DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY SOUGHT .............................. 1
LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE TESTING IN PUI TO ROAD ................. 1
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW................. 2
BETTER SERVICE FOR JOB-SEEKERS ............................ 3
HIGH-SPEED VESSELS ORDERED FOR POLICE...................... 4
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ...... 5
FARMERS LEAVE TOR AUSTRALIAN STUDY TOUR ................... 6
SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ....................................................... 6
YOUTH RADIO PROGRAMMES TO START NEXT WEEK ................. 7
KOWLOON CITY DB'S THIRD TERM REPORT PUBLISHED ............. 8
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR WESTERN DISTRICT .............. 9
SHA TIN TRAFFIC LANES TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY ................ 10
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
1
VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY SOUGHT t ♦ * ♦
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON YOUTH ORGANISATIONS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE COMMITTEE’S RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT A YOUTH POLICY BE FORMULATED, AND A COMMISSION ON YOUTH BE SET UP, TO MEET THE MULTIFARIOUS NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE.
(’OPIES OF THE ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE REPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
’THE COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO CONSULT THE RELEVANT BODIES AND THE PUBLIC ON THE REPORT,” MRS TAM SAID.
'ALL VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS WILL BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE BEFORE SUBMITTING THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONS I DERAT I ON.”
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING BEFORE JULY 21 TO: SECRETARY, CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, C/O CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, 1 3TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, KOWLOON.
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LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE TESTING IN PUI TO ROAD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
TEST RUNNING 01 THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES (LRV’S) WILL BE EXTENDED TO PUI TO ROAD IN THEN MUN FROM THE MIDDLE OF THIS WEEK, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE LRV’S HAVE BEEN RUNNING \LONG LUNG MUN ROAD SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AND ALONG TAI FONG STREET IN TAI II I NG ESTATE SINCE MARCH.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE EXTENSION OF TEST RUNNING, A SYSTEM OF TRAFFIC LI Gill SIGNALS AT Till JUNCTION OF PUI TO ROAD AND MING KAM ROAD REGULATING LIO’S \ND GENERAL TRAFFIC WILL BEGIN OPERATION AT THE SAME TIME.
THE SIGNAL SYSTEM IS MADE Up OF ORDINARY TRAFFIC’ LIGHT SIGNALS AND SPECIAL LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LET) SIGNALS, AFFIXED SEPARATELY TO DIFFERENT POLES.
/THE LRT
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
- 2 -
THE LRT SIGNALS, EACH WITH A RED "T-SHAPE” LIGHT AND A WHITE ’’INVERTED V-SHAPE" LIGHT ARRANGED VERTICALLY, ARE TO BE OBSERVED ONLY BY DRIVERS OF LRV’S.
’’MOTORISTS ARE REQUIRED ONLY TO COMPLY WITH THE GENERAL TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS. FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, THEY MUST STOP BEFORE THE JUNCTION WHEN THE RED LIGHT IS ON,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.
THERE WILL BE TWO MORE CROSSING POINTS BETWEEN LRV ’ S AND GENERAL TRAFFIC ALONG PUI TO ROAD. ONE IS AT THE JUNCTION OF PUI TO ROAD AND TSUN WEN ROAD AND THE OTHER IS AN INTERSECTION OF PUI TO ROAD WITH THE LRT TRACK.
BOTH CROSSING POINTS WILL BE REGULATED BY LRT SIGNALS, BUT THEY WILL NOT START OPERATING BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
TO FACILITATE THE TEST RUN, TEMPORARY LRT SIGNALS WILL BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING GENERAL TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT THESE TWO JUNCTIONS. MOTORISTS WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTION OF THE GENERAL SIGNALS.
"SUITABLE WARNING SIGNS HAVE BEEN ERECTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE ABOVE JUNCTIONS. MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR THESE SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH CARE,” THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
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PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC-TOMORROW (MONDAY) ON THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
HEARING
ON THE
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE REPORT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, AND DIRECTOR OF ELECTRI (’AL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES.
/THE PUBLIC
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
THE PUBLIC HEARING WILL START AT 10 AM IN THE LEGISLATIVE ' CHAMBER. THE TIMETABLE IS AS FOLLOWS:
10 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, PARAGRAPHS 2.1-2.7.
10.30 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, PARAGRAPHS 3.1-3.11.
11.15 AM DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS,
PARAGRAPHS 6.1-6.13.
(BREAK)
2>3° PM SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT,
PARAGRAPHS 5.1-5.30.
3,30 PM DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES,
PARAGRAPHS 7.1-7.10.
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BETTER SERVICE FOR JOB-SEEKERS » » t t »
THE TWO OFFICES OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE COMBINED INTO ONE FROM FRIDAY (MAY 6) TO PROVIDE A BETTER CO-ORDINATED SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE TWO OFFICES ARE AT PRESENT SITUATED IN THE SINCERE INSURANCE BUILDING, WAN CHAI, AND IN THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
FOLLOWING THE AMALGAMATION, THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE LOCATED ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523232 AND 5-8523233.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW ACCOMMODATION WOULD BE MORE SPACIOUS AND WOULD PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE READING CORNER AND A LIBRARY.
"THE LIBRARY HOUSES A LARGE COLLECTION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR JOB-SEEKERS, SUCH AS COMPANY REPORTS, BROCHURES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND UP-TO-DATE PUBLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND EXAMINING BODIES," HE SAID.
/THE HIGHER
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFERS FREE RECRUITMENT ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND A FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO JOB-SEEKERS WITH THESE QUALIFICATIONS.
APART FROM THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, ADVICE ON THE CURRENT JOB MARKET AND JOB-HUNTING TECHNIQUES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO JOB-SEEKERS.
LAST YEAR, THE SERVICE RECEIVED MORE THAN 2,990 JOB VACANCIES FROM EMPLOYERS AND REFERRED 9,170 JOB APPLICANTS TO EMPLOYERS FOR CONSIDERATION REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 64 AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE 1986 FIGURES.
DURING 1987, THE SERVICE ALSO ORGANISED A SERIES OF CAREERS SEMINARS IN AN EFFORT TO ACQUAINT JOB-SEEKERS WITH UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER PROSPECTS IN DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF THE JOB-MARKET AS WELL AS TO ENHANCE THEIR PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE ON JOB APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES.
AROUND 200 JOB-SEEKERS REGISTERED WITH THE SERVICE
PARTICIPATED IN THESE SEMINARS.
"IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE, SIMILAR SEMINARS WILL I ORGANISED AGAIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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HIGH-SPEED VESSELS ORDERED FOR POLICE » * » » »
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS PLACED A $2.5 MILLION ORDER WITH JAETAC ORIENT TRADING COMPANY LIMITED FOR THE SUPPLY OF TWO "SHARK CAT" HIGH SPEED POLICE VESSELS LATER THIS YEAR.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED RECENTLY BY MR ALLAN PYRKE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), AND MR CLIVE HUTT OF JAETAC ORIENT.
THE TWO VESSELS, EACH COSTING $1.25 MILLION, WILL BE BUILT IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, AND WILL BE DELIVERED TO HONG KONG AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. THEY WILL THEN BE HANDED OVER TO THE POLICE.
“THESE EIGHT-METRE CRAFT ARE POWERED BY TWO 275 HORSEPOWER OUTBOARD ENGINES AND WILL HAVE A TOP SPEED OF AT LEAST 40 KNOTS," MR PYRKE SAID.
"THEY ARE THE FIRST MULTI-HULLED CRAFT TO BE USED BY THE MARINE POLICE IN HONG KONG BUT SIMILAR VESSELS HAVE BEEN IN USE BY THE AUSTRALIAN POLICE FOR SOME YEARS," HE ADDED.
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
- 5 -
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHOW CONCERN ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 1987-88 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHA TIN SCOUTS AND INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 1988-90 SHA TIN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL AT THE KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE.
MR YUNG SAID IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT FOR RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT AND TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN ORDER TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS.
"THE SCOUTS, BEING THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF HONG KONG, SHOULD BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY BUILDING IN ADDITION TO RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS," HE SAID.
"SCOUTS ACTIVITIES ARE AIMED AT CULTIVATING GOOD CHARACTER AND A SENSE OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
"THROUGH DISCIPLINED GROUP ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE NOT ONLY ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE AND PHYSICAL TRAINING, BUT ALSO LEARN TO CARE FOR OTHER PEOPLE AND BECOME RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS."
MR YUNG NOTED THAT THE SHA TIN SCOUTS HAD BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN RECENT YEARS AND THE DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP HAD INCREASED TO MORE THAN 2,000 IN 57 GROUPS.
"THIS IS, OF COURSE, A RESULT OF GOOD WORK AND GOOD LEADERSHIP OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL," HE ADDED.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM, AS WELL AS THE SHA TIN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY KWAI-SANG, AND PRESIDENT, MR CHAN WAI.
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I
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
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FARMERS LEAVE FOR AUSTRALIAN STUDY TOUR * * * * *
A GROUP OF 15 FARMERS LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR AUSTRALIA ON A 1 O-DAY TOUR TO STUDY MODERN TECHNIQUES IN VEGETABLE GROWING AND WHOLESALE MARKETING.
THE STUDY TOUR HAS BEEN ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION AND THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.
IT IS THE ELEVENTH STUDY TOUR UNDERTAKEN SINCE 1977.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO BROADEN THE OUTLOOK OF THE FARMERS AND TO PROVIDE. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF FARMING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN AUSTRALIA.
IT IS THE SECOND TRIP TO AUSTRALIA. OTHER COUNTRIES VISITED PREVIOUSLY INCLUDE THE UNITED KINGDOM, HOLLAND, JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES.
WHILE IN AUSTRALIA, THE GROUP, ACCOMPANIED BY MISS VERA SO, A SENIOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICER, WILL VISIT RESEARCH CENTRES, WHOLESALE MARKETS, GROWERS' MARKETING ORGANISATIONS, AND VEGETABLE FARMS TO SEE THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN VEGETABLE GROWING.
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SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR THE YEAR 1987 .
THE SURVEY COVERS WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 8,100 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 130,000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SURVEY.
DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES, OPENING TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, AND CLOSING STOCKS, BUSINESS
/SUCH ECONOMIC
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE "WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS" SECTOR AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO RESPOND TO THE SURVEY. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THE SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31, 1988.
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 STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DID NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WOULD BE RELEASED.
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YOUTH RADIO PROGRAMMES TO START NEXT WEEK *****
A SERIES OF 13 RADIO PROGRAMMES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE YOUTH OF HONG KONG WILL BE BROADCAST ON RADIO 2, STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE PROGRAMMES ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG'KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMES WERE MULTIPLE.
APART FROM CATERING TO THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FIELDS OF CULTURE, ARTS, SPORTS AND MUSIC, THE PROGRAMMES ALSO AIM AT PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM IN HONG KONG AND STIMULATING THEIR INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
/"THE PROGRAMMES,
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
8
’’THE PROGRAMMES, TO BE BROADCAST ON RADIO 2 EVERY MONDAY FROM 3.30 PM TO 4 PM, WILL BE ENTERTAINING, INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL,” THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
FEATURING A DIFFERENT THEME EACH WEEK, CONTENTS OF THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE DRAMA, MUSIC AND INTERVIEWS WITH LEADING PERSONALITIES IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH SERVICES.
THE THEME OF THE FIRST PROGRAMME IS ’’YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE”.
OTHER THEMES INCLUDE ’’EXEMPLARY EFFORTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF DISABLED YOUTH”, ’’CULTURE AND FAD, THEIR INFLUENCE ON YOUTH”, ’’CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES”, "SPORTS”, "MUSIC”, ’’YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES", "MODERN ARTS AND YOUTH", "OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK", "PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF YOUTHS IN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES" AND "YOUTH AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT".
THE SERIES WILL ROUND OFF WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM.
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KOWLOON CITY DB1S THIRD TERM REPORT PUBLISHED *****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON ITS WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE THIRD TERM FROM 1985 TO 1988.
THE REPORT’S COVER FEATURES AN ATTRACTIVE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPH OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FROM THE AIR AND THE BOARD’S SPARKLING LOGO PROJECTING RAYS OVER THE WHOLE DISTRICT.
THE COVER DESIGN SYMBOLISES THE WORK OF THE BOARD AND PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL RESIDENTS WHICH TOGETHER HAVE MADE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
THE 48-PAGE REPORT WITH COLOUR PICTURES, CHARTS, DRAWINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES OUTLINES THE TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS, AND THE HISTORY OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
THE REPORT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, RECREATION, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
/DISTRICT LANDMARKS, ........
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1988
9
DISTRICT LANDMARKS, POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO THE BOARD ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION.
IN HIS FOREWORD TO THE REPORT, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, SAID THAT WITH THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF ITS MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE BOARD HAD CERTAINLY GONE A LONG WAY IN FUNCTIONING AS A CHANNEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT, IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND IN PROMOTING AMONGST RESIDENTS A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY.
"IT IS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT ALL THESE EFFORTS ARE WELL-REWARDED AS MORE AND MORE RESIDENTS HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ARE WILLING TO GIVE US THEIR VIEWS ON, AND TO PARTICIPATE IN, OUR ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
MR WONG THANKED HIS MEMBERS AND THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR UNFAILING SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION WHICH HAD GONE A LONG WAY IN MAKING THE THIRD TERM THREE YEARS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED, THE HOARD WILL FURTHER DEVELOP ITSELF TOWARDS MAKING KOWLOON CITY A BETTER COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
COPIES OF HIE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
FREE COPIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ASIS AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, AT 111 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD ND ITS TWO SUB-OFFICES IN BULKELEY STREET AND HO MAN TIN ESTATE.
---------------------0 ------- RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR WESTERN DISTRICT » » » » «
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AT SAI WOO LANE IN SAI YING PUN, WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REST GARDEN, TODDLERS’ PLAYGROUND, FOOTBALL PITCH, TOILETS, AND A STORE ROOM.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
/MEANWHILE, THE
SUNDAY, MAY 1,1988
10
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING OUT AREA AT SAI ON LANE AND HING LUNG LANE EAST.
UNDER THE PROJECT, AN AREA OF ABOUT 950 SQUARE METRES ADJACENT TO THE SAI ON LANE PLAYGROUND IS TO BE DEVELOPED INTO AN OPEN SPACE.
IT WILL CONSIST OF PLANTERS, ARBOURS AND BENCHES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START TN JUNE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER.
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SHA TIN TRAFFIC LANES TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY ♦ * * t
BETWEEN MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (MAY 2) AND 6 AM ON TUESDAY, THE FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SHA TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE SAME HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (MAY 5).
THE TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES WILL FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
5109 M CONTRACT FOR MECHANISED LETTER SORTING SYSTJM AWARDED ....................................................... 1
CODE OF PRACTICE ON PCB WASTES PUBLISHED ................... 2
CLOSURE OF THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL ......................... 3
AREA COMMITTEES PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS ... 4
WHOLE-DAY WORKSHOP UNDERWAY FOR NORTH DB ................... 5
DUTCH MINISTER VISITS KWAI TSING ........................... 6
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS ............. 7
ELECTION OF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR HEUNG YEE KUK .......... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLaN .......................... 10
MTR FARE SURCHARGE ON TUEN MUN DB aGLNDA ................... 10
DB COMMITTEE GETS TO WORK .................................. 11
9
ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED......................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 12
TIMPOR-iRY U-TURN CL ....'I-CL LOAD......................... 12
OPENING OF HARCOURT ROaD FLYOVER POSTPONED
13
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
$109 M CONTRACT FOR MECHANISED t t t
LETTER SORTING SYSTEM AWARDED * *
THE POST OFFICE HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF A MECHANISED LETTER SORTING SYSTEM (MLSS) TO SUMITOMO CORPORATION OF JAPAN AT A COST OF $109 MILLION, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS ING OF LETTER MAIL ITEMS WHICH ARE AT PRESENT HANDLED MANUALLY.
THE MLSS EQUIPMENT COMPRISING OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR) MACHINES, VIDEO CODING MACHINES (VCM) AND LETTER SORTING MACHINES (LSM) WILL BE SUPPLIED BY NEC CORPORATION OF JAPAN WHO HAVE CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD OF LETTER MECHANISATION.
THE EQUIPMENT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE MAIL PROCESSING CENTRES OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE AS WELL AS EIGHT OTHER LARGE DISTRICT MAIL DELIVERY OFFICES IN THE TERRITORY.
"UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, LETTERS WILL BE FED INTO THE OCR EQUIPMENT WHICH WILL ELECTRON 1CALLY SCAN THE LAST FOUR LINES OF THE’ ADDRESS," A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE XPPROPRIATE BAR CODE OF THE ADDRESS WILL BE PRINTED ON THE ENVELOPE IN LUMINESCENT INK SO THAT ALL SUBSEQUENT SORTING PROCESSES ('AN BE DONE AUTOMATICALLY BY LETTER SORI’I NG MACHINES.
"THESE MACHINES WILL SORT LETTERS TO DELIVERY OFFICES, TO THE INDIVIDUAL POSTMAN’S DELIVERY BEAT OR POST OFFICE BOX UNIT, AND TO OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS."
THE OCR SYSTEM WILL BE DESIGNED TO READ ADDRESSES TYPED OR MACHINE PRINTED IN ROMAN TYPE THUS AVOIDING THE NEED FOR A POST CODE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
"LETTERS REJECTED BY THE OCR EQUIPMENT BECAUSE OF UNREADABLE ADDRESSES, FOR EXAMPLE HANDWRITTEN, ADDRESS NOT IN REGULAR FORMAT OR CHINESE CHARACTERS, WILL BE DIVERTED TO VIDEO CODING DESKS WHERE OPERATORS WILL READ THE ADDRESS AND TYPE THE RELEVANT ABBREVIATED ADDRESS CODES ON THE ENVELOPES," Till. SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEREAFTER THE ITEMS WILL BF SORTED ON TUI- AUTOMATIC' LETTER SORTING EQUIPMENT IN THE SAME MANNER \S THE OCR CODED MAIL."
IT IS ESI MATED TH \T ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LETTER MAIL TRAFFIC WILL BE * PROCESSED B5* THE OCR \ND VIDEO CODING EQUIPMENT.
THE THROUGHPUT OF THE LETTER SORTING MACHINES WILL BE IN THE REGION OF 28,000 I TENS PER HOUR'.
/BY COMPARISON
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
BY COMPARISON THE THROUGHPUT OF THE EXISTING MANUAL SYSTEM IS ABOUT 1,000 ITEMS PER HOUR PER SORTER.
IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, SAVINGS OF 200 POSTS WILL BE ACHIEVED.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MLSS WILL BE FULLY OPERATIONAL TOWARDS THE END OF 1989.
BY THAT TIME THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WILL HAVE ACHIEVED A NEW MILESTONE IN THAT IT WILL BE OPERATING THE ONLY MECHANISED SORTING SYSTEM IN THE WORLD IN WHICH OCR’S READ FOUR LINES OF THE ADDRESS AND IMPRINTS A MACHINE READABLE CODE WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A POST CODE OR ZIP CODE.
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CODE OF PRACTICE ON PCB WASTES PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ t ♦ ♦
THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH HAS PUBLISHED A CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE HANDLING, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) WASTES IN HONG KONG.
I’HE CODE OF PRACTICE, PREPARED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, IS A STATUTORY DOCUMENT PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE UNDER I’HE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH \ND WELFARE BRANCH SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PCB’S WERE SYNTHETIC ORGANIC PRODUCTS WHOSE MAJOR LOCAL APPLI CATIONS INCLUDED ELECTRICAL CAPACITORS \ND TRANSFORMERS.
DESPITE THE WIDE APPLICATIONS OF PCB’S, HE SAID, SOME OF THEIR PROPERTIES WERE ENVIRONMENTALLY UNDESIRABLE AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PERSISTENCE AND BIOACCUMIJLAT I ON IK THE FOOD CHAIN.
INCREASING CONCERN OVER THEIR HEALTH HAZARDS AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS HAS RESULTED IN THEIR DIMINISHING USE AND GRADUAL REPLACEMENT AND, IN SOME COUNTRIES, V COMPLETE BAN,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE \DDED THAT ACTION WAS NOW IN HAND TO RESTRICT THE USE OF PUB’S O\ER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT INCREASING QUANT!LIES OF PCB WAS IES WOULD \R1SE IN THE NEAR FUTURE DUE TO THE REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING EQUIPMENT.
/THE CODE
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
- 3
THE CODE OF PRACTICE GIVES SPECIFIC ADVICE ON THE SAFE HANDLING AND PROPER LABELLING OF PCB WASTES AS WELL AS GUIDELINES ON THE DECONTAMINATION OF PCB ARTICLES.
"TO ENSURE PROPER DISPOSAL, WASTE PRODUCERS HAVE TO MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS WITH EXPERIENCED WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS TO COLLECT, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSE OF THE WASTE, AND ALL SUCH ARRANGEMENTS HAVE TO BE NOTIFIED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AS THE WASTE DISPOSAL AUTHORITY.
"IF THE WASTE IS EXPORTED TO OTHER COUNTRIES FOR DISPOSAL, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WOULD NORMALLY REQUIRE A COPY OF THE BILL OF LADING AND THE CONFIRMATION LETTER FROM THE WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTOR AS PROOF OF SATISFACTORY DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
('OPIES OF THE CODE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEL’X ROAD CENTRAL, OR ITS BRANCH OFFICE ON THE EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
17TH FLOOR,
11 TH FLOOR,
-------0----------
CLOSURE OF THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
Till-. GOVERNMENT HAS RELUCTANTLY DECIDED THAT THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL WILL ('LOSE IN MARCH 1990. THIS DECISION WAS REACHED AFTER CO. iI DERATION BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY AND CONSULTATION WITH THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD.
THE REASONS FOR Till' DECISION ARE RISING EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE FACT THAT THE POLICE HAVE, IN RECENT YEARS, BEEN ABLE TO RECRUIT SUFFICIENT OFFICERS OF THE RIGHT EDUCATIONAL STANDARD DIRECTLY.
THE CADET SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED IN 1973 TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF QUALIFIED RECRUITS FOR THE POLICE AND OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES BY OFFERING STUDENTS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN FORM (V PLACES AN OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION.
THE INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF SUCH PLACES HAS MEANT THAT THE SCHOOL HAS BECOME LESS ATTRACTIVE TO STUDENTS AND THAT THERE IS NOW NO SHORTAGE OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED RECRUITS TO THE POLICE AND OTHER SERVICES. THE MAIN REASON FOR THE EXISTENCE OF' THE SCHOOL HAS THEREFORE DI SAPPEARED.
/THE SCHOOL .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
THE SCHOOL WILL CLOSE IN TWO PHASES WITH THE DODWELLS RIDGE CAMP, WHICH HOUSES HALF OF THE CADETS, CLOSING IN MARCH 1989, AND FAN GARDENS CAMP, WHICH HOUSES THE REMAINDER, IN MARCH 1990. THIS MEANS THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE INTAKES TO THE SCHOOL, WITH THE RECENT MARCH INTAKE TO FAN GARDENS BEING THE FINAL ONE.
THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED IN SEPTEMBER 1973 AND UP TO FEBRUARY 1988 HAS TRAINED 3,626 CADETS, 3,350 OF WHOM HAVE JOINED THE RHKP AND 174 THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
-----0------
AREA COMMITTEES PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS *****
AREA COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND IN IMPROVING RESIDENTS' LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND WELFARE AT DISTRICT LEVEL SINCE THEIR INCEPTION IN 1972, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 1988-89 ORIENTATION GATHERING FOR MEMBERS Ob THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT’S EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES, HELD AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
MR FONG PRAISED THE WORK OF THE AREA COMMITTEES, WHICH DISCUSSED IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC FACILITIES, TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES AND MADE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE AREA COMMITTEES \LSO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN PROMOTING RECREATIONAL AND COMMUN 1 TV - BUI LI) I NG ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION," HE SAID.
’’THERE IS A COMMON INTEREST AMONGST THE MEMBERS WHICH IS TO MAKE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN AND TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING. TO ACHIEVE I HIS, IT DEPENDS NOT ONLY ON THE GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO ON PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION.
"IN OUR DISTRICT, THERE ARE BODIES WHICH PROVIDE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE AUTHORITIES, AND PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY OF PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. AREA COMMITTEES ARE AMONG THESE BODIES."
/foR FONG
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
- 5 -
MR KONG SAID THE SUCCESS OE AREA COMMITTEES DEPENDED, APART EROM ADEQUATE RESOURCES, VERY MUCH ON THE MEMBERS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND THEIR CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
HE ENCOURAGED MEMBERS TO PAY FULL ATTENTION TO LOCAL PROBLEMS AND TO BRING THEM TO THE NOTICE OF THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN ORDER TO HAVE THEM SOLVED.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BESIDES LISTENING TO VIEWS AND REACTING QUICKLY, WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH DATA AND INFORMATION THROUGH THE AREA COMMITTEES, THUS PROMOTING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE AUTHORITIES AND THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
THE GATHERING WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO SHARE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES WITH EACH OTHER ON VARIOUS MATTERS CONCERNING THE DISTRICT AND AREA COMMITTEES.
IT WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 MEMBERS FROM THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT.
---0------
WHOLE-DAY WORKSHOP UNDERWAY FOR NORTH DB « * ♦ * »
FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO SUCCEED, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MANAGING THE DISTRICT TO BE ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH AND TO BUILD UP A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF A WHOLE-DAY WORKSHOP, WHICH EMBODIES THIS OBJECTIVE, IN SHEUNG SHU I TODAY (MONDAY).
"THROUGH CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE DURING THE PAST TERM, A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT ISSUES CONFRONTING THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED," MR CHEUNG SAID.
THESE INCLUDED THE SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, PROVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES, NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL PROJECT, AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS, HE ADDED.
Hl- ALSO DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AS "CO-PILOTS WHO STEER NORTH DISTRICT ON RIGHT TRACK ALONG THE PATH OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND KEEP THE DISTRICT ON AN EVEN COURSE".
/ORGANISED BY
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
6 -
ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WORKSHOP CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF BRIEFINGS BY MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON THE WORKINGS OF INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
THE BRIEFINGS ARE BEING FOLLOWED BY QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS ON HOW DISTRICT PROBLEMS CAN BEST BE TACKLED AND HOW TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE WORKSHOP PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 22 NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AT THE START OF THE NEW TERM, TO INTERACT AND BE ACQUAINTED WITH THEIR GOVERNMENT COUNTERPARTS IN A RELAXED SETTING.
IT ALSO HELPS FOSTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND A FRANK EXCHANGE
OF VIEWS BETWEEN THEM.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVITED TO GIVE BRIEFINGS AT TODAY’S WORKSHOP INCLUDE THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE’S PROJECT MANAGER, MR TOM ARMOUR AND ITS CHIEF TOWN PLANNER, MR RICHARD CHENG; THE FRONTIER POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL WATSON, AND DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR CHEUNG CH1-KEUNG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER (NORTH), MR VICTOR CHAN.
BRIEFINGS ARE ALSO BEING BY THE SENIOR HOUSING (NORTH), MR CHAN KWAI-PANG; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE (TAI PO/NORTH), MR STEPHEN CHAU; SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR CHIU; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR LIU TSO-TIM; DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT (NORTH), MR UN WAI-KWOK; AND DISTRICT LEISURE
MANAGER OFFICER MICHAEL HYGIENE MANAGER,
MRS AMY WONG.
AS PART OF AN OVERALL ORIENTATION EXERCISE FOR BOARD MEMBERS, Till NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALSO ARRANGE FAMILIARISATION VISITS TO GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
BOARD MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED BY MR CHEUNG TWO WEEKS AGO ON THE BOARD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
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DUTCH MINISTER VISITS KWAI TS1NG * * t t
HIGH-RANKING DUTCH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LED BY THE NETHERLANDS MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE, MS YVONNE VAN ROOY, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED KWAI TS1NG DISTRICT AND MET LOCAL BUSINESSMEN AS PART OF THEIR PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG TO FOSTER CLOSER ECONOMIC TIES.
THE OFFICIALS ARE REPRESENTING THE DUTCH FOREIGN TRADE AGENCY OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC \FFAIRS AND SEVERAL OE’ 1'HEM ARE EXPERIS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA TRADE.
/DURING THE .......
MONDAY, MAY 29 1988
DURING THE VISIT KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER MR BRIAN COAK, EXPLAINED TO THEM EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT’S TERMINAL 6 AND 7.
MR COAK NOTED THAT SITE FORMATION WORK FOR TERMINAL 6 HAS BEEN WELL AHEAD OF SCHEDULE BY USING DREDGED SEA SAND. THIS PROCESS IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY A CONSORTIUM OF DUTCH AND JAPANESE COMPANIES.
HONG KONG’S CONTAINER PORT HAS OVERTAKEN ROTTERDAM OF THE NETHERLANDS LAST YEAR IN TERMS OF CONTAINERS THROUGHPUT TO BECOME THE BUSIEST PORT IN THE WORLD.
THE PARTY WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
THEY HAD A DISCUSSION WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE KWAI TSING FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIES, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, AND MEMBERS MR JAMES TIEN, MR SO HOI-PAN AND MR CHOI HING-SHUN ON THE GROWTH OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE IN THE DISTRICT AND WORLD TRADE IN GENERAL.
THE NETHERLANDS IS THE FIFTH LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG WITH ABOUT 80 COMPANIES ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY.
-------0---------
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR TIN * » » * *
HAU WORSHIPPERS
MORE THAN 60,000 WORSHIPPERS AND SIGHTSEERS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE TIN HAU TEMPLE IN JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG, ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MAY 7 AND 8) TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU, THE GODDESS OF HEAVEN, AND IS OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO TIN HAU FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD FISHING ALL YEAR ROUND.
IN VIEW OF THE EXPECTED CROWDS, A SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN URGED WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF SEA TRANSPORT.
HE SAID THAT AS CAR PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE THE CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB WILL BE RESERVED FOR ONLY GOVERNMENT VEHICLES THAT ARE BEING DEPLOYED, WORSHIPPERS SHOULD MAKE USE OF FERRY SERVICES TO GO TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE.
/THE HONG KONG
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL ARRANGE SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER AND JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THE FIRST FERRY WILL DEPART FROM NORTH POINT AT 8.30 AM ON SATURDAY AND THE LAST FERRY FROM JOSS HOUSE BAY TO NORTH POINT WILL LEAVE AT 4 PM ON SUNDAY. THE MINIMUM FREQUENCY WILL BE 45 MINUTES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED WORSHIPPERS THAT AS CONDITIONS INSIDE THE TEMPLE WILL BE CROWDED THEY SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL CARE TO AVOID THE RISK OF FIRE.
THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS AND TAKING OF MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO THE TEMPLE WILL BE PROHIBITED.
SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR BURNING OF PAPER AND JOSS STICKS.
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR GRASS-CUTTING IN THE AREA TO MINIMISE FIRE RISKS NEAR THE FERRY PIER AND THE ROUTES TO AND FROM THE TEMPLE.
ADEQUATE POLICE AND MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO DEPOSIT RUBBISH IN LITTER BINS.
LOUDHAILERS SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA NOR SHOULD TAPES BE PLAYED.
- - 0 -
ELECTION OF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR HEUNG YEE KUK
*****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE VACANCIES OF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR THE 27TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
TAI PO ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR LAU MAN-SANG
MR CHAN KOON-YAU MR WONG MUK-LIN MR YEUNG CHOI
MR WONG KAM-SANG
MR KAN CHAU-CHU
MR CHU WONG-HING
/SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988
SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR KWONG KWOK-KAM MR KWOK TAM-FOOK MR YEUNG YUK-LUN MR LUNG KWOK-FAI MR NG TO-PO
MR LEUNG CHOI-FOOK MR CHAN HING-KWONG MR WONG TZB-KEUNG MR CHAN SAI-KIT
YUEN LONG ELECTORAL DISTRICT
MR HO KWAN-CHU MR MAN YEUNG-POR MR YEUNG LAI-TONG MR TANG WAI-NAM MR LAM CHIU-KUEN MR TANG WAI-MING MR TANG YAT-KAN
AS THERE ARE ONLY SEVEN CANDIDATES FOR THE SEVEN VACANCIES IN EACH OF THE YUEN LONG AND THE TAI PO ELECTORAL DISTRICTS, THE CANDIDATES SHALL BE ELECTED IPSO FACTO.
HOWEVER, AN ELECTION WILL BE HELD FOR THE SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT IN WHICH NINE CANDIDATES ARE VYING FOR THE SEVEN VACANCIES.
THE ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED BY SECRET BALLOT BEGINNING AT 11.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 9) AT THE HEUNG YEB KUK OFFICE, 47 CUMBERLAND ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SHALL BE THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ELECTION.
-----0-----
/10........
MONDAY, MAY 2,
1988
- 10 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLAN
« * * * t
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE WORK PLAN FOR 1988-89.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON A PURPOSE-BUILT HALF-WAY HOUSE PROJECT FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AT THE JUNCTION OF KUNG LOK ROAD AND HONG NING ROAD.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE A SCHEDULE FOR ALLOCATION OF GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CO-OPTING OF NON-DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS INTO THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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MTR FARE SURCHARGE ON TUEN MUN DB AGENDA » « t » *
THE EFFECTS OF THE PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE PLANNED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATION POLICY WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT BASIC LAW FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CONTAINER YARDS AT THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF TUEN MUN, THE NEED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD TO FORMULATE A COMMUNITY POLICY, AND THE REVIEW OF THE ’’MEET-THE-PUBLIC" SCHEME.
IN ADDITION, THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THE REPORT ON THE DISTRICT BOARD’S OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR, AND THE FIRST REPORT OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
/WORKS AND
11
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1988 «
WORKS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS FOR 1987-88 WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN Hl ROAD, TUEN MUN. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
-------0----------
DB COMMITTEE GETS TO WORK t * t * *
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL ELECT A CHAIRMAN AT THEIR FIRST MEETING OE’ THE NEW TERM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE, SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AND APPORTIONMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS WILL BE DISCUSSED.
FORMATION OF COMMITTEE WORKING GROUPS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH I-LOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI. IT WILL BEGIN .AT 4 PM.
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.1
MONDA$, MAY 2, 1988
ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED » ♦ t ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS* TO SEEK THE CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS ON THE ROOFTOP OF PREMISES AT 108-118 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE OF ’THE ILLEGAL WORKS OVER THE 14TH FLOOR PREMISES IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THESE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES. .
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 29 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * I ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD XT 30.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 178.133 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 286.623 MILLION CUBJ.bY METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 18.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
TEMPORARY U-TURN ON WATERLOO ROAD ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS FROM WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND ONTO WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND OUTSIDE KOWLOON HOSPITAL BETWEEN 10 PM AND MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (MAY 5).
AFFECTED MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, SHEUNG HING STREET, PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
/13
MONDAY, MAY 2,
1988
- 13 -
OPENING OF HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER POSTPONED
*****
DUE TO DELAYS IN CONSTRUCTION WORKS, THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER LINKING HARCOURT ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL NOT BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AS SCHEDULED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW MORNING (TUESDAY).
THE ACTUAL OPENING DATE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED FOR THE TIME BEING.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS LEAVES FOR PEKING ...................................... 1
BUDGET DEBATE TO RESUME IN LEGCO........................... 1
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR NEW TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM ............... 2
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED .... 3
IMPORTANCE OF HORTICULTURE HIGHLIGHTED .................... 5
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND SOUTH SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN .... 7
BOE MEMBERS VISIT INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ...... 7
AUCTION OF VEHICLE NUMBERS ................................ 9
DB SPOTLIGHT ON FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ....... 9
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.......... 10
1986 BY-CENSUS MaIN REPORT: VOLUME 1 PUBLISHED ............ 11
SPECIAL FERRY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL............ 11
ENTRIES INVITED FOR TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RaCES............. 12
WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG, EASTERN DISTRICT ................. 13
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN ......................
CLOSURE OF CHUNG HOM KOK ROaD SECTION ON SATURDAY ......... 14
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988 1
CS LEAVES FOK PEKING ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, LEFT THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING FOR PEKING WHERE HE WOULD HOLD MEETINGS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, SIR DAVID SAID THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT TO PEKING WAS TO CONTINUE THE REGULAR SERIES OF CONTACTS BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFF ICIALS.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE GOING TO SICHUAN BECAUSE IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT PROVINCE OF CHINA.
"THERE ARE SOME JOINT-VENTURE PROJECTS COMPANIES AND SICHUAN. I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE AND THE PLACE,” HE ADDED.
BETWEEN HONG KONG
ABOUT THE ECONOMY
NOTING THAT HIS VISIT WAS NOT GEARED TO COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE BASK' LAW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID NO DOUBT THE SUBJECT WOULD COME UP IN THE CONVERSATIONS.
THIS IS SIR DAVID’S FIRST TRIP TO PEKING AS CHIEF SECRETARY. HE IS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR DICK CLIFT.
SIR DAVID IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (MAY 8).
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BUDGET DEBATE TO RESUME t t t t
EIGHT OFFICIALS WILL SPEAK IN THE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY ) WHEN DEBATE RESUMES I 988 .
IN LEGCO
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL
SPEAKING FIRST WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, Uli HON JOHN CHAMBERS; FOLLOWED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND
MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE;
SECRETARY
FOR DISTRICT
ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD 1.1 AO: THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO; THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, llll HON GEOFFREY BARNES; THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG; AND THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES.
/THE FINANCIAL
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 2
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, WILL WIND UP THE DEBATE.
IN ADDITION, A SESSIONAL PAPER WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING IN THE FORM OF A GOVERNMENT MINUTE RESPONDING TO THE REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE DATED JANUARY 1988.
THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WILL GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
-------0----------
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR NEW TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A COMMITMENT OF $11.5 MILLION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUTERISED TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE EXISTING SYSTEM, WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN 1977, HAS A MAXIMUM DESIGN CAPACITY TO HANDLE VEHICLES PASSING THROUGH EIGHT COLLECTION BOOTHS ONLY.
THUS, IT COULD NOT BE EXPANDED TO INCORPORATE AN ADDITIONAL FOUR TOLL BOOTHS NEEDED IN LATE 1985 TO COPE WITH THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC.
AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, INDIVIDUAL MICRO-PROCESSOR-BASED TOLL COLLECTION UNITS, WHICH ARE NOT LINKED TO THE CENTRAL COMPUTER, WERE INSTALLED IN THE ADDITIONAL TOLL BOOTHS.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN EXTRA WORKLOAD DUE TO THE NEED FOR MANUAL COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA AT THE ADDITIONAL TOLL BOOTHS.
BESIDES, THE EXISTING SYSTEM IS FOUND TO BE APPROACHING THE END OF ITS SERVICEABLE LIFE WITH AN AVERAGE OF 82 FAULTS PER YEAR, THE CAUSES OF HALF OF Will ('ll CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED.
HENCE, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SYSTEM.
/OTHER ITEMS .......
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1988
OTHER ITEMS ON TOMORROW’S AGENDA INCLUDE:
* APPROVAL OF AN ALLOCATION OF $2,090 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY;
» APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $352 MILLION TO $1,032 MILLION TO MEET THE INCREASED COST OF BUILDING AN EXTENSION TO THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL AND TO CARRY OUT REFURBISHMENT AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT THE HOSPITAL; AND
♦ APPROVAL OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT UP TO $10,000 MILLION BETWEEN 1989-90 AND 1993-94 IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
--------0 ---------
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 AMOUNTED TO $14,639 MILLION, WHICH WAS 16.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 30.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STAT I ST ICS DEPARTMENT.
WITH REGARD TO THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS TO A LARGE EXTENT DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS.
HE SAID THAT THERE WERE INDICATIONS FROM OTHER DATA SOURCES THAT THE INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS COULD HAVE BEEN WELL OVER 20 PER CENT BETWEEN THE FOURTH QUARTER 1986 AND FOURTH QUARTER 1987.
HENCE, THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED, AFTER DISCOUNTING COST INFLATION, ACTUALLY GREW MUCH MORE SLOWLY THAN THE NOMINAL CONSTRUCTION VALUES REPORTED HERE. THIS POINT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND WHEN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
/CONSTRUCTION WORK
TUESDAY, MAY 1988
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING WORK CARRIED OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND AT OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 HAD A GROSS VALUE OF $9,511 MILLION, WHICH WAS 15.1 PER CENT AND 29.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
THIS GAVE A VALUE INDEX OF 144.3. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100 FOR THIS INDEX.
THE FIGURES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE FREE FROM THE EFFECT OF DOUBLE-COUNTING OF CONSTRUCTION VALUE DUE TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. THEY ARE, THEREFORE, DIFFERENT FROM THE FIGURES IN CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 AMOUNTED TO $7,297 MILLION. THIS WAS 16.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 24.0 PER CENT HIGHER THAN ON THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
OF THIS GROSS VALUE, $2,353 MILLION WAS CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF PUBLIC PROJECTS, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 12.7 PER CENT AND 19.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT AT SITES WAS $4,944 MILLION, WHICH WAS 18.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 26.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (WHICH INCLUDE COMBINED RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS) IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WAS $3,307 MILLION.
THIS REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 14.6 PER CENT AND 12.2 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WAS $1,120 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 31.1 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 75.8 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WAS $656 MILLION, WHICH WAS 19.3 PER CENT AND 47.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS WAS $1,160 MILLION, WHICH WAS 20.1 PER CENT ABOVE THE VALUE IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 18.2 PER CENT ABOVE THE VALUE IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
/THE HIGH
TUESDAY, MAT 3, 1988
THE HIGH OUTPUT VALUE OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS RECORDED SINCE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF SEVERAL LARGE PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 4TH QUARTER 1987" RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY REPORT IS PRICED AT 12 A COPY. IT MAY BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234860.
-----0-----
IMPORTANCE OF HORTICULTURE HIGHLIGHTED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF HORTICULTURE IN HONG KONG’S LIFESTYLE AND THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE LOCAL FARMING INDUSTRY TO THE FRESH FOOD SUPPLY.
"HONG KONG IS A SMALL TERRITORY AND EXTREMELY DENSELY POPULATED WITH 5.6 MILLION PEOPLE CROWDING ON JUST OVER 1,000 SQUARE KILOMETRES OF LAND," HE POINTED OUT.
"THE LOCAL POPULATION, TOGETHER WITH OVER FOUR MILLION TOURISTS EACH YEAR, CONSUMES AN AVERAGE OF 1,140 TONNES OF VEGETABLES AND 1,240 TONNES OF FRUIT DAILY.
"THE POPULAR RESTAURANT CUISINE WHICH ATTRACTS MANY LOCAL CUSTOMERS AND FOREIGN VISITORS IS NO DOUBT DUE TO THE GOOD COOKING TECHNIQUE BUT THE GOOD QUALITY OF RAW MATERIALS INCLUDING FRESH HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS MUST HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO ITS SUCCESS.
"ALL THESE HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF HORTICULTURE IN THE LIFESTYLE OF HONG KONG."
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1988
DR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON HORTICULTURAL CROP FARMING ORGANISED - FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG - BY THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. •
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SEMINAR COMPRISE AROUND 60 ADMINISTRATORS, MANAGERS AND EXPERTS IN HORTICULTURE AND RELATED FIELDS FROM REPRESENTATIVE PRIVATE FIRMS, ACADEMIC INSTITUTES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
•
DR LEE SAID THAT OWING TO THE SCARCITY OF ARABLE LAND AND THE KEEN COMPETITION POSED BY IMPORTED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE, HONG KONG FARMERS TENDED TO GROW PERISHABLE CROPS FETCHING HIGHER PRICES AND QUICKER RETURNS.
’VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TYPE OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
’’THE MORE FERTILE LAND WHICH IS READILY ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD HAS USUALLY BEEN USED FOR VEGETABLE GROWING AND IN 1987, 2,170 HECTARES WERE CULTIVATED, PRODUCING 34 PER CENT OF THE LOCALLY CONSUMED VEGETABLES.”
WITH THE INCREASING AFFLUENCE OF SOCIETY, DR LEE SAID, FLOWER CULTIVATION, WHICH OCCUPIED A TOTAL OF 340 HECTARES, WAS BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT. FRUIT GROWING, HOWEVER, WAS CONFINED TO ONLY ABOUT 530 HECTARES IN HILL SLOPES AND MARGINAL LANDS.
DR LEE TOLD THE GATHERING THAT IN SUPPORT OF THE FARMING INDUSTRY, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT UNDERTOOK INVESTIGATORY WORK AIMED AT SOLVING TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPING IMPROVED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.
THROUGH ITS EXTENSIVE SERVICE, HE SAID, NEW CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES WERE INTRODUCED AND PROMOTED.
THESE WERE SUPPLEMENTED BY VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES ON VARIOUS FARM SUBJECTS AND A WIDE RANGE OF TECHNICAL SERVICES INCLUDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT, LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS, SOIL ANALYSIS AND PEST CONTROL SERVICE.
-------0---------
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND SOUTH SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN
* » * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO PRODUCE A SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL MASTER PLAN EOR THE SOUTH OP HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE AREA COVERED EXTENDS EROM SHOUSON HILL TO BIG WAVE BAY INCLUDING POPULAR AMENITY AREAS AT DEEP WATER BAY, REPULSE BAY’ STANLEY AND SHEK O.
THE STUDY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY WH CONSULTANTS (HONG KONG)
ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO COMPREHENSIVELY ANALYSE THE EXISTING SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES OF THE AREA AND DEVELOP A LONG TERM MASTER PLAN, WITH Y DETAILED IMPROVEMENT WORKS PROGRAMME, FOR THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
SHORT TERM ABATEMENT MEASURES AIMED AT IMPROVING LOCAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS WILL ALSO BE IDENTIFIED AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $6.9 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. AN EARLY ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICAL POLLUTION MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE AVAIL,ABLE LATER THIS SUMMER.
--------o-----------
BOE MEMBERS VISIT INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION
*****
THE CHAIRMAN AND SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) TODAY' (TUESDAY) VISITED THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILF) OF Till' EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE OBJECTIVES, COURSES AND FACILITIES OF THE INSTITUTE.
THE PARTY COMPRISED MRS RITA FAN (CHAIRMAN), MR CHAN YING-LUN, MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MR TAM MAN-KWAN, MR TIMOTHY HA, MR ERIC LI, YND MR DOMINIC WONG.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION YND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, ALSO JOINED 'I HF. PARTY , WHICH WAS ACCOMPANIED ON Till'. VISIT BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (II.E), DR VERNER BICKLEY, YND THE BOE SECRETARY, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER MISS ROSE LAI'.
THE VISITORS TOURED THE II.E’S PREMISES IN THE PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.
/THERE THEY........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988
8
THERE THEY HEARD HOW THE ILE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1982 WITH THE PURPOSE OF RAISING THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF TEACHING CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE AIM WAS TO HELP CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM DEGREE OF BILINGUAL COMPETENCE.
AS A TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTRE FOR PROGRAMMES RELATING TO LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING, THE 1LE IS ENGAGED IN ORGANISING IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH, CONDUCTING RESEARCH INTO LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING, AND ARRANGING SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING.
IT IS ALSO PROVIDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN LANGUAGE TEACHING AND IN LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAINING, PUBLISHING BOOKS AND ARTICLES IN JOURNALS ON LANGUAGE TEACHING AND DESIGNS, AND TESTING PROTOTYPE TEACHING MATERIALS.
EACH YEAR, THE ILE ORGANISES TWO 16-WEEK IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR EXPERIENCED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL IS PROVIDED WITH A FULL-TIME REPLACEMENT TEACHER FOR ONE ACADEMIC YEAR TO ENABLE TWO TEACHERS ON FULL-PAY STUDY LEAVE TO BE RELEASED TO ATTEND CONSECUTIVE COURSES OF ABOUT 400 HOURS PER COURSE.
THE BOE MEMBERS ALSO LEARNT THAT THE COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP TEACHERS TO GAIN FURTHER KNOWLEDGE OF THEORY AND PRACTICE IN LANGUAGE TEACHING.
THEY ARE ALSO DESIGNED TO INCREASE PROFICIENCY IN CANTONESE, PUTONGHUA AND ENGLISH AND TO ENHANCE ABILITY TO SOLVE LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING PROBLEMS AT CLASSROOM LEVEL AND TO EVALUATE THE TEACHERS’ OWN PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE.
THE VISITORS INSPECTED TWO CLASSROOMS EQUIPPED WITH MODERN AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING A WIRE-FREE INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM \NI) A VIDEO-CASSETTE RECORDING SYSTEM.
THEY ALSO TOURED A COMPARATIVE LANGUAGE LABORATORY AND A FULLY-EQUIPPED MICROCOMPUTER ROOM.
0
/9........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988
- 9 -
AUCTION OF VEHICLE NUMBERS ♦ » ♦ t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER
AUCTION OF VEHICLE
REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) AT 10 AM ROOM OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG.
IN THE WRITTEN
GROUND
TEST FLOOR,
A TOTAL OF 40 CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY
ARE:
DS1473 DS3231 DS7833 DR9854 DS2829 DR9281 DR7221 DS8026 DS6627 DT1210 DS3083 DT1118 DT4677 DS9386 DS6793 DT531 DS4OO8 DTI 106 DS8111 DT8026 DT1223 DB501 AD3781 DU991 DS6123 DT9503 DU316 CF337 CK7351 AE7643 DS1381 AY673 DT996 DU7351 AP1189 DU6626 DU914 DV5551 DU6831 AV2232
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE BIDDING.
TO
12
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER W1IH1N
THAT THE A VEHICLE MONTHS OF
THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO LOTTERIES FUND.
THE
GOVERNMENT
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 124TH ORGANISED BY I HE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-----0------
DB SPOTLIGHT ON FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ♦ t » ♦ *
SCHOOL
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD PLACES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED
WILL DISCUSS THE FOR HANDICAPPED
ADEQUACY OF
AND
HANDICAPPED (WEDNESDAY).
CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TO BE HELD
MENTALLY
TOMORROW
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DiSCUSS A HUMBER Of HOUSING MATTERS.
/THESE INCLUDE
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1988
10 -
THESE INCLUDE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS AND I EMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN UPPER KWAI CHUNG, STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS OF BLOCK SIX OF KWAI FONG ESTATE, LAW AND ORDER IN KWAI FONG AND KWAI HING ESTATES, AND THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR KWAI HING ESTATE.
FOLLOW-UP ACTION CONCERNING THE PROPOSED OPENING OF AN OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE IN TSING YI GARDEN AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES WILL ALSO BE ON THE AGENDA.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN TSING YI AND ON THE POSSIBLE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEETiNG TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG. IT WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
-------0 - - - -
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME » * t * *
ABOUT $340,000 WILL BE SPENT ON THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) IN TAI PO, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S 1988 SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
OF THE $340,000, ABOUT $200,000 WILL COME FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE REMAINDER FROM LOCAL DONATIONS AND PARTICIPANTS’ FEES.
MR HO ALSO INVITED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
LETTERS WOULD SOON BE SENT TO THESE BODIES TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME, HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TING KOK ROAD. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111 EXT. 244.
------O---------
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988
1986 BY-CENSUS MAIN REPORT: VOLUME 1 PUBLISHED * * » » *
MAIN FINDINGS OF THE 1986 BY-CENSUS, IN THE FORM OF ANALYSES AND SUMMARY TABLES, WERE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) IN A REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT ENTITLED "HONG KONG 1986 BY-CENSUS MAIN REPORT: VOLUME 1" IS THE LAST IN A SERIES OF REPORTS BEING PUBLISHED ON THE 1986 BY-CENSUS.
"THE REPORT IS AIMED AT THE GENERAL READER AND SHOWS COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"CENSUS DATA ARE ANALYSED THROUGH COMPARISONS WITH THE 1976 BY-CENSUS AND THE 1981 CENSUS, AND DISCUSSION OF THE CHANGES IS GIVEN.
"TOPICS SUCH AS AGE AND SEX, GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION, HOUSING, HOUSEHOLDS, EDUCATION, LABOUR FORCE, INCOME, INTERNAL MOVEMENT AND THE NEW TOWNS POPULATION ARE CONSIDERED IN DETAIL."
A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CENSUS METHODOLOGY AND AN ASSESSMENT OF DATA QUALITY YRE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $80 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PlBL1CAT1ONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATION OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WAN ('HAI TOWER J, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL FERRY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL * * » » t
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT (EAST) FERRY PIER AND JOSS HOUSE BAY WILL BE OPERATED BY' THE HONGKONG AND YAUMAT1 FERRY COMPANY DURING THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE SPECIAL FERRIES WILL START RUNNING AT 8.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) AND OPERATE OVERNIGHT UNTIL 1 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8).
/THE SERVICE
TUESDAY, MAY 1988
- 12 -
THE SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED AT AN INTERVAL OF 60 MINUTES BUT THE FREQUENCY WILL BE INCREASED TO 45 MINUTES BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM ON SUNDAY. THE LAST FERRY WILL DEPART FROM NORTH POINT TO JOSS HOUSE BAY AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY.
FARES CHARGED PER SINGLE JOURNEY WILL BE $18 FOR ADULTS AND $12 FOR CHILDREN IN DELUXE CLASS AND $13 AND $8 RESPECTIVELY FOR THOSE RIDING IN ORDINARY CLASS.
IN ADDITION, FERRY SERVICES LINKING NORTH POINT WITH KWUN TONG, KOWLOON CITY AND HUNG HOM RESPECTIVELY WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON MAY 7.
MEANWHILE, THE BUS TERMINAL FOR OVERNIGHT CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 122 OUTSIDE THE NORTH POINT (EAST) FERRY PIER WILL BE RELOCATED TO JAVA ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH KAM HONG STREET ON MAY 8 TO FACILITATE CROWD CONTROL.
-----0------
ENTRIES INVITED FOR TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES ♦ » » ♦ ♦
THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE 1988 WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF RACES FOR DRAGON BOATS OF DIFFERENT SIZES ON JUNE 18 (SATURDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONAL TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE RACES WILL BE HELD ALONG THE WATERFRONT FACING SAM SHING ESTATE.
ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO FORM TEAMS TO COMPETE IN THE RACES.
THE WATERCOURSE FOR BOTH THE LARGE AND MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT RACES IS 400 METRES AND FOR PHOENIX BOAT RACES 200 METRES.
EACH LARGE DRAGON BOAT TEAM SHOULD HAVE NOT MORE THAN 54 MEMBERS, INCLUDING A COXSWAIN AND A DRUMMER, WHILE THE LIMIT FOR THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT TEAMS ARE 28 AND 16 MEMBERS RESPECTIVELY.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS FOR BOTH THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT RACES HAVE TO PAY A FEE OF $500, WHILE ENTRY FOR THE LARGE DRAGON BOAT RACE IS FREE.
/The race .......
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1988
THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL SUPPLY THE BOATS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT TEAMS. COMPETING TEAMS FOR THE LARGE DRAGON BOAT AND THE MEDIUM BOAT INVITATION RACES, HOWEVER, HAVE TO USE THEIR OWN BOATS.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE
ON THE SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ABOVE OFFICE BEFORE MAY 14 (SATURDAY).
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4513048.
-----0------
WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG, EASTERN DISTRICT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 5) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HIP WO STREET, SHUI NING STREET AND WAN HON STREET.
IN ADDITION, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE CUT OFF ON THURSDAY (MAY 5) FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, YEE KING ROAD AND LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD.
-----0-----
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1988
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN
♦ * » » »
i
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TSUEN WAN FROM FRIDAY (MAY 6) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER AT TSUEN WAN ROAD.
UNDER THE MEASURES, A SECTION CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN WAN ROAD NEAR THE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 8.
OF THE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND ROUNDABOUT WITH TEXACO ROAD
AND 5.30 AM DAILY ON MAY 6, 7
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD.
BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY ON MAY 9, 10 AND 11, THE SLIP ROAD FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN WAN ROAD LEADING TO THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES HEADING FOR TSUEN WAN WILL BF DIVERTED VIA HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FUK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD.
-----o------
!
CLOSURE OF CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD SECTION ON SATURDAY
* » « » »
1 I THE SECTION OF CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD SOUTH OF THE CMB ROUTE 262 BUS TERMINUS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) FOR A COMMUNITY FUNCTION.
THE CLOSURE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM THAT DAY.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES • • • BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, -HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
... ......... . CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
1987-88 SURPLUS REACHES 310.6 BILLION................... 1
PRJMATURE TO REVISE FORECASTS FOR GDP .................. 3
SEPARATE TAXATION FOR WORKING WIVES PROMISED ........... 4
FUTURE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY BEING EXAMINED........*..... 6
CIVIL'SERVICE GROWTH UNAVOIDABLE ...................... 8
HKTA SUBVENTION ARRANGEMENT HAS FLEXIBILITY....... 9
ENTHUSIASM MUST NOT OUTSTRIP RESOURCES ................ 11
'PHILOSOPHICALu-RESPONSE WAS SOUGHT ................... 12
BUDGET PROVIDES STABILITY, CONTINUITY ................. 1?
AUTHORITY CAN CONSIDER CHANGES TO HOSPITAL SERVICE COSTS ................................................. 14
IMPROVED SOCIaL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR ELDERLY.......... 16
• • • • . • » . . . . .
MORE ATTENTION GIVEN TO POLLUTION PROBLEMS............. 18
FUNDS FOR RESEARCH IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.......... 20
DISADVANTAGE OF IMPORTING LABOUR OUTLINED ............. 22
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE DECLINES ......................... 23
Vv
BALANCED HOUSING PROGRAMME TO MEET ALL NEEDS BY 2001 ... 25
/EVERYTHING BEING .....
EVERYTHING BEING DONE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE .............. 27
TALKS HELD WITH COUNTRIES ON REFUGEE ISSUE................. JO
PRISON INDUSTRIES BEING DEVELOPED .......................
CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO URB.iN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT .... 33
RESTRAINT MEASURES NECESSARY TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION 35 TWO BILLS PASSED ......................................... 38
FOREIGN SECRETARY TO VISIT HONG KONG ......................... 39
NEW SCHEME TO SUBSIDISE STUDENTS' TRAVEL...................... 39
PUBLIC URGED TO TaKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SUMMER DISEASES ... 41
MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE A SUCCESS ................ 42
LADY WILSON TO OPEN C.Jffi HOME IN KWAI TSING ................ 43
MINISTER GIVES HK'S VIEWS ON TRaDE BILL....................... 43
KWUN TONG DB'S HOUSING COMMITTEE TO FORMULATE WORK PLAN .... 45
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS USE OF VACANT CROWN LAND.............. 45
KOWLOON CITY DB TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION ................... 46
SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS ALLOCATION OF FUNDS ................... 46
WATER CUTS IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON TCNG ....................... 47
RESTRICTED ZONES IN STANLEY .................................. 48
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI ................................. 48
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE ON CONNaUGHT RO«D CENTRAL........ 49
URBAN CLELlRWkY RESTRICTION IN KWAI CHUNG..................... 49
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION LIFTED ............................ 49
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 1 -
1987-88 SURPLUS REACHES >10.6 BILLION * * * *
HONG KONG WILL HAVE A CONSOLIDATED SURPLUS OF >10.6 BILLION FOR 1987-88 COMPARED WITH THE EARLIER REVISED ESTIMATE OF >7.6 BILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, HE SAID SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN PROFITS TAX, COMPANY REGISTRATION FEES AND STAMP DUTY AND VARIOUS OTHER FACTORS HAD SERVED TO INCREASE THE ESTIMATED GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT SURPLUS FOR LAST YEAR TO >10.6 BILLION.
MOREOVER, THE TOTAL OF THE FUND BALANCES WOULD NOW REMAIN VIRTUALLY STATIC, RATHER THAN GROW BY THE >1.5 BILLION INDICATED EARLIER.
MR JACOBS SAID WHEN PREPARING THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR PROFITS TAX YIELDS IN 1987-88, THE GOVERNMENT HAD GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT TAX RECEIPTS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY THE AFTERMATH OF THE OCTOBER STOCK MARKET CRASH.
"THIS HAS NOT, HOWEVER, PROVED TO BE THE CASE AND, AS WE HAVE SEEN, CORPORATE RESULTS HAVE CONTINUED TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE ALSO WITNESSED A REDUCTION IN TAX ARREARS ENCOURAGED, PERHAPS, BY IMPROVED COMPANY LIQUIDITY AND RELATIVELY LOW INTEREST RATES.
"THE RESULT IS AN IMPROVEMENT IN ESTIMATED PROFITS TAX RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR FROM THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF >13.1 BILLION TO $15.4 BILLION."
OF LESS SIGNIFICANCE, COMPANY REGISTRATION FEES HAD BEEN BOOSTED BY SOME $350 MILLION DUE TO A SUBSTANTIAL ONE-OFF YIELD FROM A MAJOR COMPANY RESTRUCTURING THAT TOOK PLACE TOWARDS THE YEAR END.
IN ADDITION AS STOCK MARKET TURNOVER HAD RECOVERED SHARPLY TOWARDS THE YEAR END, OUT-TURN ON STAMP DUTY AS A RESULT IMPROVED FURTHER FROM THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF >5 BILLION TO $5.3 BILLION.
ANOTHER FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATED GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT SURPLUS WAS THE NEW FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN APPLIED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR WHICH REQUIRED SOME PREPARATORY ADJUSTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS.
/"IN PARTICULAR,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 2 -
"IN PARTICULAR, THE VALUE OF CONTRIBUTIONS MADE IN EARLIER YEARS TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED BACK TO GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT," MR JACOBS EXPLAINED.
"THE REMAINING BALANCE ON THE FUND WILL PASS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AS PART OF ITS INITIAL CAPITAL UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
"THE AMOUNT DRAWN BACK INTO GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT IS JUST UNDER $1 BILLION. THE RESULT IS TO INFLATE THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT SURPLUS BY THAT AMOUNT AND TO REDUCE FUND BALANCES CORRESPONDINGLY."
WHILE NOTING THAT SOME OF THESE ADJUSTMENTS WERE ONE-OFF AND HAD NO IMPLICATIONS BEYOND 1987-88, MR JACOBS SAID THE BOOST TO PROFITS TAX RECEIPTS, HOWEVER, WAS A FURTHER INDICATION THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY SURVIVED THE PRESSURES OF THE STOCK MARKET CRASH RELATIVELY UNSCATHED.
THIS WAS ALSO A HOPEFUL SIGN FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN REVENUE YIELD IN 1988-89, HE SAID.
ON THE TECHNICALITY OF MAKING FORECASTS, MR JACOBS SAID FORECASTING HAD BECOME PECULIARLY DIFFICULT IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL EVENTS OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AS THOSE OF LAST OCTOBER.
WHILE CONCEDING THAT PROFITS TAX WAS INEVITABLY A MORE VOLATILE ELEMENT OF REVENUE, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNDERTAKING A REVIEW TO IMPROVE REVENUE PROJECTIONS IN THIS AREA.
"THE DIFFICULTY WE FACE IN FORECASTING PROFITS TAX REVENUE IS THAT THE BULK OF RECEIPTS COME IN OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF THE FISCAL YEAR," HE EXPLAINED.
AGREEING WITH A MEMBER’S VIEW THAT THE UNEXPECTED CONSOLIDATED SURPLUS WAS NOT AN OCCASION FOR GREAT REJOICING, MR JACOBS ADDED THAT FOR THE REASONS HE HAD MENTIONED, HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT EVEN IN THE LIGHT OF THIS ADDITIONAL SURPLUS FURTHER TAX REDUCTIONS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROPOSED.
"IT IS MORE APPROPRIATE THAT THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT SHOULD BE USED TO BUILD UP OUR FISCAL RESERVES.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, MEMBERS WILL RECOLLECT THAT IN MY BUDGET SPEECH I POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST PERIOD THE RESERVE BALANCES WILL FALL AS A PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL SPENDING FROM ABOUT 77 PER CENT TO 65 PER CENT," HE SAID.
ON THE EXPENDITURE OUT-TURN FOR THE YEAR, MR JACOBS SAID INDICATIONS WERE THAT THIS HAD BEEN MUCH AS EXPECTED AND THE VARIATION FROM THE REVISED EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES TABLED ON MARCH 2 SHOULD BE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 3 -
PREMATURE TO REVISE FORECASTS FOR GDP t « * * *
THERE WERE TRENDS THAT SUGGESTED THE GROWTH RATE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS SLACKENING AND IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO REVISE THE FORECASTS FOR EITHER THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) OR INFLATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR JACOBS SAID THE TREND OF SLOWER GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BEGAN TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, AND IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RETAINED IMPORTS HAD CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN.
MR JACOBS SAID HE SHARED SOME OF THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY SOME COUNCILLORS IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE PROSPECTS FOR THE WORLD ECONOMY, AND THE RECENT TENDENCY FOR PRICES TO EDGE UP.
"A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAVE WARNED OF THE RISK OF RISING INFLATION AND ITS INHERENT DANGERS," MR JACOBS SAID.
HE SAID THE SENIOR MEMBER HAD WARNED THAT BOTH THE INFLATION FORECAST FOR 1988-89 OF SEVEN PER CENT AND THE INFLATION ASSUMPTION UNDERLYING THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST OF 5.5 PER CENT MIGHT BE TOO LOW.
OTHER MEMBERS, HE SAID, HAD WARNED THAT THE CURRENT TIGHT LABOUR MARKET AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE PRESSURE THAT WOULD BE PUT ON JT BY THE PLANNED EXPANSION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO INFLATION.
"IN PUTTING TOGETHER MY BUDGET PACKAGE I WAS AWARE OF THE RISK THAT INCREASED SPENDING AND REDUCED TAXATION COULD PROVIDE AN UNDESIRABLE STIMULUS TO THE ECONOMY GIVEN THAT IT WAS ALREADY OPERATING CLOSE TO ITS CAPACITY LIMITS.
"I TOOK THE VIEW, HOWEVER, THAT BECAUSE THE OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY WAS EXPECTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE LIMITED DEGREE OF STIMULUS INVOLVED IN THE PACKAGE PRESENTED WAS TOLERABLE," MR JACOBS SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE SIGNS THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT OVER THE LONGER TERM, THE LINK BETWEEN THE U.S. DOLLAR AND THE HONG KONO DOLLAR SHOULD MEAN THAT THERE WAS A TENDENCY FOR THE INFLATION RATE IN THE TERRITORY TO FOLLOW THAT IN THE UNITED STATES, ALTHOUGH THERE MIGHT BE SIGNIFICANT DEVIATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME.
"THE U.S. INFLATION RATE IS CURRENTLY AROUND FOUR PER CENT AND TENDING TO RISE, BUT IF THE U.S. ECONOMY SLOWS DOWN IN 1989 OR 1990 AS EXPECTED, THE INFLATION RATE THERE SHOULD FALL AGAIN," MR JACOBS SAID.
/"THUS, INFLATION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4f 1988
"THUS, INFLATION IN HONG KONG CAN ALSO BE EXPECTED TO FALL IN DUE COURSE,” HE SAID.
”SO, THE PRESUMPTION OF 5.5 PER CENT INFLATION FOR THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST MIGHT WELL TURN OUT TO BE PESSIMISTIC,” HE ADDED.
’’NEVERTHELESS, I ACCEPT THAT INFLATION REMAINS A CONCERN.”
AS TO WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DOING TO AVOID AGGRAVATING INFLATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: ’’THE OPEN, FREE MARKET NATURE OF OUR ECONOMY MEANS THAT THERE IS LITTLE GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO RESTRAIN INFLATION BEYOND SEEKING TO ENSURE THAT ITS OWN SPENDING AND REVENUE-RAISING ACTIVITIES DO NOT ADD TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.
’’THIS IS NEVER EASY TO ACHIEVE BUT THE CAUTION UNDERLYING MY BUDGETARY STRATEGY WAS PARTLY MOTIVATED BY A DESIRE TO ENSURE THAT WE DID NOT ADD TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES," HE ADDED.
"THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES THERE IS LITTLE OR NO ROOM FOR FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN TAXATION OR SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN SPENDING."
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SEPARATE TAXATION FOR WORKING WIVES PROMISED » ♦ * *
A FIRM COMMITMENT TO INTRODUCE SEPARATE TAXATION FOR WORKING WIVES AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE WAS MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS COMMITMENT ARE ALREADY IN PREPARATION," HE SAID WHEN WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988.
THE TARGET DATE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SEPARATE TAXATION WAS 1990, HE SAID.
THERE WERE A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT QUESTIONS TO BE RESOLVED, OPTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED, AND TECHNICAL PROCEDURES TO BE COMPLETED. BUT HE WAS CONFIDENT SATISFACTORY SOLUTIONS COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH CONSULTATION WITH THE OMELCO PANEL ON TAXATION.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS NOW ALMOST UNANIMOUS SUPPORT IN THE COUNCIL FOR THE MEASURE, MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD CERTAINLY NOT REJECTED THE IDEA IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH AS SOME MEMBERS HAD SUGGESTED.
/RATHER, HE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 5 -
RATHER, HE HAD SAID HE WAS PREPARED TO CONSIDER FURTHER HOW SEPARATE TAXATION MIGHT BE INTRODUCED.
HE ALSO REFERRED TO THE HON RITA FAN’S REMARKS THAT REPRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS ON SEPARATE TAXATION WERE OVERLOOKED.
"AS MRS FAN RIGHTLY SAID, THE OMELCO TAXATION PANEL ADDRESSED ME ON THIS ISSUE IN FEBRUARY 1987," HE SAID.
"I SUBSEQUENTLY ARGUED AGAINST SEPARATE TAXATION BOTH IN MY 1987 BUDGET SPEECH, AND IN MY CONCLUDING SPEECH, IN WHICH I GAVE A DETAILED RESPONSE TO MEMBERS’ COMMENTS.
"IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, AND AT THAT TIME, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN QUITE ILLOGICAL TO CARRY OUT FURTHER WORK ON THIS MATTER IN THE LIGHT OF WHAT I HAD SAID.
"AFTER I DELIVERED MY CONCLUDING SPEECH IN LAST YEAR’S DEBATE, I DID NOT HEAR FURTHER FROM MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL UNTIL NOVEMBER 1987.
"MEMBERS THEN AGAIN URGED THAT CONSIDERATION BE* GIVEN TO INTRODUCING SEPARATE TAXATION FOR WORKING MARRIED WOMEN.
"BY THAT TIME IT WAS TOO LATE TO INTRODUCE NEW PROPOSALS INTO MY 1988-89 BUDGET STRATEGY.
"IN ANY EVENT, I WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT SOME MEMBERS HAD EARLIER ADVOCATED AN ALLOWANCE FOR WORKING MARRIED WOMEN AND, BEARING IN MIND THE FACT THAT I HAD DECIDED TO GRANT AN ALLOWANCE THIS YEAR, I FELT THAT I SHOULD INDICATE THAT THE ALLOWANCE WAS DESIGNED TO PUT MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF WORKING MARRIED WOMEN WHILE WE CONSIDERED THE BEST METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING FULL SEPARATE TAXATION."
ON CALLS THAT TAX RELIEF BE PROVIDED FOR HOME PURCHASE PAYMENTS, MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG HAD VERY LOW TAXATION, WHICH SHOULD REMAIN NEUTRAL IN ITS EFFECT, AND NOT BE UNDULY DISTORTED IN FAVOUR OF PARTICULAR CLASSES OR GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS.
"WHILST I AM, OF COURSE, SYMPATHETIC TO THOSE BUYING THEIR OWN HOMES WITH MORTGAGE FINANCE, I WOULD POINT OUT THAT, TAKEN TOGETHER, MY BUDGET PROPOSALS THIS YEAR PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT ASSISTANCE TO THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP, NOT LEAST TO THE 100,000 OR SO PERSONS WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RELAXATION IN THE RATES OF STAMP DUTY APPLICABLE TO SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED PROPERTIES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO REFERRED TO PROBLEMS THE 1986 U.S. TAX REFORM ACT MIGHT POSE FOR HONG KONG-BASED SHIPOWNERS.
"WE ARE CONSULTING THE U.S. AUTHORITIES ON THIS COMPLEX ISSUE IN AN EFFORT TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF THE LEGISLATION ON HONG KONG-BASED SHIPOWNERS. THEREAFTER, WE SHALL EVALUATE THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
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/6........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 6 -
FUTURE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY BEING EXAMINED * * * S «
THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH VARIOUS STATUTORY BODIES, IS LOOKING INTO FUTURE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY AND WAYS TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT, QUALITY IN MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTIVITY, AS WELL AS THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A SCIENCE PARK OR TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, MR JACOBS REITERATED THAT THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR HAD MADE A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
ON A COMMENT ABOUT THE ABSENCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, MR JACOBS QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WAS A NEED FOR ONE.
"I CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT MARKET FORCES MUST BE THE PRIME DETERMINANT OF THE DIRECTION TO BE TAKEN BY OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
"BUSINESSMEN, NOT BUREAUCRATS, SHOULD MAKE BUSINESS•DECISIONS," HE SAID.
"IT IS PARTLY BECAUSE BUSINESSMEN ENJOY THIS FREEDOM IN HONG KONG THAT OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.
"THIS DOES NOT MEAN OUR MANUFACTURERS LACK GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OR THAT THE SUPPORT IS UNPLANNED. WE GIVE A HIGH PRIORITY TO PROVIDING AN ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE NECESSARY TRAINING FACILITIES.
"WE ALSO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS WITH SERVICES AIMED AT IMPROVING BOTH PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY," HE SAID.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS DONE IN A RATIONAL MANNER BY KEEPING THE QUALITY AND LEVEL OF SUPPORT UNDER REVIEW IN THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB), AND BY MAINTAINING FOR THIS PURPOSE THE PROGRAMME OF INDUSTRIAL STUDIES WHICH HAD BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN IDENTIFYING AREAS WHERE IMPROVEMENTS WERE NEEDED.
ON HELPING INDUSTRIES ACHIEVE A HIGHER MEASURE OF QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH AUTOMATION, MR JACOBS SAID WHILE QUALITY SUPPORT SERVICES FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE ALREADY WELL DEVELOPED, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, ON THE ADVICE OF THE IDB, WAS CONSIDERING WHAT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE QUALITY IN MANUFACTURING.
/’’AS REGARDS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
”AS REGARDS PRODUCTIVITY, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IS ALREADY PROVIDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES ON AUTOMATION SYSTEMS, AND WILL SOON BE OPENING UP LABORATORY SERVICES ON THE AUTOMATION OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD PRODUCTION,” MR JACOBS SAID.
"RESEARCH IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES IN THE AUTOMATION OF THE DESIGN OF MOULDS AND DIES,” HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL WAS HELPING TO SPREAD THE USE OF COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES MORE WIDELY.
RESPONDING TO A SUGGESTION THAT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO LOCAL INDUSTRY THROUGH AN INCREASE IN CAPITAL ALLOWANCES FOR EXPENDITURE ON THE PROVISION OF PLANT AND MACHINERY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT IN 1987 THERE WAS NO RELUCTANCE ON THE PART OF MANUFACTURERS TO INVEST.
"I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE SELECTIVE INDUCEMENT OF AN INCREASE IN CAPITAL ALLOWANCES IS WHAT IS NEEDED AT THIS TIME,” HE SAID.
"I CONSIDER THAT THE REDUCTION PROPOSED IN THE RATE OF TAX ON CORPORATE PROFITS WILL PROVIDE APPROPRIATE AND PROPER ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL THOSE IN BUSINESS.”
ON THE QUESTION OF FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR JACOBS SAID THAT WHEN PROJECTS AND POLICIES WERE IDENTIFIED AND MERITED IMPLEMENTATION, THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS WOULD SEEK FUNDS IN THE NORMAL WAY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE IDB HAD RECENTLY ENDORSED RECOMMENDATIONS THAT AN URBAN MULTI-STOREY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED.
"HOWEVER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THIS INITIATIVE IS WELL THOUGHT THROUGH, THAT THE FACILITY IS TAILORED TO HONG KONG’S NEEDS, AND THAT THE LONG-TERM COMMITMENT REQUIRED TO SUPPORT IT IS FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND RECOGNISED,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO DO INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY TO ACHIEVE TECHNOLOGY.
MORE TO PROMOTE THE TRANSFER OF
IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SAY BEING DEVOTED TO THIS.
WHETHER SUFFICIENT RESOURCES WERE
"BUT WE ARE STRENGTHENING OUR EFFORTS IN THIS FIELD,” HE SAID.
"IN 1988-89, THE BUDGET FOR THESE ACTIVITIES IS ABOUT 15 PER CENT UP, AND PROVIDES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING AND EXPANDING OUR INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME.
”1 FULLY ACCEPT THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR INVESTMENT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES IN THE FACE OF INCREASING WORLDWIDE COMPETITION.”
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
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CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH UNAVOIDABLE
t » » *
THE GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE THAT NECESSARY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AND MOREOVER IN THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE MANNER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REFERRING TO THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, MR JACOBS SAID: "I SHARE MEMBERS’ WORRIES, THOUGH AS I SAID IN MY BUDGET SPEECH, THE RATE OF GROWTH EXPECTED IN THE SHORT TERM IS PROBABLY UNAVOIDABLE.
"1 FULLY ACCEPT THAT WE CANNOT AND MUST NOT DISREGARD OUR ANNUAL GROWTH TARGET OF TWO-AND-A-HALF PER CENT FOR TOO I ONG " HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS HIS INTENTION TO RETURN TO A MORE MODEST GROWTH BY 1990-91, DESPITE THE FORECAST CONTAINED IN THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST FOR THE YEARS 1987-88 TO 1991-92.
REFERRING TO A SUGGESTION THAT A COMMISSION EXAMINE FRINGE BENEFITS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY HAD A STANDING COMMISSION WHICH WAS CHARGED WITH THE TASK OF KEEPING CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE UNDER REVIEW.
"I WOULD, HOWEVER. OFFER A WORD OF CAUTION: THERE IS CLEARLY DISQUIET AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS CONCERNING THE POSSIBLE 'EROSION' OF THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE," HE SAID.
"WHILE SUCH CONCERN IS IN MY VIEW MISPLACED, WE MUST RECOGNISE THAT, IF IN THE COMING YEARS WE WANT A CIVIL SERVICE WHICH IS WELL-MOTIVATED AND WHOSE MORALE IS HIGH, REGARD HAS TO BE PAID TO THE PERCEPTION AS WELL AS THE REALITY."
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THAT GREAT CARE HAD TO BE TAKEN IN MATTERS RELATING TO ADJUSTMENTS TO FRINGE BENEFITS TO ENSURE THAT SIGNALS WERE NOT MISREAD EITHER BY CIVIL SERVANTS OR THOSE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO ATTRACT INTO THE SERVICE.
REGARDING A PROPOSAL THAT A CASH ALLOWANCE BE PAID IN LIEU OF HOUSING TO ATTRACT LOCAL LAWYERS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT A REVIEW OF MEASURES DESIGNED TO FURTHER THE LOCALISATION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS A FULL REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS WAS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY.
ON THE MOVEMENT OF STAFF BETWEEN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THAT IN PRINCIPLE CROSS-FERTILISATION OF THIS KIND WAS A GOOD IDEA.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 9 -
HE SAID THAT OVER THE PAST 15 OR SO YEARS, SEVERAL MIDDLE-RANKING OFFICIALS HAD BEEN SECONDED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. TWO WERE SECONDED AT PRESENT AND THE NUMBER WOULD BE INCREASED TO FOUR A YEAR IF POSSIBLE.
"HOWEVER, WE WOULD PREFER RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS AND THE DIFFICULTY SEEMS TO BE TO FIND PRIVATE FIRMS WHO WILL RELEASE STAFF FOR SECONDMENT TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PERMANENT LOSS OF TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED STAFF TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS A DIFFERENT MATTER.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS AS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AS ANY OTHER EMPLOYER WOULD BE," HE SAID.
"WHERE, OCCASIONALLY, THE DEPARTURE OF A SENIOR OFFICER MAY LEAD TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WE WILL TAKE ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH CONFLICT DOES NOT OCCUR.
"I WOULD ADD THAT, IN GENERAL, A REASONABLE PERIOD OF SANITISATION SHOULD SUFFICE," HE SAID.
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HKTA SUBVENTION ARRANGEMENT HAS FLEXIBILITY « « » » *
NEW SUBVENTION ARRANGEMENTS WILL BRING THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IN LINE WITH OTHER SIMILAR BODIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, MR JACOBS REFERRED TO THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SAYING THAT THE ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE COUNCIL REQUIRED THAT ITS BUDGET AND PROGRAMME BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR EACH YEAR.
"A SIMILAR REQUIREMENT WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED FOR THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IN PURSUANCE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
"THERE IS, OF COURSE, NO QUESTION OF SINGLING OUT THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION FOR MORE STRINGENT FINANCIAL CONTROLS THAN THOSE RELATING TO OTHER SIMILAR BODIES.
/"INDEED, THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1?88
10
"INDEED, THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS DO NO MORE THAN BRING THIS ASSOCIATION INTO LINE WITH SUCH BODIES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS HOPED MEMBERS WOULD AGREE THAT IN TODAY’S CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE FOR REVENUE TO BE HYPOTHECATED.
"THE NEW SUBVENTION ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSOCIATION CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF AUTONOMY," HE SAID.
WHILE AGREEING THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB IN PROMOTING HONG KONG AS A PREMIER TOURIST DESTINATION, MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO UNDER THE REVISED ARRANGEMENTS.
TURNING TO AIRLINE DESIGNATION POLICY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY RESPONDED TO REFERENCES TO THE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC IN GETTING SEATS TO PEKING AND MANY OTHER REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AIR DESTINATIONS.
"BUT TO ASSERT THAT SUCH DIFFICULTIES ARE CAUSED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON AIRLINE DESIGNATION IS TO IGNORE THE REALITIES OF LIFE IN THE HARD-NOSED WORLD OF INTERNATIONAL AVIATION," HE SAID.
"OUR AIRLINE DESIGNATION POLICY REFLECTS THESE REALITIES."
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT IT WAS SIMPLY NOT IN THE GIFT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALONE TO DISTRIBUTE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS TO ITS CARRIERS.
SUCH RIGHTS HAD TO BE NEGOTIATED GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT IN WHAT WAS OFTEN A DIFFICULT AND LONG DRAWN-OUT PROCESS, HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, IT IS NOT THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO STRIP AN EXISTING CARRIER OF ITS RIGHTS FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN TO GIVE A SECOND CARRIER A PIECE OF THE ACTION," MR JACOBS CONTINUED.
"AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE POLICY, HOWEVER, WHICH MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED, IS THE FLEXIBILITY TO DESIGNATE ADDITIONAL AIRLINES WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT."
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED RIGHTS FOR DRAGONAIR TO SERVE POINTS IN JAPAN, THAILAND AND THE USA.
WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SEEKING RIGHTS FOR THE AIRLINE TO SERVE CERTAIN POINTS IN CHINA WHICH ARE NOT SERVED BY CATHAY PACIFIC.
AND AS DRAGONAIR’S PLANS EVOLVE WE ARE IN CONTINUAL DISCUSSION WITH THE AIRLINE ON HOW BEST TO SEEK RIGHTS FOR THEM TO OTHER DESTINATIONS IN THE REGION," HE ADDED.
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/11.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY* 4, 1988
11 ENTHUSIASM MUST NOT OUTSTRIP RESOURCES ♦ * * * t
ENTHUSIASM FOR MAJOR NEW PROJECTS MUST NOT OUTSTRIP THE ABILITY OF THE ECONOMY OR GOVERNMENT RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THEM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE MADE THIS REMARK WHEN WELCOMING THE OBSERVATIONS OF SOME MEMBERS AS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY.
’’THE VARIOUS AIRPORT CONSULTANCY STUDIES ARE WELL UNDERWAY,” MR JACOBS SAID IN WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988.
”BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE FINDINGS ON THE ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF KAI TAK AND THE NEED AND TIMING FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE.
’’OTHER STUDIES ON POSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR A NEW AIRPORT ARE CONTINUING.”
AS REGARDS PORT DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID THE COMPLETION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 7 IN 1993 WOULD ROUGHLY DOUBLE EXISTING HANDLING CAPACITIES.
"WE WILL NEED TO TAKE A DECISION LATER IN THE YEAR ON THE SITING OF TERMINALS 8 AND 9 IN ORDER TO KEEP PACE WITH OUR EXPANDING PORT TRADE,” HE SAID.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL NEED TO INVEST HEAVILY IN BOTH PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT IF OUR ECONOMY IS TO CONTINUE TO GROW.
"THE STUDIES NOW UNDERWAY WILL ENSURE THAT THE ISSUES INVOLVED ARE ADDRESSED THOROUGHLY SO AS TO ENABLE THE RIGHT DECISIONS TO BE MADE AT THE RIGHT TIME.”
-----0------
/12........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 12 -
* PHILOSOPHICAL * RESPONSE WAS SOUGHT ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, EMPHASISED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WAS NOT PROPOSING TO ALTER THE BALANCE BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES WITHOUT THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS.
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD LISTENED WITH PARTICULAR INTEREST TO MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON HIS BUDGET SPEECH REMARKS THAT A MEASURE OF TAX DIVERSIFICATION, TOGETHER WITH SOME RATIONALISATION OF EXISTING INDIRECT TAXES, MIGHT WELL BE A PRACTICAL PROPOSITION IN HONG KONG.
"BY REFERRING TO THIS MATTER IN MY BUDGET SPEECH. I HAD HOPED TO GENERATE A MORE PHILOSOPHICAL AND LESS POLITICAL RESPONSE IN THIS COUNCIL,” HE SAID IN HIS SPEECH WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988.
HE HAD NOT ACTUALLY PROPOSED THE INTRODUCTION OF A SALES TAX EITHER FOR THIS YEAR OR THE NEAR FORESEEABLE FUTURE, HE SAID.
"BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC PROPOSAL, I DO NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO ANSWER EACH AND EVERY POINT MADE BY MEMBERS.
"OF COURSE, MANY OF THE COMMENTS MADE WERE ENTIRELY VALID, \ND INDEED HAVE BEEN UPPERMOST IN OUR MINDS IN PUTTING OUR IDEAS TOGETHER.
"CLEARLY, THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT OF ANY INDIRECT TAX WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED AND 1 WOULD CERTAINLY BE VERY HESITANT ABOUT INTRODUCING SUCH A TAX DURING A PERIOD OF RISING INFLATION.”
MR JACOBS SAID THE POINT HE WAS MAKING IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH WAS THAT A MEASURE OF TAX DI VERS 1FICATION COULD WELL LEAD TO A MORE STABLE TAX REGIME.
"BY THIS, 1 MEANT A TAX REGIME MORE RESILIENT AND BETTER ABLE TO WITHSTAND DIFFICULT TIMES WITHOUT MAJOR ADJUSTMENTS EITHER IN RATES OF TAX OR SOURCES OF REVENUE.
"FURTHERMORE, IT WOULD GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY AND SCOPE FOR RATIONALISING SOME OF THE EXISTING INDIRECT TAXES," HE SAID.
"IN OTHER WORDS, I MIGHT BE ABLE TO REDUCE OR ABOLISH SOME OF THE EXISTING INDIRECT TAXES, AND INDEED MIGHT ALSO BE ABLE TO REDUCE SOME DIRECT TAXES.
"I WOULD NOT WISH TO SUGGEST A TRADE-OFF AT THIS STAGE, BUT IT IS WORTHWHILE BEARING IN MIND THE POSSIBILITIES. CLEARLY, A TAX REGIME BASED ON LOWER DIRECT TAXES WOULD BE MORE CONDUCIVE TO INVESTMENT.
"IT WOULD BE REMISS OF ME NOT TO THINK ALONG THESE LINES AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF A LESS BUOYANT FINANCIAL POSITION THAN WE ENJOY AT THE PRESENT TIME."
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT HE WAS GRATEFUL TO THOSE MEMBERS WHO HAD ENCOURAGED HIM TO CONTINUE WITH HIS STUDIES.
--------0-----------
/13........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,
1988
BUDGET PROVIDES STABILITY, CONTINUITY *****
STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IS WHAT HONG KONG NEEDS IN ITS FISCAL MANAGEMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN WINDING UP DEBATE ON HIS 1988-89 BUDGET.
"I CONSIDER THAT IS BOTH WHAT MY BUDGET STRATEGY IS DELIVERING AND WHAT THIS COMMUNITY WANTS - A LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAX REGIME, STRONG RESERVES COMBINED WITH STEADY GROWTH IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAD CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE TAXATION SYSTEM.
"I AM CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE STRUCTURE OF OUR TAXATION SYSTEM IS KEPT UP TO DATE, AND THAT ITS OPERATION REMAINS RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO REFERRED TO THE COMMENTS BY SOME MEMBERS THAT HIS BUDGET LACKED A THEME, THAT IT WAS A BOOK-KEEPER’S BUDGET AND THAT IT LACKED FORESIGHT AND INNOVATION.
"MAYBE, IN SOMEWHERE AS UNDENIABLY EXCITING AS HONG KONG, WE HAVE COME TOO READILY TO EXPECT DRAMA AS THE NORM,” HE SAID.
"BUT, IT IS THE SUCCESSFUL AVOIDANCE OF DRAMA THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF MY STRATEGY."
EARLIER, IN REFERRING TO COMMENTS ON HIS EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, FAVOURED A REVENUE-LED BUDGET.
HE SAID: "I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS. HOWEVER, IF WE HAVE TO DESCRIBE THE BUDGET AS ONE BEING LED BY ANYTHING, I WOULD PREFER TO TALK IN TERMS OF ITS BEING LED BY UNDERLYING TRENDS IN OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH."
ON CALLS FOR DEVELOPING SYSTEMS FOR RESOURCE PLANNING AND ALLOCATION, MR JACOBS SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS PAYING CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION. PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS WERE TAKING PLACE IN THE BUDGETARY CYCLE THAT HAD ALREADY COMMENCED FOR 1989-90.
TURNING TO THE GROWING USE OF STATUTORY AUTHORITIES FOR PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, MR JACOBS SAID WORK HAD BEEN INITIATED WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION TO DEFINE AN OVERALL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXERCISE ITS CONTINUING POLICY AND FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THESE AUTHORITIES.
/MR JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
14
MR JACOBS ALSO NOTED THE COMMENTS MADE BY SEVERAL MEMBERS ON A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
AS A GOOD DEAL OF WORK STILL HAD TO BE DONE ON THE DETAIL OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT, HE SAID HE COULD NOT GIVE A FULL RESPONSE AT THIS STAGE, BUT ADDED THAT "I CAN SAY THAT THE NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT WILL BE BUILT AROUND A REDUCTION OF HONG KONG’S SHARE OF THE APPORTIONED COSTS."
------o-------
AUTHORITY CAN CONSIDER CHANGES TO HOSPITAL SERVICE COSTS *****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES RELATING TO THE PROPORTIONS OF THE COST OF HOSPITAL SERVICES MET BY THE PATIENT AND THE TAXPAYER, TOGETHER WITH RELATED ISSUES SUCH AS THE DESIRABILITY OF INTRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL INSURANCE SYSTEM.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THIS IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE RISING COST OF PROVIDING HOSPITAL SERVICES, AT A RATE FASTER THAN THAT OF INFLATION, WAS A PROBLEM WHICH WAS FACING HEALTH ADMINSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND WHICH WAS BROUGHT OUT IN THE SCOTT REPORT ON THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THE CONSULTANTS SUGGESTED THAT THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR SOME ADJUSTMENT TO THE PROPORTIONS OF THE COST OF THESE SERVICES WHICH ARE MET BY THE PATIENT AND THE TAXPAYER RESPECTIVELY, WITH A SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER PROPORTION BEING MET IN FUTURE FROM FEES AND OTHER CHARGES PAID BY PATIENTS.
"THIS WOULD BE A MAJOR CHANGE IN THE SYSTEM AND WOULD NEED VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION."
REFERRING TO THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WHICH WILL START WORK THIS OCTOBER, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION THAT IT WOULD CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION FOR INCORPORATING THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY, ITS FORMAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT, IN PARTICULAR THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, AS WELL AS A REGIONAL COMMITTEE STRUCTURE WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A HIGH DEGREE OF DEVOLUTION OF AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE REGIONS AND THE INTEGRATION OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
/"THE PHOVISIONAL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
"THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL NOT HAVE ANY EXECUTIVE POWERS AND THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF HOSPITAL OPERATION WILL CONTINUE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS FORMED, WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE IN 1989," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NECESSARY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO ALLAY THE WORRIES OF THE STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WHO WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGES.
"PROPER CHANNELS OF CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND THERE ARE NOW REGULAR FORMAL AND INFORMAL CONTACTS FOR VIEWS AND IDEAS TO BE EXCHANGED.
"ALL EXISTING STAFF HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO RETAIN THEIR CIVIL SERVANT STATUS UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM IF THEY SO WISH, AND THAT THEIR PRESENT STATUS WILL NOT BE CHANGED ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
"THERE WILL NEED TO BE A GREAT DEAL OF FURTHER CONSULTATION BEFORE THE NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT ARE ACCEPTED AND IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED."
ON THE WASTAGE RATE OF DOCTORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUBVERTED HOSPITALS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE’ SUBJECT WAS A MATTER OF CONSIDERABLE CONCERN TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"WHILE WE SHALL CONTINUE TO CONSIDER IMPROVED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN TERMS OF PROMOTION AND TRAINING FOR PUBLIC SECTOR DOCTORS, WHICH HAVE ALREADY PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN PERSUADING SOME DOCTORS TO STAY, THERE IS REALLY NO IMMEDIATE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM.
"IN THE LONGER TERM HOWEVER, I AM MORE OPTIMISTIC THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION," MR CHAMBERS CONTINUED.
"ONE OF THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF SETTING UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS TO CREATE A UNIFORM SET OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS FOR ALL STAFF IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
"THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE PRESENT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITAL STAFF WHICH MUST BE AT LEAST PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNACCEPTABLY HIGH WASTAGE RATE OF DOCTORS IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR."
"I HOPE TOO THAT THE NEW PACKAGE WILL BE MORE FLEXIBLE THAN THE CIVIL SERVICE TERMS AND THAT THIS WILL MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO THE DOCTORS."
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1988
16
TURNING TO THE SUPPLY OF DENTISTS, HE SAID IT WAS HIS UNDERSTANDING THAT UP TO AND INCLUDING LAST YEAR THE GRADUATES OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WERE ABLE TO GET JOBS, BUT THERE WAS CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE.
HE NOTED THAT THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD SET UP A DENTISTS SUB-COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER.
’’THE SUB-COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE DENTAL FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND MY BRANCH, AND IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.”
ON A MEMBER’S SUGGESTION THAT MORE USE SHOULD BE MADE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN MEETING THE GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND PENSIONERS, MR CHAMBERS DOUBTED IF THIS WAS A PRACTICABLE PROPOSITION IN VIEW OF THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH OCCURRED WHEN THE IDEA WAS PREVIOUSLY TRIED.
AS TO THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL, HE SAID NO DECISION HAD YET BEEN MADE ON THE HOSPITAL’S FUTURE.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT IF IT WAS DECIDED TO REDEVELOP THE SITE, HE WOULD CERTAINLY SUPPORT ANY PROPOSAL WHICH WOULD RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON THE VERY MUCH OVERCROWDED QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL/.
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IMPROVED SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR ELDERLY ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
A RECENT PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR THE ELDERLY INCLUDED INCREASING THE RATES OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE OVER 70 AS FROM APRIL 1 AND EXTENDING THE ALLOWANCE TO THE 65-69 AGE GROUP FROM SEPTEMBER, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE ISSUE OF THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY WAS PROMINENT IN THE SPEECHES OF A NUMBER OF MEMBERS, AND IT WAS AN AREA OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD.
ONE OF THE POINTS RAISED WAS THE SPEEDY PROVISION OF MORE CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY. ’’THIS NEED IS FULLY RECOGNISED AND WE ARE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO MEET THE PROJECTED DEMAND,” HE SAID.
/•’IN ADDITION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 17 -
”IN ADDITION TO PURPOSE BUILT HOMES, HOMES FOR THE AGED WITH CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES."
REFERRING TO THE LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS REITERATED HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION IN THE COUNCIL LAST WEEK THAT THE TARGET DATE FOR INTRODUCTION OF THIS WAS MID-1990.
ON SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER AND TRAINING, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CONTINUING SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS DURING THE 1980’S AND UNFORTUNATELY THIS SITUATION WAS EXPECTED TO PERSIST DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
"PLANNING OF NEW SERVICES WILL HAVE TO TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT," HE SAID.
"THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING IS TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE IN JUNE AND WILL, I HOPE, GIVE ADVICE ON BOTH A SHORT-TERM AND A LONG-TERM STRATEGY TO COPE WITH THIS PROBLEM."
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT SPECIALISED AND ADVANCED TRAINING IN THE FORM OF FULL-TIME OVERSEAS COURSES WERE PROVIDED BUT INEVITABLY ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF STAFF COULD BE SO TRAINED EACH YEAR.
"IN ADDITION, SHORT COURSES AND WORKSHOPS ARE CONSTANTLY BEING PROVIDED LOCALLY IN SPECIALIST AREAS SUCH AS CHILD ABUSE AND DELINQUENCY," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT A MEMBER HAD CLAIMED THAT THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RECEIVED ONLY 20 PER CENT OF THE FUNDS PROVIDED FOR SOCIAL WELFARE PURPOSES, WHILE PROVIDING MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF WELFARE SERVICES, A STATE OF AFFAIRS WHICH WAS ASCRIBED TO THE INADEQUACY OF THE CURRENT SUBVENTION POLICY.
HE EXPLAINED, HOWEVER, THAT THE MEMBER HAD NOT TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN THE SWD AND SUBVENTION HEADS WAS IN THE FORM OF SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS AND NOT DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES.
"IF WE EXCLUDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS FROM THE CALCULATION AND COMPARE LIKE WITH LIKE WE FIND THAT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET ALLOCATED FOR THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES, ABOUT 69 PER CENT CONSISTS OF SUBVENTIONS TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, VERY CLOSE TO THE 70 PER CENT QUOTED."
RESPONDING TO A CALL FOR THE NEED TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN POPULATION DISTRIBUTION WHEN CONSIDERING THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT PLANNING OF SUCH SERVICES IN GENERAL, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR THE NEW TOWNS, ALREADY TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH AREA.
/’’EXAMPLES OF
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 18 -
"EXAMPLES OF THIS ARE NURSERIES, CHILDREN ANO YOUTH CENTRES, ELDERLY CENTRES AND OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK," HE SAID.
"IN THE CASE OF OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK, ACCOUNT IS TAKEN OF THE SIZE OF THE YOUTH POPULATION AND THE CRIME RATE, AS WELL AS THE POPULATION DENSITY OF THE SERVICE AREA.
"HOWEVER, EXPERIENCE POINTS TO THE NEED TO BE RATHER MORE FLEXIBLE IN WELFARE PLANNING AND WE HAVE ALREADY MADE A START BY ADOPTING SUCH AN APPROACH IN THE PLANNING RATIO OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, AND A SIMILAR APPROACH MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR OTHER WELFARE FACILITIES SUCH AS SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"I BELIEVE THAT SOCIAL WORKERS ARE GENERALLY SENSITIVE TO THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF PEOPLE MOVING INTO NEW RESIDENTIAL ARFAS AND PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE MORE VULNERABLE GROUPS, VERY OFTEN BY MOBILISING LOCAL RESOURCES."
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MORE ATTENTION GIVEN TO POLLUTION PROBLEMS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PAYING MUCH MORE ATTENTION TO POLLUTION AND RELATED PROBLEMS, AND THIS IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE MORE THAN 100 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATES FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, MR CHAMBERS COMMENTED THAT ON THESE OCCASIONS HE USUALLY COMPLAINED THAT VERY FEW MEMBERS HAD MADE ANY REFERENCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
"THIS YEAR, I AM GLAD TO SAY, A FEW MORE MEMBERS THAN USUAL HAVE SPOKEN ON POLLUTION AND RELATED PROBLEMS, AND I HOPE THAT THIS REFLECTS A GREATER INTEREST IN THIS DIFFICULT SUBJECT," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS EXPLAINED THAT MUCH OF THE INCREASE IN ESTIMATES FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WAS DUE TO TWO MAJOR NEW POLICY INITIATIVES. THESE WERE:
* THE IMPLEMENTATION, AFTER MANY YEARS OF PLANNING AND DISCUSSION, OF THE AGRICULTURAL WASTE DISPOSAL SCHEME, THE FIRST PHASE OF WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 24; AND
* THE PROVISION OF RESOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOISE CONTROL BILL WHICH WAS ENDORSED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAST WEEK AND HE HOPED WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL IN TIME FOR IT TO BE ENACTED BEFORE THE END OF THE PRESENT SESSION.
/"ONCE THIS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 19 -
"ONCE THIS BILL BECOMES LAW WE SHALL HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION COVERING ALL THE MAIN ASPECTS OF POLLUTION CONTROL - AIR, WATER, NOISE AND WASTE DISPOSAL," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS AGREED THAT THE DETERIORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT REQUIRED URGENT AND SERIOUS INTERVENTION.
IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO SPEND OVER $10 BILLION ON ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
HOWEVER, HE DID NOT AGREE THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OF POLLUTION CONTROLS WAS A NEGATIVE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM.
"OUR EXPERIENCE IS THAT INDUSTRY TAKES LITTLE NOTICE OF ADVICE ON POLLUTION REDUCTION METHODS BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS," HE SAID.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS HAS BEEN THE EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD AND I SEE NO REASON WHY HONG KONG SHOULD BE DIFFERENT IN THIS RESPECT.
"INDEED, IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY THE MORE RESPONSIBLE LARGER COMPANIES, TO WELCOME CONTROLS, PROVIDING THEY ARE PROPERLY ENFORCED, BECAUSE IT PLACES ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE SAME SECTOR ON AN EQUAL FOOTING."
REFERRING TO THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, HE NOTED A COMMENT THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN CHEAPER AND MORE EFFECTIVE TO IMPOSE A TOTAL BAN ON LIVESTOCK KEEPING.
"WHILE SUCH A POLICY IS SUPERFICIALLY ATTRACTIVE, IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN HONG KONG TO CLOSE DOWN A WHOLE SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY IN THIS WAY, WITHOUT GIVING THOSE CONCERNED THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS REQUIRED," HE SAID.
"I MUST REPEAT THAT WE ARE NOT AGAINST LIVESTOCK KEEPING AS SUCH, BUT ONLY AGAINST THE SERIOUS POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE PRESENT UNCONTROLLED, AND INDEED ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE."
ON WATER QUALITY AT BEACHES, MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT HE HAD DEALT WITH THIS ISSUE AT SOME LENGTH IN THE COUNCIL LAST WEEK AND DID NOT PROPOSE TO REPEAT WHAT HE SAID THEN.
"THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, FOR WHICH WE HAVE SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM AND LONG-TERM REMEDIES.
"BUT IT WILL NOT BE SATISFACTORILY SOLVED UNTIL THE INSTALLATION OF A MAINS SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND IS COMPLETE," HE SAID.
/Hr chambers
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, '1988
- 20
MR CHAMBERS OBSERVED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD REFERRED TO THE APPARENTLY SLOW PACE OF REMEDIAL MEASURES AGAINST POLLUTION IN AREAS SUCH AS KWUN TONG.
’’WHILE WELCOMING MEMBERS' CONCERN, IT MUST BE EMPHASISED THAT DESPITE THE STRENGTHENING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMITMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES, SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT WILL, AFTER YEARS OF NEGLECT, INEVITABLY TAKE SOME TIME TO BECOME APPARENT,” HE SAID.
A MEMBER HAD MADE THE POINT THAT POLLUTION PROBLEMS COULD BE AVOIDED AT NO GREAT COST IF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AT THE PLANNING STAGE.
THIS WAS QUITE CORRECT, BUT WHERE THIS ACTION HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN IT WAS OFTEN A LONG AND EXPENSIVE BUSINESS CLEARING UP THE MESS, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
0
FUNDS FOR RESEARCH IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME ALLOCATE FUNDS SPECIFICALLY FOR RESEARCH IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID THIS DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE SUMS INVOLVED WOULD BE $30 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR, $40 MILLION IN THE SECOND AND $50 MILLION IN THE THIRD.
"IF WE CAN FIND THE RESOURCES FURTHER INCREASES CAN BE EXPECTED IN LATER YEARS,” HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION WE WILL TRY TO ENCOURAGE A SUBSTANTIAL PROVISION OF POST-GRADUATE PLACES, PARTICULARLY IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT.”
AT PRESENT ABOUT 16 PER CENT OF PLACES AT THE TWO OLDER UNIVERSITIES WERE AT THE POST-GRADUATE LEVEL; AND THE NEW HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WAS PLANNING FOR ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF ITS INITIAL INTAKE TO BE AT THIS LEVEL.
’’AS WE MOVE TOWARDS MEETING THE BASIC DEMAND FOR PLACES WE CAN EXPECT THE PROPORTION AT THE POST-GRADUATE LEVEL TO INCREASE," MR BRIDGE SAID.
/HOWEVER, HE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4f 1988
- 21
HOWEVER, HE SAID RESEARCH WAS NOT JUST A MATTER FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
"IF WE ARE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IT IS VITAL THAT INDUSTRY SHOULD ALSO INCREASE ITS INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"I ALSO HOPE THERE WILL BE INCREASING RESEARCH LINKS BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS,” HE SAID.
ON THE EXPANSION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM, MR BRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN LOOKING AT FURTHER PLANS WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW TO THE END OF THE CENTURY.
AS FOR THE EXPANSION OF DEGREE PLACES, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTED THIS TO INCREASE TO COVER ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE AGE GROUP BY THE MID-90S AND TO CONTINUE INCREASING UNTIL THE END OF THE CENTURY.
MR BRIDGE SAID MORE EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.
HE SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN SET UP TO IDENTIFY THE VARIOUS PHASES BY WHICH THE POLICY OF UNISESSIONALISM IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED.
THE SECOND AREA OF IMPROVEMENT RELATED TO TEACHER PREPARATION AND LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT.
HE SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO INCREASE TEACHER TRAINING CAPACITY TO ENABLE 80 PER CENT OF GRADUATE TEACHERS TO BE PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED BY 1994, AND 90 PER CENT IN THE LONGER TERM.
THE THIRD AREA OF IMPROVEMENT WAS TO EASE THE PRESSURE NOW CAUSED BY THE FLOATING CLASS SYSTEM. HE SAID, HOWEVER, THIS SYSTEM WOULD REMAIN FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL IMBALANCE IN THE DEMAND FOR SCHOOL PLACES.
MR BRIDGE SAID A NEW "SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION" FOR EACH NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROVED SO AS TO PROVIDE SEVEN ADDITIONAL TEACHING ROOMS.
"WE WILL ALSO ALTER EXISTING STANDARD DESIGN SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE THREE ADDITIONAL ROOMS IN EACH AS SOON AS WE CAN."
MR BRIDGE ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS STILL A PROBLEM OF IMBALANCE IN THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL PLACES BETWEEN OLDER URBAN AREAS AND RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS.
"ONE OF OUR FIRST PRIORITIES MUST BE TO CORRECT THIS IMBALANCE," HE SAID.
/HE ADDED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1988
- 22 -
HE ADDED THAT 80 NEW SCHOOLS WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1993 AND THAT MOST OF THESE WOULD BE IN THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE LAST AREA THAT NEEDED TO BE IMPROVED CONCERNED THE POLICY TOWARDS PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
HE SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD BEEN EXAMINING WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION AND THAT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE CONTAINED IN REPORT NO.3 DUE TO BE RELEASED IN JUNE.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO DEVELOP A STRONG PRIVATE SECTOR WITH STANDARDS AT LEAST EQUAL TO THOSE IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS.
-----0------
DISADVANTAGE OF IMPORTING LABOUR OUTLINED ♦ t ♦ ♦ *
IT WAS FAR FROM OBVIOUS THAT IMPORT OF LABOUR WOULD BE IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR BRIDGE SAID: "IF WE IMPORTED LARGE NUMBERS OF COMPARATIVELY UNSKILLED WORKERS AT COMPARATIVELY LOW WAGES, ANY INCREASE IN TOTAL GDP WOULD TEND TO BE AT THE EXPENSE OF GDP PER PERSON.
"IT IS GDP PER PERSON THAT MATTERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE PROSPERITY OF OUR PEOPLE.
"NO DOUBT SOME EMPLOYERS WOULD PREFER TO IMPORT WORKERS AND SO SLOW DOWN THE RISE IN WAGES; BUT IT IS FAR FROM OBVIOUS THAT THIS WOULD BE IN THE INTEREST OF OUR WORKERS OR OUR PEOPLE AS A WHOLE."
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE AROSE FROM THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY.
"OUR PRESENT SITUATION OF FULL EMPLOYMENT AND HENCE, THE LABOUR SHORTAGE, HAS MADE WAGES RISE AND SO ENABLED OUR WORKERS TO SHARE IN OUR GENERAL PROSPERITY."
DESPITE THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE, MR BRIDGE SAID THERE WERE STILL MANY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WHO WERE CAPABLE OF DOING A GOOD JOB AND COULD NOT FIND WORK.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 23 -
HE SAID MORE PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS NEEDED TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO RECRUIT MORE DISABLED PEOPLE.
"THE FACT THAT EMPLOYERS VARY GREATLY IN THEIR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ON HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, SHOWS, I BELIEVE, THAT PART OF THE PROBLEM IS STILL DUE TO PREJUDICE ON THE PART OF SOME EMPLOYERS," HE SAID.
"WE CLEARLY STILL NEED MORE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THIS AREA," HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WOULD CONCENTRATE ON THIS AREA DURING THE COMING YEAR.
- 0----------
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE DECLINES
» » »
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DEALING WITH PNEUMOCONIOSIS - AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, MR BRIDGE NOTED THAT THE INCIDENCE OF THIS DISEASE HAD FALLEN BY TWO THIRDS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
"THIS HAS ENABLED THE LEVY FROM WHICH PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION IS FUNDED TO BE REDUCED FROM 0.2 PER CENT IN 1980 TO 0.05 PER CENT NOW," HE SAID.
"I SHALL BE SPEAKING IN MORE DETAIL ON THIS POINT LATER THIS MONTH WHEN 1 MOVE A RESOLUTION IN THIS COUNCIL TO REDUCE THE LEVY STILL FURTHER.
"AGAIN, I FIND IT ENCOURAGING THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ITSELF TOOK THE INITIATIVE IN RECOMMENDING THAT THE SCOPE OF THE FUND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE PREVENTIVE MEASURES SUCH AS RESEARCH, PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION," HE SAID.
IN CLARIFYING SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT FIGURES, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT A NEW CATEGORY OF "MAJOR ACCIDENT" STATISTICS RECENTLY INTRODUCED WOULD IN DUE COURSE GIVE A MUCH BETTER INDICATOR OF' THE REAL TREND OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.
/HOWEVER, HE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 24
HOWEVER, HE ADDED IT HAD NOT YET BEEN IN EFFECT LONG ENOUGH TO GIVE ANY INDICATION OF LONG TERM TRENDS.
"THUS AT PRESENT OUR ONLY RELIABLE INDICATOR OF LONG TERM TRENDS IS THE FATALITY FIGURES," HE SAID.
"THESE ARE SUBJECT TO TEMPORARY UPTURNS AT TIMES LIKE THE PRESENT, WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS UNDER HEAVY PRESSURE.
"HOWEVER, THE LONG TERM TREND HAS FOR SOME YEARS NOW BEEN ENCOURAGINGLY DOWNWARD.
"EVEN ALLOWING FOR THE RECENT INCREASE, WHICH I BELIEVE WILL PROVE TO BE TEMPORARY, OUR PRESENT FATALITY FIGURES ARE STILL A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT ON THE EQUIVALENT FIGURES FOR 10 YEARS AGO."
THIS ENCOURAGING TREND REFLECTED, HE BELIEVED, THE EFFORTS THAT HAD BEEN PUT IN ON ENFORCEMENT, ON TRAINING, AND ON PUBLICITY.
"IT ALSO REFLECTED THE SUCCESS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S TRI-PARTITE SUB-COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN CHANGING ATTITUDES TO SAFETY AT WORK.
MR BRIDGE ADDED: "ONE RECENT MEASURE WHICH WILL, I HOPE, HELP TO CONTINUE THE ENCOURAGING TREND IS THE SAFETY OFFICER LEGISLATION ENACTED BY THIS COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1986 AND APPLIED IN STAGES IN DECEMBER 1986 AND DECEMBER 1987.
"WHAT I FIND PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING IS THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, WHICH IS CONTROLLED BY THE INDUSTRY ITSELF HAS TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN SUPPORT OF THIS LEGISLATION BY TRAINING SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS."
REFERRING TO A MEMBER’S COMMENT ON A LOW LEVEL OF PENALTIES FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFENCES, MR BRIDGE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS NOT WITH THE LEGAL MAXIMUM FINES BUT WITH THE LEVEL OF FINES ACTUALLY IMPOSED BY COURTS.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO WAY THAT THE ADMINISTRATION COULD CONTROL THE LEVEL OF FINES IMPOSED.
-------0----------
/25
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 25 -
BALANCED HOUSING PROGRAMME TO MEET ALL NEEDS BY 2001
« » * * »
THE RECENTLY-REORGANISED HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL WORK OUT A BALANCED PROGRAMME WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE VARIOUS HOUSING NEEDS, AND WILL USE ITS RESOURCES FLEXIBLY IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, AND REPLYING TO COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS MADE BY MEMBERS REGARDING HOUSING, SPORTS, CULTURAL AND ARTS ACTIVITIES, AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
MR LIAO SAID ALTHOUGH THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL DEMAND FOR RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING WAS EXPECTED TO BE SATISFIED BY 1996 UNDER THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY RECOGNISED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG DEMAND FOR HOME OWNERSHIP.
MEANWHILE, RENTAL FLATS COULD CONTINUE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME AND A NEW HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AIMED TO SATISFY ALL EXISTING AND NEW HOUSING DEMANDS IN ALL CATEGORIES BY THE YEAR 2001.
MR LIAO GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE AUTHORITY WOULD CONTINUE TO UPGRADE THE STANDARDS OF FLATS PRODUCED UNDER THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
NEW RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES, HE SAID, WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF FACILITIES AND ANCILLIARY AMENITIES.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ALSO REGULARLY UPDATED THE DESIGN OF HOUSING BLOCKS TO ENSURE THAT THEY SATISFIED PREVAILING DEMANDS AND EXPECTATIONS. A NEW GENERATION OF BLOCK TYPES WOULD BE FINALISED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY REDEVELOPED THE REMAINING OLD RESETTLEMENT BLOCKS AND FORMER GOVERNMENT LOW COST HOUSING ESTATES BETWEEN NOW AND 2001, BLOCKS COMPLETED AFTER 1973 WOULD REMAIN IN USE AND THESE COULD PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF RELATIVELY CHEAP ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WHO COULD ONLY AFFORD LOWER RENTS.
REPLYING TO COMMENTS BY OTHER MEMBERS, MR LIAO SAID GROUPS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS FIELD DESERVED ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD GIVE.
/A SUBSTANTIAL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
26 -
A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN FUNDING WOULD BE NECESSARY TO KEEP THESE PERFORMING GROUPS GOING.
OVER THE YEARS, HONG KONG HAD MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS.
ON SPORTS, MR LIAO SAID THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO ENABLE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WAS WELL RECOGNISED.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED WITH THE FUTURE DIRECTION IN WHICH HONG KONG SHOULD MOVE IN THE AREA OF SPORTS PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT.
A CONSULTANCY WAS THUS COMMISSIONED LAST YEAR AND A REPORT WOULD SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES.
REFERRING TO CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WAS CURRENTLY EXAMINING VARIOUS OPTIONS TO RESOLVE THESE COMPLICATED PROBLEMS AND WAS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD THEN BE PUT TO THE DISTRICT; BOARDS AND LEGAL AND OTHER CONCERNED PROFESSIONAL BODIES FOR COMMENT.
FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND INTERESTED PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAD EARLIER FIRMED UP PROPOSALS FOR AMENDING THE MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, AND AN AMENDMENT BILL WAS BEING DRAFTED.
THE BILL WOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDE FOR EASIER FORMATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION BY TENANTS IN MANAGING THEIR BUILDINGS. IT WAS EXPECTED TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL THIS AUTUMN.
MR LIAO ALSO GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT OFFICE-BEARERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES SHOULD NOT IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES INCUR LEGAL LIABILITIES IN DISCHARGING THEIR DUTIES AS LONG AS THEY ACTED IN GOOD FAITH AND EXERCISED REASONABLE DILIGENCE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE THE CORPORATIONS AND COMMITTEES EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO ENABLE THEM TO CARRY OUT THEIR FUNCTIONS EFFECTIVELY.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
EVERYTHING BEING DONE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE
* * * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO MAINTAIN PEOPLE’S SENSE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS COMMENTING ON THE TWIN SUBJECTS OF EMIGRATION AND BRAIN DRAIN DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE FOR CONFIDENCE OF LOOKING AT PROBLEMS SUCH AS THESE SQUARELY AND OBJECTIVELY, HE SAID " THEY SHOULD NOT BE MINIMISED, NEITHER SHOULD THEY BE EXAGGERATED."
MR TSAO SAID THAT EMIGRATION WAS ABOUT TWO THINGS: OPPORTUNITY AND CONFIDENCE.
"IF HONG KONG PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE GREATER, OR AS GREAT, OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN HONG KONG AS THEY WOULD HAVE SOMEWHERE ELSE, THEN - ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL - THEY WILL STAY.
"IF THEY FEEL THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE, AND THEY HAVE THE CHANCE TO GO, THEY WILL LEAVE," HE SAID.
ON CONFIDENCE, MR TSAO SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS GAINED OR LOST BY A STEADY ACCUMULATION OF EVENTS OVER A LONG PERIOD AND WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANY ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.
"I KNOW THAT FOR THEIR PART THE AUTHORITIES OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA UNDERSTAND THE KEY ROLE WHICH THEY PLAY IN STRENGTHENING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PART, MR TSAO SAID IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE, A SPECIAL TASK FORCE HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO CONSIDER HOW TO IMPROVE THE GOVERNMENT’S KNOWLEDGE OF EMIGRATION MATTERS.
"A CORE GROUP HAS ALREADY MET, AND GRADUALLY ALL RELEVANT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO PLAY," HE SAID.
"THE PURPOSE IS PURELY ONE OF INFORMATION GATHERING AND HENCE THE INFORMATION DIVISION OF MY BRANCH HAD RESPONSIBILITY FOR ORGANISATION; ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES RETAIN THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES."
/HE GAVE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 28 -
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT IN ASSEMBLING THE DATA, IT WOULD BE OVERALL TRENDS ABOUT WHICH MORE INFORMATION WAS NEEDED, AND STEPS WOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ENCROACHMENT ON THE FREEDOM OF THE INDIVIDUAL.
MR TSAO SAID HE COULD NOT GIVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE TASK WOULD BE EASY NOR THAT RESULTS WOULD COME QUICKLY. HOWEVER, AS THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION IMPROVED, THE DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INVOLVED IN MANPOWER PLANNING WOULD BE BETTER ABLE TO FINE-TUNE THEIR ONGOING PROGRAMMES.
REITERATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY WOULD ALWAYS BE TO ALLOW RESIDENTS THE FREEDOM TO COME AND GO, HE SAID. IN THE ABSENCE OF PRECISE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM, THE BEST ACTION THE GOVERNMENT COULD TAKE TO STEM EMIGRATION WAS TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF LIVING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
"IF PEOPLE SEE FOR THEMSELVES THAT HONG KONG IS STILL A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK, THOSE CONTEMPLATING EMIGRATION MAY THINK AGAIN WHILE THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY LEFT TO OBTAIN THEIR INSURANCE POLICY WILL WANT TO COME BACK," HE SAID.
ON THE NEED TO TRAIN UP QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO REPLACE THOSE WHO WERE LEAVING, MR TSAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY .DOING A GREAT DEAL IN THIS AREA AND PLANNED TO DO MORE.
"THE OUTPUT FROM OUR EXISTING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IS INCREASING YEAR BY YEAR, AND WE ARE FIRMLY COMMITTED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY AND TO THE CREATION OF AN OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE.
"THESE EFFORTS AND OUR VARIOUS TRAINING PROGRAMMES WILL CONTINUE, AND EXPAND," HE SAID.
ON WHAT WAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PRESENT SITUATION, MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN 1980-84, THE NET OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS (EXCLUDING MOVEMENTS TO AND FROM CHINA) WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 PER ANNUM AND THAT TAKEN TOGETHER, THE FIGURES FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS WERE WITHIN HISTORICAL AVERAGES.
"IN 1985, IT WAS JUST OVER 11,000; IN 1986 ABOUT 13,500; AND LAST YEAR JUST UNDER 27,000," HE SAID.
NONETHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE NUMBERS DID RISE LAST YEAR AND SEEMED LIKELY TO REMAIN AT HIGHER LEVELS AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS BECAUSE SOME OVERSEAS COUNTRIES HAD OFFERED MORE ATTRACTIVE TERMS FOR IMMIGRANTS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM HONG KONG.
/ALSO, THERE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 29 -
ALSO, THERE WAS SOME EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF THOSE LEAVING WHO WERE FROM THE MIDDLE MANAGEMENT SECTOR.
"HAVING SAID THAT, THE BEST ESTIMATE WE CAN MAKE IS THAT IN 1987, THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM LOCAL OR OVERSEAS TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS EXCEEDED THE NET NUMBERS LOST THROUGH EMIGRATION BY A WIDE MARGIN.
"LAST YEAR, OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS PRODUCED 4,822 NEW LOCAL GRADUATES. THE FORECAST FOR THIS YEAR 1989 IT IS 6,470, FOR 1990, 7,240 AND FOR 1991, 8,270.
"THEREAFTER, THE PACE WILL ACCELERATE AS INSTITUTIONS COME ON STREAM," HE SAID.
NO FEWER THAN
IS 5,725, FOR
NEW LEARNING
ALSO A LARGE NUMBER OF HONG KONG YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WENT ABROAD TO STUDY HAD RETURNED TO WORK HERE AFTER GRADUATION, WHILE THERE MIGHT ALSO BE LOSSES AS GRADUATES WERE AMONG THOSE WHO EMIGRATED, AND GAINS WHEN SOME OF THEM RETURNED AFTER OBTAINING A FOREIGN PASSPORT.
"TAKING ALL THESE FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, AND AFTER MAKING A SERIES OF HEROIC ASSUMPTIONS ON SUCH MATTERS AS THE PROPORTION OF THOSE GOING OVERSEAS TO STUDY WHO SUCCESSFULLY GRADUATE, WHAT PROPORTION OF THEM RETURN TO HONG KONG, WHAT PROPORTION OF EMIGRANTS, AND RETURNED EMIGRANTS, ARE GRADUATES, OUR BEST GUESS IS THAT IN 1987, OUR COMMUNITY ACHIEVED A NET GAIN IN THE NUMBER OF GRADUATES OF THE ORDER OF 3,000," MR TSAO SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE FIGURE MIGHT SEEM ENCOURAGING ON THE SURFACE, MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT A FRESH GRADUATE GAINED DID NOT EQUATE IMMEDIATELY WITH AN EXPERIENCED MAN LOST.
"AND I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT THAT OUR INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION IS AT BEST PATCHY, AND LESS THAN WHOLLY RELIABLE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE LACK OF COMPREHENSIVE FIGURES WAS BECAUSE OF THE COMPLETE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT ENJOYED BY RESIDENTS AND THE MOBILITY OF THE POPULATION.
"THE ONLY STATISTICS DIRECTLY UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE THOSE ORIGINALLY OBTAINED FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHICH ALSO INCIDENTALLY SHED SOME LIGHT ON MIGRATION TRENDS, OR WHICH CAN BE PARTIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE PURPOSE.
"SOME INFORMATION IS ALSO OBTAINED THROUGH VOLUNTARY RETURNS," HE SAID.
THE RESULT OF THESE INADEQUACIES WAS THAT ALL THE FIGURES QUOTED WERE ONLY ESTIMATES, AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITH A DEGREE OF CAUTION, MR TSAO STRESSED.
-----O------
/5O........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- JO -
TALKS HELD WITH COUNTRIES ON REFUGEE ISSUE *****
HONG KONG HAS CONDUCTED WORKING LEVEL DISCUSSIONS ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE WITH COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM IN THE REGION, WITH THE AIM OF FINDING OUT HOW SIMILAR PROBLEMS ARE HANDLED IN DIFFERENT PLACES AND ASSESSING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A COMMON APPROACH ON THESE MATTERS.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, MR BARNES SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTOOD THE FRUSTRATION EXPRESSED BY THE COMMUNITY ON THE ISSUE.
"THE MAJOR FOCUS OF THIS FRUSTRATION MUST, HOWEVER, BE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH PERPETUATE THE FLOW OF PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM IN SMALL BOATS," HE SAID.
"IN THIS CONNECTION THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND OUR NEIGHBOURS IN THE REGION HAVE CONTINUED TO URGE VIETNAM TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO STOP THIS UNHAPPY TRAFFIC, BUT WITH LITTLE SUCCESS."
"MEANWHILE HONG KONG ONCE AGAIN FACES THE PROSPECT OF INCREASING NUMBERS OF BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVING ON OUR SHORES.
"OVER 2,600 HAVE ARRIVED THIS YEAR, 1,381 IN APRIL ALONE."
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES, WHICH HAD COLLECTIVELY DONE MUCH TO EASE HONG KONG’S BURDEN OVER THE LAST DECADE, FOUND THEMSELVES UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO MAINTAIN THEIR PREVIOUS LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.
THE OFFTAKE THIS YEAR HAD BEEN ONLY 839.
"SOME RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE NOW SAYING THAT MOST OF THOSE ARRIVING NO LONGER FALL WITHIN THEIR CRITERIA FOR RESETTLEMENT, THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER FLEEING POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR RACIAL PERSECUTION, BUT TO A LARGE EXTENT ARE SIMPLY PEOPLE SEEKING A BETTER LIFE," HE SAID.
"SINCE 1975 MORE THAN 116,000 REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM HAVE SOUGHT AND BEEN GRANTED FIRST ASYLUM IN HONG KONG.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD MET ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FULLY FOR 13 YEARS, HE SAID CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS THAT HUMANITARIAN PRINCIPLES SHOULD NOT BE EXPLOITED WAS UNDERSTANDABLE.
/"THIS IS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
"THIS IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF MONEY, ALTHOUGH, AS MEMBERS HAVE RIGHTLY POINTED OUT, HONG KONG SEEMS TO BEAR A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE OF THE FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR THIS INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM," HE NOTED.
MR BARNES ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE POINTS RAISED ABOUT FUNDING AND THE FINANCIAL COSTS TO HONG KONG, ABOUT THE NEED FOR INCREASED RESETTLEMENT, HONG KONG’S UNENVIABLE POSITION AS A PLACE OF FIRST ASYLUM, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM’S OWN ROLE IN THESE MATTERS, HAD BEEN WELL TAKEN AND WERE BEING ACTIVELY CONSIDERED.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS DRAWN THE ATTENTION OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TO THE PRESENT SITUATION AND IS SEEKING PRACTICAL AND APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS TO THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM PROBLEMS WHICH NOW AFFECT HONG KONG," HE SAID.
-----0-----
PRISON INDUSTRIES BEING DEVELOPED *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING THE FEASIBILITY OF EXPANDING FURTHER INTO ORDERS FROM THE SUBVERTED AND PRIVATE SECTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, MR BARNES NOTED A MEMBER’S SUGGESTION THAT PRISON INDUSTRIES SHOULD DIVERSIFY TO SEEK ORDERS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO MAKE THE INDUSTRIES SELF-FINANCING AND THE PRISON WORKERS MORE COMPETETIVE AND FLEXIBLE, AND SAID THAT THEY HAD BEEN DEVELOPING IN THIS DIRECTION FOR SOME TIME.
"AT PRESENT, THEY HAVE ORDERS NOT ONLY FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BUT ALSO FROM OTHER PUBLIC BODIES SUCH AS THE URBAN COUNCIL, VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HAD POINTED OUT RECENTLY THAT THE VALUE OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS OF PRISON INDUSTRIES, CALCULATED AT COMMERCIAL VALUE, EXCEEDED THE TOTAL COST OF PRODUCTION (INCLUSIVE OF ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEADS) BY SOME $15 MILLION ANNUALLY FROM )982 TO 1984 AND AROUND $30 MILLION ANNUALLY FROM 1984 TO 1987.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 32 -
NOTING THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND DEVELOP PRISON INDUSTRIES IN THIS DIRECTION, MR BARNES REMINDED MEMBERS THAT HOWEVER DESIRABLE THE PRINCIPLES OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS, THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF PRISON INDUSTRIES WAS TO ASSIST IN THE INTERNTAL MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONS BY KEEPING PRISONERS PURPOSEFULLY EMPLOYED.
TURNING TO THE POLICE FORCE, MR BARNES SAID THE FORCE CONTINUED TO GROW STEADILY TO MEET THE TERRITORY’S NEEDS, AND OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS AN ADDITIONAL LIMITED EXPANSION PROGRAMME WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO TAKE OVER THE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DUTIES OF THE GARRISON ON THE BORDER.
RESPONDING TO MEMBERS’ COMMENTS ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POLICE FORCE, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT THE FORCES GUARDING THE BORDER AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (CURRENTLY THE ARMY, BUT LATER THE POLICE) SHOULD HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL AIDS TO ASSIST THEM IN THIS VITAL WORK.
ON POLICE PAY AND MORALE, MR BARNES NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD COMMISSIONED A COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE POLICE AND THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
REFERRING TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DAILY TURN-OUT OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE SHOULD BE ADJUSTED TO EQUIP THEM FOR INCREASING DEMANDS AND COMMITMENTS, MR BARNES SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE WAS KEPT UNDER REVIEW.
"WE ARE LOOKING AT BOTH THE FUTURE GROWTH IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUXILIARY FORCE AND AT THE DAILY QUOTA OF AUXILIARY DUTIES,” HE SAID.
AS TO THE MEANS OF CALCULATING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES, MR BARNES SAID THERE WAS CERTAINLY NO SQUEEZE ON FUNDS WHICH AMOUNTED TO $533,000 FOR 1988-89.
"WHEN APPORTIONING FUNDS WITHIN THEIR VOTES FOR THEIR FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES THE DISTRICT OFFICERS TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE SOCIAL, DEMOGRAPHIC AND GEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THEIR DISTRICTS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE LEVEL OF CRIME IN THE DISTRICT," HE SAID.
"IT IS ALWAYS OPEN TO THESE COMMITTEES TO SEEK ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR THEIR DISTRICT BOARDS, AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAN MAKE AVAILABLE SPECIAL GRANTS OF UP TO $8,000 FOR FIGHT CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS.
"THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED TO REVIEW THE CURRENT ALLOCATION PROCEDURE AND, IN CONSULTATION WITH FINANCE BRANCH, TO CONSIDER WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ADVANTAGE IN A NEW SEPARATE SUBHEAD FOR THE WORK OF DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES."
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/33........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 35 -
CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT *****
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR SITES ON WHICH TO LOCATE A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ARE BEING WORKED ON AS A MATTER OF URGENCY AND ONE SUCH SITE WILL PROBABLY BE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES SAID THAT THERE WAS AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF WATERFRONT SITES FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.
"THE SCALE OF DEMAND HAS SHOWN THAT, WHOEVER IS TO BE THE FINAL USER, VERY LARGE AREAS OF LAND NEED TO BE FORMED FROM THE SEA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
"SUITABLE AREAS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES WILL START SHORTLY.
"OBVIOUSLY, WE MUST AIM TO HAVE THESE STUDIES COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT FORMATION CAN PROCEED AND SALES PLANNED IN CONSULTATION AMONGST OTHERS WITH THE LAND COMMISSION."
ON OTHER RELATED ISSUES, MR BARNES EXPRESSED AGREEMENT WITH THE HON HU FA-KUANG, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THAT COMPREHENSIVE PLANS SHOULD BE DRAWN UP IN URBAN REDEVELOPMENTS TO PROVIDE A PROPER MIX OF USERS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF LAND, ESPECIALLY SINCE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT WAS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, AND FORMED AN IMPORTANT PART OF URBAN RENEWAL.
"IN THE SLIGHTLY LONGER TERM, THE METROPLAN IS BEING PREPARED AS A MEANS TO ENSURE THAT THE REPLANNING, REDEVELOPMENT AND NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE WHOLE METROPOLITAN AREA WILL BE UNDERTAKEN COMPREHENSIVELY, AND A BETTER BALANCE AND A BETTER ENVIRONMENT ARE ACHIEVED," HE SAID.
"WE WILL BE PUBLISHING AN INTRODUCTORY DOCUMENT ON 20TH OF THIS MONTH, WHICH WE HOPE WILL ELICIT FROM THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND PEOPLE THE KIND OF HELPFUL SUGGESTION MADE IN THIS DEBATE BY MR HU."
TURNING TO DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS, MR BARNES SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS LOOKING AT A MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TOWARDS THEIR IMPROVEMENT.
/IT WOULD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
IT WOULD ALSO CONSIDER SETTING UP A RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO MONITOR AND HELP BRING FORWARD THE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
"RURAL AREA IMPROVEMENTS ARE CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND THE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES," MR BARNES SAID.
"MOST OF THESE INVOLVE FAIRLY SMALL SCALE WORKS WHICH ARE RELATIVELY EASY TO IMPLEMENT.
"HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF ITEMS IN THE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME COVER MORE EXTENSIVE WORKS WHICH OFTEN INVOLVE LAND ACQUISITION, AND THE TIME-SCALE FOR THIS IS SOMEWHAT LONGER THAN FOR MINOR ITEMS IN THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
"THE RESULT IS THAT THESE WORKS HAVE NOT PROGRESSED AS QUICKLY AS ONE WOULD HAVE WISHED AND IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED OVER THE PAST YEAR, I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO WAYS OF EXPEDITING THE PROGRAMME INCLUDING SETTING UP A DEDICATED STAFF TEAM SPECIFICALLY FOR RURAL IMPROVEMENTS."
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, MR BARNES SAID BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WAS NOW GEARED TO UNDERTAKING LARGE-SCALE CLEARANCES ON A DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECENTLY CHANGED POLICY.
PRIORITY DEMOLITION TEAMS HAD BEEN SET UP TO TAKE RAPID ACTION AGAINST WORKS WHICH POSED A DANGER TO LIFE OR PROPERTY.
THE TEAMS WOULD PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO STOPPING AND DEMOLISHING NEW WORKS IN PROGRESS, BEFORE THEY COULD BE SOLD OR OCCUPIED.
MR BARNES ADDED: "WE ARE ALSO INVOLVED IN A PROGRAMME OF PUBLICITY AIMED AT OWNERS AND RESIDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND ENCOURAGING SELF-ENFORCEMENT AMONG BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES, IN THE HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL EVENTUALLY UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT IN THEIR INTERESTS TO INFRINGE THE LAW OR TO TOLERATE ITS INFRINGEMENT BY OTHERS."
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
35
RESTRAINT MEASURES NECESSARY TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
*****
HONG KONG COULD NEVER AVOID HAVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION SIMPLY BY BUILDING ROADS AND HIGHWAYS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988, MR LEUNG SAID: "INDEED, THE MORE ROADS WE BUILD, THE MORE SUPPRESSED DEMAND FOR USE OF VEHICLES WILL BE RELEASED.
"A POLICY ON RESTRAINTS AND ON PRIORITY IN USE OF ROAD SPACE IS HENCE INEVITABLE.
"THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE POPULAR, NOR WILL IT BE READILY ACCEPTED BY THOSE AFFECTED BY IT.
"IT IS FOR THIS VERY REASON THAT THE PUBLIC NEED TO UNDERSTAND FULLY THE CHOICE OF A NUMBER OF OPTIONS, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF EACH. THE SOLUTIONS ARE NOT GOING TO BE PALATABLE BUT ARE NEVERTHELESS NECESSARY IN THE OVERALL INTEREST.
"ONE OF THE MAIN PURPOSES OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY IS TO EXAMINE ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS AND TO COME UP WITH RECOMMENDED POLICIES AND STRATEGIES ON RESTRAINTS, OR MEANS OF ENSURING MORE ECONOMIC USE OF ROAD SPACE.
"THE REPORT IS EXPECTED TO COME OUT LATER IN THE YEAR AND WILL RECOMMEND, AMONG OTHERS, POLICY INITIATIVES TO TACKLE CONGESTION IN THE LONG TERM.
"THIS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF A GREEN PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR."
MR LEUNG LOOKED FORWARD TO A FULL, FRANK AND USEFUL DEBATE AND THE PRODUCTION OF A LONG-TERM POLICY ON TACKLING TRAFFIC CONGESTION WHICH COULD BE IMPLEMENTED WITH GENERAL PUBLIC SUPPORT.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS CLEARLY THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION THAT THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM HAD TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS AND INCREASING ASPIRATIONS.
THE THREE POLICY OBJECTIVES WERE FIRST, THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROAD SYSTEM; SECOND, THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT; AND THIRD, MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM. THESE OBJECTIVES WERE INTER-RELATED AND EACH WAS COMPLEMENTARY TO THE OTHER.
THE BUDGET CONTINUED TO GIVE TRANSPORT HIGH PRIORITY.
/FOR EXAMPLE, ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY A, 1988
- 36 -
FOR EXAMPLE, EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS UNDER THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WAS ESTIMATED TO COST NEARLY $1.2 BILLION AND, TOGETHER WITH PROJECTS IN THE NEW TOWNS, CURRENT AND PROJECTED EXPENDITURE ON OUR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME WAS RUNNING AT ALMOST $1.5 BILLION PER YEAR, OR MORE THAN ONE-FIFTH OF THE TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET.
THE ABOVE EXCLUDED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ARISING OUT OF THE ACCELERATED PROGRAMME OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND APPROACH ROADS FOR THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL TO FACILITATE THE TUNNEL’S EARLY OPENING IN MID-1991 .
NOR DID IT INCLUDE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SUCH AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO TAKE PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, SO LONG AS THESE SERVED THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND COULD BE DONE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY.
"BUT NOT ALL PROJECTS ARE OF RELEVANCE OR INTEREST TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR UNLESS THEY ARE FINANCIALLY VIABLE AND COMMERCIALLY ATTRACTIVE," HE SAID.
"GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO SHOULDER THE MAJOR SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPROVING AND EXPANDING THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN PLANNING AHEAD."
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY ACCEPTED THAT THERE WERE SEVERE PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS TO BUILDING MORE ROADS IN THE BUILT-UP AREAS, AND THAT ROADS WERE BECOMING MORE EXPENSIVE TO BUILD.
SO PARALLEL EFFORTS HAD TO CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
HONG KONG COULD JUSTLY BE PROUD OF ITS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM, WHICH OFFERED A BROAD RANGE OF MODES PROVIDING RELATIVELY SPEEDY, RELIABLE AND CHEAP SERVICES FOR OVER NINE MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY.
THE BASIC INGREDIENTS OF THE SUCCESS LAY IN THE RIGHT MIX OF REGULATION AND INCENTIVES.
/THE GOVERNMENT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 37 -
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LET PRIVATE COMPANIES OR CORPORATIONS OPERATING ON PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES RUN THESE SERVICES, UNDER A GENERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK BUT WITH MINIMUM BUREAUCRATIC INTERFERENCE OR CONTROL.
HE SAID: "AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAVE AN INTER-MODAL CO-ORDINATING POLICY WHICH AIMS AT MAXIMISING THE USE OF THE MASS CARRIERS AS THE MORE EFFICIENT ROAD USERS, ENCOURAGING THE USE OF OFF-STREET MODES, ENSURING AS WIDE A GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF SERVICES, REMOVING UNNECESSARY AND THEREFORE DUPLICATION OF SERVICES, AND KEEPING FARES AS LOW AS POSSIBLE CONSISTENT WITH COMMERCIAL VIABILITY.
"THERE IS ALSO MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY, WITHIN EXISTING ARRANGEMENT, IN ADJUSTING SERVICES TO CHANGING NEEDS.
"EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE INTER-MODAL CO-ORDINATION POLICY HAS WORKED WELL AND HAS ACHIEVED THE RIGHT BALANCE OF SERVICES. WITH CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, THE POLICY CAN BE FURTHER REFINED BUT ITS OVERALL AIM REMAINS VALID."
TURNING TO THE USE OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES TO ENSURE THE MOST ECONOMIC USE OF LIMITED ROAD SPACE, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE THREE OBVIOUS AREAS WHERE THESE TECHNIQUES WERE APPLIED: TUNNELS, DISTRICT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND OTHER TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MEASURES.
IN REGARD TO TUNNELS, HE STRESSED THAT IMPROVEMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM RELIEF OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL.
NOTING THAT THE CONSULTANTS’ LATEST REPORT ON IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AT LION ROCK TUNNEL HAD JUST BEEN RELEASED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, HE SAID STUDIES WERE ALSO IN HAND TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, AND A REPORT WAS EXPECTED IN JULY.
ON DISTRICT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDIES WHICH PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING WORKS, HE SAID MAIN STUDIES COMPLETED OR IN PROGRESS INCLUDED THE TSIM SHA TSUI STUDY, STUDIES IN EAST KOWLOON AND NORTH WEST KOWLOON, AND STUDIES IN WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE RESULTS PROVIDED A BASIS FOR INTRODUCING SUCH PRACTICAL MEASURES AS TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SCHEMES, FLYOVERS, PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES OR SUBWAYS TO EASE TRAFFIC FLOW.
HE SAID THE EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MEASURES WERE CUMULATIVE AND OFTEN LOCALISED, AND HENCE LESS DRAMATIC.
/THEY RANGED.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 38 -
THEY RANGED FROM THE ERECTION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND PLACING OF ROAD MARKINGS TO COMPUTERISED AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT UNDERPINNING THESE MEASURES WAS THE COLLECTION OF TRAFFIC DATA. THE SELECTION OF THE MOST APPROPRIATE REMEDY OFTEN DEPENDED ON THE AVAILABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF SUCH DATA, COLLECTED THROUGH BOTH REGULAR AND AD HOC SURVEYS.
THEY HAD PROVED TO BE A VALUABLE TOOL IN HELPING TO FORMULATE PLANS AND POLICIES TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
THEY ALSO PROVIDED A MORE OBJECTIVE AND SCIENTIFIC YARDSTICK AGAINST WHICH CONGESTION COULD BE MEASURED.
"BUT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS," MR LEUNG SAID, "MAJOR POLICY INITIATIVES ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROAD SPACE AND THIS PROBLEM MUST BE FACED SQUARELY AND TACKLED WITH VIGOUR.
"FISCAL RESTRAINTS APPLIED IN 1982 AND 1984 RESPECTIVELY HAVE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT RESULTS, BUT THEIR EFFECTS ARE BEGINNING TO WEAR OFF AND FRESH INITIATIVES ARE NOW REQUIRED."
HE SAID THAT THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY WOULD EXAMINE ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS AND TO COME UP WITH RECOMMENDED POLICIES AND STRATEGIES IN THIS ASPECT.
-----0------
TWO BILLS PASSED
« * *
TWO BILLS - THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND
THE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 - WERE PASSED IN THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988 WAS GIVEN A SECOND READING.
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/39 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 59 -
FOREIGN SECRETARY TO VISIT HONG KONG
» t * ♦
THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT WAS ISSUED IN LONDON AT 7.30 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY, HONG KONG TIME):
"SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, QC , MP, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM 29 TO 31 MAY.”
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NEW SCHEME TO SUBSIDISE STUDENTS’ TRAVEL
* ♦ t » ♦
A NEW SCHEME TO SUBSIDISE STUDENTS’ TRAVEL ON EDUCATION-RELATED TRIPS WILL BE INTRODUCED WHEN THE EXISTING STUDENT TRAVEL CARDS EXPIRE ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW SCHEMES ARE:
* FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 24 WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED THEIR FIRST DEGREE FOR TRIPS BETWEEN HOME AND PLACE OF STUDY AND FOR SOME EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
* THE ASSISTANCE WILL BE PAID TO PARENTS OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND TO FULL-TIME INDIVIDUAL POST-SECONDARY, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND TERTIARY STUDENTS WHO HAVE TO TAKE TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL AND ARE LIABLE TO PAY FULL FARE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
♦ THE ASSISTANCE WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF AVERAGE FARES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITHIN AND BETWEEN DISTRICTS AND WILL COVER 14 TRIPS A WEEK DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME.
’’THE NEW SCHEME WILL PROVIDE ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WITH APPROXIMATELY HALF OF THE REQUIRED FARES FOR 10 TRIPS A WEEK FOR STUDY PURPOSES AND FOUR ADDITIONAL TRIPS FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS IS CONSIDERED REASONABLE SINCE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN FACT UNDERTAKE MANY SIKH ACTIVITIES AFTER SCHOOL ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES.”
HE ADDED THAT AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND RELATED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THAT MEANS-TESTING, AS PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED, SHOULD NOT BE MADE PART OF THE NEW SCHEME.
/THE ASSISTANCE........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
40 -
THE ASSISTANCE WILL BE CALCULATED AS HALF THE AVERAGE FARE ON MAJOR MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS DETERMINED BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SURVEYS BETWEEN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE STUDENT RESIDES AND THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE SCHOOL IS LOCATED.
ASSISTANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS EXCEPT THOSE WHO LIVE WITHIN A REASONABLE WALKING DISTANCE FROM THEIR PLACE OF STUDY.
GUIDELINES WILL BE ISSUED TO SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AUTHORITIES TO HELP THEM DETERMINE WHAT A REASONABLE WALKING DISTANCE IS.
STUDENTS WILL APPLY ANNUALLY FOR TRAVEL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THEIR PLACE OF STUDY TO THE STUDENT TRAVEL OFFICE WHICH WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THEY WILL NO LONGER NEED TO PAY $10 AS AT PRESENT FOR A STUDENT TRAVEL CARD.
AFTER THE APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR A LUMP SUM TO BE PAID TO EACH SCHOOL AND INSTITUTION WHICH WILL IN TURN ARRANGE FOR PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY INTO THE BANK ACCOUNTS OF PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INTO BANK ACCOUNTS OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS IN POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST FRAUDULENT CLAIMS, THERE WILL BE A RANDOM CHECK OF THE APPLICATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SEEKING THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS IN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW SCHEME HAD DISTINCT ADVANTAGES OVER THE EXISTING SCHEME WHICH HAD COME UNDER THE CRITICISM OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.
IT WOULD RESTRICT ASSISTANCE TO EDUCATION-RELATED TRAVEL ONLY BUT AT THE SAME TIME GIVE STUDENTS MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF THE ASSISTANCE.
UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE MODES OF TRANSPORT USED OR THE TIMES AT WHICH THE STUDENTS MAY TRAVEL USING THE ASSISTANCE.
UNDER THE EXISTING SCHEME, THE STUDENT TRAVEL CARD IS NOT ACCEPTED ON SEVERAL TYPES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUCH AS CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTES, EXPRESS BUS ROUTES, RECREATIONAL BUS ROUTES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND SECOND CLASS TRAVEL ON THE STAR FERRY.
MOREOVER, THE TRAVEL CARD CANNOT BE USED ON SUNDAYS AND MOST SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
/THE NEW
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
41
THE NEW SCHEME WILL ALSO OBVIATE THE PRESENT NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE WITH INDIVIDUAL TRANSPORT OPERATORS EVERY YEAR THE AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY DUE TO THEM BECAUSE STUDENTS IN FUTURE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE USE OF THE SUBSIDY THEY RECEIVE TO PAY FULL FARES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COST OF THE PRESENT SCHEME WAS $254 MILLION IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. IT WAS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE COST OF THE NEW SCHEME WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH THAT OF THE PRESENT SCHEME.
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PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SUMMER DISEASES
*****
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LAST YEAR THERE WERE FOUR CHOLERA CASES AND 378 FOOD POISONING CASES, WHICH AFFECTED MORE THAN 1,566 PEOPLE.
DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 43 CASES OF FOOD POISONING AFFECTING 120 PEOPLE WERE REPORTED.
"ALTHOUGH NO CHOLERA CASE HAS BEEN REPORTED SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT RELAX THEIR PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE DISEASE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE METHOD TO PREVENT CHOLERA AND OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SUCH AS TYPHOID AND DYSENTERY IS TO OBSERVE PERSONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD HYGIENE," HE STRESSED.
DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, PEOPLE TEND TO BE LESS CAREFUL IN THE CHOICE OF FOOD AND DRINKS. SINCE MOST GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND DRINK, PEOPLE SHOULD BE SPECIALLY CAREFUL IN THEIR EATING HABITS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT ALL FOOD SHOULD BE THROUGHLY COOKED AND SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNCOVERED IF NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATELY.
"THE CHOLERA BEING ENCOUNTERED NOWADAYS IS CHOLERA EL TOR WHICH IS ENDEMIC IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD AND ISOLATED CASES ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR NOW AND THEN.
/"THE STRICT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
42
’’THE STRICT ADHERENCE TO THE SIMPLE RULES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE SUCH AS WASHING OF HANDS AFTER TOILET AND BEFORE FOOD PREPARATION, AND THE HYGIENIC HANDLING OF FOOD AND DRINKS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER DIARRHOEA DISEASES,” HE SAID.
PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES WHERE CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES ARE ENDEMIC ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE IN THE SELECTION OF FOOD AND DRINK.
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MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE A SUCCESS
♦ ♦ ♦ * »
A NIGHT-TIME OFFSHORE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE, WHICH WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE (MRCC) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE EXERCISE, WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO TEST ALL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATIONS AT NIGHT, STARTED AT 6 PM YESTERDAY AND LASTED UNTIL 7.40 AM TODAY.
APART FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE MARINE POLICE, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THE EXERCISE.
THE SCENARIO OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO LOCATE A SAILING YACHT WHICH WAS REPORTED TO HAVE DEVELOPED DIFFICULTIES ABOUT 20 TO 30 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OF HONG KONG DURING THE NIGHT.
A SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE MRCC AND THE YACHT WAS SUCCESSFULLY LOCATED AT A POSITION ABOUT 22 NAUTICAL MILES EAST SOUTHEAST OF WAGLAN ISLAND. A ’’CASUALTY” WAS RESCUED.
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A3.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- -
LADY WILSON TO OPEN CARE HOME IN KWAI TSING
» * ♦ » *
A NEW CARE AND ATTENTION SHELTER FOR THE ELDERLY IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT -- THE LAI YIU BRADBURY CARE HOME — WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY LADY WILSON TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
OPERATED BY THE HELPING HAND, THE CARE HOME IS THE FIRST ONE SET UP UNDER A GOVERNMENT PILOT SCHEME.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SUBSIDISE A CARE SHELTER ADMINISTERED BY A NON-PROFIT MAKING WELFARE ORGANISATION IN RETURN FOR A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PLACES IN THE SHELTER.
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO THE CARE HOME INCLUDED ALLOCATION OF THE PREMISES IN THE HOUSING ESTATE AND FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES FOR THE ELDERLY’S HOSTEL FEES AND LIVING EXPENSES.
GUESTS ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW WILL INCLUDE THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS; KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS; AND EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE HELPING HAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LAI YIU BRADBURY CARE HOME TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT BLOCK B OF LAI YIU COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, KWAI CHUNG.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE VENUE AT 3.15 PM. A SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THEM AFTER 2 PM AT THE LAI KING HILL ROAD EXIT OF LAI KING MTR STATION.
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MINISTER GIVES HK’S VIEWS ON TRADE BILL ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE OMNIBUS TRADE BILL PASSED IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE ON APRIL 27 SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY SERIOUSLY DAMAGING EFFECTS ON HONG KONG TRADE, A SENIOR HONG KONG TRADE OFFICIAL SAID IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, ON TUESDAY.
MR PETER LO, MINISTER FOR HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS AND BASED IN WASHINGTON, DC, WAS ADDRESSING A JOINT LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE WASHINGTON COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE WASHINGTON STATE CHINA RELATIONS COUNCIL.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 44
HE SAID THAT NOW PRESIDENT REAGAN HAD THREATENED TO VETO THE BILL - DUE LARGELY TO A PROVISION THAT WOULD REQUIRE BUSINESSES TO GIVE WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES 60 DAYS' NOTICE BEFORE INSTITUTING LAYOFFS OR CLOSING PLANTS WITH MORE THAN 100 EMPLOYEES - THE FOCUS OF ATTENTION WAS ON WHAT WAS LIKELY TO HAPPEN AFTER THE ANTICIPATED VETO.
"AS- I SEE IT, THE LEGISLATION HAS MOVED AWAY FROM ITS ORIGINAL FORM WHICH CONTAINED A LOT OF PROTECTIONIST AND OBJECTIONABLE PROPOSALS,” HE SAID.
’’THERE ARE STILL A COUPLE OF TECHNICAL AREAS (FOR EXAMPLE, THE ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION PROVISION TO EXPAND THE COVERAGE OF ANTI-DUMPING ORDERS) WHICH WE SHALL HAVE TO STUDY MORE CAREFULLY TO ASSESS THEIR LIKELY IMPACT ON HONG KONG.
’’APART FROM THESE, THE FINAL VERSION OF THE TRADE BILL HAS REPRESENTED A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT AS FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED.”
MR LO ADDED THAT HE EVEN BELIEVED THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS IN THE TRADE BILL WHICH SHOULD HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM.
”1 REFER TO THE HARMONISED SYSTEM AND THE NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY PROVISION. UNDER THE TRADE BILL, THE HARMONISED SYSTEM WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1, 1989,” HE SAID.
"ON NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY, THE PRESIDENT IS PROVIDED WITH FAST-TRACK IMPLEMENTATION AUTHORITY FOR BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO BEFORE MAY 31, 1993.
’’THE PRESIDENT WOULD BE AUTHORISED TO PROCLAIM TARIFF REDUCTIONS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CRITERIA AND WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OR APPROVAL.”
MR LO NOTED THAT SUCH AUTHORITY WAS REQUIRED IF THE UNITED STATES WAS TO CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE KEY PLAYERS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF THE GATT MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE IN GENEVA.
THE LACK OF "FAST-TRACK” NEGOTIATING AUTHORITY ON THE PART OF THE UNITED STATES MIGHT CLOUD THE PROSPECT OF GOOD PROGRESS IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS.
"HONG KONG BELIEVES THE URUGUAY ROUND IS AN IMPORTANT GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO REVITALISE THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND ACHIEVE EXPANSION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE," HE SAID.
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AT A TIME WHEN PROTECTIONISM PREVAILS AND MANY COUNTRIES HAVE THE TENDENCY TO RESORT TO UNILATERAL RESTRICTIVE MEASURES."
FOLLOWING HIS STAY IN SEATTLE, MR LO WAS TO CONCLUDE HIS TOUR OF THE WEST COAST OF NORTH AMERICA WITH A TWO-DAY VISIT TO VANCOUVER IN CANADA.
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A5.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- *5 -
KWUN TONG DB’S HOUSING COMMITTEE TO FORMULATE WORK PLAN *****
THE HOUSING COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL FORMULATE THEIR WORK PLAN FOR 1988-89 AND LOOK INTO OUTSTANDING MATTERS HANDED OVER BY THE WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING OF THE LAST TERM DISTRICT BOARD.
THE WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A COMMITTEE BY THE NEW TERM DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS * «
USE OF VACANT CROWN LAND * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE USE OF A PIECE OF VACANT CROWN LAND ADJACENT TO CHUN KWONG PRIMARY SCHOOL IN PING SHUN STREET AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REPROVISIONING OF BENCHES AT A SITTING-OUT AREA IN MA MIU ROAD; THE WORK OF THE KEEP YUEN LONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE FOR 1988-89; AND REPORTS ON THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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/46........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
- 46 -
KOWLOON CITY DB TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION *****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF $2.04 MILLION FOR CARRYING OUT VARIOUS PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES IN 1988-89 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE AMOUNT REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $190,000 OR 10 PER CENT OVER THE AMOUT ALLOCATED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IT HAS BEEN PROPOSED THAT OF THE $2.04 MILLION, $880,000 SHOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, $1.1 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS AND $55,000 AS RESERVE FUND.
AT THE MEETING, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR H.T. LUI, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CLEARANCE PLAN FOR KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT DYER AVENUE AND GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.15 PM.
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SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS ALLOCATION OF FUNDS « « » » »
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE NOMINATION OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO THE BOARD’S FIVE COMMITTEES AND THE CONTINUATION OF ITS "MEET THE PUBLIC" SCHEME AND "MY SUGGESTION TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD" POSTGRAMME SCHEME.
SEVERAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AT THE MEETING.
/THESE INCLUDE
WEDNESDAY, NAY 4, 1988
- 47 -
THESE INCLUDE THE POSSIBLE ASBESTOS THREAT CAUSED BY THE DEMOLITION OF GENERATING UNITS AT AP LEI CHAU POWER STATION; THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION IN SOUTHERN WATERS; AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR AP LEI CHAU.
OFFICIALS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, LABOUR, AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO. LTD. WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE MTRC’S PROPOSED SURCHARGE DURING PEAK HOURS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT FROM THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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WATER CUTS IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON TONG
» » » * «
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, PEACE AVENUE AND ARGYLE STREET.
ALSO FOR MAINS WORK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL EITHER BE CUT OFF OR REDUCED IN PRESSURE FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT JUNCTION ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, KAM SHING ROAD, OSBORNE BARRACKS, EDE ROAD BETWEEN CORNWALL STREET AND WARWICK ROAD, AND WARWICK ROAD.
THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE REDUCTION IN PRESSURE IS BOUNDED BY CORNWALL STREET, KCR LINE, EMBANKMENT ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, GRAMPIAN ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, LANCASHIRE ROAD, LA SALLE ROAD, HEREFORD ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD. RENFREW ROAD WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
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/48........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1988
48 -
RESTRICTED ZONES IN STANLEY t ♦ * t *
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN STANLEY WILL BE DESIGNATED AS
7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7):
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE OF STANLEY MARKET ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 27 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY NEW STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 48 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
♦ THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF STANLEY NEW STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY MARKET ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 21 METRES SOUTH OF THAT JUNCTION; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE OF STANLEY NEW STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT THREE METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY MARKET ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 57 METRES NORTH OF THAT JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTED ZONES WILL BE
LIFTED:
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE OF STANLEY NEW STREET FROM A POINT
ABOUT SIX METRES SOUTH ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY MARKET ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 57 METRES NORTH OF THAT JUNCTION; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF STANLEY NEW STREET FROM A POINT
ABOUT EIGHT METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY MARKET ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES SOUTH OF THAT JUNCTION.
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LONG VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI ♦ t ♦ »
ALL VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER TONNOCHY ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG HING ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD IN WAN CHAI FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7).
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR ROADWORKS.
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A9.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,
1988
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL
*****
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND JUBILEE STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7).
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS FOR CABLE LAYING
WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING GOODS VEHICLE PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SAME SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED.
- - 0 - -
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN KWAI CHUNG
* * * «
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW, THE KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LOONG STREET IN KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN WO YI HOP ROAD AND TAI PAK TIN STREET WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) .
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
- 0 - -
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION LIFTED » ♦ ♦ »
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6), THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF A SECTION OF TSUEN NAM ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE LIFTED.
THE SECTION IS BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF TSUEN NAM ROAD’S JUNCTION WITH CHIK LUK LANE AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WAI ROAD.
THE MEASURE AIMS AT REGULATING THE LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITES ON THAT SECTION OF TSUEN NAM ROAD.
O - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING REPORT FOR N-PLANT RELEASED ............ 1
MARICULTURISTS ALERTED OVER FISH KILL........................ 4
GOVERNOR PRAISES WORK OF OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL ............... 4
FIRST CARE HOME UNDER PILOT SCHEME OPINED.................... 6
SKILLED WORKERS NEEDED FOR AUTOMATION ....................... 7
PUBLIC URGED TO PAY ATTENTION TO FOOD HYGIENE................ 8
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF REMAIL SALES SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY...... 10
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB ELECTS COMMITTEES' CHAIRMEN........... 14
REGIONAL SECRETARY SEES DIFFERENT FACES OF SHA TIN........... 14
SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY ............ 15
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS STANDING ORDERS ........................ 16
MEETINGS OF TWO DB ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES ................... 17
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LONG PING ESTATE TRANSPORT SERVICES . 18
ANNUAL SEMINAR FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS ............. 19
BUTTERFLY ESTATE CULTURAL WEEK ENDS OH SATURDAY ............. 19
YUEN LONG PREPARES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ..................... 20
NT TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL......................... 21
GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TENDER ........................... 2J
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO NIGERIA EXTENDED........................ 24
U.S. BAN ON IMPORTS OF BURUNDI IVORY......................... 24
OPINING OF HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER ............................ 25
MONG KOK ROAD BUS LANE LIFTED................................ 25
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
CONTINGENCY PLANNING REPORT FOR N-PLANT RELEASED
» » » » *
GUIDANCE ON THE ACTIONS THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAN TO TAKE, IN RESPONSE TO ANY ACCIDENTAL RELEASE OF RADIOACTIVITY FROM THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION, IS CONTAINED IN A DETAILED REPORT ON CONTINGENCY PLANNING RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE 106-PAGE REPORT, PREPARED FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY, RE-AFFIRMS THAT PLANNING FOR EXTREME MEASURES, SUCH AS EVACUATION, IS NOT REQUIRED.
POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG NEED ONLY CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES THAT MIGHT ARISE AT MORE THAN 25 KILOMETRES FROM THE POWER STATION, THE REPORT ADVISES THAT AT SUCH DISTANCES THERE WAS A CONSENSUS OF INTERNATIONAL OPINION THAT THERE WOULD ONLY EXIST A NEED FOR MONITORING AND PERHAPS CONTROL OF FOODSTUFFS.
NOTING THAT THE REACTORS TO BE INSTALLED AT DAYA BAY ARE PRESSURISED WATER REACTORS (PWR), THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AN ACCIDENT TO A PWR THAT HAS RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC.
LT ADDS THAT A CHERNOBYL-TYPE ACCIDENT CANNOT HAPPEN IN A PWR WHICH IS OF A TOTALLY DIFFERENT DESIGN. MOREOVER, UNLIKE THE CHERNOBYL REACTOR, WHICH LACKED AN EFFECTIVE CONTAINMENT BUILDING, PWR’S ARE PROVIDED WITH A MASSIVE PRE-STRESSED, REINFORCED CONCRETE CONTAINMENT BUILDING DESIGNED TO ENSURE THEIR INTEGRITY IN ALL CREDIBLE ClRCUMSTANCES.
EMPHASISING THAT A VERY LARGE ACCIDENT AT DAYA BAY IS EXTREMELY UNLIKELY AND HIGHLY IMPROBABLE, THE CONSULTANTS ADVISED THAT DETAILED PLANNING FOR SUCH AN OCCURRENCE IS NOT GENERALLY CONSIDERED JUSTIFIABLE.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE A GOOD EMERGENCY ORGANISATION ALREADY EXISTS IN HONG KONG TO DEAL WITH NATURAL DISASTERS, ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH CREDIBLE MAJOR NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS, WHICH ARE THEMSELVES IMPROBABLE, CAN EASILY BE EXTENDED TO DEAL WITH VERY LARGE CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS.
THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE ACTUAL CONTINGENCY PLAN SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE AND CAPABLE OF RESPONDING TO A WIDE RANGE OF ACCIDENTS FROM THE TRIVIAL TO THE SERIOUS.
THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN SHOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO RAPIDLY MOBILISE RESOURCES TO MONITOR AND ASSESS THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY ACCIDENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO MITIGATE AGAINST POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS.
/BECAUSE THE ......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
2
BECAUSE THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS MANNED ON A 24 HOUR BASIS, HAS READILY AVAILABLE METEOROLOGICAL DATA, AND HAS EXPERIENCE IN RADIATION MONITORING, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE ’’MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT” CENTRE SHOULD BE SET UP AT THE OBSERVATORY.
THE BASIC RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION PRINCIPLES THAT SHOULD BE APPLIED IN THE EVENT OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT ARE GIVEN IN THE REPORT, AND ARE DEVELOPED INTO PRACTICAL ADVICE. SOME OF THE COUNTERMEASURES, SUCH AS WASHING FOODSTUFFS, WOULD BE RELATIVELY EASY TO IMPLEMENT.
TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG IS PROMPTLY INFORMED OF ANY EMERGENCY AT THE DAYA BAY STATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER OR NOT THE INCIDENT WAS LIKELY TO PHYSICALLY AFFECT HONG KONG, THE CONSULTANTS RECOMMEND THAT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE REACHED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A RELIABLE COMMUNICATIONS LINK BETWEEN THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE DAYA BAY CONTROL CENTRE.
SINCE THE FOOD PATHWAY IS LIKELY TO BE THE PRINCIPAL CONCERN FOLLOWING ANY SERIOUS RELEASE OF RADIOACTIVITY FROM THE DAYA BAY PLANT, THE REPORT DEVOTES A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE TO THE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FOOD CHAIN.
THE NEED TO INITIALLY CONCENTRATE ON PRODUCE IN SHOPS AND MARKETS, SUCH AS FRUIT AND VEGETABLES, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE PLUME IS HIGHLIGHTED.
EVEN WITH VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT UNACCEPTABLE CONTAMINATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM WOULD EVENTUATE.
THIS IS BECAUSE ANY DEPOSITION ON THE RESERVOIRS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO MASSIVE DILUTION BY THE VOLUME OF WATER IN THE RESERVOIR.
FURTHERMORE THE LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVITY IN THE WATER WOULD BE GREATLY REDUCED BY THE STANDARD WATER TREATMENT PROCESS.
THE REPORT GOES ON TO SAY THAT IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT LIVESTOCK WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY CONTAMINATED UNLESS THEY HAD BEEN GRAZING ON CONTAMINATED PASTURE.
CO-OPERATION FROM THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WOULD ENSURE THAT ANY SUCH ANIMALS WOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND CHECKED FOR CONTAMINATION AT THE AFFECTED FARM. FOR MONITORING PURPOSES THE REPORT SUGGESTS THAT A SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING WOULD BE JUSTIFIABLE.
/OTHER HIGHLIGHTS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 3 -
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT INCLUDE:
» THE SETTING UP OF A RADIATION PROTECTION ADVISORY GROUP TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT ADVICE ON THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT AT DAYA BAY;
» THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY MONITORING TEAMS CAPABLE OF MEASURING THE DOSE RATES FROM THE RADIOACTIVE PLUME AND FROM RADIOACTIVITY DEPOSITED ON THE GROUND;
» THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT IN AN EMERGENCY THE INDIVIDUAL RISK TO EMERGENCY WORKERS WAS MINIMISED, POSSIBLY THROUGH AN ISSUE OF DISPOSABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING;
» THE NEED TO CONSIDER HOLDING SMALL STOCKS OF POTASSIUM IODATE TABLETS TO GIVE TO ANYONE WHO HAD BEEN CLOSE TO THE DAYA BAY SITE AT THE TIME OF A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND HAD SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG WITHIN 12 HOURS.
THE MAJOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE CONTINGENCY PLAN ARE THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO CO-ORDINATE THE MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHOSE PRIMARY ROLE WOULD BE ADVISING THE PUBLIC ON THE SITUATION AND NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN.
SUPPORTING FACILITIES WOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE POLICE FORCE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES, CIVIL AID SERVICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
STRESSING THAT THE REPORT IS NOT IN ITSELF THE HONG KONG CONTINGENCY PLAN, THE CONSULTANTS EXPLAIN THAT ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON HOW SUCH A PLAN MAY BE PREPARED.
IN ORDER TO SET THE SCENE FOR THIS OBJECTIVE THE REPORT ALSO PROVIDES SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON HOW NUCLEAR REACTORS OPERATE, RADIATION AND A GENERAL DISCUSSION ON REACTOR ACCIDENTS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $50 EACH FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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A....
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 4 -
MARICULTURISTS ALERTED OVER FISH KILL » * * * t
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) WARNED MARICULTURISTS IN THE TOLO HARBOUR REGION THAT RED TIDES AND STAGNANT TIDES PREVAILING IN THEIR FISH CULTURE GROUNDS MIGHT GIVE RISE TO FISH KILLS CAUSED BY OXYGEN DEPLETION.
THEY SHOULD IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE WATERS THROUGH MECHANICAL MEANS PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT.
THE WARNING FOLLOWED A REPORT OF FISH KILL RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING FROM MARICULTURISTS IN THE YIM TIN TSAI FISH CULTURE ZONE WHERE 35 TONNES OF FISH WERE KILLED OVERNIGHT.
THE RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES OFFICER, DR PATSY WONG, REVEALED THAT THE FISH KILL WAS DUE TO OXYGEN DEPLETION CAUSED BY STAGNANT TIDES AND PRESENCE OF NON-TOXIC RED TIDES, FORMED BY A PLANKTON SPECIES CALLED THE "GONYAULAX POLYGRAMMA", IN THE WATERS.
DR WONG SAID THE FISH SPECIES AFFECTED INCLUDED GOLD-LINED SEABREAMS, MANGROVE SNAPPERS AND GREEN GROUPERS. AS THE FISH DIED ONLY OF OXYGEN DEPLETION, THEY WERE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
"THE FOUR FISH CULTURE ZONES IN THE TOLO HARBOUR REGION, NAMELY YIM TIN TSAI, YIM TIN TSAI EAST, YUNG SHUE AU AND LO FU WAT, WILL BE AFFECTED BY LOW CURRENTS AND STAGNANT TIDES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
"MARICULTURISTS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO AERATE THE WATERS IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THEIR LOSSES," DR WONG ADDED.
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GOVERNOR PRAISES WORK OF OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
* * * * *
THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL PLAYS A VERY VALUABLE ROLE IN TRAINING YOUNG PEOPLE IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
VISITING THE SCHOOL AT TAI MONG TSAI, SAI KUNG, SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT LAST YEAR, THE SCHOOL ORGANISED 117 COURSES FOR MORE THAN 3,100 PEOPLE.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
THURSDAY, MAI 5, 1988
- 5 -
THESE INCLUDED ADULT COURSES, CHILDREN'S ADVENTURE AND SOCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, SPECIAL OUTDOOR SKILLS COURSES, COURSES FOR THE DISABLED AND UNDER-PRIVILEDGED, AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES AN ANNUAL SUBVENTION TO HELP DESERVING PEOPLE TAKE PART IN COURSES AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL, THE GOVERNOR SAID, "THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB IN PROVIDING TRAINING WHICH ENCOURAGES THOSE TAKING PART TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE AND MORE SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
"THE GOVERNEMNT IS HAPPY TO PROVIDE HELP FOR SOME WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO BENEFIT, TO TAKE PART."
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT ABOUT 1,000 PEOPLE BENEFITTED FROM GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES TO THEIR COURSE FEES EVERY YEAR.
ON ARRIVAL, THE GOVERNOR WAS MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR DENNIS MINNS, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL, MR DEREK PRITCHARD.
DURING A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL, SIR DAVID MET 11 TRAINEE PILOTS OF THE CATHAY PACIFIC CADET PILOT SCHEME WHO WERE UNDERGOING AN OUTWARD BOUND TRAINING COURSE.
LATER, THE GOVERNOR WATCHED A GROUP OF YOUNG GIRLS TAKING A RAFTING INITIATIVE COURSE ON THE BEACH, WHILE OFFSHORE GROUPS OF TRAINEES WERE LEARNING THE SKILLS OF KETCH SAILING AND CANOEING.
SIR DAVID THEN BOARDED THE 132-FOOT ADVENTURE SHIP "JI FUNG" WHERE HE MET COURSE TRAINEES WHO HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A CRUISE TO THE PHILIPPINES.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID, HIMSELF A KEEN MOUNTAINEER, SAW TRAINEES TAKING PART IN AN ADULT CHALLENGE COURSE IN ROCK CLIMBING AND ABSEIL PRACTICE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID PARTICIPATION IN AN OUTWARD BOUND COURSE WOULD BE A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN THE QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP AND SELF-RELIANCE, AND TO GET OUT INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE.
THIS WOULD ALSO HELP PARTICIPANTS TRAIN THEMSELVES AS MUCH BETTER CITIZENS, MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE OPERATORS, WHATEVER THEIR JOBS, HE SAID.
CIVIL SERVANTS SENT ON OUTWARD BOUND COURSES HAD BENEFITTED ENORMOUSLY.
/SIR DAVID .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, "W
6
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY ENCOURAGED TO SEE HOW THE SCHOOL HAD DEVELOPED AND TO HEAR ABOUT ITS PLANS FOR FURTHER ACTIVITIES.
HE NOTED THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL AT ABOUT SI MILLION A YEAR TO HELP THOSE WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT HAVE THE CHANCE TO COME, ANY WORTHWHILE IDEAS PUT FORWARD TO EXTEND THE SCHEME WOULD BE CONSIDERED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE HAVE HAD A PERIOD OF VERY RAPID GROWTH IN HONG KONG. OUTWARD BOUND IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WE USE OUR COUNTRYSIDE. WE MUST PRESERVE THAT COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND WE MUST, AT THE SAME TIME, FIND WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION."
-----0-----
FIRST CARE HOME UNDER PILOT SCHEME OPENED *****
THE LAI YIU BRADBURY CARE HOME IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY), PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 72 CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.
IT IS OPERATED BY THE HELPING HAND WITH SUBSIDY FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND, AND IS THE FIRST CARE HOME SET UP UNDER A GOVERNMENT PILOT SCHEME WHICH SUBSIDISES SUCH HOMES IN RETURN FOR 80 PER CENT OF THE PLACES.
THE PLACES ARE USED FOR RESETTLING PUBLIC HOUSING ELDERLY TENANTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND FOR ACCOMMODATING THOSE WHO ARE ON THE CENTRAL WAITING LIST FOR CARE AND ATTENTION PLACEMENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY AND THE FEES PAID BY THE ELDERLY THEMSELVES WILL COVER THE BASIC COST, WHILE THE HELPING HAND WILL UNDERTAKE THE OPERATION OF THE HOME. THE ELDERLY WILL RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FEES THEY PAID THROUGH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, SAID THE PROJECT WOULD GO SOME WAY TOWARDS ALLEVIATING A PRESSING PROBLEM IN HONG KONG - THE PLIGHT OF THE ELDERLY WHO COULD NO LONGER CARE FOR THEMSELVES.
WHILE NOTING THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TERRITORY’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, LADY WILSON SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THOSE STILL IN INADEQUATE CONDITIONS.
/"WE MUST ......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 7
"WE MUST RECOGNISE THE NEEDS OE THOSE TO CARE EOR THEMSELVES IN THE COMMUNITY, OR FAM 1LY," SHE STRESSED.
WHO ARE NO LONGER ABLE BE CARED FOR BY THEIR
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE CARE HOME WAS EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS OF CITIZENS, AND REFLECTED THE CARING CAPACITY OF THE COMMUNITY.
AN EXAMPLE OF THE ORGANISATIONS WHICH
SHE NOTED THAT THE CARE HOME PROJECT WAS THE FIRST TIME A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY WAS GIVEN TO A NON-SUBVENTED ORGANISATION ON A PER CAPITA BASIS.
THE STRENGTH OF SUCH A SCHEME IS THAT IT WILL ALLOW MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO BE HELPED WHILST PRESERVING THE TRULY VOLUNTARY NATURE OF A WELFARE ORGANISATION AS AN INDEPENDENT CHARITY." SHE ADDED.
LOCATED IN LAI YIU ESTATE, THE CARE HOME IS A THREE-STOREY SHELTER, INSIDE WHICH THERE ARE ROOMS FOR THE ELDERLY, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN, LAUNDRY, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY ROOM, PHYSIOTHERAPY ROOM AND A ROOFTOP GARDEN.
AN INNOVATIVE IDEA BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THIS CARE HOME IS THE PROVISION OF ROOMS FOR COUPLES, WHO WILL BE ACCEPTED EVEN IF ONLY ONE' OF THEM IS IN NEED OF (’ARE AND ATTENTION SERVICES.
VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, NOTABLY THE HOUSING AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS, HAI) PROVIDED ASSISTANCE IN THE PROJECT.
-----0------
SKILLED WORKERS NEEDED FOR AUTOMATION ♦ » » * *
THE ADOPTION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY HAS LED TO A STRONG DEMAND FOR PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICAL MANPOWER AT ALL LEVELS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY REPORT RELEASED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID THE TRAINING BOARD FOUND THAT MANY MANUFACTURERS INVESTMENT IN AUTOMATION BY INSTALLING ADVANCED
PLASTICS INDUSTRY HAD MADE A HUGE COMPUTERISED MOULD
MAKING AS WELL AS INJECTION MOULDING MACHINES FOR THE PURPOSE OF
IMPROVING PRODUCT!V1TY AND QUALITY.
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE INDUSTRY TO UPGRADE THE SKILLS OF THE WORKFORCE TO SUPPORT THIS TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE INCREASE........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 8 -
THE INCREASE IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WORK AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER TO ASSIST IN THE SETTING UP AND MANAGING OF PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN CHINA ALSO CREATED ADDITIONAL MANPOWER NEEDS IN THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD NOTED.
THE BOARD PROJECTED THAT THE INDUSTRY SHOULD TRAIN AT LEAST AN ADDITIONAL 1U0 TECHNOLOGISTS, 200 TECHNICIANS AND 400 CRAFTSMEN EACH YEAR TO SUPPORT ITS GROWTH UP TO 1993.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, RECORDED THAT THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE INDUSTRY HAS SLIGHTLY DECREASED TO 78,800 IN 1987 FROM 79,800 IN 1985.
THE DECLINE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTED TO AUTOMATION AND THE AVAILABILITY OF CHEAP LABOUR IN CHINA TO PRODUCE LABOUR-INTENSIVE PARTS AND SUB-ASSEMBLIES.
THE "1987 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY" IS NOU ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE CENTRAL, AT $12.5 A COPY.
-------0---------
PUBLIC URGED TO PAY ATTENTION TO FOOD HYGIENE * ♦ ♦ * »
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON AND WITH THE INCREASE OF REPORTED CASES OF VIRAL HEPATITIS A INFECTION IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH UNCLEAN AND UNWHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER.
MAKING THE APPEAL TODAY (THURSDAY), THE HYGIENE ADVISER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DR RON PERRY, WARNED THE PUBLIC TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST FOOD POISONING AND DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, DYSENTERY, TYPHOID AND VIRAL HEPATITIS A.
"THEY ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE ORAL-FAECAL ROUTE.
"THE PUBLIC SHOULD OBSERVE PROPER PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE FOOD
THEY CONSUME IS HYGIENIC AND FREE FROM CONTAMINATION AND DETERIORATION," DR PERRY SAID.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
HE SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING WHEN EATING AT HOME:
* MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN;
* CLEAN HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD;
* USE WHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER;
* USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;
* STORE ALL PERISHABLE FOOD NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION IN A REFRIGERATOR. COOKED FOOD STORED IN A REFRIGERATOR SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM RAW FOOD ITEMS AND WRAPPED UP IN CLEAN PLASTIC SHEETS;
» DO NOT THAW FROZEN FOOD UNTIL IT IS NEEDED;
* NEVER USE A CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE FOR CUTTING COOKED FOOD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN USED FOR CUTTING RAW FOOD, PARTICULARLY MEAT OR POULTRY;
* COOK FOOD, ESPECIALLY MEAT AND SHELLFISH, THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;
♦ EAT COOKED FOOD WHILE IT IS STILL HOT. DON’T LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME;
* FOOD TO BE KEPT OVERNIGHT SHOULD BE PUT IN A REFRIGERATOR. RE-COOK LEFTOVERS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING; AND
* ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE SHOULD BE PUT INTO A COVERED CONTAINER BEFORE DISPOSAL.
DR PERRY ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL FOOD HAWKERS AND UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES AS THE FOOD THEY SELL MIGHT BE UNCLEAN AND POSE A SERIOUS RISK TO HEALTH.
’’THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED NOT TO PURCHASE CUT FRUIT FROM ANY ILLEGAL FRUIT VENDORS BECAUSE ITEMS OF FRUIT CAN EASILY GET CONTAMINATED ONCE THEY ARE CUT OPEN.
"SAFE FOOD, AND GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE FORM THE STRONGEST WEAPON AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES," DR PERRY SAID.
- - 0-------
/10........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
10
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR FEBRUARY
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY 1988, ESTIMATED AT $8,432 MILLION, WAS 45 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1987 WHILE VOLUME WAS 33 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON RETAIL SALES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE ABOVE COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR BUT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
TAKING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1988 TOGETHER, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 AND ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES OF 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, EOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 47 PER CENT IN VALUF AND 33 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
"OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 29 PER CENT AND 28 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE WHILE THEIR INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME WERE BOTH 19 PER CENT.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF "MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND BY DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 5-2 PER CENT AND 51 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND BOTH BY 38 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 19 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR SUPERMARKETS WERE 17 PER CENT AND 9 PER
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1988 WITH FEBRUARY 1987, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 26 PER. CENT IN VALUF AND 15 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 95 PFR CFNT IN VALUE AND 78 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
/CONSUMER DURABLES .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
11
CONSUMER DURABLES AND "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 48 PER CENT AND 47 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE, WHILE BOTH INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 96 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 79 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 87 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 69 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SUPERMARKET SALES WENT UP BY 53 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 43 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 25 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY ROSE BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF FUELS WENT DOWN BY 3 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOI.I ME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS FELL BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, ^988
12
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS SALES WENT UP BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 20 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS HAD INCREASES OF 4 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JANUARY AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1988 (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 FEBRUARY 1988 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1988 AND WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1987 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 1988 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, 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 (5-8234941).
Total Retail Salts - 15 - TA8LE I : TOTAL RETAIL SALES THURSDAY, • *88,4X2 million • «S8,056 Billion HAY 5, 1988
for February for January 1988 (Provisional Figure) 1988 (Revise* Figmre)
TABLE 2 : VALUE m VOLUME IMDEIES (F RETAIL SALES
FUR JANUARY I989 ANO FEBRUARY |908
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 93 ’100)
Tn Hex of .* ! Fearuary 1988 : February ’988 Jan. - Feb. I9S9
I tee : Retail January February : coepared vi th ! compares with compared with
: Salts : I998 1 I98S I January 1988 : Feoruary 1987 Jan. - Feo. 1987 :
t • (Revised (Provisional ! Points I 2 Points I Points Z
figures) figures) ! • • •
(A) .-1®. ALL RETAIL TRACES J • A • • •
: Value : 144 • tsi : z • 5 : 46 45 30 26 :
: vci um : • । 123 130 : s । 4 : 32 33 18 lb- I
(8) 3Y rtAJQR TRADE SWUPS ' ! _____ . • • • • • • • 1 • • 1
Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 Valut . » no 1 nt : t I 1 I 27 26 13 11 :
drinks and tobacco 1 Volute •’ I > • 120 U7 : -2 -2 : 15 15 ♦ 3 :
• »• Fuels 1 Value n • 95 : -3 « -J : ix i6 13 15 1 :
! Volute J 106 103 J -4 -3 1 11 11 8 8 1
: : 1 1 !
Clotbia-g, footwar 1 Valut • 187 184 : -3 -2 1 89 95 59 47 |
and allied products I Volute 1 157 157 : i • J 69 78 39 33 1
i : 1 • 1
Consular durables ' Value ! 141 152 : 10 7 l 49 48 32 28 1
: volute : । • 118 - 125 I 7 1 6 J 13 “ft I9 19 :
Other consuler goods ! Valut ! in • 162 : 12 • 8 J 52 47 1 35 29 J !
1 Volute t । t 126 138 : it • 9 1 36 36 21 19 :
(CJ BY SELECTED TRADES J ! • । t 1 I * । • 1 1 • 1 [
i a (set note I helot) ! ! • • • • * • « •
Suoeriarkets ! Value ! l<3 176 : 30 21 : 61 53 23 17 :
: Volute : • • 131 138 : 26 । 20 : 48 43 12 9 :
Rotor vehicles 1 Value ! 197 • 226 I 29 • 14 : 105 87 • 72 52 1
and parts ! Volute 1 » । 146 165 I 18 • 12 : 67 69 43 38 1
Consumer durables ' Value I 124 129 : 5 • 4 J 32 33 e 20 19 :
other than to tor Volute ! 109 113 : 4 3 J 23 25 12 12 :
vehicles and parts ! • • • 1 • • • •
Departunt stores ! Value « 187 190 : 3 » 2 I 93 96 • 64 51 :
: volute : 159 164 : 5 3 : 72 79 45 38 S
MOTES : I. la order to analyst the salts of certain trades WITHIN major trade groups, the value and volute indexes
in respect of the folloving selected trades are compiled i
(a) ’Supermarkets’ - a trade in the ’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco’ group.
(b) ’Motor vehicles and parts 1 - a trade i ■ the ’Consumer durables’ group.
(c> ’Consumer durables other than eotor vehicles and parts’ - a trade in the ’Comsuaer durables’ group.
(d) ’Department stores’ - a trade in the Other consumer goods* group.
2. Figures denoting changes art derived from the unrounded index figures.
3. denotes change of less than 0.3.
o
/14
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
14
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB ELECTS COMMITTEES’ CHAIRMEN
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) ELECTED THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN FOR ITS FIVE COMMITTEES.
THEY ARE:
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN VICE-CHAIRMAN
COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MR LEUNG YING-YEUNG MR CHEUNG YAU-HUNG
ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE MISS ESTHER CHAN WAI-FONG MR CHAN TAK-CHOR
FINANCE COMMITTEE MR LEUNG SIK-WAH MR LEUNG YING-YEUNG
PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MR NG SUNG-MAN MR LEE SHUN-WAI
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MR HUNG WING-TAT MR CHAN CHOI-HI
THE END OF SEPTEMBER,
THEIR TERM OF OFFICE WILL LAST UNTIL 1989.
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REGIONAL SECRETARY SEES DIFFERENT FACES OF SHA TIN * * * ♦
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES MR SUEN, TODAY (IHURSDAY) TOURED SHA TIN TO HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE THE DIFFERENT FACES OF THE FAST-DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
MICHAEL
VIEW OF
MR SUEN STARTED OFF IN THE MORNING WITH A BRIEF VISIT TO SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOLLOWED BY A MEETING WITH THE SHA TIN COMMITTEE, DURING WHICH VIEWS WERE EXCHANGED ON THE DEVELOPMENTS PROBLEMS OF THE RURAL SECTOR. 1b
THE
RURAL AND
ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR STAFF OF THE LATER TOURED TIN SUM VILLAGE, THE FIRST SCHEME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DISTRICT OFFICE, MR SUEN PILOT VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT
/HE WAS ......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE VILLAGE NOW HAS 108 SMALL HOUSES ACCOMMODATING ABOUT 1,000 PEOPLE IN AN AREA OF 40,700 SQUARE METRES.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO SEE HOW THE CARITAS NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS WORKING TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE LARGEST SUCH AREA IN HONG KONG.
THEY LEARNT THAT THROUGH THIS PROJECT MANY PROBLEMS RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL FACILITIES ARE RESOLVED BECAUSE OF RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT AND ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
LATER, THEY HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING NEAR SHING MUN RIVER. THERE, MR SUEN WAS BRIEFED BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE DISTRICT’S MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR SUEN MOVED ON TO MA ON SHAN AREA, WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR A POPULATION OF 200,000 UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT IN THE MID-1990’S.
THERE, HE VISITED VARIOUS COMMUNITY AND HOUSING FACILITIES IN HENG ON ESTATE, WHICH HAD ALREADY TAKEN IN SOME 23,000 RESIDENTS.
AFTER THE TRIP, THE PARTY RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR A TEA RECEPTION DURING WHICH VIEWS WERE EXCHANGED WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON THE PLANS, PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
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SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF 8,000 PEOPLE IS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE WALLED SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE AND ITS VICINITY, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 19TH TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE SHEUNG SHUI RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG SAID THE PROJECT INVOLVED THE OPENING UP OF A VILLAGE EXTENSION AREA NORTHWEST OF SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE TO PROVIDE 166 SMALL HOUSE SITES.
OF THESE, 45 SITES WILL BE READY BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, WHILE THE REMAINING 121 SITES WILL BE PROVIDED IN 1990,” HE SAID.
/THE TOTAL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5. 1988
- 16 -
THE TOTAL COST OF LAND RESUMPTION FOR THIS PROJECT WAS OVER $60 MILLION.
"TO GUARD AGAINST THE FLOODING OF RIVER INDUS, WHICH WOULD AFFECT SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE, A $10 MILLION FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT WORK ON THE FIRST URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN NORTH DISTRICT HAD BEGUN IN MARCH.
"THE $0.78 MILLION PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES RECONSTRUCTION OF 364 METRES OF A VAN TRACK AT TSUNG PAK LONG VILLAGE IN SHEUNG SHUI, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE JULY," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE WIDENING OF MAN KAM TO ROAD, MR CHEUNG SAID THE SECTION BETWEEN SHA LING ROADBLOCK AND FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL WOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
"THIS WILL HELP RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION CAUSED BY A SHARP INCREASE IN VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN," HE ADDED.
MR CHEUNG PRAISED THE SHEUNG SHUI RURAL COMMITTEE FOR CO-OPERATING WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN RESOLVING LOCAL PROBLEMS.
HE ALSO THANKED THE COMMITTEE FOR ITS EFFORTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN ORGANISING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
-------0----------
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS STANDING ORDERS
* * t * »
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS ITS REVISED STANDING ORDERS AND ENDORSE THE PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION OF CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORN I NG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER PROPOSALS TO FORM FIVE COMMITTEES AND AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WORKING GROUP UNDER THE BOARD, AND EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE ADOPTION OF SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DECIDE IF THE BOARD SHOULD ORGANISE ANY ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988 AND JOINTLY ORGANISE A PROJECT ON INDUSTRIAL DES IGN/PACKAGING WITH THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES DESIGN AND PACKAGING CENTRE.
THE PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS FOR THE DISTRICT IN 1988-89 WILL BE TABLED.
/ALSO ON .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
17 -
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME; GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; GUIDELINES ON SPONSORSHIP; AND GUIDELINES ON THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
-------0 ---------
MEETINGS OF TWO DB ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
*****
THE SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD SEPARATE MEETINGS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE USE OF FUNDS FOR CARRYING OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AND REPAIRING PLANTERS NEAR THE SHAM SHUI PO MTR STATION.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE WATER QUALITY OF THE TAI HANG TUNG ROAD NULLAH; A PROPOSAL ON THE TEMPORARY USE OF A VACANT SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET; AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS TAKEN SINCE THE LAST MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSED LAI WAN MARKET. AN URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THEIR WORK PLAN FOR 1988-89 AND CONSIDER CO-OPTING NON-DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS INTO THE COMMITTEE.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER FINANCING A NUMBER OF MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SITTING-OUT AREAS, EXTENSION OF A MORNING WALK TRAIL NEAR CHUN WAH ROAD, AND RECONSTRUCTION OF BUS SHELTERS IN SHUN ON ESTATE.
/OTHER ITEMS .......
THURSDAY, MAY.?, 1988
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO PROVIDE OFFICE PREMISES FOR THE LING NAM UPPER VILLAGE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND FOR ORGANISING A COMMUNITY PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETINGS OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST COMMITTEE’S MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, WHILE THE SECOND COMMITTEE’S MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LONG PING ESTATE TRANSPORT SERVICES »**»**
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS GREEN MINIBUS AND LRT FEEDER BUS SERVICES FOR LONG PING ESTATE AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED 24-HOUR NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD WITHIN YUEN LONG TOWN AND THE PROPOSED NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION AT SIGNALISED JUNCTIONS ALONG THE TUEN MUN - YUEN LONG CORRIDOR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI K1U GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 10 AM.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
ANNUAL SEMINAR FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS *****
MORE THAN 170 CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON ’’PERSONAL GROWTH AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT” IN CENTRAL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SEMINAR, AN ANNUAL EVENT, IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE HANG SENG BANK IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANNUAL SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS IN THE HANG SENG BANK AUDITORIUM ON THE 20TH FLOOR, 77 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AT 9 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
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BUTTERFLY ESTATE CULTURAL WEEK ENDS ON SATURDAY ♦ * * * *
A CLOSING AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) TO MARK THE END OF THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WEEK THERE.
ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE PROGRAMME HAS AIMED AT INTRODUCING VARIOUS FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND AT ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION BYRES I DENTS.
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED DURING THE WEEK HAVE RANGED FROM A CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION, GAMESTALLS, FILM SHOW, AND KINDERGARTEN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE COMPETITION, TO A PRIMARY SCHOOL BAND COMPETITION AND A BADMINTON COMPETITION.
/OFFICIATING AT
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
20
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CULTURAL AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES WEEK WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) IN THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TUEN MUN. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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YUEN LONG PREPARES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
*****
COLOURFUL CELEBRATIONS, HIGHLIGHTED BY A GRAND PROCESSION, WILL BE HELD IN YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) TO MARK THE TIN HAU
FHE ANNUAL PROCESSION, FIRST HELD IN 1963, HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE AND ABOUT 2,500 PEOPLE FROM 15 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART.
THE PROCESSION WILL COMPRISE A DRAGON, LIONS, UNICORNS, AND FLOATS, AND WILL SET OFF FROM FUNG KAM STREET IN YUEN LONG TOWN EAST AT 10.30 AM.
ALONG THE WAY CHIU CHOW SONGS WILL BE SUNG AND CHIU CHOW AND OTHER FOLK DANCES PERFORMED.
THE PROCESSION WILL WIND ALONG HOP YICK, TAI TONG, KAU YUK AND TAI YUK ROADS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM FOR A FINALE.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL HE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AND WILL OFFICIATE AT CELEBRATIONS TO BE HELD IN THE YUEN LONG STADIUM AT 11 AM.
THE PROCESSION, INCLUDING CEREMONIES AND PERFORMANCES IN THE STADIUM, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE 1 PM.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE FESTIVAL, A TRADITIONAL "FA PAU” LOTTERY WILL BE HELD IN THE OPEN AREA OUTSIDE THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHU HA, SHAP PAT HEUNG, AT 2.30 PM.
THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO TIN HAU (GODDESS OF HEAVEN) FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD FISHING ALL YEAR ROUND.
/IT IS ......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 21
IT IS ONE OF THE MOST PEOPLE, DATING BACK TO THE COASTAL FISHING VILLAGE.
IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS EVENTS FOR YUEN LONG 17TH CENTURY WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS A
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU BEGIN AT 10.30 AM IN YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY.
FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO
rrun Mr-1IORESS BADGES F0R THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM w »inEQurnn?K.PUBLICITY DIVISI0N OF T1,E CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS PRESS BADGES ARE LIMITED, EACH ORGANISATION IS ENTITLED TO ONLY ONE BADGE.
THREE GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO YUEN LONG. SEATS WILL BE ALLOCATED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
NT TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AND YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) IN CONNECTION WITH FESTIVA L.
IN TUEN MUN THE TIN HAU
pn.,TPTLeARRANGEMENTS WILL 1NCLUDE ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC
— HOI / 1 E I NGo .
IN TUEN MUN, BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:
THE FOLLOWING
* TIN HAU ROAD SOUTH OF SAN HOP LANE.
» SAN ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STREET AND ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
* HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN PING CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL PARKING SPACES IN THE SAN ON STREET HUNG CHEUNG ROAD CARPARKS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
AND
IN YUEN LONG, A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM SUNDAY MORNING.
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/FROM 9
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 22 -
FROM 9 AM, FUNG KAM STREET, FUNG YAU STREET SOUTH, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN FUNG KAM STREET AND HOP YICK ROAD, AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
IN ADDITION, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD (MA TIN TSUEN TO LUNG TIN TSUEN) WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM.
FROM 7 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) TO 10 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 9), THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND; AND THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
DURING THE PERIOD, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 73 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ON ITS JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE OFF-STREET CARPARK ON TAI YUK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON SUNDAY UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE CELEBRATION CEREMONY.
ALL ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE REMOVED BY THE POLICE.
IN ADDITION, ROUTEINGS OF A NUMBER OF BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED FROM 9 AM UNTIL THE CEREMONY COMPLETES.
KMB ROUTE NO. 56 WILL OPERATE A SHORT-WORK 1 NG SERVICE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.
NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 31 AND 32 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD (PING SHAN SECTION), WANG TAT ROAD, LONG YIP STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION), TAI TONG ROAD, KU KING SQUARE, YUEN LONG HONG LOK ROAD AND HONG KING STREET.
SHORT-WORKING SERVICES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BY GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 39 AND 73.
Till: SHORT-WORKING SERVICE OF ROUTE NO. 39 WILL OPERATE -BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD AND A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED AT LUNG TIN TSUEN.
AS FOR THAT OF ROUTE NO. 73, IT WILL TRAVEL BETWEEN TUNG KONG STORE AND TAI KEI LENG ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD AND A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED AT TAI KEI LENG.
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/25........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 23 -
GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TENDER t * » » »
TWO GOVERNMENT SITES IN KOWLOON ARE BEING LET BY TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
"30 SQUARE METRES8 TSU1 PfNG HOAD, KWUN TONG, AND MEASURES ABOUT
IT IS FOR A NURSERY FOR THE GROWING, STORAGE AND SELLING OF POTTED PLANTS AND/OR STORAGE OF UNLICENSED NEW MOTOR VEHICLES AND/OR PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINER LORRIES AND OTHER ARTICULATED VEHICLES).
IKE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE OTHER SITE IS OFF FAT TSEUNG STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION. MEASURING ABOUT 1,570 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDER FORMS AND NOTICES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON EAST/KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10 I II FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS FOR BOTH SITES IS NOON ON MAY 20.
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/24........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
24 -
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO NIGERIA EXTENDED » » » ♦ »
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO NIGERIA, WHICH IS AT PRESENT ONLY AVAILABLE TO LAGOS, WILL BE EXTENDED TO 21 MORE CITIES FROM MONDAY (MAY 9), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CITIES IN NIGERIA TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE:
ABEOKUTA, ABUJA, AKURE, BAUCHI, BENIN, CALABAR, ENUGU, IBADAN, ILORIN, JOS, KADUNA, KANO, KATSINA, LAGOS, MAIDUGURI, MAKURDI, MINNA, OWERRI, PORT HARCOURT, SOKOTO, UYO, YOLA.
’’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,” A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8683868.”
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U.S. BAN ON IMPORTS OF BURUNDI IVORY
» t ♦ »
THE UNITED STATES HAS IMPOSED A BAN ON IMPORTS OF IVORY FROM BURUNDI WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 29 THIS YEAR.
THE U.S. HAS CALLED ON ALL COUNTRIES TO JOIN IN PROHIBITING THE IMPORTATION OF IVORY FROM BURUNDI WHICH WAS NOT REGISTERED WITH THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) BY DECEMBER 1, 1986.
IN AN EFFORT TO DETERMINE THE TRADING ROUTE OF ILLEGAL IVORY, THE U.S. WILL PROHIBIT ALL IVORY IMPORTS FROM ANY COUNTRY THAT ALLOWS UNREGISTERED BURUNDI IVORY, WHETHER IN A RAW OR WORKED FORM, TO BE IMPORTED INTO OR PASS THROUGH THAT COUNTRY.
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MEET WITH THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON IVORY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE THE U.S. MEASURE IN MORE DETAIL AND ITS IMPLICATION, IF ANY, ON EXPORTS OF IVORY PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1988
- 25 -
OPENING OF HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER
» » » »
FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8), THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SOUTHERN SECTION OF HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ON HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR COTTON TREE DRIVE ARE ADVISED TO USE THE INNER LANE OF THE NEW FLYOVER TO AVOID HAVING TO PASS THROUGH THE GROUND LEVEL TRAFFIC SIGNAL.
THIS NEW SECTION OF THE FLYOVER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED SOMETIME LATER.
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MONG KOK ROAD BUS LANE LIFTED ♦ » t
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 7), EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE OFFSIDE LANE OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF MONG KOK ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG WONG ROAD AND TONG MEI ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.
VEHICLES ON MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE ABLE TO TURN RIGHT ONTO TONG MEI ROAD USING THE OFFSIDE LANE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1?88
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EMERGENCY STEPS TAKEN TO HOUSE BOAT PEOPLE ............. 1
NO AGREEMENT REACHED ON 1988 PAY AWARD................
It TH QUARTER SHIPPING, PORT, CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED. 3
CHANGES PROPOSED OVER COST OF REMOVING DANGEROUS GOODS . 6
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR PEAK AREA APPROVED.............. 7
PROPOSED WORKS FOR KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II GAZETTED... 8
RECONSTRUCTION OF TSUI PING ROAD PLANNED ............... 9
KING'S ROAD TO BE REBUILT............................... 10
CUSTOMS HEAD TO ATTEND REGIONAL CONFERENCE ............. 11
SHA TAU KOK CHANGING WITH THE TIMES .................... 11
RURAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTES TO CHEUNG CHAU DEVELOPMENT.. 12
THREE SITES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION .................
NEW WATER MAINS FOR MA ON SHAN .........................
CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR ACCESS TO MARRIAGE REGISTRY........
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON HONG KONG TREES ................. 15
ENGINEER TRAINEES TO RECEIVE HIGHER SUBSIDY............. 15
WORSHIP CEREMONY FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN SAI KJNG....... 16
KWUN TONG TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL.......... 17
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON.............................. 17
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
EMERGENCY STEPS TAKEN TO HOUSE BOAT PEOPLE
* » » » «
EMERGENCY MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO ACCOMMODATE THE LARGE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG IN RECENT WEEKS.
NEARLY 3,000 BOAT PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. THIS IS SIX TIMES THE NUMBER WHICH ARRIVED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
"THIS IS IMPOSING A CONSIDERABLE STRAIN ON OUR RESOURCES FOR ACCOMMODATING THESE PEOPLE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WE HAVE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO EXPAND OR OPEN ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY HOLDING CENTRES AT GREEN ISLAND, ARGYLE STREET AND CAPE COLLINSON, AND WE ARE URGENTLY SEEKING FURTHER SUCH FACILITIES," HE ADDED.
AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP TO CO-ORDINATE THE RESPONSE TO THE RECENT INFLUX. THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) IS REPRESENTED ON THE WORKING GROUP.
CIVIL AID SERVICES STAFF HAVE BEEN CALLED IN TO MANAGE THE INITIAL RECEPTION AND HOLDING CENTRE ON GREEN ISLAND AND THE TEMPORARY HOLDING CENTRE AT ARGYLE STREET.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MANAGE THE CAPE COLLINSON CENTRE.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN KEPT FULLY INFORMED OF THE SITUATION.
"RESETTLEMENT DID NOT KEEP PACE WITH ARRIVALS LAST YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS YEAR, ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE NUMBERS RESETTLED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REFUGEES IN HONG KONG HAS CONTINUED TO GROW BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ARRIVALS."
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/2
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
2
NO AGREEMENT REACHED ON 1988 PAY AWARD
« » * » *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, MET THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1988 PAY ADJUSTMENT.
"AFTER FULL AND PROPER DISCUSSION IN THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, THE OFFICIAL SIDE AND THE STAFF SIDE OF THE COUNCIL HAVE NOW JOINTLY DECLARED THAT THERE ARE NO PROSPECTS OF REACHING AGREEMENT ON THE 1988 PAY AWARD,” MR GREWAL SAID AFTER THE MEETING.
"IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 1968 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTED ON THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, A SUBMISSION WILL BE MADE TO THE GOVERNOR THAT HE APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO LOOK INTO THE DISPUTE.
"IN THE MEANTIME, WE WILL DISCUSS WITH THE STAFF SIDE OF THE COUNCIL THE PRECISE TERMS OF REFERENCE."
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE PAY OFFER ALREADY MADE, THAT IS 6.54 PER CENT TO 8.5 PER CENT, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
MR GREWAL NOTED THAT ANY RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ON THE 1988 PAY AWARD, IF ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED FROM APRIL 1, 1988.
THE STAFF SIDES OF THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROSPECT OF A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY AND THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO IMPLEMENT THE 1988 PAY AWARD BASED ON ITS ORIGINAL OFFER.
"ALTHOUGH THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY IS TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1968 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTED ON THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, 1 EXPECT THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL INVITE REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE OTHER STAFF COUNCILS. THEIR COMMENTS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT," MR GREWAL SAID.
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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
4TH QUARTER SHIPPING, PORT, CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED « » » » *
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987, 3,795 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 23.3 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 132 (OR 4 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.4 MILLION NRT (OR 6 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT.
WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+207), DRY BULK CARRIERS (+28) AND ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (+17), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF OIL TANKERS (-74) AND CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (-64).
INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE RECORDED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN WEST GERMANY (+23) AND CHINA (+21), BUT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE REGISTERED IN THE U.S.A. (-26) AND THE PHILIPPINES (-16).
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 10,000 DEADWEIGHT TONS INCREASED (+27).
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987, THERE WERE 3,800 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 23.5 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 128 (OR 3 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.4 MILLION NRT (OR 6 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 19 PER CENT.
ABOUT 64 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, 85 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS IMPORTS AND 15 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO. OF THE CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, 55 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 45 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (17 PER CENT), JAPAN (13 PER CENT), CHINA (11 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (9 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (9 PER CENT), WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S.A. (19 PER CENT), TAIWAN (11 PER CENT), CHINA (10 PER CENT), JAPAN (8 PER CENT) AND SOUTH KOREA (6 PER CENT).
/TRANSHIPMENT CARGO
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (30 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (17 PER CENT); AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN CHINA (18 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (11 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. (+34 PER CENT), SOUTH KOREA (+27 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+5 PER CENT); BUT DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA (-25 PER CENT), CHINA (-21 PER CENT) AND THAILAND (-11 PER CENT).
AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF INORGANIC CHEMICALS (+123 PER CENT), ORGANIC CHEMICALS (+85 PER CENT), CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+50 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (+28 PER CENT).
DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (-15 PER CENT) AND IRON AND STEEL (-8 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1986, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT.
INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+56 PER CENT), THAILAND (+42 PER CENT), WEST GERMANY (+41 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+26 PER CENT), SOUTH KOREA (+19 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (+13 PER CENT); BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO CHINA (-29 PER CENT).
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE uTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF CLAY AND KAOLIN (+52 PER CENT), COTTON TEXTILES (+48 PER CENT), NON-FERROUS METALS (+44 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+43 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (-51 PER CENT) AND VEGETABLE AND FRUIT (-21 PER CENT).
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 32 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO.
OF THAT LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 78 PER CENT WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO. IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 27 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS.
/IN PARTICULAR, .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
- 5 -
IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE NETHERLANDS (82 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (81 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (78 PER CENT) AND WEST GERMANY (51 PER CENT).
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE IMPORTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 ROSE BY 17 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR, IN TONNAGE TERMS, 93 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, 89 PER CENT OF TEXTILES OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, 87 PER CENT OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED, AND 86 PER CENT OF PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD.
FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 74 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR ALL OR ALMOST ALL OF THE SEABORNE EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, WEST GERMANY, THE U.S.A., THE NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRALIA.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE EXPORTS IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 ROSE BY 26 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER 1986.
THE IN
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, THOSE THAT WERE CONTAINERISED WERE ALMOST ALL SEABORNE EXPORTS OF TOYS; MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED; COTTON TEXTILES; GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED; AND COTTON GARMENTS AND PLASTIC MANUFACTURES; NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED.
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 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 OF THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 ARE CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1987, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CENTRAL, AT $19.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234891.
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/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 6,
1988
6
CHANGES PROPOSED OVER COST OF REMOVING DANGEROUS GOODS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO IMPOSE ON A PERSON CONVICTED UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) ORDINANCE, LIABILITY FOR THE EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IN SEIZING, REMOVING AND DETAINING DANGEROUS GOODS.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR)(SAFETY)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT PRESENT, ANY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE SEIZURE, REMOVAL AND DETENTION OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND RELATED ITEMS UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAVE TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SINCE THE ORDINANCE CAME INTO FORCE IN 1985, A NUMBER OF CASES HAVE OCCURRED WHERE, AS A RESULT OF ACTION TO DEAL WITH SUSPECTED DANGEROUS GOODS OFFENCES, CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS HAVE SEIZED, REMOVED AND STORED SUCH GOODS IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY.
"NO SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN INCURRED TO DATE IN TAKING SUCH ACTION, BUT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT EXPENSES IN A PARTICULAR CASE COULD BE HIGH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF DANGEROUS GOODS WERE TO BE SEIZED AND HAD TO BE STORED, THE COST COULD BE SIGNIFICANT.
"IT IS WRONG IN PRINCIPLE THAT EXPENSES ARISING FROM THE COMMISSION OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE SHOULD BE A CHARGE ON PUBLIC FUNDS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE BILL IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 18.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE BILL SHOULD WRITE TO SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, SECOND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
- 7 -
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR PEAK AREA APPROVED « » « ♦ »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR THE PEAK AREA.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 898 HECTARES, COMPRISING PART OF THE CENTRAL MASSIF OF HONG KONG ISLAND, FROM THE HIGH WEST EXTENDING EASTWARD TO MOUNT NICHOLSON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THAT THE DRAFT PLAN FOR THE AREA WAS FIRST GAZETTED AND EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION ON APRIL 13, 1973.
SINCE THEN SOME OBJECTIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND THE APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED. THE PLAN WAS SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON JANUARY 19 THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN WAS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORKS AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE LAND IN THIS AREA.
THE PLAN WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
IT CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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/8 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
8
PROPOSED WORKS FOR KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II GAZETTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II WHICH IS TO STRETCH FROM WAI YIP STREET TO KAI FUK ROAD.
THE PHASE II WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 2.36 KM LONG DUAL THREE-LANE ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND KAI FUK ROAD WITH SLIP ROADS LEADING TO WAI YIP STREET, WANG CHIU ROAD AND KAI FUK ROAD RESPECTIVELY.
PART OF THE ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE ABOVE THE SEA AT KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER.
BEING PART OF ROUTE 6, THE THREE-PHASE KWUN TONG BYPASS PROJECT WILL CONNECT THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL, THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
THE PHASE I WORKS ARE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1989 TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE PHASE II AND THE PHASE III WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1991 TO COINCIDE WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS FOR PHASE II IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG. t
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KOWLOON EAST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, 1OTH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BY JULY 5 THIS YEAR.
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/9.......
FRIDAY, MAY 6,
1988
RECONSTRUCTION OF TSUI PING ROAD PLANNED
♦ ♦ » » »
A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN GAZETTED FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF TSUI PING ROAD IN CONNECTION WITH REDEVELOPMENT OF KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE.
THE RECONSTRUCTION INVOLVES THE ADDITION OF TWO ROUNDABOUTS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO INTERNAL ESTATE ROADS, TWO TAXI LAYBYS, A BUS BAY AND A SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.
BETWEEN THE PROPOSED ROUNDABOUTS, THE OPEN SECTION OF THE EXISTING NULLAH WILL BE DECKED AND LANDSCAPING WORK CARRIED OUT ON EITHER SIDE OF TSUI PING ROAD. THIS WILL REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE ROAD AND ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS. TWO-WAY, TWO-LANE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND CONTINUOUS PEDESTRIAN FLOW WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVENRMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
THEY MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JULY 5 THIS YEAR.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
10
KING’S ROAD TO BE REBUILT ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT A SECTION OF KING’S ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND BETWEEN TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND KORNHILL ROAD.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAYS; IMPROVEMENT OF DRAINAGE FACILITIES; AND PROVISION OF CENTRAL DIVIDERS AND SEGREGATION ISLANDS, TWO NEW AT-GRADE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, AND ADDITIONAL ESCALATOR LINKS TO TWO EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS KING’S ROAD.
PART OF THE WIDTH OF KING’S ROAD AND A TOTAL OF 25 SIDE STREETS WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY DURING RECONSTRUCTION WORK WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE WHOLE WIDTH OF BOAT STREET AND TIN . CHONG STREET (A SECTION ABOUT 35 METRES LONG ADJOINING KING’S ROAD) WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED.
A PIECE OF LAND MEASURING ABOUT 264 SQUARE METRES IN FRONT OF NOS. 26 TO 36 KING’S ROAD WILL BE RESUMED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST. WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JULY 5 THIS YEAR.
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
11
CUSTOMS HEAD TO ATTEND REGIONAL CONFERENCE
♦ » » ♦ *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR P.J. WILLIAMSON, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND A FIVE-DAY REGIONAL CUSTOMS CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, COMMENCING ON MAY 9.
THE CONFERENCE, CO-HOSTED BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE NEW ZEALAND CUSTOMS SERVICES, WILL DISCUSS WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS, ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN NARCOTICS INTERDICTION AND CONTROL.
DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI, CHINA, FIJI, HONG KONG, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, PAKISTAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, THAILAND, TAHITI AND PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE.
"INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG SMUGGLING EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD IS VITAL - WE CANNOT GO TO BATTLE ON OUR OWN," MR WILLIAMSON SAID.
"THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER REAL OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND TO IMPROVE OUR CO-OPERATION THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE AND INTELLIGENCE."
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SHA TAU KOK CHANGING WITH THE TIMES » » t » t
THE BORDER TOWNSHIP OF SHA TAU KOK IS BEING GIVEN SOMETHING OF A NEW APPEARANCE WITH THE FIRST PHASE OF A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND PROVISION OF SPORTS AND OTHER FACILITIES DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO MONTHS' TIME.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, REFERRED TO THIS "FACELIFT" WHEN SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 27TH TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN ADDITION, A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IS BEING BUILT.
"WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE, GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN REDEVELOPING THE TOWN IN WORK WHICH STARTED IN 1986 AND HAS COST NEARLY $300 MILLION," MR CHEUNG SAID.
AIMED AT UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF RESIDENTS AND IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT, THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CENTRED ON THE CONSTRUCTION BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY OF A LOW-DENSITY RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO ACCOMMODATE 3,900 PEOPLE CLEARED FROM SQUATTER AREAS, HE SAID.
/"OTHER FACILITIES
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
- 12
"OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A FLOOD-LIT RECREATIONAL GROUND, PARKING AREAS, A MARKET AND COOKED FOOD CENTRE, AN AIR-CONDITIONED COMMUNITY HALL WITH A PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, A CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, A BUS TERMINUS AND A TIN HAU TEMPLE.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS, EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING AND A PERMANENT SHELTERED ANCHORAGE FOR THE LOCAL FISHING FLEET," HE SAID.
ON THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE ITSELF, MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT IT COVERED THE LARGEST AREA, HAD THE LONGEST HISTORY AND COMPRISED 57 VILLAGES, THE GREATEST IN NUMBER, WHEN COMPARED WITH THE OTHER THREE COMMITTEES IN NORTH DISTRICT - SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING AND TA KWU LING.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RURAL COMMITTEE FOR ITS WORK IN MAINTAINING CLOSE COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE FROM THE 57 VILLAGES.
"IT NOT ONLY CONVEYS TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY VILLAGERS BUT ALSO PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE LINK AMONG VARIOUS LOCAL NON-INDIGENOUS ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS Till RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION," HE POINTED OUT.
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RURAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTES TO CHEUNG CHAU DEVELOPMENT
* * * * *
THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF CHEUNG CHAU IN RECENT YEARS, WITH THE COMPLETION OF VARIOUS COMMUNITY FACILITIES, WAS A RESULT OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 14TH TERM CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR NG SAID THE COMMITTEE’S VIEWS HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE ISLAND.
"RURAL COMMITTEES CAN CHANNEL THEIR VIEWS THROUGH THEIR CHAIRMEN WHO ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS," MR NG SAID.
"DEVELOPMENTS ON CHEUNG CHAU ILLUSTRATED THAT THE VIEWS OF RURAL COMMITTEES WILL NOT BE IGNORED," HE SAID.
MR NG SAID SOME OF THE PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED ON THE ISLAND INCLUDE A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, A PUMPING STATION, A SECONDARY SCHOOL, A PROMENADE AND THE EXPANSION OF THE FERRY PIER.
/"CURRENTLY UNDER .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1$88
"CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION ARE A FIRE STATION AND A MARKET COMPLEX, SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1989 AND 1990 RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
"ALSO, WORK WILL START SOON ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CREMATORIUM AND COLUMBARIUM AT SAI WAN AND AN ABATTOIR ADJACENT TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT; SITE FORMATION FOR AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT NAM SHE TONG; AND ROAD REPAIRS AT THE SIN YAN TSENG RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE," MR NG SAID.
"MEANWHILE, THERE ARE PLANS TO BUILD A NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE AND MORE SITTING-OUT AREAS, TO EXTEND THE PROMENADE AND TO RESERVE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE THIRD PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE," HE ADDED.
MR NG THANKED THE RURAL COMMITTEE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND HOPED THAT ITS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS WOULD CONTINUE TO RENDER SUPPORT BY GIVING VALUABLE ADVICE.
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THREE SITES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION * » t *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 30.
THE AUCTION OF THE SITES, ALL FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES BUT EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES, WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
ONE OF THE SITES IS IN AREA 40 IN TUEN MUN. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,953 SQUARE METRES. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 8,640 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1991.
ANOTHER SITE IS AT THE JUNCTION OF FUNG YIP STREET AND SHEUNG ON STREET IN CHAI WAN.
THE AREA OF THIS SITE IS ABOUT 4,498 SQUARE METRES AND THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 32,385.6 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
THE THIRD SITE IS IN AREA 25, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,861 SQUARE METRES AND THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 5,583 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
1U
NEW WATER MAINS FOR MA ON SHAN » « « * »
NEW WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID TO IMPROVE THE FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN MA ON SHAN.
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A PROJECT TO LAY ABOUT 3,000 METRES OF TRUNK MAINS AND DISTRIBUTION 'MAINS, THE DIAMETERS OF WHICH VARY FROM 250 MM TO 800 MM.
THE MAINS WILL FORM PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OF MA ON SHAN.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR ACCESS TO MARRIAGE REGISTRY » t » * *
VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL BE CLOSED WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 8, BECAUSE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN ITS VICINITY, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD BE REQUIRED TO USE THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY.
"HOWEVER, A SMALL NUMBER OF TEMPORARY PARKING SPACES FURTHER AWAY FROM THE CLOSED ROAD SECTION WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF BRIDAL CARS," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
GUESTS ATTENDING CEREMONIES ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
DISABLED PERSONS INTENDING TO GO TO THE REGISTRY MAY CONTACT THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE ON 5-294099 FOR ASSISTANCE.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1988
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON HONG KONG TREES * » » «
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS, FEATURING FOUR TYPES OF TREES COMMONLY FOUND IN HONG KONG, WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 16, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STAMPS, IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.3, $1.70 AND $5, WILL FEATURE RESPECTIVELY THE CHINESE BANYAN, THE HONG KONG ORCHID TREE, THE COTTON TREE AND THE SCH1MA.
"THE CHINESE BANYAN IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR NATIVE TREES IN HONG KONG AND IS GENERALLY GROWN ALONG ROADSIDES OR NEAR VILLAGES FOR SHADE, ’FUNG SHUI’ AND AMENITY PURPOSES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE COTTON TREE AND THE HONG KONG ORCHID TREE - WHICH WAS ADOPTED AS THE TERRITORY’S FLORAL EMBLEM IN 1965 - ARE BOTH BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING TREES, WHILE THE EVERGREEN SCH1MA PRODUCES FRAGRANT FLOWERS IN MAY."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING THE FOUR STAMPS IN A SE-TENANT DESIGN WOULD BE ISSUED AT $8.50 EACH, AND OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WOULD BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON JUNE 2.
"FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DAY OF ISSUE," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
ENGINEER TRAINEES TO RECEIVE HIGHER SUBSIDY
*****
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE MONTHLY SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATE TRAINEES RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME (EGTS) HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $2,150 TO $2,300 WITH EFFECT EROM APRIL 1.
THE SUBSIDY FOR ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES RECEIVING APPROVED PRACTICAL TRAINING IN INDUSTRY UNDER THE SCHEME ALSO HAS GONE UP FROM $1,200 TO $1,300 PER PERSON PER MONTH.
THE EGTS, INTRODUCED IN 1983, IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS TO ENABLE ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY PRACTICAL TRAINING.
EACH TRAINEE RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE SCHEME WILL BE GRANTED A SUBSIDY TO BE PAID THROUGH HIS EMPLOYER AS PART OF HIS SALARY.
/AT THE
HtIDAY, MAT 6, 1988
- 16
AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 150 TRAINING SCHEMES FROM 109 EMPLOYERS HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE.
EMPLOYERS WISHING TO OFFER TRAINING PLACES FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES AS WELL AS UNDERGRADUATES MAY CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE ON 5-8932341, EXT. 271.
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WORSHIP CEREMONY FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG
*****
A TWO-DAY WORSHIP CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL - AN ANNUAL EVENT IN HONOUR OF THE PATRON GODDESS OF SEAFARERS.
ABOUT 60,000 WORSHIPPERS AND SIGHTSEERS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT JOSS HOUSE BAY DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
IN VIEW OF THE EXPECTED LARGE CROWD, A SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN URGED WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE USE OF SEA TRANSPORT.
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMAT1 FERRY COMPANY TO TAKE WORSHIPPERS TO JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THE FIRST FERRY FROM NORTH POINT EAST PIER WILL DEPART AT 8.30 AM TOMORROW AND THE LAST FERRY FROM JOSS HOUSE BAY TO NORTH POINT WILL DEPART AT 4 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8).
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL ATTEND THE WORSHIP CEREMONY ON SUNDAY.
MR MUNN REMINDED WORSHIPPERS THAT THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS AND TAKING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO THE TEMPLE WOULD BE PROHIBITED.
HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WOULD BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR BURNING PAPER OFFERINGS AND JOSS STICKS, HE SAID.
MR MUNN ALSO ADVISED WORSHIPPERS TO DISCARD RUBBISH IN LITTER BINS AND NOT TO USE LOUDHAILERS OR BROADCAST TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WORSHIP CEREMONY FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG ON SUNDAY (MAY 8).
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL DEPART FROM THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES CARPARK, GROUND FLOOR, AT 10.30 AM.
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/17.......
FRIDAY, MAY 6,
1988
KWUN TONG TRAFFIC CHANGES » » »
FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON CHA KWO LING ROAD, KWUN TONG, BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, CHA KWO LING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 700 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ON WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HOI YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS FROM CHA KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE CHUNG HWA SHIPYARD.
THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND FOR ROUTE NOS. 23 AND 23A OUTSIDE HOUSE NOS. 175-193 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.
PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE APPROVED STOPPING PLACE IN FRONT OF THE SHELL OIL DEPOT ON WESTBOUND CHA KWO LING ROAD FOR BOARDING OR ALIGHTING.
-----0-----
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON » ♦ t »
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO BE ON THE ALERT FOR A LEFT-TURN BAN IN KOWLOON TONG AND A ROAD CLOSURE MEASURE IN HUNG HOM FROM NEXT MONDAY (MAY 9).
IN KOWLOON TONG, NO VEHICLES ON CAMBRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ONTO HEREFORD ROAD BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, FROM MAY 9 TO 21.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS. MOTORISTS ON CAMBRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT ONTO HEREFORD ROAD BEFORE ENTERING RENFREW ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD.
IN HUNG HOM, THE WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM MAY 9 TO 14 TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS ON TUNNEL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION EQUIPMENT.
VEHICLES ON WINSLOW STREET HEADING FOR TO KWA WAN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, COOKE STREET, GILLIES AVENUE AND WUHU STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VOLUNTEERS SERVE FOR 110 YEARS ............................ 1
CAMPAIGN ON PROPER USE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS BEGINS ......... 2
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS REACTIVATED ........ 3
SONG CONTEST TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS............ 5
PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR LITTERING ..................... 6
CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION ............................... 7
MORE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR SOUTHERN YOUTHS ................ 8
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES .... 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SPECTATOR STAND ....... 9
SAI KUNG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HALF FARE SCHEME.......... 10
facelift for kowloon tsai sports ground.................... 10
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ...................... 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN FANLING FOR BRIDGE DEMOLITION .......... 12
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR TUEN MUN...................... 12
RESTRICTED ZONES IN ABERDEEN .............................. 13
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ........................ 13
TEMPORARY U-TURN BAN ON WATERLOO ROAD ..................... 13
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
VOLUNTEERS SERVE FOR 110 YEARS » ♦ * t t
MAY MARKS THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF A VOLUNTEER FORCE IN HONG KONG. TODAY, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) CARRIES ON THE PROUD TRADITION.
THE REGIMENT HAS JUST PREPARED A NEW PAMPHLET GIVING DETAILS OF MANY HISTORIC AND INTERESTING ITEMS IT HAS FOR SALE, SUCH AS CAP BADGES, PRINTS, AND ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT BEARING THE REGIMENTAL CREST.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE REGIMENT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEREMY HUTCHINS, EXPLAINED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS FLOCKED TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES TO HONG KONG IN 1854.
HOWEVER, THE BODY THAT WAS THEN FORMED HAD A SHORT LIFE AND WAS DISBANDED AS SOON AS FEARS OF A RUSSIAN INVASION, SPARKED BY THE CRIMEAN WAR, HAD SUBSIDED. A SIMILAR FATE MET A VOLUNTEER FORCE FOUNDED IN 1862.
HOWEVER, ON MAY 3, 1878, AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WAS PRINTED IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DEFEND HONG KONG.
THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN A VARIETY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES OVER THE PAST CENTURY, THE VOLUNTEERS OF TODAY STILL FULFIL MUCH THE SAME ROLE AS THEIR PREDECESSORS.
’’THE FIRST PARADE WAS HELD ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 22, 1878, PROBABLY ON THE MAIN PARADE GROUND WHICH WAS WHERE THE HILTON HOTEL NOW STANDS,” COLONEL HUTCHINS SAID.
’’THEY WERE AN ARTILLERY UNIT AND PRACTICE QUICKLY STARTED USING SEVEN-POUNDER, MUZZLE-LOADING, GUNS.”
INTERESTINGLY, THE PRESENT MOTTO OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, "NULLI SECUNDUS IN ORIENTE”, OR ’’SECOND TO NONE IN THE ORIENT”, DATES FROM THIS TIME.
NO SPECIAL CEREMONIES ARE PLANNED TO MARK THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY.
"WE ARE VERY MUCH A WORKING REGIMENT, STILL COMMITTED TO SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. 1 THINK THAT IS PERHAPS THE BEST WAY TO COMMEMORATE OUR HISTORY," COLONEL HUTCHINS SAID.
THAT HISTORY WILL COME TO AN END PRIOR TO 1997 WHEN THE REGIMENT IS DISBANDED.
HOWEVER, COLONEL HUTCHINS SAID THAT THE REGIMENT STILL HAD AN IMPORTANT JOB TO DO AND WOULD PERFORM EFFICIENTLY IN THE INTERIM.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET ON SOUVENIR ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM: QUARTERMASTER, ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG.
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SATURDAY, MAY 7,
1988
2 -
CAMPAIGN ON PROt’ER USE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS BEGINS
» * « * t
PROPER INSTALLATION AND THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS NOT ONLY ABATE NUISANCES -SUCH AS DRIPPING WATER AND EMISSION OF EXCESSIVE NOISE BUT ALSO ULTIMATELY SAVE COSTS IN REPAIRS.
THIS ADVICE COMES FROM THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TO COINCIDE WITH THE USE OF AIR-CONDITIONERS IN SUMMER MONTHS.
THIS MONTH, THE UNIT HAS LAUNCHED A TERRITORY-WIDE "GET YOUR AIR-CONDITIONERS READY FOR THE SUMMER" EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE POSSIBLE SANITARY NUISANCES ARISING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR LACK OF MAINTENANCE.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, A 24-HOUR HEALTH EDUCATION TELEPHONE HOTLINE, 5-8916443, IS OPERATING TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC ON PREVENTING NUISANCES IN USING VENTILATING SYSTEMS.
• •
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY LEAVE A MESSAGE AFTER LISTENING TO THE TAPED INFORMATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE UNIT SAID THAT DRIPPING FROM AN AIR-CONDITIONER CAN BE AVOIDED IF A WATER BASIN IS FIXED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE APPLIANCE TO COLLECT WATER, OR A PIPE IS USED TO DIVERT WATER TO A CONTAINER OR THE OPENING OF A DRAINAGE PIPE.
"TO REDUCE NOISE: EMISSION, RUBBER TUBING FILLING THE SPACE BETWEEN A WINDOW TYPE AIR-CONDITIONER AND THE WINDOW FRAMES WOULD SERVE THE PURPOSE OF A CUSHION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SOUND-PROOF AND HEAT-PROOF MATERIALS SHOULD BE USED FOR LARGE AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS.”
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATED IN THE EXHAUST FAN WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
"FRICTION CAN BE REDUCED AND NOISE NUISANCES MINIMISED BY ALWAYS KEEPING THE EXHAUST FAN CLEAN AND BY APPLYING LUBRICATING OIL TO IT REGULARLY," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN CHOOSING AN AlR-CONDITIONER.
"BESIDES THE PRICE AND THE THERMAL UNITS, OTHER FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED ARE WHETHER THE UNIT IS OF A LESS NOISY TYPE AND WHETHER IT MAY DRIP," HE SAID.
/UNDER THE
SATURDAY, MAY 7» 1988
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO CAUSE NUISANCES SUCH AS DRIPPING WATER AND EMISSION OF EXCESSIVE NOISE OR HEAT FROM AIR-CONDITIONERS. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A FINE OF $10,000.
THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT HAS PRODUCED LEAFLETS OUTLINING SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES ON CHOOSING, INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING AN AIR-CONDITIONER.
THESE ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WITH AIR-CONDITIONED SHOPPING ARCADES, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS* CORPORATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO SUPPLIERS OF AIR-CONDITIONERS TO ATTACH A LEAFLET TO THE BILL OR WARRANTY FOR CUSTOMERS’ INFORMATION.
THE LEAFLETS ARE ALSO BEING MADE AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
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PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS REACTIVATED ♦ ♦ ♦ t t
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT WILL BE IN OPERATION AGAIN ON MONDAY (MAY 9) TO HELP ELIGIBLE REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO FIND A NEW TEACHING POST.
THE ANNUAL EXERCISE WAS STARTED IN 1975 WITH THE AIM TO ASSIST REDUNDANT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF A DROP IN PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN AND A SHIFT OF POPULATION FROM THE URBAN AREA TO NEW TOWNS.
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT LN THE LAST FEW YEARS HELPED SOME 5,000 TEACHERS TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POSTS, THE HEAD OF THIS YEAR’S PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER MR C. K. LAU, SAID. HE ADDED THAT FULL ASSISTANCE WOULD AGAIN BE GIVEN TO REDUNDANT TEACHERS THIS YEAR.
"THE 100 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE IN THIS YEARS REFLECTED THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF THE SCHOOLS FOR DEPARTMENT IS MOST GRATEFUL,” MR LAU SAID.
EXERCISE OVER
SCHOOL HEADS
WHICH THE
THE PAST
AND THE
EDUCATION
/THE PLACEMENT........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT IS STAFFED BY A TEAM OF FOUR OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. IT IS LOCATED AT ROOM 611, SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
REDUNDANT TEACHERS ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER WITH THE UNIT BETWEEN MAY IK AND 25 FROM 9 AM TO 12.45 PM AND FROM 2.15 PM TO 1 . 4 5 PM .
TEACHERS REGISTRATION: ARE ADVISED TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE OF
♦ MAY IK (WEDNESDAY) FOR TEACHERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
♦ MAY t 19 (THURSDAY) FOR TEACHERS KOWLOON. IN KWUN TONG AND YAU MA TEI,
t MAY • 20 (FRIDAY) FOR TEACHERS SHAM SHU I PO IN WONG TAI SIN, MONG KOK, AND KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON.
* MAS . 1 23. i (MONDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN TAI PO, NORTH DISTRICT AND TSUEN WAN.
t MAY 24 (TUESDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI.
♦ MAY 25 (WEDNESDAY) FOR TEACHERS SHA TIN, SAI IN TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, KUNG AND ISLANDS.
TELEPHONE MADE ON 3-77O5O54 HOURS. ENQUIRIES , 3-7705111 CONCERNING REG 1STRATION MATTERS CAN BE , 3-7705124, OR 3-7705141 DURING OFFICE
MR LAU ADDED THAT TEACHERS WOULD BE INFORMED BY LETTERS OF THEIR REDUNDANCY UNDER THE AGREED PRINCIPLE OF’ "LAST IN, FIRST OUT" AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE UNIT ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE SCHEDULE.
AN ALL-OUT EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO HELP AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POST IN AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR FOR THOSE TEACHERS WHO REGISTERED WITH THE UNIT, HE SAID.
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/5........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
SONG CONTEST TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
t * » ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF 39 ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS WITH LYRICS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR A POPULAR SONG CONTEST ORGANISED TO CELEBRATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988 IN HONG KONG.
OF THESE, SIX HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO ENTER THE FINAL AFTER A PANEL OF JUDGES HAVE LISTENED TO THE DEMONSTRATION TAPES SUBMITTED BY THE ENTRANTS.
THE FINALISTS ARE:
COMPOSER
CHAN YU WING
LYRICIST
CHAN YU WING
CHAN HUNG FAI
TSE WING WAI WONG MEI KOON
TRINITY
KU SIN MAN
LAM CHUN WAN
TRINITY
KU SIN MAN
KWORK SAI CHUNG
LO1E MAN WAH
CHAN HO YIN
THE FINAL CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON MAY 20 IN A TVB SPECIAL ’’ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT” SHOW FEATURING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. THE PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB-JADE.
THE WINNER OF THE CONTEST WILL BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A CASH PRIZE OF $6,000. HE WILL ALSO REPRESENT HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME IN BANGKOK ON JUNE 5.
THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL EACH RECEIVE A TROPHY AND A CASH PRIZE OF $2,500 AND $1,500 RESPECTIVELY.
THE POPULAR SONG CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
MEANWHILE, CONTESTANTS TO A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION ALSO ORGANISED TO CELEBRATE WEI) IN HONG KONG ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES BEFORE MAY 15.
/CONTESTANTS ARE
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
6
CONTESTANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ENTRIES IN PAIRS, ONE SHOWING "BEAUTIFUL HONG KONG" AND THE OTHER SHOWING "POLLUTED HONG KONG". ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED IN PAIRS.
THE THREE WINNERS OF THE CONTEST WILL RESPECTIVELY RECEIVE A FUJI PHOTOGRAPHIC COUPON OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $1,000. THERE WILL ALSO BE 10 CONSOLATION PRIZES OF A FUJI GIFT SET EACH.
•I , <u Tf/'l l'W'
THE BEST ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT AN ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION TO BE HELD BETWEEN JUNE 4 AND 13. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR.
■ -hit ■ •• :'
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND AUTHORISED FUJI DEALERS.
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4,442 PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR LITTERING * ♦ ♦ * »
A TOTAL OF 4,442 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED DURING AN ANTI-LITTER OPERATION CONDUCTED LAST MONTH THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY BY STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS IN VARIOUS PLACES ESPECIALLY THE LITTER BLACKSPOTS.
A TOTAL OF 3,334 SUMMONS WERE ISSUED IN THE URBAN AREAS AND l,10« IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ANTI-LITTER OPERATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT FROM TIME TO TIME TO ENFORCE THE LAW AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE LITTERING, WHICH HAS BECOME A MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
PROSECUTION IS JUST ONE WAY TO STOP PEOPLE FROM LITTERING. IT IS THE PEOPLE’S REALISATION OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY THAT WILL OFFER AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS AND HAD SINCE LAST YEAR EMBARKED ON A NEW CAMPAIGN TO APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO PLAY A MORI ACTIVE ROLE IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
}• • ‘ tn i t MM ■ 1 • • , i i n
o -
/7
SATURDAY, MAY 7,
1988
CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION * « * * *
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF *75,500 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CF337 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $7,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DTI118 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $5,500 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 FOR 16 REGISTRATION NUMBERS.
FOLLOWING ARE THE : RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
DS1473 1,000 DS3083 1,500 DT1223 4,000 DS1381 1,500
DS3231 2,000 DT1118 5,500 DB501 1,000 AY673 1,000
DS7833 1,000 DT4677 1,000 AD3781 1,000 DT996 2,000
DR9854 1,000 DS9386 3,000 DU991 2,000 DU7351 WITHDRAWN
DS2829 1,000 DS6793 2,000 DS6123 2,000 AP1189 4,500
DR9281 1,000 DT531 1,000 DT9503 WITHDRAWN DU6626 3,000
DR7221 1,000 DS4008 3,500 DU316 2,000 DU914 1,000
DS8026 1,000 DTI 106 1,500 CF337 7,000 DV5551 1,000
DS6627 1,000 DS8111 5,000 CK7351 1,000 DU6831 WITHDRAWN
DT1210 WITHDRAWN DT8026 2,000 AE7643 1,000 AV2232 4,500
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 124TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $59,1^9,052.
- - 0 ---------
/8........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
MORE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR SOUTHERN YOUTHS *****
MORE YOUTHS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BENEFIT FROM THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) THIS YEAR AS OVER 240 RECREATIONAL, SPORT AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED, COMPARED WITH 150 ORGANISED LAST YEAR.
"ABOUT 40,000 YOUTHS, A THIRD MORE THAN LAST YEAR, WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE OUTDOOR PURSUITS, SEMINARS, TALKS, COMPETITIONS, RECREATIONAL CAMPS, TRAINING CAMPS, CARNIVALS, VARIETY SHOWS, MOVIES, PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS AND GROUP PROJECTS.
"THE THEME THIS YEAR IS 'SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE MET BY A $269,600 DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH IS 50 PER CENT MORE THAN LAST YEAR’S CONTRIBUTION.
IN ADDITION, THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS OBTAINED THE SUPPORT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH WHICH HAS EARMARKED $10,000 FOR SPONSORING EXTRA ACTIVITIES.
"THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE DISTRICT’S SYP WILL BE HELD ON JULY 17 AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
» » » « »
ORGANISATIONS AND YOUTH AGENCIES IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT PLANNING TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS THIS SUMMER CAN NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
"THEY SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BEFORE MAY 14 THROUGH THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE’S TSZ WAN SHAN SUB-OFFICE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
/ENQUIRIES CAN
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
- 9 -
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SAME SUB-OFFICE LOCATED AT BLOCK 3, TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE.
THE DISTRICT’S SYP IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THE FUNDS WILL HELP LOCAL BONA FIDE ORGANISATIONS TO MEET EXPENSES FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAD DECIDED THAT THE FUNDS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. HOWEVER, APPLICATIONS FROM AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID (OMMI11V.ES WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED THIS YEAR.
WITH "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY" BEING ITS THEME, THIS YEAR’S SYP AIMED TO ENCOURAGE YOUTHS TO TAKE PART RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TO BE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES, HE ADDED.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SPECTATOR STAND ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,620-SEAT SCAFFOLD SPECTATOR STAND AND A COMMAND POST FOR THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES.
ORGANISED BY THE DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, THIS YEAR’S RACES WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG THE WATERFRONT FACING SAM SHING ESTATE ON JUNE 18 (SATURDAY).
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 11 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
A SITE VISIT TO THE RACE VENUE WILL BE ARRANGED FOR POTENTIAL TENDERERS ON MONDAY (MAY 9). INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE IN HEUNG SZE WU1 ROAD AT 10.30 AM FOR THE VISIT.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT NO. TUEN Hl ROAD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MR JACOB AU ON 0-4513045 OR MR MICHAEL LAM ON 0-4513048.
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/10........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
10
SAI KUNG DR COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HALE FARE SCHEME
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (MAY 9) TO DISCUSS THE HALF FARE SCHEME FOR STUDENTS TRAVELLING ON THE NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 1 AND 2.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS’ PROPOSED WORK PLANS FOR 1988-89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON MONDAY (MAY 9) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 10 AM.
-----0 --------
FACELIFT FOR KOWLOON TSAI SPORTS GROUND ♦ * ♦ * ♦
IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT SOON TO GIVE THE KOWLOON TSAI SPORTS GROUND A FACELIFT.
THE SPORTS GROUND’S AGING SPECTATOR STAND WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW CONCRETE-COVERED STAND WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF 1,250.
THE NEW STAND WILL ALSO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR VARIOUS XMEN1TY SERVICES.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ALL-WEATHER STANDARD ATHLETIC TRACK AND AN EQUIPMENT STORE BUILDING.
WORK ON THE $15.7 MILLION PROJECT WILL START SOON AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 7,
1988
11
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
» ♦ ♦ * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
IN KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 700 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM.
MOTORISTS ON WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HOI YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS FROM CHA KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE CHUNG HWA SHIPYARD.
IN TUEN MUN, BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM, SECTIONS OF TIN HAU ROAD, SAN ON STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. ALL PARKING SPACES AT THE SAN ON STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD CARPARKS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
IN YUEN LONG, FUNG KAM STREET, FUNG YAU STREET SOUTH, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN FUNG KAM STREET AND HOP YICK ROAD, AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM, WHILE TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD (MA TIN TSUEN TO LUNG TIN TSUEN) WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM.
IN ADDITION, THE OFF-STREET CARPARK ON TAI YUK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TOMORROW UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE CELEBRATION CEREMONY. ALL ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE REMOVED BY THE POLICE.
AS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, KMB ROUTE NO. 56 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NOS. 39 AND 73 WILL OPERATE SHORT-WORKING SERVICES IN YUEN LONG AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NOS. 31 AND 32 WILL BE DIVERTED IN THEIR ROUTEINGS TO AVOID THE CLOSED ROADS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
12 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN FANLING FOR BRIDGE DEMOLITION *****
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO BE ON THE ALERT FOR ROAD CLOSURE AND TRAFFIC DIVERSION MEASURES IN FANLING FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE MEASURES ARE TO FACILITATE THE DEMOLITION OF A TEMPORARY VEHICULAR BRIDGE AT PAK FUK TSUEN ACROSS TAI PO ROAD, FANLING SECTION (FANLING BYPASS).
THE YUEN LONG-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FANLING BYPASS BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON MAY 8, 9 AND 10.
TRAFFIC ALONG TAI PO ROAD (TAI WO SECTION) HEADING FOR YUEN LONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE LOOP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE, ROAD DI, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD D3.
MEANWHILE, THE TAI PO-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FANLING BYPASS BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING ON MAY 11, 12 AND 13.
TRAFFIC ALONG FANLING BYPASS HEADING FOR TAI PO WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD D3, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, ROAD DI AND THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE.
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NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR TUEN MUN * * * »
TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM TUESDAY (MAY 10) TO SERVE THE TUEN MUN AREA.
THE TWO NEW ROUTES ARE NO. 43 PLYING BETWEEN TUEN MUN FERRY AND TSING YUNG STREET AND NO. 44 OPERATING FROM SAN CHING STREET IN TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE TO LUNG KWU TAN.
THEY ARE THE FIRST TWO OF THE 10 NEW ROUTES TO BE INTRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THE LATEST GREEN MINIBUS SELECTION EXERCISE. THE OTHER EIGHT ROUTES WILL COME INTO SERVICE IN ONE TO TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
ROUTE NO. 43, A CIRCULAR ROUTE RUNNING AT A FREQUENCY OF 15 TO 20 MINUTES, WILL OPERATE DAILY BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 8.10 PM. THE FARE WILL BE $3 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
OPERATING AT A 30-M1NUTE INTERVAL, ROUTE NO. 44 WILL RUN DAILY AS A CIRCULAR ROUTE FROM 6.30 AM TO 6 PM. THE FARE WILL BE $4 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
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/15........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1988
- 15 -
RESTRICTED ZONES IN ABERDEEN ♦ t * ♦
THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN ABERDEEN WILL BE DESIGNATED
AS 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10):
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE OF ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUNG MAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 37 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEEL RISE; AND
t THE EASTBOUNI) SECTION OF PEEL RISE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND HUNG MU I KUK INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (MAY 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING, THE SLOW LANE OF Till SAME SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED.
THE TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE.
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TEMPORARY U-TURN BAN ON WATERLOO ROAD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS FROM WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND ONTO WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND OUTSIDE KOWLOON HOSPITAL FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON MAY 9 (MONDAY), 10 AND 11.
AFFECTED MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, SHEUNG HING STREET, PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTACTS WITH CHINA IMPORTANT: CS ........................... 1
SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING EXPERIMENT AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL 2
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT'S WORK IN MARCH................ 3
GUIDEBOOKS ON AIDS PUBLISHED ................................ 4
NEW PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CNTA .................. 5
PROPERTY REVIEW 1988 ON SALE TOMORROW ....................... 5
ANTI YOUTH CRIME SQUARD SET UP IN SAU MAU PING .............. 6
KWUN TONG DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY WORK PLAN.................... 7
BARBECUE SITE FOR PICNICKERS ON PING CHAU.................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .............. 8
FORESTRY WORK CAMPS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS .................. 9
CAREERS PLANNING VITAL TO STUDENTS .......................... 9
MUSIC OFFICE TO PRESENT CONCERT OF NEW COMPOSITIONS.......... 10
EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION UNIT ON THE MOVE..................... 11
QUARTERS FOR FIRE SERVICES STAFF............................. 11
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG SHUI, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN........ 12
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
1 CONTACTS WITH CHINA IMPORTANT: CS ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND CONTACTS AT ALL LEVELS WITH CHINESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS THIS WAS IMPORTANT IN BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND TRUST, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS ON HIS RETURN FROM A FIVE-DAY VISIT TO CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR US, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF CONFIDENCE AND TRUST, TO EXTEND AS MANY CONTACTS AS WE CAN, AND THE FACT THAT WE CAN DO IT AS SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, I THINK, IS VERY IMPORTANT.”
NOTING THAT THIS WAS HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO CHINA AS CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS VERY SIGNIFICANT, PERHAPS, MORE SO THAN THE ACTUAL SUBSTANCES OF THE TALKS HE HAD THERE.
IN PEKING, SIR DAVID HAD TALKS WITH THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHINESE TEAM OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR KE ZAISHUO, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF STATE COUNCIL, MR LU PING.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD USEFUL EXCHANGES OF VIEWS WITH THEM.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO VISITED SICHUAN PROVINCE, WHICH HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION IN CHINA OF ABOUT 100 MILLION PEOPLE.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO KEEP IN TOUCH NOT ONLY WITH THE MORE FASHIONABLE COASTAL REGIONS IN CHINA, BUT ALSO WITH SOME OF THE INLAND REGIONS.
”1T PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN CHINA’S ECONOMY, BOTH AGRICULTURALLY AND INDUSTRIALLY,” SIR DAVID SAID.
”I HAD A VERY LONG AND INTERESTING DISCUSSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN TRADE ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN SICHUAN,” HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE WAS SCOPE FOR A GREAT DEAL OF MORE INVESTMENT IN THAT PROVINCE.
’’THEY HAVE A VERY INTERESTING BACKGROUND OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, TECHNICAL PRODUCTION, AND THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT IT COULD BE HARNESSED TO A LOT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT,” HE SAID.
’’THEY STILL HAVE A FEW PROBLEMS WHICH THEY DISCUSSED WITH US, THE PROBLEM OF COMMUNICATIONS AND THE PROBLEM OF POWER SUPPLY. BUT THEY HAVE PLANS FOR DEALING WITH THAT AND I’M SURE IT WILL BE A VERY WIDE AND EXPANDING ECONOMY IN THE NEAR FUTURE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
/THE CHIEF .......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
2
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HE ALSO SAW A HONG KONG JOINT-VENTURE PROJECT IN SICHUAN WHICH WAS GOING WELL.
SIR DAVID VISITED A FARMING VILLAGE IN THE PROVINCE TO SEE THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SCENE IN CHINA.
HE SAID IT WAS MOST INTERESTING BECAUSE NOT ONLY WERE THEY ENGAGED IN FARMING, THEY WERE ALSO ENGAGED IN FACTORY PRODUCTION AS A SIDELINE.
ASKED WHETHER HE DISCUSSED THE BASIC LAW WITH OFFICIALS IN PEKING, SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT GO THERE TO DISCUSS THE BASIC LAW.
"WHILST I WAS THERE, AMBASSADOR KE DID BRIEF ME ON THE LAST PLENARY MEETING OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE AND PUT ME IN THE PICTURE AS TO WHAT HAD HAPPENED THERE, AND THE CHANGES THAT HAD OCCURRED TO THE BASIC LAW AFTER THAT MEETING HAD BEEN HELD," HE ADDED.
RETURNING WITH SIR DAVID WAS POLITICAL ADVISER, MR RICHARD CLIFT, WHO HAD ACCOMPANIED THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON THE VISIT.
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SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING EXPERIMENT AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL
*****
THE USE OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS TO CONTROL VEHICLE MERGING ACTIVITIES WILL BE TESTED OUT AT THE HONG KONG ENTRANCE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL THIS WEEK, AS PART OF A STUDY TO FIND WAYS TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE TEST WILL FIRST BE CARRIED OUT FOR TWO HOURS BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 12.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10). IT IS SCHEDULED TO LAST FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT THE ACTUAL DURATION AND THE SUBSEQUENT IMPLEMENTATION TIME WILL DEPEND ON THE RESULTS OF THE TEST ON THE FIRST DAY.
THE IMPACT OF THE TEST ON THE TUNNEL THROUGHPUT WILL BE ANALYSED.
IT IS ONE OF THE MEASURES AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES BEING CONSIDERED BY THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE MVA CONSULTANCY. THE TRAFFIC STUDY AIMS AT IDENTIFYING MEANS TO ALLEVIATE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL AND WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
/TWO SETS .......
SUNDAY, MAT 8, 1988
- 3 -
TWO SETS OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS, WHICH ARE IDENTICAL TO ORDINARY ONES, WILL BE ERECTED AT ABOUT 200 METRES FROM THE TUNNEL PORTAL ON THE TWO APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL LEADING FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD AND FROM THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER.
I
THEY WILL BE USED TO REGULATE THE MOVEMENTS OF VEHICLES ALONG THESE TWO APPROACH ROADS AND TO DIRECT THEM TO ENTER THE TUNNEL PORTAL ALTERNATIVELY.
IT IS HOPED THAT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WILL HELP REDUCE CONFLICT OF VEHICLES MERGING WITH EACH OTHER AT THE PORTAL, THUS FACILITATING TRAFFIC FLOW, AND ENABLE HEAVY VEHICLES COMING FROM THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO ENTER THE LEFT LANE OF THE TUNNEL MORE EASILY.
IN ADDITION, IF THE TRAFFIC QUEUE LENGTH ALONG ONE OF THE APPROACH ROADS IS PARTICULARLY LONG, THE TIME PHASING OF THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS WILL BE ADJUSTED TO ALLOW MORE VEHICLES ALONG THAT ROAD TO ENTER THE TUNNEL.
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CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN MARCH » * » » t
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED A TOTAL OV 599 CASES OF PROSECUTIONS IN MARCH, WITH 426 PERSONS AND 91 COMPANIES CONVICTED OF OFFENCES UNDER VARIOUS ORDINANCES.
AMONG THE CONVICTIONS, 152 WERE OBTAINED UNDER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE, 140 UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, 18 UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE, 311 UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, 175 UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE AND THE REST UNDER OTHER ORDINANCES.
TOTAL FINES OF $3.42 MILLION AND 46 CUSTODIAL SENTENCES WERE IMPOSED.
DURING THE MONTH, CUSTOMS OFFICERS SMASHED TWO HEROIN DISTRIBUTION AND PACKING CENTRES IN KOWLOON AND SEIZED ALTOGETHER 19.5 KILOGRAMS OF NO.3 HEROIN AND 75 GRAMS OF CANNABIS, TOGETHER WITH SOME PACKING PARAPHERNALIA.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SEIZED LARGE QUANTITIES OF INFRINGING AND PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $0.51 MILLION IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS IN MARCH.
IN ADDITION, CUSTOMS OFFICERS ALSO COMPLETED 85 INVESTIGATIONS DURING THE MONTH INTO ORIGIN AND LICENSING FRAUDS INVOLVING VARIOUS PRODUCTS VALUED AT $20.5 MILLION.
A TOTAL OF 4,610 FACTORY AND CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS, INCLUDING 1,894 IMPORT/EXPORT TEXTILE LICENCE CHECKS, WERE CARRIED OUT IN MARC!', WHICH LED TO THE DETECTION OF 13 CASES OF ORIGIN AND LICENSING FRAUDS INVOLVING $1.2 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS.
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A....
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
- 4 -
GUIDEBOOKS ON AIDS PUBLISHED » » »
PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ A SET OF TWO GUIDEBOOKS ON AIDS PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS AND THE BREAKTHROUGH MAGAZINE.
THE GUIDEBOOKS -- "A PARENTS’ GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AIDS" AND "A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AIDS" -- ARE CONTAINED IN A PUBLICATION PACKAGE ENTITLED "UNDERSTANDING AIDS".
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE GUIDEBOOKS WOULD PROVIDE PARENTS WITH SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE DISEASE TO ANSWER CHILDREN’S QUERIES ON MATTERS RELATED TO AIDS, WHICH MIGHT HAVE ARISEN AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO AIDS EDUCATIONAL PUBLICITY IN THE MEDIA.
THE 12-PAGE PARENTS’ GUIDE CONTAINS A MESSAGE TO PARENTS, STATING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE BOOKLET. IT ALSO SUGGESTS HOW PARENTS COULD MAKE USE OF THE INFORMATION IN DEALING WITH CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND AGES.
THE LATTER PART OF THE BOOKLET ADOPTS A "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS" APPROACH IN EXPLAINING THE VARIOUS FUNDAMENTAL AND CRUCIAL FACTS ABOUT AIDS.
THE CHILDREN’S GUIDE IS A 32-PAGE BOOKLET USING A NARRATIVE FORMAT AGAINST A CLASSROOM SETTING TO GIVE CHILDREN A REASONABLE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISEASE.
THE STORY IS ABOUT A CLASS OF PUPILS DISCUSSING AN AIDS-RELATED ISSUE BASING ON THEIR LIMITED KNOWLEDGE, AND A TEACHER ENTERING THE SCENE LATER TO CLEAR ALL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE DISEASE.
"THE SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND THE VIVID AND ATTRACTIVE CARTOON DRAWINGS MAKE THE BOOKLET A PIECE OF INTERESTING READING MATERIAL FOR CHILDREN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, WE RECOMMEND THAT ONLY OLDER CHILDREN SHOULD BE LEFT TO READ THE BOOKLET BY THEMSELVES, WHILE YOUNGER CHILDREN SHOULD BEST BE GUIDED BY THEIR PARENTS," HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE GUIDEBOOKS ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE GUIDEBOOKS AND INFORMATION ON AIDS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE ON 3-7802211.
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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
NEW PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CNTA *****
MR RAYMOND WONG HUNG-CHIU WILL SUCCEED MR FRANKIE LUI AS THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (MAY 9), UPON MR LUI’S TRANSFER TO THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
MR WONG, WHO IS CURRENTLY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1980 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.
PREVIOUSLY, HE HAD BEEN ASSISTANT SECRETARY AT THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF ISLANDS DISTRICT AND CHIEF ASSISTANT SECRETARY (MEMBERS) OF THE FORMER UMELCO OFFICE.
- - 0 -
PROPERTY REVIEW 1988 ON SALE TOMORROW » « » » »
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1988 PROPERTY REVIEW WILL GO ON SALE TOMORROW (MONDAY), AT $65 PER COPY.
THE REVIEW WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
A SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE REVIEW WAS RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 6.
THE REVIEW COVERS THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1987 AND
PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, VACANCIES, TAKE-UP, RENTAL AND PURCHASE PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
- 6 -
ANTI YOUTH CRIME SQUARD SET UP IN SAU MAU PING
* « » » *
"THIS IS NOT A COMMUNITY RELATIONS EXERCISE, IT’S OFFENSIVE ACTION AGAINST CRIME AND IT IS NECESSARY IN SAU MAU PING." AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMANDER (CRIME) OF THE POLICE FORCE, MR LARRY FUNG, SAID.
MR FUNG WAS NOT TALKING ABOUT MEASURES TO CONTROL "MISTER BIG” CRIME SYNDICATES. HE WAS DESCRIBING THE WORK OF A UNIQUE ANTI YOUTH-CRIME SQUAD SET UP TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM IN SAU MAU PING.
THE ONLY SQUAD OF ITS KIND IN THE FORCE, ITS SERGEANT AND FIVE CONSTABLES ARE HOMING IN ON STREET GANGS, IDENTIFYING THEIR MEMBERS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES.
"YOUTH CRIME IS VERY PREVALENT IN THE DISTRICT AND TO COMBAT IT A DEDICATED BODY OF OFFICERS HAS BEEN FORMED SINCE FEBRUARY," SAID MR FUNG.
"THE SQUAD HAS ALREADY DETECTED 12 CASES, RANGING FROM ROBBERY TO ASSAULT INVOLVING JUVENILES, AND HAS IDENTIFIED BLACKSPOTS FOR YOUTH GANGS.
"STATISTICS SHOW THAT YOUTH CRIME ACTIVITIES IN THE BLACKSPOTS IDENTIFIED HAS DECREASED SINCE THE FORMATION OF THE SQUAD."
THE SQUAD GATHERS INTELLIGENCE AND INITIATES OPERATIONS AGAINST YOUTHS CAUSING NUISANCE AND COMMITTING CRIME.
"EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT COMMITTING CRIME, THEY MIGHT BE MAKING A NUISANCE AND IF WE KEEP THEM ON THE MOVE IT LESSENS THEIR TENDENCY TO COMMIT CRIME," SAID MR FUNG.
THE SQUAD PATROLS SCHOOLS TO WATCH FOR INTRUDERS AND SITINGS AND DETAILS OF STREET GATHERINGS ARE REPORTED DAILY.
OAFISH BEHAVIOUR, SUCH AS BOYS SHOUTING, YELLING INSULTS OR TEASING YOUNG FEMALES ARE ALSO NOTED.
"WE ALREADY HAVE A LOT OF FAMILIAR FACES AND HAVE IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF POTENTIAL TROUBLE-MAKERS IN THE AREA," MR FUNG SAID. "WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE SUCCESS."
ROBBERIES, INCLUDING YOUTH CRIME, BURGLARIES AND SNATCHING HEAD THE CRIME CHARTS IN SAU MAU PING, WITH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES MORE PRONE TO BURGLARY THAN PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FACTORIES.
"THERE IS A VAST MIGRATION FROM HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DAYTIME AND WE ARE ADVISING RESIDENTS TO TIGHTEN UP SECURITY MEASURES," SAID MR FUNG.
/•’THEFTS FROM..........
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
- 7 -
"THEFTS FROM VEHICLES ARE MAINLY IN THE STREETS AND MOSTLY HI-FI EQUIPMENT OR LOOSE CASH LEFT LYING IN CARS.
"BUT WE RECENTLY HAD SILVER WORTH $800,000 TAKEN FROM A . LORRY LEFT IN A CARPARK WHILE THE DRIVER WENT FOR A CUP OF TEA."
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KWUN TONG DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY WORK PLAN » « ♦ » »
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NEW-TERM KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE’S WORK PLAN FOR 1988-89 AS WELL AS MATTERS LEFT OVER FROM THE PREVIOUS TERM.
CO-OPTING OF OUTSIDE MEMBERS AND THE PROVISION OF RAIN SHELTERS AT THE HONG LEE ROAD CUL-DE-SAC WILL BE DISCUSSED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY DRAFT REPORT ON THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
_--------0 ----------
/8 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, J 988
- 8 -
BARBECUE SITE FOR PICNICKERS ON PENG CHAU
♦ » ♦ ♦ »
A PIECE OF WASTE LAND AT TUNG WAN ON PENG CHAU HAS BECOME A NEW ATTRACTION FOR PICNICKERS, THANKS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
THE COMMITTEE PROVIDED OVER $300,000 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX -BARBECUE PITS AT THE SITE, WHICH CAN ACCOMODATE ABOUT 80 PICNICKERS AT ONE TIME.
ABOUT 15 MONTHS AGO, MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE DECIDED TO GET RID OF THE EYESORE ON PENG CHAU - A "TOLERATED” EARTH DUMPING SITE ADJACENT TO THE TUNG WAN BEACH - BY TURNING IT INTO CONSTRUCTIVE USE.
THE PROJECT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY LISTED AS A MAJOR ITEM IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE BARBECUE SITE, MEASURING 262 SQUARE METRES, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM WA1-KEUNG.
MR LAM SAID THIS KIND OF PROJECT WAS WORTHY OF THE MONEY SPENT BECAUSE IT SERVED THE PURPOSES OF IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR ISLANDERS AND VISITORS.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME » t » ♦ * '
■ - M '
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND S^ORtS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR ^jjNDS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING VARIOUS RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
J ... ’V; iji |
MEMBERS WILL STUDY A REPORT ON DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES HELD LAST MONTH AND AN INFORMATION PAPER ON ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTIVITIES TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S NT NORTH WEST REGIONAL OFFICE IN 1988-89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 3 PM.
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/9......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
- 9 -
FORESTRY WORK CAMPS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIC AFFAIRS, THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A SERIES OF FORESTRY WORK CAMPS BETWEEN JULY 11 AND AUGUST 26.
THE FIVE-DAY CAMPS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO LIVE IN A HEALTHY OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND TO WORK IN A BEAUTIFUL AND INTERESTING SURROUNDING. CAMPERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE CAMPS ARE OPEN TO SECONDARY STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25 YEARS. SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE MAY 24.
THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR THE USE OF THE BARRACKS AND FACILITIES BUT ALL RUNNING EXPENSES MUST BE MET BY THE CAMPERS.
AN ALLOWANCE MAY BE GRANTED FROM THE DONATION OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO EACH GROUP OF NOT MORE THAN 18 PARTICIPANTS. THE DAILY ALLOWANCE LAST YEAR WAS $18 PER CAMPER.
THE WORK CAMPS WILL BE LOCATED AT THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE OF VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS INCLUDING TAI TAM, QUARRY BAY AND ABERDEEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND; SHING MUN, LEAD MINE PASS, CHUEN LUNG, TAI PO KAU, TWISK, SHAM TSENG, TAI MEI TUK, PAK TAM CHUNG, PAK TAM AU, KEI LING HA, HOI HA, HOK TAU, LUK KENG AND TAI TONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND SHEK PIK AND TUNG CHUNG AU ON LANTAU.
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CAREERS PLANNING VITAL TO STUDENTS
* t * * ♦
HUNDREDS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE VISITED VARIOUS PLACES OF WORK SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH UNDER THE WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE STUDENTS, FROM SCHOOLS IN WAN CHAI, EASTERN, KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN AND MONG KOK, HAVE CALLED ON THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK, THE MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL, THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST.
/THE VISITS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
10 -
THE VISITS ARE PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME AIMED AT HELPING STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS SPECIALISED FIELD OF WORK AND TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ACTUAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ONE OF THE PREREQUISITES IN MAKING FULL USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES WAS FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE A JOB FITTED TO HIS OR HER TALENTS, APTITUDES, INTERESTS, NEEDS AND ABILITIES.
"IT WILL BE A WASTE OF SOCIETY’S RESOURCES IF A PERSON, HALF WA\ THROUGH HIS WORKING LIFE, FINDS THAT HE IS NOT SUITED TO HIS JOB AND HAS TO LOOK FOR NEW TRAINING IN ORDER TO START AFRESH.
"THEREFORE, CAREERS PLANNING IS VITAL TO ALL STUDENTS IF THEY WANT TO HAVE SUITABLE CAREERS THAT GIVE THEM JOB SATISFACTION AND MEET THEIR INTEREST, THUS ENABLING THEM TO MAKE THE BEST CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME, STARTED SINCE 1984, HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY PARTICIPATING STUDENTS AND CAREERS TEACHERS.
THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 1,100 STUDENTS FROM 45 SCHOOLS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME AS COMPARED WITH 1,000 STUDENTS FROM 40 SCHOOLS LAST YEAR.
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MUSIC OFFICE TO PRESENT CONCERT OF NEW COMPOSITIONS * » * * »
A CONCERT FEATURING WINNING COMPOSITIONS IN LAST YEAR’S HONG KONG YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS AND NEW WORKS COMMISSIONED FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE’S 1O1H ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE CONCERT HALL, HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, ON SATURDAY (MAY 21).
THE CONCERT - "AN EVENING OF NEW MUSIC" - IS BEING JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S RADIO 4.
COMPOSITIONS BY NOTED MUSICIANS SUCH AS CHAN KAM-BIU, CHAN MING-CHI, VICTOR CHAN, CHAN WING-WAH, LAM KUN-WONG AND WILMA TANG WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS.
THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG MUSK CENTRE, YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE AND SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257, 3-7226240 OR 0-6065723.
O -
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT ON THE MOVE
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE MOVED TO THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KWAI CHUNG, ON THURSDAY (MAY 12).
THE UNIT WILL OCCUPY THE KWAI CHUNG OFFICE TEMPORARILY UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF ITS NEW OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN GARDEN IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS’ TIME.
IT WILL CONTINUE TO HANDLE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS RELATING TO ACCIDENTS OCCURRING IN TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4980022 OR 0-4981001.
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QUARTERS FOR FIRE SERVICES STAFF ♦ » * *
A $34.2 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CHAI WAN.
THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT FOUNDATION WORK AND BUILDING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF A 25-STOREY BLOCK WHICH WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 144 UNITS.
THE BUILDING WILL BE LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF WAN TSUI ROAD AND SUI MAN ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN MID-1990.
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/12
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1988
- 12 -
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG SHUI, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL VILLAGES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TSUNG PAK KONG TO LOK MA CHAU, INCLUDING TSUNG PAK LONG TSUEN, YIN KONG TSUEN, KAM TSIN TSUEN, HANG TAU TSUEN, KWU TUNG TSUEN, HO SHEUNG HEUNG TSUEN, CHAU TAU TSUEN, LOK MA CHAU, PAK SHEK AU AND KEI LUNG TSUEN.
ALSO FOR MAINS WORK, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 11) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JUNCTION ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, THE RAILWAY, CORNWALL STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD, INCLUDING EDE ROAD AND KAM SHING ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 11) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG FAT ROAD, TUNG KWONG ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD AND SHEUNG TAK STREET, INCLUDING BLOCKS NO. 1, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 AND 28 OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, TAK MING HOUSE AND KAI MING HOUSE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY .. 1
DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSAL ON BOAT PEOPLE...................... 6
DB COMMITTEE TO HOLD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ... 6
WAN CHAI DB COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHAIRMAN ................... 7
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS ............... 8
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR KWAI TSING SYP ................... 8
INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITIONS ......... 9
JOURNALISM COURSES ENROLMENT BEGINS ....................... 9
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIFTED STUDENT....................... 10
IDENTITY CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1955-56............. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 12
MONDAY, MAY 9,
1988
1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY
*****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 21 PER CENT AND 46 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES, OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT C \NGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1988 WITH FEBRUARY 1987, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT AND 45 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HENCE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 39 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, BOTH THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF BILATERAL TRADE IN ANY SINGLE MONTH, AS THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES FOR INDIVIDUAL MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO CONSIDERABLE FLUCTUATIONS.
/IN PARTICULAR, ........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 19&8
2
IN PARTICULAR, THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE USUALLY AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, WHICH OCCURRED IN LATE JANUARY LAST YEAR, WHILE IN THIS YEAR THEY OCCURRED IN MID-FEBRUARY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR FEBRUARY 1988 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1988 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987.
THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (4-75 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+59 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+50 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+43 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+37 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+37 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+32 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+24 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+19 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE FABRICS (+17 PER CENT).
NEVERTHELESS, DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-9 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-3 PER CENT).
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1988 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987.
THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+11 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+8 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+7 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+6 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+5 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+5 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+4 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+2 PER CENT); AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WAS RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-2 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1988 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1988 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN TEA AND COFFEE; VEGETABLES; AND RICE.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR WHEAT AND FLOUR; AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.
/OVER THE
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, THE COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; WATCHES; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 11 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1988 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987.
THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED LN CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; BASE METALS, EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL; AND PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR COTTON YARN AND THREAD; MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND WOVEN COTTON FABRICS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 40 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1988 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1988 OVER FEBRUARY 1987. THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN OFFICE MACHINES; AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; AND TEXTILE MACHINERY.
IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN FEBRUARY 1988 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, RANGING FROM 3 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 7 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1988 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987, RANGING FROM 37 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 56 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS.
HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 35 PER CENT.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1987.
/RE-EXPORT PRICES
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
- 4 -
RE-EXPORT PRICES OF BOTH CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT WHILE THOSE OF FUELS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT.
THE PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS REMAINED UNCHANGED.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FEBRUARY 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS” AVAILABLE FOR SALE Al $2.50 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND MAY 14.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE
INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 5-8234918).
TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING JAN-FEB 1988 COMPARING FEB 1988
COMMODITY GROUP WITH JAN-FEB 1987 UNIT WITH FEB 1987
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING 26 5 20 50 5 43
TEXTILE FABRICS 16 5 10 23 5 17
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 5 7 -2 5 8 -3
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 16 6 10 33 7 24
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -17 5 -21 -5 4 -9
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 36 -1 38 34 -2 37
FOOTWEAR 19 5 13 43 5 37
METAL MANUFACTURES 42 6 34 68 6 59
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 61 10 46 95 11 75
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 43 3 39 53 2 50
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 7 5 2 38 4 32
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 19 2 17 20 1 19
ALL COMMODITIES 25 4 21 37 3 32
/Table 2:
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
- 5 -
TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-FEB 1988 WITH JAN-FEB 1987 COMPARING FEB 1988 WITH FEB 1987
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 17 3 13 21 3 17
CONSUMER GOODS 39 3 35 25 3 21
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 26 6 19 17 6 11
FUELS 15 6 9 -38 4 -40
CAPITAL GOODS 28 7 19 18 7 11
ALL COMMODITIES 29 5 23 18 5 13
TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-FEB 1988 WITH JAN-FEB 1987 COMPARING FEB 1988 WITH FEB 1987
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 37 1 36 46 t 46
CONSUMER GOODS 56 2 53 59 2 56
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 52 5 44 44 5 37
FUELS -10 4 -14 -35 1 -35
CAPITAL GOODS % 43 2 41 43 2 41
ALL COMMODITIES 52 3 46 50 3 45
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:
* INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
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 DIRECTLY FROM THE FIGURES TO BE PUBLISHED.
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/6
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
- 6 -
DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSAL ON BOAT PEOPLE * * * *
A PROPOSAL THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CEASE TO BE A PORT OF FIRST ASYLUM FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WILL BE DISCUSSED BY MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN MADE BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, MR MICHAEL CHENG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT ON A SITE NORTH OF TIN MA COURT. THE PROJECT IS AIMED AT FACILITATING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER ESTATES.
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S SIX COMMITTEES AND TWO WORKING GROUPS WILL BE ELECTED AND MEMBERSHIP OF THESE COMMITTEES AND GROUPS DECIDED ON.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ADOPTION OF A REVISED PROCEDURE FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS, THE BOARD’S MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME, AND A SCHEDULE FOR BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
INFORMATION PAPERS TO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING WILL RELATE TO DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, THE PROPOSED LOK FU COMMERCIAL CENTRE PHASE II, AND A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AT MA CHAI HANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEI TING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE FUNG MING HALL IN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
. y- ■■ &■
DB COMMITTEE TO HOLD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
» » * » *
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL EET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE SETTING UP OF AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN.
THE AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN IS TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS AND RESTAURANT WORKERS ON THE CORRECT WAY OF DISPOSING GREASE AND FOOD RESIDUE WITHOUT CAUSING DRAIN BLOCKAGE.
PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A SLOGAN COMPETITION, TREE PLANTING, SEMINARS, A MARKET-STALLS AND A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING CLEANLINESS COMPETITION, AND DEMOLITION OF ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS.
/AT THE
I
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
AT THE MEETING, APPROVAL WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT FOR ORGANISING AN EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WHICH WILL INCLUDE A FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND A SERIES OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ORGANISING OF A TREE PLANTING DAY TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988; DISCUSSION ON THE LOCATIONS, DESIGN AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PUTTING UP DISTRICT SIGNBOARDS; AND AN ALLOCATION OF $35,000 FOR REPLENISHING PLANTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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WAN CHAI DB COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHAIRMAN » » t ♦
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL ELECT ITS CHAIRMAN AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE, MEMBERSHIP AND SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS, AND THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP FOR THIS YEAR’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THEY WILL CONSIDER PROPOSALS FOR THE PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AT THE JUNCTION OF O’BRIEN ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD, AND THE DESIGNATION OF LEE TUNG STREET AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
MONDAY, MAY % 1988
- 8 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS *****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS TO BE HELD IN 1988-89 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE PROCEDURES FOR ALLOCATING FUNDS. MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER FORMING A VETTING TEAM TO EXAMINE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER ALLOCATING FUNDS TO SPONSOR THE 1988 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND FOR PRINTING A SURVEY REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR KWAI TSING SYP ♦ * * * »
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS UNDER THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORGANISING ACTIVITIES DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE BETWEEN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND MAY 25.
ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH FUNDS MAY BE GRANTED INCLUDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, SEMINARS AND FORUMS, AND CIVIC PROMOTIONAL AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES.
THE DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, BASED ON THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY", HAS BEEN ALLOCATED ABOUT $400,000 FROM FUNDS DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SEVEN SUB-OFFICES OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
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/9........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
9 -
INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITIONS
♦ * » » »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE TWO INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITIONS TO FURTHER PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG PUPILS IN SCHOOLS AND DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS IN ORGANISED PRESENTATION OF FACTS AND IDEAS.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE OPEN TO BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE AND TO DETERMINE ON THEIR OWN THE TITLE AND THE CONTENT OF THEIR PROJECT ON ANY TOPIC RELATED TO CIVIC EDUCATION.
EACH SCHOOL COULD SUBMIT ONLY ONE ENTRY WHICH SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE NOVEMBER 1.
THE PROJECTS MAY BE PRESENTED IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE. PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRIES MAY BE IN A COMBINATION OF FOLIO AND CASSETTE TAPE, OR GAME BOARD, OR POSTER AND CHART WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRIES MAY BE IN A COMBINATION OF FOLIO AND SLIDES, OR VIDEO TAPES, OR COMPUTER PROGRAMME ON FLOPPY DISK.
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNING PRIZES, FIVE MERIT PRIZES AND 10 CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR BOTH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL GROUPS. THE VAI.UES OF THE PRIZES RANGE FROM $5,000 TO $200 WORTH OF BOOK COUPONS.
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JOURNALISM COURSES ENROLMENT BEGINS t t * t
WORKING JOURNALISTS ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR TWO COURSES ON ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNI CATION SKILLS TO BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
THE "ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR JOURNALISTS” COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM JUNE 15 TO JULY 11 THIS YEAR ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS.
THE COURSES, TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF JOURNALISTS, WILL BE OFFERED AT THE LEVELS OF INTERMEDIATE AND ELEMENTARY.
AS THE TWO COURSES WILL BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY, AN APPLICANT CAN APPLY FOR ONLY ONE OF THEM.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS MAY 31. ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
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/1O ......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1988
- 10 -
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR GIFTED STUDENT » » « »
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND A TWO-YEAR MUSIC COURSE AT THE WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COVER COSTS OF TUITION, BOARD AND LODGING, AND AIR FARES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. PARENTS, HOWEVER, WILL ALSO BE EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PART OF THE EXPENSES DEPENDING ON THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION.
IN ADDITION TO INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING, THE COURSE ALSO PAYS ATTENTION TO NORMAL ACADEMIC WORK, WHICH LEADS TO ENTRY TO THE G.C.E. ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION IN AT LEAST TWO SUBJECTS, ONE OF THEM BEING MUSIC.
THE SCHOLARSHIP, FOR THE SCHOOL TERM COMMENCING SEPTEMBER, IS SPONSORED BY THE ARTHUR SAMY MEMORIAL FUND ADMINISTERED BY THE HONGKONG BANK TRUSTEE LIMITED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE BETWEEN 16 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE AND HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
HE SHOULD PREFERABLY HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE VIII IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC PRACTICAL EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT IN PIANO, VIOLIN OR CELLO AND SIX PASSES AT GRADE C OR ABOVE IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) OR EQUIVALENT.
STUDENTS SITTING FOR THE HKCEE THIS YEAR MAY ALSO APPLY AND QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION IN JUNE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AND ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI NOT LATER THAN MAY 31.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED ON 5-8235314 OR 5-283257.
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MONDAY, MAY 9,
1988
11
IDENTITY CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1955-56 t * * » »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1956 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE JUNE 5.
“TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000."
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO RENEW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"AS THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO THERE IN THE MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS TO AVOID THE QUEUES OR HAVING TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. TEL. NO. 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD. TEL. NO. 3-7553679
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. 3-7232424
TSUEN WAN EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. 0-4981259
SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108
/YUEN LONG
MONDAYt MAY 9» 1988
- 12 -
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-793291
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-927155
THE SPOKESMAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR
-----0------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE » ♦ ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 29.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 173.807 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 290.167 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 49.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ........................ 1
COMMISSIONER FOR POLICE LEAVES FOR CHINA .................... 2
LEGCO TO CONSIDER EIGHT BILLS ............................... 3
PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS IMPORTANT .................. 3
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED ................ 4
INDUSTRY HEAD OUTLINES HK'S ADVANTAGES ...................... 11
CONSULTANCY FIRM TO BE APPOINTED FOR FARM WASTE PROJECTS .... 12
TRADERS ADVISED AGAINST BURUNDI IVORY IMPORTS ............... 13
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES RAISED .................
DRY SPELL CONTINUED IN APRIL ................................ 16
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME.............. 19
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROVISION OF SAI KUNG TOWN MAPS ..... 19
MEET the PUBLIC SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA................ 20
CENTRAL AND WESTERN SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY .... 20
ROAD CLOSURE .IND URBAN CLEARWAY ................-........... 21
SAI KUNG TOWN TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL .......... 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON .................................. 22
RESTRICTED ZONE ON HENNESSY ROAD TO BE EXTENDED.............. 22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ... 23
WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG .......................... 23
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
GOVERNOR VISITS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT * » * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID WAS WELCOMED ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY MR LI AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DIRECTORATE ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN EDUCATION.
THE GOVERNOR THEN PROCEEDED ON A BRIEF TOUR OF THE BUILDING SECTION, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON PLANS FOR THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THESE WERE PROCEEDING WELL IN RELATION TO BOTH ORDINARY SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
"THE ENORMOUS EXPANSION OF SCHOOL PLACES DURING THE LAST 10 YEARS OR SO HAS INEVITABLY PLACED SOME STRAIN ON THE SYSTEM AND HAS MADE THE TASK OF TEACHING MUCH MORE DEMANDING,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"I AM PLEASED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS TACKLING THIS PROBLEM AND IS MAKING STEADY PROGRESS IN SUCH AREAS AS IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS, REMEDIAL TEACHING IN SCHOOLS, STUDENT COUNSELLING AND LANGUAGE TEACH ING.”
SIR DAVID COMMENTED THAT TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 18 PER CENT OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET, WAS MORE THAN THAT ALLOCATED TO ANY SINGLE AREA OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY.
"THIS REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION AS AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE AND AS A KEY FACTOR IN THE PRESERVATION OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,” HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
2 COMMISSIONER FOR POLICE LEAVES FOR CHINA ♦ * » * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, WILL DISCUSS WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN PEKING AND CANTON THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT WHEN HE DEPARTED FOR A 10-DAY VISIT TO CHINA TODAY (TUESDAY), MR ANNING SAID: "I AM SURE OUR COLLEAGUES IN CHINA WILL BE VERY COGNIZANT OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL DO WHAT THEY CAN TO HELP US.
’’BUT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM THE LATEST STATISTICS AND THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE ARRIVAL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN HELPING US TO STEM THE TIDE WE ARE HAVING AT THE MOMENT."
MR ANNING POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF VISITS THAT HONG KONG POLICE HAD MADE TO CHINA UNDER AEGIS OF THE INTERPOL SYSTEM.
"WE HAVE BEEN PAYING VISITS SINCE 1985, AND OF COURSE OUR COUNTERPARTS FROM PEKING AND CANTON VISIT HONG KONG AS WELL EACH YEAR,” MR ANNING SAID.
"IT IS REALLY QUITE A ROUTINE VISIT.
"WE DISCUSS ONGOING MATTERS OF INTEREST TO BOTH OF US."
ON SUBJECTS TO BE RAISED, MR ANNING SAID: "WE DISCUSS CO-OPERATION AND COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US, MEANS BY WHICH WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER AND THE EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE.
"WE WILL CERTAINLY TALK ABOUT CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING FIREARMS, BUTTERFLY PISTOLS, THIS SORT OF THINGS."
MR ANNING SAID IN PEKING HE WOULD MEET, AMONG OTHERS, THE VICE MINISTER FROM THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU, MR YU LEJ; THE CITY’S VICE MAYOR, MR SU ZHONG-XIANG; AND HEAD OF INTERPOL LN ('HINA, MR LIU WEN.
MR ANNING IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CRIME), MR PETER LEE; STAFF OFFICER, INTERPOL, MR JOHN CHUNG; AND HIS PERSONAL ASSISTANT, MR RYAN LAI.
THE GROUP WILL VISIT PEKING, HANGZHOU, GUILIN AND CANTON BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON MAY 19.
DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR LI KWAN-HA WILL BE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 3 -
LEGCO TO CONSIDER EIGHT BILLS * » »
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF FIVE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER EIGHT BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
FIVE OF THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THESE ARE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE REMAINING THREE BILLS - THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 - ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE A MOTION, PUT BY THE ll<>N ROSANNA TAM, THAT IT TAKES NOTE OF THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL TABLE THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1987, AND THE HON LYDIA DUNN WILL TABLE THE 1986-87 REPORT BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL.
THE REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1988-89 WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
--------0 -
PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS IMPORTANT
*****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS NOW CONSIDERING HONG KONG’S FUTURE NEEDS FOR COPYRIGHT LAW, AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE COMMISSION’S WORK IN THIS RESPECT IS THE PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS.
I .
THE COMMISSION HAS, EARLIER THIS MONTH, RELEASED A CONSULTATION LETTER SEEKING THE VIEWS OF INDUSTRY, AND OF DESIGNERS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE DESIGN FORUM ’88 TODAY (TUESDAY).
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
HE SAID THAT THIS ASPECT OF THE LAW IS VERY COMPLEX AND GREATLY NEEDS MAKING SIMPLER AND MORE EFFECTIVE, AND HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION STAFF WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES INVOLVED WITH INTERESTED ASSOCIATIONS.
"IT IS ALL VERY WELL FOR US TO PROMOTE THE IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY THROUGH ADVANCED DESIGNS, BUT IF THESE NEW DESIGNS ARE^ No^ ADEQUATELY PROTECTED, THE EFFORT WILL HAVE BEEN PARTLY IN VAIN," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD CONFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ENCOURAGING IMPROVEMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND QUALITY.
"THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY, THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, THE PRODUCTS STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU, AND THE HONG KONG LABORATORY’ ACCREDITATION SCHEME ARE ALL ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
"OTHER EXAMPLES INCLUDE THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL’S CONSULTANCY AND TRAINING SERVICES ON ADVANCED COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN, COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURE SYSTEMS (CAD-CAM), AND A SCHEME TO TRAIN ENGINEERS IN THE DESIGN OF APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS (ASIC) THAT WAS INTRODUCED IN 1987."
HE ADDED THAT IF HONG KONG WAS TO CONTINUE TO GO UPMARKET, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR MORE INDUSTRIALISTS TO DESIGN THEIR OWN GOODS.
- - 0------------
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED t » » t »
HONG KONG’S TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN MARCH 1988, AT $69,888 MILLION, GREW BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, ACCORDING TO THE MORE DETAILED MONTHLY FIGURES ON TRADE VALUE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT TO $14,052 MILLION IN MARCH 1988, WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 34 PER CENT TO $18,590 MILLION, THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN MARCH TO $32,642 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1987.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT TO $37,246 MILLION IN MARCH.
/CAUTION SHOULD
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 5 -
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH. FAIRLY WIDE FLUCTUATIONS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, REFLECTING IN PART THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
TAKING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1988 TOGETHER, TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, AT $195,904 MILLION, INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER IN 1987.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT TO $44,169 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT TO $52,868 MILLION.
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT TO $97,037 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT TO $98,867 MILLION.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS.
THE MARKETS WITH THE LARGEST GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED SINGAPORE (+44 PER CENT), FRANCE (+30 PER CENT), CHINA (+23 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+23 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (+21 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE USA, GREW BY 3 PER CENT.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH MARCH 1987, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 16 PER CENT.
DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-12 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (-11 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (-9 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (-9 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-8 PER CENT) AND FRANCE (-6 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (+38 PER CENT), CHINA (+19 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (+14 PER CENT).
THE LEVEL OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE EARLY PART OF MARCH 1988 MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD WHICH OCCURRED IN THE SECOND HALF OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND (+51 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+45 PER CENT), FRANCE (+39 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+31 PER CENT) AND CHINA (+27 PER CENT).
/IN MARCH ........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
6
IN MARCH 1988, IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS OVER MARCH 1987, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM FRANCE (+52 PER CENT), SWITZERLAND (+50 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+44 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+40 PER CENT) AND THE USA (+29 PER CENT).
BETWEEN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA AND TAIWAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 86 PER CENT, 80 PER CENT, 59 PER CENT, 53 PER CENT AND 52 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
BETWEEN MARCH 1987 AND MARCH 1988, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, ('HINA AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 80 PER CENT, 51 PER CENT, 46 PER CENT 42 PER CENT AND 35 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 MARCH 1988 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JUNE.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE MORE NOTABLE ONES INCLUDED CLOTHING (BY $1,025 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $964 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT)' OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($855 MILLION OR 17 FER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $605 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRIC CURRENT (BY 38 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $28 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY' MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG'S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
/COMPARING THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1?88
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987, INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,995 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $2,028 MILLION OR 102 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,368 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,173 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $361 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT); AND BRIQUETTES (BY $37 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY DIVISION.
EQUIPMENT OTHER
AND COAL, COKE
MAJOR COMMODITY
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG'S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5. .
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,417 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,576 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,176 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,125 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
HOWEVER,DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $37 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (BY $13 MILLION OR 9 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 MARCH 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE ON SALE AROUND MAY 13 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $9.50 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN MARCH 1988 WILL AVAILABLE AT THE END OF MAY AT $17.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. 5-8428802).
ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE MADE TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234915).
/TABLE 1: .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1?88
- 8 -
TABLE 1: MAJOR MARKET DOMESTIC EXPORTS JAN-MAR 1988 (HKD MN.) BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
JAN-MAR OVER JAN-MAR (%) 88 87 MAR 1988 (HKD MN.) MAR 88 OVER MAR 87 (%)
USA 14,405 + 3 4,252 -16
CHINA 6,844 + 23 2,654 + 19
FR OF GERMANY 3,860 + 20 1,053 -9
UK 2,890 + 23 851 -8
JAPAN 2,170 • + 21 850 + 14
CANADA 1,286 + 12 347 -12
SINGAPORE 1,045 + 44 387 + 38
NETHERLANDS 995 + 11 293 -9
FRANCE 903 + 30 268 -6
AUSTRALIA 849 + 8 263 -11
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-MAR 1988 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAR 88 MAR 1988 (HKD MN.) MAR 88 OVER MAR 87 (%)
OVER JAN-MAR (%) 87
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 13,435 + 8 3,254 -25
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,985 + 2 2,071 -11
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,933 + 32 1,322 + 16
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 9 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,619 + 20 A 1,302 + 8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS,
MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,459 + 5 1,233 -8
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,367 + 5 1,195 + 1
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-MAR JAN -MAR 88 MAR MAR 88
1988 OVER 1988 OVER
JAN -MAR 87 MAR 87
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
CHINA 29,407 + 27 10,620 + 20
JAPAN 18,383 + 22 7,001 + 17
TAIWAN 8,702 + 24 3,345 + 21
USA 8,283 + 20 3,197 + 29
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,057 + 45 1,969 + 44
SINGAPORE 3,855 + 25 1,420 + 21
UK 2,936 + 14 1,060 .2
FR OF GERMANY 2,815 + 31 1,154 + 40 + 50
SWITZERLAND 2,093 + 51 826
FRANCE 1,630 + 39 632 + 52
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JAN-MAR JAN- MAR 88 MAR MAR 88
DIVISION 1988 OVER 1988 OVER
JAN- MAR 87 MAR 87
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN. ) (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS,
MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 12,214 + 3 4,964 + 1
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
10 —
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,095 + 42 3,982 + 42
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,287 + 13 2,119 + ♦
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS » 5,693 + 32 2,113 + 21
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,424 + 27 2,043 + 22
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,213 + 29 1,912 + 14
LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-MAR JAN 1988 JAN (HKD MN.) -MAR 88 OVER -MAR 87 (%) MAR 1988 (HKD MN.) MAR 88 OVER MAR 87 (%)
CHINA 16 ,814 + 42 6,460 + 42
USA 9 ,239 + 31 2,703 + 7
JAPAN 3 ,242 + 86 1 , 180 + 80
TAIWAN 3 ,034 + 52 1 , 164 + 46
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2 ,713 + 41 976 + 35
SINGAPORE 1 ,874 + 35 709 + 35
FR OF GERMANY 1 ,623 + 80 507 + 51
UK 1 ,082 + 59 387 + 27
MACAU 911 + 23 365 + 21
AUSTRALIA 839 + 53 282 + 34
/TABLE 6: .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
11
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JAN-MAR JAN-MAR 88 MAR MAR 88
DIVISION 1988 OVER 1988 OVER
JAN-MAR 87 MAR 87
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND
RELATED PRODUCTS 6,842 + 20 2,609 + 13
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,
APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,445 + 80 2,072 + 72
ARTICLES OF APPAREL,
AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,326 + 19 1 , 4 1 3 -4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED •
ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 1,525 + 53 1 , 154 + 23
TELECOMMUNICAT IONS AND
SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,211 + 58 1,099 + 39
PHOTOGRAPH 1 C APPARATUS ,
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,112 + 20 769 + 13
-------0----------
INDUSTRY HEAD OUTLINES UK’S ADVANTAGES
*****
HONG KONG REPRESENTS THE ’’SOUTHERN ROUTE” INTO CHINA, A ROUTE WHICH OFFERS MANY ADVANTAGES OVER ENTRY FROM ANY OTHER DIRECTION, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR YEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT AN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION SEMINAR IN SEOUL.
HE SAID AN OVERSEAS MANUFACTURER CONSIDERING ESTABLISHING A PLANT IN HONG KONG MIGHT VIEW HONG KONG AS AN OFFSHORE MANUFACTURI NG BASE WITH UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS DERIVED FROM ITS NEARNESS TO CHINA, OR AS A GATEWAY TO A HUGE POTENTIAL MARKET OF ONE BILLION PEOPLE.
/’’AND MANY..........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198ft
"AND MANY OTHER OVERSEAS INVESTORS SEE HONG KONG AS AN EFFICIENT AND ’PAINLESS’ POINT OF ENTRY TO THE (’HINA MARKET, WHERE EDUCATED, TRAINED, EXPERIENCED CHINESE SPEAKING EXECUTIVES (’AN BE FOUND," HE SAJI).
"TO A LARGE EXTENT, HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS BECOMING INTEGRATED WITH THE SOUTHERN CHINA REGION AND THERE IS A TREND TO MOVING LABOUR INTENSIVE ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION ACROSS THE BORDER."
MR YEUNG ALSO SAJI) THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD BEEN SET OUT BY THE JOINT DECLARATION SIGNED B\ THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS IN 1981.
“HONG KONG I S NOT ONLY ( HINA’S LARGEST MARKET, ACCOUNTI NG FOR 32 PER CENT OF CHINA’S TOTAL EXPORTS, IT IS ALSO PROVI I) I NG SOME 60 PER CENT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN (’HINA.
"IN RETURN (HINA ACCOUNTS FOR I 5 PER (’ENT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
'THERE ARE MANY BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG WHO BELIEVE THAI AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WILL BE (’HINA’S MOST IMPORTANT ECONOMIC CENTRE AND CONSEQUENTLY OF EVEN GREATER IMPORTANCE TO THE WHOLE OF ASIA AMD THE WORLD THAN IT NOW IS."
-----O---------
CONSULTANCY FIRM TO BE APPOINTED FOR FARM WASTE PROJECTS * ♦ t t ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS NEGOTIATING WITH AN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY FIRM ON THE DETAIL ARRANGEMENTS AND THE COSTS FOR SETTING UP DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE FARMS, AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
AT A MEETING OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE’S STEERING GROUP, THE OFFICIAL TOLD MEMBERS THAT FOUR CONSULTANCY FIRMS HAD RESPONDED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION FOR SETTING UP THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
AFTER STUDYING THEIR PROPOSALS, AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS.
"WE EXPECT TO COMPLETE THE NEGOTIATIONS SOON, SO APPROVAL FOR APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRM CAN BE GIVEN AT THE MONTH," HE ADDED.
CONSULTANCY
THAT FINAL
END OF THE
/THE OFFICIAL........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
THE OFFICIAL EXPLAINED THAT THE CONSULTANT'S IMMEDIATE TASK WOULD BE TO IDENTIFY 12 TO 15 LIVESTOCK FARMS FROM THE 24 FARMS PROPOSED BY THE STEERING GROUP FOR SETTING UP THE DEMONSTRATION PROJ ECTS.
THE PROPOSED FARMS ARE MAINLY LOCATED IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL AREA, ANGLER’S BEACH AND NORTH DISTRICT.
AFTER OBTAINING THE STEERING GROUP’S ENDORSEMENT, THE CONSULTANT WOULD PROCEED TO DESIGN AND BUILD WASTE TREATMENT INSTALLATIONS FOR THE SELECTED FARMS, THE OFFICIAL ADDED.
- - 0 -
TRADERS ADVISED AGAINST BURUNDI IVORY IMPORTS
*****
IVORY TRADERS IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ADVISED NOT TO IMPORT ANY UNREGISTERED IVORY FROM BURUNDI AS APPLICATIONS FOR SUCH IMPORTS OR RE-EXPORTS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED.
THE ADVICE IS CONTAINED IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ALL IVORY TRADERS BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN RESPONSE TO A RECENT BAN IMPOSED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ON THE IMPORTATION OF IVORY FROM BURUNDI.
ON APRIL 29, A NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL REGISTER, STATING THAT:
"EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, THE UNITED STATES BANS THE IMPORTATION OF IVORY FROM BURUNDI THAT WAS NOT REGISTERED WITH THE CITES (CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA) SECRETARIAT BY DECEMBER 1, 1986. ALL IVORY IMPORTATION FROM ANY COUNTRY THAT ALLOWS THIS BURUNDI IVORY, WHETHER IN A RAW OR WORKED FORM, TO BE IMPORTED INTO OR PASS THROUGH THAT COUNTRY WILL BE PROHIBITED."
COMMENTING ON THE U.S. BAN, THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID THAT SINCE 1981 HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN PROHIBITING THE IMPORTATION OF RAW IVORY FROM BURUNDI EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE CITES SECRETARIAT.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO STRICTLY ENFORCE THE PROHIBITION.
"AS NO APPLICATION FOR CITES LICENCE OR RE-EXPORT CERTIFICATE FOR UNREGISTERED BURUNDI IVORY WILL BE PROCESSED, LOCAL TRADERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO IMPORT UNREGISTERED IVORY FROM THAT COUNTRY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY," HE SAID.
/MR CHEUNG
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
MR CHEUNG ADDED THAT ARRANGEMENTS WERE BEING MADE BY HIS DEPARTMENT TO IMPOSE STATUTORY CONTROL OVER THE IMPORT OE ALL FORMS OF WORKED IVORY UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE NEW MEASURE IN THE FORM OF LICENSING CONTROL WILL TAKE EFFECT IN JULY THIS YEAR.
"THEREAFTER, LICENCES MUST BE APPLIED AND OBTAINED IN ADVANCE FOR THE IMPORT OF ALL WORKED IVORY ITEMS.
"APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY VALID DOCUMENTS INCLUDING EXPORT PERMITS FROM THE AUTHORITIES OF THE EXPORTING COUNTRIES AND OTHER DOCUMENTAL PROOFS OF THEIR ACQUISITION FROM CITES-APPROVED SOURCES," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG STRESSED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT OR EXPORT ENDANGERED SPECIES NOT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LICENCE ISSUED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO HEAVY FINES, IMPRISONMENT AND FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIMENS," HE SAID.
- 0 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES RAISED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.36 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.36 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
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 MAY 11, 1988.
/CERTIFICATES WHICH
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE MAY 11, 1988 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS -
3.36 PER CENT
2.52 PER CENT
3.00 PER CENT
3.36 PER CENT
3.84 PER CENT
4.32 PER (’ENT
5.28 PER CENT
1 . 32 PER CENT
3.24 PER CENT
3.00 PER CENT
2.04 PER CENT
2.76 PER CENT
3.36 PER CENT
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;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 24, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 14, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 30, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 1987;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 9, 1987 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 1988;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 20, 1988 AND BEFORE APRIL 13, 1988; AND
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 13, 1988 AND BEFORE MAY 11, 1988:
/BUT ALWAYS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
16
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
ACCRUE
EXAMPLE:
$1,000
JUNE
CERTIFICATES
14, 1988 AND
PURCHASED ON MAY 14,
1988,
JULY 14, 1988 RESPECTIVELY
SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON AUGUST WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS
13, 1988
ON $1,000, MAY 14, 1988 TO AUGUST 13, 1988 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.60 PER MONTH
$10.80
ON $1,000, JUNE 14, 1988 TO AUGUST 13, TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.60 PER MONTH
1988
$7.20
ON $1,000, JULY 14, 1988 TO AUGUST 13, ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $3.60 PER MONTH
1988
$3.60
$21.60
- - 0 - -
DRY SPELL CONTINUED IN APRIL * ♦ » ♦
RAINFALL
WAS RECORDED ON
IN APRIL CONTINUED TO BE BELOW NORMAL.
ALTHOUGH
22 DAYS DURING THE MONTH, THE TOTAL RAINFALL WAS
82.4 MILLIMETRES, 59 PER CENT OF THE NORMAL AMOUNT FOR APRIL, REPORT FOR THE MONTH ISSUED
ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS (TUESDAY).
RAIN ONLY
THE TODAY
CONSEQUENTLY, THE TOTAL MONTHS THIS YEAR WAS 135.9 AMOUNT OF 263.0 MILLIMETRES.
RAINFALL AMOUNT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MILLIMETRES, COMPARED WITH A NORMAL
IT WAS COOLER AND ALSO DRIER THAN USUAI
RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 78 PER RECORD FOR APRIL.
IN APRIL WITH A
CENT, WHICH WAS THE THIRD LOWEST
MEAN ON
A MOIST EASTERLY AIRSTREAM PREVAILED ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS IN APRIL. AS A RESULT, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG WAS CLOUDY TO OVERCAST WITH OCCASIONAL MIST, FOG OR RAIN DURING THIS PERIOD.
LIGHT
A WEAK SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON BROUGHT
AIR TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 4, BUT NO SIGNIFICANT WEATHER OCCURRED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO DAYS. A
SLIGHTLY
IMPROVEMENT IN
DRIER THE
MOIST SOUTHEASTERLY
AI RS I REAM ON APRIL 6 GAVE RISE TO MISTY AND FOGGY CONDITIONS VISIBILITY AT WAGLAN ISLAND WAS DOWN TO 1OO METRES AT TIMES.
AGAIN.
/EARLY ON
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
EARLY ON APRIL 7, A COLD FRONT FROM THE NORTH PASSED SOUTH ACROSS HONG KONG, RESULTING JN THUNDERSTORMS AND LATER SOME SHOWERS. TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 13.2 DEGREES EARLY NEXT MORNING. THIS WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE FOR THE MONTH.
THE UNSETTLED WEATHER LASTED UNTIL THE NIGHT OF APRIL 8 WHEN A SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON ARRIVED. OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOCAL GUSTS REACHED STRONG FORCE. THESE CONDITIONS PERSISTED FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
THE WOODEN ROOF OF A ONE-STOREY BUILDING IN DIAMOND HILL WAS BLOWN OFF ON APRIL 9 WHILE TWO SCAFFOLDINGS, ONE IN HAPPY VALLEY AND THE OTHER IN SAJ YING PUN, COLLAPSED ON APRIL 10.
SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED HONG KONG DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF APRIL 11. THE APPROACH OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA THAT EVENING AGAIN GAVE RISE TO THUNDERY SHOWERS.
THE SHOWERY ACTIVITY LASTED UNTIL LATE ON APRIL 12. CLOUDY CONDITIONS CONTINUED TO PREVAIL.
HOWEVER,
A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE WAS ESTABLISHED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ON APRIL 14 AND THE SKY BEGAN TO CLEAR. BY THE MORNING OF APRIL 15, THE WEATHER HAD TURNED FINE. HOWEVER, ANOTHER SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON ARRIVED THAT AFTERNOON, GIVING RISE TO CLOUDY CONDITIONS AND SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES.
THE WEATHER REMAINED ALMOST THE SAME FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS. THE MOIST EASTERLY AIRSTREAM WAS REPLACED BY DRIER NORTHERLY WINDS DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF APRIL 18. THE SKY CLEARED IN THE MORNING. HOWEVER, MOIST EASTERLIES RETURNED AND BROUGHT BACK THE CLOUDINESS THAT EVENING WHICH LASTED UNTIL THE NEXT DAY.
EARLY ON APRIL 20, ACTIVE SOUTHWESTERLIES SET IN AND THE WEATHER WAS SHOWERY WITH SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED OVER CENTRAL CHINA AND BEGAN TO MOVE SOUTHWARDS. IT CROSSED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST EARLY ON APRIL 21, GIVING RISE TO SHOWERS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. OCCASIONAL MIST AND FOG ALSO OCCURRED OFFSHORE.
WITH THE TROUGH LINGERING NEAR THE COAST, THE UNSETTLED WEATHER CONTINUED INTO THE NEXT DAY.
THE PREVALENCE OF EASTERLY WINDS KEPT THE WEATHER CLOUDY ON APRIL 23.
AS A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER CENTRAL CHINA EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS, CONDITIONS IMPROVED RAPIDLY ON APRIL 21 AND IT WAS MOSTLY SUNNY DURING THE DAY. THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY ALSO DROPPED CONSIDERABLY. A TOTAL OF 17 HILL FIRES OCCURRED THAT DAY.
APART FROM SOME CLOUDY PERIODS ON APRIL 26 AND OCCASIONAL MISTY AND FOGGY CONDITIONS OFFSHORE ON APRIL 27, THE WEATHER WAS MAINLY FINE.
J
/A TROUGH .....
<
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 18 -
A TROUGH OK LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA BROUGHT SOME SHOWERS TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 28. SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TROUGH BROUGHT THE TEMPERATURE TO A MAXIMUM OF 29.2 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH. THIS WAS ALSO THE HIGHEST RECORDED FOR THE YEAR UP TO THAT DATE.
DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE TROUGH THAT EVENING, SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED. FOR THE REMAINING TWO DAYS OF APRIL, THE WEATHER CONTINUED TO BE CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS.
DURING THE MONTH, NO TROPICAL CYCLONE OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 7, 8, 11, 12, 20, 21, 22, 28 AND 30 WHILE A FLOOD WARNING WAS ISSUED ON APRIL 20. THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON APRIL 9, 10, 15 AND 24.
THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
DATE AND TIME OF
WEATHER SYSTEM
SIGNAL
HOISTING
DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON
STRONG MONSOON APRIL 8 10.15 PM
APRIL 11 7 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES
AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
74.0 HOURS ;
10.53 MJ/SQ.M ;
82.4 MM ;
84 PER CENT ;
78 PER CENT ;
23.1 DEGREES ; CELSIUS
20.8 DEGREES ; CELSIUS
18.9 DEGREES J CELSIUS
16.5 DEGREES ; CELSIUS
89.6 MM ;
------0--------
46.2 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
3.16 MJ/SQ.M BELOW NORMAL
57.0 MM BELOW NORMAL
8 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
5 PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
1.9 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
1.3 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
1.1 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
2.4 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
22.9 MM BELOW NORMAL
/19........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 19 -
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME » » »
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (INFORMATION), MR MICHAEL ROWSE, AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY (INFORMATION), MISS KITTY CHOI, OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SUBJECT.
ALSO, A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) . f!IK CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANL1NG.
-----0 --------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROVISION OF SAI KUNG TOWN MAPS * * » * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A SUGGESTION TO PROVIDE MAPS FOR VISITORS TO SAI KUNG TOWN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE DESIGN OF THE MAPS AND PLACES WHERE THEY ARE TO BE DISTRIBUTED. THE IDEA IS TO HAVE IMPORTANT PLACES SUCH AS THE BUS TERMINUS, POLICE STATION, CLINICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING CLEARLY MARKED ON THE MAPS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSED WORKS ON A FOOTPATH AT HAM TIN WAN AND THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE IN THE 1988-91 TERM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDA ) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
- - 0 -
/2O........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
20 -
MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
» » » »
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS CONTINUATION OF THE BOARD’S MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 12).
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE’S WORK PLAN FOR 1988-89, AND EXAMINE THE WORK PLANS OF THE BOARD’S FIVE OTHER COMMITTEES.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON A PROPOSED ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE NEW-TERM BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
-------0----------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN SCHOOL ♦ *
HEADS TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY ♦ ♦ *
THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS WILL HOLD A FORUM ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED YOUTH POLICY.
THE FORUM WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS’ MESS, THIRD FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS ROSANNA TAM, WILL SPEAK AT THE FORUM WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR DAVID CHAN YUK-CHEUNG OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
OTHER. GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ACTING CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, AND A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR WONG WING-TIM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM.
- - 0
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198B
ROAD CLOSURE AND URBAN CLEARWAY I t t ♦ ♦
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO BE ON THE ALERT FOR A ROAD CLOSURE MEASURE IN YUEN LONG AND AN URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN TAI WAI, SHA TIN, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
IN YUEN LONG, THE EXISTING ACCESS TO LOK MA CHAU VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN TIN SECTION) WILL BE CLOSED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD PROJECT.
ALL TRAFFIC FROM YUEN LONG AND FANLING GOING TO LOK MA CHAU, INCLUDING NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 75 PLYING BETWEEN YUEN LONG (FOOK HONG STREET) AND HA WAN TSUEN IN LOK MA CHAU, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE AND ROAD SR-6.
IN TAI WAI, THE SOUTHERN LANE OF TSUEN NAM ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 62 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CH IK LUK LANE TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WAI ROAD WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
THE MEASURE IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW. NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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SAI KUNG TOWN TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ♦ » * * ♦
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI KUNG TOWN FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) TO JUNE 5 TO FACILITATE A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE TO BE HELD TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD L7 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH SEE CHEUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
VEHICLES ON MAN NIN STREET HEADING FOR Y1 CHUN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD L7.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON MAN NIN STREET BETWEEN ROAD L7 AND SEE CHEUNG STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON * ♦ *
TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK, THE SECTION OF BOWRING STREET IN YAU MA TEI BETWEEN PARKES STREET AND WOOSUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13) FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HAIPHONG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
THE MEASURE IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW. VEHICLES EXITING FROM DEVELOPMENTS ON THIS SECTION OF CANTON ROAD WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT ONTO CANTON ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
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RESTRICTED ZONE ON HENNESSY ROAD TO BE EXTENDED ♦ » * » ♦
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ALONG EASTBOUND HENNESSY ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 503 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARDS BY 34 METRES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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/25
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1988
- 23 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR TO THE JUNCTION OF TONG SHUI ROAD WITH KING’S ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) AFTERNOON.
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FROM 2.30 PM TO 2.45 PM ON THAT DAY.
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WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG ♦ * t » »
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (MAY 13) FROM 8.30 AM TO 7 SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE TSUEN WAN CENTRAL PUMPING STATION.
KWAI CHUNG PM DUE TO SALT WATER
ALL PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, INCLUDING SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL WILL BE AFFECTED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
____ :: - - — 1_----------L__
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE,.HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777 ...
- »«,>,»• - * • ■ * • 14 •SA’.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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*» • « • .. - - p J . , • . . . . .. t . •
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ffiSETING :
GOVT FULLY AWARE OF IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH..............
ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO GOOD DEVELOPMENT PROMOTED
• - • ■ ' • ■ ■ . . .
IMPORTANCE OF MORAL EDUCATION RECOGNISED.............
YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO PLAY MEANINGFUL ROLE ............
Of • ..... ... . , ...
STRONG ACTION AGAINST UNSCRUPUWUS MERCHANTS..........
‘ ? ......
OBJECTIVES OF YOUTH POLICY OUTLINED .................
•. p ... .
YOUTH MUST BE ADEQUATELY PREP;JffiD FOR FUTURE.......
N:- ........... ..
TV PRODUCTIONS FAIL IN KEY FUNCTIONS ................
early action on youth commission urged ..............
QUALITIES YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD POSSESS ...............
WIDER PERSPECTIVE IN EDUCATION SYSTEM ADVOCATED ..
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j«i».v •. ’i;
11
12
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if < rtfj
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EQUIP YOUTH TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS........................... 17
YOUTH POLICY A MUST FOR FORWrvRD LOOKING GOVT................. 19
APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED ..................................... 21
BUDGET-RELaTED BILLS GIVEN SECOND READING ..................... 21
......... .. ........;; ■ ■. ;. • '
RIMOVAL OF NOMIN.J. INSPECTION CHARGE PROPOSED................ 22
/SIX PER .......
SIX PER CENT INCREASE IN CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS........ 23
KCR CORPN MAKES $276 MILLION NET PROFIT IN 1987 ........... 24
PRINCE PHILIP DENT«L HOSPITAL PRAISED ..................... 26
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF NO CRIMIN/iL CONVICTION CERTIFICATES EXPLAINED.................................................. 27
MEETINGS WITH SCHOOLS COUNCILS, TEACHERS GN CONTRACTUAL ISSUE...................................................... 29
STEPS BEING TaKEN TO IMPROVE aIRPORT PROCESSING........ 31
CONTRACTUAL PROTECTION FOR MANUAL WORKERS EMPLOYED ABROAD.................................................* 32
PLAN TO SET UP EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SECTION .*... 34
BURNING OF SUBMISSIONS TO SURVEY OFFICE TOMORROW ............. J6
Il'S CAUGHT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES MAY BE PROSECUTED .......... 37
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO STAY.................. 38
GREATER NEED FOR QUALITY IN MANUFACTURING..................... 39
HK POLICE EXPERIENCE USEFUL TO CARIBBEAN ISLANDS.............. 40
BONSkI AND FLOWER- PLANTS ON DISPLAY FROM SATURDAY............ 41
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS KEEP HK CLEAN ACTIVITIES .... 43
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORK ... 43
SAI KUNG DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS .......... 44
DB CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ........... 44
SIU LEK YUEN POLICE STATION TO START OPERATION................ 45
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR TWO GOVERNMENT SITES .................... 45
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL .................... 46
RESTRICTED ZONES IN ABERDEEN ^iND CENTRAL..................... 46
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT .......................... 4?
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
GOVT FULLY AWARE OF IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH
* t * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROFOUND IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND RECOGNISES THAT THEY DESERVE SPECIAL CARE AND ATTENTION, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, MR LIAO SAID THE YOUTH PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WAS NO WORSE THAN THAT IN OTHER COUNTRIES, AND MOST YOUNG PEOPLE GREW UP WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED A FINE TRADITION OF PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT, ON ITS PART, SOUGHT TO CULTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE ON TWO LEVELS.
ON A GENERAL LEVEL, THERE WAS THE COMMUNITY BUILDING STRATEGY WHICH AIMED AT FOSTERING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE A SENSE OF BELONGING, MUTUAL CARE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
THESE OBJECTIVES WERE PROMOTED THROUGH PURPOSE-BUILT FACILITIES, SUCH AS COMMUNITY CENTRES, FORMATION OF RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS, AND CAMPAIGNS TO FIGHT CRIME AND CORRUPTION AND TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.
ACTIVITIES SUCH \S THE ‘SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND THE COMMONWEALTH EXCHANGE SCHEME WERE ALSO DESIGNED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
ON \ FUNCTIONAL LEVEL, THERE WERE GOVERNMENT POLICIES VND RELATED SERVICES IN AREAS SUCH AS EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, RECREATION XNI) CULTURE, \NI) REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLING, TO MEET Till BASIC NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE. *
>11? LIAO NOTED THAT OE THE GOVERNMENT ’ S TOTAL BUDGET IN 1987-88, NI.ARIA 20 PER CENT WAS SPENT ON EDUCATION EOR YOUNG PEOPLE, $270 MILLION EOR WELEARE SERVICES EOR YOUTH, AND $800 MILLION ON RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES.
EURTHERMORE, A CONSIDERABLE PROPORTION OE SERVICES EOR YOUNG PEOPLI WAS ALSO PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
/MR LIAO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 2
MR LIAO SHARED MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE NEED EOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING, AND POINTED OUT THAT SUCH TRAINING WAS BEING PROVIDED BY A NUMBER OE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
"LT WOULD BE USEFUL TO FURTHER DEVELOP SUCH TRAINING PROGRAMMES TO IMPART THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES NECESSARY TO PREPARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THEIR FUTURE AND INCREASE THEIR AWARENESS OF THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES," HE NOTED.
REFERRING TO EFFORTS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH TO SEEK VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED PARTIES ON ITS REPORT, MR LIAO SAID HE WAS SURE THE VIEWS RAISED BY MEMBERS DURING TODAY’S DEBATE WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN INTO CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE.
AFTER MR LIAO’S SPEECH, THE COUNCIL VOTED LN FAVOUR OF THE MOTION BEING DEBATED - THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE NOTE OF THE REPORT.
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ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO GOOD DEVELOPMENT PROMOTED
♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS RECOGNISED THAT IT SHOULD PROMOTE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND ALSO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH PARTICULAR NEEDS OR PROBLEMS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THIS IN HIE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
OUTLINING THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO YOUNGSTERS, MR CHAMBERS SAID : "THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WORK CLOSELX TOGETHER TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR, AND COHESION WITHIN, THE FAMILY THROUGH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
"THEY ALSO WORK TOGETHER TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR CHARACTER, PERSONALITY, LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL SKILLS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN A WIDE RANGE OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR \( Tl V IT I ES. "
THESE ACTIVITIES, MAINLY ORGANISED BY THE 281 SUBVERTED CHILDREN’S \NI) YOUTH CENTRES, WERE VERY POPULAR WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AND X FURTHER 171 CENTRES SHOULD BE SET UP DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, HE SAID. e
/’’THERE ARE..........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
"THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF UNIFORMED YOUTH ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE SCOUTS AND GUIDES WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY," MR CHAMBERS CONTINUED.
"IN ADDITION, SOCIAL WORKERS WORKING AT DISTRICT LEVEL PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT AND STRENGTHENING OF SMALLER INDEPENDENT YOUTH GROUPS."
ON THE NEED TO HELP STUDENTS WITH SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL OR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT UNDER THE SUBVERTED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMME OPERATED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE SERVED BY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AT A RATIO OF ONE SOCIAL WORKER FOR EVERY 3,000 STUDENTS.
THIS RATIO WAS IMPROVED RECENTLY, AND A FURTHER REVIEW WOULD TAKE PLACE LATER THIS YEAR.
FOR THOSE YOUTHS WHO COULD NOT BE REACHED BY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, MR CHAMBERS SAID A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PROVIDED AN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.
AT PRESENT, THERE WERE 18 OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS WHbll OPERATED IN AREAS WHICH SUCH YOUNG PEOPLE WERE KNOWN TO FREQUENT.
"THESE TEAMS IDENTIFY AND MAKE DIRECT CONTACT WITH YOUTH WHO ARE IN NEED OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING OR OTHER SOCIAL WORK SERVICES," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
"THE OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE HAS ACHIEVED ENCOURAGING RESULTS AND IT IS INTENDED THAT IT SHOULD BE EXPANDED THROUGH THE ADDITION OF SIX MORE TEAMS DURING THE NEXT THREE YEARS."
TURNING TO YOUNG OFFENDERS, MR CHAMBERS SAID IN CASES OF MINOR OFFENCES WHERE A PROBATION OFFICER CONSIDERED RESIDENTIAL TRAINING INAPPROPRIATE, AN OFFENDER WAS OFTEN PLACED ON A NON-RES1DENT1AL PROBATION ORDER AND REQUIRED TO UNDERGO COUNSELLING AND ANY OTHER SPECIAL TREATMENT CONSIDERED NECESSARY.
"ALTERNATIVELY, A COURT MAY MAKE A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER WHICH REQUIRES THE OFFENDER TO PERFORM UNPAID WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
UNDER A TWO-YEAR PILOT SCHEME IN THREE MAGISTRACIES, THE COMMUNITY ORDER APPROACH WOULD BE ASSESSED WHEN THE PILOT SCHEME WAS COMPLETED AND A DECISION TAKEN WHETHER TO EXTEND THE ARRANGEMENTS TO ALL MAGISTRACIES.
"SO FAR THE INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS SCHEME IS PROVING QUITE SUCCESSFUL, AND IS BEING WELL USED BY THE COURTS," HE NOTED.
/TOR MORE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
FOR MORE SERIOUS OFFENCES, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE COURT MIGHT DECIDE THAT A YOUNG PERSON SHOULD BE PLACED IN A RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTION SUCH AS A REMAND HOME OR A REFORMATORY SCHOOL.
’’THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY OPERATES SEVEN OF THESE INSTITUTIONS EACH OF WHICH PROVIDES A DISCIPLINED AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT WHERE OFFENDERS CAN RECEIVE ACADEMIC, PREVOCATIONAL AND SOCIAL TRAINING," HE SAID.
"AFTERCARE SERVICES, INCLUDING COUNSELLING, FAMILY VISITS AND ASSISTANCE WITH ACCOMMODATION, JOB AND SCHOOL PLACEMENTS, ARE PROVIDED FOR ALL YOUNG OFFENDERS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS. ’’
WHILST THERE WAS SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PLACES IN RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS TO MEET THE PRESENT DEMAND, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE DEPARTMENT PLANNED TO PROVIDE A NEW HOME FOR GIRLS IN TUEN MUN AND TO REPROVISION TWO OF THE BOY’S HOMES.
"I HOPE 1 HAVE SAID ENOUGH TO REASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE SUBVENTED WELFARE AGENCIES PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SOCIAL WORK BASED SERVICES TO HELP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE GROW UP INTO RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO PROVIDE HELP FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
"THESE SERVICES ARE CO-ORDINATED THROUGH THE MECHANISM OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE-YEAR PLAN, WHICH IS REVIEWED AT REGULAR INTERVALS IN COLLABORATION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES THROUGH THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE."
POINTING TO THE WRONG IMPRESSION THAT STRAY YOUTHS WERE REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG’S YOUTH, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE BELIEVED MOST OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WERE PREPARED TO STUDY AND WORK HARD AND TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY, AND THIS MUST BE A GOOD AUGURY FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
IMPORTANCE OF MORAL EDUCATION RECOGNISED
♦ ♦ t ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF MORAL EDUCATION AND THE GENERAL SCHOOL CURRICULUM HAD BEEN REVISED TO REFLECT GREATER AWARENESS OF THE KEY IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT IN 1981 THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED GENERAL GUIDELINES ON MORAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PREPARED REFERENCE MATERIALS ON MORAL EDUCATION AND CIRCULATED THEM TO SCHOOLS.
AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ORGANISED AN EXHIBITION ON MORAL EDUCATION EVERY TWO YEARS.
’’THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN JULY AND WILL BE ON THE THEME ’CARING AND SHARING’,” HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE URGED PARENTS TO SUPPORT ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO HELP THE MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.
TURNING TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE WORK, HE SAID THIS WAS AN AREA WHERE ENCOURAGING PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE.
”TO PROVIDE FOR THIS NEED, WE HAVE PROVIDED ADDITIONAL TEACHING POSTS IN ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS SINCE 1982,” HE SAID.
”IN 1986 WE ISSUED A SUGGESTED GUIDE ON GUIDANCE WORK, ON WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED EXTENSIVE FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS.
"WE CONDUCT TRAINING COURSES FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS, AND IN OCTOBER 1986 WE STARTED A TWO-YEAR PILOT SCHEME TO STRENGTHEN THE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO THEM.”
AS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW COURSES AND PROGRAMMES IN SCHOOLS, MR BRIDGE SAID, AS A GENERAL RULE, ANY INNOVATION WAS FIRST TESTED AS A PILOT PROJECT IN SELECTED SCHOOLS.
IT WAS THEN EVALUATED AND MODIFIED AS NECESSARY BEFORE BEING OFFERED FOR ADOPTION IN ALL SCHOOLS.
HE CITED THE PROGRAMME, "ON BEING A PARENT”, AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THIS, ALTHOUGH THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAMME WAS REMARKABLE IN THAT IT ORIGINATED FROM THE ENTHUSIASM OF A FEW COMMITTED INDIVIDUALS RATHER THAN THROUGH THE NORMAL CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
/The programme
WEDNESDAY, MAI 11, 1988
6
THE PROGRAMME WAS BEING RUN BY EIGHT PROFESSIONALS IN RELEVANT FIELDS WHO SHARED A CONVICTION CONCERNING THE NEED OF PROPER AND TIMELY PARENT EDUCATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
"THREE YEARS AGO THEY POOLED THEIR EXPERTISE AND STARTED TO WORK, IN THEIR OWN SPARE TIME, AND USING THEIR OWN RESOURCES, ON A PARENT EDUCATION CURRICULUM," HE SAID.
"TWO YEARS AGO THEY SECURED THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"THIS ENABLED THEM TO INITIATE A PILOT PROJECT IN SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
"ONCE THE PILOT SCHEME HAS BEEN COMPLETED, WE SHALL HAVE A TRIED AND TESTED BODY OF MATERIALS AND IDEAS WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL TEACHERS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES."
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flJ YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO PLAY MEANINGFUL ROLE * * * *
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IS SOMETHING WHICH ALL SOCIETIES FACE IN VARYING DEGREES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, MR BARNES SAID THAT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY SEEMED TO PREVAIL PARTICULARLY IN INTENSE URBAN SETTINGS.
"A LACK OF GUIDANCE, OPPORTUNITY OR FACILITIES PRODUCES CONDITIONS IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE FALL BACK UPON THEIR OWN RESOURCES WHICH MAY BE OFTEN MEAGRE, AND SOME WILL INEVITABLY GRAVITATE TOWARDS CRIME AND TOWARDS GANG AND TRIAD INVOLVEMENT," HE EXPLAINED.
"IT IS UNFORTUNATELY A FACT THAT JUVENILE CRIME IN THE SEVEN TO 15 YEARS AGE GROUP IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 64 PER CENT BETWEEN 1983 AND 1987, ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUNG OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 20 DROPPED BY SIX PER CENT.
"SHOP THEFTS AND MISCELLANEOUS THEFTS AND SERIOUS ASSAULTS WERE THE MAIN OFFENCES, A LARGE PROPORTION OF WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE NEW TOWNS."
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
MR BARNES SAID THAT IN HIS OWN POLICY AREA THE RESPONSE BY GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN IN TWO DIRECTIONS,
THE
'FIRST, TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY A MEANINGFUL PART IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THEREBY TO HELP THEM TO STEER CLEAR OF DELINQUENCY, BY MEANS OF SCHEMES AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN ABILITIES AND CHARACTER, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME OFFERING A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
"AMONG THESE I WOULD INCLUDE THE CADET SCHEMES OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND THE JUNIOR LEADERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT.
"THOUGHT IS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A CADET SCHEME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE IN THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.”
THE SECOND MODE OF RESPONSE, MR BARNES SAID, HAD BEEN THROUGH THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND ITS STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS, AND RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE.
"THESE MEET REGULARLY TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS RELATING TO JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, AND HAVE IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF FURTHER MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
"THESE INCLUDE A SCHEME OF RENUNCIATION OF TRIAD MEMBERSHIP; A PACKAGE OF TEACHING MATERIALS FOR USE IN SCHOOLS WARNING STUDENTS OF THE DANGERS OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT; AND EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS WARNING AGAINST INVOLVEMENT WITH TRIADS AND DISCOURAGING SHOP THEFT."
MR BARNES STRESSED THAT THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WAS KEEN TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON THE MEASURES WHICH IT HAD ADOPTED AND WELCOMED ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WAYS TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THESE MEASURES, AT BEST, CONSTITUTED BUT ONE FACET OF A MANY-SIDED SUBJECT ON WHICH MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN.
"IF, AS A RESULT OF THESE DELIBERATIONS AND CONSULTATION ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, THERE EMERGES A GREATER DEGREE OF BENEFIT FOR THE YOUTH OF HONG KONG IT WILL BE TIME AND EFFORT WELL SPENT," HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11,
1988
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STRONG ACTION AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS MERCHANTS
» * » » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST VENDORS OF VIOLENT AND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT COMIC BOOKS WHICH ARE CAUSING HARM TO YOUNGSTERS.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON ELAINE CHUNG, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
MISS CHUNG SAID: "WE SHALL CONTINUE TO REFER OFFENSIVE MATERIAL TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
"WE SHALL ALSO BE APPEALING TO DISTRICT BOARDS, SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKERS FOR ASSISTANCE."
TURNING TO TELEVISION, MISS CHUNG SAID THE NEED FOR TELEVISION STATIONS TO PROVIDE BALANCED PROGRAMMES WAS WELL RECOGNISED BY THE BROADCAST 1 NG AUTHORITY.
"THE NEW LICENSE CONDITIONS FOR THE TELEVISION STATIONS NOW BEING DRAFTED WILL MAKE CLEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE A PROPER BALANCE OF INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WITH DUE IMPARTIALITY AND ACCURACY, AND TO AVOID OFFENCE TO GOOD TASTE AND DECENCY," SHE SAJD.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT WHEN CABLE TELEVISION IS INTRODUCED, PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR MORE SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN."
AT PRESENT, THE TELEVISION STATIONS BROADCAST A TOTAL OF 77 HOURS OF CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES EACH WEEK -- FROM 13 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BROADCAST TIME ON EACH CHANNEL.
IN ADDITION, FOUR HOURS OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION WERE BROADCAST PER DAY, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, WHILE SCHOOLS WERE IN SESSION.
MISS CHUNG NOTED THAT A MEMBER MENTIONED THE CONFUSION OF SOCIAL VALUES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND ATTRIBUTED THIS PARTLY TO THE INFLUENCE OF UNREAL CHARACTERISATION ON TELEVISION.
"GUIDELINES ARE SET OUT BY GOVERNMENT ON WHAT IS CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR BROADCAST AND PROGRAMMERS ARE ASKED TO EXERCISE VIGILANCE IN THE SCHEDULING OF PROGRAMMES ESPECIALLY DURING FAMILY VIEWING HOURS," SHE SAID.
"WHILE WE WOULD WISH TO IMPART IDEALS OF WHAT THE WORLD SHOULD BE, OUR CHILDREN SHOULD ALSO KNOW WHAT THE REAL WORLD IS LIKE," SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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OBJECTIVES OF YOUTH POLICY OUTLINED » » « * *
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT NOT ONLY ENHANCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY, BUT HAS THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF HELPING INDIVIDUALS TO DEVELOP AS SOCIAL BEINGS, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS TAM WAS MOVING A MOTION THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE NOTE OF THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY - COMPILED BY THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH OF WHICH SHE WAS CHAIRMAN.
IN LEADING OFF THE DEBATE, SHE NOTED THAT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HAI) BECOME A SUBJECT OF WIDESPREAD CONCERN AS HONG KONG S'! ROVE TO MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997.
SHE SAID THAT, VIEWED IN THIS PERSPECTIVE AS AN OBJECTIVE NECESSITY, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COULD BE SEEN AS WAS SIMPLY A MEANS OR TACTIC TO SOME SOCIAL OR POLITICAL ENDS.
"WHEN IT HAPPENS THAT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FAILS TO GIVE THE DESIRED RESULTS IN ATTAINING ITS INTENDED GOAL, OR WHEN IT IS FOUND THAT SOME OTHER MEANS WERE MORE EFFECTIVE FOR THE PURPOSE, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WILL LOSE ITS FOCUS BECAUSE IT HAS LOST ITS PRACTICAL VALUE," SHE SAID.
THUS, EFFORTS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE PROMOTED CONTINUALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY.
IN THE PAST THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE CERTAIN EFFORTS AND PROGRESS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, BUT YOUTH SERVICES HAD SUFFERED FROM A LACK OF POSITIVE PLANNING AND DEFINITE DIRECTION, WITH MORE EMPHASIS PLACED ON THE PREVENTION OF YOUTH PROBLEMS THAN ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S POTENTIAL.
FURTHERMORE, SHE SAID POOR CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS HAD RESULTED IN THE PROVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES OVERLAPPING OR BEING SHORTSIGHTED AND UNEVENLY DISTRIBUTED.
MRS TAM SAID THAT THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY BASICALLY AFFIRMED THAT THE COMMUNITY SHOULD HAVE AN EXPLICIT STAND ON THE EXPECTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
MOREOVER, THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SPELL OUT ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, IN PROVIDING A DIRECTION AND OBJECTIVES FOR OVERALL YOUTH SERVICES AND IN ENSURING THAT THESE OBJECTIVES COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH BETTER ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES AND BETTER CO-ORDINATION.
/SHE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
10
SHE SAID THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH HAD PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE INTEGRATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED FIVE POINTS OF ACTION:
* TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE URBANISED ENVIRONMENT TO MAINTAIN GOOD MENTAl. HEALTH;
» TO ENHANCE THEIR SOCIAL AND POLITICAL AWARENESS AS WELL AS POLITICAL PARTICIPATION;
* TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BROADEN THEIR OUTLOOK AND DEVELOP AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE;
* TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET THEIR ASPIRATIONS FOR EDUCATION;
» TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE GROWTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
MRS TAM SAID THAT SERIOUS CONSIDERATION HAD ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THE QUESTION OF COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN COMPREHENSIVENESS AND FLEXIBILITY IN YOUTH POLICY.
"TO STRIKE A BALANCE, THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THE FOCAL POINT SHOULD BE TO PROVIDE A CLEAR OBJECTIVE AND A DEFINITE DIRECTION FOR YOUTH SERVICES," SHE SAID.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ISSUE, MRS TAM SAID, WAS HOW TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROMOTION EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PARTICIPATION OF NON-GOVERNMENT BODIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
HONG KONG WAS A LIBERAL SOCIETY WHERE THE GOVERNMENT AND THE NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS MADE CONCERTED EFFORTS IN PROVIDING AND PROMOTING YOUTH SERVICES, AND THIS FORM OF PARTNERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE TAMPERED WITH ON PROMULGATION OF A YOUTH POLICY.
"THE PROPOSED YOUTH POLICY SHOULD NOT BE A KIND THAT LISTS DIRECTIVES; INSTEAD IT SHOULD BE A SET OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT," MRS TAM SAID.
SHE ALSO SAID THAT THE KEY TO GAINING SUPPORT FROM BOTH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED LAY IN THE EFFORTS TO ALLOW NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS, AND TO PROVIDE THESE ORGANISATIONS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AGREED POLICY.
MRS TAM SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE I 997 FACTOR IN FORMULATION OF YOUTH POLICY.
/SHE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1?88
SHE SAID THAT 1997 SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPACT AND CHALLENGES RESULTING FROM A CHANGE IN THE POLITICAL FUTURE WERE NOT THE ONLY FACTORS INVOLVED WHEN IT CAME TO THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
’’HENCE, THE COMMITTEE, IN DRAFTING THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, HAD TRIED ITS BEST NOT TO PLAY DOWN OR EXAGGERATE THE 1997 FACTOR WITH A VIEW TO FINDING A PROPER COURSE AS WELL AS A COMPREHENSIVE OBJECTIVE,” SHE ADDED.
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YOUTH MUST BE ADEQUATELY PREPARED FOR FUTURE t » t » t
FULL SUPPORT FOR THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE WORKING PARTY OF YOUTH THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE A YOUTH POLICY AND SET UP A COMMISSION ON YOUTH WAS GIVEN BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, MR CHEONG SAID THE DEBATE WAS TIMELY BECAUSE IT HELPED TO REFOCUS ATTENTION ON AN ISSUE THAT HAD A CRUCIAL BEARING ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG - THE FUTURE OF YOUTH.
"IT DAUNTS ME THAT IF OUR YOUTHS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARED TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES WE WILL NOT HAVE A FUTURE,” HE SAID.
THROUGH THE HARD WORK OF THE COMMUNITY COUPLED WITH SOME LUCK, HONG KONG HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT.
CHILDREN NOW HAD A MUCH COZIER ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO GROW UP, AND THEY WERE GENERALLY MORE PAMPERED THAN THEIR FOREFATHERS.
AT SCHOOL, THEY WERE ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WHICH RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY WORKED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE LESS COMPETITIVE PRESSURE THERE WAS ON CHILDREN THE BETTER.
FURTHER, ADVANCEMENT IN MASS MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES HAD PRESENTED CHILDREN WITH MORE DISTRACTIONS FROM THEIR LEARNING PROCESS.
A COMBINATION OF ALL THESE FACTORS HAD HELPED TO TAME SOMEWHAT THE HARI) WORKING SPIRIT OF YOUTH, HE SAID.
/MR CHEONG
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
MR CHEONG ALSO NOTED THAT ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY WOULD BRING THE WORLD CLOSER TOGETHER. AS A RESULT, HONG KONG WOULD FACE MUCH STRONGER COMPETITION FROM OTHER COMMUNITIES OF THE WORLD IN THE QUEST FOR FURTHER ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE THE PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY TOMORROW WOULD HAVE TO BEAR THE BLUNT OF THAT COMPETITION.
IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT INDEED TO MAINTAIN ECONOMIC WELL-BEING WITHOUT PUTTING IN THE NECESSARY AMOUNT OF HARD WORK.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUSTAIN THE KIND OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS THE' HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO, THEY WOULD NEED TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR HANDLING TOUGH AND DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.
"OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC SUCCESS WILL BE VERY MUCH DEPENDENT UPON THE ABILITY OF OUR COMMUNITY TO CONTINUE TO APPRECIATE AND ACCEPT THE VALUE OF HARD WORK," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD THEREFORE BE PROVIDED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO MAKE THEM APPRECIATE THE BENEFITS OF HARD WORK, TEAM WORK AND COLLECTIVE WISDOM.
THIS WAS AN AREA WHERE PROGRAMMES SPONSORED BY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MOST MEANINGFUL, HE ADDED.
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TV PRODUCTIONS FAIL IN KEY FUNCTIONS *****
THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG STAND TO LOSE A GREAT DEAL BECUASE LOCAL TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS, EXCEPT THOSE MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT, HAVE FAILED MISERABLY IN LIVING UP TO THE TWO KEY FUNCTIONS OF TO INFORM AND TO EDUCATE.
THIS CRITICISM WAS MADE BY THE HON SELINA CHOW TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
SHE NOTED THAT PRODUCERS ARGUED THAT ART HAD TO REFLECT REAL LIFE, SO IF IN REAL LIFE YOUNG PEOPLE BEHAVED IMMORALLY, TALKED BADLY, ACTED AND REACTED VIOLENTLY AND SO ON, ALL THESE WERE TRUTHFULLY AND REALISTICALLY PORTRAYED EVERY DAY ON TELEVISION.
/"PARADOXICALLY, DRAMATIC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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"PARADOXICALLY, DRAMATIC LICENCE IS STRETCHED BEYOND THE LIMIT OF PROPRIETY IN SCENES BLATANTLY CONTRARY TO PRACTICES AND CONVENTIONS OF DI PEERENT TRADES, INDUSTRIES AND PROFESSIONS IN REAL LIFE," SHE SAID.
THE FINALE OF A RECENT CONTROVERSIAL DRAMA SERIAL DEPICTING A COURTROOM SCENE WAS THE SUBJECT OF SERIOUS CRITICISM AND RIDICULE IN THE LEGAL AND JUDICIAL CIRCLES, BUT WAS AT THE SAME TIME APPLAUDED BY A GREAT MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO SAID THEY WERE DEEPLY TOUCHED BY ITS REALISM, SHE NOTED.
"WILL THESE YOUNG PEOPLE EVER KNOW THAT WHAT THEY SAW COULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN A COURTROOM IN HONG KONG?" SHE QUESTIONED.
SHE SAID THAT MANY OF COURSE WOULD LOOK TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO ACT AS THE EFFECTIVE MONITOR.
ALTHOUGH SHE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE AUTHORITY, SHE MAINTAINED THAT IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEDIA TO SET ITS OWN STANDARDS, AND ANY EXTERNAL REGULATION SHOULD ONLY BE A SAFETY NET.
"I WOULD THEREFORE CALL ON OUR OTHERWISE VERY SUCCESSFUL MEDIA TO RECTIFY THIS RATHER UNSATISFACTORY ASPECT UNDER ITS DIRECT CONTROL," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MRS CHOW SAID SUCH A BODY WAS OF COURSE QUITE NECESSARY TO SPEARHEAD THOUGHT AND ACTION RELATED TO THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A YOUTH POLICY.
SHE WAS HOWEVER CONCERNED THAT LITTLE EMPHASIS WAS GIVEN TO Illi IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT THIS COMMISSION MUST PROVIDE.
SHE ADDED THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY AREAS IN THE YOUTH POLICY MUSI' BE TO FIND A WAY' TO TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE, NOT SO MUCH WHAT TO THINK BUT HOW TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHERS, BY BEING KNOWLEDGEABLE, OBJECTIVE, LOGICAL AND RATIONAL.
YOUTHS WITH LEADERSHIP QUALITIES MUST BE RECOGNISED AND GIVEN FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES OF TRAINING AND EXPOSURE.
"AFTER ALL, THEY, NOT WE, WILL BE THE PILLARS OF A HONG KONG WHICH NEEDS TO BE EVEN MORE SELF-RELIANT THAN TODAY," SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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EARLY ACTION ON YOUTH COMMISSION URGED
* « » » »
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE A COMMISSION ON YOUTH TO FORMULATE, REVIEW AND UPDATE A YOUTH POLICY.
THIS CALL WAS MADE BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
DR IP ALSO SUGGESTED THAT A STUDY OF THE MORAL ATTITUDES OF YOUNG PEOPLE BE CONDUCTED AND THAT MORAL EDUCATION COULD BE STRENGTHENED WITHIN THE FAMILY AND THE SCHOOL.
SHE SAID A STUDY SHOULD BE MADE INTO THE RISK FACTORS GIVING RISE TO YOUTH PROBLEMS SO THAT AN EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF THESE PROBLEMS AND INTENSIVE COUNSELLING COULD AVOID THE NEED FOR PROSECUTION AND REHABILITATION.
DR IP SAID THE NORMAL STANDARDS FOR ASSESSING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS IN HONG KONG WERE LACKING.
"THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE GIVEN SUPPORT IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO APPLY FOR A RESEARCH GRANT TO STUDY THE SAME," SHE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, WITH THE INCREASING ADMISSION OF ADOLESCENTS INTO HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S WARDS, ADOLESCENT MEDICINE SHOULD BE DEVELOPED AS A SPECIALTY UNDER PAEDIATRICS, SHE SUGGESTED.
SHE SAID THAT PHYSICAL RECREATION IN THE FORM OF SPORTS WAS VITAL FOR YOUTH AND SHOULD BE ACTIVELY PROMOTED.
"NOT ONLY DOES IT BENEFIT HEALTH, IT IS ALSO A USEFUL CHANNEL FOR DIVERTING EXCESS ENERGY, SO ABUNDANT IN YOUTH, TO A USEFUL CAUSE," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT PARENTS OF TODAY’S YOUTH HAD GROWN UP IN A SIMPLER ENVIRONMENT AND OFTEN FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE DEMANDS FACED BY MODERN YOUTH.
"A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY WORKSHOP SHOULD BE ORGANISED TO EDUCATE PARENTS AND WORKERS WITH YOUTH ON THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, THEIR NEEDS, PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT," SHE SAID.
DR IP NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG CHILD HEALTH FOUNDATION HAD PROVISIONALLY SCHEDULED TO DO THIS IN NOVEMBER.
SHE ADDED THAT IT WAS OFTEN THOSE LESS EDUCATED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO, COUPLED WITH NEGLECT BY THEIR POOR AND BROKEN FAMILIES, AND SEEING LITTLE FUTURE AHEAD FOR THEMSELVES, ENTERED THE WORLD OF CRIME AND PROSTITUTION TO SATISFY THEIR OWN MATERIAL NEEDS.
IT WAS THIS GROUP OF YOUTH FOR WHICH SPECIAL EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE, TO OFFER THEM A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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QUALITIES YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD POSSESS » » » »
HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO WILL BE THE FUTURE LEADERS OF THE TERRITORY, SHOULD HAVE BROAD KNOWLEDGE, DARE TO SPEAK UP, BE WILLING TO WORK HARD AND HAVE GOOD JUDGMENT, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YEUNG WAS SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
HE SAID THAT ONLY WHEN MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN FUTURE HAD THE CLARITY OF MIND, HAD THE ABILITY TO DISTINGUISH RIGHT FROM WRONG AND HAD A HIGH LEVEL OF CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS COULD THERE BE HOPE THAT THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG WOULD ENSURE TRUE DEMOCRACY FOR THE PEOPLE.
HE SAID THAT YOUNG PEOPLE, IN PARTICULAR YOUNG INTELLECTUALS, WERE THE BACKBONE AND THE DRIVING FORCE OF THE COMMUNITY.
THEY WERE PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY AND WHAT THEY DID AND WHAT THEY CONTRIBUTED WOULD HAVE A FAR-REACHING AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE FUTURE OF THE ENTIRE TERRITORY.
MR YEUNG SUGGESTED THAT TO IMPROVE SOCIETY A START MUST BE MADE WITH EDUCATION.
"WE SHOULD PROVIDE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AN EDUCATION THAT CAN DEVELOP THEIR PERSONAL ABILITIES AS WELL AS FOSTER A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY," HE SAID.
IT SHOULD BE AN EDUCATION AIMED AT MAKING THE STUDENTS REALISE WHAT PROBLEMS THE COMMUNITY WAS CONFRONTING AND CULTIVATING AMONG THEM A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE IN DEALING WITH THESE PROBLEMS.
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WIDER PERSPECTIVE IN EDUCATION SYSTEM ADVOCATED * » * * »
THE EDUCATION SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE A WIDER PERSPECTIVE, AND AIM TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL OF YOUTH NOT ONLY IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CULTIVATION OF MORAL VALUES AND ATTITUDES.
THE HON EDWARD HO SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
/HR HO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
16
MR HO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS’ EARLY INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN, AND SAID MOST OF TODAY’S PROBLEMS WITH YOUTH COULD BE TRACED BACK TO A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT WHICH HAD BEEN HOSTILE.
"MANY PROBLEM YOUTHS EITHER COME FROM BROKEN HOMES, OR HAVE PARENTS WHO WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT PROVIDE THEM WITH THE VERY ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF LOVE AND CARE," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, PARENTS WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES TO BE BLAMED. MR HO SAID THAT A CHILD BY THE AGE OF FIVE WOULD HAVE EMERGED FROM THE SHELTER OF HIS HOME AND ENTERED THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SCHOOL, AND SPENT MORE OF HIS WAKING HOURS WITH HIS TEACHERS AND HIS PEERS.
"THE SCHOOL HAS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE TAKEN OVER HIS TRAINING FROM HIS PARENTS. IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS FAMILY BACKGROUND, HIS ABILITIES AND POTENTIALS, HIS EDUCATION WILL BE AN EXTREMELY STRUCTURED ONE WHICH WILL CONFORM TO OTHERS OF HIS AGE," MR HO SAID.
"HE WILL BE CONSTANTLY GRADED BY HIS TEACHERS SO THAT HIS VALUE OF SUCCESS IS HOW WELL HE FARES IN HIS CLASS IN TERMS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS."
MR HO SAID THE PRESSURE OF SCHOOL WORK ON YOUTH IN HONG KONG WAS WELL-KNOWN BUT HARD WORK WAS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING IF THERE WAS MORE IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM PROVIDING FOR ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT.
"APART FROM THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE, THEY MUST BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE EQUIPPED WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND VALUES TO BECOME WELL-ADJUSTED AND USEFUL CITIZENS IN OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID EVEN THOUGH THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY INDICATED THERE WERE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL SORTS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR SOCIAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, SADLY, NOT MANY YOUTHS ACTUALLY TOOK PART OR CONSIDERED THEM WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS BECAUSE SUCH ACTIVITIES DID NOT CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO WHAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE BELIEVED TO BE CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC ACHJEVEMENT.
AS FOR PARENTS WHO WERE GUILTY OF NEGLECTING THEIR CHILDREN, MR HO SAID THEY COULD BE HELPED BY FAMILY-LIFE EDUCATION CLASSES SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. BUT THEN THE PARENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THESE ACTIVITIES WERE BY DEFINITION THE MOTIVATED ONES.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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NOTING THAT A TEAM OF EXPERTS IN CURRICULUM FOR TEACHING FORM 1 TO FORM 3 STUDENTS HAD RECENTLY SPONSORED A WORTHWHILE PILOT SCHEME ON ’’BECOMING A PARENT”, MR HO HOPED THAT THEIR EXPERIENCE WOULD EVENTUALLY BENEFIT NOT ONLY THE STUDENTS INVOLVED BUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
HE CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT THE PROPOSED COMMISSION ON YOUTH WOULD SERVE TO CO-ORDINATE AND TO OPTIMISE THESE DIVERSE ACTIVITIES IN THE MOST PRODUCTIVE MANNER FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUTH -- THE COMMUNITY’S MOST VALUABLE ASSET.
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EQUIP YOUTH TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS
» » t »
THE OVER-RIDING PRINCIPLE OF HONG KONG’S YOUTH POLICY OUGHT TO BE TO EQUIP YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS, IN THIS TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF THE TERRITORY’S HISTORY, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HUI SAID THAT WHILE SOCIAL POLICIES INCLUDED YOUTH AMONG SOCIAL SERVICES TARGETS, NONE OF THESE POLICIES WAS GEARED TOWARDS MEETING THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH.
"AT A TIME WHEN A QUARTER OF OUR POPULATION ARE UNDERGOING A CRITICAL PERIOD IN THEIR LIVES, SEARCHING FOR WORKING SKILLS, MORAL VALUES AND SELF IDENTITY, OUR SOCIETY HAS PAID LITTLE ATTENTION TO THEIR PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN MISINTERPRETED IN TERMS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, DRUGS AND SCHOOL DROP-OUTS AFFECTING ONLY THE MINORITY,” HE SAID.
DISCUSSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS HAD NOT YET FOCUSSED ATTENTION ON HOW TO FACILITATE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAT WOULD BE AFFECTING THEM, MR HUI SAID DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
HE SUPPORTED THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY THAT A LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT BE MADE TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.
“THIS COMMITMENT WILL SIGNIFY PUBLIC INVESTMENT PLACED IN YOUTH, WHICH WILL IN TURN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
/MR HUI
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 18 -
MR HUI SAID HE WOULD GO BEYOND THE THEORETIC FRAMEWORK PRESENTED BY THE REPORT, AND URGE GOVERNMENT TO TRANSLATE THE REPORT’S PRINCIPLES INTO DIRECTIVES, FILTERING DOWN TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL.
"THIS WAY, POLICY DECISIONS WILL BE MADE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON YOUNG PEOPLE, NOT ’WHEN NECESSARY AND JUSTIFIED’, BUT AS PART AND PARCEL OF POLICY FORMULATION."
HE SAID THAT FIRM DECISIONS ON YOUTH POLICY WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BRING ABOUT REFORMS IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND REVISION OF CERTAIN LABOUR LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE EDUCATION AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH.
HE ALSO SAID THAT TO FOSTER THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE, YOUTH WORK THAT SUPPLEMENTED FORMAL EDUCATION COULD BE EXPANDED AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROMOTED.
GREATER EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS THROUGH LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND CIVIC EDUCATION. THIS WOULD HELP TO ENHANCE THE STATUS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN SOCIETY.
MR HUI SAID HE HAD OUTLINED SOME PRIORITIES FOR AN IDEAL YOUTH POLICY, BUT HE SAID THESE HAD TO BE BACKED BY CONCRETE PLANS AND A SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
THE MAIN TASK NOW WAS TO SET UP THE PROPOSED COMMISSION ON YOUTH WHICH WOULD BE THE ONLY GUARANTEE OF SMOOTH CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL.
IN ADDITION TO THE COMMISSION'S PROPOSED FUNCTIONS, HE SUGGESTED THAT IT SHOULD ALSO MONITOR VARIOUS SOCIAL POLICIES AND RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
THIS HIGH-POWERED COMMISSION, TO BE HEADED BY A COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH, SHOULD FEATURE MEMBERSHIP DRAWN FROM RELATED DISCIPLINES," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMISSION’S WORK COULD NOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED, IF HONG KONG’S YOUTH POLICY WAS TO MEET THEIR EMERGING NEEDS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
COMMENTING THAT IT HAD TAKEN TWO DECADES FOR HONG. KONG TO FORMULATE A YOUTH POLICY, MR HUI SAID THE TIME HAD COME TO "GET THE POLICY OFF THE GROUND" AND TO SHOW THE YOUNGER GENERATION THAT THEY WERE BEING CARED FOR.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11,
1988
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YOUTH POLICY A MUST FOR FORWARD LOOKING GOVT
* ♦ * » t
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEMONSTRATED ITS SINCERITY AND FORESIGHT IN CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE NEED TO FORMULATE A YOUTH POLICY IN HONG KONG BY SETTING UP THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH IN MAY 1986, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
EVERY GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS FORWARD LOOKING WOULD PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ITS YOUNG PEOPLE, HE SAID DURING THE DEBATE ON THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
MR LIU PRAISED THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH FOR COMPLETING TWO SURVEYS ON MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE AND MAKING COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON YOUTH POLICIES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES.
THE COMPREHENSIVENESS AND INFORMATIVE DETAILS OF ITS WORK HAD WON THE ADMIRATION AND APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THOUGH THERE HAD NOT BEEN AN OVERALL YOUTH POLICY, HONG KONG HAD ALL ALONG BEEN GIVING MUCH ATTENTION TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ITS YOUNG PEOPLE.
”IN AREAS OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECREATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE, A LOT OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO PROVIDE YOUTH WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT,” HE SAID.
’’THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ITS RELATED PROBLEMS ARE A COMPLEX ISSUE, WHICH IS AT THE SAME TIME AN ALL-EMBRACING ONE.
"IN FACT, THE DUTIES OF MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AT PRESENT ARE IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER INVOLVED WITH YOUTH POLICY.
’’BESIDES, A LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE ALSO MADE YOUTH THE TARGET OF THEIR SERVICES.”
Till- PROBLEM NOW WAS HOW TO BRING ABOUT AN EFFECTIVE FORM OF COORDINATION IN WORK AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO ENSURE FURTHER EXPANSION OF YOUTH SERVICES.
MR LIU SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSION ON YOUTH AS RECOMMENDED BY THE REPORT WOULD TO A CERTAIN EXTENT BE ABLE TO ASSUME A PROPER ROLE IN CO-ORDINATING YOUTH SERVICES.
HOWEVER, AS THIS COMMISSION WOULD BE PURELY AN ADVISORY BODY, IT WOULD NOT CARRY OUT ANY EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS.
/FURTHERMORE, IT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
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FURTHERMORE, IT WAS SUGGESTED IN THE REPORT THAT IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FUNCTIONS OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AT DISTRICT LEVELS, THERE WAS NO NEED TO DEVISE A DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
HE SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING YOUTH POLICY WOULD EVENTUALLY FALL BACK ONTO THE PRESENT EXECUTIVE AND ADVISORY BODIES AT THE CENTRAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS IF A CLEAR DIRECTION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUTH POLICY WERE NOT SPELT OUT.
"AS A RESULT, ALL DISTRICT BODIES APART FROM THEIR OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, WILL HAVE TO SHOULDER THE ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF IMPLEMENTING THE YOUTH POLICY, THEREBY MAKING THEIR TASKS MORE ONEROUS," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO YOUTH PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY, MR LIU SAID THAT FULL USE SHOULD BE MADE OF THE MASS MEDIA IN HELPING YOUTH.
"THE MASS MEDIA HAVE A FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON YOUNG PEOPLE. TODAY’S YOUTHS ARE BROUGHT UP UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TELEVISION WHICH, TOGETHER WITH MOVIES AND POP MUSIC, HAS BEEN EXERTING AN IMPERCEPTIBLE INFLUENCE ON OUR YOUNG PEOPLE’S OUTLOOK OF LIFE OVER THE YEARS," HE SAID.
"OTHER THAN PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT, THE MEDIA HAVE ALSO AN EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION.
"IN DISCUSSING YOUTH POLICY, WE MUST AT THE SAME TIME CONSIDER HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ENSURE THAT THE MEDIA WOULD HELP EXERT A MORE POSITIVE AND EDIFYING INFLUENCE ON OUR NEXT GENERATION."
MR LIU SAID THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE IN MONITORING PRODUCTION STANDARDS OF THE LOCAL BROADCASTING INDUSTRY AND KEEP IN MIND THE NEED FOR THE LOCAL MEDIA TO PRODUCE PROGRAMMES OF HIGHER QUALITY.
"I BELIEVE THAT THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL WHICH IS TO UNDERGO ITS THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VERY SOON WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARD AGAINST UNDESIRABLE INFLUENCE ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR LIU ADDED THAT HE HOPED THE FUTURE CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK WOULD HE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE POPULATION AND YOUTH IN PARTICULAR, WITH MORE EDUCATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, DIVERSIFIED AND HIGH-QUALITY PROGRAMMES.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 21 -
APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED * * * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1988 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OTHER BILLS - THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 - WERE ALSO PASSED AT THE MEETING.
FIVE BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THESE WERE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED TWO MOTIONS, MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY UNDER THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE.
-----o------
BUDGET-RELATED BILLS » » «
GIVEN SECOND READING * *
FOUR BILLS SEEKING TO GIVE THIS YEAR’S BUDGET WERE GIVEN A
LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO PROPOSALS IN SECOND READING BY THE LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AND STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT)
1988, ROAD TRAFFIC
AND LICENSING OF , INLAND REVENUE BILL 1988.
UNDER THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, INCREASE WAS PROPOSED ON FEES PAYABLE BY BANKS COMPANIES, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
AN EIGHT PER CENT AND DEPOSIT-TAKING
THE BILL ON ROAD TRAFFIC SOUGHT TO INCREASE CERTAIN DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCES BY SIX PER CENT, MARCH 2 THIS YEAR.
THE FEES FOR EFFECTIVE FROM
THE TWO BILLS WERE ESTIMATED TO YIELD $11 MILLION AND $62 MILLION RESPECTIVELY IN YEAR.
ADDITIONAL REVENUES OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL
/THE INLAND
WEDNESDAY, MAY 111 1988
- 22
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WOULD REDUCE THE STANDARD TAX RATE FROM 16.5 PER CENT TO 15.5 PER CENT AND THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX PAYABLE BY CORPORATIONS FROM 18 PER CENT TO 17 PER CENT.
IN ADDITION TO REVISIONS IN THE GRADUATED SCALE OF TAX RATES AND THE AMOUNT OF ALLOWANCES, THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO INTRODUCE AN ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $15,000 FOR WORKING WIVES.
EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, THE BILL WOULD COST ABOUT $1,780 MILLION TO GENERAL REVENUE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND $2,790 MILLION PER ANNUM THEREAFTER AT PRESENT LEVELS OF CHARGEABLE INCOME.
UNDER THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, A REVISED SCALE OF STAMP DUTY PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF CONVEYANCES ON SALE WOULD BE INTRODUCED, ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
THE COST OF THE PROPOSAL WAS ESTIMATED AT $300 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
DEBATES ON THE FOUR BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
- - O --------
REMOVAL OF NOMINAL INSPECTION CHARGE PROPOSED * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SEEKS TO REMOVE THE CHARGE FOR INSPECTION OF THE REGISTERS OF SOCIETIES MAINTAINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AS REGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR BARNES SAID THAT THE CHARGE HAD BEEN INTENDED TO DETER CASUAL BROWSING AND HAD BEEN SET AT A NOMINAL $1.
"THE COMMISSIONER HAS POINTED OUT THAT MANY REQUESTS TO CONSULT THE REGISTER COME BY TELEPHONE, MAKING A CHARGE IMPRACTICAL AND THAT, IN ANY CASE, ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO DETER FRIVOLOUS ACCESS TO THE REGISTERS,” HE SAID.
’’CONSEQUENTLY IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND SECTION 9(2) TO REMOVE THE OBLIGATION TO CHARGE A FEE.”
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 23 -
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT IF THE BILL WAS ENACTED, THE RULES MADE UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE WOULD BE AMENDED TO DELETE THE $1 CHARGE AND SUBSTITUTE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE REGISTRAR TO PREVENT CASUAL REFERENCE TO THE REGISTERS, SHOULD SUCH MEASURES EVER BE NECESSARY.
"OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO BEING TAKEN TO UPDATE THE ORDINANCE BY SUBSTITUTING THE WORDS ’HONG KONG’ IN PLACE OF 'THE COLONY’, WHEREVER THIS OCCURS," HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
---0------
SIX PER CENT INCREASE IN CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS
t » « « ♦
TWO MOTIONS PROPOSING TO INCREASE THE RATE OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO INCREASE ALL CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING THOSE PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME, BY SIX PER CENT, EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1.
THE TOTAL COST FOR THE PROPOSED PENSION INCREASE WAS ESTIMATED AT $-19.8 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.
IN MOVING THE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY WAS TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS.
THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC PENSION ADJUSTMENTS IN LINE WITH MOVEMENTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), HE SAID.
THE INDEX INDICATED THAT ITS MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE ROSE BY 6.5 POINTS OR 6.2 PER CENT DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM APRIL 1 LAST YEAR TO MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.
/2k........
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
KCR CORPN MAKES
- 24 -
$276 MILLION NET PROFIT IN 1987 » ♦ » » ♦
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ACHIEVED A NET PROFIT OF $276 MILLION IN 1987, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, HE SAID THE NET PROFIT ACHIEVED WAS MORE THAN TWICE THE $117 MILLION ACHIEVED IN 1986, AND THE $47 MILLION LOSS ACCUMULATED SINCE THE FORMATION OF THE CORPORATION IN 1983 WAS THUS ELIMINATED.
”1987 WAS A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION. PROFITABILITY IMPROED SUBSTANTIALLY AND ALL REVENUE GENERATING ACTIVITIES SHOWED HEALTHY GROWTH,” HE SAID.
"TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO $964 MILLION, 31 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR 1986.
"THE CORPORATION’S CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES AT YEAR END WERE $394 MILLION AND $191.2 MILLION RESPECTIVELY."
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE FIVE BUSINESS AREAS OF THE CORPORATION ALL PERFORMED WELL.
"THE HEAVY RAIL CARRIED OVER 136 MILLION PASSENGERS DURING THE YEAR, AN 18 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1986," HE SAID.
"RAILWAY FACILITIES HAVE BEEN UPGRADED AND TRAIN CAPACITY INCREASED PROGRESSIVELY TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE GROWING NUMBER OF PASSENGERS."
TURNING TO FREIGHT TRAFFIC, MR JACOBS SAID IT CONTINUED TO GROW IN THE YEAR.
"WHILE OUTGOING FREIGHT TO CHINA REGISTERED A SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF 24 PER CENT TO 1.1 MILLION TONNES, IMPORTS FROM CHINA RECORDED A MODEST GAIN OF FIVE PER CENT TO 3.48 MILLION TONNES," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN FREIGHT TRAFFIC IN THE COMING YEARS, THE CORPORATION IS ACTIVELY DISCUSSING WITH GOVERNMENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW FREIGHT TERMINAL.
"MEANWHILE, THE CORPORATION IS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY FREIGHT HANDLING FACILITIES."
/MR JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 25 -
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT VISIBLE PROGRESS WAS MADE IN THE YEAR IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE ONE OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN 1HE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH WAS DUE FOR COMMISSIONING IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
THE CORPORATION HAS ALSO EMBARKED ON THE DESIGN WORK OF SIX ADDITIONAL REGIONAL LINKS TO COMPLETE THE FULL REGIONAL SYSTEM," HE
'GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED ON THE TWO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ABOVE THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PIERHEAD TERMINUS AND DEPOT IN TUEN MUN AND DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR A PACKAGE DEVELOPMENT DEAL INVOLVING THREE SITES ALONG THE KCP HAVE BEEN MADE.
THE CORPORATION HAS ALSO COMMENCED STUDIES ON THE FEASIBILITY OF HAVING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ABOVE THE REMODELLED KCR DEPOT AND WORKSHOPS AT HO TUNG LAU."
MR JACOBS SAID THE CORPORATION’S BUSES BEGAN OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER, PROVIDING FEEDER SERVICES TO THE KCR AND INTERNAL SEE.ICFF !N THE NORTHWEST TRANSIT SERVICE AREA, WITH ENCOURAGING PASSENGER GROWTH IN THE LAST QUARTER.
"ADDITIONAL ORDER FOR BUSES HAS BEEN PLACED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BACK-UP FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAD DEMONSTRATED ITS SUCCESS AS A RESPONSIBLE AND EFFICIENT CORPORATION RENDERING A VARIETY OF TRANSPORT AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
"WITH THE FUNDS GENERATED FROM THE RAILWAY OPERATION, THE CORPORATION IS PLANNING TO UNDERTAKE A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AND TO UPGRADE THE RAILWAY FACILITIES SO AS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE CONTINUED POPULATION GROWTH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE GROWTH IN PASSENGER AND FREIGHT MOVEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA," HE SAID.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 26
PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL PRAISED *****
THE ACHIEVEMENTS ATTAINED SO FAR BY THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WILL HAVE THE CONTINUING EFFECT OF ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG, THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MISS DUNN WAS TABLING THE 1986-87 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS 01- THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL.
SHE NOTED THAT THE REPORT HAD MENTIONED THE EXCELLENT RESULTS ACHIEVED BY STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S FACULTY OF DENTISTRY IN THE 1987 FINAL EXAMINATIONS.
"THIS IS FINE TESTIMONY TO THE VERY HIGH STANDARDS BEING MAINTAINED BY THE TEACHING STAFF OF THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY AND TO THE DEDICATION, HARD WORK AND PERSONAL TALENTS OF THOSE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE DENTISTRY THEIR CHOSEN PROFESSION," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THE FACULTY WAS ALSO ASSUMING AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS A CENTRE OF DENTAL RESEARCH IN THE REGION.
"IN ADDITION TO THE TEACHING OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS, THE FACULTY IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING POST-GRADUATE STUDIES FOR ITS OWN GRADUATES AND ALSO FOR GRADUATES OF UNIVERSITIES OVERSEAS," SHE NOTED.
THE RESEARCH WORK CARRIED OUT BOTH BY THOSE STUDENTS AND BY STAFF ENSURED THAT THE FACULTY WAS IN THE VANGUARD OF MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN DENTISTRY, SHE SAID.
THE HOSPITAL WAS ALSO NOW THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE NEWEST DIVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DENTAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION -- THE SOUTH EAST ASIA DIVISION.
THE FACULTY CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN CLOSE TIES WITH FACULTIES OF STOMATOLOGY IN CHINA WITH SENIOR STAFF FROM TIME TO TIME PRESENTING LECTURES IN THOSE FACULTIES AND HOLDING VISITING TEACHING APPOINTMENTS THERE.
CONVERSELY, VISITS TO THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL HAD BEEN MADE BY MANY SENIOR DENTAL STAFF FROM SISTER FACULTIES IN CHINA.
MISS DUNN NOTED THAT SENIOR STUDENTS WITH THEIR TEACHERS HAD PARTICIPATED IN OUTREACH COMMUNITY DENTAL HEALTH PROJECTS, OFTEN IN AREAS OF HONG KONG AT PRESENT UNDER-SERVED BY ORAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, AND THE SERVICES PROVIDED HAD BEEN GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC.
/MISS DUNN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
MISS DUNN ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR C.E. RENSON, FOUNDATION PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY, WHO RETIRED FROM THE FACULTY LAST YEAR.
FINALLY, SHE WISHED MR ANDREW LI, WHO SUCCEEDED HER AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE HOSPITAL, EVERY SUCCESS IN HIS WORK.
-----o-----
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF NO
CRIMINAL CONVICTION CERTIFICATES
« » * « »
EXPLAINED
THE POLICE DO NOT MAINTAIN RECORDS OF OFFENCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF WITHHOLDING THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION (CNCC’S), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS WHEN REPLYING TO THE HON ROSANNA TAM'S QUESTION ON THE KIND OF OFFENCES RECORDABLE BY THE POLICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF WITHHOLDING THE ISSUE OF CNCC’S.
"THE POLICE MAINTAIN RECORDS IN ORDER TO HELP THEM FULFIL THEIR STATUTORY DUTIES AND FOR LEGAL PURPOSES IN COURT PROCEEDINGS " MR BARNES SAID.
"THE POLICE ARE THEREFORE PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH LOCAL CONDITIONS WHEN CONSIDERING WHAT OFFENCES SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF RECORD."
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT CNCC’S WERE ISSUED ONLY BECAUSE THE DOCUMENTS WERE REQUESTED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS FOR IMMIGRATION AND STUDENT VISA PURPOSES.
WHEN CONSIDERING EITHER A CERTIFICATE, OR THE REASONS GIVEN FOR NOT ISSUING A CERTIFICATE, FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS WOULD OF COURSE APPLY THEIR OWN STANDARD OF JUDGMENT BASED ON LEGAL CONDITIONS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, HE SAID.
TURNING TO MRS TAM’S QUESTION ON THE AUTHORITY TO AMEND THE LIST OF RECORDABLE OFFENCES, MR BARNES SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DETERMINING WHAT CRIMES OR OFFENCES SHOULD BE CONTAINED IN THE LIST.
/IN DECIDING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
28
IN DECIDING WHICH OFFENCES SHOULD BE RECORDABLE, MR BARNES SAID THE COMMISSIONER WOULD CONSIDER FOUR CRITERIA:
» THE GRAVITY OF THE OFFENCE;
* THE ATTITUDE IN LAW TO THE OFFENCE WITH REGARD TO THE PENALTY THAT CAN BE IMPOSED;
* THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURTS FOR KNOWLEDGE OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS WHEN CONSIDERING SENTENCE; AND
* THE PREVALENCE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE COMMUNITY’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS IT.
"THE LIST OF RECORDABLE OFFENCES IS REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE POLICE," HE SAID.
THOSE OFFENCES CONSIDERED TO JUSTIFY REMOVAL UNDER THE FOUR CRITERIA WOULD BE OMITTED FROM THE LIST, AND OTHERS MIGHT BE ADDED.
"IN GENERAL THE RECORDABLE OFFENCES ARE THOSE WHICH ARE PARTICULARLY SERIOUS SUCH AS MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER, RAPE, ABDUCTION, ROBBERY AND OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES, OR CRIMES WHICH ARE REGARDED AS PARTICULARLY OBNOXIOUS BY SOCIETY," MR BARNES SAID.
"AT PRESENT THERE ARE SOME 94 RECORDABLE OFFENCES."
MR BARNES STRESSED THAT ANY PERSON WHO APPLIED FOR A CNCC, WITH A PREVIOUS CONVICTION FOR AN OFFENCE NO LONGER RECORDABLE, WOULD BE ISSUED WITH A CERTIFICATE.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME AND CNCC’S, MR BARNES SAID THE SCHEME HAD NO BEARING ON THE ISSUE OF CNCC’S.
"APPLICANTS FOR VISAS OR IMMIGRATION PERMITS TO CERTAIN COUNTRIES ARE REQUIRED BY THOSE COUNTRIES TO STATE WHETHER THEY HAVE EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE," HE REMARKED.
DESIGNED TO CATER FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS, THE SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME COULD NOT PROSCRIBE THE ATTITUDE WHICH OTHER GOVERNMENTS SHOULD TAKE TO OFFENCES, NOR COULD IT BE USED TO REMOVE ANY INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE A FULL DISCLOSURE OF OFFENCES IF REQUIRED TO DO SO FOR EMIGRATION PURPOSES.
HOWEVER, TO ASSIST APPLICANTS WITH A RECORDED CONVICTION REGARDED AS "SPENT", MR BARNES SAID THE POLICE WOULD STATE IN ANY LETTERS OF REFUSAL TO GRANT A CERTIFICATE THAT "THIS CONVICTION IS REGARDED AS SPENT IN HONG KONG BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 2(1) OF THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ORDINANCE".
/THE AUTHORITIES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 111 1988
- 29
THE AUTHORITIES RECEIVING THE LETTER WOULD KNOW THE OFFENCE WAS REGARDED AS TRIVIAL AND WAS NOT GIVEN ANY FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN HONG KONG.
’’THEY WILL, HOWEVER, AS I HAVE SAID, IN ANY CASE EXERCISE THEIR JUDGMENT,” MR BARNES SAID.
-------0 -------
MEETINGS WITH SCHOOLS COUNCILS, TEACHERS ON CONTRACTUAL ISSUE * * * ♦ *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED FOR MEETINGS WITH THE SCHOOLS COUNCILS AND TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CODES OE AID CONCERNING THE PAYMENT OP AN AMOUNT OP MONEY BY SUBSIDISED SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO RESIGN WITHOUT GIVING SUFFICIENT NOTICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYEE MIGHT TERMINATE HIS CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT NOTICE BY PAYING THE EMPLOYER AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE EMPLOYEE'S WAGES DURING THE PERIOD OF NOTICE SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT.
"IN THE CASE OF AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS, THE CODES OF AID PROVIDE FOR A TEACHER WHO RESIGNS WITHOUT NOTICE TO PAY BACK ONE MONTH’S SALARY," HE SAID.
"IF A TEACHER, AFTER GIVING PROPER NOTICE, THEREAFTER TERMINATES THE CONTRACT, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT HE SHOULD PAY THE EMPLOYER AN AMOUNT PROPORTIONAL TO THE UNEXPIRED PERIOD OF NOTICE."
HOWEVER, MR BRIDGE SAID, BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME DOUBT AS TO WHETHER THE CODES OF AID FOR SCHOOLS WERE IN LINE WITH THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD SOUGHT LEGAL ADVICE.
"THE ADVICE RECEIVED WAS THAT A TEACHER WHO TERMINATES HIS EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT GIVING THE REQUIRED PERIOD OF NOTICE SHOULD BE LIABLE TO PAY TO THE SCHOOL AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO HIS WAGES FOR THE FULL PERIOD OF NOTICE.
T
/"WHERE THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
30 -
"WHERE THE TEACHER GIVES INSUFFICIENT NOTICE HE SHOULD BE LIABLE TO PAY TO THE SCHOOL AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO HIS WAGES FOR THE BALANCE OF THE PERIOD OF NOTICE.
"AS A RESULT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED A CIRCULAR AMENDING THE CODES OF AID," HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE NOTED THAT AS THIS WAS FELT TO BE A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO BRING THE CODES OF AID MORE CLOSELY IN LINE WITH THE LAW, CONSULTATION WAS NOT THOUGHT TO BE NECESSARY.
"NEVERTHELESS, AT A MEETING WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 15, THE SCHOOLS COUNCILS WERE INFORMED OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS."
MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT THE CHANGE AS ANNOUNCED WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS WITH AMENDED GUIDELINES APPLYING TO NEW CONTRACTS. THUS, EXISTING CONTRACTS WERE NOT AFFECTED.
"IN VIEW OF THE CONSIDERABLE INTEREST WHICH THIS CHANGE HAS GENERATED, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS NOW ARRANGED FOR MEETINGS WITH THE SCHOOLS COUNCILS AND TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO CLARIFY THE ISSUE AND TO RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS.
"MEANWHILE THE CIRCULAR HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN PENDING THIS CONSULTATION," HE SAID.
U
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF MATERNITY LEAVE WHICH WAS ALSO RAISED BY MR SZETO, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER WAS REQUIRED TO GIVE SIX WEEKS’ POST-NATAL LEAVE.
"THE CODES OF AID, HOWEVER, STATE THAT A TEACHER MAY RETURN TO WORK BETWEEN FOUR AND SIX WEEKS AFTER GIVING BRITH, SUBJECT TO MEDICAL ADVICE," HE SAID.
"AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, IT WAS CLEAR TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT A TEACHER MUST BE GIVEN THE LEGAL MINIMUM OF SIX WEEKS’ POST-NATAL LEAVE.
"THE CODES OF AID HAVE THEREFORE BEEN AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THIS, AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENTS HAVE BEEN SO INFORMED.
"SINCE THIS WAS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT NO CONSULTATION WAS FELT TO BE NECESSARY.
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS NOW STUDYING THE IMPLICATIONS FOR EX I STING CONTRACTS."
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE AIRPORT PROCESSING * ♦ t » t
MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE PROCESSING OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL COUNTERS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED INCLUDED COMPUTERISATION, ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION COUNTERS AND MORE IMMIGRATION STAFF TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED WORKLOAD.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE MEASURES WILL GO SOME WAY TO REDUCING THE OVERALL WAITING TIME, AND WILL ALLOW MORE SCOPE FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT COUNTERS DESIGNATED FOR RESIDENTS ARE MORE EXCLUSIVELY USED BY RESIDENTS," MR BARNES SAID IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT SOME HONG KONG RESIDENTS HAD EXPERIENCED INCONVENIENCE IN GETTING THROUGH IMMIGRATION CONTROL AT THE AIRPORT DURING PEAK HOURS BECAUSE THE LINES DESIGNATED FOR THEM WERE SOMETIMES ALSO USED BY OVERSEAS VISITORS.
"A SEGREGATED SYSTEM ACHIEVES ITS BEST RESULTS IF RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS ARE PROCESSED IN SEPARATE HALLS, WITH SEPARATE RESOURCES.
"THE IMMIGRATION FACILITIES AT KAI TAK AIRPORT WERE, HOWEVER, ONLY DESIGNED FOR OPEN FRONT CLEARANCE," MR BARNES SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT NEVERTHELESS RECOGNISES THAT HONG KONG RESIDENTS SHOULD BE CLEARED THROUGH IMMIGRATION CONTROL AS SPEEDILY AND EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE AND HAS DESIGNATED CERTAIN COUNTERS FOR THEM. "
HE ADDED THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD DEPLOY REGULATORS IN THE HALLS TO HELP PASSENGERS QUEUE IN THE RIGHT LINES, WHENEVER RESOURCES PERMITTED.
"ALTHOUGH THESE FACILITIES ARE IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS, IT IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT VISITORS ARE ALSO GIVEN COURTEOUS AND EXPEDITIOUS SERVICE," HE SAID.
"THIS WOULD CERTAINLY NOT BE ACHIEVED IF VISITORS WERE REQUIRED TO QUEUE IN LONG LINES WHILE THEY COULD SEE RESIDENT COUNTERS BEING RELATIVELY UNDER-USED.
/"A PARTIAL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
32 -
"A PARTIAL SOLUTION COULD BE THE ALLOCATION OF FEWER COUNTERS FOR RESIDENTS, BUT THIS WOULD NOT BE IN KEEPING WITH THE SERVICE INTENDED FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS.”
TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE AND TO ACHIEVE THE BEST USE OF THE RESOURCES, MR BARNES NOTED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE COUNTERS SHOULD BE USED FLEXIBLY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AT THE TIME.
’’UNFORTUNATELY, GIVEN THE CONSTRAINTS PRESENTED BY THE DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF THE AIRPORT, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ENFORCE A RIGID SEGREGATION OF PASSENGERS,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT NEW FACILITIES WOULD BE INTRODUCED SOON TO IMPROVE THE PRESENT SITUATION AND THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WOULD MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE NEW FACILITIES.
-----0------
CONTRACTUAL PROTECTION FOR MANUAL WORKERS EMPLOYED ABROAD ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
,)L
STATUTORY PROTECTION FOR MANUAL WORKERS TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT ABROAD, PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG ORDINANCE, IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR BRIDGE SAID THE ORDINANCE REQUIRED THE EMPLOYER OR HIS DULY AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH THE WORKER.
’’THE CONTRACT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE WORKER AND ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE HE LEAVES HONG KONG FOR EMPLOYMENT.
/••THE ORDINANCE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 53 -
"THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES THAT THE CONTRACT MUST CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT RATES OF WAGES AND OVERTIME, DAYS AND HOURS OF WORK REST DAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS," HE CONTINUED.
"IT MUST ALSO PROVIDE FOR VARYING OR TERMINATING THE CONTRACT AND MAKE THE EMPLOYER RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING PASSAGES TO AND FROM THE PLACE OF WORK FOR THE WORKER.
"THE CONTRACT MUST ALSO SPECIFY THE EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY TO PAY FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY.
"IN ESSENCE, THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS DEFINED IN THE CONTRACT MUST BE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THOSE PROVIDED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, BOTH OF WHICH RELATE TO EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG."
MR BRIDGE WARNED THAT AN EMPLOYER OR HIS AGENT MIGHT BE PROSECUTED IF HE FAILED TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH A MANUAL WORKER BEFORE DEPARTURE OR INDUCED THE WORKER TO DEPART FROM HONG KONG FOR EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE CONTRACT WAS ATTESTED.
"UPON CONVICTION, AN EMPLOYER IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $50,000," HE SAID.
"IN 1987, FOUR PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT AGAINST EMPLOYERS FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND RESULTED IN FOUR CONVICTIONS WITH FINES TOTALLING $8,000."
MR BRIDGE NOTED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ASSISTED WORKERS IN SETTLING DISPUTES BY CONCILIATION.
"IF CONCILIATION FAILS A CASE MAY BE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION UPON REQUEST FROM THE PARTIES INVOLVED.
"IN 1987 THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HANDLED 65 DISPUTES OF THIS NATURE AND HELPED TO SETTLE 26. THIRTY-THREE CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION AND THE REMAINING SIX WERE WITHDRAWN."
HOWEVER, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT THE ORDINANCE DID NOT APPLY TO NON-MANUAL WORKERS LEAVING HONG KONG FOR EMPLOYMENT.
/"THEIR MAIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
"THEIR MAIN PROTECTION IS BY MEANS OF A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS OR THEIR LOCAL AGENTS.
"IF THEY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING CONTRACTUAL ENTITLEMENTS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ASSISTS THEM IN RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS BY CONCILIATION AFTER THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG."
HE ADDED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS NOW REVIEWING THE ORDINANCE, PARTICULARLY WHETHER ITS SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER NON-MANUAL WORKERS.
"THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE DOES NOT YET COVER WORK INJURIES WHICH ARE SUSTAINED OUTSIDE HONG KONG," MR BRIDGE SAID.
"WE WILL SHORTLY BE PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE TO EXPAND ITS SCOPE TO COVER WORK INJURIES TO HONG KONG WORKERS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY HONG KONG EMPLOYERS TO WORK OUTSIDE HONG KONG."
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PLAN TO SET UP EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SECTION ♦ ♦ t * ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLANS TO ESTABLISH AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SECTION UNDER THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM CONCERNING IMPROVEMENTS TO PROMOTE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR BRIDGE SAID THE NEW SECTION WOULD GIVE FURTHER ASSISTANCE ON A REGULAR BASIS TO SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMES.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS SECTION WILL DEPARTMENT IN DETERMINING THE DIRECTION OF FUTURE ANY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED," HE ADDED.
ALSO ASSIST DEVELOPMENTS
THE
AND
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 35 -
TURNING TO THE ARRANGEMENT SINCE 1982 THAT FIVE ADDITIONAL TEACHING POSTS WERE TO BE PROVIDED IN STAGES FOR EACH STANDARD SIZE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR BRIDGE SAID ONE OF THEM WAS INTENDED TO STRENGTHEN STUDENT COUNSELLING IN THE SCHOOLS AND ANOTHER TO STRENGTHEN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
"AS FAR AS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE CONCERNED THE \DDITIONAL POST ENABLES THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TO APPOINT A TEAM OF TEACHERS, HEADED BY A CO-ORDINATOR, TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLANNING AND THE CONDUCT OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BY ALL TEACHING STAFF THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED I NAPPROPRI ATE TO LAY DOWN INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DUTIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS.
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS MUST BE GIVEN THE DISCRETION THEIR STAFF AS THEY SEE FIT GIVEN THEIR AWARENESS OF THE INTERESTS AND ABILITIES OF THEIR STAFF AND STUDENTS.
TO DEPLOY APTITUDES,
"INSTEAD, Till' EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD HE TO MONITOR THE ENI) RESULT, THAT AND QUALITY OF EXTRA-CURR1CULAR ACTIVITIES THIS MONITORING IS UNDERTAKEN BY DISTRICT THEIR RI (HILAR VISITS TO SCHOOLS," HE SAID.
BELIEVES THAT THE FOCUS IS, THE OVERALL QUANTITY PROVIDED BY EACH SCHOOL. EDUCATION OFFICERS DURING
IN ADDITION, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT IN JUNE 1987 AN OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS APPOINTED TO SERVE AS SECKETAR) TO THE HONG KONG EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATORS’ ASSOCIATION WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING MORE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TO THIS ORGANISATION, WHOSE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO BETTER PROMOTE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
"THIS OFFICER PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO THE ASSOCIATION IN A NUMBER OF AREAS, PARTICULARLY IN ORGANISING EXTRA-MURAL COURSES, AND ARRANGING SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR THE CO-ORDINATORS," HE NOTED.
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT, AT THE SAME TIME, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS PUSHING FORWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRALLY ORGANISED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON A TERR I TORY-WI DE SCALE.
THESE INCLUDED THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SCHEME, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME AND THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES, ALL OI-’ WHICH ATTRACTED LARGE NUMBERS OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS.
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 36 -
BURNING OF SUBMISSIONS TO SURVEY OFFICE TOMORROW
» » t t »
SUBMISSIONS MADE TO THE SURVEY OFFICE IN RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER "THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT" WILL BE DESTROYED AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHEN THE GREEN PAPER WAS PUBLISHED IN MAY 1987, THE GOVERNMENT INVITED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE.
IT WAS ALSO PROMISED THAT SUBMISSIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH CONFIDENTIALITY WAS REQUESTED BY THE CONTRIBUTOR WOULD BE TREATED ACCORDINGLY AND DESTROYED AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER.
"THIS COMMITMENT IS BEING HONOURED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD NOW ORDERED THE DESTRUCTION OF ALL SUBMISSIONS EXCEPT, FOR THE TIME BEING, SUBMISSIONS WHICH WERE ALLEGEDLY "FALSE" AND CONSEQUENTLY THE SUBJECT OF POLICE INVESTIGATIONS.
"THESE ALLEGEDLY FALSE SUBMISSIONS WILL ALSO BE DESTROYED WHEN POLICE INVESTIGATIONS ARE COMPLETE," HE SAID.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MR ANDREW SO, ONE OF THE TWO MONITORS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1987 TO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE. THE OTHER MONITOR, MR F.K. LI, IS NOT IN HONG KONG.
Mi. JOHN CHAN, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, AND MR ADOLF HSU, WHO WAS COMMISSIONER Ol THE SURVEY OFFICE, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO El) I TORS :
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SUBMISSIONS TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSIONS IN SEALED BOXES WILL BE REMOVED FROM A SAFI ROOM AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AT 9.30 AM AND TRANSPORTED TO THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR WHERE THEY WILL BE BURNED.
OTHER SUBMISSIONS, WHICH ARE STORED AT THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE, WILL BE REMOVED DIRECT TO THE INCINERATOR AND DESTROYED IN THE SAME MANNER.
/MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 57 -
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 9.15 AM AT THE GROUND FLOOR LOBBY OE' THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, WHERE THEY WILL WITNESS THE REMOVAL OF THE CONFIDENTIAL SUBM1SSI SONS.
A COACH WILL THEN TAKE THEM TO THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR TO COVER THE BURNING OF THE SUBMISSIONS.
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Il’S CAUGHT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES MAY BE PROSECUTED
« * * t »
O
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES MAY NOW BE PROSECUTED FOR ILLEGALLY REMAINING IN HONG KONG, AN OFFENCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WORKING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES HAD BECOME MORE SERIOUS OVER THE PAST FOUR MONTHS.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 26,701 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN THE TERRITORY, OF WHICH OVER 1,100 WERE CAUGHT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
BUT OVER THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, MORE THAN NINE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ARRESTS (7,869) WERE MADE AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS RECENTLY, 67 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE FOUND WORKING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN TAI PO AND TAI TAM.
IN VIEW OF THE GROWING PROBLEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID POLICE WOULD CONSIDER TAKING OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST THE ILLEGAL ENTRANTS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, BEFORE REPATRIATING THEM BACK TO CHINA.
PERSONS CONVICTED FOR REMAINING IN THE TERRITORY WITHOUT THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BEEN POLICE POLICY TO CHARGE EVADERS WHO HAD ENTERED HONG KONG MORE THAN ONCE FOR THE OFFENCE OF "ILLEGALLY REMAINING" AND IT WAS HOPED THAT EXTENDING THE PROSECUTION TO COVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WORKING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WOULD ACT AS A DETERRENT TO ANY POTENTIAL ENTRANTS.
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/38........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- J8 -
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO STAY ♦ ♦ * t *
HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO STAY INCOMPARABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT AND FOR UTILISING AND HONING THEIR BUSINESS SKILLS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, IN BELGIUM WHEN HE ADDRESSED A JOINT MEETING OF THE LIEGE EXPORTERS* CLUB AND THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY.
•'HONG KONG PROVIDES A CHALLENGING LIFESTYLE, WHERE HARD WORK IS REWARDED AND, AS MANY RETURNING EMIGRANTS HAVE FOUND, ONCE HONG KONG IS IN YOUR BLOOD IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IT OUT," MR TSAO REMARKED.
NOTING THAT MANY OF THOSE WHO WERE LEAVING THE TERRITORY NOW WERE PEOPLE WHOM HONG KONG COULD 1LL-AFFORD TO BE DEPRIVED OF, MR TSAO SAID THE FIGURE AT THE MOMENT WAS NOT AT A LEVEL WHICH WAS TO ANY EXTENT UNMANAGEABLE.
"IT IS HOWEVER A CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND THE GOVERNMENT IS EXAMINING THE PROBLEM CAREFULLY. BUT NO FREE COUNTRY WOULD WISH TO PROSCRIBE ITS POPULATION FROM CHOOSING WHERE THEY WANT TO LIVE AND HONG KONG IS NO EXCEPTION.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE BY VIRTUE OF THEIR DYNAMISM AND NATURAL INTELLIGENCE ARE OF COURSE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER - IT’S A VERY SINCERE FORM OF FLATTERY THAT THEY SHOULD BE SO EFFICIENTLY WOOED BY OTHER COUNTRIES," HE SAID.
MR TSAO FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE AUGURIES FOR THE FUTURE ARE EXTREMELY FAVOURABLE.
"RELATIONS AND TRADE WITH CHINA ARE DEVELOPING TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT OUR ECONOMY IS BOOMING. THIS, IS UNLIKELY TO CHANGE.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE HISTORICALLY TAKEN VICISSITUDES AND UNCERTAINTIES AND MADE FORTUNES OUT OF THEM. HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE DYNAMIC AND IMAGINATIVE, HARD WORKING AND FLEXIBLE.
"I BELIEVE THAT THESE ARE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS INTO THE 90’S AND BEYOND.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS PROVIDED THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH HONG KONG CAN EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER AND I AM CONVINCED IT WILL DO SO," MR TSAO SAID.
MR TSAO IS NOW ON A SPEAKING TOUR TO EUROPE AND IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (MAY 14).
----0---- /39...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
59
GREATER NEED FOR QUALITY IN MANUFACTURING
t * » *
A COMMITTEE INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS AND LEADING MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED TO FORMULATE A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS FOR THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE TERRITORY-WIDE.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CERT 1FI CAT I ON LABORATOR IES LTD.
MR LEUNG SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS EXAMINING WAYS AND MEANS TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE WIDER APPLICATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND HAD SET UP A QUALITY SERVICES DIVISION TO CO-ORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT ALL QUALITY RELATED ACTIVITIES.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH ENABLED THE MANUFACTURERS TO ADOPT QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE WORK PLACE.
"THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU COLLECTS AND DISSEMINATES INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS PRODUCT STANDARDS, WHILE THE DEPARTMENT ITSELF HAS ALSO ASSUMED HONG KONG’S CORRESPONDENT MEMBERSHIP OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION SINCE APRIL 1987.
"OUR STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY HAS BEEN ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND WE ARE LIKEWISE SEEKING BILATERAL RECOGNITION OF OUR HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDI TAT I ON SCHEME.
"IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ADVICE TO MANUFACTURERS ON SETTING UP APPROPRIATE QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS WIIIT1N THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR."
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT QUALITY ASSURANCE WAS THE KEY TO THE ATTAINMENT OF QUALITY, TO SATISFY CUSTOMERS THAT OUR GOODS REPRESENT BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY IN TERMS OF DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, SAFETY, AND DURABILITY.
"AS FAR AS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE CONCERNED, QA SYSTEMS NORMALLY COMPRISE THE APPLICATION OF STANDARDS; QUALITY CONTROL; TESTING AND CERTIFICATION; AND QUALITY SURVEILLANCE."
STRESSING THE INCREASING COMPETITION HONG KONG FACED IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS, MR LEUNG NOTED THAT A VERY LARGE PROPORTION OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RELATIVELY LABOUR INTENSIVE OR FELL INTO THE CATEGORY OF SUB-ASSEMBLY "ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURE" (OEM), OF WHICH THE QUALITY STANDARDS WERE GENERALLY DICTATED BY PRICE.
/"MORE AND
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
40 -
’’MORE AND MORE TERRITORIES IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD AND ASIA ARE NOW ABLE TO PRODUCE GOODS OE SIMILAR QUALITY (EXCEPT GARMENTS) AT LOWER COSTS THAN IN HONG KONG, RESULTING IN A DECLINE IN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG IN MANUFACTURING SUCH NON-GARMENT PRODUCTS.
"WE ARE ALSO LOSING MARKET SHARE TO SOME OF OUR ASIAN COMPETITORS, ESPECIALLY LN THE U.S. MARKET, IN TERMS OF GOODS OF HIGHER VALUES PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS.
"AS OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE PUTTING GREATER AND GREATER EMPHASIS ON QUALITY WITH INCREASINGLY STRINGENT PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS, OUR EXPORTS ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED UNLESS WE CAN IMPROVE IN GOOD TIME THE QUALITY COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR PRODUCTS ON A BROAD FRONT.”
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HK POLICE EXPERIENCE USEFUL TO CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
♦ t ♦ * *
LESSONS LEARNED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BY CHIEF INSPECTOR MICK HUGHES, FORMERLY AN INSTRUCTOR WITH THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, ARE BEING ABSORBED INTO TRAINING PROGRAMMES USED BY POLICE FORCES IN THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS.
MR HUGHES IS ON A TWO-YEAR SECONDMENT TO BARBADOS AS A POLICE PUBLIC ORDER TRAINING ADVISER.
HIS POST WAS FILLED FROM HONG KONG BY THE UNITED KINGDOM OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE BRITISH FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
MR HUGHES SAID: "MY JOB OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO HAS BEEN TO SET UP INTERNAL SECURITY TRAINING AND INSTRUCT ON COURSES FOR A NUMBER OF CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES.
"1 WORK MAINLY FOR THE REGIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM, WHICH IS AN ALLIANCE OF BARBADOS, ANTIGUA (WITH BARBADA), ST LUCIA, ST KITTS (WITH NEVIS), GRENADA, DOMINICA, AND ST VICENT (WITH THE GRENADINES). THESE ARE ALL INDEPENDENT COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE AGREED ON A SYSTEM OF MUTUAL AID.
"THE TEAM I WORK WITH IS MAINLY MILITARY, COMPRISING A NUMBER OF BRITISH ROYAL MARINES AND AMERICAN ARMY SPECIAL FORCES (THE GREEN BERETS). WE RUN A NUMBER OF BASIC AND LEADERS’ COURSES FOR SPECIAL SERVICE UNITS - WHICH ARE POLICE PARAMILITARY UNITS SET UP IN COUNTRIES WHICH DO NOT HAVE DEFENCE FORCES.
/’’THE COURSES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 41
’’THE COURSES ARE A MIXTURE OF MILITARY AND POLICE TRAINING.
"THE FIRST JOB ON MY ARRIVAL WAS TO DECIDE ON THE SUBJECTS TO BE TAUGHT WITH REGARD TO INTERNAL SECURITY. THE TACTICS EMPLOYED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE SOLVED THE PROBLEM ADMIRABLY.
"DURING THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE RUN OTHER SPECIALIST COURSES AND HAVE AT THE SAME TIME TRAINED UP CARIBBEAN INSTRUCTORS WHO WE HOPE EVENTUALLY WILL TAKE ALL INTRUCTIONAL DUTIES OFF OUR HANDS.
"AS PART OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME THE RSS HAS HAD LARGE SCALE EXERCISES WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD, U.S. AND BRITISH AIR FORCES AND THE ROYAL NAVY.
"EXERCISES HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE IN DOMINICA AND JAMAICA AND THIS YEAR WILL BE IN PUERTO RICO AND ST KITTS.
"IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PERFORM ADVISORY VISITS TO EACH COUNTRY TO LOOK AT THEIR RESPONSES TO PUBLIC ORDER AND OTHER INCIDENTS."
MR HUGHES SAID THAT THERE WAS PLENTY OF WORK TO BE DONE ALONG THOSE LINES AND HE THOUGHT HE WAS THE FIRST ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE REPRESENTATIVE TO WORK IN THE CARIBBEAN SINCE MR GUS CUNNINGHAM SOME YEARS AGO.
"WHILE HERE I HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVEN A SECONDARY DUTY OF ADVISORY VISITS AND TRAINING FOR SOME BRITISH DEPENDANCIES - ANGUILLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, MONTSERRAT AND TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. THE CAYMAN ISLANDS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN OUR TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT PROGRAMME.
"THE REMAINING YEAR I HAVE HERE WILL BE TAKEN UP LESS WITH INSTRUCTIONAL DUTIES AND MORE WITH THE CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR EACH COUNTRY."
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BONSAI AND FLOWER PLANTS ON DISPLAY FROM SATURDAY
♦ ♦ » » »
VISITORS TO THE CHING CHUNG KOON TAOIST MONASTERY THIS WEEKEND WILL BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE MORE THAN 400 RARE AND BEAUTIFUL BONSAI AND FLOWER PLANTS ON DISPLAY AT 1988 TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW.
THE BONSAI SHOW OPENS ON SATURDAY (MAY 14) AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 23.
/IT IS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- 42 -
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONASTERY, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. LTD., AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. LTD.
THE AIM IS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF LOVE AND CARE FOR NATURE AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS WILL BE TWO VALUABLE EXHIBITS FROM THE MONASTERY, A JADE PLANT AND A YELLOW BRAMBLE.
THE JADE PLANT IS A VERY OLD CASCADE PLANT DEMONSTRATING A FINE BLEND OF HUMAN ARTISTIC TECHNIQUE AND THE WORK OF NATURE.
THE YELLOW BRAMBLE IS MORE THAN 200 YEARS OLD AND HAS ACQUIRED A STYLISTIC APPEARANCE THROUGH WEATHERING OF WIND AND RAIN, AND THE HAND OF MAN.
APART FROM THE FINE COLLECTION OF POTTED PLANTS FROM THE MONASTERY, VISITORS TO THE SHOW WILL ALSO SEE THE WINNING ENTRIES OF STUDENTS AND BONSAI LOVERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE SCHOOL AND OPEN SECTION COMPETITION HELD RECENTLY IN TUEN MUN.
THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
FREE TRANSPORT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS TO TAKE VISITORS FROM THE TUEN MUN FERRY PIER TO CHING CHUNG KOON.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY14).OFFICIATING WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI; DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR K.S. YIP; AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW AT 11 AM ON MAY 14 (SATURDAY) IN THE CHING CHUNG KOON TAOIST MONASTERY, TUEN MUN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 9.45 AM THAT DAY AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TS1M SHA TSUI.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- '♦J -
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS KEEP HK CLEAN ACTIVITIES
» » « » »
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PROGRAMMES IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE BOARD’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988, WHICH FALLS ON JUNE 5.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REQUESTS FOR CARRYING OUT LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, AS WELL AS PROGRESS REPORTS ON VILLAGE LIGHTING INSTALLATION, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL START AT 9.30 AM.
-----o-----
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORK *****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR 1988-89.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ENDORSED AN ALLOCATION OF $880,000 FOR CARRYING OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
1
THE PROJECTS INCLUDE PLAN TO BEAUTIFY THE SEAFRONT OFF MA TAU KOK ROAD AND A REAR LANE OF MING LUN STREET; AND WORKS TO IMPROVE RAILING AND FOOTSTEPS AT VALLEY ROAD.
ALSO, THERE WILL BE CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, BOARD INSTALLATIONS.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES, KEEP HONG KONG AND REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS OF DISTRICT
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.15 PM.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
44
SAI KUNG DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
*****
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS UNDER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO EXAMINE OTHER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING THE PRODUCTION OF THE "SAI KUNG SUITE" - A PUBLICATION ABOUT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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DB CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY LOCAL ORGANSIATIONS FOR HOLDING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS ON CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS, ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, LIBRARY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AND DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 3 PM.
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A5.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- -
SIU LEK YUEN POLICE STATION TO START OPERATION » ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE NEW SIU LEK YUEN DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN SHA TIN WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL AT 8 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE NINE-STOREY BUILDING IS OF STANDARD DESIGN, WITH A CONSTRUCTION COST OF $18 MILLION. IT WILL PROVIDE POLICING FOR THE AREA ALONG SHING MUN RIVER, FROM ’’CITY ONE” TO MA ON SHAN, WHERE NEW HOUSING ESTATES ARE BEING BUILT.
THE NEW STATION IS SITUATED AT 25-27 YUEN SHUN CIRCUIT, NEAR THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE. THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE STATION IS SUPERINTENDENT BRIAN BOYTON. HE IS ASSISTED BY THREE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS - ADVC/CRIME, MR NORMAN RICH* ADVC/OPERATIONS, MR STEPHEN VERRALLS; AND ADVC/ADM1NISTRATION, MR JOHN YEUNG.
RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE AREA CAN GO TO THE NEW POLICE STATION, OR TELEPHONE 0-6368080 OR 0-6368214, IF THEY WANT TO MAKE A REPORT OR SEEK POLICE ASSISTANCE.
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TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR TWO GOVERNMENT SITES
*****
TWO GOVERNMENT SITES AT FO TAN, SHA TIN, ARE TO LET BE BY FENDER ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE SITE MEASURES ABOUT 6,334 SQUARE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,229 SQUARE METRES.
METRES AND THE
OTHER ONE
THE TENANCIES FOR BOTH SITES ARE FOR ONE YEAR
QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS. ’
RENEWABLE
THEY ARE FOR STORAGE OF GOODS, PLANT AND AND BUILDING MATERIALS, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.
MACHINERY,
VEHICLES
THE (’LOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 27.
TENDER FORM AND NOTICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN DIS1R|( | LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 1 OTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET’, KOWLOON .
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A6.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
- U6 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL * * * * *
TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS, THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN VICTORIA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM ON SATURDAY (may in.
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS DURING WHICH NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUS TERMINUS OF ROUTE 720 WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE LANE CRAWFORD HOUSE.
MOREOVER, ROUTE 720 ON ITS JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. ITS BUS STOP ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD (’ENTRM. OUTSIDE LANDMARK WILL BE SUSPENDED AND A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED ON QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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RESTRICTED ZONES IN ABERDEEN AND CENTRAL
*****
THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN ABERDEEN WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 7 AM 10 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 14):
♦ ABERDEEN OLD MAIN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH 01* I IS JUNCTION W1 TH YUE FAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* YUE FAI ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN OLD MAIN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 17 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, BETWEEN ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH HARBOUR VIEW STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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A7.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1988
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT * t » t
THE SECTION OF KING MING ROAD IN NORTH POINT BETWEEN GLASS STREET AND WATSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES ON THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF WATSON ROAD WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO ELECTRIC ROAD.
.Z F
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MTRC HAS TO SOLVE CONGESTION PROBLEM: GOVERNOR............... 1
GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON MTRC, KCRC OPERATIONS ................... 2
MADRID TRADE MISSION TO VISIT HK............................. 3
GOVT MAY CONSIDER INTRODUCING LEGISLATION ON NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES ................................................ 4
GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION FEASIBILITY STUDY................... 6
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED .................. 7
SUBMISSIONS TO SURVEY OFFICE DESTROYED....................... 9
TSIM SHA TSUI TO MUI WO FERRY SERVICE STARTS IN SUMMER ...... 10
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN........ 11
TSUEN WAN DB GETS S2.58M FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS ............. 12
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PROJECTS........... 1?
SCHOOL HEADS PRAISED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION EFFORTS ............ 14
SAFETY FIRST IN SUMMER JOBS ................................. 14
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ITALY EXTENDED ......................... 15
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT ...................... 16
REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED ................................. 16
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
1
MTRC HAS TO SOLVE CONGESTION PROBLEM: GOVERNOR *****
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET ON WITH THE JOB OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION WITHOUT ANY INTERFERENCE IN THE DETAILS OF HOW THIS SHOULD BE DONE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITS TO THE MTRC AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM THAT HAD GIVEN RISE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SURCHARGE BY THE MTRC.
"THE PROBLEM, AS WE ALL KNOW, IS THAT FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IN THE MORNING THERE IS VERY INTENSE OVERCROWDING, AND THAT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE INDEED FOR THOSE TRAVELLING AT THAT TIME, " SIR DAVID SAID.
"IT'S ALSO POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE MTRC HAD LOOKED AT VARIOUS OPTIONS AND HAD COME UP WITH A PRICING MECHANISM AS THE ONLY WAY THEY THOUGHT COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
"IT’S NOW TIME, I THINK, TO SEE WHETHER THAT SOLUTION DOES WORK, AND THEY’VE SAID THAT IF THEY SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION THEN THERE’S NO QUESTION OF KEEPING ON THE SURCHARGE INDEFINITELY," HE SAID.
"THEY’RE JUST DOING IT TO DEAL WITH A SPECIFIC PROBLEM," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE MTRC WAS MAKING A MAJOR EFFORT TO EXPLAIN BOTH TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE WHAT WAS BEING DONE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE REASONS FOR IT.
THE MTRC HAD SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT ANY IDEAS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM, AND SEE IF THESE IDEAS WERE VIABLE.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD A POWER TO GIVE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE MTRC IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, SIR DAVID SAID THIS POWER SHOULD BE USED FOR GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND NOT FOR OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS.
"IT’S NOT ANY GOOD SETTING UP A CORPORATION TO DO A JOB AND THEN INTERFERING IN THE DETAILS OF HOW IT DOES IT, BECAUSE WHAT YOU THEN DO IS FIND THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS RUNNING THE MTR," HE ADDED.
"THE CORPORATION HAS BEEN GIVEN THE JOB OF RUNNING THE MTR AND THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUN IT PROPERLY AND COMMERCIALLY TO THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
2
GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON MTRC, KCRC OPERATIONS
♦ * * ♦ *
A NEW EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO SERVE THE POPULATION OF YAU TONG AND JUNK BAY NEW TOWN COULD BE VIABLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS TOLD DURING A VISIT TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, THE GOVERNOR VISITED THE CORPORATION AND WAS MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MTRC BOARD, MR WILFRID NEWTON.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE CORPORATION AND THE POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY TO JUNK BAY.
MR NEWTON TOLD THE GOVERNOR THAT THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE EXTENSION IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $3,240 MILLION AND THAT DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNMENT WOULD BEGIN SHORTLY.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION ON THE MTR ALONG THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR. HE WAS TOLD THAT WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING RAIL LINK OPENS NEXT YEAR, CONGESTION WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY RELIEVED.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO VISITED THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) WHERE HE WAS WELCOMED AND BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KCRC BOARD, MR GERRY FORSGATE, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION, MR PETER QUICK.
MR FORSGATE TOLD SIR DAVID THAT THE TOTAL VOLUME OF GOODS CARRIED BY RAIL HAD INCREASED FROM 1.3 MILLION TONNES TO 2.4 MILLION TONNES DURING THE PERIOD 1980 TO 1986.
FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE RAILWAY BETWEEN PEKING AND CANTON SCHEDULED IN LATE 1988, FURTHER GROWTH IN RAIL FREIGHT IS EXPECTED.
TO COPE WITH THE ENVISAGED INCREASES IN RAIL FREIGHT, AN AREA OF 18 HECTARES ON THE NEW RECLAMATION IN HUNG HOM BAY HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE KCRC FREIGHT YARD.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT RECLAMATION OF THE HUNG HOM BAY IS
PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY.
THE FIRST PHASE COVERING AN AREA OF 13.5 HECTARES IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1989. THE REMAINING AREA REQUIRED FOR THE FREIGHT YARD WILL BE AVAILABLE IN LATE 1989 OR EARLY 1990.
THE EXPANSION OF THE FREIGHT YARD, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL PROVIDE THE CAPACITY FOR FREIGHT SERVICES UP TO THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
- 3 -
MADRID TRADE MISSION TO VISIT HK
t t ♦ * ♦
THE MADRID CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WILL SEND A TRADE MISSION TO HONG KONG IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHENING THE TRADE LINKS BETWEEN SPAIN AND THE TERRITORY.
THIS FOLLOWS A SPEAKING TOUR IN MADRID BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS A CENTRE FOR DISTRIBUTION AND RE-EXPORT IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGION.
AS PART OF HIS PROGRAMME IN EUROPE TO EXPLAIN HONG KONG’S BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR POTENTIAL OVERSEAS INVESTORS MR TSAO ADDRESSED A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE 1NSTITUTO ESPANOL DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR, THE MADRID CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE SPANISH-HONG KONG SOCIETY.
AT THE SEMINAR ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 SENIOR AND INFLUENTIAL SPANISH BUSINESSMEN, MR TSAO STRESSED THAT HONG KONG MOST DECIDEDLY WAS NOT A HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW FORCE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE.
’’THERE ARE MANY WHO SEE HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS STEADILY DIMINISHING DOWN TO 1997. 1 THINK THAT SUCH DOUBTERS SHOULD VISIT HONG KONG AND OBSERVE FOR THEMSELVES THE EXTENT TO WHICH HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS ARE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE THERE," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OVERSEAS VISITORS WERE CONSTANTLY AMAZED BY THE VIBRANCY OF THE REAL HONG KONG WHICH WAS SO MUCH AT ODDS WITH WHAT DETRACTORS AND INACCURATE MEDIA REPORTING WOULD HAVE THEM BELIEVE.
"1 THINK IT WOULD NOT BE INACCURATE, TO SAY THAT FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE FALLING OVER THEMSELVES TO COMPETE IN TENDERING FOR MAJOR CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN HONG KONG.’’
HE CITED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING; INTEREST SHOWN BY FOREIGN COMPANIES IN THE IDEA OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT; THE PAYMENT OF $4.4 BILLION BY A LOCAL COMPANY FOR THE RIGHT TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE CONTAINER PORT; AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY AS EXAMPLES OF CONFIDENCE SHOWN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
OUTLINING HONG KONG’S EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BOTH COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES, MR TSAO SAID HONG KONG HAD CONSOLIDATED ITS POSITION AS THE MAJOR ENTREPOT OF CHINA AND IN THE PAST THREE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINESE ORIGIN.
"THEIR VALUE GREW BY 25 PER CENT IN 1985, 49 PER CENT IN 1986 AND FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1987 BY 69 PER CENT.
/’’TO FACILITATE.......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
"TO FACILITATE THIS TREND THERE ARE PLANS FOR THE DOUBLE-TRACKING OF THE RAILWAY SYSTEM OF EASTERN CHINA FROM PEKING TO HONG KONG AND CONSTRUCTION HAS STARTED ON A MOTORWAY FROM CANTON TO PEKING.
"THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL ENHANCE HONG KONG'S SIGNIFICANCE AS AN ENTRY AND EXIT POINT FOR TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
"MANY MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS HAVE SET THEMSELVES UP IN HONG KONG AS THE LOGICAL BASE FOR THEIR OPERATIONS IN CHINA AND THE REGION - WANG, DIGITAL, AT&T, WESTINGHOUSE, MOTOROLA, IBM CAN’T ALL BE WRONG," MR TSAO SAID.
GOVT MAY CONSIDER INTRODUCING LEGISLATION ON NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES *****
IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED AND THERE IS A CHALLENGE IN THE COURTS AGAINST THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS’ POWERS TO MAKE THE RULES CONCERNED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL HAVE THE EFFECT THAT THE RULES ARE DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS MR JOSEPH YAM, IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE CHINESE EXECUTIVES CLUB OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
"AS VERY CLEAR NOTICE HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN, SUCH LEGISLATION IF CONSIDERED NECESSARY WILL, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HAVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT," HE SAID.
ON THE LEGALITY OF THE MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTING NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES, MR YAM SAID THAT UNDER SECTION 12(1) OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ORDINANCE, THE COMMITTEE OF HKAB, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, COULD "FROM TIME TO TIME MAKE SUCH RULES RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF BANKING."
HE SAID THE ORDINANCE FURTHER DEFINED "BUSINESS OF BANKING" WIDELY AS "ANY OF THE ACTIVITIES OR FUNCTIONS OF A LICENSED BANK" AND HE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OR FUNCTIONS OF A BANK MUST BE TO TAKE DEPOSITS.
HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE ORDINANCE DID NOT HAVE A DEFINITION OF "DEPOSITS", THE BANKING ORDINANCE DEFINED DEPOSIT AS "A LOAN OF MONEY ... AT INTEREST, AT NO INTEREST AND AT NEGATIVE INTEREST ...."
/"AGAINST THIS
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
- 5 -
"AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND," HE SAID, "IF THE HKAB MAKES RULES SO THAT ITS MEMBERS CAN TAKE DEPOSITS AT NEGATIVE INTEREST, HOW THEN CAN THIS BE CONSIDERED TO BE ULTRA VIRES?"
LEAVING ASIDE THE POINT ABOUT LEGALITY, MR YAM SAID IT SEEMED CLEAR FROM THE EVENTS AFTER THE MAKING OF THE RULES BY HKAB THAT THE RULES HAD BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE IN RESTORING ORDER TO THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF BANKING IN HONG KONG.
"SPECULATORS HAD TO UNWIND THEIR LARGE HONG KONG DOLLAR POSITIONS, ENABLING INTEREST RATES TO RETURN TO MORE REASONABLE LEVELS," HE SAID.
IN THE ABSENCE OF THESE RULES, HE ADDED, THE BANKING SYSTEM WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO BE FLUSHED WITH EXCESS LIQUIDITY, FUELLING AN ECONOMY WHICH WAS ALREADY EXPERIENCING SIGNS OF OVERHEATING WITH INFLATION THREATENING TO ACCELERATE.
"I HOPE NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES WILL NEVER BE IMPLEMENTED, BUT I AM FIRMLY OF THE VIEW THAT IF SPECULATION ON A REVALUATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR THREATENS THE STABILITY OF OUR BANKING SYSTEM THEY SHOULD BE BROUGHT IN WITHOUT HESITATION," HE SAID.
MR YAM ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO INTRODUCE A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT TO THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE SO THAT AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION IN THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES ALLOWED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE, IT WAS AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON TO LEND OR OFFER TO LEND MONEY AT AN EFFECTIVE RATE OF INTEREST EXCEEDING 60 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
HE SAID THE MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE GAP BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR WAS THEREFORE 60 PER CENT LESS WHATEVER WAS THE INTEREST RATE FOR THE U.S. DOLLAR.
"UNDER PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF STEMMING A SPECULATIVE OUTFLOW FROM THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
"GIVEN THAT THIS PROVISION IN THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE AIMS AT LOAN SHARK ACTIVITIES IT SHOULD NOT, IN MY OPINION, BE APPLICABLE TO INTERBANK ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
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/6........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
- 6 -
GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION FEASIBILITY STUDY *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONDUCT A $12.6 MILLION STUDY TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSED GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION.
THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR KENNETH W.K. KWOK, WITH MR CHAN KA-CHING OF OVE ARUP & PARTNERS HONG KONG LIMITED AND MR PETER Y.S. PUN OF PETER Y.S. PUN & ASSOCIATES.
THE STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION COVERS ABOUT 186 HECTARES AND WILL BE FORMED BY RECLAIMING THE TRIANGULAR PIECE OF THE SEA AREA BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND GREEN ISLAND.
THIS IS ONE OF THE LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PROJECTS BEING PLANNED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF THE TERRITORY.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE RECLAMATION IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY NEEDS AND TO MAKE UP THE EXISTING SHORTFALLS IN OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.
SUBJECT TO FURTHER STUDIES, THE CENTRAL AREA OF THIS RECLAMATION COULD ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 200,000 WITH SUPPORTING FACILITIES.
THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS WILL NEED TO INTEGRATE WITH THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE PEDESTRIAN AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT LINKS.
THE RECLAMATION, TOGETHER WITH THE NEW WATERFRONT, WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF SOME EXISTING FACILITIES SUCH AS THE ABATTOIR, CEMENT WORKS AND GODOWNS AS WELL AS PORT-RELATED FACILITIES AND USES.
THE' WELL-WOODED GREEN ISLAND ITSELF WOULD BE PRESERVED AS A PROMINENT LANDSCAPE FEATURE.
THE TOTAL LANDFILL REQUIRED FOR THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION IS ABOUT 40 MILLION CUBIC METRES, AND INVESTIGATION IS BEING CARRIED OUT TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE LAND AND MARINE SOURCES OF FILL.
ON THE BASIS OF PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT, THE OVERALL COST OF THE RECLAMATION AND ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE IS ABOUT $3 BILLION.
IT IS EXPECTED LAND COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL DEVELOPMENT BY MID TO LATE 1990’S.
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*****
MOST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REPORTED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED A MILD DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987, ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, MOST OF THESE FIRMS EXPECT THEIR BUSINESS TO IMPROVE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988.
THESE COMPARISONS ARE, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. THE FIRST QUARTER IN EACH YEAR IS USUALLY A SEASONAL LOW PERIOD AS FAR AS MANUFACTURING BUSINESS IS CONCERNED.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, EXPERIENCES OF FIRMS IN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES VARIED IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE "WATCHES AND CLOCKS", "ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES" AND "ELECTRONICS" INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987, WHILE FIRMS IN "WEARING APPAREL", "TEXTILES", "PLASTICS" AND "FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS" INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED SOME DECLINE IN BUSINESS.
AS REGARDS EXPECTATION FOR THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE "FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO" INDUSTRY IN WHICH RESPONDING FIRMS EXPECT A MILD DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS, FIRMS ACROSS ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE "PLASTICS", "FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS", "ELECTRONICS" AND "WATCHES AND CLOCKS" INDUSTRIES, GENERALLY EXPECT THEIR BUSINESS TO IMPROVE OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPERIENCED A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 AND THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN FAVOURABLE IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS FOR THE "WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS" SECTOR, BUSINESS EXPERIENCES VARIED AMONG FIRMS IN DIFFERENT TRADES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, DUE MAINLY TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
WHILE FIRMS IN THE "WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS" SECTOR EXPERIENCED A MILD IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS, THE HOTELS BUSINESS EXPERIENCED A SEASONAL DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
REGARDING BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, BOTH THE "WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES" FIRMS AND THE "HOTELS" BUSINESS EXPECT TO ACHIEVE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR BUSINESS, IN CONTRAST TO THE "RESTAURANTS" BUSINESS WHICH ANTICIPATES A SEASONAL REDUCTION LN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
8
IN THE "OTHER SERVICES" SECTOR, FIRMS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES INCLUDING THE "TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION", "BANKS", "REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES" AND "MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES" CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS.
THEY GENERALLY EXPECT SATISFACTORY BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FIRMS IN THE "TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION" SECTOR WHICH EXPECT A SLIGHT DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS OUTLOOK.
ABOUT 1,000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY AND WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS, THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY FIRMS.
AS REGARDS PROBLEMS FACED BY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, SHORTAGE OF LABOUR GENERALLY REMAINED A VERY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN MOST INDUSTRIES IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND THE PROBLEM HAD APPARENTLY BECOME MORE EXTENSIVE THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
IN ADDITION, FIRMS ALSO FACED VARIOUS OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES AND HIGH LABOUR TURNOVER. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN SIGNIFICANT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, SHORTAGE OF LABOUR GENERALLY, SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR, HIGH WAGE RATES, HIGH LABOUR TURNOVER AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS IN HONG KONG WERE REPORTED BY A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF FIRMS AS PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN SIGNIFICANT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
IN ADDITION, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES ALSO EMERGED AS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN THE FIRST QUARTER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER ALSO.
THE PROBLEMS OF SHORTAGE OF STAFF AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER INCREASED IN SIGNIFICANCE AS REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE "WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES", "RESTAURANTS", "HOTELS", "TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION" AND "BANKS” BUSINESSES DURING THE FIRST QUARTER. SUCH PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
IN ADDITION, "HOTELS" AND "BANKS” BUSINESSES WERE ALSO AFFECTED SIGNIFICANTLY BY THE PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED STAFF.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD ’’IMPROVED”, "REMAINED THE SAME” OR "DETERIORATED” IN THE QUARTER JUST ENDED AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO ’’IMPROVE”, ’’REMAIN THE SAME" OR "DETERIORATE".
THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234779.
-------0 ---------
SUBMISSIONS TO SURVEY OFFICE DESTROYED
» » » » «
SUBMISSIONS MADE TO THE SURVEY OFFICE IN RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER "THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT" WERE DESTROYED AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR TODAY (THURSDAY).
CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH CONFIDENTIALITY WAS REQUESTED BY THE CONTRIBUTOR, CONTAINED IN 32 SEALED CARTON BOXES, WERE REMOVED FROM A SAFE ROOM AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, TO KENNEDY TOWN.
OTHER SUBMISSIONS, IN 161 CARTONS, WERE REMOVED FROM THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE TO THE INCINERATOR.
/THE REMOVAL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, K#*
10
THE REMOVAL OF THE CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSIONS AND THE DESTRUCTION AT KENNEDY TOWN WERE SUPERVISED BY MR ANDREW SO, ONE OF THE TWO MONITORS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1987 TO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE. THE OTHER MONITOR, MR F.K.LI, IS AWAY FROM HONG KONG.
MR JOHN CHAN, THE DEPUx’Y CHIEF SECRETARY, AND MR ADOLF HSU, WHO WAS COMMISSIONER OF THE SURVEY OFFICE, WERE ALSO PRESENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DESTRUCTION OF SUBMISSIONS WAS ORDERED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER.
A FEW SUBMISSIONS, WHICH ARE ALLEGEDLY "FALSE" AND CONSEQUENTLY THE SUBJECT OF POLICE INVESTIGATIONS, WILL ALSO BE DESTROYED WHEN INVESTIGATIONS ARE COMPLETE.
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TSIM SHA TSUI TO MUI WO FERRY SERVICE STARTS IN SUMMER
t « * » »
THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE A TEMPORARY LICENSED FERRY SERVICE FROM THE KOWLOON POINT FERRY PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND,THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID HYF WOULD OPERATE AN HOURLY SERVICE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS,SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT HYF’S OUTLYING DISTRICTS SERVICES FERRY PIER IN CENTRAL.
THIS WILL ALSO MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR PASSENGERS FROM KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO DISPERSE SOME OUTLYING DISTRICTS FERRY SERVICES TO KOWLOON AND IN TIME FOR THE SUMMER PEAK SEASON STARTING IN JUNE.
TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE CONGESTION AT KOWLOON POINT ON CERTAIN POPULAR HOLIDAYS IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, HYF WOULD INTRODUCE CROWD-CONTROL MEASURES, SUCH AS A PRE-BOOKING ARRANGEMENT REQUIRING PASSENGERS TO PURCHASE THEIR TICKETS IN ADVANCE FOR A SPECIFIC DEPARTURE AT WEEKENDS, WITH NO SALE OF TICKETS AT THE KOWLOON POINT PIER ON SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS.
IN ADDITION, HYF’S FERRIES WOULD ARRIVE WELL BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME TO ACCOMMODATE WAITING PASSENGERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TEMPORARY SERVICE WOULD BE REVIEWED IN OCTOBER. THE REVIEW WOULD CONSIDER THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE PIERS, THE SUITABILITY OF CONTINUING TO USE THE KOWLOON POINT FERRY PIER, AND PUBLIC DEMAND AND PREFERENCES WITH A VIEW TO SELECTING THE BEST PIER IN KOWLOON FOR A PERMANENT FRANCHISED SERVICE TO MUI WO.
------0-------
/11
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN
******
HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST BE LED TO SEE THAT THEIR COLLECTIVE EFFORT IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THEMSELVES.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
”1N THIS RESPECT, WE WILL REACH OUT FURTHER TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, TO INDIVIDUALS AS WELL AS ORGANISED GROUPS AND COMPANIES, ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE I’ART LN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN OPERATION,” HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE COMMITTEE HAD RECEIVED MUCH SUPPORT FROM COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC, DR PANG SAID ITS OBJECTIVES HAD NOT BEEN TOTALLY REACHED.
LAST YEAR, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD TOGETHER SPENT $605.6 MILLION IN HANDLING THE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE, REPRESENTING A 16.2 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE MONEY SPENT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THIS REFLECTED THE EVER GROWING MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES INVOLVED, DR PANG SAID.
”1T WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE COST EFFECTIVE IF THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN MORE AWARE OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY AND MORE READY TO CONTRIBUTE ITS PART IN KEEPING THE TERRITORY CLEAN,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WOULD CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON THE THEME OF ’’COMMUNITY SUPPORT”, USING AGAIN ”WE’RE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN” AS THE SLOGAN.
A MEMBER OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, DR RONALD LEUNG, WHO ALSO ATTENDED THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SAID THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE STAGES.
AT THE END OF THE MONTH, THE COMMITTEE WILL EMBARK ON A NEW THEME CALLING ON PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SAME AREA TO EXERCISE A NEIGHBOURLY ATTITUDE IN KEEPING THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD CLEAN. A ’’BLOCK TO BLOCK CLEAN-UP COMPETITION” WILL BE ORGANISED IN EACH OF THE 19 DISTRICTS TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT.
AS SUMMER DRAWS NEAR, THE COMMITTEE WILL WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE CAMPAIGN TO COVER THE BEACHES AND THE SEA. THE COMMITTEE WILL LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM OF MARINE LITTERING FROM TWO ASPECTS - THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AND THE GENERAL MARITIME CLEANLINESS.
/IN AUTUMN, ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
- 12
IN AUTUMN, THE COMMITTEE WILL TURN ITS ATTENTION TO PROMOTING A CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE CLEANLINESS OF COUNTRY PARKS.
DR LEUNG SAID A TELEVISION SPECTACULAR TO BE HELD ON MAY 27 AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM WILL START OFF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.
"SEVERAL TV ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (API’S) WILL BE PRODUCED TO TACKLE THE DIFFERENT TARGET AREAS," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THESE WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL RANGE OF ASSOCIATED MATERIALS, SUCH AS POSTERS, LEAFLETS, STICKERS, AND OTHER PRINTED ITEMS.
"JUST AS LAST YEAR, WE HAVE SOLICITED SUPPORT FROM TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS TO PROVIDE LIVE COVERAGE FOR VARIOUS MAJOR PROMOTIONAL EVENTS SO THAT THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE WOULD REACH A BIGGER AUDIENCE," HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE THE BIGGEST EVER INVOLVEMENT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE YOUTH RALLIES AND AN APPEAL DAY.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXTENSIVE YEAR-END CLEAN UP PROGRAMME FOR HOUSEHOLDS. THIS HAS BECOME A REGULAR ANNUAL ITEM, AND THIS YEAR WE WILL TRY TO MAKE IT THE MOST AMBITIOUS EVER ORGANISED,” DR LEUNG SAID.
FOR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT, A VEHICULAR FLOAT WILL BE HELD LATER IN THE YEAR.
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TSUEN WAN DB GETS $2.58M FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS *****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $2.58 MILLION THIS FINANCIAL YEAR FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS THAT WILL HELP IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY’S QUALITY OF LIFE.
THE PROVISION REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 7.9 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S ALLOCATION.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS AMONG THE BOARD’S SIX COMMITTEES IS BASED ON CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF EACH COMMITTEE’S SPENDING IN THE PAST YEAR AND NEW PROJECTS PLANNED IN THE CURRENT YEAR.
AS A GENERAL PRACTICE, FUNDS WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE DISTRICT’S TWO MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS - THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL AND THE TSUEN WAN SPORT FESTIVAL.
/LOCAL OR .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
LOCAL OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS MAY APPLY FOR GRANTS TO ENABLE THEM TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY INVOLVE .’.ENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD HAVE AGREED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS MUST BE SENT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT TWO WEEKS BEFORE A MEETING OF THE RELEVANT COMMITTEE TAKES PLACE. THIS WILL FACILITATE THE PROCESS OF GIVING APPLICATIONS DUE CONSIDERATION.
ENQUIRIES ON MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS CAN BE MADE TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE OR TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT (TEL. 0-445509).
- - 0 -
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PROJECTS « » » ♦ »
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO SPONSOR COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, WHICH HAS BEEN ALLOCATED A TOTAL OF $853,200 IN 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR FOR ORGANISING AND SPONSORING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATIONS, TOGETHER WITH DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS, SHOULD REACH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT LEAST THREE WEEKS BEFORE EACH COMMITTEE MEETING. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
FOR THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE, THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 16. FOR THE OTHER MEETINGS IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DEADLINES ARE JULY 4, SEPTEMBER 6, NOVEMBER 7 AND DECEMBER 9.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER EACH APPLICATION CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
- 0 - -
/1U
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
SCHOOL HEADS PRAISED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION EFFORTS * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS WAS PRAISED TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION.
SPEAKING AT THE COUNCIL'S SIXTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, THE ACTING CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, COMMENDED THE COUNCIL FOR INITIATING VARIOUS MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PRODUCTION OF A VIDEO FILM FOR PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION.
PRODUCED BY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM OVER 30 SCHOOLS, THE FILM FEATURES THE HISTORY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, IN AN ATTEMPT TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
MISS TSE SAID THE COUNCIL PROVIDED EFFECTIVE LINKS BETWEEN THE EDUCATION SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
AFTER THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS ROSANNA TAM, ADDRESSED THE GATHERING ON YOUTH POLICY.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WHO ATTENDED THE FUNCTION.
- 0 - -
SAFETY FIRST IN SUMMER JOBS * ♦ * * t
STUDENTS WHO PLAN TO TAKE JOBS DURING THE COMING SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE URGED TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
THE PLEA WAS MADE TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, WHO WAS CONCERNED ABOUT STUDENTS GETTING HURT WHILE DOING SUMMER JOBS.
"THE SITUATION REQUIRES MORE ATTENTION THIS YEAR AS MANY EMPLOYERS ARE FACING THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE AND ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUMMER JOB SEEKERS TO FILL THE VACANCIES," MR YIP SAID.
"BUT MOST OF THESE WORKERS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED, DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ARE THEREFORE PRONE TO ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.
/STATISTICS COMPILED
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT IN PREVIOUS YEARS, SUMMER JOB WORKERS WERE OFTEN INJURED IN THE COURSE OE OPERATING MACHINERY AND STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS.
OTHER INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, HANDLING ITEMS WITHOUT MACHINERY, USE OF HAND TOOLS AND FALLING OBJECTS.
PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT AGAINST EMPLOYERS WHERE APPROPRIATE.
MR YIP STRESSED THAT SUMMER JOB SEEKERS SHOULD FIRST ASSESS THEIR OWN ABILITIES, AND THEN CONSIDER WHAT KIND OF JOB WOULD SUIT THEM.
"THOSE LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB OR THEIR FIRST JOB SHOULD TAKE SOMETHING THAT IS SIMPLE AND EASY IN NATURE,” HE SAID.
"JOBS THAT INVOLVE POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR HEAVY MANUAL LABOUR, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED.”
IN PARTICULAR, HE STRESSED, STUDENTS MUST STAY AWAY FROM RISKY JOBS WHICH INCLUDE:
* WORKING AT HEIGHT
* USE OF CHEMICALS
« OPERATION OF HEAVY MACHINERY
» FIRE-RELATED PROCESSES
MR YIP ALSO CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE THAT THOSE IN THEIR EMPLOY WERE CLOSELY AND PROPERLY SUPERVISED AND NOT GIVEN JOBS WHICH WERE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
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SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ITALY EXTENDED
* « *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ITALY, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE TO 23 CITIES, WILL BE EXTENDED TO FIVE MORE CITIES - ANCONA, FORLI, LEGNANO, PESCARA AND ROZZANO - FROM MAY 16, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE 28 CITIES IN ITALY TO WHICH THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE: ANCONA, AREZZO, BARI, BOLOGNA, CAGLIARI, CARPI, CATANIA, FLORENCE, FORLI, GENOA, LEGNANO, LIVORNO, MILAN, MODENA, MONZA, NAPLES, PALERMO, PARMA, PESCARA, PIACENZA, PISA, PRATO, REGGIO EMILIA, ROME, ROZZANO, TURIN, VENICE, AND VERONA.
/"THE SPEEDPOST .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1988
- 16 -
"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," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8683868.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES *
IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 14), THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KIN HONG STREET IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF LAI CHO ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN JOINT STREET AND I, IM CHO STREET AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
IN TSING Yl, THE TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 15) TO FACILITATE MONITORING OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE BRIDGE.
THE BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM AND FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
DURING THE CLOSURES, THE BRIDGE WILL BE RE-OPENED TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT A FIVE-MINUTE INTERVAL AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
-------0----------
REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ATLANTIC CAPITAL LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE AT ITS OWN REQUEST AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY.
-------O ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOUR-DAY TEST AT TUNNEL COMPLETED .......................... 1
ANOTHER TEST TO RELIEVE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CONGESTION ... 2
PUBLIC VIEWS CW METROPLAN TO BE SOUGHT ..................... 3
SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HK INIXJSTRIES............. 3
COMMITTEE EXAMINES PUBLIC OPINION ON SURROGACY ............. 5
FOUR RESIDENTS RECEIVE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS ................. 6
ROLL OF HONOUR ENSHRINED.................................... 6
PROPOSAL TO CLOSE KOWLOON STREETS FOR REDEVELOPMENT ........ 7
INCREASE IN ADVANCE PAYMENTS TO PNEUMOCONIOTIC VICTIMS
PROPOSED ................................................. 8
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 4TH QUARTER OF 1987 PUBLISHED ................................................. 9
VISITORS TO CIVIC EDUCATION CENTRE TOP 10,000 MARK ........ 12
DRAFT Ma TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED ............... 13
DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OZP .MENDED ............ I1*
TF.ft CHERS COLLEGE PREPARES COURSE ON TRAINING DEVELOPMENT .. 15
EXTENSION OF SUNDAY MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICES ............ 16
OLD-TYPE I.D. CaRDS DECKiRED INVALID....................... 17
ROADWORKS IN CONNECTION WITH LRT RESERVE PROPOSED ......... 18
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED .................. 18
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUALIFY ......................... 19
WATER CUTS IN HO MAN TIN, KWaI CHUNG ...................... 20
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KING'S ROAD.............. 20
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
1 FOUR-DAY TEST AT TUNNEL COMPLETED ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE FINDINGS OF THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING TEST AT THE HONG KONG ENTRANCE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ARE BEING EVALUATED ON THEIR IMPACT ON TUNNEL THROUGHPUT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TEST HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE MORNINGS SINCE TUESDAY (MAY 10) AND WAS COMPLETED TODAY.
IN THE FIRST MORNING, THE TEST WAS CONDUCTED FROM 10.30 AM TO 12.30 PM. TRAFFIC COUNTS MADE AT THE APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL INDICATED A MODERATE IMPROVEMENT IN THROUGHPUT BY ABOUT NINE PER CENT AFTER THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS HAD BEEN SWITCHED ON.
THE TEST WAS ALSO CARRIED OUT FOR TWO HOURS ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, WITH VARIATIONS IN IMPLEMENTATION TIME TO EXAMINE THEIR IMPACT. TUNNEL THROUGHPUT WAS MAINTAINED AT NORMAL WEEKDAY LEVEL, ALTHOUGH VEHICLES AT THE TUNNEL PORTAL HAD MERGED IN A MORE ORDERLY MANNER.
TODAY'S TEST, IMPLEMENTED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE HOURS STARTING FROM 7.30 AM, FOCUSSED MAINLY ON THE IMPACT OF THE LENGTH OF GREEN LIGHT TIME ON TRAFFIC QUEUES.
BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM, ONLY THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS ON THE APPROACH ROAD FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD WERE OPERATED IN ORDER TO GIVE PRIORITY TO VEHICLES COMING FROM CANAL ROAD FLYOVER. NO QUEUE WAS FOUND ON THE FLYOVER, BUT SUBSTANTIAL CONGESTION APPEARED ON OTHER APPROACH ROADS.
FROM 9 AM ONWARDS, PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO VEHICLES COMING FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD, AND THIS HAD AGAIN RESULTED IN LONG TRAFFIC QUEUES ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER.
IN ADDITION, LONG TRAFFIC QUEUES MIGHT ALSO BE DUE TO THE HEAVY RAINFALL THIS MORNING.
RESULTS OF THE TEST AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ON THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
2
ANOTHER TEST TO RELIEVE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CONGESTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL TEST FROM 11 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) ANOTHER SCHEME TO IMPROVE VEHICLE MERGING MOVEMENTS ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
THE SCHEME WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE TO FOUR DAYS, DEPENDING ON ITS PROGRESS AND RESULTS.
THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TEST TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY. A SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING TEST HAS BEEN TRIED OUT AT THE HONG KONG ENTRANCE OF THE TUNNEL BETWEEN TUESDAY AND FRIDAY THIS WEEK.
THE EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME WILL BE CARRIED OUT NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND AND THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
AT PRESENT, BOTH APPROACH ROADS ARE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS. MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON THE FOUR LANES OF THESE TWO ROADS ARE REQUIRED FIRST TO MERGE INTO THREE LANES AND THEN LATER INTO TWO LANES WHEN THEY MEET TRAFFIC COMING FROM CHATHAM ROAD NORTH.
THE MERGING MOVEMENTS HAVE CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL CONFUSION INVOLVING VEHICLES TRAVELLING TOWARDS THE TUNNEL PORTAL.
UNDER THE EXPERIMENT, INSTEAD OF ALL VEHICLES WEAVING ABOUT AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON THE SAME APPROACH ROAD WILL BE REGULATED TO MERGE ONLY AMONG THEMSELVES INTO A SINGLE LANE.
IT IS HOPED THAT THIS WILL SIMPLIFY THE MERGING MOVEMENTS AND FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW TOWARDS THE TUNNEL.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOUR-LANE TRAFFIC FROM THE TWO APPROACH ROADS WILL BE TRIMMED INTO A TWO-LANE OPERATION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THUS ELIMINATING THE NEEDS FOR FURTHER MERGING WHEN THEY MEET VEHICLES COMING FROM CHATHAM ROAD NORTH.
TRAFFIC CONES WILL BE PLACED ON THE TWO APPROACH ROADS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
VARIATIONS IN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS THE POSITIONING OF Till TRAFFIC CONES AND THE REGULATING OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS, WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE COURSE OF THE EXPERIMENT IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THEIR DIFFERENT IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC FLOW.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTION INDICATED BY THE TRAFFIC CONES, AND TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE.
-------0---------
/3........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 3 -
PUBLIC VIEWS ON METROPLAN TO BE SOUGHT * * » » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE UPGRADING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA AROUND THE HARBOUR.
ALL ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET -- METROPLAN, THE AIMS -- WILL BE RELEASED ON MONDAY (MAY 16) ON WHICH THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COMMENT.
THE BOOKLET SETS OUT THE BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT, THE
GOVERNMENT’S BROAD GOALS AND PROPOSALS ON HOW THESE COULD BE ACHIEVED.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WILL HOLD
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE
CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, DR E.G.
PRYOR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, SECOND FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
- 0 ---------
SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HK INDUSTRIES
*****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT ITS ANNUAL SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FROM MAY TO JULY.
ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY IS TO UPDATE THE DEPARTMENT’S DATA ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, IN TERMS OF CAPITAL INJECTION, EMPLOYMENT CREATED, NEW OR IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCED, PRODUCTS INVOLVED AND EXPORT PROSPECTS.
/THE OTHER
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1988
THE OTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO ASSESS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF HONG KONG AS A LOCATION FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE OF PRIME IMPORTANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FURTHER OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WITH EMPHASIS ON BRINGING IN NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES TO HONG KONG.
THE FINDINGS WILL ALSO BE USEFUL TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN EVALUATING INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES AND ESTABLISHING FACTORIES HERE.
THE TARGETS OF THE SURVEY ARE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN I.'iE TERRITORY WHICH INVOLVE OVERSEAS INTERESTS, INCLUDING THOSE WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY COMPANIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG; BY LOCAL COMPANIES WHOSE ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANIES ARE OUTSIDE HONG KONG; OR BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL SEND QUESTIONNAIRES TO ALL THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AND REQUEST THEM TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BEFORE JUNE 1.
THOSE WHO ARE NOT CONTACTED BY MAY 20 ARE INVITED TO APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICIAN, MR ANTHONY MAK, ON 3-7222426 FOR A COPY OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
FIELD WORKERS WILL CONTACT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
THE DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND RESTRICTED FOR ITS OWN USE.
THE SURVEY REPORT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE END OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR, WILL BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE.
THE REPORT ON THE 1987 SURVEY WAS PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
-----0------
/5........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 5 -
COMMITTEE EXAMINES PUBLIC OPINION ON SURROGACY
*****
THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION AT ITS MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) EXAMINED PUBLIC OPINION ON THE INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE ISSUE OF SURROGACY.
MEMBERS DELIBERATED IN DETAIL ON THE PUBLIC VIEWS COLLECTED THROUGH WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND COMMENTS FROM INDIVIDUALS OR INTEREST GROUPS, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND PRESS COMMENTS.
"WE PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST SURROGACY DESPITE THE STRINGENT CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE," THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DR C.H. LEONG, SAID.
"IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE LIVELY DEBATES GOING ON IN THE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR COLUMNS AFTER WE HAVE ANNOUNCED OUR PRELIMINARY VIEWS ON SURROGACY.
"IT DEMONSTRATES A GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SUBJECT, AND HENCE ENABLING THE COMMITTEE TO ASSESS PUBLIC VIEWS MORE ACCURATELY BEFORE PUTTING ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"WE ARE NOT PROMOTING SURROGACY AT ALL; WHAT WE ARE SAYING IS THAT A NEW SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUE WHICH COULD HELP A MARRIED COUPLE TO HAVE THEIR GENETIC CHILD SHOULD NOT BE BANNED ENTIRELY.
"REALISING THAT SUCH PRACTICES COULD LEAD TO MANY MORAL AND LEGAL PROBLEMS, WE ARE THEREFORE RECOMMENDING STRINGENT CONDITIONS TO BE IMPOSED ON SUCH PRACTICES.
"THE RIGHTS OF THE SURROGATE MOTHER WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE CLEARLY SPELT OUT, AND ALSO THE IMPACT ON THE CHILD BORN THROUGH SURROGACY WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY LOOKED AT."
DR LEONG SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT CONSULTATIONS ON AN EXTENSIVE BASIS.
"THIS WILL INCLUDE ESTABLISHING A DIRECT DIALOGUE WITH CONCERNED GROUPS WHICH ARE WILLING TO TALK TO US, OR POSSIBLY ISSUING A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT TO THE PUBLIC AFTER A FEW ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE WILL LOOK AT THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A LICENSING AUTHORITY TO REGULATE IN-VITRO FERTILISATION PRACTICES AT ITS NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD IN JULY.
"THE COMMITTEE WELCOMES VIEWS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THEIR PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS," DR LEONG SAID.
ANY COMMENTS AND OPINIONS CAN BE SENT TO THE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0------- /6....................
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
FOUR RESIDENTS RECEIVE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS * * * » »
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATTHEWS, PRESENTED GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS TO FOUR PUBLIC-SPIRITED RESIDENTS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE RECIPIENTS - MR NG CHUN-HON, MR PO CHI-KEUNG, MR LUI CHAN-LEE AND MR KO CHI-KWONG - WERE SELECTED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND STRONG SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
MR NG CHUN-HON HELPED THE POLICE CATCH A SUSPECTED ROBBER IN A GARDEN IN CENTRAL, WHILE MR PO CHI-KEUNG AND MR LUI CHAN-LEE TOGETHER ASSISTED THE POLICE IN ARRESTING A PICKPOCKET SUSPECT.
MR KO CHI-KWONG PROVIDED INFORMATION WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY LED TO THE RECOVERY OF JEWELLERY ROBBED FROM A SHOP IN THE LANDMARK.
- - 0 - -
ROLL OF HONOUR ENSHRINED * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, TODAY (FRIDAY) OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS TO ENSHRINE A ROLL OF HONOUR OF 18 FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN WHO DIED IN THE COURSE OF DUTY.
IN THE SHORT CEREMONY ATTENDED BY SENIOR OFFICERS AND UNION REPRESENTATIVES, MR MARCH LAID A WREATH AT THE ROLL.
THE DEAD WERE AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, A SENIOR STATION OFFICER, SIX STATION OFFICERS, A SENIOR FIREMAN, A SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN, SEVEN FIREMEN AND AN AMBULANCEMAN.
"THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THEIR LIVES WERE TAKEN AWAY WERE DIFFERENT," MR MARCH SAID.
"SOME WERE KILLED WHILE FIGHTING FIRES, SOME LOST THEIR LIVES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE OTHERS AND SOME DIED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHILE RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES.
"NEVERTHELESS THEIR DEVOTION AND DEDICATION TO THEIR DUTIES WERE EQUALLY EXEMPLARY."
"THEIR COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO THE KIND OF DANGEROUS BUT MEANINGFUL JOB THEY CHOSE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 7 -
PROPOSAL TO CLOSE KOWLOON STREETS FOR REDEVELOPMENT * » » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY LEE TAT STREET, CHEUNG SHUI STREET, PART OF CANTON ROAD AND A NUMBER OF SERVICE LANES THAT FALL WITHIN AN AREA IN KOWLOON TO BE REDEVELOPED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY.
THE HOUSING SOCIETY IS TO BE GRANTED ABOUT 1.463 HECTARES OF LAND KNOWN AS THE "SIX STREETS AREA" WHICH CURRENTLY COMPRISES FOUR TO SIX-STOREY TENEMENTS ALL OF WHICH ARE UNDER GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP.
THE HOUSING SOCIETY PLANS TO DEMOLISH THE EXISTING BUILDINGS IN TWO PHASES AND AS PART OF AN URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO REDEVELOP THE AREA.
THE SCHEME INVOLVES BUILDING OF FIVE BLOCKS OF 28-STOREY DOMESTIC TOWERS OVER THREE LEVELS OF PODIUM, PROVIDING ABOUT 1,600 FLATS FOR SALE AND RENT, AND PROVISION OF COMMERCIAL FACILITIES, CARPARKING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE.
REDEVELOPMENT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES AND CLOSURE OF THE ROADS WITHIN PHASE I WILL BE EFFECTED ONLY AFTER DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BUILDINGS THERE.
DURING PHASE I WORK, THE ROADS AND SERVICE LANES WITHIN PHASE 11 WILL REMAIN OPEN TO SERVE THE EXISTING BUILDINGS THERE.
CLOSURE OF THE ROADS AND SERVICE LANES WITHIN PHASE II WILL ONLY BE EFFECTED AFTER DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE AREA COVERED BY THIS PHASE.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
THEY MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JULY 12 THIS YEAR.
--------0----------
/8.......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 8 -
INCREASE IN ADVANCE PAYMENTS TO PNEUMOCONIOTIC VICTIMS PROPOSED
♦ t ♦ *
THE AMOUNT OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS WHICH VICTIMS OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS MAY RECEIVE WILL BE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), IS ENACTED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE BILL PROPOSED TO EMPOWER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO MAKE ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF UP TO $20,000 TO SUCH NEEDY PERSONS PENDING SETTLEMENT OR DETERMINATION OF COMPENSATION CLAIMS.
AT PRESENT, THE AMOUNT OF ADVANCE PAYMENT IN EACH CASE IS LIMITED TO $1,000 ONLY.
"AS THIS IS TOO SMALL TO REALLY HELP THE VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, IT IS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE ADVANCE PAYMENT TO RELIEVE THEIR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING ON THE 25TH OF THIS MONTH.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY AMENDED THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS) REGULATIONS TO INCREASE THE ASSUMED AMOUNT OF MINIMUM MONTHLY EARNINGS OF A PNEUMOCONIOTIC PERSON FROM $100 TO $920 AND TO RE-DEFINE FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AS "EMPLOYMENT FOR NOT LESS THAN 40 HOURS DURING A MINIMUM PERIOD OF FIVE DAYS IN ANY ONE WEEK".
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WERE INTRODUCED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING COMPENSATION UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE AS WELL AS BRINGING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL AND THE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
-------O --------
/9.......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
9 -
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 4TH QUARTER OF 1987 PUBLISHED *****
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987, AT 180, WAS 15 POINTS OR 9.1 PER CENT ABOVE THAT FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARED WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF 15.7 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987, 18.8 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987, AND 23.9 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987, THE INDEX SHOWED A DECREASE OF FOUR POINTS OR 2.2 PER CENT.
INDUSTRIES SHOWING THE LARGEST INCREASES IN PRODUCTION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986 WERE : ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY (+41.1 PER CENT); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+39.8 PER CENT); LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER, PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR) (+31.9 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+31.3 PER CENT); AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+30.8 PER CENT).
CONCURRENTLY, PRODUCTION IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES INCREASED BY 5.6 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986.
THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES REPORTED A DECLINE IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1986 : PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-9 PER CENT); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (-8.8 PER CENT); PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1.3 PER CENT); AND FOOD (-3 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THAT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT BEARING IN MIND THIS COMPARISON IS SUBJECT TO THE INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL EFFECTS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN PRODUCTION INCLUDED :
TOBACCO (+16.6 PER CENT); LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER, PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR) (+14.3 PER CENT); NON-METALL1C MINERAL PRODUCTS (+10.1 PER CENT); WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, AND FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (EXCEPT PRIMARILY OF METAL) (+9.3 PER CENT); AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+7.3 PER CENT).
AT THE SAME TIME, EIGHT INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME DECREASES IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987.
/THE MORE
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 10 -
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN PRODUCTION WERE RECORDED IN THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES : BEVERAGE (-32.1 PER CENT); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-23.7 PER CENT); BASIC METALS (-15.2 PER CENT); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (-11.5 PER CENT); FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (-9.5 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) (-6.3 PER CENT).
COMBINING THE INDICES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE INDICES FOR THE PRECEDING THREE QUARTERS, THE INDICES FOR 1987 AS A WHOLE COULD BE DERIVED.
COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING INDICES FOR 1986, MOST INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME INCREASES IN PRODUCTION, WITH PARTICULARLY LARGE INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES : PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+45.7 PER CENT); CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+35.4 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY (+34 PER CENT); RUBBER PRODUCTS (+32.7 PER CENT); LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER, PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR) (+31.3 PER CENT); AND TOBACCO (+31.1 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY RECORDED A SLIGHT DROP IN PRODUCTION (-1 PER CENT).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER REMOVING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGE.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTER INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, FOURTH QUARTER 1987".
THIS PUBLICATION IS ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 1 9TII FLOOR, WANCIIAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED WITH THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC'S DEPARTMENT ON 5-823 1832.
/Indices of •••••••
11
FRIDAY, MAY 1}, 19bb
Indices of industrial production by industry group
(19&1 . 100)
Industry group Indices for 4th qtr. of 1987 % change over 4th qtr. of 3rd qtr. of 1986 1987 change in the index for 1987 a» a whole over the preceding year
Food 159 -3.0 0.0 +1.9
Beverage < 108 *9.1 -32.1 +5.3
Tobs cco 316 ♦25.9 ♦16.6 +31.1
Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 152 ♦5.6 ♦5.6 +12.8
Textiles (including knitting) 178 ♦0.6 -6.3 +13.3
Paper and paper products 376 +39.8 -11.5 +45.7
Newspaper printing, job printing and other printing 213 +9.8 -3.2 +18.1
Chemicals and chemical products 197 -8.8 0.0 -1.0
Rubber products 147 +13.1 -2.6 ♦32.7
Plastic products 193 -9.0 -23.7 ♦6.2
Non-metallic mineral products 152 +25.6 ♦10.1 ♦17.5
Basic metals 89 ♦6.0 -15.2 +17.5
Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment 190 +9.8 -9.5 +16.4
Machinery, except electrical 235 +22.4 ♦2.6 +27.5
Consumer electrical and electronic products 238 +30.8 +6.7 +35.4
Electrical and electronic parts, accessories and machinery 151 +41.1 ♦0.7 +34.0
Professional and scientific equipment, photographic and optical goods, watches and clocks 177 -4.3 +2.3 +2.3
Leather products and footwear (except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear) 120 +31.9 ♦14.3 +31.3
Wood and cork products, and furniture and fixtures (except primarily of metal) 117 ♦2.6 +9.3 ♦7.1
Transport equipment 147 +31.3 ♦7.3 ♦0.7
Miscellaneous manufacturing industries, n.e.e. 197 ♦2.6 +6.5 ♦19.2
All manufacturing industries 180 ♦9.1 -2.2 +16.4
- 0 - - /12 ... • • • •
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 12 -
VISITORS TO CIVIC EDUCATION CENTRE TOP 10,000 MARK
*****
THE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED ITS 10.000TH VISITOR SINCE IT CAME INTO OPERATION IN DECEMBER 1985 AS A FOCAL POINT TO PROVIDE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE MATERIALS TO SCHOOL TEACHERS.
THE 10,000TH MARK WAS REACHED EARLIER THIS WEEK WHEN A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AND HISTORY, MR CHOI KAM-CHUNG, DROPPED IN NOT ONLY TO USE THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES, BUT ALSO TO MAKE A SHORT VIDEO FILM WITH A FELLOW TEACHER ON THE RANGE OF SERVICES AND MATERIALS AVAILABLE THERE.
THE FILM, WHEN READY, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BY VISITORS TO THE CENTRE.
MR CHOI IS A REGULAR USER OF THE CENTRE.
"I FIND THE CENTRE VERY USEFUL. IT HELPS ME A LOT IN COMPILING TEACHING MATERIALS TO PROMOTE A GREATER CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG THE STUDENTS," HE SAID.
"I AM NEVER TIRED OF COMING BACK BECAUSE THE MATERIALS IN THE CENTRE ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATED."
"ANOTHER ATTRACTION IS THE CENTRE'S QUIET ENVIRONMENT WHICH HAS GIVEN ME MUCH INSPIRATION ON HOW TO ORGANISE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS EFFECTIVELY."
"IT IS AN IDEAL PLACE FOR LOOKING UP CIVIC EDUCATION MATERIALS AND I HOPE THAT MORE TEACHERS WILL MAKE USE OF ITS SERVICES," MR CHOI ADDED.
TO MARK THE VISIT OF THE 10,000 VISITOR, MR CHOI WAS PRESENTED A PLAQUE BY THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, MR CHEUNG WING-HUNG.
THE CENTRE, LOCATED AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE CENTRAL REFERENCE, INFORMATION AND ADVISORY SERVICES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE TEACHING OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
IT IS STOCKED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF BOOKS, PERIODICALS, NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS, AND OTHER TEACHING RESOURCE MATERIALS SUCH AS MODULES, GAMES, TEACHING SCHEMES, AND CHARTS. IT IS ALSO FURNISHED WITH AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING SOUND AND VIDEO TAPES FOR TEACHING PURPOSES.
- 0 -
/13
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
DRAFT MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED
*****
AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE AMENDMENT, THE TIEN HUNG BUILDING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF MA TAU KOK ROAD AND PAU CHUNG STREET, IS REZONED FROM "OTHER SPECIFIED USES (COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA)” TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".
"THIS AMENDMENT IS MADE IN PURSUANCE OF A DECISION OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO MEET AN OBJECTION LODGED WHEN THE DRAFT MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WAS GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 10, 1986," A BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SINCE THE BUILDING IS RELATIVELY NEW AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION, THE BOARD DECIDED TO EXCLUDE IT FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA," HE ADDED.
THE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY MAY 27 THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MAP SALES COUNTER, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. THE PRICE IS $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
- - 0 - -
/1U
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 14 -
DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OZP AMENDED ♦ * * » *
THE DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN HAS BEEN AMENDED TO BRING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE OLD AND CONGESTED AREA ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE PLAN IS AMENDED TO INCLUDE A HIGH CAPACITY ELEVATED ROAD ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST. THIS ROAD WOULD EXTEND FROM THE RUMSEY STREET FLYOVER NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO THE WESTERN CARGO HANDLING AREA.
A TOWN PLANNING BOARD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS FOR THE ROAD HAD BEEN INVESTIGATED, AND THAT THE ONE SELECTED WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE BEST IN TERMS OF BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC EFFECTS.
THIS ELEVATED ROAD WILL COMPLETE A FREE-FLOW TRAFFIC SYSTEM WHICH IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE SEPARATION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM LOCAL TRAFFIC WHICH WILL PRIMARILY BE AT GROUND LEVEL.
TWO AREAS FOR COMPREHENSIVE URBAN RENEWAL HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN.
ONE AREA IS BOUNDED BY DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, JUBILEE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND GILMAN BAZAAR. THE OTHER IS WITHIN WING LOK STREET, WING WO STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL/BONHAM STRAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BOTH AREAS CONSISTED OF OLD BUILDINGS AND NARROW STREETS WITH VERY LITTLE OPEN SPACE OR COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE COMPREHENSIVE URBAN RENEWAL WILL PROVIDE A MODERN LAYOUT OP STREETS, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND BETTER HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
THREE SITES AT MUI FONG STREET, SAI WOO LANE AND TSZ MI ALLEY TO THE EAST OF EASTERN STREET AND OFF WHITTY STREET WILL BE REZONED TO "OPEN SPACE" TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL AREAS.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
/COPIES OF
FRIDAY, MAY 1}, I9B8
- 15 -
COPIES OF THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE DRAFT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING AND SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY JUNE 3 THIS YEAR.
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TEACHERS COLLEGE PREPARES COURSE ON TRAINING DEVELOPMENT * » * ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A COURSE, STARTING IN SEPTEMBER, THAT WILL LEAD TO THE AWARD OF THE CERTIFICATE IN TRAINING DEVELOPMENT.
THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SYSTEMATIC AND EFFECTIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO OPTIMISE THE USE OF RESOURCES TO DESIGN PERSONNEL TRAINING COURSES AND TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY IN TRAINING.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE SERVING TRAINERS OR SENIOR INSTRUCTORS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY 5 EDUCATION AND POSSESS EITHER A CERTIFICATE IN BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES OR A CERTIFICATE IN PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT OR EQUIVALENT.
SERVING TRAINING PERSONNEL WITHOUT SUCH CERTIFICATE BUT WHO HAVE OBTAINED A DEGREE OR HAVE MORE THAN FIVE YEARS’ WORKING EXPERIENCE IN THE TRAINING FIELD MAY ALSO APPLY.
THE COURSE WILL LAST FOR SEVEN MONTHS AND PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND LECTURES ON A PART-TIME DAY AND EVENING RELEASE BASIS.
A CERTIFICATE IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS RECOGNISED BY THE UK INSTITUTE OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE SUCCESSFULLY. HOLDERS OF THE CERTIFICATE ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE INSTITUTE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI .
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 9.
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/16........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 16 -
EXTENSION OF SUNDAY MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICES ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 21 THE SHA TIN MARRIAGE REGISTRY AT THE GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, NO. 1 YUEN WO ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES, WILL ALSO PROVIDE MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICES ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.
FROM THAT DATE, THE OPENING HOURS OF THE SHA TIN MARRIAGE REGISTRY ON SUNDAY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
9 AM - 12.45 PM AND
2 PM - 4.45 PM
’’THE SERVICE PROVIDED ON SUNDAY WILL BE FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES ONLY,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’COUPLES WHO WISH TO CELEBRATE THEIR MARRIAGES AT THE SHA TIN MARRIAGE REGISTRY ON AUGUST 21 (SUNDAY) OR SUBSEQUENT SUNDAYS MAY GIVE NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE AT THIS REGISTRY FROM MAY 21,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED AT THE FOLLOWING MARRIAGE REGISTRIES OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS (SATURDAY AFTERNOONS OR SUNDAYS):
(1) CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY
A) SATURDAY 2 PM - 4.45 PM (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS)
B) SUNDAY 9 AM - 12.45 PM AND
2 PM - 4.45 PM
(II) COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY
SUNDAY 9 AM - 12.45 PM AND 2 PM - 4.45 PM
(III) KOWLOON MARRIAGE REGISTRY
SUNDAY 9 AM - 12.45 PM
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/17........
FRIDAY, MAY 13,
1988
- 17 -
OLD-TYPE I.D. CARDS DECLARED INVALID
t » » « »
ALL OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1 LAST YEAR TO MEN BORN IN 1963 TO 1968 WILL CEASE TO BE VALID DOCUMENTS FROM MAY 21 THIS YEAR, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THIS IS THE FIRST BATCH OF IDENTITY CARDS DECLARED INVALID SINCE THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME STARTED ON JULY 1, 1987.
"ONCE AN OLD CARD IS DECLARED INVALID, IT WILL NO LONGER BE
ACCEPTED FOR ANY PURPOSE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP HOLDING AN INVALID
OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT FOR TRAVELLING TO
CHINA OR MACAU OR TO APPLY FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT."
THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED THEIR SPECIFIED CARD RENEWAL PERIODS DUE TO THEIR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG OR ANY OTHER REASONS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPROACH ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES.
THESE CASES WILL BE LOOKED INTO THOROUGHLY AND DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
"THE SIZE OF THE NEW TYPE IDENTITY CARDS IS THE SAME AS THE OLD ONES. HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAIN DIFFERENCES ARE:
» THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBER IS PRINTED ON THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF THE OLD CARD, BUT ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE NEW CARD.
» THE HONG KONG CREST ON THE BACK IS REPLACED BY A MULTI-COLOUR BACKGROUND PRINTING.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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/18
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
18 -
ROADWORKS IN CONNECTION WITH LRT RESERVE PROPOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
ROADWORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT ALONG THE EASTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI), BETWEEN PRIME VIEW GARDEN AND BUT SAN SCHOOL, IN CONNECTION WITH THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE IN TUEN MUN, HAVE BEEN PROPOSED.
THE RESERVE FORMS PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE TO TUEN MUN (NORTH-EAST) REGIONAL LINK OF THE LRT SYSTEM.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS AND A STAIRCASE ALONGSIDE THE LRT RESERVE. SOME ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). A NOTICE HAS BEEN POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE PLAN OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN, SIXTH FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JULY 12 THIS YEAR.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
*****
' ■ I
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO SEEK THE CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON THE ROOFS OF TWO BUILDINGS IN NORTH POINT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE ON THE ROOFS OF 22, 24, 26
AND 28 MERCURY STREET.
/THE CLOSURES
FRIDAY, MAY 1J, 1988
- 19 -
THE CLOSURES ARE PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 26, 1986 REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THESE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 15 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
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CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUALIFY * * t ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION IN A TENDER EXERCISE CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL APPROACHES AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD INTERCHANGE.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE KOWLOON CAIRN TUNNEL AND WILL PROVIDE AN INTERCHANGE AND PRINCE EDWARD AND KWUN TONG ROADS.
IT WILL ALSO BE CONNECTED TO THE KWUN TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
APPROACHES TO THE TATE’S
BETWEEN THE APPROACHES
TONG BYPASS AND THENCE
THE APPROACH ROADS AND INTERCHANGE WILL BE LARGELY ELEVATED AND THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE EXTENSIVE UTILITY DIVERSIONS AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING ROADS.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1991.
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/20
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
20 -
WATER CUTS IN HO MAN TIN, KWAI CHUNG ♦ ♦ » * ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, PEACE AVENUE AND ARGYLE STREET.
ALSO FOR MAINS WORK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE, SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK LEI ESTATE AND KWAI SHING EAST AND WEST ESTATES.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KING'S ROAD ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KING’S ROAD TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
BETWEEN MONDAY (MAY 16) AND WEDNESDAY (MAY 18), FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, BOAT STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND ELECTRIC ROAD, AND KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN SHELL STREET AND POWER STREET EXCEPT FOR THE ACCESS TO THE YUET MING BUILDING CARPARK, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KING’S ROAD, EXCEPT FOR ACCESS TO THE YUET MING BUILDING CARPARK, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHELL STREET, MERLIN STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD AND POWER STREET BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
IN ADDITION, BUS ROUTES 2, 8, 10, 19, 23, 38, 42, 63, 65, 81, 102, 106, 110, 112, 116 AND 122 ON THEIR EASTBOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HING FAT STREET, GORDON ROAD, ELECTRIC ROAD AND TIN CHONG STREET BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
/EASTBOUND BUS
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988
- 21
EASTBOUND BUS ROUTES 10A, 1OB, 20, 21, 22, 80 AND 81M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GORDON ROAD, ELECTRIC ROAD AND TIN CHONG STREET BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY BETWEEN MAY 19 AND 30 EXCEPT SATURDAYS, KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 499 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH NORTH POINT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KING’S ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT ROAD AND JAVA ROAD BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
BUS ROUTES 2, 8, 10B, 20, 21, 22, 80, 81, 81M, 102, 106, 110
AND 116 ON THEIR EASTBOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT ROAD, JAVA ROAD AND MAN HONG STREET BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
EASTBOUND BUS ROUTES 10, 10A, 19, 23, 27, 38, 41, 42, 63, 65, 112 AND 122 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT ROAD AND JAVA ROAD BEFORE REJOINING KING’S ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHINA'S UNDERSTANDING OF HK SITUATION IS IMPORTANT: BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO PEKING ............................... 1
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR J^I.'UaRY -MARCH RELEASED.............................................. 2
HK'S FIRST INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM FOUND HELPFUL .................................................
FIELD TEST FOR CENSUS OPERATION ............................ 6
MANPOWER SURVEY ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TO BEGIN ........... 6
CH..'lNGE PROPOSED IN AMENDING PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES .... 7
PRAISE FOR AUXILIARY POLICE ................................ 8
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME .................. 8
PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN DB FOCUS ................... 9
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS ............ 10
JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIP FOR LOCAL STUDENTS .................... 11
REGIMENT SEEKING NEW RECRUITS .............................. 12
SHA TIN TRAFFIC LANES TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY.............. 13
TWO NEW BUS ROUTES FOR KOWLOON ............................. 13
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 1
CHINA’S UNDERSTANDING OF HK SITUATION IS IMPORTANT: BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO PEKING *****
AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING WAS TO KEEP ABREAST OF HONG KONG AFFAIRS, AND TO IMPRESS UPON THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO PEKING (DESIGNATE), MR ALAN DONALD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE LEAVING FOR PEKING, MR DONALD SAID DURING HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG HE HAD LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS AND OPINIONS FROM A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
"I WILL TAKE THE KNOWLEDGE WHICH I HAVE ACQUIRED THIS LAST WEEK WITH ME TO PEKING, AND I HOPE THAT IT WOULD INFORM ALL MY CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT HIS DISCUSSIONS ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MR DONALD SAID HE HAD DISCUSSED IT WITH MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND OMELCO MEMBERS, BUT THEIR VIEWS WERE VERY PRELIMINARY.
"THE BASIC LAW IS THE CONCERN OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS IN PEKING, AND AT PRESENT THERE IS A CONSULTATION PROCESS IN HONG KONG ON THE DRAFT," HE SAID.
"THE ROLE OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS TO STUDY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BASIC LAW, AS IT ULTIMATELY EMERGES AFTER CONSULTATION, AND THE JOINT DECLARATION OF 1984.
"NOW, IF AT THAT POINT, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE VIEWS THEN IT WOULD BE PROPER FOR ME TO CONVEY THEM TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
MR DONALD POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THERE WOULD BE CHANGES TO THE DRAFT BASIC LAW IN THE LIGHT OF OPINIONS, IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE BEING CONSULTED ON THE DOCUMENT.
HE SAID THE DRAFT WAS OF GREAT INTEREST TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD ALSO BE STUDYING THE DOCUMENT.
WHEN ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF THE "BRAIN DRAIN" IN HONG KONG WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, MR DONALD SAID: "1 KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM, AND I’VE HAD MANY PEOPLE EXPLAIN THE SITUATION TO ME.
"I’LL TRY AND MAKE SURE IT IS FULLY UNDERSTOOD IN PEKING," HE SAID.
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SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
2
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - MARCH RELEASED
*****
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT REMAINED AT A VERY LOW LEVEL IN THE THREE MONTHS JANUARY - MARCH 1988, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES INDICATE THAT THE LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS HAVE REMAINED TIGHT, WITH THE LOCAL WORKFORCE FULLY EMPLOYED.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1988 WAS 1.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.9 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1987 AND 2.1 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASES OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS PERIOD AND 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THIS LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, AVERAGED OVER THE THREE MONTHS, WAS DUE TO THE RATHER LOW RATE FOR FEBRUARY 1988, WHICH PROBABLY RESULTED FROM FEWER JOB-SEEKERS LOOKING FOR WORK DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD, WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE CLASSIFIED AS UNEMPLOYED.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JANUARY - MARCH 1988 WAS ESTIMATED AT 44,500, COMPARED WITH 53,000 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1987 AND 54,800 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1987.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1988 WAS 0.9 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 1 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1987. THE RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1987 WAS 1 PER CENT.
THE DECREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR JANUARY -MARCH 1988 WAS 25,200, COMPARED WITH 28,500 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1987 AND 25,500 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1987.
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
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (FOR EXAMPLE PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF PROVISIONAL COUNTS, THE 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 SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1988 WAS 1.7 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.9 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1988 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACES, CENTRAL AROUND JUNE 20 AT $10 PER COPY.
0
A....
SATURDAY, MAY 14. 1988
- U -
UK’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM FOUND HELPFUL » * » * »
THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM (IBMCT) SET UP UNDER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE HAS GAINED THE CONFIDENCE AND CO-OPERATION OF OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN AUGUST 1986.
IT HAS SUCCESSFULLY HELPED SEVERAL OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS TO SOLVE THEIR MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.
THE TEAM TO LOOK AFTER INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1986 FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF TWO MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREA.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT, WITH ITS MANY MIDDLE-AGED AND MULTI-USER FACTORY BUILDINGS, WAS SELECTED FOR THIS EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT.
THE KWAI TSING IBMCT CONSISTS OF A HOUSING MANAGER, AN ASSISTANT HOUSING MANAGER AND TWO HOUSING ASSISTANTS, ALL SECONDED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
ITS MAJOR TASKS INCLUDE INSPECTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, COLLECTION AND COLLATION OF RELATED INFORMATION AND THE SETTING UP OF A COMMITTEE TO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACTS AMONG RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
CHAIRED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AS WELL AS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES, REGIONAL SERVICES, LABOUR, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS.
COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT AT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BY THE IBMCT REVEALED THAT THE MAJOR MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS INCLUDE OBSTRUCTION OF COMMON AREAS, DEFECTIVE FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND ALTERATIONS, POOR SANITATION AND LACK OF BUILDING MAINTENANCE.
THE PROBLEMS ARE AGGRAVATED BY THE FACT THAT SOME INDUSTRIALISTS ARE INDIFFERENT TOWARDS BUILDING MANAGEMENT. ALSO, SOME OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS ARE IGNORANT OF THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS’ INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, AND THERE IS INADEQUATE COMMUNICATION AMONG THE OWNERS.
THE IBMCT HAS STARTED WORK IN 21 TARGET BUILDINGS SELECTED FROM THE 121 PRIVATE MULTI-OWNED AND MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
/SOME OWNERS'
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 5 -
SOME OWNERS' INCORPORATIONS RESPONDED ENTHUSIASTICALLY TO THE TEAM’S ADVICE AND HAVE TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES. THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OE VICTORY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AND WING YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ARE TWO OF THESE.
THE VICTORY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OWNERS' INCORPORATION SPENT $250,000 TO RENOVATE Till' WHOLE BUILDING AND REPAIR DILAPIDATED INSTALLATIONS.
IN WING YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, ALL DEFECTIVE SMOKE LOBBY DOORS AND DAMAGED COMMUNAL TOILET FACILITIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. OBSTRUCTIONS IN COMMON AREAS HAVE ALSO BEEN REMOVED.
IN THE ABOVE TWO EXAMPLES,IT WAS FOUND THAT A GOOD RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED BETWEEN OWNERS' INCORPORATIONS AND OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE IBMCT IS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ON THE SLOPE OF YIP SHING STREET IN KWAI CHUNG WHICH HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY POLLUTED BY INDUSTRIAL TRADE EFFLUENT DISCHARGED FROM NEARBY FACTORIES SINCE 1979.
THE IBMCT APPROACHED THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON STARTING AN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME AND POLLUTION THERE IS NOW UNDER CONTROL.
IN THE COMING YEAR, IN ADDITION TO ITS WORK TO HELP IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, THE IBMCT MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT IMPROVEMENT WORK ON THE SLOPE CAN MEET THE TARGET COMPLETION DATE OF MID-1989.
AS THE IBMCT IS ONLY AN ADVISORY BODY WITH NO STATUTORY POWER FOR TAKING ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO EMPHASISE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK IN THE LONG TERM.
IN THE PAST YEARS, THE IBMCT AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD HAD JOINTLY ORGANISED INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSES AND SEMINARS. THESE WERE WELL RECEIVED BY OWNERS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED IN FUTURE.
THE IBMCT ALSO PRODUCED A HANDBOOK ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT LAST MONTH FOR DISTRIBUTION TO OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS.
THE HANDBOOK, DIVIDED INTO 12 SECTIONS COVERING TOPICS SUCH AS THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES, CRIME PREVENTION, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, FIRE PREVENTION AND LABOUR ORDINANCE, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
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SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 6 -
FIELD TEST FOR CENSUS OPERATION
* » * * »
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A FIELD TEST TO STUDY THE DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES OF A CENSUS OPERATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A POPULATION CENSUS THAT WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN 1991.
IT IS A WELL ESTABLISHED PRACTICE IN HONG KONG TO CONDUCT A POPULATION CENSUS AT REGULAR INTERVALS. THE CENSUS PROVIDES UP-TO-DATE BENCHMARK INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR GOVERNMENT PLANNING.
"A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SOME 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THE TEST," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"ENUMERATORS, WHO WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH AN IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS BETWEEN MAY 16 AND MAY 27."
HOUSEHOLDS ARE ADVISED TO ASK THE ENUMERATORS TO PRODUCE THE IDENTITY CARD FOR INSPECTION BEFORE ADMITTING THEM INTO THEIR HOME.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED ALL SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO CO-OPERATE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE TEST BY PROVIDING FULL AND ACCURATE INFORMATION. HE ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
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MANPOWER SURVEY ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TO BEGIN
* » » * *
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A MANPOWER SURVEY BETWEEN MAY 18 (WEDNESDAY) AND JUNE 3 TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER AND EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. SURVEY INTERVIEWING OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TOMMY ZAU, URGED EMPLOYERS TO COOPERATE BY PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE IMPORTANT IN FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY.
/INFORMATION COLLECTED
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 7 -
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE MANPOWER STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235075.
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CHANGE PROPOSED IN AMENDING PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES ♦ * t t t
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE LEGISLATION ON PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES (PSL’S) TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PSL AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE LICENSEE.
A PSL IS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO AUTHORISE ITS HOLDER TO OPERATE A NON-FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUS SERVICE, A PRIVATE BUS SERVICE OR A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICE.
TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY TO AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF THE LICENCE, FOR INSTANCE, TO PERMIT ALTERATIONS TO A SERVICE’S ROUTE I NG AND STOPS BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS.
UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MUST OBTAIN THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE LICENSEE BEFORE INTRODUCING ANY AMENDMENTS.
HOWEVER, IF THE LICENSEE DISAGREES, THE COMMISSIONER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE SERVICE UNTIL THE LICENCE EXPIRES.
"THIS LIMITS THE COMMISSIONER’S ABILITY TO MEET PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEEDS PROMPTLY AND MAY, IN SOME CASES, JEOPARDISE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AMEND THE REGULATIONS SO THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE EMPOWERED TO AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PSL AFTER CONSULTING THE LICENSEE.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC.' (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) IS TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE REVIEW BY A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL OF' ANY DECISION MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PSL.
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/8........
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
8
PRAISE FOR AUXILIARY POLICE
♦ ♦ » ♦ »
THE INTENSIVE TRAINING RECEIVED BY AUXILIARY OFFICERS HAS PREPARED THEM FOR ANY EMERGENCIES, AND A RECENT SHOOTING AND ROBBERY CASE HAS SHOWN CRIMINALS THAT THE AUXILIARY POLICE ARE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH, A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON BAY THIS MORNING, MS CHRISTINA TING, OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, RECALLED THAT AN AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER WAS THE KEY FIGURE IN FOILING A MAJOR ROBBERY ATTEMPT RECENTLY, AND SEVERAL SUSPECTS WERE CAPTURED FOLLOWING A SHOOTOUT.
SHE SAID THE OFFICER'S DECISIVE ROLE HAD STRENGTHENED THE MORALE OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE, AND IT WAS SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE POLICE FORCE TO BE PROUD OF.
MS TING ADDED THAT MORE THAN 20 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS SERVED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT EVERY DAY, SHARING THE WORK WITH REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS.
ON TOP OF THAT, AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WERE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR CROWD CONTROL DUTIES AT THE BEACHES, AND WITH THE SWIMMING SEASON APPROACHING, THEIR WORKLOAD WOULD BE HEAVIER THAN EVER.
ON PARADE WERE 130 OFFICERS FROM THE HONG KONG ISLAND DISTRICT (AUXILIARY), WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED THEIR ANNUAL TRAINING CAMP AND WOULD BE RETURNING TO THEIR NORMAL DUTIES.
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VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME
*****
VOLUNTEERS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO HELP WITH THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS UNDER THE VOLUNTEERS SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS (VSP).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE VOLUNTEERS SHOULD BE AGED 21 YEARS OR ABOVE, WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION, AND BE KEEN IN HELPING OTHER PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY YOUNG OFFENDERS.
/’’THEY CAN
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 9
’’THEY CAN PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN WIDENING THE PROBATIONERS’ CONTACTS AND FACILITATING THEIR RE-INTEGRATION WITH THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
’’THE VOLUNTEERS’ RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDE BEFRIENDING THE PROBATIONERS AND HELPING THEM WITH PRIVATE TUITION, GIVING THEM GUIDANCE ON THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME, ORGANISING FUNCTIONS OF COMMON INTEREST AND SO ON.
"WITH THE SUPERVISION OF THE PROBATION OFFICERS, SUPPLEMENTED BY TPE SERVICE OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND COUPLED WITH THEIR OWN EFFORTS, THE PROBATIONERS WILL BE ABLE TO MEND THEIR WAYS TO THE BENEFIT OF THE SOCIETY,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE VSP HAS BEEN OPERATED SINCE 1976 AND VOLUNTEERS ARE CAREFULLY SELECTED AND TRAINED IN AN ORIENTATION COURSE BEFORE THEY START SERVICE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE VSP CENTRE AT ROOM 1028, BARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT ALL PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO MAGISTRACIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CENTRE BY JUNE 4.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO MISS LAM ON 5-8954190.
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PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN DB FOCUS
» * » * «
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MAY 16 (MONDAY) TO EXAMINE THE PROGRESS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO MENTALLY-RETARDED PEOPLE.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE INCLUDE INSUFFICIENT FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, A PROPOSAL ON ESTABLISHING CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, PREFERENTIAL MEDICAL AND TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE AGED, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES AT THE TUEN MUN CLINIC.
/THE WORK
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
10
THE WORK REPORT OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE (1987-88), A REPORT ON YOUTH PROBLEMS IN TUEN MUN, AND THREE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 16) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON 3/F, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, HUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS » » * * *
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $220,000 IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR SUBSIDISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS OF A SOCIAL SERVICE NATURE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDIES WERE NOW OPEN TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY.AGENCIES.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 31 AND THE FINANCED PROJECTS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN JULY 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROJECTS MIGHT TAKE THE FORMS OF VISITS, SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS AND TRAINING COURSES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG.
THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ASSESSED BY A VETTING COMMITTEE, TO BE FORMED UNDER THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"WHEN CONSIDERING THE APPLICATIONS, THE COMMITTEE WILL VALUE THE CREATIVITY OF THE PROJECTS, AND IS UNLIKELY TO SUBSIDISE PROGRAMMES OF A ROUTINE NATURE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LETTERS EXPLAINING THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN SENT TO VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
/APPLICATION FORMS
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
11
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW BOARD SECRETARIAT, FIRST FLOOR, BUILDING. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE
AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES ON 3-416315 EXT. 451.
ANOTHER APPLICATION EXERCISE WILL BE HELD NEAR END OF JUNE FOR PROJECTS TO BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN OCTOBER AND JANUARY.
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JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIP FOR LOCAL STUDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ » t
THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WILL AGAIN OFFER TWO SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS NEXT YEAR FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES, AND NATURAL SCIENCES IN JAPAN. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED.
THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MONBUSHO) SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE MONBUSHO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 1989 WILL BE OFFERED TO STUDENTS OVER 17 AND UNDER 22 YEARS OF AGE ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG OR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS; OR HAVE PASSED IN TWO RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL, OR IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN ONE RELEVANT SUBJECT AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL IN A GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION OF ENGLAND.
APPLICANTS NEED NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF JAPANESE, BUT MUST BE WILLING TO RECEIVE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF JAPANESE.
THE AWARDS NORMALLY TENABLE FOR FIVE YEARS FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR TO MARCH 1994 WILL COVER TUITION, ACCOMMODATION, LIVING EXPENSES AND RETURN PASSAGE.
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.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TWO SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE COURSES OF STUDY AVAILABLE IN JAPANESE ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
4
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SAME OFFICE BEFORE JULY 12 THIS YEAR.
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/12........
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1988
- 12 -
REGIMENT SEEKING NEW RECRUITS
» * » »
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL START ITS ANNUAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE ON MONDAY.
THE REGIMENT IS LOOKING FOR 130 MALE RECRUITS AND 20 FEMALE RECRUITS THIS YEAR.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD BE 17 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE, HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH.
THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED THEIR EMPLOYERS’ CONSENT TO JOIN THE FORCE.
"SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN BASIC MILITARY SKILLS, INCLUDING HANDLING RIFLES, SUB-MACHINE GUNS, VEHICLES AND ASSAULT BOATS, DRILL, OPERATING RADIO EQUIPMENT, MAP READING, AND FIRST AID," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOLUNTEERS SAID.
TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON FOUR EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND A MONTH FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND TWO NINE-DAY TRAINING CAMPS BEFORE PASSING OUT.
"THIS NO DOUBT HELPS IN BUILDING UP ONE’S PHYSIQUE AS WELL AS CULTIVATING A MORE MATURE AND CAPABLE PERSONALITY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISORY SKILLS, JUDGMENT AND DECISION-MAKING."
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT 1, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
I
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 25.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGIMENT’S RECRUITING OFFICER ON 5-761371.
SATURDAY, MAY 34, 1988
SHA TIN TRAFFIC LANES TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY » * * ♦ ♦
FROM MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (MAY 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SHA TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON THURSDAY (MAY 19) AND FRIDAY (MAY 20).
THE TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE.
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TWO NEW BUS ROUTES FOR KOWLOON » t t »
TWO NEW KMB BUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM MONDAY, MAY 16, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
PLYING BETWEEN CHUK YUEN ESTATE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN, ROUTE NO. 2B WILL RUN DAILY BETWEEN 5.40 AM AND 12.07 AM AT A FREQUENCY OF 13 TO 25 MINUTES. THE FARE WILL BE $1.20 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
THE OTHER NEW ROUTE, NO. 13X, RUNNING BETWEEN SAU MAU PING ESTATE AND STAR FERRY, WILL OPERATE DURING PEAK HOURS ONLY FROM 6 AM TO 10.30 AM AND FROM 3 PM TO 7.40 PM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
IT WILL RUN AT A 10-MINUTE INTERVAL AS AN EXPRESS ROUTE TRAVELLING ALONG AIRPORT TUNNEL AND EAST KOWLOON WAY. THE FARE WILL BE $2 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CUSTOMS DELEGATION TO ATTEND MEETING IN CANTON ............... 1
FURTHER EFFORTS TO RELIEVE TUNNEL CONGESTION ................. 1
INCREASE IN CIGARETTE AVERAGE TAR, NICOTINE YIELDS ........... 2
GRADUATES SELECTED FOR LI PO CHUN SCHOLARSHIPS ............... 5
ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS ............................. 4
LARGE CANNON FOUND ON SEABED.................................. 4
INTERCEPTOR SEWERS TO MINIMISE HARBOUR POLLUTION ............. 5
LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY REPORT ON DB AGENDA............ 6
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR YAU TSIM COMMUNITY PROJECTS .............. 7
DB 'MEET THE PUBLIC' SESSIONS IN TSUEN WAN ...................
SAFETY COURSES FOR SUMMER JOB STUDENTS ....................... 8
BANQUET GIVEN FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS .......................... 8
YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT ..................... 9
BLUE COLLAR WORKERS SOCCER LEAGUE IN SOUTHERN ................ 9
WATER CUT IN SAN PO KONG ..................................... 10
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AND BANNING OF VILLAGE VEHICLES .............. 10
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN............ 11
SUNDAY, MAY 15,
1988
CUSTOMS DELEGATION TO ATTEND MEETING IN CANTON
» » » » »
I
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR P.J. WILLIAMSON, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION TO CANTON TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO ATTEND A FOUR-DAY MEETING WITH OFFICIALS FROM THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE GENERAL CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
COMMENCING MAY 17, THE SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS WILL REVIEW ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE AREA OF INTELLIGENCE EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE PRECEDING YEAR.
HONG KONG WILL TABLE FOR DISCUSSION THE PROBLEM OF NARCOTICS TRANSITTING CHINA TO HONG KONG AND ALSO THE TWO-WAY SMUGGLING SITUATION INVOLVING ANTIQUES, ELECTRICAL GOODS, TEXTILE ITEMS AND, IN PARTICULAR, DUTIABLE GOODS.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL ALSO VISIT VARIOUS CUSTOMS FACILITIES IN CANTON AND SHANTOU.
SINCE 1981, THERE HAVE BEEN REGULAR CONTACTS BETWEEN THE TWO ADMINISTRATIONS TO EXCHANGE OPERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND TO REVIEW SMUGGLING AND NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING TRENDS.
THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, MANY PROFILES AND MODUS OPERANDI OF SMUGGLING AND NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE BORDER AND OVER THE SEA ROUTES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED.
THE INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPED HELPS THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO DEVISE TIMELY ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES. I
FURTHER EFFORTS TO RELIEVE TUNNEL CONGESTION » » t »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM 11 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY) ANOTHER SCHEME TO IMPROVE VEHICLE MERGING MOVEMENTS WILL BE TESTED ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR. TUNNEL.
THE SCHEME WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE TO FOUR DAYS, DEPENDING ON ITS PROGRESS AND RESULTS.
IT WILL BE CARRIED OUT NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND AND THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
/INSTEAD OF .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1$, 1988
2
INSTEAD OF ALL VEHICLES WEAVING ABOUT AS IN THE CURRENT PRACTICE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON THE SAME APPROACH ROAD WILL BE REGULATED TO MERGE ONLY AMONG THEMSELVES INTO A SINGLE LANE.
AS A RESULT, THE FOUR-LANE TRAFFIC FROM THE TWO APPROACH ROADS WILL BE TRIMMED INTO A TWO-LANE OPERATION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THIS WILL ELIMINATE FURTHER MERGING WHEN THEY MEET VEHICLES COMING FROM CHATHAM ROAD NORTH.
TRAFFIC CONES WILL BE PLACED ON THE TWO APPROACH ROADS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
VARIATIONS IN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS THE POSITIONING OF THE TRAFFIC CONES AND THE REGULATING OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS, WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE COURSE OF THE EXPERIMENT IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THEIR DIFFERENT IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC FLOW.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR AND BE GUIDED BY THE TRAFFIC CONES, AND TO DRIVE WITH ETRA CARE.
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INCREASE IN CIGARETTE AVERAGE TAR, NICOTINE YIELDS
******
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST (10TH) BI-ANNUAL TABLE OF TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SUNDAY), THE AVERAGE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS AMONG 101 BRANDS OF CIGARETTES IN HONG KONG HAVE INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT AND 3.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH FINDINGS RELEASED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE AVERAGE NICOTINE CONTENT PER CIGARETTE HAS RISEN TO 1.29 MILLIGRAMS, AFTER RECORDING THE LOWEST LEVEL OF 1.15 MG PER CIGARETTE IN 1986.
THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD IS 15.4 MG/CIG, COMPARED WITH 15.1 MG/C1G LAST YEAR.
"IN FACT, THE FIGURES FROM THE LATEST ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT THE AVERAGE NICOTINE YIELD OF CIGARETTES HAS RETURNED TO THE LEVEL OF EARLY 1984," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE CONTENT OF THIS ADDICTIVE ELEMENT IN CIGARETTES HAS INCREASED IN THE LAST THREE SURVEYS AFTER SHOWING A PERIOD OF GRADUAL DECLINE FROM 1983 TO 1986. WE ARE WATCHING THE TREND WITH CONCERN," HE CONTINUED.
THE 10TH TABLE ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HIGHER TAR CIGARETTES ON SALE IN HONG KONG.
/COMMENTING ON .......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
- 3 -
COMMENTING ON THE IMPLICATION THAT THESE INCREASES MIGHT HAVE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASES WOULD CERTAINLY ADD WEIGHT TO THE PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE MANDATORY TAR AND NICOTINE CEILINGS TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTENTS OF THESE HEALTH-DAMAGING ELEMENTS WERE KEPT AT A LOW LEVEL.
A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINDINGS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST EDITION OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S "CHOICE" MAGAZINE.
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GRADUATES SELECTED FOR LI PO CHUN SCHOLARSHIPS * * » » *
EIGHTEEN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALLING NEARLY $900,000 UNDER THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND TO FOLLOW POSTGRADUATE COURSES AT OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS IN 1988-89.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE: MISS CATHERINE KWOK SIN-YU; MISS CHAN YU-YU; DR PHILIP LI KAM-TO; DR LAM SHUN-CHIU; DR HO YU-CHEUNG; DR HERMAN LAU CHUN-KIT; MRS CHRISTINA LEE WONG-WAI; MR JOHN TSE WING-LING; DR CHENG LAI-YIN; MISS CECILIA CHAN YUET-HUNG; MR LI WING-LEUNG; MR LAU WAI-KIN; DR DAVID LAM TAT-YIN; MISS JUNE MAK MUI-HING; DR CHIANG CHUNG-SEUNG; DR CHOW CHEUK-FAI; DR ADOLPHUS CHAU KAI-TUNG; AND MISS NG ME I-LEE.
THE POSTGRADUATE OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS ATTRACTED 91 APPLICATIONS THIS YEAR. ALL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES HAVE HAD SEVERAL YEARS OF WORKING EXPERIENCE TO PROVE THEIR POTENTIAL IN THEIR RESPECTIVE OCCUPATIONS.
THE RESULTS WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND COMMITTEE, MR A.C. WONG.
MR WONG NOTED THAT THE FUND, ESTABLISHED IN 1963 WITH DONATIONS FROM THE LATE MR LI PO-CHUN, WAS SET UP FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENCOURAGING EDUCATION BY AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS STUDYING IN HONG KONG AND ABROAD.
IT ALSO AIMED AT PROVIDING TEMPORARY RELIEF TO PERSONS IN DISTRESS WHERE NO ADEQUATE RELIEF WAS AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES, HE ADDED.
UNDER Illi' AEGIS OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADM INISTARTI ON , HALF OF THE FUND’S ANNUAL INCOME IS EARMARKED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND HALF FOR ALLOCATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR RELIEF OF DISTRESS.
/APART FROM
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
APART FROM THE POSTGRADUATE OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP, THE FUND ALSO OFFERS VARIOUS KINDS OF AWARDS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES AND LEVELS OF EDUCATION PURSUITS.
IN ADDITION TO THE OVERSEAS POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS, OVER 1,100 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED TO STUDENTS TO PURSUE EDUCATION LOCALLY EACH YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ANGLO CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, POST SECONDARY COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.
SINCE 1986-87, TWO NEW CATEGORIES OF SCHOLARSHIPS - TRAINING GRANTS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND UNITED WORLD COLLEGES SCHOLARSHIPS -HAVE BEEN CREATED.
FOR 1988-89, EXPENDITURE ON ALL SCHOLARSHIPS IS EXPECTED TO
AMOUNT TO $4 MILLION
ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS t ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO ARE MARRIED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND WHOSE IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED IN NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 1980 AND JANUARY 1981 MAY APPLY (TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN) TO JOIN THEIR SPOUSES IN HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED AS FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR BY THE HONG KONG SPONSORS IN PERSON TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS ENTRY SCHEME MAY TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 3-7333126.
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LARGE CANNON FOUND ON SEABED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A DREDGER OPERATING OFF HUNG HOM FOR THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION HAS MADE A RARE FIND - A LARGE CANNON THAT COULD DATE BACK TO A CENTURY AGO. vuudu uaie
"WHEN I RECEIVED THE REPORT OF THE DISCOVERY FROM THE WORK SITE, I THOUGHT IT WAS ONE OF THOSE COMMONLY SEEN SMALL CANNONS." A CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT ENGINEER, MR TSUI WAI, SAID
/THE CANNON
SUNDAY, MAY 15» 1988
- 5 -
THE CANNON TURNED OUT TO BE ABOUT 4.7 METRES LONG, WITH A MAXIMUM OUTER DIAMETER OF 1.3 METRES.
"WE ESTIMATE THE CANNON MUST WEIGH AT LEAST 10 TONNES," MR TSUI SAID.
HE ADMITTED THAT HE WAS QUITE TAKEN ABACK BY THE SIZE WHEN HE SAW THE WEAPON.
THE CANNON, WHICH WAS RAISED FROM THE SEABED IN THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 9, IS NOW ON BOARD THE DREDGER.
IT WILL BE HANDED OVER SHORTLY TO THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH FOR EXPERT EXAMINATION.
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INTERCEPTOR SEWERS TO MINIMISE HARBOUR POLLUTION
*****
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS TO IMPROVE THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR NORTHWEST KOWLOON AND HELP IN THE CONTROL OF POLLUTANTS CURRENTLY BEING DISCHARGED INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF APPROXIMATELY THREE KILOMETRES OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS BETWEEN TAI KOK TSUI AND LAI CHI KOK. THE SEWERS WILL BE GENERALLY LOCATED ALONGSIDE THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
THE SEWERS WILL INTERCEPT THE SEWAGE FROM YAU MA TEI, TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SIIU1 PO AND LAI CHI KOK, CURRENTLY DISCHARGED TO THE SEA AT THE SHORELINE OF NORTHWEST KOWLOON.
THEY WILL CONVEY IT TO TREATMENT FACILITIES AT SHAM SHUI PO AND CHEUNG SHA WAN PRIOR TO PUMPING TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND FOR FURTHER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL BY MARINE OUTFALL TO VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE WORK, CONSTITUTING PART OF STAGE 1, PHASE 2 OF THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1990.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 17.
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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
- 6 -
LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY REPORT ON DB AGENDA
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S FINAL REPORT OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY WILL BE A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 17) MORNING.
THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES COVER THE TIDAL FLOW; SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING; TUNNEL AREA EXTENSION; ONE-WAY TOLL; MONITOR OF FLOWS, QUEUES AND JOURNEY TIMES; EXTENSION OF BUS LANE OPERATION HOURS; NORTHBOUND BUS PRIORITY AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A STATEMENT INITIATED BY NINE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND SUPPORTED BY 12 OTHER MEMBERS OBJECTING TO MTRC’S DECISION TO IMPOSE A SURCHARGE DURING PEAK HOURS.
THE STATEMENT INCLUDES A COUNTER-PROPOSAL OF INCREASING THE NUMBER of BUS ROUTES FROM SHA TIN TO OTHER DISTRICTS SO AS TO REDUCE Illi DEMAND FOR MTRSFRVIUES.
MEANWHILE, A MEMBER, MR KAN CHUNG-NIN, WILL ASK THE RATING AND VALI \ T I ON DEPARTMENT To EXPLAIN ITS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR REVALUATION OF SHA TIN PREMISES.
ANOTHER MEMBER, MR CHING ( HEUNG-YI NG, WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SILA TIN AND THE POLICY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS PAPERS CONCERNING THE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG; THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME; AND ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMMES OF THE SHA TIN OFFICES OF THE BUILDING AND LANDS, EDUCATION, HOUS I NG, SOCIAL WELFARE AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS Till- ICAU REGIONAL OFFICE.
OTHER I TEMS ON Till', AGENDA INCLUDE AN OVERSEAS STUDY VISIT FOR THE BOARD; RECOMMENDATIONS ON CO-OPTED MEMBERS BY THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES; PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; AND A REPORT FROM THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 17) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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SUNDAY, MAY 15,
1988
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR YAU TSIM COMMUNITY PROJECTS ♦ t * * »
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO APPLY TO THE BOARD FOR FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
THE PROJECTS SHOULD FEATURE THE THEMES OF "BUILDING FOR AND KNOWING MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY” OR “PROMOTING RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES”.
A BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST THEME WOULD COVER ACTIVITIES INTENDED TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, CIVIC EDUCATION, AND A GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD SPIRIT AMONG RESIDENTS, AS WELL AS TO IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS.
THE SECOND THEME WOULD COVER ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND YOUTH.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 14 TH FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7700424.
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I)B ’MEET THE PUBLIC’ SESSIONS IN TSUEN WAN ♦ ♦ » ♦ »
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD TWO WEEKLY SESSIONS IN ITS "MEET THE PUBLIC” SCHEME THIS YEAR.
RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THEIR PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS TO THE ATTENTION OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS TO GIVE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON DISTRICT MATTERS.
THE MEET THE PUBLIC SESSIONS ARE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 1 7 1-208 ('ASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE EVENING SESSION IS HELD EVERY TUESDAY, FROM 6 PM TO 7.30 PM, AND THE AFTERNOON SESSION TAKES PLACE ON FRIDAYS, FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM.
ENQUIRIES OR ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 0-445509.
OVER THE PASI’ THREE YEARS, THE BOARD HAS HANDLED 371 CASES UNDER THE SCHEME. OE THESE , ABOUT 33 PER CENT INVOLVED HOUSING AND ENV I R(INMENTAL MATTERS .
UNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
- 8 -
SAFETY COURSES FOR SUMMER JOB STUDENTS
*****
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF SAFETY TALKS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE PLANNING TO TAKE JOBS DURING THE FORTHCOMING SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
THESE COURSES, SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY MORNING BETWEEN JUNE 4 AND JULY 9, ARE AIMED TO MAKE STUDENTS FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF TALKS ON DANGEROUS MACHINERY AND PROCESSES THAT STUDENTS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM OPERATING, GENERAL SAFETY WORK PRACTICES, FILM SHOWS, AND A TOUR OF THE CENTRE.
AN APPEAL LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES REQUESTING THEM TO ARRANGE FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE TALKS AT THE CENTRE.
"HOWEVER, IF THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES CONSIDER IT MORE APPROPRIATE TO HAVE THE TALKS CONDUCTED AT THEIR SCHOOL PREMISES, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET THEIR REQUESTS," THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS IN CHARGE OF THE CENTRE, MR CHAN HON-TING, SAID.
MR CHAN ADVISED STUDENTS INTENDING TO TAKE SUMMER JOBS TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CALL AT THE CENTRE WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8523565.
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N
L
BANQUET GIVEN FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS *****
RESIDENTS Ob THE CHOI HUNG AREA OF WONG TAI SIN THIS EVENING (SUNDAY) PAID RESPECT TO THEIR SENIOR CITIZENS BY HOLDING A BANQUET IN HONOUR Ob 900 ELDERLX PEOPLE.
GIFTS WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS, THE ELDEST Ol WHOM IS AGED 98.
THE BANQUET IS AN ANNUAL EVENT HOSTED BY THE CHOI HUNG AREA. COMMITTEE, CHOI HUNG ESTATE SOCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION AND ALL MUTUAL MD COMMITTEES IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE. SIMILAR FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN ORGANISM) ANNUALLY FOR MORb THAN 10 YEARS.
COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO ALSO ATTENDED WERE EXECUTIVE AND LEG I SLAT IVE COUNCILLOR MISS MAR I A TAM; LEG1SLATI VI COUNCILLOR DR CONRAD LAM; WONG TAI SIN I) I STR I CT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL LEE; CHAIRMAN Ob THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR YUEN CHAU; AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG IION-WAH.
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
- 9 -
YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT ♦ ♦ * t
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL GIVE ITS ANNUAL CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON JUNE 5 (SUNDAY) EVENING.
UNDER TWO CONDUCTORS, MISS YIP WING-SIE AND MR FUNG WING-KIT, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM BOTH CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITIONS.
THE REPERTOIRE INCLUDES DVORAK’S CARNIVAL OVERTURE, MOZART’S SYMPHONY NO. 40 IN G MINOR, K.550, GREIG’S PEER GYNT SUITE NO. 1, OP. 16, LISZT’S LES PRELUDES AND CHAN WING-WAH’S EXPOSE.
THE ORCHESTRA WAS FORMED IN 1978 WITH THE PRINCIPAL AIM OF PROVIDING ORCHESTRAL TRAINING TO MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES.
OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS HELD REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS PERFORMING OVERSEAS.
LAST SUMMER, THE ORCHESTRA MADE A CONCERT TOUR OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND RECEIVED WIDE ACCLAIM.
IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A GROUP OF IMMENSELY TALENTED PLAYERS.
TICKETS AT $10 AND $15 EACH ARE NOW ON SALE AT URBTIX OUTLETS AT CITY HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, SPACE MUSEUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, AND NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE.
THEY ARE ALSO ON SALE AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AND TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LIMITED (CAMERON LANE, MAN YEE BUILDING, TAIKOO SHING CITYPLAZA AND HENNESSY ROAD).
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BLUE COLLAR WORKERS SOCCER LEAGUE IN SOUTHERN * » » * «
A SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER LEAGUE ORGANISED FOR FACTORY WORKERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL START ON TUESDAY (MAY 17) EVENING WITH TWO PRELIM INARI ROUNDS BEING PLAYED AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND HARD-SURFACED PITCH IN WONG CHUK HANG.
ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT INDUSTRIALISTS ASSOCIATION (SDIA) \ND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HOARD, THE LEAGUE IS AIMED AT PROMOTING INTEREST IN FOOTBALL \ND FOSTERING A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG THE DISTRICT’S BLUE COLLAR WORKERS.
/EIGHT TEAMS ......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
10
EIGHT TEAMS EROM LOCAL FIRMS AND FACTORIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART.
FOUR TEAMS WILL QUALIFY FOR THE FINAL ROUNDS TO BE HELD ON MAY 24 AND 25. THE WINNING TEAMS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES.
ALL THE MATCHES, EACH LASTING FOR 50 MINUTES, WIL BE PLAYED AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND AND START AT 7 PM. FACTORY WORKERS AS WELL AS RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. ADMISSION IS FREE.
IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE FOOTBALL MATCHES MAY BE POSTPONED WITHOUT NOTICE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S AP LEI CHAU SUB-OFFICE ON 5-8732711.
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WATER CUT IN SAN PO KONG
♦ » * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAN PO KONG CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) TO 6 AM THE NEXT LEAKAGE TESTS.
WILL BE DAY FOR
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD EAST, TSEUK LUK STREET, KING FUK STREET AND
ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD KING TAI STREET.
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IWO-WA^ TRAFFIC AND BANNING OF VILLAGE VEHICLES *****
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, THE IN KOWLOON CITY BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TUESDAY (MAY 17).
SECTION OF COLLEGE ROAD SAU CHUK YUEN ROAD WILL BE OPERATION FROM 10 AM ON
MEANWHILE, TO ALL VILLAGE VEHICLES BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 (MAY 19).
l‘A( ILIIA'IE THE LAUNCHING OF THE BUN FESTIVAL WILL BE BANNED FROM OPERATING ON CHEUNG CHAU PM ON BOTH WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) AND THURSDAY
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/11 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
11
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN * » » * *
NEW TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG TAI SIN FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
KAM FUNG STREET BETWEEN SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND NGAN FUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING LUNG FUNG STREET, AND SHATIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN MING FUNG STREET AND CHUK YUEN ROAD.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 7.5 METRES IN LENGTH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF NORTHBOUND SHATIN PASS ROAD LINKING LUNG FUNG STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING BAN ON LEARNER DRIVERS IN LUNG FUNG STREET WILL BE LIFTED.
TRAFFIC ON A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL ALSO BE RE-ROUTED AND DIVERTED:
♦ SHATIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN WONG TAI SIN ROAD AND MING FUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
♦ SHEUNG FUNG STREET BETWEEN MING FUNG STREET AND FUNG TAK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
♦ WAN FUNG STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY ANTI-CLOCKWISE WITH ACCESS ONLY FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG FUNG STREET;
♦ NGAN FUNG STREET SOUTH OF KAM FUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
t MING FUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND;
* LUNG FUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND;
♦ TSUI FUNG STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY ANTI-CLOCKWISE;
* VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM NORTHBOUND SHATIN PASS ROAD TO EASTBOUND FUNG TAK ROAD;
♦ VEHICLES ON FUNG TAK ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR SHEUNG FUNG STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHATIN PASS ROAD AND MING FUNG STREET;
/• VEHICLES ON .........
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1988
12
* VEHICLES ON SHATIN PASS ROAD SOUTHBOUND NORTH OF LUNG FUNG STREET HEADING FOR FUNG TAK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHUK YUEN ROAD, NGA CHUK STREET, WONG TAI SIN ROAD AND SHATIN PASS ROAD;
» VEHICLES ON NORTHBOUND SHATIN PASS ROAD SOUTH OF WONG TAI ■SIN ROAD HEADING FOR NORTHBOUND SHATIN PASS ROAD NORTH OF CHUK YUEN ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE WONG TAI SIN ROAD, NGA CHUK STREET AND CHUK YUEN ROAD;
» VEHICLES ON SHEUNG FUNG STREET HEADING FOR NGAN FUNG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL THROUGH WAN FUNG STREET VIA ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND KAM FUNG STREET;
* VEHICLES ON NORTHBOUND SHATIN PASS ROAD SOUTH OF MING FUNG STREET HEADING FOR LUNG FUNG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MING FUNG STREET AND SHEUNG FUNG STREET; AND
» VEHICLES ON FUNG TAK ROAD WESTHOUND HEADING FOR SHATIN PASS ROAD NORTH OF LUNG FUNG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHATIN PASS ROAD, WONG TAI SIN ROAD, NGA CHUK STREET AND CHUK YUEN ROAD.
IN ADDITION, KMB ROUTES 3A, 3B AND 15A AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 18, 20 AND 37M WILL ALSO BE RE-ROUTED.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS:
t THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FUNG TAK ROAD BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM - 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD BETWEEN IIS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TAK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PEAK HOUR (7 - 10 AM AND 4 - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FUNG TAK ROAD BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE LIFTED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
THE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TAK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL ALSO BE LIFTED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO FUJIAN AND ZHEJIANG POSTPONED .......... 1
GOVERNOR COMMENDS ROLE OF AWARD SCHEME...................... 1
GOVT SUPPORTS INDUSTRY TO CREATE FAVOURABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT .................................................. 2
PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES BENEFIT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES .... 4
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ................ 5
STUDENTS EXCELS IN UK EXAMINATIONS ......................... 6
REGIONAL SECRETARY TO OFFICIATE AT BUN FESTIVAL ............ 7
GATHERING OF SHh TIN AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TOMORROW ....... 8
SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE CHaIRMaN ELECTED ..................... 9
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR KWAI TSING ORG<xNISaTIONS............ 10
WAN CHaI CULTURE, RECREATION COMMITTEE TO MEET ............. 10
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON SOCIAL SERVICES............... 11
WrtTER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................... 12
ROj»D CLOSURES FOR DEMOLITION OF FOOTBRIDGE
12
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO FUJIAN AND ZHEJIANG POSTPONED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAS DECIDED TO POSTPONE HIS VISIT TO FUJIAN AND ZHEJIANG. THE VISIT WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR MAY 22-27.
SINCE THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE, A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHICH REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR’S PRESENCE IN HONG KONG. THESE INCLUDE IN PARTICULAR THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, FROM MAY 29-31, WHICH REQUIRES ADVANCE PREPARATION.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES, THE GOVERNOR HAS DECIDED THAT, RATHER THAN SHORTEN THE VISIT, IT WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO POSTPONE IT TO A LATER DATE, WHEN THE FULL VISIT CAN TAKE PLACE AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED.
THIS REARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO BE IN HONG KONG DURING THE VISIT OF THE CHINESE VICE PREMIER TIAN JIYUN FROM MAY 23-28.
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GOVERNOR COMMENDS ROLE OF AWARD SCHEME * * * * *
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME HAS BEEN EXPANDING STEADILY IN STEP WITH THE WIDESPREAD INTEREST IN ITS PROGRAMMES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE SCHEME’S GOLD AWARD PRESENTATION HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT LAST YEAR SAW THE OPENING OF THE NEW TRAINING CAMP IN TAI PO AND EARLIER THIS YEAR THE NEW HEAD OFFICE IN SHAM SHU1 PO CAME INTO OPERATION.
AS THE SCHEME BECAME MORE REGIONALISED, SIR DAVID SAID IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN IT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS ALSO GLAD TO SEE THAT THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR THE AWARD WAS PLAYING AN ACTIVE INTERNATIONAL ROLE.
/’’IT HAS
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
2
"IT HAS NOW BECOME A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL; AND MR J.P. LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL IN HONG KONG, IS NOW ONE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEES," HE SAID.
"THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL HELP TO BOOST HONG KONG’S IMAGE INTERNATIONALLY.
"THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ARRANGE EXCHANGES OF SCHEME PARTICIPANTS WITH THOSE IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES."
COMMENDING THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE IT FULL SUPPORT.
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GOVT SUPPORTS INDUSTRY TO CREATE FAVOURABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
» * * ♦ ♦
TO CREATE A FAVOURABLE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS SUPPORTING INDUSTRY IN TWO MAIN AREAS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE FELLOWS OF THE SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, AT A LOCAL SEMINAR, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED TWO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, EACH OF ABOUT 67 HECTARES, AT PRICES REFLECTING ONLY FORMATION COSTS FOR QUALIFIED INDUSTRIAL USERS.
ANOTHER HUNDRED HECTARES OF LAND WERE LIKELY TO BE PROVIDED BY 1993 BY A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HE SAID.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE EXISTING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WERE ALREADY INTRODUCING MODULAR ELECTRONICS CURRICULA TO PRODUCE MORE GRADUATES FAMILIAR WITH MICROPROCESSER AND COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN/MANUFACTURE TECHNIQUES.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS A SCHEME SPONSORING PRACTISING ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS TO GO ABROAD TO ABSORB THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN THE DESIGN AND USE OF APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS.
/’’FURTHER SPONSORSHIPS
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
'.'FURTHER SPONSORSHIPS ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR SUCH PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES AS SURFACE MOUNTING AND SUCH PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIES AS DIGITAL ELECTRONICS, PATTERN RECOGNITION AND NETWORKING," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAD BEEN GIVEIJ ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO ESTABLISH LABORATORIES TO PROMOTE THE USE OF SURFACE MOUNTING, RADIO FREQUENCY AND DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES.
A PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WAS BEING FORMED AS A COMPANY ON THE CAMPUS OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO RAISE THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE PLASTIC CONVERSION INDUSTRY, MR LEUNG ADDED.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OPERATED A PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU WITH 75,000 VOLUMES OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT STANDARDS AND IT MAINTAINED HONG KONG’S HIGHEST ECHELON STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, WHICH HAD BEEN ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY IN THE UK.
MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THAT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ADMINISTERED A HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) FOR COMMERCIAL TESTING LABORATORIES, OF WHICH BILATERAL RECOGNITION WITH ITS COUNTERPART NATIONAL MEASUREMENT ACCREDITATION SERVICE (NAMAS) IN THE UK WAS BEING SOUGHT.
"ADDITIONALLY, IN CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY, WE ARE FORMULATING A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
"WE HAVE ALSO ESTABLISHED A QUALITY SERVICES DIVISION IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO PLAN AND CO-ORDINATE ALL QUALITY RELATED SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES," SAID MR LEUNG, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S EMPHASIS ON QUALITY WAS VERY TIMELY AS THE QUALITY MOVEMENT WAS GATHERING MOMENTUM IN OVERSEAS MARKETS, ESPECIALLY IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.
A HONG KONG DESIGN AND INNOVATION COMPANY WHICH HAD BEEN FORMED WITH PUBLIC FUNDS TO PROMOTE PRODUCT AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION WAS EXCEEDING ITS ORIGINAL BUSINESS TARGETS, HE SAID.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING THE ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE ON THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK OR TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO FACILITATE THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE TO PROMOTE THE USE OF BOTH INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT FACILITIES BY LOCAL MANUFACTURERS, MOST OF WHOM ARE SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED.
/MR LEUNG
MONDAY, MAY l6t 1988
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, WITH ITS PROMOTION OFFICES IN NEW YORK, SAN FRANCISCO, TOYKO, LONDON AND BRUSSELS AND PROVIDES A ONE STOP" UNIT WITH A FULL RANGE OF SUPPORTING FACILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
’’THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF OUR INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION EFFORTS IS TO BRING INTO HONG KONG NEW OR IMPROVED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES, KNOW-HOW AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.
"WE ARE IMPROVING OUR APPROACH AND COVERAGE TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE EVEN MORE EFFECTIVELY," MR LEUNG CONCLUDED.
AT THE END OF 1986, THE ACCUMULATED TOTAL OF SUCH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT STOOD AT HK$19,554 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT OVER 1985. THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY ATTRACTED THE LARGEST SHARE (40 PER CENT) OF THE TOTAL.
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PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES BENEFIT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ♦ ♦ » * ♦
MORE AND MORE EMPLOYERS HAVE COME TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF SETTING UP PROVIDENT FUNDS AS A FORM OF EMPLOYEES' LONG-TERM RETIREMENT BENEFIT, AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES THIS (MONDAY) EVENING, MR YIU SAID THAT AS AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, OVER 5,800 APPROVED RETIREMENT SCHEMES WERE REGISTERED WITH THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT -- AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
HE SAID A PROPERLY MANAGED PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME SERVED TO ASSIST AN EMPLOYER IN MAKING REGULAR SAVINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCHARGING HIS FUTURE RESPONSIBILITIES.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, EMPLOYEES DISMISSED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE ENTITLED TO EITHER LONG SERVICE PAYMENT OR SEVERANCE PAYMENT.
THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT THEY CAN OBTAIN FROM THE EMPLOYER IS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF WAGES EARNED DURING THE PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO DISMISSAL.
/’’WHERE THE
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
- 5 -
"WHERE THE EMPLOYEE IS SIMULTANEOUSLY ENTITLED TO SUCH PAYMENT AND A PROVIDENT FUND, THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT OR SEVERANCE PAYMENT CAN BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF PROVIDENT FUND CONTRIBUTED BY THE EMPLOYER," MR YIU EXPLAINED.
"IN OTHER WORDS, REGULAR SAVINGS TOWARDS A PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME COULD ASSIST AN EMPLOYER TO DISCHARGE HIS FUTURE LIABILITIES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"IT COULD ALSO HELP TIDE OVER CASH-FLOW PROBLEMS IN TIMES OF STAFF RETIREMENT OR ECONOMIC RECESSION."
MR YIU SAID A PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND ALSO CARRIED OTHER ADVANTAGES.
TO EMPLOYERS, HE SAID, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A FUND COULD ENHANCE THE COMPANY’S POSITION IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING STAFF, REDUCE THE TURNOVER RATE OF EMPLOYEES WITH LONG AND GOOD EXPERIENCE, AND CULTIVATE AMONG STAFF A HIGHER MORALE AND A GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING.
"TO EMPLOYEES, THERE IS A BETTER FINANCIAL SECURITY SINCE THE SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT UPON RETIREMENT OR OTHER SPECIFIC CONTINGENCIES.
"IN ADDITION, IF THE SCHEME IS APPROVED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, THE EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTION WILL ALSO BE TREATED AS OPERATIONAL COST AND TAX-FREE.
"ON THE WHOLE, PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES BRING BENEFITS TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, AND IN THE LONG RUN, IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND UPGRADE PRODUCTIVITY IN HONG KONG," MR YIU ADDED.
-------o---------
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL CROSS-HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO COPE WITH THE POSSIBLE INCREASED DEMAND ARISING FROM THE IMPOSITION OF THE CONGESTION SURCHARGE BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AT THE END OF MAY.
THE TAC WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE DRAFT FINAL REPORT ON THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY.
/ALSO ON
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE CONTROLS ON LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES AND PARKING FEES AT GOVERNMENT OPEN-AIR CARPARKS.
THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN 1987-1991, AND THE MEASURES FOR MONITORING THE EFFICIENCY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 2.30 PM.
-------0----------
STUDENTS EXCEL IN UK EXAMINATIONS *****
SEVEN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ACHIEVED EXCELLENT RESULTS IN LAST YEAR’S LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES EXAMINATIONS.
IN THE CHAMBER’S WORLD AGGREGATE EXAMINATION RESULTS ANNOUNCED RECENTLY, TWO STUDENTS FROM THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MISS CHAN LAI-HA AND MR LAI CHI-KIN, WERE PLACED TOP IN THE SPRING 1987 HIGHER PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT EXAMINATION AND THE SPRING 1987 HIGHER ECONOMICS EXAMINATION, RESPECTIVELY.
"TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS HAVE CONSTANTLY EXCELLED IN OVERSEAS EXAMINATIONS, PARTICULARLY IN SUBJECTS SUCH AS ACCOUNTING, COSTING AND STATISTICS CONDUCTED BY THE CHAMBER.
"BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS HAVE ACHIEVED MERIT IN HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATIONS OF ECONOMICS AND PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT, A HIGH COMMAND OF ENGLISH SKILLS IS A MUST FOR THESE TWO DESCRIPTIVE SUBJECTS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.
A STUDENT FROM THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MISS WONG YUK-CHUN, ALSO WON HONOURS IN THE CHAMBER’S EXAMINATIONS.
SHE GAINED THE HIGHEST MARKS IN EXAMINATIONS IN INTERMEDIATE ECONOMICS FOR SUMMER 1987 AND IN INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS STATISTICS FOR SPRING 1987.
/PLACED SECOND
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
PLACED SECOND IN THE INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS STATISTICS EXAMINATION WAS MISS CHAN LEE-LING, OF KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
ON A REGIONAL GRADING BASIS, THE FIRST PLACE IN THE HONG KONG CENTRES SCORE LIST IN THE INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS ARITHMETIC FOR SUMMER 1987 WENT TO MR LAM WAI-YIN, FROM THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
MISS TANG WAI-FAN, OF THE SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, CAME SECOND IN THE SAME EXAMINATION.
MISS LIU PO-CHUN, A STUDENT AT THE TUEN MUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ALSO CAME SECOND IN THE HIGHER BUSINESS STATISTICS EXAMINATION FOR SPRING 1987.
THESE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED MEDALLIONS AND CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES BY THE CHAMBER’S EXAMINATIONS BOARD.
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REGIONAL SECRETARY TO OFFICIATE AT BUN FESTIVAL t » » « «
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT CHEUNG CHAU ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) FOR THE ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ORGANISED BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE CHEUNG CHAU "TA CHIU" (1988) COMMITTEE.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PROCESSION, WHICH IS A POPULAR ATTRACTION BOTH FOR ISLANDERS AND FOR TOURISTS.
THE TWO-HOUR PROCESSION, INVOLVING 2,000 PEOPLE AS WELL AS SEVERAL HUNDRED SCHOOL CHILDREN, WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE PAK TAI TEMPLE. IT WILL PASS THROUGH VARIOUS STREETS ON ITS WAY TO THE FUNG SHUI LANE IN FRONT OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHEK HAU.
THERE WILL BE 13 FLOATS, AND ALONG THE WAY NUMEROUS LION AND UNICORN DANCES, FLAG PARADES, FOLK DANCES AND FESTIVAL MUSIC FEATURING DRUMS AND GONGS WILL BE PERFORMED.
SHRINES OF DEITIES AND THE CHERISHED SWORD OF THE GOD PAK TAI WILL ALSO BE FEATURED IN THE PROCESSION.
/The bun
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
- 8 -
THE BUN FESTIVAL, HELD TO APPEASE THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES ON THE ISLAND IN THE PAST, HAS BEEN ORGANISED WITHOUT INTERRUPTION EACH YEAR FOR A CENTURY.
WEEK-LONG FESTIVITIES BEGAN YESTERDAY (SUNDAY). THEY INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA SHOWS, AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR LIONS AND UNICORNS, A GHOST-WORSHIPPING CEREMONY, A SMALLER SCALE PROCESSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUNS. THE GRAND PROCESSION ON WEDNESDAY WILL BRING THE FESTIVAL TO A CLIMAX.
AS AN ACT OF SINCERITY AND HUMBLENESS, THE ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM EATING MEAT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM TODAY (MONDAY) AND NO ANIMAL WILL BE SLAUGHTERED DURING THIS PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS BADGE AND DETAILS OF PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR COVERING THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18), ISSUED BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, HAVE BEEN MAILED TO MEDIA ORGANISATIONS.
AS THE NUMBER OF PRESS BADGES IS LIMITED, EACH ORGANISATION CAN BE GIVEN ONLY ONE BADGE.
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GATHERING OF SHA TIN AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS TOMORROW
♦ ♦ * * ♦
ABOUT 120 MEMBERS OF THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES TN SHA TIN WILL GATHER AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS BEFORE HOLDING THEIR FIRST MEETINGS LATER IN THE MONTH.
THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES ARE: CHE KUNG MIU, SHA KOK, YUEN WO, TAI WAI, SHING MUN EAST, TIN SUM, TOWN CENTRE AND TSANG TAI UK.
/THE SHA TIN
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE STANDING ORDERS OF AREA COMMITTEES AND THE PROCEDURES FOR ELECTING CHAIRMEN AT THEIR FIRST MEETINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GATHERING OF SHA TIN AREA COMMITTES MEMBERS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL IN SHA TIN. THE GATHERING WILL START AT 8 PM.
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SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ELECTED
» » » » »
THE SOLE CANDIDATE FOR THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE, MR ALBERT POON SHUN-KWOK, WAS ELECTED IPSO FACTO IN THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
MR POON, AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE BOARD, WILL HOLD THE OFFICE UNTIL THE END OF MARCH, 1989.
AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO OPEN ITS FUTURE MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC AND THE NEWS MEDIA.
THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON AUGUST 22 AND NOVEMBER 21 OF 1988, AND ON FEBRUARY 24, 1989 IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/1O
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
10 -
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR KWAI TSING ORGANISATIONS *****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $3.74 MILLION BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE AMOUNT REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF SEVEN PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S ALLOCATION.
AMONG THE BOARD’S SEVEN COMMITTEES, THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN GIVEN THE LARGEST SHARE OF $867,000, OUT OF WHICH ABOUT $450,000 ARE BEING RESERVED FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
THE SPORTS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE AND THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED OVER $700,000 EACH FOR ORGANISING VARIOUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS LARGE-SCALE EVENTS, SUCH AS THE SPORTS FESTIVAL AND THE ARTS FESTIVAL.
ORGANISATIONS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT MAY NOW APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
FUND APPLICATIONS FOR ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED BETWEEN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE JUNE 1 WHILE FOR THOSE AFTER NOVEMBER CAN BE SUBMITTED BEFORE OCTOBER 1.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES.
-----o------
WAN CHAI CULTURE, RECREATION COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
MEMBERS OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WILL ELECT A CHAIRMAN AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP, SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS, AND APPORTIONMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
/OTHER ITEMS
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1988
11
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE URBAN COUNCIL RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT, AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON SOCIAL SERVICES
*****
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON PROGRESS MADE IN PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM FIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL GIVE THE BRIEFING.
THEY ARE SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT, MR ANTHONY KWAN; COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN (NEW TERRITORIES EAST) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR LIOU NAN-CHANG; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR STEPHEN CHAU; DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER, MR CHOI WAI-MAN; AND HOUSING MANAGER AT TIN PING ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU], MR LI KA-HIM.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF COMMITTEE FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, MAY 16,
1988
12 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 29.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 172.504 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 288.811 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 49.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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ROAD CLOSURES FOR DEMOLITION OF FOOTBRIDGE » ♦ ♦ ♦ »
SECTIONS OF FERRY STREET IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC IN THE EARLY MORNINGS OF WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) AND THURSDAY (MAY 19) TO FACILITATE THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS FERRY STREET NEAR JORDAN ROAD.
THE SECTION OF FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD AND MAN WUI STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM CANTON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA JORDAN ROAD, CANTON ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FREEY STREET NORTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM JORDAN ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED. MOTORISTS MAY USE CANTON ROAD SOUTHBOUND, JORDAN ROAD FERRY CONCOURSE, CANTON ROAD NORTHBOUND, JORDAN ROAD EASTBOUND, CANTON ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FERRY STREET.
BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM ON THURSDAY, THE SECTION OF FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN SAIGON STREET AND JORDAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM FERRY STREET HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET AND JORDAN ROAD. VEHICLES WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO SAIGON STREET AND MAN CHEONG STREET WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET AND KANSU STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM MAN CHEONG STREET ONTO FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND. VEHICLES MAY OPERATE VIA SAIGON STREET.
O -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO QUESTION OF PARDON FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: GOVERNOR .... 1
TAC DISCUSSES ADDITIONAL CROSS-HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
SERVICES ................................................ 2
NINE QUESTIONS BEFORE LEGCO............................... 't
GOVERNOR TO APPOINT COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER PAY DISPUTE ..... 4
PROVISION FOR CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS SOUGHT ........ 5
WATER TREATMENT WORKS AT AU TAU, YUEN LONG ................ 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROPOSED LO WU MARSHALLING YaRD ... 6
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS TO BE CONSIDERED ................... 7
VIDEO FILM CW KWUN TONG DB'S WORK ......................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERVICES OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE
AGED..................................................... 9
APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS ON AGENDA ....................... 9
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CkR NUMBERS ............................ 10
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BEST APPRENTICE CONTEST ......... 11
viol.. Masterclass by virtuoso ............................ 12
WATER CUT IN LAI CHI KOK .............................. 13
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN NORTH POINT .......................... 13
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROmDS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
13
TUESDAY, MAY 17,
1988
NO QUESTION OF PARDON FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: GOVERNOR » » » » »
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF A PARDON FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
SIR DAVID SAID THE RECENT POLICE ACTION WAS TO TRY TO DEAL WITH THE QUESTION OF SYNDICATED IMPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"WHAT WE'RE FACING AT THE MOMENT IS A LARGE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING INTO HONG KONG WITH AN ARREST RATE OF ABOUT 100 A DAY, WHICH IS VERY HIGH," HE SAID.
"WHAT WE WANT TO TRY TO DO IS TO GET AT THOSE WHO ARE SYNDICATING THE ARRIVAL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO WORK, FOR INSTANCE, ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, AND THAT'S WHY THOSE PROSECUTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT, TO TRY TO DEAL WITH CASES WHERE THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEING BROUGHT IN," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
ASKED WHY HE POSTPONED HIS VISIT TO CHINA PLANNED FOR LATER THIS MONTH, SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT A NUMBER OF MATTERS HAD EMERGED WHICH WOULD REQUIRE HIM TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE FORTHCOMING VISIT BY THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE.
"AFTER DISCUSSING IT WITH THE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES, I CONCLUDED THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO POSTPONE THE VISIT UNTIL LATER THIS YEAR, AND CARRY OUT A FULL VISIT AS I'D ORIGINALLY PLANNED, RATHER THAN TO SHORTEN IT ON THIS OCCASION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD HOPED TO VISIT CHINA IN SEPTEMBER, BUT NO DATES HAD BEEN FIXED.
ON THE SEPARATE VISITS TO HONG KONG IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS BY CHINESE VICE PREMIER, MR TIAN JIYUN, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, AND THE MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR LI HAO, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD DISCUSS WITH THEM ANYTHING OF INTEREST FOR THE RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
"I'M VERY PLEASED THAT A SENIOR CHINESE LEADER (MR TIAN) OF HIS STATURE IS COMING TO HONG KONG, AND THAT HE'LL HAVE A CHANCE, OVER SEVERAL DAYS, TO SEE HONG KONG FOR HIMSELF," SIR DAVID SAID.
/"I HOPE
TUESDAY, MAY 1?t 1988
2
”1 HOPE WE WILL COVER THE RANGE OF ISSUES OF RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA,” HE ADDED.
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD FORMALLY PUT FORWARD HIS VIEWS ON THE BASIC LAW DRAFT TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I WOULDN’T EXPECT TO PUT FORWARD FORMAL VIEWS ON THE BASIC LAW DRAFT.
"THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION ON THE BASIC LAW IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING, IT GOES ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.”
"IF THERE ARE VIEWS WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FEELS THAT IT OUGHT TO PUT FORWARD, WE WOULD INITIALLY BE DISCUSSING THOSE WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND WOULD PROBABLY PUT THEM THROUGH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE WOULD ALSO FIND OTHER WAYS IN WHICH WE WILL PUT FORWARD OUR VIEWS, BUT NOT AT THE EARLY STAGE. THE PROCESS AT THE MOMENT IS ONE OF CONSULTATION WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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TAC DISCUSSES ADDITIONAL CROSS-HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES » » » » t
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO COPE WITH INCREASED DEMAND THAT MIGHT OCCUR IF MTR PASSENGERS CHOOSE TO TRAVEL ON OTHER MODES FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONGESTION SURCHARGE ON MAY 30.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT FROM APRIL THIS YEAR UNTIL THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IN LATE 1989, OVER 40 ITEMS IN THE KOWLOON ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WILL PROVIDE FOR ALTERNATIVE SERVICES TO BE IMPROVED AND NEW SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED.
AS A RESULT, PEAK HOUR CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 20,000 PASSENGERS.
THESE INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO FERRY SERVICES AND CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICES, INCLUDING A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NO. 119 FROM KWUN TONG’S SHUN TIN ESTATE TO CENTRAL WHICH WILL BE IN OPERATION AT THE END OF MAY.
IMPROVEMENTS WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO BUS SERVICES TO VARIOUS FERRY PIERS.
/THE TAC
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
THE TAC ALSO CONSIDERED THE DRAFT FINAL REPORT ON THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY. MEMBERS NOTED THAT LATE 1989 WOULD BE THE MOST CONGESTED PERIOD BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
THE STRATEGY RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS WAS TO EXTEND THE TIDAL FLOW SCHEME AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BY DIVERTING TRAFFIC TO USE TAI PO ROAD IN THE NORTHBOUND DIRECTION AND TO SUPPLEMENT THIS BY BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES.
THE CONSULTANTS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT TOLL INCREASES SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST RESORT TO SUPPRESS DEMAND IF TRAFFIC GREW AT A MUCH HIGHER RATE THAN EXPECTED, OR IF ROUTE 5 OR TAI PO ROAD WIDENING WORKS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY DELAYED. MEMBERS ENDORSED THESE RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE PROPOSED MEASURES TO CONTROL LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES IN VIEW OF THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE OF THESE VEHICLES WERE ALSO DISCUSSED.
MEMBERS FELT THAT THE AUTOMATIC APPROVAL TO DRIVE A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE CONFERRED ON A PRIVATE CAR DRIVING LICENCE HOLDER UNTIL HE HAS HELD SUCH LICENCE FOR THREE YEARS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED THAT INSPECTION OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME; THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS SHOULD BE AMENDED TO MAKE UNAUTHORISED CONVERSIONS ILLEGAL; AND THE REGISTRATION OF ALL GOODS VEHICLES SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO REGISTERED COMPANIES OR BUSINESS.
THE TAC ALSO CONSIDERED THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN PARKING FEES AT THE FOUR GOVERNMENT OPEN-AIR CARPARKS TO IMPROVE THE TURNOVER RATE OF PARKING SPACES.
MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS AND THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN (1987 - 1991) OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY; AND MEASURES TO MONITOR THE EFFICIENCY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.
0 - -
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
NINE QUESTIONS BEFORE LEGCO « » « « «
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF NINE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THREE OF THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1988 AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
DEBATE ON THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 WILL BE RESUMED. THE BILL IS DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN GO FORWARD TO THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL TABLE IN A SESSIONAL PAPER A REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987-88.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPROVED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987-88 WILL ALSO BE TABLED IN A SESSIONAL PAPER.
GOVERNOR TO APPOINT COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER PAY DISPUTE t » » « »
THE GOVERNOR HAS DECIDED IN PRINCIPLE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO CONSIDER THE DISPUTE OVER THE 1988 PAY ADJUSTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE 1968 AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE MAIN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTED ON THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S REPLY TODAY (TUESDAY) TO THE STAFF SIDE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE ARE BEING DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE STAFF SIDE.
- 0 -
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
PROVISION FOR CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS SOUGHT
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE PAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988.
THE ADJUSTMENTS VARY FROM ABOUT 6.54 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER PAY BAND AND THE DIRECTORATE, TO 7.28 PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE PAY BAND, AND TO 8.5 PER CENT FOR THE LOWER PAY BAND OF THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY SCALES AND PERSONAL SCALES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE SIMILAR ADJUSTMENTS TO PAY SCALES AND RATES OF ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING DEFICIENCY SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS, WHICH ARE NORMALLY ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH CIVIL SERVICE PAY.
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT 11,643.8 MILLION WILL BE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE ADJUSTMENTS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO AGREE THAT A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT $52.5 MILLION SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE, ON APPLICATION, TO DISCRETIONARY SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MERITS OF EACH CASE.
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $38,475 MILLION TO MEET COSTS AWARDED AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT ARISING FROM THE CARRIAN CASE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE:
* AN INCREASE IN THE PROJECT ESTIMATE FROM $13,656,000 TO $18,148,000 TO ASSIST THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA TOWARDS BUILDING AND EQUIPPING A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN;
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $1,485,000 TO $2,335,000 FOR REFURBISHING FIVE PAIRS OF PASSENGER AEROBRIDGES AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; AND
» A LOAN OF $156.1 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT FUND TO THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTING A SPECIAL PURPOSE BUILDING TO HOUSE ITS PRESENT AND PLANNED FACILITIES.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEES WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
6
WATER TREATMENT WORKS AT AU TAU, YUEN LONG » » * » t
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO IMPLEMENT A SCHEME TO INCREASE ITS WATER TREATMENT CAPACITY IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES TO COPE WITH THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TIN SHUI WAI.
THE SCHEME COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WATER TREATMENT WORKS, A PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR AND ASSOCIATED MAINS LAYING WORK AT AU TAU, YUEN LONG.
A CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE $53.8 MILLION PROJECT WAS HELD YESTERDAY (MONDAY) AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS. THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR K.L. WONG, AND A DIRECTOR OF THE CONTRACTOR, PORTALS WATER TREATMENT (HK) LTD, SIGNED THE CONTRACT.
TREATMENT FACILITIES TO BE INSTALLED UNDER THIS CONTRACT INCLUDE SIX CLARIFIERS, EIGHT FILTERS AND ALL CHEMICAL HANDLING AND DOSING EQUIPMENT.
THE PROJECT - AU TAU WATER TREATMENT WORKS - IS TO BE DEVELOPED IN STAGES. WITH THE COMPLETION OF STAGE I, IT WILL HAVE AN OUTPUT OF 110,000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER A DAY, WITH A FUTURE ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF 330,000 CUBIC METRES A DAY.
THE STAGE I WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1990.
TWO OTHER CONTRACTS, ONE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE OTHER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE AWARDED IN TWO TO THREE MONTHS' TIME.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROPOSED LO WU MARSHALLING YARD » » « * »
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS A GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT A MARSHALLING YARD AT LO WU TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION IN HANDLING FREIGHT TRAFFIC.
THE PURPOSE OF A MARSHALLING YARD IS TO ACCEPT INCOMING TRAINS, BREAK THEM INTO SECTIONS ACCORDING TO TYPE AND DESTINATION, AND THEN REASSEMBLE THEM INTO TRAINS OF A COMMON TYPE AND DESTINATION.
/MEMBERS WILL
TUESDAY, MAT 17, 1988
MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL STABLING SIDINGS NEAR THE PROPOSED YARD FOR NEW PASSENGER TRAINS TO ALLEVIATE OVERCROWDING ON PASSENGER TRAINS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER SUGGESTIONS FROM TWO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND A RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION CONCERNING RELOCATION OF BUS STOPS AT MAN KAM TO ROAD, PROVISION OF A TURN-AROUND FACILITY AT TONG HANG VILLAGE IN FANLING, AND IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT PING CHE ROAD, TA KWU LING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE RELOCATION OF THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT TSUN FU STREET TO SAN FAT STREET, AND THE PROPOSED RELOCATION OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES AT SAN FUNG AVENUE, BOTH IN SHEUNG SHUI.
i
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS TO BE CONSIDERED
*****
MEMBERS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL ENDORSE THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 19).
THEY WILL CONSIDER 15 PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ROJECTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND GIVE ADVICE ON WHICH ONES SHOULD HAVE PRIORITY.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE MATTER OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM CAUSED BY A PIG ROASTING FACTORY IN SMITHFIELD, KENNEDY TOWN.
/ACTIVITIES TO
TUESDAY, MAY 1?, 1988
8
ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE 1988 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WILL BE DISCUSSED.
'TE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT HOARD'S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT '.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 19) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
0
VIDEO FILM ON KWUN TONG DB’S WORK * * « » »
A VIDEO FILM INTRODUCING THE STRUCTURE, OPERATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.
THE 23-MINUTE DOCUMENTARY, NARRATED IN CANTONESE, WAS PRODUCED BY THE LAST TERM DISTRICT BOARD (1985-1988) TO PROMOTE THE WORK OF THE BOARD AND THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
"IT ALSO SERVES AS A FORM OF CIVIC EDUCATION MATERIAL, AIMING TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO SHOW MORE CONCERN FOR THEIR COMMUNITY AND TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE PART IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTED THE WORK OF THE BOARD’S SIX STANDING COMMITTEES AND FOUR WORKING GROUPS.
DURING THE THREE YEARS ENDING MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS HAD HANDLED VARIOUS ISSUES CONCERNING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY BUILDING, HOUSING, SOCIAL SERVICES ND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS.
VHS COPIES OF THE FILM ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT. LOCAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ARE WELCOME TO BORROW THE TAPES FOR PUBLIC SHOWING AS PART OF THEIR CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
ENQUIRIES ON BORROWING PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315 EXT. 231.
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/9........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERVICES OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED » » t * t
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL LOOK INTO THE ROLE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SHOULD PLAY IN SUPERVISING THE OPERATION OF THESE INSTITUTIONS.
OTHER TOPICS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR 1988-89, SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN YUEN LONG, AND FUND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 3 PM.
- 0 - -
APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS ON AGENDA » » » » »
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION ANU OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO BE HELI) IN THE DISTRICT.
/AN INFORMATION
TUESDAY. MAY 17, 1?88
- 10
AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE WORK OF THE ICAC REGIONAL OFFICE (NEW TERRITORIES NORTH WEST) WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DB'S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MAY 18) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
* ♦ t » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 21) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE :
DS 117 DU1283 BL 283 AK 813 AL1683
DT1628 AT9628 DS8885 BB 968 DS 238
CD3083 DB 66 DT8288 DV 930 XX3902
AT7707 DR 168 DS 213 DM1111 AA 58
DT8899 AB 833 DS6638 DR8328 BB 391
DS8468 CC3898 2042 DS 389 DS3228
DR 938 CM 1 DS 880 DP 638 DM 6
DD 38 DS8238 DD 98 DJ 1 DR9888
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
BIDDING.
/A TRANSPORT
TUESDAY, MAI 17, 1988
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 125TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BEST APPRENTICE CONTEST » » » « «
REGISTERED VEHICLE MECHANIC APPRENTICES ARE BEING INVITED TO COMPETE FOR THE TITLE OF "BEST APPRENTICE" IN THE TRADE THIS SUMMER.
"THE 1988 BEST APPRENTICE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AIMS AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER APPRENTICE TRAINING AND THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) .
I
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS: A THEORY TEST ON JULY 14 AND A SKILLS TEST SCHEDULED FROM AUGUST 15 TO 17 AT THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE.
CONTESTANTS WHO PASS THE THEORY TEST WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE THE SKILLS TEST, REQUIRING THEM TO IDENTIFY AND REPAIR FAULTS RELATING TO ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, STEERING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND SO ON.
THE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED CASH, A TROPHY AND OTHER PRIZES UP TO A VALUE OF $5,000.
ALL REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANIC APPRENTICES WHO ARE ENTERING THEIR FINAL YEAR OF TRAINING MAY APPLY.
/APPLICATION FORMS
TUESDAY, MAY 1?t 1988
- 12
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE COUNCIL ON THE 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JUNE 15.
IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY, THERE ARE ABOUT 400 REGISTERED APPRENTICES UNDERGOING FOUR YEARS OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
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VIOLA MASTERCLASS BY VIRTUOSO » » * ♦ »
A MASTERCLASS TO BE CONDUCTED BY A FAMOUS VIOLIST, MS XIAO HONG-MEI, WILL BE HELD AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE ON THURSDAY (MAY 19), STARTING AT 5 PM.
MS XIAO WAS BORN IN SHANGHAI. SHE RECEIVED HER EARLIEST MUSICAL TRAINING FROM HER FATHER, A WELL-KNOWN COMPOSER.
AFTER RECEIVING A PRE-COLLEGE DIPLOMA AND A BACHELOR'S DEGREE WITH HIGHEST HONOURS AT THE SHANGHAI CONSERVATORY, SHE STUDIED WITH MR JOHN GRAHAM, NEW YORK STATE UNIVERSITY'S ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE IN VIOLA, DURING HIS SIX MONTHS' VISIT TO CHINA. IN 1984, SHE WENT TO NEW YORK TO CONINUE WORKING WITH HIM.
SHE FINISHED HER MASTER'S DEGREE IN 1986 AND ENTERED THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMME LAST AUTUMN.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTERCLASS IS FREE, AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS MAY BE MADE ON 5-8235321.
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/13
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1988
15
WATER CUT IN LAI CHI KOK » » » »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN LAI CHI KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT KAU WAH KENG TSUEN, CHUNG SHAN TERRACE, HAPPY VILLA AND LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.
- - 0 - -
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN NORTH POINT » » * *
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM ELECTRIC ROAD IN NORTH POINT TO FOOK YUM ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20).
THE BAN WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 15 DAYS FOR ROADWORKS.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROADS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR * » » t t
THE SLIP ROADS ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THURSDAY FOR ROADWORKS.
THE SLIP ROADS LEADING FROM THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR TO KORNHILL AND SAI WAN HO INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2.30 PM TO 3 PM TOMORROW.
IN ADDITION, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM NAM ON STREET TO THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
............................... WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
SASI GIVES ASSURANCE ON FILM CENSORSHIP BILL............. 1
FILM CENSORSHIP BILL ACCEPTABLE TO COMMUNITY............. 4
PUBLIC SUPPORTS PRINCIPLE OF SOME CONTROL ............... 6
CONSISTENCY IN CJNSORSHIP STANDARDS REQUIRED ............ 7
MONITORING OF FlUi INDUSTRY WELCOMED..................... 9
NO ROOM FOR DIFFERING INTERPRETATIONS.................... 10
• • - . . -
AMENDMENT TO FILM CENSORSHIP BILL EXPLAINED.............. 11
PRACTICAL EFFECT OF PROPOSALS ANALYSED .................. 14
FILM CENSORSHIP BILL PASSED ............................. 15
INCREASE PROPOSED IN LIMITS OF JURISDICTION ............. 16
OWNER LIABLE FOR COSTS UNDER AMENDMENT BILL.............. 18
BILL SEEKS TO REMOVE ANOMALY ............................ 19
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF 3549-9 M IN JRD QUARTER....... 19
PRIVATISATION OF ABATTOIRS UNDER STUDY .................. 20
/MORE PUBLICITY .......
MORE PUBLICITY TO WARN YOUTH OF DRUG DANGERS.............. 21
HOSPITAL SUFFICIENTLY WELL EQUIPPED ...................... 22
BASIC LAW DRAFT BEING STUDIED............................. 23
ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED FOR 1,683 TRIBUNAL CASES.......................... -...................... 23
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WELL RECEIVED ........................ 25
REGULAR CHECKS OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT ................ 26
ENCOURAGING RESULTS IN CONTROLLING SMOKY VEHICLES ........ 28
HOSPITAL CHARGES FOR VISITORS EXPLAINED................... 29
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ............ 30
PAY SCALE ADJUSTMENTS APPROVED .............................. 31
VEHICLE MERGING TEST TO END TOMORROW MORNING ................ 32
ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCE COMPULSORY THIS aUGUST 33
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND ALLOCATIONS .................. 3*+
CYCLING TRACK PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN ......................... 3^
OLD-TYPE ID CARDS INVALID FROM SATURDAY..................... 35
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI ................................ 56
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NEW TERRITORIES ........................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
1
SASI GIVES ASSURANCE ON FILM CENSORSHIP BILL » » » » »
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, GAVE AN ASSURANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 WAS NOT INCOMPATIBLE WITH ARTICLE 19 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR TSAO THANKED MEMBERS WHO SUPPORTED THE BILL AND, IN PARTICULAR, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF THE AD HOC GROUP CHAIRED BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.
MR TSAO NOTED THE PRACTICAL CONCERNS RAISED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FILM INDUSTRY AND CINEMA OPERATORS IN RELATION TO THE BILL IN ITS PRESENT FORM.
HE SAID THE ORIGINAL BILL CONTAINED PROVISION FOR THE EXISTING PRACTICE WHEREBY FILM DISTRIBUTORS SUBMITTED ADVERTISING MATERIALS FOR FILMS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING.
"IT WAS CONSIDERED SUBSEQUENTLY THAT THERE WAS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR FILM ADVERTISING MATERIAL TO BE DEALT WITH DIFFERENTLY FROM ANY OTHER PRINTED ADVERTISING MATTER, AND SO THIS PROVISION WAS REMOVED FROM THE BILL," HE SAID.
ON THE NEED TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENT STANDARDS IN DEALING WITH SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS, MR TSAO SAID THAT BESIDES THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, ONLY THE POLICE, THE CUSTOMS AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY HAD BEEN DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO REFER SUSPECT ARTICLES TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL.
"THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAVE AGREED THAT THEY WILL MAKE ALL THEIR REFERRALS (BOTH THOSE RELATING TO FILMS AND THOSE RELATING TO OTHER PUBLICATIONS) THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THEREBY ENSURING A CONSISTENT APPROACH AT THE INITIAL ENFORCEMENT LEVEL," HE SAID.
MR TSAO ALSO REFERRED TO THE CONCERN OVER POSSIBLE PROBLEMS ARISING OUT OF THE NATURE OF WORK AND LACK OF CAREER STRUCTURE FOR THE FILM INSPECTORS, WHO NUMBERED FIVE. ALL SUCH PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE ANTICIPATED, HE SAID.
ON THE IDEA OF SECONDING OFFICERS FROM DISCIPLINED SERVICES TO CARRY OUT INSPECTION DUTIES, MR TSAO SAID TO USE HIGHLY TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO PERFORM INSPECTION DUTIES IN SUCH A RESTRICTED AREA MIGHT NOT REPRESENT VALUE FOR MONEY.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
TURNING TO THE NEED FOR GUIDELINES FOR CINEMA OPERATORS WHEN DEALING WITH CATEGORY III FILMS, HE SAID: ’’THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING HAS ALREADY DRAFTED A SET OF ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES TO CINEMA OPERATORS.
’’THE OPERATORS, IN PERMITTING PEOPLE TO GAIN ADMITTANCE TO THEIR CINEMAS, ARE ENTITLED TO TAKE STEPS TO SEE THAT THEIR LEGAL DUTIES ARE DISCHARGED.
’’THESE STEPS INCLUDE REQUIRING PERSONS WHOM THEY SUSPECT OF BEING UNDER-AGE TO SHOW PROOF OF THEIR AGE AND EXCLUDING THEM IF THEY ARE UNDER-AGED.
"CLEARLY, THE EFFORT REQUIRED TO DO THIS IS MORE THAN IS REQUIRED UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION."
"BUT CINEMA OPERATORS ARE BY NO MEANS OBLIGED TO SHOW CATEGORY III FILMS: THEY ARE FREE TO CARRY ON OPERATING WITH CATEGORY I AND II FILMS AS AT PRESENT."
HE FORESAW THAT CERTAIN CINEMAS MIGHT BECOME SPECIALISED IN CATEGORY III FILMS IN FUTURE.
ON WHETHER THE CURRENT STANDARDS OF CENSORSHIP WOULD BE TIGHTENED TO ACCOMMODATE CATEGORY III FILMS IN THE FUTURE, MR TSAO SAID HE HAD BEEN ASSURED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING THAT THE CURRENT STANDARDS HAD NOT BEEN TIGHTENED.
"FOR THE FUTURE AND IF THE BILL IS PASSED INTO LAW, FILMS CURRENTLY CLASSIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR GENERAL EXHIBITION WOULD BE CATEGORY I; THOSE CURRENTLY CLASSIFIED AS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN WOULD BE CATEGORY II.
"ANY FILMS WHICH GOES BEYOND CATEGORY II BUT NEVERTHELESS CAN BE APPROVED FOR RESTRICTED EXHIBITION TO ADULTS WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS CATEGORY III."
AS TO THE ISSUE OF UNDER-AGE VIEWERS, MR TSAO NOTED THAT IT WAS COMMON GROUND THAT UNDER-AGE PERSONS CAUGHT IN CINEMAS WATCHING CATEGORY UI FILMS SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE COMMITTED AN OFFENCE.
"MEMBERS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT SUCH YOUNG PERSONS SHOULD BE PROPERLY INDENTIFIED AND THAT LETTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO THEIR PARENTS TO SERVE AS A DETERRENT," HE SAID.
’’THIS STEP WILL BE IMPLEMENTED."
/ON A
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
ON A PROPOSAL THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CIRCULATE SUCH LETTERS CONFIDENTIALLY TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, MR TSAO SAID SUCH A STEP WOULD REQUIRE AN EXAMINATION OF BROADER ISSUES.
HE NOTED THAT SEVERAL DIFFICULTIES HAD ALREADY BEEN POINTED OUT.
"FIRST, WE DOUBT WHETHER INSPECTORS WOULD HAVE POWERS TO REQUIRE ANYONE TO IDENTIFY HIS PARENTS OR SCHOOL AND GIVE THEIR ADDRESS," HE SAID.
"SECOND, WE FEAR THAT EVEN IF SUCH INFORMATION WERE VOLUNTEERED, IT MIGHT BE INACCURATE OR MISLEADING, GIVING RISE TO THE RISK OF LIBEL ACTION AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION IF A PERSON WERE MISIDENTIFIED IN A LETTER.
"FINALLY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT IT MIGHT BE ADVISABLE NOT TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN’S SOCIAL LIFE IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS."
GIVEN THESE DIFFICULTIES, HE FELT THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO EXAMINE FURTHER THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSAL.
MR TSAO NOTED A MEMBER’S REFERENCE TO THE DESIRABILITY OF HAVING A JUDGE TO CHAIR THE BOARD OF REVIEW, IF THE BOARD SHOULD COME TO EXAMINE A FILM WHICH WAS BANNED UNDER CLAUSE 10 (2) (C), THAT IS, ON THE GROUND THAT THE EXHIBITION OF THAT WAS LIKELY TO DAMAGE, OR CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE WITH RELATIONS WITH OTHER TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THAT HE COULD ONLY NOTE THE MEMBER’S COMMENT ON THIS PARTICULAR ASPECT, AND WHEN IT CAME TO MAKING AN APPOINTMENT IT WOULD BE A MATTER UNDER THE NEW BILL FOR THE GOVERNOR.
"I’M SURE THE GOVERNOR WILL HAVE THIS ON RECORD WHEN SUCH APPOINTMENT IS MADE," HE SAID.
LATER, SPEAKING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR TASO SAID HE WAS MOST GRATEFUL TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR HIS ELUCIDATION OF LEGAL ASPECTS CONCERNING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
"I WOULD MERELY WISH TO ADD THAT WE OWE IT TO THOSE WHO WOULD BE AFFECTED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY THIS BILL THAT THE EFFECT OF THE LEGISLATION THAT EVENTUALLY APPEARS ON THE STATUTE BOOK MUST BE CERTAIN," HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID HE AND HIS OFFICIAL COLLEAGUES WOULD SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS THAT WERE PROPOSED BY MR YEUNG PO-KWAN.
-------o ---------
A....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 4 -
FILM CENSORSHIP BILL ACCEPTABLE TO COMMUNITY
*****
THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 REPRESENTS A PACKAGE WHICH NOT ONLY TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF ALL PARTIES, BUT SHOULD ALSO BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YEUNG WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
HE NOTED THAT ONE MAJOR AREA OF DEBATE CONCERNING THE BILL WAS THE CENSOR’S POWER TO BAN OR EXCISE A FILM ON THE GROUND THAT ITS EXHIBITION WOULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE HONG KONG’S GOOD RELATIONS WITH OTHER TERRITORIES.
CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT TO RETAIN THIS POWER WOULD INFRINGE UPON THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
”1 AM NOW HAPPY TO SAY THAT AN AMENDMENT WILL BE MADE TO PROVIDE FOR EXPRESS STATUTORY RECOGNITION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ENSHRINED IN ARTICLE 19 OF THE COVENANT,” HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE BOARD OF APPEAL WHICH WOULD FUNCTION AS AN APPEAL CHANNEL FOR FILM PRODUCERS AGGRIEVED BY A CENSORSHIP DECISION, MR YEUNG SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, OF WHICH HE WAS CONVENOR, FELT STRONGLY THAT THE BOARD SHOUD BE CHAIRED BY A NON-OFFICIAL TO HIGHLIGHT ITS INDEPENDENT ROLE.
HE SAID THAT THIS WOULD, TO A CERTAIN DEGREE, ENHANCE THE SAFEGUARDS AVAILABLE IN THE BILL TO PREVENT ABUSE OF POWER BY THE CENSOR.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS RECEPTIVE TO THE AD HOC GROUP’S PROPOSAL AND A SUITABLE PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE IN THE BILL.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO AGREED TO THE AD HOC GROUP’S PROPOSAL THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY WOULD ONLY BE EMPOWERED TO ’’REFER" REQUESTS TO RECONSIDER A CENSORSHIP DECISION TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW RATHER THAN TO ’’DIRECT" THE BOARD TO RECONSIDER THE CENSORSHIP DECISION.
MR YEUNG SAID THE WORD "DIRECT" MIGHT GIVE A FALSE IMPRESSION OF THERE BEING UNDUE INTERFERENCE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE BOARD’S PROCEEDINGS.
/HE ALSO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 5 -
HE ALSO REFERRED TO CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE FILM INDUSTRY ON THE ABOLITION OF THE EXISTING CENSORSHIP MECHANISM FOR ADVERTISING MATERIAL RELATED TO FILMS WITH THE INTENTION THAT INDIVIDUAL FILM PRODUCERS SHOULD BEAR THEIR OWN RISKS FOR PROSECUTION UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE.
AFTER CLARIFICATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT, THE AD HOC GROUP WAS SATISFIED THAT THE EXISTING STANDARDS GOVERNING ADVERTISING MATERIAL RELATED TO FILMS WOULD NOT CHANGE.
’’EXISTING STANDARDS WILL BE MAINTAINED BY WAY OF A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WHICH ENSURES THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING ACTS AS THE ONLY AUTHORITY FOR REFERRALS OF FILM ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL,” HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT CINEMA OPERATORS WERE CONCERNED THAT THEY WOULD BE CHARGED WITH ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES TO ENSURE THAT UNDER-AGED PEOPLE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SEE THOSE FILMS WHICH WERE LIMITED TO AN AUDIENCE THAT WAS AGED OVER 18.
WHILE THERE WAS A DEFENCE IN THE BILL FOR CINEMA OPERATORS SHOULD THEY BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY HAD TAKEN "REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS” TO PREVENT UNDER-AGE!) PEOPLE FROM ENTERING THEIR PREMISES, THE AD HOC GROUP WAS SYMPATHETIC TO THE FILM INDUSTRY’S CONCERN.
"AS A COMPROMISE, THEREFORE, AN WITH THE ADMINISTRATION THAT A SET CONST I TL’TES ’ REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS '
AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED OF GUIDELINES LISTING WHAT WILL BE WORKED OUT IN
CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRY BEFORE THE SYSTEM IS PUT INTO OPERATION,” HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE BILL HAD SET TWO RECORDS. IT WAS THE FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION, AS FAR AS HE WAS AWARE, WHICH HAD BEEN PRECEDED BY TWO WHITE BILLS, AND IT WAS THE FIRST BILL WHICH NECESSITATED A TOTAL OF 37 MEETINGS BY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP BEFORE THE GROUP COULD REACH FULL AGREEMENT.
-------0----------
/6........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
PUBLIC SUPPORTS PRINCIPLE OF SOME CONTROL » » » » »
THE PRINCIPLE OF GOVERNMENT HAVING A DEGREE OF CONTROL ON FILMS SHOWN TO THE PUBLIC IS GENERALLY SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SUPPORTING THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988, MR CHEONG SAID THE PRACTICE OF FILM CENSORSHIP, INCLUDING CENSORING FILMS THAT MIGHT DAMAGE GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER COUNTRIES, HAD BEEN GOING ON IN HONG KONG FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS, AND HAD NOT IMPEDED THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DID NOT CRY FOUL AT BEING DEPRIVED OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPRECIATE ART, CULTURE OR TO BE ENTERTAINED BY FILMS, NOR DID THEY FEEL THAT FILM CENSORSHIP HAD DEPRIVED THEM OF THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
"THERE WERE NO MAJOR COMPLAINTS OVER THE PRACTICE OF CENSORING FILMS," HE SAID.
"ON THE CONTRARY, RECENT PUBLIC SENTIMENTS CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE STRICTER CONTROL OVER PUBLICATIONS THAT DEPICT AN EXCESSIVE DEGREE OF VIOLENCE AND OBSCENITY.
"IF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CALLED FOR STRICTER CONTROL ON PUBLISHED MATERIAL, THEN IT WOULD BE LOGICAL TO DEDUCE THAT THEY WOULD NOT CALL FOR LESS OR NO CONTROL ON FILMS."
CONCERNING THE CONTROVERSIAL CLAUSE WHICH EMPOWERED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE TO CENSOR FILMS WHICH MIGHT DAMAGE GOOD RELATIONS WITH OTHER NATIONS, MR CHEONG NOTED THAT SOME PEOPLE HAD TRIED TO PROPAGATE A NOTION THAT THIS CLAUSE WOULD GIVE RISE TO A SITUATION WHEREBY AFTER 1997 HONG KONG’S FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WOULD BE CURTAILED.
HE SAID THE ARGUMENT WAS THAT, WHEREAS THE ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE BRITISH FLAG COULD BE TRUSTED TO RESPECT THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, THE SAR ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE CHINESE FLAG AFTER 1997 COULD NOT BE TRUSTED TO PAY HEED TO THE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE AS ENSHRINED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
COMMENTING THAT SUCH ARGUMENTS APPEALED TO THE FEARS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE OVER THE UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, MR CHEONG QUESTIONED "WHETHER, FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, WE SHOULD ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE SO OVER-RIDDEN BY FEARS AS TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE NEED TO MAKE ASSESSMENTS AND DECISIONS ON A RATIONAL AND PRAGMATIC BASIS.
/"EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS
WEDNESDAY, MAY l8t 1988
"EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THAT ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ IS A NOVEL CONCEPT AND HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE THE ONLY SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA IN FUTURE,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE HONG KONG SAR WOULD HAVE AN IMPORTANT BEARING ON THE TOTAL UNIFICATION OF CHINA.
"GIVEN OUR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES, IN CONSIDERING THE ’DAMAGE GOOD RELATIONS’ CLAUSE IN HIS BILL, SHOULD WE NOT PONDER AND THINK WHETHER, WITHOUT THIS CLAUSE, HONG KONG MIGHT UNWITTINGLY BE OPEN TO THE RISK OF BECOMING A BATTLE-GROUND FOR OPPOSING POLITICAL PROPAGANDA WARFARE?
"SHOULDN’T THE ADMINISTRATION, NOW OR AFTER 1997, BE GIVEN THE NECESSARY POWER TO MINIMISE SUCH RISKS THAT HAVE THE EFFECT OF DESTABILISING HONG KONG?" HE ASKED.
MR CHEONG SAID THE AD HOC GROUP RECOGNISED THE CONCERN THAT THE POWERS CONFERRED ON THE ADMINISTRATION MIGHT BE OPEN TO ABUSE NOW OR AFTER 1997, AND HAD THEREFORE SOUGHT TO INJECT NECESSARY CHECKS AND BALANCES INTO THE STRUCTURE.
HE SAID THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW WAS ONE OF THE PROPOSALS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY ALL MEMBERS.
IN ADDITION, CHECKS AND BALANCES WOULD BE PROPOSED BY THE CONVENOR OF THE GROUP, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, TO REQUIRE THE CENSORS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS PROMULGATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT.
"I AM TOTALLY SATISFIED THAT THE BILL BEFORE COUNCIL TODAY, TOGETHER WITH MR YEUNG’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, CONSTITUTES AN ACCEPTABLE PACKAGE FOR HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
-----0-----
CONSISTENCY IN CENSORSHIP STANDARDS REQUIRED » » » * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE CONSISTENCY AND CLARITY IN CENSORSHIP STANDARDS BY SPELLING OUT IN SIMPLE TERMS FOR THE CENSORS AND THE TRADE WHAT CONSTITUTED CATEGORY III FILMS, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988, MRS CHOW SAID: "THIS WOULD NOT ONLY SAVE A LOT OF TIMS AND ARGUMENT IN THE LONG RUN, BUT ALSO ESTABLISH FAIRNESS AND CONSISTENCY IN OUR SYSTEM OF CENSORSHIP WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO GAIN THE TRUST AND SUPPORT OF THE TRADE AND THE PUBLIC."
/SHE CONSIDERED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
8
SHE CONSIDERED THAT THE QUESTION RAISED BY THE TRADE AS TO WHAT CONSTITUTED REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS, AS CONTAINED IN CLAUSE 20(3) OF THE BILL, HAD STILL TO BE RESOLVED WHEN IT CAME TO STOPPING UNDER-AGE PEOPLE FROM SEEING CERTAIN FILMS.
"I CAN UNDERSTAND THE ADMINISTRATION’S RELUCTANCE TO BE INVOLVED IN A DEFINITION, GIVEN THAT WHATEVER DEFINITION WILL NOT HAVE ANY LEGAL EFFECT, AND AT THE END OF THE DAY IT WILL BE UP TO THE COURTS TO DECIDE WHETHER PRECAUTIONS TAKEN HAVE INDEED BEEN REASONABLE," SHE SAID.
"HOWEVER, AS IT WILL BE THE INSPECTORS UNDER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING WHO WILL BE ENFORCING THIS PART OF THE BILL, AND AS ’REASONABLE PRECAUTION’ IS A DEFENCE, IT IS NOT AN EXCESSIVE REQUEST TO ASK THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED TO FAMILIARISE ITSELF WITH THE PRACTICE TO BE GENERALLY ADOPTED BY THE TRADE, AND TO INDICATE WHETHER IN ITS VIEW SUCH PRACTICE IS REASONABLE."
MRS CHOW SAID THAT UP TO LAST WEEK SHE HAD STILL BEEN RECEIVING VIEWS PUT FORWARD BY THE TRADE THAT ENFORCEMENT OF ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CATEGORY III FILMS MIGHT STILL PRESENT GRAVE PROBLEMS.
"HOWEVER, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT THAT WHAT HAS WORKED ELSEWHERE CANNOT WORK EQUALLY WELL HERE, IF THE CENSORS GET IT RIGHT," SHE SAID.
"WE NEED TO WATCH IT CLOSELY TO SEE WHETHER THE NEW SYSTEM ACHIEVES THE ORIGINAL OBJECTIVES OF LIBERALISING CENSORSHIP STANDARDS FOR ADULTS WITHOUT CAUSING UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP," SHE SAID.
"WE ALSO NEED TO WATCH CLOSELY THE ACTUAL WORKINGS OF THE INSPECTIONS, WHERE WE HAVE FIVE INSPECTORS COVERING CINEMAS ON A PERMANENT BASIS, AN ARRANGEMENT WHICH CAN GIVE RISE TO VARIOUS PROBLEMS."
MRS CHOW SAID SHE WOULD MUCH PREFER TO SEE SECONDED OFFICERS FROM A DISCIPLINED SERVICE TAKE ON THE RATHER THANKLESS AND DIFFICULT TASK ON A ROTATION BASIS, AND SHE URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO GIVE THIS SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
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/9.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
9 -
MONITORING OF FILM INDUSTRY WELCOMED
* « * «
HONG KONG’S FILM INDUSTRY HAS FAR-REACHING INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY, AND EVERYONE WHO CARES FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WILL NO DOUBT WELCOME THE MONITORING OF THIS TRADE IN A REASONABLE MANNER SO AS TO PREVENT FILM OPERATORS FROM SELLING IDEAS OF OBSCENITY AND VIOLENCE TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MRS TAM SAID THE GENERAL SPIRIT OF THE BILL WAS TO INTRODUCE A MORE SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WHEREBY THE EXHIBITION OF FILMS OF A MORE RELAXING STANDARD WAS ALLOWED FOR VIEWING BY ADULTS, WHILE YOUNG AUDIENCES WERE PROTECTED FROM THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF OBSCENE AND VIOLENT FILMS.
"THE BILL RECOMMENDS THAT FILMS FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE CATEGORIES, ONE OF WHICH WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM VIEWING BY PERSONS BELOW 18 OF AGE. IN CASE OF ANY CONTRAVENTION, THE CINEMA OPERATORS CONCERNED ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
"BEING A YOUTH WORKER MYSELF, I FULLY SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL AND THE AFORESAID RECOMMENDATIONS," MRS TAM SAID.
SHE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IN PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM VIEWING OBSCENE AND VIOLENT FILMS IN CINEMA, CONSIDERATION SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO HELPING THOSE YOUNGSTERS WHO HAD GOT INTO THE BAD HABIT OF VIEWING SUCH FILMS.
"AT PRESENT, THE IDEA THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED HAVE TN MIND IS TO ISSUE A LETTER OF WARNING TO INFORM THE PARENTS OF THE UNDER-AGE VIEWERS IF THEY ARE FOUND VIEWING FILMS NOT SUITABLE FOR PERSONS BELOW THE AGE OF 18 BY A PUBLIC OFFICER," SHE NOTED.
WHILE AGREEING THAT THIS WAS THE MOST SENSIBLE AND LOGICAL THING TO DO, SHE HOWEVER BELIEVED EFFORTS MADE BY PARENTS ALONE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT TO ENHANCE THE HEALTHY GROWTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
SHE SAID YOUNG PEOPLE NEEDED HELP FROM OUTSIDE THEIR FAMILIES AND, IN THIS RESPECT, THERE WERE THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS WHO PAID CLOSE ATTENTION AND GAVE GUIDANCE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOLS, AND WHOSE WORK SHOULD BE GIVEN DUE WEIGHT.
"I THINK IF YOUNG STUDENTS ARE FOUND VIEWING CATEGORY III FILMS IN CINEMAS, APART FROM THEIR PARENTS, THEIR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED SO THAT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BE GIVEN FULL ASSISTANCE IN GETTING RID OF THE BAD HABIT OF VIEWING OBSCENE AND VIOLENT F7LMS OR EVEN IN SOLVING THEIR LATENT PROBLEMS.
/MRS TAM........
WEDNESDAY, MAY l8t 1988
- 10 -
MRS TAM FELT THAT THE WORRY THAT BY COPYING THE WARNING LETTER TO THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE CONCERNED WOULD BE MADE KNOWN IN THEIR SCHOOLS, BRINGING THEM STRESS AND TROUBLES, WAS UNDUE.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT ALL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS WERE BOUND BY THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF THEIR PROFESSION TO KEEP ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR CLIENTS — THE STUDENTS RECEIVING COUNSELLING — STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
"AS LONG AS THE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE CONCERNED IS PASSED ON TO THE SOCIAL WORKER DIRECTLY AND NO OTHER PERSON IS INFORMED, I BELIEVE THAT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL NOT BE EXPOSED TO STRESS OR GET INTO TROUBLE IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
"WHAT THEY GET WILL BE CARE AND GUIDANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WORKERS IN SCHOOL," SHE SAID.
-----0------
NO ROOM FOR DIFFERING INTERPRETATIONS t ♦ ♦ » »
THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 SHOULD CONTAIN SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARD TO ENSURE THAT A COMMITMENT TO COMPLY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS WOULD BE HONOURED, IF THE "DAMAGE GOOD RELATIONS" CLAUSE WERE TO BE INCLUDED, THE HON DESMOND LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEE SAID THE SAFEGUARD MUST BE SPELLED OUT IN UNEQUIVOCAL TERMS SO AS NOT TO LEAVE ROOM FOR DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS.
ONLY IN THIS WAY WOULD THE INTENTION BEHIND THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG BE REALISED, AND THE PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION PROTECTED.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE TWO FORMULATIONS OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL ARISING FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT, NAMELY THE "TAKING INTO ACCOUNT" VERSION AND THE "COMPLIANCE" VERSION, HE SAID HE WOULD PREFER THE LATTER BECAUSE IT DID NOT ALLOW TOO MUCH PERSONAL JUDGEMENT WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO VARIATIONS IN CENSORSHIP STANDARDS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
11
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN THE PRE-1997 PERIOD, THE LAWS OF HONG KONG SHOULD INCORPORATE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL PRACTICES AND STANDARDS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AND THE REFERENCE TO ARTICLE 19 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS IN THE FILM CENSORSHIP LEGISLATION WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED.
"THESE LAWS WILL, HOPEFULLY, BE INHERITED BY THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND HELP TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY," HE SAID.
IT WOULD STRENGTHEN, TO SOME EXTENT, THE CONFIDENCE OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO WERE WORRIED THAT THE RULE OF LAW WAS NOT AS EFFECTIVE IN THE MAINLAND AS IT WAS IN HONG KONG TODAY, HE ADDED.
MR LEE ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS DANGEROUS TO CREATE RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
QUOTING A CHINESE SAYING, "IF THE AUTHORITIES WISH TO INCRIMINATE A PERSON, THEY WOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT NOT HAVING AN EXCUSE," MR LEE SAID THAT THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF CHINA, WHICH SPANNED 5,000 YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN INNUMERABLE BLATANT EXAMPLES OF THIS.
HE SAID THAT IF IT WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO LEGISLATE SOME CONDITIONS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN HONG KONG, EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARDS MUST BE SPELLED OUT TO PREVENT ABUSE OF POWER BY THE AUTHORITIES IN THE APPLICATION OF SUCH LEGISLATION.
"WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE LEGISLATE NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES BUT ALSO FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS," HE SAID.
--------o---------
AMENDMENT TO FILM CENSORSHIP BILL EXPLAINED * » » » *
THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN EXPLAINED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHY IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT REQUIRING FILM CENSORS TO "TAKE INTO ACCOUNT" THE PROVISIONS OF AN INTERNATIONAL COVENANT CONCERNING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WAS BETTER THAN REQUIRING THEM TO "COMPLY WITH" THE COVENANT.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE "TAKE INTO ACCOUNT" FORMULA WAS, IN LEGISLATIVE TERMS, AS EFFECTIVE AS THE "COMPLY WITH" FORMULA BUT BETTER DRAFTED.
/HE WAS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1$88
HE WAS SPEAKING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE DELIBERATIONS ON THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988.
ON A SUPERFICIAL ANALYSIS, THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE WORDS "COMPLY WITH" SUGGESTED A STRONGER DEGREE OF OBLIGATION THAN "TAKE INTO ACCOUNT", HE SAID.
BUT, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO STUDY THE BILL, AND WHICH HE CONVENED, HAD GONE BEYOND A SUPERFICIAL ANALYSIS AND HAD TESTED THE MERITS OF THE TWO FORMULAS, NOT IN THE ABSTRACT BUT RATHER IN THE CONTEXT OF LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING.
HE SAID THAT FIRST, AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AMENDMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF JUDICIAL REVIEW, IT WAS A RULE OF LAW THAT WHEN AN INTERNATIONAL COVENANT WAS BINDING ON A STATE OR TERRITORY, AND THAT THE TERRITORY’S DOMESTIC LEGISLATURE THEN ENACTED A PROVISION REQUIRING THAT THE COVENANT BE "TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT", THE COURTS WOULD INTERPRET THOSE WORDS AS TO CARRY OUT THE OBLIGATION OF THE COVENANT.
THE POINT WAS THAT THE COURTS RECOGNISED THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAD ENACTED THE DOMESTIC LEGISLATION IN FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE STATES’ OR TERRITORIES’ OBLIGATION UNDER THE COVENANT.
THIS OBLIGATION WAS TO GIVE EFFECT TO ARTICLE 19 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS WHICH DEALT WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
THE FORMULA "COMPLY WITH” THEREFORE ACHIEVED NO GREATER OBLIGATORY EFFECT IN LEGISLATIVE TERMS THAN "TAKE INTO ACCOUNT", MR YEUNG SAID.
SECOND, AS A MATTER OF DRAFTING CLARITY, IT WAS ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE TO REQUIRE IN THE LEGISLATION THAT A CENSOR "COMPLY WITH" ARTICLE 19 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT SINCE PART OF ARTICLE 19 ITSELF REQUIRED THAT ANY RESTRICTION ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION BE PROVIDED BY LAW.
A CENSOR WAS SIMPLY NOT COMPETENT TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS BY LAW. THIS WAS THE JOB OF THE LEGISLATURE, MR YEUNG SAID.
THIRD, EVEN OVERLOOKING THE DRAFTING DEFICIENCY NOTED ABOVE, THE "COMPLY WITH" FORMULA WAS UNNECESSARY AND INAPPROPRIATE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
"IT IS UNNECESSARY BECAUSE, FOR THE REASONS ALREADY GIVEN, IT ACHIEVES NO MORE THAN THE 'TAKE INTO ACCOUNT’ FORMULA; AND IT IS INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE IT IMPLIES THAT NOTHING SHORT OF AN ORDER FROM THE LEGISLATURE WILL INDUCE THE BOARD TO GIVE DUE WEIGHT TO THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION," MR YEUNG SAID.
/'•SUCH AN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 13 -
"SUCH AN APPROACH IS ENTIRELY INCONSISTENT WITH THE LEGISLATURE’S INTENTION AS TO THE FUNCTION OF THE BOARD, WHICH COMPRISES A MAJORITY OF NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS WITH A NON-OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN, PERFORMING AN INDEPENDENT ROLE."
MR YEUNG SAID THE INTENDED EFFECT OF THE "TAKE INTO ACCOUNT" FORMULA WAS TO OBLIGE THE CENSOR TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION SET OUT IN ARTICLE 19.
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, BOTH IN COMMON SENSE TERMS AND AS USED IN ARTICLE 19, COULD NOT BE AN ABSOLUTE AND UNQUALIFIED RIGHT TO BE ELEVATED ABOVE ALL OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, HE SAID.
ILLUSTRATING THIS POINT BRIEFLY, HE SAID THAT IF THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WERE TO BE TREATED AS ABSOLUTE AND UNQUALIFIED, THERE COULD BE NO LAWFUL CONSTRAINTS UPON VIOLENCE OR PORNOGRAPHY IN FILMS OR IN ANY OTHER MEDIA.
ARTICLE 19 THEREFORE RECOGNISED THAT THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WAS NOT ABSOLUTE OR UNQUALIFIED.
THIS WAS WHY THE ARTICLE STATED, IN PARAGRAPH 3, THAT THE RIGHT "CARRIES WITH IT SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES" AND MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS SO LONG AS THE RESTRICTIONS WERE PROVIDED BY LAW AND WERE NECESSARY TO PROTECT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES’ OR TERRITORIES’ NATIONAL INTEREST.
MR YEUNG SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL BY ADDING AFTER CLAUSE 10 (3) (C) THE FOLLOWING — "(D) ARTICLE 19 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (WHICH DEALS WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION)."
THIS WOULD REQUIRE THE CENSOR TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ARTICLE 19.
HE SAID THE EFFECT OF THIS AMENDMENT WAS TWOFOLD. FIRST, IT GAVE EXPRESS STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO THE PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ENSHRINED IN ARTICLE 19 OF THE COVENANT AND OBLIGED THE CENSOR TO GIVE FULL EFFECT TO IT, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE LIMITED RESTRICTIONS ON THE FREEDOM WHICH WERE THEMSELVES SET OUT IN THE ARTICLE.
SECOND, IT PROVIDED A CLEAR STATUTORY RECOGNITION OF ARTICLE 19 FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW WHEN IT CONSIDERED THE LEGITIMACY OF A CENSORSHIP DECISION.
MR YEUNG ALSO MOVED AN AMENDMENT UNDER CLAUSE 19. UNDER THIS AMENDMENT, THE WORDING THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY COULD "DIRECT" THE BOARD OF REVIEW TO CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF A CENSORSHIP DECISION WAS CHANGED SO THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY WOULD ONLY BE EMPOWERED TO "REFER" REQUESTS FROM AGGRIEVED PARTIES TO THE BOARD.
-----0------
/1*........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
14
PRACTICAL EFFECT OF * * *
PROPOSALS ANALYSED
THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 WERE ANALYSED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE DELIBERATIONS, MR MATHEWS SAID THE AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE WOULD REQUIRE ANY CHALLENGE TO BE BY WAY OF JUDICIAL REVIEW.
THEREFORE THE COURT WOULD, IN RELATION TO A DECISION OF THE CENSOR, CONSIDER WHETHER HE HAD LAWFULLY EXERCISED THE POWER GIVEN TO HIM.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, WAS THE GROUND OF THE CENSOR’S DECISION ONE WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE 10(2) OF THE BILL?
"NEXT THE COURT WOULD CONSIDER WHETHER THE CENSOR HAD FOLLOWED THE CORRECT PROCEDURE. FOR EXAMPLE, DID THE AUTHORITY ASSIGN A CENSOR TO VIEW THE FILM? DID THE CENSOR VIEW THE FILM?
"UNLESS THE COURT WAS ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE ON THESE TWO GROUNDS, THE COURT WOULD THEN ASK ITSELF WHETHER THE DECISION OF THE CENSOR UNDER CLAUSE 10(2) WAS SUCH THAT NO REASONABLE CENSOR COULD HAVE REACHED THE DECISION HE DID," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID THE COURT WOULD NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE DECISION WAS THE RIGHT DECISION BUT ONLY WHETHER THE DECISION WAS ONE OPEN TO THE CENSOR.
IN REACHING ITS DECISION, THE COURT WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAD QUALIFIED THE DUTY OF THE CENSOR TO COMPLY WITH ARTICLE 19 AND GIVEN HIM A LATITUDE, CALLED BY MR LEE "A MARGIN OF APPRECIATION".
"THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF MR MARTIN LEE’S AMENDMENT WHICH I HAVE OUTLINED WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY MR YEUNG PO-KWAN.
"FOLLOWING MR YEUNG’S AMENDMENT, ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY A DECISION OF THE CENSOR OR THE BOARD OF REVIEW COULD CHALLENGE THAT DECISION BY WAY OF JUDICIAL REVIEW.
"THE SAME THREE TESTS WOULD BE APPLIED BY THE COURT AND, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE COURT WOULD NEED TO DECIDE WHETHER THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS WAS DEFECTIVE," MR MATHEWS SAID.
/THERE WAS,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 15 -
THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A V'jRLD OF DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF THE DRAFTING OF THE TWO AMENDMENTS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NOTED.
"I DO NOT KNOW HOW THE COURTS IN HONG KONG WOULD INTERPRET THE WORDS ’THE DOCTRINE OF GOVERNMENTAL MARGIN OF APPRECIATION’.
"IT IS NOT, IN FACT, A DOCTRINE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW, BUT MERELY AN APPROACH ADOPTED BY INTERNATIONAL COURTS IN INTERPRETING THE PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS TO THE RIGHTS GUARANTEED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT.
"I THINK I KNOW WHAT MR MARTIN LEE HOPES THE WORDS MEAN. BUT I CANNOT SAY WITH ANY DEGREE OF CERTAINTY THAT A COURT WILL NECESSARILY ADOPT HIS MEANING. SO THE PHRASE FAILS THE FUNDAMENTAL TEST OF LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING WHICH IS CERTAINTY," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS SAID HE SUPPORTED MR YEUNG’S MOTION FOR THE REASONS GIVEN.
-------0----------
FILM CENSORSHIP BILL PASSED « » « «
THE FILM CENSORSHIP BILL 1988 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TWO AMENDMENTS, MOVED BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, WERE MADE TO THE BILL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
THREE OTHER BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME. THEY WERE THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1988 AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
DEBATE ON THESE THREE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18,
1988
- 16
INCREASE PROPOSED IN LIMITS OF JURISDICTION
*****
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1988 IS TO INCREASE THE LIMITS OF JURISDICTION OF THE DISTRICT COURT IN CIVIL MATTERS AND OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID INCREASES IN THESE JURISDICTION LIMITS WERE RECOMMENDED IN DECEMBER 1986 BY MR PETER ROBINSON IN HIS REPORT ON THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY.
"AT PRESENT THE DISTRICT COURT HAS GENERAL JURISDICTION TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS IN CONTRACT OR TORT WHERE THE AMOUNT CLAIMED IS, OR IS WORTH, NOT MORE THAN $60,000," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"SIMILARLY IN RELATION TO SUCH MATTERS AS THE ADMINISTRATION OF AN ESTATE OR OF TRUST PROPERTY THE DISTRICT COURT HAS JURISDICTION WHERE THE PROPERTY IS WORTH NOT MORE THAN $60,000."
WHERE THE PROCEEDINGS WERE FOR THE RECOVERY OF LAND OR RELATED TO THE TITLE TO LAND, THE JURISDICTION LIMIT WAS THAT THE RATEABLE OR ANNUAL VALUE OF THE LAND MUST BE NOT MORE THAN $45,000. THESE LIMITS WERE SET IN 1983.
THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, ON THE OTHER HAND, COULD DEAL WITH A RANGE OF CIVIL MATTERS WHERE THE AMOUNT INVOLVED WAS, OR WAS WORTH, NOT MORE THAN $8,000. THIS LIMIT WAS SET IN 1986.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE ROBINSON REPORT FELT THAT SOME CIVIL WORK WAS BEING DONE AT TOO HIGH A LEVEL.
THIS RESULTED IN AN INEFFICIENT USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES, HIGH LITIGATION COSTS FOR CLAIMS THAT WERE NOT, IN TODAY’S TERMS, VERY LARGE AND CONSEQUENT DISCOURAGEMENT OF SOME POTENTIAL PLAINTIFFS.
THE REPORT ALSO FELT THAT THE DISTRICT COURT WAS UNDERLOADED WITH CIVIL WORK AND COULD RELIEVE THE HIGH COURT OF SOME OF ITS BURDEN. IT ACCORDINGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE DISTRICT COURT’S GENERAL JURISDICTION SHOULD BE RAISED TO $250,000.
"CONSULTATIONS ON THIS RECOMMENDATION HAVE REVEALED, HOWEVER, THAT AN IMMEDIATE INCREASE TO THAT LEVEL WOULD NOT BE ADVISABLE," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"IT WOULD BRING INTO THE DISTRICT COURT A CLASS OF LITIGATION INVOLVING QUITE SIZEABLE SUMS OF MONEY FOR WHICH ITS RULES OF PROCEDURE DO NOT AT PRESENT PROVIDE ADEQUATE INTERLOCUTORY PROCEDURES.
/"THE PROPOSAL
WEDNESDAY, MAI 18, 1?88
- 17 -
"THE PROPOSAL IS, THEREFORE, THAT FOR THE TIME BEING THE DISTRICT COURT’S GENERAL CIVIL JURISDICTION SHOULD BE INCREASED ONLY TO $120,000 - THAT IS TO SAY DOUBLE THE PREVIOUS FIGURE - AND THAT THE JURISDICTION IN RELATION TO LAND BE INCREASED TO $100,000.
"MEANWHILE, WORK WILL BE SET IN HAND TO MAKE THE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DISTRICT COURT’S RULES OF PROCEDURE.
"ONCE THAT HAS BEEN DONE, THE QUESTION OF INCREASING THE GENERAL CIVIL JURISDICTION TO $250,000 WILL BE LOOKED AT AGAIN."
MR MATHEWS SAID THAT AS REGARDS THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT ITS JURISDICTION BE INCREASED TO $15,000.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 338) AND THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 25) SO AS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT NO APPEAL LAY TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FROM A REFUSAL BY THE HIGH COURT TO GRANT LEAVE TO APPEAL TO ITSELF FROM THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL OR THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL.
"THIS BRINGS THE POSITION IN THESE TRIBUNALS INTO LINE WITH WHAT IT IS UNDER THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES THAT APPLY ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS NOTED THAT CLAUSE 4(A) OF THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE REPEAL OF SECTION 46 OF THE DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT ON "YOUNG PERSONS - EFFECTS OF AGE IN CIVIL LAW" IN 1986.
THAT SECTION PREVENTED PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 FROM RELYING ON THE COMMON LAW DEFENCES AVAILABLE TO MINORS WHEN THEY WERE SUED FOR DEBT OR OTHER LIABILITIES.
"HOWEVER, SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THIS BILL THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO LOOK AGAIN AT THE QUESTION WHETHER THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME AND VEHICLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS RECOMMENDATION, AND IT IS LIKELY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSE 4(A) AT A LATER STAGE," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
-I - 18
OWNER LIABLE FOR COSTS UNDER AMENDMENT BILL » * * t *
A BILL MAKING A PERSON CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INCURRED IN THE SEIZURE AND STORAGE OF SUCH GOODS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE COUNCIL THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN 1985, EMPOWERED THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION TO SEIZE, REMOVE AND DETAIN ANYTHING WITH RESPECT TO WHICH HE SUSPECTED AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED.
HOWEVER, THE ORDINANCE DID NOT REQUIRE THE OWNER OF THE SEIZED GOODS TO BE LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEIZURE OR STORAGE OF THE GOODS IN QUESTION.
ANY EXPENSES INCURRED HAD TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT, EVEN IF THE PERSON, FROM WHOSE CUSTODY OR POSSESSION THE GOODS WERE REMOVED, WAS CONVICTED.
"IT IS WRONG IN PRINCIPLE THAT EXPENSES ARISING FROM THE COMMISSION OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE SHOULD BE A CHARGE ON PUBLIC FUNDS," HE SAID.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR JACOBS SAID THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WOULD RECTIFY THE SITUATION BY MAKING THE PERSON CONVICTED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INCURRED AND FOR THOSE EXPENSES TO BE RECOVERABLE AS A CIVIL DEBT.
ALTHOUGH NO SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURE HAD BEEN INCURRED IN SUCH ACTION SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID, IT WAS CONCEIVABLE THAT COSTS COULD BE CONSIDERABLE IF A LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF DANGEROUS GOODS WERE SEIZED AND HAD TO BE STORED AT THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENSE.
THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE HAD BEEN ENACTED TO ESTABLISH A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 19 -BILL SEEKS TO REMOVE ANOMALY *****
THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SEEKS TO REMOVE AN ANOMALY IN THE LAW BY REPEALING SECTION 22 OF THE ORDINANCE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID SECTION 22 OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS ORDINANCE EXCLUDED THE JURISDICTION OF THE DISTRICT COURT IN RELATION TO MINORS OVER 16 YEARS, UNLESS THE MINOR WAS PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY INCAPABLE OF SELF SUPPORT.
THE RESTRICTION ON THE DISTRICT COURT'S POWER HAD BEEN IN THE ORDINANCE FROM THE OUTSET AND HAD ITS ORIGINS IN THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS ACT 1971 OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"THIS RESTRICTION WAS, HOWEVER, ABOLISHED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1978," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"THE RESTRICTION IS ANOMALOUS AS THE DISTRICT COURT IS EMPOWERED TO DEAL WITH ALL MINORS UNDER BOTH THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ORDINANCE AND THE MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS AND PROPERTY ORDINANCE.
"THE BILL BEFORE THE COUNCIL TODAY SEEKS TO REMOVE THIS ANOMALY BY REPEALING SECTION 22 OF THE ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0----------
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $549.9 M IN 3RD QUARTER
*****
A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987-88 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THAT SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $549.9 MILLION WAS APPROVED, OF WHICH $231.7 MILLION WAS OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS.
/THE BALANCE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
THE BALANCE OF $318.2 MILLION, BEING NET SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION, WAS APPROVED FOR THE EARLY REPAYMENT IN FULL OF THE FOUR OUTSTANDING ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK LOANS, HE SAID.
APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $325.6 MILLION DURING THE PERIOD, AND NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $810.6 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD A NET INCREASE OF 1,623 POSTS WAS APPROVED.
ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY, HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
PRIVATISATION OF ABATTOIRS UNDER STUDY » ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE ONLY PUBLIC SERVICE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR PRIVATISATION IS THAT RELATING TO THE RUNNING OF ABATTOIRS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR JACOBS SAID THE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSFERRING THIS SERVICE FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL RETAINING ITS PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES, WAS BEING EXAMINED.
- 0 - -
/21
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 21 -
MORE PUBLICITY TO WARN YOUTH OF DRUG DANGERS » » * ♦ *
PUBLICITY TO WARN YOUNGSTERS OF THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AND THE PENALTIES THAT CAN BE INCURRED THROUGH TRAFFICKING HAS BEEN STEPPED UP SINCE 1987 BY MEANS OF POSTERS, TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THROUGH DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON RITA FAN, WHO ASKED ABOUT UNDERLYING REASONS FOR AN INCREASING TREND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED UNDER 16 TO INDULGE IN SOFT DRUGS, AND WHAT ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, IN PARTICULAR TO CURB TRAFFICKING OF MANDRAX TABLETS BY YOUNG PEOPLE.
MR BARNES SAID THAT OF THE MANY REASONS WHY YOUNG PEOPLE ABUSED THESE DRUGS, THE MAIN ONES WERE ASSESSED AS BEING THEIR CURIOSITY AND WISH TO EXPERIMENT, PEER PRESSURE, AND THE BELIEF THAT SUCH DRUGS WERE HARMLESS.
’’MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ALSO TEND TO IMITATE FOREIGN FASHIONS AND FOR SOME, REGRETTABLY, THIS INCLUDES DRUG TAKING,” HE SAID.
REMEDIAL ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS.
APART FROM STEPPING UP PUBLICITY TO WARN YOUNGSTERS OF THE DANGERS OF THESE DRUGS, OTHER MEASURES HAD BEEN INITIATED AND DIRECTED BY THE ACAN.
THESE INCLUDED:
♦ A SURVEY, LAST AUTUMN, OF 110,000 STUDENTS AT 148 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE FULL RESULTS OF WHICH WOULD BE ISSUED NEXT MONTH;
» WARNING POSTERS PLACED AT ALL CUSTOMS ENTRY POINTS;
♦ THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE HAD OPENED A CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT PROVIDING COUNSELLING AND OTHER SERVICES FOR PEOPLE ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS; AND
» THE DRUG EDUCATION KIT SUPPLIED TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS NOW HAD SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ON PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.
MR BARNES NOTED THAT POLICE AND CUSTOMS ACTION HAD RESULTED IN 274,000 MANDRAX TABLETS BEING SEIZED IN 1986, DROPPING TO 74,000 TABLETS IN 1987.
/’’THIS DRAMATIC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 22 -
’’THIS DRAMATIC REDUCTION RESULTED FROM THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA, A'I THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S REQUEST, TO STOP THE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE DRUG,” HE SAID.
"ACTION AGAINST THE TRAFFICKING OF MANDRAX TABLETS BY YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21 HAS RESULTED IN 27 PROSECUTIONS IN 1986 AND 40 IN 1987."
HOWEVER, MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJORITY OF PROSECUTIONS FOR MANDRAX TRAFFICKING WERE TAKEN AGAINST PERSONS OVER 21, FOR WHICH THERE WERE 98 PROSECUTIONS IN 1986 AND 127 IN 1987.
"SUCH CASES USUALLY ARISE FROM POLICE AND CUSTOMS RAIDS ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS AND FROM INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE INVESTIGATING AGENCIES," HE SAID.
"EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS TO CURB TRAFFICKING ARE ALSO MADE BY MEANS OF POSTERS, API’S (ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST), SCHOOL TALKS AND TEACHING KITS TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED."
MR BARNES NOTED THAT HE HAD USED THE TERM "PSYCHOTROPIC", RATHER THAN "SOFT", BECAUSE THE TERM "SOFT DRUG", ALTHOUGH COMMONLY USED, COULD BE MISLEADING.
"IT SUGGESTS THAT THESE DRUGS ARE NOT PARTICULARLY HARMFUL COMPARED WITH THE MORE DANGEROUS ADDICTIVE DRUGS SUCH AS HEROIN, AND COULD LULL PEOPLE INTO FALSELY UNDERESTIMATING THE POTENTIAL HARM OF SUCH DRUGS. THIS COULD PROVE A GRAVE ERROR,” HE EXPLAINED.
---------0 ----------
HOSPITAL SUFFICIENTLY WELL EQUIPPED ♦ * * ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES CONSIDERS THAT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL IS SUFFICIENTLY WELL EQUIPPED AT PRESENT TO FULFIL EFFICIENTLY ITS FUNCTION AS AN EMERGENCY CARDIAC REFERRAL CENTRE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAMBERS SAID, "THERE ARE NO SPECIAL ITEMS OF CARDIAC EQUIPMENT IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.”
AS TO EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS, HE SAID THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT DID NOT KEEP DETAILED RECORDS OF SUCH EQUIPMENT.
"IN ANY CASE, THE DECISION TO ACQUIRE A PARTICULAR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT MUST Bb ’VITER OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT IN RELATION TO THE SPECIFIC SEliVIl • , PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL IN QUESTION AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD COM1ARISON MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE," HE NOTED.
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/23........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 23 -
BASIC LAW DRAFT BEING STUDIED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW CAREFULLY STUDYING THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATION DRAFT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON RICHARD LAI, SIR DAVID SAID IF THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THAT THERE WERE PROVISIONS WHICH APPEARED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, IT WOULD MAKE ITS VIEWS KNOWN TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES CLEARLY AND FIRMLY IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY.
"THIS WOULD PROBABLY BE THROUGH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW WAS, OF COURSE, A MATTER FOR THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
HE ADDED: "HOWEVER, IN HIS STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT IN JANUARY INTRODUCING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SA'.SFs THEMSELVES THAT THE EVENTUAL PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW FULL' AND ACCURATELY REFLECT THE JOINT DECLARATION."
THE CONSULTATION DRAFT WAS A COMPLEX DOCUMENT, SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0 ----------
ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED FOR 1,683 TRIBUNAL CASES
*****
IN THE PAST FIVE FINANCIAL YEARS, THERE WERE 1,683 CASES IN WHICH ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATES HAD TO BE ISSUED AFTER EMPLOYERS FAILED TO SETTLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JUDGEMENT OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR BRIDGE SAID THE TRIBUNAL HAD DEALT WITH A TOTAL OF 21,937 CASES DURING THE PERIOD, 16,273 OF WHICH WERE DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF THE PLAINTIFF.
IN 14,590 OF THESE, THE CLAIM WAS SETTLED IMMEDIATELY.
/"THE PROPORTION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
24 -
"THE PROPORTION OF CASES BEING SETTLED IMMEDIATELY INCREASING AND IN 1987-88 WAS 91.4 PER CENT, WHICH I COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER COURTS," HE SAID.
HAS BEEN UNDERSTAND
MR EMPLOYERS TRIBUNAL, COURT FOR
BRIDGE NOTED THAT ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATES, ISSUED TO WHO FAILED TO SETTLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JUDGEMENT OF THE ENABLED THE JUDGEMENT TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE DISTRICT ENFORCEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WERE TO ENFORCE ITS OWN JUDGEMENTS, IT WOULD HAVE THE POWER ONLY TO ORDER THE SEIZURE OF MOVEABLE PROPERTY.
"SECTION 6 OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE ALREADY PROVIDES FOR BAILIFFS TO BE ATTACHED TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR THIS PURPOSE.
"HOWEVER, THIS PROVISION HAS NOT SO FAR BEEN USED.
MORE EFFECTIVE
BANKRUPTCY OR
"THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT IN PRACTICE IT IS TO ENFORCE PAYMENT THROUGH THE DISTRICT COURT OR TO USE WINDING-UP PETITIONS IN THE HIGH COURT," HE EXPLAINED.
BUT THE
"BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS ARE LIABLE TO MEANWHILE THE PLAINTIFF CAN APPLY FOR AN PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
TAKE SOME TIME TO SETTLE, EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FROM
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ADVISES ALL THOSE PURSUING A CLAIM IN THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL TO APPLY AT THE SAME TIME TO THIS FUND."
TO CLAIMS FOR RECOMMENDING AN ALLOW EX-GRATIA AMOUNT OWED WAS
NOTING THAT BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS WERE LIMITED $5,000 AND OVER, MR BRIDGE SAID HE WOULD SHORTLY BE AMENDMENT TO THE INSOLVENCY FUND ORDINANCE TO PAYMENTS TO BE MADE EVEN IN THOSE CASES WHERE THE
LESS THAN THIS $5,000 THRESHOLD.
HE ADDED THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE SECTION 38 OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT POWERS, SINCE IT ALREADY HAD SUCH OF THE ORDINANCE.
NO POINT IN AMENDING
TO GIVE THE TRIBUNAL
POWERS UNDER SECTION 6
"HOWEVER, THESE POWERS ARE NOT USED BECAUSE IN PRACTICE IT IS MORE EFFECTIVE TO USE OTHER MEANS," HE SAID.
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/25
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 25 -
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WELL RECEIVED
*****
THE POLICE ASSESSMENT IS THAT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC AND PUBLIC INTEREST HAS BEEN MAINTAINED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR BARNES SAID THIS WAS DEMONSTRATED BY THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS, WHICH WERE JOINTLY IDENTIFIED BY THE POLICE AND THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME.
"IN ADDITION, MANY REQUESTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM OTHER HOUSEHOLDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME IN THEIR BLOCKS," HE SAID.
MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AS A PILOT SCHEME IN SHA TIN IN 1984.
IN OCTOBER 1985 THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS EXTENSION ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS TOOK PLACE AS A VITAL ELEMENT OF THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN’S EMPHASIS ON HOME SECURITY TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM OF RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF PHASING WAS TO AVOID PUTTING AN UNDUE STRAIN ON POLICE RESOURCES AND TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT EACH PHASE, COVERING ABOUT 16,000 HOUSEHOLDS, WAS IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVELY.
"THE SCHEME IS NOW IN ITS FIFTH PHASE. SO FAR, 7,474 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS HAVE BEEN FORMED, COVERING A TOTAL OF 77,983 HOUSEHOLDS IN 399 BLOCKS. THOSE TAKING PART REPRESENT AROUND 10 PER CENT OF ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG," MR BARNES SAID.
"THE SIXTH PHASE IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS YEAR ON JULY 1."
MR BARNES NOTED THAT THERE MIGHT, ADMITTEDLY, HAVE BEEN CASES WHERE INITIAL ENTHUSIASM HAD WORN OFF, BUT THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE POLICE A WORKABLE INTEREST IN SUCH CASES HAD BEEN MAINTAINED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT, LIKE MANY DETERRENT AND CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES, IT WAS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO ASSESS WHAT HAD ACTUALLY BEEN ACHIEVED.
FOR EXAMPLE, ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES IN HONG KONG DROPPED BY 14.7 PER CENT IN 1986 AND 11 PER CENT IN 1987, THE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1987.
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 26
MR BARNES ADDED: "NEVERTHELESS THE OVERALL SITUATION IS BETTER THAN IT WAS TWO YEARS AGO; AND THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT THE SCHEME HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE PART IN DEVELOPING PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO TAKE MORE CARE OF THEIR HOMES, THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION TO PREVENT CRIME, AND THE NEED FOR NEIGHBOURS TO CO-OPERATE WITH EACH OTHER.
"AN ADDED, AND WELCOME, DEVELOPMENT ARISING FROM THE SCHEME HAS BEEN ITS SUCCESS IN IMPROVING RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY."
I
REGULAR CHECKS OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT « » » » »
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED IN TEMPORARY HOUSING (THA’S), AND MAINTAINED BY REGISTERED
AREAS
CONTRACTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATUTORY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS, THE DONALD LIAO,
SECRETARY
TOLD THE
THE EQUIPMENT INCLUDED FIRE MAINS AND HYDRANTS, FIRE HOSE REELS AND MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS, MR LIAO SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI. WuusiiuN
HOUSING DEPARTMENT EVERY THREE MONTHS AND, ANNUALLY BY AUTHORISED FIRE
STAFF INSPECTED THE INSTALLATIONS ONCE IN ADDITION, THE EQUIPMENT WAS TESTED SERVICES CONTRACTORS.
"AS FOR SQUATTER AREAS, FIRE HYDRANTS AND FIRE MAINS. INSTALLED UNDER THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME SINCE 1983 ARE CHECKED MONTHLY BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT," MR LIAO SAID.
"ANY DEFECTS ARE REPORTED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR
R EPAIR. "
/DR HO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
DR HO REFERRED TO CLAIMS THAT OUTBREAKS OF FIRE IN SOME THA’S OR SQUATTER AREAS HAD BEEN CAUSED BY UNAUTHORISED PERSONS IN VACANT THA UNITS OR SQUATTER STRUCTURES AND THAT FIRE-FIGHTING INSTALLATIONS IN THESE AREAS HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
HE ASKED WHAT MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT UNAUTHORISED PERSONS COULD NOT ENTER VACANT STRUCTURES IN THA’S AND SQUATTER AREAS AND THAT FIRE-FIGHTING INSTALLATIONS IN THESE AREAS WERE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.
MR LIAO EXPLAINED THAT VACANT TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS WERE BOARDED UP BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF SO AS TO PREVENT TRESPASSING.
THESE UNITS WERE CHECKED BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT STAFF AND SECURITY GUARDS REGULARLY.
THE POLICE WERE ALSO GIVEN LISTS OF VACANT UNITS SO THAT THEY COULD INSPECT THEM DURING ROUTINE PATROLS.
"VACANT SQUATTER HUTS ARE DEMOLISHED WHEREVER POSSIBLE SO AS TO PREVENT RE-OCCUPATION,” HE SAID.
"WHERE THIS CANNOT BE DONE, FOR EXAMPLE BECAUSE OF THE EFFECT ON THE STABILITY OF ADJACENT HUTS, THE PREMISES ARE BOARDED UP.
"THESE HUTS ARE ALSO INSPECTED AT REGULAR INTERVALS BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER CONTROL STAFF.”
MR LIAO SAID THAT THE ABOVE MEASURES WERE GENERALLY EFFECTIVE.
"SO FAR, THIS YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR FIRES IN THA’S, TWO OF WHICH WERE STARTED IN VACANT UNITS AND WERE BELIEVED TO BE CONNECTED WITH A SUICIDAL ATTEMPT.
"OF THE 15 SQUATTER FIRES THIS YEAR, ONLY ONE WAS STARTED IN A VACANT HUT," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
28
ENCOURAGING RESULTS IN CONTROLLING SMOKY VEHICLES
*****
THE HIGH PASS RATE OBTAINED AT THE TESTING CENTRE INDICATES THAT INITIAL RESULTS UNDER THE VEHICLE SMOKE CONTROL SCHEME THAT STARTED ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR ARE ENCOURAGING, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED, 'ABOUT 1,750 VEHICLES' HAVE BEEN CHECKED, OF WHICH 90 PER CENT SUBSEQUENTLY PASSED THE TEST, WHILST THE REMAINDER WERE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT FURTHER WORK PRIOR TO RE-EXAMINATION," HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO.
"THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL, HOWEVER, REVIEW THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN IN FORCE FOR SIX MONTHS."
l
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SET UP A VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL SECTION ON JANUARY 1 TO EXERCISE OVERALL CONTROL CONCERNING EXCESSIVE EXHAUST EMISSIONS FROM MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE VEHICLE SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME INVOLVED THE REPORTING OF SMOKY VEHICLES BY APPOINTED SPOTTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS, AND THE NOTIFICATION OF VEHICLE OWNERS TO REPAIR DEFECTS.
THE PROGRAMME ALSO REQUIRED OWNERS TO REPORT TO A TESTING CENTRE TO VERIFY THAT THEIR VEHICLE’S SMOKE PROBLEM HAD BEEN RECTIFIED.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG AND THOSE ALREADY REGISTERED HERE MUST COMPLY WITH EMISSION STANDARDS SET OUT IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
"IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE MAY BE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN EMISSION STANDARDS AND WE INTEND TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THESE STANDARDS AND TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION, IF NECESSARY," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, BOTH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE RETAINED SOME RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE CONTROL OF EXCESSIVE SMOKE.
"THE TRANSPORT, DEPARTMENT EXAMINES VEHICLE EMISSIONS IN THE COURSE OF ITS ANNUAL INSPECTIONS OF CERTAIN CLASSES OF VEHICLE.
"THE POLICE CONTINUE TO STOP EXCESSIVELY SMOKY VEHICLES AND TO ISSUE OWNERS WITH FIXED PENALTY TICKETS OR EXAMINATION ORDERS AS APPROPRIATE," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
_ _ 0 - -
/29
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 29 -
HOSPITAL CHARGES FOR VISITORS EXPLAINED ♦ » * ♦ ♦
THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE POLICY OF IMPOSING DIFFERENT PUBLIC HOSPITAL CHARGES FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND VISITORS IS TO DISCOURAGE NON-ENTITLED PATIENTS FROM COMING TO THE TERRITORY WITH THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT AT HEAVILY SUBSIDISED RATES, WHICH WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM.
MR CHAMBERS SAID HIGHER MEDICAL CHARGES FOR VISITORS WERE INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 1987.
’’WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TREATMENT AT ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS, WHICH IS PROVIDED FREE, VISITORS USING PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG ARE REGARDED AS NON-ENTITLED PATIENTS AND ARE CHARGED MEDICAL FEES REPRESENTING THE FULL COST OF ANY TREATMENT PROVIDED," HE SAID.
"HOLDERS OF VALID BRITISH PASSPORTS ARE EXEMPTED FROM SUCH CHARGES BECAUSE OF A RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT WHICH GRANTS HONG KONG RESIDENTS ACCESS TO FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE.
"WHILE CHARGES FOR PRIVATE WARDS ARE THE SAME FOR BOTH VISITORS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS THOSE FOR PUBLIC WARDS ARE DIFFERENT.
"VISITORS BEING TREATED IN A PUBLIC WARD IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO PAY A COMPOSITE FEE OF $950 PER DAY AS COMPARED WITH $23 A DAY FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
"THE CORRESPONDING CHARGES IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS ARE $350 AND $23.
"CHARGES FOR VISITORS ATTENDING GENERAL AND SPECIALIST OUTPATIENT CLINICS ARE $65 AND $130 PER VISIT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING CHARGES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE $12 AND $18."
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT SOME VISITORS MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PAY THESE HIGHER CHARGES.
"IN SUCH CASES, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAS DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO WAIVE OR REDUCE FEES," HE POINTED OUT.
- - 0 - -
/3O
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 50 -
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED
*****
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS EARLY THIS WEEK HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 125 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, 100 WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 25 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
THE OPERATION ALSO LED TO THE DETENTION OF FOUR PERSONS WHO WERE SUSPECTED TO BE AIDERS AND ABETTERS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) AND ENDED THIS MORNING, THE POLICE HA; STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CA!' ' ED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS RESULT, A TOTAL OF 30,270 PERSONS, 3,168 VEHICLES AND 1,871 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
A TOTAL OF 27 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER SEVEN WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.
ANOTHER SEVEN PERSONS WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY POSSESSING IDENTITY CARDS WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO THEM.
/ON THE
WKENISDAY, MAT 1«, 1988
- 31 -
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 4,826 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF SIX PERSONS IN FIVE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
ANOTHER 86 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE EITHER KEEPING NO RECORD OR INCOMPLETE RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, OR POSSESSING NO RECORD AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGANTS.
-----0------
PAY SCALE ADJUSTMENTS APPROVED *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON APPROVED EXPENDITURE OF $1,080 MILLION FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PAY SCALES OF CIVIL SERVANTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE PAY RISE OF 6.54 PER CENT FOR THE UPPER BAND, 7.28 PER CENT FOR THE MIDDLE BAND AND 8.50 PER CENT FOR THE LOWER BAND IS BACKDATED TO APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THE REVISED SALARIES, TOGETHER WITH ARREARS, WILL BE PAID AT THE END OF JUNE.
DIRECTORATE LEVEL CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE A 6.54 PER CENT RISE.
ALSO COVERED BY THE PAY REVISION ARE SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH ENJOY FULL SUBSIDY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
VEHICLE MERGING TEST TO END TOMORROW MORNING * * « » «
THE VEHICLE MERGING TEST BEING CONDUCTED ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL END AT 11 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE TEST HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE MONDAY, MAY 16, NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND AND THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, WITH THE PURPOSE OF SIMPLIFYING MERGING MOVEMENTS AT THE JUNCTION AND FACILITATING TRAFFIC FLOW TOWARDS THE TUNNEL PORTAL.
OBSERVATIONS OF THE PROGRESS OF THE TEST SHOWED THAT MERGING MOVEMENTS AT THE JUNCTION HAVE BEEN MORE ORDERLY.
TRAFFIC FLOW ON THE APPROACH ROAD FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND REMAINED NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE LIGHT TRAFFIC VOLUME INVOLVED.
HOWEVER, OWING TO HEAVIER TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE DELAYS CAUSED BY THE MERGING OF TWO-LANE TRAFFIC INTO ONE LANE, TRAFFIC QUEUES APPEARED ON THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
VEHICLES ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH HEADING FOR THE TUNNEL OR YAU MA TEI AREAS HAVE ENJOYED A SMOOTHER FLOW. THERE HAS BEEN LESS CONFUSION WITH TRAFFIC FROM THE OTHER TWO APPROACH ROADS.
FINDINGS OF THE TEST WILL BE EVALUATED AND WILL BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH OTHER MEASURES AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES BEING EXAMINED UNDER THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 33 -
ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCE COMPULSORY THIS AUGUST » » » ♦ »
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED CONTAINER TRUCK DRIVERS THAT THE GRACE PERIOD ALLOWING HOLDERS OF "ALL GOODS VEHICLES" DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED BEFORE AUGUST 25, 1984 TO DRIVE ARTICULATED VEHICLES WOULD EXPIRE ON AUGUST 24 THIS YEAR AS SCHEDULED.
AT A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERATION OF HARBOUR TRANSPORTATION UNIONS, MR SO POINTED OUT THAT AS AT THE END OF APRIL, THERE WERE 9,227 DRIVERS HOLDING A VALID ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCE, WHILE THE NUMBER OF LICENSED CONTAINER TRACTORS WAS 4,647.
THE FIGURES REPRESENTED A RATIO OF 1.98 DRIVERS TO ONE CONTAINER TRACTOR.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT WHEN THE GRACE PERIOD EXPIRES IN AUGUST, THE RATIO ACHIEVED WILL BE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE TARGETED RATIO OF TWO ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVERS TO ONE TRACTOR,” HE ADDED.
THIS RATIO OF TWO ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVERS TO ONE TRACTOR, HE SAID, WAS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRY.
MR SO HAD A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OVER A NUMBER OF TOPICS CONCERNING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY.
ON THE PROBLEM OF OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD PUBLISH A CODE OF PRACTICE ON LOADING OF VEHICLES LATER THIS YEAR.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THIS CODE WOULD PROVIDE USEFUL GUIDES ON SAFE LOADING AND WOULD ALSO SERVE TO REMIND OPERATORS NOT TO LOAD GOODS IN EXCESS OF THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHTS.
MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AND WOULD CERTAINLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE DRIVERS.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE REPRESENTATIVES PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT SERVICES TO COPE WITH POSSIBLE EXTRA DEMAND ARISING FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF A PEAK-HOUR SURCHARGE BY THE MTRC. HE AGREED TO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS ON THE SURCHARGE TO THE TRANSPORT BRANCH AND THE MTRC BOARD.
-----0-----
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND ALLOCATIONS » « * « *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE BUDGET FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ENDORSED AN ALLOCATION OF $1.1 MILLION TO THE COMMITTEE THIS YEAR.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A FINANCE WORKING GROUP AND THE GUIDELINES FOR SPONSORING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL CONSIDER 13 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TOTALLING $140,000 FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES, WHICH INCLUDE THE 1988 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL, A CHILDREN’S MUSIC CAMP AND A FITNESS CLASS FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
- - 0 - -
CYCLING TRACK PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN * * * « *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A CYCLING TRACK IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE TELEVISION RECEPTION PROBLEM IN BUTTERFLY BAY AREA AND A REQUEST FOR THE INSTALLATION OF RAILINGS AS AN ANTI-BURGLARY MEASURE IN YAU 01 ESTATE.
/A PROGRESS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 55 -
A PROGRESS REPORT ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND A LIST OF PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0-------
OLD-TYPE ID CARDS INVALID FROM SATURDAY
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED MEN BORN BETWEEN 1963 AND 1968 THAT THE OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1 LAST YEAR WILL CEASE TO BE VALID DOCUMENTS FROM SATURDAY (MAY 21 ) .
"THIS IS THE FIRST BATCH OF IDENTITY CARDS DECLARED INVALID SINCE THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME STARTED IN JULY LAST YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT ONCE AN OLD CARD WAS DECLARED INVALID, IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
"FOR EXAMPLE, A MAN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP HOLDING AN INVALID OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT FOR TRAVELLING TO CHINA OR MACAU OR TO APPLY FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
"THEREFORE, THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED THEIR SPECIFIED CARD RENEWAL PERIODS DUE TO THEIR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG OR ANY OTHER REASONS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPROACH ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES," HE SAID.
THESE CASES WILL BE LOOKED INTO THOROUGHLY AND DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
- 0 ---------
/%.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1988
- 36 -
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN WAN CHAI « « *
VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MALLORY STREET IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN WAN CHAI ROAD AND JOHNSTON ROAD FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 21).
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
-----0-----
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NEW TERRITORIES
t * * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20), ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING TSING YUNG STREET IN TUEN MUN.
THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE ROUND THE CLOCK DAILY.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN BETWEEN TAI HO ROAD AND SAI LAU KOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.15 AM TO 5.45 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) AND MONDAY (MAY 23).
AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE NO. 59S, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SAI LAU KOK ROAD.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR ENCOURAGED BY ANTI-POLLUTION WORI................... 1
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PLAN TO BE UPDATED...................... 2
TECHNICALITIES OF SEPARATE TAXATION SYSTEM EXPLAINED ........ 3
CS VISITS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ..............................
CHINESE DELEGATION VISITING HK............................... 5
REGIONAL SECRETARY SEBS DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT....... 5
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED 7
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED .................... 12
NEW VANS FOR POLICE FORCE.................................... 16
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ............ 17
T.ETSnPE SERVICES ON TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE AGENDA........... 18
PARTNERS OF CONTRACTOR FIRM FINED............................ 18
CHANCE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES TO JOIN SEOUL OLYMPIAD YOUTH CAMP . 19
PERCUSSION MASTERCLASS FOR MUSIC LOVERS ..................... 20
OPEN SPACE AT CAINE LANE..................................... 20
NEW SALT WATER MAINS FOR ABERDEEN ........................... 21
NEW ROAD IN QUARRY BAY TO OPEN .............................. 21
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
1
GOVERNOR ENCOURAGED BY ANTI-POLLUTION WORK « * * * *
IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE HOW MUCH IS ALREADY BEING DONE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG, BUT CLEARLY MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID AT THE END OF A BRIEFING DURING HIS VISIT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG AS A WORTHWHILE PLACE TO LIVE,” SIR DAVID ADDED.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, ON THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL PROGRAMME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST DECADE.
DR REED REFERRED TO THE CREATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT; ENACTMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF NEW LEGISLATION; INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE POLLUTION MONITORING SCHEMES; AND DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES FOR COLLECTING, TREATING AND DISPOSING OF WASTES.
THERE WAS ALSO THE PROGRESS MADE IN INTRODUCING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INTO THE PLANNING PROCESS, SO AS TO AVOID FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
FOLLOWING THE GENERAL BRIEFING, THE GOVERNOR WAS GIVEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THE EPD'S STATE-OF-THE-ART AIR QUALITY MONITORING AND TELEMETRY SYSTEM.
IN ANOTHER PRESENTATION, HE WAS SHOWN EXAMPLES OF THE WAY IN WHICH INADEQUATE PLANNING CONTROLS CAN LEAD TO THE CREATION OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
SIR DAVID WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON PROJECTS TO STEM THE TIDE OF WATER POLLUTION IN THE TERRITORY.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED THAT THE COST OF IMPLEMENTING THESE PROJECTS WOULD ADD UP TO AROUND SI BILLION EACH YEAR FOR THE NEXT 10 TO 12 YEARS.
’’CLEARLY THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL DEMAND ON THE PUBLIC PURSE AND IT WILL HAVE TO COMPETE WITH OTHER WORTHWHILE PROJECTS,” SIR DAVID SAID, REFERRING TO THE EPD’S SEWAGE CONTROL PROPOSALS.
’’BUT DEALING WITH OUR SEWAGE PROBLEMS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF DEVELOPING A MODERN CITY, JUST LIKE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITALS AND POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES. TT IS A KEY ASPECT OF LOOKING AFTER THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
’’THE PROBLEMS WE NOW FACE FROM WATER POLLUTION SHOW THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO NEGLECT THIS PART OF OUR URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE,” HE ADDED.
O------
/2........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
2
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PLAN TO BE UPDATED
* t » » »
THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PLAN WILL BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE IN A CONSULTANCY STUDY AND FORM PART OF THE ALTERNATIVES FOK THE FUTURE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT SITE, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
RMP ENCON, A LOCAL SUBSIDIARY OF THE RALPH M. PARSONS COMPANY OF THE UNITED STATES, HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED TO CARRY OUT THE $2 MILLION CONSULTANCY IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.
THE CONSULTANT’S MAIN AREA OF WORK WILL BE TO REASSESS RUNWAY AND AIRSPACE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, AND THE AIRPORT FACILITIES AND LAYOUT AGAINST THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES, AND TO REVIEW AND UPDATE AS NECESSARY COST ESTIMATES AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMES.
THE LATEST TREND OF TRAFFIC GROWTH, AS WELL AS THE TRAFFIC FORECAST PRODUCED BY THE CURRENT KAI TAK CAPACITY STUDY, WILL ALSO BE /\KEN 1TNO ACCOUNT.
THE RALPH M. PARSONS COMPANY CONDUCTED THE LONG-TERM AVIATION STUDY FOR HONG KONG IN 1973, WHICH LED TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF CHEK LAP KOK AS THE THEN PREFERRED SITE FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT. IT ALSO COMPLETED THE AIRPORT FEASIBILITY STUDY IN 1979 AND THE MASTER PLAN IN 1982.
THE CHEK LAP KOK PROJECT WAS, HOWEVER, SHELVED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1983 DUE TO FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS.
’’MUCH HAS ( HANGED SINCE 1983, AT WHICH TIME THE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH LANTAU WAS BEING STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT AS ONE OF THE SUB-REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS, THUS THE PROVISION OF ROAD, RAIL AND FERRY ACCESS FACILITIES TO THE AIRPORT WERE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CHEK LAP KOK PLAN,’ THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR OLIVER, SAID.
’’THIS SUE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPTION HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY AN ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH INCORPORATES A PORT EXPANSION PLAN.
"IN ORDER TO MAKE THE CHEK LAP KOK PLAN A FEASIBLE OPTION, THE ORIGINAL PLANNING ON AIRPORT ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS, AND LOCAL ACCOMMODATION FOR AIRPORT WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, MUST BE REVISED IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW PROPOSALS,” MR OLIVER ADDED.
TO OBTAIN OPTIMUM RESULTS, THE CONSULTANT WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CONSULTANTS WHO ARE WORKING ON THE OVERALL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES PLANNING STUDY FOR HONG KONG. '
WHEN COMPLETED, THE UPDATED CHEK LAP KOK PLAN WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT TOGETHER WITH OTHER ALTERNATIVE SITE PROPOSALS FOR A FINAL DECISION ON THE LOCATION OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.
- - 0 -
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 3 -
TECHNICALITIES OF SEPARATE TAXATION SYSTEM EXPLAINED
*****
THE SYSTEM OF SEPARATE TAXATION PROPOSED FOR HONG KONG ENTAILS THAT THE REQUIREMENT TO LODGE TAX RETURNS AND PAY TAX BE MANDATORILY IMPOSED ON ALL TAXPAYERS REGARDLESS OF MARITAL STATUS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU YEUNG, SAID THIS AT A PRESS BRIEFING HELD TODAY (THURSDAY) TO EXPLAIN THE TECHNICALITIES OF THE PROPOSED SEPARATE TAXATION SYSTEM.
IN OTHER WORDS, BOTH HUSBANDS AND WIVES WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY REQUIRED TO FILE SEPARATE SALARIES TAX RETURNS AND ENTITLED TO A SINGLE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE.
EXPLAINING HOW THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WILL WORK, MR AU YEUNG SAID BOTH HUSBANDS AND WIVES CAN ELECT AS TO WHO WILL CLAIM THE ALLOWANCE IN RESPECT OF EACH DEPENDENT PARENT AND/OR DEPENDENT PARENT-IN-LAW.
HUSBANDS AND WIVES WILL BE REQUIRED TO IRREVOCABLY ELECT WHICH OF THEM WILL CLAIM CHILD ALLOWANCE FOR ALL OF THEIR CHILDREN ON A GROUP BASIS FOR EACH YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
IN CASES WHERE UNDER SEPARATE TAXATION EITHER THE HUSBAND OR THE WIFE HAS "UNABSORBED ALLOWANCES" THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL ALLOW SPOUSES TO JOINTLY ELECT FOR JOINT ASSESSMENT SO AS TO TAKE THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF THE ALLOWANCES AVAILABLE TO THE FAMILY.
"UNABSORBED ALLOWANCES" WILL ARISE WHERE THE ASSESSABLE INCOME OF ONE OF THE SPOUSES IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO ABSORB ALL THE ALLOWANCES CLAIMED BY HIM OR HER.
UNDER JOINT ASSESSMENT, EMPLOYMENT INCOMES OF A MARRIED COUPLE WILL BE AGGREGATED AND THE FULL PERSONAL ALLOWANCES OF $74,000 AS AFFORDED TO EXISTING MARRIED TAXPAYERS WILL BE GRANTED.
LIKEWISE, FOR SINGLE INCOME FAMILIES, THAT IS FAMILIES WHERE EITHER THE HUSBAND OR THE WIFE WAS NOT IN RECEIPT OF SALARY INCOME AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, A FULL MARRIED TAXPAYER’S ALLOWANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE GRANTED.
ON AN IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR SEPARATE TAXATION, MR AU YEUNG SAID THAT AS THE PHILOSOPHY OF SEPARATE TAXATION IS BASED ON AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PREMISE TO THAT OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF AGGREGATION OF INCOME, SUBSTANTIAL LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WILL BE REQUIRED.
"ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE, VERY CONSIDERABLE WORK WILL BE NEEDED TO REDEFINE EXISTING PROCEDURES TO CATER FOR SEPARATE TAXATION, TO AMEND COMPUTER PROGRAMMES TO TREAT MARRIED WOMEN AS TAXPAYERS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT AND TO REDESIGN STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY FORMS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF THE AMENDED LEGISLATION AND THE NEW SYSTEMS INTRODUCED TO IMPLEMENT IT," HE SAID.
/•'FINALLY, IT.........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
4
’’FINALLY, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO OPEN A LARGE NUMBER OF NEW FILES FOR MARRIED WOMEN WHOSE EMPLOYMENT INCOME IS CURRENTLY REPORTED IN THEIR HUSBANDS’ SALARIES TAX RETURNS (SOME 154,000 AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR).”
MR AU YEUNG SAID THE DRAFTING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION HAS NEVER BEEN A SIMPLE TASK AND HASTILY DRAFTED LEGISLATION CAN LEAD TO UNINTENDED AND USUALLY UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS.
"IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT WHEN SEPARATE TAXATION IS FINALLY IMPLEMENTED THERE BE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM BOTH THE LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SIDES,” HE SAID.
"CONSIDERABLE TIME WILL BE NEEDED TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE CHANGE AND THE NEW SYSTEM COULD ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE EARLIEST FROM 1990.”
MR AU YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SEPARATE TAXATION WILL NOT BE INTRODUCED INTO PERSONAL ASSESSMENT BECAUSE IT WOULD GRANT A SECOND CONCESSION TO A GROUP OF TAXPAYERS ALREADY RECEIVING A CONCESSION.
"IT WOULD ALSO LEAD TO TAX AVOIDANCE AND INCOME SPLITTING WHICH THE CURRENT LEGISLATION DOES NOT ENCOURAGE.
’’ANTI-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION TO COMBAT INCOME MANIPULATION WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DRAFT AND WOULD RESULT IN COMPLEX LEGISLATION THAT IS COSTLY TO ADMINISTER AND PRONE TO DISPUTES,” HE SAID.
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CS VISITS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, VISITED NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO SEE HOW TEACHERS ARE PREPARED TO TEACH IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SIR DAVID WAS WELCOMED ON ARRIVAL BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MRS RUBY LAU, AND PRINCIPAL OF THE COLLEGE MR S.L. HO.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS COURSES OFFERED BY THE COLLEGE
BEFORE PROCEEDING ON A TOUR OF THE CAMPUS.
SIR DAVID SAW A DISPLAY ON "CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE TEACHING Ob ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS" AND A LECTURE IN SESSION ON THE ORGANISATION OF EXTRA-CURRI C'ULAR ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS IN THE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ROOM.
/THE CHIEF
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO SAW STUDENT TEACHERS PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES IN THE HOME ECONOMICS ROOM, THE GYMNASIUM, THE COMPUTER ROOM, THE TWO LANGUAGE LABORATORIES AND THE SCIENCE LABORATORY.
BEFORE HE LEFT, SIR DAVID MET REPRESENTATIVES OF STUDENTS AND LECTURERS AT A TEA RECEPTION.
NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS THE OLDEST OF THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1939, THE COLLEGE HAS PRODUCED MORE THAN 12,000 QUALIFIED TEACHERS FOR SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
CHINESE DELEGATION VISITING HK * » * * »
AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, A GROUP OF SIX CHINESE STATE COUNCIL OFFICIALS, LED BY THE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR ZHENG WEIRONG, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR A FAMILIARISATION VISIT.
THE PROGRAMME WILL LAST FOR A WEEK AND WILL INCLUDE GENERAL BRIEFINGS BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON MAJOR ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT WORK IN HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS CLEARLY TO HONG KONG’S ADVANTAGE THAT THOSE IN THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS SHOULD HAVE A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WORKS.
- 0 -
REGIONAL SECRETARY SEES DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT » * » »
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SPENT A BUSY DAY IN THE NORTH DISTRICT LOOKING AT RURAL AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL AS MEETING LOCAL PERSONALITIES AND DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, MR SUEN FIRST TOURED THE TEMPORARY PREMISES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATIONS Ol VARIOUS SECTIONS INCLUDING THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, GENERAL REGISTRY, AND THE ACCOUNTS, CHINESE LANGUAGE AND WORKS SECTIONS.
/AFTERWARDS, HE
THURSDAY, MAY 1% 1988
AFTERWARDS, HE INSPECTED THE SITE OF A SEVEN-STOREY NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING ADJACENT TO THE TEMPORARY DISTRICT OFFICE PREMISES.
HE LEARNT THAT THE $52-MILLION BUILDING, WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1990, WILL BE THE NERVE CENTRE OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MR SUEN THEN VISITED THE SHA TAU KOK TOWN WITHIN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA. HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE $30U-MILLION REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN THE BORDER TOWNSHIP, WHICH COVERED AN AREA OF 3.8 HECTARES.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE PROJECT INCLUDES A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, A CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, A COMMUNITY HALL, INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
MR SUEN TOURED THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE PHASE I, WHICH IS UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY AND WILL BE HOME TO 1,500 PEOPLE.
THE RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME AIMS TO MEET THE DEMAND FROM PEOPLE IN THE TOWN FOR IMPROVED HOUSING CONDITIONS, WHILE PRESERVING THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXISTING COMMUNITY BY ACCOMMODATING ALL THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CLEARANCE OF THE TWO SHANTY SQUATTER AREAS OF YIM LIU HA AND TSOI YUEN KOK.
MR SUEN THEN WENT TO THE BORDER CONTROL POINTS AT SHA TAU KOK AND MAN KAM TO.
NEXT, HE TRAVELLED TO FANLING AND VISITED THE FUNG YING SIN KOON, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1929 AND HAS NOW BECOME A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT MAKING CHARITABLE ORGANISATION.
THE KOON PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, NOTABLY THE OPERATION OF STUDY ROOMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU I AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
LATER, MR SUEN PROCEEDED TO THE ROOFTOP OF CHEUNG CHI HOUSE IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE FANL1NG-SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR SUEN ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL WHERE HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN, AS WELL AS PERSONALITIES DRAWN FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
- - 0-------------
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED * » » * t
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL IN MARCH THIS YEAR AS IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT SHOWED A DECREASE OF 4 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THE MARCH 1988 LEVEL WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN FEBRUARY 1988, BUT WAS LOWER BY ABOUT 3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987.
IN MARCH 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE, BY ABOUT 14 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS, WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987.
AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT WAS RECORDED WHEN PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 AS A WHOLE WERE COMPARED WITH THOSE IN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1987.
HOWEVER, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1988, MAINLY DUE TO THE AWARD OF ANNUAL BONUSES AND DOUBLE-PAY BY SOME MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN FEBRUARY 1988.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH FEBRUARY 1988, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND DECREASED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, BUT INCREASED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, THE ORDERS POSITION IN MARCH 1988 DROPPED IN MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1988, EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1988 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, BOTH THE TEXTILES AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED SOME DECREASES IN EMPLOYMENT.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH MARCH 1987, RELATIVELY MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN EMPLOYMENT WERE RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTIC PRODUCTS \ND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES. HOWEVER, A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.
/MAINLY BECAUSE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, ^88
- 8 -
MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE AWARD OF ANNUAL BONUSES AND DOUBLE-PAY IN FEBRUARY 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED IN MARCH 1988 WHEN COMPARE! WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. PARTICULARLY LARGE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH MARCH 1987, PER CAPITA EARN INGS INCREASED IN ALL INDUSTRIES SURVEYED. THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, IN WHICH ADDITIONAL BONUSES WERE ISSUED BY SOME OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE MONTH.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1988 INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER FEBRUARY 1988 BUT REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN MARCH 1987. PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED MODERATELY COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1988 BUT INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER MARCH 1987.
IN THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1988 REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER MARCH 1987.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, PARTICULARLY IN HOTELS, WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1988, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF ANNUAL BONUSES AND DOUBLE-PAY IN SOME OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN FEBRUARY 1988.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY HOTELS, SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN MARCH 1988. BROADLY THE SAME PATTERN OF INCREASE WAS RECORDED WHEN PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 AS A WHOLE WERE COMPARED WITH THOSE IN THE SAME QUARTER TN 1987.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 TO 3.
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 MAGNITUDES OF CHANGES INDICATED BY THE SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.
NEVERTHELESS, THESE ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A USEFUL I ND I ('AT ION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MARCH 1988 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAJ TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES ABOUT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 9 -
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OE Till. CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.
TABLE I: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON-HAND
CHANGE AS AT THE END OF MARCH 1988 FEB. 88 WHEN WITH COMPARED MAR. 87
(MONTH) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.35 ♦ -4
WEARING APPAREL 4.56 -2 - 7
TEXTILES 2.79 -2 -5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.65 +3 -10
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.33 +1 -8
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.03 *
OTHERS 4.19 » -5
♦ CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF MARCH 1988
INDUSTRY/SERVICES
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
FEB. 88 MAR. 87
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES t -3
FOOD AND DRINKS ♦ + 1
WEARING APPAREL + 1 -8
TEXTILES -1 -4
/PLASTIC PRODUCTS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1?B8
10 -
PLASTIC PRODUCTS
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS
# CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES
BANKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
OTHERS
♦ CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY
t
-1
+ 1
+ 1
*
♦
-1 ♦
+ 1
COMPANY EMPLOYEES
SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE
-8 ♦ ♦ -2 * + 2 + 3 -1 -1 + 9
ONLY; SITE WORKERS NOT INCLUDED.
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
1NDUSTRY/SERVICES
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
AVERAGE AS IN MARCH 1988 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH *♦ FEB. 88 MAR. 87 CHANGE IN AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR JAN.-MAR. 1988 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987
ALL MANUFACTURING (HK$) (%) (%) (%)
INDUSTRIES 1,073 -16 +14 + 10
— — — — — _
FOOD AND DRINKS 1,34 4 -2 +10 + 2
WEARING APPAREL 3,466 -11 +12 + 9
/TEXTILES .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
11
TEXTILES 4,032 -33 + 8 + 6
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3,665 -32 + 14 + 3
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4,669 -4 + 28 + 17
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 3,853 -9 + 17 + 13
OTHERS 5,362 -18 + 12 + 12
CONSTRUCTION 5,744 -5 + 11 + 7
— — — — — — —
SERVICES 6,835 -11 + 12 + 12
— — — — — — —
BANKS 6,426 + 1 + 14 + 6
HOTELS 4,816 -46 + 28 + 34
PUBLIC UTILITIES 6,630 -8 + 10 + 13
OTHERS 8,182 -17 + 10 + 1 1
»* THE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS BETWEEN FEBRUARY
AND MARCH 1988 WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE AWARD OF ANNUAL BONUSES AND DOUBLE-PAY BY SOME FIRMS IN FEBRUARY 1988.
NOTES TO TABLES 1-3: UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE FIRMS SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
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/12........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 12 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ANNOUNCED ♦ * » ♦ * ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC REGULARLY ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT STARTING THIS WEEK THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE E. COL1 DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME.
THE E. COL1 DATA USED FOR GRADING ARE BASED ON THE MEDIAN VALUES OF THE MOST RECENT FIVE RESULTS, OBTAINED OVER A TWO AND A HALF MONTH PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE USUAL SAMPLING FREQUENCY.
THE GRADES FOR SOME BEACHES MAY FLUCTUATE. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE BEACHES IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE SWIMMING AREAS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF BEACHES, AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST OF BEACH WATER QUALITY IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
"A” GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COL I COUNT IS BETWEEN 0-99 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
"B" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLl COUNT IS BETWEEN 100-999 PER MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE.
"C” GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLl COUNT IS 1,000 OR MORE PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, A RECOMMENDATION ON CLOSURE WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A ”C" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY.
SIMILARLY, A RECOMMENDATION TO REOPEN A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”B” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTA I NED.
/AT PRESENT, ........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
13 -
\T PRESENT, FIXE BATHING BEACHES HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASF!) ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PASI SEASONS.
THESE BEACHES ARE ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, SILVERMINE BAY, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAILED TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND HONG KONG STANDARDS.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THESE FIVE BEACHES, WHICH ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 19.5.88)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY B (’HUNG HOM KOK B DEEP WATER BAY A HAIRPIN B MIDDLE BAY C REPULSE BAY B SHEK O A SOUTH BAY A ST STEPHEN’S B TURTLE COVE A STANLEY MAIN B ROCKY BAY, SHEK O X TO TEI WAN* A ISLAND DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER A CHEUNG SHA LOWER A DISCOVERY BAY* A
/HUNG SHING YEH .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
14 -
HUNG SHING YEH A
KWUN YAM WAN A
TONG FUK A
LO SO SHING A
PUI O A
S1LVERMINE BAY X
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU A
TUNG O* A
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS A
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH A
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH A
HAP MUN BAY A
K1U TSUI A
PAK SHA CHAU A
SILVERSTRAND A
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) A
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH B
CASAM B
GEMINI B
HOI MEI WAN B
LIDO B
TING KAU C
TUNG WAN, MA WAN A
/TUEN MUN
THURSDAY, MAY 1% 1988
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA B
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE BEACH B
BUTTERFLY B
NOTE:
"X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING.
♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
MIDDLE BAY BEACH AND TING KAU BEACH WERE GRADED ”C” THIS TIME. THIS IS WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
MIDDLE BAY BEACH IS POLLUTED BY A STORMWATER DRAIN DISCHARGING IMPROPERLY TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM THE NEARBY BUILDINGS.
TING KAU BEACH IS POLLUTED BY TSUEN WAN HARBOUR WATER AND BY SEWAGE DISCHARGED FROM TING KAU VILLAGE.
IN ADDITION TO THIS REGULAR REPORTING SYSTEM, AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE PREPARED BY THE EPD AFTER EACH BATHING SEASON.
THIS WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REACH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES ON THE SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, THE EPD’S PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY), ON 3-7211011 .
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 1% 1988
- 16 -
NEW VANS FOR POLICE FORCE * ♦ * ♦ t
THE FIRST OF NEW FLEET OF SHERPA MEDIUM VANS IN A THREE-YEAR $30 MILLION VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THEY ARE NOW UNDERGOING MODIFICATIONS PRIOR TO GOING ON THE ROADS IN EYE CATCHING CONSPICUITY LIVERY.
THE 32 BRITISH LEYLAND-BUILT SHERPAS ARE PART OF A CONSIGNMENT OF 325 VANS WHICH WILL BE PHASED IN GRADUALLY TO UPDATE AND STANDARDISE FORCE VAN REQUIREMENTS.
THE SHERPAS WILL REPLACE THE MEDIUM GENERAL PURPOSE VEHICLES; LAND ROVERS; AND THE FORCE "WORKHORSE" TRANSIT VEHICLES; AND WHEN MODIFIED UNDERTAKE TASKS NOW PERFORMED BY ALL THREE.
THE POLICE MOTOR 'TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR IAN STENTON, EXPLAINED: "THE NEW MEDIUM VANS WILL AFFECT NEARLY EVERYBODY IN THE FORCE.
"THEY WILL ALLOW ALL STATIONS TO BETTER PLAN AND MANAGE THEIR FLEETS BECAUSE THEY WILL BE COMPLETELY INTER-CHANGEABLE.
"THE DAYS OF CONCENTRATING CERTAIN VEHICLES TO SPECIAL TASKS WILL BE OVER."
THE SHERPA WAS CHOSEN FOR ITS MULTI-PURPOSE ROLE AFTER WORKSHOPS INSPECTIONS OF THE CURRENT VEHICLES AND CONSULTATIONS WITH FORMATIONS.
MR STENTON SAID THE LAND ROVER WAS RAPIDLY BECOMING INOPERABLE FOR MODERN DAY URBAN USAGE.
THE MEDIUM GENERAL PURPOSE VAN, KNOWN COMMONLY AS THE "BREAD VAN", WAS UNDER-UTILISED SINCE THE POLICE CEASED CARRYING OUT HAWKER CONTROL DUTIES. THE VANS WERE NOT PARTICULARLY DESIGNED FOR PERSONNEL CARRYING. THEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE AND HAD ONLY LIMITED VIEW FOR PASSENGERS.
MANY OF THE TRANSIT PATROL VEHICLES WERE ALSO COMING TO THE ENDS OF THEIR WORKING LIVES.
MR STENTON SAID THERE WOULD BE SOME EXCEPTIONS IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING VEHICLES.
THE LAND ROVER WOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED IN FRONTIER, MARINE ISLANDS, SAI KUNG AND OTHER LOCATIONS WHERE IT COULD BE USEFUL.
"IN OUR CONSULTATIONS WE LOOKED TO SEE WHAT WOULD GIVE US THE OPTIMUM VEHICLE TO POLICE ALL THE DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE EXISTING THREE TYPES," SAID MR STENTON.
/WE EVENTUALLY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 17
"WE EVENTUALLY DREW UP A DESIGN TO ALLOW FOR THE VIRTUAL COMPLETE STANDARDISATION AND THE GREATEST POSSIBLE FLEXIBILITY WHICH WILL MAKE VEHICLE TASKING A LOT EASIER."
THE NEW SHERPAS WOULD BE INTRODUCED GRADUALLY AS EXISTING VEH I (’LES WENT OUT OF SERVICE.
THE SHERPAS WILL BE JN CONSPICU1TY COLOURS - WHITE WITH A RED STRIPE AND LARGE POLICE BADGES AND LIGHT REFLECTIVE: AT NIGHT.
EACH SHERPA WILL HAVE STANDARDISED AND INTER-CHANGEABLE COMMUNICATIONS FITTINGS AND TWO BLUE R(M)F LIGHTS. EMERGENCY UNIT VEHICLES WILL HAVE LIGHT-BRIDGES WITH BLUE ROOF LIGHTS.
"OTHERS COMFORT ENHANCEMENTS ARE BEING CONSIDERED," MR STENTON ADDED.
--------0-------•
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) APPROVED $13,851.87 IRON THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO SIX VICTIMS OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN KWAI (’HUNG LAST MONTH AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.
\ PUBLIC LIGHT BUS LOST CONTROL AND SWERVED ONTO THE PAVEMENT WHILE TURNING FROM TAI LOONG STREET INTO WO Y| HOP ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG ON APRIL 30, KILLING TWO ELDERLY SISTERS AND INJURING SIX OTHER PEOPLE.
THE TAVA SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY PROCESSING THE APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM TWO OTHER VI (’TIMS.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS (AN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA CENTRE, 15 WATSON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR B\ CALLING 5-702342.
- 0 -
/18........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 18 -
LEISURE SERVICES ON TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
♦ » » ♦
MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT STRATEGY PLANNING ON LEISURE SERVICES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE’S PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET FOR 1988-89 WILL BE TABLED.
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0---------
PARTNERS OF CONTRACTOR FIRM FINED
» ♦ ♦ ♦
THREE PARTNERS OF A CONTRACTOR FIRM WERE RECENTLY FINED A TOTAL OF $25,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO TAKE STFPS TO PREVENT WORKERS FROM BEING ENDANGERED BY ELECTRIC CABLES.
THE CASE INVOLVED A WORKER WHO WAS ELECTROCUTED WHILE USING A PAIR OF PLIERS TO REMOVE THE COVERING INSULATION OF AN ELECTRIC CABLE INSIDE A FACTORY IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD LAST YEAR WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THE CABLE HAD BEEN MADE LIVE. '
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) THE COMMENCEMENT OF WORK PREVENT WORKERS FROM BEING APPARATUS.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE
REGULATIONS, A CONTRACTOR SHALL, BEFORE OR DURING ITS PROGRESS, TAKE STEPS TO ENDANGERED BY ANY LIVE ELECTRIC CABLE OR
’’WHERE THERE IS ANY ELECTRICALLY CHARGED OVERHEAD APPARATUS, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ENSURE THAT THE CABLE OR WILL NOT BE DANGEROUS TO THE WORKMEN,” HE SAID.
CABLE OR APPARATUS
/’’THIS MAY..........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
- 19 -
’’THIS MAY BE DONE BY THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE AND SUITABLY PLACED BARRIERS OR OTHER METHODS.”
CONTRACTORS WHO FAIL TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PROTECT THE WORKERS ARE LIABLE, UPON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE REGULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
-------0----------
CHANCE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES TO JOIN SEOUL OLYMPIAD YOUTH CAMP ♦ » t » *
TWO OUTSTANDING SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETES WILL BE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1988 SEOUL OLYMPIAD YOUTH CAMP IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA TO BE HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 13 AND OCTOBER 2 THIS YEAR.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR THE SELECTION, TOGETHER WITH ENTRIES FOR THE FORTHCOMING SCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPIAD 1988.
THE SUMMER OLYMPIAD, WHICH STARTED IN 1985, IS AN ANNUAL EVENT AIMED TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SUMMER AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOL ATHLETES TO SHARE THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES IN VARIOUS SPORTS.
ABOUT 3,000 SCHOOL ATHLETES WILL COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S OLYMPIAD IN FIVE SPORTS NAMELY, ATHLETICS, BADMINTON, BASKETBALL, SWIMMING AND VOLLEYBALL.
THERE WILL BE INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM AWARDS IN EACH GROUP OF COMPETITIONS.
THE BEST THREE SCHOOLS IN EACH GROUP WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES WHILE TEAM MEMBERS OF THE BEST EIGHT SCHOOLS IN THE BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COMPETITIONS AND THE FINALISTS IN ATHLETICS, SWIMMING AND BADMINTON EVENTS, WILL RECEIVE MEDALS.
IN ADDITION, THE BEST THREE SCHOOLS IN BOYS AND GIRLS GROUPS IN EACH EVENT WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
THREE OVERALL CHAMPION SCHOOLS WILL BE PRESENTED CASH AWARDS OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FACILITIES BY A PRIVATE SPONSOR. THE SPONSOR WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE TRIP FOR BOTH THE ’’SPORTS BOY” AND ’’SPORTS GIRL” TO SEOUL LATER THIS YEAR.
A CEREMONY TO PRESENT THE PRIZES WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON OF JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FINALS OF THE BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COMPETITIONS.
/20........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
20 -
PERCUSSION MASTERCLASS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A PERCUSSION MASTERCLASS AT ITS HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE ON MONDAY (MAY 23) FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM TO STIMULATE PUBLIC INTEREST IN MUSIC.
THE MASTERCLASS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR MICHAEL ROSEN, THE PROFESSOR OF PERCUSSION AT THE OBERLIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IN THE UNI TED STATES. HE IS ALSO HEAD OF THE PERCUSSION DEPARTMENT AND CONDUCTS THE OBERLIN PERCUSSION GROUP.
MR ROSEN IS WELL KNOWN IN AMERICA, AS WELL AS IN EUROPE, FOR THE RARE MUSICAL SENSITIVITY HE DISPLAYS AS A MARIMBA SOLOIST AND CLINICIAN. HIS VIRTUOSITY ALWAYS EMPHASISES THE EXPRESSIVE POSSIBILITIES OF THE MARIMBA.
HE HAS CONCERTISED AND TAUGHT EXTENSIVELY IN EUROPE, IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS FRANCE, GERMANY AND HOLLAND.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTERCLASS IS FREE AND ALL MUSIC LOVERS ARE WELCOME. ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE ON 5-8235321.
-------0----------
OPEN SPACE AT CAINE LANE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
WORKS WILL START LATER THIS MONTH ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE AT CAINE LANE.
FACILITIES AT THE 3,300-SQUARE-METRE OPEN SPACE WILL INCLUDE A LANDSCAPE GARDEN, CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND, POOLS, FOUNTAINS AND A PAVILION.
ELEVATED WALKWAYS WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO CONNECT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE OPEN SPACE, WHICH IS BISECTED BY CAINE LANE.
WORKS ON THIS $7.5 MILLION PROJECT WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.
-----0------
/21 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1988
NEW SALT WATER MAINS FOR ABERDEEN
» * » « »
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO IMPROVE THE SALT WATER FLUSHING SYSTEM FOR ABERDEEN, WONG CHUK HANG AND TIN WAN.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 5,400 METRES OF SALT WATER MAINS, WITH DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 150 MM TO 600 MM, IN ABERDEEN. ’
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
NEW ROAD IN QUARRY BAY TO OPEN » * * *
AN ELEVATED WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WEST OF THE TAIKOO SHING INTERCHANGE AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10.45 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 21).
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON THIS SECTION OF THE CORRIDOR WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THIS NEW CARRIAGEWAY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 PUBLISHED................... 1
CONSULTATION ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STARTS ...................... 3
INQUIRY INTO FERRY COLLISION COMPLETED ......................... 6
SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS BEGINS ......................................................... 7
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT YAU MA TEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN............... 9
ACCESS ROAD TO NEW UNIVERSITY................................ 10
NEW ROAD LINKS IN SHEK LEI .................................... 11
SWIMMING POOL INSTALLED AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL ............. 12
PUPILS TO SHOW ARTISTIC TALENTS ............................... 13
RTHK CEREMONY IN CENTRAL CW SUNDAY ............................ 13
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED .............................. 1/t
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET..................................... 15
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY........................ 15
ROAD CLOSURE FOR TAM KUNG FESTIVAL............................. 15
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
1
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 PUBLISHED
I ♦ ♦ »
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988, DESIGNED TO SIMPLIFY AND IMPROVE THE MANNER IN WHICH TRIALS OF SUCH CRIMES ARE CONDUCTED, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 1.
THE BILL, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), REFLECTS MANY OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE WHICH FOLLOWED THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE BILL ON DECEMBER 11 LAST YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE PUBLISHED BILL IS THE PRODUCT OF AN INTENSIVE CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL WHICH CONSIDERED COMMENTS FROM THE JUDICIARY, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, THE BUSINESS SECTOR AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL GROUPS.”
THE BILL SEEKS TO INTRODUCE MAJOR CHANGES TO THE CURRENT PROCEDURES FOR THE TRI Al. OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES.
A MAJOR AREA OF REFORM IS TO PROVIDE FOR A PREPARATORY HEARING TO REPLACE COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS.
UNDER THIS NEW PROCEDURE, SERIOUS CASES MAY BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE JURISDICTION OF A MAGISTRATE TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT WITHOUT THE NEED FOR COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE.
WHERE A CASE IS TRANSFERRED UNDER THIS PROCEDURE AND A JUDGE DETERMINES THAT A PREPARATORY HEARING SHOULD TAKE PLACE, THE TRIAL IN THE HIGH COURT WILL BEGIN WITH A PREPARATORY HEARING BEFORE A JUDGE ^-SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.
"THE PURPOSE OF A PREPARATORY HEARING IS TO SETTLE POINTS OF LAW AND CLARIFY ISSUES FOR THE JURY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PREPARATORY HEARING A JURY WILL BE EMPANELLED AND THE TRIAL WILL PROCEED IN THE USUAL WAY."
AS A RESULT OF THE VIEWS RECEIVED DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE, A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE WHITE BILL.
ONE AREA OF CONCERN CENTRED ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE DEFENCE WOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE ITS CASE DURING THE PREPARATORY HEARING.
"IN AN ATTEMPT TO MEET THESE CONCERNS WITHOUT SACRIFICING EFFECTIVE REFORM, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE JUDGE MAY ORDER THE DEFENCE TO RESPOND.
"THE RESPONSE WILL NOT NEED TO BE AN OUTLINE OF THE DEFENCE CASE, AS REQUIRED IN THE WHITE BILL, BUT WILL MERELY INDICATE THE FACTS ON WHICH THE ACCUSED TAKES ISSUE WITH THE PROSECUTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE BILL.......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
2
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT AT THE PREPARATORY HEARING, THE PROSECUTION MAY BE ORDERED TO SERVE A CASE STATEMENT CONTAINING A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF THE FACTS ON WHICH THE PROSECUTION CASE IS BASED (A "PROSECUTION CASE STATEMENT").
THE DEFENCE MAY IN TURN BE ORDERED TO PRESENT A WRITTEN STATEMENT (A "DEFENCE RESPONSE") IN REPLY INDICATING THE FACTS ON WHICH IT TAKES ISSUE WITH THE PROSECUTION.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE NEW PROCEDURES WILL LEAD TO MORE AGREEMENT ON FACTS AND TO A DISTILLATION OF THE ISSUES SO THAT WHEN THE CASE PROCEEDS BEFORE THE JURY THE LENGTH OF TRIAL CAN BE SHORTENED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE WAS ALSO CRITICISM OF THE WHITE BILL’S DEFINITION OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME. TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN, THE DEFINITION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME HAS BEEN AMENDED.
UNDER THE WHITE BILL IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION TO APPLY FOR AN ORDER TRANSFERRING THE PROCEEDINGS FROM A MAGISTRATE TO THE HIGH COURT HAVING REGARD TO A SCHEDULE OF OFFENCES, THE EVIDENCE AND GUIDELINES FOR DECIDING THE SERIOUSNESS AND COMPLEXITY OF THE CASE.
THE CRITERIA TO BE USED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL NOW BE THAT THE EVIDENCE OF THE OFFENCE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE ACCUSED TO BE COMMITTED FOR TRIAL AND "REVEALS A CASE OF FRAUD, OR DISHONESTY IN A COMMERCIAL CONTEXT, OF SUCH SERIOUSNESS AND COMPLEXITY" THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE CASE BE SO TRANSFERRED.
THE SCHEDULE OF OFFENCES INCLUDED IN THE WHITE BILL HAS BEEN
DROPPED.
A THIRD CHANGE FROM THE WHITE BILL CONCERNS THE POWER TO ORDER A PREPARATORY HEARING. WHEREAS A COMPULSORY PREPARATORY HEARING PROCEDURE WAS PROPOSED IN THE WHITE BILL, THIS IS NOW SUBJECT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE JUDGE.
IT WILL BE FOR THE JUDGE TO DECIDE WHETHER, HAVING REGARD TO THE NATURE OF THE CASE, THERE WOULD BE BENEFIT IN HOLDING A PREPARATORY HEARING BEFORE THE JURY IS EMPANELLED.
HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RETURN THE CASE TO THE MAGISTRATE IF HE DECIDES NOT TO HOLD A PREPARATORY HEARING. THE CASE WILL PROCEED TO THE HIGH COURT IN THE USUAL WAY.
THE HISTORY OF THE PRESENT BILL DATES BACK TO JULY 1984 WHEN THE THEN ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, QC, SOUGHT PUBLIC COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL FOR REFORM.
/IN MARCH .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
I >' $ ' 3 ' * IN MARCH 1985, FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985 PROPOSING A CHANGE IN THE MODE OF TRIAL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BUT DESPITE THE EARLIER CONSULTATION, THE BILL AROUSED OPPOSITION FROM CONCERNED PARTIES.
IN MAY 1985, A LEGCO SELECT COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR PETER C. WONG WAS SET UP TO CONSIDER THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES AND TO RECOMMEND CHANGES.
THE COMMITTEE REPORTED IN JULY .1986 WITH 57 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES. K w . * * * A
FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSIDERATION WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION, THE WHITE .BILL, BASED ON THE SELECT COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS, WAS PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR FOR FURTHER PUBLIC CONSULTATION X *
------0-------
CONSULTATION ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STARTS
« » » t t
THE GOVERNMENT WILL LISTEN TO ALL VIEWS BEFORE DECIDING ON THE WAY AHEAD IN SPORTS PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE NEWLY PUBLISHED SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT, TITLED '’THE WAY AHEAD”, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR CHUI SAID A FOUR-MONTH PERIOD WILL BE ALLOWED FOR VIEWS TO BE EXPRESSED.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT TAKEN ANY DECISION REGARDING THE WAY FORWARD,” HE SAID.
’’THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY WAS TO PRESENT OPTIONS FOR DISCUSSION, TO FIND THE BEST WAY AHEAD FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.”
THE REPORT HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY A BRITISH SPORTS CONSULTANT, MR EMLYN JONES, WHO WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO CARRY OUT A STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.
MR JONES HAS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS ADMINISTRATION. HE IS THE FORMER DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE SPORTS COUNCIL OF ENGLAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS ADMINISTRATORS AND A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF PHYSICAL RECREATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
/"THE SCOPE ......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
-
"THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY WAS TO EXAMINE THE STRUCTURE, ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL RECREATION IN HONG KONG AND TO PUT FORWARD POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOrf SPORTS PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN FUTURE, TAKING A BALANCED VIEW OF ELITE AND BROAD COMMUNITY NEEDS," MR CHUI SAID.
t
"THE STUDY WAS ALSO TO ASSESS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF SUCH OPTIONS IN THE LIGHT OF HONG KONG’S SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS, CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROBLEMS, BEARING IN MIND THE EXPERIENCE IN OTHER COUNTRIES."
THE 11-CHAPTER REPORT CONTAINS A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPORTS ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG, COMPARING IT WITH THE SYSTEMS ELSEWHERE.
IT ALSO ANALYSES THE STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS OF VARIOUS SPORTS AND SPORTS-RELATED ORGANISATIONS, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR SPORTS ARE ALSO COVERED IN DETAIL.
MR CHUI SAID THE REPORT RECOMMENDED FOUR OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE SPORT ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE. THEY ARE:
» THE FIRST IS TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO, THAT IS KEEPING THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF AN ADVISORY BODY — THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT -- POSSIBLY WITH MODIFICATIONS WHICH WOULD ENABLE IT TO OPERATE MORE EFFECTIVELY.
THE COUNCIL WOULD REMAIN ADVISORY WITH NO EXECUTIVE POWER.
» THE SECOND OPTION IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE VOLUNTARY SPORTS MOVEMENT THROUGH A SUITABLE GOVERNMENT BRANCH OR DEPARTMENT, WHICH WOULD BE ADVISED BY A CONFEDERATION OF SPORTS
ASSOCIATIONS.
IN THIS OPTION, THE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY COVERED BY GOVERNMENT WOULD INCLUDE THE DISBURSEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES, SPORTS SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS RELATING TO SPORT.
* THE THIRD OPTION SUGGESTED THE VOLUNTARY SPORTS INITIATIVE WHERE VOLUNTARY SPORTS MOVEMENT WOULD TAKE OVER THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT.
/A CONFEDERATION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
- 5 -
A CONFEDERATION OF SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WOULD TAKE ON A WIDE RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH COULD INCLUDE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ADVICE TO GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT, THE DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT AID, A FACILITIES ADVISORY SERVICE, SPORTS MEDICINE AND THE RUNNING OF NATIONAL TERRITORY-WIDE SPORTS CENTRES, SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTIONS AND SPORTS LIBRARIES.
» THE FINAL OPTIONS IS CALLED THE "ARM’S LENGTH" APPROACH. THIS SYSTEM OPERATES ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORT BUT WOULD DISTANCE ITSELF FROM THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF IT.
A STATUTORY BODY WITH EXECUTIVE POWERS IS SUGGESTED TO BE ESTABLISHED TO ACT IN WELL-DEFINED AREAS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF DEVELOPING AND PROMOTING SPORTS AND RECREATION IN THE TERRITORY.
SUCH A COUNCIL WOULD BID FOR AND RECEIVE GRANT-IN-AID FROM GOVERNMENT AND WOULD TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY ON ITS BEHALF.
MR CHUI SAID MUCH INTEREST HAD BEEN GENERATED AMONG SPORTS CIRCLES SINCE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE CONSULTANCY.
"IT IS CONSIDERED PARAMOUNT TO SEEK VIEWS, ESPECIALLY FROM THE SPORTS CIRCLE AND OTHER RELATED ORGANISATIONS, BEFORE DECIDING ON WHICH OPTION TO ADOPT BECAUSE THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG," HE STRESSED.
"IT IS NOW UP TO THE VARIOUS SPORTING ORGANISATIONS AND INTERESTED PARTIES AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO AIR THEIR VIEWS," MR CHUI SAID.
"AMONG THOSE TO BE CONSULTED ARE THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BOARD, THE DISTRICT BOARDS, ALL MAJOR SPORTING INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS," HE ADDED.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ARE WELCOME. THEY SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR CONSULTATION AND REFERENCE.
ANY SPORT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS OR INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS WHO WISHED TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE REPORT MAY CONTACT THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, 14TH FLOOR, RUTTONJEE HOUSE, 11 DUDDELL STREET, CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-224415.
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/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
INQUIRY INTO FERRY COLLISION COMPLETED
*****
AN INQUIRY INTO THE COLLISION EARLIER THIS YEAR BETWEEN TWO DISCOVERY BAY FERRIES, NOS. 12 AND 15, HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE EARLY EVENING OF MARCH 14 WHEN THE VESSELS WERE MANOEUVRING IN FOG AT THE ENTRANCE TO DISCOVERY BAY. BOTH VESSELS WERE DAMAGED AND SEVEN PASSENGERS WERE INJURED - TWO OF THEM REQUIRING HOSPITAL TREATMENT.
THE OFFICER WHO CONDUCTED THE INQUIRY, CAPTAIN B. B. RAO, MADE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE:
(A) THE CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY OF BOTH MASTERS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR ONE MONTH;
(B) A MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE SHOULD BE ISSUED DRAWING THE ATTENTION OF ALL MASTERS AND OPERATORS TO THE DANGERS OF THE IMPROPER USE OF RADAR AND RADIO TELEPHONES;
(C) A TRAFFIC ROUTEING SYSTEM, OR SOME OTHER EQUIVALENT CONTROL ARRANGEMENT, SHOULD BE INTRODUCED FOR FAST FERRIES OPERATING BETWEEN BLAKE PIER AND DISCOVERY BAY;
(D) MASTERS OF ALL FERRY VESSELS OPERATED BY DISCOVERY BAY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LIMITED AND FITTED WITH RADAR MUST UNDERGO APPROVED TRAINING ON ITS OPERATION, USE AND LIMITATIONS;
(E) MASTERS OPERATING LICENSED FAST FERRIES OF THE COMPANY SHOULD BE TRAINED AND TYPE RATED;
(F) A MARINE DEPARTMENT LOCAL HIGH SPEED FERRY AND DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED ON WHICH OPERATORS MUST BE REPRESENTED;
(G) THE OPERATION OF FAST FERRY VESSELS BY THE DISCOVERY BAY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LIMITED SHOULD BE STUDIED IN DETAIL BY MARINE DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE CRAFT AND THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS AND THAT APPROPRIATE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN IF NECESSARY;
(H) THE STOWAGE POSITION OF THE ANCHOR SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TWO MEETINGS, AT WHICH THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WERE DISCUSSED, HAVE BEEN HELD BETWEEN OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DISCOVERY BAY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LIMITED.
/THE COMPANY
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
THE COMPANY TABLED PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENT STEMMING FROM ITS OWN ANALYSIS OF THE ACCIDENT, SOME OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
THE COMPANY AGREED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH FALL WITHIN ITS CONTROL. IT HAS NOTED THE LIKELY NEED FOR A CONSIDERABLE RESEARCH PERIOD PRIOR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POSITIVE ACTION FOR THE NEXT FOGGY SEASON.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INQUIRY ARE BEING MADE PUBLIC OWING TO THE HIGH LEVEL OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND THEIR CONCERN OVER THE SAFE OPERATION OF THESE HIGH SPEED FERRY VESSELS.
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SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS BEGINS
*****
THE SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR 1987 HAS BEGUN, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SURVEY IS AN ANNUAL ENQUIRY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT STATISTICS FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND FOR ASCERTAINING THE COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS OF DIFFERENT TRADES IN THE SECTORS.
STATISTICS COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS FOR FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 14 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 13, 1984.
ABOUT 6,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE SURVEY, INCLUDING A FULL COVERAGE OF PROMINENT UNDERTAKINGS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING TRADES:-
* BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION;
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT;
* ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING; AND
/* REAL ESTATE ........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
- 8
» REAL ESTATE LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT.
A DIFFERENT VERSION OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS USED FOR EACH OF THE FOUR DIFFERENT TRADE CATEGORIES. WHERE APPLICABLE, PROJECT RETURNS TO COLLECT DATA ON INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION SITES AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP; NUMBER OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES; PAYMENTS FOR SUB-CONTRACT WORK; OPERATING EXPENSES; VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED; VALUES OF PROPERTY UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT OUTLAYS (INCLUDING LAND VALUES); OTHER FORMS OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS; CAPITAL EXPENDITURE; FLOOR AREA OCCUPIED FOR BUSINESS OPERATION; AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. MANAGEMENTS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
IF REQUIRED, CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND CERTIFICATION FOR THE SURVEY WHILE ON DUTY.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF ENUMERATION, SO AS TO FULFILL THEIR LEGAL AS WELL AS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
HE STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE. ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATING TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF RETURNS. THIS APPROACH IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO AVOID THE DELAY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE RESULT FROM THE NEED TO WAIT FOR AUDITED ACCOUNTS.
ANY FURTHER ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234977.
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/9........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
9
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT YAU MA TEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ♦ ♦ t » ♦
A 0.42 HECTARE SITE IN YAU MA TEI HAS BEEN REZONED ’’COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA” ACCORDING TO AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT YAU MA TEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WHICH WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A TOWN PLANNING BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMENDMENT IS TO REZONE THE AREA BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, PORTLAND STREET, SHANGHAI STREET AND MAN MING LANE TO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA”.
YUNNAN LANE AND A SECTION OF SHEK LUNG STREET ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SITE WHICH IS MADE UP PREDOMINANTLY <>F SIX-STOREY BUILDINGS BUILT IN THE 1950’S AND 1960’S WITH GENERALLY POOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
THE PROPOSED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" ZONING WILL ENSURE THAT THE AREA WILL BE COMPREHENSIVELY REDEVELOPED TO INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF BETTER QUALITY HOUSING, COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE ZONE WOULD REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
IN APPLYING FOR PLANNING PERMISSION, A MASTER LAYOUT PLAN ACCOMPANIED BY EXPLANATORY STATEMENT SPECIFYING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT WOULD BE REQUIRED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION COULD BE A POSSIBLE AGENCY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA.
THE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 190-492 NATHAN
ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP SALES COUNTER, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY Till AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY JUNE 10 THIS YEAR.
- O------
/1O........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
- 10 -
ACCESS ROAD TO NEW UNIVERSITY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD AN ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEAR TAI PO TSAI VILLAGE IN SAI KUNG.
AS PART OF THIS PROJECT, IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO A SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND TAI PO TSAI VILLAGE.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3|0-METRE-LONG TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH A FOOTPATH LINKING CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WITH THE CAMPUS ENTRANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY.
A ROUNDABOUT WILL BE BUILT ADJACENT TO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH THE NEW UNIVERSITY ACCESS ROAD.
TWO ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANES IN THE SECTION OF CLEAR WATER ROAD FROM THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY JUNCTION TO THE ROUNDABOUT, PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS ACROSS BOTH CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
BAY AND NEW
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS
PUBLISHED
IN THE
GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/X PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE
INSPECTED AT THE
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRIC’I OFFICE IN SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SAI KUNG TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES.
AN\ IN WRITING EAST WING, ROAD, HONG
PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTIONS TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT
KONG BY JULY 19 THIS YEAR.
- 0------------
/11 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
11
NEW ROAD LINKS IN SHEK LEI ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A NEW ROAD LINK IS TO BE BUILT BETWEEN TAI PAK TIN STREET AND SHEK PAI STREET IN SHEK LEI, KWAI CHUNG.
ROAD CONNECTIONS PROM THE NEW ROAD LINK TO SHEK LJ STREP. AND ON CHIT STREET WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
THE WILL
IN
THE PROPOSED WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH SITF FORMATION WORKS FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SHEK LEI, PROVIDE AI'CESS TO THE FORMED SITES AND IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION
THE AREA.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START LATE THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED TODAY (FRIDAY).
WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GA’.ETTE
THE PLANS OF THE PROJECT
ARE AVAILABLE FOR
INSPECTION AT THF
OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY.
SUB-OFFICE,
TSING DISTRICT LANDS MULTI-STOREY CARPARK NEW TERRITORIES; AND KWAI HING GOVERNMENT TERRITORIES.
THEY CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE KWAI OFFICE, 10TH-HTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ISUEN WAN, THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND ..... OHlhCl'lON IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORI, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG
KONG BY JULY 19 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
12 -
SWIMMING POOL INSTALLED AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL *****
THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSES FOR NON-SWIMMERS AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL NOW THAT ITS NEW SWIMMING POOL .HAS BEEN OPENED.
LONG A NEED AT THE SCHOOL, USE OF THE NEW TRAINING POOL IS BEING INCORPORATED INTO THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES OF ALL RECRUITS FOR THEM TO SWIM AND KNOW LIFE SAVING PROCEDURES.
AND ALTHOUGH THE ABILITY TO SWIM WILL NOT BE COMPULSORY IN A RECRUIT PASSING HIS OR HER COURSE, CHIEF PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR RAYMOND MAK PLANS TO MAKE IT COMPULSORY FOR ALL TRAINEES TO LEARN TO SWIM.
’’PEOPLE ARE EMBARRASSED WHEN THEY HAVE TO ADMIT THEY CAN’T SWIM,” SAID MR MAK. ’’NOW THAT WE HAVE A POOL I CAN HAVE A COMPULSORY SWIMMING PROGRAMME AND THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSE FOR ANYONE TO SAY THEY CAN’T SWIM.
”1 WANT TO SEE ALL TRAINEES IN THE POOL AND EVENTUALLY I WANT TO SEE IT COMPULSORY FOR THEM TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM BEFORE THEY PASS OUT.
’’THE EMPHASIS NOW WILL BE ON TRAINING BUT OF COURSE WE WANT THEM TO LEARN HOW TO ENJOY SWIMMING TOO.”
THE TRAINEES WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO USE THE POOL AS REMEDIAL TRAINING AFTER SCHOOL HOURS.
AROUND 15 PER CENT OF MALE RECRUIT CONSTABLES AT THE SCHOOL DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM WHEN THEY ENTER THE SCHOOL AND DOUBLE THAT NUMBER OF FEMALES. FOR RECRUIT INSPECTORS THE FIGURE IS LOWER.
"HONG KONG IS SURROUNDED BY WATER AND A POLICE OFFICER SHOULD BE AS PREPARED TO HELP SOMEONE IN THE SEA AS HE IS ON LAND. AND HE OR SHE AT LEAST SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAVE THEMSELVES,” MR MAK SAID.
’’USING THE POOL WILL BE A NEW ATTRACTION FOR THEM AFTER SCHOOL HOURS. THEY CAN JOG, THEY CAN STUDY - AND THEY CAN LEARN TO SWIM.”
THE POOL IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INSULATION COVER WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THE HEAT OF THE WATER IN THE OPEN AIR POOL AND A REMOTE CONTROL UNDER WATER ’’VACUUM CLEANER” WHICH WILL CLEAN THE POOL BOTTOM.
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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
- 1? -
PUPILS TO SHOW ARTISTIC TALENTS *****
SCHOOL PUPILS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WHO GAVE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN MUSIC, DANCE AND SPEECH IN RECENT INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENTS ONCE AGAIN IN A SPECIAL SHOW ON SUNDAY (MAY 22).
THE SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE KIANGSU CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CHING WAII STREET, NORTH POINT, STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE DANCING, SINGING, SOLO AND CHORAL SPEAKING, AND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES BY PUPILS ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AND EDUCATION OFFICER (HONG KONG EAST), MRS JOYCE LUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING SCHOOL MUSIC, DANCE AND SPEECH PERFORMANCE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) IN THE KIANGSU CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL, 30 CHING WAH STREET, NORTH POINT. THE SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
----0----------
RTHK CEREMONY IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY *****
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK) WILL HOLD A "TURN ON THE RADIO CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) AFTERNOON TO LAUNCH NEW PROGRAMME ARRANGEMENTS ON ITS RADIO 1.
I'\ El I "T I V E AND LEGISLATIVE' COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS MARTA TAM WILL OFFII I ATE AT THE CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL.
ALSO ATTENDING WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS RITA FAN’ CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR PETER CHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT board, MR AMBROSE LAP.
/OTHER GUESTS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
14 J
OTHER GUESTS WILL INCLUDE SPORTS PERSONALITIES MISS CHEA KUK-HUNG, MISS CHAN NIN-TSE, MR LAU YUNG AND MR LEUNG WING-KWONG.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A MINI-CONCERT FEATURING POPULAR SINGERS MISS CONNIE MAK, MISS SUZANNE HO; THE BLUE JEANS, RAIDAS, AND TAICHI GROUPS; AND ALL RTHK RADIO 1 DISC JOCKEYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER RTHK RADIO i’S "TURN ON THE RADIO" CEREMONY TO START AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED « t » » *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO SEEK THE CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOFS OVER THE THIRD FLOOR OF 162 AND 164 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN MARCH, 1986 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 20 WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
- - 0 - -
/1J
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1988
- 1$ -
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER ON MONTHLY RENTAL A 43.5-SQUARE METRE PREMISES IN SAI YING PUN.
THE PREMISES ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 7 KI LING LANE, HONG KONG, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL) USES ONLY.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE PREMISES WILL BE OPEN FOR VIEWING FROM 10.30 AM TO NOON ON MAY 26 AND JUNE 2.
TENDER FORM, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, LOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 17.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR PAR SHEK KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY (MAY 23) AND TUESDAY (MAY 24).
ON JUNE 7 AND «, THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED.
THE TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES WILL FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK .
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ROAD CLOSURE FOR TAM KUNG FESTIVAL t * ♦ ♦
SHAU KEJ WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES ON MONDAY (MAY 23).
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN FORCE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM THAT DAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOARDS PAY S6M INJURIES COMPENSATION ........................ 1
VA'S COMMENDED FOR PROVIDING SERVICES FOR ELDERLY ........... 2
FURTHER MEASURES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ................. 3
WINNERS FOR FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION NAMED .............
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ......................... 5
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS ............. 6
GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TENDER ........................... 7
ARTISTIC PUPILS CAN WIN TRIP TO JAPAN........................ 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG ...................... 9
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
BOARDS PAY $6M INJURIES COMPENSATION *****
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS PAID OUT $6.02 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 1986-87, COMPARED WITH $4.82 MILLION IN THE PRECEDING YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ LATEST ANNUAL REPORT.
THESE PAYMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 1,136 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES AND FOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES CASES.
THEY ALSO BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME IN 1973 TO $32.87 MILLION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT C. TANG, NOTED THAT A TOTAL OF 1,117 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, REPRESENTING 14.7 PER CENT OF THE 7,600 REPORTED CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES DURING THE PERIOD.
VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND WOUNDING AS WELL AS ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY MADE UP THE MAJORITY - ABOUT 92 PER CENT - OF THE APPLICANTS.
THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS ARISING FROM CASES OF ARSON WITH 25 APPLICATIONS, AS COMPARED WITH SIX IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR; AND CASES OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT TOTALLED 18 AS AGAINST NINE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, APPLICATIONS RELATED TO ASSAULT AND WOUNDING DECREASED FROM 874 TO 700. APPLICATIONS RELATED TO CASES OF HOMICIDE, MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER WENT DOWN FROM 46 TO 34.
OF THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 706 WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE, 394 SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST REFERRED BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $300,000 WAS AWARDED TO AN APPELLANT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION CASE. THE LOWEST AWARD WAS $126.
IN GRANTING THE COMPENSATION, THE BOARDS TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE VICTIM’S INJURY, HIS SUFFERING, RESIDUAL DISABILITY, LOSS OF EARNINGS, CONDUCT AND WAY OF LIFE, MR TANG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE WORKING OF THE CLEIC SCHEME, THE HOARDS HAD PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT PERIOD OE INJURY GRANT AND INTERIM ADJUSTMENT GRANT TO VICTIMS OF SERIOUS INJURIES FROM THREE MONTHS TO SIX MONTHS.
/ANOTHER PROPOSAL .......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
2
ANOTHER PROPOSAL WAS TO GIVE THE BOARDS DISCRETIONARY POWER TO INCREASE THE AWARDS TO RAPE VICTIMS, AND TO VICTIMS WHO HAD DEMONSTRATED EXEMPLARY EFFORTS IN ASSISTING THE POLICE IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND ARREST OF CRIMINALS, IN SPITE OF PERSONAL EMBARRASSMENT, INCONVENIENCE OR FEAR.
THE PROPOSALS WERE BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
-----0------
VA'S COMMENDED FOR PROVIDING SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
* » » » ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) COMMENDED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WONG FUNG TING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN'S WELFARE CLUB IN SHEUNG SHUI.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SUCH AS OLD PEOPLE'S HOMES, HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY AND MANY COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS WERE PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS.
SHE NOTED THAT A WORKING GROUP SET UP IN 1972 TO STUDY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY HAD, IN ITS REPORT PUBLISHED THE FOLLOWING YEAR, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY.
"THUS, A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES SUCH AS SOCIAL CENTRES, HOME HELP, COMMUNITY NURSING AND DAY CARE SERVICE ARE PROVIDED TO ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS AND TO ENABLE OLD PEOPLE TO CONTINUE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY," MRS WONG SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE NEED FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES IS ALSO FULLY RECOGNISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS CHANGES IN FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES OR HEALTH CONDITIONS OFTEN GIVE RISE TO SUCH NEED BY SOME ELDERLY.
"WE ARE THEREFORE STRENGTHENING THESE SERVICES, AND THE PROVISION OF CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES WILL BE IMPROVED TO EIGHT PLACES PER 1,000 PEOPLE AGED OVER 60 FROM THE PREVIOUS FIVE PLACES SO AS TO SPEED UP THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN'S WELFARE CLUB FOR PROVIDING SERVICES FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY.
/3........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
- 3 -
FURTHER MEASURES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION
» » * » «
THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE SUPPORT TO LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS, COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, DR DANIEL TSE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
DR TSE SAID MEASURES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION WOULD INCLUDE CONTINUING TO HOLD THE AWARD SCHEME, HOLDING A SEMINAR AND CONDUCTING ANOTHER OPINION SURVEY ON HOW TO IMPROVE PROMOTION WORK FOR CIVIC EDUCATION.
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE COMMITTEE HAD SPENT $750,000 IN SUBSIDISING 52 PROJECTS ORGANISED BY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO DRIVE HOME THE CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGE. THESE PROJECTS INCLUDED EXHIBITIONS, DRAMAS, VIDEO PRODUCTIONS, TRAINING SESSIONS, TALKS AND COMPETITIONS.
"THE OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT AWARD SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PLAN AND PROVIDE BETTER CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS," HE STRESSED.
DR TSE ADDED THAT ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDIES UNDER THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME TO ORGANISE CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS STARTED ON APRIL 15.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE SCHEME HAS BEEN INCREASED TO $600,000. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO BE GRANTED TO EACH SELECTED PROJECT IS $50,000.
APART FROM MATERIAL SUPPORT, DR TSE SAID THE COMMITTEE BELIEVED THAT MORE OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR ORGANISATIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO ACQUIRE OTHER RESOURCES. TO THIS END, THE COMMITTEE PLANNED TO HOLD A SEMINAR AT THE END OF THE YEAR, FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF A SIMILAR FUNCTION HELD IN APRIL.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO PLANNED TO CONDUCT A SECOND OPINION SURVEY WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING PROMOTION WORK FOR CIVIC EDUCATION. FINDINGS OF" THE SURVEY WERE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER, DR TSE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE AWARD-W1 NN I NG PROJECTS ON DISPLAY AT THE CEREMONY, DR TSE SAID REPORTS ON THE PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS, WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS IN CANTON ROAD, TS1M SHA TSUI.
/A MEMBER........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
A MEMBER OF THE ADJUDICATION COMMITTEE FOR THE AWARD SCHEME, MR MAK HOI-WAH, SAID THE COMMITTEE SELECTED THE SEVEN OUTSTANDING PROJECTS AFTER HAVING CAREFULLY STUDIED THE REPORT ON EACH PROJECT AND DISCUSSED WITH THE ORGANISERS ON THE CONTENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THEIR ENTRIES.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR CONTENTS, PRESENTATION, TARGET GROUPS, PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION VALUE, EFFICIENCY OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS.
THE JOINT CONFERENCE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION RECEIVED THE FIRST PRIZE OF $8,000, WHILE THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES OF $6,000 AND $4,000 WENT TO THE CARITAS GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE KOWLOON AND THE SALVATION ARMY TAI WO HAU CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE RESPECTIVELY.
FOUR OTHER ORGANISATIONS WERE AWARDED OUTSTANDING PRIZES OF $2,000 EACH.
THE CHAMPION PROJECT CONSISTS OF A ROVING EXHIBITION, PRODUCTION OF A SLIDE SHOW AND A VIDEO PROGRAMME FOR LOAN TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS LEAFLETS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC, ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS.
------O-------
WINNERS FOR FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION NAMED ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
FIVE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH KEEN PERCEPTION AND DISTINGUISHED QUICK WITS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) CHOSEN AS WINNERS FOR THE 1988 HELP THE POLICE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION.
THEY WERE LAI PO-MAN AND CHOI CHI-CHIU OF THE SENIOR SECTION, CHAN CHOR-SHEUNG AND LAM MEI OF THE JUNIOR SECTION AND LEUNG KA-WING OF THE POLICE FAMILIES SECTION.
THE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED A TRIP TO CANADA FOR 18 DAYS IN MIDJULY, TAKING UP THE ROLE AS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS FOR HONG KONG. THE TRIP IS SPONSORED BY THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS.
THEY OUTPLAYED 25 OTHER FINALISTS GRAND FINAL OF THE COMPETITION, IN THE HONG KONG.
IN A TELEVISION QUIZ, THE STUDIO OF RADIO TELEVISION
THE FINALISTS WERE FIRST SHOWN A DETECTIVE FILM AND THEN ANSWERED 11 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR ABILITY OF JUDGEMENT AND OBSERVATION.
/MARKINGS WERE
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
- 5 -
MARKINGS WERE DONE BY A PANEL OF’ JUDGES COMPRISING MR JOHN DUNN, POLICE CHIEF’ STAFF OFFICER, PUBLIC RELATIONS; MR JOHN CONNOLLY, LIAISON OFFICER, COMMISSION FOR CANADA; AND MISS KARINA LEUNG, PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE OF THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (OPERATIONS), MR LI KWAN-HA, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS MARIA WAN, WERE ALSO ATTENDING TO PRESENT PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.
MEANWHILE, ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN OUT WHEN THE TV QUIZ PROGRAMME IS BROADCAST ON TVB-JADE AT 1.15 PM AND ON ATV-GOLD AT 5.45 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
IN THE PROGRAMME, AN OBSERVATION QUESTION WILL BE ASKED AND ANYONE WHO WISHES TO WIN A PRIZE SHOULD SEND THEIR ANSWER TO THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH BEFORE JUNE 6.
THE COMPETITION, HELD THIS YEAR FOR THE NINTH TIME SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1975, IS AIMED AT AROUSING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CIVIC AWARENESS AND THEIR DETERMINATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
-----0----------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION
*****
THIRTY-NINE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,160,300 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES. /
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CM 1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE $150,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DJ $135,000 WHILE THE LOWEST 1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND FOR DS 1 HIGHEST 8468. PRICE 0
PRICE WAS $ 1,500
FOLLOWING ARE THE 1 RESULTS OF TODAY'S AUCTION •
$ $ $ $
DS 117 2,500 DB 66 75,000 DS6638 10,000 DJ 1 135,000
DTI628 10,500 DR 168 40,000 DS 880 28,000 AL1638 15,000
CD3083 3,500 AB 833 40,000 DD 98 90,000 DS 238 18,500
AT77O7 7,000 CC3898 8,000 AK 813 31,000 XX3902 7,000
DT8899 18,000 CM 1 150,000 BB 968 12,800 AA 58 41,000
DS8468 1,500 DS8238 6,500 DV 930 8,000 BB 391 15,000
DR 938 9,000 BL 283 16,000 DM1111 70,000 DS3228 19,000
DD 38 70,000 DS8885 2,000 DR8328 7,500 DM 6 90,000
DU1283 5,000 DT8288 21,000 DS 389 13,000 DR9888 20,000
AT9628 6,000 DS 213 18,000 DP 638 20,000
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1?88
- 6 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITH 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION. 'I
TODAY’S SALE, THE 125TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $60,309,332.
-------0----------
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS
*****
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED A TOTAL OF $75,000 BY THE BOARD TO ORGANISE AND SPONSOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
"OF THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED, $20,000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED AS GRANTS FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO CARRY OUT SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID.
"ONE OF THE MAJOR TASK OF THE COMMITTEE THIS YEAR IS TO IMPLEMENT A $20,000 YOUTH PROGRAMME, IN RESPONSE TO THE FINDINGS OF A YOUTH PROBLEMS STUDY CONDUCTED DURING THE LAST TERM OF THE COMMITTEE."
THE REMAINING FUNDS WILL BE SPENT ON ORGANISING THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME, THE COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY AND PROGRAMMES FOR FACTORY WORKERS.
"LOCAL BODIES WHO WISH TO SEEK FUNDS FOR THEIR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS, SUCH AS PROGRAMMES FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED AND TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS, CAN APPLY TO THE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE EACH COMMITTEE MEETING. I
DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS ARE MAY 31, AUGUST 1, OCTOBER 3, DECEMBER 5 IN 1988 AND FEBRUARY 13, 1989 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE COMMITTEE’S REMAINING FIVE MEETINGS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
-------o ---------
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
- 7 -
GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TENDER » t » ♦ *
THREE GOVERNMENT SITES, TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ARE TO BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE HONG KONG ISLAND SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 600 SQUARE METRES, IS AT THE RESERVOIR ACCESS ROAD OFF MOUNT DAVIS ROAD. IT IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY AND/OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SITES, ONE IS IN AREA 9, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN. IT MEASURES ABOUT 2,538 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR USE AS A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CARPARK.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE REMAINING SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 6,316 SQUARE METRES, IS IN AREA 14 B, SHA TIN.
IT IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) BELONGING TO THE TENANT ONLY, OR FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING LORRIES AND CONTAINERS) WHICH ARE CURRENTLY LICENSED FOR USE ON PUBLIC STREETS AND ROADS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (CAP. 374).
INITIAL TENANCY FOR THIS SITE IS FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORM, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE FORM, NOTICE AND PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF DISTRICTS AT WHICH THE SITES ARE LOCATED.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR ALL THREE SITES IS NOON ON JUNE 3.
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
- 8 -
ARTISTIC PUPILS CAN WIN TRIP TO JAPAN *****
SCHOOL PUPILS WHO HAVE A FLAIR FOR DRAWING AND PAINTING ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FIFTH KANAGAWA BIENNIAL WORLD CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION - AND WIN A CHANCE TO VISIT JAPAN EARLY NEXT YEAR.
AIMED AT PROMOTING, THROUGH ART, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFERENT LIVES AND CULTURES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR. IT IS SPONSORED BY JAPAN’S KANAGAWA PREFECTURE.
PUPILS AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 15 AS AT SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE.
THERE WILL BE NO PARTICULAR THEME FOR THE CONTEST, WHICH WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO-DIMENSIONAL WORK INCLUDING DRAWING, PAINTING, AND COLLAGE. THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF EACH ENTRY IS 550 MM X 550 MM.
THREE GRAND PRIZES AND A NUMBER OF SPECIAL PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNING ENTRIES.
HONG KONG WINNERS OF GRAND PRIZES WILL BE INVITED TO KANAGAWA, EACH ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT, TO ATTEND THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN MARCH AND TO TOUR KANAGAWA PREFECTURE.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE GOLD MEDALS AND SILVER MEDALS (BOTH ARE GOVERNOR OF KANAGAWA AWARDS) FOR THE BEST ENTRIES.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SEND ENTRIES TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE JULY 9 FOR DISPATCH TO THE EXHIBITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1988
- 9 -TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG t t » » t
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WITH YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 24).
WESTBOUND VEHICLES FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD AND THOSE WISHING TO TURN RIGHT FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD ONTO ROAD LI WILL BE DIVERTED TO MAKE U-TURNS VIA THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) AND FUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
FROM 12.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON MAY 25 AND 26, THE JUNCTION OF LONG YIP STREET WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
FASTBOUND VEHICLES FROM LONG YIP STREET ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND RIGHT-TURNING VEHICLES FROM LONG YIP STREET ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA A TEMPORARY CROSSOVER ON ROAD LI.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
$37.5 M PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS.................. 1
MANPOWER TRAINING VITAL TO BANKING INDUSTRY .............. 2
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR CENTRAL AND 'WESTERN .........
$250,000 FOR KWUN TONG COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.. 4
WORKSHOP ON COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING .......... 5
REFRESHING SPORTS PRCGRaMME FOR WORKING PEOPLE ........... 6
FISHERFOLK TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL ................ 6
SEMINAR FOR SaI KUNG RESIDENTS ........................... 7
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MTR CONGESTION FARE .............. 8
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME ... 8
ADVANCE WORK FOR KWUN TONG BYPASS PHaSE II AUTHORISED .... 9
PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR JUNK BAY NEW TOWN .................... 10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHa TIN ...................... 10
TRAFFIC RE-RGUTEING ^ND ROAD CLOSURE..................... 11
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP RO^DS ON CORRIDOR ........... 11
WaTER CUT IN WONG TaI SIN ............................... 11
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
$37.3 M PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS » » * » t
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PAID OUT ABOUT $37.3 MILLION FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN 1986-87.
ACCORDING TO THE 1986-87 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TAVA FUND BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, 5,760 APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE RECEIVED IN THAT PERIOD, AS COMPARED WITH 5,583 APPLICATIONS IN 1985-86.
THAT WAS AN INCREASE OF 177 APPLICATIONS OR 3.17 PER CENT, WHICH CORRESPONDED WITH THE TWO PER CENT SLIGHT INCREASE IN CASES REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
DURING THE YEAR, 5,356 OR 93.8 PER CENT OF THE 5,710 NEW CASES PROCESSED HAD PAYMENTS AUTHORISED. OF THE REMAINING APPLICATIONS, 278 OR 4.9 PER CENT WERE WITHDRAWN, WHILE 76 OR 1.3 PER CENT WERE REJECTED.
THE TAVA SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 24 CASES CONCERNING SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE YEAR IN WHICH HEAVY CASUALTIES WERE INVOLVED.
THE MOST TRAGIC ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 5, 1986 AT SHEK PAI TAU ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH MING KAM ROAD, WHERE A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS OVERTURNED, KILLING FIVE PEOPLE AND INJURING 65 OTHERS. OF THESE CASUALTIES, 33 WERE FOUND ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE AND A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $191,618 WAS AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT.
THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $54,270 IN THE YEAR WAS PAID TO A FATAL CASE IN WHICH THE DECEASED WAS THE SOLE WAGE EARNER AND WAS SURVIVED BY THREE DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS.
THE TAVA SCHEME, IN OPERATION SINCE MAY 1979, IS ONE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING SPEEDY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS REGARDLESS OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
TO QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICATION MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT, WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND THAT IN THE CASE OF INJURY NOT CAUSING DEATH, EVIDENCE OF AT LEAST THREE DAYS’ SICK LEAVE MUST BE SHOWN BY HOSPITALISATION OR BY CERTIFICATION.
PAYMENTS ARE MADE FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH BUT DAMAGE TO PROPERTY IS NOT INCLUDED.
/BENEFICIARIES UNDER
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
2
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME STILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE SAME TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE THEY HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME, BUT IN ANY CASE THE AMOUNT TO BE REPAID SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT AND APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, OR BY CALLING 5-702410.
-------o---------
MANPOWER TRAINING VITAL TO BANKING INDUSTRY
*****
MANPOWER TRAINING PLAYS A VITAL PART IN RETAINING THE EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY ESPECIALLY AMID THE RECENT SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF STAFF AT ALL LEVELS IN THIS SECTOR OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S EXPERT TRAINER IN BANKING, MR LYLE DAVISON.
HE SAID THAT AS EARLY AS 1980, THE COUNCIL’S BANKING TRAINING BOARD ENVISAGED A NEED FOR HONG KONG - THE FAST DEVELOPING FINANCIAL CENTRE IN ASIA - TO CREATE A CENTRALISED TRAINING FACILITY TO HELP SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BANKING INSTITUTIONS TO EQUIP THEIR STAFF WITH UPDATED BANKING SKILLS.
"THE FINE GRINDING OF THE COUNCIL’S MILL FINALLY LED TO THE SETTING UP OF THE BANKING TRAINING CENTRE IN TEMPORARY PREMISES IN CENTRAL LAST MONTH, OFFERING THE FIRST SERIES OF TWO COURSES ON FINANCE OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS," SAID MR DAVISON, WHO JOINED THE COUNCIL AS MANAGER OF THE CENTRE LAST YEAR.
EMPLOYERS’ RESPONSE TO THE TWO SHORT COURSES IS VERY ENCOURAGING WITH MOST OF THE 600 TRAINING PLACES ARRANGED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FILLED SHORTLY AFTER THE INVITATION FOR ENROLMENT WAS ISSUED.
NUMEROUS COURSES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR BANKING EMPLOYEES AT ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY.
/OUTLINING THE
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
5 -
OUTLINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING CONDUCTED AT THE CENTRE, MR DAVISON SAID THE COURSES OFFERED DID NOT PREPARE PEOPLE FOR FUTURE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
"THEY CONCENTRATE ON TRAINING FOR A SPECIFIC JOB.
"ON THE DAY PARTICIPANTS COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AND RETURN TO THEIR POSTS, THEY ARE EXPECTED TO APPLY THE SKILLS LEARNT AND TO WORK WITH IMPROVED ACCURACY, EFFICIENCY AND ENTHUSIASM," HE SAID.
"WE AIM TO PROVIDE EACH TRAINEE WITH THE FOUNDATION TO AN IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENT IN EFFECTIVENESS ON THE JOB WHICH IS VISIBLE TO THE EMPLOYER," HE ADDED.
TO KEEP ABREAST WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN AUTOMATION IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY, THE CENTRE PLACES A STRONG EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL TRAINING IN COMPUTERISED BANKING.
A PACKAGE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE VALUED AT AROUND $5.7 MILLION IS BEING COMMISSIONED BY THE CENTRE FOR PERFECTING TRAINEES’ SKILLS IN COMPUTERISED BANKING.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THIS EQUIPMENT WILL ENABLE US TO TRAIN STAFF IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPUTERISED OPERATION, SUCH AS FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEALING AND IMPORT AND EXPORT, IN ADDITION TO THE MORE COMMON TELLER AND ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS.
"SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS WILL BE PROCURED AS WELL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY INTERESTING COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE," MR DAVISON SAID.
ALL TUITION IS TO BE GIVEN FREE OF CHARGE TO THE TRAINEES, WHO MUST BE NOMINATED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS - THE BANKS OR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
WHEN IN FULL OPERATION THE CENTRE WILL BE STAFFED WITH SEVEN TRAINING OFFICERS AND WILL PROVIDE 4,400 TRAINING PLACES AROUND THE YEAR FOR BANKING EMPLOYEES FROM MANAGERIAL TO CLERICAL LEVELS.
MR DAVISON BELIEVES THE CENTRE IS A UNIQUE AS WELL AS A BOLD INITIATIVE, NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG BUT POSSIBLY AMONG BANKING TRAINING INSTITUTIONS WORLDWIDE, TO HELP ASSURE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRES.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INTERESTED IN NOMINATING THEIR EMPLOYEES TO THE COURSES MAY CONTACT THE CENTRE’S SECRETARY ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE IN CENTRAL OR ON 5-434902.
A
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER * *
FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN » » *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT MR STEPHEN FISHER HAS BEEN APPOINTED CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER WITH EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY (MAY 25).
MR FISHER WAS AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH BEFORE JOINING THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1980. HE HAS SERVED AS AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER IN WONG TAI SIN, AND HAS ALSO SERVED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND OMELCO.
WHILE SERVING IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR FISHER WAS POSTED TO VANCOUVER AS EXPO ADMINISTRATOR AT THE HONG KONG PAVILION IN EXPO 86.
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$250,000 FOR KWUN TONG COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS * » * » »
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTINUE TO SPONSOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
THE BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE HAS EARMARKED $250,000 THIS FINANCIAL YEAR - A 25 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S $200,000 - FOR FINANCING THESE ACT I V1T1ES.
A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE FUNDS WOULD HELP THE ORGANISATIONS MEET EXPENSES OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG.
SUBSIDIES TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WOULD BE GRANTED NEAR THE END OF JUNE FOR PROJECTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON JUNE 10.
APPLICATIONS FROM OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WERE BEING INVITED TWICE A YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- 0 -
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
- 5 -
THE FIRST ROUND OF APPLICATIONS, OPEN UNTIL MAY 31, WOULD BE FOR PROJECTS TO BE HELD BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.
THE SECOND APPLICATION EXERCISE WOULD BE HELD IN LATE JUNE FOR PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR THE PERIOD BETWEEN OCTOBER AND JANUARY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED ORGANISATIONS INTENDING TO APPLY THAT PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVED CREATIVITY, AND THAT ROUTINE PROGRAMMES WERE UNLIKELY TO BE SUBSIDISED.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315, EXT 151.
-----0------
WORKSHOP ON COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING » » ♦ ♦ »
THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE AN INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP ON COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH BETWEEN AUGUST 8 AND 20 THIS YEAR.
THE FREE, TWO-WEEK WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS. IT AIMS TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE USE OF MICRO-COMPUTERS IN LANGUAGE LEARNING AND ENABLE THEM TO MAKE USE OF COMPUTERS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING.
IN ADDITION, THE WORKSHOP ALSO AIMS TO ASSIST TEACHERS TO EVALUATE AVAILABLE COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TO PREPARE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR THEIR PUPILS, MAKING USE OF LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES WITH AN AUTHORING SYSTEM.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ENGAGED IN HANDS-ON COMPUTER EXPERIENCE, DISCUSSION AND EXPERIMENTATION WITH THE COMPUTER AND WITH AVAILABLE SOFTWARE FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSIONS TO EXPLORE THE USES OF THE COMPUTER FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE ILE AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 21 ST FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, BEFORE JUNE 1.
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
6
REFRESHING SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR WORKING PEOPLE
» « » » »
PEOPLE WORKING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A REFRESHING AND EXCITING SPORTS PROGRAMME DUE TO START EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE INTER-HONG SPORTS PROGRAMME, CONSISTING OF COMPETITIONS IN EVENTS SUCH AS MEN’S BASKETBALL, MINI-SOCCER, BADMINTON, SWIMMING AND SQUASH, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A HEALTHIER MODE OF LIVING AMONG WORKING PEOPLE.
THE PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
"THE PROGRAMME, NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AMONG WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS," A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT HAS ALSO OBTAINED THE SUPPORT OF EMPLOYERS IN THE DISTRICT AND WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS TRADES WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S EVENTS," HE ADDED.
THE VARIOUS EVENTS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JUNE 5 AND JULY 10.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, ITS SUB-OFFICE IN KENNEDY TOWN, AND AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE TOP FLOOR OF CENTRAL MARKET.
ENROLMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 5-416405 OR 5-8523002.
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FISHERFOLK TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL
* » * » »
THOUSANDS OF FISHERFOLK AND WORSHIPPERS WILL GATHER AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAI TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL IS HELD ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE FOURTH LUNAR MONTH, THE BIRTHDAY OF THE LEGENDARY "TAM KUNG", WHO IS SAID TO BESTOW GOOD FORTUNE ON WORSHIPPERS.
/THIS YEAR,
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1?88
7
THIS YEAR, A GRAND PROCESSION FEATURING LIONS FROM OVER 40 ASSOCIATIONS WILL DANCE ALONG SHAU KEI WAN EAST TO THE TEMPLE.
AND UNICORNS
MAIN STREET
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL TO THE TEMPLE AT ABOUT ~
10.30 AM.
PAY A VISIT
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME
STREET EAST WHICH WILL
TO COVER THE CELEBRATION AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN START AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
SEMINAR FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS * ♦ » » *
REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND CORPORATIONS IN SAI KUNG, HANG HAU AND RENNIE’S MILL WILL BE TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) AT A RESTAURANT KUNG TOWN.
OWNERS INVITED IN SAI
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
THE SEMINAR
AIMS AT
OF FIRE PREVENTION
REPRESENTATIVES EROM REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
THE FIRE SERVICES WILL BRIEF PARTICIPANTS ON THE OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND THE SERVICES THEY PROVIDE FOR RESIDENTS.
DEPARTMENT AND
THE WORK
- - 0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) THE FUNG LAM RESTAURANT, WATERFRONT, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE SEMINAR I’.EGJN AT 2.30 PM.
AT WILL
- 0 -
/8
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MTR CONGESTION FARE
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS TOMORROW (MONDAY) THE PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE TO BE IMPOSED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
AT ITS MEETING, THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF CANTON AND HAIPHONG ROADS IN ORDER TO COPE WITH ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED AFTER THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL BEGINS OPERATION IN AUGUST.
THE ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE IMPOSING AN URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HAIPHONG ROAD BETWEEN HANKOW ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD, AND ON A 100-METRE SECTION OF HAIPHONG ROAD EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CANTON ROAD.
OTHER PROPOSALS ARE TO RETAIN THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON CANTON ROAD, AND TO HAVE A TAXI STAND AND METERVD PARK)NG SPACES FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LORRIES ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HAIPHONG ROAD BETWEEN HANKOW ROAD AND CANTON ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- 0 - -
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME
*****
THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS ITS PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR INCLUDE SERVICES TO HELP NEW IMMIGRANTS TO OVERCOME THEIR ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS.
/AT THE
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
AT THE MEETING MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SMOKE-OUT DAY 1988.
A LIAISON WORK PLAN BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S NEW TERRITORIES SOUTH WEST REGIONAL OFFICE AND THE ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMMES BY THE EDUCATION AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0-----
ADVANCE WORK FOR KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II AUTHORISED *****
A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE ON ADVANCE WORK FOR KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BREAKWATER, EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING OUTER BREAKWATER, DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING INNER BREAKWATER AND DREDGING WORK WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 21.95 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE EASTERN ENI) OF KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER.
THIS WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TYPHOON SHELTER SPACE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II.
THE WORK WILL START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED ABOUT AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE, WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED, CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORK MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE MAY 19, 1989.
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/1O........
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
10 -
PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR JUNK BAY NEW TOWN *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,500 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE BUILT IN AREA 22, JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
IT WILL HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS, THREE SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND A COVERED PLAY AREA WITH CHANGING ROOMS.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE STAFF QUARTERS, A BASKETBALL COURT, A CARPARK AND PLANTING AREAS.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL IS DUE TO START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 10.
-----0------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
*****
TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, SECTIONS OF THE TRAFFIC LANES OF TOLO HIGHWAY, TAI PO ROAD AND SHA TIN ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
ON TOLO HIGHWAY, THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE NEAR MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) TO 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE SOUTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TOLO HG1HWAY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON JUNE 27.
FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON MAY 30, THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE BETWEEN HO TUNG LAU AND MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED. THE SOUTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TOLO HIGHWAY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON JUNE 6.
BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON MAY 31, THE FAST LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE EXIT TO TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED.
ON TAI PO ROAD, THE SOUTHBOUND SLOW LANE BETWEEN HO TUNG LAU AND FO TAN NULLAH WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM ON JUNE 14 TO 8 PM THE NEXT DAY.
AS FOR SHA TIN ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND TSANG TAI UK, ITS FAST LANE WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 21 TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY WHILE ITS SLOW LANE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON JUNE 27.
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/11 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1988
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTEING AND ROAD CLOSURE » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY, KO LONG ROAD IN YAU TONG WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25).
KMB ROUTE NO. 14 AND NO. 14X ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO YAU TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KO CHIU ROAD AND KO LONG ROAD.
ROUTE NO. 14A WILL OPERATE VIA KO LONG ROAD, LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KO CHIU ROAD WHEN TRAVELLING TOWARDS KWUN TONG.
MEANWHILE*, IN YAU MA TEI, THE SECTION OF YUNNAN LANE BETWEEN SHEK LUNG STREET'AND MAN MING LANE, WHICH HAD BEEN CLOSED EARLIER FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION, WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL EARLY NEXT MONTH.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROADS ON CORRIDOR ♦ « ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SLIP ROADS ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) AFTERNOON AND IN THE NEXT MORNING FOR ROADWORKS.
ON WEDNESDAY, THE SLIP ROADS LEADING FROM THE SAI WAN HO INTERCHANGE AND KORNHILL TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2.30 PM TO 3 PM.
ON THURSDAY, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE JUNCTION OF TONG SHUI ROAD WITH WHARF ROAD TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO 10.30 AM WHILE THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE JUNCTION OF TONG SHUI ROAD WITH KING'S ROAD TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11 AM TO 11.30 AM.
- - 0
WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
. THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG FAT ROAD, TUNG KWONG ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD AND SHEUNG TAK STREET, INCLUDING BLOCKS NO. 1. 16, 17, 25-28 OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, TAK MING HOUSE AND KAI MING HOUSE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MAY 23. 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESULTS OF 1986 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION, REAL ESTATE SECTORS RELEASED .................................. 1
INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE TO BE MADE PERMANENT ........ 3
CIVIL SERVICE COMMON RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION IN NOVEMBER .. 4
KWUN TONG 'MEET THE PUBLIC' SCHEME TO RESUME.............. 6
UP-MARKET JEWELLERY INDUSTRY SHORT OF SKILLED WORKERS:
SURVEY ................................................. 7
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NINE HK STUDENTS TO STUDY IN UK ......... 8
COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ............. 10
CHAIRMAN FOR SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE ELECTED .............. 11
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OLD BUILDINGS REPORT ............ 11
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDING .................. 12
SITE FORMATION CONTRACT FOR SIU SAI WAN DEVELOPMENT AWARDED 13
TREE PLANTING BY SCHOOLS TO MARK ENVIRONMENT DAY......... 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE..................................... 14
TONNOCHY ROaD FLYOVER OPENING CEREMONY................... 14
OPENING OF TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER ........................ 15
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL................ 15
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN NT ........................... 15
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
RESULTS OF 1986 SURVEY REAL ESTATE
OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION, SECTORS RELEASED
* * t » *
RESULTS OF THE 1986 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS, CONDUCTED FROM APRIL LAST YEAR TO EARLY THIS YEAR, INDICATED THAT 8,570 CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS HAD OPERATED IN 1986.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY), THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING 1986 AMOUNTED TO 344,860 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING VALUE IN 1985.
THE TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF THESE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1986 WERE 543,871 MILLION.
THIS INCLUDED 511,732 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND PAYMENTS TO LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS; 513,559 MILLION ON CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES; SI 5,966 MILLION ON SUB-CONTRACT WORK RENDERED BY FEE SUB-CONTRACTORS; AND 52,614 MILLION ON MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES.
AT 513,538 MILLION, THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS 12 PER CENT MORE THAN THAT IN 1985. VALUE ADDED IS A MEASURE OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
SOME 41 PER CENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ENGAGED IN RENOVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES. HOWEVER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 11 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GENERAL TRADE CONTRACTORS OPERATING AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS BUT ACCOUNTED FOR 529,142 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT BY VALUE OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED.
THE REST OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONSISTED MOSTLY OF SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, SUCH AS CONTRACTORS SPECIALISING IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTINGS, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 24 PER CENT BY VALUE OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE SURVEY DID NOT COVER LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS WHO MAINLY SUPPLIED LABOUR TO WORK ON A JOB-TO-JOB BASIS. HOWEVER, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THESE SUB-CONTRACTORS WAS INCLUDED IN THAT OF THE CONTRACTORS COMMISSIONING THEIR SERVICES.
/APART FROM
MONDAY, MAY 23, ^988
2
APART FROM CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SURVEY ALSO ENUMERATED FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT; AND ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY RESULTS, 3,699 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES HAD OPERATED DURING 1986.
THEIR GROSS OUTPUT IN 1986 WAS $19,602 MILLION WHICH INCLUDED $10,596 MILLION FROM SERVICE AND RENTAL INCOME, $8,727 MILLION FROM GROSS MARGIN OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (EXCLUDING LAND PRICE APPRECIATION) AND $279 MILLION FROM OTHER INCOME.
THEIR TOTAL EXPENDITURES WERE $7,714 MILLION.
AT $16,819 MILLION, THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS 19 PER CENT MORE THAN THAT IN 1985. THESE FIGURES DID 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 LEASING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY SELF-EMPLOY) D PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS.
REGARDING ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES, THE SURVEY RESULTS INDICATED THAT 613 SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS HAD OPERATED IN 1986.
THEIR TOTAL BUSINESS RECEIPTS WERE $2,318 MILLION, AND TOTAL EXPENDITURES WERE $1,859 MILLION OF WHICH $1,101 MILLION WAS ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES. THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED WAS $1,558 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7 PER CENT OVER 1985.
THE SURVEY ALSO COLLECTED DATA ABOUT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY RESULTS, A TOTAL OF 1,842 SITE CONTRACTS WERE CARRIED OUT IN 1986 WITH THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AMOUNTING TO $21,158 MILLION, WHICH WAS 8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING VALUE IN 1985. THIS INCLUDED $6,979 MILLION ON PUBLIC SITES AND $14,179 MILLION ON PRIVATE SITES.
THE SHARE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT SITES WAS 33 PER CENT IN 1986, COMPARED WITH 36 PER CENT IN 1985.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, AT $10,648 MILLION IN 1986, WAS 23 PER CENT ABOVE THAT IN 1985.
/THE INCREASE........
i
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
3
THE INCREASE OCCURRED MOSTLY IN PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN 1986, COMPARED WITH 64 PER CENT IN 1985.
FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE VALUE ACCRUED TO PRIVATE PROJECTS DURING 1986 WAS $21,154 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985.
THE TOTAL PROJECT OUTLAYS WERE $14,051 MILLION WHICH INCLUDED PAYMENTS TO CONTRACTORS, FEES FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY, INTEREST PAYMENTS AND OTHER PROJECT EXPENSES.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1986
SURVEY OF
INCLUDED IN
CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS WILL BE ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED
BUILDING, THE APRIL
BY
THE
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN IN A FULL REPORT OF THE SURVEY TO BE PUBLISHED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
IN THE MEANTIME, ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234977.
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INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE TO BE MADE PERMANENT
» ♦ » t *
AN INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO AID HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS, THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) RECOMMENDED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SCHEME WILL AIM TO RAISE MANUFACTURERS* LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE, TO EXPLAIN THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THESE SERVICES IN TERMS OF PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, AND, THROUGH REFERRAL, TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE IDB, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD RUN A PILOT SCHEME BETWEEN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND MARCH THIS YEAR. OVER 300 FACTORIES WERE VISITED BY TEAMS OF EXPERTS AND 273 REFERRALS WERE MADE TO A VARIETY OF AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
/NOW THE .......
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
NOW THE IDB HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE SHOULD BE PLACED ON A PERMANENT FOOTING, MR JACOBS SAID.
AS WELL AS OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO MANUFACTURERS, THE SERVICE WILL SERVE AS A USEFUL SOURCE OF INFORMATION TO THE GOVERNMENT ON MANUFACTURERS’ ATTITUDES, OPINIONS AND PROBLEMS. IT WILL ALSO PLAY A PART IN DISSEMINATING MESSAGES AND CAMPAIGNS.
THE MAIN TARGET WILL BE ABOUT 2,000 MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES AND SOME LARGER FACTORIES. THIS GROUP EMPLOYS ABOUT 290,000 WORKERS IN ELECTRONICS; METALS; PLASTICS; ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; GARMENTS; BLEACHING, DYEING AND FINISHING; AND SPINNING AND WEAVING.
THE PROGRESS OF THE SCHEME WOULD BE MONITORED AND WOULD BE IN TWO YEARS, REVIEWED MR JACOBS ADDED.
THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN HONG KONG.
THE CONSULTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
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CIVIL SERVICE COMMON RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION IN NOVEMBER » » ♦ ♦ ♦
(CRE) FOR FIVE CIVIL
THF ANNUAL COMMON RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION
SERVICE GRADES AND THE LOWER AND MIDDLE COMMISSION AGAINST OFF^ER ?CACO) GRADE WILL BE HELD ON A SATURDAY IN MID-NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE FIVE CIVIL SERVICE (AO), EXECUTIVE OFFICERS II (EO MANAGEMENT SERVICES OFFICERS OFFICERS II (ATO II).
GRADES ARE: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS II), ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS (ALO), II (MSO II) AND ASSISTANT TRADE
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN GENERAL, GRADUATES DEGREE FROM A HONG KONG OR BRITISH UNIVERSITY, OR BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
WHO POSSESSED A
EQUIVALENT, WOULD
UNDERGRADUATES WHO ARE TAKING THEIR ^NAL DEGREE EXAMINATIONS TM QtlMMFR 1989 MAY ALSO APPLY. DIPLOMA HOLDERS MAY ALSO BE CONSIDLRID FOR CACO AND «sS U POSTS, AND EXCEPTIONALLY FOR THE EO II POETS.
/CANDIDATES .......
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
5 -
CANDIDATES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE WORK OF THE SIX GRADES PARTICIPATING IN THE CRE ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES ADVERTISED IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, SING TAO WAN PAO AND MING PAO (FOR THE CACO POST) ON SATURDAYS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
THE CRE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1984 TO SHORTLIST THE LARGE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR INTERVIEW.
"BEFORE 1984, MOST OF THOSE GRADES CONDUCTED THEIR OWN OPEN RECRUITMENT EXAMINATIONS. CONSEQUENTLY, CANDIDATES HAD TO SIT A SUCCESSION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POSTS THEY APPLIED FOR.
"AS THE EXAMINATIONS WERE SIMILAR BOTH IN CONTENT AND NATURE, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE CRE SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO RELIEVE THE BURDEN ON THE CANDIDATES, PARTICULARLY THE UNDERGRADUATES WHO ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR FINAL EXAMINATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
LAST YEAR, A RECORD NUMBER OF 15,000 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED FOR THESE POSTS. OF THE APPLICATIONS, 2,900 WERE FOR AO, 4,900 FOR EO II, 1,400 FOR CACO, 820 FOR MSO II, AND 2,600 EACH FOR ALO AND ATO II.
ABOUT 6,000 CANDIDATES WERE INVITED TO SIT FOR THE EXAMINATION, WHICH WAS HELD IN HONG KONG AND LONDON SIMULTANEOUSLY.
THIS YEAR, THE CRE WILL FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF PREVIOUS YEARS AND CONSIST OF THREE PAPERS. PAPER 1, A TWO-HOUR PAPER, IS "USE OF ENGLISH"; PAPER 2, A 75-MINUTE PAPER, IS "OBJECTIVE TESTS"; AND PAPER 3, A THREE-HOUR PAPER, IS "TASK PAPER".
THE WEIGHTINGS ARE RESPECTIVELY 30 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 50 PER CENT. PAPERS 1 AND 2 ARE EXAMINED IN ENGLISH WHEREAS HALF OF PAPER 3 MUST BE ANSWERED IN CHINESE.
"CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE THAT FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE BASED ON THEIR OVERALL PREFORMANCE IN THIS EXAMINATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
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KWUN TONG ’MEET THE PUBLIC’ SCHEME TO RESUME ♦ * * * »
THE POPULAR ’’MEET THE PUBLIC” SCHEME RUN BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL RESUME ON MAY 30 (MONDAY) AFTER A SHORT BREAK.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THE LAST TERM OF THE BOARD.
DURING THE THREE YEARS ENDING IN MARCH THIS YEAR, ABOUT 800 CASES HAD BEEN HANDLED BY BOARD MEMBERS. OF THESE, OVER 70 PER CENT HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED.
’’OWING TO THE HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, NEARLY 70 PER CENT OF THE CASES WERE RELATED TO HOUSING PROBLEMS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
’’THE REMAINING CASES CONCERNED ENVIRONMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, ILLEGAL HAWKING AND LAW AND ORDER.”
FOLLOWING THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW TERM DISTRICT BOARD, THE ’’MEET THE PUBLIC” SCHEME, WHICH HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DURING THE TRANSFER OF OFFICE OF THE BOARD, WILL RESUME NEXT MONDAY.
"AS BEFORE, THE SCHEME WILL OPERATE FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY ON A ONE-CENTRE-ONE-EVENING BASIS, FROM 8 PM TO 10 pM,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON DUTY WILL INTERVIEW THE PUBLIC AT ONE OF THE FOUR CENTRES - THE THREE SUB-OFFICES OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK AND LAM TIN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS’ ROOM AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MAIN OFFICE,” HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
’’THESE INTERVIEW AND VISIT SESSIONS WILL ENABLE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
’’THEY ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO RESIDENTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MEET KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CAN MAKE APPOINTMENTS EITHER BY CALLING 3-416315 OR 3-421443, OR IN PERSON AT ANY PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE OR SUB-OFFICES.
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MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
7
UP-MARKET JEWELLERY INDUSTRY SHORT OF SKILLED WORKERS: SURVEY
*****
THE HIGH DEMAND FOR SKILLED JEWELLERY CRAFTSMEN WOULD CONTINUE TO EXIST FOR SOME YEARS ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN THE INDUSTRY IS MOVING UP MARKET, ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SURVEY.
IN A SURVEY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY), THE COUNCIL’S JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD NOTED THAT THE REMARKABLE GROWTH OF JEWELLERY EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC SALES IN THE PAST YEARS HAD RESULTED IN AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF SKILLED JEWELLERY WORKERS AT CRAFTSMAN LEVEL.
THE SURVEY RECORDED THAT IN JUNE LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ABOUT 1,100 VACANCIES IN THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY WHICH EMPLOYED A TOTAL OF 7,800 TECHNICAL WORKERS.
EMPLOYERS INDICATED IN THE SURVEY THAT THEY WOULD REQUIRE A LARGE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL SKILLED CRAFTSMEN IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE BOARD ALSO NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRY HAD BEEN GRADUALLY MOVING UP MARKET WITH SOME INTERNAT1ONALLY-RENOWNED EUROPEAN FIRMS SETTING UP JOINT VENTURES IN HONG KONG.
TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE CONTINUING EXPORT GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT THE INDUSTRY SHOULD TRAIN ABOUT EIGHT TECHNOLOGISTS, 60 TECHNICIANS AND 800 CRAFTSMEN EACH YEAR FROM NOW ON TO COPE WITH THE DEMAND OF HIGH STANDARD OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRODUCTIVITY.
THE HOARD HAS ALSO PUBLISHED A MANUAL OF RECOMMENDED TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR 14 PRINCIPAL JOBS AT TECHNICIAN, CRAFTSMAN AND OPERATIVE LEVELS IN THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY.
THE MANUAL IS DESIGNED TO SERVE AS GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYERS IN DRAWING UP TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
THE SURVEY REPORT AND THE MANUAL, AT $10 AND $10.50 EACH, ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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/8........
MONDAY, MAY 23,
1988
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NINE HK STUDENTS TO STUDY IN UK » * » » »
THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR NINE HONG KONG STUDENTS TO PURSUE UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR.
STUDENTS SELECTED AFTER INTERVIEWS HELD BY THE COMMITTEE IN APRIL AND MAY ARE:
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS (SIX NAMES)
♦ MR KONG KWOK-HING, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE. MR KONG PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS.
MR KONG OBTAINED FIVE DISTINCTIONS AND FOUR CREDITS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) IN 1986.
♦ MR LEUNG SAI-CHEUNG, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT KING’S COLLEGE. MR LEUNG PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN PHYSICS AT EXETER COLLEGE, OXFORD.
MR LEUNG OBTAINED FOUR DISTINCTIONS AND THREE CREDITS IN THE HKCEE IN 1986.
» MR 1.0 PUI-YIN, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE. MR LO PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS.
MR LO OBTAINED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN THE HKCEE IN 1986.
♦ MISS PO WING-KAY, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL. MISS PO PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN ENGLISH.
MISS PO OBTAINED THREE DISTINCTIONS AND FIVE CREDITS IN THE HKCEE IN 1986.
* MR TAM WING-SEEN, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT LA SALLE COLLEGE. MR TAM PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AND ACCOUNTANCY AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS.
MR TAM OBTAINED SEVEN DISTINCTIONS AND TWO CREDITS IN THE HKCEE IN 1986.
/• MISS SHIRLEY ........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
- 9 -
» MISS SHIRLEY YUEN, A FORM 7 STUDENT AT SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE. MISS YUEN PROPOSES TO PURSUE A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY AT ST HUGH’S COLLEGE, OXFORD.
MISS YUEN OBTAINED ONE DISTINCTION AND SIX CREDITS IN THE HKCEE IN 1986.
POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS (THREE NAMES)
* MR LAU CHUN-TO, PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR.
MR LAU OBTAINED A BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE (1986) AND A POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS (1987) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
HE PROPOSES TO PURSUE A MASTER OF LAWS DEGREE IN CONSTITUTIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAWS AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS.
♦ MISS HELEN LEE HO-YAN, A SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL WITH THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MISS LEE OBTAINED A BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE (1982), A POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS (1983) AND MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES DEGREE (1986) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
SHE PROPOSES TO PURSUE A DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN LAW AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AT CAMBRIDGE.
I MISS CECILIA YEN SUI-WAH, A FINAL YEAR SOCIAL SCIENCES STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
SHE PROPOSES TO PURSUE A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN POLITICS AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE, MR HENRY LITTON SAID: "THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WERE CHOSEN FROM AMONG SOME 280 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN EARLY APRIL THIS YEAR".
"THERE WAS A VERY EXACTING SELECTION PROCESS TO SHORTLIST APPLICANTS FOR INTERVIEWS. THE COMMITTEE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE HIGH STANDARDS OF ALL THE CANDIDATES INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS. I CONGRATULATE THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR WINNING THE SCHOLARSHIPS.
/"THE COMMITTEE .......
MONDAY, MAY 1988
10 -
’’THE COMMITTEE FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THOSE SELECTED WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER EDUCATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AFFORDED BY THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME AND WILL CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG AND TO PROMOTING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK MY FELLOW COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THEIR ABLE COUNSEL AND UNSTINTING SUPPORT IHROUGHOUT THE PLANNING AND SELECTION PROCESSES."
THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FULL-COST AWARDS COVERING TUITION FEES, COLLEGE FEES WHERE REQUIRED, PERSONAL MAINTENANCE AND AIRFARES. rACH SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE WORTH 9,000 - 11,000 POUND STERLING A YEAR.
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COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE
♦ » ♦ * ♦
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL TODAY (MONDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO DISCUSS THE HOSPITAL’S WELFARE PROJECTS IN THE COMING YEAR.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN, REVEALED THAT PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDED A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN KWAI CHUNG AND TWO HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHA TIN AND TSING YI.
THE HOSPITAL IS ALSO ACTIVELY PURSUING THE FEASIBILITY OF OPERATING A NURSERY IN TSING YI AND ANOTHER CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN KWAI CHUNG.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE ALREADY ENJOYING HIGH QUALITY SERVICES THROUGH THE HOSPITAL’S CURRENT NETWORK OF SIX CHILD CARE CENTRES, AS WELL AS A HOSTEL AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE BELIEVED THAT THE PLANNED PROJECTS WOULD BE A WELCOME BOOST AND PLEDGED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE THE HOSPITAL ITS ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION IN BRINGING THEM TO FRUITION.
/11 ........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 19”8
11
CHAIRMAN FOR SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE ELECTED t * t * ♦
AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN YAU-YUE, WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
MR CHAN, WHO WAS UNOPPOSED IN THE ELECTION, WILL HOLD THE CHAIRMANSHIP UNTIL THE END OF MARCH, 1989.
AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE ALSO DECIDED TO SET ASIDE ABOUT $300,000 FOR CARRYING OUT 10 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAINSHELTERS, PAVILIONS, PATHS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING AMENITIES PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO ENDORSED TWO PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO OPEN ITS FUTURE MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC AND THE NEWS MEDIA. MEETINGS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ARE SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 1, OCTOBER 3, DECEMBER 5 AND FEBRUARY 13.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OLD BUILDINGS REPORT ♦ * * * ♦
A REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING OLD BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK WILL BE TABLED AT A MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
TWO CITY POLYTECHNIC LECTURERS, COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUP ON THE PROBLEMS OF AGEING BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK, CONDUCTED A STUDY OF OLD BUILDINGS IN TWO TARGETTED AREAS BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH THIS YEAR.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT OF THE STUDY AND CONSIDER WHETHER AN AD HOC GROUP SHOULD BE FORMED TO STUDY THE FINDINGS IN DETAILS, AND TO RECOMMEND, IF NECESSARY, A FURTHER STUDY ON THE PROBLEM.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS WHETHER TO LAUNCH AN ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR, AND THE FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED.
/IN ADDITION, ........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
1?
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, XND DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS EOR ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM 01 MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDING » » * » »
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF COMMITTEE FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USAGE PATTERN OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN MAY AND JUNE, AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/13........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
SITE FORMATION CONTRACT FOR SIU SAI WAN DEVELOPMENT AWARDED » * t t *
WORK ON SITE FORMATION FOR THE SIU SAI WAN DEVELOPMENT STAGE II WILL START SOON FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $84 MILLION CONTRACT RECENTLY BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE FORMATION OF 10.8 HECTARES OF LAND, RECLAMATION OF 7.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED, AND CONSTRUCTION OF 140 METRES OF SEAWALL, 850 METRES OF CARRIAGEWAY AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
A TOTAL OF 18.4 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR SIU SAI WAN (PHASE 3) PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUS 1NG, RES 1DENTIAL/COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION, COMMUNITY, OPEN SPACE, ROADS AND OTHER USES.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WILL PROVIDE ACCESS FROM CHAI WAN ROAD TO THE FUTURE HOUSING ESTATES AND SIU SAI WAN DEVELOPMENT AREA.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS TO COMPLETE.
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TREE PLANTING BY SCHOOLS TO MARK ENVIRONMENT DAY t * t t ♦
TO CELEBRATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ON JUNE 5 AND TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF STUDENTS ON THE PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A TREE PLANTING FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS NEXT MONTH.
THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE WILL BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WITH THE PROVISION OF UP TO TWO TREES, EACH ABOUT 1.5 METRES HIGH, TO SCHOOLS TO ENABLE THEM TO BE PLANTED INSIDE THE SCHOOL PREMISES AS A PARALLEL WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITY.
TREES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY SCHOOLS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SHOUSON HILL NURSERY AND HO MAN TIN NURSERY RESPECTIVELY ON MAY 30 AND 31.
SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS AND OUTLYING ISLANDS ARE ADVISED TO COLLECT THEIR TREES FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SHA TIN HIN TIN NURSERY, TAI PO TUNG TSZ NURSERY, TSUEN WAN CHO KUNG TAN NURSERY AND TURN MUN AREA 45 NURSERY ON MAY 30 AND 31.
0
MONDAY, MAY 23, 198H
WATER STORAGE FIGURE « * * »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 28.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 167.252 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 312.255 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 53.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER OPENING CEREMONY * * * t »
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND THE DIRECTOR OF’ HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI AT 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY I MAY 25).
THE TWO-LANE FLYOVER IS LOCATED NEAR THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND. EXTENDING FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND TO TONNOCHY ROAD NORTHBOUND, IT WILL PROVIDE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA FOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING WESTWARDS ON GLOUCESTER ROAD.
THE FLYOVER WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI AT 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25).
THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE FLYOVER ADJACENT TO SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE IN TONNOCHY ROAD.
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/15
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1988
OPENING OF TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER *****
THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26).
VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD HEADING FOR WAN CHAI NORTH CAN TRAVEL VIA THE FLYOVER TO JOIN HARBOUR ROAD AND HUNG HING ROAD.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL
*****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FROM 7 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26) TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN VICTORIA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUS TERMINUS OF ROUTE 720 WILL BE TEMI’OKARI L\ RELOCATE!) TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE LANE CRAWFORD HOUSE.
IN \DDITION, ROUTE 720 ON ITS JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL WILI BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. ITS BUS STOP ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE THE LANDMARK WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN NT ♦ * » t ♦
YIP SHING STREET IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC I ROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO 6 AM ON MAY 29 (SUNDAY).
THE ROAD FOUNDATION IS UNDERGOING EMERGENCY REPAIR AT A SPOT WHERE A MANHOLE COLLAPSED.
ELSEWHERE, BAILEY BRIDGE N167 ACROSS NG TUNG RIVER AT THE ACCESS ROAD TO KWAN TEI PAK TSUEN IN FANL1NG WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 11 PM AND 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM MAY 25 (WEDNESDAY) TO JUNE 11.
PEDESTRIAN AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE BRIDGE DURING THE CLOSURE, WHICH WILL FACILITATE REPAIR WORK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL RELEASED ........... 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR ;J>RIL PUBLISHED............. 5
JLG SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO MEET IN HK ................................................ 8
HIGH SERVICE STAND.JIDS HELP ATTRACT TOURISTS .......... 8
LEGCO MEMBERS TO nSK 10 QUESTIONS ...................... 9
HONG KONG/KOREa CUSTOMS CONFERENCE ..................... 10
OLD BUILDINGS' RESIDENTS HaPPY WITH LIVING CONDITIONS:
SURVEY................................................ 10
ROAD LINKS ON DB AGENDA ................................ 12
DB CONCERN ABOUT TUEN MUN ROaD SAFETY................... 13
DEADLINE FOR CIVIC EDUCATION SUBSIDY APPLICATIONS ...... 13
EASTERN TO START CLEAN-UP CiMP^IGN ..................... 14
C & W COMMUNITY BUILDING PLAN TO BE DISCUSSED........... 15
ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REQUESTS FOR FUNDS ..... 15
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME ....... 16
HIGH STaND.JJD OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FACILITIES.......... 17
BOE MEMBERS VISIT POLICE CaDET SCHOOL .................. 18
KEEP HK CLEAN STEER ING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW...... 19
LAND IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED......................... 19
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR EAST KOWLOON ................. 20
WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT .......................... 20
TRAFFIC L/J1ES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL RO,.D TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY............................................... 20
TAI PO RO/iD CLOSURE FOR ROUTE 5 WORK .................. 21
RESTRICTED BONES IN WAN CHAI ........................... 22
TEMPORARY TR^uFFIC jtRRAIGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN ........... 22
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY .............. 23
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TUEN MUN CEREMONY................... 23
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC aRIt JJGEMENT IN WAN CHAI ............ 23
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL RELEASED
*****
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY IN APRIL 1988.
FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WHILE THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN APRIL PICKED UP SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THAT IN MARCH, THE FIGURE STILL REPRESENTED A SLOW-DOWN COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 AS A WHOLE.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL 1988 WAS $16,055 MILLION, $1,516 MILLION OR 10.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1987, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 44.8 PER CENT OR $6,381 MILLION TO $20,636 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $36,691 MILLION IN APRIL 1988, WAS, THUS, 27.4 PER CENT OR $7,897 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1987.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 31.5 PER CENT OR $9,592 MILLION OVER THE YEAR, TO $40,081 MILLION IN APRIL 1988.
AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN APRIL 1988 GREW FASTER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT WAS LARGER IN APRIL 1988 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH IN 1987.
IN APRIL 1988, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT STOOD AT $3,390 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 8.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $1,695 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN APRIL 1987.
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH.
/PUTTING THE
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
2 -
PUTTING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1988 WAS $133,729 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $60,225 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $73,504 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1987, IN VALUE TERMS 1OTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $29,923 MILLION OR 28.8 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $7,159 MILLION OR 13.5 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY $22,764 MILLION OR 44.9 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $30,093 MILLION OR 27.6 PER CENT, TO $138,947 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $5,218 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.8 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1988.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $5,048 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SLOW-DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE RECORDED TN THE FIRST QUARTER, WAS NOT UNEXPECTED, GIVEN THE RATHER SLOW GROWTH IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HANI), THE RE-EXPORT TRADE WITH CHINA HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE RAPID GROWTH IN OVERALL RE-EXPORTS IN APRIL.
MORE OBSERVATIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS ARE, HOWEVER, REQUIRED BEFORE AN^ FIRM TREND REGARDING THE SLOW-DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS CAN BE SAID TO HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
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THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE
FIGURES FOR APRIL 1988.
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS $16,055 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE $20,636 $36,691 $10,081 $ 3,390 MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION (IN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS FEB 88 TO APR 88 HK$ MN. FEB 87 TO APR 8 7 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 43,748 39,014 4,734 12.1
RE-EXPORTS 55,140 38,735 16,405 42.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 98,888 77,749 21,139 27.2
IMPORTS 105,797 85,338 20,459 24.0
TRADE BALANCE -6,909 -7,589 680
APRIL APRIL INCREASE
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1988 1987
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16,055 14,539 1,516 10.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (43.8%) (50.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 20,636 14,255 6,381 44.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 36,691 28,794 7,897 27.4
IMPORTS 40,081 30,489 9,592 31.5
TRADE BALANCE -3,390 -1,695 -1,695
/LAST MONTH
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
LAST MONTH APRIL 1988 HK$ MN. MARCH 1988 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 16,055 (43.8%) 14,052 (13.0%) 2,003 14.3
RE-EXPORTS 20,636 18,590 2,046 11.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 36,691 32,642 4,049 12.4
IMPORTS 40,081 37,246 2,835 7.6
TRADE BALANCE -5,390 -4,604 1,214
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-APR 1988 HK$ MN. JAN-APR 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 60,225 (45.0%) 53,066 (51.1%) 7,159 13.5
RE-EXPORTS 73,504 50,740 22,764 44.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 133,729 103,806 29,923 28.8
IMPORTS 138,947 108,854 30,093 27.6
TRADE BALANCE -5,218 -5,048 -170
LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 87 TO APR 88 HK$ MN. MAY 86 TO APR 87 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 202,412 166,556 35,856 21.5
RE-EXPORTS 205,545 139,721 65,824 47. 1
TOTAL EXPORTS 407,957 306,277 101,680 33.2
IMPORTS 408,041 306,660 101,381 33.1
TRADE BALANCE -84 383 299
0
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL PUBLISHED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1988.
PUBLISHED
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCTOBER 84/SEPTEMBER 85 = 100) FOR APRIL 1988 WERE 116.1 AND 116.2 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 7.4 PER CENT AND 7.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER APRIL 1987.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1988 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 1.4 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CP1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1988, AT 111.8 AND 111.9 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 6.3 PER CENT AND 6.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1987.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1988, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CP1(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.8 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE 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.CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CP1(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9 999 A MONTH.
/CHANGES IN
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
6
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1988 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1988 AND APRIL 1987, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR APR.88 % CHANGE OVER MAR.88 % CHANGE OVER APR.87 INDEX FOR APR.88 % CHANGE OVER MAR.88 % CHANGE OVER APR.87
FOODSTUFFS 114.8 + 1.7 + 9.7 115.4 + 1.5 + 9.8
HOUSING 112.7 + 0.9 + 3.3 110.1 + 0.9 + 3.0
FUEL AND LIGHT 93.0 -0.3 + 0.3 93.4 -0.3 -0.1
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 123.7 + 0.6 + 6.4 124.2 + 0.7 + 6.9
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 123.3 + 4.9 + 8.4 125.8 + 5.9 + 8.8
DURABLE GOODS 116.4 + 0.7 + 6.4 115.8 + 0.8 + 6.4
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 121.2 + 1.3 + 6.6 121.3 + 1.1 + 6.9
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 119.0 + 0.8 + 4 . 7 118.2 + 0.8 + 5.2
SERVICES 124.8 + 0.6 + 8.6 124.5 + 0.6 + 9.1
ALL ITEMS 116.1 + 1.4 + 7.4 116.2 + 1.4 + 7.3
COMPARED BY 1.7 PER CENT WITH MARCH 1988, IN CPI(A) AND BY THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS 1 .5 PER CENT IN CPI(B). INCREASED
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETA 1 1. PR K I S
OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND SALT-WATER FISH AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFISEI THE DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF LIVE POULTRY.
/THE INDEX
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
THE INDEX FOK HOUSING INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) AS \ RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS AND RATES FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME FLATS IN HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 1.9 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 5.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.8 PER CENT IN CP1(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF FURNITURE, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, VIDEO AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN CP1(A) AND BY 1.1 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY, MEDICINES, BOOKS AND PERIODICALS.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND (’PI(B) BECAUSE OF INCREASED FARES FOR THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TRAIN, THE STAR FERRY AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND HIGHER DRIVING INSTRUCTION FEES.
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
MORE DETAILS ARI GIVEN IN Till' "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR APRIL 1988, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 1 9TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 120.1 IN APRIL 1988, UP BY 1.5 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1988 AND UP BY 8.4 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1987.
THE HANG SENG CPI 10 PER CENT OF URBAN $10,000-24,999 A MONTH SURVEY.
IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SJ’FK I
DURING THE 1981-85 HOUSEHOLD EX I ’!• ND I TUR I
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG ('PI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC' RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OI HANG SENG BANK LTD.
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/8 ..
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
8
JLG SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS *****
AND OBLIGATIONS TO MEET IN HK
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WILL BE HELD ON MAY 31 TO JUNE 2 IN HONG KONG.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR FRED BURROWS WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY TWO OTHER MEMBERS, MR NORMAN CHAN AND MISS SHELAGH BROOKS.
OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL ATTEND AS NECESSARY.
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HIGH SERVICE STANDARDS HELP ATTRACT TOURISTS
*****
THE ABILITY OF HONG KONG TO ATTRACT FIRST TIME VISITORS AND THOSE MAKING A RETURN TRIP, IS DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO THE RANGE AND QUALITY OF THE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE TOURIST INDUSTRY.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WHEN SHE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF HOTEL AND CATERING SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT, FOOD AND DRINK.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG IN MANY WAYS HAD BECOME A GREAT METROPOLIS OF THE EAST. IN 1987, THE TERRITORY ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 1.5 MILLION VISITORS - SOME 20 PER CENT MORE THAN THAT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
"THE WORLD COMMUNITY IS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY MORE MOBILE, AND AN INCREASING NUMBER OF DISCERNING TRAVELLERS WILL FIND THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG.
"HONG KONG HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD AND IS NOW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR BOTH VISITORS AND BUSINESS TRAVELLERS," SHE SAID.
NOTING THAT PRESENT FORECASTS INDICATED THAT THE LOCAL PM'' • I SI-INDUSTRY WOULD CONTINUE TO FLOURISH, MRS CHAN SAID IN THE 'EXT !HR ' YEARS, HONG KONG WAS EXPECTED TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL 10,000 HOTEL ROOMS TO THE EXISTING STOCK OF 21,000 ROOMS.
/’’IT IS...........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
9
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS HIGH SERVICE STANDARDS," SHE SAID.
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION BEING HELD AT OCEAN TERMINAL HAS PARTICIPANTS FROM 17 COUNTRIES COMPRISING MORE THAN 300 EXHIBITORS.
"THE LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN THE EXHIBITION REFLECTS THE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION THEY HAVE EARNED FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN ESTABLISHING HONG KONG AS A MAJOR ATTRACTION FOR TRAVELLERS," MRS CHAN SAID.
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LEGCO MEMBERS TO ASK 10 QUESTIONS ♦ ♦ » ♦ »
MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SEVEN BILLS AT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OF THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE REMAINING FIVE BILLS ARE DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN GO FORWARD TO THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THESE ARE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE A RESOLUTION UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
DR THE HON DANIEL TSE WILL ALSO PRESENT THE REPORT FOR 1987 OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AT THE MEETING.
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/W.....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 10 -
HONG KONG/KOREA CUSTOMS CONFERENCE *****
THE NINTH CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA OPENED IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD BETWEEN THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS IS AIMED AT HARMONISING THEIR LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS AND PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE IDEAS ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
THE KOREAN DELEGATES WILL STAY IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE DAYS AND WILL VISIT VARIOUS CUSTOMS ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE IS THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON. THE KOREAN DELEGATION IS LED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MR LEE TONG-HO.
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OLD BUILDINGS’ RESIDENTS HAPPY WITH LIVING CONDITIONS: SURVEY *****
ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE RESIDENTS LIVING IN OLD BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY COMMISSIONED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
THE SURVEY, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY TWO CITY POLYTECHNIC LECTURERS, ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE AVERAGE INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS IN BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 1941 AND 1965 IN MONG KOK IS LOWER THAN THAT OF HOUSEHOLDS TERRITORY-WIDE.
IN ADDITION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE PROPORTIONS OF ONE TO THREE-PERSON FAMILIES AND OF THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN THE TWO TARGETTED AREAS COVERED BY THE STUDY ARE HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE TERRITORY.
THE STUDY WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMITTEE'S ’’WORKING GROUP ON THE PROBLEMS OF AGEING BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT” IN A BID TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN OLD BUILDINGS AND THE EFFECTS OF THESE BUILDINGS ON THE COMMUNITY.
/MRS AGNES
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
MRS AGNES YEUNG AND MR LAU KWOK-YU, OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC’S DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION, CONDUCTED THE STUDY FROM JANUARY TO MARCH THIS YEAR BY OBSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS OF THE TARGET BUILDINGS, AND INTERVIEWING RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RES1DENTIAL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE TWO TARGETTED AREAS.
A REPORT, ENTITLED ’’EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE AGEING BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT”, WAS SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
BESIDES THE OCCUPANTS’ SURPRISINGLY HIGH LEVEL OF SATISFACTION WITH THE OLD BUILDINGS THEY ARE LIVING IN, THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND THAT HOUSEHOLD INCOME WERE COMPARATIVELY LOWER--AVERAGING $4,000 A MONTH COMPARED WITH $5,160 A MONTH IN THE TERRITORY GENERALLY.
THE PROPORTION OF AGED RESIDENTS WAS HIGHER, AT 20 PER CENT COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF 11.6 PER (’ENT FOR THE WHOLE POPULATION.
THE REPORT RECOMMENDED FURTHER RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED TO FIND OUT Win THESE BUILDINGS ARE SO POPULAR WITH THEIR OCCUPANTS, DESPITE THEIR UNDERSIRABLE LIVING CONDITIONS.
THE REPORT POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE FINDINGS COULD WELL REPRESENT THE CONDITIONS OF OLD BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 1941 AND 1965 WITHIN THE TARGETTED AREAS, THEY MIGHT NOT REPRESENT THOSE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IN THE WHOLE DISTRICT.
AMONG ITS OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS, THE REPORT SUGGESTED A STEERING GROUP BE SET UP TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE PROBLEM.
A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DIPARTMINTS SHOULD BE FORMED TO GIVE ADVICE TO THE STEERING GROUP SO IHAT THE SECOND STUDY COULD BE CONDUCTED MORE SMOOTHLY AND MORE COMPREHENSJ VELY.
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROBLEMS OF AGEING BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT” WAS SET UP LAST YEAR IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF EARLY POST-WAR BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1988
12 -
ROAD LINKS ON DB AGENDA ♦ * * * ♦
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THE CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE AND EFFECTS OE THE $167 MILLION TRUNK ROAD NETWORK THAT WILL LINK SHA TIN WITH URBAN KOWLOON AND OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND TRUNK ROAD T6 HAS COMMENCED, TO LINK KOWLOON EAST TO SHA TIN AND MA ON SHAN TO MA LIU SHU1 RESPECTIVELY, WITH COMPLETION DUE BU THE END OF 1991.
THE MERITS OF AN EARLIER COMPLETION DATE FOR THE ROAD T5 PROJECT WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL EXPLAIN THE DEPARTMENT’S CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISON IN THE REVALUATION OF SOME 2,000 SHA TIN PREMISES.
TUT MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF 18.35 HECTARES OF LANI) IN WO LIU HANG, WHICH WOULD ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 1,000 PEOPLE.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THE FORMATION OF WORKING GROUPS ON PRIVATE HOUS I NG, PUBLIC HOUSING, AS WELL AS INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING TO TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
DISTRICT BOARD’S
BEGIN AT 9.30 AM THE SIXTH FLOOR,
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/1J........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
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DB CONCERN ABOUT TUEN MUN ROAD SAFETY * * * * *
SAFETY ON TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE DISCUSSED BY MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
LAST YEAR, SEVERAL CONTAINER TRUCK ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON THE ROAD, SOME RESULTING IN DEATH, AND CAUSING SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
A PAPER WAS PREPARED TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO THE SAFETY PROBLEM POSED BY HEAVY VEHICLES USING TUEN MUN ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE MTR CONGESTION FARE; PROVISION OF COVERS TO FOOTBRIDGES IN THE DISTRICT; RE-NAMING OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT STOP 340 AS FUNG TEI STOP; SAFETY OF THE ROAD LEADING TO TSI NG SHAN MONASTERY; TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT Y1CK YUEN TSUEN AND VICK YUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA; AND PROVISION OF MORE LORRY PARKING SPACES IN BUTTERFLY BAY AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. Till MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DEADLINE FOR CIVIC EDUCATION SUBSIDY APPLICATIONS
*****
REGISTERED COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ARE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED THAT MAY 31 IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR A SUBSIDY TO ORGANISE CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION SAJI) A TOTAL OF $600,000 HAD BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME THIS YEAR TO SUBSIDISE CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ORGANISED BY LOCAL BODIES.
”\ MAXIMUM SUBSIDY OF $50,000 MAY BE GRANTED TO EACH PROJECT WHICH CAN TAKE THE FORM OF EXHIBITION, DRAMA, PRODUCTION, TRAINING COURSE, AND SO ON,” HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF I’HE SUBSIDY SCHEME MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON 3-693950 OR 3-669074.
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 14 -
EASTERN TO START CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN *****
A PROGRAMME OF CONTINUING CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES WILL BEGIN IN EASTERN DISTRICT ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL JOIN IN THE OPENING CLEAN-UP OPERATION IN THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES.
ON MONDAY (MAY 30), STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN CARRYING OUT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS, STREETS, HAWKER AREAS AND RECREATIONAL VENUES. THESE OPERATIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JULY 6.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL ALSO ORGANISE A CLEAN WATER CAMPAIGN IN THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AND A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER.
IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE A SPECIAL FILM SHOW IN JULY WHICH WILL AIM AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
OFFICIATING AT SATURDAY’S CEREMONY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; URBAN COUNCIL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE (HK), MR CHAN CHI-SUM; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE DB ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS BETTY YUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DB WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES, MR TO BOON-MAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD ON MAY 28 (SATURDAY) AT THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND LAU SIN STREET (NEXT TO TIN HAU MTR STATION). THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
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/15........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 15 -
C & W COMMUNITY BUILDING PLAN TO BE DISCUSSED ♦ ♦ » ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE YEAR'S WORK PLAN AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 26).
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER A SCHEDULE OF LIAISON ACTIVITIES THAT THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION PLANS TO HOLD IN THE DISTRICT.
A RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME DRAWN UP BY THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 26) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REQUESTS FOR FUNDS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 135 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS PLANNING TO HOLD CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A SCHEDULE OF VISITS BY MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT’S CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL'S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME.
/A REPORT
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
A REPORT ON CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1987-88 WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM Or THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. THE MEETING WILL START AT 10 AM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME » * t * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY PHASE I OF THE ENGINEERING WORKS IN HUNG SHUI KIU AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS FOR TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 17 -
HIGH STANDARD OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FACILITIES * t » » t
HONG KONG IS PROUD TO SAY THAT ITS STANDARD OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FACILITIES IS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND IT IS TAKING THE LEAD AMONG ASIAN COUNTRIES IN MANY ASPECTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXTENSION OF POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE, MR LI SAID THERE WERE NOW 70 SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG. BUI IN THE EARLY 1960'S ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS PROVIDED EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
AMONG THE SPECIAL SCHOOLS, TWO OF THEM ARE FOR THE BLIND, FOUR FOR THE DEAF, EIGHT FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, 36 FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, EIGHT FOR THE MALADUSTED, ONE FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND 11 HOSPITAL SCHOOLS.
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE ALSO BUILT UP A NETWORK OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, FOR THEIR PARENTS AND FOR THEIR SCHOOLS,” MR LI SAID.
COMMENTING ON THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, MR LI SAID THEY HAD BEEN MADE POSSIBLE ONLY THROUGH THE UNFAILING SUPPORT OF THE SPONSORING BODIES, DONORS, TEACHERS AND STAFF CONCERNED.
CITING THE HILDESHEIM MISSION AS AN EXAMPLE, MR LI SAID THE MISSION HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION OVER THE YEARS.
"THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND WAS FOUNDED BY THE MISSION IN 1897 AND THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE, WHICH IS A SISTER SCHOOL TO EBENEZER, IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND BOARDING CARE TO CHILDREN WHO ARE BOTH BLIND AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED,” MR LI SAID.
THE CENTRE WAS FIRST SUBVENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN 1978. WITH THE COMPLETION OF THIS NEW WING, THERE WILL BE IMPROVEMENTS BOTH IN THE CENTRE'S CAPACITY AND FACILITIES,” HE ADDED.
A TOTAL OF $4 MILLION HAD BEEN SPENT ON THE PROJECT, MR LI SAID, ADDING THAT ADDITIONAL ROOMS HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF THE CENTRE’S DIVERSIFIED PROGRAMMES, ESPECIALLY IN THE TRAINING OF ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY, PRACTICAL SKILLS, SPEECH, MUSIC, ART AND CRAFT AND HOME ECONOMICS.
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/18
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 18 -
BOE MEMBERS VISIT POLICE CADET SCHOOL
♦ » t *
FIVE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL AT FAN GARDENS IN FANLING.
THE SCHOOL PROVIDES QUALIFIED RECRUITS FOR THE POLICE AND OTHER DISCIPLINARY SERVICES OF THE GOVERNMENT BY OFFERING EDUCATION TO STUDENTS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN SECONDARY FOUR PLACES IN GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
THE MEMBERS MAKING THE VISIT WERE MR DAVID CHEUNG, PROFESSOR BRIAN COOKE, MR TIMOTHY HA, MR ERIC LT AND MR TAM MAN-KWAN.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE BOE SECRETARY, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER MISS ROSE LAU.
THE PARTY WAS WELCOMED BY THE POLICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR FORCE TRAINING, MR G.W. ROPER, AND THE SCHOOL COMMANDANT, MR P.F. BIRNEY.
THE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REASONABLY WELL-EDUCATED AND PHYSICALLY FIT YOUNG MEN FOR RECRUITMENT INTO THE POLICE FORCE, FIRE SERVICES, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT A POINT APPROPRIATE TO THEIR EDUCATIONAL LEVEL.
THE SCHOOL AT PRESENT OFFERS CADETS A TWO-TIER COURSE CONSISTING OF A COMMON FIRST YEAR WITH A SYLLABUS COMPRISING ACADEMIC STUDIES (40 PER CENT), PHYSICAL STUDIES (40 PER CENT) AND VOCATIONAL STUDIES (20 PER CENT).
THE SECOND YEAR OFFERS THE CADETS A "GENERAL" OPTION, WHICH IS A CONTINUATION OF THE FIRST YEAR TRAINING WITH NO CHANGE IN THE COMPOSITION OF STUDIES, AND AN "ACADEMIC" OPTION, INTENDED TO TAKE CADETS TO HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION LEVEL.
THE CADETS TAKING THE "ACADEMIC” OPTION SPEND UP TO 70 PER CENT OF THEIR TIME ON ACADEMIC STUDIES.
THE CADETS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN NUMEROUS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CULTURE, MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, ARTS AND CRAFT, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES.
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/19........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 19 -
KEEP HK CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW *****
THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL TALK ABOUT FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS THE TELEVISION SHOW TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN AND THE TERRITORY-WIDE "BLOCK TO BLOCK” CLEAN UP OPERATIONS.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE, HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HANI) TO ASSIST.
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LAND IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED
* * * * *
TWELVE LOTS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN AU TAU, YUEN LONG DISTRICT, WILL BE RESUMED SO THAT WATER IMPROVEMENTS WORKS CAN BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE LAND TOTALS 2,612.6 SQUARE METRES, AND ITS LOCATION CAN BE SEEN IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE LAND WILL FORM A PIPELINE RESERVE ALONG WHICH TRANSFER MAINS WILL BE LAID ADJACENT TO THE ACCESS ROAD FROM THE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS TERMINATING AT KAM TIN ROAD IN YUEN LONG.
THIS WILL IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY IN THE AREA TO CATER FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN TIN SHUI WAI AND IN THE YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN CORRIDOR.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/20
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR EAST KOWLOON *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A NEW FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR AND ASSOCIATED INLET AND OUTLET MAINS AT HAMMER HILL TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WATER DEMAND IN KOWLOON EAST HIGH LEVEL AREAS.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 11,000 CUBIC METRES AND LAYING 500 METRES OF WATER MAINS OF 600 MM IN DIAMETER.
WORKS ON THIS NGAU CHI WAN HIGH LEVEL FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT t * * * t
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, EASTERN STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, MORRISON STREET, WATERFRONT, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, BELCHER’S STREET AND BELCHER GARDENS.
TRAFFIC LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY * » » ♦ ♦
MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ON THE ALERT FOR TEMPORARY CLOSURES OF NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IN SHA TIN TO BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN END OF THIS MONTH AND MID-JUNE.
THE CLOSURES ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ONLY IN LATE EVENINGS AND EARLY MORNINGS.
/A 1JO-METRE
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
21
A 130-METRE LONG SECTION OF THE SLOW LANE NEAR SAN TIN WAI ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON MAY 26 (THURSDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY AND FROM 11 PM ON MAY 27 TO 6 AM ON MAY 28.
BETWEEN 10 PM ON JUNE 2 AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND BETWEEN 11 PM ON JUNE 3 AND 6 AM ON JUNE 4, A 100-METRE LONG SECTION OF THE SLOW LANE NEAR KAK TIN WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
THE SLOW LANE NORTH OF HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE, A SECTION OF ABOUT 120 METRES IN LENGTH, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON JUNE 6 TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND FROM 11 PM ON JUNE 7 TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
A 220-METRE LONG SECTION OF THE SLOW LANE NEAR HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGED WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 10 PM ON JUNE 9 AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND BETWEEN 11 PM ON JUNE 10 AND 6 AM ON JUNE 11.
FROM 10 PM ON JUNE 14 TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY AND FROM 11 PM ON JUNE 15 TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE SLOW LANE NORTH OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD, A SECTION OF ABOUT 90 METRES IN LENGTH, WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
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TAI PO ROAD CLOSURE FOR ROUTE 5 WORK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN SECTION OF ROUTE 5, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SHING CHUEN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 160 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26).
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS.
ALL VEHICLES ON TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING KMB ROUTES NO. 48A, 72, 72A, 80K, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88K AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 61M, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED TEMPORARY ROAD AND THE UNNAMED ROAD EAST OF TUNG LO WAN PLAYGROUND BEFORE RE-JOINING TAI PO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SHING CHUEN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING BUS STOP USED BY NORTHBOUND BUSES ON THAI' SECTION Ob' I’AI PO ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED. A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ROAD, BESIDE A PETROL STATION.
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/22
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 22 -
RESTRICTED ZONES IN WAN CHAI ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27).
THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER AND TONNOCHY ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 13 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HUNG HING ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES ROUND THE CLOCK.
IN ADDITION, TONNOCHY ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG HING ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD, AND HARBOUR ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TONNOCHY ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF THAT JUNCTION, WILL BECOME 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN
♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS IN TUEN MUN FROM 10.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR EMERGENCY WATERWORKS.
THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD D7, BETWEEN THE JUNCTION OF MING KUM ROAD WITH SHEK PAI TAU ROAD AND THE SOUTHERN JUNCTION OF ROAD D7 WITH ROAD LD6, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON THIS ROAD SECTION WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE EASTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD D7 WHICH WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
IN ADDITION, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM ROAD D7 SOUTHBOUND ON TO SHEK PAI TAU ROAD WESTBOUND.
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/25
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1988
- 23 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY * * * * »
OWING TO A WATER MAINS BURST AT THE JUNCTION OF GRAMPIAN ROAD AND DUMBARTON ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT:
* GRAMPIAN ROAD IS CONVERTED INTO A CUL-DE-SAC AT ITS JUNCTION WITH DUMBARTON ROAD.
* VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON JUNCTION ROAD ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TURN INTO DUMBARTON ROAD.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TUEN MUN CEREMONY
*****
A SECTION OF SAM SHING STREET IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27) IN CONNECTION WITH A FISHERMEN’S CELEBRATION INVOLVING THE SAM CHAU TIN HAU GODDESS.
THE SECTION RUNS FROM THE NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (CASTLE PEAK BAY SECTION) TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT RESTRICTED ROAD LEADING INTO THE SAM SHING ESTATE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF SAM SHING STREET BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (CASTLE PEAK BAY SEC I ION) AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT RESTRICTED ROAD LEADING INTO THE SAM SHING ESTATE WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE EXIT FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD SERVICE ROAD TO WESTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD NEAR STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 10.30 PM AND 5.30 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING TO FRIDAY (MAY 27) MORNING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON GLOUCESTER ROAD SERVICE ROAD HEADING FOR CENTRAL CAN JOIN GLOUCESTER ROAD VIA THE EXIT NEAR FENWICK STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
PNEUMOCONIOSIS LEVY RATE TO BE REDUCED ................. 1
MORE FUNDS FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS PREVENTION URGED ......... 5
CUT IN LEVY FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND OPPOSED.............
PROVISION FOR REVIEW OF DECISION ....................... 5
FIVE BILLS PASSED ...................................... 6
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE'S REPORT FOR 1987 RELEASED . 7
OUT-OF-REGION TRAVEL BY STUDENTS BEING MINIMISED ....... 9
CIVIL SERVICE RESIGNATIONS REMAIN SMALL ................ 11
- • • • •
PUBLICITY ON HILL ' BLACKSPOTS' NOT ADVANTAGEOUS........ 12
FEASIBILITY OF EXPO IN HK UNDER STUDY .................. 12
DEGREE PROGRAMME IN LINE WITH RECOMMENDATION............ 1?
PLANS TO UPGRADE COMMUNITY CENTRES IN PIPELINE .........
AMENDMENTS TO LONG-SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME PLANNED ...... 15
/DISABLED PEOPLE .......
DISABLED people find employment .......................... 16
EQUaL TREATMENT FOR MEDIA ................................ 17
REVIEW OF NT ORDINANCE COMPLETED ......................... 18
FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED ....................... 19
TRADE UNION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 TO BE INTRODUCED SOON ... 23
MCLEOD ON U.S. OMNIBUS TIUDE BILL .......................... 24
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HK ,xND FINL-xND ON CLOTHING EXPORTS .. 25
NEW PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY.......................... 25
S1JCM ACCESS FACILITIES FOR WiiN CHaI RECLAMATION xiREA.... 27
CLEaN HK SHOW BROaDCaST LIVE ON TV ........................... 28
REMINDER ON SaLhRIES TaX RETURNS ............................. 29
MTRC PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE ON DB AGENDA......................... 30
SHA TIN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY REPORT........ 31
PRAISE FOR POK 01 HOSPITAL.................................... 32
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES .............................. 32
RESTRICTED ZONES IN HAPPY VALLEY nND WESTERN DISTRICT...... 33
TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR SHA TIN ..................... 34
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF POTTINGER STREET......................... 34
URBAN CLEARWAY AND ’NO ENTRY’ FOR HEAVY VEHICLES.............. 35
RESTRICTED ZONE IN FACTORY STREET LIFTED ..................... 35
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
PNEUMOCONIOSIS LEVY RATE TO BE REDUCED ♦ » * » »
A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE A LEVY WHICH FINANCES COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TN ADDITION, A BILL TO ALLOW THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO MAKE ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF UP TO $20,000 TO THE VICTIMS OF THE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE AND THEIR DEPENDANTS WAS READ A SECOND TIME.
PNEUMOCONIOSIS IS CAUSED BY INHALING SILICA OR ASBESTOS AND MAINLY AFFECTS CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY WORKERS.
IN MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF THE LEVY ON THE VALUE OF QUARRY PRODUCTS AND ON CONSTRUCTION WORKS HAD REACHED $111 MILLION BY THE END OF FEBRUARY DESPITE REDUCTIONS IN THE LEVY RATE.
HE SAID THE LEVY WAS ORIGINALLY SET AT 0.2 PER CENT BUT WAS CUT TO 0.15 PER CENT IN 1986 AND TO 0.05 PER CENT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR AS A RESULT OF THE SUCCESS IN REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF THE DISEASE.
DESPITE THE SHARP CUTS IN THE RATE OF LEVY AND DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION IN 1987 TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE FUND TO INCLUDE PREVENTIVE WORKS SUCH AS RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS HAD CONTINUED TO INCREASE, HE SAID.
“THE FUND BOARD HAS THEREFORE REVIEWED THE SITUATION YET AGAIN AND HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CURRENT 0.05 PER CENT RATE OF LEVY SHOULD BE REDUCED STILL FURTHER TO 0.02 PER CENT," MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED.
"THIS IS EXPECTED TO REDUCE THE SURPLUS TO ABOUT BY 1993. THIS WOULD STILL BE ABOUT THREE TIMES ANNUAL BUT THIS WILL, OF COURSE, DEPEND ON THE FORTUNES OF THE INDUSTRY DURING THIS PERIOD."
$77 MILLION EXPENDITURE, CONSTRUCTION
THE REVISED RATE OF LEVY WOULD TAKE EFFECT 30 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE RESOLUTION IN THE GAZETTE, WHICH WOULD BE ON JUNE 27.
/MR BEIDGE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 251 1988
- 2
MR BRIDGE ADDED THAT THE TREND OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE AND THE LEVEL OF RESERVES WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW AND, IF NECESSARY, FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS WOULD BE RECOMMENDED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES WHICH WERE REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD.
’’THE FUND BOARD CONSIDERS THAT THE OPTIMUM LEVEL OF RESERVES SHOULD BE ABOUT 18 MONTHS EXPENDITURE AND HAS SET ITSELF THIS TARGET FOR THE LONG TERM,” HE SAID.
GIVING BACKGROUND DETAILS, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT IN 1979 OVER 1,600 WORKERS WERE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE WAS THEREFORE ENACTED TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS.
FOR MANY YEARS NOW THERE HAD BEEN REGULATIONS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE WHICH OBLIGED EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN WORKING PLACES AND TO TAKE ADEQUATE MEASURES TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM INHALING DUST.
"IN 1986 WE INTRODUCED FURTHER REGULATIONS CONTROLLING THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH ASBESTOS IS USED AND PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF APPROVED BREATHING APPARATUS,” HE SAID.
THE RESULT OF ALL THESE MEASURES HAD BEEN A VERY ENCOURAGING REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF WORKERS FOUND TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE AND SO QUALIFYING FOR COMPENSATION.
THE NUMBER HAD DROPPED FROM 472 IN 1982 TO 166 LAST YEAR.
IN INTRODUCING THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR BRIDGE SAID THIS WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO MAKE ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF UP TO $20,000 TO VICTIMS OF THE DISEASE OR THEIR DEPENDANTS.
HE SAID THE BOARD’S POWER TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENTS WAS AT PRESENT NOT EXPRESSLY STATED AND A SECTION IN THE ORDINANCE LIMITED ANY SUCH PAYMENTS TO ONLY $1,000 WHICH WAS OF LITTLE HELP TO THE VICTIMS.
"THE POWER TO MAKE ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF UP TO $20,000 WILL ENABLE THE BOARD TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE EARLIER THAN IS POSSIBLE AT PRESENT,” MR BRIDGE SAID.
"ANY SUMS PAID IN ADVANCE MAY BE DEDUCTED FROM THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION FINALLY ASSESSED.”
THE BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/3........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 3 -
MORE FUNDS FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS PREVENT ION URGED
*****
PNEUMOCONIOSIS IS A CHRONIC AND PAINFUL DISEASE, PREVENTION OF IT IS MOST IMPORTANT, THE HON HO SAI-CHU SAID IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AND
THE
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF LEVY UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, MR HO NOTED THAT WITH A DECREASING NUMBER OF CLAIMS THE SIZE OF THE FUND HAD INCREASED TO $111 MILLION IN FEBRUARY.
HE URGED THAT GOOD USE BE MADE OF THIS IN PREVENTION OF THE DISEASE.
"THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN OCTOBER 1987 TO EXTEND THE USE OF THE FUND TOWARDS RESEARCH, PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, THE ANNUAL ALLOCATION OF $1 MILLION IN THIS RESPECT REPRESENTS ONLY A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE PRESENT ACCUMULATED FUND," HE SAID.
THE SCOPE OF THE FUND SHOULD BE FURTHER EXTENDED TO COVER MORE EFFECTIVE MEASURES.
THESE WOULD INCLUDE STEPPING UP INSPECTION OF THE VENTILATION FACILITIES IN WORKPLACES; AND SUBSIDISING THE INSTALLATION OF INHALERS AND MONITORING THE USE OF SUCH APPARATUS.
FREE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAD JUST CONTRACTED THE DISEASE AND WISHED TO CHANGE JOBS.
THEY COULD ALSO BE GIVEN AN APPROPRIATE SUBSIDY TO MAKE UP FOR THEIR LOSS IN WAGES DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.
"WITH THIS POSITIVE APPROACH IN MIND, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME, WHEN THE NUMBER OF CLAIMS FROM THE FUND BECOMES INSIGNIFICANT, THE LEVY SHOULD NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
"THE RECURRENT PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND SHOULD BE COVERED BY EARNINGS FROM PRUDENT INVESTMENT OF THE EXISTING FUNDS," MR HO SAID.
IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID HE SHARED THE ENTHUSIASM OF MR HO AND THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG FOR PREVENTION, AND HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO CONSIDER THEIR PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER MEASURES.
HOWEVER, HE DID NOT HIMSELF THINK IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE INCIDENCE OF THE DISEASE WOULD INCREASE IN FUTURE.
/THE PREVENTIVE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 19§8
THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES ALREADY TAKEN HAD MET WITH MOST ENCOURAGING SUCCESS AND ALL THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE SUGGESTED THAT THE INCIDENCE WAS LIKELY TO CONTINUE TO FALL.
"EVEN WITH THE REDUCTION IN LEVY WE ARE LIKELY TO HAVE AMPLE FUNDS FOR ANY WORTHWHILE PREVENTIVE MEASURES WE CAN DEVISE," HE SAID-
"HOWEVER, IF OUR FORECASTS DO TURN OUT TO BE TOO OPTIMISTIC, DO NOT MYSELF SEE ANY PROBLEM IN REVIEWING THE LEVY AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASING IT LATER.
"THE FACT THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHOW THAT LEVIES CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP ACTUALLY MAKES EMPLOYERS MORE WILLING TO PAY RATHER THAN LESS."
"THIS IS BECAUSE EMPLOYER RESISTANCE TO LEVIES IS LARGELY DUE TO FEARS OF THE SO CALLED ’RATCHET EFFECT’, THE FEAR THAT LEVIES CAN ONLY GO UP, NEVER DOWN.
"BY SHOWING THAT THE BOARD AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE GENUINELY NEUTRAL AND OBJECTIVE ON THIS ISSUE WE HAVE GREATLY REDUCED EMPLOYER RESISTANCE TO THE SCHEME."
MR BRIDGE SAID THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WAS NOW VERY SUPPORTIVE AND HAD ITSELF TAKEN THE INITIATIVE IN RECOMMENDING EXPENDITURE FROM THE FUND ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
THIS POSITIVE ATTITUDE ON THE PART OF THE INDUSTRY WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.
--------0----------
CUT IN LEVY FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND OPPOSED *****
A RESOLUTION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF THE LEVY THAT FINANCES THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND WAS OPPOSED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR TAM SAID THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR LOWERING THE RATE OF LEVY FROM 0.05 PER CENT TO 0.02 PER CENT WERE UNSOUND.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD SAID THERE WAS NO NEED TO HAVE TOO VAST A RESERVE IN THE FUND BECAUSE FUND INCOME HAD BEEN STABLE WHILE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FROM IT HAD NOT SHOWN ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE.
/BUT THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 5 -
BUT THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS COULD BE AS LONG AS 10 OR EVEN 40 YEARS, MR TAM SAID.
SO IT WOULD BE TOO OPTIMISTIC TO SET THE TREND OF THE FUND’S EXPENDITURE ON THE BASIS OF THE APPARENT NUMBER OF CASES AND THE TREND OF COMPENSATION PAYMENTS.
"A VAST RESERVE IN THE FUND SHOULD BE THE BEST HEDGE AGAINST A FUTURE RAINY DAY," HE SAID.
HE ALSO DISAGREED WITH THE ARGUMENT THAT THE RATE OF LEVY COULD BE RAISED IN THE FUTURE, IF AND WHEN NECESSARY.
IT WAS ALL TOO NATURAL THAT REDUCTION IN CHARGES WAS EASILY ACCEPTABLE WHILE ANY INCREASES WERE BOUND TO BE DIFFICULT TO INTRODUCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY INVOLVED CONTRIBUTION FROM EMPLOYERS, HE SAID.
MR TAM ALSO SAID THAT THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAD BEEN MISLEADING IN SAYING THAT DESPITE THE SHARP CUTS IN THE RATE OF LEVY IN THE PAST AND DESPITE THE EXTENSION OF THE SCOPE OF THE FUND TO INCLUDE PREVENTIVE WORK SUCH AS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS HAD CONTINUED TO INCREASE.
THIS ARGUMENT WAS MISLEADING BECAUSE THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE THAT HAD BEEN SET UP BY THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD WAS STILL IN A PREPARATORY STAGE ONLY.
WHEN RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK HAD ACTUALLY STARTED, THE EXPENDITURE OF THE FUND WOULD INCREASE, SUBSTANTIALLY HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, EXPENDITURE WOULD RISE IF THOSE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE COULD HE GIVEN A BETTER DEAL, SUCH AS A LONG-TERM PAYMENT IN ADDITION TO A LUMP SUM, AND AN ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK WAS PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO WERE MORE VULNERABLE TO THE DISEASE.
------0-------
PROVISION FOR REVIEW OF DECISION t » t t
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WHICH CONCERNS PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, EXPLAINED THE PURPOSES OF THE BILL IN MOVING ITS SECOND READING.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE REVIEW BY A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL OF DECISIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO AMEND THE t'ERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE.
A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE AUTHORISES THE HOLDER TO OPERATE A NON-FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUS SERVICE, A PRIVATE BUS SERVICE OR A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICE.
UNDER THE PRESENT ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER MUST OBTAIN THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE LICENSEE BEFORE HE COULD AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE, MR LEUNG SAID.
IF THE LICENSEE WITHHELD HIS CONSENT, THE COMMISSIONER COULD NOT INTRODUCE ANY CHANGES UNTIL THE LICENCE EXPIRED.
THIS LIMITED HIS ABILITY TO MEET PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEEDS PROMPTLY AND MIGHT, IN SOME CASES, SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE INTRODUCTION OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT TO ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN ADJUSTING THE SERVICES UNDER A PASSENGER SER i(.E LICENCE TO MEET CHANGING TRANSPORT NEEDS, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (P BL1C SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS WOULD BE AMENDED TO EMPOWER HIM TO ALTER THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE AFTER CONSULTING THE LICENSEE.
BUT TO PROTECT HIS INTERESTS, THE LICENSEE WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL FOR A REVIEW OF THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISION.
THE AMENDMENT PROPOSED IN THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR SUCH A REVIEW.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0----------
FIVE BILLS PASSED
* » * t *
FOUR BUDGET-RELATED BILLS WERE AMONG THE FIVE BILLS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
/THE SOCIETIES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25* 1988
THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WAS ALSO PASSED AT THE MEETING.
TWO OTHER BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THESE BILLS WERE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE COUNCIL ALSO PASSED A RESOLUTION, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
------0 ------
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE’S REPORT FOR 1987 RELEASED « ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS SET UP IN EARLY 1986 TO TAKE OVER THE WORK PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE FORMER UMELCO POLICE GROUP (UPG), HAS RELEASED ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1987.
TABLING THE REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, DR THE HON DANIEL TSE SAID THAT DURING 1987 THE COMMITTEE HAD EXAMINED IN DETAIL 3,997 COMPLAINT CASES, EMBRACING 6,117 ALLEGATIONS, PROCESSED BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE (CAPO) OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THE REPORT STATES THAT, SIMILAR TO 1986, THE LARGEST SINGLE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT WAS ABOUT OVERBEARING, IMPOLITE CONDUCT OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OF POLICE OFFICERS (25.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS).
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY NEGLECT OF DUTY OR IMPROPER ACTION (24.6 PER CENT), ASSAULT (18.7 PER CENT), UNNECESSARY USE OF AUTHORITY (15.0 PER CENT) AND FABRICATION OF EVIDENCE (10.1 PER CENT).
IN ADDITION, THE REPORT STATES THAT AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATIONS INTO COMPLAINTS CARRIED OUT BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE CAPO AND MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE, APPROPRIATE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OR DISCIPLINARY/INTERNAL ACTIONS WERE TAKEN AGAINST 1,417 POLICE OFFICERS DURING THE YEAR.
HOWEVER, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE FIGURES FOR PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND VARIOUS FORMS OF LEGAL, DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTION TAKEN AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE DIFFICULT AND FRONT-LINE NATURE OF POLICE WORK.
/THEY SHOULD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
8
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF POTENTIAL POLICE-PUBLIC CONFRONTATION SITUATIONS DURING THE YEAR, INCLUDING TWO MILLION PERSONS STOPPED AND CHECKED THROUGH THE POLICE OPERATIONAL NOMINAL INDEX COMPUTER SYSTEM (PONICS) AND 1.3 MILLION TRAFFIC SUMMONSES AND TICKETS ISSUED.
DR TSE ALSO SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE, THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF AN INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT, HAD BEEN ABLE TO VET IN DETAIL EVERY COMPLAINT CASE PROCESSED BY THE CAPO.
IN THE PROCESS OF VETTING THE COMPLAINT CASES, THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO PROPOSED, DURING THE YEAR, A NUMBER OF REVIEWS OF, AND , .IANGES TO, POLICE PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING UPON THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM AND ASSISTING THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN MINIMISING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE.
fSOME OF THE STUDIES AND CHANGES INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED:
(A) IMPROVEMENTS ON REPLY LETTERS TO COMPLAINANTS;
(B) A REVIEW OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE ON PHOTOGRAPHING OF SUSPECTS AND THE PROPER USE OF SUCH PHOTOGRAPHS;
(C) THE BRINGING TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE COURT PROSECUTOR ANY FACTS OR INFORMATION DISCOVERED DURING THE COURSE OF CAPO INVESTIGATIONS WHICH MAY BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO A DEFENDANT AND WHICH MAY BE PERTINENT TO THE OUTCOME OF THE CASE;
(D) A STUDY ON THE ISSUE OF FORCE-WIDE GUIDELINES ON "STRIP SEARCH" WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH SUCH A SEARCH WAS TO BE CONDUCTED;
(E) AN AMENDMENT TO THE RELEVANT POLICE GENERAL ORDERS TO INCORPORATE THE REQUIREMENT OF REQUESTING THE OWNER/OCCUP1ER OF THE PREMISES, OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE, TO SIGN IN THE NOTEBOOK OF THE POLICE OFFICER CONCERNED THAT THINGS ARE IN ORDER OR OTHERWISE AT THE CONCLUSION OF A HOUSE SEARCH;
(F) THE ISSUE OF INSTRUCTIONS TO BRIEF POLICE OFFICERS
CONCERNED THAT BEFORE TAKING A STATEMENT FROM A
COMPLAINANT, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO CAUTION HIM IF HE IS A DEFENDANT IN A CRIMINAL CASE;
/(G) THE ISSUE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
9
(G) THE ISSUE OF REMINDERS IN WHICH FORCE-WIDE ATTENTION WAS DRAWN TO THE RELEVANT POLICE GENERAL ORDERS GOVERNING THE SITUATIONS UNDER WHICH HANDCUFFS ARE USE AND ALSO TO THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A CONTEMPORANEOUS RECORD IN POLICE NOTEBOOKS;
(H) THE RE-BRIEFING OF ALL POLICE UNITS CONCERNED TO ASK MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, IN THE DISCHARGE OF CONSTABULARY DUTIES, ONLY FOR INFORMATION WHICH WAS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL AND RELEVANT TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT A TOTAL OF 3,885 NEW CASES WERE REGISTERED BY THE CAPO IN 1987, WHICH SHOWED A DECREASE OF 14.5 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE (4,544) IN 1986. AS IN 1986, A HIGH PROPORTION OF THE NEW CASES (91.5 PER CENT) WERE MADE DIRECTLY TO THE POLICE FORCE.
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE IS AN INDEPENDENT MONITORING GROUP COMPRISING THE CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN, ALL DRAWN FROM OMELCO, AND NINE MEMBERS WHO ARE ALL ACTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS THE ONLY OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE COMMITTEE.
_ _ _ _ 0 - -
OUT-OF-REGION TRAVEL BY STUDENTS BEING MINIMISED « « * * »
EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IS BEING DONE TO MINIMISE OUT-OF-REGION TRAVEL BY SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID THIS WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED THAT THE VARIOUS MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO TACKLE THE REGIONAL SHORTFALL IN SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS HAD BEEN DETAILED IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION IN THE COUNCIL ON JUNE 3 LAST YEAR.
/THEY INCLUDED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
10
THEY INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
» ADDING SEVEN MORE SCHOOLS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME, FOR COMPLETION BY SEPTEMBER 1991;
» ADVANCING THE COMPLETION DATES OF NEW SCHOOLS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT THAT SITE CONSTRAINTS ALLOW;
» ADVANCING THE OPENING OF NEW SCHOOLS BY HAVING TWO SCHOOLS SHARE A NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDING IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION;
* REDUCING THE NUMBER OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES FROM 10 PER CENT TO 5 PER CENT AND LIMITING THEM TO STUDENTS FROM THE SAME DISTRICT;
» ADDING ONE EXTRA FLOATING CLASS TO ALL EXISTING SCHOOL AND ADOPTING A MODIFIED CLASS STRUCTURE FOR NEW SCHOOLS.
"THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE MEASURES CAN BE JUDGED FROM THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL SECONDARY 1 PLACES THEY ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE," MR BRIDGE SAID.
"IF NO SPECIAL MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN, THEN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR ALMOST 4,000 CHILDREN, AND IN EACH YEAR FROM 1989 MORE THAN 5,000 CHILDREN, WOULD BE TRAVELLING OUT OF THE REGION TO ATTEND SECONDARY 1 CLASSES.
"BY INTRODUCING ALL THESE REMEDIAL MEASURES WE HAVE PROVIDED ALMOST 1,000 EXTRA SECONDARY 1 PLACES FOR THE COMING SEPTEMBER, AND ALMOST 4,500 EXTRA PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER 1989."
IN 1990 AND 1991, ASSUMING THAT BUILDINGS WERE COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS WERE ACCURATE, A SLIGHT SURPLUS OF SECONDARY 1 PLACES IN THE REGION, INSTEAD OF SHORTFALLS OF FIVE OR SIX THOUSAND PLACES, COULD NOW BE FORESEEN.
THE SITUATION IN 1992 AND BEYOND WAS BEING REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF UPDATED POPULATION PROJECTIONS, BASED ON THE 1986 BY-CENSUS, WHICH HAD RECENTLY BECOME AVAILABLE.
"IF THESE PROJECTIONS INDICATED A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS, THEN I SHALL DO MY BEST TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROVIDED.
"WHILE SOME OF THESE MEASURES DO MAKE THINGS MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED AND THEIR TEACHERS, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION RECEIVED BY THE CHILDREN IN THE REGION WILL NOT BE AFFECTED," MR BRIDGE SAID.
- - 0 - -
I v
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
11
CIVIL SERVICE RESIGNATIONS REMAIN SMALL *****
THE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS RESIGNING HAS REMAINED SMALL AND HAS BEEN MADE UP MAINLY OF OFFICERS IN LOWER RANK, THAT IS, BELOW THE SENIOR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"OUR JUDGEMENT IS THAT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT SO FAR BEEN AFFECTED BY THESE RESIGNATIONS TO ANY SIGNIFICANT EXTENT," HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, SIR DAVID SAID: "BY AND LARGE, THE VACANCIES CREATED HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY FILLED BY SUITABLE CANDIDATES.
"AS IN ANY LARGE ORGANISATION, WE MONITOR VERY CLOSELY OUR WASTAGE AND RESIGNATION RATES."
IN 1985-86, 2,701 CIVIL SERVANTS RESIGNED FROM THE SERVICE, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR 1986-87 WAS 2,494 AND FOR 1987-88 IT WAS 4,065, HE SAID.
I
"BETWEEN 1985-86 AND 1986-87 IT FELL, WHILE IN 1987-88 IT ROSE. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE, THEREFORE TO PREDICT WITH ANY CERTAINTY WHAT WILL HAPPEN THIS YEAR."
NOTING THAT FIGURES AT THE DIRECTORATE AND SENIOR PROFESSIONAL LEVELS WERE OF INTEREST, SIR DAVID SAID THE PRESENT DIRECTORATE STRENGTH STOOD AT 1,024 AND THE NUMBER OF RESIGNATIONS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS WAS 13 IN 1985-86, THREE IN 1986-87 AND SEVEN IN 1987-88.
AT THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT/SENIOR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, THE PRESENT TOTAL STRENGTH WAS 1,837. THE RESIGNATION FIGURES WERE : 24 FOR 1985-86, 18 FOR 1986-87 AND 28 FOR 1987-88.
j
TO SEE THE SITUATION IN THE OVERAL CONTEXT, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS USEFUL TO LOOK AT THE FIGURES IN TERMS OF THE PERCENTAGE OF RESIGNATIONS TO TOTAL STRENGTH.
ON THIS BASIS, THE AVERAGE RESIGNATION RATE SINCE 1981-82 HAD BEEN SOME 2.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL STRENGTH, HE SAID.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS HAD BEEN 1.5 PER CENT, 1.4 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT.
|
"THESE FIGURES REMAIN LOW WHEN COMPARED WITH MANY LARGE COMPANIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHERE I UNDERSTAND CERTAIN RATES OF AROUND 10 PER CENT ARE NOT UNCOMMON," SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0 - -
/12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 12 -
PUBLICITY ON HILL ’BLACKSPOTS9 NOT ADVANTAGEOUS
» » * » »
MOUNTAINEERS BY NATURE SEEK NEW CHALLENGES AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY ON SPECIFIC ROCK CLIMBING ’’BLACKSPOTS” WOULD NOT DETER EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS AND MIGHT ALSO HAVE AN UNDESIRABLE EFFECT OF ATTRACTING LESS EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS TO SUCH LOCATIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN GENERAL, HOWEVER, THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT HAD A COMMITTEE DEALING WITH SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND FILMS ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AS PART OF ITS ON-GOING "PLAY SAFE” CAMPAIGN, MR LIAO SAID.
DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS, THERE HAD ONLY BEEN ONE FATAL CASE AND TWO INJURY CASES ARISING FROM ROCK CLIMBING IN HONG KONG.
THE FORMER INVOLVED A YOUNG MAN CLIMBING UNACCOMPANIED AND ILL-EQUIPPED ON THE LION ROCK MAIN CRAG IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE HAD BEEN THREE DEATHS AND 32 INCIDENTS INVOLVING 115 HIKERS OR HILLWALKERS, MOSTLY OCCURRING WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS BUT NOT AT ANY PARTICULAR SPOTS.
"IT SHOULD BE POINTED OUT THAT IN MOST CASES, THE ACCIDENTS WERE THE RESULT OF A PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL FACTOR OR CONDITIONS SUCH AS SUNSTROKE OR DEHYDRATION AND DID NOT INVOLVE FALLS OR OTHER MISHAPS DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH THE ACTIVITY ITSELF," MR LIAO SAID.
---0------
FEASIBILITY OF EXPO IN HK UNDER STUDY
* ♦ » * *
THE FEASIBILITY OF HONG KONG HOSTING A WORLD EXPOSITION IS UNDER ACTIVE STUDY WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, MR TSAO SAID IT WAS A COMPLEX MATTER WHICH INVOLVED A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.
BUT HE STRESSED THAT THE BUREAU INTERNATIONAL D9 EXPOSITIONS (BIE) WAS ALREADY AWARE OF HONG KONG’S INTEREST IN HOLDING AN EXPO IN 1997, AND NO FURTHER NOTIFICATION OF INTEREST WAS REQUIRED AT THIS STAGE.
/MR TSAO........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25» 1988
- 13 -
MR TSAO SAID THERE WAS SUFFICIENT TIME UNTIL 1991 IN WHICH TO EXAMINE IN DEPTH THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSAL.
"THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT IT IS IN HONG KONG’S BEST INTEREST TO EXAMINE THE PROPOSAL CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY,” HE SAID.
A TIMETABLE FOR FINALISATION OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY COULD NOT BE PROVIDED AT THIS STAGE, MR TSAO SAID.
BUT HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT "WHEN WE HAVE ARRIVED AT A CONCLUSION ON THE FEASIBILITY OF HONG KONG UNDERTAKING THIS VENTURE, A DECISION WILL BE MADE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO REGISTER A FORMAL BID FOR HONG KONG TO HOST A WORLD EXHIBITION IN 1997".
MR TSAO PREFACED HIS ANSWER BY GIVING A CLARIFICATION CONCERNING THE WAY THE BIE OPERATES.
HE SAID: "THE RULES UNDER WHICH THE BIE OPERATES PROVIDE THAT A BID TO HOST AN EXHIBITION OF THIS NATURE MUST BE REGISTERED SIX YEARS BEFORE THE EVENT.
"A BID CAN ALSO BE REGISTERED AT ANY TIME BEFORE THAT DATE BUT THERE IS NO NECESSITY TO DO SO.
"THE MEETING OF THE BUREAU ON MAY 31 IS SIMPLY THE BIE’S REGULAR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. THIS DATE, THEREFORE, IN NO WAY REPRESENTS A DEADLINE."
-----0------
DEGREE PROGRAMME IN LINE WITH RECOMMENDATION
* » * » »
THE INTRODUCTION OF A FOUR-YEAR PART-TIME BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMME IN PRIMARY EDUCATION BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IS IN LINE WITH A RECOMMENDATION BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TO PROMOTE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGERIAL ABILITY IN PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BRIDGE SAID SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE COURSE WOULD BE A MATTER FOR THE UNIVERSITY.
/HOWEVER, IT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAT 25, 1?88
HOWEVER, IT WAS EXPECTED THAT PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO SCHOOL HEADS AND SENIOR TEACHERS BECAUSE OF THE PURPOSE OF THE COURSE.
ON WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO THE CAREER STRUCTURE OF THOSE PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS, SENIOR TEACHERS AND TEACHERS WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE, MR BRIDGE SAID:
"WE PROPOSE TO REGRADE HEADSHIP POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH 17 OR MORE CLASSES IN 1992, WHEN THE FIRST GROUP GRADUATES FROM THE COURSE.
"SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH 24 OR MORE CLASSES WILL THEN BE ELIGIBLE FOR A MAXIMUM SALARY THREE POINTS HIGHER THAN THEIR PRESENT MAXIMUM, BUT THESE THREE NEW SALARY POINTS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE HEADS WHO HAVE OBTAINED THE NEW QUALIFICATION."
-------0 ---------
PLANS TO UPGRADE COMMUNITY CENTRES IN PIPELINE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED A PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND TO PROMOTE THEIR USAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON THE LOW UTILISATION RATE OF SOME CENTRES, MR LIAO SAID A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR INDICATED THAT THE OVERALL UTILISATION RATE OF THE 44 COMMUNITY CENTRES WAS 73 PER CENT.
"WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED TO INSTALL AIR-CONDITIONING IN ALL THE CENTRES AND REQUESTS FOR FUNDS TO UPGRADE THE EQUIPMENT IN THESE CENTRES WILL BE SUBMITTED SHORTLY TO THE FINANCE BRANCH," HE SAID.
0. DERA.ION WAS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO REPROVISIONING SOME OF THE OLDER ...NTRES, THE USAGE OF WHICH WAS BEING AFFECTED BY POOR DESIGN, .-.E ADDED.
AS REGARDS 10 COMMUNITY CENTRES WHICH HAD A DAILY AVERAGE UTILISATION RATE OF BELOW 50 PER CENT, MR LIAO SAID EIGHT OF THEM WERE NOT PROVIDED .WITH AIR-CONDITIONING WHILE TWO WERE PARTIALLY CLOSED AS WORK TO INSTALL AIR-CONDITIONING WAS IN PROGRESS.
/OF THESE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 15 -
OE THESE 10 CENTRES, SIX WERE BUILT BEFORE 1970. THEIR DESIGNS WERE OUT-OF-DATE AND THE HALLS WERE TOO SMALL OR NOT SUITABLE FOR SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
ANOTHER TWO WERE COMMISSIONED JUST BEFORE THE SURVEY AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ACCOMMODATED IN THE WELFARE BLOCKS HAD NOT COME INTO FULL OPERATION.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, THE RELATIVELY LOW UTILISATION RATES OF THE 10 CENTRES WERE ONLY CONFINED TO THE MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS.
"IN THE EVENING, THE UTILISATION RATES OF THESE CENTRES VARIED FROM 50 TO 96 PER CENT, OR AN AVERAGE UTILISATION RATE OF 75 PER (’ENT,” MR LIAO SAID.
IN ADDITION, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND DISTRICT BOARDS WERE BEING ENCOURAGED TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE CENTRES FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES, HE ADDED.
-------0----------
AMENDMENTS TO LONG-SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME PLANNED
t ♦ » ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE NEXT MONTH AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME FOR WORKERS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR BRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION NEXT MONTH TO ESTABLISH AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
’’THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME WILL PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT ON GROUNDS OF ILL HEALTH, OLD AGE, OR ON THE DEATH OF THE EMPLOYEE,” HE SAID.
"DRAFTING HAS PROCEEDED SMOOTHLY IN GENERAL, EXCEPT THAT IT HAS PROVED RATHER COMPLICATED TO SET OUT IN LEGAL LANGUAGE THE PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT UPON THE DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PAYMENT WENT TO THE RIGHT PERSON.
/’’AFTER CAREFUL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 16 -
"AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND FOUR DRAFTS OF THE BILL WE ARE NOW SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE GOT IT RIGHT."
TURNING TO THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR BRIDGE SAID THE COUNCIL WAS TO BE FUNDED BY A LEVY ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIA.
"THE MECHANISM FOR COLLECTING THE LEVY HAS REQUIRED EXTENSIVE DISCUSSION WITH THOSE CONCERNED, AND IT WAS NOT UNTIL EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT AGREEMENT WAS FINALLY REACHED," HE SAID.
-----0------
DISABLED PEOPLE FIND EMPLOYMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
LATEST STATISTICS SHOW THAT ABOUT 36 PER CENT OF DISABLED PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 60 ARE IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT AND, OF THESE, 58 PER CENT ARE IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIGURES WERE OBTAINED FROM A SURVEY CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1986 AND THE RESULTS WERE PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
"THE SURVEY WAS BASED ON A SAMPLE OF 3,415 PEOPLE CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM OUR CENTRAL REGISTRY OF THE DISABLED," MR BRIDGE SAID WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT.
"THIS PERCENTAGE IS CLOSE TO THAT ALSO INDICATED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT FIGURES."
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE PLACED IN JOBS BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE HAD INCREASED FROM 113 IN 1980 WHEN THE SERVICE STARTED, TO 1,033 LAST YEAR.
/OF THESE,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25t 1988
WORK.
OF THESE, ABOUT 60 PER CENT FOUND JOBS IN PRODUCTION RELATED
”BY APPLYING THESE PERCENTAGES TO OUR ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE OF WORKING AGE, WE ESTIMATE THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 34,000 DISABLED PEOPLE IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT, OF WHOM ABOUT 20,000 WORK IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR,” MR BRIDGE SAID.
”OUR EXPERIENCE IS THAT MOST OF THEM ARE ENGAGED IN LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WORK SUCH AS GARMENT-MAKING, TOY-MAKING, ELECTRONICS, PLASTICS AND PRINTING.”
TURNING TO THE MATTER OF PUBLICITY, MR BRIDGE SAID A YEAR-LONG REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED CAMPAIGN WOULD BE LAUNCHED IN AUGUST TO PROMOTE THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS.
’’THESE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE DIRECTED AT EMPLOYERS IN THESE SECTORS, AT DISABLED PEOPLE TO BRING HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND AT THE PUBLIC AT LARGE TO BRING HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE,” HE EXPLAINED.
’’PUBLICITY WILL MAINLY TAKE THE FORM OF TELEVISION API'S (ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST), RADIO API’S, POSTER DISPLAYS AT SELECTED SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND A COMPREHENSIVE LEAFLET IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ON SERVICES RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PEOPLE.
”IN ADDITION, REGULAR VISITS WILL BE PAID BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PEOPLE AND TO SECURE SUITABLE JOB VACANCIES.”
- - 0 -
EQUAL TREATMENT FOR MEDIA ♦ ♦ *
THE BASIC POLICY OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO TREAT THE PRESS AND THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA EQUALLY, HAVING REGARD TO HEIR DIFFERENT OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR TSAO SAID INFORMATION WAS NORMALLY DISSEMINATED VIA THE TELEPRINTER AND FACSIMILE NETWORK WHICH LINKED THE DEPARTMENT WITH ALL PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA ORGANISATIONS.
/’’THUS BOTH
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 18 -
’’THUS BOTH THE PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA RECEIVE THE SAME NEWS ITEMS IN BOTH LANGUAGES AT THE SAME TIME,” HE SAID.
PRESS CONFERENCES HOSTED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE OPEN TO ALL MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON, AT THE END OF THE CONFERENCE FOR TV AND RADIO STATIONS TO TAPE A SHORT SEPARATE INTERVIEW WITH THE HOST IN ORDER TO BOLSTER PRESENTATIONAL IMPACT OF THE NEWS ITEM.
"IT SOMETIMES HAPPENS THAT WHERE A PARTICULAR ITEM DOES NOT WARRANT A FULL SCALE PRESS CONFERENCE, AND A PRESS RELEASE IS ISSUED, A RADIO OR TV STATION MAY REQUEST AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SUBJECT OFFICER IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SOUND AND VISUAL MATERIALS TO ACCOMPANY THE PRESENTATION OF THE NEWS,” HE SAID.
’’DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE, SUCH REQUESTS MAY BE GRANTED. BUT WHAT AN OFFICIAL SAYS IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA OR ON THE TAPE RECORDER IS BASED ON THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE PRESS STATEMENT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN ISSUED TO ALL THE MEDIA,” HE ADDED.
-----0------
REVIEW OF NT ORDINANCE COMPLETED *****
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS REVIEW, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS GIVING A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH ON THE PROGRESS IN THE REVIEW OF MATTERS RELATING TO TSO AND TONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR LIAO SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) IN OCTOBER 1986 AND ITS REVIEW COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS WHICH INCLUDED TSOS AND TONGS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING GROUP HAD MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WERE BEING CONSIDERED BY RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION IS ABLE TO TAKE A VIEW ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, CONSULTATION WITH BODIES LIKE THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE ANY MAJOR CHANGES ARE TO BE PROPOSED,” HE SAID.
/19.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 19 -
FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED
*****
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, EXPORT GROWTH CONTINUED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY. HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS FEATURED MORE PROMINENTLY THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE RECENT PATTERN OF EXTERNAL TRADE.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1988 RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING THIS REPORT, THE BRANCH RECEIVED USEFUL COMMENTS AND ADVICE FROM THE ECONOMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND INCLUDES IN ITS MEMBERSHIP EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAS SLOWED DOWN SINCE THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987. IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 11 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS OF THE LARGE MANUFACTURERS AND ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SUGGESTS THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS WILL PROBABLY GROW MORE MODERATELY IN THE COMING MONTHS.
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC DEMAND, THE LATEST FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES INDICATE THAT CONSUMER EXPENDITURE REMAINED STRONG IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, RETAINED IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS AND OF CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY ABOUT 6 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN REAL TERMS.
PROBABLY REFLECTING DELIVERIES FROM ORDERS PLACED EARLIER, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. OF THESE, RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY ABOUT 19 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
CONTINUED CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROWTH, PARTICULARLY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, WAS APPARENTLY PROMPTED AT LEAST IN PART BY WIDESPREAD LABOUR SHORTAGES.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WAS AT AN HISTORIC LOW OF 1.6 PER CENT. HOWEVER, THIS WAS PARTLY DISTORTED BY A REDUCED LABOUR SUPPLY DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD, AS SOME JOB SEEKERS TEMPORARILY DROPPED OUT OF THE LABOUR FORCE. THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.9 PER CENT.
LABOUR SHORTAGES WERE PARTICULARLY ACUTE IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
/THE CONSUMER .......
3
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25. 1988
20
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE OF 6.8 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, COMPARED WITH CORRESONDING RATES OF INCREASE OF 5.6 PER CENT AND 6.7 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS.
THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND RELATIVE TO SUPPLY WITHIN THE ECONOMY, THE RAPID MONETARY AND CREDIT EXPANSION DURING 1987, LOW LOCAL INTEREST RATES, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN THE RECENT PAST, AND THE RECENT INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THE CURRENT RATE OF INFLATION.
BETWEEN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 AND THE FIRST QUARTER 1988, THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI ROSE BY 6.7 PER CENT AND 7.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1988 UPDATES THE ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL ECONOMIC SITUATION WHICH WAS GIVEN IN THE 1987 ECONOMIC BACKGROUND. APART FROM PROVIDING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS, AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WERE SLOWER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, IN PARTICULAR, RECORDED A 1 PER CENT DECLINE IN REAL TERMS.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA GREW BY ABOUT 20 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THIS GROWTH WAS ATTRIBUTABLE PARTLY TO INCREASED OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE AND PARTLY TO A GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR IMPORTS FOR USE IN CHINA.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY GREW BY ABOUT 17 PER CENT, 16 PER CENT AND 12 PER . CENT RESPECTIVELY IN REAL TERMS.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, RE-EXPORTS WERE 40 PER CENT HIGHER IN REAL TERMS THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, DUE MAINLY TO A CONTINUED SURGE IN THE RE-EXPORT TRADE WITH CHINA. AS A RESULT, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED TO SLIGHTLY MORE THAN HALF IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 20 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, BUT RETAINED IMPORTS ROSE MUCH MORE SLOWLY, AT ONLY ABOUT 4 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
/THE REPORT
WEDNESDAY* MAY 25t 1988
- 21
THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS HIGHER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
AS A RESULT, A SMALLER VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1,829 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $3,353 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS.
FIRST, THE SPECULATIVE INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, WHICH PUSHED THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE LOCAL CURRENCY ABOVE THE LINKED RATE IN LATE 1987 AND AT THE BEGINNING OF 1988, LARGELY SUBSIDED TOWARDS THE END OF JANUARY.
MAINLY REFLECTING THIS, THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY SLOWED DOWN MARKEDLY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
SECONDLY, LOCAL INTEREST RATES EDGED UP GRADUALLY, REDUCING THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES.
THIRDLY, THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET WAS GENERALLY STABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, WITH A MODEST RALLY IN MARCH. TRADING WAS STILL SUBDUED COMPARED WITH THE LEVEL BEFORE OCTOBER 1987.
FOURTHLY, THE CAPITAL MARKET SAW A SURGE IN ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AS THE LOW LOCAL INTEREST RATES PROVIDED A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ISSUE OF FIXED-RATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT WHILE EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE BETWEEN DECEMBER 1986 AND DECEMBER 1987, EMPLOYMENT IN FINANCIAL AND RELATED BUSINESS SERVICES, IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, AND IN TRANSPORT SERVICES RELATED TO EXTERNAL TRADE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO SHOWED SOME INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
REFLECTING TIGHT LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN DECEMBER 1987 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
/COMPARING DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
COMPARING DECEMBER 1987 WITH DECEMBER 1986, EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN THE SERVICE SECTORS, IN TERMS OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS BUT RELATIVELY SMALL GAINS IN REAL TERMS, LARGELY BECAUSE OF RISING INFLATION,
IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE INCREASE IN WAGE RATES REMAINED GENERALLY SUBSTANTIAL.
THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, AS AN INDICATOR OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT, INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SLOW-DOWN FROM THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE OF 19 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1987 COMBINED.
MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY HAS APPARENTLY CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, AS REFLECTED BY THE FIGURES ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS, ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIAL AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, ON THE QUANTITY OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMED BY INDUSTRY, AND ON THE ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS OF LARGE MANUFACTURERS.
THE PROPERTY MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, AFTER EXPERIENCING SOME CONSOLIDATION IN THE LATTER PART OF 1987.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS A PICK-UP IN ACTIVITY MORE RECENTLY. INCREASED HOUSEHOLD INCOMES AND RELATIVELY LOW MORTGAGE RATES CONTINUED TO SUPPORT THE DEMAND FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FLATS.
THE DEMAND FOR OFFICE AND SHOPPING SPACE IN PRIME LOCATIONS WAS STRONG, WHILE THERE WAS CONTINUED DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PREMISES OF A GOOD QUALITY IN THE ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
PROPERTY PRICES, REMAINED GENERALLY STEADY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, WHILE RENTALS FOR SOME TYPES OF PROPERTY, SUCH AS COMMERCIAL PREMISES, HAVE TENDED TO INCREASE.
MEANWHILE, PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS OF NEW PROPERTY, AS INDICATED BY THE FIGURES ON BUILDING CONSENTS, REMAINED AT A HIGH LEVEL IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1988 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $18 A COPY.
-------o -------- /2J...................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 23 -
TRADE UNION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 TO BE INTRODUCED SOON *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WHICH SEEK TO ALLOW REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS, WITH THE PERMISSION BY SECRET BALLOT OF ITS MEMBERS OR MEMBERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, TO SPEND MONEY TO SUPPORT CANDIDATES AND PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION TO A DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL OR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE TRADE UNION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPLAINED THAT TRADE UNIONS WERE AT PRESENT EXPRESSLY BARRED BY LAW FROM USING THEIR FUNDS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES UNDER THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE IS TO RECTIFY AN ANOMALY TO ALLOW TRADE UNIONS, LIKE OTHER PROPERLY REGISTERED COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, TO USE THEIR FUNDS TO SUPPORT CANDIDATES TO STAND FOR ELECTIONS.
HOWEVER, THE AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE LEGAL LIMITS ON ELECTION EXPENSES.
"TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE UNION, THE BILL STIPULATES THAT ANY UNION WISHING TO SPEND MONEY FOR THE ABOVE PURPOSES MUST SEEK THE APPROVAL BY SECRET BALLOT OF ITS MEMBERS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE BILL ALSO PERMITS MEMBERS OF UNIONS TO AUTHORISE ELECTORAL EXPENDITURE BY RESOLUTION, IN A SECRET BALLOT AT A GENERAL MEETING, FOR A SPECIFIC ELECTION OR TO ESTABLISH AN ELECTORAL FUND FROM WHICH EXPENDITURE CAN BE MADE WITHOUT THE NEED FOR A RESOLUTION IN EACH CASE.
"IN THE LATTER CASE, THE APPROVAL BY SECRET BALLOT OF THE MAJORITY OF ALL THE VOTING MEMBERS MUST FIRST BE OBTAINED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"MOREOVER, CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND ARE TO BE VOLUNTARY AND REFUSAL TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND MAY NOT PREJUDICE AN INDIVIDUAL'S RIGHTS EITHER TO BE ADMITTED TO OR TO CONTINUE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE UNION."
UNDER THE EXISTING RULES OF ALL UNIONS, FUNDS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE USED FOR ELECTION PURPOSE.
/"SUITABLE AMENEMENTS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 24 -
"SUITABLE AMENDMENTS MUST BE MADE TO THE EXISTING RULES TO ALLOW SUCH USE OF FUNDS AND THE AMENDED RULES MUSI BE PRESENTED TO THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ANY TRADE UNION WISHING TO USE FUNDS TO SUPPORT ELECTION CANDIDATES IS ADVISED TO CONTACT OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRY OF TRADE UNIONS FOR ADVICE ON THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR SO DOING.
MODEL RULES ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE PREPARED FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL. COPIES OF THE RULES CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE AT THE REGISTRY IN DUE COURSE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE BILL SHOULD WRITE TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THIRD FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
-------o----------
MACLEOD ON U.S. OMNIBUS TRADE BILL
*****
THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO OF THE U.S. OMNIBUS TRADE BILL IS NOT UNEXPECTED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PRESIDENT REAGAN HAS SAID MANY TIMES THAT HE WOULD VETO THE BILL IF THE PLANT-CLOSING PROVISION WERE TO REMAIN.
"IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT AFTER ALL THE EFFORTS AT COMPROMISE, CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT SEEMS INEVITABLE, AND THE TRADE ISSUE THEREFORE IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE TO BE POLITICALLY CONTROVERSIAL," MR MACLEOD SAID.
"THE BILL WHICH EMERGED FROM THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE CONFERENCE IS AN IMPROVEMENT ON EARILER VERSIONS.
"THE BILL NEVERTHELESS RUNS INTO A THOUSAND PAGES. MANY OF THE PROVISIONS ARE SO TECHNICAL THAT THE EFFECTS WOULD ONLY BE KNOWN AFTER IMPLEMENTATION, AND IT STILL CONTAINED SOME UNDESIRABLE CLAUSES. ABUSE EVEN OF APPARENTLY INNOCUOUS PROVISIONS IS ALWAYS A DANGER.
"THE PUBLIC DEBATE AND EMOTION GENERATED BY THE VETO MIGHT BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO THE TEXTILES BILL WHICH WOULD BE A VERY UNWELCOME DEVELOPMENT AS FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED.
"THUS MIXED FEELINGS IN HONG KONG ABOUT THIS LATEST DEVELOPMENT SEEM INEVITABLE."
- 0----------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 25 -
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HK AND FINLAND ON CLOTHING EXPORTS
» » » » »
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FINLAND WERE HELD BETWEEN MAY 23 AND TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HONG KONG ON THE EXPORTS OF CERTAIN CLOTHING PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG TO FINLAND.
AS A RESULT OF THE CONSULTATIONS, BOTH SIDES AGREED TO RESTRAIN THE EXPORT FROM HONG KONG COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRE JACKETS AND COATS FOR MEN, BOYS, WOMEN AND GIRLS. THE RESTRAINT LEVEL FOR 1988 IS 520,000 PIECES.
BOTH SIDES ALSO AGREED ON AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION ARRANGEMENT ON SKIRTS AND DIVIDED SKIRTS OF COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRES.
-----0------
NEW PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY
*****
A NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME TARGETED AT YOUNG CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 11 WILL BE A HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE SPECIAL PROJECT -- ’’THE CONSTABLE CARE CHILDREN’S SAFETY PROGRAMME", IS AIMED AT ENHANCING THE ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS OF MORE THAN 500,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE TERRITORY.
THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES, THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOUNGSTERS MORE AWARE OF THE DANGERS WHICH EXIST ON THE ROADS, AND TO TEACH THEM THE BEST WAY TO AVOID BECOMING VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID THE PROJECT, WHICH WOULD UTILISE THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, WAS A VERY SIGNIFICANT I’EP FORWARD IN THE PROMOTION OF ROAD SAFETY AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN.
HE DISCLOSED THAT OVER 3,000 CHILDREN ARE KILLED AND INJURED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS EVERY YEAR AND THAT ALMOST ALL OF THESE ACCIDENTS COULD BE PREVENTED.
/••THE GOVERNMENT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 26 -
"THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO BRING DOWN THESE FIGURES AND TO DO ITS UTMOST TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM THE DANGERS THEY FACE ON THE ROADS,” MR LI SAID.
UNDER THE PROJECT, WIDE RANGING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD, CENTRED AROUND THE CHARACTER OF A POLICE OFFICER KNOWN AS ’’CONSTABLE CARE”, CONSISTING OF COMPETITIONS, EXHIBITIONS AND GAMES; AND A LOT OF GIVE-AWAY ITEMS SUCH AS STICKERS, T-SHIRTS, CAPS AND OTHER FUN NOVELTIES, WILL BE PRODUCED, EACH BEARING A ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL REACH ALL SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH POLICE ROAD SAFETY TEAMS.
’’ALL THESE ARE DESIGNED TO HOLD YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TEACHING THEM THE VITAL FACTS OF ROAD SAFETY," MR LI SAID.
HE DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS MOST ENCOURAGING EVIDENCE OF THE WILLINGNESS OF THE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG TO GET TOGETHER TO TACKLE A PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTED EVERYONE.
THE "CONSTABLE CARE” PROJECT, WHILE IT HAS THE FULL BACKING AND SUPPORT OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL AND THE POLICE, WILL BE ORGANISED AND SPONSORED BY COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS.
"THIS IS AN IDEA WHICH HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TRIED IN OTHER COUNTRIES BUT WHICH IS A NEW CONCEPT FOR HONG KONG.”
MR LI SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT A NUMBER OF PUBLIC SPIRITED COMPANIES HAD ALREADY AGREED TO BECOME SPONSORS AND HE CALLED FOR EVEN WIDER SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT REDUCING THE TOLL OF DEATH AND INJURY ON OUR ROADS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE IN HONG KONG AND IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE GOVERNMENT ALONE,” HE REMARKED.
MISS DEBBIE PURDY, SPONSORSHIP SUPERVISOR FOR THE PROJECT, SAID IN THE FIRST PHASE, THOUSANDS OF POSTERS, BOARD GAMES, BAGS AND COMPETITION ENTRY FORMS WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG 714 SCHOOLS.
SHE SAID THE POSTERS WOULD ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT POLICE STATIONS, GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES TO CREATE HIGH AWARENESS.
’’THIS EXTENSIVE, NON-STOP PROGRAMME WILL ENSURE CONTINUING INTEREST FROM THE CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND, HOPEFULLY, THE MEDIA.
"THIS AIM IS TO GET ALL THE HALF MILLION PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG ENTERING ROAD SAFETY COMPETITIONS, USING ROAD SAFETY POSTER-CALENDARS, WEARING ROAD SAFETY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS AND PLAYING ROAD SAFETY GAMES, AND THEREFORE, THINKING ROAD SAFETY,” MISS PURDY SAID, ADDING THAT THE PROJECT WOULD GET UNDERWAY IN SEPTEMBER TO COINCIDE WITH THE NEW SCHOOL TERM.
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/27.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 27 -
S130M ACCESS FACILITIES FOR WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA ♦ » ♦ t t
THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER IS THE FINAL MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FACILITIES TO BE COMPLETED IN THE WAN CHAJ RECLAMATION AREA, THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FLYOVER, MR BEATON SAID THE TOTAL PACKAGE OF FACILITIES FOR ACCESS TO, FROM AND WITHIN THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA SHOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH AT A TOTAL COST OF $130 MILLION.
THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA HAS CONTINUED TO DEVELOP RAPIDLY WITH MANY CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, OFFICE AND HOTEL PROJECTS COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY. PROJECTS TO PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS INTO AND WITHIN THE AREA HAVE ALSO POCEEDED RAPIDLY.
THE FIRST OF THESE FACILITIES - THE O’BRIEN ROAD FOOTBRIDGE -WAS OPENED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
SINCE THAT TIME FLYOVERS AT HUNG HING ROAD AND FENWICK PIER STREET, AND FOOTBRIDGES AT WAN SHING STREET, THE FERRY PIER AND FENWICK PIER STREET HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
AN EXTENSIVE SYSTEM OF GROUND LEVEL ROADS LEADING TO THESE FLYOVERS HAS ALSO BEEN BUILT.
ACCESS TO AND FROM THE RECLAMATION AREA AND MOVEMENT WITHIN THE AREA HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED.
"IN UNDERTAKING THESE ROADWORKS THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS PLACED PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON PROVIDING A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT BY CREATING VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE STRUCTURES WITH AS MUCH 'GREENERY’ INTRODUCED AS POSSIBLE," MR BEATON SAID.
"THIS CAN BE SEEN IN THE MORE INTENSIVE COLOUR TREATMENT OF SOME OF THE FOOTBRIDGES - A RELATIVELY NEW INNOVATION - AND IN THE TREE PLANTING AND AMENITY PROVISION WHICH IS TAKING PLACE.
"IN THIS RESPECT MORE THAN 20,000 NEW TREES AND SHRUBS WILL HAVE BEEN PLANTED WHEN THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED."
HE HOPED THE END RESULT WOULD OFFSET ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED DURING CONSTRUCTION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM.
MRS LAM PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
/SHE NOTED.......•
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 28 -
SHE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS, WAN CHAI NORTH HAD BEEN DEVELOPING RAPIDLY INTO A COMMERCIAL CENTRE WITH SUCH PROJECTS AS HOTELS AND THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE UNDERWAY.
"WE NEED A BETTER ROAD NETWORK TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO INTEGRATE WAN CHAI SOUTH AND NORTH ON THE ONE HAND AND IMPROVE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER DISTRICTS ON THE OTHER," SHE SAID.
"THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER IS A KEY LINK IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT."
MRS LAM ALSO PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR AGREEING WITH THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE FOOTBRIDGES TO CONNECT WAN CHAI SOUTH AND NORTH TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE PROSPERITY OF THE DISTRICT.
SHE NOTED THAT THE CAPACITY OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL HAD REACHED SATURATION LEVEL AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON GLOUCESTER ROAD WOULD NOT BE SOLVED UNTIL THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WAS OPENED IN LATE 1989.
SHE ALSO HOPED THAT THE AUTHORITIES WOULD SOLVE THE LONG-STANDING CONGESTION PROBLEM ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.
THE 21 O-METRE-LONG TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA FOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING WESTWARDS ON GLOUCESTER ROAD. VEHICLES CAN ALSO TRAVEL VIA THE FLYOVER TO HARBOUR ROAD AND HUNG HING ROAD.
THE FLYOVER, INCLUDING ASSOCIATED ROADS AND FOOTBRIDGES, COST ABOUT $30 MILLION.
IT WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
-----o-----
CLEAN HK SHOW BROADCAST LIVE ON TV
* * » »
THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A TELEVISION SPECTACULAR TO BE HELD IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, THE SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB-JADE FROM 9.05 PM TO 11.25 PM.
/POPULAR ARTISTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 29 -
POPULAR ARTISTES AND SINGERS WILL PERFORM IN A NUMBER OF SEGMENTS TO PUBLICISE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SHOW.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE; VICE-CHAIRMAN, DR PANG HOK-TUEN; AND MEMBERS MR A.J. VAIL AND DR DANIEL NG.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH FORCES, LIEUTENANT COLONEL MALCOLM RATCLIFFE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR OSCAR TANG, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
A COCKTAIL RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE VIP LOUNGE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM PRIOR TO THE SHOW. IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE OFFICIATING GUESTS, CHAIRMEN OF THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER GUESTS.
AT THE RECEPTION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL PRESENT A SOUVENIR TO TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD WHILE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU, WILL RECEIVE A PLAQUE FROM THE COMPANY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM BY 8 PM.
A FIXED POSITION WILL BE PROVIDED INSIDE THE STADIUM FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE TELEVISION SHOW. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REMINDED TO BRING TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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REMINDER ON SALARIES TAX RETURNS
*****
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED SALARIED TAXPAYERS TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED SALARIES TAX RETURNS TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT MORE THAN 700,000 RETURNS FOR FINAL ASSESSMENT 1987-88 AND PROVISIONAL PAYMENT 1988-89 HAD BEEN ISSUED ON MAY 2.
/"FAILURE TO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25• 1988
’’FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED RETURNS BEFORE JUNE 1 IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES," HE STRESSED.
"MAKING AN INCORRECT OR FALSE RETURN WITH A FRAUDULENT INTENT TO EVADE TAX, OR TO ASSIST ANY OTHER PERSON TO DO SO, IS ALSO AN OFFENCE.
"ON CONVICTION, AN OFFENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTY, THE MAXIMUM BEING IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS AND A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
"THE COURT OF APPEAL HAS RECENTLY WARNED THAT, ON CONVICTION, THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE LIABLE TO AN IMMEDIATE CUSTODIAL SENTENCE."
ANY SALARIED TAXPAYER WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURN FORM OR WHO HAS ANY ENQUIRY IS ADVISED TO TELEPHONE 5-8942028, OR WRITE TO GPO BOX 132, HONG KONG.
- 0 - -
MTRC PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE ON DB AGENDA
♦ » » » ♦
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PEAK HOUR SURCHARGE PROPOSED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY; AND CONSIDER A PLAN TO CLOSE A FOOTPATH AT THE JUNCTION OF MA TAU WAI ROAD AND TAI WAN ROAD, AND TO BUILD A NEW FOOTPATH NEARBY.
THEY WILL BE CONSULTED ON A PLAN TO BUILD A 126-METRE-LONG PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY UNDER THE RAILWAY TRACKS IN KOWLOON TONG, BETWEEN THE TAT CHEE AVENUE EXTENSION AND THE KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION.
THE PROJECT IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO COPE WITH INCREASED PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC ARISING FROM THE OPENING OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
- - 0 - -
/J1
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 31 -
SHA TIN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY REPORT
* t « * t
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM, WILL ATTEND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO EXPLAIN THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY AND LISTEN TO MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
MEANWHILE, THE DB’S WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH PROGRAMME HAS PREPARED A REPORT ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE DISTRICT FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING.
THE REPORT WAS BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN LAST DECEMBER AND JANUARY ON 161 YOUNG PEOPLE, AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 16 YEARS, FROM 889 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE DISTRICT'S PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE RE-ORGANISATION OF ITS WORKING GROUPS IN THIS TERM. A TOTAL OF FIVE WORKING GROUPS HAD BEEN SET UP DURING THE LAST TERM COMMITTEE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME, THE PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR FUTURE MEETINGS, BUDGET ESTIMATES OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1988-89, AS WELL AS THE FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF DB SPONSORED ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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/32........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 52 -PRAISE FOR POK 01 HOSPITAL * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRAISED THE POK 01 HOSPITAL IN YUEN LONG FOR DIVERSIFYING ITS SERVICES TO MEET PUBLIC NEEDS.
HER WORDS OF PRAISE CAME DURING A COURTESY VISIT TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BY THE BORAD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HOSPITAL, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR TONY CHU.
MR CHU SAID THAT APART FROM STRENGTHENING OF SERVICES IN THE MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL FIELDS, THE HOSPITAL’S SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR INCLUDED A CHILD CARE CENTRE IN YUEN LONG AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TUEN MUN.
MRS WONG PLEDGED THAT HER DEPARTMENT WOULD CO-OPERATE WITH THE HOSPITAL SO THAT IT COULD ACHIEVE ITS TARGETS.
-------o ---------
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES
FOUR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE TO BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THI' FIRST SITE IS IK AREA 10B, KWAI CHUNG. MEASURING ABOUT 2,150 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE, (EXCLUDING STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS, PARKING AND/OR STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, CONTAINER TRACTORS \NI) TRAILERS \ND LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES) OR PLANT NURSERY.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE OTHER THREE SITES ARE XT D.D. 359 OF YAM O WAN, NORTHEAST LANTAI , WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,720.2 SQUARE METRES, 4,700.9 SQUARE METRES AND 9,336.B SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THEY ARE FOR STORAGE OF FLOATING LOGS ONLY. THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 10.
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/55
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 35 -
RESTRICTED ZONES IN HAPPY VALLEY AND WESTERN DISTRICT
*****
SEVERAL RESTRICTED ZONES WILL BE DESIGNATED IN HAPPY VALLEY AND WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
IN HAPPY VALLEY, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE PEAK HOUR (7 - 10 AM AND 4 - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES:
* THE NORTHERN SIDE OF YIK YAM STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 12 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH SING WOO ROAD;
* THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF YIK YAM STREET BETWEEN SHAN KWONG ROAD AND SING WOO ROAD;
* THE EASTERN SIDE OF SING WOO ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 19 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH YUEN YUEN STREET;
* THE WESTERN SIDE OF SING WOO ROAD BETWEEN YIK YAM STREET AND KING KWONG STREET;
» THE NORTHERN SIDE OF KING KWONG STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 14 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH SING WOO ROAD; AND
♦ THE SECTION OF TSOI TAK STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SING WOO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THAT JUNCTION.
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER THREE MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
THEY ARE THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WATER STREET TO ,A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, AND A 10-METRE STRETCH ALONG WATER STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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&...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25,
1988
TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR SHA TIN
*****
TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM FRIDAY, MAY 27, TO SERVE THE SHA TIN AREA, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PLYING BETWEEN SHA TIN KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION (PAI TAU STREET) AND JULIMOUNT GARDEN, ROUTE NO. 68K WILL OPERATE DAILY FROM 6.30 AM TO 11.30 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF 10 MINUTES. THE FARE WILL BE $2 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
THE OTHER ROUTE WILL BE NO. 69K RUNNING FROM SHA TIN KCR STATION (PAI TAU STREET) TO VILLE DE JARDIN/GREENWOOD TERRACE.
IT WILL ALSO OPERATE DAILY AT A 10-MINUTE INTERVAL BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 11.30 PM. THE FARE WILL BE $3 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
- - 0 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF POTTINGER STREET * ♦ * ♦ ♦
TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION Of- TRAFFIC SIGNAL DETECTOR LOOPS, POTTINGER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) TO 5 AM THE NEXT DAY.
\T THE SAME TIME, \ NUMBER OF CMB ROUTES WILL BE RE-ROUTED.
ON LEAVING CENTRAL BUS STATION, ROUTES 11 AND 25 WILL OPERATE V I A CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND COTTON TREE DRIVE TO JOIN QUEENSWAY.
ROUTES I, 7, AND 37 WILL TRAVEL THROUGH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL,
GILMAN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN VICTORIA STREET TO JOIN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
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/35
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1988
- 55 -
URBAN CLEARWAY AND ’NO ENTRY’ FOR HEAVY VEHICLES *****
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27), THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON KIMBERLEY ROAD EASTBOUND IN TSIM SHA TSUI, FROM A POINT ABOUT 27 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE LIFTED.
AT THE SAME TIME, IN SHEUNG SHUI, NO VEHICLES EXCEEDING FIVE TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER BAILEY BRIDGE N165 ACROSS NG TUNG RIVER NEAR LO WU CAMP AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
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RESTRICTED ZONE IN FACTORY STREET LIFTED
*****
THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 - 10 AM AND 4 - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE IN FACTORY STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
THE RESTRICTED ZONE IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FACTORY STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 17 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHURCH LANE AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT DETERMINED TO STEM II INFLUX: GOVERNOR ........... 1
CS VISITS INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ......................... 2
DECISION ON JUNK BAY PHASE III DEVELOPMENT ............ 2
PROHIBITION ON RHINO MEDICINAL PRODUCTS PLANNED ....... 3
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE SAFETY CODES OF SPORTS BODIES .... 4
MTRC, KCRC BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED TO TAC ............. 6
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS ..... 6
SPECIAL ARTICLE ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS PUBLISHED ............................................... 7
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED ..................... 8
EPD ADVISORY TEAMS VISITED 31? FaRMS .................. 8
POLICE OFFICERS GIVE BLOOD ............................ 9
SPECIAL SOUTHERN DB MEETING ON BOAT PEOPLE ............ 10
FILIPINA MaIDS A TARGET OF KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN ........ 10
YAU TSIM DISTRICT CLE-tN-UP CAMPAIGN ST/JITS ON SATURDAY .... 11
SECOND JOB BAZAAR OPENS SATURDAY ...................... 12
FIRE SERVICES TRIO COMMENDED .......................... 13
water cut in western district ......................... 13
ROJD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON ..............................
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HORNSEY RO^D IN MID-LEVELS........ 15
FANLING BYPASS INNER LaNE TO BE CLOSED FOR RO.iD WORKS
15
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
GOVT DETERMINED TO STEM 11 INFLUX:
GOVERNOR
♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO ITS UTMOST TO STEM THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND WILL CONTINUE ITS DETERMINED EFFORTS TO SEEK OUT, AND TAKE STRINGENT MEASURES AGAINST, PERSONS WHO ARRANGE FOR SUCH ARRIVALS.
THIS WAS THE CLEAR MESSAGE THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, GAVE TODA\ (THURSDAY) WHEN HE VISITED MARINE POLICE AND MILITARY PERSONNEL IN THE FRONTIER AREA TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE STOPPED AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDER.
AT SANDY SPUR COMPANY BASE, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED BY THE DEPUTY COMMANDER OF THE l« GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE, COLONEL MARK COOK, ON ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE BRITISH FORCES AT THE LAND BORDER.
SIR DAVID THEN VISITED A PLATOON BASE AT PAK HOK CHAU WHERE HE WAS GIVEN DEMONSTRATIONS ON VARIOUS TYPES OF SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT USED FOR ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION.
IN DEEP BAY, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED BY MR JOHN REGIONAL COMMANDER, MARINE, ON THE OPERATION OF MARINE INTERCEPTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, USING THE MOST ADVANCED WATER-JET BOATS AND RIGID-HULL INFLATABLE CRAFT.
MACDONALD, POLICE IN
MODELS OF
AFTER TRAVELLING IN BOTH TYPES OF VESSELS, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLICE OFFICERS WHO WERE AT THE FOREFRONT IN TACKLING THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM.
"THE VAST MAJORITY OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO TRY TO SNEAK ACROSS THE BORDER ARE CAUGHT ON THE SPOT," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, WE ARE DETERMINED TO ELIMINATE ANY SYNDICATED MOVE TO BRING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INTO THE TERRITORY AND TO PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE.”
SIR DAVID REITERATED THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED AND ANYONE FOUND REMAINING IN HONG KONG ILLEGALLY MAY ALSO FACE PROSECUTION," HE ADDED.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, 5,954 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED UP IN THE BORDER AREA.
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
2 -
CS VISITS INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT t » * » t
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT IN PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY.
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS EXLAINED THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING ITS INWARD INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME.
DURING A TOUR OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PREMISES, SIR DAVID TALKED TO STAFF OF THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE AND MET INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION PROJECT OFFICERS OF THE ONE STOP UNIT.
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DECISION ON JUNK BAY PHASE III DEVELOPMENT t ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED IN PRINCIPLE TO GO AHEAD WITH PHASE III OF THE JUNK BAY NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HOUSING FOR AN ADDITIONAL 115,000 PEOPLE WOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE DEVELOPMENT.
DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE FOR JUNK BAY NEW TOWN PHASE I AND PHASE II IS ABOUT $11,400 MILLION.
THE PHASE III DEVELOPMENT WOULD ADD ANOTHER $4,400 MILLION, BRINGING THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE TO $15,800 MILLION.
THIS WOULD COVER ENGINEERING AND RELATED WORKS, PUBLIC HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
MR KWOK SAID THAT WHEN PHASE III WAS COMPLETED, THE NEW TOWN’S POPULATION WOULD REACH 440,000.
"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT PHASE III WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 209 HECTARES IN FOUR DEVELOPMENT AREAS," HE SAID.
/’•PRIMARILY, IT
THURSDAYt MAY 26, 1988
- 3 -
'•PRIMARILY, IT WILL INVOLVE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE RENNIE'S MILL AREA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY INTO A NEW POPULATION CENTRE TO ACCOMMODATE 113,000 RESIDENTS.
"IT WILL BRING THE AREA UP TO MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND FIT IN WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S POLICY TO CLEAR ALL URBAN SQUATTER/COTTAGE AREAS BY THE MID-1990’S."
MR KWOK SAID A MAJOR FEATURE OF PHASE III WOULD BE THE CREATION OF A SITE FOR A POSSIBLE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
"FUNDS WILL BE SOUGHT TO APPOINT CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT A DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY TO LOOK INTO THE ENGINEERING, TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT," HE SAID.
THE APPROVAL OF PHASE III WOULD ALSO MEAN THE ASSURANCE OF A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION TO SERVICE THE NEW TOWN, HE SAID.
"WE SHOULD SEE THE COMMENCEMENT OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE FINALISATION OF A DEVELOPMENT SCHEME BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR AND START OF ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN 1990-91," HE ADDED.
MR KWOK SAID THE PROJECT MANAGER, DR Y.L. CHOI, WOULD PRESENT DETAILS OF PHASE III TO THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AT ITS MEETING NEXT WEEK.
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PROHIBITION ON RHINO MEDICINAL PRODUCTS PLANNED ♦ ♦ ♦ t »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AMEND THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE IMPORT, EXPORT, POSSESSION AND LOCAL SALE OF ALL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINOCEROS INGREDIENTS.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. CHEUNG.
IN VIEW OF THE IMPENDING PROHIBITION, MR CHEUNG ADVISED ALL LOCAL CHINESE MEDICINAL SHOPS AND TRADERS TO DISPOSE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF THEIR STOCKS OF MEDICINAL PRODUCTS CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINOCEROS INGREDIENTS AND STOP ORDERING SUCH PRODUCTS.
/’’AS THE
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
"AS THE NEW PROHIBITION WILL TAKE EFFECT IN THE NEAR FUTURE, IT IS THEREFORE IN THEIR INTEREST THAT THEY SHOULD DISPOSE OF THEIR STOCKS OF SUCH PRODUCTS AND NOT MAKE FURTHER ORDERS," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE NEW CONTROL MEASURE WAS BEING ARRANGED IN CONFORMITY WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) IN A WORLDWIDE EFFORT TO SAVE VARIOUS SPECIES OF RHINOCEROS FROM EXTINCTION.
"HONG KONG HAS ALREADY IMPOSED PROHIBITIONS ON THE IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF RHINOCEROS HORN, HIDE AND OTHER RHINOCEROS PARTS AND DERIVATIVES UNDER EXISTING LAW," HE SAID.
"THESE CONTROL MEASURES ARE BEING FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY INCLUDING ALL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RHINOCEROS CONTENT INTO THE PROHIBITION LIST."
VIOLATION OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE MAY RESULT IN HEAVY PENALTIES INCLUDING FINES, IMPRISONMENT AND FORFEITURE OF THE ITEMS.
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COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE SAFETY CODES OF SPORTS BODIES
*****
THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS WOULD TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN EXAMINING THE ADEQUACY OF CODES OF SAFETY AND OTHER MEASURES IN FORCE WITHIN SPORTS RELATED ORGANISATIONS, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR ROBERT WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE WORK AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES OF THE COMMITTEE, MR WILSON SAID A QUESTIONNAIRE WOULD SOON BE SENT TO SPORTS ORGANISATIONS TO ENQUIRE INTO THEIR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
WITH THEIR FEEDBACK, THE COMMITTEE COULD ADVISE SOME OF THE ORGANISATIONS ON WAYS TO IMPROVE SAFETY WITHIN THEIR SPORT, HE SAID.
"IN THIS WAY THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO RAISE THE AWARENESS OF SPORTS ORGANISATIONS OF THE NEED TO HAVE UP-TO-DATE COLES OF SAFET1 AND THE MEANS TO SUPERVISE AND ENFORCE THEM, SO AS TO REDUCE Illi' NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES TO THE MINIMUM," HE SAID.
/THE COMMITTEE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS IS A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT. IT IS FORMED TO CONSIDER SAFETY MATTERS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL AND TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
THE COMMITTEE RECENTLY COMPLETED A REPORT ON "LEARN-TO-SWIM" COURSES WHICH HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENDORSEMENT, MR WILSON SAID.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT, HE SAID, WERE AIMED AT REDUCING THE RISK OF THE DROWNING OF PARTICIPANTS IN LEARN-TO-SWIM COURSES AND IMPROVING THE SWIMMING ABILITY OF THE POPULATION.
IN LINE WITH THIS EMPHASIS, A GOVERNMENT API ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ON "LEARNING TO SWIM" WOULD SHORTLY BE SCREENED ON TELEVISION, MR WILSON SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON 1988 WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR JOHN FORTUNE, SAID MANY ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RECREATION AND SPORTS HAD BEEN FULLY APPRECIATED.
"IT IS ONLY SAFE TO SWIM WHERE THERE ARE PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SO THAT IF YOU DO GET INTO TROUBLE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT YOU WILL BE RESCUED," HE SAID.
AS THERE CONTINUED TO BE A GROWING INTEREST AND INCREASE IN THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATED IN WATER SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THERE WAS AN INCREASING NEED TO CONTINUE WITH THE WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN MESSAGE OF "PLAY SAFE, LEARN TO SWIM", HE SAID.
TO DRIVE HOME THE "PLAY SAFE" MESSAGE, A WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY WILL INCLUDE A SEA PARADE, VARIOUS WATER SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS AND A VIDEO SHOW.
♦
TURNING TO LAND SPORTS SAFETY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON 1988 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR PADDY BIRNEY, SAID IGNORANCE AND CARELESSNESS WERE OFTEN THE CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS IN SPORT.
SAFETY CAMPAIGNS, TARGETTING GROUPS AND AGENCIES IN A POSITION TO INSTRUCT OR TRAIN PARTICIPANTS IN LAND SPORTS, ARE THEREFORE STAGED VERY YEAR TO PROMOTE THE ’’PLAY SAFE” MESSAGE.
A SIMILAR LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN CONSISTING OF A CONFERENCE, AN EXHIBITION AND ACTIVITIES WAS BEING PLANNED AND WOULD BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
MTRC, KCRC BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED TO TAC
» « » * »
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC), FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR FROM JUNE 1.
THEY ARE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI.
MR YEUNG IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
MR WONG IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AND A MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW APPOINTMENTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THEY SHOULD FACILITATE A CLOSER WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TAC AND THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS AND IMPROVE THE CO-ORDINATION OF RAIL AND OTHER TRANSPORT SERVICES.
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EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS
» * » » *
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED A CHANGE IN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADMISSION OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
FROM JUNE 3 THIS YEAR, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS ATTESTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MUST CARRY A WAGE NOT BELOW $2,500 PER MONTH.
RE-ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS ATTESTED BEFORE JUNE 3 THIS YEAR MAY CARRY THE OLD RATE OF NOT LESS THAN $2,300 PER MONTH, BUT SUCH CONTRACTS MUST TAKE EFFECT NOT LATER THAN JUNE 27 THIS YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REVISION WAS IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT MARKET RATE FOR LOCAL DOMESTIC HELPERS.
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
SPECIAL ARTICLE ON SHIPPING
PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS PUBLISHED ♦ » * * »
THE MARCH 1988 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS OF HONG KONG".
THE ARTICLE GIVES A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS SYSTEM WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1983 FOR COMPILING THE TERRITORY’S SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS.
IT INCLUDES AN ACCOUNT OF THE TYPES OF STATISTICS AVAILABLE FROM THE SYSTEM, THE USES OF THE STATISTICS, THE SAMPLING METHOD FOR COMPILING THE STATISTICS, THE DATA SOURCES AND THE COVERAGE OF THE STATISTICS.
DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS, AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADE STATISTICS AND PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE ARTICLE ALSO PRESENTS A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS OF HONG KONG FROM 1983 TO 1987.
INCREASING TRENDS ARE OBSERVED FOR THE NUMBER OF 1NWARD/OUTWARD OCEAN-GOING VESSELS AND THEIR CAPACITY. THE TONNAGE OF SEABORNE CARGO DISCHARGED/LOADED IN HONG KONG ALSO EXHIBITED AN INCREASING TREND THROUGHOUT THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SHIPMENT, NAMELY INWARD DIRECT SHIPMENT, OUTWARD DIRECT SHIPMENT, INWARD TRANSHIPMENT AND OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, ARE FURTHER ANALYSED BY MAJOR COUNTRY OF LOADING/DISCHARGE AND BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY.
STATISTICS FOR SEABORNE CARGO CARRIED IN CONTAINERS (OR CONTAINERISED CARGO), WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AS FROM 1986, ARE ALSO PRESENTED IN THE ARTICLE.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $30 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENEAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STAT I ST ICS DEPARTMENT.
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
8
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED
♦ * » » ♦
MR LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, WAS TODAY (THURSDAY) RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN FOR THE 27TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, OF THE TAI PO ELECTORAL DISTRICT, WAS RE-ELECTED FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE KUK AND MR CHAN TIN-SUNG, OF THE SOUTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT, WAS ELECTED SECOND VICE-CHAIRMAN.
NO ELECTION WAS REQUIRED FOR ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE KUK AS THERE WERE FEWER THAN 15 COUNCILLORS TO FILL THE 15 VACANCIES.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE, THE 14 COUNCILLORS WHO HAD SIGNIFIED THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE AS ORDINARY MEMBERS WERE DECLARED DULY ELECTED.
THE 14 COUNCILLORS ARE MESSRS CHAN WING, CHAN SUEN AND WONG TAJ-HEI FROM SOUTH DISTRICT; TANG PU1-TAT, WONG CHUN-WAI, TANG TUNG AND CHOY KWAI-SANG FROM TAI PO DISTRICT; AND WOO CHEUNG, WONG MING-KWONG, TANG NAI-NAM, NG CHUNG-WAN, TANG PAK-YUI, MAN PING-NAM (ON LUNG VILLAGE) AND K.C. HO FROM YUEN LONG DISTRICT.
THE NEW TERM OF OFFICE, LASTING FOR THREE YEARS, WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 1.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR MICHAEL SUEN, WAS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR TODAY’S ELECTION WHICH WAS HELD BY SECRET BALLOT.
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EPD ADVISORY TEAMS VISITED 313 FARMS
♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EIGHT ADVISORY TEAMS, SET UP BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TO GIVE TECHNICAL ADVICE ON LIVESTOCK WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS, HAVE VISITED ALL THE LIVESTOCK FARMS OPERATING IN THE FIRST THREE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS.
THE FIRST THREE CONTROL AREAS COVER THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL CATCHMENT, AND THE MUI WO AND ANGLER’S BEACH AREAS.
SINCE MID-MARCH THIS YEAR, THE ADVISORY TEAMS HAVE VISITED A TOTAL OF 313 FARMS.
/FARMERS HAVE
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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FARMERS HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE DETAILS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME AND THE TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP THEM TO CONTINUE BUSINESS AND COMPLY WITH CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.
LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THESE AREAS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN VISITED BY THE ADVISORY TEAMS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT EPD ON 0-6584471.
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POLICE OFFICERS GIVE BLOOD *****
WHEN EVEN ONLY A DROP OF BLOOD DONATED CAN HELP SAVE A PERSON FROM APPROACHING DOOM, IT WAS AN ANGELIC ACT FOR MORE THAN 800 POLICE OFFICERS TO DONATE BLOOD EN MASSE TO ACCOMPLISH THE NOBLE TASK OF SAVING LIFE.
IN RESPONSE TO THE RED CROSS CALL FOR BLOOD DONATION, 810 POLICE OFFICERS FLOODED A MAKESHIFT BLOOD COLLECTION CENTRE AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL (PTS) AND LEFT THE BLOODBANK OVERFLOWING WITH MORE THAN 800 UNITS OF FRESH BLOOD.
IMPRESSED BY THE ENTHUSISM OF THE OFFICERS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, CALLED AT THE PTS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON AND PRAISED THE CONGREGATION FOR THEIR GENEROUS DEED.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS A RECORD FOR THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, IN TERMS OF THE AMOUNT OF BLOOD COLLECTED AND THE NUMBER OF DONORS. HE SAID THAT EVEN MEMBERS OF THE RED CROSS BLOOD COLLECTING TEAM WERE SO MOVED BY THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE CRIME FIGHTERS THAT THEY DID NOT MIND SPENDING TWO DAYS THERE TO COLLECT BLOOD.
IT IS HOPED THAT SUCH AN EXEMPLARY PARTICIPATION COULD STIMULATE OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THE RED CROSS,THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/10
1
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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SPECIAL SOUTHERN DB MEETING ON BOAT PEOPLE * * * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
THE MEETING HAS BEEN CONVENED IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY BOARD MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPECIAL SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-1 I NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN. IT WILL START AT 2.15 PM.
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FILIPINA MAIDS A TARGET OF KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN
*****
FILIPINA MAIDS GATHERING IN CENTRAL WILL BE ONE OF THE TARGETS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY (MAY 29).
AFTER A CEREMONY AT THE STATUE SQUARE TO START OFF THE CAMPAIGN, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, URBAN COUNCILLORS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND STUDENTS WEARING BRIGHT CAMPAIGN T-SHIRTS WILL GIVE OUT PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND STICKERS TO FILIPINA MAIDS IN THE AREA.
THE LEAFLETS WILL CARRY THE "KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN" MESSAGE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND TAGALOG, THE FILIPINO NATIVE LANGUAGE.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE DISTRICT NEXT MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE SPECIAL SERVICES TO HELP RESIDENTS DISPOSE OF BULKY GARBAGE. ALSO, A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE SET UP THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
/OFFICIATING* AT.........
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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OFFICIATING AT THE CAMPAIGN’S OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY WILL BE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU HON-CHUEN; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HONG KONG) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN CHIE-SUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) AT THE STATUE SQUARE.
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YAU TS1M DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTS ON SATURDAY « t t * *
A "BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN" WILL START IN YAU Till DISTRICT ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) TO DRAW RESIDENTS' ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
A CEREMONY MARKING THE START OF THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE HENRY G.LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, AT 2.30 PM ON THAT DAY.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR KWAN LIM-HO; AND THE DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (YAU MA TEI) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN TAJ-YIU. THEY WILL HELP DISPOSE GARBAGE AFTER THE CEREMONY.
THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
DURING THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS, HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND STAFF OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE WILL INSPECT BUILDINGS TO IDENTIFY ANY INCORRECT WAYS OF DISPOSING REFUSE. THEY WILL ALSO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE PROPER WAYS OF REFUSE DISPOSAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT "BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN" TO BE HELD AT THE BASKETBALL COURT OF THE HENRY G.LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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SECOND JOB BAZAAR OPENS SATURDAY ♦ * ♦ *
A FOUR-DAY JOB BAZAAR WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN UPDATED JOB INFORMATION ON A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES WILL BE HELD AT THE CITYPLAZA, TA1KOO SHING, BEGINNING FROM SATURDAY (MAY 28).
THIS FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS OF A SIMILAR EVENT ORGANISED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN SHA TIN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE JOB BAZAAR WAS A NEW CONCEPT TO HELP EMPLOYERS PUBLICISE THEIR JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND TO ATTRACT JOB-SEEKERS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT.
HE RECALLED THAT DURING THE THREE-DAY PERIOD WHEN THE FIRST JOB BAZAAR WAS HELD, MORE THAN 75,700 APPLICATION FORMS WERE DISTRIBUTED BY THE 16 PARTICIPATING COMPANIES, 9,100 ENQUIRIES WERE RECORDED, 510 ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED, AND $10 FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS WERE ARRANGED.
"IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS VERY FAVOURABLE RESPONSE THAT THE DEPARTMENT DECIDES TO HOLD A SECOND JOB BAZAAR ON HONG KONG ISLAND SO AS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND STAFF RECRUITMENT IN THE URBAN AREAS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE ALSO HOPE THAT THE EVENT WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF THE LABOUR SHORTAGE OF SOME EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID 20 FIRMS REPRESENTING 16 DIFFERENT TRADES WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE FORTHCOMING EVENT.
THESE INCLUDE HOTEL, BANKING, FOOD MANUFACTURING, ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, CARPARK MANAGEMENT, HAIR-STYLE DESIGN, SUPERMARKET AND RETAILING.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND JOB BAZAAR ON SATURDAY.
IT WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 9 PM ON THE SAME DAY, FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY, AND FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM ON TUESDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CENTRAL BRIDGE, SECOND FLOOR, CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING, AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
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FIRE SERVICES TRIO COMMENDED
*****
A FIRE OFFICER AND TWO FIREMEN WERE COMMENDED TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THEIR ACTION AND COURAGE IN PREVENTING A WOMAN FROM JUMPING FROM A HIGH-RISE BUILDING RECENTLY.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING, OFFICIATED AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT TIN SUM FIRE STATION.
HE PRESENTED THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION TO SENIOR STATION OFFICER LAM KAI-CHEONG FOR HIGH MERIT IN LEADERSHIP AND TO FIREMAN LAU YING-CHEUK AND TO FIREMAN TAM TZE-HONG FOR THEIR DEVOTION TO DUTY.
ON APRIL 8, A 21-YEAR-OLD WOMAN THREATENED TO JUMP FROM THE 25TH FLOOR IN A HOUSING BLOCK IN MEI LAM ESTATE AT TAI WAI, SHA TIN.
WHEN FIREMEN ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, THEY SAW THE WOMAN PERCHED ON THE CANOPY OF THE BUILDING.
UNDER A RESCUE PLAN DEVISED BY MR LAM, THE TWO FIREMEN SEIZED THE WOMAN AND PULLED HER TO SAFETY AFTER DESCENDING FROM AN UPPER FLOOR BY ROPES AND WATERPIPES.
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WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT
♦ * * » »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK. |
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, EASTERN STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, MORRISON STREET, THE- WATERFRONT, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, BELCHER’S STREET AND BELCHER GARDENS.
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
14
ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON *****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD AT DERBY ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28):
* THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH ESSEX CRESCENT, AND THE FLYOVER ON WATERLOO ROAD ACROSS PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR SHA TIN MAY MAKE USE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, EMBANKMENT ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, CUMBERLAND ROAD, RUTLAND QUADRANT AND WATERLOO ROAD.
* WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN DURHAM ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES FROM LION ROCK TUNNEL HEADING FOR CENTRAL KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WATERLOO ROAD, DURHAM ROAD, LA SALLE ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND WATERLOO ROAD.
* THE RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM RUTLAND QUADRANT ONTO WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, AND THE LEFT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM LANCASHIRE ROAD ONTO WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
» THE KERBSIDE BUS LANE ON NORTHBOUND WATERLOO ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WILL BE SUSPENDED.
* ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ESSEX CRESCENT, CUMBERLAND ROAD AND LA SALLE ROAD.
MEANWHILE, IN KWUN TONG, TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE LAMPS AND THE REPAIR OF LIGHTING INSTALLATION, THE VEHICULAR UNDERPASS AT KWUN TONG ROAD UNDER KWUN TONG MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
-----o------
/15
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1988
- 15 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HORNSEY ROAD IN MID-LEVELS
* t I »
TO FACILITATE CABLE-LAYING WORKS, HORNSEY ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 2 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CONDUIT ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROBINSON ROAD.
-----0------
FANLING BYPASS INNER LANE TO BE CLOSED FOR ROAD WORKS
» » t » *
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE INNER TRAFFIC LANE OF FANLING BYPASS (TAI PO ROAD FANLING SECTION) BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND FANLING KCR STATION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR GEOFFREY HOWETO ARRIVE ON SUNDAY .......................... 1
PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE INAUGURATED ......................... 3
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (aMENEMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED........ 5
FEES FOR AUTHORISATION /ND MONITORING OF MUTUAL FUNDS, UNIT TRUSTS .................................................... 6
AMENDMENTS CONCERNING HK POLYTECHNIC, BlJTIST COLLEGE GAZETTED ....................................................... 7
AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 PUBLISHED ......................... 8
INSOLVENCY FUND TO GIVE GREATER PROTECTION ..................... 9
DISTINCTIVE CH-^RiCTER OF STANLEY TO BE PRESERVED.............. 10
RECLiJ-UTION AT KWUN TONG PROPOSED............................. 12
ORDINANCE ASSURES PROPER TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES.............. 13
POLICE TO TaKE TOUGHER ACTION aGAINST Il'S .................... 14
SaSI PRaISES AUXILIaRY POLICE OFFICERS ........................ 15
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO MEET ON JUNE 15 ........................ 15
HONG KONG/KOREA CUSTOMS CONFERENCE ENDS ....................... 16
TV SHOW DISSEMINaTES CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGES ................. 16
THREE MARINE POLICE OFFICERS COMMENDED ........................ 17
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUaLIFY ............................. 18
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE........................................ 19
SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO BE REBUILT ..................... 20
CHaIRMEN OF TAI PO DB COMMITTEES ELECTED ...................... 20
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN CW................... 21
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN KOWLOON CITY ....................... 22
TWO NT LOTS TO BE SOLD BY TENDER .............................. 23
SPECIaL STaMP ISSUE ON HONG KONG TREES ........................ 25
NEW I.D. CARDS FOR MEN BORN Di 1953, 1951*, 1969 .............. 25
TEMPORARY TRaFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN ................ 26
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 1 -
SIR GEOFFREY HOWE TO ARRIVE ON SUNDAY
* ♦ » »
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, WILL ARRIVE ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) TO BEGIN A THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.
SIR GEOFFREY WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON DEVELOPMENTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE HIS LAST VISIT TO HONG KONG SOME TWO YEARS AGO.
APART FROM MEETING SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, OMELCO MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION, THE SECRETARY OF STATE WILL VISIT GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CAMP TO SEE FOR HIMSELF CONDITIONS AT THESE CENTRES AND TO SEE HOW HONG KONG TACKLES THE PROBLEM.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A HELICOPTER TOUR TO SEE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, IN PARTICULAR THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, A VISIT TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND A LUNCH MEETING WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS.
HE WILL ALSO ATTEND AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 31) AND WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON BEFORE ATTENDING A DINNER WITH OMELCO MEMBERS. HE WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE SAME EVENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER A NUMBER OF SIR GEOFFREY’S PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ISSUED SPECIAL PRESS BADGES BY GIS WHEN COVERING THESE FUNCTIONS. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY AS THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO SECURITY CHECKS. THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
BECAUSE OF CROWD CONTROL AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, THERE WILL BE FIXED PRESS POSITIONS TO COVER MOST OF SIR GEOFFREY’S PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.
SUNDAY (MAY 29)
ARRIVAL AT KAI TAK
SIR GEOFFREY AND LADY HOWE ARE SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG BY FLIGHT CX 902 FROM MANILA ON SUNDAY EVENING. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 8 PM.
/Monday (may y>) .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27» 1988
- 2
MONDAY (MAY 30)
CHI MA WAN CLOSED CAMP AND REFUGEE CENTRE AT GREEN ISLAND
SIR GEOFFREY WILL FIRST VISIT CHI MA WAN CLOSED CAMP AND THEN PROCEED TO GREEN ISLAND IN THE MORNING. PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITIES WILL BE ARRANGED FOR BOTH VISITS.
A SPECIALLY CHARTERED HYF HOVERCRAFT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER FOR CHI MA WAN AT 9 AM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING *TO COVER THIS EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE PIER AT 8.45 AM. THE HOVERCRAFT WILL RETURN TO QUEEN’S PIER BY 1 PM.
LUNCH WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS
AFTER VISITING THE REFUGEE CENTRES, SIR GEOFFREY WILL ATTEND A LUNCH FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS, WHICH IS TO BE HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SLR DAVID FORD, IN THE CONNAUGHT ROOM, SECOND FLOOR OF THE MANDARIN HOTEL.
SIR GEOFFREY IS EXPECTED TO GIVE A SPEECH TOWARDS THE END OF THE LUNCH. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER HIS SPEECH SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE HOTEL LOBBY AT 1.15 PM. ELECTRONIC MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO RECORD THE SPEECH ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT 11.15 AM TO SET UP THEIR RECORDING EQUIPMENT BEFORE THE LUNCH STARTS AT 12.30 PM. FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE LUNCH.
VISIT TO CONTAINER PORT
IN THE AFTERNOON, SIR GEOFFREY WILL VISIT THE MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED IN KWAI CHUNG. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CARPARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AT 2.30 PM TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO KWAI CHUNG. THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY TO THE TERMINAL ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE MTL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING BY 3.30 PM.
TUESDAY (MAY 31)
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
ON TUESDAY MORNING, SIR GEOFFREY WILL ATTEND A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD. THERE WILL BE A FIXED PRESS POSITION IN THE LOBBY OF THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO CGO FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER SIR GEOFFREY’S ARRIVAL AT 9.30 AM AND DEPARTURE AT 10.30 AM.
/VISIT TO .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
VISIT TO HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
AFTER ATTENDING THE EXCO MEETING, SIR GEOFFREY WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE POLYTECHNIC’S PODIUM OUTSIDE CORE B BY 10.15 AM. STR GEOFFREY WILL TOUR THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE AND WILL MEET STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES AT THE END OF THE TOUR. THERE WILL BE FIVE PRESS POSITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE VISIT.
PRESS CONFERENCE
SIR GEOFFREY IS SCHEDULED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL AT 4.30 PM.
AS SPACE IS LIMITED, EDITORS SHOULD NOTE THAT ADMISSION WILL BE ON THE BASIS OF ONE REPORTER PER ORGANISATION. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE PRECEDED BY A BRIEF PHOTO CALL.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BY 4.15 PM AT THE LATEST AS THERE WILL BE THE USUAL SECURITY CHECKS.
GIS WILL ISSUE A TRANSCRIPT OF SIR GEOFFREY’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN BOTH LANGUAGES THROUGH THE TELEPRINTER NETWORK.
DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG
SIR GEOFFREY AND LADY HOWE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG IN THE EVENING BY FLIGHT BA 20 FOR LONDON. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING SIR GEOFFREY’S DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 8.15 PM.
-----0------
PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE INAUGURATED
*****
THE CREATION OF A PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TURNS A NEW PAGE IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY CENTRE LTD, MR JACOBS SAID THE CENTRE WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICE FOR USE BY ALL SECTORS OF THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY, INCLUDING THOSE FIRMS WHICH USED PLASTICS AS PART OF A PRODUCT.
/"I HAVE
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS WILL ENCOURAGE THEIR MEMBER FIRMS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE CENTRE, AND THEIR PARTICIPATION WILL, IN TURN, ENSURE THAT THE CENTRE RESPONDS TO THE INDUSTRY’S NEEDS IN A TIMELY AND EFFICIENT MANNER,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THE IDEA TO SET UP THE CENTRE WAS CONCLUDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AFTER IT HAD CONSIDERED THE FINDINGS OF TWO SURVEYS AND FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE VARIOUS PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS AND RELATED PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES.
THE FIRST STUDY WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN MAY 1985 ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD. THE CONSULTANTS RECOMMENDED THE CREATION OF AN ORGANISATION THAT COULD HELP THE INDUSTRY TO MODERNISE AND UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES.
"AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME AS THIS RECOMMENDATION WAS RECEIVED, CHEN HSONG MACHINERY CO LTD TOOK THE INITIATIVE OF ASKING THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A SIMILAR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITY.
"THE POLYTECHNIC STUDY CONCLUDED THAT SUCH A CENTRE WOULD BE FEASIBLE, AND THAT IT COULD FULFIL A VALUABLE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ROLE THROUGH CONTRACT RESEARCH AND BY PROVIDING A RANGE OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID A PROVISIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAS SET UP LAST JUNE TO PLAN FOR THE CREATION OF THE CENTRE.
HE SAID THE PROVISIONAL BOARD, IN ACCOMPLISHING THIS TASK, HAD ACHIEVED "A CONVINCING DEMONSTRATION OF HOW INDUSTRY, ACADEMIA AND GOVERNMENT CAN WORK TOGETHER”.
"TO THE VERY GENEROUS DONATION OF $10 MILLION FROM CHEN HSONG WILL BE ADDED A CAPITAL GRANT OF $12.8 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
"THIS SUM WILL PROVIDE THE SEED MONEY FOR A COMPANY WHICH WILL, THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, PROVIDE THE INDUSTRY WITH THE TECHNOLOGY IT NEEDS TO MOVE UP-MARKET," HE SAID.
THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON MATERIALS, PRODUCTS TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY. IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS A FOCAL POINT THROUGH WHICH THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY CAN CONSULT WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS PROVIDING CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY.
THE COMPANY’S SERVICES AND FACILITIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FACTORY OPERATORS WHO BECOME MEMBERS, AND THEY WILL RECEIVE PERIODICALLY A MAGAZINE WHICH WILL PUBLICISE THE COMPANY’S SERVICES AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN PLASTICS CONVERSION.
/IN ADDITION
FRIDAY, MAY 27. 1988
- 5 -
IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY WILL ALSO INTRODUCE NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND MARKETS TO MEMBERS, BY MEANS OF CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, TRAINING COURSES, EXHIBITIONS, OVERSEAS MISSIONS, AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES ON AREAS SUCH AS ENGINEERING DESIGN, AUTOMATION AND QUALITY CONTROL.
IT WILL ALSO MATCH THE REQUIREMENTS OF POTENTIAL OVERSEAS AND LOCAL BUYERS WITH MEMBERS POSSESSING THE RELEVANT TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES.
- 0 ---------
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED
* » » * »
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE EMERGENCY RELIEF. FUND ORDINANCE TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR PREPARING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND FOR THE AUDITING OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BILL WAS AIMED AT AMENDING THE TIME SCHEDULE FOR TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND FROM SEPTEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 31.
’’EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE TIME REQUIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR CROSS-CHECKING RETURNS FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND FOR PREPARING THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS, PLUS THE TWO MONTHS NEEDED FOR AUDIT CERTIFICATION, MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE ACCOUNTS TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SUMMER RECESS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 1.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE AMENDMENT CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, SEVENTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
6
FEES FOR AUTHORISATION AND MONITORING OF MUTUAL FUNDS, UNIT TRUSTS *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION OF APPLICATION, AUTHORISATION AND ANNUAL FEES FOR UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS.
DETAILS WERE CONTAINED IN THE SECURITIES (MISCELLANEOUS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR, AN INITIAL FEE OF $10,000 WOULD BE PAYABLE BY EACH OF THESE FUNDS UPON APPLICATION. A FURTHER FEE OF $5,000 WOULD BE CHARGED UPON AUTHORISATION AND AN ANNUAL FEE OF $2,700 PAYABLE AT THE SAME TIME.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DECISION TO LEVY FEES FOR THE AUTHORISATION AND MONITORING OF MUTUAL FUNDS AND UNIT TRUSTS WAS IN KEEPING WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF RECOVERING ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FOR SERVICES PROVIDED WHEREVER APPROPRIATE.
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS WERE AUTHORISED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
"AUTHORISATION IS GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE ON UNIT TRUSTS,” HE SAID.
"THE UNIT TRUST SECTION OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE WHICH REPORTS TO THE COMMITTEE EXAMINES ALL APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORISATION TO ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE HONG KONG CODE ON UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS AND MONITORS ADVERTISEMENTS MADE BY ALL AUTHORISED FUNDS.
"THE FEES WILL RECOVER THE COST OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES," HE ADDED.
ON THE SYSTEM OF FEES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID FEES WOULD BE PAYABLE AT THREE STAGES: UPON APPLICATION, BEFORE AN AUTHORISATION CAN TAKE EFFECT AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER.
"EACH CONSTITUENT SUB-FUND OF AN UMBRELLA FUND TOGETHER WITH THE PARENT FUND WILL BE TREATED AS A SEPARATE FUND AND WILL ATTRACT THE APPROPRIATE FEE," HE SAID.
UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS WHICH HAVE ALREADY APPLIED AND ARE NOW IN THE QUEUE FOR PROCESSING WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE APPLICATION FEE. HOWEVER THE AUTHORISATION AND ANNUAL FEES WOULD BE CHARGED.
"THOSE FUNDS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN AUTHORISED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE ANNUAL FEES."
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
7 -
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ALL AUTHORISED UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS MUST, WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REGULATIONS, PAY AN ANNUAL FEE OF $2,700 TO THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR AUTHORISATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FAILURE TO PAY THE ANNUAL FEE WOULD LEAD TO DE-AUTHORISATION. FEES PAYABLE FOR RESTORATION OF AUTHORISATION WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE FOR A FRESH APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION.
"THE SECURITIES COMMISSION WILL GIVE NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE OF AUTHORISATION AND DE-AUTHORISATION OF ANY UNIT TRUST OR/AND MUTUAL FUND. A FULL LIST OF ALL AUTHORISED FUNDS WILL BE GAZETTED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE ON UNIT TRUSTS OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND HAD ACCEPTED THE NEW FEES. THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
-------0 ---------
AMENDMENTS CONCERNING HK POLYTECHNIC, BAPTIST COLLEGE GAZETTED » * * » *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS SEEKING TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE ACADEMIC AWARDS AND HONORARY AWARDS WHICH THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE MAY CONFER INCLUDE DEGREES AND HONORARY DEGREES.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS COMMON PRACTICE FOR A TERTIARY INSTITUTION TO CONFER HONORARY DEGREES, INCLUDING HONORARY DOCTORATES, TO GIVE PUBLIC RECOGNITION TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THAT INSTITUTION OR TO THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH IT WAS ESTABLISHED, OR TO THE FURTHERANCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING.
OVER THE YEARS, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAVE PAID SUCH TRIBUTE TO SOME 160 EMINENT ACADEMICS AND PROMINENT COMMUNITY LEADERS. THE POWER TO CONFER SUCH HONOURS IS PROVIDED FOR IN THEIR ORDINANCES.
/THE HONG KONG........
FRIDAY, MAY 2?, 1988
8
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG ARE SIMILARLY EMPOWERED.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ORDINANCE AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE ORDINANCE WILL CONFER SIMILAR POWER TO THE TWO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDING LEGISLALTION WILL MEAN THAT ALL SIX TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO CONFER HONORARY DEGREES INCLUDING HONORARY DOCTORATES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE BILLS SHOULD WRITE TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THIRD FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
-----o------
AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 PUBLISHED *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE AUDIT ORDINANCE TO MAKE IT STATUTORY FOR THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT TO CERTIFY THE ACCOUNTS OF CERTAIN FUNDS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE ACCOUNTS OF THESE FUNDS WOULD THEN BE REQUIRED TO BE LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 12 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT SIX FUNDS SET UP UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE. THEY ARE THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, THE LOTTERIES FUND, THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND, THE STUDENT LOAN FUND, THE MASS TRANSIT FUND AND THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE AUDIT ORDINANCE, ONLY THE STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND WERE REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT FOR CERTIFICATION AND, AFTER WHICH, BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIMILAR PROVISIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR IN THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF THE LOTTERIES FUND.
/"THE STATEMENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
"THE STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS IN RESPECT OF THE OTHER FUNDS ARE SUBMITTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND ARE EXAMINED AND AUDITED BY THE LATTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUDIT ORDINANCE.
"HOWEVER, THERE IS NO STATUTORY PROVISION FOR THEIR CERTIFICATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT BILL WAS TO MAKE PROVISIONS IN THE AUDIT ORDINANCE TO EXPRESSLY REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO TRANSMIT ACCOUNT STATEMENTS TO THE DIRECTOR OF ADUIT FOR THE FUNDS, OTHER THAN THE LOTTERIES FUND, SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 29 OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
IT WOULD ALSO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT TO CERTIFY THE ACCOUNTS OF THOSE FUNDS WHICH WOULD THEN BE LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8.
-----0------
INSOLVENCY FUND TO GIVE GREATER PROTECTION
*****
THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO MAKE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE OWED WAGES OR WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE AMOUNTING TO $5,000 OR LESS, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, A BANKRUPTCY PETITION (IF THE EMPLOYER IS AN INDIVIDUAL) OR A WINDING-UP PETITION (IF THE EMPLOYER IS A COMPANY) MUST BE PRESENTED BEFORE ANY PAYMENT COULD BE MADE FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
HOWEVER, NO BANKRUPTCY PETITION MAY BE MADE UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE IF THE DEBT OR THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF DEBTS DOES NOT EXCEED $5,000.
"THE BILL THEREFORE GIVES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR THE POWER TO MAKE EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS UNABLE TO PRESENT A BANKRUPTCY PETITION AGAINST HIS INSOLVENT EMPLOYER SOLELY BECAUSE THE DEBT DOES NOT EXCEED $5,000," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT MONTH.
------0 ------- /10........................
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
10
DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF STANLEY TO BE PRESERVED * t t » *
THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND IS TO BE PRESERVED AMIDST DEVELOPMENTS OR REDEVELOPMENTS.
A DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AIMING AT MAINTAINING THE EXISTING CHARACTER OF STANLEY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS WHICH CAN FURTHER ADD TO THIS DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THIS PLAN WAS THE LAST IN THE SERIES FOR THIS PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND ITS PUBLICATION ALSO MARKED THE COMPLETION OF PLANS PREPARED BY THE BOARD TO COVER THE MAIN URBAN AREA.
THE AREA COVERED IS BOUNDED BY THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK TO THE NORTH, AND COMPRISES THE ENTIRE STANLEY PENINSULA AND THE CHUNG HOM KOK AREA, WITH A TOTAL LAND AREA OF ABOUT 395 HECTARES.
"IN ORDER TO RETAIN THE EXISTING CHARACTER AND AMENITY, SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDING HEIGHT, SITE COVERAGE AND PLOT RATIO HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ENSURE THAT NEW DEVELOPMENTS OR REDEVELOPMENTS WILL CONFORM TO THE EXISTING PATTERN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"OTHER SIGNIFICANT LANDMARKS SUCH AS THE STANLEY FORT, STANLEY PRISON AND THE TELECOMMUNICATION SATELLITE STATION HAVE ALSO BEEN RETAINED," HE ADDED.
TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING ATTRACTIONS OF STANLEY AS A RESIDENTIAL, RECREATIONAL AND SHOPPING AREA, PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE PLAN TO PROVIDE BETTER HOUSING AND MORE EFFICIENT TRANSPORT IN THE AREA.
SQUATTERS IN MA HANG VALLEY WILL BE REMOVED WITH A VIEW TO RECTIFYING EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY PIG REARING AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIES IN THE VALLEY.
IN THEIR PLACE WILL BE A LOW-RISE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO ACCOMMODATE PRIMARILY THE EXISTING SQUATTER RESIDENTS, WITH SOME ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE STANLEY AREA. THIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WILL COVER AN AREA OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES.
TO ENSURE THAT THE SCALE OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WILL BE TUNED IN WITH THE EXISTING LANDFORMS, THE ADJOINING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE AREA’S INFRASTRUCTURE, A MAXIMUM HEIGHT LIMIT OF 12 STOREYS APPLIES AND THE POPULATION TO BE HOUSED WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ABOUT 8,000 PEOPLE.
/A NEW .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
11
A NEW COASTAL PARK, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT FIVE HECTARES AND LOCATED TO THE IMMEDIATE SOUTHWEST OF THE HOUSING ESTATE, HAS BEEN PROPOSED. THIS PARK MAY INCLUDE A SEA-FRONT PROMENADE LINKING TO THE STANLEY BEACH.
ON TRANSPORT, THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING TRAFFIC CIRCULATION INCLUDE A NEW ROAD FROM STANLEY TO CHUNG HOM KOK THROUGH MA HANG VALLEY, WHICH WILL SERVE THE FUTURE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AS WELL.
IN ADDITION, THE PLAN ALSO PROPOSES A NEW PEDESTRIAN STREET RUNNING FROM WONG MA KOK ROAD TO THE SEA FRONT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE MARKET/SHOPP1NG BAZAAR.
ANOTHER PEDESTRIAN STREET AT THE SOUTHWESTERN END OF STANLEY NEW STREET IS ALSO PROPOSED TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF MARKET SHOPPERS.
WHILE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEDESTRIAN STREET PROPOSAL IS STILL SUBJECT TO MORE DETAILED STUDY, IT IS INTENDED THAT BOTH PEDESTRIAN STREETS WILL BE OPEN TO EMERGENCY AND SERVICE VEHICLES.
THE POPULATION OF THE PLANNING AREA, AT ABOUT 15,400 AT PRESENT, IS EXPECTED TO REACH 19,000 ON FULL DEVELOPMENT.
TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY RESIDENTS IN STANLEY, TO UNDERSTAND THE PLAN BETTER, AN EXHIBITION SHOWING THE MAIN PROPOSALS TOGETHER WITH A MODEL OF THE MA HANG PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WILL BE HELD FOR TWO MONTHS, STARTING TODAY.
IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD.
THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT:
* THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG;
» THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND
» THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS TO THE DRAFT PLAN SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING AND FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON OR BEFORE JULY 26 THIS YEAR.
FRIDAY, MAY 27,
1988
- 12 -
RECLAMATION AT KWUN TONG PROPOSED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM A STRIP OF LAND FROM THE SEAWALL ADJACENT TO HOI BUN R(aD IN KWUN TONG FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF HOI BUN ROAD CARGO WORKING AREA.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE THE DEMOLITION OF THE KWUN TONG PASSENGER FERRY PIER, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PASSENGER FERRY PIER ABOUT 85 METRES SOUTHEAST OF THE EXISTING ONE.
AN EXTENSION OF THE VEHICULAR RAMP OF THE KWUN TONG VEHICULAR FERRY PIER WILL BE PROVIDED.
ALL THIS WORK WILL BE LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF THE KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER.
THE PROJECT WILL FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II INFRASTRUCTURE.
WORKS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT THE' END OF 1990.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED SHOULD SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY JULY 26.
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/13
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
ORDINANCE ASSURES PROPER TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO ENTER INTO APPRENTICESHIP ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, THAT THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN PROPER TRAINING AND NECESSARY COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS MUST DRAW UP AN APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACT WHEN ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14-19 IN ANY ONE OF THE 42 DESIGNATED TRADES AND HAVE IT REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TEIT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
INSPECTORS FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL PAY REGULAR VISITS TO ALL REGISTERED APPRENTICES TO SUPERVISE THEIR TRAINING PROGRESS AND TO ASSIST EMPLOYERS IN DEALING WITH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM SUCH TRAINING.
THEY ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE APPRENTICES ARE EMPLOYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND THE EMPLOYERS HAVE DISCHARGED THEIR OBLIGATIONS IN FULL.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED ALL EMPLOYERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE INSPECTORS WHEN THEY VISIT THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS.
AN INSPECTOR OF APPRENTICES CARRIES WITH HIM A WARRANT AND A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD. HE WILL PRODUCE THEM WHEN VISITING PREMISES FOR INSPECTION.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION, WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE:
HONG KONG BRANCH OFFICE: 5-8932341, EXT. 351; TO KWA WAN BRANCH OFFICE: 3-7151603; TSIM SHA TSUI BRANCH OFFICE: 3-667612; TSUEN WAN BRANCH OFFICE: 0-297908; KWUN TONG BRANCH OFFICE: 3-491225
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FRIDAY, MAY 27,
1 S?8H
- 14 -
POLICE TO TAKE TOUGHER ACTION AGAINST Il’S
*****
POLICE WILL TAKE TOUGHER ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WORKING IN THE TERRITORY OR COMING IN BY SEA IN SELF-ORGANISED GROUPS.
GIVING THE WARNING TODAY (FRIDAY), A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTHORITY WOULD CONSIDER TAKING OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EMPLOYED IN ALL TRADES, APART FROM THOSE HIRED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT A GROUP OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN A TIMBER FACTORY IN SHEUNG SHUI ON MAY 23 WILL BE CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY REMAINING IN THE TERRITORY UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
THE OFFENCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF THREE YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5,000, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SELF-ORGANISED GROUPS WHO COME IN ILLEGALLY EVEN WITHOUT THE HELP OF "SNAKEHEADS" WOULD BE CHARGED WITH "CONSPIRACY TO LAND", HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENSION OF PROSECUTION TO COVER GROUPS OTHER THAN THOSE WORKING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES FOLLOWED THE SUCCESSFUL LEGAL ACTION AGAINST 67 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EMPLOYED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
HE SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HIDING SEEMED TO BE FEELING THE PINCH OF THE NEW MEASURE.
SINCE THE COURT CONVICTION ON MAY 13, A TOTAL OF 78 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE GIVEN THEMSELVES UP TO THE POLICE HOPING THAT THEY CAN BE REPATRIATED.
"THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SURRENDERING TO US BEFORE THEN WAS NEGLIGIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT, POLICE INTERCEPTED AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO PAID FOR A BOAT TO TAKE HIM BACK TO CHINA IN ORDER TO EVADE PROSECUTION.
ON ACTION AGAINST AIDERS AND EMPLOYERS OF Il’S, THE SPOKESMAN SAID TWO MEN HAD BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT FOR ARRANGING FOR THE PASSAGE OF FIVE Il’S TO COME IN AND WORK AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE.
FURTHERMORE, SOME OF THE Il’S FOUND WORKING IN THE SHEUNG SHUI TIMBER FACTORY HAVE PROVIDED USEFUL INFORMATION TO THE POLICE WHICH MAY RESULT IN POSSIBLE CHARGES AGAINST THE AIDER.
"ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDING IN THE TERRITORY AND PERSONS ARRANGING FOR THEIR ARRIVAL OR OFFERING THEM EMPLOYMENT CAN EXPECT IUCII TOUGHER ACTION BY THE POLICE IN THE TIME AHEAD," HE SAID.
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/15........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 15 -
SASI PRAISES AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON PRAISED AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS FOR SACRIFICING THEIR TIME IN HELPING TO MAINTAIN THE SECURITY OF THE TERRITORY.
MR TSAO, WHO IS ALSO AN HONORARY SUPERINTENDENT IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, WAS SPEAKING AT THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF THE ANNUAL TRAINING CAMP FOR AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE PAST, THE AUXILIARY POLICE WERE ACTIVATED ONLY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, BUT THEIR ROLE HAS CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS. IN EASTERN DISTRICT ALONE, THERE ARE ABOUT 27 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WORKING WITH THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS EVERYDAY.
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE WORK OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE, TRAINING CAMPS OF SEVEN DAYS IN DURATION ARE HELD EVERY YEAR, SO THAT OFFICERS CAN HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN THE MOST UP-TO-DATE SKILLS IN POLICING THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 150 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WHO WOULD BE RETURNING TO THEIR NORMAL DUTIES AFTER THE TRAINING CAMP.
- - 0 - -
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO MEET ON JUNE 15
* * * » »
THERE WILL NOW BE A SITTING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15.
THE CLERK OF COUNCILS SAID THAT THE ORIGINAL PLAN HAD BEEN TO ALLOW A SHORT RECESS IN MID-JUNE AND NOT TO MEET ON THIS DAY.
HOWEVER, IT HAD BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO ARRANGE AN ADDITIONAL MEETING IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE HEAVY VOLUME OF LEGISLATION TO BE ENACTED BEFORE THE FORTHCOMING DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL.
- - 0 - -
/16
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
16 -
HONG KONG/KOREA CUSTOMS CONFERENCE ENDS ♦ » » » »
THE NINTH HONG KONG/KOREA CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE WAS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED IN HONG KONG THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
BOTH SIDES HAVE HAD VERY USEFUL DISCUSSIONS DURING THE CONFERENCE ON TOPICS SUCH AS THE TIMELY EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON DRUGS AND OTHER OFFENCES, AND CO-OPERATION DURING THE 1988 SEOUL OLYMPIC GAMES.
IT WAS ALSO AGREED THAT THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS SHOULD CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR CUSTOMS TECHNIQUES.
HEADED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE KOREAN CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, THE KOREAN DELEGATION VISITED THE AIRPORT ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) TO SEE CUSTOMS OPERATIONS AND OTHER SECURITY MEASURES TAKEN IN RELATION TO ON DEPARTING PASSENGERS AND BAGGAGE.
-----0------
TV SHOW DISSEMINATES CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CITIZEN’S RIGHT BY TAKING A MORE ACTIVE PART IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN OPERATION.
THIS WAS THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE DELIVERED IN A TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR TELEVISION SHOW STAGED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE PROGRAMME, BROADCAST LIVE ON TV, WAS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD TOGETHER SPENT $605.6 MILLION IN HANDLING THE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE LAST YEAR, A 16.2 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE MONEY SPENT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE JOINT COUNCIL STEERING COMMITTEE BELIEVED THAT IF THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN MORE AWARE OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY AND MORE READY TO SHOULDER ITS PART IN THE KEEP CLEAN OPERATION, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE COST EFFECTIVE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PART.
/URBAN COUNCILLOR
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
17 -
URBAN COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT COUNCIL STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, SAID THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WOULD BE ONE OF A COMMUNITY-PARTICIPATION-ORIENTED PROGRAMME, WITH EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS SPECIALLY TAILORED FOR DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
TONIGHT’S SHOW FEATURED POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTES TN A SERIES OF MUSICAL AND DRAMA PRESENTATIONS, WHICH DISSEMINATED KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGES TO A MASS AUDIENCE OF OVER TWO MILLION THROUGH THE TV LIVE BROADCAST.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE SHOW WERE THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI; CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT COUNCIL STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE; VICE-CHAIRMAN, DR PANG HOK-TUEN; MEMBERS MR A.J. VAIL AND DR DANIEL NG; A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH FORCES, LIEUTENANT COLONEL MALCOLM RATCLIFFE; AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR OSCAR TANG.
A PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS HELD BEFORE THE SHOW, WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, PRESENTING A SOUVENIR TO TVB IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR SUPPORT AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU, RECEIVING A PLAQUE FROM THE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE.
THE SHOW WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 1,500 GUESTS, INCLUDING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, STUDENTS AND YOUTH.
- - 0 -
THREE MARINE POLICE OFFICERS COMMENDED » * » » »
WHO TOOK PART IN A PART OF HONG KONG COMMENDATIONS AND THE
THREE MARINE POLICE OFFICERS OPERATION IN ROUGH SEAS OFF THE SOUTHERN LAST YEAR, RECEIVED THE COMMISSIONER’S HUMANE SOCIETY VELLUMS TODAY (FRIDAY).
RESCUE ISLAND ROYAL
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THE
COMMISSIONER OFFICE, MR RAYMON INNING PRAISED SENIOR INSPECTOR LI Mui auikir pm TCF SERGEANT CHAN SAI-hWONG AND POLICE CONSTABLE yuen IN RESCU.no SEVEN CB.NESE S A .LORS WHO
WERE IN DANGER OF DROWNING.
/THE INCIDENT
FRIDAY, MAI 27, 1988
- 18 -
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 8 LAST YEAR, WHEN A CHINESE CARGO VESSEL CAPSIZED IN ROUGH SEAS OFF CAPE D’ AGUILAR, SIP LI AND THE TWO RANK-AND-FILE OFFICERS WHO WERE ON DUTY ON BOARD A SEA RIDER TN THE VICINITY, SAW WHAT HAPPENED. THEY RUSHED TO THE SCENE AND BROUGHT SIX CREW MEMBERS TO SAFETY.
THE OFFICERS THEN HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COM4NG FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE BOAT, AND KNEW THAT SOMEONE HAD BEEN TRAPPED. SGT CHAN AND PC YUEN IMMEDIATELY CUT OPEN THE WOODEN HULL OF THE BOAT WITH THEIR AXES. THE SAILOR WAS FREED BEFORE THE VESSEL SANK.
AT THE SAME CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, MR ANNING ALSO PRESENTED COMMENDATIONS TO EIGHT OTHER OFFICERS FOR THEJR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN ANOTHER SEA RESCUE OPERATION, AND IN SOLVING A NUMBER OF ROBBERY AND DRUG CASES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
-------o ---------
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUALIFY * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE PREQUALIFICATION OF A TENDER EXERCISE CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KWUN TONG BY-PASS PHASE III.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES A 1.38-KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL TWO-LANE ELEVATED ROAD WHICH WILL CONNECT THE KOWLOON APPROACHES OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WITH KWUN TONG BY-PASS PHASE II AND PHASE I, AND THENCE TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
A 550-METRE-LONG SECTION OF THE EXISTING KAI FUK ROAD AFFECTED BY THE BY-PASS FOUNDATIONS WILL ALSO BE WIDENED AND RECONSTRUCTED.
TENDERS WILL BE CALLED LATER THIS YEAR FROM THE PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN MID-1991.
A NOTICE OF PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS OF THE PROJECT PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
IS
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JUNE 24 THIS YEAR.
0 - -
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
19
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE * » *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 21 DAYS IN JUNE.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED* FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICES WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE ^IHE
JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 2 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 3 (FRIDAY) MIDNIGHT - 11.59 PM
JUNE 6 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 7 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 9 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 14 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 15 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 16 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 17 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 20 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 21 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 23 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 10 PM
JUNE 24 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 25 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 27 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 28 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 30 I (THURSDAY) 0 - 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM /20
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 20 -
SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO BE REBUILT * * * * *
A SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE REBUILT.
PASS ROAD AND
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE UPGRADING AND OF ROAD CARRIAGEWAYS, THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM, ASSOCIATED WORKS.
PARTIAL RECONSTRUCTION LANDSCAPING AND OTHER
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN LATE JULY AND COMPLETE MONTHS.
IN ABOUT 13
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A NOTICE
-----0------
CHAIRMEN OF TAI PO DB COMMITTEES ELECTED
*****
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE FIVE COMMITTEES OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WERE ELECTED UNOPPOSED AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE FIVE NEW CHAIRMEN ARE MR YAU FOOK-PING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE; MR KWONG KAI-TO OF THE PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE; MR LEUNG WO-PING OF THE RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; MR MICHAEL LAI KAM-CHEUNG OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE; AND MR TANG PUI-TAT OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
THEIR TERM OF OFFICE WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
-----0------
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
21
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN C&W * * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING LOCAL BODIES TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS TO BE HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER AND MARCH.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED NOW SO THAT INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS CAN PLAN THEIR PROJECTS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND ALSO TO ENSURE THAT A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PROJECTS WILLBE SUBSIDISED.
THE BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY VETTED ALL APPLICATIONS FOR THE FIRST HALF-YEAR (APRIL TO SEPTEMBER), AND GRANTED A TOTAL OF ABOUT $261,000 TO VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES.
THESE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM SPORTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES TO SOCIAL SERVICES SCHEMES, ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT PRIORITY IN MAKING ALLOCATIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS TO BENEFIT RESIDENTS IN GENERAL, PROJECTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH.
THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD FOSTER A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
PRIORITY WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS THAT SHOW INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY OR WOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL SERVICE TO RESIDENTS.
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR FUNDS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS, WITH DETAILED PLANS, TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SECRETARIAT, 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BEFORE JUNE 30.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING MISS MARIA LAU ON 5-8523478.
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/22
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 22 -
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
A FIVE-WEEK KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY (MAY 30) FOLLOWING A STARTING CEREMONY AT THE CHEUNG NING STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, TO KWA WAN, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE. •
IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN KEEPING MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS CLEAN AND AT IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JULY 6, RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT, PARTICULARLY CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS1 CORPORATIONS, WILL BE URGED TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS CLEANING GEAR, SUCH AS BROOMS, BASKETS AND GLOVES, FOR REMOVING RUBBISH AND JUNK FROM THEIR HOMES OR PUBLIC AREAS IN BUILDINGS.
RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO BORROW CLEANING GEAR MAY CONTACT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-7110171, EXT. 28.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO EXTEND REFUSE COLLECTION HOURS.
FOLLOWING THE STARTING CEREMONY, A SPECIALLY DECORATED PUBLICITY BUS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO DRIVE HOME THE ’’KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN” MESSAGE, AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ATTRACT PUBLIC ATTENTION AND CREATE AN IMPACT.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR PETER C.K. CHAN; CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR WONG CHI-KEUNG; URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR CHAN CHAI-CHI; CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN WORKING GROUP, MR CHAN NO1-YUE; AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT), MR PETER LAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE CHEUNG NING STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT (NEAR SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD), TO KWA WAN, AND THE TOUR BY THE PUBLICITY BUS.
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/25........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 25 -
TWO NT LOTS TO BE SOLD BY TENDER
* » » *
THE GOVERNMENT IS OFFERING FOR SALE BY TENDER TWO LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE FIRST LOT, WITH AN AREA OF 195 SQUARE METRES, IS AT SHING KA ROAD, PENG CHAU.
THE BUILDING COVENANT OF THIS LOT REQUIRES A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 390 SQUARE METRES, TO BE COMPLETED ON £R BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1991.
THE SECOND LOT, MEASURING 1,194 SQUARE METRES, IS AT CHEUNG SHA, LANTAU ISLAND.
THE BUILDING COVENANT REQUIRES A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 239 SQUARE METRES, TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28, 1992.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON.
TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR BOTH LOTS IS NOT LATER THAN NOON ON JUNE 24 THIS YEAR.
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SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON HONG KONG TREES
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING FOUR TYPES OF TREES COMMONLY FOUND IN HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 16, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STAMPS, FEATURING THE CHINESE BANYAN (FICUS MICROCARPA), HONG KONG ORCHID TREE (BAUHINIA BLAKEANA), COTTON TREE (BOMBAX MALABARICUM), AND SCHIMA (SCHIMA SUPERBA), ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70, AND $5 RESPECTIVELY.
A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING A SET OF THE FOUR STAMPS IN A SE-TENANT DESIGN WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.50 EACH.
/THE STAMPS......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 24 -
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON JUNE 4 AND 5 AND THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND AT TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM JUNE 4.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON JUNE 2.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST-DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM JUNE 2 TO 8 AT ALL POST OFFICES.
THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE. CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU PICTORIAL DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES ON JUNE 16:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SAI YING POON POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
THE ’’SERVICED” FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE SOLD AT $10 EACH.
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1988
- 25 -
NEW I.D. CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1953, 1954, 1969 *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) •THAT MEN BORN IN 1953, 1954 AND 1969 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM JUNE 6 TO JULY 23.
'‘MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
“AS THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS IN ORDER TO AVOID THE QUEUES OR HAVING TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. TEL. NO. 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD. TEL. NO. 3-7553679
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. 3-7232424
TSUEN WAN SHA TIN YUEN LONG : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. 0-4981259 ; SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108 : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-793291
/TUEN MUN
FRIDAY, MAY 27. 1988
26
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR,
CHI LOK FA YUEN.
TEL. NO. 0-4580862
•
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAUt GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-927155
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1956 WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE IS ONLY ONE MORE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON JUNE 4.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN » * ♦ * *
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN DAVIS STREET BETWEEN BELCHER’S STREET AND FORBES STREET, KENNEDY TOWN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS ROAD SECTION WHICH WILL ALSO BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
IN ADDITION, ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 10 METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE BANNED FROM THIS ROAD SECTION FOR ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOB BAZAARS A POSITIVE APPROACH ............................ 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED ..................... 3
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY DEVELOPING IN RIGHT DIRECTION.......... 6
AUDIBLE CROSSING SIGNALS TO HEU' VISUALLY HANDICAPPED ...... 7
SAFETY DAY ON WATER SPORTS ............................... 8
YAU TSIM DISTRICT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTS ,,. *♦>
NEW FACTORY MARKS ERA OF INVESTMENT FROM AUSTRALIA, NEW HEAT, AND .............................................. 10
KWAI TSING SURVEY ON QUALITY OF LIFE COMPLETED ............ 10
TUEN MUN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS INDUSTRIAL SURVEY......... <1
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS UPGRADING OF TAI 0 BEACHES ........ 12
HK WINNER TO TAKE FART IN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL... 12
EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN'S DRAWINGS STARTS TOMORROW ......... 1?
OWN SPACES IN TUEN MUN AND NORTH POINT .................... 14
NEW FLYOVER AT LAM KAM ROAD ............................... 15
LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER ARRANGEMENTS ......................... 15
BOTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE OPENS TOMORROW ................ 16
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD............ 16
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ................... 17
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, EAST KOWLOON, SAU MAU PING........ 17
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
JOB BAZAARS A POSITIVE APPROACH * * t *
THE JOB BAZAARS BEING ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONSTITUTE A NEW EXPERIENCE AND MEET THE DEMAND OF THE CURRENT LABOUR MARKET, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SECOND JOB BAZAAR AT CITYPLAZA IN TAIKOO SHING, MR CHAN SAID THE FORMAT OF THE BAZAAR WOULD MOST LIKELY ATTRACT PEOPLE WITH WORKING ABILITY BUT WHO WERE NOT EMPLOYED, AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE RECENT TREND IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
HE BELIEVED THAT IT WOULD ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO RAISING THE LABOUR PARTICIPATION RATE AND ACHIEVE THE AIM OF EASING HONG KONG’S LABOUR SHORTAGE.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AFTER SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT CONTINUED TO REMAIN AT A LOW LEVEL OF 1.6 PER CENT, INDICATING THAT THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED VERY TIGHT.
"AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE ENJOYING FULL EMPLOYMENT, THE QUESTION OF MAXIMISING THE CAPACITY OF OUR LABOUR FORCE DEPENDS ON WHETHER WE CAN FULLY UTILISE OUR MANPOWER RESOURCES AND WHETHER EMPLOYEES CAN FIND A JOB MOST SUITABLE TO THEIR TALENTS, PERSONALITY, INTEREST AND QUALIFICATIONS," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, AT A TIME WHEN VACANCIES ARE PLENTIFUL, JOB-SEEKERS ARE OFTEN BEWILDERED BY EXCESSIVE RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS AND FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS."
THROUGH THE JOB BAZAAR, HE SAID, EMPLOYERS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CARRY OUT CORDIAL COMMUNICATION WITH JOB-SEEKERS AND TO INTRODUCE TO THEM IN A NEW WAY THEIR BUSINESS, SCALE OF OPERATION, NATURE OF WORK, WORKING ENVIRONMENT, TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND WELFARE SCHEME.
SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WOULD ENABLE JOB-SEEKERS TO MAKE AN OVERALL COMPARISON OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND TO UNDERSTAND FULLY DETAILS OF POSTS IN THE PARTICIPATING ESTABLISHMENTS AND THEIR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
"THIS WOULD ASSIST THE JOB-SEEKERS IN MAKING A WISE AND RIGHT CHOICE OF EMPLOYMENT AND HELP SOCIETY IN EFFECTIVELY ACHIEVING DESIRABLE ALLOCATION OF MANPOWER RESOURCES," HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT SOME PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS HAD ALREADY FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BY ORGANISING SIMILAR ACTIVITIES OF THEIR OWN.
/"THIS IS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
2
’’THIS IS A COMMENDABLE APPROACH AND I URGE ALL EMPLOYERS WITH RECRUITMENT NEEDS TO CONSIDER USING SUCH POSITIVE METHODS IN PROMOTING THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," HE ADDED.
EARLIER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES PLACED BY EMPLOYERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT'S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION LAST YEAR HAD INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE 1986 FIGURE.
"WE HAVE PLANNED TO EXPAND OUR SERVICES THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AND TO SET UP A NEW BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE IN KWAI CHUNG, WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING OUR SERVICE TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS," HE SAID.
ON THE JOB BAZAAR, HE SAID IT WAS A LARGE-SCALE COLLECTIVE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE TO TACKLE THE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM.
A SIMILAR ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, IN SHA TIN, HAD PRODUCED VERY SATISFACTORY RESULTS.
MR KWOK APPEALED TO JOB-SEEKERS, SCHOOL LEAVERS AND ALL WHO HAP WORKING ABILITIES BUT HAD NOT YET STARTED TO LOOK FOR JOBS ACTIVELY, TO VISIT THE BAZAAR AND TAKE A LOOK AT FIRST-HAND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION IN VARIOUS TRADES.
THE SECOND JOB BAZAAR IS BEING HELD AT THE CENTRAL BRIDGE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA.
TWENTY ESTABLISHMENTS ARE TAKING PART IN THE EVENT, COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES SUCH AS BANKING, HOTEL, GARMENT MANUFACTURING, TOYS AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, FOOD MANUFACTURING, SUPERMARKET, HAIR-STYLE DESIGN, EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICE, RADIO-PAGING, CARPARK MANAGEMENT AND RETAILING.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 9 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND ON MONDAY, AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 3 PM ON TUESDAY.
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 3 -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL RELEASED *****
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED IN APRIL COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
HK$M1 DROPPED SLIGHTLY IN APRIL, REFLECTING THE DECLINE IN CURRENCY HELD BY THE PUBLIC. HK$M2 AND HK$M3, ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASED DURING THE MONTH.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW MORE RAPIDLY IN APRIL THAN IN THE PRECEDING MONTH, MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE PICKING UP IN THE GROWTH OF OFFSHORE LOANS AND LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG. LOANS FOR FINANCING VISIBLE TRADE EDGED UP SLIGHTLY IN APRIL.
SUMMARY FIGURES FOR APRIL 1988 AND COMPARISIONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS ARE SET OUT IN TABLE 1.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 2.1 PER CENT IN APRIL FOLLOWING DECLINES OF 0.6 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.6 PER CENT AND 4.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE SAVINGS DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1988, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 21.4 PER CENT. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.9 PER CENT IN APRIL FOLLOWING INCREASES O. 0.9 PER CENT AND 3.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 20.8 PER CENT. FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS ROSE BY 10.7 PER CENT IN APRIL AFTER INCREASES GF 13.8 PER. CENT AND 27.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.7 PER CENT IN APRIL AND BY 17.9 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT IN APRIL AND BY 24.1 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 2.5 PER CENT IN APRIL WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT. THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1988 WERE 22.9 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT.
/MONEY SUPPLY .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
MONEY SUPPLY —
HK$M1 FELL BY 0.4 PER CENT IN APRIL, REFLECTING THE DECLINE IN CURRENCY HELD BY THE PUBLIC. HK$M2 AND HK$M3, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 1.3 PER CENT AND 1.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IN MARCH, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES FELL BY 5.5 PER CENT, 1.5 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR HK$M1, M2 AND M3 WERE 31.5 PER CENT, 26.1 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT.
ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SWAP DEPOSITS, HK$M2 GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT WHILE HK$M3 ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT IN APRIL. OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 22 PER CENT AND 19.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 0.2 PER CENT, 2.2 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THESE COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING RATES OF -7.2 PER CENT, 1 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT IN MARCH. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 31.3 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 23.5 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 21.4 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 3.8 PER CENT IN APRIL, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN MARCH. OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 3.2 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ROSE BY 4.3 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT IN APRIL AFTER INCREASES OF 1.7 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH RESPECTIVELY; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 15.7 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW MORE RAPIDLY IN APRIL, BY 3.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES OF 1.2 PER CENT AND 0.8 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 24.6 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 4.8 PER CENT IN APRIL AFTER A DECREASE OF 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 2.1 PER CENT IN MARCH; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 83.2 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 155 AND 35 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO TO 229.
/5.......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 5 -
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - APRIL 1986 (HKSmn)
Apr 1988 Earlier months
-------- (% change to April 1986)
Money Supply Mar 1988 Jan 1988 Apr 1987
Hl - HKS 72.717 73.024 ( -0.4 X) 76.189 ( -4.6 X) 55.319 ( 31.5 X)
Foreign currency Total 8.202 80.918 7.740 80.764 ( ( 6.0 0.2 X) X) 9.190 85.379 (-10.8 ( -5.2 X) X) 6,293 61.612 ( ( 30.3 31.3 X) X)
M2 - HKS 327.323 323.122 ( 1.3 X) 325,630 ( 0.5 X) 259.603 ( 26.3 X)
Foreign currency 312.534 371.776 ( 2 9 X) 356.252 ( 7.4 X) 314,984 ( 21.4 X)
709.867 694.899 ( 2.2 X) 681.881 ( 4.1 X) 574.587 ( 23.5 X)
M3 - HK$ 357.019 351.388 ( 1.6 X) 353.606 ( i.o X) 290.150 ( 23.0 X)
Foreign currencv 412.587 401.430 ( 2.8 X) 385,716 ( 7.0 X) 343.964 ( 20.0 X)
Total 789.606 752.818 ( 2.2 X) 739,324 ( 4.1 X) 634.115 ( 21.4 X )
Notes and coins in circulation 30.642 32.253 ( -5.0 X) 30.748 ( -0.3 X) 23.739 ( ( 29.1 X)
of which held by public 27.164 28.642 ( -5.2 X) 25.422 ( 6.9 X) 20.705 31.2 X)
Deposits
Demand deposits Savings deposits 53.754 182.903 52.122 181.924 ( ( 3.1 0.5 X) X) 59,958 195.781 (-10.3 ( -6.6 X) X) 40.907 140.858 ( ( 31.4 29.8 X) X)
Time deposits with banks 433.166 419.327 ( 3.3 X) 389.041 ( 11.3 X) 363.340 ( ( 19.2 X)
Time deposits with dtes 57.714 55.950 ( 3.2 X) 55.454 ( 4.1 X) 55.681 3.7 X) X)
HKS deposits 318.355 311.697 ( 2.1 X) 318,402 ( 0.0 X) 262.167 ( 21.4
USS deposits Other foreign currency deposits All deposits 222.560 217,406 ( 2.4 X) 209.208 ( 6.4 X) 208.976 ( 6.5 X)
186.622 727,53? 180,219 709,322 ( ( 3.6 2.6 X) X) 172.624 700,234 ( 8.1 ( 3.9 X) X) 129.640 600,785 ( ( 44.0 21.1 X) X)
Foreign currency swap deposits 25,378 22.921 ( 10.7 X) 15,834 ( 60.3 X) 29,421 (' -13.7 X)
Loans and advances
To finance U.K.’s visible trade 45.734 45,505 ( 0.5 X) 44,224 ( 3.4 X) 39.515 ( 15.7 X)
To finance merchandising trade 5.467 5.210 ( 4.9 X) 6,979 (-21.7 X) 4,563 ( 19.8 X)
not touching H.K. Other loans for use in H.K. 377,107 364,510 ( 3.5 X) 357,264 ( 5.6 X) 302.643 ( 24.6 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 324,582 309.568 ( 4.8 X) 310,651 ( 4.5 X) 177.205 ( 83.2 X)
Other loans where the place of 60.762 58.729 ( 3.5 X) 62,120 ( -2.2 X) 34,065 ( 78.4 X)
use is not known Loans in HK$ 329.175 ' 318.875 ( 3.2 X) 313.247 ( 5.1 X) 277.950 ( 18.4 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 484.476 464,648 ( 4.3 X) 467.989 ( 3.5 X) 280.042 ( 73.0 X)
Total loans and advances 813.651 783.523 ( 3.8 X) 781,237 ( 4.1 X) 557,992 ( 45.8 X)
- 0 -
/6 .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 6 -
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY DEVELOPING IN RIGHT DIRECTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SINCE THE 1970'S TO COPE WITH THE AGEING POPULATION, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ASIA WOMEN’S LEAGUE’S CHAN KWUN TUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN KOWLOON TONG, MRS WONG SAID IN THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY HAD BEEN DEVELOPING TO COINCIDE WITH THE 1979 WHITE PAPER “SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S“.
THERE HAD BEEN INCREASES IN BOTH THE TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED AND THE NUMBER OF SENIOR RESIDENTS CATERED FOR.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THIS POLICY AIMED TO ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY TO CONTINUE STAYING IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND MIX WITH THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES WHILE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WERE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO LACKED SELF-CARE CAPABILITIES OR WHO COULD NOT BE CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES FOR VARIOUS REASONS.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INCLUDED HOSTELS, HOMES AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, MRS WONG SAID, NOTING THAT DEMAND FOR THESE SERVICES WOULD GRADUALLY BE SATISFIED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
“THERE ARE OVER 2,000 HOSTEL PLACES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEMES TO SERVE ELDERLY COUPLES AND SINGLETONS WHO ARE CAPABLE OF SELF-CARE," MRS WONG SAID.
“IN ADDITION, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO PROVIDE 150 SHELTERED HOUSING UNITS IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES WITH OVER 3,000 UNITS SINCE JULY 1985.
"THERE ARE ALSO ABOUT 5,500 PLACES IN HOMES FOR THE AGED PROVIDING CARE FOR THOSE ELDERLY WHO ARE INCAPABLE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING AND THESE PLACES WILL BE INCREASED TO ABOUT 8,000 IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
“AS FOR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN MARCH THIS YEAR ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATION TO IMPROVE THE PLANNING RATIO OF PROVIDING EIGHT PLACES PER 1,000 PEOPLE AGED OVER 60 FROM THE PREVIOUS FIVE PLACES, AND THAT AN ADDITIONAL 5,000 PLACES WOULD BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING 1,570 PLACES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS," SHE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, CARE AND ATTENTION UNITS HAD BEEN SET UP IN HOMES FOR THE AGED TO AVOID CAUSING EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS TO THE ELDERLY DUE TO A CHANGE IN INSTITUTIONS, MRS WONG SAID.
/SHE ADDED .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
SHE ADDED THAT SOME INFIRMARY BEDS HAD BEEN SET ASIDE IN SOME CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND ADDITIONAL NURSING STAFF HAD BEEN PROVIDED SO AS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE TO THE OLD PEOPLE IN THESE HOMES WHEN THEIR HEALTH DETERIORATED.
THE CHAN KWUN TUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IS THE SECOND SERVICE UNIT OF THE ASIA WOMEN’S LEAGUE, PROVIDING 100 CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES AND 50 AGED HOME PLACES FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS IN NEED.
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AUDIBLE CROSSING SIGNALS TO HELP VISUALLY HANDICAPPED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE INSTALLATION OF AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNALS AT 45 LOCATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR HAS BEEN SPEEDED UP BY THE DONATION OF $630,000 FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
AUDIBLE SIGNALS ARE TRAFFIC SIGNAL DEVICES INSTALLED AT SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS TO ASSIST VISUALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO CROSS THE ROADS SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY.
BY LISTENING TO THE THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOUND EMITTED BY THE DEVICE IN A CYCLE SIMULATING THE "RED MAN", THE "GREEN MAN" AND THE "FLASHING GREEN MAN" AS INDICATED BY ORDINARY PEDESTRIAN LIGHT SIGNALS, VISUALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE CAN DETERMINE WHEN THEY CAN CROSS THE ROAD.
"THIS WILL HELP ENCOURAGE THEM TO INTEGRATE AND GET ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY IN CONFIDENCE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN MAINTAINING CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND IN DRAWING UP PROGRAMMES FOR INSTALLING SUCH AUDIBLE DEVICES.
AT PRESENT, A TOTAL OF 96 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY NOW HAVE AUDIBLE SIGNAL EQUIPMENT AND A FURTHER 45 NEW LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN SELECTED.
"WITH THE DONATION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB, THE INSTALLATION OF AUDIBLE SIGNALS AT THESE 45 LOCATIONS CAN BE BROUGHT FORWARD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DONATION WILL BE USED FOR BUYING AUDIBLE SIGNAL EQUIPMENT. INSTALLATION WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN A YEAR’S TIME.
/EIGHTEEN OF .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
8 -
EIGHTEEN OF THE SITES ARE LOCATED IN ABERDEEN, WESTERN DISTRICT, WAN CHAI AND NORTH POINT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE OTHERS ARE LOCATED IN KOWLOON IN SHAM SHUI PO, HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, TSIM SHA TSUI, WONG TAI SIN AND KWUN TONG.
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SAFETY DAY ON WATER SPORTS
» » » »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THE FUN IN A WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, THE EVENT IS TO PROMOTE THE "PLAY SAFE" MESSAGE THROUGH A VARIETY OF WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE PROGRAMMES WILL START AT 2 PM WITH A SPECTACULAR SEA PARADE OF FIRE BOATS, PARTOL CRAFT, LAUNCHES, CANOES AND WINDSURFERS REPRESENTING THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROYAL NAVY, CIVIL AID SERVICES AND NUMEROUS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE AN AIR-SEA RESCUE BY HELICOPTERS, VARIOUS SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS, VIDEO SHOWS AND AN EXHIBITION.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE WINDSURFING SIMULATORS FOR THE PUBLIC TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPORT.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAY TO BEGIN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE.
THERE WILL BE A PRESS POSITION TO FACILITATE COVERAGE. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REMINDED TO BRING TELEPHOTO LENSES.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE RECEPTION AREA AT THE PROMENADE (OPPOSITE TO TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE) BY 1.45 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
---0------
/9.......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 9 -
YAU TSIM DISTRICT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTS
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT TODAY (SATURDAY) IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR KWAN L1M-HO; AND THE DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (YAU MA TEI) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN TAI-YIU.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE OFFICIATING GUESTS HELPED TO DISPOSE GARBAGE IN THE DISTRICT.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO KEEP THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD TIDY AND CLEAN.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, USD HEALTH INSPECTORS, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL INSPECT BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE CORRECT WAYS OF DISPOSING REFUSE.
A TOTAL OF 11 REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE BULKY GARBAGE.
THEY ARE LOCATED AT PARKES STREET, DUNDAS STREET, MAN CHEONG STREET, CANTON ROAD, BATTERY STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, SHEK LUNG STREET, MINDEN ROW, HAIPHONG ROAD, KIMBERLEY STREET AND AT A SPOT NEAR AUTO PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
EXTRA CLEANSING STAFF HAVE BEEN MOBILISED TO COPE WITH AN EXPECTED INCREASE IN REFUSE.
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/10........
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
10 -
NEW FACTORY MARKS ERA OF INVESTMENT FROM AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND
♦ »♦*♦»
THE OPENING OF INTERPAC CONTAINERS LTD ------------- A JOINT VENTURE FACTORY WHICH USES COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND A HIGHLY AUTOMATED PROCESS -------------------------------------------- MARKS THE COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN HONG KONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING COCKTAIL RECEPTION OF THE COMPANY, HE SAID: ’’THE OPENING OF THIS OPERATION NOT ONLY REPRESENTS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE FRUITION OF MERGING OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES, BUT ALSO DEMONSTRATES THAT HONG KONG IS A SUITABLE PLACE FOR OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.”
NOTING THAT INTERPAC CONTAINERS LTD HOUSES THE LARGEST AND THE MOST ADVANCED CORRUGATOR IN HONG KONG, MR LEUNG SAID HONG KONG INDUSTRIES WOULD BE MUCH BENEFITTED FROM ITS PRESENCE AS A RELIABLE SUPPLIER OF HIGH QUALITY AND MODERN PACKAGING MATERIAL.
-----0-----
KWAI TSING SURVEY ON QUALITY OF LIFE COMPLETED
» ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HAS COMPLETED A SURVEY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF KWAI TSING RESIDENTS AND WILL ANNOUNCE ITS FINDINGS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
THE QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED JOINTLY WITH THE SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. IT WAS CARRIED OUT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR DURING WHICH 1,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE DISTRICT HAD BEEN INTERVIEWED.
A 68-PAGE REPORT HAS BEEN COMPILED AFTER COLLATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE DATA COLLECTED.
THE SURVEY COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS OF GREAT CONCERN TO RESIDENTS. THESE INCLUDE TRAFFIC, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL FACILITIES, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND THE "MEET THE PUBLIC” SCHEME OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
/THE CHAIRMAN .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SURVEY PROJECT, MR YAU HON-KEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, MR LI CHI-FAI; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT, MISS JENNIFER MAK; AND AN HKU LECTURER IN SOCIAL WORK, DR NELSON CHOW, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF KWAI TSING RESIDENTS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 30) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, •KWAI CHUNG. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM.
- 0 -
TUEN MUN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS INDUSTRIAL SURVEY *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PLAN TO CONDUCT AN INDUSTRIAL SURVEY IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
THE SURVEY IS INTENDED TO COVER ALL FLATTED FACTORIES IN TUEN MUN. IT HOPES TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES AND WORKERS AS WELL AS TRACING THEIR CHANGES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE COMMITTEE’S WORK REPORT FOR 1987-88, THE PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDING THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, AND THE REPORT ON THE SALE/OCCUPANCY OF FLATTED FACTORY UNITS IN TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE ON MONDAY (MAY 30) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN Hl ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
/12
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 12 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS UPGRADING OF TAI O BEACHES ♦ » * » »
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE BEACHES IN THE TAI O AREA ON LANTAU AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES THE UPGRADING OF BEACHES AT FAN LAU, YI O, SHA LO WAN AND TAI LONG WAN, AND THE PROVISION OF BOTH LAND AND SEA TRANSPORT LINKS TO THOSE BEACHES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO CONSTRUCT A RECREATIONAL CENTRE FOR WATER ACTIVITIES AT THE DESERTED SALT-PAN IN TAI O AND TO REPAIR THE PAK TAI TEMPLE ON CHEUNG CHAU.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A BRIEFING ON PROGRESS OF THE SOUTH LANTAU COAST PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY AND ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR PROMOTING TOURISM IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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HK WINNER TO TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL » t t t »
THE WINNER OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY HONG KONG 1988 POPULAR SONG CONTEST, MISS IVY KU SIN-MAN, WILL LEAVE FOR BANGKOK NEXT WEEK TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 13 COUNTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 5 AT THE THAILAND CULTURAL CENTRE. THE PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE IN THAILAND.
MISS KU, THE COMPOSER, LYRICIST AND SINGER OF THE WINNING SONG "A CLEARER SKY”, SAID THAT SHE HOPED TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO OTHER COUNTRIES WHEN SHE PARTICIPATED IN THE MUSIC FESTIVAL.
/MISS KU .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
MISS KU IS A FLUENT ENGLISH AND FRENCH SPEAKER. SHE WROTE HER FIRST SONG IN FRENCH AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN 1986.
HAVING COMPOSED MANY SONGS FOR VARIOUS LOCAL POP SINGERS, MISS KU IS NOW PLANNING TO START HER OWN CAREER AS A SINGER/SONG WRITER.
SHE WAS AWARDED A TROPHY AND A PRIZE OF $6,000 BY MR S.L. WAN, MEMBER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WORKING GROUP, AT THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY HONG KONG 1988 POPULAR SONG CONTEST HELD LAST WEEK AT A SPECIAL ’’ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT” TELEVISION SHOW FEATURING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THE FIRST RUNNER UP IS MR DAVID LOIE MAN-WAH, THE COMPOSER, AND MR CHAN HO-YIN, THE LYRICIST. THEY WERE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A PRIZE OF $2,500. THE TITLE OF THEIR SONG IS ”A NEW LIFE”.
THE SECOND RUNNER-UP SONG ’’LOVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT” WAS COMPOSED BY MR CHUNG HING-HUNG WITH LYRICS WRITTEN BY MR WONG W1NG-WO AND MR TSUI LAP-TAK. THEY WERE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A PRIZE OF $1,500.
THE JUDGES OF THE CONTEST WERE MISS LAM MAN-YEE, MR HEUNG SUET-WAI AND DR SIMON CHAU.
THE SONG CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TO MARK THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988 IN HONG KONG.
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EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S DRAWINGS STARTS TOMORROW ♦ ♦ * »
OVER 300 DRAWINGS BY CHILDREN AGED UNDER 13 FROM HONG KONG AND SEVERAL ASIAN COUNTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, STARTING TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
AMONG THE EXHIBITS ARE PRIZE-WINNING ENTRIES TO THE ”1988 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST” HELD IN HONG KONG LAST MONTH. THE OTHER DRAWINGS COME FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES.
THE CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE HARBOUR JAYCEES AND SING TAO LIMITED WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
14
THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST UNTIL TUESDAY (MAY 31).
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT, MISS MARY CHOW, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE HARBOUR JAYCEES, MR ANDY YUEN, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE DRAWING CONTEST BEFORE OPENING THE EXHIBITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION TO BE HELD IN THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
------0--------
OPEN SPACES IN TUEN MUN AND NORTH POINT ♦ * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LOCAL OPEN SPACE AT AREA 4B AND 4C, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES TWO SMALL PARKS IN AREAS 4B AND 4C. EACH PARK WILL HAVE CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT, SITTING-OUT AREAS, ARBOURS, PARK LIGHTS AND SOFT LANDSCAPING.
THE PARKS WILL SERVE ABOUT 11,000 RESIDENTS NOW LIVING IN THE TWO AREAS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND WELL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 17.
MEANWHILE, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $3.98 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, NORTH POINT.
OCCUPYING ABOUT 3,900 SQUARE METRES, THE OPEN SPACE WILL CONSIST OF TWO BASKETBALL/VOLLEYBALL COURTS, ONE FREE KICK AREA AND ONE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE PAVILIONS, FLOWER BEDS, ARBOURS, BENCHES, TURFING, PLANTING AREAS AND BOUNDARY FENCING.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
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/15........
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
- 15 -
NEW FLYOVER AT LAM KAM ROAD ♦ » * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MISS MARIA TAM, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER IN TAI PO AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
THE NEW FLYOVER IS A DUAL TWO-LANE ROAD BY-PASSING TWO ROUNDABOUTS AT THE BUSY JUNCTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD AND HONG LOK YUEN ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLYOVER TOOK 22 MONTHS AND COST $70 MILLION.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, MAY 31.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
TRANSPORT FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE VISITORS’ CARPARK OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL AT 8.15 AM ON MONDAY.
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY TO THE VENUE, A SKETCH MAP SHOWING THE CEREMONY VENUE WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED.
INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - 0 -
LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER ARRANGEMENTS
LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER IN TAI PO WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10.30 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 31), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED:
* LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY WITHIN WHICH NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
/♦ VEHICLES TRAVELLING ........
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
♦ VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
» NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TOLO HIGHWAY AND TAI PO ROAD (TAI WO SECTION) MAY OPERATE VIA THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER TO BYPASS THE AT-GRADE JUNCTIONS ON HONG LOK YUEN ROAD AND LAM KAM ROAD.
POTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE OPENS TOMORROW
*****
THE POTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE IN CENTRAL HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WILL BE OPENED TO PEDESTRIANS FROM 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE FOOTBRIDGE CROSSES CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND IS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY EAST OF POTTINGER STREET.
THE SOUTHERN END OF THE FOOTBRIDGE IS SERVED BY AN ESCALATOR, WHICH IS FOR ACCESS ONLY, AND STAIRS, WHILE THE NORTHERN AND LINKS INTO THE CONNAUGHT ROAD ELEVATED WALKWAY.
THE EXISTING ADJACENT LIGHT-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE REMOVED WHEN THE FOOTBRIDGE IS OPENED.
THE POTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE IS ABOUT 28 METRES IN LENGTH AND WAS CONSTRUCTED FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT, AT A COST OF ABOUT $3.5 MILLION.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ♦ * *
TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIR WORKS ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, A 200-METRE STRETCH OF THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AT ABOUT 400 METRES NORTH OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, SPECIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES MAY BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL IF NECESSARY. MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
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/17
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1988
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON MONDAY, MAY 30, THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY BETWEEN HO TUNG LAU AND MA LIU SHU1 INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON JUNE 6, THE SOUTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TOLO HIGHWAY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON TUESDAY, MAY 31, THE FAST LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE EXIT TO TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED.
-------o ---------
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, EAST KOWLOON, SAU MAU PING *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF' FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 31) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED WILL BE SHAM TSENG DISTRICT; TS1NG LUNG TAU DISTRICT; CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM SHAM TSZ STREET IN SHAM TSENG TO 95 CASTLE PEAK ROAD; AND TSI NG LUNG TAU.
ALSO FOR MAINS WORK, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL HE Cl T OFF FROM 3 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 31) TO 3 PM THE NEXT DAV.
THE SISPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, SAN PO KONG, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN, WANG TAU HOM, LOK FU, KOWLOON TONG, KAI TAK AIRPORT, TUNG TAU, HO MAN TIN HILL, FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON BAY, CHOI WAN, CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK, NGAU TAU KOK AND JORDAN VALLEY.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEAT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT SAU MING HOUSE AND BLOCKS NO. 19 TO 30, 12 TO 15 OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR GEOFFREY HOWE ARRIVES FOR THREE-DAY VISIT ............. 1
BOAT PARADE PROMOTES WATER SPORTS SAFETY .................. 1
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP ........... 2
KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE FOR FILIPINa MaIDS ..................... 3
BOO CHIEF LEAVES AFTER 2J YEARS ........................... 4
GOVERNMENT' COMMITTED TO SERVING THE BLIND ............... 7
1ST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED ................................................. 8
LEK YUEN BRIDGE OPfUS THIS WEEK .......................... 11
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN SOUTHERN ...................... 12
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREA PILOT SCHEME ................................................... 1?
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN NORTH DISTRICT ........ 15
GATHERING FOR SAI KUNG'S NEW AREA COMMITTEES ............. 14
HK DELEGATES TO ATTEND ILO CONFERENCE .................... 15
YOUNG VIOLIST SELECTED FOR U.S. MUSIC CAMP ............... 15
TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUNG FOOTBALLERS IN SHA TIN.......... 17
RE-ROUTEING OF STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI .................. 17
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
SIR GEOFFREY HOWE ARRIVES FOR THREE-DAY VISIT
*****
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, ARRIVED FROM MANILA TONIGHT (SUNDAY) FOR A THREE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, SIR GEOFFREY SAID HIS VISIT WAS THREE-FOLD:
"FIRST, TO UNDERLINE WITH ALL THE EMPHASIS AT MY COMMAND, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S UNDIMINISHED COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND TO THE FULL AND FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"SECOND, TO ENCOURAGE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO TAKE CONFIDENCE.
"CONFIDENCE FROM THEIR OWN STRIKING ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND FROM THE SUSTAINED AND DETERMINED SUPPORT FOR THEIR LONG-TERM INTERESTS BY THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
"THIRD, TO REVIEW ALL DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING HONG KONG’S WELL BEING WITH A BROAD CROSS-SECTION OF OPINION WITH LEGCO, WITH EXCO, WITH THE MANY OTHER PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS WITH WHOM I SHALL COME INTO CONTACT, AND OF COURSE WITH THE GOVERNOR."
"BY THE END OF MY VISIT 1 HOPE TO HAVE AS FULL AND AS ACCURATE AN INSIGHT AS POSSIBLE INTO HONG KONG’S CONCERNS AND ASPIRATIONS, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING MY IMPRESSIONS WITH YOU AT MY PRESS CONFERENCE," SIR GEOFFREY SAID. 1
SIR GEOFFREY AND LADY HOWE WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON; THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND THE ACTING SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR CHRISTOPHER HAYWARD.
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BOAT PARADE PROMOTES WATER SPORTS SAFETY *****
BOATS OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES TOOK PART IN A SPECTACULAR PARADE OFF THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE COLOURFUL PAGEANT OF FIRE BOATS, RESCUE AND PATROL CRAFT, SAILING AND SPEED BOATS, CANOES, LAUNCHES, CRUISERS AND WINDSURFERS WAS ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY DAV ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS TO PROMOTE THE "PLAY SAFE" MESSAGE.
/THE EVENT
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
- 2
THE EVENT ALSO FEATURED AIR-SEA RESCUES INVOLVING HELICOPTERS, SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS, AN EXHIBITION AND FILM SHOWS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENT IN CONNECTION WITH WATER SPORTS WOULD TEND TO INCREASE AS MORE PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THESE ACTIVITIES.
’’BUT MANY ACCIDENTS COULD BE AVOIDED IF THE BASIC SAFETY RULES OF RECREATION AND SPORT ARE FULLY APPRECIATED," HE SAID.
HE APPEALED TO THOSE PRESENT TO HELP SPREAD THE "PLAY SAFE" MESSAGE TO THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, SAID KNOWING HOW TO SWIM OPENED UP MANY LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL PASTIME.
HE URGED PEOPLE TO LEARN TO SWIM PROPERLY, ADVISING THEM THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SWIM ALONE AND SHOULD ONLY SWIM AT PLACES DESIGNATED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSE.
THE LEARN-TO-SWIM CLASSES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL WERE DESIGNED FOR NON-SW1MMERS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT OVER 170,000 PEOPLE HAD COMPLETED THESE SWIMMING COURSES SINCE 1972.
EARLIER IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1988 WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR JOHN FORTUNE, ALSO CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE BASIC SAFETY RULES WHEN TAKING PART IN ANY FORM OF WATER ACTIVITIES AND TO USE THEIR COMMON SENSE.
ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART LN TODAY’S EVENT INCLUDED VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
-----0------
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO SUPPORT A TERRITORY-WIDE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATION TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MARKING A NEW PHASE IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CLEANSING STAFF OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS OF THE TERRITORY THROUGHOUT JUNE.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAYt MAY 29 ♦ 1988
- 3
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE OPERATION WOULD COVER THE CLEANING OF STREETS, LANES, BUILDINGS, SQUATTER AREAS, HAWKER AREAS, MARKETS AND CANOPIES, AND INCLUDE ACTION AGAINST MOSQUITO AND OTHER PEST NUISANCES.
DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTORS WILL BE DEPLOYED TO INSPECT BUILDINGS, CARRY OUT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEANSING PROGRAMMES, MAKE ANTI-LITTER PATROLS, AND ENFORCE CLEANSING AND HYGIENE LAWS.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ’’PITCH IN” BY CONDUCTING INTENSIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
DURING THE OPERATION, ADDITIONAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE SET UP, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO TAKE THEIR RUBBISH TO THE NEAREST COLLECTION POINT DURING THE HOURS IT IS OPEN.
RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT MAY CONTACT THEIR DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OFFICE FOR DETAILS OF THE OPERATION, LOCATION AND OPENING HOURS OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
THEY MAY ALSO CALL THE HOTLINES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (5-8680000) AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (0-415555) TO FIND OUT THESE DETAILS.
KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE FOR FILIPINA MAIDS ♦ t * ♦ ♦
FILIPINA MAIDS TAKING A BREAK FROM WORK IN CENTRAL TODAY (SUNDAY) WERE REMINDED TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
AN EXERCISE WAS LAUNCHED TO CONVEY THE "KEEP HONG MESSAGE TO THEM FOLLOWING A CEREMONY TO START OFF THE WESTERN DISTRICT’S KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT THE STATUE MORNING.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, URBAN COUNCILLORS, OFFICIALS AND STUDENTS HANDED OUT HANDBILLS CARRYING Till BOTH ENGLISH AND TAGALOG TO HUNDREDS OF FILIPINA MAIDS.
KONG CLEAN” CENTRAL AND SQUARE THIS
GOVERNMENT
MESSAGE IN
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, BLOCK-TO-BLOCK WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE DISTRICT NEXT MONTH.
CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS
/DURING THE
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
DURING THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE SPECIAL SERVICES TO HELP RESIDENTS DISPOSE OF BULKY GARBAGE. A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE SET UP THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE CAMPAIGN’S OPENING CEREMONY TODAY, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN, AND STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT TO GOOD HEALTH.
OTHER GUESTS PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MISS ELIZABETH TSE; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HONG KONG) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN CHI-SUM.
-------0---------
BOO CHIEF LEAVES AFTER 23 YEARS *****
POSITIVE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS MORE RESOURCES SO AS TO BRING ABOUT A BETTER ENVIRONMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTING HEAD OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR TONY LAWRENCE, WHO COMPLETED HIS LAST CONTRACT WITH THE GOVERNMENT LAST WEEK AFTER OVER 23 YEARS IN THE SAME DEPARTMENT.
NOW OVER THE BASIC CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AGE OF 55, MR LAWRENCE CAN LOOK BACK WITH JUSTIFIABLE PRIDE OVER HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOO, PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST THREE-AND-A-IIALF YEARS AS ITS HEAD.
THIS WAS DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO THE UNIQUE DUAL QUALIFICATIONS HE BROUGHT TO THE JOB - AS A CHARTERED SURVEYOR AND A CIVIL ENGINEER - AND THE POPULARITY AND RESPECT HE ENJOYS AMONG HIS COLLEAGUES AND PEERS.
DESCRIBED BY A SENIOR COLLEAGUE OF 23 YEARS AS AN "EXCELLENT LEADER AND FAST WORKER - YOU CAN NEVER. FIND FILES PILED UP ON HIS ’IN’ TRAY" - MR LAWRENCE SUMS UP HIS JOB IN HIS USUAL LOW-KEY MANNER AS "ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF POSITIVE AND PROGRESSIVE POLICIES IN BOO, AND EFFECTING THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION TO MEET CHANGING DEMANDS".
/ONE OF
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
5 -
ONE OF THE MORE RECENT CHANGES WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT IN NOVEMBER 1986 OF A SMALL TASK FORCE TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.
THE DRAINAGE UNIT WAS FORMED TO DEAL WITH MAJOR DRAINAGE PROBLEMS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS, WITH THE INTENTION OF REMOVING OR ALLEVIATING POLLUTION IN WATERCOURSES CAUSED BY THE UNAUTHORISED DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENTS AND WASTE FROM INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.
THIS HAS THE DIRECT EFFECT OF MAKING A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT, A SUBJECT THAT HAS BEEN OF PARTICULAR INTEREST AND CONCERN TO MR LAWRENCE, WHO IN HIS YOUNGER DAYS AS A DISTRICT ENGINEER IN UGANDA, EAST AFRICA, WAS IN CHARGE OF BUILDING WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS.
MR LAWRENCE SAID SOME OF THE WORST POLLUTERS OF OUR WATERCOURSES ARE INDUSTRIES SET UP IN BUILDINGS DESIGNED WITHOUT SUITABLE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS.
"ALTHOUGH THE UNIT’S AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY COVERS INVESTIGATION, AND THE SERVICE AND ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS, IT PREFERS TO CARRY OUT ITS TASK BY PERSUASION RATHER THAN BY PROSECUTION," HE SAID.
"AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MANY LARGE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR OFFENDING INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING DYEING FACTORIES, \RE NOW BEING INSTALLED.
"THESE PLANTS, SOME COSTING OVER $1 MILLION, WILL ENABLE THE FACTORIES TO TREAT THEIR LIQUID EFFLUENTS TO THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE, ACIDITY AND ALKALINITY LEVEL BEFORE DISPOSAL THROUGH GOVERNMENT FOUL SEWERS."
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE UNIT HAS MADE A TOTAL OF 2,500 INSPECTIONS, AND ISSUED 350 WARNING LETTERS TO ESTABLISHMENTS FOUND TO BE DISCHARGING DANGEROUS LIQUID EFFLUENT ILLEGALLY, USUALLY VIA IMPROPER CONNECTIONS INTO STORM WATER DRAINS.
ANOTHER SPECIALIST TASK FORCE SET UP BY MR LAWRENCE IS Till DANGEROUS SIGNS UNIT, WHICH HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH REMOVING DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS TO ENSURE THAT THEY DO NOT COLLAPSE AND CAUSE DAMAGE OR INJURY.
IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF OPERATION, ACTION BY THE UNIT RESULTED IN THE REMOVAL OR REPAIR OF 2,181 SIGNS. IT HAS COMPLETED SURVEYS IN 19 URBAN LOCATIONS TO SEEK Oil' AND REMOVE DANGEROUS SIGNS, AND SIMILAR SURVEYS IN 20 MORE URBAN LOCATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR.
/"SOME OF
SUNDAY, MAY 29t 1988
"SOME OF THESE SIGNS WERE FOUND DANGLING PRECARIOUSLY ON WORN AND RUSTY SUPPORTS. THEY NOT ONLY POSED A SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE AND LIMB, BUT THEY WERE ALSO AN EYESORE - A VISUAL POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT,” MR LAWRENCE NOTED.
STILL ON HIS FAVOURITE SUBJECT, MR LAWRENCE SAID: "THE ECONOMY NOW HAS THE WHEREWITHAL TO PAY FOR THE NECESSARY MEASURES TO STEM AND REVERSE THE TIDE OF WORSENING POLLUTION, AND TO RECRUIT SUFFICIENT MANPOWER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MORE EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES.
"WE ONLY HAVE ONE ENVIRONMENT, AND WE MUST PROTECT IT.”
ANOTHER ENVIRONMENTAL AREA OF CONCERN TO MR LAWRENCE IS THE PROBLEM OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS (UBW).
ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT IS NOT EASY TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS IN A CITY THAT HAS SOME OF THE WORLD’S HIGHEST POPULATION DENSITIES, AND PREMIUM LAND PRICES, MR LAWRENCE HAS NOW FORMED A PRIORITY UNIT TO TACKLE THE OLD PROBLEM IN A NEW WAY.
SINCE IT WAS SET UP IN NOVEMBER 1987, THE PRIORITY UNIT HAS DEALT WITH SOME 540 COMPLAINTS ON URGENT "WORKS-IN-PROGRESS” CASES, AND CARRIED OUT 1,200 INSPECTIONS.
THE UNIT HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO ALL THESE COMPLAINTS IN A MATTER OF DAYS.
A HIGH COMPLIANCE RATE HAD BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH PERSUASION OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND THE SERVICE OF REMOVAL ORDERS. A TOTAL OF 124 ORDERS HAVE BEEN SERVED DURING THIS PERIOD, MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF WHICH HAVE SO FAR BEEN COMPLIED WITH VOLUNTARILY.
ASKED TO COMPARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORK OF BOO WHEN HE FIRST JOINED IN 1965 AND AT PRESENT, MR LAWRENCE REMINISCED: "WE HAD AT THE TIME ONLY ABOUT 28 BUILDING SURVEYORS, AND NEARLY ALL OF THEM WERE ENGAGED IN PROCESSING BUILDING PLANS.
"NOW WE HAVE 104 BUILDING SURVEYORS, WITH LESS THAN HALF INVOLVED IN SUCH DUTIES BUT NOW HANDLING A VERY MUCH GREATER VOLUME OF WORK. NEW BUILDINGS ARE NOW MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED THAN THEY WERE IN 1965 .
"FOR MANY YEARS MOST OF OUR EXPERTISE WENT INTO WORK INVOLVING THE CONTROL OF NEW DEVELOPMENT, BUT FROM TIME TO TIME WE HAD TO ESTABLISH NEW SPECIALIST UNITS TO DEAL WITH NEW PROBLEMS.
/"IN FACT,
SUNDAY, MAY 29» 1988
- 7
"IN FACT, I AM HOPING THAT NEXT YEAR WE CAN SET UP ANOTHER NEW TASK FORCE, TO FOCUS ON THE MAINTENANCE OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS. SOME OF THE OLDER ONES ARE NOW STARTING TO CAUSE CONCERN.
"TO GIVE A ROUGH INDICATION OF THE TYPE OF WORK WE HANDLE, LAST YEAR THE BOO PROCESSED A TOTAL OF 9,486 BUILDING PLANS, ISSUED 445 DRAINAGE REPAIR ORDERS, 746 BUILDING REPAIR ORDERS, 49 BUILDING DEMOLITION ORDERS, AND OBTAINED 69 BUILDING CLOSURE ORDERS.
"WE ALSO SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION WORK, WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO QUANTIFY," HE SAID.
STILL A BACHELOR, BUT DESCRIBED ONLY HALF-JOKINGLY BY A LONG-TIME COLLEAGUE AS "BEING MARRIED TO HIS JOB", CONSIDERING THE DEDICATION HE GAVE TO IT, MR LAWRENCE MAINTAINED THAT HE IS FAR FROM BEING READY TO RETIRE, ALTHOUGH HE IS KEENLY INTERESTED IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GOLF, CONTRACT BRIDGE, BIRDWATCHING, AND HORSE RACING AND RIDING.
"AFTER A SHORT LEAVE AND ’SANITATION* PERIOD, I SHALL BE RETURNING TO HONG KONG IN AUGUST TO SET UP A CONSULTANCY PRACTICE LN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT.
"I LIKE HONG KONG AND HOPE THAT I CAN STILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A USEFUL ROLE IN ITS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT."
-----0------
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO SERVING THE BLIND ♦ * ♦ t ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PAYS ('LOSE ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE 13,000 PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION AND WILL STRIVE TO GIVE THEM THE NECESSARY SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING \T THE DEDICATION OF THE SHEK KI I’ MEI LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE BLIND OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - HONG KONG SYNOD, IN SHAM SHU I PO.
BLIND PEOPLE COULD HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITV AFFAIRS THROUGH THE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE, SHE SAID.
/ALTHOUGH THE
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
8
ALTHOUGH THE DISABLED MIGHT BE AT A DISADVANTAGE IN A FAST-TEMPO SOCIETY, MRS WONG SAID SHE WAS CONVINCED THAT THEY COULD STILL BE SUCCESSFUL AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY IF THEIR TALENTS AND WISDOM WERE GIVEN FULL PLAY WITH APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT BESIDES THE CENTRE THERE WERE ALSO OTHER FACILITIES FOR THE BLIND IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT, INCLUDING HOMES FOR THE AGED BLIND, HOSTELS FOR THE MENTALLY-RETARDED BLIND, X REHABILITATION CENTRE AND LIBRARIES FOR THE BLIND.
"BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, CARE OF THE COMMUNITY AND A CHANCE TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES CAN HELP THE BLIND PEOPLE TO BUILD UP THEIR CONFIDENCE AND I APPEAL TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE TO ASSIST THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE IN NEED," SHE SAID.
SHE COMMENDED THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - HONG KONG SYNOD FOR PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, REHABILITATION FOR THE’ DISABLED, CHILD CARE AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1977.
1ST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WERE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS J WEARING APPAREL; TEXTILES; PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT; PLASTIC PRODUCTS; AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
TOGETHER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 82 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE SHOWN IN THE FIRST QUARTER 1988 EXPORT STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WERE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+$1,641 MILLION); PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (+$1,020 MILLION); WEARING APPAREL (+$810 MILLION); BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+$527 MILLION); NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY (+$501 MILLION); AND TEXTILES (+$321 MILLION).
/IN PERCENTAGE
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 WERE: LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (+75 PER CENT); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+63 PER CENT); AND NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY (+63 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, MODERATE DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1987 IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-J159 MILLION OR -6 PER CENT) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY (-J1 MILLION OR -4 PER CENT).
OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ORIGINATING FROM OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY (+21 PER CENT) WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICITY RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE (-26 PER CENT).
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (ISIC), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASSIFIED STATISTICS. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION. IN SUCH CASES, THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED IS NOT THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE EXPORT VALUE OF THAT ITEM. HOWEVER, THE OVERALL VALUE OF THE ITEM HAS WHOLLY BEEN ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY IN THIS R E-C LAS S1FICATION.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS PRODUCED BY THE ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE PART OF THE VALUE MAY BE DUE TO SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
A TABLE GIVING FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234832).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1988".
/Value of
- 10 - SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
Value of domestic exports for mqrchandinn, reclassified by industrial origin for the flrot quarter of 1988
(HKt'OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported “ r1 ■ ■ Merchandise domestic exports
1988 1st qtr. 1987 1st. qtr. Value change % change
Agricultural/ Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural, livestock and poultry production 1,780 1,589 ♦191 • ♦12
Ocean and coastal fishing 158,921 131,110 +27,811 ♦21
Mining and Quarrying 1,471 1,499 -28 -2
Manufacturing
Food Beverages Tobacco Textiles (including knitting) Wearing apparel, except footwear and knitwear Leather and leather product® Footwear Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures Paper and paper products, printing and publishing Chemicals and chemical products Products of petroleum and coal Rubber products Plastic products Non-metallic mineral products Basic metals and fabricated metal products Machinery, except electrical Electrical and electronic products Transport equipment Professional and optical equipment Other manufacturing industries 303,127 66,125 454,880 7,919,721 9,176,990 197,324 264,417 19*4,888 9'4'4,332 680,357 971 51,966 2,*457,559 161,191 2,11'4,382 1,291,048 10,<4 50,782 33,886 4, 128, <471 2,987,993 301,070 51,011 3'4'4,803 7,598,615 8,367,282 112,578 222,413 185,565 760,429 417,564 41,333 2,616,553 161,941 1,586,976 790,065 8,810,228 35,152 3,108,454 2,722,083 *2,057 +15,114 +110,077 +321,106 +809,708 +84,7'16 +42,004 +9,323 +183,903 ♦262,793 971 +10,633 -158,794 -750 +527,406 +500,983 +1,640.554 -1,266 +1,020,017 +265,910 + 1 ♦30 ♦32 4-*4 4 10 • 4 75 ♦ 19 ♦5 ♦2'* ♦63 ♦26 -6 _ • 433 ♦63 419' -U ♦33 410
Electricity 109,080 1U6,842 -37,762 -26
Miscellaneous items (e-g. developed photographic plates and film, antiques, and works of art) 17,632 12,812 +4,820 +38
Total '4'4,169,293 38,527,765 +5,641,528 +15
Individual entries of a column may rounding. not add up exactly to the corresponding to! ;al due to
• less than 0.596 0 - OB WB /11 .... • • •
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
LEK YUEN BRIDGE OPENS THIS WEEK
» » » t
THE LEK YUEN BRIDGE, THE DESIGN OF WHICH IS BASED ON THAT OF THE 17-ARCH FOOTBRIDGE IN THE SUMMER PALACE IN PEKING, HAS BEEN COMPLETED. IT WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).
THE 11-ARCH FOOTBRIDGE, BUILT AT A COST OF $10 MILLION, WILL BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SHA TIN CENTRAL AREA.
THE BRIDGE IS 170 METRES LONG. IT SPANS THE SHING MUN RIVER AND PROVIDES A CONVENIENT LINK BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST BANKS.
APART FROM THIS FUNCTIONAL ROLE, FOOTBRIDGE IS ALSO PLEASING VISUALLY.
THE TRADITIONAL
STYLE
AMONG 1FS SPECIAL FEATURES ARE RAIN WATER DRAIN OUTLETS WHICH ARE DECORATED UY STONE CARVINGS IN THE SHAPE OF A DRAGON HEAD; RAIN WATER WOULD DRIP THROUGH THE DRAGON MOUTHS.
OTHER FEATURES ARE 14 PAIRS OF ORNATE ORDERED FROM THE UNITED STATES.
LAMP POSTS SPECIALLY
MATERIAL USED IN CONSTRUCTING THE BRIDGE INCLUDED 2,909 TONNES Ol CONCRETE, 236 TONNES OF STEEL REINFORCEMENT AND 5,250 KILOGRAMS OF FINISHING MATERIAL. CONSTRUCTION TIME WAS 22 MONTHS.
THE BRIDGE, BUILT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
, \OU \RE INVITED TO COVER THE LEK YUEN BRIDGE OPENING CEREMONY
(OFF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL) ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).
TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE AND THOSE WHO WISH TO USE IT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 9 AM. THE COACH WILL RETURN TO THE CARPARK AFTER THE CEREMONY.
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 11 AM.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, AND OTHER GUESTS.
--------o ---------
/12
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
12
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN SOUTHERN
» » * »
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP EXERCISE WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO BE MINDFUL OF HYGIENE AND TO KEEP THEIR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
THE EXERCISE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
A STARTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE SQUARE.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YAU-YUE; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, SOUTHERN, MISS OLIVIA NIP; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT; AND AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR C.S. CHAN .
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CLEAN-UP OPERATION TO BE CARRIED OUT IN BACK LANES IN WU NAM STREET AND TUNG SHING STREET.
TO SUPPORT THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HAS FORMED A WORKING GROUP TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP EXERCISE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE SQUARE.
-------0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
DI! COMMITTEE TO STUDY AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREA PILOT SCHEME * * * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE RILL STUDY THE GOVERNMENT’S AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREA PILOT SCHEME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICER (WEST), MR W.K. LAI, WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE SCHEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI. KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 Ell LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN NORTH DISTRICT t t t » t
COMMUNITY AND VILLAGE ORGAN JSATIONS IN NORTH DISTRICT CAN NOW Al 1 L\ LOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS.
"A TOTAL OF $1,890,000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF VBOUT JO PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
I-UNDS VRE SET YSIDE FOR DISTRICT-BASED CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIV ITIES, AS WELL AS EXHIBITIONS AND SURVEYS WHICH ARE-AIMED VI' ENHANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SOCIAL COHESION."
rilESI' NON-PROFIT-MAKING VCTIV1TIES SHOULD ALSO PROMOTE THE WILL-BEING OF PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT.
MEANWHILE, FUNDS ARI: AVAILABLE FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS VI MED VI PROVIDING A PROMPT REMEDY TO SUCH MATTERS AS Illi REMOVAL OF EYESORES AND Illi': DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPORARY VACANT LAND FOR COMMUNITY USE.
/"IT IS
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
"IT IS INTENDED THAT PROJECTS OF THIS KIND SHOULD FALL OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF NORMAL GOVERNMENT WORKS PROGRAMMES, OR PROVIDE INTERIM SOLUTIONS TO MINOR PROBLEMS WHICH ARE ACCORDED A LOWER PRIORITY UNDER THE NORMAL DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMMES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND VILLAGE COUNCILS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD FUNDS TO THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT BY JUNE 20.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON U-908041.
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GATHERING FOR SAI KUNG’S NEW AREA COMMITTEES » » * » »
MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY FORMED SAI KUNG CENTRAL AND HANG HAU AREA COMMITTEES WILL ASSEMBLE AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO ATTEND A BRIEFING ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING, WILL BRIEF THEM ON THE WORK AND FUNCTIONS OF AN AREA COMMITTEE. THERE WILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A TEA GATHERING AFTERWARDS.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE WORK OF AREA COMMITTEES AND ON VARIOUS DISTRICT MATTERS.
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE GATHERING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE’S BRIEFING FOR THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL AND HANG HAU AREA (OMMI11EES TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL, PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN. IT WILL START AT 3 PM.
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/15
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
- 15 -
HK DELEGATES TO ATTEND ILO CONFERENCE
♦ » * » »
A TRIPARTITE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL ATTEND THE 75TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA DUE TO OPEN ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG; DR LUI MING-WAH; AND MR WONG WAI-HUNG.
BOTH DR LUI AND MR WONG ARE MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND ARE REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY.
DURING THE CONFERENCE PERIOD WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL ACT AS ADVISERS TO THE BRITISH DELEGATION.
AMONG Till TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE INFORMATION AND REPORTS ON THE APPLICATION OF CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION \ND SOCIAL SECURITY, AND SAFETY AND HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION.
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YOUNG VIOLIST SELECTED FOR ♦ » » * »
A TALENTED 15-YEAR-OLD VIOLIST, SELECTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO JOIN A UNITED STATES.
U.S. MUSIC CAMP
MISS MONICA LING, HAS BEEN NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP IN THE
SHE WILL RECEIVE TWO MONTHS OF INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING AT THE CAMP TO BE HELD THIS SUMMER IN INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN.
THE MUSIC CAMP IS A PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL EVENT HELD EVERY YEAR TO PROMOTE WORLD FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC. IT IS NOW IN ITS BIST SEXSON AND THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 26 TO AUGUST 22.
IT TAKES IN ONLY HIGHLY QUALIFIED YOUNG MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18, AND THE HIGHEST HONOUR FOR A PARTICIPANT IS TO BE SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF THE CAMP’S WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
TRAINING WILL INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS GIVEN BY RENOWNED MUSICIANS.
THE CAMP ALSO OFFERS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CANOEING, SAILING, SWIMMING AND "SING-A-LONG" EVENINGS AROUND A CAMP FIRE.
/THE MUSIC
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
- 16 -
THE MUSIC OFFICE SELECTED MONICA THROUGH AN OPEN AUDITION. SHE IS A FORM 1 STUDENT OF THE HEEP YUNN SCHOOL AND A JUNIOR STUDENT OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
SHE BEGAN TO PLAY VIOLA AT THE AGE OF EIGHT AFTER JOINING THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME AT THE MUSIC OFFICE. SINCE THEN SHE HAS PARTICIPATED IN MANY MUSIC ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE OFFICE, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA AND THE "MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" CONCERT PROGRAMME.
MONICA HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SINCE 1982 AND OPPORTUNITIES WERE MADE AVAILABLE FOR HER TO ADVANCE HER SKILLS.
"I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I HAVE BEEN OFFERED THIS OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP AND 1 BELIEVE 1 WILL BENEFIT A LOT FROM IT," SHE SAID.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID: "MONICA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE MUSIC CAMP IS NOT ONLY A VERY VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR HER MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT BUT IS ALSO AN INCENTIVE TO OTHER LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS STRIVING TO ACHIEVE HIGHER STANDARDS.
"IN FACT, YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM HONG KONG TOOK PART IN THE CAMP IN 1982, 1983, 1984 AND 1986 AND THEY ALL AGREED THAT THEIR EXPERIENCES ARE NOT ONLY MEMORABLE BUT ALSO INVALUABLE TO THEIR FUTURE CAREER AS A MUSICIAN."
MONICA WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON JUNE 24 AND IS EXPECTED TO RETURN ON AUGUST 29.
THE CAMP FEE WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISERS WHILE THE ROUND-TRIP AIR PASSAGE WILL BE JOINTLY SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.
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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1988
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TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUNG FOOTBALLERS IN SHA TIN ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
YOUNG FOOTBALLERS IN SHA TIN WHO WISH TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILL THROUGH FORMAL TRAINING CAN NOW APPLY TO JOIN A NINE-MONTH TRAINING SCHEME TO BEGIN IN JULY.
THE YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE COURSE IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO SHOULD BE 15 TO 18 YEARS OLD AND EITHER LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN SHA TIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHOU CHUEN HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE AND AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS JUNE 10.
A SELECTION TEST WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND IN YUEN WO ROAD AT 9 AM ON JUNE 12. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6915657.
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RE-ROUTE ING OF STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN JAFFE ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY) TO JUNE 30 FOR SEWER CONSTRUCTION WORK.
VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND LOCKHART ROAD HEADING FOR CENTRAL CAN TRAVEL VIA TONNOCHV ROAD TO JOIN GLOUCESTER ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR GEOFFREY HOWE'S VISIT
FOREIGN SECRETARY REAFFIRMS BRITAIN'S COMMITMHIT TO HK . 1
HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE TO HUMAN SUFFERING ............... 4
X
SIR GEOFFREY BRIEFED ON REFUGEE PROBLEM ................ 6
FOREIGN SECRETARY VISITS CONTAINER TERMINAL ............ 7
LIVE BROADCAST OF SIR GEOFFREY HOWE'S PRESS CONFERENCE . 8
JI PENGFEI TO VISIT HONG KONG ............................ 9
GOVT TO SPEND $6 BILLION ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS ........... 9
SEMINAR TO START OFF FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN .............. 11
manufacturers urged to refer to standards................ 12
GOVT ACCEPTS EDUCATION COMMISSION PROPOSALS ON SIXTH FORM . 1J
JOINT EFFORT WILL ENSURE DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING ... 15
SALE OF THREE SITES FETCHED 5224 M ...................... 17
1987 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ........... 18
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS HELP IMPROVE RURAL LIFE............... 19
SAI KUNG AREA COMMITTEES FORMED.......................... 22
TWO STATIONS DELETED FROM SIGNAL STATIONS LIST........... 2J
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND EAST KOWLOON ................ 24
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
1
FOREIGN SECRETARY REAFFIRMS BRITAIN’S COMMITMENT TO HK
» t * » »
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, TODAY (MONDAY) REITERATED THAT BRITAIN’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND ITS FUTURE IS FIRM AND UNSHAKEABLE.
"WE HAVE UPHELD AND WILL UPHOLD OUR OBLIGATIONS TO HONG KONG," SIR GEOFFREY SAID IN A LUNCH SPEECH TO COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE BRITISH COMMITMENT CAME FROM THE PRIME MINISTER AND COLLEAGUES, HE SAID, ADDING THAT "WE HAVE A DEEP SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE."
HE POINTED OUT THAT HE HIMSELF HAD HAD SEVEN MEETINGS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTER, MR WU XUEQIAN, NOW A VICE PREMIER. "HONG KONG HAS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS," HE SAID.
SIR GEOFFREY THEN SAID: "SO LET ME ONCE AND FOR ALL DISPOSE OF THE MYTH THAT BRITAIN EVER HAS OR EVER WOULD SACRIFICE HONG KONG’S INTERESTS IN THE PURSUIT OF BETTER SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS.
"THAT IS HOGWASH. EVEN IF WE WERE DAFT ENOUGH TO THINK THERE WAS ANY BENEFIT IN DOING SO, IT WOULD NOT BE WITHIN OUR POWER. NOTHING WOULD DESTROY SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS FASTER THAN A FAILURE OF OUR JOINT ENTERPRISE IN HONG KONG. AND DON’T FORGET THAT OUR OWN ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN HONG KONG ARE IMMENSE.
"AND THE SAME IS TRUE OF CHINA. THEIR ECONOMIC INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IS EVEN LARGER THAN OURS.
"QUITE APART FROM THAT, THEY HAVE THE OVERWHELMING INCENTIVE OF PROVING THAT DENG XIAOPING’S INSIGHT, ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS, CAN BE MADE A REALITY. THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THAT REALITY IS FUNDAMENTAL TO DEEPLY FELT CHINESE ASPIRATIONS FOR NATIONAL UNITY.
"SO HOWEVER YOU LOOK AT IT, BRITAIN AND CHINA HAVE THE STRONGEST INTEREST IN WORKING FOR HONG KONG’S SUCCESS. THIS COMMON INTEREST HAS BROUGHT US TOGETHER IN A CLOSE PARTNERSHIP.
"HONG KONG HAS BEEN THE CATALYST OF THIS RELATIONSHIP AND ITS CHIEF BENEFICIARY. THERE IS EVERY REASON FOR CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG CAN IN THE YEARS AHEAD RETAIN AND CONTINUE ITS KEY ROLE IN THE FASTEST GROWING REGION OF THE WORLD."
IN HIS SPEECH TO THE LUNCH GATHERING, WHICH WAS HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SIR GEOFFREY SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS COMING TOGETHER REMARKABLY WELL CONSIDERING THE MAGNITUDE AND UNIQUENESS OF THE TASK.
/HE SAID
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
2
HE SAID THE PROGRESS MADE SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN 1984 OWED MUCH TO THE SPIRIT OF HONG KONG--THE DETERMINATION AND THE ABILITY TO TURN THOUGHT INTO ACTION AND HOPE INTO REALITY.
"WHERE DOUBT AND UNCERTAINTY EXISTED BEFORE, WE ARE BUILDING STEP-BY-STEP A STRUCTURE OF CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE.
"IT IS THAT HONG KONG SPIRIT WHICH GIVES ME THE CONVICTION THAT WHAT WE HAVE EMBARKED ON IS GOING TO WORK," HE SAID.
THE JOINT DECLARATION REMAINED AS STRONG A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE AS EVER, HE ADDED.
SIR GEOFFREY EMPHASISED THAT THOUGH HE WAS "UNASHAMEDLY UPBEAT" HE DID REALISE THAT THERE WERE FEARS AND CONCERNS AMONG HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND HE UNDERSTOOD THESE.
HE SAID: "IT IS RIGHT AND NATURAL THAT YOU SHOULD CONSTANTLY ASK YOURSELVES IF EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE WHICH CAN BE DONE TO SECURE YOUR FUTURE. THAT YOU SHOULD QUESTION, EXAMINE AND SUGGEST.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TOO THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR VIEWS AND CONCERNS. THAT IS WHY I AM HERE."
REFERRING TO THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, SIR GEOFFREY SAID BRITAIN WELCOMED THE CLOSE INVOLVEMENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS OF DRAFTING AND CONSULTATION, AND IT WELCOMED THE STEPS BEING TAKEN BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO SEEK HONG KONG OPINION.
HE DESCRIBED THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW AS A MASSIVE TEXT WHICH INCORPORATED, AS IT SHOULD, VIRTUALLY ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, OFTEN VERBATIM.
IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING SHOULD NOT BE SEEN TO FETTER HONG KONG’S AUTONOMY IN ANY WAY, HE ADDED.
ON PROGRESS MADE SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, SIR GEOFFREY SAID BRITAIN HAD CONTINUED INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND IN MANY OTHER CONTACTS.
HE POINTED TO REGISTERED:
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN
* AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF GATT
* AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
* WIDE-RANGING AGREEMENTS ON TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
« ON AIR SERVICES
« ON CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS
/"IN EVERY
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
3 -
"IN EVERY CASE WE SECURED WHAT HONG KONG NEEDED. THE SAME IS TRUE IN THE LAND COMMISSION. AND THIS VERY PRACTICAL AND NECESSARY WORK GOES ON . "
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD NOT INTERFERED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, NOR WOULD IT DO SO -- "IT IS A MEANS OF CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE."
SIR GEOFFREY NOTED THAT CONTROVERSY HAD ARISEN IN THE AREA OF CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM, AND SAID THIS WAS NOT SURPRISING AS THERE WERE DEEPLY AND SINCERELY HELD VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT IN HONG KONG AS IN ANY OTHER COMMUNITY, AND THEY DIFFERED.
BUT HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WERE RESPONDING TO THE WIDELY EXPRESSED DESIRE IN HONG KONG FOR MORE PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ONLY THREE YEARS SINCE THE FIRST ELECTED SEATS OF ANY KIND WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND, IN ONLY THREE YEARS FROM NOW, 10 DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS WOULD BE INTRODUCED.
THIS WAS NOT A LONG INTERVAL, BUT IT WAS, HE BELIEVED, A REASONABLE RESPONSE TO THE WIDESPREAD WISH FOR EVOLUTION TO BE STEADY AND GRADUAL.
FURTHER CHANGES WOULD BE NECESSARY AFTER 1991 TO MEET THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVISION FOR A LEGISLATURE ALL OF WHOSE MEMBERS WERE ELECTED.
"IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THE BASIC LAW WILL INCLUDE A SUBSTANTIAL DIRECTLY ELECTED COMPONENT IN THE POST-1997 LEGISLATURE. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN A SHORT TIME," HE ADDED.
AT THE OUTSET OF HIS SPEECH, SIR GEOFFREY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VIBRANCY OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE, AND THEIR REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENTS, AND SAID THE TERRITORY AND ITS FUTURE HAD BEEN VERY HIGH ON HIS LIST OF PRIORITIES SINCE HE BECAME FOREIGN SECRETARY FIVE YEARS AGO.
HE SAID: "LIKE MOST OTHERS WHO WATCH FROM OUTSIDE, I AM STUNNED BY YOUR SPECTACULAR ECONOMIC SUCCESSES; YOUR BOOMING TRADE AND INVESTMENT; YOUR FULL EMPLOYMENT; YOUR GDP GROWTH; YOUR AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. YOU ARE THE ENVY OF WESTERN AND EASTERN ECONOMIC MANAGERS."
BUT HE SAID HE WAS WELL AWARE THAT HONG KONG ALSO HAD ITS PROBLEMS, AND REFERRING TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, HE POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD BEGUN HIS PROGRAMME HERE BY LOOKING AT THIS ISSUE.
/However, he
MONDAY, MAY }O, 1988
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT PROBLEMS NEEDED TO BE KEPT IN PERSPECTIVE AGAINST THE WIDER PICTURE OF REMARKABLE SUCCESS.
CONCLUDING, SIR GEOFFREY SAID HE REALISED THAT NOW AS IN THE PAST SOME HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE CHOOSING TO MOVE ELSEWHERE TO SEEK A NEW HOME, OR EVEN IN SOME CASES TO SEEK A DIFFERENT NATIONALITY, AND A NUMBER WERE ALSO RETURNING TO THE TERRITORY.
HE FELT THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE UNDUE ALARM OVER THESE MOVEMENTS, BUT NOR SHOULD THERE BE COMPLACENCY.
"IN THE END IT IS UP TO US ALL, NOT LEAST THE GOVERNMENTS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA, BY OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS, TO CONVINCE PEOPLE THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE IN," HE SAID.
"AND WHAT WE CAN SAY IS THAT THE ROAD AHEAD IS CHARTED AND THE SIGNPOSTS ARE IN PLACE. YOU HAVE A CLEAR FRAMEWORK; YOU HAVE THE UNPARALLELED ENERGY AND INGENUITY OF YOUR PEOPLE; AND YOU HAVE THE GOODWILL AND SUPPORT OF BRITAIN AND CHINA."
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HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE TO HUMAN SUFFERING ♦ ♦ * * ♦
HONG KONG’S GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE SITUATION IN A HUMANITARIAN WAY, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY). IT WAS A TRULY HUMAN PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.
THE WHOLE PROBLEM WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY INTOLERABLE, AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT THINGS COULD POSSIBLY GO ON AS THEY WERE, SIR GEOFFREY TOLD REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE ON LANTAU AND THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE.
"IT MUST BE SAID THAT WHAT WE SEE HERE IS A DREADFUL INDICTMENT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF AFFAIRS IN VIETNAM, AND THE CENTRAL RESPONSIBILITY MUST BE LAID UPON THE SHOULDERS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM,” HE SAID.
SIR GEOFFREY SAID HE HAD BEEN MOVED BY THE SUFFERING AND TRAGEDY THAT WAS INVOLVED FOR MANY FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
BUT HE SAID THERE WAS NO EASY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM, NO "QUICK FIX" AVAILABLE.
/’•THAT’S WHY
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
i
- 5
"THAT’S WHY I’VE BEEN WANTING TO DISCUSS THIS WHOLE PROBLEM DURING THE REST OF MY VISIT WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ASKED IF HE SAW ANY MERIT IN CHANGING THE BRITISH POLICY OF GIVING FIRST ASYLUM TO ALL VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, SIR GEOFFREY SAID HE WOULD NOT MAKE POLICY PRONOUNCEMENTS AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
"I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE MAKING THAT SUGGESTION, AND IT WILL BE ONE OF THE THINGS OBVIOUSLY I SHALL BE WANTING TO DISCUSS HERE IN HONG KONG."
AS TO WHETHER BRITAIN WAS REALLY DOING ENOUGH, HE SAID IT WAS DOING A VERY GREAT DEAL.
.BRITAIN HAD BEEN CARRYING THE RESPONSIBILITY ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN PRESENTING THE PROBLEM IN ALL ITS ASPECTS TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
"WE SHALL GO ON DOING THAT AND AS I SAID THERE IS NO EASY, QUICK SOLUTION TO WHAT IS A TERRIBLE HUMAN PROBLEM."
ASKED IF BRITAIN COULD TAKE MORE REFUGEES FOR RESETTLEMENT, HE SAID THAT WAS NOT A QUESTION THAT COULD BE ANSWERED QUICKLY.
"IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT ASPECT OF AN EXTREMELY COMPLEX PROBLEM," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED WHAT BRITAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY WAS, SIR GEOFFREY SAID THAT THOUGH BRITAIN HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ITSELF HAD BEEN PLAYING A VERY DIRECT AND SUBSTANTIAL PART IN DISCHARGING THAT TASK, AND IN PROVIDING AND MANAGING THE FACILITIES FOR REFUGEES OF THE KIND HE HAD VISITED TODAY.
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MONDAY, MAY 30,
1988
6
SIR GEOFFREY BRIEFED ON REFUGEE PROBLEM » » » * »
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, WAS GIVEN A DETAILED BRIEFING TODAY (MONDAY) ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM THAT CONFRONTS HONG KONG.
AFTERWARDS, HE AND LADY HOWE VISITED THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE ON LANTAU AND THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE.
THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WAS BRIEFED INITIALLY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES.
SIR GEOFFREY WAS TOLD THAT IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR MORE THAN 4,500 BOAT PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG -- MORE THAN IN ANY FULL YEAR SINCE 1982. •
THE CURRENT ARRIVAL RATE OF 100 PER DAY IN MAY IS UNPRECEDENTED SINCE 1979, AND IS SEVERELY STRETCHING HONG KONG’S RESOURCES FOR ACCOMMODATING ALL THE REFUGEES.
SIR GEOFFREY WAS TOLD THAT THE THREE EXISTING CLOSED CENTRES HAVE REACHED THEIR MAXIMUM CAPACITY, AND ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY CENTRES HAVE HAD TO BE ESTABLISHED AT SHORT NOTICE TO HOUSE OVER 3,000 MORE REFUGEES.
FOLLOWING THE INITIAL BRIEFING BY THE GOVERNOR AND MR BARNES, SIR GEOFFREY WENT TO THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR BARNES AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
CHI MA WAN ACCOMMODATES MORE THAN 2,500 REFUGEES — ALMOST 20 PER CENT OVER THE CENTRE’S OFFICIAL CAPACITY.
SIR GEOFFREY SAW FOR HIMSELF THE CONDITIONS IN THE CENTRE’S DORMITORJ ES.
AT THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR JOHN FORTUNE, ON THE PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING NEWLY ARRIVED VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
Ill': WAS ALSO SHOWN THE WOODEN BOATS IN WHICH REFUGEES TRAVEL TO HONG KONG.
THE RECEPTION FACILITIES ON GREEN ISLAND WERE DESCRIBED AS BASIC BUT ADEQUATE.
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
FOREIGN SECRETARY *
VISITS CONTAINER TERMINAL » » » *
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED (MTL) AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR DERICK HALL, AND THE COMPANY'S CHAIRMAN, MR DAVID GLEDHILL.
SIR GEOFFREY WAS TOLD THAT IN 1987 HONG KONG SURPASSED ROTTERDAM TO BECOME THE NUMBER ONE PORT IN TERMS OF CONTAINER THROUGHPUT.
THIS EQUATED TO 3.46 MILLION TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEU’S) WITH 2.61 MILLION TEU’S BEING HANDLED AT KWAI CHUNG.
SIR GEOFFREY LEARNT THAT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL COMPRISED SEVEN BERTHS OPERATED BY THREE COMPANIES - MTL, SEA-LAND ORIENT LIMITED AND HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS LIMITED.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS AT KWAI CHUNG INCLUDING THE RECENT OPENING OF THE FIRST BERTH OF TERMINAL 6 AND THE RESULT OF THE OPEN TENDER EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR TERMINAL 7.
MR HALL EXPLAINED THAT THE FULL COMPLETION OF TERMINAL 6 NEXT YEAR AND TERMINAL 7 BY 1991 WOULD PRACTICALLY DOUBLE KWAI CHUNG’S CONTAINER HANDLING CAPACITY TO ALMOST FIVE MILLION TEU’S WHICH SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET HONG KONG’S DEMAND UP TO 1993-94.
OWING TO SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH RATES IN 1986 AND 1987, THE GOVERNMENT HAD COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE A PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY (PADS) TO CONSIDER VARIOUS PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES.
"THIS IS A MAJOR STUDY TO PROVIDE FOR EXPECTED GROWTH UP TO THE YEAR 2011 AND ALSO INCLUDES INFRASTRUCTURE, CROSS-HARBOUR CONNECTIONS, HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS AND SO ON," MR HALL ADDED.
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/8........
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
- 8 -
LIVE BROADCAST OF SIR GEOEFREY HOWE’S PRESS CONFERENCE
*****
THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB-JADE, TVB-PEARL, ATV-GOLD, AND RTHK’S RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH).
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL START AT 4.30 PM.
ATV-DIAMOND WILL CARRY THE PRESS CONFERENCE FROM 6.45 PM TO 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE V/HICH WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL AT 4.30 PM.
AS SPACE IS LIMITED, YOU ARE REMINDED THAT ADMISSION WILL BE ON THE BASIS OF ONE REPORTER PER ORGANISATION. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE PRECEDED BY A BRIEF PHOTO CALL.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRINT MEDIA ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BY 4 PM AT THE LATEST AS THERE WILL BE THE USUAL SECURITY CHECKS.
AS FOR THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA, REPRESENTATIVES ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT 3.30 PM AT THE LATEST TO SET UP THEIR CAMERAS AT FIXED POSITIONS.
GIS WILL ISSUE A TRANSCRIPT OF SIR GEOFFREY’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN BOTH LANGUAGES THROUGH THE TELEPRINTER NETWORK.
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/9........
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
9
JI PENGFEI TO VISIT HONG KONG * * * * »
AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, MR JI PENGFEI, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM JUNE 1 TO 3.
MR JI WILL HAVE A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR FOLLOWED BY DINNER ON JUNE 3.
HIS VISIT WILL INCLUDE A BRIEFING ON HONG KONG DEVELOPMENT AND VISITS TO A CONTAINER TERMINAL AND THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
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GOVT TO SPEND $6 BILLION ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS ♦ » ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SPEND ABOUT $6 BILLION ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MISS MARIA TAM, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE $70 MILLION LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER IN TAI PO, MISS TAM SAID SHE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE ENORMOUS INVESTMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY’S NEED AND TO SUPPORT ITS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAIN ECONOMIC GROWTH.
SHE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO LEARN THAT A NUMBER OF TRANSPORT STUDIES ARE IN HAND TO IDENTIFY FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY, PLANNING IS UNDERWAY FOR ROUTE X (TO BE CALLED ROUTE 3 LATER ON) FROM YUEN LONG TO TSING YI AND KWAI CHUNG EVENTUALLY LINKING INTO A THIRD CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO HONG KONG IN WESTERN DISTRICT.
ON MOBILITY IN NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES, MISS TAM SAID THAT SINCE THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD FROM SHA TIN, TAT PO, TO FANLING WAS OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 1985, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN TRAFFIC HAD BEEN RECORDED EACH YEAR ON THIS IMPORTANT EXPRESSWAY.
THESE HAD RESULTED FROM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CROSSINGS AT MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT IN FANLING NEW TOWN.
/THE TRAFFIC .......
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
- 10
THE TRAFFIC ALONG THE ROUTE WOULD INCREASE EVEN FURTHER WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK AT LOK MA CHAU EARLY NEXT YEAR.
SHE SAID THE OPENING OF THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER WOULD BE WELCOMED BY MOTORISTS BECAUSE THE PRESENT TORTUOUS NEGOTIATION OF THE TWO ROUNDABOUTS AT THE JUNCTIONS WITH LAM KAM ROAD AND HONG LOK YUEN ROAD WOULD NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CAPACITY WHICH WOULD BE REQUIRED IN FUTURE YEARS.
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WHO ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY, SAID THE DUAL TWO-LANE FLYOVER WAS DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED BY HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ENGINEERS.
A PREREQUISITE OF PLANNING WAS TO MAINTAIN TRAFFIC FLOW WITH AS LITTLE DISTURBANCE AS POSSIBLE. AESTHETIC ASPECTS ALSO WERE A MAJOR CONSIDERATION.
WITH ITS COMPLETION, HE SAID THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WAS NOW FULLY GRADE-SEPARATED AT ALL INTERSECTIONS, PROVIDING TRULY "FREE-WAY" TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN SHA TIN AND FANLING.
THIS WOULD RESULT IN REDUCED JOURNEY TIMES, PROVIDING ENHANCED LEVELS OF SERVICE AND ROAD SAFETY TO MOTORISTS.
MR BEATON ADDED THAT THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER COMPLETED THE UPGRADING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD FROM SHA TIN, TAI PO TO FANLING.
MANY MAJOR PROJECTS, LIKE THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENT, YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS, TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG EASTERN CORRIDOR AND ROUTE 5 FROM TSUEN WAN TO SHA TIN ARE EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR BEING PLANNED.
THESE MAJOR TASKS, SUPPLEMENTED BY OTHER SMALLER SCALE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS SUCH AS LAM KAM ROAD WIDENING, TO BE COMMENCED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR, WOULD PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT HIGHWAY SYSTEM FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, LINKING UP THE NEW TOWNS AS WELL AS THE BORDER CROSSINGS TO THE LARGER URBAN AREAS, HE SAID.
THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
11
SEMINAR TO START OFF FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN
* * ♦ » »
A SEMINAR ON FOOD HYGIENE TO BE HELD ON JUNE 8 (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE WILL START OFF THE TERRITORY-WIDE FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
WITH "FOOD SAFETY IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS" AS ITS THEME, THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT PROMOTING GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES AND PERSONAL HABITS IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THE OCCURRENCE OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND POISONING.
THE SEMINAR IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF 26 TO BE CONDUCTED DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR FOOD TRADERS. THE SEMINARS WILL FOCUS ON HOW FOOD TRADERS CAN HELP PREVENT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES BY ADOPTING PROPER FOOD HYGIENE AND PERSONAL HYGIENE PRACTICES IN THEIR BUSINESS.
CONDUCTED BY EXPERIENCED HEALTH OFFICIALS, THESE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS WILL PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION ON FOOD SAFETY AND FOOD HYGIENE.
A SLIDE SHOW AND A FILM ON FOOD HYGIENE PRINCIPLES WILL BE SHOWN DURING THE SEMINARS, WHICH WILL ALSO INCLUDE AN OPEN DISCUSSION SESSION.
APART FROM THE SEMINARS FOR FOOD TRADERS, THERE WILL BE THREE OTHER SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, ORGANISED JOINTLY WITH THE EDUCATION AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.
PARTICIPANTS OF THESE SEMINARS WILL BE ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE AFTER THE CAMPAIGN.
FOOD TRADERS, TEACHERS OR INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED AN INVITATION BUT WISH TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS MAY CALL 5-729361 EXTENSION 35 FOR INFORMATION AND SEAT ARRANGEMENTS.
TO MARK THE START OF THE CAMPAIGN, AN OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON JUNE 8 IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL'S FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, MR KWAN LIM-HO, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN.
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/12
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
- 12
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO REFER TO STANDARDS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (MONDAY) URGED LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO REFER TO STANDARDS AND BU11D QUALITY INTO THEIR ENTERPRISE.
ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON STANDARDS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, MR MACLEOD TOLD PARTICIPANTS THAT STANDARDS WORK SHOULD NOT END WITH ■NDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES, OR WITH THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE.
"DEMAND FOR ATTAINING OVERALL QUALITY HAS IN RECENT YEARS BEEN FOLLOWED BY A GROWING CONVICTION THAT MANUFACTURERS SHOULD ENDEAVOUR I'O BUILD QUALITY INTO THEIR ENTERPRISE.
"IT IS NOW INCREASINGLY NECESSARY FOR MANUFACTURERS TO REFER TO STANDARDS DURING THE VARIOUS STAGES OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS - DESIGN, PROCUREMENT OF PARTS AND MATERIALS, PRODUCTION PRODUCT TESTING AND EVEN MARKETING," HE SAID.
HE ADMITTED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE GOOD QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, HAD ATTAINED REPRESENTATION ON THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION (TSO) AS A CORRESPONDENT MEMBER AND HAD OBTAINED OBSERVER STATUS ON 86 OF THE ORGANISATION'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.
WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU, PROVISION OF SERVICES BY THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION.LABORATORY AND THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME, MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING WHETHER TIME HAD COME TO TAKE FURTHER STEPS TO ENCOURAGE INDUSTRIES TO ADOPT QUALITY ASSURANCE METHODS BASED ON RECOGNISED STANDARDS, AUTHENTIC MEASUREMENTS AND TESTING SYSTEMS AS WELL AS BUILT-IN QUALITY IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES.
THE SEMINAR ON STANDARDS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, SPONSORED BY A BRITISH EXPERT IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY -- THE "RESOURCE" -- WAS A JOINT VENTURE BY THE ISO AND THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (BSI) FOR MORE THAN 70 REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, TESTING LABORATORIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE AIM OF THIS SEMINAR WAS TO WIDEN LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS' KNOWLEDGE OF THE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS OF OVERSEAS MARKETS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO GAIN ACCESS TO A WIDER RANGE OF STANDARDS DOCUMENTS AND TO VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
/SPEAKERS AT
MONDAY, MAI JOt 1988
- 13 -
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDED BSI’S DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND MARKETING, MR M.J. MANN, AND RESOURCE’S PROJECT MANAGER, MR J.S. WIDDOWSON.
THEIR LECTURES COVERED THE BACKGROUND TO THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION AND THE NEED FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE STANDARDS WORLD.
-----0------
GOVT ACCEPTS EDUCATION COMMISSION PROPOSALS ON SIXTH FORM » » » » t
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING SIXTH FORM EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE PROPOSALS ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS THOSE MADE IN THE COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 2 WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 1986, BUT MODIFIED TO SOME EXTENT IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WHICH FOLLOWED THE PUBLICATION OF REPORT NO. 2.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE COMMISSION’S VIEW THAT ALL SIXTH FORM COURSES SHOULD LAST FOR TWO YEARS FOLLOWING SECONDARY 5 AND SHOULD LEAD TO THE EXISTING ADVANCED (A) LEVEL EXAMINATION.
SIXTH FORM COURSES WILL EVENTUALLY BE MADE AVAILABLE IN ALL TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL.
’’THIS MEANS THAT THE ’CHINESE MIDDLE’ SCHOOLS, WHICH HAVE TRADITIONALLY OFFERED A SIX-YEAR SECONDARY COURSE, WILL NOW BE ENCOURAGED TO OFFER THE FULL SEVEN-YEAR PROGRAMME AND TO TEACH A LEVEL COURSES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AS SOON AS THESE SCHOOLS HAVE CONVERTED TO A TWO-YEAR SIXTH FORM, THE HIGHER (H) LEVEL EXAMINATION, FOR WHICH ENROLMENT HAS DROPPED BY OVER TWO-THIRDS SINCE 1984, WILL BE ABOLISHED."
SIXTH FORMS WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO THE PREVOCATIONAL SECTOR, WHICH AT PRESENT PROVIDES COURSES ONLY UP TO CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (HKCE) LEVEL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE SUBSIDISED SIXTH FORM PLACES FOR UP TO ONE-THIRD OF THE PUPILS IN SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 4 PLACES.
/THE NUMBER
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
14
THE NUMBER OF PUPILS ENTERING SECONDARY 6 YEAR WILL DEPEND ON HOW MANY ENTERED SECONDARY 4 AND THEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR HKCE.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN EDUCATED ENTIRELY CHINESE WOULD FIND IT HARD TO TACKLE THE PRESENT WHICH PREPARES CANDIDATES FOR THE ENGLISH EXAMINATIONS.
IN ANY PARTICULAR
TWO YEARS EARLIER
IN THE MEDIUM OF SIXTH FORM COURSE MEDIUM A LEVEL
"TO REMOVE THIS DIFFICULTY, A LEVELS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN CHINESE AS WELL AS IN ENGLISH. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT STUDENTS IN THE ’CHINESE MIDDLE’ SCHOOLS ARE NOT DISADVANTAGED BY LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES WHEN TAKING A LEVELS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A LEVEL COURSES IN CHINESE MIGHT BE ABLE TO START AS EARLY AS 1990 IF SUITABLE STUDY MATERIALS COULD BE PREPARED IN TIME. THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ASKED TO ADVISE WHETHER THIS TIMING IS PRACTICAL.
THE EXISTING SIXTH FORM COURSE HAS BEEN CRITICISED FOR BEING OVER SPECIALISED, AND IN REPORT NO. 2 THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED BROADENING THE COURSE IN TWO WAYS.
THE FIRST IS TO PROVIDE A LEVEL COURSES IN NEW SUBJECTS OF A TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL NATURE, WHICH WOULD BE ESPECIALLY USEFUL TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
THE SECOND IS TO INTRODUCE A NEW TYPE OF COURSE, EQUIVALENT TO HALF AN A LEVEL COURSE, AND LEADING TO A NEW EXAMINATION CALLED THE INTERMEDIATE OR "I" LEVEL.
THE COMMISSION ORIGINALLY PROPOSED THAT THE I LEVEL SHOULD BE TAKEN AFTER ONE YEAR. THE INTENTION WAS TO PROVIDE AN EXIT QUALIFICATION FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO LEAVE SCHOOL AFTER SECONDARY 6.
BUT THE PUBLIC RESPONSE DID NOT SUPPORT THE NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL EXIT QUALIFICATION WHICH MANY BELIEVED WOULD WEAKEN THE INTEGRITY OF THE TWO-YEAR SIXTH FORM. THE COMMISSION THEREFORE RE-EXAMINED ITS PROPOSALS AND CONCLUDED THAT THE I LEVEL SHOULD BE TAKEN AFTER TWO YEARS, AT THE SAME TIME AS A LEVELS.
THE AIM OF THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS IS TO ACHIEVE AN INTEGRATED, BROAD SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, CAPABLE OF FLEXIBLE APPLICATION.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM SEVERAL POSSIBLE TYPES OF I LEVEL COURSE ARE ENVISAGED. SOME ARE LIKELY TO BE DEVELOPED FROM EXISTING A LEVELS, WHILE OTHERS WILL BE SUBJECTS NEW TO THE SIXTH FORM, SUCH AS COURSES OF A GENERAL NATURE IN ARTS AND SCIENCES WHICH COULD HELP AVOID OVER-SPECIALISATION, OR NEW COURSES IN PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.
/"IT WILL
MONDAY, MAY 5Of 1938
” IT WILL TAKE SOME YEARS TO PREPARE HEW C .. >E3 ANi) MATERIALS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WILE RELY HEAVILY ON INPUT FROM THE TEACHING PROFESSION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CRITICISMS OF THE LINGUISTIC ABILITY OF SCHOOL LEAVERS. TO IMPROVE THE POSITION, LANGUAGE STUDIES TN LOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE WILL BE AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF ALL SIXTH FORM COURSES. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DEVELOP COURSES IN PRACTICAL LANGUAGE SKILLS AS A MATTER Ol HIGH PRIOR 1/.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A WORKING PARTY WOULD BE FORMED TO GUIDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART.
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JOINT EFFORT WILL ENSURE DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING
*****
THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT MUST TOGETHER ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO NURTURE AND DEVELOP OUR MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE YOUNG HWA COMPANY (HK) LTD THIS (MONDAY) EVENING, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THAT THIS JOINT EFFORT WOULD PROVIDE THE BEST GUARANTEE FOR HONG KONG'S FUTURE.
MRS CHAN ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC LOCATION ENABLED THE TERRITORY TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE FAST GROWING ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION.
"IN PARTICULAR, OUR CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL TIES WITH CHINA PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO AN EXPANDING MARKET WITH VAST POTENTIAL.
"WE ARE ALREADY WITNESSING THE GROWING ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. AS CHINA’S MODERNISATION AND OPEN-DOOR POLICIES GATHER MOMENTUM, THIS INTER-DEPENDENCE WILL STRENGTHEN TO THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF OUR ECONOMIES," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE THE STEADY EXPANSION OF THE SERVICES AND FINANCIAL SECTORS IN RECENT YEARS, THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED THE MAJOR EMPLOYER OF LABOUR AND "HE MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP).
/SHE SAID
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
16 -
SHE SAID THAT THE STRONG EXTERNAL DEMAND AND THE DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS HAD RESULTED IN A MORE ROBUST AND PRODUCTIVE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OVERALL.
"THIS IS REFLECTED IN A 34 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF MANUFACTURING OUTPUT WITH ONLY A TWO PER CENT INCREASE IN ITS LOCAL WORKFORCE," MRS CHAN SAID.
HOWEVER, SHE WARNED THAT INTERNATIONAL TRADE WAS SUBJECT TO FLUCTUATIONS AND HONG KONG, BEING A RELATIVELY SMALL OPEN ECONOMY, WAS ALWAYS EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL FORCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, NOT THE LEAST PROTECTIONISM AND GLOBAL EXCHANGE RATE MOVEMENTS.
"IT IS THEREFORE UNREALISTIC TO ASSUME THAT THE HIGH RATE OF GROWTH THAT WE HAVE ENJOYED IN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS CAN BE MAINTAINED YEAR AFTER YEAR.
"UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE BEST STRATEGY FOR OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS TO CONTINUE TO SEEK TO IMPROVE ITS EXPORT CAPABILITY IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING MARKET NEEDS, AND AGAINST INCREASING COMPETITION FROM OTHER EXPORTING ECONOMIES," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS HAD BEEN PURSUING THIS STRATEGY FOR SOME TIME AND SHE FELT SURE THAT THEY WERE WELL AWARE THAT EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSCIOUSLY SUSTAINED, AND FURTHER STRENGTHENED.
"IMPORTANT AREAS OF ATTENTION INCLUDE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY UPGRADING, IMPROVEMENT IN THE SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORKERS, AND THE UPKEEP OF AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES.
"THESE HAVE BEEN THE INGREDIENTS FOR OUR SUCCESS IN THE PAST AND INCREASINGLY WILL BE THE DETERMINANTS OF OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH, PARTICULARLY AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ADVANCED COUNTRIES AND THE SUCCESS ACHIEVED BY A NUMBER OF ECONOMIES IN THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION TO EXPAND THEIR LOW COST LABOUR BASED PRODUCTIVITY CAPACITY.
"IN ALL THESE AREAS TOO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INVESTED HEAVILY AND WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE TO COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR," SHE SAID.
SHE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S COMMISSIONING OF A PROGRAMME OF TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDIES OF HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SINCE 1983. THE FIRST CYCLE OF THESE STUDIES WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1988.
/ANOTHER OF
MONDAY, MAY }O, 1988
- 17
ANOTHER OF THE MORE RECENT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WAS THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE A MORE PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE TO MARKET, THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT WITH SELECTED MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURERS, INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED EITHER BY THE GOVERNMENT OR BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
’’THESE SERVICES IN THEIR DIFFERENT WAYS EITHER IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN WHICH OUR INDUSTRIES OPERATE OR ENABLE THEM TO DEVELOP BY IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND RAISING QUALITY.
"AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF THIS SERVICE IS THAT THROUGH PERSONAL CONTACTS WITH MANUFACTURERS, AND WITH THEIR CO-OPERATION, GOVERNMENT CAN BECOME MORE RESPONSIVE TO INDUSTRY'S CHANGING NEEDS," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE THIRD INITIATIVE FROM THE GOVERNMENT CONCERNED HONG KONG'S NEED FOR A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, SHE NOTED.
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAD RECENTLY CONSIDERED THIS AND HAD ADVISED THAT CONSULTANTS WOULD BE APPOINTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ADVISE WHETHER THERE WAS SCOPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION UNDER ONE ROOF FOR COMPANIES ENGAGED IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT, MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND VENTURE CAPITAL OPERATIONS.
"THIS STUDY IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SIX MONTHS AND SHOULD PROVIDE A FIRM BASIS FOR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A DECISION," MRS CHAN SAID.
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SALE OF THREE SITES FETCHED $224 M ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THREE GOVERNMENT SITES WERE SOLD AT A PUBLIC AUCTION HELD TODAY (MONDAY) WITH A REALISED TOTAL PREMIUM OF $224 MILLION.
THIS IS THE FIRST LAND AUCTION HELD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND. ALL ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USES BUT EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
ONE OF THE SITES IS LOCATED IN AREA 40 IN TUEN MUN. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,953 SQUARE METRES.
/BIDDING STARTED
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
- 18 -
BIDDING STARTED AT $20 MILLION AND WAS BOUGHT BY CHU KONG SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED FOR $30 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER HAS TO DEVELOP A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 8,640 SQUARE METRES ON THE SITE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1991.
THE SECOND SITE IS IN AREA 25 IN ON LOK TSUEN,’ FANLING. THE AREA OF THIS SITE IS ABOUT 1,861 SQUARE METRES.
BIDDING OPENED AT $ 11 MILLION AND WAS SOLD TO BRIGHT SKY INVESTMENTS LIMITED FOR $21 MILLION.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 5,583 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
THE LAST SITE IS AT THE JUNCTION OF FUNG YIP STREET AND SHEUNG ON STREET IN CHAI WAN. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,498 SQUARE METRES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO DEVELOP AT LEAST 32,385.6 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
BIDDING STARTED AT $115 MILLION AND WAS BOUGHT BY WHOLYWING LIMITED FOR $173 MILLION.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY MR JAMES HUGHES, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
- O----------
1987 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1987.
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 CARPARKS, 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
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
- 19 -
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.
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 ESTABLISHMENTS IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO RESPOND TO THE SURVEY. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THE SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 11 IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
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.
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LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS HELP IMPROVE RURAL LIFE * * t » »
OVER THE PAST SEVEN DECADES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THROUGH THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS (LPW) SCHEME.
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (DEVELOPMENT) NEW TERRITORIES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA), MR MIKE WATERS, THE LPW SCHEME WAS INITIATED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1919 WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING BASIC FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RURAL AREAS AND VILLAGES.
/"AT THAT .......
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
20 -
"AT THAT TIME, THE SCHEME WAS BASICALLY A SELF-HELP PROGRAMME WHEREBY MATERIALS SUCH AS CEMENT, AGGREGATES, BARS AND PIPES WERE SUPPLIED TO THE VILLAGERS FOR THEM TO UNDERTAKE MINOR CONSTRUCTION WORK, SUCH AS FENCING, FOOTPATHS AND DRAINAGE CHANNELS," MR WATERS SAID.
NOTING THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF LPW PROJECTS HAD GRADUALLY INCREASED BEYOND THE VILLAGES’ ABILITY TO CARRY THEM OUT, HE SAID MOST OF THE PROJECTS WERE NOW DONE BY LPW CONTRACTORS.
"TO COPE WITH THIS CHANGE, A WORKS SECTION WAS SET UP IN EACH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLANNING, CO-ORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LPW PROJECTS," HE SAID.
NOWADAYS, THE WORKS SECTIONS DEALT WITH A GREAT VARIETY OF PROJECTS, SUCH AS VAN TRACKS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, AQUA PRIVIES, PLAYGROUNDS, SITTING-OUT AREAS, PIERS, SEAWALLS, INCINERATORS, VEHICULAR BRIDGES, PAVILIONS, AND EARTH RETAINING WALLS.
NORMALLY, LPW PROJECTS WERE CARRIED OUT AT THE REQUEST OF VILLAGERS, CHANNELLED THROUGH THEIR VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES OR RURAL COMMITTEES.
HOWEVER, SOME WERE IDENTIFIED BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES DURING THEIR VISITS TO VILLAGES OR IN THE COURSE OF THEIR CONTACTS WITH THE RURAL COMMUNITY.
MR WATERS SAID THAT AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE LPW SCHEME WAS THAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO VILLAGERS’ REQUESTS. AS A RESULT THERE WAS NO NEED TO GO THROUGH SOME OF THE MORE COMPLICATED PROCEDURES NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT WORKS PROJECTS. THESE GENERALLY RELATED TO GAZETTING AND TENDERING FOR PROJECTS.
STAFF OF THE WORKS SECTIONS IN DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD DRAW UP SPECIFICATIONS FOR A PROJECT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ENGINEERS IN THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. THEY WOULD ALSO MONITOR THE WORK OF CONTRACTORS.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONCERNED WITH THE LIFE OF VILLAGERS," MR WATERS SAID.
"THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED EXPANSION OF THE LPW SCHEME OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
"FOR 1988-89, $23 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR LPW PROJECTS, COMPARED WITH $20.5 MILLION IN 1987-88, $14.25 MILLION IN 1986-87 AND $13.57 MILLION IN 1985-86."
/AS THERE .......
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
21 -
AS THERE WAS A PRESSING NEED TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES MR WATERS ANTICIPATED FURTHER INCREASES IN FUNDS AND STAFF RESOURCES FOR THE LPW SCHEME IN FUTURE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE RAPID INCREASE IN POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND CONSEQUENT URBANISATION IN AREAS SURROUNDING THE NEW TOWNS, THE CNTA HAD ALSO IDENTIFIED A NEED TO RATIONALISE AND EXTEND EXISTING PROGRAMMES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF LIVING STANDARDS IN SUCH AREAS.
TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAD INTRODUCED THE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT (UFI) SCHEME ABOUT A YEAR AGO, HE SAID.
WHILE THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WAS THE VOTE CONTROLLING DEPARTMENT, THE CNTA ACTED AS AN AGENCY FOR CARRYING OUT SOME OF THE WORKS FOR THE UFI PROJECTS.
FOR 1987-88, THE CNTA MAINLY HELPED OUT IN PROJECTS IN SHA TIN AND NORTH DISTRICT AND THE DEPARTMENT WAS EXPECTED TO BE CALLED TO DO MORE IN THE FUTURE.
APART FROM THE LPW AND UFI PROJECTS, THERE WERE OTHER SCHEMES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE LIFE OF RESIDENTS IN THE RURAL AREAS, SUCH AS ON-GOING PROGRAMMES TO EXTEND MAINS WATER SUPPLY TO REMOTE VILLAGES AND TO PROVIDE STREET LIGHTING IN VILLAGES.
MR WATERS STRESSED THAT ALL THESE MEASURES WERE NOT DESIGNED TO CHANGE THE FACE OF RURAL AREAS, BUT TO PROVIDE BASIC FACILITIES FOR VILLAGERS.
"ALTHOUGH A GOOD DEAL WAS BEING DONE IN RURAL AREAS, THERE WAS A NEED TO DO MUCH MORE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ENVIRONMENT THERE," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAD BEEN SPENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, MR WATERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT AT THE SAME TIME WOULD NOT OVERLOOK THE NEEDS OF THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES.
"AS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY (RPIS) IS BEING DRAWM UP TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS," HE SAID.
/THE WORK .......
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1988
22 -
THIS WORK INVOLVED INPUT FROM MANY DEPARTMENTS AND THE CNTA NEW TERRITORIES REGION HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE FORMULATING LOCAL WORKS PROGRAMMES AND IN LIAISON AND CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS, MR WATERS ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR MICHAEL SUEN; DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA; DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK; AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK'S CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND VICE-CHAIRMEN MR LIU CHING-LEUNG AND MR CHAN TIN-SUNG WILL VISIT THE NEW TERRITORIES (WEST) NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 6) TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS THERE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL DEPART THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9.15 AM.
------0-------
SAI KUNG AREA COMMITTEES FORMED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO FORM AREA COMMITTEES IN ALL DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY SO AS TO STRENGTHEN THE CHANNELS FOR REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINIONS, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES HAS PROVED TO BE AN IMPORTANT CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT A BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S TWO NEWLY FORMED AREA COMMITTEES AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL, MR MUNN NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THIS KIND OF COMMITTEE MIGHT SEEM NEW TO SAI KUNG RESIDENTS, THE FIRST AREA COMMITTEE IN HONG KONG WAS IN FACT FORMED IN 1972.
IN ADDITION TO THE FORMATION OF AREA COMMITTEES IN THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL AND HANG HAU CONSTITUENCIES THIS YEAR, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ALSO PLANNING TO SET UP AREA COMMITTEES IN THE JUNK BAY, SAI KUNG ISLANDS AND PAK SHA WAN CONSTITUENCIES IN 1989, HE SAID.
/"WE HOPE
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
"WE HOPE MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES WOULD HELP TO REFLECT RESIDENTS’ OPINIONS AND PROBLEMS TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEES,” MR MUNN SAID.
TODAY'S BRIEFING WAS FOR THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL AND THE HANG HAU AREA COMMITTEES. EACH COMMITTEE HAS 21 MEMBERS, COMING FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AND REPRESENTING VARIOUS PROFESSIONS.
AS THE ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE AREA COMMITTEES IN THE RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES THEY REPRESENT THEY SERVE AS A LINK BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND RESIDENTS OF THE
IN THE FIRST YEAR OF FORMATION OF AN AREA COMMITTEE, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER WILL CHAIR THE COMMITTEE MEETINGS WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD EVERY SIX WEEKS.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH MEMBERS ON LOCAL MATTERS.
-0 -
TWO STATIONS DELETED FROM SIGNAL STATIONS LIST * ♦ * * ♦
DAY AND NIGHT SIGNALS WILL NO LONGER BE DISPLAYED AT THE TROPICAL CYCLONE AND STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL STATIONS AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 30 THIS YEAR, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE TWO STATIONS ARE DELETED FROM THE EXISTING NETWORK OF SIGNAL STATIONS.
HOWEVER, VISUAL SIGNALS WILL CONTINUE TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE REMAINING 13 STATIONS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN HONG KONG.
AS SIGNAL STATIONS CONVEY VERY LITTLE INFORMATION AND ARE FREQUENTLY OBSCURED BY HIGH RISE BUILDINGS OR DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO OR WATCH TELEVISION FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND WEATHER.
INFORMATION ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND SIGNAL STATUS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON 3-692255.
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/24
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1988
24
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 28 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 163.951 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 337.377 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 57.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND EAST KOWLOON *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON (TUESDAY) TOMORROW TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED WILL BE SHAM TSENG DISTRICT; TSING LUNG TAU DISTRICT; CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM SHAM TSZ STREET IN SHAM TSENG TO 95 CASTLE PEAK ROAD; AND TSING LUNG TAU.
ALSO FOR MAINS WORK, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 3 PM TOMORROW (MAY 31) TO 3 PM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, SAN PO KONG, WONG TAJ SIN, CHUK YUEN, WANG TAU HOM, LOK FU, KOWLOON TONG, KAI TAK AIRPORT, TUNG TAU, HO MAN TIN HILL, FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON BAY, CHOI WAN, CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK, NGAU TAU KOK AND JORDAN VALLEY.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES TN SAU MAU PING WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT BLOCKS NO. 19 TO 30, 42 TO 45, SAU MAU PING ESTATE AND SAU MING HOUSE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR GEOFFREY VISITS HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ................. 1
11 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEFORE LEGCO ....................... 2
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDING FOR NEW POSTS ....... J
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES .................. 4
FACTORIES IN CHINA CONTRIBUTE TO GROWTH OF HK EXPORTS ..... 5
COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ........... 6
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STUDIES ..... 8
NEW FEES FOR UK VISA/ENTRY CERTIFICATES..........>......... 10
NO AIDS CASE IN APRIL...................................... 11
YEAR PLAN OF KWAI TSING DFCC WORKED OUT .................. 12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MISSING PEOPLE AND SUICIDE PROBLEMS 12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIGHT RAIL PLAN FOR HK ISLAND ..... 15
EASTERN DB TO DISCUSS URBAN COUNCIL WORKS PROGRAMME ....... 14
LAND IN HUNG SHUI KIU TO BE RESUMED FOR DEVELOPMENT ....... 14
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YUEN LONG ....................... 15
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN NORTH POINT TO REMAIN ....... 15
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ................................... 15
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
1
SIR GEOFFREY VISITS HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC » * t * *
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO LEARN ABOUT THE INSTITUTION'S LATEST PROGRAMMES AND TO INSPECT ITS FAC FLIT IES.
SIR GEOFFREY AND LADY HOWE WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS IN HUNG HOM, THEY WERE MET BY THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG; THE POLYTECHNIC DIRECTOR, DR JOHN CLARK; THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR LO KING-MAN; AND THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC SERVICES AND CONTINUING EDUCATION), MRS RITA FAN.
DR CLARK EXPLAINED TO SIR GEOFFREY THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1972 THE POLYTECHNIC HAS UNDERGONE A PHASED PROGRAMME OF EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND RAPID EXPANSION.
TODAY, THE POLYTECHNIC IS BY FAR THE LARGEST TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN HONG KONG WITH MORE THAN 26,000 STUDENTS ATTENDING FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES, DR CLARK SAID.
THE SPECTRUM OF COURSES OFFERED BY THE POLYTECHNIC RANGES FROM FULL-TIME DEGREE, HIGHER DIPLOMA OR DIPLOMA TO PART-TIME CERTIFICATE LEVELS AND EVEN SHORT COURSES CATERING SPECIALLY TO THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
FIVE NEW DEGREE PROGRAMMES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR IN ADDITION TO THE 15 NOW OFFERED.
PLANNING FOR FURTHER DEGREE COURSES, INCLUDING POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES, IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY, DR CLARK ADDED.
IN TOURING THE CAMPUS, SIR GEOFFREY STOPPED FIRST AT THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN. THERE, HE INSPECTED SEVERAL INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIOS WHERE STUDENTS WERE AT WORK.
HE THEN SAW THE POLYTECHNIC'S OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES BEFORE LOOKING THROUGH THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES PRACTICAL SKILLS TRAINING TO STUDENTS.
AT THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, HE WAS SHOWN OVER THE POLYTECHNIC'S COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING (CAD/CAM) RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER A PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME WI TH THE IBM CORPORA’!’I ON.
/THE CENTRE
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1988
- 2
THE CENTRE PROVIDES THE FACILITIES FOR TRAINING STUDENTS TO BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE USERS OF CAD TOOLS AS WfcLL AS DEVELOPERS OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS OF THESE TOOLS. THE CENTRE IS BEING USED FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND CONSULTANCY WORK IN CAD/CAM.
SIR GEOFFREY NEXT VISITED THE PLASTICS, MACHINE AND FABRICATION WORKSHOPS WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN A NUMBER OF PROJECTS FOR THE DISABLED.
DURING HIS VISIT, SIR GEOFFREY HAD A DISCUSSION, ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS, WITH STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES.
BEFORE LEAVING THE POLYTECHNIC, A MEMENTO COMMEMORATING HIS VISIT WAS PRESENTED TO SIR GEOFFREY BY DR CLARK.
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11 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEFORE LEGCO * * * » ♦
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 11 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 10 BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
SIX OF THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THESE ARE THE JURY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988, THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
TWO BILLS ARE DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN GO FORWARD TO THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THESE ARE THE CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
IN ADDITION, TWO PRIVATE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED.
THE HONOURABLE HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL INTRODUCE THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF HONG KONG INCORPORATION BILL 1988.
DR THE HONOURABLE CHIU HIN-KWONG WILL INTRODUCE THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
BOTH BILLS ARE DUE TO BE GIVEN FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ORDINANCE AND THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.
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/3........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUNDING FOR NEW POSTS
« » » » »
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER THE CREATION OF TWO SENIOR POSTS IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO DEAL WITH BILATERAL AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS.
BOTH DESIGNATED AS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES (AIR SERVICES), THE TWO POSTS, ONE PERMANENT AND ONE SUPERNUMERARY, ARE FOR OFFICERS TO HEAD TWO TEAMS UNDER A NEW AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS UNIT TO BE SET UP IN THE BRANCH.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE CREATION OF A PERMANENT DEPUTY SECRETARY POST IN THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY’S (DCS) OFFICE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, INCLUDING CREATION OF POSTS IN THE TRANSPORT AND FINANCE BRANCHES, WILL BE DISCUSSED.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL BE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF PLACING AN ORDER WITH CABLE & WIRELESS (HK) LTD FOR MAINTAINING THE VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (VTMS), ESTIMATED AT $2,506,000 IN NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND $4,884,000 IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1990-91 RISING TO $6,012,000 A YEAR BY 1991-92.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $178.7 MILLION BY $2,506,000 TO $181,206,000 TO MEET ONE-OFF EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH MAINTAINING THE VTMS.
OTHER ITEMS ON TOMORROW’S AGENDA WILL INCLUDE:
* TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF THE INDUCEMENT ALLOWANCE FROM $350 BY $75 TO $425 PER MONTH FOR QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN AIDED SCHOOLS IN REMOTE AREAS, WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR;
» TO DELEGATE TO THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FUTURE REVISIONS OF THE INDUCEMENT ALLOWANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO THE REMOTE STATION ALLOWANCE;
» TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $104,394,000 BY $2,562,000 TO $106,956,000 TO MEET THE INCREASED COST OF BUILDING THE CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE; AND
* TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $29,850,000 BY $2,479,000 TO $32,329,000 TO MEET THE INCREASED COST OF BUILDING THE PERMANENT SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AT TAI LAM CHUNG.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
- 4 -
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES *****
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY, JUNE 4.
A TOTAL OF 22,608 CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ALLOCATED TO SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST THREE CHOICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS REPRESENTS 64.2 PER CENT OUT OF 35,227 CHILDREN TAKING PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, HE SAID.
PARENTS CONCERNED ARE ADVISED TO RETURN TO THEIR OWN DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4) OR SUNDAY (JUNE 5) 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 COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES ON THE SPECIFIED DATES ON JUNE 8 OR 9.
REGISTRATION HOURS FOR A.M. SCHOOLS ARE BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON;
AND FOR P.M. SCHOOLS, BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM. FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
IN THE EVENT THE PARENTS WHO FOR SOME PERSONAL REASONS CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD 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.
PARENTS WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED TO THEIR CHILD SHOULD THEY FAIL REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UPON REGISTRATION, THE "ALLOCATION SLIP" SHOULD BE SURRENDERED TO THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS MUST NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCATION IS POSSIBLE.
IN CASE THE 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, SECOND FLOOR, WAN CHAI, FOR ASSISTANCE.
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/5.......
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1988
5 -
"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 ITS 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.
ANY PARENT WHO WISHES TO MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5-724383 DURING OFFICE HOURS STARTING SATURDAY (JUNE 4).
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FACTORIES IN CHINA CONTRIBUTE TO GROWTH OF UK EXPORTS * » t » »
FACTORIES SET UP IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION IN CHINA ARE NOW RELIEVING HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF BOTH LABOUR INTENSIVE PROCESSES AS WELL AS PRODUCTION, WHICH IN TURN CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING IN A SYMPOSIUM IN YOKOHAMA, JAPAN, ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE YOKOHAMA INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE, MF? YEUNG SAID SEVERAL THOUSAND MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS HAD BEEN ATTRACTED TO THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AS A RESULT OF THE OPENING UP OF THE REGION UNDER CHINA’S SEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN, AND MANY7 OF THEM INVOLVED EQUITY PARTICIPATION FROM HONG KONG.
”HONG KONG IS ALSO PROVIDING MUCH OF THE CAPITAL THAT FLOWS INTO SOUTH CHINA, AND ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT OF THE FUNDS THAT HAVE FLOWED INTO CHINA,” HE ADDED.
/BR YEUNG
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1988
6
MR YEUNG WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT FOREIGN INVESTORS WOULD OPEN UP FURTHER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN TERMS OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA BY COMING TO HONG KONG AND WORKING WITH FIRMS HAVING EXPERIENCE IN MANUFACTURING IN CHINA.
"IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1987, HONG KONG OVERTOOK JAPAN AS CHINA’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, AND CHINA ACCOUNTED FOR 14 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 34 PER CENT OF ITS RE-EXPORTS AND 31 PER CENT OF ITS IMPORTS IN THAT YEAR."
TURNING TO CHANGES IN PRODUCTION BY JAPANESE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG IN THE MID-1980’S, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD A MARKED SHIFT OUT OF ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS TO RELATIVELY SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.
"THIS REFLECTS INCREASING CONFIDENCE ON THE PART OF JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS IN THE QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY OF OUR MAKERS OF PARTS AND COMPONENTS.
"THE OTHER NOTICEABLE CHANGE IS AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY PROCESSING FACTORIES FROM 34 IN 1982 TO 53 IN 1986, AND IN AN INCREASE IN DOMESTIC SALES."
MR YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG HAD DONE REMARKABLY WELL, AS WAS INDICATED BOTH BY THEIR GROWTH IN THE NET ACQUISITION OF FIXED ASSETS AND IN SALES.
-----0------
COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
* ♦ * ♦ *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT PART IN ITS NETWORK OF PREVENTIVE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN BECAUSE IT ENABLES CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE SUCCESSFULLY THE GOAL OF EDUCATION AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL TO THE FULL.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST.
MR LI SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS VITAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE COURSE- OF IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL EDUCATION AS MORE AND MORE CHILDREN OF VARYING ABILITY AND NEED WERE GOING TO SCHOOL.
/"THE WHASIS
TUESDAY, MAY , 19$8
"THE EMPHASIS OF THIS PROGRAMME IS ON
AS BE OR
__ - — — EARLY DIAGNOSIS, EARLY
INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION AND ITS MAJOR OBJECTIVE IS TO IDENTIFY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, PUPILS WHO HAVE SENSORY OR LEARNING PROBLEMS WELL AS PUPILS WHO ARE 'AT-RISK', SO THAT REMEDIAL MEASURES CAN TAKEN IN TIME TO PREVENT THESE PROBLEMS FROM BECOMING SERIOUS PERMANENT EDUCATIONAL HANDICAPS, HE SAID.
THE SCREENING PROGRAMME HAD A UNIQUE PROGRAMME THAT HAD HELPED HAPPILY IN SCHOOL BECAUSE THEY HAD OVERCOME THEIR SENSORY OR LEARNING
TAKEN 20 YEARS TO DEVELOP, AND WAS
THOUSANDS OF PUPILS TO STUDY MORE
BEEN GIVEN EARLY ASSISTANCE TO PROBLEMS.
EVERY YEAR WE SEND TEAMS OF EXPERIENCED STAFF TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GIVE SCREENING TESTS TO THE PUPILS AT PRIMARY I LEVEL AND WE HAVE DEPLOYED 44 PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND SOME $14 MILLION TO THE RUNNING OF THIS PROJECT," HE SAID.
THE COMBINED SCREENING PROGRAMME COVERED OVER 80,000 PRIMARY I PUPILS IN 1986-87, OF WHOM FIVE PER CENT WERE FOUND TO HAVE EYESIGHT PROBLEMS, 6.5 PER CENT TO HAVE HEARING PROBLEMS, 5.8 PEE CENT TO HAVE SAID0” PR°BtEMS AND 6,6 PER CENT T0 HAVE LEARNING PROBLEMS, MR LI
THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME RELIES VERY MUCH ON THE CLOSE COOPERATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, AND OTHER WELFARE AND MEDICAL AGENCIES WHO HAVE ASSISTED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER IN PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE TO OUR PUPILS," HE SAID.
"SPECIALIST STAFF FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SUCH AS AUDIOLOGISTS, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, SPEECH THERAPISTS AND DOCTORS FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDE DETAILED INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICES."
CITING EXAMPLES, MR LI SAID PUPILS WITH EYESIGHT PROBLEMS WOULD RECEIVE FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENT AND RELATED SERVICES IN EYE CLINICS RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT OR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
PUPILS THOUGHT TO HAVE HEARING PROBLEMS WOULD BE GIVEN TESTS BY AUDIOLOGISTS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND, IF REQUIRED, BE FITTED WITH HEARING AIDS AND SPECIALLY MADE EARMOULDS.
"THOSE WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS WILL RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT FOLLOWED BY SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES AND FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING PROBLEMS, ASSESSMENT IS GIVEN BY OUR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SUBSEQUENTLY APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED," HE SAID
/"IN ADDITION,
TUESDAY, MAY 51, 1988
- 8
"IN ADDITION, SPECIALIST STAFF FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VISIT SCHOOLS TO GIVE ADVICE TO TEACHERS AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS ARE TAKEN WHENEVER REQUIRED.
"MORE THAN 20,000 PUPILS RECEIVED SUCH FOLLOW-UP SERVICES IN 1986-87."
DEPARTMENT IN HELPING IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS AS THE FULLEST BENEFIT OF ORDINARY CHILDREN IN A
MR LI SAID THE PRESENT POLICY OF HIS PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WAS TO PLACE THEM FAR AS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE THEM TO RECEIVE EDUCATION FROM MIXING AND INTERACTING WITH
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, MR LI SAID ADDITIONAL SUPPORTIVE SERVICES BASED ON THE VARIOUS ASSESSMENT RESULTS WERE GIVEN TO PUPILS IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS TO SUIT THEIR DIFFERENT NEEDS.
THE SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES WERE GIVEN TO OVER 6,000 PUPILS IN THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR.
-----o------
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 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 $670,000 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM THE TWO FUNDS WHICH MARK THEIR TENTH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR.
THIS AMOUNT IS 50 PER CENT MORE THAN THE FUND OF $440,000 EARMARKED LAST YEAR FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
DETAILS WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR JAMES LI.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) 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.
/"THE FUNDS .......
TUESDAY, MAI J1, 1988
"THE FUNDS WERE SET UP IN 1978 TO HELP PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES, AND ALSO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES WISHING TO PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING," MR LI SAID.
"ANOTHER AIM OF THE FUNDS IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES TO ENABLE THEM TO COMPLETE THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLING SO THAT THEY CAN GO FOR FURTHER STUDIES."
HE SAID THAT IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, MORE THAN S2.8 MILLION IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS HAD BEEN AWARDED TO 120 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 83 WITH BACKGROUND IN THE FARMING AND FISHING INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES.
THE REMAINING 37 PURSUED TERTIARY STUDIES IN FARMING AND FISHING RELATED SUBJECTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES IN THE NEW SCHOLASTIC YEAR WILL CLOSE ON JULY 15 WHILE THOSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ASSISTANCE WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 18.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT 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, MR LI SAID.
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE AND 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 ON 3-7332244 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
- - 0 -----------
/1O........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
10 -
NEW FEES FOR UK VISA/ENTRY CERTIFICATES
* » ♦ ♦ *
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FEES FOR THE VISAS AND ENTRY CERTIFICATES FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE TO BE REVISED FROM TOMORROW (JUNE 1).
THE NEW FEES WILL BE:
(A) DOUBLE ENTRY VISA FOR VISIT, TRANSIT, STUDENT, "AU PAIR”, WORKING HOLIDAY, EMPLOYMENT OR SELF-EMPLOYMENT FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS OR LESS AND RETURNING RESIDENT
(B) MULTIPLE VISA/ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR VISIT, TRANSIT, STUDENT, "AU PAIR", WORKING HOLIDAY, EMPLOYMENT OR SELFEMPLOYMENT FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS OR LESS AND RETURNING RESIDENT
(C) VISA/ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR ALL OTHER PURPOSES
(D) CERTIFICATE OF ENTITLEMENT
30 POUND STERLING
44 POUND STERLING
60 POUND STERLING
60 POUND STERLING
(E) CONFIRMATION OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE
60 POUND
STERLING
THE FEES FOR ORDINARY TRANSIT, STUDENT, "AU PAIR", SELF-EMPLOYMENT FOR A PERIOD OF RESIDENT REMAIN UNCHANGED, THAT
VISA/ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR VISIT, WORKING HOLIDAY, EMPLOYMENT OR SIX MONTHS OR LESS AND RETURNING IS 20 POUND STERLING.
BUT ALL FEES ARE TO BE CHARGED ON A PER CAPITA BASIS AND COLLECTED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS CONVERTED FROM THE POUND STERLING AT A CURRENT OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATE.
"THE FEES ARE TO BE COLLECTED ON APPLICATION AND ARE NORMALLY NON-REFUNDABLE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
"THE FEES ARE UNIFORMLY IMPOSED WORLD-WIDE AND ARE NECESSARY TO KEEP UP WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES," HE ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
-------0---------
/11........
TUESDAY, MAY 31,
1988
- 11 -
NO AIDS CASE IN APRIL * » * »
।
NO NEW AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) CARP. I EH Pi PATIENT WAS REPORTED IN THE MONTH OF APRIL THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
RELEASING THE LATEST STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN,FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOUND TO BE INi5CTEb BY THE AIDS VIRUS IAD REMAINED AT 118,INCLUDING THE 13 CONFIRMED CASES.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NUMBER OF INFECTED PERSONS DETECTED SO FAR UNDER THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMlPi PROBABLY REPRESENTED ONLY A PROPORTION OF THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF INFECTED PERSONS WHICH WAS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND 1,3U0 IN HONG KONG.
"THIS ESTIMATE IS BASED ON OBSERVATIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES THAT FOR EVERY CONFIRMED CASE THERE ARE ABOUT 100 INFECTED PERSONS TN THE COMMUNITY.
"THE FACT THAT NO NEW AIDS CARRIER WAS FOUND IN APRIL DOES NOT IMPLY THAT AIDS IS NO LONGER A THREAT IN HONG KONG AND T 1 ! IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE OUR HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE", THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
OF THE 13 CONFIRMED AIDS CASES,’ELEVEN PATIENTS HAD DI'' - ONE OF THEM EARLY THIS MONTH. THE TWO SURVIVING PATIENTS ARE BOTH MALE AND ARE UNDER TREATMENT.
UNDER THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS STARTED IN 1985 TO MONITOR THE AIDS SITUATION IN HONG KONG, A TOTAL OF 88,947 PERSONS HAVE BEEN TESTED.
THE HIGH RISK GROUPS COVERED IN THE PROGRAMME INCLUDE INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS, SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PERSONS AND PEOPLE WHO USE BLOOD PRODUCTS.
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE ALSO CARRIED OUT TESTS FOR THE AIDS ANTIBODY ON 13,631 BLOOD DONORS IN APRIL, AND NONE OF THEM WAS POSITIVE. '■ •
• • ’
THE RED CROSS STARTED ITS MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME ON ALL DONATED BLOOD IN AUGUST 1985 AND UP TO THE END OF APRIL, 401,012 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED WITH SIX SHOWING POSITIVE RESULTS.
■ i 17 TE
_ - _ - o --------- /12..........................
....... ' ,SJI»
TUESDAY, MAY 31,
1988
- 12 -
YEAR PLAN OF KWAI TSING DFCC WORKED OUT
« « » » »
KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHOI HING-SHUN AND MR SO HOI-PAN, WERE RESPECTIVELY ELECTED CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING FOR THE 1988-89 TERM TOTAY (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FOUR PREPARATORY COMMITTEES TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THESE INCLUDE AN ANTI-BURGLARY SEMINAR, A MODEL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNIT ELECTION, A FIGHT CRIME QUIZ COMPETITION AND A COLOURING COMPETITION.
THE ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL, WHICH USUALLY ATTRACTS THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS, IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO PLANS TO PRODUCE THREE ISSUES OF A FIGHT CRIME NEWSLETTER THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE RESIDENTS’ GOOD RESPONSE TO THE PUBLICATION LAST YEAR.
IN ADDITION, COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE ABERDEEN MARINE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL, GOVERNMENT LABORATORY, FORENSIC LABORATORY, A MAGISTRATE'S COURT, AND POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EFFORTS IN FIGHTING CRIME.
-----0------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MISSING PEOPLE AND I » » » t
SUICIDE PROBLEMS
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PAPERS PRESENTED BY THE POLICE ON THE DISTRICT'S MISSING PEOPLE AND PROBLEMS OF SUICIDE AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OPERATIONS OFFICER, CHIEF INSPECTOR P.J. EDWARDS, AND OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL MISSING PERSONS UNIT, SENIOR INSPECTOR WONG SO-YING, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS-ON THE ISSUES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION CONTINGENCY PLANNING REPORT.
/Meanwhile, a
TUESDAY, MAY »9®S
- 13 -
MEANWHILE, A MEMBER, MR KAN CHUNG-NIN, WILL ASK WHETHER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD SHELVE A PLAN TO SET UP A CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE IN JUBILEE GARDEN AS THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY 'ONDUCTED BY THE OWNERS’ COMMITTEE THERE HAVE SHOWN THAT MOST HOUSEHOLDS ARE AGAINST THE PLAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL WILDING PROGRAMME FOR SHA TIN, ANNUAL PROGRAMMES OF WORK FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS, SETTING UP OF STANDING ORKING GROUPS AND DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
------0--------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIGHT RAIL PLAN FOR HK ISLAND
» * « » »
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE IDEA OF DEVELOPING A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM LINKING THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WITH ABERDEEN AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2).
THEY WILL ALSO EXAMINE A MEMBER’S REQUEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE LOCATION OF TRAM STOPS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONSULT MEMBERS ON A PROPOSAL TO WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR DRIVERS TO PUT THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS ON DRIVING LICENCES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE 1988-89 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT THE JUNCTION OF HILL ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
14
EASTERN DB TO DISCUSS URBAN COUNCIL WORKS PROGRAMME
*****
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FIVE YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2).
HOUSING DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS WILL ALSO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ESTATE AT SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (WEST) WHICH WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 4,896 FLATS ACCOMMODATING OVER 18,600 PEOPLE.
SEVEN MEMBERS HAVE SUBMITTED A PAPER ON A SUGGESTIVE CARTOON AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUNG READERS. THEY WILL MAKE SUGGE' IONS ON CONTROLLING SUCH PUBLICATIONS.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME AND WAYS TO SOLVE THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0----------
LAND IN HUNG SHUI KIU TO BE RESUMED FOR DEVELOPMENT *****
FORTY LOTS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND TOTALLING ABOUT 22,095 SQUARE METRES IN HUNG SHUI KIU IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT WILL BE RESUMED TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA INTO A DISTRICT CENTRE, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID RESUMPTION WAS REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE CARRYING OUT OF SITE FORMATION WORK FOR TWO SCHOOLS, A DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, PARKING SPACES, OPEN SPACE, COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES, ACCESS ROADS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.
"THE AREA CONCERNED IS SITUATED TO THE SOUTH OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND EAST OF TANG KWAI TSUEN ROAD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WILL BECOME PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF HUNG SHUI KIU AS DISTRICT CENTRE TO SERVE THE FUTURE POPULATION."
SITE FORMATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER WHEN THE THREE-MONTH RESUMPTION NOTICE EXPiRES, AND WILL TAKE ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o------- /15....................
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
- 15 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YUEN LONG *****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM JUNE 2 (THURSDAY) TO JUNE 8.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND VEHICLES FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD AND THOSE WISHING TO TURN RIGHT FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD ONTO ROAD LI WILL bE DIVERTED TO MAKE U-TURNS VIA THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD ( YUEf LONG SECTION) AND FUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
-------0---------
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN NORTH POINT TO REMAIN
*****
THE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN NORTH POINT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AS SPECIFIED BELOW FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3) FOR ROADWORKS:
* FORT STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NORTH VIEW STREET TO A
POINT ABOUT 57 METRES WEST OF THAT JUNCTION - FOR ABOUT
EIGHT WEEKS; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF NORTH VIEW STREET FROM ITS
JUNCTION WITH FORT STREET TO A POINT ABOUT SIX METRES SOUTH
OF THAT JUNCTION - FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
------0 ------
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE CUT OFF OR REDUCED IN PRESSURE FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE WATER CUT IS BOUNDED BY KWAI CHUNG ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, JUNCTION STREET, LAI CHO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE AREA WITH REDUCED WATER PRESSURE IS BOUNDED BY CONTAINER PORT ROAD, KWAI TAI ROAD, KWAI YUE STREET, WING SHUN STREET, TEXACO ROAD, KWAI FUK ROAD, SHING FUK STREET KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI HING ROAD, WO TONG TSUI STREET, CASTLE PEA . ROAD, LAI CHO ROAD, JUNCTION STREET, LAI KING HILL ROAD, KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TSUEN WAN ROAD, INCLUDING THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AND ALL BLOCKS OF MEI FOO SUN TSUEN TO THE SOUTH OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
(SUPPLSXENT)
TUESDAY, MaY 31, 1988
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN
AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS,
SIR GEOFFREY HOWE,
ON MAY 31, 1988
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
FOREIGN SECRETARY GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE
» t * ♦ »
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE:
SIR GEOFFREY: GOOD AFTERNOON. MY VISIT TO HONG KONG HAS BEEN VERY WORTHWHILE. 1 HAVE SEEN AS MUCH AS I CAN: THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE, THE CONTAINER PORT, THE POLYTECHNIC WHERE FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE BEING TRAINED, CHI MA WAN REFUGEE CAMP, THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE FOR REFUGEES.
1 HAVE TALKED TO AS MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE AS I CAN: COMMUNITY LEADERS, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, MEMBERS OF LEGCO, MEMBERS OF EXCO AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE GOVERNOR AND OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND I HAVE HEARD A VERY WIDE RANGE OF VIEWS AND OPINIONS.
1 HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY STRUCK, ALTHOUGH NOT SURPRISED, BY THE STRONG FEELINGS AROUSED BY THE ARRIVAL OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY CAUSE. I PAY TRIBUTE TO THE GENEROUS AND HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE TO THEIR PLIGHT.
AS I SAID YESTERDAY, THE BURDEN ON HONG KONG IS BECOMING INTOLERABLE. THINGS CAN’T GO ON AS THEY ARE. BUT I HAVE TO SAY PLAINLY THAT THE AUTOMATIC RESETTLEMENT OF ALL THOSE LEAVING VIETNAM FOR WHATEVER REASON ISN’T A PRACTICAL PROPOSITION. NOR, I BELIEVE, WOULD A CIVILISED COMMUNITY LIKE HONG KONG WISH TO LEAVE PEOPLE TO THE MERCY OF THE SEA.
THE FACT IS THAT THE VAST BULK OF BOAT PEOPLE NOW ARRIVING CANNOT BE DESCRIBED AS POLITICAL REFUGEES, AS DEFINED BY THE UNHCR. OTHER COUNTRIES CAN’T BE EXPECTED TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF VIETNAM’S ABYSMAL ECONOMIC MISMANAGEMENT, LEAST OF ALL A SMALL AND OVER-CROWDED TERRITORY LIKE HONG KONG.
IT MUST BE RIGHT IN PRINCIPLE FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE VIETNAMESE TO FIND THEIR FUTURE IN VIETNAM. UNFORTUNATELY, DESPITE INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE, VIETNAM REFUSES TO HAVE THEM BACK BUT THAT MUST BE THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION. BRITAIN WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THAT.
SO THE OPTIONS ARE LIMITED; THERE IS NO MAGIC FORMULA; AND HARD DECISIONS WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN. I HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS HERE ON THE WAY AHEAD AND I WILL TAKE AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO REPORT TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
ALL 1 CAN SAY AT THIS STAGE IS THAT I FULLY ACCEPT THAT HONG KONG CAN’T GO ON OFFERING ITSELF TO AN ENDLESS STREAM OF PEOPLE AS A TRANSIT POINT TO A FUTURE THAT DOES NOT AND CANNOT EXIST. OF COURSE, THE WHOLE POSITION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WOULD BE IMMENSELY IMPROVED IF VIETNAM QUIT CAMBODIA.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
- 2 -
THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN AND ITS SUPPORT FOR THE VIETNAMESE OCCUPATION OF CAMBODIA HAVE HELPED CREATE TWO OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST REFUGEE PROBLEMS. SOVIET TROOPS ARE NOW PULLING OUT OF AFGHANISTAN. SO LET’S HOPE MR GORBACHEV’S NEW THINKING WILL SOON TURN ITS ATTENTION IN AN EQUALLY CONSTRUCTIVE WAY TO SOUTHEAST ASIA.
MY OTHER STRONG IMPRESSION FROM THE VISIT IS OF THE VIGOUR OF THE DEBATE ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE. THE IMPORTANT THING NOW IS TO CHANNEL THIS ENERGY INTO GIVING A CLEAR AND COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW. THE CONSULTATION PERIOD IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE SEIZED.
YESTERDAY I DEALT IN SOME DETAIL WITH THE APPROACH OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE. LET ME SIMPLY REPEAT: IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF CHOOSING BETWEEN UPHOLDING BRITAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG AND HAVING GOOD RELATIONS WITH CHINA. BRITAIN ISN’T IN THE BUSINESS OF CUTTING AND RUNNING. WE HAVE A RIGHT AND AN OBLIGATION TO GOVERN HONG KONG UNTIL 1997. THAT’S AN OBLIGATION WHICH WILL NOT BE SHIRKED.
FINALLY, MAY I TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY ON BEHALF OF MY WIFE, MY DELEGATION AND MYSELF TO THANK THE GOVERNOR, MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR WARM AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY.
SALLY BLYTH (RTHK): SIR GEOFFREY, YOU HAVE JUST SAID NOW THAT YOU APPRECIATE HONG KONG’S REFUGEE PROBLEM AND THAT HONG KONG CAN’T GO ON OFFERING ITSELF AS A TRANSIT POINT. DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING RELIEVING HONG KONG OF THE FIRST ASYLUM STATUS AS REQUESTED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I HAVE OBVIOUSLY DISCUSSED THE VARIOUS OPTIONS WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. I WILL BE DISCUSSING THEM ALSO IN LONDON AND I CAN’T, AS I SAID IN MY STATEMENT, TODAY ANTICIPATE THE OUTCOME OF THAT REVIEW. BUT AS I ALSO SAID IN THE STATEMENT THINGS CANNOT GO ON AS THEY ARE, THE MORE SO SINCE MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT POLITICAL — MOST BOAT PEOPLE ARE NOT POLITICAL REFUGEES PROPER. WE HAVE TO FIND A WAY OF DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE GENUINE POLITICAL REFUGEES AND OTHERS.
SALLY BLYTH: BUT IT IS ONE OF THE OPTIONS YOU ARE CONSIDERING?
SIR GEOFFREY: I THINK THAT MUST BE PLAIN FROM WHAT I HAVE ALREADY SAID.
SIMON FUNG (RTHK): SIR GEOFFREY, YESTERDAY IN YOUR LUNCHEON SPEECH YOU MENTIONED THAT THE PRESENT DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW VIRTUALLY CONTAINED ALL THE PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE USE OF THE WORDS ’’VIRTUALLY ALL”, WOULD THAT IMPLY YOU HAVE ALREADY SPOTTED SOME OF THE PROVISION IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WERE MISSING IN THE DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW?
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, 1 DREW ATTENTION IN MY SPEECH YESTERDAY TO VARIOUS ASPECTS THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN IDENTIFIED AS REQUIRING FURTHER CONSIDERATION. THERE OBVIOUSLY ARE OUTSTANDING AREAS THAT NEED TO BE EXAMINED AND RESOLVED; THAT’S THE WHOLE OBJECT OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD. THAT IS WHY 1 SAID IN MY STATEMENT JUST NOW THAT PEOPLE MUST MAKE THE MOST OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD.
AS I ALSO SAID IN MY SPEECH YESTERDAY BRITAIN WILL PLAY ITS PART IN THAT PROCESS BECAUSE WE DO ACKNOWLEDGE AND ASSERT OUR INTEREST IN SEEING THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED INTO THE BASIC LAW.
SIMON FUNG: BUT SO FAR HAVE YOU SPOTTED ANY MISSING PROVISION IN THE DRAFT?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I AM NOT GOING TO BEGIN REHEARSING MY CATALOGUE, SO TO SPEAK, OF POSSIBLE POINTS. 1 IDENTIFIED SOME OF THEM IN MY SPEECH YESTERDAY. OTHERS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFYING THINGS THAT OCCURRED TO THEM. IT IS VERY EARLY IN THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS. I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THAT PROCESS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF GETTING POINTS OF VIEW ACROSS TO THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE, AND THROUGH THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
wuArr TAM (S,NG PA0 DAiLV NEWS): SIR, AS THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WHAT YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE DONE AND WOULD DO TO PRESS THE HANOI GOVERNMENT TO STOP THE OUTFLOW OF THE PEOPLE AND TO TAKE BACK THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY IN HONG KONG NOW?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, IT’S A CASE WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN PRESSING INTERNATIONALLY IN A NUMBER OF PLACES. IT’S A CASE WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS AND DIRECTLY, OF COURSE, ON THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM, BECAUSE AS I SAID IN MY STATEMENT, IT CANNOT BE RIGHT FOR A CONTINUOUS FLOW OF PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM TO BE SEEKING PLACES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD TO FIND A FUTURE WHICH THEY SHOULD BE FINDING WITHIN VIETNAM ITSELF.
CHRIS PETERSON (REUTERS): SIR GEOFFREY, YOU INDICATED IN YOUR PREAMBLE THAT CAMBODIA AND THE VIETNAMESE PRESENCE THERE HOLDS AT LEAST PART OF THE KEY TO THE REFUGEE QUESTION. WILL YOU BE IN ANY WAY' TALKING TO THE SOVIET GOVERNMENT TO SEE IF THEY CAN BRING ANY PRESSURE TO BEAR ON HANOI?
SIR GEOFFREY: WE HAVE ALREADY DONE SO. INDEED, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHEN I’VE SPOKEN TO MR SHEVARDNADZE 1 HAVE RAISED THIS POINT AND INVITED HIM TO ADDRESS HIMSELF TO THE QUESTION. WE'VE ALSO DONE IT, OF COURSE, AT OTHER INTERNATIONAL GATHERINGS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE RECENT MEETING OF EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND ASEAN GOVERNMENTS IN DUSSELDORF. I THINK IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT VIETNAM SHOULD GET OUT OF CAMBODIA AND THAT VIETNAM SHOULD BE PRESSED TO DO SO BY THE SOVIET UNION. IT'S EQUALLY CLEAR THAT SHE DOES NEED TO RE-ADDRESS HERSELF FUNDAMENTALLY TO THE I) I SAS’l’ROUS CONSEQUENCES OF THE MISCONCEIVED ECONOMIC* POLICIES SHE’S BEEN FOLLOWING.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
FANNY WONG (ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS): SIR, WE ALL KNOW THAT WE NEED A LONG-TERM (INAUDIBLE..) SOLUTION FOR THE VR PROBLEM. BUT WITH THE RECENT INFLUX OF NEW ARRIVALS TO HONG KONG, WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO INCREASE THE QUOTA OF VR*S TO UK IN THE SHORT TERM TO EASE OUR PROBLEM?
SIR GEOFFREY: I DON’T THINK THAT THAT WOULD REALLY BE ADDRESSING ITSELF TO THE FUNDAMENTAL PART OF THE PROBLEM. INDEED, IT MIGHT BE TENDING TO MAKE THE SITUATION MORE DIFFICULT. WHAT I SAID IN MY STATEMENT IS THAT WE SIMPLY HAVE TO GET RID OF THE IMPRESSION THAT HONG KONG IS OR CAN BE A TRANSIT POINT TO THE REST OF' THE WORLD TO A FUTURE THAT DOESN’T AND CANNOT EXIST.
AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, WHETHER BRITAIN OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY, CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO GO ON ACTING AS A RECEPTION AREA FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD. SO I DON’T THINK THAT THAT KIND OF INSTANT RESPONSE WOULD BE HELPFUL. THE KEY THING IS TO CHECK THE FLOW, AND ONE OF THE MEASURES SUGGESTED TO ACHIEVE THAT IS, OF COURSE, THE RE-DEFINITION OF THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CATEGORIES.
FRANK CHOI (HONGKONG STANDARD): SIR GEOFFREY, YOU SAID THERE’S A WAY TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REFUGEES; DO YOU MEAN A SCREEN TEST IS POSSIBLE FOR HONG KONG?
SIR GEOFFREY: THAT IS THE KIND OF TEST THAT HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN COMPARABLE SITUATIONS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. THERE IS A WELL RECOGNISED DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE WHO HAVE A WELL-FOUNDED FEAR. OF POL II’I CAL OR RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION ON THE ONE HAND, AND THOSE WHO DO NOT FALL INTO THAT NARROW CATEGORY.
KATHERINE MA (HONG KONG ECONOMIC TIMES): SIR GEOFFREY, NEWSPAPERS REPORTED THAT SOME THAT OFFICIALS WILL GO AROUND AND LOBBY THE ASEAN COUNTRIES TO DRAFT UP AN AGREEMENT OF THEIR OWN, OTHER THAN THE GENEVA CONFERENCE AND IN SUCH CASE DO YOU THINK -- WELL, HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE MEMBERS THEY WANT TO ACCEPT. DO YOU THINK IN CASE OF DIFFERENT VIEWS WITH BRITAIN, HONG KONG CAN STILL JOIN IN SUCH AN AGREEMENT?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I THINK THAT IS A RATHER LONG RANGE QUESTION BUILT ON A NUMBER OF HYPOTHESES. I DON’T KNOW. I AM AFRAID, OF THE PARTICULAR CANVASSING EXERCISE YOU ARE CONCERNED, BUT OBVIOUSLY AS FAR AS THE POSITION HERE IN HONG KONG IS CONCERNED, THAT IS A MATTER ON WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT HAVE BEEN CONSULTING AND WILL CONTINUE TO CONSULT CLOSELY.
ANTHONY FLORES (COMMERCIAL RADIO): SIR GEOFFREY, HOW WILL YOU BE PRESENTING THE REFUGEE ISSUE WHEN YOU DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE REFUGEES IF A SOLUTION IS NOT FOUND?
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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SIR GEOEFREY: WELL, I SHALL BE PRESENTING THE MATTER TO MY COLLEAGUES, I THINK VERY MUCH ALONG THE LINES THAT I HAVE BEEN PRESENTING TO YOU HERE TODAY AND I THINK THAT THE SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION TO THE QUESTION MUST BE ALONG THE LINES 1 HAVE INDICATED. WE CANNOT SUSTAIN THE IMPRESSION THAT THE WORLD CAN MANAGE OR COPE WITH, STILL LESS HONG KONG, A CONSTANT FLOW OF PEOPLE LEAVING VIETNAM, WHO CANNOT BE CATEGORISED AS REFUGEES.
PHILIP BOWRING (FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW): I THINK IT IS A POINT OF FACT THAT THERE IS AS MANY PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG AT THE PRESENT TIME AS ARE LEAVING VIETNAM! WOULD YOU BE PREPARED, HAVING CATEGORISED MOST OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN A PARTICULAR WAY, CATEGORISE PERSONS LEAVING HONG KONG AS EMIGRES OF THE POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC NATURE?
SIR GEOFFREY: 1 WOULD NOT ACTUALLY, FOR ALL YOUR LIGHT-HEARTED APPROACH, BE PREPARED TO CANVAS THE TWO QUESTIONS IN THE SAME STYLE AT ALL. HONG KONG IS A FREE AND OPEN SOCIETY, ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC AND DRAMATICALLY SUCCESSFUL, ADMIRED BY ECONOMIC MANAGERS IN EAST AND WEST ALIKE. THROUGHOUT HONG KONG’S HISTORY THERE HAS BEEN A FLUCTUATING PATTERN OF PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG AND COMING BACK TO IT.
I THINK THE KEY THING IS FOR US TO CONTINUE, THAT IS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, IN WORKING AS WE HAVE BEEN DOING TO MAINTAIN THE WHOLE RANGE OF FACTORS RECOGNISED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION BEING TRANSLATED INTO THE BASIC LAW WHICH SET HONG KONG A MILLION LIGHT YEARS FROM VIETNAM AND THANK HEAVEN FOR THAT.
PHILIP BOWRING: BUT YOU HAVEN’T EXPLAINED WHY AS MANY PEOPLE SHOULD BE LEAVING HONG KONG AS ARE LEAVING VIETNAM, DESPITE THE DIFFERENCE IN CLIMATE THAT YOU SAY EXISTS.
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, 1 SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT, WITH RESPECT, THAT QUESTION SCARCELY NEEDS EXPOSITION. PEOPLE LEAVE VIETNAM UNDER THE COMPULSION OF ECONOMIC POLICIES OF THE UTMOST FOLLY, FACING THE UTMOST HARDSHIP TO DO IT.
PEOPLE LEAVE HONG KONG NOW, AS THEY HAVE DONE IN ALL THE YEARS PAST, AND COME BACK TO IT, TRAVELLING TO AND FROM ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DRAMATICALLY SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIES AND ANYONE WHO SEEKS TO FORCE ANY KIND OF COMPARISON OUT OF THAT PARALLEL 1 THINK IS MISLEADING HIMSELF. AND YOU HAVE HAD TWO GOES AT THE QUESTION, I DON’T THINK YOU CAN PUT IT ANY BETTER THE NEXT TIME.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
6
CHEUNG CHI-KONG (TVB): SIR GEOFFREY, IF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION ARE TO ADOPT TOUGHER MEASURES TO STOP THE INFLUX OF VR'S, WILL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AGREE HONG KONG TO ADOPT THE SAME MEASURES?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I'VE INDICATED THE APPROACH FROM WHAT I’VE ALREADY SAID. THE FACT THAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE THEMSELVES MOVING AWAY FROM ANY VIEW THAT THOSE LEAVING VIETNAM CAN BE PROPERLY BE IDENTIFIED AS POLITICAL REFUGEES IS OBVIOUSLY AN IMPORTANT FACTOR.
BERNARD FONG (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST): SIR GEOFFREY, HOW (AN BRITAIN CONVINCE VIETNAM TO WITHDRAW FROM KAMPUCHEA AND WELCOME BACK THE REFUGEES, WHEN THE WEST HAS CONSISTENTLY REFUSED TO ASSIST VIETNAM WHICH IS NOW FACING A VERY GRAVE FAMINE?
SIR GEOFFREY: THE WEST HAS DECLINED TO OFFER AID TO VIETNAM EOR TWO REASONS. ONE, BECAUSE OF HER PERSISTENCE IN THE UNLAWFUL OCCUPATION OF CAMBODIA. AND TWO, BECAUSE IT IS BY NO MEANS CLEAR THAT ASSISTANCE TO VIETNAM IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS PRESENT ECONOMIC POLICY IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE ANY GOOD AT ALL. THE TWO PRESSURES I'VE DESCRIBED ARE ENTIRELY CONSISTENT.
VIETNAM NEEDS TO LEARN THE LESSON THAT MORE AND MORE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD HAVE LEARNT, THAT THERE IS NO FUTURE IN FOLLOWING THE KIND OF TOTALITARIAN ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT SHE HAS FOLLOWED FOR SOME TIME. IF SHE LEARNS THAT LESSON, SHE'LL BEGIN TO FIND THE WORLD READ\ TO RESPOND AS WE HAVE DONE IN MANY OTHER CASES. BUT VIETNAM, TO THE IMMENSE COST TO THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE, IS STILL ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF TESTING STALINISM TO DESTRUCTION, AND WE SHOULD NOT GIVE ANY SUPPORT TO THAT PROCESS.
CLAUDIA MO (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE): SIR, IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, IT IS SAID THAT PEKING WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO INTERPRET AND AMEND THE BASIC LAW. DO YOU THINK THIS CONTRADICTS THE PROMISE OF A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN POST-1997 HONG KONG?
SIR GEOFFREY: I'M NOT NOW GOING TO BE DRAWN INTO CONDUCTING A CONSTITUTIONAL EXEGESIS ON THE BASIS OF THE BASIC LAW. I SAID YESTERDAY. THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY DIFFICULT AREAS 10 BE RESOLVED. YOU LL FIND OTHER PARTS OF THE SAME DOCUMENT IDENTIFYING THE EXTENT TO WHICH MATTERS OF THAT KIND SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE COURTS OF THE HONG KONG SAR WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF. 1 THINK IT IS THAT KIND OF TOPIC THAT SHOULD BE AND IS THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERATION BY THOSE NOW MAKING REPRESENTATIONS ON THE BASIC LAW.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
WONG WING-TAI (SING TAO WAN PAO): YOU SAID YESTERDAY THAT THE BASIC LAW FIRST DRAFT IS NOT PERFECT. SO DO YOU THINK THAT IT’S CONVERGENT WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION?
SIR GEOFFREY: I THINK THAT I CAN ONLY REPEAT WHAT I SAID YESTERDAY. IF YOU LOOK AT THE ENORMOUS DETAIL OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH THAT REPRESENTED A TREMENDOUS ADVANCE FROM SOME OF THE VERY BASIC IDEAS THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SET OUT IN THE COURSE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, THEN YOU HAVE TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE AND SEE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE JOINT DECLARATION IS BEING TRANSLATED, TRANSMITTED INTO THE BASIC LAW.
AND THE POINT 1 MADE YESTERDAY IS THAT A VERY, VERY SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENT IS ALREADY OBVIOUS. A GREAT DEAL OF IT HAS BEEN TRANSMITTED INTO THE BASIC LAW, AND AGAIN AS I SAID YESTERDAY, ALMOST VERBATIM, BUT THE WORK IS NOT COMPLETE.
THERE ARE AREAS THAT NEED TO BE EXAMINED FOR COMPLETENESS, AREAS THAT NEED TO BE EXAMINED FOR CONSISTENCY. THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD. IT’S TO GET ACROSS CONCERNS OF THAT KIND CLEARLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY TO CHINA AND THOSE CONCERNED WITH Till DRAFTING. AND AGAIN AS I SAID YESTERDAY, BRITAIN WILL CERTAINLY PLAY ITS PART IN THAT PROCESS, BECAUSE WE HAVE A CLEAR INTEREST AND REASON TO DO JUST THAT.
CARMEN LUK (TVB): SIR, LAST YEAR MORE THAN 300 HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE REFUSED ENTRY TO BRITAIN. SOME PEOPLE ALSO COMPLAINED THAT THEY WERE UNFAIRLY TREATED AT CHECKPOINTS IN LONDON. DO YOU AGREE THAT THESE CASES ARE UNDERMINING THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TOWARDS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AND WILL YOUR ADMINISTRATION DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, THE POSITION IS THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBLE QUEST ION OE DI SCRIMINATION AGAINST HONG KONG PEOPLE AND ANY COMPLAINTS OF THE KIND THAT YOU HAVE MENTIONED SHOULD BE AND ARE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. IT’S EQUALLY TRUE, OF COURSE, THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM IS NOT THE ONLY COUNTRY THAT OPERATES, AND HAS TO OPERATE, CONTROL OF INFLOW IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER PEOPLE WHO CAME ARRIVING AS VISITORS ARE IN FACT ARRIVING FOR A DIFFERENT PURPOSE.
AND YOU’LL FIND THAT EVERY COUNTRY AROUND THE WORLD, INCLUDING HONG KONG OF COURSE, DOES HAVE THAT KIND OF SYSTEM NECESSARILY IN PLACE. WE WILL GO ON IN RELATION TO PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG MAKING SURE THAT ANY POSSIBLE COMPLAINT IS THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED, BECAUSE WE DON’T LIKE TO HAVE ANY UNJUSTIFI ABLE COMPLAINTS.
/8 ...
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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CARMEN LUK: BUT HOW COULD YOU EXPLAIN THE INCREASING NUMBER OE PEOPLE REJECTED?
SIR GEOEFREY: WELL, COMPARE IT WITH THE HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARRIVE AND LOOK AT ANY COUNTRY AROUND THE WORLD AND YOU WILL FIND THAT SOME CASES ARE IDENTIFIED RIGHTLY WHERE THE STATED GROUNDS FOR ADMISSION ARE NOT, IN FACT, CONSISTENT WITH WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON.
WHEN COMPLAINTS ARE MADE, THEN THERE IS AN APPEAL SYSTEM; IT IS RIGHT THAT THAT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED, WHEN COMPLAINTS ARE MADE ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH IT IS MANAGED, AGAIN WE CAN MAKE SURE THOSE ARE INVESTIGATED.
BUT THERE IS NOTHING DIFFERENT IN THAT, IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMING INTO BRITAIN AS FOR ANYWHERE ELSE, AND 1 EMPHASISE THAT OF COURSE WE HAVE AN INTEREST, A VERY HIGH INTEREST, IN MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS NO MISUNDERSTANDING OF THAT POINT HERE IN HONG KONG. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF DISCRIMINATION IN BRITAIN; ANY COMPLAINTS ARE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED.
CIIO1 SUK-FONG (SING TAO JIH PAO): AFTER THE CONSULTATION PERIOD OF THE BASIC LAW FIRST DRAFT, WOULD YOU ARRANGE ANOTHER VISIT TO BEIJING AND IF YOU HAVE THIS KIND OF VISITS, WHO WOULD YOU MEET AND WH4T ISSUE WILL BE DISCUSSED?
SIR GEOFFREY: I DON’T AT PRESENT HAVE IN MIND ANY EARLY VISIT TO BEIJING. THERE ARE, OF COURSE, AND HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE A WIDE VARIETY OF WAYS IN WHICH WE REMAIN, AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REMAINS, IN CONTACT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. AS 1 SAID YESTERDAY, DURING THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I HAVE SEEN MY CHINESE OPPOSITE NUMBER, MR WU XUEQIAN, SOME SEVEN TIMES AND I SHALL BE SEEING HIS SUCCESSOR NO DOUBT IN THE SAME SORT OF WAY. THAT IS ONLY ONE OF THE POINTS OF CONTACT.
THERE ARE MANY OTHER FORMAL AND INFORMAL WAYS OF CONVEYING OUR VIEWS BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, QUITE APART FROM THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH I THINK NOW HAS HAD NINE MEETINGS. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS RANG! OF ALMOST CAPILLARY TUBES OF CONTACT BETWEEN OURSELVES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA. YOU SHOULDN’T INCIDENTALLY BELIEVE THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OE' GETTING A CASE ACROSS EITHER WAY IS FOR IT TO BE PROCLAIMED IN PUBLIC IN A LOUD VOICE. WE DO A GREAT DEAL OF REPRESENTATION OF A CONTINUOUS KIND.
INTERNATIONAL):
BRUCE FIENBERG (UNITED PRESS
mckit i nw E’D THAT VI FTNAM NEEDS TO PULL THEIR
Iha? S YOUR RFACT ON TO THEIR RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT pipARH)?0 PULL OUT WHAT THEY SAY IS A MAJORITY OF THEIR CAMBODIA? AND WHAT, IF ANY, ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE WILL BRITAIN VIETNAM ONCE THEY DO PULL OUT OF CAMBODIA?
TROOPS
OUT OF
YOU HAVE
CAMBODIA.
THEY ARE
TROOPS IN
GIVE
/9 ...
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
9
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, MY REACTION TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THAT EFFECT IS OBVIOUSLY TO WELCOME IT IN SO FAR AS IT IS IN FACT TURNED INTO PRACTICE. THERE HAVE BEEN EARLIER STATEMENTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETELY FULFILLED. BUT WHAT I WANT TO SEE IS ACTION ON THE GROUND IN THE FORM OF THE WITHDRAWAL OF VIETNAMESE TROOPS. WHEN THAT HAS HAPPENED WILL BE THE TIME TO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT ANY ECONOMIC AID ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE. AS YOU WILL HAVE SEEN, WE REACTED QUITE POSITIVELY TO THE DECISION BY THE SOVIET UNION TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN, BY DOUBLING THE AID WE ALREADY MAKE AVAILABLE TO REFUGEES THERE.
CHENG YEE-KWAN (COMMERCIAL RADIO): SIR, YOU HAVE MENTIONED IN YOUR LUNCHEON SPEECH YESTERDAY THAT THERE ARE STILL DIFFICULT AREAS DUE TO THE RESULT LN THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, SUCH AS THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST SAR GOVERNMENT AND ITS ELECTION OF THE FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE. WHAT SORT OF DIFFICULTIES ARE YOU REFERRING TO? DOES IT HAVE ANY RELATION WITH THE ANNEX III IN THE FIRST DRAFT?
SIR GEOFFREY: WITH THE?
CHENG YEE-KWAN: WOULD IT HAVE ANY RELATION WITH THE, TO THE PROPOSAL SUGGESTED IN THE ANNEX III IN THE FIRST DRAFT?
SIR GEOFFREY: OH, ANNEX III. WELL, THE POINT IS THAT THE VERY SUBJECT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, AND THE ANNEXES, CONTAIN ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF TACKLING ALL THESE TOPICS. BUT 1 MERELY IDENTIFIED THEM AS TOPICS WHICH VIRTUALLY BY DEFINITION DO REQUIRE FURTHER STUDY.
CHENG YEE-KWAN: SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULTIES YOU ARE REFERRING
SIR GEOFFREY: THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WITH ME AND REPORTED TO ME, THAT I HAVE EVEN SEEN MENTIONED IN SOME OF THE HONG KONG PRESS.
NICK GRIFFIN (ATV): SIR, AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND NOT AS THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE EVERY CHAPTER OF THE BASIC LAW IS OPEN TO THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS?
SIR GEOFFREY: I THINK I SHOULD BE PREPARED TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY REFLECTED IN THE BASIC LAW.
CHAN BO-SHUN (HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL): SINCE THOSE OFFICIALS IN HONG KONG AND ALSO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAVE \LREADY CONFIRMED THAT THE TERM "FIRST ASYLUM TERRITORY" HAS NO CLEAR DEFINITION, DO YOU THINK THAT IT MEANS THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CAN PRESERVE AS THE FIRST ASYLUM TERRITORY AND CHANGE THE WAY THAT THEY DEAL WITH THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AT THE SAME TIME, FOR EXAMPLE JUST TO-CHANGE IDENTITY TO BECOME II (ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS)?
/10 ...
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
10
SIR GEOFFREY: I THINK THAT ONE WANTS TO AVOID BEING DRAWN A BATTLE OF TERMINOLOGY HERE. WHAT I HAVE SAID ALREADY IS THAT
1S THE DEFINITION OF POLITICAL REFUGEE BY THE ’
STANDARDS, THAT DOES MEAN APPLYING ONESELF
A WELL-FOUNDED BELIEF THAT THEY WILL BE POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS GROUNDS, PERSECUTED
TO THE QUESTION: HAVE
DISCRIMINATED
INTO
THE UNHCR THEY
GROUNDS? THAT IS WHETHER ONE DOES WE ARE OBVIOUSLY
THE TEST. THE QUESTION IS SO, AND WHEN. AND THAT IS STILL CONSIDERING.
ON POLITICAL HOW FAR ONE ONE OF THE I
' AGAINST ON OR RELIGIOUS
APPLIES QUESTIONS
THAT, THAT
JAMES TAM (SING PAO DAILY NEWS): SIR GEOFFREY, WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO ENSURE THAT THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW REFLECTS PRECISELY WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION?
SIR GEOFFREY: WE CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE, AS WE HAVE BEEN DOING, VERY CLEAR TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT ANY VARIATION BETWEEN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THAT IS WHAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD IS ABOUT AND HOW ELSE DO YOU DO IT EXCEPT BY WRITING DOWN WORDS ON PAPER, SPEAKING WORDS THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, MAKING REPRESENTATIONS IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF WAYS THAT WE HAVE DESCRIBED.
JEREMY THOMPSON (ITN): THERE IS AN IMPRESSION AMONGST THOSE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT THAT BRITAIN IN ITS ENTHUSIASM TO STRIKE UP A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP WITH BEIJING HAS SOLD HONG KONG DOWN THE RIVER. HOW DO YOU COME TO TERMS WITH THAT, SIR?
SIR GEOFFREY: BY REPEATING WHAT I SAID YESTERDAY, THAT THAT IS HOGWASH! EVEN IF WE WERE DAFT ENOUGH TO THINK THERE WAS ANY BENEFIT IN DOING SO, IT WOULD NOT BE WITHIN OUR POWER. THE FACT IS AS A MATTER OF REALITY. BRITAIN HAS A PASSIONATE INTEREST TN THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG. WE ARE WORKING, TOGETHER WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, TO FULFIL THE JOINT DECLARATION WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE JUST THAT.
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF BRITAIN CHOOSING TO HAVE GOOD RELATIONS WITH CHINA AT THE EXPENSE OF HONG KONG. YOU SIMPLY COULDN’T ACHIEVE IT. ONE OF THE HIGHEST FULFILMENTS OF OUR GOOD RELATIONS MUST BE THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG. YOU CAN’T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER, IF I MAY QUOTE FRANK SINATRA.
I
TUESDAY, MAY fl, 1988
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JEREMY THOMPSON: IF 1 COULD JUST BRIEFLY FOLLOW UP ON THAT. HOGWASH OR NOT, MANY PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM WHO LI'/F HERE WILL TELL YOU THAT THAT IS A STRONG IMPRESSION AMONGST PEOP.LE ON THE STREET. DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MANAGED TO ALLAY THEIR FEARS?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, EVERY TIME YOU ASK ME THE QUESTION IT GIVES ME A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY OF DOING SO. AS I SAID YESTERDAY, LET ME ONCE AND FOR ALL DISPOSE OF THE MYTH THAT BRITAIN EVER HAS OR EVER WOULD SACRIFICE HONG KONG’S INTERESTS IN THE PURSUIT OF BETTER SINO-BR1TISH RELATIONS. WE WON’T, WE SHOULDN’T, AND WE CAN’T. OF COURSE I CAN’T GUARANTEE IN RELATION TO HONG KONG, ANY MORE THAN ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT IN RELATION TO ANY OTHER SOCIETY IN THE WORLD CAN POINT TO THE INFINITE FUTURE WITH THE REMOVAL OF EVERY KIND OF ANXIETY. 1 CAN’T DO THAT.
WHAT 1 CAN SAY IS THAT BRITAIN DIDN’T WORK TO PRODUCE THE JOINT DECLARATION IN ORDER TO SEE IT CAST AWAY. WE WORKED TO SEE IT TRANSLATED INTO PRACTICE \ND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE PEOPLE, I BELIEVE, HAVE A VERY POWERFUL INTEREST IN ACHIEVING THAT AS WELL. HONG KONG IS HERE, ONE OF THE MIRACLE SOCIETIES IN THS WORLD. DENG XIAOPING DESIGNED THE ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEM APPROACH IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE TWO TO COME TOGETHER AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WANT THAT TO HAPPEN. IT WILL SERVE THEIR INTERESTS IN THE LONGER RUN, BY THE STANDARDS OF HISTORY, AND WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE IT.
HONG KONG PEOPLE, INCIDENTALLY, ARE DOING MAGNIFICENTLY THEMSELVES TO SUSTAIN THEIR ACTIVITIES, TO SUSTAIN THEIR SUCCESS. AND I BELIEVE THAT, TOGETHER, IT CAN BE DONE. THAT IS MY PURPOSE ANYWAY.
LEUNG SUK-YING (TIN TIN DAILY NEWS): IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO ACCEPT MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, AND CONSIDER TO CHANGE THE POLICY THAT HONG KONG PROVIDES A PLACE OF FIRST ASYLUM, THEN HOW CAN YOU JUSTIFY THAT BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS SINCERI TO UPHOLD THE OBLIGATIONS AND THE COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG?
SIR GEOFFREY: 1 DON’T QUITE FOLLOW, BUT I THINK THE POINT 1 HAVE MADE IS THAT BRITAIN CERTAINLY HAS ACCEPTED A LARGE NUMBER OF REFUGEES FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA, I THINK ABOUT 20,000 SINCE 1975 AND ABOUT 13,000 FROM HONG KONG. WE ARE STILL TAKING A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER.
THE REAL POINT IS THAT NO COUNTRY, WHETHER BRITAIN' OR ANY
OTHER COUNTRY IN NORTH AMERICA, AUSTRALASIA, OR EUROPE, AND LEAST OF
ALL HONG KONG, CAN BE EXPECTED TO GO ON VIETNAM’S ECONOMIC MISMANAGEMENT. ONE HAS GOT
THERE IS NO FUTURE THAT CAN BE EXPECTED BY COMING THROUGH HONG KONG TO THE REST OF THE
PENALTY OF CLEAR THAT OF VIETNAM THE LINES
PAYING THE TO MAKE IT THE PEOPLE WORLD ALONG
THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING. THAT IS THE POINT I AM MAKING.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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DAVID DODWELL (FINANCIAL TIMES): IF YOU DO HAVE A GENUINE PASSIONATE INTEREST IN THE PRESERVATION OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, WHY IS IT THAT YOU HAVE NOT ENCOURAGED THE GOVERNMENT HERE TO GIVE GREATER AND MORE DETAILED ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF EMIGRATION, TO THE DAMAGES THAT ARE BEING DONE, AND THE SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY THAT ARE BEING SO HURT BY IT?
SIR GEOFFREY: I THINK THAT REPRESENTS AN OVER-STATEMENT OF A CASE THAT IS, OF COURSE, ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED SERIOUSLY. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE HONG KONG PRESS KEEP A CONSTANT EYE ON RELATIVE EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION RATES. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PATTERN OF THAT KIND AND IT IS FOR THAT REASON THAT ONE IS CONSTANTLY SEEKING TO UNDERLINE THE POINTS WHICH GIVE GROUNDS FOR CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.
NOBODY IS TAKING IT COMPLACENTLY. I SAID THAT IN MY SPEECH YESTERDAY. IT HAS GOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BUT 1 DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE THE CAUSE FOR ALARM AND DISMAY. WE HAVE TO KEEP AT IT. AND IF HONG KONG RETAINS THE FRAMEWORK WHERE PEOPLE ARE FREE TO COME AND GO, WHERE THE ECONOMY IS FREE TO COME AND GO, TO MOVE WITH THE VITALITY THAT IT HAS GOT, I BELIEVE THAT THAT WILL BE SEEN AS THE BEST WAY TO THE FUTURE. I AM NOT DISMISSING YOUR POINT AT ALL. I THINK IT HAS GOT TO BE KEPT IN PERSPECTIVE.
MARK ROBERTT (FREELANCE): SIR GEOFFREY, IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HASN'T SOLI) HONG KONG DOWN THE RIVER, THEN WHY IN 1985 DID BRITAIN ORIGINALLY INSIST THAT THE CHINESE WOULD HAVE NO SAY IN CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND THEN REVERSED THAT POSITION AND ALLOWED THE JLG TO HAVE A ROLE IN THE CHANGES THAT WERE BEING MADE IN HONG KONG?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY FORMAL ROLE FOR THE JLG OR ANYTHING ELSE IN RELATION TO THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN HONG KONG. CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE, THAT ARE TAKING PLACE, THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF TWO OR THREE FACTORS.
ONE, UNTIL 1985 HONG KONG HAD NO ELECTED MEMBERS OF LEGCO AT ALL, SO ELECTION OF ANY KIND BY THE HISTORIC RECORD OF HONG KONG WAS AN INNOVATION.
TWO, ONE NEEDS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VERY DIVERSE PATTERN OF OPINION WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF AS TO WHAT SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.
THREE, THERE IS NO PURPOSE IN EMBARKING UPON A REVOLUTIONARY SET OF CHANGES WHEN ONE OF THE OBJECTS OF THE EXERCISE IS TO PRESERVE WHAT HAS MADE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS, LEAST OF ALL TO EMBARK UPON REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IF IT IS CLEAR TO EVERY EYE THAT THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE REGARDED AS AN AFFRONT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE LONG DISTANCE.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
MARK ROBERTT: YOU YOURSELF SAID IN 1984 THAT HONG KONG WOULD PROCEED TOWARDS REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD AND THEN WHEN THAT STARTED TO HAPPEN AND CHINA OBJECTED THE POSITION WAS REVERSED.
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL I THINK, IF I MAY SAY SO, THIS SUBJECT HAS BEEN DEBATED RIGHTLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY IN HONG KONG. THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WHITE PAPER WERE ENDORSED BY A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF LEGCO. THE CHANGES THERE FORESHADOWED WILL BE TAKING PLACE AND 1 THINK THAT, AS I SAID YESTERDAY, NO DOUBT FURTHER CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE HEREAFTER. BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN ANY DEPARTURE FROM THE PROSPECT OF GRADUAL CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE AT A SENSIBLE PACE IN FACE OF THE COMMITMENT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION TO AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE AT THE END OF THE DAY.
HOW IT IS DONE IN THE LIGHT OF HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE AND HISTORY IS A MATTER FOR DETAILED CONSIDERATION ALL THE WAY, BUT I SIMPLY DO NOT ACCEPT THE IMPLICIT PROPOSITION OF WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT THERE HAS BEEN ANY BREACH OF FAITH WHATSOEVER. IT HAS BEEN A MATTER OF THE CLOSEST AND THE MOST CONTINUOUS CONSIDERATION IN THE UK BY MYSELF AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND HERE IN HONG KONG BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND 1 THINK THE PATTERN OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IS ENTIRELY IN LINE WITH THE EXPECTATIONS THAT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE HAD.
FANNY WONG: SIR, OMELCO MEMBERS HAVE ASKED A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION FOR OUR SHARING OF THE DEFENCE COSTS. TO SHOW THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT REMAINS TO BE FULLY COMMITTED TO HONG KONG AND CARES ABOUT THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG, WOULD YOU TAKE THIS VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO ACCEPT THEIR DEMANDS?
SIR GEOFFREY: 1 CAN SAY ON THIS OCCASION THAT AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN REACHED ON AN ADJUSTMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF THOSE DEFENCE COSTS. IT IS NOW BEING PUT INTO DETAILED FINAL FORM AND THAT WILL BE REVEALED IN DUE COURSE.
FANNY WONG: WHEN POSSIBLY CAN WE EXPECT AN AGREEMENT TO BE IN PLACE THEN?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, AGREEMENT AS I SAY, IN PRINCIPLE, HAS ALREADY BEEN REACHED. IT WILL BE ACHIEVED WITH ALL REASONABLE DESPATCH.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
PHILIP BOWRING: YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT YOUR CRITICS ARE TALKING HOGWASH BUT ARE YOU NOT CONCERNED WHEN A SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AN APPOINTED MEMBER REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS INTERESTS, SHOULD SAY ONLY TWO DAYS AGO THAT THE ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS IS A WONDERFUL CONCEPT TO HELP BRITAIN SAVE FACE? IT IS NOT WORKABLE, DESPITE THE JOINT DECLARATION. YES THEY ARE AND WILL BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF CHINA, NOT ONLY IN LEGAL AND TERRITORIAL TERMS BUT LN COMMERCIAL AND SOCIAL TERMS AS WELL.
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I THINK THAT VIEW REPRESENTS AN OVER-SIMPLIFICATION OF A PROFOUNDLY MISUNDERSTANDING KIND. I THINK, WITH RESPECT, THAT IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO REPUDIATE, AND I MAKE NO APOLOGY FOR THE WORD HOGWASH, THE PROPOSITION THAT THERE IS ANY CHOICE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN BRITAIN WANTING TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME FOR HONG KONG AND SEEKING TO ACHIEVE GOOD RELATIONS WITH CHINA. THE TWO GO TOGETHER.
AND I THINK THAT MOST OBSERVERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TO IDENTIFY A FUTURE FOR HONG KONG WITH ITS UNIQUE QUALITIES ALONGSIDE THE WORLD’S LARGEST COMMUNIST SOCIETY IN THE FRAMEWORK OF ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS WAS, IS, AND WILL REMAIN A MOST IMAGINATIVE AND MOST IMPORTANT CONCEPT. I THINK THAT IT DOES NO GOOD TO CHALLENGE THAT ON THE GROUNDS OF TOTAL DISBELIEF. 1 DON’T THINK THAT IS THE VIEW OF MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
KATHERINE MA: SIR GEOFFREY, REFERRING TO YOUR SPEECH YESTERDAY, YOU SAID THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE VIEWS AND CONCERNS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE. SO AT THE END OF THIS TWO-DAY VISIT, CAN YOU TELL US HOW FAR YOU HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE COLLECTIVE MENTALITY OF THIS COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE TOWARDS THE PROSPECT OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT? AND 1 HOPE YOU WILL GIVE SOME EVIDENCE TOO.
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, I CAN’T CLAIM ON THE STRENGTH OF THE THREE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG TO HAVE SOME NEW UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WHAT I CAN SAY IS THAT FOR THE WHOLE OF MY FIVE YEARS AS FOREIGN SECRETARY, WITH THE BENEFIT OF ADVICE FROM A TREMENDOUS RANGE OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG INCLUDING MEMBERS OF EXCO, LEGCO, AND THOSE WHO WRITE ABOUT IT AND TALK ABOUT IT , I DO THINK 1 UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS THAT HAS MADE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS.
I THINK I UNDERSTAND WHAT PEOPLE WANT FOR THE FUTURE. THEY WANT HONG KONG TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME BASIC POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURE THAT HAS MADE IT GREAT IN THE PAST AND MADE IT GREAT TODAY. I HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT 1 HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PLAY SOME PART, NOT IN ANY SENSE ALONE, LN CONVEYING THE SPIRIT AND THE FLAVOUR OF THAT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA. CHINA ITSELF HAS BEEN LEARNING AND SEEKING TO LEARN AS MUCH AS IT CAN ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT MAKES HONG KONG TICK.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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KATHERINE MA: SORRY, BESIDES WHAT THEY WANT AND WHAT THEY DEMAND, HOW FAR HAVE YOU UNDERSTOOD HOW THEY ARE CONTENTED OR DISCONTENTED WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, BY CONTINUOUS APPRAISAL FROM ALL THE SOURCES OF INFORMATION THAT ARE AVAILABLE. WE READ AND STUDY WHAT PEOPLE SAY, WHAT THEY DO, WHAT THEY WRITE TO US IN REPRESENTATIONS, AS ONE DOES IN ANY SOCIETY. 1 DON’T HAVE ANY UNIQUE FINGER ON ANY SPECIAL PULSE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, BUT IT IS MY IMPRESSION, JUDGING BY THE SUCCESS BEING ACHIEVED BY HONG KONG IN THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE STILL HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEIR SOCIETY. IT IS MY IMPRESSION THAT PEOPLE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD ALSO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THAT AND WE OUGHT TO KEEP IT LIKE THAT.
SALLY BLYTH: SIR GEOFFREY, IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS THAT UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES SHOULD PAY MORE TOWARDS THE COSTS OF RUNNING THE CLOSED CAMPS HERE. DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS AND WILL YOU APPROACH THE UNHCR ABOUT IT?
SIR GEOFFREY: WELL, WE ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE UNHCR AND WILL CERTAINLY BE PRESSING THAT POINT UPON THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. WE SHALL ALSO OF COURSE BE ENLISTING HIS HELP LN PRESSING VIETNAM FOR A CHANGE IN THEIR POLICY.
CLAUDIA MO: SIR, YOU SAID EARLIER THAT LONDON WOULD EXPRESS RESERVATIONS OVER THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW IF NECESSARY, BUT HOW COULD YOU BE SURE THAT BEIJING WOULD LISTEN TO YOUR VIEWS?
SIR GEOFFREY: HOW CAN ONE BE SURE OF ANYTHING? THE FACT IS THAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA NOW FOR FIVE YEARS, DISCUSSING AND ANALYSING THESE THINGS AND SEEKING TO ACHIEVE AGREEMENTS, AND WE HAVE MADE VERY SUBSTANTIAL SOLID PROGRESS.
WHEN PEOPLE FIRST BEGAN LOOKING, AND WHEN I CAME HERE IN THE SPRING OF 1984 AND I SAID THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE SEEKING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD GUARANTEE HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, PROSPERITY AND WAY OF LIFE FOR THE FUTURE, PEOPLE SAID TO ME HOW CAN YOU BE SURE THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE THAT. I SAID I CAN’T BE SURE BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE A DAMN GOOD TRY.
WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR MONTHS AND PRODUCED THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WHEN THEY SAW THAT DID INDEED ACCLAIM IT AS A VERY CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS. SO THAT IS WHAT WE ACHIEVED THEN. WE ACHIEVED IT BECAUSE HONG KONG PEOPLE WANT LT, BECAUSE THE UK GOVERNMENT WANTS IT, AND BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA WANTED IT, 1 THINK IN THE SAME SORT OF WAY WE ARE GOING TO PRESS FOR THE TRANSLATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION INTO THE BASIC LAW.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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ANTHONY FLORES: BEFORE A FINAL SOLUTION IS FOUND AND IF THE UNHCR DENIES ANY ASSISTANCE TO HONG KONG, WILL THE UK AUTHORITIES ASSIST THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FINANCIALLY IN RUNNING THESE CAMPS?
SIR GEOFFREY: WE SHALL HAVE TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE RANGE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS. THE POINT IS THE UNITED KINGDOM DOES ALREADY MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE UNHCR SOME 16 MILLION POUNDS (STERLING) A YEAR FOR USE IN HONG KONG AS IN OTHER PLACES, AND I THINK THAT’S THE POINT FROM WHICH ONE STARTS.
CHRIS POMERY (THE TIMES): SIR, WOULD YOU FEEL ABLE TO ENDORSE THE DRAFT AS IT STANDS TO PARLIAMENT? AND IF NOT, IF YOU HAVE ANY RESERVATIONS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
SIR GEOFFREY: I ALREADY MADE PLAIN IN MY SPEECH YESTERDAY, THAT THE BASIC LAW FIRST DRAFT IS THE FIRST DRAFT. IT IS FAR FROM COMPLETE. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS THAT PEOPLE WISH TO SEE STUDIED FURTHER, AND I’M NOT NOW GOING TO BE DRAWN INTO MAKING MY OWN CATALOGUE OF THEM.
CHRIS POMERY: DO YOU HAVE TO ENDORSE IT TO PARLIAMENT AS SUCH?
SIR GEOFFREY: NO. IN NO WAY, NOBODY IS INVITING ME TO. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE SAID IN THE SAME WAY WE HAVE SAID THAT THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW IS FAR FROM COMPLETE. SO NOBODY 1 THINK IS INVITING ME TO DO WHAT YOU’RE INVITING ME TO DO, AND I DON’T THINK EVEN YOU ARE.
SIMON FUNG: SIR GEOFFREY, RECENTLY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF THE BASIC LAW, THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BASIC LAW HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT RECEIVE OPINION OR DISCUSSIONS ON THE BASIC LAW FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND ALSO DISTRICT BOARDS. WOULD YOU NOW MAKE A COMMITMENT TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT WOULD RELA1 VIEWS OF ALL THESE BOARDS AND COUNCILS TO THE CHINESE SIDE THROUGH THE DIPLOMATIC CHANNEL?
SIR GEOFFREY: CERTAINLY, THE UK GOVERNMENT WOULD BE READY TO PASS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES RECORDS OF DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THAT KIND. I DON’T THINK ONE SHOULD BE UNDULY PREOCCUPIED WITH THE MECHANICS OF THAT, AS A MATTER OF FACT. THE REALITY IS THAT THE BASIC LAW, THE DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, IS BEING DISCUSSED BY INDIVIDUALS, BY NEWSPAPERS, BY COMMENTATORS, BY REPRESENTATIVE BODIES IN HONG KONG. IT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED, AND WILL BE DISCUSSED BY PARLIAMENT IN THE UK. AND I DON’T DOUBT THAT THE OUTCOME OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS WILL REACH THE EYES AND EARS OF THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE FUTURE OF THE BASIC LAW. CERTAINLY, WE SHALL PLAY OUR PART IN SEEING THAT THEY DO. I DON’T THINK EITHER SIDE
SHOULD BE PREOCCUPIED BY PROCEDURE.
THE REALITY IS THE BASIC LAW IS THE TOPIC NOW BEING CONSIDERED INTENSELY, AND RIGHTLY, BY MANY PEOPLE. AND THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WILL HARKEN TO THAT. JUST AS THE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE HAVE DONE SO UP TO NOW.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1988
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DINAH LEE (BUSINESS WEEK): SIR GEOFFREY, IN 1984 WHEN YOU PERSONALLY ENDORSED AN AGREEMENT WHICH PROMISED AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE TO HONG KONG, HOW DID YOU, AS AN INDIVIDUAL, INTERPRET THAT PHRASE? DID YOU, FOR EXAMPLE, ENVISION A SYSTEM WHERE ONLY ONE OUT OF FOUR WOULD BE ELECTED, OR DID YOU ENVISION A SYSTEM WHERE LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE POPULATION, THE SMALL ELITE, APPOINTED BY A COMMUNIST CAPITAL TO THE NORTH, WOULD NOMINATE THE CANDIDATES? IS THIS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE? HOW ELASTIC CAN THIS PHRASE BE SEEN NOW?
SIR GEOFFREY: I START FROM THE FACT THAT THE ACHIEVEMENT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE COMMITMENT TO AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE WAS ONE OF THE THINGS FOR WHICH WE WORKED MOST HARD, AND WHICH WAS ONE OF THE ONES THAT CAME INTO PLACE ONLY QUITE CLOSE TO THE END OF THE NEGOTIATIONS. I CERTAINLY DID NOT VISUALISE THAT BEING TRANSLATED INTO PRACTICE BY THE PATTERN OF DIRECT ELECTIONS FOR ALL OR ANYTHING LIKE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE THEN GOING TO BE ELECTED. THE PATTERN WAS ONE THAT WAS BOUND TO BE EVOLVED FOR THE FUTURE, TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG UP TO THAT TIME HAD HAD NO EXPERIENCE OF DIRECT ELECTIONS AT ALL.
NOW, WHERE WE ARE NOW IS WE’VE GOT IN THE ANNEXES TO THE BASIC LAW DRAFT, A SERIES OF VARIATIONS OF METHODS WHEREBY THAT WILL BE ACHIEVED. AND THEY WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER DISCUSSION AND FURTHER NEGOTIATION WITHIN THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE.
DINAH LEE: DON’T YOU FIND IT IRONIC THAT NONE OF THE MANY OPTIONS OFFERED IN THE BASIC LAW INCLUDE THE ONE WHICH WOULD BE THE MOST EASILY INTERPRETED FROM THE PHRASE "ELECTED LEGISLATURE"?
SIR GEOFFREY: I DON’T THINK ONE SHOULD FIND THAT IRONIC AT ALL. WE’RE NOT STARTING IRON WESTMINSTER. WE’RE STARTING FROM HONG KONG, AGAINSI A BACKGROUND WHERE AS I SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF LEGCO AT ALL UNTIL THE FIRST -- NO ELECTED MEMBERS Ol LEGCO AT ALL -- UNTIL THE FIRST EXAMPLES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1985. AND THAT IS WHY THE MATTER HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERATION AND ONE STEP OF CHANGE SO FAR.
IND THE POINT I THINK THAT I HAVE EMPHASISED EQUALLY ALL THE WAI THROUGH, AND I Dll) SO WAY BACK IN 1981, AND I SAID THAT WE WANT ’TO AVOID SUDDEN IND DRAMATIC CHANGES WHICH COULD UNSETTLE THE VERY S'TABILITI WHICH ALL OUR EFFORTS ARE DESIGNED TO SECURE. THAT’S THE FRAMEWORK IN WilI CH THIS CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE, AND QUITE RIGHTLI SO.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
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