DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR WELCOMES ESTABLISHMENT OF JLG OFFICES .................. 1
WORKING METHODS OF JLG OFFICE DISCUSSED ......................... k
LORD GLENARTHUR LOOKS OVER NEW TOWN............................. 5
PRAISE FOR OVERSEAS BANKING INPUT .............................. 6
CONTINUED HIGH STANDARDS OF BANKING SUPERVISION URGED........ 7
HAWKERS IN YAU MA TEI JOIN HANDS WITH USD STAFF IN CLEAN-UP . 9
VIEWS ON VICE PROPOSALS SOUGHT.................................. 9
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED..................................... 10
NEW TAB MEMBERSHIP ............................................ 11
LAND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME GETS LOCAL SUPPORT .............. 12
ARRESTS MADE IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN MARKET................... 15
NEW LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE .......... 15
EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS - CHECK BEFORE YOU SIGN.................. 1**
BREAKWATER AT SAI KUNG INNER PORT SHELTER PROPOSED............. 15
PRIVATE STREET IN MONG KOK TO BE RESUMED ...................... 15
RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR APRIL RELEASED ............. 16
QUARTERLY REPORT FOR CONTINUING HOUSEHOLD SURVEY .............. 20
DONALD LIAO URGES MORE PARTICIPATION IN SYP ................... 20
SHA TIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENS THIS SUNDAY............... 22
SUMMER YOUTH FUN FOR KWUN TONG STARTS ON SUNDAY................ 25
SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL MEDALS .............................. 25
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEMES IN WAN CHAI ...................... 2*t
STUDENT DELEGATION BOUND FOR CANBERRA ......................... 25
FUNCTIONS IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ................. 25
DB FUNDS FOR PUBLICISING DRAFT BASIC LAW....................... 26
BUS LANE AT HUNG MUI KUK ROAD TO BE EXTENDED................... 26
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN SHIU FAI TERRACE........................... 27
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ....................................... 27
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
1
GOVERNOR WELCOMES ESTABLISHMENT OF JLG OFFICES
* » I * ♦
THE PRESENCE IN HONG KONG OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH TEAMS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL ENSURE EVEN CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL ASSIST IN THIS IN EVERY WAY IT CAN,” SIR DAVID SAID, WHEN ADDRESSING A JOINT RECEPTION TO MARK THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT LOCAL OFFICES OF THE TWO TEAMS.
’’FROM TODAY THE PRINCIPAL BASE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL BE IN HONG KONG,” SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT THE ROLE OF THE GROUP WOULD NOT CHANGE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG OF 'THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS WIDELY RECOGNISED.
SINCE IT WAS FORMED IN MAY 1985, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
IT ALREADY HAD A SOLID RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT fN DEALING WITH A NUMBER OF COMPLEX ISSUES.
’’THIS RECORD OF SUCCESS BODES WELL FOR AN EVEN MORE FRUITFUL FUTURE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"I AM SURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL JOIN ME IN WISHING THE GROUP EVERY SUCCESS IN THEIR WORK.”
y
FOLLOWING ARE THE FULL TEXTS OF SPEECHES GIVEN BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAMS, MR ROBIN MCLAREN AND MR KE ZAISHUO.
SPEECH BY MR ROBIN MCLAREN
YOUR EXCELLENCY SIR DAVID WILSON, AMBASSADOR KE ZAISHUO, LADIES AND GENTLEMENT, I AM VERY PLEASED TO JOIN AMBASSADOR KE IN WELCOMING YOU HERE THIS EVENING. PERHAPS I CAN ALSO BE ALLOWED TO WELCOME MY FELLOW HOST TO HONG KONG, AS AMBASSADOR KE AND MANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES WILL NOW BE MAKING THE TERRITORY THEIR HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME.
/THIS EVENING’S .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
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THIS EVENING’S RECEPTION MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PHASE IN THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. FOR THREE YEARS WE HAVE HAD NO PERMANENT HOMES OF OUR OWN. HENCEFORTH WE SHALL HAVE A FIRM BASE HERE. OUR OFFICE WILL BE HERE; MOST OF OUR STAFF WILL BE HERE. THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE SHALL LET OUR GOVERNMENTS FORGET US, SINCE WE SHALL REMIND THEM OF OUR EXISTENCE BY CONTINUING TO MEET ONCE A YEAR IN LONDON AND PEKING AS WELL AS IN HONG KONG.
FOR ALL OUR PERIPATETIC WAY OF LIFE, WE HAVE ALREADY ACHIEVED MUCH. THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WE HAVE REACHED A SERIES OF PRACTICAL AGREEMENTS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG AND TO ESTABLISH HOW THEY CAN BEST BE SERVED. IN ALL THAT WE HAVE DONE WE HAVE SHARED ONE OVER-RIDING OBJECTIVE - TO GIVE FULL EFFECT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION TO WHICH BOTH OUR GOVERNMENTS REMAIN FULLY COMMITTED. , »
WITH HONG KONG AS THE GROUP’S PRINCIPAL BASE, OUR TASK WILL BE GREATLY FACILITATED. CONTACTS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, ALREADY CLOSE, WILL BECOME STILL EASIER AND MORE DIRECT. THE UNDERSTANDING AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF OUR TWO TEAMS WILL, I AM SURE, BE ENHANCED.
THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES’ OFFICES WILL BECOME THE MAIN CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE JLG. I EXPECT TOO THAT THE MAJORITY OF MEETINGS OF EXPERTS WILL TAKE PLACE HERE. AND WHERE BETTER THAN IN THE TERRITORY ITSELF, WHERE EACH SIDE CAN BEST APPRECIATE LOCAL NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS?
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BRITISH SIDE’S NEW OFFICE HERE WILL NOT IN ANY WAY DIMINISH THE VITAL ROLE PLAYED BY OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. IT IS THEY WHO HAVE DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG. AND IT IS THEY WHO PROVIDE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE WHICH ARE THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION OF OUR WORK. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR FULL PART ON THE BRITISH SIDE.
NOR WILL THE TASKS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP CHANGE SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVE ACQUIRED A PERMANENT BASE IN HONG KONG. THE JOINT DECLARATION STATES CLEARLY THAT THE JLG IS AN ORGAN OF LIAISON AND NOT AN ORGAN OF POWER. THAT WILL REMAIN OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE.
FINALLY LET ME PROPOSE A TOAST:
- TO THE CONTINUING SUCCESS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP;
- TO CLOSE AND FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES; AND
- TO THE CONTINUING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG; AND
/- TO THE ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
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TO THE HEALTH OF OUR FRIENDS FROM THE CHINESE SIDE AND ALL DISTINGUISHED GUESTS PRESENT.
SPEECH BY MR KE ZAISHUO
THE OFFICES OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ARE ESTABLISHED TODAY, AND WE ARE GREATLY HONOURED BY THE PRESENCE OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR DAVID WILSON AND ALL THE OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS HERE THIS EVENING. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO EXPRESS, ON BEHALF OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE OFFICE, OUR WARM WELCOME AND THANKS TO YOU ALL.
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS SET UP 'iN MAY 1985 FOLLOWING THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG. THE GROUP HAS TWO MAIN TASKS WHICH ARE INTER-RELATED, NAMELY, TO GUARANTEE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN 1997. OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AND MORE, THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE TWO SIDES TO ACCOMPLISH THE TWO MAJOR TASKS, THE JjROUP HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL OF WORK AND ACHIEVED A SERIES OF AGREEMENTS WHICH ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG, THUS MAKING ITS OWN CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. THE WORK OF THE GROUP HAS WON THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, AND HAS BEEN UNDERSTOOD AND WELCOMED BY MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE FROM ALL CIRCLES OF LIFE. IT SHOULD BE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED BY THE GROUP CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EITHER.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ANNEX II TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON (JROUP HAS TAKEN HONG KONG AS ITS PRINCIPAL BASE AS FROM TODAY. THIS MARKS THE NEW STAGE IN THE WORK OF THE GROUP. THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IS AN ORGAN FOR LIAISON BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS AND NOT AN ORGAN OF POWER. IT SHALL NEITHER TAKE PART IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG NOR PLAY ANY SUPERVISORY ROLE OVER THAT ADMINISTRATION. THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WITH ITS PRINCIPAL BASE IN HONG KONG WILL NOT BRING ANY CHANGES TO THE NATURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GROUP. HOWEVER, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAVING ITS BASE IN HONG KONG AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH OFFICES WILL CERTAINLY HELP STRENGTHEN THE CONTACTS AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE TWO OFFICES, ENHANCE THE FRIENDSHIP AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES AND FACILITATE THE BETTER ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE TASKS OF THE GROUP. THIS ALSO HAS FURTHER SIGNIFICANCE TO THE CHINESE TEAM, THAT IS, WE ARE PROVIDED WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW FIRST HAND ABOUT AND GET FAMILIARISED WITH HONG KONG SO THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE WORKING EFFICIENCY OF THE JLG.
/IT IS.......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
IT IS THE JOINT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION FULLY AND FAITHFULLY AND WE ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE HEAVY DUTIES ON OUR SHOULDERS. TN THE YEARS AHEAD, WE WILL CERTAINLY HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO DO AND MAY ALSO HAVE TO HANDLE PROBLEMS OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT SO LONG AS OUR TWO SIDES WORK TOGETHER AS WE DID IN THE PAST IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP AND CO-OPERATION, TREAT EACH OTHER IN ALL SINCERITY AND UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, WE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE ABLE TO FIND APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS TO ALL THE PROBLEMS BEFORE US.
AT PRESENT, THE GENERAL SITUATION OF HONG KONG IS GOOD AND WE ARE ALWAYS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ITS FUTURE. NEVERTHELESS, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE WILL BE NO DIFFICULTIES ALONG THE WAY AHEAD. CHINESE LEADERS HAVE STATED ON REPEATED OCCASIONS THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT STANDS FIRM IN IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLE OF ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” AND THIS PRINCIPLE WILL NOT CHANGE IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS WITH THIS IN MIND THAT WE ON THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING THE JLG WORK. WE SHALL WORK HARD TOGETHER WITH OUR BRITISH COLLEAGUES FOR THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
NOW, I WISH TO PROPOSE A TOAST:
- TO THE CONTINUED PROGRESS AND SUCCESS OF THE WORK OF THE JLG;
- TO THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRIENDLY RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN;
- TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG; AND
- TO THE HEALTH AND GOOD LUCK OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR DAVID WILSON AND ALL THE OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS PRESENT.
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WORKING METHODS OF JLG OFFICE DISCUSSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE FUTURE WORKING METHODS TO BE ADOPTED BY THE HONG KONG OFFICE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WERE DISCUSSED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A MEETING BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAMS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETING, THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH TEAM, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, SAID: ’’THIS HAS NOT BEEN A FORMAL JLG MEETING AS YOU KNOW, IT HAS BEEN A MEETING OF THE TWO SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE MET IN ORDER TO MARK THIS VERY SPECIAL OCCASION WHEN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IS TAKING HONG KONG AS ITS PRINCIPAL BASE.
’’WE’VE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW SOME OF THE BUSINESS THAT IS GOING ON BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, IN VARIOUS CONTACTS AND IN VARIOUS EXPERT GROUPS SINCE OUR LAST FULL MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.”
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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
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LORD GLENARTHUR LOOKS OVER NEW TOWN *****
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE MINISTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD GLENARTHUR, VISITED TL'EN MUN NEW TOWN THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING AND ALSO INSPECTED THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WHICH WILL SOON GO INTO OPERATION THERE.
THE FIRST STOP FOR LORD GLENARTHUR WAS SIU HONG COURT, A LARGE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENT COMPLETED IN 1980 AND HOUSING 17,400 PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, HE WENT TO THE ROOF OF A 25-STOREY HOUSING,BLOCK FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRITORIES/NORTHWEST) OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR SIU CHUEN, ON VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND MAJOR PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN TUEN MUN.
LORD GLENARTHUR AND HIS PARTY THEN LEFT FOR TUEN TSZ WAI CHI TONG, AN ANCESTRAL HALL OF THE TO FAMILY, WHERE THEY WERE MET BY THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, MR TO KAM-CHOW AND MR TO FUK-TIM.
TUEN TSZ WAI VILLAGE IS MORE THAN 200 YEARS OLD, AND HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 2,500. THE EXISTING CHI TONG WAS COMPLETED IN 1971 TO ACCOMMODATE THE ANCESTRAL SHRINES OF THE TO FAMILY.
AT THE CHI TONG, THE ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, MR JOHN MARSHALL, TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN TO LORD GLENARTHUR A S36-MILLION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME UNDER WHICH SURROUNDING RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS WILL BE UPGRADED.
THE SCHEME COVERS AN AREA OF 51 HECTARES INCLUDING THREE VILLAGES -- SAN HING TSUEN, TUEN TSZ WAI AND TING CHUEN WAI.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN AREAS WHERE THERE ARE EXISTING INFORMAL, UNPLANNED SETTLEMENTS AND WHERE THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO UNDERTAKE LARGE-SCALE REDEVELOPMENT.
BASIC INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES SUCH AS ROADS, SEWERS, PARKING AREAS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOLLOWING LAND RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE PROCEDURES.
LORD GLENARTHUR LATER PROCEEDED TO THE BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATION AREA, A 9 HECTARE SITE, WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTO A SCENIC SPOT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
LORD GLENARTHUR AND HIS PARTY THEN VISITED THE LUNG MUN ROAD OPERATIONS HEADQUARTERS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WHICH WILL SERVE THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
/ACCOMPANYING THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1?88
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ACCOMPANYING THE PARTY WAS THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
LORD GLENARTHUR WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JI BILLION LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, WHICH WILL LINK TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, AND HAVE MORE THAN 23 KILOMETRES OF TRACK.
THE SYSTEM IS ENTIRELY NEW IN HONG KONG, AND THE METHOD OF TICKETING WILL ALSO BE UNIQUE IN RAIL TRANSPORT HERE AS PASSENGERS WILL NOT NEED TO PASS THROUGH GATES OR BARRIERS AT TRAIN STOPS.
HE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE OPEN FARE SYSTEM WILL RROVIDE A HIGH DEGREE OF CONVENIENCE FOR PASSENGERS, THEREBY ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE LIGHT RAIL OPERATION.
AFTER TOURING THE CONTROL CENTRE, LORD GLENARTHUR BOARDED AN AIR-CONDITIONED TRAIN FOR A SHORT RIDE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF THE TRAIN RIDE, LORD GLENARTHUR DESCRIBED THE LRT AS AN EXCELLENT AND POPULAR SYSTEM WHICH WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL TO ALL THOSE WHO LIVED IN THAT PART OF HONG KONG, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE FUTURE, WHEN IT WAS POSSIBLE TO LINK IT ON TO THE REST OF THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
HE SAID VERY HIGH STANDARDS OF ENGINEERING AND SAFETY WERE ASSURED BY THE SYSTEM.
LORD GLENARTHUR ALSO TOLD THE PRESS THAT HE HAD SEEN NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN AND PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE, AS WELL AS PLANS FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGES.
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PRAISE FOR OVERSEAS BANKING INPUT * * * *
THE INTEREST OF OVERSEAS BANKS IN ESTABLISHING A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG HAS BLENDED ADMIRABLY WITH THE TERRITORY’S UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES TO MAKE HONG KONG A MAJOR CENTRE IN THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING NETWORK, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER OF THE HONG KONG CENTRE OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS, MR NENDICK SAID OVER 400 OVERSEAS BANKS FROM SOME 51 COUNTRIES WERE NOW REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, AND THIS INCLUDED THREE-QUARTERS OF THE WORLD’S TOP 100 BANKS.
/HE NOTED
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
HE NOTED THAT WHEN THE HONG KONG CENTRE OF THE INSTITUTE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1963, THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 70 BANKS HERE. FEWER THAN HALF WERE OVERSEAS BANKS, COMING FROM PERHAPS A DOZEN COUNTRIES.
MR NENDICK SAID THAT SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT 25 YEARS AGO, THE HONG KONG CENTRE HAD GROWN FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND HAD CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"APART FROM TRAINING AND EDUCATION, THE HONG KONG CENTRE HAS THE IMPORTANT TASK OF PROMOTING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LOCAL BANKING PRACTITIONERS AND THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS," HE SAID.
"THROUGH REGULAR CONTACTS WITH OVERSEAS CENTRES, BETTER LINKS ARE BEING ESTABLISHED BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BANKERS."
MR NENDICK SAID THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT CATALYST FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND TRANSFER OF NEW CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES.
"THE INPUT OF ACQUIRED WISDOM FROM OTHER BANKING CENTRES HELPS IN THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONALISATION OF OUR OWN BANKING SECTOR," HE ADDED.
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CONTINUED HIGH STANDARDS OF BANKING SUPERVISION URGED » » * » »
HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE KIND OF SUPERVISORY STANDARDS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO GIVE LOCAL USERS OF OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM THE SECURITY THEY NEED AND DESERVE, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR TONY NICOLLE, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
"IN THE PROCESS, WE SHALL RETAIN THE RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS WHO DO BUSINESS HERE OR WHO OTHERWISE RELY ON HONG KONG INSTITUTIONS FOR BANKING SERVICES," HE SAID AT THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS, HONG KONG CENTRE, SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION SEMINAR.
HE ADDED THAT HE ENVISAGED A STRENGTHENING OF THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN SUPERVISORS AND THE SUPERVISED AS HE AND HIS OFFICE CONSULTED THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES.
SPEAKING ON THE CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENT, MR NICOLLE SAID THAT FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, NO AUTHORISED INSTITUTION INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG SHOULD AT ANY TIME HAVE A CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO OF LESS THAN FIVE PER CENT.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING IS ALSO EMPOWERED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE INSTITUTION CONCERNED, TO VARY THE MINIMUM RATIO UP TO A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT PER CENT FOR BANKS AND 10 PER CENT FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
/HOWEVER, HE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
8
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT BANKS COULD FIND THAT THEIR RATIOS MOVE UP AND DOWN QUITE UNEXPECTEDLY FOR REASONS OFTEN OUTSIDE THEIR CONTROL, A SYSTEM OF "TRIGGER" RATIOS HAD BEEN INTRODUCED WHICH WAS SET AT A SMALL MARGIN ABOVE THE MINIMUM RATIO.
HE SAID WHEN AN INSTITUTION'S RATIOS DROPPED BELOW THIS LEVEL IT WAS ASKED TO CONSULT THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AS TO THE REASONS FOR THE CHANGE, AND WHAT STEPS IT WOULD TAKE IN ORDER TO AVOID A BREACH OF THE STATUTORY MINIMUM.
"THIS IS TO PROVIDE BOTH THE INSTITUTION AND US WITH A MEANS OF GUARDING AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY THAT CAPITAL RATIOS DO NOT FALL TO OR BELOW THE STATUTORY MINIMUM BEFORE REMEDIAL ACTION IS TAKEN," HE SAID.
"IT IS INTENDED AS A HELPFUL TOOL FOR BOTH OF US, TO MAKE SURE THAT A WARNING LIGHT WILL START FLASHING BEFORE A LACK OF CAPITAL BECOMES A POTENTIAL THREAT TO DEPOSITORS," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE RECENTLY RELEASED REPORT OF,. THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE, MR NICOLLE SAID ANE AREA OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO HIM HIGHLIGHTED BY THE COMMITTEE WAS THE IMPORTANT ROLE WHICH THE BANKING SUPERVISOR COULD HAVE IN COORDINATING THE SUPERVISION OF BANKING GROUPS WHICH COMPRISED BOTH BANKING AND OTHER FINANCIAL BUSINESSES.
HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT, THE SUPERVISION TENDED TO BE FOCUSSED ON THE INDIVIDUAL AUTHORISED ENTITIES, AND ONLY LIMITED REGARD WAS PAID TO THE REST OF THE GROUP OF WHICH AN INSTITUTION WAS PART.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS HAD OF COURSE DIVERSIFIED INTO A RANGE OF DIFFERENT FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES, AS A RESULT OF WHICH THEY WERE INCREASINGLY BEING LOCATED WITHIN LARGER FINANCIAL GROUPS.
"IT FOLI.OWS, THEREFORE, THAT A DISASTER IN ONE PART OF THE GROUP COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE BANK OR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY AND EVEN PRECIPITATE A WITHDRAWAL OF DEPOSITS.
"IN MY VIEW IT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE SUPERVISOR TO HAVE A BROAD VIEW OF A BANKING GROUP IN ORDER TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE POTENTIAL RISKS WITHIN THE GROUP WHICH MAY OTHERWISE NOT BE APPARENT TO HIM," HE SAID.
ON THE CONSOLIDATED SUPERVISION OF FINANCIAL GROUPS, MR NICOLLE SAID THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING SHOULD HAVE A PRIMARY ROLE IN SUPERVISING THE CAPITAL ADEQUACY AND LIQUIDITY OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH WERE ALSO LICENSED TO DEAL IN SECURITIES.
THE REPORT SUGGESTED THAT WHERE A NUMBER OF SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES WERE SUPERVISING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES WITHIN A GROUP IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT THAT SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE GROUP AS A WHOLE.
/"IN MOST .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
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"IN MOST CASES WHERE A BANK/DTC FORMS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE GROUP IT IS MY FEELING THAT THIS ROLE SHOULD DEVOLVE TO MY OFFICE," HE SAID.
"THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE HAVE YET TO BE FULLY DIGESTED. WHATEVER HAPPENS, HOWEVER, 1 ENVISAGE WORKING CLOSELY WITH MY OTHER SUPERVISORY COLLEAGUES TO LAUNCH A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSOLIDATED SUPERVISION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE ADDED.
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HAWKERS IN YAU MA TEI JOIN HANDS WITH USD STAFF IN CLEAN-UP * * * *
SOME 230 LICENSED FIXED PITCH HAWKERS IN BOWRING STREET, YAU MA TEI, TODAY JOINED HANDS WITH STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CLEAN UP THEIR STALL AREAS.
"THE BIG CLEAN-UP IS PART OF A SERIES FOR THE DISTRICT AIMED AT ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN," SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
"DURING THIS MORNING’S EXERCISE, THE HAWKERS SWEPT CLEAN THEIR AREAS AND HELPED DISPOSE OF REFUSE.
"STAFF FROM THE DEPARTMENT THEN HOSED DOWN THE GENERAL AREAS OF THE STALLS."
CAPTION: PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS LICENSED FIXED PITCH HAWKERS IN BOWRING STREET IN YAU MA TEI, JOINING HANDS WITH USD STAFF IN CLEANING UP THEIR STALL AREAS.
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VIEWS ON VICE PROPOSALS SOUGHT
* * » *
THE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING PUBLIC VIEWS ON A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO CLAMP DOWN ON SIGNS ADVERTISING PROSTITUTION SERVICES AND TO CONTROL NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED TN A WHITE BILL PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SEEKS TO PROHIBIT THE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF SIGNS ADVERTISING THE SERVICES OF A PROSTITUTE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF SUCH SIGNS.
/THE BILL ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES A MAGISTRATE TO ISSUE A SIX-MONTH CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF PREMISES WHERE TWO OFFENCES HAVE BEEN COMMITTED IN CONTRAVENTION OF CERTAIN VICE-RELATED PROVISIONS IN THE CRIMES ORDINANCE AND THE MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE,RESULTING IN CONVICTION.
THE ORDER WILL BE ISSUED IF A SECOND OFFENCE IS COMMITTED WITHIN 12 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST CONVICTION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS SHOULD SEND THEM TO THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1. THE ADDRESS IS CNTA HEADQUARTERS, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
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DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED » * ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ANZ ASIA LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AGREEMENT SIGNED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AN AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTING THE $2 BILLION TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPANY, MR Y. YANAGISAWA.
WITH THE PASSING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL BILL WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT FROM TODAY, CONSTRUCTION OF THE 3.9-KILOMETRE-LONG TWIN TUBE TUNNEL BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL IN KOWLOON AND SIU LEK YUEN IN SHA TIN WILL START EARLY THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1991.
/11
FRIDAY, JULY 1,
1988
11
NEW TAB MEMBERSHIP
*****
THE TERMS OF ELEVEN NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD (TAB) HAVE BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN ADDITION, THREE NEW MEMBERS - MR VICENT WAN, MR LOUIS K.C. WONG AND MISS SYLVIA YAU - HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD, WHILE TWO INCUMBENT MEMBERS - MR KENNETH TING AND MR THOMAS CLYDESDALE - WILL RETIRE THIS MONTH.
THE THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS - THE DIRECTOR O? TRADE, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE -WILL REMAIN ON THE BOARD, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1988 WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND CHAIRMAN OF TAB, MR HAMISH MACLEOD PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TWO OUTGOING MEMBERS- FOR THE INVALUABLE SERVICES THEY HAVE RENDERED.
MR TING AND MR CLYDESDALE HAVE SERVED ON THE TAB FOR FOUR YEARS AND TWO AND A HALF YEARS RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE THREE NEW MEMBERS, MR VINCENT WAN (44) IS AN ACCOUNTANT AND ALSO A MEMBER OF THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR LOUIS K.C. WONG (51) IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION, WHILE MISS SYLVIA YAU (38) IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI COMMODITIES IN CHARGE OF CHINA TRADE.
MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED ARE: MR PAUL T.S. YIN; MR WILLIAM TURNBULL; MR WARREN W.L. HUI; MR GARY N. HARILELA; MR RAY MAN LEUNG; MRS ELEANOR C.M. LING; MR HO SAI-CHU; MR JACK SO; DR KENNETH K.K. WANG; MR T.H. BARMA AND MR PAUL CHENG.
THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD, COMPRISING MAINLY NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS, IS CONSULTED ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING HONG KONG’S TRADE, OTHER THAN TRADE IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS.
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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 12 -
LAND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME GETS LOCAL SUPPORT
*****
THE OWNERS OF THREE LOTS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN CHEUNG PO, YUEN LONG TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE AVAILABLE THEIR LAND ON RENT TO THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION IN SUPPORT OF A GOVERNMENT PILOT PROJECT TO BRING FALLOW FARM LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BACK TO CULTIVATION.
APART FROM THE FIVE OWNERS OF THE THREE LOTS, 15 OWNERS OF 25 LOTS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OF THEIR FIRM INTENTION TO LET THEIR LAND TO THE VMO AND MANY MORE LAND OWNERS IN CHEUNG PO WHO HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN JOINING THE PROJECT TO IMPLEMENT THE AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREA CONCEPT.
IN CHEUNG PO, 12 OUT OF 52 HECTARES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND ARE LYING FALLOW. IN VIEW OF ITS CONVENIENT ACCESS AND EXISTING BASIC FACILITIES, THE AREA HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF THE TWO AGRICULTURAL PRIORITY AREAS WITH THE GREATEST POTENTIAL, IN WHICH TO CARRY OUT THE LAND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME.
THE OTHER AREA IS HOK TAU IN FANLING.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE PAT HEUNG VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY OFFICE THIS MORNING, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SIGNED THE TENANCY AGREEMENTS WITH THE LAND OWNERS CONCERNED.
THEY WERE ALSO PRESENTED WITH CHEQUES FOR FIVE YEARS’ RENTS IN RESPECT OF THE THREE LOTS MEASURING 5,120 SQUARE METRES IN AREA. THESE LOTS WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY BE SUB-LETTED TO INTERESTED FARMERS.
SPEAKING AT THE TENANCY AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY, DR LEE SAID THAT THE PILOT PROJECT WAS BEING CARRIED OUT WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ACHIEVING BETTER UTILISATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND IMPROVING THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION ARE POOLING THEIR RESOURCES TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND MARKETING FACILITIES IN THE TWO AREAS AND TO PROVIDE PARTICIPATING FARMERS WITH THE NECESSARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME IS IMPLEMENTED SMOOTHLY," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, DR LEE POINTED OUT, THE SUCCESS OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON THE SUPPORT OF LAND OWNERS IN MAKING THEIR FALLOW LAND AVAILABLE FOR CULTIVATION PURPOSES.
”1 AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE INITIAL RESPONSE AND LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM OTHER LAND OWNERS IN CHEUNG PO AND HOK TAU SO THAT LAND RESOURCES IN THESE AREAS COULD BE BETTER UTILISED," HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
ARRESTS MADE IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN MARKET t » * * *
STRINGENT MEASURES TO CURB ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO)’S CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET CAME INTO FORCE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE MEASURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. AS A RESULT, TWO MEN WERE ARRESTED THIS MORNING.
A JOINT PRESS BRIEFING WILL BE HELD TODAY AT 3.30 PM BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TO GIVE DETAILS OF TODAY’S JOINT ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
PRESENT AT THE BRIEFING, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT AFD’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON 14TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT ’OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL BE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR TONY BENNETT, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), DR CHRISTOPHER LEE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE POLICE’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR STEPHEN PAANG, AND HIS ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMANDER (CRIME), MR S. YIP.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND.
- - 0 - -
NEW LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE
*»»»»»
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1988 PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY CAME INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SHALL BE PAYABLE TO A QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE WHO RESIGNS ON GROUND OF ILLNESS AFTER BEING CERTIFIED BY A DOCTOR IN A GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED HOSPITAL AS BEING PERMANENTLY UNFIT FOR HIS PRESENT JOB.
AN EMPLOYEE AGED 65 YEARS OR OVER WITH NOT LESS THAN 10 YEARS OF SERVICE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT UPON RESIGNATION.
THE SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS OF A DECEASED EMPLOYEE SHALL ALSO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IF THE DECEASED HAD COMPLETED THE QUALIFYING PERIOD OF SERVICE AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH.
/THE NEW
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 14 -
THE NEW LAW FURTHER COVERS NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES WHOSE WAGES DO NOT EXCEED THE $11,500 WAGE CEILING A MONTH WITHIN THE 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO DISMISSAL, AS WELL AS RE-EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT.
ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW LEGISLATION MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
- 0----------
EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS - CHECK BEFORE YOU SIGN
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED YOUNG PERSONS SEEKING A SALES JOB TO BE ON THE ALERT WHEN ASKED TO SIGN ANY AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF ENGAGEMENT.
THE PLEA WAS MADE FOLLOWING THE RECEIPT OF A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM SOME INSURANCE SALES PERSONNEL THAT THEY HAD BEEN MISLED INTO BELIEVING THAT THEY WERE HIRED AS EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANIES AND THAT THE ADVANCED COMMISSION THEY WERE PAID WAS THEIR MONTHLY SALARY.
’’HOWEVER, UPON RESIGNATION AFTER AN UNSUCCESSFUL TRIAL PERIOD, THEY WERE ASKED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THEY WORKED FOR TO PAY BACK A LARGE SUM OF MONEY," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’ONLY THEN DID THEY DISCOVER THAT BY SIGNING THE VOLUMINOUS DOCUMENTS AT THE TIME OF FIRST ENGAGEMENT, THEY HAD FORFEITED ALL THE PROTECTIONS A NORMAL EMPLOYEE WAS ENTITLED TO UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. ’’
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON JOB SEEKERS TO EXAMINE VERY CAREFULLY ANY AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENTS THEY ARE ASKED TO SIGN.
IN PARTICULAR, THEY SHOULD MAKE SURE WHETHER THEY WERE TO BE EMPLOYED AS A PAID EMPLOYEE UNDER A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OR AS AN AGENT UNDER AN AGENCY AGREEMENT.
’’THIS IS BECAUSE ONCE THEY HAVE SIGNED AN AGENCY AGREEMENT, THEY ARE NOT REGARDED AS EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY AND ARE OUTSIDE THE PROTECTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
PROSPECTIVE JOB SEEKERS SHOULD ALSO FIND OUT WHETHER THE MONEY PAID TO HIM EVERY MONTH TN THE FORM OF ADVANCED COMMISSION IS IN FACT A SALARY WHICH NEEDS NOT TO BE RETURNED, OR A LOAN WHICH HAS TO BE PAID BACK TO THE COMPANY UPON RESIGNATION OR DISMISSAL.
"IF IN DOUBT, JOB SEEKERS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/1?........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
BREAKWATER AT SAI KUNG *
INNER PORT SHELTER PROPOSED » * « «
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A BREAKWATER WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.29 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT SAI KUNG INNER PORT SHELTER.
IT WILL PROVIDE AN AREA OF SHELTERED WATER AS COMPENSATION FOR THAT LOST UNDER THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION OF SAI KUNG CREEK BY THE SAI KUNG TOWN DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE 5 ENGINEERING WORKS.
THE WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 12 MONTHS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG, 3RD FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1988.
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PRIVATE STREET IN MONG KOK TO BE RESUMED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO RESUME AND REPAIR KAM FONG STREET, AND SOME SCAVENGING LANES IN MONG KOK FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID, "THE STREET AND LANES PROPOSED TO BE RESUMED ARE AT PRESENT NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED BECAUSE THEY ARE UNDER MULTIPLE SUBDIVIDED OWNERSHIP."
"AS A RESULT, THEY ARE GENERALLY IN POOR CONDITION IN TERMS OF MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT GIVING RISE TO SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
/"IT IS ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
"IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO RESUME THEM TO ENABLE ITS PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE," HE ADDED.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES REPAIRING THE CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTWAYS OF KAM FONG STREET AND SCAVENGING LANES WITHIN LOT NO. KML 47 AND THE IMPROVEMENT WORK TO THE RELATED DRAINAGE.
THE WORKS ARE PROGRAMMED TO START IN SEPTEMBER 1989 FOR COMPLETION IN 12 MONTHS.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
>
THE PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST .ING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, OWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WINO, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD BEFORE AUGUST 30, 1988.
- 0 -
RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR APRIL RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN ATPRIL 1988, ESTIMATED AT $7,747 MILLION, WAS 23 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1987 WHILST THEIR VOLUME WAS 13 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING APRIL 1988 WITH APRIL 1987, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO HAD NEGLIGIBLE CHANGE IN VALUE AND A DROP OF 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT DOWN BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 44 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND 33 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 58 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 44 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
/MOTOR VEHICLES
I
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED INCREASES OF 25 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 22 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 15 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE AND HAD ALMOST NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO APRIL 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 5 PER CENT IN SALI?S VALUE AND DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" AND "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" ROSE BY 34 PER CENT AND 28 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE WHILST THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN VOLUME WERE 24 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT. CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 17 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES WENT UP BY 55 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 41 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WERE 39 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1988, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR APRIL 1988 DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT DOWN BY 4 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE FUELS DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN SALES VOLUME. "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" FELL BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 18 -
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED INCREASES OF 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES WENT DOWN BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES DROPPED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE APRIL 1988 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234941).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR MARCH 1988 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR APRIL 1988.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN MARCH AND APRIL 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 APRIL 1988 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1988 AND WITH THOSE FOR APRIL 1987 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO APRIL 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 19 -
TABLE I : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for April 1988 (Provisional Figure) « H>.$7,747 ail lion
for March I988 (Revised Figure) * Hk»7,8B5 ail I ion
TAELE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH I960 AND APRIL 1989 (Monthly average of Oct. 84 * Sept. 85 « 100) 1 Index of 1 1 1 April 1988 Itea I Retail 1 March I April 1 coapared with 1 Sales 1 1988 1 1988 1 March 1988 *** ********* * * ********** *** * ^*** ********* ^ * ***** ****** — | **** ********** ^ ********** ******* ' I (Revised • (Provisional I Points I 1 I figures) 1 figures) I (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES Illi 1 Value 1 141 1 138 1 *2 *2 1 Volute 1 121 1 116 1 -4 -4 Illi (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS Illi Itlf Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value ! 118 1 113 ! -4 -4 drinks and tobacco 1 Volute ' 104 1 99 1 -6 -5 Illi Fuels 1 Value ! 93 1 88 1 -5 -5 1 Vol d«e 1 100 1 94 1 -5 -5 III*. Clothing, footwear 1 Value 1 136 1 145 ' 10 7 and allied products ' Volute 1 114 1 117 I 3 3 : : : i Consular durables 1 Value I 145 I 146 1 1 1 I Volute 1 119 1 119 : I t Illi Other consular goods ' Value 1 161 1 155 1 -6 -3 1 Volute 1 136 I 128 1 -7 * -5 : : : : <C> BY SELECTED TRADES till ************* ***** (see note 1 below) III 1 Super tar kets 1 Value 1 142 1 132 1 -10 -7 1 Volute I 125 1 115 I -10 -B III! Motor vehicles 1 Value 1 194 1 208 1 14 7 and parts 1 Volute I 140 1 149 1 9 6 i:i: Consuter durables 1 Value 1 130 1 127 I -2 -2 other than totor 1 Volute 1 113 1 110 1 -3 -2 vehicles and parts III I Illi Departtent stores 1 Value I 164 1 163 I -1 -1 I Volute I 138 1 133 I -5 -3 1 April 1988 1 Jan. - Apr. 1953 1 coapared with 1 coapared with 1 April 1987 ! Jan. - Apr. 1987 ♦ •***•**• ***** ****+********** ******** I Points I I Points I 1 I 1 1 : 26 23 1 28 24 1 13 13 1 15 14 1 1 1 1- t 118 7 -10 -9 1 -2 -2 1 • -6 -6 14 5 -10 -10 1 -1 -1 • • 13 10 1 35 * 28 1 t I 19 16 1 28 23 1 30 26 15 14 1 17 17 । । 48 44 I 40 34 32 33 1 25 24 1 1 t । 10 8 : 18 14 t t 1 7 6 42 25 1 58 39 16 12 1 30 26 23 22 1 22 20 14 15 1 13 13 > । 60 5B 1 62 55 41 44 1 43 41 1
NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN tajor trade groups in respett of the following selected trades are coepiled : (a) 'Superaarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and toba (b) 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuter durables* group. <c) 'Consuter durables other than aotor vehicles and parts' - a trade in t (d) 'Oepartaent stores* - a trade in the ‘Other consuter goods* group. 2. Figures denoting changes are derived froa the unrounded index figures. 3. 'I* denotes change of less than 0.5. the value and voluae indexes cco* group. he ‘Consuter durables* group.
- 0
/2O
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 20 -
QUARTERLY REPORT FOR CONTINUING HOUSEHOI. SUIVEY
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN JULY TO SEPTEMBER
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS' EXPENDITURE ABROAD; SMOKING HABITS; EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT ’TO AND FROM WORK; PARTICIPATION IN SHARES AND STOCKS ACTIVITIES AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE QUARTERLY REPORT.
"SOME 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO, WILL BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN," HE ADDED.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION.
ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS, CARRYING IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE TREATED CONFIDENTIALLY AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT," HE ADDED.
-------o ---------
DONALD LIAO URGES MORE PARTICIPATION IN SYP
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WHICH ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING THEM WITH AN ENJOYABLE AND MEANINGFUL SUMMER.
MR LIAO WAS SPEAKING TO ABOUT 2,000 YOUTHS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 SYP ORGANISED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
/"WE ALL ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 21
"WE ALL WANT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND ABILITY THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN ALL KINDS OF RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES," MR LA1O SAID.
"’SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY’ IS THE THEME AND SPIRIT OF THIS YEAR’S SYP," MR LIAO REMINDED THE YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE CEREMONY.
"IT IS ALSO THE AIM OF THE SYP TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE MOKE CHANCES TO GET TO KNOW THEIR OWN COMMUNITY WHILE TAKING PART IN SUMMER ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WAS FIRST LAUNCHED IN 1969, TARGETTING AT YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN SIX AND 25 YEAR OLD, WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING THEM TO SPEND THE SUMMER IN A HEALTHY AND USEFUL WAY.
PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES THIS YEAR INCLUDE MUSIC CAMPS, FORESTRY CAMPS, COMMUNITY PROJECTS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, SPORTS, AND MANY OTHER EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
"THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF THE PROGRAMME THIS YEAR IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $23 MILLION, FOR WHICH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS CONTRIBUTED $8.95 MILLION," MR LIAO SAID.
THE JOCKEY CLUB HAD BEEN THE MAJOR DONOR TO THE SYP FOR 20 YEARS AND THIS YEAR'S DONATION WAS 40 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S FIGURE.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR LIAO, REPRESENTING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, RECEIVED THE JOCKEY CLUB DONATION FROM MR JOHN SWAINE, A STEWARD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY WAS AN ONE-HOUR SWINGING SUMMER CONCERT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SYP COMMITTEE, URBAN COUNCIL AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
OTHER THAN THE 2000 SPECTATORS WHO ENJOYED THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE STADIUM, THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THE FUN WHEN THE TAPED PROGRAMME IS TELEVISED ON TVB JADE ON JULY 17 (SUNDAY) AT 10.20 PM.
THREE MORE SWINGING SUMMER CONCERTS WILL BE HELD IN IHE NEXT TWO MONTHS AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND PITCII NO. 8 INSIDE HAPPY VALLEY.
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FRIDAY, JULY 1,
1988
- 22 -
SHA TIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENS THIS SUNDAY
*****
A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION FEATURING YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES WILL PROVIDE USEFUL BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO CHOOSE FROM SOME 600 ACTIVITIES IN THE SHA TIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID THIS OPENING EVENT, TO BE HELD AT THE ROMAN ARENA OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM SUNDAY (JULY 3), WAS PREPARED BY 16 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"TO MARK THE OCCASION, AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY AT THE SAME LOCATION," HE SAID.
"OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ACTING SHA ’TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW PYNE; SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM AND SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU KONG-WAH."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WAS SOLELY FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AT #227,500 — A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S $157,600.
"THIS YEAR, $167,618 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO VARIOUS VOLUNTARY BODIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND SCHOOLS FOR ORGANISING 112- EVENTS,” HE ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 2.30 (JULY 3) AT THE ROMAN ARENA, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
THE SHA TIN PM ON SUNDAY
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/25........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 23 -SUMMER YOUTH FUN FOR KWUN TONG STARTS ON SUNDAY ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
SOME 600 YOUTHS IN KWUN TONG ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART ON SUNDAY (JULY 3) AFTERNOON IN A FUN-FILLED WATER CARNIVAL WHICH MARKS THE OPENING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME 1988.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL WILL BE THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL LEUNG; KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN; REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON), MR LOK MAN-PAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI-FAI; RECREATION AND SPORTS MANAGER (KOWLOON EAST), MRS POLLY LAI AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN. , *
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING, A WATER CARNIVAL FEATURING SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING DEMONSTRATIONS, AQUATIC GAMES AND FREE SWIMMING SESSION WILL BE HELD.
AT A PRELUDE TO THE FUNCTION, A FANCY BROADCASTING BUS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT IN THE MORNING AND STOP OVER THE WAY TO -DISTRIBUTE SOUVENIRS TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JULY 3) AT 2.30 PM AT KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL, TSUI PING ROAD.
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SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL MEDALS » ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL ANNOUNCED TODAY (JULY 1) THE INTRODUCTION OF A MEDAL SCHEME FOR FORM 5- 7 STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.
SELECTION FOR THE AWARDS OF SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL MEDAL WILL BE BASED ON EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, THE HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION AND THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.
/’’THE FIRST..........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 2b -
"THE FIRST SELECTIONS WILL BE MADE THIS YEAR BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THESE PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
"EACH AWARD WINNER WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL, A CERTIFICATE AND A SUM OF $2,000," SAID PROFESSOR LEUNG WAI-SUN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL WHICH IS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROMOTING THE EDUCATION AND LEARNING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAS ALREADY GIVEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE BEST FORMS 5, 6 AND 7 STUDENTS THROUGH ITS PRIZE SCHEME.
"OUR FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE COUNCIL HOPES THAT BY SETTING UP THE MEDAL SCHEME, IT WILL BE ABLE TO ACCORD RECOGNITION TO THE BEST STUDENTS OF THE YEAR IN EACH OF THE THREE PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS," SAID PROFESSOR LEUNG.
FIVE MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED EACH YEAR: ONE FOR A FORM 5 STUDENT AND ONE FOR EACH STREAM IN FORMS 6 AND 7.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEMES IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF WAN CHAI’S NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME PHASE SIX WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 3.30 PM.
FOUR BUILDINGS - HENNESSY MANSION, YING LEE MANSION, JAFFE COURT AND MOON FAIR MANSION - WILL TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER MR ALLAN CHOW; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR. MICHAEL PREW; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHENK HOK-YIN; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.
THERE WILL BE A SEMINAR AFTER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY IN WHICH POLICE OFFICERS WILL GIVE TALKS ON HOW TO PREVENT BURGLARIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 1/F, GLORIOUS RESTAURANT, 41 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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/25.......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
STUDENT DELEGATION BOUND FOR CANBERRA * « * » *
SIX SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL LEAVE SHORTLY FOR CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, TO TAKE PART IN THE 29TH INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD (IMO) TO BE HELD BETWEEN JULY 10 AND 21.
THE STUDENTS, AGED UNDER 20 AND FROM SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE PRELIMINARY LOCAL CONTEST.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT LOCAL STUDENTS WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE OLYMPIAD.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY AND THE INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD (HK) EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (BUILDING AND SYSTEM) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR S.H. HSU, WILL PRESENT A FLAG TO THE TEAM AT A CEREMONY AT THE WING LUNG BANK (HEAD OFFICE) TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE MAIN HALL OF THE WING LUNG BANK (HEAD OFFICE) AT 21ST FLOOR, WING LUNG BANK BLDG, 45 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 10 AM TOMORROW.
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FUNCTIONS IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY * * * *
A FILM WHICH DEPICTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL BE SHOWN TO RESIDENTS OF EASTERN DISTRICT AT MUCH REDUCED PRICES.
THIS IS ONE OF THE FUNCTIONS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT! BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE 1988 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
"THE FILM, ENTITLED -- THE WARRIORS OF THE WIND, IS BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
/"IT WILL ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- ?6 -
"IT WILL BE SHOWN AT 10.30 AM ON JULY 9 (SATURDAY) AT THE GOLDEN HUNG KAI THEATRE IN NORTH POINT. TICKETS AT A NOMINAL FEE OF $2 EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE THEATRE FROM JULY 4 (MONDAY), THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ANOTHER ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS A PLANTING CEREMONY TO BE HELD TO JULY 23 AT THE NEWLY-OPENED SITTING-OUT AREA AT KORNHILL, QUARRY BAY.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA WAS CONSTRUCTED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF ABOUT *196,000.
THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES A CHINESE PAVILION, SOME FLOWER-BEDS AND A NUMBER OF BENCHES, WILL PROVIDE A RECREATIONAL VENUE FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.
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DB FUNDS FOR PUBLICISING DRAFT BASIC LAW
♦ * * » »
A TOTAL OF $55,000 WILL BE ALLOCATED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES TO PUBLICISE THE DRAFT BASIC LAW FOR THE BENEFIT OF RESIDENTS.
ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT MAY APPLY FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS BEFORE JULY 30.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT SUB-OFFICES OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
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BUS LANE AT HUNG MUI KUK ROAD TO BE EXTENDED *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 7.30 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 4), THE EXISTING BUS LANE ON THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHUNG PAK ROAD TO THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAR PARK AT HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS LANI-BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM DAIL’i EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS INDICATING THE BUS LANE.
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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 27 -
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN SHIU FAI TERRACE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT ALL VEHICLES OVER 4.6 METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER SHIU FAI TERRACE IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 1 AND 2C FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 4).
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
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WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG » * «
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 9 PM TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KWAI CHUNG ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, JOINT STREET, LAI CHO ROAD, AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (EXCEPT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL).
AT THE SAME TIME, WATER PRESSURE TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE WEAKENED.
THE AFFECTED AREA 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 PEAK ROAD, LAI CHO ROAD, JOINT STREET, LAI KING HILL ROAD, KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TSUEN WAN ROAD, INCLUDING ALL BLOCKS OF MEI FOO SUN TSUEN TO THE SOUTH OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUPPLEMENT
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY LORD GLENARTHUR, MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE,
ON JULY 1, 1988
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
LORD GLENARTHUR GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD GLENARTHUR:
LORD GLENARTHUR: I AM DELIGHTED TO BE BACK IN HONG KONG AND TO HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOU. THIS IS MY THIRD VISIT ALTOGETHER IN THE YEAR SINCE I TOOK ON MY PRESENT JOB AS MINISTER OF STATE IN THE FCO. ONCE AGAIN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ORGANISED A FULL AND VARIED PROGRAMME.
DURING MY STAY I HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR, WITH EXCO AND LEGCO, AND WITH THOSE HANDLING THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE. I HAVE SEEN THAT PROBLEM FOR MYSELF AT THE HEI LING CHAU AND SHAM SHUI PO CENTRES. I HAVE ALSO MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THOSE RUNNING THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. AND I HAVE VISITED THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE GOVERNOR AND HIS OFFICIALS FOR ARRANGING THIS PROGRAMME, AND TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN ME AND MY WIFE SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME.
AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE ALSO BEEN TO THAILAND AND CHINA ON THIS TRIP. 1 GAVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN PEKING. BUT IT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU IF I REPEAT SOME OF THE MAIN POINTS THAT CAME UP THEN.
HONG KONG WAS CENTRAL TO MY DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINESE MINISTERS. I WAS IMPRESSED BY THEIR DETERMINATION TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THEIR READINESS TO CONSULT HONG KONG PEOPLE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AND TO AMEND IT IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR VIEWS.
I DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE MINISTERS THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE BEING GIVEN ASSISTANCE ALONG THE COAST OF CHINA ON THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG: THEY UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM, UNDERTOOK TO FIND OUT THE FACTS, AND SAID THEY WOULD DO WHAT THEY COULD TO HELP.
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN A MAJOR TOPIC OF MY DISCUSSIONS HERE TOO, AS IT WAS WHEN SIR GEOFFREY HOWE WAS HERE A MONTH AGO. SINCE THEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED A NEW POLICY. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD NO HESITATION LN ENDORSING THAT POLICY. THE SITUATION SIMPLY COULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GO ON AS IT WAS.
/I HAVE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 2
I HAVE NOW SEEN FOR MYSELF HOW THE NEW POLICY IS BEING IMPLEMENTED. I HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS SET UP SINCE JUNE 16 AND THE DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM OF THE STAFF INVOLVED. IT IS OF COURSE TOO EARLY TO ASSESS THE EFFECT ON THE NUMBERS OF ARRIVALS. BUT THOSE THINKING OF SETTING OFF FOR HONG KONG FROM VIETNAM TO IMPROVE THEIR ECONOMIC SITUATION SHOULD CLEARLY UNDERSTAND ONE THING: HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES THEY WILL BE SENT BACK TO THEIR OWN COUNTRY. IT IS NO GOOD THEIR THINKING THAT HONG KONG IS ANY LONGER A STAGING POST TO A NEW LIFE ELSEWHERE.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN EXPLAINING THE NEW POLICY, SECURING SUPPORT FOR IT, AND BRINGING INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE TO BEAR ON VIETNAM. THE FOREIGN SECRETARY HAS SPOKEN PERSONALLY TO THE VIETNAMESE, SOVIET AND CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTERS. AND, AS I’VE SAID, I HAVE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM IN MY TALKS IN PEKING. WE HAVE BEEN KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE ON THE VIETNAMESE IN LONDON AND HANOI, TO URGE THEM TO TAKE BACK THEIR ECONOMIC MIGRANTS. ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THE KEY TO A LASTING SOLUTION LIES FIRST AND FOREMOST WITH VIETNAM.
DURING MY VISIT HERE I HAVE ALSO HAD IT PUT TO ME THAT THE UK SHOULD TAKE IN MORE OF THE GENUINE REFUGEES NOW IN HONG KONG, THEREBY EASING HONG KONG’S BURDEN AND ENCOURAGING GREATER RESETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE. WE HAVE OF COURSE ALREADY TAKEN IN A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG - DESPITE ALL THE IMMIGRATION PRESSURES WE FACE FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. BUT AFTER THE RECENT INFLUX INTO HONG KONG WE ARE LOOKING AGAIN AT ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM. MORE RESETTLEMENT IN THE UK IS OBVIOUSLY AMONG THESE OPTIONS.
I HAVE REFERRED TO THE BASIC LAW. AS I MADE CLEAR IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE WE ARE TAKING CAREFUL NOTE OF CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE DRAWN THE ATTENTION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO THEM. WE HAVE GIVEN THE RECORD OF THE DEBATE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES. AND AS I HAVE ALREADY TOLD YOU, THEY ARE CLEARLY PAYING PARTICULARLY CLOSE ATTENTION TO VIEWS EXPRESSED HERE.
ANOTHER OF THE SUBJECTS I HAVE DISCUSSED HERE, PARTICULARLY WITH OMELCO, HAS BEEN THE TREATMENT OF HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS AT BRITISH PORTS OF ENTRY. I WAS ABLE TO TELL THEM THAT SIR GEOFFREY HOWE HAD ALREADY TAKEN UP WITH THE HOME SECRETARY THE COMPLAINTS RAISED DURING HIS VISIT. I ALSO ASSURED THEM THAT 1 WOULD PERSONALLY RAISE THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED TO ME WITH MY OWN OPPOSITE NUMBER AT THE HOME OFFICE. BUT THERE’S ONE THING I WANT TO MAKE CRYSTAL CLEAR NOW: THERE IS NO POLICY OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS. ANYONE WHO THINKS THERE IS, IS WRONG.
MY VISIT HAPPENS TO COINCIDE WITH ANOTHER EVENT - THE OPENING OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE JLG OFFICES IN HONG KONG. THE JLG HAS ACHIEVED MUCH IN THE THREE YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE: ITS LOCATION IN HONG KONG MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO ITS ROLE BUT WILL MAKE CO-OPERATION STILL CLOSER AND MORE EFFICIENT. I WISH THE TWO TEAMS CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THEIR IMPORTANT WORK.
/I WOULD .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1?88
3
I WOULD LIKE TO END BY EMPHASISING ONE THING. I’M THE THIRD BRITISH MINISTER TO VISIT HONG KONG INSIDE A MONTH. ALL THESE VISITS MAKE CLEAR OUR DETERMINATION TO CARRY OUT IN FULL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS HONG KONG.
FANNY WONG (ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS): IT IS A QUESTION ON DEFENCE COST. IS IT TRUE THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL NOT CONSIDER MAKING ANY FURTHER CONCESSIONS TO THE NEW DCA. SECOND, DESPITE SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS VOTE AGAINST THE NEW PACT, ISN’T IT TOTALLY UNFAIR TO HONG KONG THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPOSE ITEMS SUCH AS VAT OR EVEN SALARY TAX IN THE OLD AGREEMENTS, THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT? ISN’T IT TIME NOW THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER’DROPPING OUT THOSE ONE-OFF PAYMENT FOR THE OUTSTANDING BILL?
LORD GLENARTHUR: CAN WE TAKE THE DCA WHICH I THINK IS THE MAIN BURDEN OF YOUR QUESTION? THE FACT IS THAT THE AGREEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED RESULTS FROM A LONG PERIOD OF NEGOTIATIONS, AND VERY TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS THEY’VE BEEN. WE NOW HAVE THAT AGREEMENT APPROVED BY EXCO AND IT NEXT GOES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL SEE IT FOR WHAT IT IS, AND WHAT IT IS IS THE BEST AGREEMENT THAT COULD BE REACHED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. I HOPE ALSO THAT YOU WILL REALISE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS AGREED TO PAY A HIGHER SHARE AT A TIME OF INTENSE PRESSURE ON OUR DEFENCE BUDGET WORLDWIDE. SO THAT REALLY IS THE IMPORTANT THING, THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, THE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN TOUGH, NOW THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR IT TO GO IN FRONT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO.
FANNY WONG: BUT ISN’T IT UNFAIR FOR US TO PAY FOR THE VAT AND THE SALARY TAX FOR THE OUTSTANDING BILL? ISN’T IT UNFAIR FOR US BECAUSE FOR SALARY TAX, HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS DON’T GET ANY SALARY TAX FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THAT MIGHT BE A POINT OF VIEW, BUT VARIOUS ELEMENTS IN THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, PERHAPS EVEN MORE WIDELY THAN THAT SEEM TO BE UNFAIR, BUT I THINK YOU MUST ALSO BEAR IN MIND THAT WHEN IT COMES TO SOMETHING LIKE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENTS HONGKONG HAS FOR LONG PAID ITS SHARE, PAID A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT AND THOSE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN VALID NOW FOR MANY YEARS.
WHAT WE’VE GOT IS A NEW AGREEMENT; WE MUST GIVE THAT AGREEMENT THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK. I BELIEVE THAT IT’S A FAIR AGREEMENT AND I HOPE THAT WHEN IT GOES IN FRONT OF THE LEGCO FINANCE THAT IT WILL BE ENDORSED AS IT HAS BEEN BY EXCO.
FANNY WONG: SO THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER CONCESSIONS?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED.
/SALLY BLYTH (RTHK): .........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1?88 '
SALLY BLYTH (RTHK)! IT’S UNDERSTOOD THAT DURING YOUR MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS LAST NIGHT, YOU SAID THERE’S BEEN A MEETING BETWEEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE UNHCR IN LONDON ABOUT THE UNHCR PAYING MORE TOWARDS THE COST OF THE UPKEEP OF THE CLOSED CAMPS IN HONG KONG. CAN YOU GIVE US MORE DETAILS ABOUT THOSE DISCUSSIONS AND HAS THERE BEEN ANY INDICATION FROM THE UNHCR THAT THEY WILL IN FACT AGREE TO PAY MORE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: YES, THERE WAS A MEETING, THE MEETING WAS A WORKING LEVEL MEETING IN LONDON AND I WILL BE LOOKING AT WHAT’S BEEN SAID IN DETAIL WHEN I GET HOME TOMORROW. THE FACT IS THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DISCUSSIONS GOING ON, BOTH HERE WITH ME VISITING. POINTS HAVE BEEN PUT TO ME, POINTS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED IN LONDON AND IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO TRY AND PUT THE TWO TOGETHER. AS FOR WHETHER WE TAKE IT ANY FURTHER FROM THERE VERY MUCH DEPENDS ON WHAT WAS SAID. I’M AFRAID I’LL HAVE TO OBVIOUSLY DISCUSS IT FULLY WITH THE OFFICIALS ON MY SIDE IN LONDON.
SALLY BLYTH: HAVE YOU MET ANYBODY FROM THE UNHCR HERE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I’VE MET MR KARIM YES, BECAUSE HE CAME ROUND BOTH CAMPS WITH ME.
SALLY BLYTH: AND WAS THAT SUBJECT RAISED THEN ABOUT THE UNHCR PAYING MORE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, WE DISCUSSED IT IN VERY GENERAL TERMS BUT, OF COURSE, I WAS BY NO MEANS A DISCUSSION, IT WAS A CONVERSATION.
SALLY BLYTH: DO YOU AGREE THE UNHCR SHOULD PAY MORE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, YES I DO THINK THE UNHCR SHOULD PAY MORE TO HELI HONG KONG WITH THE REFUGEE PROBLEM, BUT THE PRECISE AMOUNT AND THE DETAILS AND THE FINE PRINT, SO TO SPEAK, WILL OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO BE NEGOTIATED AND I HONESTLY DON’T THINK THAT I SHOULD TRY TO PRE-EMPT ANY OF THAT DISCUSSION.
ANTHONY FLORES (COMMERCIAL RADIO): WILL BRITAIN CONTRIBUTE TO THE RUNNING OF THE CAMPS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SINCE IT’S OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE UNHCR?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THE FACT IS THAT WE’VE, AS I SAID, DISCUSSED JUST NOW THE PROBLEM OF THE UNHCR AND THEIR ELEMENTS. THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE COST OF RUNNING THE CAMPS IS, I KNOW, A BIG BURDEN UPON HONG KONG AND IT’S EXTREMELY WELL RUN.
I THINK THAT THERE ARE ONE OR TWO THINGS TO BE TAKEN ACCOUNT ON. ONE IS THAT WE ARE NOT QUITE SURE YET, WE HAVEN’T HAD THE FULL RESULT OF THE EFFECT OF THE CHANGE OF POLICY, WE’LL HAVE TO SEE HOW THAT GOES. WE’VE GOT VARIOUS OTHER ELEMENTS WHICH WILL NEED TO BE DISCUSSED, AS I SAID IN MY OPENING STATEMENT, WHEN WE GET BACK, TO SEE HOW WE CAN TAKE IT FORWARD AND ALL THESE ITEMS REALLY RUN TOGETHER.
/I THINK
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
I THINK IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO TRY AND SINGLE ANY ONE ASPECT OUT WHETHER IT BE COST, WHETHER IT BE UK RESETTLEMENT, WHETHER IT BE ANY OTHER. THE WHOLE THING IS TO TRY AND FIND A WAY THROUGH THE VERY REAL DIFFICULTIES THAT EXIST, USING ALL THE MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL.
STUART PALLISTER (ATV): COULD I JUST RETURN TO THE DEFENCE COSTS, SIR. YOU SAY THAT AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WHICH RATHER PRE-EMPTS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S DECISIONS, BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE DOES DECIDE TO THROW IT OUT BECAUSE THEY ARE IN BASICALLY A "NO LOSE” SITUATION?
LORD GLENARTHUR: I DON’T REALLY THINK I CAN ANSWER HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS. THE FACT IS THAT THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN REACHED, IT HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY EXCO AND IT NOW GOES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO. LET’S NOT MAKE PROBLEMS BEFORE THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE. IT IS A HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION.
TSE CHOI-WAN (TVB): DO YOU THINK THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT^ HANDS ARE TIED AS FAR AS DEFENCE COSTS ARE CONCERNED BECAUSE YOU YOURSELF SAID LAST NIGHT THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE A BRITISH TROOP WITHDRAWAL FROM HONG KONG EVEN IF LEGCO VOTE DOWN THE NEW PROPOSAL?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, SO FAR AS THE CHANGES IN THE GARRISON ARE CONCERNED, THOSE HAVE TO OBVIOUSLY BE DISCUSSED AS WE WORK TOWARDS 1997. THERE WILL BE ADJUSTMENTS TO FORCE LEVEL NO DOUBT, AS THERE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. IT IS UNREALISTIC TO SUPPOSE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM COULD WITHDRAW SUDDENLY FROM HONG KONG; THAT IS NOT IN ANYBODY’S INTEREST TO ACHIEVE. AND THE IMPORTANT THING IS, AS 1 HAVE SAID, THAT AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED AND IT IS IMPORTANT FROM THAT AGREEMENT TO HAVE IT ENDORSED FULLY HERE IN HONG KONG.
TSE CHOI-WAN: I WANT TO FOLLOW UP THIS QUESTION. SO, EVEN if •’ LEGCO VOTED DOWN ON THIS, YOU HAVE NOTHING MORE TO DO?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I HAVE JUST ANSWERED THAT. IT IS A HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION; LET’S NOT DEAL IN HYPOTHESES.
ANN QUON (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST): YOU SUGGESTED THAT RAISING THE QUOTA ON REFUGEES WAS ONE OF THE OPTIONS BEING STUDIED. CAN YOU BE MORE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT PROGRESS YOU HAVE MADE IN THAT DIRECTION. ARE YOU LOOKING AT A SPECIFIC FIGURE. ARE YOU GOING TO CONFINE IT TO FAMILY REUNION CASES OR OPEN IT. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS GOING TO BE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: I REALLY CAN’T GO INTO MORE DETAIL ON IT I AM AFRAID, AND I AM SURE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY. I HAVE JUST EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM WHICH HAVE TO BE DISCUSSED. ONE OF THEM, AS I HAVE SAID, WILL BE THE QUESTION OF RESETTLEMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. I AM NOT GOING TO GIVF DETAILS ON IT. THERE IS A LOT OF CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO WHAT I HAVE SEEN IN HONG KONG. 1
/ONE OF ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988-
ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF COMING HERE WAS TO ACTUALLY SEE THE CONDITIONS, SEE THE CAMPS, SEE THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE FACED BY EVERYONE IN HONG KONG, BY THE REFUGEES THEMSELVES, AND TO TAKE WITH ME A NUMBER OF IMPRESSIONS SO THAT I CAN DISCUSS THEM IN LONDON. I AM NOT GOING TO GO INTO DETAILS ABOUT NUMBERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
ANN QUON: WHAT WILL BRITAIN BE DOING IN TRYING TO INCREASE THE QUOTA?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, AS I HAVE SAID, I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A LOT OF INFORMATION WHILE I HAVE BEEN HERE. I SHALL GO BACK AND ONE OF THE ITEMS THAT IS IN THAT PACKAGE WILL BE THE QUESTION OF THE RESETTLEMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. I HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK TO LONDON WITH ALL THE OTHER ITEMS.
MATTHEW LEUNG (HONGKONG STANDARD): IN FACE OF THE DIFFERENT POLITICAL MODELS COME UP BY HONG KONG PEOPLE, WILL YOU PERSONALLY CALL FOR A POLITICAL COMPROMISE AMONG THEM, ON THE FIRST SAR GOVERNMENT?
LORD GLENARTHUR: COULD YOU REPEAT THAT QUESTION? I FRANKLY COULD NOT HEAR IT.
MATTHEW LEUNG: WELL, IN FACT OF THE DIFFERENT POLITICAL MODELS COME UP BY HONG KONG PEOPLE REGARDING ON THE FIRST SAR GOVERNMENT, WILL YOU PERSONALLY CALL FOR A POLITICAL COMPROMISE AMONG HONG KONG PEOPLE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I THINK WHAT WE HAVE GOT AT THE MOMENT IS A SITUATION WHERE THE DRAFT BASIC LAW HAS APPEARED FOR THE FIRST TIME, THERE IS A CONSULTATIVE PROCESS TAKING PLACE HERE ON IT, AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD TAKE DUE ACCOUNT OF ALL THE VIEWS BEING EXPRESSED HERE ON THAT DRAFT BASIC LAW. THOSE WILL APPEAR AGAIN AND THEN THERE WILL BE A FURTHER CONSULTATIVE PROCESS. SO THAT REALLY, I THINK, COMES INTO THE MATTER OF THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS ITSELF. WHAT I DO DEPENDS VERY LARGELY ON THE RESULTS OF THE VIEWS THAT ARE EXPRESSED HERE.
MATTHEW LEUNG; YOU THINK THAT A POLITICAL COMPROMISE WILL HELP BY THE END OF THE DAY?
LORD GLENARTHUR: DO I THINK A POLITICAL COMPROMISE WILL COME? WELL, 1 CAN’T FORECAST WHAT THE OUTCOME OF A CONSULTATIVE PROCESS IS GOING TO BE. WE HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
ANNIE LAM (SING TAO JIH PAO): THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW HAS BEEN CRITICISED TO BE A VERY POOR TRANSLATION BY THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS. EVEN SIR DAVID WILSON ALSO TOLD US THAT HE HAS TO READ BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE TEXTS TOGETHER TO GET A COMPLETE PICTURE. DID YOU ENCOUNTER THE SAME DIFFICULTY WHILE READING THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AND HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY GRASPED THE ACCURATE MEANING OF ALL THOSE PROVISIONS?
/LORD GLENARTHUR: ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1?88
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I THINK THAT IS A VALID POINT OF VIEW. THERE MAY WELL NEED TO BE AN AUTHENTIC BRITISH, ENGLISH TEXT OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AND I THINK FROM ALL THE CONVERSAT I<’"■ I HAVE HAD IN CHINA THAT THAT VIEW IS ACCEPTED THERE AS WELL BUT IT IS A MATTER FOR THEM - BUT I THINK THAT THAT POINT IS WELL UNDERSTOOD, 1 ES.
SANDY LI (SING TAO WAN PAO): AS THE WORLD EXPOS I'lON APPLICATION IS CLOSING IN NOVEMBER, WHEN WILL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TAKE ACTION. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL VIEWS ON HONG KONG ’ HOSTING THE EXPO’97?
LORD GLENARTHUR: CAN I TAKE THE LAST POINT? THE QUESTION OF EXPO IS ONE THAT, OF COURSE, RAISES A NUMBER OF PRACTICAL PROBLEMS. I THINK THAT AT THE MOMENT IT IS SOMETHING WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS GOT TO LOOK AT VERY CAREFULLY TO SEE JUST WHAT THOSE SORT OF PROBLEMS ARE. I KNOW THERE IS ENTHUSIASM FOR THE IDEA BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE IDEA TO BE AWARE OF THE PRACTICALITIES INVOLVED AND AT THE .MOMENT, AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THESE ARE BEING DISCUSSED.
K.K. WONG (RTHK): GOING BACK TO THE DCA. SOME LEGCO MEMBERS CLAIM THAT ONLY A SLIDING SCALE OF SHARING WOULD BE FAIR TO HONG KONG. IN FACT, THE SLIDING SCALE METHOD WAS DISCUSSED DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS BUT IT WAS RULED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS. WOULD YOU EXPLAIN TO US WHY THIS METHOD WAS NOT ADOPTED?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, YES, IT IS A CLAIM THAT’S BEEN MADE, 1 KNOW. BUT THE FACT IS THAT THERE IS ALREADY A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE PROPORTION PAID BY HONG KONG. TEN PER CENT IS SUBSTANTIAL BY ANY STANDARD IN FACT. THEN YOU HAVE TO LOOK INTO THE FUTURE AND UNDERSTAND THAT FURTHER SAVINGS WILL COME FROM A RANGE OF OTHER MEASURES. THEN, FURTHER STILL, OVERALL COSTS WILL DECLINE AS THE PLANNED WITHDRAWAL WHICH I REFERRED TO EARLIER TAKES EFFECT, AND FINALLY, AS LEADING UP TO 1997.
THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED, EXCO HAVE ENDORSED IT, IT NOW GOES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO. THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCUSS IT AND THAT IT SHOULD BE ENDORSED BY THEM.
LEO DOBBS (AFP): GOING BACK TO THE VIETNAM QUESTION. OK, THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE REGARDED AS ECONOMIC REFUGEES, THEY ARE BEING THOUGHT OF AS ECONOMIC REFUGEES NOW. SO, WHY DOESN’T BRITAIN PUMP MONEY INTO HANOI AS AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, SWEDEN HAVE BEEN DOING?
LORD GLENARTHUR: THAT QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED AS WELL, AND I UNDERSTAND THE FORCE OF THE ARGUMENT BEHIND IT. ONE OF THE DANGERS, OF COURSE, OF PUMPING MONEY INTO VIETNAM IN THE WAY THAT YOU SUGGEST IS THAT BY DOING SO, YOU HELP SUPPORT NOT THOSE WHO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT, WHO WANT TO LEAVE, BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC SITUATION, BUT IT HELPS SUPPORT VIETNAM MAINTAIN AN ARMY OF SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND ILLEGALLY OCCUPYING CAMBOADIA. NOW, YOU CAN’T JUST LOOK AT THE THING SINGLY, YOU’VE GOT TO TAKE THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION INTO ACCOUNT AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO.
/NOW, WHETHER .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
NOW, WHETHER OR NOT THERE ARE ANY CHANGES IN THAT IN DUE COURSE IS A MATTER OF CONJECTURE. I UNDERSTAND THE FORCE OF THE ARGUMENT BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT THERE ARE VERY SERIOUS, VERY DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES THAT COULD BE... FROM DOING IT.
LEO DOBBS: WHEN SIR GEOFFREY HOWE WAS HERE, HE WAS SAYING THAT ALL THE PROBLEMS OF VIETNAM STEMMED FROM THEIR POLITICAL SYSTEM. SO, THAT TO ME WOULD SEEM THAT THE REFUGEES HERE WERE POLITICAL REFUGEES.
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THAT MAY BE YOUR VIEW, BUT THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING THE SYSTEM IN THE WAY THAT WE’VE DESCRIBED IT IS TO SCREEN OUT THOSE WHO ARE GENUINE REFUGEES WHO MEET THE CRITERIA THAT IS LAID DOWN, AND THOSE WHO DON’T MEET IT WILL REMAIN HERE UNTIL ONE DAY THEY GO BACK TO VIETNAM.
JULIE MAPLESTON (COMMERCIAL RADIO): DO YOU THINK THAT THE SCREENING POLICY MIGHT BE IMPOSING UNDUE BURDENS ON HONG*KONG AS WELL AS THE BOAT PEOPLE WHO COME HERE, GIVEN THAT THEY MAY NEVER BE REPATRIATED TO VIETNAM, AND THEREFORE THEY ARE GOING TO BE STAYING IN DETENTION CAMPS HERE POSSIBLY FOR EVER, BECAUSE VIETNAM AT THIS STAGE ISN’T PREPARED TO REPATRIATE THEM. WHO IS TO SAY THAT THEY EVER WILL. GIVEN THAT THE SCREENING POLICY MIGHT NOT BE SUCH A BIG DETERRENT, BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO FIRST ARRIVED HERE AFTER THE SCREENING POLICY WAS IMPLEMENTED WERE COMING OUT WITH STATEMENT ’’WELL, WE’D RATHER BE HERE IN HONG KONG IN A DETENTION CENTRE THAN BACK IN VIETNAM.” YOU KNOW THEY ARE REALLY PREPARED TO COME OUT HERE NO MATTER WHAT?
LORD GLENARTHUR: ABSOLUTELY. WHEN I TALKED TO A LOT OF THEM YESTERDAY, AND THAT WAS MADE PLAIN TO ME ON A DOZEN OF DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. IT’S A PRETTY HORRIFIC INDICTMENT OF A SYSTEM, ISN’T IT, THAT THEY’D RATHER LIVE FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES IN THOSE CONDITIONS, AS BEST LOOKED AFTER AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN BE, RATHER THAN GO BACK TO VIETNAM. IT IS THE MOST APPALLING INDICTMENT OF A SYSTEM THAT ANYONE’S EVER HEARD OF.
AND TO SAY THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE THE SCREENING, WELL, THE HONG KONG EXPERTS WHO HAVE BEEN DOING THIS NOW, LOOKING AT IT AND TALKING TO THESE PEOPLE FOR MANY YEARS, HAVE BUILT UP A GREAT DEAL OF EXPERIENCE. I’M SURE THAT THEY WILL MANAGE IT, I AM SURE THAT IT WILL BE DONE EFFICIENTLY. AND I ONLY HOPE THAT THE ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NOTE THE ENORMOUS CONCERNS THAT EVERYBODY HAS ABOUT THE SITUATION IN VIETNAM AND APPLIES WHATEVER PRESSURE THEY CAN ON THE AUTHORITIES WHO ULTIMATELY MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITIONS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY, TO TRY AND ACHIEVE THE SORT OF CONDITIONS THAT WILL ALLOW PEOPLE TO GO BACK.
/MITYANEW (REUTERS): ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
- 9 -
MITYANEW (REUTERS): IF YOU FEEL IT IS AN INDICTMENT OF THE SYSTEM THAT THESE REFUGEES DON’T WANT TO GO BACK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE SYSTEM THAT INTENDS TO SEND THEM BACK?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THE SITUATION WOULD NOT OCCUR UNTIL WE HAVE ACTUALLY GOT AN EXCHANGE SYSTEM IN VIETNAM TO TAKE THEM BACK PROPERLY. I MEAN THE NUMBERS THAT HAVE GONE BACK UP TO NOW HAVE BEEN VERY SMALL. A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RESETTLEMENT HAS TAKEN PLACE. IT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY SLOW. WE WANT TO SEE IT IMPROVED AND IT WON’T BE IMPROVED UNTIL THE SITUATION IN VIETNAM HAS IMPROVED AND THEN PEOPLE WILL GO BACK UNDER SUITABLE SAFEGUARDS AND CONDITIONS.- '
BUT THE FACT IS WE HAVE A SYSTEM NOW AT THE MOMENT WHICH IS WHOLLY UNTENABLE. THAT’S WHY PEOPLE WANT TO LEAVE AND THAT IS WHY THEY ARE PREPARED, AS A LADY IN THE FRONT ROW SAID, TO BE CONTENT TO STAY HERE IN THE SORT OF CONDITIONS WHICH WE HAVE FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES.
LEO DOBBS: DOES THAT APPLY TO EVERY COMMUNIST SYSTEM? I MEAN WOULD IT BE OKAY TO SEND BACK SOME SOVIETS IF THEY STARTED..,.?
LORD GLENARTHUR: SHALL WE DEAL WITH ONE SUBJECT AT A TIME? WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VIETNAM.
BETTY LIU (TVB): YOU SAID THAT DURING YOU TALKS WITH THE CHINESE, YOU WERE TOLD THAT VIETNAMESE PEOPLE WERE GIVEN ASSISTANCE ALONG THE WAY TO HONG KONG. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SITUATION?
LORD GLENARTHUR: I DID NOT SAY THAT, WITH RESPECT. WHAT I SAID WAS THAT IT WAS A CONCERN THAT CERTAIN BOATS HAD BEEN RECEIVING SOME SORT OF SUSTENANCE ON THEIR JOURNEY FROM THE VIETNAMESE PORTS THAT THEY HAVE LEFT TO HONG KONG AND THAT WHILST THE FACTS AREN’T KNOWN, IT IS A VERY LONG COASTLINE, A DIFFICULT COASTLINE TO POLICE, SO TO SPEAK. THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TOOK SERIOUSLY. THEY DIDN’T KNOW THE FULL FACTS. THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AND THEY WOULD SEE WHAT THEY COULD DO TO HELP.
BETTY LIU: WERE THEY GIVEN ASSISTANCE BY THE CHINESE OR WHAT?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I MEAN CLEARLY SOME OF THESE BOATS HAVE BEEN STOPPING. NOW THE NATURE OF THE ASSISTANCE IS RATHER DIFFICULT TO COME BY. BUT PEOPLE HAVE GOT FOOD ON THE WAY HERE, THAT SORT OF THING. I AM NOT SUGGESTING FOR A MINUTE THAT OFFICIAL HELP IS BEING GIVEN, BUT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT SURE PRECISELY WHAT IS HAPPENING THEMSELVES. THEY SAID THEY’D LOOK INTO IT AND THEY WOULD DO WHAT THEY COULD TO HELP.
/BETTY LIU: .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
10 -
BETTY LIU: TO HELP THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OR TO HELP..?
LORD GLENARTHUR: TO HELP ALL OF US ENSURE THAT BY GETTING THE HELP THAT THEY SEEM TO BE GETTING, THAT ISN’T INCREASING THE NUMBER OF BOAT PEOPLE THAT COME TO HONG KONG.
BETTY LIU: WHAT IS THE POSITION THAT YOU CONVEYED?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THAT WAS IT.
BETTY LIU: YOU TOLD THEM NOT TO HELP THESE PEOPLE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, WE DIDN’T GO INTO THAT DETAIL. WE SIMPLY SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING, COULD YOU HAVE A LOOK AT IT.
FANNY WONG: THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS SUGGESTED THAT A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN THE BRITISH TROOPS STATIONED HERE WOULD ONLY HAPPEN IN MID 1990’S. IS IT YOUR INTENTION, CAN YOU DO IT AS WE SHALL BE HAVING AN EXPANDING POLICE FORCE TO TAKE OVER THE DUTIES?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THERE WILL BE AN EXPANDING POLICE FORCE IN DUE TIME, YES, WE KNOW ABOUT THAT. THE ACTUAL METHOD AND THE DETAIL OF THE EVENTUAL RUN-DOWN OF THE BRITISH GARRISON HERE IS STILL A MATTER FOR DETERMINATION. IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING THAT IS DISCUSSED AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AS WELL. THE DETAILS HAVE NOT YET BEEN ESTABLISHED. IT IS TOO EARLY TO TELL.
FANNY WONG: IS IT POSSIBLE THAT YOU WILL DO SOMETHING IN THE EARLY 1990’S?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT TIME SCALES. AS I SAID, THE DECISIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN TAKEN. THE DETAIL, I AM AFRAID, IS NOT THAT ADVANCED YET.
MR ROBIN MCLAREN, ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE: THAT, MINISTER, IF I MIGHT JUST ADD, IT IS OF COURSE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESS KNOW ALSO IT IS A SUBJECT THAT WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
SALLY BLYTH (RTHK): YOU SAID THAT THE HARDER STAND WHICH HONG KONG HAS ADOPTED IN ITS REFUGEE POLICY YOU HAVE DISCUSSED WITH OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN WIDELY ACCEPTED. DURING THESE TALKS HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY INDICATION FROM THOSE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES THAT THEY TOO ARE CONSIDERING STEPPING UP THEIR RESETTLEMENT RATE OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG’S CAMPS?
LORD GLENARTHUR: NO, WE HAVE NOT HAD THOSE DISCUSSIONS YET. IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED TO ME HERE THAT, AS I SAID EARLIER, THAT THERE MAY BE A LINKAGE BETWEEN WHAT THE UNITED KINGDOM DOES AND WHAT OTHERS MIGHT DO BUT, AGAIN, THOSE ALL FORM PART OF THE PACKAGE OF WAYS OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM WHICH I SHALL TAKE BACK AND CONSIDER.
/CHAN BO-SHUN .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
11
CHAN BO-SHUN (HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL): AS SOME LOCAL LEGISLATORS SAID, THAT DURING THE DEFENCE COSTS T .L\S IT WILL PROBABLY BE THE UK GOVERNMENT FORCING THE HK GOVERNMENT TO TOE THE LINE, BECAUSE THE UK GOVERNMENT IS A SOVEREIGN STATE. WHY ARE YOU SO SURE IT IS A FAIR TALK BETWEEN BOTH SIDES SINCE THEY ARE NOT IN AN EQUAL STATE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN EQUAL STATE FOR A LONG TIME, HAVE THEY? THAT’S THE FIRST THING. THE SECOND THING IS, NO, IT HAS NOT BEEN FORCED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. IT IS AN AGREEMENT THAT HAS BEEN REACHED. IT IS QUITE WRONG TO SUGGEST IT HAS BEEN FORCED. IT IS NOT THE CASE.
CHAN BO-SHUN: AS YOU HAVE ALREADY ADMITTED, IT IS NOT IN AN EQUAL STATE, ARE YOU GOING TO IMPLY THAT HONG KONG IS NOT UNDER AN EQUAL STATE TO ADMIT SUCH A DCA?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THE PROPORTIONMENT HAS BEEN ADJUSTED. THE PROPORTIONMENT HAS BEEN ADJUSTED IN FAVOUR OF HONG KONG. I DON’T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I CAN GO OVER THE GROUND. WE ARE RATHER WASTING TIME, AREN’T WE? THE FACT IS THAT IT HAS BEEN AGREED, IT HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY EXCO, AND NOW IT GOES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO. I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE I CAN SAY.
CHAN BO-SHUN: BUT, IN FAVOUR OF HONG KONG, IT DOES NOT EQUAL TO A FAIR AGREEMENT?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, THAT MAY BE YOUR OPINION BUT THE FACT IS THAT THIS CHANGE HAS BEEN TO THE ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG, WE MUST NOW LET IT BE DISCUSSED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF LEGCO.
ALAN CHAN (MORNING NEWS): WHAT WILL THE UK GOVERNMENT DO IF THE VIETNAM GOVERNMENT DID NOT CO-OPERATE IN THE SOLVING OF THE REFUGEE PROBLEMS?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, WE HAVE TO CONTINUE, AS WE ARE DOING AT THE MOMENT, ANYHOW, BEFORE WE GET TO THAT STAGE, TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO INCREASE THE INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE ON THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT TO MEND THEIR WAYS. WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO DO THAT.
WE HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR SOME TIME AND WHEN I WAS LAST HERE IN SEPTEMBER, THE LAST SUBSTANTIVE VISIT I MADE, 1 ASKED OUR AMBASSADOR FROM HANOI TO GO BACK - HE WAS HERE AT THE TIME - TO GO BACK TO HANOI WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE TO THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT. WELL, THAT MAY NOT HAVE HAD ALL THE DESIRED EFFECT. SINCE THEN A NUMBER OF EXCHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE. 1 HAVE DESCRIBED TO YOU HOW SIR GEOFFREY HOWE ONLY VERY RECENTLY SPOKE TO THE VIETNAMESE FOREIGN MINISTER AND TALKED TO HIM ABOUT IT AT GREAT LENGTH.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE HAVE GOT TO APPLY THE SORT OF PRESSURE WHICH WILL... ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES TO CHANGE THEIR WAYS. LET’S NOT THINK OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF THEY DO NOT. THE FACT IS WE HAVEN’T GOT TO THAT POINT YET. WE MUST MAKE SURE IT JOLLY WELL WORKS.
/CHRIS POMERY .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
12
CHRIS POMERY (THE TIMES): WHEN YOU WERE IN PEKING, SIR, DID YOU DISCUSS TRADE WITH THE CHINESE AND DID YOU PASS ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S OFFICIAL VIEW OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFT AS IT STANDS AT THE MOMENT, AS WELL AS PASSING ON THE RECORD OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE ON HONG KONG’S VIEWS?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I DID TALK ABOUT TRADE VERY GENERALLY, SO FAR AS TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IS CONCERNED, YES, BUT NOT IN ANY GREAT DETAIL. I VISITED VARIOUS PLACES INCLUDING A CO-PRODUCTION FACILITY WITH BRITAIN. BUT TRADE WAS NOT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF MY VISIT.
CHRIS POMERY: DO YOU HAVE A GOOD TRADING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND ARE THERE SIGNS THAT IT WILL IMPROVE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: TRADING RELATIONSHIP?
CHRIS POMERY: AND ARE THERE SIGNS THAT IT WILL IMPROVE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I HOPE IT WILL IMPROVE. CHINA HAS BEEN VISITED BY LORD YOUNG, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE AND' INDUSTRY, ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, IF NOT MORE, AND I HOPE THAT THAT WILL BE IMPROVED, YES. I THINK THERE IS SCOPE THERE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TO DEVELOP ITS TRADE RELATIONS WITH CHINA. AND I THINK THAT IS TO THE ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG AS WELL, BECAUSE THE FACT IS THAT I THINK IT GENERATES A FEELING OF GREAT CONFIDENCE. SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, AND I TELL YOU I VISITED CHINA FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IT WAS A VERY ENCOURAGING EXPERIENCE. SO FAR AS THE BASIC LAW IS CONCERNED, I DON'T THINK I HAVE REALLY GOT ANYTHING TO ADD TO WHAT I SAID IN MY OPENING STATEMENT. THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE CLEARLY TAKEN ON BOARD THE POINTS THAT WERE RAISED IN THAT DEBATE. THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE CONCERNS ON CERTAIN ASPECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN RAISED BY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WILL GIVE THEM ALL THE CONSIDERATION THAT THEY ARE DUE.
CHRIS POMERY: SIR GEOFFREY, WHEN HE WAS HERE LAST MONTH, SAID HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ENDORSE THE CURRENT DRAFT AS IT STANDS. WOULD YOU BE FEELING A SIMILAR POSITION?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, I MEAN IF SIR GEOFFREY HOWE SAID IT, YOU COULDN’T BE GETTING IT FROM A FINER SOURCE.
LEO DOBBS: I AM NOT SURE WHETHER THIS COMES WITHIN YOUR BRIEF. IT IS A QUESTION ABOUT LAOS. DOES THAT COME WITHIN YOUR...?
LORD GLENARTHUR: WELL, IT COMES INTO MY AREA - I JUST WONDER IF IT IS THE RIGHT TOPIC TO RAISE AT THIS PARTICULAR...
/LEO DOBBS: ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1988
LEO DOBBS: WELL, A QUICK QUESTION. I WAS WONDERING, WILL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT BE REOPENING AN EMBASSY THERE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: YOU KNOW I CAN’T GIVE YOU AN ANSWER.
MR MCLAREN: I CAN GIVE YOU AN ANSWER, MINISTER. THE ANSWER IS, NO, WE WILL NOT. WE HAVE INDIRECT RELATIONS IN THE SENSE THAT WE COVER LAOS FROM BANGKOK, THE AMBASSADOR IN BANGKOK IS ALSO AMBASSADOR TO VIENTIANE. HE HAS A PERMANENT OFFICE THERE IN VIENTIANE, HE IS ABLE TO COVER LAOS QUITE SATISFACTORILY FROM BANGKOK AND THERE IS AT PRESENT NO PLAN TO CHANGE IT.
ANNIE LAM: AS SIR DAVID WILSON HAS COMPLETED HIS FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE IN HONG KONG, CAN YOU COMMENT ON HIS PERFORMANCE. AND ARE YOU GOING TO ATTEND THE JLG OPENING CEREMONY RIGHT AFTER THIS PRESS CONFERENCE?
LORD GLENARTHUR: SIR DAVID WILSON HAS HAD A MARVELLOUS YEAR HERE. HE HAS THE FULL CONFIDENCE AND FULL SUPPORT OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IN EVERY WAY AND I KNOW THAT HE THOROUGHLY ENJOYS THE WORK THAT HE DOES HERE. HE HAS GREAT EXPERIENCE BOTH OF HONG KONG AND OF CHINA AND I KNOW THAT ALL HIS ENERGIES ARE TURNED TO DEVELOPING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE WAY THAT YOU WOULD ALL LIKE TO SEE IT. HE HAS OUR FULL SUPPORT. SO FAR AS THE JLG OPENING THIS EVENING IS CONCERNED, NO, I SHALL NOT BE AT THAT OPENING. IT IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL THAT I HAPPEN TO BE HERE AT THE SAME TIME.
ANNIE LAM: YOU STILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE YOUR PLANE LEAVES.
LORD GLENARTHUR: BUT I ALSO HAVE OTHER THINGS AS WELL, THAT I HAVE TO DO. PLENTY OF MEETINGS AND OTHER THINGS I HAVE TO DO BEFORE I LEAVE HERE. AS I HAVE SAID, IT IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL THAT I HAPPEN TO BE HERE AT THE TIME. I THINK IT IS MUCH BETTER IF THE TWO LEADING LIGHTS IN THAT ORGANISATION, MR MCLAREN ON MY RIGHT, MR KE FROM CHINA, THAT THEY ARE THERE. THE GOVERNOR WILL BE THERE AS WELL. IT IS VERY MUCH THEIR OCCASION, NOT MINE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1933
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ............... 1
CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT .................... 2
DB MEMBERS VISIT SHELTERED WORKSHOP ............................ 4
SEMINAR ON SELF-REGULATORY SAFETY PROGRAMME..................... 5
BURGLARIES REDUCED IN WAN CHAI ................................. 6
YAU TSIM DISTRICT LAUNCHES ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ......... 7
SUMMER ACTIVITIES START IN MONG KOK............................. 7
EASTERN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS TODAY .................... 8
KWAI TSING RESIDENTS TO SHARE SUMMER FUN........................ 8
NEW TERRITORIES SITE OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS............. 9
ONE-LANE OPERATION FOR TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ............... 9
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON TUEN MUN ROAD........................ 10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ....................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ........................... 10
WATER CUT IN YAU YAT TSUIN ..................................
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
1
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF 38 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED DURING A 24-HOUR TERRITORYWIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION, JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS THIS WEEK.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, THREE HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 35 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (SATURDAYK 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 LANI) AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 30) AND ENDED AT 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (JULY I), THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS RESULT, A TOTAL OF 36,729 PERSONS, 5,162 VEHICLES AND 1,316 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
A TOTAL OF FIVE PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER 24 WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 3,122 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.
TWENTY ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE 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 IMMIGRANTS.
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
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CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT * * * ♦ ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS OF LOCAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE PAST YEAR TO THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
INDEED, HE SAID, SUCH SUCCESS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE UNSELFISHNESS OF THE PUBLIC-SPIRITED VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATIVE WORKERS.
DR LEE SAID THIS WHEN HE REVIEWED THE LOCAL CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS AT THE 66TH INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE DAY CELEBRATION DINNER IN HIS CAPACITY AS 'REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.
ON THE FIRST SATURDAY IN JULY EVERY YEAR, CO-OPERATORS IN EVERY COUNTRY GATHER TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE DAY, TO DEMONSTRATE SOLIDARITY AND TO RENEW COMMITMENTS TO THE CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.
DR LEE SAID THAT THERE WERE AT PRESENT 398 CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES REGISTERED WITH HIS DEPARTMENT WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 22,900, PAID-UP CAPITAL OF OVER $2 MILLION AND AGGREGATE SAVINGS OF MORE THAN $8.25 MILLION.
OF THESE 398,251 ARE URBAN SOCIETIES, MAINLY CO-OPERATIVE BUILDING SOCIETIES, AND THE REMAINING 144 ARE EQUALLY SPLIT BETWEEN FISHERIES AND AGRICULTURE.
’’THE 72 FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES REGISTERED A TOTAL SURPLUS OF SOME $130,000 IN THE PAST YEAR AND THE CUMULATIVE REVOLVING LOAN FUND CAPITAL BUILT UP FROM MEMBERS’ SAVINGS STOOD AT $6.59 MILLION.
"DURING THE PAST YEAR, FISHERMEN OBTAINED LOANS AMOUNTING TO SOME $17 MILLION FROM THEIR OWN LOAN FUNDS AND FROM THE LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THIS DEPARTMENT, TO BUILD NEW VESSELS, PURCHASE FISHING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT AND TO REPAIR HULLS AND ENGINES," HE SAID.
DR LEE NOTED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SPONSORED NINE CHAMPION AND LEADING FISHERMEN ON A I O-DAY STUDY TOUR TO AUSTRALIA IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
TURNING TO AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES, HE SAID THAT OF THE 56,600 TONNES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLE MARKETED THROUGH THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 46 PERCENT CAME FROM 27 REGISTERED VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.
/’’THROUGH THE.........
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
- 3 -
"THROUGH THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, MEMBERS CAN ADEQUATELY REFLECT THEIR VIEWS NOT ONLY TO HIS DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ACROSS THE BORDER.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, I MUST PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SPEEDY RESPONSE AND ADEQUATE ACTION TAKEN BY THE FEDERATION IN RESPECT OF THE ’POISONOUS CHOI SUM’ INCIDENT LAST YEAR," DR LEE ADDED.
THE FEDERATION ALSO MADE FULL USE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY HIS DEPARTMENT, THE DIRECTOR SAID.
UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE FEDERATION AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION, 15 FARMERS VISITED AUSTRALIA IN EARLY MAY THIS YEAR TO GAIN FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF VEGETABLE CULTIVATION AND MARKETING AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND INFORMATION WITH THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS. *
DR LEE SAID: "PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES CONTINUED TO PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN LOCAL PIG PRODUCTION. THEY CONTINUED TO HELP THEIR MEMBERS TO UP-GRADE THEIR BREEDING STOCK AND OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON MODERN PIG PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.
"THEIR FEDERATION, TOO, WAS ACTIVE IN SOLICITING AND REFLECTING PIG FARMERS’ VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT,' PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO THE PROBLEM OF FARM WASTE DISPOSAL."
THE DIRECTOR ALSO SPOKE OF THE ROLE OF FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL CREDIT.
"DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, OF THE TOTAL OF $12.2 MILLION LOANED TO FARMERS FROM VARIOUS LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, SOME 28 PERCENT WAS CHANNELLED THROUGH THESE SOCIETIES.
"AT THE SAME TIME, A TOTAL OF ABOUT $114,000 FROM THE SOCIETIES’ OWN REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS WAS ALSO ISSUED TO THEIR MEMBERS TO MEET A WIDE RANGE OF FARM CREDIT NEEDS," DR LEE SAID.
DURING THE OCCASION, DR LEE ALSO EXTENDED HIS CONGRATULATION TO MR YUNG TIN-TAK, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, WHO HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, ON HIS RECENT AWARD OF A BADGE OF HONOUR BY THE QUEEN.
"THE AWARD WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THE VALUABLE SERVICES RENDERED BY MR YUNG TO HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THAT ALL PRESENT WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT IT WAS WELL DESERVED," DR LEE ADDED.
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A ...
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
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DB MEMBERS VISIT SHELTERED WORKSHOP * t « *
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN KWUN TONG THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING VISITED THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION’S KWAI SHING SHELTERED WORKSHOP.
THE VISIT IS PART OF A FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE PROGRAMME AIMS AT PROVIDING THE MEMBERS WITH A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS REHABILITATION SERVICES OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR MENTAL PATIENTS.
THE GROUP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION, MISS DEBORAH WAN, WHO BRIEFED THE MEMBERS ON THE OBJECTIVE AND DAILY OPERATIONS OF THE WORKSHOP BEFORE TAKING THEM ON A TOUR.
THE GROUP WAS TOLD THAT THE WORKSHOP PROVIDES A SHELTERED WORKING PLACE FOR 120 EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME, THE WORKERS LEARN BASIC WORKING PROCEDURES AND USE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT IN MANUFACTURING PLASTIC AND METAL PRODUCTS, ELECTRONIC SPARE PARTS AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS.
THE GROUP WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE WORKSHOP, APART FROM PROVIDING SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT, ALSO PLAYS THE ROLE OF RE-EDUCATING AND TRAINING WORKERS TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE, DEVELOP GOOD WORKING HABIT AND OTHER DAILY LIVING SKILLS IN ORDER TO RE-INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY.
THE KWAI SHING SHELTERED WORKSHOP IS ONE OF THE SIX VISITING VENUES COVERED BY THE FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME.
THE OTHERS ARE THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRIC UNIT, THE BAPTIST LOK KWAN FEMALE HALFWAY HOUSE AND DAY TRAINING CENTRE, THE KWONG FUK HALF-WAY HOUSE, THE SUN CHUT HALF-WAY HOUSE AND THE HALF-WAY HOUSE FOR WOMEN IN POK HONG ESTATE.
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
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SEMINAR ON SELF-REGULATORY SAFETY PROGRAMME ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
ABOUT 70 PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN SAFETY AND HEALTH ACTIVITIES IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WILL ATTEND A THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY IN SHA TIN ON TUESDAY (JULY 5).
THE SEMINAR, ENTITLED SELF-REGULAORY APPROACHES IN LABOUR INSPECTION, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN REGIONAL PROJECT FOR LABOUR ADMINISTRATION (ARPLA) OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
IT IS AIMED AT ENHANCING A SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH IN THE PROMOTION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT THE WORKPLACE.
IT ALSO PROVIDES A FORUM FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IN-PLANT SAFETY PROGRAMMES AND TO DEVISE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE MR MUINUDDIN KHAN OF ARPLA IN BANGKOK; THE PERSONNEL MANAGER OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES LTD, MR PETER CHEUNG; AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISIONS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE OPENED BY MR MUINUDDIN KHAN; THE CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISORY OF ARPLA, MR A.M.A.H. SIDDIQUI; THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, MR CHENG YIU-TONG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, MR K.Y. TONGSON<
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARI INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE POSTGRADUATE HALL COMPLEX, CHINESE UNIVERSITY, SHATIN, AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 5).
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
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BURGLARIES REDUCED IN WAN CHAI
» » t t »
BURGLARIES IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN WAN CHAI HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY OVER 25 PER CENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, INDICATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, WAN CHAI DISTRICT COMMANDER MR MICHAEL PREW SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME PHASE SIX, MR PREW SAID THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF BURGLARIES IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN THE DISTRICT OCCURRED DURING DAYTIME WHEN HOMES WERE LEFT UNATTENDED.
"IF THE PUBLIC COULD BE MOBILISED TO FORM INTO CLOSE-KNIT UNITS WHEREBY UNIT MEMBER WILL TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO GUARD NOT ONLY HIS OWN HOME AND PROPERTY, BUT ALSO THOSE OF HIS IMMEDIATE HEIGHBOURS, MANY OF THESE BURGLARIES IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED." MR PREW SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME'IS ONE'OF THE MANY MEASURES TO PROMOTE HOME SECURITY.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME FUNCTION, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW SAID THAT 24 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME SINCE IT WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 1985.
IT HAS ACHIEVED POSITIVE RESULTS IN THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND HAS STRENGTHENED TIES BETWEEN NEIGHBOURS, HE ADDED.
CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHENG HOK-YIN, TOLD THE GATHERING THAT GOOD RESULTS WERE REALISED IN THE FIFTH PHASE OF THE SCHEME UNDER THE CO-OPERATION OF THE POLICE, AREA COMMITTEES, THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE OWNERS CORPORATIONS OF THE THREE PARTICIPATING BUILDINGS.
FOUR MORE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS ARE TAKING PART IN THIS PHASE VI OF THE SCHEME. THEY ARE HENNESSY MANSION, YING LEE MANSION, JAFFE COURT AND MOON FAIR MANSION.
A SEMINAR WAS HELD AFTER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY, AND POLICE OFFICERS GAVE TALKS ON WAYS TO PREVENT BURGLARIES.
ALSO ATTENDING THE FUNCTION TODAY WERE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MRS PEGGY LAM AND RESIDENTS OF THE FOUR PARTICIPATING BUILDINGS.
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
YAU TSIM DISTRICT LAUNCHES ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN
» * t » »
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT’S ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY HELD AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE CEREMONY WAS OFFICIATED BY YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; YAU MA TEI POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR IAN SEABOURNE; YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YANG TZE-KIANG.
THE CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY DANCE AND SINGING PERFORMANCES BY GUEST ARTISTS, INCLUDING MARIA CORDERO AND THE "EQUATOR",- AND AN ANTITRIAD DRAMA BY THE FRINGE CLUB.
A SPECIALLY DECORATED BUS LATER TOURED THE DISTRICT, WITH CARTOON CHARACTERS DISTRIBUTING FIGHT CRIME LEAFLETS TO THE PUBLIC.
ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE CAMPAIGN CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A "FIGHT CRIME WEEK", SEMINARS, A SINGING CONTEST WITH ANTI-TRIAD AS THF THEME AND AN INTER-SCHOOL QUIZ ON FIGHT CRIME KNOWLEDGE.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO PRESENT GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS TO HONOUR MEMBERS OF THF PUBLIC WHO HAVE HELPED THE POLICE APPREHENED CULPRITS IN THE DISTRICT.
-----------------0------- SUMMER ACTIVITIES START IN MONG KOK ♦ ♦ * » *
COLOURFUI GAME STALLS AND INFORMATIVE EXHIBITION BOARDS WILL BE SET UP AT HE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MRS ROSANNA TAM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER MR AUGUSTINE CHENG AND REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON) MR ALEXANDER FUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THIS YEAR A TOTAL OF 19 AGENCIES ARE OFFERING 103 PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 TO ENABLE THEM TO SPEND A MEANINGFUL AND FUN-FILLED SUMMER HOLIDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 3.30 TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
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EASTERN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS TODAY
* » » * *
THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TODAY (SATURDAY).
YOUNG PEOPLE FORMED A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DEVELOPMENT, HE POINTED OUT.
NOTING THAT A CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH WAS SET UP IN 1986 TO STUDY WHETHER THERE WAS A NEED FOR A YOUTH POLICY AND THE POSSIBLE WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUTH MATTERS, MR YEUNG CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEW ON THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT.
REFERRING TO THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, HE SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 215 ACTIVITIES PLANNED THIS YEAR.
THESE INCLUDED YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER WORKER TRAINING, A CONCERT, EDUCATIONAL VISITS, FILM SHOWS, SPORTS TRAINING COURSES, CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINARS, TELEMATCHES, OUTINGS AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEMES.
"ALL THESE ACTIVITIES ARE CAREFULLY PLANNED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF ’SHARING THE FUN WHILE SERVING THE COMMUNITY’," MR YEUNG ADDED.
KWAI TSI NG RESIDENTS TO SHARE SUMMER FUN » » »
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN MORE THAN 600 ACTIVITIES OF THE 1988 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (SATURDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SO HOI-PAN SAID THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES HAD INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT THIS YEAR AS COMPARED TO THAT OF LAST YEAR.
THESE ACTIVITIES ARE FUNDED WITH A TOTAL BUDGET OF $500,000, OF WHICH $430,000 IS DONATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, $40,000 IS ALLOCATION BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND $30,000 IS SPONSORSHIP BY LOCAL PEOPLE.
/A TOTAL .......
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
9
A TOTAL OF $17,000 PAMPHLETS GIVING INFORMATION ON ALL THE ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT THE SEVEN SUB-OFFICES OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE KICKED OFF WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND ON JULY 9.
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NEW TERRITORIES SITE OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B) TO TENDER FOR A SITE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE 6,614-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 51A, SHA TIN, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,842 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1992.
APPLICANTS FOR THE SITE CAN SUBMIT EITHER A "VINTAGE" TENDER OR A "MONETISED LETTER B" TENDER CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO A LIST OF CURRENCY VALUES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON MARCH 25, 1988.
"VINTAGE" TENDERS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON JULY 29.
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ONE-LANE OPERATION FOR TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SLOW LANE OF THE SOUTHBOUND TUBE OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10.30 PM TO 5.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON MONDAY (JULY 4) AND TUESDAY (JULY 5). ' 41 ANU
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF ANTI-SKID MATERIAL BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AT THE TUNNEL’S KOWLOON EXIT. SIMIIAR WORKS WERE CARRIED OUT LAST MONTH, BUT HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED DUE To
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
TRAFFIC SIGNS
AND
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
10 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON TUEN MUN ROAD ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF EXPANSION JOINTS, THE THREE TRAFFIC LANES ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD AT SHAM TSENG BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ALTERNATIVELY BETWEEN JULY 5 (TUESDAY) AND AUGUST 7.
AT LEAST TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES DURING THE WORK PERIOD. MOTORISTS MAY CHOOSE TO DIVERT THEIR JOURNEYS VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
-------------------0------- TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE AND ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON JULY 4 (MONDAY) AND 5.
ON JULY 12 (TUESDAY), THE MOST INNER SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
THE TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD IN NORTH POINT BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST AND HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THIS SECTION OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD WILL ALSO BE MADE A PEAK HOUR (I.E. 7 - 10 AM AND 4 - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 10 AM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON THE SECTIONS OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD BETWEEN TIN CHIU STREET AND HEALTHY STREET WEST AND BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST AND HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL WILL BE LIFTED.
MOREOVER, VEHICLES ON HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT TO TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD EASTBOUND.
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/11 ........
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1988
11
WATER CUT IN YAU YAT TSUEN * ft *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT MAGNOLIA ROAD, MARIGOLD ROAD AND CASSIA ROAD.
BESIDES, MOST OF THE AREA OF YAU YAT TSUEN WEAK WATER PRESSURE.
YAT TSUEN WILL FOR WATER MAINS
OSMANTHUS ROAD,
WILL EXPERIENCE
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL.: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
H.K. NEEDS MORE ATTENTION IN POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL 1 TRAVELLERS URGED TO APPLY EARLY FOR DOCUMENTS ............... 2
SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM ................... 2
BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM ON TSUEN WAN DB AGENDA................... 3
SIX MORE BUILDINGS JOIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME ..........
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON YOUTH POLICY REPORT EXTENDED ......... 5
SAFETY TALKS FOR STUDENTS.................................... 6
MUSIC CAMP TO OPEN NEXT WEEK................................. 7
SPECIAL SURGERY PROGRAMME FOR DEAF PATIENTS ................. 8
SUMMER FUN FOR YOUTH IN NORTH DISTRICT....................... 9
CARNIVAL TO LAUNCH SUMMER ACTIVITIES ........................ 10
SUMMER FUN STARTS IN MONG KOK................................ 10
WATER CARNIVAL LAUNCHES KWUN TONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .... 11
KWAI TSING YOUTHS TO ATTEND CONFERENCE....................... 12
LEFT-TURN BANS IN TAI HANG AND WAN CHAI ..................... 13
HUNG MUI KUK ROAD BUS LANE TO BE EXTENDED.................... 13
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN .......................... 14
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG AND FANLING .................... 14
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
H.K.
NEEDS MORE ATTENTION IN * *
POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL * * *
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THAT HONG KONG NEEDED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.
DR REED WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION.
"THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT WE PACK MUCH OF OUR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND TOURIST ACTIVITY, TOGETHER WITH OUR LIVING SPACE INTO JUST TWO OR THREE HUNDRED SQUARE KILOMETRES," DR REED SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE NATURE OF THE TOPOGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY HERE MEANS THAT POLLUTION EMITTED BY ALL THIS ACTIVITY THAT IS CONCENTRATED INTO A VERY SMALL SPACE, IS NOT READILY DISPERSED AND CAN BE TRAPPED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME."
DR REED GAVE A NUMBER OF EXAMPLES OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS FACED BY HONG KONG AS A RESULT OF THIS SITUATION AND THEN WENT ON TO DESCRIBE THE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONDING TO THE THREAT POSED BY POLLUTION IN TERMS OF:
» INSTITUTION BUILDING AND IN PARTICULAR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF Till: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN XPRIL 1986.
♦ IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF POLLUTION CONTROLS.
♦ INTRODUCTION OF A COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE THE OBJECTIVE INFORMATION NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT ANY NEW LEGISLATION, OR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES, MEET THE SPECIFIC LOCAL NEEDS IN HONG KONG.
» PROVISION OF IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE AND SOLID WASTES.
♦ PLANNING AGAINST POLLUTION TO ENSURE THAT NEW DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT LEAD TO THE CREATION OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
» PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS.
"ALL THESE PROGRAMMES WILL REQUIRE THI CONTINUING ACTIVE AND VOCAL SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED IN MAKING HONG KONG A PLACE WHERE IT IS NOT ONLY HEALTHY BUT ALSO AGREEABLE TO LIVE," DR REED SAID.
"IT IS CERTAINLY GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM TO SEE HOW MANY MEMBERS 01' THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION AND OTHER MEMBERS 01 THE PUBLIC CHOOSE TO SPEND THEIR SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ATTENDING THESE SESSIONS ORGANISED in THE ASSOCIATION," HE CONCLUDED.
SUNDAY, JULY 3,
1988
- 2 -
TRAVELLERS URGED TO APPLY EARLY FOR DOCUMENTS ♦ » * »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED PEOPLE INTENDING TO TRAVEL IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO APPLY FOR THEIR DOCUMENTS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
IN ADDITION, THERE MIGHT BE LONGER QUEUES AT VARIOUS CONTROL POINTS FOR IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION WHEN TRAVELLERS LEAVE OR ENTER HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE REDEPLOYMENT OF SOME IMMIGRATION STAFF FROM CONTROL POINTS AND OTHER OFFICES TO DEAL WITH THE EXTRA WORKLOAD ARISING FROM THE NEW POLICY OF SCREENING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 15.
HOWEVER, HE ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN ITS STANDARD OF SERVICE AND TO REDUCE ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC TO THE MINIMUM.
ALTHOUGH FUNDS HAD BEEN APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO EMPLOY 200 ADDITIONAL STAFF TO COPE WITH THE EXTRA WORKLOAD, THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF NEW OFFICERS WOULD TAKE ABOUT SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE SOME EFFECT ON IMMIGRATION SERVICES, ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN MORE PEOPLE WERE LIKELY TO BE TRAVELLING.
”IT MAY TAKE A LONGER TIME FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO BE ISSUED AND THERE MAY BE LONGER QUEUES FOR IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION AT THE CONTROL POINTS," HE ADDED.
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SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) MORNING.
BOARD MEMBER, MR LAU KONG-WAH WILL ASK ABOUT THE TYPES OF RESOURCES AND EXPENDITURE INVOLVED IN TAKING CARE OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND WHY THE FIRST ASYLUM POLICY CANNOT BE ABOLISHED.
HE WILL ALSO WANT TO KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE SCREENING PROGRAMME ON THE POPULATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HERE.
/MEMBERS, MR .......
SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1988
- 5 -
MEMBERS, MR CHAN HON-YING AND MR TAM FAU-CHUEN WILL ASK IF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS PRACTICABLE PLANS TO MEET SHA TIN RESIDENTS’ DEMAND FOR GENERAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES.
ANOTHER MEMBER, DR JOHN YOUNG WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CONTINGENCY PLANS TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AREA AND GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION AT SHING MUN RIVER BEFORE AND DURING THE SUMMER.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE MERITS OF INTRODUCING SUMMER TIME AND THE SHA TIN ANTI-NARCOTICS FESTIVAL.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND BASIC LAW WORKING COMMITTEE AS WELL AS REPORT ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MATTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM ON TSUEN WAN DB AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AT ITS SECOND REGULAR MEETING ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE SCREENING POLICY RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ON THE PORT OF FIRST ASYLUM POLICY.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE MERITS OF INTRODUCING SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REPORTS BY THE CHAIRMEN OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) 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.
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A....
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
SIX MORE BUILDINGS JOIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME
*****
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TERRITORY WIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN 1985, THERE HAD BEEN GREAT SUCCESS IN CURBING CRIME, PARTICULARLY IN REDUCING BURGLARY IN THE BUILDINGS, EASTERN DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR R.M.A. HARPER, SAID TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME PHASE VI FORMATION CEREMONY CUM ANTI-TRIAD STREET PLAY AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
MR HARPER POINTED OUT THAT BURGLARIES IN THE DISTRICT HAD DECREASED FROM 962 IN 1985 TO 583 IN 1987.
THE FIRST FIVE COMPLETED PHASES OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN EASTERN DISTRICT HAVE INVOLVED 6,708 HOUSEHOLD^ IN FORMING 583 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS IN 28 DOMESTIC BUILDINGS, ONE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AND ONE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
"THE SIXTH PHASE OF THE SCHEME WILL BE PARTICIPATED BY SIX BUILDINGS, OF WHICH TWO ARE PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS AND FOUR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. A TOTAL OF 101 UNITS WILL BE FORMED WITH 1,210 HOUSEHOLDS," MR HARPER SAID.
THESE BUILDINGS ARE BLOCK 15 IN CHAI WAN ESTATE, KING HING HOUSE IN HING WAH ESTATE PHASE I, CONTINENTAL MANSION IN NORTH POINT, BO FUNG GARDEN, NO. 956-956A KING’S ROAD AND NO. 46-56 SAI WAN HO STREET.
MR HARPER THANKED ALL THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SCHEME FOR THEIR STRONG SENSE OF PUBLIC SPIRIT IN HELPING THE POLICE, THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND THEMSELVES IN FIGHTING CRIME.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, HOPED THAT MORE LOCAL RESIDENTS WOULD SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME SO AS TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY.
"A SERIES OF FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES INCLUDING VISITS, SCHOOL TALKS, COMPETITIONS, BUS PARADE AND CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE COMING MONTHS TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS," MR YEUNG SAID.
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SUNDAY, JULY 3,
1988
- 5 -PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON YOUTH POLICY REPORT EXTENDED t * ♦ ♦ *
THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH HAS DECIDED TO EXTEND THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD ON ITS REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY BY TWO MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER 24.
DISCLOSING THIS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS ROSANNA TAM, POINTED OUT THAT IN REACHING THE DECISION, THE COMMITTEE HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
♦ CALLS BY VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR EXTENSION OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD;
» ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE BY THE PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS;
♦ ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE REPORT WERE ONLY AVAILABLE IN JUNE; AND
» THE EARLY PART OF THE CURRENT CONSULTATION PERIOD HAPPENED TO CLASH WITH THAT OF LOCAL PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
’’NOW WITH THE EXAMINATIONS OVER AND MORE COPIES OF THE REPORT AVAILABLE, IT IS HOPED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR STUDENTS WILL HAVE TIME TO STUDY THE REPORT AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS,” SHE NOTED.
MRS TAM FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE PARTICULARLY WELCOMED COMMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
» WHETHER THERE IS A NEED FOR A YOUTH POLICY IN HONG KONG;
* THE BROAD PRINCIPLES PERTAINING TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OUTLINED IN THE REPORT; AND
* WHETHER THERE IS A NEED FOR A COMMISSION ON YOUTH AS RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMMITTEE’S SECRETARY, C/O CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, 13TH FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH’S SECRETARIAT.
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
- 6 -
SAFETY TALKS FOR STUDENTS * » ♦
FACTORY INSPECTORS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE CONTINUING THEIR ROUND OF VISITS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO DELIVER TALKS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THE VISITS FORM PART OF A PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME TO INCULCATE IN STUDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MID-MAY THIS- YEAR, FACTORY INSPECTORS HAVE VISITED 24 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND TALKED TO MORE THAN 6,000 STUDENTS ON THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION, GENERAL SAFETY WORK PRACTICES AS WELL AS DANGEROUS MACHINERY AND PROCESSES THAT STUDENTS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM OPERATING.
PLANS ARE NOW IN HAND TO VISIT ANOTHER 16 SCHOOLS VITH SOME 4,000 STUDENTS IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
"IF SCHOOL AUTHORITIES INTEND TO INVITE FACTORY INSPECTORS TO CONDUCT TALKS TO THEIR STUDENTS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT 5-8523565," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT EACH YEAR A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WERE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP JOBS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
THESE STUDENTS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED, DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ARE PRONE TO ACCIDENTS.
STATISTICS SHOW THAT 41 SUMMER JOB WORKERS WERE INJURED LAST YEAR.
OF THE TOTAL, 25 WERE INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF MACHINERY AND EIGHT WERE RELATED TO STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS.
OTHER INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, HANDLING WITHOUT MACHINERY, USE OF HAND TOOLS AND FALLING OBJECTS.
AS A RESULT, SIX SUMMONSES WERE TAKEN OUT AGAINST EMPLOYERS WITH FINES RANGING FROM $2,000 TO $3,000.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED SUMMER JOB SEEKERS TO TAKE SOMETHING THAT IS SIMPLE AND EASY IN NATURE.
"JOBS THAT INVOLVE POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR HEAVY MANUAL LABOUR, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED."
/IN PARTICULAR, ........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
IN PARTICULAR, HE WARNED, STUDENTS MUST STAY AWAY FROM RISKY JOBS WHICH INCLUDE:
* WORKING AT HEIGHT;
» USE OF CHEMICALS;
* OPERATION OF HEAVY MACHINERY; AND
* FIRE-RELATED PROCESSES.
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MUSIC CAMP TO OPEN NEXT WEEK ♦ * ♦ *
THE ANNUAL BI-WEEKLY HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP WILL ONCE AGAIN BE HELD THIS YEAR AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG STARTING FROM JULY 16.
ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE ANNUAL EVENT WAS ORGANISED SINCE 1980 TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING TO YOUNG MUSICIANS.
THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 300 YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMP WHICH WILL COMPRISE A SYMPHONIC BAND, TWO CHINESE ORCHESTRAS AND THREE STRING ORCHESTRAS. '«• >>
DURING THE CAMP, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE FROM GUEST MUSICIANS FROM THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND CHINA AS WELL AS FROM LOCAL MUSICIANS.
THEY WILL ALSO RECEIVE A VARIETY OF MUSIC TRAINING BY TAKING PART IN ORCHESTRAL AND SECTIONAL REHEARSALS, MASTER CLASSES AND DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS.
APART FROM MUSIC TRAINING, A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED.
TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE CAMP, A FINALE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AT 7.30 PM ON JULY 30.
BOTH THE CAMP’S STRING ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONIC BAND WILL TREAT THE AUIDENCE TO A SUPERB MUSIC PROGRAMME INCLUDING DVORAK’S SERENADE IN E MAJOR, SHOSTAKOVICH’S FINALE FROM SYMPHONY NO. 5 AND OTHER FAMOUS WORKS.
TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8235314.
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/8........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
- 8 -SPECIAL SURGERY PROGRAMME FOR DEAF PATIENTS » » * t «
FOUR PROFOUNDLY DEAF PATIENTS RECENTLY UNDERWENT SURGERY AND HAD THEIR HEARING PARTIALLY RESTORED - THANKS TO THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMME IS A SPECIAL PILOT PROJECT CONDUCTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LTD. A SUM OF $250,000 HAS BEEN DONATED BY THE CLUB FOR THIS SPECIAL PROJECT.
THE FIRST PATIENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAMME WAS A 36-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO RECEIVED THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY IN MARCH 5 THIS YEAR.
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST OPERATION, THREE OTHER PATIENTS AGED 33, 27 AND 51, UNDERWENT THE SAME TREATMENT BETWEEN MARCH AND APRIL.
THE PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF A COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY AND REHABILITATION FOR SELECTED PATIENTS WHO SUFFER SEVERE HEARING IMPAIRMENT.
ACCORDING TO A CONSULTANT SURGEON OF THE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ONE IN EVERY THOUSAND HONG KONG PEOPLE HAS HEARING IMPAIRMENT WHICH IS SO SEVERE THAT HE OR SHE CANNOT BENEFIT FROM ANY FORM OF AMPLIFICATION.
"WITH THE ADVENT OF THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT, THE HEARING OF THESE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN A WORLD OF SILENCE, CAN NbW BE PARTIALLY RESTORED," HE SAID.
THE CONSULTANT SURGEON EXPLAINED THAT THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT IS AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE THAT CONSISTS OF AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PART.
THE EXTERNAL PART IS COMPOSED OF A MICROPHONE, A SIGNAL PROCESSOR AND AN EXTERNAL TRANSMITTER. THE INTERNAL PART CONSISTS OF AN IMPLANTED RECEIVER AND AN ACTIVE ELECTRODE INSERTED INTO THE COCHLEAR.
"THE MICROPHONE CONVERTS THE INCOMING SOUND INTO AN ELECTRICAL CURRENT WHICH IS THEN MODIFIED BY THE SIGNAL PROCESSOR," HE SAID.
BY MEANS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION BETWEEN THE TRANSMITTER AND THE RECEIVER, CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE ELECTRODE, WHICH STIMULATES THE HEARING NERVE NEURONS IN THE COCHLEAR. CONSEQUENTLY, THE SIGNAL IS PERCEIVED CENTRALLY IN THE BRAIN AS SOUND.
AFTER THE IMPLANTATION, THE PATIENT HAS TO FOLLOW A REHABILITATION PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES LIP-READING, AUDITORY TRAINING AND SPEECH PRODUCTION.
/"THE PURPOSE .......
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
- 9 -
.’’THE PURPOSE OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME IS TO HELP THE PATIENT TO IMPROVE HIS COMMUNICATION ABILITY,” THE CONSULTANT SURGEON SAID.
THE FOUR PATIENTS WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY UNDERGONE THE COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY, HAVE ALSO COMPLETED THEIR PRELIMINARY POST-OPERATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME AND THE RESULTS ARE VERY PROMISING.
THE CONSULTANT SAID THAT ONLY PROFOUNDLY DEAF PATIENTS WHO ARE FOUND SUITABLE ARE SELECTED AND SCREENED FOR THE SPECIAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMME BECAUSE THEY ARE MOST LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM IT.
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SUMMER FUN FOR YOUTH IN NORTH DISTRICT » * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE IN NORTH DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
THE NORTH DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, FEATURING 106 EVENTS ORGANISED BY 30 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WILL RUN FROM EARLY THIS MONTH TO THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
ACTIVITIES, WHICH FOCUS ON THE THEME "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY", WILL INCLUDE SPORTS AND GAMES COMPETITIONS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHEMES, VISITS, OUTINGS, CAMPING, CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $142,300 FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND AN ESTIMATED 30,000 YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 WILL PARTICIPATE.
A VARIETY SHOW AND CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 NORTH DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 20 (SATURDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL. ADMISSION IS FREE.
A PAMPHLET GIVING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD; THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI; AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES LOCATED AT SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI AND CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
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/"IO..........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
10 -
CARNIVAL TO LAUNCH SUMMER ACTIVITIES ♦ t *
A FULL RANGE OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WITH A THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT NEXT SUNDAY (JULY 10).
THE CARNIVAL FEATURING SINGING, DANCING, BAND PERFORMANCE, LION DANCE AND STALLGAMES WILL PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR MORE THAN 4,000 RESIDENTS.
GUESTS OF THE FUNCTION WILL INCLUDE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER AND THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR NGAI WAI-MING.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE CARNIVAL AND COUPONS FOR STALLGAMES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, G/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, ITS SUB-OFFICES , AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND KENNEDY TOWN AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 36 WESTERN STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME’S OPENING CEREMONY CUM CARNIVAL TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM NEXT SUNDAY (JULY 10) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
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SUMMER FUN STARTS IN MONG KOK ♦ ♦ t * t
MONG KOK TODAY (SUNDAY) KICKED OFF ITS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AMIDST FANFARE AND FESTIVITIES WHEN THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS GATHERED AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO ENJOY A VARIETY SHOW AND PLAY AT GAME STALLS.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, 103 DIFFERENT EVENTS WILL BE OFFERED BY 19 ORGANISATIONS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MRS ROSANNA TAM SAID THE NUMBER OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER TIME ACTIVITIES IN MONG KOK TOPPED PREVIOUS YEARS AND SHE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE AND EVEN BETTER FUNCTIONS NEXT YEAR.
/NOTING THAT .......
SUNDAY, JULY J, 1988
11
NOTING THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WERE "THE HOPE OF SOCIETY", SHE SAID THAT IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADULTS TO ENSURE THEIR "BALANCED AND HEALTHY" GROWTH.
THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES, ARRANGED IN DIFFERENT DISTRICT EVERY YEAR TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A CHANCE TO RELAX, TO MAKE MORE FRIENDS, TO LEARN NEW THINGS AND TO ENRICH THEIR LIFE EXPERIENCE, DEFINITELY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLF IN THIS RESPECT, SHE NOTED.
MRS TAM POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD OF THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED IN EARLY MAY, WOULD BE EXTENDED FOR TWO MONTHS TILL THE END OF SEPTEMBER. ,
THE DECISION ON THE EXTENSION WAS MADE BY THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC.
MRS TAM APPEALED TO THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE UP-BRINGING OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AS WELL AS YOUTH THEMSELVES, TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE REPORT.
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MR ALEXANDER FUNG, ALSO OFFICIATED AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
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WATER CARNIVAL LAUNCHES
■»
KWUN TONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * » * *
THE YEARLY INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME HAS
PROVIDED YOUNG PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG WITH MORE PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY, HONG MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OPPORTUNJ TIES TO AND EDUCATIONAL KONG & KOWLOON,
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL, MR LEUNG SAID THERE HAD BEEN AN YEAR-BY-YEAR INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT AS WELL AS IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.
"IN 1986, A TOTAL OF $340,000 WAS ALLOCATED TO FOR THE PROGRAMME. THIS AMOUNT WAS RAISED TO $100,000 $185,000 THIS YEAR," HE NOTED.
THE DISTRICT
IN 1987 AND
MR LEUNG SAID THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF YOUNGSTERS TO TAKE PART IN A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS HELD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS IN THE PAST, HAD PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG THE YOUTH.
/HE ADDED .......
SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1988
12
HE ADDED THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO ENRICH THEIR SOCIAL EXPERIENCE, INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND TAKE ON MORE ACTIVE ROLES IN COMMUNITY.
EARLIER, CHAIRPERSON OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN, PRAISED THE 130 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR HARD WORK DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS IN MAKING THE PROGRAMME A SUCCESS.
THE OPENING WAS FOLLOWED BY A WATER CARNIVAL FEATURING SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING PRESENTATION, AQUATIC GAMES AND FREE SWIMMING SESSIONS.
ALSO ATTENDING THE EVENT WERE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN; KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; LEGCO MEMBER, MR POON CHI-FAI, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE.
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KWAI TSI NG YOUTHS TO ATTEND CONFERENCE » t ♦ «
YOUNG PEOPLE OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A YOUTH CONFERENCE TO BE ORGANISED .BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON JULY 17.
THE YOUTH CONFERENCE AIMS AT PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARENESS TOWARD THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY.
THE MORNING SESSION OF THE YOUTH CONFERENCE IS AN OPEN FORUM WHICH WILL BE PARTICIPATED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE PART IN SIMULATION GAMES AND DISCUSSIONS IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION.
THE YOUTH CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT Y.M.C.A. NEW TERRITORIES CENTRE, KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG. REGISTRATION TO ATTEND THE YOUTH CONFERENCE IS OPENED AT KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 0-273593.
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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
- 13 -
LEFT-TURN BANS IN TAI HANG AND WAN CHAI » ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY LEFT-TURN BANS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN TAI HANG AND WAN CHAI FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 6) TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
IN TAI HANG, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM JONES STREET TO SECOND LANE FOR ABOUT TWO DAYS.
VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE BANNED FROM TURNING LEFT FROM MONMOUTH PATH TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST IN WAN CHAI FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK.
VEHICLES ON MONMOUTH PATH HEADING FOR CENTRAL CAN TRAVEL VIA QUEEN’S ROAD EAST EASTBOUND, LUN FAT STREET, JOHNSTON RQAD, HENNESSY ROAD AND QUEENSWAY.
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HUNG MUI KUK ROAD BUS LANE TO BE EXTENDED » » t » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM 7.30 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE EXISTING BUS LANE ON THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHUNG PAK ROAD TO THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAR PARK AT HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS LANE BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 AM DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS INDICATING THE BUS LANE.
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/14........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1988
-
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ADVISED MOTORISTS TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON SHA TIN ROAD, TAI PO ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY BETWEEN JULY 5 AND 27.
THE MEASURES ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
ON SHA TIN ROAD, THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE BETWEEN TSANG TAI UK AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY (JULY 5) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF SHA TIN ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED DURING THE SAME TIME ON JULY 12 (TUESDAY).
THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE BETWEEN PRINCE OF - WALES HOSPITAL AND CITY ONE SHATIN, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE BETWEEN CITY ONE SHATIN AND FO TAN NULLAH, AND THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE BETWEEN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND FO TAN NULLAH WILL BE CLOSED RESPECTIVELY DURING THE SAME TIME ON JULY 19, 24 AND 26.
ON TAI PO ROAD, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANES FROM FO TAN NULLAH TO HO TUNG LAU AND FROM HO TUNG LAU TO MA LIU SHUI 'INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON JULY 18 AND 19 RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NEAR MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON JULY 11.
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FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG AND FANLING
♦ « « t
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AND FANLING WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES INCLUDE BLOCKS 32-41, SAU MAU PING ESTATE IN KWUN TONG, AND ALL VILLAGES ALONG PING CHE ROAD IN FANLING.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, JULY k, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON ................................. 1
DCA TALKS TOUGH AND DEMANDING ............................ 1
WEEKEND RUSH NOT AFFECTING SCREENING POLICY: NIGEL FRENCH ... 2
WORKERS' HEALTH, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED ... 4
FARM VISITS BY STEERING GROUP............................. 5
FIRE SAFETY IN GUEST HOUSES ON AGENDA .................... 6
BOARD TO DISCUSS REPORTS AND NOISE CONTROL BILL........... 6
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET ..................... 7
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT ... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE.................................... 8
MARINE ENGINEERING COURSE ACCEPTABLE TO LIBERIA .......... 9
TAI PO LOT FOR SALE....................................... 9
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN ...................... 10
WATER CUT IN YAU YAT TSUEN............................... 10
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON
t * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT LONDON FROM JULY 17 TO 20. THIS WILL BE ANOTHER IN THE SERIES OF REGULAR CONTACTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN AN" COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
DURING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR WILL GIVE A SPEECH TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AT THE STATIONERS HALL IN THE CITY OF LONDON.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL THEN HAVE A SHORT HOLIDAY. THEY PLAN TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 19.
THE GOVERNOR’S LAST VISIT TO LONDON WAS FROM MARCH 18 TO 24 THIS YEAR.
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DCA TALKS TOUGH AND DEMANDING * * * t »
THE NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN TOUGH AND DEMANDING BUT THE END RESULT REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT WITHIN HONG KONG'S POSITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG, MR JACOBS DESCRIBED THE NEW AGREEMENT AS A REASONABLE AND FAIR DEAL.
ASKED ABOUT THE SAVINGS IN MONETARY TERMS UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT, HE SAID IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO GIVE PRECISE FIGURES BECAUSE THEY WERE DEALING WITH ESTIMATED AMOUNTS OVER THE PERIOD UP TO 1997.
"BUT GENERALLY WE RECKON THAT AS A RESULT OF OUR NEGOTIATIONS WE HAVE SAVED TAX-PAYERS ABOUT $2 BILLION," HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE POSSIBILITY OF RE-OPENING THE NEGOTIATIONS, MR JACOBS SAID: "ONE THING I CAN ASSURE YOU IS THAT WF HAVE FOUGHT EXTREMELY HARD FOR HONG KONG, EXTREMELY HARD."
"IT IS OUR INTENTION TO BRIEF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TOMORROW AND THEN TO TAKE THE PROPOSALS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY," HE SAID.
/ASKED WHETHER .......
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
2
ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY POSSIBILITY TO AMEND THE AGREEMENT, MR JACOBS SAID IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR HIM TO ANTICIPATE THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. "WE WILL HAVE TO SEE HOW IT GOES."
HE POINTED OUT THAT BEARING IN MIND THAT THE AGREEMENT WOULD GO TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY, IT WOULD BE CONSTITUTIONALLY WRONG FOR HIM TO ENTER INTO ANY DISCUSSION OF THE DELIBERATIONS IN THAT COMMITTEE.
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WEEKEND RUSH NOT AFFECTING SCREENING POLICY: NIGEL FRENCH
***** ,
THE RUSH OF VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS OVER THE WEEKEND HAS HAD NO IMMEDIATE EFFECT ON THE SCREENING POLICY, THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR NIGEL FRENCH SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE SITUATION WAS UNDER CONTROL- ALTHOUGH OBVIOUSLY THE RUSH PUT GREATER STRAIN ON THE FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE THESE PEOPLE.
PLANS WERE ALREADY IN HAND FOR ANOTHER DETENTION CENTRE AT CHI MA WAN WHICH WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY FOR A FURTHER 3,000 PEOPLE AFTER THE BOAT PEOPLE THERE WERE MOVED TO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS LATER THIS, OR EARLY NEXT MONTH, HE ADDED.
MR FRENCH WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ACCOMPANYING A VISITING U.S. CONGRESSMAN, MR GARY ACKERMAN, ON A TOUR OF THE SHAM SrtUI PO CLOSED CENTRE.
HE SAID IT TOOK TIME FOR THE MESSAGE OF THE NEW POLICY TO REACH VIETNAM.
"CLEARLY, IT HAS ONLY BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE WE INTRODUCED THE POLICY.
"WE’VE SEEN A RUSH OVER THE WEEKEND OF ARRIVALS WHO ARE PEOPLE UNDOUBTEDLY HELD UP ON THE CHINESE COAST AS THE RESULT OF THE TYPHOON, THE EFFECT OF TYPHOON VANESSA WHILE THEY’VE BEEN SHELTERING FROM THAT ALONG THE COAST OF CHINA SOMEWHERE.
"FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE ARRIVING STILL NOW, WE HAVE NO INDICATION THAT ANY OF THEM KNEW ABOUT THE POLICY BEFORE THEY SET OUT FROM VIETNAM.
/’’SOME OF.........
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
3 -
’’SOME OF THEM HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE CHANGE OF POLICY AT SOME STAGE ALONG THE ROUTE, BUT THIS HAS NOT APPARENTLY INFLUENCED THEIR DECISION TO COME HERE WHEN THE POLICY WAS EXPLAINED TO THEM ON ARRIVAL."
MR FRENCH ALSO NOTED THAT THE NEW VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS WOULD COMMUNICATE BACK TO THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES IN VIETNAM AND URGE THEM NOT TO COMB.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE ALL EFFORTS ^TO GET THE MESSAGE THROUGH TO VIETNAM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
"OBVIOUSLY, IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN IN FIVE MINUTES FOR THE MESSAGE TO GET BACK TO SMALL FARMING AND FISHING COMMUNITIES A LONG WAY AWAY FROM THE MAJOR URBAN CENTRES SUCH AS THEY ARE IN VIETNAM," HE ADDED.
MR ACKERMAN, THE CONGRESSMAN FOR QUEENS IN NEW YORK CITY, TOLD THE PRESS THAT THE UNITED STATES AND THE WHOLE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD ADMIT MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO EASE THE BURDEN ON HONG KONG.
"I AM CERTAINLY GOING TO PUSH THE US, AND THE ENTIRE WORLD COMMUNITY, TO TAKE MORE."
HE NOTED THAT THE ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THESE PEOPLE.
HE SAID THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ALSO INCLUDED THE SOVIET BLOC COUNTRIES AND THEY CERTAINLY HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO URGE VIETNAM TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM TO GET "THE MESS SORTED OUT AND INSTALL AN ECONOMIC SYSTEM THAT MAKES SENSE".
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG AUTHORITIES FOR THE WAY THEY HAVE HANDLED THE RECENT FLOOD OF REFUGEES, MR ACKERMAN SAID: "WE DO OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THE BRITISH WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE THAT THESE PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN PUSHED OUT TO SEA; THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE BASICS OF SURVIVAL."
ASKED IF BRITAIN SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD IN ADMITTING MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, HE SAID: "IT IS SILLY TO SAY BRITAIN HAS TO GO FIRST, BRITAIN HAS TO TAKE MORE REFUGEES.
"IF EVERY NATION LIVED UP TO ITS HUMANITARIAN RESPONSIBILITIES TO TAKE A FEW, IF IT WERE DIVIDED UP BETWEEN NATIONS, THEN THE NUMBERS ADMITTED BY EACH COUNTRY WOULD BE INSIGNIFICANT."
0
/4........
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
WORKERS’ HEALTH, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED
******
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID THE DIVERSIFICATION OF HONG KONG'S INDUSTRY IN RECENT YEARS HAS RESULTED IN PRODUCTS BECOMING MORE ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED WHILE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE BECOMING MORE COMPLICATED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL TODAY (MONDAY), MR KWOK SAID THAT IN A SOCIETY WHERE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES ARE DEVELOPING RAPIDLY, EMPLOYEES' HEALTH AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ARE AREAS WHICH MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
"IF WE COULD MAKE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES OF DIFFERENT TRADES REALISE THE POSSIBLE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THETR TRADES, THEN THEY COULD BE PUT ON THE ALERT AND WOULD TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ADVANCE," HE SAID.
"IT IS BELIEVED THAT BY THIS WAY, BETTER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROTECTION COULD BE PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES, AND INCREASED PRODUCTION AND ENHANCED STAFF MORALE WOULD ENSUE."
MR KWOK SAID THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION WOULD BECOME MORE ARDUOUS AND DIVERSIFIED.
APART FROM INSPECTING VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS RBGULARY, THE DIVISION ALSO ADVISES EMPLOYERS ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND INCULCATES IN EMPLOYEES THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.
IN ADDITION, STAFF OF THE DIVISION ALSO DEVOTE MUCH EFFORT IN PROMOTING EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH THROUGH EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, POSTERS, AND SO ON.
"THIS IS AIMED AT MAKING THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR WORKERS AND SCHOOL LEAVERS, UNDERSTAND BETTER THE IMPORTANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK," MR KWOK ADDED.
THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
IT FEATURES THE NINE MOST COMMON DISEASES AND OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENISTS AND MEDICAL STAFF FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND TO CARRY OUT LUNG FUNCTION TESTS FOR VISITORS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 11 AM AND 8.30 PM FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) UNTIL FRIDAY.
/5........
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
- 5 -
FARM VISITS BY STEERING GROUP
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE STEERING GROUP OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) BEGAN VISITS TO THE 24 LIVESTOCK FARMS THAT HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR THE SCHEME UNDER WHICH DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON PRIVATE FARMS.
THESE FARMS ARE LOCATED IN MA ON SHAN, MUI WO AND NORTH DISTRICT.
A CONSULTANT APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS SITE ASSESSMENT OF THE FARMS AND A RECOMMENDATION HAS BEEN DRAFTED FOR THE STEERING GROUP’S ENDORSEMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND ASSISTED BY CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S LIAISON OFFICERS, STEERING GROUP MEMBERS WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS. ALL 24 FARMS WILL BE VISITED WITHIN A WEEK.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING GROUP, MR LEO KWAN, SAID THE VISITS WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMER REPRESENTATIVES TO SEE THE ACTUAL SITUATION ON THE FARMS CONCERNED.
"THIS WILL HELP STEERING GROUP MEMBERS CONSIDER THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATION IN THE NEXT STEERING GROUP MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY.
"IF EVERYTHING PROCEEDS SMOOTHLY, THE INSTALLATION OF THE TREATMENT FACILITIES WILL COMMENCE IN MID-AUGUST," HE SAID.
UNDER THE DEMONSTRATION SCHEME, PIG AND POULTRY FARMS WILL BE SELECTED TO DEMONSTRATE THE DRY-MUCK-OUT, WET-MUCK-OUT, PIG-ON-LITTER AND HYBRID WASTE TREATMENT METHODS.
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR INTERESTED LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO VISIT THESE FACILITIES DURING THE SIX-MONTH DEMONSTRATION PERIOD.
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A ...
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
- 6 -
FIRE SAFETY IN GUEST HOUSES ON AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL RAISE QUESTIONS AT THEIR MEETING ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) ON WAYS TO PREVENT A REPETITION OF THE FATAL FIRE IN A GUEST HOUSE IN CHUNG KING MANSION, TSIM SHA TSUI, EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THEY WILL ALSO ASK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF GUEST HOUSES IN THE DISTRICT AND ON THE STANDARD OF FIRE PREVENTION FACILITIES IN THE BUILDINGS IN WHICH THESE GUEST HOUSES ARE LOCATED.
OTHER MATTERS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PUTTING ANTI-LITTER NOTICES ON PLANTER BOXES PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, PROVISION OF PLANTER BOXES AND PLANTS AT 43 JORDAN ROAD, AND AN ALLOCATION OF $28,000 FOR INSTALLATION OF HANDRAILS TO STAIRS BETWEEN 17 AND 19 AUSTIN ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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BOARD TO DISCUSS REPORTS AND NOISE CONTROL BILL » ♦ ♦ * t *
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3, THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY AND THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988.
DR RAYMOND WU WAI-YUNG, A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING AND BRIEF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT.
CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM, WILL EXPLAIN THE CONTENTS OF THE YOUTH POLICY REPORT, WHILE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE NOISE CONTROL BILL.
/AT THE ......
MONDAY, JULY k, 1988
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS CONSULTATION PAPERS Oil THE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG AND THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME, THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, AND THE PROGRESS REPORT ON DIAMOND HILL AND TAI HOM DEVELOPMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
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COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO MEET ♦ * * ♦
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ANNUAL WORK PLANS DURING A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE LIAISON PROGRAMME OF THE ICAC REGIONAL OFFICE (HK EAST) FOR THIS YEAR, WHICH WILL EMPHASIS ON ESTABLISHING EW CONTACTS WITH COMMERCIAL FIRMS IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING CORRUPTION REPORTS AGAINST THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING- A COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT FOR THE ELDERLY; PRODUCTION OF BIRTHDAY CARDS FOR THE ELDERLY, A YOUNG SOCIAL WORKER SCHEME, AND A PICTURE DRAWING DAY FOR YOUNG TALENTS.
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) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, 8TH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
- - 0
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT » » ♦ »
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE REPORT, PUBLISHED IN JUNE, DEALS WITH THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, A COMMITTEE MEMBER WILL PRESENT A PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE DEMAND FOR MEDICAL SERVICES WITHIN THE DISTRICT IN THE RUN-UP TO THE COMPLETION OF A DISTRICT HOSPITAL PROJECT IN M1D-199O*S.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
- - 0 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * ♦ *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 26.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 157.579 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 370.975 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1988
- 9 -
MARINE ENGINEERING COURSE ACCEPTABLE TO LIBERIA ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY GIVEN ITS APPROVAL TO THE MARINE AND FABRICATION ENGINEERING COURSE BEING OFFERED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AS AN ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATION FOR ENTRY INTO THE LIBERIAN LICENSING EXAMINATION FOR MARINE ENGINEER.
THE HEAD OF THE MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION DEPARTMENT OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MR C.M. CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY).
IN A REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY THE BUREAU OF MARITIME AFFAIRS OF LIBERIA IN MAY THIS YEAR, THE TWO-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSE WAS FOUND TO BE OF SUFFICIENT DEPTH, QUALITY AND CONTENT TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR ENTRY INTO THE LIBERIAN EXAMINATION SYSTEM.
CONSEQUENTLY, A TWO-YEAR REMISSION WAS GIVEN TO DIPLOMA HOLDERS OF THE COURSE IN THE ORIGINALLY STIPULATED THREE-YEAR SHIPBOARD SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR TAKING THE THIRD ASSISTANT ENGINEER LICENSING EXAMINATION, MR CHAN SAID.
’’THAT MEANS OUR GRADUATES OF THE COURSE WILL BE ABLE TO SIT FOR THE LIBERIAN ENGINEER EXAMINATION AFTER COMPLETING AN ADDITIONAL YEAR OF SERVICE ON BOARD AS FIREMAN, OILER OR APPRENTICE ENGINEER,” HE SAID.
’’THE RECOGNITION IS CERTAINLY BENEFICIAL BOTH TO OUR GRADUATES AND TO SHIPOWNERS AS THE GRADUATES WILL TAKE LESS TIME TO BECOME A MARINE ENGINEER.”
IN THE MEANTIME, SEVERAL MAJOR SHIPPING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG HAD PROMISED TO EMPLOY THE STUDENTS AFTER GRADUATION, HE ADDED.
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TAI PO LOT FOR SALE * t ♦ * »
THE GOVERNMENT IS OFFERING FOR SALE BY TENDER A LOT IN TAI PO AREA 22 FOR USE AS A PETROL FILLING STATION.
THE SIZE OF THE LOT IS ABOUT 737 SQUARE METRES. THE FILLING STATION SHALL BEGIN OPERATION BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1990 AND NO
LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES SHALL BE INSTALLED.
ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 29, 1988.
/FORM OF ......
MONDAY, JULY U, 1988
10 -
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BF OBTAINED EROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, I1TII FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI (AR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICI LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN. KWAI TSING, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND THE SEAFRONT.
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WATER CUT IN YAU YAT TSUEN ♦ ♦ ♦ t
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU YAT TSUEN WILL BE TURNED OFF TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK .
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT MAGNOLIA ROAD, OSMANTHUS ROAD, MARIGOLD ROAD AND CASSIA ROAD.
BESIDES, MOST OF THE AREA OF YAU YAT TSUEN WILL EXPERIENCE WEAK WATER PRESSURE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT REQUIRES COFiMUNITY EFFORT: GOVERNOR . 1
CONSULTATION ON THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT .... 2
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER DCA .......................... 3
1J QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEFORE LEGCO ........................ 3
LAY OFF PROVISIONS UNDER REVIEW ............................ 4
SEMINAR ON LABOUR INSPECTION OPENS ......................... 5
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ................ 6
BELGIAN BUSINESSMEN TOLD OF HK OPPORTUNITIES ............... 7
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER .. 9
JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ........ 10
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR REMISSION TO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION 10
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO TIE-IN WITH LRT OPENING............ 11
TRIENNIAL REPORT WINDS UP DB'S WORK ....................... 12
DB MEMBERS SEE UC PROJECTS .............................. "I1*
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT .................. 14
BOARD MEMBERS PITCH IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN............. 15
DB CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CON SIDER FUND APPLICATIONS..... 15
CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT ON COMMITTEE aGENDh ........... 16
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED.................................... 16
DEVELOPMENT WORKS FOR TAI PC NEW TOWN ..................... 17
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE, 'NO-ENTRY' BAN .................. 17
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN BOWRINGTON ROAD........................ 18
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUNG SHUI ............................ 18
SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN, KING'S PARK *................ 19
TUESDAY, JULY 5,
1988
IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT REQUIRES COMMUNITY EFFORT: GOVERNOR
*****
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT IS SOMETHING WHICH IS GOING TO NEED A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT FROM THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW IN THE FIRST El ISODE OF A RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT SERIES, "ALL ABOUT US", WHICH WAS SHOWN ON TELEVISION.
HE SAID THE TIME HAD COME FOR HONG KONG TO USE ITS INCREASED PROSPERITY, AND INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM, TO IMPROVE THE WHOLE OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
"THIS IS SOMETHING WHICH INVOLVES THE GOVERNMENT AND THE' GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO PLAY ITS PART," SIR DAVID SASD.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE LAST 10 OR 20 YEARS HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED AT A TREMENDOUS PACE, AND THIS HAD BROUGHT GREAT ADVANTAGES TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND HAD ALSO BROUGHT PROBLEMS.
"ONE OF THOSE PROBLEMS WHICH WE CAN SEE ALL AROUND US EVERY DAY IS THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO GOVERNMENT ACTION, HE SAID THERE WERE. PLANS TO SPEND UP TO $15 BILLION IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS IN INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT INVOLVED THE INDUSTRIALISTS THINKING ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE.
AND, ABOVE ALL, IT INVOLVED EVERY INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.
THAT INVOLVEMENT RANGED FROM WHETHER OR NOT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED THE EFFORT BEING PUT INTO IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY, TO THE SIMPLE FACT OF WHETHER PEOPLE TOOK LITTER HOME FROM COUNTRY PARKS AND MADE THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
"I BELIEVE THE TIME HAS NOW COME WHEN ALL OF US AS A COMMUNITY WANT TO MAKE EFFORTS TO MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5,
1988
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CONSULTATION ON THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ♦ » » ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF TWELVE SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND KEY ORGANISATIONS IN THE MARKETS ON VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAJD TODAY (TUESDAY).
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ENDED YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN THE MARKETS INCLUDING THE TWO EXCHANGES, THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION AND THE HONG KONG STOCKBROKERS ASSOCIATION HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE.
“ALL RESPONDENTS BROADLY WELCOME THE REPORT AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS,” MR NENDICK SAID.
”IN PARTICULAR, THEY FAVOUR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO BRING GREATER EFFECTIVENESS TO THE REGULATION OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES MARKETS,* HE ADDED.
MR NENDICK REITERATED THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AND TO PROCEED WITH THE SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SRC RECOMMENDATIONS.
’’THE SPECIAL UNIT ESTABLISHED IN THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS IS NOW AT FULL SWING,” HE SAID.
’’HAVING CONSIDERED THE SUBMISSIONS AND VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MARKET USERS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON MAJOR PROPOSALS IN THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” HE ADDED.
”WE WILL CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH RELEVANT PARTIES AND WILL CONSULT THEM AS AND WHEN WE FORMULATE DETAILED PROPOSALS BEFORE SUBMITTING THEM TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION,” SAID MR NENDICK.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER DCA * * * » »
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO NOTE THE TERMS OF THE 1988 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT (DCA) WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT AT A MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE PROVISION OF 41,407 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CASH CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON IN 1988-89 AND TO APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF $266 MILLION TO COVER VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) AND SALARIES TAX ON ALLOWANCES INCURRED UNDER THE 1981 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
AMONG OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR UPGRADING THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S COMPUTER SYSTEM AND OTHER EXPENSES LARGELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SEPARATE SALARIES TAXATION FOR WORKING WIVES IN 1990.
THE NON-RECURRENT COST OF INTRODUCING THIS SEPARATE TAXATION AND MAKING OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM IS ESTIMATED AT $27,785,000.
THE ADDITIONAL ANNUAL RECURRENT COST INVOLVED IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $23,282,000 FROM 1990-91 AND $23,395,000 FROM 1991-92 ONWARDS.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A NEW SUBHEAD "UPGRADING OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT" UNDER THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS WITH A PROJECT ESTIMATE OF $15,907,000.
THE SUM IS TO MEET THE CAPITAL COST OF UPGRADING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIRED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF SEPARATE TAXATION AND TO SATISFY INCREASED PROCESSING DEMANDS.
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13 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEFORE LEGCO *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK 13 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 10 BILLS IN THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL ALSO MOVE A MOTION THAT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL’S STANDING ORDERS.
/OF THE
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
OF THE 10 BILLS, THREE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATE ON THEM WILL THEN BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988, AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE OTHER BILLS ARE EACH DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
♦
SIX OF THESE BILLS ARE THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE TENTH BILL IS A PRIVATE ONE, THE RAINIER INTERNATIONAL BANK (TRANSFER OF HONG KONG UNDERTAKING) BILL 1988.
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LAY OFF PROVISIONS UNDER REVIEW
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THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER THERE IS A NEED TO AMEND THE PROVISION ON ’’LAY OFF” UNDER SECTION 31E OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A REVIEW ON THE SUBJECT IS NOW IN HAND.
THIS FOLLOWS A RECENT HIGH COURT RULING THAT SECTION 3 IE DOES NOT REFER TO THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS ON WHICH WORK IS PROVIDED BUT RATHER THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS IN ANY PERIOD ‘ OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS ON WHICH WORK IS NOT PROVIDED.
’’THE HIGH COURT JUDGE THEREFORE RULED THAT AN EMPLOYEE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE CONSTRUCTIVELY LAID OFF IF AN EMPLOYER DOES NOT PROVIDE WORK FOR 12 DAYS IN ANY FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ORIGINAL INTENTION OF THE LAW IS TO REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE A TOTAL OF AT LEAST 12 DAYS WORK IN ANY PERIOD OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, WHICH IS A MINIMUM OF HALF THE NORMAL SUPPLY OF WORK.
/’’THIS INTERPRETATION
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’’THIS INTERPRETATION HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY LABOUR TRIBUNAL RULINGS IN THE PAST AND WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY A HIGH COURT RULING ON JUNE 21, 1984,” HE SAID.
"SO IN REPLY TO GENERAL ENQUIRIES, ADVICE BASED ON THE JUNE 1984 HIGH COURT DECISION HAS BEEN GIVEN BY LABOUR OFFICERS.
"BUT IN THE CASE OF AN ACTUAL DISPUTE, THE PARTIES WOULD NORMALLY BE REFERRED TO THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE LAW OR ASKED TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THEIR LAWYERS ON FINE POINTS OF LAW."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE PRESENT WORDING OF THE LAW IS CAPABLE OF DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS AND THE SITUATION IS BY NO MEANS SATISFACTORY.
TO AVOID DISPUTES, PARTICULARLY IN TIMES OF SHORTAGE OF ORDERS, HE ADVISED MANAGEMENTS TO ADVISE BETTER MANPOWER PLANS SO THAT AT LEAST 13 DAYS WORK CAN BE PROVIDED IN ANY PERIOD OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.
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SEMINAR ON LABOUR INSPECTION OPENS
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A THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR ON SELF-REGULATORY AND PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES IN LABOUR INSPECTION WAS OPENED AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, SHA TIN, TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S ASIAN REGIONAL PROJECT FOR LABOUR ADMINISTRATION (ARPLA) AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND; THE CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER OF ARPLA, MR A.N.A.H. SIDDIQUI; MR MUINUDDIN KHAN OF ARPLA IN BANGKOK; CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, MR CHENG YIU-TONG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, MR K.Y. TONGSON.
MORE THAN 70 PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN SAFETY AND HEALTH ACTIVITIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND 10 FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE TAKING PART.
/THE SEMINAR
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1?8&
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THE SEMINAR PROVIDES A FORUM FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE PROMOTION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN LABOUR INSPECTION IN OTHER COUNTRIES, PRINCIPLES OF SELF-REGULATORY SAFETY MOVEMENT, CONCEPT OF IN-PLANT SAFETY PROGRAMMES, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE, CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY, AND WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
AS PART OF THE SEMINAR, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE 'TAKEN ON A TOUR OF A BREWERY AND A CAN-MAKING FACTORY AT THE TAIPO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH SAFETY MANAGEMENT THERE.
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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY » » » » »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO BE ESTABLISHED TO CONSIDER THE 1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY DISPUTE HAVE BEEN AGREED BETWEEN THE OFFICIAL SIDE AND THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AT A MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE AGREED TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ARE:-
"HAVING REGARD TO GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY THAT CIVIL SERVICE PAY AND FRINGE BENEFITS SHOULD BE BROADLY COMPARABLE WITH THOSE PAID BY GOOD EMPLOYERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT -
(A) THE NEED TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN STAFF OF A CALIBRE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT SERVICE; .
(B) THE NEED TO MAINTAIN STAFF MORALE;
(C) DIFFERENCES IN THE PAY PACKAGE, EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND WORKING CONDITIONS BETWEEN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR;
(D) THE NEED FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO SHARE IN THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY; AND
(E) GENERAL BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS,
/THE COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
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THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY IS REQUIRED TO:
(A) REVIEW THE METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED IN THE 1987-88 PAY TREND SURVEY AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS FINDINGS;
(B) REVIEW AND ADVISE SPECIFICALLY ON THE 1988 PAY ADJUSTMENT IN THIS LIGHT; AND
(C) CONSIDER THE METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS OF THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY AND COMMENT ON THEIR VALIDITY AS A BASIS FOR MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PAY;
AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.”
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO APPOINT THE CHAIRMAN AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY, WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO START WORK SOON. . ,
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BELGIAN BUSINESSMEN TOLD OF HK OPPORTUNITIES ♦ * t ♦
THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT THAT HONG KONG OFFERS WERE OUTLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, IN BRUSSELS TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING A MEETING OF THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY, MR MACLEOD ALSO GAVE AN ANALYSIS OF CURRENT TRADE TRENDS AND DEALT WITH HONG KONG’S EXPANDING ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA AND OTHER PACIFIC BASIN COUNTRIES.
HE SAID THERE SEEMED TO BE A GROWING, IF BELATED, RECOGNITION IN EUROPE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PACIFIC BASIN.
REFERRING TO THE CHINA TRADE, MR MACLEOD EXPLAINED HOW CHINA HAD IN RECENT YEARS REPLACED THE UNITED STATES AS HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, WITH THE TERRITORY TO SOME EXTENT RESUMING ITS TRADITIONAL ENTREPOT ROLE.
HE SAID THAT CHINA’S OPENING UP TO TRADE, COUPLED WITH A VERY TIGHT LABOUR SITUATION IN HONG KONG, HAD LED TO MOVEMENT LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES OVER THE BORDER, WITH AN ESTIMATED ONE TO TWO MILLION CHINESE WORKERS DOING SUB-CONTRACTING WORK FOR HONG KONG.
/THIS, MR
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
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THIS, MR MACLEOD STRESSED, DID NOT MEAN THAT HONG KONG HAD CEASED TO BE A MANUFACTURING/EXPORTING CENTRE. WHILE SIMPLER PROCESSES HAD MOVED TO CHINA, MARKETING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT REMAINED IN HONG KONG.
MR MACLEOD LISTED THE ATTRACTIONS OF INVESTING IN HONG KONG: GOOD COMMUNICATIONS, LOW TAX, STABLE AND PREDICTABLE GOVERNMENT, LACK OF RED TAPE, TARIFFS AND SO ON AND A HARD WORKING LABOUR FORCE.
HE SAID THE BEST PROSPECTS FOR INVESTMENT COULD BE FOUND IN ELECTRONICS, METAL AND HEAVY ENGINEERING AND IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
HE WAS SURE THAT BELGIUM, AS A LEADING MANUFACTURER AND TRADER, COULD GREATLY BENEFIT FROM TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
ON THE FUTURE, MR MACLEOD SAID HE HOPED THAT THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN FREE TRADE COULD RESIST PROTECTIONIST PRESSURE. TOUCHING ON HONG KONG'S BROADER ROLE IN TRADE AND ECONOMICS, HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG WAS A GOOD MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT. -A
HONG KONG, HE POINTED OUT, COULD BOAST A BUOYANT ECONOMY AND HE HOPED THAT THOSE PRESENT WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT, WHETHER AS MANUFACTURER, EXPORTER OR INVESTOR.
MORE THAN 60 SENIOR INDUSTRIALISTS, DIPLOMATS, AND OFFICIALS FROM THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION ATTENDED THE MEETING.
BEFORE THE MEETING, MR MACLEOD ATTENDED A RECEPTION WITH THE BELGIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE, MR ROBERT URBAIN.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WAS MR HERMAN DE CROO, WHO SERVED AS BELGIUM’S MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND FOREIGN TRADE UNTIL MAY OF THIS YEAR.
MR MACLEOD, MR URBAIN AND MR DE CROO ARE ALL PATRONS OF THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY, AN ASSOCIATION FORMED TO PROMOTES BUSINESS AND TRADING LINKS BETWEEN BOTH PLACES.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5,
1988
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INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER » * * ♦ »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE) WILL MOUNT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN DECEMBER AT THE NEW HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
DELEGATES AND GUESTS FROM 16 COUNTRIES AND HONG KONG WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 13 TO 15.
THE CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT ARISE WHEN LANGUAGE TEACHING STYLES EMPLOYED IN ONE SOCIETY OR CULTURE ARE ADAPTED FOR USE IN OTHER SOCIETIES AND CULTURES.
ABOUT 300 DELEGATES WILL COMPARE LANGUAGE TEACHING APPROACHES WHICH ARE BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE PUPILS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT AND APPROACHES TO LEARNING WHICH ARE MORE TEACHER-DIRECTED, WITH EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
SOME OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING AND ON SOCIAL AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CONFERENCE.
HONG KONG SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE PROF JOHN BIGGS (UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG), DR ELAINE ENGLAND (CITY POLYTECHNIC), MRS EVA LAW (CHINESE UNIVERSITY), DR GILLIAN WORKMAN (BAPTIST COLLEGE), MRS CLAUDIA KEH (BAPTIST COLLEGE), MS ANN PARTINGTON (UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG), DR JOSEPH BOYLE (CHINESE UNIVERSITY), MR SI CHUNG MOU (UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG), AND DR S.K. WONG AND DR K.S. LEE (UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG).
SPEAKERS FROM THE ILE INCLUDE DR VERNER BICKEY, DR VERNON ANLEY, DR JOHN CLARK, DR DESMOND ALLISON, MR K.C. WONG AND MR H.M. LEE.
DETAILS OF THE CONFERENCE AND REGISTRATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, 21ST FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON, (TEL: 3-7119418).
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
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JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION * ♦ t ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF 1,969 GRADUATES OF THE GRANTHAM, NORTHCOTE AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL RECEIVE THEIR TEACHER CERTIFICATES AT A JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY ARE GRADUATES OF THE ADVANCED COURSES OF TEACHER EDUCATION, FULL-TIME INITIAL COURSES OF TEACHER EDUCATION, PART-TIME INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL TEACHERS, AND PART-TIME TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES FOR KINDERGARTEN AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.
THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR WANG GUNGWU, WILL ADDRESS THE GRADUATES AND MRS WANG WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES TO THE GRADUATES AT THE CEREMONY.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL CHAIR THE CEREMONY AND THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, MR TSUI SEE-MING, WILL DELIVER A JOINT REPORT OF THE COO AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOUR ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY TO BEGIN AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ADMISSION TO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION - NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE - ARE INVITING STUDENTS WHO WISH TO ENTER THE TEACHING PROFESSION TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO FULL-TIME TRAINING COURSES IN SEPTEMBER.
STUDENTS WITH CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION AND WITH ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR THE THREE-YEAR COURSE AND THE TWO-YEAR COURSE RESPECTIVELY.
/THE TWO-YEAR .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
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THE TWO-YEAR AND THREE-YEAR COURSES AT NORTHCOTE, GRANTHAM AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGES OF EDUCATION PREPARE STUDENTS TO TEACH GENERAL SUBJECTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TO TEACH TWO ELECTIVE SUBJECTS UP TO SECONDARY 3 LEVEL IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE THREE-YEAR COURSE AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE PREPARES STUDENTS TO TEACH EITHER DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY OR COMMERCE AND ONE OTHER ELECTIVE SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
A STUDENT WILL BE AWARDED A TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING COURSE.
DETAILS OF THE COURSES AND APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, 33-37 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY; THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
IN ADDITION, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION: NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 21 SASSOON ROAD, HONG KONG; GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 42-44 GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI; SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER'S HILL; AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17.
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ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO TIE-IN WITH LRT OPENING
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THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 1988 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR TO KAM-CHOW, WILL HOLD A BRIEFING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN.
OTHERS ATTENDING THE BRIEFING SESSION INCLUDE THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SUB-COMMITTEES, MESSRS HO CHI-KEUNG, MOK HAY-MAN, TAI HAY-LAP, AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU.
A MAJOR ACTIVITY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE YEAR, THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED TO TEI-1N WITH THE OPENING OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM NEXT MONTH.
ALSO, THE COMMITTEE WILL PLACE EMPHASIS ON THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS AND PREVENTION ON VARIOUS CAUSES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS.
/THE NINE-MONTH
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
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THE NINE-MONTH CAMPAIGN WILL COMPRISE A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTING ACTIVITIES THAT INCLUDE VISITS, STICKER AND SLOGAN COMPETITION, DRIVING CARNIVAL, SELECTION OF MODEL DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS, SEMINARS, PROMOTIONAL FILMS SHOW, TOURING EXHIBITION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOUVENIR ITEMS.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE OPEN DAYS AT VARIOUS LRT STATIONS TO HELP VILLAGERS FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE MODERN MODE OF TRANSPORT AND THE OPERATION OF THE VENDING MACHINE.
THEY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JULY 9) AT CHUNG UK 'TSUEN, NAI WAI, NAM TEI, AND KEI LUN WAI.
TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE CAMPAIGN, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA. THEY WILL BE A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION AND GAMESTALLS WITH THEME PERTAINING TO THE CAMPAIGN FOR RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION.
ORGANISED BY THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, AND KCRC’S LIGHT RAIL DIVISION, THE CAMPAIGN WILL COST SOME $100,000 WHICH IS SOLELY SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A BRIEFING SESSION ON THE 1988 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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TRIENNIAL REPORT WINDS UP DB'S WORK ♦ t » *
THE THIRD TERM KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A REPORT ON ITS WORK DURING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL, 1985 TO THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE 90-PAGE FULL COLOUR REPORT, THE BOARD HAD DEALT WITH VARIOUS DISTRICT MATTERS INVOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING.
/IT HAD
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IT HAD ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE WELFARE OF THE YOUTH AND THE ELDERLY, THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS PARTICIPATED IN A MAJOR FUND-RAISING CHARITY EVENT.
IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, SOME 580 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED IN THE 15 CLEARANCE OPERATIONS UNDER THE ’FAR-FLING’ PROGRAMME.
FUNDS WERE ALSO ALLOCATED FOR REPAIRING OR REPAVINC FOOTPATHS, CONSTRUCTING SITTING-OUT-AREAS AND IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF SQUATTER AREAS.
ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE EAST KOWLOON JOINT TRAFFIC STUDY, WHICH WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT UPON RECOMMENDATION BY THE BOARD, HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND THAT ONE OF ITS PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCT'!ON OF A KWUN TONG BYPASS IS BEING IMPLEMENTED.
ON THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FRONT, THE REPORT OUTLINES THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE BOARD IN PURSUING A SECOND SWIMMING POOL AND A CULTURAL CENTRE TO BE BUILT IN THE DISTRICT.
THE INTEREST AND NEEDS OF LOCAL YOUNG AND ELDERLY PEOPLE WAS ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN TO THE BOARD, ACCORDING TO THE REPORT. OVER 10,000 EDLERLY HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE BOARD’S MEDICAL AND TRANSPORT PREFERENTIAL SCHEME SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1985.
IN ADDITION, A SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED ‘IN 1986 ON THE YOUTH PROBLEMS IN KWUN TONG. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SURVEY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED AND FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE BOARD HAD ALSO RAISED $5 MILLION FOR THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT BY ORGANISING A HOST OF DISTRICT-WIDE CHARITY ACTIVITIES.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE SENT TO LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
- 14 -
DB MEMBERS SEE UC PROJECTS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT WORKS COMMITTEE WERE BRIEFED ON A NUMBER OF URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS DURING A TOUR OF THE VARIOUS SITES TODAY (TUESDAY).
THEY SAW THE REDEVELOPMENT OF LAN KWAI FONG SITTING-OUT AREA AND PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES, KWONG HON TERRACE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND LANDSCAPED GARDENS AT CAINE LANE WHICH WERE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER FACILITIES BEING PLANNED.
THE PARTY WAS ACCOMPANIED BY STAFF OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO BRIEFED THEM ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
MEMBERS LEARNT THAT A SITE AT THE THIRD STREET IN SAI YING PUN WOULD BE DEVELOPED INTO INTEGRATED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, COMPRISING A BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURT, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A SITTING-OUT AREA, TO BE UNDERTAKEN JOINTLY WITH THE HOUSING SOCIETY.
THEY ALSO VISITED THE MUN FONG STREET WHERE A NUMBER OF PRE-WAR BUILDINGS WERE BEING DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A GARDEN TO SERVE THE DENSELY BUILT-UP AREA.
BEFORE THEY ROUNDED OFF THE TOUR, MEMBERS VISITED THE HOLLYWOOD ROAD TEMPORARY MARKET WHERE THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE 4,300 SQUARE-METRES SITE WOULD BE RELEASED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PARK IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
------0-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO.3 AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (JULY 7).
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TABLE WRITTEN REPLIES TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY SOME MEMBERS ON THE PROGRESS OF PROVISION OF VARIOUS PLANNED SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES IN THE DISTIRCT AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG PHYCHIATRIC CENTRE AT HIGH STREET.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A PROPOSED WORK PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1988-89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5,
1988
BOARD MEMBERS PITCH IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN » » * ♦ »
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN. .
THEY WILL TAKE PART IN A “PITCH-IN” CEREMONY FOR A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN UP PROGRAMME AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) Af THE SITTING OUT AREA CONVERTED FROM THE OLD LOK FU BUS TERMINUS.
AT THE CEREMONY, VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL WILL DEMONSTRATE CLEANING UP WORK.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, MEMBERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEAN UP OPERATIONS AND VISIT VARIOUS OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE CLEAN UP AREA TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN UP OPERATION, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 18, IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
IT INVOLVES INTENSIVE CLEANING UP IN THE DISTRICT, COVERING STREETS, LANES, PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS, SQUATTER AREAS, MARKETS AND RECREATIONAL PLACES.
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS CLEAN UP TO BE LAUNCHED IN LATE JULY, STEPPING-UP ACTIONS BY USD STAFF AGAINST LITTERING FROM VEHICLES FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER, A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION, A YEAR-END CLEAN UP OPERATION, A PARADE, AND A MASS CLEAN UP OF BLACKSPOTS IN SQUATTER AREAS AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO BE CONDUCTED EARLY NEXT YEAR. *
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DB CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS t t t » t
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM OCTOBER IO DECEMBER 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.
I
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD'S CULTURE COMMITTEE AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU KOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ t t
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD'S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS "THE WAY AHEAD: A CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT IN HONG KONG" AT TOMORROW'S (WEDNESDAY) MEETING.
A STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES IN TUEN MUN AND THE VETTING REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER SEVERAL APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISATION OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED » » t
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LEUNG CHI-FAI ON MARCH 20, 1987 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 12 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT. LEUNG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF PENG SHAO-CHIANG.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
17
DEVELOPMENT WORKS FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO UPGRADE TRANSPORT AND SEWAGE FACILITIES AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WORKS AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WORKS WOULD INCLUDE THE UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING TING KOK ROAD FROM TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO PLUMMER VILLAGE, TOTALLING 0.6 KILOMETRE, AND THE EXTENSION OF A SEGREGATED CYCLE TRACK FROM TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO TAI MEI TUK WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 6.5 KILOMETRES.
*
IT WOULD ALSO INVOLVE THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT THREE HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI MEI TUK TO PROVIDE LAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES SUCH AS A BUS TERMINUS AND PARKING LOTS, AND THE PROVISION OF A SEWER TO EXTEND THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM FROM THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO SAM MUN TSAI.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-METRE WIDE SURFACED^ TRACK TO MAINTAIN VILLAGE ACCESS AND THE REPROVISIONING OF TWO EXISTING PIERS ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS WOULD START IN OCTOBER 1988 AND TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE 12 NOON, JULY 29 (FRIDAY), 1988.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE, ’NO-ENTRY* BAN ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT • TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE FAST LANE AND MIDDLE LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC CONTINUOUSLY FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) TO 9 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 9).
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8), NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER WING TAK ROAD SOUTH OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD LEADING TO CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE IN SHAM SHUI PO AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
- 18 -
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN BOWRINGTON ROAD » » » » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT ALL VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER BOWRINGTON ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY BETWEEN WAN CHAI ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8).
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUNG SHUI ♦ » ♦ ♦
MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG SHUI FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE MEASURES ARE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE SECTION OF LUNG SUM AVENUE BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND SHEUNG SHUI ALLIANCE PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
AS A RESULT, MOTORISTS WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE ALONG JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND LUNG SUM AVENUE TO THE SHEUNG SHUI KCR STATION.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* ROAD D5 BETWEEN ROAD L5 AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE; AND LUNG SUM AVENUE WESTBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD TO THE ACCESS ROAD TO NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE WILL BE MADE 7 AM MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS.
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LUNG SUM AVENUE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A PEAK-HOUR (I.E. 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
/ALL VEHICLES
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1988
- 19
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THESE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE GREEN MINIBUS TERMINUS AND THE TAXI STAND OFF ROAD D5 AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
HOWEVER, THE NO-ENTRY BAN ON THE SECTION OF ROAD D5 SOUTH OF LUNG SUM AVENUE WILL BE LIFTED.
IN ADDITION, TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BAN THE ENTRY OF ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES 24 HOURS DAILY. THEY ARE:
» THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF LUNG SUM AVENUE BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD D5; AND
t THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF LUNG SUM AVENUE TO THE GREEN MINIBUS TERMINUS OFF ROAD D5.
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SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN, KING’S PARK
» t t t t
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN AND KING’S PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREA WILL INCLUDE KING GEORGE V COLLEGE, HO MAN TIN ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE, CHUN MAN COURT AND VALLEY ROAD ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
1987-88 SURPLUS PUT AT 811.6 BILLION ....................... 1
'USEFUL TOOL' IN BATTLE AGAINST COMMERCIAL CRIME ........... 2
MEASURE WILL HELP REDUCE LENGTH OF TRIALS .................. 3
REFORM ACHIEVED WITHOUT SACRIFICING PRINCIPLE .............. 5
CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE MUST BE UPHELD . 7
PROVISIONS IN BILL WELCOMED ................................ 9
SOCIETIES BILL 'A SENSIBLE, TIDYING-UP MEASURE' ........... 10
RENUNCIATION SCHEME OPEN TO ALL ........................... 12
TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME SUPPORTED ....................... 13
HELP YOUNG TRLiD MEMBERS CHANGE, COUNCILLOR URGES....... 14
EMPLOYERS MUST PUT REQUEST IN WRITING...................... 15
OBJECTIVES OF SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICxL PROVISIONS BILL EXPLAINED ............................................... 15
AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS APPROVED .................... 17
C/uLL FOR NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER TO PRESIDE ................ 19
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN EXPENDITURE ......................... 20
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL PASSED ..................... 21
PLANS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT LINKS WITH CHINA................ 22
PROMOTION OF ADULT EDUCATION .............................. 23
CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR EDUCATION REPORT EXTENDED ......... 25
ACTION TAKUJ AGAINST OFFENDING COMICS ..................... 25
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR DRhFT DESIGN BEING VETTED .............. 27
POWER COMPANIES VERY CONSCIOUS OF RESPONSIBILITY .......... 27
PROCEDURES ON SCHOOL STRUCTURAL SAFETY SATISFACTORY .... 28
COUNCILLORS CAN GIVE SUPPORT IN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES .. 30
WIDOW'S, CHILDREN'S PENSIONS SCHEME BEING REVIEWED ........ 31
/FUTURE USE ......
FUTURE USE OF FRICTION COURSE DEPENDS ON TRIAL RESULTS • 32
COVERS PROPOSED TO REDUCE FLYOVER NOISE .................. 33
RAIL WAGONS CLEANSED IN CHINa.................a........... 53
INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS EXPECTED .a 34
FIN/kNCE COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDS FOR DCA.....a............a 36
SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS NEW BOAT PEOPLE POLICY.............. DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY HK Q M^RK SCHEME..................... KWAI TSING DB TO MEET TOMORROW ............................ DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON SPORT ................... OUTSTANDING CYC MEMBERS BOUND FOR JAPAN, SINGAPORE......... 1986 WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES,
RESTAURANTS .lND HOTELS SURVEY...........................
REPORT ON 1986 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION /JJD REAL ESTATE SECTORS ON SnLE ....................................
JUNE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES .JJD PAYROLL.......... TENANCY SOUGHT FOR GOVERNMENT LAND ........................ REVISED F^RSS FOR EIGHT GMB ROUTES ON ISLAND .............. TRAFFIC CELiNGES IN TUEN MUN kND YUEN LONG ................ FRESH WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG, FANLING ....................
CO 00 Q Q V- J- in <D vD co CO K\ GF GF -4- -4- -4" -4- -4-
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
1
1987-88 SURPLUS PUT AT $11.6 BILLION * * » » t
THE FINALISED SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987-88 IS $11.6 BILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ACTUAL REVENUE, AFTER BEING FINALISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, AMOUNTED TO $55.6 BILLION AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE $44 BILLION, MR JACOBS SAID, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988.
AN ESTIMATED SURPLUS OF $10.5 BILLION WAS MENTIONED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN MAY, HE ADDED.
"THE EXPENDITURE CHARGED TO 52 HEADS IS IN EXCESS OF THE SUM APPROPRIATED FOR THOSE HEADS BY THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 1987," MR JACOBS NOTED.
"THIS IS BECAUSE SUFFICIENT OFFSETTING SAVINGS COULD NOT BE FOUND WITHIN THE HEADS CONCERNED."
MR JACOBS SAID THE EXCESS HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988, WHICH SOUGHT TO GIVE FINAL LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY FOR THE AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED IN RESPECT OF PARTICULAR HEADS OF EXPENDITURE BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER POWERS DELEGATED BY IT.
THE TOTAL NET SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION REQUIRED IN RESPECT OF THE 52 HEADS OF EXPENDITURE WAS $1,526.3 MILLION, HE SAID.
THE EXCESS WAS LARGELY ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE 1987 PAY ADJUSTMENT AND PAY IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE FOR MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ($808.2 MILLION) AND. GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS ($388.4 MILLION).
OTHER MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDED THE EARLY REPAYMENT IN FULL OF THE FOUR OUTSTANDING ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK LOANS ($318.2 MILLION) AND THE PURCHASE OF WATER FROM CHINA ($132 MILLION).
"SAVINGS MADE IN OTHER SUBHEADS ARE DUE TO CONTINUED TIGHT CONTROL OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE," MR JACOBS SAID, THANKING THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS AND OTHERS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO RESTRAINT.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
2 -
’USEFUL TOOL* IN BATTLE AGAINST COMMERCIAL CRIME ♦ * * ♦
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COMPLEX < )MMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 ’’WILL PROVE A USEFUL TOOL IN THE BATTLE AGAINST COMMERCIAL CRIME".
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS THANKED THE HON PETER C. WONG, THE HON JOHN SWAINE, THE HON MARTIN LEE AND THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT FOR THEIR EXPRESSIONS OF SUPPORT.
"AS THEY HAVE INDICATED, THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS AND DETAILED SCRUTINY OF THE BILL BY MEMBERS HAS CONTINUED WITH GREAT INTENSITY SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL ON JUNE 1," HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE MODIFICATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BILL WHICH WOULD BE MOVED BY MR SWAINE AND MR LEE.
THE ACCEPTANCE BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THOSE AMENDMENTS CONFIRMED THAT THE BILL INDEED REPRESENTED A COMMUNITY OF INTEREST AND OBJECTIVE OF ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN ITS CONSIDERATION, MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE BILL WAS A TRIBUTE TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY WHO HAD DEVOTED SO MUCH TIME, CARE AND ENERGY IN DEVISING A PROCEDURE TO IMPROVE THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, MR MATHEWS ADDED.
"ONCE IT IS ON THE STATUTE BOOK, IT WILL BE FOR THOSE OF US INVOLVED IN THE TRIAL OF SUCH CRIMES TO ENSURE THAT THEIR EFFORTS HAVE NOT BEEN IN VAIN.
"WHETHER THE PROCEDURE EMBODIED IN THE BILL WILL BE SUCCESSFUL WILL TO A LARGE DEGREE DEPEND ON THE DILIGENCE OF THE PROSECUTOR AND THE WILLINGNESS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION TO ADOPT THE SPIRIT OF THE LEGISLATION AND TO OPERATE WITHIN IT.
"THE JUDICIARY TOO WILL HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY BY ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS MADE AT THE PREPARATORY HEARING STAGE OF THE TRIAL," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
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MEASURE WILL HELP REDUCE LENGTH OF TRIALS * » « » «
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REDUCING THE LENGTH AND COST OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME TRIALS WITHOUT IMPINGING UPON THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE MEASURE SOUGHT TO IMPLEMENT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES.
THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO PROVIDE A NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, HE SAID.
SERIOUS COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES MIGHT BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE MAGISTRACY TO THE HIGH COURT WITHOUT THE NEED FOR - COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS.
WHERE A CASE WAS TRANSFERRED UNDER THIS PROCEDURE AND A JUDGE DETERMINED THAT A PREPARATORY HEARING SHOULD TAKE PLACE, THE TRIAL WOULD BEGIN WITH A PREPARATORY HEARING WITHOUT A JURY.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PREPARATORY HEARING WAS TO SETTLE POINTS OF LAW AND CLARIFY ISSUES FOR THE JURY.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PREPARATORY HEARING, A JURY WOULD BF. EMPANELLED AND THE TRIAL WOULD PROCEED IN THE USUAL WAY.
MR. WONG SAID A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO STUDY THE BILL, OF WHICH HE WAS CONVENER, HAD REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE RILL.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS THE DEFINITION OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES.
THE AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED THE SCOPE OF THE REVISED DEFINITION WAS TOO WIDE AS IT COULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER CASES OF SERIOUS AND COMPLEX FRAUD IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THIS WAS IN A COMMERCIAL CONTEXT.
"THE ADMINISTRATION CONCEDED THAT THE POINT MADE IS VALID AND THE CLAUSE; WILL RE AMENDED SO THAT IT IS CONFINED ONLY TO CASES OF FRAUD AND/OR DISHONESTY IN THE COMMERCIAL CONTEXT," MR WONG SAID.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WAS THAT IN THE WHITE RILL ONLY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS GIVEN THE POWER TO DECIDE WHETHER A CASE FELL WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE NEW LEGISLATION.
/"THIS WAS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
’’THIS WAS THOUGHT UNDERSIRABLE, AND THE JUDGE IS NOW GIVEN THE DISCRETION TO DECIDE WHETHER, HAVING REGARD TO THE NATURE OF A CASE, THERE WILL BE A NEED TO HOLD A PREPARATORY HEARING BEFORE THE JURY IS EMPANELLED," HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO SAID THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL CONTAINED IN THE WHITE BILL WAS FOR THE DEFENCE TO SUPPLY A WRITTEN OUTLINE OF ITS CASE IN RESPONSE TO EACH OF THE PRINCIPAL FACTS IN THE PROSECUTION CASE, AND SPECIFYING THE PRINCIPAL FACTS UPON WHICH THE DEFENCE CASE WAS BASED.
THE AD HOC GROUP FELT THAT THE SCOPE OF SUCH A PROVISION WAS TOO WIDE, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT SUBSEQUENTLY AGREED THAT THE DEFENCE CASE OUTLINE BE REPLACED BY A "DEFENCE RESPONSE" WHICH WAS MERELY A WRITTEN STATEMENT INDICATING, WITH REFERENCE TO THE PROSECUTION CASE STATEMENT, THE FACTS ON WHICH THE DEFENCE WOULD TAKE ISSUE WITH THE PROSECUTION.
IN SIMPLE TERMS, THE DEFENCE WOULD NOT NOW BE OBLIGED TO REVEAL ITS DEFENCE AT THE PREPARATORY HEARING.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO AGREED TO THE AD HOC GROUP’S SUGGESTION THAT NO CHANGE TO THE PROSECUTION STATEMENT SHOULD BE ALLOWED EXCEPT WHERE THE JUDGE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CHANGE HAD BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE PROSECUTION.
THE AMENDMENT WAS MADE IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE, HE SAID.
MR WONG ADDED THAT A MAJOR HURDLE IN DELIBERATION ON THE BILL WAS CLAUSE 16 (3) WHICH SOUGHT TO PREVENT THE DEFENCE FROM INTRODUCING EVIDENCE, AFTER THE JURY HAD BEEN EMPANELLED, WHICH WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE DEFENCE RESPONSE, EXCEPT WITH THE LEAVE OF THE JUDGE.
THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY HAD ARGUED STRONGLY THAT THE CLAUSE WAS UNFAIR. THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUBSEQUENTLY AGREED TO DELETE THE CLAUSE.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
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REFORM ACHIEVED WITHOUT SACRIFICING PRINCIPLE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 ACHIEVES THE OBJECT OF REFORM WITHOUT SACRIFICE OF PRINCIPLE AND CAN BE SUPPORTED, THE HON JOHN SWAINE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR SWAINE SAID THE DIFFICULTY IN INTRODUCING THE BILL HAD BEEN TO ENSURE THAT THE MUCH NEEDED REFORM IN FRAUD TRIALS WAS Tf INTRODUCED AT THE EXPENSE OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE RELATING TO THE BURDEN ON THE PROSECUTION TO PROVE THE GUILT OF THE ACCUSED AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE ACCUSED TO SILENCE.
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, HE NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ONLY SUCH CRIMES AS MIGHT PROPERLY BE DESCRIBED AS COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES WERE SUBJECT TO THE NEW PROCEDURES, AND THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY THE DEFINITION CLAUSE 3(B) (II) WHICH MADE CLEAR THAT THE FRAUD OR DISHONESTY WAS IN A COMMERCIAL CONTEXT AND THAT IT MUST BE BOTH SERIOUS AND COMPLEX.
MUCH OF THE IMPROVED PROCEDURE WOULD LIE IN THE PREPARATORY HEARING, BEFORE THE JURY WAS EMPANELLED.
"UNDER CLAUSE 9, IT IS FOR THE JUDGE TO DECIDE WHETHER SUCH A PREPARATORY HEARING SHOULD TAKE PLACE, AND HE MAY ACT ON THE APPLICATION EITHER OF THE PROSECUTOR OR OF THE PERSON INDICTED OR OF HIS OWN MOTION," MR SWAINE SAID.
"AMONG HIS POWERS UNDER CLAUSE 13, THE JUDGE MAY ORDER THE PROSECUTOR TO SERVE ON THE ACCUSED AND DELIVER TO THE COURT A STATEMENT CONTAINING A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF THE FACTS AND THE INFERENCES SOUGHT TO BE DRAWN FROM THOSE FACTS ON WHICH THE PROSECUTION CASE WAS BASED, AND ALSO A STATEMENT OF ANY PROPOSITION OF LAW SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE PROSECUTION CASE ON WHICH THE PROSECUTOR PROPOSED TO RELY."
IT WOULD BE SEEN THAT THE PROSECUTION MIGHT BE ORDERED AT THIS EARLY STAGE TO DISCLOSE ITS CASE, AS PART OF THE REFORM TO ENSURE THAT THE TRUE ISSUES IN THE CASE WERE IDENTIFIED BEFORE THE JURY WAS EMPANELLED, MR SWAINE ADDED.
THE COMPLEMENTARY REFORM RELATING TO THE DEFENCE CASE WAS CONTAINED IN CLAUSE 16, BY WHICH THE JUDGE MIGHT ORDER THE ACCUSED TO SERVE ON THE PROSECUTOR AND DELIVER TO THE COURT A WRITTEN STATEMENT INDICATING THE FACTS AND INFERENCES ON WHICH HE TOOK ISSUE WITH Till PROSECUTION, AS WELL AS A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF ALL PROPOSITIONS OF LAW IN REPLY TO ANY PROPOSITIONS OF LAW STATED BY THE PROSECUTOR.
/’’IT WILL...........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 6
"IT WILL BE SEEN THAT THE DEFENCE RESPONSE IS TO BE PURELY DEFENSIVE AND RESPONSIVE," HE SAID. "THE ACCUSED IS NOT OBLIGED UNDER THIS PROPOSED REFORM TO REVEAL HIS POSITIVE CASE, AND IN THAT VERY REAL WAY, HIS RIGHT TO SILENCE IS PRESERVED."
MR SWAINE NOTED THAT THIS TONED-DOWN VERSION OF I HE DEFENCE CASE REPRESENTED A WORKABLE COMPROMISE OF WHAT THE DEFENCE SHOULD BE OBLIGED TO DISCLOSE AT THE PREPARATORY HEARING. IT DID NOT GO AS FAR AS THE SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED.
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE SELECT COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION FOR DEFENCE DISCLOSURE WAS HEAVILY QUALIFIED AND REFLECTED THE REAL DILEMMA FACING IT OF PROPOSING REFORMS TO THE LAW WITHOUT UNDUE SACRIFICE OF PRINCIPLE.
THAT DILEMMA HAD, HOWEVER, BEEN RESOLVED BY THE CONCEPT OF THE DEFENCE RESPONSE, HE SAID. BY THIS MEANS THE PROSECUTION'WAS ABLE TO TELL WHICH PART OF ITS CASE WAS IN ISSUE AND WHICH PART WAS NOT.
"IT IS THUS ENABLED TO CONCENTRATE ON THE REAL ISSUES WHICH IT MUST PROVE ACCORDING TO THE NORMAL STANDARDS IN CRIMINAL CASES," HE SAID.
AS TO THOSE PARTS OF ITS CASE WHICH WERE NOT IN ISSUE, THE PROSECUTION WAS ABLE BY MEANS OF THE NEW PROCEDURES TO CALL ON THE DEFENCE TO MAKE FORMAL ADMISSIONS AS TO FACTS AND DOCUMENTS, MR SWAINE SAID.
THE JUDGE WAS TO HAVE POWER TO REQUIRE THE DEFENCE TO MAKE THESE ADMISSIONS OR TO STATE THE REASONS FOR ITS REFUSAL.
"UNDER SUB-CLAUSE (3) IT IS SUFFICIENT, IF THE DOCUMENT, FACT OR MATTER TO WHICH HIS REFUSAL RELATES IS CENTRAL TO A FACT ON WHICH THE ACCUSED TAKES ISSUE WITH THE PROSECUTION AS INDICATED IN THE DEFENCE RESPONSE, TO GIVE THIS AS A REASON," HE ADDED.
"IT WILL THEREFORE BE SEEN THAT THE DEFENCE RESPONSE IS THE KEY TO THE IMPROVED PROCEDURES.
"THE DEFENCE IS NOT OBLIGED TO BE CO-OPERATIVE WITH THE PROSECUTION IN NARROWING THE ISSUES BY SERVING A MEANINGFUL RESPONSE TO THE PROSECUTION CASE STATEMENT.
"IT MAY HAVE GENUINE REASONS FOR ADOPTING A CAUTIOUS LINE IN ITS RESPONSE."
THE ACCUSED DID, HOWEVER, TAKE THE RISK OF BEING PENALISED IN COSTS IF THE JUDGE CONSIDERED THAT SUCH COSTS HAD BEEN INCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN UNNECESSARY OR IMPROPER ACT OR OMISSION BY OR ON HIS BEHALF.
/MR SWAINE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1?88
- 7 -
MR SWAINE SAID ONE FURTHER REFORM INTRODUCED BY THE BILL RELATED TO THE DISPOSITION AT THE PREPARATORY STAGE OF OBJECTIONS TO EVIDENCE.
UNDER CLAUSE 13(1), THE JUDGE MIGHT ORDER THE PROSECUTOR TO SERVE ON THE ACCUSED AND DELIVER TO THE COURT COPIES OF THE STATEMENTS OF THE WITNESSES WHOM THE PROSECUTOR INTENDED TO CALL AT THE TRIAL AFTER THE JURY HAD BEEN EMPANELLED.
THE JUDGE MIGHT ALSO ORDER THE ACCUSED TO STATE ANY OBJECTION HE HAD TO SUCH EVIDENCE, AND THE GROUND OF HIS OBJECTION.
MR SWAINE EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECT OF THIS REFORM WAS TO MINIMISE DELAYS OCCASIONED DURING THE TRIAL AFTER THE JURY HAD BEEN EMPANELLED BY THE LATE TAKING OF OBJECTIONS TO EVIDENCE.
’’WHERE THE DEFENCE DOES NOT OBJECT IN ADVANCE TO SUCH EVIDENCE, ITS ADMISSIBILITY AT THE TRIAL SHALL NOT BE OBJECTED TO UNLESS THE JUDGE IS SATISFIED THAT THE OBJECTION COULD NOT REASONABLY “HAVE BEEN MADE DURING THE PREPARATORY HEARING,” HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT IT HAI) BEEN CONSIDERED TOO DRASTIC TO SHUT OUT A LATE OBJECTION TO EVIDENCE, WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MERITORIOUS, MR SWA I NF SAID THAT A PROVISION WOULD BE INTRODUCED AUTHORISING THE JUDGE SPECIFICALLY TO ORDER THE ACCUSED TO PAY TO THE PROSECUTOR THE ADDITIONAL COSTS THUS INCURRED.
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CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE MUST BE UPHELD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE MUST NOT BE WHITTLED DOWN IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER IF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WISH TO PRESERVE THE RULE OF LAW AND THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY AFTER 1997, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988.
HE SAID IT WAS NECESSARY FOR PEOPLE TO REMIND THEMSELVES THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS TWO VERY BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE HAD BEEN UNDER THREAT.
FIRST, THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985 PROPOSED THE ABOLITION OF JURY TRIAL FOR COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BY SUBSTITUTING THE JURY BY TWO COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS SITTING WITH A JUDGE.
/’’AND SO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 8 -
"AND SO THE JURY SYSTEM WHICH IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN HONG KONG WAS BEING ROCKED TO ITS VERY FOUNDATION," HE REMARKED.
THEN THE WHITE BILL ON THE DRAFT COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1987 REQUIRED AN ACCUSED INDICTED FOR A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME TO DELIVER TO THE COURT A WRITTEN OUTLINE OF THE DEFENCE CASE.
"SUCH A REQUIREMENT WOULD HAVE FORCED THE ACCUSED TO TELL THE PROSECUTOR HIS CASE EVEN BEFORE THE TRIAL COMMENCED, AND IT THEREFORE THREATENED ANOTHER CARDINAL PRINCIPLE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, NAMELY, THAT A PERSON IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVED, WITH A COROLLARY THAT AN ACCUSED HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT THROUGHOUT," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THAT, NOT UNNATURALLY, BOTH THE BAR COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL OF THE LAW SOCIETY MADE STRONG OBJECTIONS ON BOTH OCCASIONS.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS TO THE CREDIT OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND TO THE RESPECTIVE ATTORNEYS GENERAL THAT BOTH THREATS WERE NOW REMOVED.
"IF, AS WAS ARGUED AT ONE STAGE, JURY TRIALS ARE PROTRACTED AND COSTLY, THEN WE MUST APPRECIATE THAT ONCE WE SACRIFICE THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE FOR SPEED AND THE SAVING OF COST, THEN EVERY CITIZEN WOULD SUFFER BECAUSE A SERIOUS INROAD WOULD BE MADE INTO OUR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY OUR PEERS," HE SAID.
LIKEWISE, IF, AS HAD BEEN ARGUED RECENTLY, IT WOULD SHORTEN THE TRIAL IF THE PROSECUTOR WERE TO BE INFORMED BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACCUSED PERSON’S DEFENCE, THEREBY SAVING TIME AND MONEY, AGAIN IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS INROAD INTO THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE.
"IN THE CONTEXT OF 1997, NOTHING CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PRESERVATION OF THESE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES," MR LEE ADDED.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 9 -
PROVISIONS IN BILL WELCOMED * » * «
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 SHOULD SERVE TO SHORTEN THE DURATION OF FRAUD TRIALS AND TO REDUCE THE COIT WHILE PRESERVING THE COMMON LAW SPIRIT OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR NGAI SAID THAT WITH HONG KONG’S GROWTH AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE AND INCREASING SOPHISTICATION IN BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS, EXISTING ITEMS OF LEGISLATION WERE HARDLY ADEQUATE TO DEAL WITH COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES OF AN UNUSUALLY COMPLEX NATURE.
HE SAID PUBLIC CONCERN ON THE ISSUE HAD GIVEN RISE TO A SERIFS OF DEVELOPMENTS.
THESE INCLUDED PUBLICATION OF THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985, APPOINTMENT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES IN THE SAME YEAR, PUBLICATION OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE’S REPORT IN 1986, PUBLICATION OF THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1987, AND NOW THE PRESENT BILL.
AS A MEMBER OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE 1987 WHITE BILL AND SUBSEQUENTLY ON THE 1988 BILL, MR NGAI SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT THE AD HOC GROUP’S MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE 1987 BILL HAD ALL BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE PRESENT BILL.
"I THINK IT IS OF OVER-RIDING SIGNIFICANCE THAT THE DEFINITION OF 'COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES’ SHOULD BE MADE IN RELALTION TO WHETHER FRAUD OR DISHONESTY IN THE COMMERCIAL CONTEXT IS INVOLVED RATHER THAN BY REFERENCE TO A SCHEDULE OF OFFENCES AS ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE 1987 BILL.
"I ALSO CONSIDER IT OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE THAT COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BE CONFINED TO CASES OF BOTH FRAUD AND DISHONESTY IN THE COMMERCIAL CONTEXT AND NOT OTHERWISE," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO MR NGAI, ANOTHER IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRESENT BILL ON THE 1987 WHITE BILL WAS TO GIVE THE JUDGE THE DISCRETION TO DECIDE WHETHER IT WAS NECESSARY TO. HAVE A PREPARATORY HEARING BEFORE THE JURY WAS EMPANELLED.
"THIS PROVISION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS ALL REASONABLY FORESEEABLE POINTS OF LEGAL ARGUMENT TO BE DEALT WITH BEFORE THE JURY IS EMPANELLED, AND IT IS RECOGNISED THAT JUDICIAL DISCRETION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN THE ORDERING OF SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES," HE SAID.
/THE THIRD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
10
THE THIRD IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENT CONCERNED THE EXTENT OF THE DEFENCE’S OBLIGATION TO DISCLOSE ITS CASE, MR NGAI SAID.
HE SAID THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL IN THE 1987 WHITE BILL MET WITH STRONG OPPOSITION BECAUSE IT WOULD SEEK TO DEPRIVE DEFENDANTS OF THEIR RIGHT TO SILENCE, AND HENCE PUTTING THEM IN A VERY DISADVANTAGEOUS POSITION.
MR NGAI SAID HE WAS THEREFORE PLEASED THAT THE SCOPE OF THE DISCLOSURE HAD BEEN NARROWED TO ONLY A WRITTEN STATEMENT GIVING THb FACTS ON WHICH THE DEFENCE TOOK ISSUE WITH THE PROSECUTION.
HOWEVER, HE CONSIDERED THAT CLAUSE 16(1)(B) OF THE BILL WHICH REQUIRED THAT "A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF ALL REASONABLY FORESEEABLE PROPOSITIONS OF LAW ON WHICH THE DEFENCE MAY WISH TO RELY" BE DELIVERED TO THE COURT, WAS A HEAVY AND UNFAIR BURDEN ON THE DEFENCE.
"SUBJECT TO MR MARTIN LEE’S COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT ON THIS CLAUSE, I WOULD CONSIDER IT MORE ACCEPTABLE TO REQUIRE ONLY A WRITTEN STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PROSECUTION’S PROPOSITIONS OF LAW," MR NGAI SAID.
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SOCIETIES BILL *A SENSIBLE, TIDYING-UP MEASURE* ♦ ♦ * * t
THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988 IS DESIGNED AS "A SENSIBLE, TIDYING-UP MEASURE", THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE WAS INTENDED TO PROHIBIT TRIAD SOCIETIES AND OTHER GROUPS WHICH THREATENED THE PEACE, WELFARE OR GOOD ORDER OF HONG KONG.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, BY ITEM (6) OF THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE, PARTNERSHIPS CONSISTING OF NOT MORE THAN 20 PERSONS FORMED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF CARRYING ON ANY LAWFUL BUSINESS AND REGISTERED UNDER ANY OTHER ORDINANCE WERE EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION.
THIS EXCLUSION WAS PROVIDED AND LIMITED TO PARTNERSHIPS OF NOT MORE THAN 20 MEMBERS BECAUSE, PRIOR TO 1978, THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE PROHIBITED PARTNERSHIPS OF MORE THAN 20 MEMBERS.
IN 1978, THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED TO PERMIT PARTNERSHIPS OF MORE THAN 20 SOLICITORS, ACCOUNTANTS OR STOCKBROKERS. BUT, BY AN APPARENT OVERSIGHT, NO CORRESPONDING AMENDMENT WAS MADE TO ITEM (6).
/SUBSEQUENTLY, MANY .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
SUBSEQUENTLY, MANY PROFESSIONAL FIRMS EXPANDED BEYOND THE 20 PARTNER LIMIT. BY FAILING TO REGISTER THEY HAD BECOME "UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES" RENDERING THEIR PARTNERS, EMPLOYEES, LANDLORDS AND OTHERS HAVING DEALINGS WITH THEM LIABLE TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
EQUALLY, AS THE COURTS WOULD NOT ENFORCE ILLEGAL CONTRACTS, SUCH PERSONS MIGHT BE UNABLE TO SUE FOR THEIR FEES, WAGES, JO NT, AND OTHER DEBTS, MR MATHEWS SAID.
"CLEARLY THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE WAS NEVER INTENDED TO APPLY TO LEGITIMATE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND IT IS UNJUST THAT THROUGH ITS OPERATION PERSONS ENGAGED IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS MAY HAVE BEEN RENDERED LIABLE TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND UNABLE TO USE THE LAW TO ENFORCE THEIR CIVIL CLAIMS," HE SAID.
CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL AMENDED THE SCHEDULE ^O THAT ANY PARTNERSHIP, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS, WOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO REGISTER AS A SOCIETY PROVIDED THAT IT WAS SOLELY ENGAGED IN A LAWFUL BUSINESS AND WAS REGISTERED UNDER ANY OTHER ORDINANCE (SUCH AS THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE).
BY CLAUSE 1(2) THE AMENDMENT WOULD BE RETROSPECTIVE TO THE DATE WHEN THE NEW SECTION 345(2) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1978.
BY CLAUSE 1(3) CURRENT LEGAL PROCEEDINGS WOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE RETROSPECTIVE OPERATION OF THE AMENDMENT.
MR MATHEWS SAID: "IT IS CONSIDERED THAT CLAUSE 2 MUST BE GIVEN RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY ENTERED INTO OTHERWISE LEGITIMATE TRANSACTIONS WITH LARGE LEGAL, ACCOUNTING AND STOCKBROKING FIRMS ARE NOT PRECLUDED FROM ENFORCING THEIR RIGHTS OR ARE PERMITTED TO EVADE THEIR OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM SUCH TRANSACTIONS.
"THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT RISK THAT WHERE THE LARGE FIRMS HAVE ACTED AS AGENTS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR IN COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL OR SHARE TRANSACTIONS THE PARTIES FOR WHOM THEY ACTED AND PERSONS WITH WHOM THEY DEALT MAY BE UNABLE TO ENFORCE THEIR INTERESTS UNLESS THE CLAUSE OPERATES RETROSPECTIVELY."
HE ADDED THAT HE COMMENDED THE BILL TO THE COUNCIL AS A SENSIBLE, TIDYING-UP MEASURE DESIGNED TO REMEDY AN OVERSIGHT.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/12
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
12 RENUNCIATION SCHEME OPEN TO ALL » t » » »
THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME WILL BE OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE WISHING TO SEVER THEIR TRIAD LINKS, THE SECRETARY FOR SEIURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL, MR BARNES SAID THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME WOULD BE MONITORED BY '.HE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND WOULD BE REVIEWED AFTER ITS FIRST SIX MONTHS OF OPERATION.
HE DESCRIBED THE BILL AS AN IMAGINATIVE AND POTENTIALLY EFFECTIVE INITIATIVE, DEVELOPED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AS ONE MORE MEASURE IN THE FIGHT XGATNST TRIADS AND TRIAD INFLUENCE.
MR BARNES ALSO THANKED DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI AND THE HON ROSANNA TAM FOR SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL AND FOR CALLING UPON TRIAD MEMBERS, PARTICULARLY YOUNG TRIAD MEMBERS, TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.
"ONCE THE BILL IS PASSED WE SHALL ARRANGE FOR AN EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICATION AND RENUNCIATION PROCEDURES AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO TURN THEIR BACKS ON TRIAD SOCIETIES AND RENOUNCE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE CAMPAIGN WOULD BE CO-ORDINATED AND MONITORED BY THE PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
CONCERNING RENUNCIATION PROCEDURES, MR BARNES SAID THAT STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY WOULD BE MAINTAINED BY BOTH THE STAFF AND THE MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL.
"NAMES OF INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS AND RENOUNCERS WILL BE KNOWN ONLY TO THE TRIBUNAL, AND TO ITS SMALL SECRETARIAT," HE SAID.
"THE SECRECY PROVISIONS IN SECTIONS 26K AND 26L WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
“THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE INDEPENDENT OF THE POLICE ALTHOUGH n WILL BE ESSENTIAL FOR ONE POLICE OFFICER WITH EXPERIENCE IN TRIAD MATTERS TO BE AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE SECRETARIAT TO PROVIDE ADVICE, WHERE NECESSARY, TO THE TRIBUNAL."
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/13
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 13 -
TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME SUPPORTED » * « « t
THE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP RENUNCIATION SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO DISINTEGRATE TRIAD SOCIETIES BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF THEIR MEMBERS AND TO ENABLE REFORMED TRIAD MEMBERS TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF AND BECOME LAW-ABIDING AND SOCIALLY PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1988.
SUPPORTING THE BILL, DR HO SAID TO MAKE THE SCHEME A SUCCESS IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION MOUNTED A SERIES OF TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIUMS.
IN PARTICULAR, THOSE PEOPLE WHO WISHED TO RENOUNCE THEIR TRIAD MEMBERSHIP MUST BE MADE AWARE OF THE SCHEME AND BE' CONVINCED OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S GENUINE INTENTION TO HELP THEM RATHER THAN TO PROSECUTE THEM, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS, DISCIPLINARY MASTERS, SCHOOL COUNSELLORS, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS -AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS MUST ALSO BE THOROUGHLY BRIEFED ON THE PURPOSES OF THE RENUNCIATION SCHEME.
FURTHERMORE, DR HO SAID, THE CONFIDENCE OF THE WOULD-BE RENOUNCERS MUST BE GAINED. THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED BY THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE SCHEME, ITS ABSOLUTE INDEPENDENCE OF THE POLICE, AND STRICT ADHERENCE BY STAFF MEMBERS TO THE SECRECY PROVISIONS INVOLVED IN HANDLING RENUNCIATION APPLICATIONS AND THE PROCEEDINGS.
HE SAID PRIVACY MUST BE PROVIDED TO APPLICANTS AND RENUNCIATION APPLICATIONS MUST BE PROCESSED IN CONFIDENCE SO THAT THE RENOUNCERS WOULD FEEL THAT THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE SECURITY OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER WERE PROPERLY PROTECTED.
"THE DECISION THAT THE SCHEME IS OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT STAFF, WILL ADD CREDIBILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS TO THE SCHEME, BECAUSE FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT IS SEEN TO BE GIVEN TO THE RENOUNCERS REGARDLESS OF THEIR SOCIAL STATUS," HE SAID.
FINALLY, HE STRESSED THAT THE COMMITMENT BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVIEW THE SCHEME AFTER SIX MONTHS WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENSURE ITS SMOOTH AND EFFICIENT OPERATION.
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/14
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
14
HELP YOUNG TRIAD MEMBERS CHANGE, COUNCILLOR URGES
*****
THE HON ROSANNA TAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORKERS, MASTERS OF DISCIPLINE IN SCHOOLS AND PARENTS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNGSTERS IN NEED TO HELP TO RENOUNCE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP.
MRS TAM MADE THE APPEAL WHEN SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH PROVIDED TRIAD MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RENOUNCE THEIR MEMBERSHIP.
SHE SAID THE BILL REPRESENTED A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN REMOVING THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF "ONCE A TRIAD, ALWAYS A TRIAD" WHICH ATTACHED LIFE-LONG STIGMAS TO TRIAD MEMBERS.
UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, IT WAS A CRIMINAL.’ OFFENCE FOR ANYONE TO BECOME A TRIAD MEMBER. AS A RESULT ONCE ADMITTED AS A MEMBER OF A TRIAD SOCIETY, A PERSON WAS DESTINED TO LIVE IN FEAR OF BEING PROSECUTED THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE.
"EVEN THOUGH HE INTENDS TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF, HE CAN DO NOTHING TO CHANGE HIS STATUS," SHE SAID.
TO MAKE THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL EFFECTIVE, MRS TAM SAID IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THOSE WHO INTENDED TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF SHOULD COME FORWARD AND MAKE AN APPLICATION TO THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL.
"WE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INVOLVED UNKNOWINGLY BEFORE THEY HAVE A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF JOINING TRIAD SOCIETIES.
"IF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE REALISE THE EVILS OF THESE SOCIETIES NOW AND FEEL REGRET TODAY, THEY SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL AND SEIZE THIS CHANCE OF REHABILITATION," SHE SAID.
I
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6,
1988
- 15 -
EMPLOYERS MUST PUT REQUEST IN WRITING *****
AN AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GIVES EFFECT TO A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP’S RECOMMENDATION THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A WRITTEN REQUEST TO EMPLOYEES WHEN SOLICITING INFORMATION ABOUT CONCURRENT EMPLOYMENTS HELD BY THE EMPLOYEES, THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 2 OF’THE BILL, MR PANG SAID THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT WAS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY ARGUMENTS IN FUTURE ON WHETHER THE EMPLOYERS HAD ACTUALLY REQUESTED THE INFORMATION.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING WORDING OF THE CLAUSE, EMPLOYERS WOULD BE ABLE TO CONVEY THE REQUESTS ORALLY AND IT WAS FEARED THAT THIS MIGHT LEAD TO MISUNDERSTANDING AND ARGUMENTS.
“TO MAKE IT FAIR, EMPLOYEES WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION IN WRITING UNDER THE LAW," MR PANG ADDED.
IN REPLY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, SAID HE SUPPORTED THE AMENDMENTS.
"THE AMENDMENTS MOVED BY MR PANG SERVE TO CLARIFY THE PROCEDURE AND PUT MATTERS BEYOND DOUBT FOR BOTH PARTIES," HE SAID.
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p OBJECTIVES OF SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROVISIONS BILL EXPLAINED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 ARE MAINLY ENABLING PROVISIONS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR HSU EXPLAINED THAT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE IN 1980, WORK BEGAN ON THE DRAFTING OF THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND THE FORMATION OF THE FIVE PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS BOARDS.
THESE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND CONDUCT AMONG MEMBERS OF THEIR RELEVANT PROFESSION, AND HAD NOW BEEN FORMED.
/THE DRAFTING........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
16
THE DRAFTING PROCESS WAS, HOWEVER, DELAYED INITIALLY BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO ENABLE CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND PROPOSALS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REGULATIONS.
SUBSEQUENTLY, THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION AND NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN 1985 TO GIVE EFFECT TO THESE CHANGES, AND DRAFTING OF THE VARIOUS REGULATIONS THEN RESUMED.
MR HSU SAID THE REGULATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS HAD NOW BEEN COMPLETED. •
"THOSE FOR THE REMAINING THREE PROFESSIONS ARE IN THEIR FINAL STAGE OF DRAFTING.
"IN THE COURSE OF DRAFTING THESE REGULATIONS IT HAS BECOME EVIDENT THAT FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSALS FOR THE DISCIPLINE • AND CONTROL OF THE PROFESSIONS. THE BILL BEFORE MEMBERS SEEKS TO MAKE THOSE AMENDMENTS," HE SAID.
MR HSU SAID CLAUSE 6 INTRODUCED A NEW SECTION 15A TO PROVIDE THE PROFESSIONAL BOARDS WITH THE POWER TO HOLD EXAMINATIONS TO ASSESS THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATES OR REGISTRATIONS UNDER THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
THE NEW SECTION 15B PROVIDED THAT A PERSON MIGHT APPEAL TO THE COUNCIL AGAIN'T ANY DECISION OF A BOARD OTHER THAN A DECISION IN RELATION TO REGISTRATION, DISCIPLINE, PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION AND EXAMINATION.
CLAUSE 8 DEALT WITH CODES OF PRACTICE FOR THE PROFESSIONS.
IT EMPOWERED THE BOARDS TO PROVIDE FOR GUIDELINES REGULATING THE ACTIVITIES OF PERSONS SUPERVISING REGISTERED PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THOSE WHO WERE BEING SUPERVISED, IN THE CODES OF PRACTICE PREPARED BY THE BOARDS.
IT ALSO REQUIRED THE PROFESSIONAL BOARDS TO NOTIFY THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL ON THE CODES OF PRACTICE DRAWN UP OR ANY SUBSEQUENT REVISION MADE TO THEM.
MR HSU SAID CLAUSE 9 ENABLED REGULATIONS TO BE MADE, CREATING CATEGORIES OF REGISTERED PERSONS ACCORDING TO THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY FOR PRACTISING A PROFESSION WITHOUT SUPERVISION, SPECIFYING WHO WOULD BE ENTITLED TO PRACTISE WITHOUT SUPERVISION, AND RESTRICTING THOSE WITHOUT THE PRESCRIBED QUALIFICATIONS FROM DOING SO.
/THE ORDINANCE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 17
THE ORDINANCE AS IT STOOD ENABLED PERSONS WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ADDITIONAL TO THOSE REQUIRED TO QUALIFY FOR REGISTRATION TO "PRACTISE ON THEIR OWN ACCOUNT".
SINCE THAT PHRASE IMPLIED CONTROL OF THE MODE OF BUSINESS, RATHER THAN THE NEED AND ADEQUACY OF PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION, IT WAS PROPOSED TO REPLACE "PRACTISE ON THEIR OWN ACCOUNT" WITH "PRACTISE WITHOUT SUPERVISION" TO REFLECT THE REAL INTENTION OF THE LAW.
THIS CLAUSE ALSO CONTAINED AMENDMENTS FOR REGULATIONS TO BE MADE ENABLING THE BOARD TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF TI(E EXPERIENCE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BOARD AND TO ACCEPT EXPERIENCE OTHER THAN THE PRESCRIBED EXPERIENCE.
MR HSU SAID CLAUSE 10 REQUIRED PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN APPROVED TEACHING INSTITUTIONS, SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS OR THE CIVIL SERVICE TO BE REGISTERED RATHER THAN EXEMPTED AS AT PRESENT, SO THAT THEY, TOO, WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE DISCIPLINARY CONTROL OF THE PROFESSIONAL BOARDS.
HOWEVER, THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION FEES, THE REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE AND THE REQUIREMENT TO PRACTISE IN LICENSED PREMISES.
DEBATE ON THE HILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS APPROVED t t « »
A MOTION TO AMEND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE MOTION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL AND SUBSEQUENT DISSOLUTIONS.
CLAUSE 2 PROVIDED THAT A SESSION OF THE COUNCIL WOULD END ON A DISSOLUTION, AND CLAUSE 3 ENABLED THE COUNCIL TO CONVENE FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF URGENT BUSINESS IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN ELECTION DAY AND THE DATE SET FOR THE GOVERNOR TO GIVE HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS.
CLAUSE 1 WAS A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT WHICH MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE PERIOD BETWEEN SESSIONS EXCLUDED Till PERIOD OF A DISSOLUTION.
CLAUSE 5 PROVIDED THAT STANDING ORDERS SHOULD APPLY TO ANY SITTING HELI) FOR THE CONS IDERATRI ON OF URGENT BUSINESS FOLLOWING A DISSOLUTION.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 18
SIR DAVID SAID THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TO MAKE OTHER DESIRABLE AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, CLAUSE 1 IS INTENDED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE PRESIDENT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ABSENT FROM HONG KONG, BUT MERELY FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, BEFORE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRESIDING IN HIS ABSENCE MAY APPLY.
"THIS FOLLOWS A SIMILAR CLARIFICATION WHICH WAS MADE WHEN THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WERE AMENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
CLAUSES 6 AND 7(B) PROVIDED FOR THE REPLACEMENT ' OF MARGINAL NOTES IN BILLS LEFT BY MARGIN SECTION HEADINGS. THIS AMENDMENT ALSO FOLLOWED FROM RECENT CHANGES TO THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS.
SIR DAVID SAID CLAUSES 7(A) AND 8 WERE TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS CONCERNED WITH THE PROCEDURES FOR DEBATING AMENDMENTS TO BILLS IN COMMITTEE.
"LASTLY, CLAUSE 9 GIVES AUTHORITY TO FINANCE COMMITTEE TO APPOINT SUB-COMMITTEES AND PERMITS THE COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH MATTERS BY CIRCULATION DURING A RECESS AND, IF NECESSARY, TO HOLD A MEETING IN A RECESS TO DECIDE MATTERS WHICH CANNOT BE DETERMINED ON CIRCULATION," HE ADDED.
LATER, IN REPLY TO SUGGESTIONS BY THE HON ANDREW WONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE DISSOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS YEAR, CONSISTENT WITH THE EXISTING LAW AND THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE ELECTION TIMETABLE, WOULD BE AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL LOOK AT THESE ARRANGEMENTS TO SEE WHETHER FURTHER REDUCTIONS COULD BE MADE IN FUTURE YEARS,” HE ADDED.
ON MR WONG’S REMARK THAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD EXERCISE HIS POWER AND APPOINT A NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER TO PRESIDE IN HIS ABSENCE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE, SIR DAVID QUOTED PARAGRAPH 60 OF THE WHITE PAPER ON "THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT-THE WAY FORWARD".
IT STATED THAT "WHEN THE GOVERNOR CANNOT ATTEND THE COUNCIL A MEMBER APPOINTED BY HIM OR THE SENIOR OFFICIAL MEMBER PRESENT WILL PRESIDE IN HIS PLACE."
THE GOVERNOR HAD ALREADY USED THE POWER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, AND WOULD NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO DO SO, SIR DAVID SAID.
THE POWER DID, OF COURSE, ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT A MEMBER OTHER THAN AN OFFICIAL MEMBER, HE ADDED.
REGARDING THE PROVISIONS IN CLAUSES 6 AND 7(B), SIR DAVID CONFIRMED THAT SECTION HEADINGS, LIKE MARGINAL NOTES, HAD NO LEGAL I l’FEI T, AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 18(3) OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 19 -
SIR DAVID ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE COULD NOT NORMALLY BE CONVENED FOLLOWING A DISSOLUTION.
"HOWEVER, UNDER THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS, THE GOVERNOR HAS POWER TO CONVENE A SITTING OF THE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION OF URGENT BUSINESS AFTER A DISSOLUTION," HE CONTINUED.
"IN SUCH AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENVISAGE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MIGHT INDEED BE RECALLED."
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CALL FOR NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER TO PRESIDE
tint
THE GOVERNOR SHOULD EXERCISE HIS POWER ' TO APPOINT A NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO PRESIDE OVER COUNCIL SITTINGS IN HIS PLACE, THE HON ANDREW WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING IN THE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF A MOTION, MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, TO AMEND THE COUNCIL STANDING ORDERS.
MR WONG RECALLED THAT HE HAD SAID ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS THAT THE GOVERNOR NEED NOT BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE HAD ALSO SAID THAT BEFORE HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD EVOLVED TO THAT STAGE, THE GOVERNOR OUGHT TO CONSISTENTLY APPOINT A NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL TO PRESIDE IN HIS PLACE.
BUT, BECAUSE OF THE WORDING OF THE STANDING ORDERS AND THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS, DOUBTS COULD BE CAST AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD THE NECESSARY POWERS.
MR WONG NOTED THAT THE ROYAL INSTRUCTION HAD BEEN AMENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO REMOVE THE DOUBTS.
CLAUSE 1 OF THE PRESENT MOTION PROPOSED A SIMILAR REDRAFTING TO THE STANDING ORDERS.
HE WELCOMED THE AMENDMENT AND URGED THE PRESIDENT TO EXERCISE HIS UNEQUIVOCAL POWERS TO APPOINT A NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER TO PESIDE IN HIS PLACE.
TURNING TO THE DISSOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE PROVISION HAD BEEN AMENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO ALLOW FOR AN INCREASED FLEXIBILITY OF A SHORTER DISSOLUTION WITHOUT UPSETTING THE TRADITION OF A RECESS DURING AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.
/THE PRESENT
WEDNESDAYt JULY 6, 1988
20
THE PRESENT AMENDMENT SOUGHT TO ALLOW FOR A FURTHER INCREASE IN THE FLEXIBILITY OF A SHORTER DISSOLUTION BY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR A SITTING TO BE HELD FOR URGENT BUSINESS BETWEEN ELECTION DAY AND THE DAY OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW COUNCIL.
MR WONG SAID MEMBERS BELIEVED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THE DISSOLUTION PERIOD OUGHT TO BE AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE.
"I DO URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO FURTHER STUDY THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER REDUCING THE DISSOLUTION PERIOD TO, SAY, THREE WEEKS BEFORE ELECTION DAY AND, SAY, UP TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE COMMENCEMENT, AS IS THE CASE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,” HE SAID.
ON CLAUSE 6 WHICH PROPOSED TO REPLACE MARGINAL NOTES BY SECTION HEADINGS IN HONG KONG’S LAWS, MR WONG SOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT’S CONFIRMATION THAT SECTION HEADINGS, LIKE MARGINAL NOTES, HAD NO LEGAL EFFECT.
HE ALSO WELCOMED THE CLARIFICATION PROPOSED IN ' CLAUSE 9 THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE COULD SIT DURING A RECESS.
HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONFIRM THAT THIS DID NOT INCLUDE THE DISSOLUTION PERIOD EXCEPT WHEN THE COUNCIL WAS RECALLED.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN EXPENDITURE * ♦ * ♦ *
A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINAL QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987-88 WAS TABLED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS. IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). %
HE ADDED THAT ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY. THE LATTER HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8I8HA) OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
MR JACOBS SAID SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF 11,826.5 MILLION WAS APPROVED.
IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS. auuiiiunal
/THIS INCLUDED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 21
THIS INCLUDED SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $1,193.6 MILLION FOR THE 1987 PAY ADJUSTMENT AND PAY IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE FOR MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF IN RESPECT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $82.8 MILLION DURING THE PERIOD, AND NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $773.2 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, A NET INCREASE OF 848 POSTS WAS APPROVED, MR JACOBS SAID.
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COMPLEX COMMERCIAL (’RIMES BILL PASSED t t t t
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988 WAS AMONG SEVEN BILLS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE OTHER BILLS PASSED WERE THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1988, DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1988, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AND A PRIVATE BILL, THE RAINIER INTERNATIONAL BANK (TRANSFER OF HONG KONG UNDERTAKING) BILL 1988.
THREE BILLS WERE' INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-1988) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1988, AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED A MOTION, MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THAT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BF. MADE TO ITS STANDING ORDERS.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 22 -
PLANS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT LINKS WITH CHINA
*****
EXPANSION PLANS ARE BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO COPE WITH HONG KONG’S INCREASING ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA, ESPECIALLY GUANGDONG PROVINCE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON WHETHER THERE ARE PLANS TO EXTEND HONG KONG’S RAIL LINKS AND OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORT LINKS WITH SOUTHERN CHINA, MR LEUNG SAID THAT IN THE PAST FEW YEARS MUCH HAD BEEN DONE TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT LINKS WITH CHINA AND THAT INTERIM MEASURES HAD BEEN ADOPTED , TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM RELIEF.
"AS A RESULT OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS, OUR TRANSPORT LINKS ARE, BROADLY SPEAKING, ADEQUATE IN MEETING THE PRESENT DEMAND. LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE ALSO BEING EXAMINED UNDER THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY AND THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY," HE SAID.
ON RAIL LINKS, MR LEUNG SAID THAT RAIL FREIGHT WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND DOUBLE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
"THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAS EMPLOYED CONSULTANTS TO LOOK INTO THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FREIGHT FACILITIES AT THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION.
"TO MATCH THE EXPANSION PLAN FOR HUNG HOM, A NEW MARSHALLING YARD AT LO WU IS BEING PLANNED. THESE PROJECTS ARE UNDER JOINT CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENT AND KCRC," HE SAID.
FOR PASSENGERS, MR LEUNG SAID THAT THE NEW LO WU STATION OPENED SINCE JANUARY LAST YEAR OFFERED MUCH IMPROVED FACILITIES.
"TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING CROSS BORDER PASSENGER MOVEMENTS, A FIFTH THROUGH TRAIN IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR REGULAR ONES HAS BEEN INTRODUCED. OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF EXPRESS TRAINS TO LO WU AND FURTHER EXPANSION OF FACILITIES AT LO WU TERMINAL," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ROAD LINKS, MR LEUNG SAID THAT AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, MAN KAM TO ROAD WAS BEING WIDENED TO PROVIDE ONE SOUTHBOUND LANE AND TWO NORTHBOUND LANES TO ALLOW TRAFFIC QUEUING TO BE CONFINED TO ONE LANE, LEAVING THE REMAINING LANE FOR OTHER TRAFFIC. THE WIDENING WORK WOULD BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
/"IN ADDITION.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 23 -
"IN ADDITION, A TEMPORARY VEHICLE HOLDING AREA FOR 500 VEHICLES HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN SHEUNG SHUI . ANOTHER HOLDING AREA FOR 100 VEHICLES WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE TO HONG KONG BOUND VEHICLES,” HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY ADDED THAT THE THIRD CROSSING POINT AT LOK MA CHAU WAS BEING CONSTRUCTED JOINTLY WITH CHINA.
"STAGE ONE COMPRISING A DUAL TWO-LANE BRIDGE, A BORDER CONTROL COMPLEX AND TWO VEHICLE HOLDING AREAS IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL NEXT YEAR. STAGE TWO INVOLVING A SECOND BRIDGE WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1990. THE TOTAL PLANNED CAPACITY IS 40,000 VEHICLES A DAY.
"THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO UPGRADE SHA TAU KOK ROAD. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT YEAR. BASED ON PRESENT PROJECTIONS, THESE IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW WORKS WILL BE ADEQUATE TO MEET DEMAND UNTIL THE END OF THE CENTURY," MR LEUNG SAID.
REGARDING SEA LINKS, MR LEUNG SAID THAT ADDITIONAL CARGO HANDLING AREAS WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AT AP LEI CHAU, RAMBLER CHANNEL, CHAI WAN AND QUARRY BAY. BY 1992, AN 'ADDITIONAL 1,300 METRES OF SEA FRONTAGE WOULD BE AVAILABLE.
ON CROSS-BORDER FERRY TRAFFIC, HE SAID THAT A NEW CHINA FERRY TERMINAL AT TSIM SHA TSUI WOULD COME INTO OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, REPLACING THE EXISTING TERMINALS AT TAI KOK TSUI AND CENTRAL.
"THE NEW TERMINAL CAN HANDLE 4,400 PASSENGERS PER HOUR, WITH A MAXIMUM DESIGNED CAPACITY FOR OVER 19 MILLION PASSENGERS PER YEAR, AN EIGHT-FOLD INCREASE OVER THE CURRENT PATRONAGE," HE SAID.
------0 ------
PROMOTION OF ADULT EDUCATION » * t ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT PROMOTES ADULT EDUCATION DIRECTLY THROUGH COURSES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND INDIRECTLY BY SUBVENTING COURSES PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR WONG SAID THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISED BOTH FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL COURSES FOR ADULTS IN THE EVENING.
FORMAL COURSES COVERED THOSE IN BASIC GENERAL EDUCATION AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL, AND SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSES LEADING TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
/IT ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 24 -
IT ALSO INCLUDED COURSES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEADING TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION OR TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON ORDINARY LEVEL EXAMINATION; A DIPLOMA COURSE IN HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES; AND REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES IN CULTURAL SUBJECTS FOR SERVING TEACHERS.
AS FOR THE NON-FORMAL COURSES, MR WONG SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISED NUMEROUS COURSES IN THE EVENING.
"THEY INCLUDE PRACTICAL COURSES IN BASIC HOUSEHOLD SKILLS AND OTHER COURSES OF A CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL NATURE," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE GENERAL AIM IS TO ASSIST INTERESTED ADULTS IN DEVELOPING TALENTS AND SKILLS, AND IN MAKING SENSIBLE USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME."
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT PRESENT ENROLMENT IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION COURSES, NOW BEING RUN AT 54 LOCATIONS ALL OVER THE TERRITORY, STOOD AT AROUND 40,000 PEOPLE PER YEAR.
TURNING TO THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, HE SAID THAT SINCE 1980 A SUBVENTION SCHEME HAD BEEN IN OPERATION TO ASSIST VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO RUN ADULT EDUCATION COURSES.
"TODAY 59 AGENCIES ARE RECEIVING SUBVENTIONS FOR 177 COURSES INVOLVING SOME 13,000 PARTICIPANTS. THESE COURSES GENERALLY SUPPLEMENT OR COMPLEMENT THOSE RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT," MR WONG SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF EFFECTIVENESS, HE SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BE SCIENTIFIC BECAUSE THERE WAS DEMAND AND THE ENROLMENT RATES WERE HIGH.
"ONCE ENROLLED IN A COURSE, MOST ADULT STUDENTS ATTEND REGULARLY AND ONLY A SMALL NUMBER DROP OUT COMPLETELY," MR WONG SAID.
"IN ANY CASE COURSES ARE INTRODUCED UPON INDICATION OF DEMAND."
THE FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS AND POST-COURSE EVALUATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED WOULD ENABLE DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN AS TO WHETHER A PARTICULAR COURSE SHOULD BE CONTINUED OR WHETHER CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED TO BE MADE, MR WONG ADDED.
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/25........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 25 -
CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR EDUCATION REPORT EXTENDED
*****
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3 WILL BE EXTENDED BY TWO MONTHS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH, MR WONG SAID THE EXTENSION MEANT THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WOULD NOW END ON OCTOBER 15.
"THE EXTENSION WILL, I BELIEVE, GIVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND VARIOUS INTERESTED GROUPS ADEQUATE TIME TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS ON THE TWO SUBJECTS LISTED FOR CONSULTATION," HE SAID.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF HIE REPORT ON JUNE 16, THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH HAD BEEN MONITORING PUBLIC OPINION.
"WE HAVE ALSO BEEN INVOLVED EXTENSIVELY IN BRIEFING AND DISCUSSING WITH VARIOUS INTERESTED GROUPS," HE EXPLAINED.
"MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED THEIR OPINION IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER."
HE \DDED THAT SEVERAL GROUPS HAD ALSO INDICATED TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND WITHIN THE TWO-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD BECAUSE OF REAL LOGISTICAL DIFFICULTIES.
AFTER HAVING CONSIDERED ALL THESE REQUESTS, MR WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THEREFORE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
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ACTION TAKEN AGAINST OFFENDING COMICS *****
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC, SUFFICIENT SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS HAD BEEN OBTAINED TO CONVINCE RETAILERS THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT RISK IN SELLING OBSCENE OR INDECENT MATERI Al TO YOUNG PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR TSAO SAID THE AUTHORITIES WERE AWARE THAT COMIC BOOKS DEPICTING VIOLENCE AND SEX HAD BEEN AVAILABLE AT CERTAIN COMMERCIAL OUTLETS FOR SOME TIME.
/"IN A
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6t 1988
- 26 -
"IN A RECENT SURVEY OF 32 NEWSPAPER VENDORS AND STREET STALLS, THREE WERE FOUND TO BE SELLING ARTICLES CLASSIFIED AS CLASS II, THAT IS, INDECENT, OR CLASS III, THAT IS, OBSCENE, IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT THOSE WHO PEDDLED OBSCENF MATERIALS TO YOUNG PEOPLE WERE CRIMINALS AND, LIKE CRIMINALS, THEY !’OOK STEPS TO CONCEAL THEIR ACTIVITIES.
TO COUNTER SUCH ACTIVITIES, HE SAID THAT OFFICE’S OF THE POLICE, THE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING WERE DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO REFER MATERIALS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING ALSO RESPONDED TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUCH COMICS FROM THE PUBLIC AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
HE NOTED THAT THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL HAD CONSIDERED 197 COMIC BOOKS SINCE THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1987.
"SIX WERE CLASSIFIED CLASS I, THAT IS SUITABLE FOR GENERAL CONSUMPTION, AND 123 AS INDECENT AND 68 AS OBSCENE. •
"THERE HAVE BEEN NINE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS INVOLVING 131 COMIC BOOKS.
"FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS HAVE RANGED FROM $500 TO $12,000, WITH MOST OFFENDERS HAVING BEEN FINED ABOUT $1,000," HE SAID.
MOREOVER, MR TSAO SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING HAD STAFF MEMBERS EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN PATROLLING OUTLETS WHICH SOLD COMICS.
"IN ADDITION, THE POLICE, SUBJECT TO LOCAL RESOURCES AND PRIORITIES, TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OUTLETS SUSPECTED OF SELLING OBSCENE MATERIAL," HE NOTED.
"MOST CASES NOW UNDER INVESTIGATION ARE INITIATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING’S STAFF; HOWEVER, COMPLAINTS AND REFERRALS FROM DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE PUBLIC ARE A VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION THAT WE’VE OBTAINED."
- - O-----------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 27 -
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR DRAFT DESIGN BEING VETTED » * ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF THE PROJECT TO CONNECT CENTRAL AND MID-LEVELS WITH A SERIES OF HILLSIDE ESCALATORS.
IT HOPED TO FINALISE THE DRAFT DESIGN SOON AND THEREAFTER CALL FOR A DETAILED DESIGN.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN’ REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARIA TAM.
HE SAID THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT WAS NOW ESTIMATED AT $105 MILLION AND RECURRENT YEARLY EXPENDITURE AT $1 MILLION.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT BECAUSE OF RISING COSTS A REVIEW OF THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROJECT AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY WERE NECESSARY.
’’ONCE THESE STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, GOVERNMENT WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO DECIDE ON THE TIMING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.”
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POWER COMPANIES VERY CONSCIOUS OF RESPONSIBILITY * » t t t
THE POWER COMPANIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY CONSCIOUS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THEIR CONSUMERS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’ALL REASONABLE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO MINIMISE POWER FAILURES, SUCH AS THE USE OF RELIABLE EQUIPMENT AND BACK-UP FACILITIES, A REGULAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME AND TIMELY REPLACEMENT OF AGING AND OVERLOADED EQUIPMENT,” MR JACOBS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI.
IN ADDITION, CONSUMERS WERE ADVISED TO RECTIFY ANY FAULTS FOUND IN THEIR OWN INSTALLATIONS.
"THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL THESE MEASURES HAS ENABLED THE COMPANIES TO MAINTAIN A VERY GOOD RECORD IN TERMS OF SUPPLY RELIABILITY.
/’’ALTHOUGH MINOR
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 28 -
"ALTHOUGH MINOR LOCALISED BLACKOUTS INEVITABLY OCCUR FROM TIME TO TIME, LARGE-SCALE POWER FAILURES HAVE, FORTUNATELY, BEEN AN EXTREMELY RARE OCCURRENCE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR LARGE-SCALE BLACKOUTS, MR JACOBS SAID THE POWER COMPANIES HAD ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES DESIGNED TO RESTORE POWER TO AFFECTED AREAS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
"PRIORITY IS, HOWEVER, GIVEN TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES INCLUDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE AIRPORT.
"KEY GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS SUCH AS HOSPITALS . AND POLICE STATIONS HAVE THEIR OWN STANDBY GENERATORS TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF ESSENTIAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY DURING ANY POWER LOSS.
"THE POLICE AND THE FIRE SERVICES HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY CAN RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO ANY LARGE-SCALE POWER BLACKOUTS," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID COMPILATION OF STATISTICS ON POWER FAILURES WAS DONE BY THE POWER COMPANIES.
WHENEVER THERE WAS A FAILURE, INQUIRIES WERE MADE BY THE COMPANY CONCERNED IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSES SO THAT MEASURES COULD BE ADOPTED TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE.
THE FINDINGS OF THESE INQUIRIES WERE REPORTED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"THERE ARE, OF COURSE, MANY POSSIBLE CAUSES OF POWER FAILURES.
"THESE INCLUDE EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN, DAMAGE TO POWER LINES FROM SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THIRD PARTY INTERFERENCE AND FAULTS WITHIN CONSUMER INSTALLATIONS," HE ADDED.
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PROCEDURES ON SCHOOL STRUCTURAL SAFETY SATISFACTORY
» » » » »
EXISTING PROCEDURES ARE SATISFACTORY IN ENSURING THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IF THESE ARE ADHERED TO CORRECTLY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ROBIN SAUNDERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SCHOOL PREMISES WERE IN GENERAL MAINTAINED IN A REASONABLE STATE OF REPAIR AND STRUCTURAL FAILURES WERE VERY RARE, MR SAUNDERS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN.
/MRS FAN .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- ?9 -
MRS FAN HAD REFERRED TO A RECENT INCIDENT WHEN A WALL COLLAPSED IN A SCHOOL DORMITORY, KILLING A STUDENT.
SHE ASKED WHETHER REGULAR INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND WHETHER THERE COULD BE IMPROVEMENTS TO PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF SUCH ACCIDENTS.
MR SAUNDERS SAID INSPECTIONS OF SCHOOL PREMISES WERE CARRIED OUT BY RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ALTHOUGH THESE WERE NOT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENSURING STRUCTURAL SAFETY.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WERE, ON AVERAGE, INSPECTED ABOUT EVERY FIVE YEARS BY EITHER THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE PREMISES WERE WITHIN A HOUSING ESTATE OR NOT.
"THESE INSPECTIONS ARE PRIMARILY TO ASCERTAIN MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT, FOR WHICH THE TWO DEPARTMENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE^ BUT THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTORS DO ALSO CARRY OUT, AT THE SAME TIME, A SUPERFICIAL EXAMINATION OF THE BUILDINGS FOR ANY TELL-TALE SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL DISTRESS," HE SAID.
"IN THE CASE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS, THERE IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER REGULATION 15 OF THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS, 1971, THAT, FOR SCHOOLS SITUATED IN BUILDINGS WHICH, HAVING REGARD TO THE LOADINGS FOR WHICH THEY WERE DESIGNED, ARE NOT GENERALLY SUITABLE FOR USE AS SCHOOL PREMISES, SCHOOL SUPERVISORS MUST ARRANGE FOR THEIR BUILDINGS TO BE INSPECTED PERIODICALLY BY A QUALIFIED ARCHITECT.
"THE PURPOSE OF THESE INSPECTIONS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BUILDINGS ARE STRUCTURALLY SAFE, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF OLDER BUILDINGS OR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE TIMBER JOISTS ARE USED IN THE FLOORING,” HE SAID.
HE SAID FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PURPOSE-BUILT PREMISES, THERE WAS NO REQUIREMENT UNDER THESE REGULATIONS FOR SUCH INSPECTIONS, AND IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES TO ENSURE THAT THE BUILDINGS WERE SAFE.
MR SAUNDERS SAID ALL SCHOOLS WERE REGULARLY INSPECTED BY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
HE HAD BEEN ADVISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION THAT, FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT TO WHICH MRS FAN REFERRED, IT HAD BEEN ARRANGED THAT, DURING THESE INSPECTIONS, THE OPPORTUNITY WOULD BE TAKEN TO REMIND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES THAT THEY SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IF THEY NOTICED ANY SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL WEAKNESS.
IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS, THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES WOULD REPORT TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ANY STRUCTURAL DEFECTS WHICH THEY THOUGHT MIGHT POSE A RISK, HE SAID.
/THE DIRECTOR
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
THE DIRECTOR WOULD THEN ARRANGE FOR THE GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR TO INSPECT THE BUILDING, INVESTIGATE ANY PROBLEMS, AND ADVISE ON REMEDIAL ACTION, HE SAID.
MR SAUNDERS SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WAS ALSO EMPOWERED TO TAKE ACTION REGARDING CASES IN WHICH BUILDINGS BECAME POSITIVELY UNSAFE OR WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF STRUCTURAL DETERIORATION.
"IN THE CASE REFERRED TO BY MRS FAN, THE WALL WHICH COLLAPSED WAS AN INTERNAL NON-LOAD-BEAR I NG PARTITION AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING WAS NOT AT RISK," HE ADDED.
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COUNCILLORS CAN GIVE SUPPORT IN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES
« « « « »
IT IS NOT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION EITHER TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, OTHER THAN OFFICIAL MEMBERS, GIVING SUPPORT TO CANDIDATES IN THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE.
SIR DAVID SAID JUST AS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WERE FREE TO SUPPORT CANDIDATES IN ELECTIONS AT ALL LEVELS, EXECUTIVE COUNCI I,LORS WERE FREE TO ACT IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES.
"OF COURSE, I WOULD NOT EXPECT THEM TO CLAIM - AND 1 AM SURE THEY WILL NOT CLAIM - THAT IN GIVING ANY SUCH SUPPORT THEY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS A WHOLE OR OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"AND, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL ELECTOR TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO TAKE SUCH SUPPORT INTO ACCOUNT."
STRESSING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION WAS ONE OF "COMPLETE NEUTRALITY AS BETWEEN CANDIDATES", SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION PROVIDED THREE KINDS OF ASSISTANCE TO ALL CANDIDATES ON AN EQUAL FOOT ING:
* FIRST, UNDER REGULATION 6 OF THE POST OFFICE REGULATIONS, EACH CANDIDATE MIGHT SEND ONE LETTER TO EACH REGISTERED ELECTOR IN HIS CONSTITUENCY FREE OF POSTAGE.
A SECONDLY, THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
* SECONDLY, THE ADMINISTRATION DISTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTORATE, ON BEHALF OF THE CANDIDATES, FREE OF CHARGE, LEAFLETS CONTAINING THE PLATFORMS OF EACH CANDIDATE.
« FINALLY, DISTRICT OFFICERS ARRANGED SEMINARS AND DISCUSSION FORUMS IN THEIR DISTRICTS TO PRESENT ELECTORAL COLLEGE CANDIDATES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PLATFORMS.
"THESE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO PROMOTE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT GENERALLY AND TO HELP ACQUAINT THE ELECTORATE WITH THE* CANDIDATES,” SIR DAVID NOTED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT, AND DOES NOT INTEND TO, DO ANYTHING WHICH AMOUNTS TO SUPPORTING ANY ONE CANDIDATE AS AGAINST ANOTHER.”
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WIDOW’S,
CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME BEING REVIEWED
t » * ♦ *
THE WIDOW’S AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE IS BEING REVIEWED AT PRESENT WITH A VIEW TO UPDATING ITS PROVISIONS AND REMOVING EXISTING ANOMALIES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROVISIONS OF THE SCHEME, INCLUDING ITS COMPULSORY MEMBERSHIP, RATE OF CONTRIBUTION AND THE DEFINITION OF BENEFICIARY WOULD BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT OF STAFF VIEWS AND ACTUARIAL ADVICE.
"IT IS PREMATURE TO SAY AT THIS STAGE WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SPECIFICALLY WILL BE BROUGHT ABOUT AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW.” HE ADDED. ’
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/32
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
32 -
FUTURE USE OF FRICTION COURSE DEPENDS ON TRIAL RESULTS
*****
THE USE OF A FRICTION COURSE TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE WOULD DEPEND ON THE RESULTS OF A SUFFICIENTLY LONG TRIAL ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR LEUNG SAID THAT RESULTS OF SEVERAL NOISE SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SHOWED THAT THE FRICTION COURSE LAID ON A 300-METRE SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR HAD REDUCED THE NOISE GENERATED BY ROAD VEHICLES BY AN AVERAGE OF FIVE DECIBELS.
THIS WAS CONSIDERED SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE TO ACHIEVE THIS REDUCTION THE TRAFFIC FLOW ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REDUCED TO ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF ITS CURRENT FLOW.
HOWEVER, MR LEUNG SAID, THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN APPLYING THIS FRICTION COURSE TO ELEVATED CONCRETE ROADS WAS TO ACCOMMODATE THE EXPANSION JOINTS OF THESE STRUCTURES. ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR THE JOINTS HAD BEEN COVERED USING A BURIED JOINT SYSTEM NOT PREVIOUSLY USED IN HONG KONG. ’’THE DURABILITY OF THIS SYSTEM AND THE ADHESION OF THE FRICTION COURSE TO THE OLD CONCRETE SURFACE WILL NEED TO BE MONITORED FOR A LONGER PERIOD BEFORE ANY EXTENSION OF THE TRIAL CAN BE CONSIDERED,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE USE OF THIS BITUMINOUS FRICTION COURSE WAS DEVELOPED BY HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT MAINLY TO IMPROVE SKID RESISTANCE AND WAS USED ORIGINALLY ON THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WHERE TRAFFIC WAS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE FUTURE USE OF THIS MATERIAL TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE IN ADDITION TO IMPROVING SKID RESISTANCE WOULD BE MORE ACTIVELY PURSUED ONCE THE PRESENT TRIAL SECTION ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR HAD PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL OVER A SUFFICIENT PERIOD OF TIME.
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/33
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 33 -
COVERS PROPOSED TO REDUCE FLYOVER NOISE * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED THAT LIGHT-WEIGHT TRANSPARENT COVERS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR FLYOVERS CARRYING A HIGH VOLUME OF TRAFFIC CLOSE TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR HSU SAID THE MEASURE WOULD BE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING THE NOISE PROBLEM, AND WAS LIKELY TO BE MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN CONCRETE COVERS.
"THE PRACTICABILITY AND FEASIBILITY OF SUCH DESIGNS ARE BEING REVIEWED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, BUT AN ACTUAL EXPERIMENT HAS NOT YET BEEN CONDUCTED," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT TWO ELEVATED SECTIONS OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS NEAR CHOI HUNG ESTATE AND RICHLAND GARDENS IN KOWLOON SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED WITH NOISE REDUCING ENCLOSURES.
"PLANS ARE IN HAND TO EVALUATE WHETHER THESE ENCLOSURES COULD BE MADE OF LIGHT-WEIGHT TRANSPARENT MATERIALS," MR HSU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WAS
CONSIDERING THIS MATTER TOGETHER WITH THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
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RAIL WAGONS CLEANSED IN CHINA *****
RAILWAY WAGONS ARE SENT BACK THE SAME DAY FOR CLEANSING IN CHINA AFTER UNLOADING OF LIVE PIGS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR HSU SAID THE WAGONS USED TO IMPORT LIVESTOCK FROM CHINA ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WERE NOT CLEANSED IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE INTENTION THAT THE UNLOADING OF LIVE PIGS NOW TAKING PLACE AT HO MAN TIN WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW SHEUNG SHUI ABATTOIR BY 1990.
/THIS WOULD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- -
THIS WOULD REMOVE THE NEED FOR PIGS TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE URBAN AREA.
MR HSU ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ABATTOIRS, MARKETS AND LAIRAGES WERE EXEMPTED FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH CONTROLLED THE DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.
’’HOWEVER, ADEQUATE ANTI-POLLUTION MEASURES ARE TAKEN BY THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AT THESE FACILITIES.
’’LIVESTOCK WASTE IS COLLECTED ON A DAILY BASIS AND DISPOSED OF AT LANDFILLS AND INCINERATORS," HE SAID.
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INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS EXPECTED * * t ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT HAD A 10-YEAR VALIDITY AND IT COULD BE REPLACED BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN PASSPORT HAD A PROGRESSIVELY SHORTER VALIDITY AS 1997 APPROACHED, AND WAS NOT REPLACEABLE AFTER JULY 1, 1997.
MR BARNES SAID: "THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG PROVIDES THAT HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTC’S) WILL CEASE TO BE SUCH CITIZENS WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1997, BUT WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RETAIN AN APPROPRIATE STATUS WHICH WILL ENTITLE THEM TO USE BRITISH PASSPORTS.
"THE SCHEDULE TO THE HONG KONG ACT 1985 PROVIDES THE LEGAL BASIS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROVISION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM. ’’
UNDER THE ACT, THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER WAS MADE WHEREBY THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS), OR BN(O), STATUS HAD BEEN CREATED, HE ADDED.
/44R BARNES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 35 -
MR BARNES NOTED THAT A HONG KONG BDTC WAS ENTITLED UNDER THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, TO REGISTER AS A BN(O) AND TO HOLD A BN(O) PASSPORT.
THEREFORE, THE APPLICATION FOR A BN(O) PASSPORT EMBODIED THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS SUCH A NATIONAL, HE SAID.
THE STATUS OF A HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN WOULD CEASE ON JULY 1, 1997. w
"UNTIL THAT DATE THERE IS A CHOICE FOR HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS TO ELECT TO ACQUIRE THE BN(O) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT GOES WITH IT," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ESTABLISHED GOVERNMENT POLICY NEITHER TO ENCOURAGE NOR DISCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS TO ACQUIRE A NATIONALITY OR CITIZENSHIP THROUGH REGISTRATION OR NATURALISATION.
"THE CHOICE MUST RE LEFT TO THE INDIVIDUALS THEMSELVES, AND IT IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERT ANY INFLUENCE TN THIS RESPECT," HE SAID.
"NEVERTHELESS, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ON THE BN(O) STATUS AND ADEQUATE GUIDANCE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A BN(O) PASSPORT.
"AS EARLY AS OCTOBER 1985 WHEN THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 WAS PUBLISHED, THE GOVERNMENT INITIATED EFFORTS TO EXPLAIN THE BN(O) STATUS AND TO INVITE THE PUBLIC TO MAKE KNOWN THEIR VIEWS.
"PRIOR 1'0 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT, EFFORTS WERE ALSO MADE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE THROUGH THE . .:;s MEDIA, DISCUSSIONS AT DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, DISPLAYS OF FOSTERS, DISTRIBUTION OF EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS AND OPERATION OF A RECORDED TELEPHONE MESSAGE SYSTEM.-"
MR BARNES ADDED THAT SINCE NOVEMBER 17, 1987, A HOTLINE HAD BEEN OPERATING IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO SERVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE BN(O) PASSPORT.
/36........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 36 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDS FOR DCA *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE NOTED THE TERMS OF THE 1988 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT (DCA) WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT AND APPROVED PROVISION OF $1,407 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CASH CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON IN 1988-89.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF $266 MILLION TO COVER VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) AND SALARIES TAX ON ALLOWANCES INCURRED UNDER THE 1981 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, w
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF A FIRM TIME-TABLE FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF GARRISON UNITS BEFORE 1997, IT WAS NOT PRACTICABLE TO PROVIDE A DETAILED ESTIMATE OF THE EXPECTED SAVINGS FROM THIS SOURCE.
HOWEVER, FROM THE BROAD OUTLINE, IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT THE REDUCTION IN FORCE LEVELS PRIOR TO 1997 WOULD RESULT IN SAVINGS TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF APPROXIMATELY $5,800 MILLION OVER THE LIFE OF THE NEW AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD RUN FROM APRIL 1, 1988 TO
JUNE 30, 1997.
THIS COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $2,000 MILLION OVER THE PERIOD Ob THE NEW AGREEMENT FOR THE EXPANSION OF LOCAL SERVICES TO TAKE OVER THE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ROLE AT PRESENT PERFORMED BY THE GARRISON.
IF THE FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL, WHICH WERE NOT A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF THE IMPROVED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NEW DCA, WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE CALCULATIONS, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THE HONG KONG SHARE OF THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON WOULD HAVE BEEN $11,200 MILLION HAD THE TERMS OF THE OLD AGREEMENT REMAINED IN FORCE.
UNDER THE NEW DCA, THE REDUCTION IN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION ARISES FROM TWO SOURCES.
THE FIRST IS THE EFFECT OF THE REDUCTION IN THE APPORTIONMENT OF COSTS FROM 75:25 TO 65:35 WHICH CUT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S SHARE OF GARRISON COSTS BY A TOTAL OF $1,400 MILLION OVER THE LIFE OF THE NEW AGREEMENT.
THE OTHER REDUCTION ARISES FROM ECONOMY MEASURES CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF STORES AND SUPPLIES, AND THE MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES FOR THE GARRISON.
DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD) TEAMS SOUGHT TO IDENTIFY AND AGREE ON AREAS WHERE COST SAVINGS AND RATIONALIZATION MIGHT BE MADE.
/LARGELY AS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
- 37 -
LARGELY AS A RESULT OE THE PROPOSED NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR STORES, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT, AND THE ANTICIPATED REDUCTION IN THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS SERVICES PROGRAMME, SAVINGS OF $800 MILLION OVER THE LIFE OF THE NEW AGREEMENT WERE IDENTIFIED.
HOWEVER, THERE WERE ADJUSTMENTS WHICH RESULTED IN A COST TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF SOME $500 MILLION OVER THE LI IE OF THE NEW AGREEMENT.
ONE OF THESE STEMMED FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S AGREEMENT TO MAKE A RECONCILIATION PAYMENT IN RESPECT OF UNITED KINGDOM VAT AND HONG KONG SALARIES TAX DUE ON THE ALLOWANCES PAID BY THE MOD TO MILITARY PERSONNEL SERVING IN HONG KONG UNDER THE 1981 AGREEMENT.
FOR THIS, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY APPROVED THE CREATION UNDER HEAD 34 OF A NEW CAPITAL ACCOUNT SUBHEAD '1981 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT: RECONCILIATION OF VAT AND SALARIES TAX ON ALLOWANCES’ WITH A COMMITMENT AND PROVISION OF $266 MILLION TO PROVIDE FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF THE DISPUTE UNDER THE 1981 DCA.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THAT THE STATUS OF VAT PAYMENTS MADE BY MOD WAS NOT CLEARLY ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1981 DCA, AND HAS AGREED TO SETTLE THE ISSUE ON THE UNDERSTANDING * THAT VAT WOULD NOT BE A LEGITIMATE CHARGE TO THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON UNDER THE 1988 DCA.
FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS WERE NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE AGREEMENT BY BOTH GOVERNMENTS TO MEET 100 PER CENT OF THE COST OF CERTAIN ITEMS WHICH FALL OUTSIDE THE COSTS TO BE APPORTIONED.
WHEN THESE ADDITIONAL COSTS ARE ADDED BACK, THE TOTAL NET SAVING TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF THE NEW DCA IS $1,700 MILLION.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE NEW DCA IS ESTIMATED AT $9,500 MILLION FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1988 TO JUNE 30, 1997.
EXCLUDING THE PROVISION ALREADY APPROVED UNDER HEAD 34 FOR WORKS SERVICES, THE TOTAL ESTIMATED HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IS $1,673 MILLION.
THIS TOTAL COMPRISES $1,407 MILLION TO COVER THE 65 PER CENT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CASH CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS DCA COSTS AND $266 MILLION TO COVER THE ONE-OFF SETTLEMENT IN RESPECT OF VAT AND HONG KONG SALARIES TAX ON ALLOWANCES ARISING OUT OF THE 1981 DCA.
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/38........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
SOUTHERN DB TO DISCUSS NEW BOAT PEOPLE POLICY
* » * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE NEWLY INTRODUCED SCREENING POLICY FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AT A BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE BOARD WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED RE-INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME IN HONG KONG. A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MRS S. BOURNE, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SUBJECT AND ANSWER RELATED QUESTIONS.
MEANWHILE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MISS ANISSA S.Y. WONG, WILL BE PRESENT TO BRIEF THE BOARD ON THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND TO REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF WORKS PLANNED IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
DURING THE MEETING, THE MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF A STUDY ON THE OPENING OF A HONG KONG ELECTRIC CABLE TROUGH IN DEEP WATER BAY TO THE PUBLIC FOR USE AS A WALKWAY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY HK Q MARK SCHEME * » t t »
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WILL STUDY AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) THE HONG KONG Q MARK SCHEME, A SCHEME OPERATED TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO PRODUCE HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS.
UNDER THE SCHEME, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WHOSE PRODUCTS ACHIEVE AN ESTABLISHED STANDARD ARE ISSUED WITH ’Q' MARK LICENCES, WHICH ILLUSTRATES THAT THEIR PRODUCTS ARE RECOGNISED AS OF HIGH QUALITY.
/TWO REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
’ TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COUNCIL WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN THE SCHEME.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSED VISIT TO KADOORIE FARM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, I3TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 10 AM. >
KWAI TSI NG DB TO MEET TOMORROW » » »
MEMBERS OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY, THE OPERATION OF CHEUNG HONG HOSTEL SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRE AND THE CONSULTANCY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION.
A TOTAL OF EIGHT QUESTIONS WILL BE RAISED BY MEMBERS CONCERNING LOCAL HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, AIR POLLUTION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT THE MEETING ON THE "DISTRICT STRATEGY 1988-91 - PLANNING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT"; THE HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG THE KWAI CHUNG TRANSPORT CORRIDOR AND THE MAJOR TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE LAST DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING.
- 0 - -
/AO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
LO -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON SPORT
» ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT IN HONG KONG.
THE REPORT, ENTITLED "THE WAY AHEAD", RECOMMENDS THAT A STATUTORY BODY BE SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE OBJECT OF DEVELOPING SPORT AND RECREATION THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USAGE PATTERN OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL'S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT, 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 (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANL1NG. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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OUTSTANDING CYC MEMBERS BOUND FOR JAPAN, SINGAPORE ♦ ♦ t * ♦
TWENTY-THREE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) WERE AWARDED TRIPS EITHER TO JAPAN OR TO SINGAPORE FOR THEIR EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS THIS YEAR.
FIVE OF THE CYC MEMBERS WILL LEAVE FOR TOKYO ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) AND 18 WILL LEAVE FOR SINGAPORE ON THE FOLLOWING THURSDAY (JULY 14).
THE CYC MEMBERS, COMPRISING 11 BOYS AND 12 GIRLS FROM VARIOUS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS DURING THEIR SIX-DAY VISITS TO THE TWO COUNTRIES.
/A JOINT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
41
A JOINT FLAG PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND A TEA PARTY FOR THE CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) AFTERNOON.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL PRESENT BANNERS TO THE DELEGATION LEADERS TO MARK THE COMING DEPARTURE OF THE TWO GOODWILL TOUR GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT CAROLINE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, LEE GARDENS HOTEL, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8).
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1986 WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SURVEY » « * » *
TRADES,
ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1986 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 111,666 WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES WERE IN OPERATION DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1986.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT.
IN 1986, THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED $606,418 MILLION OF SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS; AND SPENT $29,392 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, $56,481 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES AND $497,464 MILLION ON PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, WHILE COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES AND PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALES ROSE BY 15 PER CENT, 18 PER CENT AND 22 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE SECTOR’S VALUE ADDED, REPRESENTING ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG, INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT TO $62,707 MILLION IN 1986, FROM $50,836 MILLION IN 1985.
WHEN ANALYSED BY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE RECORDED THE LARGEST SHARE OF SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AT $129,662 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR TOTAL.
/RETAIL TRADE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
42
RETAIL TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR 14 PER CENT, WHILE WHOLESALE TRADE TOOK UP 11 PER CENT, RESTAURANTS 4 PER CENT AND HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES 1 PER CENT.
IN 1986, THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST SHARE (58 PER CENT) OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR. THE REST WAS CONTRIBUTED BY RETAIL TRADE (17 PER CENT), RESTAURANTS (13 PER CENT), WHOLESALE TRADE (7 PER CENT) AND HOTELS/BOARDI NG HOUSES (6 PER CENT).
WHEN COMPARED WITH 1985, THE WHOLESALE TRADE AND THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS (BOTH BY +23 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES (+19 PER CENT), RETAIL TRADE (+13 PER CENT) AND RESTAURANTS (+9 PER CENT).
IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED, THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADEw RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE (+28 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES (+21 PER CENT), RETAIL TRADE (+20 PER CENT), WHOLESALE TRADE (+18 PER CENT) AND RESTAURANTS (+14 PER CENT).
THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE COMPARES SOME SELECTED PR I NC'[PAL STATISTICS BY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR 1985 AND 1986.
THE 1986 SURVEY WA.S ONE IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE AND SERVICE SECTOR AND UPDATING ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDED TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE, STOCKS, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF FIXED ASSETS.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY, TOGETHER WITH ANALYTICAL TABLES SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR ALL ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUP/ACT IVITY AND ANALYSED BY VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, ARE INCLUDED IN THE STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1986 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS".
THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT WILL BE USEFUL TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR POLICY FORMULATION, AND TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234942.
/Comparison of •••••••
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
Comparison of Selected Principal Statistics for all establishments in tlie Wholesale, Retail and Import/Export Trades, Restaurants and Hotels Sector between 19P5 and I9R6
Activity Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Number of employees Compensat ion of employees Operating expenses Purchases of goods for sale Changes In stocks Sales and other receipts Value added
• $ Hn. $ Hn. $ Hn. $ Hn. $ Hn. $ Hn.
Wholesale trade 1985 13 446 *61 149 46 179 1 938 3 072 46 723 379 52 996 3 623
1986 14 199 62 222 45 434 2 104 3 932 57 84 3 724 65 198 & 265
Z change +6 +2 -2 +9 +28 +24 +91 +23 + 18
Retail trade 1985 48 030 168 496 109 609 4 683 8 170 57 285 1 044 73 131 8 8R0
1986 51 369 173 943 112 803 5 274 9 576 64 936 2 -095 82 910 in 640
Z change +7 +3 +3 + 13 + 17 + 13 + 101 + 13 +20
Import/export trade 1985 33 881 205 780 183 169 11 856 29 771 293 767 I 282 349 765 2R 308
1986 37 947 225 032 198 373 14 197 35 618 364 801 6 135 429 662 36 172
Z change + 12 +9 +8 +20 +20 + 24 + 379 +23 +28
Restaurants 1985 6 620 157 453 150 270 5 887 5 100 8 592 5 20 585 6 946
1986 7 113 164 116 155 243 6 410 5 286 9 264 45 22 350 7 910
Z change +7 +4 +3 +9 +4 +8 +851 +9 + 14
Hotels/boardlng houses 1985 942 24 372 23 690 1 238 t 881 514 3 5 299 3 079
1986 1 038 27 212 26 252 1 407 2 069 619 8 6 298 3 719
Z change + 10 + 12 + 11 + 14 + 10 +21 + 233 + 19 +21
Total 1985 102 919 617 250 512 917 25 601 47 994 406 881 2 712 501 776 50 836
1986 111 666 652 525 538 104 29 392 56 481 497 464 9 008 606 418 62 707
Z change +8 +6 +5 + 15 + 18 +22 +232 +21 +23
Notes : (1) Individual Items may not add up to total due to rounding.
(2) Figures denoting changes are derived from unrounded figures.
(3) Value, added Is a measure of the contribution of an economic sector to Hong Rong's Gross Domestic Product. The definition can be found in the ”1966 Survey of Wholesale, Retail and Import/Export Trades, Restaurants and Hotels” report.
(A) Figures on number of persons engaged cover persons engaged by establishments which operated for the whole or part of the reference year and therefore are not figures referring to a particular time point.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
44 -
REPORT ON 1986 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS ON SALE » t » ♦
A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1986 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS" HAS RECENTLY BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND IS NOW ON SALE AT $20 PER COPY .
IT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF REPORTS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY ON THE SURVEY.
THF REPORT CONTAINS A WIDE RANGE OF STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS IN THE YEAR 1986, BASED ON THE DATA COLLECTED FROM ESTABLISHMENTS IN THESE SECTORS.
BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS REFER TO THE SECTORS OF :-
* BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
♦ ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES
EXAMPLES OF THE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE
» NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES
♦ GROSS OUTPUT, SERVICE INCOME AND OTHER INCOME
* VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT)
♦ PURCHASES OF GOODS AND MATERIALS
* OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
t GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS
APART FROM STATISTICS RELATING TO THE YEAR 1986, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS SOME SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1981 AND 1985 TO SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SECTORS IN RECENT YEARS.
/THE STATISTICS .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
THE STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
PURCHASES OF THE REPORT MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-8234977.
- 0 -
JUNE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL
» » ♦ » »
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THE JUNE 1988 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 170,000 ESTABLISHMENTS. THEY ARE RANDOMLY DRAWN FROM THOSE IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES), AND THEY COVER ALL THOSE IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS).
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY THE SURVEY AT THE END OF JUNE.
REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL MAIL ENQUIRY.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON JUNE 30 FOR EACH ESTABLISHMENT.
/SOME 10,000
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6t 1988
- 46 -
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM
THESE 170,000 ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF APRIL - JUNE.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
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TENANCY SOUGHT FOR GOVERNMENT LAND *****
A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN KOWLOON IS TO BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE LAND IS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND TO YUEN STREET, AND COVERS ABOUT «50 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) AND/OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN PURPOSES.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDERS CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 22.
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REVISED FARES FOR EIGHT GMB ROUTES ON ISLAND ♦ » ♦ ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FARES FOR EIGHT GREEN MINIBUS (GMB) ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE REVISED FROM SATURDAY (JULY 9).
THE SINGLE JOURNEY FARES FOR ROUTES 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 AND 35M WILL BE INCREASED BY 50 CENTS TO $3.50 WHILE THOSE FOR ROUTES 6, 7 AND 8 WILL GO UP BY $1 TO $4.
/FOLLOWING IS .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
4?
FOLLOWING IS A NEW FARE TABLE OF THESE GMB ROUTES:
ROUTE NO. ROUTE NEW FARE ($)
4A ABERDEEN (SHEK PAI WAN) TO CAUSEWAY BAY (YUN PING ROAD) 3.50
4B ABERDEEN (SHEK PAI WAN) TO WAN CHAI (CIRCULAR) 3.50
4C ABERDEEN (SHEK PAI WAN) TO CAUSEWAY BAY (YUN PING ROAD) 3.50
5 ABERDEEN (NAM NING STREET) TO CAUSEWAY BAY (PAK SHA ROAD) 3.50
6 OCEAN PARK/SHOUSON HILL TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) 4
7 MOUNT NICHOLSON TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) 4
8 BAGUIO VILLA (LOWER) TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) 4
35M ABERDEEN (NAM NING STREET) TO WAN CHAI (LUN FAT STREET) 3.50
CERTAIN SECTION FARES FOR ROUTES 4A, 9B, 4C AND 5 WILL ALSO BE INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE OF 50 CENTS WHILE THOSE FOR ROUTES 6, 7 AND 8 WILL GO UP BY AN AVERAGE OF $1.
MOREOVER, SECTION FARES RANGING FROM 50 CENTS TO $3 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR ROUTE 35M.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE FARE INCREASES WERE APPROVED IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING OPERATING COSTS AND THE GMB OPERATOR’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY SERVICES AND MODERNISE THE VEHICLE FLEET.
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/48........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1988
48 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG
» * » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8), NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS OF THE TUEN MUN PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE IN TUEN MUN AREA 44 AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THREE ROAD SECTIONS NEARBY WILL BE MADE 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THEY ARE:
t THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM ROAD 44K TO THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.
t THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE EXIT ROAD IN THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FROM THE EASTERN-MOST TAXI BAY TO THE WESTERN-MOST BUS BAY.
» THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE TO ROAD 44K.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
THE MEASURES ARE IMPLEMENTED TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE IN MID-JULY.
MEANWHILE, IN YUEN LONG, VEHICLES ON KUK TING STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL STRAIGHT ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD ONTO TAI TONG ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM. AS VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO CUT ACROSS THE TRAIN TRACK ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS AND DRIVE WITH CARE.
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FRESH WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG, FANLING ♦ * ♦ * ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AND IN FANLING WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES IN KWUN TONG INCLUDE BLOCKS 32-41 OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE. IN FANLING, ALL VILLAGES ALONG PING CHE ROAD WILL BE AFFECTED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR SEES PROGRESS AT POWER STATION AND LRT.............. 1
INCREASE IN PRIVATE SECTOR PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS ............ 2
TAC ADVISES AGAINST TOLL RISE FOR CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ...... 5
CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT IN TOP GEAR........................... 7
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL 1988 .. 9
INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR PUBLISHING CHINESE TEXTBOOKS .... 1J
RATEPAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON PAYMENT........................ 14
LOCAL PUBLICATIONS OF VERY HIGH STANDARD.................... 16
UC'S 865.1 MILLION KOWLOON CITY COMPLEX..................... 17
CURTAIN RAISER FOR TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.......... 17
NEED FOR YOUTH POLICY SUPPORTED ............................ 19
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY REPORT ................... 19
TAI PO DB VISITS SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE................. 20
DB BRIEFED ON REVISED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE ON CLEARANCE... 20
SPEEDPOST IN INDIA EXTENDED ................................ 21
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON MA TAU WAI ROAD................... 22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE........................ 22
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ......................... 2?
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN............................. 25
t
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
I
GOVERNOR SEES PROGRESS AT POWER STATION AND I.RT
* ♦ * t *
WHEN THE CASTLE PEAK 'B' STATION BECOMES FULLY OPEN' hiNAL IN EARLY 1990, IT WOULD, TOGETHER WITH THE ’A’ STATION, MAKE I 'ASTLE PEAK STATION COMPLEX THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN SOUTHEAST I A, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’THE TWO STATIONS WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 4,350 MEGAWATTS TO MEET DEMAND GROWTH OF THE EARLY 1990'S,” SIR DAVID SAID.
SPEAKING AFTER A VISIT TO THE CASTLE PEAK 'B' STATION CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THIS STATION WOULD GENERATE CAPACITY OF MORE THAN 2,700 MEGAWATTS, WHEREAS THE ,ADJACENT 'A' STATION CURRENTLY GENERATES A CAPACITY OF 1,650 MEGAWATTS.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE SITE, THE GOVERNOR WAS MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER, LORD KADOORIE; THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, SIR SIDNEY GORDON; THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR W.F. STONES; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF EXXON ENERGY LIMITED AND CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY, MR M.J. CLANCY.
DURING A TOUR OF THE NEWLY COMPLETED TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAW A WIDE RANGE OF EXHIBITS COVERING THE HISTORY OF ELECTRICITY AND ITS USAGES.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE CENTRE WAS OPEN TO VISITORS INCLUDING GROUPS FROM SCHOOLS AND OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT COAL WAS THE MAIN FUEL FOR THE BOILERS BECAUSE IT WAS CHEAPER, ON AN EQUIVALENT HEAT BASIS, THAN OIL. THE PROGRESSIVE SWITCH TO COAL HAD ENABLED THE COMPANY TO REDUCE THE COST OF ELECTRICITY BY 4.4 CENTS SINCE 1983.
SIR DAVID TALKED TO THE OPERATIONAL STAFF IN THE MAIN CONTROL ROOM. HE WAS ALSO SHOWN A SHORT DEMONSTRATION ON THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE REAL TIME SIMULATORS USED FOR THE TRAINING OF OPERATIONAL STAFF.
ON HIS VISIT TO THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT OFFICE IN TUEN MUN THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF THE NEW $1 BILLION PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT WHEN FULLY COMPLETED IN THE MID-1990'S, THE LRT WOULD BE CAPABLE OF MOVING 70,000 PEOPLE AN HOUR, SUFFICIENT TO MEET PROJECTED DEMAND WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
/THE GOVERNOR........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 2 -
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE QUESTION OF A RAIL LINK BETWEEN NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE METROPOLITAN AREA WAS BEING EXAMINED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG. AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KCRC, MR GERRY FORSGATE, SIR DAVID TRAVELLED ON THE LIGHT RAIL FROM THE DEPOT TO SIU HONG VIA PUI TC ROAD.
LATER HE DESCRIBED THE SHORT TRIP AS ’’COOL AND COMFORTABLE". SIR DAVID ALSO SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE CONVENIENCE OF THE LRT'S OPEN FARE SYSTEM WHERE THERE ARE NO TURNSTILES, GATES OR BARRIERS AT THE STOPS.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT MONITORING COMMITTEE ON LRT SERVICES ON JUNE 30, THE KCRC HAD AGREED TO IMPLEMENT A TOTALLY INTEGRATED FARE SYSTEM IN WHICH BOTH MONTHLY TICKET HOLDERS AND SINGLE-TRIP PASSENGERS WOULD BE ENTITLED TO FREE TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE LRT AND FEEDER BUSES.
DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES WERE BEING WORKED OUT AND THE CORPORATION WOULD MEET THE MONITORING GROUP AGAIN TO DISCUSS THEM.
---------0-----------
INCREASE IN PRIVATE SECTOR PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
FIGURES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS IN THE URBAN AREA (HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON) DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WERE RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON.
MR GLEESON SAID THE NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE INCREASED BY 7.4 PER CENT AND 32.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND HALVES OF 1987.
HE ADDED THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE FLATS WERE IN UNCOMPLETED BUILDINGS.
IN ALL, 32,552 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING ’HIE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATION IN THESE AGREEMENTS WAS $34.22 BILLION. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 28 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 ($26,731 BILLION) AND OF 23.6 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND HALF OF 1987 ($27,696 BILLION).
/DURING THE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, 40,645 ASSIGNMENTS OF UNITS IN COMPLETED BUILDINGS, THE MAJORITY RESIDENTIAL, WERE REGISTERED COMPARED WITH 46,828 AND 47,608 RESPECTIVELY DURING THE FIRST AND SECOND HALVES OF 1987, SHOWING DECREASES OF 13.2 PER CENT AND 14 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ’
. > P 30 .IA
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATION IN ASSIGNMENTS OF FLA'S INCREASED BY 7.5 PER CENT FROM $28,999 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 BUT DECREASED BY 5■»3 PER CENT FROM $32,919 BILLION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1987 TO $31,186 BILLION.
A TOTAL OF 2,393 ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS WERE COMPLETED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, COMPARED WITH 3,125 AND 4,682 IN THE FIRST AND SECOND HALVES OF 1987 RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WERE 337 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS. THIS WAS A DECLINE OF 18.8 PER CENT AND 39.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY ON TIIF FIRST AND SECOND HALVES OF 1987.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATION IN THESE ASSIGNMENTS INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT FROM $6,843 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987, BUT DECREASED BY 15.3 PER CENT FROM $11,072 BILLION IN TIIF SECOND HALF OF 1987 TO $9,375 BILLION.
TWENTY-NINE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 44,242 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE REGISTERED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988, COMPARED WITH 21 AND 51 513 RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 AND 30 AND 48,759 RESPECTIVELY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1987.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER BUILDING MORTGAGES REGISTERED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988 DROPPED BY 19.8 PER CENT FROM $0,353 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 AND BY 31.3 PER CENT FROM $0 412 BILLION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1987 TO $0,283 BILLION.
THE AMOUNT SECURED UNDER MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES, HOWEVER, ROSE BY 46.5 PER CENT FROM $23,424 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 AND BY 40 PER CENT FROM $24,504 BILLION IN TIIF SECOND HALF OF 1987 TO $34,311 BILLION.
REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE'S RECEIPTS, WERE UP BY 5.1 PER CENT FROM $11,737 BILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 BUT DOWN BY 2.9 PER CENT FROM $12,699 BILLION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1987 TO $12,333 BILLION.
SEARCHES IN THE LAND OFFICE DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988 BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REACHED A RECORD OF 796,323, UP BY 11.9 PER CENT AND 5.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND HALVES OF 1987.
/OF THE ......
TOURSDAY, JULY 7, ^988
OF THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES, SIX HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT. IT IS INTENDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE REMAINING TWO REGISTRIES -- TAI PO AND NORTH -- LATER THIS YEAR.
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988, THE SIX NEW TERR’TORTES DISTRICT LANI) REGISTRIES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT REGISTERED A TOTAL OF 97,147 INSTRUMENTS.
THESE INCLUDED 19,421 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS, 23,348 ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS, 1,775 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS, 15 BUILDING MORTGAGES, 28,834 OTHER MORTGAGES AND 13,472 MORTAGEE’S RECEIPTS, RE-ASSIGNMENTS AND CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSIDERATIONS WERE $12,575 BILLION, $11,638 BILLION, $2,309 BILLION, $0,514 BILLION, $9,599 BILLION AND $4,065 BILLION, RESPECTIVELY.
SIGNIFICANT GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED DURING THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1988 INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
♦ THE SALE BY CASH TENDER ON JANUARY 18 OF A 2.45-HECTARE SITE (JUNK BAY TOWN LOT NO. 10) AT AREA 30/33, JUNK BAY TO SEBASTO INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $255,000,000 FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP (PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION) SCHEME.
♦ ON JANUARY 28, A MAJOR LAND EXCHANGE INVOLVING THE SHELL OIL COMPANY, THE CHEUNG KONG GROUP, HONGKONG ELECTRIC AND HONG KONG UNITED DOCKYARDS WAS COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, 15.5 HECTARES AT AP LEI CHAU AND 8.84 HECTARES AT KWUN TONG WILL BE REDEVELOPED FOR NON-1NDUSTRIAL PURPOSES AND SHELL OIL’S DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE FACILITIES AT KWUN TONG WILL BE RELOCATED TO TS1NG YI. THE TOTAL PREMIUM INVOLVED AMOUNTED TO $1.5 BILLION.
♦ THE SALE BY CASH TENDER ON APRIL 20 OF A 31.5-HECTARE SITE (KWAI CHUNG LOT NO. 7) AT LAI CHI KOK TO HIT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $4,390,000,000 FOR A CONTAINER TERMINAL.
t THE SALE BY LETTER A/B TENDER ON MAY 26 OF A 1.522-HECTARE SITE (TAI PO TOWN LOT NO. 64) AT AREA 6, TAI PO TO RAINFORCE LIMITED, MERECHAL LIMITED AND Z1NDEMAR INVESTMENTS CORPORATION AT A PREMIUM OF $47,997,250 FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) DEVELOPMENT WITH A BUS TERMINUS/SUBWAY SYSTEM AND COMMERCIAL/RESI DENT I Al
ACCOMMODATION.
t THE GRANT ON MAY 26 OF A 1,910-SQUARE METRE SITE (KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 10739) IN TS1M SHA TSUI TO RAD I ER LIMITED BY WAY OF EXCHANGE AT A PREMIUM OF $35,500,000 FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
/• THE SALE ........
THURSDAY, JULY 7. 1988
- 5 -
* THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON MAY 30 OF A 4,498-SQUARE METRE SITE (CHAI WAN INLAND LOT NO. 103) AT THE JUNCTION OF FUNG YIP STREET AND SHEUNG ON STREET, HONG KONG TO
WHOLYWING LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $173,000,000 FOR
INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROPERTY OWNERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ROSE BY NINE PER CENT FROM 939,120 IN JUNE 1987 TO 1,023,635 IN DECEMBER 1987 AND AGAIN BY 4.1 PER CENT TO 1,065,978 IN JUNE 1988.
ALL OF THESE FIGURES REFLECTED A CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN A RELATIVELY FIRM PROPERTY MARKET, MR GLEESON SAID.
-------0 --------
TAC ADVISES AGAINST TOLL RISE FOR CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL
* * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) AT ITS SECOND MEETING TO CONSIDER THE CONSULTANCY STUDY REPORT ON THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TODAY (THURSDAY) ADVISED THAT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLLS SHOULD NOT RE INCREASED.
IN MAKING THE RECOMMENDATTON, MEMBERS CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
I. Will IHFR THERE ARE ADEQUATE ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TK VJSPORTA’I ION ;
Ml UBERS HAVE EXAMINED THE CAPACITY OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY SERVICES AT PEAK HOURS (8 AM - 8 PM) AND FOUND THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SPARE CAPACITY OF 8,500 ('AR SPACES ON DIFFERENT ROUTES OF HYF SERVICES, IT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO (’ATER TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES THAT NEEDED TO BE DIVERTED FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. HOWEVER, TRAFFIC NEWS BULLETINS AND OTHER METHODS WOULD BE USED TO ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO USE (ROSS HARBOUR FERRIES AND MAKE THE MOST OF SUCH SPARE CAPACITIES.
2.
THE TOLL MEASURE PACKAGE WAS PROPOSED FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REASONS AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SEEKING REVENUE. HENCE IF THERE WERE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WHICH COULD EASE THE SITUATION, TOLL INCREASE MEASURES SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYED, ESPECIALLY WHERE THERE WAS INADEQUATE CAPACITY ON ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORT DURING PEAK HOURS.
/3. DIFFERENTIAL TOLL: ........
THURSDAY, JULY 7. 1988
- 6
3. DIFFERENTIAL TOLL;
OWING TO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, IT IS NOT EASY TO IMPOSE A DIFFERENTIAL TOLL SYSTEM IN THE WAY THAT THE TAC WOULD REGARD AS FAIR AND EFFICIENT.
4. THE PROPOSED TOLL MEASURE PACKAGE WAS INTENDED ONLY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT NINE MONTHS, FROM OCTOBER 1988. THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WOULD BE COMPLETED IN MID TO LATE 1989 AND MEMBERS CONSIDERED IT UNDESIRABLE THAT THE
TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND THE TUNNEL COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO ADJUST THEMSELVES TO COMPLICATED TOLL MEASURES FOR A COMPARATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE A DETAILED BRIEFING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PACKAGE TO TRY TO SEPARATE TUNNEL AND NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC TO REDUCE THE CONGESTION.CAUSED IN THE DISTRICTS SURROUNDING THE TUNNEL ENTRANCES.
THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ALSO SEEK TO INTRODUCE MORE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUSES INTO SERVICE, ALTHOUGH THE RELIEF THAT THIS COULD BRING SHOULD NOT BE OVER-ESTIMATED.
OTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION INCLUDED REDUCING CONFLICTING AND MERGING TRAFFIC AT TUNNEL APPROACHES WHICH CAUSED DELAYS, AND PUBLICISING TUNNEL AND FERRY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THROUGH BROADCASTING.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE URGENT ACTION TO IMPLEMENT THESE MEASURES.
THE TAC ACCEPTED THAT THE STUDY REPORT ON CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC AND ITS PROJECTION THAT AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT OF TUNNEL TRAFFIC WOULD CAUSE AN INCREASE OF 50 PER CENT IN QUEUE LENGTH.
THEREFORE WAITING TIME WOULD BE PROLONGED AND THERE WOULD BE SOME ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE LOCAL TRAFFIC SITUATION AT WAN CHAI AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS.
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PACKAGE COULD NOT ACTUALLY REDUCE THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC USING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL OR INCREASE THE TUNNEL THROUGHPUT, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC' WERE URGED TO SWITCH TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT SIGNIFICANT RELIEF OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION COULD NOT BE BROUGHT ABOUT UNTIL THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND MOTORISTS WOULD HAVE TO BE PATIENT.
THE TAC RECOGNISED THAT IN NOT INTRODUCING A TOLL INCREASE IT WOULD CREATE A VERY STRONG SUPPRESSED TRAFFIC DEMAND WHICH WOULD BE RELEASED WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WAS OPENED.
/IT ALSO........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
IT ALSO RECOGNISED THE FACT THAT THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN ROUTE TAKEN BY A GREAT MAJORITY OF MOTORISTS TO CROSS THE HARBOUR.
IT THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WAS IN OPERATION, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD FURTHER REVIEW THE ENTIRE CROSS HARBOUR TRAFFIC SITUATION FOR LONG-TERM f’URPOSES.
-----0 - - - -
CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT IN TOP GEAR
* * * *
THE EXTENSIVE $530 MILLION ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL IS GOING SMOOTHLY AND WORKING TO SCHEDULE.
AT A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE UPGRADING AND DUALLING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME TODAY (THURSDAY), MR GARSON BELL, PROJECT ENGINEER, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, SAID THE WHOLE PROJECT WAS WELL IN HAND AND ON SCHEDULE.
THE SCHEME WAS CONCEIVED TO RELIEVE CENTRAL FROM TRAFFIC CONGESTION BY SEPARATING THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM TURNING TRAFFIC AND PROVIDING DUAL TWO-LANE FREE FLOW FACILITY ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD BETWEEN HARCOURT ROAD AND HILI, ROAD.
THE SCHEME IS COVERED BY FOUR MAJOR CONTRACTS.
THE FIRST CONTRACT OF $197 MILLION INVOLVES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, BUILDING OF PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS, LAMBETH WALK FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM AND POTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE. WORKS STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE SECOND $187 MILLION CONTRACT COVERS THE BUILDING OF RUMSEY STREET FLYOVER AND FOOTBRIDGES AT MORRISON STREET AND TUNG HING LANE. CONSTRUCTION STARTED IN DECEMBER, 1986.
THE THIRD $79 MILLION CONTRACT COVERS THE DUALLING OF '■ONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND HILL ROAD AND FOOTBRIDGES AT EASTERN STREET, WESTERN STREET AND WATER STREET. WORKS COMMENCED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE LAST CONTRACT WILL COST $25 MILLION. WORKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WALKWAY EASTERN EXTENSION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 1990.
/THE FIRST .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 8
THE FIRST THREE CONTRACTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1989 AND THE FOURTH ONE IN 1991.
MR BELL SAID: "PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A FREE-FLOW EAST-WEST THROUGH ROUTE FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN CENTRAL AND SHEUNG WAN ARE NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE."
"TRAVELLING IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION THESE STRUCTURES ARE THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, THE PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS AND THE RUMSEY • PREET FLYOVER," HE ADDED, w
THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF HARCOURT ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE. TWO LANES OF THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF THE NEW FLYOVER AND THE SLIP ROAD TO COTTON TREE DRIVE WERE OPENED TO TRAFFIC ON MAY 8.
DEMOLITION OF THE OLD HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, WHICH COMPRISED TWO LANES WESTBOUND, IS NEARLY COMPLETED AND WORK ON 'THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF THE NEW FLYOVER IS UNDER WAY. UPON COMPLETION, IT WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE WESTBOUND SECTION.
THE NEW 260-METRE-LONG HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER WILL COMPRISE THREE WESTBOUND LANES, TWO EASTBOUND LANES AND A GRADE SEPARATED SLIP ROAD ONTO COTTON TREE DRIVE.
THE PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND PEDDER STREET, WILL BE 280 METRES LONG AND COMPRISE TWO WESTBOUND AND TWO EASTBOUND LANES SEPARATED BY A CENTRAL WALL.
AT PRESENT, THE UNDERPASS DIAPHRAGM WALLS ARE NEARLY COMPLETED AND SEVERAL SECTIONS Of* THE CONCRETE ROOF SLAB HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE ROOF SLAB, THE GROUND BENEATH IT WILL BE EXCAVATED TO FORM A ’TUNNEL’ AND WHEN THE CORRECT DEPTH HAS BEEN REACHED THE UNDERPASS CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.
THE RUMSEY STREET FLYOVER WILL EXTEND FROM WEST OF GILMAN STREET TO EAST OF SUTHERLAND STREET.
IT WILL BE 980 METRES LONG WITH TWO WESTBOUND AND TWO EASTBOUND LANES.
IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND FLOW WERE ALSO PROVIDED I OR WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LAMBETH WALK FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM AND THE POTTINGER STREET FOOTBRIDGE WHICH WERE OPENED RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH AND MAY THIS YEAR.
-----0------
/9........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL 1988 »»»»»»
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 10 PER CENT AND 40 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1988 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 24 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 22 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 BOTH ROSE BY 3 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRI-CE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF APRIL 1988 WITH APRIL 1987, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT AND 40 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HENCE, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT. DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, BOTH THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4 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 MONTHS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CONSIDERABLE FLUCTUATIONS.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC-EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR APRIL 1988 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN APRIL 1988 COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+34 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+21 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+15 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+12 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+11 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT); AND FOOTWEAR (+2 PER CENT).
/NEVERTHELESS, DECREASES.........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
10 -
NEVERTHELESS, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-32 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-11 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (-8 PER (’ENT); AND CLOTHING (-7 PER CENT).
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN APRIL 1988 COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987.
THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+6 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+5 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+5 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+4 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+4 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+3 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+3 PER CENT).
c*. i ■ Lt AV
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR APRIL 1988 AS COMPARED WITH APR Ui 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN APRIL 1988 COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN VEGETABLES; TEA AND COFFEE; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS; AND FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS. HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT.
THE COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS,’ TAPE? RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND PASSENGER MOTOR CARS. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ART I (’LES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 27 PER CENT IN APRIL 1988 COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987.
THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; SILK FABRICS; PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; AND BASE METALS OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR RAW COTTON; MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND WOVEN COTTON FABRICS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN APRIL 1988 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT LN APRIL 1988 OVER APRIL 1987.
THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL 1NCREASES IN CONSTRUCT1 ON MACHINERY; SC I ENT I F IC, MED I (’AL, OPT I (’AL , MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS; AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILE MACHINERY.
/IMPORT PRICES ......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
11
IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN APR IL 1988 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987, RANGING FROM 3 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 6 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, PRICES OF IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR APRIL 1988 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN APRIL 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987, RANGING FROM 39 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 120 PER CENT; FOR FUELS.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN APRIL 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1987.
THOSE OF CAPITAL GOODS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. RE-EXPORT PRICES OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, PRICES OF RE-EXPQRTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 13 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE APRIL 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS” AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND JULY 14 AT $2.50 PER COPY.
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) .
COMMODITY GROUP
TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING APRIL 1988 WITH APRIL 1987 COMPARING JAN-APR 1988 WITH JAN-APR 1987
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING -4 4 -7 5 5 ♦
TEXTILE FABRICS -4 4 -8 4 5 -1
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -9 3 -11 -9 5 -13
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -1 6 -6 3 6 -3
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -29 3 -32 -27 5 -30
/ELECTRONIC COHPONENETS .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
12
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 34 ♦ 34 37 -1 38
FOOTWEAR 7 5 2 10 5 5
METAL MANUFACTURES 20 7 12 26 6 19
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 17 5 11 43 8 33
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 26 5 21 31 3 27
TRAVEL GOODS,
HANDBAGS AND «
SIMILAR ARTICLES 7 3 4 -4 4 -8
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES 16 ♦ 15 11 1 10
ALL COMMODITIES 10 3 7 13 3 10
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:
t INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. I,ESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDEXES TAKEN TO MORE DECIMAL PLACES THAN THOSE IN THE PUBLICATION "HONG*, KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS". THEY MAY THEREFORE DIFFER FROM THE PERWNTAGE CHANGES TO BE COMPUTED DIRECTLY FROM THE FIGURES TO BE PUBLISHED.
TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING APRIL 1988 COMPARING JAN-APR 1988
wri VALUE % H APRIL UNIT VALUE % 1987 VOLUME % WITH VALUE JAN-APR UNIT VALUE % 1987 VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 26 4 22 19 3 15
CONSUMER GOODS 27 3 24 30 3 27
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 3 4 5 27 27 6 20
FUELS -10 -1 -9 ♦ 3 -3
CAPITAL GOODS 42 6 34 34 7 25
ALL COMMODITIES 31 4 26 28 5 22
/TABLE Ji
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 1? -
TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING APRIL 1988 WITH APRIL 1987 COMPARING JAN-APR 1988 WITH JAN-APR 1987
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 53 1 52 39 1 38
CONSUMER GOODS 41 2 39 43 2 41
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 47 5 40 48 5 41
FUELS 91 -13 120 25 -3 29
CAPITAL GOODS 45 3 41 44 3 41
ALL COMMODITIES 45 3 40 45 3 40
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INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR PUBLISHING CHINESE TEXTBOOKS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ADOPTION OF AN INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME TO ENSURE GOOD QUALITY CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PREVOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS BY SEPTEMBER 1991.
THIS IS THE SECOND INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME OFFERED BY THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE (CTC) WHICH WAS APPOINTED IN MAY 1986 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR SZETO WAH.
THE FIRST SCHEME OFFERED FINANCIAL AND EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLISHERS FOR PUBLISHING CHINESE TEXTBOOKS FOR SELECTED GENERAL SUBJECTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IT STARTED IN MAY LAST YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE CTC’S CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS STRONGLY INTENDED TO ADOPT CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN TEACHING CORE SUBJECTS.
/"HOWEVER, NO ........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 1U -
"HOWEVER, NO CHINESE TEXTBOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE BECAUSE THE SMALL ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS IN THESE SUBJECTS MAKES THE PUBLICATION OF SUCH BOOKS NOT COMMERCIALLY VIABLE.
"THE CTC THEREFORE RECOMMENDS THAT AN INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE FIRST PHASE SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD QUALITY CHINESE TEXTBOOKS IN PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS BY SEPTEMBER 1991," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE SCHEME WILL START IN JULY THIS YEAR. THE ESTIMATED COST IS 13,600,000.
"AN AWARD OF 1225,000 WILL BE MADE FOR BACH SET OF BOOKS IN EACH SUBJECT PRODUCED AND ACCEPTED FOR USE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $450,000 FOR EACH SUBJECT.
"IF MORE THAN TWO SETS OF BOOKS ARE ACCEPTED -FOR USE IN A GIVEN SUBJECT, THEN THE $450,000 WILL BE SHARED BETWEEN THE PUBLISHERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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RATEPAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON PAYMENT » ♦ ♦ » »
RATEPAYERS SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES PAYABLE FOR THE QUARTER JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1988.
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE SHOULD APPLY FORTHWITH FOR A COPY AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
» THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, (WEST WING), NINTH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 28 SHU KUK STREET, HONG KONG;
* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;
♦ THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD,) KOWLOON.
RATES ARE DEMANDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RATING ORDINANCE.
/NON-RECKIPT OF
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
N0N-RECE1PT OK THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES BE PAID BY 12 NOON ON JULY 30 THIS YEAR, X GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
"AND UNLESS SO PAID THEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OE FIVE PER (ENT IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE.”
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE IN WHICH CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT I’o THEIR BANK
ACCOUNTS ON JULY 30 THIS YEAR.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
RATEPAYERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THE AMOUNT PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DATE IS INDICATED ON THE DEMAND NOTE BY AN ARROW-HEAD IN THE "TOTAL AMOUNT DUE" BOX.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, UNDER SECTIONS 30(lA) AND (2A) NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE di- QUEUEING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID RATEPAYERS SHOULD PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OI THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 16 -
LOCAL PUBLICATIONS OF VERY HIGH STANDARD ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
THE 20 WINNING ENTRIES OF THE ’’URBAN COUNCIL BIENNIAL AWARDS FOR THE BEST PRODUCED BOOKS IN HONG KONG 1986-1987" HAVE A VERY HIGH STANDARD IN THE INTEGRITY OF DESIGN, LAYOUT, ILLUSTRATIONS, COLOUR REPRODUCTION, PRINTING, DECORATION, PAPER AND BINDING, ACCORDING TO THE JUDGES FOR THE AWARDS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AND CERTIFICATES, URBAN COUNCILLOR MISS FOK PUI-YEE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT "TO SELECT 10 BEST PRODUCED BOOKS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE RESPECTIVELY OUT OF SOME 12 000 REGISTERED BOOKS IS NO EASY JOB AT ALL."
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL INTRODUCED THE AWARD SCHEME WITH THE OBJECTIVES TO RECOGNISE THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LOCAL PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRIES, TO ENCOURAGE AN EVEN HIGHER STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN BOOK PRODUCTION, AND TO STIMULATE PUBLIC INTEREST IN GOOD QUALITY BOOKS."
THE TITLES OF THE WINNING ENGLISH BOOKS ARE "BELLE CUISINE", "CHINA (THE LONG MARCH)", "CLASSIC CHINESE FURNITURE", "5,000 YEARS OF CHINESE COSTUMES", "GLASS: ART NOUVEAU TO ART DECO", "THE POPULATION ATLAS OF CHINA", "THE TOP END OF DOWN UNDER", ‘"TREASURES OF THE FORBIDDEN CITY", "THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT COLOUR BOOKS" AND "THE YELLOW RIVER, A 5,000 YEARS JOURNEY THROUGH CHINA".
Till- 10 WINNING CHINESE BOOKS ARE "XI’AN CHINA’S ANCIENT ( APITAI FOR A THOUSAND YEARS", "CHINESE PATTERNS THROUGH THE AGES", "Till CHINESE RICE BOOK', "THE ILLUSTRATED 500 LO HAN VOLUME ONE", "ANTARCTIC FANTASY", "CHILDREN’S DRAWING", "BUDDHIST ART OF THE TIBETAN PLATEAU", "THE FOUR WELL-KNOWN MOUNTAINS", "YELLOW RIVER --THE CHINESE HEARTLAND FROM THE AIR" AND "CHINESE GOLD FISH".
THE COUNCILLOR SAID, "THE BOOK ’CHINESE PORCELAIN, HIE S.C. KO TJANMINLOU COLLECTION’ PUBLISHED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IS CONSIDERED BY THE JUDGES AS A PUBLICATION OF REFINED QUALITY WHICH SHOULD BE PRESENTED WITH AN AWARD."
BUT SINCE THE COUNCIL WAS THE ORGANISER OF THE SCHEME, IT WAS PROPOSED, AFTER CAREFUL CONS I DERAT I ON, THAT AN ADDITIONAL AWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PUBLISHER IN RECOGNITION OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS.
THE 21 BOOKS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE CITY HALL PUBLIC' LIBRARY FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL JULY 20.
TO SHOW Till WORLD HONG KONG’S OUTSTANDING AC HIEVEMENTS IN THE PRINTING \ND PUBLISHING INDUSTRIES, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS MADE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE EXQUISITE BOOKS, TOGETHER WITH SOME COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS, TO BE EXHIBITED IN THE WORLD-RENOWNED FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR IN OCTOBER.
- 0 -------
/17........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 17 -
UC’S $65.1 MILLION KOWLOON CITY COMPLEX ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S $65.1 MILLION KOWLOON CITY MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEX WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR PETER C.K. CHAN, WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE TO MARK ITS OPENING, WHILE THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, WILL PERFORM RIBBON-DRESSING FOR THE LION PRIOR TO A LION DANCE. EYEDOTTING WILL BE PERFORMED BY KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR WONG SIK-KONG.
APART FROM A MODERN MARKET, THE COMPLEX PROVIDES A LIBRARY, A MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL, A DANCE ROOM, A TABLE TENNIS AREA, THREE AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURTS AND A COOKED-FOOD CENTRE.
THE KOWLOON CITY COMPLEX IS LOCATED AT 100 NGA TSJN WAI ROAD, BETWEEN HAU WONG ROAD AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD.
-----0-----
CURTAIN RAISER FOR TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * » » t ♦
MORE THAN 1,000 GIRL GUIDES AND BROWNIES WILL PROVIDE A ROUSING CURTAIN-RAISER TO THE 1988 TUEN MUN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WHEN THEY STAGE AN OUTDOOR CHALLENGE DAY AT THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND ON SATURDAY (JULY 9).
AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 16, THE GIRL GUIDES WILL PERFORM A FOLK DANCE, WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC JOINING IN, AND BROWNIES WILL SING AND DANCE.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL FORM TEAMS FOR A KITE DESIGN COMPETITION IN WHICH THEY WILL DISPLAY THEIR CREATIVITY AND TALENT.
THE PARTICIPANTS ARK FREE TO CHOOSE ANY MATERIAL AND COLOUR TO DESIGN THE KITES ON-THE-SPOT, AND THEN FLY THEM. A PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL FOLLOW.
THE GIRL GUIDES OUTDOOR CHALLENGE DAY WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 2 PM, AND ADMISSION TO THE VENUE IS FREE.
A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS SCHEDULED FOR 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
/OFFICIATING AT........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 18 -
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR TO KAM-CHOW; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR STEPHEN LAM; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR LEUNG CHIN-TONG; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR TAM CHUN-KIT; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHAN TIN-SANG.
TO COMPLEMENT PUBLICITY FOR THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, A DECORATED OPEN-TOP DOUBLE DECKER BUS WILL TOUR VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES TO HELP GET THE THEME SONG AND THE "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY" MESSAGE ACROSS TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
PRESENTED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, DISTRICT PROGRAMME COMPRISES 430 ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY 13 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. FUNDING OF $280,000 HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE.
ACTIVITIES ARE DIVIDED INTO SIX CATEGORIES: COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ITEMS, CAMPING, AND COMPETITIONS.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES DURING THE SUMMER -’HOLIDAY WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOPING THEIR POTENTIAL AND TO WIDEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL CLOSE WITH A FREE VARIETY SHOW SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL. MUSIC, DANCE AND SPORTS PERFORMANCES WILL BE GIVEN BY LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENTERTAIN RESIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 TUEN MUN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 9) AT THE TUEN MUN TANG SI1IU KIN SPORTS GROUND. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/19........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
’J
19
NEED FOR YOUTH POLICY SUPPORTED *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE A YOUTH POLICY FOR HONG KONG.
(SWAC) AGREED THAT THERE
AT A SPECIAL MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) ON YOUTH POLICY" BY THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SAID THAT THE YOUTH POLICY SHOULD ENCOMPASS A
TO DISCUSS THE "REPORT
GUIDELINES, ALLOWING FOR
FLEXIBILITY IN APPLICATION.
YOUTH, MEMBERS OF
SET OF PRINCIPLES
SWAC AS
THEY ADDED THAT COMMUNITY’S, COMMITMENT EMPHASISED.
NOT ONLY TOWARDS
THE GOVERNMENT’S, BUT ALSO
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SHOULD
THE BE
IN RECOGNISING THE NEED FOR
TO HELP REVIEW THE POLICY, THEY SUGGESTED INCLUDE YOUNG PEOPLE AMONG ITS MEMBERS.
THE FORMATION OF AN ADVISORY
BODY
THAT SUCH A BODY SHOUL^
THEY FURTHER INDICATED THAT SWAC
THE MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS FORMED.
OF REFERENCE
WOULD LIKE TO BE INFORMED OF OF THE ADVISORY BODY WHEN
0 -
1
COMMITTEE TO
DISCUSS YOUTH
*****
POLICY REPORT
KWUN TONG DISTRICT
BOARD'S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY.
MEET
MR NG SHUI-LAI, A MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP ON WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN THE RECOMMENDATIONS THE REPORT AND TO HEAR MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
YOUTH POLICY, CONTAINED IN
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER SETTING UP COMMITTEE TO JOINTLY ORGANISE AN EYE-CARING CAMPAIGN FOR WITH THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
AN ORGANISING
THE ELDERLY
IHE ISSUE OE THE KUNG LOK ROAD HALF-WAY HOUSE PROJECT, WHICH ■™o^,(j?SSED BY ™E C0MMIT'rEE IN MAY, WILL BE DISCUSSED AGAIN AT TOMORROW S MEETING AS AGREED AT THE FULL BOARD MEETING ON JUNK
20.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING BEGINNING AT 2 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING YAN STREET. nuibuiiw,
SOCIAL
ON
THE
TUNG
I
F s
E
E
I
S
1
- 0
/20
E
E
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
TAI PO DB VISITS SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE ♦ * t » *
SIXTEEN MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE IN SAI KUNG NORTH.
STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ALSO JOINED THE PARTY.
THE BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT SHAM WAN WAS ONE OF THE LARGEST FISH CULTURE ZONES IN TAI PO AND ALSO A MAJOR MARICULTURE ZONE IN THE TERRITORY, HAVING AN IMPORTANT BEARING ON MARINE FISH SUPPLY.
TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE ZONE’S 500 FISHING POPULATION DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE OBTAINED $350,000 IN FUNDING FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR BUILDING A TWO-STOREY SHELTER WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 90 SQUARE METRES
TODAY’S VISIT WAS INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO FAMILIARISE MEMBERS WITH THE OPERATIONS OF FISH CULTURE ZONES.
- O - -
DB BRIEFED ON REVISED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE ON CLEARANCE ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, AT A SPECIAL MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY), BRIEFED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON A REVISED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO SQUATTER COMMERCIAL OPERATORS, AND A NEW ALLOWANCE FOR INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, AFFECTED BY CLEARANCE WORK FOR THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT.
MR NG TOLD THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AT ITS MEETING YESTERDAY (JULY 6), APPROVED, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, A REVISION OF THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAYABLE, ON CLEARANCE, FOR SHOPS, SCHOOLS, WORKSHOPS, GODOWNS AND ORNAMENTAL FISH BREEDING UNDERTAKINGS IN SQUATTER AREAS.
THE TOTAL ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF 1988-89 ARISING FROM THE NEW RATE IS ESTIMATED TO BE IN THE ORDER OF $23 MILLION. AFFECTED CLEAREES WILL BE INFORMED INDIVIDUALLY BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OF THE ALLOWANCE THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED A REVISION OF THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAYABLE ON RESUMPTION FOR BUILDING LOTS UNDER THE OLD SCHEDULE IN URBAN AREAS.
/IN ADDITION
THURSDAY, JULT 7, 1988
21
LN ADDITION, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED A NEW EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS OWNING SUCH LOTS IN NEW KOWLOON UPON RESUMPTION.
AFFECTED OWNERS WILL BE INFORMED INDIVIDUALLY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT OF THE ALLOWANCE THEY WILL RECEIVE.
MR NG WILL MEET THE COMMERCIAL OPERATORS AFFECTED BY THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CLEARANCE AT 8 PM THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING IN THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
HE WILL ALSO BRIEF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
---0------
SPEEDPOST IN INDIA EXTENDED
» * * t
THE POST OFFICE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 11 1988, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO INDIA, WHICH IS AT PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO 20 CITIES, WILL BE EXTENDED TO 17 OTHER CITIES.
THEY ARE: AGRA, BHOPAL, BHUBANESHWAR, CHANDIGARH, CUTTACK, GWALIOR, MADURAI, MANGALORE, PATNA, RAIPUR, SALEM, SHILLONG, SRINAGAR, TIRUCHIRAPALLI, TIRUPATI, TRIVANDRUM AND VIJAYAWADA.
THE 37 CITIES IN INDIA TO WHICH THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
AGARTALA DELHI PATNA
AGRA GUWAHATI PUNE
AHMEDABAD GWALIOR RAIPUR
BANGALORE HYDERABAD SALEM
BHOPAL IMPHAL SHILLONG
BHUBANESHWAR INDORE SILCHAR
BOMBAY JAIPUR SRINAGAR
CALCUTTA KANPUR TIRUCHIRAPALLI
CHANDIGARH MADRAS TIRUPATI
COCHIN MADURAI TRIVANDRUM
COIMBATORE MANGALORE VADODARA
CUTTACK NAGPUR VIJAYAWADA
VISAKHAPATNAM
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8683868.
/22........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 22 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON MA TAU WAI ROAD *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A SHORT SECTION OF THE TWO EXISTING SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANES ON MA TAU WAI ROAD IMMEDIATELY TO THE SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOK YUEN STREET IN HUNG HOM WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 8 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO NEXT MONDAY (JULY 11).
THIS MEASURE WILL HELP THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS AT MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTH ^OF HOK YUEN STREET.
SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON MA TAU WAI ROAD HEADING FOR WUHU STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA A SHORT SECTION OF THE OUTER LANE ON EXISTING NORTHBOUND MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOK YUEN STREET.
AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE WORK PERIOD," MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES IF POSSIBLE.
-------0 ---------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) IN ORDER TO INSPECT THE STRUCTURE OF THE BRIDGE.
THE BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 6.30 FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
AM TO 7.30 AM AND
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL TRAFFIC AT A FIVE-MINUTE INTERVAL AND SERVICES.
BE RE-OPENED TO GENERAL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY
-------O----------
/25........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1988
- 23 "
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI * » »
THAT TAK YAN STREET
WILL BE CLOSED TO
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED WAN CHAI ROAD AND 01 KWAN ROAD IN WAN CHAI FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10).
BETWEEN TRAFFIC
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ELECTRIC CABLE WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES KWAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WOOD
ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS FOR
ON WAN CHAI ROAD HEADING FOR 01 ROAD AND WING CHEUNG STREET.
-----0---------
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN t » » » *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO 6 FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
TO KWA WAN WILL BE
AM THE NEXT DAY TO
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, TO MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI
KWA WAN ROAD, ROAD AND THE
SEAFRONT.
---0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS: CHANGES MAKE FOR MORE RESPONSIVE GOVT .............. 1
HONG KONG WELCOMES HANOI INITIATIVE .................... 5
REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST IN BOAT PEOPLE OPERATION .... 6
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ... 6
EXCO APPROVES DEVELOPMENT OF THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ... 8
NEED FOR MULTILATERAL APPROACH TO WORLD TRADE .......... 9
LEAFLET AND HOTLINE ADVICE ON HYGIENIC WAYS TO PREPARE
VEGETABLES ............................................ 11
LABORATORY TEST RESULTS ON VEGETABLES RECEIVED ......... 12
PRIVATE SECTOR PITCHES IN TO CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN .. 12
TUEN MUN PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON LRT, ROAD SAFETY ............ 13
SPECIAL SThMP SET FEATURES PEAK TRAMWAY ................ 15
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT ZONING PLnN PUBLISHED .......... 16
RATE OF NEW INSOLVENCIES DECREASES ..................... 17
CYC MEMBERS TO TOUR JaPAN AND SINGAPORE ................ 17
MORE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES THIS WEEKEND .............. 18
YAU TSIM DISTRICT TO LAUNCH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME...... 19
INTERESTING SUMMER FOR TSUEN WAN YOUTH ................. 20
SAI KUNG SYP TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW ................... 22
KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRmiME TO ST^RT TOMORROW .... 22
BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES ............... 23
Waste TREATMENT DEMONSTRATION FACILITIES TO BE INSTALLED .. 2<+
PRIVATE LOT TO BE RESUMED FOR OPEN SPACE.......'........ 25
WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROJtD FERRY SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN.. 25
SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE WIDENED ......................... 26
KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FOR ROAD WORKS .. 27
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE ON HOSPITAL RO«.D............. 27
TRAFFIC REROUTEING IN KWUN TONG ........................ 28
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TmI SIN ................. 28
SUSPENSION OF WmTER SUPPLY TO THREE aREAS .............. 28
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
CS: CHANGES MAKE FOR MORE RESPONSIVE GOVT * » ♦ »
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS NOW TAKING PLACE MAKE FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT AND, IN MANY WAYS, A STRONGER GOVERNMENT ALSO, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN THE NEW SITUATION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD TO BE SURE IT HAD POLITICAL SUPPORT BEFORE INTRODUCING NEW LEGISLATION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID TOLD A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE ADMINISTRATION COULD AIR AND TEST IN THE PUBLIC ARENA PROPOSALS WHICH IN THE PAST MIGHT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED TOO CONTROVERSIAL FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO BRING FORWARD ON THEIR OWN ACCOUNT.
"THIS HAS ENCOURAGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO BE BOLDER IN ITS APPROACH TO DIFFICULT PROBLEMS," HE SAID IN HIS SPEECH WHICH WAS ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE INCREASING PACE OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT WAS HAVING A CONSIDERABLE IMPACT UPON THE ROLE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SOME CIVIL SERVANTS TOOK MORE READILY TO THE CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES THAN OTHERS, HE SAID, BUT MOST SAW THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING PART OF A SYSTEM WHICH WAS BECOMING MORE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.
"ALTHOUGH PUBLIC AND MEDIA ATTENTION FOCUS INCREASINGLY UPON MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, AND ON DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE SYSTEM STILL DEPENDS HEAVILY UPON SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TO PRESENT, DEFEND AND ARGUE FOR GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM," HE SAID.
"OIIR POL lev SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS THEREFORE II WE All IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN PUBLIC PRESENTATION AS WELL AS Uli HARD WORK IIIEV HAVE TO DO BEHIND THE SCENES BEFORE NEW POLICY SI Eli Till LIGHT OF DAY .
"THEY SHOULD NOT FEEL INHIBITED IN THE CHANGED POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE FROM ASSUMING A HIGH PUBLIC PROFILE. I BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE EXPECT SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO STAND UP AND SPEAK UP FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
"THAT IS WHAT LEADERS!!11’ IS ALL ABOUT AND WE WOULD BE FAILING IN OUR DUTY IF WE WERE NOT TO RECOGNISE IT."
/BUT SIR .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1?88
2 -
BUT SIR DAVID STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROLE OF NON-OFFICIALS. THEIR PARTICIPATION IN EXCO, LEGCO, FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE WIDE RANGE OF AUTHORITIES, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES WAS VITAL IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO CONTINUE TO GOVERN BY CONSENSUS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT BY ESTABLISHING THE NEW AUTHORITIES, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CERTAINLY NOT ABROGATING ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND FINANCIAL CONTROL IN MAJOR AREAS OF ITS OPERATIONS.
POLICY-MAKING REMAINED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF THE -EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. IT WAS THE POLICY SECRETARY RESPONSIBLE FOR AN AUTHORITY WHO APPEARED IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS. AND IT WAS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT APPROVED FUNDS EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THE AUTHORITIES.
THE RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING AUTHORITIES WAS VERY CLEAR, HE SAID.
THE AUTHORITIES PROVIDED A WAY OF MAKING USE OF THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE WHICH MIGHT BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY BUT NOT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE AUTHORITIES WERE ABLE TO OPERATE IN A MORE FLEXIBLE WAY, IN TERMS OF THEIR MANAGEMENT STYLE AND FINANCIAL CONTROL THAN WOULD BE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS.
IN ADDITION, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITIES PROVIDED A WAY OF ENSURING THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE DID NOT GROW TOO DRAMATICALLY.
"THE OVER-RIDING ADVANTAGE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH BODIES IS THAT THEY ALLOW A MUCH GREATER DEGREE OF PARTICIPATION BY THE COMMUNITY IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES WHICH ARE OF BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
"THAT MUST BE A PROGRESSIVE AND WELCOME DEVELOPMENT AND I AM SURPRISED THAT SOME OF OUR CRITICS HAVE FAILED TO RECOGNISE IT AS SUCH . "
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PROUD TO HEAD THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND EXPLAINED THAT DESPITE WHAT CARTOONISTS AND COMMENTATORS WOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC BELIEVE, THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A TYPICAL CIVIL SERVANT.
THERE WERE OVER 180,000 CIVIL SERVANTS IN 435 GRADES IN SOME 60 DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES, AND THEY DID "A VARIETY OF JOBS NOT NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH PUSHING PENS".
/HONG KONG ........
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
HONG KONG WAS LUCKY TO BE SERVED BY SUCH A HARD-WORKING AND LOYAL TEAM, HE SAID.
"THE WAY THE PUBLIC SERVICE RESPONDS TO A CHALLENGE, AND IS PREPARED TO TACKLE DIFFICULT TASKS IN SUCH AN ENTHUSIASTIC AND UNCOMPLAINING WAY, IS, I BELIEVE, UNIQUE," HE REMARKED.
SIR DAVID REFERRED IN PARTICULAR TO HOW, FOLLOWING THE LARGE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE, MEMBERS OF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD WORKED LONG HOURS AND GAVE UP THEIR FREE TIME TO TAKE CARE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE INVOLVED.
"FOR ALL THE JOKES AND CRITICISM ONE HEARS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, I BELIEVE THE COMMUNITY SHOULD, AND I HOPE DOES, RECOGNISE THAT HERE IN HONG KONG OUR PARTICULAR BREED OF CIVIL SERVANT DOES INDEED EARN HIS RICE," HE SAID.
"CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TOGETHER REPRESENT SOME 12 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION AND THEY DO, OF COURSE, SHARE THE SAME FEARS, THE SAME WORRIES AS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
"IN COMMON, WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, THEY ARE APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE FUTURE.
"BUT, LIKE THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HERE, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM ALSO KNOW THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THEIR HOME IN HONG KONG AND ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE THE BEST OF WHATEVER THE FUTURE MAY HAVE IN STORE FOR THEM."
SIR DAVID SAID THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF MOST OF THE MORE SENIOR PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT MIGHT BE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY.
"IN MY EXPERIENCE, THE OLD FASHIONED CONCEPT OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND LOYALTY TO THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS A STRONG FACTOR IN THEIR MOTIVATION," HE SAID.
"THEY REALISE ALSO THAT, AS FAR AS THE FUTURE IS CONCERNED, MANY EYES ARE UPON THEM.
"THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, IN THE FUTURE, WILL DEPEND TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE INTEGRITY, EFFICIENCY AND LOYALTY OF THE SERVICE AS A WHOLE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN PARTICULAR.
"IT IS PERHAPS FOR THIS REASON THAT, COMPARED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE PROPORTION OF THEM CHOOSING TO EMIGRATE REMAINS VERY SMALL.
/"LONG MAY .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
"LONG MAY IT REMAIN SO BECAUSE THEIR EXPERIENCE IS DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, WE CERTAINLY CANNOT, AND INDEED WOULD NOT, TRY TO BUY IN REPLACEMENTS BY OFFERING HIGH SALARIES OR HEFTY SIGN-ON BONUSES."
CONCLUDING, SIR DAVID SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE STYLE AND SYSTEM Ol GOVERNMENT MIGHT BE CHANGING, THE PACE REMAINED AS DYNAMIC AS EVER. DYNAMIC, NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG BUT ALSO IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
BUT, OF COURSE, THE POWER HOUSE WAS FUELLED BY A BUOYANT ECONOMY AND THAT, IN TURN, BY THE EFFORTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTERWARDS, SIR DAVID SAID WASTAGE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS HAS BEEN ON A VERY EVEN KEEL AND HAS NOT MATCHED THE UPSURGE IN EMIGRATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE SAID OVERALL WASTAGE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS ABOUT FOUR PER CENT, COMPARED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FIGURE OF ABOUT TEN PER CENT.
"OBVIOUSLY IN SOME AREAS THERE HAVE BEEN GREATER FIGURES THAN THAT, IN PARTICULAR WHERE OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE MADE ATTRACTIVE OFFERS TO PARTICULAR CIVIL SERVANTS, BUT IN BROAD TERMS, THE FIGURE IS LOWER THAN IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND I THINK VERY ENCOURAGING TOO," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD HAVE AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
HE SAID: "THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE VERY IMPORTANT IN THE FUTURE AS IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST AND THAT DEPENDS UPON OUR CIVIL SERVANTS STAYING IN PLACE AND PROVIDING THE SORT OF SERVICE THEY PROVIDE NOW."
"I THINK THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF LOYALTY WITHIN THE SERVICE AND 1 AM SURE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THEM WILL FEEL THAT LOYALTY SHOULD CARRY THEM THROUGH BEYOND 1997," HE SAID.
ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY CONTINGENCY PLAN IN CASE OF LARGE NUMBERS OF CIVIL SERVANTS LEAVING, SIR DAVID SAID THERF WERE OPTIONS OPEN.
IF THAT EVENTUALITY SHOULD OCCUR AND VACANCIES WERE STILL LEFT UNFILLED AFTER LOCAL RECRUITMENT, THE GOVERNMENT COULD RECRUIT OVERSEAS AS IT HAD BEEN DOING, HE ADDED.
"BUT IT IS NOT AN EVENTUALITY I THINK THAT IT IS WISE TO PLAN FOR BECAUSE I DON’T THINK IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN," THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED.
/"WE ARE
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 5
"WE ARE STILL RECRUITING OVERSEAS WITHIN THE SERVICE, AND THERE IS NO REASON TO DO THAT IN THE FUTURE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
FOR A NUMBER OF GRADES WHY WE SHOULDN’T CONTINUE
HE SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT A THIRD TO HALF OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS WOULD STILL BE EXPATRIATES UP TO AND BEYOND 1997 AND I HA I WOULD BE TOTALLY IN KEEPING WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ABOUT A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE EMIGRATION PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL LOOKING FOR SOME ADDITIONAL FIGURES AND THE STUDY WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO.
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HONG KONG WELCOMES HANOI INITIATIVE ♦ » * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE EXPRESSED WILLINGNESS ON THE PART OF THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES TO DISCUSS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
REFERRING TO A REPORT OF A VIETNAMESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN BROADCAST ON HANOI RADIO, A HONG KONG’ GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS INITIATIVE ON THE PART OF THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES IS MOST WELCOME.
"THE BRITISH EMBASSY TN HANOI HAS RECEIVED AN INVITATION FOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO VISIT HANOI TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE WITH THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES AND WE SHALL BE RESPONDING POSITIVELY” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED A NEW POLICY ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ON JUNE 16 WHEREBY THEY ARE TREATED AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNLESS, AFTER SCREENING, THEY ARE DETERMINED TO BE GENUINE REFUGEES.
THOSE SCREENED OUT WILL BE DETAINED WITHOUT ACCESS TO RESETTLEMENT UNTIL THEY CAN BE REPATRIATED TO VIETNAM.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES AND SEEK THEIR COOPERATION IN STOPPING THIS UNHAPPY OUTFLOW AND IN REPATRIATING THOSE WHO ARE NOT GENUINE REFUGEES.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8,
1988
REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST IN BOAT PEOPLE OPERATION
♦ t » ♦ ♦
VOLUNTEERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT WILL MAN A YAU MA TEI FERRY COMPANY VESSEL WHICH IS BEING RENTED TO ACCOMMODATE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
THIRTY OFFICERS WILL BE DEPLOYED ON MONDAY (JULY 11) TO ASSIST THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
THE FERRY WAS RENTED THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AND ABOUT 500 BOAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TAKEN THERE FROM THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS IS A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED NUMBER OF ARRIVALS UNTIL THE CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE IS READY EARLY NEXT MONTH.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL
♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS NOW TAKING URGENT STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A PACKAGE OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES AIMED AT GIVING SOME RELIEF TO TRAFFIC USING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND TO TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WERE LISTED IN THE REPORT ON CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY COMPILED JOINTLY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND A CONSULTANCY FIRM.
THEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT SHORTLY WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF MINIMISING THE EFFECT OF TUNNEL TRAFFIC ON, NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC, REDUCING CONFLICT CAUSED BY MERGING TRAFFIC ON APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL AND IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES.
AFTER LENGTHY DELIBERATIONS ON THE VARIOUS MEASURES, INCLUDING PROPOSALS ON TOLLS, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE YESTERDAY RECOMMENDED THAT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOLLS SHOULD NOT BE INCREASED.
AT THE SAME TIME, TAC MEMBERS STRONGLY ADVISED THAT THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PACKAGE SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MR SO NOTED THAT TRAFFIC QUEUES AT THE TUNNEL HAVE A SERIOUS EFFECT ON NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC USING THE SAME ROADS, SUCH AS CHATHAM ROAD, EAST KOWLOON WAY, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND CANAL ROAD.
/HE SAID
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 7 -
HE SAID THE EFFECT OF THESE QUEUES CAN BE REDUCED BY DIVERTING NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC TO ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
THIS CAN ALSO BE ACHIEVED BY SEGREGATING TUNNEL TRAFFIC FROM NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC BY USING ROAD MARKINGS TO REDUCE CONFLICT OF TRAFFIC MERGING AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE TUNNEL.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON GLOUCESTER ROAD, CONVENTION AVENUE, CANAL ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH IN KOWLOON.
MR SO POINTED OUT THAT FRANCHISED BUSES AT PRESENT CARRY SOME 70 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. THEY ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT CARRIERS AND ANY METHODS TO IMPROVE THEIR OPERATION WILL BENEFIT Till- TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
MEASURES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED TO REDUCE THE DELAYS CAUSED BY THE TUNNEL QUEUES AND BY THE LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE TOLL PLAZA LAYBY AT THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE.
THESE INCLUDE BUS ROUTE DIVERSIONS, RELOCATION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS STOPS ON CHATHAM ROAD, THE WIDENING OF THE BUS LAYBY, AND AS THE PROVISION OF NON-STOP AND SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES.
ALTHOUGH THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES MAY BE ABLE TO GIVE SOME RELIEF TO NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC AND TO BRING SOME IMPROVEMENT TO THE OPERATION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUSES, THEY CANNOT INCREASE THE CAPACITY OR. THE TUNNEL THROUGHOUT, MR SO SAID.
THE CONSULTANCY REPORT HAS PROJECTED THAT THE LEVEL OF DAILY TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE TUNNEL WILL INCREASE FROM THE PRESENT 117,000 TO ABOUT 129,000 BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
THIS WOULD RESULT IN LONG QUEUES FORMING AND EXTENDING FROM AS EARLY AS 7.30 AM TO AS LATE AS 8 PM OR .9 PM, CAUSING SERIOUS DISRUPTION AND DELAYS TO OTHER TRAFFIC AS WELL.
HIE REPORT ALSO POINTS OUT THAT EVERY 10 PER CENT INCREASE IN TRAFFIC WOULD RESULT IN A 50 PER CENT INCREASE IN QUEUE LENGTH. THIS MEANS THAT BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR, QUEUES OF TRAFFIC EXTENDING FROM THE TUNNEL PORTALS COULD REACH FOUR TO FIVE KILOMETRES.
MR SO SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL' BE MONITORING THE I 1'1' A T I < 'CLOSELY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS AND WILL DO WHATEVER II CAN TO I \SF CONGESTION.
BUT HIE PROJECTION IS THAT THE CONGESTION PROBLEM Will 1,1 I WORSE AND THERE WILL BE NO SIGNIFICANT RELIEF UNTIL THE OPENING o| HU EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING BY THE LATER PART OF NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
"I THEREFORE HOPE THAT MOTORISTS WILL BE PATIENT, TRY TO AVOID USING THE TUNNEL DURING PEAK HOURS AND SWITCH TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT," MR SO ADDED.
------O-------- /8......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
8
EXCO APPROVES DEVELOPMENT OF * « » *
THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO BE MANAGED BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC).
THE HKIEC HAS INDICATED A STRONG PREFERENCE FOR THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO BE LOCATED IN JUNK BAY, CLOSE TO THE SITE OF THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE CORPORATION IS AWARE OF THE INCREASING NEED FOR GREATER INTERACTION BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ORDER TO FACILITATE RESEARCH AND ABSORPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
THE SITE IN JUNK BAY WILL OCCUPY A GROSS AREA OF ABOUT 100 HECTARES.
EXCLUDING THE LAND REQUIRED FOR ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE, THE NET AMOUNT OF INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALE SHOULD BE IN THE ORDER OF 75 HECTARES,
BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION ON JUNK BAY AS THE SITE FOR THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONDUCT STUDIES ON SUCH MATTERS AS THE COST OF SITE FORMATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS, TRANSPORT LINKS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
TIME HAS TO BE ALLOWED FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDIES, SETTLING ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HKIEC AND TENDERING OUT OF CONTRACTS.
BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SITE FORMATION FOR THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE COULD START IN EARLY 1990, WITH THE FIRST FORMED LAND AVAILABLE IN THE LATTER HALF OF 1992.
CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, DRAINS AND OTHEfi SERVICES WOULD TAKE A FURTHER TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE, HOWEVER, TO SELL THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL SITES IN 1993.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
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NEED FOR MULTILATERAL APPROACH TO WORLD TRADE *****
ANY PROLIFERATION OF BILATERAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS THE U.S.-CANADA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT COULD RESULT IN AN THE MULTILALTERAL TRADING SYSTEM, HONG KONG’S MINISTER IN STATES, MR PETER LO, SAID IN SEATTLE TODAY (FRIDAY).
SIMILAR TO EROSION OF ill I UNITED
ADDRESSING DELEGATES AT A THREE-DAY SEMINAR ORGANISED Bl THE MAnSFIELD CENTRE FOR PACIFIC AFFAIRS IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE, MR LO EMPHASISED THAT THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM HAD TRADITIONALLY BEEN BASED UPON THE PRINCIPLE OF MULTILATERALISM AS ENSHRINED IN THE GATT.
’’ANY PROLIFERATION OF BILATERAL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS IS BOUND TO BE CHARACTERISED BY AN ARRAY OF DIFFERENT AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES CONCERNED," MR LO POINTED OUT.
"THE RESULT OF ALL THESE SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS WOULD BE TO ERODE tURTHER THE MOST-FAVOURED-NATION PRINCIPLE AND SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE THE GATT AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR MULTILATERAL RULES AND AS A FORUM FOR MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS."
1URNING TO OTHER ASPECTS OF THE FTA, MR LO PINPOINTED TWO ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT WHICH HE BELIEVED COULD PROVE HELPFUL IN 1HE PROCESS OF TRADE LIBERAL1SAT ION IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
"THE FIRST ELEMENT IS IN THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM WHICH PROVIDES FOR BINDING ARBITRATION OF TRADE DISPUTES, A FEATURE •WT AT PRESENT AVAILABLE IN THE GATT," HE SAID.
"THE SECOND ELEMENT WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY PROVE HELPFUL IS IN 1HE AREA OF SERVICES WHERE A FRAMEWORK OF GENERALLY APPLICABLE RULES HAS BEEN AGREED."
EXPANDING ON THE THEME OF TRADE IN SERVICES, MR LO SAID HE BELIEVED HONG KONG COULD SUPPORT A MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING SUCH TRADE WHICH WOULD REFLECT THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF MOST FAVOURED NATION, NON-DISCRIMINATION, TRANSPARENCY AND NATIONAL 1KEATMENT.
HONG KONG ALREADY PROVIDES ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST OPEN ENVIRONMENTS FOR THE TRADE IN SERVICES. BY ALLOWING RELATIVELY UNFETTERED ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREIGN SERVICE PROVIDERS, HONG KONG II \S BENEFITTED FROM A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SITUATION THAT HAS ENSURED A RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY SERVICES, NOT ONLY FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION BUT ALSO FOR EXPORT.
/•’COMPETITION FROM
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
10 -
"COMPETITION FROM ABROAD HAS THUS PROVIDED A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE STIMULUS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SERVICES SECTOR," MR LO SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF BILATERAL PERCEPTIONS OF TRADE PATTERNS, MR LO EXPRESSED CONCERN AT THE PRACTICE OF GROUPING I ( iUR QUITE DISSIMILAR TRADING ENTITLES "UNDER THE EXPENDIENT TAG 'THE FOUR ASIAN NIC’S’."
"THIS IS A TERM WHICH HAS NEITHER POLITICAL NOR ECONOMIC LEGITIMACY. THESE FOUR ’NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES’ ARE NOT IN ANY FORM OF ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL UNION," HE SAID.
"THEY EACH HAVE THEIR OWN AND QUITE DIFFERENT FORMS OF GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC POLICY. GEOGRAPHICALLY THEY ARE NEITHER CLOSE NOR HOMOGENOUS.
"LUMPING THESE ECONOMIES TOGETHER IS UNJUSTIFIED AND UNFAIR, ESPECIALLY WHEN COUPLED WITH STATEMENTS MADE BY CERTAIN INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES THAT THE NIE’S SHOULD GENERALLY ASSUME GATT OBLIGATIONS COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR STAKE IN WORLD TRADE.
HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE DO NOT NEED LESSONS FROM THE INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES IN GATT OBLIGATIONS," MR LO POINTED OUT.
I HEY HAVE NEITHER TARIFF NOR NON-TARIFF BARRIERS TO TRADE, AND OFFER ENVIRONMENTS MOST CONDUCIVE TO FURTHER EXPANSION OF TRADE."
MR LO WELCOMED SIGNS OF GREATER DISCERNMENT IN THE MOST RECENT REPORT OF THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN WHICH HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE ARE TREATED SEPARATELY, AND PARTICULAR REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE FACT THAT THESE TWO ECONOMIES HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE INCREASED SPECIALISATION OF WORLD TRADE WITHOUT PUTTING UNDUE STRAIN ON THE PROCESS OF GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, w
11
LEAFLET AND HOTLINE ADVICE ON HYGIENIC WAYS TO PREPARE VEGETABLES » « » » »
IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC CONCERN OVER RECENT INCIDENTS OF FOOD POISONING BY CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES, A LEAFLET PROVIDING BRIEF GUIDANCE ON WHAT MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO AVOID THE RISK OF CONSUMING VEGETABLES TAINTED WITH AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE.
PRODUCED BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH UNDER THE AUSPICES OF URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, COPIES OF THE LEAFLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES STARTING FROM TUESDAY (JULY 12).
BEGINNING TODAY (FRIDAY), A 24-HOUR HOTLINE - 5-8916443 -MAINTAINED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF MSB, ALSO PROVIDES A TAPED MESSAGE ON VEGETABLE AND FOOD HYGIENE.
THE TWO-MINUTE MESSAGE IN CANTONESE WILL GIVE ADVICE ON THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN.
THESE ARE: i
* DO NOT BUY VEGETABLES WHICH HAVE STRANGE SMELL;
* WASH VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY WITH WATER;
» SOAK THEM IN WATER FOR SOME TIME;
* BOIL THEM FOR A WHILE AND DRAIN THE WATER; AND
* COOK THEM THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO LEAVE.THEIR QUESTIONS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS WHICH WILL BE RECORDED AFTER THE MESSAGE.
THEIR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED INDIVIDUALLY BY STAFF OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8,
1988
12
LABORATORY TEST RESULTS ON VEGETABLES RECEIVED » » » » »
THE HYGIENE ADVISOR OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DR RONALD PERRY, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THAT THE LABORATORY TEST RESULT OF THE SAMPLE OF FOOD RESIDUES TAKEN FROM THE PATIENTS' HOME YESTERDAY IN THE INCIDENT ON SUSPECT CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES, HAD CONFIRMED THE PRESENCE OF THE PESTICIDE ’METHAMIDOPHOS’.
"WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE TEST RESULTS OF OTHER SAMPLES WE HAVE COLLECTED BEFORE WE DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN," HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE BRANCH WOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN BORDER CHECKS OF IMPORTED VEGETABLES ESPECIALLY FROM THOSE SUSPECTED FARMS IN SHENZHEN UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT THESE VEGETABLES ARE SAFE.
DR PERRY ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD ALREADY CONTACTED THE SHENZHEN IMPORT AND EXPORT COMMODITY INSPECTION BUREAU REQUESTING THEM TO TIGHTEN UP THEIR PESTICIDE CONTROL IN THEIR FARMS.
"AN OFFICIAL OF THE BUREAU HAS VERBALLY AGREED TO INVESTIGATE AND LOOK INTO THE INCIDENTS," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY STANDARD OF FOOD AND VEGETABLES IMPORTED TO HONG KONG.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS CHANNEL OUR CONCERN OVER THIS ISSUE WILL BE FULLY REFLECTED TO THE SHENZHEhf AUTHORITY," HE ADDED.
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PRIVATE SECTOR PITCHES IN TO CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN
* * t * t
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL SEE ITS GREATEST EVER COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL INVOLVEMENT IN AN APPEAL DAY FUNCTION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IN RESPONSE TO A CALL FOR MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN OPERATION, SOME 500 RETAIL OUTLETS OF LOCAL CHAIN-STORES, SUPERMARKETS, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS, TOGETHER WITH 1,900 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STICKERS TO THE PUBLIC THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/"WE FEEL........
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
"WE FEEL ENCOURAGED TO SEE SO MANY ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY BODIES SUPPORTING US," SAID DR PANG HOK-TUEN, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
"IT IS THIS KIND OF SUPPORT THAT IS MOST VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN," HE ADDED.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, A CEREMONY TO SIGNIFY THE DELEGATION OF MISSION OF THE APPEAL DAY TO THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES WILL BE HELD \T 9 AM TOMORROW AT THE STATUE SQUARE IN CENTRAL.
AN EXHIBITION FEATURING A SELECTION OF LITTER BINS OF INTERESTING DESIGNS WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE SAME VENUE TO ADD COLOUR TO THE EVENT.
URBAN COUNCILLORS, REGIONAL COUNCILLORS, TV ARTISTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF PARTICIPATING PARTIES WITH THEIR UNIFORM TEAMS AND CYC MEMBERS WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY AND WILL DISTRIBUTE STICKERS TO PASSERS-BY AT THE STATUE SQUARE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE STATUE SQUARE AT 8.45 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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TUEN MUN PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON LRT, ROAD SAFETY * » » » »
THE 1988 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL LAUNCH TWO MAJOR EVENTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY)T0 ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING ROAD REGULATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF CARELESSNESS BY PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS.
THE EVENTS ARE A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) VILLAGE STATIONS OPEN DAY AND AN EXHIBITION ON ROAD SAFETY.
SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CAMPAIGN IS PRESENTED JOINTLY BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION'S LIGHT RAIL DIVISION, AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 14
IN THE MORNING, THE STATIONS OPEN DAY PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES A LION DANCE, WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM AT THE CHUNG UK TSUEN STATION TO ENABLE THE VILLAGERS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE LRT SYSTEM AND ROUTES.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
SIMILAR ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT NAI WAI STATION AT 9.35 AM, NAM TEI STATION AT 9.55 AM AND KEI LUN WAI STATION AT 10.15 AM.
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONCLUDE WITH A TEA RECEPTION AT THE LRT DEPOT IN LUNG MUN ROAD.
AT 12.30 PM, A GRAND OPENING OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE PODIUM ADJACENT TO THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU; DIRECTOR OF THE KCRC'S LIGHT RAIL DIVISION, MR JOE WADE; AND THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR DAVID PITT.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION COMPRISING 20 PANELS ILLUSTRATED WITH CARTOON DRAWINGS, TWO GAMES STALLS, AND SCREENING OF PROMOTIONAL FILMS ON THE VIDEO WALL IN THE TOWN PLAZA.
THE EXHIBITION PINPOINTS COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS, SAFETY ASPECTS RELATING TO THE LRT, AND THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES THAT CAN RESULT FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
RESIDENTS WILL HAVE SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE THE EXHIBITION.
IT WILL CONTINUE IN THE TOWN PLAZA UNTIL JULY 16 AND WILL THEN BE MOUNTED IN THE BUTTERFLY SHOPPING ARCADE FROM JULY 17 TO 22; SHAN KING COMMUNITY HALL FROM JULY 23 TO 25; SHEK PAI TAU PLAYGROUND ON JULY 26; OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL FROM JULY 27 TO 31; SIU HONG COURT OPEN SPACE FROM AUGUST 1 TO 6, AND FINALLY IN THE HUNG KIU RECREATION AREA ON AUGUST 7.
THE NINE-MONTH CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO COMPRISE VISITS, A STICKER AND SLOGAN COMPETITION, DRIVING CARNIVAL, SELECTION OF MODEL DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS, SEMINARS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROAD SAFETY ITEMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE LRT VILLAGE STATIONS OPEN DAY AND THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 9.15 AM IN THE CHUNG UK TSUEN STATION AND AT 12.30 PM IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA RESPECTIVELY. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 8.15 AM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI .
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 15 -
SPECIAL STAMP SET FEATURES PEAK TRAMWAY
t * ♦ *
A SET OF FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING THE CENTENARY OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 1, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5. A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.50.
IN ADDITION, STAMP BOOKLETS CONTAINING THREE SOUVENIR SHEETS WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON AUGUST 25. THESE WILL BE PRICED AT $26.
THE PEAK TRAMWAY IS HONG KONG’S OLDEST FORM OF MECHANISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ITS ORIGINS CAN BE TRACED BACK WELL OVER A HUNDRED YEARS, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUGGESTION THAT A PEAK TRAMWAY SYSTEM BE CONSTRUCTED WAS INITIATED BY A MERCHANT, MR ALEXANDER FINDLAY SMITH, IN 1881.
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN 1885, AND THE RAILWAY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR WILLIAM DES VOEUX, ON MAY 28, 1888. IT WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC TWO DAYS LATER.
THE ROLE OF THE TRAMWAY HAS UNDERGONE CONSIDERABLE CHANGES IN 100 YEARS, FROM PRIMARILY A MEANS OF TRANSPORT FOR COMMUTERS TO LARGELY A RECREATIONAL SERVICE FOR BOTH RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
TODAY, THE PEAK TRAM IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST FAMOUS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND LAST YEAR CARRIED OVER 2.7 MILLION PASSENGERS.
Till STAMPS AND SOUVENIR SHEET WERE DESIGNED BY MISS LILIAN TANG, ILLUSTRATED BY MISS KATHRYN BLOMFIELD AND PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA BY LEIGH-MARDON PTY. LTD.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON JULY 21.
FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR HANDSTAMPING FIRST DAY COVERS ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DAY OF ISSUE.
O--------
/16........
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED
*****
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID A MAJOR AMENDMENT WAS TO REZONE A SITE TO THE NORTH OF TIN MA COURT IN MA CHAI HANG FROM 'GOVERNMENT/ INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY' TO ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’.
THE SITE IS ABOUT ONE HECTARE AND IS PROPOSED TO BE DEVELOPED INTO A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AS AN EXTENSION TO TIN MA COURT FOR ABOUT 2,650 PERSONS WITH SUPPORTING FACILITIES.
ANOTHER MAJOR AMENDMENT RELATES TO THE REZONING OF AN AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE EXISTING LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE FROM ’OPEN SPACE’ TO ’COMMERCIAL’ AND ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY’ FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE SHOPPING CENTRE AND A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE RESPECTIVELY.
TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF OPEN SPACE, THE AREA CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY BLOCKS 18 TO 20 OF LOK FU ESTATE IS REZONED FROM ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ TO ’OPEN SPACE’.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND
* WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT
OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND AND 4TH FLOOR, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, 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, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JULY 28, 1988.
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, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
- 0 - -
/17
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 17 -
RATE OF NEW INSOLVENCIES DECREASES ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THERE WERE 87 NEW CASES OF COMPULSORY WINDING-UP AND 114 NEW PERSONAL BANKRUPTICES DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE 138 AND 167 RESPECTIVELY IN 1987, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR GLEESON SAID IT COULD BE SEEN, THEREFORE, THAT THE RATE OF NEW INSOLVENCIES HAD DECREASED BY 34.1 PER CENT. THIS HAD BEEN A CONTINUING TREND SINCE 1986.
BY COMPARISON, THERE WAS ALSO A 15.98 PER CENT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.
MORE COMPLICATED OR SIGNIFICANT INSOLVENCIES DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE: G.F. MARK FIVE KNITTING FACTORY LTD., QUALIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD., AND CLEVEDON CO. LTD.
TOTAL DIVIDENDS DECLARED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988 AMOUNTED TO $34.41 MILLION IN 233 INSOLVENCIES, AS AGAINST $123.96 MILLION IN 190 INSOLVENCIES FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1987.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES BEING HANDLED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AT THE END OF LAST MONTH WAS 3,114 COMPRISING 1,668 CASES OF COMPULSORY WINDING-UP AND 1,446 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.
FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR TOTALLED $1,418 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 5.19 PER CENT AS AGAINST $1,348 MILLION AT THE END OF JUNE, 1987.
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CYC MEMBERS TO TOUR JAPAN AND SINGAPORE *****
TWENTY-THREE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WHO WON OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL TOURS FOR THEIR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES IN THE CYC MERIT AWARD SCHEME THIS YEAR WILL BE LEAVING FOR TOKYO AND SINGAPORE ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) AND THURSDAY (JULY 14) RESPECTIVELY.
ADDRESSING THE CYC MEMBERS AT A JOINT FLAG PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND A TEA PARTY FOR 11 BOYS AND 12 GIRLS AS WELL AS THEIR PARENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, CALLED ON THEM TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT AND THE GOOD WORK OF CYC WHILE VISITING THE TWO COUNTRIES.
/MR LI
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 18
MR LI TOLD THE CYC MEMBERS THAT THEY REPRESENTED Til 230,000 MEMBERS IN HONG KONG AND WOULD HELP PASS ON THE MESSAGE OF THE CYC MOVEMENT TO YOUTHS IN JAPAN AND SINGAPORE,
MR LI ALSO SAID THEY SHOULD SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR FELLOW MEMBERS ON THEIR RETURN.
THE TOUR WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE CYC MERIT AWARD SCHEME WHICH AIMS AT BUILDING UP STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT THROUGH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CHILDREN.
MEMBERS OF THE TWO DELEGATIONS WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY SERVICE.
THE TRIPS WERE SPONSORED BY THE LAW’S FOUNDATION TRUST, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE SINGAPORE COMMISSION IN HONG KONG AND JAPAN AIRLINES.
TO MARK THE DEPARTURE OF THE DELEGATION, MR LI PRESENTED TWO FLAGS TO THE DELEGATION LEADERS MR HON PO-SUM, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SPECIAL SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MR KO KAM-CHEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF CYC COUNCIL (SOUTH DISTRICT).
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MORE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES THIS WEEKEND
* » * *
THE ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMS AT PROVIDING HEALTHY RECREATIONAL, SPORT AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGE OF SIX AND 25, WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SHAM SHUI PO AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) RESPECTIVELY.
THE SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL KICK OFF WITH A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT 4 PM AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND. YOUTHS AND RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND TO SHARE THE FUN.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR RAYMOND CHOY.
THE WONG TAI SIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL OPEN WITH A CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM AT THE OPEN SPACE AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE.
/THE CARNIVAL
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW OF SINGING AND CHINESE DANCING PERFORMANCES AND GAME STALLS PROVIDED BY YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT. FREE GAME STALL TICKETS WILl BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE WONG 'Al SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH; WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD HAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL LEE; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MISS MARGARET HONG.
OVER 1,000 ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR YOUTHS IN SHUM MIUI PO AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICTS THIS SUMMER, ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT ANY OF THE BRANCHES OF THE SHAM SHUI PO AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENING TO BE HELD AT 1 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND, SHAM SHUI PO, AND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
YAU TSIM DI STRI(T TO LAUNCH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * * * * *
MORE THAN 100 RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT THIS SUMMER.
THE ACTIVITIES, ORGANISED BY 18 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM SUNDAY (JULY 10) TO SEPTEMBER 1 .
CENTRED ON THE THEME OF "SHARING THE FUN, SERVING THE '-ONMUNIB", THE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE FILM SHOWS, TRAINING CLASSES, i.XI11 B IT IONS , CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS.
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, CAMPING, WATER SPORTS, CYCLING, BALL-GAMES, HIKING AND VISITS TO FARMS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
/THE ENTIRE
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
20 -
THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME COSTS $288,372, WITH $232,700 DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, $50,000 BY YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND THE REST BY PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP.
BOOKLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490 NATHAN ROAD AND TSIM SHA TSUI SUBOFFICE AT 40 CARNARVON ROAD.
A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR PETER S.T. LEE; YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING CHINESE DANCE, BALLET AND PERFORMANCE BY A CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL BE STAGED BY LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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INTERESTING SUMMER FOR TSUEN WAN YOUTH ♦ ♦ * ♦ »
A FUN-FILLED AND MEANINGFUL SUMMER HOLIDAY IS IN STORE FOR THE aU,000 YOUNGSTERS LIVING IN TSUEN WAN.
THEY CAN PICK AND CHOOSE FROM A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED SOLELY FOR THEM IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) THIS YEAR.
THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS, TOTALLING 234 IN NUMBER, INCLUDE TRAINING COURSES ON SPORTS ACTIVITIES, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, VISITS, OUTINGS, CAMPING, EXHIBITIONS, COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
/ORGANISED BY .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 21
ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WITH SPONSORSHIP OF $192,600 FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR ARE IN LINE WITH THE THEME OF ’’SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
IN ORDER TO BOOST THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS AND VARIOUS PARTICIPATING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AWARDS . ON "OUTSTANDING OLUNTEERS" AND ’’EXCELLENT ACTIVITIES" WILL BE GIVEN BY THE DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO DESERVING YOUNGSTERS AND AGENCIES.
TO LAUNCH THE 1988 TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SYP, AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN; REGIONAL COUNCIL DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN LAU-FONG; CHAIRMAN OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, MADAM YEUNG PO-CHUN; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, MR CHIU CHUN-TUNG; CHAIRMAN (DESIGNATE) OF TSUEN WAN ROTARY CLUB, MR LAU KWOK-CHEUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHU CHUNG-SHING.
TO HIGHLIGHT THE OPENING OF THE PROGRAMME, A ’’SERVE THE COMMUNITY SCHEME" IS PLANNED.
SOME 500 YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WILL BE MOBILISED TO CARRY OUT DIFFERENT COMMUNITY SERVICES IN TH1 DISTRICT TOMORROW MORNING.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TEA GATHERING IN THE AFTERNOON WHICH WILL PROVIDE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHARE 1HEIR EXPERIENCE AFTER PERFORMING VARIOUS COMMUNITY WORK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1988 TSUEN WAN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN.
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
- 22 -
SAI KUNG SYP TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW
* * * *
THE 1988 SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WITH A FLOATS PARADE AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND CARPARK.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING; TWO YOUTH AMBASSADORS FROM THE 1 ELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES.
IN ADDITION TO THE FLOATS PARADE, THERE WILL, BE CYCLING DEMONSTRATION, MURAL PAINTING, MAGIC SHOW AND SINGING PERFORMANCE BY THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND IS LO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE).
MORE THAN 70 PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE BETWEEN JULY 9 AND END OF AUGUST.
ABOUT $132,000 INCLUDING $96,400 ALLOCATED FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY CUM FLOATS PARADE OF THE 1988 SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT 2 PM TOMORROW (JULY 9) AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND CARPARK, FUK MAN ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN. (THE VENUE WILL BE CHANGED TO SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL OPPOSITE TO THE SPORTS GROUND IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.)
------o-------
KWAI TSING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO START TOMORROW » » * * *
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; CHAIRMAN OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SO HOI-PAN; AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT.
/AFTER THE
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1$88 '1", -’Mlfc
- 25 -
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY PUPILS OF SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND MUSIC OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION).
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BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES * t ♦ * «
SECONDARY 3 AND SECONDARY 5 GRADUATES OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL IN FUTURE HAVE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES TO PURSUE FURTHER STUDIES.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) BY MR DOMINIC WONG, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT FROM 1989, ’THE CLASS STRUCTURE OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WOULD BE IMPROVED FROM 77722 TO 66644.
"THIS WILL PROVIDE MORE PROMOTION PLACES FOR SECONDARY 3 GRADUATES WHO WISH TO CONTINUE WITH SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION WITHIN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS," HE SAID.
ALSO, FROM 1991, SECONDARY 6 AND 7 CLASSES WOULD BE GRADUALLY INTRODUCED INTO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
THIS FOLLOWED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION THAT THERE SHOULD BE TWO YEARS OF SIXTH FORM AND THAT SUCH COURSE SHOULD BE EXTENDED ALSO TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
MR WONG SAID THAT IN ORDER TO CATER FOR A WIDER RANGE OF ABILITY AND ADTITUDE, THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM WOULD BE BROADENED.
"IT WILL INCLUDE SUBJECTS OF A LESS ACADEMIC NATURE, INCLUDING TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS, AT BOTH THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND THE NEW INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. THESE EXAMINATIONS CAN ALSO BE TAKEN IN EITHER THE CHINESE OR ENGLISH LANGUAGES.
/"ALL THIS
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
’’ALL THIS MEANS THAT IN FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL BE OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM PREOVCATIONAL SCHOOLS,” MR WONG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS NO.3 REPORT REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCA ION HAD ATTRACTED MUCH ATTENTION.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW MONITORING PUBLIC RESPONSE RECEIVED ON THIS SUBJECT AND WILL ANALYSE VIEWS CAREFULLY BEFORE TAKING A DECISION LATER THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
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WASTE TREATMENT DEMONSTRATION FACILITIES TO BE INSTALLED « » » » t
MEMBERS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE’S STEERING GROUP LEARNED THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING THAT THE INSTALLATION OF WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES ON PRIVATE FARMS UNDER THE DEMONSTRATION SCHEME WILL COMMENCE NEXT MONTH.
AT TODAY’S GROUP MEETING, AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE PRESENTED A LIST OF 12 LIVESTOCK FARMS RECOMMENDED BY A CONSULTANT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
AFTER EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS GATHERED FROM A SERIES OF VISITS TO THE RECOMMENDED FARMS EARLIER IN THIS WEEK, MEMBERS AGREED TO EIGHT OF THE RECOMMENDED FARMS TO FACILITATE AN EARLY INTRODUCTION OF THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
THE MEETING ALSO AGREED THAT THE CONSULTANT SHOULD MAKE A FURTHER ASSESSMENT OF FOUR LIVESTOCK FARMS FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION BY THE STEERING GROUP NEXT WEEK.
THE SELECTED LIVESTOCK FARMS WERE LOCATED AT MA ON SHAN, FANLING, SHA TAU KOK AND SHEUNG SHUI. THEY INCLUDED FIVE PIG FARMS AND THREE CHICKEN FARMS.
THE MEETING ALSO AGREED THAT THE CONSULTANT SHOULD START IMMEDIATELY TO DESIGN AND APPOINT CONTRACTORS TO CARRY OUT THE INSTALLATION WORKS FOR THE FARMS ALREADY SELECTED.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
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PRIVATE LOT TO BE RESUMED FOR OPEN SPACE * * * * *
A PRIVATE LOT IN WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS TO BF RESUMED FOR A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROJECT.
THE LOT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 96.5 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT 12 KWONG MING STREET.
TOGETHER WITH THE LAND SURRENDERED BY THE OWNER OF AN ADJOINING DEVELOPMENT AND A LOT OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IT WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR USE AS A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND SITTING OUT AREA.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN MID 1990.
THE RESUMPTION NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND POSTED ON THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING.
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WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND JORDAN ROAD OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM JULY 16 (SATURDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE WITHDRAWAL OF THIS SERVICE WAS PART OF HYF’S PROGRAMME TO RATIONALISE ITS CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES SO THAT THE COMPANY CAN IMPROVE ITS SERVICES, ESPECIALLY TO THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERVICE WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN 1986 AND ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY 1987 IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUOUS DECLINE IN PATRONAGE AND THE OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OF OTHER CROSS-HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUSES.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CANCELLATION OF THE FERRY ROUTE, A NEW FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND KOWLOON POINT STARTED OPERATION IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND IS OPERATING AT A BASIC FREQUENCY OF 10 MINUTES.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
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SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE WIDENED *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN AND RECONSTRUCT SECTIONS OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD FROM PING CHE ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO COPE WITH INCREASING TRAFFIC VOLUME.
THE EXISTING SHA TAU KOK ROAD IS A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY VARYING IN WIDTH FROM SIX METRES TO SEVEN METRES AND IS SUBSTANDARD BOTH IN WIDTH AND CONSTRUCTION STRENGTH.
THE DAILY TRAFFIC ALONG SHA TAU KOK ROAD FROM PING CHE ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK IS ABOUT 3,600 VEHICLES INCLUDING CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE WU TUNG SHAN TUNNEL IN THE CHINESE SIDE BETWEEN CENTRAL SHENZHEN AND SHA TAU KOK IN LATE SEPTEMBER 1987, THE CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC OF MOSTLY HEAVY VEHICLES HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING FROM ABOUT 700 VEHICLES A DAY PREVIOUSLY TO 1,300 VEHICLES A DAY RECENTLY.
THE PREDICTED TRAFFIC FIGURE IS EXPECTED TO REACH 5,000 A DAY BY THE EARLY 1990’S.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING SHA TAU KOK ROAD, FROM PING CHE ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK, TO A 7.3 METRES WIDE CARRIAGEWAY WITH 1.6 METRE WIDE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES FOR A TOTAL LENGTH OF ABOUT 6.5 KILOMETRES; AND ASSOCIATED EARTHWORKS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
STRIPS OF EXISTING SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND AN EXISTING PORTION OF LUK KENG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED; AND SECTIONS OF EXISTING SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN PING CHE ROAD AND SHA TAU KOK WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GAZETTE.
THE PLANS SHOWING 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; AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANL1NG.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 6, 1988.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8,
1988
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KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FOR ROAD WORKS t ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG FROM MONDAY (JULY 11) TO FACILITATE ROAD SURFACE REPAIR WORKS ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD NORTHBOUND.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS \ND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
THE REPAIR WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT DAILY BETWEEN 9 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM JULY 11 TO AUGUST 3 ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE AND TSUEN WAN ROAD.
DURING THE NIGHT-TIME WORKING HOURS, AT LEAST ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL REMAIN OPENED TO TRAFFIC. HOWEVER, IN THE DAY TIME, TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED.
MEANWHILE, THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM CHING CHEUNG ROAD LEADING TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON JULY 12 (TUESDAY) AND 15 (FRIDAY).
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NEW CONTAINER PORT ROAD OR LAI KING HILL ROAD.
FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON JULY 21 (THURSDAY) AND 26 (TUESDAY), THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM KWAI CHUNG ROAD LEADING TO CONTAINER PORT ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
VEHICLES INTENDING TO GO TO CONTAINER PORT ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE TSUEN WAN ROAD, KWAI TSI NG ROAD AND KWAI FUK ROAD.
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TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE ON HOSPITAL ROAD ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT HOSPITAL ROAD IN WESTERN DISTRICT BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 30 AND 32 WILL BE MADE A DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ROUND-THE-CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 11).
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988
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TRAFFIC REROUTEING IN KWUN TONG ♦ » ♦ * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 11), THE SECTION OF SHUI WO STREET IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN WAN HON STREET AND KA LOK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY OPERATION INTO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS. MOTORISTS FROM KA LOK STREET HEADING FOR HIP WO STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHUI WO STREET, SHUI NING STREET, WAN HON STREET AND REJOIN HIP WO STREET.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TAI SIN » * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIRS, THE SECTION OF FUNG SHING STREET NEAR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD IN WONG TAI SIN HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
KMB ROUTES NO. 10 (TAI KOK TSUI FERRY TO CHOI WAN), 21 (KOWLOON STATION TO CHOI WAN) AND 21M (CHOI HUNG MTR STATION TO CHOI WAN) HAVE BEEN DIVERTED VIA CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO CHOI WAN ESTATE.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR DAYS.
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SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO THREE AREAS t ♦ ♦ t ♦
WATER SUPPLY TO THREE AREAS WILL BE SUSPENDED ON MONDAY (JULY 11) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT MEI TIN ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TAI WAI ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD AND CHIK FAI STREET.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME KOWLOON TONG PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM THE SAME DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BROADCAST DRIVE, FESSENDEN ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET AND CORNWALL STREET INCLUDING CHAK ON ESTATE, KOWLOON KITCHEN AND CHAK YAN CENTRE.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME HUNG HOM PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM THAT DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BULKELEY STREET, DOCK STREET, PO LOI STREET, HUNG HOM WAN STREET, ON CHING ROAD, CHEONG HANG ROAD, WINSLOW STREET AND CHATHAM ROAD INCLUDING HUNG HOM FERRY PIER.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MAJOR EFFORT TO FOSTER ’CLEAN HK' SPIRIT................... 1
GOVERNOR TO SIGN DCA ...................................... 2
SSPA RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY..................... 2
STANDARD COST SYSTEM ADOPTED FOR C AND Y CENTRES........... 4
CANADIAN VISIT FOR POLICE YOUTH AMBASSADORS ............... 5
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS BUS ROUTE PROGRAMME................... 6
YOUTH URGED TO JOIN HOLIDAY PROGRAMME...................... 7
SAI KUNG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BEGINS..................... 8
CHANCE FOR YOUTH TO EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY BUILDING.......... 9
WAN CHaI SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE LAUNCHED............. 9
NEW CSD RECRUITMENT CENTRE IN TSUJN WAN ................... 10
THUNDERSTORMS, BUT JUNE RAINFaLL BELOW NORtLJL............. 11
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS ...... 14
TUEN MUN PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE OPENING........... 14
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROaD................... 15
mains burst causes temporary rohD closure ................. 16
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY ................................. 16
SATURDAY, JULY 9,
1988
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MAJOR EFFORT TO FOSTER 'CLEAN HK’ SPIRIT *****
URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS WERE JOINED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF MAJOR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS AT A FUNCTION HELD THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING TO MARK TliE START OF A TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN APPEAL DAY.
ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, THE FUNCTION WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES EVER HELD IN PROPAGATING A COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
THE FUNCTION WAS MARKED BY A "DELEGATION OF MISSION" CEREMONY HELD AT STATUE SQUARE IN CENTRAL.
THE APPEAL DAY FEATURES THE DISTRIBUTION OF KEEP HONG KONO CLEAN STICKERS TO THE PUBLIC THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, WITH THE HELP OF 1,900 CYC MEMBERS.
THE PARTICIPATION OF 13 COMMERICAL ORGANISATIONS HAS ENABLED THE STICKERS TO BE DISTRIBUTED ON A WIDE SCALE THROUGH MORE THAN 500 RETAIL OUTLETS OF CHAIN-STORES, SUPERMARKETS, BOUTIQUES, AND DEPARTMENTAL STORES.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, SAID AFTER THE CEREMONY THAT "15 YEARS OF ACTIVE CAMPAIGNING HAVE GRADUALLY BROUGHT HONG KONG PEOPLE TO REALISE THAT THEY HAVE GOT TO PLAY A PART IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN OPERATION TO MAKE IT WORK.
"TODAY’S JOINT EFFORT WITH THE PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL SECTOR HERALDS A NEW ERA FOR THE CAMPAIGN WHICH, WE HOPE, WILL BECOME A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT .CAMPAIGN IN ITS REAL SENSE."
DR PANG ALSO SAID HE HOPED THAT THROUGH THE APPEAL DAY MORE PEOPLE WOULD BECOME AWARE OF THEIR SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, AN EXHIBITION OF LITTER BINS OF INTERESTING DESIGNS WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
URBAN COUNCILLOR AND MEMBER OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN' STEERING COMMITTEE, DR RONALD LEUNG, SAID: "CLEANING HONG KONG IS NOT NECESSARILY AN UNPLEASANT TASK ASSOCIATED ONLY WITH THE DISPOSAL OF HUGE AMOUNTS OF REFUSE." EVERY PIECE OF LITTER PUT IN THE BINS MEANT THAT PEOPLE WERE HELPING TO KEEP THEIR CITY CLEAN.
PARTICIPATING INTO TODAY’S APPEAL DAY ARE VARIOUS COMPANIES INCLUDING A.S. WATSON, CIRCLE K CONVENIENCE STORES, CITY CHAIN, ESTI TAHINA (INTERNATIONAL) BOUTIQUE, FAIRWOOD FAST FOOD, FONTANE STORE, MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS, PARK’N SHOP, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY, UNY DEPARTMENTAL STORE, WELLCOME, AND CHINESE ARTS AND CRAFTS (HONG KONG) LIMITED.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
GOVERNOR TO SIGN DCA
« » *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL SIGN THE NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT DURING HIS FORTHCOMING VISIT TO BRITAIN.
THE NEW AGREEMENT, LIKE PREVIOUS ONES, WILL SET OUT IN DETAIL THE PROVISIONS OF THE HEADS OF AGREEMENT INITIALLED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, IN LONDON ON JUNE 27.
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SSPA RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY * » * »
RESULTS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION (SSPA) WILL BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY (JULY 12), THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
A TOTAL OF 85,407 PRIMARY 6 PUPILS TOOK PART IN THE SSPA THIS YEAR AND ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SECONDARY 1 PLACES IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED OR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
AMONG THE PRIMARY 6 LEAVERS, 11,140 (48.17 PER CENT) HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PLACES OF THEIR FIRST CHOICE.
ANOTHER 17,643 HAVE BEEN GIVEN PLACES -OF THEIR SECOND AND THIRD CHOICES, BRINGING THE COMBINED TOTAL OF STUDENTS ALLOCATED PLACES OF THEIR FIRST THREE CHOICES TO 58,783 (68.83 PER CENT).
"IN ADDITION, 2,708 PUPILS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING DISCRETIONARY PLACES WHICH THEY APPLIED FOR EARLIER THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SSPA SCHEME, PARTICIPATING PUPILS WILL BE GIVEN THREE YEARS FREE EDUCATION UP TO SECONDARY 3 LEVEL AND NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
ALLOCATION RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM PUPILS’ PRIMARY SCHOOLS ON TUESDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED PUPILS TO FOLLOW ARRANGEMENTS LAID DOWN BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHEN COLLECTING THEIR ADMISSION SLIP AND ALLOCATION SLIP (ADHERED TO THEIR PRIMARY 6 IDENTIFICATION FORM) FROM THEIR SCHOOLS.
/"THEY SHOULD
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
"THEY SHOULD REPORT TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PLACES DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD BETWEEN JULY 18 (MONDAY) AND 19 (TUESDAY) AND THOSE WHO FAIL TO REPORT TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ALLOCATED ARE DEEMED TO HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES ALLOCATED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHEN REPORTING TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR REGISTRATION, PUPILS ARE ADVISED TO PUT ON THEIR SCHOOL UNIFORM AND TO BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
(A) PRIMARY 6 IDENTIFICATION FORMS, TO WHICH THEIR INDIVIDUAL ALLOCATION SLIPS HAVE BEEN ADHERED;
(B) ADMISSION SLIPS;
(C) BIRTH CERTIFICATES, HONG KONG JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS OR OTHER DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THEIR DATE OF BIRTH AND STATUS AS PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG
(NOTE : PUPILS SHOULD ALSO BRING ALONG THEIR TRAVELLING DOCUMENTS IF THE SYMBOL ’C’ (FOR CONDITIONAL STAY) IS FOUND AT LINE 7 OF THE NEW TYPE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD);
(D) LATEST SCHOOL REPORTS, IF ANY, AND
(E) TWO RECENT PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS.
"IN CASE BOTH THE PUPIL AND THE PARENT/GUARDIAN ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, THEY SHOULD AUTHORISE IN WRITING REPRESENTATIVES TO COMPLY WITH THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES ON THEIR BEHALF. COPIES OF LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS," THE SPOKEMAN SAID.
IN CASE OF GENUINE DIFFICULTIES, THE PARENTS OR PUPILS CONCERNED SHOULD INFORM THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BEFORE THE END OF THE REGISTRATION PERIOD SO THAT ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE.
"AFTER THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, VACANCIES ARISING FROM NON-REPORTEES WILL BE FILLED AT THE DISCRETION OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS," HE ADDED.
"PARENTS SEEKING TRANSFERS FOR THEIR CHILDREN HAVE TO APPLY DIRECT TO THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED WHICH HAS TOTAL DISCRETION TO ACCEPT AN APPLICANT OR NOT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO RETRIEVE THE ADMISSION SLIPS FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH THEY HAVE REGISTERED DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD AND HAND THEM TO THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY SEEK TRANSFER.
/PARENTS AND
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
PARENTS AND PUPILS ARE REMINDED THAT BY RETRIEVING THEIR ADMISSION SLIPS, THEIR REGISTRATION WITH THE SCHOOLS WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE CANCELLED.
IN CASE OF CROSS-NET TRANSFER, THERE IS NO NEED FOR PARENTS TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM DISTRICT COUNCIL SECRETARY.
"SHOULD THERE BE A TROPICAL CYCLONE, PERSISTENT HEAVY RAIN OR THUNDERSTORM DURING THE REGISTRATOIN PERIODS, SCHOOL HEADS AND PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO PAY ATTENTION TO ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE MEDIA FOR ANY NECESSARY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-8912200.
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STANDARD COST SYSTEM ADOPTED FOR C AND Y CENTRES
» » » * »
THE ADOPTION OF THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR FOR CALCULATING SUBVENTION FOR CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES SHOULD HELP RAISE THE QUALITY OF THEIR SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE KORNHILL CHILDREN’S CENTRE OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
"UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, AN ADDITIONAL WELFARE WORKER POST IS CREATED FOR EVERY CHILDREN’S OR YOUTH CENTRE AND THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL SUPERVISOR POST AT SOCIAL WORK OFFICER GRADE FOR EVERY EIGHT CENTRES.
"SUBVENTION FOR PROGRAMME FEES AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS IS ALSO INCREASED SO THAT AIR-CONDITIONING CAN BE PROVIDED AT THE STUDY AND READING ROOMS OF THESE CENTRES," SHE SAID.
"WITH ALL THESE IMPROVEMENTS IN SUBVENTION FOR STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION, THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF THESE CENTRES WILL BE RAISED CORRESPONDINGLY," SHE'ADDED.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT AT THESE CENTRES, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE HELPED TO DEVELOP THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS, POTENTIALS, PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND A SENSE OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES.
/"CHILDREN AND
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
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"CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ALL SECTORS AND HELP THEM DEVELOP INTO THE BACKBONES OF THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT EASY TO FIND SUITABLE SITES FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE DENSELY-POPULATED EASTERN DISTRICT.
"IN ORDER TO MEET THE TARGET OF PROVIDING ONE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE FOR EVERY 20,000 TO 30,000 POPULATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TURNED TO NEWLY-COMPLETED PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS FOR SPACE AND THREE SUCH CENTRES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SET UP IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT," MRS WONG SAID.
"AN ADDITIONAL FOUR MORE CENTRES IN BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEVELOPMENTS ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT AND WITH THEIR COMPLETION, SERVICES FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE HERE WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING CHILDREN’S CENTRES, LIBRARIES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK AND HOSTEL FACILITIES, SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1936.
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CANADIAN VISIT FOR POLICE YOUTH AMBASSADORS
» » » * t
HONG KONG’S FIVE NEWLY-CHOSEN YOUTH AMBASSADORS ARE ALL SET TO FULFIL THEIR ROLE OVERSEAS WHEN THEY VISIT CANADA NEXT WEEK.
THE FIVE YOUNGSTERS, WINNERS OF THE 1988 HELP THE POLICE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION, WILL LEAVE NEXT WEDNESDAY ON AN 18-DAY GOODWILL TOUR, ACCOMPANIED BY TWO POLICE ESCORTS.
WHILE IN CANADA THEY WILL BE THE GUESTS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE, AND THE CITY POLICE FORCES OF REGINA, CALGARY, VANCOUVER AND VICTORIA. THE ITINERARY COVERS SIGHTSEEING AND VISITS TO LOCAL POLICE FORMATIONS AND COMMUNITIES.
THE TRIP WILL BE AN EYE-OPENER FOR THE YOUNGSTERS AS THEY WILL SEE SOME OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR SCENERY IN THE WORLD, RANGING FROM THE FLAT PRAIRIES OF SASKATCHEWAN TO THE TOWERING ROCKY MOUNTAINS. ALSO, THEY WILL BE BUSY MEETING MANY PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THESE CITIES.
/TODAY, THE.........
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
- 6
TODAY, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID BON VOYAGE TO THE FIVE -- LAI PO-MAN (19), CHOI CHI-CHIU (18), CHAN CHO-SHEUNG (15), LAM MEI (16) AND LEUNG KA-WING (15), AT A FAREWELL LUNCH HOSTED IN THEIR HONOUR.
THE FIVE WINNERS KNOCKED OUT THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SLOGAN-CREATION, INTERVIEW AND TELEVISION QUIZ ROUNDS OF THE COMPETITION TO WIN THE TRIP TO CANADA, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, AND OTHER ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.
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TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS BUS ROUTE PROGRAMME
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT'S BUS ROUTE 1988/89 AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (JULY 11)
AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MORNING.
ALSO IO BE CONSIDERED ARE PROPOSED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAI WO ESTATE, WHICH IS NEARING COMPLETION.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THERE WILL BE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, ROAD NETWORK, AND PROVISION 01 KCR SERVICES AS WELI AS TWO TERMINATING \ND SIX PASSING BUS ROUTES.
IN ADDITION, THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS CONTINGENCY PLANS TO DEAL WITH BREAKDOWNS OF KCR TRAINS AND LION ROCK TUNNEL SERVICES; ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN 1988/89; A TRANSPORT .DEPARTMENT PROPOSAL TO REMOVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES; PROPOSED BUS SHELTER CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 1988/89 AND THE MEETING SCHEDULE OF THF COMMITTEE THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY (JUIA 11) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 3RD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL ( I NTRI-152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9,
1988
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YOUTH URGED TO JOIN HOLIDAY PROGRAMME ♦ * ♦ * *
SHAM SHUI PO’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT TO PARTICIPATE IN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES.
"BY PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO ENRICH THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIETY, DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, AND, AT THE SAME TIME, SPEND AN ENJOYABLE AND MEANINGFUL SUMMER HOLIDAY," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME HELD AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR OVER 40 ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT WOULD PROVIDE MORE THAN 300 SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES, THE CONTENTS OF WHICH WERE RICHER THAN THOSE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
"THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT HAVE SPARED NO EFFORTS IN ORGANISING A VARIETY OF HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
"THE SUCCESS OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OWES MUCH TO THE ACTIVE PROMOTION AND SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE VARIOUS VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, LOCAL BODIES AND THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD," HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK.
THE OPENING WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW AND PERFORMANCES STAGED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS SUBSIDISED THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BY PROVIDING $340,000 IN FUNDING.
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/8........
SATURDAY, JULY 9,
1988
- 8 -
SAI KUNG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BEGINS *****
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AND YOUTHS ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN THE DISTRICT’S 1988 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMBINED OPENING CEREMONY AND FLOAT PARADE WAS HEID AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND CARPARK.
THE OPENING DAY’S PROGRAMME INCLUDED SINGING, MAGIC SHOW, PUPPET SHOW, CYCLING DEMONSTRATION, MURAL PAINTING AND VARIOUS GAMES.
FOUR DECORATED VEHICLES TOURED THE DISTRICT AND STOPPED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN SAI KUNG TOWN, JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, AND HANG HAU TOWN. THEY ALSO STOPPED AT THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HO CHUNG.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY" AND MORE THAN 70 EVENTS WILL BE HELD UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST.
THESE EVENTS INCLUDE VISITS, EXHIBITIONS, QUIZ CONTESTS, CAMPING, CARNIVALS, PICNICS, BALL GAMES, WATER SPORTS, TRAINING COURSES AND VARIOUS COMPETITIONS.
A SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO ENABLE YOUNGSTERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THEIR COMMUNITY.
IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE RECENTLY MOVED INTO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CARNIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS ON JUNK BAY WILL BE HELD SO THAT THESE PEOPLE CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS ASPECTS AND THE FACILITIES OF THE AREA.
ALL THE ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE) AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
ABOUT $132,000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMES. APART FROM $96,400 ALLOCATED FROM JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS, ABOUT $36,000 WAS SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ALSO DONATED FUNDS.
COPIES OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME BOOKLET, GIVING DETAILED INFORMATION ON ALL EVENTS, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
CHANCE FOR YOUTH TO EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY BUILDING * * * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE FOR THEMSELVES WHAT IS INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY BUILDING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME HELD IN THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND THIS EVENING, MR BURRETT SAID YOUTH PROBLEMS HAD ATTRACTED MUCH PUBLIC ATTENTION GIVEN THE CONTINUING RISE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE POPULATION IN RECENT YEARS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR YOUNG GENERATION DEVELOP IN A HEALTHY WAY. SHOULD THEY GO ASTRAY, THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE DISASTROUS," HE SAID.
THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG, NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME COMPRISED MORE THAN 300 ACTIVITIES WITH A BUDGET OF 1260,000.
"OF THIS SUM, 1169,800 WAS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, $35,000 BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND SOME $40,000 BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES," MR HO SAID.
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME IS "SHARE THE FUN, JOIN THE COMMUNITY" AND ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD FROM TODAY UNTIL AUGUST 28.
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WAN CHAI SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE LAUNCHED t t * ♦ *
A FUN FAIR WILL BE HELD IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO MARK THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN WAN CHAI.
YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE STALL GAMES AND ENJOY THE SONGS, DANCES, DEMONSTRATIONS OF KARATE AND CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMED BY CHILDREN AT THE FUN FAIR.
MORE THAN 180 ACTIVITIES WILL BF ORGANISED UNDER THE PROGRAMME THIS YEAR. THESE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM CAMPING, LAUNCH TRIPS, HALL GAMES, VISITS TO SEMINARS AND WILL FEATURE THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
/OFFICIATING AT .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9t 1988
10 -
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR WARREN CHOW, AND THE HONORARY PATRON OF THE PROGRAMME, MR CHOW HUNG-PIU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE WAN CHAI SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHAT.
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NEW CSD RECRUITMENT CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A NEW TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE NEW CENTRE FORMS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT'S MAJOR RECRUITMENT EXERCISE BEING LAUNCHED NOW TO RECRUIT ENERGETIC YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN AS OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS."
"APPLICANTS RESIDING IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CAN NOW MAKE USE OF THE NEW CENTRE WITHOUT TRAVELLING A LONG DISTANCE TO OUR CENTRAL RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT WAN CHAI," HE ADDED.
THE NEW CENTRE HAS TWO EXHIBITION PANELS EXPLAINING WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IS MANNED BY CORRECTIONAL. OFFICERS WHO ASSIST APPLICATION AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
PEOPLE LIVING ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON CAN APPLY AT THE CENTRAL RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT 23/F, WANCHA1 TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-275951.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
11
THUNDERSTORMS, BUT JUNE RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL * » * » »
HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THAT AFFECTED HONG KONG FROM JUNE 23 TO 27 BROUGHT 237.6 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL, BUT RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH WAS STILL 31 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 431.8 MILLIMETRES.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTED TO ONLY 296.9 MILLIMETRES, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS REPORT FOR THE MONTH RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY).
FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1988, A TOTAL OF ONLY 548.0 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN WAS RECORDED. THIS IS THE FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR THE PERIOD.
JUNE WAS ALSO DRIER AND WARMER THAN NORMAL. THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 78 PER CENT, WAS THE LOWEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE AND EQUALLED THE FIGURE RECORDED IN JUNE 1967. THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 28 .6 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE FOURTH HIGHEST ONRECORD FOR JUNE.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE CIRCULATION OF SEVERE TROPICAL STORM SUSAN, THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY ON JUNE 1. HOWEVER, SUSAN MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM HONG KONG IN THE EVENING AND A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC BEGAN TO EXTEND WESTWARDS TO COVER SOUTH CHINA.
FOR THE NEXT NINE DAYS, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG WAS MAINLY FINE APART FROM A FEW BRIEF SHOWERS ON JUNE 7, 8 AND 10.
AS A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER CENTRAL CHINA MOVED SOUTHWARDS ON JUNE 11, SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS STRENGTHENED AND MORNING SHOWERS OCCURRED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE WARMER SOUTHWESTERLIES CAUSED THE TEMPERATURE TO RISE TO A MAXIMUM OF 33 DEGREES ON JUNE 13 WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST RECORDED TO THAT DATE.
AS THE TROUGH WEAKENED AND RETREATED NORTHWARDS ON JUNE 15, THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON WEAKENED AND SHOWERY ACTIVITY ALSO DECREASED.
MEANWHILE, AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED OVER THE CENTRAL PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. AS IT MOVED NORTH-NORTHWESTWARDS TOWARD HAINAN ISLAND, WINDS IN HONG KONG TURNED EASTERLY ON JUNE 16 AND THEN SOUTHEASTERLY THE NEXT DAY. SHOWERS ALSO OCCURRED FOR MOST OF THE DAY ON JUNE 17.
THIS AREA OF LOW PRESSURE LANDED ON THE NORTHERN SHORES OF BE IBU WAN ON JUNE 18, AND THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG FOR THE NEXT FOUR DAYS WAS GENERALLY FINE APART FROM ISOLATED SHOWERS.
/AN ACTIVE
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
12 -
AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER CENTRAL CHINA MOVED SOUTHWARDS AND REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREA ON JUNE 23. THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY SQUALLY SHOWERS OCCURRED ON JUNE 23 AND 24. THREE MINOR FLOODS OCCURRED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON THE SAME DAY.
ON JUNE 24, 25 RESIDENTS IN SHAU KEI WAN HAD TO BE EVACUATED FROM THEIR HUTS DUE TO SUBSIDENCE OF THE GROUND. A SIX-METRE TREE IN WAN CHAI ALSO COLLAPSED IN HEAVY RAIN.
THE TROUGH PASSED TO THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ON JUNE 25, BUT MOVED NORTH THE NEXT DAY AND BROUGHT THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY SHOWERS TO HONG KONG. A TREE FELL ON REPULSE BAY ROAD, OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC.
WEATHER IMPROVED IN THE EVENING OF JUNE 27 AS THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE EXTENDED WESTWARDS TOWARDS SOUTHEAST CHINA. IT WAS SUNNY ON JUNE 28.
TROPICAL STORM VANESSA CROSSED THE PHILIPPINES AND ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 28. IT MOVED RAPIDLY NORTHWESTWARDS AT A SPEED OF 40 KILOMETRES PER HOUR. THE STAND BY SIGNAL NO. 1 WAS HOISTED AT 11.20 PM WHEN VANESSA WAS ABOUT 660 KILOMETRES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF HONG KONG.
WINDS BECAME FRESH AND GUSTY IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 29 AND THERE WERE ALSO SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS. OCCASIONAL STRONG WINDS WERE REPORTED OFFSHORE.
VANESSA MADE LANDFALL OVER WESTERN GUANGDONG NEAR SHANGCHUAN DAO ABOUT 150 KILOMETRES WEST-SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG IN THE AFTERNOON OF JUNE 29. THE STAND BY SIGNAL NO. 1 WAS LOWERED AT 4.50 PM. LOCAL WINDS TURNED TO SOUTHERLY AND THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SHOWERS.
ANTECEDENT RAIN AND HEAVY SHOWERS ON JUNE 30 CAUSED A MINOR LANDSLIP IN KWAI CHUNG WHERE 27 RESIDENTS HAD TO BE EVACUATED.
A TOTAL OF FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, FIVE AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON JUNE 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, AND 30. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON JUNE 23, 24 AND 26.
/SIGNALS HOISTED .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
15 -
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME DATE AND 1 I ME
OF HOISTING OF LOWERING
TYPHOON 1 SUSAN TROPICAL STORM 1 VANESSA THE MONTH’S FIGURES MAY 31 JUNE 1 4.30 PM 9 PM JUNE 28 JUNE 29 11.20 PM 4.50 PM AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 209,7 HOURS ; 50.5 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR 17.00 MJ/ ; 0.31 MJ/SQ.METRE ABOVE
RADIATION TOTAL RAINFALL SQ.METRE 296.9MM ; NORMAL 134.9 MM BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 64 PER CENT ; 11 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 78 PER CENT ; 6 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM 31.3 DEGREES ; 0.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
AIR TEMPERATURE MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE CELSIUS 28.6 DEGREES ; ABOVE NORMAL 0.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR CELSIUS 26.7 DEGREES ; ABOVE NORMAL 1.1 DEGREES CELSIUS
TEMPERATURE MEAN DEW POINT CELSIUS 24.4 DEGREES ; ABOVE NORMAL 0.1 DEGREES CELSIUS
TOTAL EVAPORATION CELSIUS 140.9MM ; BELOW NORMAL 6.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
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/1* .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
14
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS * » * * *
YOUNG CHORAL SINGING ENTHUSIASTS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 14 WHO LIVE OR STUDY IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN'S CHOIR.
FORMED IN 1978, THE CHOIR IS MANAGED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION (SDACA) AND SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
ITS AIM IS TO ENHANCE INTEREST IN MUSIC AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD IN CHORAL SINGING.
THE CHOIR HOLDS WEEKLY PRACTICE SESSIONS ON SATURDAYS FROM 2.30 PM TO 4 PM AT THE ABERDEEN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX. CHOIR MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE MUSIC KNOWLEDGE AND LEARN THE SKILLS OF CHORAL SINGING.
THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR ALSO STAGES ITS OWN CONCERTS AND PERFORMS AT VARIOUS DISTRICT FUNCTIONS.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES IN LEI TUNG ESTATE, WAH FU ESTATE AND STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD AS WELL AS SDACA'S OFFICE ON THF GROUND FLOOR, LEI CHAK HOUSE:, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-510271 AND 5-550187.
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TUEN MUN PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE OPENING *****
THE TUEN MUN PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE IN TUEN MUN AREA 14 WILL BE OPENED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 11), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE INCLUDE BUS TERMINUS, TAXI STANDS, GREEN MINIBUS STAND AND GENERAL PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN POINT FOR PRIVATE CARS AND COACHES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING TAXI STANDS, GREEN MINIBUS STAND AND THE PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN POINT FOR PRIVATE CARS AND COACHES IN THE VICINITY WILL BE CLOSED AND RELOCATED TO THE INTERCHANGE.
/THE EXISTING .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
- 15 -
THE EXISTING BUTTERFLY ESTATE BUS TERMINUS NEARBY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED AND RELOCATED TO THE NEW BUS TERMINUS IN THE INTERCHANGE FROM JULY 16 (SATURDAY).
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING, A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE JULY 8 AT THE INTERCHANGE AND ON ROADS NEARBY.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS NEARBY HAVE BEEN MADE 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM ROAD 44K TO THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.
♦ THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE EXIT ROAD IN THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FROM THE EASTERN-MOST TAXI BAY TO THE WESTERN-MOST BUS BAY.
* THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE TO ROAD 44K.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IN SHA TIN BETWEEN JULY 11 (MONDAY) AND 16 TO FACILITATE THE REPAIR OF WATER MAINS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, A 200-METRE LONG SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON JULY 11 TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
FROM 10 PM ON JULY 13 (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING, A 120-METRE LONG SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND SOUTH OF KAK TIN WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR KAK TIN, WITH A LENGTH OF ABOUT 120 METRES, WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT ON JULY 15 (FRIDAY) AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
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/16........
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1988
- 16 -
MAINS BURST CAUSES TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
♦ ♦ ♦ » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT OWING TO A WATER MAINS BURST, THE SECTION OF PO ON ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN FAT TSEUNG STREET AND TONKIN STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY (JULY 15). VEHICLES ON PO ON ROAD EASTBOUND, INCLUDING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 42 PLYING BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND CHAK ON ESTATE, HAVE BEEN DIVERTED VIA FAT TSEUNG STREET, KWONG LEE ROAD AND TONKIN STREET.
MEANWHILE, FUNG SHING STREET NEAR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD IN WONG TAI SIN, WHICH WAS CLOSED FOR EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIRS, HAS BEEN REOPENED TO TRAFFIC.
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WATER CUT IN KOWLOON CITY ♦ ♦ ♦ »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 10 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 12) AND 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING FOR WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CARPENTER ROAD, SA PO ROAD PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PLANS FOR FOUR MORE HOTELS APPROVED ............................ 1
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS ....................... 2
CARNIVALS BEGIN SUMMER FUN FOR YOUTH ........................... 2
YAU TSIM DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS ................ 3
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENS IN WAN CHAI ....................
EDUCATIONAL-CAREER PROGRAMMES .................................. 4
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY ........................... 6
TRAFFIC MATTERS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ......................... 6
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR BASIC LAW PROMOTION .................... 7
SPECIAL TEAM TO ENFORCE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.................... 8
$9.J MILLION HARBOUR MODEL TO BE BUILT.......................... 8
MAJOR RECREATIONAL GROUND FOR NORTH DISTRICT ................... 9
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS ........... 10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ............................ 10
BRIDGE IN TAI PO TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC....................... 11
SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO THREE AREAS ..................... 11
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
1
PLANS FOR FOUR MORB HOTELS APPROVED
« » » » t
PLAN8 FOR FOUR HOTELS WITH A TOTAL OF 1,760 ROOMS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN MAY.
THEY WERE AMONG 68 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE OFFICE DURING THE MONTH.
THE SITES FOR THE HOTELS ARE LOCATED IN YEE WO STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY, ELECTRIC ROAD AND KING’S ROAD IN NORTH POINT, AND NATHAN ROAD IN YAU MA TEI.
ALSO APPROVED WERE 29 APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, NINE COMMERCIAL AND EIGHT FACTORY/WORKSHOP/GODOWN DEVELOPMENTS.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 19 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ANOTHER 19 IN KOWLOON AND 30 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
CONSENT TO START WORK WAS GIVEN TO 53 PROJECTS. THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE PROJECTS WAS 277,266.9 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 162,692.6 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC USES.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 194,598 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 82,899.4 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $698 MILLION.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 45 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 11 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 30 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 31 DEMOLITION CONSENT AFFECTING 77 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 714 COMPLAINTS REGARDING ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS DURING THE MONTH, CARRIED OUT 1,091 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 146 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 520 BUILDINGS AND TWO CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
- 2
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
» » » »
OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO JOIN A CHALLENGING LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE LATER.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SYP THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, NOTED THAT VOLUNTEERS TAKING PART IN THE SERVICE-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES MIGHT BE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO JOIN AN OUTWARD BOARD SEA COURSE LATER.
THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 650 SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SOME 70 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WITH FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP OF OVER $332,000 COMING FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THESE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM OUTDOOR PURSUITS, CULTURAL PROGRAMMES AND INTEREST COURSES TO SOCIAL SERVICE SCHEMES.
MR FISHER ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND IN RAISING AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 FOR PUBLICISING THE EVENTS.
THE DISTRICT’S SYP WAS LAUNCHED WITH A FUN-PACKED, COLOURFUL CARNIVAL AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL THIS AFTERNOON.
MORE THAN 4,000 RESIDENTS WERE TREATED TO THREE HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING A BAND PERFORMANCE, SINGING AND DANCING AS WELL AS STALL GAMES.
GUESTS AT THE FUNCTION INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR NGAI WAI-MING, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE OPENING PROGRAMME, MISS ESTHER CHAN.
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CARNIVALS BEGIN SUMMER FUN FOR YOUTH
* » *
CARNIVALS WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF YOUNGSTERS MARKED THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES IN THE KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICTS TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CARNIVALS WERE HELD AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AND THE LOK FU CENTRE. THEY INCLUDED GAMES STALLS, VARIETY SHOWS, A SINGING COMPETITION AND A CHILDREN'S TALENT SHOW.
/GUESTS OFFICIATING .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY THE PPOGRAMMES.
THEY REMINDED YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DEVELOP BOTH THEIR SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR POTENTIAL, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
AROUND 1,200 ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN.
CENTRED ON THE THEME OF "SHARING THE FUN AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY", THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE CAMPING, OUTINGS, CARNIVALS, TRAINING COURSES, GAMES, SPORTS, VARIETY SHOWS AND VISITS.
YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THESE ACTIVITIES MAY CONTACT THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICES FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
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YAU TSIM DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS
« » » » »
YOUNGSTERS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT CAN ENJOY A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT'S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MISS SUSAN SO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF' THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, MISS SO POINTED OUT THAT AMONG THE MORE THAN 140 EVENTS, THERE WERE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS CANOEING AND FISHING AS WELL AS INDOOR GAMES, SUCH AS SINGING CONTESTS OR TRAINING CLASSES.
A MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY WAS A VOLUNTARY SERVICES PROGRAMME, SHE ADDED.
"BY JOINING THE VOLUNTARY SERVICES PROGRAMME TO HELP THE DISABLED, MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS OR DEAF CHILDREN, PARTICIPANTS CAN LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND AT THE SAME TIME DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL," MISS SO NOTED.
THIS YEAR, THE DISTRICT'S ENTIRE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COSTS MORE THAN >288,000 OF WHICH >232,700 WAS DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE REST BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG.
THE OPENING WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING CHINESE DANCES, BALLET AND CHINESE MUSIC STAGED BY LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
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A....
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME OPENS IN WAN CHAI
* ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A TOTAL OF 184 ACTIVITIES, RANGING FROM OUTDOOR PURSUITS TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES PROJECTS WILL RE HELD DURING SUMMER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT'S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TODAY (SUNDAY), THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, SAID, "THE AIM OF THE PROGRAMME IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO CARE FOR AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES."
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PICNICS, TRAINING COURSES, SEMINARS, VISIT PROGRAMMES, ALL OF WHICH FEATURE THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
THE PROGRAMME IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WITH DONATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD. SEVENTEEN LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE TAKING PART IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WARREN CHOW, TOLD THE GATHERING THAT 50,000 YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGE OF SIX AND 25 ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME.
THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES, THEY CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCIETY AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY, HE ADDED.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A FUN FAIR WHICH INCLUDED STALL GAMES, TALENT SHOWS, KARATE DEMONSTRATIONS AND A CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMED BY CHILDREN.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE HONORARY PATRON OF THE PROGRAMME, MR CHOW HUNG-PIU, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI HANG YOUTH CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG KING-LIM.
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EDUCATIONAL-CAREER PROGRAMMES
* * ♦ ♦
A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS ON CIVIC EDUCATION, CAREER INFORMATION, DENTAL HEALTH AND HOME SAFETY HAVE BEEN ARRANGED IN PUBLIC HOUSING SHOPPING CENTRES DURING THIS (JULY) MONTH.
PUBLIC HOUSING (PH) TENANTS, ESPECIALLY STUDENTS, WILL BE ABLE TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE BY VISITING THEM.
/A CAREER .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
- 5 -
A CAREER EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING ESTATES: SHUN TIN IN KWUN TONG (JULY 13-15), CHUK YUEN (SOUTH) IN CENTRAL KOWLOON (JULY 17-19) AND KWONG FUK IN TAI PO (JULY 31).
PH TENANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT "METROPLAN" -A GOVERNMENT PROJECT ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF URBAN AREAS.
AN EXHIBITION, ENTITLED "METROPLAN", ORGANISED BY THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, WILL BE HELD AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE BETWEEN JULY 15 TO 19 (FRIDAY TO TUESDAY).
ADVICE ON DENTAL HEALTH AND ORAL HYGIENE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO PH TENANTS.
TWO DENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITIONS, ORGANISED WITH THE ESTATE DENTISTS GROUP OF THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD ON TWO SUNDAYS AT HIN KENG (JULY 17) AND POK HONG ESTATES IN SHA TIN (JULY 31).
MEANWHILE, A SERIES OF "METEOROLOGY AND YOU" ROVING EXHIBITIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT 01 MAN ESTATE (JULY 13-19), WO CHE ESTATE IN SHA TIN (JULY 20-26) AND FU SHIN ESTATE IN TAI PO (JULY 27-31).
IN ADDITION TO THESE EDUCATIONAL PROGRMMES, A SERIES OF ENTERTAINING AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY PROGRAMME.
A VARIETY SHOW - "THIS IS OUR HOME" ORGANISED WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG - WILL BE HELD AT YAU 01 ESTATE IN TUEN MUN ON JULY 31 (SUNDAY).
POPULAR SINGERS INCLUDING ALEX TO, MAK KIT-MAN, LI DA-CHENG, TOMMY SHOU, EDDIE NG AND CITY BEAT WILL BE PERFORMING IN THE SINGING AND DANCING PROGRAMMES.
A THREE-DAY CARNIVAL IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT FU SHIN ESTATE IN TAI PO ON JULY 29 TO 31 (FRIDAY TO SUNDAY).
REGULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ARTS AND CRAFTS DEMONSTRATIONS, SINGING AND DANCING SHOWS AND NEW PRODUCT DISPLAYS WILL ALSO FORM PART OF THE 6 000 HOURS OF PROMOTIONS AT ESTATES.
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/6........
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
- 6 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY * * * * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (JULY 12) AFTERNOON.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MILS ROSANNA TAM WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REPORT AND COLLECT THEIR VIEWS.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE WORK TARGETS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE IN 1988/89. IT WILL BE SUGGESTED THAT REGULAR REVIEWS BE CARRIED OUT ON DIFFERENT SOCIAL SERVICES ISSUES SO AS TO IDENTIFY DEFICIENCIES AND INITIATE IMPROVEMENTS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ICAC REGIONAL OFFICE (NT EAST) WORK PLAN FOR 1988/89 AND THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 12) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 3RD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
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TRAFFIC MATTERS ON * *
DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * * *
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS SEVERAL PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE ROAD TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN THE DISTRICT.
rilE PROPOSALS INCLUDE THE KOWLOON PARK DRIVE FLYOVER PROJECT THE WIDENING OF AUSTIN ROAD AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF CANTON ROAD AND AUSTIN ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO PROPOSALS TO REMOVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES, EXTEND THE ELEVATED WALKWAY ABOVE THE CROSS HARBOUR I UNNEL IOLL PLAZA TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AND ALLOW OVERNIGHT PARKING AT THE VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE AT JORDAN ROAD.
/THEY WILL .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE COMPOSITION OF THE 1988-89 YAU T3IM DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND WAYS TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT SCIENCE MUSEUM SQUARE, TSIM SHA TSUI, AND MAN SHING STREET, FERRY POINT.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
- - 0 - -
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR BASIC LAW PROMOTION * » t t »
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED A SUM OF $40,000 TO SUBSIDISE ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PROMOTION OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW IN THE DISTRICT.
"SINCE THE DRAFT BASIC LAW HAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE BOARD DECIDED THAT IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING RELATED ACTIVITIES SO AS TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY FOR EACH APPLICATION IS $3,000.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO HOLD SUCH ACTIVITIES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE DB SECRETARIAT TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE VETTING WORKING GROUP MEETINGS TO BE HELD ON JULY 25, AUGUST 30 AND SEPTEMBER 27, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
- 8 -
SPECIAL TEAM TO ENFORCE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE t t * * ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM TO MONITOR THE COMPLIANCE BY EMPLOYERS WITH THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE TEAM, ATTACHED TO THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION, IS MADE UP OF SEVEN EXPERIENCED LABOUR INSPECTORS.
THEY WILL CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYEES AT LARGE CAN ENJOY THE MINIMUM BENEFITS PROVIDED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOVE REFLECTED THE DEPARTMENT’S DETERMINATION TO STRENGTHEN ACTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW.
HE WARNED THAT TEAM MEMBERS WOULD PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO BLATANT OFFENDERS IN RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, FACTORIES AND OTHER PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT.
"DURING THEIR VISITS, THE INSPECTORS WILL CHECK WHETHER ENTITLED EMPLOYEES ARE GIVEN REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, ANNUAL LEAVE, MATERNITY LEAVE AND SICKNESS ALLOWANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO INSPECT THE RECORDS WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO BE KEPT AND MAINTAINED BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE."
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND INITIATE PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS WHERE APPROPRIATE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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$9.3 MILLION HARBOUR MODEL TO BE BUILT
t * » » *
A PHYSICAL MODEL OF VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL BE BUILT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT A COST OF $9.3 MILLION TO PROVIDE DATA FOR HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY STUDIES ON THE HARBOUR.
THE MODEL IS NEEDED TO SUPPLEMENT THE MATHEMATICAL MODELS USED IN THE STUDIES, WHICH STARTED IN APRIL LAST YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
/THE PURPOSE .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDIES IS TO ASSESS THE HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY IMPLICATIONS OF PROPOSED RECLAMATIONS AND A NEW SHIP MOORING SYSTEM.
THE PHYSICAL MODEL WILL BE BUILT AT PILLAR POINT, TUEN MUN, \ND WILL BE HOUSED IN A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WITH A FLOOR AREA OF ’,600 SQUARE METRES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT NINE MONTHS.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE MODEL WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR OPERATION.
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MAJOR RECREATIONAL GROUND FOR NORTH DISTRICT
* * » * *
RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT WILL HAVE A MAJOR VENUE FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WHEN THE FANLING TOWN PARK IS COMPLETED BY THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
A $17.69 MILLION CONTRACT FOR STAGE I WORKS OF THE PARK HAS BEEN SIGNED RECENTLY BETWEEN THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES/NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR TOM ARMOUR, AND REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CONTRACTOR, SHUN SHING CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.
STAGE I OF THE PARK COVERS AN AREA OF 6.31 HECTARES ADJACENT TO FANLING WAI VILLAGE.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THIS STAGE WILL INCLUDE A LARGE ORNAMENTAL LAKE WITH A WATER CASCADE, FLOWER AND ROCK GARDENS, AN OPEN-AIR PERFORMANCE AREA, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, REFRESHMENT AND TOILET FACILITIES, SET IN OPEN LANDSCAPED AREAS WITH EXTENSIVE PLANTING.
WORK ON THIS STAGE WILL START SHORTLY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AROUND AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, WORK ON STAGE II OF THE PARK, WHICH COMMENCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATE THIS YEAR.
FACILITIES IN STAGE II WILL MAINLY BE "ACTIVE" IN NATURE, INCLUDING SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND ROLLER SKATING FACILITIES.
/THE PARK
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
10
THE PARK WILL COVER A TOTAL AREA OF 10.21 HECTARES AND HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE WIDEST RANGE OF FACILITIES TO INCLUDE SOMETHING OF INTEREST FOR EVERYONE.
THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR THE PROJECT ARE SHANKLAND COX WHO HAVE DESIGNED THE FACILITIES AND WILL SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
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TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS IN HUNG HOM LEADING FROM NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH TO SOUTHBOUND GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON JULY 13 (WEDNESDAY), 14 AND 16.
THE CLOSURE ON JULY 13 AND 14 IS TO ENABLE THE CARRYING OUT OF ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS AND SKID RESISTANCE TESTS, AND THAT ON JULY 16 IS TO FACILITATE CLEANSING WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL HEADING FOR HUNG HOM AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHEONG WAN ROAD, ON WAN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE.
THEY CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO USE GASCOIGNE ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, PAK KUNG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET, FAT KWONG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ♦ * * ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NEAR MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEANWHILE, FROM MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY (JULY 12) TO 6 AM THE OLLOWING DAY, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD BETWEEN TSANG 1AI UK AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
THE MEASURES ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1988
11
BRIDGE IN TAI PO TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ♦ * *
IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN TAI PO AREA 6, THE TEMPORARY VEHICULAR BRIDGE SOUTH OF TAI PO KCR STATION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
ALL TRAFFIC TO AND FROM SHAN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD D3 AND BRIDGE L7/1.
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SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO THREE AREAS » » » » »
WATER SUPPLY TO THREE AREAS WILL BE SUSPENDED TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF ON MONDAY FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT MEI TIN ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TAI WAI ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD AND CHIK FAI STREET.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME KOWLOON TONG PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BROADCAST DRIVE, FESSENDEN ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET AND CORNWALL STREET INCLUDING CHAK ON ESTATE, KOWLOON KITCHEN AND CHAK YAN CENTRE.
ALSO, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME HUNG HOM PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BULKELEY STREET, DOCK STREET, PO LOI STREET, HUNG HOM WAN STREET, ON CHING ROAD, CHEONG HANG ROAD, WINSLOW STREET AND CHATHAM ROAD INCLUDING HUNG HOM FERRY PIER.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUNNEL PROJECT REFLECTS CONFIDENCE IN HK'S FUTURE .......... 1
PUBLIC URGED TO JOIN THE 'PITCHING-IN’ GROUP ............... 1
LAB ENDORSES WIDE RANGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVEMENTS ........ 3
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MAY .............. 5
PROPOSAL ON LENGTH OF FIRST DEGREE COURSES EXPLAINED ...... 14
STUDENT LOAN FUNDS OFFERED FOR 1988-89 .....................
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 15
SPECIAL TV PROGRAMME ON KWAI TSING DISTRICT ................ 16
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AMENITY FACILITIES ........... 16
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLAN .............. 17
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER SAFETY IN CHAI WAN ROAD............ 17
TAI PO DB'S PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK TiuRGETS ... 18
TAI PO DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT .. 18
PRESS CONFERENCE ON YOUTH ORCHESTRA TOUR.................... 19
EXHIBITION ON MORAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ................... 19
TWO SITES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ....................... 20
LkNDFILLING AT JORDAN VALLEY TO CONTINUE.................... 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY ............................ 21
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TaI SIN ..................... 22
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ..RRaNGEMINTS IN WAN CHAI NORTH .......... 22
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
1 TUNNEL PROJECT REFLECTS CONFIDENCE IN HK'S FUTURE * ♦ * » »
THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT DEMONSTRATED LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THEIR READY PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF H'"!G KONG’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, '1R MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AT THE SIU LEK YUEN SITE IN SHA TIN, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TOWARDS AN EVER INCREASING EXPANSION OF THE TERRITORY'S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE.
"OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, EXCLUDING INVESTMENT IN THE RAILWAYS, GOVERNMENT WILL BE SPENDING OVER $6.5 BILLION ON OUR HIGHWAY NETWORK ALONE," HE SAID.
"FURTHER RAIL AND ROAD PROJECTS ARE BEING PLANNED AND EVALUATED UNDER THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY.
"THE RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE EARLY NEXT YEAR AS A BASIS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY."
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED A 30-YEAR FRANCHISE TO THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPANY WHICH IS FORMED BY THE GAMMON-N1SHTMATSU CONSORTIUM TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE TUNNEL.
BY AUGUST 1991, THE TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED AND WILL RELIEVE THE CONGESTION OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
- - 0 - -
PUBLIC URGED TO JOIN THE ’PITCHING-IN' GROUP » ♦ » » »
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, TODAY MADE AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO JOIN THE ’PITCHING-IN’ GROUP IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, HE SAID THAT KEEPING HONG KONG'S ENVIRONMENT CLEAN WAS A JOINT ENTERPRISE.
"EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL BE FUTILE WITHOUT PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION," HE SAID.
/MR FORSGATE
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 2
MR FORSGATE SAID THE PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE URBAN DWELLERS THROUGH A HOST OF DUTIES, AMONG WHICH KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN UNDER THE EUPHEMISTIC TITLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE WAS THE MOST BASIC.
"OUR CLEANSING SQUADS, NOW COMPRISING SOME 5,000 STAFF, TOGETHER WITH THE CLEANSING FLEET OF 400 VEHICLES EACH DAY TAKE AWAY AN AVERAGE OF 2,800 TONNES OF REFUSE FROM OUR HOMES AND ON THE STREET," HE SAID.
"LAST YEAR, THE URBCO SPENT $310 MILLION IN HANDLING THE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE, TAKING UP A SIZABLE PORTION OF OUR ANNUAL BUDGET".
MR FORSGATE SAID THE FIGHT AGAINST LITTERBUGS ENTERED A SIGNIFICANT NEW PHASE WHEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTRODUCED COMPUTERISATION FOR LITTER OFFENDERS IN SEPTEMBER 1982.
IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, HE SAID, THERE WERE MORE THAN 100,000 CASES OF LITTER PROSECUTION WITH FINES TOTALLING $37.12 MILLION.
"ALL THAT MONEY COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED HAD PEOPLE SIMPLY OBSERVED THE ANTI-LITTER LAWS,” HE ADDED.
MR FORSGATE REMARKED THAT HOWEVER MUCH MONEY THE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT SPEND ON KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN, IT WOULD NOT REALLY BE CLEAN UNTIL THE YOUNGER GENERATION GOT THE MESSAGE ACROSS.
"SINCE 1979, THE URBCO HAS SET UP THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME INVITING STUDENTS TO HELP CLEAN UP OUR BEACHES DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS," HE SAID.
"SO FAR, MORE THAN 5,000 YOUNGSTERS HAVE BEEN MOBILISED AND THIS SUMMER MORE STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO COME FORWARD TO JOIN THIS MEANINGFUL ENDEAVOUR."
MR FORSGATE SAID THAT TO ENCOURAGE REAL PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY, THE URBCO INTRODUCED IN 1986 A SELF-HELP CLEANSING SCHEME FOR REMOTE VILLAGES SUCH AS MA HANG VILLAGE, MARY NEW VILLAGE AND . SAI WAN CHAI SQUATTER. AREA IN STANLEY WHICH RESULTED IN CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN CLEANLINESS.
THE URBCO ALSO MAINTAINED A HOTLINE (5-8680000) AROUND THE CLOCK TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ON REFUSE DISPOSAL PROBLEMS, HE SAID.
MR FORSGATE SAID THAT WITH THE CONTINUING EFFORTS OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THERE HAD BEEN SOME IMPROVEMENTS AS THE CITY BECAME CLEANER THAN THE PRE-1972 PERIOD.
"WHILE THIS IS TRUE, THERE ARE STILL MANY ’LAP SAI’ CHUNGS' AROUND TOWN. UNLESS WE JOIN HANDS TO GET RID OF THIS ANTI-SOCIAL CREATURE, RATEPAYERS, YOU AND 1, WILL NOT ONLY PAY MORE BUT ALSO SUFFER FROM A LOWERING QUALITY OF LIFE," HE ADDED.
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/3........
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
LAB ENDORSES WIDE RANGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVEMENTS
♦ » ♦ ♦ *
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MET TODAY (MONDAY) TO CONSIDER ,^A WIDE RANGE OF LABOUR MATTERS.
MEMBERS WERE FIRST BRIEFED ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENTS ON PRUDENTIAL REGULATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR STEPHEN IP.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE PAPER WAS AIMED AT ENSURING THAT, IF EMPLOYERS SET UP RETIREMENT SCHEMES, THE SCHEMES SHOULD BE OPERATED ACCORDING TO CERTAIN STANDARDS OF PRUDENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BENEFICIARIES.
IN THE DISCUSSIONS THAT FOLLOWED, VIEWS ON THE DEFINITION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES, DISCLOSURE OF PROVISIONS OF THE SCHEMES TO EMPLOYEE BENEFICIARIES, TRANSFERABILITY OF FUNDS, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WITH EMPLOYERS* AND EMPLOYEES* PARTICIPATION WERE EXPRESSED.
THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TONY HAMMOND, UNDERTOOK TO PASS MEMBERS’ OPINIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE BOARD THEN SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL TO REMOVE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES UPON THE ABOLITION OF THE WAGE CEILING UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE DISTINCTION, ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND NATURE OF WORK, WILL BE SUBJECT TO PROTECTION UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, THE EXISTING WAGE LIMIT OF $11,500 A MONTH WILL STILL APPLY TO ALL EMPLOYEES. THIS LIMIT WILL BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT OF WAGE MOVEMENTS.
MEMBERS NEXT STUDIED THREE MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
FIRST, ON THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE QUALIFYING PERIOD OF SERVICE A FEMALE EMPLOYEE MUST WORK BEFORE SHE CAN SERVE NOTICE FOR MATERNITY LEAVE, MEMBERS* VIEWS WERE DIVIDED.
EMPLOYEE MEMBERS WERE GENERALLY IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSAL WHILE SOME EMPLOYER MEMBERS CONSIDERED THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT OF 26 WEEKS REASONABLE. AFTER DISCUSSIONS, IT WAS DECIDED THAT FURTHER CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ISSUE.
/AS REGARDS
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
AS REGARDS THE OTHER TWO AMENDMENTS, MEMBERS SUPPORTED THAT AN EMPLOYEE SHOULD RECEIVE A FULL DAY'S WAGES AS HOLIDAY PAY EVEN THOUGH THE HOLIDAY FALLS ON A DAY ON WHICH THE EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ONLY HALF-DAY; AND THAT PAYMENTS FROM ANY RETIREMENT SCHEME IN RESPECT OF THE EMPLOYER’S CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE DEDUCTED FROM SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT.
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME WHICH WAS ENDORSED BY THE BOARD IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, MEMBERS GENERALLY AGREED TO BACK DATE THE PERIOD COVERING EMPLOYEES* COMPENSATION TO JANUARY 1, 1984. VIEWS ON EXTENDING THE SCHEME TO COVER CLAIMS FOR COMMON LAW DAMAGES WERE DIVIDED.
TO AVOID A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, IT WAS AGREED THAT AN UNOFFICIAL BE APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME MANAGEMENT BOARD INSTEAD OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS EARLIER PROPOSED.
THE BOARD ALSO SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO APPROVE A CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOL DY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FROM JANUARY 1, 1989.
UNDER THE NEW COMPOSITION, THE BOARD WILL STILL CONSIST OF 12 MEMBERS. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF ELECTED EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES AND THAT OF NOMINATED EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE INCREASED FROM FOUR TO FIVE RESPECTIVELY.
AS A RESULT OF THESE CHANGES, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE MEMBERS APPOINTED AD PERSONAM ON EACH SIDE WILL BE REDUCED FROM TWO TO ONE.
THE ADDITIONAL ELECTED SEAT ON THE EMPLOYEES’ SIDE WILL BE FILLED BY ELECTION BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES' TRADE UNIONS ON THE BASIS OF ONE UNION ONE VOTE WHILE THE ADDITIONAL NOMINATED SEAT ON THE EMPLOYERS' SIDE WILL BE FILLED BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
LASTLY, IN RESPONSE TO AN EARLIER CALL BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR WIDER USE OF FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS, MR HAMMOND URGED EMPLOYERS TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE INTRODUCTION OF SUCH ARRANGEMENTS SO AS TO HELP RELIEVE CONGESTION ON MAJOR ROADS AND TUNNELS DURING BOTH THE MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS.
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/5........
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 5 -
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTIC'S FOR MAY
* * * * t
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN MAY 1988, AT 178,292 MILLION, GREW BY 26 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH MAY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON VALUE OF TRADE IN MAY 1988 RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $17,274 MILLION IN MAY 1988. WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 46 PER CENT TO $21,460 MILLION, THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN MAY 1988 TO $38,734 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 24 PER CENT OVER MAY 1987.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT TO $39,558 MILLION IN MAY 1988.
COMPARING MAY 1988 WITH MAY 1987, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (+38 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+27 PER CENT) AND AUSTRALIA (+23 PER CENT). THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN GREW LESS RAPIDLY BY 9 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. FURTHER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A., THE LARGEST MARKET, DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 10 PER CENT.
IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN MAY 1988 OVER MAY 1987, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+47 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (+45 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+41 PER CENT), ITALY (+33 PER CENT) AND CHINA (+26 PER CENT). IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, CHINA, TAIWAN, AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE U.S.A. INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD, BY 87 PER CENT, 59 PER CENT, 46 PER CENT, 45 PER CENT, 42 PER CENT, 42 PER CENT AND 41 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO MAY 1988, AT $350,961 MILLION, INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 .
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT TO $77,499 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT TO $94,956 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT TO $172,455 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT TO $178,505 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY TO MAY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS.
/THE MARKETS
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
6 -
THE MARKETS WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED SINGAPORE (+39 PER CENT), CHINA (+27 PER CENT), FRANCE (+21 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+19 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+15 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (+14 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG'S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S.A., DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO MAY 1988 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+43 PER CENT), SWITZERLAND (+36 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (+30 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+29 PER CENT) AND CHINA (+27 PER CENT). IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 86 PER CENT, 67 PER CENT, 49 PER CENT, 48 PER CENT AND 47 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
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 MAY 1988 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY AUGUST.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG'S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JANUARY TO MAY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE MORE NOTABLE ONES WERE OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,525 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,471 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,231 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $673- MILLION OR 12 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING INCREASED BY $190 MILLION OR ONLY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $107 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT) AND ELECTRIC CURRENT (BY $75 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).
Aable 2......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
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 JANUARY TO MAY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $5,599 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $4,282 MILLION OR 116 PERCENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $2,343 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,304 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
IMPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $1,550 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER
THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $195 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND RAW HIDES,
SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $141 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY
DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY TO MAY 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $4,247 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $3,057 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $2,519 MILLION OR 241 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,047 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $1,998 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $73 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (BY $5 MILLION OR 2 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR
COMMODITY DIVISION.
/Detailed statistics
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
8
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE AVAILABLE IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE MAY 1988 ISSUE OF THE "MONO KONO TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE ON SALE AROUND JULY 15 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT 49.50 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN MAY 1988 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN END-JULY AT 417.50 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. NO. : 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. : 5-8234915).
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS MAJOR MARKET MAY MAY 88 JAN-MAY JAN-MAY 88 1988 OVER 1988 OVER MAY 87 JAN-MAY 87 (HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
UrS.A. 5,858 * 10 25,577 - 1
CHINA 3,106 4 38 12,821 4 27
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 , 181 4 9 6,100 ♦ 15
U.K. 1,215 + 8 5,201 4 19
JAPAN 798 4 2 3,774 4 14
CANADA 450 4 2 2,119 4 9
SINGAPORE 405 4 27 1,884 4 39
NETHERLANDS 344 4 13 1,706 4 14
FRANCE 375 + 12 1,630 4 21
AUSTRALIA 346 4- 23 1,488 4 12
/Table 2:
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
9
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIVISION MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) MAY 88 OVER MAY 87 (%) JAN-MAY 1988 (HKD MN. JAN-MAY 88 OVER JAN-MAY 87 ) (X)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,874 - 12 22,405 * 1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,417 - 5 10,706 • - 1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,527 ♦ 15 6,933 + 27
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,567 ♦ 26 6,661 + 23
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,459 + 26 6,156 ♦ 12
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,366 - 5 6,155 + 1
AABLE 3:
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
10
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) MAY 88 OVER MAY 87 (%) JAN-MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAY 88 OVER JAN-MAY 87 (X)
CHINA 12,179 + 26 53,666 + 27
JAPAN 6,872 + 12 32,965 + 21
TAIWAN 3,908 + 41 16,145 ♦ 29
U.S.A. 3,543 + 45 15,260 + 30
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,263 + 47 9,375 + 43
SINGAPORE 1,395 + 25 6,543 + 22
U.K. 1,024 + 9 5,040 + 13
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,089 + 21 4,861 + 26
SWITZERLAND 765 + 6 3,633 ♦ 36
ITALY 615 <• 33 2,894 + 23
/TABLE 4: .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIVISION MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) MAY 88 OVER MAY 87 (%) JAN-MAY 1988 (HKD MN. JAN-MAY 88 OVER JAN-MAY 87 ) (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,713 + 8 23,683 ♦ 7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,169 + 45 18,348 ♦ 44
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,288 + 8 10,899 ♦ 9
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,287 + 30 10,028 ♦ 30
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,148 + 24 10,021 ♦ 31
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,309 4- 36 9,596 ♦ 30
/TABLE 5s
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
12
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
major! market ♦ y' •.3 MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) MAY 88 OVER MAY 87 (%) JAN-MAY 1988 (HKD MN. JAN-MAY 88 OVER JAN-MAY 87 > (X)
——————— — __
CHINA
7,448 + 59 31,299 + 48
U.S.A. 3,704 + 41 16,412 + 32
JAPAN
1 , 303 + 87 5,855 + 86
TAIWAN
1,171 + 46 5,361 + 49
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,018 + 24 4,686 + 34
SINGAPORE 722 + 42 3,274 + 35
F.R. OF GERMANY 598 + 42 2,830 + 67
U.K.
505 + 30 2,029 + 47
MACAU
324 + 11 1 ,569 + 20
AUSTRALIA
304 + 45 1,380 + 46
/Table 6:
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-MAY 88 OVER JAN-MAY 87 ) (%)
COMMODITY DIVISION MAY 1988 (HKD MN.) MAY 88 OVER MAY 87 (%) JAN-MAY 1988 (HKD MN.
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,893 + 16 12,646 + 19
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,213 4 70 9,798 4 77
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 1,686 + 12 8,687 4- 14
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,103 + 57 8,567 + 55
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,424 • + 46 5,956 * 52
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 820 + 16 • 3,681 + 18
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
14
PROPOSAL ON LENGTH OF FIRST DEGREE COURSES EXPLAINED *****
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LENGTH OF FIRST DEGREE COURSES CONTAINED IN ITS NO. 3 REPORT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD BY SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN DEAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID THAT LETTERS AND ARTICLES RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPERS SUGGESTED THAT SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT THE COMMISSION PROPOSED CUTTING THE LENGTH OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST DEGREE COURSE BY A YEAR AND PREVENTING OTHER INSTITUTIONS FROM INCREASING THEIR DEGREE LENGTHS BEYOND THREE YEARS.
"THIS IS NOT THE COMMISSION’S INTENTION. WHAT IT PROPOSED, IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE REPORT NO. 3, WAS THAT THE LENGTH OF ANY INDIVIDUAL COURSE SHOULD BE DETERMINED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES, SUBJECT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE’S (UPGC) APPROVAL OF THE NECESSARY FUNDS.
"THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT THE LENGTH OF FIRST DEGREE COURSES IN THE SAMF SUBJECT AT ALL INSTITUTIONS SHOULD IN PRINCIPLE BE THE SAME.
"THE UPGC WOULD CONTINUE TO USE ITS OWN ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL CRITERIA TO JUDGE INDIVIDUAL CASES IN THE LIGHT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY PREVAILING AT THE TIME," MR DEAN EXPLAINED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IF AN INSTITUTION, FOR EXAMPLE, WISHED TO OPERATE A FIRST DEGREE COURSE LONGER THAN THREE YEARS, IT WOULD NEED TO SATISFY THE UPGC THAT THE ADDITIONAL TIME AND FUNDS WERE JUSTIFIED ON EDUCATIONAL GROUNDS.
"THE COMMISSION DID NOT PROPOSE SIMPLY TO CUT THE LENGTH OF ALL FIRST DEGREE COURSES TO THREE YEARS," MR DEAN STRESSED.
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STUDENT LOAN FUNDS OFFERED FOR 1988-89
*****
STUDENTS IN POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT THEIR STUDIES IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR (1988-89) MAY OBTAIN INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND AND THE STANDARD/SING TAO FAT CHOY DRIVE STUDENTS' LOAN FUND.
A SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A MAXIMUM LOAN OF $2,250 AND A POST-SECONDARY STUDENT FOR $3,170 PER ANNUM.
/APPLICATIONS FOR
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1?88
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE FOR BOTH LOAN FUNDS AND PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE APPROACHING THE COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
LOANS ARE MADE AVAILABLE ON A YEARLY BASIS. NEW APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR LOANS AND PRESENT RECIPIENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR FURTHER LOANS IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR MUST COMPLETE A PRESCRIBED FORM.
APPLICANTS WHO INTEND TO ENTER THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SHOULD APPLY TO THE DEAN OF STUDENTS AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STUDENT AFFAIRS OF THE UNIVERSITIES RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE WHO WISH TO ENTER THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG SHOULD APPLY TO THE STUDENT WELFARE UNIT AND STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICER OF THE POLYTECHNICS RESPECTIVELY.
STUDENTS WISHING TO ENTER THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE SHOULD APPLY TO THE STUDENT FINANCIAL AID OFFICE OF THE COLLEGE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION TO ALL THESE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL BE OCTOBER 16.
APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO ENTER OTHER POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION FORM FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 7.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR LOANS FROM EITHER LOAN FUNDS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL UNDERTAKING TO REPAY THEIR LOANS BY INSTALMENTS OF AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THEIR MONTHLY SALARY FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
-------0---------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 26.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 153.667 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 372.315 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 -
/16......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 16 -
SPECIAL TV PROGRAMME ON KWAI TSING DISTRICT
» « » «
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A SPECIAL TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
THE PROGRAMME, ENTITLED "GOOD MORNING KWAI TSING", WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON JULY 15.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF "GOOD MORNING KWAI TSING", MR JOHNNY WONG HAU-LIM, WILL SPEAK AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, FIFTH FLOOR, 77 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON, TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE TELEVISION PROGRAMME "GOOD MORNING KWAI TSING".
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NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AMENITY FACILITIES
* » » » t
MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW .(TUESDAY) TO CONSIDER SEVERAL PROJECTS TO PROVIDE RECREATION AND AMENITY FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROJECTS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS IN FANLING AND SHA TAU KOK, AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION OF CHESS TABLES IN SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHUI.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER CONSTRUCTING A DRAINAGE CHANNEL AT LUNG YEUK TAU, FANLING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORK, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, AS WELL AS ON THE VILLAGE LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/17........
F'MDAY, JULY 11, 1988
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLAN » * ♦ ♦ t
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
WILL DISCUSS AN INFORMATION PAPER PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE SETTLED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 1988-89 IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL STUDY A PROPOSAL BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO USE PART OF THE PROMENADE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SEAFRONT ROAD AS A COACH PARKING AREA AND PRIVATE PIER.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC AT CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, AND A PROPOSAL TO REMOVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD. THE MEETING WILL START AT 4 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER SAFETY IN CHAI WAN ROAD * ♦ ♦ * *
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS ROAD SAFETY IN CHAI WAN ROAD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
A DISCUSSION PAPER PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LISTS THE ACCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED TN CHAT WAN ROAD FROM APRIL LAST YEAR TO MARCH, AND MAKES A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR EASTERN DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE EXPANSION OF THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IN CHAI WAN, CONGESTION AT THE TAIKOO MTR STATION AND THE PROPOSED NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION IN CHUN YEUNG STREET.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. JAMES SO, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
/18
MONDAY, JULY 11,
1988
18
TAI PO DB’S PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK TARGETS * * » » «
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ITS WORK TARGETS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER ORGANISING A PROJECT ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN/PACKAGING WITH THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIES DESIGN AND PACKAGING CENTRE, PLACING ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER AND PUBLISHING A BOOKLET ON THE TAI PO DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF A "WELCOME TO TAI PO" SIGN, SUPPORT TO RTHK’S TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON THE ENVIRONMENT "ALL ABOUT US", AND THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 1988-89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM THE THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO. THE MEETING WILL START AT 9.30 AM.
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TAI PO DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT « » ♦ » «
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL MERT ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TOTALLING $41,945 FOR SPONSORING ACTIVITIES OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, S.K.H. THE CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR MULTI SERVICES CENTRE AND 11 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE COMMITTEE’S WORK TARGETS, GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, REVIEW ON THE CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING FUNDS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING SCHEDULE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 19 -
PRESS CONFERENCE ON YOUTH ORCHESTRA TOUR ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A TOUR OF AUSTRALIA BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL FIRST BE ENTERTAINED BY DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCE BY THE ORCHESTRA.
ATTENDING THE SESSION WILL BE THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MS LOLLY CHIU, WHO WILL BE THE TOUR DIRECTOR; THE SENIOR MUSIC OFFICER (CHINESE), MR TONG LEUNG-TAK; AND MEMBERS OF THE 70-STRONG GROUP. ALL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS.
THE PARTY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON MONDAY (JULY 18) TO BEGIN THEIR TOUR WHICH WILL END ON AUGUST 5.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, WAN CHAI. FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON 5-8235326.
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EXHIBITION ON MORAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS * ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION ON MORAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE IN PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13).
THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH APPROACHES AND TEACHING MATERIAL FOR PROMOTING MORAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
TAKING PART IN THE EXHIBITION ON THE THEME OF ’’CARING AND SHARING" WILL BE SOME 17 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 10.30 AM TO 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13) AND FROM 9 AM TO 4.30 PM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (JULY 14 AND 15).
/THE ASSISTANT .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 20 -
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND RESEARCH), MR ROBERT LO, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT 4 PAR FUR ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, NORTH POINT, THE HONG RONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13).
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i H1
i 1:l1
TWO SITES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION » * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13).
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.
THE FIRST SITE IS IN AREA 25, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,198 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 3,594 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
THE OTHER SITE IS IN KA YIP STREET, CHAI WAN.
THE AREA OF THIS SITE IS ABOUT 4,687 SQUARE METRES AND THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 33,746 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1992.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAND AUCTION.
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/21
MONDAY, JULY 11,
1988
LANDFILLING AT JORDAN VALLEY TO CONTINUE
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT FOR LANDFILLING AT THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL IN EAST KOWLOON.
WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT INCLUDE THE CONTINUATION OF LANDFILLING AND THE EXTRACTION OF EARTH MATERIAL FROM THE BORROW AREA WITHIN THE SITE FOR DAILY COVERING OF THE COMPACTED REFUSE.
LANDFILLING CONSISTS ESSENTIALLY OF SPREADING AND COMPACTING OF REFUSE IN LAYERS, AND THE COVERING OF EACH LAYER WITH EARTH AS THE DISPOSAL OPERATION PROCEEDS.
ALL WORKING FACES OF THE LANDFILL WILL BE SEALED OFF TWO TIMES DAILY, THEREBY ELIMINATING HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARDS.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD IS 22 MONTHS AND WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE DRAINAGE (DESIGN) DIVISION AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DRAINAGE (CONSTRUCTION) DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 5.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY * * »
TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON CITY FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) IN CONNECTION WITH ROAD WORKS ON CARPENTER ROAD, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, CARPENTER ROAD BETWEEN TAK KU LING ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD; AND THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND LOK SIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE SECTION OF SA PO ROAD BETWEEN LOK SIN ROAD AND CARPENTER ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED FROM TWO-WAY WORKING TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF CARPENTER ROAD BETWEEN SA PO ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD WILL BE CHANGED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS, THE SECTION OF LOK SIN ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND TUNG TSING ROAD WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
AS A RESULT, KMB ROUTES NO. 2D AND 10, AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 33 ON TAK KU LING ROAD HEADING FOR LOK SIN ROAD WILL RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS VIA LOK SIN ROAD DIRECT.
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MONDAY, JULY 11, 1988
- 22 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TAI SIN
» » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT DUE TO A WATER MAINS BURST HAPPENED LAST SATURDAY (JULY 9), THE SECTION OF WONG TAI SIN ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO UPPER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
VEHICLES ON SHATIN PASS ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WONG TAI SIN ROAD WESTBOUND HAVE TO PROCEED ALONG SHATIN PASS ROAD BEFORE TURNING LEFT ONTO NGA CHUK STREET AND THEN WONG TAI SIN ROAD.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI NORTH
* » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI NORTH FROM THURSDAY (JULY 14) EVENING TO SATURDAY MORNING FOR ROADWORKS.
FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE EXIT LEADING FROM FLEMING ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES ON FLEMING ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND CAN TRAVEL VIA HARBOUR ROAD AND FENWICK STREET.
MOREOVER, TONNOCHY ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG HING ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. VEHICLES ON HUNG HING ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONVENTION AVENUE AND FLEMING ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CREATION OF SECURITIES hND FUTURES COMMISSION ............... 1
APPOINTMENT OF GOVT CONSULTANT ON SRC RECOMMENDATIONS ....... 3
SEPARATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR CABLE TV ............ 3
LEGCO BEGINS DEBATE ON DRAFT BASIC LAW TOMORROW ............. 5
NINE LEGCO MEMBERS REAPPOINTED .............................. 5
ADVICE ON APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES LICENCES . 6
MARCH EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED 7 SHULTZ STOPS OVER IN HK..................................... 12
ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION EXTENDED TO COVER PRIVATE ROADS .. 13
DISTRICT OFFICE PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN NEV/ TOWN
DEVELOPMENT .............................................. 14
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER .,RT SCHEME............. 16
TIN SHUT WAI ODP ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .................... 16
TAI PO DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS ................................................. 17
LRT PROPOS.iS ON INTEGRATED FARE SYSTEM UNDER STUDY...... 17
DB MEMBERS TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENT/J. ISSUES ................ 18
BRIEFING ON KWUN TONG HOUSING PROGRaMME..................... 18
BUILDING MANAGEMENT .JW FIRE SAFETY CJsP«IGN FOR YaU TSIM . 19
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO TOUR AUSTRALIA .......................... 20
FREE PUPPET-SHOW IN SHEK 0.................................. 22
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR SERVING JOURNALIST ............... 22
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS APPLICATION REMINDER ..................... 23
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CaR NUMBERS ............................. 24
NEW OFFICES FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION .................... 25
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED..................................... 25
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI 0 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT.............. 25
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG FOR LRT OPERATIONS ............ 26
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ON QUEEN'S ROaD WEST .............. 27
ROAD IN YUEN LONG IN DISUSE................................. 27
TEMPORARY LaNE CLOSURE ON TaI PO ROAD IN SHA TIN............ 28
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE IN KOWLOON .......................... 28
WATER CUTS IN CENTR.iL AND WESTERN, CHa KWO LING............ 28
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
1
CREATION OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE PROPOSAL OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE TO ESTABLISH A NEW REGULATORY BODY OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES INDUSTRY.
THE BODY WILL BE CALLED THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
"WE AGREE WITH THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION THAT FUNDING FOR THE NEW COMMISSION SHOULD COME MAINLY FROM THE MARKET BUT ALSO PARTLY FROM GOVERNMENT. DETAILS WILL BE WORKED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TWO EXCHANGES," MR JACOBS SAID.
"WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE COSTS OF INTERMEDIATION WILL NOT COMPARE UNFAVOURABLY WITH THOSE OF OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES, BUT MUST AVOID TOO MUCH OF THE BURDEN FALLING ON THE ORDINARY TAXPAYER RATHER THAN THE USERS OF THE MARKETS.
"WE SHALL GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE CHECKS AND BALANCES IN DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION AND POWERS OF THE NEW REGULATORY BODY.
"IN PARTICULAR, THERE WILL BE STATUTORY PROVISIONS FOR A RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST ITS MORE SIGNIFICANT DECISIONS.”
REITERATING THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO BRING EARLY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE REGULATION AND OPERATION OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID: "WE ARE FIRMLY COMMITTED TO BRINGING HONG KONG’S REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND MARKET STRUCTURES IN LINE WITH THOSE IN OTHER CENTRES IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ITS CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL MARKET.
"WE SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO CONSTRUCT A ROBUST PRACTITIONER-BASED REGULATORY SYSTEM, TO BE SUPERVISED BY AN EFFECTIVE WATCHDOG EQUIPPED WITH THE NECESSARY RESOURCES AND POWERS.
"THIS SYSTEM SHOULD AIM TO PROMOTE, BUT NOT STIFLE, MARKET DEVELOPMENT."
THE FOLLOWING PRESS STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS WAS ISSUED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON:
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS THIS MORNING ENDORSED THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ESTABLISHING THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SECURITIES COMMISSION, THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION AND THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING.
/THE SFC .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
2
THE SFC WILL BE:
- GOVERNED BY A SMALL BOARD WITH AN EQUAL NUMBER OF EXECUTIVE AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR;
- SUPPORTED BY A GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPRISING MARKET EXPERTS AND CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION;
- FUNDED LARGELY BY THE MARKETS IN THE FORM OF A TRANSACTION LEVY, FEES AND CHARGES, BUT PARTLY ALSO BY THE GOVERNMENT.
WE ARE AWARE BOTH OF THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE CHECKS AND BALANCES IN THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMISSION AND FOR A FAIR APPORTIONMENT OF COSTS BETWEEN MARKET USERS AND THE ORDINARY TAX PAYER. THESE FACTORS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS WE DRAFT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION AND DRAW UP DETAILED FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS.
WE HAVE APPOINTED A CONSULTANT FROM THE UK TO HELP US ESTABLISH THE COMMISSION. HE WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY. WE PLAN TO INTRODUCE A BILL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY IN THE NEXT SESSION WITH THE AIM OF HAVING THE NEW COMMISSION TN PLACE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1989.
AS YOU KNOW, THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG HAS INITIATED ITS OWN EFFORTS TO REFORM ITS CONSTITUTION TO CREATE A MORE BROADLY BASED AND PROPERLY REPRESENTED GOVERNING COUNCIL. THE PROPOSALS WILL BE PUT TO AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ON JULY 20. THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THIS INITIATIVE AND WISHES THE EXCHANGE EVERY SUCCESS IN ITS ENDEAVOUR SO THAT WE COULD HAVE THE NEW COUNCIL IN PLACE BY OCTOBER.
THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS STARTED ITS OWN PLANS TO REFORM ITS CONSTITUTION TO BRING IT IN LINE WITH THE SRC RECOMMENDATIONS. IT HAS ALSO INITIATED NEGOTIATION WITH ITS CLEARING HOUSE AND THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION IN CREATING A NEW RISK MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SRC. WE HOPE THESE EFFORTS WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THE NEW STRUCTURE IN PLACE SOON.
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE REGULATION AND OPERATION OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES INDUSTRY WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG'S DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR REGIONAL CAPITAL MARKET AND AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE. IN CONSULTATION WITH THE TWO EXCHANGES AND INTERESTED BODIES, WE WILL PROCEED WITH TOP SPEED TO BRING ABOUT THE VARIOUS REFORMS."
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
3
APPOINTMENT OF GOVT CONSULTANT ON SRC RECOMMENDATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ROBERT OWEN, A BRITISH MERCHANT BANKER, AS CONSULTANT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS, IN PARTICULAR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
THE APPOINTMENT IS FOR A PERIOD OF SIX TO NINE MONTHS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MR OWEN WOULD WORK WITH THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS IN IMPLEMENTING THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS, ESPECIALLY ON THE FUNDING AND STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEW SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
"HIS EXPERTISE IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FAR EAST WILL NO DOUBT BE VALUABLE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION EXERCISE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MR OWEN, BORN IN 1940, IS MARRIED WITH THREE CHILDREN. HE WAS EDUCATED IN OXFORD AND OBTAINED A FIRST CLASS HONOURS DEGREE IN MODERN LANGUAGES IN 1961.
FROM 1961 TO 1970, MR OWEN WAS IN THE UK GOVERNMENT SERVICE, FIRST WITH THE FOREIGN OFFICE AND LATER SECONDED TO THE TREASURY.
IN 1970, HE WAS RECRUITED TO MORGAN GRENFELL AND CO. LTD. WHERE HE BECAME A DIRECTOR IN 1973.
HE LEFT THE COMPANY IN 1979 TO JOIN LLOYDS BANK INTERNATIONAL AS DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MERCHANT BANKING DIVISION. IN 1982, HE MOVED TO HEAD THE FAR EAST DIVISION, WHICH INVOLVED THE MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF THE BANK’S BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
AFTER A MERGER OF LLOYDS BANK INTERNATIONAL WITH LLOYDS BANK PLC, HE BECAME CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NEW LLOYDS MERCHANT BANK IN 1985, A POSITION HE RETAINED UNTIL EARLY THIS YEAR.
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SEPARATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR CABLE TV
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO DIVERSIFY THE OWNERSHIP OF LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS BY REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF A SEPARATE NETWORK FOR CABLE TELEVISION IN WHICH HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD.’S HOLDING WILL BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 15 PER CENT.
THIS DECISION WAS TAKEN FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
/ANNOUNCING THIS .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
ANNOUNCING THIS DECISION AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID THAT A SECOND NETWORK LICENSED TO CARRY CABLE TELEVISION AND NON-FRANCHISED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES WILL OFFER A CHOICE OF NETWORK TO SERVICE PROVIDERS AND ENHANCE THE COMPETITION OF NON-FRANCHISED SERVICES.
CONSUMERS PARTICULARLY BUSINESS USERS WILL BENEFIT FROM A GREATER RANGE OF SERVICES AT LOWER COSTS.
MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE DEGREE TO WHICH THIS WOULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL PUBLIC DISRUPTION ON THE STREET, AND ANY POSSIBLE IMPACT ON LOCAL TELEPHONE TARIFFS.
THE EXTRA DISRUPTION WILL NOT BE SIGNIFICANT IN COMPARISON WITH THE CURRENT LEVEL OF ROAD EXCAVATION WORKS.
A SECOND NETWORK, PERMITTED TO CARRY CABLE TELEVISION AND NON-FRANCHISED LOCAL SERVICES, WILL NOT AFFECT HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD.’S POSITION IN THE PROVISION OF BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICES AND WILL THEREFORE NOT PUT PRESSURE ON HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY’S EXISTING CHARGES.
"SEPARATE LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED FOR THE CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK AND FOR CABLE TELEVISION BROADCASTING TO MAXIMISE THE OPTIONS OPEN TO GOVERNMENT IN LICENSING CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES IN HONG KONG," MR HUI SAID.
’’WITH THE DUAL LICENSING APPROACH AND THE INVITATION TO OVERSEAS COMPANIES TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS THERE WILL BE GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW PARTIES INTERESTED IN PROVIDING CABLE TELEVISION TO PUT FORWARD THEIR IDEAS.
"CONSISTENT WITH THE AIM OF FOSTERING COMPETITION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED TO LIMIT THE PERMISSABLE TOTAL HOLDING BY HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES IN THE CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK LICENSEE TO A MAXIMUM OF 15 PER CENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK PROPOSALS INTERNATIONALLY FOR EITHER THE CABLE TELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICE OR THE NETWORK OR BOTH. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT INVITATIONS WILL BE MADE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES WILL HAVE A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS IN WHICH TO MAKE THEIR SUBMISSIONS.
"A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION LATER ON THE TERMS UNDER WHICH THE PROPOSALS WILL BE INVITED.
"BOTH THE CABLE TELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICE LICENCE AND THE NETWORK LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED FOR 15 YEARS, WITH THE FIRST THREE YEARS ON AN EXCLUSIVE BASIS AND THE REMAINDER ON A NON-EXCLUSIVE BASIS. AFTER THE FIRST THREE YEARS THE GOVERNMENT WILL REVIEW WHETHER THERE IS A CASE FOR A SECOND CABLE TELEVISION OPERATOR.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMMENCE NEGOTIATIONS WITH HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY IN 1989 ON THE QUESTION OF RENEWAL OF THEIR EXISTING VOICE TELEPHONE FRANCHISE DUE TO EXPIRE IN 1995."
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 5 -
LEGCO BEGINS DEBATE ON DRAFT BASIC LAW TOMORROW » t » » ♦
MORE TUAN 20 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL SPEAK IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WHICH WILL BEGIN IN THE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND CONTINUE ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
THE MOTION, TO BE MOVED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, IS THAT "THIS COUNCI I, TAKES NOTE OF THE 'THE DRAFT BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (FOR SOLICITATION OF OPINIONS)’ AND URGES THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE DRAFT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON IT.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE TWO-DAY DEBATE BEGINS, COUNCILLORS WILL CONSIDER SIX BILLS. EACH BILL IS DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THE BILLS ARE: PENSION BENEFITS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1988, HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) BILL 1988, SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 1988, SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988, UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AND A PRIVATE BILL, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
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NINE LEGCO MEMBERS REAPPOINTED
* t i »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD REAPPOINTED THE FOLLOWING NINE SERVING MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR A FURTHER TERM, FROM THE DAY APPOINTED FOR THE FIRST SITTING OF THE NEW SESSION UNTIL THE NEXT DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL: MR ALLEN LEE, MRS SELINA CHOW, MISS MARIA TAM, DR HENRIETTA IP, MRS RITA FAN, MR PETER POON, PROF C.K. POON, MRS ROSANNA TAM AND MR EDWARD HO.
MR LEE HAS ACCEPTED THE GOVERNOR’S INVITATION TO BE THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE NEXT SESSION.
THE GOVERNOR PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION WHICH BOTH THOSE APPOINTED AND THOSE RETIRING AS APPOINTED MEMBERS HAD MADE TO THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG DURING THEIR MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD EVERY REASON TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SELFLESS AND CONSCIENTIOUS CONTRIBUTION WHICH THEY HAD MADE AND FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO WORKING FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
6
ADVICE ON APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES LICENCES
*****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED APPLICANTS FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES LICENCES TO SUBMIT THEIR IMPORT AND EXPORT APPLICATIONS AS EARLY IN ADVANCE AS POSSIBLE, PARTICULARLY BEFORE LONG HOLIDAYS.
"ANY SUDDEN INFLUX OF LICENCE APPLICATIONS LEADS TO SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN WORKLOAD, AND CAUSES DELAY TO THE APPLICANTS," THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR ALAN LAI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HOWEVER, MR LAI REMINDED APPLICANTS THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THOSE NON-STRATEGIC PRODUCTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS "NO LICENCE REQUIRED".
CURRENTLY STRATEGIC COMMODITIES ARE SUBJECT TO BOTH IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL BY THE DEPARTMENT.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 125,680 LICENCES FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES, AN INCREASE OF 28.3 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR. FURTHER INCREASES IN THE DEPARTMENT'S WORKLOAD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES LICENCES WHEN A LICENCE IS NOT REQUIRED.
"NO LICENCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPORT OF PRODUCTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS ’NON-STRATEGIC’ EXCEPT RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND IRRADIATING APPARATUS WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO IMPORT LICENSING CONTROL," MR LAI STRESSED.
"LIKEWISE NO EXPORT LICENCE IS REQUIRED FOR PRODUCTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS 'NON-STRATEGIC' EXCEPT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS POWERED BY MAINS SUPPLY WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL."
MANY TYPES OF TRANSISTORS, INTEGRATED CIRCUITS OR FLOPPY DISKETTES ARE IN FACT "NON-STRATEGIC" AND THEREFORE DO NOT REQUIRE IMPORT OR EXPORT LICENCE.
SHIPPING COMPANIES MAY ACCEPT SUCH NON-STRATEGIC COMMODITIES WHICH HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS "NO LICENCE REQUIRED" FOR SHIPMENT WITHOUT A LICENCE. THE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON ISSUE A CIRCULAR CLARIFYING THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS TO AIRLINES AND SHIPPING COMPANIES.
ACCORDING TO MR LAI, THE MAJOR BOTTLENECK IN THE CURRENT LICENSING PROCEDURE IS THE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS AS REQUIRED BY THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS.
/"TO EASE
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
10 EASE THE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS, APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPORT THEIR LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC COMMODITIES (OR APPLICATIONS WHICH MAY REQUIRE CLASSIFICATION), WHEREVER POSSIBLE. WITH A PHOTOCOPY OF A PREVIOUS LICENCE WHICH SHOWS THAT THE PRODUCTS UNDER APPLICATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CLASSIFIED AS ’STRATEGIC' OR NON-STRATEGIC’.
"DETAILS ARE SET OUT IN A CIRCULAR MADE AVAILABLE AT THE TRADE ??PARTMENT’S ENQUIRY COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF OCEAN CENTRE IN
CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON," MR LAI ADDED.
FOR OTHER NON-TEXTILES PRODUCTS (APART FROM STRATEGIC COMMODITIES), 352,211 LICENCES WERE ISSUED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, WHICH REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 26.5 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.
MR LAI SAID THAT TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD THE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN MEASURES SUCH AS OVERTIME WORK, ADDITIONAL STAFF AND TWO ADDITIONAL COUNTERS FOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS.
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MARCH EMPLC MENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED « * » » »
THERE WERE 849,100 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN MARCH 1988, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH MARCH 1987, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 673,300 IN MARCH 1988, WAS 8.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1987.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 213,900, WAS UP BY 8.4 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987.
A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN MARCH 1988 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
/THESE SECTORS
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1?M
8
THESE SECTORS COVER THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR MARCH 1988 IN THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, BY COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1987 AND DECEMBER 1987, ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
PERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY MAR. 87 DEC. 87 MAR. 88 MAR. 88 ON MAR. 87 MAR. 8ft ON DEC. 87
MANUFACTURING 864,900 867,900 849,100 - 1.8 - 2.2
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 71,800 72,500 74,100 + 3.3 + 2.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 620,000 657,900 673,300 + 8.6 + 2.3
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 197,200 212,200 213,900 4- 8.4 + 0.8
♦ BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH DECEMBER 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS INFLUENCED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT AND 0.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/OVER THE
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
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OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ALSO PROVIDES VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS, THE VACANCY DATA TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1987 AND DECEMBER 1987 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY MAR. 87 DEC. 87 MAR. 88 MAR. 88 ON MAR. 87 MAR. 88 ON DEC. 87
MANUFACTURING 47,800 41,700 57,700 + 20.8 + 38.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 16,000 24,060 33,480 +109.3 + 39.1
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 5,300 6,900 8,890 + 68.4 + 29.4
♦ RASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.
RELATIVE TO MARCH 1987, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 20.8 PER CENT.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE OF 109.3 PER CENT AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AN INCREASE OF 68.4 PER CENT.
THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN VACANCIES REFLECTED THAT THE TIGHT CONDITIONS IN THE LABOUR MARKET CONTINUED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988.
/COMPARED WITH
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
10
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1987, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 38.3 PER CENT, 39.1 PER CENT AND 29.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH 1988.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING
TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY 1ST QTR. 1987 1ST QTR. 1988 1ST QTR. 1988 ON 1ST QTR. 1987
HK$ MN HK$ MN
MANUFACTURING 9,471 10,522 + 11.1
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 7,795 8,950 + 14.8
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 3,802 4,440 + 16.8
» BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN Till- ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 11.1 PER CENT, 14.8 PER CENT AND 16.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988.
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN MARCH 1987 AND MARCH 1988, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED.
/TO AI10W........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR MARCH 1987 AND MARCH 1988 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW
NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED % CHANGE
(JUNE 1980 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY MAR. 87 MAR. 88 MAR. 88 ON MAR. 87
MANUFACTURING 227.3 252.2 + 11.0
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 227.6 250.1 + 9.9
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 219.2 • 244.0 + 11.3
REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY MAR. 87 MAR. 88 MAR. 88 ON MAR. 87
MANUFACTURING 135.8 140.6 + 3.5
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 136.0 139.4 + 2.5
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 130.9 136.0 + 3.9
/BETWE1H MARCH .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
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BETWEEN MARCH 1987 AND MARCH 1988, AN INCREASE OF 11.0 PER CENT WAS REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
FOP. THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 9.9 PER CENT AND FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 11.3 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD THE INCREASES IN THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WERE 3.5 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, 2.5 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND 3.9 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, MARCH 1988, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $11 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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SHULTZ STOPS OVER IN HK * * * ।
THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE, MR GEORGE SHULTZ, WILL STOP OVER IN HONG KONG ON JULY 13 AND 14.
MR SHULTZ IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE BY A SPECIAL FLIGHT ABOUT 9.50 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL • HOST A LUNCH FOR MR SHULTZ DURING HIS STOPOVER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE FACILITIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER MR SHULTZ'S ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AT THE AIRPORT AND HIS ARRIVAL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT AT 8.45 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). THOSE COVERING HIS DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 7.30 AM ON THURSDAY. THERE WILL BE A PRESS POSITION AT THE LONG-TERM PARKING APRON. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
THOSE WHO WISH TO COVER MR SHULTZ’S ARRIVAL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 11.45 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
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ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION EXTENDED TO COVER PRIVATE ROADS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT BRIEFED MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS TODAY (TUESDAY) ON A BILL TO EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION TO PRIVATE ROADS.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE EXTENSION WAS GIVEN AT THE BRIEFING IN THE FORMER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER PANG.
'• • ••
HE SAID THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION TO BE APPLIED TO PRIVATE ROADS WOULD INCLUDE PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE DRIVING CONDUCT OF MOTORISTS, INSURANCE, LICENSING AND CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS OF VEHICLES.
TO COMPLEMENT THE EXTENSION OF SUCH PROVISIONS, ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING SIGNS WERE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE BILL, HE SAID.
THE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO ERECT, WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, CERTAIN TRAFFIC SIGNS OR ROAD MARKINGS WHICH WERE SIMPLE TO PUT UP AND DID NOT HAVE IMPORTANT TRAFFIC IMPLICATIONS. • • • •
GUIDANCE ON HOW THEY SHOULD BE ERECTED WOULD BE PROVIDED BY A CODE OF PRACTICE PREPARED BY THE COMMISSIONER.
FOR MORE COMPLICATED ONES (SUCH AS PROHIBITED ZONE SIGNS), FORMAL APPLICATION TO THE COMMISSIONER WOULD BE NECESSARY.
TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO RECTIFY IMPROPER SIGNS OR TO DIRECT THE INSTALLATION OF NECESSARY SIGNS, THE BI LI* WOULD EMPOWER HIM TO REQUIRE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS TO REMOVE OR INSTALL TRAFFIC SIGNS ON THEIR ROADS.
MR PANG SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO APPLY TO PRIVATE ROADS THE SAFETY PROVISIONS IN OTHER RELEVANT ORDINANCES.
THESE INCLUDED THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) ORDINANCE, THE MOTOR VEHICLES (THIRD PARTY RISKS) ORDINANCE, AND SECTIONS OF THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE.
THE USE OF GOLF-CARTS WOULD BE REGULATED IN THE BILL. A GOLFCART WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE INSURED AND SAFELY CONSTRUCTED FOR CARRYING PASSENGERS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO DESIGNATE AREAS WHERE A GOLF-CART MIGHT ONLY BE DRIVEN ON ROADS BY A HOLDER OF A VALID DRIVING LICENCE.
/MR PANG
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1?88
14
MR PANG ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A PftOPER LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS TO CONTROL UNAUTHORISED PARKING ON PRIVATE ROADS.
THEIR ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES WOULD BE REGULARISED BY A NEW SET OF REGULATIONS.
THE REGULATIONS WOULD MAINLY COVER THE IMPOUNDING, REMOVAL AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES PARKED IN UNAUTHORISED PLACES ON PRIVATE ROADS, THE CHARGING OF FEES FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES AND THE DISPOSAL OF DETAINED VEHICLES.
HE SAID IT WAS INTENDED THE BILL WOULD BE ENACTED AND THE REGULATIONS MADE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WERE PUT FORWARD BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED TO CONSIDER SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE NOT BEING ENFORCEABLE ON PRIVATE ROADS.
THE MANAGEMENTS OF MAJOR PRIVATE ESTATES, UNIVERSITIES, HOSPITALS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS WERE ALREADY CONSULTED ON THE BILL IN MAY AND SUPPORTED THE PROPOSALS.
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DISTRICT OFFICE PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
IN THE COURSE OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE WHICH IS DYNAMIC IN NATURE AND CHANGES ACCORDING TO NEED, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR WAN SAID IN THE EARLY STAGE OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, THE MAIN TASK OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS TO CO-ORDINATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND WORK PROGRESS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WOULD BE COMPLETED IN TIME TO MEET THE NEED OF RESIDENTS THERE.
HOWEVER, AS MORE RESIDENTS MOVED IN, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD PLACE EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
MR WAN DESCRIBED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SOCIETY FORMED BY BOTH INDIGENOUS AND NEW INHABITANTS, AND CHARACTERISED BY A SENSE OF MUTUAL AID AND CONCERN.
/CITING TUEN
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
CITING TUEN MUN AS AN EXAMPLE, MR WAN NOTED THAT THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN JN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN AIMING AT THE PROVISION OF A BALANCED AND SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY WITH HOUSING, SCHOOL, ROAD, SOCIAL AND WELFARE, CULTURAL AND RECREATION FACILITIES SUCCESSIVELY COMING INTO SERVICE IN THE PAST DECADE.
"MEANWHILE, THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM LINKING TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN AUGUST WHILE THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS," MR WAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE A NEW TOWN MORE COMPLETE, IT SHOULD ALSO AIM AT SETTING UP A STRONG CORE COMMUNITY AND AT FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
MR WAN SAID IN THE PROCESS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOCUSSED ITS WORK ON THREE ASPECTS.
THESE WERE TO ASSIST THE SETTING UP OF RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS, TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND TO ENHANCE A SENSE OF BELONGING THROUGH ORGANISATION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF SETTING UP LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IS TO HELP RESIDENTS IN PARTICIPATING IN SUCH DISTRICT AFFAIRS AS BUILDING MANAGEMENT, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME AND ARRANGING LOCAL ACTIVITIES," MR WAN SAID.
HE REMARKED THAT BY LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE AN ACTIVE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OR OWNERS' CORPORATION WOULD HELP IN SOLVING ITS OWN PROBLEMS MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
"BEING A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL PEOPLE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE TAKES THE INITIATIVE’ IN APPROACHING NEW RESIDENTS AND ASSISTS THEM IN SOLVING URGENT PROBLEMS WHICH WILL STRENGTHEN THE RESIDENTS’ CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE DISTRICT OFFICE TAKES UP THE TASK OF ORGANISING LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES TO ALLOW PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW TOWN AND TO HELP IN CULTIVATING A STRONG CORE." •
MR. WAN ALSO REITERATED THAT THE SUCCESS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT DID NOT HINGE ONLY ON THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, RESTED ON THE SETTING UP OF A HARMONIOUS AND CARING SOCIETY.
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lUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
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TSUEN WAN DB
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER ART SCHEME
* * * * *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME AND BUDGET OF AN ART NURTURE SCHEME AND THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATION PROGRAMME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) 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.
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TIN SHUI WAI ODP ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
» » « t »
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE TIN SHUI WAI OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OTHER TOPICS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE STAGE I CONSTRUCTION WORK ON WATER TREATMENT AND TRANSFER FACILITIES AT AU TAU AND THE SHA KONG WAI LAYOUT PLAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD 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.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
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TAI PO DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER SIX ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COSTING A TOTAL OF $249,000 AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) MORNING.
THE REVISED TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE TAI PO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WORKING GROUP, AND THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO. THE MEETING WILL START AT 9.30 AM.
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LRT PROPOSALS ON INTEGRATED FARE SYSTEM UNDER STUDY
* * * * *
THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS' JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICES WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT’S PROPOSALS FOR EXTENDING ITS INTEGRATED FARE SYSTEM TO SINGLE-RIDE PASSENGERS.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR PETER QUICK, AND LRT DIRECTOR, MR JOE WADE, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN DETAILS ABOUT THE PROPOSALS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY AN LRT REPORT ON RECENT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING TRAINS ON TRIAL RUNS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICES TO HE HELD 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 9.30 AM.
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/18
I r
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 198(1 - 18 -
DB MEMBERS TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
***** Ju....
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN THE DISTRICT AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL CONSULT THE COMMITTEE ON A REPORT WHICH OUTLINES THE DISTRICT'S POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND REMEDIAL MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN.
A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR HO WAI-FONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THIS REPORT.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE PRIORITIES OF VARIOUS URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS BEING PLANNED FOR THE COMING FIVE YEARS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MISS ANISSA WONG, WILL BE PRESENT TO HEAR MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CATCHICK STREET AND KIN MAN STREET IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ CONSIDERATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1988-89, BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND DUST POLLUTION ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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BRIEFING ON KWUN TONG HOUSING PROGRAMME
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE ADVISED OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S 1988-89 WORK PROGRAMME FOR KWUN TONG AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REQUEST MADE TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT BY COMMERCIAL TENANTS AT YAU TONG ESTATE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IN ADJUSTING COMMERCIAL RENTS SHOULD CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN 1992-93 ON THEIR BUSINESS.
/IN ADDITION,
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 19
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A REQUEST BY STALL OPERATORS AT LAM TIN TEMPORARY MARKET THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SHOULD DEFER DEMOLITION OF THE MARKET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD'S HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
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BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR YAU TSIM ♦ » * » »
A CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY WILL START IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT LATER THIS MONTH.
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $42,000 TO SUBSIDISE THE CAMPAIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT'S BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THAT THE CAMPAIGN ALSO AIMED AT MOTIVATING RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN MANAGING THEIR OWN BUILDINGS.
"A PROPERLY MANAGED BUILDING PROVIDES A SAFE, TIDY AND CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS RESIDENTS, AND PROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE BUILDING AND ITS EQUIPMENTS ALSO HELPS UPHOLD THE VALUE OF THE BUILDING,” HE NOTED.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, AN EXHIBITION ON FIRE SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE ON JULY 24.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND DIAGRAMS WILL BE USED TO ILLUSTRATE THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE FIRE HAZARDS AND THE PROPER USE OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND THEIR MAINTENANCE.
THERE WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION ON THE USE OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AT THE EXHIBITION, AND STICKERS BEARING A FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS.
/ANOTHER MAJOR
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
20 -
ANOTHER MAJOR ACTIVITY IS A SERIES OF EIGHT SEMINARS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN AUGUST AND DECEMBER.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE FUNCTIONS OF OWNERS' CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES; MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS; MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY; SUPERVISION OF REFUSE DISPOSAL AND THE RELEVANT LEGISLATIONS.
RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY OFFICE BEARERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE SEMINARS WHICH ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SEMINARS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 190 NATHAN ROAD AND ITS TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 40 CARNARVON ROAD. THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED BY JULY 30.
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YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO TOUR AUSTRALIA ♦ » » » «
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON MONDAY (JULY 18) FOR A TOUR OF AUSTRALIA.
THE ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN INVITED TO MAKE THE TOUR BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MUSIC EDUCATION (ISME) AND THE QUEENSLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA COUNCIL. IT WILL PARTICIPATE IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA’S BICENTENARY.
THE TOUR WILL END ON AUGUST 5.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MS LOLLY CHIU, SAID THE ORCHESTRA WOULD PERFORM AT THE 18TII CONFERENCE OF THE ISME AND AT WORLD EXPO 88. IT WOULD ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS.
"WF ARE ALL VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED AT HAVING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BRING CHINESE MUSIC TO AUSTRALIA AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME CELEBRATING ITS 200TI1 ANNIVERSARY," MS CHIU SAID.
THE ORCHESTRA WOULD VISIT FOUR CITIES — CANBERRA, BRISBANE, MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY, GIVING A TOTAL OF 12 CONCERTS, SHE SAID.
/"THE ISME
TUESDAY, JULY 121 1988
21
’’THE ISME CONFERENCE WILL INVOLVE RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUSIC ORGANISATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD. THIS YEAR THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS THE ROLE OF MUSIC AND MUSIC EDUCATION IN SOCIETY,” MS CHIU SAID.
"\ WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ARRANGED INCLUDING LECTURES, PERFORMANCES, DEMONSTRATIONS, MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND EXHIBITIONS."
REFERRING TO THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS, MS CHIU SAID THIS WAS ORGANISED BY THE QUEENSLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND WOULD BRING TOGETHER THE FINEST YOUTH ORCHESTRAS FROM AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, U.S.A., GERMANY, NEW ZEALAND, AND JAPAN.
’’EACH ORCHESTRA WILL PRESENT A MAJOR CONCERT IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX IN BRISBANE AND SELECTED PLAYERS FROM THE PARTICIPATING ORCHESTRAS WILL FORM AN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL," SHF ADDED.
\ HIGHLIGHT OF THE TOUR WILL BE A JOINT PERFORMANCE WITH THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. THIS HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE COMMUNITY OF AUSTRALIA.
APART FROM PUBLIC PERFORMANCES, MS CHIU SAID THE ORCHESTRA WOULD \LSO TAKE PART IN MUSIC EXCHANGES WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM AUSTRALIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES.
SHE SAID THE ORCHESTRA MEMBERS, \GED BETWEEN 12 AND 24, HAD JUST COMPLETED SEVERAL MONTHS OF INTENSIVE TRAINING.
GIVING DETAILS OF THE ORCHESTRA, SENIOR MUSIC OFFICER (CHINESE), MR TONG LEUNG-TAK, SAID IT WAS FORMED IN 197« TO PROVIDE MUSIC OFFICE’S IRA I NEES AND OTHER YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS IN HONG KONG WITH ORCHESTRAL TRAINING.
HE SAID HIE REPERTOIRE OF THE ORCHESTRA TO BE PERFORMED DURING Till TOUR WOULD INCLUDE 32 PIECES RANGING I ROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN WORKS.
THE 70 MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRAL PARTY WILL BE LED BY MS CH IU, MR TONG AND SEVEN OTHER OFFICIALS FROM THE MUSI(’ OFFICE.
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/22........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 22 -
FREE PUPPET-SHOW IN SHEK 0 ♦ ♦ » ♦
AN INTERESTING PUPPET SHOW WILL BE STAGED IN SHEK O ON FRIDAY (JULY 15) BY THE RENOWNED WAH SHAN PUPPET TROUPE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SHEK O RESIDENTS1 ASSOCIATION.
THE TROUPE WILL PERFORM A TRADITIONAL CHINESE PUPPET OPERA, THE LOTUS FAIRY. IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE SHEK O BEACH CARPARK. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR SERVING JOURNALIST ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS NOW INVITING LOCAL YOUNG JOURNALISTS TO APPLY FOR THE ’’VISIT BRITAIN ENGLISH SCHOLARSHIP".
THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL. UNDER THE SCHEME, ONE SELECTED JOURNALIST WILL RECEIVE A FREE RETURN AIR TICKET TO BRITAIN TO ATTEND A FREE FOUR-WEEK COURSE AT A RECOGNISED ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL THERE. BOARDING AND LODGING WILL ALSO BE FREE OF CHARGE.
THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD WILL ASSIST THE BRITISH COUNCIL IN SELECTING ONE JOURNALIST TO UNDERGO THE OVERSEAS TRAINING. PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE COMPLETED BY LATE AUGUST.
THE TRAINING BOARD WILL THEN SELECT THREE FINALISTS FROM WHICH ONE WILL BE CHOSEN BY A SELECTION BOARD.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR AT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE SELECTED PARTICIPANT WHOSE NAME WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 7.
SERVING LOCAL JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE AT LEAST TWO YEARS WORKING EXPERIENCE AND AGED UNDER 35 ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMME. (’LOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS AUGUST 8.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES (’AN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 23 -
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS APPLICATION REMINDER
♦ t » ♦ ♦
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE OF JULY 15.
ALSO, APPLICATIONS BY CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES IN NEED OF FI NANI’I AL ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLING WOULD CLOSE ON AUGUST 18.
THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR JAMES LI, SAID: ’’THIS YEAR, AN AMOUNT OF $670,000, 50 PER CENT MORE THAN LAST YEAR’S FUNDING OF $140,000, HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS.
”1 WOULD THEREFORE URGE ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS NOT TO MISS THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY OF OBTAINING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES."
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HINDQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES.
THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS WERE SET UP TN 1978 TO HELP PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES, AND ALSO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS DEPENDANTS OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES WHO WISH TO PURSUE FURTHER EDUCATION.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC, BAPTIST COLLEGE, ANY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ANY ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION AND AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.
APPLICANTS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE STUDENTS IN FORMS FOUR TO SEVEN, MR LI SAID.
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE RELEVANT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE OR FISHERIES INDUSTRIES AND RELATED TRADES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON 3-7332244 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/24........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
24 -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
♦ ♦ » ♦ t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (JULY 16) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A BIDDING. TOTAL OF 40 THEY ARE: SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
DT8888 BS808 DU399 DU8328 AU828
DU328 DV873 DT6168 DV6618 DV4882
DV381 DU2688 AC8768 8777 AA2688
CH6686 DV211 AA4455 AD133 BB58
DW4 0 AA8777 DU288 DU369 DU6388
HK2688 DT7888 DT123 DT8238 HK139
DT168 DV248 DV218 AC205 DU3378
BB1686 AD1881 DW7 DU9707 AL9292
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
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 12.7TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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/25........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 25 -
NEW OFFICES FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION » * » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN TWO NEW OFFICES FROM NEXT MONDAY (JULY 18).
THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUE OF PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES, THE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF BUSES LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS; AS WELL AS THE ISSUE OF HIRE CAR PERMITS FOR PRIVATE CARS.
THE OFFICE WHICH WILL HANDLE MATTERS CONCERNING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUSES, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND TAXIS WILL BE LOCATED AT SECOND FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE OFFICE DEALING WITH MATTERS ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE LOCATED AT GROUND FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ♦ * t
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON TO WING-CHUEN ON MARCH 17, 1986 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
TO WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LO HON-KEUNG.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI O DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT ♦ ♦ * t *
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT TAI O ON LANTAU TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING DAMAGE AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA.
PROPER CHANNELS, DRAINS, SEWERS, PUMPING FACILITIES AND A LANDSCAPED AMENITY AREA WILL BE BUILT IN THE LOW LYING AREA BETWEEN THE LUNG TIN HOUSING ESTATE AND THE OLD TOWN.
/THE PROJECT
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES SITE FORMATION FOR THE PROPOSED PHASE II OF THE LUNG TIN HOUSING ESTATE.
DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA SOUTH OF WING ON STREET AND TAI PING STREET.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 29.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG FOR LRT OPERATIONS
*****
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN
LONG AS PART OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO
FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14), THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL
BE INTRODUCED AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND
TAI YUK ROAD:
♦ NO U-TURN WILL BE PERMITTED AT THIS JUNCTION.
* THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND ONTO TAI YUK ROAD SOUTHBOUND, AND FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO MA MIU ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
* VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT' FROM TAI YUK ROAD NORTHBOUND ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND. AS A RESULT, KMB ROUTE NO. 56 WILL OPERATE VIA TAI YUK ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD, WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH MA MIU ROAD AND ON NING ROAD.
AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD, NO U-TURN WILL BE ALLOWED. IN ADDITION, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO KIK YEUNG ROAD NORTHBOUND.
/Motorists on
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1988
- 27 -
MOTORISTS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR TAI YUK ROAD, INCLUDING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 31 AND 32, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KIK YEUNG ROAD, ON NING ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND TAI YUK ROAD.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING f'OR KIK YEUNG ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE FUNG NIN ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND.
MEANWHILE, ALL EXISTING PARKING SPACES ALONG ON NING ROAD AND KAU YUK ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
THE CANCELLATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO STAGES. THE FIRST STAGE WILL START FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). WHILE THE SECOND STAGE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY 20.
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15), THREE ROAD SECTIONS IN YUEN LONG WILL OPERATE ONE-WAY.
PING WUI STREET WILL BE MADE ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WHILE ON NING ROAD BETWEEN PING WUI STREET AND MA MIU ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
IN ADDITION, MA MIU ROAD BETWEEN ON NING ROAD AND NORTHERN BYPASS WILL BE DESIGNATED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
------o ------
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ON QUEEN’S ROAD WEST
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN’S ROAD WEST BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 12 AND 32 WILL BECOME A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15).
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE CABLE-LAYING WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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ROAD IN YUEN LONG IN DISUSE
* * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, USE OF A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN TIN SECTION) IN YUEN LONG WILL CEASE FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE NO. 76K, WILL BE DIVERTED TO A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ROAD NAMED SR-5.
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/28
TUESDAY, JULY 12,
1988
28 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ♦
ON TAI PO ROAD IN SHA TIN * ♦ * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS, THE SLOW AND MIDDLE LANES OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR TOLO HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN, WITH A LENGTH OF ABOUT 50 METRES, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KOWLOON ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
PAK HOI STREET IN YAU MA TEI BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND TEMPLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO USE NING PO STREET FOR ACCESS TO YAU MA TEI AREA EAST OF SHANGHAI STREET.
MEANWHILE, IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SHUN YEE STREET WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED WHILE THE SECTION OF KIMBERLEY STREET WEST OF SHUN YEE STREET WILL RE MAINTAINED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
THE MEASURES HAVE BEEN IN FORCE SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
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WATER CUTS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN, CHA KWO LING ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO 9 AM ON THURSDAY.
THE SUSPENSION IS NEEDED FOR THE CONNECTION OF A 450 MILLIMETRE SALT WATER MAIN.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SANDS STREET, HOK SZE TERRACE, POKFULAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, CAINE ROAD, GLENEALY, WYNDHAM STREET, PEDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND THE SEAFRONT.
MEANWHILE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CHA KWO LING WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KO FAI ROAD, TUNG YUEN STREET, SI1UNG SHUN STREET AND SZE SHAN STREET INCLUDING SHUNG TAK WAI AND YAN YUE WAI.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
BASIC LAW MUST REFLECT SPIRIT OF JOINT DECLARATION ...... 1
OMELCO PANEL'S APPROACH, OPINIONS OUTLINED .............. 4
SPELL OUT 'CNE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS' CONCEPT............. 8
THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OUTLINED ...................... 10
LEGISLATORS SHOULD ELECT CHIEF EXECUTIVE ............... 12
CONFORMITY WITH JOINT DECLARATION REQUIRED ............ 1*t
PEOPLE CAN STILL HELP MOULD THEIR FUTURE ............... 16
10 PER CENT LEVEL AN APPROPRIATE START ................. 18
DISCLOSURE BILL WILL IMPROVE HK'S IMAGE ................ 20
DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS BILL SUPPORTED ................. 21
PROTECTION AGAINST UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADS ............. 22
POSITIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON MEDICAL ADS URGED..... 2^
12 MEMBERS SPEaK IN LEGCO DEBATE ON BASIC LAW........... 25
CHINA LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT VISITS SWD HOMES .............. 26
SALE OF TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES FETCHED 321CM........’........ 26
EXTRA LIGHTS PROPOSED FOR LRT INTERSECTION ................ 27
ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS REPORT ............. 28
MEETING ON OBJECTIONS TO THA .............................. 28
RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS, PURCHASES ................................................. 29
TALENT NIGHT TO LAUNCH YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ... 52
GOVERNMENT LaND TO LET BY TENDER........................... 53
URBAN CLE.iRW.tYS IN CEKTRaL .............................. 33
URBaN CLEaRWAYS IN NORTH POINT, CHAI W.iN ................. 3^
SPEED LIMIT CHANGE ON POK FU LAM ROaD...................... 35
SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES xT MURRAY BARRACKS ........... 35
TRAFFIC CH.iNGES IN KOWLOON ............................... 35
TRAFFIC .iND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN SHaM SHUT PO........ 36
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
1
BASIC LAW MUST REFLECT SPIRIT OF JOINT DECLARATION
*****
THE BASIC LAW FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MUST FULFIL THE SPIRIT AS WELL AS THE LETTER OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPIRIT TO WHICH SHE REFERRED WAS THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY - TWO SYSTEMS" AND THE IDEA OF "HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG".
LEADING OFF THE COUNCIL’S TWO-DAY MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MISS DUNN OBSERVED THAT THOSE TWO PHRASES HAD CAUGHT THE IMAGINATION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AND HAD WON ROUND THOSE WHO HAD BEEN SCEPTICAL ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE SINO-BR1T1SH NEGOTIATIONS. BUT THEY WERE NOT SPELT OUT IN THE TEXT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION REFERRED TO A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WITHOUT ANY DEFINITION OF THE KEY CONCEPT," SHE SAID.
THE MOTION MOVED BY MISS DUNN READS: "THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TAKES NOTE OF ’THE DRAFT BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (FOR SOLICITATION OF OPINIONS)' AND URGES THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE DRAFT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON IT".
SHE SAID THAT MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL COULD NOT STAND SILENT ON THIS "CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT" DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTED THE FUTURE OF EVERYONE IN HONG KONG. BUT SHE MADE IT CLEAR THAT MEMBERS DID NOT COMMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
"WE COMMENT FOR OURSELVES, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE," SHE STRESSED.
MISS DUNN MAINTAINED THAT POWER MUST BE CONFERRED ON THE SAR GOVERNMENT OPEN-HANDEDLY, AND WITHOUT TOO MANY STRINGS ATTACHED.
"THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY MUST BE TRUSTED TO EXERCISE THEIR POWERS RESPONSIBLY," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT ONLY IF THE BASIC LAW CLEARLY RECOGNISED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE KNEW BEST HOW TO MAINTAIN PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN THE TERRITORY WOULD IT BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE.
MISS DUNN STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT THE BASIC LAW SHOULD ALSO REFLECT THE REALITY OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT OPEN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE OF WHICH WAS THAT NO-ONE HAS SUPREME POWER AND THAT NONE OF THE ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT HAD THE POWER TO OVER-RIDE THE OTHERS.
SHE STRESSED THAT THE CONSTANT SEAR< II FOR A WIDELY ACCEPTABLE CONSENSUS BETWEEN DIFFERENT INTERESTS MUSI Bl PRESERVED.
/HISS DUNN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
2
MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THAT THE REALITY OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WAS, IN IMPORTANT WAYS, DIFFERENT FROM THE TEXT OF ITS CONSTITUTION IN THE LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR WHICH WERE DRAFTED IN THE 19TH CENTURY AND REPRESENTED AN "OUTMODED FORM OF COLONIAL RULE".
THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY POWERS GIVEN TO THE GOVERNOR HAD FALLEN INTO DISUSE, PARTICULARLY SINCE THE SECOND WORLD WAR, EXAMPLES BEING HIS POWER OF VETO OVER ALL LEGISLATION AND TO REJECT THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"ALL THE RECENT GOVERNORS HAVE ACCEPTED THE WELL-ESTABLISHED CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION THAT THEY CANNOT OVER-RIDE EITHER COUNCIL," SHE SAID.
"IN SHORT, THE GOVERNOR TODAY IS A PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, NOT AN ABSOLUTE SOURCE OF POWER - ALTHOUGH LIKE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE FUTURE, HE STILL WIELDS A GREAT DEAL OF POWER AND INFLUENCE."
IN OTHER WORDS, THE TREND IN RECENT TIMES HAD BEEN FOR AUTHORITY TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM LONDON TO HONG KONG, AND flONG KONG ALREADY ENJOYED A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN ITS INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS.
MISS DUNN URGED THE DRAFTERS OF THE BASIC LAW TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THESE PRESENT REALITIES. "OUR FUTURE CONSTITUTION SHOULD PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR EXISTING AUTONOMY, AND OF THE BALANCE OF POWER THAT SERVES US SO WELL," SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN BELIEVED THAT THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH "PRINCIPLES" AND NOT "POLICIES".
THE BASIC LAW WOULD BE HONG KONG’S FUTURE CONSTITUTION, AND CONSTITUTIONS WERE ALL ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH A STATE OR TERRITORY SHOULD BE GOVERNED, ABOUT THE DEVOLUTION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWER, THE LIMITS OF POWER, THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THOSE WHO EXERCISED POWER AND OF THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, SHE POINTED OUT.
SHE THEREFORE MAINTAINED THAT THE BASIC LAW SHOULD IMPLEMENT THE PROMISES IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, BUT IT SHOULD NOT TRY TO LAY DOWN IN ADVANCE THE POLICIES WHICH FUTURE GOVERNMENTS SHOULD PURSUE.
"POLICY WILL NEED TO BE DECIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY IN THE LIGHT OF UNFOLDING CIRCUMSTANCES,” SHE SAID.
"THE HANDS OF FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENTS OUGHT NOT BE TIED TO PARTICULAR POLICIES WHICH MAY APPEAL NOW, BUT WHICH COULD BE INAPPROPRIATE AND BURDENSOME AND THE CAUSE OF LEGAL WRANGLES IN TIMES TO COME."
/MISS DUNN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1}, 1988
MISS DUNN RECALLED THAT IT WAS AGREED BY THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS THAT THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT SHOULD DECIDE ITS ECONOMIC, TRADE, MONETARY AND FINANCIAL POLICIES "ON ITS OWN", AND DEAL "ON ITS OWN" WITH FINANCIAL MATTERS, INCLUDING DISPOSING OF ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND DRAWING UP ITS BUDGETS.
SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ARTICLES IN CHAPTER V OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WHICH PRESCRIBE HOW THE SAR GOVERNMENT SHOULD DRAW UP ITS BUDGET AND PRACTISE A LOW TAX POLICY MIGHT UNDERMINE THE AUTONOMY THAT HAD BEEN PROMISED TO IT.
"IT WOULD ALSO SEEM TO BE CONTRARY TO THE JOINT DECLARATION TO DICTATE POLICY MATTERS IN THIS WAY," SHE ADDED.
SHE HOPED THAT THE BASIC LAW DRAFTERS WOULD LOOK AGAIN AT THE LINE TO BE DRAWN BETWEEN THOSE PRINCIPLES WHICH MUST BE PART OF THF BASIC LAW IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT SPECIFIC ASSURANCES GIVEN BY THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND THOSE MATTERS OF POLICY WHICH SHOULD BE LEFT FOR FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENTS TO DECIDE ON THEIR OWN.
MISS DUNN EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT THE BASIC LAW MUST BE SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENTS TO TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS AS HONG KONG CONTINUED TO GROW AND MATURE.
HONG KONG WAS A DYNAMIC SOCIETY. IT HAD SUCCEEDED IN THE PAST BECAUSE IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO ADAPT QUICKLY TO CHANGE, BOTH EXTERNAL CHANGES IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE, AND INTERNAL CHANGES IN THE DEMANDS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE.
IT HAD DONE THIS BY COMBINING CONSISTENCY OF PRINCIPLE: WITH A PRAGMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF POLICIES.
"IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT THE BASIC LAW DOES NOT HAVE THE EFFECT OF SAPPING HONG KONG’S ENERGIES OR DAMPING ITS DYNAMISM " SHE SAID.
"NEW TRENDS, NEW CHANGES OF DIRECTION THAT WE CANNOT IMAGINE WILL HAVE TO BE ACCOMMODATED."
SHE WARNED THAT THE ATTEMPT TO INCLUDE TOO MANY DETAILS IN THE BASIC LAW MIGHT "LOCK HONG KONG INTO A RIGID FRAME" THAT PREVENTED IT FROM RESPONDING TO THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN WAYS THAT COULD NOT BE PREDICTED.
THIS WOULD BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE A SOCIETY THAT COULD NOT CHANGE OR DID NOT CHANGE WAS ONF WHERE THERE WAS NO PROGRESS, AND WHERE STABILITY WAS ENDANGERED.
IN CONCLUSION, MISS DUNN SAID THAT THE BASIC LAW DRAFTERS” RESPONSE TO THE MANY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY WOULD BE CRUCIAL AS HONG KONG EXPECTED THE FINAL DRAFT TO REFLECT THE PEOPLE’S WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS IN A POSITIVE WAY.
/"THE BASIC .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 4 -
"THE BASIC LAW IS THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE, AND TO OUR CONFIDENCE IN OUR FUTURE. A GREAT DEAL IS AT STAKE BOTH FOR CHINA AND FOR HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
SHE VERY MUCH HOPED THAT MEMBERS’ VIEWS WOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS BY THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA, AND BE GIVEN FULL WEIGHT.
-------0--------
OMELCO PANEL’S APPROACH, OPINIONS OUTLINED » » « * »
MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAD THREE BASIC CONSIDERATIONS IN MIND WHEN THEY STUDIED THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, AND, BASED ON THESE, INITIAL CONSENSUS HAD BEEN REACHED ON SEVERAL ASPECTS OF THE DOCUMENT.
THE PANEL’S CONVENER, THE HON ANDREW WONG, GAVE A "BRIEF AND INEXHAUSTIVE" ACCOUNT OF THE PANEL’S APPROACH TO AND OPINIONS ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WHEN SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR WONG SAID THE PANEL, WHICH HAD HELD A TOTAL OF 11 MEETINGS IN TWO MONTHS, WOULD SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE OMELCO IN-HOUSE SHORTLY WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT IT BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
HE ALSO ASKED THAT THE GOVERNOR CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT THE REPORT SHOULD BE CONVEYED THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN CHINA.
THE PANEL’S THREE CONSIDERATIONS WERE: CONSISTENCY OF THE BASIC LAW WITH THE SINO-BRITISH DECLARATION IN TERMS OF THE LATTER’S SPIRIT; ENFORCEABILITY AND JUSTIFIABILITY OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BASIC LAW; AND CONSENSUAL CONCEPT OF EVOLUTION.
GUIDED BY THE THREE CONSIDERATIONS, THE PANEL HAD FORMED A LARGE NUMBER OF PRELIMINARY CONSENSUAL VIEWS, HE SAID.
THE FIRST ASPECT ON WHICH CONSENSUS WAS REACHED CONCERNED THE BOUNDARIES AND STATUS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
MR WONG SAID MEMBERS WERE OF THE VIEW THAT ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES OF THE REGION OUGHT TO BE PART OF THE BASIC LAW.
THEY CONSIDERED THAT A PROVISION SHOULD BE INSERTED IN CHAPTER I, PREFERABLY IN OR AFTER ARTICLE 1 REFERRING TO A MAP SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES AND THAT THE MAP SHOULD HAVE LEGAL EFFECT.
/Members considered .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
5
MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT THE FORMULATION OF "COMES DIRECTLY UNDER THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT" IN ARTICLE 11 REQUIRED CLARIFICATION.
ARTICLE 21, WHICH AMPLIFIED THIS STATUS, OUGHT TO BE APPROPRIATELY REDRAFTED TO THE EFFECT THAT THE DEPARTMENTS AND PROVINCES OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT "SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION".
THE SECOND ASPECT CONCERNED PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE SAR. MR WONG REFLECTED MEMBERS’ VIEW THAT A SEPARATE ARTICLE SHOULD APPEAR IN CHAPTER 1, DEFINING THE RIGHT OF ABODE OF THESE PEOPLE.
THE THIRD ASPECT CONCERNED AREAS OF POWERS OF THE SAR. MEMBERS NOTED THAT ARTICLE 2, AS DRAFTED, COULD BE CONSTRUED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH STIPULATED THAT THE "REGION WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, EXCEPT IN FOREIGN AND DEFENCE AFFAIRS WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT".
MR WONG SAID MEMBERS HAD PROPOSED PREFERABLE FORMULATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF RELATED ARTICLES IN AN EFFORT TO DISPEL THE PROBLEMATIC CONCEPT OF "RESIDUAL POWER”.
THE FOURTH ASPECT CONCERNED THE TYPES OF POWERS OF MEMBERS HAD NOTED THAT CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT COULD BE PROBLEMATIC IN THAT THEY MIGHT BE CONSTRUED AS FROM THE PROVISION IN ARTICLE 2 OF CHAPTER 1 WHICH WAS WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
THE SAR. BASIC LAW DEROGATING CONSISTENT
MR WONG SAID THAT WHILE MEMBERS ACCEPTED THAT THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT ENJOYED EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL POWERS OVER THE HONG KONG SAR, INCLUDING THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BASIC LAW, THEY MAINTAINED THAT SUCH POWERS OUGHT TO BE STRICTLY CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
MEMBERS WERE OF THE VIEW THAT OF THE THREE SOURCES OF LAW FOR THE REGION, THAT IS, THE BASIC LAW, THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG, AND THE LAWS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE SAR, THOSE LAWS ENACTED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OR ITS STANDING COMMITTEE, IF REQUIRING APPLICATION LOCALLY, SHOULD NOT BE DECREED BI THE STATE COUNCIL FOR LOCAL APPLICATION OR BE PROMULGATED LOCALLY ON THE DIRECTIVES OF THE STATE COUNCIL, BUT SHOULD BE LEGISLATED FOR LOCALLY ON SUCH DIRECTIVES.
MEMBERS FEARED THAT DECREES OR PROMULGATION MIGHT CONSTITUTE A FOURTH SOURCE OF LAW, THUS DEVIATING FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO WARY OF THE PHRASE "OTHER LAWS" WHICH GAVE EXPRESSION TO NATIONAL UNITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, AND FELT THAT IT OUGHT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE BASIC LAW, PROBABLY AS AN APPENDIX.
/ON THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
ON THE ARTICLE REGARDING JUDICIAL POWER, MR WONG SAID MEMBERS FOUND THE CONCEPT OF "EXECUTIVE ACTS OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT" AMBIGUOUS.
THEY WERE OF THE VIEW THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHEREBY THE PEOPLE COULD TAKE THE GOVERNMENT BOTH LOCAL (HONG KONG) AND CENTRAL (BRITAIN NOW, BUT CHINA AFTER 1997) TO THE COURTS ON ALL MATTERS, INCLUDING DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.
THEY CONSIDERED AS SUFFICIENT THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF LEAVING IT TO THE COURTS TO DETERMINE IN THE TRIAL WHETHER OR NOT "ACTS OF STATE" OR "FACTS OF STATE" WERE INVOLVED AND TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
ON THE POWER TO INTERPRET THE BASIC LAW, MR WONG REFLECTED MEMBERS’ VIEW THAT THIS POWER COULD BE DELEGATED TO THE COURTS OF THE HONG KONG SAR.
ALTERNATIVELY, AND AS A MINIMUM, MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT THE SAR COURTS SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO INTERPRET ALL THE PROVISIONS IN THE LAW WITHOUT PREJUDICING THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS ON MATTERS WHICH FELL OUTSIDE THE LIMITS OF THE SAR’S HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, AND THAT INTERPRETATIONS MADE WOULD BE BINDING ON THE COURTS.
BUT CASES UNDER ADJUDICATION AND JUDGEMENTS PREVIOUSLY RENDERED SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
ON THE QUESTION OF AMENDING THE BASIC LAW, MR WONG SAID MEMBERS FELT THAT THE RIGHT TO PROPOSE AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS AND THE HONG KONG SAR’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATURE.
THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE RELEVANT ARTICLE SHOULD BE REDRAFTED TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED EFFECT.
MEMBERS WERE OF THE VIEW THAT DEPUTIES .FROM THE SAR IN THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS SHOULD NOT DEVELOP INTO AN ORGAN Of POWER, AND THAT PROVISIONS OUGHT TO BE MADE IN THE BASIC LAW GOVERNING TIG COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF' Till' BASIC LAW COMMJTTEI .
THE FIFTH ASPECT CONCERNED CIVIL RIGHTS. MEMBERS FELT THAT CHAPTER 111 REQUIRED DRASTIC REDRAFTING TO MODEL IT ON Till INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND/OR TO AT LEAST PROVIDE THAT Till' COVENANT COULD BE ENFORCED.
THE SIXTH ASPECT TOUCHED ON THE PRESERVATION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS.
MEMBERS FELT STRONGLY THAT PRESERVATION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF CONTINUED EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT.
/THEY NOTICED .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
7 -
THEY NOTICED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF PROVISIONS WERE EITHER MATTERS OF POLICY OR WERE DRAFTED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE THEIR JUSTIFIABILITY OPEN TO DOUBT OR THEIR INTERPRETATION DIFFICULT,
MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT AN ATTEMPT MIGHT BE MADE TO IDENTIFY THOSE ARTICLES WHICH TOUCHED ON POLICY MATTERS OF RELATIVELY MINOR IMPORTANCE AND TO TRANSFER THEM TO A SEPARATE ANNEX OF POLICY GUIDELINES.
ANOTHER POSSIBLE SOLUTION WOULD BE FOR THE BASIC LAW TO MAKE A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, THEREBY INCORPORATING INTO THE BASIC LAW ALL POLICY MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS ANNEXES.
THE SEVENTH ASPECT CONCERNED THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE SAR. •
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO PROVISION FOR EXTRADITION OR RENDITION UNDER EITHER SECTION 4 "JUDICIAL ORGANS" OR CHAPTER II "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CENTRAL AUTHORITIES AND THE SPECIAL AMDINISTRATIVE REGION".
THEY WERE ALSO BAFFLED BY THE TERM "LOCAL ORGANS OF POLITICAL POWER" IN ARTICLE 96 WHICH MIGHT BE LEGALLY VAGUE.
THEY WERE OF THE VIEW THAT THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION, DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE LIST OF POSTS RESERVED FOR CHINESE NATIONALS, IN ARTICLE 100.
MR WONG SAID THAT SECTIONS 1, 2 AND 3 WHICH DEALT RESPECTIVELY WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES AND THE LEGISLATURE WERE MORE PROBLEMATIC. THE PANEL HAD KEPT AN OPEN MIND UP TO NOW, BUT WOULD STUDY THESE SECTIONS FURTHER.
THE EIGHTH AND THE LAST ASPECT CONCERNED THE FIRST GOVERNMENT OF THE SAR.
MEMBERS FELT THAT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG, THE FIRST GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO BE A REGULAR GOVERNMENT IN CONTRAST TO TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT.
THEY WERE GENERALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE "THROUGH TRAIN" CONCEPT, AND SUGGESTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
-------0---------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
8
SPELL OUT 9 ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT
*****
THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT SHOULD BE CLEARLY SPELT OUT IN THE BASIC LAW IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A LEGAL BASIS FOR THE CONCEPT, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SUGGESTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, DR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE BASK' LAW SURELY COULD NOT CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING TOWARDS MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IF THE PRINCIPLE OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" WAS ONLY MENTIONED IN THE PREAMBLE BUT NOT IN THE 10 CHAPTERS NOR IN THE ANNEX.
AS THE LEGAL STATUS OF THE PREAMBLE HAD YET TO BE ESTABLISHED, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN CHAPTER 1, ON GENERAL PRINCIPLES, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4 AS FOLLOWS!1 "IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS, SOCIALIST SYSTEM AND POLICIES SHALL NOT BE PRACTISED IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND THE EXISTING CAPITALIST SYSTEM AND WAY OF LIFE SHALL NOT BE CHANGED FOR 50 YEARS".
AS HONG KONG WOULD BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA AFTER 1997, DR HO SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE LAWS OF THE SAR SHOULD NOT BE IN CONFLICT WITH CHINA’S CONSTI TUTION.
"THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE PLAN OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ WILL BE IMPLEMENTED, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO AMENDING THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION ACCORDINGLY," HE SAID.
ON THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE FUTURE SAR, DR HO SAID WHETHER HE COULD PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP TO THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, TO A CERIA IN EXTENT, HINGE UPON THE DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HIMSELI AND Till LEGISLATURE.
"THERE MUST BE A HIGH DEGREE OF MUTUAL TRUST, UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT BETWEEN THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," HE SAID.
AS FOR THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES FOR SELECTING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE CONTAINED TN ANNEX I OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, HE FELT THAT EMPHASIS WAS BEING PLACED ON THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY AND RITRESENTATIVENESS OF THE CONCERNED PARTIES.
NOMINATION AND GENERAL ELECTION WERE PUT FORWARD AS THE MAJOR METHODS TO BE USED IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.
AND MUCH IMPORTANCE WAS BEING ATTACHED TO THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
/BUT IT .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1988
BUT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHETHER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SO ELECTED WOULD IN PRACTICE HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE POINTED OUT.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHOULD HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OTHERWISE, THE HKSAR GOVERNMENT WILL ENCOUNTER GREAT DIFFICULTIES IN CARRYING OUT ADMINISTRATIVE WORK, AND END UP BEING AN INEFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT," DR IK) SAID.
DR HO AGREED THAT THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES AND THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT OF EACH OTHER, CREATING SOME SORT OF CHECKS AND BALANCES TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD OPERATE IN A SMOOTH AND FAIR MANNER.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SLIGHTLY EXTENDING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE LEGISLATURE.
ARTICLE 72(9) OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF SERIOUS BREACH OF LAW OR DERELICTION OF DUTY BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE LEGISLATURE MIGHT FOLLOW CERTAIN PROCEDURES TO RAISE A MOTION OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AND REPORT IT TO .THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT FOR DECISION.
AS OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS MIGHT ALSO SERIOUSLY BREACH THE LAW OR BE DERELICT IN THEIR DUTIES, HE FELT THAT THE SCOPE OF IMPEACHMENT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THESE OFFICIALS AS WELL.
DR IIO SAID ACTS OF \BUSE OF POWER BY SENIOR OFFICIALS MIGHT LEAD TO INJUSTICES.
HE SAID IF THE LEGISLATURE WAS TO FREELY CARRY OUT ITS MONITORING FUNCTION, IT MUST BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT POWER TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIONS.
THUS THE OBJECTIVE SPECIFIED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATURE WOULD BE ATTAINED.
"UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, ARTICLE 72 OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW MUST BE AMENDED TO EXTEND THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND ALLOW IT TO SET UP STANDING PANELS AND AD HOC GROUPS.
"SUCH POWERS HAVE IN FACT BEEN ENJOYED BY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT AND THE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR PRESENT MODE OF OPERATION," HE SAID.
- 0---------
/1O.......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
10 -
THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OUTLINED *****
ALL PROVISIONS IN THE BASIC LAW SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, WITH ROOM FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION, AND SHOULD NOT OVER-EMPHASISE CHINA’S SOVEREIGN RIGHT OVER HONG KONG.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, THE HON F.K. HU SAID THESE WERE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES THAT SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND WHEN CONSIDERING THE DRAFT.
TAKING THESE PRINCIPLES AS A BASIS, MR HU MADE A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS ON THE DRAFT.
ON THE PROVISION EMPOWERING THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CHINESE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS TO REVOKE LAWS ENACTED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, HE SAID THIS PROVISION WOULD GIVE CHINA TOO MUCH OPPORTUNITY TO UNDULY INTERFERE WITH HONG KONG’S AFFAIRS.
’’MORE STRINGENT CONDITIONS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THIS PROVISION TO PROTECT THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION," HE SAID.
MR HU REFERRED TO ARTICLE 17 WHICH STATED THAT LAWS ENACTED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS RELATING TO DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS AS WELL AS "OTHER LAWS WHICH GIVE EXPRESSION TO NATIONAL UNITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY" SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE HK SAR.
HE SAID THIS PROVISION HAD CLEARLY EXCEEDED THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH STATED THAT ONLY MATTERS OF NATIONAL DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS WERE TO BE HANDLED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
REFERRING TO ARTICLE 21, WHICH PROVIDED THAT PEOPLE FROM OTHER PARTS OF CHINA MUST APPLY FOR APPROVAL FOR ENTRY INTO THE SAR, MR HU NOTED THAT IT DID NOT STATE WHICH AUTHORITY COULD GRANT SUCH APPROVAL.
HE SUGGESTED THAT SUCH POWER BE VESTED WITH THE SAR GOVERNMENT.
MR HU ALSO FELT THAT CHAPTER V OF THE DRAFT, ON ECONOMY, WAS TOO SPECIFIC AND RESTRICTIVE AND WOULD LIMIT THE SAR GOVERNMENT’S ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE SO THAT IT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE NECESSARY ACTION WHEN REQUIRED.
HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE PROVISION CONCERNING \ BALANCED BUDGET. HAVING A BALANCED BUDGET SHOULD BE SUPPORTED, BUT THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WENT TOO FAR IN STIPULATING HOW SUCH A BALANCED BUDGET WAS TO BE ACHIEVED.
/’’ALL THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
"ALL THE BASIC LAW NEEDS TO STATE IS THE PRINCIPLE OK A BALANCED BUDGET; THE REST CAN BE LEFT TO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
IF THE BASIC LAW WAS DRAFTED IN SUCH A RESTRICTIVE MANNER, THE SAR GOVERNMENT MIGHT FROM TIME TO TIME FACE CHALLENGES OF NOT CONFORMING WITH THE BASIC LAW WHEN IT HAD TO DEAL WITH SOME UNFORESEEABLE SITUATIONS, HE POINTED OUT.
REFERRING TO CONTINUED PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL SPORTS BODIES IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, MR HU SAID THE CHANGE OF THEIR STATUS FROM PURELY "HONG KONG" TO "HONG KONG, CHINA" MIGHT LEAD TO COMPLICATIONS WHICH WERE NOT IN FAVOUR OF THE LOCAL BODIES.
LOCAL BODIES MIGHT HAVE TO APPLY AGAIN FOR ADMISSION TO THE RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE NEW "HONG KONG, CHINA" STATUS.
IT WOULD SAVE THE LOCAL BODIES A LOT OF TROUBLE IF THEY WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THE RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE NAME "HONG KONG", HE SAID.
ON THE POWER TO INTERPRET THE BASIC LAW, MR HU SAID HE ACCEPTED THE PRINCIPLE THAT THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION SHOULD BE VESTED IN THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS.
HOWEVER, TO DEMONSTRATE THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY ENJOYED BY THE SAR, IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR THE NPC TO DELEGATE SUCH POWER TO THE SAR, HE SUGGESTED.
ON THE SAR LEGISLATURE, HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL THAT 50 PER CENT O1 Till MEMBERS OF THE SAR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BE ELECTED THROUGH FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, 25 PER CENT BY "ONE-MAN-ONE-VOTE" DIRECT ELECTION AND 25 PER CENT BY AN ELECTORAL COLLEGE.
HE ADDED THAT THE SAR CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE ELECTED BY THE SAME KIND OF ELECTORAL COLLEGE AS USED IN ELECTING 25 PER CENT OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
MR HU ALSO SUGGESTED THAT ELECTORAL COLLEGE WAS FINALLY GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE FIRST PROMULGATED TO ESTABLISH ONE.
IF THE IDEA OF SETTING UP
ACCEPTED, HONG KONG'S
OPPORTUNITY AFTER THE BASIC
SUCH AN
PRESENT
LAW WAS
"THIS WILL ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO REI INE THIS SYSTEM WHEN NECESSARY BEFORE 1997 SO THAT A SMOOTH TRANSITION WILL BE ENSURED," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
12
LEGISLATORS SHOULD ELECT CHIEF EXECUTIVE
♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE VOTED INTO OFFICE BY A MAJORITY OF LEGISLATORS SO THAT HE OR SHE WOULD ENJOY THE SUPPORT AND CONFIDENCE OF A MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MRS CHOW SAID THE DOCUMENT FAILED TO ADDRESS SOME KEY FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES.
SHE SAID ONE KEY QUESTION WAS WHETHER THE SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD MAINTAIN EXISTING LINKS BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES, OR WHETHER IT WOULD INITIATE THE SEPARATION OF POWER BETWEEN THE TWO.
SINCE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD NOT BE ELECTED, AND THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES WERE TO BE APPOINTED BY HIM, THE BEST CHECKS AND BALANCES WERE TO SEPARATE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
THE ELECTED LEGISLATURE COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE COULD THEN EFFECTIVELY MONITOR THE EXERCISE OF. POWER BY THE EXECUTIVE.
’’WHILE AGREEING THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD ACT AS EFFECTIVE CHECK AND BALANCE TO THE EXECUTIVE, 1 AM CONCERNED THE DANGER EXISTS FOR THAT CHECK AND BALANCE TO OVERSHOOT ITS USEFUL PURPOSE, AND END UP AS A STUMBLING BLOCK TO EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION,” SHE SAID.
IT WAS THEREFORE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND HIS ADMINISTRATION MUST ENJOY THE SUPPORT AND CONFIDENCE OF A MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE, SO THAT GOVERNMENT POLICIES, WHILE EXPOSED TO PUBLIC DEBATE, CRITICISM AND CENSURE, COULD RETAIN INITIATIVE AND CONTROL WHILE TAKING TN PUBLIC VIEWS.
”IT FOLLOWS THEREFORE THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IS BEST VOTED INTO OFFICE BY A MAJORITY OF LEGISLATORS, WHO WILL HOPEFULLY ADOPT Till TWO EQUALLY IMPORTANT CRITERIA OF POLITICAL SENSITIVITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMPETENCE,” SHE ADDED.
MRS CHOW NOTED THAT CRITICS OF THIS CONCEPT ARGUED THAT SUCH A METHOD OF ELECTION COULD GIVE RISE TO THE NEED TO FORM POLITICAL PARTUS, WHICH IN TURN WOULD BREED CONFRONTATION AND INSTABILITY.
"SUCH PROPONENTS IGNORE THE FACT THAT HONG KONG HAS PROGRESSED PAST THE AGE OF UNORGANISED POLITICAL PERSONNEL AND ACTIVITIES,” SHE SAID.
/’’WHAT WE.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 13 -
"WHAT WE HAVE ARE POLITICAL PARTIES IN THEIR INFANCY, EXERCISING A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE ON THEIR MEMBERS.
"THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM IT. ONCE YOU GO THE ELECTION ROUTE, THERE HAS GOT TO BE ORGANISATION. IN FACT, IT WOULD BE MORE RISKY NOT TO HAVE ORGANISATION, FOR WITHOUT ORGANISATION THERE WILL BE NO STRENGTH, NO DISCIPLINE, NO RESPONSIBILITY."
MRS CHOW SAID THE NEXT KEY QUESTION WAS HOW THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE FORMED.
SHE SUGGESTED A SYSTEM OF DIRECT ELECTION VIA THE DISTRICTS AND THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, WITH THE LATTER CONSTITUTING 75 PER CENT, BUT ALLOWING FOR FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS AS HONG KONG PROGRESSED FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD OF DEMOCRAT1SATION.
I
THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE OF THE SAR SHOULD ACT AS THE SUPPORT AND NOT THE OPPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE, SHE ADDED. IT HAD TO FUNCTION AS THE BUFFER BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE PEOPLE.
"IT MUST BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO THE PEOPLE, BUT, WHEN THESE ARE NOT ACCEPTED, IT MUST BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE COMPROMISES ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH SIDES," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE CONSULTATION PROCESS, MRS CHOW SAID THAT APART FROM MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL, SHE HAD NOT YET COME ACROSS ONE PERSON WHO HAD READ THE DRAFT FROM START TO FINISH.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT BOTH THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE AND THE CONSULTATION COMMITTEE OF THE BASIC LAW HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO EXPLAIN THE DRAFT TO THE PEOPLE IN A FAIR AND OBJECTIVE MANNER.
THE DOCUMENT ITSELF WAS TOO COMPLEX AND DETAILED FOR THE LAYMAN TO COMPREHEND FULLY, SHE SAID.
IT WAS THEREFORE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR THOSE FAMILIAR WITH THE DOCUMENT TO EXPLAIN THE THINKING BEHIND THE DRAFT WITHOUT CLOUDING THAT EXPLANATION INITIALLY WITH THEIR OWN CONVICTIONS.
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/14
»
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
11f
CONFORMITY WITH JOINT DECLARATION REQUIRED
*****
THE BASIC LAW HAS TO CONFORM WITH THE SPIRIT AND LETTER OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND ANY DEVIATION FROM THE TERMS OF THE DECLARATION CANNOT BE PERMITTED, 'HIE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEF.N SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"I BELIEVE THAT THIS PRINCIPLE REPRESENTS THE OVERWHELMING CONSENSUS AND UNITY OF PURPOSE, NOT ONLY ON HIE PART OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, BUT EQUALLY ON THE PART OF THE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN WAS SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT
BASIC LAW.
"IT WILL BE INCUMBENT UPON LEGCO THROUGH ITS IN-HOUSE MEETING AND Till' CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL OF OMELCO TO STUDY THE DRAFT BASIC LAW SO THAT DEVIATIONS FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH HAVE CREPT INTO THE DRAFT WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE FOR SUITABLE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
A CARDINAL PRINCIPLE WAS THAT THE DRAFT BASIC LAW SHOULD WHOLLY REFLECT THE "ONE COUNTRY - TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT.
"BESIDES PRESERVING HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST SYSTEM IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMBINED WITH EXPANDING MEASURES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, THE PERSONAL FREEDOMS WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW ENJOY SHOULD BE PRESERVED AT ALL COSTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
"RESPECT FOR NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY. AND ADHERENCE TO THE EXPRESSION OF NATIONAL UNITY MUST BE BALANCED BY RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND LIBERTY OF THE INDIVIDUAL."
MR CHEONG-LEEN FELT THAT IF HONG KONG WAS TO THRIVE AS A PROSPEROUS COSMOPOLITAN CITY THEN, APART FROM DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS, THE TERRITORY SHOULD BE GIVEN UNDER. THE BASIC LAW THE FULLEST POSSIBLE MEASURE OF INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNMENT UNDER CHINESE
SOVEREIGNTY.
"THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY INDICATED IN THE DIFFERENT ARTICLES OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW IS EXPECTED TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, MUCH REFINING IS STILL REQUIRED TO BE DONE IN AREAS SUCH AS INTERPRETATION OF THE BASIC LAW AND THE SCOPE OF THE HONG KONG SAR JUDICIARY AS A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL."
/MR CHEONG-LEEN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 15 -
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE CONSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARLY DEMARCATED, KEEPING INTERVENTION BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM AND ONLY UNDER PRESCRIBED CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES. $
HE ADDED THAT THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO BUILD ON THE PRESENT SYSTEMS SO THAT PERSONAL FREEDOMS WERE PROTECTED AND NOT VIOLATED. .
DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL PRACTICES CONSISTENT WITH SOCIAL STABILITY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED IN EVERY WAY, AND INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SEEK WITHIN THE LAW WHATEVER THEY WISHEb TO DO IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A GREATER SENSE OF PERSONAL FULFILMENT AND HAPPINESS IN LIFE.
"TOWARDS THIS END, I WOULD PROPOSE THAT ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE ’INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS' AND THE 'INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS’ AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG SHALL BE INCORPORATED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN. THE DRAFT BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
THE TWO COVENANTS SHOULD THEN BE ATTACHED AS ANNEXES TO THE FI NAI. BASIC LAW WHEN PASSED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA IN 1990.
REFERRING TO SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID ARTICLE 4, WHICH STATED THAT HONG KONG’S EXISTING CAPITALIST SYSTEM AND WAY OF LIFE SHOULD NOT BE CHANGED FOR 50 YEARS, AUGURED WELL FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY.
ON THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN THE FORMATIVE YEARS OF THE HONG KONG SAR SHOULD BE ELECTED BY A WIDELY REPRESENTATIVE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, WHICH WOULD BE DISSOLVED AFTER THE ELECTION WAS COMPLETED.
REGARDING ARTICLE 55, MR CHEONG-LEEN BELIEVED THAT AT LEAST THREE QUARTERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD COME FROM THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SO AS TO ENSURE A WORKING LIAISON BETWEEN THE
EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES AND THE LEGISLATURE.
ON THE LEGISLATURE OF THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT, HE WAS
IN FAVOUR OF STARTING OFF IN 1997 WITH ABOUT 70 MEMBERS ELECTED BY
FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, DISTRICTS AND ELECTORAL COLLEGES RESPECTIVELY.
THE COUNCIL’S PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ELECTED FROM AMONG THE COUNCIL’S MEMBERS. •
IN RELATION TO THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST GOVERNMENT AND FIRST LEGISLATURE OF THE HONG KONG SAR, HE SUPPORTED THE "THROUGH TRAIN" CONCEPT IN ORDER TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY AND WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO COMMUNITY LIFE.
/ONCE THE........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1988
- 16 -
ONCE THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WAS ADOPTED IN 1990 BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY, IT WOULD BE UP TO THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO CAREFULLY PLAN HOW FAR AND FAST TO MOVE FORWARD POLITICALLY ALONG THE LINES SPELT OUT IN THE BASIC LAW.
THE OBJECTIVE WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT BY 1997 THE POLITICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER STRUCTURES WOULD BE ALREADY IN PLACE, ENABLING A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY TO BE EFFECTED.
’’MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE IN THE CONSULTING PROCESS AND THE RE-DRAFTING OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW,” HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN ALSO HOPED THAT THE OMELCO CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL COULD EXPAND ITS LIAISON WITH OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO ARRIVE AT A WIDER CONSENSUS IN THE RE-DRAFTING BY THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE, LEADING TO A SECOND AND BETTER VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW NEXT YEAR.
-----0------
PEOPLE CAN STILL HELP MOULD THEIR FUTURE
♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD REALISE THAT THEIR FATE IS STILL VERY MUCH IN THEIR OWN HANDS, AND THEY SHOULD NOT MISS THE CHANCE TO HELP MOULD IT, DR THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN SAID IN THF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, DR SOHMEN SAID HE WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTED THE MOTION, WHICH URGFD THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DOCUMENT.
HE SAID THE BASIC LAW NATURALLY FOLLOWED THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE “ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” CONCEPT.
THE LATTER WAS A BRILLIANT NEGOTIATING TACTIC BUT SHOULD NOT BE SFEN AS A WORKABLE OPERATING PRINCIPLE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME CERT X INLY NOT FOR A PERIOD AS LONG AS 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
"THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF MAINTAINING TWO SEPARATE SYSTEMS WITHIN ONE NATIONAL ENTITY HAVING TRADITIONS REVOLVING AROUND A POLITICAL CENTRE OVER MANY CENTURIES MAY NOT BE A POPULAR THEME AT THIS TIME BOTH HERE AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM; BUT THIS IS THE REALITY," HE
HE SAID THE GUARANTEES FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE DID NOT LIE IN THE ARTIFICAL PRESERVATION OF, OR IN THE ONLY COSMETIC' ALTERATIONS TO THE OLD COLONIAL STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES THAT HAD BEEN IN PLACE WITH FEW SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS OVER A HUNDRED YEARS.
/CHINA’S NEED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 17 -
CHINA’S NEED TO EMULATE HONG KONG’S SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM IF IT WANTED TO ACHIEVE ITS NATIONAL GOALS CLOSER TO THE TARGET DATES ENVISIONED BY ITS LEADERSHIP PROVIDED MUCH BETTER ASSURANCE.
DR SOHMEN SAID THAT HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS MUST, AS ALWAYS, DEPEND ON THE WILLINGNESS OF ITS PEOPLE TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE OF HOW TO EXPORT ITS ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS.
"IF WE CAN DO THAT, AND THEREBY HELP TO REDUCE THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO SYSTEMS, WE SHALL BE ALRIGHT IRRESPECTIVE OF THE PERFECTION OR IMPERFECTION OF THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT WITHOUT WISHING TO DENIGRATE THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, HIS STRONGEST CRITICISM OF THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTERS, AND OF THE VARIOUS LOCAL POLITICAL GROUPINGS, WAS THAT THEY HAD SO FAR FAILED LN REACHING A COMPROMISE AS TO WHAT SHOULD BE THE MOST EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE FOR HONG KONG.
WHAT SHOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A BASIC LAW HAD THUS REMAINED ONLY A SET OF LARGELY CONTRADICTORY OPTIONS.
AS A RESULT, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WOULD BE FORCED INTO MAKING THE FINAL CHOICE FOR HONG KONG, DESPITE THEIR OBVIOUS WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO AND ACCOMMODATE LOCAL PREFERENCE.
"THIS IS THE REAL TRAGEDY OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL INEXPERIENCE," HE REMARKED.
DR SOHMEN SAID IT WAS EQUALLY REGRETTABLE THAT MANY, IF NOT MOST, OF THE COMMENTS ON THE FIRST DRAFT SIMPLY HIGHLIGHTED Till "FLAWS" WITHOUT ADDRESSING POSITIVELY AND UNEMOTIONALLY THE UNRESOLVED ISSUES, OR SUGGESTING WORKABLE ALTERNATIVES.
ON (’HINA’S PART, IT WOULD NOT ACHIEVE ITS AMBITIONS FOR HONG KONG IF THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AND UNNECESSARY EMPHASIS IN THE BASIC LAW ON ASPECTS OF NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY, HE SAID.
DR SOHMEN WAS ALSO CRITICAL OF THE SO-CALLED "THROUGH-TRAIN" LABEL FOR THE ACTUAL TRANSITION IN 1997. "IT CONJURES UP UNPLEASANT IMAGES OF A LOCOMOTIVE RAMMING BARRIERS," HE SAID.
HE PREFERRED THE TERM "CHANGE OF GAUGE" INSTEAD. THE NEW SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT MUST OBVIOUSLY BE IDENTIFIED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997, AND BE FAMILIAR WITH ITS RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE BEING SWORN IN.
"THIS SUGGESTS A READINESS ON THE PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TO PERMIT PREPARATORY ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE IN THE TERRITORY UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT PRIOR TO THE BRITISH SURRENDER OF SOVEREIGNTY; BUT ALSO SUGGESTS THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES MUST WILLINGLY \CCEPT BRITISH CO-OPERATION IN THESE EFFORTS," HE SAID.
/ON THE.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 18 -
ON THE SELECTION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DR SOHMEN SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL THAT THE FUTURE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SAR BE ELECTED THROUGH A BROADLY BASED ELECTORAL COLLEGE, REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND INCLUDING THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SUCH A COLLEGE COULD BE ESTABLISHED IN LATE 1996.
ON THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE, HE SAID THAT DEVELOPMENTS AFTER 1991 (AND BASIC LAW PROVISIONS) SHOULD AIM FOR THE REPLACEMENT, IN 1994, OF THE THEN REMAINING APPOINTED MEMBERS BY MEMBERS ELECTED BY FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, TO HOLD OFFICE - LIKE THEIR DIRECTLY ELECTED COLLEAGUES - UNITL JUNE 30, 1997.
ELECTIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE FIRST SAR LEGISLATURE ON THE BASIS OF THE ELECTORAL MODEL INTRODUCED IN 1994 SHOULD TAKE PLACE TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO JULY 1, 1997 AND COMPLY WITH BASIC LAW PREREQUISITES AS TO QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES AND TERMS OF OFFICE.
REFERRING TO THE POTENTIAL DIFFICULTIES OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE NOT HAVING THE CONFIDENCE OR SUPPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR SOHMEN SAID THE IDEA THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE BE ELECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MIGHT RESOLVE THAT PROBLEM.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, WOULD THIS SOLUTION NOT RUN COUNTER TO THE PRINCIPLE OF THE SEPARATION OF POWERS, AND WOULD IT INCREASE, OR DECREASE THE ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION?" HE ASKED.
DR SOHMEN BELIEVED MUCH MORE DISCUSSION WAS REQUIRED ON THAT POINT IN HONG KONG AND WITHIN THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE.
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10 PER CENT LEVEL AN APPROPRIATE START ♦ t 4 ♦ t
SITTING 'Uli. NOTIFIABLE PERCENTAGE FOR SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS IN \ COMPANY AT 10 PER (ENT IS AN APPROPRIATE START FOR HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 1908, MR JACOBS SAID THE SITUATION WOULD BE REVIEWED IN IWO TO THREE YEARS’ TIME IN THE LIGHT OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE GAINED OF’ Till’ LEGISLATION IN OPERATION, AND HAVING REGARD TO THE PRACTICE IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
"WE WILL ALSO CONSULT THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS WELL AS THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND THE PROPOSED SECURITIES AND !•< IDRES COMMISSION ON ANY CHANGES THAT MIGHT BE PROPOSED," HE ADDED.
/ON DISCRETIONARY
WEEK EEDAY, JULY 1Jt 1988
- 19 -
ON DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS, MR JACOBS EXPLAINED UNDER CLAUSE 14(1) OF THE BILL, A DISCRETIONARY INTEREST WAS NOT CAUGHT BY THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
HE SAID THE PROVISION FOLLOWED THE LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHERE IT HAD NOT CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS.
"IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO PENALISE GENUINE DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS AT THIS STAGE WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE OF ABUSE,” MR JACOBS SAID.
"WE WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION AND NECESSARY AMENDMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED SHOULD THERE BE WIDESPREAD ABUSE IN FUTURE."
REFERRING TO WARRANTS, MR JACOBS SAID AS THEY DID NOT FORM PART OF THE ISSUED VOTING SHARES OF THE COMPANY, WARRANTS WERE NOT COVERED BY THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THE PURPOSE OF THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT WAS TO REVEAL ACTUAL NOT POTENTIAL VOTING POWER, i
"THIS AGAIN FOLLOWS THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION, WHERE IT HAS NOT CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS."
FURTHERMORE, MR JACOBS ADDED, TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE BILL TO APPLY TO WARRANTS WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES.
"IT WOULD REQUIRE MAJOR CHANGES TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND EXTENSIVE RE-DRAFTING OF THE BILL; THIS WOULD INEVITABLY DELAY ITS PASSAGE," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID INTERESTS HELD AS SECURITY BY AUTHORISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF THEIR BUSINESS WERE EXEMPT FROM THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
"THE BANKING SECTOR HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT IT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR IN THE BILL THAT AN EXEMPT SECURITY INTEREST INCLUDES SHARES HELD BY BANKS BY WAY OF A SECURED SYNDICATED LOAN," HE NOTED.
"THE PRESENT PROVISION FOLLOWS THE UK LEGISLATION WHICH HAS NOT CAUSED PROBLEMS TO THE UK BANKING COMMUNITY, AND I THINK THAT FURTHER CLARIFICATION IN OUR LEGISLATION IS UNNECESSARY."
MR JACOBS ASSURED THE BANKING COMMUNITY THAT A SECURED SYNDICATED LOAN WOULD BE EXEMPT IF IT FELL WITHIN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF A BANK’S BUSINESS.
ON THE RELEVANT PERIOD FOR NOTIFICATION, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE BILL MUST BE PERFORMED WITHIN FIVE DAYS.
"BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 71 OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, THIS MEANS FIVE BUSINESS DAYS," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/2O
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
20
DISCLOSURE BILL WILL IMPROVE HK’S IMAGE
*****
THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST) BILL 1988 WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE AND WILL ASSIST THE OPERATION OF A FAIR SECURITIES MARKET.
THE HON PETER POON SAID THIS WHEN SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT FINANCIAL CENTRES IN THE WORLD, HONG KONG LAGS A LONG WAY BEHIND IN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS IN LISTED COMPANIES," MR POON SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD INTRODUCED THE RELEVANT REQUIREMENTS IN THE COMPANIES ACT 1948 AND THE U.S.A., AUSTRALIA AND CANADA HAD ALSO HAD SUCH LEGISLATION FOR A LONG TIME.
MR POON ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS SOME CRITICISM THAT THE BILL HAD NOT GONE FAR ENOUGH. ONE MAJOR ISSUE WAS WHETHER THE FIGURE FOR DISCLOSURE OF "NOTIFIABLE INTERESTS" SHOULD BE 10 PER CENT OR FIVE PER CENT.
"THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD REVIEW THE PERCENTAGE IN TWO OR THREE YEARS AND, IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES THEN, SHOULD CONSIDER REDUCING THE PERCENTAGE TO FIVE PER CENT AS APPLICABLE IN MANY MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES,” HE SUGGESTED.
ANOTHER MAIN ISSUE WAS WHETHER SECURITIES INTERESTS IN A "DISCRETIONARY TRUST" SHOULD BE COVERED, RATHER THAN EXEMPTED.
"I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE SITUATION BE MONITORED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND IF THERE ARE BLATANT OR WIDESPREAD ABUSES, PROMPT AND PROPER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY AMENDMENT," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 21 -
DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS BILL SUPPORTED * » ♦ » »
THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 1988, ONCE ENACTED, WOULD BRING HONG KONG IN LINE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION ON THE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS AND IT WOULD STRENGTHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S HANDS IN FIRM PRUDENTIAL CONTROL IN HONG KONG, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ' (
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MISS TAM SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO REQUIRE THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF 10 PER CENT OR MORE OF THE SHARES OF LISTED COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE PARTICULARS OF THEIR SHAREHOLDINGS.
BESIDES, DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF LISTED COMPANIES WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE PARTICULARS OF THEIR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SHARES AND DEBENTURES OF SUCH COMPANIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED COMPANIES.
MISS TAM SAID THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP THAT STUDIED THE BILL FELT IT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE AND THAT THE LEVEL OF NOTIFIABLE INTERESTS, STIPULATED AT 10 PER CENT OF A LISTED COMPANY’S SHARE CAPITAL, WAS A REASONABLE STARTING POINT.
NEVERTHELESS, SHE SAID, AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, HONG KONG SHOULD AIM AT MAKING ITS DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS COMPATIBLE WITH THOSE ADOPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY, AS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
"THE AD HOC GROUP REQUESTED THE ADMINISTRATION TO UNDERTAKE TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF NOTIFIABLE INTERESTS FROM 10 TO FIVE PER CENT IN TWO TO THREE YEARS’ TIME," SHE SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION, HOWEVER, DECLINE? TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO REDUCE THE NOTIFIABLE PERCENTAGE AT THIS STAGE, BUT INDICATED THAT IT IS THEIR FIRM INTENTION TO DO SO WHEN THE TIME IS RIPE.
"THE GROUP THEREFORE REQUESTS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO MAKE A FIRM STATEMENT ON THE INTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF NOTIFIABLE INTERESTS AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE."
AT THE SAME TIME, MISS TAM HOPED THAT THE' FINANCIAL SECRETARY COULD INDICATE HIS COMMITMENT TO REVIEW THE SITUATION AND FALL IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE WITHIN A GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME.
"AT THE REQUEST OF THE AD HOC GROUP, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED TO CLARIFY IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH CONCLUDING THE SECOND READING DEBATE OF THE BILL THAT THE FIVE-DAY NOTIFICATION PERIOD WAS INTENDED TO BE FIVE BUSINESS DAYS," SHE SAID.
/"THIS IS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 22 -
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT EVEN NON-RESIDENTS CAN COMPLY WITH THE FIVE DAYS RULE."
MISS TAM ALSO MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 8 OF THE BILL, WHICH STIPULATED THAT A PERSON WAS TAKEN TO BE INTERESTED IN ANY SHARES IN WHICH HIS SPOUSE OR ANY CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 21 OF HIS OR HIS SPOUSE WAS INTERESTED, SO THAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD BE ALONG THE LINES OF UK LEGISLATION BY DELETING REFERENCE TO THE CHILD OF HIS SPOUSE.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE UNREASONABLE TO HOLD A PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR INTERESTS HELD, FOR EXAMPLE, BY THE CHILD OF HIS SPOUSE’S FORMER MARRIAGES WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE CONTACT WITH HIM, SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO PROPOSED, FOR THE SAKE OF CONSISTENCY, CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO SIMILAR PROVISIONS UNDER CLAUSE 31 ON THE CHILD OF THE SPOUSE OF A DIRECTOR AND A CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
ON THE PROCEDURES FOR NOTIFICATION OF INTERESTS, MISS TAM SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO INSERT A NEW CLAUSE 50A AFTER CLAUSE 50 TO REQUIRE THE NOTIFICATION TO BE MADE BY HAND OR BY REGISTERED POST TO THE OFFICE OF THE LISTED COMPANY, ALONG THE LINES OF SECTION 356 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
"IT WOULD BE UNFAIR IF LISTED COMPANIES CONCERNED ARE TO BE PENALISED FOR A FAILURE TO ENTER THE REQUISITE INFORMATION INTO THEIR REGISTER WHICH IS CAUSED BY A FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE SHAREHOLDERS, INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY, TO NOTIFY THEM," SHE SAID.
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PROTECTION AGAINST UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADS * * * * *
THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SEEKS TO BRING WITHIN THE LAW ANY UNQUALIFIED PERSONS OR UNSCRUPULOUS DEALERS MAKING USE OF ADVERTISEMENTS TO MISLEAD THE PUBLIC, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY)’.
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HSU SUPPORTED AN AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD ENABLE PART I OF THE BILL TO BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION ONE MONTH AFTER ITS ENACTMENT.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING UP SIGNS OR PLACING ADVERTISEMENTS WHICH MAY CONTRAVENE THE LAW TO REMOVE OR WITHDRAW THEM BEFORE ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS TAKEN," MR HSU EXPLAINED.
/He stressed
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 23 -
HE STRESSED THAT ONCE THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL HAD BEEN ENACTED, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD TAKE POSITIVE ACTION TO ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE.
NOTING THE CONCERNS OF THE CHINESE MEDICINE DEALERS, MR HSU REITERATED THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
"WE ARE NOT STOPPING ALL ADVERTISEMENTS ON MEDICINE AS SUCH. I HOSE WHICH DO NOT CONTRAVENE THE LAW WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE," HE POINTED OUT.
"IN THIS RESPECT, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A CHINESE MEDICINE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD AND HAS ALSO GIVEN GUIDANCE ON THEIR COMMONLY USED TERMS, DESCRIPTIONS AND PRODUCT NAMES, MOST OF WHICH ARE IN FACT ACCEPTABLE."
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A VETTING AUTHORITY WITHIN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR ALL ADVERTISEMENTS ON CHINESE MEDICINE, MR HSU SAID THE SUGGESTION HAD BEEN CONSIDERED, BUT WAS FOUND TO BE INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE THE DEPARTMENT HAD NO EXPERTISE TO DEAL WITH CHINESE MEDICINE.
"FURTHERMORE, WE SHOULD AVOID A SITUATION WHERE ADVERTISEMENTS MIGHT BE USED TO CLAIM THAT THE PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HAD BEEN VETTED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND HAD RECEIVED SOME FORM OF OFFICIAL APPROVAL," HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR HSU SAID THE MEDICINE DEALERS WERE ALWAYS WELCOME TO SEEK FURTHER INFORMATION OR CLARIFICATION ON TERMINOLOGY OF DISEASES GENERALLY FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
REGARDING PART II OF THE BILL WHICH PROHIBITED ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE FORM OF PACKAGES AND LABELS, MR HSU SAID IT WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL 24 MONTHS AFTER PART 1 CAME INTO OPERATION.
THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE NECESSARY REPRINTING TO BE DONE, HE SAID.
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/24........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
24
POSITIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON MEDICAL ADS URGED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE POSITIVE IN MONITORING MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS AND SIGNBOARDS AND INITIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THOSE PEOPLE WHO CONTRAVENE THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL \D\ERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID THIS WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT H THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR CHIU SAID DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE THAT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE GOVERNMENT MERELY TO REACT TO COMPLAINTS FROM VICTIMS WHO HAD BEEN MISLED BY OFFENDING ADVERTISEMENTS, OR TO REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO OBJECTED TO CERTAIN MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
’’THE LAW WILL HAVE LITTLE OR NO DETERRENT EFFECT IF ADVERTISEMENTS WHICH OBVIOUSLY CONTAIN MISLEADING INFORMATION, OR WHICH CAN LEAD TO WRONGFUL SELF-MEDICATION, ARE ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE FREELY,” HE SAID.
DR CHIU SAID HE WAS PLEASED THE BILL, WHICH PROVIDED LONG AWAITED IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION IN FACILITATING ACTION AGAINST ADVERTISEMENTS WHICH CONSTITUTED A DANGER TO PUBLIC HEALTH, WAS NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD MAKE TWO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN CONTROLLING UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
FIRSTLY, THE BILL WOULD UPDATE THE SCHEDULE IN RESPECT OF WHICH ADVERTISEMENT WAS PROHIBITED, AND WOULD CHANGE THE LEGISLATIVE APPROACH.
UNDER THIS, THE PROHIBITION AGAINST ADVERTISING DEPENDED NOT ON WHAT THE ADVERTISEMENT REPRESENTED, BUT ON WHETHER IT WAS LIKELY TO LEAD PERSONS READING THE ADVERTISEMENT TO USE THE MEDICINE, SURGICAL APPLIANCE OR TREATMENT ADVERTISED FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULES, HE SAID.
THE SECOND IMPROVEMENT, WHICH WOULD FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION, WAS THE USE OF THE PRESUMPTIVE CLAUSE, HE SAID.
HE SAID THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO OVERCOME THE DIFFICULTY IN STABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR CAUSING THE UNDESIRABLE ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PUBLISHED.
”1 BELIEVE THE REVERSAL OF THE BURDEN OF PROOF TO THE OFFENDERS WILL FACILITATE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION,” SAID DR CHIU, WHO WAS CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP.
/IN ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
IN ORDER THAT THE BILL COULD BE ENFORCED IMMEDIATELY ONCE IT CAME INTO OPERATION, DR CHIU PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
UNDER THIS, THE BILL WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON FUTURE DATE, SO THAT SUFFICIENT NOTICE AND WARNING MIGHT BE GIVEN, AND ADEQUATE LEAD TIME WAS GIVEN TO THE ADVERTISERS WHO MIGHT NEED TO CHANGE THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS AND SIGNBOARDS.
------0 ------ r
12 MEMBERS SPEAK IN LEGCO DEBATE ON BASIC LAW » » » » *
TWELVE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPOKE IN THE FIRST DAY OF THE DEBATE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON A MOTION THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE NOTE OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AND URGE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE DRAFT AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON IT.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION, WHICH WAS MOVED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WHEN ANOTHER 16 MEMBERS ARE LISTED TO SPEAK.
IN OTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE DEBATE BEGAN, FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED.
THEY WERE: PENSION BENEFITS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1988; HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) BILL 1988; SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 1988; SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988; AND UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
CONSIDERATION OF A PRIVATE BILL, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WAS HELD OVER TO TOMORROW’S MEETING.
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/26
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13,
1988
- 26
CHINA LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT VISITS SWD HOMES ♦ » * » *
THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHINA LAW SOCIETY, MR WANG ZHONGFANG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED TWO CORRECTIONAL HOMES OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
LAST MONTH, A DELEGATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS,HONG KONG (SROHK) VISITED JUDICIAL, SOCIAL AND PENAL SERVICES IN PEKING, HANGZHOU AND CANTON AT THE INVITATION OF THE CHINA LAW SOCIETY.
MRS ELIZABETH WONG, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE VISIT IN HER CAPACITY OF VICE-PRESIDENT OF SROHK, SAID: "HAVING LEARNT SO MUCH FROM THEIR OPERATIONS, I AM GLAD OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW MR WANG HOW REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS ARE CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG AND TO DISCUSS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS."
"THIS STEPPED-UP LIAISON AND CONTINUAL EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE WILL CERTAINLY BE OF MUTUAL BENEFIT TO BOTH PARTIES," SHE SAID.
ACCOMPANIED BY MRS WONG AND THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND CORRECTIONS), MR ANTHONY CHAN WAI-KWAN, MR WANG VISITED THE PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME AND THE MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME.
AT THESE HOMES, THE BOYS AND GIRLS ARE PROVIDED WITH ACADEMIC, PREVOCATIONAL AND SOCIAL TRAINING DESIGNED AT REFORMING THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL ATTITUDES SO THAT THEY WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO LIVE AS LAW-ABIDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
MR WANG WAS BRIEFED ON THE SERIES OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES OF THESE HOMES, INCLUDJNG THE ENGAGEMENT OF A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT MASTER AND THE STRENGTHENING OF THE TEACHING ESTABLISHMENT; THE ACQUISITION OF SUITABLE EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENT, TEACHING AIDS AND REFERENCE BOOKS; AND A REVIEW OF THE SYLLABUS AND TEACHING METHOD.
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SALE OF TWO INDUSTRIAL SITES FETCHED $210M * * * * *
TWO GOVERNMENT SITES (WEDNESDAY) WITH A REALISED
WERE SOLD AT A PUBLIC AUCTION PREMIUM OF $210 MILLION.
HELD TODAY
BOTH SITES ARE FOR EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES BUT
/ONE OF
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 27 -
ONE OF THE SITES IS IN KA YIP STREET, CHAI WAN. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,687 SQUARE METRES. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 33,746 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1992.
BIDDING STARTED AT $150 MILLION AND THE SITE WAS FOUGHT BY AUTOWIN LIMITED FOR $194 MILLION.
THE OTHER SITE IS IN AREA 25, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW
TERRITORIES. THE AREA OF THE SITE IS ABOUT 1,198 SQUARE METRES.
BIDDING OPENED AT $10 MILLION AND THE SITE WAS SOLD TO BIG
YOUTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED FOR $16 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER HAS TO DEVELOP AT LEAST 3,594 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JUNE 30, 1992.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR TIM MILLS, IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
------0--------
EXTRA LIGHTS PROPOSED FOR LRT INTERSECTION t t * ♦ ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE EXTRA LIGHTING FACILITIES AT THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) INTERSECTION AT SIU HONG COURT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
RESIDENTS OF SIU HONG COURT LEARNT THAT THE LIGHTING AT LRT ZONES WILL BE TURNED OFF AFTER ALL ROUTES HAVE STOPPED THEIR SERVICE. THEY REQUESTED THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO CONDUCT A SITE INVESTIGATION FOR INSTALLATION OF EXTRA LIGHTS AT PARTICULAR LOCATIONS FOR SECURITY PURPOSE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE PROBLEMS AND MAINTENANCE OF RGAD SURFACE OF KAI MAN PATH AS WELL AS TWO LAYOUT PLANS RESPECTIVELY CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANDWARD SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE AREA BETWEEN LUNG MUN ROAD AND THE WATERFRONT.
A REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL POSITION AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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/28........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS REPORT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT IN HONG KONG AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER SETTING UP A STATUTORY BODY WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF DEVELOPING SPORT AND RECREATION THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (RECREATION AND SPORT) OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, MR NICHOLAS FRY, WILL BE PRESENT TO HEAR MEMBERS1 VIEWS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A SCHEDULE FOR VISITING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATIONS FOR A REGIONAL COUNCIL SUBSIDY AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
MEETING ON OBJECTIONS TO THA ♦ ♦ ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL HELD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS OBJECTIONS RAISED BY BEACON HEIGHTS RESIDENTS TO A HOUSING PLAN.
THE RESIDENTS HAVE OBJECTED TO THE COMMITTEE’S ENDORSEMENT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S PLAN TO BUILD A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AT A SITE NEAR BEACON HEIGHTS.
/THE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1988
- 29 -
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON, BEGINNING AT 2. I 5 PM.
AFTER THIS MEETING ENDS, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL BEGIN A MEETING.
THEY WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO REMOVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES AND VARIOUS OTHER MATTERS.
THESE INCLUDE ERECTION OF GUARDRAILS ON THE FOOTPATH AT 93-97 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD; RELOCATION OF PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT 13A UN CHAU STREET; AND PROVISION OF PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI PO ROAD AND SHEK KIP MEI STREET.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE INFORMED OF A BUS AND FERRY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT IN 1988-89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETINGS OF THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES, BEGINNING AT 2.15 PM AND 3 PM RESPECTIVELY TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
------0-------
RESULTS OF FIRST QUARTER SURVEY OF t » » »
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS, PURCHASES
*
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, ESTIMATED AT $6,522 MILLION, WAS 17 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1987, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 8 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN MIE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WAS $2,756 MILLION, WHICH WAS 12 PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE TERMS THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE (23 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
/THESE WERE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
- 30 -
THESE WERE FOLLOWED BY NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (20 PER CENT), CHINESE RESTAURANTS (16 PER CENT), "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" - COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY ETC - (12 PER CENT), AND BARS (3 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS,’ CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES” INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE THOSE OF BARS DECREASED BY 1 PER (ENT.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER - AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS - TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VALUE TERMS WHILE THE VOLUME OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT.
TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT THEY REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME.
HOWEVER, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME; THOSE OF BARS BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THOSE OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100. ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987 AND FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234941).
/TABLE 1 :
- J1 - WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
TABLE I : TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
Total restaurant receipts (in HU aillion)
Total purchases by restaurants (in HK5 eiilion)
4th qtr. (987 (Revised figures)
b 543
2 770
1st qtr. 1988 (Provisional figures)
6 522
I 756
TABLE 2 : VALUE ANO VOLUNE INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 4TH QUARTER 1997 AND 1ST QUARTER I98E
(Quarterly average of October 04 - September 85 = 100)
' 1 Index of I 1 I "total 1 4th ! Type of restaurant ! restaurant! quarter 1 • receipts I 1987 4 1- - _ _ - 1- • 1 1 1st ! quarter 1 1988 ! j 1st qtr. 1988 ! coipared el th I 4th qtr. 1987 { 1st qtr. 1989 ! coapared with ! 1st qtr. 1987
■ ‘ t 1 (Revised • 1 * figures) r 1 : ' Chinese restaurants | Value ' 145 5 1 • 1 Voluee ; 130 1 • 1 » 1 9 » < Non-Chinese restaurants 1 Value ! 125 1 ’ Voluee 1 HO 1 : : 1 Fast food shops ! Value ! 145 • । : volute : 134 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Bars ! Value ! 135 ! Voluee ! 119 1 ! Other eating and drinking places ! Value 1 136 1 : Voluee I 121 1 1 (Provisional {figures) 1 1 143 1 : 126 1 t 128 110 i 155 142 126 110 124 109 1 ! Points 1 । ! 1 -2 -1 1 : -5 -3 i I 1 3 2 1 t : 11 7 8 6 -10 -7 •9 -9 -12 -10 ! Points I : 19 16 8 7 21 20 11 12 29 23 22 18 4 3 -1 -1 13 12 5 5
I । • • • 1 । Entire restaurant sector I Value 1 141 1 1 1 Voluee ’ 126 1 1 Notes: 1. Figures denoting changes 2 . t denotes change of less 140 123 1 are derived f than 0.5. 1 t -3 -2 { । roi unrounded figur 20 17 { I 10 8 ; es.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 32
TALENT NIGHT TO LAUNCH YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME *****
A YOUTH TALENT PERFORMANCE WILL BE STAGED IN LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP).
THE PERFORMERS ARE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 1988 YUEN LONG DISTRICT YOUTH TALENT COMPETITION.
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE TALENT COMPETITION.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 1988 YUEN LONG DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE, MR LAI KWOK-YIU.
OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, A TOTAL OF 172 YOUTH ACTIVITIES, ORGANISED BY 30 LOCAL BODIES, WILL BE HELD IN BOTH THE YUEN LONG TOWN AND THE RURAL AREAS. THESE INCLUDE STUDY CAMPS, PICNICS, VISITS, CONCERTS, MOVIE SHOWS, SPORTS EVENTS AND FUN FAIRS.
MOST OF THESE ACTIVITIES ARE SUBSIDISED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH HAS DONATED $194,400 FOR THE YUEN LONG SYP. THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALSO ALLOCATED $35,000 FOR HOLDING THE OPENING CEREMONY AND FOR OTHER PUBLICITY EXPENSES.
THE CENTRAL THEME OF THIS YEAR'S SYP IS "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY". IT AIMS AT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENRICH THEMSELVES DURING THE SUMMER VACATION THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN MEANINGFUL SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND YOUTH TALENT NIGHT TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN LUT SAU HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 7.30 PM. INFORMATION OFFICER, MR KENNY LAM, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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/33
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 53 -
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ' » * * *
V? ‘ ■- ■
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORTIES TO LET BY TENDER.
THE LAND IS IN D.D. NO. 51 AREA 26, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 775 SQUARE METRES. IT WILL BE USED FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOP.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE DEADLINE IS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JULY 29. ■ •
TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM AND TENDER PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, PIE FUNG ROAD, FANLING; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
---Co-----
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL
* t » » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN CENTRAL WILL BE MADE 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW:
t THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF COTTON TREE DRIVE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD TO MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
♦ THE ACCESS ROAD TO MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LAMBETH-WALK FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN THE EXIT OF MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND LAMBETH WALK.
/IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1988
TN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL ALSO BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL INTERNAL ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF THE MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL INTERNAL ROAD EXCLUDING THE LAY-BYS WILL BECOME 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
» THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL INTERNAL ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF THE MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL INTERNAL ROAD WILL BECOME DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE ACCESS ROAD TO MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.
------0-------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN NORTH POINT, CHAI WAN » » » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS IN NORTH POINT AND CHAI WAN WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16).
IN NORTH POINT, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER TWO WEEKS FOR ROADWORKS:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SHU KUK STREET TO A POINT ^BOUT 48 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
» THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD BETWEEN SHU KUK STREET AND KAM HONG STREET; AND
* SHU KUK STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MARBLE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JAVA ROAD.
IN CHAI WAN, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WAN TSUI ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN TSUI LANE TO A POINT ABOUT EIGHT METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
------0-------- /55.....................
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 55 -
SPEED LIMIT CHANGE ON POK FU LAM ROAD ♦ ♦ » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SPEED LIMIT TRAFFIC SIGNS ON POK FU LAM ROAD NEAR CLAYMORE AVENUE WILL BE RELOCATED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16> TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
AS A RESULT, THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF POK FU LAM ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CLAYMORE AVENUE TO A POINT ABOUT 87 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CHANGED FROM 50 TO 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
-----0------
SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES AT MURRAY BARRACKS » * ♦ ♦ t
i
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PARKING SPACE NOS. 20 TO 40 AND 92 TO 111 AT MURRAY BARRACKS OPEN-AIR CARPARK IN CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16) TO MIDNIGHT THE FOLLOWING DAY (SUNDAY).
THIS MEASURE WILL FACILITATE THE ROADWORKS THERE.
------0--------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY DRAINAGE REPAIR WORK AT YUK YAT STREET IN TO KWA WAN, THE SECTION OF YUK YAT STREET BETWEEN LOK SHAN ROAD AND SHUN FUNG STREET HAS BEEN RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM SHUN FUNG STREET INTO YUK YAT STREET WESTBOUND.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE REPAIR WORK.
MEANWHILE, IN YAU MA TEI, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15), THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT 15 METRES TO COVER THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO YAU MA TEI AMBULANCE DEPOT.
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1988
- 56 -
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO » » » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF A STORMWATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE VICINITY OF LI CHENG UK ESTATE, A SERIES OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHUI PO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 15).
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
« THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD BETWEEN FAT TSEUNG j STREET AND TONKIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD HEADING FOR TONKIN STREET, INCLUDING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 42 ON ITS JOURNEYS TO CHAK ON ESTATE, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PO ON ROAD, FAT TSEUNG STREET, KWONG LEE ROAD AND TONKIN STREET.
» THE LEFT-TURNING MOVEMENTS FROM SOUTHBOUND FAT TSEUNG STREET ONTO EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD AND THE RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENTS FROM NORTHBOUND WING LUNG STREET ONTO EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PO ON ROAD BETWEEN TONKIN STREET AND FAT TSEUNG STREET WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
» THE BUS STOP ON WESTBOUND PO ON ROAD CURRENTLY OBSERVED BY KMB ROUTES NO. 2 AND 2A, AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES NO. 112 AND 122 WILL BE RELOCATED TEMPORARILY TO A POINT ON THE SAME ROAD OUTSIDE THE PO ON ROAD UC COMPLEX.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
LEGCO PASSES MOTION ON DRAFT BASIC LAW .................. 1
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO WORK OF COUNCILLORS ............ 1
CLOSING SPEECH BY CS IN DEBATE........................... 3
DRAFT BASIC LAW LIMITS HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY........... 5
DETAILED CONSIDERATION MAY CONFUSE ’MAN IN STREET’ ...... 6
ARTICLES ON JUDICIARY, INTERPRETATION SHOULD BE AMENDED 9 HONG KONG’S INTERESTS NOT GIVEN DUE ATTENTION .......... 14
GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONCEPT SUPPORTED............... 15
MEASURES TO MEET CONTAINER PARKING NEEDS .................. 17
URBAN COUNCILLORS VISIT EPD................................ 18
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY REPORT... 19
KWAI TSING DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.... 19
ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW WORKS PROGRESS.............. 20
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MARCH - MAY 20
SEMINAR ON STAFF RETENTION, LABOUR RELATIONS............... 22
ONE-DAY SEMINAR FOR CAREERS TEACHERS ...................... 22
carnival to start off syp in southern district ............ 23
EXHIBITIONS TO PUBLICISE VOCATIONAL TRAINING............... 24
NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR TAI PO....................... 24
MORE CONVENIENT COLLECTION OF REGISTERED LETTERS........... 25
DEADLINE NEAR FOR RETURNING C & S QUESTIONNAIRES........... 25
GRADING OF BEACH WaTER QUALITY ............................ 27
WAN CHAI TO JORDAN RO^D FERRY SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN... 31
KWAI CHUNG URBAN CLEARWAYS REARRANGED...................... 31
FaNLING GMB ROUTE TO INCREASE FaRE......................... 32
SALT WATER CUT IN YAU Ma TEI .............................. 32
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
LEGCO PASSES MOTION ON DRAFT BASIC LAW
* * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) PASSED A MOTION ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AFTER TWO DAYS OF DEBATE.
THE MOTION, WHICH WAS MOVED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, WAS THAT "THE COUNCIL TAKES NOTE OF 'THE DRAFT BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (FOR SOLICITATION OF OPINIONS)’ AND URGES THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE DRAFT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON IT".
FIFTEEN MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION TODAY AND A CONCLUDING SPEECH WAS GIVEN BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
TWELVE MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
AS HE WAS PRESIDING OVER A SITTING OF THE PRESENT COUNCIL FOR THE LAST TIME, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, GAVE A SPEECH AT THE END OF THE DAY’S BUSINESS, AND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HARD WORK DONE BY COUNCILLORS ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY.
IN OTHER BUSINESS DURING THE SITTING, A PRIVATE BILL, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WAS PASSED.
-------o---------
GOVERNOR PAYS
TRIBUTE TO WORK OF COUNCILLORS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS NOT ONLY DURING THIS SESSION BUT IN THE THREE YEARS SINCE OCTOBER 1985.
SIR DAVID, WHO WILL BE LEAVING FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM ON SATURDAY AND WILL BE AWAY FOR A MONTH, WAS PRESIDING OVER THE COUNCIL FOR THE LAST TIME THIS SESSION AND ALSO FOR THE LAST TIME BEFORE THE COUNCIL IS DISSOLVED ON AUGUST 25.
"THOSE WHO ARE STATISTICALLY MINDED WILL LIKE TO NOTE THAT EACH OF THE LAST THREE SESSIONS HAS BROKEN NEW RECORDS," HE POINTED OUT.
HE NOTED THAT IN 1985-86 A RECORD NUMBER OF QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED, WHILE IN 1986-87 THE COUNCIL HELD AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF DEBATES AND SAT FOR MORE HOURS THAN IN ANY OTHER SESSION IN ITS HISTORY.
/"BY THE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 1988
2
“BY THE TIME THAT THIS SESSION IS COMPLETED, IT IS LIKELY THAT WE SHALL HAVE ESTABLISHED A RECORD FOR THE NUMBER OF BILLS PASSED INTO LAW,” SIR DAVID SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE STATISTICS TOLD ONLY A FRACTION OF THE REAL STORY.
’’THEY DO NOT REVEAL THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF TIME AND WORK MEMBERS HAVE PUT INTO SCRUTINISING LEGISLATION IN AD HOC GROUPS; IN MONITORING GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN OMELCO PANELS; AND IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID THAT BOTH THE STATISTICS AND THE UNDERLYING REALITY DEMONSTRATED THE IMMENSE EFFORTS MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL MADE ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS, DRAFT LEGISLATION PASSED DOWN TO THE COUNCIL FOR ENACTMENT WAS OFTEN SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED.
FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNOR ADDED, CONSTRUCTIVE MONITORING OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICIES COULD, AND DID, CONTRIBUTE TO MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLICIES WHICH REFLECTED THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"AT THE END OF THE LIFE OF THIS COUNCIL, I BELIEVE THAT ALL MEMBERS SHOULD RIGHTLY FEEL PROUD OF THE WAY IN WHICH THEY HAVE HELPED TO MAKE OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF OUR COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THANKING MEMBERS GENERALLY, SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SPECIAL MENTION OF THOSE APPOINTED MEMBERS WHO WOULD SOON HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TERMS.
NOTING THAT ALL SUCH APPOINTED MEMBERS HAD SERVED HONG KONG AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH DISTINCTION, ENERGY AND DEDICATION, HE SAID THAT SOME HAD SERVED THE COMMUNITY IN THE COUNCIL FOR UP TO 12 YEARS.
"THE COMMUNITY HAS REASON TO BE GRATEFUL .TO THEM FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THEY HAVE SERVED US WELL. I THANK THEM ALL MOST WARMLY."
HE SAID THERE MIGHT ALSO BE SOME ELECTED MEMBERS WHO, THROUGH THE INEVITABLE VAGARIES OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, WOULD NOT RETURN IN OCTOBER.
/SHOULD THERE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
SHOULD THERE BE ANY SUCH MEMBERS, SIR DAVID SAID, THEY WOULD TAKE WITH THEM THE GOOD WISHES OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL AND THE THANKS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNCIL DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.
SIR DAVID ALSO THANKED THOSE WHO HAD WORKED SO TIRELESSLY BEHIND THE SCENES TO SERVICE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THESE INCLUDED THE CLERK TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND HIS STAFF; THE SECRETARY GENERAL, OMELCO AND HER STAFF; THE INTERPRETERS AND CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS; THE TECHNICIANS; AND THE MANY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA WHO HAD COVERED THE PROCEEDINGS.
IN CONCLUSION, SIR DAVID SAID NO WORDS ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE COUNCIL WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON LYDIA DUNN.
"SHE HAS PERFORMED HER DIFFICULT AND DEMANDING ROLE WITH A SKILL, HUMOUR, GRACE AND PATIENCE WHICH HAVE WON HER THE ADMIRATION AND AFFECTION OF EVERYBODY,” HE SAID.
"AS SENIOR MEMBER FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS SHE HAS HELPED GUIDE A COUNCIL WHICH HAS A CHANGED COMPOSITION, AND A NEW WORKING STYLE, BUT THE SAME UNSWERVING COMMITMENT TO WORK FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.”
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE WAS SURE COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND INDEED THE PUBLIC, WOULD WISH TO JOIN HIM IN THANKING MISS DUNN MOST WARMLY FOR A JOB WHICH HAD BEEN SUPERBLY WELL DONE.
0 - -
CLOSING SPEECH BY CS IN DEBATE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH MADE TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, IN CONCLUDING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
SIR, I HAVE LISTENED TO THE TWO DAYS’ DEBATES WITH GREAT ATTENTION. MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN ON THIS MOTION HAVE DISPLAYED A DEEP SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THEIR STUDY AND CLOSE ANALYSIS OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, WHICH WILL LAY DOWN THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. I PAY TRIBUTE TO THEIR HARD WORK.
/THE SINO-BRITISH
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THAT THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHALL STIPULATE CHINA’S BASIC POLICIES REGARDING HONG KONG AS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ELABORATED IN ITS ANNEX I, RESPONSI BILIT\ FOR THE DRAFTING AND THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW OF COURSE RESTS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. BUT AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE SAID IN PARLIAMENT ON JANUARY 20 THIS YEAR, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AS A CO-SIGNATORY TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, HAVE THE RIGHT TO SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT THE EVENTUAL PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW FULLY AND ACCURATELY REFLECT THE JOINT DECLARATION. TO THIS END, WE SHALL PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, AND TAKE THEM INTO ACCOUNT IN OUR FUTURE EXCHANGES WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
IN THIS DEBATE, MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN ON A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES RELATING TO THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, E.G. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BASIC LAW FULLY REFLECTING THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT; THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY PROMISED TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION BY THE JOINT DECLARATION, A FIRM GUARANTEE IN THE BASIC LAW OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY; AND THE PROTECTION OF BASIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE NEED FOR THE BASIC LAW TO GIVE THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY TO RESPOND TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES. THESE ARE SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT POINTS OVER WHICH MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN. I HAVE TAKEN CAREFUL NOTE OF THEM. IF MEMBERS SO WISH, WE SHALL FORWARD THESE VIEWS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW HAS BEEN A VERY OPEN PROCESS AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE MADE GREAT EFFORTS TO INVOLVE THE HONG KONG PEOPLE. OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE IN THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE NOW UNDERWAY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT AND TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS THROUGH A VARIETY OF CHANNELS. CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS FIRST DRAFT IS FAR FROM PERFECT AND WILL REQUIRE IMPROVEMENT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE COMMENTS MADE ON IT AND TO MEET HONG KONG CIRCUMSTANCES. IN THIS SPIRIT, THEY HAVE SAID THEY WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF VIEWS EXPRESSED IN REVISING THE PRESENT DRAFT. IT IS THEREFORE VITAL THAT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORDING OF THE MOTION BEFORE MEMBERS, THE HONG KONG PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE TO MAKE KNOWN THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AS IT NOW STANDS.
I HAVE NOTED OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, AND INDEED IN RECENT WEEKS, THAT ON SOME ASPECTS OF THE BASIC LAW, THERE IS A CLEAR CONSENSUS OF VIEW WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. IN OTHER AREAS, THERE ARE STILL DIVERGENT VIEWS. I HOPE THAT ALL CONCERNED WILL COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS OUTSTANDING ISSUES IN A FLEXIBLE AND POSITIVE WAY IN ORDER TO FIND THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF COMMON GROUND. FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE COMMUNITY, AND I AM SURE FROM THE BASIC LAW DRAFTERS’ POINT OF VIEW AS WELL, A MEASURE OF CONSENSUS WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THE BASIC LAW IN ITS FINAL FORM WILL BE A WIDELY ACCEPTABLE, AND EFFECTIVELY WORKABLE, DOCUMENT.
SIR, WITH THESE REMARKS, I SUPPORT THE MOTION.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 5 -
DRAFT BASIC LAW LIMITS HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY * t * * »
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS HAVE CONSIDERED SOME AREAS OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AMBIGUOUS, CONTRADICTORY AND NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, DR THE 1ION CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR CHIU WAS THE FIRST SPEAKER ON THE SECOND DAY OF DEBATE ON A MOTION THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE NOTE OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW AND URGE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE DRAFT AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON IT.
HE SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING THE BASIC LAW WAS TO TRULY AND HONESTLY TRANSLATE THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION INTO LAW SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE A LEGAL MANDATE TO SEE THAT THE PROMISES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION MATERIALISED.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE PRINCIPLE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD NOT BEEN REALISED BY THE DRAFT, ALTHOUGH THE PHRASES "HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY", "INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL POWER" AND "INDEPENDENT LEGISLATURE" APPEARED REPEATEDLY THROUGHOUT THE DOCUMENT.
FOR THIS REASON, HE SAID, SOME PEOPLE FELT THAT THE BASIC LAW, EVEN IN ITS DRAFTING STAGE, HAD TURNED INTO A POLICY GUIDELINE TO SET A LIMIT TO THE "HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY", HAMPER THE EXISTING INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND EXERCISE POLITICAL CONTROL.
DR CHIU LISTED THOSE AREAS IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW THAT WERE CONSIDERED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
FIRSTLY, HE SAID, PARAGRAPH 3 OF ARTICLE 16, WHICH EMPOWERED THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS STANDING COMMITTEE TO REVOKE LAWS DEVELOPED AND PASSED BY THE SAR LEGISLATURE, THAT THE NPC CONSIDERED TO BE NOT IN CONFORMITY WITH THE BASIC LAW, NOT ONLY CONTRADICTED THE SPIRIT OF COMMON LAW PRACTICE BUT ALSO DEPRIVED THE SAR LEGISLATURE OF ITS LEGISLATIVE POWER.
THE SECOND AREA CONCERNED PARAGRAPHS 2 TO 4 OF ARTICLE 17 WHICH ALLOWED THE LAW THAT GAVE EXPRESSION TO NATIONAL UNITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY ENACTED BY NPC OR ITS STANDING COMMITTEE TO BE APPLIED IN THE SAR.
DR CHIU SAID THAT PROVISION WENT AGAINST THE PROVISION OF ANNEX II OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"AS THERE IS NO CLEAR INDICATION OF THE SCOPE OF THE LAWS TO BE APPLIED HERE, ANY LAWS CAN BE INTERPRETED AS DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY RELATING TO ’NATIONAL UNITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY’.
/"THEREFORE, IF .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
"THEREFORE, IF THIS ARTICLE REMAINS AS IT IS, THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE WILL BE JEOPARDISED," HE SAID.
THIRDLY, HE SAID ARTICLE 18 OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, WHICH PROVIDED THAT COURTS OF THE SAR SHOULD HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER CASES RELATING TO DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE EXECUTIVE ACTS OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT, HAD CONTRAVENED PARAGRAPH 2 OF SECTION 3 IN ANNEX I OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
FOURTHLY, HE SAID, ARTICLE 22, WHICH PROVIDED THAT THE SAR SHOULD PROHIBIT BY LAW ANY ACT DESIGNED TO UNDERMINE NATIONAL UNITY OR SUBVERT THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, WAS SO WIDE AND SO VAGUE THAT ANY ACTIONS COULD BE CITED UNDER THIS CATEGORY.
DR CHIU ALSO SAID THAT ARTICLE 169 ON THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION VESTED IN THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NPC WOULD LEAD TO CONFLICT WITH THE COMMON LAW SYSTEM.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, IT WAS DEEMED NECESSARY TO ’ CLARIFY THE VAGUE LANGUAGE OF A NUMBER OF PHRASES IN THE DRAFT.
DR CHIU CONCLUDED BY CALLING ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO REFLECT TO CHINA, THROUGH THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHANNEL, THE CONCERNS THAT HE HAD EXPRESSED ON BEHALF OF HIS MEDICAL COLLEAGUES, SO THAT NECESSARY AMENDMENTS WOULD BE MADE.
- - 0
DETAILED CONSIDERATION MAY CONFUSE ’MAN TN STREET’
*****
THE INTENTION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN AGREEING TO DRAFT THE BASIC LAW IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN LEGAL PRECISION IN THE DOCUMENT, THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MR CLYDESDALE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE (HINA WAS DOING ITS UTMOST TO LEAVE HONG KONG AS A POLITICAL, EXECUTIVE-LED, ECONOMICALLY ORIENTED AND SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS ENTITY, IT MUST ALSO HAVE REGARD FOR ITS OWN SOVEREIGN AND CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY AND RIGHTS.
"WE SHALL ARGUE OUT THE LEGAL INTERPRETATION AND EVEN THE POLICY CONTENT OF THE BASIC LAW, BUT IT IS UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT CHINA TO PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH DE FACTO INDEPENDENCE," HE SAID.
/HE FEARED
THURSDAY, JULY 1U, 1988
HE FEARED THAT THE EXTREMELY DETAILED CONSIDERATION OF EVERY WORD IN THE DRAFT, AND THE PRECISE MEANING VARIOUSLY ASCRIBED TO WORDS, GROUPS OF WORDS, PARAGRAPHS AND PROVISIONS WHICH HAD BEEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY APPLIED BY EVERY LEGAL, ADMINISTRATION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE EXPERT IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE, COULD HAVE TWO UNFORTUNATE RESULTS.
"THE FIRST IS THAT THE UBIQUITOUS ’MAN IN THE STREET’, THAT IS THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WILL BECOME TOTALLY CONFUSED AS TO THE OVERALL WORTH OF THE BASIC LAW AND THE DEGREE TO WHICH IT CAN BE TRUSTED TO DO WHAT IT IS FUNDAMENTALLY REQUIRED TO DO," HE SAID.
"THE SECOND UNFORTUNATE RESULT MAY BE THAT THE CONFUSION OVER WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS BAD, OR MERELY INDIFFERENT IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WILL ADD TO THE ALREADY HIGH LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY AFFECTING OUR CHINESE MIDDLE CLASS WHO WILL CONTINUE TO VOTE WITH THEIR FEET."
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE COMMERCIAL CONSTITUENCY WHICH HE REPRESENTED, MR CLYDESDALE HOPED THAT ENGLISH WOULD BE RECOGNISED AS A SECOND OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
"IT MUST BE OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE THAT HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OWES A GREAT DEAL TO THE USE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, NOT ONLY IN OUR EXTERNAL BUSINESS BUT ALSO IN LOCAL COMMERCE AND IN GOVERNMENT.
"RECOGNITION OF THIS IMPORTANT MATTER IN THE BASIC LAW WOULD PROVIDE BOTH ASSURANCE OF A CONTINUATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG AND ALSO AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO LOCAL PEOPLE TO MAINTAIN A BILINGUAL PHILOSOPHY," HE OBSERVED.
MR CLYDESDALE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT POLICY GUIDELINES SHOULD BE LIFTED OUT OF THE BASIC LAW AND PLACED INTO AN ANNEX WHICH NEED NOT HAVE PRECISE LEGAL EFFECT.
POLICY WAS FLEXIBLE AND MUST BE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTMENT TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM LAW, HE NOTED.
MOREOVER, HE SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NO AMBIGUITY ABOUT THE RIGHT OF THE SAR TO HAVE, TO MODIFY, TO OPERATE, AND TO ENJOY, THE FRUITS OF ITS OWN TAXATION SYSTEM.
FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE SUGGESTED THAT ARTICLES 106 AND 108 BE AMALGAMATED WITH ARTICLE 108 TAKING PRECEDENCE. ARTICLE 107, WHICH STIPULATED A LOW TAX POLICY FOR HONG KONG, COULD SERVE AS A POLICY GUIDELINE.
/WHILE STRESSING
THURSDAY, JULY 1U, 1988
8
WHILE STRESSING THE NEED TO KEEP THE EXPORT QUOTAS AND PREFERENCES OF HONG KONG AND CHINA SEPARATE, MR CLYDESDALE DREW ATTENTION TO A MISTAKE IN THE DRAFTING OF ARTICLE 121.
"THE AUTHORITY GIVEN IN THE DRAFT FOR THE SAR TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN DOES NOT INCLUDE CERTIFICATES OF FOREIGN ORIGIN, INCLUDING CHINESE ORIGIN, WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR THE HUGE AND EXPANDING RE-EXPORT MARKET.
"IN FACT, ALTHOUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN FOR RE-EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG, THE OTHER ORGANISATIONS APPROVED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN DO, IN FACT, ISSUE MANY THOUSANDS OF THESE DOCUMENTS EVERY MONTH.
"I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REMAINS CENTRALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM," HE SAID.
MOREOVER, CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS SHOULD REFER TO HONG KONG ORIGIN AND NOT, AS HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY SOME, AS HONG KONG, CHINA ORIGIN - WHICH COULD LEAD TO CONFUSION.
MR CLYDESDALE SAID HIS CONSTITUENCY RECOGNISED THE ANOMALIES AND PROBLEMS WITH NATIONALITY WHICH COULD LIMIT THE EFFECTIVE USE OF THE BRAINPOWER AND SKILLS THAT HONG KONG HAI).
"WE ARE AN INTERNATIONAL CITY IN MOST SENSES OF THE WORD AND OUR CONTINUING SUCCESS MUST RELY ON THE MOST LIBERAL INTERPRETATION POSSIBLE OF THE RIGHT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TO STAY HERE, TO TAKE PART IN ALL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO GOOD GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE MANY MINORITIES HERE AND OFTEN THEY REPRESENT THIRD OR FOURTH GENERATION COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG. THEY HAVE TO CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT THEIR TALENTS ARE NEEDED AND THAT THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS ARE SAFEGUARDED.
"WE ARE A MULTINATIONAL SOCIETY AND OUR ECONOMIC BEEN FOUNDED ON THE HOMOGENEITY OF OUR PEOPLE.
VITALITY
HAS
"NATIONALITY IN THE BASIC LAW SHOULD HAVE REGARD TO THIS UNDENIABLE SITUATION."
-------0----------
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
9
ARTICLES ON JUDICIARY, INTERPRETATION SHOULD BE AMENDED
*****
ARTICLE 18 OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW CONCERNING THE JUDICIARY AND ARTICLE 169 CONCERNING INTERPRETATION OF THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY AMENDED, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, MR LEE SAID THAT A PROVISION IN ARTICLE 18 WAS UNACCEPTABLE.
THIS WAS THE PROVISION THAT "COURTS OF THE HKSAR SHALL HAVE NO JURISDICTION OVER CASES RELATING TO DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT AND CASES RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE ACTS OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT".
THE FORMULATION IN ARTICLE 18 WAS UNACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT CAST A WIDER NET OF EXCLUSION THAN UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE MATTERS WHICH WERE NOT JUSTICIABLE IN THE COURTS DID FALL WITHIN THE DESCRIPTION OF DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS, NOT EVERY CASE RELATING TO DEFENCE OR FOREIGN AFFAIRS WAS OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE HONG KONG COURTS TODAY.
"IN OTHER WORDS, THE LIMITS OF JURISDICTION SOUGHT TO BE IMPOSED ON THE COURTS OF THE HKSAR BY THE PRESENT ARTICLE REPRESENT A DEPARTURE FROM THE PRESENT SITUATION," HE SAID.
"AND THIS IS CONTRARY TO THE COMMON OBJECTIVE OF MEMBERS OF THE BLDC WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT WHAT THE COURTS CAN TRY TODAY, THE COURTS OF THE HKSAR CAN ALSO TRY AFTER 1997."
AS TO THE EXCLUSION FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE HKSAR COURTS "CASES RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE ACTS OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT", HE SAID THE RATIONALE BEHIND THIS STEMMED FROM THE FACT THAT UNDER THE CROWN PROCEEDINGS ORDINANCE, ALTHOUGH ANY PERSON WHO HAD SUFFERED DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF A CIVIL WRONG DONE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, MIGHT BRING AN ACTION IN HONG KONG AGAINST THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, NO SUCH PROCEEDINGS MIGHT BE BROUGHT IN HONG KONG AGAtNST THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN RESPECT OF ANY ACT, NEGLECT OR DEFAULT OF ANY OF ITS OFFICERS OR AGENTS.
AND IN SUCH CASES, THE AGGRIEVED PARTY WOULD HAVE TO INSTITUTE HIS ACTION AGAINST THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN AN ENGLISH COURT.
HE SAID: "BUT THE ANALOGY IS NOT APPOSITE BECAUSE THE ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM IS ALMOST THE SAME AS OURS, AND THEIR LEGAL PROCEDURES ARE ALSO SIMILAR.
/"SO EVEN
THURSDAY, JULY 1*+, 1?88
10 -
"SO EVEN IF AN AGGRIEVED CITIZEN IN HONG KONG HAS TO BRING HIS ACTION IN AN ENGLISH COURT, HE WILL NOT SUFFER ANY SIGNIFICANT DISADVANTAGE APART FROM HAVING TO BRING HIS ACTION IN ENGLAND."
BUT UNDER ARTICLE 18, HE NOTED, IF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT (CPG) HAD DONE A CIVIL WRONG IN THE HKSAR AND IF SUCH A WRONG COULD NOT BE REDRESSED IN THE COURT OF THE HKSAR UNDER THE LAWS WHICH APPLIED TO THE HKSAR, THEN THE AGGRIEVED PARTY WOULD SUFFER CERTAIN DISADVANTAGES.
MR LEE SAID: "IT IS NOT EVEN CLEAR WHETHER A HONG KONG RESIDENT CAN BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE CPG IN THE PEOPLE’S SUPREME COURT IN MAINLAND CHINA.
"EVEN IF HE CAN, IT IS DOUBTFUL WHETHER HE CAN ENFORCE LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH ARE ONLY RECOGNISED IN THE HKSAR AND NOT IN MAINLAND CHINA."
HE GAVE AN ILLUSTRATION TO SHOW THAT UNLESS ARTICLE 18 WAS AMENDED, ALL THE ARTICLES IN CHAPTER 3 OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW PERTAINING TO CIVIL LIBERTIES MIGHT BE RENDERED NUGATORY.
HE SAID: "A PERSON IS ARRESTED IN THE HKSAR ON BEHALF OF THE CPG ON THE GROUND THAT HE IS SUSPECTED TO BE A SPY.
"HIS WIFE GOES TO A LAWYER WHO INSTITUTES AN ACTION IN THE HIGH COURT FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS SO THAT HE COULD BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT AND DEALT WITH ACCORDING TO LAW.
"BUT UNDER ARTICLE 18, THE COURT WILL HAVE NO JURISDICTION TO ENQUIRE INTO THE MATTER, AS IT IS AN EXECUTIVE ACT OF THE CPG."
MR LEE SAID MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL WERE OF THE VIEW THAT IT SHOULD BE UP TO THE COURTS TO DECIDE WHETHER A PARTICULAR ACT WAS OR WAS NOT AN ACT OF STATE; AND THAT IN RELATION TO FACTS OF STATE, THE COURT SHOULD BE GIVEN A DISCRETION TO ASK FOR A CERTIFICATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES ONLY WHEN IN DOUBT, AND NOT WHEN THE MATTER WAS CLEAR.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THESE VIEWS COULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY AMENDING SECTION 18 AS FOLLOWS:
’THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IS VESTED WITH INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL POWER, INCLUDING THAT OF FINAL ADJUDICATION.
’THE COURTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER ALL CASES IN THE REGION EXCEPT THAT THE RESTRICTIONS OF THEIR JURISDICTION IMPOSED BY HONG KONG’S PREVIOUS LEGAL SYSTEM AND PRINCIPLES SHALL BE MAINTAINED.
/’’THE COURTS
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
'THE COURTS OF HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHALL SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES AND LEGAL PRECEDENTS OF THE COMMON LAW WHEN QUESTIONS CONCERNING FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE ARISE IN ANY PROCEEDINGS. A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE REGARDING QUESTIONS SHALL BE BINDING ON THE COURTS.
LEGAL SUCH
BEFORE ISSUING SUCH A STATEMENT, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHALL OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE FROM THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OR THE STATE COUNCIL.
’REGULATIONS REGARDING THE HANDLING BY COURTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CASES RELATING TO ORGANISATIONS, ORGANS OF STATE POWER OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (INCLUDING THOSE MENTIONED IN ARTICLES 13 AND 21 OF CHAPTER 2) OR THEIR PERSONNEL AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING COMPENSATIONS BY ORGANISATIONS ORGANS OF STATE POWER AND THE PERSONNEL CONCERNED, SHALL BE STIPULATED BY THE LAW OF THE REGION’.
TURNING TO ARTICLE 169, MR LEE SAID ONE PROVISION IN THAT ARTICLE WAS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
IT PROVIDED, IN EFFECT, THAT WHENEVER A CASE CAME UP BEFORE T/IE SAR COURTS INVOLVING THE INTERPRETATION OF AN ARTICLE OF THE BASIC LAW REGARDING "DEFENCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OR OTHER AFFAIRS WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT", THE SAR COURTS MUST NOT CONSTRUE THE RELEVANT ARTICLE.
INSTEAD, THEY MUST ADJOURN THE CASE AND REFER THE QUESTION TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS FOR A DETERMINATION.
AFTER THAT, THE HEARING WOULD RESUME BUT THE JUDGE WAS BOUND BY THE INTERPRETATION PUT ON THE RELEVANT ARTICLE BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NPC.
MR LEE ALSO SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL HAD REACHED CONSENSUS ON THIS ARTICLE.
HE SAID MEMBERS OF THE PANEL FELT THAT SAR COURTS SHOULD HAVE POWER TO INTERPRET ALL THE ARTICLES OF THE BASIC LAW.
AND WHILE RECOGNISING THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NPC HAD THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWER AND DUTY TO INTERPRET THE BASIC LAW, MEMBERS FELT THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE SHOULD IRREVOCABLY DELEGATE ITS POWER TO INTERPRET THOSE ARTICLES OF THE BASIC LAW WHICH WERE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE SAR’S AUTONOMY TO THE SAR COURTS WHEN ADJUDICATING CASES.
/AS TO
THURSDAY, JULY lAt 1988
12
AS TO THE OTHER ARTICLES WHICH FELL OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE SAR'S AUTONOMY, MR LEE SAID THE MEMBERS FELT THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NPC COULD, IF IT THOUGHT FIT, INTERPRET ANY SUCH ARTICLE, PROVIDED THAT ITS INTERPRETATION, IF CONTRARY TO THAT PUT ON THE SAME ARTICLE BY THE SAR COURTS, SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE RESULT OF ALL CASES PREVIOUSLY DECIDED.
HE BELIEVED THE PANEL MEMBERS' VIEWS ON THIS ARTICLE COULD BE DEALT WITH BY AMENDING IT AS FOLLOWS:
'THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION OF THIS LAW IS VESTED IN THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS. THE COURTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MAY INTERPRET ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS LAW.
'REGARDING THE PROVISIONS WHICH ARE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION,THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS WILL IRREVOCABLY DELEGATE ITS POWER TO THE COURTS OF THE REGION TO INTERPRET THEM WHEN ADJUDICATING CASES.
'WHEN THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS MAKES AN INTERPRETATION OF A PROVISION OF THIS LAW WHICH IS OUTSIDE THE LIMITS OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THE COURTS OF THE REGION, IN APPLYING SUCH A PROVISION, SHALL FOLLOW THE INTERPRETATION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE. HOWEVER, CASES UNDER ADJUDICATION AND JUDGEMENTS PREVIOUSLY RENDERED SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED.
'THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS SHALL CONSULT ITS COMMITTEE FOR THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION BEFORE GIVING AN INTERPRETATION OF THIS LAW.
'THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 3, 4, 5, 6 AND 10 OF THIS LAW ARE OR ARE DEEMED TO BE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. THE QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE PROVISIONS OF THE OTHER CHAPTERS OF THIS LAW ARE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE AUTONOMY OF THE REGION MAY BE DECIDED BY THE COURTS OF THE REGION OR BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS. THE STANDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSULT THE COMMITTEE FOR THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.THE DECISION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS SHALL BE FINAL'.
TURNING TO THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE, MR LEE SAID THE DRAFT BASIC LAW DID NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT POWERS TO THE LEGISLATURE TO ENABLE IT TO EXERT THE NECESSARY CHECKS AND BALANCES ON THE EXECUTIVE.
/HE ALSO
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
13
HE ALSO SPOKE AGAINST THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONCEPT AS PUT FORWARD BY THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL GROUP OF 81. HE SAID THAT FROM THE BOOKLET PUBLISHED BY THE GROUP, ONE COULD SEE THAT THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE WOULD CONSIST OF MAINLY PEOPLE FROM THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
THEREFORE, THE PERSON CHOSEN BY THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE TO BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD CERTAINLY LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF THESE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, AND YET HE WAS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE OF THE SAR.
"IF SUCH A CHIEF EXECUTIVE WISHES TO SEEK ANOTHER TERM, HE WILL MAKE SURE THAT HE HAS THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE MEMBERS FROM THESE SECTORS BY MAKING PROMISES TO THEM WHICH MAY NOT BE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE HKSAR AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.
AS TO THE LEGISLATURE, IT WAS PROPOSED BY THE GROUP OF 81 THAT 25 PER CENT OF THE MEMBERS SHOULD BE ELECTED BY THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE.
"BUT THIS IS REALLY AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM, FOR THE RESULT CAN BE VERY EASILY MANIPULATED," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE HAD BEEN TOLD THAT ONE OBJECT FOR THIS PROPOSAL WAS TO ENABLE PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS TO BE "ELECTED" INTO THE LEGISLATURE, SO AS TO PRESERVE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF HAVING OFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THIS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE WAS PROPOSED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A PRE-DETERMINED RESULT.
"BUT THERE IS NO REASON TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH AN ELABORATE AND UNSATISFACTORY SYSTEM OF ELECTION JUST TO CATER FOR THESE PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS. SURELY THERE ARE BETTER ALTERNATIVES," HE SAID.
THE FIRST WAS TO HAVE WHAT WAS COMMONLY CALLED THE MINISTERIAL SYSTEM WHEREBY THE PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS WOULD BE NOMINATED FROM THE ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE WHO WOULD THEN BE APPOINTED BY CHINA AS PROVIDED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE WAS TO PROVIDE IN THE BASIC LAW THAT PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PART IN ALL MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, BUT WITHOUT A VOTE.
THEY WOULD ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND MOVE BILLS ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE.
THIS WAS REALLY FOLLOWING THE PRESENT PRACTICE IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, WHERE THE EX-OFFICIO GOVERNMENT MEMBERS WERE NOT GIVEN A VOTE.
/HR LEE
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
14
MR LEE ALSO SPOKE AGAINST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS. HE SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE MEMBERS ELECTED FROM THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WOULD PUT THE SECTIONAL INTERESTS OF THEIR CONSTITUENCIES ABOVE THOSE OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
"AND IF A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE WERE TO BE ELECTED BY THIS METHOD, THEN THE LEGISLATURE WOULD BECOME VERY LOOSE OR EVEN FRAGMENTED. AND IT WOULD ALSO REDUCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
------0-------
HONG KONG’S INTERESTS NOT GIVEN DUE ATTENTION
*****
THE DRAFT BASIC LAW HAD ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE AND EMPHASIS TO CHINA’S SOVEREIGN RIGHT WHILE THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN DUE ATTENTION, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE GREAT EMPHASIS ON CHINA’S SOVEREIGN RIGHT WOULD UNDERMINE HONG KONG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE, MR LIU SAID DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW.
IN VIEW OF THIS, HE SAID THAT DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO AMENDING OR DELETING CERTAIN CLAUSES WHICH MIGHT PROVOKE CONSIDERABLE ANXIETIES AND FEARS AMONG THE COMMUNITY.
AN EXAMPLE WAS THE CONTROVERSIAL PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 22, HE SAID.
HONG KONG HAD ALL ALONG HAD VERY LITTLE IDEA ABOUT OFFENCES THAT "UNDERMINE NATIONAL UNITY" OR "SUBVERT THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT".
THEIR INCLUSION IN THE BASIC LAW IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY INTERPRETATION OR DEFINITION REGARDING THOSE OFFENCES WOULD SIMPLY AROUSE UNDUE ANXIETIES AND FEARS.
FURTHERMORE, MR LIU SAID, THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROVISION THAT "THE HKSAR WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY" AS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD BEEN OMITTED IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW.
THIS HAD CAUSED GREAT CONCERN OVER WHETHER THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WOULD INTERFERE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG OTHER THAN IN DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
REGARDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE RESIDENTS, MR LIU MENTIONED TAHT THERE WAS GRAVE CONCERN OVER THE DEFINITION OF "THE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE HKSAR".
/ACCORDING TO
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 15 -
ACCORDING TO THE DRAFT, ONLY THE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG HAD THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND THE RIGHT TO STAND FOR ELECTION.
IN ADDITION, ONLY CHINESE NATIONALS AMONG THESE PERMANENT RESIDENTS MIGHT FILL SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSTS.
IF FOREIGN NATIONALS IN HONG KONG AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WITH DUAL NATIONALITY FELT THAT THERE WERE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS TO THEIR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND LEFT HONG KONG FOR GREENER PASTURES ELSEWHERE, IT WOULD BE A BIG LOSS FOR HONG KONG AND WOULD AFFECT STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, HE SAID.
ON THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE, MR LIU SAID THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE METHODS FOR SELECTING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CONSTITUTING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND FORMING THE FIRST GOVERNMENT AND THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE SAR HAD GIVEN RISE TO HEATED ARGUMENTS AMONG PEOPLE WHO HELD DIFFERENT VIEWS.
HE HOPED THAT THROUGH SENSIBLE AND REASONABLE DISCUSSION, AN ELECTION SYSTEM THAT SUITED HONG KONG BEST COULD BE FORMULATED.
MR LIU SAID THE ALTERNATIVES LISTED IN THE DRAFT WERE NEITHER COMPLETE NOR MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE TO EACH OTHER.
”1 BELIEVE THAT THE METHODS THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTED BY MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE THE OUTCOME OF COMPROMISE AND THAT THEY CAN BE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER, MEETING THE INTERESTS OF ALL SECTORS,” HE ADDED.
------0--------
GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONCEPT SUPPORTED
» * ♦ ♦ »
SUPPORT FOR THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONCEPT PUT FORWARD BY THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL GROUP OF BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WAS EXPRESSED BY THE HON EDWARD HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PROPOSED GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE WOULD COMPRISE 600 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS WALKS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG, MR HO SAID DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW.
MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE WOULD BE ELECTED FROM THEIR OWN ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS PROFESSIONAL AND LABOUR BODIES, BY A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AND THEY IN TURN WOULD ELECT TO THE LEGISLATURE 25 PER CENT OF ITS MEMBERS.
THOSE WHO CRITICISED THE MODEL CHARGED THAT IT WAS UNDEMOCRATIC AND THAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE VESTED 1NTERES!S OF THE RICH, MR HO NOTED.
"THE TRUTH IS THAT THE GRAND ELECTORAL COLLEGE IS COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, ALL DULY ELECTED DEMOCRATICALLY," HE SAID.
/THE BUSINESS
THURSDAY, JULY 1U, 1988
- 16 -
THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL GROUP OF 81 WAS FRANKLY CONCERNED THAT OTHER ALTERNATIVES OF POLITICAL STRUCTURE FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WOULD LEAD TO CONFRONTATIONAL PARTY POLITICS WHICH WOULD UNDERMINE THE SOCIAL ORDER AND TRADITIONAL HARMONY OF THE COMMUNITY, AND EVEN INCITE THE ENTRY OF EXTERNAL POLITICAL INFLUENCE, HE SAID.
MR HO WENT ON TO SAY THAT IT WAS REGRETTABLE THAT NO CONSENSUS HAD BEEN REACHED AMONG HONG KONG MEMBERS OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE ON SUCH CRUCIAL ISSUES AS HOW THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE CHOSEN AND HOW THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE FORMED.
"IF HONG KONG PEOPLE DO NOT AGREE, THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES WILL BE DECIDED ON THEIR BEHALF," HE SAID.
I
"I AM HOPING THAT OUR COMMUNITY CAN AT LEAST AGREE THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WHEN FORMULATING THE MODEL OF OUR FUTURE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE THAT IT WILL ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE AND FURTHERANCE OF PROSPERITY AND STABILITY FOR HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
MR HO ALSO WARNED THAT IT WOULD BE A FATAL MISCONCEPTION THAT DEMOCRACY SHOULD BE USED AS A MEANS TO AVOID INTERVENTION BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
IF HONG KONG REMAINED PROSPEROUS AND STABLE, THE CHINESE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE NO REASON TO INTERVENE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE SAR.
"BUT LET US BE REALISTIC ABOUT IT: IF HONG KONG SHOULD SUFFER SEVERE ECONOMIC DEPRESSION AND CIVIL DISORDER FROM WHICH IT CANNOT EXTRICATE ITSELF, CHINA WILL HAVE TO INTERVENE, DEMOCRACY OR NOT," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ARTICLE 150 CONCERNING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, MR HO SAID MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES FELT THAT THE POWER TO DEAL WITH MATTERS CONCERNING THE PROFESSIONS SHOULD BE VESTED WITH THE SAR RATHER THAN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
BESIDES, THE SAR GOVERNMENT SHOULD ONLY BE CONCERNED WITH THE STATUTORY FUNCTION OF LICENSING, WHILE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD BE CONFERRED BY THE RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH SHOULD RETAIN THEIR AUTONOMY.
"IT IS BELIEVED THAT THESE BASIC PRINCIPLES HAVE THE DRAFT, BUT THAT FURTHER REFINEMENTS IN THE TEXT ARE GIVE ABSOLUTE CLARITY," HE SAID.
BEEN MET IN
NECESSARY TO
HE ADDED THAT REPRESENTATIVES OF NINE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING THE LEGAL, MEDICAL, DENTAL, ACCOUNTANCY, ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, SURVEYING AND PLANNING PROFESSIONS HAD FORMED A WORKING GROUP TO MEET REGULARLY TO STUDY THIS PARTICULAR CLAUSE AS WELL AS THE BASIC LAW GENERALLY.
IT WAS HOPED THAT A JOINT SUBMISSION WOULD BE MADE TO THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE.
MR HO SAID THAT HE, AS CONVENER OF THAT WORKING GROUP, WAS MOST ENCOURAGED BY THE FACT THAT IT WOULD BE THE FIRST TIME THAT NINE PROFESSIONS WOULD HAVE WORKED TOGETHER FOR A COMMON OBJECTIVE.
' ------------------------0-------- /17...................
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 17 -
MEASURES TO MEET CONTAINER PARKING NEEDS
*****
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LAND FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING AND REPAIR AS WELL AS CONTAINER STORAGE IN BOTH THE SHORT AND LONG TERMS, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR CANICB MAK, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR MAK ALSO ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY A KWAI TSING DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTER WORKING GROUP.
HE SAID WHILE THE WORKING GROUP LOOKED INTO THE IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTAINER BACKUP FACILITIES IN THE KWAI TSING CONTAINER PORT AREA, THE LONG-TERM REQUIREMENTS WERE BEING EXAMINED BY CONSULTANTS AS PART OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY.
THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WAS SET UP IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS TO LOOK AT THE EXISTING LAND STOCK WITHIN KWAI TSING AND TSUEN WAN - THE CONTAINER PORT AREA - AND COME TO A VIEW ON THE SHORT TERM SUPPLY AND DEMAND POSITION. THE INTENTION WAS TO GIVE THE TRADE AN IDEA OF LAND AVAILABILITY WITHIN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
THE WORKING GROUP HAS ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS AIMED TO IMPROVE THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF BACKUP FACILITIES AT THE CONTAINER PORT AREA.
MR MAK SAID THAT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, IN VIEW OF THE COMPETING DEMAND FOR LAND USE FROM OTHER PROJECTS IN THE PORT AREA, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED IT IMPORTANT TO AT LEAST MAINTAIN THE CURRENT AMOUNT OF LAND USED FOR THE CONTAINER TRADE IN THE SHORT TERM.
"AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS OF THE LAND AVAILABLE IN THE KWAI TSING AREA OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS WOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING. THE REMAINING ONE-THIRD WOULD BE FOR CONTAINER STORAGE," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING, THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCLUDE A PRICE CONTROL CLAUSE IN THE LEASE CONDITIONS OF NEW SHORT-TERM TENANCY SITES FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING.
"THIS CLAUSE WILL EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO VETO INCREASES IN PARKING CHARGES IF HE FINDS THAT THE INCREASE IS UNREASONABLY HIGH AND WILL SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE UTILISATION OF THE SPACES FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD.
/"THE CONTAINER
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 18 -
’’THE CONTAINER VEHICLE PARK OPERATORS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO GIVE THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER ONE MONTH PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF ANY INCREASE IN PARKING FEES," HE ADDED.
THE HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNER ASSOCIATION’S REQUEST FOR A DIRECT GRANT OF LAND FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING HAS BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT. HOWEVER, IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION TO DEPART FROM THE PRESENT POLICY OF LETTING LAND ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY WAY OF OPEN TENDER.
MR MAK SAID THAT AN ADDITIONAL SHORT-TERM TENANCY SITE FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING IN TSING YI (STT 3026) WAS AVAILABLE AND WOULD SHORTLY BE PUT OUT TO TENDER TOGETHER WITH STT 716 WHICH WAS AT PRESENT OCCUPIED BY THE HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNER ASSOCIATION.
THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP, WILL CONSIDER MAKING ADDITIONAL LAND IN OTHER AREAS AVAILABLE FOR BACKUP FACILITIES SUCH AS REPAIRS AND STORAGE WHICH NEED NOT BE LOCATED IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE CONTAINER PORT AREA.
PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND MAY ALSO CONTINUE TO BE USED TO MEET ADDITIONAL DEMAND. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO ACTIVELY CONSIDERING WAYS TO EXPEDITE COMPLETION OF THE RECLAMATION WORK FOR THE TERMINAL 7 BACKUP AREAS.
------0-------
URBAN COUNCILLORS VISIT EPD
* * » »
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE, AND FELLOW COUNCILLORS TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AND WERE BRIEFED ON THE MANY ASPECTS OF EPD’S WORK THAT RELATE TO THE INTERESTS OF THE COUNCIL.
AFTER A GENERAL BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WORK, THERE WERE DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON A NEW STRATEGY WHICH IS BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTES COLLECTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
EPD STAFF DREW THE COUNCILLORS’ ATTENTION TO THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING LOCAL REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS (RTS) AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS SO THAT USD’S REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES COULD DISPOSE OF THE WASTES AFTER A SHORT ROAD JOURNEY.
NEGOTIATIONS HAVE ALREADY STARTED WITH THREE GROUPS WHO HAVE TENDERED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST OF THESE RTS’S AT A SITE IN KOWLOON BAY.
OTHER MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST DISCUSSED DURING THE VISIT WERE THE PLANS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AT THE BEACHES ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, THE HANDLING OF POLLUTION COMPLAINTS AND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL.
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/19........
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
19 -
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH POLICY REPORT
♦ ♦ ♦ t t
THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DISTRICT STRATEGY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR 1988-91.
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THREE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE AN ENQUIRY HOTLINE SERVICE FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS, TO LAUNCH A DISTRICT ORGANISATION NURTURE SCHEME AND TO HOLD A GATHERING FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE COMMITTEE’S VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM 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.
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KWAI TSING DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS » * ♦ * »
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS TWO WORKING GROUP REPORTS, ON EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS AND ON A QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY OF THE DISTRICT, AT A MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO RAISE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CLEARANCE OF FUNG SHUE WO TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND THE NUMBER OF BURGLARY CASES THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN TYPE Y HOUSING ESTATES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO.3 AND ON REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
THE COMMITTEE’S NINE WORKING GROUPS WILL GIVE PROGRESS REPORTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
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/2O
THURSDAY, JULY 14,
1988
- 20 -
ISLANDS DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW WORKS PROGRESS
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS REPORT ON APPROVED PROJECTS FOR 1988-89 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
AMONG THE 14 PROJECTS LISTED IN THE REPORT, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PAVILION NEXT TO THE NGONG PING CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT TAI O, LANTAU, HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE 14 PROJECTS INVOLVE OVER »1 MILLION.
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A SCHEDULE FOR VISITS TO THE PROJECT SITES.
THE YEAR’S GRASS-CUTTING PROGRAMME IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IS ALSO ON THE AGENDA. r
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
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UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MARCH - MAY » » * t »
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT REMAINED AT A VERY LOW LEVEL IN THE THREE MONTHS MARCH - MAY 1988, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY") 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 MARCH - MAY 1988 WAS 1.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.6 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1988 AND 1.9 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS PERIOD AND THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.
/THE NUMBER
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 21
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN MARCH - MAY 1988 WAS ESTIMATED AT 47,700, COMPARED WITH 44,600 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1988 AND 50,500 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MARCH - MAY 1988 WAS 0.8 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1988. THE RATE FOR MARCH - MAY 1987 WAS 1.1 PER CENT.
THE DECREASE OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR MARCH - MAY 1988 WAS 22,600, COMPARED WITH 22,700 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1988 AND 29,600 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 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 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 APRIL - JUNE 1988 WAS 1.8 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.7 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 49,000 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 JUNE 1988 t SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND SEPTEMBER 20 AT $10 PER COPY.
- O -
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 22 -
SEMINAR ON STAFF RETENTION, LABOUR RELATIONS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A SEMINAR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR SOME 100 EMPLOYERS, PERSONNEL MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVES IN THE RETAIL TRADE IN HONG KONG.
THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A FORUM FOR PARTICIPANTS TO DISCUSS STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, CURRENT STATUS OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE TRADE.
GUEST SPEAKERS INVITED TO GIVE TALKS INCLUDE MR WILLIAM WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE, RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION; DR TSE KA-KU1, GENERAL MANAGER OF PAT DAVIE LTD.; MISS ELLEN SIU, MANAGER OF THE INDUSTRY TRAINING DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION; MR ORLANDO CHAN, PERSONNEL MANAGER OF A.S. WATSON AND CO. LTD.; AND MR CHOW TUNG-SHAN, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, WILL ADDRESS THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR AT 9 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, 14TH FLOOR, FAIRMONT HOUSE, 8 COTTON TREE DRIVE, CENTRAL.
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ONE-DAY SEMINAR FOR CAREERS TEACHERS ♦ ♦ * t »
MORE THAN 100 CAREERS TEACHERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION TO BE HELD AT THE Y.C. LIANG HALL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE ONE-DAY EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.
THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO WORK IN THE 90’S. GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE MRS GRACE CHOW, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, CHINESE UNIVERSITY; MR CHAN HIN-SANG, PERSONNEL OFFICER, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.; AND MR RAYMOND LEUNG, LABOUR OFFICER, LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
/THEY WILL
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 23 -
THEY WILL SPEAK RESPECTIVELY ON PREPARATION FOR JOINING THE WORLD OF WORK, LADDER OF SUCCESS FOR YOUNG SCHOOL LEAVERS, AND JOB-SEEKERS AND CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, MK CHAN JOB-CHAK, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE Y.C. LIANG HALL, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SHA TIN, AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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CARNIVAL TO START OFF SYP IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT « « * * »
THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL START OFF ON SUNDAY (JULY 17) WITH A FOUR-HOUR CARNIVAL AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE CARNIVAL, LASTING FROM 1.15 PM TO 5.30 PM, WILL INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW, VIDEO SHOW, AN EXHIBITION ON TRAVEL MATTERS AND STALL GAMES.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES, AND AT THE ABERDEEN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE DISTRICT'S SYP WILL BE HELD AT 1.30 PM DURING THE CARNIVAL.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE SYP COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR YUNG CHEK-CHOW; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ABERDEEN KA1FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, MR SHIH CHEN-CHI.
UNDER THE SYP, 240 ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD FOR YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT. DETAILS OF THESE ACTIVITIES ARE CONTAINED IN A COLOURFUL BOOKLET NOW OBTAINABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 1.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 17) AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
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/24........
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 24 -
EXHIBITIONS TO PUBLICISE VOCATIONAL TRAINING
*****
AN EXHIBITION ON TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
IT IS ONE OF FOUR EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO PUBLICISE COURSES OFFERED BY THE COUNCIL'S EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND 16 TRAINING CENTRES.
THE VENUES AND DATES OF THE EXHIBITIONS ARE:-
SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA : JULY 15 TO 22
TAIKOO SHING CITYPLAZA : JULY 27 TO AUGUST 2
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN PLAZA : AUGUST 4 TO 9
NEW WORLD CENTRE IN
TSIM SHA TSUI : AUGUST 10 TO 16
THE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.
TEACHERS, PARENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITIONS. VTC STAFF WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING CURRICULA, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, CAREER PROSPECTS OF GRADUATES AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
TO TIE IN WITH THE EXHIBITION, A VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED BY THE VTC AND PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO WILL BE STAGED AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON SATURDAY (JULY 16), STARTING AT 4 PM. IT WILL FEATURE GAMES AND PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS.
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NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR TAI PO
* * * *
TAI PO RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPLEX AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN OCTOBER.
THE COMPLEX WILL COMPRISE A MAIN POOL AND A PADDLING POOL.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SUN-BATHING AREA, A 600-SEAT RESTAURANT, A SPECTATOR STAND FOR 600 PEOPLE, CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, AN EXERCISE ROOM, A FIRST-AID ROOM, PLANT ROOMS AND OFFICES.
ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 29.
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/25........
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
MORE CONVENIENT COLLECTION OF REGISTERED LETTERS * » ♦ » *
FROM JULY 18, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT A REGISTERED LETTER, WHICH A POSTMAN HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DELIVER, FROM THE POST OFFICE NEAREST TO THEIR HOMES, OR, IF THEY DECIDE, FROM ANY POST OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
AT PRESENT, TWO ATTEMPTS ARE MADE BY THE POSTMEN TO DELIVER REGISTERED ITEMS TO ADDRESSEES’ PREMISES.
IF THE REGISTERED ITEMS STILL CANNOT BE DELIVERED AFTER THE SECOND ATTEMPT (FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE ADDRESSEES OR THEIR FAMILIES ARE NOT AT HOME) THE ADDRESSEES WILL HAVE TO COLLECT THE ITEMS FROM THE DELIVERY OFFICE THAT SERVES THEIR AREAS.
THIS DELIVERY OFFICE, ONE OF 23 SUCH OFFICES, MAY BE SOME DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE HOMES OR OFFICES OF THE ADDRESSEES AND HENCE NOT CONVENIENT TO THEM.
IN FUTURE, THE POSTMEN WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DELIVER REGISTERED ITEMS.
HOWEVER, SHOULD THE ITEMS BE UNDELIVERABLE AT THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE ADDRESSEES WILL BE REQUESTED TO COLLECT THEM FROM THE NEAREST POST OFFICE.
IF THE ADDRESSEES PREFER, THEY MAY MAKE A TELEPHONE REQUEST TO CHANGE THE COLLECTION OFFICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE SHOWN ON THE NOTIFICATION CARD.
- - 0 - -
DEADLINE NEAR FOR RETURNING C & S QUESTIONNAIRES
♦ * ♦ t ♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED RESPONDENTS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN QUESTIONNAIRES CONCERNING FIVE ECONOMIC SURVEYS FOR THE YEAR 1987.
THE SURVEYS ARE:
(1) SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION;
(11) SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS;
(III) SURVEY OF BUILDING. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS;
(IV) SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES; AND
(V) SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES.
/THESE surveys
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
26
THESE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME OF COLLECTING ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT SECTORS IN THE ECONOMY.
SUCH ECONOMIC DATA ARE NEEDED FOR ASSESSING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC SECTORS TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS WILL ALSO BE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT BY REGISTERED MAIL IN APRIL AND MAY THIS YEAR TO SOME 27,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEYS. THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
IN APPEALING TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES WITHOUT DELAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS POINTED OUT THAT ANY RESPONDENT WHO FAILS TO DO SO MAY BE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE.
THE QUESTIONNAIRE HAS BEEN SO DESIGNED THAT RESPONDENTS MAY COMPLETE THE FORM THEMSELVES. IF NECESSARY, CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, CAN VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST MANAGEMENTS IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATING TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE.
THE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATIONS WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF RETURNS.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED THEREFORE NEED NOT WAIT FOR THEIR AUDITED ACCOUNTS BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO STRESSED 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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/27........
THURSDAY, JULY 14,
1988
- 27 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ♦ » » » *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LATEST 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.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE B. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPE IN ITS ROUTINE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME.
i
THE E. COLI DATA USED FOR GRADING ARB 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. COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN
0-99 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
"B" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN
100-999 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE.
"C" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLI COUNT IS 1,000 OR MORE PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS POOH.
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 OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, FIVE BATHING BEACHES HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
/THESE BEACHES
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
28
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 MONO KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THESE FIVE BEACHES. THEY 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 AND TWO WEEKS AGO ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY
CHUNG HOM KOK
DEEP WATER BAY
HAIRPIN
MIDDLE BAY
REPULSE BAY
SHEK 0
SOUTH BAY
ST STEPHEN’S
TURTLE COVE
STANLEY MAIN
ROCKY BAY, TO TEI WAN*
LAST GRADING
(AS AT 30.6.88)
B
B
A
A
C
B
B
A
A
A
B
X
A
PRESENT GRADING
— — —— (AS AT 14.7.88)
A
A
A
A
C
B
B
A
A
A
A
X
A
/ISLAND DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JULY 1988
- 29 -
ISLAND DISTRICT
CHBUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVBRMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG TUNG O*
A
B
A
A
A A
A
B
X
CHAU A
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
X
A
A
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS A
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH A
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH A
HAP MUN BAY A
KIU TSUI A
PAK SHA CHAU A
SILVERSTRAND A
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
/TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
- 30 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X X
APPROACH B A
CASAM B B
GEMINI B B
HOI MEI WAN B B
LIDO B B
TING KAU C B
TUNG WAN, MA WAN A A
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA A A
CASTLE PEAK • X X
KADOORIE BEACH B A
BUTTERFLY A A
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
BIG WAVE BAY, CHUNG HOM KOK, STANLEY MAIN, APPROACH AND KADOORIE, FROM ”B" TO "A", AND TING KAU, FROM "C" TO "B” .
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, AT 3-7211044.
/31 ......
_ _ 0 -
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN * » t t »
THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND JORDAN ROAD OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM SATURDAY (JULY 16), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED FERRY PASSENGERS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CANCELLATION OF THE FERRY ROUTE, A NEW FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND KOWLOON POINT HAS STARTED OPERATION IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND IS OPERATING AT A BASIC FREQUENCY OF 10 MINUTES.
_ - 0 - -
KWAI CHUNG URBAN CLEARWAYS REARRANGED
♦ * ♦ * t
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN KWAI CHUNG INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL BE REARRANGED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE REARRANGEMENTS AIM AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA AND, AT THE SAME TIME, PROVIDING LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES FOR CERTAIN FACTORIES.
AFFECTED ROADS INCLUDE SECTIONS OF KWAI CHEONG ROAD, TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KUNG YIP STREET, WAH SING STREET AND WINO YIP STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS ON THE EXTENSION AND OPERATING HOURS OF THE URBAN CLEARWAYS. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS DURING THE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED HOURS.
- 0 -
/32
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1988
FANLING GMB ROUTE TO INCREASE FARE t « » t t
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 62 TO INCREASE ITS FARE FROM SATURDAY (JULY 16), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE ROUTE OPERATES BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND SING PING SCHOOL DAILY FROM 5.50 AM TO 11.35 PM.
THE FULL FARE WILL BE INCREASED BY 50 CENTS TO $2.5, WHILE THE SECTION FARES FOR JOURNEYS FROM PING CHE TO LUEN WO HUI AND FROM LUEN WO HUI TO FANLING KCR STATION WILL BE $2 AND $1.5 RESPECTIVELY.
STUDENTS TRAVELLING ON THE ROUTE WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A CONCESSIONARY FARE OF $1.3, WHICH IS 30 CENTS HIGHER THAN THE PRESENT CHARGE.
- - 0 - -
SALT WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI » ♦ » ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES LN YAU MA TEI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAY (JULY 16) FOR WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, YIM PO FONG STREET, ARGYLE STREET, SAI YEE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND THE SEAFRONT.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION ..................... 1
EXCO REAPPOINTMENTS, APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ................. 10
VA'S PRAISED FOR LOOKING AFTER VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE........ 11
INCREASED LEVEL OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES RECORDED........... 12
WAGE INDEXES FOR MARCH....................................... 14
UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1988
EXPLAINED ................................................. 18
PROCEDURES OF AMENDING PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES REVISED ... 20
AIRPORT EASY TRAVEL SCHEME STARTS ON AUGUST 1 ............... 21
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE TO BE RENAMED ............. 22
MORE OPPORTUNITIES URGED FOR DISABLED ....................... 25
RSNT LEARNS MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THEN MUN .... 26
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1967-69 ................ 28
168 POLICE OFFICERS COMPLETE INTENSIVE TRAINING ............. 29
50 PASS FINAL LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ........................ 50
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED..................................... 50
APPROVED NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED ........... 51
PSPS SITE IN MA ON SHAN OFFERED FOR SALE..................... 52
NT LOTS TO BE RESUMED FOR SEWERAGE SYSTEM.................... 52
DEMOLITION OF OLD FOOTBRIDGE IN VALLEY ROAD ESTATE........... 55
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.......... 55
INCREASED FEES FOR DOG AND CAT DETENTION .................... 55
POLICE OFFICERS HONOURED FOR SWIFT ACTION ................... 56
KWAI TSING DB TO VISIT HOLLAND AND U.K....................... 56
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE TO COMMEMORATE PEAK TRAMWAY CENTENARY ... 57
ENROLMENT INVITED FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COURSES ........... 58
MUSICIANS ARRIVE FOR MUSIC CAMP ............................. 59
POLICE CHOIR TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN AND ELDERLY............... 40
BUS RE-ROUTEING AND OPENING OF RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS.......... 41
TRAFFIC LANES ON TAI PO ROAD TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY........ 41
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 4 -
THE FOLLOWING IS A JOINT PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION:
NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION ♦ * ♦ i ♦
THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (HSBC) ANNOUNCE THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN AGREED BETWEEN HSBC AS THE MANAGEMENT BANK OF THE CLEARING HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE EXCHANGE FUND. THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, TO EXERCISE MORE EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE OVER THE AVAILABILITY AND PRICE OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET AND THUS TO ASSIST IT BETTER TO MAINTAIN EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM. THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN CONSULTED AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
2. THE DETAILS OF THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(A) HSBC WILL MAINTAIN A HONG KONG DOLLAR ACCOUNT (THE "ACCOUNT") WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND;
(B) HSBC WILL AIM TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE (THE "BALANCE") IN THAT ACCOUNT AT NOT LESS THAN THE NET CLEARING BALANCE OF THE REST OF THE BANKING SYSTEM;
(C) NO INTEREST WILL BE PAID ON CREDIT BALANCES IN THE ACCOUNT;
(D) IF THE BALANCE FALLS SHORT OF THE NET CLEARING BALANCE, HSBC WILL PAY INTEREST ON THE SHORTFALL TO THE EXCHANGE FUND;
(E) IF THE NET CLEARING BALANCE IS IN DEBIT, HSBC WILL PAY INTEREST ON THE DEBIT AMOUNT .TO THE EXCHANGE FUND;
/(F) UP TO .........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 2 -
(F) UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT, THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY HSBC WILL BE BLR OR HIBOR, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. BEYOND THAT AMOUNT, THE INTEREST RATE PAYABLE WILL BE 3% OVER BLR OR HIBOR, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AN ALTERNATIVE RATE MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH HSBC;
(G) THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL USE THE ACCOUNT, AT ITS DISCRETION, TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT OF ITS HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS WITH HSBC;
(H) THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL ALSO USE THE ACCOUNT, AT ITS DISCRETION, TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT OF ITS HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER LICENSED BANKS.
3. WITH THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL IN EFFECT BECOME THE ULTIMATE PROVIDER OF LIQUIDITY TO THE INTERBANK MARKET. IT WILL BE CAPABLE OF INFLUENCING MUCH MORE EFFECTIVELY THE AVAILABILITY AND THE PRICE OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET AND WILL BE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO MAINTAIN EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
4. THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NO EFFECT
ON THE DAY TO DAY OPERATION 01 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OTHER THAN HSBC, WHICH, IN ADDITION TO BECOMING MORE ACTIVE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF HAVING TO MAINTAIN EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN THE BALANCE AND THE NET CLEARING BALANCE, WILL BE ABLE TO DIRECT ITS OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE MONEY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS MORE TOWARDS ITS OWN COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS.
5. THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON MONDAY, 18 JULY 1988. THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS HAS TODAY SENT OUT A PAPER EXPLAINING IN DETAIL THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS TO ALL LICENSED BANKS. A COPY OF THE PAPER IS ATTACHED.
PRESS ENQUIRIES:
HSBC MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH
CHRIS PAVLOU 5-8223800 JOSEPH YAM 5-290021
MICHAEL BROADBENT 5-8224920
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 3 -
15 JULY 1988
FROM: SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS
TO : CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF ALL LICENSED BANKS
CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS
MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION
NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION
INTRODUCTION
THIS PAPER DESCRIBES NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO ON MONDAY 18 JULY 1988, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND THE AGREEMENT OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI EANKING CORPORATION (HSBC), BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND HSBC AS THE MANAGEMENT BANK OF THE CLEARING HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB). MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND HAVE UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS. THE PAPER ALSO EXPLAINS HOW THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO BE OPERATED.
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, TO EXERCISE MORE EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE OVER THE AVAILABILITY AND PRICE OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET AND THUS TO ASSIST IT BETTER TO MAINTAIN EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM. UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, THERE CAN BE PERVERSE SIDE-EFFECTS WHICH REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTION BY GOVERNMENT AND HSBC TO INFLUENCE INTEREST RATES AND THE LEVEL OF LIQUIDITY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY.
/THE INTERBANK .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
THE INTERBANK MARKET
3. EACH LICENSED BANK IN HONG KONG MAINTAINS AN
ACCOUNT, EITHER WITH HSBC, THE MANAGEMENT BANK OF THE CLEARING HOUSE OF HKAB, OR WITH A SETTLEMENT BANK (AS DEFINED IN RULES RELATING TO THE CLEARING HOUSE OF HKAB) WHICH IN TURN MAINTAINS AN ACCOUNT WITH HSBC, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLEARING HONG KONG DOLLAR CHEQUES AND FOR SETTLING INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS. BANKS WITH SURPLUS HONG KONG DOLLAR BALANCES ON THEIR CLEARING ACCOUNTS LEND THOSE FUNDS, THROUGH THE INTERBANK MARKET, TO BANKS WHICH ARE SHORT OF FUNDS. DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND LARGE CORPORATE CUSTOMERS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE INTERBANK MARKET, BUT SETTLEMENT IS EFFECTED THROUGH THEIR ACCOUNTS WITH LICENSED BANKS. INTERBANK INTEREST RATES ARE DETERMINED BY THE FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR FUNDS IN THAT MARKET.
4. AT PRESENT, HSBC, AS THE MANAGEMENT BANK OF THE CLEARING HOUSE, DOES NOT ITSELF HAVE A CLEARING ACCOUNT. SETTLEMENT OF HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN HSBC AND OTHER BANKS ARE EFFECTED THROUGH HSBC CREDITING OR DEBITING, AS THE CASE MAY BE, THE CLEARING ACCOUNTS MAINTAINED BY THESE BANKS OR BY THEIR SETTLEMENT BANKS WITH HSBC. THE EXCHANGE FUND IS A CUSTOMER OF HSBC AND OF A NUMBER OF OTHER BANKS. THESE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES ON HOW THE SUPPLY OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET IS DETERMINED AND HOW INTERBANK INTEREST RATES BEHAVE. SPECIFICALLY, THE SUPPLY OF HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET INCREASES AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES EASE WHEN:
(A) HSBC BUYS FOREIGN CURRENCY OR OTHER ASSETS FROM ANOTHER BANK, OR FROM CUSTOMERS BANKING WITH ANOTHER BANK, WITH HONG KONG DOLLARS; OR
(B) HSBC LENDS HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET; OR
(C) A CUSTOMER OF HSBC PAYS HONG KONG DOLLARS FROM HIS ACCOUNT WITH, OR CREDIT FACILITY MADE AVAILABLE BY, HSBC TO ANOTHER PERSON BANKING WITH ANOTHER BANK.
SIMILARLY, THE SUPPLY OF HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET DECREASES AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES FIRM WHEN:
(A) HSBC SELLS FOREIGN CURRENCY OR OTHER ASSETS TO ANOTHER BANK, OR TO CUSTOMERS BANKING WITH ANOTHER BANK, FOR HONG KONG DOLLARS; OR
/(B) HSBC BORROWS ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 5 -
(B) HSBC BORROWS HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET; OR
(C) A CUSTOMER OE HSBC ACCEPTS HONG KONG DOLLARS FOR HIS ACCOUNT WITH, OR FOR REDUCING A CREDIT FACILITY MADE AVAILABLE BY, HSBC FROM ANOTHER PERSON BANKING WITH ANOTHER BANK.
5. THUS WHEN THE EXCHANGE FUND, AS A CUSTOMER OF HSBC, CARRIES OUT FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS TO STABILIZE THE EXCHANGE RATE, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH ACTION CAN STAND TO BE GRADUALLY ERODED.
6. TO ILLUSTRATE, CONSIDER THE CASE WHEN, FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE EXCHANGE RATE IS WEAKENING AWAY FROM 7.80. ARBITRAGE BETWEEN THE FIXED-RATE MARKET FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR BANK NOTES AND THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, OR THE THREAT OF IT, WILL CONTRIBUTE TO CONTAINING THE DEVIATION FROM 7.80. AT THE SAME TIME AND WORKING IN THE SAME DIRECTION, THE CORRECT MONETARY POLICY RESPONSE MUST BE TO KEEP CONDITIONS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET TIGHT AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES HIGH RELATIVE TO THOSE OF THE US DOLLAR. THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY THE EXCHANGE FUND SELLING US DOLLARS FOR HONG KONG DOLLARS OR BORROWING HONG KONG DOLLARS, BOTH THROUGH HSBC. IF, HOWEVER, OTHER CUSTOMERS OF HSBC ARE AT THE SAME TIME SWITCHING OUT OF HONG KONG DOLLARS INTO US DOLLARS AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HSBC COVERS THE SHORT US DOLLAR POSITION BY RECOUPING THE CORRESPONDING AMOUNT FROM THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, THE TIGHTNESS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET WILL INADVERTENTLY BE RELIEVED. OTHER CUSTOMERS OF HSBC MAY ALSO BE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE HIGH HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE BY RUNNING DOWN HKAB-TYPE DEPOSITS WITH, OR DRAWING DOWN BEST LENDING RATE (BLR) FACILITIES MADE AVAILABLE BY, HSBC AND PLACING THOSE FUNDS WITH OTHER BANKS IN THE FORM OF DEPOSITS WHICH ATTRACT INTERBANK INTEREST RATES. THIS AGAIN WILL UNHELPFULLY RELIEVE TIGHTNESS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET.
NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS
7. SUCH EROSION IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE EXCHANGE FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY IS CLEARLY UNDESIRABLE. THE GOVERNMENT AND HSBC HAVE BOTH RECOGNISED THIS FOR SOMETIME. NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND HSBC, WHICH EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATE THIS SHORTCOMING, HAVE THEREFORE BEEN DEVELOPED. THE DETAILS OF THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
i *> * /(A) H^BC MAINTAINS..........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
6
(A) HSBC MAINTAINS A HONG KONG DOLLAR ACCOUNT (THE "ACCOUNT”) WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND;
(B) HSBC AIMS TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE (THE ’’BALANCE”) IN THAT ACCOUNT NO LESS THAN THE NET CLEARING BALANCE (”NCB”) OF THE REST OF THE BANKING SYSTEM;
(C) NO INTEREST IS PAID ON CREDIT BALANCES IN THE ACCOUNT;
(D) IF THE BALANCE FALLS SHORT OF THE NCB, HSBC PAYS INTEREST ON THE SHORTFALL TO THE EXCHANGE FUND;
(E) IF NCB IS IN DEBIT, HSBC PAYS INTEREST ON THE DEBIT AMOUNT TO THE EXCHANGE FUND;
(F) UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT, THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY HSBC UNDER (D) AND (E) IS BLR OR HONG KONG INTERBANK OFFERED RATE (HIBOR), WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. BEYOND THAT AMOUNT, THE INTEREST RATE PAYABLE IS 3% OVER BLR OR HIBOR, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AN ALTERNATIVE RATE MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH HSBC;
(G) THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL USE THE ACCOUNT, AT ITS DISCRETION, TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT OF ITS HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS WITH HSBC;
(H) THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL ALSO USE THE ACCOUNT, AT ITS DISCRETION, TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT OF ITS HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER LICENSED BANKS;
(I) IN CASE OF (H), THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL EITHER CREDIT OR DEBIT THE ACCOUNT AND HSBC WILL CORRESPONDINGLY CREDIT OR DEBIT THE CLEARING ACCOUNTS OF BANKS DEALING WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND.
8. ALONG WITH THESE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS
BETWEEN THE EXCHANGE FUND AND HSBC, THE TREASURY WILL ALSO MAINTAIN A HONG KONG DOLLAR ACCOUNT WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND WHERE MONEY TRANSFERRED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE TO THE EXCHANGE FUND IN RETURN FOR INTEREST BEARING DEBT CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACCOUNTED FOR. THIS PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL MECHANISM FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO INFLUENCE THE SUPPLY OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET.
/9.
THUS UNDER
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
9. THUS UNDER THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, THE SUPPLY OF HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET WILL INCREASE AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES WILL EASE WHEN:
(A) THE EXCHANGE FUND BUYS FOREIGN CURRENCY WITH HONG KONG DOLLARS; OR
(B) THE EXCHANGE FUND LENDS HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET; OR
(C) DEBT CERTIFICATES ARE REDEEMED FROM THE TREASURY AND THE BALANCE IN THE TREASURY'S ACCOUNT WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND IS REDUCED.
SIMILARLY, THE SUPPLY OF HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET WILL DECREASE AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES WILL FIRM WHEN:
(A) THE EXCHANGE FUND SELLS FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR HONG KONG DOLLARS; OR
(B) THE EXCHANGE FUND BORROWS HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET; OR
(C) DEBT CERTIFICATES ARE ISSUED TO THE TREASURY AND THE BALANCE IN THE TREASURY’S ACCOUNT WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND IS INCREASED.
PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS
10. UNDER THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL IN EFFECT BE THE ULTIMATE PROVIDER OF LIQUIDITY TO THE INTERBANK MARKET. IT WILL BE CAPABLE OF INFLUENCING MUCH MORE EFFECTIVELY THE AVAILABILITY AND THE PRICE OF MONEY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET AND IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO MAINTAIN EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
11. THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE DAY TO DAY OPERATION OF LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OTHER THAN HSBC. THOSE WHICH HAVE HAD, OR ARE LIKELY TO HAVE, DEALINGS WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE AWARE THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE ESTABLISHED PRACTICE FOR EFFECTING HONG KONG DOLLAR SETTLEMENTS WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND AS A CUSTOMER, THE EXCHANGE FUND MAY CHOOSE TO EFFECT SETTLEMENT THROUGH REQUESTING HSBC TO CREDIT OR DEBIT, AS THE CASE MAY BE, THEIR CLEARING ACCOUNTS MAINTAINED AT HSBC. THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL AT THE SAME TIME CREDIT OR DEBIT THE ACCOUNT AS APPROPRIATE.
THUS WHEN
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 8 -
12. THUS WHEN THE EXCHANGE FUND SELLS US$100 MILLION TO, SAY, THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK AT 7.85, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SETTLEMENT MAY BE EFFECTED THROUGH:
(A) THE EXCHANGE FUND DEBITING THE ACCOUNT HK$785 MILLION; AND
(B) HSBC DEBITING STANDARD CHARTERED’S CLEARING ACCOUNT WITH HSBC HK$785 MILLION.
THE MONETARY EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSACTION WILL BE THAT, OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, BOTH THE BALANCE AND NCB WILL BE REDUCED BY HK$785 MILLION. INTERBANK INTEREST RATES WILL AS A RESULT (AND BY DESIGN) BE DRIVEN HIGHER, THUS GIVING SUPPORT TO THE EXCHANGE RATE.
13. ALTERNATIVELY, IN RESPONSE TO THE EXCHANGE RATE BEING AT 7.85, HONG KONG DOLLARS MAY BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE TO THE EXCHANGE FUND, TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE ARE SURPLUS GENERAL REVENUE BALANCES IN THE BANKING SYSTEM. ASSUMING THAT HK$500 MILLION IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE TO THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE TREASURY MEETS THAT DEMAND BY WITHDRAWING A HK$300 MILLION DEPOSIT FROM THE HANG SENG BANK AND HK$200 MILLION DEPOSIT FROM THE HANG LUNG BANK, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SETTLEMENTS WILL BE EFFECTED AS FOLLOWS:
(A) THE EXCHANGE FUND CREDITS TREASURY’S ACCOUNT WITH IT BY HK$500 MILLION AND ISSUES A DEBT CERTIFICATE OF THAT AMOUNT TO THE TREASURY;
(B) THE EXCHANGE FUND DEBITS THE ACCOUNT HK$500 MILLION;
(C) HSBC DEBITS HANG SENG BANK’S CLEARING ACCOUNT WITH ITSELF HK$300 MILLION;
(D) HSBC DEBITS HANG LUNG BANK’S CLEARING ACCOUNT WITH ITSELF HK$200 MILLION;
(E) HANG SENG BANK DEBITS THE TREASURY’S DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITH ITSELF HK$300 MILLION; AND
(F) HANG LUNG BANK DEBITS THE TREASURY’S DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITH ITSELF HK$200 MILLION.
THE MONETARY EFFECTS OF THIS TRANSACTION WILL BE THAT, OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, BOTH THE BALANCE AND NCB WILL BE REDUCED BY HK$500 MILLION. INTERBANK INTEREST RATES WILL AGAIN BE DRIVEN HIGHER, GIVING SUPPORT TO THE EXCHANGE RATE.
/14. THE UNDERTAKING
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
14. THE UNDERTAKING BY HSBC TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE ON THE ACCOUNT NO LESS THAN THE NCB OE THE REST OF THE BANKING SYSTEM MEANS THAT IT WILL HAVE IN EFFECT CREATED FOR ITSELF A CLEARING ACCOUNT. THUS, WHEN HSBC PURCHASES FOR ITS CUSTOMERS US DOLLARS WITH HONG KONG DOLLARS, NCB WILL INCREASE. SO THAT THIS WILL NOT RESULT IN THE BALANCE FALLING SHORT OF NCB, IT WILL BE IN THE INTEREST OF HSBC TO FUND THE US DOLLAR PURCHASE BY BORROWING HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET, IN A MANNER IDENTICAL TO THAT IN WHICH ANY OTHER LICENSED BANK WOULD CURRENTLY ACT. IN DOING SO, THE SUPPLY OF HONG KONG DOLLARS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
MARKET INFORMATION
15. GIVEN THE MONETARY EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE FUND OPERATIONS UNDER THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, IT WILL BE USEFUL TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKETS TO HAVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN RELEVANT INFORMATION. ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO PUBLISH AT APPROPRIATE TIMES ON EACH DAY THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA THE BALANCE AT THE CLOSE OF THE PREVIOUS DAY AND THE NET EFFECT OF OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE EXCHANGE FUND DURING THE DAY ON THE BALANCE. IT IS HOPED THAT SUCH INFORMATION WILL START TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN EARLY SEPTEMBER. WHEN CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE, OTHER INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE SO PUBLISHED.
16. ANY REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION OF THE MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THIS PAPER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE OPERATION OF THE ACCOUNT. HE CAN BE REACHED AT 5-290021.
-----0------
/1O........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
10
EXCO REAPPOINTMENTS, APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD REAPPOINTED MISS LYDIA DUNN, MISS MARIA TAM AND MR ALLEN LEE AS MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 1991, AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THEIR PRESENT APPOINTMENTS ON AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR.
HE HAS ALSO REAPPOINTED DR CHIU HIN-KWONG AND DR DANIEL TSE FOR TWO MONTHS UNTIL OCTOBER 31 THIS YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPOINTED MR JOHN SWAINE AND MRS ROSANNA TAM AS MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR TO OCTOBER 31, 1991.
SIR S.Y. CHUNG AND MR PETER C. WONG WILL BE RETIRING FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THE EXPIRY OF THEIR PRESENT APPOINTMENTS ON AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR.
SIR Q.W. LEE’S PRESENT APPOINTMENT DOES NOT EXPIRE UNTIL DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR AND THAT OF MR WILLIAM PURVES DOES NOT EXPIRE UNTIL AUGUST 31 NEXT YEAR.
MISS LYDIA DUNN HAS ACCEPTED THE GOVERNOR’S INVITATION TO BE THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
IN ANNOUNCING THESE CHANGES, THE GOVERNOR PAID TRIBUTE TO BOTH THE REAPPOINTED AND THE RETIRING MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THAT THE WORKLOAD AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCIL HAD CONTINUED TO INCREASE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MAKING GREATER DEMANDS ON MEMBERS’ TIME.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT SIR S.Y. CHUNG’S RETIREMENT MARKED THE CONCLUSION OF A LONG PERIOD OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, CULMINATING IN EIGHT YEARS AS SENIOR MEMBER.
HE SAID THAT, DURING ALL OF HIS 23 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE, SIR S.Y. CHUNG HAD SERVED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH UNSWERVING DEDICATION AND LOYALTY. HIS WISE ADVICE AND EXPERIENCE WOULD BE GREATLY MISSED.
-----0-----
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 11
VA’S PRAISED FOR LOOKING AFTER VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE \ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN LOOKING AFTER VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
ALONG WITH THE CAS, SIR DAVID CITED THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AND THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE FOR "DOING A FANTASTIC JOB" IN TAKING CARE OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE. »
SIR DAVID WAS VISITING GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE AND ARGYLE STREET CAMP, BOTH BEING MANAGED BY CAS.
HE ALSO SAW THE CONDITIONS ON BOARD THE HARBOUR RECEPTION CENTRE, A FERRY BEING USED TO HOLD 500 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE. A SECOND FERRY HAS BEEN HIRED TO TAKE ANOTHER 500 VIETNAMESE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO RELIEVE THE CROWDED CONDITION ON GREEN ISLAND.
THE TWO FERRIES ARE BEING MANAGED BY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT.
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CAS, SIR ROGER LOBO, AND CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR JOHN FORTUNE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE TOUR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: "I THINK IT’S A GREAT TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTARY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG THAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO MAKE THIS EFFORT.
"THEY ARE DOING IT FOR A VERY LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND IT’S TO BE HIGHLY COMMENDED, ALL THEIR EFFORT."
THE CONDITIONS ON GREEN ISLAND AND ON THE FERRIES WERE NOT GOOD, SIR DAVID SAID, BUT THE EFFORTS OF THE CAS, IN PARTICULAR, TQ MAKE THE BEST OF THEM WERE EXCELLENT.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT A STATEMENT THAT VIETNAM HAD ASKED TO PREPARE A REPATRIATION PROGRAMME FOR THE BOAT PEOPLE, SAID: "ANY SIGN OF WILLINGNESS ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT THEIR PEOPLE BACK IS VERY ENCOURAGING.
THE UNHCR
SIR DAVID VIETNAMESE
"I THINK WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO YET BEFORE WE ACTUALLY ACHIEVE THAT AIM BUT ALL THESE SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING AND WE CERTAINLY WELCOME THEM."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID TALKS WITH VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON POSSIBLE REPATRIATION WERE STILL BEING PLANNED AND HOPED TO ARRANGE THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
/HE ADDED: ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
12
HE ADDED: "THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED WITH ENABLING THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO HOPE OF A FUTURE RESETTLEMENT IN THE WEST TO GO BACK TO THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED WITH."
THE SCREENING PROGRAMME TO WEED OUT ECONOMIC IMMIGRANTS FROM GENUINE REFUGEES WA£ STILL PROGRESSING, SIR DAVID SAID: IT’S \ LENGTHY PROCESS, OF COURSE. IT HAS TO BE DONE IN GREAT DETAIL AND VERY CAREFULLY ACCORDING TO THE UNHCR CRITERIA. IT’S NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE RUSHED. EVERY CASE IS LOOKED AT VERY CAREFULLY."
ASKED ABOUT REPORTS OF FIGHTING INSIDE CAMPS, SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK AS FAR AS THESE SORTS OF CAMPS ARE CONCERNED, WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE LIVING IN CLOSE CONDITIONS LIKE THIS, IT’S INEVITABLE THERE WILL BE DISPUTES BETWEEN FAMILIES, DISPUTES OVER BELONGINGS, DISPUTES OVER THEIR FOOD AND WATER AND SO ON.
"THEY ARE NOT SERIOUS. I THINK THEY ARE TO BE EXPECTED."
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON THE REFUSAL BY SOME HEI LING CHAU REFUGEES TO TAKE THEIR MEALS RECENTLY, SIR DAVID SAID THE MATTER WAS VERY QUICKLY SETTLED AND IT WAS NOT A SERIOUS INCIDENT.
-------o----------
INCREASED LEVEL OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES RECORDED * * * * *
MAJOR INCREASES OF ACTIVITY IN MOST COMMERCIAL AREAS AND MINOR DECREASES IN OTHERS WERE RECORDED DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR BY COMPARISON WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT. *
THE COMPANIES REGISTRY FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AT THE END OF JUNE 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL NUMBER AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1987 HAD INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT FROM 185,588 TO 196,852.
THE NUMBER OF NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 HAD INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT FROM 11,860 TO 12,657 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1987.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AT THE END OF JUNE 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL NUMBER AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1987 HAD INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT FROM 2,289 TO 2,306.
/THE NUMBER
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES ESTABLISHING A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI DURING THE FIST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 WAS 119, AN INCREASE OF 4 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER OF SUCH COMPANIES DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1987.
NO SEPARATE STATISTICS ARE MAINTAINED ON HOW MANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES INCORPORATE LOCAL SUBSIDIARIES OR TAKE UP A MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN A HONG KONG COMPANY.
IN THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1988 EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $23,088 MILLION, A DECREASE OF 5 PER CENT OVER THE INCREASE OF $24,366 MILLION DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF 1987, WHILE THE NOMINAL CAPITAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING JANUARY TO JUNE 1988 INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT FROM $1,957 MILLION TO $2,518 MILLION COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES DECREASED BY 12 PER CENT FROM $32,912 MILLION TO $29,001 MILLION, AND THE NUMBER OF CHARGES FILED IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 HAD INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT FROM 10,016 TO 11,210 OVER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1987.
THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION, DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT FROM $4,271 MILLION TO $4,085 MILLION AND THE NUMBER OF CERTIFICATES HAD INCREASED BY 36 PER CENT FROM 4,556 TO 6,203 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
DURING THE PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 63 PROSPECTUSES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 29 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL -FUNDS, WERE APPROVED AS AGAINST 57 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 22 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, APPROVED DURING THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1987.
THE NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FOR FILING DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THAT FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT FROM 291,832 TO 336,675.
THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES FOR AVAILABILITY OF RESERVATION OF NAMES DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 WAS 115,718 WHICH WAS A 24 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 93,289 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1987, AND A 22 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 95,071 IN THE JULY 1987 -DECEMBER 1987 PERIOD.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUMMONSES ISSUED BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MAINLY FOR FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS WITH ACCOUNTS, IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1988 WAS 162, COMPARED WITH 111 DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
DURING THE PERIOD 12 SUMMONSES WERE WITHDRAWN (FOR REASONS SUCH AS NON-SERVICE); 119 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS COMPARED WITH 164 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1987; AND 116 REMAIN TO BE HEARD BY THE COURT COMPARED WITH 118 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1987.
/THE TOTAL
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- U -
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED FOR CONVICTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1988 WAS $253,450, COMPARED WITH $149,013 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1987.
THE TRADE MARKS REGISTRY SHOWED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE HALF YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1988 -4,389 AS AGAINST 4,168 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AT 2,120, THE NUMBER OF NEW TRADE MARKS REGISTERED DURING THE HALF YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1988 WAS HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1987, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRADE MARKS NOW REGISTERED TO 50,038.
IN THE PATENTS REGISTRY, THE NUMBER OF UNITED KINGDOM PATENTS RE-REGISTERED LOCALLY DURING THE HALF YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1988 WAS 490 AS AGAINST 500 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF "LIVE" OR VALID PATENTS RE-REGISTERED WAS NOW APPROXIMATELY 14,000. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A PRECISE FIGURE AS THIS DEPENDED ON THE "LIVES" OR VALIDITY OF THE PATENTS AS ORIGINALLY REGISTERED IN THE UK PATENTS OFFICE IN LONDON.
-----0 - - - -
WAGE INDEXES FOR MARCH
♦ * * t
THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR MARCH 1988, AT 156.9, INCREASED BY 9.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987 AND BY 3.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1987, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE MARCH 1988 AND MARCH 1987 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 8.8 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 12.1 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 8.5 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 13.2 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 13.6 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE MARCH 1988 AND DECEMBER 1987 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.4 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 3.5 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 4.5 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 8 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 5.9 PER CENT.
THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 1987 TO MARCH 1988 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1. DETAILED BREAKDOWNS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
/THE OVERALL .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 109.4 IN MARCH 1988, WAS 2.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN MARCH 1987 AND 2.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN DECEMBER 1987.
EROM MARCH 1987 TO MARCH 1988, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.6 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/ RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 4.7 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.3 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 5.7 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 6.1 PER CENT.
COMPARING MARCH 1988 WITH DECEMBER 1987, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 2.1 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.2 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 6.5 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 4.4 PER CENT.
THE REAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 1987 TO MARCH 1988 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3.
THESE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDEXES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EACH QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, COVERING BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR.
SUCH INDEXES MEASURE CHANGES IN WAGE RATES BY HOLDING THE STRUCTURAL PATTERN OF THE LABOUR FORCE WITH RESPECT TO INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, SEX AND MODE OF PAYMENT THE SAME AS THAT OF MARCH 1982, WHICH IS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDEXES.
WHILE THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGE RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL WAGE INDEX, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE WAGES RECEIVED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAGE INDEXES AND THE INDEXES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE WAGE RATES PROVIDE A MEASURE OF THE UNIT PRICE OF LABOUR, PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS A MEASURE OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
WAGE RATES REPRESENT THE AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK, AND ARE DEFINED TO INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AND SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, MEAL BENEFITS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, GOOD ATTENDANCE BONUS AND NIGHT SHIFT ALLOWANCE.
/IN ADDITION, .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 16 -
IN ADDITION, YEAR-END BONUS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES THAT ARI PAID LESS FREQUENTLY THAN MONTHLY, ARE CONVERTED TO AN EQUIVALENT MONTHLY RATE WHEN COMPILING THE WAGE RATE INDEXES.
TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS. APART FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED CASH RECEIPTS, IT ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NON-GUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
AS A RESULT, MOVEMENTS IN WAGE RATES DO NOT NECESSARILY CONFORM WITH THOSE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOLUME I, MARCH 1988 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
THE VOLUME II ISSUE OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUI'A I’IONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS Ol WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN EARLY AUGUST THIS YEAR.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDEXES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC'S DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235024 OR 5-8234747.
TABLE 1: NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS --------------------------------
MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987 DEC. 1987 MAR. 1988
MANUFACTURING 142.1 146.2 148.4 149.5 154.6
WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 135.2 137.5 141.5 146.5 151 .6
TRANSPORT SERVICES 164.0 166.6 170.4 170.3 177.9
/BUSINESS SERVICES .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
BUSINESS SERVICES 148.6 152.6 155.8 155.8 168.2
PERSONAL SERVICES 136.7 141.0 145.7 116.6 155.3
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 142.9 146.5 149.4 151.2 156.9
TABLE 2: NOMINAL WAGE MANUFACTURING INDEXES SECTOR FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN THE
INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
INDUS1 RY MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987 DEC. 1987 MAR. 1988
GARMENTS 128.3 132.2 132.5 133.1 135.7
GLOVES 149.1 152.2 154.3 153.9 159.5
HANDBAGS 135.9 136.7 141.9 142.8 147.2
COTTON SPINNING/WEAVING 161.8 163.0 164.6 ♦ 165.5 172.0
KNITTING 140.8 146.5 148.3 148.2 150.0
BLEACHING AND DYEING 160.3 167.2 168.3 169.3 175.2
PRINTING 145.2 160.6 162.4 164.1 170.5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 144.8 146.4 146.8 146.4 151.2
METAL PRODUCTS 145.6 151.4 153.0 154.3 160.9
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 159.2 163.0 165.6 168.6 177.2
ELECTRONICS 153.2 155.6 162.3 165.0 175.3
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 156.9 171.8 174.9 176.1 182.8
MANUFACTURING 142.1 146.2 148.4 149.5 154.6
/TABLE ..........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
18
TABLE 3: REAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS --------------------------------------
MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987 DEC. 1987 MAR. 1988
MANUFACTURING 106.0 106.3 106.9 105.6 107.7
WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 100.9 99.9 101.9 103.4 105.6
TRANSPORT SERVICES 122.4 121.1 122.8 120.2 124.0
BUSINESS SERVICES 110.9 110.9 112.2 110.0 117.2
PERSONAL SERVICES 102.0 102.5 105.0 103.6 108.2
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 106.6 106.5 107.7 106.8 109.4
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b UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1988 EXPLAINED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WELFARE, MR ADOLF HSU,
POSITIVE ACTION TO (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE
ENFORCE THE
1988
THIS WEEK, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
PASSED HEALTH
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE WAS TO INDUCED BY SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS TO UNQUALIFIED PERSONS OR RESORT SELF-MEDICATION.
, MR HSU SAID THAT THE ENACTMENT PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM BEING SEEK IMPROPER TREATMENT FROM TO WRONGFUL APPLICATION BY
THE PART OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH DEALS WITH THE PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ONE MONTH AFTER THE ENACTMENT AND PART II, WHICH RELATES TO ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE FORM OF LABELLED PACKAGES WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION 24 MONTHS LATER TO ALLOW SUFFICIENI IIME FOR EXISTING LABELS AND PACKAGES TO BE MODIFIED IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW PROVISION.
/'•I WOULD.......
FRIDAY, JULI 15, 1988
- 19 -
"I WOULD THEREFORE ADVISE THOSE WHO PUT UP ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE FORMS OF SIGNS, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS AND OTHERS WHICH MAY CONTRAVENE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE TO WITHDRAW OR REMOVE THE ADVERTISEMENTS WITHIN ONE MONTH AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE,” HE SAID.
MR HSU EXPLAINED THAT THE PRINCIPAL UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE PROHIBITED PUBLICATION OF ANY ADVERTISEMENT IF IT REPRESENTED ANY MEDICINE, SURGICAL APPLIANCE OR TREATMENT, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OR BY IMPLICATION, AS BEING EFFECTIVE FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
"PROBLEMS OF ENFORCEMENT AROSE WHERE ADVERTISEMENTS AVOIDED THE USE OF THE PRECISE TERMS APPEARING IN THE SCHEDULE IN REFERRING TO THE TREATMENT AVAILABLE AND USE INSTEAD COLLOQUIAL TERMS OR VEILED LANGUAGE SUCH AS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE.
"IN SUCH CASES IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PROVE THAT THE MEDICINE OR TREATMENT ADVERTISED HAD CONTRAVENED THE LAW. PROBLEMS COULD ALSO ARISE, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF STREET ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS, IN IDENTIFYING AND PROSECUTING THE PERSON PLACING THE ADVERTISEMENT," MR HSU SAID.
THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE REMOVED THE LEGAL OBSTACLES BY MAKING THE PROHIBITION AGAINST ADVERTISING DEPEND NOT ON WHAT THE ADVERTISEMENT REPRESENTS, BUT ON WHETHER IT IS LIKELY TO LEAD PERSONS READING THE ADVERTISEMENT TO USE THE MEDICINE, SURGICAL APPLIANCE OR TREATMENT ADVERTISED IN THE TREATMENT OR PREVENTION OF ANY OF THE PRESCRIBED DISEASES OR FOR ANY OF THE OTHER SPECIFIED PURPOSES.
"AS A DETERRENT, PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE AMENDED ORDINANCE HAS BEEN INCREASED TO $10,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $25,000 ON SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS," MR HSU SAID.
PRESUMPTION CLAUSES ARE PROVIDED UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO IDENTIFY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING THE ADVERTISEMENTS.
UNLESS THE CONTRARY IS PROVED, A PERSON WHO IS HELD OUT IN AN ADVERTISEMENT AS BEING A MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER OF MEDICINE OR SURGICAL APPLIANCES, OR AS BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE TREATMENT, IS PRESUMED TO HAVE CAUSED THE ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PUBLISHED.
WHERE AN ADVERTISEMENT INDICATES SOME MEANS OF CONTACTING A PERSON WHO PROVIDES TREATMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, AN ADDRESS OR A TELEPHONE NUMBER, THAT PERSON IS PRESUMED TO HAVE CAUSED THE ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PUBLISHED.
"THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON THESE ARRANGEMENTS AND THEY SEE NO OBJECTION TO THEM," MR HSU SAID.
TWO NEW SCHEDULES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE AMENDED ORDINANCE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE. "THESE UPDATE THE LIST OF PRESCRIBED DISEASES AND SPECIFIED PURPOSES AND LIST THEM IN A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND RATIONAL MANNER," MR HSU SAID.
- - - 0 ---------
/2O........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 20
PROCEDURES OF AMENDING PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES REVISED ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE ABLE TO AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE (PSL) AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE LICENSEE.
THIS IS STIPULATED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSIONER MUST OBTAIN THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE LICENSEE BEFORE HE COULD INTRODUCE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE PSL.
"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 SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
"A PSL IS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO AUTHORISE ITS HOLDER TO OPERATE A NON-FRANCH1SED 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 EXAMPLE, MAKING ALTERATIONS TO THE ROUTEING OR STOPS OF THE SERVICE TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS."
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE COMMISSIONER, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE LICENSEE, MUST GIVE THE LICENSEE THREE MONTHS' NOTICE OF THE AMENDMENTS IN WRITING, EITHER PERSONALLY OR BY REGISTERED POST.
TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE LICENSEE, AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO ENABLE THE LICENSEE TO APPLY FOR A REVIEW BY THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL OF ANY DECISION MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO AMEND THE TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A PSL.
"THE APPLICATION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE LICENSEE IS NOTIFIED OF THE AMENDMENTS, AND THE AMENDMENTS CONCERNED WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL COMPLETES ITS REVIEW AND REACHES A DECISION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 ALSO EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO SPECIFY THE FORMAT AND PARTICULARS OF THE PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE CERTIFICATE DISPLAYED AT THE FRONT OF A VEHICLE.
AT PRESENT, ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE CERTIFICATE CONTAINING SUCH PARTICULARS AS VEHICLE NUMBER, DESCRIPTION OF THE TYPE OF SERVICE AND EXPIRY DVTE, HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
I /FURTHERMORE, IN.........
FRIDAY, JULI 15. 1988
21
FURTHERMORE, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY IN THE FEES AND PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING DUPLICATE LICENSING DOCUMENTS UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, THE AMENDED REGULATIONS ALSO PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT THE POWER TO ISSUE DUPLICATE PSL’S AND HIRE CAR PERMITS AT A FEE OF $60.
"THE ISSUE OF SUCH DUPLICATES ARE CURRENTLY NOT PROVIDED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS AND ARE ISSUED INDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE AT A FEE OF $65," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
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AIRPORT EASY TRAVEL SCHEME STARTS ON AUGUST 1 ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME WILL BE OPERATIONAL AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON AUGUST 1.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, TRAVELLERS USING HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE AT THE AIRPORT DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS AS AT OTHER COMPUTERISED CONTROL POINTS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"HOLDERS OF NEW HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS, AGED 18 OR OVER, WILL FURTHER BENEFIT BY BEING EXEMPTED FROM PRODUCING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AT THE AIRPORT FOR TRAVELS TO AND FROM THEIR DESTINATIONS.
"HOLDERS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS WITH THE ♦ ♦♦ SYMBOL WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL WITHOUT THE HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM CHINA.
"HOWEVER, ALL TRAVELLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE PROPERLY DOCUMENTED FOR THEIR DESTINATIONS."
TO TIE IN WITH THE NEW PHASE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ALL THE 98 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE IMMIGRATION COUNTERS AT THE AIRPORT WILL BE COMPUTERISED BY AUGUST 1.
A FURTHER 68 IMMIGRATION COUNTERS WILL BE PUT INTO SERVICE, WHEN THE AIRPORT STAGE V EXTENSION PROJECT IS COMPLETED, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT TRAVELLERS WHO DO NOT USE THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE CONTROL POINTS AT THE AIRPORT SHOULD PRODUCE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND COMPLETED ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS.
"ALL CHILDREN UNDER 18 AND ADULTS WHOSE IDENTITY CARDS HAVE BEEN PERFORATED, DEFACED, LOST, INVALIDATED OR THOSE WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING IDENTITY CARDS SHOULD TRAVEL ON PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE CONTROL POINTS," HE SAID.
"TO HELP REDUCE WAITING TIME, PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS ON BEHALF OF THEIR CHILDREN WHO DO NOT YET HAVE IDENTITY CARDS."
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/22
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 22 -
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE TO BE RENAMED ♦ * * * ♦
THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE (YEAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CHANGE ITS NAME SHORTLY TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE VARIOUS SERVICES IT PROVIDES FOR YOUNGSTERS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 10TH SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION, MR HAMMOND SAID THERE HAD BEEN A MISCONCEPTION THAT THE YEAS WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO EMPLOYMENT.
”TO AVOID AMBIGUITY IN THIS REGARD, THE YEAS WILL SHORTLY BE RENAMED AS THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE,” HE SAID.
"ALSO, IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GENERAL, AND SECONDARY STUDENTS IN PARTICULAR, A FOURTH CENTRE WILL BE SET UP SOON IN SHA TIN TO PROVIDE A CAREERS SERVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
’’FITTING-OUT WORK FOR THE NEW CENTRE AT THE CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE WILL BE COMMENCED SHORTLY.”
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, AND HELD AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
MR HAMMOND ALS' SAID THAT A SERIES OF VIDEO SHOWS HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE EXISTING THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.
THE VIDEO SHOWS ARE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AS WELL AS EMPLOYMENT ASPECTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
THROUGH A GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE WILL ALSO PRODUCE 10 CAREERS FILMS ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, TRADES AND PROFESSIONS TO PROVIDE VIVID AND UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION TO ALL NEXT YEAR.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR D.H.T. LAN, ALSO SPOKE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MR LAN EMPHASISED THE VALUE OF THE TRIPARTITE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG .kONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS WHICH TOGETHER ’’ARE DOING MUCH TO PROVIDE A VITAL SERVICE IN CAREERS EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR SCHOOLS”.
HE SAID THE CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS HAD BEEN CONSTANTLY UPDATING AND REPLENISHING VARIOUS TYPES OF INFORMATION.
/"IT HAS .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
"IT HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION OF CAREERS INFORMATION AND RESOURCE MATERIALS.
"REGULAR CAREERS VISITS, WORKSHOPS, DISCUSSION SESSIONS, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND TRAINING COURSES ARE ORGANISED FOR CAREERS TEACHERS TO UPDATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN CAREERS GUIDANCE AND TO KEEP THEM ABREAST OF CHANGES TAKING PLACE," MR LAN SAID.
TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 CAREERS TEACHERS FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDED MRS GRACE CHOW, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, CHINESE UNIVERSITY; MR CHAN HIN-SANG, PERSONNEL OFFICER, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.; AND MR RAYMOND LEUNG, LABOUR OFFICER, LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WERE PREPARATION FOR JOINING THE WORLD OF WORK, LADDER OF SUCCESS FOR YOUNG SCHOOL LEAVERS, AND JOB-SEEKERS AND CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.
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MORE OPPORTUNITIES URGED FOR DISABLED » * » » »
THE COMMUNITY MUST OPEN ITS CHANNEL TO THE DISABLED SO THAT THEY COULD SHARE THE SAME RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AS THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS BECAUSE REHABILITATION SERVICES ARE ONLY PART OF THE REQUIRED ACTION TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND JOINT SCHOOLS’ END OF TERM CEREMONY OF THE SPAST1CS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, HELD AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT LIKE ALL OF US, THE DISABLED ALSO NEEDED EMPLOYMENT AND MOREOVER, THEY NEEDED THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM PARENTS, FRIENDS, THEIR FELLOW WORKERS AND THE COMMUNITY TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
TO PREPARE THEM TO FACE THE CHALLENGE, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION WAS ESSENTIAL, AND THIS INCLUDED VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND ASSESSMENT, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND PLACEMENT SERVICES, MRS WONG SAID.
/VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE .......
FBI DAY, JULI 15, *1983
24
VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES IN THE FORM OF INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING, SEMINARS, TALKS, VISITS TO FACTORIES, AND OTHER TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, WAS USUALLY CARRIED OUT BY A SOCIAL WORKER IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TRAINING OR TEACHING STAFF.
VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT WAS CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT (TEITD) AT THE VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SECTION IN THE KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED.
IT HELPED TO EVALUATE A DISABLED PERSON’S POTENTIAL, ABILITY AND LIMITATION AND PROVIDED THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN THE RIGHT TRADES.
AFTER ASSESSMENT, THE ELIGIBLE DISABLED PERSONS MIGHT ATTEND ONE OF THE FIVE TEITD-RUN AND SUBVENTED VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES WHICH PROVIDED A VARIETY OF TRAINING COURSES TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE REQUIRED SKILLS TO ENHANCE THEIR EMPLOYABILITY IN A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES.
WHEN THEY HAD COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING, THE DISABLED COULD SEEK OPEN EMPLOYMENT BY THEMSELVES OR SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WHICH COULD HELP TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO PERSONS SUFFERING FROM BLINDNESS, DEAFNESS, PHYSICAL HANDICAP, MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL HANDICAP.
"SHELTERED WORK IS PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT OBTAIN OPEN EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF THEIR LIMITATIONS AND THERE ARE CURRENTLY 29 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WITH 3,005 PLACES FOR THE DISABLED, WITH AN ADDITIONAL 1,755 PLACES TO BE PROVIDED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS," MRS WONG SAID.
"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO EXPLORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OTHER THAN SHELTERED WORK AND HAS DEVELOPED THE CONCEPT OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT," SHE SAID.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT IS TO OFFER NEW MODELS OF EMPLOYMENT TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NORMAL WORK SETTING, BUT WITH CONTINUOUS AND ONGOING SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT.
"IT WILL ENSURE THAT THE DISABLED HAVE ACCESS TO A CHOICE OF WAGE-GENERATING WORK WITH JOB SECURITY AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MOBILITY AND ADVANCEMENT.
"SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT MAY BE PRACTICABLE IN THE OPEN JOB MARKET WHERE THE DISABLED CAN WORK ALONGSIDE WITH THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS AND IT WOULD ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF WORTH AND DIGNITY AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP," SHE SAID.
/MRS WONG
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 25
, M«S WONG SAID SERVICES. OF DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES WERE AVAILABLE FOR (MILDLY,. MODERATELY AND SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS WHO WERE UNABLE TO BENEFIT FROM VOCATIONAL OR PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING OR SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT.
X'-'i UHOF OH m 1
: I < ,/•. 'A DAXf:AQTjIVITYir! CENTRE PROVIDES DAY CARE AND TRAINING IN SEpF-CARE, DAILY LIVING, COMMUNITY LIVING AND SOCIAL SKI U.S, ADULT EDUCATION AND SIMPLE WORK AND OCCUPATIONAL ACTIVITIES, ALL OF WHICH AIM AT HELPING THE DISABLED TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT IN THEIR DAILY LIFE,/' SHE, SAID..;.-
fi 140 I j A
"THERE AR.E- NOW .26 DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES WITH 1,260 PLACES AND ABOUT 810 ADDITIONAL PLACES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS," SHE ADDED.
CONCEDING THAT THERE WAS STILL A GAP BETWEEN DEMAND AND THE PROVISION OF POST-SCHOOL PLACEMENT FOR THE DISABLED, MRS WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD COME UP WITH CERTAIN INTERIM MEASURES TO BRIDGE THE GAP, INCLUDING THE HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMME AND THE COMMERCIALLY-HIRED VEHICLES SERVICE. liUH '■
"THE HOME-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE PROVIDED TO MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS AWAITING PLACEMENTS IN DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES' 'OR 'ftfeSIDENTIAL SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
S.'fa'i. •' .t'UO '• ■ 1
>-01T-,l<tRAiktNG SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONCE A WEEK IN THEIR OWN HOM&S- WITH TIffe PARTICIPATION OF THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS," SHE SAID.
"THREE HOME-BASED TRAINING TEAMS HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR THIS FISCAL1YEAR AND THE FIRST TEAM HAS COMMENCED SERVICE SINCE APRIL 1," SHE ADDED.
"Commercially-hired vehicles will provide transport service to DISABLElb'PERSONS WILLING TO ATTEND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OUTSIDE THEIR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS IN ORDER TO MAKE FULL UTILISATION OF LIMITED RESOURCES," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, MRS WONG SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WAS TO PROVIDE"ACCOMMODATION AND CARE TO THE DISABLED WHO COULD NOT LIVE INDEPENDENTLY, OR COULD.NOT BE ADEQUATELY CARED FOR AT HOME BY THEIR OWN MEANS1OR BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, OR LIVED TOO FAR AWAY FROM SCHOOL OR THE PLACE OF TRAINING AND WORK.
i->- 'i ?:•: rr»J r. v ’ "
SHE SAflV THAT APART FROM CONTINUING WITH THE EXISTING PROVISION OF1-COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING TO THE DISABLED, THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING NEW MODELS IN THE FORMS OF SMALL GROUP HOMES IN THE’NEAR FUTURE TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FUNCTIONING.
NEVERTHELESS, SHE STRESSED THAT NO HOSTEL, HOWEVER WELL-MANAGED, COULD BE COMPARED TO THE WARMTH OF A HOME AND TO THE PRESENCE OF PARENTS AND FAMILY.
FRIDAY, JULY 15t 19&8
"LET ME ASK YOU TO GIVE THEM A HOME AND A LIFE OF LOVE, AND FOR OUR PART WE WOULD TRY TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORT YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE THIS NOBLE AND DIFFICULT TASK," SHE URGED.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR PROVIDING A MYRIAD OF SERVICES FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED, RANGING FROM SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES, SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES.
AT AN EARLIER FUNCTION TODAY, MRS WONG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG JUVENILE CARE CENTRE FOR PROVIDING EDUCATION AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT 40 YEARS AGO.
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RSNT LEARNS MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN ♦ » ♦ * ♦
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) MET REPRESENTATIVES OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC’S) AND A YIN NGAI SOCIETY AND LEARNED MORE ABOUT THE FUNCTION AND ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS DURING A VISIT TO TUEN MUN.
MR SUEN WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, DURING THE TOUR.
DURING HIS STOP IN SIU HONG COURT, MR SUEN WAS INTRODUCED TO THE KEY OFFICE-BEARERS OF VARIOUS MAC’S IN THE SIU YIN HOUSE MAC OFFICE.
HE WAS TOLD THAT SIU HONG COURT, WITH A POPULATION OF 17,400, IS THE LARGEST HOUSING ESTATE UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
THE MAC'S WERE SET UP TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF FRIENDLINESS, MUTUAL HELP AND RESPONSIBILITY AMONG RESIDENTS AS WELL AS TO ENHANCE THE SECURITY, LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDINGS.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE MORE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS INITIATED THE SETTING UP OF A YOUTH CENTRE IN THE ROOF GARDEN OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX THERE.
MR SUEN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE SIU HONG YIN NGAI SOCIETY.
THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR WOMEN TO MEET AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS AND SELF-CONFIDENCE THROUGH ORGANISING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
/THE SIU .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15> 1988
- 27 -
THE SIU HONG YIN NGAI SOCIETY, WHICH WAS SET up LAST YEAR, IS ONE OF THE SIX YIN NGAI SOCIETIES IN THE DISTRICT PROVIDING A NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN, ESPECIALLY HOUSEWIVES, TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME.
THE SOCIETY HAS MORE THAN 170 MEMBERS AND IS CHAIRED BY AN EXPERIENCED COMMUNITY LEADER.
DI RING HIS VISIT TO SUN FAT ESTATE, MR SUEN WAS RECEIVED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BLOCK III MAC, MADAM KWONG MAN-NU1, AT HER FLAT.
MADAM KWONG MOVED INTO THE ESTATE IN 1973. IN RECOGNITION OF HER EFFORTS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, SHE WAS AWARDED WITH THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION EARLY THIS YEAR.
MR SUEN ALSO WENT TO AREA 4B WHICH IS A RESIDENTIAL AREA COMPOSED OF 22 BLOCKS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS WITH MORE THAN 8,500 RESIDENTS.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN, MR SUEN VISITED THE INDUSTRIAL ZONES IN AREAS 9 AND 12 WHICH COVER A TOTAL AREA OF 23 HECTARES.
THERE ARE ABOUT 2,000 MANUFACTURING FIRMS INVOLVING IN PLASTICS, METAL AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES IN THE TWO AREAS. OVER 50 PER CENT OF THE 25,000 WORKFORCE THERE ARE TUEN MUN RESIDENTS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY THEN WENT TO THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING AND WAS GREETED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND VICE-CHAIRMEN, MESSRS CHAN WING-HING AND TO KAM-CHOW. THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN VILLAGES AND RELATED IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
MR SUEN ALSO MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS DURING A LUNCHEON.
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/28........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
28
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1967-69 *****
WOMEN BORN IN 1967, 1968 AND 1969 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 26, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD," AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"AS THESE 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.
"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 : 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 ROAD.
TEL. NO. 0-6059108
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
/"APPLICANTS NORMALLY .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, ’’988
- 29 -
"APPLICANTS NORMALLY NEED TO BRING ALONG THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY CARDS IF THEIR CARDS WERE FIRST REGISTERED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO AND BEAR THE »»* SYMBOL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, IF AN APPLICANT’S IDENTITY CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE »** SYMBOL, SHE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE ASSESSMENT OF HER RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND SUBSEQUENTLY HER ELIGIBILITY FOR A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD.
"THE DOCUMENT MAY TAKE THE FORM OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT, HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, AND SO ON," HE SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1953, 1954 AND 1969 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 JULY 23.
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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168 POLICE OFFICERS COMPLETE INTENSIVE TRAINING * * ♦ * *
ANOTHER 168 POLICE OFFICERS HAVE COMPLETED INTENSIVE TRAINING AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, EQUIPPING THEMSELVES WITH ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO DEAL WITH EXCEPTIONAL SITUATIONS.
THE DELTA COMPANY TODAY (FRIDAY) PASSED OUT FROM THE PTU HEADQUARTERS IN FANLING WHERE THEY HAD UNDERGONE A 10-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME WHICH COVERED A BROAD FIELD OF SUBJECTS INCLUDING INTERNAL SECURITY DRILLS AND TACTICS, SPECIALISED FIREARMS TRAINING, CROWD CONTROL, FIRST AID, HELICOPTER TRAINING WITH THE ARMED FORCES AND PHYSICAL FITNESS.
ADDRESSING THEM AT THE PASSING OUT CEREMONY, THE CHIEF STAFF OFF1CER/PUBLIC RELATIONS, MR JOHN DUNN, SAID PTU TRAINING WAS ABSOLUTELY VITAL TO THE ABILITY OF THE POLICE FORCE WHICH TO A VERY LARGE EXTENT COHERED WITH THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.
"FOR US THERE CAN BE NO PROSPERITY WITHOUT STABILITY, THERE CAN BE NO STABILITY WITHOUT LAW AND ORDER," HE SAID.
/WHILE CONGRATULATING .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15. 1988
- 50 -
WHILE CONGRATULATING THE GRADUATES, MR DUNN URGED THEM TO CONTINUE TO EXERCISE THE NORMAL COURTESY AND RESTRAINT IN CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES.
"THE FORCE DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION IT RECEIVES FROM THE PUBLIC. THEIR TRUST AND SUPPORT HAS BEEN PAINFULLY BUILT UP OVER MANY YEARS -- MAKE SURE YOU DO NOTHING THAT WILL DAMAGE IT," SAID MR DUNN.
-----0-----
30 PASS FINAL LICENTIATE EXAMINATION *****
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 30 OUT OF 83 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED THE FINAL PART OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS.
THIS EXAMINATION, HELD FROM JULY 5 TO 7, WAS AN ORAL ONE TO TEST THE ABILITY OF CANDIDATES TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS.
CANDIDATES WERE EXAMINED BY TWO PANELS OF EXAMINERS IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES - MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO AN 18-MONTH PERIOD OF ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING IN HOSPITALS APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.
- 0-------
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF CHEERFUL FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS OF TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
/31 ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- J1 -APPROVED NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED *****
THE APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR NORTH POINT, PASSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF 295 HECTARES WITH DEVELOPMENT CONCENTRATING IN THE STREET BLOCKS TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF KING’S ROAD.
THE WELL-WOODED STEEP SLOPES RISING TOWARD THE SOUTH FORMS A GREEN BACKDROP TO THE PLANNING AREA. VICTORIA PARK, LOCATED TO THE WEST, IS THE MAJOR OPEN SPACE FOR THE AREA.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORK AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE MAJOR REDEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA ARE CARRIED OUT IN A CO-ORDINATED AND COMPREHENSIVE MANNER, CERTAIN AREAS ARE ZONED ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED ’’COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA”.
WITHIN SUCH ZONING, DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PERMISSION OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE PRICE IS $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED VERSION AND $50 FOR A COLOURED PRINTED VERSION.
-----0-----
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 52 -
PSPS SITE IN MA ON SHAN OFFERED FOR SALE
*****
A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT WILL BE BUILT ON A 3,951-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN MA ON SHAN TOWN CENTRE, SHA TIN.
THE SCHEME WILL PROVIDE 510 TO 560 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, RANGING BETWEEN 35 SQUARE METRES AND 55 SQUARE METRES.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID ABOUT 58 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS WOULD HAVE THREE BEDROOMS.
UPON COMPLETION, THE DEVELOPMENT’S TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA FOR RESIDENTIAL USE SHOULD NOT EXCEED 29,680 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A SHOPPING AREA AND A CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND.
GODOWN AND CINEMA DEVELOPMENTS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT PERMITTED.
THE SITE IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS.DEPARTMENT.
THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 9.
------0-------
NT LOTS TO BE RESUMED FOR SEWERAGE SYSTEM
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME 44 LOTS IN FANLING FOR THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER TO PROVIDE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE LOTS COMPRISE 96.2 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND AND 27,606.1 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND.
THE RESUMPTION IS REQUIRED NOW TO ALLOW WORK ON THE
2,200-METRE SEWER TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER.
THE NEW SEWER IS NEEDED FOR THE CONNECTION OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN FANLING SOUTH TO THE SHEK WU HUI SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO CATER FOR THE POPULATION IN WAH MING ESTATE IN LATE 1989.
A NOTICE ON THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THE LOTS WILL REVERT TO GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE POSTING OF THE NOTICE ON THE LOTS.
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/55
FRIDAY, JULY 15,
1988
- 33 -
DEMOLITION OF OLD FOOTBRIDGE IN VALLEY ROAD ESTATE
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO DEMOLISH A TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE
LINKING BLOCKS 10 AND 17 OF THE VALLEY ROAD ESTATE IN HO MAN TIN.
’’THE FOOTBRIDGE WHICH HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 18 YEARS HAS DETERIORATED TO A STATE WHERE IT IS NOW BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT BRANCH SAID.
”IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO TAKE DOWN THIS FOOTBRIDGE SO AS TO AVOID A POSSIBLE MISHAP.”
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR REPROVTSION OF THIS FOOTBRIDGE BECAUSE THE PEDESTRIAN DEMAND FOR ITS USE IS LIGHT AND THERE IS ALREADY AN AT-GRADE CROSSING NEARBY.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS 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, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
IT- CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 13 THIS YEAR.
---0------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT * * * ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE THIRD AND LAST STAGE OF TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT - SHA TIN TO TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE.
A NOTICE FOR INVITATION TO TENDER IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/"THE SECTION
FRIDAY, JULY 15,
- -
"THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE IS A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY ROAD LINKING THE NORTHWEST URBAN AREAS OF KOWLOON AND SHA TIN," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS AT PRESENT A TWO-LANE ROAD WITH NUMEROUS TIGHT BENDS ALONG ITS LENGTH.
"WORKS TO BE COVERED UNDER THE THIRD STAGE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FOOTBRIDGES AND IMPROVEMENT TO FOUR SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD TOTALLING ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH."
THE FOUR SECTIONS ARE:
♦ THE SECTION ADJACENT TO LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF KOWLOON GOVERNMENT EXPLOSIVE DEPOT;
♦ THE SECTION BETWEEN SHA TIN LOOKOUT AND LUK HOP VILLAGE;
♦ THE SECTION TO THE NORTH OF THE JUNCTION OF TAI PO ROAD WITH CHIK WAN STREET; AND
* THE SECTION BETWEEN KEUNG HAU ROAD AND SHA TIN HEIGHTS ROAD.
THESE SECTIONS WILL BE WIDENED TO A MINIMUM OF 10 METRES TO ACCOMMODATE THREE LANES.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL INCLUDE REALIGNMENT OF SECTIONS OF THE ROAD ON SHARP BENDS, PROVISION OF FOOTPATHS, BUS LAY-BYS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AND LANDSCAPING.
A SECTION OF THE SHA TIN HEIGHTS ROAD, ABOUT 120 METRES LONG, WILL ALSO BE REALIGNED AND REGRADED.
THESE IMPROVEMENTS WILL NECESSITATE CUT SLOPE WORKS AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURES ALONG THE ROAD.
DURING CONSTRUCTION, ALL EXISTING ACCESS POINTS TO AND FROM THE ROAD WILL BE MAINTAINED.
TWO-LANE, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL OPERATE DURING THE DAY TIME, AND ANY NECESSARY SINGLE LANE OPERATIONS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO NIGHT HOURS.
THE STAGE III CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF 1989.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT BY HARRIS & SUTHERLAND (FAR EAST) CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
-----0-----
/35........
FRIDAY, JULY 15,
1988
- 35 -INCREASED FEES FOR DOG AND CAT DETENTION *****
THE FEES PAYABLE FOR THE DETENTION OF DOGS AND CATS IN A GOVERNMENT KENNEL WILL BE INCREASED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE INCREASES WERE PRESCRIBED IN THE DOGS AND CATS (FEES) ORDER 1988, MADE UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR. A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE EXISTING LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED FOR THE DETENTION OF A BITER DOG IN A GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR OBSERVATION PURPOSE IS $25 PER DAY WHILE THAT FOR THE DETENTION OF A BITER CAT IS $10 PER DAY.
THESE FEES, WHICH HAVE BEEN IN FORCE SINCE JANUARY 1983, WILL BE REVISED TO $65 PER DAY FOR THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS AND $20 PER DAY THEREAFTER OR PART THEREOF FOR A BITER DOG, AND $25 PER DAY FOR THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS AND $10 PER DAY THEREAFTER OR PART THEREOF FOR A BITER CAT.
THE DAILY CHARGE FOR DETENTION OF AN IMPORTED DOG UNDER QUARANTINE WILL BE RAISED FROM $20 TO $25 PER DAY WHILE THAT IN RESPECT OF AN IMPORTED CAT WILL REMAIN AT THE EXISTING LEVEL OF $10 PER DAY.
THE DETENTION FEE FOR STRAY DOGS AND DOGS NOT UNDER CONTROL WILL BE INCREASED FROM $145 TO $290 REGARDLESS OF THE DURATION OF DETENTION.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE INCREASES, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID THE INCREASES WERE INTENDED TO RECOVER THE STAFF AND ACCOMMODATION COSTS INVOLVED.
"THE INCREASES IN THE FEES FOR QUARANTINE DETENTION FOR IMPORTED DOGS ARE VERY MODEST, AND THE NEW FEES ARE STILL BELOW THE RATES PREVAILING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.
DR CHENG SAID THE INCREASES IN THE FEES FOR THE DETENTION OF STRAYS AND FOR BITER DOGS AND CATS WERE COMPARATIVELY MORE SUBSTANTIAL.
"THIS IS BASED ON THE RECOVERY OF THE STAFF COSTS INVOLVED IN THE HIGHLY LABOUR INTENSIVE MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF STRAY DOGS AS PART OF A TERRITORY-WIDE EFFORT TO CONTAIN, CONTROL AND PREVENT THE SPREAD OF RABIES IN HONG KONG.
"SUCH INCREASES ARE ALSO JUSTIFIED AS AN DETERRENT AGAINST DOG OWNERS ALLOWING THEIR DOGS TO ROAM ON A PUBLIC THOROUGHFARE," HE SAID.
BY LAW, ANY PERSON WHO LETS HIS DOG STRAY IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, DR CHENG POINTED OUT.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 36 -
POLICE OFFICERS HONOURED FOR SWIFT ACTION » ♦ $ * *
KWAI CHUNG POLICE OFFICERS WERE HONOURED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THEIR SWIFT ACTION IN SOLVING A ROBBERY CASE WHICH OCCURRED AT A TV GAMES CENTRE IN KWONG FAI CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG, LAST YEAR.
AT A CERMONY HELD AT THE POLICE STATION, THE PROPRIETOR PRESENTED A SILVER PLATE TO THE DISTRICT COMMANDER/KWAI CHUNG, MR EVAN EVANS, AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.
THE ROBBERY TOOK PLACE LAST OCTOBER WHEN TWO ARMED ROBBERS FORCED OPEN A SAFE INSIDE THE CENTRE AND MADE OFF WITH CASH AND VALUABLES TOTALLING $200,000.
AN EMPLOYEE IMMEDIATELY GAVE CHASE AND, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A PATROLLING POLICE OFFICER, APPREHENDED A SUSPECT IN KWAI CHUNG ESTATE. A WATCH WORTH ABOUT $120,000 WAS LATER RECOVERED.
THE ROBBER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SENTENCED BY THE HIGH COURT TO EIGHT YEARS' IMPRISONMENT.
MEANWHILE, AT ANOTHER CEREMONY HELD AT NORTH POINT POLICE STATION TODAY, EASTERN DISTRICT DETECTIVES WERE PRAISED FOR THEIR SWIFT ACTION IN SOLVING A THEFT CASE AT A LOCAL DEPARTMENT STORE.
ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE, THE DISTRICT COMMANDER/EASTERN, MR MIKE HARPER, RECEIVED SIX SOUVENIR PLAQUES AND A BANNER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE DEPARTMENT STORE.
-----0-----
KWAI TSING DB TO VISIT HOLLAND AND U.K. ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
A KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD DELEGATION WILL LEAVE FOR A TWO-WEEK VISIT TO HOLLAND AND THE UNITED KINGDOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE SHELL OIL LTD. AND THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM IN HOLLAND.
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG DEPARTMENT OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, THE HOME OFFICE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY AND A COUNTY COUNCIL.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR YAU HON-KEE, MR SO HOI-PAN, MR SIN CHUNG-KAI AND MR WONG YIU-CHUNG WILL JOIN THE DELEGATION. KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WILL ACCOMPANY THE VISIT.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN FROM EUROPE ON JULY 29.
- - - - 0 - - -
/37........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
- 37 -
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE TO COMMEMORATE PEAK TRAMWAY CENTENARY
*****
A SET OF FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 4, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5. A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.50.
IN ADDITION, PRESTIGE STAMP BOOKLETS CONTAINING THREE SOUVENIR SHEETS WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON AUGUST 25. THESE BOOKLETS WILL BE PRIZED AT $26 EACH.
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON JULY 23 AND 24, AT THE PEAK TOWER FROM JULY 23 TO AUGUST 13 AND AT THE CITYPLAZA IN TAIKOO SHING ON JULY 31.
THE STAMPS WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM JULY 23.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON JULY 21.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST-DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS AFFIXED WITH EITHER A SET OF THE STAMPS OR A SOUVENIR SHEET WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM JULY 21 TO 28 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 SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES ON AUGUST 4:-
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
/KOWLOON .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
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.
---0------
ENROLMENT INVITED FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COURSES * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ARE NOW INVITING FORM 3 AND FORM 5 LEAVERS TO APPLY FOR ENTRY INTO ABOUT 200 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES SCHEDULED IN THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE COURSES ARE DUE TO COMMENCE AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS.
THESE INCLUDE HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, PRINTING, AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
THE SUBJECTS ALSO COVER CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, DESIGN, APPLIED SCIENCE, COMPUTING STUDIES AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING.
THE COUNCIL WILL INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF NEW COURSES IN THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR.
/THESE INCLUDE
FRIDAY, JULI 15, 1988
- 39 -
THESE INCLUDE COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING, COMPUTING STUDIES (COMMUNICATIONS), BASIC TEXTILE TECHNICIAN (FABRIC PRODUCTION), AND AN INTRODUCTION TO PRINT FINISHING.
THE COURSES ALSO COVER AN INTRODUCTION TO BASIC WELDING CRAFT STUDIES, AND ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS REQUIREMENTS.
THESE FULL-TIME, PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE AND BLOCK-RELEASE COURSES WILL BE OFFERED AT THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG, LEE WAI LEE, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THE COURSES ARE OFFERED AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS, FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLETED FORM 3 AND THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED GRADE E IN A NUMBER OF SUBJECTS IN THE HKCE EXAMINATION RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICANTS FOR PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE AND BLOCK-RELEASE COURSES HAVE TO BE SPONSORED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.
DETAILS OF THE COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY). APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES TO APPLICANTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PART-TIME COURSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS AUGUST 16.
-----0-----
MUSICIANS ARRIVE FOR MUSIC CAMP
*****
THREE OVERSEAS MUSICIANS ARRIVED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO JULY 31.
THEY ARE MR JUNICHI MORITAKE FROM JAPAN, MR JOHN FORSTER FROM BRITAIN AND MR TIMOTHY LANDAUER FROM THE UNITED STATES.
MR MORITAKE IS AT PRESENT A TRUMPET PLAYER WITH JAPAN'S SHIZUOKA BRASS ORCHESTRA AND AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE JAPANESE BAND DIRECTOR ASSOCIATION.
/HR FORSTER
FRIDAY, JULI 15, 1988
40
MR FORSTER IS A PROFESSSOR AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC IN LONDON WHERE HE GIVES CONDUCTING CLASSES. DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, HIS WORK HAS TAKEN HIM TO»FRANCE, ITALY, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, HOLLAND, LUXEMBOURG, YUGOSLAVIA, HONG KONG AND THE GULF STATES.
CELLIST MR LANDAUER HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF PRESTIGIOUS . PRIZES AND AWARDS. IN 1985, HE WAS NAMED THE OUTSTANDING TRAINEE OF THE YEAR UPON RECEIVING HIS BACHELOR’S DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
TWO OTHER CHINESE MUSICIANS, MR TANG LIANGZHOU, A MASTER IN PLUCKED STRINGS AND MR SHEN LILIANG, A MASTER IN HUQ1N, WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW.
DURING THE CAMP PERIOD, THEY WILL CONDUCT MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS.
THE MUSIC CAMP IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING TO YOUNG MUSICIANS AND TO FOSTER INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH MUSIC.
A FINALE CONCERT FEATURING THE CAMP’S STRING ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONIC BAND WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON JULY 30 AT 7.30 PM.
THE REPERTOIRE INCLUDES HINDEMITH’S FIVE PIECES IN FIRST POSITION, TCHAIKOVSKY’S SERENADE FOR STRINGS IN C MAJOR, WALTERS’ BANDS AROUND THE WORLD AND OTHER POPULAR PIECES.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING URBTIX OUTLETS; CITY HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, SPACE MUSEUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND TOM LEE MUSIC CO. LTD.
------0-------
POLICE CHOIR TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN AND ELDERLY
*****
CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LISTEN TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE CHOIR IN CONCERT ON SUNDAY (JULY 17).
THE CONCERT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LIONS CLUB OF SOUTH KOWLOON AND THE POLICE CHOIR, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 8 PM.
THE TWO-HOUR PERFORMANCE BY THE 50-MEMBER CHOIR IS BEING. SPECIALLY ORGANISED TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF PO LEUNG KUK AND A GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION.
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/U1 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1988
41
BUS RE-ROUTEING AND OPENING * * * *
OF RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT KMB PLYING BETWEEN KAI YIP AND MONG KOK KCR STATION WILL ITS ROUTEINGS FROM MONDAY (JULY 18) TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY.
ROUTE NO. 24K
BE DIVERTED IN
ITS OPERATING
ON ITS JOURNEYS TO KAI YIP, BUSES ON THAT ROUTE WILL TRAVEL VIA SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, ARGYLE STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH LUEN WAN STREET LEADING TO THE MONG KOK KCR STATION•
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING BUS STOP OF THE ROUTE IN LUEN WAN STREET TO THE SOUTH OF THE ESCALATORS LEADING TO AND FROM THE MONG KOK KCR STATION WILL BE CANCELLED. AFFECTED PASSENGERS WILL HAVE TO USE THE BUS STOP IN SAI YEE STREET NEAR QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL.
MEANWHILE, RIGHT TURNS FROM WESTBOUND FROM 10
IN KWUN TONG, VEHICLES WILL HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND
AM ON MONDAY.
BE ALLOWED TO MAKE ONTO WAN HON STREET
-----o-----
TRAFFIC LANES ON TAI PO ROAD TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY
******
A 200-METRE LONG PO ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR TRAFFIC FOR FIVE DAYS,
SECTION OF THE SLOW AND MIDDLE LANES OF I'OLO HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
TAI TO
THE LANE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF a WEIGHBRIDGE ON THAT ROAD SECTION. IT WILL BE IN FORCE DAILY BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM FROM JULY 18 (MONDAY) TO 22 (FRIDAY) BETWEEN
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH APPROPRIATE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE MOTORISTS.
CARE AND PATIENCE.
PROVIDED TO GUIDE
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON ................................ 1
MAY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RET.RASED ................................................. 2
CUSTOMS ACTIONS AGAINST TEXTILE FRAUDS ................... 7
YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME INVITES APPLICATIONS ........... 7
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ....................... 8
LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN GROWTH OF POLICE FACILITIES ......... 9
POLICE ADVICE CONCERNING DAMAGE ONLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS .... 11
building management team helps residents renovate building 11
SOUTHERN DB HELPS DISTANCE RUNNING TRAINING ............... 1?
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS ...............................
PARKING SPACES FOR LARGE VEHICLES ON DB COMMITTEE „GENDA .. 15
TSUEN W.iN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKING GROUP REPORT .... 16
NORTH DB TO HOLD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING .................... 16
FANLING SOUTH DEVELOPMENT TO START 50® .................... 17
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN KOWLOON .................... 18
NEW OFFICES FOR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION ..................................................... 18
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
1
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON
*****
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WOULD BE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST OF TOPICS THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WOULD BE DISCUSSING WITH THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE DURING HIS CURRENT VISIT TO LONDON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS TONIGHT (SATURDAY) BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID WHILE IN LONDON HE WOULD BE SEEING THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND LORD GLENARTHUR AS WELL AS SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE.
"AND AS USUAL OH THESE VISITS, I WILL BE COVERING ALL THE RANGE OF ISSUES THAT ARE OF IMPORTANCE TO US IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"AMONG THOSE TOPICS WILL BE OF COURSE THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHICH IS VERY MUCH ON THE TOP OF OUR LIST OF CONCERNS AND THE DISCUSSIONS OF OUR PROGRESS IN THE CONSULTATION OF THE DRAFT BASIC LAW TOGETHER WITH ANY OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE CURRENT BETWEEN US AND UK AT THE MOMENT," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT A MEETING HELD HERE EARLIER LAST WEEK BETWEEN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES FliOM tHE UNHCR IN GENEVA, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THEY DISCUSSED THE QUESTION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND THE NEW SCREENING POLICY.
"WE ALSO TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THE QUESTION OF THE COSTS of Looking after the people here who are being treated as refugees," HE ADDED.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS’ DEBATE ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IT WAS USEFUL WHEN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS TOOK A CLOSE INTEREST IM WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.
"I NOTICE THAT MANY OF THE POINTS MADE IN THAT DEBATE ON THE BASIC LAW WERE VERY SIMILAR TO THE POINTS WHIfH HAVE BEEN MADE HERE IN THE VERY GOOD TWO DAYS’ LEGCO DEBATE," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WILL VISIT LONDON FROM JULY 17 TO 20 DURING WHICH HE WILL ALSO GIVE A SPEECH ABOUT HONG KONG AND ITS FUTURE AS A LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE ro REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL COMMUNI! AT THE STATIONERS HALL IN THE CITY OF LONDON.
SIR DAVID Ari) I,ADY WILSON WILL THEN HAVE A HOLIDAY IN SCOTLAND BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 19.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG; AND SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.
--------0----------
/2
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
- 2 -
MAY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED * ♦ ♦ * »
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN MAY 1988 REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN APRIL 1988, BUT SHOWED A DECREASE OF 3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THE MAY 1988 LEVEL WAS 1 PER CENT ABOVE THAT IN APRIL 1988, BUT WAS LOWER BY 4 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1987.
IN MAY 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING FIRMS SURVEYED INCREASED, IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS, BY 1 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1988, AND BY 14 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1987.
COMPARING MAY 1988 WITH APRIL 1988, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED QUITE SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH MAY 1987, THE ORDERS POSITION IN MAY 1988 DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND MODERATELY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
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.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN MAY 1988 OVER APRIL 1988, WHILE THAT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY DECREASED SLIGHTLY.
/COMPARING MAY
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
COMPARING MAY 1988 WITH MAY 1987, EMPLOYMENT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY, WHILE THE TEXTILES AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECREASED SLIGHTLY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN MAY 1988 AND MAY 1987 WAS RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MAY 1988 INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
COMPARING MAY 1988 WITH MAY 1987, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY BUT SIGNIFICANTLY IN OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN MAY 1988 INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER APRIL 1988 BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1987. ON THE OTHER HAND, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1988 BUT SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER MAY 1987.
IN THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN MAY 1988 WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN APRIL 1988, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER MAY 1987.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MAY 1988 DECREASED MODERATELY, PARTICULARLY IN PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1988. COMPARED WITH MAY 1987, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST OF THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE RECORDED IN HOTELS.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
/Afi THE
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
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 INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MAY 1988 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CENTRAL AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.
TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON-HAND
AS AT THE END OF CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAY 1988 APRIL 88 MAY 87
(MONTH) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.34 ♦ -3
— _ _ — —
WEARING APPAREL 4.68 + 1 - 5
TEXTILES 2.51 -8 -11
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.37 -7 - 5
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.47 + 2 + 1
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.05 ♦ *
OTHERS 4.15 ♦ - 5
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
/table 2:
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 19^
- 5 -
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OR MAY 1988
CHANGE WHEN APRIL 88 COMPARED WITH MAY 87 (%)
(%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES + 1 - 4
— —
FOOD AND DRINKS ♦ *
WEARING APPAREL -1 - 7
TEXTILES * - 2
PLASTIC PRODUCTS + 1 -14
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 3 + 3
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 3 - 1
OTHERS + 1 - 3
# CONSTRUCTION + 1 - 2
SERVICES •« + 2
BANKS t + 2
HOTELS * - 1
PUBLIC UTILITIES ♦ • - 1
OTHERS + 2 + 10
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/Table j: .......
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
6
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES 4PITA EARNINGS
PER Cj
AVERAGE AS IN CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
MAY 1988 APRIL 88 MAY 87
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRIES 4,224 + 1 +14
FOOD AND DRINKS 4,804 + 2 +15
WEARING APPAREL 3,489 + 3 +8
TEXTILES 4,742 + 7 +15
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3,780 + 1 +19
FABRICATED METAL
PRODUCTS 4,085 -1 +15
ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 3,989 * +15
OTHERS 5,449 -3 +15
CONSTRUCTION 5,872 -1 +11
SERVICES 6,993 -4 +14
BANKS 6,834 Fl +16
HOTELS 4,838 -1 +24
PUBLIC UTILITIES 6,638 -6 +8
OTHERS 8,308 -6 +15
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
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 PANEI
SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
/7
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
- 7 -
CUSTOMS ACTIONS AGAINST TEXTILE FRAUDS
*****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT PROSECUTED 101 PERSONS/FIRMS IN MARCH AND APRIL FOR FALSE REPRESENTATION OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN INVOLVING TEXTILE GOODS, RESULTING IN FINES TOTALLED ABOUT $1.97 MILLION.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE TRADE CONTROLS GROUP OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT 9,480 FACTORY AND CONSIGNMENT INSPECTIONS INCLUDING 3,852 IMPORT/EXPORT TEXTILE LICENCE CHECKS.
AS A RESULT, 17 CASES OF FALSE ORIGIN REPRESENTATION WERE DETECTED DURING THE COURSE OF INSPECTIONS, INVOLVING $2.9 MILLION WORTH OF KNITTED AND WOVEN GARMENTS INTENDED FOR EXPORT TO THE EEC, USA AND OTHER MARKETS AGAINST HONG KONG QUOTAS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO CONCLUDED 48 FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATIONS DURING THE PERIOD IN WHICH $17.2 MILLION WORTH OF GARMENTS OF CHINESE ORIGIN WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN SHIPPED AGAINST HONG KONG QUOTAS.
IN AN OPERATION IN MARCH, OFFICERS SEIZED 10,279 PIECES OF CHINESE ORIGIN GARMENTS FALSELY-LABELLED "MADE IN HONG KONG" WHILE ANOTHER 15,950 PIECES WERE SEIZED IN FOUR OTHER OPERATIONS IN APRIL. PREVIOUS SHIPMENTS OF 65,546 PIECES CARRYING SIMILAR FALSE LABELS WERE ALSO ESTABLISHED.
------0-------
YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME INVITES APPLICATIONS
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE URGED TO JOIN A SCHEME UNDER WHICH THEY CAN DESIGN, PLAN AND IMPLEMENT ANTI-NARCOTICS EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS.
THE YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME (YADS) AIMS AT ENCOURAGING STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN ANTI-DRUG PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
IT IS OPEN TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 12 AND ABOVE.
THE CALL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN WAS MADE TODAY (SATURDAY) BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
/"UNDER THE
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
8
"UNDER THE SCHEME SPONSORED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS, CONSISTING OF NOT LESS THAN 10 MEMBERS, CAN PRESENT PROPOSALS FOR CONSIDERATION AND FUNDING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION WILL RECEIVE A GRANT OF UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $3,000 TO COVER EXPENSES.
"THROUGH PLANNING, ORGANISING AND RUNNING THE PROJECTS, PARTICIPANTS CAN EXERCISE THEIR IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY TO PROMOTE THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE.
"MORE SIGNIFICANTLY, THEY CAN ALSO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND PROVIDE A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY DISSEMINATING THE MESSAGE TO OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE," HE ADDED.
THE SCHEME HAS RECEIVED AN ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOUNG PEOPLE SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN AUGUST 1981.
IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, A TOTAL OF 97 PROJECTS, SELECTED FROM HUNDREDS OF APPLICATIONS, WERE IMPLEMENTED.
ALL THE PROJECTS WERE INITIATED BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES.
THE IDEAS FOR ANTI-NARCOTICS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS, GAMES DAY, TELEMATCHES, CONCERTS, DRAMAS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL-BASED ACTIVITIES.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DIVISION ON 5-8622761/2.
-----0------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION
*****
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $835,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER DT8888 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $95,000.
/ANOTHER NUMBER
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
9
ANOTHER NUMBER DTI 23 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $70,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $3,000 *EACH FOR DV6618 AND DU9707.
FOLLOWING $ ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $
DT8888 95,000 DU2688 8,000 DU288 30,000 AC205 11,000
DU328 33,000 DV211 16,000 DT123 70,000 DU9707 3,000
DV381 5,000 AA8777 15,000 DV218 13,000 AU828 20,000
CH6686 6,000 DT7888 21,000 DW7 53,000 DV4882 4,000
DW40 7,000 DV248 7,000 DU8328 16,000 AA2688 15,000
HK2688 23,000 AD1881 22,000 DV6618 3,000 BB58 20,000
DT168 42,000 DU399 10,000 8777 36,000 DU6388 10,000
BB1686 20,000 DT6168 6,000 AD133 24,000 HK139 38,000
BS808 19,000 AC8768 7,000 DU369 17,000 DU3378 9,000
DV873 10,000 AA4455 30,000 DT8238 5,000 AL9292 36,000
SUCCESSFUL AFTER THE BIDDING BIDDERS • WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
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 127TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $62,045,832.
-----0------
LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN GROWTH OF POLICE FACILITIES
*****
THE OPENING OF THE NEW SIU LEK YUEN DIVISION OF SHA TIN DISTRICT AND THE COMPLETION OF NEW BORDER DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AT SHA LING ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ONGOING GROWTH OF POLICE FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
NEW TERRITORIES POPULATION, NOW TWO MILLION, IS EXPANDING AT THE RATE OF 100,000 PEOPLE A YEAR AND VAST BUILDING, TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENTS ALSO PRESENT GROWING NEEDS IN POLICING THE REGION.
/ADDED TO
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
10
ADDED TO THE EXPANSION OF THE REGION ITSELF IS THE COMING TRANSFER OF ARMY DUTIES AT THE BORDER TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE BUILDING OF A NEW AND EXPANDED POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DEPOT AT FANLING.
MAJOR PLANS IN THE PIPELINE ALSO INCLUDE A NEW NTREGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT TAI PO AND THE FUTURE DIVISION OF THE REGION INTO SEPARATE NORTH AND SOUTH POLICE REGIONS.
THE NEW $18 MILLION SIU LEK YUEN POLICE STATION, OPENED ON JULY 1 BY THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES, MR ROBERT BROWN, IS THE THIRD DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN SHA TIN DISTRICT.
A FOURTH IS SCHEDULED TO GO INTO OPERATION AT MA ON SHAN IN 1991 .
BORDER DIVISION STAFF, UNDER DIVSIONAL COMMANDER MR FRANCIS CHAN, RECENTLY MOVED INTO THEIR NEW HEADQUARTERS AT SHA LING, WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED SOON BY THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL COMMANDER, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW.
SITUATED ON A HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING MAN KAM TO , THE NEW BORDER HEADQUARTERS REPLACES THE FORMER POLICE-POLMIL FACILITIES AT LO WU. WITH THE WITHDRAWAL OF ARMY PERSONNEL, THE NEW BORDER STATION IS MANNED EXCLUSIVELY BY POLICE.
THERE IS ALSO PROGRESS ON TSING YI ISLAND, WITH THE NEW DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS CURRENTLY BECOMING OPERATIONAL AND AN OFFICIAL OPENING SCHEDULED POSSIBLY FOR SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT TAI PO, ADJACENT TO THE RECENTLY OPENED TAI PO DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVSIONAL POLICE STATION.
THE HEADQUARTERS WILL CONSIST OF TWO TOWER BLOCKS AND WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE HAS REACHED THE SEVENTH FLOOR WITH COMPLETION EXPECTED TO BE ON SCHEDULE IN MID-1989.
SITE FORMATION WORK IS UNDER WAY ON THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND THE TSUEN WAN WEST DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION.
WORK CONTINUES ON THE TAI HING DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT, WHILE PILING IS EXPECTED TO START THIS YEAR ON THE MA ON SHAN DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, SHA TIN.
AT THE PLANNING STAGE ARE THE LAI KING DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, THE TSUEN WAN CENTRAL POLICE STATION, THE SHAM TSING DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AND THE SAM SHING DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION.
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/11 ........
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
- 11 -
POLICE ADVICE CONCERNING DAMAGE ONLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS * « * * *
DRIVERS INVOLVED IN NO INJURY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS SHOULD MOVE THEIR VEHICLES AWAY QUICKLY TO AVOID CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO OTHER ROAD USERS.
MAKING THIS APPEAL TODAY, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE OVER 46,000 DAMAGE ONLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, NOT TO MENTION THOUSANDS OF UNREPORTED CASES.
"IF ONLY A FRACTION OF THESE CASES INVOLVED LENGTHY ARGUMENT ON THE ROADSIDE, IMAGINE HOW SERIOUS THE TRAFFIC FLOW WOULD BE DISRUPTED,” HE SAID.
"IF NO ONE IS INJURED, DRIVERS SHOULD MOVE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN ADJACENT SAFE PLACE AT ONCE."
BOTH PARTIES CAN THEN EXCHANGE THEIR PARTICULARS, AND IF POSSIBLE, SETTLE THE MATTER, HE ADDED.
THEY CAN, IF THEY WISH, REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE POLICE AFTERWARDS FOR RECORD PURPOSES. LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 33,000 SUCH REPORTS WERE RECEIVED BY THE POLICE.
"SHOULD ANY ONE PARTY FEEL AGGRIEVED, THEY CAN MOVE THEIR VEHICLES FROM THE SCENE BEFORE LODGING A COMPLAINT WITH THE POLICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"POLICE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAMS WILL INVESTIGATE ALL SUCH COMPLAINTS AND CAN ESTABLISH THE CAUSE ACCORDING TO THE EVIDENCE GIVEN AND THE EXTENT AND POSITION OF THE DAMAGE.
"MOREOVER, THERE IS NOTHING TO STOP ANY PARTY FILING A CLAIM FOR DAMAGE THROUGH THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL."'
-----o------
BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM HELPS » * *
RESIDENTS RENOVATE BUILDING
t »
A POST-WAR BUILDING IN MONG KOK, WHICH WAS ON BEING DECLARED DANGEROUS TWO YEARS AGO, HAS BECOME A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO LIVE IN TO ITS 1,800 RESIDENTS.
THE SAFER
VERGE OF
AND MORE
THE 23-STOREY YUEN FAT BUILDING IN NELSON COMPLETED IN 1964, HAS ALSO TAKEN ON A NEW LOOK MILLION RENOVATION PROJECT.
STREET, WHICH
FOLLOWING A
WAS $2.8
/THE RESIDENTS
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
12
THE RESIDENTS NOW TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THEIR IMPROVED LIVING ENVIRONMENT, AND ARE THANKFUL TO THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM (BMCT) OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE FOR ITS ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING THE RENOVATION.
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED FLAT OWNERS IN MID-1986 THAT THEIR BUILDING WAS ON THE VERGE OF BEING DECLARED DANGEROUS, AND THAT REPAIRS WERE REQUIRED.
REPAIR WORK WOULD INVOLVE CEMENT RENDERING AND PLASTERING, REPLACING SPALLING CONCRETE, REPAIRING DEFECTIVE WINDOW FRAMES AND GLASS PANES, AND RECTIFYING LEAKING PIPEWORK, DEFECTIVE SMOKE DOORS, BALUSTRADES AND CONCRETE CURBS.
UPON RECEIVING THE NOTICE, THE BUILDING’S OWNERS INCORPORATION WROTE TO OWNERS TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS ON THE REQUIRED REPAIR WORK. HOWEVER, ONLY ABOUT 90 OUT OF THE 350 OWNERS OF THE COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC UNITS RESPONDED.
THE OWNERS INCORPORATION THEN TURNED TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE FOR HELP - AND AT THE RIGHT TIME BECAUSE THE OFFICE HAD JUST SE UP THE BMCT.
THE TEAM, MADE UP OF ONE HOUSING MANAGER, ONE ASSISTANT MANAGER AND TWO HOUSING ASSISTANTS SECONDED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT HELPING RESIDENTS WITH BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.
"WE ORGANISED A MEETING FOR THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDING," THE HOUSING MANAGER, MR CHONG SZE-CHIU, SAID.
"A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WAS INVITED TO EXPLAIN TO THEM WHAT SORT OF REPAIR WORK WAS REQUIRED, AND A SLIDE SHOW ON THE DILAPIDATED CONDITION OF THE BUILDING WAS PRESENTED.
"WE ALSO EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THEY COULD TAKE THIS CHANCE TO CARRY OUT SOME OTHER NECESSARY MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS, SUCH AS INSTALLING PUBLIC ANTENNAE, FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATION AND REWIRING THE BUILDING."
THE OWNERS WERE APPALLED BY THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING AND AGREED UNANIMOUSLY AT THE MEETING TO GO AHEAD WITH THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE WORK.
A WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP. APART FROM MEMBERS OF THE OWNERS INCORPORATION, OTHER OWNERS WERE ALSO INVITED TO JOIN IN. MR CHONG AND A LIAISON OFFICER OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WERE ALSO INCLUDED TO GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
/the GROUP
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
THE GROUP MET REGULARLY ALMOST EVERY MONTH TO COLLECT VIEWS FROM THE OWNERS AND TO SOLVE ANY PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT HAVE CROPPED UP.
"WE ADVISED THE OWNERS TO HANDLE ALL THE PROCEDURES IN AN OPEN AND FAIR MANNER, SUCH AS CONTRACTING OUT THE RENOVATION PROJECT THROUGH OPEN TENDER, SO THAT EVERYONE WOULD BE HAPPY WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS," MR CHONG SAID.
MR CHONG POINTED OUT THAT HIS TEAM HAD HANDLED EIGHT SUCH PROJECTS, COSTING BETWEEN $200,000 AND $600,000, IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THREE OF THE PROJECTS HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE OTHERS ARE IN PROGRESS.
"THE OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAVE CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO THESE PROJECTS, AND WE HAVE OFFERED WHATEVER ASSISTANCE THAT WAS REQUIRED," MR CHONG SAID.
-------0----------
SOUTHERN DB HELPS DISTANCE RUNNING TRAINING
*****
DISTANCE RUNNING ENTHUSIASTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PROPER AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING UNDER A PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HARRIERS AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
"IN VIEW OF THE POPULARITY OF THE PROGRAMME ORGANISED LAST YEAR, WHICH ATTRACTED OVER 160 LOCAL AND FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS DECIDED TO SPONSOR ANOTHER PROGRAMME THIS YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD SAID.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HARRIERS WAS FORMED IN 1987 AND SUBSIDISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL (SDRSC). IT IS ALSO AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.
THE CLUB AIMS TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN RUNNING, AND TO GIVE MEMBERS TRAINING AS WELL AS PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE.
ANY PERSONS AGED 12 OR ABOVE, WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT, OR ARE AFFILIATED TO ANY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, CAN JOIN THE CLUB AND TAKE PART IN THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNING PROGRAMME.
/THE TRAINING
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
14
THE TRAINING PROGRAMME, STARTING FROM AUGUST, WILL LAST FOR ONE YEAR AND SESSIONS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY EVENINGS AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND. THE COACH IS A TOP DISTANCE RUNNER, MR SZETO YAN.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE PROGRAMME ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES; THE RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE (SOUTHERN) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT; AND THE SDRSC'S OFFICE IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE. DEADLINE FOR ENROLMENT IS JULY 27.
MEANWHILE, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HARRIERS WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON JULY 22 (FRIDAY) ON DISTANCE RUNNING AND ON PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN AGAINST INJURIES DURING RUNNING.
THE SEMINAR, AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, WILL START AT 7 PM. SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE MR RAYMOND LI, OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
ENQUIRIES, AND RESERVATIONS FOR THE SEMINAR, CAN BE MADE BY CALLING MISS WONG CHUN-YIN ON 5-550626, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, FROM 2 PM TO 5.30 PM.
-----0-----
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS * * * * *
THE 13TH ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 1.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
TWO GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL AT 12.30 PM FOR SHA TIN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE.
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/15........
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
- 15 -
PARKING SPACES FOR LARGE VEHICLES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *****
THE SUPPLY OF CARPARKS FOR LARGE VEHICLES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING ON MONDAY (JULY 18) MORNING.
A DB MEMBER, MR LI PO-MING, WILL ASK IF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS CONSIDERED PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PARKING SPACES FOR LARGE VEHICLES AS SUPPLY NOW FALLS SHORT OF DEMAND. HE WILL ALSO WANT TO KNOW IF THE GOVERNMENT WILL PRIVATISE THE OPERATION OF ESTATE CARPARKS.
ANOTHER DB MEMBER, MR CHAN HON-YING, WILL ASK IF THE TURNING OF A CARPARK INTO A SHOPPING ARCADE IN SHA TIN GARDEN IS LAWFUL AND THE EFFECT OF THIS CHANGE ON THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR KAN CHUNG-NIN, WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTING AN ADDITIONAL STAIRCASE TO THE FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS MEI TIN ROAD, LINKING HOLFORD GARDEN TO GRANDEUR GARDENS IN TAI WAI.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A $90,000 PROJECT TO IMPROVE A FOOTPATH AND DRAINAGE BETWEEN HA WO CHE AND SUI WO COURT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 18) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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/16........
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
16
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKING GROUP REPORT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (JULY 18).
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION HAS BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL LIAISON GROUP AND THE DISTRICT LIAISON GROUP FOR THE WORKING POPULATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 18) 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.
-----0-----
NORTH DB TO HOLD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING ♦ » * ♦
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING ON MONDAY (JULY 18) TO DISCUSS MATTERS CARRIED OVER FROM ITS MEETING ON JUNE 16.
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE POLICY OF SCREENING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ON THEIR ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG.
/A REPORT
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (JULY 18) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
- - 0 - -
FANLING SOUTH DEVELOPMENT TO START SOON
*****
ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS AND SITE FORMATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN WO HOP SHEK IN FANLING SOUTH FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $108 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK COMPRISES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE, CONSTRUCTION OF A 600-METRE LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD, A BUS TERMINUS, TWO CAR/LORRY PARKS, TWO PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST SUBWAYS AND TWO FOOTBRIDGES.
ASSOCIATED STORMWATER AND FOUL DRAINAGE WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE FORMATION OF SITES FOR A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE AREA.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
/18
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1988
18 -
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN KOWLOON
*****
CERTAIN ROAD SECTIONS IN SAN PO KONG AND SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 19) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
IN SAN PO KONG, THE SECTION OF HONG KEUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSEUK LUK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON A 15-METRE STRETCH OF HONG KEUNG STREET WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TSEUK LUK STREET WILL BE LIFTED.
TN SHAM SHUI PO, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON A 12-METRE STRETCH OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI NAN WEST STREET WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
-----o------
NEW OFFICES FOR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED *THE PUBLIC THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN TWO NEW OFFICES FROM MONDAY (JULY 18).
THE OFFICE WHICH WILL HANDLE MATTERS CONCERNING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUSES, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND TAXIS WILL BE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG. • ’
THE OFFICE DEALING WITH MATTERS ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, JULY 1?, 1988
CONTENTS PACE NO.
WORK ON MUSEUM SUPERSTRUCTURE STARTS NEXT MONTH ............... 1
BETTER FACILITIES FOR CHEUNG SHA BEACH ........................ 2
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COURSES FOR WORKERS ......................... 2
YOUTH RALLY TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ..................... 3
TABLE TENNIS CONTEST TO PROMOTE NEW NAME..................... 4
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ............ 4
EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN ISLANDS DISTRICT ................. 5
SAI KUNG DO RECRUITING COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ................... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG TOWN ........................ 7
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN............................. 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI ................. 8
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN............................ 8
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1988
- 1
WORK ON MUSEUM SUPERSTRUCTURE STARTS NEXT MONTH * t * *
WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE AND TECHNOLOGY WILL START NEXT MONTH.
HONG KONG MUSEUM
OF
SCIENCE
A CONTRACT FOR THE WORKS, WORTH $168.55 MILLION, WILL BE AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TUESDAY (JULY 19).
THE MUSEUM, THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO ALLOW VISITORS TO TOUCH AND OPERATE MOST OF THE EXHIBITS, WILL OCCUPY A 28,000-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE SITE IS BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD TO THE WEST, GRANVILLE ROAD TO THE SOUTH, SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD TO THE EAST AND CHEONG WAN ROAD TO THE NORTH.
THE FOUR-LEVEL EXHIBITION BUILDING WILL PROVIDE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 17,000 SQUARE METRES. IT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT ON COMPLETION IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
THE MUSEUM WILL HAVE AN INDOOR EXHIBITION AREA OF 6,500 SQUARE METRES AND TEMPORARY EXHIBITION AREA OF 1,000 SQUARE METRES, AND SPACE FOR LECTURE ROOMS, WORKSHOPS, OFFICES AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
THERE WILL BE A PLAZA IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING. IT WILL BE ELEVATED TO MATCH THE HEIGHT OF THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES WHICH WILL CROSS CHATHAM ROAD, GRANVILLE ROAD AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD.
THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, WILL SIGN THE CONTRACT.
GUESTS AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S MUSEUMS SELECT COMMITTEE, DR PHILIP KWOK, AND SENIOR STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. I
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE. INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE TRAINING ROOM OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 11ST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 19).
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/2........
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1988
BETTER FACILITIES FOR CHEUNG SHA BEACH
*****
IMPROVED BEACH FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT CHEUNG SHA ON LANTAU UNDER A RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SINGLE-STOREY BEACH BUILDINGS AND LIFE GUARD LOOKOUT POSTS AT UPPER AND LOWER CHEUNG SHA BEACHES.
THE BEACH BUILDINGS WILL ACCOMMODATE CHANGING, SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES, LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS, A FIRST-AID ROOM, STOREROOMS, AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WITH BASIC FACILITIES FOR STAFF.
TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT WORKS ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THE DEADLINE FOR THEIR SUBMISSION IS NOON ON JULY 29.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
--------o----------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COURSES FOR WORKERS
*****
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE ABOUT 170 SAFETY COURSES FOR WORKERS, SUPERVISORS AND SAFETY OFFICERS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF BASIC AND ADVANCED SAFETY TRAINING COURSES TO WORKERS TO ENHANCE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THESE COURSES, LASTING FROM HALF A DAY TO FIVE DAYS, ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE ON A YEAR-ROUND BASIS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE CENTRE HAD ORGANISED 160 SUCH ‘COURSES WHICH WERE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 10,000 PARTICIPANTS.
COURSES WHICH ARE NOW OPEN TO APPLICATIONS INCLUDE BASIC INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION; SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION AND PLASTICS INDUSTRIES; SAFE USE OF ABRASIVE WHEELS; POWER PRESS AND WOODWORKING MACHINERY; WORK IN CONFINED SPACE; MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING; AND ELECTRICAL, SLINGING AND MACHINERY SAFETY.
/SPECIALIST TRAINING .......
SUNDAY, JULI 17, 1988
SPECIALIST TRAINING COURSES FOR SUPERVISORY STAFF COVER HEARING PROTECTION; ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION; HAZARDS IN THE USE AND CONTROL OF ASBESTOS; DUST HAZARDS AND CONTROL IN CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRYING INDUSTRIES; HAZARDS AND SAFETY CONTROL IN ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY; WORK SAFETY IN COMPRESSED AIR AND CAISSON; FIRE PREVENTION AND PRECAUTIONS; AND SAFETY SUPERVISION.
THE CENTRE ALSO ORGANISES SHORT INTRODUCTORY COURSES ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, CHEMICAL LABELLING, AND SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS.
ALL COURSES ARE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND ARE HELD AT THE CENTRE WHICH IS ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE CENTRE ON 5-8523563.
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YOUTH RALLY TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
YOUNG PEOPLE MAY HELP TO SPREAD THE FIGHT JUVENILE CRIME MESSAGE BY JOINING A LARGE-SCALE YOUTH RALLY OUTSIDE THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL NEXT MONTH.
THE EVENT, TO BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON OF AUGUST 6, WILL MARK THE OPENING OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ACTION GROUP TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM, AND TO ALERT YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING OFFENCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ACTION GROUP SAID JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN SHA TIN MAINLY INVOLVED SHOP THEFTS AND THE FORMATION OF GANGS IN HOUSING ESTATES.
"OUR AIM IS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM AT THE SOCIAL LEVEL. THROUGH COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES, WE HOPE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO AND TAKE PRIDE IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT," HE SAID.
"DURING THE RALLY, OUR YOUNG CRIME FIGHTERS WILL MAKE A PLEDGE TO COMBAT JUVENILE CRIME, ESPECIALLY SHOP THEFTS, AND THEN HELP DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY MATERIAL IN HOUSING ESTATES AND SHOPPING AREAS."
THOSE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE RALLY SHOULD REPORT TO THE ORGANISER AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 2 PM ON AUGUST 6.
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SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1988
- 4 -
TABLE TENNIS CONTEST TO PROMOTE NEW NAME * * * *
RESIDENTS, WORKERS AND STUDENTS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO JOIN A TABLE TENNIS CONTEST TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF A CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE NEW NAME OF THE DISTRICT.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: MEN’S SENIOR, MEN’S JUNIOR AND WOMEN’S JUNIOR. THE SENIOR SECTION IS OPEN TO THOSE AGED ABOVE 18, WHILE THOSE AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 18 CAN JOIN THE JUNIOR SECTIONS .
THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON OF AUGUST 27 IN THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THERE ARE FOUR PRIZES FOR EACH SECTION. THE CHAMPION OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD TROPHY WHILE THE THREE RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 190 NATHAN ROAD, ITS TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 10 CARNARVON ROAD, AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, 18 CAMERON ROAD.
APPLICANTS MUST RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS IN PERSON TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE FOR REGISTRATION. THERE ARE 32 PLACES IN THE MEN’S SECTIONS AND 16 PLACES IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION. THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
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SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT t * *
ABOUT 40,000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BENEFIT FROM MORE THAN 240 ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEM UNDER THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP), WHICH WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR YUNG CHEK-CHOW, CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES.
THESE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM CARNIVALS, OUTINGS, RECREATIONAL CAMPS, DANCING CLASSES TO SEMINARS, TRAINING CAMPS, AND COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND JOB-SEEKERS.
/"WE HOPE ......
SUNDAY, JULY 17 • 1988
"WE HOPE THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THESE MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE SYP THEME OF ’SHARING THE FUN, SERVING THE COMMUNITY’," MR YUNG SAJD.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SYP COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE, NOTED THAT SINCE THE SYP WAS INTRODUCED 20 YEARS AGO, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAD ALWAYS BEEN ON THE INCREASE.
HE SAID THE SYP WAS A LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT TARGETED AT YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25, GIVING THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES DURING THEIR SPARE TIME IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.
THIS YEAR’S SYP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE PROVIDED BY 26 ORGANISATIONS WHICH INCLUDE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER LOCAL BODIES.
THE PROGRAMME COST, AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $280,000, WILL BE MET BY DONATIONS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ($270,000) AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ABERDEEN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, MR SHIH CHEN-CHI.
THE CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, WHICH FEATURED A VARIETY SHOW, VIDEO SHOWS, EXHIBITION ON TRAVEL MATTERS AND STALL GAMES.
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EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN ISLANDS DISTRICT ♦ * ♦ * ♦
IN VIEW OF RESIDENTS’ ENTHUSIASM IN SPORTS, THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO ACTIVELY PROMOTE SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IN RECENT YEARS, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 13TH ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA, MR NG SAID THAT SPORTS ACTIVITIES WERE A KIND OF HEALTHY PASTIME FOR ENERGETIC YOUTHS, AND WOULD ENABLE THEM TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL GROWTH.
"VARIOUS TRAINING SESSIONS AND COMPETITIONS ARE HELD EVERY YEAR IN ORDER TO HELP IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF SPORT IN THE DISTRICT.
"THE SUCCESS OF THE ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA IS A RESULT OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS," MR NG ADDED.
/HI ALSO........
SUNDAY, JULI 17, 1988
- 6
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE SWIMMING COMPETITION HAD HELPED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AMONG DIFFERENT AREAS WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
MORE THAN 120 ISLANDERS TOOK PART IN THE SWIMMING GALA WHICH WAS HELD AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL THIS AFTERNOON.
THE SWIMMING GALA IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT.
SAI KUNG DO RECRUITING COMMUNITY ORGANISERS
* » » * *
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE IS RECRUITING COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TO ASSIST IN REGISTERING ELIGIBLE ELECTORS IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER.
ANYONE WHO IS 18 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE AND HAS COMPLETED FORM 5 IS WELCOME TO APPLY.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK BETWEEN AUGUST 15 AND SEPTEMBER 15 TO ASSIST RESIDENTS IN PO LAM AND TSUI LAM ESTATES TO FILL IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS AS WELL AS THE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.
THE WORKING HOURS ARE MAINLY IN THE AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS, INCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ARE EXPECTED TO WORK A MINIMUM OF 25 HOURS A WEEK AND 100 HOURS A MONTH. THE HONORARIUM IS 419 FOR EVERY HOUR OF WORK.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE’ ON PRESCRIBED FORMS (CNTA 12) WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN,, OR THE PO LAM AND TSUI LAM ESTATE OFFICES,
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS AUGUST 8. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7923730.
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/7.......
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1988
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG TOWN
* * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 19), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE MADE ONE-WAY OPERATION AS PART OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
KIK YEUNG ROAD BETWEEN YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD AND THE YUEN LONG (WEST) BUS TERMINUS WILL BE MADE ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, WHILE ON SHUN STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.
AT THE SAME TIME, RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENTS FROM PING SHUN STREET SOUTHBOUND ONTO YEUN LONG ON NING ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
MEANWHILE, FROM WEDNESDAY (JULY 20), ALL EXISTING PARKING SPACES ON KIK YEUNG ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN * * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANES OF TAI PO ROAD FROM FO TAN NULLAH TO HO TUNG LAU AND FROM HO TUNG LAU TO MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WJLL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON JULY 18 (MONDAY) AND 19 RESPECTIVELY.
MEANWHILE, ON SHA TIN ROAD, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE BETWEEN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND CITY ONE SHATIN, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE BETWEEN CITY ONE SHATIN AND FO TAN NULLAH, AND THE NORTHBOUND FAST LANE BETWEEN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND FO TAN NULLAH WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON JULY 19. 24 AND 28 RESPECTIVELY.
THE MEASURES WILL FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
-----0-----
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1988
- 8 -TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT STEWART ROAD IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND JAFFE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 20) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
VEHICLES ON JAFFE ROAD HEADING FOR GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TONNOCHY ROAD.
-----0-----
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN * * * »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 19) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CAINE ROAD, ABERDEEN STREET, SHING WONG STREET, BRIDGES STREET AND KUI IN FONG.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE PO HING FONG, U LAM TERRACE AND THE HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POLICE WORKING PARTY SET UP TO STUDY JUVENILE CRIME........ 1
NEW POLICE STATION ON TSING YI STARTS OPERATION TOMORROW .. 2
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ............... 3
DB MEMBERS TO BE BRIEFED ON TOWN PLANNING.................. J
YOUNG MUSICIANS LEaVE FOR AUSTRALIA........................ 4
EASTERN SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT..................... 5
TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PRESS CONFERENCE ............ 5
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROGRAMMES .. 6
WAN CHAI DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON SPORT........... 7
DB COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ............. 8
URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX TO BE BUILT IN WESTERN .............. 8
CARPARK SUSPENDED ......................................... 9
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON WATERLOO ROAD................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 9
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
1
POLICE WORKING PARTY SET UP TO STUDY JUVENILE CRIME *****
A WORKING PARTY, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS, HAS BEEN SET UP TO STUDY JUVENILE CRIME ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE POLICE REGIONAL COMfANDER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
MR SMALLSHAW SAID THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE WORKING PARTY WERE "TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT WAYS AND MEANS TO COUNTER JUVENILE CRIME, IN THE SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM THROUGH PREVENTION, DETECTION, AWARENESS AND PUBLICITY".
HE POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 3,646 JUVENILE OFFENDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN 1987, REPRESENTING 47.4 PER CENT OF THE HONG KONG TOTAL.
"OF THOSE ARRESTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, 46.7 PER CENT WERE FOR SHOP THEFT, 14.8 PER CENT FOR OTHER TYPES OF THEFT AND MUCH THE SAME PERCENTAGE FOR ROBBERY AND BURGLARY," HE ADDED.
MR SMALLSHAW OPINED THAT THE CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO JUVENILE CRIME, IN PARTICULAR IN REGARD TO SHOP THEFT, HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.
"THESE INCLUDE INSUFFICIENT PARENTAL CONTROL, THE LACK OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, THE GREAT TEMPTATION PUT INTO THE PATHS OF YOUNGSTERS, AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR A MORE ACTIVE ROLE BY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SPECIFIC ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDERS THROUGH THEIR OWN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES.
"THIS ACTION IS PRINCIPALLY TO INVOLVE MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES IN THE GENERAL PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME AND TO SEEK A CO-ORDINATED SOLUTION.
"THERE IS NO PANACEA BUT AN EARLY SOLUTION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT JUVENILES OF TODAY DO NOT GROW UP INTO THE CRIMINALS OF TOMORROW," HE NOTED.
ON THE POLICING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR SMALLSHAW ADMITTED THAT KEEPING LAW AND ORDER IN THE REGION HAD ALWAYS HAD ITS PROBLEMS AND, WITH A YEARLY INCREASE IN POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 100,000 PEOPLE, IT WAS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO KEEP PACE.
TO KEEP ABREAST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT, MR SMALLSHAW SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO INCREASE POLICE MANPOWER IN THE REGION.
/"IN THE
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
2 -
"IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A 25 PER CENT INCREASE BRINGING THE NUMBER OF STAFF TO OVER 6,000. IN ADDITION THERE IS AN AUXILIARY POLICE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEARLY 1,800, OF WHOM 200 TURN OUT FOR DUTY DAILY.
"IN KEEPING LAW AND ORDER, EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON PREVENTING AND DETECTING CRIME WHICH HAS REMAINED FAIRLY STEADY IN RECENT YEARS.
"HOWEVER THE INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT IN 1987 OVER 1986 HAS CONTINUED INTO 1988," HE STRESSED.
NOTING THAT IT WAS THE DUTY OF THE POLICE TO ENFORCE ON INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THE RULES LAID DOWN BY THE COMMUNITY, MR SMALLSHAW SAID LAW ENFORCERS COULD NOT SUCCEED IN THEIR ROLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.
"I BELIEVE THAT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WE DO HAVE THIS AND THAT THE VAST MAJORITY DO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR ABILITY, AND THIS IN TURN LEADS TO A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY," HE CONCLUDED.
-----0----------
NEW POLICE STATION ON TSING YI * * * *
STARTS OPERATION TOMORROW *
RESIDENTS LIVING ON THE TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE BETTER POLICING SERVICES WITH THE OPERATION OF A NEW TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
PROVIDED WITH
POLICE STATION
THE NEW TSING YI DIVISIONAL AT NO. 13 TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI 7 AM TOMORROW.
POLICE STATION, WHICH IS SITUATED ROAD, WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM
BUILT AT A COST OF ABOUT $42 MILLION, IS OF A STANDARD DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS DIVISIONAL STATION UNTIL TSING YI DIVISION IS LEVEL WITH THE INCREASING POPULATION.
THE 16-STOREY BUILDING DESIGN, OPERATING AS A
UPGRADED TO A DISTRICT
AT PRESENT, THE WHOLE TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE.
THE NEW POLICE STATION WILL PROVIDE POLICING FOR ISLAND AS WELL AS THE TSING YI BRIDGE AND TSING YI
THE OFFICER IN CHARGE KING-KAI, WHO IS ASSISTED BY ADVC/CRIME, MR LAW PING-KUEN FUNG-YEE.
OF THE STATION IS SUPERINTENDENT TSANG TWO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS --; AND ADVC/ADMINISTRATION, MRS CHOI WONG
AcoTc,n.*?OCAL RESIDENTS WH0 WISH TO MAKE A REPORT OR SEEK POLICE ASSISTANCE ARE WELCOME TO GO TO THE NEW POLICE STATION IN PERSON OR TELEPHONE 0-4319123 OR 0-4313600.
-------0-------- /J........................
MONDAY, JULY 18,
1988
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
» ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE LEVEL OF FIXED PENALTY FINES AND THE PROPOSED INCLUSION OF THE OFFENCE OF OVERLOADING IN THE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE WITHDRAWAL OF PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSING YI AND THE PROPOSED RECREATIONAL FERRY SERVICE TO CHEUNG CHAU.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE AIMS OF THE METROPLAN.
THE MEETING, TO BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB MEMBERS TO BE BRIEFED ON TOWN PLANNING * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND A BRIEFING ON TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG TO BE GIVEN BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, DR PETER PUN, ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 20).
DR PUN, HEAD OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BRIEFING IS TO GIVE MEMBERS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NECESSITY AND PROCESS OF TOWN PLANNING, AND THE PLANNING OF HONG KONG FOR THE COMING DECADES.
“OWING TO THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS’ ADVISORY ROLE TO TfiE GOVERNMENT ON PLANNING AND DEVEOPMENT WORK IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS, AND THEIR LIAISON ROLE BETWEEN * GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE BRIEFING WILL INTRODUCE THEM TO THE TOWN PLANNING STRUCTURE AND THE WORK OF TOWN PLANNERS IN HONG KONG."
"IT WILL ALSO INTRODUCE THEM TO THE VARIOUS DECISION MAKING BODIES INVOLVED IN THE TOWN PLANNING PROCESS," DR PUN SAID.
THE BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN IN TWO SEPARATE SESSIONS IN THE OLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
THE FIRST SESSION WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM FOR URBAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE SECOND SESSION FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM FOR NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING SESSIONS.
-----0------
A....
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
- 4 -
YOUNG MUSICIANS LEAVE FOR AUSTRALIA ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA LEFT FOR AUSTRALIA TODAY (MONDAY) FOR A 18-DAY CONCERT TOUR.
THE DELEGATION IS LED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MS LOLLY CHIU; SENIOR MUSIC OFFICER (CHINESE), MR TONG LEUNG-TAK; AND SEVEN OTHER MUSIC OFFICE OFFICIALS.
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AT THE AIRPORT, MS CHIU SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE TOUR WAS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS IN PERFORMING AND EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO DIFFERENT AUDIENCES.
THE MUSIC OFFICE HAD SO FAR CONDUCTED TOURS TO FRANCE, ISRAEL, CYPRUS, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE AND ITALY, SHE ADDED.
"I HOPE ALL THE ORCHESTRAL MEMBERS WILL PERFORM THEIR BEST AS THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL CULTURAL MISSION REPRESENTING HONG KONG,” SHE SAID.
THE ORCHESTRA’S FIRST PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE AT THE 18TH CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MUSIC EDUCATION (ISME) IN CANBERRA.
THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE, WHICH INVOLVES RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND REPRESENTATIVE MUSIC ORGANISATIONS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, IS THE ROLE OF MUSIC AND MUSIC EDUCATION INCLUDING RESEARCH AND MUSIC THERAPY.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES LECTURES, PERFORMANCES, DEMONSTRATIONS, MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND EXHIBITIONS.
AFTER CANBERRA, THE ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE 10 MORE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES IN MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND BRISBANE.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 5.
-----0------
/5........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
- 5 -
EASTERN SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT
* * « * «
A SEMINAR AIMED AT ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG OWNERS AND TENANTS IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS WILL BE HELD BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS ON FRIDAY (JULY 22) EVENING.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION REGIONAL OFFICE (HONG KONG EAST), MR VINCENT TANG CHI-LEUNG, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHINESE UNDERWRITERS CLUB LTD, MR ANDY KWOK WAI-HUNG WILL SPEAK ON CORRUPTION AND INSURANCE MATTERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT COORDINATION TEAM, MR LIN KA-TIN, WILL ALSO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BEGIN AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING'S ROAD.
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TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PRESS CONFERENCE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN WU-CHING, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR SIT HO-YIN; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU; AND POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MR WONG LAI-SANG.
/A SERIES
MONDAY, JULY 18« 1988
- 6
A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED DURING THE EIGHT-MONTH CAMPAIGN TO ENCHANCE THE CIVIC AWARENESS OF RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE YOUTHS, TO HELP ESTABLISH A COHESIVE AND CARING SOCIETY.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, AN ANTI-TRIAD SOCIETY STREET DRAMA, DRAWING COMPETITION, POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, MODEL CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME AND A YOUTH CAMP.
THERE WILL BE TWO SPECIAL ITEMS, NAMELY A SEA TRIP AND A ROCK CLIMBING CLASS, AIMED AT TRAINING THE BODY AND MIND OF YOUNGSTERS.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL COST ABOUT $105,000, WHICH IS MAINLY SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
------O-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROGRAMMES
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS IN KWUN TONG, INCLUDING A SETTLED PROGRAMME FOR BUS AND FERRY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT, A REVIEW ON THE 1987 ACTION PROGRAMME ON PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
A MEMBER, MR CHAN KAM-LAM, WILL PROPOSE A MOTION SUGGESTING THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE EXISTING POLICY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SO MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
/MEMBERS MR
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
MEMBERS MR WONG CHAK-LBONG AND MR CHAN KAR-KOK WILL RAISE FOR DISCUSSION THE PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF LORRY PARKING SPACES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES. ANOTHER MEMBER, MR LI WAH-MING, WILL RAISE THE ISSUE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN KWUN TONG CENTRE.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO REMOVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES AND SETTING UP AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT THIS YEAR'S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
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 (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
- 0 - -
WAN CHAI DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON SPORT
*****
THE CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT IN HONG KONG AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE REPORT, ENTITLED "THE WAY AHEAD", RECOMMENDED THAT A STATUTORY BODY BE SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE OBJECT OF DEVELOPING SPORT AND RECREATION THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT. THESE INCLUDE A SUMMER MUSIC CAMP, MID-AUTUMN LANTERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS, SWIMMING GALA, MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION, POTTED SPORTS DAY AND ATHLETIC MEET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
t •
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
_ _ 0 - -
/8 .
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
_ 8 -
DB COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW *****
THE COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE IMPROVEMENT OF ACCOMMODATION OF SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-PERSON FAMILIES IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP ON A "FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY" IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE USE OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN FACTORIES IN SHAM SHUI PO AND A REPORT BY A WORKING GROUP ON STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE BEGINNING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
-----o------
URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX TO BE BUILT IN WESTERN
*****
AN EIGHT-STOREY URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX IS TO BE BUILT IN WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE COMPLEX WILL BE BUILT IN CHUN SING STREET NEAR QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
WITH A TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 5,000 SQUARE METRES, THE COMPLEX WILL HOUSE MARKET STALLS, COOKED FOOD STALLS, A LIBRARY AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON AUGUST 5.
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/9........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1988
CARPARK SUSPENDED t t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE PAK SH,\ WAN CAR PARK IN SAI KUNO LOCATED NORTH OF THE JUNCTION OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO PAK SHA WAN FERRY PIER WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON JULY 21 (THURSDAY) TO 6 PM ON AUGUST 3.
THE MEASURE WILL FACILITATE A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN CELEBRATION OF THE KWUN YAM FESTIVAL.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON WATERLOO ROAD » * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF DIESEL OIL ON THE ROAD SURFACE OF WATERLOO ROAD, THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE AND CORNWALL STREET WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE-LANE TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 21).
AS CONGESTION MAY ARISE ON THIS SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
- - 0
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 26 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 152.110 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 369.935 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRELIMINARY REPORT BY PAY REVIEW COMMITTEE ............ 1
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COMPUTERISING FINGERPRINT RECORDS .... 3
16 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEFORE LEGCO ................... 4
TAC DEFERS DECISION ON FIXED PENALTY FINES ............ 5
LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME MAKES GAINS ........... 6
URBAN COUNCIL GETS CREDIT FOR SCIENCE MUSEUM PROJECT .. 7
WAYS TO IMPROVE NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN CAUSEWAY BAY .... 8
RENT FOR 57 POST-1973 ESTATES TO BE REVISED IN SEPTEMBER .. 9
PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME STARTS ............... 11
EMPLOYERS URGED TO MAKE TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS .......... 13
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT .... 13
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRnMME .. 14
KCR SERVICES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................... 14
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA AT KORNHILL ...................... 15
SAFETY GLASS MANUFACTURER SETS UP PLANT IN HONG KONG... 16
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ............................... 16
WATER CUTS IN TO KWA WaN, NGAU TaU KOK, HUNG HOM....... 17
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEaRWAYS ON TSING FUNG STREET, NORTH POINT 17
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 198«
1 PRELIMINARY REPORT BY PAY REVIEW COMMITTEE » t » « *
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY AND CONDITIONS OE SERVICE RELEASED ITS PRELIMINARY REPORT TODAY (TUESDAY).
INTRODUCING THE REPORT, THE CHAIRMAN OE THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, MR A.L. RENNIE, SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO SHOW THE COMMITTEE'S WORKING METHODS, TO REPORT ITS PROGRESS AND WORK SO EAR, AND TO PRESENT THE FACTS GATHERED BY THE COMMITTEE.
THE REPORT ALSO SUMMARISED THE REPRESENTATIONS THE COMMITTEE HAD RECEIVED AND INDICATED THE COURSE IT WOULD EOLLOW IN ITS FUTURE WORK, HE SAID.
MR RENNIE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE PRELIMINARY REPORT CONTAINED NO DEFINITIVE CONCLUSIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS AT THIS STAGE, IT PRESENTED THE MAIN QUESTIONS THE COMMITTEE WOULD PURSUE IN THE PREPARATION OF ITS FINAL REPORT.
"THE REPORT IS INTENDED TO OFFER INTERESTED PARTIES THE OPPORTUNITY' TO COMMENT ON WHAT THE COMMITTEE HAS FOUND, AND WHAT IT NOW INTENDS TO DO,"' MR RENNIE SAID.
THE REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR THROUGH THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ON JULY 7, AND PUBLISHED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO INTERESTED PARTIES.
MR RENN IF DREW PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE REPORT, WHICH LISTS A FEW MATTERS ON WHICH THE COMMITTEE HAS FORMED PROVISIONAL VIEWS, AND THE MAIN QUESTIONS WHICH IT INTENDS TO ANSWER IN ITS FINAL REPORT.
ALTHOUGH 1'HE REPORT CALLS FOR RESPONSES BY AUGUST 2, THE COMMITTEE HAS REVIEWED THIS DEADLINE AND EXTENDED IT TO AUGUST 9.
THE FINAL REPORT, CONTAINING RECOMMENDATIONS, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
DIVIDED INTO 10 CHAPTERS, THE PRELIMINARY REPORT BEGINS WITH A BRIEF GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND THE SPECIAL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH ESTABLISH THEIR DISCIPLINED STATUS. '
IT ALSO GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE SERVICES’ PAY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND INCLUDING EARLIER REVIEWS BY DIFFERENT SALARIES COMMISSIONS AND A REVIEW OF PAY COMPARISONS BOTH IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS INCLUDING THE 19B6 PAY LEVEL SURVEY, AND INTERNATIONAL AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX COMPARISONS.
OTHER CHAPTERS EXAMINE THE VARIOUS ALLOWANCES PAID TO DISCIPLINED SERVICES, THE FACTORS SUCH AS STRESS, RISK, HARDSHIP PERSONAL RESTRICTIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN SETTING PAY,
THE
AND AND
THE ARGUMENTS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAY DETERMINING MACHINERY.
/THE REVIEW
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
2
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE RECEIVED 122 FORMAL SUBMISSIONS FROM DISCIPLINED SERVICES MANAGEMENTS, STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF STAFF, AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, AND THE REPORT CONTAINS A CHAPTER SUMMARISING THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIONS.
THE TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE VIEWS ON PAY, THE NATURE OF THE WORK INCLUDING THE DANGERS AND STRESSES OF THE VARIOUS DUTIES, PERSONAL RESTRICTIONS ON STAFF, AND HOURS OF WORK.
"THE COMMITTEE FELT SOME CONCERN THAT THE RELEASE OF THE SUMMARIES OF THE SUBMISSIONS MIGHT BE MISINTERPRETED BECAUSE THEY NATURALLY TENDED TO CONCENTRATE ON THOSE FEATURES OF THE SERVICES’ WORK THAT WOULD APPEAR TO JUSTIFY HIGHER PAY," MR RENNIE SAID.
"HOWEVER, FROM OUR VISITS, DISCUSSIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OF SUBMISSIONS, WE ARE WELL AWARE THAT THERE ARE MANY REWARDING FEATURES IN THE WORK OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
"WITH CAPABLE AND VIGOROUS STAFF, THE SERVICES SERVE THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG EXTREMELY WELL."
HOWEVER, MR RENNIE SAID THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO MADE AWARE THAT MEMBERS OF SOME SERVICES FELT THAT WHAT THEY DID WAS NOT WELL APPRECIATED BY OUTSIDERS.
THEY ALSO FELT THEIR PRESENT PAY AND THE ASSESSMENT OF PAY WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE DID NOT PROPERLY RECOGNISE THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THEIR TASKS AND THE DISRUPTION TO THEIR PERSONAL LIVES.
THE DISRUPTION WAS LARGELY CAUSED BY THE LONG AND IRREGULAR HOURS AND THE LIABILITY TO ON-CALL DUTIES INSEPARABLE FROM THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES 24 HOURS A DAY FOR 365 DAYS A YEAR.
IT IS THE COMMITTEE’S INTENTION, THE REPORT SAYS, "TO ENSURE THAT THE STAFF OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES ARE PROPERLY PAID, IN RELATION TO THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, FOR THE WORK THAT THEY DO."
THE COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED IN APRIL THIS YEAR BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO REVIEW THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S FIVE DISCIPLINED SERVICES - ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AND MMIQRATION SERVICE.
IT WAS ALSO ASKED TO CONSIDER THE BASIS FOR DETERMINING PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES, THE MACHINERY FOR THIS PURPOSE, AND APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF REMUNERATION FOR THEM IN RELATION TO THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
/IN ADDITION .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
IN ADDITION TO MR RENNIE, FORMER SECRETARY OF THE SCOTTISH HOME AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AS CHAIRMAN, Till COMMITTEE COMPRISES AS MEMBERS THE FORMER EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR \Ni) FORMER SENIOR I'NOFFK I AL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, SIR ROGER LOBO, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS RITA FAN.
THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO HAVING \ SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS, AND DISCUSSION MEETINGS WITH Till- MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
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FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COMPUTERISING FINGERPRINT RECORDS t t * « »
Till' FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER 1SI NG THE MORE IMPORTANT FINGERPRINT RECORDS IN THE POLICE IDENTIFICATION BUREAU, ESTIMATED AT $40,819,000 IN NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND $711,000 IN ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPEND1TURE.
IT WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE A NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF $34,730,000 FOR THE EQUIPMENT, SITE PREPARATION, TRAINING AND INITIAL CONSUMABLES OF' \ COMPUTER ASSISTED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SYSTEM BE INTRODUCED IN IWO PHASES: TO COMPUTERISE FIRST THE FINGERPRINT RECORDS OF THE BUREAU’S SCENE OF CRIME SECTION (ABOUT 160,000 RECORDS) AND THEN CIS "MAIN COLLECTION" (ABOUT 610,000 RECORDS) AFTER A FAVOURABLE POST-IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW OF THE FIRST PHASE HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER AN INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LINGNAN COLLEGE, WITH EFFECT FROM 1988-89, IN RESPECT OF ITS THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR POST-SIXTH-FORM PLACES.
THE INCREASE WOULD BE FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL OF 120 PER CENT OF THE UNIT COST OF A SIXTH FORM PLACE IN AN AIDED SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOL TO 190 PER CENT OF THAT UNIT COST, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM STUDENT NUMBER OF 800.
UNDER THE SAME ITEM, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A FURTHER INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE COLLEGE, WITH EFFECT FROM 1989-90.
THIS WOULD INCLUDE ITS FIFTH YEAR POST-SIXTH-FORM PLACES ALSO AT 190 PER CENT OF THE UNIT COST OF' A SIXTH-FORM PLACE IN AN AIDED SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM STUDENT NUMBER OF' 1,200 IN YEARS THREE TO FIVE.
/MEMBERS WILL........
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1?88
4
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $4,630,000 IN 1988-89 AND RISING TO $16,570,000 IN 1992-93, OF INCREASING GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE COLLEGE.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $1,060,000 FOR GRANTS AND $970,000 FOR LOAN'S, OF EXTENDING THE STl’DENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO THE YEAR FIVE POST-SIXTH-FORM STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE WITH EFFECT FROM 1989-90, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM ENROLMENT OF 1,200 STUDENTS.
FURTHERMORE, THEY WILL CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A CAPITAL GRANT OF UP TO $1.1 MILLION IN 1988-89 TO ENABLE LINGNAN COLLEGE TO PURCHASE FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT TO HELP MEET THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT OF THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS.
OTHER ITEMS ON TOMORROW’S AGENDA INCLUDE:
♦ A INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FOR AN INTEGRATED RADIO SERVICES SYSTEM FOR THE POLICE FROM $196 MILLION BY $96 MILLION TO $292 MILLION.
* APPROVAL OF A NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT A SUM OF $3.7 MILLION TO MEET THE COST OF A HEAVY DUTY RECOVERY VEHICLE FOR TUNNEL OPERATIONS.
* APPROVAL OF THE CREATION Ol A NEW SUBHEAD "REPLACEMENT OF DISC DRIVES IN THE TREASURY COMPUTER" WITH A PROJECT ESTIMATE OF $2,150,000 TO ACQUIRE THREE FIXED DISC DRIVES TO REPLACE EIGHT EXISTING EXCHANGEABLE DISC DRIVES.
-----O---------
16 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS BEEORE LEGCO * * * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK 16 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 10 BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ALL THE 10 BILLS ARE EACH DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988, BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988, TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL BILL 1988, QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BILL 1988, NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988 AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER. THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
- - O -
/5
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
- 5 -
TAG DEFERS DECISION ON FIXED PENALTY FINES ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DEFERRED DECISION ON WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A GENERAL INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND WHETHER FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR OVERLOADING OFFENCES SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $200 TO $-150.
NOTING THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN ALARMING INCREASE IN OVERLOADING OFFENCES FROM 1,614 IN 1985 TO 23,611 IN 1987, THE TAC AGREED THAT AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTY LEVEL SHOULD LEAD TO FEWER DRIVERS AND COMPANIES TREATING THE PENALTY AS A ROUTINE OPERATIONAL EXPENSE.
HOWEVER, THE TAC COULD NOT COME TO A DECISION TODAY BECAUSE IT BELIEVED THAT THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE RULED OUT ALTOGETHER IN RESPECT OF OVERLOADING OFFENCES.
THE TAC RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD RECONSIDER THE MATTER SO THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD IN DUE COURSE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW TO COMBINE THE FIXED PENALTY INCREASE WITH A POSSIBLE PENALTY UNDER THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE STEPS TO TACKLE HIE PROBLEM AT SOURCE AND TO ENSURE THAT EVERY DRIVER IS AWARE Ol THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD HE CARRIES.
THE TAC ALSO APPROVED THE APPLICATION FROM THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) TO WITHDRAW THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSING YI.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT FOLLWING THE OPENING OF THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE IN DECEMBER 1987 AND THE INTRODUCTION OF BUS ROUTE NO. 43B FROM CHEUNG CHING TO TSUEN WAN FERRY IN FEBRUARY 1988, PATRONAGE ON THE TSUEN WAN - TSING YI FERRY SERVICE DECREASED SHARPLY FROM 4,100 PASSENGERS PER DAY IN 1987 TO 700 PASSENGERS PER DAY IN APRIL-MAY THIS YEAR.
THE PROPOSED SERVICE WITHDRAWAL IS PART OF HYF’S OVERALL PLAN TO RATIONALISE ITS SERVICE. SUCH RATIONALISATION SHOULD REDUCE UPWARD PRESSURE ON FARES AND RESULT IN A HEALTHIER AND MORE EFFICIENT FERRY SERVICE.
THE TAC WAS ALSO INFORMED OF HYF’S PROPOSAL TO OPERATE A RECREATIONAL SERVICE TO CHEUNG CHAU FROM THE KOWLOON POINT FERRY PIER VI WEEKENDS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM AUGUST 1.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE DEMAND FOR EXISTING CHEUNG CHAU -CENTRAL FERRY SERVICE DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS HAD INCREASED BY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT FROM 1983 TO THIS YEAR. HYF’S PROPOSAL WOULD HELP TO RELIEVE EXCESSIVE CONGESTION AT THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS SERVICES FERRY PIER IN CENTRAL.
/THE SCHEDULES .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
- 6 -
THE SCHEDULES OF THE KOWLOON POINT TO MUI WO SERVICE WILL BE ADJUSTED TO INCORPORATE THE CHEUNG CHAU SAILINGS SO AS TO KEEP THE OPERATION OF OUTLYING DISTRICTS SERVICES FROM KOWLOON POINT AT HOURLY INTERVALS.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE AIMS OF THE METROPLAN.
-------0----------
LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME MAKES GAINS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG SHOULD BUILD UP A WELL RESPECTED LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY SO THAT THE CREDIBILITY OF TEST RESULTS BY CERTI FICATION LABORATORIES IN THE TERRITORY CAN BE ENHANCED, THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS), DR L.H. NG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY)>
ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFICATION LABORATORIES, DR NG EXPLAINED THAT HOKLAS WAS LAUNCHED IN 1985 AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR INDUSTRY.
IN THE THREE YEARS SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION, THE SCHEME HAD PROGRESSED FROM ONE WHICH CATERED PRINCIPALLY FOR THE TESTING OF EXPORT PRODUCTS TO ONE WHICH WAS BROADER-BASED, COVERING TESTING SERVICES PERFORMED FOR THE BENEFIT OF A WIDER RANGE OF HONG KONG INTERESTS.
THE ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES WERE INITIALLY ORGANISED UNDER FOUR PRODUCT CATEGORIES - TEXTILES, TOYS, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS \ND FOOD, IN ADDITION TO A COMMON SERVICE FOR LABORATORY TESTING CALIBRATION.
"IN 1987, THE SCHEME WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND, AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, WE WILL BE TURNING OUR ATTENTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING," SHE SAID.
DR NG DESCRIBED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HOKLAS IN THE PAST THREE-YEARS AS REMARKABLE AND SAID THAT THIS RESULTED FROM THE I NTHUS1AST1C SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME GIVEN BY LABORATORY TESTING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG.
SHE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING ENACTING LEGISLATION FOR CONSUMER PROJECTION IN THE AREAS CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND TOYS.
/’’WHEN SUCH
TUESDAY, JULY 1% 1988
’’WHEN SUCH LEGISLATION IS ENACTED, HOLLAS ACCREDITED LABORATORIES WILL NO DOUBT HAVE A GREATER ROLE TO PLAY IN THE TESTING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS," SHE SAID.
ON THE INTERNATIONAL FRONT, DR NG SAID THAT EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO ESTABLISH BILATERAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS Will! MAJOR OVERSEAS SCHEMES, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF HONG KONG'S TRADING PARTNERS.
IN CONCLUSION, SHE SAID THAT AS THE SCHEME BECAME FURTHER ESTABLISHED AND THE BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION MORE WIDELY APPRECIATED, INTEREST IN LABORATORY ACCREDITATION WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW.
"THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO EMBRACE OTHER AREAS AS THE NEED ARISES.
"THUS, IN ADDITION TO THE ALREADY ESTABLISHED COMMODITY GROUPS, THERE MAY BE A NEED TO CONSIDER CATERING FOR ACCRED1 TATION REQUIREMENTS IN THE TESTING OF PLASTICS, METALS, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND OPTICAL GOODS AND FOR CERTAIN OTHER MANUFACTURING SECTORS," SHE ADDED.
-------0 ---------
URBAN COUNCIL GETS CREDIT FOR SCIENCE MUSEUM PROJECT ♦ ♦ t ♦ *
THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED FOR ITS "DYNAMISM" WHICH HAS MADE POSSIBLE THE BUILDING OF HONG KONG’S WORLD-CLASS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
SPEAKING AT A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY FOR WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE MUSEUM TO START NEXT MONTH, THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, SAID: "I THINK POSTERITY, AND CERTAINLY I AS A CITIZEN WHO HAPPENS TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROJECT, WILL BEAR OUT THAT IT IS ENTIRELY DUE TO THE CREDIT AND DYNAMISM OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH HAVE MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE."
IN THANKING MR LEI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN H.M.G. FORSGATE, SAID THE COUNCI I. WAS PLEASED THAT THE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OTHERS CONCERNED "WILL SUPERSTRUCTURE IS COMPLETED BY JANUARY 1990, TO HAVE IT PUBLIC ON THE FIRST OF AUGUST OF THAT YEAR. A VERY TIGHT
COUNCIL, MR
ARCHITECTURAL
ENSURE THE
OPEN TO THE
SCHEDULE.”
MR FORSGATE SAID THE EXHIBITS AND FACILITIES IN THE MUSEUM WOULD HELP PEOPLE KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
/THIS URBAN .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
8 -
THIS URBAN COUNCIL PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $322.5 MILLION, OF WHICH $195.5 MILLION IS FOR PILING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE AND ABOUT $127 MILLION FOR EXHIBITS.
VISITORS TO THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDING WILL BE ABLE TO TOUCH AND OPERATE MOST OF THE EXHIBITS - ABOUT HALF OF WHICH WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE BEST MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD AND THE OTHER HALI "ORIGINAL DESIGNS” CREATED JOINTLY BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TALENTS.
EMPHASIS WILL BE MADE ON SELECTING EXHIBITS WII I ('ll SHOU INTERESTING SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AND PHENOMENA, IN PARTICULAR TO BRING OUT THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY USED IN HONG KONG AS SEEN AGAINST ('HINA’S TECHNOLOGICAL HERITAGE.
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WAYS TO IMPROVE NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN CAUSEWAY BAY ♦ * » ♦ ♦
A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO IMPROVE VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD IN IMPLEMENTED FROM SATURDAY (JULY 23), THE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ALLEVIATE THE CHAOTIC TRAFFIC PREVAILING ON
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
THAT THE SCHEME WILL THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC
LANES OF GLOUCESTER ROAD OUTSIDE EXCELSIOR HOTEL AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
THE CHAOTIC TRAFFIC SITUATION IS MAINLY DUE TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC MAKING USE OF THE HAPPY VALLEY LANE TO JUMP THE (’ROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL QUEUES, THUS BLOCKING THE NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC, HE EXPLAINED.
"THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO AVOID SUCH BLOCKAGE BY USING ROAD MARKINGS TO SEPARATE THE KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC AND THE HAPPY VALLEY-BOUND TRAFFIC,” HE ADDED.
/THE MAIN
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
- 9 -
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
» A SOLID-CUM-BROKEN WHITE LINE WILL BE DESIGNATED ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD SO THAT HAPPY VALLEY-BOUND TRAFFIC CANNOT CUT ACROSS TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND LANE.
THE ROAD MARKING ON VICTORIA PARK ROAD BETWEEN HING FAT STREET AND THE PETROL STATION OUTSIDE EXCELSIOR HOTEL WILL BE IN PLACE ON JULY 23 WHILE THE ONE ON GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN EXCELSIOR HOTEL AND ITS JUNCTION WITH PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE COMPLETED ON JULY 24.
♦ A SHORT-SECTION OF BUS-ONLY LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED ON GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR PERCIVAL STREET TO FACILITATE ACCESS OF BUSES TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND CENTRAL.
* THE JUNCTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD WITH PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE MODIFIED SO THAT VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON THE GLOUCESTER hOAD SERVICE ROAD HEADING FOR HAPPY VALLEY, WAN CHAI AND CENTRAL CAN CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEYS ON THIS SERVICE ROAD OR TURN TO PERCIVAL STREET.
* THE LAYOUT OF THE EXISTING BUS BAY OUTSIDE EXCELSIOR HOTEL WILL BE MODIFIED TO FACILITATE BUS OPERATIONS.
♦ AS VEHICLES CAN NO LONGER JUMP THE TUNNEL QUEUE VIA THE GATE NEXT TO THE BUS BAY, THE GATE WILL BE CLOSED SO THAT VEHICLES WILL NOT CUT ACROSS THE BUSES LEAVING THE BUS BAY.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED MOTORISTS TO WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN THE AREA.
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RENT FOR 57 POST-1973
ESTATES TO BE REVISED IN SEPTEMBER
*****
DOMESTIC RENT FOR 57 REVISED FROM SEPTEMBER 1.
POST-1973 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES
WILL BE
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), REVISION WILL AFFECT 158,069 FLATS, MOST REVIEWED IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID THE OF WHICH HAD THEIR RENTS
/’’IN REVISING.......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
10 -
"IN REVISING RENTS, THE AUTHORITY HAS TAKEN TENANTS’ AFFORDABILITY INTO CONSIDERATION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE 15 PER CENT MEDIAN RENT/INCOME RATIO AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DOMESTIC RENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AFTER THE REVISION, THE INCREASE FOR 99 PER CENT OF THESE TENANTS WILL RANGE FROM $14 TO $125 A MONTH, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF THREE TO 18 PER CENT OF THEIR EXISTING RENTS.
"THE NEW AVERAGE RENTS ARE ESTIMATED TO REPRESENT ONLY 10.3 PER CENT OF THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF THE TENANTS CONCERNED, AND WILL REMAIN CONSIDERABLY BELOW RENT LEVELS PAYABLE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR."
NEW INCLUSIVE RENT LEVELS WILL REMAIN REASONABLE AT $12.58 TO $22.80 A SQUARE' METRE, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT $10.50 TO $21.24 A SQUARE METRE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE LAST RENT REVIEW, RATES HAVE BEEN INCREASED ON AN AVERAGE OF 14.3 PER CENT FOLLOWING THE PHASING OUT OF THE RATES RELIEF SCHEME IN APRIL 1987 AND THE GENERAL REVALUATION OF ALL DOMESTIC PROPERTIES IN THE TERRITORY IN APRIL 1988.
THE TOTAL ADDITIONAL RATES OF THIS PARTICULAR GROUP OF ESTATES PAYABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN APRIL 1987 AND AUGUST 1988 WI LI AMOUNT TO $30.5 MILLION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OTHER FACTORS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE BIENNIAL RENT REVIEW INCLUDED ESTATE VALUE AND RATE OF INFLATION.
’THE ESTATES ARE AMONG THE NEWEST OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, AND ARE PROVIDED WITH MODERN FACILITIES AND SERVED BY A WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES COMPARABLE TO THE LATEST ESTATES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE RATE OF INFLATION DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS HAS RISEN BY 10.5 PER CENT AND THE EXISTING RENT LEVELS OF THESE ESTATES REPRESENT ONLY 17 TO 38 PER CENT OF THE ASSESSED CURRENT MARKET VALUE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID TENANTS WILL BE INFORMED TODAY OF THE NEW RENTS AND RATES TOGETHER WITH AN EXPLANATORY NOTE.
HE ADDED THAT TENANTS WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY MAY APPLY FOR TRANSFER TO CHEAPER FLATS. ESTATE STAFF WILL ALSO REFER THEIR CASES TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.
/THE FOLLOWING
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1)88
THE FOLLOWING IS Till l 1ST OF 7 l'O'’l 1973 HOLS I MG \l HIORIT* PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES:
\P LEI CHAU Ol MAN
BUTTERFLY ON II NG
CHAR ON PAR IIN
CHEUNG CHING I’OK HONG
(HEUNG HONG SAM SHING
CHEUNG KWAI SHA KOK
CHEUNG WAH SHAN KING
CHOI WAN SHEK KIP MEI
(’HOI YUEN SHEK LEI (1)
CHUK YUEN (SOUTH) SHEK WAI i:or
CHUN SHEK SHUJ PIN WAI
FU SHIN SHUN LI 1
BIN KENG SHUN ON
HING WAH (II) SHUN TIN
HUNG HOM SUN CHUI
JORDAN VALLEY SUN TIN WAI
KAI YIP TAI HANG TUNG
KWAI SUING (WEST) TAI HING
KWONG FUK TAJ WO HAU CON.
LAI KING TAI YUEN
LA 1 YIU TUNG TAU (1)
I LEI MUK SHUE TUNG TAU (II)
LEK YUEN WANG TAU HOM (II)
LOK FU WO CHE
LUNG HANG WONG TAJ SIN, LOWER (1)
MEI LAM WONG TAI SIN. LOWER (II)
MEI TUNG WU KING
NAM SHAN YAU 01
YUE WAN
-------0----------
PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME STARTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
NEGLIGENCE AND MALPRACTICE OF PEDESTRIANS IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
IN THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1,846 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS HAD OCCURRED ON HONG RONG ISLAND, OF WHICH SOI CASES RESULTED IN DEATHS AND INJURIES OF PEDESTRIANS. AND 66.1 PER CENT OF Till CASUALTIES WERE CAUSED BY NOTHING OTHER THAN NEGLIGENCE OF THE PEDESTRIANS THEMSELVES.
/THESE FIGURES .......
TUESDAY, JULY 1% 1?88
12 -
THESE FIGURES WERE REVEALED BY THE ACTING POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER OF HONG KONG ISLAND, MR WONG TSAN-KWONG, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
MR WONG SAID THE FIGURE FOR THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 6.4 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
HE POINTED OUT THAT JAYWALKING WAS STILL A PRIMARY FACTOR OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS AND IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME WAS ORGANISED TO REMIND PEDESTRIANS TO OBSERVE THE ROAD SAFETY CODES WHEN (’ROSS I NG THE ROADS.
DURING THE TWO-DAY CAMPAIGN PERIOD (JULY 19 AND 20), MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS WILL, UNDER POLICE GUIDANCE, BE DEPLOYED AT SEVEN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS IN EASTERN, WAN CHAI, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS TO DISTRIBUTE A LEAFLET TO PEDESTRIANS, IN PARTICULAR JAYWAKERS.*
THE LEAFLET CONTAINS ADVICE ON ROAD SAFETY AND FEATURES SIX COMMON PEDESTRI AN IRREGULARITIES.
(A) USING THE ROAD NEGLIGENTLY TO ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE;
(B) CROSSING WITHIN A ZEBRA CONI ROLLED AREA WITHOUT MAKING USE OF THE ZEBRA (’ROSS I NG:
(C) CROSSING WITHIN 15 METRES OF A LIGHT SIGNAL CROSSING WITHOUT OBSERVING THE LIGHT SIGNAL INSTRUCTION;
( I) > CROSSING WITHIN 15 METRES OF A FOOTBRIDGE OR A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY WITHOUT USING THE FACILITIES;
(E) CLIMBING OVER/THROUGH A ROAD FENCE OR A CENTRAL RESERVATION ONTO A CARRIAGEWAY; AND
(F) OVERSTAYING ON A CROSSING FACILITY.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY .ASSOCIATION AND THE TRAFFIC HONG KONG ISLAND OF THE POLICE, IT IS THE FIFTH TIME THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS HELD. MORE THAN 20,000 PEDESTRIAN OFFENDERS HAVE BEEN EXHORTED IN THE PREVIOUS EXERCISES SIN( E 1985.
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/15........
TUESDAY, JULY 19» 1988
- 15 -
EMPLOYERS
URGED TO MAKE TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS *****
EMPLOYERS ARE TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED TO MAKE PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES ON WORKING ARRANGEMENTS DURING TYPHOON.
SUCH AGREEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE RULES FOR REPORTING TO WORK AND RELEASING EMPLOYEES FROM WORK, AND THE METHOD OF CALCULATING WAGES UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID ALTHOUGH THE LAW DID NOT LAY DOWN ANY PARTICULAR PROVISIONS, IT WOULD BE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FOR AGREEMENTS TO BE REACHED.
HE SAID EMPLOYERS SHOULD GIVE PRIOR CONSIDERATION TO THEIR WORKERS' SAFETY, BOTH AT THE WORKPLACE AND WHILE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM HOME DURING A TYPHOON.
"NORMALLY, EMPLOYERS SHOULD NOT REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO REPORT FOR DUTY OR TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. K OR A HIGHER SIGNAL IS HOISTED, OR WHEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS ABOUT TO STOP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS, HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WHO ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL OR EMERGENCY DUTIES DURING A TYPHOON."
EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN DRAFTING OR PREPARING TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS CAN APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE FOR ADVICE.
------0-------
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT » * * » #
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION'S NO. 3 REPORT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
COMMITTEE WILL AT ITS MEETING
THE COMMITTEE SCHEME UNDER WHICH PREFERENTIAL SERVICES SHOPPING.
WILL ALSO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT CAN ENJOY IN SUCH AREAS AS MEDICAL CARE, TRANSPORT AND
MEMBERS WILL ALSO AND THE ASSOCIATED WATER
DISCUSS THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC WATER WASTAGE.
P I PES
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----------
/14........
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME t * » * *
MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE SETTLED BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 1988-89 AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PROGRAMME, PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL FORM THE BASIC GUIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUS SERVICES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
MEMBERS WILL COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL TO SCRAP THE CURRENT REQUIREMENT OF PROVIDING TWO PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF A DRIVING LICENCE.
THE RESULTS OF A REVIEW ON PEDESTRIAN CROSSING BLACK SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN THE DISTRICT LAST YEAR WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR ALLOTMENT OF PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG SHU1 FOR THE DISABLED, AS WELL AS A SUGGESTION TO PROVIDE A LOADING AND UNLOADING BAY ALONG LUNG SUM AVENUE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE RELOCATION OF A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND IN TSUN FU STREET, SHEUNG SHUT; PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 53K; AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE JUNCTION OF PO SHEK WU ROAD AND CHOI YUEN ROAD, AND TO A FOOTBRIDGE LINKING SHEK WU HUI AND CHOI YUEN ESTATE.
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. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
KCR SERVICES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * » » » «
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS MEASURES TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS, AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE KCRC WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUERIES.
/OTHER ITEMS
TUESDAY, JULY 1% 1988
- 15 -
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE PROVISION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AT THE SEAFRONT OFF MA TAU KOK ROAD, IMPROVEMENT WORK TO THE RAILINGS AND FOOTSTEPS AT VALLEY ROAD AND REPAIRS TO THE SITTING-OUT AREA AT HO KAR YUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PU1 LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
-------0----------
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA AT KORNHILL
* * * *
RESIDENTS IN QUARRY BAY WILL HAVE A NEW PLACE FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES WHEN THE SITTING-OUT AREA, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF HONG YUE STREET AND HONG ON STREET IN KORNHILL, OPENS ON SATURDAY (JULY 23).
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SITTING-OUT AREA, AT A COST OF ABOUT $196,00(1, WAS FUNDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA, WHICH HAS A CHINESE PAVILION, SOME FLOWER-BEDS AND BENCHES, WILL PROVIDE A GOOD RECREATIONAL VENUE FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.
IN SUPPORT OF THE 1988 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED), PLANTING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT THE SITTING-OUT AREA AFTER ITS OFFICIA1 OPENING AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD- CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE WED WORKING GROUP OE’ THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR WAN SHEK-LUN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS BETTY YEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KORNHILL SITTING-OUT AREA AND WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY PLANTING ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY (JULY 23) AT THE JUNCTION OF HONG ON STREET AND HONG YUE STREET NEAR SAI WAN TERRACE, QUARRY BAY. THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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/16........
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
16
SAFETY GLASS MANUFACTURER SETS UP PLANT IN HONG KONG ♦ * » t *
HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES WILL BE MUCH BENEF1TTED FROM THE PRESENCE OF HONG KONG TOUGH GLASS LIMITED AS A RELIABLE SUPPLIER OF TOUGHENED GLASS, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR C.L. CHU SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR CHIU WAS CONFIDENT THAT THIS MANUFACTURING PLANT IN YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WOULD BE A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG. HE ANALYSED THE MARKET SITUATION TO GUESTS WHEN SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HONG KONG TOUGH GLASS LIMITED.
HE SAID HONG KONG DEPENDED ON OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS FOR TOUGHENED GLASS AND THE AMOUNT OF IMPORTS HAD DOUBLED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
"TOUGHENED GLASS IS OFTEN SPECIFIED WHERE THE SITUATION DEMANDS STRENGTH, SAFETY AND RESISTANCE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE CHANGES.
"ITS SAFETY PROPERTIES INCLUDE THAT IT IS UP TO FIVE TIMES STRONGER UNDER LOAD, THAN ORDINARY GLASS; AND IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF IT BEING BROKEN, FRAGMENTS ARE SMALL, HAVE BLUNT EDGES AND' ARE RELATIVELY HARMLESS.
"IT IS THEREFORE THAT THERE IS A GROWING PREFERENCE FOR TOUGHENED GLASS," MR C,H,U EXPLAINED..
,, i,..। h -,i i Hi i: । 11 ■ 1 ' ' ' ' '
HE CONGRATULATED TOKYO TEMPERED GLASS, THE PARENT COMPANY OF HONG KONG TOUGH GLASS,,, ON THIS SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF THEIR PRESENCE INTO 'lIONp Kp^Np, , , । i<‘
"YOU ARE OPENING FOR BUSINESS AT AN AUSPICIOUS TIME PARTLY BECAUSE THE CONSTRUCTION, INDUSTRY WHICH YOU SERVE IS IN A PERIOD OF HIGH ACTIVITY AND PARTLY BECAUSE THE DEMAND FOR YOUR PRODUCT IS STEADII'.V GROWING," HE SAID.
MR CHU ADDED THAT THIS LOCAL PLANT OF TOKYO TEMPERED GLASS WAS SET UP THROUGH TRE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE OE THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IN TOKYO. THE FIRST CONTACT WAS MADE IN MARCH 1985.
17 , > -i Iff J’.MI* . H * 1 • IC " । '
------O--------
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
tit
THE
THE ADVICE
DEPUTY OF THE
TO THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING
SENTENCE PASSED ON
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAM HON-WING ON
COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 30 YEARS'
, HAS DECIDED FEBRUARY 10, IMPRISONMENT.
INTO CONSIDERATION
THAT
1987
THE DEATH
SHOULD BE
LAM WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF KWOK YEE-MAN.
0 -
/17
4
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1988
17 -
WATER CUTS IN TO KWA WAN, NGAU TAU KOK, HUNG HOM » » » » *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN AND NGAU TAU KOK AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO HUNG HOM WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR WATER WORKS LATER THIS WEEK.
THE SUSPENSION IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 21) TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22).
THE WATER CUT WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND THE SEAFRONT.
THE SUSPENSION IN NGAU TAU KOK WILL BE FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 21) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOING DAY.
AFFECTED WILL BE NOS. 7, 15, 33 AND 55 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD; BLOCKS A TO G, AMOY GARDENS AND BLOCKS 8 TO 14 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE.
IN ADDITION, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF HUNG HOM DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 4 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22) TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
-------o ---------
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON TSING FUNG STREET, NORTH POINT * ♦ * t t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TSING FUNG STREET IN NORTH POINT WILL BECOME 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22):
» THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSING FUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 14 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
» THE LAY-BY ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSING FUNG STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 14 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION OF TSING FUNG STREET WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 78 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT 10 WEEKS FOR ROADWORKS.
--------o-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
COMMISSIONER’S ROLE AND SCOPE WILL BE REVIEWED.............. 1
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS COMMISSIONER BILL SUPPORTED .. 3
COMMISSIONER’S SCOPE COULD BE EXPANDED IN TIME ............. 5
’BUILT IN SAFETY VALVE’ REQUIRED ........................... 7
C FOR AC BILL FAR FROM PERFECT ............................. 8
’OMBUDSMAN’ BILL DEFICIENT IN BASIC APPROACH............... 10
AUTHORITY MAY IN TIME RECONSIDER TV BILL PROVISION...... 11
BROADCASTING INDUSTRY BETTER PLACED TO SERVE PUBLIC .... 14
COMMUNITY INTEREST WILL BE SAFEGUARDED..................... 15
TRAVEL AGENTS BROUGHT INTO ONE RECOGNISED BODY............. 16
SELF-REGULATION WILL HELP TRAVEL INDUSTRY.................. 19
COMPENSATION FOR TRAVELLERS GUARANTEED..................... 21
FULL COMPENSATION FROM TRAVEL FUND ADVOCATED............... 22
DISCOUNTED COMPENSATION UNREASONABLE....................... 23
MID-1989 Target for fully implementing noise CONTROL ... 24
NOISE CONTROL BILL ACHIEVES BALANCE........................ 26
CIVIC EDUCATION ON NOISE POLLUTION NEEDED.................. 28
TECHNICAL MEMORANDA SHOULD BE WRITTEN INTO LAW............. 29
SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT NEEDED........................... 30
IMPORTANT NEED FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION ..................... 32
DRAFTING POINT AMENDMENT MADE TO BILL...................... 33
CALL FOR VIGILANCE ON RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION............ 33
/Higher standards .......
HIGHER STANDARDS OF WORKER SAFETY, HEALTH ......... 34 INSURANCE INDUSTRY WaNTS PLEDGE ON LEVY ........... 37 EXTENSION WOULD DILUTE FOUNDATION'S RESOURCES ..... 37 FOUNDATION SHOULD COVER OTHER GROUPS OF DISABLED .. 38 MENTALLY ILL SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN COVERAGE ....... 39 RESTAURANTS STOPPED FROM FLOUTING LAW ............. 40 TEN BILLS PASSED.................................... 41 MOTION ON NEW TELCO SERVICE PnSSED ................. 41 COMPRESSED .,IR WORK: SAFETY PROVISIONS ADEQUATE..... 42 POLICY ON FOREIGN LAWYERS BEING REVIEWED ........... 43 FIRE SERVICES PLiNS REGISTRY ON CHEMICALS .......... 45 STEPS BEING T.JCEN TO IMPROVE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE .... 46 NO PL.1N TO CONTROL PRIVATE FUNERAL FUNDS .......... 47 QUOTAS ON CROSS-BORDER C„R TRAFFIC ......................... 48 MaRBLE CAVERNS NOT CAUSING DANGER TO EXISTING BUILDINGS 49 METROPLAN 'WILL COMPLEMENT NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.................. 50 MEASURES TO ENSURE PROPER DISPLAY OF TRAFFIC SIGNS ..... 52
ROLE OF ORTHOPTISTS EXPLAINED..................... 55 DISPUTE DELAYS WaTER SUPPLY SYSTSM FOR MA WAN .... 54 adequate control over two RAILWAY corporations.... 55 VISA FEES cover cost of service .................. 56 EMERGENCY ,iMBUI«NCE SERVICES HAVE PRIORITY ............ 57 NEW AM CHANNEL UNDER RTHK BEING PL'iNNED......................... 57 PROBLEMS IN ESTABLISHING DYEING, FINISHING COMPLEX .............. 58 COUNCILLORS PRAISED FOR HARD WORK ...................... 59
GOVT AIMS TO- INSURE HK'S FUTURE AS FINANCIAL CENTRE................ 60 FS ON INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM .............................. 64 FS CONGRATULATES HKSE'S DECISION ON CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENTS .............................................. 66
NEW VOTING SYSTIM FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS ..................... 66 FOUR TYPES OF YOUTH WORK EXPLAINED ........................ 68 TaKE EXTRA SaFETY MEASURES, CONTRACTORS URGED ............. 70 MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL ............ 71 Eastern db to discuss education commission report.......... 71 DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ................ 72 TRAVEL TRaDE SYMPOSIUM INVITES APPLICATIONS ............... 72 GOVERNMENT LJiD TO LET BY TENDER........................... 73 TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR LRT OPERATIONS ........................ 73 TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROaD............ 75 SUSPENSION OF PaRKING SPACES .............................. 75 TJMPOR.IRY ROAD CLOSUjffi IN YAU Ma TEI ................... 75
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
COMMISSIONER’S ROLE AND SCOPE WILL BE REVIEWED t t t t t
THE ROLE AND SCOPE OE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER THE OFFICE COMES INTO OPERATION, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THE MATTER HAD IMPORTANT IMPLICATIONS AND HAD ATTRACTED SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC' INTEREST.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD UNDERTAKE A REVIEW AFTER THE COMMISSIONER HAD OPERATED FOR A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TINE TO SEE WHETHER CHANGES WERE REQUIRED TO HIS ROLE, SCOPE OF JURISDICTION, INTERFACE WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OPERATING MACHINERY AND SO ON.
"I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD NOW PROCEED TO ENACT THE BILL AND THEN TO SET UP THE COMMISSION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS AND SEEK TO IMPROVE THE BILL’S PROVISIONS AS NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN DELAY IT FURTHER IN THE HOPE OF SEARCHING FOR AN EVEN BETTER MODEL," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE BILL, UNDER THE CONVENORSHIP OF THE HON SELINA CHOW, HAD MADE A VERY THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE BILL.
THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MRS CHOW REPRESENTED THE OUTCOME OF VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND THE ADMINISTRATION FULLY ACCEPTED THOSE AMENDMENTS.
CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT AND THE HON MARTIN LEE ABOUT THE EXCLUSION OF THE POLICE AND THE ICAC FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS.
MR MATHEWS EXPLAINED THAT AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAD SAID, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL ON JUNE 22, MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND THE ICAC WERE OF A FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT NATURE TO MALADMINISTRATION COMPLAINTS.
"EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT ONLY \ VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND THE ICAC INVOLVE ALLEGED MALADMINISTRATION.
"IF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS WERE TO ACT AS A FURTHER AVENUE OF APPEAL FOR THE POLICE AND THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, HE COULD ONLY DEAL WITH THIS VERY’ SMALL PROPORTION OF CASES.
/"THE GOVERNMfUT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
'THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE IT WOULD BE REASONABLE FOR AN AVENUE OF APPEAL TO BE AVAILABLE TO A SMALL MINORITY, BUT NOT TO THE MAJORITY, OF COMPLAINANTS WHOSE COMPLAINTS ARE DEALT WITH BY THE TWO COMMITTEES," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE ALSO REITERATED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO APPOINT THE COMMISSIONER AS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF BOTH THF POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
THIS WOULD ENABLE HIM TO LEND HIS EXPERTISE TO THESE ORGANISATIONS AND BOLSTER THEIR OPERATION.
MOREOVER, COMPLAINANTS WHO WERE DISSATISFIED WITH OF THEIR COMPLAINTS WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THE RIGHT, AS TO PETITION THE GOVERNOR TO SEEK REVIEW OF THEIR CASES.
THE RESULTS AT PRESENT,
'THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT ALL THESE MEASURES TAKEN TOGETHER SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES ARISING FROM POLICE AND ICAC ACTIONS," MR MATHEWS SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT IMAGF OF THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS STAFF, MENTIONED BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND MR LEE, HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS SENIOR AND INVESTIGATORY STAFF SHOULD BE NON-CIVIL SERVANTS.
APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THIS WAS IMPLEMENTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
HOWEVER, AT THE INITIAL STAGE, IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT TO AVOID SECONDING CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE COMMISSIONER’S ORGANISATION SO THAT IT MIGHT START OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE REMARKS BY DR THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, HE SAID THE BILL HAD GONE THROUGH A VERY DETAILED PROCESS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
THIS INCLUDED TWO MONTHS’ CONSULTATION IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 30 LAST YEAR, SUBSEQUENT DETAILED STUDY BY THE COUNCIL’S AD HOC GROUP, WHICH NOT ONLY FORMULATED ITS OWN VIEWS BUT ALSO COMMENTED ON THE SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED IN THE PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS, AND, FURTHERMORE, VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THF COMMENTS MADE BY MEMBERS OF TllE PUBLIC AND THE AD HOC GROUP.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO ILL PROPOSALS FOR AMENDMENTS AND HAS ACCEPTED MANY OF THEM.
"THE OVERALL EFFECT OF THESE CHANGES HAS BEEN TO BROADEN SOMEWHAT THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER.
/"THE COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 f 1988
"THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MRS SELINA CHOW WILL FURTHER IMPROVE THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE BILL," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID THERE OBVIOUSLY COULD BE OTHER APPROACHES AS DR SOHMEN HAD SUGGESTED.
"HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO BUILD ON EXISTING MACHINERY AND CHANNELS," HE SAID.
"WE ALREADY HAVE A WELL DEVELOPED AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR REDRESSING THE GRIEVANCES FELT BY THE PUBLIC ARISING FROM THE ACTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, BASED ON AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY, A PARTIALLY ELECTED LEGISLATURE AND A RANGE OF OTHER CHANNELS.
"IT IS CLEARLY DESIRABLE TO AVOID DISRUPTING THE OPERATION OF THESE EXISTING CHANNELS.
"AFTER ALL, GRIEVANCES COULD ARISE FROM GOVERNMENT DECISIONS EVEN WHERE NO MALADMINISTRATION IS INVOLVED - AND QUESTIONS OF POLICY ARE OUTSIDE THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS’ JURISDICTION."
-----0------
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS COMMISSIONER BILL SUPPORTED ♦ ♦ t ♦ t
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988 SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BECAUSE, AFTER EXTENSIVE PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT, THE BILL FINALLY ENABLES HONG KONG TO PROCEED WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, THE HON.SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHOW SAID THE CONSULTATION PROCESS THAT LED TO THE BILL DESERVED PRAISE.
"IT MORE THAN MAKES UP FOR THE INADEQUACIES OF THE ORIGINAL CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WHICH MANY REGARDED AS SKETCHY AND LACKING IN J INCERITY," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT VARIOUS POINTS RAISED BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, OF WHICH SHE WAS CONVENER, HAD ALL BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH ONE EXCEPTION.
THE EXCEPTION RELATED TO WHETHER THE POLICE AND THE ICAC OUGHT TO COME UNDER THE COMMISSIONER’S JURISDICTION.
/HA FEW
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
"A FEW MEMBERS FEEL QUITE STRONGLY THAT THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE HAVE NOT BEEN AND ARE NOT SEEN BY THE PUBLIC TO BE TOTALLY UNBIASED," SHE SAID.
THIS GAVE RISE TO THE SUGGESTION THAT PERHAPS THE COMMISSIONER COULD BE GIVEN THE POWER TO ACT AS A LAST RESORT FOR COMPLAINANTS WHO HAD EXHAUSTED THE EXISTING CHANNELS OF THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE AND THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THE COMPLAINTS 'N QUESTION FITTED THE DEFINITION OF MALADMINISTRATION.
MRS CHOW NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, WAS OF THE VIEW THAT THE ARRANGEMENT FOR ENABLING THE COMMISSIONER TO BE A MEMBER OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WOULD ENABLE HIM TO LOOK AT CASES ON WHICH HE MIGHT HAVE QUESTIONS, WHILE IT WOULD NOT RAISE PUBLIC HOPES WHICH THE COMMISSIONER MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO SATISFY.
THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP WERE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE GOVERNMENT’S SUGGESTION AS A BEGINNING, SHE SAID.
THE. MATTER WOULD NO DOUBT BE REVIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE JURISDICTION CONTAINED IN THE BILL A YEAR OR TWO AFTER THE LAW HAD BEEN ENACTED, SHE ADDED.
REGARDING THE SCOPE OF THE COMMISSIONER’S JURISDICTION AS OUTLINED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE, MRS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE OMELCO SECRETARIAT WAS INCLUDED BECAUSE IT CAME INTO REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, MEMBERS FELT THAT FOR THE SAME REASONS THE TWO SECRETARIATS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED TO CONSULT THE PARTIES CONCERNED FOR INCLUSION AT A LATER STAGE," SHE NOTED.
WHILE SPEAKING ON THE REFERRAL ARRANGEMENT, MRS CHOW SAID ALTHOUGH SOME MEMBERS STILL PREFERRED THE DIRECT APPROACH, THE AD HOC GROUP IN GENERAL ACCEPTED THAT LEGCO SCREENING AND MONITORING DID HAVE MERIT.
"WHAT MUST BE RESOLVED ARE THE LOGISTICS OF THE RECEPTION OF CASES AND INVOLVEMENT OF MEMBERS," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT LEGCO HAD ALSO TO EXAMINE HOW IT SHOULD MONITOR AND LIAISE WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE WHICH, NO DOUBT, WOULD BE A PRIORITY MATTER IN THE NEW SESSION.
MRS CHOW ALSO MOVED A NUMBER OF COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL WHICH RESULTED FROM SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE AD HOC GROUP AND ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF MALADMINISTRATION TO INCLUDE THE EXERCISE OF DISCRETIONARY POWERS, SO AS TO PUT IT BEYOND DOUBT THAT THE WRONGFUL EXERCISE OF SUCH POWERS WOULD FALL WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER.
/ANOTHER AMENDMENT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 5 -
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WAS TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER WITH AN INVESTIGATION IF HE CONSIDERED IT IN THE PUBLIC DO SO EVEN IF THE COMPLAINANT, FOR WHATEVER REASON, CHOSE THE COMPLAINT.
TO PROCEED INTEREST TO
TO WITHDRAW
AN AMENDMENT WAS ALSO MADE TO THE COMMISSIONER TO ALERT A PARTY WHO MIGHT NOT BE DONE TO HIM SO THAT HE MIGHT BE IN A POSITION LODGE A COMPLAINT.
BILL TO ALLOW THE
AWARE OF THE INJUSTICE TO CHOOSE WHETHER TO
0
COMMISSIONER’S SCOPE COULD » » « «
BE EXPANDED IN TIME »
CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING THE ROLE AND SCOPE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS AFTER TWO YEARS IF THE NEW OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER PROVES ITS WORTH, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988, MR CHEONG-LEEN BELIEVED IT WOULD BE MORE PRACTICAL FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO START WITH HANDLING ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS WHICH WERE CHANNELLED THROUGH LEGCO MEMBERS.
THIS WAS BECAUSE THE STAFF ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE WOULD BEGIN WITH MERELY 19 POSTS AND THE INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION WOULD BE SMALL.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE COMMISSIONER’S EXPERIENCE AFTER THE FIRST TWO YEARS, THE SITUATION COULD THEN BE REVIEWED AS TO WHETHER COMPLAINTS COULD BE MADE BY ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC DIRECT TO THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE," HE SAID.
A SUGGESTION THAT COMPLAINANTS WHO WERE DISSATISFIED WITH THE FINDINGS OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE OR ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LODGE THEIR COMPLAINTS WITH THE COMMISSIONER DID NOT FIND FAVOUR WITH MR CHEONG-LEEN.
"AS I HAVE POINTED OUT ALREADY, THE COMMISIONER’S OFFICE WILL HAVE A SMALL STAFF, AND DURING THE INITIAL TWO YEARS, IT .WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO SEE HOW THE COMMISSIONER PERFORMS IN RESPECT OF THE 52 DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THE ORDINANCE APPLIES AS LISTED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE," HE SAID.
/NEVERTHELESS, HE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
NEVERTHELESS, HE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL THAT THE COMISSIONER BE APPOINTED AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF BOTH THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AS THIS ARRANGEMENT SHOULD ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO LEND HIS EXPERTISE TO THESE TWO MONITORING BODIES.
BUT IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT COMPLAINANTS WOULD STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL DIRECT TO THE GOVERNOR, HE STRESSED.
REFERRING TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT THAT THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE INDEPENDENT AND BE SEEN TO BE SO, MR CHEONG-LEEN POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD PROMISED THAT AS FAR AS PRACTTCABLE, THE COMMISSIONER’S STAFF WOULD NOT BE CIVIL SERVANTS SO AS TO REGISTER WITH THE PUBLIC THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE COMMISSIONER'S OFF CE.
"THE COMMISSIONER’S APPOINTMENT WILL BE FOR FIVE YEARS, AND HE MAY BE REAPPOINTED. IN ORDER TO UPHOLD HIS INDEPENDENCE, THE GOVERNOR CAN ONLY REMOVE THE COMMISSIONER SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE GROUND OF INABILITY TO DISCHARGE THE FUNCTIONS OF HIS OFFICE, OR MISBEHAVIOUR.
"FURTHERMORE, ONCE THE COMMISSIONER RECEIVES A REI,EVANT COMPLAINT THROUGH A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, HE HAS TO INFORM THE COMPLAINANT DIRECT AND THE COUNCILLOR CONCERNED OF THE RESULTS OF HIS INVESTIGATIONS.
"THIS IS ANOTHER CHECKS-AND-BALANCE ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR IS ABLE TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON A COMPLAINT," HE CONTINUED.
MR CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THAT THERE WERE CLAUSES WHICH PROVIDED FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO REPORT SERIOUS IRREGULARITIES TO THE GOVERNOR FOR TABLING IN LEGCO AND ALSO STIPULATING THAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD ANNUALLY PRESENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL A REPORT ON THE COMMISSIONER’S WORK.
"THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS WILL BE NO ’PAO KUNG’ TRAVELLING ROUND THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SEEKING TO UNEARTH INJUSTICES. BUT WE HOPE THAT THIS OFFICE WILL BE A REFINEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT ON THE EXISTING NETWORK OF COMPLAINTS SYSTEM," HE CONCLUDED.
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/7
WEDNESDAY. JULY 20, 1988
’BUILT IN SAFETY VALVE’ REQUIRED t t ♦ t »
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988 SHOULD HAVE A "BUILT IN SAFETY VALVE", THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE COMPLAINANTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND 1CAC TO APPEAL TO THE COMMISSIONER IF THEY WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RULINGS OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, BUT NOT WITHOUT RESERVATIONS, MR HUI SAID HE FULLY APPRECIATED THE NEED TO PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE ICAC AND THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE.
BUT HE WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE LACK OF FINAL APPEAL AGAINST ARBITRARY RULINGS IMPOSED BY THEIR MONITORING BOD 1 I S, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF COVER-UP OF MALPRACTICES.
"INSTEAD OF ADVOCATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TWO COMMITTEES BY THE COMMISSIONER, I WOULD CALL FOR SOME STATUTORY SAFEGUARD FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO SERVE AS A LAST RESORT," HE SAID.
"THAT IS, COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND ICAC SHOULD BE LODGED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO THE EXISTING CHANNELS; HOWEVER, IF THE COMPLAINANT IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME, HE CAN APPEAL TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS."
HE BELIEVED THAT BY MAKING AVAILABLE A SECOND OPINION, THE CREDIBILITY OF THE MONITORING BODIES WOULD BE INCREASED.
MR HUI MAINTAINED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS, A SYSTEM WHICH PROMISED THAT THE DOOR OF THE REDRESS SYSTEM WOULD BE OPEN TO ANYONE WHO KNOCKED AT IT, MUST GO ALL THE WAY TO GIVE BLANKET COVERAGE OF ALL CIVIL SERVANTS AND EMPLOYEES OF QUASI-GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC BODIES, INCLUDING THE POLICE AND ICAC.
"THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE ABLE TO PURSUE IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC AN INVESTIGATION WHICH HAS REVEALED ADEQUATE EVIDENCE OF MALADMINISTRATION, EVEN IF THE COMPLAINANT HAS WITHDRAWN HIS CASE DUE TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST," HE SAID.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS SHOULD EVALUATE COMPLAINTS REGULARLY AND RECOMMEND FOLLOW-UP ACTION THAT WOULD PREVENT THE RE-OCCURRENCE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.
WITHOUT AN ALL-EMBRACING SCOPE OF AUTHORITY AND ADEQUATE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO BACK HIM UP, THE COMMISSIONER MIGHT EASILY DIMINISH INTO ANOTHER ONE OF THE EXISTING COMPLAINT CHANNELS, IN WHICH CASE THE $6.3 MILLION OUTLAY INVOLVED WOULD BF WASTED.
/MR HUI
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 8
MR HUI SAID HE WAS CONVINCED BY THE ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND HELPLESSNESS OF PEOPLE WHO ASKED TO SEE HIM WHEN ALL DOORS OF THE PRESENT REMEDIAL SYSTEM WERE CLOSED THAT THE EXISTING REDRESS SYSTEM FOR COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE ABUSE OF AUTHORITY, INCLUDING THE POLICE AND 1CAC, WAS GROSSLY INADEQUATE.
HE CITED A CASE INVOLVING THE POLICE TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PERSONAL INJUSTICES INFLICTED BY INAPPROPRIATE ACTIONS OF THE POLICE WERE OFTEN NOT RESOLVED.
FIRST, THERE WAS THE UNREASONABLY LONG TIME THE AUTHORITIES TOOK TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS, CAUSING INTERMINABLE SUFFERING IN THE PUNITIVE SENSE TO THE COMPLAINANTS, BECOMING A DETERRENT TO LODGING COMPLAINTS AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION.
SECONDLY, THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES AND THE SECRETIVE MANNER IN WHICH INVESTIGATION WAS CARRIED OUT HAD FORCED PEOPLE TO BECOME INCREDULOUS OF THE IMPARTIALITY OF AN INVESTIGATORY MECHANISM MANNED BY CIVIL SERVANTS.
THIRDLY, APPEALS MADE TO THE MONITORING BODIES, WHICH WERE LEFT AT THE MERCY OF CIVIL SERVANTS, OFTEN ENDED UP WITH THE ORIGINAL DECISION, WITHOUT EXPLANATION GIVEN ON THE RATIONALE BEHIND IT.
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C FOR AC BILL FAR FROM PERFECT ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL FLAW IN THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988 IS THE EXCLUSION OF THE POLICE AND THE ICAC FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (C FOR AC).
THIS WAS ONE OF THE CRITICISMS MADE BY THE HON MARTIN LEE WHEN HE SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE EXPLAINED THAT HE HAD RELUCTANTLY DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE BILL DESPITE "STRONG RESERVATIONS" BECAUSE HE Di D NOT WANT TO FURTHER DELAY ITS PASSAGE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LONG-AWAITED BILL WAS "FAR FROM BEING PERFECT" AND THERE WERE A NUMBER OF "IMPORTANT DEFICIENCIES'.’.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
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HE NOTED THAT THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE (CAPO) DID NOT ENJOY THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC BECAUSE INVESTIGATIONS WERE DONE BY POLICE OFFICERS WHO WERE SEEN BY THE PUBLIC TO BE TAKING SIDES WITH THE POLICEMAN UNDER COMPLAINT; BECAUSE REPORTS WERE COMPILED BY POLICE OFFICERS; AND BECAUSE CAPO WAS MANNED BY POLICE OFFICERS WHO WOULD ULTIMATELY RETURN TO THEIR ORIGINAL OR OTHER UNITS WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE.
HE SAID THAT AS A RESULT, "JUSTICE IS MANIFESTLY NOT SEEN TO BE DONE".
COMMENTING ON THE ARGUMENT THAT THE C FOR AC WOULD NOT HAVE ENOUGH EXPERTISE TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND THE ICAC, MR LEE SAID INVESTIGATORS WOULD HAVE TO BE ENGAGED AND TRAINED AS IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE ICAC.
MR LEE DID NOT THINK THE C FOR AC COULD DO MUCH AS A MEMBER OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AS PROPOSED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, BECAUSE HIS "EXPERTISE" COULD NOT HELP HIM ENSURE THAT CAPO WOULD DO A GOOD JOB IN RELATION TO, FOR EXAMPLE, THE TAKING OF STATEMENTS FROM POLICEMEN COMPLAINED OF, OR THAT CAPO HAD CARRIED OUT ITS DUTIES CONSCIENTIOUSLY.
MR LEE SAID THAT SINCE THE POLICE FORCE RECEIVED THE GREATEST NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THERE WAS A VERY EFFECTIVE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM DEALING WITH THESE COMPLAINTS, SO THAT THE PUBLIC COULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE AND CO-OPERATE WITH THEM- IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
MR LEE STRESSED THAT INDEPENDNCE OF THE C FOR AC FROM THE GOVERNMENT WAS ABSOLUTELY VITAL.
IT WOULD THEREFORE BE WRONG IN PRINCIPLE FOR OFFICERS ASSISTING THE COMMISSIONER TO BE SECONDED FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE MAINTAINED.
IN ORDER TO ATTRACT SUITABLE CANDIDATES TO JOIN THE OFFICE, HE PROPOSED THAT THEY COULD BE PAID MORE THAN THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
MR LEE WAS ALSO CRITICAL OF THE REFERRAL SYSTEM WHEREBY COMPLAINTS WERE ONLY CHANNELLED TO THE C FOR AC BY INDIVIDUAL NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND LEGCO FOR THIS PLACED AN UNDULY HEAVY BURDEN ON MEMBERS, WHO * WERE NOT FULL TIME POLITICIANS, AND AS A RESULT AFFECTED THEIR PERFORMANCE AS SUPERVISORS.
"IN THAT EVENT, THE PUBLIC IMAGE OF THE C FOR AC AS WELL AS OMELCO AS A WHOLE WOULD BE TARNISHED," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED ALL COMPLAINTS SHOULD GO DIRECTLY TO THE C FOR AC, WHOSE STAFF WOULD SCREEN THEM AND REFER ALL COMPLAINTS ON POLICY TO THE OMELCO COMPLAINTS DIVISION WHILE RETAINING THOSE WHICH RELATED TO MALADMINISTRATION AS DEFINED UNDER THE BILL.
SCREENING, WHICH WAS CONSIDERED BY MR LEE AS A NECESSITY, COULD EITHER BE DONE BY THE STAFF OF THE C FOR AC OR THE STAFF OF OMELCO, THOUGH PREFERABLY BY THE FORMER.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
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'OMBUDSMAN' BILL DEFICIENT IN BASIC APPROACH * * t t *
THE COMMISSIONER F< ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988 IS DEFICIENT IN ITS BASIC APPROACH AND WILL NOT EFFECTIVELY ACHIEVE THE AIMS WHICH IT HAS SET OUT TO PRODUCE.
SPEAKING AGAINST THE BILL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON IT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), DR THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN SAID THAT IN PASSING THE BILL IN ITS PRESENT FORM, COUNCILLORS FACED THE RISK OF BEING JUDGED TO HAVE BEEN NEITHER WISE NOR PRACTICAL.
"WE SHOULD NOT MAKE LAWS THAT ARE SIMPLY PALLIATIVES, BAND-AIDS, OR FIG LEAVES. WE SHOULD ALSO NOT MAKE LAWS THAT ARE BASED ON MUDDLED POLICIES, UNCERTAIN AMBITIONS, OR ILL-FITTING MODELS BORROWED FROM OTHER PLACES", DR SOHMEN SAID.
"IF WE PROMISE A RELIEF VALUE BUT IT DOES NOT WORK, DISSATISFACTION WILL BE GREATER THAN IF WE HAD NOT DONE ANYTHING AT ALL," HE ADDED.
DR SOHMEN GAVE FOUR REASONS FOR OBJECTING TO THE BILL.
FIRST, HE DESCRIBED THE REQUIREMENT FOR COMPLAINTS TO THE COMMISSIONER TO BE FILTERED THROUGH OMELCO MEMBERS AS "UNNECESSARY" AND "UNDULY COMPLICATING".
"TO USE SUCH A REFERRAL PROCEDURE DOES DAMAGE THE IMAGE OF THE COMMISSIONER IN THE PUBLIC MIND WHICH EXPECTS EASY ACCESSIBILITY, INDEPENDENCE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ORGANS TO ENSURE NEUTRALITY AND SPEEDY PROCESSING OF COMPLAINTS," HE SAID.
SECONDLY, DR SOHMEN BELIEVED THAT THE SETTING UP OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS OFFICE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING CHANNELS OF COMPLAINTS WOULD GIVE RISE TO DUPLICATION, IF NOT TRIPLICATION, OF WORK.
HIS ORIGINAL SUGGESTION IN THE DEBATE ON THE "CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT: REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES" ON APRIL 8 LAST YEAR WAS THAT THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE SHOULD REPLACE, NOT BE ESTABLISHED IN ADDITION TO, THE EXISTING STRUCTURES.
HE QUESTIONED THE NEED FOR AN "OMBUDSMAN" IF THE EXISTING CHANNELS AND SYSTEM WERE WELL-DEVELOPED AND COMPREHENSIVE.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, IF THERE ARE GENUINE DOUBTS ABOUT THE EFFICACY OF EXISTING PROCEDURES, WHY NOT ABOLISH THE PRESENT STRUCTURES AND REPLACE THEM WITH SOMETHING BETTER?
"WHY GO FOR A MISH-MASH OF INSTITUTIONS THAT MAY END UP COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER, WILL DEFINITELY COST THE TAXPAYERS MORE AND MAY ULTIMATELY NOT ACHIEVE MORE SATISFACTORY RESULTS?" HE ASKED.
/THIRDLY, DR
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 f 1988
11
THIRDLY, DR SOHMEN MAINTAINED THAT THE POLICE AND THE ICAC SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSION.
HE SAID THAT SUCH A MOVE WOULD BE SEEN BY THE PUBLIC AS A SIGN THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS NEW INSTITUTION WAS NOT REALLY A SERIOUS EFFORT TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL FOR THESE COMPLAINTS.
HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT BY MAKING THE COMMISSIONER AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
’’INDEED IN THE PUBLIC EYE, IT COULD LOWER THE STATUS OF THE COMMISSIONER AS A SUPPOSEDLY IMPARTIAL REVIEW ORGAN OF THE GRIEVANCES OF PRIVATE CITIZENS,” HE SAID.
FOURTHLY, DR SOHMEN FELT STRONGLY THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER BY THE GOVERNOR SHOULD HAVE THE APPROVAL OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS.
”WE ARE NOW IN A TRANSITION PERIOD FOR HONG KONG AND ARE CREATING AN INSTITUTION WHOSE POWERS OF INVESTIGATION COULD LET IT ASSUME INFLUENCE OVER THE CONDUCT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS WHICH GOES beVoIid THE ORIGINAL DESIGN,” HE SAID.
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<•
AUTHORITY MAY IN TIME RECONSIDER TV BILL PROVISION » ♦ » » »
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MAY RECONSIDER THE PROVISION WHICH RESTRICTS A TELEVISION LICENSEE'S PARTICIPATION AS A MINORITY SHAREHOLDER IN OTHER COMPANIES, IF THE CASE SO WARRANTS.
.. THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN WINDING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILI 1988.
MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT SECTION 17A UNDER CLAUSE 14 REQUIRED THAT THE. LICENSEE MIGHT ONLY HOLD A MAJORITY INTEREST IN OTHER COMPANIES, AND REQUIRED, IN EFFECT, THE LICENSEE TO HAVE CONTROL OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF SUCH SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES, AS IT MIGHT BE PERMITTED TO ACQUIRE.
THE PURPOSE WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE LICENSEE WAS FULLY RESPONSIBILE FOR ANY OTHER BUSINESS IN WHICH IT HAD AN INTEREST AND WAS NOT SUBJECT TO \NY UNDUE EXTERNAL PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF ITS OUTSIDE INVESTMENTS.
/NOTING THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20t 1$68'
12
NOTING THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUPS'S CONCERN THAT THE PROVISION MIGHT BE UNDULY RESTRICTIVE ON A LICENSEE, MR TSAO SAID "THE DOOR IS NOT FOREVER CLOSED IN THIS RESPECT”.
"IF, IN THE FUTURE, THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SUCH PARTICIPATION ARISES, AND A LICENSEE CAN MAKE A CASE THAT PARTICIPATION IN OTHER COMPANIES WOULD BENEFIT TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG, THEN THE ISSUE MAY BE RECONSIDERED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION MAY BE REVIEWED,” HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE ESSENCE OF THE BILL, MR TSAO SAID IT DEALT WITH OWNERSHIP, CONTROL OF LICENSEE’S COMPANIES, THE PROHIBITION ON LICENSEES BEING HELD BY HOLDING COMPANIES AND CONTROLS ON INTERESTS LICENSEES MIGHT HAVE IN OTHER COMPANIES, AND THE CALCULATION OF ROYALTY.
IT SOUGHT TO AMEND AND ADD TO THE EXISTING PROVISIONS AND INCLUDE MORE DETAILED MACHANISMS TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
MR TSAO SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT LEGISLATION BE ENACTED TO PROVIDE THE STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPOSITION OF SOME OF THE NEW CONDITIONS ATTACHING TO THE NEW TELEVISION LICENCES, WHICH WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR. <•
THANKING MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS, MR TSAO SAID HE AGREED THAT THE STANDARD OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING MUST BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED.
"IT IS, OF COURSE, NOT APPROPRIATE TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE NEW LICENCES BY MEANS OF LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
"WE ARE ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE CODES OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME, ADVERTISING AND TECHNICAL STANDARDS.
"IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE MORE DETAILED PROGRAMMES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS WILL BE INCLUDED AS CONDITIONS IN THE NEW LICENCES.”
REFERRING TO THE TECHNICAL NATURE OF THE LEGISLATION, MR TSAO SAID IT SHOULD NOT UNDULY CONCERN THE SMALL SHAREHOLDER OR SMALL INVESTOR, BECAUSE IT AFFECTED PRIMARILY THOSE NON-LOCAL SHAREHOLDERS WITH LARGE SHAREHOLDINGS IN A LICENSEE’S COMPANY, WHO WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO EXPERT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
LATER, IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE, MR TSAO MOVED AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 1, 2, 5, 11, 12, 14 AND 20.
/ON CLAUSE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
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ON CLAUSE 14, HE SAID THE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 17A(1)(B) WAS TO ALLOW THE SETTING UP OF "SECOND-TIER" SUBSIDIARIES OF A LICENSEE, THAT IS, SUBSIDIARIES OF SUBSIDIARIES.
AMENDMENT (D)(II) WAS DESIRABLE TO BRING SECTION 17D(3) INTO LINE WITH 17D(4).
SECTION 17D(3) REQUIRED A PERSON TO DECLARE AN INTEREST IN THE VOTING SHARES OF A LICENSEE IF HE HAD A RELEVANT INTEREST IN AT LEAST 35 PER CENT OF THE SHARES OF A COMPANY, AND THAT COMPANY IN TURN HAD A RELEVANT INTEREST IN AT LEAST TWO PER CENT OF THE VOTING SHARES OF A LICENSEE.
"THIS PROVISION COULD BE CIRCUMVENTED BY THE CREATION OF A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY WITH THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING SUCH INTEREST. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL REMOVE SUCH AN ESCAPE," MR TSAO SAID.
AMENDMENT (G)(III), RELATING TO SECTION 17L, WAS TO BRING THE BILL INTO LINE WITH THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE.
THE”AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1, MR TSAO SAID, WAS TO PROVIDE FOR DIFFERENT SECTIONS TO THE BILL TO COME INTO EFFECT ON DIFFERENT DAYS, AS MIGHT BE SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR IN THE GAZETTE.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, ALLOW A LICENSEE A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
"THE ONE THAT IMMEDIATELY COMES TO MIND WOULD BE THE RESTRICTIONS ON SHAREHOLDINGS BY NON-LOCAL- PERSONS PRIOR TO THE SHAREHOLDERS DECLARING THEIR RESIDENTIAL STATUS."
AS REGARDS CLAUSE 2, MR TSAO NOTED THAT AMENDMENT (A) MADE PROVISION FOR EXISTING LICENSEES TO BE ABSORBED INTO OR MERGED WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE HOLDING COMPANIES.
AMENDMENT (B) WAS TO BRING THE BILL JNTO LINE WITH THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE.
NOTING THAT CLAUSE 20 DEALT WITH THE IMPOSITION OF ROYALTY UPON THE LICENSEES, MR TSAO SAID AMENDMENT (A) WAS NECESSARY TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WHERE THE AMOUNTS ON WHICH ROYALTY WAS PAYABLE 'EXCEEDED A CERTAIN LEVEL OF THE SLIDING SCALE, THE HIGHER PERCENTAGE APPLIED ONLY TO THAT PART OF THOSE AMOUNTS WHICH EXCEEDED THE RELEVANT THRESHOLD, AND NOT TO THE WHOLE OF THOSE AMOUNTS.
THE FLAT RATE REMAINED APPLICABLE TO THE ENTIRE SUM.
"GIVEN THAT THE ROYALTY PAYABLE IS BASED UPON A LICENSEE’S ACCOUNTING YEAR, AMENDMENT (E) IS NECESSARY TO COVER THE ROYALTY FOR ANY ODD PERIODS OUTSIDE A FULL ACCOUNTING YEAR." MR TSAO SAID.
"AS THE ACCOUNTING YEAR OF THE CURRENT LICESEES BEGINS ON JANUARY 1, THIS PROVISION WOULD COVER THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1988."
THE AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 5, 11 AND 12 WERE PURELY TECHNICAL DRAFTING POINTS, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
14
BROADCASTING INDUSTRY BETTER PLACED TO SERVE PUBLIC ♦ * ♦ » »
THE PASSAGE OF THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WILL ENABLE HONG KONG’S BROADCASTING INDUSTRY TO BE BETTER PLACED TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WELL ON THE ONE HAND WHILE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL RETURN FOR THEIR EFFORTS ON THE OTHER, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR CHEONG DISCLOSED THAT THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL HAD RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE TWO INCUMBENT LICENSEES OVER VARIOUS PROVISIONS BUT FOUND THAT MANY OF THE SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO THE PERCEIVED PROBLEMS WERE AT ODDS WITH MOST OF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES CONSIDERED AT LENGTH BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
"SUCH IMPORTANT ISSUES AS COMPANY STRUCTURE, FOREIGN OWNERSHIP, ETC. ETC. HAVE INDEED BEEN FULLY DELIBERATED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN REFLECTED IN THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BILL,” HE SAID. ••
"SAVE FOR SOME MINOR AMENDMENTS THE GROUP LENT ITS FULL SUPPORT TO THIS BILL."
ONE MINOR AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE AD HOC GROUP RECOGNISING THAT PROVISIONS IN THE BILL RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF NOMINEE SHAREHOLDING UNINTENTIONALLY CARRIED A SIDE EFFECT PREVENTING A SHAREHOLDER OF THE LICENSEES FROM USING HIS SHARES AS COLLATERAL TO SECURE LOANS OR CREDIT FACILITIES FROM LICENSED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE GROUP WAS AWARE THAT IT WAS A COMMON BUSINESS PRACTICE FOR THE CREDITOR BANK TO DEMAND PRIOR TRANSFER OF THE BORROWER’S SHARES TO ITS ASSOCIATED NOMINEE COMPANY.
THE PROHIBITION OF NOMINEE SHAREHOLDING .FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREDIT GENERATION WOULD THUS ADVERSELY AFFECT THE NORMAL FLEXIBILITY ENJOYED BY SHAREHOLDERS AS WELL AS THE MARKETABILITY OF THE LICENSEES’ SHARES ESPECIALLY IF THE LICENSEES WERE TO SEEK PUBLIC LISTING IN THE STOCK MARKET.
TO REMOVE THIS ANOMALY, MR CHEONG MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT ON CLAUSE 6 AND CLAUSE 14 OF THE BILL.
ON THE LICENSEES' CONCERN THAT THE BILL WOULD DEPRIVE THEM OF THE OPPORTUNITY OF MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN JOINT VENTURES WITH OVERSEAS PARTNERS EVEN IF THESE PROJECTS COULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY IN. HONG KONG, THE ADMINISTRATION REASSURED THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THEY WERE KEEPING AN OPEN MIND ON THIS ISSUE, MR CHEONG SAID.
/"SHOULD THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
"SHOULD THE LICENSEES COME UP WITH ACTUAL PROJECTS AND JUSTIFICATIONS, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL BE SYMPATHETICALLY CONSIDERED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THE ADMINISTRATION.
"IF BY THEN IT WARRANTS ANY CHANGE TO THE EXISTING LEGISLATION TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROJECTS, WE ARE SURE THAT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY THIS COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER IT SYMPATHETICALLY.
"THE PRINCIPLE WE HAVE ADOPTED IS THAT NO AMENDMENT TO THE LEGISLATION IS NEEDED NOW TO CATER FOR HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS THAT MIGHT NEVER MATERIALISE," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL AS DRAFTED PROHIBITED A LICENSEE FROM HOLDING INTERESTS IN COMPANIES WITH LESS THAN 51 PER CENT OF VOTING SHARES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE LICENSEE. THIS WOULD BE TANTAMOUNT TO A TOTAL BAN ON "SECOND TIER" SUBSIDIARIES AND COULD INTERFERE UNNECESSARILY WITH SOME NORMAL OFFSHORE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS OF THE LICENSEES.
TO RECTIFY THIS, THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT ALLOWING THE LICENSEES TO SET UP SUBSIDIARIES WITH 51 PER CENT OF VOTING SHARES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE LICENSEE OR ITS OTHER SUBSIDIARIES.
SOUNDING OUT A WARNING THAT POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE COMMUNITY COULD BE FAR-REACHING IF NO CLEAR RULES, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES WERE SET DOWN FOR THE BROADCASTING BUSINESS, MR CHEONG SI .ESSED THAT THESE RULES, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES SHOULD AIM TO BALANCE THE INTEREST OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE BUSINESS AND THOSE OF THE OVERALL PUBLIC.
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COMMUNITY INTEREST WILL BE SAFEGUARDED * * * *
THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WILL NOT ONLY SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY BUT WILL ALSO PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH BETTER QUALITY PROGRAMMES, THE HON EDWARD HO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR HO SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE CONSIDERABLE POWER OF INFLUENCE THAT TELEVISION HAD ON THE COMMUNITY, THIS INFLUENCE MUST NOT BE LEFT UNCHECKED.
/"COMMUNITY INTEREST
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
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"COMMUNITY INTEREST DICTATES THAT LICENSEES WHO ARE GRANTED FRANCHISES FOR OFF-AIR TELEVISION BROADCASTING ARE CONTROLLED WITH RESPECT TO THEIR PROGRAMME, ADVERTISING AND TECHNICAL STANDARDS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, IN ORDER THAT THE POWERFUL INFLUENCE OF TELEVISION WOULD NOT BE EXPLOITED BY FOREIGN INTERESTS, IT WAS THE PRACTICE OF ALL COUNTRIES, THAT HE KNEW OF, TO RESTRICT THE CONTROLLING INTEREST OF TELEVISION LICENSEES TO LOCAL OWNERSHIPS.
A COMPANY THAT OPERATED A TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATION ON BEHALF OF A COMMUNITY HAD A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY, AND ITS ACTIVITIES AS A COMPANY COULD NOT BE SIMPLY CONSIDERED AS THOSE UNDERTAKEN BY A NORMAL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS, HE SAID.
MR HO NOTED THAT, TO A LARGE EXTENT, SUCH TYPES OF RESTRICTIONS AND CONTROLS HAD ALREADY BEEN PRACTISED IN HONG KONG IN THE PROVISIONS OF THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE.
THE- TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, ON THE OTHER HAND, WAS AIMED AT ENACTING AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PROVIDE A MORE EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ENSURING THAT THESE CONTROLS WERE NOT CIRCUMVENTED.
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TRAVEL AGENTS BROUGHT INTO ONE RECOGNISED BODY » » » t »
THE STATUTORY LICENSING REQUIREMENT OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC) MEMBERSHIP WILL BRING ALL TRAVEL AGENTS WITHIN ONE RECOGNISED TRADE BODY FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FINANCIAL SEQRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 MR JACOBS SAID THIS WOULD FACILITATE THE INDUSTRY IN RAISING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND INTRODUCING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS TO FOLLOW IN SERVING THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS SATISFIED THAT THE MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA ADOPTED BY THE TIC WERE NOT ONEROUS AND BONA FIDE OPERATORS SHOULD HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN COMPLYING. THERE WAS ALSO PROVISION FOR ADMISSION OF NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.
"ANY APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN REFUSED TIC MEMBERSHIP MAY APPLY TO AN APPEAL BOARD, ESTABLISHED UNDER THE TIC CONSTITUTION. FOR THE CASE TO BE REVIEWED.
/"EVERY EFFORT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 17 -
"EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADE REMAINS OPEN TO NEWCOMERS SO THAT CONSUMERS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A WIDE CHOICE OF TRAVEL AGENTS," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID XBOUT HALF OF THE 1,000 LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS WERE ALREADY MEMBERS OF THE TIC.
SO FAR, SOME 300 TRAVEL AGENTS, WHO WERE NOT MEMBERS OF THE TIC PREVIOUSLY, HAD APPLIED TO JOIN.
THE REMAINDER WERE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE TIC IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS THEIR CURRENT LICENCES EXPIRED.
"I AM HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO INFORM THIS COUNCIL THAT THE RESPONSE FROM INDIVIDUAL AGENTS CONFIRMS THAT THE NEW MEASURES HAVE WIDE SUPPORT FROM THE TRADE," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE NEW SCHEME WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NON-STATUTORY COMPENSATION SCHEME TO REPLACE THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND, WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A BETTER CUSHION FOR CUSTOMERS OF ANY TRAVEL AGENT WHO MIGHT DEFAULT.
HE NOTED THAT THE TIC RESERVE FUND CONSTITUTION PROVIDES FOR SEVEN OF THE 11 TIC RESERVE FUND BOARD MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED FROM OUTSIDE THE TRADE AND FOR ALTERNATE DIRECTORS TO BE APPOINTED TO STAND IN.. WHEN NECESSARY.
"THE POLICY OF THE FUND WILL BE TO PROVIDE 70 PER CENT EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION TO CUSTOMERS OF DEFAULTING TRAVEL AGENTS," HE SAID.
"FULL COMPENSATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED MAINLY BECAUSE WE FEEL THAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD BEAR SOME RESPONSIBILITY WHICH ANYONE ENTERING INTO A COMMERCIAL CONTRACT OF ANY SORT WOULD NORMALLY HAVE TO ACCEPT.
"I KNOW THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THIS POINT.
"BUT I MIGHT ADD THAT IN MOST LIQUIDATION OR BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS, THERE IS LITTLE LIKELIHOOD THAT AN ORDINARY CREDITOR WOULD RECOVER ALL THE MONEY OWING TO HIM. WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED IS, I SUGGEST, A REASONABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE VARIO0S INTERESTS INVOLVED."
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP CONVENED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP PROPOSED THAT A TIME LIMIT SHOULD BE STIPULATED FOR THE FUTURE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR • EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION, SO THAT CUSTOMERS OF DEFAULTING AGENTS WOULD BE GIVEN AN ANSWER WITHIN A FINITE TIME.
/THIS SUGGESTION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 18
THIS SUGGESTION WOULD BE FOLLOWED UP WHEN DETAILED RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING THE NEW COMPENSATION SCHEME WERE ESTABLISHED BY THE TIC RESERVE FUND BOARD.
THE BILL PROVIDED A BROAD FRAMEWORK FOR THE POLICY OF SELF-REGULATION TO BE INTRODUCED, MR JACOBS SAID.
MANY OF THE DETAILED MEASURES WERE CONTAINED IN THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE TIC RESERVE FUND.
’’THESE DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN STUDIED BY THE AD HOC GROUP OF THIS COUNCIL.
’’WHILST THE CONSTITUTIONS DO NOT, IN THEMSELVES, HAVE STATUTORY FORCE, CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS HAVE BEEN BUILT IN TO REQUIRE THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT IN RESPECT OF FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO KEY FEATURES OF THE SELF-REGULATION SCHEME.
’’THE CONTROLS ON FUTURE AMENDMENTS COVER MAINLY CHANGES TO THE TIC MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA, THE APPEALS MECHANISM FOR REVIEWING REJECTION OF APPLICATIONS FOR TIC MEMBERSHIP AND THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMINISTERING THE TIC RESERVE FUND.
"THESE SAFEGUARDS WILL GIVE THE GOVERNMENT AN ADEQUATE DEGREE OF CONTROL TO ENSURE THAT SELF-REGULATION DOES NOT LEAD TO RESTRICTIVE TRADE PRACTICES."
MR JACOBS SAID IT HAD ALSO BEEN PROPOSED THAT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE TIC RESERVE FUND SHOULD BE MADE "PUBLIC BODIES" UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE. THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTED THIS PROPOSAL IN PRINCIPLE, AND THE TIC ALSO RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN THIS REGARD.
"AS A FIRST STEP, THE TIC WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF ICAC, WILL DEVELOP A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE TIC AND TIC RESERVE FUND DIRECTORS TO FOLLOW," HE SAID.
"WHEN THE NECESSARY GROUND WORK HAS BEEN DONE, STEPS WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO DESIGNATE THE TIC AND THE TIC RESERVE FUND AS ’PUBLIC BODIES'.
"THE CO-OPERATION OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL IN RELATION TO THIS ASPECT IS, I FEEL, PARTICULARLY COMMENDABLE."
REFERRING TO MEMBERS' SUGGESTION THAT THE COMPENSATION LEVEL SHOULD BE SET AT 100 PER CENT, MR JACOBS SAID THE 70 PER CENT LEVEL PROPOSED IN THE BILL STRUCK A REASONABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS INTERESTS INVOLVED.
HOWEVER, HE COULD SEE THERE WAS STRONG PUBLIC FEELING ON THIS POINT, AND THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN.
REFERRING TO A POINT MADE BY THE HON K.C. CHAN, MR JACOBS SAID A VALID DISTINCTION COULD BE DRAWN BETWEEN PROTECTION OF A MAN'S LIVELIHOOD OR SOMEONE'S SAVINGS AND PROTECTION OF MONEY WHICH HAD BEEN SPENT FOR RECREATIONAL AND PLEASURE PURPOSES.
-----0------
/19........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 19 -
SELF-REGULATION WILL HELP TRAVEL INDUSTRY * * * *
SELF-REGULATION IS THE BEST WAY TO HELP THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY DEVELOP IN A HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE DIRECTION, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, DR IP SAID THE BILL REPRESENTED A VERY SIGNIFICANT STEP JN MOVING TOWARDS SELF-REGULATION BY THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY.
SHE NOTED THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW PACKAGE TO PROTECT CONSUMERS WERE THAT ALL TRAVEL AGENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC) AND THAT THE TIC SHOULD ESTABLISH A COMPENSATION SCHEME BY COLLECTING A ONE PER CENT LEVY ON THE SALE OF ALL OUTBOUND PACKAGE TOURS.
ANOTHER MAIN FEATURE WAS THAT CLIENTS OF A DEFAULTING TRAVEL AGENT WOULD RECEIVE COMPENSATION EQUIVALENT TO 70 PER CENT OF THE UNSATISFIED CLAIM.
"WE DO RECOGNISE THAT SOME SMALL OPERATORS MAY HAVE TO UPGRADE THEMSELVES FINANCIALLY BEFORE THEY CAN JOIN TIC BUT SURELY THIS WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER SAFEGUARD FROM THE CONSUMERS’ POINT OF VIEW," SHE SAID.
TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS RELATED TO THE BILL WERE THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE TIC RESERVE FUND, WHICH WAS A SUBSIDIARY TO BE FORMED TO ADMINISTER SEPARATELY THE FUTURE RESERVE FUND, SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL HAD ENQUIRED AS TO WHETHER PROVISIONS LAID DOWN IN SUCH NON-STATUTORY DOCUMENTS IN THE FORM OF A CONSTITUTION WOULD BE LESS THAN EFFECTIVE.
"WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE TWO .CONSTITUTIONS WOULD BE LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND IF A PARTY FEELS AGGRIEVED HE IS ENTITLED TO APPROACH THE COURT FOR NECESSARY REMEDY," SAID DR IP, WHO WAS CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP.
BESIDES, APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD BE REQUIRED BEFORE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTIONS COULD BE MADE IN SUCH AREAS AS THE TIC MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA AND RULES TO BE MADE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESERVE FUND.
DR IP SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD BEEN PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE CRITERIA FOR BECOMING MEMBERS OF THE TIC WOULD BE CLEARLY LAID DOWN IN THE TIC CONSTITUTION.
THERE WOULD BE AN ELABORATE APPEALS SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT THE MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA WERE ADMINISTERED FAIRLY AND IMPARTIALLY.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 20 -
TURNING TO COMPENSATION, DR IP SAID THE BOARD OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND WOULD IN FUTURE BE ABLE TO EXERCISE ITS DISCRETION IN SUITABLE CASES TO APPROVE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS WITHOUT REQUIRING THE APPLICANTS TO EXHAUST JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.
THE COMPENSATION FOR CLIENTS OF DEFAULTING AGENTS WOULD BE FIXED AT 70 PER CENT.
SHE SAID THIS HAD TO BE SEEN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND WHERE THE COMPENSATION COULD VARY FROM NIL TO 100 PER CENT.
TO FIX THE COMPENSATION AT 70 PER CENT SHOULD BE REGARDED AS AN IMPROVEMENT, SHE SAID.
DR IP ALSO OUTLINED THE AD HOC GROUP’S SUGGESTIONS WHICH HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID THAT TO ENHANCE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE TICRF BOARD, THE PROPOSED FOUR PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH TIC.
THE PRESENT PROPOSAL OF NOMINATION THROUGH TIC SHOULD BE DISPENSED WITH.
THE QUORUM NECESSARY FOR TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS BY THE TICRF BOARD WAS FIXED AT FIVE.
THE AD HOC GROUP’S VIEW WAS THAT ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE MADE TO COUNTERACT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE QUORUM MIGHT BE MADE UP OF A MAJORITY OF TIC OR TIC-NOMINATED MEMBERS.
A REASONABLE TIME LIMIT SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR TIC MEMBERSHIP AND ALSO FOR PROCESSING COMPENSATION CLAIMS.
THE TIC AND TICRF SHOULD BE MADE "PUBLIC BODIES" UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE OPERATIONS OF THE TWO BODIES WERE CARRIED OUT IN A PROPER MANNER.
DR IP ALSO MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL TO CHANGE THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE NEW SCHEME FROM JULY 15 TO JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE CHANGE TIED IN WITH THE CURRENT CYCLE OF LICENCE RENEWALS FOR TOUR OPERATORS.
--------0 ---------
/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20,
1988
- 21 -
COMPENSATION FOR TRAVELLERS GUARANTEED
*****
THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND BY A NEW TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND WILL ENSURE THAT THERE ARE ADEQUATE FUNDS TO COMPENSATE AGGRIEVED TRAVELLERS, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEONG-LEEN WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
UNDER THE BILL, A ONE PER CENT LEVY ON OUTBOUND PACKAGE TOUR PRICES WOULD FUND THE NEW TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND, AND CLIENTS OF ANY FUTURE DEFAULTING TRAVEL AGENTS MIGHT RECEIVE COMPENSATION EQUAL TO 70 PER CENT OF THEIR UNSATISFIED CLAIMS.
"IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT SINCE ALL TRAVEL AGENTS WILL IN FUTURE HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL THROUGH AN AFFILIATED ORGANISATION, CLIENTS SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO 100 PER CENT COMPENSATION INSTEAD OF ONLY 70 PER CENT.
"AS THE NEW COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS REQUIRE SOME TIME TO SETTLE DOWN, I THINK THE QUESTION OF 100 PER CENT COMPENSATION COULD BE REVIEWED BY GOVERNMENT TWO YEARS FROM NOW," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN URGED RESIDENTS WISHING TO PURCHASE TRAVEL TICKETS TO JOIN A TOUR FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES TO FOLLOW THE PRINCIPLE OF "CAVEAT EMPTOR" AND ENSURE THAT THEY GOT GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY AND NOT NECESSARILY BOUGHT THE CHEAPEST PRICED TICKET THAT WAS OFFERED.
THE FACT THAT THE "RULES FOR ADMINISTERING THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND" WOULD HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THAT PROVISION WOULD BE MADE FOR CLAIMS BY CLIENTS OF DEFAULTING AGENTS TO BE PROCESSED WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME AFTER THE COURT RULING OR WINDING-UP DECISION HAD BEEN OBTAINED REPRESENTED ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER, HE POINTED OUT.
MOREOVER, THE PRESENCE OF ONE LEGCO MEMBER, ONE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND ONE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADMINISTERING THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND WOULD ENSURE THE IMPARTIAL OPERATION OF THE FUND.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE OF LIMITED GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN ORDER TO INTRODUCE SELF-REGULATION OF THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY, AND AT THE SAME TIME ENSURE THAT THERE WAS A REASONABLE DEGREE OF PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER.
"I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS BILL IS THE FIRST PHASE IN THE EVOLUTION TOWARDS COMPLETE SELF-REGULATION," HE SAID.
/HE SUPPORTED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 22 -
HE SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND SHOULD BE MADE "PUBLIC BODIES" UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, THE INCORPORATION OF A PROVISION INTO THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL’S CONSTITUTION TO STIPULATE A TIME LIMIT FOR THE PROCESSING OF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS WHICH WOULD BIND BOTH PARTIES WOULD ENSURE FAIR PLAY WITHIN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, MR CHEONG-LEEN NOTED.
-----0------
FULL COMPENSATION FROM TRAVEL FUND ADVOCATED
* * » * *
COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF DEFAULTING TRAVEL AGENTS SHOULD BE SET AT 100'PER CENT BY INCREASING THE LEVY ON TRAVEL AGENTS TO 1.43 PER CENT, THE HON K.C. CHAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE PUBLIC FELT THAT 100 PER CENT COMPENSATION WAS FAIR, AND TO INCREASE THE LEVY TO 1.43 PER CENT WOULD MEAN AN INCREASE OF ONLY $8.6 FOR A $3,000 TOUR.
SPEAKING ON THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR CHAN SAID ANOTHER OPTION TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THE COMPENSATION SHOULD BE 100 PER CENT OR 70 PER CENT WAS TO SET A LOW CEILING OF, SAY, $5,000 PER CLAIM OR LOWER.
THIS WOULD MEAN 100 PER CENT COMPENSATION FOR THE ABSOLUTE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO COULD AFFORD ONLY THE LESS EXPENSIVE TOURS.
"HOW WOULD ONE LIKE, AFTER PAYING LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUM, TO FIND THAT ONE’S WIDOW OR WIDOWER COULD ONLY RECEIVE 70 PER CENT OF THE SUM INSURED?" HE QUESTIONED, WHEN REFERRING TO THE 70 PER CENT COMPENSATION PROVIDED FOR BY THE BILL.
MR CHAN ALSO COMPARED THE TRAVEL AGENTS RESERVE FUND ‘ (TARF) WITH THE PROTECTION OF WAGES IN INSOLVENCY FUND (PWIF).
"THE PWIF PLANNERS KNEW THAT IT HAS TO CATER FOR 2.6 - 2.7 MILLION EMPLOYEES; IT KNEW THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL AMOUNT OF BANKRUPTCIES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS; IT SETS A CEILING FOR PAYMENT FOR EACH CASE; IT HAS ACCUMULATED SIX MONTHS’ LEVY IN RESERVE BEFORE COMMENCING OPERATION; IT HAS A SIMPLE WAY TO COLLECT A CONTINUOUS MONTHLY INCOME AND IT KNOWS THAT IT CAN MEET A ONE-OFF PAYMENT FOR ONE PER CENT UNEMPLOYMENT OF HONG KONG’S WORK FORCE," HE SAID.
/"IF ONE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 23 -
"IF ONE CHECKED THESE AGAINST THE TARF ONE KNOWS THE REASONS FOR ITS FAILURE," HE REMARKED.
MR CHAN ALSO NOTED THAT THIS WOULD BE HIS LAST SPEECH BEFORE RETIREMENT FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WITH THE FEELING OF MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, I CAN NOW LOOK BACK TO 1947 WHEN I JOINED PUBLIC SERVICE WITH ABSOLUTELY NO REGRET," HE SAID.
-----0------
DISCOUNTED COMPENSATION UNREASONABLE
t t » » »
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS RAISED SERIOUS OBJECTION TO THE 70 PER CENT COMPENSATION FORMULA PROPOSED UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TQDAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MRS CHOW SAID THERE WAS NO VALID REASON TO DISCOUNT THE COMPENSATION FOR CONSUMERS BY 30 PER CENT AS THE LEVY CAME FROM THEM.
"THIS IS A RETROGRESSIVE STEP FROM THE PRESENT POSITION, WHERE THE LAW STATES THAT COMPENSATION IS BASED ON PROOF OF DEBT, AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY DISCOUNT," SHE SAID.
SHE URGED THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TRADE TO ADOPT AN OPEN ATTITUDE TOWARDS THIS ISSUE, AND TO BE PREPARED TO REVIEW THIS FORMULA AS SOON AS THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC) RESERVE FUND REACHED A SUBSTANTIAL LEVEL.
THE PARTIES CONCERNED SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT THE FUND BELONGED TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, WHO, HAVING PAID FOR IT,SHOULD BE OBTAINED TO HAVE FULL REDRESS FROM IT WHEN A MEMBER OF THE TRADE LET THEM DOWN IN CASE OF FAILURE OR ABSCONDENCE, SHE ADDED.
MRS CHOW SAID SHE WAS GLAD THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ACCEPTED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS TO BRING BOTH THE TIC AND THE TIC RESERVE FUND LTD UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE AND FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO DIRECTLY APPOINT FOUR MEMBERS FROM THE BANKING, INSURANCE, ACCOUNTANCY AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS TO THE TIC RESERVE FUND BOARD.
"THE CONSUMER COUNCIL CONSIDERS THE ABOVE ARRANGEMENTS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE COMPLETE IMPARTIALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE BOARD OF THE TIC RESERVE FUND, WHICH MUST BE SEEN TO EXERCISE ITS DUTIES IN THE BROAD PUBLIC INTEREST," SHE NOTED.
/WHILE THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
24
WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION WAS GUIDED BY ITS BELIEF IN SELF-REGULATION BY THE TRADE ITSELF, MRS CHOW SAID THERE WAS STILL A VITAL NEED FOR CONTINUED GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION, AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION TO ENSURE THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERS WAS SAFEGUARDED AT ALL TIMES.
HOWEVER, SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT BILL AND THE ENTIRE SELF-REGULATORY MEASURE, IN SPITE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S RESERVATION, WAS NONETHELESS A GOOD START.
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE ITS EVENTUAL SUCCESS, IT WILL BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO SAFEGUARD, AT ALL TIMES, THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE TIC RESERVE FUND IN VIEW OF THE HUGE AMOUNT OF MONIES TO BE HELD IN ITS TRUST IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
"THESE MONIES MUST OF COURSE BE DEVOTED TO THE SOLE PURPOSE OF COMPENSATING CONSUMERS OF DEFAULT TRAVEL AGENTS, WHO ARE THE ULTIMATE BENEFICIARY OF THE TRUST FUND," SHE SAID.
-------o---------
MID-1989 TARGET FOR FULLY IMPLEMENTING NOISE CONTROL * * * » »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, AS THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY, INTENDED TO IMPLEMENT ALL PARTS OF'THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988 BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR HSU SAID THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF FOR THIS PURPOSE HAD ALREADY COMMENCED.
"THIS BILL IS THE RESULT OF MANY YEARS OF DETAILED WORK AND CONSULTATION OF ALL CONCERNED, AND WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE," HE EXPLAINED.
MR HSU THANKED MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR PAINSTAKING EFFORTS IN STUDYING THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL AND FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT.
THEIR CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS HAD LED TO THE VARIOUS AMENDMENTS WHICH WOULD BE MADE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
HE SUPPORTED THESE AMENDMENTS, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS USEFUL POINTS OF CLARIFICATION.
/"A NOBE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
"A MORE SUBSTANTIVE POINT IS THAT THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA, WHICH WILL BE ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND WHICH SET OUT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF NOISE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," MU HSU SAID.
"THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST IS PROPERLY REPRESENTED BEFORE THE FINAL FORM OF THESE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IS AGREED."
MR HSU POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISION DEALING WITH NOISE ARISING FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES WAS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL SINCE MANY NOISE PROBLEMS WERE THE RESULT OF THE COMBINATION OF NOISE FROM A NUMBER OF SOURCES.
IN PRACTICE, DUE CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF EACH SOURCE THROUGH THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED MEASURING AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES.
THE APPEAL BOARD WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISION-WAS APPLIED IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE MANNER.
AS FOR THE NOISE INSULATION PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOLS NEAR KAI TAK AIRPORT, MR HSU SAID WORK ON THE 24 SCHOOLS WHICH EXPERIENCED A MORE SEVERE NOISE PROBLEM WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS SUMMER AND FUNDS FOR THE REMAINING 12 SCHOOLS WOULD BE SOUGHT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE EARLY IN THE NEXT SESSION.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BEAR IN MIND OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR A TERRITORY-WIDE DRIVE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN CONTROLLING NOISE POLLUTION AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TO DEPLOY ADEQUATE STAFF TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH NOISE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
SOME MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE BILL DID NOT ATTEMPT TO CONTROL TRAFFIC NOISE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED EARLY, HE SAID.
"IN HONG KONG’S CONCENTRATED ENVIRONMENT IT IS INEVITABLE THAT, IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS, LARGE VOLUMES OF TRAFFIC WILL PASS CLOSE TO NOISE-SENSITIVE BUILDINGS.
’’THIS PROBLEM IS MORE EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSED THROUGH THE PLANNING PROCESS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL ADVICE ON NOISE REDUCTION METHODS TO HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE USE OF NOISE BARRIERS WHERE APPROPRIATE,” MR HSU EXPLAINED.
/REFERRING TO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 201 1988
- 26 -
REFERRING TO REMARKS BY THE HON MARTIN LEE THAT THERE WAS A DEFICIENCY IN TOWN PLANNING, AND A LACK OF CO-ORDINATION, MR HSU POINTED OUT THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WAS REPRESENTED ON ALL MAJOR PLANNING COMMITTEES AND MIGHT ATTEND A TOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING IF NECESSARY.
"AS REGARDS MR LEE’S POINT ON A POSSIBLE PROBLEM OF PROSECUTION IN A CASE OF A FACTORY AREA IN WHICH SEPARATE FACTORIES IN DIFFERENT UNITS JOINTLY EMIT THE SAME LEVEL OF NOISE, I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT CLAUSE 11, SUBCLAUSE 1, OF THE BILL COVERS THIS TYPE OF OFFENCE AND PROVIDES A REMEDY," HE SAID.
-----0------
NOISE CONTROL BILL ACHIEVES BALANCE * * t ♦ ♦
THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988 WILL HOPEFULLY PROVIDE A REASONABLE BALANCE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY,'.THE HON F.K. HU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR HU, CONVENER OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORME7- TO STUDY THE BILL, SAID HE SAW NO REASON FOR ANY FURTHER DELAY IN PASSING THE BILL WHICH WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
MR HU SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD HELD EIGHT MEETINGS, MET A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE PUBLIC WITH A’ MAJORITY COMING FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS AND THE CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, AND CONSIDERED THEIR VIEWS THOROUGHLY BEFORE SHAPING THE BILL INTO ITS PRESENT FORM.
TURNING TO THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE AD HOC GROUP, HE NOTED THAT THE ORIGINAL PROVISION FOR IMPRISONMENT FOR REPEATED OFFENDERS IN CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL NOISE ‘WAS CONSIDERED TOO HARSH AND, AFTER CONSULTATION, THE ADMINISTRATION AGREED TO DELETE THE IMPRISONMENT PROVISIONS EXCEPT THAT PROVISION PERTAINING TO DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
THE GROUP ALSO PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC PREMISES IN CLAUSE 2 TO COVER PARTS OF HOTELS OR GUESTHOUSES WHICH WERE LET TO OUTSIDE GUESTS AS NOISE FROM THESE PREMISES WAS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF COMPLAINT.
MR HU POINTED OUT THAT IN CLAUSE 8, SUBCLAUSE 4, CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMITS ISSUED TO CONSTRUCTION WORKS WOULD NOT BE VALID FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS AND THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY CONCERNED WOULD HAVE TO REAPPLY BEFORE THE PERMIT EXPIRED IN ORDER TO AVOID INTERRUPTION OF WORK.
/THE CONSTRUCTION
f
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 27 -
THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION WITHIN TWO DAYS AFTER RECEIVING THE PERMIT.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS CONSIDERED UNFAIR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF ISSUING PERMITS SO THAT THE PERMIT WOULD BE GRANTED ONCE AND FOR ALL WITHOUT THE 28 DAYS ARRANGEMENT.
"THE PRESENT CLAUSE 8, SUBCLAUSE 5, GIVES THE AUTHORITY NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO REFUSE TO ISSUE A CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT IF HE ISSUE OF A PERMIT IS CONTRARY TO ANY PROCEDURE SET OUT IN THE CHNICAL MEMORANDA.
"TO GIVE THE AUTHORITY SOME FLEXIBILITY IN THE ISSUE OF PERMITS, I PROPOSE THE WORD ’SHALL’ SHOULD BE CHANGED TO ’MAY’," MR HU SAID.
"THE PROVISION UNDER CLAUSE 8, SUBCLAUSE 6, ALSO HAS TO BE STREAMLINED.
"IT PROVIDES THAT IN THE CASE OF A NOISE PERMIT SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.ISSUED IN RESPECT OF PERCUSSIVE PILING, THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HAS-TO WRITE TO THE AUTHORITY FOR THE REASONS.
"TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE REASON IN EACH CASE SHOULD BE GIVEN ALONG WITH THE NOTICE OF PERMIT WITHOUT WAITING FOR A REQUEST FROM THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES," HE CONTINUED.
FOR CLAUSE 10, THE AD HOC GROUP PROPOSED THAT ALL TECHNICAL MEMORANDA AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THF GAZETTE AND BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CAN MAKE AMENDMENTS IF NECESSARY IN REGARD TO THE CONTENTS OF THESE MEMORANDA," MR HU EXPLAINED.
MOREOVER, THE TERM "ECONOMIC HARDSHIP" USED. IN CLAUSES 17 AND 18, WHICH PROVIDE FOR GROUNDS FOR APPEAL, WAS CONSIDERED TOO VAGUE AND GENERAL AND FURTHER CLARIFICATION WAS NEEDED.
AS FOR CLAUSE 36, SUBCLAUSE 2, WHICH ENSURED THAT THE BILL WAS ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE CROWN, THE AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED THAT COMPARED WITH THE RELATED SECTION IN THE ORIGINAL BILL THIS CLAUSE WAS LESS SATISFACTORY AND IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE RELEVANT SECTION TN THE ORIGINAL BILL BE USED INSTEAD.
MR HU SAID THERE WERE STILL SOME AREAS WHICH WERE NOT ADEQUATELY COVERED BY THE BILL, SUCH AS THE PROBLEM OF NOISE ARISING FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES AND NOISE GENERATED BY TRAFFIC.
"HONG KONG HAS ITS UNIQUE NOISE POLLUTION PROBLEM DUE TO ITS RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
/"IN MANY .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 28 -
”IN MANY PARTS OF HONG KONG, FACTORIES CAN OPERATE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS WHERE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ARE VIRTUALLY INDISTINGUISHABLE.
’’EVEN IF THE PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL BILL ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE RESULT WILL BE TOTALLY SATISFACTORY.
”T0 IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT FUTURE TOWN PLANNING HAS TO DISTINGUISH CAREFULLY DIFFERENT AREAS FOR DIFFERENT USAGES.
’’AND IT IS NECESSARY THAT TOWN PLANNING GUIDELINES BE UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL BILL," MR HU CONCLUDED.
-----0-----
CIVIC EDUCATION ON NOISE POLLUTION NEEDED * » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INCLUDE IN 11^ CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS AND PROGRAMMES A TERRITORY-WIDE DRIVE TO GET WIDESPREAD PUBLIC SUPPORT IN CONTROLLING AND REDUCING NOISE POLLUTION IN THE GENERAL NEIGHBOURHOOD, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SA’ID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988, DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.
BY GENERAL NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE, MR CHEONG-LEEN REFERRED TO THE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PREMISES BY SOURCES SUCH AS TV SETS OR DOGS, AND NOISE PRODUCED IN PUBLIC PLACES BY HAWKERS, LOUDSPEAKERS AND SO ON.
THE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WOULD INVOLVE CHANGING ATTITUDES ON THE PART OF THE POPULATION AND SHOWING MORE RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS TO ENJOY A GREATER MEASURE OF PEACE AND QUIET, HE SAID.
"THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THIS BILL AS I SEE IT IS TO BRING DOWN THE LEVEL OF NOISE AS A DAY-TO-DAY - AND OFTEN INTOLERABLE - NUISANCE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
/’•THIS WILL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 29 -
"THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED IN THE MAIN BY THE ESTABLISHING OF DETAILED CONTROL CRITERIA, MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES, AND OTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS TO BE CONTAINED IN REGULATIONS, AND ALSO TECHNICAL MEMORANDA WHICH BECAUSE OF ITS IMPORTANCE WILL HAVE TO BE TABLED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND AMENDED BY THE COUNCIL IF SUCH IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST."
NOTING THAT NOISE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS USED BY RESTAURANTS, AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS LICENSED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF COMPLAINT BY RESIDENTS LIVING IN NEARBY BUILDINGS, HE URGED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TO DEPLOY ENOUGH STAFF TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THIS TYPE OF NUISANCE.
APART FROM SUPPORTING THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL, HE ALSO AGREED WITH CLAUSE 25 OF THE BILL WHICH STATED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MUST BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY REGULATIONS WERE MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
"THIS WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT A REASONABLE BALANCE WILL BE STRUCK BETWEEN IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY," HE EXPLAINED.
ALTHOUGH THE CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT NOISE WAS NOT PART OF THE BILL, MR CHEONG-LEEN HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAMME *.. FOR THE SCHOOLS AROUND KAI TAK AIRPORT TO HAVE DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOWS INSTALLED WOULD BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.
HE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC NOISE, WHICH HE SAID WAS GROWING MORE SERIOUS THAN EVER.
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TECHNICAL MEMORAND,V SHOULD BE WRITTEN INTO LAW
*****
THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA ISSUED UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988 SHOULD BE IN THE FORM OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION SO THAT ANY FUTURE AMENDMENT REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PROF THE HON C.K. POON SAID IN THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN OTHER WORDS, THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD NEED TO BE GAZETTED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMENT, HE SAID.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR POON SAID UNDER CLAUSES 9 AND 10 THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE MIGHT AMEND THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE COUNCIL.
/HOWEVER, HE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 30
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOW AGREED TO CONCEDE TO MEMBERS’ PROPOSAL AND RELEVANT AMENDMENTS WOULD BE MADE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL.
WITH REGARD TO THE QUESTION OF MULTIPLE NOISE SOURCES, MR POON NOTED THAT THE BILL INCLUDED A PROVISION ENABLING THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THIS ASPECT AND TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE SHOULD BE ISSUED IN SUCH A CASE.
’’ALTHOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE, AT LEAST IN PRINCIPLE, TO DETERMINE THE MOST DOMINANT OF THESE SOURCES, IT COULD NOT BE DENIED THAT THERE ARE MANY PRACTICAL PROBLEMS IN THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION, ESPECIALLY IN SOME COMPLEX SITUATIONS,” HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE URGED THAT CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED TO ENSURE THAT THE ENFORCEMENT WAS APPLIED IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE MANNER.
I
FURTHERMORE, MR POON HOPED THAT THE ISSUE OF GENERAL TRAFFIC NOISE CONTROL, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE BILL, WOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF PLANNING.
MR POON LATER MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL PROPOSING THAT THE LIMITED VALIDITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT SHOULD BE DELETED AND THAT IT WOULD BE INCUMBENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROCESS THE APPLICATION EXPEDITIOUSLY WITHIN THE STIPULATED PERIOD OF 28 DAYS, OTHERWISE A PERMIT SHOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN.. ISSUED. I
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SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT NEEDED * ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ESTABLISH A NEW POST OF SECRETARY FOR TOWN PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE PROPER CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
THE HON MARTIN LEE MADE THIS SUGGESTION’TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988.
MR LEE SAID A RECENT COMPLAINT TO OMELCO BY RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVES OF TSUEN TAK GARDENS IN TSUEN WAN HIGHLIGHTED THE DEFICIENCY IN TOWN PLANNING AS WELL AS THE LACK OF CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JULI 20, 198S
- 31 -
HE SAID THE RESIDENTS COMPLAINED OF EXCESSIVE NOISE I FACTORIES AROUND THEM.
AND, ON ANALYSIS, IT APPEARED THAT THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS
IN AN AREA WHICH HAD RECENTLY BEEN ZONED BY HIE TOWN PLAN IG BOARD AS "COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL" ALTHOUGH THE AREA WAS FORMERLY -N AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE.
THE RESULT WAS THAT THE EXISTING FACTORY BUILDINGS IN THE WERE NOT REQUIRED TO BE DEMOLISHED.
ZONE
THE CASE UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING BETTER CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE TOWN PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTS AUTHORITIES, HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID ANOTHER DIFFICULTY HIGHLIGHTED BY THE TSUEN T-GARDENS CASE WAS THAT EACH OF THE FACTORY UNITS IN THE RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL BLOCK APPARENTLY DID NOT EMIT EXCESSIVE NOISE AS WOUJD CONTRAVENE THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, BUT THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT 1 THE NOISE COMING FROM ALL THE UNITS IN THE SAME BLOCK WOU) ' CONSTITUTE SUCH AN OFFENCE.
UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM AN OPERATOR OF A LARGE FACTORY WHICH EMITTED EXCESSIVE NOISE COULD BE DEALT WITH BY LAW; BUT IF THE SAM FACTORY AREA HAD BEEN OCCUPIED BY SEPARATE OPERATORS IN DIFFERENT UNITS, EMITTING JOINTLY THE SAME LEVEL OF NOISE, THEN NONE OF TH! f COULD BE PROSECUTED.
THIS WAS NOT LOGICAL, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMEN" SHOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM URGENTLY AS IT OCCURRED FREQUENTLY IN HONG KONG.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF PENALTY, MR LEE NOTED THAT WHEN THE WHITE BILL RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER WAS PUBLISHED IN MARCH LAST YEAR, IT CONTAINED A PENALTY CLAUSE OF A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000 OR TWO YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW.
BUT UPON THE OBJECTIONS OF THE INDUSTRIALIST LOBBY, THE PRESENT PENALTIES WERE CONFINED TO FINES ALONE, RANGING BETWEEN $5,000 AND $100,000.
"CONCERNED GROUPS HAVE EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT THIS IS LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE BLATANT BREACHES OF THE LAW BY CERTAIN FACTORY OPERATORS WHENEVER IT IS IN THEIR FINANCIAL INTEREST TO DO SO, FOl. EXAMPLE, WHEN GOODS HAVE TO BE PRODUCED URGENTLY IN ORDER TO MEET THEIR CONTRACT COMMITMENTS," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE TO HAVE IMPRISONMENT AS A PENALTY FOR PERSISTENT OFFENDERS IN ORDER TO GIVE REAL TEETH TO THE BILL.
/MH LEE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
32 -
MR LEE ALSO SAID THAT DESPITE HIS VARIOUS RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE BILL, THE LEGISLATION WAS CLEARLY A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, AND RATHER THAN TO AMEND IT AND CAUSE FURTHER DELAY TO ITS ENACTMENT HE WOULD SUPPORT THE BILL TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WOULD BE PASSED INTO LAW TODAY.
"BUT 1 DO URGE MOST STRONGLY ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVIEW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS LAW WITHIN SIX MONTHS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MATTERS I HAVE BROUGHT OUT TODAY' MAY BE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED," HE SAID.
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IMPORTANT NEED FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION
* * » *
THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1988 WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TO SHARE INFORMATION WITH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS REGULATORY AUTHORITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR JACOBS THANKED THE HON DAVID LI AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS FOR THE CONSIDERATION THEY HAD GIVEN TO THE BILL.
"WITH GROWING INTEGRATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AND THE BANKING BUSINESS BECOMING MORE MULTINATIONAL IN CHARACTER, THERE IS AN IMPORTANT NEED FOR CLOSER CO-OPERATION AMONG REGULATORY AUTHORITIES, BOTH LOCALLY AS WELL AS OVERSEAS,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION SHARED WOULD ONLY BE DISCLOSED TO OVERSEAS SUPERVISORS IF THE COMMISSIONER WAS SATISFIED THAT THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED WAS .SUBJECT TO ADEQUATE SECRECY PROVISIONS AND THAT THE INFORMATION WOULD ENABLE OR ASSIST THE AUTHORITY IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS FUNCTIONS.
"ACCORDINGLY, I CAN ASSURE MR LI AND THE BANKING COMMUNITY THAT EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT SHARED INFORMATION WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED TO THIRD PARTIES BY OVERSEAS SUPERVISORS WITHOUT THE COMMISSIONER’S CONSENT," MR JACOBS ADDED, WHEN FULLY SUPPORTING THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MR LI.
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/33........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 33 -
DRAFTING POINT AMENDMENT MADE TO BILL
*****
AN AMENDMENT TO THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WAS MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, DURING THE BILL’S COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS SAID THE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 31 CONCERNED A DRAFTING POINT AND HE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE HON DAVID LI FOR BRINGING IT TO ATTENTION.
"THE PROPOSED SECTION 33C AT CLAUSE 31 OF THE BILL PROVIDES THAT WHERE AN EXEMPTED PERSON SPECIFIED IN PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 MAKES A LOAN AND THEREAFTER CEASES TO BE SO SPECIFIED, THAT LOAN SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE AN EXEMPTED LOAN SPECIFIED IN PART 2 OF SCHEDULE 1,” HE SAID.
’THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE WORKS ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT THE LENDER’S STATUS AS AN EXEMPTED PERSON IS ONLY RELEVANT AS AT THE TIME OF MAKING THE LOAN.
"SO ANY CHANGE IN THE LENDER’S STATUS SUBSEQUENT TO THE LOAN DOES NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF THE LOAN.
"THE PROPOSED SECTION 33C IS THEREFORE REDUNDANT. MOREOVER, IT RAISES DOUBTS AS TO THE STATUS OF EXEMPTED LOANS WHERE THE BORROWER SUBSEQUENTLY CEASES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE LOAN TO QUALIFY AS AN EXEMPTED LOAN.
"TO REMOVE THE UNCERTAINTY, I PROPOSE TO DELETE THE PROPOSED SECTION 33C."
------o-------
CALL FOR VIGILANCE ON RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION *****
THE HON MARTIN LEE URGED HIS LEGCO COLLEAGUES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO BE VIGILANT IN MAKING SURE THAT RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION WOULD ONLY BE PASSED AS A MATTER OF ABSOLUTE NECESSITY.
IT SHOULD ONLY BE PASSED IN WHOLLY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND ONLY WHEN THEY WERE FULLY SATISFIED THAT IT WOULD NOT DO ANY INJUSTICE TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY IT, HE ADDED.
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988 WHICH SOUGHT TO RECTIFY A DRAFTING OVERSIGHT THAT PARTNERSHIPS OF SOLICITORS, ACCOUNTANTS AND OTHERS CONSISTING OF MORE THAN 20 PERSONS HAVE NOT BEEN EXEMPTED FROM ITEM (6) OF THE SCHEDULE TO THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.
/The bill,
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 3U -
THE BILL, WHEN PASSED INTO LAW, WOULD HAVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT.
MR LEE NOTED THAT IF THE AMENDMENT WERE NOT TO BE RETROSPECTIVE, IT WOULD ENABLE PERSONS WHO HAVE ENGAGED LARGE AND RESPECTABLE FIRMS OF SOLICITORS, ACCOUNTANTS, OR STOCK BROKERS TO DO WORK FOR THEM TO EVADE PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FEES OR CHARGES AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE AND SATISFACTORILY DONE, ON THE GROUND THAT THE PARTNERSHIP IN QUESTION IS ILLEGAL, WITH A POSSIBLE RESULT THAT ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH FEES OR CHARGES BY THESE LARGE FIRMS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED BY A COURT OF LAW.
"I SUBMIT THAT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES IT WOULD NOT BE UNJUST OR UNFAIR TO THESE NON-PAYERS IF THE BILL WAS GIVEN RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT.
"INDEED, IF WE LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, IT WOULD MOST CERTAINLY BE UNJUST TO THESE LARGE AND RESPECTABLE FIRMS IF THE AMENDMENT WERE NOT TO BE RETROSPECTIVE, FOR THAT MIGHT PREVENT THEM FROM GETTING WHAT IS CLEARLY DUE TO THEM, BUT FOR AN UNFORTUNATE OVERSIGHT MANY YEARS AGO," MR LEE POINTED OUT.
HE FURTHER NOTED THAT SUBSECTION (3) OF CLAUSE 1 OF THE BILL MEANT THAT IF A DEFENDANT IN A LEGAL ACTION HAI) ALREADY PLEADED IN HIS DEFENCE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 21 THIS YEAR THE POINT OF ILLEGALITY ON THE GROUND THAT THE PLAINTIFF PARTNERSHIP CONSIST OF MORE THAN 20 PARTNERS BUT HAD NOT REGISTERED THEMSELVES UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE', THEN THE ISSUE WOULD BE DETERMINED BY A COURT, AND THE AMENDMENT CONTAINED IN THE BILL WOULD NOT AFFECT THE DEFENDANT’S POINT OF LAW.
THE AMENDMENT WOULD NOT ENABLE OTHER DEFENDANTS TO OTHER LEGAL ACTIONS TO TAKE THE SAME POINT AFTER JUNE 21.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I AM SATISFIED THAT AS THE RETROSPECTIVE ASPECT OF THIS BILL IS RESTRICTED, IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE AND DOES NOT ENCROACH UPON THE INDEPENDENCE OF OUR JUDICIARY OR THE RULE OF LAW OR CAUSE INJUSTICE TO ANYBODY," MR LEE CONCLUDED.
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HIGHER STANDARDS OF WORKER SAFETY,•HEALTH t ♦ * * ♦
THE PROPOSED OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL WILL BRING ABOUT HIGHER STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR PEOPLE AT WORK, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL BILL 1988, MR WONG STRESSED THE COUNCIL WOULD BE AN INDEPENDENT BODY AND WOULD ENJOY THE ADVANTAGES OF SUCH INDEPENDENCE IN MATTERS SPECIFIED IN THE BILL.
AHIS WOULD
I
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20f 1988
- 35 -
THIS WOULD ENABLE A DIVISION OF LABOUR BETWEEN PROMOTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT ON THE ONE HAND, AND INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT ON THE OTHER, HE SAID. •
MR WONG POINTED OUT THE EXISTING DOUBLE IDENTITY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AS BOTH ’’PROMOTER” AND ’’POLICEMAN” , WHICH HE CONSIDERED AS UNSATISFACTORY.
THE MAIN OBJECT OF SETTING UP THE COUNCIL, HE SAID, WAS TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM AND ACHIEVE HIGHER OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS.
MR WONG ALSO NOTED THE REMARK THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON POLICIES AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, AND TO MONITOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
HE SAID CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL, WHETHER RELATED TO POLICY OR OTHER AREAS, WERE WELCOME, AS ONE MAJOR FUNCTION OF THE COUNCIL WAS TO "ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON ANY LEGISLATIVE MEASURES.NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK”.
”WE FIND IT DIFFICULT, HOWEVER, TO ACCEPT THE SUGGESTION THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD MONITOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S STATUTORY FUNCTIONS.
"IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT,” MR WONG SAID, ADDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NO DOUBT CO-OPERATE WITH THE COUNCIL IN PROMOTING SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
REFERRING TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE COUNCIL’S, OPERATIONS BE REVIEWED AFTER ONE YEAR TO SEE IF ITS RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD BE EXPANDED, MR WONG SAID ONE YEAR WOULD BE A LITTLE TOO SHORT.
"BUT IN VIEW OF MEMBERS* KEEN INTEREST IN THIS MATTER, I AGREE THAT SUCH A REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE," HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO ADDED THAT SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN WOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE THE COUNCIL WAS SET UP.
AS REGARDS ELECTED MEMBERSHIP, HE SAID MORE CONSIDERATION WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER THIS IN THE FIRST ROUND OF APPOINTMENT.
ON REFERENCES TO THE OBJECTION IN PRINCIPLE OF THE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TO ANY LEVY ON INSURANCE PREMIUM BEING USED TO FINANCE STATUTORY BODIES, MR WONG SAID THIS MATTER HAD BEEN DISCUSSED BEFORE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
/’•OUR CONCLUSION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 36
"OUR CONCLUSION REMAINS, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE TO FUND THE COUNCIL BY A LEVY ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIUM AS THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN EMPLOYMENT, WHICH IN TURN HAS A DIRECT BEARING ON INSURANCE PREMIUM PAID," HE SAID.
LATER IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE, MR WONG MOVED AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 13, 14, 15, 17 AND 24 WHICH, HE SAID, RESULTED FROM FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AFTER THE BILL WAS GAZETTED.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 13 EXTENDS THE NOTICE PERIOD FOR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES TO THE RATE OF LEVY FROM 30 TO 60 DAYS," HE SAID.
"THIS WILL GIVE THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AMPLE TIME TO NOTIFY THEIR CLIENTS."
THE NOTICE PERIOD FOR THE FIRST RATE OF THE LEVY REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 30 DAYS AS THERE WOULD BE A FEW MONTHS GAP BEFORE THE LEVY PROVISION CAME INTO EFFECT.
ON CLAUSE 14, MR WONG SAID THE AMENDMENT MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE INSURER OR ITS AGENT HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO RECEIVE THE LEVY.
THE ORIGINAL REFERENCE TO INVOICES HAD BEEN DELETED AT THE REQUEST OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 15 INTRODUCES THE FIRST PART OF THE INSPECTION MECHANISM BY REQUIRING THE INSURER TO KEEP AND MAINTAIN PROPER RECORDS, AND TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF THE AMOUNTS OF PREMIUM AND LEVY RECEIVED,•' MR WONG CONTINUED.
"NEW CLAUSE 17 SET OUT THE SECOND PART OF THE INSPECTION MECHANISM WHICH ENABLED THE PROPOSED COUNCIL TO INSPECT THE RECORDS kept by the Insurer and to require the insurer to furnish further INFORMATION, tF NECESSARY," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE COMMERICAL INIORMAT1ON OF THE INSURER, SUB-CLAUSES 7 AND 8 PROHIBIT UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSES OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS."
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 24, MR WONG SAID, WAS TO CREATE THE NECESSARY OFFENCES TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE INSPECTION MECHANISM.
explaining The concept behind these AMENDMENTS, MR WONG SAID THEY EMBODIED AN INSPECTION MECHANISM WHICH NOT ONLY ENSURED THAT THE LEVY WAS PROPERLY COLLECTED AND REMITTED TO THE PROPOSED COUNCIL, BUT ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE NORMAL BUSINESS PRACTICES OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
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I WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 37 -
INSURANCE INDUSTRY WANTS PLEDGE ON LEVY
♦ * i t t
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE A FIRM ASSURANCE THAT THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO COLLECT FUNDS FOR STATUTORY BODIES OTHER THAN THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEONG-LEEN WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL BILL 1988.
HE SAID UNDER THE BILL THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING THE REQUIRED LEVY ON INSURANCE PREMIUM TO BE USED FOR FINANCING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG HAD OBJECTED IN PRINCIPLE TO ANY LEVY ON INSURANCE PREMIUM BEING USED FOR FINANCING STATUTORY BODIES.
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WAS CONCERNED THAT ONCE A PRECEDENT WAS SET, THE INDUSTRY COULD BE REQUIRED TO COLLECT FUNDS FOR OTHER BODIES FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS TRAFFIC SAFETY, FIRE OR CRIME PREVENTION, HE SAID.
THEREFORE, THE INDUSTRY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A FIRM ASSURANCE FROM THE 'GOVERNMENT THAT THE ADOPTION OF THE BILL WOULD NOT BE THE THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE AND THAT LATER ON THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT WANT THE INDUSTRY TO COLLECT OTHER LEVIES FOR OTHER BODIES, HE SAID.
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EXTENSION WOULD DILUTE FOUNDATION’S RESOURCES ♦ t ♦ t *
AN EXTENSION OF THE SCOPE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO COVER OTHER DISABILITY GROUPS WOULD MEAN SCATTERING AND DILUTING THE LIMITED RESOURCES OF THE FOUNDATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).-
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BILL 1988, MR WONG SAID SUCH A COURSE WOULD PROBABLY ACHIEVE MUCH LESS THAN IF THE FOUNDATION CONCENTRATED ON A PARTICULAR DISABILITY.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 110,000 MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, WHICH WAS THE LARGEST GROUP AMONG ALL DISABILITIES.
/’’DESPITE THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988 '
- 38 -
"DESPITE THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES OFFERED TO THEM, THERE ARE STILL SIGNIFICANT SHORTFALLS," HE SAID.
REGARDING OTHER DISABILITY GROUPS INCLUDING THE MENTALLY ILL, MR WONG SAID THERE WERE VARIOUS CHARITABLE FUNDS AND ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THEY COULD TURN TO COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN.
HOWEVER, HE AGREED THAT THE RESOURCES OF THE FOUNDATION SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW.
"IN THE EVENT THAT THE FOUNDATION HAS ACCUMULATED A SURPLUS OF INCOME WHICH IT CANNOT MEANINGFULLY SPEND, CONSIDERATION MAY THEN BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF THE FOUNDATION TO COVER OTHER DISABILITY GROUPS," HE SAID.
SUGGESTIONS ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE FOUNDATION WOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE THE COUNCIL WAS SET UP, HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO A POINT RAISED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR WONG SAID THE INTENTION WAS THAT THE FOUNDATION SHOULD LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO OVERLAP BETWEEN WHAT WAS FUNDED FROM GENERAL REVENUE AND THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION.
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FOUNDATION SHOULD COVER OTHER GROUPS OF DISABLED
*****
THE USE OF THE RESOURCES OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW SO THAT, WHERE POSSIBLE, THE SCOPE OF THE FOUNDATION COULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER THE NEEDS OF OTHER GROUPS OF DISABLED PEOPLE, DR THE HON HENRIETTA TP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BILL 1988, DR IP SUGGESTED THAT MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL OF THE FOUNDATION SHOULD INCLUDE PEOPLE CLOSELY INVOLVED WITH THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE MULTIPLE HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS PARENTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
/SHE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 39 -
SHE NOTED THAT THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WHICH SHE CHAIRED, HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE AIMS OF THE FOUNDATION SHOULD SPECIFICALLY INCLUDE THE PROMOTION OF THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, IN ADDITION TO FURTHERING THEIR WELFARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
SHE WAS GLAD THAT THIS ADVICE BY THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, AND WAS NOW REFLECTED IN THE BILL.
DR IP ALSO STRESSED THAT THE FOUNDATION SHOULD LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NO OVERLAP BETWEEN WHAT WAS BEING FUNDED FROM GENERAL REVENUE IN IMPLEMENTING THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN AND THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION.
-------0----------
MENTALLY ILL SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN COVERAGE ♦ ♦ * » *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF COVERAGE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BILL 1988, MR HUI SAID THE EXCLUSION OF OTHER DISABLED GROUPS FROM THE PROVISIONS WAS SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTING.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE MENTALLY ILL HAD AN EQUALLY PRESSING NEED FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF REHABILITATION SERVICE AND PROMOTION OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS AND THEIR DEMANDS WERE FAR FROM BEING MET.
"THEREFORE, COULD THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THERE ARE FUNDING RESOURCES FROM WHICH ASSISTANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL CAN BE OBTAINED, AND, IF NOT, WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF COVERAGE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FUND?" HE ASKED.
MR HUI SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION WOULD CONSIST OF FIVE TO NINE APPOINTED MEMBERS. •
"I WISH TO EMPHASISE THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, BEING THE PIONEER OF HONG KONG’S REHABILITATION SERVICES AND HAVING LONG YEARS OF WORKING EXPERIENCE BEHIND THEM, COULD MAKE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS USING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE • MENTALLY HANDICAPPED," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION ANSWERED A LONG-FELT NEED FOR THE ALLOCATION OF MORE RESOURCES TO DEVELOP WELFARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.
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/uo........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- uo -
RESTAURANTS STOPPED FROM FLOUTING LAW *****
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988 WOULD PROVIDE THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS WITH THE NECESSARY TEETH TO PREVENT UNLICENSED RESTAURANTS FROM OPENLY FLOUTING THE LAW TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID THIS DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE SUPPORTED THE BILL WHICH WOULD EMPOWER A MAGISTRATE'S COURT TO MAKE A CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF PREMISES TO WHICH FOOD AND DRUG HYGIENE REGULATIONS APPLIED AND AGAINST WHICH A PROHIBITION ORDER HAD BEEN MADE AND NOT COMPILED WITH.
UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, ANY PERSON WHO OPERATED A RESTAURANT WITHOUT A LICENCE COMMITTED AN OFFENCE AND MIGHT BE PROSECUTED, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, DUE TO PROBLEMS IN INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW IT HAD NOT BEEN POSSIBLE SINCE 1972 FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO CARRY OUT..A CLOSURE ORDER AGAINST AN UNLICENSED RESTAURANT.
’’PROHIBITION ORDERS WHICH PROHIBIT THE USE OF THE PREMISES WERE OPENLY AND EASILY FLOUTED SIMPLY BY WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE FURTHER SUMMONS AND PAYING HIGHER FINANCIAL PENALTIES IF FOUND GUILTY,” HE NOTED.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT BEFORE THE BILL CAME INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 1, WIDE PUBLICITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ITS PROVISIONS TO ENSURE THAT BOTH THE COURTS AND THE TRADE WE'RE FULLY AWARE OF ITS PROVISIONS.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL TO MR CHEONG-LEEN FOR HIS SUPPORT.
"I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE HIM THAT APPROPRIATE PUBLICITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE BILL BEFORE IT COMES INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 1," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
41
TEN BILLS PASSED » » »
TEN BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN THE COUNCIL HELD ITS FINAL MEETING IN THE 1987-88 SESSION.
THE BILLS PASSED INCLUDED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1988, TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AND NOISE CONTROL BILL 1988.
THE OTHER SIX WERE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO 3) BILL 1988, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL BILL 1988, QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BILL 1988, AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988.
A MOTION UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WAS ALSO APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL.
-----0-----
MOTION ON NEW TELCO SERVICE PASSED » » » «
THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO LTD PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE A NEW SERVICE KNOWN AS CENTREX, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID'IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS NEW SERVICE WILL PROVIDE SUBSCRIBERS WITH A RANGE OF FACILITIES SIMILAR TO THOSE PROVIDED BY PRIVATE AUTOMATIC BRANCH EXCHANGES (PABX’S), E.G. INTERCOM DIALLING, SPEED CALLING, CALL HOLD ETC.," MR JACOBS SAID.
HE WAS MOVING A MOTION THAT THE COUNCIL AMEND PART I OF THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, ADDING TO THE SCHEDULE CHARGES FOR THE NEW CENTREX SERVICE.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED.
-----0------
/*2........
t
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
42
COMPRESSED AIR WORK: SAFETY PROVISIONS ADEQUATE
*****
THE EXISTING PROVISIONS IN LAW AND ENFORCEMENT ARE ADEQUATE TO SAFEGUARD THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS ENGAGED IN COMPRESSED AIR WORK, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON DOMINIC WONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE 1987 ONLY THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT INVOLVED WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR.
HE SAID THAT BETWEEN MAY 1987 WHEN SUCH WORK BEGAN AND JUNE THIS YEAR, 244 DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS CASES ARISING FROM WORK IN COMPRSSED AIR WERE REPORTED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THESE CASES WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO TYPES ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF SERIOUSNESS: 239 WERE CATEGORISED AS TYPE I OR MILD CASES, AND FIVE WERE TYPE II OR MORE SERIOUS CASES, HE SAID.
CONCERNING THE NATURE OF SICKNESS, MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT IN COMPRESSED AIR MORE NITROGEN DISSOLVED IN THE BODY FLUIDS THAN AT NORMAL PRESSURE.
IF THE AIR PRESSURE WAS SUDDENLY REDUCED, BUBBLES OF NITROGEN WOULD FORM IN THE BODY TISSUES AND IN THE BLOODSTREAM, PRODUCING SYMPTOMS COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE "BENDS".
"IN TYPE I CASES, PATIENTS SUFFER FROM PAIN IN ONE OR MORE OF THEIR LIMBS BUT DO NOT FEEL OR LOOK ILL. THE INTENSITY OF THE PAIN VARIES FROM SLIGHT TO AGONISING," HE SAID.
"IN TYPE II CASES, PATIENTS USUALLY FEEL AND APPEAR ILL. IN ADDITION TO PAINS IN THE LIMBS, THEIR BLOOD CIRCULATION SYSTEM, NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MAY BE AFFECTED."
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF ADEQUACY OF MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH OF WORKERS, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT COMPRESSED AIR OPERATIONS WERE GOVERNED BY THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR) REGULATIONS.
"CONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPERVISION AND TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR WORKERS. A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER MUST BE APPOINTED TO SUPERVISE ALL MEDICAL MATTERS RELATING TO SUCH WORK," HE SAID.
"A NEW HAND CAN ONLY START WORK IF HE HAS OBTAINED A CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS NOT MORE THAN THREE DAYS BEFORE EMPLOYMENT.
"REGULAR WORKERS MUST ALSO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES OF FITNESS EVERY FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THEY CAN CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED.
/"EVEN WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
’’EVEN WITH THE FITNESS CERTIFICATE, A WORKER CANNOT BE EMPLOYED IN COMPRESSED AIR WORK IF HE IS SUFFERING FROM A COLD, CHEST INFECTION, SORE THROAT OR EARACHE.
"ANY WORKER SUFFERING FROM THESE OR OTHER ILLNESSES AND HAS BEEN ABSENT FROM WORK FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS MUST BE RE-EXAMINED AND CERTIFIED TO BE FIT BEFORE HE CAN RESUME WORK.
"IN ADDITION, ALL WORKERS ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO X-RAY XAM1NATIONS OF THEIR MAJOR JOINTS WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF EMPLOYMENT AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER."
MR WONG SAID THE REGULATIONS ALSO SPECIFIED THE PROPER USE OF COMPRESSED AIR MAN-LOCKS AND THEIR CONTROL BY TRAINED LOCK ATTENDANTS.
IN ADDITION, A NEW WORKER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PERSON EXPERIENCED IN COMPRESSED' AIR WORK. THE EMPLOYER WAS REQUIRED TO GIVE AN ADVISORY LEAFLET TO THE NEW WORKER ADVISING HIM TO FOLLOW ALL THE RULES.
A MEDICAL LOCK FOR IMMEDIATE TREATMENT PURPOSES MUST BE KEPT READY ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
ALSO, EVERY WORKER MUST WEAR A LABEL GIVING THE ADDRESS OF THE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO WHICH HE SHOULD BE SENT IF TAKEN ILL AFTER WORK .
"IN ORDER TO ENFORCE THE REGULATIONS IN THE CASE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS A SPECIAL UNIT OF THREE EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS TO CONDUCT PERIODIC SITE INSPECTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND COURSES ON SAFETY AT WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR FOR SITE PERSONNEL," MR WONG SAID.
"A BOOKLET ENTITLED ’LOCK ATTENDANT’S HANDBOOK’, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS MADE AVAILABLE TO COMPRESSED AIR MAN-LOCK ATTENDANTS."
-----0-----
POLICY ON FOREIGN LAWYERS BEING REVIEWED < t ♦ » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING THE POLICY ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR MATHEWS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD, IN DUE COURSE, BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
44
HE SAID THE REVIEW WAS BEING CONDUCTED IN THE LIGHT OF A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE.
THIS REPORT CONSIDERED VARIOUS ISSUES, INCLUDING THE SPECIFIC QUESTION OF THE WORK WHICH FOREIGN LAW FIRMS SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO UNDERTAKE AND WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO EMPLOY, OR TAKE INTO PARTNERSHIP, LOCALLY QUALIFIED SOLICITORS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, A NUMBER OF AMERICAN LAW FIRMS IN HONG KONG HAD PETITONED THE GOVERNOR, SEEKING TO BE ALLOWED TO EMPLOY, OR TO ADMIT AS PARTNERS, HONG KONG SOLICITORS, WHO MIGHT CONTINUE TO PRACTISE HONG KONG LAW OR SUCH OTHER LAW AS THEY WERE QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE IN THE NAME OF THE FOREIGN LAW FIRMS*.
THEY ALSO SOUGHT A CHANGE IN THE LAW TO ENABLE ADMISSION TO PRACTISE AS A SOLICITOR TO BE BASED ON MOTION WITHOUT EXAMINATION IF RECIPROCAL PRIVILEGES HAD BEEN ACCORDED TO HONG KONG PRACTITIONERS IN THE JURISDICTION OF THE APPLICANT.
IT WAS IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS THAT THE CURRENT REVIEW WAS BEING CONDUCTED, MR MATHEWS EXPLAINED.
"ALL I CAN SAY AT THIS STAGE IS THAT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE FORMULATED ON THE BASIS OF HONG KONG’S BEST INTERESTS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR HIGH QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES COMMENSURATE WITH HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF COMMERCE AND FINANCE,” HE SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY SUPPORTED ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION TO ENSURE THAT THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS OF LEGAL SERVICES WERE PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, IN LINE WITH ITS PHILOSOPHY IN SO MANY OTHER AREAS, GOVERNMENT DOES NOT FAVOUR RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES AIMED AT PROTECTING PARTICULAR GROUPS AGAINST COMPETITION.
"THERE IS CLEARLY A BALANCE TO BE STRUCK BETWEEN THESE TWO AIMS,” HE SAID.
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A5......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
FIRE SERVICES PLANS REGISTRY ON CHEMICALS * * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING APPROVAL FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A CENTRAL REGISTRY SYSTEM CONCERNING CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY PROF THE HON C. K. POON, MR HSU SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD PROVIDE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, THEIR INHERENT HAZARDS AND THE CORRECT PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH THEM IN EMERGENCIES.
"IT WILL BE A MICRO COMPUTER SYSTEM WORKING ON A SUBSCRIBED PACKAGE DATA BASE," HE SAID.
"ONCE THE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE RELEVANT INFORMATION VERY RAPIDLY AND THIS SHOULD GREATLY ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS."
MR HSU SAID THAT IN THE INTERIM, ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
THE EPD HAD A LIMITED SYSTEM CONTAINING INFORMATION ON THE PROPERTIES OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, DECONTAMINATION AND FIRST AID MEASURES, AS WELL AS RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND FIRE FIGHTING METHODS.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY HAD A 24-HOUR STANDBY SERVICE WHEREBY OFFICERS COULD BE CALLED OUT TO ANY SITE WHERE THERE WAS A PROBLEM OR DANGEROUS SITUATION INVOLVING CHEMICALS, WHETHER LEAKING OR OTHERWISE.
IN THE CASE OF PHARMACEUTICALS, AN INFORMATION SERVICE ON DRUGS AND DRUG THERAPY, ACUTE AND CHRONIC POISONING FROM DRUGS OR CHEMICALS AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS, HAD BEEN PROVIDED SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND BASED AT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
"THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND IS PUBLICISED THROUGH THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS," MR HSU ADDED.
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/46........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 46 -
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AS A RESULT OF A RECENT REVIEW BY THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD, DEFICIENCIES IN THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, STATED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM.
MR HSU SAID THAT AS TO QUALITY OF SERVICE, A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD SECRETARIAT OVER THE YEARS FROM PARENTS OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS.
THESE COMPLAINTS MAINLY CONCERNED DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT IN DOCTORS’ CLINICS, AND THE QUESTION OF WHETHER PATIENTS SHOULD BE CHARGED SEPARATELY FOR THE PROVISION OF MEDICINES.
THE PRINCIPAL DEFICIENCY IN THE EXISTING SCHEME WAS ADMINISTRATIVE IN NATURE, HE SAID.
AT PRESENT A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CHOSE A NUMBER OF DOCTORS AND CIRCULATED THEIR NAMES TO PARENTS OF HIS STUDENTS INVITING THEM TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
'’SINCE ENROLMENT IN THE SCHEME IS VOLUNTARY, A STUDENT’S ABILITY OR INCENTIVE TO PARTICIPATE IS INFLUENCED BY THE ATTITUDE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL,” HE SAID.
"SOME PRINCIPALS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN THE SCHEME AND REFUSE PARTICIPATION BY THEIR SCHOOLS, THEREBY MAKING IT VERY INCONVENIENT FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS TO JOIN EVEN IF THEY WISH BECAUSE THEY WOULD THEN HAVE TO BE REGISTERED IN PERSON AT THE BOARD’S OFFICE.
"CENTAIN PARENTS MAY NOT WISH THEIR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE THE DOCTORS SELECTED BY THE SCHOOL ARE UNKNOWN TO THEM OR THEIR CLINICS ARE INCONVENIENTLY LOCATED.”
MR HSU ALSO SAID THAT THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD, WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE GOVERNMENT, HAD DRAWN UP A NUMBER OF IMMEDIATE REMEDIES, ESTABLISHING A SUB-COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS SINCE SEPTEMBER 1987.
IT HAD ALSO DECIDED TO MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE ’’SCHOOL CHOOSES DOCTOR” SYSTEM AND INTRODUCE A SYSTEM WITH PARENTAL CHOICE IN DOCTORS STARTING FROM THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE SYSTEM INVOLVED PARENTS CHOOSING FROM A LIST OF PARTICIPATING DOCTORS DRAWN UP BY THE BOARD AND CIRCULATED THROUGH THE' SCHOOLS.
AHIS WOULD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- ^7 -
THIS WOULD HELP TO OBVIATE THE DEFICIENCIES AND ALSO ENABLE PARENTS TO CHANGE THEIR CHOICE OF DOCTORS ON A YEAR-BY-YEAR BASIS, AND THUS THE QUALITY OF SERVICE COULD BE ENSURED.
MR HSU SAID THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD HAD PUT FORWARD A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING SCHEME.
"THEY RELATE MAINLY TO THE LEVEL OF RENUMERATION PAYABLE TO DOCTORS, THE LEVEL OF ENROLMENT FEE PAYABLE BY PARENTS, PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF PRESCRIPTIONS AND MEDICINES, AND THE NEED FOR AN INCREASED ELEMENT OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE IN THE SCHEME."
HE ADDED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WOULD APPOINT A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE BOARD’S PROPOSALS AND TO REVIEW THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME AND ITS FUTURE DIRECTION, WITH A VIEW TO FINDING THE MOST APPROPRIATE WAY IN DELIVERING MEDICAL SERVICES TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.
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NO PLAN TO CONTROL PRIVATE FUNERAL FUNDS » » » * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLAN, NOR CONSIDERS IT JUSTIFIED, TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OVER PRIVATE FUNERAL FUNDS FOR THE ELDERLY, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE HON PAULINE NG HAD ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY PLAN TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OVER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE FUNERAL FUNDS FOR THE ELDERLY AND WHAT MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT PARTICIPANTS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCH FUNDS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, EXPLAINED THAT A NUMBER OF FUNERAL FUNDS FOR THE ELDERLY WERE BEING OPERATED ESSENTIALLY AS PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS BY TRADITIONAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS KAIFONG AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATIONS IN SOME DISTRICTS.
MEMBERS MIGHT PAY A SMALL MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION, RANGING FROM $1 TO $10, FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD AND THE FUND'PAID FAMILY MEMBERS A FUNERAL SUBSIDY WHEN A MEMBER PASSED AWAY.
ALTERNATIVELY, THEY PAID NO MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION AND WHEN A MEMBER DIED THE SURVIVING MEMBERS IN THE FUND ALL CONTRIBUTED A FIXED AMOUNT TO SUBSIDISE FUNERAL EXPENSES.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE FUNDS CAN BE TRACED TO THE EARLY 1940’S," MR LIAO SAID.
/"DURING RECENT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 48 -
"DURING RECENT YEARS, THEY HAVE RAPIDLY LOST THEIR POPULARITY MAINLY AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, CHEAPER FUNERAL SERVICES AND GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF CREMATION.
"MOST OF THE FUNDS BEING OPERATED ARE FACING DECLINING MEMBERSHIP, AND SOME HAVE CEASED TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS AS A RESULT OF DIMINISHED SUPPORT."
MR LIAO EMPHASISED THAT THE FUNDS WERE GENERALLY WELL MANAGED AND NO COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED ON EITHER THEIR MANAGEMENT OR OPERATION IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
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QUOTAS ON CROSS-BORDER CAR TRAFFIC « * * * *
THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS ALLOWED TO REGULATED BY QUOTAS AGREED BY THE HONG KONG AND
CROSS INTO CHINA IS SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES.
SIR DAVID FORD, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF SECRETARY, STATED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CH1-FAI.
SIR DAVID SAID THE QUOTAS CURRENTLY STOOD AT 300 FOR THE MAN KAM TO BORDER CROSSING POINT AND 600 FOR SHA TAU KOK.
THE HIGHER QUOTA AT SHA TAU KOK WAS TO RELIEVE PRESSURE AT MAN KAM TO WHICH WAS OPERATING CLOSE TO CAPACITY.
"THE PRESENT NUMBER OF CARS MAKING USE OF THIS FACILITY IS 263 FOR MAN KAM TO AND 397 FOR SHA TAU KOK. THE QUOTAS ARE THEREFORE NOT FULLY TAKEN UP," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CHINA’S TRAFFIC OR CUSTOMS REGULATIONS FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING BY CAR TO CHINA.
"THIS IS A MATTER FOR THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, ALTHOUGH ISSUES THAT HAVE ARISEN ARE RAISED DURING REGULAR BORDER LIAISON MEETINGS," HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, ALL VEHICLES ENTERING CHINA WERE SUBJECT TO CHINESE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND THE DRIVERS WERE REQUIRED TO PASS A CHINESE DRIVING TEST.
/"DRIVERS ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- ^9
’’DRIVERS ARE THEREFORE GIVEN ALL NECESSARY INSTRUCTION ON TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO DRIVE THERE,” HE SAID.
’’SHOULD ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BE REQUIRED, DRIVERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS CAN MAKE ENQUIRIES OF THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES."
ON CUSTOMS REGULATIONS, SIR DAVID SAID THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES ISSUED A "CUSTOMS HANDBOK FOR DRIVERS" WHEN VEHICLES PASSED A VEHICLE INSPECTION, WHICH WAS A CONDITION FOR BEING ALLOWED TO DRIVE IN SHENZHEN.
"THIS MATTER WAS RAISED AT A REGULAR BORDER LIAISON MEETING ON JULY 14 AND THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES UNDERTOOK TO CONSIDER WHETHER MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CUSTOMS REGULATIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO HONG KONG DRIVERS CROSSING INTO CHINA," HE ADDED.
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MARBLE CAVERNS NOT CAUSING DANGER TO EXISTING BUILDINGS ♦ * t » »
THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE (GCO) HAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE PRESENCE OF CAVERNS IN THE MARBLE IN YUEN LONG IS POSING ANY DANGER TO EXISTING BUILDINGS, BUT IT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ROBIN SAUNDERS, GAVE THIS REASSURANCE IN A WRITTEN REpLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUCNIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE EXTENT I HE UNDERGROUND CAVES IN YUEN LONG WOULD AFFECT DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
HE ALSO ASKED WHETHER A FULL SCALE SURVEY OF YUEN LONG WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AND WHAT MEASURES TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
MR SAUNDERS SAID THE PRESENCE OF CAVERNS IN THE MARBLE UNDER DEVELOPMENT SITES IN YUEN LONG MIGHT CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING FOUNDATIONS.
IF THE PRESENCE OF CAVERNS WAS SUSPECTED, DETAILED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS WOULD NEED TO BE CARRIED OUT AS PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS.
"DESIGN \ND CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS CAN GENERALLY BE OVERCOME, BUT FOUNDATIONS OF BUILDINGS ON CAVERNOUS MARBLE ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE TO CONSTRUCT THAN NORMAL," HE SAID.
/’’HOWEVER, MARBLE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1?88
"HOWEVER, MARBLE DOES NOT OCCUR EVERYWHERE IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT AND, EVEN WHERE IT DOES OCCUR, IT MAY NOT CONTAIN CAVITIES."
MR SAUNDERS ADDED THAT A MAJOR GEOLOGICAL MAPPING PROJECT AIMED AT LOCATING MARBLE BEDROCK WAS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GCO.
THIS INVOLVED THE DRILLING OF ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING BOREHOLE DATA, DETAILED GEOLOGICAL MAPS SHOWING THE AREAS CAVITIES.
DEEP BOREHOLES AND THE RESULTING IN A SERIES OF OF MARBLE KNOWN TO CONTAIN
THE MAPS WOULD BE PRODUCED OVER THE NEXT 16 MONTHS WITH PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO THE YUEN LONG TOWN AREA. A PRELIMINARY MAP WOULD BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS MONTH.
MR SAUNDERS POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO THE GEOLOGICAL MAPS, OTHER RELEVANT DATA SUCH AS BOREHOLE RECORDS AND INVESTIGATION REPORTS WERE BEING ASSEMBLED BY THE GCO.
THESE DATA WOULD PROVIDE A VALUABLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS IN THE DESIGN OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS.
"CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS, THE DESIGN FOR FOUNDAIIONS FOR ANY PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, WHO WILL SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE GCO,” HE SAID.
THE INTENTION IS TO GIVE APPROVAL ONLY TO FOUNDATIONS WILL SAFELY SUPPORT THE BUILDINGS TO BE BUILT ON THEM."
WHICH
THE GCO WAS BEING ASSISTED BY SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS, WHO ADVISING ON I'HE MAPPING OF THE AREA AND ON SUITABLE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, MR SAUNDERS ADDED.
WERE AND
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METROPLAN WILL COMPLEMENT NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT » ♦ » » »
THE METROPLAN WILL COMPLEMENT, RATHER THAN COMPETE WITH, THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR THE NEW TOWNS TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ROBIN SAUNDERS, STATED IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LAU WAS ASKING ABOUT THE EFFECTS THE METROPLAN WOULD HAVE ON THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.
/MR SAUNDERS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 51 -
MR SAUNDERS EXPLAINED THAT METROPLAN WAS THE NAME GIVEN TO THE SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING STATEMENT FOR THE METROPOLITAN AREA WHICH INCLUDED HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI .
"THE PURPOSE OF THE PLANNING STATEMENT IS TO SET DOWN THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS AREA, AND TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THIS," HE SAID.
"THE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT CAPACITY BETWEEN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE METROPOLITAN AREA IS BEING STUDIED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2), WHICH WILL PRODUCE AN UPDATED PLAN OF TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND SERVICES TO MEET PREDICTED TERRITORY-WIDE TRAVEL NEEDS UP TO THE YEAR 2001.
"THE METROPLAN STUDY WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSPORT FRAMEWORK DERIVED FROM CTS-2 IN RECOMMENDING LAND-USE PATTERNS FOR THE METROPOLITAN AREA,” MR SAUNDERS SAID.
REGARDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MR SAUNDERS SAID METROPLAN WOULD EXPLORE THE SCOPE FOR ENCOURAGING THE DECENTRALISATION OF JOBS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY FROM HEAVILY CONGESTED AND OBSOLETE INDUSTRIAL ZONES.
"HOWEVER," HE SAID, "IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE METROPOLITAN AREA WILL FOR SOME YEARS TO COME REMAIN THE CENTRE FOR MAJOR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, ALTHOUGH ’SATELLITE’ DEVELOPMENTS COULD OCCUR AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS WHERE IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY IS LIKELY TO OCCUR."
AS REGARDS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, MR SAUNDERS SAID IT WAS THE AIM OF METROPLAN TO FOLLOW AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THE STANDARDS NOW APPLICABLE TO THE NEW TOWNS IN THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
ON "CONSISTENCY" BETWEEN METROPLAN AND THE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID BOTH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS FORMED PART OF ‘THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK IDENTIFIED BY THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (TDS) STUDY.
"INDEED, ONE OF THE PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS OF METROPI.AN IS THAT POPULATION IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA WILL BE KEPT AT ABOUT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF 4.2 MILLION, WITH ANY INCREASES IN POPULATION TAKEN UP IN THE NEW TOWNS EXCEPT TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG/TSING YI.
"THE NEED FOR COMPATIBILITY OF DEVELOPMENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IS KEPT FIRMLY IN MIND IN FUTURE UPDATING OF THE TDS FRAMEWORK AND IN THE PREPARATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES," MR SAUNDERS SAID.
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/52........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 52 -
MEASURES TO ENSURE PROPER DISPLAY OF TRAFFIC SIGNS * » » » *
THERE ARE WELL ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT TRAFFIC SIGNS ARE PROPERLY DISPLAYED DURING AND AFTER ROAD WORKS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MAK CHUN-FONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR MAK SAID THAT CONTRACTORS WERE NOT PERMITTED TO ALTER ANY TRAFFIC SIGNS OR ROAD MARKINGS UNLESS THEY WERE PHYSICALLY AFFECTED BY THE ROAD WORKS.
FOR ROAD WORKS INVOLVING ALTERATION TO TRAFFIC SIGNS, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK OUT WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE SATISFACTORY TEMPORARY SIGNING ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE THE WORKS BEGAN.
THE CONTRACTORS WERE REQUIRED TO TAKE EVERY CARE TO MAINTAIN TEMPORARY SIGNS AND SUBSEQUENTLY REINSTATE THESE SIGNS UPON COMPLETION OF THE ROAD WORKS.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONDUCT INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE ALL AFFECTED TRAFFIC SIGNS WERE CORRECTLY AND PROPERLY REINSTATED.
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF ALSO INSPECTED REGULARLY EXISTING SIGNS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE MAINTAINED IN GOOD CONDITION AND WERE COMPATIBLE WITH ANY CHANGE IN ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
IN ADDITION, MR MAK SAID, A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE LIGHTING, SIGNING AND GUARDING OF ROAD WORKS DURING MAINTENANCE OR CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS PUBLISHED IN 1984.
LT PROVIDED COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE ON MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO ROAD USERS DURING ROAD WORKS.
THE TYPES OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS THAT SHOULD BE USED AND THEIR PROPER LOCATION WERE ILLUSTRATED IN DETAIL IN THE CODE.
ON POLICE PROSECUTION, MR MAK SAID THAT POLICE OFFICERS WERE REQUIRED TO EXERCISE THEIR DISCRETION IN ENFORCING TRAFFIC OFFENCES.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS THE POOR DISPLAY OF A TRAFFIC SIGN WOULD NOT NORMALLY LEAD TO THE ISSUE OF A FIXED PENALTY TICKET.
UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, NO PROSECUTION WOULD BE TAKEN FOR CONTRAVENING AN OUTDATED TRAFFIC SIGN.
MR MAK ASSURED MEMBERS THAT WHEN A DRIVER SENT A WRITTEN COMPLAINT OF UNJUST ISSUE OF A FIXED PENALTY TICKET AND IF IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRAFFIC SIGN WAS POORLY LOCATED OR NEEDS IMPROVEMENT, THE FIXED PENALTY TICKET CONCERNED WOULD BE CANCELLED AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD BE NOTIFIED IN ORDER TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
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/53........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 53 -
ROLE OF ORTHOPTISTS EXPLAINED » t » *
THE GOVERNMENT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IN ORTHOPTICS AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA COURSE IN OPTOMETRY HAVE DIFFERENT PURPOSES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AMD WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO, MR HSU EXPLAINED THAT ORTHOPTISTS WERE DEPLOYEDIN THE OPHTHALMIC SERVICE TO ASSIST OPHTHALMOLOGISTS IN DEALING WITH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BINOCULAR FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN EYE CONDITIONS, IN PARTICULAR, SQUINTS AND LAZY EYES.
"THEY ARE NOT PRACTISING OPTOMETRY," HE SAID.
THE REQUISITE QUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS AN ORTHOPTIST IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WAS A DIPLOMA OF THE BRITISH ORTHOPTIC COUNCIL, OR ITS EQUIVALENT, OR A DIPLOMA OF THE ORTHOPTIC BOARD OF AUSTRALIA, MR HSU EXPLAINED.
"NEITHER OF THESE IS OBTAINABLE LOCALLY, AND THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES IN THE LOCAL MARKET."
MR HSU SAID THE OFFER OF GOVERNMENT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS IN ORTHOPTICS WAS TO ENABLE SELECTED CANDIDATES FROM WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE TO RECEIVE A THREE-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAMME, EITHER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR AUSTRALIA, SO AS TO ATTAIN THE REQUISITE QUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS AN ORTHOPTIST IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
OPTOMETRISTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, WERE TRAINED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AT PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA LEVEL.
THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR OPTOMETRISTS INCLUDED: TESTING VISION; PRESCRIBING OPTICAL APPLIANCES; FITTING OPTICAL APPLIANCES; OR SUPPLYING OPTICAL APPLIANCES ON PRESCRIPTION.
THEY WERE NOT QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE ORTHOPTICS.
OVERALL, MR HSU SAID A SIMILAR SITUATION EXISTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA WHERE DIFFERENT TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR ORTHOPTISTS AND OPTOMETRISTS WERE PROVIDED.
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/54........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
DISPUTE DELAYS WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR MA WAN
*****
A DISPUTE BETWEEN THE ENGINEER AND THE CONTRACTOR OVER THE BUILDING OF A 1.5 KILOMETRE SUBMARINE MAIN FROM SHAM TSENG TO MA WAN IS THE REASON FOR THE DELAY IN THE COMPLETION OF A WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR MA WAN RESIDENTS.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ROBIN SAUNDERS, EXPLAINED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON RICHARD LAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR SAUNDERS SAID ALTHOUGH THE DISPUTE WOULD HAVE TO BE REFERRED TO ARBITRATION, IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THAT THE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"TO THAT END FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CONTRACTOR HAVE JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND A SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED ON JUNE 30, 1988," HE SAID.
"WORK ON SITE WILL RE-COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING MOBILISATION OF A SPECIAL BARGE FOR CONSTRUCTING THE ROCK BEDDING AND FOR MAINL'AYING.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT LAYING OF THE SUBMARINE MAIN WILL BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 1988 AT WHICH TIME WATER SUPPLY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE RESIDENTS OF MA WAN ISLAND."
IN THE INTERIM, MR SAUNDERS SAID THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WAS ARRANGING TO INSTALL SOME TEMPORARY STANDPIPES TO ENABLE THE WATER IN THE RESERVOIR TO BE USED.
"HOWEVER, THIS WILL ONLY BE OF LIMITED ASSISTANCE. THE REAL ANSWER LIES IN THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT BY DECEMBER 1988, WHEN THE PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED ONCE AND FOR ALL."
THE MA WAN WATER SUPPLY PROJECT COMPRISES A SUPPLY MAIN FROM YAU KOM TAU TO MA WAN, CONSISTING OF FIVE KILOMETRES OF LAND MAIN ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM YAU KOM TAU TO SHAM TSENG, AND 1.5 KILOMETRES OF SUBMARINE MAIN FROM SHAM TSENG TO MA WAN; AND A SERVICE RESERVOIR AND DISTRIBUTION MAINS ON MA WAN ISLAND.
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/55........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 55 -
ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS * * * * *
THERE IS SUFFICIENT GOVERNMENT CONTROL OVER THE OPERATION OF THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THEY OPERATE ACCORDING TO PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, HAVING REGARD TO HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MAK CHUN-FONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM.
MR MAK SAID THE TWO CORPORATIONS WERE GOVERNED, IN THEIR OVERALL OPERATIONS, BY THEIR RESPECTIVE BOARDS WHOSE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
MOREOVER, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WAS EMPOWERED UNDER THE RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE CORPORATIONS IF HE CONSIDERED THE PUBLIC INTEREST SO REQUIRED.
ON DETERMINATION OF FARES BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) AND KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC), MR MAK SAID THE TWO CORPORATIONS WERE EMPOWERED TO DETERMINE FARES UNDER THEIR RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES.
BEFORE FARES WERE INTRODUCED OR REVISED, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WOULD BE INFORMED BEFOREHAND.
"THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WAS FULLY INFORMED OF BOTH THE RECENT MTR FARE INCREASE AND THE FARE STRUCTURE TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM," HE SAID.
"IN THE LATTER CASE, KCRC HAS ALSO REASSURED THIS COUNCIL THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO LIAISE CLOSELY AND DISCUSS WITH THE JOINT MONITORING GROUP OF THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS MATTERS RELATING TO SERVICES AND FARES."
REGARDING THE ROLE OF TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC), MR MAK SAID THE COMMITTEE ADVISED THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON BROAD ISSUES OF TRANSPORT POLICY WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE MOVEMENT OF BOTH PEOPLE AND FREIGHT.
THE TAC HAD DISCUSSED MATTERS RELATING TO BOTH RAILWAYS ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, PARTICULARLY HOW THEY WOULD AFFECT THE OVERALL PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND THEIR CO-ORDINATION.
MR MAK STRESSED THAT THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF TWO ADDITIONAL TAC MEMBERS, WHO WERE ALSO DIRECTORS OF THE MTRC AND KCRC BOARDS, WOULD FURTHER STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN TAC AND THE TWO CORPORATIONS.
THE TAC, AS GOVERNMENT’S MAIN ADVISORY BODY ON TRANSPORT MATTERS, COULD THUS COVER THE FULL RANGE OF TRANSPORT MATTERS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 56 -
VISA FEES COVER COST OF SERVICE * * * *
IN HONG KONG, AS IN OTHER BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES, THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES ISSUE ENTRY CLEARANCES ONBEHALF OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND CHARGE THE SAME FEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, STATED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CIIEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE FEES COLLECTED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ARE NOT REMITTED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM BUT ARE USED TO COVER THE COST OF THE SERVICE IN HONG KONG,” MR BARNES EXPLAINED.
"IF THE FEES ON APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY CLEARANCES WERE TO BE WAIVED, THE COST OF THE SERVICE WOULD FALL ON THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER."
CONCERNING THE CHARGING OF FEES FOR VISAS AND ENTRY CERTIFICATES (COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS ENTRY CLEARANCES) TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, MR BARNES SAID IT WAS A MATTER OF LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
SUCH FEES WERE LEVIED UNDER THE CONSULAR FEES ACT 1980 AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSULAR FEES ORDER 1987 AND AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME BY ORDER IN COUNCIL.
CONCERNING THE AMOUNT OF THE FEES, MR BARNES SAID THAT THEY WERE UNIFORM WORLDWIDE REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED.
THEY WERE STERLING BASED AND THE EQUIVALENTS WERE CHARGED IN THE APPROPRIATE LOCAL CURRENCY.
THEY WERE SET AT LEVELS WITH A VIEW TO HAVING BY THE EARLY 1990’S ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY THE FULL COSTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S ENTRY CLEARANCE OPERATIONS WORLDWIDE WERE RECOVERED.
"IT IS RELEVANT TO NOTE THAT A VISA TO VISIT, STUDY OR WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IS MANDATORY FOR A HOLDER OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY OR OTHER NON-NATIONAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS," MR BARNES ADDED.
"BUT AN ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR VISITING OR TRANSITING THE UNITED KINGDOM IS AN OPTIONAL FACILITY AVAILABLE TO A HOLDER OF A HONG KONG PASSPORT WHO CHOOSES TO APPLY OR WHO MAY BE IN DOUBT ABOUT HIS ADMISSIBILITY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"THE OPTION IS WELL PUBLICISED AND MADE KNOWN TO ALL LIKELY APPLICANTS."
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/57.......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 57 -
EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES HAVE PRIORITY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AMBULANCES ARE USED FOR BOTH EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY PURPOSES, BUT NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES HAVE NO ADVERSE EFFECT ON EMERGENCY SERVICES AS THE LATTER ARE ACCORDED PRIORITY OVER THE FORMER, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHUNG PU1-LAM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID THAT DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, THE AMBULANCE SERVICE RESPONDED TO A TOTAL OF 416,122 CALLS.
OF THESE, 121,192 CALLS, OR 29.1 PER CENT, WERE FOR NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ADVISED THAT THE AMBULANCE SERVICES Review steering group should examine the feasibility of levying a CHARGE FOR NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES,” MR BARNES SAID.
"THE STEERING GROUP IS ABOUT TO FINALISE ITS DELIBERATIONS ON THE SUBJECT AND WILL SOON SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"I SHALL ENSURE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS KEPT INFORMED OF THE MATTER.”
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NEW AM CHANNEL UNDER RTHK BEING PLANNED * * t » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS AT PRESENT TAKING STEPS TO ESTABLISH AN AM CHANNEL, UNDER RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WHICH WILL NORMALLY BROADCAST NEWS, WEATHER REPORTS, TRAFFIC BULLETINS AND MUSIC.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ♦
MR TSAO SAID IN THE EVENT OF SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION AFFECTING A LARGE PART OF HONG KONG CAUSED BY AN INCIDENT, SU<|| AS A GAS LEAK, THE CHANNEL WOULD BROADCAST TRAFFIC BULLETINS CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL NORMAL TRAFFIC WAS RESTORED.
THE BROADCAST ON THIS NEW CHANNEL WOULD BE IN BOTH CANTONESE AND ENGLISH.
/HR TSAO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 201 1988
- 58 -
MR TSAO EXPLAINED THAT RTHK WOULD COLLECT, COLLATE AND CONTINUOUSLY UPDATE INFORMATION FOR BROADCAST ON THE NEW CHANNEL FROM ALL AVAILABLE SOURCES.
THESE INCLUDED THE POLICE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE VARIOUS EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF FUNDS FOR STAFF AND TRANSMISSION FACILITIES, THE NEW CHANNEL COULD COME INTO OPERATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989, HE ADDED.
0--------
PROBLEMS IN ESTABLISHING DYEING,
*****
FINISHING COMPLEX
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ADOLF HSU, EXPLAINED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING A CENTRALISED COMPLEX PROPOSED FOR DYEING AND FINISHING FACTORIES.
”IN NOVEMBER 1987, A CONSORTIUM APPLIED TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC) FOR A 10 HECTARE SITE AT YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO BUILD A CENTRALISED COMPLEX FOR SALE TO A NUMBER OF DYEING AND FINISHING FACTORIES,” MR HSU SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE PROBLEM WAS THE MASSIVE WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER EFFLUENT REQUIREMENTS -- 113 MILLION LITRES PER DAY --OF THE PROPOSED COMPLEX.
"THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROVISION IN THE YUEN LONG AREA WOULD THEREFORE NEED SUBSTANTIAL UPGRADING,” MR HSU CONTINUED.
’’AND IT IS UNLIKELY, EVEN IF THIS COULD BE AFFORDED, THAT THE WORKS COULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WAS SOLD OUT.”
MOREOVER, HE SAID THERE WERE DOUBTS WHETHER THE PROJECT COULD MEET THE HKIEC*S LEGAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LEASING.
REFERRING TO WAYS TO REDUCE POLLUTION BY THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY, MR HSU SAID THE EXEMPTION OF EXISTING DISCHARGES UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
/BESIDES, THE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 59 -
BESIDES, THE ORDINANCE SHOULD IN FUTURE BE ENFORCED ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS, HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY WAS A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF POLLUTION, MR HSU SAID: "IN THIS CASE, A LONG TERM SOLUTION TO THE POLLUTION PROBLEM WILL NEED TO BE FOUND.
"TO THIS END, ADDITIONAL STUDIES TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF VARIOUS TRUNK SEWERS AND SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS ARE BEING UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE WHETHER SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE CAN BE PROVIDED TO MEET THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY."
COUNCILLORS PRAISED FOR HARD WORK ♦ t ♦ »
TIH DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HARD WORK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WHEN HE PRESIDED OVER THE LAST MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE COUNCIL’S 1987-88 SESSION.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TIME AND EFFORT HAD BEEN CONTRIBUTED BY LEGCO MEMBERS TO ENSURING THAT ONE OF THE PRIME FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL, THE MAKING OF LEGISLATION, WAS ACHIEVED.
"THIS SESSION HAS SEEN A RECORD NUMBER OF BILLS ENACTED - 90
IN ALL," HE NOTED.
"OF THESE, 31 WERE ENACTED IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS SESSION AND 59 IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS." A
SIR DAVID THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR PATI-ENCE AND UNDERSTANDING IN DEALING WITH THE LARGE VOLUME OF WORK GENERATED TN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
HE ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD DO ITS BEST TO ENSURE THAT IN THE FUTURE THE FLOW OF LEGISLATION TO THE COUNCIL WAS BETTER DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FIRST MEETING IN THE 1988-89 SESSION WAS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12.
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/6O........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
GOVT AIMS TO ENSURE HE’S FUTURE AS FINANCIAL CENTRE
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT BY 1997, IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR AS ELSEWHERE, HONG KONG HAS A SYSTEM WHICH WILL INSPIRE INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE AND STAND THE TEST OF TIME, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN LONDON TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THIS IN A SPEECH TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AT THE STATIONERS HALL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S REACTION TO THE STOCK MARKET COLLAPSE LAST OCTOBER; ITS RESPONSE TO THE REPORT OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE; AS WELL AS THE ACTIONS THAT IT WAS TAKING IN OTHER AREAS, SHOWED THE IMPORTANCE IT ATTACHED TO ENSURING THAT, IN PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE, HONG KONG MEETS INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED STANDARDS.
ON THE OCTOBER CRASH DURING WHICH THE HONG KONG STOCK MARKET CLOSED FOR FOUR DAYS, SIR DAVID SAID THE CRASH REVEALED PROBLEMS THAT NEEDED TO BE DEALT WITH QUICKLY AND FIRMLY.
HE RECALLED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR IAN HAY DAVISON TO HEAD THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG MARKETS AND OF ITS REGULATORY SYSTEM.
THE COMMITTEE PRODUCED ITS REPORT, WHICH CONTAINED SOME 160 RECOMMENDATIONS, EARLY LAST MONTH.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ANALYSIS OF THE REPORT WAS CRISP; THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE WELL THOUGHT OUT AND THE REPORT PULLED NO PUNCHES.
"KEY ISSUES ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE REORGANISATION OF THE STOCK AND FUTURES EXCHANGES," HE SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO RECOMMENDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW REGULATORY AUTHORITY INDEPENDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM FOR SECURITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED ACCEPTING THE MAIN THRUST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WAS MOVING TO IMPLEMENT THEM, HE SAID.
AS A RESULT OF THIS, SIR DAVID SAID MR ROBERT OWEN WAS APPOINTED AS A SPECIAL CONSULTANT TO ADVISE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW REGULATORY AUTHORITY -- THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
"OUR AIM IS TO HAVE THE NEW COMMISSION IN PLACE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, COMPLETE WITH THE RESOURCES AND LEGISLATIVE TEETH NEEDED FOR IT TO DO ITS WORK PROPERLY," SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.
/Meanwhile, both
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 61 -
MEANWHILE, BOTH THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE ECTURES EXCHANGE HAD ALREADY DONE A GREAT DEAL SINCE LAST OCTOBER TO PUT RIGHT SOME OF THE OPERATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS THAT THE CRISIS SHOWED UP.
"A KEY MOVE HAS BEEN THAT THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH THE FULL BACKING OF THE GOVERNMENT, HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO INTRODUCE A NEW ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE," HE SAID.
THE NEW STRUCTURE WOULD INCORPORATE ALL THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE.
NOTING THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE HELD AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING EARLIER TODAY TO APPROVE THESE CHANGES, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’S PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED AND WOULD COME INTO EFFECT BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THIS MEANT THAT WITHIN 10 WEEKS FROM NOW THERE WOULD BE A COMPLETELY RECONSTITUTED STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH A NEW CHAIRMAN, A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND A COMMITTEE THAT WAS MORE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARKET OPERATORS - AND ALL THIS WITHOUT HAVING TO GO DOWN THE SLOWER ROAD OF GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED LEGISLATION.
HE CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE ON THE ACTION IT HAD TAKEN TO IMPROVE ITS ORGANISATION AND TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE.
AS TO THE PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, SIR DAVID SAID THE. QUESTION WAS WHETHER THE MARKET WANTED A FUTURES EXCHANGE IN HONG KONG. HE SAID HE BELIEVED IT WAS A QUESTION FOR THE MARKET TO DECIDE AND NOT ONE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTEMPT TO ANSWER.
’’ALREADY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS TAKEN A LEAD IN INITIATING DISCUSSIONS WITH ITS OWN MEMBERS AND WITH THE CLEARING HOUSE AND GUARANTEES CORPORATION," HE NOTED.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE THEM ANY ASSISTANCE THEY NEED," HE
SAID.
TURNING TO ANOTHER IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM FOR SECURITIES, SIR DAVID NOTED THIS INVOLVED A COMPLEX SET OF PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD TAKE TIME TO IMPLEMENT.
BUT THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE BANKS WERE ALREADY WORKING TOGETHER ON THEM.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE EXCHANGE WAS TAKING THE INITIATIVE IN WORKING OUT PROPOSALS FOR INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, HE ADDED.
APART FROM ISSUES RAISED IN THE HAY DAVISON REPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT REALISED THAT HONG KONG NEEDED TO INTRODUCE OTHER REGULATORY REFORMS TO BRING IT INTO LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
HE SAID THESE WERE IN HAND. FOR EXAMPLE, LEGISLATION WAS PASSED LAST WEEK TO REQUIRE MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF PUBLICLY-LISTED COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE THE BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THE SHARES THEY HOLD.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS THAT, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, HONG KONG WOULD INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO GIVE MORE TEETH TO ITS INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM.
"WE DO NOT WISH TO OVER-REGULATE. BUT IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO BE A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE - AND WE INTEND THAT IT SHOULD - THEN IT MUST HAVE RULES OF BEHAVIOUR UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS," SIR DAVID STRESSED.
WHILE SUGGESTING THAT GEOGRAPHY AND THE QUALITY OF ITS PEOPLE GAVE A GREAT ADVANTAGE TO HONG KONG, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT IT WAS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY HAD CONTRIBUTED TO ITS SUCCESS.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD INTERNAL POLITICAL STABILITY WITH NO POLICY U-TURNS RESULTING FROM A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION TO HAVING A BUOYANT AND OPEN ECONOMY, NO EXCHANGE CONTROLS, LOW INCOME AND CORPORATE TAX RATES, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A GOVERNMENT WHICH BELIEVED THAT BUSINESSMEN KNOW WHAT WOULD BF BEST FOR BUSINESS.
HONG KONG’S PLACE ON THE MAP MADE IT A NATURAL CENTRE FOR THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION - AND A GATEWAY TO CHINA.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST IO YEARS THE ECONOMIC LINKS
BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAD GROWN ASTONISHINGLY ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA THROUGH HONG KONG.
WHILE IN THE OTHER DIRECTION, CHINA WAS NOW THE INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR AFTER THE AND JAPAN.
QUICKLY, WITH
CAME FROM OR
THIRD LARGEST
UNITED STATES
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THAT HONG KONG’S ADVANTAGES WERE REALISED BY MANY UK INTERESTS. THERE WERE 22 BRITISH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
UK RELATED I INANCI AL INSTITUTIONS PROBABLY ACCOUNTED FOR 15 TO 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TURNOVER ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE, AND UK OWNED EQUITIES ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION, HE CONTINUED.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE DID NOT WISH TO TRY TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL IN HONG KONG WAS ROSY.
/HE POINTED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
• ’ - 63 - "
HE POINTED OUT THAT RECENT ECONOMIC SUCCESS (13 PER CENT REAL GROWTH ON 11 PER CENT REAL GROWTH) HAD CAUSED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF OVER HEATING OF THE ECONOMY WITH THE INFLATION RATE RISING TO AROUND SEVEN PER CENT.
"WORRIES ABOUT THE FUTURE, COUPLED WITH THE IMMIGRATION POLICIES BEING ADOPTED BY SOME COUNTRIES, HAVE CAUSED AN INCREASE IN EMIGRATION, PARTICULARLY AMONG OUR TALENTED MIDDLE-MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CLASS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"NATURALLY THIS IS A WORRY, PARTICULARLY WHEN COMBINED WITH THE INTENSE COMPETITION FOR TALENTED MANPOWER CREATED BY A BUOYANT ECONOMY."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE BOUND TO BE UPS AND DOWNS AHEAD OF HONG KONG, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
"BUT HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE HAVE, THROUGH MANY YEARS AND MANY CRISES, SHOWN THEIR RESILIENCE AND THEIR ABILITY TO TAKE PROBLEMS IN THEIR STRIDE," SIR DAVID SAID.
CITING AN ANALYSIS WHICH PREDICTED THAT BY THE YEAR 2000, THE EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES WOULD HAVE A JOINT GNP GREATER THAN THAT OF WESTERN EUROPE AND AS BIG AS THAT OF NORTH AMERICA, HE SAID HONG KONG WAS IDEALLY PLACED TO PLAY A LEADING PART IN THIS.
"WE AS A GOVERNMENT ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING THE CONDITIONS FOR HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKETS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG, CHINA AND THE REGION WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
"HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE OF INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY," HE STRESSED.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, WHILE STATED IN TERMS THAT HONG KONG WAS TO REMAIN AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, ALSO CONTAINED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT POINTS WHICH CREATED THE PRACTICAL CONDITIONS TO ENABLE THIS TO HAPPEN, FOR AT LEAST 50 YEARS AFTER 1997. '
ALL THE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN APRIL, SIR DAVID SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE CLEAR AIM OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTERS WHICH WAS TO REINFORCE THE GENERAL PROMISES OF CONTINUITY CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, HAD, IN SOME CASES, LED THEM TO GO BEYOND THE JOINT DECLARATION AND LAY DOWN OTHER POLICY GUIDELINES, SUCH AS A LOW TAX POLICY AND BALANCED BUDGET.
"THESE ARE OF COURSE ADMIRABLE OBJECTIVES IN THEMSELVES. BUT LAYING THEM DOWN IN A LAW WOULD LIMIT THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE SAR GOVERNMENT AND TEND TO RESTRICT THE AUTONOMY THAT IS PROMISED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
.. ........... V
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
64 -
"SO IT MUST BE QUESTIONABLE WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT BASIC LAW," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
WHILE CONCEDING THAT THE FIRST DRAFT HAD FLAWS OF WHICH THE DRAFTERS THEMSELVES HAD ADMITTED AS MUCH, THE GOVERNOR HOWEVER POINTED OUT THAT THE DRAFTERS HAD ALSO SHOWN A WELCOME WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO HONG KONG VIEWS ON WHAT THOSE FLAWS MIGHT BE AND TO MAKE CHANGES.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND IN DUE COURSE THE BASIC LAW, PROVIDED THE ESSENTIAL FRAMEWORK TO ALLOW HONG KONG TO CONTINUE AS ,1 LEADING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
"IF YOU LIKE, THE GOLF COURSE IS THERE," HE SAID, "IT IS UP TO THE PLAYERS HOW WELL THEY PLAY ON IT AND WHETHER THEY SPEND MORE TIME ON THE FAIRWAY OR IN THE ROUGH."
-------0 --------
FS ON INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM t » * » »
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH IN LONDON EARLIER TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN WHICH MENTION WAS MADE TO INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO GIVE MORE TEETH TO HONG KONG'S INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS EVENING THAT IT HAD BEEN AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM BASED UPON THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE RETAINED,.AT LEAST FOR THE TIME BEING, BUT THAT THERE SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED SANCTIONS AGAINST INSIDER DEALERS. DETAILED PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, IT IS THE ROLE OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL TO DETERMINE WHETHER CULPABLE INSIDER DEALING HAS TAKEN PLACE, IDENTIFYING THE PERSONS INVOLVED AND THE EXTENT OF THEIR CULPABILITY. PUBLIC CENSURE IS THE ONLY SANCTION AGAINST A CULPABLE INSIDER AS THE LAW STANDS NOW. BOTH THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAVE CONSIDERED THE ISSUE IN SOME DEPTH AND HAVE AGREED THAT THE PRESENT LEGISLATION IS UNSATISFACTORY AND THAT MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENTS ARE REQUIRED.
TWO OPTIONS FOR TACKLING THE QUESTION OF INSIDER DEALING HAVE BEEN EXAMINED: STRENGTHENING THE PRESENT TRIBUNAL SYSTEM OR MAKING INSIDER DEALING A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. THERE WERE DIVIDED VIEWS IN BOTH THE STANDING COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION ON THE APPROPRIATE WAY FORWARD. THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF THE TWO OPTIONS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, AND IT HAS BEEN-. DECIDED 'THAT THE CRIMINALISATION ROUTE SHOULD NOT BE FOLLOWED AT LEAST AT THIS STAGE. INSTEAD THE TRIBUNAL SYSTEM WILL BE RETAINED WITH SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED SANCTIONS.
- ■
/HR JACOBS ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 65 -
MR JACOBS SAID: "WE ARE NOT, HOWEVER, DISMISSING THE CONCEPT OF CRIMINALISATION ENTIRELY. WE WILL KEEP THE MATTER UNDER REVIEW IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED ONCE THE NEW SANCTIONS \RE LN OPERATION. CRIMINALISATION IS THE COMMUNITY’S UNIQUE CONDEMNATION OF A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY \ND THE POSSIBILITY OF FOLLOWING THIS OPTION IF THE NEW SANCTIONS DO NOT WORK MUST NOT BE RULED OUT."
MR JACOBS CONTINUED: "THERE ARF MERITS IN THE TRIBUNAL SYSTEM. THE PROCEEDINGS ARE INVESTIGATIVE AND THERE IS THEREFORE SOMEWHAT MORE LATITUDE COMPARED WITH A CRIMINAL TRIAL. THE PERSON UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE TRIBUNAL IS BOUND TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS THAT ARE PUT TO HIM. IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS THE ACCUSED IS ENTITLED TO REMAIN SILENT. ACCORDINGLY, UNDER THE TRIBUNAL SYSTEM IT SHOULD BE EASIER TO ASCERTAIN THE FACTS."
THE ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS IT IS PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE INCLUDE EMPOWERING THE TRIBUNAL:
(A) TO MAKE AN ORDER TO BAN A CULPABLE INSIDER DEALER FROM ACTING AS A DIRECTOR OF ANY COMPANY OR TAKING PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANY COMPANY;
(B) TO REFER ANY CULPABLE PROFESSIONAL TO THE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION;
(C) TO REFER THOSE INSIDER DEALERS WHO ARE PROFESSIONALLY INVOLVED IN THE SECURITIES MARKET TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION;
(D) TO REQUIRE THE DISGORGEMENT OF ANY PROFITS IMPROPERLY MADE OR LOSSES IMPROPERLY AVOIDED, AND TO IMPOSE A PENALTY OF UP TO THREE TIMES THE PROFITS MADE; AND
(E) TO ISSUE A NOTE OF CENSURE AGAINST THOSE WHO, WHILST NOT FOUND TO BE ACTUAL INSIDER DEALERS, \RE DETERMINED TO HAVE BEEN CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACTIVITY.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT HEARING OF THE TRIBUNAL WOULD IN FUTURE NORMALLY BE HELI) IN PUBLIC, BUT THE TRIBUNAL WOULD HAVE DISCRETION TO CONDUCT HEARINGS IN CAMERA.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE ENHANCED SANCTIONS SHOULD PROVE AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT AGAINST INSIDER DEALING, WHILE THE PROVISIONS IN THE RECENTLY ENACTED SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE WOULD MAKE INSIDER DEALING HARDER TO CONCEAL. LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BRING ABOUT THE INCREASED SANCTIONS AND A BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE EARLY PART OF THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT A STRENGTHENING OF THE PRESENT INVESTIGATORY \ND ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY WOULD BE REQUIRED IF THE NEW SANCTIONS WERE TO PROVE EFFECTIVE. THUS IT WAS NOT THE INTENTION TO BRING THE NEW PROVISIONS INTO FORCE UNTIL THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION HAI) BEEN ESTABLISHED AND HAD THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE MARKET WERE CARRIED OUT EFFECTIVELY.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 66 -
FS CONGRATULATES HKSE’S DECISION ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS » » * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE FOR HAVING SUCCESSFULLY AMENDED ITS ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION THUS PAVING WAY FOR ESTABLISHING A MORE BROADLY-BASED AND REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL BY OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
AT AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING HELD EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON, MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE ENDORSED A PROPOSAL PUT FORTH BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO REVISE THE EXCHANGE’S ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION TO FORM A 22-MEMBER COUNCIL AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE.
"I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE DECISION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE AND THE EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED, IN PARTICULAR, THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WHO TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO CHANGE THE EXCHANGE’S CONSTITUTION," MR JACOBS SAID.
"THE SUCCESSFUL RECONSTITUTION OF THE EXCHANGE IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN BRINGING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"FOR ITS PART, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH ITS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT THE OTHER REFORMS RECOMMENDED BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE ARE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE," HE ADDED.
-----0---------
NEW VOTING SYSTEM FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS *****
A NEW PREFERENTIAL ELIMINATION VOTING SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
IT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TWO TYPES OF ELECTION PROCEDURE, NAMELY THE "REPEATED BALLOT SYSTEM" FOR ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES AND "PREFERENTIAL (ADDITION) -VOTING SYSTEM" FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
THE NEW VOTING SYSTEM AND OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (PROCEDURE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARYi
UNDER THE NEW VOTING SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AN ELECTOR WILL VOTE ONCE ONLY AND RECORD HIS PREFERENCE FOR THE CANDIDATES IN A CONSECUTIVE DESCENDING ORDER.
/HE MUST
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 67 -
HE MUST MARK A FIRST PREFERENCE AND IS FREE TO MARK SECOND, THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT PREFERENCES FOR ANY REMAINING CANDIDATES.
THE CANDIDATE WHO OBTAINS THE LEAST NUMBER OF PREFERENCE VOTES AT EACH STAGE OF THE COUNT DROPS OUT AND HIS VOTES ARE "TRANSFERRED" TO THE REMAINING CANDIDATES.
THE CANDIDATE WHO EVENTUALLY OBTAINS AN ABSOLUTE MAJORITY IS ELECTED.
THE SAME ELIMINATION PROCESS AND TRANSFER OF VOTES WILL BE APPLIED IN THE CASE OF A TWO-SEAT CONSTITUENCY.
THE CANDIDATE WHO SECURES AN ABSOLUTE MAJORITY WILL BE ELECTED TO THE FIRST SEAT, AND THE CANDIDATE WHO OBTAINS THE NEXT HIGHEST NUMBER OF PREFERENCES AT THE LAST COUNT OF THE ELECTION WILL SECURE THE SECOND SEAT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW VOTING SYSTEM FOLLOWED THE PUBLICATION, IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, THE WHITE PAPER: "THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT: THE WAY FORWARD".
IT STATED THAT THE PREFERENTIAL ELIMINATION VOTING SYSTEM WOULD BE ADOPTED IN THE 1988 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS FOR BOTH THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES.
OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS GAZETTED TODAY ARE MAINLY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS, SOME OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE AN INCREASE OF THE ELECTION DEPOSIT FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS FROM $2,000 TO $4,000, THE SEALING OF BALLOT BOXES AND ELECTORAL DOCUMENTS, REVISING THE FORM OF BALLOT PAPER, DEFINING DOUBLE-SEAT AND SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES AND THE PROVISION OF A UNIFORM SET OF DIRECTIONS FOR THE MARKING OF BALLOT PAPERS, AS THE PROCEDURE IN BOTH THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE THE SAME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER, TWO ERRORS HAD BEEN DISCOVERED IN APPENDIX C OF THE PAPER.
"FIRSTLY, UNDER EXAMPLE B, PARAGRAPH 6 STATED THAT, WHEN THE 110 FIRST PREFERENCE VOTES OF CANDIDATE D (WHO IS ELIMINATED AFTER THE SECOND ROUND OF VOTE COUNTING) ARE REDISTRIBUTED, THE 30 BALLOT PAPERS WHICH SHOW CANDIDATE A AS THE SECOND PREFERENCE ARE SET ASIDE AS EXHAUSTED VOTES BECAUSE CANDIDATE A HAD BEEN ELIMINATED AFTER THE FIRST ROUND.
"THIS IS INCORRECT: THE 30 BALLOT PAPERS IN QUESTION SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO CANDIDATE B OR C ACCORDING TO THE THIRD PREFERENCE SHOWN ON THEM.
/"SECONDLY, UNDER
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 68 -
"SECONDLY, UNDER EXAMPLE C, PARAGRAPH 2 STATED THAT IN THE SEPARATE (ELIMINATION) COUNT, THE SECOND PREFERENCE VOTES ARE ADDED TO THE FIRST PREFERENCE VOTES OF EACH CANDIDATE TO DETERMINE THE WINNER.
"THIS IS NOT NECESSARY, BECAUSE THE TOTALS OF THE FIRST PREFERENCE VOTES ARE THE SAME FOR EACH CANDIDATE AND ONLY THE NUMBERS OF SECOND PREFERENCE VOTES NEED BE CONSIDERED: THE CANDIDATE WITH THE LEAST NUMBER OF SUCH VOTES WILL BE ELIMINATED.
"THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS GAZETTED SET OUT THE CORRECT PROCEDURE," HE SAID.
------0--------
FOUR TYPES OF YOUTH WORK EXPLAINED
» » » t
YOUTH WORK IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE SETTING AIMS TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES AND POTENTIALS THROUGH SOCIAL WORK METHODS AND WELFARE SERVICES IN THE RECOGNITION THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE RESOURCES OF OUR SOCIETY, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF SHA TIN, MR LAW SAID YOUTH SERVICES RENDERED IN THIS SETTING COULD BE CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR TYPES, NAMELY DEVELOPMENTAL, PREVENTIVE, PROTECTIVE AND REMEDIAL.
UNDER THE DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES ARE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND OTHER YOUTH GROUPS WHILE PREVENTIVE SERVICES COMPRISE OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK.
THERE IS ONE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE FjOR EVERY DISTRICT WITH 20,000 TO 30,000 POPULATION AND THERE ARE NOW 230 SUCH CENTRES WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF ABOUT 275,000.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE MORE THAN 70,000 MEMBERS IN THE UNIFORM GROUPS AND SOME 10,000 PEOPLE ARE BEING SERVED BY OUTREACHlNG SERVICE AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK.
"THESE FIGURES ALONE CAN TELL THE EXTENT AND INFLUENCE OF YOUTH WORK.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY, THERE ARE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS TO GIVE INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS EVERY NECESSARY GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE," MR LAW SAID.
/HE ADDED
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 69 -
HE ADDED THAT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THESE SERVICES EXCEEDED $240 MILLION, REPRESENTING ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF DIRECT WELFARE EXPENDITURE.
HOWEVER, MR LAW STRESSED THAT DEVELOPMENTAL YOUTH WORK COULD NOT ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE WITHOUT THE RESPONSE, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE OF THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY.
IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS, HE SAID.
ON PREVENTIVE SERVICES, HE NOTED THAT SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO EVERY SCHOOL WHILE OUTREACHING WORK WAS MAKING STEADY PROGRESS.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION OF SOCIAL WORKERS, EITHER BECAUSE OF THEIR BEHAVIOURAL OR FAMILY PROBLEMS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE THEM ASSISTANCE," MR LAW SAID.
"VERY OFTEN, THESE CASES ARE ASSIGNED BY THE COURT TO BE PUT UNDER THE. COUNSEL AND SUPERVISION OF SOCIAL WORKERS OF THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES.
"FOR SOME CASES, THEY MAY EVEN REQUIRE INSTITUTIONAL CARE AND TRAINING," HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE SOME 2,000 YOUNGSTERS RECEIVING THE CARE AND PROTECTION BEING RENDERED MOSTLY BY CASE WORKERS.
REMEDIAL SERVICES, COMPRISING PROBATION, INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING AND AFTERCARE, WOULD BE NEEDED TO REHABILITATE THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN THEY BROKE THE LAW, MR LAW SAID.
"THE PROBATION OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER SOCIAL WORKERS ARE NOW SERVING SOME 3,500 CLIENTS WITH LONGER TERM, REMEDIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE," HE OBSERVED.
IN CONCLUSION THERE WAS A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THESE FOUR TYPES OF YOUTH WORK, HE SAID.
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/7O........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
70
TAKE EXTRA SAFETY MEASURES, CONTRACTORS URGED
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE (CISS), MR PETER NIE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF THE NEED TO TAKE EXTRA SAFETY MEASURES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES DURING THE RAINY SEASON.
"PAST EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN AGGRAVATE WORKING CONDITIONS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THOSE ENGAGED IN THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ON THE ALERT FOR POTENTIAL HAZARDS," HE SAID.
MR NIE SUGGESTED THAT EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SHOULD ADOPT THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IMMEDIATELY:
* ALL ELECTRIC SWITCHBOARDS, WIRING, APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT AFFECTED BY RAIN SHOULD BE INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON BEFORE THEY ARE USED AGAIN.
* . EXCAVATION, EARTHWORK AND TIMBERING ERECTED SHOULD BE INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON BEFORE FURTHER WORK IS CARRIED ON.
* EMERGENCY ESCAPE SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR PERSONS WORKING INSIDE EXCAVATIONS, SHAFTS, TUNNELS, PITS OR OPENINGS IN THE GROUND IN CASE OF RISING WATER OR IRRUPTION OF WATER OR MATERIAL.
* PARTICULAR CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHILE USING WET AND SLIPPERY WORKING PLATFORMS, GANGWAYS, LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS.
* SCAFFOLDS SHOULD BE INSPECTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON SINCE EXPOSURE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS IS LIKELY TO HAVE AFFECTED THEIR STRENGTH OR STABILITY OR TO HAVE DISPLACED ANY PART BEFORE THEY ARE USED AGAIN.
TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK, MR NIE SAID, THE CISS HAS PRODUCED A POSTER AND AN INFORMATION LEAFLET WARNING AGAINST THE COMMON PITFALLS FOUND AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
HE APPEALED TO CONTRACTORS TO PUT UP THE POSTER AT ' PROMINENT LOCATION AT THEIR CONSTRUCTION SITES TO HELP BRING HOME THE SAFETY MESSAGE.
THE CISS IS ONE OF THE SIX INDUSTRY-BASED SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEES FORMED UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN HONG KONG.
IT IS TRIPARTITE IN NATURE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND WORKERS’ UNIONS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
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MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REDUCE NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SUMMER TIME AND ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW.
THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUESTED TO ENDORSE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PUTTING UP CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS AND FOR A STUDY ON THE LIVING CONDITION OF RESIDENTS IN OLD TENEMENT BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
-----0------
EASTERN DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3 AT THEIR MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, DR RAYMOND WU, WILL BRIEF BOARD MEMBERS ON THE REPORT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT AN INTERIM REPORT ON A NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL SCHEME ON A SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CRIME (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
-----0------
/72........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 72 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER 13 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A TALENT SHOW AND A ’’FUND DAY” FOR THE ELDERLY, A BASKETBALL COMPETITION, A SWIMMING GALA, A DANCE COMPETITION, AN EXHIBITION ON MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY, AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE DENTAL HEALTH.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTING DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LONG ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
---------------------0------- TRAVEL TRADE SYMPOSIUM INVITES APPLICATIONS * ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL ORGANISE A TWO-DAY SYMPOSIUM FOR TRAINERS IN THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TRAVEL TRADES.
THE “TRAVEL TRADE SYMPOSIUM” WILL BE CONDUCTED ON AUGUST 1 AND 2 AT THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG.
THE OBJECT IS TO UPDATE EDUCATORS/INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY.
THE SYMPOSIUM WILL BE CONDUCTED BY VISITING PROFESSOR CHUCK Y. GEE AND MR JACK FOOTE OF THE SCHOOL OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII (MANOA). ♦
DEPENDING ON SPONSORS OF THE APPLICANTS, FEES FOR THE SYMPOSIUM WILL RANGE FROM $100 TO $200 PER DAY. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JULY 28.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MISS CHAN, ON 5-8932341 EXT 282.
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/73........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 73 -
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A LOT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LOT IS LOCATED IN D.D. NO. 51 ON FUK STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,654 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OR CONCRETE BATCHING.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 5.
-------o --------
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR LRT OPERATIONS
*****
A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22) TO FACILITATE THE OPERATIONS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TWO RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE BANNED.
VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AU TAU-BOUND. THEY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD LI.
THE EXISTING RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM LONG YIP STREET ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL ALSO BE BANNED. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD LI AND AN UNNAMED EXIT ROAD FROM YUEN LONG LRT INTERCHANGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE FOLLOWING AREAS AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY:
* THE YUEN LONG (EAST) BUS TERMINUS NEAR ROAD LI.
» THE OFFSIDE LANE OF ROAD LI FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO NAM PIN WAI AND THE ENTRANCE TO THE BUS TERMINUS IN THE INTERCHANGE.
/TWO ROAD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
7U
TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS:
t THE SECTION OF TUNG LOK STREET BETWEEN YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD AND SAU FU STREET WILL BE MADE A PEAK-HOUR (THAT IS 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
♦ THE SECTION OF ROAD LI FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD TO NAM PIN WAI TO ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK.
IN TUEN MUN, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI FONG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUN WEN ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NO. 9 CARPARK OF TAI HING ESTATE.
» THE SOUTHEASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NO. 9 CARPARK OF TAI HING ESTATE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI FONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* TAI HING STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI FONG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUN WEN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI FONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
» THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUN WEN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
» THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD FROM
ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUN WEN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES
EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
t THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD FROM
ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUN WEN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES
EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THESE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1988
- 75
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON
» * * <
LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD «
TO FACILITATE THE REPAIR OF SAFETY FENCE ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, A 150-METRE SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR WORLDWIDE GARDENS WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PARKING SPACE NOS. 20 TO 40 AND 144 TO 152 AT MURRAY BARRACKS CARPARK IN CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 23).
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
MOREOVER, THE PARKING SPACES 1 TO 19, 47 TO 61, 63, 153, 155, 157 AND 159 TO 171 AT THIS CARPARK WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON AUGUST 1 FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
AS A RESULT, THE NUMBER OF MONTHLY PASSES ISSUED BARRACKS CARPARK WILL BE REDUCED FROM 100 TO 60 FROM NEXT
FOR MURRAY MONTH.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YAU MA TEI
« « » » »
THE TRANSPORT STREET IN YAU MA TEI BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF BOWRING BETWEEN WOOSUNG STREET AND TEMPLE STREET WILL FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 22).
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN FORCE FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS
TO
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SDA INSPECTS AREAS AFFECTED BY FLOODING ................ 1
FARMERS INVITED TO REPORT LOSSES ....................... 2
TUITION FEES AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS................... 3
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FEES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INCREASED .. 4
REGIONAL SECRETARY TOURS TSUEI'I WAN DISTRICT .......... 5
JOBS FOUND FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS ...................... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES ................ 7
TSUEN WAN JPC MEMBERS GET NEW CLUBHOUSE................. 8
TAI PO PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL OPENING ON SATURDAY......... 8
RETIREMENT SCHEMES ON NORTH DB COMMITTEE aGENDa......... 9
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIVESTOCK WaSTE CONTROL SCHEME.. 10
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS aND FERRY ROUTE PROGRAMME... 11
DOMESTIC HELPERS ENTITLED TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS......... 11
MEASURES TO IMPROVE NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN CAUSEWAY BAY . 12
JOINT SCHOOL SUMMER PROJECT ON DRUG «BUSE............... 13
FRESH WATER CUT IN SrU TIN ............................. 13
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
SDA INSPECTS AREAS AFFECTED BY FLOODING *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACTED SWIFTLY DURING AND FOLLOWING THE SERIOUS FLOODINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BROUGHT ABOUT BY TYPHOON WARREN, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER TOURING AFFECTED AREAS, MR LIAO NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD MOBILISED TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION, AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE HAD ALSO ASSISTED IN RESCUE OPERATIONS BY DISPATCHING HELICOPTERS.
"THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAD OPENED A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY SHELTERS TO ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FLOODINGS," MR LIAO SAID.
"THOUGH THE FLOODINGS BROUGHT ABOUT LOSSES IN LIVESTOCK, PROPERTY AND FARM CROPS, FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO LOSS OF LIFE."
MR LIAO FIRST WENT TO THE SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE OFFICE, WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE LIU CLAN AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE TOURING THE VILLAGE.
HE WAS JOINED IN THE TOUR BY THREE OMELCO MEMBERS, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR TAI CHIN-WAH, AND MR ANDREW WONG, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN, AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN.
THE PARTY THEN LEFT FOR LOK MA CHAU TO VISIT FARMS AFFECTED BY FLOODING.
-------0----------
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
- 2 -
FARMERS INVITED TO REPORT LOSSES » » » » ♦
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) INVITED CROP AND POND FISH FARMERS WHOSE CROPS AND FISH STOCKS HAD SUFFERED HEAVY DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF YESTERDAY’S FLOODING, TO REPORT THEIR LOSSES TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THEY SHOULD MAKE THEIR REPORTS PERSONALLY TO THE DEPARTMENT’S AU TAU FISHERIES OFFICES OR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICES:
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE,
TAI KIU MARKET,
YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, YUEN LONG.
» TAI PO DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
♦ KO PO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, KO PO, FANLING.
SAI KUNG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
♦ MUI WO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE,
SILVER MINE BAY, MUI WO.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE FARMERS HAD SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES OR EXPERIENCED EXTREME HARDSHIP, AND REQUIRED URGENT RELIEF, THEY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR /X RELIEF GRANT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,440 FROM THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND..
’’AFTER INITIAL REGISTRATION, EACH CASE WILL BE INVESTIGATED, CHECKED AND ASSESSED. AND ONLY GENUINE FULL-TIME FARMERS WHO SUFFER HEAVY LOSSES AND ARE IN NEED OF THE GRANT TO RELIEVE THEIR FINANCIAL DISTRESS, WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE GRANT,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT UP TO 10 AM TODAY (THURSDAY) A TOTAL OF 40 CROP AND POND FISH FARMERS HAD APPROACHED THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING, YESTERDAY’S DOWNPOUR CAUSED FLOODING OF 35 HECTARES OF FISH PONDS IN SAN TIN, KAM TIN, SHEUNG SHUI AND LAM TSUEN, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF 65 TONNES OF POND FISH, WORTH ABOUT $760,000.
/IN ADDITION,
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 270 HECTARES OF FARM LAND IN SAN TIN, PAT HEUNG, SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING, TA KWU LING AND TAI PO WERE FLOODED, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF 160 PIGS, 62,200 CHICKENS, 8,000 DUCKS AND 2,100 PAIRS OF PIGEONS.
"THE DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SCALE OF DAMAGE TO CROPS. THE FINDINGS WILL BE KNOWN IN A FEW DAYS' TIME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-------0 ---------
TUITION FEES AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
* * t ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RECOMMENDED FEES FOR DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES AT THE THREE UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE FOR 1990-91 AND 1991-92. %
THE RECOMMENDED FEE LEVELS FOR 1990-91 AND 1991-92 ARE $8,700 AND $10,000 A YEAR FOR DEGREE COURSES AND $6,500 AND $7,500 A YEAR FOR SUB-DEGREE COURSES RESPECTIVELY.
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WILL ADMIT ITS FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS IN OCTOBER 1991. ACCORDINGLY, THE RECOMMENDED DEGREE FEES OF $10,000 FOR 1991-92 WILL ALSO APPLY TO THESE STUDENTS.
FEES ALREADY DETERMINED AND ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEXT TWO ACADEMIC YEARS (1988-89 AND 1989-90) ARE $6,200 AND $7,500 A YEAR FOR DEGREE COURSES AND $4,900 AND $5,700 A YEAR FOR SUB-DEGREE COURSES.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS FOR TUITION FEES TO MEET A REASONABLE SHARE OF THE COSTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD IT TO PAY REASONABLE FEES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE PRESENT ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES THE RECOMMENDED FEES FOR 1991-92. THIS IS TO MEET A LONG ESTABLISHED AIM OF DECLARING FEES FOUR YEARS IN ADVANCE SO THAT THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS MAY , BE AWARE FROM FIRST ENROLMENT OF THE FEES THEY WILL PAY THROUGHOUT THEIR COURSE," HE ADDED.
"THE RECOMMENDED FEES FOR 1990-91 AND 1991-92 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED FROM THE INDICATIVE LEVELS ANNOUNCED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ESTIMATED FUTURE INFLATION.
"THE SIX INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE RECOMMENDED FEES.
/"THEY MAY
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988 *
THEY MAY IF THEY SO WISH MODIFY THE
BUT IF THEY CHOOSE TO ADOPT LOWER FEES
RECOMMENDED FEE LEVELS.
THE DEFICIENCY BY
PRIVATE INCOME," THE
REDUCING SPOKESMAN
THEY WILL NEED TO MAKE UP FOR
EXPENDITURE OR BY RAISING ADDITIONAL EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME REMAINS THAT NO STUDENT WHO IS FFERED A PLACE SHOULD BE DETERRED FROM ACCEPTING IT THROUGH LACK OF FUNDS; THE GRANT ELEMENT OF THE SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS TO MEET FEES AND FACULTY EXPENSES WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE FEE INCREASES AND WILL BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY " THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED. ’
------0 - - - -
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FEES, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INCREASED >. » » * * *
IN ANNOUNCING NEW FEES FOR THE FULL-TIME COURSES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TODAY (THURSDAY), AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM 1990.
STUDENT LOANS MADE IN 1990 AND LATER YEARS WILL BE SUBJECT TO INTEREST.
ANNOUNCING THESE CHANGES, WHICH WILL AFFECT NEW STUDENTS ENTERING THE THREE-YEAR PKi SERVICE COURSE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR THE SPOKESMAN SAID: THE COST OF FULL-TIME COURSES IS INCREASING EVERY YEAR.
"THE GO' {RNMENT’S ESTABLISHED POLICY IS THAT STUDENTS SHOULD BEAR A REASONABLE SHARE OF THE COST, BUT AT THE 3AME TIME ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO NEED IT."
FEE LEVELS FOR FULL-TIME COURSES ANNOUNCED TODAY ARE:
1988 - 89 $1,400 PER ANNUM
1989 - 90 $1,700 PER ANNUM
1990 - 91 $2,350 PER ANNUM
THE SPOKESMAN ADD THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, CONSISTING PARTLY OF GRANTS AND PARTLY OF LOANS, WOULD BE ADJUSTED IN LINI WITH FUTURE FEE LEVELS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE WERE ALREADY REQUIRED TO PAY INTEREST ON THEIR LOANS.
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
- 5
REGIONAL SECRETARY TOURS TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
» * » « »
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED TSUEN WAN AND WAS IMPRESSED BY THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWN.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE MORNING, MR SUEN WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, AND SENIOR STAFF OF THE OFFICE.
THE PARTY THEN DROVE TO MEI WAN STREET WHERE THE OFFICE OF THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION IS LOCATED. GREETING THE REGIONAL SECRETARY AT THE OFFICE WAS THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.
DURING HIS BRIEF STAY AT THE OFFICE, MR SUEN LEARNT OF THE ACTIVE ROLE THE ASSOCIATION TOOK IN ORGANISING DIFFERENT SPORTS EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE ROOFTOP OF BLOCK 5 AT THE riviera Garden for a panoramic view of tsuen wan old town centre and THE COASTAL AREAS.
MR SUEN WAS BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE DISTRICT.
HE LEARNT THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE WATERFRONT RECLAMATION, ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL USES WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE.
THE PROPOSED SHING MUN VALLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAN WOULD INVOLVE THE TRANSFORMATION OF 25 HECTARES OF LAND INTO A MAJOR RECREATIONAL AREA WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS A SPORTS STADIUM, SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND SITTING-OUT AREAS.
ON MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, MR SUEN NOTED THAT WORK ON ROUTE 5 HAD ALREADY BEGUN.
THIS SEVEN-KILOMETRE LONG NEW TRUNK ROAD, TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR, WILL PROVIDE A FAST ROUTE BETWEEN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCH RECEPTION DURING WHICH HE MET COMMUNITY LEADERS, MR SUEN MADE A COURTESY CALL TO THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, ONE OF THE MOST LONG-STANDING ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COMMITTEE’S WORK AND EXPRESSED HIS WISH OF SEEING THE MEMBERS’ CONTINUED SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
/THE NEXT
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
THE NEXT STOP FOR THE REGIONAL SECRETARY WAS YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, LOCATED ON THE SCENIC HILL SLOPES IN LO WAI.
MR SUEN WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS CHARITY AND WELFARE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE ORGANISATION. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 100,000 WORSHIPPERS AND TOURISTS VISITING THE INSTITUTE EVERY YEAR.
AS FOR ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, MR SUEN LEARNT THAT THE INSTITUTE HAD EMBARKED ON AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT OF BUILDING A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME AND A "LING SHIU DIN" CHAMBER IN COMMEMORATION OF "KWAN DAI".
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY THEN RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ATTEND A TEA RECEPTION, WHERE HE MET AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON MATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST TO THE DISTRICT.
MR SUEN SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AND MEETING THE LEADERS OF THE VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN TSUEN WAN.
AND ON THIS NOTE, HE CONCLUDED HIS TOUR OF TSUEN WAN, WHICH WAS ALSO THE LAST STOP OF HIS VISIT TO THE NINE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
- - O - -
JOBS FOUND FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS
» » t » t
ALL 365 REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO REGISTERED WITH THE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN VARIOUS SCHOOLS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS GRATEFUL TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION IN ACCEPTING REDUNDANT TEACHERS SAIDRRED BY ™E DEPAR™ENT T0 FILL THEIR VACANCIES," THE SPOKESMAN
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1975 TO ASSIST REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS SEEKING ALTERNATIVE JOBS AS A RESULT OF A DROP IN THE POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE OR BECAUSE OF A POPULATION SHIFT FROM URBAN AREAS TO THE NEW TOWNS.
ABOUT 5,400 TEACHERS HAVE BEEN ASSISTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE POSTS BETWEEN 1975 AND THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, WRITTEN ADVICE WILL BE SENT TO ALL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS INFORMING THEM THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER INTO EMPLOYMENT WITH NEW TRAINED TEACHERS AS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
- 7 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR 100 UNBAN TAXI LICENCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL DECIDED IN JULY 1986 THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED AS URBAN TAXIS WOULD REMAIN AT 14,400 UNTIL JULY THIS YEAR.
SINCE THEN, THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS HAS BEEN RESTRICTED TO 200 PER YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENCES ALLOCATED BY THE END OF LAST MONTH WAS 14,300 AND THE REMAINING 100 LICENCES ARE INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT TENDER EXERCISE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT IN A REVIEW EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL DECIDED THAT FURTHER ISSUES OF NEW LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS WOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 200 PER YEAR, THAT IS, THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT BE REGISTERED AS TAXIS FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS WOULD BE LIMITED TO 14,800 IN THE URBAN AREA.
TENDER FORMS FOR THE NEW LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OFFICES AT SECOND FLOOR, LOWER BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONO; 2 MURRAY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND NINTH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $25,000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE THEY SEEK. ONE TENDER FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR ANY NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 100.
A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WHICH OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES. THESE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 5.
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/8
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
- 8 -
TSUEN WAN JPC MEMBERS GET NEW CLUBHOUSE *****
THE NEW TSUEN WAN JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUBHOUSE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO BETTER CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF JPC MEMBERS IN THE DISTRICT.
SITUATED ON TAI HO ROAD IN THE CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN, THE NEW CLUBHOUSE OCCUPIES TWO FLOORS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAN 230 SQUARE METRES. IT HAS A VARIETY OF FACILITIES INCLUDING A NEW DANCING HALL EQUIPPED WITH UPRIGHT MIRRORS.
THE CLUBHOUSE WAS DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AS A GIFT TO THE 14,000 JPC MEMBERS IN THE NEW TOWN.
’’WITH THE SPACIOUS CLUBHOUSE, WE CAN NOW ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING COURSES SUCH AS MARTIAL ARTS, TAEKWANDO, FOLK DANCE AND SO ON FOR OUR MEMBERS,” SAID MR TSOI CHUN-ON, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (TSUEN WAN).
"SINCE THE CLUBHOUSE IS CENTRALLY LOCATED, IT WILL BECOME A CONVENIENT MEETING PLACE FOR THE MEMBERS, THUS GREATLY BOOSTING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY COMMUNITY SERVICES, ORGANISED BY US,” HE SAID.
AT A CEREMONY THIS MORNING, MR CHAN SHING-KAI FROM THE RHKJC UNVEILED^A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CLUBHOUSE AND THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW, PRESENTED LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT TO THE HONORARY PRESIDENTS AND ADVISERS OF THE TSUEN WAN JPC CLUB.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE MR DAVE HODSON, DISTRICT COMMANDER OF TSUEN WAN AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES.
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TAI PO PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL OPENING ON SATURDAY *****
THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL, THE FIRST PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN TAI PO, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, ON SATURDAY (JULY 23).
THE $11.6 MILLION SWIMMING POOL IS LOCATED ON A 4,572-SQUARE METRE SITE IN ON BONG ROAD. THE PROJECT WAS FUNDED SOLELY BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR MANAGEMENT BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
/THE POOLS
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
9 -
THE POOLS - WHICH INCLUDE A MAIN POOL, TRAINING POOL AND FUN POOL - ARE PROVIDED WITH SLIDES AND BRIDGES AND CAN BE USED FOR FORMAL WATER SPORTS AND FUN ACTIVITIES BY A MAXIMUM OF 500 PEOPLE.
THE TWO-STOREY POOL COMPLEX COMPRISES CHANGING ROOMS, FIRST AID ROOM, TOILETS, OFFICES, SNACK SHOP AND FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM, WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN INVITATION RELAY SWIMMING COMPETITION.
OTHER GUESTS TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY INCLUDE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT; CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG; AND STEWARD OF ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, DR HARRY FANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 23) AT THE POOL SIDE IN ON BONG ROAD NEAR BLOCK 16, TAI PO CENTRE.
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RETIREMENT SCHEMES ON NORTH DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ » ♦ t ♦
THE COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE PROPOSED SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL REGULATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SYSTEM OF REGULATION, RECOMMENDED BY A WORKING PARTY SET UP BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, PROVIDES THAT RETIREMENT SCHEMES SHOULD BE OPERATED ACCORDING TO CERTAIN STANDARDS OF PRUDENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, FOR THE PROTECTION OF BENEFICIARIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM A MEMBER TO STEP UP REMEDIAL MEASURES FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.
/AN ANNUAL
THURSDAY, JULY 21 f 1988
10 -
AN ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMME FOR 1988-89, PREPARED NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
BY THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME
» ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MS MABLE MAK, WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE SCHEME AND PROGRESS MADE IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY A COMPLAINT THAT THE PILING WORK AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE NEAR PING WUI STREET HAS CAUSED DAMAGES TO SEVERAL BUILDINGS IN THE VICINITY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE WATER DRIPPING FROM AIR-CONDITIONERS, OBSTRUCTION CAUSED TO PEDESTRIANS BY FLOWER POTS IN THE YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HYGIENE PROBLEM CAUSED BY DOGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) 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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/11
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
11
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS AND FERRY ROUTE PROGRAMME *****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S BUS AND FERRY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 1988-89 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO REINSTATE THE ORDINARY FERRY SERVICE FROM CENTRAL TO TSUEN WAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE 1988-89 MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; DISTRICT FUNCTIONS FOR THE 1988-89 I EEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN; AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE MA WAN ; RESH WATER SUPPLY PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM 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.
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DOMESTIC HELPERS ENTITLED TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
*****
AN EMPLOYER WAS RECENTLY FINED A TOTAL OF $6,000 BY A WESTERN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO GRANT HIS FILIPINA DOMESTIC HELPER THREE DAYS OF STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
THE CASE SHOWED THAT THE DOMESTIC HELPER WAS NOT GIVEN TIME OFF ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, AND THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS OF LUNAR NEW YEAR.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS ARE ENTITLED TO 11 DAYS OF STATUTORY HOLIDAY IN A YEAR.
"IF, FOR ANY REASON, A DOMESTIC HELPER IS REQUIRED TO .WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HER EMPLOYER MAY GIVE HER AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER A STATUTORY HOLIDAY WITH 48 HOURS’ NOTICE," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO GRANT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS MAY BE MADE TO THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8523537.
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/12
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
12
MEASURES TO IMPROVE NON-TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN CAUSEWAY BAY
*****
A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO IMPROVE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM SATURDAY (JULY 23), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
» A SOLID-CUM-BROKEN WHITE LINE WILL BE DESIGNATED ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD SO THAT HAPPY VALLEY-BOUND TRAFFIC CANNOT CUT ACROSS TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND LANE.
THE ROAD MARKING ON VICTORIA PARK ROAD BETWEEN HING FAT STREET AND THE PETROL STATION OUTSIDE EXCELSIOR HOTEL WILL BE IN PLACE ON JULY 23 WHILE THE ONE ON GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN EXCELSIOR HOTEL AND ITS JUNCTION WITH PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE COMPLETED ON JULY 24.
♦ A SHORT-SECTION OF BUS-ONLY LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED ON GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR PERCIVAL STREET TO FACILITATE ACCESS OF BUSES TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND CENTRAL.
♦ THE JUNCTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD WITH PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE MODIFIED SO THAT VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON THE GLOUCESTER ROAD SERVICE ROAD HEADING FOR HAPPY VALLEY, WAN CHAI AND CENTRAL CAN CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEYS ON THIS SERVICE ROAD OR TURN TO PERCIVAL STREET.
* THE LAYOUT OF THE EXISTING BUS BAY OUTSIDE EXCELSIOR HOTEL WILL BE MODIFIED TO FACILITATE BUS OPERATIONS. ■
♦ AS VEHICLES CAN NO LONGER JUMP THE TUNNEL QUEUE VIA THE GATE NEXT TO THE BUS BAY, THE GATE WILL BE CLOSED SO THAT VEHICLES WILL NOT CUT ACROSS THE BUSES NEARING THE BUS BAY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN THE AREA.
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/1J
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1988
- 13 -
JOINT SCHOOL SUMMER PROJECT ON DRUG ABUSE
*****
UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY OF WAH YAN COLLEGE (HONG KONG) AND THE INTERACT CLUB OF MARYMOUNT SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL JOINTLY LAUNCH AN ANTI-DRUG SUMMER PROJECT AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY.
THE EVENT, TO BE HELD AT THE PLAZA’S ENTRANCE ARENA, IS INTENDED TO AROUSE, THROUGH AN EXHIBITION AND A VARIETY SHOW, PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF DRUG ABUSE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAY.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROJECT WILL BE AN HOUR-LONG VARIETY SHOW, WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY, AND FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY LEADING DISC JOCKEYS AND SINGERS INCLUDING SANDY LAMB, BERTHA NGAI, NORMAN CHEUNG, PARODOX, BRENDA LO AND LISA CHEUNG.
MEMBER OF THE ACAN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEF., MR J. P. LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY AT THE VENUE AT 1.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
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FRESH WATER CUT IN SHA TIN * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 25) TO
IN SHA TIN WILL BE
6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE SUSPENSION IS TO ALLOW FOR WASTE MAINS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HEUNG FAN TAI PO ROAD AND SHING HO ROAD.
DETECTION WORK ON WATER
LIU STREET, MEI TIN ROAD,
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
CONTENTS PaGE KO.
LEGCO ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 22 ....................... 1
MORE FARMERS APPLY FOR RELIEF GRANTS .................. 2
REVISED SCHEDULE OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES ............. 3
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS .... 3
FREE ADVISORY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS GOING aBROAD....... 5
INCREASES IN POSTAL RATES, FEES ITIOM SEPTEMBER 1 ..... 5
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR JUNE PUBLISHED ............. 6
YAU TSIM FIRE SAFETY EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED ON SUNDAY .... 9
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT NGaU CHI WaN OZP PUBLISHED..... 10
COURTESY CaLL ON SWD DIRECTOR ......................... 11
KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER TO BE EXP.JIDED FOR BYPaSS... 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR JUNK BAY LANDFILL PROJECT ......... 12
Wj>N CHaI SIMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT .............. 13
CAMP CONCERT DRaWS CAPACITY AUDIENCE................... 1^
MUSIC OFFICE SEEKING PROFESSIONAL STAFF ............... 14
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED .............................. 15
FIRING PRACTICE IN aUGUST ............................. 15
KMB ROUTE 12B TO BE CANCELLED ......................... 16
SECTION OF TUNG F«T ROaD TO BE CLOSED.................. 16
ROAD CLOSURE IN W«NG TaU HOM ESTATE.................... 17
RIGHT-TURN BAN IN SHAM SHU I PO ....................... 17
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
LEGCO ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 22 *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22.
THE DATE, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), HAS BEEN CHOSEN ON OPERATIONAL GROUNDS AS THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE HELD TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEGINS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
BEING A THURSDAY, IT WOULD NOT CLASH WITH ANY MAJOR SOCIAL OR SPORTING ACTIVITY AND ALLOW SOME TIME FOR POST-POLLING TIDYING UP BEFORE THE END OF THE WEEK, HE ADDED.
ALSO ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE ARE APPOINTMENTS OF RETURNING OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THE ELECTIONS.
FOR DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, DISTRICT OFFICERS ARE APPOINTED RETURNING OFFICERS FOR DISTRICTS OTHER THAN THEIR OWN.
AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER IN EACH DISTRICT IS TO ACT AS ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICER FOR HIS OWN DISTRICT AND TO RECEIVE NOMINATIONS.
THE SECRETARIES AND DEPUTY SECRETARIES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS WILL BE RETURNING OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THEIR OWN COUNCIL.
FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ELECTORAL SERVICES) OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION WILL BE THE RETURNING OFFICER, ASSISTED BY THE REGISTRATION OFFICER AND ASSISTANT REGISTRATION OFFICERS AS ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT RETURNING OFFICERS WOULD HAVE THE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPERVISING THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS.
"THE FIRST THING THEY WILL DO IS TO CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCY FROM JULY 29. THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL END ON AUGUST 16," HE SAID.
NOMINATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM . MONDAY (JULY 25) AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND FROM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES MAY ALSO OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS FORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
2
MORE FARMERS APPLY FOR RELIEF GRANTS ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REGISTERED APPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS FROM A FURTHER 349 FARMERS WHO HAD SUFFERED HEAVY LOSSES IN THE FLOODING THAT OCCURRED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.
THE NEW APPLICANTS, COMPRISING 306 CROP AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND 43 POND FISH FARMERS, BROUGHT TO 517 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED SO FAR BY THE DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED CROP, LIVESTOCK AND POND FISH FARMERS WHO HAD SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES OR EXTREME HARDSHIP TO COME FORWARD TO REPORT THEIR LOSSES.
THEY SHOULD MAKE THEIR REPORTS PERSONALLY TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FISHERIES AND AGRICULTURAL OFFICES:
» AU TAU FISHERIES OFFICE, AU TAU, YUEN LONG.
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE, TAI KIU MARKET, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, YUEN LONG.
* TAI PO DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
* KO PO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, KO PO, FANLING.
» SAI KUNG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
* MUI WO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, SILVER MINE BAY, MUI WO.
"AFTER INITIAL REGISTRATION, EACH CASE WILL BE INVESTIGATED, CHECKED AND ASSESSED. AND ONLY THOSE WHO MEET THE EMERGENCY RELIEF CRITERIA WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR PAYMENT OF A RELIEF GRANT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,440," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT WAS, THEREFORE, FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT THAT FARMERS SHOULD REPORT THEIR LOSSES TO THE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE A FULLER ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES SUFFERED.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 3 -REVISED SCHEDULE OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES t t * » *
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT A REVISED SCHEDULE OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SCHEDULE WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 25 THIS YEAR.
THE SCHEDULE IS PART OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS, CAP. 60. UNDER THESE REGULATIONS, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF ARTICLES SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE REQUIRE LICENCES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE.
THE EXISTING SCHEDULE CAME INTO EFFECT IN DECEMBER 1985. THE NEW SCHEDULE REVISES THE EXISTING SCHEDULE TO REFLECT ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY SINCE 1985.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INFORMING THE TRADE, BY CIRCULAR LETTER, OF DETAILS OF THE NEW SCHEDULE.
COPIES OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1988, WHICH CONTAINS THE NEW SCHEDULE, ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES MA\ BE MADE WITH THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) BRANCH, TRADE DEPARTMENT, OCEAN CENTRE, 13TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON (TELEPHONE MU’ i, ; 3-7222437 OR 3-7222258).
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS » » ♦ * *
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE WHICH ADMINISTERS THE GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOft NEEDY STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS FROM NEW STUDENTS FOR THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF A COMBINATION OF GRANTS AND LOANS FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING FULL-TIME COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG 1ONG, AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (FOR POST-ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENTS ONLY).
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, APPLICANTS MUST HAVE RESIDED OR BEEN DOMICILED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THEIR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
/PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
< a A 6
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO SATISFY THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF AND HAVE APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO EITHER UNIVERSITY MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG OR THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED.
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THE RESULT SLIPS OF THEIR ADVANCED/HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION OR NOTIFICATIONS OF PROVISIONAL OFFER IN RESPECT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
’’STUDENTS SHOULD, HOWEVER, SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSION BY THE UNIVERSITIES CONCERNED,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT COMMITTEE EXPLAINED.
"NEW STUDENTS ADMITTED BY EITHER POLYTECHNIC OR THE BAPTIST COLLEGE MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.”
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND STUDENTS TAKING HIGHER DEGREE OR DIPLOMA COURSES WHO WILL NOT HAVE EXCEEDED THEIR MINIMUM PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF REGISTRATION FOR A MASTER DEGREE IS NORMALLY TWO YEARS AND FOR A DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE, THREE YEARS.
ALL NEW STUDENTS SHOULD RETURN THEIR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMSTO THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED. THE CLOSING DATES FOR SUBMISSION ARE: -
CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG : AUGUST 30, 1988
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG : EARLY SEPTEMBER 1988
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC : OCTOBER 10, 1988
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG : OCTOBER 10, 1988
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE : OCTOBER 10, 1988
APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE SUBJECT TO MEANS TESTS, WHICH TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A STUDENT'S FAMILY INCOME AND ASSETS LESS PERMITTED DEDUCTIONS TO ARRIVE AT THE STUDENT'S ANNUAL DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR SETTING AGAINST HIS GRANT/LOAN REQUIREMENTS.
UPON SUBMISSION OF HIS APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT AND/OR AN ADULT MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD (PREFERABLY THE PERSON WHO DECLARES HIS APPLICATION) WHO KNOWS THE FAMILY'S CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE INVITED THROUGH THE RESPECTIVE INSTITUTION TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION TO CLARIFY THE INFORMATION REPORTED IN THE APPLICATION.
THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED THAT INCORRECT OR INACCURATE INFORMATION NOT ONLY WOULD LEAD TO REJECTION OF AN APPLICATION BUT MIGHT ALSO GIVE RISE TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE DECLARANT.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-8622738.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 5 -
FREE ADVISORY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS GOING ABROAD
*****
STUDENTS INTENDING TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES ABROAD ARE URGED TO MAKE USE OF THE FREE ADVISORY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF RUSHING INTO A WRONG DECISION IN SELECTING A SCHOOL.
THE LIBRARY OF THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION IS STOCKED WITH A GOOD COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AND REFERENCE MATERIAL ON OVERSEAS EDUCATION.
IT HAS AN AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM FOR SHOWING SLIDES ON FURTHER STUDIES IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES. THERE ARE ALSO DISPLAYS IN THE WAITING AREA PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTARY AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION CONCERNING APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND SCHOLARSHIPS.
THE OFFICE OFFERED ADVICE TO MORE THAN 26,000 STUDENTS AND HANDED OUT SOME 50,000 COPIES OF INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON STUDIES IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES LAST YEAR.
THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT ROOM 530, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
APART FROM OFFERING ADVICE TO INDIVIDUAL VISITORS, THE OFFICE ALSO ADMINISTERS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES, AND ORGANISES. DISCUSSIONS AND SEMINARS FOR GROUPS OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.
FOR GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND SEMINARS, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE WITH THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS) ON 5-8392568.
-----0------
INCREASES IN POSTAL RATES, FEES FROM SEPTEMBER 1
*****
CERTAIN POSTAL RATES, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES WILL BE INCREASED FROM SEPTEMBER 1 UNDER AMENDMENT REGULATIONS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE RATES FOR ALL LOCAL AND SURFACE LETTER MAIL AND PRINTED PAPERS WILL BE INCREASED, THE BASIC RATE INCREASE BEING 10 CENTS.
THE ONLY CHANGE BEING MADE TO AIRMAIL RATES WILL BE A 10 CENT INCREASE AT ALL WEIGHT STEPS. THIS MEANS THAT THE BASIC RATES FOR ZONE 1 AND ZONE 2 WILL BE $1.40 AND $1.80 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE EXPRESS
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 6 -
THE EXPRESS FEE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $4 TO $5 AND THE REGISTRATION FEE FROM $5 TO $7.
ALL TELECOMMUNICATION FEES WILL BE INCREASED, FROM THE SAME DATE, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
MOBILE RADIO SYSTEM
FIXED STATION - FROM $680 TO $750
MOBILE STATION - FROM $270 TO $300
RADIO PAGING SYSTEM
FIXED TRANSMITTING STATION - FROM $680 TO $750
RECEIVING STATION - FROM $70 TO $80
THE REGULATIONS WERE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE POST OFFICE ORDINANCE AND THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE, AND GIVE EFFECT TO PROPOSED INCREASES THAT WERE ANNOUNCED IN THE BUDGET IN MARCH.
THE RATES AND FEES CONCERNED WERE LAST RAISED IN SEPTEMBER 1985.
------0-------
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR JUNE PUBLISHED t ♦ ♦ » t
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR JUNE 1988.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCT. 84/SEP. 85 = 100) FOR JUNE 1988 WERE 117.0 AND 117.2 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 6.5 PER CENT AND 6.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER JUNE 1987.
COMPARED WITH MAY 1988 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 0.7 PER CENT.
/THE AVERAGE........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JUNE 1988, AT 113.1 AND 113.2 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 6.5 PER CENT AND 6.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JUNE 1987.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 1988, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.5 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 0.6 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
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR JUNE 1988 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES. AS COMPARED .WITH MAY 1988 AND JUNE 1987, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION INDEX FOR JUN.88 CPI(A) % CHANGE OVER MAY.88 % CHANGE OVER JUN.87 INDEX FOR JUN.88 CPI(B) % CHANGE OVER MAY.88 % CHANGE OVER JUN.87
FOODSTUFFS 115.2 + 1.1 + 7.6 116.0 + 1.0 + 8.0
HOUSING 113.1 + 0.2 + 3.2 110.5 + 0.2 + 2.8
FUEL AND LIGHT 94.2 + 0.9 + 1.7 95.0 + 1.1 + 1.6
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 124.3 + 0.1 + 6.4 125.0 • + 0.2 +6.8
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 125.6 + 0.1 + 9.1 128.0 + 0.0* + 9.4
DURABLE GOODS 118.6 +0.2 + 5.8 117.8 + 0.2 + 5.9
/miscellaneous goods
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 8 -
MISCELLANEOUS
GOODS 123.6 + 1.8 + 6.6 123.8 + 1.8 + 7.0
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 120.5 +0.3 + 4.4 119.8 + 0.3 + 5.0
SERVICES 125.7 +0.5 +8.9 125.7 + 0.7 + 9.3
ALL ITEMS 117.0 + 0.8 + 6.5 117.2 + 0.7 + 6.7
» LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT
COMPARED WITH MAY 1988, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CPI(B).
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, LIVE POULTRY, FRESH-WATER FISH AND FRESH VEGETABLES AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES. I
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.1 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BOTH CPI(A) AND CI'l(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES MEDICINES.
BY 1.8 PER CENT IN
OF JEWELLERY AND
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0:5 PER CENT BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CP1(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR HOUSEHOLD SERVICES AND ADMISSION TO CONCERTS.
IN CPI(A) AND PACKAGE TOURS,
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED ARE DERIVED FROM
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR JUNE 1988, WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED AT $3.50 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
IT CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL, FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS 5-8235089.
PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON
/THE HANG
FRIDAY, JULI 22, 1988
9 -
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 122.3 IN JUNE 1988, UP BY 0.9 PER CENT OVER MAY 1988 AND UP BY 8.4 PER CENT OVER JUNE 1987.
THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT 110,000-24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
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YAU TSIM FIRE SAFETY EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED ON SUNDAY
» » » * »
AN EXHIBITION ON FIRE SAFETY WILL BE STAGED ON SUNDAY (JULY 24) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE FORMED BY MEMBERS OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE ONE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
IT WILL FEATURE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS, THEIR USAGE AND MAINTENANCE; WAYS TO REMOVE FIRE HAZARDS; AND RELEVANT LEGISLATION.
TWO DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE USE OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS WILL BE HELD AT 11.15 AM AND 3 PM RESPECTIVELY. VISITORS CAN TRY THEIR HANDS ON SEVERAL TYPES OF EQUIPMENTS COMMONLY INSTALLED IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS. STATIONERY AND STICKERS BEARING THE FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND DIVISIONAL COMMANDER (SOUTH KOWLOON) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR AU BIG-LEUNG.
MEANWHILE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE URGED RESIDENTS TO ENROLL ON FREE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSES WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN THE EVENINGS BETWEEN AUGUST AND DECEMBER.
/THE COURSES
FRIDAY, JULI 22t 1988
- 10
THE COURSES WILL COVER TOPICS SUCH AS THE FUNCTIONS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS, AND THE MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY RELATING TO BUILDINGS.
SCHEDULE OF THE COURSES AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490 NATHAN ROAD AND ITS TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 40 CARNARVON ROAD. DEADLINE FOR ENROLMENT IS JULY 30.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (JULY 24) IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
-----0------
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT NGAU CHI WAN OZP PUBLISHED
*****
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE MAJOR AMENDMENT WAS TO REZONE A 2.4-HECTARE SITE TO THE EAST OF THfe GOOD SHEPHERD CONVENT (PELLETIER HALL) ON NGAU CHI WAN STREET FROM "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO ’’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)”.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SITE BE DEVELOPED INTO A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR ABOUT 5,120 PEOPLE WITH A FULL RANGE OF SUPPORTING FACILITIES.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT RELATES TO THE RE-LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED MAXICAB STAND AT FUNG SHING STREET NEXT TO A "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)” SITE TO THE NORTHERN CORNER OF THE "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" SITE TO THE EAST OF THE FILM STUDIO THERE. THE SITE IS REZQNED FROM "ROAD" TO "GREEN BELT".
THE ALIGNMENTS OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND ITS APPROACH ROADS ARE ALSO INCORPORATED INTO THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
/THE AMENEHENTS
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
11
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:
t 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 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR AND FOURTH FLOOR, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, 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 AUGUST 12 THIS YEAR.
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 AT $1U PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
-------o---------
COURTESY CALL ON SWD DIRECTOR
* * * *
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN 01 TONG TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO DISCUSS WELFARE SERVICES PLANNED BY THE TONG IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TONY KAN, SAID THAT PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDED A CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE, A SOCIAI CENTRE AND A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE TONG AT PRESENT OPERATES A COMMUNITY CENTRE, A MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, TWO NURSERIES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE TONG FOR PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH IT
IMPLEMENTING ITS SERVICES.
-------0 ---------
/12........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
12
'' KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER TO BE EXPANDED FOR BYPASS
» « » » »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT NEW DOLPHINS 'D REMOVE TWO EXISTING DOLPHINS NEAR THE SOUTHEASTERN END OF THE AIR1ORT RUNWAY AT THE KWUN TONG TYPHOON SHELTER.
THIS IS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE SHELTER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAY WHICH WILL RUN ALONG THE PERIMETER OF THE SHELTER.
WORK WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 10 MONTHS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED - ABOUT 5,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED - IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 21 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE AT MURRAY BUILDING OR AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
-------0---------
TENDERS INVITED FOR JUNK BAY LANDFILL PROJECT
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FIFTH PHASE OF LANDFILLING AT JUNK BAY.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONTINUATION OF LANDFILLING, EXTRACTION OF EARTH MATERIAL FROM THE NEARBY BORROW AREA FOR DAILY COVERING OF THE COMPACTED REFUSE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF FINAL CAPPING FOR PART OF THE SITE.
LANDFILLING CONSISTS ESSENTIALLY OF SPREADING AND COMPACTING OF REFUSE IN LAYERS, AND THE COVERING OF EACH LAYER WITH EARTH AS THE DISPOSAL OPERATION PROCEEDS.
/ALL WORKING
FRIDAY. JULY 22, 1988
- 13 -
ALL WORKING FACES OF THE LANDFILL WILL BE SEALED OFF DAILY, THEREBY ELIMINATING HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARDS.
THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE FINAL CAPPING IS TO MINIMISE THE INFILTRATION OF RAINWATER INTO THE UNDERLYING REFUSE AND HENCE MINIMISE THE GENERATION OF LEACHATE.
ADDITIONALLY, ITS CONSTRUCTION WILL ENABLE THE LANDFILL TO BE RESTORED AND LANDSCAPED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON AUGUST 19.
-------0---------
WAN CHAI SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT
♦ t » t »
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING FOR MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO DRAW ABOUT 100 PARTICIPANTS, IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND SHARE EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THERE WILL BE FOUR SPEAKERS - WAN CHAI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARMAN CHIU; SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR, MR TUNG CHAN-LONG-SENIOR BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHIANG CHI-MAN; AND HOUSING MANAGER. MR LAU WING-CHEUNG.
THEY WILL COVER THE ROLE OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN SUMMER; CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS; AND MAINTENANCE OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS. THERE WILL . BE TIME FOR QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR AT THE END OF THE SEMINAR.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SEMINAR WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN ROOM 103, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. IT WILL START AT 7.45 PM.
-------0---------
/14........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 14 -
I
CAMP CONCERT DRAWS CAPACITY AUDIENCE » » * » «
MORE THAN 100 YOUNG MUSIC CAMPERS, PLAYING CHINESE AND STRING MUSIC, TODAY (FRIDAY) GAVE A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL BEFORE A CAPACITY AUDIENCE.
THE CONCERT, FEATURING POPULAR PIECES SUCH AS "SPRING SNOW" AND "SEND ME A ROSE", WAS WELL RECEIVED.
IT WAS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART IN THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE YOUNGSTERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE CAMP’S CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND JUNIOR STRINGS. THEY HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED ONE WEEK’S INTENSIVE TRAINING UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF OVERSEAS AND LOCAL MUSICIANS.
THE MUSIC CAMP ENDS ON JULY 31, AND A FINALE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON JULY 30 WHEN THE CAMP’S SYMPHONIC BAND AND STRING ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 EACH ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING URBTIX OUTLETS: CITY HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, SPACE MUSEUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LIMITED (CAMERON LANE, MAN YEE BUILDING, TAIKOO SHING CITY PLAZA AND HENNESSY ROAD).
THE FINALE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
-----o-----
MUSIC OFFICE SEEKING PROFESSIONAL STAFF
* * * *
IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING PUBLIC DEMAND FOR INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING, THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS RECRUITING FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THE CATEGORIES OF AURAL THEORY AND CHORAL, MUSIC PROMOTION, AND CELLO AND VIOLIN.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL ENTER AS ASSISTANT MUSIC OFFICER Il’S WITH A PAY SCALE BETWEEN $6,640 AND $10,820 A MONTH.
I
/CANDIDATES SHOULD
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
CANDIDATES SHOULD BE GRADUATES OF EITHER THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, OR HAVE A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY, OR POSSESS AN APPROPRIATE LICENCIATE QUALIFICATION, SUCH AS LRSM OR LRAM, OR EQUIVALENT.
FINAL YEAR MUSIC STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, AND THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS MAY ALSO APPLY.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY GOVERNMENT APPLICATION FORMS (GF 340) TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PERSONNEL AND GENERAL), MUSIC OFFICE, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEFORE AUGUST 1.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8235340.
-------0 ---------
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED t ♦ *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF RAINIER INTERNATIONAL FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
-------0----------
FIRING PRACTICE IN AUGUST » * * ♦
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLR PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE TIME
AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
AUGUST 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
0 /16 < »•• • •
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 16 -
KMB ROUTE 12B TO BE CANCELLED
♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT KMB ROUTE NO. 12B PLYING BETWEEN LOK FU AND MEI FOO WILL BE CANCELLED FROM MONDAY (JULY 25).
"THE DECISION TO WITHDRAW THE BUS ROUTE IS MADE IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUOUS LOW PATRONAGE OF THE SERVICE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
PASSENGERS AT LOK FU HEADING FOR MEI FOO OR SHAM SHUI PO MAY CHOOSE TO RIDE ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. THEY CAN ALSO GO TO MONG KOK BY TAKING KMB ROUTE NO. 3C AND INTERCHANGE WITH BUS ROUTES HEADING FOR MEI FOO, INCLUDING ROUTES NO. 6 AND 6A.
MEANWHILE, PASSENGERS HEADING FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN MAY TRAVEL ON KMB ROUTES NO. 2B OR 2F AT LOK FU AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
- 0---------
SECTION OF TUNG FAT ROAD TO BE CLOSED
♦ * t *
A SECTION OF TUNG FAT ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION KWONG ROAD AND TUNG LUNG ROAD IN TUNG TAU ESTATE IS TO BE CLOSED TO TIE IN WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF TUNG TAU ESTATE,
WITH TUNG PERMANENTLY PHASE VI.
TODAY (FRTdIy^ °N THE PR0P0SED CLOSURE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE luurti irnlUAi)•
THE CLOSURE IS REQUIRED FOR CARPARK BUILDING AND EXTERNAL WORKS THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY
INCLUDING ONE BASKETBALL COURT IN
THE PLAN AND SCHEME WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING
MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL , MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT EAST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, KING KONG, KOWLOON.
LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON 250 SHANGHAI • STREET, OFFICE, SAN PO KONG FUK STREET, SAN PO
ANY PERSON WISHING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT,
OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD
. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT 20 THIS YEAR.
OFFICES, LATER THAN
WRITE TO EAST WING, SEPTEMBER
- - 0 - -
/17
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1988
- 17 -
ROAD CLOSURE IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
A SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD AND A SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO TIE IN WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, PHASE VI.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED CLOSURE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CAR PARK BUILDING AND LANDSCAPING WORKS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN.
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 CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS 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 SEPTEMBER 20 THIS YEAR.
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RIGHT-TURN BAN IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT THE JUNCTION OF TONKIN STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENTS FROM SOUTHBOUND TONKIN STREET ONTO WESTBOUND LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 25).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TONKIN STREET, EASTBOUND LAI CHI KOK ROAD, YEN CHOW STREET, YEE KUK STREET AND WESTBOUND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
YOUTH URGED TO TAKE ACTIVE ROLE AGAINST DRUGS ...............* 1
AUTOMATION CAN HELP WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY ................. 2 -
CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW ........................... 3
S11.6M SWIMMING POOL OPENS IN TAI PO ........................... h
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA OPENED IN KORNHILL......................... 5
MONG KOK ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN STARTS ............................ 6
WORKING GROUP TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT .......... 6
J
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1988
— 1 —
YOUTH URGED TO TAKE ACTIVE ROLE AGAINST DRUGS
* » » * »
A MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR LEE JARK-PUI, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO> TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ANTI-NARCOTICS ACTIVITIES AND THUS HELP FIGHT THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
MR LEE MADE HIS APPEAL AT A CEREMONY HELD IN NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, THIS AFTERNOON IN CONNECTION WITH A TWO-DAY JOINT SCHOOL SUMMER PROJECT THAT BEGAN THERE YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF ACAN, THE PROJECT IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY OF WAH YAN COLLEGE (HONG KONG) AND THE INTERACT CLUB OF MARYMOUNT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
MR LEE SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO LEARN THE FUNCTION WAS INITIATED BY A GROUP OF VIGOROUS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO DEVOTED MUCH OF THEIR LEISURE TIME TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HELPING TO DISSEMINATE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR YOUNG GENERATION DEVELOPS IN A HEALTHY WAY," HE ADDED.
IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUBCOMMITTEE, MR LEE SAID ACAN’S ANTI-DRUG PUBLICITY WAS AIMED AT MAKING THE PUBLIC ALERT TO DRUG ABUSE AND ENCOURAGING GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN COMBATTING THE PROBLEM.
TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SEEK A MORE ACTIVE AND DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN ANTI-NARCOTICS ACTIVITIES, ACAN HAS, SINCE 1981, BEEN OPERATING THE YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME.
UNDER THIS, YOUNGSTERS, AGED 12 OR OVER, ARE INVITED TO FORM GROUPS OF NOT FEWER THAN 10 MEMBERS TO INITIATE THEIR OWN ANTI-NARCOTICS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
"YOUTH GROUPS CAN DESIGN, PLAN AND IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN ANTI-DRUG PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT’S NARCOTICS DIVISION," MR LEE SAID.
"A YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP HAS ALSO BEEN FORMED."
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT INTERESTED PARTIES COULD ALSO APPLY FOR SEPARATE FUNDING FOR ORGANISING PROJECTS ON A LARGER SCALE AND THE PRESENT TWO-DAY JOINT PROJECT WAS A GOOD INSTANCE OF THIS.
THE JOINT PROJECT TAKES THE FORM OF AN EXHIBITION ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF DRUG ABUSE.
A VARIETY SHOW, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY DISC JOCKEYS AND SINGERS, WAS HELD THIS AFTERNOON AS PART OF THE PROJECT.
0
/2........
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1988
2 -
AUTOMATION CAN HELP WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY *****
LOCAL WATCHES AND CLOCK MANUFACTURERS WHO CONTINUE TO BASE THEIR PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG SHOULD SEEK TO REDUCE COSTS, RICH CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH CONTINUING INVESTMENT IN MECHANISATION, AUTOMATION AND IMPROVED QUALITY, AND IN ACQUIRING TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO PRODUCE PARTS AND COMPONENTS LOCALLY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K. Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
MR YEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG WATCH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION LTD.
HE SAID THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY HAD ESTABLISHED ITSELF WELL OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS AND NOW ENJOYED CONSIDERABLE INTERNATIONAL RESPECT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE CHALLENGES THAT THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS MANUFACTURERS HAD TO FACE AND HAD DONE A GOOD DEAL IN RECENT YEARS TO HELP THEM AND OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES THAT WERE TRYING TO MOVE UP MARKET.
MR YEUNG SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD DECIDED TO LAUNCH AN INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE IN EARLY 1989.
THE SERVICE WILL AT FIRST CONCENTRATE MAINLY ON PROMOTING THE PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE TWO POLYTECHNICS, THE QUALITY SUPPORT SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, AND THE PRODUCT DESIGN SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY.
"WE ASSESSED THE POTENTIAL FOR THE SCHEME BY MOUNTING AN EXPERIMENTAL INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE RESULTS WERE ENCOURAGING," HE ADDED.
"WHEN THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICfe IS LAUNCHED NEXT YEAR, IT WILL COVER ALL OUR MAJOR INDUSTRIES - TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, PLASTICS, METALS AND ELECTRONICS," HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1988
- 3 -
CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW » » » » *
BEACH-GOERS WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE GOOD CITIZENSHIP BY TAKING PART IN A CLEAN BEACH OPERATION TO BE HELD AT REPULSE BAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THIS CLEAN BEACH OPERATION FORMS PART OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE FORMALLY LAUNCHED TOMORROW WITH A BEACH SHOW AT REPULSE BAY.
ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, THE BEACH CAMPAIGN IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE CONTINUING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN EFFORT, AIMED AT FOSTERING A PUBLIC SPIRIT IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
THE BEACH SHOW WILL FEATURE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A CONCERT AND A MAGIC SHOW.
FOLLOWING THE SHOW, BEACH-GOERS AT REPULSE BAY WILL BE CALLED UPON TO JOIN URBAN COUNCIL AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS IN CLEANING UP THE BEACH.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE AVAILABLE SUFFICIENT REFUSE COLLECTION BAGS TO FACILITATE THE OPERATION.
THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE HAS ALSO PRODUCED KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN T-SHIRTS TO GIVE TO SUPPORTIVE BEACH-GOERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR EFFORT.
A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE SHOW AT 1.15 PM.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE URBAN COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE; REGIONAL COUNCILLOR AND MEMBER OF THE JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MRS MAUREEN CHAN; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES) OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR I.B.I. PETERSEN; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS; AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF COMMERCIAL RADIO, MISS BRENDA LO.
THE BEACH SHOW WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 3 PM. IT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERICAL RADIO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLEAN BEACH EVENT. A VAN WILL BE ARRANGED TO PICK UP REPORTERS AT EDINBURGH PLACE (OPPOSITE QUEEN'S PIER) AT 12 NOON AND WILL LEAVE FOR REPULSE BAY AT 12.20 PM SHAR?. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
A....
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1988
4
S11.6M SWIMMING POOL OPENS IN TAI PO
* » t ♦ *
THROUGH THE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS AND PROMOTION WORK OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MORE SPORTS FACILITIES ARE BEING PROVIDED IN TAI PO SO THAT RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY A VARIETY OF HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL IN ON BONG ROAD.
IT IS THE FIRST PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN THE DISTRICT, AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
"SINCE ITS OPENING IN 1980, THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION HAS PROVIDED MANY HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES TO THE RESIDENTS. THROUGH SPORTS ACTIVITIES, TAI PO HAS BUILT UP GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER DISTRICTS," MR SUEN SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG, NOTED THAT THE $11.6 MILLION SWIMMING POOL WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
"IT IS ANOTHER LARGE-SCALE SPORTING FACILITY THAT WILL BE RUN BY OUR ASSOCIATION, FOLLOWING THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN 1983," HE SAID.
"NOW, THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOCATED A SITE BEHIND THE INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE FOR BUILDING A SQUASH CENTRE TO BE RUN BY THE SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
"WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATING SOME $1.2 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, THE SQUASH CENTRE WILL BE OPENED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR." %
MR WONG ADDED THAT A MULTI-PURPOSE WATER SPORTS CENTRE WAS BEING PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT.
THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL OPENED TODAY HAS AN AREA OF 4,572 SQUARE METRES.
IT HAS A MAIN POOL, TRAINING POOL AND A FUN POOL WHICH HAVE SLIDES AND BRIDGES SO THAT THEY CAN BE USED FOR FORMAL WATER SPORTS AND FUN ACTIVITIES BY A MAXIMUM OF 500 PEOPLE AT A TIME.
THE TWO-STOREY POOL COMPLEX COMPRISES CHANGING ROOMS, FIRST AID ROOM, TOILETS, OFFICES, SNACK BAR, AND FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
/THE OPENING
8ATU1DAY, JULI 23, I9B8
- 5 -
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY AN INVITATION RELAY SWIMMING COMPETITION.
AMONG THE GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT; AND CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD. MR HO YUNG-SANG.
I
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P
I
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA OPENED IN KORNHILL
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL SEARCH FOR MORE SUITABLE SITES FOR BUILDING NEW SITTING-OUT AREAS IN THE DISTRICT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MRS BETTY YUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MRS YUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KORNHILL SITTING-OUT AREA WHICH WAS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH FLOWER PLANTING ACTIVITIES TO MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
SHE SAID THE KORNHILL SITTING-OUT AREA WAS ONE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, WHICH AIMED AT BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT, AND PROVIDING A RECREATIONAL VENUE FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.
THE 200-SQUARE-METRE SITTING-OUT AREA, LOCATED NEAR SAI WAN TERRACE IN QUARRY BAY, HAS FLOWER-BEDS, BENCHES AND A CHINESE PAVILION. »
"IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, THE BOARD'S WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES PRESENTED A FILM SHOW TWO WEEKS AGO TO ENTERTAIN* ABOUT 1,300 LOCAL RESIDENTS," MRS YUNG NOTED.
"THROUGH TODAY’S PLANTING ACTIVITIES, WE HOPE TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO EVERY RESIDENT -IN THE DISTRICT," SHE ADDED.
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/6........
1
f
SATURDAY, JULY 23,
1988
MONG KOK ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN STARTS
* * t * «
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE BUSIEST PART OF THE DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; ACTING MONG KOK POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LEUNG FUNG-SHUN; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR JACOB CHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS GRACE TAM.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THEY WILL PRICK A BUNDLE OF BLACK BALLOONS TO SYMBOLISE THE ERADICATION OF TRIAD ELEMENTS.
JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS WILL THEN DISTRIBUTE STICKERS BEARING THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE TO NEARBY SHOPOWNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 6 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE JUNCTION OF SOY STREET AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, MONG KOK.
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WORKING GROUP TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT
» » » * »
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S* WORKING GROUP ON REDEVELOPMENT WILL MEET ON MONDAY (JULY 25) TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING MATTERS.
AT THE MEETING, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT.
THIS BRIEFING WILL COVER PROGRESS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATES, THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN TSZ 01 AND TSZ MAN ESTATES, AND THE PLANNING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF MARKS III TO VI HOUSING BLOCKS.
/MEMBERS WILL
SATURDAY, JULY 25, ^988
- 7 -
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL MADE BY '1'WO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO REVIEW THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE RATES AND THE RESTRICTED TENDER POLICY, AND A SUGGESTION THAT THE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR EARLY VOLUNTARY REHOUSING SCHEME" BE EXPANDED.
YNOTHER PROPOSAL, MADE BY A MEMBER, ON THE MAINTENANCE AND REDEVELOPMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR BLOCKS 22 AND 23 OF TUNG TAU ESTATE WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON REDEVELOPMENT TO BEGIN Al 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 25) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STRONG DEMAND FOR HOTEL WORKERS ................................. 1
UK RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER ARRIVES ........................... 1
HK ORCHESTRA'S PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIA APPLAUDED ............... 2
12 MAJOR SPONSORS FOR 'CONSTABLE CARE' CAMPAIGN ................. 3
CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TODAY ............................. 5
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT TRIAD ACTIVITIES ......................... 6
BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN STARTS ............. 7
CLEAN BUILDING CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW ......................... 7
INDUSTRIAL SURVEY IN WO HOP SHEK, ON LOK TSUEN .................. 8
SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS.............. 9
CTOTRAT, AND WESTERN ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS TO BE ANNOUNCED 10
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1967-69 ................... 11
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
STRONG DEMAND FOR HOTEL WORKERS t t ♦ t
THE WORKFORCE OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY ROSE BY ALMOST 20 I ER CENT IN TWO YEARS FROM 19,000 IN 1985 TO 23,000 IN 1987, ACCORDING TO A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SURVEY.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE COUNCIL’S HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD, ALSO FOUND THAT IN APRIL 1987, THERE WERE 700 VACANCIES IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY COMPARED WITH 580 IN 1985.
THE REASONS FOR THE GROWTH IN MANPOWER DEMAND IN 'HIE INDUSTRY WERE THE OPENING OF FIVE NEW HOTELS AND THE EXPANSION OF OLDER ONES WITHIN THAT PERIOD.
GIVEN THAT MORE HOTELS WERE BEING BUILT AND WOULD BE COMING INTO OPERATION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, THE BOARD ENVISAGED IN THE REPORT THAT THE MANPOWER DEMAND WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW WITH THE BULK AT OPERATIVE LEVEL.
PUTTING THE RATIO OF ROOM TO EMPLOYEE AT 1:1.1, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES REQUIRED BY NEW HOTELS WOULD BE AROUND 5,0UU IN 1988, 5,700 IN 1989 \ND 1,700 IN 1990, THE BOARD NOTED.
TRAINING SCHEMES MODELLED ON SUCCESSFUL COURSES FOR THE TOURISM SECTOR WERE BEING PLANNED BY THE COUNCIL 1’0 COMPLEMEN1 I HE EXISTING IRA IN ING PROVISIONS, WHICH WERE APPARENTLY INADEQUATE IN MEETING THE GROWING TRAINING NEEDS, THE BOARD SAID.
DETAILED STATISTICS OK THE MANPOWER SITUATION ARE GIVEN IN THE 1987 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, WHICH IS NOW-AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $45.50 A COPY.
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UK RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER ARRIVES ♦ ♦ I ♦ ♦
A UK RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE THE SAFETY OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR THEN MUN \ND YUEN LONG. HAS ARRIVED IN HONG KONG THIS (SUNDAY) AFlERNO'iN.
HE IS MR ALAN COOKSEY, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER FROM THE UK DEPARTMENT 01- TRANSPORT.
/UNDER THE .......
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
2 -
UNDER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE, WHICH ALSO GOVERNS THE OPERATION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, A CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED TO BE ISSUED BY THE RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER BEFORE THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM CAN BE ALLOWED TO CARRY GOODS AND PASSENGERS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A PRESS BRIEFING WOULD BE ORGANISED AFTER THE RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER HAS COMPLETED Ills WORK.
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llh ORCHESTRA’S PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIA APPLAUDED ♦ » * » ♦
A MATINEE BY THE: HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WON APPLAUSE FROM VISITORS TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA IN MELBOURNE TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE ORCHESTRA, IN AUSTRALIA ON AN 18-DAY CONCERT TOUR, ENTHRALLED THE AUDIENCE WITH RENDITIONS OF CLASSICAL AND MODERN COMPOSITIONS.
EARLIER, IN CANBERRA, THE ORCHESTRA PARTICIPATED IN THE 18TH CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MUSIC EDUCATION. IT GAVE TWO CONCERTS WHICH WERE ATTENDED BY OVER 1,000 DELEGATES TO THE CONFERENCE.
THE ITINERARY FOR THE ORCHESTRA IN MELBOURNE INCLUDES TWO MORE CONCERTS, ONE OF WHICH WILL BE A JOINT PERFORMANCE WITH ORCHESTRAS OF TWO RENOWNED LOCAL SCHOOLS - PRESBYTERIAN LADIES COLLEGE (PLC) AND SCOTCH SCHOOL FOR BOYS - AT THE ROBERT BLACKWOOD HALL OF MONASH UNIVERSITY TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 8 PM.
AN ENSEMBLE OF THE ORCHESTRA WILL ALSO PERFORM AT PLC ON TUESDAY (JULY 26).
THE ORCHESTRA WILL DEPART FOR SYDNEY ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27). BESIDES HAVING MUSIC EXCHANGES WITH STUDENTS OF THE TURRAMI RRA PUBLIC SCHOOL, KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND BARKER COLLEGE, IT WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY THE NEW SOUTH WALES STATE CONSERVATOR I UM OF MUSIC.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1916, THE CONSERVATOR I UM Ol MUSK HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A PREMIER MUSIC SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA WITH A FINE 1NTERNATI ON AL REPUTATION. THE CHAMBER MUSIC FEST1VAI IS ORGANISED AS A BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ACTIVITY.
/ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT .......
SUNDAY, JULY 2U, 1988
- 5 -
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT IS A JOINT PERFORMANCE WITH THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE ON AUGUST 1.
THE FINAL STOP FOR THE ORCHESTRA IS BRISBANE WHERE IT WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF MUSIC ACTIVITIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND WORLD EXPO 88.
THE FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE QUEENSLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA WILL BRING TOGETHER HUNDREDS OF YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THE FINEST YOUTH ORCHESTRAS FROM AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, USA, GERMANY, NEW ZEALAND AND JAPAN WILL PARTICIPATE.
EACH ORCHESTRA WILL PRESENT A MAJOR CONCERT IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX IN BRISBANE.
THE ORCHESTRA WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 5.
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12 MAJOR SPONSORS FOR 'CONSTABLE CARE’ CAMPAIGN *****
CONSTABLE CARE, A POLICE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN FUNDED BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, HAS REACHED ITS TARGET OF 12 MAJOR SPONSORS.
THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGN SIGNED ITS LAST MAJOR SPONSOR THIS WEEK.
MAJOR SPONSORS FOR THE PROGRAMME ARE CATHAY PACIFIC, DHL, TOYOTA. CITIBANK. TOWNGAS, HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO., ESSILOR, CHUBB, AGFA, MOBIL, 7-ELEVEN AND DOW CHEMICALS.
EACH MAJOR SPONSOR HAS SUPPORTED THE CAMP*AIGN TO THE TUNE OF $125,000.
CONSTABLE CARE. A FRIENDLY CARTOON CHARACTER, WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, AT' A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MAY 25 THIS YEAR.
THE CONSTABLE CARE CHARACTER HAS BEEN DEVELOPED WITH ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS, AND WILL BE USED TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER INCORPORATING ALL THE TIME-TESTED PROMOTIONAL INGREDIENTS, INCLUDING POSTERS, BOARD GAMES, CALENDARS, STICKERS, COMPETITIONS, T-SHIRTS, CAPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS INVOLVING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
/"IN THE
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
"IN THE FIRST PHASE, THOUSANDS OF POSTERS, BOARD GAMES, BAGS AND COMPETITION ENTRY FORMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG 890 SCHOOLS," SAID SPONSORSHIP SUPERVISOR, MISS DEBBIE PURDY.
"THE POSTERS WILL 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 AND SCHOOLS," SHE SAID.
"THE 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 SATETY T-SHIRTS AND CAPS AND PLAYING ROAD SAFETY GAMES AND, THEREFORE, THINKING ROAD SAFETY."
THESE PROMOTIONAL "GOODIES" ARE BEING FINANCED BY THE 12 MAJOR SPONSORS. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE FUNDED BY OBTAINING SUPPORT FROM AS MANY LOCAL BUSINESSES AS NECESSARY IN THE FORM OF MINOR SPONSORSHIPS.
"CHILDREN LOVE THESE KIND OF GIVE-AWAYS AND THE MORE WE CAN PROVIDE THE MORE OFTEN WE CAN GET ACROSS OUR SAFETY MESSAGE," SAID MISS PURDY.
"THE PROGRAMME WILL GET UNDERWAY LATER THIS YEAR WITH AN ONGOING SERIES OF SCHOOL VISITS BY POLICE ROAD SAFETY TEAMS USING A RANGE OF THE CONSTABLE CARE MATERIALS.
"WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SUITABLE VENUE - STADIUM OR LARGE OUTDOOR SPACE - TO STAGE A CONSTABLE CARE CARNIVAL. OUR AIM WILL BE TO INVITE. FREE OF CHARGE OF COURSE, THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN TO A DAY PACKED WITH FUN, ENTERTAINMENTS, GIVE-AWAYS AND LOTS OF ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES."
THERE ARE MORE THAN HALF A MILLION CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG. EVERY YEAR MORE THAN 3,000 ARE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED ON THE ROADS, SHE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 198B
- 5 -
CLEAN BEACH CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TODAY ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
CLEAN BEACH MESSAGES WERE BROADCAST TO MORE THAN A MILLION RADIO LISTENERS AND DISSEMINATED TO HUNDREDS OF BEACH-GOERS AT THE REPULSE BAY WHEN A SPECTACULAR CLEAN BEACH FUNCTION WAS HELD THERE TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNC1L/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, INCLUDED A MAGIC SHOW, A CONCERT, WHICH WAS BROADCAST LIVE BY THE COMMERCIAL RADIO, AND A CLEAN-UP BEACH OPERATION.
"SINCE THE AVERAGE AGE ON THIS BEACH IS WELL BELOW 30, EVERYBODY HERE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO OUR EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS, BUT THEY STILL HAVE NOT TAKEN HOLD," SAID MR WALTER SULKE, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REG1ONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT \LTHOUGH THERE WERE RUBBISH BINS EVERY NINE METRES ON THE BEACH, BEACH-GOERS WERE STILL TOO LAZY TO USE THEM, BUT JUST DUMPED THE RUBBISH ON THE BEACH.
"I DO HOPE THAT OUR NEW APPROACH ASKING EVERYONE TO PITCH-IN WILL HAVE BETTER RESULTS SO THAT IN A FEW YEARS WE MAY ST ILL HAVE A BEACH SHOW, BUT ONLY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSE, AND NOT ONE TO EXHORT PEOPLE TO KEEP THEIR OWN BEACH CLEAN," MR SULKE ADDED.
TO ENCOURAGE MORE PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC IN THE EVENT, A CLEAN-UP OPERATION WAS ORGANISED.
AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL JOINED BANDS WITH A TEAM OF THE MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT AND HUNDREDS OF BEACH-GOERS IN THE EXERCISE.
THE PARTICIPANTS WERE GIVEN GARBAGE BAGS TO PICK UP RUBBISH AND WERE AWARDED KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN T-SHIRTS AND ICE-CREAM CONES IN RETURN FOR THEIR EFFORT.
THE EVENT STARTED AT 1.15 PM WITH AN HOUR LIVE 2 PM TO 3 PM. THE CONCERT FEATURED POPULAR ARTISTES JOCKEYS IN VARIOUS MUSICAL PERFORMANCE.
BROADCAST
AND DISC
FROM
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED MEMBER OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNC1L/REGIONAL CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG;
REGIONAL COUNCILLOR AND
COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG
CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN
DISTRICT BOARD, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MRS MAUREEN CHAN; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES) OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR I.B.I. PETERSEN; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS; AND EXECUTIVE
PRODUCER OF COMMERCIAL RADIO, MISS BRENDA LO.
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/6
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
6
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT TRIAD ACTIVITIES
♦ » * * *
TRIADS CAN ONLY BE ERADICATED WHEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REPORT THEIR ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE, A MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS GRACE TAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN, SAID THAT COMBATTING TRIADS WAS A LONG AND DIFFICULT BATTLE.
”IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO RELY ON THE POLICE ALONE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS; MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN FIGHTING CRIME BY REPORTING TRIAD ACTIVITIES," SHE SAID.
"I BELIEVE THAT BY JOINING HANDS WE CAN BEAT THE TRIADS.”
MRS TAM POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HARM CAUSED BY TRIADS AND HAD BEEN MAKING USE OF ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO COUNTERACT THE THREAT.
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD MADE "ANTI-TRIAD” THE MAIN THEME OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY PROGRAMME, AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD ORGANISED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PUT THE IDEA ACROSS.
AFTER HER SPEECH, MRS TAM AND THREE OTHER GUESTS, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG (MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER), MR LEUNG FUNG-SHUN (ACTING POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER) AND MR JACOB CHAN (CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE), PRICKED A BUNDLE OF BLACK BALLOONS TO SYMBOLISE THE ERADICATION OF TRIADS.
TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE, JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS GAVE AWAY BALLOONS TO PEOPLE IN THE CROWD WATCHING THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WAS HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF SOY STREET AND SAL YEUNG CHOI STREET.
THEY THEN DISTRIBUTED ANTI-TRIAD STICKERS TO THE DISTRICT’S SHOP OWNERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO REPORT TRIAD NUISANCES OR BLACKMAIL.
A DISCO-NIGHT WILL BE HELD IN MONG KOK IN NOVEMBER TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE.
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SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN STARTS
*****
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY HELD IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
"APART FROM REVIEWING AND AMENDING RELEVANT LEGISLATION, SUCH AS THE CRIMES ORDINANCE, TO REDUCE NUISANCE CAUSED BY PORNOGRAPHIC SIGNS AND VICE ESTABLISHMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO STRIVES TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN MANAGING THEIR BUILDINGS."
"THE PRESENT CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AIMS AT PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORK AND MERITS OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS FIRE SAFETY," MR CHENG ADDED.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION OF FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.
THE SECOND PART OF THE CAMPAIGN IS A SERIES OF TRAINING COURSES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT STARTING NEXT MONTH. REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BUILDING SURVEYORS, LAWYERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS WILL SPEAK ON MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND RELEVANT LEGISLATION.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY'S CEREMONY WERE THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DIVISIONAL COMMANDER (SOUTH KOWLOON), MR AU BIG-LEUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YUK-MING.
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CLEAN BUILDING CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW
* * * » »
A TERRITORY-WIDE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS TO EXERCISE A NEIGHBOURHOODLY SPIRIT IN KEEPING THEIR RESIDENCE CLEAN.
THIS CLEAN-UP OPERATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR OPERATIONAL PHASES OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
/A SPOKESMAN
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
8
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE SAID: ”IT IS THE NE1GHBOURHOODLY SPIRIT THAT IS MOST ESSENTIAL TO THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING’S CLEANLINESS AND MAINTENANCE.
”WE DO BELIEVE THAT IF PEOPLE WITHIN THE SAME BUILDING COMPLEX COULD TEAM UP AND SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITY ON A COLLABORATED BASIS, THE PROBLEM WOULD BE TOTALLY SOLVED.”
HE ADDED THAT INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS SHOULD CONSIDER THE BUILDING’S COMMON AREAS, SUCH AS CORRIDORS, LIFT LOBBIES, STAIRCASES, CANOPIES, ROOFS, ETC AS PART OF THEIR HOME, SO THAT THEY WOULD FEEL OBLIGED TO MAINTAIN THESE AREAS IN GOOD ORDER.
DURING THE CLEAN-UP PERIOD, BOTH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL DEPLOY ADDITIONAL STAFF TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN THE CLEAN-UP AND PROVIDE SPECIAL TRANSPORT TO FACILITATE HOUSEHOLDS IN DISCARDING JUNK AND REFUSE.
A SPECIAL TEAM OF HEALTH INSPECTORS WILL ALSO PAY VISITS TO SELECTED MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, WHICH HAVE BEEN LISTED BY BOTH DEPARTMENTS AS PROBLEMATIC IN REGARD TO THEIR STATE OF CLEANLINESS.
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES, STARTING WITH SIX KOWLOON DISTRICTS - KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, WONG TAI SIN, AND SHAM SHUT PO.
THE HONG KONG PHASE WILL START IN OCTOBER TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES PHASE IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY.
RESIDENTS OF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS MAY CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICES FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION OR CALL THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON 5-8680000.
-----0-----
INDUSTRIAL SURVEY IN WO HOP SHEK, ON LOK TSUEN ♦ ♦ » * »
A SURVEY ON INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN ON LOK TSUEft AND WO HOP SHEK, FANLING IS NOW BEING JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
"THE QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY, WHICH STARTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH, WILL BE COMPLETED IN A MONTH," A NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS INTENDED TO ASSESS THE EXISTING LAND USE AND TO IDENTIFY THE OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS, PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE AREA.
/A TEAM........
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
A TEAM OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HAS BEEN EMPLOYED TO INTERVIEW OPERATORS OF SOME 200 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE FINDINGS WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT FORMULATE MEASURES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH DISTRICT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FINDINGS ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY IN SEPTEMBER, AND WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE," HE ADDED.
-----0-----
SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEE TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DI BOARD WILL FORM A VETTING GROUP TO HANDLE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY BUILDING AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
DISTRICT
FROM
ACTIVITIES
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF PUBLISHING THE DISTRICT BOARD REPORT, PRINTING POSTGRAMMES BOARD’S "MY SUGGESTIONS TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD" SCHEME IMPLEMENTING THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
FUNDS FOR
FOR THE AND
DISTRK’T^BOARl^ W^LL ALSO PROCESS A NUMBER OF OTHER APPLICATIONS
FOR
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, ’SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.
-----0------
SUNDAY, JULY 24, J 988
10 -
CENTRAL AND WESTERN ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS TO BE ANNOUNCED
******
FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS AND FIVE MODEL PLACES OF GOOD ENVIRONMENT IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT IDENTIFIED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY (JULY 26) AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) ACTIVITIES.
THE DISTRICT’S WED ACTIVITIES, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WERE AIMED AT PROMOTING THE CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THROUGH TWO COMPETITIONS - "SELECTION OF FIVE BLACK SPOTS AND FIVE MODEL PLACES" AND "ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION" - WHICH HAD ATTRACTED MORE THAN 250 PARTICIPANTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE, MISS ESTHER CHAN, WILL PRESENT MEMORIAL PLAQUES TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIVE MODEL PLACES AT THE CEREMONY.
MEANWHILE, WINNERS OF THE DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AND TROPHIES BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER.
ADJUDICATORS OF THIS COMPETITION WERE THE CHIEF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICER OF THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR DANNY MOK; A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHAU CH I-Ml NG; AND MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 26) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
11
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1967-69 t » t ♦ ♦
WOMEN BORN IN 1967, 1968 AND 1969 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND AUGUST 26.
WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH THE NEW CARD SINCE JULY 1, 1987 NEED NOT APPLY AGAIN.
’’ABOUT HALF OF THE FEMALE POPULATION BORN IN 1969 SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED WITH THE NEW CARD WHEN THEY REACHED THE AGE OF 18 LAST YEAR. ONLY THOSE WHO ARE STILL HOLDING AN OLD TYPE CARD ARE REQUIRED TO RESPOND TO THIS CALL,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’ONE OF THE MOST NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW CARDS IS THAT THE ID CARD NUMBER IS PRINTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER IN THE OLD ONE, BUT IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF THE NEW ONE."
THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS.
"TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP AT THE ISSUE OFFICES OR TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPL1' ANTS 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
WIST 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 .......
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1988
12
SHA TIN : SHATIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK
STREET.
TEL. NO. 0-6059108
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
"APPLICANTS NORMALLY NEED TO BRING ALONG THEIR EXISTING ID CARDS IF THEIR CARDS WERE FIRST REGISTERED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO AND BEAR THE SYMBOL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, IF THE APPLICANT'S ID CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE **» SYMBOL, SHE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE ASSESSMENT OF HER RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND SUBSEQUENTLY HER ELIGIBILITY FOR A PERMANENT ID CARD.
"THE DOCUMENT MAY TAKE THE FORM OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT, HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE OR HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, ETC."
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS RISE BY 11 PER CENT .................. 1
MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER SHORTAGE ....... 3
LIGHT RAIL FATAL ACCIDENT BEING INVESTIGATED .............. 4
DEADLINE FOR RELIEF APPLICATIONS .......................... 5
HAMMOND VISITS ELECTRIC SWITCHES FACTORY .................. 6
CLEAN HK STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ................ 6
MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES CITY IMPRESSED WITH URBAN COUNCIL .... 7
RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY STUDY STARTS ON WEDNESDAY ............ 7
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY ............ 8
SSMINAR ON HOW RESIDBITS CAN PROTECT ENVIRONMENT........... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................... 9
FINALS OF SCHOOLS SUMMER OLYMPIAD ......................... 10
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CIUTRaL.................. 11
TEMPORARY RO/LD CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ....................... 11
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN ............................. 12
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS RISE BY 11 PER CENT * » » » *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 7,568 COMPLAINTS IN 1987-88, AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE ACTING EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TCU, MR FAN MAN-YEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS REMAINED THE MAIN SUBJECTS OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRANSPORT MATTERS RECORDED IN THE UNIT’S ANNUAL REPORT JUST REI.EASED.
AMONG THE 7,568 COMPLAINTS, 15 PER CENT WERE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND ABOUT 16.9 PER CENT STEMMED FROM ROAD CONGESTION. OTHER MAJOR COMPLAINT AREAS WERE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ROAD MAINTENANCE.
ON COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUS SERVICES, HE SAID THAT THE NUMBER DROPPED FROM 1,562 IN 1986-87 TO 1,394 IN 1987-88. THEY WERE MOSTLY RELATED TO INADEQUATE SERVICE AND STANDARD OF SERVICE.
A TOTAL OF 502 COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT INADEQUATE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.
COMPLAINTS OF SUCH NATURE LODGED AGAINST BUS SERVICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FELL 30 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS PERIOD.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND DROPPED FROM 141 IN 1986-87 TO 98 IN 1987-88.
THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR SERVICE IMPROVEMENT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WAS MET BY THE INTRODUCTION OF HIGH CAPACITY THREE-AXLE BUSES ON SOME ROUTES IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND AN ADDITIONAL ROUTE FROM AP LEI CHAU TO CENTRAL.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TOTALLED 340, A DROP OF 30 PER CENT FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE.
THE NEW TERRITORIES BUS SERVICES ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 70 PER CENT OF THESE COMPLAINTS, TOTALLING 251 CASES, A DECLINE OF 147.
THERE WERE STILL COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE EXTERNAL BUS ROUTES FROM THE RESIDENTS OF NEW TOWNS, NAMELY TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND MA ON SHAN.
THEY WERE OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY REQUESTS FOR DIRECT BUS SERVICES TO URBAN KOWLOON AND THESE WERE REFERRED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR CONS I DERATION.
/THE TCU .......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 2
THE TCU RECORDED 61 COMPLAINTS ABOUT CROSS HARBOUR BUSES, EIGHT MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THERE WERE STILL SOME SUGGESTIONS THAT NEW CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES BE INTRODUCED.
TWO ROUTES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1987-88 -- ROUTE XHT110 BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND TAI KOO SHING, AND ROUTE XHT141 BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL.
ON THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, 850 COMPLAINTS Vere RECORDED, 81 MORE THAN IN 1986-87.
COMPLAINTS INVOLVING CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY ROSE FROM 325 IN 1986-87 TO 377.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY, WHICH HAS A FLEET THREE TIMES LARGER THAN CMB’S DREW 403 COMPLAINTS, COMPARED WITH 406 IN 1986-87.
THERE WERE MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULES -- RISING FROM 121 IN 1986-87 TO 142 IN 1987-88. IN THIS RESPECT, KMB SHOWED AN INCREASE OF FOUR COMPLAINTS - FROM 203 IN 1986-87 TO 207 IN 1987-83.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB BUS DRIVERS ROSE BY 41 PER CENT, FROM 133 IN 1986-87 TO 188 IN 1987-88.
ON THE OTHER HAND, KMB REGISTERED A FIVE PER CENT DECLINE, FROM 122 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 115 IN 1987-88.
MR FAN SAID THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TAXI SERVICE TOTALLED 1,250 IN 1987-88, AN INCREASE OF 133 PER CENT.
OF THESE, 1,160 WERE DIRECTED AGAINST MALPRACTICES BY TAXI DRIVERS.
A TOTAL OF 3,205 COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT WF.RF RECEIVED.
AMONG THEM, 1,286 WERE RELATED TO ROAD CONGESTION. OTHER RELATED COMPLAINTS WERE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ILLEGAL PARKING.
ALMOST 60 PER CENT OF THE 1,286 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION WERE GENERATED FROM SEVEN DISTRICTS: WAN CHAI, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON CITY, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI AND KWAI TSING.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MADE UP 21 PER CENT, AND SLIGHTLY OVER ONE-THIRD OF THESE CASES WERE RELATED TO CONGESTION IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
/DURING THE
MONDAY, JULY 25» 1988
- 3
DURING THE YEAR, MR FAN SAID, 1,508 SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVING ROAD CONGESTION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WERE CONSIDERED PRACTICAL AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE AUTHORITIES. IN 1986-87, THERE WERE 1,515 SUCH SUGGESTIONS.
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT WAS SET UP UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS.
COMPLAINTS CAN BE MADE TO THE UNIT BY TELEPHONING THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE, 5-776866.
AFTER INVESTIGATING THE COMPLAINTS, THE UNIT WILL GIVE THE COMPLAINANT AN ANSWER EITHER VERBALLY OR IN WRITING, AS APPROPRIATE.
0
•MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER SHORTAGE
♦ ♦ t t *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) ENDORSED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE THE SHORTAGE OF SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
THE MEMBERS HAD CONSIDERED THE REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER PLANNING SYSTEM AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS THEREON OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL'WORK TRAINING (ACSWT).
THE SWAC AGREED THAT TRAINING INSTITUTES SHOULD BE INVITED TO EXPAND THEIR INTAKES OF STUDENTS IN THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM AND TO EXPAND THEIR SOCIAL WORK COURSES IN THE 1991-94 TRIENNIUM.
IT ALSO SHARED THE ACSWT’S VIEW THAT SUITABLE NON-SOCIAL WORK TRAINED GRADUATES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE RECRUITED AND PROVIDED WITH FORMAL SOCIAL WORK TRAINING.
FURTHERMORE, IT AGREED THAT MORE USE COULD BE MADE OF PART-TIME SOCIAL WORKERS AND THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF RECRUITING SUITABLE SOCIAL WORKERS FROM OVERSEAS COULD BE EXPLORED.
IT WAS ALSO FELT THAT ALL AGENCIES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO SCRUTINISE THE DUTIES OF THE SOCIAL WORK STAFF *TO ENSURE THAT ONLY TASKS REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK SKILLS WERE PERFORMED BY THEM.
/ALSO DISCUSSED
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 4 -
ALSO DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING WAS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON PRUDENTIAL REGULATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
WHILE THE COMMITTEE WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE DOCUMENT IN GENERAL, IT WAS FELT THAT LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS WERE NEEDED FOR THE TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AS WELL AS ON FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.
IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES TO BE SET UP, WITH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION, TO OVERSEE THE RUNNING OF THE RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
MEMBERS FURTHER EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES UPON THE TERMINATION OF SCHEMES WHICH WERE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE RETIREMENT SCHEMES SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM TAX AND BENEFITS SHOULD BE TRANSFERABLE UNDER LAW.
THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON HOMOSEXUAL OFFENCES WAS ALSO DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING AND DIVERGENT VIEWS WERE EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS.*
THE VIEWS OF SWAC MEMBERS ON THE TWO CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENTS WILL BE CHANNELLED TO THE APPROPRIATE POLICY BRANCHES.
- - 0 -------
LIGHT RAIL FATAL ACCIDENT BEING INVESTIGATED ♦ t * * »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE POLICE ARE CARRYING OUT AN INVESTIGATION INTO TODAY’S ACCIDENT INVOLVING A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT VEHICLE AND A VAN AT PING HA ROAD, PING SHAN, IN WHICH AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS KILLED.
A UK RAILWAY INSPECTOR, MR ALAN COOKSEY, IS ALSO EXAMINING THE SAFETY OF THE SYSTEM AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT.
UNDER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE, WHICH ALSO GOVERNS THE OPERATION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, A CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED TO BE ISSUED BY THE RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER BEFORE THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM CAN BE ALLOWED TO CARRY GOODS AND PASSENGERS.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING WHETHER, AND IF SO WHAT, ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE SYSTEM AND TO PREVENT SUCH ACCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING IN FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE LIGHT RAIL DIVISION OF THE KCRC HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO SUSPEND ALL TRIAL RUNS OF ITS VEHICLES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
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/5
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 5 -
DEADLINE FOR RELIEF APPLICATIONS
*****
Ni l |)Y FARMERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY RFLIEI r;t. TO
HELP RESTORE THEIR FARMS DAMAGED BY LAST WEDNESDAY'S FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE ADVISED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANTS WOULD CLOSE AT 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27).
THEY SHOULD MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS PERSONALIA V.T PROVIDE DETAILS OF THEIR LOSSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ANY OF THF I i'llOWING FISHERIES AND AGRICULTURAL OFFICES:
* AU TAU FISHERIES OFFICE, AU TAU, YUEN LONG.
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE,
TAI KIU MARKET,
YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
YUEN LONG.
» TAI PO DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
♦ KO PO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, KO PO, FANLING.
* SAI KUNG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
* MUI WO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE,
SILVER MINE BAY, MUI WO.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE THE START OF THE OPERATION LAST THURSDAY, 711 FARMERS HAD APPLIED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS.
OF THE APPLICANTS ALREADY REGISTERED SO FAR, 571 WERE <RO|> AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS WHILE THE REMAINING 137 WERE POND FISH FARMERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE BEING VETTED fO ASCERTAIN THEIR ELIGIBILITY.
THE AMOUNT OF GRANT WOULD BE BASED ON THE REHABILITATION COST REQUIRED IN EACH CASE WITH A MAXIMUM OF $1,440, DEPENDING ON Till NATURE OF THEIR FARMS.
"IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS, IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME FOR INVESTIGATION BEFORE THEY CAN BE APPROVED OR OTHERWISE.
"AFTER CHECKING AND ASSESSMENT, APPLICANTS WHOSE CASES ARE FOUND JUSTIFIED WILL BE NOTIFIED CONCERNING THE COLLECTION OF THEIR GRANTS. AND THOSE UNSUCCESSFUL WILL ALSO BE INFORMED," HE ADDED.
0 -
/& •••••••
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 6 -
HAMMOND VISITS ELECTRIC SWITCHES FACTORY
» * t ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, VISITED THE DEFOND MANUFACTURING LTD. IN CHAI WAN THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
FOLLOWING A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR WILSON CHU, MR HAMMOND WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR OF VARIOUS PLANTS WHICH EMPLOY AROUND 200 WORKERS IN PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY WORK.
THE FACTORY MANUFACTURES MAINLY PLASTIC ELECTRIC SWITCHES AND SOCKETS FOR OVERSEAS MARKETS INCLUDING NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, JAPAN AND TAIWAN.
MR HAMMOND WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE FACTORY MAINTAINS A GOOD RECORD ON SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR HAMMOND HAD A ROUND-UP DISCUSSION WITH THE MANAGEMENT.
-----0------
CLEAN HK STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW * » * ♦ t
THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME AND REVIEW PROGRESS OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL BE A REVIEW OF PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST LITTER OFFENDERS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO REVIEW THE PROSECUTION TREND.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS COMING EVENTS, INCLUDING A VEHICULAR FLOAT PARADE AND A YOUTH RALLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM, NO. 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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/7........
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 7 -
MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES CITY IMPRESSED WITH URBAN COUNCIL » » » » *
THE VISITING MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES CITY, MR TOM BRADLEY, WAS TODAY IMPRESSED WITH THE ENORMOUS WORK AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
HE MADE THE REMARK AFTER HE AND A TRADE PARTY FROM THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES VISITED THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MET BY THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, THE PARTY HAD GENERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH URBAN COUNCILLORS ON WIDE-RANGING TOPICS INCLUDING RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE.
THE PARTY ALSO EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH URBAN COUNCILLORS ON THE MUTUAL PROBLEMS FACING BOTH CITIES — DISPOSAL OF REFUSE YND HARBOUR POLLUTION.
"SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ARE COMMONLY FOUND IN ANY LARGE CITY AND I WELCOME FURTHER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OUR TWO CITIES TO HELP TACKLE THE PROBLEM," MR BRADLEY SAID.
OTHER MEMBERS IN THE PARTY INCLUDED MESSRS. FLOYD (LAY, E.Z. BURTS, STEVEN P. RESNICK, MICHAEL LEMKE AND WILLIAM MORTSON.
ATTENDING THE MEETING WERE URBAN COUNCILLORS, MESSRS WALTER SULKE, SAMUEL WONG, MAN SA I-CH EONG, PAUL YOUNG AND MRS NELLIE FONG.
-----0------
RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY STUDY STARTS ON WEDNESDAY
* * » t ♦
A TOTAL OF 4,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN NEW TOWNS AND OLD URBAN AREAS WILL BE VISITED AND HOUSEHOLDERS INTERVIEWED BETWEEN WEDNESDAY (JULY 27) AND AUGUST 31 IN A SURVEY ON RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH TO COLLECT DATA FOR BETTER TOWN PLANNING.
HALF OF THE INTERVIEWS IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED AT HOUSEHOLDS IN NEW TOWNS AND HALF AT HOUSEHOLDS IN OLD TENEMENT BLOCKS IN OLD URBAN AREAS.
NEW TOWN HOUSEHOLDERS WILL BE ASKED ABOUT THEIR HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS, REASONS FOR MOVING TO NEW TOWNS AND FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR CHOICE OF LOCATION.
/HOUSEHOLDERS IN
MONDAY, JULY 25f 1988
- 8 -
HOUSEHOLDERS IN OLD TENEMENT BLOCKS IN OLD URBAN AREAS WILL, ON THE OTHER HAND, BE ASKED ABOUT THEIR INTENTION TO MOVE AND PREFERENCES.
THE NEW TOWN AREAS TO BE COVERED IN THE SURVEY ARE TUEN MUN, KWAI CHUNG, TSING ¥1, TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG, FANLING, SHEUNG SHUI, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
OLD URBAN DISTRICTS TO BE COVERED ARE CENTRAL, WESTERN, EASTERN, SOUTHERN, WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO AND KOWLOON CITY.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL ONLY BE USED IN AGGREGATE FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES AND REFERENCES FOR TOWN PLANNING.
HOUSEHOLDERS CHOSEN FOR THE SURVEY SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION BY MAIL.
THEY ARE REMINDED THAT EACH INTERVIEWER WILL BEAR AN ENUMERATOR IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH.
HOUSEHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE FULL AND ACCURATE INFORMATION REQUESTED BY THE INTERVIEWERS.
SHOULD THE CHOSEN HOUSEHOLDERS HAVE QUERIES, THEY ARE WELCOME TO TELEPHONE 5-8482485 OR 5-8482483.
-----0-----
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY
*****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT ON YOUTH POLICY AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE REQUESTED TO ENDORSE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR SEVERAL PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE INCLUDE A RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY CAMPAIGN, A CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, AN EXHIBITION AT THE SYCAMORE ART GALLERY AND THE MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION ON CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN MONG KOK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
- 9 -
SEMINAR ON HOW RESIDENTS CAN PROTECT ENVIRONMENT
t * » » »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION AND IN PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT.
THEY CAN EVEN PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THIS AT HOME.
A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR Y.M. HUI, WILL EXPLAIN HOW AT A SEMINAR TO BE HELD FOR RESIDENTS’ BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING.
ENTITLED "START ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD", THE SEMINAR IS AMONG PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE 1988 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED).
THE SEMINAR WILL BE ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
ANY RESIDENT INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT IS WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE TWO-HOUR SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.
APART FROM THE SEMINAR, OTHER WED ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE INCLUDE A VISIT BY STUDENTS TO THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE AND A PROGRAMME TO BEAUTIFY HILL SLOPES WITH MURAL PAINTINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR.
-------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
* * » t
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODA1 (MONDAY) STOOD AT 31.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 186.571 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 377.076 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 64.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-------o ---------
/1O........
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
10
FINALS OF SCHOOLS SUMMER OLYMPIAD ♦ * ♦ *
THE FINALS OF BADMINTON, VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS OF THE THIRD SCHOOLS SUMMER OLYMPIAD WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27).
THIS YEAR'S SCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPIAD, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS, ATTRACTED A TOTAL OF 3,500 ATHLETES FROM 114 SCHOOLS.
THEY COMPETED IN FIVE SPORTS, NAMELY SWIMMING, ATHLETICS, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND BADMINTON.
THE FINALS OF THE ATHLETICS AND SWIMMING EVENTS TOOK PLACE LAST WEEK, WHILE THOSE OF THE BALL GAMES WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ONF WEDNESDAY STARTING 9.15 AM.
AFTER THE BASKETBALL FINALS, THERE WILL BE A DANCE PERFORMANCE AND A CELEBRITY BASKETBALL MATCH FROM 5 PM TO 6 PM. A MOVIE STARS TEAM WILL BE INVITED TO PLAY AGAINST A JOINT STAFF TEAM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 6 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27).
-----0------
/11
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1988
11 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 28) FOR ROADWORKS.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN LYNDHURST TERRACE AND QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS.
MOREOVER, WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN LYNDHURST TERRACE AND GRAHAM STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
MEANWHILE, THE METERED PARKING SPACES IN WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN ROUSE NOS. 55 AND 73 WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
------0-------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
* » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SECTIONS OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM JULY 27 TO AUGUST 7.
THE CLOSURES ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
FROM 9.30 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING ON JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) AND 28, THE SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED.
DURING THE SAME TIME ON JULY 29 (FRIDAY) AND 30, THE MERGING LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND NORTH OF TAI PO-BOUND HUNG MUI KUK ROAD SLIP ROAD AT HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
ON TAI PO ROAD, THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE NEAR TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON AUGUST 1 (MONDAY) AND 3 (WEDNESDAY).
IN ADDITION, FROM 7 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON AUGUST 5 (FRIDAY) AND 6, THE NORTHBOUND FAST AND CENTRE LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
-----0-----
/12........
MONDAY, JULY 25, 198 >
- 12 -
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL 32 SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOB WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT LOWER LASCAR ROW, THE SECTION OF LADDER STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, CIRCULAR PATHWAY, AND NO’S 76 TO 130 HOLLYWOOD ROAD.
IT WILL ALSO AFFECT THE SECTION OF SHING WONG STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND GOUGH STREET, NO'S 1 AND 2 TSUI ON LANE AND NO'S 270 TO 276 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVT WORKS TO MAINTAIN COMPETITIVE EDGE OF TRADE, INDUSTRY 1
INVITATION FOR CTV SYSTEM PROPOSALS ON SEPTEMBER 1 ....... 3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE RELEASED .............. 5
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO LRT ACCIDENT .............. 9
COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE PC ............................... 10
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ASSISTS FLOOD VICTIMS ............. 11
KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR, ABATTOIR IDENTIFIED AS BLACK
SPOTS.................................................. 11
DB COMMITTEE MEMBERS INSPECT LAMMA ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS . 1}
KWAI TSING DB TO PUBLICISE REHABILITATION SERVICES.... 14
CUSTOMS WARNING TO TRAVELLERS ........................... 14
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES..................... 15
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WaN CH*I, SHAU KEI WAN... 17
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON .............................. 17
ROADS IN SHA TIN DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ............. 18
SUSPENSION OF SUPPLY FOR WATER WORKS
18
TUESDAY, '• LY ZB, 1988
1
GOVT WORKS TO MAINTAIN COMPETITIVE EDGE OF TRADE, INDUSTRY t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG HAS SEEN TREMENDOUS PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE OVER THE PAST YEARS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE COMPETITIM EDGE OF OUR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’THE ARGUMENT FOR INVESTING HEAVILY IN OUR BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE IS SIMPLE: COMMUNICATION IN ALL ITS FORMS IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR ECONOMIC WELL-BEING,” SAID MR JACOBS WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HAD COME A LONG WAY, AT NOT INCONSIDERABLE EXPENSES, IN DEVELOPING BETTER INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES TO LINK UP HONG KONG'S AIRPORT, THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AND VARIOUS OTHER CARGO HANDLING AREAS, WITH MANUFACTURING CENTRES BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE URBAN AREA.
OUTLINING WHAT GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DO TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAS AN ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE TO MEET ANTICIPATED DEMAND, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT CONTAINERISATION HAD BROUGHT WITH IT STRUCTURAL CHANGES TO THE SEA FREIGHT BUSINESS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT MASSIVE CAPITAL INVESTMENT WAS REQUIRED FOR BUILDING NEW TERMINALS, AND MANY COMPLEX ISSUES HAD TO BE RESOLVED.
"WE HAVE ACCORDINGLY COMMISSIONED A PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STUDY WHICH WILL TELL US THE BEST WAY TO DEVELOP OUR FACILITIES TO MEET ANTICIPATED DEMAND IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS, AND HOW THIS CAN BE DONE IN A COST EFFECTIVE MANNER.
"WE MUST TAKE THIS LONG TERM VIEW IF WE ARE NOT TO MAKE SERIOUS MISTAKES IN OUR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO TAKE A COLD HARD LOOK AT THE VARIOUS OPTIONS OPEN TO US FOR AIRPORT EXPANSION AND UPGRADING.
"THIS PROCESS OF EVALUATION HAS ALREADY BEGUN, THROUGH A SERIES OF CONSULTANCY STUDIES, WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO REACH A VIEW ON THE ULTIMATE CAPACITY AND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE EXISTING AIRPORT AT KAI TAK.
"THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, WILL ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCESS TO THE CRITICAL INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR A DECISION TO BE MADE, PROBABLY SOMETIME LATER IN 1989, AS REGARDS OUR FUTURE AIRPORT NEEDS," MR JACOBS SAID.
/ON THE
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ROAD SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY FOR CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC, MR JACOBS SAID THAT HONG KONG, AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA PARTICULARLY SOUTHERN CHINA, WOULD NEED TO BE FULLY PREPARED FOR THESE CHANGES AND MUST PLAN AHEAD IN ORDER TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE ANTICIPATED INCREASES IN TRADE FLOWS.
"MAN KAM TO ROAD IS BEING WIDENED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL NORTHBOUND LANE, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
"WORKS TO WIDEN SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO A STANDARD DUAL TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY WILL HOPEFULLY COMMENCE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR WITH A VIEW TO COMPLETION IN TWO YEARS* TIME."
IN ADDITION TO IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK, THE LONGER TERM SOLUTION IS TO OPEN UP A THIRD CROSSING POINT AT LOK MA CHAU.
THIS NEW BORDER LINK WILL HAVE TWO ADJACENT BRIDGES ACROSS THE SHENZHEN RIVER, WITH THE NORTHERN SECTION TO BE BUILT BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE SOUTHERN SECTION BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE JOINT DEVELOPMENT, EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1990, HAS A PLANNED CAPACITY FOR 40,000 VEHICLES A DAY. THIS WILL INCREASE THE TOTAL CROSS BORDER DAILY CAPACITY FROM THE EXISTING 12,000 VEHICLES TO OVER 50,000.
"ON PRESENT PROJECTIONS, THIS SHOULD TAKE US TO THE END OF THE CENTURY," MR JACOBS SAID.
ON RAIL LINKS WITH CHINA, MR JACOBS SAID THAT WITH THE IMMINENT COMPLETION OF DOUBLE TRACKING BETWEEN PEKING AND CANTON, HONG KONG COULD EXPECT FURTHER INCREASES IN FREIGHT TRAFFIC FROM CHINA.
"OUR ABILITY TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RAIL CARGO IS CONSTRAINED BY THE AVAILABILITY OF FREIGHT HANDLING FACILITIES AT HUNG HOM.
"WORKS ARE IN HAND BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING FREIGHT YARD AND STUDIES ARE BEING CARRIED OUT TO LOOK INTO LONGER TERM POSSIBILITIES FOR EXPANSION.
"WE HAVE ALSO STARTED A FEASIBILITY STUDY .ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILWAY SPUR TO SERVE THE CONTAINER PORT IN KWAI CHUNG TO LINK UP THE CONTAINER AND RAIL TERMINALS," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS BELIEVED THAT WITH THE BLUEPRINTS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS SOON TO BE AVAILABLE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE BETTER PLACED TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AND SO KEEP HONG KONG MOVING.
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 3 -
INVITATION FOR CTV SYSTEM PROPOSALS ON SEPTEMBER 1
* * * * »
PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CABLE TELEVISION (CTV) SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WILL BE INVITED FROM LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PARTIES ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR. INTERESTED PARTIES WILL HAVE SIX MONTHS TO SUBMIT THEIR PLANS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT PROPOSALS MUST COVER BOTH THE PROVISION OF A CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK AND THE BROADCASTING SERVICE TO BE CARRIED OVER THE NETWORK. SEPARATE LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED TO COVER THESE TWO ACTIVITIES.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED TODAY THAT IN ORDER TO ANCHOR CTV BROADCASTING FIRMLY IN HONG KONG, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO PLACE LIMITATIONS ON THE DEGREE OF FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF THE CABLE BROADCASTER SIMILAR TO THOSE IMPOSED ON THE WIRELESS TV LICENSEES AT PRESENT," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO RESTRICTION ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF Till' NETWORK PROVIDER.
"SINGLE COMPANIES WILL HAVE TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR BOTH LICENCES, WHILE TWO COMPANIES WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO OPERATE CTV CAN APPLY IN I'YNDEM I OR THE NETWORK AND THE BROADCASTING LICENCES.
"II A SINGLE COMPANY BIDS FOR BOTH LICENCES, IT WILL HAVE TO COMPIA WITH RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP IN THE SAME WAY AS IF IT WIRE APPLYING FOR JUST THE BROADCASTING LICENCE," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THE LICENCES WOULD BE VALID FOR 15 YEARS AND WOULD BE EXCLUSIVE FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS. "THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER THEREAFTER WHETHER TO LICENSE A SECOND CTV SYSTEM."
AN! FEES OR ROYALTIES PAYABLE BY THE LICENSIES WILL BE SPECIFIED IN \DVANCE OF CALI. ING FOR PROPOSALS*. A DF.( I SION ON THE LEVEL OF LICENCE FEES AND ROYALTIES HAS YET TO BE FINALISED.
"UNDER SECTION 9 (11(D) OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY ORDINANCE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS REFERRED TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) THE TASK OF ASSESSING PROPOSALS, RECOMMENDING THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER AND RECOMMENDING DRAFT LEGISLATION AND LICENCE CONDITIONS.
"THE BA WILL REPORT ITS FINDINGS BACK TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN ABOUT JUNE 1989, AFTER WHICH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL MAKE THE FINAL CHOICE," HE ADDED.
THE DETAILED REGULATOR! FRAMEWORK GOVERNING CTV WILL BE FINALISED AFTER THE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT THE BASIC REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE MADE KNOWN TO INTERESTED COMPANIES IN \DVANCE.
/"THIS WILL
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
"THIS WILL ENSURE THAT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TAKES ACCOUNT OF ALL PRACTICAL FACTORS BROUGHT OUT IN THE SUCCESSFUL CTV PROPOSAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, STRESING THAT BIDDERS WOULD HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT THE FINAL CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY OPERATE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE PASSING OF THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THE BASIC CONSIDERATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND WHICH WILL BE MADE KNOWN TO INTERESTED COMPANIES IN ADVANCE, INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT THAT THERE SHOULD BE NOT MORE THAN 15 PER CENT CROSS-OWNERSHIP BETWEEN A CTV BROADCASTING LICENSEE AND ANY WIRELESS TV OR RADIO LICENSEES IN HONG KONG," HE EXPLAINED.
"FURTHERMORE, ANY PERSON OR COMPANY HOLDING OVER 15 PER CENT OF THE SHARES OF A WIRELESS TV OPERATION IN HONG KONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HOLD MORE THAN 15 PER CENT OF SHARES IN A CTV BROADCASTING LICENSEE.
"THE CTV BROADCASTING LICENCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME LIMITATIONS IN RESPECT OF HOLDING COMPANIES, NOMINEES AND SUBSIDIARIES AS ARE IMPOSED ON WIRELESS TV LICENSEES UNDER THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1988 EXCEPT THAT THE CABLE NETWORK LICENSEE WILL BE ALLOWED TO UNDERTAKE NON-FRANCHISED TELECOMMUNICATION BUSINESS, SUBJECT TO ISSUE OF THE NECESSARY LICENCES BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ON THE PROGRAMMING ASPECTS OF CTV, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HOLDER OF THE BROADCASTING LICENCE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY THE EXISTING FOUR OFF-AIR TV CHANNELS, IN ADDITION TO MAKING AVAILABLE FOR GOVERNMENT USE FREE OF CHARGE ABOUT ONE CHANNEL IN EVERY 10 OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC.
THESE GOVERNMENT CHANNELS MAY BE USED TO TRANSMIT GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES.
"PROGRAMMING STANDARDS WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY. MATERIAL FOR GENERAL VIEWING AS WELL AS SOME MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN MAY BE BROADCAST IN THE BASIC PACKAGE MARKETED TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS,” HE SAID.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE TIME OF BROADCASTING AND THE STANDARDS TO BE ADOPTED IN THE BASIC PACKAGE WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE IMPOSED ON THE EXISTING WIRELESS TV LICENSEES.
"THE BA WILL CONSIDER PROPOSALS TO BROADCAST ’ADULT PROGRAMMES’ AS PART OF A SEPARATE PACKAGE OF CHANNELS. THE BA MAY RULE THAT CERTAIN TYPES OF ADULT MATERIAL MUST BE BROADCAST ONLY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 5 AM TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF CHILDREN WATCHING ’ADULT PROGRAMMES’," HE ADDED.
/A! ' "SING WILL
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 5 -
ADVERTISING WILL BE ALLOWED ON CTV. THE MAXIMUN PERMITTED PER CHANNEL WILL BE FIVE MUNUTES PER HOUR AND FIVE PER CENT OF TOTAL BROADCASTING TIME ON THAT CHANNEL.
’’HOWEVER, WE SHALL FAVOUR PROPOSALS WHICH OFFER LESS ADVERTISING THAN THIS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, POINTING OUT THAT EXISTING ADVERTISING STANDARDS WOULD APPLY TO CTV.
AS FOR THE NETWORKING SIDE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE NETWORK MUST PRIMARILY SERVE THE CTV BROADCASTER.
"THE CTV LICENSEE WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE SERVICE AVAILABLE TO A SPECIFIED MINIMUM NUMBER OF HOMES EACH YEAR THE NETWORK IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, BUT WE SHALL FAVOUR BIDS WHICH BETTER THIS MINIMUM AND PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE MORE QUICKLY,"
"WE SHALL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE NETWORK IS DEVELOPED SO AS TO SERVE DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE TERRITORY AND WILL NOT BE RESTRICTED TO THOSE PARTS OF HONG KONG WHICH ARE THE EASIEST TO SERVE OR OFFER THE GREATEST PROFITS FROM NON-FRANCHISED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES."
ALTHOUGH THESE BASIC CONSIDERATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED, THERE REMAIN MANY OTHER ASPECTS OF CTV PROVISION WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN SPECIFIED, AND FOR WHICH THE INTERESTED COMPANIES MAY MAKE THEIR PROPOSALS.
"WE SHALL BE LOOKING FOR BIDS OFFERING QUICK ESTABLISHMENT OF A FULL SERVICE, LOWER INSTALLATION AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES, GREATER VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING AND A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY PROGRAMMING FOR LOCAL AUDIENCES.
"THE INTENTION IS TO GIVE THE COMPANIES A FREE HAND TO MAKE PROPOSALS SO THAT THE BA WOULD HAVE A WIDE CHOICE FROM WHICH IT CAN MAKE ITS RECOMMENDATION FOR A CTV SYSTEM THAT BEST SUITS LOCAL NEEDS," HE ADDED.
-------0 --------
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE RELEASED ♦ * ♦ t *
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW FASTER IN JUNE THAN IN EACH OF THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS, WHILE RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH.
THESE DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JUNE 1988 WAS $18,126 MILLION, $1,837 MILLION OR 11.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1987, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 52.1 PER CENT OR $7,661 MILLION TO $22,359 MILLION.
/THE VALUE
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $40,485 MILLION IN JUNE 1988, WAS THUS $9,498 MILLION OR 30.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1987.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 34.4 PER CENT OR $11,062 MILLION OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $43,186 MILLION IN JUNE 1988.
AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW FASTER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, A LARGER VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT WAS RECORDED IN JUNE 1988 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
IN JUNE 1988, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT AMOUNTED TO $2,701 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $1,137 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN JUNE 1987.
PUTTING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1988 WAS $212,940 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $95,625 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $117,315 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF 1987, IN VALUE TERMS TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $47,020 MILLION OR 28.3 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $9,833 MILLION OR 11.5 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY $37,187 MILLION OR 46.4 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $49,538 MILLION OR 28.8 PER CENT, TO $221,691 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $8,751 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1988.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $6,233 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 .
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IL THE SECOND QUARTER, AT 8.9 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, REPRESENTED A SLOW-DOWN FROM THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE OF 14.6 PER CELT IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
IN VIEW OF A REBOUND IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TN JUNE, MORE OBSERVATIONS WERE NEEDED TO SEE WHETHER THIS TREND OF SLOW-DOWN WAS CONTINUING.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE VERY RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS REFLECTED THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AS AN ENTREPOT FOR CHINA AND FOR THE EAST ASIAN REGION GENERALLY.
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1988, IN GROSS VALUE TERMS, RE-EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR 55.1 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH 48.3 PER CENT RECORDED DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1988.
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS $18,126 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS $22,359 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS $40,485 MILLION
IMPORTS $43,186 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE $ 2,701 MILLION UN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS % APR 88 TO JUN 88 HK$ MN. APR 87 TO JUN 87 HK$ MN. INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 51,455 47,264 4,191 8.9
RE-EXPORTS 64,448 43,643 20,805 47.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 115,903 90,907 24,996 27.5
IMPORTS 122,825 93,787 29,038 31.0
TRADE BALANCE -6,922 -2,880 -4,042
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR JUNE 1988 HK$ MN. JUNE 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 18,126 16,289 (44.8%)(52.6%) 1,837 11.3
RE-EXPORTS 22,359 14,698 7,66 1 52.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 40,485 30,987 9,498 30.7
IMPORTS 43,186 32,124 1 1 ,062 34 . 4
TRADE BALANCE -2,701 -1,137 -1,564
/last month .......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
8
JUNE MAY INCREASE
LAST MONTH 1988 1988
HKS MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 18,126 17,274 852 4.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (44.8%) (44.6%)
RE-EXPORTS 22,359 21,453 906 4.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 40,485 38,727 1,758 4.5
IMPORTS 43,186 39,558 3,628 9.2
TRADE BALANCE -2,701 -831 -1,870
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1988 1987
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 95,625 85,792 9,833 11.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (44.9%) (51.7%)
RE-EXPORTS 117,315 80,128 37,187 46.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 212,940 165,920 47,020 28.3
IMPORTS 221,691 172,153 49,538 28.8
TRADE BALANCE -8,751 -6,233 -2,518
JUL 87 • JUL 86
TO TO INCREASE
LAST 12 MONTHS JUN 88 JUN 87
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 205,086 174,402 30,684 17.6
RE-EXPORTS 219,969 149,641 70,328 47.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 425,055 324,043 101,012 31.2
IMPORTS 427,486 324,771 102,712* 31.6
TRADE BALANCE -2,431 -731 -1,700
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 9 -
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO LRT ACCIDENT
» » * » *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED MR ALAN COOKSEY, THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER OF THE UK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, TO HEAD AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO YESTERDAY’S FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING A LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE AND A VAN.
MR COOKSEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY MR CHENG HON KWAN, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, AND BY MR BRIAN HARBORD, AN EXPERT IN TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS.
THE INVESTIGATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN A FEW DAYS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
PENDING THE REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION, THE LRT WILL NOT RESUME THEIR SCHEDULED PRACTICE RUNS OF THEIR VEHICLES.
THE REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC. *
THE KCRC HAS DECIDED TO DELAY THE COMMERCIAL OPENING OF THE LRT TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR PRACTICE RUNNING OF THE SYSTEM. A NEW DATE FOR THE OPENING WILL BE DECIDED AFTER THE FULL SAFETY REPORT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.
UNDER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY MAY DIRECT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE INTO AN NOTIFIABLE ACCIDENT OR OCCURRENCE.
THE PARAMOUNT PURPOSE OF SUCH AN INVESTIGATION IS TO DETERMINE THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT OR OCCURRENCE WITH A VIEW TO AVOIDING SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN FUTURE.
MR COOKSEY IS CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG AFTER BEING COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE THE OVERALL OPERATION AND SAFETY OF THE LRT SYSTEM BEFORE ITS OPENING.
HIS REPORT ON THE SAFETY OF THE SYSTEM WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CAUSES OF THE RECENT INCIDENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE PRACTICE RUNNING OF THE RAILWAY.
-----o------
/10........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
10 -
COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE PC * » » *
POLICE CONSTABLE WONG TIN-LUN’S BRAVERY IN COMBAHING AN ARMED ROBBERY IN JANUARY THIS YEAR HAS WON HIM A COMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
AT A CEREMOMY HELD AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, PRAISED PC WONG FOR HIS COURAGE, INITIATIVE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY OF AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH ORDER, DISPLAYED AFTER COMING UNDER FIRE DURING THE PURSUIT OF AN ARMED GANG WHO HAD ROBBED A JEWELLERY SHOP IN HILTON HOTEL, CENTRAL.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, MR LI ALSO PRESENTED A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO SUPERINTENDENT TREVOR COLLINS AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS TO PC LAM WAI-MING, FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE SAME INCIDENT.
THE CASE OCCURRED ON JANUARY 28 THIS YEAR WHEN FOUR ROBBERS, ARMED WITH HEAVY CALIBRE REVOLVERS, SNATCHED $3 MILLION WORTH OF WATCHES AND JEWELLERY FROM A SHOP IN THE SHOPPING ARCADE OF THE HILTON HOTEL.
SUPERINTENDENT COLLINS, WHO WAS OFF DUTY AT THAT TIME, WITNESSED THE ROBBERY AND IMMEDIATELY CLEARED THE ARCADE OF BYSTANDERS AND STOPPED TAXIS FROM DISCHARGING PASSENGERS OUTSIDE THE HOTEL.
THE SUPERINTENDENT LATER FOLLOWED THE FLEEING ROBBERS WHO SPOTTED HIM AND FIRED A TOTAL OF THREE SHOTS.
THE ROBBERS THEN HIJACKED A PASSING TAXI AT GUN POINT AND FLED INTO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
PC WONG TIN-LUN, WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ROBBERY THROUGH HIS BEAT RADIO, RUSHED TO THE SCENE AND SAW THE ROBBERS HIJACKING THE TAXI. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ROBBERS SAW HIM AND .OPENED FIRE.
DESPITE THIS, PC WONG REMAINED CALM, NOTED THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE TAXI AND ITS ESCAPING DIRECTION, AND ALERTED THE REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE VIA HIS BEAT RADIO.
ON RECEIVING THE MESSAGE, A NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS CAME TO HIS ASSISTANCE. AN EXCHANGE OF FIRE FOLLOWED, BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED.
WHILE ESCAPING, THE ROBBERS WERE HELD UP IN TRAFFIC JAM, AND THEY ALIGHTED FROM THE TAXI AND FLED ON FOOT.
PC LAM WAI-MING WHO WAS IN THE VICINITY ATTEMPTED TO INTERCEPT THE ROBBERS BUT WAS SHOT AT THREE TIMES. HOWEVER, HE WAS ABLE TO RETURN FIRE, HAVING NOTED A CLEAR FIELD OF FIRE.
ONE OF THE SUSPECTS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ARRESTED BY A POLICE CONSTABLE AND LATER SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT. ALL STOLEN PROPERTY HAS BEEN RECOVERED.
------o ------ /11 ...................
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ASSISTS FLOOD VICTIMS
* * » »
STAFF OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ARE WORKING TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO WERE AFFECTED BY LAST WEDNESDAY’S FLOODINGS IN THE DISTRICT, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"SO FAR THE OFFICE HAS PROCESSED FIVE APPLICATIONS FOR THE GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND WHICH OFFERS A MAXIMUM GRAN! OF $1,500 PER PERSON FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES," HE SAID.
ONE FAMILY FROM WO HOP SHEK, FANLING WHOSE DWELLING WAS RENDERED UNINHABITABLE AS A RESULT OF FLOODING, WAS REFERRED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION IN THE SHEUNG SHUI TRANSIT CENTRE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ALSO ADVISED NEEDY FARMERS TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO HELP RESTORE THEIR DAMAGED FARMS, AND FOR GRANTS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO TIDE OVER THEIR DIFFICULTIES.
A LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANISATION, FUNG YING SIN KOON, HAD DISBURSED $1,000 THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO AN AFFECTED FAMILY AS LIVING EXPENSES, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAD ALREADY OFFERED ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS DURING THE FLOOD PERIOD. THEY HAD ALSO TOURED THE AFFECTED AREAS FOR NECESSARY ACTION.
"THEY LIAISED WITH LOCAL PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT -- FOR REMEDIAL MEASURES ON RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF BLOCKED DRAINAGE CHANNELS IN LOW-LYING AREAS," HE SAID.
-------o----------
KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR, ABATTOIR IDENTIFIED AS BLACK SPOTS
*****
RESIDENTS TAKING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INCINERATOR AND ABATTOIR SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT.
PART IN A CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CAMPAIGN HAVE IDENTIFIED THE KENNEDY TOWN AS THE MOST NOTORIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, IDENTIFY FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE CALLED UPON TO BLACK SPOTS AND FIVE MODEL PLACES OF GOOD
/RESULTS HAVE
TUESDAY4 odLY 26, 1988
12 -
RESULTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE THREE OTHER PUBLIC FACiuiTifiS THAT MOST PEOPLE DISLIKE ARE THE CENTRAL MARKET, THE WESTERN MARKET AND THE MARKET IN CENTRE STREET, SAI YING PUN.
MEANWHILE, THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDEN TOPPED THE LIST OF MODEL PLACES FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT. THE OTHER FOUR SELECTED FACILITIES WITH EXCELLENT ENVIRONMENT ARE THE CHATER GARDEN, THE CENTRAL PROMENADE, THE CITY HALL AND THE POK FU LAM PLAYGROUND.
AFTER ANNOUCING THE RESULTS AT THE CAMPAIGN’S CLOSING CEREMONY THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MR YUEN BUN-KEUNG, SAID THE BLACK SPOTS WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED FOR IMPROVEMENT.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE, MISS ESTHER CHAN, PRESENTED MEMORIAL PLAQUES TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THESE MODEL PLACES, WHILE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, PRESENTED PRIZES AND TROPHIES TO WINNERS OF ANOTHER CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY, THE ’’ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION”.
MR CHUNG WAI-CHEUNG WON THE COMPETITION WITH HIS CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTION OF SETTING UP SITTING-OUT FACILITIES IN THE DENSELY BUILT-UP AREA OF ON WO LANE.
THE FIRST RUNNER-UP, MR EDMOND LI, PROPOSED A PLAN TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE PINEWOOD PICNIC AREA AT THE MID-LEVELS AND DEVELOP THE OLD FORTS THERE INTO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
THE SECOND RUNNER-UP, MR CHOW PO-WAH, PROPOSED TO RE-DEVELOP THE TWO REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.
MR FISHER SAID THE COMPETITION HAD HELPED TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND MADE THEM RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THE CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1988.
-----0------
/15........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 13 -
DB COMMITTEE MEMBERS INSPECT LAMMA ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS *****
MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, VISITED LAMMA ISLAND THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING TO SEE SOME OF THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT (MEI) PROJECTS THERE.
THE SITE VISIT WAS ORGANISED TO FAMILIARISE MEMBERS WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEI PROJECTS SO THAT THEY COULD ASSUME A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.
THE PROJECTS ARE FINANCED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AND THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION WORK IS ADMINISTERED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, ABOUT $1.03 MILLION, WHICH AMOUNTED TO 55 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DISTRICT BOARD FUND, WAS ALLOCATED TO THE COMMITTEE FOR MEI PROJECTS.
DURING TODAY’S TRIP, MEMBERS FIRST VISITED YUNG SHUE WAN, NORTH LAMMA TO SEE TWO SITTING-OUT AREAS, A BASKETBALL COURT AND A SOCCER PITCH WHICH WERE COMPLETED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THEY THEN TOOK A WALK TO TAI PENG TO INSPECT A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A RAINSHELTER THERE.
THE PARTY THEN TOOK A LAUNCH TO SOK KWU WAN AT SOUTH LAMMA TO SEE THREE SITTING-OUT AREAS AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON THE MAIN STREET.
FINALLY, MEMBERS VISITED A BARBEQUE SITE NEAR THE LO SO SHING BEACH WHICH WAS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR FONG LOI, SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE SITE VISIT AND THAT SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS TO VISIT OTHER AREAS IN TRE DISTRICT WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE FUTURE.
- 0 -
TUESDAY, JULY
1988
14
KWAI TSING DB TO PUBLICISE REHABILITATION SERVICES * * » * *
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
DETAILS OF THE ACTIVITIES, TO BE HELD FROM THIS MONTH TO DECEMBER, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ATTENDING WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROMOTING COMMITTEE, DR LAI MING-WAH; CHAIRMAN OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, MR LI UHI-FAI; ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS KATHERINE SHIN; AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.
------0--------
CUSTOMS WARNING TO TRAVELLERS
* * * *
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED TRAVELLERS AGAINST BRINGING COUNTERFEIT GOODS INTO HONG KONG, OR ELSE THEY MAY BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
QUOTING A COURT CASE TODAY, A SPOKESMAN O*F THE DEPARTMENT SAID A FOREIGN TRAVELLER WAS FINED $15,000 IN SAN PO KONG MAGISTRACY FOR IMPORTING COUNTERFEIT GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
HE SAID A MACAU RESIDENT ARRIVING FROM KOREA IN APRIL WAS FOUND BY HONG KONG CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE AIRPORT TO BE IN POSSESSION OF 166 PIECES OF GOODS BEARING FORGED TRADEMARKS. THE GOODS INCLUDED HANDBAGS, TRAVELLING BAGS, BRIEF-CASES, WALLETS, KEY-CHAINS, BELTS AND HATS, WITH A DECLARED VALUE OF $11,000.
THE TRAVELLER WAS CHARGED WITH IMPORTING GOODS TO WHICH FORGED TRADEMARKS WERE APPLIED, CONTRARY TO THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE. HE WAS FINED $15,000 TODAY AND WAS REQUIRED TO PAY $2,000 FOR THE COURT COSTS.
UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON IMPORTING COUNTERFEIT GOODS SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR FIVE YEARS.
/15........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 15 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES » » * *
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) JULY 25 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 5.76 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 5.28 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.48 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 JULY 27, 1988.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE JULY 27, 1988 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS-
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987;
3.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
JUNE 4, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 24, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987;
5.28% PER ANNUM OCTOBER 14, FOR 1987 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987; AFTER
4.32% PER ANNUM OCTOBER 28, FOR 1987 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 1987,; AFTER
3.24% PER ANNUM OCTOBER 30, FOR 1987 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987; AFTER
3.00% PER ANNUM DECEMBER 2, FOR 1987 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 1987; AFTER
2.04% PER ANNUM DECEMBER 9, FOR 1987 CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 1988; AFTER
/2.76%
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 16 -
2.76% PER FEBR ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED APRIL 13, ON 1988; OR AFTER
UARY 20, 1988 AND BEFORE
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES APRIL 13, 1988 AND BEFORE MAY ISSUED 11, 1988; ON OR AFTER
4.32% PER MAY ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES 11, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE ISSUED 16, 1988; ON OR AFTER
4.8% PER JUNE ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES 16, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE ISSUED 29, 1988; ON AND OR AFTER
5.28% PER JUNE ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES 29, 1988 AND BEFORE JULY ISSUED 27, 1988. ON OR AFTER
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: * $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON JULY 30, 1988, AUGUST 30, 1988 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1988 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON OCTOBER 29, 1988 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, JULY 30, 1988 TO OCTOBER 29, 1988
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.80 PER MONTH = $14.40
ON $1,000, AUGUST 30, 1988 TO OCTOBER 29, 1988
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.80 PER MONTH = $ 9.60
ON $1,000, SEPTEMBER 30, 1988 TO OCTOBER 29, 1988
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.80 PER MONTH = $ 4.80
$28.80
-----0------
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 17 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI, SHAU KEI WAN $ » t » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI AND SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29).
IN WAN CHAI, FLEMING ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND THOMSON ROAD WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS FOR WATERWORKS.
IN SHAU KEI WAN, ALDRICH BAY ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES NORTH OF THAT JUNCTION WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH FOR TRAM TRACK LAYING WORK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-----0-----
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON t t ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE U-SHAPED SECTION OF KAM SHING ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH JUNCTION ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 28).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR .ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
IN KWUN TONG, YAU SHING STREET WILL BE EXTENDED TO LINK UP WITH KING YIP STREET FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29).
AT THE SAME TIME, YAU SHING STREET WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS FROM KING YIP STREET HEADING FOR CHA KWO LING ROAD CAN CHOOSE TO USE YAU SHING STREET.
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/18........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1988
- 18 -
ROADS IN SHA TIN DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS
*****
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW, TWO SECTIONS OF LOK KING STREET IN SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THEY ARE:
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT ABOUT 400 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH LOK SHUN PATH TO A POINT ABOUT 630 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, EXCLUDING THE LAYBY ALONG THIS ROAD SECTION; AND
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH LOK SHUN PATH TO A POINT ABOUT 660 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, EXCLUDING THE TWO LAYBYS ALONG THIS ROAD SECTION.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THESE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-------O---------
SUSPENSION
OF SUPPLY FOR WATER WORKS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN AND SAN PO KONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM LATE THURSDAY (JULY 28) TO EARLY FRIDAY (JULY 29) FOR WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IT WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY PO K.ONG VILLAGE ROAD, PO MING LANE, YUK WAH CRESCENT, AND YUK WAH STREET, INCLUDING TIN LIU VILLAGE.
THE SUSPENSION IN SAN PO KONG WILL BE FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KING FUK STREET, SAM CHUK STREET, TSAT PO STREET, LUK HOP STREET, SZE MEI STREET, AND BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 6 OF SAN PO KONG FACTORY ESTATE.
MEANWHILE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF HO MAN TIN HILL AND HO MAN TIN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG, LOK FU AND WANG TAU HOM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JULY 28).
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST QUARTER SHIPPING, PORT CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED . 1
OPEN SPACE TO BE DEVELOPED IN SALISBURY ROAD................ 4
ONE MORE AIDS CARRIER ...................................... 5
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR TOURISTS 8
DB TO DISCUSS BILL AGAINST VICE ............................ 8
DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES .......... 9
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT 10
KOWLOON CITY DB TRAFFIC .‘.ND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ............................................... • • 10
KWAI TSING DISTRICT TO PROMOTE REHABILITATION SERVICES ..... 11
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHEUIiG WAN TO BE REDUCED................ 12
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN F.JJLING ..................... 12
WEDNESDAY. JULY 27, 1988
FIRST QUARTER SHIPPING. PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED t t t t t
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, 3,819 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 22.7 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARR1' D IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 299 (OR 8 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.5 MILLION NRT (OR 7 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THIS IS SHOWN IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) 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 5 PER CENT.
WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+207), SEMI-CONTAINER VESSELS (+46) AND OIL TANKERS (+31), WHILE A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (-34).
WHEN ANALYSED BY FLAG OF VESSELS, MAJOR INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE RECORDED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+100) AND PANAMA (+68), BUT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE REGISTERED IN JAPAN (-18) AND SOUTH KOREA (-13).
THE NUMBER OF INCOMING SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 10,000 DEADWEIGHT TONS INCREASED BY 186 WHILE THE NUMBER OF THOSE WITH A LARGER CAPACITY INCREASED BY 113.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988, THERE WERE 3,821 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 22.6 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 289 (OR 8 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.4 MILLION NRT (OR 7 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 11 PER CENT. ABOUT 69 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, 57 .PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 43 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGF TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (15 PER CENT), JAPAN (13 PER CENT), CHINA (11 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (10 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (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 (12 PER CENT), CHINA (10 PER CENT), JAPAN (7 PER CENT) AND SOUTH KOREA (7 PER CENT).
/TRANSHIPMENT CARGO
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
- 2 -
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (32 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (19 PER CENT), AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN CHINA (19 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (12 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM SOUTH KOREA (+34 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (+28 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (+22 PER CENT); BUT DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM CHINA (-24 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (-8 PER CENT).
AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS ROSE BY 7 PER CENT.
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (+69 PER CENT), CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+56 PER CENT), ORGANIC CHEMICALS (+33 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES OF METAL AND NON-METALLIC MINERALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+29 PER CENT).
A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (EXCLUDING FURNITURE) (-24 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS REEXPORTS-) INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT.
MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY (+46 PER CENT), CHINA (+45 PER CENT), JAPAN (+41 PER CENT), SOUTH KOREA (+33 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+24 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (+22 PER CENT); BUT A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (-22 PER CENT).
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF NON-FERROUS METALS (+95 PER CENT), CLAY AND KAOLIN (+43 PER CENT), METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (+39 PER CENT) AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+34 PER CENT).
A DECREASE IN TONNAGE WAS NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (-11 PER CENT).
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 33 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO.
OF THAT LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 79 PER CENT WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO.
/IN TERMS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 27 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A (93 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (86 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (80 PER CENT) AND WEST GERMANY (69 PER CENT).
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 ROSE BY 18 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR, IN TONNAGE TERMS, 91 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, 90 PER CENT OF TEXTILES OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, 87 PER CENT OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED AND 87 PER CENT OF PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD.
OF SEABORNE EXPORTS, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 73 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE.
IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR ALL OR ALMOST ALL OF THE SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY, THE U.S.A., THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 ROSE BY 28 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987.
SEABORNE EXPORTS OF SOME PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES WERE NEARLY ALL CONTAINERISED.
THESE INCLUDED COTTON GARMENTS; CANNED FOOD; FOOTWEAR;. GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED; TOYS; COTTON TEXTILES; PLASTIC MANUFACTURES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED AND TEXTILES OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, 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.
/HORE DETAILS .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
4
MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 ARE CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT" FOR JANUARY TO MARCH 1988, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, AT $22 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234887.
-------0 --------
OPEN SPACE TO BE DEVELOPED IN SALISBURY ROAD ♦ ♦ * ♦ »
NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED ON THE DFa ELOP'IENT OF AN OPEN SPACE IN SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, ARE NOW UNDERWAY.
THE GREENLIGHT FOR NEGOTIATIONS WAS GIVEN RECENTLY BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHEN IT AGREED TO THE GRANTING OF A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT TO THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPEN SPACE BETWEEN THE REGENT HOTEL AND THE FUTURE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN SALISBURY ROAD.
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL COMPRISE A PUBLIC GARDEN, AN UNDERGROUND SHOPPING MALL OF 15,060 SQUARE METRES, A CARPARK FOR 250 CARS AND TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS UNDER SALISBURY ROAD.
"THE CARPARK, ACCESS TO WHICH WILL BE THROUGH THE NEW WORLD CENTRE CARPARK, WILL BE OF GREAT CONVENIENCE NOT ONLY TO PATRONS OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE BUT ALSO TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," A BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE GARDEN, WITH AN IMAGINATIVE DESIGN INCORPORATING AN AQUARIUM, WILL ENHANCE THE NATURALLY ATTRACTIVE WATERFRONT SETTING OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE.
"THE OPEN SPACE WILL ALSO ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT IN THE AREA. "
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPEN SPACE IS TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
-----O-------
/5........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
- 5 “
ONE MORE AIDS CARRIER *****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT ONE MORE PERSON WAS FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) VIRUS LAST MONTH.
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CARRIERS IN HONG KONG TO 123.
IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS - APRIL, MAY AND JUNE - NO NEW AIDS PATIENTS WERE REPORTED.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES HAS REMAINED AT 13 WITH TWO SURVIVING PATIENTS.
RELEASING THE LATEST STATISTICS ON ITS AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SO FAR, 95,564 PERSONS HAD BEEN TESTED FOR THE AIDS ANTIBODY.
OF THESE, 123 PERSONS WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE. THESE INCLUDED 52 HAEMOPHILIACS, 32 REFERRALS FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, 28 REFERRALS FROM PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS AND SUBVENTBD HOSPITALS AND 11 ATTENDANCES AT THE SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS.
THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WAS BEGUN BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1985 TO MONITOR THE AIDS SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THIS PROGRAMME, HIGH RISK GROUPS SUCH AS INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS, SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PERSONS AND HAEMOPHILIACS WERE TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODIES.
SINCE 1985, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO CONDUCTED A MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME ON ALL DONATED BLOOD.
UP TO LAST MONTH, A TOTAL OF 426,460 UNITS OF DONATED BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND ONLY SIX UNITS WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE.
LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT’S AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE RECEIVED OVER 1,300 CALLS.
THE CENTRE IS SPECIALLY SET UP TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING TO PEOPLE WHO FEAR THEY MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED AIDS AND ALSO TO CONDUCT HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS SEMINARS AND TALKS, FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND CONCERNED BODIES.
SINCE THE CENTRE OPENED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 31,115 CALLS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE HEALTH STAFF MANNING IT.
/AIDS Virus
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
- 6 -
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing
Medical & Health Department
Referrals irom Govt. April 85 -May 88 June 38 No. tested 169 No. *ve 1 Total
i£?l_eA;m 5 575 No. 31 No. tested 5 744 No. +ve 32
hospitals and clinics
Referrals from private 1 610 28 28 0 1 638 28
practitioners and subvented hospitals
Attendances at social 82 146 11 2 765 0 84 911 11
hygiene clinics
£9 & Haemophiliacs 319 52 3 0 322* 52
iV drug abusers 2 213 0 133 0 2 346 0
t i If4“;I ✓)*n /y ‘J / A Referrals'from Family Planning Association 125 0 3 0 123 0
Healtlr care personnel 469 0 6 0 475 0
Total 92 457 122 3 107 1 95 564 123
* ‘i’iiio indicates the number of specimens cr.d not parsonc as tests are repeated for certain individuals. , . , -
0=^/3 Ki, £ i U f ii
Auril 8p - May 38 June 88 Total
No. No. No. No. No. No.
tested +ve tested +vc tested.
Hong Kong Red Cross 414 029 6 12 431 0 426 460 o
Blood Transfusion Service
/Analysis of
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
Analys:
Hong Konz?
as of
28.6.88
as of
26.7.88
1.
2.
3.
4-
5
Total no. of cases/^SL^ 13 13
Total no. of deaths^ 11 11
Risk factor if) J.- .
sexually acquired 10 10
. unknown 3 3
13 13
Sex
male 12 12
female J#- 1 1
13 13
> v A* Age
Adult 1^4 13 13
6. Nationality
Chinese^ (i'i Non-Chirese j
6
6
7
7
13
13
-----0------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 198P
- 8 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR TOURISTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FERRY AND BUS SERVICES DURING THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SUMMER VACATION TO CATER FOR THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL OF SETTING UP A VISITORS’ CENTRE IN THE LANTAU COUNTRY PARK AS WELL AS NON-PROFIT-MAKING HOLIDAY CAMPS ON LANTAU.
MEMBERS’ VIEW WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE PROPOSED ROUTE OF A FAMILY TRAIL ON PENG CHAU AND THE PRINTING OF PAMPHLETS TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARd’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
-----0------
DB TO DISCUSS BILL AGAINST VICE * » * *
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REDUCE NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A PAPER ON A REVIEW OF THE LAW OF LOITERING, THE CONSULTANCY REPORT ON SPORT IN HONG KONG, AND A MOTION PUT FORWARD BY 10 MEMBERS TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT BASIC LAW.
THEY WILL ALSO STUDY A PAPER PRESENTED BY FOUR MEMBERS CONCERNING REGULATIONS AND MEASURES TO CONTROL THE SHOWING OF VIDEO TAPES BY SHOP OPERATORS TO PEDESTRIANS.
/MEMBERS WILL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27t 1988
- 9 -
MEMBERS WILL ALSO LEARN ABOUT A PROPOSAL BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TO DECLARE THE HAN TOMB AT LEI CHENG UK A MONUMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETI..G OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD TO BEGIN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET.
-------0---------
DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO EXAMINE THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S FINAL PROGRAMME ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROGRAMME WILL SERVE AS GUIDELINES FOR BUS AND FERRY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RICHARD MEAKIN, WILL BE PRESENT TO HEAR MEMBERS' VIEWS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY A MEMBER'S PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE THE PRESENT SUBSIDISED TAXI FARE SYSTEM FOR THE DISABLED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON A NUMBER OF PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CONDIIONS AT A TRAFFIC BLACK SPOT AT THE JUNCTION OF WESTERN STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, WHERE A TOTAL OF 27 ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN A YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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/1O........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27,
1988
10 -
TSUEN WAN DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT *****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEI WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (JULY 29) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE SPORTS CONSULTANCY REPORT.
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (RECREATION AND SPORT) OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, MR NICHOLAS FRY, WILL ATTEND I HE MEETING FOR THE DISCUSSION.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME AND BUDGET OF THE SPORTS NURTURE SCHEME AND AN APPLICATION FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR’S REGIONAL COUNCIL ATHLETIC MEET.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TWO APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29) 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.
KOWLOON CITY DB TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS.
TOPPING THE AGENDA WILL BE THE "1988-89 SETTLED BUS AND FERRY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME" FOR THE DISTRICT; THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY; AND THE 1988-89 KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
/MQ1BERS WILL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 ♦ 1^9
11
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE REMOVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM DRIVING LICENCES; PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT; TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE WHAMPOA DEVELOPMENT AREA; AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT SUNG CHI STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
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KWAI TSING DISTRICT TO PROMOTE REHABILITATION SERVICES » * * » *
HEALTH
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE ON MENTAL AND THE CONCEPT OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE ABLE-BODIED AND HANDICAPPED WILL BE ORGANISED IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT FROM THIS 1
THE MONTH
UNTIL DECEMBER.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROMOTING COMMITTEE, DR LEI MING-WAH, SAID THE ABOUT 20 REHABILI1A1ION UNITS I KWAI TSING DISTRICT PROVIDED MORE THAN A DOZEN DIFFERENT KINDS OF REHABILITATION SERVICES.
RESIDENTS WERE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE^DIVERSIFIED
THE SOCIAL WELFARE
REHABILITATION SERVICES BY TAKING PART • IN ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT REHABILITATION ORGANISATIONS, HE ADDED.
THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BEGIN WITH VISITS TO A HOSTEL FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND A TRAINING CENTRE, SHELTERED WORKSHOP, HALF-WAY HOUSE AND KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL ON FRIDAY (JULY ZB) AND SUNDAY (JULY 31).
BE
AN EXHIBITION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND COUNSELLING SERVICES HELD AT 10 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS FROM MID-SEPTEMBER TO
WILL EARLY
NOVEMBER.
SEMINARS, A SLOGAN COMPETITION AND A CARNIVAL WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED LATER THIS YEAR.
THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE FUNDED FROM A BUDGET OF ABOUT ’60,000 CONTRIBUTED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL PEOPLE.
RESIDENTS MAY CALL THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON 0-4938444 FOR FURTHER OR TO REGISTER FOR PARTICIPATION.
ON 0-273593 INFORMATION
/12.......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1988
12 -
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHEUNG WAN TO BE REDUCED * ♦ * ♦ *
THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (7-10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BONHAM STRAND WEST IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE REDUCED, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NOW RUNNING FROM THE JUNCTION OF BONHAM STRAND WEST WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 73 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE REDUCED TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF THE JUNCTION.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 30) TO FACILITAE LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES IN BONHAM STRAND WEST.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL STILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE REDUCED RESTRICTED ZONE.
---0------
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN FANLING ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A ROAD SECTION IN FANLING WILL BE MADE A PEAK-HOUR (7 - 10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
THE ROAD SECTION AFFECTED IS ROAD D8 BETWEEN FANLING MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND THE AMENITY ISLAND ADJACENT TO NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SECTION OF ROAD D5 BETWEEN FANLING MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND THE SLIP ROAD TO KAI LENG INTERCHANGE WILL BE LIFTED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS BEGINS ....... 1
ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS WELFARE FACILITIES ................. 3
FS OPENS OTB KOWLOON BAY BRANCH ........................... 4
’SPORTS IN EDUCATION’ REPORT RELEASED ..................... 4
PRISON SITUATION NOW QUIET .............................. 8
FIRST PAY-OUT OF RELIEF GRANTS LATER THIS WEEK............. 9
BUS SERVICES TO BE MAINTAINED BEFORE LRT OPINS............. 10
COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE DECREASE ........................ 11
COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL FACILITIES FOR WESTERN ............ 12
LANTAU BUS COMPANY’S FRANCHISE EXTENDED ................... 13
CENTRAL DISTRICT GETS NEW REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITY ...... 13
UK YOUNG PEOPLE IMPRESSED BY HK’S DYNaMISM ................ 14
THUNDERSTORMS BRING UP TO 50 MM RAINFALL................... 15
GRADING OF BEaCH WATER QUALITY............................. 16
FIRST ACTIVITY FOR ’SOLAR AMBASSADORS’ .................... 20
HK ENERGY STATISTICS FOR 1977-1987 ON SALE................. 21
CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CaN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR ............ 22
FINAL ROUND OF ANTI-DRUG ORIENTEERING COMPETITION ......... 23
URBAN CLEaRWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TUEN MUN REARRANGED......... 24
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS BEGINS « » » » »
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 22 WILL START TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND WILL RUN UNTIL AUGUST 16, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR JOHN CHAN, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
NOMINATION FORMS AND GUIDANCE NOTES FOR CANDIDATES ARE OBTAINABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION.
DURING THE NOMINATION PERIOD, CANDIDATES MAY LODGE THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS WITH THE RESPECTIVE RETURNING OFFICERS OR ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS DURING OFFICE HOURS ON ANY WORKING DAY OTHER THAN A SATURDAY.
PAPERS CAN BE HANDED IN EITHER IN PERSON BY THE CANDIDATE, OR BY HIS PROPOSER OR SECONDER.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT A NUMBER OF DISTRICT OFFICERS HAD BEEN APPOINTED AS RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES, WHILE THE SECRETARIES OF THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WOULD BE THE RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THE TWO SPECIAL CONSTITUENCIES.
THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ELECTORAL SERVICES) OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION WILL ACT AS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
A CANDIDATE MAY ONLY BE NOMINATED IN ONE CONSTITUENCY AND HIS NOMINATION HAS TO BE SUBSCRIBED BY A PROPOSER AND A SECONDER, AND ANOTHER THREE NOMINATORS IN THE CASE OF AN ELECTORAL COLLEGE OR SPECIAL CONSTITUENCY AND ANOTHER EIGHT NOMINATORS IN THE CASE OF A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
"ALL SUBSCRIBERS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE CONSTITUENCY, AND EACH SUBSCRIBER CAN AT THE MOST NOMINATE THE SAME NUMBER OF CANDIDATES AS THE NUMBER OF SEATS IN THE CONSTITUENCY," MR CHAN SAID.
IN THE SEPTEMBER ELECTIONS, THERE WILL BE 12 SEATS IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, ONE EACH FOR THE 10 DISTRICT- BOARD CONSTITUENCIES AND TWO SPECIAL CONSTITUENCIES.
ANOTHER 14 MEMBERS WILL BE ELECTED FROM THE NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES. THERE IS AN INCREASE OF TWO SEATS COMPARED TO THE ELECTIONS IN 1985, ONE EACH FOR THE NEW ACCOUNTANCY AND HEALTH CARE ELECTORAL DIVISIONS. IN ADDITION, THE FRANCHISE OF THE MEDICAL ELECTORAL DIVISION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER DENTISTS.
/THE ELECTION
2
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
• (Aw. <4^
THE ELECTION DEPOSIT HAS BEEN INCREASED TO $1,000 AS COMPARED TO $2,000 FOR THE 1985 ELECTIONS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN TH1 DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE DEPOSIT.
THE UPPER LIMIT OF ELECTION EXPENSES HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED FROM $10,000 TO $12,000 FOR THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FROM $30,000 TO $36,000 FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.
ON VOTER REGISTRATION, MR CHAN SAID THAT SOME 61,519 ELECTORS HAD BEEN REGISTERED IN THE FINAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW. THEY WILL ALL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE COMING ELECTIONS.
THERE IS AN THE 1985 FIGURES. CONSTITUENCIES:- OVERALL INCREASE THE INCREASE OF 14,441 ELECTORS COMES MAINLY FROM AS COMPARED TO THE FOLLOWING
NEW/EXPANDED CONSTITUENCIES 1985 1988 SIZE OF INCREASE
ACCOUNTANCY - 1,588 1,588
MEDICAL 2,933 3,540 607
HEALTH CARE — 10,025 10,025
EXISTING
CONSTITUENCIES
TEACHING 34,182 35,435 1 ,253
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, 2,314 3,103 789
SURVEYING AND
PLANNING
MOST OF THE OTHER EXISTING CONSTITUENCIES SHOW A SLIGHT INCREASE OVER THE 1985 FIGURES.
’’DISREGARDING INCREASES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE TWO NEW ELECTORAL DIVISIONS AND THE EXPANSION OF THE MEDICAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, THERE IS STILL AN INCREASE OF 2,288 ELECTORS (+ FIVE PER CENT),” MR CHAN SAID.
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 5
ACTING GOVERNOR VISITS WELFARE FACILITIES
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED WELFARE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAMILY WELFARE), MR ALEXANDER FUNG, SIR DAVID FIRST VISITED THE CHAN KWUN TUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN KOWLOON TONG.
HE LEARNED THAT THE HOME, OPERATED BY THE ASIAN WOMEN’S LEAGUE, PROVIDED A TOTAL OF 100 CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES AND 50 AGED HOME PLACES FOR THOSE ELDERLY WHO, FOR PERSONAL, SOCIAL OR HEALTH REASONS, WERE IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL CARE.
HE THEN TOURED THE PREMISES IN THE COMPANY OF CHAIRMAN OF THE LEAGUE, MADAM LIN HON-YING, AND SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOME, MR YEUNG WAI-TSANG.
SIR DAVID NEXT CALLED ON THE SHA KOK NURSERY OPERATED BY THE NEW KOWLOON WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION IN SHA KOK ESTATE, SHA TIN.
THE NURSERY PROVIDES DAY CARE AND PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAMMES FOR 100 CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX YEARS.
CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MRS YANG SHU CHENG-SUN, AND SUPERVISOR OF THE NURSERY, MADAM LAU B1G-YEE, BRIEFED SIR DAVID ON HOW PROGRAMMES WERE TAILORED ACCORDING TO THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN.
SIR DAVID LASTLY VISITED A CHILDREN’S HOME IN SHA TIN RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE HOME CATERS FOR 40 CHILDREN OF BOTH SEXES, AGED THREE TO EIGHT. THEY ARE EITHER ABANDONED, ORPHANED, OR FOR SOME REASON CANNOT BE TAKEN CARE OF IN THEIR OWN FAMILIES.
PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE UNDER SIX, WHILE THOSE WHO ARE OF SCHOOL AGE ARE ENROLLED IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
RECREATIONAL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED. FOR THE CHILDREN DURING THEIR FREE TIME AND WEEKENDS.
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOME, MRS MANNIE LAI, TOLD SIR DAVID THAT GREAT EFFORTS WERE MADE TO PROVIDE A WARM, LOVING AND CARING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILDREN TO GROW AND DEVELOP.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAW HOW SPECIAL PROGRAMMES WERE ORGANISED FOR THE OLDER CHILDREN WHO WERE NOW ON THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAY.
-------O - - - -
A....
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
FS OPENS OTB KOWLOON BAY BRANCH
*****
THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON BAY BRANCH OF THE OVERSEAS TRUST BANK IS A FURTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BANK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE KOWLOON BAY BRANCH IS THE SECOND NEW BRANCH AFTER KWAI FONG BRANCH WHICH WAS OPENED TO BUSINESS LAST NOVEMBER.
"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT IT IS STILL OUR FIRM INTENTION TO OPEN MORE BRANCHES WHEN SUITABLE PREMISES IN APPROPRIATE AREAS CAN BE FOUND," SAID MR JACOBS WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BRANCH.
SHORTLY AFTER THE TAKEOVER OF OVERSEAS TRUST BANK LIMITED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON JUNE 7, 1985, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE FOUR OF THE BRANCHES.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECIDED AT THAT TIME THAT THE BANK SHOULD AIM AT OPENING ADDITIONAL BRANCHES IN HONG KONG AS AND WHEN SUITABLE LOCATIONS COULD BE IDENTIFIED.
"SINCE THEN, THE BANK HAS MADE EXCELLENT PROGRESS. IT HAS EXPANDED THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS, AND IN PARTICULAR, TO SMALL ENTERPRISES. IT HAS NOW RETURNED TO PROFITABILITY.
"THE CHANGE IN THE BANK’S FORTUNES HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE HARD WORK AND ENTHUSIASM OF MANY PEOPLE. I CONGRATULATE THE BOARD AND ALL MEMBERS OF STAFF FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS," MR JACOBS SAID.
0 - -
’SPORTS IN EDUCATION’ REPORT RELEASED
*****
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ARE REQUIRED FOR THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF POLICIES IN THE EDUCATION AND SPORTS FIELD TO FACILITATE THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION AMONG SCHOOL-AGED YOUTH AND WORKING ADULTS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT (CRS), MR F.K. HU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE COUNCIL’S "SPORTS IN EDUCATION’ REPORT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS MORNING, MR HU SAID THE COUNCIL ALSO LOOKED INTO THE DESIRABILITY AND FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS SCIENCE AS AN ASSESSABLE SUBJECT AND AN ACCREDITABLE DEGREE PROGRAMME.
/"I APPRECIATE
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 5 -
"I APPRECIATE THAT THIS IS A COMPLEX ISSUE AND I BELIEVE THIS REPORT WOULD INITIATE SERIOUS DELIBERATIONS AMONG CONCERNED PARTIES," HE SAID.
"THE COUNCIL HAS LONG BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCTION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT PROVISION OF SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE PART AND PARCEL OF A BALANCED, ALL-ROUND EDUCATION. WITH THIS IN MIND, IN APRIL 1986, THE COUNCIL COMMISSIONED A SPECIALLY CONSTITUTED WORKING PARTY TO EXAMINE THE SUBJECT," HE CONTINUED.
HE SAID A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP BY THE WORKING PARTY AND WERE ENDORSED BY THE COUNCIL FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE EIGHT-CHAPTER REPORT CONTAINED A DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SUBJECT COVERING ALL LEVELS FROM PRE-PRIMARY TO TERTIARY EDUCATION AS WELL AS ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
IT LISTED THE PROVISION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF SCHOOLING, AND ADDRESSED ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE PROMOTION OF SUCH ACTIVITIES.
DURING THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS, THE WORKING PARTY CONSULTED A NUMBER OF EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONALS BOTH AT HOME AND OVERSEAS.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CRS’S WORKING PARTY ON SPORTS IN EDUCATION, DR HENRIETTA IP, POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR SPORTS ACTIVITIES WERE UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED, "SPORT" WAS STILL BEING CONSIDERED AS PERIPHERAL TO THE CURRICULUM.
"THUS, GENUINE INTEREST IN SPORT IS OFTEN SACRIFICED FOR HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OR HINDERED BY THE LACK OF PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND GUIDANCE.
"WE FOUND THAT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY LOOKING INTO ’SPORTS IN EDUCATION' IS NECESSARY IF WE ARE PLANNING FOR A BETTER EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM," SHE NOTED.
EXPLAINING THE DETAILS OF THE REPORT, DR IP SAID THAT IN DEALING WITH THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORT AND EDUCATION, THE WORKING PARTY HAD CONFINED THE STUDY TO THE SYSTEM OF INSTITUTIONAL EDUCATION FROM THE PRE-PRIMARY TO THE POST-SECONDARY LEVELS.
"SPORTS PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOLS IS IN THREE FORMS: PHYSICAL EDUCATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM; OUT-OF-CLASS SPORTS AS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES; AND SPORT AS A PROFESSIONAL STUDY AT THE POST-SECONDARY LEVEL," SHE SAID.
/"AS FOR
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
6
"AS FOR KINDERGARTENS, WE ADDRESSED ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE PROVISION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL PLAY.
"WE NOTED THAT SINCE ALL KINDERGARTENS ARE PRIVATELY-RUN, THERE ARE LIMITATIONS IN MONITORING THE STANDARDS OF PROVISION OF FACILITIES WITHIN THESE KINDERGARTENS.
"WE RECOMMENDED THAT A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE MADE FOR PLAY AREAS AS A LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE.
"MEANWHILE, IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY MAKING INFORMATION ON THESE KINDERGARTENS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS AND MODIFYING THE TIME-TABLE FOR PLAY ACTIVITIES. INSPECTORS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CAN ALSO HELP BY GIVING MORE ADVICE."
DR IP SAID SPORTS IN EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS COVERED MODIFIED GAMES FOR LOWER PRIMARY AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
"THESE AIM AT DEVELOPING PHYSICAL CO-ORDINATION OF THE BODY AND BASIC SKILLS FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AT A LATER STAGE."
"WE CONSIDER THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT INTO PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO TAKE UP THE SUBJECT,^ AND WOULD HELP CORRECT UNHEALTHY TENDENCIES SUCH AS INACTIVITY AND OBESITY.”
"WE ALSO FEEL THAT SINGLE-SESSION SCHOOLS SHOULD BE THE LONGTERM TARGET FOR PROMOTION OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES," SHE ADDED.
DR IP SAID THE WORKING PARTY SUPPORTED A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INCLUDING A WIDE RANGE OF CENTRALISED SPORTS ACTIVITIES THAT COULD NOT BE PROVIDED ON A SCHOOL BASIS, BUT WOULD UTILISE PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AVAILABLE ON A DISTRICT BASIS.
AS FOR SPORTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE WORKING PARTY EXAMINED SPECIFICALLY THE SUPPLY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS, AND OPTIONS FOR CENTRALISED AND SCHOOL-BASED SPORTS.
DR IP SAID THE EXISTING LEVEL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROVISION IN SCHOOLS WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SATISFACTORY, BUT NOTED THAT THE PRESENT ALLOCATION OF TWO PERIODS PER WEEK COULD NOT BE IMPROVED UPON BECAUSE OF COMPETING DEMANDS AND CURRICULAR CONSTRAINTS.
SHE RECOMMENDED THAT IT SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED BY RAISING THE EXISTING RATIO OF QUALIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSPECTORS, AND IMPROVING THE TRAINING OF QUALIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.
/TURNING TO
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR SPORTS, DR IP SAID THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT A SERIES OF "SPORTS-FOR-ALL” PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE ORGANISED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TWO STAGES.
STAGE I SHOULD COMPRISE PROGRAMMES CENTRALLY CO-ORDINATED AMONG SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOL SPORTS COUNCIL FOR INTERESTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS.
STAGE II SHOULD AIM AT ENCOURAGING EACH STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AT LEAST ONE SPORTING ACTIVITY WITHIN THE SCHOOL PREMISES. STAGE II SHOULD ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS FEASIBLE WITHOUT WAITING FOR THE COMPLETION OF STAGE I.
’’TALENTED ATHLETES WHO DEMONSTRATED THEIR POTENTIAL DURING SECONDARY EDUCATION OFTEN FIND IT HARD TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE SPORT WHEN THEY ENTER TERTIARY EDUCATION,” DR IP NOTED.
THE WORKING PARTY EXPLORED THE VIABILITY OF EST 3LISHING A SYSTEM WHERE SPORT ACHIEVEMENT IS RECOGNISED IN ADDITION TO SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMISSIONS TO TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
’’CONSULTATIONS WITH LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE WERE MADE AND IT WAS FOUND THAT COMPETITION FOR ENTRY IS VERY KEEN,” SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE WORKING PARTY AGREED THAT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS SHOULD NOT BE LOWERED FOR TALENTED ATHLETES.
HOWEVER, FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS DURING ACADEMIC TERMS SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR STUDENTS TO PURSUE HIGHER SPORTING STANDARDS. ALSO, ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SPORTS PARTICIPATION SHOULD BE GIVEN THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ATHLETES.
”WE ALSO EXPRESSED OUR SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SPORT-RELATED DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AND PARTICULARLY THE PART-TIME MODE OF STUDY FOR THE DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG,” DR IP SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS AS AN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUBJECT IN THESE INSTITUTIONS WILL BE GIVEN DUE RECOGNITION,” SHE POINTED OUT.
HAVING EXAMINED THE PROVISION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN EDUCATION THROUGHOUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, THE WORKING PARTY ALSO STUDIED THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLDERS OF SPORTS AND RELATED QUALIFICATIONS, WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF OPENING UP NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
/DR IP
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
8 -
DR IP SAID THE FINDINGS SHOWED THAT THERE WERE A WIDE VARIETY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORTS-TRAINED PERSONNEL IN PUBLIC, VOLUNTARY AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS. HOWEVER, DUE RECOGNITION HAD YET TO BE GIVEN TO QUALIFICATIONS IN SPORTS AND RELATED FIELDS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR UPGRADING THE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS OF SPORTS AND RELATED POSTS, THEREBY CREATING MORE AND BETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES," SHE ADDED.
"AS REGARDS THE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY, SOME OF THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THE EXISTING STRUCTURAL SET-UP.
"OTHERS, HOWEVER, MAY NEED DETAILED LONG-TERM PLANNING OR EVEN CHANGES IN ATTITUDES TOWARDS SPORTS AMONG PARENTS AND STUDENTS.
"SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HINGES ON THE GOOD CO-ORDINATION AMONG LOCAL SPORTS AND EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS. THAT IS THE ’SPORTING LINK’ WE HAVE MENTIONED AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER," SHE CONCLUDED.
COPIES OF THE "SPORTS IN EDUCATION" REPORT WILL BE FORWARDED TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR CONSULTATION AND REFERENCE.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ARE WELCOME. THEY SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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PRISON SITUATION NOW QUIET » » * »
A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING THAT ABOUT 120 INMATES AT PIK UK PRISON REFUSED TO TAKE THEIR EVENING MEALS LAST (WEDNESDAY) NIGHT.
THEY WERE LATER TAKEN BACK TO THEIR DORMITORY BY THE STAFF OF CSD AND THERE WAS NO FURTHER INCIDENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ABOUT 300 INMATES AGAIN REFUSED FOOD THIS MORNING WHILE THE REST OF THE 620 PRISONERS HAD EATEN.
/INITIAL INVESTIGATION
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
9 -
INITIAL INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE INMATES WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPOSITION OF DISCIPLINE AND THEIR SPECIFIC DEMANDS WERE:
» FIVE PRISONERS WHO HAD BROKEN PRISON RULES AND WERE SEPARATED EARLIER SHOULD NOT BE SEPARATED FROM THE OTHERS,
» IT WAS UNREASONABLE TO TRANSFER PRISONERS TO OTHFR
INSTITUTIONS FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS; AND
» THE VIDEO PROGRAMMES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
AFTER THE DEPARTMENT TRANSFERRED 69 PRISONERS WHO WERE BELIEVED TO BE RING LEADERS TO STANLEY PRISON, ALL THE REMAINING INMATES RESUMED THEIR MEALS THIS EVENING.
THE SITUATION AT PIK UK PRISON IS NOW QUIET.
-------0----------
FIRST PAY-OUT OF RELIEF GRANTS LATER THIS WEEK » » » « *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 759 APPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS FROM NEEDY FARMERS WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSED AT 5 PM YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE FARMERS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE SUFFERED LOSSES IN THE FLOODING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LAST WEDNESDAY.
THE APPLICANTS COMPRISE 537 CROP FARMERS, 80 LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND 142 POND FISH FARMERS.
OF THE CROP AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS ALREADY APPLIED FOR RELIEF GRANTS, 116 WERE FROM YUEN LONG AND 501 WERE FROM TAI PO, TAI KWU LING AND NORTH DISTRICT WHERE MORE SEVERE DAMAGES HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT SCREENING OF THE FIRST BATCH OF APPLICATIONS HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FIRST 116 ELIGIBLE FARMERS WOULD BE PAID RELIEF GRANTS TOTALLING $152,000 BEFORE THE END OF THIS WEEK..
"OTHER APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING PROCESSED. ONLY GENUINE FULL-TIME FARMERS SUFFERING HEAVY LOSSES AND IN NEED OF THE GRANTS TO RELIEVE THEIR FINANCIAL DISTRESS WILL BE GIVEN A RELIEF GRANT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,440," HE SAID.
/APART FROM
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
10
APART FROM THE GRANTS, DISTRESSED FARMERS WHO ARE IN NEED OF FURTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO RESTORE THEIR FARMS MAY ALSO APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR LOW-INTEREST LOANS FROM THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND.
"LOANS FROM THESE FUNDS ARE GRANTED TO INDIVIDUAL FARMERS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND WORKING CAPITAL AND THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE REQUIRED INCLUDE THE PURCHASE OF LIVESTOCK AND FEED, FERTILIZERS, INSECTICIDES, SEEDS, PLANTING MATERIAL AND FARM EQUIPMENT.
"LOANS MAY ALSO BE GRANTED FOR THE ERECTION OF FARM STRUCTURE, LAND FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FISH PONDS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LOAN INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
A) AU TAU FISHERIES OFFICE, AU TAU, YUEN LONG.
B) YUEN LONG DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE, TAI KIU MARKET, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, YUEN LONG.
C) TAI PO DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
D) KO PO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, KO PO, FANLING.
E) SAI KUNG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
F) MUI WO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE, SILVER MINE BAY, MUI WO.
-------o----------
BUS SERVICES TO BE MAINTAINED BEFORE LRT OPENS
» » * * »
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) HAVE AGREED TO MAKE A JOINT EFFORT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE BUS SERVICES IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG PRIOR TO THE COMMERCIAL OPENING OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A MEETING CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MRS ALICE LAI AND ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF KMB, KCRC AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
/MRS LAI
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
MRS LAI SAID THAT BOTH KMB AND KCRC WOULD MOBILISE THEIR BUSES TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
SHE EXPECTED THE PRESENT LEVEL OF BUS SERVICES WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
ANOTHER MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY TO DISCUSS MORE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS.
-----0------
COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE DECREASE
*****
COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY MORE THAN 14 PER CENT IN 1987 AND THE DOWNWARD TREND HAS CONTINUED INTO THE CURRENT YEAR.
THE 1987 DECREASE WAS THE FIRST TO BE RECORDED IN SEVERAL YEARS, ACCORDING TO A REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE POLICE COMPLAINTS AND INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH.
THE 1987 TOTAL OF 3,885 COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE COMPARED L WITH 4,533 IN 1986, A DECREASE OF 648.
MR MARTIN BROWN, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER IN THE COMPLAINTS AND INTERNAL INVESTIGATION BRANCH, COMMENTED: ''IN GENERAL TERMS THE • NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS YEARS HAS J REMAINED ROUGHLY THE SAME AT ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT.’’
*'REGARDING FALSE COMPLAINTS IT IS RECORDED THAT 12 PERSONS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED SO FAR FOR MAKING FALSE COMPLAINTS FROM CASES ORIGINATING IN 1987 AND 11 HAVE BEEN CONVICTED,' RECEIVING SENTENCES RANGING FROM FINES TO A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.’’
MR BROWN NOTED THAT OVER 91 PER CENT OF COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THEIR COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY TO POLICE. THIS METHOD OF REPORTING HAD SHOWN A STEADY INCREASE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AND WAS A REFLECTION OF THE CONFIDENCE THE PUBLIC HAD IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATION PROCESS.
DURING 1987 COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE CONTINUED WITH THEIR LECTURES ON BOTH COMPLAINT PREVENTION AND INVESTIGATION. A SECOND CAPO VIDEO ON HOW COMPLAINTS ARISE WAS PRODUCED AND IS AT PRESENT BEING SHOWN TO MEMBERS OF THE FORCE.
O
/12........
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 12 -
COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL FACILITIES FOR WESTERN
*****
WORKS ARE UNDERWAY ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S S192 MILLION SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX AND $84,7 MILLION CHUN SING COMPLEX WHICH ON COMPLETION WILL CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS A BETTER, CLEANER AND HEALTHIER LIFE FOR RESIDENTS IN WESTERN.
"THE TWO ULTRA-MODERN COMPLEXES WILL BRING TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF A WIDE VARIETY OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES RANGING FROM MARKETS TO RECREATION AND CULTURAL FACILITIES," ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES (HONG KONG REGION), MR NG YING-NEEN, SAID TODAY.
"AS CENTRAL/WESTERN DISTRICT IS A WELL ESTABLISHED AREA AND BECAUSE OF LAND RESOURCES, THE COUNCIL HAS TO REPROVISION OLD MARKETS OR, WHERE POSSIBLE, DEMOLISH OUTDATED MARKETS AND REBUILD A NEW ONE ON THE SAME SITE.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE 14-STOREY SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX WILL REPLACE THE 80-YEAR-OLD WESTERN (SOUTH) BLOCK AND WILL ALSO PROVIDE MUCH CLEANER ACCOMMODATION FOR POULTRY AND MEAT STALLS FROM THE EXISTING WESTERN MARKET (NORTH) BLOCK.
"ArfONG OTHER THINGS, IT WILL OFFER A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF SHOPPING FACILITIES WITH 128 MARKET STALLS SELLING POULTRY, MEAT AND FISH AND 60 MINI-STALLS SELLING FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND SUNDRY GOODS AS WELL AS A COOKED FOOD CENTRE.
"IT IS EXPECTED TO COME ON STREAM EARLY NEXT YEAR."
AS FOR THE CHUN SING COMPLEX IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, MR NG SAID PILING WAS ALMOST FINISHED AND WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY CONSTRUCTION WORK WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1990.
"THIS SIX-STOREY MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEX WILL FEATURE A MARKET WITH 22 MARKET STALLS FOR MEAT, FISH AND POULTRY PLUS 114 MINI-STALLS AND A COOKED FOOD CENTRE," HE SAID.
"THES <: MARKET PROJECTS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST VENTILATION SYSTEM WHICH WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE COOL AIR BUT ALSO MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT DRIER AND CLEANER.
"HOUSEWIVES IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS WILL BE ABLE TO DO THEIR MARKETING IN GREATER COMFORT AND EASE.
"IN ADDITION, THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD "ILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED AS MANY OF THE ON-STREET HAWKERS OPERATING .N THE VICINITY WILL BE RESITED INTO THESE MODERN COMPLEXES.
"PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO BUILD ANOTHER MARKET IN SMITHFIELD ROAD IN WESTERN.
"ALL THESE ARE PARTS OF THE COUNCIL’S ON-GOING CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND ILLUSTRATE THE COUNCIL’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS AND ASPIRATION OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE."
0 - -
/13........
THURSDAY, JULY 28,
1988
- 15 -
LANTAU BUS COMPANY’S FRANCHISE EXTENDED
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN APPLICATION LY THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (NLB) FOR A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF ITS FRANCHISE FROM APRIL 1, 1993 TO MARCH 31, 1995.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT NLB’S CURRENT FRANCHISE WAS FIRST GRANTED IN APRIL 1979 FOR EIGHT YEARS.
IT HAS SINCE BEEN EXTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL THREE TIMES, EACH FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
THE LAST EXTENSION TO MARCH 31, 1993 WAS APPROVED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
IN APPROVING NLB’S RECENT APPLICATION, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED NLB’S CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, IN PARTICULAR ON VEHICLE MAINTENANCE.
SUCH IMPROVEMENTS ARE REFLECTED BY THE DECLINE IN PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT ITS SERVICES.
--------0 ---------
CENTRAL DISTRICT GETS NEW REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITY
*****
AN OLD TOILET IN THE VICINITY OF LAN KWAI FONG IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT HAS BEEN CONVERTED INTO A THREE-STOREY PUBLIC TOILET/REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND A SITTING-OUT AREA UNDER A CITY REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE NEW PUBLIC TOILET/REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND THE SITTING-OUT AREA WAS FORMALLY HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON JUNE 27.
THE LAN KWAI FONG TENANTS’ COMMITTEE HAD. IN THE PAST SEVERELY OBJECTED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT THERE, CLAIMING THAT IT WOULD GROSSLY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE LOCALITY.
THE ISSUE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RAISED AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS AND WAS HOTLY DEBATED AMONG MEMBERS:
SINCE THEN, IT HAD TAKEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT MORE THAN FOUR YEARS TO LOBBY SUPPORT FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
/THE NEW
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
14
THE NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, HOUSED IN A THREE-STOREY TOILET BUILDING ADJACENT TO THE PUBLIC SITTING-OUT AREA, IS THE MOST MODERN OF ITS KIND AND HAS GIVEN LAN KWAI FONG A NEW LOOK.
THE LAN KWAI FONG TENANTS’ COMMITTEE, WHICH HAS SUBSEQUENTLY BECOME SUPPORTIVE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, HAS ASKED FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
A ’’PITCHING-IN’’ FUNCTION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LAN KWAI FONG REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT 3.30 PM.
URBAN COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, WILL BE JOINED BY THE CO-CHAIRMEN OF THE LAN KWAI FONO TENANTS’ COMMITTEE, MR DICK KAUFMAN AND MR CHRISTIAN RHOMBERG, IN THE FUNCTION.
THE FUNCTION WILL INCLUDE A DEMONSTRATIVE CLEAN-UP OPERATION AT LAN KWAI FONG AND A TREE PLANTING EXERCISE AT THE SITTING-OUT AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ’’PITCHING-IN” FUNCTION AND VISIT THE NEW REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITY AT LAN KWAI FONG. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----0------
UK YOUNG PEOPLE IMPRESSED BY HK’S DYNAMISM ♦ ♦ t * ♦
SIX YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TOLD THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THEY HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S MULTIFARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AS A DYNAMIC METROPOLIS.
THEY HAVE ALSO DESCRIBED AS ”A GREAT EYE-OPENER” HONG KONG’S HECTIC LIFE, FAST PACE OF DEVELOPMENTS AND ITS STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE, AGED 22 TO 25, COME FROM THE COUNTY OF SOUTH GLAMORGAN IN WALES. THEIR CALL ON MR LIAO IS PART OF THEIR THREE-WEEK VISIT TO HONG KONG UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.
/DURING THE
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
DURING THE 45-MINUTE MEETING, MR LIAO BRIEFED THE VISITORS ON HONG KONG’S DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
PRIOR TO CALLING ON MR LIAO, THE VISITORS HAVE ALREADY HAD A FEEL OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE IN HONG KONG.
THEY ARRIVED ON JULY 18, AND HAVE SO FAR SEEN NEW TOWN AND PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES, VOCATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL LN KWAI CHUNG.
THEY HAVE ALSO VISITED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, HONGKONG STANDARD AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THEY WILL VISIT SOME OTHER LEADING LOCAL FIRMS, BANKS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HOSPITALS, THE POLICE FORCE, UNIVERSITIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE UK ON AUGUST 8.
SINCE 1977, THE CNTA HAS BEEN CO-ORDINATING HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME, WHICH IS AIMED AT ENABLING YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH THROUGH BILATERAL EXCHANGE VISITS. %
SO FAR, 36 YOUNG PEOPLE - SIX EACH YEAR - HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE UK, AND HONG KONG HAS IN TURN RECEIVED 30 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE COUNTY OF SOUTH GLAMORGAN.
------0 ------
THUNDERSTORMS BRING UP TO 50 MM RAINFALL » « « * »
RAINFALL OVER THE TERRITORY DURING THE INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) RANGED FROM ABOUT 10 TO 50 MILLIMETRES. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL OCCURRED OVER EASTERN .KOWLOON, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
MOST AREAS IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD RAINFALL TOTALLING ABOUT 30 MILLIMETRES.
THE OBSERVATORY SAID THE DOWNPOUR WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE THAT HAD MOVED SOUTHWARDS OVER GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
/RAIN BANDS
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
16
RAIN BANDS HAD BEGUN TO AFFECT HONG KONG LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, AND THUNDERY DOWNPOURS PERSISTED INTO THE EVENING.
THE OBSERVATORY ALSO SAID A READING OF FAR HEAVIER RAINFALL GIVEN IN A BULLETIN LATE LAST NIGHT WAS INCORRECT.
DURING THE THUNDERSTORMS, FAULTS HAD OCCURRED IN REMOTE RECORDING RAINGUAGES, GIVING RISE TO ERRONEOUS READINGS.
--------0----------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LATEST 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 ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
fHE GRADING IS BASED ON THE E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME.
THE E. COLI 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.
-------0---------
/17
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 17 -
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
"A" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLI COUNT 18 BETWEEN
0-99 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
"B" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN
100-999 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE.
"C" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E. COLI 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 OBTAINED.
‘AT PRESENT, FIVE BATHING BEACHES HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST 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 KONO STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THESE FIVE BEACHES. THEY 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 AND TWO WEEKS AGO ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
HONG KONG SOUTH (AS AT 14.7.88) (AS AT 28.7.88)
BIG WAVE BAY A A •
CHUNG HOM KOK A A
DEEP WATER BAY A B
HAIRPIN A A
MIDDLE BAY C C
REPULSE BAY B B
/SHEK O
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 18 -
SHEK 0 B B
SOUTH BAY A B
ST STEPHEN’S A A
TURTLE COVE A A
STANLEY MAIN A A
ROCKY BAY, X X
TO TEI WAN* A A
ISLAND DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER A A
CHEUNG SHA LOWER B B
DISCOVERY BAY* A A
HUNG SHING YEH A • A
KWUN YAM WAN A A
TONG FUK A A
LO SO SHING A A
PUI 0 B B
SILVERMINE BAY X X
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU A A
TUNG O» A A
/SAI KUNG DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 19 -
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS A
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH A
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH A
HAP MUN BAY A
KIU TSUI A
PAK SHA CHAU A
SILVERSTRAND A
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) A
A
A
B
A
A
A
B
A
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS'
APPROACH
CASAM
GEMINI
HOI MEI WAN
LIDO
TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
X X
a • ; a
B B
B B
B B
B B
B B
A A
/TUEN MUN DISTRICT
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA
NEW CAFETERIA
CASTLE PEAK
KADOORIE BEACH
BUTTERFLY
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
DEEP WATER BAY, SOUTH BAY, CLEAR WATER BAY SECOND AND SILVERSTRAND, FROM "A" TO ”B”.
TH! CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR CATHERINE LAM, ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF THE EPD, ON 3-7211044.
- 0 -
FIRST ACTIVITY FOR ’SOLAR AMBASSADORS’
» » » » »
THE ’’SOLAR AMBASSADORS”, RECENTLY RECRUITED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, WILL HOLD THEIR FIRST ACTIVITY AT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION MARGARET TRENCH MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE ON SATURDAY (JULY 30).
THE "SOLAR AMBASSADOR ACTION DAY” WILL FEATURE A BASKETBALL MATCH AND OTHER GROUP GAMES BETWEEN THE AMBASSADORS AND THE PATIENTS RECEIVING REHABILITATION TREATMENT IN THE CENTRE.
/THE OFFICIATING
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 21 -
THE OFFICIATING GUEST OF THE ACTION DAY WILL BE POON HIU-FEI, THE BOY WHO WAS INJURED BY A JAVELIN AT A SCHOOL SPORTS DAY EARLIER THIS YEAR.
ALSO OFFICIATING WILL BE THE HEAD OF RTHK RADIO 2, MR CHEUNG MAN-SUN, AND A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHAN CHUN-FAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ’’SOLAR AMBASSADOR ACTION DAY” WHICH WILL START AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY AT THE REHABILITATION CENTRE IN REHABILITATION PATH, CHA KWO LING, KWUN TONG.
THOSE WISHING TO USE RTHK TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT RTHK, 30 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON, BY 10.45 AM.
-----0------
HK ENERGY STATISTICS FOR 1977-1987 ON SALE
*****
A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED ’’HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS, 1977-1987" WHICH PRESENTS THE SITUATION OF ENERGY SUPPLIES IN HONG KONG, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT CONTAINS COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, INCLUDING OIL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICITY, GAS, COAL AND CHARCOAL.
FOR VARIOUS OIL PRODUCTS, STATISTICS ON LIST PRICES; STORAGE CAPACITY; TANK STOCKS; IMPORTS; RE-EXPORTS; AND QUANTITY OF SALES BY TYPE OF USER ARE PRESENTED IN THE REPORT.
FOR ELECTRICITY AND GAS, THE REPORT SHOWS TARIFF CHARGES; GENERATING CAPACITY; PRODUCTION; AND CONSUMPTION BY TYPE OF USER.
FOR COAL AND CHARCOAL, FIGURES ON IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ARE GIVEN.
ANNUAL FIGURES FOR THE YEARS 1977 TO 1987 ARE PROVIDED WITH RESPECT TO MOST OF THESE STATISTICS. IN ADDITION, QUARTERLY FIGURES FOR 1986 AND 1987 ARE PRESENTED FOR SELECTED ITEMS.
THE REPORT 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, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. THE PRICE IS $18 A COPY.
- 0 - -
/22........
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
22
CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CAN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR * * * * ♦
A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 300,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG MAINTAINED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CAN BE OF USE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE REGISTER SERVES MAINLY AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYS ON BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS. MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE REGISTER BY MAKING USE OF NON-CONF1DENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS RECORDED IN IT FOR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEY, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT PROMOTION PURPOSES.
PRIVATE FIRMS MAY APPLY TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY OF A PHOTOCOPY OR A MAGNETIC TAPE OF THE LISTING OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE NAME, THE ADDRESS, THE MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND THE EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE CHARGES FOR THIS SERVICE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* $2.50 PER PHOTOCOPY, AND
♦ A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $340 FOR A JOB REQUIRING UP TO 20 CRU'S (COMPUTER RESOURCES UNIT) PLUS $17 FOR EACH CRU IN EXCESS OF 20 CRU’S IF THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON MAGNETIC TAPES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234760.
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 23 -
FINAL ROUND OF ANTI-DRUG ORIENTEERING COMPETITION *****
ENERGETIC YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ORIENTEERING ARE REMINDED THAT THEY CAN TAKE PART IN THE LAST ROUND OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS ORIENTEERING COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN SHAM SHUI PO ON SUNDAY (JULY 31) MORNING.
THE VENUE WILL BE THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICE.
THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, IS AIMED AT DRIVING HOME THE ANTI-NARCOTICS AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MESSAGES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE SHAM SHUI PO JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS. EACH DIVISION HAS TWO SECTIONS -- ONE FOR THOSE BETWEEN 13 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE AND THE OTHER FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 24.
THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN SPREAD OVER THREE DAYS. THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS WIiRE HELD AT UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE ON JULY 10 AND AT SO UK ESTATE ON JULY 17.
COMPETITORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COLLECT, WITHIN A TIME FRAME, QUESTION SHEETS AT DIFFERENT CHECKPOINTS AND TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ON JPC AND ANTI-DRUG ISSUES.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP WILL GO TO THE ENTRANT WHO SCORES THE HIGHEST MARK WITHIN THE SHORTEST TIME.
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE REMINDED TO REPORT FOR REGISTRATION AT THE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN VENUE NOT LATER THAN 9.15 AM.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE VENUE AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY.
GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MISS SARAH TAM, AND THE SHAM SHUI PO POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT PAANG KUI-SAN.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY SHAM SHUI PO JPC MEMBERS AND LOCAL SINGERS.
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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1988
- 24
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TUEN MUN REARRANGED * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE WILL BE REARRANGED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE REARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION OF A NUMBER OF NEW URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS AND THE CANCELLATION OF SOME OF THE EXISTING ONES.
THE EXTENT OF THE NEW URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE INDICATED BY APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR SUCH DIRECTIONS AND NOT TO STOP WITHIN RESTRICTED AREAS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIODS.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, SECTIONS OF PUI TO ROAD, TSUN WEN ROAD, TIN HAU ROAD, TSING LUN ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROADS TO TO YUEN WAI AND SAN HING TSUEN WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK.
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS WILL ALSO BECOME 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THESE INCLUDE SECTIONS OF THE NORTHERN ACCESS ROADS TO YAU 01 ESTATE AND ON TING ESTATE, LUNG MUN ROAD, ROAD 18A AND THE ACCESS ROADS TO TUEN MUN AREA 19 AND KEI LUN WAI.
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS AND ACCESS ROADS WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS OPERATING DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM.
THESE ARE SECTIONS OF TSING WUN ROAD, MING KUN ROAD, THE SOUTHERN ACCESS ROAD TO SHAN KING ESTATE, LUNG MUN ROAD, ROAD 28A, THE ACCESS ROAD TO MELODY GARDEN, THE WESTERN ACCESS ROAD TO BUTTERFLY ESTATE, THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE PUMPING STATION IN TUEN MUN AREA 45B, ROAD LD6 AND THE NORTHERN ACCESS ROAD TO LEUNG KING ESTATE.
TWO ROAD SECTIONS - ROAD 3IC AND THE NORTHERN ACCESS ROAD TO SHAN KING ESTATE - WILL BECOME PEAK-HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON SECTIONS OF PUI TO ROAD, TSUN WEN ROAD, TSING LUN ROAD, TSING WUN ROAD AND MING KUM ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN TRANSIT SERVICE AREA....... 1
ROADWORKS FOR LRT RESERVE ................................... 2
POLLING STATIONS, POLLING HOURS GAZETTED .................... 3
TIGHTER CONTROL ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ANNOUNCED ............. 3
BAN ON LOCAL SALE OF RHINO HORN AND HIDE..................... 6
SOUTHERN WATERS DECLARED CONTROL ZONE ....................... 7
COMMITTEE CONSIDERS ISSUE OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR 8 $19.1 MILLION IN GRANTS TO FIVE ARTS ORGANISATIONS.......... 9
HOSPITAL AND CLINIC FEES TO INCREASE......................... 10
FLEXITIME BENEFICIAL TO EMPLOYERS, WORKERS .................. 12
DCP ADDRESSES CONFERENCE IN TORONTO ......................... 13
DTC'S REGISTERED............................................. 15
MORE PRIVATE FIRMS PARTICIPATE .IN :CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN........ 15
SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT...................... 16
DB TO HOLD BASIC LAW EXHIBITIONS ............................ 17
SUMMER CARNIVAL IN TUEN MUN ................................. 18
MORE TIME TO APPLY FOR FESTIVAL FUNDS ....................... 18
POLICE REMINDER ON OVERLOADING .............................. 19
SUNDAY CLOSURE OF ED’S MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT........ 20
GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER .......................... 20
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY...................... 21
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
GOVT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN TRANSIT SERVICE AREA t t t » « t
AS PART OF A CO-ORDINATED EFFORT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SAFETY MESSAGE, A 30-SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE BROADCAST ON TELEVISION FROM TOMORROW, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"GET TO KNOW THE NEW ROAD SIGNS AND MARKINGS", "OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS" AND "CROSS AT PROPER CROSSINGS" ARE THE MAIN MESSAGES.
TWO SEPARATE RADIO MESSAGES, ONE TARGETTED AT MOTORISTS AND THE OTHER AT PEDESTRIANS, ARE AIRED ON RADIO FROM TODAY. THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PRODUCE SLIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO BE SHOWN IN CINEMAS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE SAFETY RULES.
"AS THE LRT SYSTEM IS A NEW MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT FEELS THAT IT IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT BOTH MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRAINS ARE WELL AWARE OF THE NEW TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS IN THE TRANSIT SERVICE AREA TO ENSURE SAFETY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PRODUCED A LEAFLET TO EXPLAIN THE NEW ROAD SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS IN THE AREA AND TO URGE MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS TO OBEY THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC SIGNS AND NOT TO TRESPASS INTO THE LIGHT RAIL RESERVE AREA.
PEDESTRIANS ARE URGED TO USE PROPER CROSSINGS AND NEARBY FOOTBRIDGES FOR CROSSING THE LRT TRACKS.
THE LEAFLET WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG THROUGH THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE POLICE.
THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY, A PUBLICATION PRODUCED BY THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL, ALSO FEATURES LRT SAFETY. COPIES OF THE QUARTERLY WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO MOTORISTS, PEDESTRIANS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN.
MEANWHILE, A FIVE-MINUTE PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMME, "METRORAMA", JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL ALSO FEATURE LRT SAFETY.
FILMING HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE SPECIAL EPISODE WILL BE SHOWN ON THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS ON AUGUST 22 AND AUGUST 27.
LRT SAFETY HAS BEEN PUBLICISED IN THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS.
/THE ROAD ......
FRIDAY, JULI 29, .1988
- 2 -
THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN BY TUEN MUN DB WAS LAUNCHED ON JULY 9 AND WOULD LAST TILL MARCH NEXT YEAR. ON JULY 9, AN "LRT VILLAGE STATIONS OPEN DAY" WAS LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE THE SAFE USE OF THE LRT.
THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY YUEN LONG DB IS AN ONGOING EXERCISE WITH THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE ROAD SAFETY BUS OF THE POLICE WILL VISIT HOUSING ESTATES AND ORGANISATIONS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG SHORTLY TO PUBLICISE THE SAFETY MESSAGE.
THESE PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AND AGREED WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AT A JOINT COMMITTEE ON ROAD SAFETY CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NEW TERRITORIES).
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ROADWORKS FOR LRT RESERVE * » » « »
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS ALONG THE EASTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE AT PR IMF VIEW GARDEN.
THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE FORMS PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE TO TUEN MUN (NORTH-EAST) REGIONAL LINK OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FOOTWAYS, ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS AND OTHER ANCILLARY' WORKS ALONGSIDE THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND A NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN BE SEEN ON THE NOTICE BOARDS 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, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN; AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS 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 SEPTEMBER 27 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
POLLING STATIONS, POLLING HOURS GAZETTED » * *
LISTS OF POLLING STATIONS AND POLLING HOURS DESIGNATED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 22 ARE PUBLISHED IN A GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, SAID THERE WOULD BE ONE VENUE FOR EACH OF THE 12 ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES TO SERVE AS BOTH POLLING STATION AND COUNTING STATION.
FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES THERE WOULD BE 10 VENUES FOR CORPORATE ELECTORS AND 41 FOR INDIVIDUAL ELECTORS, MR LAI ADDED.
POLLING HOURS FOR THE 10 DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES WHICH FORM PART OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES ARE BETWEEN 10 AM AND 11 AM, WHILE THOSE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES ARE BETWEEN 2.30 PM AND 3.30 PM.
FOR THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, FINANCE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE POLLING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.
LONGER HOURS, FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM, ARE PROVIDED FOR THE ACCOUNTANCY, MEDICAL, TEACHING, LEGAL, HEALTH CARE AND ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
ONE CENTRAL COUNTING STATION WILL BE ESTABLISHED AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM FOR ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE DECLARED THERE.
REGISTERED ELECTORS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF WHERE AND WHEN THEY ARE TO VOTE DURING THE ELECTIONS BY THE ISSUE OF POLL CARDS BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AROUND SEPTEMBER 8.
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TIGHTER CONTROL ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ANNOUNCED
LICENSING CONTROL WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG, ON THE IMPORT OF ALL FORMS OF WORKED IVORY AS HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION TO A WORLDWIDE EFFORT IN SAVING ELEPHANTS FROM EXTINCTION.
THE NEW CONTROL MEASURE WILL TAKE EFFECT NEXT FRIDAY (AUGUST u ) BY A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
/FROM THE
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
FROM THE SAME DATE, NO SHIPMENT OF WORKED IVORY WILL BE ALLOWED INTO HONG KONG UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A VALID IMPORT LICENCE WHICH MUST BE APPLIED FOR, AND OBTAINED IN ADVANCE, FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY VALID DOCUMENTS INCLUDING EXPORT PERMITS FROM THE AUTHORITIES OF THE EXPORTING COUNTRIES AND OTHER DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF ACQUISITION FROM SOURCES APPROVED BY THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES).
THE NEW MEASURE ARISES FROM THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE (REPLACEMENT OF SCHEDULES) ORDER 1988 WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS WEEK.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LAU, SAID THE EXISTING LAW PROVIDED FOR THE CONTROL OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF UNWORKED AND SIMP1.5 PREPARED IVORY TUSKS FROM ALL SPECIES OF ELEPHANTS BUT DID NOT PROVIDE FOR CONTROL OF IVORY BEYOND SIMPLE PREPARATION.
"THERE HAVE BEEN INDICATIONS SINCE 1987 THAT UNSCRUPULOUS IVORY TRADERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE EXPLOITING THIS LOOPHOLE IN THE EXISTING LAW BY IMPORTING INTO HONG KONG WORKED OR SEMI-WORKED IVORY ITEMS OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN AND DISGUISING THEM AS LOCALLY CARVED IVORY FOR RE-EXPORT," MR LAU SAID.
"THIS ’LAUNDERING’ HAS CAUSED CONCERN BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DECLARED THAT IT WOULD BAN THE IMPORT OF ALL IVORY, IN WHATEVER FORM, FROM COUNTRIES WHICH IMPORT SUCH ITEMS.
"FURTHERMORE, AT THE 1987 CITES CONFERENCE HELD IN CANADA, A RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED URGING PARTIES TO TIGHTEN THE CONTROL OF WORKED IVORY.
"THE NEW CONTROL BEING INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG WILL MEET HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND SAVE THE LOCAL IVORY TRADE FROM A TOTAL BAN ON IVORY EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, HONG KONG'S LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, WHICH WOULD IN TURN LEAD TO CONSIDERABLE JOB LOSSES."
MR LAU POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN INCREASES IN WORKED IVORY IMPORTS INTO HONG KONG IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, WITH THE VALUE OF THESE IMPORTS BEING $55 MILLION IN 1986 AND $61 MILLION LAST YEAR.
HE SAID THE TIGHTER CONTROL OF IVORY ON THE BASIS OF THE CURRENT LEVEL OF IMPORTS WAS ESTIMATED TO REQUIRE OVER 1,200 WORKED IVORY SHIPMENTS TO BE INSPECTED EACH YEAR.
/THE NEW .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 5
THE NEW CONTROL IS AMONG A SERIES OF CHANGES MADE TO THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH SCHEDULES OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH THE UPDATED LISTS ADOPTED BY CITES.
THE MAIN CHANGES TO THE FIRST SCHEDULE ARE THE INCLUSION IN THE LIST OF SCHEDULED SPECIES OF ALL CRANES, HUMMINGBIRDS, BUSTARDS, AND GIANT CLAMS, AND THE ADDITION OF NINE SPECIES OF FRUIT BATS, 50 SPECIES OF POISON DART FROGS, NINE SPECIES OF BUTTERFLIES, 17 GENERA OF CORALS AND 41 SPECIES OF LITTLE AGATE SNAILS.
IN ADDITION, PAMPAS FOX, FENNEC, BLACK MUNTJAC, TAKIN AND PECCARIES ARE ALSO ADDED TO THE LIST.
THE REVISIONS TO THE SECOND AND THIRD SCHEDULES INCLUDE CARVED PRODUCTS OF RHINO HORN, WHALE TEETH, SEA TURTLE SHELL AND MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS OF A NUMBER OF HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES SUCH AS LEOPARD FUR COAT AND SEA TURTLE SPECTACLE FRAMES, AS WELL AS 71 SPECIES OF PITCHER PLANT.
"ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC OR TRADER IN POSSESSION OF THESE SPECIES OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS AND PLANTS ON AND AFTER AUGUST 5 WILL BE GIVEN THREE MONTHS TO OBTAIN A VALID POSSESSION LICENCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT," MR LAU SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT POSSESSION OF SCHEDULED SPECIES WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE WAS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE WITH A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 PLUS MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIES.
PUNISHMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE WAS A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
CHANGES TO THE FOURTH SCHEDULE INVOLVE THE REVISION OF THE FEES SET IN 1976 FOR THE ISSUE OF LICENCES FOR THE IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE.
THE FEES FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES FOR ANIMAL PARTS AND DERIVATIVES OR PLANTS OR PLANT DERIVATIVES WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING LEVEL OF $10 TO A FLAT RATE OF $50.
THE FEES FOR THE IMPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS WILL INCREASE FROM $260 TO $300 WHILE FEES FOR POSSESSION WILL GENERALLY INCREASE FROM $10 TO $55.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW CONTROL MEASURE AND CHANGES TO VARIOUS SCHEDULES OF THE ORDINANCE CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION ON 3-7332123 OR 3-7332124.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
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BAN ON LOCAL SALE OF RHINO HORN AND HIDE » » * » »
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE INTERNAL SALE OF RHINO HORN AND HIDE IN HONG KONG WILL CEASE TO BE PERMITTED FROM SUNDAY (JULY 31).
AS FROM MONDAY (AUGUST 1), NO NEW LICENCES WILL BE GRANTED FOR THE POSSESSION OF HORN AND IIDE OF ALL RHINO SPECIES WHICH ARE CLASSIFIED AS HIGHLY ENDANGERED BY THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES).
A SPECIAL CONDITION WILL BE PRESCRIBED IN EXISTING POSSESSION LICENCES PROHIBITING TRANSFER AS FROM THE SAME DATE TO EFFECT PROHIBITION UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
THE MOVE WAS INTRODUCED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY CITES. FOR A COMPLETE PROHIBITION ON ALL TRADE IN RHINO HORN AND RHINO HORN PRODUCTS INCLUDING INTERNAL RETAIL SALES IN HONG KONG.
ANNOUNCING THE PROHIBITION, THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR FRANK LAU, SAID: "HONG KONG HAS TOTALLY BANNED THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF RHINO HORN AND HIDE UNDER EXISTING LAW.
"NO IMPORT HAS BEEN AUTHORISED SINCE THE IMPORT BAN IN 1979. 1HI' STOCK OI RHINO HORN AND HIDE IMPORTED BEFORE THE BAN RECORDED AT I HAT LIME AMOUNTED TO 2,167 KG OF HORN INCLUDING CHIPS AND PIECES, AND 1,744 KG OF HIDE.
"RE-EXPORT AND LOCAL CONSUMPTION OF THE PRE-CONVENTION STOCK HAD GRADUALLY REDUCED EVEN BEFORE THE EXPORT BAN IMPOSED IN 1986.
"AT THE END OF 1987, THE REMAINING STOCKS ARE 41 KG OF HORN AND 230 KG OF HIDE, AND THE STOCK RECORDED YESTERDAY ONLY REMAINED AT 3.8 KG OF HORN AND 11.4 KG OF HIDE."
TO PREPARE FOR THE MOVE, MR LAU SAID, TRADERS HAD BEEN ADVISED IN FEBRUARY LAS! YEAR AND AGAIN IN MAY THIS YEAR TO DISPOSE OF THEIR EXISTING STOCK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE CONTROL WOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED LATER THIS YEAR BY PROHIBITING THE IMPORT, EXPORT, POSSESSION AND LOCAL SALE OF ALL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO INGREDIENTS, HE' ADDED.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 7 -
SOUTHERN WATERS DECLARED CONTROL ZONE » » » » *
THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE WATERS OF HONG KONG WAS DECLARED A WATER CONTROL ZONE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE) ORDER 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ORDER, MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, WAS AIMED AT COMBATTING THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF MICROBIAL POLLUTION IN BATHING BEACHES IN THE SOUTHERN WATERS OF HONG KONG CAUSED MAINLY BY DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE.
THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE STATEMENT OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES, ALSO GAZETTED TODAY, SETS OUT THE WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE.
"THESE OBJECTIVES ARE SO DEFINED THAT THE EXISTING AND DESIRED BENEFICIAL USES OF THE SOUTHERN WATERS SUCH AS SWIMMING, FISH CULTURE, AND SECONDARY CONTACT RECREATION (FOR EXAMPLE WATER SKIING, BOATING, CANOEING) ARE SAFEGUARDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE INCLUDES BOTH INLAND AND MARINE WATER BODIES IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF LANTAU AND HONG KONG ISLAND, AND ALL THE OUTLYING ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG.
SEWAGE FROM ALL SOURCES WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE LEGISLATION, EXCEPT THAT ARISING FROM INDUSTRIAL PREMISES AND THAT DISCHARGED TO PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS WERE EXCLUDED FROM CONTROL IN LINE WITH AN AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE OMELCO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL THAT NO FURTHER WATER POLLUTION CONTROLS WOULD BE IMPOSED ON INDUSTRY UNTIL THE IMPACT OF THE CONTROLS IN TOLO HARBOUR HAD BEEN ASSESSED.
"THIS LIMITATION IS NOT EXPECTED TO DETRACT SERIOUSLY FROM THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE EXERCISE, AS THERE ARE FEW INDUSTRIAL PREMISES IN THE AREA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE LEGISLATION, A LICENCE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR A DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE WHICH BEGINS AFTER AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
ALL EXISTING DISCHARGES — THOSE THAT BEGAN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST I -- MAY BE EXEMPT IF THE GOVERNMENT IS NOTIFIED OF THE DETAILS BY APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR, PROVIDING THE DISCHARGE DOES NO! CONSTITUTE A DANGER TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THESE MEASURES SHOULD BRING ABOU'’ IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER QUALITY AT BEACHES BEFORE THE NEXT BATHING SEASON.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
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COMMITTEE CONSIDERS ISSUE OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR *****
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION CONSIDERED THE ISSUE OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR (AID) AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIFTH MEETING HELD TODAY (FRIDAY).
"IN ORDER TO HAVE AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING ON THE ISSUE OF AID, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE HAD MADE A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION’S AID SERVICE CENTRE AND SEMEN BANK AT MA TAU CHUNG ON JULY 8," THE COMMITTEE'S CHAIRMAN, DR C.H. LEONG, SAID.
HAVING CONSIDERED THE SOCIAL, MORAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND LEGAL FACTORS, MEMBERS GENERALLY AGREED AT THE MEETING THAT SINCE AID HAD BEEN PRACTISED IN HONG KONG FOR OVER A DECADE, IS ARRANGED ON THE AGREEMENT OF THE MARRIED COUPLE, AND SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE LOCAL POPULATION, IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE.
THE COMMITTEE, HOWEVER, CONSIDERED THAT CHILDREN BORN BY AID SHOULD BE PROTECTED BECAUSE UNDER EXISTING LAW, THESE CHILDREN MAY BE TECHNICALLY ILLEGITIMATE AND THE PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO GO THROUGH A PROCESS OF ADOPTING THEM AFTER BIRTH.
MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT THE CURRENT SITUATION IS UNSATISFACTORY AND SOME LEGISLATIVE MEASURES ALONG THE LINES OF THE FAMILY LAW REFORM ACT 1987, WHICH PROVIDED THAT A CHILD BY AID SHALL BE TREATED IN LAW AS THE CHILD OF THE PARENT, SHOULD BE INTRODUCED.
ON CONFIDENTIALITY, THE COMMITTEE AGREED THAT CONFIDENTIALITY ON DONORS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. AS FAR AS THE AID CHILD IS CONCERNED, MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT ON REACHING THE AGE OF CAPACITY, THE CHILD, IF HE HAS COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE HAS BEEN CONCEIVED BY AID AND WISHES TO KNOW, HE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF VERIFICATION.
MEMBERS ALSO CONSIDERED THE COMMENTS AND OPINIONS RECEIVED BY THE COMMITTEE IN MONITORING MEDIA REACTIONS OR THEIR DIALOGUES WITH CONCERNED GROUPS SINCE THE LAST MEETING.
"THE COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO WELCOME VIEWS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THEIR PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS ON SURROGACY, ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR," DR LEONG SAID.
"ANY COMMENTS AND OPINIONS CAN BE SENT TO US THROUGH THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
$19.1 MILLION IN GRANTS TO FIVE ARTS ORGANISATIONS *****
THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS HAS ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO AWARD JUST OVER $19.1 MILLION AS GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS TO FIVE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS TO MEET PART OF THEIR RECURRENT COSTS FOR THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE FIVE ORGANISATIONS ARE:
* THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY LIMITED - ITS HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BEING THE LEADING WESTERN STYLE CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA IN HONG KONG;
» THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY, A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL AND INDEPENDENT DRAMA COMPANY;
» THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY, HONG KONG’S PREMIER MODERN DANCE COMPANY;
* THE HONG KONG BALLET LIMITED, HONG KONG’S PREMIER CLASSICAL DANCE COMPANY; AND
» THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LIMITED WHICH ANNUALLY • ORGANISES THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL.
THE GRANTS ALLOCATED TO EACH OF THE FIVE ORGANISATIONS ARE:
HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY LIMITED $ 9.932 MILLION III
CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY « 2.911 MILLION
CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY $ 1.553 MILLION
HONG KONG BALLET LIMITED $ 2.799 MILLION
HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LIMITED $ 1.940 MILLION
TOTAL : $19,165 MILLION
WITH THESE GRANTS, THE FIVE ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO PUT ON NEW PRODUCTIONS AND STAGE MORE PERFORMANCES FOR THE PUBLIC IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY LIMITED WILL STAGE A TOTAL OF 113 PERFORMANCES, OF WHICH 65 ARE TO BE TICKETED PUBLIC, AND FOUR FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES. THERE WILL ALSO BE 11 SCHOOL CONCERTS AS WELL AS 37 CLASSES AND TALKS.
/THE CHUNG .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
10
THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY WILL PUT ON FIVE NEW PRODUCTIONS AND FIVE RE-RUNS, WITH A TOTAL OF 183 PERFORMANCES COMPRISING 62 TICKETED PUBLIC AND 121 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES.
THE NEW PRODUCTIONS INCLUDE "THE LEGEND OF THE DRAGON PEARL , ’’HONG KONG DREAM”, ’’LOOKING FOR A MAN”, A PRODUCTION FOR I'HE 1989 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL AND A TOURING SHOW FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE RE-RUN PRODUCTIONS ARE "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”, ’’LIFE’S THEATRE”, ’’MONSTER MAN”, "A DANGEROUS GAME” AND ’PINOCCHIO” WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED IN BOTH CANTONESE AND ENGLISH.
THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY WILL PUT ON NINE PRODUCTIONS, STAGING ALTOGETHER 78 PERFORMANCES, MADE UP OF 24 SCHOOL AND 54 LOCAL PUBLIC PERFORMANCES.
THE PRODUCTIONS INCLUDE ’STORIES”, "SEVEN DEADLY SINS”, ’’SOIREE”, "HAMLET’S NEWSPAPER”, "ANCESTRAL ABANDON", AND "ALIVE".
ADDITIONAL CONTEMPORARY DANCE PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED DURING THE ASIAN ARTS FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER.
THE HONG KONG BALLET LIMITED WILL STAGE 185 PERFORMANCES MADE UP OF 69 TICKETED PUBLIC, 16 FREE PUBLIC AND 100 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES.
PROGRAMMES PERFORMED WILL INCLUDE "GISELLE", "NUTCRACKER", "COPPELIA" AND "MIXED BILL".
DANCE PERFORMANCES WILL ALSO BE STAGED DURING THE ASIAN ARTS FESTIVAL AND THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL.
THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LIMITED WILL ORGANISE THE 1989 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL IN WHICH RENOWNED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ARTISTS WILL PERFORM.
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HOSPITAL AND CLINIC FEES TO INCREASE
♦ ♦ * t ♦
GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL AND CLINIC FEES AND CHARGES WILL BE INCREASED WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 8 THIS YEAR, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE REVISION OF MEDICAL FEES IS AN ANNUAL EXERCISE AND THAT PATIENTS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A HEAVY SUBSIDY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
FOR GENERAL HOSPITALS, THE DAILY CHARGE FOR A PUBLIC WARD BED WILL INCREASE BY $3 TO $26. THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTUALLY SPENDING ON AVERAGE ABOUT $1,000 FOR THE DAILY MAINTENANCE OF A BED IN THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
/THE CHARGE........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
11
THE CHARGE OF $26 WILL COVER FOOD, DRUGS, LABORATORY TESTS, SURGERY AND ALL MEDICAL TREATMENT.
FOR PATIENTS WITH GENUINE HARDSHIPS, HOSPITAL CHARGES CAN BE WAIVED PARTIALLY OR IN FULL.
FOR FIRST AND SECOND CLASS WARD PATIENTS, THE NEW FEES WILL RISE FROM $900 AND $600 TO $1,060 AND $705 RESPECTIVELY.
CHARGES FOR SPECIAL CLASS BEDS IN TSAN YUK HOSPITAL WILL ALSO BE REVISED TO $620 FROM $460.
PATIENTS IN THE FIRST AND SECOND CLASS WARDS OF THE TWO MENTAL HOSPITALS - CASTLE PEAK AND KWAI CHUNG - WILL CONTINUE TO PAY THE EXISTING FEES OF $260 AND $175.
FOR OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, THE ATTENDANCE FEES IN GENERAL CLINICS WILL RISE FROM $12 TO $13 PER VISIT WHILE THAT FOR THE SPECIALIST CLINICS WILL BE REVISED FROM $18 TO $20.
PATIENTS ATTENDING THE GERIATRIC AND PSYCHIATRIC DAY CENTRES WILL HAVE TO PAY $21 INSTEAD OF $18. THE SAME FEE WILL BE APPLIED TO THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES.
NON-ENTITLED PATIENTS WHO ARE NOT HOLDING A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR A BRITISH PASSPORT WILL CONTINUE TO PAY THE FULL COST OF THE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
THE CHARGE FOR NON-ENTITLED PATIENTS STAYING IN HOSPITALS WILL RISE TO $1,065 PER DAY COMPARED TO THE EXISTING $950.
THOSE ATTENDING THE GENERAL CLINICS AND SPECIALIST CLINICS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY $65 AND $190 PER VISIT RESPECTIVELY AND THE FEES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF DRUGS, X-RAY AND LABORATORY TESTS.
FOR COMMUNITY NURSING VISITS, THE CHARGES FOR NON-ENTITLED PATIENTS WILL RISE TO $210 AND $660 FOR GENERAL NURSING AND PSYCHIATRIC NURSING RESPECTIVELY.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 8 CHARGES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE EXISTING FREE CLINICS IN RURAL DISTRICTS.
OUT-PATIENTS ATTENDING THE HELICOPTER MEDICAL SERVICE, ' AND 14 OTHER CLINICS, INCLUDING THE THREE FLOATING CLINICS, IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE SAME FEES AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE URBAN AREAS.
PATIENTS WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS WILL HAVE THEIR CHARGES WAIVED PARTIALLY OR TN FULL.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF CHARGES AT THE FREE CLINICS IS AIMED AT REGULARISING THE COLLECTION OF FEES IN PUBLIC CLINICS.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
12 -
FLEXITIME BENEFICIAL TO EMPLOYERS, WORKERS t ♦ * ♦ ♦ x
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE ADVANTAGES OF INTRODUCING FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS IN THEIR FACTORIES AND OFFICES.
HE SAID MORE FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS WOULD BENEFIT EMPLOYEES WITHOUT INCURRING ANY ADDITIONAL COST TO THE EMPLOYER.
"THIS WILL IN TURN INCREASE THE ABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO RECRUIT AND TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES.
"IT IS, THEREFORE, AN ARRANGEMENT WHICH IS BENEFICIAL TO BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEES," HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE COURSE ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND LABOUR LEGISLATION JOINTLY ORGANISED. BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE TRADITIONAL OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS OF AN OFFICE OR A FACTORY WERE OFTEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED, HE SAID.
EVERY MORNING, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE POURED INTO CENTRAL DISTRICT, OR MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS SUCH AS KWUN TONG AND SAN PO KONG, TO GET TO WORK ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
OFFICE AND FACTORY WORKERS NOT ONLY HAD TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION BUT ALSO HAD TO FIGHT THEIR WAY INTO ALREADY OVERLOADED LIFTS IN ORDER NOT TO BE LATE AND NOT LOSE THEIR ATTENDANCE BONUS, THUS CAUSING DISCOMFORT AND DANGER TO THEIR COLLEAGUES.
"THESE PROBLEMS OF CONGESTION CAN IN FACT BE AVOIDED IF THE MANAGEMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE EMPLOYEES, INTRODUCES A MORE FLEXIBLE SYSTEM OF WORKING HOURS," MR HAMMOND SAID.
"THE MOST STRAIGHTFORWARD ARRANGEMENT IS TO PUT FORWARD OR PUT BACK THE WORKING HOURS BY 15 OR 30 MINUTES.
"THE EMPLOYEES WOULD NOT THEN FIND IT SO NECESSARY TO FIGHT THEIR WAY IN TO BUSES, TRAINS AND LIFTS."
ANOTHER ARRANGEMENT, HE SAID, WOULD BE TO ALLOW DIFFERENT SECTIONS OR DIFFERENT ASSEMBLY LINES TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN WORKING HOURS WITHIN SPECIFIED LIMITS.
THIS WOULD HELP TO AVOID THE CHAOS AND CONFUSION CAUSED BY PEOPLE FIGHTING THEIR WAY TO THE CLOCK-IN OR CLOCK-OUT MACHINE.
/AND, IN ........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
AND, IN SOME MODERN OFFICES, APART FROM A CORE PERIOD DURING WHICH ALL STAFF HAD TO BE ON DUTY WHEN THE COMPANY’S ACTIVITIES WERE AT THEIR PEAK, INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES COULD START THE DAY AT ANY TIME CONVENIENT TO THEM.
”IF THEY CAN COMPLETE 44 HOURS WORK IN FIVE DAYS, THEY CAN HAVE A LONG WEEKEND," HE SAID.
"SUCH ARRANGEMENTS HELP TO ELIMINATE ABSENTEEISM AND IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AS WELL AS SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION."
TURNING TO LABOUR RELATIONS, MR HAMMOND POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROMOTION OF GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT HAD BEEN STEPPING UP ITS EFFORTS IN ORGANISING SEMINARS AND TALKS ON THE SUBJECT.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF SEMINARS AND TALKS ORGANISED BY THE UNIT ALONE, OR JOINTLY W1IH OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS, INCREASED DRAMATICALLY COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIALLY.
VISITS TO EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS
ALSO ROSE
"I ASSURE
SUB-COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE UNDERSTANDING ADDED.
OF TO
YOU
THE
THAT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LABOUR LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE LABOUR
STEP UP ITS PROMOTIONAL
AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN
RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE BETTER LABOUR AND MANAGEMENT," HE
-----0-----
DCF ADDRESSES CONFERENCE IN TORONTO ♦ ♦ I ♦
A LARGE CONTINGENT OF RETIRED HONG KONG POLICE OFFICERS RESIDENT IN CANADA TURNED OUT TO GREET DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF OPERATIONS, MR LI KWAN-HA, WHEN HE VISITED TORONTO I,. ADDRESS THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT I 1
NOW
POLICE,
RECENTLY
TO
INTELLIGENCE
UNIT.
NOT ONLY FROM TORONTO BUT ALSO FROM QUEBEC, MONTREAL AND 0TH1 I CITIES, OLD COMRADES AND THEIR WIVES GAVE A HEARTY WELCOME TO MR LI SOME OF THEM WFARING THE BLAZERS AND TIES OF THEIR OLD FORCE.
"IT WAS A VERY HAPPY REUNION," FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AND WE INTERESTING TOPICS."
SAID MR LI. "1 MET SO MANY OI' ENJOYED TALKING ABOUT MANY
/MR LI'S ........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
14
MR LI'S ARRIVAL IN TORONTO TO MAKE A SPECIAL ADDRESS TO THE CONFERENCE ON HONG KONG AFFAIRS WAS WIDELY PUBLICISED BY THE MEDIA WITH THE RESULT THAT FORMER HONG KONG OFFICERS WERE WELL AWARE OF HIS VISIT.
AS A GUEST SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE, MR LI SPOKE ON HONG KONG AND ITS POLICE AND THE CRIME SITUATION WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGATIONS THAT THERE IS AN EXODUS TAKING PLACE FROM HONG KONG OF TRIADS WANTING TO LEAVE THE TERRITORY AS 1997 APPROACHES.
MR LI ALSO DISCUSSED HONG KONG IN RELATION TO INTERNATIONAL CRIME, INCLUDING NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING.
HIS PRESENTATION IN PUTTING THE HONG KONG CRIME SCENE INTO PERSPECTIVE WAS WELL RECEIVED BY DELEGATES.
”1 COUNTERED SPECULATION THAT LARGE NUMBERS OF WEALTHY CRIMINALS ARE LEAVING HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE APPROACH OF 1997,” MR LI SAID. ”HONG KONG IS NOT EXPORTING CRIMINALS.”
MR LI DESCRIBED THE ALLEGATIONS AS MAINLY MEDIA SPECULATION.
THE WEALTH OF HONG KONG, HE SAID, WAS THE RESULT OF STABLE GOVERNMENT, LOW TAXATION, A FREE TRADE POLICY WHICH ALLOWED DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITION AND THE INDUSTRY AND HARD WORK OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
/’THE NUMBER OF CRIMINALS PROPORTIONATELY IS NEGLIGIBLE,” MR LI SAID.
"STRINGENT PRE-EMIGRATION VETTING BY HOST COUNTRIES AND CLdlSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE LIAISON OFFICE OF HONG KONG POLICE PREVENTS CRIMINALS FROM EVEN LEAVING HONG KONG IN THE FIRST PLACE."
THE RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS GATHERED TO HOST A DINNER PARTY IN MR LI'S HONOUR AT A RESTAURANT IN TORONTO’S CHINATOWN.
AMONG THOSE HE MET WERE MR WONG CHOY,WHO RETIRED IN 1967; MR LAM YIU, WHO SERVED WITH MR LI WHEN HE FIRST JOINED THE FORCE IN 1958; MR GEORGE WONG, A FORMER PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE NOW WORKING FOR THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT; MR GEORGE COWLEY, NOW WITH THE TORONTO METROPOLITAN POLICE; MR LI SUNG. RECENTLY RETIRED AND AN EARLY COLLEAGUE OF MR LI KWAN-HA; AND MR GEORGE WANG, WHO WAS WITH MR LI AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
"MANY OF THE OFFICERS HAVE TAKEN UP SECOND CAREERS IN ij.AW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN CANADA AND ARE DOING WELL," MR LI SAID. ”^L» OF THOSE PRESENT WERE HEALTHY, CHEERFUL AND DOING WELL IN THEIR ENDEAVOURS.
"THEY ASKED ME TO SEND THEIR COMPLIMENTS TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN HONG KONG.”
MR LI SAID PLANS WERE BEING MADE FOR THE FORMATION OF AN EX-HONG KONG POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION IN TORONTO AND OTHER CITIES IN ONTARIO PROVINCE.
- 0 --------
/15
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 15 -
DTC’S REGISTERED
t ♦ » *
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT TWO COMPANIES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDER SECTION 21(1) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
THEY ARE KEXIM ASIA LIMITED; AND KOREA-JAPAN FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED.
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MORE PRIVATE FIRMS PARTICIPATE IN CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN
» * » » »
MORE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL FROM THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE BY PLEDGING THEIR SUPPORT TO THF KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAW THE IAN KWAI FONG TENANTS COMMITTEE JOIN HANDS WITH URBAN COUNCILLORS AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE IN A CLEAN-UP OPERATION HEID OUTSIDE A NEWLY OPENED REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT LAN KWAI FONG.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ORGANISED BY THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE TO SOLICIT MORE INVOLVEMENT IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
SCHEME
PUBLIC
"SINCE THE COMMITTEE HAS TAKEN CHARGE OF THE CAMPAIGN, IT HAS RECKONED THAT COMMUNITY’S ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IS THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO THE SUCCESS OF THE CAMPAIGN," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE SAID.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE MADE SOME PROGRESS IN THIS FRONT, WITH MORE THAN 30 BIG ORGANISATIONS AND PRIVATE BODIES RESPONDING TO OUR APPEAL AND TAKING PART IN OUR ACTIVITIES.
"WITH THIS SUCCESS BEHIND US, WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO WIDEN THE SCOPE BY ORGANISING A COMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME SO THAT A WIDER SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD APPOINTED A PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANT, BENTLEY DDB NEEDHAM PUBLIC RELATIONS, TO ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
/PRESENT TODAY ......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
16 -
PRESENT TODAY IN THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION WERE URBAN COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR PETER CHAN; CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE LAN KWAI FONG TENANTS COMMITTEE, MR DICK KAUFMAN; AND MEMBERS OF THE TENANTS COMITTEE.
THE OPERATION WAS FOLLOWED BY A TREE PLANTING EXERCISE IN THE SITTING-OUT AREA ADJACENT TO THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
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SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, MR YEUNG PO KWAN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REPORT.
IN OTHER MATTERS, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL PRESENT TWO PROPOSALS FOR LAND RESUMPTION IN SAI KUNG.
THE FIRST PROPOSAL IS THE RESUMPTION OF LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAI KUNG TOWN, PACKAGE 5, PHASE I TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HOUSING AND IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR THIS LOCALITY.
THE OTHER PROPOSAL IS THE RESUMPTION OF LAND IN TUI MIN HOI, FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, STAGE IT.
A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR RICHARD .LAI, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO REPORT ON HIS WORK IN THE COUNCIL OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE NGAU WAN AS A MARICULTURE ZONE; A PROGRESS REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR WAN YUET-KAU; AND A PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
A WORKING GROUP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN WILL ALSO GIVE ITS FIRST PROGRESS REPORT AT THE MEETING.
/COMPRISING FIVE .......
FRIDAI, JULI 29, 1988
COMPRISING FIVE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE GROUP WAS FORMED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON JUNE 4.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING BEGINNING AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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DB TO HOLD BASIC LAW EXHIBITIONS
* * »
TWO EXHIBITIONS ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW WILL BE STAGED IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FROM NEXT WEEK.
ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE EXHIBITIONS ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC INTEREST AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRAFT.
THEY WILL BE HELD AT WORLD WIDE HOUSE IN CENTRAL FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY (AUGUST 1-6) AND AT CHONG YIP CENTRE IN SAI YING PUN FROM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY (AUGUST 2-7). THEY WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) AT WORLD WIDE HOUSE.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE A MEMBER OF THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR VINCENT LO HONG-SUI; A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR LIU LIT-FOR; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU HON-CHUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF
THE
EXHIBITION ON THE DRAFT BASIC LAW, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT 4.30 PM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) IN THE LOBBY, GROUND FLOOR, WORLD WIDE HOUSE.
0
/18 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 18 -
SUMMER CARNIVAL IN TUEN MUN ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL PRESENT A SPECTACULAR ’’GOLD COAST” CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (JULY 31) AS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE THREE-MONTH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THE CARNIVAL, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SINO GROUP, WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM AT THE RECLAIMED AREA BETWEEN PEARL ISLAND AND CAFETERIA NEW BEACH.
THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING DISC JOCKEYS FROM COMMERCIAL RADIO, STALL GAMES AS WELL AS WATERSPORTS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CANOEING, WINDSURFING AND SWIMMING. INSTRUCTORS AND EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROVIDED.
CHILDREN WILL BE TREATED TO A PARADE FEATURING THE FLYING ELEPHANT AND OTHER POPULAR CARTOON FIGURES, WHILE THOSE AGED BELOW 12 YEARS CAN PLAY INSIDE THE INFLATABLE TENTS. A LUCKY DRAW WILL BE HELD AT 5.30 PM.
ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE. TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE VENUE ON THAT DAY AND EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A SUN HAT, SOFT DRINKS, ICE-CREAM AND SNACKS.
TWO FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE RESIDENTS TO THE VENUE. BUSES WILL BE RUNNING FROM THE TUEN MUN PLAZA (NEAR THE TOWN HALL RESTAURANT) AND FROM THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION TO THE VENUE EVERY 30 MINUTES BETWEEN NOON AND 6.30 PM.
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MORE TIME TO APPLY FOR FESTIVAL FUNDS » t t ♦ »
RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAVE BEEN GIVEN MORE TIME TO SEEK SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR ORGANISING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES. THE NEW DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS AUGUST 5.
APPLICATIONS WERE DUE TO CLOSE EARLIER THIS MONTH.
HOWEVER, THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO ENABLE THE COMMITTEE TO DISTRIBUTE A RECENT URBAN COUNCIL MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL GRANT OF $20,000 IN ADDITION TO ITS $135,000 FESTIVITY FUNDS.
/••ALL APPLICATIONS ......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 19 -
h
’’ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE A BRIEF RESUME OF THE APPLICANT, CONTENTS OF THE PROGRAMME TO BE ORGANISED AND A BREAKDOWN OF ASSOCIATED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE,’’ A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THEY SHOULD REACH THE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE 5 PM ON AUGUST 5. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED UNDER EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES,” HE ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING IN MID-AUGUST TO CONSIDER EACH APPLICATION CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING ON THE AMOUNT OF GRANT TO BE GIVEN.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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POLICE REMINDER ON OVERLOADING * * ♦ ♦ ♦
POLICE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED OWNERS AND DRIVERS NOT TO PERMIT OVERLOADED VEHICLES ON I’HE ROADS OF HONG KONG.
THIS FOLLOWS A RECENT COURT CASE IN NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY IN WHICH A 34-YEAR-OLD GOODS VEHICLE DRIVER WAS GAOLED FOR RECKLESS DRIVING.
A TRAFFIC POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS CURRENT ENFORCEMENT POLICY THAT A CHARGE OF RECKLESS DRIVING WOULD BE LAID, IN ADDITION TO OVERLOADING, IF THE BRAKING EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY EFFECTED BY THE EXTRA LOAD.
IN THIS CASE THE OFFENDING VEHICLE WAS IN POOR CONDITION WITH BRAKE EFFICIENCY BARELY ADEQUATE TO COPE WITH ITS PERMITTED GROSS WEIGHT. ALTHOUGH ONLY 11 PER CENT OVERLOADED THE BRAKING EFFICIENCY HAD DROPPED TO 37.8 PER CENT.
THE RISK TO OTHER ROAD USERS HAD BEEN HEIGHTENED AS THE DRIVER WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY INSURANCE AGAINST THIRD PARTY RISKS.
THE DEFENDANT PLEADED GUILTY TO ALL CHARGES BROUGHT- AGAINST HIM. HE WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $1,500 AND SENTENCED TO ONE MONTH’S IMPRISONMENT FOR DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED AND A MONTH FOR RECKLESS DRIVING, THE TWO PERIODS TO RUN CONCURRENTLY. HE WAS DISQUALIFIED FROM DRIVING FOR THREE YEARS.
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/2O........
R
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
SUNDAY CLOSURE OF ED’S MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT ♦ * * ♦ »
THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY ON ALL SUNDAYS DURING THE SUMMER VACATION AND FROM AUGUST 5 TO 20 FOR OVERHAUL OF EQUIPMENT.
THE UNIT, LOCATED AT 182 CANTON ROAD, WILL RE-OPEN ON AUGUST 22 AND SUBSEQUENTLY OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE CLOSED ON AUGUST 27, 28 AND 29 AND ON OTHER PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 5 PM DAILY, EXCEPT ON FRIDAY WHEN THE AFTERNOON OPENING HOURS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 7 PM.
THE UNIT PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR TEACHERS TO PRODUCE VARIOUS KINDS OF MEDIA RESOURCES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING. FACILITIES FOR SCREEN PRINTING, AUDIO-RECORDING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
TEACHERS MAY EITHER BRING THEIR OWN MATERIALS OR PURCHASE THESE MATERIALS FROM A CONTRACTED SUPPLIER AT THE UNIT FOR PRODUCING THE TEACHING AIDS.
---0------
11 GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER ♦ » ♦ t
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A SITE IN YUEN LONG FOR SALE BY TENDER.
THE SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,100 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN KAM TIN ROAD NEAR KAM TIN CLINIC, AND WILL BE USED FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION INCLUDING LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES.
THE PETROL FILLING STATION WILL HAVE TO BEGIN OPERATION ON ORR BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1990.
O THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 26.
E E
-------O --------
J
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1988
- 21 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY » * ♦ t »
TRAFFIC LANES ON TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN ON THREE CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS NEXT MONTH TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
ON AUGUST 1 (MONDAY) AND 2, THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE AND SHUI WAI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED ON AUGUST 8 AND 9.
THE MOST OUTER FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR SHUI WAI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED ON AUGUST 15 AND 16.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, JULY JO, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JUNE PUBLISHED....................... 1
TEST RUNS OF LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES ............................ 6
INTERIM PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES BEFORE LRT OPENS .......... 6
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE.................... 8
AIRPORT EASY TRAVEL SCHEME STARTS ON MONDAY................... 9
CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR ACCESS TO COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY...................................................... 10
FARMS CHOSEN FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ..................... 10
RENOVATION OF WAN CHAI POLICE HQ REPORT ROOM................. 11
KOWLOON HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMME GETS UNDER WAY ..... 12
SEMINAR ON CHAIRMANSHIP SKILLS .............................. 1?
» AIDS GUIDELINE FOR NURSES ................................... 1?
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 196?-69................... 1^
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN LOK FU FOR REDEVELOPMENT WORKS............ 16
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KWUN TONG ................................ 16
LUNG CHEUNG ROAD REDUCES TO ONE-LANE OPERATION .............. 1?
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
1 MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JUNE PUBLISHED * * * * *
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOW THAT HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN JUNE COMPARED WITH MAY, WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS REGISTERED MODERATE GROWTH.
HKSM1 RECORDED SOME INCREASE IN JUNE, BROADER DEFINITION, THAT IS HKSM2 AND HK$M3,
WHILE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE FELL SLIGHTLY.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW MODERATELY IN JUNE COMPARED WITH MAY, AS DID ITS LARGEST COMPONENT - OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG.
LOANS FOR FINANCING VISIBLE TRADE EXPERIENCED A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE, HOWEVER, WHILE LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG SHOWED A SLIGHT DECLINE.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR JUNE 1988 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 PRESENTS FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.3 PER CENT IN JUNE FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.1 PER CENT IN APRIL AND 0.2 PER CENT IN MAY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS GREW BY 4.7 PER CENT, SAVING DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 5.4 PER CENT AND TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.6 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1988, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 18.3 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT IN JUNE FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.9 PER CENT AND 4.0 PER CENT IN APRIL AND MAY RESPECTIVELY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.6 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 25.5 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS ROSE BY 10.6 PER CENT IN JUNE AFTER INCREASES OF 10.7 PER CENT AND 19.5 PER CENT IN APRIL AND MAY RESPECTIVELY.
ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.7 PER CENT IN JUNE AND BY 16.5 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN JUNE AND BY 28.1 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
/DEPOSITS OF .......
SATURDAY, JULI 50, 1988
- 2 -
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN JUNE WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 0.3 PER CENT. THE RESPECTIVE INCREASES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1988 WERE 23.9 PER CENT AND 7.1 PER CENT.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 GREW BY 3.3 PER CENT IN JUNE, WHILE HK$M2 AND IIKSM3 FELL BY 0.4 PER CENT AND 0.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THESE COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING RATES OF -1.6 PER CENT, -0.5 PER CENT AND 0 PER CENT IN MAY. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE, THE RESPECTIVE INCREASES FOR HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 WERE 29.3 PER CENT, 21.7 PER CENT AND 19.6 PER CENT.
ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SWAP DEPOSITS, HK$M2 GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT WHILE HKSM3 ROSE BY 0.7 PER CENT IN JUNE. OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 19.5 PER CENT AND 17.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml GREW BY 3.6 PER CENT IN JUNE WHILE TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 BOTH GREW BY 0.6 PER CENT. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE -1.4 PER CENT, 2.1 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT IN MAY.
DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 26.1 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 24.1 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 22.2 PER CENT.
LOANS AND'ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 0.8 PER CENT IN JUNE, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.8 PER CENT AND 1.9 PER CENT IN APRIL \NI) MAY RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED TN HONG KONG DOLLAR GREW BY 2.8 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES FELL BY 0.7 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY CENT IN JUNE AFTER INCREASES OF 0.5 PER CENT AND 3.8 PER APRIL AND MAY RESPECTIVELY; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS 19.4 PER CENT.
6.8 PER
CENT IN
GREW BY
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT IN JUNE COMPARED WITH RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES OF 3.5 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT IN APRIL AND MAY; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 28.0 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG FELL BY 0.5 PER CENT IN JUNE AFTER INCREASES OF 4.8 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT IN APRIL AND MAY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 56.7 PER CENT.
/QUARTERLY ANALYSIS .......
SATURDAY, JULY 50, 1988
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG SECTOR
IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988, LOANS AND ADVANCES EMENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 8.8 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 6.6 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 29.3 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES INCREASED BN 13.4 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.9 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 40.8 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER, FOLLOWING A GROWTH OF SIMILAR M/XGNITUDE IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 19.9 PER CENT.
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 9.2 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 6.7 PER CENT IN I HE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.4 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN BANKS AND DTC’S) ROSE BY 13.4 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 6.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 68.3 PER CENT.
LOANS TO STOCKBROKERS FELL BY 1.4 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS DROPPED BY 38.8 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY TWO 10 1 5. . THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 35, WHILE THAT OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BN TWO TO 226.
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - JUNE 1988
(HKSmn)
Money Supply Jun 1988 May 1988 Earlier months
(X thange to Mar 1988 June 1988) Jun 1967
Ml - HK$ 73,920 71,539 ( 3.3 %) 73,024 ( 1.2 X) 57,157 ( 29.3 X)
Foreign currency 8,783 8,282 ( 6.0 %) 7.740 ( 13.5 X) 8.4 37 ( 4 . 1 • )
Total 82,703 79,822 ( 3.6 %) 80,764 ( 2.4 X) 65,594 ( 26.1 * )
M2 - HK$ 324,297 325,720 ( -0.4 %) 323,122 ( 0.4 X.) 266.480 ( 21.7 X)
Foreign currency 405,033 399,001 ( 1.5 %) 371,776 ( 8.9 %) 321.060 ( 26.2 * )
Total 729,330 724.721 ( 0.6 %) 694.899 ( 5.0 587.541 ( 24.1 *)
M3 - HKS 356,355 357.020 ( -0.2 %) 351.388 ( 1 4 %) 298.050 ( 19.6 X)
Foreign currency 435,067 429,682 ( 1.3 401.430 ( 8.4 X) 349.550 ( 24.5 X)
Total 791,422 786,702 ( 0.6 %) 752,818 ( 5.1 %) 647.601 ( 22.2 X I
Notes and coins in circulation 30,493 30,241 ( 0.8 32,253 ( -5.5 X) 24,185 ( 26.1 •' )
of which held by public 26,736 26,489 ( 0.9 X) 28.642 ( -6.7 X) 21.126 ( 26.6 X)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 55,967 53,333 ( 4.9 %) 52.122 ( 7.4 %) 44,468 ( 25.9 X)
Total Savings deposits 172,513 176,199 ( -2.1 %) 181,924 ( -5.2 %) 141,408 ( 22.0 X)
Total Time deposits with banks 460,649 455,027 ( 1.2 %) 419,327 ( 9.9 X) 370,350 ( 24.4 X)
Total Time deposits with dtcs 60,109 59,955 ( 0.3 %) 55.950 ( 7.4 %) 56.139 ( 7.1 X)
HK$ deposits 318,225 319,066 ( -0.3 %) 311,697 ( 2.1 X) 268,996 ( 18.3 X)
USS deposits 231,617 227,991 ( 1.6 %) 217,406 ( 6.5 X) 213,562 ( 8.5 X)
Other foreign currency deposits 199,396 197,455 ( 1.0 %) 180,219 ( 10.6 X) 129.807 ( 53.6 X)
All deposits 749,237 744,513 ( 0.6 %) 709,322 ( 5.6 X) 612,364 ( 22.4 %)
Foreign currency swap deposits 33,540 30,324 ( 10.6 *) 22,921 ( 46.3 X) 33,058 ( 1.5 X)
Total Loans and advances
To finance U.K.’s visible trade 50, 69 6 47,451 ( 6. 8 %) 45,505 ( 1 1. 4 X) 42,447 ( 1 9.1* X)
To finance merchandising trade 5,212 5,180 ( 0.6 %) 5,210 ( 0.0 X) 5.497 ( -5.2 X)
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 396,895 389,431 ( 1.9 %) 364.510 ( 8.9 X) 310,044 ( 28.0 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 3 2 5.oy< 326.624 (■ - 0. 5 %) 309.568 ( 5. 0 X) 207.446 ( % .7 X )
Other loans where the place of 57,272 60,081 ( -4.7 %) 58.729 ( -2.5 X) 37.076 ( 54 5 X 1
use is not known
Loans in HK$ 350,448 340,919 ( 2.8 %) 318,875 ( 9.9 %) 286.934 ( 22.1 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 484,660 487,848 ( -0.7 %) 464.648 ( 4.3 %) 315.576 ( 53 6 X )
Total loans and advances 835,108 828,767 ( 0.8 X) 783.523 ( 6 6 X) 602,510 ( 38.6 X)
/5.......
SATOMI, JILT JO, 1988
5
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - JUNE 1988
* (HK$mn)
Jun 1988 Earlier quarters
(% change to June 1988)
Mar 1988 Dec 1987 Jun 1987
Manufacturing 34,591 31,795 ( 8.8 29.833 ( 15.9 X) 26,762 ( 29.3 %)
Transport and transport equipment 22,472 20,156 ( 11.5 %) 19,598 ( 14.7 *) 18,208 ( 23.4 %)
Building, construction and property development 42,934 41,187 ( 4.2 %) 39,512 ( 8.7 %) 35,822 ( 19.9 %)
Wholesale and retail trade 50,125 44,212 ( 13.4 %) 43,404 ( 15.5 %) 35,593 ( 40.8 %)
Financial concerns* 41,436 36,554 ( 13.4 %) 34,445 ( 20.3 *4) 24,621 ( 68.3 %)
Individuals:
to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 7,569 7,498 ( 0.9 %) 7,497 ( 1.0 *) 7,260 ( 4.3 X)
to purchase other residential property 67,461 61,772 ( 9.2 %) 57,915 ( 16.5 X) 51,744 ( 30.4 %)
other purposes 48,750 45,263 ( 7.7 44,019 ( 10.7 X) 38,408 ( 26.9 X)
Others 81,556 76,072 ( 7.2 X) 76,464 ( 6.7 X) 71,626 ( 13.9 %)
Total 396,895 364,510 ( 8.9 %) 352,685 ( 12.5 X) 310,044 ( 28.0 %)
* This excludes funds advanced to banks and d leposit-taking companies
0 - — /6
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
TEST RUNS OF LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE UK RAILWAY INSPECTING OFFICER, MR ALAN COOKSEY, 15 LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES WILL BE RELEASED FOR TEST RUNS ON MONDAY, AUGUST 1, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCE!) TODAY (SATURDAY).
HOWEVER, FULL SCHEDULED PRACTICE RUNS OF THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES ARE STILL BEING SUSPENDED.
THE TEST RUNS WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM ON MONDAY AT A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 35 KM PER HOUR OVER THE WHOLE SYSTEM THROUGHOUT TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TEST RUNS IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS ARE PUT BACK TO WORKING CONDITION BEFORE THE RAILWAY INSPECTOR CONDUCTS INSPECTION OF THE LRT SYSTEM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 2.
TEST RUNS WILL BE REPEATED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM ON TUESDAY, USING 15 VEHICLES AT THE SAME MAXIMUM SPEED OF 35 KM PER HOUR.
AFTER 9 AM , TWO VEHICLES WILL BE USED, RUNNING AT A NORMAL OPERATING SPEED TO ENABLE THE INSPECTING OFFICER AND THE INSPECTION TEAM TO CARRY OUT A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE SYSTEM.
MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRAJNS ARE URGED TO STRICTLY OBEY THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS AT THE ROAD JUNCTIONS WITH LRT TRACK.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR FURTHER TEST RUNS OF' LRV AFTER AUGUST 2 WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
-----o-----
INTERIM PUBLIC TRANSPORT ♦
SERVICES BEFORE LRT OPENS ♦ * ♦
ALL TRANSPORT SERVICES IN TUEN MUN AND ‘YUEN LONG WILL BE MAINTAINED AT THE PRESENT LEVEL BEFORE THE COMMERCIAL OPENING OF THF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
AFTER A MEETING BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF THE TRANSPORT BRANCH AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB), AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC), THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MRS ALICE LAI, TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THAT ADEQUATE BUS SERVICES WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DURING THE INTERIM.
/THE EXISTING .......
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
7
I HE EXISTING TIMETABLE AND FARES WILL BE MAINTAINED.
ON TWO 5™?KSl»T™BAiLPS0''IDIN0 SERV1CES °N SEVBK R°UIES ““
INDER [HE INTERIM ARRANGEMENT, KMB WOULD CONTINUE TO ROUTES NO. 59, 61A AND 63 WHILE THE REST WOULD BE TAKEN OVER BY
OPERATE KCRC.
THIS INTERIM CO-OPERATION OF KMB HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS. ACKNOWLEDGED.
ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY BUS CAPTAINS IN AGREEING TO POSTPONE THE CO-OPERATION OF KCRC BUS CAPTAINS IS
THE THEIR ALSO
APART FROM BUS
THREE HONG
SERVICES, MRS LAI SAID, THE OPERATORS OF GREEN MINI-BUS SERVICES PLYING BETWEEN LONG PING ESTATE AND FOOK STREET; LUNG KWU TAN AND TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE (SAN CHING STREET)' rnOr rMHrG-ru^TnTor-AND °N T1NG ESTATE HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CONTINUE THEIR SERVICES UNTIL LRT OPENS FOR COMMERCIAL RUNNING.
THIS INTERIM ARRANGEMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM AUGUST 8 UNTIL
AUGUST ZU AND WILL BE FURTHER EXTENDED IF NECESSARY.
ROUTES TO BE RUN BY KMB ARE:
NO. 59 TAI HING TO TUEN MUN PIER HEAD
* NO. 61A YUEN LONG (EAST) TO TUEN MUN PIER HEAD k’l.. .•
t NO. 63 YUEN LONG (EAST) TO YAU 01 (SOUTH)
THE ROUTES TO ♦ NO. 59B BE OPERATED BY KCRC ARE: SIU HONG COURT TO BUTTERFLY ESTATE (RUN BY KCRC AT PRESENT)
t NO. 63A LEUNG TIN ESTATE TO YUEN LONG (EAST) (RUN BY KCRC AT PRESENT)
t NO. !) 5 YUEN LONG (EAST) TO LAU FAU SHAN
♦ NO. 56 YUEN LONG (WEST) TO TAI TONG (WONG NAI TUN)
♦ NO. 61 YUEN LONG (WEST) TO TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE
♦ NO. 62 SIU HONG COURT TO CASTLE PEAK BAY
ROUTES NO. 55 AND 56 WILL BE OPERATED BY KCRC'S 21-SEATER BUSES AT THE EXISTING BUS FARES WITH INCREASED FREQUENCY IF REQUIRED.
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/8........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
- 8
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR MORE ELDERLY J :
*****
THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (OAA) SCHEME WILL Bi- EXTENDED TO ' OVER THE 68 AND 69 AGE GROUPS STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER I THIS YEAR.
UNTIL NOW, THE ALLOWANCE HAS BEEN AVAILABLE ONLY TO PEOPLE \GED 70 AND ABOVE.
THIS EXTENSION IS PART OF THE IMPLEMENTATION BY STAGES OF A SERIES OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM AS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT THE OPENING OF THE 1HB7-88 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE 68 AND 69 AGE GROUPS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR $280 PER MONTH, WHICH WILL BE KNOWN AS NORMAL OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (NOAA). THOSE AGED 70 AND ABOVE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THE HIGHER OLI) AGE ALLOWANCE (HOAA) OF $320 A MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT PROVISIONAL APPLICATIONS FOR NOAA WOULD BE ACCEPTED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS FROM MONDAY (AUGUST 1).
AT THE SAME TIME, DISTRICT SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS WILL HELP PUBLICISE THE EXTENSION OF OAA AMONG HOSTELS, HOMES AND OTHER TYPES OF SOCIAL AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS.
THEY WILL ALSO HELI' DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THE APPLICATION
LETTER TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS THROUGH LIAISON WITH THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF 'HESF INSTITUTIONS AND CENTRES AND TO ARRANGE FOR GROUP APPLICATION; WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
IF THEY WISH, ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
CAN ELECT TO APPLY
INDIVIDUALLY.
"TO Ql \LIFY, THE APPLICANT MUST HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE QUALIFYING AGE.
"THE PERSON IS ALSO EXPECTED TO MAKE A FINANCIAL DECLARATION UPON APPLYING FOR THE ALLOWANCE." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SINGLE PERSONS WILL BE ENTITLED TO THE ALLOWANCE PROVIDED THEIR INCOME IS NOT MORE THAN $1,700 PER MONTH AND THEY HAVE ASSETS WORTH NOT MORE THAN $100,000.
THE LIMITS FOR A MARRIED COUPLE ARE A MONTHLY INCOME OF $2,800 AND ASSETS WORTH $150,000.
PERSONAL JEWELLERY, A FAMILY CAR, SELF-OCCUPIED PROPERTY, CONTRIBUTIONS FROM RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, AND CHARITABLE FUNDS WILL BE DISREGARDED IN THE CALCULATION.
/ON MAKING .......
SATURDAY, JULY JO, 1988
9
ON MAKING AN INITIAL APPLICATION AT THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT THE APPLICANT WILL BE GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT TO RETURN FOR PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATION - SUPPORTED BY THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS (SUCH AS HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS).
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL HELP AVOID A SUDDEN RUSH OF APPLICATIONS ARRIVING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE.
"THE ELDERLY CAN HAND IN APPLICATIONS AT THEIR LEISURE, WHILE OUR STAFF WILL BE ABLE TO SPACE OUT THE PROCESSING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF PROCESSING THE APPLICATION, THE BENEFITS WILL START FROM SEPTEMBER I, OR THE DATE OF INITIAL APPLICATION, WHICHEVER IS APPROPRIATE.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 51,000 PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS INITIAL EXTENSION OF THE OAA SCHEME.
-----0-----
AIRPORT EASY TRAVEL SCHEME STARTS ON MONDAY * ♦ » * t
THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL AT HONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON MONDAY (AUGUST I).
KONG
UNDER THIS, TRAVELLERS USING HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE AT THE AIRPORT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE CARDS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID. jhhiukahun
FOR THE
UNDER I HE SCHEME, HOLDERS OF NEW HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS, AGED 18 OR OVER, WILL FURTHER BENEFIT BY BEING EXEMPTED PRODUCING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AT THE AIRPORT
PLACES.
FROM ALL
FOR TRAVELS TO AND FROM
"AND HOLDERS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY WILL BF ABLE TO TRAVEL WITHOUT THE HONG JOURNEYS TO AND FROM CHINA,” HE SAID.
CARDS WITH THE *»♦ SYMBOL
KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS FOR
HOWEVER, ALL TRAVELLERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE PROPERLY DOCUMENTED FOR THEIR DESTINATIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT TRAVELLERS WHO DO NOT IDENTITY CARDS WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE CONTROL SHOULD COMPLETE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE CARDS DOCUMENTS.
USE THEIR HONG KONG POINTS AT THE AIRPORT AND PRODUCE TRAVEL
TO HELP REDUCE WAITING TIME, PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE CARDS ON BEHAL! OF THEIR CHILDREN WHO DO NOT YET HAVE IDENTITY CARDS,” HE SAID.
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/10........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
10
CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR ACCESS TO COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY
VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL BE CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN ITS VICINITY, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE TO USE THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY.
’’HOWEVER, A SMALL NUMBER OF TEMPORARY PARKING SPACES ARE RESERVED NEAR THE REGISTRY FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF BRI DAI. CARS,” HE SAID.
’’GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONIES ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.”
DISABLED PERSONS INTENDING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REGISTRY MAY CONTACT THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE ON 5-294099 FOR ASSISTANCE.
-------0---------
FARMS CHOSEN FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE’S STEERING GROUP HAS FINALISED A LIST OF LIVESTOCK FARMS FOR TAKING PART IN THE LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE FARMS.
CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING GROUP, MR LEO KWAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ALTOGETHER 10 FARMS - SIX PIG FARMS AND FOUR CHICKEN FARMS - WERE SELECTED. THEY WERE LOCATED IN SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING, MA ON SHAN AND SHA TAU KOK.
HE SAID DURING AN EARLIER STEERING GROUP MEETING, MEMBERS HAD ALREADY CHOSEN EIGHT FARMS RECOMMENDED BY A CONSULTANT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS, WHILE OTHER FARMS HAD TO BE FURTHER ASSESSED ON THEIR SUITABILITY.
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THE FARM OPERATORS CONCERNED, MEMBERS AGREED ON SELECTING ONE PIG FARM AND ONE CHICKEN FARM FOR EXPERIMENTING THE WET MUCK-OUT METHOD IN THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
MR KWAN NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE STEERING GROUP, PARTICULARLY FARMERS’ REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAD VISITED THE PROPOSED FARMS DESPITE THE INCLEMENT WEATHER LAST WEEK, HAD MADE KEEN EFFORTS TO SPEED UP THE SELECTION PROCESS.
NOW THAT WORK ON THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS IS IN FULL SWING, MR KWAN ANTICIPATED THAT THE CONSULTANT SHOULD BE ABLE TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF THESE PROJECTS BY DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
------o-------
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
11
RENOVATION OF WAN
CHAI POLICE t t * t t
HQ REPORT ROOM
., EANIN( UP AN CHAI IS NORMAL DAY TO DAY DUTY FOR THP
glou<esterFroad 0LD P0UCE HEADQUARTERS on the waterfront in
BUT CLEANING UP THE CLUTTERED REPORT HAS TAKEN THEM ALL BY SURPRISE.
ROOM
IS
SOMETHING THAT
OUT GO THE OLD TANGLE OF ELECTRIC WIRES. THE PAINTWORK AND THE NOISY CLACKING TELEPRINTER.
DRAB
AND SHABBY
TUL duX a^Et^EW AND IMPR0VBD WORKING CONDITIONS FHE PL LTC AND DEALING WITH WAN CHAT MISCREANTS,
FOP MEETING
DOWN COMES THE OLD CEILING TO IMPROVE ACOUSTICS. UP GOES MORALE OF ALL CONCERNED.
IT’S THE FIRST SINCE WAN CHAI POLICE
TIME THE OLD REPORT ROOM STATION WAS BULIT IN 1933.
HAS
BERN RENOVATED
BURTON STAFF: REPORT
ruA^A»r.T2.THB CHAGRIN 0F WAN CHAI DIVISIONAL COMMANDER MR JOHN HAI HE SAW A STAFF REPORT ON A NEWLY ARRIVED MEMBER OF HIS ♦THE OFFICER'S WORKING CONDITIONS ARE WORSE THAN WAN CHAI ROOM. 4-
+TT STRUCK ME AS WRY, + SAID MR BURTON, +THAT WE THIS NEW INCUMBENT ARRIVING WITH SUCH A BLOT ON HIS POLICE THE VERY TIME THAT HE ARRIVED AT WAN CHAI.
SHOULD HAVE
RECORD AT
♦COINCIDENTALLY, WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FIGHT CRIME .OMMIIIFE, WORK STARTED ON RENOVATING OUR REPORT ROOM. THE OFFICER CONCERNED MAY WELL IMAGINE THAT IT'S BEEN DONE JUST FOR HIM.+
NO I REALLY. THERE IS A LONG HERITAGE OF POLICE OFFICERS, NOW REACHING THEIR DECLINING YEARS, WHO HAVE VIVID MEMORIES OF WORKING IN THAT REPORT ROOM.
WORK NOW UNDER WAY WILL TRANSFORM THE REPORT ROOM TO A PLACE OF BEAUTY AND A JOY TO WORK IN.
WORKING CONDITIONS WILL IMPROVE WITH THE NEW LOW CEILING, AIR CONDITIONING, SOUND PROOFED TELEPRINTER AND FITTED CUPBOARDS.
+IT WILL BRING ALL THE FACILITIES ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY,* MR BURTON SAID.
♦WILL IT IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE PEOPLE USING THE REPORT ROOM? WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT WF SHALL SEE A BETTER CLASS OF PEOPLE COMING TO THE STATION.
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL FIND IT EASIER TO MAKE REPORTS AND IT WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT ON THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF OFFICERS TN THE REPORT ROOM.+
- 0 ---------
/12........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
12
KOWLOON HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMME GETS UNDER WAY
*****
A MASSIVE LANDSCAPING PROJECT FOR HIGHWAYS IN KOWLOON IS WELL UNDER WAY UNDER THE HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMME JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
"ALREADY LANDSCAPING HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR TWO LINEAR ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS AT TSIM SHA TSUI WHILE WORK WILL SOON BEGIN ON THREE OTHERS IN KOWLOON CITY AND LAI CHI KOK," AN URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
"THE TWO NEWLY-COMPLETED AMENITY PLOTS STRETCH ALONG THE SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD AND GRANVILLE ROAD AS WELL AS ALONG SALISBURY ROAD, COVERING AN AREA OF 1,150 SQUARE METRES AND 270 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
"ALTOGETHER 5,200 FLOWERING SHRUBS, 9,000 GROUND OVERS AND TREES ARE PROVIDED IN RAISED PLANTERS TO SOFTEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE AREA.
"IN ORDER TO ADD MORE COLOUR AND TO ACHIEVE A BETTER VISUAL IMPACT, LANDSCAPE STAFF HAVE CAREFULLY SELECTED SUITABLE PLANTS SUCH AS FICUS MICROCAPA ’GOLDEN LEAVES’ AND PODOCARPUS MICRIPHYLLA."
UNDER THE KOWLOON HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMME, A TOTAL OF 14 AMENITY PLOTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR LANDSCAPING, COVERING BOTH KOWLOON EAST AND KOWLOON WEST.
"IN ALL, NO FEWER THAN 69,000 PLANTS INCLUDING TREES, PALMS, FLOWERING SHRUBS, GROUND COVERS AND CLIMBERS WILL BE PROVIDED, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH WILL BE SUPPLIED BY URBAN COUNCIL NURSERIES," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"ON COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, THE 1870,000 PROJECT WILL HAVE ADDED MORE GREENERY TO SOME OF THE CENTRAL ROAD DIVIDERS AND BARE ROADSIDES AS A WELCOME ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT."
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/15
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
SEMINAR ON CHAIRMANSHIP SKILLS t * »
CH \IRMEN OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND THEIR COMMITTEES EXCHANGED VIEWS \ND SHARED EXPERIENCES AT A SEMINAR TODAY (SATURDAY) TO BETTER THEIR CHAIRMANSHIP SKILLS IN A BID TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
THE SEMINAR ON CHAIRMANSHIP SKILLS WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE.
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BOWEN LEUNG, SAID AS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CAME FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUND AND HAD DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES, THEY MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS ON VARIOUS ISSUES.
THEREFORE, THE SKILL OF THE CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES IN CONDUCTING MEETINGS WOULD BE CRUCIAL IN ENABLING MEMBERS TO FULLY EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS, HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, VALUABLE AMD EXPERT OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN REFLECTING THE NEEDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, RAISING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE AND IMPROVING THF LOCAL ENVIRONMENT. ' «
------o------- •
AIDS GUIDELINE FOR NURSES .' . „ •-
♦ » ♦ :
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED INFORMATION BOOKLET ON AIDS FOR NURSES IN HONG KONG.
AT? NEW
THE BOOKLET IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES - THE FIRST ONE WAS PRODUCED IN LAST DECEMBER FOR DOCTORS AND DENTISTS - RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE ON AIDS TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH PERSONNELS. huuiual AND
A TOTAL OF 15,000 COPIES HAVE BEEN PRODUCED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS OF THE NURSING PROFESSION IN THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING NURSES IN GOVERNMENT, SUBVERTED AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING THE 24-PAGE BOOKLET WAS TO KEEP THE NURSING PROFESSION INFORMED OF THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AIDS SO AS TO ENLIST THEIR HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE DISEASE.
/THE SPOKESMAN........
SATURDAY, JULI 30, 1988
- 14
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL HEALTH CARE WORKERS HAD AN IMPORTNAT ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING TO DISPEL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AIDS AND ASSIST IN THE HEALTH EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC.
THE BOOKLET PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS, ITS CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, THE ASSESSMENT OF INFECTED HIV INDIVIDUALS, COUNSELLING SERVICE AND ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC ON AIDS PREVENTION.
IT ALSO CONTAINS INFORMATION ON THE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED BY NURSES IN THE PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTION IN HOSPITAL AND THE MANAGEMENT OF AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS.
IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING INFORMATION BOOKLETS ON AIDS, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ORGANISES LECTURES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS AND PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS PAMPHLETS, SLIDES AND VIDEOS FOR DOCTORS AND HEALTH CARE PERSONNELS.
NURSES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING A COPY OF THE INFORMATION BOOKLET CAN CONTACT THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE ON 3-7102429.
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1967-69 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1967, 1968 AND 1969 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE AUGUST 27.
”TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, WOMEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW ID CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW ID 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.
“THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS. TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP FOR A LONG TIME AT THE ISSUE OFFICES OR TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND THE AFTERNOONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THEY MAT .......
SATURDAY । JULY 30, 1988
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 : SHATIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR', 2-16 WANG POK STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108
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
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
- 16 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN LOK FU FOR REDEVELOPMENT WORKS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF FU MEI STREET EAST IN LOK FU BETWEEN HENG LAM STREET AND A POINT OUTSIDE BLOCK 17 OF LOK FU ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1).
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT WORKS OF LOK FU ESTATE.
MOTORISTS ON HENG LAM STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HENG LAM STREET, JUNCTION ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, MOTORISTS ON HENG LAM STREET EASTBOUND OR FUNG MO STREET NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE FUNG MO STREET, FU MEI STREET AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
ROUTEINGS OF KMB ROUTES NO. 7 AND 11C WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED. ON ITS JOURNEYS TO STAR FERRY, ROUTE NO. 7 WILL,OPERATE VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FUNG MO STREET, HENG LAM STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD.
AS FOR ROUTE NO. 11C, IT WILL TRAVEL VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, HENG LAM STREET AND FUNG MO STREET ON ITS JOURNEYS TO SAU MAU PING. WHEN TRAVELLING TOWARDS CHUK YUEN ESTATE, IT WILL OPERATE VIA FUNG MO STREET, HENG LAM STREET, JUNCTION ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD. ...
-----0-----
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KWUN TONG * » ♦ »
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING IN KWUN TONG ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT FROM MONDAY (AUGUST 1), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON A 94-METRE STRETCH OF THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HIP WO STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MUT WAH STREET WILL BE CUT SHORT BY ABOUT 24 METRES IN THE SOUTH.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS IN THE AREA. ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2), NGAN YUET LANE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
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/17........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1988
17
LUNG CHEUNG ROAD REDUCES TO ONE-LANE OPERATION
* * » » «
TO FACILITATE THE ERECTION OF FLYOVER FALSEWORK, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IN WONG TAI SIN BETWEEN THE HK-TVB BROADCAST HOUSE AND TIN MA COURT FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE-LANE OPERATION FROM 11.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
MEANWHILE, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN THE EDUCATION TELEVISION CENTRE AND TIN MA COURT FOOTBRIDGE WILL ALSO BE REDUCED TO ONE-LANE TRAFFIC FROM 11.30 PM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED ....... 1
SUPERSTRUCTURE CONTRACT FOR PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL .......... 2
NEW FLYOVER IN YUEN LONG TO BE OPENED ...................... 4
FLYOVER OPENING AND URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ............. 5
FUNDING OF SENIOR STAFF COURSE CENTRE APPROVED ............. 6
APPLY NOW FOR SWD'S YOUTH SCHEME ........................... 7
FEE REMISSION FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ................ 8
MAC'S GROWING FAST IN SHA TIN .............................. 8
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB REPORT PUBLISHED .................... 10
FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW IN NORTH DISTRICT .......... 11
CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL ON COMMITTEE AGENDA................. 11
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR MONG KOK DB FUNDS .................. 12
PARKING SPACES AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL METERED ......... 13
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TAI PO ROAD ..................... 13
St NDV. , JI IA 3 I , 1988
1
FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED
» » ♦ t n
PLACING HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSON’S ONLY ENABLE THEM TO DERIVE SATISFACTION XLSO HELF OPTIMISE THE USE OF THE MOST PEOPLE - OF THE COMMUNITY.
IN SUITABLE JOBS WILL NOT FROM THEIR WORK, BUT WILL IMPORTANT RESOURCE - YOUNG
IT IS WITH THIS UNDERLYING OBJECTIVE THAT THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (HEES), WAS SET UP WITHIN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN 197 3.
THE HEES HELPS EMPLOYERS IN RECRUITING PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND JOB-SEEKERS WITH UNIVERSITY OR POST-SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT.
IN PARTICULAR, THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO HELP HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR EDUCATION OVERSEAS.
"THEY FIND OUR SERVICE USEFUL IN LEARNING ABOUT HONG KONG’S JOB MARKET AND MANA OF THEM ARE SUBSEQUENTLY PLACED IN JOBS CLOSELY RELATED TO THEIR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING," THE LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE ifl-ES, MR EDDIE TANG, SAID.
MR TANG NOTED THAT THE SERVICE WAS ALSO USED BY GRADUATES OF LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTES WHO WERE IN EMPLOYMENT BUI' WISHED TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE JOBS.
BETWEEN JANUARY AND JUNE THIS YEAR, 916 PERSONS HAD REGISTERED WITH THE HEES.
A BREAKDOWN OF THE TOTAL SHOWS THAT 329 RETURNED FROM CANADA, 183 FROM Till- UNITED KINGDOM, 175 FROM LOCAL INSTITUTES AND 92 FROM THE UNITED STATES. THE REST WERE FROM AUSTRALIA, CHINA AND TAIWAN.
OF ।HEM, 255 POSSESSED QUALIFICATIONS ON BUSINESS ADMINISTRATE , ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE; 158 STUDIED ENGINEERING; 151 COMPUTER AND IATISTICS; 137 SOCIAL SCIENCE; AND 45 SCIENCE.
DURING HIE SAME PERIOD, 152 PERSONS REGISTERED WITH THE HEES
WERE PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT. THEY INCLUDED 26 ENGINEERS, 16 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS, 15 COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS, 14 MARKETING/SALES EXECUTIVES, AND FIVE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES.
THEIR AVERAGE MONTHLY WAGES WAS $4,500 THOUGH SOME WERE OFFERED BETWEEN $7,000 AND $10,000.
MR TANG NOTED THAT WHEN HIS PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AND APTITUDE, WILL BE FED INTO
A JOB-SEEKER REGISTERS WITH AS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, THE COMPUTER.
THE HEES, INTERESTS
/"STAFF OF
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1?88
- 2 -
"STAFF OF THE HEES WILL THEN CAREFULLY MATCH ITS REGISTRANTS WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDERED VACANCIES ON HAND AND ARRANGE SUITABLE APPLICANTS TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER," HE SAID.
"JOB-MATCHING PERFORMED BY THE COMPUTER DOES NOT ONLY SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF INTRODUCING CANDIDATES TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS, BUT ALSO HELPS JOB-SEEKERS TO IDENTIFY THE VACANT POSTS BEST SUITED TO THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND INTERESTS."
THROUGH THE USE OF COMPUTER, A CANDIDATE PROFILE IS ALSO COMPILED AND SENT TO SOME 1,000 ESTABLISHMENTS MONTHLY.
THIS PROFILE WHICH CONTAINS THE ACADEMIC BACKGROUND, WORKING EXPERIENCE, POSITITON SOUGHT AND SALARY EXPECTED OF SELECTED REGISTRANTS, PROVES TO BE A USEFUL "TALENT POOL" FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYERS WHEN RECRUITING STAFF.
MR TANG REITERATED THAT OPTIMISING THE USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES WAS THE MAIN AIM OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.'
"BUT FOR THESE SERVICES TO BE SUCCESSFUL, WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES SO THAT WE CAN ATTRACT SUITABLY QUALIFIED JOB-SEEKERS.
"1 WOULD THEREFORE LIKE TO CALL ON ALL PERSONNEL MANAGERS AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS TO MAKE FULL AND MORE FREQUENT USE OF OUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SO THAT WE CAN PLAY OUR ROLE MORE EFFECTIVELY," MR TANG ADDED. -n-- .
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS MAY CALL AT THE HEES WHIG! IS LOCATED ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, Ci N'TRA; . THEY MAY ALSO TELEPHONE 5-8523232 OR 5-8523533.
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SUPERSTRUCTURE CONTRACT FOR PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL
* * * * *
CONSTRUCTION WILL SOON BEGIN ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL - ONE OF THE LARGEST HOSPITALS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE WORLD TODAY.
IT WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AWARD OF A $1,333 MILLION CONTRACT ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3) BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE MAIN HOSPITAL SUPERSTRUCTURE. THE TARGET COMPLETION DATE IS AROUND DECEMBER 1991.
/SITE FORMATION
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1988
SITE FORMATION WORE FOR THE 1,750-BBD HOSPITAL, FORMERLY KNOWN AS EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL, BEGAN IN 1984 ON A MID-LEVEL HILLSIDE SITE OVERLOOKING CHAI WAN.
THE 188, OOO-SQUARF.-METRE HOSPITAL COMPLEX WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL FACILITIES FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG. IT WILL CONSIST OF FIVE INTER-RELATED BUILDINGS 1.INKED BY TUNNELS, DECKS AND FOOTBRIDGES.
THE PRIMARY UNIT IS THE 14-STOREY MAIN BLOCK, FOLLOWED BY A 12-STOREY SPECIAL BLOCK, A NIN'E-STCREY PATHOLOGY BLOCK, A SIX-STOREY POLYCLINIC BLOCK, AND NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS.
OF ITS TOTAL OF 1,750 BEDS, 900 WILL BE GENERAL BEDS, 550 FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, 100 FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND 200 BEDS IN THE DAY WARDS AND THE OBSERVATION WARD ATTACHED TO THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
THE HOSPITAL IS ALSO DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FOR FUTURE EXPANSION IN TERMS OF NUMBERS OF BEDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE $1,333 MILLION CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL’S SUPERSTRUCTURE.
IT WILL BE HELI) IN THE DECK LEVEL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3).
-----0------
SUNPAY, JULY 31, 1988
4 -
NEW FLYOVER IN YUEN LONG TO BE OPENED ♦ t ♦ * ♦
TRAFFIC FLOW IN YUEN LONG WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW FLYOVER THIS WEEK.
THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS GRADE SEPARATION AT EASTERN JUNCTION IS A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ABOUT 280 METRES LONG AND 15.35 METRES WIDE.
WORK ON THIS $35 MILLION PROJECT STARTED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY.
THE FLYOVER IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS WHICH PROVIDES A QUICK ROUTE FOR MOST OF THE TRAFFIC BETWEEN TL’EN MUN AND AU TAU BY ALLOWING TRAFFIC TO BYPASS THE BUSY YUEN LONG TOWN CENTRE.
A CEREMONY TO OPEN THE FLYOVER WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2) AND THF FLYOVER WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI KUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS GRADE SEPARATION AT EASTERN JUNCTION AT 11 AM ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2), ON THE DECK OF THE FLYOVER AT YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD.
THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR C.K. CHOW, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE. THOSE WHO WISH TO USE IT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT HANKOW ROAD (ENTRANCE TO YMCA), TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9 AM ON TUESDAY.
- - 0 - -
/5
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1988
- 5
FLYOVER OPENING AND URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION
*****
THE FLYOVER CONNECTING YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW FLYOVER WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN AU TAU AND YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK
ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION), YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS AND ROAD LI:
» EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON LONG YIP STREET HEADING FOR AU TAU
WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CROSS THE JUNCTION AT GROUND LEVEL, BUT WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW FLYOVER.
» .WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM
CROSSING THE JUNCTION AT GROUND LEVEL. THEY WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW FLYOVER.
IN ADDITION, WANG CHAU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND. TRAFFIC FROM AU TAU DIRECTION GOING TO YUEN LONG TOWN NORTH WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WANG CHAU ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO ROAD SECTIONS AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
THE ACCESS ROAD OFF WYLIE ROAD LEADING TO THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY, WHILE THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD OFF GASCOIGNE ROAD LEADING TO THE PODIUM LEVEL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY OPERATING DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THESE ROAD SECTIONS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-------o---------
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1988
- 6 -
FUNDING OF SENIOR STAFF COURSE CENTRE APPROVED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED THE FUNDING OF A PERMANENT GOVERNMENT BODY TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TRAINING TO SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS.
UNDER THE DIRECTORSHIP OF A D3-RANK OFFICIAL, THE PROPOSED SENIOR STAFF COURSE CENTRE (SSCC) WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE RECURRENT COST OF THE SSCC IS ESTIMATED AT $10 MILLION EACH YEAR.
COURSES FOR SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS STARTED IN 1984 FOLLOWING THE THEN FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL TO FUND A SERIES OF FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS.
THESE COURSES HAVE BEEN RUN UNDER THE GENERAL GUIDANCE OF AN ADVISORY BOARD WHOSE MEMBERS, COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, ACADEMICS.AND PEOPLE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WERE APPOINTED AND RESPONSIBLE TO THE GOVERNOR.
BASED ON A DETAILED REVIEW IN 1987, THE ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT SENIOR STAFF COURSES SHOULD BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE OF GOVERNMENT’S TRAINING FOR SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS AS THEY WERE TAILORED TO MEET THEIR NEEDS AND WERE SUBSTANTIALLY CHEAPER THAN COMPARABLE COURSES OVERSEAS.
TWO FULL-TIME COURSES, EACH LASTING FOR 13 WEEKS AND ATTENDED BY 40 ATTENDANTS, ARE CURRENTLY RUN EACH YEAR, WHILE SHORT COURSES AND SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED DURING SUMMER BETWEEN THE FULL-TIME COURSES.
THE SSCC IS EXPECTED TO KEEP UP THIS LEVEL OF FULL-TIME COURSES, TO BE RUN EACH YEAR PRIMARILY FOR SENIOR MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS ON GOVERNMENT’S MASTER PAY .SCALE POINTS 48 TO 51 AND UP TO THE D2 RANK.
A RANGE OF SHORT COURSES ON SPECIFIC SUBJECTS WOULD ALSO BE DEVELOPED, PARTICULARLY FOR OFFICERS IN THE TARGET GROUP WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE FULL-TIME COURSES.
FROM 1984 TO THE END OF THIS YEAR, ABOUT 400 SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE 10 FULL-TIME COURSES ORGANISED UNDER THE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME.
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1988
APPLY NOW FOR SWD’S YOUTH SCHEME » t « *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS UNDER THE "OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME" (OYS).
THE OYS, LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1974, PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ENABLE YOUTH GROUPS TO IMPLEMENT SERVICE PROJECTS TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS TO HELP THEIR OWN PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE PRIORITY CONSIDERATION TO PROJECTS WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS AND ENRICHED CONTENTS INVOLVING COMMUNITY SERVICE, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, RURAL AREA AND DEPRIVED AREA, REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY SERVICE, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY EDUCATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR SUBSIDIES TO FUND THE PROJECTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SWD’S YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES.
THE FORMS, TOGETHER WITH DETAILED PROPOSALS, SHOULD REACH THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15.
ALL PROJECTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.
EACH PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25; AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION.
DISCRETION MAY BE GIVEN TO ALLOW FOR SOME MEMBERS TO EXCEED THE AGE LIMIT, UP TO 30.
GROUPS WITHOUT ANY SPONSOR, BUT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY), MAY ALSO APPLY.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA INCLUDE THE EXTENT OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, EXTENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT; FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.
THE MAXIMUM SUBSIDY FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS 84,500.
ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS, EACH DISTRICT WILL SELECT ITS MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT TO COMPETE FOR A TERRITORY-WIDE "BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AWARD".
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1988
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FEE REMISSION FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ♦ ♦ * t ♦
SECONDARY 4 TO 7 STUDENTS WHO ARE IN GENUINE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHEME IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS OF PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH ASSISTED PLACES.
FULL GRANT, THREE-QUARTER FREE OR A HALF-FREE PLACE WILL BE AWARDED TO AN APPLICANT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECKONER SYSTEM TO ASSESS THE FAMILY’S INCOME.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR FEE REMISSION ARE AVAILABLE AT SCHOOLS AND COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE RESPECTIVE SCHOOL AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
FEE REMISSION IS AWARDED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. RECIPIENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY AGAIN.
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1988-89, THE SCHOOL FEE CHARGEABLE AT SECONDARY 4 TO 5 IN GRAMMAR, TECHNICAL, PREVOCATIONAL AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS IS $1,050 PER ANNUM. THAT FOR SECONDARY 6 TO 7 IS $1,400.
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MAC’S GROWING FAST IN SHA TIN » t t ♦
THE NUMBER OP MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC’S) IN SHA TIN IN MARCH THIS YEAR WAS 245, ALMOST DOUBLING THE 129 IN 1984, ACCORDING TO SENIOR LIAISON OFFICER IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR LEE KWING-WING.
MR LEE SAID IN 1975, WHEN MAC’S WERE FIRST FORMED TN THE DISTRICT, ONLY TWO WERE SET UP.
RAPID GROWTH IS CERTAINLY DUE TO RESIDENTS’ CONCERN OVER THE WEI/FARE AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THEIR AREA, AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO BE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
’’ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR IS, OF COURSE, THE INCREASE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TN SHA TIN, WHICH NOW ACCOMMODATE 460,000 PEOPLE, COMPARED WITH ONLY ABOUT 25,000 IN 1975.”
/MR LEE
SUNDAY, JULY 5'. 1988
MR LEE SAID THE GROWTH OF MAC’S WAS OVERSEEN BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, PARTICULARLY BY THE OFFICE’S LIAISON TEAM.
"TO START WITH, IT IS USUALLY OUR LIAISON OFFICERS WHO IDENTIFY THE HOUSING BLOCKS THAT NEED TO FORM MAC’S.
"THEN, ASSISTED BY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS, THEY WILL SEND LEIIERS IO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE BLOCK ASKING IF THEY FAVOUR THE FORMATION OF AN MAC," HE SAID.
"IF THERE ARE SUFFICIENT POSITIVE RESPONSES, THEY WILL GO AHEAD WITH THE FORMATION, MAKING SURE THAT IT COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIRED PROCEDURES AND THE MODEL RULES."
IN PUBLIC HOUSING, FOR EXAMPLE, THF LIAISON OFFICERS WOULD HELP THE RESIDENTS ON EVERY FLOOR TO ORGANISE MEETINGS TO ELECT FLOOR REPRESENTATIVES, MR LEE SAID.
"THEN A MEETING OF FLOOR REPRESENTATIVES WILL ELECT THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND HIE KEY POSTS Will, AT THE SAME TIME.
BE CONVENED TO ALSO BE FILLED
'THIS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL APPLY TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR APPROVAL OF THEIR REGISTRATION FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE."
AFTER AN MAC WAS FORMED, MR LEE SAID, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD KEEP IN Cl OSE CONTACT WITH THF COMMITTEE, PROVIDING IT WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE IN ACHIEVING ITS TARGETS.
"THESE BLOCK-BASED ORGA, I NATIONS SERVE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION IN BRIDGING UP THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOV I RNMF'IT AND RESIDENTS," HE NOTED.
"THEY ALSO HELP MUCH IN MANAGING THE BUILDING, MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER AND CLEANLINESS, AND INSPIRING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND NEIGHBOURHOODNESS."
THE MAC’S WERE ALSO GOOD BREEDING GROUND FOR COMMUNITY" LEADERS AND FORMED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY, HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1988
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CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB REPORT PUBLISHED * * * * »
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A FULL COLOUR REPORT WHICH SUMS UP ITS WORK AND DEVELOPMENT DURING THE LAST TERM.
THE REPORT INDICATES THAT THE BOARD HAS SHOWN GREAT CONCERN OVER A WIDE RANGE OF TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES, AND HAS STRIVED TO SEEK LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
IT POINTS OUT THAT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, MORE THAN 30 TASK-ORIENTED WORKING GROUPS WERE FORMED TO STUDY AND TACKLE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS, TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS, AND TO ORGANISE VARIOUS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
CITING A SCIENTIFIC STUDY ON THE POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR AND ABATTOIR AS AN EXAMPLE, THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE BOARD’S POSITIVE APPROACH IN INVITING EXPERTS TO PROVIDE THESE WORKING GROUPS WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES.
THE BOARD ALSO INITIATED A SERIES OF, VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DEPARTMENT HEADS AND POLICY BRANCH SECRETARIES TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE OPERATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH OFFICIALS.
MEANWHILE, THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES ON TR'FFIC AND TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS, FINANCE, COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES, AS .WELL AS PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITiCAl DEVELOPMENTS ARE ILLUSTRATED BY 30 PICTURES AND CHARTS »N THE REPORT.
THE REPORT ALSO COVERS SOME OF THE BOARD’S MEMORABLE ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS Dll MEMBERS’ VISIT TO CHINA AND RAISING $400,000 IN AID OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SERVICES FG! KIDNFY PATIENTS.
IN HIS CONCLUDING REMARKS, THE BOARD’S LAST TERM CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO, THANKED THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES WHO ATTENDED THE BOARD’S MEETINGS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AMD ASSISTANCE.
"AS A COROLLARY TO THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, I BELIEVE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND URBAN MANAGEMENT," MR KO NOTED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARDS FOR REFERENCE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN FREE COPIES, ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR. BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL OR ITS SUB-OFFICES AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND KENNEDY TOWN.
O
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SUNDAY, JULY 31,
1988
11
FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW IN NORTH DISTRICT * * * * *
THE SECOND NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW WILL BE HELD IN FANLING DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR.
"WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIVE-DAY SHOW WHICH WILL START ON DECEMBER 23 AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND AND THE ADJOINING FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE,” THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE SHOW, MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION IS ORIGINATED FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW WHICH HAD BEEN HELD FOR 10 YEARS AND WAS A DISTINCTIVE CULTURAL EVENT IN THE DISTRICT.
"THE FIRST JOINT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW HELD LAST YEAR WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG. IT WAS A SUCCESS AND ATTRACTED OVER 60,000 VISITORS," MR LIU NOTED.
"THIS YEAR’S SHOW WILL BE LARGER IN SCOPE AND WITH MORE ATTRACTIONS. IT IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST TN AND ENHANCING THEIR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NATURE," HE ADDED.
EXHIBITS WILL COME MAINLY FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AND A LARGE NUMBER OF FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE FLOWER SECTION WILL FEATURE POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI AND ORCHIDS.
FLOWER-LOVERS ARE NOW INVITED TO ENTER FOR THE 1988 NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW. ENQUIRIES' CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ON 0-908747 AND 0-914813.
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CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL ON COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD AN EXTENDED MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WHICH SEEKS TO CLAMP DOWN ON NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING.
/THE POLICE •♦•••••
I
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1988
12
THE POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER FOR ABERDEEN, MR K.W. TAM, WILL GIVE A BRIEFING DURING THE MEETING ON THE BILL AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1988-89, AND CONSIDER A COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR FIVE VILLAGES IN LAN NAI WAN.
SEVERAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AT THE TONG BIN LANE SQUATTER AREA, AND ON A SCHEDULE FOR REFUSE COLLECTION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCH’.ME FOR 1987-88.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET.
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APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR MONG KOK DB FUNDS ♦ « t f »
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONL KOK DISTRICT BOARD HAS RESERVED MORE THAN $240,000 FOR THE SECOND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO ENABLE LOCAL BODIES TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES.
A CALL EXERCISE IS UNDERWAY SO THAT PROPOSED ACTIVITIES CAN START IN OCTOBER.
APPLICATIONS HAVE TO BE SENT TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, ON THE SECOND FLOOR, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, BY THE END OF AUGUST.
ACTIVITIES TO BE SPONSORED HAVE TO FIT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES; TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SOCIAL COHESION;, TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DEVELOP GOOD HOBBIES, INTERESTS AND CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS; AND TO BE EDUCATIONAL.
THE COMMITTEE HAS SENT LETTERS LISTING DETAILS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, INVITING THEM TO APPLY FOR FUNDS.
/A VETTING
t
SUNDAY, JULY 31t 1988
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A VETTING TEAM HAS BEEN FORMED UNDER THE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS EARLY IN SEPTEMBER.
THE TEAM’S RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE PRESENTED COMMITTEE’S MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 27.
AT THE
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SECRETARIAT OF MONG DISTRICT BOARD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-815291.
KOK
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PARKING SPACES AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL METERED t t ♦ * »
NEWLY INSTALLED PARKING METERS ON THE PODIUM LEVEL AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3) TO REGULATE THE UTILISATION OF PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE PARKING METERS, TOTALLY 33, ARE TO BE USED BY VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTOR CYCLES AND PEDAL CYCLES.
THEY WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ALL METERS ARE FOR HALF-AN-HOUR AND MAY BE DISTINGUISHED BY THEIR WHITE AND YELLOW POST. THE PARKING FEE WILL BE S2 FOR EVERY 30 MINUTES AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO NOTE THAT ONLY $2 COINS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TAI PO ROAD ♦ t t ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2).
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE AGAIN FROM 8 AM ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 3) TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IN ADDITION, FROM 7 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON AUGUST 5 (FRIDAY) AND 6, THE NORTHBOUND FAST AND CENTRE LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE.
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