEVERAL MONTHS AGO,"HE ADDED.
"THEY ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE HONG KONG’S FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE DEMANDS THAT WE CONTINUE TO UPGRADE THE STANDARDS IN OUR MARKETPLACE; THAT THE RULES OF THE GAME ARE FAIR AND SEEN TO BE FAIR; THAT THE MARKET WARRANTS THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF THOSE PARTICIPATING IN IT; AND THAT WE TAKE ACCOUNT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES.
"WE SEE NO FUNDAMENTAL CONFLICT BETWEEN THESE REGULATORY EFFORTS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF OUR OPEN AND COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, WITH ALL THE ATTENDANT BENEFITS TO THE INVESTOR AND THE ECONOMY," HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD PROVIDED THE POLITICAL BASIS FOR OPTIMISM ON HONG KONG CONTINUING AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, IN THAT IT SOUGHT TO PRESERVE THE ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH HONG KONG’S ECONOMY THROVE.
HE WENT ON TO OUTLINE THE FOUR INGREDIENTS OF THE TERRITORY’S SUCCESS AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE: LOW TAX, FLEXIBILITY, LEGAL SYSTEM AND LANGUAGE USEAGE AND GEOGRAPHY.
SECONDLY, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A SMALL AND TIGHTLY ORGANISED ADMINISTRATION, THUS ALLOWING FLEXIBILITY.
"THE RECENT PLACING OF POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL FINANCIAL SERVICES UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS FURTHER ENABLES A VIEW TO BE TAKEN THAT REFLECTS THE INCREASING INTEGRATION IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETPLACE," MR JACOBS SAID.
TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND THE ABILITY TO MOVE QUICKLY WHEN THI SITUATION SO DEMANDED, THE FOUR POLICY SECRETARIES RESPONSIBLE RESPECTIVELY FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCE, MONETARY AFFAIRS, ECONOMIC SERVICES AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY WORKED CLOSELY’ WITH HIM AS A TEAM, HE ADDED.
/THIRDLY, HOMO KONG
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
THIRDLY, HONG KONG ADOPTED A COMMON LAW JURISDICTION. "OUR LAW IS BASED ON THE WELL TESTED ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM ALTHOUGH WE HAVE OUR OWN STATUTES AND REGULATIONS TO SUIT OUR OWN SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS," HE ADDED.
"NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE TIED IN WITH THE THINKING OF OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT IN RELATION TO THE ENGLISH SPEAKING CENTRES, LIKE LONDON AND NEW YORK," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE USE OF ENGLISH AS THE BUSINESS LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG WAS OF GREAT ADVANTAGE AS ENGLISH HAD BECOME THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF FINANCE AND COMMERCE.
HE ALSO SAID HONG KONG’S LOCATION ON THE DOORSTEP OF CHINA HAD LED TO NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS IN ECONOMIC RELATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
. 1
"HONG KONG HAS MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAINLAND IN RELATION TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF MANAGEMENT SKILLS, THE PROVISION OF EXPERTISE, AND THE PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER," MR JACOBS SAID.
CHINA HAD NOU BECOME THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORT MARKET FOR HONG KONG \ND THE LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. BESIDES, INCREASING USE OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SERVICES, WAS BEING MADE BY CHINA.
"HONG KONG WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF FUNDS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION TO CHINA, WITH ATTENDANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT,"
"DESPITE THE INTENSIFYING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THESE FOUR FACTORS THAT I HAVE MENTIONED WILL CONTINUE TO. STAND HONG KONG IN GOOD STEAD WELL INTO THE FUTURE, AND THAT HONG KONG'S ATTRACTIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR AND ITS DEVELOPMENT AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE WILL CONTINUE," HE CONCLUDED.
EARLIER, IN A SPEECH AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE, MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG WAS AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE OF INVESTMENTS AND 1987 HAD SO FAR BEEN AN EXCELLENT YEAR FOR INVESTORS.
HE ALSO SAID THE FAVOURABLE CLIMATE IN HONG KONG FOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN BUILT ON THE STRENGTH OF THE EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, THE DILIGENT WORKFORCE AND THE WILLINGNESS OF THE SOCIETY TO MOVE WITH THE TIME AND TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY OF A CHANGING AGE.
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/5.......
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
- 5 -
CONSULTANTS TO STUDY LION ROCK TUNNEL CONGESTION *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL SOON COMMISSION A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO EXPLORE WAYS OF EASING CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) LEARNT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WILL LOOK INTO VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES, INCLUDING EXTENSION OF THE 'BUS ONLY’ LANE, TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENTS AT THE TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD, BANNING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES DURING PEAK PERIODS, ADJUSTING THE TOLL LEVELS AND STRUCTURES AT THE TUNNEL, DEVISING THE APPROPRIATE TOLL LEVELS AND STRUCTURES AT ROUTE 5 BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN DUE FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1989, AND OTHER MEASURES TO INCREASE THE TUNNEL THROUGHPUT.
AT ITS MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT MEASURES HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN. THESE INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF PRE-PAID TUNNEL TICKETS IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, THE PROVISION OF FOUR EXTRA TOLL BOOTHS ONE MONTH LATER AND THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF A BUS-ONLY LANE BETWEEN WORLDWIDE GARDENS AND THE TOLL PLAZA DURING MORNING PEAK HOURS.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT ALTHOUGH THESE MEASURES HAD IMPROVED THE SITUATION AND HAD REDUCED INCONVENIENCE TO TUNNEL USERS, THEY COULD NOT INCREASE THE THROUGHPUT WHEN THE TUNNEL WAS OPERATING AT ITS CAPACITY.
LATEST TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS SUGGEST THAT IF TOLLS WERE TO REMAIN CONSTANT IN REAL TERMS, THE AVERAGE DAILY DEMAND WILL INCREASE FROM 85,000 JOURNEYS PER DAY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 TO 117,000 BY THE END OF 1991, WITH CONGESTION SPREADING FROM PEAK HOURS TO OTHER TIMES OF THE DAY BETWEEN NOW AND THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1992.
MEMBERS CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE TUNNEL TOLL FROM $3 TO $5 AS A MEANS TO DEFER THE BUILD UP OF TRAFFIC BUT REJECTED THIS PROPOSAL BECAUSE IT IS NOT EFFECTIVE ENOUGH TO CREATE A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE TRAFFIC VOLUME.
THE TAC ALSO DISCUSSED AN APPLICATION BY NEW TERRITORIES TAXI OPERATORS FOR A 25 PER CENT FARE INCREASE.
AFTER EXAMINING THE OPERATING ECONOMICS OF THE TRADE, MEMBERS RECOMMENDED THAT THE INCREASE SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO 12.5 PER CENT FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
- - 0 - -
/6
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE DISCUSSED ♦ * » » »
A DELEGATION REPRESENTING THE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM COMMITTEE MET THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; THE SECRETARY ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO; AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE TREASURER AND LEGAL COUNSEL OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM COMMITTEE, MR LEONARD MARKS. OTHER MEMBERS WERE LORD MCGREGOR OF DURRIS; EDITOR OF THE STATESMAN OF INDIA, MR CUSHROW IRANI; AND FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS, MR GEORGE CHAPLIN.
THE DELEGATION LATER CALLED ON THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
THE DELEGATION GAVE ITS VIEWS ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE. THE GOVERNMENT SIDE EXPLAINED THAT DESPITE THE RECENT LIBERALISATION OF CONTROL OVER THE PRESS IN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, IT WAS FELT NECESSARY TO RETAIN THE PROVISION ON ’’FALSE NEWS”; BUT THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD MONITOR THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGISLATION.
--------0 ---------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT TUEN MUN * * » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WILL VISIT TUEN MUN ON THURSDAY (JUNE 18) TO LEARN ABOUT THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL VISIT LUNG KWU TEAN TO SEE THE RURAL ASPECTS OF THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE, THE TUEN MUN NULLAH, AND YAN 01 TONG WHICH IS A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, BEFORE ATTENDING A RECEPTION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES IN THE CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO TUEN MUN ON THURSDAY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.30 PM SHARP WHERE TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
- 7 -
MEMBERS TO SCRUTINISE AMBULANCE SERVICE * * * » «
SIX MEMBERS WILL SPEAK AT AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL ANSWER THE POINTS RAISED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS IN TOMORROW’S SITTINGS.
THE BILLS, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, ARE THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BILL 1987 AND THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BI LI. 1987.
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INQUIRY INTO SHIP LOSS ORDERED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS ORDERED A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO THE LOSS OF THE HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIP 'CUMBERLANDE’. A SURVEYOR OF SHIPS, MR S.K. ANAND, HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO CONDUCT THE INQUIRY.
THE 21,384 GROSS TON BULK CARRIER WAS OWNED BY GLENARA LTD AND MANAGED BY ANGLO-EASTERN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD, BOTH COMPANIES BEING HONG KONG BASED.
THE SHIP WAS ON A VOYAGE FROM PANAMA TO AUSTRALIA LOADED WITH SOME 25,700 TONS OF MANGANESE SINTER AND SOME 10,300 TONS OF LEAD CONCENTRATE, BOTH BULK ORE CARGOES. THE VESSEL WAS NOT A BULK CHEMICAL TANKER AS INDICATED IN PREVIOUS PRESS REPORTS.
THE VESSEL SANK AT 0840 HOURS (H.K. TIME) ON JUNE 13 IN DEEP WATER IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC CLOSE TO HENDERSON ISLAND WHICH IS PART OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY OF PITCAIRN ISLAND. THE CREW OF 29 WERE RESCUED AND ARE ON BOARD THE RESCUE SHIP WHICH IS BOUND FOR NEW ZEALAND. IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE INDIAN CREW WILL BE REPATRIATED FROM NEW ZEALAND LATER THIS WEEK.
THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY REPORT, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, SO THAT HE MAY ORDER A MARINE COURT TO CARRY OUT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE CASUALTY IF HE THINKS FIT.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
DB TO CONDUCT CONSULTATION WORKS ON GREEN PAPER ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
A WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN FORMED UNDER THE KWl N TONG DISTRICT BOARD TO PLAN, ORGANISE AND CO-ORDINATE PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN THE DISTRICT RELATING TO THE GREEN PAPER ON REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD RECENTLY, BOARD MEMBER MISS YEUNG KAM-CHUN WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE GROUP WERE TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER, TO COLLECT AND CONSULT THEIR VIEWS.
A CORE GROUP, COMPRISING SIX DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP UNDER THE WORKING GROUP AND WILL MEET SOON TO FORMULATE CONSULTATION STRATEGIES AND WAYS OF COLLECTING VIEWS.
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GREEN PAPER * ♦
ON DB AGENDA ♦ ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 18).
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, MR ADOLF HSU; MONITOR, MR ANDREW SO AND DEPUTY SECRETARY (CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELECTORAL AFFAIRS), MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER WILL ATTEND TO LISTEN TO MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT AN OPINION SURVEY ON THE GREEN PAPER IN THE DISTRICT.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE A PROPOSAL TO BEAUTIFY THE WALKWAY IN CENTRAL, REPORT ON THE BOARD’S STUDY TOUR TO CHINA AND REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 18) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14/F., HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
- 9 -
SPECIAL DB MEETING TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER * * * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON JUNE 18 (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM TO DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
MR LI FOOK-KOW, AN INDEPENDENT MONITOR OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING AND LISTEN TO BOARD MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPECIAL MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
0
FC TO VET NEW UNIVERSITY FUND *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $2,200 MILLION, FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IF THE UNIVERSITY COMMENCES ITS FIRST STUDENT INTAKE IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
THE SUM WILL COMPRISE $1,900 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAMPUS AND $300 MILLION FOR SPECIALIST AND TEACHING EQUIPMENT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A SUM OF $828 MILLION IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN THE 1991-94 TRIENNIUM.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS PLEDGED TO DONATE UP TO $1,500 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE UNIVERSITY AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MEET ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS IN THE EVENT THAT THE ULTIMATE CAPITAL COSTS EXCEEDS THIS AMOUNT.
OTHER ITEMS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE ARE:
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $9,035,000 TO $10,262,000 TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF INVITING THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS TO VALIDATE THREE ADDITIONAL DEGREE COURSES TO BE INTRODUCED AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE;
/* INCREASED COMMITMENTS
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 198?
10
* INCREASED COMMITMENTS TOTALLING $284,942,000 COMPRISING $125,780,000 FOR THE PHASE III BUILDING I OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND
$159,162,000 FOR THE SPORTS CENTRE AND STAGE II OF THE MAIN CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE;
♦ A COMMITMENT OF $61,110,000 FOR THE PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN 1987-88 AND A COMMITMENT OF $3,940,000 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF COMPENSATED FARM STRUCTURES ON CROWN LAND IN 1987-88;
♦ FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING A COMPUTERISED LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $30,252,000 IN NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND $91,228,000 IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FROM 1987-88 TO 1995-96, AND A NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF $27,577,000 FOR THE PREPARATION, INSTALLATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM;
♦ CREATION OF A NEW CAPITAL COMMITMENT OF $6,260,000 TO MEET HALF THE COST OF REMEDIAL WORKS DUE TO LAND SETTLEMENT AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE; AND
* RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.
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SUMMER COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND FOUR IDENTICAL THREE-DAY SUMMER COURSES IN JULY AND AUGUST WHICH WILL INCLUDE A WHOLE-DAY PROGRAMME AT THE SPACE MUSEUM UNDER THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE COURSES, ORGANISED BY THE PRIMARY SCIENCE SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD, BETWEEN JULY 22 AND AUGUST 20.
THERE WILL BE TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TEACHING SCIENCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ON HOW TO USE THE FACILITIES OF SPACE MUSEUM FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE WORKSHOPS ON THE MAKING OF A SIMPLE TRIPENSEE (REVISED VERSION) AND A COMPETITION ON THE DESIGN OF TEACHING AIDS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR (PRIMARY SCIENCE), PRIMARY SCIENCE SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE JUNE 22.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
11
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A NUMBER OF ISSUES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDE TRAFFIC RULES FOR HOUSING ESTATES, PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN POINTS FOR SCHOOL BUSES INSIDE SHAN KING ESTATE, PROVISION OF SAFE CROSSING FACILITIES ON TSI NG HOI CIRCUIT, TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON LUNG MUN ROAD NEAR THE EXIT OF MELODY GARDEN, NIGHT-TIME ILLEGAL PARKING INSIDE THE ESTATES, REVIEW ON BUS SERVICES OF TAI HING ESTATE, AND THE SAFETV ASPECTS OF CABLES UNDER THE FOOTBRIDGES ALONG THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT LINE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE THIRD REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON BUS SERVICES FROM OUTSIDE AREAS TO TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE 3RD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
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IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON TUEN MUN NULLAH
*****
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR RONALD (ROSS, WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE PRESS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO TALK ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE TUEN MUN NULLAH.
IN ORDER TO COMBAT THE POLLUTION PROBLEM CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL WASTES, A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY MR CROSS, THE THEN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, TUEN MUN, AND FORMED BY CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS SET UP IN MAY 1986.
SINCE THEN, 40 ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS TO STORM DRAINS WERE IDENTIFIED AND SEVERAL FACTORIES ASSISTED IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS.
OTHERS AT TOMORROW’S PRESS BRIEFING INCLUDE TUEN MIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND Till PRESS BRIEFING AT 12 NOON TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN CONFERENCI ROOM B, 3/1 •» TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN II I ROAD.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
12
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN NAM KOK ROAD TO BE DEMOLISHED » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 33 NAM KOK ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON APRIL 25 LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE STRUCTURES’ DEMOLITION.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOF OVER FLATS A, B AND C OF THE BUILDING.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE SHA T]N DISTRICT COURT ON AUGUST 12 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE.
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TENDERS INVITED TO IMPROVE GASCOIGNE AND CHATHAM ROADS
*****
A GRADE SEPARATED INTERSECTION IS TO BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF GASCOIGNE AND WYLIE ROADS, KOWLOON.
WORK ON THE INTERSECTION WILL INCLUDE EXTENDING THE EXISTING GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER BY 430 METRES TO SPAN THE ROAD JUNCTION.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL START IN SEPTEMBER, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
OTHER WORK WILL INVOLVE WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF GASCOIGNE AND CHATHAM ROADS BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD AND HUNG HOM INTERCHANGE.
THE PROJECT, WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1990, WILL ENABLE TRAFFIC TO PASS OVER THE GASCOIGNE ROAD/WYLIE ROAD JUNCTION FREELY, AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TRAFFIC-CARRYING CAPACITY OF GASCOIGNE, CHATHAM AND WYLIE ROADS.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
- 13 -
IMPROVEMENTS TO VICTORIA ROAD PROPOSED » * * * i
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPROVE SECTIONS OF VICTORIA ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO ENHANCE SAFETY.
THEY ARE BETWEEN SANDY BAY ROAD AND BISNEY ROAD, AND BETWEEN HONG KONG UNIVERSITY STAFF QUARTERS NEAR BISNEY ROAD AND A SHARP BEND ON VICTORIA ROAD TO THE EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SASSOON ROAD.
THE TWO-LANE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE WIDENED TO 7.3 METRES WITH 2.75-METRE WIDE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES. THE WORK ALSO INCLUDES REALIGNING THE ROAD TO ELIMINATE SOME DANGEROUS BENDS.
ROAD JUNCTIONS AT VICTORIA ROAD/CONSORT RISE AND VICTORIA ROAD/ SASSOON ROAD WILL BE IMPROVED. BUS BAYS WILL BE PROVIDED AT SUITABLE INTERVALS ALONG THE ROAD.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE ANCILLARY DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROJECT MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BEFORE AUGUST 11.
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KWAI CHUNG ROAD CLOSED FOR TRAFFIC SIGN INSTALLATION
*****
KWAI CHUNG ROAD EASTBOUND AT LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO JUNE 18 BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGN ACROSS LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM THE DOWNRAMP LEADING TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AT MEI FOO AND ITS EASTERN END AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD/LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD OR LAI CHI KOK ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE THE DOWNRAMP LEADING TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AT MEI FOO.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1987
- 14
KWAI HEI STREET CLOSED ♦ * * ♦
v.,., HUT qTRFFT BETWEEN KWAI LOK STREET AND WING KIN ROAD IN
TRAFFIC ON KWAI HEI STREET HEADING LL BE DIVERTED VIA KWAI TSING ROAD.
FOR
DURING THE CLOSURE, KOWLOON OR WING KIN ROAD WI
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 62.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 367.014 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 290.648 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 49.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON SIT KIN-WAH ON 14 JULY 1984 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
SIT WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF TING LIN-FAT.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
. ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
IMPORTANCE OF HIGH STANDARD AMBUL.JICE SERVICE STRESSED .. 1
PRAISES FOR AMBULANCE STaFF ............................. 2
STAFF MORALE OF «MBULaNCE SERVICE STRESSED .............. 4
GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPROVE AMBULANCE SERVICE............ 5
CALL TO STRENGTHEN <J1BULaNCE SERVICE................... 9
PROBLEMS IN aMBULaNCE SERVICES IDENTIFIED .............. 10
BILL TO SET UP THIRD UNIVERSITY INTRODUCED ............. 12
COVERAGE OF INSOLVENCY FUND TO BE EXTENDED ............. 13
GOVERNMENT TO TOP UP IMPROVEMENT COST .................. 15
LaND DEMARCATION BILLS IN THE PIPELINE.................. 16
FUTURES TRADERS BaN ON COMMISSION TO BE LIFTED.......... 17
COUNCILLORS URGED TO REPORT INTIMIDATION TO POLICE ..... 18
TRIADS RESPONSIBLE FOR 20 PER CENT OF DETECTED BLACKMAIL
CASES ................................................ 19
STEPS TO IMPROVE SaFETY OF HEAVY VEHICLES OUTLINED ..... 20
EMERGENCY WARDS ADEQUATELY COVERED ..................... 21
ACCIDENTS ON PRIVaTE ROaDS NOT WIDESPREAD .............. 21
LORD GLENARTHUR REPLACES RENTON ........................... 22
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED ......... 23
/HK-SWEDEN ......
HK-SWEDEN TEXTILES PnCT SIGNED.................................. 24
FOCUSING ON DISTRICT BUILDING MtNAGHIENT........................ 25
FISHERMEN COMPLETE NaVIG^TION TRAINING.......................... 27
SINO-BRITISH L.- .ND COMMISSION TO MEET......................... 28
DEPOSIT-T.iKING COMPLIES DEREGISTERED ........................ 28
KC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW........ 28
HAI T/kN STREET BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS..................... 29
FISH NURSERY SITE TO LET ....................................... 50
TRAFFIC CHxkNGES IN WESTERN .................................. 50
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
1
IMPORTANCE OF HIGH STANDARD AMBULANCE SERVICE STRESSED ♦ * t * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, ST* ESSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT, IN THE INTEREST OF Till HONG KONG COMMUNITY, THAT AN AMBULANCE SERVICE WITH A HIGH STANDARD BE MAINTAINED.
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE, MR JEAFFRESON THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS CONTEXT.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT, ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTING ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COUSULTANTS, SUBJECT, IN SOME CASES, TO THE AUTHORITY BEING GIVEN THE NECESSARY RESOURCES.
ON THE TARGET TRAVEL TIME FOR RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT BEYOND 30 MINUTES WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AS THERE WERE REMOTE VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 1NACESS1B1L1TY OF DIFFICULT TERRAIN.
BUT HE SAID CONSULTANT FINDINGS REVEALED THAT 71 PER CENT OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICES IN RURAL NEW TERRITORIES AREAS WERE ABLE TO REACH THE TARGET WITHIN 20 MINUTES AND MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO INCREASE THIS PERCENTAGE BY POSTING AMBULANCES TO FAR STATIONS IN PLACES SUCH AS SHA TAU KOK.
TO ASSIST IN THE CASE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION, SEVEN MOTOR CYCLES WERE BEING EMPLOYED IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS WOULD BE REVIEWED WITHIN A YEAR TO SEE IF THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCREASED.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO ASSURED THAT ALL AMBULANCES IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED IN THREE YEARS’ TIME.
HE SAID TWO AMBULANCE OFFICERS WOULD BE SENT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TO HAVE A LOOK AT WHAT WAS BEING DONE THERE IN THE CONTEXT OF TRAINING AMBULANCEMEN IN PARAMEDIC SKILLS.
WHEN THEY RETURN, AN EXPERT GROUP WOULD BE SET UP TO LOOK AT WHAT THEY HAD FOUND THERE, HE SAID.
TO ENABLE DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AMBULANCES AND HOSPITALS, MR JEAFFRESON ASSURED THAT DIRECT COMMUNICATION FACILITIES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE SECOND GENERATION SYSTEM WHICH WOULD BE OPERATING FOR THE AMBULANCE SERVICE BY 1991. HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AT A RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENT ENABLING DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT FOR THE SECOND GENERATION SYSTEM.
TURNING TO THE ABUSE OF AMBULANCE SERVICES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID AMBULANCEMEN WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SUCH CASES.
MEANWHILE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING THE ABUSE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE AN OFFENCE IN LAW, ALTHOUGH THE ACTUAL DRAFTING OF SUCH LEGISLATION WOULD NOT AT ALL BE EASY.
/2 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
PRAISES FOR AMBULANCE STAFF ♦ * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID STAFF INVOLVED IN AMBULANCE SERVICES DESERVED THE HIGHEST PRAISE AS THE HIGH EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE AND THE EXCELLENT WORKING ATTITUDE OF THE STAFF WERE WELL KNOWN TO ALL.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE, DR CHIU SAID IT WAS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE STUDY ON THE REVIEW OF HONG KONG AMBULANCE SERVICE COMMISSIONED BY THE HEALTH OPERATIONAL RESEARCH UNIT WAS INITIATED NOT BECAUSE OF ANY UNACCEPTABLE SERVICE STANDARD OR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY BUT WITH THE INTENTION TO ENSURE MAXIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND A HIGHER STANDARD OF SERVICE.
DR CHIU SAID A COMPLETE PROCESS OF EMERGENCY SERVICE INCLUDED SIX ASPECTS: THE RECEIPT OF EMERGENCY CALL, DISPATCHING OF HELP, ON-THE-SPOT CARE, TRANSPORTATION OF THE SICK, AND CARE ON ARRIVAL AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR TREATMENT. AMBULANCE SERVICE WAS JUST A PART OF EMERGENCY SERVICE.
•'IF IT IS OUR OBJECTIVE TO REACH A HIGHER STANDARD OF EMERGENCY SERVICE, WHY DO WE NARROW OURSELVES TO AMBULANCE SERVICE ALONE AND LEAVE THE REST OF THE SERVICE A LOT OF ROOM FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT?" HE QUESTIONED.
HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT, IT WAS QUITE DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW EXERCISE ON INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC SERVICE AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
"WHAT WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS WHY DID WE LET GO OF THE CHANCE OF GIVING OUR EMERGENCY SERVICE A CHECK-UP WHEN THE TIME CAME," HE SAID.
ON THE ROLE OF DISPERSED MEDICAL CENTRES, DR CHIU SAID THAT THE SHORTENING OF THE TARGET TRAVEL TIME FOR AMBULANCE FROM 15 MINUTES TO 10 MINUTES IN URBAN AREAS INCLUDING NEW TOWNS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS WAS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE TIME BEING.
HOWEVER, HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT A SHORTENING OF THE TRAVEL TIME FOR EMERGENCY CALLS IN RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH AT PRESENT WAS 30-35 MINUTES, HAD BEEN CONSIDERED UNREALISTIC.
"THE TIME WASTED IN THE FIRST HALF AN HOUR CAN, TO A LARGE EXTENT, DIMINISH THE PATIENT’S CHANCE OF SURVIVAL ESPECIALLY IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY CASES," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO NEARBY MEDICAL CENTRES RATHER THAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL. IT SHOULD BE PARTICULARLY SO IN RURAL AND SUB-URBAN AREAS.
/HE LAID........
JEDIiiXiDAY, JU UE 17, 19^7
HE SAID THAT MANY A TIME, MEDICAL CENTRES IN RURAL AREAS COULD ONLY SERVE AS TRANSFERRING AGENCIES BECAUSE THEIR LESS-EQUIPPED ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNITS COULD NOT ALWAYS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF EMERGENCY TREATMENT.
"ALL THESE FACTS POINT TO ONE DIRECTION, THAT IS THE STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FACILITIES AND MANPOWER SUPPLY OF THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNITS OF DISTRICT HOSPITALS ESPECIALLY THOSE IN RURAL AREAS NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED,” HE SAID.
DR CHIU WENT ON TO SAY THAT EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION WAS OF
VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL AND SHOULD BE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL BUT NOT IN HOSPITAL WARDS BECAUSE TIME MUST NOT
DONE IN THE A PATIENT’S BE WASTED IN
WAITING FOR TROLLEY TRANSFER OR HOSPITAL LIFTS.
"IT IS A COMMON PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED HOSPITALS TO HAVE 'RESUSCITATION SQUADS’ THAT WOULD TAKE PROMPT ACTIONS UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN EMERGENCY CALL," HE SAID. HE ADDED THAT THIS WAS ANOTHER IMPORTANT AREA WHICH THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO.
TURNING TO THE LEVEL OF TRAINING FOR AMBULANCE STAFF, HE SAID IT WAS THE CONSENSUS VIEW IN THE MEDICAL CIRCLE THAT THE LEVEL OF TRAINING FOR AMBULANCE STAFF SHOULD BE REINFORCED. THEIR SKILLS IN PROVIDING FIRST AID MEASURES SUCH AS ARREST OF HAEMORRHAGE, KEEPING AIR WAV CLEAR, ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION, EXTERNAL CARDIAC MASSAGE, MATERNAL DELIVERY AND SO FORTH SHOULD BE FURTHER POLISHED.
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE BETTER USE OF HONG KONG’S EXISTING RESOURCES AND TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY, THERE SHOULD BE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AMBULANCE SERVICE TO CATER FOR DIFFERENT LEVEL OF SERVICE REQUIRED.
AMBULANCE DEALING WITH EMERGENCY CALLS SHOULD HAVE SUFFICIENT WELL-TRAINED STAFF AND FULLY-EQUIPPED FACILITIES. WHEN TRANSFERRING PATIENTS IN STABLE CONDITIONS FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME AND BETWEEN HOSPITALS, A WELL-EQUIPPED AMBULANCE WITH TRAINED PERSONNEL WAS A WASTE OF RESOURCES.
"IN THIS SITUATION, A COMFORTABLE MINIBUS MANNED BY TWO AMBULANCEMEN INSTEAD OF THREE WOULD BE QUITE ADEQUATE," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SOME OF HIS MEDICAL COLLEAGUES TENDED TO BELIEVE THAT IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE FOR AMBULANCE TO COME UNDER THE MEDIC \L AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT RATHER THAN UNDER THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IN VIEW OF THE EXISTING PHYSICAL SETTINGS OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, IT MIGHT NOT BE PRACTICAL TO DO SO AT THE PRESENT TIME .
"WITH THIS REGARD, 1 MUST STRESS THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOULD PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY AMBULANCE SERVICE," HE CONCLUDED.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
STAFF MORALE OF AMBULANCE SERVICE STRESSED
*****
THE FIRE SERVICES AS WELL AS THEIR AMBULANCE SERVICE HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL IN THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE, MR CHAN STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE WERE THREE POINTS REGARDING STAFF MORALE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION.
FIRST, EVERY ORGANISATION WOULD SEEK TO GET BETTER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL FOR OFFICER POSTS.
"THIS IS GOOD FOR THE ORGANISATION IN THE LONG TERM. BUT IF OFFICER POSTS ARE ALL RESERVED FOR QUALIFIED NEW RECRUITS THIS WILL LOWER STAFF MORALE BOTH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
"THE FAILURE OF SOME PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES WITH WESTERN TRAINED YOUNG BOSSES LOOKING DOWN ON THE OLD BUT LOYAL EMPLOYEES HAVE SOWN THE SEEDS OF BANKRUPTCY," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID A 50:50 RATIO IN FILLING OFFICER POSTS WITH QUALIFED BUT 1NEXPERIENCED YOUTHS AND UNQUALIFIED EXPERIENCED MEN WITH LEADERSHIP QUALITY WOULD BOOST STAFF MORALE AND MAINTAIN A HAPPY BALANCE.
SECONDLY, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE UNION SHOULD WORK OUT SOME DEFINITION TO PREVENT ABUSE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE. BLATANT CASES OF ABUSE SHOULD BE HEAVILY CHARGED TO SET AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID.
THIRDLY, MR CHAN SAID IT WAS A COMMON SIGHT TO SEE DRIVERS GIVING WAY TO POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE ENGINES BUT NOT ALWAYS TO AMBULANCES.
"OFFENDERS SHOULD BE PROSECUTED AND IF EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED, AMBULANCES SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC CAMERA TO PHOTOGRAPH OFFENDERS’ CAR NUMBERS."
MR CHAN ALSO PRAISED THE ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE WHOSE HISTORY DATED BACK AS EARLY AS THE 11 TH CENTURY.
"IN HONG KONG, BESIDES TRAINING YOUTHS WITH THE LIFE SAVING TECHNIQUES OF FIRST AID, ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE INSTIL DISCIPLINE AND ORGANISATION WHICH ONLY A PARA-MILITARY FORCE (OULD ACHIEVE."
"IT IS ALSO THE TRAINING GROUND FOR CANDIDATES FOR TO THE PROFESSIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICE, AS TWO OUT OF SERVICES AMBULANCE PERSONNEL WHO CAME TO SEE ME ON JUNE 6 IN SWIRE HOUSE WERE TRAINED BY THE ST. JOHN’S
RECRUITMENT THREE FIRE IN OMELCO AMBULANCE,"
MR CHAN SAID.
/HE HOPED .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
HE HOPED THAT THE ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO TRAIN MORE PEOPLE UNTIL FIRST AID WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE IN EVERY HOUSEHOLD AND WORK PLACE.
"IF WE HAVE AN 'INSTANT FIRST AID’ MAN TO STOP THE BLEEDING OR DO THE RIGHT THING UNTIL THE PATIENT IS HANDED OVER TO THE PROFESSIONALS, IT MAY MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.”
MR CHAN ALSO SAID THAT IF EVERY PARENT AND WORKER WAS TRAINED, THE NUMBER OF UNWARRANTED DEATHS COULD BE CUT DOWN.
"ON TV NEWS, ONE COULD SEE THE DIFFERENCE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF UNTRAINED MEN SHOUTING AND MILLING AROUND IN A CATASTROPHE, AGAINST A SIMILAR SCENE BUT WITH FEWER TRAINED MEN WORKING QUIETLY AND EFFICIENTLY AND SENDING THE WOUNDED SWIFTLY TO HOSPITAL," HE ADDED.
-------o----------
GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPROVE AMBULANCE SERVICE *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE ACTION IN IMPROVING AMBULANCE SERVICE WHICH IS VITAL IN GIVING IMMEDIATE CARE UNDER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS TO SAVE HUMAN LIVES, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, SAID TODAY (WEDENSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE 1 FGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR IP, WHO IS CONVENOR OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP PREPARING FOR THE DEBATE, SAID: "WE RECOGNISE AND APPRECIATE THE QUALITY ALREADY ATTAINED IN THE WORK OF OUR AMBULANCE SERVICE BUT WB SHARE A COMMON DESIRE TO IMPROVE ON WHAT WE FIND UNSATISFACTORY.
DR IP SAID IN PREPARATION FOR THE DEBATE, THE AD HOC GROUP HAD HELD FIVE MEETINGS; ONE MEETING EACH WITH THE ADMINISTRATI0N, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AMBULANCEMEN’S UNION AND THE AMBULANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION.
THE GROUP HAD ALSO WRITTEN TO THE MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND CONCERNED ORGANISATIONS ASKING FOR THEIR VIEWS ON THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
A TOTAL OF 136 LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT OUT AND 57 REPLIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED, OF WHICH 47 CONTAINED ADVICE ON AND CRITICISMS OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
/"WITH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 6 -
"WITH THE BENEFIT OF THE INSIGHT OF THE FRONT-LINE WORKERS IN THE SERVICE, THE AD HOC GROUP ANALYSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HORU (HEALTH OPERATIONAL RESEARCH UNIT) CONSULTANT REPORT WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STUDY THE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
"THE GROUP ARRIVED AT 19 POINTS (10 ON THE HORU REPORT AND NINE OF OUR OWN) ON WHICH WE AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE ACTION IN IMPROVING OUR AMBULANCE SERVICE," DR IP SAID.
ON THE HORU REPORT, THE GROUP LARGELY AGREED WITH ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE.
THESE INCLUDE:
(A) 95% OF THE EMERGENCY CALLS IN URBAN AREAS AND NEW TOWNS
MUST BE MET WITHIN A 10 MINUTE TRAVEL TIME;
(B) INCREASE IN STAFF AND VEHICLES, AMBULANCE DEPOTS AND "TEMPORARY STANDBYS" IN ORDER TO MEET THE ABOVE;
(C) STRENGTHENING THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCE OFFICERS;
(D) A MORE DYNAMIC INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMAND CONTROL;
(E) THE AMBULANCE CONTROL CONSOLES TO BE MANNED BY AMBULANCE STAFF INSTEAD OF SPECIAL CONTROL STAFF;
(F) BETTER CO-ORDINATED ROUTINE TRANSFER SERVICE; AND
(G) TIERING OF THE EMERGENCY AND ROUTINE SERVICES.
HOWEVER, THE GROUP COULD NOT ACCEPT THE LACK OF INITIATIVE IN CUTTING DOWN THE TARGET TRAVEL TIME IN THE N.T. WHICH NOW STANDS AT 34 MINUTES.
"IT SEEMS THAT THE HORU REPORT DOES NOT AIM TO IMPROVE THIS ASPECT OF OUR SERVICE," DR IP SAID.
"WE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE IN DEPTH AND WE FELT THAT THE SERVICE SHOULD STRIVE TO ATTAIN A 20 MINUTE TARGET TRAVEL TIME FOR 95% OF THE AMBULANCE CALLS IN THE N.T.
"THE HORU REPORT ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT HOSPITAL CONTROLLERS SHOULD BE UPGRADED TO OFFICER POSTS. WE SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION BUT URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO NOTE ANY STRESS ON THE MORALE OF THE MORE SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY SUCH CHANGES.
/"WE FEEL .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
"WE FEEL THAT THE MORE CAPABLE ONES SHOULD BE GIVEN THE NECESSARY TRAINING, AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO BE PROMOTED DIRECTLY TO OFFICER GRADE UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM."
DR IP SAID THE GROUP HAD LOOKED FURTHER INTO THE OPERATION OF THE EXISTING SERVICE AND OBTAINED FEEDBACK FROM THE FRONT-LINE WORKERS.
SHE SAID THE AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLE (AAMC) LAUNCHED IN 1984 HAD PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN GIVING PROMPT RELIEF TO THE ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN THE REMOTE AREAS, INSPITE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS EN ROUTE.
"WE KNOW THAT THE AAMC SERVICE WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER A YEAR’S TIME. BUT EVEN AT THIS JUNCTURE, THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO AND CONFIDENCE IN THIS SERVICE IS FAVOURABLE ENOUGH FOR US TO URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING ITS NUMBER."
SHE SAID MANY OF THE FEEDBACK ALSO URGED THAT AIR-CONDITIONING SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE AMBULANCES, AND THE GROUP WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THIS WAS ALREADY AN ESTABLISHED GOVERNMENT POLICY BUT WOULD LIKE THE PROCESS TO BE SPEEDED UP.
ON STAFF TRAINING, DR IP SAID IN 1979, DUE TO FINANCIAL STRINGENCY AND LIMITATION ON STAFF RESOURCES, TRAINING WAS REDUCED FROM 14 TO ONLY EIGHT WEEKS.
HOWEVER, THE GROUP WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE WHICH OVERSAW THE HORU REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRAINING OF AMBULANCEMEN SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO 24 WEEKS AND THAT THE MINIMUM TRAINING AMBULANCEMEN RECEIVED WILL BE INCREASED.
"THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL HAS REPEATEDLY STRESSED TO US THE IMPORTANCE OF BETTER AND PROPER TRAINING OF THE AMBULANCEMEN AND THIS RECOMMENDATION SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION WITHOUT HESITATION," SHE SAID.
THE GROUP ALSO CONSIDERED THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP A SMALL PARAMEDIC TEAM IN HONG KONG TO SERVE REMOTE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THAT THE NUMBER OF MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRES (MCTC) SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM ONE TO THREE SUCH THAT ONE EACH WOULD SERVE THE HK, KOWLOON AND THE NT.
ON NEW MEASURES, DR IP SAID THE GROUP WAS CONVINCED THAT TWO WAY DIRECT COMMUNICATION SHOULD BE SET UP BETWEEN THE AMBULANCE AND THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AS SUCH DIRECT COMMUNICATION WAS VITAL IN MATTERS OF EMERGENCY.
/the GROUP .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 198?
8 -
THE GROUP ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE OCCURRENCE OF ABUSE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE MUST BE LOOKED INTO AND THAT THE LAW SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN ORDER TO NARROW DOWN THE SCOPE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
ON PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION, DR IP SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG CHAPTER OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE INSTITUTE SHOULD ASSIST IN SETTING UP STRUCTURAL COURSES TO FACILITATE AMBULANCE STAFF TO ATTAIN PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
SHE SAID THE TRAINING OF AMBULANCE IN HONG KONG WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT WHICH ALSO UNDERTOOK TO ASSESS AND APPROVE OF ITS OWN STANDARD OF TRAINING.
"IT IS ADMITTED THAT SUCH STANDARD WAX AND WANES UNDER FINANCIAL STRINGENCY AND LIMITATION OF STAFF RESOURCES. IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE SHOULD CONSIDER AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE COMPETENCE OF OUR AMBULANCE PERSONNEL," SHE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, DR IP SAID IN 1986 THERE WERE 365,574 CALLS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE AND LIVES WERE SAVED WITH THE HELP OF AMBULANCEMEN.
"THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT THEIR SERVICE IS INVALUABLE AND EVERY EFFECT MUST BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT NO LIFE IS LOST FOR WANT OF SPEEDY MEDICAL CARE.
"WE HOPE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE ACTION TO IMPLEMENT OUR SUGGESTIONS (AND THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE HORU REPORT) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," SHE ADDED.
SHE ALSO SAID TODAY’S DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE WAS A SMALL PART OF EMERGENCY SERVICE AS IT DEALT WITH PRE-HOSPITAL PART OF CRITICAL CARE.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE BROADER ASPECT OF EMERGENCY SERVICE IN THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITALS SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY LOOKED INTO, IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE MORE EFFECTIVE AND RATIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICE OVER THE TERRITORY.
"AS SUCH, I URGE THAT THE CONCERN OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TO REQUIRE THE MOST SENIOR DOCTOR IN THE A AND E DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND PREFERABLY IN THE A AND E DEPARTMENT BE IMPLEMENTED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE," DR IP ADDED.
-------o---------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17,
1987
- 9
CALL TO STRENGTHEN AMBULANCE SERVICE » » * * t
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER TO PROVIDE BETTER EQUIPPED AMBULANCES, A BETTER TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR AMBULANCE STAFF AND AN IMPROVED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM BETWEEN AMBULANCE AND HOSPITAL.
PROF. POON WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE.
HE SAID HE HAD CONSULTED HIS MEDICAL COLLEAGUES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND HE WAS OF THE OPINION THAT THE EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES IN AN AMBULANCE VAN WERE INADEQUATE AND SO WAS THE TRAINING OF THE AMBULANCE CREW.
HE ALSO SAID HE FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT THE VAN SHOULD HAVE REASONABLY SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND A CREW WHO KNEW HOW TO USE IT.
THERE SHOULD BE A BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE AMBULANCE CREW AND THE DOCTORS IN THE HOSPITAL, HE ADDED.
PROF. POON SAID AMBULANCE SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH PORTABLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) MACHINES AND DEFIBRILLATORS.
"IT SHOULD ALSO BE ALSO BE BETTER EQUIPPED IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSFER OF NEW BORN BABIES IN ORDER TO REDUCE COLD INJURY AND BREATHING DISORDERS OF THE BABIES.
"THEREFORE, PORTABLE INCUBATORS, MONITORS AND VENTILATORS SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT THE VERY SICK BABY IS STABILISED BEFORE AND DURING TRANSPORT TO HOSPITAL," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ALL AMBULANCES SHOULD BE AIR-CONDITIONED, BECAUSE IT WAS VERY HOT IN SUMMER.
PROF. POON SAID A DISTINCTION SHOULD BE CLEARLY DRAWN BETWEEN EMERGENCY AND ROUTINE AMBULANCE SERVICE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN TRANSFERRING CONVALESCENT PATIENTS, AN ORDINARY VAN WOULD SERVE THE PURPOSE ADEQUATELY.
"A FULLY-EQUIPPED AMBULANCE WOULD BE A WASTE OF RESOURCES IN THIS SITUATION. THIS WILL MAXIMISE THE EFFECTIVE USE OF AMBULANCE," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 19^7
10 -
TURNING TO THE TRAINING OF AMBULANCE CREW, PROF. POON SAID THE EXISTING LEVEL OF TRAINING WAS CONSIDERED BARELY ADEQUATE TO ENABLE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL TO RECOGNISE THE PATIENT’S CONDITION AND TO RENDER STABILISING TREATMENT ON THE SPOT, INCLUDING RESUSCITATION AND TO CONTINUE SUCH TREATMENT DURING TRANSPORT TO HOSPITAL.
HE SAID IT WAS DESIRABLE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SOME OF THE STAFF AND THE LEVEL OF TRAINING THEY RECEIVED.
“THEY SHOULD BE TRAINED TO HANDLE CLINICALLY URGENT CONDITIONS SUCH AS HEART RESUSCITATION AND SERIOUS TRAUMA,” HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS REQUIRING HEART-LUNG RESUSCITATION WAS VERY LARGE.
HE SAID TRAINING SHOULD INCLUDE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN THE TRANSFER OF NEW BORN BABIES TO HOSPITALS. THERE HAD BEEN GROSS DEFICIENCY OF TRAINED PERSONNEL IN THIS AREA.
TURNING TO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AMBULANCES AND HOSPITALS, PROF. POON SAID DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE AMBULANCE CREW AND DOCTORS IN AN EMERGENCY WARD MUST BE ESTABLISHED WHILE AN AMBULANCE SERVICE WAS BEING DELIVERED.
HE NOTED THAT IN NORTH AMERICA, FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AMBULANCE CREW AND HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTORS. THE CREW WOULD FUNCTION AS NURSE-PRACTITIONERS TO CONDUCT FIRST CONTACT ASSESSMENTS ON THEIR PATIENTS. THE EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTORS WOULD GIVE ORDERS OR ADVICE OVER THE PHONE FOR APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN.
-------0---------
PROBLEMS IN AMBULANCE SERVICES IDENTIFIED * t » ♦ ♦
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG SAID THAT THREE PROBLEM AREAS IN AMBULANCE SERVICES WERE MISUSE OF SERVICES, EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE GRADING OF AMBULANCE STAFF.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AMBULANCE SERVICE, MR TAM SAID THAT ’’MISUSE” OF AMBULANCE SERVICES HAD TWO MEANINGS, THE FIRST OF WHICH WAS UNLAWFUL USE AND THE SECOND WAS LAWFUL BUT IMPROPER USE.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17. 1987
11
HE NOTED THAT THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE STATED THAT THE DUTIES OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHALL BE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO CONVEY ANY PERSON WHO APPEARED TO NEED PROMPT OR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION TO A HOSPITAL OR OTHER PLACES WHERE MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS AVAILABLE.
HE SAID LAWFUL BUT IMPROPER USE COULD BE ILLUSTRATED BY A SIMPLE EXAMPLE: A PERSON SPRAINED HIS FINGER DURING A BALL GAME AND CALLED AN AMBULANCE TO CARRY HIM TO A BONE-SETTER.
THIS DID NOT VIOLATE THE LAW BUT JUDGING BY ORDINARY STANDARDS, THAT PERSON HAD MISUSED THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, MR TAM SAID.
"IF THIS SITUATION IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE UNCHECKED, WILL NOT THE MORALE OF THE AMBULANCEMEN AS PROVIDERS OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE BE AFFECTED?" HE QUESTIONED.
TURNING TO NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES, MR TAM SAID THAT ACCORDING TO DATA IN THE REPORT ON AMBULANCE SERVICES, BETWEEN 1975 AND 1985 NON-EMERGENCY CALLS HAD INCREASED PERSISTENTLY BY FIVE TIMES WHEREAS EMERGENCY CALLS HAD JUST MORE THAN DOUBLED DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
"GIVEN THE LIMITED RESOURCES, THE DRASTIC AND RAPID INCREASE OF DEMAND FOR NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES WAS BOUND TO RESULT IN A LOWERING OF THE QUALITY OF EMERGENCY SERVICES," HE SAID^
WITH THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES, THE AMBULANCEMEN WOULD HAVE TO SPEND LESS TIME AND EFFORT ON EMERGENCY SERVICES. THIS MIGHT DAMPEN THE ENTHUSIASM WHICH HAD AT THE OUTSET INSPIRED THEM TO TAKE UP THIS MEANINGFUL CAREER, HE ADDED.
ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE GRADING OF AMBULANCE STAFF, MR TAM SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE AMBULANCE SERVICE REPORT HAD CORRECTLY PROPOSED TO CREATE A LARGE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL AMBULANCE OFFICER POSTS, RUMOUR HAD IT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD AS A CONSEQUENCE DELETE ONE RANK FROM THE NON-OFFICER GRADE.
"IF THIS IS TRUE, IT WILL SERIOUSLY CURTAIL THE LATTER’S PROMOTION PROSPECT AND WOULD DEFINITELY DEPRESS THEIR MORALE," HE SAID. HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE ASSURANCES TO THE RANK AND FILE REGARDING THEIR PROMOTION PROSPECTS.
IN DEALING WITH THE MISUSE OF AMBULANCE SERVICES, MR TAM SAID IT WAS PARAMOUNT TO REVIEW THE ILL-DEFINED AREAS IN THE LAW SO AS TO PLUG THE LOOPHOLE ALLOWING "LAWFUL" MISUSE OF THE SERVICES, AND TO STEP UP INVESTIGATIONS INTO AND PROSECUTIONS OF UNLAWFUL USE OF THE SERVICES.
/AS TO .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 12 -
AS TO NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES, HE SAID THE HOSPITALS SHOULD CONSIDER THE USE OF MORE ECONOMICAL WAYS OF TRANSPORTING PATIENTS, SUCH AS USING VEHICLES SIMILAR TO THE "REHABUS" TO CONVEY LESS SERIOUS CASES.
"THEIR CO-ORDINATION WITH THE AMBULANCE COMMAND CENTRE SHOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED BY ARRANGING PRE-BOOKED RUNS IN SUCH A WAY THAT MORE PATIENTS MAY BE CARRIED IN ONE JOURNEY."
-------o --------
BILL TO SET UP THIRD UNIVERSITY INTRODUCED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BILL 1987 PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND INCORPORATION OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR PAGLIARI SAID IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE NEW UNIVERSITY TO BE INCORPORATED AS A LEGAL ENTITY SO THAT IT COULD TAKE ACTION WITH DUE LEGAL AUTHORITY.
HE SAID IT WAS THE ADVICE OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THAT THE LEGISLATION SHOULD PROVIDE A BALANCED FRAMEWORK FOR THE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF A MODERN PUBLICLY-FUNDED TECHNOLOGICAL UNVIERSITY THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR THE AUTONOMY OF THE UNIVERSITY ITSELF AND FOR THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF ITS TEACHING AND RESEARCH STAFF.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS BALANCE", MR PAGLIARI SAID, "IT REQUIRES A UNIVERSITY COUNCIL AS THE CENTRAL GOVERNING BODY WITH SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR STRATEGIC PLANS TO UNDERPIN ACADEMIC DECISIONS; A SENATE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REGULATING THE ACADEMIC CONTENTS AND STANDARDS OF THE UNIVERSITY; AND A VICE-CHANCELLOR WHO IS RECOGNISED NOT ONLY AS THE ACADEMIC LEADER BUT ALSO AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY."
MR PAGLIARI FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL SET OUT THE OBJECTS OF THE UNIVERSITY WHICH WERE TO PROVIDE FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS STUDIES.
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, JUi J 17, 19^7
- 13 -
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT, THE COUNCIL, THE SENATE, THE FACULTIES AND SCHOOLS AND THE CONVOCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY, HE SAID.
"SINCE IT IS INTENDED THAT THE NEW UNIVERSITY WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TECHNOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, EXPLICIT PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED ENABLING THE UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE ADVISORY, CONSULTANCY, RESEARCH AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES AND TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THESE POWERS WILL ENABLE THE UNIVERSITY TO UNDERTAKE MORE CONTRACT RESEARCH IN COLLABORATION WITH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND TO ACT AS AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL IN TRANSLATING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS INTO OUR INDUSTRIAL FABRIC.
"THE EARLY ENACTMENT OF THIS BILL REPRESENTS NOT ONLY AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN BRINGING THE NEW HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INTO BEING, IT ALSO SERVES TO DEMONSTRATE OUR COMMITMENT TO MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF OUR ECONOMY AND THE GROWING ASPIRATIONS OF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION FOR MORE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0---------
COVERAGE OF INSOLVENCY FUND TO BE EXTENDED
*****
THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE PROTECTION AFFORDED BY THAT ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE UP TO SEVEN DAYS WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE OR $2,000 WHICHEVER IS LESS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHALENGELO PAGL1ARI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR PAGLIARI SAID IT ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE COUNCIL TO VARY BY RESOLUTION THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE PAID OUT OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND TO AN APPLICANT.
HE SAID THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ALLOWED EMPLOYEES TO CLAIM WAGES DUE TO THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR EMPLOYER’S INSOLVENCY FROM THE FUND UP TO FOUR MONTHS' WAGES OR $8,000 WHICHEVER WAS THE LESS.
/"THBLd LIMITS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 198?
1*1
"THESE LIMITS WERE SET TO CONFORM WITH LIMITS LAID DOWN IN THE BANKRUPTCY AND COMPANIES ORDINANCES WHICH PROVIDE THAT ARREARS OF WAGES UP TO THESE AMOUNTS SHALL RECEIVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT AS DEBTS HAVING PRIORITY OVER OTHER CREDITORS’ CLAIMS, IN THE EVENT OF AN EMPLOYER’S BANKRUPTCY," HE ADDED.
MR PAGLIARI ALSO SAID THE EFFECT OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE PASSED IN 1985 WAS TO REMOVE THE WORKER FROM THE LEGAL ARENA IN WHICH CLAIMS ON A BANKRUPT EMPLOYER WERE SETTLED.
HE SAID THE EMPLOYEE NEEDED ONLY TO APPROACH THE FUND TO RECEIVE THE WAGES DUE TO HIM, AND THE FUND WOULD PURSUE THE EMPLOYER TO RECOVER THE AMOUNT DUE.
"IF THE FUND FAILED TO DO SO, IT WOULD CARRY THE LOSS, NOT THE EMPLOYEE FOR WHOM SUCH A LOSS MIGHT HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS INDEED," HE ADDED.
MR PAGLIARI SAID THE FUND PAID OUT $13.5 MILLION TO 5,890 EMPLOYEES AND $15 MILLION TO 5,813 EMPLOYEES IN ITS FIRST AND SECOND YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
HE SAID THE FUND WAS FINANCED BY A LEVY OF $100 PER ANNUM ON BUSINESS REGISTRATIONS AND ITS SIZE, THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE TO ASSIST WORKERS, HAD INCREASED FROM $39.5 MILLION AT THE END OF ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TO $68.1 MILLION AS AT MARCH 31, 1987.
HE ALSO SAID THE FUND WAS PROJECTED TO RISE TO $83.1 MILLION BY THE END OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S ACTIVITY, ASSUMING THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WAS INTRODUCED ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
"THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO REVIEW OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ORDINANCE AFTER ITS FIRST TWO YEARS OF OPERATION AS A RESULT OF WHICH TWO AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE BILL," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
"THE FIRST OF THESE REMOVES THE INFLEXIBILITY OF REQUIRING VARIOUS FORMS TO BE PRESCRIBED BY REGULATION AND PERMITS THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO APPROVE THE FORMS USED.
"THE SECOND AMENDS THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE AND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO REMOVE AN INCONSISTENCY WITH THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE WHICH ARISES BECAUSE OF THE TIME IT TAKES TO PRESENT WINDING UP OR BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS."
HE SAID BOTH AMENDMENTS WOULD OPERATION OF THE FUND.
HELP ENSURE THE EFFICIENT
/HR PAGLIARI........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 15 -
MR PAGLIARI SAID THERE WERE THOSE WHO WOULD HAVE THE AMOUNT OF WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, WHICH THIS BILL WOULD PROTECT, INCREASED TO A MONTH’S WAGES OR $2,000; AND THOSE WHO WOULD SEE OTHER WORKERS’ BENEFITS, SUCH AS SEVERANCE PAY AND HOLIDAY PAY, ALSO BROUGHT UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE FUND.
"THESE ARE ALL WORTHY AIMS BUT HONG KONG’S SUCCESS DERIVES FROM A COMBINATION OF INITIATIVE AND PRUDENCE; TO KNOW ONE’S GOAL BUT NOT TO LEAVE ONESELF EXTENDED AND VULNERABLE IN THE PURSUIT OF IT," HE SAID.
"ALTHOUGH THE SIZE OF THE FUND CONTINUES TO GROW, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT IT HAS ONLY BEEN IN OPERATION FOR TWO YEARS AND THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES THAT THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE."
MR PAGLIARI SAID A DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY RESULTING IN A GREATER NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES OR FEWER THAN FORECAST COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COULD PUT SEVERE PRESSURE ON THE FUND’S RESOURCES.
"IT IS IMPORTANT, THEREFORE, THAT THE FUND BUILDS UP A SOUND RESERVE DURING THE ECONOMY’S GOOD YEARS, SO THAT IT CAN PROTECT WORKERS’ INTERESTS WHEN TIMES ARE HARD,” HE SAID.
MR PAGLIARI ALSO SAID THE SUMS AVAILABLE IN THE FUND AND THE EFFECT OF THIS MEASURE ON THE FUND WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW, AND FURTHER EXTENSIONS OF THE COVERAGE OF THE FUND WOULD BE INTRODUCED AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMITTED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
GOVERNMENT TO TOP UP IMPROVEMENT COST
*****
THE COST-SHARING ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE NINE AIDED SCHOOLS TO INSTALL NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES DURING THE SUMMER VACATION IS IN LINE WITH THE LONG ESTABLISHED FUNDING POLICY REGARDING THE CAPITAL COSTS OF BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR AIDED SCHOOLS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DANIEL TSE, MR NENDICK SAID THE COMMITMENT OF $16.4 MILLION BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS INTENDED TO MEET 80 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS AND THE SCHOOL SPONSORS WOULD BE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE THE REMAINING 20 PER CENT.
/"THIS 80:20
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 198?
- 16 -
’’THIS 80:20 SPLIT IS IN LINE WITH LONG ESTABLISHED FUNDING POLICY,” STRESSED MR NENDICK.
”1 UNDERSTAND FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION THAT TWO OF THE NINE SCHOOLS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE NOISE ABATEMENT WORKS WHILE THE REMAINING SEVEN WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO MAKE A SMALL CONTRIBUTION, AMOUNTING TO $270,000," HE ADDED.
THE SHORTFALL OF SOME $3.8 MILLION WILL HAVE TO BE MET BY INCREASING THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY, SAID MR NENDICK.
"THIS IS BEING EXAMINED URGENTLY WITHIN GOVERNMENT AND A SUBMISSION WILL BE MADE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY," HE SAID.
--------0----------
LAND DEMARCATION BILLS IN THE PIPELINE ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BOUNDARY RECTIFICATION BILL AND THE LAND SURVEY BILL ARE BEING PREPARED, THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, MR BARNES SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE PRECISELY WHEN THESE BILLS WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL.
"BUT I WILL ENSURE THAT WE WORK TOWARDS THIS AIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, OTHER MORE URGENT LEGISLATION NOTWITHSTANDING.
"MEANWHILE, WHILST IT DOES TAKE SOME MONTHS FOR A BOUNDARY TO BE RECTIFIED, I DO NOT THINK THE SITUATION IS CURRENTLY INTOLERABLE," MR BARNES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A BOUNDARY RECTIFICATION WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED IN MARCH 1986 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR CHARLES YEUNG, AND WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
ITS REPORT SUBMITTED IN JUNE 1986 HAD BEEN ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE AND DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS WERE ALSO BEING PREPARED.
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/17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 17 -
FUTURES TRADERS BAN ON * *
COMMISSION TO BE LIFTED tit
A BILL SEEKING TO ENABLE THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMODITY FUTURES TRADERS TO THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED THE STRINGENT RESTRICTION ON MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AND COMMITTEES AND ON APPOINTED AUDITORS UNDER SECTION 12(1) OF THE ORDINANCE UNNECESSARY.
MR NENDICK ALSO SAID THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION WERE TO ADVISE ON MATTERS RELATING TO TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS, TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, AND TO SUPERVISE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LTD.
"GIVEN THE SPECIALISED NATURE AND INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF COMMODITY FUTURES, THE APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMISSION OF PERSONS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN FUTURES TRADING WOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO THE COMMISSION AND TO THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FUTURES INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, UNDER SECTION 12(1) OF THE ORDINANCE, NO PERSON WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED UNDER OR WHO IS EMPLOYED IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE SHALL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY EFFECT ANY TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS OR PARTICIPATE IN ANY OPERATION OR TRANSACTION RELATING TO TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS," MR NENDICK ADDED.
"THIS HAS CREATED DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING SUITABLE PERSONS TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION," HE SAID.
WHILE NOTING THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH RESTRICTION RELATING TO THE SECURITIES COMMISSION IN THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, HE SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD ENABLE THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FUTURES TRADERS TO THE COMMISSION.
"HOWEVER, PUBLIC OFFICERS EMPLOYED IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROHIBITED FROM TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES CONTRACTS." HE ADDED.
"GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE COMMODITIES MARKET AND BASED ON THE COMMISSION’S EXPERIENCE, MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE UNLIKELY TO BE PRIVY TO PRICE-SENSITIVE INFORMATION BY VIRTUE OF THEIR OFFICIAL POSITION," HE SAID.
/MR NMJDICK
WEEKEEDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 18 -
MR NENDICK ALSO SAID THE SAME APPLIED TO MEMBERS OF OTHER COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND AUDITORS APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING TO AUDIT DEALERS’ ACCOUNTS, WHO WERE ALSO COVERED BY SECTION 12(1).
"AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ANY IMPROPER USE OF INFORMATION, IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT SECTION 11(1) OF THE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO PROHIBIT ANY PERSON FROM USING INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE COURSE OF EXERCISING ANY DUTIES OR FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR. GAIN OR AVOIDANCE OF LOSS, EITHER ON HIS OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER," HE ADDED.
- - 0-----------
COUNCILLORS URGED TO REPORT INTIMIDATION TO POLICE
*****
ANY COUNCILLORS SUBJECT TO INTIMIDATION OR ASSAULT IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES SHOULD REPORT THE FACT IMMEDIATELY TO THE POLICE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE POLICE WOULD CONDUCT A VIGOROUS INVESTIGATION WITH A VIEW TO PROSECUTING THE OFFENDERS IN COURT.
"AS REGARDS PREVENTING SUCH INCIDENTS OF INTIMIDATION OR ASSAULT, THANKFULLY THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND REGIONAL COUNCILS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS VERY SMALL," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE THREE INCIDENTS WHICH HAD CAUGHT PUBLIC ATTENTION IN THE LAST TWO YEARS IN FACT RESULTED FROM COUNCILLORS FULFILLING THEIR PUBLIC DUTIES.
"BUT IF WE DO FIND EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY IN FUTURE, WE WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT OTHER STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO PROTECT COUNCILLORS," MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
/19
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 19 -
TRIADS RESPONSIBLE FOR 20 PER CENT OF DETECTED BLACKMAIL CASES * » » » *
ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF ALL DETECTED BLACKMAIL CASES REPORTED FROM 1984 TO MAY 1987 WERE TRIAD RELATED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS RITA FAN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IT COULD BE REASONABLY SURE OF A TRIAD BACKGROUND ONLY IN DETECTED CASES OF BLACKMAIL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHERE THE CASE WAS REPORTED BUT NOT DETECTED, IT COULD NOT TELL WHETHER OR NOT TRIADS HAD BEEN INVOLVED.
WITH REGARD TO THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS INSTITUTED BY P . POLICE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID VIRTUALLY ALL DETECTED CASES WERE PROSECUTED. IN ADDTION, THERE WOULD BE OTHER CASES WHERE BLACKMAIL WAS SUBORDINATE TO ANOTHER CHARGE SUCH AS WOUNDING OR ASSAULT.
"IN SUCH CASES ONLY THE MORE SERIOUS CHARGE WILL BE REFLECTED STATISTICALLY," HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID DETAILED STATISTICS OF THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS AND THE SENTENCES IMPOSED WERE NOT AVAILABLE PRIOR TO JULY 1986 WHEN THE NEW STANDARD LAW AND ORDER STATISTICAL SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED.
ACCORDING TO THE JUDICIARY’S STATISTICS, HE SAID THAT THERE WERE 215 OFFENDERS CONVICTED FROM A TOTAL OF 383 WHO WERE ON PRINCIPAL CHARGES OF BLACKMAIL FROM JULY 1986 TO MARCH 1987, REPRESENTING A CONVICTION RATE OF 56.1 PER CENT.
HE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF OFFENDERS CONVITED AND THOSE WHO WERE SENTENCED DURING THE PERIOD WAS DIFFERENT BECAUSE SOME OF THOSE CONVICTED OF BLACKMAIL AS THE PRINCIPAL CHARGE IN FACT RECEIVED A LONGER SENTENCE FOR A SUBORDINATE CHARGE OF, SAY WOUNDING. THUS THE BLACKMAIL SENTENCE WOULD NOT BE REFLECTED IN THE STATISTICS, HE ADDED.
-------C - - - -
/2O........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
20
STEPS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF ♦ ♦ *
HEAVY VEHICLES OUTLINED ♦ i
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS INDICATE THAT THE ACCIDENT RATE OF LORRIES AND CONTAINER TRUCKS IS THE LOWEST AMONG THE VARIOUS TYPES OF MOTOR VEHICLES BOTH IN TERMS OF DISTANCE TRAVELLED AND THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS PER VEHICLE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR LEUNG SAID DESPITE THE RELATIVELY GOOD SAFETY RECORD, THE GOVERNMENT WAS BY NO MEANS COMPLACENT AND HAD TAKEN VARIOUS STEPS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF THESE VEHICLES.
’’THESE FALL INTO TWO MAIN ASPECTS, CONTROL AND EDUCATION, HE SAID.
ON CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT, HE SAID WHILE POLICE ENFORCEMENT MEASURES WERE REGULARLY TAKEN AGAINST UNSAFE LOADING AND OVERLOADING,INSTALLATION OF ROADSIDE WEIGHBRIDGES AT KEY POINTS OF THE ROAD NETWORK WAS BEING CONSIDERED TO TIGHTEN UP CONTROL AGAINST OVERLOADING.
NOTING THAT GOODS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1978 WERE AT PRESENT REQUIRED TO UNDERGO ANNUAL ROAD-WORTHINESS INSPECTION, MR LEUNG SAID COMPULSORY ANNUAL INSPECTION WOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL GOODS VEHICLES BY 1990 AFTER THE OPENING OF KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.
"TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CONTAINER TRUCKS, LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1984 REQUIRING THE DRIVERS OF ALL ARTICULATED VEHICLES TO HAVE A LICENCE APPROPRIATE FOR THAT CLASS OF VEHICLE," HE SAID.
"TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF INJURY IN ACCIDENTS, CONSIDERATION IS NOW BEING GIVEN TO REQUIRE MORE HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES TO BE FITTED WITH GUARDS AT THE SIDES AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT PEDESTRAINS AND SMALLER VEHICLES GOING UNDERNEATH THESE VEHICLES IN ACCIDENTS."
ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, MR LEUNG SAID THE ROAD USERS* CODE TO BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS MONTH WOULD CONTAIN A SECTION ADVISING GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS SAFE PRACTICES IN DRIVING, LOADING AND OPERATING GOODS VEHICLES.
HE ALSO SAID A PROVISIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE LOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES HAD BEEN COMPILED IN CONSULTATION WITH GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS AND ISSUED LAST MONTH FOR WIDER COMMENT AND CONSULTATION.
MR LEUNG SAID THE CODE, WHICH EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED SAFE PRACTICES FOR THE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES AND THE SAFE CARRIAGE OF PERSONS ON THESE VEHICLES, WAS INTENDED TO BE PUBLISHED AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR AFTER CONSULTATION HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
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/21
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 19^7
21
EMERGENCY WARDS ADEQUATELY COVERED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ALL ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS HAVE ALREADY BEEN UNDER THE CONSTANT SUPERVISION OF A SENIOR DOCTOR OF AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL PRACTICE,PREFERABLY IN AN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, IN THE DAY SHIFTS,THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS FOLLOWED A RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON HEALTH SERVICES IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
FULL COVERAGE IN THE NIGHT SHIFTS WAS NOT YET POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF MANPOWER SHORTAGES, HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE STANDARD OF EMERGENCY CARE AS SENIOR STAFF ARE READILY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION WHEN REQUIRED.
"WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATION AND AS SOON AS MORE SENIOR DOCTORS ARE AVAILABLE, THE NIGHT SHIFTS WILL ALSO BE COVERED," MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
- 0 -
ACCIDENTS ON PRIVATE ROADS NOT WIDESPREAD ♦ * ♦ ♦
THERE IS AT PRESENT NO INDICATION THAT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY ON PRIVATE ROADS AND CAR PARKS ARE OCCURRING ON A LARGE SCALE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT ONLY MAINTAINED COMPLETE AND SEPARATE RECORDS ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED ON PUBLIC ROADS.
"IT WILL TAKE A LONG TIME AND WILL INVOLVE CONSIDERABLE MANPOWER TO IDENTIFY FROM THE POLICE RECORDS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED ON PRIVATE ROADS AND CAR PARKS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
"IT IS PROBABLY NOT COST-EFFECTIVE TO CONDUCT SUCH A RESEARCH," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IF A PERSON WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF A DRIVER’S NEGLIGENCE HE MIGHT SUE THAT DRIVER FOR DAMAGES. ’’THIS RIGHT EXISTS REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURS," HE SAID.
"IF HOWEVER, THE ACCIDENT OCCURS ON A PRIVATE ROAD OR IN A PRIVATE CAR PARK AND THE DRIVER’S POLICY OF INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER HIM, HIS ONLY AVENUE FOR COMPENSATION IS TO RECOVER THE DAMAGES AWARDED BY THE COURT FROM THE DRIVER," HE ADDED.
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/22
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 19&7
22
LORD GLENARTHUR REPLACES RENTON *****
LORD GLENARTHUR HAS TAKEN OVER. FROM MR TIMOTHY RENTON AS THE MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG.
COMMENTING ON HIS APPOINTMENT, LORD GLENARTHUR SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO BE TAKING UP THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG.
LORD GLENARTHUR NOTED THAT HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS RESPONSIBILITY AT THE PRESENT VERY SENSITIVE TIME IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, AND LOOKED FORWARD TO VISITING HONG KONG AND MAKING DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE PEOPLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE FOLLOWING ARE BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON LORD GLENARTHUR:
LORD GLENARTHUR WAS APPOINTED MINISTER OF STATE AT THE SCOTTISH OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1986. HE HAD SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK, THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS AND TOURISM. HE ALSO ACTED AS DEPUTY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND AND IS SCOTTISH OFFICE SPOKESMAN IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
PREVIOUSLY, LORD GLENARTHUR WAS PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE HOME OFFICE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRISONS AND THE FIRE SERVICES IN ENGLAND AND WALES, AND FOR UK RELATIONS WITH THE CHANNEL ISLANDS AND THE ISLE OF MAN. BESIDES BEING THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL HOME OFFICE MATTERS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS HE WAS ALSO A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ON DEFENCE IN THE LORDS.
SIMON MARK ARTHUR, 4TH BARON GLENARTHUR, WAS BORN IN 1944 AND SUCCEEDED TO THE TITLE IN 1976. HE WAS EDUCATED AT ETON AND SERVED IN THE 10TH ROYAL HUSSARS (PRINCE OF WALES’S OWN) FROM 1963 TO 1975 WHEN HE RETIRED AS A MAJOR. FROM 1976 TO 1982 HE WAS A PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER PILOT WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS HELICOPTERS, AND IS A MEMBER OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT.
HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT WHIPS OFFICE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS IN JUNE 1982 AND WAS A SPOKESMAN ON EMPLOYMENT, DEFENCE, INDUSTRY, HOME AFFAIRS AND THE TREASURY. HE WAS PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY FROM 1983 UNTIL HE MOVED TO THE HOME OFFICE IN MARCH 1985.
LORD GLENARTHUR AND HIS WIFE SUSAN HAVE A SON AND A DAUGHTER AND LIVE NEAR BANCHORY.
HIS RECREATIONS INCLUDE FIELD SPORTS, FLYING AND GARDENING.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 23 -
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED t » » » »
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION CONTINUED TO IMPROVE DURING FEBRUARY TO APRIL THIS YEAR WHEN COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1987 WAS 2 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 1987. THE RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1986 WAS 3.2 PER CENT.
THE DECREASE OF 1.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN FEBRUARY - APRIL 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 51,100, LESS THAN THE FIGURES OF 54,600 FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 1987 AND OF 85,400 FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING APRIL 1986.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1987 WAS 0.9 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 1.2 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 1987. THE RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1986 WAS 2.2 PER CENT.
THE DECREASES OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTH PERIOD AND OF 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR FEBRUARY -APRIL 1987 WAS 24,800, LESS THAN THE FIGURES OF 31,700 FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 1987 AND OF 57,700 FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING APRIL 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 (E.G. 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 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1?8?
-
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 MARCH - MAY 1987 WAS 1.6 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.1 PER CENT. (THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY -APRIL 1987 WAS 1.8 PER CENT.)
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEDPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 51,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE 1LO.
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 AT $9.50 PER COPY.
-----0------
HK-SWEDEN TEXTILES PACT SIGNED t t t * t
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A NEW FIVE-YEAR BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT HAS BEEN INITIALLED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWEDEN. THE CURRENT AGREEMENT EXPIRES ON AUGUST 31, 1987.
UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT THREE CATEGORIES OF CLOTHING PRODUCTS (TRACKSUITS, SHORTS AND CORSETS) WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER RESTRAINT WILL BE LIBERALISED AS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1987. A FOURTH CATEGORY (BATHING SUITS) WILL BE LIBERALISED IN 1990.
/IN ADDITION, ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 19&7
- 25 -
IN ADDITION, SOME SPECIFIC ITEMS, FOR EXAMPLE OVERCOATS AND MEN’S SUITS, IN OTHER CATEGORIES WILL BE REMOVED FROM RESTRAINT.
THERE ARE IMPROVEMENTS IN GROWTH RATES AND FLEXIBILITY FOR THE 14 CATEGORIES WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS. THE GROWTH RATES BECOME PROGRESSIVELY HIGHER DURING THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT.
NEGOTIATIONS ON THE NEW AGREEMENT BEGAN IN HONG KONG ON JUNE 11 AND CONTINUED OVER THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND. THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE. THE SWEDISH DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY, MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR STANISLAW PATEK.
’’THIS IS A BETTER AGREEMENT THAN ITS PREDECESSOR. WHILE I CANNOT WELCOME ANY RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG'S EXPORTS, I CERTAINLY DO WELCOME THIS EVIDENCE OF SWEDEN'S MORE LIBERAL POLICY ON TEXTILE TRADE”, MR SZE SAID.
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FOCUSING ON DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT
*****
BUILDING OWNERS AND TENANTS SHOULD ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR PROPERTY TO SAFEGUARD THEIR OWN INTERESTS, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, MR CHENG SAID THE PROBLEM OF MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS HAD ALWAYS BEEN A CONCERN FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE CAUSES OF BUILDING DETERIORATION ARE MANY,” HE SAID, "BUT A PRIME REASON SEEMS TO LIE IN THE FACT THAT PROPERTY OWNERS DO NOT ALWAYS OBSERVE THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT (DMC) WHICH STIPULATE THE OBLIGATIONS IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
"MOREOVER, THEY OFTEN CANNOT AGREE ON A CONSENSUS ABOUT THE COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE IN MANAGEMENT AND ON THE POOLING OF RESOURCES FOR RENOVATION,” HE SAID.
/HR CHENG
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 26 -
MR CHENG SAID THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT WOULD DETERIORATE WHEN THE BUILDINGS WERE OCCUPIED MOSTLY BY TENANTS WHO WERE NOT INTERESTED IN PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY.
THERE ARE ABOUT 1,300 PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT AND SOME 900 WERE BUILT BEFORE 1965 IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS.
THESE BUILDINGS HAVE GIVEN RISE TO A HOST OF ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES, SUCH AS HEALTH HAZARDS, OBSTRUCTION TO FIRE ESCAPES, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND DILAPIDATION OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURE.
A BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WAS SET UP IN THE DISTRICT IN 1985 TO ENHANCE OWNERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT, CO-ORDINATE GOVERNMENT EFFORTS AND CARRY OUT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO EFFECT IMPROVEMENT.
"IN THE TWO YEARS, THE TEAM HAS EFFECTED VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS TO 65 BUILDINGS WHICH HAD BEEN TARGETTED FOR ATTENTION.
"IT IS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE TEAM’S PROPOSALS WERE IMPLEMENTED. AND ONE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS WAS THAT THE TEAM MANAGED TO RECTIFY SOME 70 ILLEGAL STRUCTURAL DEFECTS TO A BUILDING," MR CHENG SAID.
BESIDES PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO MANAGEMENT BODIES, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND LEGISLATION REGARDING BUILDING MANAGEMENT, HE SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING AMENDING THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE TO SIMPLIFY THE FORMATION OF AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION. THUS 20 PER CENT OF THE OWNERS MAY APPLY TO THE SECRETARY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO LAYING DOWN A SET OF GUIDELINES FOR THE DMC TO BE APPLIED TO NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS APPROVED SINCE EARLY 1986.
"THE GUIDELINES SEEK TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF PROPERTY OWNERS AND STIPULATE VARIOUS MANAGEMENT MATTERS, INCLUDING THE TENURE OF OFFICE OF A MANAGEMENT AGENT APPOINTED BY THE DEVELOPER; THE RESTRICTIONS IN CHARGING FEES; THE LIABILITY IN COLLECTION OF MANAGEMENT FEES; COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR BUILDINGS AND THE LISTING OF COMMON AREAS," HE SAID.
DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE GUIDELINES AND THE AMENDMENTS, HE ADDED.
/TO ENCOURAGE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 27 -
TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN MANAGEMENT WORK, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ORGANISING A LARGE SCALE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSATE, MR CHENG SAID.
"THE CAMPAIGN, TO BE LAUNCHED FROM JULY 11 TO AUGUST 8, WILL OFFER A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
"THERE WILL BE A TWO-WEEK EXHIBITION, A SYMPOSIUM AND SEMINARS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH AREA COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATION," HE ADDED.
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FISHERMEN COMPLETE NAVIGATION TRAINING
* * * *
SEVEN FISHERMEN WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED CERTIFICATES AFTER COMPLETING AN INTENSIVE 3-MONTH FULL-TIME COURSE ON NAVIGATION TRAINING.
THE INTENSIVE COURSE, THE 35TH ORGNISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1960, PROVIDES FISHERMEN WITH TRAINING ON INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, KNOWLEDGE ON ADMIRALTY CHARTS, DEAD RECKONING, ACCIDENT PREVENTION, FIRST AID AND USE OF NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, THE DEPARTMENT'S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID THE FISHING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG WAS NOW UNDERGOING RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND MANY FISHING VESSELS WERE BEING INSTALLED WITH MORE POWERFUL ENGINES AND EQUIPPED WITH MODERN HULL DESIGN, FISHING GEAR AND NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENYT.
HE SAID: "TO COPE WITH THE OFFSHORE FISHING REQUIREMENTS, THE NAVIGATION TRAINING COURSE IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP FISHERMEN NAVIGATE THEIR VESSELS CORRECTLY AND SAFELY TO GOOD FISHING GROUND."
SO FAR, 319 FISHERMEN FROM 35 CLASSES HAVE COMPLETED THE COURSE.
APART FROM NAVIGATION COURSE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ORGANISES COURSES ON COXSWAIN TRAINING, ENGINEER TRAINING, RADIO-TELEPHONY AND FISHERIES BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR FISHERMEN.
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/28........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION TO MEET
*****
THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE 13TH MEETING OF THE COMMISSION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDA (JUNE 19)
THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR.
- 0 -
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DEREGISTERED * * * ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF TWO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THEIR OWN REQUESTS UNDER SECTION 31 (2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
THEY ARE YICK YUEN FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AND SAI SHING INVESTMENT & FINANCE LIMITED.
KC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW *****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE 1987/88 PROGRAMME AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $560,000 TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS WHICH INCLUDE $320,000 TO CONSTRUCT THREE SITTING-OUT AREAS AT CHUN MAN COURT, VALLEY ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE.
/IN THE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 29 -
IN THE MEETING SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS MARINE POLLUTION IN THE HUNG HOM SEAFRONT, MUD SEEPAGE AT SUNG KIT STREET NEAR THE TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION, INTERRUPTION OF FLUSH WATER SUPPLY AT WHAMPOA ESTATE AND ODOUR AT A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN DUNBAR ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
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HAI TAN STREET BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED A PRE-WAR BUILDING AT 194, HAI TAN STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID RECENT INSPECTION TO THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING SHOWED THAT THE KITCHEN BLOCK AND THE REAR PART OF THE MAIN BUILDING, WHICH WAS CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOF ON LOAD BEARING WALLS, WERE VERY DILAPIDATED.
THE REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS AND LINTELS AT THE KITCHEN BLOCK AND THE REAR PART OF THE MAIN BUILDING ARE BADLY CRACKED. THE STEEL STRUCTS, USED TO SUPPORT THE KITCHEN FLOORS, ARE ALSO HEAVILY CORRODED.
IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THE BUILDING AS THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE OF THE KITCHEN BLOCK AND THE REAR MAIN WALL WHICH ARE BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JULY 15 WAS POSTED ON THE BUILDING TODAY.
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/3O........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1987
- 30 -
FISH NURSERY SITE TO LET
*****
A FISH NURSERY SITE AT SOK KWU WAN, LAMMA ISLAND, IS BEING LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
IT HAS AN AREA OF 1,170 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR FIVE YEARS, RENEWABLE ANNUALLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 10.
------0-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WESTERN
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND WHITTY STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 20) FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
THE EXISTING TRAM LANE RESTRICTION ON THE EASTBOUND TRAM I RACK OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 349 AND 367 WILL BE LIFTED BUT VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST INTO WHITTY STREET.
IN ADDITION, A 30-METRE STRETCH OF WHITTY STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FOR ACCESS TO THE CARPARK IN WHITTY STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PARKING METERS AND MOTOR CYCLE PARKING SPACES ON WHITTY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
CONTENTS PhGE NO.
AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE PROTECTION OP WOMEN AND JUVENILE ORDINANCE............................................... -I
FURTHER MEASURES ON RENT CONTROL PROPOSED ............. 4
TUEN MUN NULLaE SOON TO BE AN ASSET ................... 5
GOVERNOR TOURS TUEN MUN ............................... f>
TEXTILE QUOTA GROUPS TO MERGE ......................... 8
PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH COMPUTER STUDIES . 8
GRADUATION OF TEACHERS REFRESHER COURSES .............. 7
UNREGISTERED PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS TO BE AVOIDED ................................................. 9
WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED ........... 10
SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER .................... 11
SHA TIN DB TO COLLECT VIEWS CN GREEN PAPER ............ 11
CS VISITS CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEP^RTbJiT ....... 12
SINGAPOREAN BAND ARRIVES IN HK ........................ 15
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED ............................ 1j
UPGC SECRETARIAT ON THE MOVE .......................... 1A
ROaD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL................................ 14
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
1
AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILE ORDINANCE t * » t »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO JFDATE AND STREAMLINE THE EXISTING PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR ’ANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH TODAY (THlHSDAY) SAID THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WERE PROPOSED BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP LAST NOVEMBER FOLLOWING PUBLIC AND MEDIA INTEREST IN THE KOWK AH-NUI CASE AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON WELFARE SERVICES.
"THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL aND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, NOTED THAT THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE HAD UNDERGONE VARIOUS PIECEMEAL AMENDMENTS SINCE ITS ENACTMENT IN 1951 AND HAD OVER THE YEARS SHIFTED ITS FOCUS FROM THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FROM PROSTITUTION AND OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION TO THE PROTECTION OF JUVENILES AND CHILDREN IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE WORKING GROUP FOUND THAT A NUMBER OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WERE OUTDATED AND OTHERS SELDOM USED AND THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE COMPREHENSIVELY REVIEWED, HAVING REGARD TO THE CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES AS WELL AS THE PROVISIONS OF OTHER RELATED ORDINANCES.
"AS THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO COMPLETE, THE WORKING GROUP CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY FOR CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO B'-' ENACTED URGENTLY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE PRESENT PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PROVIDES FOR CARE PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN TO PROCEED IN HIS ABSENCE, PROVIDED THAT ONE OF HIS PARENTS OR HIS GUARDIAN IS PRESENT OR HAS BEEN FORMALLY NOTIFIED OF THE COURT HEARING IF HIS WHEREABOUTS IS KNOWN.
THE JUVENILE COURT WILL ALSO BE GIVEN THE DISCRETION TO REQUIRE ANY CHILD OR JUVENILE CONCERNED TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT IF THIS IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, A CHILD MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE ON WHETHER HE WAS IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION. "THIS REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPEAR TO SERVE ANY USEFULL PURPOSE IF THE CHILD IS TOO YOUNG EITHER TO EXPRESS A VIEW OR FOR HIS VIEWS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE COURT. IT MAY ALSO BE A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE FOR A YOUNG CHILD IF THE CASE IS CONTESTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE POINTED
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
2
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE PROVISION IN THE JUVENILE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE WHEREBY SEVEN YEARS WAS ACCEPTED AS THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY. "THE WORKING GROUP CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE REASONABLE FOR A CHILD AGED SEVEN OR ABOVE, WHO IS OLD ENOUGH TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OWN ACTIONS, BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD IN CARE PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF HIS OWN WELL BEING," HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE JUVENILE COURT TO INCLUDE IN SUPERVISION ORDERS REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF SUPERVISED PERSONS (ANY CHILD OR JUVENILE WHO IS NOT BEING ADEQUATELY TAKEN CARE OF WITHIN HIS FAMILY COULD BE PLACED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE UNDER A SUPERVISION ORDER).
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE CHILDREN AND JUVENILES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO RECEIVE PROMPT MEDICAL TREATMENT WHENEVER NECESSARY. THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE CHILDREN AND JUVENILES TO BE DEALT WITH UNDER THIS PROVISION WOULD BE FORMALLY NOTIFIED OF THE COURT HEARING AND BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS BEFORE THE COURT. THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE DULY CONSIDERED BEFORE THE COURT ISSUED THE SUPERVISION ORDER.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL NOT AFFECT THE RIGHTS OF A JUVENILE WHO HAS THE CAPACITY TO GIVE CONSENT TO THE TREATMENT HIMSELF," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE JUVENILE COURT IS EMPOWERED TO INCLUDE IN SUPERVISION ORDERS SUCH REQUIREMENTS AS TO RESIDENCE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE MENTAL CONDITION OF THE SUPERVISED PERSON AS IT CONSIDERS NECESSARY. THERE IS NO MENTION IN THE ORDINANCE OF MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE SUPERVISED PERSON.
"THIS HAS CAUSED SOME DIFFICULTIES, ESPECIALLY IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE UNCO-OPERATIVE PARENTS REFUSE TO GIVE CONSENT FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT OR EVEN TO UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THEY HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES. IT HAS ALSO PROVED TO BE DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE PARENTS ARE MENTALLY UNBALANCED OR HANDICAPPED. WITHOUT SUCH CONSENT, THE SUPERVISED CHILD OR JUVENILE MAY BE DEPRIVED OF THE NECESSARY MEDICAL TREATMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO AMEND THE PRESENT PROVISION TO ALLOW A CHILD WHO, IN THE OPINION OF ANY PROBATION OFFICER, ANY PERSON AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, OR ANY POLICE OFFICER OF THE RANK OF STATION SERGEANT, IS IN NEED OF URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION OR TREATMENT TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO A HOSPITAL INSTEAD OF TO A "PLACE OF REFUGE".
AHE PRKSUJT ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
THE PRESENT ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT A PROBATION OFFICE;:, ANY PERSON AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, OR A POLICE OFFICER OF THE RANK OF STATION SERGEANT MAY TAKE A CHILD OR JUVENILE WHO APPEARS TO BE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION TO A "PLACE OF REFUGE” DECLARED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDl^E TO THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (PLACES OF REFUGE) ORDER. HOSPITALS ARE NOT AT PRESENT INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE A CHILD WAS SUSPECTED OF HAVING BEEN ABUSED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT OR EXAMINATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER HE HAD SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WHEN PARENTAL CONSENT FOR THE CHILD TO RECEIVE SUCH TREATMENT COULD NOT BE OBTAINED, THE CHILD COULD ONLY BE TAKEN TO A "PLACE OF REFUGE" IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO A HOSPITAL AFTERWARDS BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE PLACE OF REFUGE. "THIS PROCEDURE IS CUMBERSOME AND MAY NOT BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD SHOULD HE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE HOSPITAL CARE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO AMEND THE POWER OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO ENTER PREMISES BY FORCE.
UNDER THE PRESENT ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OR AN AUTHORISED OFFICER, IS EMPOWERED TO ENTER PREMISES BY FORCE IF NECESSARY IN PURSUANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. "THIS POWER HAS BEEN USED VERY SPARINGLY, HOWEVER, IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE KWOK AH-NUI INCIDENT AND AFTER CONSIDERING PROVISION IN THE ENGLISH LAW WHICH REQUIRES A WARRANT TO BE ISSUED BY A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE BEFORE DOMESTIC PREMISES CAN BE ENTERED BY FORCE IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCE, IT WAS THEN PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO MAKE IT NECESSARY FOR THE DIRECTOR TO OBTAIN A WARRANT FROM A MAGISTRATE, JUVENILE COURT OR DISTRICT COURT BEFORE ENTERING ANY PREMISES BY FORCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OTHER PROVISIONS REGARDING PEACEFUL ENTRY, SEARCH, AND REMOVAL OF ANY FEMALE, CHILD OR JUVENILE AT RISK TO A PLACE OF REFUGE, ARE STILL CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND WILL BE RETAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE HONG KONG FAMILY LAW ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND ALL SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS. THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT ALSO SUPPORTS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED ON JUNE 26 AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 8.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE BILL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, 7/F CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD OR TO OMELCO, AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
0
A
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
FURTHER MEASURES ON RENT CONTROL PROPOSED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED FURTHER MEASURES ON RENT CONTROL FOLLOWING AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WORKING OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE AND AN ASSESSMENT OF MARKET CONDITIONS DURING 1986.
THESE MEASURES, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 8, INCLUDE:
* INCREASE FROM 30 TO 35 TIMES THE STANDARD RENT FOR THE PERMITTED RENT OF PRE-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES; AND
♦ THE EXTENSION BY TWO YEARS OF THE LIFE OF PART II OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE FROM DECEMBER 19, 1987 TO DECEMBER 18, 1989.
IN ANNOUNCING THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN PERMITTED RENT OF PRE-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT RENTS OF PRE-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES ARE CONTROLLED BY REFERENCE TO THOSE PAYABLE AS AT DECEMBER 25, 1941 TERMED THE "STANDARD RENT". WHEN
MULTIPLIED BY A FACTOR, THIS GIVES THE PERMITTED RENT, PROVIDED THAT IT DOES NOT EXCEED THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT. THE PROPOSED INCREASE RAISES THE FACTOR FROM LAST YEAR’S 30 TO 35.
EXCLUDING RURAL VILLAGE HOUSES, THERE ARE SOME 1,860 PRE-WAR DOMESTIC UNITS EFFECTIVELY UNDER CONTROL AS AT THE END OF 1986. RAISING THE FACTOR FROM 30 TO 35 WOULD RESULT IN AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF ABOUT 17 PER CENT OR $190 PER MONTH, ON CURRENT PERMITTED RENT, BRINGING SUCH RENTS TO ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENT.
IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THIS PROPOSAL WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 10 WHEN IT WILL BE GAZETTED.
AS REGARDS THE EXTENSION OF PART II, THE SPOKESMAN SAID PART II OF THE ORDINANCE IS DUE TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 18, 1987.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE LIFE OF PART II BY TWO YEARS WILL CONTINUE THE DUAL PROTECTION OF RENT CONTROL AND SECURITY OF TENURE TO ABOUT 180,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR SOME 650,000 PERSONS.
DESPITE A SERIES OF ADJUSTMENTS TO THE RENT INCREASE SYSTEM WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF NARROWING THE GAP BETWEEN CONTROLLED RENTS AND PREVAILING MARKET RENT AND THE CURRENT STABILITY OF THE MARKET, THE DISPARITY BETWEEN CONTROLLED AND PREVAILING MARKET RENTS CONTINUES. THEREFORE THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY TO PROPOSE TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THIS LEGISLATION FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
- 5 -
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THIS PROPOSED EXTENSION WOULD NOT JEOPARDISE THE SUPPLY OR AVAILABILITY OF NEW ACCOMMODATION FOR LETTING, SINCE NEW BUILDINGS AND FRESH LETTINGS ARE EXCLUDED FROM PART II CONTROLS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THESE PROPOSED CHANGES CAN SEEK HELP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
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TUEN MUN NULLAH SOON TO BE AN ASSET ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT SOMETHING WAS NOW BEING DONE TO TACKLE THE POLLUTION PROBLEM IN TUEN MUN NULLAH AND IT SHOULD BE AN ASSET RATHER THAN A LIABILITY FOR THE NEW TOWN IN THE 1990’S.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF HIS VISIT TO TUEN MUN, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE TWO SORTS OF POLLUTION, ONE WAS INDUSTRIAL AND THE OTHER ANIMAL WASTE.
’’AND I’VE BEEN TOLD -- AND IT’S VERY VERY ENCOURAGING — THAT THE INDUSTRIES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAUSING SOME OF THE POLLUTION BY INDUSTRIAL WASTE GOING STRAIGHT INTO THE WATER NULLAHS, HAVE ALL AGREED TO TAKE MEASURES TO DEAL WITH IT. THAT WILL HELP A LOT,” HE SAID.
THE ANIMAL WASTE WOULD HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH OVER A LONGER TIME, SIR DAVID ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS TACKLING THE POLLUTION PROBLEM IN TWO WAYS. ’’ONE IS TO DEAL WITH INDUSTRIAL WASTE, AND THAT’S WHERE INDUSTRIAL WASTE PIPES HAVE BEEN WRONGLY CONNECTED TO WHAT SHOULD BE RAIN WATER SEWAGE SYSTEM. THE SECOND IS ANIMAL WASTE, FOR WHICH LEGISLATION IS BEING BROUGHT IN TO DEAL WITH IT.”
’’INEVITABLY, THAT WOULD TAKE SOME TIME, BUT WE ARE GOING AT IT AND WE WILL GO ON WORKING AT IT,” HE ADDED.
ASKED WHY IT TOOK SO LONG TO CLEAN UP THE NULLAH, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS PROBABLY BECAUSE PEOPLE HAD BEEN CONCENTRATING THEIR ATTENTION ON OTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
/"I IMAGINE
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
“I IMAGINE IT’S BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATING THEIR ATTENTION ON A LOT OF OTHER THINGS. IF YOU LOOK AROUND YOU, YOU CAN SEE THE IMMENSE AMOUNT OF DEVELOPMENT GOING ON, THAT HAS PROBABLY CONCENTRATED PEOPLE’S ATTENTION.”
’’WHEN YOU’VE GOT TO A CERTAIN STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, THEN YOU CAN START TRYING TO TIDY UP AND DEAL WITH THINGS LIKE ENVIRONMENT AND POLLUTION,” HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMPARE THE POLLUTION PROBLEM WITH THAT IN YUEN LONG, SIR DAVID SAID THAT BOTH NULLAHS WERE SERIOUS POLLUTION AREAS. ’’THEY ARE BOTH AREAS WHERE EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION AND WHERE EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO IMPROVE IT.
’’BUT IN BOTH CASES, IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO GET THE SORT OF STANDARD THAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE,” HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON HIS VISIT TO TUEN MUN, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THE OLD PARTS OF THE AREA AND THE NEW PARTS WERE BEING BROUGHT TOGETHER.
”AND OBVIOUSLY THAT CREATES SOME PROBLEMS WHEN YOU DEVELOP A NEW TOWN, LIKE POLLUTION AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
“BUT IT’S VERY ENCOURAGING INDEED TO SEE HOW MUCH HARD WORK IS BEING PUT IN TO SOLVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS,” SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED WHY HE CHOSE TO VISIT THE VILLAGE OF LUNG KWU TAAN SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY INTERESTED TO SEE RURAL LIFE IN A TRADITIONAL VILLAGE WHICH WAS ON THE EDGE OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROBLEMS IT FACED.
"I WAS VERY INTERESTED TO SEE IT. IT’S A BEAUTIFUL AREA," HE SAID.
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GOVERNOR TOURS TUEN MUN ♦ * ♦ * *
TODAY AND
T1IF GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON ' (THURSDAY) VISITED TUEN MUN TO LEARN ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS S? DEVELOPMENTS OF THE STILL GROWING NEW TOWN.
MR THE
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY, NEW TERRITORIES, A Tnrvrira rv HF1TCOPTER TO TUEN MUN FROM HMS TAMAR. ON WA^TO THE NEW TOWN, THE PROJECT MANAGER. NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR SW CHUEn! GAVE A BRIEFING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
/QU ARRIVAL
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
ON ARRIVAL AT THE CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION, THEY WERE MET BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT. THEY THEN DROVE TO LUNG KWU TAAN AND WERE GREETED BY THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR LAU SZE-CHUEN.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT WITH A POPULATION OF 960, THE VILLAGE WAS ONE OF THE UNSPOILED AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE TERRITORY. AFTER WALKING THROUGH THE VILLAGE AND TALKING TO SOME LOCAL RESIDENTS, THE PARTY WENT TO THE WU KING AND BUTTERFLY ESTATES.
ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, MR ANTHONY HUI, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WERE BRIEFED ON THE BROAD RANGE OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN THE ESTATES.
THEY THEN WENT TO THE ROOF OF WU BOON HOUSE TO HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CASTLE PEAK BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AND ADJACENT DEVELOPMENTS. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR RONALD CROSS, BRIEFED SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON ON LAND MATTERS AND POLLUTION CONTROL ISSUES.
ON THE WAY TO THE ESTATE’S COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND MARKET, THE GOVERNOR DROPPED IN AT A DB MEMBER'S WARD OFFICE AND A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY-BUILDING WORK AND THE FUNCTION OF THESE OFFICES.
AT THE PUI TO ROAD BRIDGE, MR SIU TOLD THE GOVERNOR ABOUT A RECENT EXERCISE TO ABATE INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION OF THE TUEN MUN NULLAH.
AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE YAN 01 TONG, THE LARGEST COMMUNITY CENTRE IN THE DISTRICT, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE MET BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SHUE; THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR LO CHI-CHUNG, AND THE OTHER DIRECTORS. THE TONG IS A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
DURING THE TOUR OF THE TONG’S FACILITIES, WHICH INCLUDED THE GAMES HALL, LIBRARY, ELDERLY CENTRE AND NURSERY, THE GOVERNOR TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS.
AT THE END OF THE TOUR, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION IN THE DANCE STUDIO AND MET DB MEMBERS, COMMUNITY AND RURAL PERSONALITIES AND THE TONG’S DIRECTORS.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
- 8 -
TEXTILE QUOTA GROUPS TO MERGE * * * * *
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) AGREED TO COMBINE TWO GROUPS OF TEXTILE CATEGORIES WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID THAT A REVIEW OF GROUP D, COTTON, WOOL AND MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS, AND OF GROUP E, SILK BLEND AND OTHER VEGETABLE FIBRE SWEATERS, HAD BEEN MADE.
THIS HAD SHOWN THAT IT WOULD BE LOGICAL TO COMBINE THE TWO GROUPS BOTH FROM THE POINTS OF VIEW OF PRODUCTION AND QUOTA HOLDING PATTERNS WHICH WERE SIMILAR.
THE BOARD, THEREFORE, ADVISED, AND IT WAS DECIDED, THAT THE TWO GROUPS SHOULD BE COMBINED FROM THE START OF 1988, HE SAID.
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PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH COMPUTER STUDIES ♦ * t ♦ i
TO EXPLORE WAYS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE SUBJECT OF COMPUTER STUDIES IN SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR FOR SOME 200 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON JULY 4 (SATURDAY) .
COMPUTER STUDIES TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AT THE HALL OF THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 21 SASSOON ROAD, POKFULAM, IN THE MORNING OF JULY 4.
THE SEMINAR WILL FEATURE TALKS ON THE CODE OF ETHICS OF A COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL BY THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER STUDIES, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, DR N. V. BALASUBRAMANIAN, AND ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTER PIRACY BY A BARRISTER-AT-LAW, MR PAUL P. L. CHAN.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, COMPUTER EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MONDAY (JUNE 22).
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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
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GRADUATION OF TEACHERS REFRESHER COURSES * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE 10TH REFRESHER COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND OF THE SECOND REFRESHER COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS AT THE INSTITUTE ON FRIDAY (JUNE 19).
THE CEREMONY WILL COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF AN END-OF-COURSE EXHIBITION OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING MATERIALS PREPARED BY COURSE PARTICIPANTS.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. MR Y. T. LI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT THE INSTITUTE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAY (JUNE 20) AND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY (JUNE 22) TO THURSDAY (JUNE 25).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT 21ST FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, AT 2 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 19) .
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UNREGISTERED PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS TO BE AVOIDED t » t ♦ ♦
STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE SERVICES OF UNREGISTERED PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOLS OR INSTITUTIONS WHICH MAY BE OPERATING IN PREMISES WHERE THERE IS RISK TO STUDENTS IN THE EVENT OF FIRE AND MAY BE EMPLOYING UNQUALIFIED TEACHERS.
THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND CONSUMER COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON HOW TO SELECT A PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT TO USE THE SUMMER VACATION EITHER TO MAKE A HEAD START WITH THEIR STUDIES IN THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR OR TO CATCH UP WITH THOSE SUBJECTS IN WHICH THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO WELL IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR.
/A SPOKESMAN
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 198?
10
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO USE THE SERVICES OF A PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOL REGISTERED UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE BECAUSE PROVISIONS IN THE MAIN ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT A SCHOOL CONDUCTS ITS ACTIVITIES IN SUITABLE PREMISES WITH QUALIFIED TEACHERS AND IN A PROPER AND SATISFACTORY MANNER.
"ONE CAN TELL WHETHER OR NOT A PRIVATE TUTORIAL ESTABLISHMENT HAS BEEN REGISTERED AS A SCHOOL BY LOOKING FOR THE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE WHICH THE OPERATOR OF A REGISTERED SCHOOL IS REQUIRED TO DISPLAY IN HIS PREMISES,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IF ONE IS IN DOUBT, HE SHOULD CHECK WITH THE REGISTRATION SECTION AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 5-8392292 OR THE NEAREST DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE.
WAN CHAI ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT C ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF 233-243 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI, IS TO BE CLOSED SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON AUGUST 20 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WANTS TO CLOSE IT TO AVOID DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF PUBLIC.
DEMOLITION WILL BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
11
SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER * * » *
SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE POLICY ON MARICULTURE AND THE PROPOSED MARICULTURE ZONES IN SAI KUNG.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE - MR WAN YUET-KAU, THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND TnE APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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SHA TIN DB TO COLLECT VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER
*****
SHA TIN RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A BETTER INSIGHT INTO THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT FROM A SERIES OF EIGHT BRIEFING SESSIONS TO BE HELD AT VARIOUS AREAS OF THE DISTRICT BEGINNING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ORGANISED BY A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE BRIEFING SESSIONS WILL FORM PART OF THE FIRST PHASE OF A THREE-STAGE PROGRAMME TO SOUND OUT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS SET OUT IN THE GREEN PAPER.
THEY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 8 PM BETWEEN JUNE 19 AND 27 AT THE POK HONG COMMUNITY HALL, LUNG HANG ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SUN TIN WAI COMMUNITY HALL, MEI LAM PUBLIC SCHOOL, SHA KOK COMMUNITY HALL, LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND SKH LAM KAU MOU SECONDARY SCHOOL.
/DISTRICT BU.'iRD
12
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL BE AT HAND TO HELP EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS OPTIONS IN THE GREEN PAPER AND RECORD RESIDENTS' VIEWS WHEN NECESSARY.
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A LARGE-SCALE SEMINAR AT THE END OF JULY IN WHICH COMMUNITY LEADERS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER.
DURING THE THIRD PHASE, A DISTRICT SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED ALONG WITH VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS.
CHAIRED BY DR FANNY CHEUNG, THE WORKING GROUP ON THE "FEN PAPER COMPRISES 16 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WITH A BUDGET OF ABOUT $76,000.
- C -
CS VISITS CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) MET SENIOR STAFF OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS ITS WORK WHEN HE VISITED THE DEPARTMENT'S HEADQUARTERS AT EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
HE WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DR K.F. NIP ON ARRIVAL AND WAS BRIEFED ON MAJOR PROJECTS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN OR PLANNED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION UNDER THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
HE ALSO VIEWED DISPLAYS ILLUSTRATING THE WORK OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, WHICH INCLUDES THE HEADQUARTERS, PLANNING AND DESIGN DIVISIONS.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
SINGAPOREAN BAND ARRIVES IN HE * * t * »
THE NATIONAL THEATRE SYMPHONIC BAND OF SINGAPORE HAS ARRIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT.
THE 50-MEMBER BAND WILL HAVE MUSIC EXCHANGE WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
DURING ITS STAY IN HONG KONG, THE BAND WILL GIVE THREE CONCERTS INCLUDING ONE COMMUNITY CONCERT AT NEW TOWN PLAZA ON SUNDAY FROM 11.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND TWO LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT THE LANDMARK AND ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY.
THE BAND MADE ITS DEBUT APPEARANCE ON THE SINGAPORE MUSIC SCENE IN 1978. SINCE THEN, IT HAS DEVELOPED INTO AN ACTIVE AND MORE PROFICIENT GROUP OF MUSIC MAKERS, BRINGING TO MUSIC LOVERS A GREAT VARIETY OF CLASSICAL, FOLK, POPULAR AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC.
THE BAND BASICALLY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AMATEUR MUSICIANS TO MEET TOGETHER AND MAKE MUSIC. THE MEMBERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, MEETING TWICE A WEEK FOR REHEARSALS.
IT WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CONCERT TO BE PERFORMED BY THE NATIONAL THEATRE SYMPHONIC BAND OF SINGAPORE AT NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN FROM 11.30 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SUNDAY.
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED
*****
THE MAXIMUM LIMITS OF WEIGHT AND SIZE FOR SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES WILL BE INCREASED FROM MONDAY (JUNE 22), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR A SPEEDPOST ITEM WILL BE INCREASED FROM 15 KILOGRAMS TO 20 KILOGRAMS AND THE MAXIMUM SIZE EXTENDED TO 1.5 METRES IN LENGTH AND 3 METRES FOR THE LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINED.
/"SPEEDPOST SERVICE
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1987
SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES, MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES AT 5-8471108.
UPGC SECRETARIAT ON THE MOVE ♦ * * » t
THE SECRETARIAT OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE CURRENTLY HOUSED IN THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL MOVE TO SUITE 202, 2ND FLOOR, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG AND COMMENCE OPERATION ON JUNE 22, 1987.
HOWEVER, THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF UPGC, WHICH ADMINISTERS THE TWO SCHEMES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG AND THE U. K., WILL STILL BE LOCATED AT THE PRESENT ADDRESS AT GROUND AND MEZZ* FLOORS, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
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ROAD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL » ♦ » » »
HARBOUR VIEW STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 20).
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF AN ESCALATOR FOR THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE STREET. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NO AMJESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS......................... 1
GOVERNMENT POSITION ON GREEN PAPER 'ALREADY CLEAR' ....... 2
LAND COMIISSION AGREES ON LAND COST ...................... 2
BENELUX COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(0) ........................ 2
PETITION TO WIND UP INSURANCE COMPANY .................... 3
SECOND CANINE RABIES CASE CONFIRMED ...................... 4
MEN BORN IN 1967/68 TO GET NEW I.D. CARDS................. 4
APRIL ORDERS-ON-HaND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT..... 7
SECOND PHh.SE STUDY ON BEACH WATER POLLUTION BEGINS....... 10
PROVISIONAL REGISTER OF LEGCO ELECTORS FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION 11
BOOMING BUSINESS FOR GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED DESIGN COMPANY... 12
BILL TO IMPROVE MATERNITY LEAVE PROPOSED ................. 15
PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION ............................. 16
SUSPENSION OF IDENTITY CARD SERVICES...................... 17
HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STRESSED........... 19
PEN PAL POSTCARD CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP 20
RESEARCH ON LANGUAGE TEACHING ............................ 21
FREE POSTGRALiMES TO VOICE VIEWS ON GREEN PaPER........... 21
SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR WORKING PEOPLE....................... 22
NORMAL POSTAL SERVICES TO THE UK RESUMED.................. 23
NEW MEMBER APPOINTED TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD .......... 23
AXLE 'WEIGHT MARKINGS ON GOODS VEHICLES A MUST ........... 24
NEW ROADS FOR TAI PO, JUNK BAY PROPOSED................... 24
CLOSURE OF SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDERPASS.................... 25
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON FORT STREET ................ 25
FRIDAY , JUNE 19, 1987
1 -
NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FOR DEALING WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHEN HE VISITED ARMY UNITS ON THE BORDER TO SEE HOW THEY PERFORM ANT1-II DUTIES.
"THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: THE GOVERNMENT WILL STICK FIRMLY TO ITS POLICY OF SENDING BACK ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF CHANGING THIS POLICY," SIR DAVID STRESSED. "THOSE WHO WISH TO COME AND LIVE IN HONG KONG MUST COME LEGALLY."
SIR DAVID WAS VISITING AN ARMY PLATOON BASE IN PAK FU SHAN.
"1 AM VERY IMPRESSED BY THE ENORMOUS EFFORTS MADE BY THE BRITISH FORCES IN ENFORCING OUR ANTI-II POLICY ALONG THE BORDER," HE SAID. "THIS WORK IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE IF WE ARE TO KEEP THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM UNDER CONTROL IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID FLEW TO PAK FU SHAN BY HELICOPTER FROM SHEK KONG, WHERE HE VISITED THE 28 SQUADRON OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE 48 GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY COMMANDER OF THE 48 GIB, BRIGADIER RAY PETT, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE LATEST ANTI-II SITUATION.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED PER DAY THIS YEAR WAS 67 , 42.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. A TOTAL OF 7,807 WERE ARRESTED ON THE LAND BORDER SO FAR THIS YEAR.
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE PLATOON BASE, SIR DAVID WAS SHOWN THE SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY USED TO DETECT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON THE BORDER, INCLUDING A THERMAL IMAGER, AN IMAGER INTENSIFIER AND THE FENCE PROTECTION SYSTEM, AN ALARM SYSTEM WHICH CAN IDENTIFY THE EXACT SPOT WHERE AN ATTEMPT IS BEING MADE TO CUT THE FENCE OR CLIMB OVER IT.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON HOW ARMY PATROL TEAMS AND QUICK REACTION FORCES WORK TOGETHER WITH ARMY DOGS AND NITESUN-EQU1PPED HELICOPTERS IN ROUNDING UP ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
BEFORE FLYING BACK TO HMS TAMAR BY HELICOPTER, SIR DAVID TOURED THE BORDER ROAD BETWEEN PAK FU SHAN AND SHA TAU KOK. HE STOPPED AT SEREVAL STRATEGIC POINTS AND OBSERVATION POSTS EN ROUTE WHERE HE SPOKE TO SOLIDERS ON DUTY AND TRIED OUT THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
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GOVERNMENT POSITION ON GREEN PAPER ’ALREADY CLEAR*
*****
’’THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE GREEN PAPER AND ALL THE OPTIONS IN IT HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE VERY CLEAR,” THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THIS IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS BEFORE ATTENDING A LUNCHEON WITH OMELCO MEMBERS.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON MR LI HOU’S REMARKS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM, SIR DAVID SAID: ”1 DON’T COMMENT ON OTHER PEOPLE’S COMMENTS.”
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LAND COMMISSION AGREES ON LAND COST *****
THE SINO-BRIT1SH LAND COMMISSION HELD ITS THIRTEENTH MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR IS 1IK$1,625 PER SQUARE METRE.
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BENELUX COUNTRIES RECOGNISE BN(O) ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE COUNTRIES OF THE BENELUX (I. E. BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS AND LUXEMBOURG) HAVE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED THE BN(O) PASSPORT.
THEY HAVE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT IT SHALL RECEIVE A TREATMENT EQUAL TO THE BDTC PASSPORT. THIS WILL MEAN THAT FOR A VISIT NOT EXCEEDING THE PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, NO VISA. WILL BE REQUIRED.
IN RESPONSE TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY BENELUX COUNTRIES REGARDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE BN(0) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH IT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEWS IS WELCOMED, PARTICULARLY THE FACT THAT BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS WILL, AS IN THE CASE OF BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS, BE PERMITTED TO VISIT BENELUX COUNTRIES FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS WITHOUT A VISA.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE COMMISSION OF NIGERIA AND CONSULATE OF FINLAND THAT THEIR GOVERNMENTS HAVE DECIDED TO RECOGNISE THE BN(O) PASSPORT.
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FIRDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 3 -
PETITION TO WIND UP INSURANCE COMPANY » » » t t
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY, HAS TODAY PRESENTED A PETITION TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF STANDFAST INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED.
THE COMPANY IS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG AND CARRIES ON GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS INCLUDING FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE. IT ALSO CARRIES ON INSURANCE AGENCY BUSINESS ON BEHALF OF OTHER INSURERS.
THE DATE FOR THE HEARING OF THE PETITION HAS BEEN FIXED ON JULY 27, 1987.
THE COURT HAS APPOINTED THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO BE THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF THE COMPANY.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL SAID THAT THIS ACTION WAS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY’S POLICY HOLDERS, POTENTIAL POLICY HOLDERS AND OTHER CREDITORS.
THE GROUNDS FOR THE WINDING-UP, AS STATED IN THE WINDING-UP PETITION, WERE BASICALLY THAT THE COMPANY HAD FAILED TO MEET THE SOLVENCY REQUIREMENT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND HAD NOT KEPT PROPER BOOKS OF ACCOUNT. HE ADVISED CLAIMANTS UNDER POLICIES ISSUED BY THE COMPANY AS AGENT FOR OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES TO TAKE UP THEIR CLAIMS WITH THOSE INSURANCE COMPANIES DIRECT.
IN ANOTHER STATEMENT, MR GLEESON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER, INDICATED THAT WHEN THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE HAS LOOKED FURTHER INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY, HE WILL DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS, CLAIMANTS AND CREDITORS.
POLICY HOLDERS AND OTHER CREDITORS OF THE COMPANY WHO HAVE ANY QUERIES REGARDING THEIR POLICY OR POSITION IN THIS WINDING-UP SHOULD CONTACT MR JOSEPH MOK OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE ON 5-8622486 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
- - 0----------
/4........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 4 -
SECOND CANINE RABIES CASE CONFIRMED ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE SECOND INDIGENOUS CANINE RABIES CASE THIS YEAR WAS CONFIRMED LATE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO HAVE OCCURRED IN KAM SHEUNG ROAD NEAR SHEK TAU WAI, PAT HEUNG IN YUEN LONG.
THE CASE WAS UNCOVERED FOLLOWING THE DELIVERY OF THE CARCASS OF A BROWN FEMALE CHOW TO THE SHEK WU HUI GOVERNMENT KENNEL BY THE POLICE TWO DAYS AGO AFTER BEING CLUBBED TO DEATH BY VILLAGERS FOR HAVING BITTEN TWO PEOPLE.
EXAMINATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED LATE THIS AFTERNOON THAT THE DOG WAS A RABID ANIMAL.
RABIES CONTROL TEAMS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WERE IMMEDIATELY MOBILISED TO THE SCENE TO SEARCH FOR, AND ROUND UP UNLICENSED DOGS.
MEANWHILE, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS TRYING TO LOCATE THE VICTIMS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FULL DETAILS OF THE CASE AND THE DESIGNATION OF A NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS BRIEFING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 12 NOON AT AFD HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
PRESIDING AT THE BRIEFING WILL BE THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), DR THOMAS YIP, AND THE SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG.
------0-------
MEN BORN IN 1967/68 TO GET NEW I.D. CARDS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MEN BORN IN 1967 AND 1968 WILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM JULY 1 TO AUGUST 28 UNDER THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, "MEN BORN WITHIN THIS PERIOD ARE THE FIRST MALE AGE GROUP TO BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME".
/’’THE RE-ISSUE.......
FKIMY, JUNE 19» 1987
"THE RE-ISSUE SCHEME WILL BE PHASED OY ER A I 1/2 YEAR PERIOD AND GROUPS OR PEOPLE KILL BF CALLED FORWARD TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY (ARDS ACCORDING TO THEIR YEAR OF BIRTH YND SEX," HE ADDED.
Ill' KENT ON TO EXPL YIN THAT HIE NEW IDENTITY CARDS To BE ISSUED FROM JULY I, 1987 WOULD REFLECT THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE HOLDER, THAT IS, WHETHER OR NOT HE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
•THE RI Gill OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS AND HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY (IIK< I) TO BE ISSUED FROM JULY 1, 1987," HE SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD (PH ) TO ENABLE A RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT TO BE INCLUDED IN HIE BN(<>) PASSPORTS YND IIKU I TO BE ISSUED FROM JI LY 1, 1987", HE ADDED.
DETAILS OF THE DATA CONTAINED IN THE NEW FORM OF IDENTITY (ARD AND ITS FEATURES WILL BF ANNOUNCED \T Y LYTER STAGE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, "PERSONS WHO ARE DEFINED AS 'HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS' WILL BF ELIGIBLE FOR Y PIC."
UNDER Till IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, THF FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE DEFINED AS "HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS":
(Al PERSONS WHO ARI OF CHINESE RACE AND HAYE AT ANY TIME BEEN ORDINARILY' RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS;
IB) PERSONS WHO YRE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS BY VIRTUE OF A CONNECTION KITH HONG KONG. E.G. BY BIRTH, NATURALIZATION OK REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACTS; AND
(( ) I ERSONS WHO ARE COMMONWEALTH < ITIZENS AND Kilo IMMEDIATELY BEFORE JANUARY I, 1983 HAD THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 8(1 ICY) OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AS THFN IN FORTE.
IERSONS WHO DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WILL BF ISSUED WITH AN IDENTITY CARD CH 1 WHICH WILL NOT INCLUDE A STATEMENT THAT THE HOLDER HAS THF RIGHT Ol ABODE IN HONG KONG.
ANYONE WHO IS CALLED FORWARD TO EXCHANGE FOR THF NEW CARD SIIOl l.D GO TO ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY ' YRD ISSUE OFFICES.
FROM JI LY I, 1987, THF NEW l.D. (ARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 8.00 AM TO 9.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS YND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
/TlifilH ADDRESSES......
7UMY. JUNS 1% 1967
THEIR ADDRESSES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. TEL. NO. 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD. TEL. NO. 3-7553679
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. 3-7232442
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. 0-4981259
SHATIN SHAT IN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108
YUEN LONG ; HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-793291
TVEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAV, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-927155
FOK GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION OF NEW 1.0. CARDS, THE PUBLIC IS WELCOMED TO USE A PHONE-IN-SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 5-8909393 (ENGLISH) AND 5-8956066 (CHINESE).
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO CONTACT THE INFORMATION OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, ON 3-7333111.
--------0----------
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 7 -
i
APRIL ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT *****
' [
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS' OF MONTI’ IN THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN APRIL i9> ' WAS THE SAME AS THAT IN MARCH THIS YEAR, BUT INCREASED COMPAR'D <1TH APRIL LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING APRIL 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH ' LAST YEAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES. HOWEVER, THE C 'DIRS POSITION IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELE' 'RONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE REPORTED IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND f-ABR’LAIED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE SLIGHT INCREASES WERE Ri-.i RT! IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS IE 'JSTPIF*7
I
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN APRIL 1987 PPED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987 AND APRIL 1986. COMPARE!
MARCH 1987, THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDI ' XS RECORDED SOME INCREASES IN EMPLOYMENT, WHILE THE WEARING APPARIL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME DECREASES. COMPARED WITH' APRIL '986, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED, WHILE THAT IN ALL OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED INCREASED.
BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE (MANUFACTURIM I SECTOR INCREASED IN APRIL 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987 AND APRIL 1986. COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED IN MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED BUT DECREASED IN THF. FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. COMPARED WITH APRIL 1986, ( SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE ' TEXTILES, FABRICATED IAI PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
’• J
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL IN APRIL 1987 REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, B' I' '.'Ek CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SLIGHTLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ALL INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1986.
s
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN APRIL 1987 WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN MARCH 1987, BUT PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED. AMONG THE VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS, PARTICULARLY LARGE INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN HOTELS AS SOME OF THEM ISSUED BONUSES. COMPARED WITH APRIL 1986.OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS INCREASED, AS DID PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS. AMONG THE SERVICES SECTORS, BANKS RECORDED Till' MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1986.
/THE PERCENTAGE .......
t.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
8 -
c
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT ANT PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 AND 2 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 SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
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 \ USEFUL INDICATION 01 THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE ECONOMI IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR APRIL 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, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 5-8234820. *
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INCREASES OVER
FOR APRIL 1987 MAR.87 APR.86
(MONTH) (%) (%)
ALL INDUSTRIES 4.51 ' ♦ 2
WEARING APPAREL 4.95 1 6
TEXTILES 2.83 -4 5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.89 -4 -8
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.54 -4 22
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.04 1 -2
OTHERS 4.40 ♦ 3
/TABLE 2 j
FRIDAY, JUNS 19, 1987
1 ABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
1 JNDCSTRX /SER\ ICES -'ERSONS ENGAGED XT THE PER CAPITA earnings
END OF APRIL 1987
INC RE ASI OVER INI REASE OVER
MAR . 8 7 XPR.86 IN APR.87 MAR. 87 APR.86
——————— — — — _
manufacturing ( % ) (%) (HK$) (%) (%)
- 1 3,690 3 1 4
FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES 1 _ I 4 - 1 4,115 3,136 5 1 5 13
PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL 1 1 4 -8 1 3,908 3,471 4 8 20 15
PRODUCTS 3,45 3 19
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ♦ -1 3 , 199 6 17
PRODUCTS OTHERS -1 2 4,817 1 7
CONSTRUCTION# ♦ 7 5,156 -1 12
SERVICES * 2 6,253 3 9
BANKS i 5,808
HOTELS I 3 1 1
PUBLIC UTILITIES 1 1 4 , 275 1 1 6
OTHERS 1 6,377 6 8
1 a 7,144 -4 8
♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
* PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONI \ • SITP uywutdc NOTF^um}1?™8” LABOVR-°NLV SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED. ■ AVFRAOF FwnDvc0N"HAND 'ND "PER ‘ VPITA EARNINGS" WHICH ARE * Gt . ' 1GLRES' T,,E TOTAL NUMBER 01 PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE
r ouKVEi ED IS NOT MEAN INGFUL 1NFORMATION ON ITS OWN
( BE' Al SE THIS I S A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN •
- 0-----------
/10
r .
I R I MAY , JI NE 19, 1987
- 10 -
SECOND PHASE STUDY ON BEACH WATER POLLUTION BEGINS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Till- SECOND PHASE Ol* \\ INTENSIVE STUDY ON THE LINE Bl TWEEN SWIMMING IN HONG KONG’S PopULXR BFAC Ill’S AND DISEASE 'I* Sl’KNESS WILI ST AR I THIS WEEKEND INI II OCTOBER.
THE STI DY I S COMHCTED BYTIIE l-.NV IRON-MENIAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPIO XND THE COMMUNITY MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OE HONG KONG.
THE FIRST PHASE OE HIE I’HRb E-PHASE PROJECT WAS ‘ o.NDVi TED IN SUMMER LAST YEAI . Till ULTIMATE XIN Ol Till WHOLE PROJECT IS To PROVIDE SOUNDER DESIGN UR ITER IV AND JI ST I F I U Vf LON I OR IMPLEMENTING MAJOR POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECTS EOK’ PRO Th< I I N» i BATHING BEACHES.
\N I-PI) SPOKESMAN SAID I'HF OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT PHASE ARE TO HELP SETHEALTH-RELATED W XTER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOK THE BATHING BEACHES OF HONG KONG IN THE LIGHT oF LOC XL CONDITIONS; 1’0 SEE WHETHER SWIMMING IN ‘BARELY AC C ‘EPTABLI ■" BEACHES POSES HIGHER HEALTH RISKS THAN SWIMMING IN “RELVI’IX FLY UNPOLLl TED“ BEAC HES; XND TO ELUCIDATE THE VARIOUS FACTORS (E.G. UDE AND BATHER’ Nl MBERS I WHICH CAUSE THE DAILY AND HOI RIA VARIATIONS IN THE LEVELS OF MICROBIAL INDIC ATORS AT BATHING BEACHES.
'HIE STI DIES KILL BE UNDERTAKEN VI NINE VERY POPULAR BEACHES, NAMELV I KEPI LSI- BAX , DEEP WATER BAY, STANLEY MAIN, SHEK O, OLD CAFETERIA, NEW CAFETERIA, BUTTERFLY, LI Do XND (LEAR WATER BAX 2ND BE AC II.
VLL FIELD STUDIES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN XT WEEKENDS. THE STUDIES WILL COMMENCE AT SHEK O BEACH AND STANLEY MAIN BEACH THIS WEEKEND.
X TOTAL OF 25 STUDENTS FROM THE INIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN RECRUITED TO CONDUCT I NTERV I EWS Al THE BATHING BEACHES. THEY WILL XLSO CONTACT THE RESPONDENTS BX TELEPHONE WITHIN 21 HOURS, AND ABOUT ONI WEEK AFTERWARDS. THE BEACH GOERS WILL Bl ASKED WHETHER THEY HAVE DEVELOPED ANY SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESSES AFTER VISITING Till- BEACHES.
AROUND 70,000 SWIMMERS AND NON-SWIMMERS AT Till- NINE BEACHES WILL BE INTERVIEWED IN THE STUDY THIS SUMMER. THE BACKGROUND ILLNESS RATES OF Till- LOCAL POPULATION WILL ALSO BE MEASURED BX RANDOM TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS.
IN PXRALLEL WITH BEACH INTERVIEWS, SC IENTISTS IN THE EPD WILL INTENSIVELY MONITOR THE WATER QUALITY AT THOSE BEACHES AT WHICH STI DIES ARE TO BE ( XRRIED OIT DURING HIE WEEKENDS. WATER SAMPLING WILL BE TAKEN AT TWO-HOUR INTERVALS AND SIX MICROBIAL INDICATORS OF BEACH WATER POLLUTION WILL BE TESTED.
/AROUND 1,000 .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19» 1987
AROUND 1,000 BEACH WATER SAMPLES WILL BE COLLECTED AND ,000 MICROBIAL TESTINGS CARRIED OUT. THE PURPOSE IS TO ESTABLISH THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LEVELS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AND UI EASE IN SWIMMERS.
A PRELIMINARY REPORT WILL BE PREPARED BY LATE 1987 AND MORE DETAILED STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE HUGE AMOUNT OF DATA OBTAINED WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNTIL MID-1988 FOR A FULL REPORT TO BE PRODUCED BY THEN.
THE EPD SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE BEACH GOERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE INTERVIEWERS CONNECTED WITH THIS STUDY, WHO WILL BEAR SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION. BANNERS WILL \LSO BE POSTED AT THOSE CjiES WHERE INTERVIEWS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT.
IF THE PUBLIC HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES, THEY SHOULD CONTACT TEE COMMUNITY MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (ON 5-8199280) OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (ON 3-7216526).
-------o----------
PROVISIONAL REGISTER OF LEGCO ELECTORS FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION * » » » *
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS FOR 1987 WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM TODAY (FRIDAY' UP TO JULY 1 AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION EXPLAINED THAT THE PUBLICATION OF THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER SERVED TWO PURPOSES. "IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE APPLI." TC REGISTER TO CHECK WHETHER THEIR PARTICULARS HAVE BEEN ACCURATELY RECORDED.
"IT ALSO ALLOWS THE PUBLIC TO OBJECT, ON VAILD GROUNDS, TO THE INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF THE NAME OF ANY ORGANISATION OR INDIVIDUAL. AN OBJECTION SHOULD BE PUT ON A SPECIFIED FORM AND LODGED WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER BY JULY 6," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT LATE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION FROM ELIGIBLE ORGANISATIONS OR PERSONS MIGHT ALSO BE MADE DURING THE PERIOD ENDING JULY 1.
ALL SPECIFIED FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 12 -
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE NAMES OF ADDED TO THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER DURING REGISTRATION PERIOD FROM APRIL 15 TO MAY 6.
611 NEW ELECTOR. THIS YEAR’S T’M
MEANWHILE, THE NAMES OF 549 ELECTORS WERE PROVISIONAL REGISTER, A MAJOR PORTION BEING PERSONS BE VOTING MEMBERS OF SPECIFIED REPRESENTATIVE ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG.
OMITTED FROM WHO HAD CEASuD ORGANISATIONS
THE TO
OR
COMPARED WITH THE 1986 REGISTRATION FIGURE, ELECTORS LISTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORAL BY 62 TO 42,926.
THE NUMBER OF ROLL INCREASED
A COMPARISON OF THE 1987 PROVISIONAL REGISTER AND 1 REGISTER IS AS FOLLOWS:
PROVISIONAL REGISTER
1987
FINAL REGISTER
1986
NO. OF ELECTORS IN ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES 437 » ! 4 36
NO. OF CORPORATE ELECTORS IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES 5192 • 6137
NO. OF INDIVIDUAL ELECTORS IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES 37297 37291
TOTAL NO. OF ELECTORS 42926 42864
- - 0 - -
BOOMING BUSINESS FOR GOVERNMENT-ASS ISTED DESIGN COMPANY
*****
THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY (HKD I ) GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED FIRM PROVIDING HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WITH A PRODUCT INNOVATION, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE, HAS DON!' EXTREMELY WELL SINCE ITS OPENING IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
MR DOUGLAS TOMKIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HKDIC, ATTRIBUTED ' I ’T OF HAPPY THINGS HAPPENING TO THE OFFICE TO GOOD BUSINESS, WORK OF THE EIGHT-PERSON COMPANY AND THE BACKUP FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
/THE DIRECTORS
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 13 -
THE DIRECTORS ON THE BOARD, EIGHT IN TOTAL, REPRESENT A MIX OF INDUSTRIAL, TECHNICAL, INSTITUTIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL, ACADEMIC AND GOVERNMENT EXPERTISE. REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT WHICH IS TO INJECT A TOTAL OF $9.2 MILLION INTO THE COMPANY DURING THE FIRST FOUR YEARS OF ITS OPERATION IS MR K. Y. YEUNG, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY.
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN HAS SECONDED A LECTURER TO HKDIC FOR FULL-TIME DESIGNING WORK. HKDIC ALSO RECEIVES ASSISTANCE FROM THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE DESIGN COUNCIL OF HONG KONG IN PARTICULAR, WHICH BOTH HAVE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
ACCORDING TO MR TOMKIN, HKDIC SO FAR HAS COMPLETED 60-ODD PROJECTS IN PRODUCT DESIGN, SUCH AS TOYS, ELECTRONIC GOODS AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
"THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS SET A TARGET OF $316,000 FOR T«E COMPANY FOR THE FIRST YEAR, BUT THE COMPANY HAS CONTRACTED FOR WORK WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN $2 MILLION, WITH SOME CONTRACTS STRETCHING INTO THE SECOND YEAR," SAID MR TOMKIN.
THE LARGEST CONTRACT SO FAR AWARDED TO THE COMPANY IS IN CONNECTION WITH ERGONOMICS FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. HKDIC WAS ASKED BY A BRITISH COMPANY TO DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE HERE COMPUTER CONSOLES AND WORK STATIONS FOR THE THREE NEW POLICE CENTRES HANDLING EMERGENCY CALLS.
ON CONTACT WITH LOCAL MANUFACTURERS HKDIC FINDS THAT THE TOY MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN PARTICULAR, IS OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AND CONCEPTS IN PRODUCT DESIGN. BOTH COMPLETED AND PROJECTS ON HAND OF HKDIC BELONG TO THAT CATEGORY ALTHOUGH OTHER CONTRACTS INCLUDE AN ELECTRONIC POCKET COMMUNICATOR WITH SCREEN FOR A PROFESSIONAL GROUP, BATTERY-SEALED ELECTRONIC BATHROOM SCALE, GUITAR-PLAYING AID, ELECTRONIC SAVING BANK, CLIP-ON CALCULATOR, CLOTHES BRUSH, CLOCKS, SPANNER AND EVEN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
ACCORDING TO MR TOMKIN, THE AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR BETTER DESIGN AMONG MANUFACTURERS STARTED ABOUT SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO. HOWEVER, AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH IS STILL REQUIRED TO PERSUADE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO SHED THE TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF COPYING DESIGNS.
SOME MANUFACTURERS Sl'ILL DO NOT REGARD DESIGN AS AN INVESTMENT BUT REGARD IT AS AN EXPENSE, HE SAID.
"WE TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO INTRODUCE TO THEM THE IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCT DESIGN FOR EVERY PRODUCT CATEGORY. WE SHOW THEM HOW TO REDUCE THE RISKS INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING BY BETTER DESIGN," SAID MR TOMKIN.
MR TOMKIN EXPLAINED THAT THE TEAM OF FIVE DESIGNERS IN HKDIC DEVISED PROJECTS WHICH THE COMPANY CALLED "SECTOR A" TO HELP LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF BETTER DESIGN.
/"BASICALLY SECTOR
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 198?
- 14 -
"BASICALLY SECTOR A IS OUR OWN IDEAS AND CONCEPTS, TO SHOW A PARTICULAR SECTOR THE DESIGN POTENTIAL MANUFACTURERS HAVE NOT DISCOVERED AND HELP TO SHOW WHAT COULD BE DONE," SAID MR TOMKIN.
HOWEVER, MR TOMKIN ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS SOME POTENTIAL MARKET FOR SECTOR A. TWO INNOVATIVE CASSETTE RECORDER/PLAYER DESIGNS WITH SPEAKERS IN THIS CATEGORY HAVE ALREADY ATTRACTED SOME INTEREST.
HE SAID: "THE COMPANY NEEDS LARGE AND LONG-TERM PROJECTS TO GET SELF-SUFFICIENT. WE HOPE IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE COMPANY TO GET INVOLVED IN EVERY STAGE OF THE PRODUCT DESIGN LEADING TO ITS MANUFACTURE AND FOR IT TO SHARE LATER IN THE PROFIT OF THE MARKETING OF THE FINISHED DESIGN."
NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL AND BEING A NON-PROFIT DISTRIBUTING ORGANISATION, THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY WILL GET A TOTAL SUBVENTION OF $8 MILLION DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATION. AN OPTIONAL INTEREST-FREE LOAN OF $1.2 MILLION WILL BE GRANTED IN THE FOURTH YEAR.
THE COMPANY PROVIDES CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURERS IN DIFFERENT SECTORS AND ALSO ASSESSES LOCALLY MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS IN TERMS OF THEIR POTENTIAL FOR DESIGN INNOVATION AND MAKES PROPOSALS TO MANUFACTURERS THEREAFTER. THE COMPANY IS ALSO BUILDING UP A DATA LIBRARY TO EVALUATE THE DESIGN AND CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF ALL PRODUCTS.
THE COMPANY EXPECTS TO BALANCE ITS BUDGET WITHIN THREE YEARS AFTER IT OPENED 14 MONTHS AGO, AND IT INTENDS TO STIMULATE LOCAL INTEREST IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND ENCOURAGE PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION.
"WE HAVE TURNED DOWN CLIENTS WHO CAME TO US WITH INITIALLY UNVIABLE DESIGNS," SAID MR TOMKIN, "BUT THEY KEEP COMING BACK TO US WITH ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS AS THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH OUR JUDGEMENT AND INSIGHT."
MR TOMKIN MAINTAINED THAT HKDIC CHARGED MARKET RATES FOR ITS DESIGN AND CONSULTANCY WORK. "WE SEEK AT LEAST TO COVER THE COST AND, AT THE SAME TIME, DO NOT UNDERCUT FREELANCE DESIGNERS," SAID MR TOMKIN.
HKDIC DESIGNERS, DURING THEIR FIRST YEAR WITH THE COMPANY, HAVE VISITED VARIOUS OVERSEAS TRADE SHOWS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND GET A FEEL OF THE NEEDS OF OVERSEAS MARKETS IN PRODUCT DESIGN IN VARIOUS SECTORS.
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/15........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 15 -
BILL TO IMPROVE MATERNITY LEAVE PROPOSED « * * *
PREGNANT WORKERS WILL BE GIVEN GREATER PROTECTION FROM DISMISSAL DUE SOLELY TO PREGNANCY IF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE, IS PASSED INTO LAW.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 30,000 FEMALE WORKERS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE NEW LAW ANNUALLY.
UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, A FEMALE EMPLOYEE IS PROTECTED FROM BEING DISMISSED AFTER SHE HAS GIVEN NOTICE TO HER EMPLOYER, WITHIN 12 WEEKS PRIOR TO HER EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT, THAT SHE INTENDS TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE.
HOWEVER, ALLEGATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FROM TIME TO TIME THAT PREGNANT EMPLOYEES ARE DISMISSED BEFORE THEY FALL WITHIN THE 12-WEEK PROTECTION PERIOD.
THE NEW BILL, THEREFORE, PROPOSES TO ENABLE A FEMALE WORKER TO SERVE NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE ONCE HER PREGNANCY HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
THIS WILL ALSO ENABLE THE EMPLOYER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS TO COVER FOR HER ABSENCE.
THE BILL ALSO MAKES IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FEMALE WORKER TO INFORM HER EMPLOYER AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE IF HER PREGNANCY HAS CEASED OTHERWISE THAN BY REASON OF DELIVERY OF A CHILD.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL IS THAT A FEMALE WORKER SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO GIVE NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DURING HER MATERNITY LEAVE, JUST AS AN EMPLOYER IS PROHIBITED UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION FROM TERMINATING THE EMPLOYMENT OF A FEMALE EMPLOYEE DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE PROPOSALS WERE ENDORSED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ON JULY 1.
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/16........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 16 -
PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION * * * * *
THE NEW COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER IT WAS RECONSTITUTED RECENTLY.
MRS RITA FAN WAS RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE. FIVE NEW MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE TO REPLACE THREE OUTGOING MEMBERS AND TO BRING IN NEW EXPERTISE FOR THE EFFECTIVE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE NEW MEMBERS ARE MR TAI CHIN-WAH, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR; MR IP KING-MAN OF THE HONG KONG JAYCEE; MR POON KAI-TIK, A DIRECTOR OF AN ADVERTISING COMPANY; MR JUSTEIN C.WONG, SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER; AND MR PETER YEUNG KWOK-HUNG, A LIBRARIAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE COMMITTEE AS LAID DOWN IN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE IS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. TO THIS END THE COMMITTEE SET UP AT ITS MEETING TODAY FOUR SUB-COMMITTEES ON OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE; PUBLICITY; COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION; AND CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE.
THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO STRENGTHEN LIAISON WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, TO CONTINUE TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS AND TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE PROMOTION OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
MRS FAN SAID THE RECENTLY-PUBLISHED CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE INDEX WAS BEING WIDELY USED BY MANY ORGANISATIONS.
"THE INDEX WILL BE UPDATED PERIODICALLY AND PLANS ARE IN HAND TO DEVELOP A FULL-SCALE RESOURCE CENTRE TO PROVIDE REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR THE ORGANISATIONS OF CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
"FOR THE YEAR 1987/88, A TOTAL OF $500,000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR SUBSIDISING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS UNDER THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME," MRS FAN SAID.
THE NEW COMMITTEE COMPRISES 13 NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS AND NINE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS. THEY ARE:
/CHAIRMAN .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 198?
CHAIRMAN : MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI
NON-GOVERNMENT : MR CHAN WING-TAI
MEMBERS DR C.Y. HUANG
MADAM KO SIU-WAH MR MAK HOI-WAH MRS PAULINE NG CHOW MAY-LIN MISS NORA YAU MR LUKE YIP JING-PING MR IP KING-MAN MR POON KAI-TIK MR TAI CHIN-WAH MR JUSTEIN C. WONG MR PETER YEUNG KWOK-HUNG
OFFICIALS : MR PETER TAM
MR JOE YIU MR F.C. SO MRS ANITA LEE MR GEORGE YUEN MRS AVA CHIU MRS LINA LO MR H.A. RAZACK MR ALFRED W.M. CHUI
-----0------
SUSPENSION OF IDENTITY CARD SERVICES
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND NEW IDENTITY CARDS RE-ISSUE SCHEME ON JULY 1, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES WILL SUSPEND SOME OF THE SERVICES FROM MONDAY (JUNE 22) TO JUNE 30, BOTH DATES INCLUSIVE.
ALL REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES WILL HOWEVER REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS PERIOD TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF LOSS AND TO ISSUE IDENTITY CARDS DUE FOR COLLECTION. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE LOST THEIR IDENTITY CARDS MAY STILL APPROACH THESE OFFICES.
FULL SERVICES WILL RESUME ON JULY 1.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:-
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
18
HONG KONG TEL. NO. <
HONG KONG BRANCH SHOPS G6-G11, GROUND FLOOR PROVIDENT CENTRE 21-53 WHARF ROAD NORTH POINT 5-6 12374
ABERDEEN OFFICE ABERDEEN CENTRE, BLOCK K-N SHOP IB, GROUND FLOOR 12-16 NAM NING STREET ABERDEEN 5-548100
QUEENSWAY BRANCH NEW RODNEY BLOCK 2ND FLOOR 99 QUEENSWAY 5-286753
KOWLOON
KOWLOON BRANCH EMPIRE CENTRE 2ND FLOOR 68 MODY ROAD TSIM SHA TSUI 3-680 179
KOWLOON CITY OFFICE HANG CHIEN COURT GROUND FLOOR WYLER GARDEN 7-9 WAI KING STREET 3 -656532
KWUN TONG OFFICE AMOY PLAZA ROOM 54-60, 2ND FLOOR 77 NOAU TAU KOK ROAD 5-7559545
NEW TERRITORIES
TSUEN WAN BRANCH LEVEL 4, TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER TSUEN WAN WATERFRONT TSUEN WAN 0-4984242
TAI PO OFFICE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES 3RD FLOOR TING KOK ROAD 0-65 7 7 1 1 1 EXT. 292
YUEN LONG OFFICE 3RD FLOOR YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES 2 KJU LOK SQUARE 0-754 1 14
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/19........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 19 -
I
HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STRESSED * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARRIN CHEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS COULD ENHANCE HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY.
CITING 1986 AS AN EXAMPLE, MR CHEN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG’S LABOUR FORCE WAS SLIGHTLY INCREASED, ITS GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTS WERE UP BY 8.7 PER CENT AND THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 19 PER CENT OVER 1985.
"THESE SHOW THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY HAD, TO A ERTAIN DEGREE, IMPROVED BOTH ITS WORKING EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY Ih THE PAST YEAR," HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT TWO PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING APRIL THIS YEAR, AS AGAINST 2.2 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986, ALSO REFLECTED THAT THE LABOUR FORCE WAS EFFECTIVELY FULLY EMPLOYED.
"TO ACHIEVE SUCH MAJOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS, ONE OF THE IMPORTANT FACTORS IS A HARMONIOUS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONSHIP."
MR CHEN WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE FIRST CERTIFICATE COURSE ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND LABOUR LEGISLATION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO SUCH COURSES SINCE THEY WOULD ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO GET A MORE COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE LABOUR LEGISLATION AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, AND TO IMPROVE LABOUR RELATIONS IN THEIR ORGANISATION? AFTERWARDS.
IN FACT, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP THROUGH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
APART FROM HOLDING CERTIFICATE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS, IT ALSO CONDUCTS A PROGRAMME OF VISITS TO EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS, ORGANISES INDUSTRY-BASED SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS, AND PRODUCES A NEWSLETTER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
"IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE, WE ARE PLANNING TO INCREASE THE EXISTING RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS OUR CO-OPERATION WITH THE EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, TRADE UNIONS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS THIS YEAR," MR CHEN ADDED.
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/20
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 20 -
PEN PAL POSTCARD CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP
* * * * *
TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG STUDENTS OF GERMANY AND HONG KONG, A PEN PAL POSTCARD CAMPAIGN ILL BE ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY CONSULATE GENERAL OF HONG KONG AND THE GOETHE INSTJTUT.
THE COMPETITION WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD THROUGH VISUAL PERSONALISED MESSAGES ON BLANK POSTCARDS SUPPLIED BY THE ORGANISERS.
A PARTICIPANT CAN SUBMIT AS MANY ENTRIES AS HE LIKES.
"THE MORE POSTCARDS SUBMITTED BY THE STUDENTS, THE MORE CHANCE THERE WILL BE TO ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION WITH SOMEONE OVERSEAS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE FINISHED POSTCARD NEEDS NOT BE A WORK OF ART, SAID THE SPOKESMAN ADDING THAT IT WAS PURELY A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE SENDER TO THE RECIPIENT.
IT MAY TAKE THE FORM OF A DRAWING OR PAINTING, OR EVEN WITH A POEM OR A SHORT MESSAGE OF FRIENDSHIP EITHER IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION.
BLANK POSTCARDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY SCHOOLS FROM THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HEAD OFFICE AT 31ST FLOOR, GREAT EAGLE CENTRE, 23 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI; ITS KWUN TONG OFFICE AT GROUND FLOOR, CHUNG MAN CENTRE, 414 KWUN TONG ROAD, KWUN TONG; AND TSUEN WAN OFFICE AT 1ST FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN DURING THE OFFICE HOURS.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICES BEFORE JULY 15.
THERE WILL BE 100 SOUVENIR PRIZES FOR SCHOOLS WHICH SUBMIT THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF ENTRIES IN PROPORTION TO THE SIZE OF PUPIL ENROLMENT. EACH SOUVENIR PRIZE WILL CONSIST OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND A CHINESE BOOK ON GERMAN LITERATURE.
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/21
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
21
RESEARCH ON LANGUAGE TEACHING * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CARRYING OUT A RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENSIVE READING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE I EARNING, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y. T. LI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY), AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF LANGUAGE COURSES FOR TEACHERS RUN BY THE INSTITUTE.
THE INSTITUTE WAS ALSO STUDYING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CANTONESE PRONUNCIATION AND THE APPLICATION OF QUESTIONING IN THE TEACHING OF READING. THESE RESEARCH PROGRAMMES WOULD YIELD INFORMATION TO HELP TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL PLANNERS, SAID MR LI.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT PLANNING WAS UNDER WAY FOR THE THIRD INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE FROM DECEMBER 15 TO 17, 1987 ON THE THEME OF "LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN A BI-LINGUAL OR MULTI-LINGUAL SETTING’.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1982, THE INSTITUTE HAD PROVIDED TRAINING TO MORE THAN 2,700 TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
--------0----------
FREE POSTGRAMMES TO VOICE VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER ♦ * * » »
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS ARE ABLE TO VOICE THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WITH POSTAGE-FREE POSTGRAMMES.
THE POSTGRAMMES, PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD UNDER ITS "MY SUGGESTIONS TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD" POSTGRAMME SCHEME, PROVIDE A HANDY CHANNEL FOR RESIDENTS TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS, A DB SPOKESMAN SAID.
"RESIDENTS JUST HAVE TO PUT DOWN THEIR COMMENTS AND MAIL THE SELF-ADDRESSED POSTGRAMME TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WHICH WILL THEN FORWARD THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE," HE SAID.
"LETTERS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF THE POSTGRAMMES HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE DISTRICT'S SIX AREA COMMITTEES AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO INVITE RESIDENTS TO MAKE USE OF THE HANDY POSTGRAMMES AND FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER," HE ADDED.
/THE POSTGRAMdES........
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 198?
22
THE POSTGRAMMES ARE ALSO OBTAINABLE AT MORE THAN 70 DISTRIBUTION OUTLETS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN DISTRICT. THESE OUTLETS INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, POST OFFICES, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, COMMUNITY HALLS, MAJOR BANKS, PETROL STATIONS AND VARIOUS KAIFONG AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS PREMISES.
"COMPLETED POSTGRAMMES, WITH THE NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THE WRITER CLEARLY INDICATED, SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1987," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE POSTGRAMMES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
-----o-----
SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR WORKING PEOPLE * ♦ * * ♦
PEOPLE WORKING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN THE INTER-HONG SPORTS PROGRAMME DUE TO START THIS SUNDAY (JUNE 21).
THEY MAY REPRESENT THEIR COMPANIES TO TAKE PART IN A NUMBER OF EXCITING COMPETITIONS IN POTTED GAMES, BASKETBALL, MINI-SOCCER, BADMINTON AND SWIMMING, HELD BETWEEN JUNE 21 AND JULY 24.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE PROGRAMME IS NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR.
’’THE PROGRAMME IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A HEALTHIER MODE OF LIVING AMONG WORKING PEOPLE BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE UP RECREATION AND SPORTS,” A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS A CURTAIN-RAISER, A TELEMATCH WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY AT BLAKE GARDEN IN SHEUNG WAN. TWELVE TEAMS REPRESENTING BANKS, DEPARTMENT STORES, RESTAURANTS AND OTHER COMPANIES WILL PARTICIPATE.
BEFORE THE COMPETITION STARTS, A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD. ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MISS ESTHER CHAN; RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MRS FUNG LAI YUET-NGOR; AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION, MR LAM YIN-MING WILL OFFICIATE.
/FURTHER INFORMATION
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 198?
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SPORTS PROGRAMME CAN BE MADE ON 5-8170196 OR 5-416405.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTER-HONG SPORTS PROGRAMME AT BLAKE GARDEN, PO HING FONG IN SHEUNG WAN AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 21).
- - 0 - -
NORMAL POSTAL SERVICES TO THE UK RESUMED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE RECENT INDUSTRIAL ACTION TAKEN BY THE BRITISH CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES HAS ENDED, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEEDPOST PACKAGES AND AIR AND SURFACE PARCELS CONTAINING ITEMS OF MERCHANDISE ARE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO DELAY, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW MEMBER APPOINTED TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A MEMBER OF THE POKFULAM AREA COMMITTEE, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG, HAS BEEN APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD FROM JUNE 19 TO MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
MR HUI TAKES UP A VACANT SEAT IN THE BOARD LEFT BY MR PAUL YOUNG TZE-KONG WHO RESIGNED UPON BEING APPOINTED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MR HUI, 28, WHO IS A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER, HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE DISTRICT.
HE HAS SERVED AS A CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
HE WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IN 1986 AND 1987 AND IS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION SINCE 1986.
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/24 ••«••••
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1987
- 24 -
AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS ON GOODS VEHICLES A MUST
*****
OWNERS OF GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS ARE REMINDED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 25, THEIR VEHICLES SHOULD DISPLAY THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
"THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS ON GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS WILL HELP DRIVERS DETERMINE THE LOADING CAPACITY OF EACH AXLE AND HENCE ENSURE THAT LOADS ARE PROPERLY PLACED,” A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
FOR GOODS VEHICLES, THE AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS SHOULD BE DISPLAYED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE TOGEHTER WITH THE OWNER’S NAME AND ADDRESS AND THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT.
AS FOR TRAILERS, THE COMMOM PRACTICE IS TO DISPLAY THE MARKINGS ON THE NEAR SIDE OF THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE.
"THE MARKINGS SHOULD BE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHARACTERS AND PAINTED IN WHITE AGAINST A BLACK BACKGROUND. THE CHARACTERS AND FIGURES SHOULD BE AT LEAST 25 MILLIMETRES IN HEIGHT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LIKE THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT, THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHTS SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN TONNES AND SHOULD SHOW TWO DECIMAL PLACES.
-----o------
NEW ROADS FOR TAI PO, JUNK BAY PROPOSED *****
NEW ROADS ARE TO BE BUILT AT TAI PO AND JUNK BAY TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS.
THE WORK AT TAI PO WILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,200-METRE-LONG CARRIAGEWAY, ABOUT 7.9 METRES WIDE, WITH ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND AMENITY STRIP, IN AREA 30 OPPOSITE THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
ALSO PROPOSED ARE A SMALL CARPARK WITH 19 SPACES, LAY-BYS FOR COACHES, A MAXICAB STOP AND A THREE-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH GIVING ACCESS TO A RECREATION AREA AND LOOKOUT POINTS.
/AT JUNK
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 19#7
AT JUNK BAY, A 150-METRE-LONG, TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY IS TO BE BUILT TO LINK THE PROPOSED ENTRANCES TO THE HOUSING ESTATE IN AREA 4 AND THE SERVICE RESERVOIR IN AREA 3 WITH AN UNNAMED NEW ROAD, ROAD D5.
OTHER WORK WILL COMPRISE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS IN AREA 3, A FOOTBRIDGE IN AREA 4 AND ACROSS ROAD D5, AND ANCILLARY WORKS, INCLUDING FOOTPATHS AND AMENITY AREAS. STREET FURNITURE AND TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN AIDS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
NOTICES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECTS, WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS, WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO BOTH PROPOSALS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 18.
- 0 -
CLOSURE OF SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDERPASS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDERPASS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 30 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 21) FOR INSTALLATION OF LIGHTING AND MAINTENANCE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON NORTHBOUND TEXACO ROAD HEADING FOR SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND SHEK WAI KOK ROAD.
- - 0
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON FORT STREET t ♦ ♦
FORT STREET BETWEEN NORTH VIEW STREET AND CHEUNG HONG STREET IN NORTH POINT WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 22).
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
- - 0-------*
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER PASSES THROUGH .................... 1
TRADE DIRECTOR ON OVERSEAS TOUR ........................ 1
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS PUBLISHED ................................................. 2
COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH BEGINS...................... 2
Basketball match proceeds go to ycude fund ................. 5
TREE PLANTING DAY IN TU©; MUN .............................. 3
islands district board to discuss green Paper .............. 4
REPORT Oi>J SURVEY OF INTEREST CLASSES...................... 4
KODALY CHORAL METHOD DEMONSTRATION, CONCERT ................ 5
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI.................................... 5
WESTBOUND TUBE OF .JRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED..................... 6
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987 1
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER PASSES THROUGH * ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR WU XUEQIAN HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) ON HIS WAY TO SHENZHEN.
PASSED THROUGH
THE TRANSIT WAS A THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE DAVID WILSON, AT FANLING
PRIVATE ONE, BUT THE FOREIGN A COURTESY MEETING WITH THE LODGE.
MINISTER TOOK
GOVERNOR, SIR
- - 0----------
TRADE DIRECTOR ON OVERSEAS TOUR ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, DEPARTS FOR EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES TODAY (SATURDAY).
HIS FIRST STOP WILL BE GENEVA WHERE MR SZE WILL MEET THE TERRITORY’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AND HIS STAFF. ;
IN ADDITION HE WILL ATTEND MEETINGS OF SOME OF THE NEGOTIATING GROUPS ON THE NEW GATT ROUND. HE WILL ALSO CALL ON SENIOR GATT OFFICIALS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF OTHER DELEGATIONS TO GATT.
MR SZE WILL THEN TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON WHERE HE WILL CALL ON SENIOR AMERICAN TRADE OFFICIALS. HE WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS OF CURRENT TRADE LEGISLATION AND EFFORTS TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST PROTECTIONISM WITH HONG KONG’S WASHINGTON OFFICE STAFF AND ITS ADVISERS.
MR SZE WILL ALSO PAY A BRIEF VISIT TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S NEW YORK OFFICE AND HE WILL RETURN TO THE TERRITORY ON JULY 3.
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/2
«
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
- 2
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS PUBLISHED
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1987 IS NOW AVAILABLE.
IT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER. IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMEN; EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.
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COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH BEGINS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ i
A TRAINING PROGRAMME WHICH OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO FURTHER DEVELOP THEIR COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS WILL BE LAUNCHED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, ON MONDAY (JUNE 22} AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE PROGRAMME, WHICH IS AN EXTENSION OF A 16-WEEK REFRESHER COURSE FOR LOCAL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH, REQUIRES THE PARTICIPANTS TO ATTEND A THREE-WEEK RESIDENTIAL COURSE IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND A FOUR-WEEK COURSE IN BRITAIN.
THIS IS ONE OF THE TWO MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR. THE OTHER MEASURE IS A TWO-YEAR PILOT SCHEME TO EMPLOY EXPATRIATE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH TO TEACH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RESIDENTIAL COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 22) AT THE ADAM SCHALL HALL OF THE UNITED COLLEGE IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
- 3 -
BASKETBALL MATCH PROCEEDS GO TO YOUDE FUND
*****
SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TONIGHT (SATURDAY) PRAISED COMMERCIAL RADIO FOR BEING ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS APART FROM PRODUCING INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING RADIO PROGRAMMES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SUPERSTARS’ CHARITY BASKETBALL MATCH 1987 ORGANISED BY THE RADIO STATION AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, MR LIAO NOTED THE ANNUAL EVENT WHICH STARTED IN 1979, HAD CONTRIBUTED ITS NET PROCEEDS TO A NUMBER OF CHARITABLE AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
AND THIS YEAR’S NET PROCEEDS WOULD GO TO THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND.
MR LIAO SAID THE FUND HAD CONTINUED TO GROW AND SO FAR A TOTAL OF $83.4 MILLION INCLUDING INTEREST EARNED HAD BEEN RECEIVED.
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL," HE ADDED.
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TREE PLANTING DAY IN TUEN MUN *****
A TOTAL OF 70 TREES WILL BE PLANTED ALONG THE RIVERSIDE OF TSOI YEE BRIDGE AS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE EVENT IS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, DR STUART REED; CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WILLIAMS; DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G. H. COX; CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR LAM HOK-CHI; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR ANTHONY JONES; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW; AND DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR HUI KWOK-HUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE EVENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY. THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.30 AM. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING AT SAN CHING ROAD, TUEN MUN.
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A....
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
4
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS GREEN PAPER
ISLANDS DISTRICT MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (JUNE 22).
A MONITOR OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, MR LI FOOK-KOW, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO TAKE UP THE SUBJECTS OF POLLUTION IMPROVEMENT ON SILVERMINE BAY IN MUI WO AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF ACTION ON ROOFTOP STRUCTURES AND CANOPIES ON NEW BUILDINGS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, THE STUDY OF SOUTH LANTAU COAST PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, AND THE SOUTH WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 22) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, 1'1/F., HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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REPORT ON SURVEY OF t * *
INTEREST CLASSES t *
THE COMMITTEES OF THE CONCLUDED AN OPINION SURVEY TO
TUEN
MUN COMMUNITY HALL/CENTRE HAVE
FIND OUT THE
IN CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
NEED FOR INTEREST CLASSES
THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT IN MARCH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT, AND THE VIEWS OF 850 RESIDENTS' INCLUDING STUDENTS, WORKERS AND HOUSEWIVES WERE COLLECTED AND COLLATED IN A SPECIAL REPORT.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, WILL MEET THE PRESS ON MONDAY (JUNE 22) TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE REPORT. TUEN MUN DB MEMBER, MR YEUNG SHUK-CHUEN AND REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SOCIA1 WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS BRIEFING AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 22) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON 3/F, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD, TUEN MUN.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
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KODALY CHORAL METHOD DEMONSTRATION, CONCERT
* * * * *
SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO ATTEND A FREE KODALY CHORAL METHOD DEMONSTRATION AND CONCERT AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL IN THE AFTERNOON OF JULY 23.
THE DEMONSTRATION AND CONCERT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AIM TO INTRODUCE THE KODALY CHORAL METHOD TO MUSIC TEACHERS.
THE KODALY CHORAL METHOD IS A STRUCTURED SYSTEM OF MUSIC TRAINING DEVISED BY THE HUNGARIAN COMPOSER AND EDUCATIONIST ZOLTAN KODALY TO DEVELOP, THROUGH SINGING, ONE’S MUSICAL PERCEPTION AND UNDERSTANDING AND THE ABILITY TO READ MUSIC. THE METHOD HAS ARNED WIDESPREA INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.
SCHOOL HEADS AND MUSIC TEACHERS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR FREE TICKETS FROM THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MUSIC) OF THE MUSIC SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 529, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE JUNE 24.
IN THE EVENT THE DEMONSTRATION AND CONCERT ARE OVERSUBSCRIBED, TICKETS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED FOR THE DRESS REHEARSAL ON JULY 22.
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ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI *****
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 23), JUNE 27 AND 28.
VEHICLES ON FLEMING ROAD HEADING FOR LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SEAFRONT ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND MARSH ROAD FLYOVER.
IN ADDITION, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON JUNE 24 AND 26.
VEHICLES ON FLEMING ROAD HEADING FOR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA JAFFE ROAD, STEWART ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD, MARSH ROAD FLYOVER, HUNG HING ROAD AND SEAFRONT ROAD.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 1987
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WESTBOUND TUBE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 28) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO COINCIDE WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE WESTBOUND TUBE OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
THE CLOSURE, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE STAGES, IS TO FACILITATE THE RENEWAL OF FIRE MAINS AND OTHER MAINTENANCE WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE OF THE WESTBOUND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL, THE EASTBOUND TUBE WILL BE CONVERTED TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC. AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL, MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM HUNG HOM TO KWUN TONG MAY USE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD; OR VICE VERSA FROM KWUN TONG TO HUNG HOM.
MEANWHILE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM HUNG HOM TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MAY USE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, CHE KIANG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND OLYMPIC AVENUE.
DETAILS OF OTHER TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEARER THE DATES OF STAGES TWO AND THREE OF THE CLOSURE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED 8Y GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
ANTI-II PATROLS STEPPED-UP ............................... 1
KING'S ROaD TO BE RECONSTRUCTED........................... 1
NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ....................... 5
NEW ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS FOR l-JJEEN MARY HOSPITAL.......... 4
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE POLICY LaW .... 5
FINAL PHASE OF CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN ......................... 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MEDIa PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT ...... 7
SINGAPOREAN BaND GIVES FREE CONCERT ...................... 8
GROUP TO PLAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES............ 8
DB TO DISCUSS UC CAPITaL WORKS PROGRAMME ................. 9
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERIOUS CONGESTION ......... 10
HEAVY VEHICLE BAN IN WaN CHAI ........................... 10
SUNDAA, JUNE 21, 1987
1
ANTI-J I PATROLS STEPPED-UP * ♦ * t »
ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PATROLS AT THE BORDER HAVE BEEN STEPPED IP TODAY (SUNDAY) FOLLOWING A SHARP INCREASE IN ARRESTS OVER THE WEEKEND.
SOME 270 US HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AT THE BORDER DURING THE PAST 30 HOURS.
MANY OF THEM SAID THEY HAD TRIED TO COME TO HONG Kb.NG BECAUSE OF A RUMOUR WHICH SAID THERE WOULD BE AN AMNESTY AS A RESULT OF THE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER AESTFRDAY (SATURDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED AGAIN TODAY THAT SUCH RUMOURS WERE TOTAL!,A GROUNDLESS.
"WE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR TIME AND AGAIN THAT THERE WOI LD BF NO AMNESIA' FOR IIS. ANA II (AUGHT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG WILI BF SENT BACK .
"THE LATEST RE-CONFIRMATION OF HUS FIRM POLICY!" CAME FROM Till GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WHEN HE VISITED ARMA UNITS AT THE BORDER ON FRIDAA.
"AS A FURTHER PREVENTIVE MEASURE, ADDITIONAL MILITARY UNITS WILL BF DEPLOYED TO THE BORDER TON J GUI" TO COPE WITH ANA INCREASE IN 11 ACTIVITIES.
"HIE MILITARY AND THE POLICE WILL REMAIN HIGHLY VIGILANT AT TH) BORDER," HIE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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KING’S ROAD TO BE RECONSTRUCTED
» » ♦ * »
Till HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL EMBARK ON AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME IO RECONSTRUCT ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF KING’S ROAD NEXT A EAR.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAA (SUNDAA) BY A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN I'OLLOUING THF RECENT APPOINTMENT OF MESSRS. PETER FRAENKEL CONSULTANTS (HE) LTD. AS CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
/highways engihser .......
HJNDAY, JUKE 21, 1987
2
HIGHWAYS ENGINEER (CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT), MR K.K LAI, SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD COMMENCE DETAILED DESIGN OE THE PROJECT AFTER A PRELIMINARY REPORT IS SUBMITTED BY HIE CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN ’ iiREE MONTHS.
EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR AM) THE TIMING OF THE RECONSTRUCTION, MR LAU SAID THE EXISTING STATE OF RING’S ROAD WAS INADEQUATE TO WITHSTAND PRESENT TRAFFIC.
"IT IS IN A STATE BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO RECONSTRUCT KING’S ROAD TO CURRENT STANDARD TO REMOVE THE NEED FOR FREQUENT REPAIR DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE ROAD SURFACE AND FOUNDATIONS.
’’AFTER THE OPENING OF THE SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAIKOO SHING IN 1984 AND THE SECTION FROM TAIKOO SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN IN 1985, TRAFFIC VOLUME ON FING'S ROAD HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. WE NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAN AND EXECUTE RECONSTRUCTION BEFORE TRAFFIC BUILDS UP AGAIN MAKING ROADWORKS MORE DIFFICULT,” HE SAID.
MR LAU SAID RECONSTRUCTION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT FROM THE JUNCTION OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND KING’S ROAD IN THE WEST TO THE JUNCTION OF SHIPYARD LANE AND KING’S ROAD IN THE EAST. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE WORK WILL LAST FROM LATE 1988 TO EARLY 1992.
HE SAID CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND SEQUENCES WOULD BE DESIGNED TO MINIMISE DISRUPTIONS TO VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC DURING ALL STAGES.
"THE EXTENT OF THE PROJECT WILL GO BEYOND HIGHWAY AND PAVEMENT RECONSTRUCTION. OPPORTUNITY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE ROAD AND FOOTPATH LAYOUTS BY THE JUDICIOUS REALIGNMENT OF TRAM TRACKS, REMOVAL OF REDUNDANT TRAM TRACKS, PROVISION OF LAYBYS AND WIDENING OF FOOTPATHS, ALL BASED ON FUTURE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR FLOW DEMAND,” MR LAU SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, CHANGES WOULD BE MADE TO JUNCTION LAYOUT AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS, INCLUDING PEDESTRIAN ROAD CROSSING FACILITIES, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAH) TO THE NEEDS OF THE HANDICAPPED.
SECTIONS OF THE AGED STORM WATER AND FOUL WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN THE AREA WOULD BE IMPROVED, REPLACED OR DUPLICATED AS SECTIONS OF THE EXISTING ROADWAY ARI DUG UP, REBUILT AND FINISHED OFF WITH HIGHWAY LANDSCAPING.
WORKING IN ASSOCIATION WITH PETER FRAENKEL CONSULTANTS ARE THEIR SUB-CONSULTANTS, MVA CONSULTANCY, FOR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT WORKS AND URBIS LTD. FOR LANDSCAPING WORKS.
0
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
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NEU DEFINITIVE STAMPS To BE ISSUED *****
THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE A NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS ON JULY 13 (MONDAY) TO REPLACE THE CURRENT SERIES INTRODUCED FIVE 'EARS AGO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE NEW STAMPS COMPRISE 15 DENOMINATIONS. THEA ARE 10 CENTS, 40 CENTS, 50 CENTS,60 CENTS, 70 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, $1, $1.30, $1.70, $2, $5, $10, $20 AND $50.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY A LOCAL ARTIST, MR ROBERT HOOKHAM AND PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA BY LEIGH MARDON PTY. LTD.
THE DESIGN FEATURES THE HEAD OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN i’ALEN FROM A PHOTOGRAPH OF A BAS-RELIEF BY ARNOLD MACHIN ON A GRADATED COLOUR BACKGROUND. DEPICTED UNDERNEATH THE QUEEN’S PORTRAIT ARE FINE LINE DRAWINGS OF SELECTED HONG KONG SCENES.
A COMMON DRAWING SHOWING A WATERFRONT VIEW OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT IS USED ON THE LOW VALUES (10 CENTS TO $2).
ON THE HIGH VALUES ($5 TO $50), DIFFERENT DRAWINGS ARF USED COMPRISING A WATERFRONT VIEW OF TSIM SHA TSUI ($5), A VIEW OF VICTORIA HARBOUR LOOKING FROM HONG KONG ISLAND TOWARDS THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL ($10), THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING ($20) AND GOVERNMENT HOUSE ($50).
"IN ADDITION TO THE NEW DEFINITIVE RANGE, TWO FURTHER STAMPS OF A SMALLER SIZE AND DIFFERENT DESIGN IN 10 CENTS AND 50 CENTS DENOMINATIONS WILL BE ISSUED FOR PURCHASE FROM STAMP-V END I NG MACHINES.
"THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT STAMPS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND ISSUED SPECIALLY FOR PURCHASE FROM STAMP-VEND I NG MACHINES," HE ADDED.
THE 10 ( ENIS STAMP SHOWS A HONG KONG FLAG ON A WHITE
BACKGROUND AND THE 50 CENTS STAMP DEPICTS V STYLISED MAP OF HONG KONG.
THE REEL STAMPS ARF. ALSO DESIGNED BV MR ROBERT HOOKHAM AND WERE PRINTED IN THE NETHERLANDS BY JON. ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SET OF 11 LOW VALUES (10 CENTS TO $2) PLUS THE TWO NEW REEL STAMPS WILL COST $10.60 WHILE THE COMPLETE SET OF 15 STAMPS PLUS THE TWO NEW REEL STAMPS KILL COST $95.60.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY (’OVERS WILL BE PLAC ED ON SALE AT OFFICES ON JUNE 29 AT $1 EACH. ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING DAY (OVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 7 AT OFFICES.
ALL POST OF FIRST ALL POST
/CHE EXISTING
.UNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
THE EXISTING DEFINITIVE STAMPS WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM SALE ON SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1987. ANY COLLECTOR WHO WISHES TO BUY THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE STAMPS AND OBTAIN THE LAST DAY POSTMARK CAN PURCHASE A LAST DAY OF SALE COMMEMORATIVE COVER AT ALL POST OFFICES ON JUNE 29,1987 XT $1 EACH.
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THESE COVERS AT ALL
POST OFFICES ON JULY 11.
A TWIN-STAMP PACK, DESIGNED TO HOLD X SET OF STAMPS OF BOTH THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE ISSUE AND THE NEU ISSUE, WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT $97 EACH AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE,BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, PEAK, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAD AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES FROM JUNE 29 TO JULY 11.
THE PACK CONTAINS A FULL SET OF THE CURRENT DEFINITIVES PLUS A BLANK SHEET OF STAMP HOLDERS TO ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO INSERT THE NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS THEMSELVES.
THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE SHATIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON JUNE 27-28 AND AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM JUNE 29, 1987, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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NEW ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL « » » * »
TWO PIECES OF SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AN INTRA-OPERATIVE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND AN ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND SYSTEM, HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE TWO NEW MEDICAL SYSTEMS - THE FIRST OF THEIR TYPE INSTALLED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS - WERE ACQUIRED WITH A DONATION OF $1.25 MILLION FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LTD.
THE INTRA-OPERATIVE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM, INSTALLED IN AN OPERATING THEATRE, IS USED TO DETECT LESIONS AND TO GUIDE COMPLICATED OPERATIONS.
THE SYSTEM ALSO HELPS MINIMISE BLOOD LOSS DURING OPERATIONS, REDUCE OPERATION TIME, LESSEN WOUND COMPLICATION AND SHORTEN DURATION OF A PATIENT’S STAY IN HOSPITAL.
/IT IS
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1^8?
- 5 -
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 350 PATIENTS WILL BENEFIT EACH YEAR WITH THE INSTALLATION OF THIS NEW SYSTEM. f
THE ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND SYSTEM IS BEING USED IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CERTAIN DISEASES WITHOUT RESORTING TO SURGICAL OPENING OR THE USE OF X-RAY.
AS THE TREATMENT METHOD IS RADIATION-FREE AND NON-INVASIVE, IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE SUPERIOR TO OTHERS IN TERMS OF BENEFITS TO PATIENTS, SAVINGS IN OPERATING THEATRE HOURS AND DURATION OF PATIENT’S STAY.
ABOUT 300 TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS CAN BE HANDLED BY THIS NEW SYSTEM EACH YEAR.
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EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE POLICY LAW * * * * *
A WOMAN OPERATOR OF A RESTAURANT WHO FAILED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR HER TWO EMPLOYEES, WAS FINED $5,000 IN SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY RECENTLY.
THIS WAS THE HIGHEST FINE IMPOSED ON SIMILAR OFFENCES.
UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES FOR COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES AND DEATH SUSTAINED BY HIS EMPLOYEES AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENT AT WORK.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WOULD OBTAIN COMPENSATION TO WHICH HE IS ENTITLED TO UNDER THE LAW, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO STIPULATES THAT EMPLOYERS MUST BEAR THE FULL COST OF THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEDUCT THE COST FROM THE EARNINGS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT DURING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 42 PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AGAINST EMPLOYERS RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINE OF MORE THAN $37,000.
/OF THE .......
EUNDAY, JUNE 21 i 1987
OF THE TOTAL PROSECUTIONS, 38 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICY, THREE FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR INSPECTION, AND ONE FOR FAILURE TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE A SPECIFIED FORM SHOWING PARTICULARS OF AN NSURANCE POLICY.
HE WARNED THAT ANY EMPLOYER WHO CONTRAVENES THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE ORDINANCE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8524030.
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FINAL PHASE OF CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN *****
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL REACH ITS FINAL STAGE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL THE END OF JUNE.
THE EXTENSIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, LAUNCHED IN MID-MAY, HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY WITH FULL SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS WILL HAVE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH:
DISTRICT TEL. NO.
EASTERN 5-601048
SOUTHERN 5-547152
CENTRAL 5-446111 EXT 46
MONG KOK 3-949484
KOWLOON CITY 3-7111684
WONG TAI SIN 3-233152
KWUN TONG 3-455731
/NORTH 0-6570436
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
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NORTH 0-6570436
YUEN LONG 0-753691
TUEN MUN 0-4513085
TSUEN WAN 0-4904414
SHA TIN 0-6065776
TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT 155
ISLANDS 5-8523204
RESIDENTS SHOULD MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DISPOSE OF THE JUNK IN THEIR NEARBY’ REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
THE HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THEIR OWN DISTRICTS WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH DETAILS OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, LOCATIONS, AND OPENING HOURS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT ♦ * » ♦ ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT IN
CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI, WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY BETWEEN JULY 31 AND AUGUST 16 FOR EQUIPMENT OVERHAUL.
THE UNIT WILL REOPEN ON AUGUST OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AN TO 12.30 PM DAILY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRIDAY WHEN WILL BE EXTENDED TO 7 PM.
17 SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. THE AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 5 PM THE AFTERNOON OPENING HOURS
TEACHERS MAY EITHER BRING THEIR OWN CONSUMABLE MATERIALS OR PURCHASE RELEVANT CONSUMABLE MATERIALS FROM A CONTRACTED SUPPLIER AT THE UNIT FOR PRODUCING THEIR OWN TEACHING AIDS.
THE FACILITIES FOR SCREEN PRINTING, AUDIO-RECORDING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
THE UNIT IS PART OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE FACILITIES FOR TEACHERS TO PRODUCE VARIOUS KINDS OF MEDIA RESOURCES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
- 8 -
SINGAPOREAN BAND GIVES FREE CONCERT * * * * *
A CONCERT BY THE NATIONAL THEATRE SYMPHONIC BAND OF SINGAPORE WAS WELL RECEIVED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE AT THE. NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
LED BY ITS CONDUCTOR LUK HOI YIU, THE BAND PERFORMED A NUMBER OI- POPULAR PIECES INCLUDING "SUPERMAN", SELECTIONS FROM "FLASH-DANCE" AND THEME FROM "007".
THE CONCERT WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF THREE COMMUNITY CONCERTS TO BE HELD AS PART OF THE BAND’S MUSIC PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG.
TWO OTHER CONCERTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) FROM 12.45 PM TO 1.45 PM AT THE LANDMARK AND AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL IN CENTRAL ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 24) FROM 1.20 PM TO 1.50 PM.
AFTER THE CONCERT TODAY, THE BAND ATTENDED A LUNCH RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
IN A WELCOMING ADDRESS, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS. DORIS HO, SAID THE NATIONAL THEATRE SYMPHONIC BAND’S PERFORMANCE WAS REMARKABLE AND HOPED THAT MORE SUCH INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXCHANGE COULD BE ARRANGED IN THE FUTURE.
THE BAND IS IN HONG KONG FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT AND WILL LEAVE FOR SINGAPORE ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25).
- - 0-----------
GROUP TO PLAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES *****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE (CBC) OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS SET UP A PLANNING GROUP TO FOLLOW UP THE WORK OF THE LONG RANGE PLANNING (SURVEY) WORKING GROUP LAST YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CBC PLANNING GROUP, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, SAID THAT THE AIM OF THE GROUP WAS TO IDENTIFY AREAS OF DEFICIENCY RELATING TO COMMUNITY BUILDING ASPECTS; TO ESTABLISH PRIORITIES FOR SUCH PROJECTS; TO FORMULATE AND RECOMMEND COMMON THEMES FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS; TO ADVISE ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES; AND TO KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK IN THE DISTRICT.
/MR MAN .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
- 9 -
MR MAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE TWO MAIN ASPECTS CONCERNING THE WORK OF THE PLANNING GROUP THIS YEAR.
"WE WILL CARRY OUT SURVEYS ON SELECTIVE TOPICS ARISING FROM THE SURVEY ON COMMUNITY NEEDS WHICH WAS DONE BY THE LONG RANGE ILANNING WORKING GROUP LAST YEAR."
"A SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED TO FIND OUT HOW YOUNG PEOPLE SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME AND WHAT KIND OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES ARE URGENTLY NEEDED IN THE DISTRICT."
"AS A RESULT OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF REAL ESTATE BOTH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN EASTERN DISTRICT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, NEARLY 10,000 NEW HOUSEHOLDS MOVED INTO THE DISTRICT," MR MAN POINTED OUT.
"TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF THE NEW RESIDENTS, WE ARE PLANNING TO ORGANISE SOME ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES WHICH AIM AT ENHANCING THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SENSE OF BELONGINGS TO THE DISTRICT," HE SAID.
DB TO DISCUSS UC CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (JUNE 23) TO DISCUSS THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS AND A REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 23) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
- - 0 - -
/10........
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1987
10
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERIOUS CONGESTION
*****
TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AREA AND THAT CAUSED BY LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 23) MORNING.
A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHING CHEUNG-YING, WILL ASK IF THE AUTHORITIES HAVE CARRIED OUT ANY ANALYSIS OR EVALUATION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
HE WILL ALSO ASK ABOUT MEASURES TO IMPROVE INCONVENIENCE TO SUN TIN WAI RESIDENTS AND OTHER ROAD USERS REPORTEDLY CAUSED BY LEARNER DRIVERS MOVING SLOWLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT FROM CHE KUNG MIU ROAD TO SHA TIN TAU ROAD.
ANOTHER BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG HONG-CHUNG, WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT EMERGENCY MEASURES IN CASE OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE ON THE KCR.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE ROAD PLANNING ADJACENT TO TAI WAI KCR STATION, PROVISION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS THE JUNCTION OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, EXTENSION OF OPERATION HOURS OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 170, FARE DISPLAY ON GREEN MINIBUSES, ALL NIGHT SERVICE OF N.T. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 65K AND PROVISION OF CAR PARKING SPACES FOR VILLAGES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 23) AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE AT THE SHA TIN KCR STATION. COVERAGE IS INVITED.
------0--------
HEAVY VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI * * ♦ ♦
NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF TAI YUEN STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND JOHNSTON ROAD IN WAN CHAI FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 24).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WASTING THEIR TIME.................. 1
HONG KONG OFFICIALS OBSERVE NUCLEAR EXERCISE .......... 2
SWaC INDORSES DaY RELIEF CENTRE PROJECT ............... 2
COURSE TO RAISE SCHOOL ENGLISH STANDARD LAUNCHED ...... 3
safety plea to stoker job student's ................... 3
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO BE RaISED...... 5
U.S. LAWYERS MEET aG ..................................
COURSES ON THE USE OF CHINESE FOR TEACHING ............ 7
JUNE 30 DECLINE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS1 AWARDS ENTRIES.... 8
BOARD ENCOURAGES VIEWS ON GREEN PaPER ................. 9
REPORT ON INTEREST CLASSES IN TUEU NUN................. 9
ENVIRONMENT COi-DHTTEE TO MEET ........................ 11
DB TO DISCUSS ASBESTIC MATERLiS IN BUILDINGS .......... 11
NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR ABERDEEN .............. 12
PERFORMANCE FOR DANCE ENTHUSIASTS ..................... 13
ARGYLE STREET EhSTBOUND CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ............. 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE................................... 13
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
1
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WASTING THEIR TIME * » » » *
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE WASTING THEIR TIME TRYING TO COME TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THEY WILL ALL BE SENT BACK, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS COMMENTING ON THE LATEST INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN WHICH MORE THAN 440 PEOPLE WERE CAUGHT TRYING TO SNEAK OVER THE BORDER INTO HONG KONG DURING THE THREE-DAY PERIOD ENDING THIS MORNING.
ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN REPATRIATED.
"AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE IS NOTHING TO BE GAINED BY THESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE COMING, BEING (AUGHT, AND REPATRIATED," MR CARTER SAID.
"WE OBVIOUSLY WANT TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO THEM THAT THEY ARE WASTING THEIR TIME TRYING TO GET INTO HONG KONG ILLEGALLY."
MR CARTER SAID THE SECURITY FORCES WERE CATCHING THE VAST MAJORITY OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THAT THE NUMBERS GETTING THROUGH UNDETECTED WERE SMALL.
"THIS IS BACKED UP BY THE FIGURES OF EVADERS ARRESTED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS,” HE SAID.
THE AVERAGE WAS ABOUT 10 OR 11 A DAY, AND THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THAT FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO.
REPORTS THAT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE HIDING IN HONG KONG WERE "ABSOLUTE NONSENSE", HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, SECURITY FORCES ARE CONTINUING THEIR STEPPED-UP PATROLS AT THE BORDER TO DEAL WITH ANY INCREASE IN ILLEGAL I MM IGRAT ION ACT I V IT1ES.
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MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
HONG KONG OFFICIALS OBSERVE NUCLEAR EXERCISE
t * ♦ ♦ t
TWO SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE OBSERVERS IN A THREE-DAY NUCLEAR ACCIDENT EMERGENCY EXERCISE IN THE UNITED STATES START 1 NG TODAY (MONDAY) .
THE OFFICIALS, PRINCIPAL SERVICES BRANCH (SPECIAL DUTIES), ASSISTANT SECRETARY, SECURITY BRANCH
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, MR JOHN WILSON AND (OPERATIONS), MR KEN
ECONOMIC PRINC IPAL WOODHOUSE
ARE ATTENDING THE EXERCISE AT ZION, ILLINOIS AT THE INVITATION OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.
THE INVITATION TO THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IS THE RESULT OF A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FACT-FINDING DELEGATION ON NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION IN THE UNITED STATES IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE EXERCISE WILL BE BASED AROUND A SIMULATED NUCLEAR ACCIDENT AT ONE OF ZION’S FIVE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS, ABOUT EIGHT MILES FROM NORTH CHICAGO.
MR WILSON SAID ON DEPARTURE TO THE U. S. THAT GAINED FROM THE EXERCISE WOULD BE INCORPORATED IN HONG EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLANS.
INFORMATION
KONG’S OWN
------0--------
SWAC ENDORSES DAY RELIEF CENTRE PROJECT ♦ * ♦ I ♦
THI SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ENDORSED AT ITS MEETING
TODAY (MONDAY) THAT STREET SLEEPERS SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH WELFARE SERVICES THROUGH A DAY RELIEF CENTRE AND TEMPORARY SHELTER.
THIS PROPOSED NEW SERVICE IS DESIGNED FOR THOSE STREET SLEEPERS WHO ARE DOWN AND OUT WITH VARIOUS DEGREES OF ILL HEALTH AND DISABILITY, AND THOSE WHO APPEAR TO HAVE MENTAL PROBLEMS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO ACCEPTED THAT THE NEW SERVICE WOULD BE INTRODUCED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS FOR TWO YEARS, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
ALSO ENDORSED AT THE SAME MEETING WAS THE REPORT OF THE WOFL1NG PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFAR1 SUBVENTION ADMINISTRATION.
THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY AGREED THAT THE MODIFIED STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL WELFARE SERVICES WHERE STANDARD (OST COULD BE WORKED OUT.
HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE POINTED OUT THE NEED FOR A TIMETABLE TO BE MAPPED OUT FOR THIS PURPOSE.
0 -
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- 3 -
COURSE TO RAISE SCHOOL ENGLISH STANDARD LAUNCHED *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (MONDAY) LAUNCHED A NEW GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHEN HE OPENED A THREE-WEEK RESIDENTIAL COURSE IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR LAN SAID THE COURSE WAS PART OF A SEVEN-WEEK PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO FURTHER DEVELOP TEACHERS’ ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS IN A NATURAL NATIVE-SPEAKER ENVIRONMENT.
THE PROGRAMME WAS AN EXTENSION OF A 16-WEEK REFRESHER COURSE ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
ON COMPLETION OF THE RESIDENTIAL COURSE, MR LAN NOTED, PARTICIPANTS WOULD PROCEED, AFTER A SHORT ORIENTATION SEMINAR, TO BRITAIN FOR A FOUR-WEEK COURSE.
DURING THEIR STAY IN BRITAIN, THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD STUDA IN INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAD EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING COURSES FOR OVERSEAS TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND WOULD LIVE WITH ENGLISH-SPEAKING FAMILIES, MR LAN SAID.
THE PROGRAMME WAS PART OF A TWO-PRONGED GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO FURTHER RAISE THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH IN HONG KONG SCHOOLS. THE SECOND PART OF THE NEW INITIATIVE WAS TO RECRUIT QUALIFIED ENGLISH NATIVE-SPEAKERS TO TEACH ALONGSIDE WITH THEIR LOCAL COLLEAGUES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE INITIATIVE INDICATED THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO DO ALL IT COULD TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP THE QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH IN SCHOOLS BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, MR LAN ADDED.
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SAFETY PLEA TO SUMMI ' JOB STUDENTS ♦ * * * *
ABOUI THIS TIME LAST YEAR, A 16-YEAR-OLD STUDENT WORKING JN A FACTORY DURING THE SIMMER HOLIDAYS HAD THE TIP OF HIS RIGHT INDEX FINGER AMPUTATED BA THE POWER PRESS HE WAS OPERATING.
ANOTHER 17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, ALSO TAKING UP A SIMMER JOB IN A FACTORY, HAD HIS RIGHT PALM CRUSHED BA A PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE.
/EARLIER, A
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1?8?
EARLIER, A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WORKED AS A CASUAL WORKER ON
A FACTORY PREMISES, TRIED TO USE A LIFTING TRUCK TO GET DOWN GROUND FROM THE COCKLOFT WHERE HE WAS WORKING. HOWEVER, AS HE ONTO THE LIFTING PLATFORM OF THE MACHINE, HIS RIGHT HAND WAS BETWEEN THE METAL FRAMEWORK AND THE CROSS BAR OF THE RESULTING IN HIS RIGHT FOREARM SERIOUSLY LACERATED.
TO THE STEPPED TRAPPED PLATFORM
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR YUK-LUN, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THESE THAT OCCURRED DURING SUMMER WHEN A OPPORTUNITY EITHER TO GAIN SOME
OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR X IP WERE ONLY SOME OF THE TRAGEDIES LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TOOK THE WORK EXPERIENCE OR TO JOIN THE
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.
’’THE PROBLEM IS THAT MANY OF THE VACANCIES AVAILABLE FOR THESE TEMPORARY WORKERS ARE OF OPERATIONAL NATURE AND JOBS WHICH ARE SEEMINGLY SIMPLE AND DEMANDING NO l'\RTICULAR SKILL OFTEN CARRIES SOME POTENTIAL DANGERS,” HE SAID.
"AND ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR IF ONE DOES NOT TAKE ENOUGH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OR WORKS ON INADEQUATELY GUARDED MACHINES AT WORKPLACES."
HE ADVISED STUDENTS INTENDING TO DO SUMMER JOBS TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING:
♦ BEFORE TAKING UP A JOB, FIND OUT THE NATURE OF THE EMPLOYMENT AND ITS CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. AVOID A JOB WITH HIGH RISK OF ACCIDENT.
♦ POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS USED IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS, IF NOT PROPERLY HANDLED OR OPERATED, COULD INJURE, MAIM, OR EVEN KILL. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
MR YIP ALSO URGED FACTORY PROPRIETORS CONCERNED TO PAY MORE CONCERN TO THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS.
"STUDENTS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED IN THEIR SUMMER JOBS, ARE VULNERABLE TO INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS," HE SAID.
"FACTORY PROPRIETORS SHOULD, THEREFORE, ENSURE THAT THOSE IN THEIR EMPLOY ARE CLOSELY AND PROPERI A SUPERVISED AND NOT GIVEN JOBS WHICH XRE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR WHICH INVOLVE THE OPERATION OF DANGEROUS MACHINES," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE I. XBOUR DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF HALF-DAY COURSES FOR SUMMER JOB STUDENTS IN ORDER TO AROUSE THEIR SAFETY AWARENESS.
/THESE COURSES, ........
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- 5 -
THESE COURSES, INCLUDING SAFETY TALKS, FILM SHOUS AND A TOUR OF THE CENTRE, WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE AFTERNOONS FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY THIS WEEK AND ON NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 30).
MR YIP CALLED ON STUDENTS TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE COURSES AT THE CENTRE WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BEFORE START WORKING.
THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSES ARE INVITED TO CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT XT TELEPHONE 5-8523565.
0---------
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO BE RAISED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE ( ERTIFICATES.
AS FROM JUNE 24 (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.84 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
A LEGAL NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (MONDAY), INTEREST OX TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.36 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE XND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF T XX .
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHF’’ CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND >0 INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 24, 1987.
/CERTIFICATES WHICH .......
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- 6 -
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE JUNE
24,
IS87 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
4.56 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985;
4.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1985;
3.60 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
3.36 PER (ENT
4.32 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
AF I ER
4.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 14, 1986 AND BEFORE AUGUST 19, 1986;
3.36 PER (ENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 19, 1986 AND BEFORE JANUARA 19, 1987;
2.52 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 19, 1987 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987;
3.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 4, 1987 AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987; AND
3.84 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987,
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
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MONDAY,JUNE 22, 1987
U.S. LAWYERS MEET AG * » » ♦ ♦
A DELEGATION OF LEGAL SPECIALISTS FROM THE UNITED STATES VISITED THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AND HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS.
THE DELEGATION, LED BY PROFESSOR JAMES E. MEEKS, FORMER DEAN AND CURRENT PROFESSOR OF LAW AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, DISCUSSED HONG KONG’S LEGAL.SYSTEM WITH MR THOMAS.
THE GROUP FROM THE CITIZEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME OF PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL IS CURRENTLY \ISITING HONG KONG AS PART OF AN ASIAN TOUR. THEY WILL BE LEAVING TOMORROW (JUNE 23) FOR CANTON.
PEOPLE TO PEOPLE WAS FOUNDED BY PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER IN 1956 TO PROMOTE WORLD PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING THROUGH DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES. THE PURPOSE OF THE CITIZEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME IS TO ADMINISTER SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
- 0 - -
COURSES ON THE USE OF CHINESE FOR TEACHING ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN RUN A SERIES OF FREE COURSES ON THE USE OF CHINESE FOR THE TEACHING OF SPECIAL SUBJECTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS STARTING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE COURSES AIM AT IMPROVING THE ORAL AND WRITTEN SKILLS OF TEACHERS OF SUBJECTS OTHER THAN CHINESE, CHINESE HISTORY AND ENGLISH IN EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF SPECIFIC SUBJECTS IN CHINESE.
THE COURSES WILL ALSO PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH INFORMATION ON REFERENCE AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING MATERIAL IN CHINESE AND WILL FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE USE OF BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES.
THE COURSES ON THE USE OF CHINESE FOR THE TEACHING OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS WILL BE HELD AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 16 AND NOVEMBER 14.
OTHER COURSES ON HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MATHEMATICS, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 30 NEXT YEAR.
EACH COURSE, OFFERED JOINTLY BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT, WILL LAST EIGHT WEEKS WITH 32 CONTACT HOURS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- 8 -
JUNE 30 DEADLINE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS ENTRIES
* * * * *
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE 1987 HONG KONG YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE COMPOSERS AND AUTHORS SOCIETY OF HONG KONG (CASH) IS JUNE 30.
CHAIRMAN OF THE AWARDS’ ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR THOMAS WANG, TODAY (MONDAY) URGED PEOPLE TO SUBMIT MORE ENTRIES AS THERE IS STILL ABOUT ONE WEEK TO GO BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL AMATEUR MUSICIANS WHO ARE UNDER 30 AS AT JUNE 30 THIS YEAR AND ARE EITHER HONG KONG RESIDENTS OR HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG SINCE JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR.
THERE ARE TWO CATEGORIES EACH IN THE CHINESE MUSIC AND WESTERN MUSIC SECTIONS, ONE FOR COMPOSITION AND THE OTHER FOR ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE.
THE TOP THREE PLACE-GETTERS IN EACH CATEGORY WILL BE AWARDED $6,000, $3,000 AND $1,000, AMOUNTING TO A TOTAL OF $40,000 DONATED BY CASH.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO:
1987 HONG KONG YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS, MUSIC OFFICE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 9TH FLOOR, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED AT 5-283257.
-------O---------
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- 9 -BOARD ENCOURAGES VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER * * ♦ ♦ *
RESIDENTS IN YAU MA TEI ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO EXPRESS HEIR VIEWS ON THE1 GREEN PAPER TO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
TO HELP PROMOTE THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, SPECI AL MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS WILL BE HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING, IN DDITION TO THE REGULAR SESSION, TO GATHER VIEWS ON THE DOCUMENT.
AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO RECORD OPINIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
THE SPECIAL SESSION WILL BE HELD UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23. N FTES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 3-77004
THE MEASURE IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO HELP PUBLICISE THE REVIEW AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $88,000 FOR PRINTING LEAFLETS, P JSTERS AND LETTERGRAMMES, DISPLAYING BANNERS, HOLDING EXHIBITIONS, CONDUCTING OPINION SURVEYS AND SEMINARS TO ENCOURAGE MORE VITIS ON THE GREEN PAPER.
A SEVEN-MEMBER WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REFORM WAS FORMED TO TAKE UP THE TASK AND TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT.
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REPORT ON INTEREST CLASSES IN TUEN MUN
*****
MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN AN OPINION SURVEY ON INTEREST CLASSES ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CENTRE/HALL IN TUEN MUN WERE AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THESE CENTRES AND 30 PER CENT OF THEM TOOK PART IN THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICI OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR EDWARD YAU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR YAU EXPLAINED THAT A WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED LAST NOVEMBER BY THE FOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE/HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, TUEN MUM DISTRICT OFFICE, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO FIND OUT THE NEED FOR INTEREST CLASSES- AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED. AS A RESULT, THE WORKING GROUP DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN OPINION SURVEY WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
/"AS REGARDS
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
10 -
"AS REGARDS THE TARGET GROUP OE THE SURVEY, ATTENTION WAS FOCUSED ON THE RESIDENTS LIVING IN VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES. THEY WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES - CHILDREN BETWEEN SIX AND 14, YOUTHS FROM 16 TO 24 AND PEOPLE OF 25 AND ABOVE,” HE SAID.
THE SURVEY WHICH WAS CONDUCTED IN MARCH WAS CARRIED OUT BY 30 PEOPLE RECRUITED FROM VARIOUS YOUTH CENTRES WHO INTERVIEWED 852 RESIDENTS.
ONE OF THE SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WAS THAT BOTH SEX AND OCCUPATION WERE THE MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING THE INTEREST OF THE RESIDENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, MALE RESPONDENTS BETWEEN SIX AND 14 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS KINDS OF BALL GAMES WHILE THEIR FEMALE COUNTERPARTS PREFERRED SWIMMING, PICNIC, AND BADMINTON AND THOSE AGED 25 AND ABOVE WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN COOKING, NEEDLE WORK,BADMINTON CLASSES AND FILM SHOWS.
TO SUIT THE VARIOUS NEEDS AND TASTES OF THE RESIDENTS, THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP IN THE REPORT:
(1) TO KEEP COMMUNITY CENTRES OPEN ON SUNDAY EVENINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE;
(2) TO ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES SUITABLE FOR WOMEN IN THE AFTERNOON AND MORE YOUTH-ORIENTED CLASSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE EVENING;
(3) TO SET UP PUBLICITY OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES BY MAKING USE OF NOTICE BOARDS AND POSTERS;
(4) TO PROVIDE MORE EDUCATIONAL CLASSES SUCH AS COMPUTER, LANGUAGE, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND PHOTOGRAPHY;
(5) TO PROVIDE MORE CULTURAL CLASSES TO ENHANCE THE NTERESTS OF THE RESIDENTS.
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/11
I
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
11
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1987 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE REQUEST FOR DB FUNDS FROM THE WORKING GROUP TO ORGANISE A JOINT SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY EXHIBITION AND A PROJECT TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO BEAUTIFY TAI HANG.
THEY WILL STUDY THE REPORT PRESENTED BY THE CONCERN FOR HAWKERS IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT WORKING GROUP.
A MEMBER WILL RAISE A QUESTION CONCERNING PUBLIC HYGIENE PROBLEMS AND NUISANCE CAUSED BY DOGS KEPT IN BUILDINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4.00 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, 8TH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
-----0------
DB TO DISCUSS ASBEST1C MATERIALS IN * ♦ * » ♦
BUILDINGS
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL FIND OUT WHETHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS OR CONTAIN ASBESTOS AND MEASURES TAKEN BY SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS.
MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO STRUCTURES IN THE DISTRICT THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE
OF ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS AND
OF PAK KOK
OF THE PATH
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROVISION CLASSROOMS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE PROVISIONI OF COVERED PLAYGROUNDS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, EXTENSION TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENI
LEADING TO THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL.
IN AND
OF THE
LN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS IMPENDING ROADS AND DRAINS APPA 4 4 UNDE TI E ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE ™REE JaYWT I™NS THEY WILL kso BE BRIEFED ON THE WORK REPORT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD (1986/87(AND THE FIRS I REPORT I DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (1987/88).
/MEANWHILE, REPRESENTATIVES .......
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 198?
12
MEANWH1LE, REPRESENTAT1VES 1 ROM AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT RELATED SUBJECTS TO THE MEMBERS.
BOTH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN
NOTE TO EDITORS:
\OU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DB MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AI 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE 3/F., TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN Hl ROAD.
-------C----------
NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR ABERDEEN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT (RCP) AT TSUNG MAN STREET, ABERDEEN, IS TO BE REDEVELOPED.
THE NEW RCP WILL BE A SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH MEZZANINE FLOOR, EQUIPPED WITH A CARBON FILTRATION PLANT AND ELECTRICALLY OPERATED STEEL WINDOWS TO PREVENT THE EMISSION OF FOUL SMELLS.
AN ELECTRICALLY OPERATED ROLLER SHUTTER WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND A METAL DOOR AT THE BACK ENTRANCE, WHILE THE EXTERNAL WALL WILL BE FINISHED WITH GLASS MOSAIC TILES.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE A TOILET, AND SWITCH AND STORE ROOMS AT THE GROUND FLOOR. ANU AN OFFICE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR, WITH A CONCRETE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BACK ENTRANCE.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED TO CARRY OUT THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN NINE MONTHS.
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MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1987
- V -
PERFORMANCE FOR DANCE ENTHUSIASTS
*****
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED JOINT DANCE PERFORMANCE IN SAI KUNG.
THE PROJECT IS AIMING AT RAISING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST AND TECHNIQUE IN DANCING, AND GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN DANCING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE LEISURE SERVICES SECTION OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) XT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
* * * *
ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO JUNE 25 FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM IN CONNECTION WITH THE FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION.
MOTORISTS IN ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON CITY WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE THE FLYOVER ACROSS PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
MOTORISTS IN WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND AND 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 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND ARGYLE STREET.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 63.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 372.273 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 295.081 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 50.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0-------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JUKE 23, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO TO SCRUTINISE GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS ............. 1
TWO LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED ................................. 1
WATER TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH ................................ 2
SWD PARTY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES ........................ 3
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CHINESE POETRY ....................... 3
ACCESS TO THE THIRD UNIVERSITY TO BE DISCUSSED ........... 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN ............ 4
ACTIVE SUMMER FOR MONG KOK YOUTHS....................... 5
DB TO DISCUSS UC CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.................. 5
YOUTH SCHEME TO BE DISCUSSED BY DB COMMITTEE.............. 6
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................. 7
RIGHT-TURN BAN CN' POK FU LAM ROAD........................ 7
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PUCE NORTH .......................... 7
NORTH POINT WATER CUT
7
TUESDAY. JUNE 23. 1987
LEGCO TO SCRUTINISE GRASSROOTS
*****
ORGANISATIONS
EIGHT MEMBERS WILL SPEAK DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES. MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT /MINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO. WILT ANSWER THE POINTS RAISED. TWELVE BILLS AND SIX QUESTIONS ARE AMONG OTHER MATTERS ON THE AGENDA. A QUESTION ABOUT THE PROPOSED SHENZHEN AIRPORT ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
TEN BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.THEY ARE: BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BILL 1987. COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987, BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, INSURANCE COMPA IES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987. PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987. SUPRIMS COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) * BILL 1987,KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT)BILL 1987.
DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987.
IN ADDITION, MRS SELINA CHOW WILL PRESENT THE 1986 ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
TWO LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED » ♦ * » ♦
A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AND AN INDUSTRIAL. LOT ARE IO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE RESIDENTIAL SITE COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,600 SQUARE METRES, IS ON FUNG SHING STREET, HAMMER HILL, KOWLOON.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER MUST COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 16,800 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY JUNE 1991.
THE INDUSTRIAL SITE IS AT SHA TIN NEAR CITY ONE. MEASURING 1,776 SQUARE METRES, THE LAND WILL BE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR bODO v PURPOSES, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
/1;.L LUCCEI LFUL.........
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 19?7
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5,328 SQUARE METRES, ALSO BY JUNE 1991.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION AT THE JADE BALLROOM OF THE FURAMA HOTEL STARTING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW.
WATER TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH » t » * t
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR T.H. TOMLINSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) FIRED THE CHARGE TO MARK THE FINAL BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE $70 MILLION TAI PO TAU TO NGAU TAM MEI AQUEDUCT, WHICH IS AN ESSENTIAL LINK IN THE CHINA WATER PROJECT.
THE AQUEDUCT, WHICH CONSISTS OF ONE KILOMETRE OF 2,000 MM DIAMETER STEEL PIPELINE AND SIX KILOMETRES OF TUNNEL, CONNECTS TAI PO TAU PUMPING STATION TO THE WESTERN AQUEDUCT. THE CONTRACTOR, KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) LTD., IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE WORK EARLY NEXT YEAR.
DURING THE MARCH/APRIL PERIOD, WHEN HONG KONG RECEIVES NO WATER FROM CHINA, THE AQUEDUCT WILL MAINTAIN DELIVERY OF RAW WATER TO TAI I AM CHUNG RESERVOIR FROM PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.
IT WILL ALSO SERVE THE PROPOSED WATER TREATMENT WORKS AT AU TAU.
WHEN NECESSARY, THE AQUEDUCT CAN BE USED TO TRANSPORT CHINA WATER FROM MUK WU TO PLOVER COVE TO AUGMENT OTHER EXISTING TRANSFER FACILITIES.
THE BREAKTHROUGH IS NOTABLE IN THAT IT WAS THE LAST OF THE FOUR TUNNEL SYSTEMS FOR THF PLANNED CHINA WATER SCHEME. DURING THE LAST SIX YEARS THESE FOUR SYSTEMS HAVE INVOLVED DRIVING A TOTAL TUNNEL LENGTH OF 30 KILOMETRES.
AMONG THOSE ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY'S CEREMONY WERE MR H. ISHIKAWA, GENERAL MANAGER OF KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) LTD., AND MR E.W. BOWLER, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1987
SWD PARTY FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES * » » * »
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) HOSTED A LUNCH PARTY FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING.
THE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALSO TAKEN TO SAY FAREWELL TO TWO PROMINENT ACADEMICS IN SOCIAL WORK TRAINING, MR L. B. MACQUARRIE AND PROFESSOR J. JONES, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE RETIRING AND LEAVING HONG KONG SOON.
IN BIDDING THEM FAREWELL, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, THANKED THEM FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AS WELL AS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES AS A WHOLE IN HONG KONG.
0 - -
CAMPAIGN To PROMOTE CHINESE POETRA t ♦ ♦ ♦
THE YAI MA Th I AND TS I N SHA TSI I i ( I TUR! AND ARTS ASSOC CATION I LAINCHING \ ( AMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CHINESE POEM WRITING.
IT IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST I'. WRITING CHINESE POEMS ON VARIOUS FEATURES OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BF CHOSEN FOR PUBLICATION.
RESIDENTS INTERESTED IO T\kh P\RT IN THE ( A.IPMGN ( \N SEND IN THEII ENTRIES TO THE VAI MA Ti l D1STRHI OFFICE, 190 NATHAN ROAD IH END OF JULY. FURTHER ENQUIRIES ( \N IE MADE ON 3-323791.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 19H7
ACCESS TO THE THIRD UNIVERSITY TO BE DISCUSSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * t
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25) TO DISCUSS THE CONSTRICTION OF THE NORTHERN ACCESS TO THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
MEANWHILE, THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF IMPROVEMENT WORK TO HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSED GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT; I PROVEMENTS TO CLEAR WATER BAV ROAD NEAR PIK UK; A SCHEME TO ALLOW PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ON SCHEDULED ROUTES TO CARRY GOODS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES; THE REVISION OF OVIK AK1NG RESTRICTION AT CLEAR WATER BAY NEAR SHEUNG YEUNG AND HA VEUNG; AND THE ACCESS ROAD AT HABITAT LEADING TO THE PROPOSED CREMATORIUM AT KEI PIK SHAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
VOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JINE 25) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROON OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN MN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- 0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
KWAI HEI STREET BETWEEN KWAI LOK STREET AND WING KIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12 MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25) TO 5.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON KWAI HEI STREET HEADING FOR KOWLOON OR WING KIN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWAI TSING ROAD.
IN TSUEN WAN, THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SAI LAI KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES TO THE SOUTH, WITH BE DESIGNATED V 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON JUNE 26.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PVSSENGERS uR GOODS
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
MEANWHILE, FROM 9 VM ON THE SAME DAY, THE SECTION ( \STLE
PEAK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES WEST OF ( HEUNG WING ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO ITS .HN( I'loN WITH d INC, MIN ROAD WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 7 0 KILOMETRES PEI? HOUR.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1987
ACTIVE SUMMER FOR MONG KOK YOUTHS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
YOUNG PEOPLE TN MONG KOK ARE BEING INVITED TO I AKE PART IN A SERIES OF COLOURFUL AND WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES DURING THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
THE ACTIVITIES ARE BEING OFFERED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE BETWEEN JULY 4 UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST.
IT WILL OFFER A TOTAL OF 72 EVENTS TO MORE THAN 40,000 YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE SPORT AND GAME COMPETITIONS, COURSES ON HOBBIES AND USEFUL SKILLS, SEMINARS, bORUMS, CAMPING, CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS. THEY ARE ORGANISED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS.
THE PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS URGED AGENCIES AND WELFARE BODIES TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY SERVICES PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, SUCH AS SCHOOL DROPOUTS, DISABLED AND CHILDREN LIVING IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
TRAINING OUTINGS, SOME 20
VOLUNTARY
TO NEEDY
CHILDREN
THIS YEAR THE JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $114,600 TO DISTRICT’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES, WHILE THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATED $30,000 TO SPONSOR THE PROGRAMME.
TH' HA
PROGRAMME AND TH1 AT THE MONG KOI
KOK TSUI BRANCH
A PAMPHLET LISTING THE SCHEDULE OF THE PROCEDURES FOR PARTICIPATION ARE NOW AVAILABLE DISTRICT OFFICE, AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND TAI
OFFICE, AT 85 IVY STREET.
-------O---------
DB TO DISCUSS UC CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME t » t » »
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL WORKS PROGRAMME (1987-1992) AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25).
THE WORKS PROGRAMME INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF MORE PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
/HOARD HIMBERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 2J, 198?
- 6 -
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS AT THE SHAU
PROBLEMS ARISING FROM DELAYS IN KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (EAST).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 1ST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
------0 - - - -
YOUTH SCHEME TO BE DISCUSSED BY DB COMMITTEE * » * * «
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO SPONSOR A YOUTH SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHEME AIMS AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE. TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS, PARTICIPANTS IN THE SCHEME ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT PROJECTS ON THE GENERAL THEME OF SHOWING CONCERN FOR OR SERVING THE HOMELESS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE WORK PROGRESS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON POLITICAL REFORM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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/7
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 1987
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LAO KAM-FAT ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1985 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
LAO WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MADAM SIU SIU.
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RIGHT-TURN BAN ON POK FU LAM ROAD » t t * »
TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF SALT WATER MAINS FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM POK FU LAM ROAD SOUTHBOUND ON TO SASSOON ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM MAKING U-TURNS FROM POK FU LAM ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO POK FU LAM ROAD NORTHBOUND OUTSIDE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
VEHICLES ON POK FU LAM ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR SASSOON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA BISNEY ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD.
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CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH ♦ * ♦ * ♦
TO FACILITATE THE STAGING OF PERFORMANCE BY THE MICHIGAN BAND, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 AM TO 2 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 25).
NORTH POINT WATER CUT ♦ ♦ t * t
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL WITT PREMISES AT FORTRESS HILL ROAD, 58-276, KING’S ROAD (EVEN NOS. », INCLUDING FORTRESS METRO TOWER, COMFORT TERRACE, COMFORT GARDENS, FORTRESS GARDEN, CHI NG ON TERRACE, KWONG CHIU TERRACE, GOLDEN CASTLF MANSION AND ST. PETER’S CHURCH.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
‘ ' WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
. HIGH TIME TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION .................... 1
SUPREME COURT OPERATION TO BE STREAMLINED ............ 5
GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BROADCASTING CONTROL
SOUGHT ............................................. 5
PROPOSAL TO CHANGE AUDIT REQUIREMENT OF LIQUIDATORS' ACCOUNTS ............................................ 7
BILL TO AMEND BANKRUPTCY PROCEDURE INTRODUCED ........ 8
RTT.T. TO ENSURE QUALITY OF INSURANCE MARKET ......... 9
BILL TO IMPROVE PILOTAGE LAW OPERATION INTRODUCED .... 10
RTT.T, SEEKING DESIGNATION OF EX-INMATE HOSTELS INTRODUCED 12 BILLS INTRODUCED FOR LIGHT RAIL OPERATION ............ 15
* * ■*
COURT ACTION LaST RESORT IN PENSION CLAIM............. 15
MORE VIEWS FROM STAFF SIDE ON PENSION BILL ........... 17
PRUDENT POLICY ON USE OF RESOURCES STRESSED .......... 18
IMPROVEMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PENSION SCHEME.......... 19
EMPLOYEES ALREADY PROTECTED AGAINST UNFAIR DISMISSAL .... 20
IMPROVEMENT IN LANGUAGE STANDARD RESULT OF EDUCATION
MEASURES’..........'................................ 22
NO SPECIAL' CONCESSION FOR SALARIES TAX PAYERS OVER 60 ... 25
/RISE IN .....
RISE IN COMPLAINTS ^GAINST POLICE EXPLAINED................... 24
COMPULSORY INSURANCE PROPOSED FOR zvLL CONSULTING FIRMS .. 25
PROFESSIONAL LINK WITH BRITISH SHIPPING SECTOR ESTABLISHED................................................ 26
SLIGHT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CORRUPTION REPORTS............... 27
' ’ LOCAL BODIES VALU.xBLE TO COMMUNITY......................... 29
MORE SUPPORT FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS URGED .............. 32
GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS IMPORTANT........................... 33
C*-iLL TO. RECRUIT‘MORE LIAISON STAFF................. .. 35
WAYS TO ENHANCE ROLES OF GRASSROOTS BODIES SUGGESTED 36
C.-iLL TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ORG/UISaTIONS ................. 38
two bills Passed ...............n............................. 39
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE............... 40
HONG KONG VALUES ITS COMMONWEALTH LINKS.......................... 41
MAY PROVISION. Jj TRnDE FIGURES PUBLISHED........................ 43
RAID NETS 2 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN TSUEN VLiN .................... 46
TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $193 MILLION.............................. 4?
WAYS TO MEET -SOCIAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY............................ 48
AGRICULTURE *J4D FISHERIES FACILITIES INSPECTED.................. 49
GOVERNOR TO VISIT. WAN-CHAI ......................................49
dangerous building to-be closed.................................. 50
REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR MENIALLY HANDICAPPED...................... 51
CLOSURE OF BOUNDARY STREET, BRIDE’S POOL RO^D .................. 51
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS ......... 52
URBiiN CLEhRWAY RESTRICTIONS IN CAUSEWAY BAY..................... 52
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
HIGH TIME TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION * * * * *
IT IS HIGH TIME THAT FIRM ACTION IS TAKEN TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION PROBLEM CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT LIVESTOCK WASTE WAS A MAJOR CAUSE OF POLLUTION OF STREAMS, NULLAH AND COASTAL WATERS, AND IT WAS ESTIMATED TO CAUSE ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF ALL STREAM POLLUTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ORGANIC POLLUTION ENTERING THE SEA.
HE SAID IT WAS ALSO POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK AND THE TERRITORY’S WATERCOURSES WERE SO HEAVILY POLLUTED THAT ACTION TO CLEAN THEM UP WAS LONG OVERDUE.
HE SAID THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 198? SOUGHT TO IMPLEMENT A TEN-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME BY DESIGNATING 'LIVESTOCK WASTE PROHIBITION AREAS' AND 'LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS’.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE WOULD BE■CONTROLLED BY THE INCLUSION OF TWO NEW PARTS IN THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE FIRST NEW PART WAS PART IIIA WHICH PROVIDED FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 'LIVESTOCK WASTE PROHIBITION AREAS’, IN WHICH THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK (WHICH FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ORDINANCE IS DEFINED AS "PIGS AND POULTRY") WOULD BE FORBIDDEN.
HE SAID IT ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 'LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS’, IN WHICH IT WOULD BE AN OFFENCE TO KEEP LIVESTOCK UNLESS REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF THE WASTE PRODUCED WERE COMPLIED WITH.
"DETAILS OF THE PROHIBITION AND CONTROL AREAS ARE SET OUT IN THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD SCHEDULES, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES ON WHICH THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT," MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
"THE FOURTH SCHEDULE EXEMPTS CERTAIN PERSONS FROM THE CONTROLS OF THE BILL, INCLUDING OPERATORS OF MARKETS, ABATTOIRS, AND FOOD SHOPS, AND KEEPERS OF VERY SMALL NUMBERS OF LIVESTOCK," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE SECOND NEW PART WAS PART VA, WHICH PROVIDED FOR ENFORCEMENT MATTERS, INCLUDING POWERS OF ENTRY, THE OBTAINING OF INFORMATION AND THE ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES.
"CLAUSE 13 OF THE BILL EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO AMEND THE SCHEDULES AND THE GOVERNOR TO AMEND THE DATES ON WHICH THE VARIOUS AREAS WILL COME INTO EFFECT.
/".IE /.1<E.........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
"WE ARE AT PRESENT CONSIDERING WHETHER TO PROPOSE THE ADVANCING OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE MUI WO AREA, IN VIEW OF THE PROBLEMS BEING CAUSED BY LIVESTOCK WASTE AT THE SILVERMINE BAY BEACH,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE LIVESTOCK SCHEME WOULD INEVITABLY AFFECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF SOME LIVESTOCK KEEPERS AND, THEREFORE, THE FARMERS AFFECTED WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.
"THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL WAS THAT THE RATES OF PAYMENT SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE HITHERTO USED FOR DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES.
"AT THE SUGGESTION OF FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS REVIEWED THE ALLOWANCE RATES AND RECOMMENDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT. THE REVISED RATES WERE APPROVED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST WEDNESDAY,” HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND THE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN DISCUSSED AT LENGTH WITH THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATIONS.
"AS A RESULT OF THIS CONSULTATION A NUMBER OF CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF A WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE WHICH INITIALLY WILL BE SUBSIDISED FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.
"THERE HAS ALSO BEEN CONSULTATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS BILL AND THE RELATED DRAFT REGULATIONS WERE THE RESULT OF MANY YEARS OF DETAILED WORK AND EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH ALL THOSE AFFECTED.
"SOME PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS WILL INEVITABLY BE AFFECTED, BUT WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW COMPENSATION RATES RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE,” HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
SUPREME COURT OPERATION TO BE STREAMLINED * ♦ ♦ » *
THE PURPOSE OF THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS TO IMPROVE AND STREAMLINE THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF THE SUPREME COURT WHICH IS COMPRISED OF THE HIGH COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE BILL FOR SECOND READING, MR THOMAS SAID ALTHOUGH THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION IN THIS REGARD HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY AMENDED OVER THE YEARS AND WAS CONSOLIDATED BY THE SUPREME COURT ACT IN 1981, FEW CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE HONG KONG ORDINANCE.
’’ACCORDINGLY, THERE ARE NOW SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PIECES OF LEGISLATION.
”BY 1984 IT HAD BECOME APPARENT THAT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE WAS REQUIRED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER ANY OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN HONG KONG,” MR THOMAS SAID.
"NO ONE SUGGESTS THAT HONG KONG MUST SLAVISHLY ADOPT ALL UNITED KINGDOM REFORMS.
”ANY AMENDMENT THAT IS PROPOSED ON THE BASIS OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MUST BE EVALUATED IN THE LIGHT OF LOCAL NEEDS AND HONG KONG’S SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES,” HE ADDED.
IN 1984, A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE SUPREME COURT RULES COMMITTEE, BEING A PANEL OF JUDGES AND LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT AND TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION AND CONSOLIDATED IN THE 1981 ACT SHOULD BE MADE TO THE HONG KONG ORDINANCE.
VIRTUALLY ALL OF THE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO THE LAW RECOMMENDED BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE BILL, MR THOMAS SAID.
THE PROPOSAL MADE BY THE KEMPSTER SUB-COMMITTEE THAT HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE BILL WAS A RECOMMENDATION THAT THE HIGH COURT SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO GRANT "INTERIM DECLARATIONS" AGAINST THE CROWN AT AN EARLY STAGE OF PROCEEDINGS, HE SAID.
THIS FORM OF INTERIM RELIEF WAS INTENDED TO HAVE THE EFFECT OF TEMPORARILY RESTRAINING THE GOVERNMENT FROM TAKING AS DISPUTED ACTION UNTIL THE MATTERS IN ISSUE BETWEEN THE AFFECTED CITIZEN AND THE GOVERNMENT COULD BE FINALLY DETERMINED AT THE TRIAL.
/THE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
4 -
THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT REJECTED THE PROPOSAL OUTRIGHT BUT HAD DECIDED TO RESERVE ITS FINAL VIEW UNTIL IT HAD BEEN DISCUSSED BY THE JUDICIARY, THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS 'ND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE COMMUNITY, MR THOMAS SAID.
HE ALSO SAID MANY OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WERE AIMED AT MAKING MORE EFFICIENT USE OF JUDICIAL MANPOWER.
THE FIRST PROVISION WAS THAT THE RANGE OF CASES IN WHICH TWO-MEMBER, RATHER THAN THE USUAL THREE-MEMBER, COURTS OF APPEAL MIGHT SIT TO DETERMINE APPEALS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO THOSE CASES WHERE THE PARTIES AGREED THAT A TWO-MEMBER COURT WAS SUFFICIENT, WHERE ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF A THREE-MEMBER COURT WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE, AND TO OTHER CATAGORIES OF CASES PRESCRIBED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
ANOTHER PROVISION WOULD REQUIRE A PARTY SEEKING TO APPEAL TO THE COURT FROM A STATUTORY TRIBUNAL (SUCH AS THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL AND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL) FIRST TO OBTAIN LEAVE TO APPEAL FROM THE COURT, THEREBY WEEDING-OUT SOME UNMERTTORIOUS APPEALS, HE SAID.
"OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE INTENDED TO EFFECT HOUSEKEEPING AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES WITHIN THE SUPREME COURT," HE SAID.
FIRSTLY, PROVISIONS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO PERMIT THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO APPOINT ONE OR MORE JUSTICES OF APPEAL AS "VICE PRESIDENTS" TO HEAD THE THREE DIVISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL.
SECONDLY, THE BILL WOULD ALSO CHANGE THE COURT’S NAME FROM "THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE" TO "THE SUPREME COURT OF HONG KONG".
THIRDLY, THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE THAT ONLY PERSONS WHf VERE QUALIFIED TO BE APPOINTED AS JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT MIGHT BE APPOINTED AS CHIEF JUSTICE. PRESENTLY THERE WAS NO QUALIFICATION FOR THAT IMPORTANT OFFICE.
MR THOMAS SAID MOST OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD CLARIFY AND IMPROVE THE PRACTICE OF THE COURT.
"THE BILL WILL INTRODUCE PROVISIONS TO OVERCOME EXISTING DEFECTS IN THE COURT’S POWER TO ORDER A DEBTOR’S PROPERTY TO BF CHARGED AS SECURITY FOR HIS DEBTS, TO GRANT THE COURT WIDER POWER TO ATTACH MONIES OWED TO A DEBTOR BY A THIRD PARTY TO BE USED IN PAYMENT OF THE DEBTOR’S CREDITORS, AND TO CODIFY THE EXISTING COMMON LAW GOVERNING THE COURT’S POWER TO PROVIDE RELIEF AGAINST FORFEITURE OF LEASES WHEN A TENANT HAS FAILED TO PAY RENT ON THE DUB DATE," MR THOMAS SAID.
FURTHERMORE, A NUMBER OF LEGAL ANOMALIES AND ARCHAIC WOULD BE ABOLISHED. THE COURT WOULD BE GIVEN A WIDER, MORE POWER TO AWARD INTEREST ON CLAIMS FOR DEBT OR DAMAGES.
REMEDIES
FLEXIBLE
/THE POWERS .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
THE POWERS OF THE COURT TO AWARD COSTS AGAINST PARTIES WOULD BE MOVED FROM THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT TO THE ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THEIR VALIDITY.
"RECENTLY A NUMBER OF ACADEMIC ARTICLES HAVE CAST DOUBT UPON WHETHER THE COURT IS EMPOWERED TO UNDERTAKE JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS. TO AVOID ALL DOUBT, THE BILL WILL PLAC2 INTO THE ORDINANCE A PROVISION SPECIFICALLY GRANTING SUCH A POWER TO THE COURT," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE MANY OTHER CHANGES IN CIVIL PROCEDURE EFFECTED BY THIS BILL.
MR THOMAS FURTHER SAID THE BILL HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF WIDE CONSULTATION IN LEGAL CIRCLES.
"THE KEMPSTER SUB-COMMITTEE CANVASSED THE VIEWS OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE JUDICIARY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION, EACH FIRM OF SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG AND THE LAW FACULTY OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY UPON ITS PROPOSALS.
"THE BILL IN DRAFT WAS LATER CIRCULATED TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND TO THE LAW SOCIETY AND SENT TO MR JUSTICE KEMPSTER AND TO THE RULES COMMITTEE FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION.
"THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY HAVE, IN GENERAL, EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE BILL AND THE PROPOSALS IT CONTAINS. THE GOVERNMENT’S LAW OFFICERS INCLUDING THE CROWN SOLICITOR, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT,” HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BROADCASTING CONTROL SOUGHT
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL ALLOW FOR GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TN THE CONTROL AND REGULATION OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAMMES PROVIDED MEET THE NEED AND ASPIRATION OF THE COMMUNITY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR FORD SAID THE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WAS ONE OF THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT.
/EXPLAINING TUB
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
6 -
EXPLAINING THE BILL, HE SAID IT PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AS A BODY CORPORATE COMPRISING UP TO 12 MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
”1T WILL ASSUME THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS CURRENTLY VESTED IN THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY WHICH WILL CEASE TO EXIST," HE SAID.
UNLIKE THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD WHICH WAS CHAIRED BY AN OFFICIAL, THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE CHAIRED BY A NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER COMPRISING ONLY THREE PUBLIC OFFICERS, MR FORD NOTED.
THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD BE FOR A PERIOD OF UP TO THREE YEARS AND MEMBERS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REAPPOINTMENT, HE ADDED.
"THE NEW AUTHORITY WILL THEREFORE PROVIDE FOR GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE REGULATION OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY," MR FORD SAID.
ON THE WORK OF THE AUTHORITY, HE SAID IT WOULD MAINLY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE GRANTING, RENEWAL OR REVOCATION OF TELEVISION LICENCES, THE PREPARATION OF CODES OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME, ADVERTISING AND TECHNICAL STANDARDS, THE ISSUING OF DIRECTIONS TO TELEVISION LICENCEES AND THE EXAMINATION OF PROGRAMME MATERIALS INTENDED FOR BROADCAST.
IT WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR ANY BREACH OF LICENSING CONDITIONS, HE ADDED.
AS THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE CLASSIFIED .AS A PUBLIC BODY UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE, ANY APPEAL AGAINST ITS DECISION WOULD BE BY WAY OF A PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, MR FORD SAID.
NOTING THAT ADVISORY COMMITTEES WITH CO-OPTED MEMBERS MIGHT BE SET UP TO EXAMINE ANY ASPECT OF BROADCASTING, HF SAID THE AUTHORITY WAS EXPECTED TO CONSULT WIDELY ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS.
COMPRISING FIVE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY AND OTHER CO-OPTED MEMBERS, A COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST BREACHES OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE TELEVISION-LICENCES, CODES OF PRACTICE OR THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE AND TO ADVISE THE AUTHORITY ON THE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO TAKE, MR FORD SAID.
"THIS WOULD ENABLE THE COMMITTEE TO BENEFIT FROM THE EXPERT ADVICE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN PARTICULAR SUBJECTS.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL BE EMPOWERED TO REQUIRE THE SUBMISSION OF FILM MATERIALS FOR REVIEW AND TO INSPECT THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF LICENSEES," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
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TURNING TO OTHER ASPECTS OF THE BILL, MR FORD SAID IT ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE AND THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER POWERS AND FUNCTIONS FROM THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD AND TELEVISION AUTHORITY TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
’’SECTION 13(1) OF THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE, REQUIRES THAT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF NEW LICENCES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE EXISTING LICENCES WHICH IS ON DECEMBER 31, 1988.
”IT IS, THEREFORE, NECESSARY THAT THE BILL BE ENACTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO START WORK ON DRAWING UP THE TERMS FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE TWO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCES,” HE SAID.
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PROPOSAL TO CHANGE AUDIT REQUIREMENT OF LIQUIDATORS’ ACCOUNTS *****
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987 IS TO AMEND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO THE ACCOUNTS OF LIQUIDATORS, THE FUNDS OF COMPANIES IN LIQUIDATION INVESTED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND THE FEES PAYABLE IN WINDING UP PROCEEDINGS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE AMENDMENT BILL, HE SAID UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, ALL ACCOUNTS OF LIQUIDATORS OF COMPANIES IN COMPULSORY LIQUIDATIONS WERE REQUIRED TO BE AUDITED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER. AND THIS HAD BECOME VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND WAS IN MANY CASES UNNECESSARY.
’TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL MAKES THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S AUDIT OF LIQUIDATORS' ACCOUNTS A DISCRETIONARY RATHER THAN A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT.”
BESIDES, CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL AMENDED SECTION 295 UNDER WHICH INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN $100,000 WAS APPORTIONED BETWEEN THE COMPANY iN LIQUIDATION AND GENERAL REVENUE.
/THE PRESENT........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 8 -
THE PRESENT PRACTICE WAS TO ADJUST THE RATE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM TIME TO TIME FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CREDITORS OF THE COMPANY IN LIQUIDATION CONSISTENT WITH CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES ACCORDING TO A COMPLICATED FORMULA SO THAT GENERAL REVENUE WOULD BE LEFT WITH AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO A RATE OF ABOUT 1.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
’’THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL AVOID THE NEED FOR SUCH ADJUSTMENTS IN FUTURE AS IT PROVIDES THAT 1.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM ON SUCH INVESTMENTS, OR SUCH OTHER RATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WILL BE PAID TO GENERAL REVENUE AND THAT THE BALANCE WILL BE PAYABLE TO THE COMPANY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CREDITORS,” HE SAID.
CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL AMENDED SECTION 296 TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT FEES COULD BE VALIDLY CHARGED IN RELATION TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, AND THAT THEY NEEDED NOT BE SPECIFIC TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN MANY PARTICULAR COMPANY LIQUIDATION.
FINALLY, MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS AROSE UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE, WOULD BE SOLVED WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO AMEND BANKRUPTCY * ♦ ♦ ♦
PROCEDURE INTRODUCED *
THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 SEEKS TO AMEND THE BANKRPUTCY ORDINANCE TO MAKE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S AUDIT OF TRUSTEES’ ACCOUNTS A DISCRETIONARY RATHER THAN A MANDATORY
EQUIREMENT, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, S/'P IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR NENDICK SAID UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL ACCOUNTS OF TRUSTEES IN BANKRPUTCY HAD TO BE AUDITED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
"THIS HAS PROVED TO BE VERY BURDENSOME FOR THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AN IN MANY CASES UNNECESSARY," HE SAID.
•MR NENDICK NOTED THAT THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO THE FEES PAYABLE IN BANKRPUTCY PROCEEDINGS AND THE SERVICE OF CREDITORS’ BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS.
/’’CLAUSE 4
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 9 -
"CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL PROVIDES THAT FEES CAN BE VALIDLY CHARGED IN RELATION GENERALLY TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS’S OFFICE AND THAT THEY NEED NOT BE SPECIFIC TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN ANY PARTICULAR BANKRPUTCY.
"THE BILL ALSO AMENDS SECTION 9 BY INTRODUCING A REQUIREMENT FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICE OF BANKRPUTCY NOTICES AND BANKRPUTCY PETITIONS WITH PROVISION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE BY COURT ORDER IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES.
"THIS WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT PROCEDURE WHEREBY SUCH PETITIONS CAN BE SERVED BY POST, WHICH HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSATISFACTORY IN THAT ON SOME OCCASIONS THE PETITIONS ARE NOT RECEIVED BY THE PERSON ON WHOM THEY ARE TO BE SERVED," MR NENDICK SAID.
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BILL TO ENSURE QUALITY OF INSURANCE MARKET
*****
A BILL TO GIVE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO REFUSE AN APPLICATION BY A COMPANY TO BECOME AN AUTHORISED INSURER ON GROUNDS NOT SPECIFIED IN SECTIONS 8(2) AND (3) OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, SECTIONS 8(2) AND (3) STIPULATED THAT THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY SHOULD NOT AUTHORISE A COMPANY IF ANY DIRECTOR OR CONTROLLER OF THE COMPANY WAS NOT A "FIT AND PROPER" PERSON OR IF IT DID NOT SATISFY CERTAIN CONDITIONS RELATING TO ITS NET ASSETS, CAPITAL AND MANAGEMENT.
HOWEVER, THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE TWO SECTIONS WERE INTENDED TO BE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK. NOTED WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987 IN THE COUNCIL.
IF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD TO AUTHORISE ANY APPLICANT WHO SATISFIED THESE MINIMUM CONDITIONS, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO EXERCISE EFFECTIVE QUALITY CONTROL OVER ENTRY TO THE LOCAL INSURANCE MARKET AND COULD RESULT IN A PROLIFERATION OF LOW QUALITY INSURANCE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
/"IN THE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2U, 1987
- 10 -
"IN THE INTERESTS OF POTENTIAL POLICY-HOLDERS, CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL INSERTS A NEW SECTION 8(1) TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY WITH EXPRESS POWER TO REFUSE AUTHORISATION ON GROUNDS NOT SPECIFIED IN SECTIONS 8(2) AND (3)," HE EXPLAINED.
MEANWHILE, "AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE ABUSE OF THIS POWER, CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL PROVIDES THAT ANY COMPANY WHOSE APPLICATION HAS BEEN REFUSED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE NEW SECTION 8(1)(B)(II) MAY APPEAL TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY," HE ASSURED.
"IN THE EVENT OF SUCH AN APPEAL, THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH HIS REASONS FOR REFUSAL TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHO WOULD REVIEW THE CASE AND MAKE AN INDEPENDENT AND FINAL DECISION."
MR NENDICK ALSO SAID THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD DRAWN UP ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES WHICH SPELT OUT IN GENERAL TERMS THE AUTHORISATION CRITERIA.
THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO COMPANIES PROPOSING TO APPLY TO BECOME AN AUTHORISED INSURER," HE SAID.
THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND THE LIFE INSURANCE COUNCIL HAD EXPRESSED FULL SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO IMPROVE PILOTAGE LAW OPERATION INTRODUCED ♦ » » * ♦
THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 SEEKS TO REVISE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND TO PROVIDE THE PILOTAGE AUTHORITY WITH CERTAIN POWERS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE PILOTAGE ORDINANCE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR NENDICK SAID THAT THE ESTABLISHED PILOTAGE AUTHORITY WAS THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WHO, UNDER THE ADVICE OF THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, REGULATED AND CONTROLLED PILOTAGE IN HONG KONG.
/SINCE THE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
11
SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE IN 1972, THERE HAD BEEN NO < 1ANGE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE, HE SAID.
THEREFORE, THE BILL PROPOSED VARIOUS CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP TO CATER FOR THE INTERESTS OF NEW PRIVATE SECTOR GROUPINGS WHICH HAD EMERGED IN RECENT YEARS AND TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE.
"AS A RESULT OF SUCH CHANGES, MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE INCREASED FROM 11 TO 13," HE CONTINUED.
TURNING TO THE OPERATION OF THE PILOTAGE ORDINANCE, HE SAID THE BILL WOULD SEEK IMPROVEMENTS IN TWO RESPECTS.
FIRST, IT WOULD REMOVE THE PRESENT NEED FOR CERTAIN APPRENTICE PILOTS TO UNDERGO TWO SEPARATE MEDICAL TESTS DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.
SECOND, IT WOULD EXEMPT CERTAIN TYPES OF HAMPERED VESSELS FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE, WHERE THESE VESSELS WERE UNDER THE CONTROL OF LOCALLY CERTIFICATED CREW WHO COULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH HONG KONG WATERS.
UNDER THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT, AN APPRENTICE PILOT SHOULD PASS TWO MEDICAL TESTS DURING THE INITIAL APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF HIS APPRENTICESHIP AND THE SUBSEQUENT ISSUE OF A PILOT’S LICENCE AFTER ITS COMPLETION NORMALLY IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS.
"TAKING TO ACCOUNT THE SHORT TIME SPAN BETWEEN THE TWO MEDICAL TESTS, THE LATTER REQUIREMENT IS CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY," MR NENDICK SAID.
IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED TO DISPENSE WITH THE SECOND MEDICAL TEST WHERE AN APPRENTICE PILOT COULD PROVE THAT HE HAD, WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, PASSED A SIMILAR ONE.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO SET FEES FOR THOSE MEDICAL TESTS IN THE SAME WAY AS HE CURRENTLY SET FEES FOR THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION BOARD.
AS FOR THE EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF HAMPERED VESSELS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE, MR NENDICK SAID THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT WAS THAT HAMPERED VESSELS OF 300 GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE OR OVER WERE SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY PILOTAGE.
HOWEVER, THE BILL PROPOSED THAT COMPULSORY PILOTAGE FOR LOCAL VESSELS LICENSED UNDER PART IV OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE OR TO HYDROFOILS OR JETFOIL ON, FOR EXAMPLE, THE HONG KONG-MACAU RUN SHOULD BE WAIVED.
/THIS WAS........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 12 -
THIS WAS DUE TO ’’BOTH CATEGORIES OF VESSELS ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN THE CHARGE OF MASTERS IN POSSESSION OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE CONDITIONS OF THE WATERS OF HONG KONG,” HE EXPLAINED.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG PILOTS ASSOCIATION, THE PORTS COMMITTEE, THE PORTS OPERATION COMMITTEE AND THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0----------
BILL SEEKING DESIGNATION OF EX-INMATE HOSTELS INTRODUCED
*****
THE SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1987 SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO DESIGNATE THE HOSTELS FOR EX-INMATES UNDER SUPERVISION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO ADMINISTER THEM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO PROVIDE FOR RESIDENTS OF THESE HOSTELS WHO WERE IN EMPLOYMENT TO BE CHARGED A TOKEN SUM OF $200 PER MONTH FOR THEIR BOARD AND LODGING.
VISITING JUSTICES HAD ALREADY BEEN VISITING THESE HOSTELS ONCE A MONTH AND THE BILL ALSO CONTAINED AMENDMENTS TO THE PRISON RULES TO GIVE LEGAL FOOTING TO THIS IMPORTANT ESTABLISHED ARRANGEMENT, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WAS EMPOWERED TO MAKE RULES GOVERNING THE CONDITIONS OF RESIDENCE OF EX-INMATES WHILE UNDER SUPERVISION.
’’BI T AT PRESENT THERE IS NO LEGISLATIVE PROVISION WHEREBY RESIDENTS OF THESE HOSTELS WHO ARE IN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT CAN BE CHARGED FOR THEIR BOARD AND LODGING.
/’’AND THERE..........
JEDHESDAY, Ju J 2Ji, 1987
- 13 -
’’AND THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND DESIGNATION OF THESE HOSTELS,
”IT IS TO PROVIDE FOR THESE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1987 IS NOW BEFORE THIS COUNCIL," HE STRESSED.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT RAN THREE HOSTELS FOR PERSONS RELEASED UNDER SUPERVISION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE, SECTION 109AA OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE, SECTION 5 OF THE DETENTION CENTRES ORDINANCE AND SECTION 5 OF THE TRAINING CENTRES ORDINANCE.
THE REQUIREMENT TO LIVE IN THESE HOSTELS WAS NORMALLY IMPOSED ON THOSE WHO EITHER HAD NO HOME TO RETURN TO UPON RELEASE FROM DETENTION OR WERE IN NEED OF A MORE RESTRICTIVE TYPE OF SUPERVISION THAN THOSE WHO COULD BE RELEASED UPON SUPERVISION AND ALLOWED TO LIVE WHEREVER THEY LIKED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0----------
BILLS INTRODUCED FOR LIGHT RAIL OPERATION I ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL PROVIDE A MORE DETAILED LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE OPERATION OF THF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL I EUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE DESIGNATION OF STOPS FOR KCRC’S LRT AND ITS FEEDER BUSES ON A ROAD.
"THESE REGULATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THE SITING OF LRT AND BUS STOPS TO ENSURE EFFICIENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ROAD SAFETY,” HE SAID.
MR lEUNG NOTED THAT THF MAIN LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK OF THE LRT SYSTEM IN THF FORM OF AMENDMENTS TO THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JULY LAST YEAR AND ON THE BASIS OF THE \PPROVED LEGISLATION, MUCH PROGRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LRT SYSTEM HAD BEEN MADE.
/li^ Lai LC' :D............
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
14
HE EXPECTED THE LRT SYSTEM TO COMMENCE OPERATION IN THE NORTH -WEST NEW TERRITORIES IN SLIGHTLY MORE THAN A YEAR’S TIME.
MR LEUNG ALSO MOVED THE SECOND READING OF ANOTHER BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INTRODUCE A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF THE LRT SYSTEM.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 MAKES PROVISION FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES OF THE LRT SYSTEM AND ENSURES THAT THE OPERATION OF THE LRT WILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH OT t ACTIVITIES ON THE ROAD.
’’FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE DEFINITIONS OF ’VEHICLE', ’DRIVER’ AND ’ROAD’ ARE AMENDED, AND A DEFINITION OF VEHICLES TO BE USED ON THE LRT IS ADDED," MR LEUNG EXPLAINED.
THE AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE LRT, EVEN THOUGH OPERATING ON ITS DEDICATED RESERVE FOR THE GREATER PART OF ITS TRACK, WILL CROSS ROAD JUNCTIONS XND WILL MIX WITH OTHER ROAD TRAFFIC ON CERTAIN SECTIONS.
SINCE ACCIDENTS ON THE LRT MAY INVOLVE OTHER VEHICLES ENTERING THE LRT RESERVE, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR DRIVERS OF LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES TO COMPLY WITH THOSE SECTIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE REGARDING THE DUTY TO Si OP IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS, THE PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE IN CASE F SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND THE OBLIGATION TO GIVE INFORMATION TO THE POLICE WHEN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OR OFFENCES OCCUR.
THIS IS ACHIEVED BY CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL. THE CLAUSE ALSO EXTENDS THE REGULATION-MAKING POWERS IN THE ORDINANCE SO THAT REGULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO APPLY TO THE LRT.
SINCE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES AT ROAD JUNCTIONS MAY OPERATE UNDER DIFFERENT SPEED LIMITS, CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO EXEMPT LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES FROM A GENERAL SPEED LIMIT ON A ROAD, TO IMPOSE A DIFFERENT SPEED LIMIT ON THEM AND TO ERECT SIGNS FOR THAT PURPOSE.
TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES ON THE LRT, CLAUSE f. OF THE BILL EMPOWERS A POLICE OFFICER IN UNIFORM TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE DRIVER OF A LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE WHERE THERE IS AN EMERGENCY ON OR NEAR THE LRT SYSTEM IN ORDER TO SAVE OR PROTECT LIFE OR PROPERTY IN IMMINENT DANGER OR TO CLEAR ANY OBSTRUCTION TO THE RAILWAX SYSTEM.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 15 -
COURT ACTION LAST RESORT IN PENSION CLAIM ♦ » * * *
RECOURSE TO THE COURTS FOR ANY PERSONS WHO FEEL AGGRIEVED AT THE CANCELLATION, SUSPENSION OR REDUCTION OF HIS PENSION SHOULD ONLY BE THE ULTIMATE CHANNEL OF APPEAL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE HON DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL, MR FORD SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE OTHER PROCEDURES AVAILABLE FOR PENSIONERS TO APPEAL IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
"IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH STAFF, TO INTRODUCE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR, WHERE APPROPRIATE, ON APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS TO CANCEL, SUSPEND OR REDUCE A PENSION TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY,” HE SAID.
MR FORD STRESSED ACTIONS TO WITHDRAW OR REDUCE A PENSIONER’S PENSION COULD ONLY BE TAKEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE OF AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS NATURE, INCLUDING OFFENCES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE.
HE ADDED THAT IN GENERAL, THE OFFENCE MUST BE CONNECTED WITH THE PENSIONER’S WORK IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND MUST BE SO SERIOUS THAT T CAUSED GRAVE DAMAGE TO HONG KONG OR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"AS REGARDS THE PROVISION WHEREBY A PENSION CAN BE CANCELLED IF SOMEONE HAS WILFULLY SUPPRESSED FACTS MATERIAL TO THE GRANT OF A :PENS1ON, THIS IS AN EXISTING PROVISION AND DOES NO MORE THAN PREVENT A PERSON OBTAINING A PENSION BY FALSE PRETENCES," HE SAID.
"IT IS A NECESSARY SAFEGUARD TO ENSURE THAT A PENSION IS NOT GRANTED OR MAY BE WITHDRAWN WHERE IT IS FOUND THAT THE INFORMATION WHICH LED TO THE AWARD OF THE PENSION WAS UNTRUE AND THE PERSON CONCERNED WAS AWARE OF THIS,” HE STRESSED.
WHILE NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN REFERENCE TO THE PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE PHRASE "FUNDS OF THE COLONY" WITH THE TERM "GENERAL REVENUE" IN CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE LEGISLATION, MR FORD SAID THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLALTION ALREADY PROVIDED THAT PENSIONS GENERALLY WERE PAID FROM GENERAL REVENUE.
"THE REFERENCE TO FUNDS OF THE COLONY APPEARS ONLY IN SECTIONS DEALING W7TH OFFICERS TRANSFERRED FROM OR TO OTHER BRITISH TERRITORIES,” HE SAID.
"THIS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE THESE SECTIONS ARE BASED ON A MODEL APPLICABLE TO MOST BRITISH TERRITORIES AMONG WHICH THERE MAY BE VERY DIFFERENT TERMS FOR GOVERNMENT MONIES."
THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT OF TERMS WAS BASED ON THE FACT THAT: THE PHRASE "FUNDS OF THE COLONY" HAD NO PRECISE DEFINITION; PROVISION SHOULD BE MADE FOR ALL TENSIONS TO BE PAID FROM GENERAL REVENUE; THERE COULD 'JE NO GREATER SECURITY FOR PENSIONS THAN TO PROVIDE FOR THEM TO BE PAID FROM GENERAL REVENUE.
/DR FORD........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
16
MH FORD SAID THE PRESENT OPTION PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FOR YOUNGEi OFFICERS TO OPT TO TRANSFER TO THE NEW PENSION SCHEME, WHICH WAS ALREADY AN INCREASE OVER THE ORIGINAL PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, WAS ADEQUATE.
"SOME CUT OFF POINT IS ESSENTIAL FOR LONG TERM FINANCIAL AND STAFF PLANNING PURPOSES," HE EXPLAINED.
MR FORD, HOWEVER, ADDED, "THE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR PROVIDED FOR OLDER OFFICERS MAY BE TOO SHORT AND CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING THESE OFFICERS WITH A SOMEWHAT LONGER PERIOD IN WHICH TO OPT TO TRANSFER TO THE NEW SCHEME."
HE ALSO SAID, THE PROVISIONS FOR DEPENDANT PENSIONS GENERALLY FOLLOWED HOSE IN THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSION ORDINANCE.
WITH REGARD TO CRITICS THAT SOME OF THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO DEPENDANT PENSIONS WERE DIFFERENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN WITH ADVANTAGES SOMETIMES TO THE MAN AND SOMETIMES TO THE WOMAN.
MR FORD SAID A SEPARATE REVIEW WOULD EXAMINE THE PROVISIONS FOR DEPENDANTS PENSIONS TO UPDATE THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO SUCH PENSIONS AND TO REMOVE ANY EXISTING ANOMALIES.
MR FORD ALSO PROMISED THE RATE OF MINIMUM DEPENDANT PENSIONS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A PERIODIC REVIEW.
MR FORD ALSO SAID THE INCONSISTENCIES IN PENSION FACTORS BETWEEN PENSIONABLE AND NON PENSIONABLE OFFICERS WHICH EXISTED IN THE PAST WOULD DISAPPEAR WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMMON PENSION FACTOR.
AS TO THE POINT ABOUT EXEMPTING JUNIOR STAFF FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO SEEK PRIOR PERMISSION TO TAKE UP POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND HE DID NOT THINK THIS CONSTITUTED ANY REAL HARDSHIP.
MR FORD SAID UNDER THE NEW SCHEME THERE WERE DIFFERENT ARbANGEMENTS FOR EARLY LEAVERS WHICH WOULD STILL ALLOW OFFICERS TO LEAVE AT 45 BUT INVOLVED THEIR WAITING FOR THEIR PENSION BENEFITS UNTIL THEIR NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE.
"NO CHANGE IS CONTEMPLATED UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS," HE STRESSED.
"THE ONLY CHANGE THAT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE EXISTING SCHEME TN THIS CONNECTION IS TO DELETE THE PROVISION WHEREBY OFFICERS COULD BE COMPULSORILY RETIRED SIMPLY FOR HAVING REACHED THE RIPE OLD AGE OF 45.
"I AM SURE NO ONE WOULD WISH TO RETAIN THIS OBSOLETE PROVISION BUT I BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN SOME MISUNDERSTANDING AMONG SOME STAFF THAT THIS DELETION AFFECTS THE ARI \NGEMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT. IT DOES NOT," HE SAID.
/W< FORD .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 17 -
MR FORD ALSO DESCRIBED AS "NOT ACCEPTABLE" SUGGESTION THAT OFFICER ELIGIBLE FOR A DEFERRED PENSION SHOULD BE PAID THEIR COMMUTED PENSION BENEFITS IMMEDIATELY.
"SUCH A MEASURE, WE BELIEVE, WOULD NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE STABILITY AND CONTINUITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID WHILE STAFF REQUESTS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NEW PENSION SCHEME WERE UNDERSTANDABLE, THE SCHEME HAD ALREADY BEEN MODIFIED SUBSTANTIALLY TO MEET .'HEIR POINTS.
"THE PRESENT PACKAGE IS A REASONABLE, EVEN A GENEROUS ONE IN SOME EYES. WHAT IS MORE, I SHOULD STRESS THIS POINT, IT IS ENTIRELY OPTIONAL AND NO SERVING CIVIL SERVANT HAS TO TRANSFER TO THE NEW PENSION SCHEME IF HL DOES NOT WISH TO DO SO."
-------0--------
MORE VIEWS FROM STAFF SIDE ON PENSION BILL * » « » »
ALTHOUGH MOST CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE EXPRESSED GENERAL SATISFACTION WITH THE NEW PENSION SCHEME, FURTHER COMMENTS AND DEMANDS HAVE BEEN MADE BY SOME CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS SINCE THE FIRST READING OF THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987, THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TAM SAID, AMONG OTHERS, THE STAFF UNIONS FELT THAT CLAUSE 29, WHICH EMPOWERED A GOVERNMENT OFFICER APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO CANCEL, SUSPEND OR REDUCE A PENSION ON CONVICTION OF A PUBLIC OFFICER, SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THOSE WHO HAD ALREADY RESIGNED FROM THE SERVICE.
THEY ALSO FELT THAT APART FROM CORRUPTION OFFENCES, OFFICERS CONVICTED OF OTHER OFFENCES SHOULD NOT BE PENALISED TWICE OVER.
MR TAM SAID THE STAFF UNIONS ALSO THOUGHT THERE WAS INCONSISTENCY IN THE COMPUTATION OF THE PENSION FACTOR AND THAT JUNIOR OFFICERS SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PENSIONER MUST OBTAIN THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE GOVERNOR BEFORE TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER HIS RETIREMENT.
/IIS ALSO............
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 18 -
HE ALSO SAID THAT SOME STAFF UNIONS WERE WORRIED THAT PAYMENT OF PENSION WOULD BE AFFECTED IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND REQUESTED THAT THE WORDING "FUNDS OF THE COLONY" BE AMENDED TO "FUNDS OF HONG KONG".
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD BE PAID OUT OF THE RESERVE FUND.
THE UNIONS ALSO FELT THAT THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF DEPENDANTS PENSION, WHICH HAD NOT BE REVISED SINCE 1965, SHOULD BE REVIEWED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
ON THE OPTION PERIOD DURING WHICH AN OFFICER OVER THE AGE OF 49 WAS TO ELECT WHETHER TO JOIN THE NEW SCHEME, MR TAM SAID THE UNIONS WERE OF THE OPINION THAT IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED FROM ONE YEAR TO A MORE REASONABLE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
THEY ALSO FELT THAT THE REMOVAL OF THE PROVISION IN THE OLD PENSION SCHEME ALLOWING AN OFFICER TO EARLY RETIREMENT AT THE AGE OF 45 WAS OBJECTIONABLE BECAUSE THE NEW SCHEME WAS SUPPOSED TO "IMPROVE" THF OLD ONE, HE SAID.
MR TAM SAID IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THE NEW SCHEME HAD TO BE IN EFFECT IN JULY, OTHERWISE THOUSANDS OF CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD BE AFFECTED, HE WOULD GIVE HIS SUPPORT TO THE MOTION.
"HOWEVER, I HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESPOND TO THE REQUESTS PUT FORWARD BY THE STAFF SIDE AND WILL GIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THEM IN FUTURE," HE ADDED.
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PRUDENT POLICY ON USE OF RESOURCES STRESSED
*****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PRUDENT POLICIES AT ALL TIMES BY GOVERNMENT IN REGARD TO TljE USE OF MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID IF HONG KONG WERE TO REMAIN A PROSPEROUS AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITY, THERE SHOULD BE PRUDENT CONTROL OF THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AN1 STEADY PROGRESSION IN THE PRIVATISATION OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT WHEREVER IT WAS ECONOMIC AND IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DO SO.
/iIE SAID............
WEDNESDAY, JUI'C 24, 198?
- 19 -
HE SAID IT HAD BEEN ESTIMATED THAT BY THE EAKLY PART OF THE NEXT CENTURY, IN VIEW OF THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BEING RELATIVELY YOUNG, THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON PENSIONS WOULD AMOUNT TO 40 PER CENT OF PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS.
EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CLAIMED BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT IN THE LONG RUN THE NEW PENSION SCHEME COULD BRING ABOUT A SAVING OF EIGHT PER CENT, MR CHEONG-LEEN EMPHASISED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAINTAIN PRUDENT POLICIES AT ALL TIMES ON THE USE OF ITS RESOURCES.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE FACT THAT THE NEW PENSION SCHEME WAS FOUND FULLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES SHOULD ALLAY CONCERNS ON THE PART OF THOSE CIVIL SERVANTS WHOSE PENSIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PAID AFTER 1997.
HE ADDED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD NO DOUBT WELCOME THE NEW PROVISION WHICH WOULD ALLOW THEM THE FLEXIBILITY TO COMMUTE UP TO 50 PER CENT OF THEIR PENSION FOR A LUMP SUM, AS WELL AS ANOTHER NEW PROVISION THAT PENSIONS WERE MADE A RIGHT RATHER THAN A PRIVILEGE.
HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT ADJUSTING THE NORMAL AGE OF RETIREMENT FROM 55 TO 60 WAS IN KEEPING WITH SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN LONG KONG.
ON CONCERNS ABOUT FLUCTUATION OF THE GENERAL REVENUE OR CHANGING ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT AFFECT THE PENSION SCHEME, MR CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THAT CLAUSE 6 OF THE BILL WHICH STATED THAT ’’THERE SHALL BE CHARGED ON AND PAID OUT OF THE GENERAL REVENUE ALL SUMS OF MONEY AS MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE GRANTED BY WAY OF PENSION BENEFITS” PROVIDED THE BEST INSURANCE.
"LT IMPLIED THE GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATION TO PAY PENSION
BENEFITS AND IT HAD TO DISCHARGE ITS OBLIGATION," HE SAID.
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IMPROVEMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PENSION SCHEME ♦ ♦ * I ♦
THE HON K C CHAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE BENEFITS BILL 1987 PROVIDED FOR A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS EXISTING PENSION SCHEME AND ONE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS WAS THAI wks MADE A RIGHT RATHER THAN A PRIVILEGE.
PENSION TO THE PENSION
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR CHAN SAID ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT WAS TH^T^PUEE™EL0^E ^EARS^O^' THEIR
CIVIL k- RVANTS COULD NOW WORK AND EARN
HIGHEST SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS.
/THE BI IL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 19^7
- 20 -
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR DEFERRED BENEFITS FOR THOSE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO RESIGNED AFTER COMPLETING 10 YEARS OF SERVICE.
MR CHAN, WHO WAS THE CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE BILL, RAISED TWO POINTS OF CONCERN AND REQUESTED THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO REPLY AND GIVE ASSURANCE TO ALLAY THE WORRIES, REAL jpR IMAGINARY, OF THE STAFF.
THE FIRST WAS THAT AS THE SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR PENSION PAYMENTS UNDER THE BILL WAS FROM ’’GENERAL REVENUE” , WOULD CIVIL SERVANTS PENSION BENEFITS BE AFFECTED WHEN THERE WAS A DEFICIT IN THE GENERAL REVENUE.
THE SECOND POINT CONCERNED CIVIL SERVANTS’ RIGHT TO APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION BY THE GOVERNOR TO CANCEL OR REDUCE THEIR PENSION ON CONVICTION OF CERTAIN OFFENCES OR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS. HE NOTED THAT THE LEGAL COST WOULD BE TOO HIGH.
’’THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE EXISTING APPEAL PROCEDURES IN THIS BILL COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINT AND COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUE, THE AD HOC GROUP AND THE ADMINISTRATION FELT THAT MORE TIME SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REFINE THE APPEAL PROCEDURES, WHICH WAS THAT BESIDES THE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION AN APPEAL TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE SET UP WITHOUT LEGAL, COST TO THE APPELLANT.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE OF HONG KONG, MODELLED AFTER THE BRITISH SYSTEM, WAS EFFICIENT AND WAS A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR TO THE STABILITY AND SUCCESS OF HONG KONG.
"FOR THOSE LAW-ABIDING AND HARD-WORKING CIVIL SERVANTS, I ALWAYS ADVOCATE THAT THEY SHOULD BE WELL PAID NOT ONLY DURING THEIR SERVICE BUT ALSO THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE REASONABLY GOOD RETIREMENT BENEFITS AFTER THEIR LONG AND LOYAL SERVICE TO THE CROWN," HE SAID.
--------0----------
EMPLOYEES
ALREADY PROTECTED ♦ * *
AGAINST UNFAIR DISMISSAL » ♦
HAS PROVIDED A
HONG KONG ---- _
PROTECTION AGAINST UNFAIR DISMISSAL TO EMPLOYEES
FAIR AND REASONABLE MEASURE OF ------------------------------------------------- v/HILE AVOIDING THE EXPENSIVE MEASURES WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS INTRODUCED WITH QUESTIONABLE SUCCESS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ^^^TION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL T A
(WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR
SAID FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME WERE UNDER CONSIDERATION AND IF INTRODUCED, WOULD PR°Y*DE PROTECTION TO EMPLOYEES DISMISSED THROUGH NO FAULT OF 1HE
PAGLIARI
NOW
FURTHER
/HE SAID........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2<+, 1987
- 21
HE SAID THE BASIC PROBLEM WITH UNFAIR DISMISSAL LEGISLATION IS THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT UNFAIR OR UNREASONABLE.
"THE EXPERIENCE OF THE UK IN INTRODUCING SUCH LEGISLATION DOES NOT FILL ONE WITH CONFIDENCE IN THIS PARTICULAR APPROACH TO DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM," HE SAID.
MR PAGLIARI SAID THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT OF 1971, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION IN 1972, ATTEMPTED TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM UNFAIR DISMISSAL BY PROVIDING FOR REINSTATEMENT, RE-EMPLOYMENT OR COMPENSATION WHERE A WORKER HAS BEEN DEEMED BY AN INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL TO HAVE BEEN UNFAIRLY DISMISSED.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THIS ACT WAS REPEALED IN 1974 AND REPLACED BY THE TRADE UNION AND LABOUR RELATIONS ACT OF 1974, THE EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION ACT 1975 AND THE EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION (CONSOLIDATION) ACT 1978, EACH OF WHICH CONTAINED SIMILAR UNFAIR DISMISSAL PROVISIONS.
"THE EFFECT OF ALL THIS LEGISLATION ON UNFAIR DISMISSAL IN THE U.K. IS BELIEVED TO BE QUITE LIMITED BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF DETERMINING WHETHER AN EMPLOYER HAS ACTED FAIRLY, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNALS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE OF THE ADVISORY, CONCILIATIONS AND ARBITRATION SERVICE IN REACHING THEIR CONCLUSIONS," HE ADDED.
NOTHING THAT ALTHOUGH THE U.K. LEGISLATION PROVIDED LEGAL PROTECTION AGAINST UNFAIR DISMISSAL FOR EMPLOYEES WITH AT LEAST TWO YEARS SERVICE, MR PAGLIARI SAID THE ONLY GROUNDS SPECIFIED IN THE LAW AS BEING UNFAIR WERE WHERE THE EMPLOYEE HAD BEEN DISMISSED IN CONNECTION WITH TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP, BECAUSE OF PREGNANCY OR IN BREACH OF AGREED REDUNDANCY PROCEDURES.
HE SAID IN HONG KONG THERE WERE ALSO PROVISIONS, IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, WHICH PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM DISMISSAL FOR TRADE ' NION MEMBERSHIP AND WHICH PROTECT THE JOBS OF PREGNANT WORKERS.
HE SAID HE WOULD INTRODUCE A BILL TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF PREGNANT WORKERS FROM UNFAIR DISMISSAL AT THE NEXT MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"IN ADDITION, THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG WHICH ENTITLE AN EMPLOYEE WITH TWO YEARS SERVICE WHO IS DISMISSED THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN TO SEVERENCE PAY," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
"HONG KONG LAW ALSO PROVIDE FOR LONG SERVICE PAY, A PROVISION WHICH DOES NOT EXIST IN U.K. LEGISLATION AND WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG AS A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO UNFAIR DISMISSAL LEGISLATION."
-------0--------- /22.................
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987'
- 22 -
IMPROVEMENT IN LANGUAGE STANDARD RESULT OF EDUCATION MEASURES *****
THE APPARENT IMPROVEMENT IN THE STANDARD OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN RECENT YEARS WAS LIKELY TO BE THE RESULT OF A SERIES OF MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON MICHALENGELO PAGLIARI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE MEASURES INCLUDED THE REVISION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SYLLABUSES IN 1981 AND 1983 RESPECTIVELY; THE INTRODUCTION IN 1982 OF REMEDIAL TEACHING OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR THIS PURPOSE; THE INTRODUCTION OF WIRE-FREE INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM ALSO IN 1982 TO IMPROVE LISTENING SKILLS; AND THE REGULAR LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED TO IN-SERVICE TEACHERS BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DESMOND LEE ON THE IMPACT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION SINCE 1982 UPON THE LANGUAGE STANDARD OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, MR PAGLIARI SAID THE RESULT OF ITS WORK BY IMPROVING THE ABILITIES OF LANGUAGE TEA7HERS WOULD ONLY BECOME VISIBLE IN THE LONGER TERM.
"NEVERTHELESS, THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IS PLAYING A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN IMPROVING LANGUAGE STANDARDS AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL," HE NOTED.
"SINCI ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1982, THE INSTITUTE HAS TRAINED A
TOTAL OF 2,718 PRIMARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS, REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 22.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALL NON-GRADUATE LANGUAGE TEACHERS," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE INSTITUTE BEGAN TRAINING GRADUATE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
SECONDARY SCHOOL NON-
ON MONITORING THE LANGUAGE STANDARD OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, MR PAGLIARI SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEGAN TO USE TESTS OF ATTAINMENT TO MONITOR THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS OF CHILDREN IN PRIMARY FOUR TO PRIMARY SIX CLASSES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN 1976.
HE CONTINUED THAT SIMILAR TESTS HAD ALSO BEEN APPLIED TO THE S’iCONDARY 3 LEVEL IN BOTH LANGUAGES SINCE 1979 WHILE ATTAINMENT TESTING OF SECONDARY ONE AND SECONDARY TWO CHILDREN STARTED THIS YEAR AND WOULD BEGIN FOR PRIMARY ONE TO PRIMARY THREE CHILDREN NEXT YEAR.
ACCORDING TO MR PAGLIARI, THERE WAS A STEEP DECLINE IN ATTAINMENT IN ENGLISH FOR THREE YEARS SINCE 1978 AFTER THE ABOLITION OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.
"HOWEVER, THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS AFTER 1981 WITH HIGHEST ATTAINMENT BEING ACHIEVED BY THE COHORT OF CHILDREN WHO STUDIED IN PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX IN 1984 TO 1986," HE SAID.
/HE DESCRIBED........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 25 -
HE DESCRIBED THE PATTERN FOR CHINESE WAS "SIMILAR IN THAT THERE WAS A DROP IN STANDARDS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE MID-1970’S".
THE LOWEST POINT WAS REACHED IN 1981 IN PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX FOLLOWED BY AN IMPROVEMENT DURING THE MID-1980’S, HE SAID. ’
HE ADDED THAT A DECLINE IN STANDARDS IN SECONDARY THREE ENGLISH AND CHINESE CLASSES BETWEEN 1979 AND 1981 HAD BEEN ARRESTED AND SINCE 1983 SOME IMPROVEMENT HAD BEEN SHOWN.
-------Q ---------
NO SPECIAL CONCESSION FOR SALARIES TAX PAYERS OVER 60
*****
PERSONS AGED 60 OR OVER DO NOT ENJOY TAX ADVANTAGES SINCE LIABILITY TO PAY DIRECT TAX IN HONG KONG IS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF ABILITY TO PAY WHICH IS DETERMINED BY THE LEVEL OF A PERSON’S INCOME, RATHER THAN AGE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR NENDICK SAID HONG KONG’S GRADUATED SALARIES TAX RATES WERE DESIGNED TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE TAXPAYING ABILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH DIFFERENT INCOMES.
"BECAUSE IT IS THE LEVEL OF A PERSON’S INCOME, RATHER THAN AGE, THAT DETERMINES THE PERSON’S ABILITY TO PAY, THERE APPEARS TO BE NO REASON WHY A PERSON AGED 60 YEARS OR MORE SHOULD ENJOY A TAX ADVANTAGE OVER A PERSON AGED LESS THAN 60 YEARS."
ON WHETHER CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO INCREASING THE TAX ALLOWANCES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR NENDICK SAID THAT PERSONS AGED 60 YEARS OR MORE ARE ENTITLED TO THE SAME PERSONAL AND FAMILY ALLOWANCES AVAILABLE TO ALL TAXPAYERS.
"ACCORDINGLY, AGED PERSONS ON LOW INCOMES GENERALLY HAVE NO LIABILITY TO TAX."
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BASIC DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE WAS MOST RECENTLY INCREASED TO $9,000 FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1986.
-------0---------- /24 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
24
RISE IN COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE EXPLAINED *****
AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS MADE AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS MAY HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THE EFFORT BY THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY BUREAU (CRPB) OF THE POLICE TO INFORM PEOPLE OF WHAT THEIR RIGHTS ARE IN RELATION TO THE FORCE AND WHAT THEY SHOULD DO IF THEY WANT TO COMPLAIN, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID COMPLAINTS HAD ROUGHLY DOUBLED FROM 2,247 IN 1978 TO 4,535 IN 1986 SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CRPB, WHICH AIMS AT IMPROVING THE RELATIONS OF THE POLICE WITH THE COMMUNITY IN PARTICULAR AND ITS PUBLICITY GENERALLY.
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT "ANOTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WHICH CANNOT BE IGNORED IS THE INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE FORCE".
"THUS PER HEAD OF THE STRENGTH OF THE DISCIPLINED MEMBERS OF IT, THE INCREASE BETWEEN 1978 AND 1986 WAS AROUND 45 PER CENT," HE SAID.
ON WHETHER THE AUTHORITIES HAVE CONDUCTED ANY COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BUREAU, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE FORCE INSPECTION SERVICES WING INSPECTED COMPREHENSIVELY THE CRPB EVERY TWO YEARS.
"THE LAST INSPECTION WAS IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND LASTED TWO WEEKS."
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT THE CRPB KEPT ITS COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW IN ITS SEARCH FOR NEW METHODS TO IMPROVE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
THESE REVIEWS HAD RESULTED IN THE INTRODUCTION OF A NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL VENTURES INCLUDING THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD CO-ORDINATOR SCHEME, HE SAID.
"MEASURES LIKELY TO BE INTRODUCED FURTHER TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC INCLUDE INCREASED TRAINING ON COURTESY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS FOR ALL POLICE OFFICERS AND THE VALUABLE INFORMATION WE HOPE TO OBTAIN FROM THE THIRD CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY WHICH WILL ASSIST IN FURTHER IMPROVING THESE RELATIONS.
"THE CLOSE CONTACT BETWEEN DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDERS AND THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
-------0----------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
COMPULSORY INSURANCE PROPOSED FOR ALL * * * *
CONSULTING FIRMS
CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO INTRODUCING A COMPULSORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CONSULTING FIRMS ENGAGED ON LIC PROJECTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF CORPORATE STATUS.
THIS STATEMENT WAS MADE BY ;’E SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, IN THE LEG ATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM THE KJ CHENG HON-KWAN.
MR BARNES SAID ENGINEERING CONSULTING FIRMS WHICH WERE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES WERE REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COVER WHILST ENGAGED ON J CLIC PROJECTS.
FIRMS WHICH DID NOT HAVE LIMITED LIABILITY STATUS WERE NOT REQUIRED TO CARRY PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, ALTHOU UNDER THE TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT LIABILITY WAS IMPLICIT.
COMMISSIONS AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS SELECTION BOARD WERE NOT AT PRESENT REQUIRED TO CARRY SUCH INSURANCE, BUT THE SITUATION WAS UNDER REVIEW, MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID WHERE INSURANCE COVER WAS PRESENTLY REQUIRED IT WAS USUALLY FOR THE FULL LIMITATION PERIOD AS DEFINED IN THE LIMITATION ORDINANCE.
THIS PERIOD VARIED DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES.
FOR ACTIONS BASED ON SIMPLE CONTRACT OR TORT, AN ACTION MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN SIX YEARS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE CAUSE OF AN ACTION AROSE.
FOR ACTIONS BASED ON CONTRACT UNDER SEAL THE PERIOD WAS 12 YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH THE CAUSE OF AN ACTION AROSE.
FOR CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF PERSONAL INJURY THE PERIOD WAS THREE YEARS.
"GOVERNMENT’S VIEW HAS BEEN THAT INSURANCE COVER SHOULD CONTINUE FOR THE DURATION OF EACH COMMISSION LIMITATION PERIOD WHICH IS NORMALLY 12 YEARS," MR BARNES SAID.
"HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF A CONTINUING TREND FOR PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE COSTS TO ESCALATE, AND DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING COVER FOR 12 YEARS, CONSIDERATION IS NOW BEING GIVEN TO LIMITING THE PERIOD OF COVER TO SIX YEARS.
"THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH PRACTICE IN SOME UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS," MR BARNES SAID.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
26
PROFESSIONAL LINK WITH BRITISH SHIPPING SECTOR ESTABLISHED
*****
THE MOST IMPORTANT RESULT OF THE POSTING OF THE MARINE AD' ER AT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON IS THAT HONG KONG OW
HAS A PROFESSIONAL LINK DIRECTLY WITH THOSE IN THE UK WHO ARE FORMULATING BRITISH SHIPPING POLICY, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR NENDfCK SAID AS HONG KONG MOVED TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SHIPPING REGISTER SEPARATE FROM THAT OF THE UK, THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW THAT POLICY WAS CONCEIVED AND IMPLEMENTED WOULD ENABLE THE TERRITORY TO BETTER EQUIP ITSELF FOR THE FUTURE.
MR NENDICK ALSO OUTLINED THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK DONE BY T MARINE ADVISER, NOW HELD BY THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF MARINE, M~ PETER CHAN, WHO TOOK UP THE POST IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
"HE HAS ESTABLISHED WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, THE HYDROGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT AND OTHER UK GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND WITH THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF BRITISH SHIPPING.
BESIDES, HE HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED AN INITIAL ROUND OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS, MR NENDICK NOTED.
"HE HAS BEEN APPOINTED HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND HAS REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT A NUMBER OF MEETINGS INCLUDING THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE," HE ADDED.
HE HAD ALSO BEEN THE NATURAL FOCUS OF MANY ENQUIRIES CONCERNING HONG KONG AND ITS REGISTER FROM THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE UK SHIPPING INDUSTRY, MR NENDICK ADDED.
- 0 - -
/27
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 27 -
SLIGHT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CORRUPTION REPORTS
*****
THE NUMEBR OF CORRUPTION REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE 11 DENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE ' EAR WHILE THE NUMBER OF CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE POLICE DROPPED BY 12.5 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE 1986 ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF ICAC.
THE REPORT WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, >DAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW WHO WAS DEPUTISING FOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITT ON CORRUPTION, THE HON 3. L. CHEN, WHO IS AWAY FROM HONG KONG. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE.
THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE UPWARD TREND IN THE NUMS OF REPORTS RECEIVED AGAINST THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD CONTINUED, AND THE FIGURE OF 1,060 OUT OF A TOTAL OF 2,574 CORRUPTION REPORIS WAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER RECORDED.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE PREPARE) TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WHEN REPORTING CORRUPTION AND THE 1,564 NON-ANONYMOUS REPORTS, OR 65 PER CENT OF ALL CORRUPTION E .PORTS RECEIVED, IS THE HIGHEST FIGURE EVER RECORDED," MRS CHOW SAID.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS THE COMMISSION RECEIVED A VERY 1ARGE NUMBER OF NON-CORRUPTION REPORTS. THE FIGURE FOR 1986 WAS 2,911, OR 53 PER CENT OF ALL REPORTS RECEIVED.
MRS CHOW NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE POLICE STOOD AT 629 LAST YEAR, DOWN 12.5 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR AND WAS THE LOWEST SINCE 1980.
"THE ICAC COMMISSIONER HAS REMARKED SPECIFICALLY UPON THE GREATLY IMPROVED RELATIONS BETWEEN THE ICAC AND THE POLICE, AND THE VERY POSITIVE CO-OPERATION AND GOOD PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WHICH NOW EXISTS BETWEEN THEM," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT PRIVATE SECTOR CASES WERE A MAJOR FEATURE DURING THE YEAR AND INVESTIGATIONS INTO LARGE SCALE CORRUPTION-7ASED FRAUDS TOOK UP ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INVESTIGATION STRENGTH.
"THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE ICAC’S INVESTIGATION OF THE SO-CALLED "SHANGHAI" HORSE-RACING SYNDICATE, INVOLVING A CONSPIRACY TO CHEAT AT GAMBLING, AND THE COMMENDABLY FIRM ACTION SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN BY BOTH THE COMMISSION AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO DEAL WITH RACING MALPRACTICES, CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC, AMONGSI WHOM RACING REMAINS A SUBJECT OF INTENSE INTEREST," SHE SAID.
/The work
WEMffiSDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
28 -
THE WORK OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT BRGh NEW GROUND IN 1986 IN A NUMBER OF AREAS. FOR MANY YEARS THE DEPARTMENT HAS WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN PROMOTING NOT ONLY THE ANTI-CORRUPTION MESSAGE AMONGST STUDENTS, BUT ALSO A CLEARER APPRECIATION OF SOCIAL AND MORAL ^LUES.
IN 1986 THIS WAS AUGMENTED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ! IRST STRUCTURED TEACHING MATERIAL FOK PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ALSO THE FIRST FORMAL GATHERING, ORGANISED BY THE COMMISSION, OF MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATORS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SHE NOTED.
TURNING TO CORRUPTION PREVENTION, MRS CHOW SAID A ' i.E FEATURE OF THE WORK OF THE CORRUPTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENT IN 1S86 WAS THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"THERE IS STILL SOME RELUCTANCE IN THAT AREA TO SEEK . . VICE FROM THE ICAC, BUT THIS HAS RECENTLY IMPROVED AS THE DEPART. NT’S ADIVSORY SERVICES GROUP HAS BECOME MORE ESTABLISHED, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES WHICH THEY OFFER WILL BECOME BETTER KNOWN AND USED MORE WIDELY IN THE FUTURE," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT TO SOME EXTENT THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN OCCURRED IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY WHERE THE NEED BECAME APPARENT FOR STANDARD RULES OF CONDUCT WHICH COULD BE FOLLOWED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, A CODE OF CONDUCT WAS FORMULATED WHICH WAS SUBSQUENTLY PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
MRS CHOW NOTED THAT ICAC COMMISSIONER HAD, IN THE REVIEW CHAPTER OF THE REPORT, COMMENTED ON THE SENTENCES HANDED DOWN BY THE COURTS. ALTHOUGH IN 1986, THE PROPORTION OF ACTUAL JAIL SENTENCES WAS HIGHER THAN IN 1985, THE COURTS ALSO AWARDED A HIGHER PROPORTION OF SUSPENDED SENTENCES - 35 PER CENT AS AGAINST 27 PER CENT IN 1985.
"MRS S. L. CHEN AND I SHARE THE COMMISSIONER’S VIEW THAT, FROM A DETERRENT ASPECT, THE VALUE OF A SUSPENDED SENTENCE IS NOT ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY APPARENT, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY CASES WHERE SUCH SENTENCES ARE APPROPRIATE," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT CERTAINLY FROM THE COMMISSION’S VIEWPOINT THERE WAS OCCASIONAL CONCERN ABOUT DISPROPORTIONATE OR APPARENTLY LENIENT SENTENCES WHICH WERE SOMETIMES GIVEN BY THE COURTS FOR WHITE COLLAR CRIMES, WHICH SERVED NEITHER TO DETER POTENTIAL OFFENDERS NOR TO SIGNIFY THE SERIOUS NATURE OF CORRUPTION OFFENCES.
/"BUT I .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 19^7
"BUT I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN A NUME.'h OF CASES THIS YEAR WHEN RATHER MORE SEVERE SENTENCES HAVE BEEN < - ED ON CONVICTION, OR ON APPEAL BY THE CROWN," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT A FINAL "OINT OF INTEREST WAS THE 'RD INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE WHICH THE COMMISSION V p BE HOSTING IN HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 2-6 THIS YEAR AND WHICH ' )ULD BE WIDELY ATTENDED BY DELEGATES FROM OVERSEAS.
"I AM SURE THAT THE ICAC’S GROWING INTERNATIONAL REPUTAT G AS A LEADER IN ITS FIELD WILL BE STRENGTHENED BY THAT OCCASION ’’ SHE SAID.
--------0----------
LOCAL BODIES VALUABLE TO COMMUNITY
*****
LOCAL BODIES SUCH AS AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS INCORPORATIONS PLAY AN IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ROLE ENHANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND PROVIDING TWO-WAY CHANNEL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, WAS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE 0 IMPROVE THE SITUATION AS THESE BODIES FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ‘HE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND HAVE PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE 1N ENHANCING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
MR LIAO WAS RESPONDING TO COMMENTS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS IN WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE FUNCTION AND WORK OF /’A COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS INCORPORATIONS.
AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WERE INITIALLY FORMED IN THE 1970’S TO SUPPORT THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN AND FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGNS, BUT THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCES WERE REVISED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, HE SAID.
MR LIAO SAID THE LOCAL BODIES HAD COME A LONG WAY SINCE THEIR INCEPTIONS AND NOW PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN ADVISING ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THEIR AREAS AND THOSE WORKING THERE.
/THEY HAD........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2^, 1987
- 30
THEY HAD ALSO BEEN EFFECTIVE IN REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIF'/S ON CURRENT AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES, HE ADDED.
MR LIAO NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND AREA COMMITTEES WERE SIMILAR IN CERTAIN AREAS, THE TWO COMPLEMENTED RATHER THAN DUPLICATED TIE WORK OF EACH OTHER.
THERE ARE 110 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE TERRITORY — 85 IN THE
URBAN DISTRICTS AND 25 IN FIVE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS. AS A WHOLE, SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AREA COMMITTEES ARE CARRIED OUT BY RUF'.L COMMITTEES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS INCORPORATIONS WERE BUILD BASED RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS, AND DURING THEIR GROWTH THEY II' NOT LOST SIGHT OF THEIR OBJECTIVES OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT, SECUR v AND CLEANLINESS IN THEIR OWN BUILDINGS, AND PROMOTING A SE! ? OF NEIGHBOURLINESS AND MUTUAL HELP AMONG RESIDENTS, MR LIAO SAID.
AT THE END OF MAY, THERE WERE 4,268 MACS AND 2,988 OWNERS INCORPORATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
REGRETTABLY, SOME 750 MACS WERE FOUND TO BE INACTIVE BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF PRESSING ISSUES OR PROBLEMS TO SUSTAIN THEIR INTEREST.
"OTHERS HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS LITTLE SCOPE FOR MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES BECAUSE OF THE SMALL NUMBER OF UNITS AND RESIDENTS INVOLVED, MOST OF WHICH ARE FOUND IN OLD PRIVATE TENEMENT BUILDINGS.
"STILL OTHERS HAVE LOST THE IMPETUS BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF NEW TALENT WILLING TO TAKE OVER AS OFFICE-BEARERS, AND THE SHORTAGE OF LIAISON STAFF IN THE DISTRICT OFFICES MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR," SAID MR LIAO.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECENT REVIEW OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME HAD REAFFIRMED THE VALUE OF THESE BODIES AND THAT THEY PROVIDED A GOOD TRAINING GROUND FOR LEADERS AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL.
SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REVIEW CALLED FOR PROVIDING MORE STAFF SUPPORT IN THE LIAISON WORK OF DISTRICT OFFICE TO BETTER SERVE SUCH BODIES AND ALSO TO GIVE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ACS AND MACS.
MR LIAO SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WOULD BE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO LOCAL BODIES.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2U, 1987
HE SAID THE QUARTERLY GRANT TO MACS WAS BEING REVIEWED TG ENSURE THAT IT KEPT UP WITH INFLATION, WHILE A SUBMISSION WOULD BE MADE IN THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST AND THE 1988-89 ESTIMATES TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES VOTE TO HELP FINANCE MORE AC AND MAC PROJECTS.
"IN RECOGNITION OF THE VALUABLE SERVICES PROVIDED BY MACS, THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE HAS GENEROUSLY AGREED TO PROVIDE AN INITIAL GRANT OF $100,000 TO ASSIST THEM IN SETTING UP THEIR OFFICES AND UNDERTAKING COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES," MR LIAO SAID.
EXPLAINING THE CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN ACS AND DISTRICT BOARD'!, MR LIAO SAID THIS WAS MAINTAINED THROUGH CROSS-MEMBERSHIP OF THE TWO BODIES, AND IT WOULD NOT BE ADVISABLE TO FORMALISE THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENT BY MAKING ELECTED DB MEMBERS EX-OFFICIO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES AS IT WOULD INTRODUCE AN ELEMENT OF RIGIDITY INTO THE SYSTEM, WHICH MIGHT NOT BE ENTIRELY DESIRABLE AT THE RELATIVELY EARLY STAGE IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
HE ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE VOLUNTARY ROLE OF AC MEMBERS WHOSE MAIN OBJECTIVES WERE TO STIMULATE A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
MR LIAO SAID PROVISIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO SET UP THREE ADDITIONAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND THAT MORE TEAMS WOULD BE SET UP IN FUTURE AS RESOURCES PERMITTED.
"THE FOUR BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS SET UP IN EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND KWAI TSING HAVE PROVIDED USEFUL ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS AND MANAGEMENT BODIES IN 163 BUILDINGS," HE ADDED.
DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE CONSULTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE ON THE NEED TO CHANGE THE LAW TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE FORMATION OF OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, MR LIAO SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 32 -
MORE SUPPORT FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS URGED
* * » t *
MORE ATTENTION AND CARE MUST BE ACCORDED TO GRAS; TS ORGANISATIONS IF THEY ARE TO BECOME THE FOUNDATION STONE UPON CH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IS TO BE BUILT, DR THE HON RICHARD LAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR LAI SAID THIS COULD BE DONE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.
FINANCIALLY, HE SAID, MORE RESOURCES SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE MACS TO MAKE THE JOB OF RUNNING LESS PAINFUL.
’’MORE ATTENTION MUST BE PAID TO THE SUGGESTIONS MADE B ESE ORGANISATIONS. THEY MUST BE MADE TO FEEL THAT THEY ARE RESPECTEI ’ND THAT THEY ARE MORE THAN JUST SOMETHING TO BE USED TO CARRYING OUT OR PROMOTING CERTAIN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES."
DR LAI ALSO SAID THAT MORE MONITORING AND IMPROVEMENT N THE LIAISON PROCESS MUST BE CARRIED OUT "IF WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING THEM AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION AND BAS FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANISATION".
"WITHOUT ACTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THEY CAN NEVER BECOME THE GRASSROOTS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL FIBRE WHICH THEY ARE DESIGNED TO BE," HE ADDED.
DR LAI RECALLED THAT THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF SETTING UP MACS AND OCS WAS FOR THE PROMOTION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT SPONSORED COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
THEY PERFORMED AN INVALUABLE FUNCTION IN CAMPAIGNS AGAINST CRIME, KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN, AND PROMOTING NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAMMES.
THE LEADERS OF THESE ORGANISATIONS WERE ALSO SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE A POOL OF POTENTIAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTEES TO VARIOUS LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THINGS DID NOT TURN OUT THE WAY THEY HAD BEEN ENVISAGED.
"FIRST OF ALL, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR THESE GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS TO GROW INTO THEIR OWN.
"IN TERMS OF LEADERSHIP, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES VERY LITTLE TRAINING TO THE ORGANISERS, SO THEY ARE HANDICAPPED FROM THE WORD GO.
"THERE IS LITTLE FOLLOW-UP ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO THEM ONCE THE MACS OR OCS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED.
/’’THE OPERATION ......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2k, 198?
"THE OPERATION OF THESE ORGANISATIONS IS LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE CHAIRMEN WHO MAY BE VERY RELUTANT TO GET INVOLVED IN WORKS OF THIS NATURE IN THE FIRST PLACE."
DR LAI SAID WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THESE ORGANISATIONS ALSO TAKE ON THE ROLE AS A CONSULTATIVE MECHANISM.
AFTERALL, THEY ARE THE MOST IMMEDIATE CHANNEL FOR PUBLIC OPINION. BUT THEY ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH SUCH A ROLE.
"IF THEY ARE TO PERFORM TO THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPECTATION, THEY MUST HAVE MORE SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, IN TERMS OF FINANCE AND CO-ORDINATION."
AS REGARDS AREA COMMITTEES, DR LAI SAID FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP TO THEM, THERE WERE NO SET CRITERIA WITH RESPECT TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
"TO REALISE THE FUNCTION AND SPIRIT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, REPRESENTATION ON THE ACS MUST BE ACHIEVED," HE ADDED.
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GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS IMPORTANT * t ♦ * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON LIU LIT-FOR SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WERE PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS IN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MR LIU SAID THAT AREA COMMITTEES, IN PARTICULAR, PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINIONS BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS.
MR LIU NOTED THAT THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS THAT MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY DISTRICT BOARDS OR BY DISTRICT OFFICERS IN CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS. ANOTHER SUGGESTION WAS THAT THEY SHOULD BE ELECTED.
/"AS A
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
“AS A MATTER OF FACT, MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES HAVE ALL ALONG BEEN APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICERS AND THEY ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AND SINCERE IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY,” HE NOTED.
HE SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS HAD BEEN OUTSTANDING. HE SAID MEMBERS; OF AREA COMMITTEES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICERS SO THAT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND ALL KINDS OF TRADE COULD BE ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED.
”IF THEY ARE APPOINTED BY DISTRICT BOARDS, THE INDEPENDENCE OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS COULD NOT BE ASSURED,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT .IF MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES WERE TO BE ELECTED, THERE WOULD BE TOOsMANY ELECTIONS IN DIFFERENT FORMS. SINCE THEIR TERM OF OFFICE WAS ONLY ONE YEAR, IT WOULD SIMPLY BE A WASTE OF TIME, MONEY AND MANPOWER TO HOLD SUCH ELECTIONS. BESIDES, CIVIC-MINDED PERSONS MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY BE INTERESTED IN STANDING FOR ELECTIONS.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS COULD GIVE FULL PLAY TO THEIR PRESENT FUNCTIONS IN TERMS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO, MR LIU SAID HIS ANSWER WAS IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.
HE CITED THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT AS AN EXAMPLE AND SAID THAT SINCE 1984 WHEN AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE CO-OPTED TO SERVE ON THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND FOLLOWING THE ADOPTION OF A SERIES OF MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK BETWEEN AREA COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY BARRIER OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO.
HE SAID AREA COMMITTEES WERE THE MOST EFFECTIVE ORGANISATIONS IN REFLECTING GRASSROOTS OPINIONS BECAUSE THEY HAD REGULAR DIRECT CONTACT WITH RESIDENTS.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF STAFF IN DISTRICT OFFICES SO THAT THE LINK BETWEEN AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES COULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE AREA COMMITTEES WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT ON A REGULAR BASIS TO ENABLE THEM TO ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD ATTACH GREATER IMPORTANCE TO AREA COMMITTEES AND SHOULD ATTEND THEIR MEETINGS AND DEAL WITH THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS PROMPTLY.
MR LIU ADDED THAT THE RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED. AREA COMMITTEES WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR SMALL SCALE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEW ON HOW TO IMPROVE LOCAL ORDER, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND TRAFFIC, WHILE DISTRICT BOARDS’ DUTIES COVERED THE WHOLE DISTRICT.
-------C-------- /J5.......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 35 -
CALL TO RECRUIT MORE « » * »
LIAISON STAFF *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO RECRUIT MORE LIAISON STAFF WITHIN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) TO STRENGTHEN ITS LINKS WITH AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE CNTA HAD IN THE LAST FEW YEARS BEEN SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF LIAISON STAFF WHO WERE TO KEEP IN CLOSE AND REGULAR CONTACT WITH THOSE COMMITTEES.
THE SITUATION WAS BECOMING EVEN MORE ACUTE IN VIEW OF THE TENDENCY FOR AREA COMMITTEES TO SET UP SUB-COMMITTEES AND THE CONTINUOUS PRESSURE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN NEW BUILDINGS, HE SAID.
PARALLEL TO STRENGTHENING THE CNTA LIAISON STAFF, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID MORE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS SHOULD BE SET UP AT A FASTER RATE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
"AT PRESENT THERE ARE ONLY FOUR SUCH TEAMS AND I BELIEVE THE NUMBER SHOULD BE INCREASED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO MEET THE URGENT NEEDS FOR IMPROVED MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TOWNS,” HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE THOUGHT THE TIME HAD COME FOR GOVERNMENT TO URGE ALL NEW MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS TO HAVE A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OR OWNERS CORPORATION ESTABLISHED WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME, FOR EXAMPLE AFTER A NEW BUILDING WAS MORE THAN HALF OCCUPIED.
MR CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THAT TODAY, AREA COMMITTEES WERE ACTIVE BODIES VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN LOCAL PROBLEMS AND THEY ACTED AS A VALUABLE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND RESIDENTS LIVING WITHIN THE AREA.
HE ADDED THAT MANY AREA COMMITTEES WERE RECEIVING PROJECT FUNDS OR JOINT CO-OPERATION FROM BOTH THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THEIR PROJECTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE FIELDS OF RECREATION, ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
"THIS EVOLUTIONARY TREND SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND CLOSELY CO-ORDINATED BY CNTA," HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS HAD BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN TAKING CARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY ISSUES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
- 0 -
/36........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
36
WAYS TO ENHANCE ROLES OF
* *
GRASSROOTS BODIES SUGGESTED » » »
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE CONSULTATIVE ROLE OF AREA COMMITTEES, THROUGH WHICH IT GATHERED PUBLIC VIEWS ON ISSUES OF WIDESPREAD CONCERN, THE HON MRS PAULINE NG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS AS CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE SUBJECT, MRS NG SUGGESTED THAT A FIRST STEP TO TAKE WOULD BE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE AREA COMMITTEES TO DISCUSS TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES.
SHE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO TAKE A MORE POSITIVE INITIATIVE TO CONSULT AREA COMMITTEES ON MAJOR ISSUES SUCH AS PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS OR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES, WHICH MIGHT AFFECT THE POPULACE WITHIN THEIR RESPONSIBLE AREAS.
NOTING THAT A LINKAGE WAS MAINTAINED BETWEEN DISTRICT BOARDS AND AREA COMMITTEES BY WAY OF CROSS-MEMBERSHIP, MRS NG SAID IT MIGHT NOW BE DESIRABLE TO FORMALISE THE RELATIONSHIP BY ALLOWING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO BECOME EX-OFFICIO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN CONSTITUENCIES SO THAT THEY WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOW UP ACTIONS ON AREA PROBLEMS.
TO COMPLEMENT THIS CHANGE, MORE AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS COULD BE ALLOWED TO JOIN DISTRICT BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES, SHE SAID ADDING THAT THERE WAS ALREADY AN ESTABLISHED PRACTICE FOR OUTSIDE EXPERTS TO BE CO-OPTED AS MEMBERS OF THESE SUB-COMMITTEES.
MRS NG POINTED OUT THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS EACH YEAR.
"TO COPE WITH THE ADDITIONAL WORKLOAD, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE AREA COMMITTEES WITH ALL THE SUPPORTING SERVICES THEY REQUIRE TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY," SHE SAID.
SHE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER PROVIDING AREA COMMITTEE WITH THEIR OWN OFFICE PREMISES, WHICH WOULD GREATLY ASSIST THEIR MEMBERS IN THEIR DAILY CONTACTS WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
TURNING TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, MRS NG SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONDUCT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A REVIEW ON THE LEVEL OF SUBSIDY TO THESE COMMITTEES AS THE PRESENT SI BSIDY OF $600 PER QUARTER WAS LAST REVISED TWO YEARS AGO.
IN ADDITION, SHE SAID, SIMILAR TO AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ALSO HAD A GENUINE NEED FOR THEIR OWN OFFICE PREMISES.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 37 / -
AT THE MOMENT, A TOTAL OF 1,286 OFFICE PREMISES, WHICH USUALLY OCCUPIED AN AREA BETWEEN 10 TO 15 SQUARE METRES, WERE PROVIDED TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES FORMED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"JUDGING FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I THINK THERE IS A CASE FOR THE PRESENT SPACE LIMIT OF 10-15 SQUARE METRES TO BE RELAXED TO CATER FOR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WHICH SERVICE A RELATIVELY LARGER NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS," SHE SAID.
FINALLY, MRS NG GAVE HER SUPPORT TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSAL TO RECRUIT ADDITIONAL STAFF TO FILL EXISTING 92 TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS AND 103 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS VACANCIES, AND TO IMPROVE TRAINING FOR EXISTING LIAISON STAFF IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS. SHE ALSO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE SALARY SCALE OF TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN REVISED FOR MANY YEARS.
EARLIER IN HER SPEECH, MRS NG SPOKE ABOUT THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD MADE TOWARDS IMPROVING HONG KONG’S LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
SHE SAID AREA COMMITTEE WERE NOW ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN IDENTIFYING AND SOLVING LOCAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS IN PROVIDING FEEDBACK ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES.
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, ON THE OTHER HAND, WERE PLAYING AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING BY FOSTERING A SPIRIT OF MUTUAL CARE IN EACH NEIGHBOURHOOD, SHE ADDED.
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/38........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24,
1987
CALL TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
*****
IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS, IT IS NECESSARY TO STRENGTHEN THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND ENHANCE THE COMMUNITICATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THESE ORGANISATIONS, THE HON DESMOND LEE YU-TAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MR LEE SAID THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT VARIOUS CONSULTATIVE BODIES AND THE GOVERNMENT APARTMENTS CONCERNED COULD MEET THE WISHES OF THE PUBLIC AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE.
IT WOULD ALSO ASSURE THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT OF INCREASING PUBLIC SUPPORT, HE SAID.
ON AREA COMMITTEES, MR LEE SAID A GENERAL OBSERVATION WAS THAT OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION WITH AND ASSISTANCE TO THEM WERE VERY LIMITED AND WERE PROVIDED IN A RATHER PASSIVE MANNER.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO FAILED TO PROVIDE AREA COMMITTEES WITH THE MEANS TO COMMUNICATE WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS.
"THE CRITERIA FOR APPOINTING AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE NEVER PUBLISHED AND LOCAL RESIDENTS MAY NOT CONSIDER ALL OF THEM AS BEING SUFFICIENTLY REPRESENTATIVE."
MR LEE PROPOSED THAT APART FROM PUBLICISING THE APPOINTMENT CRITERIA, RELEVANT LOCAL BODIES SHOULD BE INVITED TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT DUE TO THE LACK OF ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE AREA COMMITTEES HAD FAILED TO FULFIL THEIR ROLES SATISFACTORILY.
SOME AC MEMBERS FELT THAT THEIR VIEWS MIGHT NOT BE IMPLEMENTED CONSICENTIOUSLY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"IT IS HOPED THAT IN FUTURE, THEIR VIEWS WILL BE PUT INTO ACTUAL PRACTICE TO INCREASE THE SENSE OF SATISFACTION OF MEMBERS FROM THEIR WORK," HE SAID.
ON MACS AND OCS, MR LEE SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT 4,259 MACS AND 2,968 OCS IN HONG KONG, FORMED UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
/"BECAUSE OF
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2^, 198?
- 39 -
"BECAUSE OF THEIR LARGE DISTRICT OFFICES ARE UNABLE TO THROUGH VISITS.
NUMBER AND THE LIMITED MANPOWER, MAINTAIN REGULAR LIAISON WITH
THE THEM
"THIS HAS GIVEN RESIDENTS THE IMPRESSION THAT THE IS CONCERNED MORE WITH QUANTITY THAN QUALITY," HE SAID.
GOVERNMENT
FURTHERMORE, HE ACTIVITIES WAS PROVIDED THAT MAC MEMBERS HAD TO APPLY FOR REPAYMENT.
ADDED, FINANCIAL BY THE GOVERNMENT ON PAY OFF THE EXPENSES
ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS SO FIRST BEFORE THEY COULD
MR LEE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IMMEDIATE CHANGES TO ITS POLICIES.
SHOULD CONSIDER
MAKING
HE
ALSO SAID THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT HAD DISPUTE OVER MANAGEMENT RIGHTS AND PROPOSED THAT lnc. SHOULD PASS LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE THE FORMATION OF OCS.
AROUSED
BITTER
THE
GOVERNMENT
--------0 - -
TWO BILLS PASSED * * *
THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1987 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 WAS PASSED WITH FIVE AMENDMENTS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY DURING COMMITTEE STAGE.
TEN OTHER BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE: BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BILL 1987, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987, BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987, PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1987, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
- - C - -
/4O........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
40
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING THAT BASED ON THE PRESENT ACTIVITIES AND A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PIPELINE, HONG KONG CAN ACHIEVE A MUCH MORE PLEASANT AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONGKONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THESE DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDED FIRSTLY, THE LONG-TERM STRATEGY DEVELOPED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOR DISPOSING OF SOLID WASTES.
HE SAID THAT WAS BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE LARGE LANDFILL SITES, ONE EACH TO SERVE THE NORTH EAST AND NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES, AND ONE FOR KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND, "THEY SHOULD LAST FOR THE NEXT 30 TO 40 YEARS," HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID THE STRATEGY WOULD ENABLE THE DOING AWAY WITH THE INCINERATORS WHICH HAD POLLUTED THE HARBOUR AREA SO MUCH. IT WOULD ALSO PRESENT THE OPPORTUNITY TO PASS OVER TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE THE ENTIRE FUNDING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES CURRENTLY OPERATED BY GOVERNMENT.
"ANOTHER REASON WHY I EXPECT TO SEE A GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT IS THE MAJOR INITIATIVES WE HAVE TAKEN RECENTLY TO IMPROVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISPOSING OF SEWAGE," HE SAID.
THESE INCLUDED A START ON THE $600 MILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SCHEME, PREPARATION OF MASTER PLANS FOR EAST KOWLOON AND THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND, AND AN OVERALL DISPOSAL STRATEGY THAT IS AIMED AT SETTLING THE PROBLEM WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
MR FORD SAID THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED IN SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD RUN TO ABOUT $11 BILLION IN THE COMING DECADE.
"THAT IS AN ESSENTIAL INVESTMENT, NOT ONLY TO SAFEGUARD OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING BUT TO RPOVIDE THE ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INDUSTRY, WHITHOUT WHICH MORE STRINGENT POLLUTION CONTROLS WOULD BE REQUIRED," HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THE OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDED THE LIVESTOCK CONTROLS INTRODUCED TODAY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE NEW REGULATIONS TO CONTROL MAJOR EMITTERS OF AIR POLLUTION KNOWN AS SPECIFIED PROCESSES AND A SCHEME TO CONTROL SMOKE EMISSIONS FROM TAXIS, MINIBUSES AND OTHER DIESEL ENGINED VEHICLES.
WHILE STRESSING THAT THESE NEW CONTROLS WERE ALL ESSENTIAL, HF ASSURED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE CAREFUL TO KEEP THEM TO THE NECESSARY MINIMUM.
/"WHERE APPROPRIATE,
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
41
"WHERE APPROPRIATE, WE ARE PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO INDUSTRY, AND OTHERS, IN THE FORM OF CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES AND RATHER MORE ADVISORY SUPPORT THAN IS COMMON ELSEWHERE,” HE ADDED.
MR FORD SAID WHEN THE 80 PER CENT ADDITIONAL MANPOWER ALLOCATED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN RECRUITED AND TRAINED, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE A TEAM OF ABOUT 335 ENGINEERS, SCIENTISTS AND TECHNICIANS, ALL HAVING THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS THEIR SOLE MOTIVATION.
ON THE ACADEMIC SIDE, MR FORD SAID NEW INITIATIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WOULD RESULT IN AN MSC COURSE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, A NEW DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, AND VARIOUS QUALIFYING COURSES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTIONS AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
HE CONCLUDED THAT PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT WAS A JOINT ENTERPRISE REQUIRING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.
O
HONG KONG VALUES ITS COMMONWEALTH LINKS » ♦ » * *
HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS VALUED ITS LEGAL LINKS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY, MR THOMAS SAID THE TERRITORY SHARES A COMMON LEGAL HERITAGE WITH MANY COMMONWEALTH MEMBER STATES.
SO SIMILAR ARE THE LAWS OF MANY COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS THAT JUDGES AND COUNSEL FROM ONE JURISDICTION ARE ABLE TO SERVE OR PRACTISE EQUALLY WELL IN ANOTHER.
HE SAID THAT IN PRACTICAL TERMS HONG KONG’S LINKS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH ARE BOTH FORMAL ONES - CONFERENCES, AGENCIES, ASSOCIATIONS OR SCHEMES - AND INFORMAL ONES.
"HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS VALUED ITS COMMONWEALTH LINKS, AND FOR GOOD REASON,” THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
FIRSTLY, THEY HAVE HELPED HONG KONG GREATLY IN BUILDING UP A COMMON LEGAL HERITAGE, HE SAID.
/’’THIS PROVIDES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
42 -
’’THIS PROVIDES A COLLECTIVE SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE EROSION OF VALUABLE COMMON LAW FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND ENCOURAGES CONFIDENCE IN THE DURABILITY OF HARD WON PERSONAL FREEDOMS," MR THOMAS SAID.
SECONDLY, A RELATIVELY SMALL TERRITORY SUCH AS HONG KONG WITH A POPULATION OF ONLY 5.5 MILLION PEOPLE NEEDS EXPOSURE TO THE JURISPRUDENTIAL WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE OF LARGER JURISDICTIONS IF ITS OWN COMMON LAW IS TO DEVELOP IN A ROBUST MANNER AND RESPOND TO THE COMPLEXITY OF MODERN SOCIETIES, HE SAID.
"OTHERWISE WE MAY LOSE THE SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE THAT IS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR STANDING AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE," HE SAID.
THIRDLY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID, HONG KONG’S TIES WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH GIVE IT ACCESS TO THE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES THAT OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS ARE ABLE TO OFFER.
"THE HIGH STANDARDS THAT HONG KONG HAS ACHIEVED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE CAN ONLY BE MAINTAINED BY MAKING USE OF THE BEST THAT IS AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE.
"OUR COMMONWEALTH LINKS HAVE ENABLED US TO ESTABLISH A FIRM BASIS ON WHICH THIS CAN CONTINUE," MR THOMAS SAID.
JUST AS HONG KONG BENEFITS IN VARIOUS WAYS, SO ITS "MULTIFARIOUS AND EXTENSIVE" CONNECTIONS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH HAVE HELPED THE TERRITORY TO SHARE THE FRUITS OF ITS ENDEAVOURS AND EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS.
FOR EXAMPLE, IN 1983 HONG KONG HOSTED THE SEVENTH COMMONWEALTH LAW CONFERENCE WHEN SOME 2,000 DELEGATES FROM 45 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES CAME TOGETHER. IN ADDITION TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORK INVOLVED IN HOSTING THE EVENT, TO WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAVE ITS FULL SUPPORT, LOCAL LAWYERS CONTRIBUTED A LARGE NUMBER OF PAPERS ON TOPICS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO THE COMMONWEALTH GENERALLY.
'HONG KONG IS DELIGHTED TO HAVE THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMON LAW TRADITION WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH," MR THOMAS SAID.
AS TO THE FUTURE, HE SAID THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEES THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF THE COMMON LAW IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
"THIS IS INDEED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"CONTINUED CLOSE LINKS WITH OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS WILL BE VITAL TO THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMON LAW IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION," HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S LINKS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH IS A MATTER OF CONCERN FOR ALL.
/IN 10 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 198?
- 4J -
IN 10 YEARS TIME SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WILL REVERT TO CHINA.
"IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT EXISTING LINKS TO SURVIVE BEYOND THAT TIME IN THEIR PRESENT FORM.
"HOW OUR FORMAL LINKS CAN BE ADAPTED TO THE FUTURE POLITICAL STATUS OF HONG KONG WILL NO DOUBT BE THE SUBJECT OF MUCH CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION OVER THE COMING YEARS.
"BUT IN ANY EVENT I AM CERTAIN THAT LINKS ESTABLISHED NOW AT A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WILL PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR A LASTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES FOR MANY YEARS TO COME," MR THOMAS SAID.
-------0----------
MAY PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED *****
THE RAPID GROWTH IN EXTERNAL TRADE RECORDED SINCE THE LATTER PART OF 1986 WAS SUSTAINED IN MAY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MAY 1987, AT $16,436 MILLION, INCREASED BY 33.3 PER CENT OR $4,102 MILLION OVER MAY 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 48.8 PER CENT OR $4,821 MILLION TO $14,690 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $31,126 MILLION, WAS 40.2 PER CENT OR $8,923 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN MAY 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 39.5 PER CENT OR $8,824 MILLION OVER MAY 1986 TO $31,174 MILLION.
AS THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS SLOWER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) IN MAY 1987 NARROWED TO 0.2 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A GAP OF 0.7 PER CENT IN MAY 1986. IN ABSOLUTE VALUE TERMS, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT RECORDED IN MAY 1987, AT $48 MILLION, WAS $99 MILLION LESS THAN THAT RECORDED IN MAY 1986.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1987 WAS $134,932 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $69,503 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $65,429 MILLION.
/COMPARED WITH
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 44 -
COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $38,670 MILLION OR 40.2 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $16,675 MILLION OR 31.6 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY $21,995 MILLION OR 50.6 PER CENT.
OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $39,530 MILLION OR 39.3 PER CENT, TO $140,029 MILLION.
A CUMULATIVE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $5,097 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1987. THIS COMPARES WITH A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4,237 MILLION IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1986, WHICH WAS EQUIVALENT TO 4.2 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 IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, REFLECTING STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS AND THE STIMULATING EFFECT OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN LINE WITH THAT OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, AGAINST MOST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE COURSE OF 1986 AND THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1987.
THE VERY RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS 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 FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY 1987:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : RE-EXPORTS : TOTAL EXPORTS : IMPORTS : TRADE BALANCE : $16 $14 $31 $31 ,436 ,690 , 126 ,174 $48 MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION (IN DEFICIT) •
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS MAR 87 MAY HK$ TO 87 MN. MAR 86 TO MAY 86 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 45, 458 33,951 11,507 33.9
RE-EXPORTS 42, 809 27,995 14,814 52.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 88, 267 61,946 26,321 42.5
IMPORTS 92, 394 64,710 27,684 42.8
TRADE BALANCE -4, 127 -2,764 -1,363
/MAY........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 198?
- 45 -
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MAY 1987 HK$ MN. MAY 1986 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 16,436 (52.8%) 12,334 (55.6%) 4,102 33.3
RE-EXPORTS 14,690 9,869 4,821 48.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 31,126 22,203 8,923 40.2
IMPORTS 31,174 22,350 8,824 39.5
TRADE BALANCE -48 -147 99
LAST MONTH MAY 1987 HK$ MN. APRIL 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 16,436 (52.8%) 14,539 (50.5%) 1,897 13.0
RE-EXPORTS 14,690 14,255 435 3.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 31,126 28,794 2,332 8.1
IMPORTS 31,174 30,489 685 2.2
TRADE BALANCE -48 -1,695 1,647
CALENDAR YEAR-TO-DATE JAN-MAY 1987 HK$ MN. JAN-MAY 1986 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 69,503 (51.5%) 52,828 (54.9%) 16,675 31.6
RE-EXPORTS 65,429 43,434 21,995 50.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 134,932 96,262 38,670 40.2
IMPORTS 140,029 100,499 39,530 39.3
TRADE BALANCE -5,097 -4,237 -860
/JUN 86 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 198?
- 46 -
LAST 12 MONTHS JUN 86 TO MAY 87 HK$ MN. JUN 85 TO MAY 86 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 170,658 133,258 37,400 28.1
RE-EXPORTS 144,542 104,404 40,138 38.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 315,200 237,662 77,538 32.6
IMPORTS 315,484 238,904 76,580 32.1
TRADE BALANCE -284 -1,242 958
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RAID NETS 2 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN TSUEN WAN *****
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED TWO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AT A RESIDENTIAL FLAT IN TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES LAST NIGHT (TUESDAY).
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE A MAN AGED 24 AND A WOMAN AGED 31. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG FROM HAIFENG THIS MONTH AND IN DECEMBER 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THEY WOULD BE REPATRIATED ONCE THEY WERE INTERCEPTED, HE SAID.
"IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO STEP UP ITS ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND WE WILL PROSECUTE THOSE WHO AIDED AND ABETTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG."
ENQUIRIES REVEALED THAT THE WOMAN HAD ONCE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG FROM HAIFENG IN 1980 AND WAS REPATRIATED IN 1986 BUT SHE SOON CAME BACK TO HONG KONG.
SHE WAS FOUND TO HAVE POSSESSED AN IDENTITY CARD RELATING TO ANOTHER PERSON.
AT PRESENT, HER HUSBAND, A PERMANENT HONG KONG RESIDENT, IS ASSISTING WITH THE ENQUIRIES.
/IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2<t, 1987
- '*7 -
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ALSO ARRESTED THREE FILIPINO MAIDS YESTERDAY EVENING DURING A SERIES OF IDENTITY CHECKS AT BARS IN WAN CHAI.
TWO OF THEM WERE FOUND TO HAVE OVERSTAYED SINCE MARCH AND MAY THIS YEAR. THE REMAINING ONE WAS UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY PROOF OF IDENTITY.
THE THREE FILIPINO MAIDS ARE BEING DETAINED FOR ENQUIRIES.
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TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $193 MILLION *****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR $193 MILLION AT AN AUCTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MASS SUCCESS LIMITED PAID $169 MILLION FOR A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE ON FUNG SHING STREET, HAMMER HILL, KOWLOON.
BIDDING OPENED AT $100 MILLION.
THE SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,600 SQUARE METRES.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 16,800 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY JUNE 1991.
THE OTHER LOT, WHICH IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, BUT EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES, IS LOCATED AT SHA TIN NEAR CITY ONE IT WAS SOLD FOR $24 MILLION.
BIDDING FOR THE 1,776 SQUARE METRE SITE STARTED AT $12 MILLION.
THE PURCHASER, HIWANA TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 5,328 SQUARE METRES, ALSO BY JUNE 1991.
COMMENTING ON THE SALE RESULTS, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR R.D. POPE, SAID HE WAS HAPPY WITH THE PRICES WHICH COULD REFLECT THE CURRENT ACTIVE PROPERTY MARKET.
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A8 .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 48 -
WAYS TO MEET SOCIAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY
*****
THE 13 DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOBILISING YOUTH VOLUNTEERS TO VISIT THE ELDERLY SINGLETONS LIVING IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE DISCLOSED THAT THIS FUNCTION, TO BE CALLED ’’SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT - 1987 CONCERN VISIT BY YOUTH VOLUNTEERS FOR ELDERLY SINGLETONS”, WOULD BE LAUNCHED IN AUGUST.
MRS WONG WAS ADDRESSING THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE ’’PARTY FOR A THOUSAND AGED” HOSTED BY THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
”IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE VISITS, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL ACQUIRE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LIVES AND THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND BRING TO THEM THE MESSAGE OF CONCERN, CARE AND LOVE,” SHE SAID.
MRS WONG ALSO LOOKED AT HOW THE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE AGED COULD BE CATERED FOR BY THE ELDERLY THEMSELVES, BY THEIR FAMILIES, BY THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID THE ELDERLY SHOULD PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN ALL KINDS OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SO AS TO DEVELOP NEW HOBBIES, MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND LEARN NEW THINGS, THUS TURNING A NEW LEAF IN THEIR OLD AGE.
AS FOR FAMILIES, THEY SHOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN SUCH ACTIVITIES AND ALSO TAKE TIME TO KEEP THE ELDERLY COMPANY ON OUTINGS, SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS MANY VOLUNTARY AND CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS HAD STARTED TO ORGANISE A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AS AN EXPRESSION OF RESPECT AND LOVE FOR THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE PARTY HOSTED BY THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION WAS A COMMENDABLE EXAMPLE OF SUCH ACTIVITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID, ALSO ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THIS SERVICE AREA AND IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT A PLANNING RATIO OF ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY PER 30,000 POPULATION HAD BEEN INTRODUCED.
”AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 108 SUCH CENTRES AND THE NUMBER IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 186 WITHIN FIVE YEARS.
’’THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO REVIEWING AND REVISING THIS TYPE OF SERVICE REGULARLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
CONCLUDING, MRS WONG COMPLIMENTED THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
- 0 -
A9.....
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
49
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES FACILITIES INSPECTED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CH/ .. PENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SEEING AT FIRST HAND THE VARIOUS FACILITIES THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, MRS CHAN STARTED HER FAMILIARISATION VISIT BY INSPECTING THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET OF THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHERE SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE SYSTEM FOR THE WHOLESALE MARKETING OF IMPORTED AND LOCALLY-PRODUCED VEGETABLE' IN HONG KONG.
SHE NEXT WENT TO THE NEARBY CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE Jli MARKET, ONE OF THE SEVEN OPERATED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHERE SHE DISCUSSED PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING MARKETING FACILITIES TO MEET GROWING NEEDS.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO YIM TIN TSAI FOR A BOAT TRIP TO INSPECT THE YIM TIN TSAI WEST FISH CULTURE ZONE, ONE OF THE 28 DESIGNATED UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE.
SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY AND THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUED EFFORT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND EXTENSION SERVICES TO HELP MARICULTURISTS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.
MRS CHAN LATER WENT TO HOK TAU IN FANLING WHERE SHE WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR TO SEE THE AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA AND WAS BRIEFED ON ITS POTENTIAL FOR BRINGING FALLOW LAND BACK INTO PRODUCTIVE USE.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MRS CHAN TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI LUNG FARM WHERE SHE SAW FIELD TESTS ON THE USE OF PESTICIDES ON VEGETABLE CROPS AND THE VARIOUS NON-CHEMICAL METHODS BEING EXPERIMENTED WITH BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROTECT CROPS FROM DAMAGE BY PESTS.
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT WAN CHAI * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT WAN CHAI TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
SIR DAVID WILL FIRST HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF WAN CHAI FROM THE ROOFTOP OF HOPEWELL CENTRE, FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
/HE WILL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2^, 19$7
- 50 -
HE WILL THEN ATTEND AN AREA COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN HE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE NEW URBAt COMPLEX IN LOCKHART ROAD, BEFORE ATTENDING A TEA RECEPT WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO WAN CHAI TOMORROW (THURSDAY). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE 17TH FLOOR MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE HOPEWELL CENTRE AT 2 PM.
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DANGEROUS BUILDING TO BE CLOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
A FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING AT 156 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, WAS DECLARED DANGEROUS BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTED WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOF ON LOAD BEARING WALLS, HAD BEEN INSPECTED RECENTLY.
A WIDE VERTICAL FRACTURE HAS APPEARED BETWEEN THE REAR MAIN WALL AND THE PARTY WALL WITH NO. 154. SEVERAL OTHER FRACTURES HAVE ALSO APPEARED IN THE REAR MAIN WALL UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW OPENINGS AT THE SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR LEVELS, INDICATING CONTINUOUS LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THIS WALL TOWARDS THE REAR YARD, AND THE BUILDING AS A WHOLE IS DILAPIDATED.
IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS A RISK OF COLLAPSE AT THE REAR AND IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THE BUILDING.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDER AT KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 22 WAS POSTED ON THE BUILDING TODAY.
/51 ........
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1987
- 51 -
REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FIFTH REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP FOR REVIEWING SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN TUEN MUN AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
TO CONCLUDE THE WORK OF THE WORKING GROUP, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE NUMBER OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS IN TUEN MUN, THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF SERVICES FOR DIFFERENT AGE-GROUPS, AND THE 17 RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THE SIU HONG COURT, THE INSTALLATION OF ASBESTOES IN TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, DEPARTURE AND ENTRY MEASURES INTRODUCED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, FORMATION OF A FIRE WATCH TEAM AND REPLENISHMENT OF FIRE EQUIPMENT, AND APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS FROM THE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU AR INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DB1S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE 3/F., TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
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CLOSURE OF BOUNDARY STREET, BRIDE’S POOL ROAD t ♦ ♦ ♦ *
BRIDE’S POOL ROAD BETWEEN SAN TAU YIU AND LUK KENG, TAI PO WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5.30 AM TO 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26) FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CYCLING COMPETITION TO BE HELD.
HOWEVER, ACCESS OF VILLAGERS AND GOODS VEHICLES CARRYING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE TO AND FROM THE VILLAGES IN THE AREA WILL BE PERMITTED.
MEANWHILE, FROM JUNE 27 TO JULY 11 BETWEEN I AM AND 5 AM DAILY, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE CARRIAGEWAY OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND SAI YEE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION.
HOWEVER, THROUGH ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED AT THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SAME SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET.
/DURING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2^, 19^7
- 52 "
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH ONTO BOUNDARY STREET; OR TURN LEFT FROM BOUNDARY STREET ONTO THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH.
MOTORISTS ON TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA POPLAR STREET WESTBOUND, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET.
-------0 - -
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
THESE INCLUDE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERNS CARNIVAL, LOK SIN TONG CUP BASKETBALL COMPETITION, ELDERLY TELEMATCH FUN DAY, OUTING AND VEGETARIAN DINNER FOR THE ELDERLY, AND PRINTING PUBLICITY MATERIAL TO PROMOTE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD NIGHT-TIME TELEPHONE RECORDING SERVICE SCHEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE AND NO SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
-------o ---------
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN CAUSEWAY BAY
* * * *
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JARDINE'S BAZAAR IN CAUSEWAY BAY BETWEEN HOUSES NO. 23 AND 35, AND BETWEEN HOUSES NO. 51 AND 57 WILL BE MADE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 26).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
GRASSROOTS LEVEL WORK IMPRESSES GOVERNOR ................ 1
GOVERNOR VISITS WAN CHaI ................................ 2
INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS' VIEWS ON GREEN P.-vPER WELCOME .... 3
MAJOR GENERAL GARRY JOHNSON APPOINTED NEW CBF ...........
SCHEMES TO HELP PRISONERS REINTEGRATE PROPOSED .......... 6
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY........... 8
MORE PORT FACILITIES NEEDED FOR TRADE GROWTH ............ 9
PROGRESS OF NEW HK SHIPPING REGISTER REVIEWED ........... 11
u.s. presidential elections a factor on kk tr»de......... 14
1986 SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED ....................... 15
CALL TO FACE UP TO CHALLENGE ............................ 17
PARTNERSHIP ESSENTIAL IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES .. 18
AWARD SCHEME FOR PRODUCING CHEESE TEXTBOOKS ............. 19
HONG KONG'S ANTI-DRUGS EXHIBITION IN VIENNA ............. 20
BOaRD TO COLLECT VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER .................... 21
TRAFFIC aND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ................. 22
PRESS CONFERENCE ON KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.... 23
BANKING COURSE ENROU-IENT STARTS ........................ 23
PART-TIME WORKERS NEEDED FOR MUSIC OFFICE ............... 2U
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR THREE SITES ........................ 24
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED .............................. 25
WING SING STREET BUILDINGS DECLARED D/JJGEROUS .......... 26
NEW FORMS FOR NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES' DEATH, INCAPACITY .... 26
TRAFFIC changes in central .............................. 27
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLaCE NORTH ........................ 27
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
1 GRASSROOTS LEVEL WORK IMPRESSES GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAI HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE WORK DONE AT GRASSROOT LEVEL BY AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AS WELL AS DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON WHERE HE ATTENDED HIS FIRST MEETING OF AN AREA COMMITTEE.
"IT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING TO ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE AREA COMMITTEE AND MEET SO MANY PEOPLE WHO DEDICATED SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME TO WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE QUESTION OF HAVING MORE STAFF FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO HELP AREA COMMITTEES WAS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING THIS AFTERNOON.
"THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE GREATER LIAISON WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICES, AND I KNOW IT IS A PROBLEM WHICH EXISTS ELSEWHERE WHICH THE CNTA IS VERY CONSCIOUS OF. THEY ARE HOPING TO INCREASE THEIR STAFF SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE MORE PEOPLE FOR LIAISON WITH MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND WITH AREA COMMITTEES," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT HE WAS SURPRISED TO SEE HOW MUCH THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT HAD CHANGED.
"WHAT ONE SEES IS VERY RAPID DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY ROUND HERE IN WAN CHAI NORTH RECLAMATION," HE SAID, ADDING THAT SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING NEW BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG WERE GOING UP THERE, LIKE THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE NEW EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS ALSO SURPRISED TO SEE HOW WELL SMALL SPACES WERE USED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSE.
"WAN CHAI IS A VERY CROWED AREA AND RECREATIONAL SPACE IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE HOW MUCH USE CAN BE MADE OF SMALL SPACES LIKE THE SITTING-OUT AREA IN THE SPRING GARDEN LANE WHICH I WENT TO SEE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID FELT THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE IN WAN CHAI AND IT WAS ONE OF THE AREAS WHERE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT VERY USEFUL WORK. "EXACTLY WHAT IT DOES WILL BE FOR THE CORPORATION ITSELF TO DECIDE."
"THERE'S A LOT OF OLD BUILDINGS HERE, VERY DENSE HOUSING. IT NEEDS RE-DEVELOPMENT. IT'S AN IDEAL AREA FOR THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO IRK," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY FURTHER PLAN TO RECLAIM THE NORTH SIDE OF WAN CHAI, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY FUTURE PLAN AT THE MOMENT, BUT ADDED THAT IF THERE WAS A NEED FOR MORE LAND IN FUTURE, HE EXPECTED THAT PEOPLE WOULD PRODUCE MORE LAND THROUGH RECLAMATION.
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/2 ....
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
2
GOVERNOR VISITS WAN CHAI
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON SPENT AN AFTERNOON TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITING WAN CHAI AS PART OF HIS TOUR OF THE TERRITORY’S ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON BEGAN THEIR TOUR BY TAKING A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE ROOFTOP OF HOPEWELL CENTRE.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN WAN CHAI NORTH (THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER. SIR DAVID WAS ALSO TOLD OF THE URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS IN THE AREA AROUND HOPEWELL CENTRE INCLUDING POSSIBLE SITES FOR REDEVELOPMENT BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED ALONG SPRING GARDEN LANE TO SEE STREET MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN AN 01 J) URBAN AREA AND THE MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS DEVELOPING SMALL SITTING-OUT AREAS AND BUILDING IMPROVED REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITIES.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN VISITED THE WAN CHAI HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY IN AN APARTMENT BLOCK IN SPRING GARDEN LANE. OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE SCHEME PROVIDES 23 FLATS FOR 112 ELDERLIES.
SIR DAVID WAS INTRODUCED TO FIVE RESIDENTS WHO SHARE ONE OF THE APARTMENTS AND SPOKE TO THEM ABOUT THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS AND HOW THEY SPEND THEIR DAY.
SIR DAVID THEN ATTENDED A MEETING OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE HELD IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE. HE MET THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM LOCAL PROBLEMS IN CAUSEWAY BAY AS WELL AS THE CONSULTATIVE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF AREA COMMITTEES.
"THE GOVERNMENT GREATLY APPRECIATED THE WORK WHICH IS DONE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG BY AREA COMMITTEES AND OTHER GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS LIKE MUTUAL AIDS COMMITTEES," HE TOLD MEMBERS.
"IT IS OF GREAT VALUE TO THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE THE OPINION OF GROUPS LIKE THE AREA COMMITTEES AND TO HAVE THIS SYSTEM FOR REFLECTING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISTRICT AND SOME OF THE IDEAS DEALING WITH THEM," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID THEN TOURED THE NEW URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX AT LOCKHART ROAD WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE NEW DISTRICT LIBRARY WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH FULL AUDIO-VISUAL SERVICES, STUDY ROOM, AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES ROOM, AS WEI.I AS A LENDING AND REFERENCE LIBRARY FOR ADULTS \ND CHILDREN.
/the Party .......
THURLDAY, JUNE 25, 198?
- 3 -
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE LOWER FLOORS WHERE THE GOVERNOR WALKED AROUND A MODERN COOKED FOOD STALL CENTRE OF THE LOCKHART ROAD MARKET. SIR DAVID TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO STOP AND CHAT WITH SOME OF THE STALL TRADERS I THE MARKET.
THE LAST STOP WAS A TEA RECEPTION IN THE YMCA HARBOUR VIEW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE WHERE SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON MET MEMBERS OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
-----0------
INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER WELCOME
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE INITIATIVE OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK IN CONSULTING AND COLLECTING THE VIEWS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE ABROAD ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DA\ID FORD SAID DURING A VISIT TO THE KUK TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE KUK’S REQUEST FOR A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SEAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSIDERED AFTER THE GOVERNMENT HEARD THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE ON THIS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE GREEN PAPER,MR FORD SAID.
HE PRAISED THE MEMBERS OF THE KUK FOR TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN ALL THE THREE LEVELS OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
HE ALSO HOPED THE KUK WOULD CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NEW AND THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION AND REFLECT NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF BOTH GROUPS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
MR FORD ASSURED THE KUK THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES FACILITIES OF THE SAME STANDARDS AS WERE PROVIDED ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG AND ALSO, MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO PRESERVING THEIR INDIGENOUS RIGHTS.
"IN THE PROCESS OF URBANISATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DISRUPTION TO THE LIFESTYLE OF THE RURAL POPULATION," HE SAID.
/HOWEVER, HE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 19&7
4
HOWEVER, HE WAS PLEASED THAT THROUGH THE OFFICES OF THE KUK, CONFLICTS HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED AND THE PLANNED PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE VISIT, MR FORD SAID HE HAD A VERY INTERESTING MEETING WITH THE HFUNG YEE KUK.
"IT’S MY' FIRST MEETING WITH THEM. I’VE LEARNED A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE FARMING AND THE AGRICULTURAL PROBLEMS WHICH ARE THERE, THE PROBLEMS OF FARMERS AND COMMUNICATIONS AND SOME PROBLEMS STILL WITH LAND.
"IT’S BEEN VERY USEFUL AND INSTRUCTIVE AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED. I HOPE IT HAS ALSO BEEN USEFUL FOR THE HEUNG YEE KUK. IT’S BEEN VERY NICE FOR ME TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, AND 1 HOPE THAT WE SHALL MAINTAIN THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT AND SEE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ON THE GROUND, INCLUDING THAT OF THE FARMING COMMUNITY, AND TALK TO FARMERS AND TO LEARN FOR HIMSELF SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY FACED.
"I THINK THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE OF THAT SORT," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE KUK’S REQUEST FOR A SEAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR FORD SAID THE SUBJECT WAS IN THE GREEN PAPER AND IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR HIM TO COMMENT ON IT AT THIS STAGE.
"WE DID DISCUSS THAT, AND OF COURSE IT IS A SUBJECT WHICH IS IN THE GREEN PAPER, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING VIEWS WHICH ARE PUT FORWARD AS A RESULT OF THE GREEN PAPER."
ASKED HOW MANY REQUESTS FROM ORGANISATIONS DEMANDING A SEAT IN LEGCO THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ACCOMMODATE, MR FORD SAID, "THAT IS SOMETHING WE SHALL HAVE TO DECIDE \T THE TIME."
-------0----------
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 5 -
MAJOR GENERAL GARRY JOHNSON APPOINTED NEW CBF *****
MAJOR GENERAL GARRY JOHNSON WILL SUCCEED MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM AS COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, HONG KONG, WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 13, THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON IS NO STRANGER TO HONG KONG, HAVING SERVED HERE IN 1960 AND IN 1978/79, AND HAVING VISITED THE TERRITORY TWICE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON, 49, SPENT MOST OF HIS EARLY YEARS IN THE ARMY ON ACTIVE SERVICE WITH GURKHA AND BRITISH TROOPS IN MALAYA, BORNEO, AND NORTHERN IRELAND. IN THE COURSE OF THESE DUTIES HE WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS (1965), MADE AN MBE (1971), AND AN OBE ( 1977 ) .
AS A STAFF OFFICER HE HAS SERVED ON ALL LEVELS OF COMMAND HEADQUARTERS. HIS MOST RECENT SERVICE WITH THE ARMY HAS BEEN IN GERMANY, WHERE HE COMMANDED AN ARMOURED BRIGADE AND WAS THEN THE CHIEF OPERATIONS STAFF OFFICER AT THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS.
FOR THE LAST TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS HE HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON, WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND OPERATIONAL MATTERS FOR ALL THREE SERVICES WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE NATO ALLIANCE.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON AND HIS WIFE SARAH HAVE TWO SONS, CHARLES, 23, AN ARMA OFFICER, IS CURRENTLY LEARNING TO FLY HELICOPTERS, AND NICHOLAS, 18, WHO WILL BE WITH THEM IN HONG KONG FOR SOMF MONTHS BEFORE GOING UP TO OXFORD TO READ HISTORY IN 1988.
THE JOHNSONS LOOK FORWARD TO RENEWING THEIR ACQUAINTANCE WITH HONG KONG, AND TO MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN ALL WALKS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987.
- 6 -
SCHEMES TO HELP PRISONERS REINTEGRATE PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE TWO SCHEMES FOR PRISONERS AIMED AT HELPING THEM REINTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY.
DRAFT LEGISLATION WHICH GIVES EFFECT TO THE TWO SCHEMES -- A RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME AND A PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHEME -WILL BE CONTAINED IN THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987 TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID THE TWO PROPOSED SCHEMES REPRESENTED A STEP FORWARD IN THE REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS.
"THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECENT CHANGES IN THE APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS, WITH INCREASING EMPHASIS ON REFORM, THAT IS ON TREATMENT AND TRAINING, AS THE MEANS OF REHABILITATION," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE RECENTLY BECOME MORE CONCERNED WITH THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS, AS WELL AS THE NEED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PUNISHMENT.
"THE TWO PROPOSED SCHEMES DO NOT IN ANY WAY REPRESENT A SOFTENING OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS CRIMINALS AND THERE IS NO INTENTION TO RELEASE PRISONERS WHO MIGHT BE A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY. MOREOVER, PRISONERS SERVING LIFE SENTENCES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE FIRST SCHEME BEING PROPOSED, THE GOVERNOR, ACTING ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD, MAY ORDER THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION OF ANY PRISONER WHO HAS SERVED NOT LESS THAN ONE HALF OR 20 MONTHS (WHICHEVER PERIOD IS THE LONGER) OF A SENTENCE OF THREE YEARS OR MORE. A PERSON SO RELEASED WOULD LOSE ALL THE REMISSION HE HAD EARNED UNDER THE PRISON RULES AND BE SUBJECT TO CLOSE SUPERVISION FOR THE FULL REMAINDER OF HIS SENTENCE.
THE SUPERVISION ORDERS WOULD INCLUDE CONDITIONS RELATING TO RESIDENCE, EMPLOYMENT, COMMITTING NO OFFENCES, DISASSOCIATING FROM CRIMINALS, AND REPORTING TO THE SUPERVISING OFFICER (ABOUT ONCE A MONTH BUT WOULD BE MORE FREQUENTLY IF CONSIDERED NECESSARY) WHO WOULD MAINTAIN REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE SUPERVISEES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE.
THE SUPERVISION ORDER WOULD ALSO INCLUDE MORE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS CONTRIBUTING FINANCIALLY TO DEPENDANTS OR ATTENDING FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
IF A PERSON RELEASED UNDER THIS SCHEME BREACHED HIS SUPERVISION ORDER HE WOULD BE LIABLE TO BE RECALLED AND WOULD HAVE TO SERVE THE FULL REMAINDER OF THE SENTENCE - BUT REMISSION.M1 GUT BE EARNED DURING THE PERIOD SERVED AFTER RECALL.
/THE BILL .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1?87
- 7 -
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A SCHEME OF PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT TO APPLY, AGAIN BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR ACTING ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD, TO ANY PRISONER SERVING A SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT OF TWO YEARS OR MORE AND WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF COMPLETING HIS SENTENCE AFTER ALLOWING FOR REMISSION.
A PRISONER ON WHOM AN ORDER IS MADE WILL BE PLACED UNDER SUPERVISION FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS SENTENCE, THAT IS FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS.
HE WILL BE REQUIRED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN A SUPERVISION ORDER, TO RESIDE IN A HOSTEL PROVIDED FOR THE PURPOSE AND, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, TO BE IN EMPLOYMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WOULD ALSO BE EMPOWERED TO PERMIT HIM TO BE ABSENT FROM THE HOSTEL FOR UP TO FIVE DAYS.
IT WOULD, UNDER THE BILL, BE AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE WITH A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO 12 MONTHS, FOR A PERSON SO RELEASED TO FAIL TO RETURN TO THE HOSTEL OR TO BREACH THE TERMS ON WHICH HE WAS ALLOWED TO BE ABSENT.
UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES, SUPERVISION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SER\ICES DEPARTMENT, OR BY OTHER PERSONS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD FOR CONSIDERING PRISONERS’ APPLICATIONS AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE BOARD WILL CONSIST OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE MEMBERS, AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE A PERSON WHO HOLDS OR HAS HELD JUDICIAL OFFICE (AS CHAIRMAN), A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WITH EXPERIENCE IN PSYCHIATRY, AND OTHER PERSONS WITH EXPERIENCE OF OR INTEREST IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE NUMBER OF PRISONERS WHO WOULD SUCCESSFULLY BE RELEASED UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES WAS EXPECTED TO BE VERY SMALL AND EACH APPLICATION WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS BY THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD.
HE SAID THE BILL PROVIDES FOR SERIOUS SANCTIONS FOR BREACH OF AN ORDER. "A PERSON WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS OF AN ORDER WILL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS," HE SAID.
"IF HIS ORDER IS TERMINATED AND HE IS RE-IMPRISONED AS A RESULT, HE WILL FORFEIT ANY REMISSION UNDER THE PRISON RULES IN RESPECT OF THAT PART OF THE SENTENCE SERVED BEFORE HIS RELEASE UNDER THE ORDER," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
/THE BILL........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 19^7
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT WHERE THE PUBLIC INTEREST REQUIRES THAT A RELEASED PERSON BE RE-IMPRISONED IMMEDIATELY, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MAY REVOKE THE ORDER.
AN ORDER WILL ALSO AUTOMATICALLY CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT IF THE PERSON RELEASED UNDER IT IS CONVICTED OF ANOTHER OFFENCE AND SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT WHERE AN ORDER IS TERMINATED IN ANY OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES THE PRISONER MAY BE ARRESTED AND RE-IMPRISONED FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS SENTENCE.
"IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE SANCTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE BILL, AND THE DEGREE OF SUPERVISION PROVIDED, WILL CONSTITUTE A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT AGAINST THE COMMISSION OF OTHER OFFENCES DURING THE PERIOD OF SUPERVISION," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
"THE ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER THREE YEARS OF OPERATION," HE ADDED.
THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 8.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD.
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE POLICY STATEMENT ON THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR THOMAS CHAN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE NEW STRATEGY WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME AND THE EXTENSION OF REDEVELOPMENT TO THE OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE NAMING OF SAN KAN STREET IN SHEUNG SHUI AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
/OTHER ITEMS .......
THURSDAY, JUKE 25, 1987
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES, AND A REPORT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHICH IS CURRENTLY HANDLING SUCH ISSUES AS THE RELOCATION OF THE MORNING RURAL VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET AT LUEN WO HUI, THE PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTING A FOOTBRIDGE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD NEAR FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND THE TRANSPORT PROBLEM AT SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
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. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
- - 0 - -
MORE PORT FACILITIES NEEDED FOR TRADE GROWTH ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG WOULD NEED TO CREATE MORE SHELTERED HARBOUR, MORE WHARVES, MORE MOORING BUOYS AND MORE CONTAINER TERMINALS IF IT WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH OF TRADE BY THE MID-NINETIES, THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE ASIAN SEA TRANSPORT CONFERENCE 1987, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS NOW CLEAR THAT THE PORT OF HONG KONG WAS OF EQUAL IF NOT GREATER IMPORTANCE THAN THE AIRPORT IF IT WAS TO HANDLE NOT ONLY THE INTERNAL CARGOES, BUT PART OF THE GROWING TRANSIT CARGOES OF MAINLAND CHINA.
HE SAID THAT IN TERMS OF TRADE, HONG KONG NOW RANKED 13TH AMONG THE TRADING NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND NINE-TENTHS OF THAT TRADE PASSED THROUGH THE PORT.
HE SAID IN ADDITION TO OVER 14,000 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS WHICH CALLED AT HONG KONG LAST YEAR, THE HARBOUR WAS ALSO VISITED BY 80,000 SHIPS OF ALL KINDS AND THE NUMBER WAS STEADILY' GROWING.
"THE PORT IS OUR LIFE LINE," HF. STRESSED.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE PORT HAD BEEN ABLE TO COPE WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED RAPID GROWTH IN TRADE, THE MOUNTAINS WHICH SHELTERED THE HARBOUR HAD PI.ACED SEVERE CONSTRAINTS ON THE SUPPORTING FACILITIES WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL Ti- THE OPERATION OF THE PORT.
/WING THAT
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 198?
10
NOTING THAT A HIGH-RISE CARGO DISTRIBUTION AND HANDLING CENTRE HAD RECENTLY OPENED, HE SAID THESE PROVIDED CARGO STORAGE AS WELL AS PARKING FOR 850 CONTAINER VEHICLES AND THE HANDLING OF THE HEAVIEST CATEGORIES OF CARGO.
GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY AND GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY OF THE NEIGHBOURS WHOSE CARGOES TRANSITTED HONG KONG HAD PLACED GREAT PRESSURE ON THE LOCAL FACILITIES, SIR DAVID SAID.
LAST YEAR THROUGHPUT OF TONNAGE THROUGH THE PORT INCREASED BY OVER 16 PER CENT, AND THE YEAR ON YEAR GROWTH THIS YEAR IS NEARLY 20 PER CENT.
TO MEET THIS DEMAND, HE SAID WORK WAS ALREADY IN HAND TO PROVIDE EXTRA CONTAINER HANDLING CAPACITY.
"IF WE CAN COMBINE EXTENDING THE PORT WITH THE WORK OF BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT THEN SO MUCH THE BETTER," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE ASIAN SEA TRANSPORT CONFERENCE 1987, THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID ECONOMY OF SCALE COULD BE ACHIEVED IF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT COULD BE DEVELOPED TOGETHER.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID HONG KONG SHOULD DO MORE IN THE AREA OF PORT DEVELOPMENT BY ABOUT THE MID-1990’S.
"SO IT’S NOT TOO SOON TO START PLANNING FOR THAT DEVELOPMENT — PLANNING AND THEN CONSTRUCT!NG FOP THAT DEVELOPMENT -- TO COPE WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE PORT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID EXTENDING THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG WESTWARDS SEEMED TO BE THE BEST OPTION BUT MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE PORT.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ABOUT HOPEWELL’S SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THEY WERE "VERY IMAGINATIVE PROPOSALS."
"THEY SHOW HOW IT COULD BE DONE, BUT A LOT MORE DETAILED WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE YOU CAN DECIDE EXACTLY WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. AND THAT’S WHAT WE WILL BE DOING OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND YEARS --TRYING TO WORK OUT WHAT’S THE BEST WAY OF DOING IT," HE ADDED.
--------o----------
/11 ........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
11
PROGRESS OF NEW HK SHIPPING REGISTER REVIEWED ♦ » ♦ * *
ARRANGEMENTS WILL NEED TO BF MADE, WHEN MODIFYING THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, TO PROVIDE THAT A FLAG OR FLAGS WILL INDICATE BOTH THE NATIONALITY OF THE SHIP (BRITISH PRE-1997 AND CHINESE POST-1997) AND THAT IT IS ON THE H I KONG REGISTER, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ASIAN SEA •RANSPORT CONFERENCE 1987 AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IN Sir TIN, MR HIGGINSON SAID CURRENT PROPOSALS WERE THAT SHIPS ON THE MODIFIED REGISTER SHOULD FLY TWO FLAGS FROM THE STERN WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS ”A UNIQUE SOLUTION TO A UNIQUE SITUATION”.
’’THE UPPER FLAG WOULD -- UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 -- BE THE RED ENSIGN (THE NATIONAL FLAG FLOWN BY MERCHANT VESSELS ON THE BRITISH REGISTER); THE LOWER FLAG WOULD BE EITHER THE EXISTING HONG KONG FLAG (THF BLUE ENSIGN WITH THE HONG KONG ARMORIAL BEARING) OR, ONCE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES ON ITS DESIGN AND USE, A NEW HONG KONG REGIONAL FLAG.
FROM JULY 1, 1997, THE UPPER FLAG WOULD BE THE FLAG OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE LOWER FLAG WOULD BE THE HONG KONG REGIONAL FLAG,” HE SAID.
MR HIGGINSON OUTLINED THE
PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH AN AUTONOMOUS
DEVELOPMENTS WHICH LED TO HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
THE
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESENT STATUS OF HONG KONG'S SHIPPING REGISTER WAS THAT HONG KONG WAS A PORT OF BRITISH REGISTRY AND THAT IT WAS OPERATED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES.
THE STIMULUS FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A NEW AND AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING WAS THE 1997 ISSUE WHICH RESULTED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, HE CONTINUED.
IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN SECTION 8 OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, IT V,'AS PLANNED TO MODIFY EXISTING LAWS APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG CONCERNING REGISTRATION IN ORDER TO PUT THEM INTO A FORM IN WHICH THEY COULD CONTINUE TO EXIST UNDER BRITISH ADMINISTRATION UNTIL 1997 AND, THEREAFTER, UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, MR HIGGINSON SAID.
AFTER THE DECLARATION HAD BEEN INITIALLED AND SIGNED IN 1984 AND RATIFIED IN MID 1985, CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN WITHIN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS TO HOW BEST TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SHIPPING REGISTER.
/Hui TOLD
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 198?
12
HE TOLD THE GATHERING THAT IN MID 1985, A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WAS ISSUED SEEKING VIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY, EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT ON HOW A FUTURE REGISTER MIGHT BE DEVELOPED.
THE DOCUMENT LED TO CONSIDERABLE COMMENT, FROM SHIPOWNERS TO SHIP MANAGERS, AND FROM PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES TO LABOUR ORGANISATIONS, HE ADDED.
AGREEMENT WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS AT A MEETING OF THE JOIN! LIAISON GROUP HELD IN LONDON IN JULY 1986 ON THE PRINCIPLES WHICH WOULD UNDERLINE THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER.
”A STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER 1986,” SAID MR HIGGINSON.
THE QUESTION OF THE FLAG WAS ONE OF THE KEY PRINCIPLES IN THE STATEMENT. HF NOTED THAT REGISTRATION OF A SHIP ENTITLED THAT SHIP TO FLY THE NATIONAL FLAG OF THE PLACE OF REGISTRY WHICH, IN TURN, ESTABLISHED THE NATIONALITY OF THE SHIP.
’’THE FLAG STATE SIGNIFIES THE AUTHORITY WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXERCISING JURISDICTION AND CONTROL OVER THAT SHIP.”
THE STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES ALSO SET OUT SOME FUNDAMENTALS WHICH WOULD UNDERPIN THE OPERATION OF THE NEW REGISTER. HIGH STANDARDS OF MARINE SAFETY WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED ON BOARD SHIPS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG WILL BE UP TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS,” HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF' MANNING, MR HIGGINSON NOTED THAT THE PRINCIPLES PROVIDED THAT ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT ON SHIPS WOULD BE DETERMINED SOLELY BY REFERENCE TO PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS.
"IN OTHER WORDS, NO NATIONALITY CRITERIA WILL BE REQUIRED FOR EITHER OFFICERS OR CREWS ON SHIPS ON THE NEW REGISTER.”
MR HIGGINSON THEN OUTLINED THE REASONS FOR NOT INSISTING ON ANY LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT ON RESIDENTIAL LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE CREW ON HONG KONG SHIPS;
FIRST, TO DO SO WOULD BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE OBJECTIVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AS LITTLE CHANGE AS POSSIBLE;
SECONDLY, LEGISLATIVE COMPULSION WAS THOUGHT TO BE UNNECESSARY AS NEARLY HALF THE POSTS AVAILABLE ON ALL HONG KONG VESSELS HAD BEEN FILLED BY HONG KONG SEAMEN (AND FOR OCEAN-GOING SHIPS THE PROPORTION WAS ABOUT A THIRD); AND
/THIRDLY, ............
THUR£DAY, JUNE 25, 1987
THIRDLY, THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED HONG KONG THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE WAS INADEQUATE TO MEET THE PRESENTLY REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
OFFICERS DEMAND
NOW AND IN
FROM SHIPS
"INSTEAD, WE HAVE OPTED FOR A SOLUTION
PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE HONG KONG SFXFARERS WITH ADEQUATE ' fES S° THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARD
THUS ENJOY ENHANCED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," HE
WHICH WILL
PROVIDE TRAINING
ADDED.
AND
TURNING TO THE LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE CI.’I? REGISTER, MR HIGGINSON POINTED OUT ’TH-.T GIVEN THE REPUTATION KONG AS A SHIP-OWNING AND SHIP MANAGEMENT CENTRE, AND GIVEN DESIRABILITY OF PROVIDING A REAL -- AS OPPOSED TO A THEORECTICAL LINK, IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THAT CORPORATE OWNERS WOULD INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG AND THAT THE SAFETY
THE
SHIPS
ON
OF
ITS HONG
THE
AND CREWS MUST BE MANAGED AND CONTROLLED FROM
STANDARDS OF HONG KONG.
HAVE TO BE THE SHIPS
"THIS IS A NEW CONCEPT, BUT IT IS ONE AUTHORITIES HERE TO HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE KONG REGISTERED FLEET AND THUS TO ENSURE ADHERENCE TO HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY AT ALL THE WORLD.
WHICH WILL ENABLE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG CLOSE CONSULTATION AND TIMES AND ANYWHERE IN
"IN’ SUMMARY, THE EXISTING HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY OF SHIPS ON THE EXISTING REGISTER WILL BE MAINTAINED AND NEW, STRONG AND VERY REAL -LINKS WILL BE DEVELOPED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS ON ITS REGISTER.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE OF THE NAME OF HONG KONG IN THE FIELD OF INTERNATIONAL CONTINUING TO BE HIGHLY’ REGARDED," SAID MR HIGGINSON.
CONCEPT
SHIPPING
HE SAID THE NEXT STEP WAS TO FLESH OUT THE PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICAL OPERATIONAL DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS — AND A MASSIVE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME HAD TO BE PUT INTO PLACE.
WE HAVE ALREADY MADE A GOOD START IN THE DRAFTING OF LOCALISATION TO REPLACE THE EXISTING UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION WHICH, FOR THE MOST PART, EXTENDS TO HONG KONG IN RESPECT OF MARITIME
BUI WE ARE NOW GETTING INTO THOSE DIFFICULT AREAS WHERE A HIGHER DEGREE OF LIAISON BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT, XND WITH THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION, IS CALLED FOR.
To THIS END, EARLY THIS YEAR WE APPOINTED AN EXPERIENCED SENIOR MARINE ADVISER -- A PREVIOUS DIRECTOR OF MARINE — TO LONDON TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF LIAISON AND FEED-BACK."
/NOTING THAT
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1?87
14
NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS IN THE TOP TEN IN THE WORLD OF REGISTERED TONNAGE, MR HIGGINSON SAID THE PROPOSALS SHOULD ENSURE THE CONTINUED AND SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF AS A SHIP-OWNING AND SHIP MANAGEMENT CENTRE.
IN TERMS
DESCRIBED
HONG KONG
"THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER WILL BE ONE MOR POSITIVE EXAMPLE OF THE SUCCESS AND PRACTICALITY OF THE SINO-BKITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG.
"WITH OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION XS A MAJOR SHIPPING PORT IN THE SOUTH OF CHINA; WITH OUR EXCELLENT ECONOMIC AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE; WITH OUR WELL-KNOWN AND ATTESTED FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND LEGAL SERVICES; AND WITH THE WILL TO SUCCEED, I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE NEW HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO ALL SECTORS OF THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG'S POSITION AS ONE OF THE WORLD LEADERS IN THE FIELD OF PORT AND SHIPPING MANAGEMENT," SAID MR HIGGINSON.
------0-------
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS A FACTOR ON HK TRADE ♦ * * ♦ ♦
IT WILL BE HELPFUL TO HONG KONG’S TRADE IF EFFORTS IN GENEVA TO HELP LIBERALISE WORLD TRADE - EFFORTS IN WHICH HONG KONG PLAYS A NOT INSIGNIFICANT PART - BEGIN TO SHOW SOME RESULTS NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING XT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING LUNCHEON OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR MACLEOD SAID THREE FACTORS DOMINATED HONG KONG’S MEDIUM TERM TRADE OUTLOOK.
THEY WERE THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN LATE 1988, WITH VOTING IN THE PRIMARIES BEGINNING EARLY NEXT YEAR; THE ACTIONS WHICH JAPAN MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT TAKE TO MEET U.S. CONCERNS OVER ACCESS TO THE JAPANESE MARKET AND THEIR EFFECT ON PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES IN THE U.S. AS WELL AS THE ACTIONS WHICH THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT TAKE TO REDUCE THE TWIN DEFICITS (BUDGET AND TRADE).
"IT IS THESE INTERTWINED FACTORS WHICH WILL HAVE A CONSIDERABLE BEARING ON HONG KONG’S MEDIUM TERM TRADE PROSPECTS, BEARING IN MIND THAT OVER 40 PER CENT OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS STILL GO TO THE U.S.," MR MACLEOD SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS USUAL FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE TO ENDORSE PRESSURE GROUPS’ PET SCHEMES, FOR EXAMPLE, TO ENDORSE THE TEXTILES BILL, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE ELECTORAL SUPPORT OF THE U.S. TEXTILE INDUSTRY.
/"PERHAPS LORE
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 15 -
"PERHAPS MORE FUNDAMENTAL, IT MUST BE LIKELY THAT, WHOEVER IS PRESIDENT IN 1989, WE SHALL THEN SEE INCREASED EFFORTS TO CUT THE BUDGET AND TRADE DEFICITS.
'BUT EVEN IF JAPAN AND GERMANY GINGER UP THEIR ECONOMIES AND IMPORT MORE, THERE IS NO WAY THE REST OI THE WORLD CAN ABSORB ALL THE U.S.$179 BILLION WHICH THE U.S. I RRENTLY CONSUMES VIA THE TRADE DEFICIT.
"IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT CURRENT U.S. EFFORTS TO INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS AND THEREFORE EXPORTS ARE SUCCESSFUL, AND THAT CRUDE OR SUDDEN SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM ARE RESISTED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE TOPIC OF ASSISTANCE FOR INDUSTRY, MR MACLEOD SAID THE BASIC APPROACH WAS TO STUDY IN DEPTH A PARTICULAR KEY INDUSTRY, IDENTIFY ITS WEAKNESSES, AND THEN TO TAKE ACTION WHERE IT WAS FEASIBLE TO REMEDY THOSE WEAKNESSES, IF THEY WERE OF A TYPE WHICH COULD BE DEALT WITH BY GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED BODIES INFRASTRUCTURE, TRAINING, CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND THE LIKE.
"THIS APPROACH, GUIDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, IS I THINK THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE WE TAKE ACTIONS WHICH ARE THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND MEET REAL NEEDS."
------0 -------
1986 SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED *****
IN 1986, 13,760 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 82.4 MILLION NRT (NET REGISTERED TONS) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 684 (OR 5 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 8 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER 1985, ACCORDING TO THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" FOR 1986 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 18 PER CENT.
WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+732) AND OIL TANKERS (+215), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (-177), SEMI-CONTAINER VESSELS (-166) AND CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (-92).
INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE RECORDED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+791), PANAMA (+141) AND SINGAPORE (+35); BUT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE REGISTERED IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (-70), LIBERIA (-50) AND JAPAN (-47).
/THE NUMBER
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 16 -
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 1U,000 DWT (DEADWEIGHT TONS) INCREASED (+261).
IN 1986, THERE WERE 13,761 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 82.4 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 714 (OR 5 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 8 PEI CENT IN CAPACITY OVER 1985. THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ON TO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 23 PER CENT. ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAVED 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 ON TO OUTGOING SHIPS, 57 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 43 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (16 PER CENT), JAPAN (14 PER CENT), CHINA (12 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (10 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (10 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (9 PER CENT), WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S.A. (20 PER CENT), CHINA (15 PER CENT), TAIWAN (12 PER CF T), SINGAPORE (6 PER CENT) AND INDONESIA (6 PER CENT).
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (31 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (16 PER CENT); AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN CHINA (16 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (13 PER CENT).
COMPARING 1986 WITH 1985, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+61 PER CENT), CHINA (+43 PER CENT), THAILAND (+33 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (+32 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+31 PER CENT), AND THE U.S.A. (+13 PER CENT)’ BUT A DECREASE IN TONNAGE WAS NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM JAPAN’(-9 PER CENT) .
AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 18 PER CENT AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR THE SEABORNE IMPORTS OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+47 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (+46 PER CENT) AND ORGANIC CHEMICALS (+40 PER CENT); BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THE SEABORNE IMPORTS OF NON-FERROUS METALS (-13 PER CENT).
DURING 1986, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT. INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE REGISTERED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO INDONESIA (+63 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+60 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+49 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+24 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (+22 PER CENT); BUT A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR SEABOR'IE EXPORTS TO CHINA (-4 PER CENT).
/AMONG THE .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
17 -
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+297 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (+132 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+112 PER CENT), BUT INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF INORGANIC CHEMICALS (-43 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (-29 PER CENT) AND CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER (-12 PER CENT).
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPOWNERS OR 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 1986 ARE CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" FOR 1986, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $21 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PRO' IDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234887.
-------0----------
CALL TO FACE UP TO CHALLENGE * ♦ « *
THIS IS A TIME OF CHALLENGE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK AND DISABLED SHOULD NOT LEFT OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE, THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
OF HONG KONG
FEEL THEY ARE
GOVERNOR, SIR
OFFICIATING AT THE COMBINED SPEECH DAY OF THE RED CROSS SPECIAL SCHOOLS, SIR DAVID SAiD THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE SCHOOLS COULD TAKE PART, THROUGH THE EDUCATION THEY WERE RECEIVING, NOT ONLY IN ™pRrnMMnSJvEIR PHYSICAL PROBLEMR BUT IN THIS WIDER CHALLENGE FACING 1 nt COMMUN11 > .
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE 1 I SCHOOLS ATTACHED TO HOSPITALS WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE RED CROSS IN HONG KONG.
MAJOR
/’’THESE SCHOOLS
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
18 -
’’THESE SCHOOLS ENSURE THAT HILDREN WHO SPEND SOME WEEKS AND MONTHS IN HOSPITAL DO NOT MISS OUT ON THEIR NORMAL SCHOOLING WHEN THEY ARE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID THERE WERE OTHER SCHOOLS OF THE RED CROSS ENSURING THAT THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WERE EXTENDED AND DEVELOPED, SO THAT THEY BECAME WELL ADJUSTED AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. '
HE SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE RED CROSS WAS PLANNING TO EXPAND THEIR WORK TO REACH THE EASTERN AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT HOSPITALS AS EACH NEW HOSPITAL WAS BUILT.
HE THANKED THE RED CROSS SOCIETY FOR HAVING DONE A MAGNIFICENT WORK WITHOUT WHICH NOT ONLY WOULD MANY THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN SUFFERED UNNECESSARILY EACH YEAR BUT HONG KONG WOULD BE A POORER PLACE.
--------0 ---------
PARTNERSHIP ESSENTIAL IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES
*****
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE SUBVENTED SECTOR IN THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES HAS BEEN REAFFIRMED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
EXAMINING THE GROWTH IN THE WELFARE BUDGET OVER THE DECADE AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH AT THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY), SHE SAID THAT THERE WERE SOME 150 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RECEIVING AN ANNUAL SUBVENTION OF $625 MILLION
SHE NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD COME SOME DISTANCE FROM THE RUDIMENTARY PROVISION OF YESTERYEAR TO A PROVISION OF MULTIFACETED SERVICES OF TODAY.
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY WHICH WAS GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY, THE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, SHE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ESSENTIALLY A RESPONSIBILITY FOR DETERMINING BASIC PRIORITIES AND POLICIES; ON THE ADVICE OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES, FOR CO-ORDINATING THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE YEAR PLAN WHICH IS UPDATED AND REVISED EACH YEAR IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR; AND FOR THE PROVISION OF FUNDS TO ENABLE THESE SERVICES TO BE CARRIED OUT BY AGENCIES TO AN ADEQUATE STANDARD, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF FUNDS," MRS WONG EXPLAINED.
/I HE SAID.......
THURSDAY, JUKE 25, 1987
- 19 -
SHE SAID THAT JOINT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF ENSURING THAT THERE WAS A REASONABLE VARIETY TO ENRICH THE TYPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED.
"TO QUOTE AS AN EXAMPLE, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE PROVIDED BY PROTESTANTS, CATHOLICS, BUDDHISTS, MUSLIMS, TAOISTS, CONFUCIANS AND OTHER TRADITIONAL CHINESE BODIES SUCH AS THE BENEVOLENT TUNG WAH AND PO LEUNG KUK WHICH ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
"SO VIRTUALLY SOCIAL SERVICESSTRETCII ACROSS THECOMMUNITY AND ARE PROVIDED BY PEOPLE WHO ('ARE AND WHO HAVE THE EXPERTISESHE ADDED.
-------0----------
AWARD SCHEME FOR PRODUCING CHINESE TEXTBOOKS *****
A $7.2 MILLION INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME RECOMMENDED BY THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE (CTC) GOT OFF THE GROUND TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN 24 PUBLISHERS SIGNED AN UNDERTAKING WITH THE GOVERNMENT PLEDGING TO PRODUCE 60 SETS OF CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN 14 SUBJECTS FOR USE IN THE 1989/90 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE AWARD SCHEME WAS SET UP AFTER THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE CTCS RECOMMENDATION TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE TO ENCOURAGE PUBLISHERS TO PRODUCE A VARIETY OF GOOD SECONDARY TEXTBOOKS IN CHINESE IN DIFFERENT SUBJECTS AND AT DIFFERENT LEVELS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS. FUND FOR THE SCHEME WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST MONTH.
UNDER THE SCHEME, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMOUNTING TO $150,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO A PUBLISHER WHO HAS UNDERTAKEN TO PRODUCE A SET OF TEXTBOOKS FOR A SUBJECT EITHER AT JUNIOR OR SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS.
THE CEILING FOR THE CASH AWARD IS SET AT $450,000 FOR THREE SETS OF TEXTBOOKS ON EACH SUBJECT. IF MORE THAN THREE PUBLISHERS ARE INTERESTED, THE $450,000 WILL BE AWARDED ON EQUAL SHARE AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.
AT THE REQUEST OF THE CTC, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PUBLISHERS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT THE TEXTBOOKS PRODUCED WILL BE OF GOOD QUALITY.
PUBLISHERS JOINING THE SCHEME ARE REQUIRED TO PAY A $50,000 DEPOSIT FOR EACH SUBJECT AS A GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL PRODUCE TEXTBOOKS, WHICH THEY HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO PUBLISH, ON SCHEDULE.
/WE CTC
THURSDAY, JUNj£ 25, 1987
20 -
THE CTC HAS IDENTIFIED 16 SUBJECTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE AWARD SCHEME. THEY ARE SOCIAL STUDIES, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, MUSIC, AND HOME ECONOMICS AT JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL; AND PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS, SOCIAL STUDIES, HOME ECONOMICS, COMMERCE, PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE AWARD SCHEME WAS STILL OPEN TO PUBLISHERS WHO WERE INTERESTED IN PRODUCING TEXTBOOKS ON DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, HOME ECONOMICS, SOCIAL STUDIES AND PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL.
APPLICATIONS TO PUBLISH TEXTBOOKS OF THE ABOVE SUBJECTS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY OF CTC, MRS C.H. KONG ON OR BEFORE JULY 10, 1987.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MRS KONG AT TELEPHONE 5-8392451.
--------------------0-------- HONG KONG'S ANTI-DRUGS EXHIBITION IN VIENNA * * * * *
HONG KONG’S WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST NARCOTICS HAVE WON THE TERRITORY RENOWN BOTH ON THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ANTI-DRUG SCENES.
THIS WAS REMARKED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HOGG, WHEN HE PAID A VISIT TO THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION STAND AT THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING (ICDAIT) IN VIENNA RECENTLY.
BRIEFED ON HONG KONG’S LATEST OVERALL DRUG SITUATION BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS. PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA; AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY; WHO BOTH REPRESENTED HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION, MR HOGG WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE DEDICATION AND STRENUOUS EFFORTS THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE MADE IN FIGHTING DRUGS.
WHILE NOTING THAT DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS WERE AMONG THE GREATEST PROBLEMS OF OUR TIME, MR HOGG SAID THERE WERE NO EASY SOLUTIONS AND PROGRESS WOULD BE SLOW AND PAINSTAKING.
HOWEVER, MR HOGG WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT HONG KONG DISPLAYED THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF COMMITMENT AND CO-OPERATION IN THE WORLDWIDE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
/’’NO COUNTRY
THURSDAY, JUNE 2% 1987
- 21
"NO COUNTRY CAN OPERATE ALONE: EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IS NOT A LUXURY, IT IS A NECESSITY,” MR HOGG SAID.
THE ICDAIT WHICH IS BEING HELD AT BETWEEN JUNE 17 AND 26 THIS YEAR IS THE MINISTERIAL LEVELS ON DRUGS.
THE AUSTRIA CENTRE IN VIENNA FIRST WORLD CONFERENCE AT
THE CONFERENCE DEALS WITH ALL ASPECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AT NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF AND TRAFFICKING IN ILLICIT DRUGS, THE DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAMME AND THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS.
HONG KONG, AMONG 50 OTHER GOVERNMENTS, INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, SI” '< JAL AGENCIES AND ENTITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS TOOK PART IN AN EXHIBITION ON COMBATING DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING WHICH FORMS PART OF THE CONFERENCE.
HONG KONG’S STAND PLACES EMPHASIS ON THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORKS AND ATTAINMENTS.
THE RECENTLY PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY FILM ON HONG KONG’S ANT I-NARCOTICS EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS AND SEVERAL TV ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTERESTS ON DRUGS ARE ALSO SHOWN AT THE EXHIBITION.
IN ADDITION, ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY HANDOUTS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO HUNDREDS OF CONFERENCE DELEGATES VISITING THE HONG KONG STAND.
AMONG THE VISITING GUESTS WAS THE SECRETARY OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD, MR ABEDLAZIZ BAHI.
------0--------
BOARD TO COLLECT VIEWS ON GREEN PAPER * ♦ * ♦ »
TWO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE INVITED TO A BRIEFING SESSION IN MONG KOK IN M1D-JULY TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS OPTIONS IN THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REXIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO THE RESIDENTS.
ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, IT IS AIMED AT HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND GIVE VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER.
MISS MARIA TAM AND MR MARTIN LEE HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK AT THE SESSION WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 200 MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES, REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
/MEANWHILE, TO........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 22 -
MEANWHILE, TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL FORM TEAMS TO VISIT BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT THE SIX AREAS OF THE DISTRICT TO ASK RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE DOCUMENT.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO MAKE USE OF THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSION TO COLLECT PUBLIC VIEWS.
A MEMBER WILL BE DEPLOYED SPECIALLY TO LISTEN TO VIEWS DURING THE WEEKLY SESSION ON THURSDAY EVENINGS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE. RESIDENTS’ VIEWS WILL BE RECORDED BY A DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF FOR SUBMISSION TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
IN ORDER TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO BE MORE AWARE OF THE ACTIVITIES AND TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE SERVICES, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL PRINT POSTERS AND PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT IN THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER.
A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY BOARD MEMBER, MR JACKIE CHAN, WAS RECENTLY SET UP TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE TASK.
-------0----------
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * » * t
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC CIRCULATION MODIFICATION SCHEME IN YUEN LONG TOWN WHEN THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM COMES INTO OPERATION.
MEMBERS WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS WHICH INVOLVE A NETWORK OF 19 ROAD JUNCTIONS AND SOME MINOR ROAD WORKS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT URBAN LINK.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRANSPORT BRANCH AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AT 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
-------0----------
/23........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 23 -
PRESS CONFERENCE ON KWAI TSI NG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSJNG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE THEME, ACTIVITIES AND DETAILS OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR WAN HING-YUAN AND MRS NANCY LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE VETTING WORKING GROUP, MR SIN CHUNG-KAI AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR LEE SHUNG-SHIN WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
-------0 - -
BANKING COURSE ENROLMENT STARTS *****
BANKING PERSONNEI ARF INVITED TO ENROL IN A COURSE ON THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF CHEQUES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE 10-HOUR COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL FROM JULY 29 TO AUGUST 28, 1987. CONDUCTED IN THE FORMAT OF CASE STUDIES AND DISCUSSION, THE COURSE WILL BE CENTRED ON THE ANALYSIS OF FRADULENT AND NEGLIGENT CASES ON CHEQUES TRANSACTIONS.
COURSE FEE IS $350 AND CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS JULY 13. 1 Q O *7 ’
PARTICIPANTS MUST BE SPONSORED BY EMPLOYERS. THE COUNCIL WILL REIMBURSE HALF OF THE COURSE FEE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE HAD 80 PER < ENT ATTENDANCE.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT SECRETARY OF THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD DURING OFFICE HOURS ON 5-8932341 EXT. 255.
- 0-----------
/2k........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987-
PART-TIME WORKERS NEEDED FOR MUSIC OFFICE
*****
LOCAL MUSICIANS ARE NOW BEING OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS, PERFORMERS FOR BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS OR PIANO ACCOMPANISTS.
APPLICANTS FOR PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS OF WESTERN MUSIC AND PIANO ACCOMPANISTS SHOULD EITHER BE GRADUATES OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR HAVE A DIPLOMA OR DEGREE IN 'MUSIC FROM A REGISTERED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY OR POSSESS LRSM, OR LRAM, OR ARCM, OR. GRSM OR EQUIVALENT.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED TN APPLYING AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS OF CHINESE MUSIC SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR A.T LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY.
FOR THE POST OF PART-TIME PERFORMER, ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY AN ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENT UP TO LRSM, LRAM, ARCM, LGSM, LTCL LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT, PREFERABLY WITH PREVIOUS PERFORMING EXPERIENCE TN A PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA.
APPLICATION FORMS (G.F. 340) ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT
OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS SHOULD REACH THE MUSI' OFFICE, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG BY JULY 10.
CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT INVITED FOR AN AUDITION OR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL.
INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CONTACT THE PERSONNEL REGISTRY OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AT 5-8235332 FOR DETAILS CONCERNING DUTIES AND REMUNERATION OF THE POSTS.
- - 0 - -
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR THREE SITES * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF THREE STORAGE SITES.
ONE IS TN KWAI CHUNG AND THE OTHERS TN KOWLOON.
THE KWAI CHUNG SITE MEASURES 4,056 SQUARE METRES AND IS LOCATED NEAR TEXACO ROAD. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OR DRYING PURPOSES. THE TENANCY IS FOR SIX MONTHS.
/ONE OF
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
ONE OF THE KOWLOON SITES LIES AT THE JUNCTION OF WANG CHIU ROAD AND CHEUNG YIP STREET AND MEASURES 1.08 HECTARES. IT IS FOR STORING NON-DANGEROUS GOODS AND EHICLES AND THE TENANCY IS NINE MONTHS.
THE OTHER SITE OF 2,400 SQUARE METRES IS AT TAT CHEE AVENUE. IT IS FOR STORAGE AND SALE OF POTTf > PLANTS, OR STORAGE OF UNLICENSED NEW VEHICLES.
THE TENANT MAY USE IT FOR OPEN STORAGE AND/OR PARKING OF BUSES, COACHES AND MINI-BUSES.
HOWEVER, PARKING OF PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES ARE NOT PERMITTED.
THE TENANCY IS ONE YEAR.
THE SITES ARE ALL RENEWABLE ON A MONTHLY BASIS AFTER EXPIRY OF THE INITIAL TERMS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 10.
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED * * * « »
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL DESTINATIONS IN THE IRISH REPUBLIC FROM MONDAY (JUNE 29), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
ON THE SAME DAY, THE MAXIMUM SIZE FOR SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO CYPRUS WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO 1.50 METRES IN LENGTH AND 3 METRES FOR THE LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINED.
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE
REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
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/26........
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1987
- 26 -
WING SING STREET BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS *****
FOUR PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AT 17-23, WING SING STREET, CENTRAL, WERE DECLARED DANGEROUS BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THEM IN ONE OPERATION AS IT WAS CONSIDERED THERE WAS A RISK OF COLLAPSE AT THE FRONT OF THE BUILDINGS.
HE SAID THE THREE-STOREY BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOF ON BRICK LOAD-BEARING WALLS, HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION SINCE 1968 AND ALL WERE IN A VERY DETERIORATED CONDITION.
LARGE CRACKS HAD APPEARED IN THE ARCHES OF THE FRONT MAIN WALLS OF NOS. 21 AND 23 AND THERE WERE SIGNS OF RECENT MOVEMENT.
THE FRONT MAIN WALLS OF NOS. 19 AND 21 WERE LEANING TOWRADS WING SING STREET AND SEVERAL VERTICAL FRACTURES HAD ALSO OCCURED IN THE PARTY WALLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG. DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 30 WERE POSTED TODAY ON NOS. 19 AND 23.
AN APPLICATION FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO NOS. 17 AND 21 AS THE TWO BUILDINGS HAD REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT, BUT NOTICES TO VACATE HAD BEEN SERVED ON OCCUPANTS ASKING THEM TO MOVE OUT BEFORE THE END OF JULY.
-----0------
NEW FORMS FOR NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES’ DEATH, INCAPACITY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE REVISED FORM 2 AND FORM 2A FOR REPORTING EMPLOYEES’ DEATH OR INCAPACITY DUE TO WORK-RELATED ACCIDENTS OR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES WILL BE PUT INTO USE FROM JULY 1 (WEDNESDAY).
THESE FORMS, REVISED UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987, ARE DESIGNED TO ENABLE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE MORE ACCURATE INFORMATION RELATING TO THE EMPLOYEES’ DEATH OR INCAPACITY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT FORM 2 IS USED TO REPORT ACCIDENTS WHICH RESULT IN EITHER THE DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE OR THE TOTAL OR PARTIAL INCAPACITY OF AN EMPLOYEE FOR MORE THAN THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
/FORM 2A .......
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 198?
- 27 -
FORM 2A IS USED TO REPORT THE DEATH OR INCAPACITY OF AN EMPLOYEE DUE TO OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE OLD FORMS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED IN RESPECT OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING BEFORE JULY 1.
THE NEW FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION.
UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, ALL CASES OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS OR DISEASES MUST BE REPORTED TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON THE PRESCRIBED FORMS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THEIR OCCURRENCE.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE CAUSE, FAILS TO REPORT THE INJURY OR DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE IS LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL » * * * *
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF POTTINGER STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 27).
THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (I.E. 7 - 10 AM AND
4 - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY AND THE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON A 20-METRE STRETCH OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE
LANE OF POTTINGER STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD
CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED.
-------o----------
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH » * * »
TO FACILITATE THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY THE YOUTH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN NOON AND 2 PM
FOR CHRIST
PIER AND ON SUNDAY
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH PROPOSED ..................... 1
BILL TO STREAMLINE BANKING LAW OPERATION GaZETTED .......... J
HK-KETHERL.JIDS AIR PACT IN FORCE .......................
GREEN P,J>ER TO BE DISTRIBUTED OVER WEEKENDS ............... 5
MAY CONSUMER PRICE INDICES RELEASED ........................ 5
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL UNDER WAY.... 8
SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE FOR MANUFACTURING SECTOR RECORDED IN 1985 ...................................................... 9
A YE..R OF CHALLENGES IN THE FIGHT AGaINST NhRCOTICS..... 12
DESIGN COMPLY EARNINGS SURPASS FORECAST ................. 1^
NEW TRhDE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIP ....................... 15
FIRST MAC FORMED IN LONG PING ESTATE ...................... 15
KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED................. 17
QUIZ TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ........................... 17
COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ..................... 18
CHEUNG CHAU SITES FOR TENDER .............................. 19
REFRESHMENT COUNTERS .-.T HK-MAC.AJ FERRY PIER FOR RENT.. 20
DTC LICENCE REVOKED ....................................... 20
CLOSURE OF SLIP RO.JDS TO .iND FROM CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ..... 20
•WESTBOUND TUBE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE .... 21
KWaI CHUNG ROAD BEING IMPROVED ............................ 21
FIRING PRACTICE NOTICE .................................... 22
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH PROPOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO ESTABLISH A HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) - A NON-GOVERNMENT ANTI-SMOKING BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPOSING AND UNDERTAKING MEASURES TO COUNTER THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE IN HONG KONG.
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL N SMOKING AND HEALTH BILL 1987 PROVIDING FOR STATUTORY INCORPORATION OF THE COUNCIL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED COSH, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, EXPLAINED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE FUNDED MAINLY BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION AND EMPOWERED TO EMPLOY ITS OWN STAFF. THE ANNUAL RECURRENT COST IS ESTIMATED AT $1.1 MILLION PER ANNUM.
‘ALTHOUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNI IL WOULD RELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT OF SOME OF THE EXECUTIVE DUTIES CONNECTED WITH ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WOULD REMAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMULATING GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO COMBAT SMOKING AND FOR ENSURING THF IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT POLICY WHEN APPROVED.
"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT (LOSE CO-OPERATION WILL BE ESSENTIAL BETWEEN THE COUNCIL, SECRETARIAT BRANCHES AND VARIOUS OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE PROPOSED COSH WOULD BE:
(A) TO OBTAIN AND COLLATE THE I.YTEST DATA AND RESEARCH INFORMATION CONNECTED WITH SMOKING AND HEALTH;
(B) TO SERVE AS AN INFORMATION BANK ON SMOKING AND HEALTH MATTERS FOR THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INDUSTRY, THE PRESS, THE BROADCASTING SERVICES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC;
(C) TO DEVELOP AND ORGANISE PUBLICITY, INFORMATION AND
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES;
(D) TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN RESEARCH, INCLUDING THE
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT, OF ANT I-SMOKING ACTIVITIES ALREADY’ IN OPERATION;
(E) TO SERVE AS CONSULTANT AND ADVISER TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES, INCLUDING LEGISLATION;
/(F) TO ACHIJ5VJE
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 2
(F) TO ACHIEVE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ALL GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INVOLVED LN SMOKING-i ONTROL ACTIVITIES;
AND
(G) TO PROVIDE LIAISON WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND WITH LOCAL, REGION\L AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES ON SMOKING AND HEALTH NATTERS.
MR CHAMBERS SAID GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY HAD BEEN QUITE SUCCESSFUL SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE IN 1982.
"GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES INVOLVE A LARGE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES, AS WELL AS CLOSE LIAISON WITH CONCERNED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES.
"EXPERIENCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ELSEWHERE HAS SHOWN THAT SUCH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROGRAMMES ARE BEST HANDLED BY A COMPETENT CO-ORDINATING AGENCY SUPPORTED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
IN MAY 1986, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) AFFIRMED THAT "THE CAUSAL LINK BETWEEN TOBACCO AND A RANGE OF FATAL AND DISABLING DISEASES HAS BEEN SC IENTIFICALLY PROVED" AND THAT "THIS PRODUCT IS ADDICTIVE AND DANGEROUS EVEN WHEN USED AS PROMOTED".
"WHO URGED MEMBER STATES ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL FOCAL POINT TO STIMULATE, SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATE ALL TOBACCO AND HEALTH ACTIVITIES. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS THUS MORE CONVINCED OF THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH IN HONG KONG ON A FIRM FOOTING WITH INDEPENDENT STATUS AND NECESSARY LEGAL POWERS," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (PCOSHI FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE FORMULATION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL.
PCOSH WAS APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN DECEMBER 1986 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF DR RONALD LEUNG TO STEER THE SETTING UP OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL.
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 8.
VIEWS ON PROVISIONS OF THE BILL CAN BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 7/F, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD OR TO OMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
-------0--------- /J....................
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 3 -
BILL TO STREAMLINE BANKING LAW OPERATION GAZETTED
* » » » t
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986 TO STREAMLINE THEIR WORKING, CLARIFY THEIR MEANING OR REMOVE DOUBTS ON INTERPRETATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN SOME CASES, THE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALSO TAKEN TO CORRECT MINOR DRAFTING ERRORS IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE ENACTED LAST YEAR.
EXPLAINING THE MAIN LEGISLATIVE CHANGES CONTAINED IN THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, HE SAID IT WAS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF DEPOSITS TO EXEMPT FROM THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS’ ISSUES OF DEBENTURES OR OTHER SECURITIES IN RESPECT OF WHICH A PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
"THIS WILL IN EFFECT TREAT AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN 7 HE SAME WAY AS OTHER COMPANIES AND REVERT BACK TO THE POSITION UNDER THE PREVIOUS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, THE AMENDMENT WOULD REMOVE AN UNINTENDED IMPEDIMENT IN SOME REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING • COMPANIES' ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS WHERE BONDS WERE OFTEN ISSUED AT SMALL DENOMINATIONS TO ENSURE MARKETABILITY.
"IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO AMEND THE PROVISION FOR TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING LICENCES. AT PRESENT A DEPOSIT-TAKING LICENCE CAN ONLY BE TRANSFERRED - SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS - TO A REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
"THERE MAY HOWEVER BE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE TRANSFER OF A LICENCE TO A COMPANY OTHER THAN A REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WOULD BE DESIRABLE FROM THE SUPERVISORY POINT OF VIEW. CLAUSE 11 OF THE BILL WILL ALLOW FOR THIS, SUBJECT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S APPROVAL," HE ADDED.
"CLAUSE 14 CONTAINS THREE AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 69(1) OF THE ORDINANCE ON THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF BUSINESS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF CAPITAL.
"FIRST, IN THE CASE OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING (INSTEAD OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AS AT PRESENT) WILL BE SUFFICIENT. THE COMMISSIONER IS THE REGISTRATION AUTHORITY FOR THESE. INSTITUTIONS.
"SECOND, TO CLARIFY THE AMBIT OF THIS SUBSECTION, ONLY THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF THE INSTITUTION’S BANKING BUSINESS OR DEPOSIT-TAKING BUSINESS WILL REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL; THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF OTHER THAN THESE CORE BUSINESSES WILL ONLY NEED TO BE ADVISED TO THE COMMISSIONER.
/"THIRD, ONLY .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
"THIRD, ONLY CAPITAL REDUCTION WILL REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL; OTHER CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION WILL ONLY NEED TO BE ADVISED TO THE COMMISSIONER.
"THESE AMENDMENTS AIM TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY PROCEDURES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SECTION 83 AND 84 AT PRESENT RESTRICT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE GRANTING OF UNSECURED ADVANCES OR OTHER FACILITIES BY AN AUTHORISED INSTITUTION TO ANY NON-LISTED COMPANY WITH COMMON DIRECTORS WITH THE INSTITUTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN CERTAIN CASES THIS PROVISION HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE UNDULY RESTRICTIVE AND COULD WORK AGAINST THE SUPERVISION OF AN INSTITUTION BY ITS OWN BOARD BY DEPRIVING IT OF THE SERVICE OF EXPERIENCED AND ABLE DIRECTORS.
CLAUSES 21 AND 22 WILL GIVE DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO THE COMMISSIONER TO EXEMPT FACILITIES BY SPECIFIC AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS TO SPECIFIC CONNECTED COMPANIES FROM THE LIMITS UNDER THESE SECTIONS; THE COMMISSIONER MAY ATTACH CONDITIONS TO THE EXEMPTION.
OTHER AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL WILL REQUIRE CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF LOCALLY INCORPORATED INSTITUTIONS (IN ADDITION TO DIRECTORS AS AT PRESENT) TO BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER BEFORE THEY ARE APPOINTED; REMOVE DOUBTS THAT NORMAL FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFERED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS MIGHT TECHNICALLY CONTRAVENE THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE; AND CLARIFY THE DRAFTING IN A NUMBER OF SECTIONS.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BF INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 1. COMMENTS ON THE PROVISIONS CAN BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS AT ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, 24/F, HARCOURT ROAD OR TO OMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0-----------
HK-NETHERLANDS AIR PACT IN FORCE
*****
A HONG KONG/NETHERLANDS AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT (ASA) INTO FORCE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ENTERS
THE ASA, WHICH WAS SIGNED IN THE HAGUE ON SEPTEMBER 17 1986
IS THE EIRST SEPARATE AGREEMENT THAT HONG KONG HAS CONCLUDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND WITH THE SPECIFIC AUTHORISATION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
THE ASA PROVIDES FOR SCHEDULED SERVICES BY AIRLINES OF THE TWO SIDES. UP TO NOW, SERVICES BETWEEN THE NETHERLANDS BY THE AIRLINES OF EITHER SIDE HAVE UNDER TEMPORARY INFORMAL ARRANGEMENTS.
THE DESIGNATED HONG KONG AND BEEN OPERATED
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 5 -
GREEN PAPER TO BE DISTRIBUTED OVER WEEKENDS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO OBTAIN THE GREEN PAPER, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SET UP A COUNTER TO DISTRIBUTE THE DOCUMENT AT THE KCR SHA TIN STATION DURING WEEKENDS BEGINNING TOMORROW (JUNE 27).
THE DISTRIBUTION COUNTER ML OPEN FROM 1 PM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAYS. IT WILL BE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE LOBBY AREA BETWEEN THE K( R STATION AND THE NEW TOWN PLAZA.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID ABOUT 20 STAFF WOULD BE MOBILISED TO MAN THE COUNTER ON SHIFTS.
DURING WEEKDAYS, COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER CAN BE OBTAINED DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION AND ITS ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE.
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MAY CONSUMER PRICE INDICES RELEASED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)(A) AND NEW CP1(B) FOR MAY 1987 WERE 108.4 AND 108.7 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 5.3 PEI? CENT AND 5.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER MAY 1986, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NEW CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT AND THE NEW CP1(B), BY 0.5 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE NEW CPI(A) \ND AVERAGE NEW CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MAY 1987 WERE 105.6 AND 105.9 RESPECTIVELY.
DURING THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDING MAY 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(A) AND NEW (PI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7 PER CENT PER MONTH.
RETAIL CHARGES
DURING MAY, SALT-WATER FISH AND
PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, LIVE POULTRY, FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED. RETAIL PRICES OF JEWELLERY, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND OUTERC LOTH I NG ALSO WEN’I UP. TRANSPORT CHARGES ALSO INCREASED AS A RESULT OF HIGHER FARES OF MTR XND KCR. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL
PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECREASED.
/THE NEW .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 6 -
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 CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDICES FOR MAY 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDICES AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987 AND MAY 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW:
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION NEW CPI(A) NEW CPI(B)
INDEX FOR MAY 87 % CHANGE % OVER APR. 87 CHANGE OVER MAY 86 INDEX FOR MAY 87 % CHANGE % OVER APR. 87 CHANGE OVER MAY 86
FOODSTUFFS 104.3 -0.4 + 4.0 105.0 -0.1 + 4.2
HOUSING 109.4 + 0.3 + 4.9 107.3 + 0.4 + 3.3
FUEL AND LIGHT 92.5 -0.2 -0.3 93.3 -0.2 -0.0*
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 116.6 + 0.3 + 7.5 116.6 + 0.4 + 7.8
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 115.4 + 1.4 + 6.4 117.2 + 1 .3 + 7.0
DURABLE GOODS 111.3 + 1.7 + 5.5 110.4 + 1.4 + 5.4
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 115.6 + 1.6 + 12.0 115.2 + 1.5 + 10.9
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 115.2 + 1.4 + 8.6 113.9 + 1.4 + 8.2
SERVICES 115.1 + 0.2 + 6.0 114.4 + 0.2 + 5.7
ALL ITEMS 108.4 + 0.3 + 5.3 108.7 + 0.5 + 5. 1
* LESS THAN 0.05%
/COMPARED WITH .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
7
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987, THE
BY 0.4 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY
INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED
0.1 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B). AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF
WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECREASE IN THE
VEGETABLES WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE INCREASES IN HIE AV ERAGE PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, LIVE POULTRY, SA1.T-WATER FISH AND IN AVERAGE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES. EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THIS FRESH RETAIL
THE THE THE
IN NEW PRICES
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 1.4 PER CPI(A) AND BY 1.3 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) BECAUSE OF OF OUTERCLOTHING.
CENT
HIGHER
CPI(A)
THE AND
ELECTRICAL
INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED B^ 1.7 PER CENT
BY 1.4 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES APPLIANCES.
NEW OF
THE
NEW CPI(A)
IN
INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 1.6 PER CENT
AND BY 1.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICE
OF JEWELLERY.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES £NCREASED^BY^H4^PERg
IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CP1(B) AS A RESLLl OF
CENT AND
TRAIN FARES.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE INDICES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
NEW
CONSUMER PRICE
PRICE
FOR MAY 1987
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE CONSUMER
WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPV FROM
---- 0FFICE BUILDING,
PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL
CONNAUGHT
PLACE, HONG KONG;
POST OR
INDEX REPORT”
THE GOVERNMENT GROUND FLOOR,
FROM THE CENSUS 12 HARBOUR ROAD,
AND WAN
STATISTICS
CHAI ,
department. 19/F, wanchai tower i, --
KONG' OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTM1 ’ T, BASKERVILLE DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
HONG HOUSE,
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES
PRICE INDEX SECTION 5-8235089.
OF THE CENSUS
, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT
MEANWHILE, THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 111." IN MAY 1987, UP PER CENT OVER APRIL 1987 AND BY G.6 PER CENT OVER MAY SPNC CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE I’VTTERN OF 1 HE 10 PER URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT HK$ 1.0,000-24,999 DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE '.URVEV .
BY 0.9 THE HANG CENT OF
A
MONTH
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT SENG BANK LTD.
THE
OF
HANG HANG
- 0 - -
/8
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
8 -
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL UNDER WAY ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE JUNE 1987 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 165,000 ESTABLISHMENTS. THEY ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THOSE IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE, AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES), AND THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS).
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON JUNE 30, 1987 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT COVERED BY THE SURVEY.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THESE 165,000 TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF APRIL-JUNE 1987.
ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR WILL ALSO BE REQUESTED TO FURTHER PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MAJOR KIND OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1987 .
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING APRIL-JUNE 1987, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THEM TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE FIELD VISITS COULD BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234770.
------O-------- /9....................
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 9 -
SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE FOR MANUFACTURING SECTOR RECORDED IN 1985 »***»♦
1985 WAS A YEAR OF SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY RESULTS FROM THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN 1985 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE VALUE OF GROSS OUTPUT IN THE SECTOR WAS ESTIMATED AT $177,006 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 6.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SURVEY SHOWED. FIELD WORK FOR THE SURVEY WAS UNDERTAKEN BETWEEN MAY 1986 AND EARLY THIS YEAR.
THERE WERE 49,140 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1985, EMPLOYING A TOTAL OF 908,528 PERSONS.
THE EXPENSES OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1985 INCLUDED $112,370 MILLION FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES; $34,024 MILLION FOR COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; AND $16,512 MILLION FOR OTHER EXPENSES.
THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR STOOD AT $50,287 MILLION IN 1985, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 4.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1984. VALUE ADDED IS A MEASURE OF THE NET OUTPUT OF THE SECTOR AND REFLECTS ITS CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
RANKED ACCORDING TO THEIR VALUE ADDED, THE TOP FIVE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN HONG KONG WERE: WEARING APPAREL ($12,416 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR); FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT ($8,558 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); TEXTILES ($7,509 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ($6,489 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT); AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS ($4,769 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT).
AS REGARDS THE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES, THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS WERE THE "TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI” DISTRICT, AND THE "NGAU TAU KOK, KWUN TONG, LEI YUE MUN” DISTRICT. ESTABLISHMENTS IN THESE LOCATIONS ALTOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 45 PER CENT AND 44 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
WHEN ANALYSED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SIZES OF ESTABLISHMENTS, THE STATISTICS SHOWED THAT SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING LESS THAN 10 PERSONS REPRESENTED ABOUT 67 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, BUT ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 8 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE GROSS OUTPUT, VALUE ADDED AND TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/IN CONTRAST,
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 198?
10 -
IN CONTRAST, ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 100 OR MORE PERSONS CONTRIBUTED ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR’S GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED AND EMPLOYED ABOUT 42 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE, THOUGH THEY REPRESENTED ONLY ABOUT 3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG.
THE 1985 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RELEVANT SECTORS COVERED, AND ESTIMATING THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
APART FROM THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN MINING AND QUARRYING AND IN THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FROM THE 1985 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 198" ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS TOGETHER WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY WILL BE GIVEN IN THE SURVEY REPORT ENTITLED "1985 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION", WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN MID-JULY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAT, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234819.
/Summary results .......
11
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
Stannary re«ulta of thn 1983 Sorvay of Industrial Production
Analysis by manufacturing industry group
Purchases of
» materials, National
Number supplies and accounts
Bread Number of Compensation industrial Other Gross value
Industry of eeta- persons of employees services expenses output added
Group blishments engaged Hn ) (S Mn) (S Mn) (« Mn) ffMn)
Food, beverages & 877 24 465. 1 126. 4 793 1,069 8 155 2 398
tobacco (-8) (-2) (8) (-6) (11) (2) (10)
Textiles (includ- 4 799 113 930 4 782 19 648 2 272 28 966 7 509
ing knitting) (-2) (•>. (14) (-1) (-7) O (3)
Wearing apparel , 9 704 276 342 9 877- 23 190 3 506 38 100 12 416
except knitwear & footwear (-6) (-7) C) (-9) (-9) (-8) (-6)
Leather, wood & 3 372. JO 122- 1 046 2 788 414 4 505 1 352
cork products (-5) (-7) (3), (-3) (-D C-2)z O
Paper products. 5 36J. 49 571. 2 001. 5 271 1 001 9 591 3 435
printing & publishing (3). (-1). (10), (-9) (3) (-2) (9)
Chemicals9 rubber 1 501 16 898 725. 3 858 630 5 846 1 392
& n on-metallic mineral products (-3) (-12) (-3). (-6) (-18) (-5) (-9)
Plastic producta 5 213 86 908 2 962 9 624 1 417. 15 713 4 769
(5) (-2) (•) (-12) C) (-7) (-1)
Basic metals, 13 178 15** 565 5 859 20 188 2 577- 31 060 8 558.
fabricated metal producta. (2) , (1) (9) (•) (12), (3X (3)
machinery & equipment 1-^ *
Electrical & 2 017. 121 690 b 332 18 587 3 137- 28 291 6 489
electronic (-15), (-15) (-7) (-26) (-10) (-21) (-27)
products •
Other manufact* 3 115 34 036 1 315 4 423 488 6'774 1 970
uring industries (-5) (1) (6) (-20) C) (-14) (—2)
Total 49 140 908 528 34 024 112 J70 16 512 177 006 50 287
(-2) (-5) (3) (-10) (-3) (-7) (-5)
Notes : (1) Individual entries may 1 not add up exactly to
the respective totals due to rounding*
(2) Figures in brackets represent percentage changes
of 19o5 compared with 1984*
(3) •e* denotes a percentage change of less than 0.5*.
- - 0 ---------
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 12 -
A YEAR OF CHALLENGES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS * * ♦ » ♦
THE YEAR 1986 WITNESSED THE EMERGENCE OF SOME NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DRUG SCENE AND NEW INITIATIVES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT DRUG ACTIVITIES.
DESPITE THE SIXTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR OF BUMPER OPIUM CROP IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THERE WERE POSITIVE INDICATIONS THAT THE PROBLEM OF HEROIN ABUSE WAS BEING CONTAINED LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS WELL REFLECTED BY THE SIGNIFICANT DROP BY 22 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED DRUG ADDICTS WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, REPRESENTING A CONTINUATION OF THE DOWNWARD TREND SINCE 1984.
THE ABOVE IS REVEALED IN THE HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT FOR 1986 PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (AfCAN).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN, PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA, HOWEVER, NOTED IN THE FOREWORD TO THE REPORT THAT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MANDRAX (METHAQUALONE) XBUSERS WAS RECORDED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSERS (CRDA) DURING 1986 TOGETHER WITH SOME INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CANNABIS ABUSERS.
"ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS REPORTED WAS SMALL COMPARED WITH THE NUMBER OF REPORTED HEROIN ABUSERS THE ACAN LAID PLANS DURING THE YEAR FOR INTENSIFYING ACTION AGAINST PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE,” PROFESSOR CHOA SAID.
"ACAN ALSO HAD PLANS FOR TRYING TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON THE PATTERN OF SUCH DRUG ABUSE AND ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO MAY BE INVOLVED,” HE CONTINUED.
IN FACT, THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, IN PARTICULAR MANDRAX, WAS BEING MONITORED CLOSELY AND TACKLED WITH CARE ON A SCALE COMMENSURATE WITH THE SIZE OF THE KNOWN PROBLEM.
THESE COUNTER-ACTIONS WERE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY THE JUDICIARY WHO RECOGNISED THE MANDRAX PROBLEM BY EQUATING THE SENTENCING LEVEL OF MANDRAX CASES I TH THAI' FOR OPIUM CASES.
THROUGHOUT 1986, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES DISSEMINATING ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES WERE UBIQUITOUS AS HIGH PRIORITY WAS ACCORDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"IN SONE INSTANCES, THE DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGNS WERE ACTUALLY INITIATED BY THE PUBLIC WITH GOVERNMENT PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT," THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
/SCHOOL TALKS
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
SCHOOL TALKS CONTINUED TO BE THE MAIN THRUST OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME. DURING THE YEAR, THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SCHOOL TALKS TEAM DELIVERED 113 TALKS TO SOME 15,000 JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN 85 SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, THE TRIAL SCHEME LAUNCHED IN 1985 ALERTING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MACs) OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND OF THE NEED FOR GREATER PARENTAL CARE OF CHILDREN WAS REINFORCED IN 1986.
"THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN PROVIDING A DEFENCE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AGAINST THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE WAS EMPHASISED DURING THE YEAR IN VARIOUS ANTI-NARCOTICS FUNCTIONS," THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
DRUING 1986, A TOTAL OF 12,494 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR DANGEROUS DRUG OFFENCES, A SLIGHT 0.5 PER CENT INCREASE COMEARED WITH 1985, REFLECTING THE INTENSIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE 'EPARTMENT.
OF THE PERSONS PROSECUTED, 1,035 PERSONS WERE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE, COMPARED WITH 1,191 IN 1985.
THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT, DUE TO THE UNRELENTING VIGILANCE OF THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS, DRUG SEIZURE IN 1986 AMOUNTED TO 770 KILOGRAMS, MAINLY HEROIN. DURING THE YEAR, 22 MAJOR SMUGGLING RINGS AND NINE HEROIN MANUFACTURING CENTRES WERE NEUTRALISED.
IN 1986, A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS IN THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WERE REMEWED. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR "ATTACKING" THE ASSETS OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS WERE CONSIDERED DURING THAT YEAR.
ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE, PROFESSOR CHOA SAID THAT CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND WITH THE SPECIALISED AGENCIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION WAS SUCCESSFULLY MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
DURING 1986, A TOTAL OF 182 FOREIGN MSITORS CAME TO HONG KONG FOR TRAINING ATTACHMENT, FAMILIARISATION VISITS AND COURSES IN THE ANTI-NARCOTICS FIELD. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MADE ITS TWELFTH ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF $100,000 TO THE UNITED NATIONS FUND FOR DRUG ABUSE CONTROL IN SUPPORT OF ITS WORLDWIDE CONTROL MEASURES.
THE 126-PAGE REPORT GIVES A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE CHANGING CHARACTERISTICS OF HONG KONG'S NARCOTICS SCENE DURING THE YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, SAID THE REPORT IS AN INFORMATIVE DOCUMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF NARCOTICS ADDICTION IN HONG KONG AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO COMBAT IT.
/THE REPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1?87
THE*; REPORT IS PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE. THE ENGLISH EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 23RD FLOOR, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE CHINESE EDITION OF THE REPORT IS BEING PREPARED \ND WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.
-----0------
DESIGN COMPANY EARNINGS SURPASS FORECAST ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY WHICH WAS LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH PUBLIC FUNDS TO PROMOTE PRODUCT INNOVATION HAD EARNED OVER $1.4 MILLION IN FEES LAST YEAR, AGAINST AN ORIGINAL FORECAST OF ONLY $330,000, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID, AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1987 HONG KONG NEW PRODUCTS COMPETITION TODAY (FRIDAY).
SAID MR MACLEOD: "THE COMPANY HAS NOW BEEN OPERATING FOR OVER A YEAR AND PRO\IDING MEDIUM SIZED AND SMALL MANUFACTURING BUSINESS WITH A FULL RANGE OF DESIGN CONSULTANCY SERVICES.”
MR IACLEOD MAINTAINED THAT WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR ORIGINALITY AND QUALITY IN HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS, THE SHIFT TOWARDS PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION THROUGH INNOVATION HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE IN ALL INDUSTRIES.
THE HONG KONG NEW PRODUCTS COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, IS IN ITS 17TH YEAR. THE WINNER OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AWARD IS AKE I PLASTIC MACHINE MANUFACTURING LTD. THE PRODUCT IS AN AUTOMATIC BLOW MOULDING MACHINE, WITH WALL THICKNESS PROGRAMMING CONTROL.
- - 0 -
/15
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 15 -
NEW TRADE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIP *****
THE TERMS OF TWELVE NONOFFICIAL MEMBERS CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD (TAB) HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1987.
IN ADDITION, ONE NEW MEMBER, MR PAUL CHENG, HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD WHILE TWO INCUMBENT MEMBERS, MR ALEXANDER S. K. AU AND MR FRED K. T. CHIN WILL RETIRE FROM OFFICE.
THE NEW MEMBER, MR CHENG (50), IS CURRENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INC APE PACIFIC LIMITED.
THE NONOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED ARE: MR WILLIAM TURNBULL, MR PAUL T. S. YIN, MR WARREN W. L. HUI, MR KENNETH TING, MR GARY N. HARILELA, MR RAY MAN LEUNG, MRS ELEANOR C. M. LING, THE HON. HO SAI-CHU, THE HON. THOMAS CLYDESDALE, MR T. H. BARMA, MR JACK SO AND DR KENNETH K. K. WANG.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF TAB, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TWO OUTGOING MEMBERS FOR THE VALUABLE SERVICE THEY HAVE RENDERED.
TAB ADVISES THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON MATTERS AFFECTING HONG KONG'S TRADE - OTHER THAN IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS WHERE ADVICE IS GIVEN BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
-------o ---------
FIRST MAC FORMED IN LONG PING ESTATE
*****
TO PROMOTE THE SENSE OF BEL >NGING AMONG NEW RESIDENTS OF LONG PING ESTATE, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE RECENTLY ASSISTED IN THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE - THE KAM PING HOUSE MAC -IN THE ESTATE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE CHAIRMAN AND OFFICE BEARERS OF THE KAM PING HOUSE MAC WERE ELECTED IN EARLY JUNE, AND ONCE DOCUMENTARY PROCEDURES ARE COMPLETED, THE MAC WILL BE OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/IN MID
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 16 -
IN MID JUNE, MORE THAN 2,800 HOUSEHOLDS COMPRISING 11,500 PEOPLE HAVE MOVED INTO THE NEW HOUSING ESTATE, OCCUPYING ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE FLATS IN PHASE I INCLUDING KAM PING, SAU PING, CHU PING, PO PING, YUK PING AND SHEK PING HOUSE.
WHEN ALL THREE PHASES ARE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR, THE TOTAL POPULATION OF LONG PING ESTATE WILL BE MORE THAN 35,000, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO FAMILIARISE NEW RESIDENTS WITH VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED IN YUEN LONG, THE DISTRICT OFFICE SENT COPIES OF "YUEN LONG RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK" TO THEM WHICH PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISTRICT.
IN ADDITION, HOME VISITS BY TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS AND LIAISON OFFICERS WILL BE ARRANGED TO FIND OUT THE NEEDS OF THE NEW RESIDENTS, AND TO HELP THEM WITH THE FORMATION OF MACs.
ADVANCE NOTICES OF HOME VISITS WILL BE ISSUED TO LONG PING RESIDENTS AND THEY WILL BE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE LIAISON OFFICERS AND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WHO WILL CARRY IDENTITY CARDS.
OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD IN LONG PING ESTATE INCLUDE THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CUM ANTI-FALLING OBJECT NIGHT IN JULY AND THE "KNOW YOUR YUEN LONG" BRIEFING IN AUGUST.
THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL WILL ORGANISE AN I.Q. GAME IN LONG PING ESTATE DURING THE SUMMER TO HELP RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN, IDENTIFY PLACES IN YUEN LONG.
TO PROVIDE A BETTER LINK BETWEEN LONG PING ESTATE AND YUEN LONG TOWN, A FOOTBRIDGE CONNECTING THE SOUTH PORTION OF THE ESTATE TO YUEN LONG TOWN NORTH HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED AT THE COST OF $12 MILLION.
THE FOOTBRIDGE WITH LIGHTS WAS DESIGNED FOR THE USE BY BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS.
A BUS TERMINUS WAS ALSO BUILT AT LONG PING ESTATE SERVICING ROUTE 68A RUNNING BETWEEN LONG PING AND SHAM SHU I PO PIER.
OTHER FACILITIES 1NCLUDE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, A COMMUNITY HALL AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL.
-------o----------
FRIDAY, JUNE 26,
1987
17
KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED
*****
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN MORE THAN 480 ACTIVITIES OF THE 1987 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THE INVITATION WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE RESPONSE TO THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WAS VERY ENCOURAGING. THE NUMBER OF LOCAL BODIES APPLYING FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES INCREASED BY 51 PER CENT FROM 35 LAST YEAR TO 53 THIS YEAR.
THE PROGRAMME WILL COVER NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING COMMUNITY SERVICE, RECREATIONAL, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND FACT-FINDING EVENTS.
AN ESSAY COMPETITION, CENTRING ON THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY", HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR STUDENTS AND WORKING ADULTS.
MR CHAN SAID MORE THAN 100 SUBMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED AND SIX WINNERS WOULD BE SELECTED TO JOIN A STUDY TOUR TO SINGAPORE IN AUGUST.
"THE RESULTS OF THE ESSAY COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JULY 4 AND OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE LAUNCHED IN EARLY JULY," HE ADDED.
THE DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL BENEFIT ABOUT 80,000 RESIDENTS.
-------o ---------
QUIZ TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN OPEN QUIZ TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS.
” THE QUIZ IS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN, ” A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"QUESTIONS WILL BE SET IN AN IMAGINATIVE MANNER TO STIMULATE THEIR INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE ADDED .......
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 18 -
HE ADDED THAT TEACHERS AND PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO TAKE PART.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE PRIMARY FIVE OR SIX STUDENTS LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO FORM TEAMS OF THREE AND MAY REPRESENT THEIR SCHOOLS IN THE COMPETITION.
THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MID-LEVELS (CENTRAL) AREA COMMITTEE AND Y.W.C.A.
SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS WILL BE HELD ON JULY 11 AND 18 AT THE HONG KONG TRUE LIGHT COLLEGE AT CAINE ROAD.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 6. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523499 OR 5-223101.
-----0------
COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ♦ ♦ I ♦ *
SIX YOUNG PEOPLE EROM HONG KONG SET OFF FOR (FRIDAY) TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE WITH AND TO FOSTER AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
LONDON TODAY
UNDERSTANDING
THEY WILL TAKE PART in a THREE-WEEK COMMONWEALTH YOUTH .XCHANGE PROGRAMME HELD THIS YEAR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
FROM THE
QUEEN’S
IN 1977
PARTS OF
THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ORIGINATED "COMMONWEALTH YOUTH ENTERPRISE 1977" TO COMMEMORATE THE SILVER JUBLIEE. HONG KONG FIRST PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAMME WHEN SIX YOUTH WORKERS TOOR PART IN ACTIVITIES IN VARIOUS
BRITAIN.
IN VIEW OF ITS SUCCESS, THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE COUNCIL PROPOSED IN 1978 TO ESTABLISH A YOUTH EXCHANGE PROJECT ON-GOING BASIS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEC >PLE 1N B IAIN AND COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE EXCHANGE VISITS
ON AN
OTHER ON A
BILATERAL AND RECIPROCAL- BASIS.
/THE AIMS
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 19 -
THE AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME ARE TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH AND TO ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION AND SHARING OF IDEAS, EXPERIENCE AND CULTURE AND TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
BRITAIN PLAYS HOST TO SIX YOUNG PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG IN ONE YEAR AND RECIPROCATES A SIMILAR PROGRAMME FOR SIX YOUNG BRITONS THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
IN HONG KONG, THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PROGRAMME AND THE SELECTION OF THE DELEGATES ARE HANDLED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE YOUTHS’ ACTIVITIES IN UK INCLUDE VISITS COMMUNITY CENTRES AND GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHMENTS; RECREATIONAL YCTIVIT1ES; BRIEFING BY MANAGING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; STUDY ON COMMUNITY WORK PROJECTS; AND SOCIAL EVENTS.
TO MUSEUMS, SPORTS AND
AUTHORITIES;
AND CULTURAL
THE SIX HONG KONG DELEGATES, AGED FROM18 TO 24, WERE NOMINATED BY VARIOUS COLLEGES AND ORGANISATIONS. THEA ARE MR DAVE CHAN KWOK-PUN, MR ERIC PANG YIU-HUNG, MR THOMAS (HENG TZE-YAU, MISS KATHERINE HO CHING-MAN, MISS ALICE CHEONG FUNG-YU, AND MISS IRENE MA VIM-KUEN.
-----0------
CHEUNG CHAU SITES FOR TENDER
*****
TWO SITES ON CHEUNG CHAU ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE OF THE LOTS IS AT TAI HING TAI ROAD SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE.
AND MEASURES ABOUT
300
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 600 SQUARE SEPTEMBER 1989.
COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY
THE OTHER, AT PAK SHE SECOND LANE, MEASURES ABOUT 435 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.
THE DEVELOPER COMPLETE AT LEAST 325 SEPTEMBER 1989.
IS REQUIRED UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ALSO
TO BY
TENDERS ARE TO BE IN BY NOON ON JULY 24.
- 0 -
/2O
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 20 -
REFRESHMENT COUNTERS AT HK-MACAU FERRY PIER FOR RENT
* * * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF PORTIONS OF DECK 1 ON THE INNER AND OUTER PIERS OF THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL.
THE PORTIONS, WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 42.5 SQUARE METRES, ARE TO BE USED AS REFRESHMENT SALES COUNTERS.
THE TENANCY WILL BE FOR SIX YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 24.
-------0----------
DTC LICENCE REVOKED
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF FIRST CANADIAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
-------0----------
CLOSURE OF SLIP ROADS TO AND FROM CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL
*****
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM SUNDAY (JUNE 28) TO NEXT THURSDAY (JULY 2).
VEHICLES ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EASTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD, FLYOVER, WESTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE FLYOVER LEADING TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
IN ADDITION, THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO NORTH POINT WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON JULY 5, 6 AND 7.
VEHICLES LEAVING THE TUNNEL WELL HAVE TO USE THE CAUSEWAY BAY’ EXIT ROAD AND PROCEED TO NORTH POINT VIA EASTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
-------0---------- /21 .......................
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
- 21
WESTBOUND TUBE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS MLI BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (.JUNE 28) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO TIE IN WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE WESTBOUND TUBE OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS TODAY.
THE CLOSURE, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE STAGES, IS TO FACILITATE THE RENEWAL OF FIRE MAINS AND OTHER MAINTENANCE WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE OF TH! WESTBOUND TUBE OF THE I'UNNEL, THE EASTBOUND TUBE WILL BF CONVERTED TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC. AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL, MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM HUNG HOM TO KWUN TONG MAA USE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD; OR VICE VERSA FROM KWUN TONG TO HUNG HOM.
MEANWHILE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM HUNG HOM TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MAY USE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, CHE KIANG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND OLYMPIC AVENUE.
DETAILS OF THE OTHER TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEARER THE DATES OF STAGES TWO AND THREE OF THE CLOSURE.
-----0------
KWAI CHUNG ROAD BEING IMPROVED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A THREE-LEVEL INTERCHANGE IS BEING BUILT AT THE INTERSECTION OF CASTLE PEAK AND KWAI CHUNG ROADS TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE EXCEPTIONALLY BUSY ROAD JUNCTION.
A $95 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
TWO TWIN-LANE FLYOVERS WILL BE Bl 1 LT, ONE RUNNING NORTH-SOUTH FROM KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO CHEUNG WING ROAD, AND THE OTHER RUNNING ALONG THE LENGTH OF (ASTLE PEAK ROAD IN AN EAST-WEST DIRECTION.
THE GROUND LEVEL OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE IMPROVED AS WELL.
/OTHER WORK
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
22
OTHER WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM, AN ELEVATED WALKWAY ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND A SUBWAY EXTENSION UNDER CASTLE PEAK ROAD CONNECTING TO Yll WING LANE TO PROMOTE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN THE ARFA.
LANDSCAPING AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE CONTRACT.
WORK STARTED LAST WEEK AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS.
-------0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE NOTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 25 DAYS IN JUL\.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE.
JULY 1 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 2 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 3 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 4 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 6 PM
JULY 6 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 7 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 9 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 10 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
/JULY 11
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1987
JULY 1 1 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 6 PM
JULY 13 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 14 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
JULY 1 5 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 16 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 . 59
JULY 17 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59
JULY 18 (SATURDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
JULY 21 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 23 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 24 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 27 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 28 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 30 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JULY 31 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
0 ■i
PM
PM
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG AND THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) ..... 1
TIME NEEDED TO PROCESS NEW PASSPORT, CI ............... 2
MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ............... 2
REFRESHER COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH................. 3
CARNIVAL TO FOSTER NEIGHBOURHOOD CONCEPT ............
DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ................... 4
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ..................... 5
CASTLE PEAK ROaD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC....................... 6
TRUST FUNDS AND MEDIATION UNIT MOVES TO NEW OFFICES.. 6
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1987 1 - —*
HONG KONG AND THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) » t * » «
AT ITS MEETING ON JUNE 25, 1987 HELD IN OTTAWA, THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) APPROVED THE ADMISSION OF HONG KONG AS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL UNDER ARTICLE 11(A)(II) OF THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL.
THIS FOLLOWS A DECLARATION MADE BY THE UNITED KINGDOM TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CCC THAT HONG KONG IS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY AND IS AUTONOMOUS IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS, AND THAT THE UK, AS THE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE CONVENTION WHICH HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FORMAL CONDUCT OF HONG KONG’S DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, PROPOSES THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 11(A)(II) OF THE CONVENTION AND WITH THE WISHES OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG BE ADMITTED TO THE COUNCIL AS A SEPARATE MEMBER.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PRC ALSO MADE A PARALLEL DECLARATION ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER JULY 1, 1997. THIS MAKES CLEAR THAT AFTER THAT DATE, THE HONG KONG SAR WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CUSTOMS TERRITORY TO HAVE SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 11(A)(II) OF THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL, AND IF HONG KONG IS ADMITTED AS A SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG SAR MAY, USING THE NAME "HONG KONG, CHINA", CONTINUE SUCH MEMBERSHIP WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1997.
"THIS IS ANOTHER USEFUL STEP IN ENSURING HONG FUTURE SAR’S CONTINUING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,” MACLEOD, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
KONG’S AND THE SAID MR HAMISH
"SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL IS CONSISTENT WITH HONG KONG’S STATUS AND ITS NEEDS AS A FREE PORT, A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY, AND A MAJOR TRADING ECONOMY HAVING AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS," HE ADDED.
"AS HONG KONG HAS FOR SOME YEARS BEEN PLAYING AN AUTONOMOUS ROLE IN THE CCC FROM WITHIN THE BRITISH DELEGATION, THERE WILL BE LITTLE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S ROLE AFTER BECOMING A SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL. ONE CHANGE IS THAT THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOW SPEAK AS A SEPARATE MEMBER RATHER THAN AS THE ’UNITED KINGDOM SPEAKING FOR HONG KONG’,” SAID MR MACLEOD.
-----0-----
SATURDAY, JUNB 27, 1987
- 2 -
TIME NEEDED TO PROCESS NEW PASSPORT, CI » » * ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THEY SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THE PROCESSING TIME FOR THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT AND HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY AS FROM JULY 1.
THE TWO DOCUMENTS TO BE ISSUED FROM THAT DATE WILL INCLUDE AN ENDORSEMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT THE HOLDER HAS A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WHICH STATES THAT HE OR SHE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, ARRANGEMENT WILL BE MADE FOR THEM TO APPLY FOR ONE AT A NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE. THE TWO APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL NORMALLY TAKE ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.
"TO AVOID DELAY, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TAKE NOTE OF THE PROCESSING TIME AND TO APPLY FOR THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THEIR INTENDED DATE OF TRAVEL," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ADDED.
0
MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED * » » » »
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 47 NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO INTRODUCE THIS SERVICE TO SIX MORE AREAS THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TIN SAM LUTHERAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE, MRS WONG SAID THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WERE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED PROJECTS OPERATED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN AREAS SUCH AS TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, SQUATTER AREAS AND OLD HOUSING ESTATES WHERE THERE WAS A LACK OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
’’THE AIM OF THESE PROJECTS IS TO HELP RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS THROUGH MUTUAL EFFORTS AND BY MOBILISING COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN A BID TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIVING," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT IN THE ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROJECTS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COULD ACT AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS.
/"AGENCIES CAN
SATURDAY, JUNS 27, 1987
- 5 -
"AGENCIES CAN HELP EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES TO RESIDENTS SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THE LATTER TO REACT POSITIVELY AND MOREOVER, THEY CAN RENDER SERVICES THROUGH MORE INNOVATIVE MEANS," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THAT THE TIN SAM LUTHERAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, IMPLEMENTED SINCE 1984, HAD PROVIDED VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HAD SET UP STUDY AND SERVICE GROUPS TO SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
"WITH A PERMANENT OFFICE, I AM SURE THAT THE PROJECT WILL FURTHER DEVELOP TO PROVIDE EVEN BETTER SERVICES FOR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD," SHE SAID.
SHE COMMENDED THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE FOR PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING COMMUNITY CENTRES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, SOCIAL AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES, SOCIAL CLUBS FOR THE DISABLED, NURSERIES AND SCHOOL SOCIAL SERVICE.
-------o------
REFRESHER COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH
*****
TO HELP IMPROVE TEACHERS’ FLUENCY AND ACCURACY IN SPOKEN ENGLISH, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN A REFRESHER COURSE FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AND TWO IDENTICAL REFRESHER COURSES FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS OF ENGLISH BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER.
THE COURSES ALSO AIM TO ORIENTATE TEACHERS TO THE REVISED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ENGLISH SYLLABUSES AND TO INTRODUCE THE TEACHERS TO A RANGE OF COMMUNICATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES.
THE REFRESHER COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE OF THREE WEEKS’ DURATION STARTING AUGUST 3. TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY GUEST LECTURERS FROM BRITAIN AND TEACHERS FROM THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
TWO HALF-DAY REFRESHER COURSES FOR THE BE HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 21 AND DECEMBER 11.
PRIMARY TEACHERS WILL
ALL COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CALLED ON SCHOOL HEADS TO ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE THEIR TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE REFRESHER COURSES AND SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH) OF THE DEPARTMENT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
- - o - -
A
SATURDAY, JUNE 27,
1987
CARNIVAL TO FOSTER NEIGHBOURHOOD CONCEPT » » * » *
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT KWAI HING ESTATE TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE CARNIVAL, WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM, IS ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TO PROMOTE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CONCEPT AND CRIME PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG RESIDENTS.
PROGRAMMES OF THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE A DRAMA PERFORMANCE BY THE KWAI TSING CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, TAO KUEN DAO PERFORMANCE BY MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AS WELL AS SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES.
RESIDENTS CAN ALSO TAKE PART IN THE STALL GAMES SET UP BY THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES. AN EXHIBITION AND A VIDEO SHOW WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE VENUE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CARNIVAL AND ITS OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN AT 2 PM AT THE BASKETBALL COURT OF KWAI HING ESTATE (NEAR BLOCK 1), KWAI CHUNG.
- - 0 - -
DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
EIGHT UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT WERE DEMOLISHED LAST WEEK BY A GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE SAID THEY WERE EXTENSIONS OF RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES ON ROOFS OR PODIUMS OF BUILDINGS.
"DEMOLITION OPERATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM TIME TO TIME TO REMOVE STRUCTURES WHICH ARE STRUCTURALLY DANGEROUS TO OCCUPIERS AND TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
/"PRIOR APPROVAL
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 > 1987
- 5 -
’’PRIOR APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS HAS TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT UNDER THE BUILDING ORDINANCE; ANY EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL WILL BE LIABLE TO DEMOLITION BY THE GOVERNMENT WHEN DETECTED BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN; AND ALL BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE TOWN AREAS, ARE INSPECTED REGULARLY,” HF SAID.
”A TOTAL OF 78 UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED LAST YEAR BY THE GOVERNMENT OR REMOVED BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNED AFTER WARNINGS HAD BEEN GIVEN,” HE ADDED.
HE REMINDED RESIDENTS OR ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF PROPERTY TO CONSULT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE BEFORE CONTEMPLATING ERECTING ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS OR PURCHASING A PROPERTY WHICH WAS APPARENTLY BEING ENCUMBERED WITH EXISTING UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES.
-----0------
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND » ♦ * ♦ ♦
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JUNE 29), A 35-METRE STRETCH OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WELLINGTON STREET EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN STREET WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR THE LAYING OF GAS MAINS.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND ON THE SAME SECTION OF WELLINGTON STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF NORTH POINT ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 9A AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE THE RENEWAL OF TRAM TRACKS.
- - 0 -
/6
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 1987
- 6 -
CASTLE PEAK ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC * ♦ ♦ * t
SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN WAH KING HILL ROAD AND BUTTERFLY VALLEY INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 2 AND 4 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 30) AND JULY 3 FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF A TRANSFORMER.
MOTORISTS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WAH KING HILL ROAD, TAI WO INTERCHANGE, WAH YIU ROAD, LAI CHI LING ROAD, LIM CHO STREET, KING CHO ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE, KWAI CHUNG ROAD OR CHING CHEUNG ROAD.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR KOWLOON ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND AVOID CASTLE PEAK ROAD DURING THE CLOSURE.
-----0----------
TRUST FUNDS AND MEDIATION UNIT MOVES TO NEW OFFICES ♦ » » ♦
THE TRUST FUNDS AND CEMETERIES SECTION AND THE MEDIATION UNIT OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL BE OPERATING FROM THEIR NEW OFFICES IN THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, SIXTH FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI, FROM MONDAY (JUNE 29).
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE NEW OFFICES ARE:
TRUST FUNDS GENERAL OFFICE 3-7337825
CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE 3-7337824
CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES OFFICE 3-7397735
MEDIATION UNIT 3-7337820
-----0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
LaW DRAFTSMAN STUDIES CJX.DL.iN SYSTEM ................. 1
VIGILANCE, EQUIPMENT FOIL IIS’ ..TTIMPTS................ 2
MHD TO CONDUCT HjLJLTK MANPOWER SURVEY ................. 4
FACTORY OWNERS W.XNED ON USE OF BOILERS ................ 4
FIRST STEP TO BE a GOOD CITIZEN ........................ 5
EXHIBITION OF ACTIVITY APPROACH PROJECTS ............... 6
TRAINING FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT LONG DIST.jNCE RUNNERS... 7
APPLY NOW FOR FEE aSSIST.JJCE SCHEME.................... 8
TENDERS FOR SPORTS GROUND .............................. 10
GOODS VEHICLE O'/NERS REMINDED OF AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS.. 10
VISIT TO KWaI TSIHG INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS................ 11
FIRST .iID COURSE FOR LONG KOK RESIDENTS................ 12
SHn TIN DISTRICT B^KETBALL COMPETITION.................. 12
BOaRD TO DISCUSS NEW ;tMEET-THE-PUBLIC” SCHEME.......... 13
WORK ON SHA TL PUBLIC EORTU.X'J TO ST^T................. 13
NO RIGHT TURN ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD EkSTDOUND............. 13
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
1
LAW DRAFTSMAN STUDIES CANADIAN SYSTEM t t ♦ * »
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN STUDYING CANADA’S APPROACH TO PRODUCING BILINGUAL LEGISLATION.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR ASSISTANT LAW DRAFTSMAN, MR FRANCIS CHEUNG, RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A WEEK-LONG STUDY TRIP TO OTTAWA TO LEARN HOW THE CANADIANS HAVE TACKLED THE TASK OF PRODUCING LEGISLATION IN BOTH ENGLISH AND FRENCH AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.
MR CHEUNG, WHO HEADS THE DEPARTMENT’S BILINGUAL DRAFTING UNIT, MET THE CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IN OTTAWA, MR PETER JOHNSON Q.C., AND SPENT SEVERAL DAYS IN HIS DEPARTMENT LEARNING ABOUT THEIR WORK.
COMMENTING ON HIS VISIT, MR CHEUNG TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID: "THE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE IN PREPARING BILINGUAL LAWS IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH IS USEFUL AS A GUIDE TO HELP HONG KONG IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS."
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS NOW BEGINNING TO PRODUCE LEGISLATION IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE. THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL 1987, THE FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO BE WRITTEN IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WAS GAZETTED EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
ALTHOUGH THE BILL IS DRAFTED IN BOTH LANGUAGES ONLY THE ENGLISH VERSION WILL BE DEBATED AND PASSED INTO LAW, WHILE THE CHINESE TEXT IS BEING PRESENTED AS A "DUMMY RUN". THIS IS DESIGNED TO GIVE THE PUBLIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON HOW SUCH LEGISLATION SHOULD BE PRESENTED IN FUTURE.
MR CHEUNG SAID IT WAS INTERESTING TO FIND THAT HIS UNIT NOW FACES THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE CANADIAN LEGAL AUTHORITIES EXPERIENCED IN THE EARLY 1970s - THAT IS, THE DIFFICULTY OF RECRUITING COMPETENT BILINGUAL DRAFTSMEN.
HE EXPLAINED THAT BILINGUAL DRAFTING WAS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF TRANSLATING THE ENGLISH TEXT OF LAWS INTO CHINESE TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE LAW SAYS.
INSTEAD, IT IS THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING A TEXT WHICH IS LAW IN BOTH LANGUAGES, OR WHAT IS KNOWN AS AN "AUTHENTIC" TEXT OF THE LAW.
"WHAT MAKES THE TASK PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT IS THE NEED TO EXPRESS THE SAME LEGISLATIVE MESSAGE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WITH PRECISION AND CONCISENESS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PRESERVING THE LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TWO LANGUAGES.
"AND OF COURSE THERE IS NO PRECEDENT TO FOLLOW," MR CHEUNG SAID.
/HE SAID
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 198?
- 2
HE SAID THAT WHEN THE CANADIAN LEGAL AUTHORITIES SWITCHED FROM MERELY TRANSLATING ENGLISH LAWS INTO FRENCH IN THE EARLY 1970s, TO THE PARALLEL DRAFTING APPROACH THAT HONG KONG IS NOW ADOPTING, THEY ALSO FOUND THAT RECRUITING COMPETENT DRAFTSMAN WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM.
"AS COMPETENT BILINGUAL DRAFTSMEN ARE HARD TO COME BY, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS HAD TO BEGIN WITH A COMBINED FORCE OF DRAFTSMEN AND TRANSLATORS.
"GOOD TRANSLATORS ARE NEEDED WHO WILL BE PROVIDED WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING TO EQUIP THEM WITH SUFFICIENT LEGAL KNOWLEDGE AND DRAFTING SKILL.
"TOWARDS THIS END, A GROUP OF NINE TRANSLATORS FROM THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IN 1986 WITH A VIEW TO BECOMING PART OF ITS PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID A RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WILL SOON BE HELD TO RECRUIT MORE TRANSLATORS FOR BILINGUAL DRAFTING WORK.
HE SAID IT IS INTENDED THAT THE TRANSLATORS WILL BECOME PERMANENT STAFF OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
"DRAFTING AND PUBLICATION OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, SIMILARLY THE PREPARATION OF AUTHENTIC TEXTS OF LAWS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE IS A LEGAL DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITY," MR CHEUNG EXPLAINED.
•----0------
VIGILANCE, EQUIPMENT FOIL IIS’ ATTEMPTS t * ♦ * »
THE VIGILANCE OF THE SECURITY FORCES AND REGULAR TO THE FENCE AND SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT, THE DETECTION THE BORDER IS FUNCTIONING EXTREMELY EFFECTIVELY AND IN DETECTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ATTEMPTS, A SENIOR OFFICER SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
WITH MAINTENANCE SYSTEM ON EFFICIENTLY BRITISH ARMY
STAFF
MAJOR TREVOR
OFFICER MINTER,
FORCES, WHICH TACTICS
OF A
(OPERATIONS) OF THE HEADQUARTERS BRITISH POINTED OUT THAT THE DETECTION SYSTEM, PROTECTION SYSTEM, THE EQUIPMENT AND~
EMPLOYED lNETHEEAN?i-ir6PERATXONS, HAD RESULTED IN THE CAPTURE VAST MAJORITY OF IIS WHO ATTEMPTED TO SNEAK ACROSS THE LAND BORDER.
INCLUDED THE
/TtA J OR MINTER
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
3 -
MAJOR MINTER NOTED THAT THE FENCE PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS ITSELF ALREADY A PIECE OF VERY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, AND IT WAS REGULARLY SERVICED AND MAINTAINED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, AND THE ARMY WAS ALWAYS SEEKING WAYS TO IMPROVE IT.
"THE FENCE PROTECTION SYSTEM IS A VERY SOPHISTICATED DEVICE INSTALLED ALONG THE BORDER FENCE, IT IS ELECTRONICALLY LINKED TO THE VINDICATOR SYSTEMS IN COMMAND POSTS AT STRATEGIC POINTS, WHICH CAN IDENTIFY THE EXACT SPOTS WHERE ATTEMPTS ARE MADE TO CUT THE FENCE OR CLIMB OVER IT.
"WITH THIS SYSTEM, WE CAN ALWAYS SEND OUT QUICK REACTION FORCES TO HE EXACT SPOTS TO WAIT FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND ARREST THEM.
"ANY HOLES IN THE FENCE CUT BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED.”
"BESIDES, THE FENCE IS INSPECTED DAILY BY SOLDIERS AND GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE SURVEYORS TO ENSURE THAT ALL HOLES ARE SECURELY FIXED.”
MAJOR MINTER SAID MOST OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE DETECTED EVEN BEFORE THEY REACHED THE FENCE BY SOLDIERS USING SOME OTHER VERY SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT, AND WERE CAUGHT BY AWAITING SOLDIERS.
"WE HAVE GOT THE THERMAL IMAGERS WHICH CAN DETECT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THROUGH THEIR BODY HEAT, AND THE IMAGER INTENSIFIERS WHICH CAN MAGNIFY THE VERY DIM LIGHTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE AT NIGHT.
"FURTHERMORE, WE HAVE THE GROUND SENSORS PLACED IN THE GROUND ALONG THE FENCE WHICH SIGNAL SOLDIERS AT THE NEAREST AMBUSH POINTS OR OBSERVATION POSTS WHEN PEOPLE PASS."
WITH THE ARMY DOG TEAMS AND HELICOPTER PATROLS, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO SNEAK ACROSS THE LAND BORDER, MAJOR MINTER SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DETECTION RATE WAS VERY HIGH, THE ARMY WAS NEVER COMPLACENT.
"THAT IS WHY THE ARMY IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE EFFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TRYING OUT NEW TACTICS," HE SAID.
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A....
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
4
MHD TO CONDUCT HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY *****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY NEXT MONTH TO UPDATE AND ASSESS THE WORKFORCE SITUATION OF THE LOCAL MEDICAL SCENE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING) OF THE DEPARTMENT, DR K.S. CHEUNG, SAID THE TERRITORY-WIDE SURVEY WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE SIZE AND STRUCTURE OF VARIOUS GRADES OF THE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND NURSING PROFESSIONS, AS WELL AS THE STAFF SITUATION OF PROFESSIONS SUPPLEMENTARY TO MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE SENT TO OVER 4,850 MEDICAL INSTITUTES IN THE TERRITORY, REQUESTING THEM TO SUPPLY THE RELEVANT INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT. THESE INSTITUTES COMPRISE HOSPITALS, CLINICS, MATERNITY HOMES, PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS’ OFFICES, DENTISTS’ SURGERIES; AND MEDICAL, X-RAY AND DENTAL LABORATORIES.
THE DATA COLLECTED WOULD FORM USEFUL INPUTS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF BOTH PRESENT AND FUTURE HEALTH MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING NEEDS, DR CHEUNG SAID.
EMPLOYERS OF THE VARIOUS INSTITUTES AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE BY COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES AND RETURNING THEM TO THE STATISTICAL UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
HE ASSURED THAT THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS OR PERSONS WOULD BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WOULD BE USED ONLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER RELEVANT DATA TO ARRIVE AT A COMPOSITE PICTURE.
A SIMILAR HEALTH MANPOWER SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1984.
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FACTORY OWNERS WARNED ON USE OF BOILERS *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED FACTORY OWNERS THAT ELECTRIC BOILERS AND STEAM RECEIVERS MUST BE OPERATED UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A PERSON HOLDING A RELEVANT CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ISSUED BY THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
/"AS BOILERS .......
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
"AS BOILERS AND PRESSURE EQUIPMENT ARE USUALLY INSTALLED ON PREMISES WHERE THERE IS A LARGE GATHERING OF PEOPLE AT MOST TIME OF THE DAY, ANY INCORRECT OPERATION OR POOR UPKEEP OF THESE BOILERS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT, THUS RESULTING IN HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE DIVISION IN THE PAST REVEALED THAT THE REQUIREMENT WAS OFTEN IGNORED BY FACTORY OWNERS.
DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 78 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST FACTORY OWNERS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT, RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINE OF MORE THAN $112,000.
"TO HELP OWNERS ADHERE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED TWO GUIDE BOOKS ON THE SAF?. OPERATION OF ELECTRICALLY-HEATED BOILERS AND FIRE-TUBE BOILERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THESE PUBLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE USEFUL TO EMPLOYEES PREPARING FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY EXAMINATION."
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION IN HARBOUR BUILDING OR AT TELEPHONE 5-8524179.
-----0-----
FIRST STEP TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN *****
THE PROMOTION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS COMPLEMENTARY TO THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "WONG TAI SIN IS MY HOME" PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE OFFICE OF MRS PAULINE NG AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, SHE SAID: "WITHIN THE REALM OF CIVIC EDUCATION THE CONCEPT OF 'GROUPS’ EMBRACES THE DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND MOREOVER THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY IN FOSTERING A HEALTHY GROWING-UP PROCESS FOR THE CHILDREN IS HIGHLIGHTED.
"THE FIRST STEP IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS FOR PARENTS TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN."
"ONLY WITH GOOD FAMILY EDUCATION CAN THE CHILDREN BECOME GOOD CITIZENS," SHE ADDED.
/HRS WONG
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
6
MRS WONG SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINCE 1977 AND STARTING FROM 1979, IT HAD BEEN WORKING JOINTLY WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO EXPAND SERVICES AS WELL AS TO MORE SYSTEMATICALLY PLAN AND CO-ORDINATE TERRITORY-WIDE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
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.
"OVER THE YEARS, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION COMMITTEES HAVE MADE USE OF THE MASS MEDIA AND OTHER MEANS TO SPREAD THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MESSAGE EXTENSIVELY AND EFFECTIVELY TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AMD THUS HELPED IMPROVE THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND BUILD UP HAPPY AND HARMONIOUS HOMES," MRS WONG SAID.
TURNING TO THE WELFARE FACILITIES IN WONG TAI SIN, SHE SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS OPERATING 19 SERVICE UNITS IN THE DISTRICT, NOTING THAT THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE OLDER HOUSING ESTATES HAD ALSO ALLOWED FOR FACILITIES TO BE REPROVISIONED AND IMPROVED.
SHE NOTED THAT THERE WERE NOW TWO FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES IN WONG TAI SIN SERVING SOME 3,000 FAMILIES AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE OPENING TWO MORE CENTRES THIS YEAR TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT.
LASTLY, SHE APPEALED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE PROMOTION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
-------0----------
EXHIBITION OF ACTIVITY APPROACH PROJECTS » » » » »
HOLD AN EXHIBITION OF ACTIVITY APPROACH PROJECT BISHOP WALSH SCHOOL BETWEEN
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL OUTSTANDING PROJECTS OF THE 1987 COMPETITION AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE THURSDAY (JULY 2) AND SATURDAY (JULY 4).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE SCHOOL HALL AT 10.30 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 2). MR SO WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE PROJECT COMPETITION.
/THE EXHIBITION
f
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
7 -
THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH IDEAS IN ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HOW TO DESIGN LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING AIDS AND HOW TO USE RESOURCES.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EXHIBITION ON THURSDAY WILL BE FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM AND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
TEACHERS AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF BISHOP WALSH SCHOOL AT 150 JUNCTION ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, ON THURSDAY (JULY 2) AT 10.30 AM.
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TRAINING FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT LONG DISTANCE RUNNERS
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL HAS FORMED A LONG DISTANCE RUNNING GROUP, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HARRIERS, TO ORGANISE TRAINING FOR SPORTSMEN IN THE DISTRICT.
THE GROUP WAS FORMED WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AS PART OF ITS CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
THE AIM IS TO GROUP TOGETHER PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WHO HAVE THE COMMON INTEREST IN RUNNING, PROVIDE THEM WITH TRAINING, AND GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE.
THE GROUP WILL BE APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA).
THE GROUP PLANS TO EXTEND ITS ACTIVITIES TO COVER SPRINTING AND OTHER TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
/THE SOUTHERN
r
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 198?
- 8 -
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT
RECRUITMENT DRIVE AND PLANS TO
AGED 12 OR ABOVE, AND PEOPLE WHO WORK OR STUDY ARE AFFILIATED WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE MEMBERSHIP.
HARRIERS HAS LAUNCHED ITS FIRST ENROL 100 NEW ME4MBERS. RESIDENTS,
IN THE DISTRICT, ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
OR FOR
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS C/' -i JOIN TRAINING SESSIONS PROVIDED BY EXPERIENCED COACHES FROM HKAAA EVERY FRIDAY EVENING IN THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND STARTING AUGUST.
MEMBERS MAY ALSO BE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN OPEN COMPETITIONS AND THOSE WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE WILL BE RECOMMENDED TO REGISTER WITH THE HKAAA.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
STANLEY AND WAH THE RECREATION, URBAN SERVICES
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES IN FU, THE COUNCIL’S OFFICE AT AP LEI CHAU ESTATE AND AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE (SOUTHERN) OF THE
DEPARTMENT AT ABERDEEN CENTRE.
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON JULY 20.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HARRIERS WILL ALSO HOLD A SEMINAR ON LONG DISTANCE RUNNING AT 7 PM ON JULY 3 (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
ATHLETE MR YEUNG SAI-MO WILL GIVE A TALK ON THE SUBJECT. CONSULTANTS AND COACHES WILL ALSO ATTEND TO MEET THE PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS.
ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE TO MR TAM CHIU-CHONG ON 5-540271.
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APPLY NOW FOR FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME
*****
PARENTS REQUIRING FEE ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR CHILDREN ATTENDING DAY NURSERIES OR KINDERGARTENS ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS NOW, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
EXISTING RECIPIENTS OF SUCH ASSISTANCE ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO APPLY AGAIN.
/"AN ELIGIBILITY
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
"AN ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE, SHOWING THE APPROVED AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE AND VALID FOR ONE SCHOOL YEAR, WILL BE ISSUED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WHO SHOULD THEN PRESENT TO THE DAY NURSERIES OR KINDERGARTENS WHICH THEIR CHILDREN ARE ATTENDING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONCE THE CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED, HE SAID, NO ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT WOULD BE MADE TO REFLECT INCREASE OR DECREASE IN THE RECIPIENTS’ FAMILY DISPOSABLE INCOME WITH THE PAYMENT YEAR.
THIS NEW MEASURE WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURE.
THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES AIMS AT HELPING LOW-INCOME FAMILIES PAY THE FEES CHARGED IN DAY NURSERIES OR KINDERGARTENS.
TO QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A DAY NURSERY, A CHILD MUST BE AGED AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND LESS THAN SIX YEARS. TO QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A KINDERGARTEN, THE CHILD MUST BE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OLD.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE MUST BE MADE BY THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD, WHO MUST ALSO BE PREPARED TO ATTEND A BRIEF INTERVIEW PERSONALLY.
COPIES OF A LEAFLET CONTAINING AN APPLICATION FORM ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, AND ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES, AS WELL AS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL OFFICES AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR
HYSAN AVENUE
CAUSEWAY BAY
HONG KONG;
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH & 7TH FLOORS 405 NATHAN ROAD KOWLOON;
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICE TO KWA WAN MARKET & GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 9TH FLOOR 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD KOWLOON.
0
/1O........
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
10 -
TENDERS FOR SPORTS GROUND t * ♦ * *
ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE TO BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS GROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG CHEUNG AND HAMMER HILL ROADS.
IT WILL COVER AN AREA OF 25,000 SQUARE METRES.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A STAND FOR ABOUT 2,300 SPECTATORS, CHANGING ROOMS, TWO KIOSKS, OFFICES, A 60-METRE LONG WARM-UP TRACK, TWO SOCCER PITCHES AND A STANDARD 400-METRE-LONG ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK WITH EIGHT LANES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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GOODS VEHICLE
OWNERS REMINDED OF AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS
OWNERS OF GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS ARE REMINDED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 25, THEIR VEHICLES SHOULD DISPLAY THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
"THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS ON GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS WILL HELP DRIVERS DETERMINE THE LOADING CAPACITY OF EACH AXLE AND HENCE ENSURE THAT LOADS ARE PROPERLY PLACED," A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
FOR GOODS VEHICLES, THE AXLE WEIGHT MARKINGS SHOULD BE DISPLAYED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE TOGETHER WITH THE OWNER’S NAME AND ADDRESS AND THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT.
AS FOR TRAILERS, THE COMMON PRACTICE IS TO DISPLAY THE MARKINGS ON THE NEAR SIDE OF THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE.
"THE MARKINGS SHOULD BE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHARACTERS AND PAINTED IN WHITE AGAINST A BLACK BACKGROUND. THE CHARACTERS AND FIGURES SHOULD BE AT LEAST 25 MILLIMETRES IN HEIGHT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LIKE THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT, THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHTS SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN TONNES AND SHOULD SHOW TWO DECIMAL PLACES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON 5-8623248.
______0-------- /11..................
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
11
VISIT TO KWAI TSINO * »
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS * » t
THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (IBMCC) OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE WILL VISIT TWO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS ON TUESDAY (JUNE 30) TO LOOK AT THE RESULTS OF A SELF-HELP IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IMPLEMENTED BY THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OF THE BUILDINGS.
THE TWO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS - THE VICTORY BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG NORTH AND WING YIP BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL - WERE AMONG THE FIRST TO ACHIEVE IMPROVEMENTS.
THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS TOOK A SERIES OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT WITH THE ADVICE OF THE IBMCC.
THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM WAS SET UP LAST YEAR TO IDENTIFY COMMON PROBLEMS OF MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND TO PROMOTE MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS AMONG THE OWNERS OF SUCH BUILDINGS.
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE VISIT TO THE BUILDINGS ON TUESDAY (JUNE 30). PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 9.45 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
FOLLLOWING THE VISIT, A BRIEFING BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK WILL BE HELD AT LUK YEUNG RESTAURANT, TSUEN WAN MTR STATION. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO JOIN THE BRIEFING PLEASE CONFIRM WITH THE INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS DIANA KAM (KWAI TSING) AT 0-229842 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/12
SUNDAY, JUNE 28,
1987
FIRST AID COURSE FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS *****
A TRAINING COURSE ON FIRST AID IS BEING ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF HOME SAFETY.
THE COURSE, CONDUCTED BY LECTURERS FROM THE ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING USEFUL FIRST AID KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE DURING THE SUMMER VACATION.
THE COURSE COMPRISES 10 SESSIONS. THE SYLLABUS INCLUDES STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY; DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES; WOUND, BLEEDING AND CIRCULATORY FAILURE; SHOCK AND FAINTING; NERVOUS SYSTEM AND GENERAL TREATMENT FOR UNCONSCIOUSNESS; BURNS AND SCALDS; POISONING; ASPHYXIA AND EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION.
A TUITION FEE OF $50 WILL BE CHARGED FOR EACH PARTICIPANT AND A MAXIMUM OF 35 PEOPLE WILL BE ADMITTED.
THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS FROM JULY 21 AT ST. MARGARET’S GIRLS COLLEGE IN LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 3. FURTHER ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-802251.
THE FIRST AID COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK EAST AREA COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
- - 0 -
SHA TIN DISTRICT BASKETBALL COMPETITION *****
BASKETBALL PLAYERS WHO EITHER LIVE, WORK, OR STUDY IN SHA TIN ARE BEING INVITED TO TEAM UP FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BASKETBALL KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE MEI LAM INDOOR GAMES HALL ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS BETWEEN JULY 19 AND AUGUST 2.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL TO PROMOTE BASKETBALL AND SPORTSMANSHIP AMONG RESIDENTS.
FORMS TO JOIN THE COMPETITION ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION OFFICE ON G/F, SHOU CHUEN HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE AND THE SHA TIN OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON 4/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON 0-6989750 AND 0-615657.
0
/13
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 1987
- 15 -
BOARD TO DISCUSS NEW ’’MEET-THE-PUBLIC” SCHEME ♦ * » ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL REVIEW THEIR NEW ’’MEET-THE-PUBLIC” SCHEME AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 30).
MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON WHETHER THE NEW SCHEME SHOULD CONTINUE WHEN IT EXPIRES AT THE END OF THE THREE-MONTH TRIAL PERIOD ON JUNE 30.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK RAOD.
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WORK ON SHA TIN PUBLIC MORTUARY TO START t ♦ * * »
A PUBLIC MORTUARY IS TO BE BUILT AT FU SHAN, SHA TIN, AT A COST OF ABOUT $7.6 MILLION.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A BUILDING CONTRACT TO A LOCAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. BUILDING WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN EARLY JULY AND WILL TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT CALLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING OF ABOUT 2,500 SQUARE METRES NEAR LOWER SHING MUN ROAD.
BESIDES THE MORTUARY, THE DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A PUBLIC RECEPTION AREA, LABORATORIES AND OFFICES ON THE LOWER FLOORS AND STAFF QUARTERS ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
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NO RIGHT TURN ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND ♦ » ♦ ♦ t
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 1), NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING ROAD IN KWUN TONG TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR CHA KWO LING ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA WAI YIP STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON .................................. 1
NUMBER OF FOREIGN LAWYERS ON THE RISE...................... 1
NO JOBS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ............................ 4
WOMEN URGED TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT. 5
STATUTORY DECLARATIONS PROVE POPULAR....................... 7
WATER CARNIVAL TO LAUNCH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME............ 8
PLACEMENT OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN PROGRESS ............... 9
NT GREEN MINIBUSES ALLOWED TO CARRY GOODS ................ 10
ISLAND OFFICE TO RECEIVE RLE DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS. 10
POSTFAX SERVICE EXTENDED TO SAUDI ARABIA ................. 11
WORKSHOPS ON TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION ......... 12
JUNK BAY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO BE DISCUSSED............. 13
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLANS........ 13
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FIVE YEaR FORECAST .................. 14
RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET................... 14
FaNLING COCKLOFT TO BE DEMOLISHED......................... 15
SITE FORMATION FOR DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT .............. 15
KEUNG SHuN RO^J) ON LrJITAU TO BE IMPROVED................ 16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
16
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 1 -
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT TO 22.
LONDON FROM JULY 20
THIS WILL BE HIS FIRST VISIT SINCE HE TOOK GOVERNOR ON APRIL 9.
UP HIS DUTIES AS
HE AND LADY WILSON WILL THEN HAVE A SHORT TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 12.
HOLIDAY. THEY PLAN
-------o----------
NUMBER OF FOREIGN LAWYERS ON THE RISE
*****
THERE IS A SMALL BUT GROWING NUMBER OF FOREIGN LAWYERS IN HONG KONG, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (MONDAI).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF VICTORIA, MR THOMAS SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE, FOR INVESTMENT AND TRADE.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF A MAJOR CENTRE FOR
BANKING, FINANCING,
THIS HAD CREATED A NEW
DEMAND FOR SOPHISTICATED LEGAL SERVICES,
BEYOND THE RANGE OF LEGAL WORK IN A SELF-SUFFICIENT COMMUNITY, SUCH AS REPRESENTATION AT CRIMINAL TRIALS, BUYING AND SELLING PROPERTY, SETTLING FAMILY AFFAIRS, INHERITANCE AND SO
ON.
THE NEW DEMANDS WERE FOR LAWYERS TO SYNDICATION, PROJECT FINANCE, BOND ISSUES, CONSTRUCTION PLANS, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, DEALS AND THE LIKE.
ADVISE ON REGIONAL LOAN CROSS-BORDER LARGE-SCALE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATE
MR THOMAS SAID HONG KONG HAD RESPONDED IN THREE WAYS TO THE NEW DEMANDS.
FIRST SOME OF THE LONG ESTABLISHED FIRMS RAPIDLY EXPANDED, RECRUITED OVERSEAS STAFF, FORMED ASSOCIATIONS WITH OVERSEAS LAW FIRMS, AND^LEARNED THEIR WAY THROUGH THE NEW PROBLEMS THAT THEIR CLIENTS BROUGHT TO THEM.
SECOND, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS FROM ENGLAND AND WALES WHOSE QUALIFICATIONS GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO PRACTISE HERE, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXPANDING MARKET FOR LEGAL SERMCES, HB SAID.
/THERE ARE .......
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
THERE ARE NOW BRANCH OFFICES OF 22 MAJOR LAW FIRMS FROM THE CITY OF LONDON, ABLE TO UNDERTAKE ALL FORMS OF HONG KONG WORK BUT CHIEFLY BIDDING FOR COMMERCIAL WORK.
SAID MR THOMAS: "YOUNG BARRISTERS CAME TOO, BUT AT THE BAR THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TREND HAS BEEN THE RISE IN THE NUMBER OF QUEEN’S COUNSEL FROM ENGLAND AND WALES WHO ARE ADMITTED EACH YEAR TO TAKE PART IN THE MORE COMPLEX AND SPECIALIST DISPUTES THAT COME BEFORE THE COURTS OF HONG KONG.
"FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, AROUND 90 TO 100 QUEEN’S COUNSEL HAVE COME TO HONG KONG EACH YEAR.
"THIS INFLUX OF TALENT TO SUPPLEMENT HONG KONG’S RESOURCES HAS BEEN WELCOMED BY HONG KONG’S LEGAL PROFESSIONS.
"THEY HAVE BEEN QUICK TO RECOGNISE THE BENEFITS TO HONG KONG’S BUSINESS ACTIVITY THAT SKILLED PRACTITIONERS FROM ENGLAND AND WALES HAVE PROVIDED."
THE THIRD RESPONSE TO HONG KONG’S RAPID TRANSFORMATION INTO AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE ALSO CAME FROM OVERSEAS.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID FOREIGN LAWYERS WHO ARRIVED WERE NOT QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE AS BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG, BUT WHOSE CLIENT HAD WORK TO GIVE THEM IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST OVERSEAS LAW FIRMS APPEARED IN THE EARLY ’70S AND AT THE LAST COUNT THERE WERE 20 OF THEM, MOSTLY FROM THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, BUT INCLUDING OTHERS FROM WEST GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, SWEDEN AND THE PHILLIPINES. THESE FIRMS HAVE ENGAGED ABOUT 70 LAWYERS.
ANOTHER 34 OVERSEAS LAWYERS WORK IN ONE PARTICULAR FIRM WHICH HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS A LOCAL LAW FIRM.
IN OTHER LOCAL LAW FIRMS, SOME 17 OVERSEAS LAWYERS ARE AT WORK.
MR THOMAS SAID THIS MEANS THERE WERE NOW WELL OVER 100 LAWYERS WORKING IN HONG KONG WHO LACKED THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED BY THE LAWS OF HONG KONG TO PRACTISE HERE AS BARRISTERS OR SOLICITORS.
"SO THEY CANNOT APPEAR FOR CLIENTS IN THE COURTS OF HONG KONG OR CONVEY TITLE TO REAL ESTATE IN HONG KONG, TO DEAL WITH PROBATE OF WILLS OR OFFER FOR SALE ADVICE ON HONG KONG LAW. BUT THEY ARE BUSY CHIEFLY HANDLING COMMERCIAL WORK IN THE REGION," HE EXPLAINED.
AS A RESULT OF ADVICE FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 1977, OVERSEAS LAWYERS WHO WISH TO OPEN UP OFFICES HERE AND BUILD UP PRACTICES ARE REQUIRED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FIRST WITH THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG.
/THIS THEY .......
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
THIS THEY DO BY UNDERTAKING THAT THEY WILL NOT DO THE KIND OF WORK RESERVED BY LAW FOR BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS WITH HONG KONG QUALIFICATIONS, THAT THEY WILL NOT EMPLOY OR SHARE THEIR FEES WITH LOCALLY QUALIFIED LAWYERS, AND THAT THEY WILL OBSERVE THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT THAT ARE ACCEPTED BY HONG KONG LAWYERS.
SAID MR THOMAS: "ON THE /HOLE, THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE WORKED WELL AND HAVE ENABLED MANY OVERSEAS LAWYERS TO CONTRIBUTE NOTABLY TO HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL SUCCESS.
"BUT THERE HAVE BEEN CRITICISMS. BECAUSE THE PRECISE TERMS OF THE UNDERTAKINGS REQUIRED BY THE LAW SOCIETY HAVE ALTERED FROM TIME TO TIME, SOME OVERSEAS LAWYERS FEEL AGGRIEVED THAT OTHERS EN OY LESS RESTRICTED OPPORTUNITIES. THIS IS NOT A FAIR CRITICISM.
"THE LAW SOCIETY’S POLICY INEVITABLY EVOLVES AS LOCAL NEEDS CHANGE, AND AS FRESH POINTS ARISE EACH TIME THERE ARE NEGOTIATIONS. AND DIFFERENT OVERSEAS LAWYERS HAVE DIFFERING WORK OBJECTIVES.”
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE OVERSEAS LAWYERS WOULD ALSO LIKE TO BE ABLE TO OFFER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG LOCAL LAWYERS, TO FORGE LONG TERM LINKS WITH THE TERRITORY. "BUT THIS THE LAW SOCIETY IS AGAINST BECAUSE IT DOES NOT SEEM TO THEM RIGHT THAT RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC FOR ADVICE ON HONG KONG LAW SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY A PARTNERSHIP OF FOREIGN LAWYERS WHO HAVE NO QUALIFICATIONS IN HONG KONG LAW.
"SOME WOULD SAY IT IS ALSO LESS THAN SATISFACTORY THAT THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS ARE NOT REGULATED BY LAW, AND ARE INSTEAD LEFT TO ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AND NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN INCOMING OVERSEAS LAWYERS AND THEIR NATURAL COMPETITORS IN THE LOCAL MARKET.
"THERE IS ALSO A QUESTION ABOUT THE STATUS OF NOTARIES FROM CHINA AND ELSEWHERE TO PERFORM NOTARIAL ACTS IN HONG KONG THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED," MR THOMAS SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO REASON WHY HONG KONG SHOULD NOT CONTINUE AS IT WAS, FOLLOWING "A PRAGMATIC CASE BY CASE APPROACH" WITH EACH NEW FIRM OF FOREIGN LAWYERS BEING GIVEN RIGHTS OF PRACTICE ON MUTUALLY AGREED TERMS OF UNDERTAKING.
BUT SOME WILL SAY THAT HONG KONG, LIKE OTHER JURISDICTIONS, SHOULD NOW BE LOOKING TOWARDS A SIMILAR STATUTORY APPROACH, HE SAID.
"AFTER ALL, THE JOINT DECLARATION SPECIFICALLY REFERS TO PROVISION IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FOR LAWYERS FROM OUTSIDE TO WORK AND PRACTISE HERE AFTER 1997 ON THE BASIS OF THE SYSTEM PREVIOUSLY OPERATING IN HONG KONG.
/•'ALSO THE
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
"ALSO THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS NOT AS CLEAR OR AS SETTLED OR AS EVEN-HANDED AS IT COULD BE. IT IS CERTAINLY NOT SET OUT IN OUR LAWS FOR ALL TO SEE," MR THOMAS SAID.
HE WARNED HOWEVER THAT ANY REVIEW IN THIS AREA WOULD HAVE TO PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY. THERE WILL BE A NEED TO CONSULT FULLY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS LAWYERS IF HONG KONG IS TO CONSIDER HAVING A STATUTORY CODE TO GOVERN THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGN LAWYERS IN HONG KONG.
SAID MR THOMAS: "THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THEIR CONTRIBUTION NOW AND IN THE LONG TERM TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE IS VITAL TO OUR SUCCESS.
"ONE WAY OF DOING SO WOULD BE TO GIVE THEM LEGAL RECOGNITION AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF HONG KONG'S LEGAL SYSTEM."
HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE TOPIC OF FOREIGN LAWYERS WORKING IN HONG KONG HAD ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSED IN THE WORKING PARTY LOOKING AT THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS’ ORDINACE, SET UP BY THE GOVERNOR IN AUGUST LAST YEAR UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE. "THIS SEEMS THE OBVIOUS PLACE FOR THESE IDEAS TO BE CONSIDERED," HE SAID.
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NO JOBS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO FIND A JOB IN HONG KONG.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EVEN IF THEY WOULD GET AWAY FOR A SHORT WHILE, THEY WOULD SOON BE DISCOVERED.
"THIS IS BECAUSE LABOUR INSPECTORS ARE MAKING REGULAR VISITS TO ANY PLACE OF WORK TO ENFORCE LABOUR LEGISLATION AS WELL AS PART IVB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS THE EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WITHOUT VALID PROOF OF IDENTITY," HE SAID.
DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS THIS YEAR, SOME 38,000 SUCH INSPECTIONS WERE MADE ON BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, RANGING FROM FACTORIES, CONSTRUCTION SUES AND RESTAURANTS TO DEPARTMENT STORES.
/AS A
MONDAY, JUNE 29» 1?87
AS A RESULT, 100 WORKERS WHO WERE SUSPECTED TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OR TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS WERE REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PENALTY FOR EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WAS SO SEVERE AND THE CHANCE OF THEIR BEING DISCOVERED SO HIGH THAT NO EMPLOYER IN HIS RIGHT MIND WOULD RISK DOING IT.
"UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, ANY EMPLOYER WHO OFFERS JOBS TO Il'S ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.”
DURING THE SAME FIVE-MONTH PERIOD, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ALSO TOOK OUT EIGHT PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS WHO FAILED TO KEEP A PROPER RECORD OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RECORD SHOULD CONTAIN THE NAMES OF ALL EMPLOYEES, THE TYPE OF IDENTITY DOCUMENTS THEY USE AND THE NUMBER OF SUCH DOCUMENTS.
"FAILING TO DO SO CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10,000," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, OFFICERS FROM THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS CARRIED OUT A JOINT INSPECTION ON SOME INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN KOWLOON THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY VISITED A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN WONG TAI SIN AND SOME FACTORIES IN SAN PO KONG WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE EMPLOYEES' RECORDS AND THE IDENTITY DOCUMENTS OF WORKERS EMPLOYED THERE. HOWEVER, NO SUSPECTED Il'S WERE FOUND DURING THE VISITS.
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WOMEN URGED TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT ♦ ♦ t * t
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WOMEN IN THE REGION COULD INVOLVE MORE ACTIVELY IN CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT.
SHE WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A WEEK-LONG SEMINAR CO-SPONSORED BY THE ASIAN CONFEDERATION OF CREDIT UNIONS AND THE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE OF HONG KONG.
/SHE TOLD
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
6 -
SHE TOLD SOME 40 CREDIT UNIONISTS FROM 15 COUNTRIES THAT IT WAS MOST APPROPRIATE THAT THEY HAD CHOSEN "WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN CREDIT UNIONS" AS THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR AS MORE AND MORE WOMEN IN THE REGION PARTICIPATED DIRECTLY IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF SOCIETY.
CITING HONG KONG AS AN EXAMPLE, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WOMEN IN THE TERRITORY ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 37 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE: OVER 46 PER CENT OF THE FEMALE POPULATION HAD ATTAINED AN EDUCATIONAL STANDARD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL OR ABOVE.
"THIS FIGURE WILL RISE AS OUR POPULATION AGES. IN THE 20-29 AGE GROUP, 76 PER CENT OF THE FEMALE POPULATION ARE AT WORK THE NUMBERS OCCUPYING SENIOR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS ARE GROWING. THESE WOMEN CONSTITUTE AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE.
"THE FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE IN HONG KONG IS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF DEVELOPED INDUSTRIALISED NATIONS AND IS GENERALLY HIGHER THAN OUR NEIGHBOURS IN THE ASIAN REGION. WOMEN WILL HAVE AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY IN THE YEARS TO COME," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT IF WOMEN WERE TO BE BROUGHT IN AS EQUAL PARTNERS IN CREDIT UNIONS, THERE MUST BE A FIRM INSTITUTIONAL BASE WITHIN WHICH THEIR PARTICIPATION, INVOLVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTION COULD BE ACCELERATED AND STRENGTHENED.
"THE ONUS OF DRAWING WOMEN INTO THE CREDIT UNION, TEACHING AND TRAINING THEM TO SHARE EQUAL RESPONSIBILITIES WITH THEIR MALE PARTNERS RESTS WITH INDIVIDUAL CREDIT UNIONS AND LEAGUES AT ALL LEVELS," SHE SAID.
SHE ASSURED THAT CREDIT UNIONS WOULD STILL HAVE A USEFUL ROLE TO PLAY DESPITE THE RAPID GROWTH OF BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE REGION.
"CREDIT UNIONS ARE A MINIATURE COMMUNITY. THEY BRING TOGETHER A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE COMMON AIM OF PRACTISING THRIFT AND SAVING FOR THE RAINY DAY. IN HELPING YOURSELF, YOU ALSO HELP OTHERS. THIS SPIRIT OF MUTUAL HELP AND CONCERN PROVIDE A VERY SOUND FOUNDATION FOR SOCIETY TO PROGRESS AND MATURE.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF CREDIT UNIONS IN HONG KONG BY PRO\ I DING A SOUND AND, I HOPE, HELPFUL, LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN WHICH THEY CAN OPERATE," SHE SAID.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
STATUTORY DECLARATIONS PROVE POPULAR * » t ♦ t
STATUTORY DECLARATIONS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESC) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAVE BECOME A POPULAR SERVICE AND WERE WIDELY USED WITH MORE THAN 242,298 DECLARATIONS MADE IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS.
THIS REPRESENTED 49 PER CENT OF A TOTAL OF 500,000 DECLARATIONS HANDLED BY THE PESC STAFF FOR THE WHOLE OF 1986, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID.
STATUTORY DECLARATIONS ARE USUALLY MADE WHEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CANNOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIM OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATION FOR DOCUMENTS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID AMONG THE POPULAR STATUTORY DECLARATIONS MADE DURING THE PERIOD WERE DECLARATION OF TRUE COPIES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS AND EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS.
"THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE IN ALL 66 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY,” HE SAID.
"MAKING A STATUTORY DECLARATION IS SIMPLE AND COSTS NOTHING TO ANYONE WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE," HE ADDED.
A DECLARATION MAY BE MADE, TAKEN OR RECEIVED IN ENGLISH OR < HINESE AND THE DECLARANT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF HIS OR HER STATEMENT IN A STATUTORY DECLARATION FORM AVAILABLE AT ALL PESC’S.
AFTER FILLING IN THE FORM, THE DECLARANT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SWEAR AN OATH BEFORE A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS.
THE ONLY DOCUMENT REQUIRED IS THE DECLARANT’S IDENTITY CARD OR ANY DOCUMENT WHICH CAN PROVE HIS OR HER IDENTITY. AS NOT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES PROVIDE DECLARATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE DAY, PROSPECTIVE DECLARANTS ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES TO ENSURE THAT SUCH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
ANYONE WISHING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN GO PERSONALLY TO ANY OF THE 66 PESC’S OR CONTACT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON THE 13TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON, OR CALL 3-692255.
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/8........
MONDAY, JUNE 29,
1987
- 8
WATER CARNIVAL TO LAUNCH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
*****
A SPECTACULAR WATER CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JULY 4) TO LAUNCH THIS YEAR'S KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THE WATER CARNIVAL, FEATURING WATER SAFETY AND LIFE-SAVING DEMONSTRATION, AQUATIC GAMES AND FREE SWIMMING SESSIONS WILL BE STAGED AT THE KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY.
SOME 600 YOUTHS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THIS OPENING EVENT TO KICK OFF A SERIES OF 400 ACTIVITIES BEARING THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE 1987 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME - ’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’.
THESE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE OUTINGS, CAMPAIGNS, SPORTS, COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS AND TRAINING COURSES, PROVIDING EIGHT WEEKS OF MEANINGFUL SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO 250,000 YOUTHS IN KWUN TONG.
"TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS YEAR’S KWUN TONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES PROJECTS AWARD SCHEME HAS BEEN SET UP TO COMMEND THE FIVE MOST DISTINGUISHED PROJECTS TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING IN THE DISTRICT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WINNERS OF THE SCHEME WILL EACH BE AWARDED A PRIZE WORTH $500 AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE PROGRAMME.
"TO MARK THE CLOSING HIGHLIGHT, A DISCO NIGHT WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 28," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A PAMPHLET LISTING THE ADDRESSES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE PROGRAMME IS AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND BRANCH OFFICES.
THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF $404,300 FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS HAS BEEN GRANTED TO 105 ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT.
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/9........
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 9 -
PLACEMENT OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN PROGRESS
* * » ♦
ABOUT 200 OF THE 400 REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS REGISTERED WITH THE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN VARIOUS SCHOOLS SINCE THE PLACEMENT SERVICE THIS YEAR BEGAN LAST MONTH.
THE ANNUAL EXERCISE OF PLACING REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN NEW POSTS WAS EXPECTED TO TAKE AT LEAST ANOTHER MONTH TO COMPLETE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
TO SPEED UP THE PLACEMENT EXERCISE, THE SPOKESMAN URGED ALL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SUPERVISORS TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES ALL AVAILABLE TEACHING VACANCIES IN THEIR SCHOOLS, ARISING FROM NEW CLASSES, WASTAGE AND RETIREMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CALLED ON THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TO ACCEPT REDUNDANT TEACHERS REFERRED BY THE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT IN FILLING THEIR VACANCIES.
’’WITHOUT THE FULL SUPPORT FROM SCHOOL MANAGEMENT, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT TO PLACE ALL REDUNDANT TEACHERS AT AN EARLY DATE.”
"AS A RESULT, TEACHING VACANCIES IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE TO BE FROZEN,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, SCHOOL SUPERVISORS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER INTO ANY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH OTHER TEACHERS BEFORE THE PLACEMENT SERVICE HAS COMPLETED ITS TASK.
FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS CARRIED OUT THE ANNUAL EXERCISE OF HELPING TO PLACE REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN NEW JOBS BECAUSE OF A DROP IN POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE AND A SHIFT OF POPULATION FROM URBAN AREAS TO THE NEW TOWNS.
BETWEEN 1975 AND 1986, ABOUT 4,500 AFFECTED TEACHERS WERE HELPED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POSTS.
- - 0 - -
/1O
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
10 -
NT GREEN MINIBUSES ALLOWED TO CARRY GOODS *****
APPLICATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMITS TO NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUSES (GMB) FOR THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS WILL BE OPEN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE MOVE TO ALLOW NT GMB*S TO CARRY GOODS IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF GMB SERVICES AND HAS GAINED THE SUPPORT FROM DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OPERATORS OF THE TRADE, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LARGER TYPES OF GREEN MINIBUSES ARE SUITABLE FOR CARRYING GOODS, WHILE THE OLDER TYPES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CARRY GOODS WITHOUT REMOVING SOME SEATS FROM THE VEHICLES. APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT TO MODIFY THE INTERIOR LAYOUT OF THE VEHICLES.
GMB OPERATORS SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLES ARE CLEAN AND TIDY; THAT ALL EXITS ARE FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION; THAT THE MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT IS NOT EXCEEDED; AND THAT NO DANGEROUS GOODS ARE CARRIED.
ON THE FARE SCALE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT IMPOSE SCALE OF CHARGES FOR THE GOODS AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO MEASURE THE EXACT SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE GOODS BEING CARRIED. THE OPERATORS SHOULD DECIDE THE CHARGES DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. HOWEVER, THIS WILL BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE REVIEW, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, ROOMS 906-909, 9/F, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT KOWLOON PUBLIC VEHICLES OFFICE, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 9/F, DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
GOODS PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED AT $15 AND WILL BE VALID NOT MORE THAN 12 MONTHS.
-----0------
ISLAND OFFICE
TO RECEIVE PLB DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS
*****
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS DRIVING TEST APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO TAKE THEIR TEST AT THE EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD CENTRE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO TRAVEL TO SHA TIN TO MAKE THEIR TEST APPOINTMENTS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
FROM WEDNESDAY (JULY 1), APPLICATIONS WILL BE DEALT WITH BY THE DRIVING TEST SECTION'S HONG KONG APPOINTMENT OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, CENTRAL.
/AT PRESENT, ........
MW DAY, JUNE 29, 1987
11
AT PRESENT, ALL DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES HAVE TO BE MADE THROUGH THE SHA TIN APPOINTMENT OFFICE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER APPLICANTS ARE TAKING THEIR TESTS AT THE EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD CENTRE OR THE SHEK LEI CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN HOPED THE NEW MEASURE WOULD MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR APPLICANTS LIVING OR WORKING ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
"HOWEVER, CANDIDATES WHO WISH TO BE TESTED AT THE SHEK LEI CENTRE SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SHA TIN APPOINTMENT OFFICE AT 5/F, KCR BUILDING, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES," HE SAID.
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POSTFAX SERVICE EXTENDED TO SAUDI ARABIA
*****
THE POSTFAX SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO SAUDI ARABIA FROM WEDNESDAY (JULY 1), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
IT IS A JOINT POST OFFICE AND CABLE AND WIRELESS(HK) LTD. PUBLIC FACSIMILE SERVICE. POSTFAX ITEMS HANDED IN AT GPO BEFORE 6 PM WILL BE ACCORDED SAME-DAY DELIVERY IN SAUDI ARABIA. DOCUMENTS (HAND-WRITTEN OR TYPED), DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS UP TO A4 SIZE ARE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION.
"ALL POSTFAX ITEMS ARE HANDLED WITH CARE AND CONFIDENTIALITY," A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AFTER ACCEPTANCE, THESE ITEMS WILL BE SCANNED, CONVERTED INTO HIGH-SPEED ELECTRONIC IMPULSES AND TRANSMITTED DIRECT TO THE RECEIVING GATEWAY IN THE DISTANT COUNTRY.
THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO SAUDI ARABIA WILL BE :
’SHORT MESSAGE’ FACILITY $55
FOR THE FIRST SIZE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $80
FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIZE SENT TO THE
SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $35
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE CAN HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 30 ACCEPTANCE POST OFFICES OR THE TWO CABLE AND WIRELESS SALES OFFICES AT THE EXCHANGE SQUARE AND HERMES HOUSE.
/POSTFAX SERVICE
MONDAY, JUNE 29i 1987
- 12
POSTFAX SERVICE IS NOW OFFERING HIGH-SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND 70 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD. ALL THE IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS OF HONG KONG ARE INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE NETWORK, SUCH AS THE U.S., THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CHINA, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.
POSTFAX HAS BEEN CALLED THE FASTEST MAIL ON EARTH BECAUSE IT ONLY TAKES A NUMBER OF HOURS FOR A MESSAGE TO BE DELIVERED ABROAD AFTER TRANSMISSION, RATHER THAN DAYS BY CONVENTIONAL MAIL FACILITIES. IT IS ALREADY ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUBLIC ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES AND IS STILL GROWING FAST.
FOR SPEEDIER TRANSMISSION AND AT NO EXTRA COST, FACSIMILE MACHINE OWNERS IN HONG KONG CAN ’FAX’ THEIR MESSAGES TO THE POST OFFICE UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO ADDRESSEES ABROAD WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR OWN FACSIMILE EQUIPMENT.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTFAX MANAGER ON 5-8471148.
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WORKSHOPS ON TEACHING OF LISTENING
*****
COMPREHENSION
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE WILL ORGANISE FOUR WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS OF ENGLISH NEXT MONTH.
TWO WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, BETWEEN JULY 6 AND 10.
OF THE TWO WORKSHOPS FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS, ONE IS DESIGNED FOR TEACHERS AT JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL WHILE THE OTHER IS FOR TEACHERS AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL. THESE TWO COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE BETWEEN JULY 16 AND 21.
ALL WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE USE OF VARIOUS LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES.
TEACHERS ATTENDING THE WORKSHOPS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DESIGN A LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISE SUTABLE FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 13 -
'tf
JUNK BAY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO BE DISCUSSED * » * ♦ t
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS PROPOSED COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AT JUNK BAY.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLANS
* ♦ * ♦ »
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE ANNUAL WORK PLANS OF ITS SIX WORKING GROUPS.
THEY INCLUDE THE EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP, CONCERN FOR THE AGED WORKING GROUP, WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION, WORKING GROUP FOR THE CONCERN OF PORNOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES IN WAN CHAI, CONCERN FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP AND THE NEWLY FORMED ANTI-SMOKING WORKING GROUP.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLYING FOR DB FUNDS FOR ORGANISING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT, AMONGST THEM A SURVEY ON THE VALUE AND BEHAVIORAL PATTERN OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN WAN CHAI, AND A CIVIC EDUCATION FOR YOUTHS PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, 8TH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAH CHAI.
- 0 -
/U
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 14 -
I
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FIVE YEAR FORECAST *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE FIVE YEAR FORECAST AND ANNUAL ESTIMATES FOR FUNDS OF THE BOARD AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL BE THE REVISION TO FINANCIAL RULES, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND CREATION OF SUBHEADS. THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE PROVISION OF FUNDS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE CHANNELS AT WONG NAI TAU AND SIU LEK YUEN, AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AT TAI WAI NEW VILLAGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET t ♦ ♦ * »
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING INDIVIDUAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORED RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICAC TUEN MUN OFFICE WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO BRIEF THE COMMITTEE ON THEIR ANTI-CORRUPTION PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WHICH BEGINS AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
PLEASE ALSO BE REMINDED THAT THE TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOARD, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 1, HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO JULY 22 AT 3 PM.
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/15........
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 15 -
FANLING COCKLOFT TO BE DEMOLISHED * » ♦ ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF A GROUND FLOOR SHOP AND ILLEGAL COCKLOFT AT KUEN WONG BUILDING, LUEN FAT STREET, LUEN WO MARKET, FANLING.
AN AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) IT WANTED TO CLOSE THE PREMISES SO THAT DEMOLITION OF THE COCKLOFT COULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO OCCUPIERS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER FROM SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 29 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DEMOLITION WAS ORDERED MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO BECAUSE CRACKING OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE COCKLOFT HAD DEVELOPED, BUT THE WORK HAD NEVER BEEN CARRIED OUT. NOW, HE SAID, THE DEMOLITION WOULD TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS MADE.
HE SAID THE CLOSURE ORDER ON THE GROUND FLOOR SHOP WOULD BE LIFTED WHEN DEMOLITION OF THE COCKLOFT HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
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SITE FORMATION FOR DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT t * » ♦ »
ABOUT 3 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF SOIL AND ROCK ARE TO BE REMOVED TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT AT DIAMOND HILL IN KOWLOON.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO QUARRY STONE, AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.
THE SITE WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP DIAMOND HILL PARK AND FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL USES.
APART FROM CREATING DESIRABLE DEVELOPMENT LAND IN THE AREA, THE WORK WILL ALSO GENERATE GOVERNMENT REVENUE.
THE AGGREGATE WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY, 1992.
STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONTROL MEASURES ARE INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT TO LIMIT DUST AND NOISE NUISANCE.
THE MEASURES WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE WORK DOBS NOT INTERFERE WITH PUBLIC TRANQUILITY.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 24.
-------0--------- /16......................
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1987
- 16 -
KEUNG SHAN ROAD ON LANTAU TO BE IMPROVED
*****
FOUR SECTIONS OF KEUNG SHAN ROAD ON LANTAU ISLAND ARE TO BE IMPROVED TO INCREASE TRAFFIC CAPACITY AND ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
SECTIONS OF THE ROAD NEAR THE 10, 10-1/2, 10-3/4 AND 12
MILESTONES ARE TO BE WIDENED TO A STANDARD TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
WHEN THIS WORK IS COMPLETED, THE WHOLE OF KEUNG SHAN ROAD WILL HAVE A MINIMUM WIDTH OF SIX METRES AND BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC MORE EASILY.
THE WORK IS PART OF THE 'PHASED IMPROVEMENTS TO SOUTH LANTAU ROAD, CHEUNG SHA TO KEUNG SHAN’ PROJECT.
IT IS DUE TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 17.
-----o------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 63.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 371.220 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 311.090 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 53.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JUNE JO, 19&7
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BN(O) STATUS EFFECTIVE TOMORROW ................................. 1
POSITIVE RESPONSE TO BN(O) STATUS AND PASSPORT..........4... 1
NEW I. D. CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME STARTS ........................... 2
CALL FOR DIRECT JAPANESE INVESTl-ZENT IN EK..................... 6
FUND SOUGHT FOR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORKS ....................... 8
COMMUNITY CHEST RAISES RECORD SA2 MILLION ....................... 9
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS ...................................... 10
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROVED WORKABLE ................. 10
HONG KONG OFFICE TO RECEIVE PLB DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS .. 12
LIFE SAVING COURSES FOR STUDENTS ............................... 12
CARNIVAL TO OPEN KOWLOON CITY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME........ 1J
TUEN MUN JOINT WORKING GROUP ON GREEN PAPER .................... 14
LRT JOINT COMMITTEE TO MEET .................................... 15
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ................................. 15
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ........................................ 16
TWO FLYOVERS CONNECT AIRPORT BUILDING .......................... 16
CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND ................... 1?
PhK SH« WAN CAR PaRK TO BE SUSPENDED ........................... 17
RIGHT TURN BAN IN KOWLOON BAY.................................. 18
REDUCED WaTER PRESSURE IN TSUEN WhN ............................ 18
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
BN(O) STATUS EFFECTIVE TOMORROW t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT AS FROM 1 -MORROW WEDNESDAY, BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS BY VIRTU! CF A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, E.G. BY BIRTH, NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG MAY ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) AND A BRITISH PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH THIS STATUS.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION, ’A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT* IS AVAILABLE AT IMMIGRATION OR DISTRICT OFFICES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO CALL 3-7395577 (r IINESE SPEAKERS); 3-7396677 (ENGLISH SPEAKERS) FOR ENQUIRIES.
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POSITIVE RESPONSE TO BN(O) STATUS AND PASSPORT t * I t ♦
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR TIM EGGAR, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT RESPONSE FROM THIRD COUNTRIES TO EXPLANATIONS FROM HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT ON THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O>) PASSPORT HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE.
NO FOREIGN OR COMMONWEALTH COUNTRY HAS SAID IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT FOR ENTRY TO ITS TERRITORY TRAVELLERS HOLDING BN(O) PASSPORTS.
MR EGGAR WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR IAN TWINN IN THE PAI- LI AMENT.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY, MR EGGAR SAID:
’’OVER A PERIOD OF NINE MONTHS WE HAVE CONDUCTED AN INTENSIVE DIPLOMATIC CAMPAIGN TO EXPLAIN THE BACKGROUND TO THE 1986 ORDER IN COUNCIL AND THE CREATION THROUGH IT OF THE STATUS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS).
”WE HAVE DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT BRITISH PASSPORTS IN THAT STATUS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JULY 1, 1987, AND HAVE HANDED OVER SPECIMEN COPIES EXPLAINING THE VARIOUS ENDORSEMENTS WHICH WILL HELP MAKE THE PASSPORT AN EFFECTIVE TRAVEL DOCUMENT BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997 .
"WE HAVE ALSO MADE IT ( LI \R THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS WE ARE INTRODUCING ARE IN THE FULL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
/"THE RESPONSE
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
"THE RESPONSE WE HAVE RECEIVED TO THESE EXPLANATIONS HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE. NO FOREIGN OR COMMONWEALTH GOVERNM; .T HAS SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT FOR ENTRY TO ITS TERRITORY TR. LERS HOLDING BN(O) PASSPORTS. MANY HAVE LET IT BE KNOWN PUBLICLY IM HONG KONG THAT THE PASSPORTS ARE ACCEPTABLE.
"THERE IS THEREFORE EVERS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HOLDERS OF BN(O) PASSPORTS WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AS WIDELY AND FREELY AS THEY WERE PREVIOUSLY WHEN USING BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES ( JTIZEN PASSPORTS.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR REACTIONS CAREFULLY AND WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1 WORK SMOOTHLY."
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NEW I. D. CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME STARTS *****
THE NEU 1. D. CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME WILL BEGIN TOMORROW I JULY I), AND LAST UNTIL THE END OF 1991, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR CARTER SAID THAT UNDER THE SCHEME, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 4.8 MILLION IDENTITY CARDS WOULD BE REPLACED.
"THE SCHEME WILL BE A FOUR-AND-HALF-YEAR EXERCISE AND THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR THE WHOLE EXERCISE IS $563.1 MILLION AND THI COST PER CARD IS $117," HE SAID.
"BY ADOPTING A FOUR-AND-HALF-YEAR EXERCISE FROM 1987 TO 1991 AS AGAINST A 10-YEAR EXERCISE FROM 1987 TO 1997 WHICH ESTIMATED TO COST $800 MILLION, THERE WILL BE A SAVING OF OVER $200 MILLION, HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE TWO TYPES OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS, NAMELY, THE HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD (PIC) WHICH STATES THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, AND THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD (IC) WHICH DOES NOT STATE THAT RIGHT.
HE SAID, "PIC ARE ISSUED TO HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS WHO ENJOYS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND IC’S ARE ISSUED TO RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT."
MR CARTER REPORTED THAT DURING THE LAST RE-ISSUE EXERCISE WHICH STARTED ON MAY 2, 1983 AND ENDED ON JANUARY 28, THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 4,081,396 CARDS WERE REPLACED.
/"THE COST
TUESDAY, JUNE JO, 1987
"THE COST OF THAT EXERCISE AMOUNTED TO $395.9 MILLION THE COS I' PER CARD WAS $97," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE ORIGINAL PLAN TO RENEW THE EXISTING CARDS (WHICH BEAR A VALIDITY RANGING FROM SIX TO 11 YEARS) WAS FROM IS 9 TO 1999 AND THE COST WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $800 MILLION.
EXPLAINING WHY IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE EXISTING I.D.
CARDS AS FROM JULY 1 HE SAID:
"TO TIE IN WITH THE ISSUE OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT (BN(O)) AND THE NEW TYPE OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY (HKCI) AS FROM JULY 1, 1987, IT IS NECESSARY TO INTRO? ’ CE A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD (PIC) FROM JULY 1, 1987 TO ENABLE A RI; IT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT TO BE INCLUDED TN THE BN(O) PASSPORTS AND UK
"THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANT: TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE BN(O) PASSPORTS AND THE HKCI’S FOR THE . I RF'.-SE OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL UP TO AND BEYOND 1997," HE ADDED.
"THE PIC WILL BE VALID BEYOND 1997 UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY ARE REPLACED BY IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT."
THE SIZE OF THE NEW CARD IS THE SAME AS THE EXISTING CARD, I.E. 93 MM X 65 MM. IT BEARS THE HOLDER’S NAME IN ENGLISH, NAME IN CHINESE CHARACTERS (IF ANY), NAME IN CHINESE COMMERCIAL CODE Nl HBERS (IF ANY) AND DATE OF BIRTH. IT ALSO CONTAINS SOME SYMBOLS, DATE OF ISSUE OF THE CARD, THE MONTH AND YEAR OF FIRST REGISTRATION OF THE CARD AND AN IDENTITY CARL NUMBER.
HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EXISTING CARDS AND THE NEW CARDS, SAID MR CARTER. THE MAIN DIFFERENCES ARE:
(A) THE COLOUR SCHEMES ARE DIFFERENT: BROWNISH GREY FOR THE EXISTING CARD, WHILE COLOURS IN THE NEW CARD ARE MAINLY RED AND GREEN.
(B) THE HONG KONG CREST AT THE BACK IS REPLACED BY THE SECURITY BACKGROUND PRINTING SIMILAR TO THAT USED ON BANKNOTES.
(C) THE "DRAGON" WATERMARK IS REPLACED BY A "JUNK".
(D) THERE WILL BE NO EMBOSSING ON THE EDGE OF THE CARD AS IT IS FOUND ON OCCASIONS TO HAVE CAUSED CRACKS TO THE IDENTITY CARD THUS MAKING THE CARD LESS SECURE.
(E) THE CHARACTER SIZE OF THE DATA ON THE NEW CARD IS LARGER SO THAT THEY CAN BE MORE EASILY READ. THE LARGER-SIZED CHARACTERS ALSO FACILITATE THE OPERATION OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME.
/(F) THE PLACE ........
TUESDAY, JUNE JO, 198?
<F) THE PLACE OF BIRTH WILL BE REPLACED BY SYMBOLS ON NEW
CARD TO ALLOW MORE SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE LARGER-SIZED CHARACTERS. THE SYMBOLS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
Z FOR HONG KONG
X FOR CHINA
W FOR MACAU
O FOR OTHER COUNTRIES (G) THERE WILL BE NO RENEWAL DATE ON THE NEW CARD.
REFERRING TO FORGERY AND IMPERSONATION CASES, MR CARTER SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF FORGED CARDS AND CARDS BEING TAMPERED WITH HAD GREATLY REDUCED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE EXISTING CARD.
"HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM OF IMPERSONATION HAS EMERGED. >OR THIS REASON, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROCURRED A NEW REPROGRAPHIC SYSTEM IN ORDER TO REPRODUCE A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE ON THE NEW IDENTITY CARD. THE COST OF THE NEW REPROGRAPHIC SYSTEM IS ABOUT $4.7 MILLION.
"IN ORDER TO COMBAT IMPERSONATION CASES, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO THE EFFECT THAT, ONCE A PERSON HAS REPORTED THE LOSS OF HIS IDENTITY CARD TO A REGISTRATION OFFICER, THAT CARD WILL BECOME INVALID AND ALSO THE POSSESSION OF AN INVALID IDENTITY CARD IS AN OFFENCE, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF WHICH IS A FINE OF $3,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR," SAID MR CARTER.
EXPLAINING THE "«»♦" SYMBOLS, WHICH WERE PRINTED IN THE EXISTING CARD, MR CARTER SAID THEY APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING PERSONS OF THE AGE OF 18 OR ABOVE:
(A) HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENS (HKBDTC’S) WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHINESE RACE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY HOLD OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS;
(B) BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS (BOC’S), BRITISH SUBJECTS (BS’S) ONLY AND BRITISH PROTECTED PERSONS (BPP) WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHINESE RACE WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG AND WHO DO NOT HAVE OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS;
(C) STATELESS HONG KONG RESIDENTS ON UNLIMITED STAY WHO DO NOT HAVE OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 11 AND 17 WILL BE QUALIFIED FOR
(A) HKBDTC'S WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHINESE RACE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY HOLD OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS;
/(B) BOC'S, BS'S .........
TUESDAY, JUNE y), 1987
- 5 -
(B) BOC'S, BS’S ONLY AND BPP WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHIN' E RACE WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG AND WHO DO NOT HAVE OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS;
<C) STATELESS HONG KONG RESIDENTS ON UNLIMITED STAY WH DO NOT HAVE OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
’’WHEN A PERSON APPLIES TO EXCHANGE FOR THE NEW CARD NORMALLY HE NEEDS TO BRING HIS EXISTING IDENTITY CARD WITH HIM IF THAT CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO AND BEARS THE ♦ *» SYMBOL.
’’HOWEVER, IF HIS IDENTITY CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LF3S THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE «*t SYMBOL, HE IS REQU’. ED TO FURNISH MORE PERSONAL PROOFS. IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING HIS EXISTING IDENTITY CARD, HE MUST PRODUCE HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND EITHER jF THE FOLLOWING (IF ANY) - HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, PONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE OR HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERT I’ ATr
"IN SOME CASES, APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEIR CLAIM TO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY WILL BE ADVISED INDIVIDUALLY.
"A PERSON APPLYING FOR A PIC BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT HE IS OF CHINESE RACE AND HAS AT ANY TIME BEEN ’ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG’ FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS IS REQUIRED TO STATE THIS FACT DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS."
MR CARTER ENCOURAGED APPLICANTS TO MAKE USE OF THE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM TO EXCHANGE THEIR CARDS.
HE SUGGESTED APPLICANTS TO MAKE USE THE FOLLOWING WAYS TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT:-
(A) BY TELEPHONE TO THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE;
(B) BY SENDING IN TO THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT FORMS (ROP 103 FOR ENGLISH AND ROP 103A FOR CHINESE) WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT ANY IMMIGRATION OFFICE OR DISTRICT OFFICE; AND
(C) IN PERSON.
HE REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
CALL FOR DIRECT JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HK *****
ALTHOUGH THE MAIN OBJECT OF DIRECT JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN TO ACHIEVE A SHARI OF ITS EXPORTS TO THIRD COUNTRY MARKETS, THERE ARE SIGNS THAT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF ITS OUTPUT IS AIMED AT DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION .
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, AT A SYMPOSIUM HELD IN TOKYO.
MR YEUNG IS TALKING TO JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN ABOU' THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JAPANESE DIRECT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AT S 1PCSIA IN TOKYO AND YOKOHAMA ON TODAY (TUESDAY) AND TOMORROW RESPECTIVELY, ORGANISED BY THE JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANISATION AND THE YOKOHAMA INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.
MR YEUNG SAID: "THIS TYPE OF DIRECT INVESTMENT WOULD GO FAR TOWARDS ACHIEVING THREE AIMS, NAMELY, THE SUBSTITUTION OF EXPORTS BY DOMESTIC SALES FOR THE INVESTOR, GREATER RELIABILITY OF SUPPLY FOR THE HONG KONG BUYER, AND A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF UPGRADING FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES."
JAPANESE DIRECT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG GREW BY TWO AND A HALF TIMES FROM MARCH 1981 TO MARCH 1985, JAPAN HAS MORE CASES OR PROJECTS OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG THAN IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY EXCEPT THE USA.
MR YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE PRESENCE OF JAPANESE DIRECT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG HAS HELPED THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DEVELOP HIGHER QUALITY, DIVERSIFY ITS PRODUCTS AND MOVE INTO AREAS OF HIGHER TECHNOLOGY.
WHILE HONG KONG VERY WELL SATISFIES THE BASIC CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE - MINIMUM BUREAUCRACY, GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE AND LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS - TO ATTRACT JAPANESE INVESTMENT, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ACTS ON CRITICISMS, SAID MR YEUNG.
THE AREAS IDENTIFIED BY JAPANESE FIRMS AS BEING MOST IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT ARE DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING SPECIALISED TECHNICIANS, IN FINDING APPROPRIATE BUSINESS PARTNERS AND THE LACK OF WELL-DEVELOPED SUPPORT INDUSTRIES.
MR YEUNG SAID: "THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TOOK AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN ENSURING THAT OUR EDUCATIONAL AND MANPOWER TRAINING SYSTEM PRODUCES TECHNICALLY QUALIFIED PEOPLE IN SUFFICIENT NUMBERS AND OF THE SORT OF QUALITY EXPECTED BY INDUSTRY."
/THE POLYTECHNICS
TUESDAY, JUNE JO, 1987
THE POLYTECHNICS AND UNIVERSITIES WILL DOUBLE THEIR OUTPUT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS AT FIRST DEGREE AND POST-GRADUATE LEVELS IN THE 1988-89/1990-91 TRIENNIUM. THE CURRICULA OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ARE ALSO MODIFIED TO ENSURE THEIR STUDENTS ARE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN COMPUTER AND MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGIES.
IN ADDITION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A TRAINING SCHEME BY WHICH PRACTISING ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS MAY BE TRAINED ABROAD IN THE LABORATORIES OF THE MAJOR SEMICONDUCTOR MULTINATIONALS, SAID MR YEUNG.
SIMILAR TRAINING SCHEMES WILL BE EXTENDED INTO SUCH OTHER PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES AS SURFACE MOUNTING, AND PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS DIGITAL ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATIONS, PATTERN RECOGNITION AND NETWORKING.
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OFFERS A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL COMPUTERISED DATA SERVICE COVERING OVER 20,000 FACTORIES WHICH CAN HELP BUSINESSMEN IDENTIFY POSSIBLE SUITABLE PARTNERS.
"LAST YEAR WE UNDERTOOK A SAMPLE SURVEY OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WITH FOREIGN INTERESTS, AND NEARLY HALF OF THOSE WHO R SPONDED SAID THAT THEIR BUSINESS WERE JOINT VENTURES INVOLVING HONG KONG PARTNERS," HE SAID.
CURRENT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING HONG KONG’S LINKAGE INDUSTRIES, WHICH ARE GENERALLY WEAK, WITH AN ADEQUATE RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES, SAID MR YEUNG.
MR YEUNG QUOTED THE EXAMPLES OF THE PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL'S METAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES.
MR YEUNG SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S LINKAGE INDUSTRIES AND SOME JAPANESE FIRMS HAVE DIVERSIFIED INTO OTHER MANUFACTURES, OFTEN RELATED.
"HONG KONG HAS BECOME MORE CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING PARTS AND COMPONENTS FOR MANY FINISHED PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR, OFFICE AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT, HIECTRONICS MODULES, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND MOST ENGINEERING PRODUCTS," HE ADDED.
THERE ARE SOME 800 JAPANESE BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN HONG KONG. AND THE CUMULATIVE VALUE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, ESTIMATED AT U.S. $2,931 MILLION, IS THE SECOND LARGEST IN ASIA AFTER INDONESIA, OR 3.5 PER CENT OF JAPAN’S TOTAL DIRECT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT.
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/8........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 8 -
FUND SOUGHT FOR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORKS
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A COMMITMENT OF $13,436,000 TO CARRY OUT ASBESTOS ABATEMENT WORKS IN 13 AIDED SCHOOLS.
THE WORKS ARE PROPOSED FOLLOWING A SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN 372 GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY TO IDENTIFY THE EXTENT OF HEALTH HAZARD CAUSED BY DAMAGED ASBESTOS-BASED ACOUSTIC PLASTER ON SCHOOL CEILINGS.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS SHOWED THAT THREE GOVERNMENT AND 16 AIDED SCHOOLS HAVE ASBESTOS MATERIAL IN THE HALL CEILINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND REQUIRE URGENT ABATEMENT WORKS.
ABATEMENT WORKS TO THE THREE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ARE BEING DEALT WITH UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, WHILE APPROVAL HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN UNDER DELEGATED POWER FOR ABATEMENT WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT URGENTLY TO THREE OF THE AIDED SCHOOLS WHERE CONDITIONS ARE VERY SERIOUS.
THE COMMITMENT, APPROVAL OF WHICH IS BEING SOUGHT, WILL COVER EXPENSES OF COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING ASBESTOS-BASED PLASTER BY SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS, AND THE REPLASTERING OF THE CEILINGS WITH ASBESTOS-FREE MATERIAL.
OTHER ITEMS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE INCLUDE:
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $16,418,000 BY $3,834,000 TO MEET THE INCREASE IN COST IN IMPLEMENTING PHASE ONE OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS;
* A NEW COMMITMENT OF $10,621,000 TO MEET THE CAPITAL SUBSIDY FOR A SUBSTITUTE 24-CLASSROOM PRIMARY SCHOOL AT SANDY BAY OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION;
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $196,912,000 BY $27,048,000 TO MEET THE INCREASED COST OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION’S PROJECT TO REDEVELOP THE EXISTING RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM;
* A NEW COMMITMENT TOGETHER WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $5,314,000 TO MEET THE COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE REVISED PARKING METER CHARGES, AND
* RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEES.
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/9.......
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 9 -
COMMUNITY CHEST RAISES RECORD $42 MILLION « » » * *
THE COMMUNITY CHEST RAISED A RECORD $42 MILLION TO MEET AGENCIES’ REQUESTS PLUS ANOTHER $20.5 MILLION FOR A SPECIAL OPERATIONS FUND LAST YEAR, THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
LADY WILSON SAID THIS HAD SUBSTANTIALLY BOOSTED THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO ALLOW 100 PER CENT OF THE DONATIONS RECEIVED TO BE PASSED ON WITHOUT ANY DEDUCTION FOR EXPENSES.
THIS WAS STATED BY HER IN A PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT THE 18TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST. LADY WILSON BECAME THE CHEST’S PRESIDENT ON HER ARRIVAL IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
"ON TAKING UP THIS ROLE, IT IS A PARTICULAR PLEASURE TO NOTE THAT THIS PAST YEAR - MOST OF IT BEFORE I ARRIVED - HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL," SHE STRESSED.
"$42 MILLION WERE RAISED THROUGH A VARIETY OF ESTABLISHED AS WELL AS IMAGINATIVE NEW EVENTS."
SHE SAID THE CHEST HAD HAD A REWARDING YEAR WITH MANY AGENCIES BEING ALLOCATED ALL THAT THEY ASKED FOR AND MOST OF THEM HAD HAD AN INCREASE.
NOTING THAT DURING THE LAST CAMPAIGN, MANY BOARD MEMBERS AND VICE PATRONS LENT THEIR SUPPORT TO FUND RAISING BY WRITING PERSONAL APPEAL LETTERS TO SOLICIT CORPORATE DONATIONS, LADY WILSON SAID THAT THROUGH THEIR DETERMINED EFFORTS, THE CORPORATION DONOR BASE HAD BEEN ENLARGED.
BUT SHE ADDED THAT THERE WAS STILL NEW GROUND TO BE COVERED AND INDEED OLD GROUND TO BE DUG INTO MORE DEEPLY.
WHILE EXPRESSING HER GRATITUDE TO ALL THOSE WHO WORKED FOR, HELPED AND PORTED THE CHEST, SHE POINTED OUT THAT MR MICHAEL MILES, WHO WAS FINISHING HIS TERM AS CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CHEST AFTER TWO YEARS, DESERVED A SPECIAL VOTE OF THANKS FOR HIS INSPIRING LEADERSHIP AND HIGH STANDARDS IN MANAGING THE CHEST.
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/1O........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
10
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS
*****
FIFTEEN BILLS, ONE MOTION, 10 QUESTIONS AND AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON 'SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS’ ARE ON THE AGENDA OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (JULY 1).
FOUR BILLS ARE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE: BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MENTAL HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE: COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, SUPERVISION ORDERS (RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1987, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BILL 1987 AND PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
FIVE MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON 'SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS’ DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL REPLY ON POINTS RAISED.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
-----------------------0------- INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROVED WORKABLE *****
MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ,'IBMCC) AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD VISITED TWO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TODAY (TUESDAY) TO INSPECT THE RESULTS ACHIEVED BY A SELF-HELP IMPROVEMENT SCHEME CARRIED OUT BY THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS.
THEY VISITED THE VICTORY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG NORTH AND THE WING YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK SAID, "THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE IN ASSISTING OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OF MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT WAS LAUNCHED LAST AUGUST WITH THE SETTING UP Ol A CO-ORDINATING TEAM IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT."
/"AT PRESENT,
TUESDAY, JUNE }0, 198?
11
"AT PRESENT, THE TEAM HAD IDENTIFIED 21 TARGET BUILDING OUT OF >ME 120 MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRIC " HE ADDED.
COMPREHENSIVE SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE TEAM REVEALED A UMBER OF COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
SOME OF THE PROBLEMS AROSE FROM THE APATHY GF MOST INDUSTRIALISTS TOWARDS BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND IGNORANCE OF HEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AS STIPULATED IN THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANTS AND MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS’ INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE.
LACK OF COMMUNICATION RESULTING IN DISPUTES BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL OWNERS WOULD LEAD TO SERIOUS DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION. PF 9LEMS SUCH AS OBSTRUCTIONS TO COMMON AREAS, DEFECTIVE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, POOR SANIT* ’ )N AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, LACK OF PLANNED BUILDING MAINTBN .'CE WERE OFTEN SUBJECTS OF DISPUTES.
THE IBMCC, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, HAD ENDEAVOURED TO GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND TO EFFECT IMPROVEMENTS.
THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE COMMITTEE WHICH COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT. TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE, THE GOVERNMENT COULD PROVIDE A CONCERTED EFFORT IN GIVING ADVTC; AND HELPING IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
MR COAK SAID THAT VICTORY AND WING YIP BUILDINGS WERE TWO REMARKABLE EXAMPLES OF ACHIEVING IMPROVED BUILDING ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE ENTHUSIASTIC EFFORTS OF THEIR OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS.
"THE VICTORY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OWNERS’ INCORPORATION SPENT ABOUT $250,000 TO RENOVATE THE BUILDING WHILE WING YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING HAS GREATLY IMPROVED THE SANITARY CONDITION AND CLEARED THE OBSTRUCTIONS IN COMMON AREAS," HE ADDED.
MR COAK EMPHASISED THAT GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE AND OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION IFt AFTER TRYING ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES, THE SITUATION STILL DID NOT IMPROVE, HE ADDED.
TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS COURSES AND SEMINARS, WILL BE ORGANISED LATER THIS YEAR.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 12
HONG KONG OFFICE TO RECEIVE PLB DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS DRIVING TEST APPLICANTS THAT IF THEY WISH TO TAKE THEIR TEST AT THE EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD CENTi ’ M HONG KONG ISLAND, THEY CAN APPLY AT THE DRIVING TEST SECTION’S HONG KONG APPOINTMENT OFFICE LOCATED AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, CENTRAL FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
BUT CANDIDATES WHO WISH BE TESTED AT THE SHEK LEI CENTRE SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SHA TIN APPOINTMENT OFFICE AT 5/F, KCR BUILDING, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
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LIFE SAVING COURSES FOR STUDENTS
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN POSITIVE STEPS TO PROMOTE SWIMMING ACTIVITIES AMONG STUDENTS AND JOINED HANDS WITH LIFE SAVING SOCIETIES AND SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS TO ORGANISE LIFE SAVING TRAINING IN SCHOOLS, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y T II TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE DINNER PARTY OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY (HONG KONG BRANCH) AND THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, MR LI SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONDUCT Z60 "LEARN-TO-SWIM" COURSES IN THE COMING SUMMER VACATION. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WOULD BE 10 LIFE SAVING COURSES FOR STUDENTS LEADING TO THE AWARD OF BRONZE MEDALS AS WELL AS COURSES ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS, HE ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO LAUNCH, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOL TEACHERS’ LIFE SAVING SOCIETY, A LIFE SAVING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MID-NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, MR LI SAID.
MR LI PRAISED THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY ( HK BRANCH) AND THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB FOR THEIR SERVICES RENDERED TO THE PUBLIC AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF LIFE SAVING IN HONG KONG.
MR LI SAID UP TO THE END OF I,AST YEAR, ABOUT 50 SCHOOLS WERE AFFILIATED TO THESE TWO LIFE SAVING ORGANISATIONS AND MORE THAN. 500 STUDENTS HAD OBTAINED LIFE-SAVING QUALIFICATIONS. WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE, STUDENTS HAD RENDERED LIFE-SAVING SERVICES ON 2,000 OCCASIONS.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 15 -
CARNIVAL TO OPEN KOWLOON CITY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * * * * *
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN AFTER.'." • OF FUN AND LEARN MORE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION WHEN THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENS NEXT SUNDAY (JULY 12) WITH A CARNIVAL AND A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION AT THE KO SHAN ROAD FOOTBALL PITCH.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY frt ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.
PROGRAMMES AT THE CARNIVAL INCLUDE GAMES STALLS, CIVIC EDUCATION. EXHIBITION, A LOVE TREE, PAINTING AND SONG DEDICATION
FREE COUPONS FOR GAMES STALLS WILL BE DISTRIBU.ID AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE; ITS TWO SUB-OFFICES; AD YOUTH, CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.
ABOUT 360 ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS, FOR THE YOUTH PROGRAMMES THIS YEAR WITH MORE THAN $300,000 ALLOCATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG OCKEY CLUB AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.
ABOUT 36,000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL BE HELD UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST.
THESE ACTIVITIES, CENTRED ON THE THEME 'SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’, WILL INCLUDE CAMPINGS, OUTINGS, VISITS 10 ELDERLY CENTRES, SEMINARS, GAMES, SPORTS, SUMMER CLASSES FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS, PERFORMANCES AND TRAINING COURSE.
A BOOKLET WITH DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE ACTIVITIES IS AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS TWO SUB-OFFICES, ORGANISING AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENING CEREMONY T) BE HELI) AT 4.15 PM ON JULY 12 (SUNDAY), AT THE KO SHAN ROAD FOOTBALL PITCH, TO KWA WAN.
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/Ik
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 14 -
TUEN MUN JOINT WORKING GROUP ON GREEN PAPER *****
A TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND DB JOINT WORKING GROUP ON THE GREEN PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIE* OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SET UP TO C >? LECT RESIDENTS’ VIEW ON THE GREEN PAPER AND TO FORWARD THEM TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF SEMINARS IN JULY IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE DISTRICT. BOARD MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT CONSTITUENCIES WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR OF THEIR OWN AREAS.
DETAILS OF THE SEMINARS ARE AS FOLLOW:
DATE PLACE AREA REPRESENTED
JULY 15, 8 pm TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL TAI HING
JULY 16, 8 PM BUTTERFLY COMMUNITY CENTRE BUTTERFLY
JULY 22, 8 PM ON TING/YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE ON TING/YAU 01
JULY 23, 8 PM TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL SIU HONG
JULY 29, 8 PM SHAN KING COMMUNITY HALL SHAN KING
JULY 30, 8 PM TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING VILLAGES
THE WORKING GROUP WILL ALSO HOLD A "TUEN MUN DISTRICT FORUM ON THE REVIEW OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT" ON AUGUST 2 (SUNDAY) AT 2 PM IN THE YAN 01 TONG INDOOR GAMES HALL.
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/15........
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 15 -
LRT JOINT COMMITTEE TO MEET » » » ♦
THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICES WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DESIGN OF THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0--------
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT
*****
TO ENRICH THE KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG OWNERS AND RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON JULY 2 (THURSDAY) AT 8 PM.
THE CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR NG MAN-HOO AND THE ESTATE MANAGER OF CHI WO PROPERTIES LTD., MR MAK WONG-LUNG, WILL SPEAK ON MAINTENANCE PROJECTS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN THE SEMINAR.
THE EASTER:; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT
AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM WHERE THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JULY 2) AT 8 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 16 -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED » » * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON SIN WAI-CHUEN ON APRIL 3, 1981 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. SIN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHAN WING-WAH.
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TWO FLYOVERS CONNECT AIRPORT BUILDING ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
TWO FLYOVERS WILL BE BUILT ACROSS PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST LINKING ITS EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WITH THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE WORK WILL COMPRISE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO 5.5 METRE WIDE, ONE-LANE FLYOVERS, ANCILLARY ROAD WIDENING, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
IT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF 1989.
BESIDES PROVIDING DIRECT ACCESS BETWEEN THE TERMINAL BUILDING AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, THE SCHEME WILL ALSO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AT KOWLOON CITY ROUNDABOUT AND AT THE JUNCTION OF SUNG WONG TOI AND MA TAU CHUNG ROADS.
THE FLYOVERS FORM PART OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING MODIFICATION PROJECT WHICH INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, ROADS AND DRAINS TO SERVE AIRPORT EXPANSION.
THEY ARE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE ULTIMATE TRAFFIC DEMAND GENERATED BY COMPLETION OF THE MODIFICATION PROJECT.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JULY 17.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 30,
1987
- 17 -
CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON THURSDAY (JULY 2) AND JULY 3 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 THE 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:
♦ PUI CHING ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER; OR
* PUI CHING ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND, U-TURN LOOP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND THE ACCESS ROAD UNDERNEATH THE FLYOVER OPPOSITE PERTH STREET.
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PAK SHA WAN CAR PARK TO BE SUSPENDED » ♦ » *
THE PAK SHA WAN CAR PARK IN SAI KUNG, NORTH OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY WITH THE ACCESS ROAD TO PAK SHA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 3) TO 6
OF THE JUNCTION WAN FERRY PIER, PM ON JULY 16.
THE MOVE IS TO FACILITATE THE PERFORMANCE OF CANTONESE OPERA IN CELEBRATION OF THE KWUN YAM FESTIVAL TO BE PERFORMED.
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<
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1987
- 18 -
RIGHT TURN BAN IN KOWLOON BAY * » * *
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM WANG CHIU ROAD ON TO LAM HING STREET OR FROM LAM HING STREET ON TO WANG CHIU ROAD FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
MOTORISTS FROM LAM HING STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR WANG CHIU ROAD NORTHBOUND AND FROM LAM HING STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR WANG CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA WANG KWONG ROAD.
MEANWHILE, MOTORISTS ON WANG CHIU ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR LAM HING STREET EASTBOUND AND FROM WANG CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR LAM HING STREET WESTBOUND ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA KAI CHEUNG 4J0AD AND SHEUNG YUET ROAD RESPECTIVELY.
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REDUCED WATER PRESSURE IN TSUEN WAN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE REDUCED IN PRESSURE FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 3) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY SO THAT MAINS WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
ALL PREMISES FROM THE WEST SIDE OF TAI CHUNG ROAD TO 13 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TING KAU, WILL BE AFFECTED.
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