DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO APPROVES URBAN TAXI FARE INCREASE .............................................. 1
EXPERT TALKS ON BOUNDARIES .......................................................... 2
RE-APPOINTMENT OF SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS .................................... 2
MULTIPLE VISIT PERMIT SCHEME FOR TAIWANESE RESIDENTS ................................ 3
PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON BILL OF RIGHTS ........................................... 4
TWO COMMITTEES SET UP UNDER ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS ................................ 5
REDEFINITION OF 'MENTAL DISORDER' IN ORDINANCE RECOMMENDED .......................... 6
GOVT STOPS PRODUCTION OF POLLUTION-CAUSING FACTORY .................................. 8
ABILITY TO ADOPT AND ADAPT ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY A CRUCIAL FACTOR 9
1989 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ............................................... 10
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS ............................................ '12
18 QUESTIONS, 15 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................................. 13
$351M HOSPITAL CONTRACT SIGNED ..................................................... 14
SURVEY COMPLETED IN STAGE 3 LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA ........................... 15
VA'S IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING CHILD CARE SERVICES: LADY WILSON ....................... 16
CONCERN GROUP BRIEFED ON SECURITY MEASURES AT WHITEHEAD............................. 17
CNTA SUPPORTS PO LEUNG KUK PROJECTS ................................................ 17
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MEDICAL SERVICES ................................. 18
KOWLOON CITY DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ................................. 19
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ......................................... 19
FISHERFOLK TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL .......................................... 20
MORE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR SAI KUNG ............................... 20
SWD TUEN MUN OFFICES ON MOVE ....................................................... 21
SYMPOSIUM TO PROMOTE SAFETY PROGRAMME .............................................. 21
WATER CUTS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG ............................................... 22
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN NORTH POINT ............................................. 23
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 1 -EXCO APPROVES URBAN TAXI FARE INCREASE ♦ ♦ » ♦ * »
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED AN INCREASE IN FARE FOR URBAN TAXIS TO MEET RISING OPERATING COSTS.
THE NEW FARES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990.
THE REVISED FARES WILL BE $8 AT FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES AND FROM 80 CENTS TO 90 CENTS FOR EVERY 0.25 KILOMETRES THEREAFTER. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS WILL MEAN THAT THE AVERAGE FARE INCREASE IS 18 PER CENT.
THE WAITING TIME FOR EVERY ONE MINUTE WILL ALSO BE REVISED TO 90 CENTS FROM 80 CENTS.
IN ADDITION, OTHER SERVICE SURCHARGES WILL ALSO BE REVISED. FOR EACH ARTICLE OF BAGGAGE, ANIMAL OR BIRD, THE SURCHARGE WILL BE REVISED FROM $2 TO $3 WHILE RADIO-CALL BOOKING CHARGE WILL INCREASE FROM $1 TO $2.
COMBINED WITH THE INCREASES IN SERVICE SURCHARGES, THE TOTAL AVERAGE RATE OF FARE INCREASE WILL EXCEED 18 PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID URBAN TAXI FARES WERE LAST REVISED IN JANUARY 1989. THE RADIO-CALL BOOKING SURCHARGE AND SURCHARGE ON BAGGAGE, ANIMALS OR BIRDS HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE MARCH 1987.
HE SAID THAT AFTER SUBMITTING THEIR APPLICATION FOR A FARE INCREASE ON THE GROUNDS OF INCREASED OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, THE URBAN TAXI OPERATORS, TOGETHER WITH DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS, MADE FURTHER REPRESENTATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION CONCERNING THE IMPACT OF THE INCREASE IN DIESEL TAX IMPLEMENTED ON MARCH 7 THIS YEAR.
A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF URBAN TAXIS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR INDICATED THAT THE AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME HAS INCREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT SINCE 1989, WHILE EXPENDITURE HAS INCREASED BY 14.6 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
ASSESSMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SHOWED THAT THE DIESEL PRICE INCREASES SINCE THE LAST FARE REVISION HAD ALSO REDUCED TAXI DRIVERS’ MONTHLY INCOME BY 7.2 PER CENT PER SHIFT.
AFTER OFFSETTING THE INCREASED DIESEL PRICE AND ANTICIPATED RISE IN OPERATING COSTS IN THE COMING YEAR, THE APPROVED NEW FARES WILL STILL YIELD A NET INCREASE IN TAXI DRIVERS’ MONTHLY INCOME OF ABOUT 12 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR.
HE SAID THAT A $1 INCREASE IN RADIO-CALL BOOKING SURCHARGE HAD BEEN APPROVED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THE INCREASE IN THE SURCHARGE ON THE CARRIAGE OF BAGGAGE, ANIMALS OR BIRDS WILL ALSO GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR TAXI DRIVERS.
/HE STRESSED .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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HE STRESSED THAT THE FARE INCREASE APPLICATION HAS BEEN CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST IS ALSO PROTECTED.
PENDING THE CONVERSION OF TAXIMETERS, TAXIS MAY CHARGE THE REVISED FARES STARTING FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE BY DISPLAYING A TABLE FOR CONVERTING THE READING ON A TAXIMETER TO THE APPROPRIATE NE FARES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OPERATORS AND DRIVERS COULD OBTAIN THE FARE CONVERSION TABLES FROM THE LICENSING OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ANY CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION S DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN FROM MAY 9.
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EXPERT TALKS ON BOUNDARIES
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG WILL BEGIN IN CANTON TOMORROW (MAY 2) BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES.
THE HONG KONG TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR DARWIN CHEN.
THE GUANGDONG TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GUANGDONG FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR ZHANG QINGPING.
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RE-APPOINTMENT OF SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
******
THE GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED THE PRESENT 12 MARKET MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AC) TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FOR A FURTHER YEAR FROM MAY 1, 1990 TO APRIL 30, 1991, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE PRESENT MARKET MEMBERS ARE MR RONALD ARCULLI, MR CHAN SUN-SUN, MR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING, MR RAYMOND KWOK PING-LUEN, MR STUART LECKIE, MR PETER NORRIS, MR GEOFFREY PICARD, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG, MR CHARLES SOO CHEN-JEN, MR HIDEO SUZUKI, MR ROBERT THOMAS AND MR ZHANG XUE-YAO.
THE AC CONSISTS OF 15 MEMBERS, NAMELY THE 12 GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MARKET MEMBERS, TWO SFC EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS APPOINTED BY THE SFC AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SFC WHO WILL PRESIDE AT AC MEETINGS.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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MULTIPLE VISIT PER’IT SCHEME FOR TAIWANESE RESIDENTS t I ♦ » ♦
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE PROPOSAL TO ISSUE, EROM JUNE I, MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS (MTP’S) VALID FOR MULTIPLE ENTRIES TO ALL TAIWANESE VISITORS HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THERE WILL BE IWO TYPES OF MTP’S, ONE FOR SOCIAL VISITORS AND ONE FOR BUSINESSMEN.
A MTP WILL BE VALID FOR 12 MONTHS. THE ONE FOR SOCIAL VISITORS WJLL ENABLE THE HOLDER TO MAKE MULTIPLE TRIPS TO HONG KONG WITHIN ITS VALIDITY, PROVIDED HE DOES NOT STAY MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS IN ANY CALENDAR MONTH. EXTENSIONS OF STAY WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED.
A MTP FOR BUSINESSMEN WILL ENABLE THE HOLDER TO MAKE MULTIPLE TRIPS TO HONG KONG FOR STAY OF NOT MORE THAN 14 DAYS ON EACH OCCASION. EXTENSIONS OF STAY WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
"THE MTP FACILITY AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSMEN IS A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF THE MULTIPLE VISA SCHEME FOR BUSINESS VISITS.
"SINCE 1989, THE POLICY IN ISSUING MULTIPLE VISIT VISA TO TAIWANESE BUSINESSMEN HAS BEEN RELAXED AND ALL BUSINESSMEN WHO HAVE GOOD REASON TO COME TO, OR THROUGH, HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH SUCH VISAS," AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE PAST, A TAIWANESE BUSINESSMAN WHO WISHED TO APPLY FOR A MULTIPLE VISIT VISA HAD TO APPLY FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY VISIT PERMIT FIRST TO ENABLE HIM TO COME TO HONG KONG AND ACQUIRE FROM A NOTARY PUBLIC A DECLARATION OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES.
"THE VISA, ENDORSED ON THE DECLARATION, IS VALID FOR MULTIPLE TRIPS OF 14 DAYS EACH TO HONG KONG WITHIN SIX MONTHS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FEE FOR MULTIPLE VISIT VISA IS $115 AND IT TAKES FOUR TO FIVE WEEKS TO ISSUE.
"EXTENSIONS OF STAY BEYOND 14 DAYS ARE GRANTED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSION OF VISA HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED IN TAIWAN."
THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT FOR TAIWANESE RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR ENTRY PERMIT HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED. A MTP APPLICANT HAS TO APPLY THROUGH AN AUTHORISED AIRLINE IN TAIWAN, WHICH IN TURN FORWARDS THE APPLICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG.
THAT MEANS A TAIWANESE RESIDENT MAY APPLY FOR A MTP DIRECT IN TAIWAN DESCRIBED ABOVE WITHOUT HAVING TO VISIT HONG KONG AND MAKING A DECLARATION OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES. THE • MTP, WHEN APPROVED, WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE APPLICANT THROUGH THE AIRLINE.
/A MTP .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
A MTP WILL BE ISSUED AT A FEE OF $230. A MTP FOR SOCIAL VISITORS WILL TAKE TWO WEEKS TO ISSUE, AND A MTP FOR BUSINESSMEN, FOUR WEEKS.
A MTP CAN BE RENEWED IN HONG KONG IN TWO DAYS’ TIME BY EITHER THE APPLICANT OR HIS SPONSOR BY CALLING AT THE VISITOR SECTION OF THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS AT SIXTH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTOR ROAD, HONG KONG.
"SINGLE JOURNEY PERMITS WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE TO THOSE SOCIAL VISITORS WHO DO NOT NEED MULTIPLE VISIT FACILITIES OR WHO REQUIRE A LONGER PERIOD OF STAY THAN SEVEN DAYS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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PUBLIC URGED TO COMMENT ON BILL OF RIGHTS ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BEFORE THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON MAY 16.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR RECEIVED SIX WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS SINCE THE TWO-MONTH CONSULTATION EXERCISE BEGAN ON MARCH 16.
IN ADDITION TO THESE WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS, A NUMBER OF GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT BILL THROUGH VARIOUS OTHER CHANNELS, SUCH AS PUBLIC FORUMS AND THE NEWS MEDIA.
THIRTEEN DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED THE DRAFT BILL AT THEIR MEETINGS.
THESE VIEWS HAVE BEEN CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD FORMED AN AD HOC GROUP TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT BILL, AND OFFICIALS FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH AS WELL AS THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INVITED TO SOME OF THE MEETINGS OF THE AD HOC GROUP TO EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE DRAFT BILL.
"ALL THESE VIEWS WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN THE GOVERNMENT PREPARES A FINAL BILL FOR RE-SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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TWO COMMITTEES SET UP *
UNDER ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS ******
TWO COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN SET UP UNDER THE NEWLY FORMED ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND PREVENTION PROGRAMMES ON AIDS.
THEY ARE THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS AND THE SCIENTIFIC WORKING GROUP ON AIDS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS, DR S.H. LEE, SAID AFTER THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FORMER WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE FORMULATION OF STRATEGIES, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMMES ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS WHILE THE LATTER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF AIDS.
"THE TWO COMMITTEES, REPLACING THE PREVIOUS TWO WITH THE SAME NAMES, HAVE A WIDER REPRESENTATION FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS," HE SAID.
"THIS NOT ONLY REFLECTS THE ADMINISTRATION’S DETERMINATION TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM BUT ALSO ENSURES GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GLOBAL COMMISSION ON AIDS."
DURING THE MEETING, THE CURRENT SITUATION OF AIDS, HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME AND CONTROL MEASURES CAME UNDER REVIEW.
THE MEETING ENDORSED A PROPOSED MEDIUM TERM PLAN FOR AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN HONG KONG.
DR LEE SAID THE PLAN WAS BUILT ON THE EXISTING ONE AND AIMED TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN AND CONSOLIDATE THE PROGRAMMES ON EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND PREVENTION.
"THE STRATEGIES OF THE PLAN, COVERING A PERIOD OF THREE TO FIVE YEARS, ARE IN LINE WITH THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMME," HE ADDED.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TWO COMMITTEES IS AS FOLLOWS:
/THE COMMITTEE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS
CHAIRMAN : MRS PEGGY LAM, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR.
MEMBERS : HO SAI CHU, THE REV. ALFRED J. DEIGNAN, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS - THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SCIENTIFIC WORKING GROUP ON AIDS
CHAIRMAN : DR E.K. YEOH, CONSULTANT IN CHARGE OF THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE.
MEMBERS : REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE, VIRUS UNIT (QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL), CONSULTANT OF THE SOCIAL HYGIENE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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REDEFINITION OF ’MENTAL DISORDER’ IN ORDINANCE RECOMMENDED
*******
THE WORKING PARTY ON LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE TERM "MENTAL DISORDER" IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE BE REDEFINED TO DISTINGUISH CLEARLY PERSONS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS FROM PERSONS WITH MENTAL HANDICAP ONLY.
THE WORKING PARTY WAS APPOINTED IN JUNE 1988 AT THE REQUEST OF THE OMELCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE MENTAL HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL..
THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY, MR ALAN WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE WORKING PARTY AFTER HAVING INVESTIGATED AND STUDIED THE EXISTING LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS WHICH PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, HAD REACHED THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT JUSTIFICATION FOR SEPARATE LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
HE EXPLAINED THAT IN THE COURSE OF STUDY, THE WORKING PARTY HAD NOT DISCOVERED ANY EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE CLAIM THAT THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS HAD BEEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS.
"TO CORRECT ANY PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MENTAL HANDICAPPED PERSONS, COMMUNITY EDUCATION IS A MORE EFFECTIVE TOOL THAN SEPARATE LEGISLATION.
"THE PRESENT LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS CAN BE IMPROVED BY VARIOUS MEASURES OTHER THAN SEPARATE LEGISLATION," HE CONTINUED.
THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THE DEFINITION OF "MENTAL DISORDER" IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE BE REVISED TO DISTINGUISH MENTAL HANDICAP FROM MENTAL ILLNESS BECAUSE MANY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS DO NOT SUFFER FROM SUCH ILLNESS.
IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT MANY OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS SUCH AS THE PROVISIONS FOR ADMISSION INTO GUARDIANSHIP, APPEAL TO THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL AND SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ILL AND DEGRADING TREATMENT.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY INCLUDE:
* REHABILITATION SERVICE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS SHOULD BE REGULARLY REVIEWED AND IMPROVED;
* PUBLIC EDUCATION ON MENTAL RETARDATION SHOULD BE PROMOTED IN ORDER TO DISPEL THE COMMUNITY’S MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS;
* THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH DOCTORS MUST SEEK AND OBTAIN CONSENT BEFORE CARRYING OUT MEDICAL TREATMENT OR SURGICAL OPERATIONS ON MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF AN IRREVERSIBLE NATURE SUCH THE STERILISATION, SHOULD BE REVIEWED IF THE PERSONS CONCERNED ARE INCAPABLE OF GIVING THE NECESSARY CONSENT THEMSELVES ON ACCOUNT OF MENTAL INCAPACITY;
« CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PROVISION OF SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED OFFENDERS WHERE EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON REHABILITATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF THE OFFENDERS;
* EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL ON MENTAL RETARDATION SHOULD BE PRODUCED FOR DISSEMINATION TO POLICE TRAINING SCHOOLS, LAWYERS THROUGH THE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL BODIES, AND THE JUDICIARY TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS;
/♦ PARENTS AND ........
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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* PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE RIGHTS OF THEIR CHILDREN IN BOTH CIVIC AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION AND THE COMMON LAW BY SEMINARS, BRIEFINGS PAMPHLETS AND OTHER COMMUNITY EDUCATION CHANNELS;
♦ SEX EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS ADULT SERVICES, SHOULD BE ENHANCED AND CONSTANTLY UPDATED TO ENABLE THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR PERSONAL HYGIENE, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PUBERTY AND ADULTHOOD, THE SOCIAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR ACTIONS, AND THE CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCE OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR.
MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT IN ADDITION TO CONSULTING THE CONCERNED BODIES, THE WORKING PARTY HAD ALSO RECEIVED SUBMISSIONS FROM ANOTHER 14 ORGANISATIONS AND MANY INDIVIDUALS. THESE SUBMISSIONS WERE VERY VALUABLE AND HAD RECEIVED CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE WORKING PARTY, HE SAID.
THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY TOGETHER WITH THE VIEWS OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAD BEEN FORWARDED TO OMELCO FOR CONSIDERATION.
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GOVT STOPS PRODUCTION OF POLLUTION-CAUSING FACTORY *******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN LEASE ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON APRIL 4 BY MEANS OF RE-ENTRY OF THE POLLUX BLEACHING AND DYEING FACTORY TO STOP THE POLLUTION IN HO CHUNG RIVER, SAI KUNG.
HOWEVER, THE FACTORY HAS REQUESTED THE USE OF A PORTION OF THE PREMISES FOR OFFICE FUNCTIONS, SEWING, PACKING AND STORAGE SO THAT THE NON-PRODUCTION SIDE OF ITS BUSINESS COULD CONTINUE. THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THIS REQUEST.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE HAS PLACED A 24-HOUR GUARD ON THE PREMISES TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO UNAUTHORISED PRODUCTION.
THE FACTORY HAS BEEN THE MAIN SOURCE OF POLLUTION BY DISCHARGING INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS DIRECTLY INTO HO CHUNG RIVER.
OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE FACTORY CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN TAKING STEPS TO IMPRpVE OR EXPAND ITS TREATMENT FACILITIES BUT NO PROGRESS WAS MADE.
/WHEN THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
9
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT PRESSED THE FACTORY FOR SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS TREATMENT FACILITIES EARLY THIS YEAR, THE FACTORY INDICATED THAI’ THEY HAD DEC IDED NOT TO INSTALL ANY NEW TREATMENT FACILITIES BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST BUT INTENDED TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR.
AS THE DISCHARGE OF POLLUTED INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS IS IN BREACH OF THE LEASE CONDITIONS OF THE LOT IN QUESTION, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO TAKE BACK THE LOT UNDER THE CROWN RIGHTS (RE-ENTRY AND VESTING REMEDIES) ORDINANCE.
NOTICE Ob RE-ENTRY WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON APRIL 12.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MET FACTORY REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR ADVISERS LAST WEDNESDAY (APRIL 25) TO CONSIDER THE ISSUES RESULTING FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S RE-ENTRY OF THEIR PREMISES.
FACTORY REPRESENTATIVES CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD CEASED ALL PRODUCTION AT THE FACTORY AND SUBSEQUENTLY DISCONNECTED THE WATER PIPES ESSENTIAL FOR THE BLEACHING AND DYEING OPERATION AS REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THESE ACTIVITIES, WHICH WAS THE PRINCIPAL CAUSE OF THE POLLUTION, CANNOT BE RE-STARTED.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT AT PRESENT THERE IS NO POLLUTING OF HO CHUNG RIVER BY THE FACTORY.
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ABILITY TO ADOPT AND ADAPT ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY A CRUCIAL FACTOR *****
A CRUCIAL FACTOR WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIVENESS AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE IS ITS ABILITY TO ADOPT AND ADAPT ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON IMAGE PROCESSING AND DOCUMENT ARCHIVING ORGANISED BY OLIVETTI SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS HONG KONG.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, HONG KONG WAS THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO INTRODUCE DATAFAX, WHICH ENABLES SUBSCRIBERS TO SEND FAX MESSAGES DIRECT FROM THEIR PERSONAL COMPUTERS TO ANY FAX MACHINES LOCALLY THROUGH THE PUBLIC PACKET SWITCHED SERVICE WITH NO ADDITIONAL HARDWARE," MR LEUNG SAID.
"WE ARE THE FIRST TO INTRODUCE SUPERTELEX, WHICH SENDS TELEXES THROUGH A PERSONAL COMPUTER.
/"WE ARE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
10
"WE ARE ALSO ONE OF THE FIRST FAR EAST COUNTRIES TO OFFER PUBLIC VIDEO-CONFERENCING FACILITIES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT OLIVETTI WAS INTRODUCING IMAGE PROCESSING AND DOCUMENT ARCHIVING TECHNOLOGIES TO HONG KONG.
"THESE TECHNOLOGIES ARE AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO OUR WORLD-CLASS TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE. THEIR APPLICATION WILL FURTHER ENHANCE OUR DATA PROCESSING, COMPUTING AND DOCUMENT HANDLING CAPABILITIES IN ALL FIELDS, INCLUDING THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID HONG KONG WAS AT A PIVOTAL POSITION AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
"APART FROM ITS EXCELLENT PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN ITS WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT PUBLISHED IN THE LATTER HALF OF 1989 HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S MARKET AND FINANCIAL DYNAMISM, ITS FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY AND ITS INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION WAS NOW THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING MARKET AND ITS PENETRATION REQUIRED A STRATEGICALLY PLACED PHYSICAL PRESENCE.
HE SAID MANY ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICES WERE ALREADY IN HONG KONG. AN IMPORTANT TESTIMONY WAS OLIVETTI SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS HONG KONG, WHOSE REGIONAL OFFICE HERE ALSO SUPPORTED OPERATIONS IN TAIWAN, KOREA AND CHINA.
"ITS PRESENCE HERE NOT ONLY EMPHASISES HONG KONG’S VITAL ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE, BUT THE INTRODUCTION OF OLIVETTI’S LATEST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES WILL BRING HONG KONG TO THE FOREFRONT OF SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
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1989 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1989 HAS JUST COMMENCED.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTS, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
/RESULTS OF .......
'IUESDA' , .. 1, 1990
11
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
ABOUT 8,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, COVERING THE FOLLOWING ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES: MANUFACTURING; MINING AND QUARRYING; AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (THAT IS WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), PAYMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL WORK AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, VALUE OF PURCHASES AND OTHER EXPENSES, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AS WELL AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND STOCKS.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEY. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEY, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE. ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 5079.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
12
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE, WHICH ADMINISTERS GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE 1990-91 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL AID 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 KONG, AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT COMMITTEE SAID THAT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICANT MUST HAVE RESIDED OR BEEN DOMICILED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE.
’’CURRENT STUDENTS MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FROM THEIR INSTITUTIONS,” HE SAID.
’’PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO SATISFY THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF, AND HAVE APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO, EITHER UNIVERSITY MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED.
’’THEY WILL HAVE TO PRODUCE THE RESULT SLIPS OF THEIR ADVANCED/HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION OR NOTIFICATION OF PROVISIONAL OFFER IN RESPECT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
’’THEY SHOULD, HOWEVER, SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSION BY THE UNIVERSITY CONCERNED.
’’NEW STUDENTS ADMITTED BY THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND STUDENTS TAKING HIGHER DEGREE OR DIPLOMA COURSES, WHO WOULD NOT HAVE EXCEEDED THEIR MINIMUM PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1990, WERE 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, HE SAID.
/THE CLOSING .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 13 -
THE CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
CURRENT STUDENTS ; JUNE 1, 1990
NEW STUDENTS, CHINESE UNIVERSITY : AUGUST 24, 1990
OF HONG KONG
NEW STUDENTS, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG : EARLY SEPTEMBER 1990
NEW STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG : OCTOBER 10, 1990
POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF
HONG KONG AND BAPTIST COLLEGE
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WERE SUBJECT TO MEANS TEST, WHICH TAKES 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.
"FOR EVERY FRESH APPLICATION, THE APPLICANT AND/OR AN ADULT MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD (PREFERABLY HIS DECLARANT), WHO IS FULLY AWARE OF THE FAMILY’S CIRCUMSTANCES, WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION TO CLARIFY THE INFORMATION REPORTED IN THE APPLICATION," HE SAID.
"AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF APPLICATION, INTERVIEWS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN ALTERNATE YEARS."
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED 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 STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 867 2738.
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18 QUESTIONS, 15 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 18 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 15 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
IHE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL ALSO MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
OF THE 15 BILLS, 11 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATE ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
/THEY ARE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 14 -
THEY ARE THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL 1990.
THE ELEVENTH BILL IS A PRIVATE ONE, THE DEN NORSKE BANK BILL 1990.
THE OTHER BILLS ARE EACH DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BILL 1989, ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BILL 1989 AND GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL SPEAK ON THE REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989-90; WHILE THE HON PROF C.K. POON WILL SPEAK ON THE 1989-90 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
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$351M HOSPITAL CONTRACT SIGNED ♦ * *»***
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL STAFF QUARTERS AND NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL IN CHAI WAN WILL START LATER THIS MONTH.
THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED A $351.4 MILLION CONTRACT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF SHUI ON CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD TO EFFECT THE PROJECT.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES FOUR INTERLOCKING BLOCKS OF 17 STOREYS TO PROVIDE:
* A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL WITH LECTURE THEATRE, CLASSROOMS, SEM1NAR/DISCUSSION ROOMS, DEMONSTRATION/PRACTICAL AREAS AND LIBRARY;
* 793 UNITS OF QUARTERS FOR NURSES AND STUDENTS, DINING ROOMS,
KITCHEN, ADMINISTRATION AREAS, SQUASH COURTS AND CARPARKING;
AND
/♦STAFF PEDESTRIAN/SERVICES
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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* STAFF PEDESTRIAN/SERVICES TUNNEL LINK TO HOSPITAL AND LARGER STAFF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (THAT IS LANDSCAPED GARDEN, LOUNGES, LIBRARY AND CANTEEN).
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THREE HIGH-RISE BLOCKS PROVIDING 108 QUARTERS FOR SENIOR STAFF AND CARPARKING. THERE WILL BE GARDEN AREAS WITH A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND OUTDOOR FITNESS CENTRE.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1992.
THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL, IS BEING BUILT ON A MID-LEVEL SITE OVERLOOKING CHAI WAN.
IT WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL FACILITIES FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT AND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST HOSPITALS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE WORLD TODAY.
THE HOSPITAL COMPLEX WILL CONSIST OF INTER-RELATED BUILDINGS AROUND THE HILLSIDE LINKED BY TUNNELS, DOCKS AND FOOTBRIDGES.
THE PRIMARY UNIT WILL BE A 14-STOREY MAIN BLOCK, AND THERE WILL BE A 12-STOREY SPECIAL BLOCK, A NINE-STOREY PATHOLOGY BLOCK, A SIX-STOREY POLYCLINIC BLOCK, A. NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS.
CARPARKING, LANDSCAPED ROOF DECKS, STAFF BARRACKS AND A ROOFTOP HELIPAD FOR EMERGENCY USE WILL BE PROVIDED.
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SURVEY COMPLETED IN STAGE 3 LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED THE PRE-OPERATIONAL SURVEY IN PHASE I STAGE 3 CONTROL AREA UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
THE PHASE I STAGE 3 CONTROL AREA COVERS THE TUEN MUN ENVIRONS.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY WAS TO FIND OUT THE NUMBER OF FARMS IN THE AREA AND ASSESS THE ELIGIBILITY OF FARMS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
OPERATORS OF ANY LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THE AREA THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SURVEYED SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 733 2280 AND 733 2292. I
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STATUTORY DATE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME IN PHASE I STAGE 3 CONTROL AREA WAS JANUARY 1, 1990.
/FOLLOWING THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
FOLLOWING THE SAME ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE APPLIED TO STAGE 2 CONTROL AREA, GENERAL ENFORCEMENT OF CONTROL WOULD NOT BE EXTENDED TO THE TUEN MUN ENVIRONS PENDING THE REVIEW OF THE PRIVATE FARM DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED AFFECTED FARMERS IN THE PHASE I STAGE 3 CONTROL AREA WHO WISH TO CEASE BUSINESS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE OPERATION TO APPLY FOR CAPITAL GRANT AND LOW INTEREST LOAN.
LETTERS FOR APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE AFFECTED FARM OPERATORS.
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VA’S IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING CHILD CARE SERVICES: LADY WILSON
******
CHILD CARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG ARE VITAL, IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES AND WORKING MOTHERS, LADY WILSON SAID THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING DURING A VISIT TO THE TSUNG TSIN MISSION ON YAN CHILD CARE CENTRE IN FU SHIN ESTATE, TAI PO.
"VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION IN MEETING THE DEMAND," SHE NOTED.
THE ON YAN CHILD CARE CENTRE, WHICH CAN LOOK AFTER UP TO 150 CHILDREN BETWEEN TWO AND SIX YEARS OF AGE, ADOPTS GAME-ORIENTED TEACHING METHODS TO ENABLE YOUNG CHILDREN TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN A FREE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
IT ALSO ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN THE CHILDREN’S LEARNING PROGRAMMES.
LADY WILSON WAS SHOWN AROUND THE CENTRE, WHERE SHE SAW THE CHILDREN LEARNING, PLAYING AND DANCING.
LADY WILSON WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HER VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU; TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS YIU; PRESIDENT OF TSUNG TSIN MISSION, MR SIMON POON-KI SIT; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MISSION’S SOCIAL SERVICE DIVISION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR PETER LIN.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
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CONCERN GROUP BRIEFED ON SECURITY MEASURES AT WHITEHEAD
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM, AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD’S CONCERN GROUP ON THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON OBSERVED THE CENTRE FROM OUTSIDE THE SECURITY FENCES.
DURING THE VISIT, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, BRIEFED THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ON THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT THE CENTRE.
THESE INCLUDE STRENGTHENING THE EXISTING FENCES AND PROVIDING AN EXPANDED METAL SECURITY FENCE, AS WELL AS ERECTING A BARRIER BETWEEN FENCES.
OTHER MEASURES ARE MOUNTING A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT MOBILE PATROL AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE CENTRE, DEPLOYING ONE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT PLATOON TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY AT THE CENTRE, AND CONDUCTING ANOTHER LARGE-SCALE WEAPONS SEARCH AT THE CENTRE.
MR YUNG STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE RECENT ESCAPE OF BOAT PEOPLE FROM THE CENTRE, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION.
”IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE MEASURES, THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT WHITEHEAD WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED,” HE SAID.
MR YUNG SAID THE DB MEMBERS APPRECIATED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROMPT RESPONSE TO, AND SWIFT ACTIONS TO DEAL WITH, THE INCIDENT AT WHITEHEAD.
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CNTA SUPPORTS PO LEUNG KUK PROJECTS ♦ * ♦ * *
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) WILL FULLY SUPPORT PO LEUNG KUK’S SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICE PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR TSAO SAID THIS AFTER BEING BRIEFED ON THE KUK’S WORK PLAN FOR 1990-91 BY THE ORGANISATION’S CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTORS WHO WERE PAYING A COURTESY CALL ON THE CNTA.
REFERRING TO THE WORK PLAN, MR TSAO SAID: "I AM PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE KUK IS BUILDING MORE NURSERIES, HOMES FOR CHILDREN AND FOR THE ELDERLY, AS WELL AS BUILDING THE Y.C. CHENG CNETRE AND THE TSEUNG KWAN O CENTRE TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED.
/"THESE SERVICES .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
"THESE SERVICES ARE MUCH NEEDED BY THE COMMUNITY, AND THE CNTA WILL FULLY SUPPORT THESE BUILDING PROJECTS."
ON EDUCATION, MR TSAO SAID HE ENDORSED THE KUK’S POLICY OF BUILDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHOOLS IN A DISTRICT, SUCH AS SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS KINDERGARTENS, TO ENABLE CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGES TO STUDY IN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS.
"THIS POLICY WILL HAVE A FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS," HE NOTED.
MR TSAO ALSO PRAISED THE KUK’S EFFORTS IN BROADENING THE SCOPE OF ITS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BY ESTABLISHING VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES.
"THIS SPIRIT OF CONTINUOUSLY STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVING SERVICES WILL CERTAINLY WIN THE APPRECIATION OF THE PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
ON THE KUK’S PLAN FOR A LARGE-SCALE HOLIDAY CAMP IN TAI TONG, YUEN LONG, MR TSAO SAID THE CNTA WOULD RENDER FULL SUPPORT SO THAT THE PROJECT WOULD PROCEED SMOOTHLY.
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YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS MEDICAL SERVICES
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR HOLDING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
KOWLOON CITY DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 3).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS FOR 1990-91, THE PROPOSED LIAISON WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR AND THE PRODUCTION OF THE BOARD’S FOURTH TERM REPORT.
MEMBERS WILL REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE MORE STRINGENT LEGISLATION CONCERNING ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND TO REINSTATE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNIT IN VALLEY ROAD ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 3) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
*****
THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER SEVEN APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING VARIOUS OUTINGS AND CARNIVALS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 3).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY REPORTS ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 3) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 20 -
FISHERFOLK TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL ******
THOUSANDS OF FISHERFOLK AND WORSHIPPERS WILL GATHER AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONAL TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL FALLS ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF THE FOURTH MONTH OF THE LUNAR CALENDAR TO COMMEMORATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE LEGENDARY DEITY WHO IS BELIEVED TO BE ABLE TO BESTOW GOOD FORTUNE ON WORSHIPPERS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION IS A GRAND PROCESSION FEATURING DRAGON, LION AND UNICORN DANCES ALONG SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TO THE TAM KUNG TEMPLE.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, WILL VISIT THE TEMPLE AT 10.30 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES AT SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), STARTING AT 10.30 AM.
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MORE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR SAI KUNG
******
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL PROPOSE, AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 3), THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NINE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR.
THESE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE REPAIR OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT SUN KING TERRACE, THE LINKING OF THE JOGGING TRACKS OF TSUI LAM AND PO LAM ESTATES IN TSEUNG KWAN O AND THE PROVISION OF NEST LETTER BOXES FOR PO TOI O VILLAGERS.
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO PUT UP ROAD SAFETY BOARDS NEAR THE BUS STOP OUTSIDE PO YAN HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TO WARN JAYWALKERS.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER ALLOCATING $45,000 UNDER THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT VOTE TO DEMOLISH FIVE DESERTED INCINERATORS IN PAK SHEK WO, MAU WU TSAI, PAK SHA O, LUK MEI AND SHA TAU.
/OTHER AGENDA .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 21 -
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN 1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
KUNG BE
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
(MAY 3) GOVERNMENT
DISTRICT
HELD ON
FLOOR,
BOARD’S THURSDAY
SAI KUNG
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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SWD TUEN MUN OFFICES ON MOVE *****
THE BUTTERFLY FAMILY SERvicES CENTRE AND BUTTERFLY SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN TUEN MUN HAVE MOVED TO TAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THIRD FLOOR, 16 TSUN WEN ROAD, TUEN MUN, TODAY (TUESDAY).
FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES PROVIDE SERVICES TO HELP FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS SOLVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP OR ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS, ”HILE FIELD UNITS HANDLE APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE, CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION, TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE AND EMERGENCY RELIEF.
THE SWD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 31 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND 34 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS SERVING RESIDENTS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
------------------0------- SYMPOSIUM TO PROMOTE SAFETY PROGRAMME ******
MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF SAFETY AT WORK IN 54 ORGANISATIONS WILL SPEND THREE DAYS TOGETHER STARTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO BETTER PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE JOB.
THE THREE-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT WILL FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE NEED FOR A SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE.
/IT IS ......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING FOR MEMBERS OF SAFETY COMMITTEES AND PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR WORK SAFETY AND HEALTH IN SAFETY ORGANISATIONS.
HELD AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE, THE SYMPOSIUM THIS YEAR WILL CARRY THE THEME OF PROMOTING IN-PLANT SAFETY PROGRAMME AND TACKLING THE ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.
THERE WILL BE TALKS BY EXPERTS, INCLUDING A SOLICITOR, ON SUCH TOPICS AS THE ROLES OF SAFETY OFFICERS, EXPERIENCE IN SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH IN THE CONTROL OF IN-PLANT SAFETY PROBLEMS, A PARTICIPATIVE APPROACH TO SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL LIABILITY CLAIMS.
IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE FACTORY VISITS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN ACTION.
THE EVENT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK; COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR K.Y. TONGSON; AND A MEMBER OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, MR CHEUNG LUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEI YUE MAN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE.
A COACH (CM 4946) TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VENUE WILL DEPART FROM THE HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUTS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG ******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 3) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD (FROM SUN FUNG WAI TO FU TEI ROUNDABOUT), INCLUDING SUN FUNG WAI, NAI WAI, LAM TEI, LAM TEI ROAD, LAM TEI SAN TSUEN, LO FU HANG, TO YUEN WAI, FU TEI, FU TEI SAN TSUEN, FU TEI SHEUNG TSUEN, BOWRING CAMP, BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE, TSING CHUEN WAI AND TUEN TSZ WAI.
/ALSO TO
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
- 23 -
ALSO TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4).
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG KAM SHEUNG ROAD AND LAM KAM ROAD, WONG CHUK YUEN, AND CERTAIN PREMISES ALONG FAN KAM ROAD (FROM WANG TOI SHAN TO TA SHEK WU).
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN NORTH POINT * » * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN NORTH POINT, WHICH ARE NOW PROHIBITED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES, THOSE WITH PERMITS AND THOSE FOR ACCESS, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 3) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS:
» KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN TIN CHIU STREET AND MAN HONG STREET; AND
* MAN HONG STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND JAVA ROAD.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE MODIFICATION OF THE CENTRAL ISLAND ON KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET.
DURING THE CLOSURES, VEHICLES HEADING FOR KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND MAY TRAVEL VIA TIN CHIU STREET NORTHBOUND, JAVA ROAD AND MAN HONG STREET.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR MAY TRAVEL VIA TIN CHIU STREET NORTHBOUND AND JAVA ROAD.
AFFECTED EASTBOUND BUS ROUTES WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA TIN CHIU STREET NORTHBOUND, JAVA ROAD AND MAN HONG STREET.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
BILL TO GIVE HA POWERS TO MANAGE HOSPITAL SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY ........ 1
BILL TO REVISE MOTOR VEHICLES' FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ............... 2
BILL SEEKS TO GIVE EFFECT TO FEE INCREASES .......................... 3
BILL TO REVISE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE ............................ 3
BILL TO INCREASE REGISTRATION FEE FOR LIMITED COMPANIES ............. 4
INCREASE IN FEES PAYABLE BY BANKS AND DTC'S ......................... 5
BILL TO GIVE EFFECT TO PROPOSED TAXATION CONCESSIONS ................ 5
ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 INTRODUCED ........................ 6
FS MOVES SECOND READING OF SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) AMENDMENT BILL ................................................................
BILL TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ON BOARD SPACE OBJECTS .......................................................
Q MERGER OF TWO BANKS .................................................
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS BILL SUPPORTED .............................
REGULATIONS FOR CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND POISONS APPROVED .. II
CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED ................. I2
HK MAY HOST TECHNOLOGY FAIR .........................................
GUIDELINES ON FEES BETTER CONSIDERED BY MEDICAL PROFESSION .......... 13
MEASURES TAKEN TO CURB GANG ACTIVITIES IN VBP CENTRES ............... 14
FISHERMEN'S WEATHER INFORMATION NOT AFFECTED BY FREQUENCY CHANGE ....
EXISTING LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ON AIR GUNS ADEQUATE ..................
COMMITTEE ON RURAL IMPROVEMENT TO MEET SOON ......................... 17
/ADDITIONAL POLICE
ADDITIONAL POLICE COVERAGE OF JEWELLERY SHOPS PROVIDED ......................... 17
UNABLE TO COMMENT ON PRESS REPORTS: CS ......................................... 18
POSITIVE MEASURES TAKEN TO CONTAIN LEVEL OF JUVENILE CRIME ..................... 18
CONDITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IMPROVE .................................... 19
2,189 CASUAL VACANCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ............................... 21
GOVT CONCERNED ABOUT ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES .......................... 21
COST OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE NT ............................................... 23
TV PROGRAMMES UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY ............................................. 23
PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR LEGCO ELECTION DAY BEING CONSIDERED ......................... 24
SOME 20,000 VBP TO TAKE PART IN SKILLS TRAINING ................................ 24
NO AUTOMATIC POLICY ON COMPENSATING CRIME VICTIMS .............................. 25
NO NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN CRIMINAL OFFENCES BY STUDENTS ........................ 26
GOVT CONSIDERING WAY FORWARD ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS .............................. 27
FOUR BILLS PASSED .............................................................. 28
HONG KONG: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE................................................ 29
SAFETY TRAINING TO MEET PADS NEEDS ................................................ 30
PAC TO HOLD OPEN HEARING TOMORROW ................................................. 31
LEGCO APPROVES PROPOSALS TO REGISTER ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS ........................ 32
AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW NOMINEE SHAREHOLDINGS IN TV LICENSEE COMPANIES ................ 33
FSD ATHLETIC TEAM RETURNS ......................................................... 35
BUN FESTIVAL ON CHEUNG CHAU ....................................................... 36
CLOSURE OF LORRY CARPARK ON DB AGENDA ............................................. 37
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON INDUSTRIAL LIABILITIES .............................. 38
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION ........................................... 38
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPT PRAISED ................................................... 39
SEMINAR ON SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND CHANGING FAMILY PATTERN ............................ 39
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL ............................................ 40
ROAD CLOSURES IN WAN CHAI ......................................................... 40
GOODS VEHICLE BAN ZONES IN SHA TIN ................................................ 41
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY, TAI PO ................................... 41
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN TUEN MUN ............................................... 42
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
BILL TO GIVE HA POWERS TO MANAGE HOSPITAL SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY
******
THE PROVISIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL 1990 WILL GIVE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SUFFICIENT POWERS TO MANAGE THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM li I ECT1VELY, WHILE SAFEGUARDING THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THAT THE PRESENT CONCEPT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD EVOLVED OVER SEVERAL YEARS OF CAREFUL DELIBERATION AND IT WAS DESIGNED TO BRING SEVERAL BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY.
"FIRST, IT WILL BRING THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TOGETHER WITHIN AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, AND THE AUTHORITY WILL OFFER COMMON TERMS OF SERVICE TO ITS STAFF.
"THE SECOND BENEFIT IS THAT BY BEING ESTABLISHED OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE AUTHORITY WILL BE BETTER PLACED TO DEMONSTRATE FLEXIBILITY AND TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO CHANGING DEMANDS.
"THIRD, THERE WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT, WITH GREATER DEVOLUTION OF AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTRAL TO THE OPERATIONAL LEVELS.
"FINALLY, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PROVISION AND OPERATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES WILL BE ENHANCED," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT ENVISAGED THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS IMMEDIATELY UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, SINCE THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNLIKELY BY THEN TO HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF THE ESSENTIAL PREPARATORY WORK, SUCH AS THE DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL BOARDS ON THE INTEGRATION PROCESS, CONSULTATIONS WITH STAFF ON ASPECTS OF THE PHA’S REPORT WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECTED THEM, THE APPOINTMENT AND TRAINING OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, AND THE SETTING UP OF VARIOUS COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR PAYROLL, AND SO ON.
"THEREFORE, CLAUSE 1(2) PROVIDES THAT THE GOVERNOR MAY APPOINT DIFFERENT DAYS FOR THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF DIFFERENT PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.
"DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD, THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOSPITALS," MRS WONG SAID.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AS A BODY CORPORATE, WITH ITS MEMBERS AS THE GOVERNING BODY.
THE AUTHORITY WILL CONSIST OF NOT MORE INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THAN 31 MEMBERS,
/THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
2
THE BILL ALSO SETS OUT THE FUNCTION, THE POWER, THE FINANCIAL AND RELATED PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE AUTHORITY, AND EMPOWERS THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH SUCH COMMITTEES AS IT THINKS FIT FOR THE BETTER PERFORMANCE OF ITS FUNCTIONS AND EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL SPECIFIED NOW FEES FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES WOULD BE DETERMINED.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE AUTHORITY ON THE GENERAL LEVEL OF FEES TO BE CHARGED AND ON THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE DETERMINATION OF FEES; AND THAT THE AUTHORITY WILL, WITHIN THE AMBIT OF SUCH DIRECTIONS, DETERMINE STANDARD FEES WHICH THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES MAY THEN VARY WITHIN LIMITS SET BY THE AUTHORITY.
"BY THIS MEANS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INCREASE IN FEES IS FULLY JUSTIFIED AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.
"SEPARATELY THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WAIVING FEES, AND NEW WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES WILL BE IN PLACE BEFORE ANY REAL INCREASE IN FEES IS CONTEMPLATED," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT TO ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE PROPER CONTROL WITHIN PUBLIC HOSPITAL ESTATES AND OTHER PROPERTY UNDER ITS MANAGEMENT, THE BILL EMPOWERED THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE BY-LAWS, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"SUCH BY-LAWS MAY PROVIDE THAT THE CONTRAVENTION OF SPECIFIED PROVISIONS SHALL DE AN OFFENCE AND MAY PRESCRIBE PENALTIES NOT EXCEEDING A FINE OF $2,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS."
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BILL TO REVISE MOTOR VEHICLES’ FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ******
THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS SAID: "IT SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT FROM MARCH 7, 1990 TO THE PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO REVISE THE SCALE WHICH REDEFINES BASIC, SEMILUXURY AND LUXURY CARS TO REFLECT MORE REALISTICALLY THE CURRENT VALUE OF VEHICLES, AND TO INCREASE THE TAX RATES FOR PRIVATE CARS, MOTOR-CYCLES, TRICYCLES AND GOODS VEHICLES BY 10 PER CENT,”
/THE PRESENT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
THE PRESENT SCALE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1978 AND THE LAST REAL INCREASE OF THIS TAX WAS IN 1982, HE SAID.
"THIS INCREASE WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL $200 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR," SIR PIERS ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
BILL SEEKS TO GIVE EFFECT TO FEE INCREASES ♦ * * * *
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT FROM MARCH 7, 1990 TO THE PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCES, DRIVING TESTS AND VARIOUS CERTIFICATES AND PERMITS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT THESE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN
1989
"THE INCREASES OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT IS DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS.
"THE INCREASES WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL $150 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO REVISE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE
******
THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO INCREASE THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE FROM $630 TO $900 WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1990.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
/"THIS INCREASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
4
’’THIS INCREASE WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL $140 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,” HE SAID.
”IT ALSO SEEKS TO INCREASE THE EXEMPTION LIMITS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES," SIR PIERS ADDED.
UNDER THE LAW AT PRESENT, HE SAID, A BUSINESS WAS EXEMPT FROM THE FEE IF ITS AVERAGE SALES DID NOT EXCEED $1,500 PER MONTH OR, WHERE THE BUSINESS CONSISTED OF RENDERING SERVICES, IF ITS AVERAGE RECEIPTS DID NOT EXCEED $450 PER MONTH.
"IF ENACTED, EXEMPTION WILL TAKE EFFECT IF AVERAGE SALES OR RECEIPTS OF A BUSINESS DO NOT EXCEED $5,000 PER MONTH OR $1,500 PER MONTH RESPECTIVELY," SIR PIERS SAID.
SIR PIERS ALSO NOTED THAT THE REGISTRATION FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN 1989.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------------------------0-------- BILL TO INCREASE REGISTRATION FEE FOR LIMITED COMPANIES * ♦ ♦ * ♦
A BILL TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO INCREASE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1990 THE REGISTRATION FEE PAYABLE BY LIMITED COMPANIES UPON INCORPORATION FROM $600 TO $1,000, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN 1983.
"THIS INCREASE IN REGISTRATION FEE WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL $13 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,” SIR PIERS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/5........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 5 -
INCREASE IN FEES PAYABLE BY BANKS AND DTC’S *♦♦♦*»
THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO INCREASE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1990 THE FEES PAYABLE BY BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID SUCH FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1989.
"IN THE CASE OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, THE INCREASE WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE UNDER-RECOVERY OF GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION COSTS INCURRED.
"THE INCREASES WILL YIELD AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL $30 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
BILL TO GIVE EFFECT TO PROPOSED TAXATION CONCESSIONS
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE TAXATION CONCESSIONS PROPOSED IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE TAX CONCESSIONS INCLUDED ZERO-RATING THE CLAWBACK ON ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCES, INCREASED CHILD AND DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCES AND A REDUCTION IN THE FIRST TWO MARGINAL RATE BANDS OF SALARIES TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.
"THIS BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF ANNUAL COMMERCIAL REBUILDING ALLOWANCE FROM 0.75 PER CENT TO TWO PER CENT.
’’THE COST TO GENERAL REVENUE OF IMPLEMENTING THESE PROPOSALS IS ESTIMATED TO BE APPROXIMATELY $770 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND $1,065 MILLION PER ANNUM THEREAFTER AT PRESENT LEVELS OF CHARGEABLE INCOME," SIR PIERS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
---------0-----------
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 6 -
ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 INTRODUCED ******
THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE TAXATION CONCESSIONS PROPOSED IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE BILL INCLUDED EXEMPTION FROM ESTATE DUTY FOR ALL DEATH BENEFITS ARISING FROM APPROVED RETIREMENT SCHEMES, AN INCREASED ESTATE DUTY EXEMPTION LIMIT FROM $2 MILLION TO $4 MILLION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT SCHEDULE OF RATES WITH A NEW SCHEDULE SCALED FROM SIX PER CENT ON ESTATE BETWEEN $4 MILLION AND $4.5 MILLION TO 18 PER CENT ON ESTATES OVER $5 MILLION.
"THE COST TO GENERAL REVENUE OF IMPLEMENTING THESE PROPOSALS IS ESTIMATED TO BE $50 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,” HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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FS MOVES SECOND READING OF
SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) AMENDMENT BILL
******
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IS TO AMEND THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES AND TO GRANT IMMUNITY TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD IN RELATION TO THE BONA FIDE PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR PIERS SAID THE OPPORTUNITY HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO MAKE TWO MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ORDINANCE IMPOSED CERTAIN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO THE INTERESTS IN SHARES OF SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS AND THE INTERESTS IN SHARES AND DEBENTURES OF DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF LISTED COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG.
"ANY SUCH INTERESTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED TO THE LISTED COMPANY CONCERNED WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF THE OBLIGATION ARISING.
"THE COMPANY, IN TURN, IS GIVEN UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE FOLLOWING DAY TO REPORT THE INFORMATION TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
/"THE STOCK .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
’’THE STOCK EXCHANGE IS THEN INFORMATION RECEIVED IN SUCH MANNER COMMISSION MAY SPECIFY,” THE FINANCIAL
REQUIRED TO PUBLISH THE AND FOR SUCH PERIOD AS THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED.
SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THAT THESE NO! FI CATION PROCEDURES WERE UNSATISFACTORY.
’’THEY DO NOT ENSURE THE PROMPT RELEASE OF PRICE SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC. FURTHERMORE, THEY CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INSIDER DEALING.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, OFFICERS OF THE LISTED COMPANY CONCERNED CAN BE IN POSSESSION OF PRICE-SENSITIVE INFORMATION FOR UP TO TWO DAYS BEFORE IT IS PASSED ON TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE FOR PUBLICATION,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED THEREFORE, THAT WHERE A DUTY OF DISCLOSURE AROSE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE PERSON CONCERNED SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY BOTH THE LISTED COMPANY AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE, AND TO ENSURE THAT THE NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE BEFORE IT WAS RECEIVED BY THE LISTED COMPANY, SIR PIERS SAID.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE AN OFFENCE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT TO AVOID POSSIBLE INJUSTICE, IT WOULD BE A DEFENCE FOR A PERSON TO SHOW THAT HE HAD TAKEN ALL REASONABLY PRACTICABLE STEPS TO NOTIFY THE STOCK EXCHANGE BEFORE THE LISTED COMPANY CONCERNED.
"ONCE IT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THE STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE UNDER A STATUTORY DUTY TO PUBLISH THE INFORMATION NOTIFIED," HE SAID.
HAVING REGARD TO THE LARGE VOLUME OF NOTIFICATIONS EXPECTED AND THE NEED TO PROCESS AND PUBLISH THE INFORMATION QUICKLY, SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM LEGAL ACTIONS FOR DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE PUBLICATION IN GOOD FAITH OF INCORRECT INFORMATION.
"WE PROPOSE THEREFORE THAT NO LIABILITY SHOULD BE INCURRED BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE OR ITS EMPLOYEES IN THE PERFORMANCE IN GOOD FAITH OF ANY DUTY IMPOSED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.
TWO MINOR AMENDMENTS PROPOSED UNDER THE BILL ARE:-
* FIRST, THE TERM "UNIFIED EXCHANGE" BE REPLACED BY "EXCHANGE COMPANY" WHEREVER THE DUTIES IMPOSED UNDER THE ORDINANCE APPLY TO THE LICENSED COMPANY, THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF
HONG KONG LIMITED, AND NOT TO THE STOCK MARKET ITSELF.
♦ SECONDLY, IN ADDITION TO THE PRESENT METHODS OF
NOTIFICATION, NAMELY BY POST OR PERSONAL DELIVERY, NOTIFICATIONS SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF BEING MADE IN SUCH OTHER MANNER AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 8 -
"THIS IS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF MARKET PRACTICES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY," SIR PIERS EXPLAINED.
SIR PIERS SAID THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JULY 1988 BUT HAD YET TO BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE.
"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR INTENTION THAT THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE ONCE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE ARE IN A POSITION TO CARRY OUT THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE. THIS CONDITION HAS NOW BEEN MET.
"SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THIS BILL NOW BEFORE THE COUNCIL, IT IS OUR INTENTION TO BRING THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE INTO FORCE ON JULY 1, 1990," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
------0-------
BILL TO PROVIDE FOR LICENSING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ON BOARD SPACE OBJECTS
*****
THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO AMEND THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE (THE ORDINANCE) IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ON BOARD SPACE OBJECTS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MRS CHAN SAID- "THE PURPOSE OF THIS LICENSING REQUIREMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ARE MADE SUBJECT TO PROPER REGULATORY CONTROL, FOR EXAMPLE WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF RADIO FREQUENCIES."
THE AMENDMENT HAD BEEN MADE NECESSARY BY THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF THE ASJASAT 1 SATELLITE BY ASIA SATELLITE TELECOMMUNICATION CO LTD SHE ADDED.
"THIS SATELLITE IS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG AS A SPACE OBJECT UNDER THE UK OUTER SPACE ACT AS EXTENDED TO HONG KONG BY THE OUTER SPACE (HONG KONG) ORDER 1990.
’THE COMPANY HAS PLANS TO LAUNCH OTHER SATELLITES IN FUTURE WHICH WOULD ALSO BE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG," MRS CHAN SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 9 -
MERGER OF TWO BANKS
* * t »
THE HON LAU WAH-SUM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED A PRIVATE BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE MERGER OF THE DEN NORSKE CREDITBANK AND BERGEN BANK A/S.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DEN NORSKE BANK BILL 1990, MR LAU SAID HONG KONG HAD AN INTEREST IN AFFORDING CERTAINTY AND SECURITY OF BUSINESS TO INTERNATIONAL BANKS OPERATING HERE.
AND THIS ENABLING LEGISLATION WAS THE BEST MANNER IN WHICH TO AFFORD CERTAINTY TO THE CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE DEN NORSKE CREDITBANK IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE DEN NORSKE CREDITBANK WAS LICENSED AS A BANK UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS BILL SUPPORTED * * * * *
THE CONCEPT OF REGISTERING PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IS WELL RECEIVED BOTH BY THE ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND THE COMMUNITY, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MISS TAM, WHO CHAIRED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BI LI, AND THE ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BILL, SAID THE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE A GENERAL STATUTORY REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR THE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN HONG KONG.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR ARGUMENT WHICH AROSE DURING THE AD HOC GROUP’S DELIBERATION OF THE ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BILL WAS ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE TERMS "ARCHITECT" SHOULD BE USED EXCLUSIVELY BY PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED ARCHITECTS IN THE DESCRIPTION OF HIS TRADE AND PROFESSION, AND MAKING IT UNLAWFUL FOR OTHERS, INCLUDING SAY BUILDING SURVEYORS, TO DO SO.
NOTING THAT THE BILL MERELY RESTRICTS THE USE OF THE WORD "ARCHITECTS" BUT DOES NOT RESTRICT ANY SURVEYOR TO CARRY OUT ARCHITECTURAL WORK AS LONG AS HE DID NOT DESCRIBE HIMSELF TO BE AN ARCHITECT, MISS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP, AFTER LONG DELIBERATION, DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSAL.
"THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT AFFECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE SURVEYORS, SHE ADDED.
/THE AD .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 10 -
THE AD HOC GROUP ALSO DISCUSSED AT LENGTH CLAUSES WHICH REQUIRED A CANDIDATE TO HAVE ONE YEAR’S LOCAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE REGISTRATION.
MISS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP SHARED THE CONCERN OF THE SURVEYING AND THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSIONS THAT THE REQUIREMENT MIGHT DISSUADE THOSE WHO HAD EMIGRATED FROM RETURNING IF THEY HAD TO WORK ONE MORE YEAR IN HONG KONG BEFORE THEY COULD BE REGISTERED.
IT WOULD ALSO MEAN THAT THE NEWLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS WOULD HAVE TO WORK ONE YEAR BEFORE THEY COULD BE REGISTERED, SHE ADDED.
AFTER PROTRACTED DISCUSSION, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE AD HOC GROUP CAME TO A COMPROMISE AND AGREED THAT THE REGISTRATION BOARD SHOULD BE RESTED WITH THE DISCRETION TO GAUGE THE APPLICANT’S PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSE AND THERE WAS NO NEED TO SPECIFY IN THE BILLS THAT THE ONE-YEAR RELEVANT LOCAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE HAD TO BE OBTAINED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION, SHE SAID.
ON THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON HAS TO BE "ORDINARILY RESIDENT” IN HONG KONG BEFORE HE CAN BE REGISTERED AND THE PROVISIONS THAT A REGISTERED PERSON WHO HAS FAILED TO RESIDE IN HONG KONG COULD BE DE-REGISTERED, MISS TAM SAID AFTER MUCH PERSUASION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO AMEND THE PROVISION TO THE EFFECT THAT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR TWO YEARS OR MORE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS "ORDINARY RESIDENT".
WELCOMING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BILL, ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE AD HOC GROUP, THE HON EDWARD HO, SAID: "THE BILL GOES BEYOND THE ABOVE PRIMARY PURPOSE IN THAT IT ESTABLISHES CERTAIN BASIC PRINCIPLES ON PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION RELATING NOT ONLY TO THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION BUT ALSO TO OTHER PROFESSIONS."
HE REMARKED THAT THOSE BASIC PRINCIPLES WERE CONSIDERED OF GREAT IMPORTANCE BY THE PROFESSIONS IN HONG KONG NOT ONLY FOR THE SOCIETY TODAY BUT PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY, FOR THE YEARS TO COME.
"IT IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT THE PROFESSIONS IN HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE OPEN TO PROFESSIONALS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD AND HENCE IT IS CONSIDERED THAT A PROPER SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION WOULD BE VITAL FOR MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF PROFESSIONALISM IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE HOPED THAT WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL, WHEN THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTS IN OUR COMMUNITY WAS MORE CLEARLY DEFINED, ARCHITECTS WOULD DEDICATE EVEN MORE THAN BEFORE TO THE CREATION OF BETTER ARCHITECTURE IN HONG KONG.
/Il ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
11
REGULATIONS FOR CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND POISONS APPROVED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 AND THE POISONS LIST (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 MADE BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD ON MARCH 4, 1990.
MOVING THE MOTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, EXPLAINED THAT THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND POISONS.
"THE SCHEDULES TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS AND THE POISONS LIST SET OUT IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE POISONS LIST REGULATIONS ARE UPDATED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN NEW PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS REQUIRING CONTROL APPEAR ON THE MARKET.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS REFLECT THE LATEST UP-DATING OF THE SCHEDULES AND THE LIST BY THE BOARD," MR WONG SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION, THE BOARD HAD RESOLVED TO AMEND REGULATION 40 OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS TO MAKE A CONTRAVENTION OF REGULATION 38A AN OFFENCE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN REGULATION 40.
"REGULATION 38A WHICH REQUIRES MEDICINES SOLD OVER THE COUNTER TO BEAR A LABEL IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE REGARDING DOSAGE AND THE ROUTE AND FREQUENCY’OF ADMINISTRATION WAS INTRODUCED IN 1987 AND CAME INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 1, 1988.
"OWING TO AN OVERSIGHT, THE PRESENT REGULATIONS CONTAIN NO PROVISION WHICH WILL MAKE CONTRAVENTION OF REGULATION 38A AN OFFENCE."
MRS WONG SAID ALTHOUGH THE ABSENCE OF SUCH A PROVISION HAD NOT SO FAR UNDERMINED COMPLIANCE WITH THE LABELLING REQUIREMENT, THE BOARD CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR CONTRAVENTION OF REGULATION 38A IN ORDER TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT.
THE PRESENT AMENDMENT SOUGHT TO BRING REGULATION 38A WITHIN THE PENALTY PROVISIONS OF REGULATION 40, SHE SAID.
"THAT IS TO SAY, MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BILINGUAL LABELLING REQUIREMENT WILL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $2,500 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE AND HIGHER PENALTIES FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES.
"IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE REQUESTED THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD TO REVIEW THE LEVEL OF FINES CONTAINED IN REGULATION 40 TO SEE WHETHER THEY NEED TO BE INCREASED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE NECESSARY DETERRENT EFFECT," SHE ADDED.
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/12 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 12 -
CHANGES TO APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TABLED ******
A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1989-90 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(8)(B) OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
SPEAKING ON THE CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $636.3 MILLION WAS APPROVED.
"IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS," SIR PIERS SAID.
THIS INCLUDED $284.3 MILLION TO ENABLE THE FIVE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO AWARD SALARY INCREASES TO THEIR ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC STAFF FOLLOWING AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY SCALES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 LAST YEAR AND $142.3 MILLION IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORMATION OF A NEW DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON JULY 1, 1989, HE SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $18.5 MILLION, AND' NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $52.5 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
SIR PIERS ALSO NOTED THAT A NET INCREASE OF 2,043 POSTS WAS APPROVED IN THE SAME PERIOD.
"ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAVE BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED' AUTHORITY.
"THE LATTER HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(8)(A) OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
------0-------
HK MAY HOST TECHNOLOGY FAIR ******
AN INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FAIR MAY BE STAGED TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING Till' ANNUAL I/EI'OI?'! <)!• Till' COMMITTPL ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, I'ROI' I'OOH :AII> A I EAH I P. I L I I 7 ■ilGD7 0)1 Illi! IAIP WA-i CONDUCTED.
/HE SAID ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD RECEIVE RESULTS FROM CONSULTANCY STUDIES ON HONG KONG’S POTENT[AL NEED FOR SUPERCOMPUTING FACILITIES; ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USAGE AND MANPOWER IN HONG KONG; AND ON THE POTENTIAL FOR A BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IN THE TERRITORY.
A CONSULTATION EXERCISE WOULD ALSO BE LAUNCHED ON A DRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE SAFE USE AND MANUFACTURE OF LASERS, HE ADDED.
AS FOR THE MAIN TASKS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, PROF POON SAID THE TOP PRIORITY WAS FOR A STUDY ON THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN HONG KONG AS COMPARED WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE STUDY WOULD BE TO PROVIDE A FIRM BASE FOR CONSIDERING WHETHER HONG KONG’S CURRENT APPROACH TO HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WAS APPROPRIATE AND IF NOT, WHAT SPECIFIC CHANGES NEEDED TO BE MADE.
ON TECHNOLOGY SAFETY, THE YEAR’S FOCUS WOULD BE ON THE CONTROL OF TOXIC CHEMICALS FOR THE DRAWING UP OF PROPOSALS TO TACKLE OUTSTANDING PROBLEMS, HE SAID.
THE THIRD NEW ITEM WAS A STUDY OF WHAT WAS BEING DONE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BY VOLUNTARY BODIES AND SOCIETIES TO AROUSE YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID.
"IT IS CLEARLY ESSENTIAL TO INSTIL ENTHUSIASM FOR SCIENCE AT AN EARLY STAGE IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SUPPLY OF SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS FOR THE FUTURE.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL BE REVIEWING EXISTING ACTIVITIES AND IDENTIFYING ANY AREAS WHERE THERE ARE GAPS OR WHERE CO-ORDINATION IS NEEDED,” HE SAID.
PROF POON ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD RECEIVE AN ALLOCATION OF $5 MILLION THIS YEAR -- $3 MILLION FROM A ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATION AND $2 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT -- TO SUPPORT ITS ACTIVITIES.
- - 0
GUIDELINES ON FEES BETTER CONSIDERED BY MEDICAL PROFESSION
******
ANY GUIDELINES ON FEES ARE BETTER CONSIDERED BY THE MEDICAL PROFESSION THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATIONS AS PART OF THE PROCESS OF SELF-REGULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES TIEN, MRS WONG SAID THAT SHE DID NOT THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE OR TO PRESCRIBE GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
/"THE FEES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
14
’’THE FEES TO BE LEVIED FOR SURGERY OR OTHER PRIVATE MEDICAL TREATMENT ARE A MATTER BETWEEN THE DOCTOR AND HIS PATIENT, AND PATIENTS WOULD WELL BE ADVISED TO SEEK AN ESTIMATE OF CHARGES IN ADVANCE," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG SAID THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WAS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF SURGICAL CHARGES AMONG ITS MEMBERS, ADDING THAT IT MIGHT SHED SOME LIGHT ON WHETHER THE ALLEGATIONS REFERRED TO IN THE QUESTION COULD BE SUBSTANTIATED.
MRS WONG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ALL SCALES OF FEES CHARGED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
’’THESE PUBLISHED RATES PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR THE CONSUMER.
’’THE GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATION IS TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD PRIVATE MEDICAL FEES HAVE A SATISFACTORY ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TREATMENT,” SHE SAID.
--------0-----------
MEASURES TAKEN TO CURB GANG ACTIVITIES IN VBP CENTRES
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN AWARE OF GANG ACTIVITY IN SOME OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRES AND REFUGEE CAMPS, AND HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO CURB SUCH ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR, MR ASPREY SAID THE GANGS TENDED TO FORM AROUND REGIONAL GROUPINGS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES WERE AIMED MAINLY AT CONTROLLING FACILITIES WITHIN THE CENTRES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL REPORTS OF GANG RELATED CRIME WERE INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE, AND WHERE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE WAS AVAILABLE THE OFFENDERS WERE PROSECUTED.
"IN 1989 SOME 380 VBP/REFUGEES WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES.
"NOT ALL OF THESE OFFENCES WERE GANG RELATED, BUT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION WERE," HE SAID.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENDEAVOURING TO CURTAIL THE INFLUENCE OF THE GANGS BY DEVELOPING A MORE EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATIONAL STRUCTURE IN THE CAMPS, MR ASPREY ADDED.
/"ONLY A .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 15 -
’’ONLY A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE BOAT PEOPLE AND REFUGEE POPULATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE GANGS.
"OUR AIM IS TO IMPROVE TRUST AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION IN AN EFFORT TO LIMIT THE INFLUENCE OF THE GANGS, AND TO GATHER EVIDENCE AND INTELLIGENCE ON GANG ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT CHI MA WAN UPPER CENTRE WAS BEING CONVERTED INTO A SEGREGATION CAMP FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS GANG MEMBERS AND TROUBLEMAKERS.
"THE CAMP WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL LATER THIS MONTH.
"IT SHOULD HELP US BREAK UP SOME OF THE GANGS AND LIMIT THE INFLUENCE OF OTHERS," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY ALSO NOTED THAT BOTH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE A POLICY OF FREQUENT AND THOROUGH SEARCHING OF THE CENTRES FOR WEAPONS.
"THE MANUFACTURE OF WEAPONS IS A MAJOR CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
"IN THE LAST TWO YEARS A TOTAL OF ABOUT 8,000 WEAPONS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CENTRES," HE SAID.
"ALTHOUGH IT IS A SMALL MINORITY OF THE BOAT PEOPLE AND REFUGEES WHO ENGAGE IN CRIMINAL AND GANG ACTIVITIES, THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONCERNED TO CURB SUCH ACTIVITIES,” MR ASPREY STRESSED.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE POLICIES TO THAT END," HE ADDED.
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FISHERMEN’S WEATHER INFORMATION NOT AFFECTED BY FREQUENCY CHANGE
NO CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE TO RTHK’S AM FREQUENCIES FOLLOWING THE RADIO FREQUENCY RE-ALLOCATION EXERCISE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AND FISHERMEN CAN THEREFORE STILL TUNE IN TO THE SAME FREQUENCIES FOR WEATHER INFORMATION AS THEY DID IN THE PAST, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFATfvS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) .
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR TSAO SAID THE ONLY CHANGE HAD BEEN THAT ONE OF THE FREQUENCIES NOW CARRIED A DIFFERENT PROGRAMME CONTENT.
"HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RADIO, ON THE OTHER HAND, NOW USES ITS AM CHANNEL TO BROADCAST IN ENGLISH AND THEREFORE NO LONGER PROVIDES WEATHER INFORMATION IN CANTONESE,” MR TSAO SAID.
/HE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
HE POINTED OUT THAT FISHERMEN OPERATING CLOSE TO SHORE COULD STILL RECEIVE WEATHER INFORMATION ON FM CHANNELS OF BOTH STATIONS.
ON THE RADIO FREQUENCY RE-ALLOCATION EXERCISE, MR TSAO SAID EXTENSIVE MEDIA PUBLICITY WAS GIVEN TO IT PRIOR TO ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND SPECIAL INFORMATION ON SOUTH CHINA COASTAL WEATHER INFORMATION BROADCAST WAS SENT TO ALL THE FISHERMEN ASSOCIATIONS.
"RTHK WILL SEND A FURTHER LETTER TO ALL FISHERMEN ASSOCIATIONS AND WILL IN ADDITION BROADCAST RADIO TRAILERS ON ALL AM AND FM CHANNELS TO EXPLAIN THE ARRANGEMENTS," HE ADDED.
MR TSAO ADDED THAT NEW TRANSMITTERS HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE TWO AM CHANNELS INVOLVED AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD TAKE PLACE WHEN NEW MASTS WERE INSTALLED LATER THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
EXISTING LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ON AIR GUNS ADEQUATE
******
THE EXISTING LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ON AIR GUNS ARE ADEQUATE, AND IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO IMPOSE FURTHER CONTROLS AT PRESENT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG, MR ASPREY SAID THE SALE OF AIR GUNS WAS REGULARLY MONITORED BY THE POLICE.
HE NOTED THAT THE MUZZLE ENERGY OF MOST SUCH GUNS WAS IN THE RANGE OF 0.4 TO 0.6 JOULES, WHICH WAS SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW THE 2-JOULE *
LIMIT
THE POINT WHERE THE FORCE OF AN AIR GUN
SUFFICIENT TO PENETRATE HUMAN SKIN.
PELLET WAS
AN AIR GUN WITH A MUZZLE ENERGY GREATER THAN 2
JOULES IS
SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER FIREARMS.
"AN AIR GUN WITH A MUZZLE ENERGY OF LESS THAN 2 JOULES IS NOT SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL," MR ASPREY SAID.
- - 0 - -
/17
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
17 -
COMMITTEE ON RURAL IMPROVEMENT TO MEET SOON »*»»*»
THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE THE PRIORITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT WILL MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DETAILED WORKS PROGRAMMES FOR RURAL IMPROVEMENT AND PLANNING, MR BARNES SAID A LIST OF WORKS PROGRAMMES FOR EACH NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT COVERING THE YEARS 1989/90 TO 1993/94 HAD BEEN DRAWN UP.
IT INCLUDED THE PROVISION AND IMPROVEMENT OF VILLAGE ACCESS ROADS AND FOOTPATHS, THE PROVISION OF SEWERS AND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AND VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES.
"THERE ARE NO FIXED CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIES, BUT THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE, ON WHICH THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL HAVE THREE REPRESENTATIVES, WILL DETERMINE THE PRIORITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION," MR BARNES SAID.
A DETAILED LIST OF WORKS FOR 1994/95 HAS NOT YET BEEN DRAWN UP.
--------0 - -
ADDITIONAL POLICE COVERAGE OF JEWELLERY SHOPS PROVIDED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT LN ADDITION TO NORMAL BEAT PATROLS, ADDITIONAL POLICE COVERAGE OF JEWELLERY SHOPS IS PROVIDED BY THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND OTHER MOBILE PATROLS, ALL OF WHICH ARE HIGHLY VISIBLE, IN ORDER TO DETER ARMED ROBBERIES.
LN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID PLAIN CLOTHES POLICEMEN WERE ALSO DEPLOYED LN AREAS WHERE THERE WERE LARGE NUMBERS OF SUCH PREMISES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU REGULARLY GAVE ADVICE TO ALL GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERY SHOP PROPRIETORS.
"QUARTERLY MEETINGS ARE HELD WITH THE GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERY SHOP OPERATORS ASSOCIATION, AND ALL PREMISES ARE VISITED AND ADVISED ON PRECAUTIONS, PARTICULARLY BEFORE AND DURING FESTIVE PERIODS SUCH AS CHRISTMAS AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
"IN ADDITION, SHOPS ARE VISITED BY CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS KITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING WEAKNESSES IN SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ADVISING ON THE INSTALLATION OF APPROPRIATE SECURITY DEVICES," HE SAID.
------0--------
/18
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 18 -
UNABLE TO COMMENT ON PRESS REPORTS: CS *******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT HE IS UNABLE TO COMMENT ON RECENT PRESS SPECULATION ABOUT ADVICE GIVEN BY THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION IN A PARTICULAR CASE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU, SIR DAVID SAID NOR WAS HE ABLE TO SAY WHETHER ANY INVESTIGATION WAS BEING MADE IN RELATION TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION, SINCE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT ENQUIRIES WERE BEING UNDERTAKEN COULD LEND CREDENCE TO THE ASSERTIONS IN THOSE REPORTS.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT QUESTION WHICH SOUGHT TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER STATEMENTS IN THE PRESS WERE ACCURATE DID NOT CONFORM WITH THE RULES SET OUT IN STANDING ORDER 18(1)(I) OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNOR ON JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS.
"COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND THE GOVERNOR ON SUCH MATTERS ARE CONFIDENTIAL BY REASON OF SECTION 11 OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION ORDINANCE," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IT WAS .AN OFFENCE BY REASON OF SECTION 12 OF THE ORDINANCE FOR A PERSON, OTHERWISE THAN IN THE COURSE OF HIS DUTY, TO ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION.
"THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, INFORMS ME THAT, TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE, NO SUCH ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE EITHER IN THE CASE REFERRED TO, OR IN ANY OTHER CASE.
"IF SUCH AN ATTEMPT WERE TO BE MADE THEN, OF COURSE, APPROPRIATE ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN,” SIR DAVID SAID.
POSITIVE MEASURES TAKEN TO CONTAIN LEVEL OF JUVENILE CRIME
******
POSITIVE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO MONITOR AND CONTAIN THE LEVEL OF JUVENILE CRIME, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MICHAEL CHENG TAK-KIN, MR ASPREY OUTLINED THE MEASURES TAKEN TO COUNTER JUVENILE CRIME. THESE INCLUDED:
* REGULAR SCHOOLS VISITS AND LECTURES BY DISTRICT POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS;
/* SEMINARS FOR ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 19 -
♦ SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ON CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES;
♦ THE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS IN JUNIOR POLICE CALL ACTIVITIES; AND
» WARNINGS AGAINST INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME THROUGH EDUCATIONAL FILMS, PAMPHLETS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST ON TELEVISION.
HE NOTED THAT THESE MEASURES WERE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ENSURE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
MR ASPREY SAID HE BELIEVED THAT AMONG THE CAUSES OF THE INCREASE IN CRIME BY JUVENILES AND YOUNG PERSONS IN RECENT YEARS WERE THE TEMPTATION OF AN INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT SOCIETY, A DECLINE IN PARENTAL CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY, AND A DECLINE IN SELF-DISCIPLINE AMONG YOUNG PERSONS.
HE ADDED THAT THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD ALSO GIVEN A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME, AND ITS STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS ADVISED ON WAYS OF PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME.
’’THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO PLACED THE EMPHASIS ON YOUNG PERSONS IN ITS FIGHT CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN," MR ASPREY SAID.
"THE ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN, WHICH AIMS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ALL ASPECTS OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES, IS PRIMARILY DIRECTED AT YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING RECRUITED INTO TRIAD SOCIETIES."
IN ADDITION, THE RECENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS HAD GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SHOP THEFT AND JUVENILE HOOLIGANISM.
"THE AIM IS TO DISSUADE YOUNGSTERS FROM INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME AND TO REMIND PARENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL CARE AND CONTROL," HE SAID.
------0--------
CONDITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IMPROVE
*****
THE OVERCROWDING CONDITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAVE GREATLY IMPROVED IN THE PAST DECADE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, MR TSAO SAID THAT AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, 34,229 HOUSEHOLDS WERE OCCUPYING A LIVING AREA OF LESS THAN 3.25 SQUARE METRES PER PERSON IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE TERRITORY.
/THIS FIGURE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 20 -
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTED 6.4 PER CENT OF THE 532,000 HOUSEHOLDS LIVING IN PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING, AND WAS A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION FROM THE POSITION IN MARCH 1981 WHEN THERE WERE OVER 123,000 SUCH HOUSEHOLDS, REPRESENTING 34.8 PER CENT OF THE 353,000 PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSEHOLDS THEN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEGREE OF OVERCROWDEDNESS VARIED FROM ESTATE TO ESTATE; AND THE PROBLEM MAINLY EXISTED IN THE OLDER ESTATES WHICH WERE BUILT TO MORE STRINGENT ALLOCATION STANDARDS.
"UNDER CURRENT POLICY, FAMILIES IN OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS MAY APPLY FOR TRANSFER TO LARGER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED THAT THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME INCOME LIMIT AND THAT THEY DO NOT OWN ANY DOMESTIC PROPERTY," HE SAID.
"PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO APPLY FOR CASUAL VACANCIES IN THE SAME ESTATE AS THEY ARISE, OR FOR NEWLY COMPLETED ESTATES.
"THEY MAY ALSO APPLY FOR AN HOS/PSPS FLAT OR TAKE OUT AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO BUY A PRIVATE SECTOR FLAT, AGAIN WITH PRIORITY STATUS.
"SOME MAY CHOOSE TO APPLY ’FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE GENERAL WAITING LIST."
MR TSAO SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE VEHICLE IN THE RELIEF OF OVERCROWDEDNESS WAS THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD PROGRESSIVELY BRING THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE OLDER ESTATES TO MODERN STANDARDS.
"IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS ALONE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 10,000 (OR 29.2 PER CENT) HOUSEHOLDS CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS WILL BE ALLOCATED A NEW FLAT WITH MUCH BETTER AMENITIES AND FACILITIES.
"BY 2001, 82 PER CENT OF THESE HOUSEHOLDS WILL HAVE BEEN REHOUSED UNDER THIS PROGRAMME IF THEY HAVE NOT CHOSEN BEFORE THEN TO USE THE VARIOUS OTHER MEANS AVAILABLE TO THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS," HE ADDED.
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/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 21 -
2,189 CASUAL VACANCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES
THERE WERE 2,189 CASUAL VACANCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE TERRITORY AS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, WHICH REPRESENTED 0.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STOCK OF 635,000 RENTAL FLATS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, MR TSAO SAID 1,629 OF THESE FLATS WERE IN THE URBAN AND EXTENDED URBAN AREAS, AND THE REMAINING 560 WERE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
’’MOST OF THE CASUAL VACANCIES IN THE URBAN OR EXTENDED URBAN AREAS ARE RESERVED AS LOCAL RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OR THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN THE NEAR FUTURE,” HE SAID.
MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT CASUAL VACANCIES NOT RESERVED FOR THESE PURPOSES WERE IMMEDIATELY OFFERED FOR RELETTING UPON RECOVERY, AND THE AVERAGE TIME TO RELET THESE FLATS WAS FOUR WEEKS.
--------------------------0-------- GOVT CONCERNED ABOUT ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ******
THF GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCIDENCE OF ABUSE 01 PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, THE SECRETARY FOB HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) HAD AT ITS MEETING IN APRIL ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE A PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO ABUSE IN PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO SUBJECT THESE DRUGS TO MORE STRINGENT CONTROLS, SHF SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH WAS NOW SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE PHARMACY \ND POISONS BOARD WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING TO ACAN THE PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES To BE SO SCHEDULED.
MRS WONG STATED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RON A LI' CHOW.
ON THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, REGISTERED DISPENSARIES AND DRUG STORES, MRS WONG GAVE THE FIGURES AS SHOWN BELOW:
/NUMBER OF .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 22 -
NUMBER OF REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE BY YEAR 1983-1989
END OF YEAR
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
NO. OF REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
1,992
2,097
2,291
2,479
2,695
2,880
3,072
NUMBER OF REGISTERED DISPENSARIES AND DRUG STORES BY YEAR 1983-1989
REGISTERED DISPENSARIES DRUG STORES
END OF YEAR (AUTHORISED SELLERS) (LISTED SELLERS)
1983 147 2,468
1984 152 2,539
1985 163 2,566
1986 177 2,633
1987 181 2,661
1988 175 2,666
1989 176 2,647
THESE WERE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL AND THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DISPENSARIES (AUTHORISED SELLERS) AND DRUG STORES (LISTED SELLERS) LICENSED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.
MRS WONG ADDED THAT UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WERE REQUIRED TO KEEP COMPLETE RECORDS OF ALL TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.
’’HOWEVER, THE LAW DOES NOT EMPOWER THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALERS TO SUBMIT RETURNS ON THEIR SALES RECORDS EITHER ON A REGULAR BASIS OR AS AND WHEN REQUESTED.
’THERE IS, THEREFORE, NO READILY AVAILABLE INFORMATION ON THE VALUE OF THE ANNUAL IMPORTS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS INTO HONG KONG AND THsIR SUBSEQUENT SALES TO THE VARIOUS OUTLETS,” SHE SAID.
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/23 .......
-f3f- 4
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 23 -
COST OF PUBLld- HOUSING IN THE N’T * * 4 4 4 t
THE TOTAL NET COST TO GOVERNMENT AND tNe HOUSING AUTHORITY OF PROVIDING A FAMILY OF FOUR WITH.A tfEW PUBLIC HOUSING RENTAL FLAT ^IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR A PERIOD OF' 10 YEARS IS' ESTIMATED AT $71,000, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).,.
•• * * *’ ■ >
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR TSAO SAID THE LAND COST, BUILDING COST (INCLUDING OVERHEADS), AND THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES AMOUNTED TO A TOTAL OF $127,201.
' ft \\ L - •
AFTER REDUCING THE RENTAL INCOME OF $56,297, THE NET COST IS ABOUT $71,000, MR TSAO SAID.
------0--------
TV PROGRAMMES UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY » » « » *
TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ARE CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) TO ENSURE THAT THE TELEVISION LICENSEES, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, COMPLY WITH THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS' ISSUED.BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE l/ON DAVID CHEUNG, MR TSAO SAID THE CODE SET OUT CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED WITH REGARD TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SEX, VIOLENCE, AND THE USE OF LANGUAGE, IN TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
I ' ' ‘ ’ z" ' . v ■’
"THE LICENSEES ARE REQUIRED TO- TAKE GREAT CARE IN THE PRESENTATION OF SCENES LIKELY TO FRIGHTEN, UNNERVE OR UNSETTLE YOUNG VIEWERS AND THOSE THEY MIGHT COPY AT RISK OF INJURY TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.
"UNDER THE CODE, THE LICENSEES ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT NOTHING WHICH IS UNSUITABLE FOR 'CHILDRE^ IS BROADCAST BETWEEN 4 PM AND 8.30 PM.
"MATERIAL LESS SU [TABLE4,. FOR YOUNG VIEWERS MAY ONLY BE INTRODUCED PROGRESSIVELY AFTER 8.'30 PM," MR TSAO SAID.
. ■ • • i ‘
HE POINTED OUT THAT VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE, AND PUBLIC COMPLAINTS, WERE INVESTIGATED’’ THOROUGHLY .BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WHICH COULD ALSO IMPOSE PENALTIES ON THE LICENSEES AS THE CASES MIGHT JUSTIFY. . .
"IN ADDITION, TELA RECEIVES FEEDBACK FROM HOME VIEWING GROUPS IN EACH OF THE 19 DISTRICT, AND CONDUCTS SURVEYS FROM TIME TO TIME, FOR GAUGING PUBLIC OPINION ON THE STANDARS OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMES," HE ADDED.
------0--------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 24 -
PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR LEGCO ELECTION DAY BEING CONSIDERED
« * » * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING CAREFULLY THE QUESTION OF DESIGNATING THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION DAY AS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID CHEUNG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO CONSIDER WHETHER DECLARING THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION DAY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY WO< LD ACHIEVE THE DESIRED OBJECTIVE OF ATTRACTING MORE ELECTORS TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS, AND HENCE BE JUSTIFIED ON THAT BASIS.
THIS WOULD NEED CAREFUL STUDY AND JUDGEMENT, SIR DAVID ADDED.
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SOME 20,000 VBP TO TAKE PART IN SKILLS TRAINING ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS AIMING TO INVOLVE UP TO 20,000 VIETNAMESE ADULTS IN DETENTION CENTRES IN THE SKILLS TRAINING, WORK OR ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ACCOMMODATION IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO EXPAND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY PROGRAMMES,” MR ASPREY SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ELSIE TU.
MR ASPREY SAID IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNHCR THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENCOURAGED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXTENSION PROGRAMME OF SERVICES TO BOAT PEOPLE IN THE DETENTION CENTRES.
THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THIS PROGRAMME WERE SOCIAL SERVICES, FAMILY WELFARE, ADULT AND CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, RECREATION, COTTAGE INDUSTRY AND SKILLS TRAINING.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN CONSTRAINT IN THE PROVISION OF THESE SERVICES WAS ACCOMMODATION.
"THE HIGH LEVEL OF VBP ARRIVALS DURING 1989 MEANT THAT THE CENTRES BECAME OVERCROWDED AND ACCOMMODATION NORMALLY USED FOR SERVICES HAD TO BE USED FOR ACCOMMODATION.
'THERE WAS CONSEQUENTLY SERIOUS DISRUPTION TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.
NONETHELESS, MORE THAN 2,000 VBP HAD TAKEN PART IN A TRAINING PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY HONG KONG CHRISTIAN AID TO REFUGEES LAST YEAR, MR ASPREY SAID.
/“THE SIX .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
’’THE SIX TO 12 WEEK COURSES PROVIDED TRAINING IN ELECTRICAL REPAIRS, CLOTHING MANUFACTURE, BASIC CARPENTRY AND PAINTING.
"IN ADDITION A TOTAL OF 13,000 VBP PARTICIPATED IN THE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WHICH CONCENTRATE ON BASIC LITERACY AND NUMERACY,’’ HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
NO AUTOMATIC POLICY.ON COMPENSATING CRIME VICTIMS
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT OPERATE AN AUTOMATIC POLICY OF PAYING COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OF CRIMES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR ASPREY SAID THIS WAS THE CASE NO MATTER WHETHER THE CRIME, SUCH AS THEFT, WAS COMMITTED BY A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE OR BOAT PEOPLE, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA OR- ANY OTHER PERSON. • ’ 'i
"HOWEVER, THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT A VICTIM OF SUCH CRIMES APPLYING FOR COMPENSATION IF THEY FEEL THEY HAVE A LEGITIMATE CLAIM," HE SAID.
"EACH CLAIM IS EXAMINED ON ITS MERITS AND A NUMBER OF CLAIMS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION AT PRESENT.”
HE POINTED OUT THAT ANY PERSON WHO WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF A VIOLENT CRIME MAY RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR SUCH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE COULD BE OBTAINED FROM POLICE STATIONS, DISTRICT OFFICES AND OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
MR ASPREY ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT ASKED OTHER GOVERNMENTS OR INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS TO UNDERTAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A COMPENSATION SCHEME.
"THIS IS A MATTER OF INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION AND THEREFORE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
NO NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN CRIMINAL OFFENCES BY STUDENTS
******
THERE HAS NOT BEEN A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL OFFENCES OVER THE LAST 15 MONTHS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR ASPREY SUPPORTED HIS STATEMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING STATISTICS:
PERIOD
NO. OF STUDENTS ARRESTED
FIRST QUARTER 1989
SECOND QUARTER 1989
THIRD QUARTER 1989
FOURTH QUARTER 1989
FIRST QUARTER 1990
1,452 1,507 1,265
1,388
1,404
HE POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE POLICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MONITORED CLOSELY THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN SCHOOLS THROUGH AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS. .
MR ASPREY SAID THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE POLICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO COUNTER JUVENILE CRIME INCLUDED:
♦ REGULAR SCHOOL VISITS AND LECTURES BY THE 19 DISTRICT POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS TO EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS THE CONSEQUENCES OF CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS, AND TO ADVISE THEM AGAINST INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME;
* SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR, CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES;
» DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS OF MATERIAL ON CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF BOTH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS;
* INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN JUNIOR POLICE CALL ACTIVITIES;
AND
» WARNINGS AGAINST INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME THROUGH EDUCATIONAL FILMS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND PAMPHLETS.
’’THESE MEASURES ARE REGULARLY REVIEWED AND MODIFIED TO ENSURE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS,” MR ASPREY ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 27 -
GOVT CONSIDERING WAY FORWARD ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS *****
AS HONG KONG CONTINUES TO DEVELOP AND THRIVE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE, THE GOVERNMENT SEES A NEED FOR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL ADVICE ON A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL BASIS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAUL CHENG, MR MATHEWS SAID THE POLICY OBJECTIVES BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ON FOREIGN LAW FIRMS WERE FIRSTLY, TO PROVIDE A SCHEME OF REGULATION OF FOREIGN LAWYERS PRACTISING FOREIGN LAW IN HONG KONG; AND SECONDLY, TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT AND RATIONAL MEANS BY WHICH PEOPLE WISHING TO UNDERTAKE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING HONG KONG LAW COULD OBTAIN THE LEGAL ADVICE THEY NEEDED TO FACILITATE THOSE TRANSACTIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS WERE NOT AIMED AT STEMMING ANY POSSIBLE "BRAIN DRAIN".
HE SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN A WIDE RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE SUBJECT ISSUED EARLY LAST YEAR.
"THE VIEWS SUBMITTED, MANY FROM NON-LAWYERS, HAVE BEEN, AND CONTINUE TO BE, SUBJECTED TO CLOSE ANALYSIS," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS SAID DURING THE COURSE OF THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG PUT FORWARD A COUNTER PROPOSAL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THAT COUNTER PROPOSAL HAD THREE MAIN ELEMENTS:
* FOREIGN FIRMS WITH OFFICES IN HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO SHARE FEES WITH LOCAL FIRMS IN RESPECT OF MATTERS REQUIRING THE JOINT SERVICES OF A FOREIGN FIRM AND A LOCAL FIRM;
* THE REMOVAL OF THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT THAT ONLY A PERSON WHO WAS A COMMONWEALTH CITIZEN OR WHO HAD BEEN RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS MIGHT BE ADMITTED AS A HONG KONG SOLICITOR; AND
* CONSIDERATION COULD BE GIVEN TO INTRODUCING AN ACCREDITATION SYSTEM ALLOWING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A FOREIGN LAWYER TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING WHETHER THE LAW SOCIETY’S COUNTER PROPOSAL COULD MEET THE POLICY OBJECTIVES.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS PRESENTLY CONSIDERING THE WAY FORWARD, BOTH IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, AND ALSO IN THE LIGHT OF THE LAW SOCIETY’S COUNTER PROPOSAL," MR MATHEWS SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
HE SAID CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO THE APPROACH BEING ADOPTED TOWARDS FOREIGN LAWYERS IN ENGLAND, WHERE THE POSITION WAS NOT YET WHOLLY RESOLVED IN SO FAR AS IT RELATED BOTH TO EUROPEAN COMMUNITY LAWYERS AND NON-EUROPEAN COMMUNITY LAWYERS.
MR MATHEWS SAID GOVERNMENT LEGAL SERVICES ALREADY EMPLOYED HONG KONG LAWYERS AS WELL AS LAWYERS FROM MANY DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS AND WITH A VAST RANGE OF EXPERIENCE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO GOVERNMENT’S APPRECIATION OF THE NEEDS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
- - 0 - -
FOUR BILLS PASSED * * * ♦
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION) -(AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BILL 1989, ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BILL 1989 AND GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
IN ADDITION, 11 BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL 1990. THE ELEVENTH BILL IS A PRIVATE ONE, THE DEN NORSKE BANK BILL 1990.
DEBATE ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
A MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, WAS ALSO APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
29
HONG KONG: BUILDING * * * *
FOR THE FUTURE * *
HONG KONG’S COMMISSIONER IN THE UK, MR JOHN YAXLEY, IN A SPEECH TO THE INFLUENTIAL LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TITLED HONG KONG: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE, SPELT OUT THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLANS THE TERRITORY HAS FOR ITS FUTURE.
THESE INCLUDE LAND RECLAMATION FOR HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS, CONTAINER PORTS WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THE TERRITORY’S POSITION AS NUMBER ONE PORT IN THE WORLD, AND A PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS). ALL THIS AMOUNTS TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST BUILDING PROGRAMMES.
"TO CATER FOR THE ESTIMATED EXPANSION IN DEMAND FOR HONG KONG PORT SERVICES, AND THIS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA, WE HAVE PUT THE FIRST PRIORITY ON BUILDING THE NEXT CONTAINER TERMINAL ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND THEN TSING YI ISLAND LATER THIS DECADE," MR YAXLEY SAID.
THEREAFTER WE PLAN TO MOVE THE FOCUS OF THE PORT WESTWARDS TO NORTH LANTAU.
"THE MASSIVE GROWTH OF AIR PASSENGERS HAS LED TO THE NEED FOR A NEW AIRPORT. IF HONG KONG DOES NOT BUILD THE NEW AIRPORT IT COULD LOSE OVER $100 BILLION BETWEEN 1996 AND 2010.
"THESE ARE THE COMPELLING ECONOMIC REASONS TO PROCEED WITH CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE," MR YAXLEY SAID.
HE SAID THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING 80 MILLION PASSENGERS AND FOUR MILLION TONNES OF AIR CARGO A YEAR, THAT IS TO SAY, MORE THAN THE COMBINED CAPACITY OF HEATHROW AND GATWICK COMBINED.
"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE FIRST RUNWAY WILL BE OPERATIONAL BY EARLY 1997. TO KEEP THIS TIGHT SCHEDULE THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED LAST MONTH BECHTEL, AS THE PROJECT MANAGER," HE SAID.
MR YAXLEY WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT THE NEW AIRPORT WAS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE FIXED CROSSING, ROAD AND RAIL LINKS AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE.
"THESE PROJECTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY LARGE AND COMPLEX. THEY PRESENT CHALLENGING PROBLEMS WITHIN THEMSELVES."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AIRPORT MASTERPLAN WAS A SEPARATE CONSULTANCY WHICH WOULD SERVE AS THE BASIS ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INVITE BIDS FOR CONTRACTORS. ALREADY THE MAJOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE HAI) ATTRACTED HUGH INTEREST FROM PARTICIPANTS WORLDWI DE.
IN MARCH, SEPARATE CONSULTANTS WERE APPOINTED TO CARRY OUT A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
/SEVERAL OF ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 30 -
SEVERAL OF THESE PROJECTS WWOULD BE FUNDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THESE INCLUDED ALL THE PORT AND MANY OF THE AIRPORT FACILITIES, HE SAID.
"THIS AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF WORKS WILL GIVE HONG KONG A NEW MODERN AIRPORT AND A LARGER PORT, PLUS ALL THE NECESSARY TRANSPORT LINKS AND SUPPORTING INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
"AS I HAVE INDICATED THE COST WILL BE SOME $127 BILLION AT CURRECT PRICES OVER THE PERIOD UP TO 2006. THIS IS AN ENORMOUS FINANCIAL COMMITMENT," MR YAXLEY SAID.
"WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO HAVE THE FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS NOT ONLY OF OUR ECONOMY BUT ALSO THAT OF SOUTHERN CHINA.
"WE MUST ALSO BE REALISTIC, AND MAKE SURE THAT WE PHASE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE NEW PROJECTS IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT PLACE TOO GREAT A STRAIN ON OUR ECONOMY," HE ADDED.
----0------
SAFETY TRAINING TO MEET PADS NEEDS
******
GREATER EMPHASIS MUST BE LAID ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION IN FUTURE TO MEET THE NEEDS ARISING FROM THE MASSIVE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS), THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT, MR KWOK SAID THE PADS WOULD CREATE A NEW WORKING ENVIRONMENT WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF MUCH LARGER AND MORE SOPHISTICATED MODERN CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
"WE MUST, THEREFORE, BE FULLY PREPARED IN TERMS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT TO MEET OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS," HE STRESSED.
MR KWOK TOLD THE GATHERING THAT TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE, INDUSTRIALISTS, WORKERS AND PROFESSIONALS ALL HAD A PART TO PLAY AND TO RENDER SUPPORT.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING AND IMPLEMENTING SAFETY POLICIES TO CONTRIBUTE, ’ HE ADDED.
MR KWOK NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS BEGAN TO DROP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1985 FROM 27,125 CASES IN 1988 TO 26,399 CASES LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO INTRODUCE A SERIES OF MEASURES IN THE COMING YEAR TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY AWARENESS OF WORKERS IN PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
/"WITH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990 •
31 -
"WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, IT IS HOPED THAT WORK SITE ACCIDENTS COULD BE TREMENDOUSLY REDUCED AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO FOLLOW," MR KWOK SAID.
ATTENDED BY 110 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PERSONNEL FROM 54 ORGANISATIONS, THE THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM FOCUSSES ON PROMOTING IN-PLANT SAFETY PROGRAMMES AND A SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH TO SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
----------------0------ PAC TO HOLD OPEN HEARING TOMORROW *****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD AN OPEN HEARING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WHICH WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEDNESDAY.
THE REPORT IS ON THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS COMPLETED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1989 AND FEBRUARY 1990.
THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THE MORNING SESSION WILL RUN FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.15 PM, AND THE AFTERNOON SESSION FROM 2.30 PM TO 3.45 PM.
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES.
THE TIMETABLE FOR THE HEARING IS AS FOLLOW:
9.30 AM SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY AND ACTING DIRECTOR
OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PARAGRAPHS 9.1 - 9.10.
10 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE,
PARAGRAPHS 4.1-4.11.
10.45 AM COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND DIRECTOR
OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, PARAGRAPHS 10.1 - 10.10.
11.30 AM DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS,
PARAGRAPHS 6.1 - 6.20.
/2.30 PM .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 32 -
2.30 PM SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER
AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, PARAGRAPHS 7.1 - 7.12.
3 PM REGISTRAR GENERAL AND DIRECTOR OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, PARAGRAPHS 8.1 - 8.10.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE OPEN HEARING ARE ADVISED TO BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT.
- - 0---------
LEGCO APPROVES PROPOSALS TO REGISTER ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS
******
BILLS DESIGNED TO ESTABLISH THE PROFESSIONAL STATUS OF ENGINEERS OF VARIOUS DISCIPLINES; AND QUALIFIED ARCHITECTS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SAFEGUARDING THE RIGHTS OF THE CONSUMER PUBLIC HAVE BEEN PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE 1990 AND THE ENGINEERS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE 1990 FORM THE FRAMEWORK FOR SETTING UP REGISTRATION BOARDS FOR PRACTISING ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN HONG KONG.
THE BOARDS WILL BE INDEPENDENT OF BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO PROFESSIONAL BODIES INVOLVED. THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REGISTRATION SYSTEMS ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (UK IA) AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS (HKIE) RESPECTIVELY.
THE CONCEPT OF REGISTRATION IS TO CONFER ON SUITABLE APPLICANTS A TITLE WHICH DEMONSTRATES TO FELLOW PROFESSIONALS AND TO THE PUBLIC A HIGH STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, CURRENT COMPETENCE TO PRACTICE AND RELEVANT BACKGROUND FOR WORKING IN HONG KONG.
THE REGISTER WILL LIST ONLY COMPETENT PRACTICING PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN HONG KONG, AND REGISTRATION HAS TO BE RENEWED ANNUALLY.
APART FROM SETTING OUT QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION, THE ORDINANCES ALSO OUTLINE DETAILS OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS. THESE ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SCHEME TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
/SIMILAR LEGISLATION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 33 -
SIMILAR LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR SURVEYORS AND PLANNERS IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION (1990-91). THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS WILL BE THE ASSOCIATED PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND COMMENTS ON REGISTRATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING:
ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE:
* LEGCO MEMBER MR EDWARD HO (TEL. 890 9333)
* PRESIDENT OF HKIA, MR KIT HAFFNER (TEL. 544 7007)
♦ THE HON. SECRETARY OF HKIA, MR ANTHONY NG (TEL. 880 1288)
* GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON (TEL. 848 6144)
ENGINEERS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE:
* C • LEGCO MEMBER MR CHENG HON-KWAN (TEL. 576 4343)
* HKIE, DR PETER KENDRICK (TEL. 895 4446 )
♦ GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON (TEL. 848 6144 )
- - 0----------
AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW
NOMINEE SHAREHOLDINGS
IN TV LICENSEE COMPANIES
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE FOR AMENDMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE SO AS TO ALLOW NOMINEE SHAREHOLDINGS IN TELEVISION LICENSEE COMPANIES.
IN ADDITION, A SYSTEM WILL BE ADOPTED TO ENSURE THAT THE VOTING RIGHTS OF UNQUALIFIED SHAREHOLDERS (THAT IS PEOPLE OR COMPANIES NOT ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG) AT ANY GENERAL MEETING OF A TELEVISION LICENSEE ARE RESTRICTED TO 49 PER CENT OF THE VOTING RIGHTS EXERCISABLE AT THAT MEETING.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT, UNDER THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, REFERRED TO AS THE "SNAP SHOT" APPROACH, REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A DECLARATION OF THEIR RESIDENCY STATUS BY A CUT-OFF DATE PRIOR TO A GENERAL MEETING.
/IF VOTES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 34 -
IF VOTES IN THE HANDS OF UNQUALIFIED PERSONS EXCEEDED 49 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VOTING SHARES OF THE LICENSEE, ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE, BY A VOTE WEIGHTING SYSTEM, TO ENSURE THAT NO MORE THAN 49 PER CENT OF THE VOTING RIGHTS WERE EXERCISABLE BY SUCH PERSONS AT GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE LICENSEE COMPANIES.
UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS IN THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE, TRANSFERS OF SHARES OF A LICENSEE MAY NOT BE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A NOMINEE.
THE RELEVANT INTEREST IN SHARES HELD BY INDIVIDUAL UNQUALIFIED PERSONS IS RESTRICTED TO A HOLDING OF LESS THAN 10 PER CENT WITH BROADCASTING AUTHORITY’S APPROVAL HAVING TO BE SOUGHT FOR INDIVIDUAL HOLDINGS AT THE LOWER LEVELS OF TWO PER CENT, FOUR PER CENT, SIX PER CENT AND EIGHT PER CENT.
"THE CHANGES HAVE BEEN PROPOSED AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE POSSIBLE INHIBITING EFFECT THE RESTRICTION ON NOMINEE SHAREHOLDINGS MAY HAVE ON THE OPERATION OF NORMAL MARKET PRACTICES RELATING TO SHARE PURCHASE AND REGISTRATION IN THE CASE OF TELEVISION LICENSEE COMPANIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"NONETHELESS, ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS MUST BE PUT IN PLACE TO PRESERVE THE BASIC POLICY AIM THAT HONG KONG TELEVISION COMPANIES SHOULD BE CONTROLLED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE."
"THE THRESHOLDS FOR BROADCASTING AUTHORITY’S APPROVAL FOR INDIVIDUAL HOLDINGS AND THE OVERALL 10 PER CENT RESTRICTION SHOULD REMAIN BUT THE OPPORTUNITY WILL BE TAKEN TO REVIEW THE EXISTING LEGISLATION WHERE THE CURRENT USE OF THE CONCEPT OF ’RELEVANT INTEREST’ APPEARS TO BE' UNNECESSARILY COMPLEX, LEADING TO AVOIDABLE CONFUSION FOR SHAREHOLDERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE ESSENCE OF THE PROPOSAL IS TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM OF CONTROL FROM REGULATING THE AGGREGATE REGISTERED OWNERSHIP OF SHARES BY UNQUALIFIED PERSONS TO REGULATING THE VOTING CONTROL OF SUCH PERSONS AT GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE LICENSEE, TO ENSURE THAT QUALIFIED PERSONS ALWAYS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CONTROL TELEVISION COMPANIES.
AMENDMENTS TO RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE ARE BEING DRAFTED AS A PRIORITY ITEM.
--------0--------
/35........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 35 -
FSD ATHLETIC TEAM RETURNS * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ATHLETIC TEAM RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING AFTER WINNING A TOTAL OF 61 MEDALS IN THE FIRST WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, HELD BETWEEN APRIL 23 AND 27.
THE TEAM OBTAINED 29 GOLD MEDALS IN 10 EVENTS INCLUDING SWIMMING, TABLE TENNIS, BADMINTON, SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, CROSS COUNTRY RUN, TRACK AND FIELD, MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND SNOOKER. THE BASKETBALL TEAM GOT A BRONZE MEDAL.
THE MOST OUTSTANDING RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED IN SWIMMING, IN WHICH MEMBERS SCORED A TOTAL OF 30 MEDALS INCUDING 15 GOLD, EIGHT SILVER AND SEVEN BRONZE.
THE TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON PLAYERS OBTAINED A TOTAL OF SIX GOLD, FOUR SILVER AND FOUR BRONZE MEDALS.
IN THE TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, MEMBERS TOOK AWAY TWO GOLD, TWO SILVER AND THREE BRONZE MEDALS.
IN THE SOCCER EVENTS, HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES TEAM WON THE GOLD MEDAL WITH A TOTAL SCORE OF ?1 GOALS AFTER BEATING WELLINGTON 6 TO 0, AUCKLAND 2 TO 0, SOLOMON ISLANDS 3 TO 0, BERMUDA 3 TO 0 AND CROOKWELL (AUSTRALIA) 1 TO 0 IN THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS. IN THE FINAL, THE TEAM BEAT SOLOMON ISLANDS 6 TO 0.
IN SNOOKER INDIVIDUAL, HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVE GOT THE GOLD MEDAL AFTER ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST RECORD OF 49 SCORES.
THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPORTS AND WELFARE CLUB SENT A 68-MEMBER DELEGATION TO TAKE PART IN THE GAMES WHICH WAS HOSTED BY THE NEW ZEALAND FIRE SERVICES SPORTS COUNCIL.
THE DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER
(HEADQUARTERS), MR PETER CHEUNG.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GAMES IS FRIENDSHIP, FRATERNITY AND COMPETITION AMONG FIREFIGHTERS IN THE WORLD.
THE RESULTS OBTAINED BY THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ATHLETIC TEAM ARE AS FOLLOWS:
GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL
BASKETBALL - - 1 1
CROSS COUNTRY 1 - - 1
SWIMMING 15 8 7 30
/VOLLEYBALL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
36
VOLLEYBALL 1 - 1 2
SOCCER 1 - - 1
TABLE TENNIS 3 2 2 7
TRACK AND FIELD 2 2 3 7
BADMINTON 3 2 2 7
HALF MARATHON 1 - 1 2
MARATHON 1 - - 1
SNOOKER 1 1 - 2
— — — — — — —— —
TOTAL : 29 15 17 61
---------0-----------
BUN FESTIVAL ON CHEUNG CHAU » * * »
THOUSANDS OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS VISITORS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO CHEUNG CHAU ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) WHEN THE ISLANDERS HOLD A GRAND PROCESSION TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR LAU WONG-FAT WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE CHEUNG CHAU "TA CHIU" 1990 COMMITTEE.
THE TWO-HOUR PROCESSION, INVOLVING ABOUT 2,000 PEOPLE AND SEVERAL HUNDRED SCHOOL CHILDREN, WILL START AT 2 PM FROM THE PAK TEI TEMPLE AND MAKE ITS WAY THROUGH THE BUSTLING ALLEYS TO FUNG SHUI LANE IN FRONT OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHEK HAU.
AFTER PERFORMING AT FUNG SHUI LANE, THE PROCESSION WILL MAKE A CIRCUIT OF CHEUNG CHAU TOWN AND RETURN TO THE PAK TEI TEMPLE.
THERE WILL BE 13 FLOATS, LION AND UNICORN DANCES, FLAG PARADES AND CHINESE FOLK DANCES.
SHRINES OF DEITIES AND THE FAMED SWORD OF THE GOD, PAK TEI, WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED.
THE BUN FESTIVAL, HELD TO APPEASE THE WANDERING SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES ON THE ISLAND IN THE EARLY DAYS, HAS BEEN ORGANISED ANNUALLY WITHOUT INTERRUPTION FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY.
/CELEBRATIONS IN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
CELEBRATIONS IN THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, EYE-DOTTING CEREMONIES FOR LION AND UNICORN DANCES, A GHOST-WORSHIPPING CEREMONY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUNS.
AS AN ACT OF SINCERITY AND HUMILITY, THE ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM MEAT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM FRIDAY AND NO ANIMAL WILL BE SLAUGHTERED DURING THIS PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 6).
PRESS BADGES FOR THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH ORGANISATION WILL BE GIVEN ONLY ONE BADGE.
A SPECIAL LAUNCH TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AND GUESTS TO CHEUNG CHAU WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL HARBOUR FERRY PIER AT 12.15 PM ON SUNDAY.
- - 0 - -
CLOSURE OF LORRY CARPARK ON DB AGENDA ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE CLOSURE OF A LORRY CARPARK IN TAI KOK TSUI IN JULY AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CHERRY STREET AND FERRY STREET, THE CARPARK WILL BE TEMPORARILY USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS A WORKS AREA FOR NEARBY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE USE OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
/38
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990_
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON INDUSTRIAL LIABILITIES
******
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE ON THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS GENERAL LIABILITY PROVISIONS AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION *****
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USE OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN MAY AND JUNE, AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) 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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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 39 -
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPT PRAISED ******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) COMMENDED FOR SMASHING A GANG INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTING COUNTERFEIT CANNED GINSENG.
THE SOLE AGENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE BRAND OF GINSENG, MR CHANG SUN-CHULL OF LOTTE TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, PRESENTED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AND A DONATION OF $50,000 TO THE WELFARE FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTING COMMISSIONER, MR TONG KANG-SING.
THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT IN MARCH AFTER THREE MONTHS OF INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION, AND CANNED GINSENG WORTH $12 MILLION WAS SEIZED.
CUSTOMS OFFICERS MOUNTED A TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION INVOLVING 130 OFFICERS, WHO SEARCHED FOUR PLACES OF MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE, AS WELL AS 117 RETAIL OUTLETS.
SIX MEN, INCLUDING THE ALLEGED RINGLEADER, AND ONE WOMAN WERE ARRESTED, ALONG WITH ALL THE KEY FIGURES IN THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK.
----0------
SEMINAR ON SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND CHANGING FAMILY PATTERN
******
THE JOINT UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC ADMISSIONS SYSTEM AND CHANGING FAMILY PATTERN IN RELATION TO GUIDANCE WORK IN SCHOOLS WILL BE THE TOPICS AT THE ANNUAL SEMINAR FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS ON FRIDAY (MAY 4).
THE SEMINAR IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS AND HENG SENG BANK.
THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR B. FRENCH, WILL GIVE THE OPENING SPEECH WHILE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE, PROF D.K.O. CHAN, AND THE PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORKER, HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, MISS HO WAI-MAN, WILL BE THE MAIN SPEAKERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANNUAL SEMINAR OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MAY 4), BEGINNING AT 9 AM IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE HENG SENG BANK AT 77 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, 20TH FLOOR.
------0--------
/40......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL t * * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4), KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KORNHILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 240 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, IN EASTERN DISTRICT, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY FOR 15 MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KING’S ROAD.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING TEMPORARY 24-HOUR RESTRICTED AREA ON KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KORNHILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 175 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CANCELLED.
IN CENTRAL, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF STAUNTON STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SHING WONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY FOR ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, DRIVERS OF ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.
- - 0 - -
ROAD CLOSURES IN WAN CHAI ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT DUE TO THE SUBSIDENCE OF A SECTION OF BOWRINGTON ROAD IN WAN CHAI, TWO SECTIONS OF ROADS ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS.
THE SECTION OF BOWRINGTON ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 30 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH SHARP STREET WEST IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR FIVE WEEKS. DURING THE CLOSURE, CHEUNG WOO LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC.
THE SECTION OF SHARP STREET WEST BETWEEN MORRISON HILL ROAD AND BOWRINGTON ROAD IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR ONE WEEK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, BOWRINGTON ROAD BETWEEN SHARP STREET WEST AND WAN CHAI ROAD, CHAN TONG LANE, AND SHARP STREET WEST BETWEEN BOWRINGTON ROAD AND CANAL ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC.
- - 0 - -
Z41
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
41
GOODS VEHICLE BAN ZONES IN SHA TIN ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4), THE CARPARK ADJACENT TO THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR PIPER'S HILL, AND THE CARPARK ADJACENT TO THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR KOWLOON RESERVOIR WILL BE DESIGNATED BAN ZONES FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
ALL GOODS VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE PROHIBITED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY, TAI PO
******
< THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD
MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TOLO HIGHWAY IN TAI PO WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
* ON FRIDAY (MAY 4), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE;
* ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (MAY 7 AND 8), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE;
» ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 9), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1990
- 42 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF ROAD CROSSING STEEL BEAM FALSEWORK, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) OUTSIDE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4).
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON NORTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) OUTSIDE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF THE SAME ROAD SECTION BEFORE REJOINING THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
TRAFFIC ON SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI), NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D9, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED ALONG SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) BUT WILL HAVE TO USE ROAD D9.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
9
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
'GODDESS OF DEMOCRACY' WOULD NOT BE WELCOME IN HK: GOVERNOR .......................... 1
MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PRESENTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ............................................................................. 2
WINDING-UP OF TWO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES ........................................... 3
COMMISSIONER EXPRESSES APPRECIATION OF TRS WORK ...................................... 4
REDEMPTION OF LETTERS B EXPLAINED .................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION OF LEAD FREE PETROL NEXT YEAR ........................................... 6
U.S. ANTI-DUMPING CASE AGAINST MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS ............................... 7
LABELLING OF SWEATERS TO U.S.......................................................... 7
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ....................................................... 8
16 PRESENTED GOVERNOR'S COMMENDATIONS ............................................... 13
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS PHA REPORT ...................................................... 13
APLIU STREET ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .......................... 14
EASTERN DB WORK REPORT PUBLISHED..................................................... 14
SHELTERED WORKER AIMS TO BE GOLD MEDALLIST........................................... 15
PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION ..................................... 16
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR TEACHERS ..................................................... 17
CHILDREN SHOW ARTISTIC IMPRESSION OF LOVE FOR THEIR MOTHERS ......................... 18
ID CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1923-27 ............................................ 19
INSURANCE FOR PARCELS TO THE PHILIPPINES ............................................ 20
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ................................................... 20
'FLEXI DESIGN' PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR MA ON SHAN ........................................ 21
AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHEK KIP MEI ..................................................... 21
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN .......................................................... 22
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWAI CHUNG ........................................................ 22
f
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
'GODDESS OF DEMOCRACY’ WOULD NOT BE WELCOME IN HK: GOVERNOR *****
IT HAS BEEN MADE QUITE CLEAR TO THE ORGANISERS OF THE "GODDESS OF DEMOCRACY" FOR A LONG TIME THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE WELCOME IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"IT WOULD NOT BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO COME INTO HONG KONG IF THEY ASK FOR PERMISSION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID WAS ASKED BY REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY’S ABERDEEN TRAINING CENTRE IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALLOW THE "GODDESS OF DEMOCRACY" TO DOCK IN HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE A POLICY HERE OF MAKING SURE THAT HONG KONG IS NOT USED AS BATTLE FIELD FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S POLITICAL BATTLES AND IT WOULD BE QUITE INCONSISTENT WITH THAT POLICY TO HAVE A SHIP OF THAT SORT COMING INTO HONG KONG.
"SO FAR AS I KNOW IT HASN’T ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO COME INTO HONG KONG. BUT IT’S SLIGHTLY STRANGE THAT IT’S SAID THAT IT IS GOING TO COME TO HONG KONG BECAUSE SO FAR AS I KNOW ITS INTENTION WAS TO GO TO TAIWAN AND COMING TO HONG KONG IS A MAJOR DIVERSION FROM THAT ROUTE.
"WE ARE HARDLY ON A DIRECT ROUTE TO TAIWAN. SO IT LOOKS AS THOUGH IT IS A SEARCH FOR PUBLICITY,” HE SAID.
ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RECONSIDER USING ARMY TO TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF VBP DETENTION CENTRES, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAD SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY THAT WE WOULD NOT RULE THAT OUT RUT IT WAS NOT A STEP THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE.
"WE WOULDN’T WANT TO TAKE IT BEFORE WE ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. WE WANT TO KEEP THIS AS A CIVILIAN WAY OF HANDLING IT. I BELIEVE AT THE MOMENT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND THE POLICE ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF HANDLING IT.
"THEY HAVE BEEN HANDLING IT WITH \ GREAT DEAL OF PATIENCE AND COMMON SENSE. I AM SURF THEY WILL GO ON DOING THAT," THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
-----0 - -
/2 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
2
MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PRESENTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ******
GOVERNMENT’S MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT AND TO REMODEL THE PORT WILL PRESENT NEW CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ABERDEEN TRAINING CENTRE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
SIR DAVID SAIDVTO MEET THE MANPOWER NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR ALONE, AT LEAST 15,000 MORE WOULD BE REQUIRED BY THE MID-1990S, NOTING THAT TODAY, SOME 95,000 PEOPLE WERE EMPLOYED IN FULL-TIME (MEANING OTHER THAN CASUAL) JOBS IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SECTOR OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TRAINING CENTRE, WHICH WAS THE THIRD TRAINING CENTRE RUN BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, HAD COME AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME.
"WE NOW HAVE THE ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES WHICH THE INDUSTRY SO CLEARLY NEEDS IF IT IS TO EXPAND AND FACE UP TO THE CHALLENGES OF THE 1990S."
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE QUALITY OF THE INDUSTRY’S LABOUR FORCE WAS CRUCIAL IF HONG KONG WAS TO MEET THE DEMANDS PLACED ON THE TERRITORY BY CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TECHNIQUE AND SKILL, AND ABOVE ALL GREATER AWARENESS OF AND ATTENTION TO SAFETY, ARE VITAL," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH THE INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THE PRODUCTION OF THE TRAINED WORKFORCE THAT HONG KONG NEEDED.
"AS PART OF THIS CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT THE GOVERNMENT IS HELPING TO PROMOTE THE RECRUITMENT OF TRAINEES FOR THE AUTHORITY’S CENTRES THROUGH A PROGRAMME OF REGULAR PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS.
"THE GOVERNMENT CAN ALSO ASSIST IN FINDING JOBS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING. AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROVIDED LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALL THREE PERMANENT TRAINING CENTRES.
"THIS NEW TRAINING CENTRE IS THEREFORE A REAL SYMBOL OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT," THE GOVERNOR CONCLUDED.
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 3 -
WINDING-UP OF TWO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES t t t t ♦
ORDERS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF TWO HONG KONG LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE GRAND UNION LIFE ASSURANCE LIMITED AND THE HANG LUNG INSURANCE LIMITED.
THE ORDERS WERE MADE FOLLOWING PETITIONS FOR WINDING-UP OF THE COMPANIES BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL ON FEBRUARY 5, 1990, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY.
IN THE CASE OF GRAND UNION, THE GROUNDS FOR THE PETITION WERE THAT (1) THE COMPANY WAS INSOLVENT, (2) IT HAD FAILED TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS, (3) IT HAD FAILED TO KEEP PROPER BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND (4) IN THE OPINION OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY IT WAS EXPEDIENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IT BE WOUND UP.
IN THE CASE OF HANG LUNG INSURANCE THE GROUNDS WERE THAT THE COMPANY HAD FAILED TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS AND IN THE OPINION OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY IT WAS EXPEDIENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IT BE WOUND UP.
HANG LUNG INSURANCE WAS MANAGED BY GRAND UNION AND THE OPERATIONS OF THE TWO WERE MANAGED AS ONE.
THE COMPANIES WILL NOW BE TAKEN OVER BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE WAS NOW IN A POSITION TO CARRY OUT A CONDITIONAL AGREEMENT HE HAD ENTERED INTO WITH DAH SING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, A MEMBER OF THE DAH SING GROUP, AND WOULD DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT THE LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESSES OF GRAND UNION AND HANG LUNG INSURANCE, INCLUDING CERTAIN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO DAH SING LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED.
TO FACILITATE THIS ARRANGEMENT DAH SING WOULD BE AUTHORISED UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO CARRY ON LONG TERM INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
MR GLEESON, SPEAKING AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY, SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE DAH SING ENTERING THE INSURANCE MARKET AND WAS VERY PLEASED THAT THEY WOULD BE TAKING OVER THE LIFE POLICIES OF THE 10,000 OR SO AFFECTED POLICYHOLDERS.
/HE BELIEVED
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
4
HE BELIEVED THE POLICYHOLDERS WOULD ALSO BE VERY PLEASED WITH THIS RESULT AS OTHERWISE THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THEIR CHANCES AS CREDITORS OF THE TWO COMPANIES IN LIQUIDATION AND WAIT FOR, POSSIBLY, SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE RECEIVING A DIVIDEND WHICH, IN THE END, WAS LIKELY TO BE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN A 100 PER CENT OF THEIR CLAIMS.
THE DAH SING GROUP WAS OF GOOD REPUTATION AND STANDING, AND IN TRANSFERRING THE POLICIES TO A MEMBER OF THE GROUP THE POLICYHOLDERS WOULD BE IN GOOD HANDS, SAID MR GLEESON.
HE SAID THAT BOTH THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WOULD BE WRITING TO ALL THE POLICYHOLDERS IN THE NEAR FUTURE, AND HE BELIEVED IT WAS IN THEIR OWN BEST INTERESTS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE TRANSFER FORMS, WHEN THEY RECEIVED THEM, WITHOUT DELAY.
--------0-----------
COMMISSIONER EXPRESSES APPRECIATION OF TRS WORK
*******
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON MET AND EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO 16 MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TACTICAL RESPONSE SQUADRON (TRS) FOR THEIR EFFORT IN FOILING A MASS ATTEMPT BY VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TO BREAK OUT FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE EARLY THIS MORNING.
DURING THE INCIDENT, ABOUT 50 VBP, ALL ARMED WITH AXES AND HOME-MADE WEAPONS, ATTEMPTED TO BREAK OUT FROM THE DETENTION CENTRE. THE TRS MEMBERS ON MOBILE PERIMETER PATROL RESPONDED QUICKLY IN THWARTING THE MASS ESCAPE.
ALSO IN A DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ORDER ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE COMMISSIONER COMMENDED ALL STAFF WHO TOOK PART IN THE OPERATION.
IN THE ORDER, MR CHAN SAID: "I AM PLEASED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUCCESS OF OUR OFFICERS IN THWARTING A MASS ATTEMPT BY THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TO BREAKOUT FROM WHITEHEAD IN THE EARLY HOURS THIS MORNING. MY APPRECIATION GOES TO ALL OFFICERS WHO RESPONDED AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE TRS AND THE WHITEHEAD STAFF WHO TOOK PART IN THE ACTION."
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO RECORDED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE STERLING EFFORT OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE WHITEHEAD STAFF, MEMBERS OF THE TRS AND TRAINEES OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN COPING WITH THE THREAT OF MASS ESCAPE AT WHITEHEAD IN THE PAST FEW DAYS;
"THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, HAS ASKED ME TO CONVEY HIS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OFFICERS CONCERNED," MR CHAN ADDED.
------0-------
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
5
REDEMPTION OF LETTERS B EXPLAINED
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HF WAS CONFIDENT THE MAJORITY OF OUTSTANDING LETTERS B (NEW TERRITORIES LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS) WOULD BE REDEEMED BY 1993.
THE REMARK WAS MADE AT THE OPEN HEARING OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC) HELD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
DURING THE HEARING, MR EASON NOTED THAT THE COMMITMENT CURRENTLY STOOD AT EIGHT MILLION SQUARE FEET, WHICH WAS CONSIDERABLY DOWN FROM THE 37 MILLION SQUARE FEET IN 1983.
HE SAID NO CHANGES TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF REDEMPTION WERE CONTEMPLATED.
IN RESPONSE TO THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FORGOING MORE REVENUE THAN IT SHOULD IN REDEEMING LETTERS B, MR EASON EXPLAINED THAT THE STATEMENT OF THE COMMITMENT IN MONETARY TERMS IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT WAS HYPOTHETICAL.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS REDEEMING AN OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO NEW TERRITORIES OWNERS WHOSE LAND HAD BEEN ACQUIRED MANY YEARS AGO TO DEVELOP THE NEW TOWNS. THE EXACT AMOUNT OF THE COMMITMENT WAS HARD TO QUANTIFY BECAUSE OF THE PASSAGE OF TIME.
HE ALSO CONFIRMED THAT A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF REDEEMING LETTERS B WAS UNDERWAY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THE PROPOSALS MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, POINTS RAISED IN THE PAC DISCUSSION AND THE QUESTION OF THE RESPECTIVE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE LETTER B HOLDERS AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALL BE EXAMINED IN THE COURSE OF THE REVIEW.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE INTENTION OF THE REVIEW WAS TO CONFIRM THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE ADHERED TO, NOT TO PROPOSE CHANGES.
/6 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
6
INTRODUCTION OF LEAD FREE PETROL NEXT YEAR
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH THE OIL INDUSTRY TO INTRODUCE UNLEADED PETROL INTO HONG KONG AT ALL RETAIL OUTLETS FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR ROBERT
II LAW, SAID LEGISLATION WAS BEING DRAFTED TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH INTRODUCTION OF THE FUEL AND TO PAVE THE WAY FOR MORE STRINGENT EMISSION STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES COMING INTO HONG KONG LATER NEXT YEAR.
S
MR LAW SAID THE USE OF UNLEADED PETROL WOULD ALLOW THE INTRODUCTION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY INTO HONG KONG TO ENABLE NEW PETROL ENGINED VEHICLES TO MEET THE TOUGHER EMISSION STANDARDS.
"LEAD QUICKLY POISONS THE CONVERTERS AND MAKES THEM
INEFFECTIVE," HE SAID.
THE USE OF UNLEADED PETROL WOULD ALSO HELP REDUCE LEAD IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND IN ROADSIDE DUST.
MR LAW SAID THE EPD ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF PETROL ENGINED VEHICLES WOULD BE ABLE TO- USE UNLEADED PETROL.
"ONLY VERY OLD VEHICLES AND SOME HIGHER PERFORMANCE CARS WILL CONTINUE TO NEED LEADED PETROL," HE ADDED.
THE EPD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OIL COMPANIES AND MOTOR TRADERS, WILL BE PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF INFORMATION FOR MOTORISTS LATER THIS YEAR.
"AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PACKAGE WILL ENABLE MOTORISTS TO KNOW WHETHER THEIR VEHICLES CAN USE UNLEADED PETROL AND, IF NOT, THE NEAREST LOCATION OF AN OUTLET SELLING LEADED PETROL AFTER APRIL 1, 1991," MR LAW SAID.
"IN ORDER TO GET THE MAXIMUM ENVIRONMENT BENEFIT FROM UNLEADED PETROL, MOTORISTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO USE THIS NEW PETROL.
"ONE INCENTIVE BEING CONSIDERED IS TO MAKE THE NEW FUEL AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET AT A PRICE SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER THAN LEADED PETROL," MR LAW ADDED.
- - 0----------
/7........
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
7
U.S. ANTI-DUMPING CASE AGAINST MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS ♦ * ♦ ♦ »
A TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HAD DECIDED TO REVISE SOME OF THE PRELIMINARY ANTI-DUMPING MARGINS ON MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG.
"THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HAS TAKEN A FAIR DECISION TO RECALCULATE SOME OF THE FIGURES IN THE LIGHT OF REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRY," AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, SAID.
"CERTAIN ARITHMETICAL ERRORS WERE DRAWN TO THE INVESTIGATORS’ ATTENTION. THESE HAVE NOW BEEN RECTIFIED," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE EFFECT IS TO REDUCE THE DUMPING MARGIN IN RESPECT OF PROSPERITY FROM 12.04 PER CENT TO 2.8 PER CENT; AND THE TRADE WEIGHTED AVERAGE TO APPLY TO PRODUCTS FROM ALL COMPANIES NOT INVESTIGATED FROM 5.9 PER CENT TO 2.25 PER CENT.
"NATURALLY WE VERY MUCH WELCOME THIS NEWS," HE SAID, "ALTHOUGH THERE ARE OTHER ASPECTS OF THE CASE WHICH CONCERN US."
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE INDUSTRY ON THE CASE AND ASSIST THE INDUSTRY TO DEAL WITH IT WHENEVER THIS WAS APPROPRIATE.
--------0-----------
LABELLING OF SWEATERS TO U.S. * * * *
DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCED
TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT
THE BE
(2)
A SPOKESMAN SAID, FOR ALL IMPORTS ENTERING THF. U.S. ON OR AFTER JUNE 29, SUCH SWEATERS MAY NO LONGER, UNDER U.S. REGULATIO , BE LABELLED "MADE IN HONG KONG”.
THE U.S. AUTHORITIES HAD NOW CONFIRMED THAT AN ACCEPTABLE LABEL FOR SUCH SWEATERS WOULD BE "ASSEMBLED IN HONG KONG. KNIT IN ‘;H1NA • OR "ASSEMBLED AND FINISHED !N HONO KONG. KN IT IN SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED 'rUA'r THTS WORDING WOULD MEET HONG F„ — REQUIREMENTS.
THAT THIS WORDING WOULD
HONG
KONG
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
«
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 8 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DETAILS OF THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN A COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR TO BE ISSUED TO THE TRADE.
"WE HAVE MADE REPEATED REQUESTS TO THE U.S. AUTHORITIES FOR A DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE REQUIREMENTS, PARTICULARLY SINCE WE ONLY NOW KNOW WHAT NEW WORDING WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE IN THE FUTURE," HE ADDED.
"UNFORTUNATELY, THE U.S. AUTHORITIES DID NOT FEEL ABJjE TO COMPLY WITH OUR REQUEST."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LABELLING REQUIREMENT ARISES FROM A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE U.S. FEDERAL REGISTER IN MARCH.
------0--------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST
RY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A
BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG DURING RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
/HOWEVER, THE.........
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
9
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 10 -
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 19.4.90) (AS AT 3.5.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 1 2
DEEP-WATER BAY 1 1
HAIRPIN 1 1
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK 0 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 1 2
STANLEY MAIN 2 1
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 2 3
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 2 3
BUTTERFLY 2 3
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 11 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER
CHEUNG SHA LOWER
DISCOVERY BAY*
HUNG SHING YEH
KWUN YAM WAN
TONG FUK
LO SO SHING
PUI O
SILVERMINE BAY
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU
TUNG O»
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND REACH
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
1
J
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
/TSUEN WAN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 12 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS' 2 2
APPROACH 3 3
CASAM 2 2
GEMINI 2 2
HOI MEI WAN 3 3
LIDO 2 2
TING KAU 3 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1 1
NOTE: ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES. ♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES. .
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
STANLEY MAIN, FROM ”2” TO "1”; CHUNG HOM KOK, TURTLE COVE AND KWUN YAM WAN, FROM ”1” TO ”2”; NEW CAFETERIA, KADOORIE, BUTTERFLY AND SILVERSTRAND, FROM ”2” TO ”3”.
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
SILVERMINE BAY AND TING KAU, FROM ”3” TO ”4". SILVERMINE BAY BEACH IS RECENTLY POLLUTED BY SEWAGE DISCHARGING FROM ITS HINTERLAND.
POLLUTION OF TING KAU BEACH IS DUE TO THE SPORADIC OVERFLOWING OF IMPROPERLY TREATED SEWAGE FROM A MANHOLE OF THE SEWAGE OUTFALL AT THE SOUTHWEST END OF THE BEACH.
OCCASIONAL LAPSES AT BEACHES RECENTLY RECOVERED FROM SERIOUS POLLUTION IS TO BE EXPECTED. IN THESE CASES THE RAINY AND OVERCAST WEATHER. DURING APR! I. HAS BEEN THE DIRECT CAUSE OF POLLUTION APPEARING AT THE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR DAVID L. HALL, ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF THE EPD, ON TEL. 835 1234.
------0--------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 13 -
16 PRESENTED GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS
ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNOR, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME PETER TSAO, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED THE GOVERNOR’S CERTIFICATES TO 16 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN RECOGNITION OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES.
AFFAIRS, MR
COMMENDATION
THEIR
THE RECIPIENTS - TWO WOMEN AND 14 MEN FROM 13 DISTRICTS RENDERED VALUABLE SERVICES IN VARIOUS FIELDS, INCLUDING EDUCATION, EDUCATION, FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, AND SERVICES TO YOUTH THE ELDERLY.
HAVE CIVIC
AND
THEY ARE MR CHENG WING-CHUN (KWAI TSING), MR HO WING-FAT (YAU TSIM), MR LIU MAN-TING (SHA TIN), MR CHAN CHUN-FAT (WONG TAI SIN), MR LI MO (TUEN MUN), MR CHENG WAH-NAM (TSUEN WAN), MR LAI KAM-TIN (KWAI TSING), MR SO CHOI-HING (KOWLOON CITY), MR CHAN KWOK-NING (YUEN LONG), MR HO CHOI-CHIU (WAN CHAI), MR TSUI SHING-CHEUNG (KOWLOON CITY), MR POON CHUN-KAU (TAI PO), MR LUNG KING-KWONG (SOUTHERN), MR LAU KIN-WING (NORTH), MISS CHOW MEI-LIN (KOWLOON CITY), AND MISS LEUNG SHUN-KAM (SHAM SHUI PO).
------0-------
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS PHA REPORT » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AT A SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REPORT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO CONVERT THE FANLING
ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE AND HOSTEL INTO A PROBATION HOME FOR GIRLS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE NORTH
DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME
COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
--------0 - -
/14 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
14
APLIU STREET ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *******
THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE SALE OF PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS AND THE STACKING OF JUNK AT APLIU STREET AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT A RECREATIONAL PARK AT MISSION HILL.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS INCLUDE LIVING CONDITIONS AT THE UN CHAU STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ESTATES, AS WELL AS DESIGN PROBLEMS OF ON-STREET FIXED PITCH STALLS FOR DRY GOODS.
A MEMBER WILL RAISE TWO MOTIONS ON THE REHOUSING OF RESIDENTS TO BE AFFECTED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AT PAK TIN AND UN CHAU STREET ESTATES.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TOTALLING MORE THAN $360,000. THESE INCLUDE THE PAINTING OF A MURAL AT SO UK ESTATE, INSTALLATION OF PLANTERS AT NAM CHEONG STREET AND FAT TSEUNG STREET, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR MORNING WALKERS AT BEACON HILL AND ERECTION OF RAILINGS ALONG FAT TSEUNG STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD (FRIDAY) AT THF SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
SHUT PO TOMORROW KIP MEI
- - 0-------
EASTERN DB WORK REPORT PUBLISHED
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON ITS WORK DURING THE PRESENT TERM, WHICH STARTED IN APRIL 1988.
THF 56-PAGE, SEVEN-CHAPTER REPORT DEPICTS THE DISTRICT’S OUTLOOK THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS THREE COMMITTEES, AND THE OPERATION OF THE DB MEET-THE-PUBLTC SCHEME.
/THE CONCLUDING
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 15 -
THE CONCLUDING CHAPTER TAKES A LOOK AT THE DISTRICT’S LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE 1990’S.
THESE INCLUDE HOUSING PROJECTS IN CHAI WAN, SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS AND ALDRICH BAY, THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE KING'S ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
IN THE PREFACE TO THE REPORT, THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, STATED THAT SEVERAL MAMMOTH HOUSING PROJECTS SUCH AS THE SIU SAL WAN DEVELOPMENT, THE SHAU KEI WAN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND THE ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT WERE PROGRESSING AT FULL STEAM.
"MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO MEDICAL SERVICE, TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO CATER FOR AN EXPANDING POPULATION IN THE DISTRICT.
"THE BOARD HAS BEEN FULLY COMMITTED TO THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND WILL WORK EARNESTLY TOWARDS BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO OBTAIN A FREE COPY ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES AND THE HENG FA CHUEN .PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER.
---------0-----------
SHELTERED WORKER AIMS TO BE GOLD MEDALLIST • *♦»»** TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD CHEUNG YAU-FAT, WHO WORKS AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S PAK TIN SHELTERED WORKSHOP, HAS A DREAM HE WISHES TO REALISE. AND HE SET HIS STANDARD HIGH -- TO BE A GOLD MEDALLIST IN TRACK EVENTS IN THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SPECIAL OLYMPIC NEXT YEAR.
MR CHEUNG REPRESENTED HONG KONG IN THE SECOND SHANGHAI SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN 1988 AND WAS RECRUITED INTO THE HONG KONG TEAM OF THE BEST OF THE VERY BEST ATHLETES. HE IS NOW RECEIVING TRAINING IN ORDER TO BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN NEXT YEAR’S SPECIAL OLYMPIC TO BE HELD IN THE UNITED STATES.
ALTHOUGH MR CHEUNG IS MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, HE HAS MUCH CONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF.
"I HAVE TO THANK MY INSTRUCTORS AND FELLOW WORKERS AT THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP," HE SAID.
/"WHEN I .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
16
"WHEN I JOINED THE WORKSHOP IN 1985, I WAS TIMID AND HAD DIFFICULTY EXPRESSING MYSELF. THEY OPENED A NEW WORLD FOR ME BY GIVING ME TRAINING IN ALL SORTS OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES."
MR CHEUNG DISCOVERED HIS POTENTIAL IN TRACK EVENTS AND STARTED WORKING TO MAKE HIS DREAM COME TRUE.
THE REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON) OF THE SWD, MRS PUN LEE WAI-CHUN, SAID: "WITH SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE WHO CARE, THE DISABLED COULD BE INTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY, LEARN TO BE INDEPENDENT AND BECOME A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY."
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 31 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS IN THE TERRITORY, PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR MORE THAN 4,000 WORKERS. IN THESE WORKSHOPS, THE DISABLED ARE ASSISTED TO ENGAGE IN USEFUL WORK AND TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT.
------0--------
PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION *******
THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE OPEN STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE HELD IN THEATRE 2 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON SATURDAY (MAY' 5), BEGINNING AT 10.30 AM.
THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE POST OFFICE AT THE END OF LAST YEAR WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ENTRIES WERE INVITED FROM ADULTS, SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ON THE THEME "CHRISTMAS". A TOTAL OF 8,542 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED.
AFTER ADJUDICATION BY THE STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE TWO WINNING ENTRIES WERE CHOSEN IN EACH CLASS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DESIGNING A SET OF STAMPS TO BE ISSUED IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
ANOTHER FOUR OUTSTANDING DESIGNS WERE CHOSEN FOR REPRODUCTION ON POSTCARDS TO BE ISSUED AT THE SAME TIME.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, AND MEMBERS OF THE STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY TO PRESENT MERIT CERTIFICATES AND (ASH PRIZES TO THE WINNERS. ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS OF THE WINNING SCHOOLS.
/ALL WINNING ......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 17 -
AIL WINNING ENTRIES, TOGETHER WITH THE ACTUAL STAMP DESIGNS FOR ’’CHRISTMAS 1990" AND POSTCARDS, WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE FOYER OUTSIDE THEATRE 2.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE OPEN STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 5), BEGINNING AT 10.30 AM IN THEATRE 2 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, 1 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
------0-------
PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR TEACHERS * * * ♦
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN BE IN OPERATION FROM MONDAY (MAY 7) TO ASSIST ELIGIBLE REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO OBTAIN NEW TEACHING POSTS.
FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1975, THE PLACEMENT SERVICE AIMS TO HELP REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF THE DROP IN POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE AS WELL AS A SHIFT OF POPULATION FROM THE URBAN AREA TO NEW TOWNS.
THE UNIT HAS HELPED ABOUT 5,470 TEACHERS IN SECURING ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POSTS OVER THE PAST YEARS.
"WE WILL BE GIVING THESE TEACHERS FULL ASSISTANCE AGAIN THIS YEAR. OUR 100 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE OVER THE PAST YEARS OWES MUCH TO THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL HEADS AND THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR WHICH THE DEPARTMENT IS MOST GRATEFUL," THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR KWOK WAT-CHIU, WHO HEADS THE UNIT, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS STAFFED BY FOUR OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION AND IS LOCATED IN ROOM 611, SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
REDUNDANT TEACHERS ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER WITH THE UNIT BETWEEN MAY 17 AND 24 (9 AM - 12.45 PM AND 2.15 PM - 4.45 PM).
THE SCHEDULE OF REGISTRATION IS:
MAY 17 (THURSDAY) FOR TEACHERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES (SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS)
MAY 18 (FRIDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN KWUN TONG AND
YAU MA TEI
/MAY 21 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 18 -
MAY 21 (MONDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN MONG KOK, SHAM KOWLOON CITY WONG SHUI TAI PO SIN, AND
MAY 22 (TUESDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN AND TSUEN WAN TAI PO, NORTH
MAY 23 (WEDNESDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN TSING YI KWAI CHUNG AND
MAY 24 (THURSDAY) FOR TEACHERS IN LONG AND SHA TIN TUEN MUN, YUEN
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 782 5958, 782 6484, 782 6525 AND 782 5583 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
MR KWOK REMARKED THAT TEACHERS CONCERNED WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER OF THEIR REDUNDANCY UNDER THE AGREED PRINCIPLE OF "LAST IN, FIRST OUT".
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE UNIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE. ONCE REGISTERED, THEY WILL ALL BE HELPED TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POST IN AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER," MR KWOK STRESSED.
--------0-----------
CHILDREN SHOW ARTISTIC IMPRESSION OF LOVE FOR THEIR MOTHERS
******
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (OPERATION AND SUPPORTING SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS C.H. KONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON, IS TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THEIR MOTHERS.
THE THEME IS BASED ON FAMOUS CZECK COMPOSER DVORAK’S "THE SONG MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME” AND THE 1,500 CHILDREN WHO TOOK PART, HAD TO USE THEIR IMAGINATION TO INTERPRET IT THROUGH A PAINTING, PRINT, COLLAGE, OR ANY OTHER TWO-DIMENSIONAL UNMOUNTED WORK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).
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/19 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 19 -
ID CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1923-27
******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 OR 1927 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE MAY 26.
"TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000,” HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO REPLACE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE HONG KONG AND WEST KOWLOON NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. OTHER ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG
: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31, HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
/TUEN MUN........
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 20 -
TURN MUN
SHEUNG SHUI
THEY MAY MAKE DIALLING 824 0303 TO ALONG.
THE SPOKESMAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
: CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
: TSUENWO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191
USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY ENQUIRE ABOUT DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS TO BRING
REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR
-----0-----
INSURANCE FOR PARCELS TO THE PHILIPPINES
******
WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 7, AIR AND SURFACE PARCELS TO THE PHILIPPINES MAY BE ACCEPTED FOR INSURANCE UP TO THE MAXIMUM INSURED VALUE OF $1,500, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN 1989 OVER 82,000 PARCELS WERE DESPATCHED TO THE PHILIPPINES, REPRESENTING ABOUT SIX PER CENT OF TOTAL OUTWARD PARCEL TRAFFIC, HE SAID.
---------0-----------
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN SHEK KIP MEI SO DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS AND TO
TO CLOSE THAT THEY THE PUBLIC.
CERTAIN
CAN BE
THEY ARE LOCATED AT 3, 5, AND 7 TO 14 OF YIU STAIRCASE LANDING OF NOS. 3
THE ROOF OVER THE THIRD FLOOR OF NOS.
TUNG STREET AND ON THE GROUND TO 14 OF THE SAME STREET.
1 TO FLOOR
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES.
AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED JANUARY REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON SEPTEMBER 3 THIS YEAR WERE CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).
FROM THE
POSTED ON
IT IS INTENDED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
------0--------
/21 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 21 -
'FLEXI DESIGN’ PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR MA ON SHAN »»*»*»
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON
A 'FLEXI DESIGN’
SHAN HAS BEGUN FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
PRIMARY SCHOOL IN
A $28.67 MILLION
LOCATED IN AREA 100, MA ON SHAN, THE BUILDING SCHOOL COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,502 SQUARE METRES.
SITE OF THE
THE SCHOOL WILL COMPRISE 30 CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS HALL, A BASKETBALL COURT AND QUARTERS.
A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK 1’0 ACCOMMODATE
A COVERED PLAYGROUND, AN ASSEMBLY ANCILLARY BUILDINGS INCLUDING STAFF
WORK IS EXPECTED 70 BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
--------------0-------- AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHEK KIP MEI ♦ * * ♦ »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT AIDS WHEN THEY VISIT AN AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHEK KIP MEI WHICH WILL BEGIN ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION, THE 10TH IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON AIDS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WILL BE HELD AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL IN SHAM SHUI PO FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.
’’THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AIDS, AND FOSTERING A POSITIVE, SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE IN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’THE FOCUS IS ON YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY BE MORE LIKELY THAN OTHERS TO ENGAGE IN RISK BEHAVIOUR, YET ARE OFTEN LESS LIKELY TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF INFECTION WITH AIDS,” HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COVERS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AIDS.
APART FROM SHOWING THE WORLDWIDE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE, IT ALSO ILLUSTRATES HOW AIDS THREATENS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS CAN BE COUNTERED.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON AIDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS WHO WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN HANDSOME PRIZES BY ANSWERING A QUIZ DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON AIDS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL MONDAY (MAY 7), AND WILL MOVE TO LUNG HANG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SHA TIN ON MAY 18.
------0--------
/22......
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1990
- 22 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN WESTERN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THIRD STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 13 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THIRD STREET FROM ITS
JUNCTION WITH POK FU LAM ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 13 METRES
EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN STREET;
* THE SECTION OF HIGH STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 17 METRES
WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF WESTERN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THIRD STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 14 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE SECTION OF WESTERN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HIGH STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0--------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWAI CHUNG ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5), THE SOUTHBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (KWAI CHUNG) FROM A POINT ABOUT 300 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEK PAI STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH PUBLISHED ................................... 1
FEBRUARY RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED .......................... 6
4TH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED ....................... 9
GOVERNOR TO VISIT NORTH AMERICA THIS MONTH ............................... 11
INTERNATIONAL BANKING AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY SHOWS CONFIDENCE IN HK .. 11
FC APPROVES FUNDS TO RESTRUCTURE PAY SCALES .............................. 12
FC APPROVES 1990 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ............................ 14
PROPOSALS INVITED FOR SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE .................... 15
MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARD BILL 1990 GAZETTED ...................... 16
CARDOX SYSTEM CLASSIFIED AS EXPLOSIVES ................................... i7
PRIMARY FUNCTION OF FIREMEN TO SERVE COMMUNITY ........................... 17
SEVEN OVERSTAYERS, ONE II ARRESTED ....................................... 18
PO LEUNG KUK'S HOLIDAY CAMP SERVICE PRAISED .............................. 19
URGENT TASK FOR KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS ..................................... I9
CHILDREN'S DRAWING CONTEST ON SUNDAY ..................................... 20
PROPERTY REVIEW 1990 NOW ON SALE ......................................... 20
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON ENERGY STATISTICS .............................. 21
PROPOSED RECLAMATION FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL WORKS AREA ................... 21
SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD TO BE REBUILT ................................... 22
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ....................................... 22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE ..................................... 23
SUSPENSION OF PEAK TRAM SERVICES FOR KENNEDY RD STATION .................. 23
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
- 1 MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH PUBLISHED
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED IN MARCH COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
IN LINE WITH THE RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY RECORDED SOME !1 CREASES DURING MARCH.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOWED A SLIGHT DECLINE DURING THE MONTH.
TABLE 1 ATTACHED SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR MARCH 1990 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 WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN MARCH, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.3 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 2.6 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY DURING MARCH, WHILE TIME DEPOSITS ROSE BY 2.4 PER CENT.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 11.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 15.5 PER CENT IN 1989 AND REFLECTED SOME FURTHER SLOWDOWN IN THE GROWTH OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.9 PER CENT AND 2.7 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.3 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 24.9 PER CENT.
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 0.4 PER CENT AND 10.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH AND BY 19.7 PER CENT AND 41.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN MARCH BUT FELL BY 16.1 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
/THE YEAR-ON-YEAR .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
2
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE REFLECTED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF THESE INSTITUTIONS.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 FELL BY 2.4 PER CENT IN MARCH WHILE HK$M2 AND HK$M3 (ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS) EACH INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT.
IN FEBRUARY, HK$M1, HK$M2, AND HK$M3 DECLINED BY 7.8 PER CENT, 0.8 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 2.8 PER CENT, 13.2 PER CENT AND 11.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml DECLINED BY 4.0 PER CENT DURING MARCH WHILE TOTAL M2 AND M3 GREW BY 0.3 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN FEBRUARY WERE -6.9 PER CENT, 1.1 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 3.6 PER CENT, 19.0 PER CENT AND 18.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECLINED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN MARCH, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 0.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 7.0 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.7 PER CENT DURING MARCH WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES DECREASED BY 1.9 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG FELL BY 0.6 PER CENT IN MARCH, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 0.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 1.7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 9.5 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT IN MARCH COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 2.5 PER CENT AND 1.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 21.6 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG DECREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN MARCH, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 3.9 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND AN INCREASE OF 17.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.3 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG ROSE BY 11.7 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER DECLINES OF 22.0 PER CENT AND 0.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS DECLINED BY 23.6 PER CENT.
IN TERMS OF RELATIVE SHARE, HOWEVER, THESE LOANS ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF TOTAL LOANS.
/QUARTERLY ANALYSIS
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
- 3 -
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 5.8 PER CENT. OF THESE, LOANS FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING ROSE BY 3.9 PER CENT, AFTER A DECLINE OF 2.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 10.4 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE INCREASED BY 4.3 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.1 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS RECORDED A ZERO GROWTH. LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS) ROSE BY 6.3 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 13.7 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 42.0 PER CENT.
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 8.0 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 10.6 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.5 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SECTOR INCREASED BY 5.0 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 20.1 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBERS OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 165 AND 37 RESPECTIVELY WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY THREE TO 196.
NOTES:
(1) BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1990, ’’RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS’’ AND ’’DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES” WERE KNOWN AS ’’LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES” AND "REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES” RESPECTIVELY.
(2) IN THE TEXT ABOVE, TOTAL HK$ DEPOSITS, HK$ TIME DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS. ON THE OTHER HAND, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS AND US$ DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS.
’’SWAP DEPOSITS” ARE DEPOSITS INVOLVING CUSTOMERS BUYING FOREIGN CURRENCIES (MOSTLY U.S. DOLLARS) IN THE SPOT MARKET AND PLACING THEM AS DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, WHILE AT THESAME TIME ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT TO SELL SUCH FOREIGN CURRENCIES (PRINCIPAL PLUS INTEREST) FORWARD IN LINE WITH THE MATURITY OF SUCH DEPOSITS. FOR MOST ANALYTICAL PURPOSES, THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
/TABLE 1 : .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
4
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - MARCH 1990
Earlier months (X change to March 1990)
Mar 1990
Money Supply Feb 1990 Dec 1989 Mar 1989
Ml - HK$ 82,848 84,842 ( -2.4 X) 85,183 ( -2.7 X) 80,623 ( 2.8 X)
Foreign currency 9,739 11,598 (-16.0 %) 9.675 ( 0.7 X) 8,734 ( 11.5 X)
Total 92,587 96,441 ( -4.0 X) 94,858 ( -2.4 X) 89,357 ( 3.6 X)
M2 - HK$* 473,225 471.636 ( 0.3 X) 467,109 ( 1.3 X) 417,879 ( 13.2 X)
Foreign currency* 561,833 560.272 ( 0.3 X) 521,727 ( 7.7 X) 451,976 ( 24.3 X)
Total 1,035,058 1,031,908 ( 0.3 X) 988,836 ( 4.7 X) 869,855 ( 19.0 X)
M3 - HK$* 504,209 502,477 ( 0.3 X) 497,498 ( 1.3 X) 452,806 ( 11.4 X)
Foreign currency* 605,534 600,156 ( 0.9 X) 562,709 ( 7.6 X) 486,796 ( 24 . 4 X)
Total 1,109,743 1,102,633 ( 0.6 X) 1,060,207 ( 4.7 X) 939,603 ( 18. 1 X)
Notes and coins in circulation 39,968 40,537 ( -1.4 X) 39,670 ( 0.8 X) 35,766 ( 11.7 X)
of which held by public 34,861 35,598 ( -2.1 X) 34,192 ( 2.0 X) 31,005 ( 12.4 X)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 57,727 60,843 ( -5.1 X) 60,666 ( -4.8 X) 58,352 ( -1.1 X)
Total Savings deposits 190.273 192,478 ( -1.1 X) 193,186 ( -1.5 X) 163,008 ( 16.7 X)
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 735,871 726,387 ( 1.3 X) 683,802 ( 7.6 X) 600,581 ( 22.5 X)
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 40,589 • 36,871 ( 10.1 X) 37.399 ( 8.5 X) 28,760 ( 41. 1 X)
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 32,669 32,419 ( 0.8 X) 32,605 ( 0.2 X) 38,928 (■ -16.1 X)
HK$ deposits* 457,202 454,645 ( 0.6 X) 450,762 ( 1.4 X) 409,405 ( 11.7 X)
USS deposits* 261,840 261,143 ( 0.3 X) 261,966 ( 0.0 X) 228,362 ( 14.7 X)
Other foreign currency deposits 338,085 333.209 ( 1.5 X) 294.929 ( 14.6 X) 251,861 ( 34.2 X)
All deposits 1,057,128 1,048,997 ( 0.8 X) 1,007,658 ( 4.9 X) 889,628 ( 18.8 X)
Foreign currency swap deposits 63,529 61,734 ( 2.9 X) 63,122 ( 0.6 X) 51,301 ( 23.8 X)
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 63,704 64,089 ( -0.6 X) 63,562 ( 0.2 X) 58,199 ( 9.5 X)
To finance merchandising trade 9,080 8,126 ( 11.7 X) 10,427 ( -12.9 X) 11,885 ( -23.6 X)
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 618,547 606,886 ( 1.9 X) 584,594 ( 5.8 X) 508,748 ( 21.6 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 561,917 569,594 ( -1-3 X) 505,396 ( 11.2 X) 431,204 ( 30.3 X)
Other loans where the place of 90,589 101,382 (-10.6 X) 107,920 ( -16.1 X) 77,703 ( 16.6 X)
use is not known
Loans in HKS 556,436 547.319 ( 1.7 X) 525,239 ( 5.9 X) 459,563 ( 21.1 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 787.401 ' 802.758 ( -1.9 X) 746,659 ( 5.5 X) 628.176 ( 25.3 X)
Total loans and advances 1,343,837 1,350,077 ( -0.5 X) 1,271,899 ( 5.7 X) 1,087,739 ( 23.5 X)
* Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits
Note : ’Restricted licence banks’ and 'deposit-taking companies* were known as ’licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
5
TAELE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - MARCH 1990 » ♦
(HH.tmn)
Mar 1990 Earlier quarters
------- (X change to March 1990)
Dec 1989 Sep 1989 Mar 1989
Manufacturing 48,062 46,267 ( 3.9 X) 47.618 ( 0.9. X) 43,529 ( 10.4 X)
Transport and transport 37,149 37,174 ( -0.1 X) 33.435 ( 11.1 X) 26.608 ( 39.6 X)
equipment
Building, construction. 101,149 96.299 ( 5.0 X) 96.772 ( 4.5 X) 84,243 ( 20.1 X)
property development
and investment
Wholesale and retail trade 65,358 62.663 ( 4.3 X) 62.729 ( 4.2 X) 65,390 ( 0.0 X)
Financial concerns * 90.507 85,158 ( 6.3 X) 74.919 ( 20.8 X) 63,740 ( 42.0 X)
Individuals ••
to purchase flats in the Home 12,660 10,605 ( 19.4 X) 9.880 ( 28.1 X) 8.887 ( 42.5 X)
Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme
to purchase other residential 107,406 99,493 ( 8.0 X) 89,957 ( 19.4 X) 82,327 (30.5 X)
property .
other purposes 5C.828 55.105 ( 3.1 X) 52.756 ( 7.7 X) 50,920 ( 11.6 X)
Others 99,428 91,830 ( 8.3 X) 93,414 ( 6.4 X) 83,103 ( 19.6 X)
Total 618,547 584.594 ( 5.8 X) 561.481 ( 10.2 X) 508,748 ( 21.6 X)
a Starting from December 1988. more detailed statistics on loans to the transport sector, to building, construction, property development and investment and to financial concerns are available. They are published in the Monthly Digest of Statistics from the January 1989 issue onwards.
♦ In December 1988, the return for reporting loans for use by sector was revised. As a result of this, some authorised institutions have now more properly classified their loans according to intended usage rather than the business of the loan recipients.
* This excludes funds advanced to authorised institutions
--------0-----------
/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
- 6 -
Fr iRUARY RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990 COMBINED DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989 WHILST THEIR VOLUME DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT BOTH CONSUMER DEMAND AND TOURIST SPENDING REMAINED WEAK IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, FUELS WENT UP BY 20 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME WHILE RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT DOWN BY 1 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 15 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS SALES INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING DECREASES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WERE 25 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1989, FUELS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME IN FEBRUARY 1990 WHILE RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT DOWN BY 4 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES FELL BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN SALES VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/SUPERMARKETS DECREASED .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
SUPERMARKETS DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING DECREASES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AKl) PARTS WERE 17 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH JANUARY 1990, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL WHICH OCCURRED IN LATE JANUARY THIS YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY 1990 DECREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
FUELS WENT DOWN BY 21 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 23 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO DROPPED BY 22 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT DOWN BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DROPPED BY 23 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES', SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 19 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS FELL BY 21 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED BY 32 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES DROPPED BY 32 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 33 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1990 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1990.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF FEBRUARY 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1990 AND WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1989, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIODS IN 1989, ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 1990 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 556 5240).
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
- 8 -
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for February J990 (Provisional Figure) = HKt B,732tillion for January 1990 (Revised Figure) s HKtiO,591aillion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1990
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100>
Ite® Index of Retail Sales January 1990 1 February 1990 February 1990 compared with January 1990 February 1990 compared with February 1989 Jan.-Feb. 1990 ! compared with J Jan.-Ceb. 1989 1
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points I Points Z Points z :
Value 189 156 -33 -18 -5 -3 -3 -2 I
Volute 144 117 . -26 -18 -10 -8 -9 -7 : I
(B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 175 136 -38 -22 -2 -2 ♦ 12 ♦8
drinks and tobacco Volute 134 104 -30 -22 -7 -6 ♦2 ♦2
Fuels Value 121 • 95 -26 -21 ♦ 15 ♦ 18 ♦ 18 ♦20 :
Volute 115 68 -27 -23 ♦3 ♦3 ♦5 ♦6
Clothing, footwear Value 242 186 -56 -23 -9 -4 -1 -1
and allied products Volute 173 134 -39 -23 -16 -10 -10 -6
Consuaer durables Value 171 160 -11 -6 -15 -8 -25 -13
Volute 129 118 -11 -9 -13 -10 -22 -15
Other consuaer goods Value 203 167 -37 -IB -3 -2 -5 -2
Volute 154 125 -28 -IB -ll -8 -12 -8
(C) BY SELECTED TRADES
(see note 1 below)
Supermarkets Value 238 . 162 -77 -32 -7 -4 ♦27 ♦ 16
Volute 178 119 -59 -33 -17 -12 ♦8 ♦6
Motor vehicles Value 261 312 ♦51 ♦ 19 -62 .-17 -93 -25
and parts Volute 168 200 ♦32 ♦ 19 -53 -21 -74 -29
Consuaer durables Value 143 114 -29 -21 1 1 -4 -3
other than aotor Volute 117 93 -24 -21 -1 -2 -6 -5
vehicles and parts
Departaent stores Value 322 218 -103 -32 ♦ 17 ♦9 ♦25 ♦ 10
Volute 234 159 -75 -32 ♦ 3 ♦2 ♦7 ♦4
NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN major trade groups, the value and volute indexes in respect of the following selected trades are compiled :
(a) 'Supermarkets’ - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco* group.
(b) ’Motor vehicles and parts" - a trade in the 'Consumer durables’ group.
(c) ’Consumer durables other than ®Gtor vehicles and parts’ - a trade in the "Consuaer durables' group.
(d) ’Cepartlent stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuaer goods' group.
2. Figures denoting changes are derived fro® the unrounoed index figures.
3. T denotes a figure within ±0.5.
- - 0----------
/9........
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
9 -
4TH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED *****
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING WORK CARRIED OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND AT OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 AMOUNTED TO $13,453 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS 6.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989, AND 13.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASES OF 13.5 PER CENT IN THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1988 WAS MOSTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE COST INCREASES, THE REAL GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED WAS SUBSTANTIALLY LESS.
THE INDEX OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS 204.2, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 BEING TAKEN AS 100.
THE CORRESPONDING INDEXES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988 WERE 192.2 AND 179.8 RESPECTIVELY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS $10,041 MILLION. THIS WAS 2.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 12.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
APART FROM WORK PERFORMED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS WAS $3,412 MILLION, WHICH WAS 17.6 PER CENT AND 17.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, $3,904 MILLION WAS RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR (INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION).
THIS REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 6.3 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 35.5 PER CENT OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
THE REMAINING $6,136 MILLION WAS RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHICH WAS 0.7 PER CENT AND 1.0 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
/WHEN ANALYSED .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
- 10 -
WHEN ANALYSED BY END-USE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITES IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (INCLUDING COMBINED RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS) IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS $4,517 MILLION.
THIS WAS 10.0 PER CENT AND 8.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS $1,240 MILLION, REPRESENTING DECREASES OF 6.0 PER CENT AND 10.9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN; CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN RESPECT OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS $1,656 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 0.2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT AN INCREASE OF 50.0 PER CENT OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE-CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT SIMULTANEOUSLY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS REFERS TO THE OUTPUT OF THOSE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PROJECTS IN WHICH THEY TAKE THE ROLE OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, AND DOES NOT INCLUDE THF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF PROJECTS IN WHICH THEY PLAY THE ROLE OF SUB-CONTRACTORS.
HOWEVER, SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY' THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR WHOM THEY WORKED.
. •, I . I.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 4TH QUARTER 1989", WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON SALE AT $2.50 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER I, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS . SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4860.
--------0 - -
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
GOVERNOR TO VISIT NORTH AMERICA THIS MONTH ♦ »»**»
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT NORTH AMERICA FROM MAY 20 TO 25, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
DURING HIS SIX-DAY TOUR, SIR DAVID WILL VISIT NEW YORK, OTTAWA AND TORONTO. IN OTTAWA AND TORONTO, HE WILL MEET CANADIAN MINISTERS, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND PROVINCIAL LEADERS.
IN NEW YORK AND TORONTO HE WILL UNDERTAKE TWO SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND WILL BRIEF BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.
DETAILS OF HIS PROGRAMME ARE BEING FINALISED, THE SPOKESMAN
SAID.
THIS WILL BE SIR DAVID’S THIRD VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES SINCE TAKING UP OFFICE AND THE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT BY ANY GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TO OTTAWA.
- - 0 - -
INTERNATIONAL BANKING AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY SHOWS CONFIDENCE IN HK
***** ****
THERE ARE CLEAR SIGNS OF A CONTINUING CONFIDENCE ON THE PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY IN THE PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A GOVERNOR’S SESSION OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 23RD ANNUAL MEETING IN NEW DELHI, INDIA, MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE RECENT UNCERTAINTIES, HONG KONG CONTINUED ITS GROWTH AS A LEADING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
LAST YEAR, 12 INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES TRADING IN SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES CAME TO HONG KONG, HF SAID.
ELEVEN BANKING LICENCES WERE GRANTED TO OVERSEAS BANKS IN 1989 AND A NUMBER OF MAJOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HAD ESTABLISHED REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG IN RECENT MONTHS, HE SAID.
"AS AN OPEN ECONOMY, WE ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCES. BUT HISTORY HAS DEMONSTRATED OUR FLEXIBILITY' AND RESILIENCE," HE POINTED OUT.
"ALTHOUGH LAST YEAR’S EVENTS IN CHINA HAD THEIR EFFECT, NOTABLY ON OUR PROPERTY AND TOURIST-RELATED SECTORS, THE ECONOMY GENERALLY, AND THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IN PARTICULAR, WITHSTOOD THE IMPACT WELL," HE SAID.
/HE STRESSED
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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HE STRESSED THAT THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR REMAINED STABLE EVEN DURING THE DIFFICULT MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE LAST YEAR.
TURNING TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR NENDICK SAID THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) PROMULGATED LAST MONTH STIPULATED THE BASIC POLICIES OF CHINA REGARDING HONG KONG.
’’REFLECTING MOST OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW PROVIDES FOR THE HIGH DEGREE OF ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND MONETARY AUTONOMY TO BE ENJOYED BY THE HONG KONG SAR.
’’UNDER IT, THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WILL, ON ITS OWN, DETERMINE ITS MONETARY AND FINANCIAL POLICIES.
’’THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AS THE LEGAL TENDER IN THE SAR, WILL CONTINUE TO BE FREELY CONVERTIBLE," HE SAID.
"AGAINST THESE CLEAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS THAT HAVE CHARACTERISED OUR SUCCESS OVER THE YEARS," MR NENDICK SAID, NOTING THAT DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD BE ONE OF THOSE ELEMENTS.
MR NENDICK URGED THE GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO SEE HONG KONG FOR THEMSELVES AND HE EXTENDED AN INVITATION TO THE BANK TO HOLD A FUTURE ANNUAL MEETING IN THE TERRITORY.
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FC APPROVES FUNDS TO RESTRUCTURE PAY SCALES *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED FUNDS FOR RESTRUCTURING CIVIL SERVICE PAY SCALES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IN ITS SECOND REPORT ON 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT $533 MILLION WOULD BE REQUIRED IN 1990-91 TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON CHANGES TO THE MASTER PAY SCALE (MPS), THE TRAINING PAY SCALE (TPS), AND ALSO CHANGES TO THE SALARY SCALES OF ABOUT HALF OF THE 126 INDIVIDUAL GRADES ALREADY REVIEWED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION.
THE CHANGES TO MPS, TPS AND INDIVIDUAL GRADE PAY SCALES WERE ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $567 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT NO PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE IN THE 1990-91 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR THESE CHANGES. HOWEVER, PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE FOR PAYING TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE TO FIVE GRADES ANALYST/PROGRAMMER, SOCIAL WORK OFFICER, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER AND NURSE.
/THE PROVISION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
13
1
THE PROVISION FOR THE TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE WOULD BE USED TO OFFSET PART OF THE COST OF CHANGES TO PAY SCALES.
AS A RESULT, SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT $533 MILLION WOULD BE REQUIRED IN 1990-91 TO MEET THE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE. IN ADDITION, SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF UP TO ABOUT $8 MILLION MIGHT BE REQUIRED FOR DISCRETIONARY GRANT ORGANISATIONS, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD.
THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE FULL FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING THESE CHANGES FOR 1990-91, AFTER BACKDATING TO OCTOBER 1, 1989, WAS ESTIMATED TO BE IN THE REGION OF $811 MILLION, MADE UP OF $546 MILLION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND $305 MILLION FOR THE SUBVENTED SECTOR.
THE CHANGES TO THE MPS INCLUDE THE DELETION OF THE BOTTOM FOUR POINTS OF THE EXISTING MPS AND AN EXTENSION OF ITS TOP END FROM ITS PRESENT VALUE OF $37,170 TO $38,700.
c
ANOTHER CHANGE IS A STREAMLINING OF THE SIZE OF THE INCREMENTS ON THE EXISTING MPS BY PROVIDING A MORE REGULAR PATTERN, IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE INCREASE FOR EACH STEP, THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SCALE.
AS FOR THE TPS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE NEW BENCHMARK FOR DETERMINING THE ENTRY PAY FOR STUDENT RANKS REQUIRING A SCHOOL CERTIFICATE WAS INCREASED FROM $2,990 TO $3,800.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO ACCEPTED THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO MODEL SCALE I AND OF CHANGES TO THE PAY BENCHMARKS USED TO SET THE STARTING PAY OF ENTRY RANKS OF A NUMBER OF JUNIOR GRADES ON THE MODEL SCALE I AND THE MPS.
THE ADDITIONAL FULL-YEAR COST OF THESE CHANGES, TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT A FUTURE DATE, IS ESTIMATED TO BF, $405 MILLION, MADE UP OF $214 MILLION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND $161 MILLION FOR THE SUBVENTED SECTOR.
THESE CHANGES INCLUDE THE TRANSFER OF THE SENIOR ARTISAN AND ARTISAN GRADES TO THE MPS, THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LEAVE-EARNING RATES OF THESE GRADES \ND ALSO OF WORKMEN I AND II, AS WELL AS CHANGES TO THE PAY BENCHMARKS.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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FC APPROVES 1990 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ♦ * * ♦ »
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED THE 1990 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT OF 15 PER CENT FOR BOTH DIRECTORATE AND NON-DIRECTORATE STAFF.
THE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR ALL NON-DIRECTORATE STAFF, INCLUDING MAGISTRATES BELOW THE TOP POINT OF THEIR SALARY SCALE AND SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, IS EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, 1990.
FOR DIRECTORATE AND EQUIVALENT RANKS IN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND OTHER OFFICERS ON DIRECTORATE EQUIVALENT SALARIES, IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO PHASES - 7.5 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 AND THE REMAINING 7.5 PER CENT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1990.
THE PAY ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE APPLIED TO THE NEW MASTER PAY SCALE AND THE NEW TRAINING PAY SCALE RECOMMENDED IN THE SECOND REPORT ON THE 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITION OF SERVICE.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT ALTHOUGH THE NORMAL PRACTICE WAS FOR THE ANNUAL CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT TO BE IN LINE WITH THE PAY TREND INDICATORS, LOWER INCREASES MIGHT BE AWARDED FOR ECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY REASONS, AS WAS THE CASE IN 1975 AND 1983.
A PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR 1990, BASED CLOSELY ON THE PAY TREND INDICATORS, SAY, 16.5 PER CENT,. WOULD TURN THE FORECAST BUDGET SURPLUS OF ABOUT $700 MILLION FOR THE 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR INTO A DEFICIT.
IT WOULD IN TURN INCREASE THE PROJECTED EXPENDITURE IN FUTURE YEARS BY ABOUT $1 BILLION A YEAR, SO MAKING SUBSTANTIAL FUTURE DEFICITS ALL THE MORE DIFFICULT TO AVOID.
A PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR MORE THAN 15 PER CENT WOULD BE EXCESSIVE HAVING REGARD TO THE PRESENT ECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY CLIMATE AND THE HIGH LEVEL OF INFLATION AND IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
ALTHOUGH, ON THE OTHER HAND, 15 PER CENT WOULD TRIM THE ADJUSTMENT FOR STAFF IN THE UPPER AND MIDDLE BANDS BY UP TO TWO PER CENT, IT WOULD REMAIN WITHIN THE PAY TREND FRAMEWORK BY BEING GENERALLY IN LINE WITH THE PAY TREND INDICATOR FOR THE LOWER BAND OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THAT IS FEBRUARY 1, 1989 TO JANUARY 31, 1990.
THUS, A PAY ADJUSTMENT OF 15 PER CENT WOULD, TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT, ENABLE CIVIL SERVANTS TO CATCH UP WITH THE PAY INCREASES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN AWARDED TO PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT $4,993 MILLION WOULD BE REQUIRED IN 1990-91.
THEY ALSO NOTED THAT SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF ABOUT $110 Mil LION SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE, ON APPLICATION, TO DISCRETIONARY SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN 1990-91.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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PROPOSALS INVITED FOR SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE * * ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING PARTIES INTERESTED IN ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING A SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE IN HONG KONG TO SUBMIT THEIR DETAILED PROPOSALS BEFORE AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO APPLY FORMALLY FOR A 12-YEAR LICENCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION KITS CONTAINING BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE NOTES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, DURING OFFICE HOURS, AT A COST OF $205 EACH.
THE SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO LICENSEE WILL BE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE WHICH APPLY TO THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL RADIO LICENSEE.
THE LICENSEE WILL BE PERMITTED TO OPERATE BROADCASTING SERVICES ON TWO FM CHANNELS AND ONE AM CHANNEL.
IT WILL BE REQUIRED TO BROADCAST A MINIMUM OF EIGHT HOURS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES EACH DAY ON ONE OR BOTH OF ITS FM CHANNELS, AT OR WITHIN TIMES TO BE SPECIFIED IN THE LICENCE CONDITIONS.
THE LICENSEE WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE RADIO CODES OF PRACTICE RELATING TO PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS ALREADY PROMULGATED FOR THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE.
WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE LICENSEE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BROADCAST TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS OR ACCEPT SPONSORSHIP RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
IN ADDITION, ADVERTISING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED BETWEEN 4 PM AND 8.30 PM DAILY.
THE LICENSEE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH EXISTING STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS ON OWNERSHIP TO ENSURE MAJORITY LOCAL OWNERSHIP.
IN SEPTEMBER, THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL START ITS ASSESSMENT OF ALL THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED.
WITHIN THE FOLLOWING THREE MONTHS, THE AUTHORITY WILL BE EXPECTED TO PLACE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINAL DECISION.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARD BILL 1990 GAZETTED ******
A BILL SEEKING TO ESTABLISH AN URBAN SERVICES APPEALS BOARD AND A REGIONAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARD TO DETERMINE ALL APPEALS AGAINST LICENSING DECISIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARD BILL 1990 REPRESENTED A STEP TOWARDS A MORE OPEN SYSTEM OF APPEAL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT MOST OF THESE APPEALS, WHICH WERE AT PRESENT MADE TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, WERE HAWKERS’ APPEALS AGAINST LICENSING DECISIONS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, BOTH APPELLANTS AND RESPONDENTS WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ATTEND AND BE REPRESENTED AT THE BOARDS’ HEARINGS.
"THE HEARINGS WERE REQUIRED TO BE CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC EXCEPT UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MOREOVER, THE BOARDS WOULD HAVE TO STATE IN WRITING THE REASONS FOR THEIR DECISIONS.
THE DECISIONS OF THE APPEALS BOARDS WOULD BE FINAL, SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE COURT OF LAW FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE BOARDS’ PROCEEDINGS.
THE TWO BOARDS' WOULD HAVE A COMMON CHAIRMAN TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY IN PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES BETWEEN THE TWO BOARDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED MADE-UP OF THE APPEALS BOARDS WOULD BE SUCH THAT THEIR IMPARTIALITY AND INDEPENDENCE WOULD BE ENSURED.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE APPEALS BOARDS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE REGARD TO ANY MATERIAL STATEMENT OF POLICY MADE BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNCILS’ AUTHORITY WOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED BY DECISIONS OF THE APPEALS BOARDS," HE SAID.
THE BILL PROVIDED THAT EACH APPEALS BOARD WOULD CONSIST OF THE CHAIRMAN, OR A VICE-CHAIRMAN, TWO OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE RELEVANT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, AND AN EQUAL NUMBER OF NON-COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. A QUORUM OF FIVE PERSONS WAS REQUIRED.
THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THEY SHALL BE LEGALLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE. THEY SHALL NOT BE MEMBERS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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CARDOX SYSTEM CLASSIFIED AS EXPLOSIVES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CONTROL THE STORAGE, CONVEYANCE AND USE OF THE CARDOX SYSTEM IN THE SAME WAY AS BLASTING EXPLOSIVES.
AN AMENDMENT TO THIS EFFECT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CLASSIFICATION) REGULATIONS AND WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
CARDOX IS A PROPRIETORY SYSTEM FOR USE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL EXPLOSIVES IN CERTAIN ROCK BREAKING OPERATIONS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
IN VIEW OF ITS POWERFUL EFFECT AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS IN ROCK BLASTING, IT IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO CLASSIFY AND CONTROL THE SYSTEM AS EXPLOSIVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE.
FROM NOW ON, CONTRACTORS WHO WISH TO MANUFACTURE, STORE, CONVEY AND USE CARDOX SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR THE APPROPRIATE LICENCE AND PERMIT FROM THE MINES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW REGULATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE MINES DIVISION AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FIFTH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI, OR ON TEL. 733 2371.
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PRIMARY FUNCTION OF FIREMEN TO SERVE COMMUNITY
******
FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED THAT THEIR PRIMARY FUNCTION WAS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY THAT DEMANDED THEIR TOTAL COMMITMENT.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR WONG MAN-CHIU, TOLD THE RECRUITS AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE PAT HEUNG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL: "MY ADVICE TO YOU IS TO ADAPT, ADOPT AND IMPROVE SO THAT YOU CAN ALWAYS RENDER YOUR BEST TO THE COMMUNITY."
SPEAKING TO THE 43 FIREMEN AND 19 AMBULANCEMEN WHO HAD COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING, MR WONG SAID THEIR WORK WOULD AT TIMES BE DANGEROUS AND THAT THEY WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCITEMENT, UNCERTAINTY, CHANGES AND SOMETIMES FRUSTRATION.
"HOWEVER, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE TRAINING YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND THE ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WILL OBTAIN FROM YOUR OFFICERS AND FELLOW COLLEAGUES, EVERY ONE OF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THESE HURDLES," HE SAID.
MR WONG TOLD THE RECRUITS THAT THEIR TRAINING DID NOT STOP HERE.
/"STARTING NEXT .......
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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"STARTING NEXT WEEK, YOU WILL BE LEARNING ABOUT NEW TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT FROM YOUR OFFICERS AND MORE EXPERIENCED COLLEAGUES," MR WONG SAID.
HE SAID FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN WERE CALLED UPON NOT ONLY TO PERFORM FIRE-FIGHTING DUTIES, BUT ALSO DURING FLOODING, TYPHOON AND EVERY CONCEIVABLE TYPE OF ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY.
AFTER REVIEWING THE PARADE, MR WONG PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARDS TO FIREMAN LEE CHEUK-HUNG AND AMBULANCEMAN CHEUNG CHUNG-YAN.
a?
SEVEN OVERSTAYERS, ONE II ARRESTED
♦ * * * ♦
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED SEVEN OVERSTAYERS AND AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA IN A SERIES OF ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) EVENING.
ALL THE EIGHT ARRESTED PERSONS ARE NATIVES OF FUKIEN. THEY W$RE APPREHENDED IN A NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS IN NORTH POINT AND SfJAU KEI WAN.
SIX OF THEM, THREE MEN AND THREE WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 20 AND 57, ARE TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS AND HAVE OVERSTAYED IN HONG KONG FOR ABOUT WEEKS TO FIVE MONTHS.-
THE REMAINING OVERSTAYER, A FEMALE PRC PASSPORT HOLDER AGED 4Q, HAS OVERSTAYED HERE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1987.
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS A 32-YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
TWO WOMAN LOCAL RESIDENTS, BOTH AGED 34, WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE AIDED AND ABETTED THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG. .h THEY ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. HE ADDED THAT OVERSTAYERS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY BEING A F?NE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
19
PO LEUNG KUK’S HOLIDAY CAMP SERVICE PRAISED t t * ♦ *
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN PROVIDING HOLIDAY CAMP SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
MR CHUI MADE THE REMARKS DURING A COURTESY CALL BY THE KUK’S NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR VICWOOD CHONG KEE-TING, TO THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
MR CHUT SAID HF. WAS PLEASED To LEARN ABOUT THE KUK’S SUCCESS IN RUNNING THE PAE TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG.
THE CAMP ATTRACTED MORE THAN 123,000 CAMPERS LAST YEAR, WITH
AN UTILISATION RATE OF ABOUT 75 PER CENT, THE HIGHEST AMONG NON-GOVERNMENT CAMPS.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE KUK WOULD BE EXPANDING ITS CAMP SERVICE, MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE GIVING EVERY SUPPORT TO THE KUK’S NEW CAMP PROJECT AT TAI TONG, YUEN LONG. A DECISION ON LEASING A 12.59-HECTARE SITE FOR THE 450-BED HOLIDAY CAMP WOULD BE MADE SOON, HE ADDED.
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URGENT TASK FOR KA I FONG ASSOCIATIONS
KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER STRENGTHENING THEIR WORK AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL AND SETTING A CORRECT WORK TARGET IN ORDER TO FACE UP TO THE CHALLENGES IN THE 1990’S.
"THIS IS THE MOST URGENT TASK FOR KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS IN THE 1990’S," THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TOLD THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN MR LEE KWONG-LAM, VICE-CHAIRMAN MR LAI MAN-LOK, SECRETARY MR (’HOW YIN-SUM, AND MEMBERS MR NG KONG, MR WONG LUNG-TAK AND MISS CHAN LAI-LING WERE PAYING A COURTESY CALL ON MR LAN.
MR LAN REMINDED THE VISITORS THAT HONG KONG WOULD EXPERIENCE "AN UNPRECEDENTED IMPACT" AND "UNAVOIDABLE CHANGES" THIS DECADE IN ITS ECONOMY, COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL STRUCTURE.
"I EARNESTLY HOPE THAT KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, WITH THEIR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND FINE TRADITION, WOULD ENDEAVOUR TO KEEP UP WITH THE TERRITORY’S RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
"I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AND HOPE TO SEE THAT THE WORK OF KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS WOULD MAKE AN IMPRESSION IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY," MR LAN TOLD THE VISITORS.
MR LAN NOTED THAT KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, AS PIONEERS OF SOCIAL SERVICES, HAD ALREADY MADE A LOT OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST ON SUNDAY
*****
MORE THAN 1,000 CHILDREN AGED UNDER 13 WILL TAKE PART IN THE 1990 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST ON SUNDAY (MAY 6).
THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11.30 AM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL DRAW ON THE THEMES OF "MY HOME TOWN", "THE DAY I LOVE" AND "HAPPY FAMILY".
PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS WILL INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS, MEDALS, GIFT COUPONS AND FREE SUBSCRIPTION OF A CHILDREN’S MAGAZINE.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM WITH YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR WU MAN-KEUNG, OFFICIATING.
THE CONTEST IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, HARBOUR JAYCEES AND SING TAO LIMITED, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES LIMITED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE. INVITED TO COVER THE 1990 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11.30 AM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM.
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PROPERTY REVIEW 1990 NOW ON SALE *****
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1990 PROPERTY REVIEW, AT $65 PER COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
A SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE REVIEW HAD BEEN RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 8.
THE REVIEW COVERS THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1989 AND PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, VACANCIES, TAKE-UP, RENTAL AND PURCHASE PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE REVIEW MAY BE DIRECTED TO EITHER THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR K.S. WONG, ON TEL. 895 7603, OR THE TECHNICAL SECRETARY, MRS M.A. BIRD, ON TEL. 895 7614.
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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON ENERGY STATISTICS *****
THE JANUARY 1990 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "ENERGY STATISTICS IN HONG KONG".
ENERGY STATISTICS COLLATED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SINCE 1982.
THE SPECIAL ARTICLE PRESENTS THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND PATTERNS OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY FOR THE PERIOD 1979 TO 1988.
IT DEPICTS THE GENERAL ENERGY SCENE, GROWTH IN ENERGY REQUIREMENTS, AS WELL AS SOME ANALYTICAL STATISTICS ON PRIMARY ENERGY, TRANSFORMED ENERGY AND FINAL ENERGY IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS UP TO 1988.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $40 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL..
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PROPOSED RECLAMATION FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL WORKS AREA *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECLAIM AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 9,700 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT PA TAU KWU, LANTAU ISLAND, TO BE USED AS AN INITIAL WORKS AREA BY THE CONTRACTOR OF KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL 8.
THIS PROPOSED UNDERTAKING IS TO PROCEED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL 8. THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARRANGE WITH THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER TO CARRY OUT THE RECLAMATION.
THE RECLAIMED LAND, WHEN FORMED, WILL BE USED AS AN INITIAL WORKS AREA BY THE CONTRACTOR AND A BARGE LOADING AREA TO FACILITATE THE SHIPMENT OF ROCK FILL MATERIALS PRODUCED IN THE BORROW AREA AT PA TAU KWU TO THE TERMINAL SITE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT PERMISSION TO CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED FOR THE DREDGING OF A TRENCH AND LAYING OF TWO 11-KILOVOLT SUBMARINE CABLES WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 11.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN TAI KOK TSUI AND STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
/THE CABLES .......
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
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THE CABLES ARE FOR IMPROVING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE EXTENTS OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEABEDS INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 3 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD TO BE REBUILT ♦ » » » ♦
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL RECONSTRUCT AND WIDEN SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD, IN TAI PO, FROM LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE TO KADOORIE FARM UNDER STAGE II PHASE I OF THE LAM KAM ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE ROAD WOULD BE WIDENED FROM 5.5 METRES TO 7.3 METRES ALONG MOST OF ITS LENGTH AND TO 11 METRES AT A SHORT SECTION.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN JULY THIS YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 28 MONTHS.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS DESIGNED THE WORKS AND WILL SUPERVISE THEIR CONSTRUCTION.
THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORK. A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
---------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION (ABOUT 320 METRES IN LENGTH) OF ONE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR HUNG MUI KUK IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON MAY 6 TO 14.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE RESURFACING WORK ON THE CARRIAGEWAY.
/ALSO, TO ........
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1990
ALSO, TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHA TIN ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
* THE INNERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN MA LIU SHU I AND SHA TIN RACE COURSE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
* THE INNERMOST LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND CITY ONE SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 7) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE
» t » t »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) FOR TWO HOURS BEGINNING AT 12.01 AM AND AT 2 PM RESPECTIVELY FOR CARRYING OUT STRUCTURAL MONITORING WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL BE REOPENED TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON SITE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
SUSPENSION OF PEAK TRAM SERVICES FOR KENNEDY RD STATION
* t t t t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE WORKS TO CORRECT THE PLATFORM LEVEL, PEAK TRAM SERVICES FOR THE KENNEDY ROAD STATION WILL BE SUSPENDED ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MAY 5 AND 6).
SERVICES WILL RESUME TO NORMAL ON MONDAY (MAY 7) AT 7 AM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NECESSITY TO CHANGE POST OFFICE'S TITLE BEING CONSIDERED .............. 1
NEW HOSPICE CARE WARD ANOTHER IMPORTANT MJLESTONE ..................... 2
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB PUBLISHES WORK REPORT .......................... 3
MONITORING OF CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .......... 4
ROADWORKS PROJECTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................. 5
REMINDER AGAINST ILLEGAL CAMPING IN COUNTRY PARKS ..................... 6
HELP THE POLICE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION ......................... 7
50 CHILDREN WIN QUEST TO PROMOTE LOVE FOR MOTHER ...................... 8
'NO PARKING' SIGNS PUT UP AT PROBLEM LOCATIONS ........................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AND URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSUI ..............
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG ........................................... 10
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON TONG ......................... 10
LEARNER DRIVER BAN ZONE IN SHAM SHUI .................................. 1°
VILLAGE VEHICLE BAN ON CHEUNG CHAU FOR BUN FESTIVAL ................... 10
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
1
NECESSITY TO CHANGE POST OFFICE’S TITLE BEING CONSIDERED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THAT HE WAS NOW CONSIDERING WHETHER HIS DEPARTMENT SHOULD SEEK TO CHANGE ITS TITLE TO PROPERLY REFLECT ITS FULL ROLE IN POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY FOR THE OPEN STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR WONG SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO DISPEL A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION THAT THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE MERELY HANDLED STAMPS AND POSTS.
"AS THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, I ALSO WEAR ANOTHER HAT ENTITLED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY," HE SAID. "AS SUCH, I HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION OF ALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE INCLUDED SUCH FAMILIAR THINGS AS ORDINARY TELEPHONES, INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONES, FACSIMILE, TELEX, CORDLESS TELEPHONES, MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONES, PAGERS, SATELLITE COMMUNICATION, GENERAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOME ASPECTS OF BROADCASTING.
"THIS IS AN EXTREMELY WIDE AND INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY," HE SAID.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT STAMP DESIGNS IN HONG KONG ENJOYED A VERY GOOD REPUTATION BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
"WE HAVE FOLLOWED A STRICT BUT SENSIBLE POLICY WHICH IS TO LIMIT THE FREQUENCY OF SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES NORMALLY TO FIVE EACH YEAR.
"THIS IS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO SOME FOREIGN POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS WHICH RELEASE BETWEEN 10 AND 20 SPECIAL ISSUES A YEAR, OR EVEN MORE.
"IF THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WERE TO ADOPT THIS POLICY, I AM SURE THAT OUR STAMP COLLECTORS WOULD HAVE BAULKED AT THE PRACTICE, THEIR POPULATION WOULD HAVE DIMINISHED AND OUR SALES FIGURE WOULD HAVE SUFFERED DRASTICALLY," HE SAID.
IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT BY ADHERING TO THE STRICT POLICY AND NATURALLY THROUGH GENERAL CIVIC EDUCATION, THE SALES POTENTIAL OF SPECIAL STAMPS HAD CONSTANTLY BEEN ON THE INCREASE, MR WONG SAID.
HE SAID THAT ON A TYPICAL FIRST DAY OF ISSUE, THE POST OFFICE SOLD ON AVERAGE OVER $5 MILLION WORTH OF NEW STAMPS AND OVER 300,000 FIRST DAY COVERS.
"ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS, SUCH AS THE VISIT OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE AND THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO HONG KONG LAST YEAR AND THE YEAR OF THE HORSE 1990 OUR SALES REACHED $9.7 MILLION AND $10.5 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
/"I CAN ........
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
2
"I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE IS ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMERS IN THE WORLD," MR WONG SAID.
DESPITE THE SATISFYING RECORD, MR WONG SAID IT WAS HIS INTENTION TO REGULATE THE PRICE OF EACH SPECIAL ISSUE SO AS NOT TO PLACE AN UNDUE BURDEN ON PHILATELISTS AND NOT TO FRIGHTEN YOUNG PEOPLE AWAY FROM THIS EXCELLENT HOBBY.
' "FOR ALL THIS ACHIEVEMENT, I MUST THANK MEMBERS OF THE STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THEIR UNSTINTING EFFORTS AT SELECTING APPROPRIATE THEMES, SCRUTINISING STAMP DESIGNS AND MONITORING THEIR FINAL QUALITY. I MUST ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARD WORK DONE BY MY STAFF BEHIND THE SCENES," HE ADDED.
ON THE OPEN STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT A FEW MONTHS AGO, MR WONG SAID IT WAS A BRAVE AND NEW VENTURE.
"IT ATTRACTED VERY GREAT INTEREST AND WE RECEIVED OVER 8,500 ENTRIES FOR THE THREE CLASSES OF COMPETITION.
"THIS GAVE OUR JUDGE AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIME. I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR HAVING SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISHED SUCH A PAINFUL AND TAXING TASK," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE ACTUAL STAMP DESIGNS FOR "CHRISTMAS 1990” WERE BASED ON THE WINNERS’ CONCEPTS AND THE DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO ISSUE THE STAMPS IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
"BECAUSE OF THE HIGH QUALITY OF ENTRIES, WE HAVE DECIDED ALSO TO ISSUE A SET OF FOUR POSTCARDS ON CHRISTMAS, WHICH ARE AN EXACT REPRODUCTION OF SOME OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.
"1 HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE WIDE DEMAND FOR THESE PRODUCTS LATER THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
------0--------
NEW HOSPICE CARE WARD ANOTHER IMPORTANT MILESTONE *****
THE OPENING OF THE NEW HOSPICE CARE WARD OF THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL MARKS ANOTHER IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPICE SERVICE, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW 23-BED WARD, LADY WILSON SAID WITH THESE BETTER FACILITIES, PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES WOULD BE ABLE TO BENEFIT AT A TIME WHEN THEY WOULD NEED ALL THE SUPPORT THEY COULD GET.
LADY WILSON NOTED THAT THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL FIRST ESTABLISHED A HOSPICE CARE TEAM IN JANUARY 1988 AND A HOSPICE CARE FUND HAD ALSO BEEN SET UP TO SUPPORT THE SERVICE.
/"STARTING WITH .......
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
"STARTING WITH ONLY SIX BEDS, THE SCHEME HAS GRADUALLY EXPANDED TO PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE TEAM OF NURSES, DOCTORS, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, PHARMACISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND A CHAPLAIN."
"THE TEAM PROVIDES NOT ONLY PALLIATIVE CARE, WHICH FOCUSES ON PAIN AND SYMPTOM CONTROL, BUT ALSO HELPS THE PATIENTS TO SEE LIFE IN A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE THROUGH COUNSELLING, AND THROUGH BEING ABLE TO INCLUDE FAMILIES IN THAT COUNSELLING," LADY WILSON SAID.
LADY WILSON CONGRATULATED ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE REALISATION OF THIS PROJECT, FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PLANNING, DEVELOPING AND UPGRADING THE STANDARD OF HOSPICE CARE SERVICES.
- - 0 - -
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB PUBLISHES WORK REPORT « * » * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A WORK REPORT FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1988 TO SEPTEMBER 1989.
THE REPORT, THE THIRD BY THE BOARD SINCE 1985, RECORDS MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND IMPORTANT ISSUES, THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS, AND THE USE OF DB FUNDS.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, A TOTAL OF 12 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COSTING MORE THAN $400,000 WERE IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT DURING THIS PERIOD ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DB’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE.
THEY INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO ARBOURS AND BENCHES ALONG HATTON ROAD, CONSTRUCTION OF A PAVILION AT LUNG FU SHAN, INSTALLATION OF DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AT THE FOOTPATH ON CONDUIT ROAD AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK.
TO SOLVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE HAD PROPOSED THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION SHOULD EXTEND THE ISLAND LINE WESTWARDS TO SAI YING PUN.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE HAD CLOSELY MONITORED MAJOR TRANSPORT SCHEMES SUCH AS UPGRADING AND DUALLING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD, AND THE.CONSTRUCT ION OF A HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINK BETWEEN CENTRAL AND THE MID-LEVELS. IT HAD ALSO GIVEN ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PLANNING AND SCHEDULING OF THESE PROJECTS.
A SERIES OF COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS WERE ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE DURING THE PERIOD TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL PARTICIPATION AND TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
/THESE INCLUDED
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
THESE INCLUDED A FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY, ACTIVITIES PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, SEMINARS ON YOUTH POLICIES AND TALKS ON SOCIAL SERVICES.
THE PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, FORMED IN 1985 TO REVIEW ALL MATTERS AFFECTING POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, HAD FOCUSSED ITS ATTENTION ON THE PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS, THE BASIC LAW DRAFT AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 3.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO CONDUCTED OPINION POLLS ON VARIOUS TOPICS OF PUBLIC CONCERN IN THE DISTRICT.
IN HIS PREFACE TO THE REPORT, THE DB CHAIRMAN MR AMBROSE LAU SAID THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DB'S WORK DEPENDED ON THE CO-OPERATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND RESIDENTS' SUPPORT.
REFERRING TO THE REJECTION OF AN APPLICATION TO OPEN A CHILDREN’S ELECTRONIC GAMES CENTRE IN SMITHFIELD TERRACE, MR LAU SAID THE CASE CLEARLY SHOWED THAT VIEWS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND RESIDENTS WERE HEEDED.
COPIES OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WORK REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARDS.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF THE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S FOUR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES.
------0-------
MONITORING OF CONCRETE BATCHING * * *
PLANT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE MONITORING OF DUST AND WATER QUALITY NEAR A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT AT YIM TIN TSAI AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 7).
AN OFFICIAL FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS PROJECTS IN THE TAI PO TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND A PROGRESS REPORT OF THE TAI PO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WORKING GROUP.
/OTHER ITEMS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
5 -
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 1990-91 AND THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THESE PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 7) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
--------0-----------
ROADWORKS PROJECTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA »«»***»
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE ROADWORKS PROJECTS IN THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 7).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAI WO ESTATE AND THE INADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICES IN SAI KUNG NORTH.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF A WORKING GROUP ON THE TAI PO DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 7) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/6 ........
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
6
REMINDER AGAINST ILLEGAL CAMPING IN COUNTRY PARKS
******
HOLIDAY-MAKERS WHO WISH TO CAMP IN COUNTRY PARKS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY CAN DO SO ONLY IN DESIGNATED CAMP SITES WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARKS AREA.
"ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 37 DESIGNATED CAMP SITES IN HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS AND MOST OF THESE SITES ARE LOCATED NEAR THE POPULAR HIKING ROUTES,” THE SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR MARTIN LEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THEY CAN BE EASILY IDENTIFIED BY SIGNBOARDS PUT UP BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY."
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES WERE PROVIDED WITH BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS LEVEL GROUND, WOODEN BENCHES, BARBECUE PITS, DRY PIT TOILETS AND LITTER BINS.
"LOCATED OUTSIDE DIRECT WATER CATCHMENT AREAS AND FAR AWAY FROM DENSE WOODS, THESE SITES HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CHOSEN FOR PLEASANT AND SAFE CAMPING AND TO PREVENT CAMPERS FROM POLLUTING WATER SOURCES OR STARTING A HILLFIRE," MR LEUNG EXPLAINED.
"APART FROM SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONSIDERATIONS, THE DESIGNATION OF CAMP SITES IN COUNTRY PARKS WILL MAKE MANAGEMENT EASIER AND ENSURE THAT CAMPERS WILL NOT GET IN THE WAY OF COUNTRY PARK VISITORS ENGAGED IN OTHER FORMS OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES," HE CONTINUED.
MR LEUNG STRESSED THAT UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREA REGULATIONS, CAMPING IN COUNTRY PARKS OTHER THAN IN A DESIGNATED CAMP SITE IS AN OFFENCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2,000 IN FINE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS.
IN THE LAST 13 MONTHS, 46 CAMPERS WERE PROSECUTED AND FINED A TOTAL OF $12,200 FOR ILLEGAL CAMPING IN COUNTRY PARKS. THE FINES RANGED FROM $50 TO $300.
NOTING THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT NOISY CAMPERS WERE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT NOW AND THEN, MR LEUNG APPEALED TO CAMPERS TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE.
"THEY SHOULD KEEP THEIR VOICES DOWN AND TURN DOWN THE VOLUME OF THEIR RADIOS AND CASSETTE RECORDERS, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT , SO AS NOT TO DISTURB THOSE CAMPING NEAR THEM,” HE URGED.
HE REMINDED CAMPERS THAT CAUSING NOISE NUISANCE IN COUNTRY PARKS IS ALSO AN OFFENCE AND OFFENDERS ARE AGAIN LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2,000 IN FINE AND JAIL FOR THREE MONTHS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
7 -
HELP THE POLICE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION
*****
FIVE YOUNG CRIME FIGHTERS WHO HAVE DISPLAYED A HIGH DEGREE OF OBSERVATION AND QUICK RESPONSE AT A QUIZ CONTEST TODAY (SATURDAY) SCORED THE HIGHEST POINTS AND EMERGED AS WINNERS IN THIS YEAR’S HELP THE POLICE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME COMPETITION.
ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE , THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT REMINDING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE MORE AWARE OF THE CRIME SITUATION AND SOLICITING THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
A TOTAL OF 30 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS EARLIER, COMPETED FOR THE GRAND PRIZES IN TODAY’S FINAL QUIZ CONTEST.
THE FIVE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED FREE TRIPS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS SUMMER WITH ALL EXPENSES PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT AND AIR TICKETS SPONSORED BY THE BRITISH AIRWAYS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, OFFICIATED AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WHICH WAS HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ADJUDICATION AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE FIVE WINNERS WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON JULY 23 TO BEGIN A 19-DAY VISIT COVERING LONDON, MANCHESTER, EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW.
BESIDES SIGHTSEEING PROGRAMMES, THEY WILL ALSO ACT AS HONG KONG’S YOUNG AMBASSADORS WHEN THEY MEET LOCAL POLICE AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE WINNERS ARE LEE PIK-YUEN, LUK PO-LiNG, ROSE LEUNG, HUI SHUK-KWAN AND LI^UET-YING.
MEANWHILE, THE FIVE RUNNERS-UP WILL BE VISITING THAILAND AS PART OF THEIR PRIZES.
TODAY’S QUIZ CONTEST HAS BEEN PRE-RECORDED AND WILL BE TELEVISED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 1.15 PM ON TVB-JADE AND AT 6 PM AT ATV-HOME CHANNEL.
- - 0 - -
/8
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
- 8 -
50 CHILDREN WIN QUEST TO PROMOTE LOVE FOR MOTHER ♦ **»♦**
FIFTY OUT OF 1,589 ENTRIES FROM 79 PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS WON PRIZES IN THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION TO PROMOTE LOVE AND RESPECT FOR MOTHERS.
THE PRIZES - BOOK TOKENS VALUED AT $300 EACH - WERE PRESENTED TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).
THROUGH DVORAK’S ’’THE SONG MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME”, CHILDREN HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THEIR MOTHERS, THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS C.H. KONG, SAID.
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AND SPONSORED BY THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON.
ALSO PRESENTING PRIZES TO THE WINNERS TODAY WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON, MS JANICE CHAN.
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’NO PARKING’ SIGNS PUT UP AT PROBLEM LOCATIONS
”NO PARKING” SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP AT EIGHT SELECTED PROBLEM LOCATIONS IN THE URBAN AREA WHERE SERIOUS TRAFFIC OBSTRUCTION IS CONTINUALLY CAUSED BY. ILLEGALLY STOPPED VEHICLES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THESE SIGNS WILL BE READY ON TUESDAY (MAY 8).
AT THE SAME TIME, STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN BY THE POLICE AGAINST MOTORISTS CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO TRAFFIC BY WAITING OR PARKING THEIR VEHICLES AT THESE LOCATIONS.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LOCATIONS ARE CONNAUGHT PLACE OUTSIDE EXCHANGE SQUARE, PEDDER STREET OUTSIDE WORLDWIDE HOUSE, PEDDER STREET OUTSIDE THE LANDMARK AND CENTRAL BUILDING, HARBOUR DRIVE OUTSIDE CAUSEWAY CENTRE, AND MARSH ROAD BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD (LAYBY ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF CARRIAGEWAY).
IN KOWLOON, THE LOCATIONS ARE CANTON ROAD OUTSIDE STAR HOUSE AND HONG KONG HOTEL, CANTON ROAD FROM KOWLOON PARK DRIVE TO HAIPHONG ROAD (LAYBY ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF CARRIAGEWAY), AND GRANVILLE ROAD BETWEEN GRANVILLE SQUARE AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD (SOUTH SIDE).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT ONCE THE ”NO PARKING” SIGNS ARE IN POSITION, THE POLICE WILL ISSUE FIXED PENALTY TICKETS TO OFFENDERS WITHOUT PRIOR VERBAL WARNINGS.
/UNDER NORMAL
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1990
- 9
UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE ERECTION OF "NO PARKING" SIGNS IS UNNECESSARY AND THEIR SELECTIVE INTRODUCTION IN THIS INSTANCE IS TO HIGHLIGHT PROBLEM LOCATIONS WHERE VERBAL WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE ISSUE OF A TICKET HAVE PROVED INEFFECTIVE AND WILL NO LONGER BE GIVEN.
HE REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT ON A STRETCH OF ROAD WHERE THE STREET LIGHTS ARE NOT MORE THAN 200 METRES APART, THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS PROHIBIT PARKING INCLUDING WAITING WITH THE DRIVER PRESENT.
"IT WILL, OF COURSE, CONTINUE TO BE LAWFUL TO STOP FOR PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS BUT ONLY FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO DO SO," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AND URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSUI
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7), THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT OF ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM TEMPLE STREET ONTO AUSTIN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL BE BANNED.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR CANTON ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA SUSTIN ROAD EASTBOUND, WOOSUNG STREET NORTHBOUND AND JORDAN ROAD WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH PILKEM STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY. THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY ON AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
MEANWHILE, THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CANTON ROAD, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 119 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE TEMPORARILY DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 16 MONTHS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS.
- - 0-----------
/10 .......
SATURDAY,' MAY 5, 1990
- 10 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG
* » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7), THE FLYOVER LINKING JUNK BAY ROAD NORTHBOUND WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD ADJOINING WAI YIP STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY AND SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 70 KILOMETRES.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF GAS MAINS AT CUMBERLAND ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG, THE LEFTTURN MOVEMENT FROM BOUNDARY STREET EASTBOUND ONTO CUMBERLAND ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7), FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, MOTORISTS ON BOUNDARY STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR CUMBERLAND ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA BOUNDARY STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, LINCOLN ROAD AND CUMBERLAND ROAD.
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LEARNER DRIVER BAN ZONE IN SHAM SHUI PO *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7), FUNG PING LANE NEAR BEACON HEIGHTS IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE TO ALL LEARNER DRIVERS 24 HOURS DAILY.
VILLAGE VEHICLE BAN ON CHEUNG CHAU FOR BUN FESTIVAL
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT ALL VILLAGE VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM OPERATING ON CHEUNG CHAU ON MONDAY (MAY 7), BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE PROCESSIONS IN CELEBRATION OF THE BUN FESTIVAL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK PRESENTS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 90’S .................... 1
YOUTHS FROM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE .. 2
FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT AT PERCIVAL STREET/HENNESSY ROAD JUNCTION....... 2
DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PUNISHMENT ...........
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN .....................................
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WONG TAI SIN ........................... 4
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1990
1
HK PRESENTS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 90’S
******
THE NINETIES IN HONG KONG PRESENT AN EXCITING PERIOD, A PERIOD OF CHANGES, CHXLLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY BALL OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (JAYCEE).
MR CHUI SAID BEING PLACED IN AN ADVANTAGEOUS AND STRATEGIC POSITION, HONG KONG’S ASPIRATION WAS TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER AS A LEADING WORLD-CLASS CITY FOR FINANCE AND BUSINESS, FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AS AND WHEN THE PACIFIC RIM FLOURISHED AND PROGRESSED.
TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC REGIONS IN THE WORLD FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EXPANSION DEPENDED ON TWO BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND FACTORS, HE SAID.
"THE FIRST IS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE, BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS FROM A SYSTEM OF FREE TRADE, OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION BY GOVERNMENT, BY THE CONFIDENT EXPECTATION THAT ITS EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY, AND TRUSTWORTHINESS WILL BE SUSTAINED AND ENHANCED.
"FOR THIS, IT IS NECESSARY FOR HONG KONG’S EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES TO CONTINUE TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, PRODUCING MEN AND WOMEN WITH KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY, AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWHOW AND EXPERTISE TO KEEP UP WITH THE SOPHISTICATION AND COMPLEXITY OF OUR MODERN AGE."
COMMENTING ON THE SUCCESS THAT DEPENDED ON THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG’S LEADERS, MR CHUI SAID THIS IN TURN DEPENDED ON LEADERSHIP TRAINING WHICH HE NOTED WAS A BASIC OBJECTIVE OF THE JAYCEE CREED.
MR CHUI COMMENDED THE JAYCEE FOR ITS MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG IN PRODUCING LEADERS OF HIGH CALIBRE OVER THE PAST DECADES WHO HAD SERVED THE TERRITORY WITH DISTINCTION IN VARIOUS WALKS OF LIFE.
"THAT MISSION WILL BE EVEN MORE DEMANDING AND ESSENTIAL AS HONG KONG PREPARES ITSELF FOR THE NINETIES," HE ADDED.
MR CHUI SAID THE SECOND ESSENTIAL FACTOR WAS HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE, WITH ITS WELL CHERISHED FREEDOM AND LIBERTIES WHICH ENABLED INDIVIDUAL TALENTS OF ALL TYPES TO BLOSSOM AND FLOURISH.
"THAT INCLUDES THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF CREATIVITY, THE RESPECT FOR BASIC VALUES, THE UNFETTERED EXPRESSION OF ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL TALENT, AND THE NURTURING AND MATURING OF A VOLUNTARY SPIRIT OF PARTICIPATION AND COMPETITION.
"THIS KEEN URGE AND ENDEAVOUR FOR SELF-BETTERMENT, THIS ENTREPRENEURIAL IMAGINATION AND DYNAMISM, THIS FIGHTING SPIRIT TO CONQUER AND SURMOUNT DIFFICULTIES NO MATTER HOW DAUNTING CONSTITUTE THE TOTAL DRIVING FORCE THAT HAS SHAPED HONG KONG’S DESTINY," HE CONCLUDED.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1990
2
YOUTHS FROM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE
*******
MORE THAN 50 ELDERLY AT A TSUEN WAN HOSTEL WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) ENTERTAINED BY A GROUP OF UNUSUAL VISITORS, 15 YOUTHS FROM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE BOYS, COMING FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S O PUT 6HAN AND CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOMES AS WELL AS CHEUNG HONG HOSTEL UNDER TWE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES, WERE PAYING A COURTESY VISIT TO THE SENIOR RESIDENTS AS PART OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME.
DURING THE VISIT, THE BOYS CHEERED UP THE ELDERLY BY STAGING PERFORMANCES INCLUDING A MAGIC SHOW, SINGING AND PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
THE VISIT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SWD AND THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES TO FOSTER A SENSE OF CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY AMONG THE YOUTHS AND HELP THEM RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SHOW, THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES WEST), MR ANTHONY CHAN, SAID THE SWD HAD BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES ON MATTERS CONCERNING REHABILITATION OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS.
UNDER A PROPOSAL, THE HOSTEL WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE TO BOYS IN THE RANGE OF 14 TO 17 YEARS OLD, WHO WERE DISCHARGED FROM REFORMATORY SCHOOLS OR UNDER PROBATION SUPERVISION, BE THEY WORKING OR RECEIVING VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING) OF THE SWD, MR NG KAI-KIN, AND THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES, MR WILSON CHEUNG.
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FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT AT PERCIVAL STREET/HENNESSY ROAD JUNCTION
******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL CONSTRUCT A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS HENNESSY ROAD AT PERCIVAL STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY, TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT THIS ROAD JUNCTION.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS. A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE WORKS ALSO INCLUDE RECONSTRUCTION OF ROAD PAVEMENTS AND DRAINAGE ALONG HENNESSY ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN CANAL ROAD EAST AND JARDINE’S BAZAAR.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL ALSO SUPERVISE THEIR CONSTRUCTION.
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/3......
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1990
- 3 -
DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PUNISHMENT
* * t * *
POLICE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT ANY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE WHILST DISQUALIFIED MIGHT RESULT IN SEVERE PUNISHMENT.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN CITED A RECENT CASE IN WHICH A 25-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AFTER HE WAS CONVICTED OF A CHARGE OF DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED.
IN ADDITION, THE DEFENDANT HAD HIS DRIVING LICENCE
DISQUALIFIED FOR THREE YEARS.
THE COURT ALSO RULED THAT HE HAD TO RESIT AND PASS ANOTHER DRIVING TEST BEFORE HE WOULD. BE ISSUED A NEW DRIVING LICENCE.
THE MAN WAS ALSO CONVICTED OF TWO OTHER CHARGES, NAMELY DRIVING WITHOUT THIRD PARTY INSURANCE AND FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC SIGNS, AND WAS FINED $4,000 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY.
THE DEFENDANT WAS ARRESTED ON MARCH 17 THIS YEAR AFTER HE WAS CAUGHT FOR DISOBEYING TRAFFIC SIGNS IN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WHILE DRIVING ON HIS LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE.
HIS DRIVING LICENCE WAS LATER FOUND TO HAVE BEEN DISQUALIFIED DUE TO A PREVIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCE.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN t ♦ » ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD T5 IN SHA TIN, THE SECTION OF SHA TIN WAI ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN SIU LEK YUEN ROAD AND NGAU PEI SHA STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM TUESDAY (MAY 8) TO THURSDAY (MAY 10).
DURING THE CLOSURE, NGAU PEI SHA STREET SOUTH OF SHA TIN WAI ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ACCESS ONLY FROM KWONG SIN STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON SIU LEK YUEN ROAD HEADING FOR SHA TIN WAI ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHAP WAI KON STREET AND NGAN SHING STREET.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1990
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST NEAR CHOI HUNG ESTATE IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE REDUCED FROM THREE-LANE TO ONE-LANE TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM DAILY ON TUESDAY (MAY 8) AND WEDNESDAY (MAY 9).
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD INTERCHANGE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT ON STATISTICAL PROJECTION OF MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY........ 1
1989 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.................... 3
12 APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC PAGING LICENCES APPROVED .................................. 5
DB TO DISCUSS RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS ......................................... 5
NEW CLINIC FOR MA ON SHAN ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ..................................... 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROBLEMS ............................................ 6
WAN CHAI TRAFFIC STUDY ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ..............................
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ................................................... 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER EASTBOUND ................................ 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .......................................................
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
REPORT ON STATISTICAL PROJECTION OF MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CARRIED OUT A STUDY ON WHETHER THE MIX OF HONb KONG’S FUTURE EDUCATIONAL OUTPUT WILL BE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE MIX OF ITS FUTURE REQUIREMENT IN THE 1990’S.
UNDERTAKEN BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE, THE STUDY ASSESSES THE REQUIREMENT FOR AND SUPPLY OF EDUCATED MANPOWER AT DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS IN TWO FORECAST YEARS - 1991 AND 1996.
RELEASING THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, EMPHASISED THAT THE STUDY WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH DETERMINING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE NEEDED IN THE FUTURE LABOUR FORCE.
"THE PROJECTION IS CONCERNED ONLY WITH DETERMINING WHETHER THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A MISMATCH BETWEEN THE DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF EDUCATED MANPOWER ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT AND PLANNED PROVISION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS FROM THE STUDY SUGGESTED THAT IN 1996 THERE WOULD BE PROJECTED SURPLUSES AT SOME EDUCATIONAL LEVELS AND SHORTFALLS IN OTHERS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, SURPLUSES ARE PROJECTED AT THE LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL, THE NON-DEGREE TERTIARY EDUCATION LEVEL AND THE POST-GRADUATE LEVEL, WHILE THERE WILL BE SHORTFALLS AT THE UPPER SECONDARY, SIXTH FORM AND FIRST DEGREE LEVELS."
HE SAID THESE TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS WOULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES BUT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE FURTHER EXAMINED BEFORE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS COULD BE FORMULATED.
"HOWEVER, THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY WILL BE PUT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO ASSIST THEM IN THE REVIEW OF EXISTING PROGRAMMES AND THE PLANNING OF NEW COURSES," HE SAID.
"THE STUDY WILL ALSO BE UPDATED AND ROLLED OVER ANNUALLY UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE."
THE TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS FROM THE STUDY FOR THE DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL (UP TO SECONDARY 3):
THE PROJECTED SURPLUS OF 56,800 IN 1996 INDICATES AN ACCUMULATION OF EDUCATIONALLY UNDER-EDUCATED PEOPLE, WHO WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY REDUNDANT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF FALLING DEMAND FOR MANPOWER WITH LOW EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
/THIS CONFIRMS
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
2
THIS CONFIRMS AND REINFORCES THE NEED FOR OPEN LEARNING IN THE LONG-TERM, BUT PROBABLY POINTS TO THE NEED FOR SOME RETRAINING IN THE SHORT-TERM. FORTUNATELY THE NUMBERS ARE NOT LARGE.
UPPER SECONDARY LEVEL (COMPLETION OF SECONDARY 5):
THE PROJECTED SHORTFALL OF 49,600 IN 1996 SUGGESTS THAT PERSONS WITH TRADITIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION ARE STILL IN GREAT DEMAND.
AS THE PLANNED PROVISION OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES WILL REACH 85 PER CENT OF RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY 1993 (OR 95 PER CENT IF TECHNICAL EQUIVALENTS IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES ARE INCLUDED), THERE IS LITTLE SCOPE FOR FUTHER EXPANSION.
SIXTH FORM LEVEL (INCLUDING SECONDARY 7):
THE SHORTFALL OF 23,500 TN 1996 ALSO INDICATES A STRONG DEMAND FOR MANPOWER AT THIS LEVEL OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT. THE PRESENT APPROVED POLICY IS TO PROVIDE SIXTH FORM PLACES FOR ONE-THIRD OF THE STUDENTS ENTERING FORM 4 TWO YEARS EARLIER. IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO REVIEW THE PRESENT PROVISION OF SIXTH FORM PLACES.
TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS:
THERE WILL BE A SMALL SURPLUS OF 3,300 PERSONS AT CRAFT LEVEL AND 5,000 PERSONS AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL IN 1996, INDICATING THAT SUPPLY AND REQUIREMENT AT THESE LEVELS WILL BECOME MORE OR LESS IN BALANCE.
NON-DEGREE TERTIARY LEVEL:
THE LARGE SURPLUS OF 17,300 INCLUDES SOME 9,000 LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, WHO MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO MEET ALL THE CRITERIA FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT. THE SURPLUS IS PERHAPS MORE APPARENT THAN REAL.
FIRST DEGREE AND POST-GRADUATE LEVELS:
THERE WILL BE A SHORTFALL OF 36,700 PERSONS WITH FIRST DEGREE AND A SURPLUS OF 27,300 AT POST-GRADUATE LEVEL. TAKEN TOGETHER, THERE WILL STILL BE A SMALL SHORTFALL OF 9,400 PERSONS WITH DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS IN 1996.
ON THE FACE OF IT THIS IS WORRYING. BUT AS THE FULL IMPACT OF THE TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME WILL ONLY BE FELT IN 1997, IN WHICH YEAR 15,000 FIRST DEGREE HOLDERS WILL EMERGE, THE SHORTFALL IN 1996 WILL BE CONSIDERABLY REDUCED FROM 1997 ONWARDS.
/THUS, THERE ........
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
- 3 -
THUS, THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR BELIEVING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S 18 PER CENT TARGET FOR FIRST YEAR, FIRST DEGREE PLACES IS WRONG. IN FACT IT SEEMS, WITH HINDSIGHT, TO BE JUST ABOUT RIGHT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, GIVEN HONG KONG’S CONTINUING DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF DEGREE HOLDERS, IT WILL PROBABLY BE NECESSARY TO TAKE A MORE PRO-ACTIVE STANCE IN ATTRACTING BACK HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND FACILITATING THEIR RETURN.
TURNING TO THE EMPLOYMENT SIDE, MR YEUNG SAID THE PROJECTED REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATED MANPOWER REFLECTED A SHIFT OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MANUFACTURING TO TRADING AND SERVICES, AND ALSO REFLECTED CHANGES IN THE OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURES WITHIN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES.
"AS A RESULT, THE GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT WILL BE UNEVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONGST MAJOR OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS. EMPLOYMENT IN PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL OCCUPATIONS IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 26 PER CENT (ABOUT 93,400 PERSONS) BETWEEN 1988 AND 1996, WHILST PRODUCTION WORKERS AND LABOURERS WILL DECREASE BY 6.2 PER CENT (-64,000 PERSONS)," HE SAID.
"THIS PATTERN OF EMPLOYMENT GROWTH POINTS TO AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR BETTER EDUCATED MANPOWER."
HE NOTED THAT THE PROJECTED ' MANPOWER SUPPLY HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WASTAGE DUE TO DEATH, RETIREMENT, EMIGRATION AND OVERSEAS STUDY ON THE ONE HAND AND NEW SUPPLIES FROM IMMIGRANTS AND RETURNED EMIGRANTS, STUDENTS RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS, AND THE OUTPUT OF LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS ON THE OTHER.
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1989 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS *******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1989 HAS JUST COMMENCED.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCTS, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND SALES LEVELS.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
/ABOUT 8,100 .......
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
ABOUT 8,100 ESTABLISH^ t’S WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, COVERING THE FOLLOWING ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES: WHOLSALE; RETAIL; IMPORTS AND EXPORTS; RESTAURANTS; HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (THAT IS WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), OPERATING EXPENSES, TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE, STOCKS, SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AS WELL AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEY. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31, 1990.
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE.OF THE SURVEY, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 556 1394.
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/5........
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
12 APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC PAGING LICENCES APPROVED ******
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 38 APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC PAGING LICENCES WERE RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE INVITATION ISSUED IN THE GAZETTE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
OF THESE, 12 WERE APPROVED. THE COMPANIES ARE: KANTONE PAGING CO. LTD, HUTCHISON PAGING LTD, FINANCIAL TELECOM LTD, FIRST PACIFIC PAGING CO. LTD, META COMMUNICATIONS LTD, ABC COMMUNICATIONS LTD, HONG KONG TELECOM CSL LTD, CHEVALIER PAGING SERVICES LTD, KOLOMNA CO. LTD, TELECOM SERVICE LTD, NEW WORLD COMMUNICATIONS LTD AND EPRO SYSTEMS LTD.
’’ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE REMAINING APPLICATIONS BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN ON THEM,” MR WONG SAID.
’’THE WHOLE EXERCISE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.”
- - 0 - -
DB TO DISCUSS RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS
******
THE RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS UNDER THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THESE PROJECTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WILL INCLUDE REPORTS BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
AFTER THE MEETING, COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE LOCAL PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
4
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
NEW CLINIC FOR MA ON SHAN ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * * * * * * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP A CLINIC IN MA ON SHAN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL THIS YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS TO COMBAT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROBLEMS *******
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS, AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY), MEASURES TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE IN THE DISTRICT WHICH IS WORSENING AS A RESULT OF RAPID COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DB’S WORK PLAN FOR 1990-91 AND THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL RAIN SHELTER AT WYLIE ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
7
WAN CHAI TRAFFIC STUDY ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ »***♦
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A TRAFFIC STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE STUDY WILL INVESTIGATE THE SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT WITH A VIEW TO DEVISING IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER AN INFORMATION PAPER ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT AT THE JUNCTION OF SHUI FAI TERRACE AND STUBBS ROAD.
THEY WILL ALSO ASK ABOUT DESIGNATING THE EASTERN SIDE OF TAI WONG STREET EAST AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY AND THE LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES OF GOODS VEHICLES AND PRIVATE CARS AT THE KERBSIDE OF FENWICK STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION (ABOUT 320 METRES IN LENGTH) OF ONE TRAFFIC LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR HUNG MUI KUK, IN SHA TIN, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM MAY 7 TO 11, AND ON MAY 13 AND 14.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE RESURFACING WORKS.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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/8 ........
MONDAY, MAY 7, 1990
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER EASTBOUND
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER E/STBOUND, IN YAU MA TEI, WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 9).
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 238.454 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 226.148 MILLION CUHC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 38.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MARINE INCIDENT SHOULD BE SORTED OUT THROUGH NORMAL BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS : GOVERNOR ................................................................. 1
THREE NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORISED TO DO BUSINESS .............................. 1
FINDINGS OF SURVEYS ON HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE RELEASED .............................. 3
SURVEY HELPS PLAN FUTURE OFFICE NEEDS ............................................... 7
APPOINTMENT OF NEW HOUSING DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED ........................................ 9
BUDGET DEBATE WINDS UP TOMORROW ............................................
MARINE POLICE WEST DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS OPENING .................................. 10
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY IMPROVEMENTS TO CENTRE STREET MARKET .......................... 11
CULTURAL HERITAGE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................................. H
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROBATION SERVICE ........................................... 12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS STREET NAMING PROCEDURE ..................................... 12
REPRINTS OF DEFINITIVE AND REEL STAMPS FOR SALE ..................................... 13
APPLICATION TO SPONSOR FIREWORKS SHOW INVITED ....................................... 14
COLLECTION OF TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES ........................................... I4
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE ARGYLE STREET FLYOVER ...................................... I5
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN .................................................. I5
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN NEW TERRITORIES .......................................... I6
WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN ............................................ i6
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
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MARINE INCIDENT SHOULD BE SORTED OUT THROUGH NORMAL BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS : GOVERNOR ♦ »»***
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) IT IS NOW HIGH TIME THAT THE MARINE INCIDENT LAST WEEK IS SORTED OUT THROUGH THE NORMAL BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS.
ASKED BY REPORTERS TO COMMENT ON THE INCIDENT AFTER ATTENDING A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID: ’’THE FACTS OF THE CASE AS WE KNOW THEM ARE AS WE’VE STATED THEM, AND WH.\T NOW NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TO GET ON, SORT IT OUT THROUGH BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS.’’
’’THAT’S THE WAY IT SHOULD SIMPLY RAISE THE TEMPERATURE, PRACTICAL PROBLEM,” THE GOVERNOR
BE DONE, NOT THROUGH STATEMENTS WHICH BUT DEALING WITH THE MATTER AS A SAID.
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THREE NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORISED TO DO BUSINESS *******
THREE NEW INSURANCE COMPANIES, ALL INCORPORATED OVERSEAS, WERE AUTHORISED TO CARRY ON INSURANCE BUSINESS IN OR FROM HONG KONG DURING THE 1989-90 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, FOUR EXISTING INSURERS CEASED TO BE AUTHORISED FOLLOWING THE CESSATION OR ORDERLY RUN-OFF OF THEIR INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 274 AUTHORISED INSURERS OPERATING IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING A NET DECREASE OF ONE SINCE MARCH 31 LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 126 WERE HONG KONG INSURERS, THE REMAINING COMING FROM OVERSEAS, INCLUDING THE UK (38), USA (28), BERMUDA (11), JAPAN (EIGHT), SINGAPORE (SEVEN), SWITZERLAND (SEVEN) AND CANADA (SIX).
IN ANNOUNCING THE ABOVE FIGURES, MR GLEESON ATTRIBUTED THE STABLE NUMBER OF AUTHORISED INSURERS TO THE GENERALLY EFFECTIVE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK GOVERNING THE REGULATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, AND THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY’S POLICY OF CLOSELY MONITORING THE STATUS OF EXISTING INSURERS.
MR GLEESON SAID DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, ONE FORMAL APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION WAS RECEIVED, COMPARED WITH 10 FOR THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR (1989-90).
HE SAID THE DROP TN NEW APPLICATIONS WAS A RESULT OF THE MORE STRINGENT AUTHORISATION CRITERIA APPLIED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY.
/AS AT ........
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
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AS AT MARCH 31, 1990, THERE WERE TWO PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORISATION, BOTH OF WHICH WERE FROM OVERSEAS COMPANIES.
MR GLEESON ALSO SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR HE HAD EXERCISED HIS POWERS OF INTERVENTION AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY ON 55 OCCASIONS IN RESPECT OF 21 INSURERS.
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD FOUND IT NECESSARY TO TAKE INTERVENTIONARY ACTION AGAINST A TOTAL OF 76 INSURERS SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN JUNE 1983.
ALSO DURING THE YEAR, THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD PRESENTED TWO WJNDTNG-UP PETITIONS UNDER SECTION 44 OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF TWO LONG TERM BUSINESS INSURERS, ONE OF WHICH HAD ALREADY CEASED TO BE AUTHORISED SHORTLY AFTER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE CAME INTO OPERATION IN 1983.
UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO THE HIGH COURT, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WAS APPOINTED AS THEIR PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR ON FEBRUARY 5. AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THE HEARING OF THE TWO WINDING-UP PETITIONS WAS STILL PENDING.
THE INTERVENTIONARY ACTION HE HAD TAKEN HAD GENERALLY SERVED THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS AND POTENTIAL POLICY HOLDERS.
MR GLEESON WENT ON TO SAY THAT AMENDING LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED DURING THE YEAR TO AFFORD INSURANCE PROTECTION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COMMUTING ON CERTAIN PASSENGER-CARRYING VESSELS.
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1989 WAS ENACTED ON NOVEMBER 16, 1989 AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (COMPULSORY THIRD PARTY RISKS INSURANCE) REGULATIONS 1989 WERE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 114(1) OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE (CAP. 281) ON DECEMBER 5, 1989.
THEY WILL BOTH COME INTO OPERATION ON MAY 17 THIS YEAR, AND HAVE THE EFFECT OF AMENDING THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS (BEING PASSENGER-CARRYING VESSELS) TO EFFECT INSURANCE AGAINST THIRD PARTY LIABILITIES IN RESPECT OF DEATH OR BODILY INJURY, FOR UP TO $3 MILLION, IN RESPECT OF THE USE OF SUCH VESSELS.
AS A RESULT, THE CATEGORIES OF COMPULSORY THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE WOULD BE INCREASED TO FOUR, THAT IS MOTOR VEHICLES, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, PLEASURE VESSELS AND, AS FROM MAY 17 THIS YEAR, LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS.
MR GLEESON SAID THE FIRST STAGE OF SELF-REGULATION OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WAS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR.
TWO STATEMENTS OF INSURANCE PRACTICE, ONE FOR LONG TERM BUSINESS AND ONE FOR GENERAL BUSINESS, BOTH ENDORSED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY, WERE ADOPTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
/MOREOVER, THE ........
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
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MOREOVER, THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BUREAU, WHICH PROVIDES AN INDEPENDENT AVENUE FOR RESOLVING CLAIMS DISPUTES ARISING FROM PERSONAL INSURANCE POLICIES, WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON FEBRUARY 20 THIS YEAR.
THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BOARD OF THE BUREAU, WHICH CONSISTS OF MR SIMON LI, A RETIRED APPEAL COURT JUDGE, AS PRESIDENT AND FOUR OTHER MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE LEGAL/ACCOUNTING AND INSURANCE FIELDS AND CONSUMER INTERESTS, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXAMINING AND MAKING RULINGS ON COMPLAINTS RELATING TO CLAIMS NOT EXCEEDING $250,000 FOR PERSONAL POLICIES.
MR GLEESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE MECHANISM FOR RESOLVING CLAIMS DISPUTES BY THE INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BOARD, BEING MORE COST-EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS THAN THE NORMAL PROCESS OF COURT PROCEEDINGS, WOULD WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF THE INSURANCE CLAIMANTS.
MR GLEESON ALSO SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY SELF-REGULATION WORKING GROUP HAD EMBARKED ON THE SECOND STAGE OF SELF-REGULATION, WHICH CONCERNED INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES (THAT IS BROKERS AND AGENTS), AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING STANDARD AGENCY AGREEMENTS AND CODES OF PRACTICE FOR THE RECRUITMENT, TRAINING, CONDUCT AND CONTROL OF AGENTS EMPLOYED BY INSURERS.
MR GLEESON ALSO REFERRED TO THE NEW OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE EARLY PART OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1990-91.
THE NEW OFFICE WOULD HAVE AN ENLARGED ESTABLISHMENT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE A NEW POST OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE TO BE FILLED BY AN ACTUARY.
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FINDINGS OF SURVEYS ON HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE RELEASED *******
THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NOTED THE FINDINGS OF SURVEYS ON THE GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AND MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE SERVICE AND ON DOCTORS WORKING IN THESE TWO SERVICES AT ITS MEETING HELD TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THESE STUDIES PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE UTILISATION OF GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES, REVEAL THE EXPECTATIONS OF PATIENTS AND DOCTORS AND HIGHLIGHT THOSE AREAS WHICH ARE IN NEED OF CHANGE," CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY, PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, SAID AFTER THE MEETING.
"THIS INFORMATION IS EXTREMELY USEFUL IN ASSISTING OUR FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS," SHE ADDED.
/THE STUDIES .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
THE STUDIES CONSISTED OF A SURVEY OF PATIENTS ATTENDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT (GOPD), A SURVEY OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE (MCH) AND A TELEPHONE SURVEY COVERING THE GENERAL POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONDUCTED A SURVEY AMONG DOCTORS WORKING IN ITS GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE.
FROM THE GENERAL POPULATION TELEPHONE ENQUIRY COVERING 1,496 RESPONDENTS, ONE IN SIX RESPONDENTS HAD EXPERIENCED HEALTH PROBLEMS AND HAD SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN THE PREVIOUS TWO WEEKS. OF THESE, 65 PER CENT OF THEM SOUGHT CARE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHILE 15 PER CENT WERE SEEN AT GOPD’S.
IN CONTRAST TO OUT-PATIENT CONSULTATION, THE MAIN PROVIDER OF HOSPITAL SERVICE WAS THE PUBLIC SECTOR. OF THE RESPONDENTS WHO HAD BEEN HOSPITALISED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, 45 PER CENT WERE ADMITTED INTO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, FOLLOWED BY 32 PER CENT INTO SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND 23 PER CENT INTO PRIVATE HOSPITALS.
IN THE GOPD STUDY, A LARGE REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF GOPD ATTENDEES (1,214) WAS INTERVIEWED. THE FINDINGS SHOWED THAT PATIENTS WHO ATTENDED THESE CLINICS WERE ON AVERAGE OLDER AND POORER AND LESS WELL EDUCATED THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION.
GOPD WAS ALSO A FREQUENTLY USED SOURCE OF MEDICAL CARE BY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE. THE SURVEY FOUND THAT 7.2 PER CENT OF ALL PATIENTS HAD DIABETES AND 24 PER CENT HAI) HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
THE GOPD STUDY WAS CONSIDERED USEFUL IN IDENTIFYING SEVERAL AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CLINICS AND PATIENTS. THESE IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD INCLUDE THE SYSTEM FOR MAKING APPOINTMENTS, WAITING TIMES, CONSULTATION TIMES, DOCTOR-PATIENT COMMUNICATION, THE AVAILABILITY AND USE OF MEDICAL RECORDS AND THE WAY IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE PRESCRIBED.
THE SURVEY ALSO INDICATED THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE SUCH AS DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SO AS TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE.
THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT PATIENTS WOULD BE RECEPTIVE TO NEW WAYS OF DELIVERING MEDICAL CARE IN GOPD CLINICS. FOR EXAMPLE, A LARGE PROPORTION OF THOSE INTERVIEWED SUPPORTED THE CONCEPTS OF GIVING PATIENTS A COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL RECORDS AND THE USE OF SPECIALLY TRAINED NURSES (NURSE PRACTITIONERS) FOR THE ROUTINE REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF CONTINUING TREATMENT.
"IT IS A GENERALLY HELD VIEW, PROBABLY REINFORCED BY THE LONG QUEUES, THAT THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS ARE OVER-BURDENED AND THEREFORE HAVE LITTLE OR NO SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT.
/"I AM .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
”1 AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE SURVEY CLEARLY POINTS TO MANY WAYS IN WHICH rill’ EXISTING WORKLOADS CAN BE RE-EXAMINED AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TAKEN TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OE ATTENDANCES AT THESE CLINICS WITHOUT IMPAIRING MEDICAL CARE FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
BOTH THE GOPI) SURVEY AND THE GENERAL POPULATION HEALTH ENQUIRY HIGHLIGHTED THE NlED FOR BETTER HEALTH EDUCATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO HELP CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE PUBLIC USED MEDICAL FAC ILITIES.
FOR EXAMPLE, MANY PATIENTS ATTENDING GOPD FREQUENTLY CHANGED THEIR DOCTORS, MAINLY BECAUSE OF PERSISTENCE OF SYMPTOMS. THIS PATTERN OF USE OF SERVICES IS LIKELY TO BE DETRIMENTAL TO PATIENT CARE.
THERE SHOULD ALSO BE IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNICATTON BETWEEN DOCTORS AND PATIENTS. AT PRESENT, A GOPD CONSULTATION WAS CHARACTERISED BY A HIGH LEVEL OF MEDICATION (THE MAJORITY OF PATIENTS WERE COMMONLY GIVEN THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICINE) BUT A LOW LEVEL OF MEDICAL INFORMATION (70 PER CENT OF THE PATIENTS HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THE DIAGNOSIS), SHE SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HANI), THE USE OF SELF-MEDICATION WAS FOUND TO BE POPULAR. THIS SUGGESTS THAT THERE SHOULD BE GREATER AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ON THE SELF-CARE OF MINOR ILLNESS THROUGH THE USE OF SIMPLE REMEDIES," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
HOWEVER, SOME FORM OF SELF-MEDICATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED, SUCH AS THE USE OF "LEFT-OVER-DRUGS" PRESCRIBED FOR A PREVIOUS EPISODE OF ILLNESS. THIS FORM OF CARE WAS SAID TO BE USED RY SOME 10 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION SURVEY WHO HAD HAD A HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS.
THE SURVEY OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE WHICH INTERVIEWED A RANDOM SAMPLE OF 300 MOTHERS WITH YOUNG INFANTS BORN IN 1987-89 DEMONSTRATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CLINICS ARE THE MOST POPULAR SOURCE OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE FOR MOTHERS AND INFANTS.
THOSE INTERVIEWED EXPRESSED A HIGH DEGREE OF SATISFACTION WITH THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
"MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IS CONSIDERED A BASIC AND IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE. IN THIS AREA, THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT IS OF VERY HIGH STANDARDS AS INDICATED BY OUR IMPRESSIVELY LOW INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES," PROFESSOR YOUND SAID.
"IT IS CLEAR FROM THE SURVEY RESULTS THAT THE EXISTING ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF THE SERVICE IS MEETING OUR NEEDS ALTHOUGH THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT," SHE SAID.
/TURNING TO........
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
6
TURNING TO THE SURVEY ON DOCTORS WORKING IN GOPD AND MCI! CLINICS, PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID SHE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT VIRTUALLY ALL THE RESPONDENTS WERE KEEN TO ACQUIRE FURTHER TRAINING AND CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION.
IN ADDITION, THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT TWO-THIRDS OF THE RESPONDING DOCTORS SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR PRESENT WORK.
THE SURVEY ON DOCTORS WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AMONG ITS 175 DOCTORS WORKING IN GOPD AND 57 DOCTORS SERVING IN THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY MEANS OF SELF-ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL DOCTORS WORKING IN THESE CLINICS. THE RESPONSE RATES WERE 73.1 PER CENT FOR GOPD DOCTORS AND 89.5 PER CENT FOR FHS DOCTORS.
"THE MAJORITY OF GOPD DOCTORS CONSIDERED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF GOPD CLINICS WERE TO PROVIDE FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC PATIENTS AND LOW-COST MEDICAL SERVICE TO THOSE IN NEED," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
"QUITE A NUMBER OF THE DOCTORS WHO HAD COMMENTED ON THE MEDICAL RECORD SYSTEM SAID THE EXISTING SYSTEM WAS NOT SATISFACTORY AND REQUIRED TO BE IMPROVED.
"SOME TWO-THIRDS OF THE DOCTORS COMMENTED THAT PATIENTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE TO SEE THE SAME DOCTOR IN THEIR FOLLOW-UP VISITS," SHE SAID.
AS REGARDS DOCTORS WORKING IN THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE, THEY REGARDED ALL THEIR EXISTING FUNCTIONS TO BE IMPORTANT. THESE INCLUDE IMMUNISATION, ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL CARE, FAMILY PLANNING, PHYSICAL CHECK-UP, SCREENING OF CHILDREN FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DEFECTS AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
THE MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONSULTATION TIME FOR EACH PATIENT SHOULD BE APPROPRIATELY LENGTHENED.
IN THE CASE OF GOPD, AN OVERALL AVERAGE OF 5.5 MINUTES PER PATIENT VERSUS THE PRESENT 3.3 MINUTES WAS REGARDED AS THE OPTIMAL TIME.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT CHANGES NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE GOPD SERVICE, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF DOCTORS COMMENTED THAT THE PRESENT PATIENT-LOAD, STAFFING SITUATION, ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AND PROVISION OF SUPPORTING SERVICES SHOULD BE IMPROVED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A HIGHER QUALITY SERVICE.
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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
7
SURVEY HELPS PLAN FUTURE OFFICE NEEDS
* * « * »
A CONSULTANCY SURVEY COMMISSIONED LAST YEAR BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT ON THE LAND AND FACILITY REQUIREMENTS OF COMMERCIAL OFFICES HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED.
ITS AIM IS TO IDENTIFY, FROM THE CONSUMERS’ POINT OF VIEW, THE NEEDS OF BUSINESS COMPANIES IN TERMS OF OFFICE SPACE AND CONDITIONS, OFFICE LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES SUCH AS PARKING SPACES, BANKS AND EATING PLACES.
THE SURVEY, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT BY A PRIVATE MARKET RESEARCH FIRM, WILL HELP THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PLANNING OF FUTURE OFFICE LAND ALLOCATION AND PROVISION OF RELATED FACILITIES AND SERVICES.
THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WILL ALSO BE MADE USE OF IN DRAWING UP FINAL PROPOSALS FOR THE METROPLAN.
THE SURVEY, IN WHICH MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL OF ABOUT 1,830 COMMERCIAL FIRMS WERE SUCCESSFULLY INTERVIEWED, SHOWED THAT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, MANY OFFICE OCCUPIERS (66 PER CENT) WERE RECEPTIVE TO THE IDEA OF ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT OF OFFICE BUILDINGS IN AREAS NEAR MTR AND KCR STATIONS.
THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION WERE ALSO CONSIDERED TO BE GOOD AREAS FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT.
HOWEVER, OFFICE OCCUPIERS WERE, IN GENERAL, LESS RECEPTIVE TO THE IDEA OF DEVELOPING OFFICE BUILDINGS AT GREEN ISLAND, TSUEN WAN AND OTHER NEW TOWNS - BEING ONLY PREFERRED BY COMPANIES ALREADY LOCATED IN THESE PERIPHERAL AREAS.
ON THE OCCUPANCY STATUS OF OFFICE PREMISES, THE SURVEY RESULTS INDICATED THAT SOME 70 PER CENT OF THE PREMISES SURVEYED ARE RENTED WITH THE COMMON LEASE TERM OF ABOUT TWO TO THREE YEARS.
ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF THE COMMERCIAL FIRMS (12 PER CENT) ENVISAGED THAT THEY WOULD MOVE WHEN THEIR LEASE EXPIRED OR WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS.
INADEQUACY OF THE PRESENT OFFICE SPACE TO CATER. FOR EXISTING OR FUTURE NEEDS AND THE COST OF OFFICE SPACE WERE THE MAIN PUSH FACTORS QUOTED BY THESE FIRMS.
GOOD ACCESSIBILITY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (26 PER CENT) AND REASONABLE OFFICE RENT/PRICE (25 PER CENT) WERE THE MAIN REASONS FOR NOT MOVING GIVEN BY THOSE WHO WOULD STAY IN EXISTING OFFICES.
THE SURVEY FOUND THAT THOSE WHO ARE LIKELY TO MOVE ARE MAINLY LEASE HOLDERS.
OTHER MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WITH RESPECT TO OFFICE LOCATIONS, BUILDING TYPES, FACILITIES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND OFFICE SPACE REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/OFFICE LOCATIONS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
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OFFICE LOCATIONS
THE MOST PREFERRED OFFICE LOCATIONS GIVEN BY ALL SURVEYED FIRMS ARE HONG KONG ISLAND WEST (CENTRAL, WESTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICTS) (28 PER CENT) AND KOWLOON CENTRAL (23 PER CENT). FACTORS AFFECTING LOCATIONAL CHOICE ARE GOOD ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (39 PER CENT), GOOD ACCESSIBILITY TO CLIENTS (17 PER CENT) AND REASONABLE RENT/PRICE LEVEL (16 PER CENT).
NEVERTHELESS, MOST OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PREFERRED TO STAY
IN THE SAME AREA AS AT PRESENT.
TYPE OF BUILDINGS
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (61 PER CENT) ARE THE MOST DESIRABLE BUILDING TYPE FOR FUTURE MOVES, FOLLOWED BY LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (16 PER CENT), INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS (12 PER CENT), COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMPOSITE BUILDINGS (9 PER CENT) AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (1 PER CENT).
MEDIUM TO SMALL SIZED COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ARE MORE DESIRED BY TRADING COMPANIES, LAND TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION COMPANIES AND COMPANIES WHICH PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
AIR TRANSPORT BUSINESSES, ON THE OTHER HAND, PREFER LARGER COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. ONLY THE MEDICAL SERVICES HAVE SIGNIFICANT INTEREST IN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMPOSITE BUILDINGS.
FACILITIES
THE FACILITIES THAT COMMERCIAL OFFICES WANTED TO HAVE IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE BANKS (58 PER CENT SAID VERY IMPORTANT), PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES (50 PER CENT), POST OFFICE (43 PER CENT), PARKING FACILITIES (34 PER CENT), GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS (23 PER CENT), AND CATERING FACILITIES (17 PER CENT).
J OF THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT FACILITIES (BANKS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND POST OFFICES), MOST OF THE SURVEYED COMPANIES WERE SATISFIED WITH THE PROVISIONS IN THEIR PRESENT NEIGHBOURHOOD.
ONE-THIRD OF THE COMPANIES SAID PARKING FACILITIES WERE INADEQUATE NEAR THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN TSUEN WAN (45 PER CENT).
OFFICE SPACE REQUIREMENTS
SIXTY-SEVEN PER CENT OF THE BUSINESS FIRMS SURVEYED PREDICTED THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN THEIR OFFICE SPACE REQUIREMENTS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. TWENTY-EIGHT PER CENT EXPECTED AN INCREASE AND FIVE PER CENT EXPECTED A DECREASE IN THEIR OFFICE SPACE NEEDS.
ON THE AVERAGE, OFFICE OCCUPIERS EXPECTED AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT OR 0.54 MILLION SQUARE METRES IN OFFICE SPACE REQUIREMENT OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
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APPOINTMENT OF NEW HOUSING DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED
*******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR PANG YUK-LING, WOULD RETIRE ON JUNE 8, 1990 AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, WILL SUCCEED MR PANG AS THE DIRECTOR.
AGED 59, MR PANG JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ARCHITECT IN 1956. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN 1981 AND TO DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN 1985.
MR FUNG, 54, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A HOUSING ASSISTANT IN 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN 1976 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN 1982. MR FUNG HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF HOUSING ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
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BUDGET DEBATE WINDS UP TOMORROW
* * * *
THE SECOND READING DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 WILL RESUME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLIES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE GIVEN ON VARIOUS POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS IN THE PREVIOUS BUDGET DEBATE.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ASK THREE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE MORE BILLS: THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARDS BILL 1990, THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATE ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE UPGRADING OF ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL ALSO WIND UP THE BUDGET DEBATE.
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/10 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8,
1990
- 10 -
MARINE POLICE WEST DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS OPENING ******
THE OPENING OF THE MARINE WEST DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE LATTER STAGE OF THE MARINE POLICE EXPANSION AND MODERNISATION PROGRAMME.
THIS WAS STATED BY POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER (MARINE), MR JOHN MACDONALD, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW MARINE POLICE BASE IN TAI LAM CHUNG TODAY (TUESDAY).
NOTING THAT THE MARINE REGION HAD EVOLVED TO INCLUDE ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST AND MOST SOPHISTICATED FLEETS OF PATROL VESSELS, WITH RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COVERED A VERY WIDE RANGE OF MARITIME ACTIVITIES, MR MACDONALD SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN ACCOMPANYING REQUIREMENT FOR GREATLY IMPROVED BASED FACILITIES TO PROVIDE A MORE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF ADMINISTRATIVE, SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.
"THE WESTERN WATERS HAVE ALWAYS PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE LIFE OF THE TERRITORY, AND THE MARINE POLICE HAVE LONG HAD MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF ENSURING TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, THE RULE OF LAW AND THE SAFETY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AS THEY GO ABOUT THEIR LAWFUL BUSINESS.
"THIS ROLE IS AS VITAL AS EVER, PARTICULARLY WITH THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN TRADE AND TRAVEL BETWEEN HONG KONG, MACAU AND CHINA, AND WITH THE PROSPECT OF THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT," SAID THE MARINE POLICE CHIEF SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT MARINE WEST DIVISION HAD BEEN OPERATING FROM THE SMALL BUILDING SITUATED ADJACENT TO THE NEW BASE SINCE 1962, MR MACDONALD WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE MORALE AND WELL-BEING OF THE 400 PERSONNEL IN THE DIVISION WOULD BE GREATLY ENHANCED BY THE BRINGING INTO SERVICE OF THE PURPOSE BUILT FACILITY.
APART FROM STAFF CHANGING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, THE NEW BASE ALSO ACCOMMODATES A MODERN RADIO ROOM FULLY EQUIPPED WITH COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND OTHER FRONT-LINE MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.
AT PRESENT, THE WEST DIVISION FLEET CONSISTS OF A DIVISIONAL COMMAND LAUNCH, FIVE PATROL LAUNCHES, FOUR INSHORE CRAFT AND THREE WATER JET BOATS.
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TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
- 11 -
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY IMPROVEMENTS TO CENTRE STREET MARKET
******
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO CARRY OUT CONVERSION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT THE CENTRE STREET MARKET AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 10).
UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE MARKET WILL ACCOMMODATE STALL LESSEES NOW TRADING IN THE NEARBY SAI YING PUN MARKET WHICH WILL THEN BE REDEVELOPED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO BEAUTIFY THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
------Or-------
CULTURAL HERITAGE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ * * ♦
A PROPOSAL TO PUBLISH A PAMPHLET ON THE TAI PO HERITAGE TRAIL WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY (MAY 10).
THE IDEA IS TO PROMOTE THE FIVE GAZETTED HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN THE DISTRICT - THE OLD DISTRICT OFFICE IN NORTH TAI PO, ISLAND HOUSE, THE POTTERY KILN SITE AT WUN YIU VILLAGE, MAN MO TEMPLE AND THE OLD TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/12 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROBATION SERVICE
* * ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROBATION SERVICE FOR CRIMINAL OFFENDERS AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 10).
MEMBERS’ OPINIONS ON THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS UNDER THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THESE PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS STREET NAMING PROCEDURE *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO EXPEDITE THE NAMING AND GAZETTING OF STREETS IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED BY A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ON THE SERVICE OF KMB ROUTE 7IX RUNNING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN DURING PEAK HOURS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
/13
1
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990 - 13 -
REPRINTS OF DEFINITIVE AND REEL STAMPS FOR SALE
REPRINTS OF THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE STAMPS AND REEL STAMPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT PHILATELIC COUNTERS OF SEVEN POST OFFICES AS FROM MAY 23, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE OFFICES ARE:
AIRPORT POST OFFICE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
THERE ARE 16 DENOMINATIONS OF REPRINTED STAMPS, AS FOLLOWS: .
10 CENTS, 40 CENTS, 50 CENTS, 60 CENTS, 70 CENTS, 80 CENTS, 90 CENTS, $1, $1.30, $1.40, $1.80, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50.
ALL REPRINTS BEAR THE IMPRINT OF *1990”.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL NOT BE ISSUED. HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE SAME DAY AT THE SEVEN POST OFFICES FOR PRIVATE COVERS BEARING A "FIRST DAY" INDICATION.
STAMP COLLECTORS WISHING TO BUY PREFERRED BLOCKS OF STAMPS MAY ORDER THEM AT ANY POST OFFICE NOW.
ORDERS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE MAY 12 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE SEVEN LISTED PHILATELIC COUNTERS ON MAY 23.
LATE ORDERS CAN ONLY BE COLLECTED AFTER MAY 31.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
14
APPLICATION TO SPONSOR FIREWORKS SHOW INVITED
******
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO SPONSOR THE 1991 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO SUBMIT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE MAY 16.
FIREWORKS SHOWS HAVE NORMALLY BEEN HELD OVER THE VICTORIA HARBOUR IN THE EVENING OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE SPRING FESTIVAL SINCE 1982.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE RCB HEADQUARTERS AT 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 866 0725 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
- - 0 - -
COLLECTION OF TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED URBAN TAXI OWNERS THAT FARE CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING THE EXISTING FARE SCALES AS AGAINST THE NEW FARE SCALES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ONWARDS.
THE TABLES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT; THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG; AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF ALL URBAN DISTRICT OFFICES AND OF THE SHA TIN, KWAI TSING AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT TAXI OWNERS SHOULD SHOW THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WHEN COLLECTING THE CONVERSION TABLES.
THESE TABLES SHOULD BE DISPLAYED AT A PROMINENT POSITION INSIDE THE TAXIS BEFORE TAXIMETERS ARE RECALIBRATED AND SEALED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
TAXI OWNERS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THE TAXI FARE PLATE INSIDE TAXIS SHOULD SHOW THE NEW FARE SCALE STARTING FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FARE INCREASE.
THOSE TAXI ASSOCIATIONS WHO WISH TO COLLECT FARE CONVERSION TABLES IN A LOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THEIR MEMBERS SHOULD APPROACH PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM SUNDAY (MAY 13), URBAN TAXI FARES WILL BE REVISED TO $8 AT FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES AND 90 CENTS FOR EVERY 0.25 KILOMETRE THEREAFTER.
/FOR EVERY
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
15
FOR EVERY ONE MINUTE OF WAITING TIME, THE CHARGE WILL BE 90 CENTS. ADDITIONAL FARE FOR EACH ARTICLE OF BAGGAGE, ANIMAL OR BIRD WILL BE $3 AND FOR EVERY HIRING ARRANGED THROUGH TELEPHONE BOOKING, THE CHARGE WILL BE $2.
WHEELCHAIRS, CRUTCHES OR ANY OTHER THING USED AS AN AID TO OR MEANS OF MOBILITY BY TAXI PASSENGERS SHOULD REMAIN TO BE CARRIED FREE OF CHARGE, HE ADDED.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE ARGYLE STREET FLYOVER
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE ARGYLE STREET FLYOVER, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY LEADING FROM ARGYLE STREET EASTBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SOARES AVENUE TO ITS JUNCTION WITH GULLANE ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM AFTER MIDNIGHT TO 4 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD (SHA TIN) AND TOLO HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
* FROM THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO MAY 17, FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM EACH DAY, ONE TRAFFIC LANE OF ABOUT 550 METRES OF TAI PO ROAD KOWLOON-BOUND NEAR SHA TIN RACE COURSE.
» FROM THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO MAY 17, FROM 8 PM EACH DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING, TWO TRAFFIC LANES OF ABOUT 550 METRES OF TAI PO ROAD KOWLOON-BOUND NEAR SHA TIN RACE COURSE.
* FROM MAY 16 TO 21, FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM EACH DAY, ONE TRAFFIC LANE OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR MA LIU SHUI.
* FROM MAY 16 TO 21, FROM 8 PM EACH DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING, TWO TRAFFIC LANES OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR MA LIU SHUI.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
/16 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 8,
1990
- 16 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN NEW TERRITORIES »*«»»«
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
* THURSDAY (MAY 10) AND FRIDAY (MAY 11), A SECTION OF ABOUT
1.2 KILOMETRES OF THE INNERMOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) NORTHBOUND NEAR KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.
» MAY 14 AND 15, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.4 KILOMETRES OF THE
INNERMOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) NORTHBOUND NEAR WO
HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE.
* MAY 16 AND 17, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.4 KILOMETRES OF THE
INNERMOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) SOUTHBOUND NEAR WO
HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE.
» MAY 18 AND 19, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE. INNERMOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) SOUTHBOUND NEAR KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.
----------------(j------------------------
WATER CUTS IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN *****
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 9 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
IN KWUN TONG, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT LAM TIN ESTATE, HONG TIN COURT, HONG WAH COURT, HING TIN ESTATE, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HONG NING ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, KUNG LOK ROAD, CHEUNG WO COURT, HIU KWONG STREET, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN CHI COURT AND SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
IN WONG TAI SIN, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT CHOI WAN ESTATE, TAK MONG VILLAGE, LOK WAH NORTH ESTATE AND LOK WAH SOUTH ESTATE.
-----0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM OF CIVIL SERVICE WELCOME ...................... 1
GOVT REVIEWING POLICY ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR ..................... 5
SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER TO GIVE CLEAR DIRECTION ................. 6
HK CAN TAKE PRIDE IN HEALTH INDICES ................................ 8
WO KEY ELEMENTS IN EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY .................. 11
HK NOT BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES: FS .................................... 14
THERE IS A BUDGET STRATEGY: FS ..................................... 15
LESS-ADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE BENEFITTED ........... 18
BUDGET STRATEGY CANNOT PRECISELY MATCH ECONOMIC CHANGES ............ 20
CAREFUL CONTROL OF CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE ....................... 23
CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD PROVIDED FOR ............................... 23
PRIME CONCERN IS MOST APPROPRIATE METHOD OF DELIVERY ............... 24
NEED TO BROADEN TAX BASE RESTATED .................................. 24
STEPS TO STREAMLINE APPROPRIATION BILL PROCEDURES .................. 29
STEADY DEVELOPMENT AS FINANCIAL CENTRE ............................. 31
CONSIDERABLE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POTENTIAL ......................... 33
BUDGET FACES PROBLEMS CORRECTLY, JUDICIOUSLY ....................... 35
CONCERN SHARED OVER POSSIBLE TRADE ACTION BY U.S.................... 36
ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE TO BE UPGRADED ................................. 37
CHANNEL FOR APPEALS AGAINST MUNICIPAL COUNCIL DECISIONS ............ 39
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BILL INTRODUCED .............................. 40
BILL TO TIGHTEN UP ON LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE SAFETY ................... 41
NEW CIVIL SERVICE MANAGEMENT REVIEW NOT NECESSARY .................. 42
GOVT TO REVIEW PORNOGRAPHY LAW SOON ................................ 43
IMMEDIATE STEPS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY AT VBP CENTRES .............. 44
APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 GIVEN SECOND READING ....................... 45
/SELECTION OF .....
t
SELECTION OF AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANT...................................... 46
CONSULTATION PERIOD ON BILL OF RIGHTS EXTENDED................................... 46
CONSUMERS TO BENEFIT FROM ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE UPGRADING .................. 47
WORK OF ASSN FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PRAISED.................................... 48
GOVT FLEET INCREASES AVAILABILITY ............................................... 49
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .............................. 50
DB WORKING GROUP TO STUDY FISH CULTURE........................................... 51
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ................................................ 52
CONTRA-FLOW TRAFFIC SCHEME FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ............♦............. 52
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ................................. 53
VEHICLE WEIGHT LIMIT IN CENTRAL.................................................. 53
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN .............................................. 54
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN STANLEY .................................................. 54
TEMPORARY CANCELLATION OF BAN ZONE IN SHAM SHUI PO............................... 54
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM OF CIVIL SERVICE WELCOME
THE PUBLIC SERVICE HAD BEEN A FOCUS OF ATTENTION DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE AND SOME HARSH THINGS HAD BEEN SAID ABOUT THE ATTITUDE OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR PRODUCTIVITY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LEADING OFF REPLIES BY FOUR OFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, SIR DAVID SAID CONCERN HAD ALSO BEEN EXPRESSED BY MANY MEMBERS OVER UNREST IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE LEVEL OF THE MARCH PAY RISE.
IN MAKING A GENERAL COMMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THAT KNOCKING THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS A POPULAR SPORT. ’’POLITICIANS THE WORLD OVER ARE ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPANTS. THERE IS NEVER A SHORTAGE OF CHEERING FANS IN THE MEDIA AND IN THE PUBLIC TO APPLAUD THEIR EFFORTS AND URGE THEM ON,” HE SAID.
”WE IN THE SERVICE WELCOME CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AND INDEED IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR ANY CIVIL SERVICE TO BE OPEN TO CRITICISM AND TO TAKE CAREFUL HEED OF IT AND TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
’’BUT IT IS MUCH EASIER TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT CRITICISM IF IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS ON WHERE IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE,” HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT THERE WERE COMMENTS THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS TOO BIG AND WAS TAKING TOO LARGE A SLICE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
’’THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL DESCRIBE SOME OF THE MEASURES WE HAVE BEEN TAKING THROUGH THE STAR CHAMBER, VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM TO TACKLE THAT PROBLEM,” SIR DAVID SAID.
”WE HAVE ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS AND ARE DETERMINED TO DO EVEN BETTER IN THE YEARS AHEAD. BUT WHEN WE HAVE DONE ALL WE CAN TO SQUEEZE THE FAT OUT OF THE SYSTEM, SOME MORE DIFFICULT DECISIONS WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN IF WE ARE TO REDUCE THE PUBLIC SECTOR FURTHER.
"AND HERE IT MAY BE WORTH POINTING OUT THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE DOES NOT CONSIST OF A HUGE POOL OF ANONYMOUS TEA-DRINKING BUREAUCRATS SITTING IN OFFICES PUSHING PAPER.
’’POLICEMEN, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS, NURSES, SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS AND TEACHERS ARE CIVIL SERVANTS TOO,” HE SAID.
SINCE 1987 THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD EXPANDED AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE OF 1.6 PER CENT, MOST OF THE ADDITIONAL STAFF INVOLVED WENT INTO SERVICES SUCH AS HEALTH (2,100), IMMIGRATION (890), POLICE (820), FIRE SERVICES (650), SOCIAL WELFARE (620) AND EDUCATION (350), THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED.
/"MY POINT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
2
<
”MY POINT IS A SIMPLE ONE. THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE SERVICE FURTHER MEANS EITHER CUTTING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC OR AT LEAST LIMITING THE RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED,” HE SAID.
”AT THAT STAGE, WHICH MAY COME SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, I HOPE MEMBERS WILL COME FORWARD WITH THEIR IDEAS ON WHICH PUBLIC SERVICES SHOULD BE CURTAILED AND WHICH GROUP OF CIVIL SERVANTS MADE REDUNDANT,” HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HE SHARED THE CONCERN OF MEMBERS OVER UNREST IN SOME SECTORS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. "BUT THE PROBLEM SHOULD ALSO BE SEEN IN PROPORTION.”
"OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, ONLY 13 OUT OF THE 340 GRADES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY FORM OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION. WITHOUT WISHING TO CONDONE SUCH ACTIONS, I SHOULD RECORD THAT IN THE MAIN THEY WERE RESTRAINED AND SHORT-LIVED. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE INCIDENT, NONE INVOLVED A FULL STRIKE," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL OTHER DISPUTES BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES, SOME OF WHICH ATTRACTED PUBLIC ATTENTION. "BUT, AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT POINT, ALL WERE SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED THROUGH DIRECT AND FRANK DISCUSSION.”
"THEY HAD NO IMPACT ON EITHER THE LEVEL OR QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC. THESE SIMPLE STATISTICS ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXISTING CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THE MACHINERY WAS ELABORATE AND STARTED AT THE PERSONAL LEVEL WITH SEVERAL AVENUES FOR COMPLAINTS AND ADVICE. "THESE ARE WELL-KNOWN TO STAFF AND WELL-USED.”
AT THE NEXT LEVEL, EACH OF THE 52 DEPARTMENTS HAD A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, IN SOME CASES MORE THAN ONE, IN WHICH GRIEVANCES AND SUGGESTIONS COULD BE VOICED.
"REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ATTEND THESE TO ACT AS A LINK BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. AND, AT THE CENTRE, THERE ARE FOUR CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS IN WHICH MANAGEMENT AND STAFF REPRESENTATIVES DISCUSS SERVICE-WIDE MATTERS SUCH AS PAY REVIEWS, ALLOWANCES, HOUSING AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF SERVICE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE SERVICE ARE WELL ORGANISED AND FIGHT HARD FOR THEIR MEMBERS. WE HAVE ENCOURAGED THEIR DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN CONSULTATION AND THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES THROUGH FRANK FORMAL NEGOTIATION.
"WITH 190,000 PEOPLE TN THE SERVICE WE MUST HAVE PROPER MACHINERY FOR CONSULTATION IN ALL GRADES AND AT ALL LEVELS; THE INFORMAL STYLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR SIMPLY WOULD NOT WORK.
/’’THE SUCCESS ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 3 -
’’THE SUCCESS OF OUR SYSTEM SHOULD BE MEASURED BY THE QUIET CONSENSUS WHICH ENDS THE MAJORITY OF DISAGREEMENTS. NOT BY THE FEW, NOISY INSTANCES WHERE, FOR WHATEVER REASON, AGREEMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS FINALISING SOME PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE IN THE CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN QUERIES ABOUT THE VALIDITY OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY SYSTEM, ADDING: "SOME MEMBERS HAVE FOCUSSED ON THE WHOLE BASIS OF CIVIL SERVICE PAY POLICY. THIS IS NATURAL AT A TIME WHEN THERE IS A DOWNTURN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH."
TO AVOID ANY DOUBT, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN DETERMINING THE SIZE OF PAY ADJUSTMENTS.
"THE PRINCIPLE REMAINS THAT WE FOLLOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR, NOT LEAD IT; THAT WE ESTABLISH WHAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS AWARDED ITS EMPLOYEES IN THE PRECEDING YEAR BEFORE AWARDING CIVIL SERVANTS ANYTHING.
"WE DO THIS BY AN INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED SURVEY OF SOME 70 COMPANIES OF VARIOUS SIZES: 33 PER CENT EMPLOY FEWER THAN 500 STAFF, 27 PER CENT BETWEEN 500 AND 1,000, AND 40 PER CENT OVER 1,000.
"THEY DO NOT REPRESENT A COMPLETE CROSS SECTION OF HONG KONG FIRMS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO COMPARE ITSELF WITH GOOD EMPLOYERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. BUT GOOD DOES NOT MEAN BEST, AND THE LIST IS CAREFULLY VETTED BY MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENT PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE TO ENSURE A FAIR SELECTION," HE SAID.
"HERE I WOULD EMPHASISE THAT ALL THE COMMITTEES DEALING WITH CIVU, SERVICE PAY HAVE STRONG REPRESENTATION OF PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS WHO ARE NO DOUBT VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPACT WHICH CIVIL SERVICE PAY HAS ON THE BUSINESS SECTOR," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT LAST YEAR’S SURVEY SHOWED THAT OVERALL THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD AWARDED ITS STAFF AN AVERAGE 17 PER CENT PAY INCREASE BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1, 1989 AND JANUARY 31, 1990. A SIMILAR SURVEY BY THE INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SHOWED A HIGHER AVERAGE OF 17.9 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
"THE PAY TREND SURVEY IS, HOWEVER, NOT THE ONLY FACTOR WHICH WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. THE GENERAL ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SITUATION AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART.
"THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE, BECAUSE THE CIVIL SERVICE MUST BE EXPECTED TO SHARE BOTH THE UPS AND DOWNS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR ECONOMY," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED AN AWARD OF 15 PER CENT ACROSS THE BOARD BOTH FAIR AND REASONABLE IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
/•’I WOULD.......
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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"I WOULD URGE ALL IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TO RECOGNISE THIS, AND PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS TOO,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT THE WHOLE POLICY COVERING CIVIL SERVICE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE SHOULD BE REVIEWED, SIR DAVID SAID: "BUT IF SUCH A REVIEW WERE TO BE UNDERTAKEN WE WOULD NEED TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS THEIR IDEAS ON THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH ANY NEW POLICY SHOULD BE BASED."
"THE PRESENT SYSTEM HAS EVOLVED OVER MANY YEARS, HAS SURVIVED DETAILED SCRUTINY BY SEVERAL INDEPENDENT COMMITTEES AND HAS BEEN REAFFIRMED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITHIN THE LAST YEAR,” HE SAID.
"IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS IT MUST BE EVIDENT THAT ANY POLICY MUST ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT SALARIES AND TERMS OF SERVICE MUST BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, OR IT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTRACT OR KEEP QUALITY STAFF," SIR DAVID SAID.
"I AM SURE I DO NOT NEED TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE MORALE OF CIVIL SERVANTS DURING THE TRANSITION AND BEYOND.
"DESPITE THEIR PERSONAL ANXIETIES ABOUT THE FUTURE, THE VAST MAJORITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS ARE RESPONDING TO THE ONEROUS DEMANDS PLACED ON THEM WITH A SENSE OF MISSION AND COMMITMENT," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"AS A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, AS I HAVE MADE CLEAR, WE ACCEPT THE RIGHT OF THE PUBLIC TO MONITOR OUR PERFORMANCE AND RECOGNISE THAT WE GAIN FROM CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.
"BY THE SAME TOKEN, I BELIEVE THE CIVIL SERVICE DESERVES CREDIT FOR DOING A GOOD JOB UNDER SOMETIMES VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"FOR OUR PART, WE WILL ENSURE THAT CIVIL SERVANTS FULLY APPRECIATE THE CRUCIAL ROLE THEY HAVE TO PLAY IN THE YEARS AHEAD NOT ONLY TN PROVIDING EFFICIENT SERVICE BUT ALSO AS A SOURCE OF STABILITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
"BY SO DOING I AM SURE THEY WILL HELP DEVELOP A SENSE OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT BETWEEN CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE PUBLIC THEY SERVE," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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GOVT REVIEWING POLICY ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR
THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING ITS POLICY ON THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, WHICH IS A DIFFICULT AND CONTROVERSIAL AREA, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, SIR DAVID SAID NO FEWER THAN EIGHT MEMBERS HAD ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE POLICY ON THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR.
’’ALL HAVE ARGUED THAT SINCE INFLATION IS CAUSED MAINLY BY WAGE INCREASES AS A RESULT OF AN EXCESS OF DEMAND OVER SUPPLY IN THE LABOUR MARKET, WE MUST IMPORT LABOUR SO THAT WAGES WILL NOT CONTINUE TO RISE,” HE SAID.
OUTLINING SOME OF THE FACTORS UPON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT’S REVIEW OF THE POLICY WAS BASED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: "UNDER EXISTING POLICY THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR IS LIMITED TO AREAS WHERE THERE ARE SHORTAGES, AND IS LARGELY CONFINED TO THE PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGERIAL LEVEL AND, TO A LIMITED EXTENT, TO TECHNICIAN, CRAFT AND SUPERVISORY LEVELS."
’THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THIS POLICY IS THAT SOME PRESSURES OF DEMAND FOR LABOUR WILL BOTH ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO RAISE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND TRAINING, AND ALSO ENABLE OUR WORKERS TO UPGRADE THEMSELVES AND SHARE IN THE FRUITS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"THESE OBJECTIVES ARE BEING MET TO SOME DEGREE. CLEARLY, IN THE REVIEW OF OUR POLICY FOR IMPORTING LABOUR, THEY MUST NOT BE UNDULY COMPROMISED," SIR DAVID SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, THERE WAS NOW GROWING EVIDENCE THAT THE SLOW GROWTH RATE OF THE LABOUR FORCE OVER THE LONG TERM MIGHT BE POSING A SERIOUS CONSTRAINT UPON THE ABILITY OF THE ECONOMY TO GROW.
"IT HAS BEEN ARGUED FORCEFULLY, MOREOVER, THAT THERE ARE LIMITS TO THE ADVANTAGES OF MECHANISATION, THAT IN MANY INDUSTRIES MECHANISATION AND AUTOMATION CANNOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUBSTITUTE FOR LABOUR, AND THAT IN OTHER INDUSTRIES ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLEMENTED BY AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SUITABLE MANPOWER," HE ADDED.
"IN OUR REVIEW OF POLICY THEREFORE WE ARE ADDRESSING THE QUESTION OF HOW THESE CONSTRAINTS UPON THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY MIGHT BE REMOVED," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE ( IIIEF SECRETARY SAID THE APPROACH WOULD BE SELECTIVE. "ASSUMING THAT A CASE CAN BE MADE FOR IMPORTING ADDITIONAL LABOUR, THE QUALITY OF ANY WORKERS BROUGHT IN MUST BE SUCH THAT IT STIMULATES INVESTMENT IN PLANT, MACHINERY AND PRODUCTIVITY."
TH A ' < KiGESTS
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’’THAT SUGGESTS THAT WE MIGHT WIDEN THE EXISTING SCHEME TO INCLUDE EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES IN ADDITION TO SKILLED WORKERS. BUT WE MUST LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE NUMBERS INVOLVED.
"I WOULD EMPHASISE THAT WE ARE NOT CONTEMPLATING LARGE-SCALE, INDISCRIMINATE IMPORTATION OF UNTRAINED, INEXPERIENCED LABOUR,” HE ADDED.
"WE ARE LOOKING SEPARATELY AT THE LIKELY NEEDS OF OUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY DURING THE PERIOD WHEN THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS ARE IN FULL SWING," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THERE MAY WELL BE A CASE FOR ALLOWING TENDERERS FOR SUCH MAJOR PROJECTS TO IMPORT LABOUR IF THERE CONTINUES TO BE PRESSURE ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE," HE ADDED.
CHE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID SOME MEMBERS HAD REFERRED TO UNNECESSARY BUREAUCRACY IN THE WORKINGS OF THE EXISTING SCHEME FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SKILLED WORKERS.
"I HAVE TAKEN THESE ARGUMENTS ON BOARD AND HAVE ASKED THOSE WHO ARE REVIEWING OUR POLICY TO TRY TO SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES. BUT I AM BOUND TO SAY THAT SOME DEGREE OF CONTROL IS UNAVOIDABLE SINCE TO HAVE A FREE FOR ALL IN THIS POLITICALLY CHARGED AREA WOULD BE ASKING FOR TROUBLE," HE SAID.
"WE MUST ENSURE THERE IS A GENUINE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR WHICH NEEDS TO BE MET, AND THAT THOSE COMING INTO HONG KONG ARE PAID THE ’GOING RATE’ FOR THE JOB," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
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SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER TO GIVE CLEAR DIRECTION
*****
MANY POINTS RAISED ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE BUDGET DEBATE ARE CURRENTLY BEING ADDRESSED BY A WORKING PARTY WHICH, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, IS IN THE MIDST OF FORMULATING PROPOSALS IN THE FORM OF A DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990, MRS WONG SAID THE SUGGESTION OF INTRODUCING SOME FORM OF SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS ALSO BEING ADDRESSED BY THE WORKING PARTY.
"IN REVIEWING OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, MEMBERS OF THIS WORKING PARTY HAVE SET THEIR EYES VERY MUCH TO THE FUTURE. THE INTENTION IS TO PRODUCE A WHITE PAPER WHICH WILL GIVE A CLEAR DIRECTION AS TO THE WAY AHEAD," SHE SAID.
/"INNOVATIVE AS ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
"INNOVATIVE AS I HOPE THE NEW WHITE PAPER WILL BE, THIS EXERCISE IS ESSENTIALLY DESIGNED TO BUILD ON THE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ALREADY MADE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD, PARTICULARLY OVER THE PAST DECADE," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG REITERATED THE GOVERNOR’S REMARKS IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER THAT IT WAS NOT THE ADMINISTRATION’S INTENTION TO DEVELOP A WESTERN-STYLE WELFARE STATE IN HONG KONG.
"HOWEVER, WE DO HAVE AN IMPORTANT DUTY TO ENSURE THAT OUR WELFARE INFRASTRUCTURE IS RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY AND IN PARTICULAR CATERS TO THE VULNERABLE AND THE DISADVANTAGED AMONGST US," SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE RATE AT WHICH FURTHER PROGRESS COULD BE MADE WOULD DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF TRAINED MANPOWER.
"WE HAVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO INCREASE THE OUTPUT OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS FROM OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND I HOPE THAT THE RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING RETENTION AND REDUCING WASTAGE RATES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR," MRS WONG SAID.
TURNING TO THE PRESENT OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, THE SECRETARY SAID: "I BELIEVE THAT, AS A COMMUNITY, WE CAN TAKE SOME PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND, INDEED, OUR WHOLE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, IS ENTIRELY NONtCONTRIBUTORY IN NATURE."
"THIS WOULD NOT, HOWEVER, BE THE CASE IF THE CONVERSION OF THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE TO OLD AGE PENSION, AS ONE MEMBER HAS SUGGESTED, WERE TO BE PURSUED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PRACTICE IN THOSE OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHERE THE AWARD OF SUCH A PENSION IS SUBJECT TO CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE RECIPIENTS DURING THEIR WORKING LIVES," SHE SAID.
ON THE DOUBT EXPRESSED ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN DEFRAYING THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH BEING ELDERLY.
"THOSE AMONGST OUR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES OF THEIR OWN TO MAINTAIN A BASIC STANDARD OF LIVING ARE NOT EXPECTED TO RELY SOLELY ON THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND CAN OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM," SHE SAID.
"THE ELDERLY IN OUR MIDST MAKE UP A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE BENEFICIARIES UNDER THIS SYSTEM, WHICH PROVIDES FOR A VARIETY OF GRANTS AND ALLOWANCES INCLUDING PAYMENTS THROUGH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE AWARD OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCE TO THOSE IN NEED OF CONSTANT CARE AND ATTENTION," SHE ADDED.
/"ELDERLY RECIPIENTS .......
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’’ELDERLY RECIPIENTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY ARE, IN FACT, DRAWING ON AVERAGE A LEVEL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPROACHING FOUR TIMES 1'HAT OF THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, AND SOME COULD BE DRAWING a SUM UP TO SIX TIMES HIGHER, DEPENDING ON NEED,” SHE POINTED OU^.
THE SECRETARY SAID THAT THERE REMAINED IN OUR COMMUNITY A TRADITIONAL RESPECT FOP ELDERLY PEOPLE AND THIS WAS COMMENDABLE.
”WE SHALL CONTINUE WITH OUR ENDEAVOURS TO PROMOTE THE WELLBEING OF ELDERLY PEOPLE TO ASSIST THEM TO GROW OLD WITH DIGNITY IN THE COMMUNITY,” MRS WONG SAID.
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HK CAN TAKE PRIDE IN HEALTH INDICES ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
HONG KONG CAN JUSTIFIABLY TAKE PRIDE IN THE HEALTH INDICES WHICH ARE UNEQUIVOCALLY THE BEST BY. WORLD STANDARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MRS WONG SAID IN 1989 THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE WAS 6.9 PER THOUSAND LIVE BIRTHS AND THE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE 0.06 PER THOUSAND TOTAL BIRTHS.
’’BOTH RATES ARE LOWER THAN MANY ADVANCED COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE USA AND THE UK. THE LIFE EXPECTANCY IN HONG KONG IS 74 FOR MALE AND 80 FOR FEMALE WHICH IS HIGHER THAN IN MANY ADVANCED COUNTRIES,” SHE NOTED.
”OUR SUCCESS IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND THE EFFECTIVE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION HAVE NO DOUBT MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, WHICH HAVE ALSO BEEN HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE TWO W.H.O. CONSULTANTS WHO HAVE RECENTLY VISITED HONG KONG TO REVIEW PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES,” SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG SAID SHE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE RICHNESS IN THE DIVERSITY OF VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS, MANY OF WHOM HAD SUPPORTED INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES BUT HAD CAUTIONED THAT AN EQUITABLE BALANCE BE STRUCK BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BUILT SEVEN NEW HOSPITALS AND EXTENDED THE CAPACITIES OF EXISTING INSTITUTIONS, PROVIDING SOME 25,500 HOSPITAL BEDS, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 9,000 BEDS OR 54 PER CENT OVER THAT IN 1970.
/“LAST YEAR .......
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’’LAST YEAR, ABOUT 650,000 PATIENTS WERE TREATED IN OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS. THESE FIGURES ARE AGAIN IMPRESSIVE, AS THIS MEANS IN EFFECT WE TREAT TWO-AND-A-HALF TIMES MORE PATIENTS COMPARED WITH TWO DECADES AGO.
”WE HAVE ALSO INTRODUCED NEW SPECIALIST SERVICES AND SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY TREATMENT MODALITIES IN MANY AREAS TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF COMPLEX MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND THE RISING ASPIRATIONS FROM BOTH THE PROFESSIONALS AND THE COMMUNITY,” MRS WONG SAID.
”IN FACT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN A PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL SERVICE AT MINIMAL EXPENSE TO THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY, AND AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE DEVELOPED MANY SPECIALIST CLINICAL SERVICES TO A LEVEL OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING,” SHE ADDED.
"WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN A DEDICATED AND LARGELY ENTHUSIASTIC AND EFFICIENT STAFF WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. WE HAVE INCREASED THE LEVELS OF BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TRAINING FOR OUR DOCTORS, NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, WHOSE WORK PERFORMANCE COMMANDS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND RESPECT,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
’’NOTWITHSTANDING OUR MANY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEARS, WE ARE POISED TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH RENEWED ENERGY AND VISION TO ACCOMPLISH IMPORTANT REFORM MEASURES,” SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG SAID A WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WAS CURRENTLY EXAMINING MANY ISSUES TO ENABLE THE ADMINISTRATION TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND.
”A SHIFT IN EMPHASIS AND ATTENTION TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IS IN LINE WITH THE WORLD TREND. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAS DECLARED THAT PRIORITY HEALTH CARE IS THE KEY TO ACHIEVING HEALTH FOR ALL BY THE YEAR 2000,” SHE SAID.
’’MANY OF THE WORLD’S INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES ARE RE-EXAMINING THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS IN THE LIGHT OF SOARING COSTS ARISING FROM EXPENSIVE, HIGHLY SPECIALISED AND HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES, IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE PREVENTIVE CARE,” SHE ADDED.
SHE NOTED THAT THE REVIEW HAD COME AT THE RIGHT TIME AND WOULD HELP TO COMPLEMENT THE MAJOR REFORM MEASURES PLANNED FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES THROUGH THE PROPOSED SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
"HOWEVER, A GOOD PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS NO PANACEA TO THE PROBLEMS OF FINANCING PUBLIC MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, THE COSTS OF WHICH ARE LIKELY TO RISE DRAMATICALLY IN THE YEARS TO COME.
"NEW SOURCES OF FUNDING WILL HAVE TO BE FOUND AND REFERENCES HAVE BEEN MADE DURING THIS DEBATE TO THE ’USER-PAYER’ CONCEPT, MEDICAL INSURANCE, AND SOME FORM OF CONTRIBUTORY SCHEMES,” SHE SAID.
/MRS WONG .......
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MRS WONG SAID BEFORE A DECISION COULD BE REACHED ON THE MOST ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF EACH APPROACH WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN DETAIL HAVING REGARD TO THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG STANDING POLICY TO PROVIDE SUBSIDISED QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC REALITIES OF A LOW TAX SYSTEM.
SHE REITERATED THAT AS FAR AS HOSPITAL FEES AND CHARGES WERE CONCERNED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT ABDICATE ITS FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THAT THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS NOT A MOVE TOWARDS PRIVATISATION.
"WITH THE PROPOSED SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL RETAIN ADEQUATE POWERS OVER THE LEVEL OF FEES TO BE CHARGED AND NO REAL INCREASES IN FEES WILL TAKE PLACE UNTIL NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR FEE WAIVER ARE PUT IN PLACE AND UNTIL THERE ARE DEMONSTRABLE IMPROVEMENTS," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN A NUMBER OF YEARS TO REACH AND HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN LIGHTLY.
"THE SETTING UP AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW REFORMS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE INCLUDING SOME NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT TODAY’S PRICES WILL COST $2 BILLION PER ANNUM IN ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE AND CASH OUTFLOW," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT IN DECIDING TO PROCEED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD COMMITTED ITSELF TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, WHICH WOULD BE ACHIEVED BY BRINGING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF A SINGLE AUTHORITY AND BY PROVIDING COMMON TERMS OF SERVICE FOR STAFF IN THE TWO SECTORS.
"HOWEVER, WHILE INTEGRATION OF THE TWO HOSPITAL SECTORS WILL TAKE PLACE AS SOON AS THE AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED, IT WILL BE SOME YEARS BEFORE ALL STAFF WILL BE EMPLOYED ON THE SAME TERMS OF SERVICE.
"THIS ARISES BECAUSE, IN THE INTERESTS OF ENSURING A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING THAT STAFF SHOULD HAVE THE OPTION OF RETAINING CURRENT TERMS," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THAT FOR SOME TIME THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD BE FACED WITH A MIXED STAFF SITUATION WHICH, ALTHOUGH NOT IDEAL, SHOULD NOT PREVENT IT FROM ACHIEVING ITS OBJECTIVES.
"THE AUTHORITY’S TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED ON THE BASIS THAT THE OVERALL COST SHOULD REMAIN COMPARABLE TO THAT OF CIVIL SERVICE TERMS.
"WITHIN THIS CONSTRAINT, THE NEW PACKAGE INCLUDES SEVERAL ATTRACTIVE FEATURES, SUCH AS ENCASHMENT OF CERTAIN FRINGE BENEFITS, WHICH WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THOSE REMAINING ON CIVIL SERVICE TERMS.
/"WHETHER THE .......
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’’WHETHER THE NEW TERMS ARE MORE ADVANTAGEOUS THAN CIVIL SERVICE TERMS WILL DEPEND ON AN OFFICER’S INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND REQUIREMENTS,” SHE SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERS THAT THE OPTIONS GIVEN TO STAFF ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE. THEY WILL FACILITATE THE EARLY SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE PROPOSED REFORM MEASURES WOULD BRING CHANGE AND WITH IT UNPRECEDENTED NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GIVEN A SHARED VISION AND IN OUR ENDEAVOUR TO SERVE, WE WILL ACHIEVE LONG TERM GOALS BY FIRST OVERCOMING SHORT-TERM DIFFICULTIES,” MRS WONG SAID.
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TWO KEY ELEMENTS IN EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
******
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCAT ION'AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, RECAPITULATED THE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE I990’S IN Till: RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THAT THE STRATEGY WAS BASED ON TWO IMPORTANT PREMISES, MR YEUNG SAID: "THEY ARE, FIRST, THAT THE QUALITY OF OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION IS NOT IN DOUBT BUT THE NUMBER OF PLACES HAS FALLEN FAR SHORT OF OUR ECONOMY’S NEEDS AND OUR COMMUNITY’S EXPECTATIONS.
’’SECONDLY, THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ADEQUATE BUT IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ITS QUALITY.”
MR YEUNG SAID THIS SITUATION WOULD BE WITH US FOR QUITE SOME T I ME.
HE RECALLED THAT GIVEN THE WAY OUR ECONOMY WAS MOVING TOWARDS KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE EMPLOYMENT, A LARGE MEASURE OF CONSENSUS THAT THE RAPID EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WAS THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR US TO TAKE HAD BEEN REACHED LAST YEAR.
’’INDEED, MY BRANCH’S MANPOWER PROJECTIONS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT, UNLESS WE DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF FIRST YEAR, FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY THE MID 1990’S, OUR ECONOMY WOULD BE IN TROUBLE."
MR YEUNG SAID IN SPITE OF THE PLANNED INCREASE IN THE LOCAL SUPPLY OF GRADUATES, WE WOULD STILL BE HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON OVERSEAS SUPPLIES OF GRADUATES AT THAT TIME.
.,UT HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE PLANS, ALBEIT AMBITIOUS, WERE ACHIEVABLE AND GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE.
/ON A ........
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ON A MEMBER’S SUGGESTION THAT THE MAJORITY IF NOT ALL THE HIGHER DIPLOMA WORK CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE POLYTECHNICS SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR YEUNG SAID HE AGREED THAT THIS WAS AN ECONOMICAL WAY OF EXPANDING THE PROVISION OF DEGREE PLACES AND THAT THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE WOULD BE RECOMMENDING THAT THE POLYTECHNICS BE ALLOWED TO EXPAND THEIR DEGREE PROGRAMMES SUBSTANTIALLY.
"BUT ECONOMY IS NOT AND CANNOT BE OUR ONLY CONSIDERATION.
"IN THE INTEREST OF PRESERVING THE OVERALL BALANCE BETWEEN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, AS WELL AS THE QUALITY AND VARIETY OF OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION, WE MUST ALLOW THE UNIVERSITY AND OTHER NONPOLYTECHNIC INSTITUTIONS AN APPROPRIATE SHARE IN THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME," MR YEUNG SAID.
"IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE, THEREFORE, TO PERMIT THE POLYTECHNICS TO EXPAND THEIR DEGREE PROGRAMMES AS MUCH AS THEY WOULD WISH," HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT GIVEN THAT EDUCATION WAS EXPENSIVE BECAUSE IT WAS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED, THE COROLLARY TO OUR EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WAS THAT OTHER SECTORS OF EDUCATION WOULD HAVE TO TAKE A LOWER PRIORITY.
"THE QUEUE IS LONG, BECAUSE IT HAS TO INCLUDE ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS MADE IN ITS SECOND AND THIRD REPORTS, AND WILL MAKE IN ITS FOURTH, TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS."
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS COVERED, FOR EXAMPLE, THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME AND THE CREATION OF THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME.
"THEY WILL ALSO INCLUDE POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE CORE CURRICULUM FOR OUR NINE YEARS OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WAY WE DEVELOP CURRICULUM, WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AT PRIMARY 5 AND 6 AND THE REFORM OF OUR POLICY ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION," MR YEUNG ADDED.
WHILE NOTING THAT MANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS PLAYING AN ESSENTIAL PART IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, MR YEUNG SAID THEIR IMPLEMENTATION AND FINANCING WOULD NEED TO BE CAREFULLY PLANNED AND CARRIED THROUGH, VERY PROBABLY IN PHASES.
MR YEUNG CITED THE INTRODUCTION OF FULL-DAY SCHOOLING AT PRIMARY 5 AND 6 AS AN EXAMPLE, SAYING IT COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED OVERNIGHT.
"IT REQUIRES TERRITORY-WIDE PLANNING AGAINST DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS AS WELL AS DI STR ICT-BY-DISTR1 CT IMPLEMENTATION, SO THAT THE SPILLOVER OF TEACHERS AND PUPILS FROM ONE SCHOOL TO ANOTHER CAN BE CAREFULLY TIMED AND CO-ORDINATED," HE SAID.
/SOME 33 .......
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SOME 33 ADDITIONAL SCH0‘ i , MOREOVER, WOULD HAVE TO BE BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL CLASSES INVOLVED, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $802 MILLION AT TODAY’S PRICES.
"IN ADDITION, EXTRA TEACHERS WILL NEED TO BE TRAINED AND EMPLOYED, AND THIS WILL ALSO BE COSTLY. THE PROVISION OF FUNDS FOR THESE PROPOSALS HAS NOT YET BEEN CONSIDERED, LET ALONE AGREED," HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE IMPROVEMENT OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION ON THE SCALE THAT MEMBERS WISHED TO SEE HAD NECESSARILY TO TAKE ITS PLACE IN THE QUEUE.
"BUT THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS EITHER INSENSITIVE OR UNSYMPATHETIC," HE STRESSED.
MR YEUNG SAID MEMBERS MIGHT BELIEVE THAT THE $11 MILLION SET ASIDE FOR THE NEW FEE REMISSION SCHEME WAS INADEQUATE, AND THAT THE LEVEL OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FEE REMISSION BORDERED ON MEANNESS.
"THE FACT IS THAT WE HAVE DRASTICALLY SIMPLIFIED THE MEANS OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE, INCREASED AND IMPROVED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, PROBABLY DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF NEEDY FAMILIES TO BE BROUGHT WITHIN THE NET,” HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO ADDED THAT EVEN THE SCRAPING TOGETHER OF THE $11 MILLION IN LAST YEAR’S RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE WAS NOT ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE OF OTHER ITEMS, BUT IT WAS DONE BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE STRENGTH OF PUBLIC AND PARENTAL SENTIMENT WHICH MANY MEMBERS HAD REFLECTED.
AS TO SEVERAL MEMBERS’ STRONG ASSERTION THAT KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION WAS ESSENTIAL AND THAT OVERSEAS PRACTICES AND RESEARCH MIGHT NOT BE RELEVANT TO HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES, MR YEUNG SAID HE COULD NOT ACCEPT THESE ARGUMENTS IN THEIR ENTIRETY GIVEN THE FACT THAT 141 NATIONS, OR NEARLY 70 PER CENT OF THE WORLD, DID NOT SUBSIDISE EDUCATION UNTIL AT LEAST THE AGE OF SIX.
NONETHELESS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAD STARTED TO RESEARCH THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION UPON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN HONG KONG, HE NOTED.
MR YEUNG ASSURED MEMBERS THAT WITHIN THE VERY LIMITED AMOUNT OF NEW RESOURCES ALLOCATED FOR SERVICES WITHIN HIS PROGRAMME AREA, HE WOULD TRY NOT TO FORGET THE KINDERGARTENS AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS.
AS TO SEVERAL MEMBERS’ SUGGESTION THAT A REVIEW BE CONDUCTED TO CONTRACT OR PHASE OUT SERVICES WHICH WERE NO LONGER REQUIRED OR WERE BEING DUPLICATED ELSEWHERE, MR YEUNG SAID THE REVIEW PROCESS HAD, IN FACT, BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO LEANER TIMES AHEAD, AND IT WAS LED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, TO WHOM ALL BRANCH SECRETARIES WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE PROPOSALS.
/"AS A .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
14
"AS A RESULT, WITH! MY PROGRAMME AREA THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND I HAVE ALREADY IDENTIFIED SEVERAL EXISTING SERVICES, THE PRUNING AND PHASING OUT OF WHICH WILL GENERATE SOME USEFUL SAVINGS.
"WITHOUT THESE SAVINGS I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ALLOCATE FUNDS TO AUTHORISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO INTRODUCE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE REFORMED SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
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HK NOT BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES: FS * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT CONTRARY TO THE GENERAL TENOR OF THE COMMENTS MADE BY MEMBERS IN THIS YEAR’S DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, HONG KONG HAS NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO ITS KNEES, ALTHOUGH ANYONE LISTENING TO THE DEBATE COULD BE FORGIVEN FOR REACHING THAT CONCLUSION.
CONCLUDING THE DEBATE OM THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, 1990, SIR PIERS SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WHICH HE ADDRESSED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH BUT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO TALK OURSELVES INTO A STATE OF GLOOM AND DESPONDENCY, AND TO DO SO DID NOT SERVE THE INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER.
HE SAID THAT THE TONE AND CHARACTER OF THE DEBATE THIS YEAR SEEMED TO HIM TO BE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF EARLIER YEARS.
"ON THIS OCCASION, MANY OF THE SPEECHES SEEMED TARGETTED AT OTHER AUDIENCES, RATHER THAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUDGET DEBATE. THIS, I THINK, WAS A PITY.
"IN THE PAST THE THOUGHTFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS BY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL IN ENABLING THE ADMINISTRATION TO SHAPE ITS POLICIES.
"IN THIS COUNCIL, A BUDGET DEBATE OVERBURDENED BY SHORT-TERM POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS CAN DISTORT THE PICTURE. SOMETHING IS LOST," SIR PIERS SAID.
/15........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
15
THERE IS A BUDGET STRATEGY: FS
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE DID SET OUT AT LENGTH IN THE BUDGET SPEECH HIS STRATEGY FOR THE PUBLIC FINANCES AS HE HAS DONE IN HIS PREVIOUS SPEECHES.
SIR PIERS WAS RESPONDING TO COMMENTS BY SOME MEMBERS WHO CALLED FOR A LONG-TERM, STRATEGIC APPROACH AND SUGGESTED THAT THIS DID NOT EXIST.
CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE STRATEGY CLEARLY COVERED MORE THAN ONE FINANCIAL YEAR AND INDEED MARKED THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE YEARS AHEAD.
HE SAID THAT THERE WERE TWO POINTS HE WOULD LIKE TO STRESS IN ANSWER TO MEMBERS’ COMMENTS.
’’FIRST, SUCCESSIVE FINANCIAL SECRETARIES, INCLUDING MYSELF, HAVE FOLLOWED A BROADLY SIMILAR AND CONSISTENT FINANCIAL STRATEGY. IT HAS TO BE FACED, HOWEVER, THAT THE MEASURES WHICH FLOW FROM THAT STRATEGY WILL DIFFER MARKEDLY, ACCORDING TO FACTORS SUCH AS THE CURRENT AND FORECAST STATE OF THE ECONOMY.
’’THE STRATEGY FOR A BUDGET DOES NOT EXIST IN A VACUUM. THIS YEAR ONE OF THE KEY FACTORS I HAVE HAD TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IS THE DRAMATICALLY LOWER GROWTH RATE OF OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) COMPARED WITH THE HEADY AND QUITE RECENT DAYS OF 1986 AND 1987, WHEN WE HAD DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH,” HE SAID.
SECONDLY, SIR PIERS SAID THAT THE IMAGE THAT SOMETIMES SEEMED TO BE IN PEOPLE’S MINDS OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DASHING OFF THE BUDGET IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS JUST AFTER CHINESE NEW YEAR WAS IN A SENSE FLATTERING.
"THE REALITY IS QUITE DIFFERENT. THE PROCESS BY WHICH BUDGET STRATEGY IS DEVELOPED IS YEAR-LONG, AND INVOLVES THREE BRANCHES -FINANCE, ECONOMIC SERVICES AND MONETARY AFFAIRS.
”WE HAVE ALREADY BEGUN STRATEGIC MEETINGS FOR 1991-92. AND PREPARATION OF THE BUDGET RESTS FIRMLY ON LONG TERM ASSESSMENTS. WE DO NOT JUST LOOK ONE YEAR AHEAD.
WE HAVE REGARD BOTH TO A BROAD 10 YEAR FORECAST AND TO A SOMEWHAT MORE DETAILED 5 YEAR FORECAST, THE LATTER BEING THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST. BOTH ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR PLANNING,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED.
SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT PAID CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION TO ITS GUIDELINES, AND PARTICULARLY TO THE NEED TO KEEP PUBLIC EXPENDITURE GROWTH BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH OF GDP.
/"BUT THE........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 16
"BUT THE LONG TERM, STRATEGIC NATURE OF THIS PROCESS IS UNDERLINED BY THE FACT THAT WE DO NOT TRY TO MEET THIS GUIDELINE YEAR BY YEAR, BUT RATHER OVER A PERIOD - A POINT EMPHASISED A NUMBER OF TIMES IN THE STRATEGY SECTION OF MY BUDGET SPEECH," HE SAID.
HE WELCOMED THE CALLS BY MANY MEMBERS FOR CONTROLLING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, AND IN PARTICULAR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, MORE TIGHTLY.
"IT WAS A KEY THEME OF MY BUDGET SPEECH - AND INDEED I SOUNDED INITIAL WARNINGS ON THIS PROBLEM IN THE 1989 BUDGET SPEECH.
"BUT WHAT I ALSO NEED FROM MEMBERS IS THEIR SUPPORT, THEIR REAL SUPPORT, IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS TIGHTER CONTROL," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT TO GIVE THIS SUPPORT WOULD NOT ALWAYS BE EASY OR POLITICALLY POPULAR.
"RESTRAINT CANNOT EASILY BE COMBINED WITH PRESSURE FOR MORE EXPENDITURE AND MORE NEW SERVICES," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS REMINDED MEMBERS THAT IN THE 1989 BUDGET DEBATE, WELL OVER HALF THE SPEAKERS CALLED FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE, TAX CONCESSIONS, OR BOTH. "I TAKE CONSIDERABLE COMFORT FROM THE FACT THAT THIS YEAR THE PRESSURE FOR FUNDING NEW ITEMS WAS NOTICEABLY LESS.
"YET STILL SOME MEMBERS PRESSED FOR INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, TERTIARY EDUCATION, MANPOWER TRAINING, SOCIAL WELFARE, DENTAL SERVICES, HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, IMPROVING HONG KONG’S IMAGE, AND SO ON. ALL THIS AND A RANGE OF SUGGESTED TAX CONCESSIONS," HE REMARKED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID FOR 1990-91, THE GOVERNMENT WAS FACED WITH A DEFICIT AND TWO BASIC DECISIONS HAD TO BE MADE.
THE FIRST, DECISION ACCORDING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS WHETHER TO BALANCE THE BUDGET AND HE DECIDED THIS WAS ESSENTIAL, BEARING IN MIND THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMME AHEAD, AND OTHER PRIORITY AREAS SUCH AS TERTIARY EDUCATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, WHERE INCREASED EXPENDITURE WAS HIGHLY DESIRABLE.
"I ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE RELATIVELY LOW GDP GROWTH LIKELY IN THE NEXT’ FEW YEARS, WITH THE PROBABILITY OF LOWER TAX YIELDS. I BELIEVE, AS I EXPLAINED, THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST SEEK TO MAINTAIN A STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION, HAVING REGARD TO THE TIGHTER BUDGETARY SITUATION THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE SHORT AND MEDIUM TERM."
THE SECOND QUESTION, SAID SIR PIERS FLOWED NATURALLY FROM THE ANSWER TO THE FIRST, NAMELY HOW BEST TO RAISE THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE.
HE SAID THE REASON FOR RELYING ON INDIRECT TAXES WAS NOT ONLY HIS CONCERN OVER THE TERRITORY’S NARROW AND VULNERABLE TAX BASE.
"IT WAS MY JUDGEMENT THAT TO INCREASE DIRECT TAXES ON THIS OCCASION WOULD HAVE RISKED SENDING ENTIRELY THE WRONG MESSAGE, PARTICULARLY TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
/"THE GENERAL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 17 -
"THE GENERAL TREND IN MORE ADVANCED ECONOMIES, INCLUDING SOME OF OUR KEY COMPETITORS IN THE REGION, IS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION -TOWARDS LOWERING DIRECT TAXES.
"I DO ACCEPT THAT IF CIRCUMSTANCES SO DICTATE IN FUTURE IT MAY BECOME NECESSARY TO RECONSIDER THE OPTION OF INCREASING DIRECT TAXES. BUT AN INCREASE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WISE THIS YEAR, NOR WAS IT NECESSARY.
"I BELIEVE IN LOW DIRECT TAXES," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE TAX MEASURES CHOSEN WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL STRATEGY, AND THAT SOME OF THE CRITICISM HAI) BEEN ILL-CONSIDERED.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE CONTEXT OF HIS STRATEGY, AN AREA OF EXPENDITURE WHICH WAS THE FOCUS OF A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF COMMENTS WAS SPENDING ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THAT THERE WAS NO COMMON THEME.
"I WAS AMAZED THAT ONE MEMBER THOUGHT WE HAD BEEN TOO HASTY IN REACHING THE PORT AND AIRPORT DECISION; AFTER EIGHT CONSULTANCIES STRETCHING BACK TO 1973, I HAD THOUGHT THIS WAS THE ONE CHARGE FROM WHICH WE WERE SAFE.
HOWEVER, SIR PIERS SAID HE WAS DISTURBED THAT SOME MEMBERS QUESTIONED THE VALUE OF THESE INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS JUST THE SAME SORT OF FAINTHEARTEDNESS WHEN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECTS WERE UNDER CONSIDERATION.
"I WOULD ASK MEMBERS TO TRY TO IMAGINE HOW HONG KONG WOULD BE TODAY IF THESE TWO PROJECTS HAD NOT GONE AHEAD.
"LET THERE BE NO DOUBT THAT THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COST OF NOT HAVING ADEQUATE EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS WOULD BE HIGH-IN MY VIEW, MUCH TOO HIGH," HE SAID.
"THE ENGINE OF GROWTH AND PROSPERITY IS OUR VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE TRADE. WITHOUT A FIRST CLASS PORT AND AIRPORT, HONG KONG WOULD SOON CEASE TO BE A FIRST CLASS AND DYNAMIC ECONOMY, AN ECONOMY THAT HAS BROUGHT BENEFITS TO THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE-NOT JUST TO BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS.
"REMEMBER THAT AS A COMMUNITY WE HAVE ENJOYED AN UNRIVALLED COMBINATION OF ASSURED EMPLOYMENT AND RISING REAL WAGES," SIR PIERS SAID.
AS REGARDS THE COST OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS WAS UNDERSTANDABLY A MATTER FOR CONCERN TO MEMBERS, AND IT WOULD NEED CAREFUL WATCHING.
HE SAID IT WAS NO DOUBT TRUE THAT COSTS COULD INCREASE IN REAL TERMS; AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD EMPHASIZED FROM THE BEGINNING THAT THE INITIAL ESTIMATES WERE NECESSARILY ONLY BROAD ORDERS OF COSTS.
/"THAT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
18
’’THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE CANNOT REFINE OUR FINANCING PLANS UNTIL MORE DETAILED DESIGNS ARE AVAILABLE AND COSTINGS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT.
’’THE RELATIVE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY FOR DEBT AND EQUITY, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL DEPEND ON REVISED COST AND REVENUE ESTIMATES, AND ON THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CLIMATE AT THE TIME,”* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
--------0 - - - -
LESS-ADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE BENEFITTED » ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IN GENERAL, THE LESS-ADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD NOT HAVE SUFFERED A REDUCTION IN THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING OVERALL.
“THEIR WAGES HAVE INCREASED TO A GREATER EXTENT THAN THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO INDIRECT TAXES AND THE SERVICES THEY ENJOY HAVE BEEN IMPROVED," SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.
NOTING THAT MANY MEMBERS TOOK HIM TO TASK OVER THE VARIOUS REVENUE MEASURES, CLAIMING THAT PEOPLE IN THE LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS PARTICULARLY WOULD BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED AND THAT THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING WOULD BE ERODED.
"THIS IGNORES, HOWEVER, THE INCREASES IN REAL EARNINGS IN RECENT YEARS AND THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN EXPENDITURE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES," HE REMARKED.
HE SAID THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THOSE TO WHOM MEMBERS SEEMED TO BE REFERRING WOULD NOT BE LIABLE TO SALARIES TAX, AND THEREFORE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO GOVERNMENT REVENUES WOULD BE LIMITED TO THE PAYMENT OF INDIRECT TAXES.
"BUT IT IS PRECISELY THIS SAME GROUP WHO ARE LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, HOUSING AND WELFARE, ALL LARGELY PAID FOR FROM GENERAL REVENUE.
"THE REVENUE MEASURES I PROPOSED ARE EXPECTED TO YIELD $3.1 BILLION IN 1990-91, WHICH WOULD NOT SUFFICE EVEN TO MEET THE PLANNED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF $3.96 BILLION ON SOCIAL SERVICES ALONE," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME EARNERS WHO WERE LIABLE TO SALARIES TAX SHOULD FIND THAT THE EFFECT ON THEM OF HIS INDIRECT TAX MEASURES WERE NEUTRALISED BY THE TAX CONCESSIONS HE PROPOSED AND FROM WHICH THEY WOULD BENEFIT.
/"THE ZERO-RATING .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 19 -
’’THE ZERO-RATING OF THE CLAWBACK ON PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND THE REDUCTION OF THE RATES OF SALARIES TAX APPLICABLE TO THE FIRST TWO $10,000 BANDS OF NET CHARGEABLE INCOME ARE PARTICULARLY TO THEIR ADVANTAGE. AGAIN, THEY WILL ALSO HAVE BENEFITED FROM REAL IMPROVEMENTS IN EARNINGS,” HE SAID.
ON INFLATION, SIR PIERS SAID HE APPRECIATED THAT THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF THE BUDGET WENT BEYOND THE ACTUAL BUDGETARY MEASURES THEMSELVES, AND INCLUDED THE EFFECT ON INFLATION.
’’INFLATION WAS DESCRIBED BY MORE THAN ONE MEMBER AS PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE. LET ME SAY AT THE OUTSET THAT I SHARE MEMBERS’ VIEW THAT INFLATION IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM INDEED,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE TO 10PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER MODERATING FROM 9.8PER CENT IN JANUARY TO 8.4PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. THIS INCREASE WAS DUE IN PART TO HIGHER UTILITY CHARGES AND, AS HE ACKNOWLEDGED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, FISCAL DUTIES.
’’NEVERTHELESS, FOR THE FIRST QUARTER AS A WHOLE, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A), AT 9.4PER CENT, HAS EASED FROM THE PEAK LEVEL OF 11PER CENT IN 1989.
’’THE CURRENT INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ARE MOSTLY DOMESTICALLY GENERATED RATHER THAN IMPORTED. THIS IS APPARENT FROM THE FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES FOR THOSE ITEMS IN THE CPI WHICH HAVE A HIGH LOCAL SERVICE CONTENT, SUCH AS MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND VARIOUS TYPES OF SERVICES.
’’THE TIGHT LABOUR MARKET HAS LED TO KEEN COMPETITION AMONG EMPLOYERS FOR SCARCE LABOUR RESOURCES. THE CONSEQUENT SURGE IN WAGES AND PRICES DEMONSTRATES CLEARLY THAT DEMAND IS OUTSTRIPPING SUPPLY.
’’HONG KONG IS, HOWEVER, NOT ALONE IN THIS PROBLEM. MANY ECONOMIES ELSEWHERE ARE CURRENTLY FACING MOUNTING INFLATIONARY PRESSURES FROM THE SAME CAUSE.
"THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAS ALREADY RESPONDED TO THOSE MEMBERS WHO, IN THIS CONNECTION, PRESSED FOR A FURTHER RELAXATION OF OUR POLICY ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR,” HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID PRICE INCREASES WERE NEVER WELCOME, BUT HE SHOULD POINT OUT THAT IN RECENT YEARS INCOMES HAD RISEN FASTER THAN INFLATION.
"FOR EXAMPLE, EARNINGS OF EMPLOYEES IN THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS ROSE BY AN AVERAGE OF 5PER CENT AND 6PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN REAL TERMS LAST YEAR.
”AS A CONSEQUENCE, OUR STANDARD OF LIVING HAS CONTINUED TO IMPROVE. THIS IS REFLECTED IN THE CONTINUING STRONG DEMAND FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED RESIDENTIAL FLATS AND IN INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON LEISURE ACTIVITIES,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
/HE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 20 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD EXPLAINED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS THAT WITH OUR SMALL OPEN ECONOMY AND THE NEED FOR EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN OUR LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM THERE WAS LITTLE SCOPE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PURSUE MONETARY POLICIES TO REGULATE DEMAND.
"GIVEN THE RELATIVELY SMALL SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE ECONOMY, THE SCOPE FOR APPLYING FISCAL POLICIES TO REGULATE DEMAND IS ALSO LIMITED. MOREOVER, WIDESPREAD PRICE CONTROLS ARE IMPRACTICABLE IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND WOULD PROVE HARMFUL TO THE ECONOMY," SIR PIERS SAID.
"BUT THERE IS ONE THING WE CAN DO. I FULLY AGREE THAT WE NEED TO KEEP GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE TIGHTLY UNDER CONTROL.
"BY ECONOMISING ON THE USE OF LABOUR RESOURCES WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WE CAN ENSURE THAT MORE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THIS WILL DO MUCH TO HELP. WE INTEND TO PURSUE THIS AIM VIGOROUSLY," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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BUDGET STRATEGY CANNOT PRECISELY MATCH ECONOMIC CHANGES
THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET STRATEGY CANNOT PRECISELY MATCH YEAR BY YEAR CHANGES IN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.
SIR PIERS SAID THE AIM WAS TO PROVIDE FOR STEADY GROWTH ON THE BASIS OF PROJECTED TRENDS IN THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND THAT CORRECTIVE ACTION TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM TOOK TIME TO WORK THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
"TO SOME EXTENT WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE LEGACIES OF THE PAST," HE ADDED.
NOTING THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY SOME MEMBERS THAT THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE EXCEEDED GDP GROWTH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID OF ALL THE MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEBATE, THIS WAS MOST IMPORTANT.
SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT IN THE EARLY 1980’S THE RATE OF GROWTH OF EXPENDITURE EXCEEDED 15PER CENT IN REAL TERMS AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHARE OF GDP ROSE TO OVER 19PER CENT, AND THE ECONOMIC RECESSION OF 1982 AND THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF GDP GROWTH REQUIRED CORRECTIVE ACTION.
"WE ENTERED A PERIOD OF LOW GROWTH RATES IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND, AS A RESULT, THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHARE OF GDP FELL TO 16PiR CENT BY 1984-85.
/•'IT FELL...........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 21 -
"IT FELL FURTHER TO BELOW 15PER CENT BY 1987-88 MAINLY AS THE RESULT OF VERY HIGH RATES OF GROWTH OF GDP. AT THE SAME TIME WE WERE ENJOYING COMFORTABLE CASH SURPLUSES AND BUILDING UP OUR RESERVES."
SIR PIERS SAID IT WAS RIGHT IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES TO ANSWER CALLS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND EXTENSIONS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES, OTHERWISE THE TERRITORY WOULD HAVE HAD MASSES OF CASH IN THE KITTY AND NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.
HE SAID HIS FORECAST OF THE MEDIUM TERM TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP OF 5.5PER CENT A YEAR WOULD REQUIRE A MODERATION OF THE RATE OF GROWTH OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE SINCE 1988-89.
"AS I HAVE INDICATED, THIS WILL TAKE TIME BECAUSE GOVERNMENTS CANNOT CHANGE COURSE ABRUPTLY.
"AN OBVIOUS EXAMPLE RELATES TO THE BUILDING OF NEW HOSPITALS AND EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING HOSPITALS. DECISIONS MADE IN THIS AREA SOME YEARS AGO ARE NOW BEARING FRUIT.
"ALMOST ONE QUARTER OF THE ADDITIONAL POSTS PROVIDED FOR IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES ARE FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES ALONE," HE SAID.
STRESSING THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE NOW HAD TO BE REDUCED, SIR PIERS SAID HE AIMED TO IMPROVE ON THE RATE WHICH HIS MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST HAD SUGGESTED THAT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXCEED THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP (THE BUDGETARY GUIDELINE) UNTIL 1992-93.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT IN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH, IT WAS STATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE INCREASINGLY VIGOROUS IN ITS ATTACK ON BASELINE EXPENDITURE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE EMBARKED ON THE PROCESS OF REDUCING THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE WELL BEFORE THE BUDGET DEBATE THIS YEAR.
FOR EXAMPLE, TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE GROWTH, THE FINANCE BRANCH CARRIED OUT AN EXERCISE TO DELETE THE EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF VACANT POSTS.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT CEILINGS IN THE 1989-90 ESTIMATES WOULD HAVE PERMITTED A TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF ABOUT 166,000 POSTS BY THE END OF MARCH 1990.
"AS A RESULT OF FINANCE BRANCH’S EXERCISE, THIS FIGURE FELL TO ABOUT 157,000 POSTS; A REDUCTION OF 9,000 POSTS OR ABOUT FIVE PER CENT.
REFERRING TO THE SERIES OF "STAR CHAMBER MEETINGS” HE AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAD HELD WITH POLICY SECRETARIES TO REVIEW BASELINE EXPENDITURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID OVER 200 DIFFERENT AREAS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 22 -
"IN ADDITION, WE ARE WORKING ON AN OVERALL STRATEGY FOR CONTROLLING MORE TIGHTLY THE RATE OF GROWTH OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, AND HENCE ALSO OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"MANY DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH ZERO GROWTH FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS; SOME WILL EXPERIENCE REDUCTIONS," HE SAID.
ALSO, THE FINANCE BRANCH WOULD CONTINUE ITS PROGRAMME OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES TO ASSIST DEPARTMENTS TO ACHIEVE THE NECESSARY INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY.
"IN RECENT YEARS THESE STUDIES HAVE ENABLED THE DELETION OF SOME 2,500 POSTS VALUED AT ABOUT $500 MILLION A YEAR.
"ANOTHER 30 STUDIES ARE CURRENTLY UNDER WAY," SIR PIERS SAID, ADDING THAT HE EXPECTED FURTHER SAVINGS AS A RESULT.
"UNDERPINNING THESE VARIOUS INITIATIVES, OF COURSE, IS THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM- A SYSTEM OF COMPREHENSIVE LONG TERM PLANNING OF EXPENDITURE," SIR PIERS SAID.
THIS SYSTEM, INTRODUCED IN 1987 TO IMPROVE FORWARD PLANNING, WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC SPENDING REQUIREMENTS WERE IDENTIFIED EARLY AND THAT LEVELS- OF SPENDING COULD BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT MAKING AN UNACCEPTABLE CLAIM ON THE ECONOMY.
SIR PIERS SAID THE STARTING POINT WAS THE EXPENDITURE BASELINE.
"THIS IS NOT SIMPLY LAST YEAR’S EXPENDITURE ADJUSTED UPWARDS FOR INFLATION; IT MAY BE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS AS A RESULT OF THE VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND' THE STAR CHAMBER MEETINGS TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED.
"DISCUSSIONS ARE HELD BETWEEN THE FINANCE BRANCH AND INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS ON THE BASELINE.
"AT THE END OF THIS PROCESS, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REMAINING FOR NEW INITIATIVES IS ESTABLISHED.
"POLICY SECRETARIES BID COMPETITIVELY FOR THIS NEW MONEY, AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND I, FROM OUR RESPECTIVE VIEWPOINTS, TAKE A CLOSE PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT THE OUTCOME IS IN BALANCE WITH APPROVED POLICIES," HE SAID.
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/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
CAREFUL CONTROL OF CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE
*****
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER ESSENTIAL PROJECTS WILL MEAN THAT CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE IN THE COMING YEARS MUST BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED, MONITORED AND CONSTRAINED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE, SIR PIERS NOTED THAT MANY MEMBERS VOICED SUPPORT FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AND RECOGNISED THEIR ROLE IN FACILITATING THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
"THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, PLUS ESSENTIAL PROJECTS IN OTHER AREAS SUCH AS THE PUBLIC HOUSING CONSTRUCTION AND SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMMES, THE EXPANSION OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, THE PROVISION OF LANDFILLS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED PROJECTS, WILL MEAN THAT CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE IN THE COMING YEARS MUST BE, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, CAREFULLY CONTROLLED, MONITORED AND CONSTRAINED AS APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, UNLIKE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, WHICH ONCE COMMITTED LOCKED THE GOVERNMENT INTO PERENNIAL EXPENDITURE, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MUST BE CONSIDERED IN TERMS OF TOTAL COMMITMENT AND THE PHASING OF EXPENDITURE AGAINST THIS COMMITMENT. OVER TIME, HE SAID.
"THERE ARE WELL-ESTABLISHED MECHANISMS IN PLACE TO ACHIEVE THE CONTROL REQUIRED.
"I REFER, OF COURSE, TO THE ANNUAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE WHICH COVERS A FIVE-YEAR PLANNING PERIOD, TO THE ANNUAL REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE OF FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND TO THE REGULAR SCRUTINY OF PROPOSED PROJECTS BY THE SAID COMMITTEE BEFORE REFERRAL TO FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL," HE ADDED.
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CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD PROVIDED FOR *****
THE GREATER PART OF THE PROVISION IN THIS YEAR’S RECURRENT ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEAD IN THE BUDGET IS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD AND FOR THE STANDING COMMISSION’S REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE GRADES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN ANSWER TO ONE MEMBER, THIS IS THE MAIN REASON FOR THE INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR," HE SAID IN HIS SPEECH CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE.
/THE PROVISION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, i990
- 24 -
THE PROVISION ALSO ATTEMPTED TO ANTICIPATE THE LIKELY COST OF THE SETTING-UP OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE PAY PACKAGE OF ITS EMPLOYEES; AND COVERED ADJUSTMENTS IN RELATION TO CERTAIN PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY, TO COVER INFLATION, HE ADDED.
SIR TIERS SAID THAT SOME MEMBERS’ COMMENTS SUGGESTED THERE WAS CONFUSION ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE SUBHEADS (FOR BOTH RECURRENT AND CAPITAL) WERE CREATED TO ANTICIPATE EXPENDITURE WHICH MIGHT BE REQUIRED IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNTS INDIVIDUALLY PROVIDED FOR IN THE ESTIMATES, BUT WHICH COULD NOT AT THE TIME BE DETERMINED WITH PRECISION AND SPECIFICALLY ALLOCATED.
"THE AMOUNTS REPRESENT THE MAXIMUM ADDITIONAL PROVISION FOR THE YEAR WHICH IT IS ESTIMATED WILL BE REQUIRED UNDER ALL OTHER VOTES.
"IN THIS WAY, THE APPROPRIATION BILL IS COMPREHENSIVE, IN THE SENSE THAT IT REPRESENTS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT IT IS ESTIMATED WILL BE SPENT DURING THE YEAR," HE SAID.
THE PROVISION IN THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS REPRESENTED AN ASSESSMENT BY FINANCE BRANCH OF THE COST OF PROPOSALS THAT WERE TO BE PUT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, HE SAID.
"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE A PRECISE BREAKDOWN AS THIS COULD BE MISLEADING. IN THE EVENT, SOME OF THE PROPOSALS MIGHT NOT PROCEED," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS STRESSED THAT NOTHING WAS DEBITED DIRECTLY TO THESE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES ARE INCREASED, SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION IS APPROVED FOR THE SUBHEAD FOR THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, OFFSET BY DELETING AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT FROM THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEAD.
"AND THE NORMAL RULES FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION MUST BE APPLIED, THAT IS, FOR AMOUNTS THAT EXCEED THE LIMIT OF DELEGATED POWERS, FINANCE COMMITTEE’S SPECIFIC APPROVAL MUST BE SOUGHT IN EACH CASE," HE SAID.
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/25........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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PRIME CONCERN IS MOST APPROPRIATE METHOD OF DELIVERY * * ♦ » *
WHILE CORE ACTIVITIES WILL NECESSARILY CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER OTHER WAYS OF DELIVERING SERVICES WHERE IT CAN SEE CLEAR ADVANTAGES IN SO DOING, PARTICULARLY WHERE A QUASI-COMMERCIAL ROLE IS INVOLVED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE CONCLUDED THE DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.
IN REPLY TO SOME MEMBERS’ CALL FOR FURTHER CORPORATISATION, PRIVATISATION OR OTHER ASPECTS OF PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM, SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNEMNT’S PRIME CONCERN WAS TO ENSURE THE MOST APPROPRIATE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES AND THAT IT WAS NOT DOCTRINAIRE IN ITS APPROACH.
'CURRENTLY, FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
"TRADING FUND STATUS IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND PARTS OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
"A NEW STATUS IS PLANNED FOR RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP WATCH FOR APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY IN THIS WAY, HE ADDED.
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NEED TO BROADEN TAX BASE RESTATED
♦ ♦ * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EMPHASISED THE NEED TO BROADEN THE TAX BASE, SAYING IT HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT THEME OF ALL HIS BUDGETS.
SIR PIERS WAS CONCLUDING THE DEBATE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SETTING OUT THE ARGUMENT FOR BROADENING THE TAX BASE, SIR PIERS SAID THE STARTING POINT OF HIS FISCAL POLICY WAS THAT IT MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH OUR ECONOMIC POLICIES.
"THIS MEANS THAT I MUST ALWAYS ENSURE THAT OUR FISCAL SYSTEM DOES NOT ENDANGER THE STABILITY AND CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, I MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE REVENUE IS AVAILABLE TO FUND SUCH PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AS IS PERMITTED BY THE STATE OF OUR ECONOMY," HE SAID.
/SIR PIERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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SIR PIERS NOTED THAT IN SO DOING, HIS CONSTANT PREOCCUPATION MUST BE TO SEE THAT REVENUE WAS RAISED AS EQUITABLY AS POSSIBLE AS BETWEEN PARTICULAR CLASSES OF TAXPAYERS OR POTENTIAL TAXPAYERS.
"BUT I MUST ALSO HAVE REGARD TO THE PRODUCTIVITY, STABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF EXISTING AND POSSIBLE NEW TAXES.
"AND I HAVE TO STRIKE AN OPTIMAL BALANCE WITHIN THE TAXATION SYSTEM BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES, AND IN PARTICULAR SEEK TO INCREASE THE PROPORTION OF BROAD-BASED, STABLE TAXES," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS REITERATED THE ARGUMENTS FOR A BROADEN TAX BASE HE MADE IN HIS FIRST BUDGET SPEECH IN 1987. HE HAD SAID THEN:
’AS BOTH THE ECONOMY AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES GROW, THE STABILITY OF PUBLIC FINANCES CAN BEST BE ASSURED BY ENDEAVOURING TO DEVELOP A BROADLY BASED TAX SYSTEM, BECAUSE SUCH A SYSTEM IS MORE RESILIENT.
’I AM NOT SUGGESTING A CASE FOR HIGHER OVERALL TAXATION : SIMPLY A WAY OF SPREADING THE TAX BURDEN MORE WIDELY ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY.
’WE MUST BE PRACTICAL IN OUR APPROACH.
'WE DO NOT WANT COMPLEX NEW TAXES. NEITHER DO WE WANT TAXES THAT ARE COSTLY TO ADMINISTER OR DAMAGE INCENTIVE. WE HAVE DONE VERY WELL WITHOUT THEM.
'BUT ONE WAY OF ACHIEVING A BROADER TAX BASE IS BY WIDENING THE SCOPE OF INDIRECT TAXES . . .’.
SIR PIERS ALSO MENTIONED HE TOOK UP THE THEME AGAIN LAST YEAR, WHEN HE SAID:
’UNDOUBTEDLY, A BROADENING OF THE INDIRECT TAX SYSTEM WOULD ENABLE ME TO RATIONALISE OR BRING DOWN OTHER TAXES.
'THE REST OF THE WORLD IS MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION. HONG KONG MUST NOT LOSE THE COMPETITIVE EDGE THAT IT GAINS FROM HAVING LOW DIRECT TAXES. IF WE LOSE THAT EDGE, IT IS LIKELY THAT INVESTORS WOULD LOOK ELSEWHERE, AND ULTIMATELY THIS COULD HIT • OUR LABOUR FORCE. WOULD I REALLY BE PERFORMING SUCH A SERVICE FOR THE LESS WELL-TO-DO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IF I WERE TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN?’
ON THE ROLE OF FEES AND CHARGES, SIR PIERS REITERATED WHAT HE SAID IN HIS 1987 BUDGET SPEECH TO THE COUNCIL.
’OUR POLICY REMAINS THAT SERVICES SHOULD GENERALLY BE PAID FOR BY THOSE WHO USE THEM, UNLESS A POSITIVE DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEVIATE FROM THIS POLICY.
/"IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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’IT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE IN OUR LOW TAX ECONOMY THAT WE DO ALL WE CAN TO OBSERVE THE PRINCIPLE THAT SERVICES SHOULD NOT IN GENERAL BE SUBSIDISED ... AND TO ENSURE THAT THOSE SERVICES WHICH ARE NOT A FAIR CHARGE ON THE GENERAL TAXPAYER ARE PAID FOR BY THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM THEM.’
ON SOME MEMBERS' SUGGESTION THAT HONG KONG’S TAXATION SYSTEM WOULD BENEFIT FROM REVIEW BY A COMMITTEE, SIR PIERS SAID: "LET ME FIRST SAY THAT OUR TAX SYSTEM IS ALIVE AND WELL.
"BY COMPARISON WITH SYSTEMS IN MANY OTHER DEVELOPED ECONOMIES THE HONG KONG TAX SYSTEM IS A MODEL OF SIMPLICITY AND STABILITY.
"ITS RATES ARE LOW. IT IS ALSO TAILORED VERY MUCH TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF HONG KONG IN THAT IT IS NON-TARIFF BASED; IT ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT BOTH BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN HONG KONG AND BY HONG KONG PEOPLE IN LOCAL ENTERPRISE; AND IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO ENJOY THE REWARDS OF ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK."
SIR PIERS SAID NO SYSTEM WAS PERFECT AND AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO JUSTIFIED CRITICISMS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IN THAT SPIRIT, WE HAVE INTRODUCED CHANGES TO DEAL WITH THE DOUBLE TAXATION PROBLEM VIS-A-VIS HONG KONG PEOPLE WORKING IN CHINA ON A TEMPORARY BASIS; WE HAVE DONE AWAY WITH WITHHOLDING TAX ON INTEREST; AND WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FINALISING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROFITS TAX EXEMPTION FOR MUTUAL FUND CORPORATIONS IN THE SAME WAY AS IS ALREADY AVAILABLE FOR UNIT TRUSTS," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS STRESSED THAT A TAX SYSTEM COULD NOT BE VIEWED IN SPLENDID DOMESTIC ISOLATION. HE REMINDED MEMBERS THAT SOUTH-EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES WERE NOW ON A FAST TRACK AND THAT THE JOCKEYING FOR POSITION WAS BECOMING INTENSE.
"FAVOURABLE TAX REGIMES FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PULL OF OUR COMPETITORS, ALTHOUGH IT IS STILL DIFFICULT TO BEAT HONG KONG IN THE LOW TAXATION STAKES.
"IN THE SAME VEIN, I AM NOT YET PERSUADED THAT A COMMITTEE BROUGHT IN TO TRAIN AND MANAGE OUR ENTRY IN THIS PARTICULAR RACE WOULD WIN US FIRST PLACE," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS ALSO NOTED THAT HE WOULD SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF THE JOINT LIAISON COMMITTEE ON TAXATION IN TAKING A BROADER VIEW OF OUR OVERALL TAXATION PHILOSOPHY.
"WE SHOULD WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND FIND SOLUTIONS," HE SAID.
ON THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN RATES, SIR PIERS SAID RATES WERE AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF REVENUE, BROAD-BASED AND STABLE.
"BUT THEY ARE RELATED TO THE RENTAL VALUE OF PROPERTY, AND THE REVALUATION OF PROPERTIES IS A MAMMOTH TASK WHICH CAN ONLY BE COMPLETED PERIODICALLY. IN BETWEEN REVALUATIONS, THE YIELD FROM RATES DIMINISHES IN REAL TERMS," HE SAID.
/SIR PIERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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SIR PIERS SAID IN OUR MORE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES THIS YEAR, HE CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO MAKE AN INTERIM ADJUSTMENT TO RESTORE THE YIELD TO SOME EXTENT.
THE EFFECT WILL ONLY BE TO RAISE THE SHARE OF RATES IN TERMS OF OVERALL RENTALS FROM 3.1PER CENT TO 3.9PER CENT.
"IN MID-1986, IT STOOD AT 4.9PER CENT.
"SINCE THOSE ON HIGHER INCOMES TEND TO LIVE IN MORE EXPENSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND SO PAY MORE IN RATES, I WOULD NOT REGARD THE ADJUSTMENT AS REGRESSIVE.
"THE INCREASE OF 1.5PERCENTAGE POINTS IN THE GENERAL RATE AMOUNTS, IN DOLLAR TERMS, TO AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OF AN AVERAGE OF ONLY $20 PER MONTH PER HOUSEHOLD FOR THE ROUGHLY 50PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES," HE SAID.
ON HIS PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE DUTY ON HYDROCARBON OILS, SIR PIERS SAID HE NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN ATTACKED FOR IMPACTING SEVERELY ON THE LOWER PAID SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"INSOFAR AS PUBLIC BUS FARES ARE CONCERNED, THE INCREASE IN FUEL COSTS, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PUBLIC SUBSIDY IN THE FORM OF THE EXISTING REBATE, IS NOT EXPECTED TO EXCEED AN AVERAGE OF TWO PER CENT FOR KMB AND 1.7PER CENT FOR CMB FARES, OR ROUGHLY THREE TO FOUR CENTS PER PASSENGER TRIP,” HE SAID.
SIR PIERS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BURDEN OF HIGHER FUEL TAX FOR TAXI DRIVERS HAD BEEN DEALT WITH BY AN APPROVED INCREASE IN FARES.
AS FOR THE REMAINING INDIRECT TAXES ON COMMODITIES WHICH THE MAN IN THE STREET WAS FACED WITH PAYING DIRECTLY, SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT A CHOICE EXISTED. "THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO BUY ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR NEW CARS," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT IN A LOW DIRECT TAXATION REGIME LIKE HONG KONG, IT WAS IMPORTANT ALSO THAT APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITIES WERE TAKEN TO RAISE REVENUE THROUGH FEES AND CHARGES FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INCLUDING THOSE OPERATED AS PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS.
"WE HAVE ALWAYS ATTEMPTED TO ENSURE THAT THE COSTS OF PROVISION OF SERVICES ARE RECOVERED THROUGH THE CHARGES LEVIED.
"WE MUST ALSO BE PREPARED TO USE FEES AND CHARGES FOR FISCAL PURPOSES WHERE THAT IS APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
"BUT HAVING SAID THIS, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE THAT GOVERNMENT SERVICES ARE NOT PRICED OUT OF THE REACH OF THE LESS WELL-OFF," SIR PIERS STRESSED.
CITING POLICY ON WATER CHARGES AS AN EXAMPLE, SIR PIERS SAID WATER IN HONG KONG WAS NOT A CHEAP COMMODITY TO PROVIDE.
/SIR PIERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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SIR PIERS SAID HE BELIEVED THAT AS A CONSUMER USED MORE WATER, THUS REQUIRING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRESSIVELY MORE COSTLY ADDITIONS TO THE SUPPLY SYSTEM, THE INCREASED COST OF THAT WATER SHOULD BE PASSED BACK TO HIM.
"OTHERWISE PEOPLE WHO ARE CAREFUL IN THEIR USE OF WATER WILL HAVE TO SUBSIDISE THE EXCESSES OF OTHERS. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE PROVIDED A FREE ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT SEVEN GALLONS A PERSON A DAY.
"IT WOULD NOT BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT AN INDIVIDUAL TO USE LESS THAN THIS AMOUNT FOR BASIC COOKING AND CLEANING; OR FOR THE CONSUMER TO EXPECT TO BE ALLOWED MORE WITHOUT CHARGE," HE EXPLAINED.
DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION IN EXCESS OF THIS FREE ALLOWANCE WAS SUBJECT TO A DIFFERENTIAL PRICING SYSTEM STRUCTURED TO ENCOURAGE CONSERVATION, HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFITTED, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM MAJOR GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES SUCH AS THE AIRPORT, TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS, WATER SUPPLY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
"IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, PARTICULARLY, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS OFTEN THE LESS WELL-OFF, THOSE WHO HAVE THE LEAST CHOICE OF WHERE THEY LIVE AND OF THE ENVIRONMENT THEY WORK IN, WHO STAND TO BENEFIT THE MOST," HE SAID.
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STEPS TO STREAMLINE APPROPRIATION BILL PROCEDURES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURES FOR THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS SOME CRITICISM THIS YEAR OF THE PROCEDURES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERING THE BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID WHILE THERE WERE NO MAJOR CHANGES IN PROCEDURE FROM THAT ADOPTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THERE SEEMED TO BE A SENSE OF FRUSTRATION AND DISSATISFACTION THIS YEAR.
"I HAVE TO SAY THAT THE FEELING IS SHARED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE THE TIMETABLE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESSING OF THE BILL, WHICH HAD BEEN RELAXED OVER THE YEARS AND NOW SPANNED SOME TWO AND A HALF MONTHS.
"THIS IS NO GOOD. THE IMPACT OF THE BUDGET IS LOST AND THE DEBATE IS LESS FOCUSSED," HE REMARKED.
/SIR PIERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
30
SIR PIERS SAID THE MATTER WAS DISCUSSED IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSULTED THE SENIOR MEMBER ON HOW THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL MIGHT BE STREAMLINED WHILE AFFORDING MEMBERS GENERALLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS IN A MORE POSITIVE AND REWARDING WAY.
WITHOUT GOING INTO DETAIL AS TO WHAT HAD BEEN PROPOSED, SIR PIERS SAID A PRINCIPAL FEATURE WAS THAT ONE WEEK AFTER THE BUDGET SPEECH, FINANCE COMMITTEE WOULD MEET EACH POLICY SECRETARY IN TURN FOR A PRESENTATION ON POLICIES IN HIS OR HER PROGRAMME AREA AND ON THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES. %
"SECRETARIES WOULD ALSO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, AS REQUIRED, ON THE WRITTEN REPLIES THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY GIVEN TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS," HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE TIMETABLE FOR COMPLETING THE PASSAGE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL WOULD BE COMPRESSED, WITH THE VARIOUS STAGES-FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, THE SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH BUDGET SITTINGS - TAKING PLACE AT WEEKLY INTERVALS.
"IN THAT WAY, THE 1991 BUDGET TIMETABLE MIGHT BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 25 WITH THE RELEASE OF BUDGET DOCUMENTS; BUDGET DAY WOULD BE ON MARCH 6 AND THE WHOLE PROCESS COMPLETED IN THE FIRST HALF OF APRIL.
"SUCH A COMPACT PROGRAMME WOULD, I AM SURE, GO FAR TO MEET MEMBERS’ CONCERNS AND LEAD TO A CRISPER DISCUSSION ON THE BUDGET ITSELF."
HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS ALSO SOME MISUNDERSTANDING THIS YEAR ABOUT HIS DECISION TO ISSUE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE AHEAD OF BUDGET DAY WHILE DEFERRING THE RELEASE OF THE REVENUE ESTIMATES AND CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY UNTIL ONE WEEK AFTER HE SPOKE.
HE SAID THIS WAS DONE DELIBERATELY IN ORDER TO DISCOURAGE PREBUDGET SPECULATION.
"WHAT I PROPOSE FOR NEXT YEAR IS THAT EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES SHOULD BE ISSUED IN ADVANCE AGAIN, SO THAT MEMBERS MAY HAVE TIME TO PREPARE QUESTIONS.
"THE REVENUE ESTIMATES AND A CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY, ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE REVENUE MEASURES, WOULD BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY I FINISH MY BUDGET SPEECH. THUS, ON THE DAY OF THE BUDGET SPEECH, MEMBERS WILL HAVE THE LOT," SIR PIERS SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
31
STEADY DEVELOPMENT AS FINANCIAL CENTRE *****
THE STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE HAS BEEN, AND CONTINUES TO BE, ONE OF THE MOST STRIKING CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR ECONOMY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN SUM, HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND THRIVING," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IN CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE.
IN RESPONSE TO AN ACCUSATION BY A MEMBER THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT MAKING ADEQUATE EFFORTS TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE IMPLICATION WAS THAT HONG KONG, AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, WAS GOING DOWN THE DRAIN.
"LET US LOOK AT SOME OF THE FACTS. THE FACT IS THAT MORE AND MORE FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE ESTABLISHING THEMSELVES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"LAST YEAR, 11 BANK LICENCES WERE GRANTED, THE LARGEST INCREASE IN RECENT YEARS. MORE SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES DEALERS HAVE. REGISTERED HERE.
"OUR FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, WITHOUT ANY STIMULUS COMING FROM THE GOVERNMENT, CHALKED UP IN APRIL LAST YEAR AN AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER WHICH IS THE SIXTH HIGHEST IN THE WORLD. AND HONG KONG REMAINS AN IMPORTANT LOAN SYNDICATION CENTRE, ARRANGING THE LION’S SHARE OF THE FINANCING DEALS OF THE REGION," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE OWED MUCH TO THE INGENUITY OF THOSE IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, WHO HAD BEEN QUICK TO RESPOND TO MARKET OPPORTUNITIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAS A ROLE TO PLAY. THIS IS TO ENSURE, WHERE NECESSARY THROUGH PROPER SYSTEMS OF REGULATION AND SUPERVISION, THE INTEGRITY OF OUR FINANCIAL MARKETS AND AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF PROTECTION TO INVESTORS. ONLY WHEN THESE ARE ACHIEVED CAN HONG KONG REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE LONG RUN," HE ADDED.
ON THE SECURITIES SIDE, A GREAT DEAL HAD BEEN DONE IN RECENT YEARS TO REVAMP OUR REGULATORY SYSTEM, TO BRING IT UP TO STANDARDS ACCEPTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS AND COMMENSURATE WITH HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"WE ARE WORKING ON A NEW SETTLEMENTS SYSTEM, WHICH IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO OUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND WE CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS THE RIGHT BALANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FIELD OF REGULATION," HE ADDED.
ON THE BANKING SIDE, NEW CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1988 AND REVISED TO MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SET BY THE BASLE COMMITTEE AT THE END OF 1989, SIR PIERS NOTED.
/"THE THREE-TIER
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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"THE THREE-TIER SYSTEM HAS ALSO BEEN MODIFIED RECENTLY TO REPLACE LICENSED DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANIES BY THE NEW CATEGORIES OF RESTRICTED LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANIES.
"THIS FACILITATES FOREIGN BANKS WITH TOTAL ASSETS FALLING SHORT OF THE MINIMUM SIZE CRITERION FOR OBTAINING A BANKING LICENCE IN HONG KONG TO OPERATE HERE.
"IN VIEW OF THE GROWING INTERDEPENDENCE OF FINANCIAL MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD AND ACROSS DIFFERENT MARKETS, WE ARE NOW DEVOTING EFFORTS TO BUILDING UP A PROPER FRAMEWORK FOR CONSOLIDATED SUPERVISION," HE SAID.
ON THE MONETARY SIDE, REFORM MEASURES WERE INTRODUCED TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE MONETARY MANAGEMENT UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"THE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN 1988 HAS PROVED A USEFUL MECHANISM FOR PURSUING OUR MONETARY POLICY OBJECTIVE OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE’STABILITY. THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS PROGRAMME INTRODUCED RECENTLY WILL FURTHER GIVE US AN ADDITIONAL MONETARY POLICY INSTRUMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE.
"WE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN MAINTAINING OVERALL A STABLE MONETARY ENVIRONMENT. THIS HAS UNDOUBTEDLY HELPED THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE," HE SAID.
"THE REMOVAL OF DISINCENTIVES SO AS TO ENHANCE HONGKONG’S COMPETITIVENESS AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE HAS LONG BEEN OUR POLICY. BUT THERE IS AN IMPORTANT QUALIFICATION WHICH IS THAT IT MUST ALSO BE CLEARLY IN THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST FOR PARTICULAR DISINCENTIVES TO BE REMOVED," SIR PIERS POINTED OUT.
"EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE REMOVAL OF STAMP DUTY WOULD ENCOURAGE STOCK MARKET ACTIVITY, AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE REMOVAL OF PROFITS TAX ON INTEREST INCOME WOULD STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPITAL MARKET IN HONG KONG. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT TAX PAYERS WOULD BE RICHER IF THEY DID NOT HAVE TO PAY TAX," HE SAID.
"BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE SHOULD REMOVE THE VARIOUS FORMS OF TAX CONCERNED WITHOUT PROPER CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE IMPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE COST OF DOING SO," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF INTRODUCING TAX CHANGES HAD TO BE FULLY EXPLORED, NOTING THAT THE COMPLEXITIES WHICH MIGHT ARISE WERE WELL ILLUSTRATED BY THE RECENT HISTORY OF THE TAXATION OF INTEREST.
"IN 1982, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS PLACED WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WERE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX. THIS WAS AN EXCEPTION TO THE HONG KONG SOURCE PRINCIPLE.
/"THIS LED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 33 -
"THIS LED, IN 1983, TO INTEREST TAX ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BEING ABOLISHED AS WELL, BECAUSE THE DIFFERENT TREATMENT HAD WEAKENED THE HONG KONG DOLLAR," HE EXPLAINED.
"NOW THE FOCUS OF THE DEBATE HAS SHIFTED TO THE RATHER MORE NARROW AREA OF THE TAXATION OF INTEREST INCOME FROM CAPITAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS. SPECIFICALLY, THE QUESTION IS, WHY INTEREST INCOME FROM HONG KONG DOLLAR CAPITAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO PROtII > TAX WHILE THAT FROM FOREIGN CURRENCY CAPITAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS, SOURCED AS THEY ARE OUTSIDE HONG KONG, IS NOT," HE SAID.
"THIS THEN IS THE BACKGROUND TO ONE TAXATION MATTER UPON WHICH IMMEJIATE ACTION, ACTION THIS DAY, IS NOW DEMANDED," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TOLD MEMBERS THAT IT HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE CAPITAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND HE HAD PERSONALLY KEPT IN TOUCH WITi TIE LISCUSSIONS.
"I AM QUITE PREPARED TO CONSIDER PROPOSALS WHICH WILL NOT. LEAD TO ANY FURTHER DEPARTURE FROM THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF OUR TAX SYS''EM OR ANY UNACCEPTABLE EROSION TO ITS PRODUCTIVITY.
"WE RECOGNISE THE PROBLEM AND WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR WORK ON TH ISSUE. THERE WILL BE FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH THOSE IN FINANCIAL MARKETS. BUT AS I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO DEMONSTRATE, CHANGING THE TAXATION OF INTEREST IS NOT AS EASY AS SOME WOULD THINK," SIR PIERS SAID.
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CONSIDERABLE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POTENTIAL * * * * *
MANUFACTURERS WITH OVERSEAS INTERESTS ACCOUNT FOR NEARLY A QI ARTER OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC MANUFACTURED EXPORTS AND THEIR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POTENTIAL HAS PROVED TO BE CONSIDERABLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL T(DAY (WEDNESDAY).
CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE, SIR PIERS SAID HE AGREED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
"EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT SPECIFIC TAX INCENTIVES ARE NOT THE OVERRIDING FACTOR IN ATTRACTING OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS, ALTHOUGH A SIMILE AND PREDICTABLE TAX REGIME WITH LOW RATES IS NATURALLY OF GREAT IM2CRTANCI , ” HE SAID.
"ACCORDING TO THE NINTH WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT, PUBLISHED IN JUi.Y 1989 BY THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM BASED IN GENEVA, HONG KONG MA INTAiNED ITS TOP RANKING AMONGST THE NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES AS AN ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT LOCATION.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 34 -
"THIS IS ALSO BORNE OUT BY THE GROWTH OF OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING INVESTMENTS, NOW AT AN ESTIMATED VALUE 01 HK$26 BILLION. THIS IS 24 PER CENT MORE THAN TN 1987 AND ALMOST DOUBLE THE LEVEL IN 1984,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS THE SECOND MOST FAVOURED INVESTMENT DESTINATION IN ASIA FOR JAPANESE FIRMS, SIR PIERS SAID IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1988 ALONE, HONG KONG GAINED THE LARGEST SHARE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA, ALMOST DOUBLE THAT FOR SINGAPORE, WHICH LAY IN SECOND PLACE.
"THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 37PER CENT OVER THE FISCAL YEAR 1987, COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF 21PER CENT FOR THE WHOLE OF ASIA," HE SAID.
"A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FROM VARIOUS COUNTRY SOURCES CONTINUED TO MATERIALISE IN THE LATTER PART OF 1989 AND AFTERWARDS," HE DDED.
THESE INCLUDED NINE JAPANESE INVESTMENTS, MAINLY IN ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS AND STEEL AND CONCRETE COMPOSITE PILES PRODUCTION SECTORS, WITH TOTAL INVESTMENT EXCEEDING HK$240 MILLION, AND FOUR U.S. INVESTMENTS OF WHICH ONE INVOLVED AN INVESTMENT OF HK$100 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED.
"WITH THE INCREASING GLOBALISATION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY, LARGE MULTI-NATIONALS ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN DIVERSIFIED IN THE WORLD’S ECONOMIC ’TRIPOD’ - NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, WHERE HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO PLA' AN INCREASINGLY PIVOTAL ROLE BOTH AS A REGIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE AND THE GATEWAY TO CHINA," SIR PIERS SAID.
"HONG KONG’S EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMY, HOWEVER, WILL REMAIN VULNERABLE TO THE VICISSITUDES OF OUTSIDE WORLD. THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE MANY CHALLENGES OF THE 1990’S WILL RENDER INWARD INVESTMENT EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE," HE ADDED.
"HISTORICALLY, HONG KONG WILL TRANSFORM ITSELF FROM A BRITISH TERRITORY TO A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA. INDUSTRIALLY, THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION UNFOLDS AT A RAPID PACE. REGIONALLY, COMPETING DYNAMIC ECONOMIES ARE GROWING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.
"INTERNATIONALLY, THE WORLD ECONOMIC ORDER, MARKET FRONTIERS, EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE SHIFTING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET AND EASTERN EUROPE, THE STRENGTHENING OF THE USA/CANADA ECONOMIC NEXUS, AND CLOSER ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION."
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID TO STIMULATE FURTHER OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, OUR INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION EFFORTS WERE GEARED TOWARDS THE ATTRACTION OF BENEFICIAL TECHNOLOGIES.
"A COMPUTERISED TARGETTING SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BE IN PLACE THIS YEAR INITIALLY COVERING NORTH AMERICA, LATER TO BE EXTENDED TO OTHER REGIONS,
/"OUR ONE-STOP ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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"OUR ONE-STOP UNIT IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS NOW SUPPORTED WITH RESEARCH AND PRE-FEASIBILITY SERVICES DESIGNED TO MEET POTENTIAL INVESTOR’S INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS. REGIONAL DIRECTORS ARE BEING PROVIDED TO COORDINATE OUR INVESTMENT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES OVERSEAS AND CULTIVATE READIER ACCESS TO TOP BUSINESS DECISION-MAKERS," HE ADDED.
"MOREOVER, HONG KONG’S FORTHCOMING INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE WILL ADD FURTHER DYNAMISM TO OUR ECONOMY AS A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT PROPOSITION IN THE REGION," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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BUDGET FACES PROBLEMS CORRECTLY, JUDICIOUSLY
*****
THE BUDGET CORRECTLY AND JUDICIOUSLY FACES THE PROBLEMS THAT NOW CONFRONT US, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990, SIR PIERS SAID SOME MIGHT ARGUE FOR SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MIXES OF FISCAL MEASURES, BUT THE BASIC STRATEGY OF THE BUDGET WAS CORRECT.
"NOTHING THAT I HAVE HEARD IN THIS DEBATE HAS CHANGED MY VIEW," HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS EXPLAINED WHY HE HAD SPOKEN AT SOME LENGTH IN THE RESUMED DEBATE.
"FIRST, I FELT IT NECESSARY TO LAY TO REST THE BELIEF THAT THE BUDGET WAS A SIMPLE BOOKKEEPING EXERCISE WHICH INVOLVED, TO QUOTE COMMENTS MADE BY SOME MEMBERS, ’NOTHING MORE THAN HOUSEKEEPING’, OR ’TINKERING WITH TAX RATES’.
"AS I HAVE DEMONSTRATED, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO IT THAN THAT," HE SAID.
"SECONDLY, BECAUSE OF THE GENERAL TONE OF THE REMARKS MADE BY SOME MEMBERS, I THOUGHT IT ESSENTIAL TO SPEAK OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS AND OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT UNDOUBTEDLY EXIST. THEY ARE SOMETIMES IGNORED," SIR PIERS SAID.
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/36 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
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CONCERN SHARED OVER POSSIBLE TRADE ACTION BY U.S.
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE FULLY SHARED THE CONCERN OF SEVERAL LEGCO MEMBERS OVER THE POSSIBILITY OF THE UNITED STATES WITHDRAWING MOST FAVOURED NATION, OR MFN, TREATMENT FOR ITS IMPORTS FROM CHINA.
"ALTHOUGH THIS IS, STRICTLY SPEAKING, A MATTER BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA, HONG KONG IS VERY MUCH AN INTERESTED PARTY.
"WE STAND TO SUFFER CONSIDERABLY IF THE THREATENED ACTION CAME TO PASS," HE SAID IN CONCLUDING THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990.
THE LOSS OF MFN STATUS WOULD MEAN THAT CHINESE GOODS WOULD FACE VERY MUCH HIGHER TARIFFS (IN SOME CASES MORE THAN 10 TIMES HIGHER) UPON ENTRY INTO THE U.S.
"HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINESE GOODS TO THAT MARKET, WHICH WERE WORTH HK$66 BILLION IN 1989, COULD BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 50 PER CENT OVERNIGHT.
"CHINA’S DIRECT EXPORTS TO THE U.S., SOME OF WHICH ARE MANUFACTURED IN HONG KONG-OWNED FACTORIES, WOULD ALSO SUFFER GREATLY.
"THERE WOULD ALSO INEVITABLY BE SERIOUS KNOCK-ON EFFECTS ON OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY AND, ABOVE ALL, ON THE GENERAL LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE FULL IMPACT, HUMAN AS WELL AS ECONOMIC, WAS DIFFICULT TO QUANTIFY AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING THE THREAT VERY SERIOUSLY.
"WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF KEY POLICY MAKERS AND LEGISLATORS IN THE U.S. TO HONG KONG’S CONCERNS.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL, AS WELL AS THE MAIN TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, ARE ALSO MAKING REPRESENTATIONS.
"I TRUST THAT OUR FRIENDS IN AMERICA, AND THERE ARE MANY OF THEM, WILL NOT CHOOSE TO DO ANYTHING WHICH WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HARM HONG KONG AND INVESTORS IN OUR ECONOMY, MANY OF WHOM ARE AMERICANS," HE SAID.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 199U
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ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE TO BE UPGRADED » » * t ♦
IT HAS BEEN DECIDED FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THAT THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE UPGRADED, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, ANNOUNCED IN A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHAN SAID ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE WOULD BE UPGRADED THROUGH A CAREFULLY PHASED PROGRAMME FROM THE CURRENT 200 VOLTS SINGLE-PHASE AND 346 VOLTS THREE-PHASE TO 220 VOLTS AND 380 VOLTS RESPECTIVELY.
THE PHASED PROGRAMME WOULD BE SPREAD OVER APPROXIMATELY SEVEN YEARS.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED THAT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SHOULD BE SET UP TO PLAN AND OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS UPGRADING EXERCISE," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE UPGRADING’S LIKELY IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC HAD BEEN FULLY CONSIDERED IN A DETAILED EXAMINATION.
"ON THE WHOLE, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE UPGRADE WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF EXISTING EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES," SHE SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SAID THE UPGRADING DECISION FOLLOWED A SERIES OF CONSULTANCY STUDIES, PRACTICAL TESTS AND CONSULTATION WITH A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF RELEVANT BODIES SUCH AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION.
THE UPGRADING WOULD OFFER A NUMBER OF BENEFITS, SHE SAID.
IT WOULD PUT HONG KONG ON A SYSTEM CURRENTLY THE MOST COMMON IN THE WORLD AND THEREFORE OFFERED WIDER CONSUMER CHOICE.
AS A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT WERE ALREADY RATED AT 220V AND WITH THE UPGRADE, THEIR PERFORMANCE WOULD BE ENHANCED AND THEIR LIFE SPAN EXTENDED.
ALSO, THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEM OF POWER SUPPLY WOULD BE ENHANCED THROUGH THE UPGRADING OF VOLTAGE.
FOR INDUSTRY THE UPGRADING WOULD IMPROVE PLANT EFFICIENCY WHICH WAS LIKELY TO RESULT IN DEFERRAL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
MRS CHAN SAID THAT EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES WHICH WERE RATED AT 200V, IF PROPERLY MAINTAINED, COULD STILL BE SAFELY OPERATED BEFORE THEY WERE EVENTUALLY REPLACED.
"FURTHERMORE, WITH THE RECENT OVERHAUL OF THE ELECTRICITY LEGISLATION, WHICH WILL PROVIDE STRICTER STANDARDS ON WIRING WORKS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS, THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE MEANS OF ENSURING SAFETY," SHE SAID.
/AS TO.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 38 -
AS TO THE QUESTION OF COST, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT SOME OF THE EXISTING EQUIPMENT OR PARTS OF IT WOULD HAVE TO BE MODIFIED OR REPLACED TO MAKE IT COMPATIBLE WITH THE UPGRADED VOLTAGE.
NONETHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ADVISED BY THE POWER COMPANIES THAT THE UPGRADING WOULD NOT INVOLVE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF ANY MAGNITUDE THAT WOULD HAVE A KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON TARIFFS.
"CONSUMERS WILL BE GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE OF THE UPGRADE SO THAT ANY LIKELY INCREASE IN CAPITAL COSTS CAN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BE ABSORBED INTO THE NORMAL REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME," SHE SAID.
"IN ANY EVENT, SUCH SHORT-TERM DISRUPTIONS SHOULD IN THE LONG RUN BE OFFSET BY SAVINGS ACHIEVED FROM ENHANCED EFFICIENCY AND EXTENDED LIFE SPAN OF THE EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES AFTER THE UPGRADE."
ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SAID CONSUMERS MIGHT INITIALLY EXPERIENCE SOME SMALL INCREASE IN POWER CONSUMPTION AFTER THE VOLTAGE UPGRADE.
"HOWEVER, THE EFFECT IS LIKELY TO BE MINIMAL AND LIMITED IN DURATION, PARTICULARLY HAVING REGARD TO THE FACT THAT ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION ACCOUNTS FOR LESS THAN 1.8 PER CENT OF AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE AND FOR AN AVERAGE 1.2’ PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OPERATING COSTS FOR OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY," SHE SAID.
SAYING THAT A PHASED PROGRAMME WOULD BE ADOPTED, MRS CHAN SAID FOR THE INITIAL STAGE, THE UPGRADING WOULD APPLY TO INSTALLATIONS INSIDE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY THOSE IN BUILDINGS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN STAGE II AND BY THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN STAGE III.
"THE WHOLE PROGRAMME WILL RELY CHIEFLY ON EDUCATION, PROMOTION AND PERSUASION.
"LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM," SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT AS CONSIDERABLE PREPARATORY WORK WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE UPGRADING EXERCISE PROCEEDED SMOOTHLY, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO ESTABLISH A HIGH-POWERED ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON AND OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME.
THE COMMITTEE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND WOULD FORM THE FOCAL POINT OF LIAISON ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE UPGRADING EXERCISE.
"IT WILL COLLECT AND DISSEMINATE THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AND CO-ORDINATE PUBLICITY EFFORTS FOR THE EXERCISE.
/"THE COMMITTEE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 39 -
’’THE COMMITTEE, HEADED BY A NON-OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN, WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSUMERS, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, THE SUPPLY COMPANIES, THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED,” SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN CONCLUDED HER STATEMENT BY SAYING: ’’THE DECISION ANNOUNCED TODAY WILL AFFECT ALL OF US IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THERE MAY BE SHORT-TERM INCONVENIENCES BUT IN THE LONGER TERM, BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND THE ECONOMY SHOULD STAND SO BENEFIT. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT, THE PROGRAMME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED SMOOTHLY.”
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CHANNEL FOR APPEALS AGAINST MUNICIPAL COUNCIL DECISIONS
******
THE PURPOSE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARDS BILL 1990 IS TO ESTABLISH APPEALS BOARDS TO DETERMINE APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS MADE BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (LIQUOR) REGULATIONS AND THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH PERSONS WHO FELT AGGRIEVED BY DECISIONS MADE BY THE COUNCILS MIGHT SEEK REDRESS.
TO THIS END, THE BILL SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH THE URBAN SERVICES APPEALS BOARD AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARD, SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT, WHERE THERE WAS A RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST A MUNICIPAL COUNCIL DECISION, THE APPEAL LAY TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
’’SUCH DECISIONS RELATE MAINLY TO LICENSING MATTERS,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE BOARDS TO HAVE THE SAME CHAIRMAN, WHO WOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. ONE OR MORE VICE-CHAIRMEN MIGHT ALSO BE APPOINTED.
’’THE CHAIRMAN AND ANY VICE-CHAIRMAN ARE TO BE LEGALLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND MAY NOT BE MEMBERS OF THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL.
’’THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE RELEVANT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND AN EQUAL NUMBER OF NON-COUNCIL MEMBERS.
/"THUS A .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 40 -
"THUS A QUORUM OF FIVE PERSONS, INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN, WILL BE REQUIRED AND THE MAJORITY OF A BOARD WILL NOT BE MEMBERS OF A MUNICIPAL COUNCIL,” SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.
’’ANY MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBER WHO DOES SIT ON A BOARD MUST NOT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN MAKING THE DECISIONS UNDER APPEAL,” HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WHILE IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE APPEALS BOARDS SHOULD ENJOY AN INDEPENDENT STATUS, IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS’ AUTHORITY SHOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT MEMBERS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL SIT ON THE BOARD BUT THEY WILL NEVER BE IN THE MAJORITY.”
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT THE BOARDS SHOULD BE WELL VERSED IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL POLICIES.
"THE BILL REQUIRES THE APPEALS BOARDS TO HAVE REGARD TO ANY MATERIAL STATEMENT OF POLICY MADE BY THE RELEVANT MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, PROVIDED THAT APPELLANTS COULD BE EXPECTED TO BE AWARE OF THE STATEMENT,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL REQUIRED HEARINGS TO BE CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC, EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THE BOARDS TO STATE IN WRITING THE REASONS FOR THEIR DECISIONS.
"IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PARTIES TO THE APPEAL TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ATTEND AND BE REPRESENTED AT BOARD HEARINGS.
"DECISIONS OF THE APPEALS BOARDS WILL BE FINAL, ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE A RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THE COURTS TO SEEK JUDICIAL REVIEW.
”1 BELIEVE THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARDS WILL PROVE TO BE FAIR AND INDEPENDENT BODIES WHICH WILL GAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THAT OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BILL INTRODUCED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IT PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TO REPLACE THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AS THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS AND TRADE MARKS.
/THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
41
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF OTHER OFFICERS, BOTH LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL, TO STAFF A NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT.
"THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE OVER THE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, AND WOULD IN DUE COURSE EXPAND TO ENCOMPASS PROTECTION OF OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
"SETTING UP THIS NEW DEPARTMENT WOULD DEMONSTRATE TO OUR TRADING PARTNERS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS," SIR PIERS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO TIGHTEN UP ON LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE SAFETY
******
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL A BILL REQUIRING LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES OVER SIX YEARS OLD TO BE EXAMINED ANNUALLY AT DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRES BEFORE RE-LICENSING.
THIS MEASURE WAS ON THE SAME LINES AS THE EXISTING PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, MR LEUNG SAID LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WERE OFTEN FOUND TO BE POORLY MAINTAINED, THEREBY INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED ROAD CONGESTION.
HE ADDED THAT THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES IN RECENT YEARS HAD BEEN A CAUSE OF PUBLIC CONCERN.
THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENT WAS TO ENSURE THE ROADWORTHINESS OF SUCH VEHICLES.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT, INITIALLY, ONLY LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES UNDER 1.9 TONNES WOULD BE EXMAINED.
THE INSPECTION OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES OVER 1.9 TONNES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS THE PRIVATE TESTING CENTRES HAD DEVELOPED THE NECESSARY CAPACITY TO MEET THE DEMAND.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT AT PRESENT CANDIDATES FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TESTS WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE TEST VEHICLES OF A SPECIFIC WEIGHT, LOAD, LENGTH AND DIMENSIONS TO TEST FULLY THEIR DRIVING SKILLS.
/HOWEVER, THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
42
HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE VEHICLES USED IN THE TEST TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS.
THIS WAS REMEDIED BY TIP BILL WHICH EMPOWERED THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES USED FOR DRIVING TESTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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NEW CIVIL SERVICE MANAGEMENT REVIEW NOT NECESSARY ******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT YET ANOTHER OVERALL MANAGEMENT OR ORGANISATIONAL STUDY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS NECESSARY AT PRESENT.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID LI, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT SINCE THE MCKINSEY REPORT THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD THE 1988 HAY MANAGEMENT STUDY OF THE TOP STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT WHICH RESULTED IN THE REORGANISATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG SECRETARIAT POLICY BRANCHES.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT DID USE CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST IT ON SPECIFIC ISSUES, AND A CURRENT EXAMPLE WAS THE REVIEW OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVICE WAGES WERE ONLY ONE OF THE CAUSES OF THE GROWTH IN THE GOVERNMENT’S RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.
OTHER MAJOR CAUSES WERE THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW SERVICES, MUCH OF WHICH DIRECTLY BENEFITTED THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IMPROVEMENTS TO SOCIAL SERVICES IN 1990-91 WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $72.6 MILLION, IMPROVEMENTS TO EDUCATION WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $21 MILLION, AND THE SETTING UP OF THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD WILL COST $35 MILLION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SUBVENTED SECTORS HAD BEEN MAINTAINED ANNUALLY AT JUST ABOVE 60 PER CENT OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
OF THIS PROPORTION, THE CIVIL SERVICE ELEMENT HAD BEEN MAINTAINED AT AROUND 38-39 PER CENT PER YEAR OF TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WITH THE REMAINDER BEING SPENT ON THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT UNLIKE THE PRIVATE SECTOR, CIVIL SERVICE PERFORMANCE COULD NOT BE MEASURED BY PROFITABILITY.
/"THE NATURE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
43
"THE NATURE OF PUBLIC SECTOR WORK MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRAW AN ABSOLUTE CORRELATION BETWEEN CIVIL SERVICE PRODUCTIVITY AND COMPENSATION," HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, TARGETS ADD OBJECTIVES WERE SET WITHIN PROGRAMME POLICY AREAS, AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS HAD INCREASINGLY BEEN INCLUDED IN CONTROLLING OFFICERS’ REPORTS IN THE ANNUAL ESTIMATES.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO MAKING STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN A NUMBER OF OTHER WAYS.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TEAMS WHICH HAD A STAFF OF OVER 100 WERE INVOLVED IN A SERIES OF TOP DOWN STUDIES WHICH REVIEWED DEPARTMENTS AS A WHOLE, THE DIRECTION THEY WERE TAKING AND THE ACTIVITIES THEY WERE INVOLVED IN.
SO FAR, 10 TOP DOWN STUDIES HAD BEEN COMPLETED IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE CONCERNED THE ABOUT 30 VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT.
MOREOVER, STRATEGIC REVIEWS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS OF FOUR MAJOR DEPARTMENTS WERE TAKING PLACE AND MORE WERE PLANNED.
"IN ADDITION WE HAVE INTRODUCED THE STAR CHAMBER AND THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL DESCRIBE IN HIS SPEECH LATER TH IS AFTERNOON," SIR DAVID ADDED.
------0--------
GOVT TO REVIEW PORNOGRAPHY LAW SOON * * » * »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW SHORTLY ON THE CURRENT LEGISLATION ON CONTROLLING PORNOGRAPHY IN THE TERRITORY DESPITE A HIGH SUCCESS RATE IN PROSECUTIONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ADOLF HSU, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HSU STRESSED THAT THE REVIEW WAS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THERE WERE ANY LOOPHOLES WHICH SHOULD BE PLUGGED, AND TO EXAMINE WHETHER THE LEGISLATION, IN BOTH LETTER AND SPIRIT, REFLECTED CURRENT ATTITUDES IN THE COMMUNITY.
MR HSU SAID THAT SINCE SEPTEMBER 1987 AND UP TO THE END OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 515 CASES HAD BEEN PROSECUTED IN COURT, OF WHICH 453 CASES HAD BEEN CONVICTED, REPRESENTING A SUCCESS RATE OF 88 PER CENT.
/HE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
HE ADDED THAT OVER I'HE PAST FIVE YEARS, A TOTAL OF 126,513 PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS AND ARTICLES WERE SEIZED BY THE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"SINCE THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE CAME INTO FORCE IN SEPTEMBER 1987, A TOTAL OF 2,140 ARTICLES HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL FOR CLASSIFICATION, OF WHICH 1,661 HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS INDECENT AND 309 AS OBSCENE.
"IN ADDITION, THE TRIBUNAL HAS DEALT WITH 2,127 ARTICLES REFERRED TO IT BY THE COURT FOR DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION 29(1) OF THE ORDINANCE.
"THESE ARTICLES WERE SEIZED BY THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT DURING ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS. AMONG THEM, 81 HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS INDECENT AND 2,039 AS OBSCENE," MR HSU SAID.
--------0-----------
IMMEDIATE STEPS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY AT VBP CENTRES *******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING IMMEDIATE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT ALL VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE (VBP) CENTRES ARE STRENGTHENED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON KINGSLEY SIT, MR ASPREY SAID SECURITY WAS GOVERNMENT’S HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF DETENTION CENTRES.
MR ASPREY SAID THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) AND THE POLICE WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE WHITEHEAD BREAKOUT ON APRIL 29 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ESTABLISHED CONTINGENCY PLAN.
"FIVE PEOPLE WERE APPREHENDED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND RETURNED TO THE CAMP. A FURTHER 39 WERE ARRESTED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE ESCAPE," HE SAID.
A POLICE SEARCH AT PILLAR POINT RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF TWO MORE, AND FURTHER SEARCHES WOULD BE MADE.
"I BELIEVE THAT AT PRESENT CSD AND THE POLICE ARE ABLE TO COPE WITH THEIR PRESENT RESPONSIBILITIES WITHOUT ASSISTANCE FROM THE MILITARY," MR ASPREY SAID.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT RULE OUT A REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM BRITISH MILITARY UNITS, SHOULD THIS BE NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
ON THE PLANS TO DEVELOP TAI A CHAU, MR ASPREY SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO LOCATE DETENTION CENTRES AWAY FROM THE MAIN CENTRES OF POPULATION WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
/"IF THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
"IF THE ARRIVAL RATE REMAINS LOW WE WILL, ONCE TAI COMPLETED, BE ABLE TO CLOSE DOWN CAMPS SUCH AS ARGYLE LOCATED IN THE URBAN AREA." HE SAID.
A CHAU IS WHICH ARE
"I HOPE THAT WE SHALL ALSO BE ABLE TO REDUCE THE POPULATION AT WHITEHEAD."
MR ASPREY SAID HE HAD ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK MEASURES WHICH HE BELIEVED WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO PREVENT A REPEAT OF THE WHITEHEAD INCIDENT.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDED REVIEWING SECURITY AT ALL DETENTION CENTRES AND IMPLEMENTING, WHERE NECESSARY, ADDITIONAL MEASURES.
THE PROGRAMME OF SEARCHES AT ALL VIETNAMESE REFUGEE (VR) AND VBP CENTRES FOR WEAPONS AND ESCAPEES WOULD BE STEPPED UP.
"THOSE CAUGHT WILL BE PROSECUTED. IF THEY ARE FOUND TO HAVE WEAPONS THEY WILL FACE ADDITIONAL CHARGES," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD MOUNT A MOBILE PERIMETER PATROL USING OFFICERS FROM THE TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT.
THE POLICE WOULD PLACE A PLATOON OF POLICE TACTICAL UNIT (PTU) OFFICERS ON STANDBY CLOSE TO THE WHITEHEAD CENTRE, AND THE EXISTING FENCE AT THE CENTRE WOULD BE STRENGTHENED.
------0-----------
APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 GIVEN SECOND READING
*****
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 WAS GIVEN A SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILL IS DUE TO COMPLETE ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES APPEALS BOARDS BILL 1990, THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES MADE A STATEMENT ON THE UPGRADING OF ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE.
------0-------
/46 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
46
SELECTION OF AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANT t * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS MADE BY SEVEN CONSORTIA SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY.
A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT NEGOTIATIONS WILL START SOON WITH A VIEW TO AWARDING THE CONSULTANCY TO GREINER AIRPORT CONSORTIUM. THIS IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE AMERICAN FIRM GREINER INC AND THE LOCALLY-BASED BRITISH ENGINEERING FIRM OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD.
THE VERY HIGH QUALITY OF THE PROPOSALS MADE BY ALL SEVEN SHORTLISTED CONSORTIA HAD MADE THE SELECTION A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TASK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. THE DECISION WAS TAKEN BY A SPECIAL PANEL MADE UP OF FIVE BRANCH SECRETARIES, THE SECRETARIES FOR TREASURY, WORKS, ECONOMIC SERVICES, TRANSPORT AND PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS.
THE CONSULTANCY INVOLVES IN ADDITION TO DRAWING UP A MASTER PLAN FOR THE AIRPORT, CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN WORK AND THE UNDERTAKING OF AN ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT.
THE COMBINED TEAM OF GREINER AND MAUNSELL HAS HAD EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN AIRPORT MASTER PLANNING AND OF A WIDE RANGE OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN HONG KONG ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE CONSULTANTS WILL FORMALLY START WORK IN JULY FOR A 16-MONTH PERIOD.
--------0-----------
CONSULTATION PERIOD ON BILL * * * * ♦
OF RIGHTS EXTENDED *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD BE EXTENDED BY THREE WEEKS TO JUNE 6, 1990.
"THE DECISION IS MADE MAINLY IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS, WHICH BEEN STUDYING THE BILL AS WELL AS RECEIVING REPRESENTATIONS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FOR SOME TIME," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID
THE HAS FROM
"THE AD HOC GROUP HAS INDICATED THAT IT WOULD NEED MORE TIME TO STUDY THE ISSUES BEFORE IT IS IN A POSITION TO TENDER ITS CONSIDERED VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
/"SUGGESTIONS TO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
47
’’SUGGESTIONS TO EXPEND THE CONSULTATION PERIOD HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE BY A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS DURING THEIR MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”IT IS STILL THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO INTRODUCE THE BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE COUNCIL ENDS IN .JULY," HE ADDED.
UP TO YESTERDAY (TUESDAY), THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED 16 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS. SO FAR, 14 DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAVE DISCUSSED THE BILL.
---------0-----------
CONSUMERS TO BENEFIT FROM ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE UPGRADING * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
CONSUMERS CAN ENJOY A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE FOLLOWING A VOLTAGE UPGRADING EXERCISE, WHEN A GREATER SELECTION OF APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. •
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE IN HONG KONG IN THREE STAGES WITHIN SEVEN YEARS.
UNDER THE UPGRADING EXERCISE, THE VOLTAGE OF ELECTRICITY WILL BE UPGRADED FROM 200 VOLTS SINGLE-PHASE AND 346 VOLTS THREE-PHASE TO A CORRESPONDING 220 AND 380 VOLTS.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE EXERCISE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, SAID ACCORDING TO A TECHNICAL CONSULTANT COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF VOLTAGE UPGRADING WOULD BE POSITIVE FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS, ALTHOUGH THERE MIGHT BE SOME MINOR, NEAR TERM DISRUPTIONS.
"CONSUMERS WILL BE BENEFITTED FROM THE EXERCISE AS ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENTS RATED AT 200/380 VOLTS WILL RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY AND HAVE INCREASED LIFE SPAN," MR KWOK SAID.
”IN TERMS OF OUR MANUFACTURING TRADE, AN UPGRADE WILL ENHANCE THE EXPORT POTENTIAL FOR LOCAL ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS TO THOSE COUNTRIES ALREADY ADOPTING THE UPGRADED VOLTAGE SYSTEM.
"THE USE OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE EXPANSION OF ELECTRICAL CAPACITY WILL ALSO BE DEFERRED RESULTING FROM IMPROVEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL PLANT EFFICIENCY," HE ADDED.
/THE UPGRADING ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
48
THE UPGRADING EXERCISE WILL ENHANCE AS WELL THE CAPACITY IN EXISTING ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SYSTEMS AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT AND BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.
' HE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VOLTAGE UPGRADING, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THRE1 PHASES, WILL COVER ALL NEW INSTALLATIONS PROVIDED WITH DEDICATED TRANSFORMERS AND EXISTING INSTALLATIONS INSIDE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN THE FIRST PHASE.
WORK ON THIS PHASE WOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN ABOUT ONE TO ONE AND A HALF YEARS.
I HASE II, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE, WILL COVER EXISTING INSTALLATIONS IN BUILDINGS UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
WORK ON THE REMAINING INSTALLATIONS IN PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS WILL BE COVERED IN PHASE III, WHICH WOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
MR KWOK SAID AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE SUPPLY VOLTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WOULD BE SET UP TO MONITOR AND ADVIS.E ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UPGRADING EXERCISE.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSUMERS, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, THE SUPPLY COMPANIES, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, HE SAID.
--------0-----------
WORK OF ASSN FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PRAISED ******
LADY WILSON TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IS WELL ON THE WAY TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HANDICAP, WITH GREATER TRAINING AND GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM, AND THEREFORE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
SPEAKING AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CARNIVAL OF THE ASSOCIATION AT PINEHILL VILLAGE IN TAI PO, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TN 1965 AS A SCHOOL WITH 12 CHILDREN.
"IT NOW HAS 12 SCHOOLS, A PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE, AN ADVANCED TRAINING CENTRE, A SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND A CLUB. FOR ADULTS,” SHE SAID.
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY J, 1990
- 49 -
NOTING THAT STAFF OF THE ASSOCIATION HAD DEDICATED A LOT OF TIME AND CAKE TO THE STUDENTS, LADY WILSON SAID THIS WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE SPIRIT OF CARE AND CONCERN WITH WHICH THE ASSOCIATION BEGAN.
LADY WILSON WAS HAPPY TO LEARN THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD CONTINUED TO GROW WHILE RETAINING THAT SPIRIT OF CARE AND CONCERN.
SHE WAS ALSO GLAD TO SEE THAT THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WAS GOING TO BE A CARNIVAL OF FUN FOR THE STUDENTS AND TRAINEES OF THE MANY SCHOOLS AND CENTRES OF THE ASSOCIATION.
"THIS ASSOCIATION WAS BUILT UP WITH THE IDEA THAT WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE CHILD MUST BE RIGHT FOR THE ASSOCIATION.
"IT IS THEREFORE SO NICE THAT THE STUDENTS ARE ALL INCLUDED IN THIS HAPPY OCCASION," SHE SAID.
WHILE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION'S MANAGEMENT AND STAFF, LADY WILSON ADDED THAT THERE WERE STILL THINGS TO WORK AT, AIM AT, AND PLAN.
"THERE ALWAYS ARE, AND ALWAYS SHOULD BE - BUT TODAY, WE CAN, FOR A MOMENT, LOOK BACK, AND GIVE THANKS FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED, AND FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO IT HAPPENING," SHE SAID.
----------------0------- GOVT FLEET INCREASES AVAILABILITY » * * » *
THE AVAILABILITY FOR DEPLOYMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT FLEET HAS INCREASED FROM 68 PER CENT TO 75 PER CENT OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN PARTICULAR, THE AVAILABILITY OF THE POLICE FLEET HAS INCREASED FROM 60 PER CENT TO 75 PER CENT. THIS MEANS THAT, WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF BOATS, THE MARINE POLICE CAN NOW HAVE 25 PER CENT MORE IN SERVICE THAN THAY HAD A YEAR AGO.
"GIVEN THE HIGH UTILISATION OF POLICE BOATS, ABOUT 4,000 RUNNING HOURS A YEAR, COMPARED WITH A WORLDWIDE AVERAGE OF ABOUT 1,000 HOURS A YEAR FOR SIMILAR CRAFT, THIS PERFORMANCE IS PARTICULARLY CREDITABLE," MR SZE TOLD A MEETING OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SHIPBROKERS.
"WE ARE, HOWEVER, PLANNING TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS BY EXTENDING OUR USE OF TERM CONTRACTS WITH PRIVATE SHIPYARDS, IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND TIMELINESS OF WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE CONTRACTORS IN THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD AND BY INTRODUCING COMPUTERISED MAINTENANCE AND SPARE PARTS PLANNING."
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 50 -
THE GOVERNMENT FLEET COMPRISES ALMOST 500 VESSELS, INCLUDING MORE THAN 300 MECHANISED VESSELS WHICH RANGE IN SIZE FROM THE LARGE SUCH AS THE FIRE BOAT ALEXANDER GRANTHAM AND THE TWO NEW POLICE COMMAND LAUNCHES, TO THE SMALL SUCH AS THE INFLATABLE BOATS USED BY THE POLICE AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
THE VESSELS IN THE FLEET PROVIDE MANY SERVICES NOTABLY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATORY PATROLS OF HONG KONG WATERS BY THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, AND SPECIALIST VESSELS SUCH AS FLOATING CLINICS, FLOATING REFUSE COLLECTORS AND FIRE BOATS.
APART FROM MAINTENANCE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PROCURING AND PROVIDING CREWS FOR MORE THAN 70 VESSELS OPERATED BY THE MARINE, IMMIGRATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND PORT WORKS.
MR SZE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD AT CANTON ROAD WAS LIKELY TO BE RECLAIMED TO MAKE WAY FOR A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE SERVING THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK ABOUT FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, YET FACILITIES AT THE EXISTING DOCKYARD WOULD STILL NEED TO BE IMPROVED AND THEY WOULD BE TRANSPORTABLE TO THE NEW SITE ON STONECUTTERS’ ISLAND.
------0-----------
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ON ♦ * * * ♦
DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND WILL COMMENT ON THREE PROPOSED TRAFFIC FOR THE DISTRICT AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING
TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THESE SCHEMES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON
TRAFFIC STUDY.
ONE OF THE SCHEMES WHICH WILL STREET, SEEKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW WALKING.
BE CARRIED OUT IN YEN AND DISSUADE PEDESTRIAN
CHOW JAY
THE SECOND SCHEME IN THE CHEUNG SHA IMPROVE THE LOCAL TRAFFIC CIRCULAI I ON CONGESTION AT OVERLOADED JUNCTIONS.
WAN INDUSTRIAL
NETWORK AND
AREA WILL
ALLEVIATE
THE THIRD SCHEME FOR THE LAI CHI KOK AREA CONGESTION AND IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
SEEKS
AT THE
TO MEI
EASE FOO
INTERCHANGE.
/MEMBERS WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY I, 1990
- 51 -
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS IN THE NAM CHEONG WEST AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
-----0-----
DB WORKING GROUP TO STUDY FISH CULTURE
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WILL STUDY THE MARICULTURE IN OPEN SEAS SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 11).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPLORE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE FACILITIES OF FISH CULTURE ZONES IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION OF A NEW FISH CULTURE ZONE IN TAI PO AND THE EXPANSION OF THE SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/52 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A 15,300-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 21, TSING YI ISLAND, FOR STORAGE OF CONTAINERS AND STUFFING AND DESTUFFING OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTER AN INITIAL LEASE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
THE FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND THE TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TSING, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 25.
- - 0 - -
CONTRA-FLOW TRAFFIC SCHEME FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
*******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A CONTRA-FLOW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM FRIDAY (MAY 11) TO FACILITATE RESURFACING WORK WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO COMPLETE.
THE AFFECTED AREA WILL INCLUDE A 700-METRE-LONG SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FRONTING NORTH POINT ESTATE BETWEEN TONG SHUI ROAD AND MAN HONG STREET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT TWO OF THE SIX TRAFFIC LANES ON THE CORRIDOR WILL BE TAKEN UP BY RESURFACING WORKS WHILE THE REMAINING FOUR LANES WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
UNDER THE CONTRA-FLOW SCHEME, TWO-LANE TRAFFIC FLOW IN EACH DIRECTION WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIME DURING THE WORKS PERIOD.
THE CONTRA-FLOW LANE IS MADE AVAILABLE BY OPENING UP THE GAPS IN THE CENTRAL DIVIDER AND REVERSING THE DIRECTION OF THE FAST LANE OF THE OPPOSITE TRAFFIC.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES WILL BE RESTRICTED TO USE THE LEFT SIDE LANE ONLY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PROPER TRAFFIC SIGNS, GUARDING AND LIGHTING WILL BE PLACED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS TO ASSIST MOTORISTS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE RESURFACING WORK WILL BE FULLY COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH DURING WHICH THE CONTRA-FLOW SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM MAY 11 TO 19 FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC, AND FROM MAY 20 TO 29 FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.
- - 0 - -
/53
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
53
TRAFFIC ARRANG' NTS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), THE FOLLOWING LANES ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE FOR VEHICLES WITH GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES FOR 20 DAYS TO FACILITATE NOISE REDUCING HIGHWAY RESURFACING WORKS:
* THE OUTERMOST LANE OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT OF ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE JUNCTION WITH ITS SLIP-ROAD LEADING TO MAN HONG STREET TO A POINT OF ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION WITH ITS SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM TONG SHUI ROAD; AND
* THE OUTERMOST LANE OF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT OF ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION WITH ITS SLIP-ROAD LEADING TO TONG SHUI ROAD TO A POINT OF ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE JUNCTION WITH ITS SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM MAN HONG STREET.
ALL VEHICLES WITH GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ABOVE BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
IN ADDITION, THE NORTH POINT SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN THE SLIP-ROAD TO MAN HONG STREET AND THE SLIP-ROAD TO TONG SHUI ROAD WILL BE REDUCED TO TWO LANES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR ABOUT 20 DAYS TO FACILITATE NOISE■REDUCING HIGHWAY RESURFACING WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THOSE VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE OUTER LANE OF THE ROAD SECTION IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
- - 0 - -
VEHICLE WEIGHT LIMIT IN CENTRAL
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED BAN ZONES FOR VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES:
* GLENEALY;
* THE SECTION OF WYNDHAM STREET BETWEEN D'AGUILAR STREET AND
QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL; AND
* THE SECTION OF OLD BAILEY STREET BETWEEN STAUNTON STREET AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD.
/ALL VEHICLES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1990
- 54 -
ALL VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 5.5 TONNES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BAN ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING WEIGHT LIMIT ON THESE SECTIONS OF ROADS FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OVER 3.0 OR 2.5 TONNES WILL BE CANCELLED.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF ROAD CROSSING STEEL BEAM FALSEWORK, THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) OUTSIDE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11).
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) HEADING TOWARDS KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD D9, TUEN HING ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD.
--------0-----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN STANLEY *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF STANLEY NEW STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED AREA FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM ON THE ABOVE SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
— — — — 0 — — — —
TEMPORARY CANCELLATION OF BAN ZONE IN SHAM SHUI PO
**♦♦♦»
AM ON FRIDAY SIDE OF CHEUNG IN SHAM SHUI PO,
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 (MAY 11), THE EXISTING BAN ZONE ON THE LAY-BY AT THE SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE UN CHAU STREET ESTATE, WILL BE CANCELLED FOR- ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVT TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND REHABILITATION FACILITIES: CS ............................. 1
LABOUR IMPORTATION POLICY UNDER REVIEW............................................... 1
GOVT WILL CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR CONFERENCE ORGANISERS: CS ............ ...... 2
FEBRUARY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE ......................
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE FOR PAPERLESS TRADE ............ ........................ 8
PUBLIC URGED NOT TO FORGO RIGHT TO VOTE ............................................. 11
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EMPHASISES WIDER USE OF TECHNOLOGY ............................. 12
HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE FOR RESUMED PROPERTIES MODIFIED ............................. 15
CHANGES IN JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR HK STUDENTS IN UK ...................... INT'L, PRIVATE AND AIDED SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN SUBSIDY SCHEME ............ PETITION FOR WINDING-UP OF ARMOUR INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED ................ $390M CONTRACT SIGNED FOR NT ROAD CONSTRUCTION ............................. COMPUTER MOTEL TO FORECAST OXYGEN DEPLETION ................................................................ • EXHIBITIONS ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ........................................ GLOOMY AND WET IN APRIL ......................................................
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HOS MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS ........................ • • • •
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................................. 27
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ..................•.
OPEN SPACE FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS .................... .......'...........
URBAN CT .RARWAYS AND PLB BAN ZONE IN KWUN TONG...................................... 29
URBAN CLEARWAY IN HUNG HOM ..................................................... 30
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN .......................................
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 199 '
GOVT TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND REHABILITATION FACILITIES: CS ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND REHABILITATION FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE EARTH-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE PO LEUNG KUK Y.C. CHENG CENTRE IN SHA TIN, SIR DAVID SAID A WIDE RANGE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, INCLUDING SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES, HAD BEEN DEVELOPED OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO FACILITATE THE INTEGRATION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED INTO THE COMMUNITY," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT STAFFING STANDARDS OF DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES HAD RECENTLY BEEN IMPROVED AND DAY ACTIVITY AND OTHER CENTRES WERE NOW ABLE TO CALL UPON THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF A CENTRAL PARAMEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT TEAM WHICH HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT THE Y.C. CHENG CENTRE WOULD BE THE LARGEST REHABILITATIVE SERVICE UNIT OF PO LEUNG KUK AND IT WOULD OFFER MUCH-NEEDED REHABILITATION CARE FOR MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED ADULTS UPON ITS COMPLETION.
"THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF THIS PROJECT DEMONSTRATES THE CARING SPIRIT OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY FOR OUR LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THE PROJECT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED BY THOSE WHO REQUIRED THE SERVICE AND IT WOULD PROVIDE THEM WITH A BETTER LIFE IN SOCIETY.
HE THANKED PO LEUNG KUK FOR ALL IT HAD DONE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND IN PARTICULAR MR CHENG FOR MAKING THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE THROUGH HIS GENEROUS DONATION.
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LABOUR IMPORTATION POLICY UNDER REVIEW
******
A DECISION ON THE REVIEW OF THE POLICY ON THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR WILL PROBABLY BE TAKEN WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPFAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT A GROUND-BREAKING FUNCTION OF THE PO LEUNG KUK, SIR DAVID SAID: WE ARE REVIEWING THE WHOLE POLICY ON THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR AT THE MOMENT.
/"THERE CERTAINLY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 2 -
"THERE CERTAINLY ARE STILL STRAINS WITHIN THE ECONOMY AND WE ARE SEEING WHETHER WE SHOULD EXTEND THE SCHEME WHICH WE STARTED LAST YEAR FOR SKILLED LABOUR; TO EXTEND THAT TO SEMI-SKILLED TECHNICIAN LEVEL," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT A DECISION HAD YET TO BE MADE.
IF WE WERE TO DO THAT, WE WOULD DO IT ON THE BASIS OF THE DEMAND IN PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES AND WE WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT NUMBERS, HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE MARINE INCIDENT IN WHICH FIVE HONG KONG SEAMEN HAVE BEEN DETAINED IN CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY ABOUT A MEETING ON THE BORDER LIAISON CHANNEL."
"I HAVE NOTHING FURTHER TO ADD OTHER THAN THAT AT THE MOMENT," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
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GOVT WILL CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR CONFERENCE ORGANISERS: CS ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE SUPPORT TO CONFERENCE ORGANISERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO ENCOURAGE MORE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES TO TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION HELD BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IN RECOGNITION OF LOCAL CONFERENCE HOST ORGANISATIONS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY EXAMINING THE SCOPE THAT EXISTED FOR GOVERNMENT ITSELF TO SPONSOR MORE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN HONG KONG.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO FACILITATE TRAVEL INTO HONG KONG FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD."
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, BONA FIDE CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL COUNTRIES SHOULD EXPERIENCE NO DIFFICULTY IN SECURING THEIR ENTRY VISAS, IF SUCH VISAS ARE REQUIRED, PROVIDED THAT APPLICATIONS ARE S RMITTED IN GOOD TIME AND NORMAL IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MET, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID TOLD THE CONFERENCE ORGANISERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD ALSO ASSIST THEM ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHERE THEY CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD HELP TO HAVE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S FORMAL ENDORSEMENT OR SUPPORT FOR THEIR CONFERENCE OR CONVENTION.
/SIR DAVID .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
SIR DAVID SAID INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES HELD IN HONG KONG NOT ONLY BENEFITTED OUR GENERAL TOURISM RELATED TRADES, THEY ALSO BROUGHT TOGETHER EXPERTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLI IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS.
"OUR OWN EXPERTS IN HONG KONG BENEFIT GREATLY FROM PARTICIPATION IN SUCH CONFERENCES AND THE INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS WHICH THEY CREATE," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT PERHAPS LESS OBVIOUSLY, BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANTLY, THOSE LEADING BUSINESSMEN, PROFESSIONALS AND EXPERTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO CAME TO HONG KONG FOR SUCH CONFERENCES WERE INEVITABLY IMPRESSED BY WHAT THEY SAW HERE.
"ON RETURN TO THEIR HOME COUNTRIES THEY ARE IN A POSITION TO CORRECT SOME OF THE MORE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS HELD ABOUT HONG KONG WHICH ARE ALL TOO OFTEN PERPETUATED BY THE OVERSEAS PRESS."
HE POINTED OUT THAT TN THE YEARS TO COME, AN INFORMED AND SYMPATHETIC INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY BE AN ADVANTAGE TO US AND WHAT HAPPENED IN HONG KONG SHOULD MATTER TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
"BUT IT WILL ONLY MATTER, IF THE REST OF THE WORLD UNDERSTANDS US AND KNOWS WHY WE ARE IMPORTANT.
"THE HOSTING OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN HONG KONG HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN STRENGTHENING OUR POSITION AS A TRULY INTERNATIONAL CITY AND IN PASSING ON THE WORD TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT WE CONTINUE TO THRIVE," SIR DAVID SAID.
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FEBRUARY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE »**»*»*
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 3 PER CENT IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL DECREASE OF 1 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
/PRICES ARE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IN ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH. IN PARTICULAR, THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT. AS SUCH, TOTAL EXPORTS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN VOLUME TERMS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR FEBRUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN FEBRUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989, INCLUDING RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-41 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-37 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-32 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-28 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-25 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-25 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-23 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (-21 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND TEXTILE FABRICS GREW BY 25 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989. THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+2 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+2 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+2 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+1 PER CENT); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+1 PER CENT) .
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-6 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-2 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
/IMPORTS OF .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
-’ 5 -
IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; SUGAR; AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; AND VEGETABLES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; FOOTWEAR; AND RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY; AND TOBACCO : MANUFACTURES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989.
THE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; BASE METALS (OTHER THAN TRON AND STEELS); AND MAN-MADE FIBRES. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; PAPER AND PAPERBOARD; AND YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1990 OVER FEBRUARY 1989. DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND OFFICE MACHINES SHOWED SOME INCREASES.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1989, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FUELS (+10 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+6 PER CENT); FOODSTUFFS (+3 PER CENT); AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1 PER CENT). THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR FEBRUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS; CONSUMER GOODS; AND FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT, AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989: FUELS (+18 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+5 PER CENT); CAPITAL GOODS (+4 PER CENT); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+4 PER CENT) AND FOODSTUFFS (+2 PER CENT).
/FURTHER DETAILS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
6
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND MAY 14 AT $3 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.: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 823 4918).
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING FEB 1990 COMPARING JAN-FEB 1990
WITH FEB 1989 WITH JAN-FEB 1989
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING -19 2 -21 - 4 3 - 6
TEXTILE FABRICS 18 3 15 1 1 4 6
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD - 1 2 - 3 - 9 4 -13
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -34 4 -37 -13 5 -17
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -40 * -41 -33 ♦ -33
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 26 1 25 9 1 8
FOOTWEAR -27 - 2 -25 -25 * -25
METAL MANUFACTURES -18 7 -23 -22 6 -27
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -36 - 6 -32 -30 - 5 -27
WATCHES AND CLOCKS - 2 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 3
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -24 1 -25 -20 3 -23
/DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
7 -
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -26 2 -28 -35 1 -36
ALL COMMODITIES - 5 2 - 7 - 4 2 - 6
NOTE: » LESS THAN 0.5%.
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING FEB 1990 WITH FEB 1989 COMPARING JAN-WITH JAN-FEB FEB 1990 1989
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 5 3 . 2 * 3 - 3
CONSUMER GOODS 17 6 11 12 6 6
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 1 * - 1 - 7 * - 7
FUELS 49 10 35 7 15 - 7
CAPITAL GOODS - 6 1 - 7 - 7 2 - 9
ALL COMMODITIES 5 2 3 * 3 - 3
NOTE: * LESS THAN 0.5%.
/TABLE 3 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 8
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING FEB 1990 COMPARING JAN-FEB 1990
WITH FEB 1989 WITH JAN-FEB 1989
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
— — — — — — — — — — ——————
FOODSTUFFS 7 2 6 - 9 3 -11
CONSUMER GOODS 18 5 13 25 6 18
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 1 4 - 3 - 7 4 -11
FUELS 63 18 38 53 20 28
CAPITAL GOODS 2 4 * - 1 - 2 4 - 5
ALL COMMODITIES 9 4 5 8 5 3
.------o-------
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE FOR PAPERLESS TRADE
*»»**»♦
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) WILL COME SOONER OR LATER IN FACT. SOONER RATHER THAN LATER - AND NO COMPANY WILL BE TOO SMALL
TO AFFORD IT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN,
SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
IN A SPEECH ENTITLED "TOWARDS PAPERLESS TRADE" AT THE ZONTA
CLUB OF KOWLOON’S ANNUAL FUND RAISING DINNER, MR CHAN SAID IT MIGHT
BE A LITTLE EARLY YET TO START THE COUNTDOWN TOWARDS PAPERLESS TRADE.
"BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION. I URGE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO JOIN US IN THAT COMMITMENT," HE SAID.
HE SAID EDI WAS THE ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF DATA FROM ONE INDEPENDENT COMPUTER SYSTEM TO ANOTHER, USING AGREED STANDARDS 10 STRUCTURE THE DATA.
/IT EMERGED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
9
IT EMERGED IN THE LATE SIXTIES WHEN TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES REALISED THAT THE LARGE VOLUME OF DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE SHIPMENT OF GOODS WAS RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DELAYS.
MR CHAN SAID VARIOUS STUDIES CONDUCTED THEN CONCLUDED THAT THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE DOCUMENTS BY COMPUTER-TO-COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS COULD SPEED TRANSPORT AND IMPROVE BUSINESS OPERATIONS.
’’SINCE THEN, EDI HAS BEEN WIDELY ADOPTED IN ALL BUSINESS SECTORS. IT IS, IN MANY WAYS, AT THE CORE OF BUSINESS IN THE 1990’S."
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE WAS NOT A TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID. IT WAS A BUSINESS METHODOLOGY, THE AUTOMATED FLOW OF INFORMATION ACROSS ORGANISATIONAL BOUNDARIES.
THERE WERE OBVIOUS BENEFITS IN EDI IN TERMS OF SPEED, ACCURACY AND COST SAVINGS.
"BUT EDI GOES FURTHER THAN THAT," HE SAID. "IT IS AFFECTING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TRADING PARTNERS BECAUSE THERE IS A STRONG ELEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP IN THE WAY FIRMS ARE IMPLEMENTING EDI.
"THE INEVITABLE RESULT IS THAT COMPANIES NOT USING EDI COULD FIND THEMSELVES LEFT OUT IN THE COLD.
"THIS IS ONE REASON WHY EDI IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE BUSINESS OF THE FUTURE, AND NOT JUST TO MAJOR COMPANIES BUT SMALL FIRMS, TOO," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE INITIAL PURPOSE FOR WHICH EDI WAS DEVELOPED - THAT OF REPLACING PAPERWORK - STILL HELD GOOD AS THE PRIME REASON WHY ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF BUSINESS COULD GAIN FROM IMPLEMENTING IT.
PAPER TRANSACTIONS WERE NOT ONLY SLOW AND INEFFICIENT, BUT ALSO COSTLY AND PRONE TO HUMAN ERROR.
"FOR THE GOVERNMENT, THIS IS THE MAIN DRIVING FORCE," HE SAID.
THE VOLUME OF TRADE WAS INCREASING AND WITH IT THE VOLUME OF DOCUMENTATION.
"THERE IS NO SENSE IN SIMPLY EXPANDING THE EXISTING PAPER-BASED SYSTEM IN AN ATTEMPT TO COPE.
"WE HAVE TO FIND A BETTER WAY TO RENDER GOVERNMENT SERVICES," MR CHAN SAID.
TAKING TRADE DECLARATIONS AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID A DECLARATION WAS REQUIRED FOR ALL GOODS COMING INTO AND GOING OUT OF HONG KONG. LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT PROCESSED SOME NINE MILLION DECLARATIONS. THIS WAS EQUIVALENT TO AN AVERAGE RATE OF MORE THAN ONE LODGEMENT PER SECOND FOR THE TIME THAT COLLECTION OFFICES WERE OPEN. THE DEMAND AT PEAK HOURS WAS EVEN HIGHER.
/"I NEED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
10
"I NEED N<T G > ANY FURTHER TO TAIK ABOUT THE INEVITABLE LONG QUEUES AND THE ERI STRATIONS THESE CAN CAUSE," MR CHAN SAID.
"IS THERE \ HORE CONVENIENT, EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO CONDUCT THE TRANSACTIONS REQUIRED?
”1 AM SURI' THERE IS, AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT WE ARE MAKING SOME PROGRESS TOWARDS THIS."
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING A TWO-PRONGED APPROACH, HE SAID.
"ON THE ONE HAND, WE HAVE AGREED WITH TRADELINK, WHICH IS A GROUPING OF 11 OF THE TERRITORY’S LEADING ORGANISATIONS, TO EMBARK ON A SHARED PROJECT FOR EDI, SPEDI.
"AT THE SAME TIME, GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED SEVERAL OF ITS KEY TRANSACTIONS, LIKE LICENCE APPLICATIONS AND TRADE DECLARATIONS, AND IS WORKING ON HOW THEY COULD BE IMPROVED AND TRANSFORMED INTO ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS."
MR CHAN SAID ONE REASON WHY EDI WAS NOW DEVELOPING SO QUICKLY WAS THE AGREEMENT TO MOVE TOWARDS AN INTERNATIONAL EDI STANDARD, OR SOME SORT OF INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY CODE FOR EDI TRAFFIC.
THIS MADE MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT AN EASIER JOB.
"SOON, STANDARD MESSAGES, SUPPORTED BY THE UNITED NATIONS, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MOST COMMON BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS, ALTHOUGH THESE MAY STILL NEED ADAPTATION TO MEET LOCAL REQUIREMENTS," HE SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, WE NEEDED TO MAKE A START ON MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT WORK WHILE ENSURING THAT THE WORK WAS IN KEEPING WITH EMERGING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THIS WORK WAS STARTED BY TRADELINK AND WAS BEING CARRIED FORWARD THROUGH SPEDI.
"WE WOULD WELCOME INPUT FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, INCLUDING IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS, BANKERS, CARGO AGENTS AND CARRIERS, SO THAT ALL THEIR NEEDS CAN BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," MR CHAN SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 11 -
PUBLIC URGED NOT TO FORGO RIGHT TO VOTE
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) APPEALED TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED AS ELECTORS TO COME FORWARD TO REGISTER AND TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
"IF ANYONE FORGOES HIS CIVIC RIGHT TO REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR, HE WILL LOSE HIS RIGHT TO VOTE, AND THUS BE DEPRIVED OF HIS RIGHT TO EXPRESS HIS WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS," MR SUEN SAID.
"EVERY BALLOT PAPER REPRESENTS A VOICE. THIS IS THE MOST DIRECT AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO EXERCISE ONE’S CIVIC RIGHTS," HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE TAI PING SHAN LION’S CLUB.
"FOR THE MAN IN THE STREET, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MEANING OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IS THE RIGHT TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVES OF HIS CHOICE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BY SECRET BALLOTS IN ELECTIONS WHICH ARE HELD REGULARLY AND FAIRLY," HE SAID.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANY FORM OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT DEPENDED LARGELY ON THE PARTICIPATION OF -THE PEOPLE IN EXERCISING THEIR ELECTORAL RIGHTS, HE ADDED.
TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WITH MEMBERS FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
ONE OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTIONS TO THE THREE-TIER STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH WOULD BE HELD CONSECUTIVELY NEXT YEAR IN MARCH, MAY AND SEPTEMBER.
A SUM OF $2.56 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR VOTER REGISTRATION PUBLICITY TO BE CONDUCTED THIS SUMMER. HE SAID THE AMOUNT REPRESENTED A 50 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE ALLOCATION FOR THE 1987 EXERCISE AND A 100 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THAT FOR 1984.
PUBLICITY TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION WOULD BE CONDUCTED AT BOTH THE CENTRAL LEVEL AND THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
AT THE CENTRAL LEVEL, THF PROGRAMME WOULD INCLUDE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF DISTRIBUTION POINTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS TO ABOUT 1,400 DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD FROM AUGUST 15 TO OCTOBER 1.
ANOTHER PLAN UNDER CONSIDERATION IS TO PRINT THE APPLICATION FORM IN NEWSPAPERS OR AS AN TTACMMENT TO MAGAZINES.
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/12 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
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OTHER PROGRAMMES WOULD INCLUDE PROMOTION THROUGH THE M.'JDIA, AND PROMOTION THROUGH DIRECT APPROACHES IN THE FORM OF LETTERS TO THOSE WHO WERE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING AND ALSO TO THOSE WHO APPLIED FOR PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS ON COMPLETION OF SEVEN YEARS OF RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
BESIDES, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER APPROACHING CREDIT CARD COMPANIES REQUESTING THEM TO SEND VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS TO THEIR CLIENTS ALONG WITH THE MONTHLY STATEMENTS.
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, DISTRICT OFFICERS ARE PLANNING THEIR PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WHICH WOULD BE TAILORED TO EACH DISTRICT’S CHARACTERISTICS AND POPULATION COMPOSITION.
THESE ACTIVITIES WOULD INCLUDE DISPLAY OF BANNERS AT MAIN THOROUGHFARES, LIAISON WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS, ORGANISING FUN FAIRS AND STALL GAMES, AND SETTING UP REGISTRATION COUNTERS AT MTR STATIONS AND MAJOR COMMERCIAL CENTRES.
MR SUEN NOTED THAT THE PRESENT OVERALL VOTER REGISTRATION RATE WAS ABOUT 44 PER CENT, WITH 1.6 MILLION REGISTERED ELECTORS.
HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT OF THE 1.6 MILLION, ONLY 53,000 WERE IN THE 21-25 AGE GROUP, REPRESENTING A REGISTRATION RATE OF ONLY 12 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OF 440,000’ ELIGIBLE ELECTORS IN THIS AGE BRACKET.
HE CALLED ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD AND REGISTER.
"WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE MEDIA, A BETTER CO-ORDINATION IN PUBLICITY AND THE PUBLIC’S INCREASING AWARENESS OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES, I HOPE THAT THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED ELECTORS WOULD REACH THE TWO MILLION MARK THIS YEAR," MR SUEN SAID.
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EMPHASISES WIDER USE OF TECHNOLOGY ******
IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER RESOURCES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL RELY ON MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU, AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION HELD AT THE TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL WHERE SEVERAL DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY WERE HELD.
MR SIU SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FACED A CONSTANTLY INCREASING DEMAND FOR SERVICES FROM THE PUBLIC WHILE RESOURCES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT WERE LIMITED.
/HE BELIEVED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 13 -
HE BELIEVED THE ANSWER LAY IN THE WIDER USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND THIS WOULD BE HIS TARGET FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
MR SIU BEGAN THE MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, ASSISTED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT, BY GIVING AN OVER-VIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT'S WORK, AND HE UNVEILED SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS WHICH MIGHT HELP TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 1990'S.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, MR SIU SAID, THE DEPARTMENT HAD HELPED MAP OUT THE PLANS FOR DEVELOPING HONG KONG'S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 1990'S AND THE 21ST CENTURY BY PROVIDING THE DATA BASE FOR THE GOVERNMENT'S WHITE PAPER “MOVING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY” PUBLISHED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
”AS REGARDS REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING, OUR STUDIES COVERED MANY ROAD NETWORKS IN DIFFERENT REGIONS,” HE SAID.
“DURING 1989, THE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED STUDIES ON THE REQUIREMENT OF CROSS HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL.
“WE ALSO STUDIED THE NEED FOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES IN THE URBAN AREA FOR LONG DISTANCE BUS SERVICES TO THE NEW TOWNS, AND CROSS BORDER COACH SERVICES.
“AS REGULATORS, THE DEPARTMENT OVERSEES THE OPERATION OF THE VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHICH MOVE SOME 90 PER CENT OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC IN HONG KONG EVERY DAY.”
MR STU SAID THE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO APPRAISE DEVELOPMENT PLANS SUBMITTED BY FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
ONE MAJOR TASK BEGUN LAST YEAR WAS THE RATIONALISATION OF BUS ROUTES.
THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO FIND OUT IF THE PRESENT ROUTES WERE STILL EFFICIENT FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY PROVIDING THE SERVICE.
"THE FIRST AREAS WE COVERED WERE SHA TIN, TAI PO AND THE NORTH. WORK ON THIS AREA WILL BE COMPLETED IN JULY 1990," HE SAID.
ANOTHER AREA ON WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAD FOCUSSED WAS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A POSITIVE RELATION BETWEEN A TRANSPORT SERVICE OPERATOR AND ITS CUSTOMERS.
"WE HAVE ENCOURAGED EACH OPERATOR TO ENLARGE ITS CONTACT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PASSENGERS THEY SERVE, WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING SERVICES, SEEKING INNOVATIONS AND NURTURING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ASPIRATIONS AND NEEDS OF BOTH PARTIES," HE ADDED.
/ON BUS ........
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 14 -
ON BUS SERVICES, MR SIU SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE WORKING WITH THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES TO ENSURE THE BEST USE WAS MADE OF THE EXISTING FLEET AND BUS DEPOTS TO ENSURE THAT THE GROWTH IN THE ASSETS OF FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WAS COMMENSURATE WITH SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.
A ROUTE RATIONALISATION STUDY FOR URBAN KOWLOON WOULD BEGIN FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE AREA PUBLIC TRANSPORT EFFICIENCY STUDY IN THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES. THE RATIONALISATION OF THE CROSS HARBOUR FERRY NETWORK WOULD ALSO CONTINUE, HAVING REGARD TO PASSENGER DEMAND.
MR SIU SAID ABOUT 10 NEW RESIDENTS’ SERVICES WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR AT THE REQUEST OF RESIDENTS, TO COMPLEMENT FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING AND TUEN MUN.
RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES SHOULD HELP REDUCE THE REQUIREMENT OF FRANCHISED BUSES DURING PEAK HOURS, HE ADDED.
"THE FARE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES WERE ALSO WITHIN THE ANALYTICAL VIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"STUDIES ARE IN HAND, FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY," HE SAID.
UNVEILING SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS WHICH MIGHT HELP TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 1990’S, MR SIU GAVE A DEMONSTRATION OF AN AUTO-TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOW INVESTIGATING FOR POSSIBLE USE IN HONG KONG TUNNELS.
THE NEW SYSTEM, WHICH IS OF THE AUTOMATIC DEBITING TYPE, FULLY ANONYMOUS AND NOT REQUIRING THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE OR ITS DRIVER, HAS BEEN TESTED IN EUROPE.
"SIMILAR TO A MTR STORED VALUE TICKET, A PERSON CAN BUY A TAG WITH A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF CREDIT UNITS AND STICKS IT ONTO THE WINDSCREEN OF HIS CAR.
"EVERY TIME HE PASSES THROUGH A TOLL GATE, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF TOLL WILL BE DEDUCTED ELECTRONICALLY AND BY REMOTE CONTROL FROM THE CREDITS STORED IN THE TAG, AND THE CREDIT BALANCE IS THEN SHOWN ON THE VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT.
"SUBJECT TO FUNDS BEING MADE AVAILABLE, WE INTEND TO IMPLEMENT A PI LOT PROJECT USING THIS SYSTEM IN OUR TUNNELS IN HONG KONG," MR SIU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM WAS AIMED AT SAVING ON STAFF THROUGH MECHANISATION, WHICH WAS HIGH ON THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIORITY LIST.
/ANOTHER INNOVATION .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 15 -
ANOTHER INNOVATION WAS TO REPLACE THE WRITTEN TEST PART OF THE DRIVING TEST PROGRAMME WITH A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM USING TOUCH SCREEN VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS.
WHILE GIVING ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION, HE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM, IF IMPLEMENTED, WOULD REDUCE WAITING TIME TO ATTEND A TEST, ELIMINATE THE TIME REQUIRED TO MARK A PAPER AND SAVE ON STAFF RESOURCES AT THE TESTING CENTRE.
THE SYSTEM WOULD BE PUT ON TRIAL AT THE DEPARTMENT’S DRIVING TEST CENTRES FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
TO CONCLUDE THE MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, A DEMONSTRATION WAS GIVEN BY ONE OF TWO NEWLY ACQUIRED HEAVY RECOVERY VEHICLES INTENDED TO ENHANCE TUNNEL SAFETY AND REDUCE VEHICLE RECOVERY TIME.
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HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE FOR RESUMED PROPERTIES MODIFIED
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO MODIFY THE RULES GOVERNING THE PAYMENT OF THE HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE (HPA) TO PEOPLE AFFECTED BY LAND RESUMPTIONS.
A BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "AT PRESENT THE HPA, IN ADDITION TO STATUTORY COMPENSATION, IS PAYABLE TO OWNERS OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC FLATS WHEN THEIR PROPERTIES ARE RESUMED TO ALLOW THEM TO BUY A REPLACEMENT FLAT OF A SIMILAR SIZE IN THE SAME LOCALITY.
’’HAVING REVIEWED THE POLICY AND ITS APPLICATION, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT WHILE THE RATE OF THE HPA SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF SIMILAR SIZE FLAT, SAME LOCALITY PRINCIPLE, THE PAYMENT OF THE ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE SIMPLIFIED.
"THE HPA WILL NOW BE PAYABLE TO ALL ELIGIBLE CLAIMANTS. IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT FLAT TO BE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM THE ALLOWANCE."
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW MODIFIED POLICY WILL APPLY TO FUTURE APPLICATIONS FOR HPA PAYMENT AS WELL AS TO CASES IN WHICH THE PAYMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD BECAUSE THE SAME LOCALITY RULE HAS NOT BEEN ADHERED TO.
"THIS WOULD BE SEEN BY THOSE AFFECTED TO BE FAIR," HE SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE HPA SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE RESUMPTION OF PRE-WAR PROPERTIES ON GROUNDS OF EQUITY.
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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
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CHANGES IN JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR HK STUDENTS IN UK *******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED CHANGES TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES TO THE FEE STRUCTURE FOR TERTIARY LEVEL STUDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) A NEW METHOD OF DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE UNDER THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1990-91 ACADEMIC YEAR TO NULLIFY THE ADVERSE EFFECT CAUSED TO HONG KONG PARENTS AND STUDENTS BY THE INCREASE IN UK TUITION FEES.
RECENTLY, THE UK GOVERNMENT INCREASED THE TUITION FEE PAYABLE BY HOME STUDENTS FROM 607 POUNDS STERLING A YEAR TO 1,675 POUNDS STERLING A YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
"THIS CHANGE HAS THE EFFECT OF NARROWING THE GAP BETWEEN THE ’HOME’ AND ’OVERSEAS’ FEES, THEREBY REDUCING THE ASSISTANCE WHICH MAY BE GIVEN TO HONG KONG STUDENTS UNDER THE PRESENT SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS UNDER THE SCHEME WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN FEES PAYABLE BY A BRITISH HOME STUDENT AND AN OVERSEAS STUDENT ATTENDING THE SAME COURSE. THE ASSISTANCE, IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND LOANS, WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO HONG KONG STUDENTS PURSUING FIRST DEGREE OR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN THE UK.
"IN ORDER TO AVOID CAUSING HARDSHIP AND DISRUPTION TO STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE UK, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS WILL NOW BE MAINTAINED AT THE EXISTING LEVEL BY USING THE OLD FEE NOTIONALLY AS THE BASIS OF CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ALSO APPROVED THAT FUNDING FOR GRANTS UNDER THE SCHEME BE INCREASED FROM FOUR MILLION POUNDS STERLING A YEAR TO 4.4 MILLION POUNDS STERLING FROM 1991-92, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS WOULD HELP MAINTAIN THE VALUE OF GRANTS IN THE FACE OF INFLATION, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE UK GOVERNMENT WOULD EACH CONTRIBUTE HALF OF THE FUNDS.
IN ADDITION, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED THAT AN INTEREST CHARGE OF 2.5 PER CENT A YEAR ON LOANS TAKEN OUT UNDER THE SCHEME BE INTRODUCED WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1990-91 ACADEMIC YEAR.
/THESE LOANS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 17 -
THESE LOANS WERE AT PRESENT INTEREST FREE BUT STUDENT LOANS IN HONG KONG UNDER THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME FOR STUDIES AT LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ATTRACTED AN INTEREST OF 2.5 PER CENT A YEAR. THE CHANGE WOULD THUS BRING THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME INTO LINE WITH THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT INTEREST CHARGES WOULD START TO ACCRUE ONLY AFTER GRADUATION, WHEN THE STUDENTS WOULD HAVE FIVE YEARS WITHIN WHICH TO MAKE REPAYMENT IN FULL. THE BURDEN OF INTEREST PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS WAS ESTIMATED TO BE HK$40 PER MONTH ON AVERAGE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1983 TO ASSIST NEEDY HONG KONG STUDENTS PURSUING TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE UK. THE SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO AMELIORATE THE EFFECT CAUSED TO HONG KONG STUDENTS BY THE HIGHER UK FEES ON THOSE FROM OVERSEAS.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTED EQUALLY TO A POOL OF FOUR MILLION POUNDS STERLING A YEAR FOR DISBURSEMENT OF GRANTS.
SHOULD THE DEMAND FOR GRANTS EXCEED THE CASH LIMIT OF FOUR MILLION POUNDS STERLING, THE DIFFERENCE WAS MET ON A PRO RATA BASIS BY LOANS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
IN 1989-90, THE SCHEME ASSISTED 1,620 STUDENTS TO THE TUNE OF AN AVERAGE OF 3,260 POUNDS STERLING PER STUDENT.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM HONG KONG, THE MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG ANNOUNCED DURING HIS RECENT VISIT THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT WOULD INCREASE ITS ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FROM TWO MILLION POUNDS STERLING TO 2.2 MILLION POUNDS STERLING WITH EFFECT FROM 1991-92.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SCHEME, HONG KONG WOULD NOW MATCH THE INCREASE, MAKING THE TOTAL POOL FOR GRANTS DISBURSEMENTS STAND AT 4.4 MILLION POUNDS STERLING A YEAR.
"THE AGREEMENT TO CONTRIBUTE MORE HAS DEMONSTRATED THE COMMITMENT OF BOTH THE UK AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ABOVE CHANGES TO THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME WERE APPROVED SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
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/18 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
18
INT’L, PRIVATE AND AIDED SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN SUBSIDY SCHEME ******
INTERNATIONAL, PRIVATE AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE INVITED LATER THIS MONTH TO JOIN THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME (DSS).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS REVIEW COMMITTEE, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, SAID THE MAIN AIM OF THE SCHEME WAS TO INCREASE THE CHOICE OF SCHOOLS FOR PARENTS.
"SCHOOLS ADMITTED TO THE SCHEME WILL BE PAID A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY BASED ON THE AVERAGE UNIT COST OF AN AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE, BUT THE LEVEL WILL DEPEND ON THE FEES CHARGED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS," MR HA SAID.
"SCHOOLS CHARGING NO MORE THAN THE STANDARD FEE OF AN AIDED SCHOOL AND THOSE CHARGING ADDITIONAL FEES UP TO THE EQUIVALENT OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE AVERAGE UNIT COST OF AN AIDED PLACE WILL RECEIVE 100 PER CENT SUBSIDY," MR HA SAID.
SCHOOLS CHARGING ADDITIONAL FEES AT MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE AVERAGE UNIT CO?T OF AN AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE WILL HAVE THEIR SUBSIDY REDUCED ON A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR BASIS BUT THERE WOULD BE A MINIMUM LEVEL OF SUBSIDY EQUIVALENT TO 25 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE UNIT COST OF AN AIDED PLACE.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE, ASSUMING $10,000 AS THE AVERAGE UNIT COST, ILLUSTRATES THE CALCULATION OF THE SUBSIDY:
ADDITIONAL FEE RANGE (EXCLUDING THE STANDARD FEE CHARGED IN AIDED SCHOOLS) SUBSIDY PER PLACE
$0 - $6,667 $10,000
$6,668 - $14,166 $9,999 - $2,501 $14,167 UPWARDS $2,500
MR HA SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD HELD NINE MEETINGS SINCE DECEMBER TO DELIBERATE ON THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
"IN ORDER THAT STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PREVENTED FROM ATTENDING DSS SCHOOLS RECEIVING 100 PER CENT SUBSIDY SOLELY BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY SCHOOL FEES, THE COMMITTEE STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT SUCH DSS SCHOOLS ADOPT A FEE REMISSION SCHEME,” MR HA SAID.
THE COMMITTEE, HE SAID, HAD ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT DETAILS OF THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME SHOULD BE SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS OF EACH DSS SCHOOL.
MR HA SAID THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION FOR SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE DSS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 WOULD BE SEPTEMBER 15 THIS YEAR AND THAT APPROVAL FOR SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE SCHEME WAS EXPECTED TO BE GIVEN BY THE END OF DECEMBER.
A CIRCULAR GIVING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
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/19 ........
I
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 19 -
PETITION FOR WINDING-UP OF ARMOUR INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
******
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY, HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED A PETITION TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF ARMOUR INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED.
THE COMPANY WAS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG IN FEBRUARY 1974 AND CARRIED ON GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS INCLUDING MOTOR VEHICLE, FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE.
THE DATE FOR THE HEARING OF THE PETITION HAS BEEN FIXED FOR JUNE 11, 1990.
THE COURT HAS APPOINTED THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO BE THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF THE COMPANY.
ARMOUR INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED WAS ENGAGED MAINLY IN MOTOR INSURANCE BUSINESS WITH ABOUT 12,000 POLICY HOLDERS. MOTOR INSURANCE AND OTHER CLASSES OF COMPULSORY BUSINESS ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 90 PER CENT OF ITS PREMIUM INCOME.
THE COMPANY WAS REQUIRED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO STOP WRITING ALL CLASSES OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE BUSINESS, INCLUDING MOTOR INSURANCE, AS FROM NOVEMBER 1989. .IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED TO STOP WRITING ALL INSURANCE BUSINESS IN APRIL 1990.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL SAID THAT PETITIONING WAS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY’S POLICY HOLDERS. THE GROUNDS FOR THE WINDING-UP, AS STATED IN THE WINDING-UP PETITION, WERE THAT THE COMPANY HAD FAILED TO MEET THE SOLVENCY REQUIREMENT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND WAS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IN A POSITION TO EFFECT THE RUN-OFF OF ITS LIABILITIES IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL SAID THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY TAKEN INTO HIS CUSTODY THE MAJOR PORTION OF THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY.
HE BELIEVED THAT THESE ASSETS, COUPLED WITH THE GUARANTEE FUND . OPERATED BY THE MOTOR INSURERS’ BUREAU, WOULD PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF SECURITY TO POLICY HOLDERS AND OTHERS WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS AGAINST ’ THE COMPANY.
IN ANOTHER STATEMENT MR GLEESON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER, INDICATED THAT AFTER THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE HAD COMPLETED ITS REVIEW OF THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY, HE WOULD DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS, CLAIMANTS AND CREDITORS.
POLICY HOLDERS AND OTHER CREDITORS OF THE COMPANY WHO HAVE ANY QUERIES REGARDING THEIR POLICY OR POSITION IN THIS WIND-UP SHOULD CONTACT THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT (OFFICIAL RECEIVER) ON TEL. 867 3559 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/20 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
20
$390M CONTRACT SIGNED FOR NT ROAD CONSTRUCTION
******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $390 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YUEN LONG SECTION OF THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR AND YUEN LONG WEST LINK.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF AOKI CORPORATION, MR SEIYA YAMAMOTO.
MR KWEI SAID THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR ALONG THE EASTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WOULD FORM PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
IT WOULD CONNECT TUEN MUN AT A PROPOSED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE NEAR TO YUEN WAI TO ANOTHER PROPOSED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE NEAR TONG YAN SAN TSUEN IN YUEN■LONG WHERE IT WOULD ALSO CONNECT THE YUEN LONG WEST LINK AND THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS.
ON COMPLETION OF THE CORRIDOR, IT WOULD RELIEVE THE HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN.
THE YUEN LONG WEST LINK BYPASSING YUEN LONG TOWN WOULD DIVERT THE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM TIN SHUI WAI AND LONG PING AREA TO TUEN MUN AREA VIA THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR OR TO THE AU TAU AND BORDER AREAS VIA THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS.
MR KWEI SAID THE CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY COVERED THE WORKS FOR A THREE-KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL-TWO-LANE EXPRESSWAY OF THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT AND A 1.5-KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL-TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF THE YUEN LONG WEST LINK.
TENDERS WOULD SOON BE INVITED FOR THE SECOND CONTRACT FOR THE REMAINING THREE-KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL-TWO-LANE EXPRESSWAY OF THE EASTERN CORRIDOR IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT.
BOTH CONTRACTS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1993, HE SAID.
THE YUEN LONG WEST LINK WOULD BE PARTIALLY COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC TN EARLY 1992 TO COPE WITH THE FIRST POPULATION INTAKE OF THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT.
MR KWEI ADDED THAT YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS, WHICH WOULD LINK UP THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR AT A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE NEAR TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, WAS UNDER DETAILED DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTION WOULD BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1993.
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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
21
COMPUTER MODEL TO FORECAST OXYGEN DEPLETION
******
A WATER QUALITY COMPUTER MODEL TO PREDICT THE LIKELIHOOD OF FISH KILLS CAUSED BY LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS IN FISH CULTURE ZONES HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (HKU).
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ITS APPLICATION IN FISH FARMING IN HONG KONG, THE OXYGEN BUDGET MODEL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED SINCE 1986 WITH THE AIM TO PROVIDE FORECASTS OF OXYGEN DEPLETION, RED TIDES OR ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE WATER WHICH WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR 40 PER CENT OF MASSIVE FISH KILLS IN HONG KONG’S MARICULTURE INDUSTRY.
INTRODUCING THE COMPUTER MODEL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT AFD’S ABERDEEN FISHERIES OFFICES TODAY (THURSDAY) WERE THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER, DR PATSY WONG, AND THE SENIOR LECTURER OF HKU’S CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, DR JOSEPH LEE.
"THE MODEL USES NUMERICAL METHODS TO SIMULATE THE COMPLEX RELATIONS AMONGST A NUMBER OF PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES WHICH AFFECT THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVEL IN SEA WATER, INCLUDING PHOTOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTION, SEDIMENT OXYGEN DEMAND, ALGAL AND FISH RESPIRATION, ORGANIC AND NUTRIENT INPUT, LIGHT INTENSITY, TEMPERATURE, TIDAL FLUSHING AND WIND SPEED,” DR WONG EXPLAINED.
"OVER THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1987 TO MARCH THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 30 SURVEYS WAS CARRIED OUT, COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF METEOROLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. EACH OF THESE SURVEYS LASTED 26 HOURS," SHE ADDED.
THE ABUNDANT DATA BASE IS THEN USED FOR THE CALIBRATION, VALIDATION AND REFINEMENT OF THE MATHEMATICAL MODEL.
DR WONG SAID: "BY FEEDING THE NECESSARY DATA INTO THE COMPUTER, INCLUDING THOSE AFFECTING THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVEL, WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WEATHER FORECASTS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE MODEL CAN PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
"AND BY ANALYSING THE DATA OUTPUT, THE DEPARTMENT CAN ALSO UNDERSTAND THE WATER QUALITY VARIATION IN COASTAL BAYS, SO AS TO DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF AN AREA FOR FISH FARMING AND THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF A FISH CULTURE ZONE FOR MARICULTURE ACTIVITIES," DR WONG CONTINUED.
THE OXYGEN BUDGET MODEL IS NOW BEING USED IN THE YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM DISSOLVED OXYGEN FORECAST IN THE AREA.
/"THE MODEL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 22 -
"THE MODEL HAS HELPED EXPLAIN THE CAUSES OF SEVERE OXYGEN DEPLETION IN THE AREA AND INDICATED THAT SEDIMENT RESPIRATION DUE TO DECOMPOSITION OF SETTLED ALGAL IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR," DR WONG SAID.
"IT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE IMPACT OF MARICULTURE ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN YUNG SHUE AU IS LOCALISED.
"THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING MODIFYING THE MODEL FOR OTHER FISH CULTURE ZONES IN THE TERRITORY," SHE SAID.
THE PROJECT WAS CONDUCTED BY STAFF FROM AFD’S AQUACULTURE FISHERIES DIVISION TOGETHER WITH DR LEE AND STUDENTS OF HKU’S CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
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EXHIBITIONS ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS IN VARIOUS COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES THIS YEAR TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS.
THE FIRST EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND SUNDAY (MAY 13) AT THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN OF NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 6 PM, THE EXHIBITION WILL INTRODUCE IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND THROUGH INTERESTING ILLUSTRATIONS THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, SUCH AS LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, MATERNITY PROTECTION, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, YEAR-END BONUS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND PROVIDENT FUNDS.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A QUIZ ON LABOUR LAWS FOR VISITORS. WINNERS MAY JOIN A LUCKY DRAW AT THE END OF THE EXHIBITIONS LATER THIS YEAR.
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/23........
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
23
GLOOMY AND WET IN APRIL
» » » t
IN CONTRAST TO MARCH, THE WEATHER IN APRIL WAS GLOOMY AND WET, WITH THE LONG SPELL OF CLOUDS, MIST AND RAIN NOT BROKEN UNTIL TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).
PERIODS OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE FOR THE WHOLE MONTH ADDED UP TO 73.8 HOURS ONLY - THE 10TH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR APRIL. THERE WERE ONLY THREE DAYS IN THE MONTH WHEN NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL OF 257.6 MILLIMETRES WAS 85 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 139.4 MILLIMETRES.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1, 1990 AMOUNTED TO 530.7 MILLIMETRES. NOT ONLY WAS THIS MORE THAN TWICE THE NORMAL OF 263.0 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD, IT WAS ALSO THE 10TH WETTEST ON RECORD FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR.
THE TWO MAJOR RAIN EPISODES OCCURRED ON APRIL 3, 4 AND 9 TO 11. ON THE LATTER OCCASION, SEVERE SQUALLS ACCOMPANYING THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 11 BROUGHT GUSTS OF UP TO 135 KILOMETRES PER HOUR AT WAGLAN ISLAND. THIS WAS THE STRONGEST GUST EVER RECORDED AT THAT STATION IN THE MONTH OF APRIL.
WITH A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE HOVERING OVER GUANGDONG PROVINCE, THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY ON THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS IN THE MONTH. THE PASSAGE OF SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS BROUGHT MORE SIGNIFICANT RAIN ON THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 1.
MORNING FOG, ORIGINALLY CONFINED TO OFFSHORE AREAS, SPREAD INSIDE THE HARBOUR EARLY ON APRIL 3. THE WEATHER DETERIORATED FURTHER THAT EVENING AS A COLD FRONT APPROACHED FROM THE NORTH.
THE PASSAGE OF THE FRONT THAT NIGHT BROUGHT PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS. THE RAIN EASED OFF THE NEXT DAY AND VISIBILITY ALSO IMPROVED.
HOWEVER, THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED MARKEDLY AS A COOL NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM SET IN. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 16.9 DEGREES ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 5 WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
WITH WINDS TURNING EASTERLY AND MODERATING, BRIGHTER PERIODS APPEARED DURING THE DAY ON APRIL 6 AND 7. AFTER. A FRESHENING OF THE EASTERLIES LATER ON APRIL 8, CONDITIONS BECAME INCREASINGLY UNSETTLED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS AS UPPER ATMOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES GREW ACTIVE.
OUTBREAK OF HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED LATER ON APRIL 9. THE FINE SKY THE MORNING AFTER TURNED OUT TO BE ONLY A SHORT RESPITE AHEAD OF EVEN MORE SEVERE WEATHER.
'I
/RAIN AND '..
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 24 -
RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURNED LATER THAT DAY AND THE SEQUENCE 01' EVENTS WAS BROUGHT TO A STORMY CLIMAX ON THE MORNING OF APRIL II. SQUALLS WERE PARTICULARLY SEVERE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 11 AM WITH GUSTS OF HURRICANE FORCE BEING REPORTED OFFSHORE AT WAGLAN ISLAND. THE VIOLENT WINDS TORE DOWN SCAFFOLDING OVER VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR RESULTED IN 10 CASES OF FLOODING REPORTED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. A MINOR LANDSLIP ALSO OCCURRED IN NGAU CHI WAN.
THE WEATHER TURNED BRIGHTER ON APRIL 12 AND 13 WHILE A WEAK NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT RELATIVELY COOL WEATHER TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS. CLOUDY CONDITION RETURNED ON APRIL 14 WITH LIGHT RAIN BECOMING MORE FREQUENT OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
■ STRONG EASTERLY WINDS SET IN EARLY ON APRIL 17 AND BROUGHT EVEN COOLER WEATHER.
AS THE EASTERLIES MODERATED, ENCROACHMENT OF MOIST MARITIME AIR PRODUCED NEAR-SATURATED CONDITION ON APRIL 19 AND 20. THE WEATHER WAS MISTY AND EXTREMELY HUMID WITH PERSISTENT SEA FOG OVER OFFSHORE WATERS.
THREE PEOPLE WERE REPORTED MISSING AFTER A FREIGHTER AND A CONTAINER VESSEL COLLIDED IN FOGGY WEATHER ABOUT 150 KILOMETRES EAST OF WAGLAN ISLAND ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 20.
SIX PEOPLE WERE INJURED BY COLLAPSING SCAFFOLDING IN CENTRAL DURING THE GUSTY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ON APRIL 21. WITH PERIODS OF SUNSHINE APPEARING, THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS ONE OF THE WARMEST IN THE MONTH AS THE AIR TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 29.3 DEGREES.
FOG PATCHES OCCURRED OFFSHORE FOR SEVERAL MORNINGS BEFORE EXTENDING INTO THE HARBOUR ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 23. AS THE EASTERLIES STRENGTHENED DURING THE DAY, OUTBREAKS OF RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED THE TERRITORY THAT AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
RAIN, THOUGH LIGHT, WAS NEARLY CONTINUOUS THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING DAY AND BECAME HEAVIER AGAIN ON APRIL 25.
THE RAINY SPELL FINALLY CAME TO AN END ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 26. VISIBILITY GENERALLY IMPROVED BUT THE CLOUDS DID NOT BREAK UNTIL THE NEXT DAY.
AS THE EASTERLIES MODERATED AND A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE BUILT OVER SOUTHEASTERN CHINA, SUNNY CONDITION SET IN TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL.
MEANWHILE, FOG PATCHES RETURNED TO THE OFFSHORE AREAS ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 30 AFTER AN ABSENCE OF SEVERAL DAYS. FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE MONTH, THE TEMPERATURE REACHED A HIGH OF 29.3 DEGREES DURING THAT DAY.
/ONE TROPICAL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 25 -
ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACJ FTC IN APRIL. LEWIS FORMED AS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION EARLY ON APRIL 29 ABOUT 830 KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF GUAM.
IT INTENSIFIED TO A TROPICAL STORM DURING THE DAY ABOUT 760 KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF GUAM WHILE MOVING NORTHWARDS AT 12 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
BY THE END OF THE MONTH, LEWIS HAD WEAKENED TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AND WAS DRIFTING SLOWLY NORTH-NORTHEASTWARDS TO THE EAST OF THE MARIANAS ISLANDS.
DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL, NINE AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR APRIL 1 TO 4, 9 TO 11, 16, 19 AND 23 TO 26. A FLOOD WARNING WAS ISSUED ON APRIL 4.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APRIL 17 6.05 AM APRIL 18 7.05 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APRIL 23 10 PM APRIL 24 5.30 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APRIL 24 11.25 AM APRIL 24 2.55 PM
THE MONTH'S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 73.8 HOURS MJ/SQUARE METRE » 46.4 HOURS BELOW NORMAL 4.10 MJ/SQUARE METRE BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 9.59
TOTAL MEAN MEAN MEAN , RAINFALL AMOUNT OF CLOUD RELATIVE HUMIDITY DAILY MAXIMUM 23 .7 257.6 MM 87 PER CENT 87 PER CENT DEGREES CELSIUS > » > » 118.2 MM ABOVE NORMAL 11 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL 4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN NORMAL 1.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
AIR MEAN TEMPERATURE AIR TEMPERATURE 21 .4 DEGREES CELSIUS > BELOW NORMAL 0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
/MEAN DAILY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 26 -
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
19.7 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
19.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
ABOVE NORMAL
57.3 MM ; 55.2 MM BELOW NORMAL
------0----------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS HOS MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS
******
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BUILDINGS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY THE ISSUES OF OVERCROWDING AND PUBLIC ORDER AT SHEK LEI ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL ENQUIRE WHETHER THE USE OF ASBESTOS STRINGS ROUND WATER PIPES AT CHO YIU ESTATE WILL POSE ANY DANGER TO RESIDENTS’ HEALTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
/27........
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 27 -
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * ♦ * * * * ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OE THE THEN MUN DISTRICT IMPLEMENTATION OE’ A PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE WAT TSUEN AT A MEETING TOMORROW (PR I DAY).
AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT SO KWUN
DESIGNED AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE VILLAGE, THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE AGRICULTURAL LOTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE SYSTEM THROUGH THE SWAMPY AREA.
THE THREAT OF FLOODING TO RESUMPTION OF 10 PRIVATE OF A NEW CONCRETE-LINED
MEMBERS WILL PUBLIC MARKETS DRY, PLAYGROUNDS.
ALSO DISCUSS WAYS TO KEEP THE ENTRANCE STEPS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
OF IN
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES 1 ROAD, TUEN MUN, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
OF THE DISTRICT THE DB TUEN HI
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PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ♦ t * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES WITH THE APPROACH OF SUMMER.
MAKING THE APPEAL, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMEI) BIN ALI, POINTED OUT THAT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, DYSENTERY, TYPHOID, FOOD POISONING AND VIRAL HEPATITIS A WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE EATING AND DRINKING OF UNCLEAN FOOD AND WATER.
"PROPER PRACTICE IN FOOD AND PERSONAL HYGIENE SHOULD THEREFORE BE OBSERVED TO ENSURE THAT THE FOOD CONSUMED IS HYGIENIC AND FREE FROM CONTAMINATION AND DETERIORATION,” DR ALI ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE TAKEN POSITIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES.
/THESE INCLUDE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 28 -
THESE INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND ADVICE TO THE LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED FOOD PREMISES AND RESIDENTS IN REMOTE AREAS AS WELL AS PROSECUTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL FOOD HAWKERS.
STEPPED-UP PUBLICITY HAS ALSO BEEN MOUNTED TO DISSEMINATE HEALTH MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC ON FOOD, PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
DR ALI ADVISED THE PUBLIC NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL FOOD HAWKERS AND UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES AS THEIR FOOD MIGHT BE UNCLEAN, THUS POSING A THREAT TO HEALTH.
CUT FRUIT FROM ANY ILLEGAL FRUIT VENDORS, HE ADDED, SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED AS OPEN CUT FRUIT CAN EASILY GET CONTAMINATED.
DR ALI REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POINTS WHEN EATING AT HOME:
♦ MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN;
♦ WASH HANDS AFTER TOILET AND BEFORE PREPARING FOOD;
♦ USE WHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER AND CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;
* STORE PERISHABLE FOOD IN A REFRIGERATOR IF NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION;
♦ COOKED FOOD STORED IN A REFRIGERATOR SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM RAW FOOD ITEMS, AND WRAPPED IN PLASTIC SHEETS;
♦ THAW OUT FROZEN FOOD ONLY WHEN NEEDED;
* CLEAN THE CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE BEFORE USE, ESPECIALLY AFTER CUTTING RAW FOOD, SUCH AS MEAT AND POULTRY;
* COOK FOOD, ESPECIALLY MEAT AND SHELLFISH, THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;
♦ WASH VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY BEFORE COOKING;
* EAT COOKED FOOD WHILST IT IS STILL HOT; DO NOT LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME;
♦ FOOD TO BE KEPT OVER-NIGHT SHOULD BE PUT IN A REFRIGERATOR AND RE-COOKED THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING; AND
* STORE ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE IN A COVERED CONTAINER BEFORE DISPOSAL.
’’CLEAN FOOD, GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE ARE THE BEST MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES,” DR ALI SAID.
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/29 .......
1
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
- 29 -
OPEN SPACE FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS *****
RESIDENTS IN KWUN TONG WILL HAVE ANOTHER OPEN SPACE FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES NEXT YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 2,069-SQUARE-METRE OPEN SPACE AT KWUN TONG ROAD, NEXT TO PING SHEK ESTATE.
THE $1.51 MILLION PROJECT WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES INCLUDING A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A LANDSCAPED REST GARDEN.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS AND PLB BAN ZONE IN KWUN TONG ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 12), ROADS CK1 AND CK2 LINKING WAI YIP STREET AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD CK1 AND THE SECTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD CK1 WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONES.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE PROHIBITED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
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/30 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1990
URBAN CLEARWAY IN HUNG HOM * * » » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 12), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BULKELEY STREET BETWEEN DOCK STREET AND TAKU STREET IN HUNG HOM, EXCLUDING THE LAY-BY WITHIN THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE SOUTHERN •KERBSIDE LANE OF BULKELEY STREET BETWEEN DOCK STREET AND TAKU STREET WILL BE CANCELLED.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHA TIN ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN WILL SE CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
♦ FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 12), THE FAST LANE OF
THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM SHA TIN RACE COURSE TO TOLO
HIGHWAY.
* FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 14) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE
SLOW LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN CITY ONE
SHATIN AND FO TAN NULLAH.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MARCH EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED ....................................
g
SERIES OF MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN 1990'S ..........................
9 SENIOR EXECUTIVES FOR FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY .............................
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR SERVICES FOR ELDERLY URGED ...............................
WATER POLLUTION LEGISLATION TO BE STRENGTHENED ..............................
THIRTY-TWO PASSED LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ....................................
TENDERS INVITED FOR TIN SHUI WAI ENGINEERING -WORKS .........................
14
CNTA SUPPORTS TUNG WAH EFFORTS ...........................................
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT TSUEN WAN WEST OZP ANNOUNCED.............................
SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS PROPOSED AT STANLEY ...................................
COMPLAINTS AGAINST RETAILERS ON THE RISE ....................................
18 PRAISE FOR WORK OF PO LEUNG KUK ..........................................
19 REVISION OF PARKING METER CHARGES IN WAN CHAI ...............................
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
MARCH EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED * * » » »
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN MARCH 1990, AT $98,371 MILLION, GREW BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1989, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN MARCH 1990 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT TO $16,512 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT TO $30,743 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT TO $47,255 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN MARCH 1990 INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1989 TO $51,117 MILLION.
ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN T4E FIRST QUARTER OF 1990, AT $262,290 MILLION, INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT TO $46,460 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT TO $83,149 MILLION.
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $129,609 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT TO $132,681 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE NETHERLANDS AND THE USA DECREASED BY 19 PER CENT, 19 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 72 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND CHINA ALSO SHOWED A MODERATE INCREASE, BY 2 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989, A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 60 PER CENT AND 19 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA ALSO INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE USA AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 22 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS RESPECTIVELY.
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
2 -
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989, AN INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $288 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $235 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $132 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $34 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $516 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT), AND CLOTHING (BY $85 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE USA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 41 PER CENT. THOSE FROM CHINA, SWITZERLAND, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITALY ALSO INCREASED, BY 15 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 2 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 15 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989.
HOWEVER, IMPORTS FROM THE USA, CHINA AND ITALY INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND 7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON.
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989, A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1,677 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,527 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $1,382 MILLION OR 277 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $347 MILLION OR 2 PF.R CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS REGISTERED FOR IRON AND STEEL (BY $865 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $798 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).
/THE CHANGES .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 3 -
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CANADA, THE USA, SINGAPORE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TAIWAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN MARCH 1990 OVER MARCH 1989, BY 60 PER CENT, 36 PER CENT, 31 PER CENT, 29 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1989, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CANADA AND THE USA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS, BY 48 PER CENT, 35 PER CENT AND 28 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA, BY 21 PER CENT, 18 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THOSE TO CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 11 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989, A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORT WAS REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $2,712 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $1,881 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,173 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $700 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $700 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $681 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT).
ALL TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1990 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JUNE 1990.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE MARCH 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN MARCH 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE AROUND MAY 18, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDINO, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $27 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
4
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGUI SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 823 4915) .
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET MAR MAR 90 JAN-MAR JAN-MAR 90
1990 OVER 1990 OVER
MAR 89 JAN-MAR 89
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
USA 4,636 - 1 13,579 - 4
CHINA 3,621 + 1 9,288 + J
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 , 180 + 2 3,4 73 - 6
JAPAN 998 - 19 2,588 - 12
UK 879 • - 19 2,561 - 22
SINGAPORE 558 + 23 1,502 + 19
TAIWAN 484 + 72 1 ,277 + 60
CANADA 366 - 15 1 ,237 - 14
NETHERLANDS 363 - 4 1,091 - 3
AUSTRALIA 290 - 1 1 861 - 12
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY MAR MAR 90 JAN-MAR JAN-MAR 90
DIVISION 1990 OVER 1990 OVER
MAR 89 JAN-MAR 89
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
—1
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 4,356
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’
AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,202
+ 7 13,951 - 1
- 7 5,797 - 4
/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
5
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES
AND CLOCKS 1 ,459 - 5 4 , 187 - 2
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES \ND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 ,439 + 6 3,762 + 7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,415 - 9 3,678 12
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1 ,260 + 2 3,360 + 1
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) MAR 90 OVER MAR 89 (%) JAN-MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAR OVER JAN-MAR (%) 90 89
CHINA 17,522 + 15 46,008 13
JAPAN 8,237 - 5 2 1 ,235 — 9
USA 5,516 + 41 12,693 + 18
TAIWAN 4,51 3 1 11,534 — 2
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,287 - 4 5,680 12
SINGAPORE 1,688 - 10 5,115 — 5
UK 1,140 + 2 3, 106 - 6
F.R. OF GERMANY 991 - 16 2,836 - 15
ITALY 991 + 2 2,494 + 7
SWITZERLAND 810 + 5 2,318 + 2
/TABLE 4
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
6
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) MAR 90 OVER MAR 89 (%) JAN-MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAR 90 OVER JAN-MAR 89 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,449 + 1 16,033 + 2
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF f 5,292 + 9 13,116 - 3
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,829 4- 22 10,323 + 19
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,842 ‘ + 14 9,787 + 10
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3,34 3 + 22 8,724 + 21
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,242 - 10 6,801 - 5
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) MAR 90 OVER MAR 89 (%) JAN-MAR 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAR OVER JAN-MAR (%) 90 89
CHINA 8,519 - 6 22,478 - 11
USA 5,892 + 31 16,768 + 28
JAPAN 2,042 + 10 5,309 + 8
TAIWAN 1,784 + 20 4,542 f + 15
/P.R. OF GERMANY .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 19'10
F.R. OF GERMANY REPUBLIC OF KOREA • SINGAPORE UK CANADA AUSTRALIA TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS 1,459 1,126 1,060 765 447 401 OF THE + 60 3,993 3,071 2,874 2,039 1,368 1,333 )DITY DIVIS1 + 48
+ 1 - 3
+ 29 + 18
+ 26 + 21
+ 36 + 35
+ 4 + 4
MAJOR COMMC [ONS
COMMODITY MAR MAR 90 JAN-MAR JAN-MAR 90
DIVISION 1990 OVER 1990 OVER
(HKD MN. MAR 89 > (%) (HKD MN.) JAN-MAR 89 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,712 + 11 9,526 + 8
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3,447 + 43 9,401 + 41
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,003 + 24 9,396 + 25
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,142 + 16 8,191 + 4
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,607 + 41 6,677 + 21
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,154 + 37 3,194 + 31
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/8 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 8 -
SERIES OF MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN 1990'S *******
MOVING INTO THE 1990’S, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL EMBARK ON A SERIES OF MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUMBER OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A DINNER HELD BY HONG KONG NURSES ASSOCIATION AND HONG KONG COLLEGE OF NURSING IN CELEBRATION OF THE 1990 INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY.
"WE PLAN TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES IN KEEPING WITH THE NEEDS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TO DO THIS SUCCESSFULLY, WE MUST RELY ON THE EXPERTISE AND DEVOTION OF THE HEALTH CARE STAFF," MRS WONG SAID.
IN THE PAST, SHE SAID, NURSES GENERALLY FOLLOWED DOCTORS’ INSTRUCTIONS IN TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
"WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY, NURSING WORK HAS GRADUALLY BEEN PROFESSIONALISED,” SHE SAID.
"APART FROM PROVIDING NURSING SERVICES TO THE SICK, THE WORK OF NURSES HAS EXTENDED TO MANAGEMENT, TRAINING AND COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION.
"ALSO, ADVANCEMENT IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAS LED TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF DISEASES, AND THERE IS NOW A GREAT NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING SERVICE IN HIGH TECHNOLOGY AREAS SUCH AS INTENSIVE CARE, ORTHOPAEDICS, CARDIOTHORACIC, RENAL SERVICE, ANAESTHESIA, AND NEUROSURGERY.
"TO THIS END, NURSING STAFF CONSTANTLY BROADEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND THEREBY CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCIENCE OF NURSING AND THE PROGRESS OF THE COMMUNITY."
MRS WONG SAID IN A BID TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF NURSING CARE, THE HONG KONG NURSES ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN ORGANISING VARIOUS REFRESHER COURSES AND SEMINARS IN RESPONSE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ENABLE NURSES TO ABSORB NEW SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE EFFECTIVELY AND TO FULLY DEVELOP THEIR PROFESSIONALISM.
"FURTHERMORE, IN AN EFFORT TO HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG, THE ASSOCIATION AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED TWO ’TRAINING COURSES FOR HEALTH WORKERS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE’ FOR THE OPERATORS AND STAFF OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY,” SHE SAID.
"INDEED, THIS TYPE OF SHORT COURSES DESIGNED TO MEET PRACTICAL NEEDS IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL IN RAISING THE STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE STAFF OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY."
- - 0---------
/9 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
y
SENIOR EXECUTIVES FOR FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
*****
THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE ADVERTISING 13 SENIOR EXECUTIVE POSTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE AUTHORITY’S SECRETARY GENERAL, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE POSTS WILL BE THE CHIEF ASSISTANTS OF THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHO ARE NOW BEING RECRUITED.
THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS ARE THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, THE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL.
THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS WILL OVERSEE THE OPERATION OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN THE TERRITORY AND WILL MANAGE THE OVERALL DELIVERY OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES AND HAVE DIRECT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SOME 34 HOSPITAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES, WITH A TOTAL STAFF OF ABOUT 34,000.
THE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER WILL HEAD A TEAM OF EXPERTS WHO WILL SET STANDARDS AND MAKE PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL WILL ACT AS THE SECRETARY TO THE AUTHORITY BOARD AND ITS EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES. HE WILL ALSO MANAGE THE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC VIEWS ARE APPROPRIATELY REFLECTED AS WELL AS PROMOTE FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES AND RESEARCH.
’’THE 13 DEPUTIES WILL BE THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN THE SECRETARIAT OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF WORK,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.
’’TOGETHER WITH THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, THEY WILL MAKE UP THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WITH THE TASK OF IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.”
REPORTING TO THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS WILL BE SIX DEPUTY DIRECTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS (THREE POSTS), FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION.
ANOTHER FIVE DEPUTIES WILL BE RECRUITED TO SUPPORT THE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER IN THE FIELDS OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES, FINANCE, HUMAN RESOURCES, SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORTING SERVICES RESPECTIVELY.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL WILL HAVE TWO DEPUTIES WORKING TO HIM IN PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND COMMITTEE SERVICES.
/"THE PROVISIONAL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 10 -
’’THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WISHES TO FILL THESE DEPUTY POSTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THEY CAN SUPPORT THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS IN THE DETAILED PLANNING WORK FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE FUTURE AUTHORITY, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE SET UP IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.
’’THE EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND COMMITMENT OF THESE SENIOR EXECUTIVES WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE SUCCESS OF THE FUTURE AUTHORITY, SO IT IS VITAL THAT WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO IDENTIFY THE BEST PEOPLE AVAILABLE AND MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR EACH POSITION.
’’INITIALLY, THE POSTS ARE BEING ADVERTISED LOCALLY, THOUGH SOME CANDIDATES MA\ COME FROM OVERSEAS IN RESPONSE TO THE LOCAL ADVERTISEMENTS,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.
”IF SUITABLE CANDIDATES ARE NOT FOUND THROUGH THIS EXERCISE, THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MAY CONSIDER ADVERTISING OVERSEAS OR USING THE SERVICES OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANTS.”
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT ATTRACTIVE REMUNERATION PACKAGES WILL BE OFFERED TO SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES.
’’THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES TO TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG. WE HOPE TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE ESTABLISHED AS A NEW STATUTORY BODY SPECIALLY FORMED TO OPERATE AN EFFICIENT HOSPITAL SYSTEM OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD WITHIN THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE. IT WILL INTEGRATE TUI- SERVICES PROVIDED RY THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
THE AUTHORITY WILL ALSO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PUBLIC’S NEEDS FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES, THE RESOURCES REQUIRED TO MEET THESE NEEDS AND RELATED MATTERS.
’ APPLICATIONS FOR. THESE POSITIONS SHOULD BE PHA SECRETARIAT (ATTN.: MR H. SINGH) AT ROOM 904, CENTRE AND SHOULD BE RECEIVED PREFERABLY BY JUNE
ADDRESSED TO THE WEST TOWER, BOND 11,” MR CHAMBERS
ADDED.
- - 0----------
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
11
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR Sih/ICES FOR ELDERLY URGED
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, (FRIDAY) APPEALED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR
MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
„.,T_ SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, IN WHICH A >IVIC-MINDED RESIDENT, MRS LEUNG KWA1-YEE, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR S SETTING UP i HONE TOR ?«E IlDeS, HR MORE SERVICES FOR
CARFLAND SAID THE GOVERNMENT UNDERTOOK TO PROVIDE THE ELDERLY, IN PARTICULAR RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES.
'WHILE PUBLIC FUNDS ARE BEING CHANNELLED MORE FACILITIES CAN BE PROVIDED AT A FASTER PACE PRIVATE DONATIONS, SUCH AS THIS ONE," HE ADDED.
IN THIS DIRECTION, WITH THE HELP OF
MR CARTLAND PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS LEUNG AND GENEROSITY, ADDING THAT SHE HAD SET A VFRY COMMUNITY.
FOR HER PUBLIC-SPIRIT GOOD EXAMPLE TO THE
THE NEW FIRST HOME FOR ESTABLISHED IN
HOME, SITUATED IN CHEUNG ON ESTATE ON TSING YI THE ELDERLY WITH A CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNIT A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
IS THE
TO BE
UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL IT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OPERATION IN JULY THIS YEAR AND TO H ACFSS U>ENI IAI PI‘A< ES> INCLUDING A CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNIT
SERVICE, PROVIDE OF 4 5
--------0-----------
WATER POLLUTION LEGISLATION TO BE STRENGTHENED
* i * t t t
WATER-POLLUTING INDUSTRIES IN FUTURE WOULD BE SUBJECTED TO MORE STRINGENT MEASURES IF A PROPOSAL TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT MORE LEGAL POWER TO CONTROL WATER POLLUTION IS PASSED INTO LAW.
THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH SEEKS TO REMOVE THE RIGHT OF EXEMPTION FOR DISCHARGES IN FUTURE WATER CONTROL ZONES (WCZ’S) AND TO REPLACE EXEMPTION BY A LICENSING SYSTEM, IS PUBLISHED TN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, DISCHARGES IN EXISTENCE WHEN A WCZ IS DECLARED ARE ENTITLED TO BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING CONTROL UNLESS AND UNTIL THE DISCHARGE VOLUME IS INCREASED BY MORE THAN . 30 PER CENT.
"SUCH EXEMPTIONS ARE TANTAMOUNT TO PERMITS TO POLLUTE, AND THIS CAN NO LONGER BE TOLERATED," THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT OF THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, MR MARTIN LEWIS, SAID.
/MR LEWIS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
12 -
MR LEWIS SAID HARMFUL EFFLUENTS AND TOXIC METALS CONTINUED TO BE POURED INTO THE LOCAL WATERS DESPITE THE INTRODUCTION OF WCZ’S.
UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED AND THE WATER COULD NOT BE PUT TO ITS BENEFICIAL USES.
THE REPLACEMENT OF EXEMPTIONS WITH A LICENSING SYSTEM WOULD REMOVE THE IMMENSE WORKLOAD INVOLVED IN DETERMINING EXEMPT QUANTITIES AND POLICING THE EXEMPTION SYSTEM, MR LEWIS SAID.
A TWO-YEAR GRACE PERIOD IS AVAILABLE.
FOR DISCHARGES IN EXISTING WCZ’S WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN GRANTED EXEMPTIONS, SUCH DISCHARGES WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE A LICENCE FOR THE TWO YEARS FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDING ORDINANCE.
FOR DISCHARGES IN NEW WCZ’S TO RE DECLARED, INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE AND COMPLY WITH SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DISCHARGE.
THE EXISTING WCZ’S ARE TOLO, SOUTHERN, PORT SHELTER AND JUNK BAY.
MR LEWIS SAID FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE IN THE NEAR FUTURE RELATE TO THE OBLIGATION TO CONNECT DISCHARGES TO FOUL SEWERS, AND PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT ALL THOSE AMENDMENTS FORM AN PART OF THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REDUCE WATER POLLUTION, AS IN LAST JUNE’S WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION.
IMPORTANT
PUBLISHED
AT THE SAME TIME, INFORMATION ON PERMISSIBLE LIMITS OF THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF EFFLUENTS WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE TO ASSIST INDUSTRY IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING EFFLUENT CONTROL ACTIVITIES.
MR LEWIS SAID LICENSING WOULD HAVE COST IMPLICATIONS FOR SOME INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY THOSE HEAVY WATER-POLLUTING INDUSTRIES CURRENTLY EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING CONTROL. •
"HOWEVER, IN MOST CASES COST OF TREATMENT SHOULD NOT BE PROHIBITIVE, AND MAY HELP TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY.
"WE HAVE ALSO NOTED THAT IN CERTAIN CASES, SOME SAVINGS MAY BE ACHIEVED FROM RECOVERY OF RESOURCES," HE CONTINUED.
HE ALSO SAID TECHNICAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ARE AVAILABLE, FOR EXAMPLE, FROM THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRY IN THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
CONSULTATION WITH .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 13 -
CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE LAST SEPTEMBER. THE GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING ITS DIALOGUE WITH INTERESTED INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, ESPECIALLY ON PRACTICAL ASPECTS CONCERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE, MR LEWIS SAID.
THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS FIRST ENACTED 10 YEARS AGO. BUT THE CONTROLS WERE EFFECTED IN THE TOLO WCZ IN APRIL 1987 ONLY.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE WITH THE TOLO WCZ AND IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING DETERIORATION IN THE QUALITY OF THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG WATERS, A COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTANT’S STUDY OF THE ORDINANCE WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1987.
THE CONSULTANT’S FINAL REPORT CONTAINED SOME WIDE-RANGING RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE MADE ON THE BASIS OF THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE GENERAL POLICY OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING WATER QUALITY WERE SUBMITTED TO, AND ENDORSED BY, THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN MAY LAST YEAR.
---------0-----------
THIRTY-TWO PASSED LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 32 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED THE PART II (ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE PAPER) OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS THIS YEAR.
THE PART II EXAMINATION HAS BEEN HELD TWICE THIS YEAR, IN MARCH AND MAY, GIVING CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF EXAMINATION DATES AND ALSO THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO FAILED IN THE FIRST EXAMINATION TO TAKE THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION AGAIN IN THE SAME YEAR.
OF THE 32 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES, 27 PASSED THE EXAMINATION IN MARCH AND FIVE IN MAY.
ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THE PART II EXAMINATION THIS YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE PART III EXAMINATION SCHEDULED FOR JULY THIS YEAR.
THE PART III EXAMINATION IS AN ORAL EXAMINATION ON CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS.
EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE GIVEN AN ORAL EXAMINATION IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
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/14......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, .1990
- 14 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TIN SHUI WAI ENGINEERING WORKS
******
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR PACKAGE 5 ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE PHASE II AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TIN SHUI WAI.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 1,200 METRES OF NEW ROADS, A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE, ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS, FOUL AND STORM WATER DRAINAGE WORKS AND LANDSCAPING.
THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SERVE THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AT THE EAST TO NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 8 THIS YEAR.
-----0------
CNTA SUPPORTS TUNG WAH EFFORTS
*****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE VARIOUS SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THIS DURING A COURTESY CALL ON THE CNTA BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUP.
MR HSU SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE GROUP WOULD FURTHER IMPROVE ITS MEDICAL SERVICES.
"THE GROUP’S PLANNED OPHTHALMIC CENTRE, NEUROSURGERY INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND A WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE, AS WELL AS A GERIATRIC DAY HOSPITAL, ALL CATER FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF SOCIETY," HE NOTED.
HE SAID HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE GROUP’S PLAN TO SET UP MORE DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOMES FOR THE AGED, YOUTH CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS.
"YOUR FIRST SHELTERED WORKSHOP WHICH IS UNDER PLANNING WILL PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR THE URGENTLY-NEEDED REHABILITATION SERVICE IN THE TERRITORY.”
REFERRING TO THE GROUP’S FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES, MR HSU NOTED THAT ITS ANNUAL FUND-RAISING COMPETITIONS RECEIVED ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND REACHED A RECORD AMOUNT LAST YEAR.
HE STRESSED THAT DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CNTA WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THESE ACTIVITIES BY ASSISTING IN PUBLICITY AND ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART.
------0--------
/15 .....
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 15 -
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT TSUEN WAN WEST OZP ANNOUNCED
* * » » * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCED FIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSUEN WAN WEST OUTLING ZONINE PLAN TODAY (FRIDAY).
THREE ITEMS ON LAND USES CHANGES IN THE AREA ARE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST CATEGORY OF AMENDMENTS.
THi: CHANGES ARE RELATED TO THE INCORPORATION OF THE PROPOSED ROUTE 3 ALIGNMENT THROUGH TING KAU AREA, THE REZONING OF A NUMBER OF BUILDING LOTS IN TING KAU HEADLAND FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)", AND THE REZONING OF A SITE WEST OF SHAM TSENG TSUEN FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WATER PUMPING STATION.
THE SECOND CATEGORY OF AMENDMENTS HAS BEEN MADE TO MEET SOME SPECIFIC OBJECTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD WHEN THE DRAFT PLAN WAS FIRST EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION LAST YEAR.
THEY INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO REZONE A LOT TO THE WEST OF SHAM TSENG TSUEN FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT” AND TWO SITES IN TING KAU FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)".
OBJECTIONS TO THESE AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING AND ADDRESSED TO THI- SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING .DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS FOR THE FIRST CATEGORY OF AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JUNE 1 WHILE THOSE FOR THE SECOND CATEGORY OF AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 25.
THE DRAFT PLANW WHICH INCORPORATES ALL OF THE ABOVE AMENDMENTS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN;
l PLANNING DEPARTMENT, TOWN PLANNING BOARD SECTION, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL; AND
t TSUEN WAN DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE .PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
COPIES OF THE PI AN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 1 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 105 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
/16 .......
FRIDAY, MAY II, 1990
16
SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS PROPOSED AT STANLEY
♦ * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 39 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT STANLEY, INCLUDING THE FORESHORE AT TWEED BAY AND THE SEABED BETWEEN TWEED BAY AND THE MOUTH OF TAI TAM BAY.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EFFLUENT PIPE ACROSS TWEED BAY BEACH FROM THE PROPOSED STANLEY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE INSTALLATION OF A SUBMARINE EFFLUENT OUTFALL TO LINK WITH THE COASTAL EFFLUENT PIPE.
TEMPORARY WORKS ON THE TWEED BAY FORESHORE AREA, DREDGING AND BACKFILLING OF THE SEABED WITHIN THE LIMITS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED 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 A WRITTEN OBJECTION '10 THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 10 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNOR HAS AUTHORISED DREDGING BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 289.71 HECTARES OF SEABED WEST OF GREEN ISLAND TO PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE RECLAMATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR II AS ALSO
AUTHORISED AN UNDERTAKING INVOLVING
RECLAMATION IN TUEN MUN.
IN THIS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSTRUCT ABOUT 56 METRES OF SEAWALL, AND RECLAIM BEHIND THE SEAWALL AN ARFA OF APPROXIMATELY 8,800 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR TO THE SAM SHING HOUSING ESTATE IN PLANNING AREA 27.
THE RECLAMATION WILL PROVIDE PART OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) TERMINUS IN AREA TRACK TO THE EASTERN EXTENSION AREA OF
THE LAND ALONGSIDE 27, FOR TUEN MUN
NEEDED FOR THE
THE SAM SHING
THE FUTURE LRT
NEW TOWN, FOR
COMMERCI AL/RF.S I DENT I AL DEVELOPMENT ABOVE THE SAM SHING LRT TERMINUS,
AND FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE.
THE WORE WILL BEGIN ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR AND HE DUE IOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT IX MONTHS.
/IN SHAM .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 17 -
IN SHAM SHUT PO, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 295 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT YAU MA TEI ANCHORAGE.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE MARINE ACCESS TO AND FROM THE SHAM SHUT PO COASTLINE. THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IK SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1992.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE MAY 10 NEXT YEAR.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
-----0’----
COMPLAINTS AGAINST RETAILERS ON THE RISE
******
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST RETAILERS USING INACCURATE WEIGHING OR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS ALMOST TREBLED LAST MONTH, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR ANDREW WONG, SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT CONSUMERS HAD GRADUALLY BECOME AWARE OF THEIR RIGHT TO REPORT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MALPRACTICES.
”WE RECEIVED 23 COMPLAINTS LAST MONTH, AGAINST A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF JUST OVER EIGHT SINCE THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1989," HE SAID.
MR WONG REMINDED PRODUCE RETAILERS SUPPLYING GOODS BY WEIGHT OR MEASURE TO CHECK THEIR WEIGHING OR MEASURING EQUIPMENT REGULARLY TO ENSURE ITS ACCURACY.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR RECEIVED 149 COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
/"OF THESE ......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 18 -
”OF THESE COMPLAINTS, ABOUT 70 PER CENT WERE DIRECTED AGAINST RETAILERS OF FRUIT, VEGETABLES, SEAFOOD AND POULTRY, WHILE THE REMAINDER WERE IN RESPECT OF BUSINESS SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, DEPARTMENT STORES, SUPERMARKETS AND HAWKING. *
’’THE DEPARTMENT HAS PROSECUTED 18 RETAT LERS , WHO HAVE BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $41,050.”
A VEGETABLE RETAILER WAS FINED $1,000 AT NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY TODAY AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO USING INACCURATE WEIGHING EQUIPMENT.
THE COURT HEARD THAT THE DEFENDANT, HO KAM-BIU, OPERATED A SHOP ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CHEUNG FAT MANSION, 22 TONG MET ROAD, TAI KOK TSUI.
ACTING ON COMPLAINTS, CUSTOMS OFFICERS VISITED THE DEFENDANT’S SHOP ON JANUARY 18.
A SPRING BALANCE FOUND TO BE INACCURATE ON A PRELIMINARY CHECK WAS SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION. TESTS SHOWED THAT THE HIGHEST ERROR IN THE SPRING BALANCE WAS 6.55 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF ACTUAL WEIGHT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ANY PERSON WANTING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SHOULD CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 714 6146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE MADE TO DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 852 3185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
TO PUBLICISE THE COMPLAINTS HOTLINES, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS DISPLAYED POSTERS IN PROMINENT PLACES IN ALL RETAIL AND WHOLESALE MARKETS.
---------0-----------
PRAISE FOR WORK OF PO LEUNG KUK
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, PRAISED THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS INCREASING EFFORTS IN PROVIDING COMMUNITY SERVICE IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY WHEN MEETING ITS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LED BY THE KUK’S CHAIRMAN, MR VICWOOD CHONG KEE-TING, PAID A COURTESY CALL ON MR CARTLAND TO DISCUSS MAJOR WELFARE SERVICES PLANNED BY THE KUK IN THE COMING YEAR.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1990
- 19 -
IN THE MEETING, MR CHONG SAID 18 NEW PROJECTS, CARE CENTRES, CRECHES, CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND SERVICE CENTRES, WERE IN THE PIPELINE.
INCLUDING DAY
REHABILITATION
MR CARTLAND COMMENDED THE KUK FOR ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM.
------0--------
REVISION OF PARKING METER CHARGES IN WAN CHAI *******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FEES FOR USING METERED PARKING SPACES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1 TO $2 FOR 30 MINUTES OF PARKING TIME.
THIS CHARGE REVISION PROGRAMME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TWO PHASES.
PHASE I, TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON SUNDAY (MAY 13), WILL COVER VENTRIS ROAD, TSUN YUEN STREET, LUN HING STREET, YUK SAU STREET, PO SHIN STREET, SPORTS ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, SHING PING STREET, TSUI MAN STREET, YUEN YUEN STREET, WANG TAK STREET, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, MIN FAT STREET, CHEONG MING STREET AND SING WOO ROAD.
PHASE II, TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON MAY 20, WILL COVER ORMSBY STREET, SUN CHUN STREET, WAN SHING STREET, SHELTER STREE1, BROWN STREET, SCHOOL STREET, .TUNG LO WAN ROAD, SHEPHERD STREET, KING STREET, WUN SHA STREET, JONES STREET AND WARREN STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW POLICE REGIONAL HQ IN NT OPENS ................................................... 1
URBAN SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED FROM UNSAFE HILLSIDES .......................
KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION OPENS .................................
4TH QUARTER INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION RELEASED .......................
p
CNTA TO SURVEY BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ........................................
Q
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRSIDE ACCESS WORKS ..................................
Q
STUDENTS BRING GREEN TOUCH TO GARDEN.........*-............................
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL........................................*........
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN ..................................................... 11
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI ............................................... 11
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN TO KWA WAN .............................................. 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN ..................... •........
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
1
NEW POLICE REGIONAL HQ IN NT OPENS
*****
THE OPENING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS NOT ONLY DENOTES A NEW MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG POLICE, BUT ALSO SYMBOLISES ANOTHER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THIS WAS STATED BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN TAI PO TODAY (SATURDAY).
POINTING OUT THAT POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD GROWN FROM 600,000 SOME 20 YEARS AGO TO THE PRESENT 2.2 MILLION, MR LI SAID THAT POLICE HAD BEEN PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE SPEED OF ITS DEVELOPMENT, WITH A VIEW TO MAXIMISING THE USE OF RESOURCES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER SO AS TO PROVIDE THE BEST POLICE SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS.
"THE FORCE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY ENDEAVOUR TO UPHOLD LAW AND ORDER", SAID MR LI.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS END, APART FROM THE POLICE WHO WILL EXERT AN ALL-OUT EFFORT, IT IS EQUALLY OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE", SAID THE POLICE CHIEF.
NOTING THAT THE OPENING OF THE NEW COMPLEX WOULD BRING MOST OF THE UNITS WITHIN THE REGION UNDER ONE ROOF, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE NEW BUILDING WAS MOST BENEFICIAL IN ENHANCING MUTUAL COMMUNICATION AND WORK EFFICIENCY AMONG THEM.
SITUATED AT TAI PO AND IN THE HEART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE NEW COMPLEX IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND PROVIDES FOR CONVENIENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHER DISTRICTS.
BUILT AT A COST OF $125 MILLION, THE 11-STOREY BUILDING COVERS AN AREA OF 7,700 SQUARE METRES, AND IS EQUIPPED WITH MANY MODERN FACILITIES TO MEET CONTEMPORARY NEEDS.
APART FROM NORMAL OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, THE NEW COMPLEX HAS AN INDOOR FIRING RANGE AND A MINI-FIRING RANGE, TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE FORCE CATERING PERSONNEL, FORENSIC LABORATORY AND COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRES.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE FITNESS ROOMS, LECTURE ROOMS, ASSEMBLY HALLS, CLUB PREMISES FOR THE CIVILIANS, RESTAURANTS FOR BOTH SENIOR AND JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS, AS WELL AS BARRACK ACCOMMODATION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE REGIONAL COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW; REGIONAL SECRETARY, NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU AND CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
- - 0---------
/2 ........
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
- 2 -
URBAN SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED FROM UNSAFE HILLSIDES
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET A TARGET OF CLEARING AND REHOUSING BY THE END OF 1991 THE REMAINING 8,000 PEOPLE LIVING ON UNSAFE HILLSIDES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
THE EXERCISE WILL MARK THE COMPLETION OF A SQUATTER CLEARANCE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS INITIATED IN 1985 BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE (GCO) TO ELIMINATE RISKS FROM LANDSLIPS, DURING HEAVY RAINFALL, THAT RESIDENTS OF URBAN SQUATTER HUTS MIGHT FACE.
THROUGH THE CLEARANCE PROGRAMME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO SAFEGUARD SQUATTERS FROM LANDSLIDE HAZARDS, AND OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS ALMOST 49,000 SQUATTERS HAVE BEEN CLEARED FROM POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SLOPES IN THE URBAN AREA, AND BEEN REHOUSED.
IN 1984, THE GCO CARRIED OUT A STUDY WHICH SHOWED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 57,000 SQUATTERS LIVING ON STEEP HILLSIDES IN THE URBAN AREA WHICH WERE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIPS DURING HEAVY RAINFALL.
THESE SLOPES COULD NOT BE RECTIFIED UNDER THE GCO’S LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE SQUATTER HUTS NEEDED TO BE CLEARED BEFORE THE NECESSARY LARGE SCALE WORKS COULD BE CARRIED OUT.
IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE GCO RECOMMENDED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THAT SQUATTERS BE CLEARED FROM SUCH SLOPES. BUT THESE CLEARANCES COULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN WITHIN THE CAPACITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING PROGRAMME.
SUBSEQUENTLY, LARGE SCALE CLEARANCES HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT ON STEEP HILLSIDES SUCH AS LAM TIN AND SHAU KEI WAN. THESE AREAS, WHICH WERE HIT BADLY BY A RAINSTORM IN MAY 1982, WERE CLEARED FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
SINCE CLEARANCES BEGAN, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER PREVENTION TEAMS HAVE EFFECTIVELY PREVENTED NEW SQUATTER HUTS FROM BEING ERECTED ON HILLSIDES.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS WHICH INCLUDE LOCALISED SLOPE IMPROVEMENTS.
OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS, 79 SUCH PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT $171 MILLION.
IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, ABOUT $2.6 MILLION WILL BE SPENT IN CARRYING OUT NEW PROJECTS.
/THE GCO........
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
- 3 -
THE GCO IS CONTINUING TO CARRY OUT STUDIES OF LANDSLIP HAZARDS THAT SQUATTERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MAY FACE AND THE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS VULNERABLE TO SUCH HAZARDS IS UNDERTAKEN ON A NEED BASIS.
THE OFFICE IS OF THE OPINION THAT SQUATTER HUT RESIDENTS REMAINING ON STEEP HILLSIDES MAY FACE LANDSLIP HAZARDS DURING HEAVY RAINSTORMS, ALTHOUGH SUCH HAZARDS HAVE BEEN GREATLY REDUCED IN RECENT YEARS.
TO PROVIDE WARNING OF THE POSSIBLE OCCURRENCE OF LANDSLIPS ON STEEP HILLSIDES, SO THAT SQUATTER HUT RESIDENTS CAN BE ALERTED TO TAKE REFUGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S TEMPORARY SHELTERS, THE GOVERNMENT IS OPERATING THE LANDSLIP WARNING SYSTEM, AS USED IN PREVIOUS WET SEASONS.
-------------------0-------- KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION OPENS ♦ * » * *
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY TODAY (SATURDAY) TO COLLABORATE FOR THE SAKE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN PROGRAMMES TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE THAT MUST BE DISPOSED OF EACH DAY IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (KBTS), DR REED SAID THE EFFORT MADE BY INDIVIDUALS IN CUTTING DOWN THE WASTE PRODUCED EVERY DAY WOULD HAVE THE VERY IMPORTANT EFFECT OF EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE NEW LANDFILL FACILITIES.
"WE HAVE SECURED OUR WASTE DISPOSAL ROUTES FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, AS MAPPED OUT IN THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN. BUT WE NEED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF OUR LANDFILLS FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND, TO DO THIS, WE HAVE TO GET DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF WASTE," DR REED SAID.
"STARTING WITH MINIMISATION OF WASTE, FOLLOWED BY GREATER REUSE AND MORE RECYCLING OF WASTE, WOULD HELP RELIEVE THE PRESSURE OF THE INCREASING BURDEN OF WASTE," HE SAID.
THE OPENING OF KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION MARKS THE FIRST STAGE IN THE REALISATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO DEVELOP NEW STRATEGIC WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES IN THE 1990’S AND BEYOND.
DR REED SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION AND THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN PUBLISHED LAST YEAR SPELLED OUT THE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
/THE STRATEGY .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 199<>
THE STRATEGY INVOLVES THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND PRIVAT! WASTE COLLECTORS DELIVERING THE WASTE ;O A SYSTEM OF TRANSFER STATION: WHICH, IN TURN, TRANSMlI THE WASTES IN CONTAINERS TO THREE LAR*. REMOTELY LOCATED LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERR TORIES.
THE MAJOR ADVANTAGE OF THESE TRANSFER FACILITIES WILL BE TO REDUCE TRANSPORT COSTS AND TOTAL VEHICLE MOVEMENTS TO AND FROM LANDFILLS.
AS A RESULT, RELATIVELY FEW LARGE ROAD-GOING VEHICLES ARE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL THE LONG DISTANCES FROM THE TRANSFER STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS TO THE LANDFILL SITES.
ANOTHER ADVANTAGE OF THE TRANSFER FACILITIES IS THAT THEY WILL ENABLE STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO BE EXERCISED IN TRANSPORTING THE WASTE TO THE LANDFILLS.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE KBTS, ALL WASTE WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY DISPOSED OF AT JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE NEW TRANSFER STATION FOR ONWARD TRANSPORTATION TO TSEUNG KWAN O LANDFILL UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE FIRST STRATEGIC LANDFILL AT WEST NEW TERRITORIES AT NIM WAN IS OPERATIONAL.
AT THE KBTS, REFUSE BROUGHT IN BY THE COLLECTION VEHICLES WILL BE DISCHARGED INTO HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED HOPPERS AT THE FIRST FLOORS OF A TWO-LEVEL BUILDING.
THE WASTE WILL THEN BE FED INTO THE COMPACTION EQUIPMENT AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL WHERE IT WILL BE COMPRESSED INTO TOTALLY SEALED CONTAINERS FOR TRANSSHIPMENT.
ALL AIR AND EFFLUENT EMISSIONS WILL BE TREATED PRIOR TO DISCHARGE FROM THE FACILITY.
EQUALLY STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WILL APPLY TO THE BULK TRANSPORT FLEET. BOTH COLLECTION AND BULK TRANSPORT VEHICLES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS THROUGH A COMPLETE VEHICLE WASHING PLANT EACH TIME THEY LEAVE THE SITE.
THE OPERATION OF THE KBTS ALLOWS FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL AND THE CLOSURE OF THE LAST OPERATIONAL UNIT AT THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE KBTS, OPERATED UNDER STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF DAILY REFUSE INTAKE OF 1,800 TONNES.
THE CAPITAL COST OF THE TRANSFER STATION AND THE PROVISION OF THE CONTAINER VEHICLE FLEET IS $135 MILLION.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE KBTS HAS RELIED ON AN INNOVATIVE CONTRACTURAL APPROACH WHEREBY THE GOVERNMENT IS EFFECTIVELY BUYING A SERVICE FROM SWIRE BF1 WASTE SERVICES LIMITED, A CONSORTIUM WHICH COMBINES AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG WITH SOME OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE AVAILABLE IN THE WORLD.
/DR REED .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
- 5 -
DR REED SAID: “THIS CONTRACT IS THEREFORE PIONEERING A CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHICH BRINGS THE BEST AVAILABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT SKILLS INTO HONG KONG.”
HE ADDED THAT THIS CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS WOULD BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DEVELOPING.
------0----------
4TH QUARTER INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION RELEASED
***»♦»
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, AT 129, WAS 4 POINTS OR 3.0 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARES WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF 3.8 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989, 1.7 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER AND 0 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE AVERAGE GROWTH RATE FOR 1989 OVER 1988 WAS 0.8 PER CENT.
COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989, AND BEARING IN MIND THE POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL FACTORS, THE INDEX SHOWED A DECREASE OF 5 POINTS OR 3.7 PER CENT.
INDUSTRIES SHOWING THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN PRODUCTION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1988 WERE: TOBACCO (+17.6 PER CENT); BEVERAGES (+13.6 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+9.3 PER CENT); AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+8.2 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME INDUSTRIES REPORTED DECREASES IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988. AMONG THEM WERE: I.FATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER, PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR) (-19.7 PER CENT); FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (-14.8 PER CENT); WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, AND FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (EXCEPT PRIMARILY OF METAL) (-13.3 PER CENT); RUBBER PRODUCTS (-12.5 PER CENT); AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-11.2 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THAT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES RETORTED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION: TOBACCO (+12.6 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+10.3 PER CENT’; FOOD (+2.4 PER CENT); AND RUBBER PRODUCTS (+1.9 PER CENT).
/AT THE .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
6 -
AT THE SAME TIME, 13 INDUSTRIES SHOWED DECREASES IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989. AMONG THEM WERE: BEVERAGES (-19.3 PER CENT); NEWSPAPER PRINTING, JOB PRINTING AND OTHER PRINTING (-13.1 PER CENT); AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-11.2 PER CENT).
COMBINING THE INDEXES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THE INDEXES FOR THE PRECEDING THREE QUARTERS, THE INDEXES FOR 1989 AS A WHOLE COULD BE COMPUTED.
COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING INDEXES FOR THE YEAR 1988, INDUSTRIES SHOWING THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN PRODUCTION IN 1989 WERE: MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (+12.7 PER CENT); NEWSPAPER PRINTING, JOB PRINTING AND OTHER PRINTING (+10.6 PER CENT); TOBACCO (+9.3 PER CENT); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+8.0 PER CENT); AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+6.8 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, INDUSTRIES SHOWING THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE DECREASES IN PRODUCTION IN 1989 WERE: RUBBER PRODUCTS (-14.8 PER CENT); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-12.9 PER CENT); LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER, PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR) (-12.6 PER CENT); WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, AND FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (EXCEPT PRIMARILY OF METAL) (-10.5 PER CENT); AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (-10.1 PER CENT).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE CHANGES OVER TIME OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS.
IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF LOCAL PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 4TH QUARTER 1989", WHICH IS ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4832.
/INDEXES OF .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
- 7 -
indexes of industrial production by Industry ALQ.UP (1986-100)
Industry group Indexes for 4th Qtr. 1989 Percentage change over Percentage change In the Index for 1989 as a whole over the preceding year
4th Qtr. 1988 3rd Qtr. 1989
Food 128 +4.9 +2.4 +3.5
Beverages 117 +13.6 -19.3 +2.6
Tobacco 214 +17.6 +12.6 +9.3
Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 121 -4.7 0 +0.9
Textiles (Including knitting) 127 +2.4 •5.9 +5.4
Paper and paper products 198 +8.2 -7.9 +6.8
Newspaper printing, job printing and other printing 159 +3.2 -13.1 +10.6
Chemicals and chemical products 124 +5.1 -4.6 +8.0
Rubber products 105 -12.5 +1.9 -14.8
Plastic products 87 -11.2 -11.2 -12.9
Non-metalllc mineral products 122 -2.4 0 -1.7
Basic metals 131 -7.7 -3.7 -1.5
Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment 127 -14.8 -2.3 -10.1
Machinery, except electrical 166 -5.1 -9.3 +12.7
Consumer electrical and electronic products 129 -7.9 -3.0 -3.7
Electrical and electronic parts, accessories and machinery 167 -2.3 -1.2 +1.3
Professional and scientific equipment, photographic and optical goods, watches and clocks 135 -3.6 -4.3 +1.6
Leather products and footwear (except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear) 118 -19.7 0 -12.6
Wood and cork products, and furniture and fixtures (except primarily of metal) 85 -13.3 0 -10.5
Transport equipment 118 +9.3 +10.3 -0.9
Miscellaneous manufacturing Industries, not elsewhere classified 124 -0.8 -3.1 -4.7
All manufacturing industries 129 -3.0 -3.7 +0.8
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/8.........
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
I
8
CNTA TO SURVEY BEDSPACE APARTMENTS
*****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL START A SURVEY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS AND THEIR TENANTS THIS MONTH, A CNTA SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SURVEY IS AIMED AT COLLECTING MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
"OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE WELL-BEING OF BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE WANT TO OBTAIN A BETTER PICTURE OF THE OPERATION OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS AND SOME BRIEF PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE TENANTS BEFORE MAPPING OUT IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
"WE HOPE, THEREFORE, THAT ALL BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS AND TENANTS WILL CO-OPERATE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNLESS THERE WAS ADEQUATE INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT, IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO MEASURE PRECISELY THE SIZE AND EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM, NOT TO MENTION COMING UP WITH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO RESOLVE IT.
THE SURVEY WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY DISTRICT OFFICES, HE ADDED.
DURING STAGE ONE OF THE SURVEY, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL VISIT ALL THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS KNOWN TO THEM IN THE DISTRICTS. THEY WILL TRY TO FIND OUT:
* THE TOTAL NUMBER OF KNOWN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT;
* THE NATURE OF EACH APARTMENT, FOR EXAMPLE FOR COMMERCIAL USE OR FOR USE AS AN EMPLOYEE HOSTEL;
* THE CAPACITY OF EACH APARTMENT;
* THE EXISTING NUMBER OF TENANTS IN EACH APARTMENT;
* THE ESTIMATED FLOOR AREA OF EACH APARTMENT; AND
* THE MONTHLY RENTALS BEING PAID BY TENANTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMMEDIATELY AFTER STAGE ONE, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WOULD CARRY OUT A SOCIAL SURVEY OF ALL THE BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS IN THEIR DISTRICTS.
THIS WAS TO OBTAIN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INFORMATION ON THE AGE, OCCUPATION, PLACE OF WORK, MONTHLY INCOME AND MARITAL STATUS OF EACH LODGER, HE SAID.
/AS THERE .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
9
AS THERE MAY RE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS UNKNOWN TO THE DISTRICT OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS.
’’ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO GO TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN THEIR DISTRICT, OR WRITE A LETTER TO THE CNTA, TO PROVIDE THE ADDRESS,” HE ADDED.
THE CNTA HOPES TO COMPLETE STAGE ONE OF THE SURVEY BEFORE THE
END OF THIS MONTH.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRSIDE ACCESS WORKS ♦ *♦*♦**
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIRSIDE ACCESS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS FOR THE SECOND AIR CARGO TERMINAL AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-LANE CARGO ROUTE LINKING THE NEW TERMINAL WITH PARKING APRONS AND TWO COMPOSITE STEEL BRIDGES ACROSS THE KAI TAK NULIAH.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JULY THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 8.
------0-------
STUDENTS BRING GREEN TOUCH TO GARDEN ♦ ****»
STUDENTS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TODAY (SATURDAY) JOINED HANDS WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVES IN PLANTING '30 TREES IN CAINE LANE GARDEN, CAINE ROAD.
THEY WERE TAKING PART IN THE TREE PLANTING DAY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FUNCTION WAS AIMED AT INCREASING STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES TO PROVIDE GREENERY TO THE COMMUNITY.
/SPEAKING AT .......
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBR 3C LAU, SAID HE HOPED PARTICIPANTS WOULD BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH TREE PLANTING.
’’THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN PROMOTING CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HAS SPONSORED A VARIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD, IN RECENT YEARS, PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND HAD SET UP A CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
STUDENTS FROM 10 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TOOK PART IN TODAY’S EVENT. TOGETHER WITH OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ENTHUSIASTS, THEY FORMED MORE THAN 20 TEAMS TO PLANT TREES IN THE NEWLY-OPENED CAINE LANE PARK.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, URBAN COUNCILLOR MR CHAN TAK-CHOR AND A REGIONAL LEISURE MANAGER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR WOO WING-KUI.
- - 0 - -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL » ♦ ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 14), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ICE HOUSE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEDDER STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEDDER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DOUGLAS STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR GOODS VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA, ALL GOODS VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.
- - 0 - -
/Il
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 14), THE SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN SAI YUEN LANE AND WESTERN STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY FOR THREE WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, KI LING LANE AND CHUNG CHING STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED BAN ZONES FOR THREE WEEKS.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BAN ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL.
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TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY ■MAY 14), THE SECTION OF TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE WATER MAINLAYING WORKS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HENNESSY .ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 156 TO NO. 200 WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (MAY 14 AND 15) TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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/12........
SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1990
- 12 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN TO KWA WAN ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 14), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWEI CHOW STREET BETWEEN MEI KING STREET AND YUK YAT STREET IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0--------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE MAINS REPAIR WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, TOMORROW (SUNDAY) THE RIGHT TURN FROM KWAI FUK ROAD ONTO TEXACO ROAD NORTHBOUND IN TSUEN WAN, WILL BE TEMPORARILY BANNED.
MOTORISTS CAN USE TEXACO ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND THEN TURN AT TEXACO ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO TEXACO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK SITE ............................................ 1
49 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY ................................
o NEW TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED ..................................
Q INCREASING SUPPORT FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ....................................
OZP REFERRED BACK FOR AMENDMENT ...........................................
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR UK/HK JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR STUDENTS ...................... 4
NORTH DISTRICT FAIR TO HIGHLIGHT INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL .............................. 5
ESSAY COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ..............................
COMPLETION OF SALARIES TAX RETURNS ........................................
o
STANLEY PLANNING STUDY ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .............................
Q DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROBLEMS .................................
9
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI ..................................................
9 TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN ......................................
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK SITE
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A FOUR-AND-A-HALF MONTH "SPECIAL TASK FORCE SITE INSPECTION CAMPAIGN" TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN A REINFORCED EFFORT TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE INDUSTRY HAD 26,399 ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, THE LARGEST AMONG ALL TRADES, ACCORDING TO THE ACTING CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING.
"UNDER THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE PHASES, A SPECIAL TASK FORCE MADE UP OF 14 EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL GIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WITH POOR RECORDS OF ACCIDENTS AND PROSECUTIONS," MR CHAN SAID.
IN THE FIRST PHASE, THE INSPECTORS WILL MEET THE TOP MANAGEMENT OF SELECTED CONTRACTOR FIRMS TO EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-REGULATORY SAFETY PROGRAMMES AND THE GENERAL DUTIES OF PROPRIETORS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE ENACTED LAST DECEMBER.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED IN THE SECOND PHASE BY HELPING SAFETY OFFICERS AND SITE STAFF DEVELOP SAFETY PROGRAMMES AND EXPLAINING THE GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES UNDER THE NEW LAW.
"IN THE THIRD PHASE BEGINNING IN JULY, THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE WILL STEP UP ENFORCEMENT INSPECTIONS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, CONCENTRATING ON HAZARDOUS AREAS CAUSING SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS, SUCH AS PLACES LIABLE TO FALLS OF PERSONS OR MATERIALS, CAISSON WORK, UNFENCED OPENINGS AND CIRCULAR SAWS, AS WELL AS ENSURING THE WEARING OF SAFETY HELMETS," MR CHAN SAID.
"PROSECUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS," HE ADDED.
49 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY
*****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 49 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN FEBRUARY.
OF THE PLANS, 16 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 14 FOR KOWLOON AND 19 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 22 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; 13 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOUR FOR FACTORY OR WAREHOUSE PURPOSES.
/DURING THE
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
- 2 -
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 55 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 58,565.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 241,484.2 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $754 MILLION. THE USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 47,018.7 SQUARE METRES AND 77,371.5 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 25 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 13 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND FIVE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 33 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 83 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 426 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 496 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 131 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 443 BUILDINGS. NO EMERGENCY CLOSURES WERE REQUIRED.
NEW TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED
*****
MR RAYMOND YOUNG HAS BEEN APPOINTED TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED.
MR YOUNG JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1982 AND HAS SERVED IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE AS ASSISTANT PRIVATE SECRETARY.
HE HAS ALSO SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, NAMELY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE HE WAS THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1989.
MR YOUNG’S LAST POSTING WAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY (DISCIPLINE) IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.
0---------
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
3
INCREASING SUPPORT FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN GAINING INCREASING PUBLIC SUPPORT IN RECENT YEARS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN STATED THIS WHEN HE ANNOUNCED THIS YEAR'S APPROVED APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS UNDER THE COMMITTEE’S COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
"AFTER CAREFUL AND THOROUGH VETTING, THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SUB-COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED 30 APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDIES BY COMMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS FOR CARRYING OUT VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS.
"THE SUBSIDIES FOR THESE PROJECTS WILL AMOUNT TO MORE THAN $900,000, REPRESENTING A MARKED INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S $750,000 FOR 26 PROJECTS," HE NOTED.
THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, A TOTAL OF 126 APPLICATIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP HAS BEEN RECEIVED - AN INCREASE OF 77 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S 71 APPLICATIONS.
"THIS IS AN INDICATION OF INCREASING SUPPORT FOR CIVIC EDUCATION BY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE 30 PROJECTS BEING GRANTED SPONSORSHIP HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY PLANNED WITH THE MAIN AIM OF SPREADING CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES.
THE PROJECTS RANGE FROM AWARD SCHEMES, SEMINARS, FILM SHOWS, DRAMAS TO EXHIBITIONS, AND THEIR CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, RULE OF I AW, DIRECT ELECTION, PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
- - 0 - -
OZP REFERRED BACK FOR AMENDMENT ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS REFERRED THE DRAFT PLAN FOR KWUN TONG TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND AMENDMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THIS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS NOT YET READY FOR APPROVAL BECAUSE FURTHER AMENDMENTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
/THESE AMENDMENTS
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
4
THESE AMENDMENTS WILL INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF THE PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA ALONG THE KWUN TONG WATERFRONT, AND THE INCORPORATION OF NEW PLANNING PROPOSALS TO UPGRADE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION IN THE METROPLAN STUDY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN WOULD BE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR UK/HK JOINT FUNDING
*******
SCHEME FOR STUDENTS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR THE 1990-91 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE OPEN TO APPLICATION FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME WAS JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE HONG KONG AND UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENTS TO HELP NEEDY HONG KONG. STUDENTS MEET THE HIGHER TUITION FEES CHARGED TO OVERSEAS STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"IT IS OPEN TO HONG KONG STUDENTS PURSUING FULL-TIME FIRST DEGREE OR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES AT UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND COLLEGES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, SUBJECT TO THEIR HAVING RESIDED CONTINUOUSLY OR BEEN DOMICILED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST' SEVEN YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO COURSE COMMENCEMENT," HE SAID.
"THE SCHEME IS MEANS-TESTED AND THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TUITION FEES PAYABLE BY AN OVERSEAS STUDENT AND A BRITISH HOME STUDENT ATTENDING THE SAME COURSE.
"THE BRITISH HOME STUDENT FEE WILL BE INCREASED TO 1,675 POUND STERLING A YEAR IN 1990-91. HOWEVER, HAVING CONSIDERED THE NEED OF HONG KONG STUDENTS, IT IS DECIDED THAT A NOTIONAL ’HOME’ FEE OF 637 POUND STERLING WILL BE ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN 1990-91."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD BE IN THE FORM OF GRANTS.
"HOWEVER, IF THE TOTAL REQUIREMENT EXCEEDS THE JOINT CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, THEN EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT’S SHARE OF GRANT WOULD BE PROPORTIONATELY REDUCED, WITH THE BALANCE MADE UP BY A LOAN SOLELY FINANCED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"WITH EFFECT .......
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
- 5
’’WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1990-91 ACADEMIC YEAR, AN INTEREST ON THE LOAN BORROWED BY APPLICANTS SHALL BE CHARGEABLE AT THE RATE OF 2.5 PER CENT A YEAR, CALCULATED FROM THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE LOAN REPAYMENT PERIOD.”
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS TO BRING WITH THEM DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THEIR HAVING BEEN ACCEPTED BY AN INSTITUTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ONE OF THE COURSES COVERED BY THE SCHEME. PROOF OF CONDITIONAL OFFER WILL BE ACCEPTABLE. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 867 3547.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY HAND TO THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION. THE CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS ARE JULY 2, 1990 FOR ON-COURSE STUDENTS AND OCTOBER 1, 1990 FOR NEW STUDENTS.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINES SPECIFIED ABOVE BUT ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 1990 MAY BE ACCEPTED BUT WILL BE PROCESSED FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOANS ONLY.
NORTH DISTRICT FAIR TO HIGHLIGHT INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL
******
A BROAD SPECTRUM OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR THREE DAYS AT A SHOW IN FANLING STARTING ON SATURDAY, MAY 26.
THESE WILL INCLUDE SPORTING GOODS, STATIONERY, GARMENTS, BEDDING, METAL WALL PAINTINGS, RATTAN FURNITURE, METAL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND FEATHER FANS, SOAPS AND HALLOWEEN MASKS.
MOST OF THEM COME FROM ON LOK TSUEN, THE MAIN INDUSTRIAL AREA IN THE FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN.
THE DISPLAY, PART OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW, WILL BE STAGED FROM MAY 26 TO 28 IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHOW’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID, ’’THE INDUSTRIAL DISPLAY AIMS AT INTRODUCING TO INDUSTRIALISTS THE GREAT POTENTIAL OF ON LOK TSUEN IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS TO GIVE LOCAL RESIDENTS A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IT CAN PROVIDE.”
QUOTING A SURVEY OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION CONDUCTED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISTRICT NEEDED TO PROVIDE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
/"OF THE .......
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
6
"OF THE TOTAL WORKING POPULATION, SOME 75.5 PER CENT HAVE JOBS OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD RATHER WORK IN THE DISTRICT TO MINIMISE TRAVELLING TIME AND EXPENSES,” HE SAID.
"AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF WORKERS, CLOSE PROXMITY TO THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AND GOOD TRANSPORT PROVIDED BY THE CROSS-BORDER LINKS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD ARE FAVOURABLE FACTORS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ON LOK TSUEN.”
HE HOPED THAT THE SHOW WOULD HELP ATTRACT MANUFACTURERS TO INVEST IN THE AREA.
OVER 30 MANUFACTURERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE SHOW. EMPHASIS WILL BE PUT ON THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES SUCH AS HOT DIPPED GALVANISING, THE MAKING OF PAPER, FOAM POLYESTER, VERMICELLI, SOAPS, DOOR LOCKS, ELECTRIC TOOTH-BRUSHES, AND LAUNDERING AND DYEING.
TO HELP JOB-SEEKERS ON THE SPOT, A STALL WILL BE ERECTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, WHILE LARGE BUSINESS FIRMS WILL SEEK TO RECRUIT PERSONNEL AT THE EXHIBITION GROUND.
STALLS WILL ALSO BE SET UP TO DISPLAY THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG CONSUMER COUNCIL.
THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW, WITH A BUDGET OF MORE THAN $500,000, IS SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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ESSAY COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS ORGANISING AN ESSAY COMPETITION TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW.
THE COMPETITION IS ONE OF THE COMMITTEE’S ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.
DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS - PRIMARY, JUNIOR SECONDARY, SENIOR SECONDARY AND OPEN, THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE DISTRICT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS JUNE 13.
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/7........
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
7
COMPLETION OF SALARIES TAX RETURNS
*****
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED COUPLES EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR REQUIRES TAXPAYERS TO REPORT ONLY HIS OR HER OWN EMPLOYMENT INCOME.
"SALARIES TAX RETURNS FOR 1989-90 FINAL ASSESSMENT AND 1990-91 PROVISIONAL PAYMENT WERE ISSUED ON MAY 1.
"FOR MARRIED TAXPAYERS, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO STATE IN PART F OF THE RETURN WHETHER THEIR SPOUSES HAVE ANY EMPLOYMENT INCOME DURING THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1990," A SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID TO CLAIM CHILD ALLOWANCE, A MARRIED COUPLE WHO ARE BOTH EMPLOYED MUST NOMINATE WHICH OF THEM IS TO CLAIM THEIR TOTAL ENTITLEMENT TO CHILD ALLOWANCE.
"THE NOMINATION IS VALID FOR THE CURRENT YEAR ONLY AND THEY MAY MAKE A DIFFERENT NOMINATION IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS."
THE FOLLOWING TABLE EXHIBITS THE ALLOWANCES AND TAX RATES APPLICABLE FOR COMPUTING SALARIES TAX ON INCOME EARNED DURING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1989 TO MARCH 31, 1990:
I. ALLOWANCES
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1989-90
$
BASIC ALLOWANCE
PRESCRIBED AMOUNT 32,000
ADDITIONAL AMOUNT (SUBJECT TO 10 PER CENT 7,000
CLAWBACK)
MARRIED PERSON'S ALLOWANCE
PRESCRIBED AMOUNT 66,000
ADDITIONAL AMOUNT (SUBJECT TO 10 PER CENT 14,000
CLAWBACK)
CHILD ALLOWANCE
FOR THE 1ST CHILD 13,000
FOR THE 2ND CHILD 9,000
FOR THE 3RD CHILD 3,000
FOR EACH OF THE 4TH TO 6TH CHILD 2,000
FOR EACH OF THE 7TH TO 9TH CHILD 1,000
/DEPENDENT PARENT .......
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
8
DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE
PRESCRIBED AMOUNT FOR LACH QUALIFIED PARENT
ADDITIONAL AMOUNT FOR EACH QUALIFIED PARENT
SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCE
11,000
3,000
20,000
II. PROGRESSIVE RATE OF TAX*
ON THE FIRST $10,000
ON THE NEXT $10,000
ON THE REMAINDER
3%
6%
9%
12% 15% 18% 21% 25%
♦ TAX CHARGED SHALL NOT EXCEED THE STANDARD RATE OF 15 PER CENT APPLIED TO THE NET TOTAL INCOME WITHOUT ALLOWANCES.
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STANLEY PLANNING STUDY ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ’’STANLEY PLANNING STUDY STAGE II” AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PLANNING, TRANSPORT, HOUSING AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF PROGRESS REPORTS ON HIGHWAYS, ENGINEERING, BUILDING, PUBLIC HOUSING AND URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS BEING PLANNED FOR, OR IMPLEMENTED IN, THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/9 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1990
- 9 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAINAGE PROBLEMS ♦ ♦»*♦♦
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DETERIORATING DRAINS ALONG PRIVATE LANES AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 15).
AN ENGINEER FROM THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND A BUILDING SURVEYOR FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE MORE LEISURE AND RESTING PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY (MAY 15) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI * * ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY J 5) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES AT SHEK TSAI LENG, DILL’S CORNER CAMP, TUNG FONG, TONG KOK, FUNG KONG, MA TSO LUNG SAN TSUEN, HO SHEUNG HEUNG, TSUNG YUEN, LO WU CAMP AND KWU TUNG.
- - . _ o----
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM TUESDAY (MAY 15) TO FRIDAY (MAY 18), THE SLOW AND CENTRE LANES OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN WAN ROAD SECTION BETWEEN KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TEXACO INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM EACH DAY TO 5 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MARKING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JAN-MAR UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED ........................ 1
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF KIDNEY DONATION .................... 2
APPOINTMENTS TO SFC AND SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL ............... 4
DISTRICT OFFICE WORKS CLOSELY WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ..................... 4
REVIEW ON TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES ............................ 5
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COMMENDATION ................................. 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EXPENDITURE FORECAST ............................... 6
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LAYOUT PLAN .............................. 7
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT .......................... 7
KEEP CLEAN ACTIVITIES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................... 8
Q WATER STORAGE FIGURE .......................................................
CONVERSION OF METERED PARKING SPACES IN WAN CHAI ........................... 8
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
JAN-MAR UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED
*******
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ROSE WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY - MARCH 1990.
THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET WAS BECOME LESS TIGHT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1990 WAS 1.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.3 PER CENT FOR BOTH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1989 AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASES OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JANUARY - MARCH 1990 WAS ESTIMATED AT 46,300, COMPARED WITH 35,800 IN BOTH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1989 AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1989.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1990 WAS 0.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 0.8 PER CENT FOR BOTH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1989 AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASES OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN JANUARY -MARCH 1990 WAS 18,300, COMPARED WITH 22,800 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1989 AND 21,300 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1989.
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 .......
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
- 2 -
THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1990 WAS 1.7 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.
THE SURVEY FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1990 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND JUNE 20 AT $11.50 PER COPY.
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CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF KIDNEY DONATION «»»**»
A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION AND DONATION.
THE CAMPAIGN’S SLOGAN IS, "GIVE HOPE -- GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE", THROUGH KIDNEY DONATION.
THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN THROUGH TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST (API), LEAFLETS AND POSTERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A 30-SECOND API ON KIDNEY DONATION WILL BE SHOWN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH CHANNELS OF THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS.
A RADIO API WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST FROM TOMORROW.
/"WE HOPE ........
MONDAY, MAY 14, 19
- 3 -
"WE HOPE THE TV AND RADIO API’S WILL HELP ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF KIDNEY DONATION AND PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT BY DONATING, WE ARE GIVING NEW LIFE TO OTHERS.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN GET A LEAFLET ON ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION FROM THE NEAREST PUBLIC HOSPITAL OR GOVERNMENT CLINIC IF THEY WANT TO OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ON KIDNEY TRANSPLANT AND DONATION."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THOSE WHO WANT TO SIGN UP TO INDICATE THEIR WISH TO DONATE THEIR KIDNEYS AFTER THEY HAVE PASSED AWAY CAN OBTAIN A KIDNEY DONATION CARD FROM THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
- DISTRICT OFFICES;
- CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (SEVENTH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI);
- LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT;
- IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES;
- HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE: DONOR CENTRES; AND
- ENQUIRY OFFICES OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
"AFTER THEY HAVE SIGNED UP, THEY SHOULD CARRY THE DONATION CARD WITH THEM ALL THE TIME SO THAT THEIR WISH WOULD BE KNOWN AND FOLLOWED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ACCORDING TO HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STATISTICS, ABOUT 1,000 PATIENTS ARE CURRENTLY ON DIALYSIS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, AND MOST OF THEM ARE SUITABLE FOR TRANSPLANT.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE TWO SOURCES OF DONORS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG: LIVING DONORS, WHO ARE CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE PATIENTS, AND CADAVERS.
"IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE NUMBER OF KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS CARRIED OUT IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WAS STEADY AT AROUND 40 TO.50 EACH YEAR. OF THE 46 TRANSPLANTS LAST YEAR, ONLY 24 WERE CADAVERIC KIDNEYS, AND THE REST CAME FROM THE PATIEN' S’ LIVING RELATIVES WHO WERE WILLING TO DONATE A HEALTHY K:DNEY-
"THIS SITUATION IS FAR FROM SATISFACTORY. IN FACT, MANY MORE LIVES COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED IP T-'E F.'.MTI i ES OF THOSE WHO DIED IN ACCIDENTS OR WHO DIED OF SUDDEN ILLNESS WERE WILLING TO DONATE AND GIVE NEW LIFE TO THOSE IN NEED.
I
"FOR EXAMPLE, A TOTAL OF 338 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, AND SOM!- ,£SE PEOPLE WERE POTENTIAL DONORS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE HOPED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF KIDNEY DONATION AMONG THEMSELVES AND WITH THEIR FAMILIES SO THAT A QUICK DECISION COULD BE MADE WHEN A DEATH OCCURRED.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, MAY 14,
1990
APPOINTMENTS TO SFC AND SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL
********
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR DAVID GLEDHILL TO SUCCEED MR FRANK FRAME, AND MR LEE HON-CHIU TO SUCCEED MR THOMAS CHEN TSENG-TAO AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, AND IN ADDITION, AS MEMBERS OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL, FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
THE APPOINTMENT OF MR GLEDHILL WILL COMMENCE ON JUNE 1 AND MR LEE ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
"THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED MR THOMAS CHEN TSENG-TAO TO THE COMMISSION AND THE PANEL FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM MAY 1 TO JULY 31 THIS YEAR," SIR PIERS SAID.
"AT THE TIME OF MR CHEN’S ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT HE HAD INDICATED THAT HE WAS EXPECTING TO RETIRE FROM ACTIVE BUSINESS IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME BUT HIS PLANS HAVE BEEN DELAYED AND I AM PLEASED THAT HE HAS AGREED TO CONTINUE TO SERVE ON THE COMMISSION FOR A FURTHER FEW MONTHS," HE SAID.
"I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO MR FRAME FOR HIS SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVOURS," HE ADDED.
MR DAVID GLEDHILL, AGED 55, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SWIRE GROUP IN HONG KONG. HE HAS BEEN A RESIDENT OF HONG KONG SINCE 1958.
MR LEE HON-CHIU, AGED 61, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HYSAN DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
- - 0 - -
DISTRICT OFFICE WORKS CLOSELY WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
******
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN DOING A GOOD JOB IN BUILDING A CARING COMMUNITY AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) DURING A VISIT TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB.
THE VISIT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF COURTESY CALLS THAT MR BARCLAY, WHO TOOK OFFICE LAST MONTH, IS MAILING ON LOCAL BODIES.
"THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO toRGE CLOSER TIES BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
THE 35-YEAR-OLD EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB OPERATES A DAY NURSERY FOR 100 CHILDREN IN NORTH POINT, AND A HOSTEL AND A RECREATION CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHEUNG SHUI.
/IT ALSO
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
- 5 -
IT ALSO RUNS VARIOUS KINDS OF VOCATIONAL CLASSES AND ORGANISES COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS. *
MR BARCLAY WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE CLUB IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES TO THE SHAO KEI WAN FOOTHILLS WHERE A HOME AND CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNIT FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE SET UP, AND BE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1993-94.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CLUB CHAIRMAN, MS CHRISTINA TING, AND THE PRESIDENT, MRS LEUNG WONG CHUI-MEI, MR BARCLAY TOURED THE CLUB PREMISES AND SAW CHILDREN LEARNING AND PLAYING AT THE NURSERY.
IN THE COMING WEEKS, MR BARCLAY WILL ALSO VISIT VARIOUS KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, THE HONG KONG ENDF.AVOURERS, THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG CHAI WAN AREA SOCIETIES.
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REVIEW ON TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES ******
THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD AMONG THE 110 TOP BEST-SELLING CIGARETTES IN HONG KONG HAS INCREASED BY 0.2 MG/CIGARETTE TO 15 MG/CIGARETTE COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE OF 14.8 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE LAST ANALYSIS, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES RELEASED BY GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE NICOTINE YIELD OF CIGARETTES HAS DECREASED BY 1.68 PER CENT FROM 1.29 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE LAST ANALYSTS TO 1.27 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE CURRENT SURVEY.
"DESPITE SLIGHT VARIATIONS IN THE AVERAGE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS WHICH ARE PROBABLY DUE TO THE INCLUSION OF SOME BRANDS NOT COVERED IN THE PREVIOUS TEST, THE PRESENT SURVEY HAS NOT SHOWN ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE FROM THE POSITION SIX MONTHS AGO," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AS IN PREVIOUS SURVEYS, NO HIGH TAR CIGARETTES WERE FOUND IN THIS TEST PROGRAMME AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRANDS OF VARIOUS TAR GROUPS BETWEEN THE CURRENT AND PREVIOUS SURVEYS REMAINS VERY MUCH THE SAME," HE ADDED.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACHIEVE PROGRESSIVE TAR AND NICOTINE REDUCTIONS IN CIGARETTES BECAUSE THESE SUBSTANCES ARE HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH. LEGISLATION TO IMPOSE AN UPPER LIMIT ON THE TAR AND/OR NICOTINE CONTENT OF CIGARETTES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
"THE TAR GROUP DESIGNATIONS WILL ALSO BE RESTRUCTURED TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE UK PRACTICE. THUS, CIGARETTES WITH A TAR CONTENT OF 18 MG AND ABOVE WILL BE DESIGNATED IN THE HIGH TAR GROUP (AT PRESENT 29 MG AND ABOVE),’’ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A FULL REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINDINGS ON TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST EDITION OF "CHOICE" MAGAZINE.
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/6 ........
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
6
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COMMENDATION
******
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, TODAY (MONDAY) RECEIVED A PLAQUE IN RECOGNITION OF THE EFFORTS OF HIS OFFICERS IN COMBATING A TWELVE MILLION DOLLAR COUNTERFEIT CANNED GINSENG RACKET.
IN MARCH AND APRIL, A TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION WAS MOUNTED BY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BRANCH AND A SYNDICATE INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTING COUNTERFEIT CANNED GINSENG BEARING FORGED TRADE MARKS SMASHED.
IN THE OPERATION, WHICH FOLLOWED THREE MONTHS OF INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION, 130 OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WERE MOBILISED. TWO MANUFACTURING AND STORAGE SITES, PLUS 117 RETAIL OUTLETS, WERE RAIDED AND 2,457 CANS OF THE COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT SEIZED.
SIX MEN AND A WOMAN, INCLUDING THE ALLEGED MASTERMIND OF THE GANG, AND ALL THE KEY FIGURES IN THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK WERE ARRESTED.
IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE "EXEMPLARY EFFORT" OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF HIS TRADEMARK, AS WELL AS THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS, MR HONG DOO-PYO, PRESIDENT OF THE KOREA TOBACCO AND GINSENG CORPORATION, PAID A SPECIAL VISIT FROM KOREA TO PRESENT THE PLAQUE TO MR WILLIAMSON AND EXPRESS HIS GRATITUDE.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EXPENDITURE FORECAST
******
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PRINTING A TERM REPORT.
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD FOR 1989-90 AND A FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1990-91 WILL BE TABLED.
ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM WILL BE A REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PUBLIC RELATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/7......
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
7
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LAYOUT PLAN
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE KAU HUI LAYOUT PLAN AT A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 16).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN FAIRVIEW PARK.
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 ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 16) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON CLEARANCE OF BACK LANE STRUCTURES BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A REPORT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ON THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, IOTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/8 ........
MONDAY, MAY 14, 1990
8
KEEP CLEAN ACTIVITIES ON f)B COMMITTEE AGENDA *******
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INCLUDING PUTTING UP VILLAGE NAME PLATES, CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA IN LUNG YEUK TAU, FANLING, AND ROAD WORKS IN ON PO VILLAGE, SHEUNG SHU1 .
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON VILLAGE LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS AND SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 41.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 241.731 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 228.091 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 38.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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CONVERSION OF METERED PARKING SPACES IN WAN CHAI
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 16), THE EXISTING TWO-HOUR METERED PARKING SPACES NOS. 14O7AB, 1408AB AND 1409AB ON LEE TUNG STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CONVERTED TO HALF-HOUR METERED PARKING SPACES.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ......................................... 1
EXCO CLEARS THE WAY FOR HELIPAD LEASE ........................................
LADY WILSON VISITS YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE.............................................. 3
EDUCATION IMPORTANT TO DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ................................. 4
10 QUESTIONS, 12 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA .......................................
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ...................................
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ............................
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ON SATURDAY . .................................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ..........................................
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*******
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR EXPERIENCED A LOWER LEVEL OF BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT EXPECT AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, ACCORDING TO THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE COMPARISONS ARE, HOWEVER, LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. THE FIRST QUARTER OF A YEAR IS USUALLY A SEASONAL LOW PERIOD WHILE THE THIRD QUARTER AND THE FOURTH QUARTER ARE USUALLY MORE ACTIVE PERIODS AS FAR AS MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IS CONCERNED.
FIRMS IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTICS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES, EXPERIENCED A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990.
AS REGARDS THE BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE PLASTICS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES INDUSTRIES, EXPECT AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND THEY ANTICIPATE A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.
FOR THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR, WHILE HOTELS EXPERIENCED A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, OTHER FIRMS RECORDED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
REGARDING THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, WHILE RESTAURANTS ANTICIPATE A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS, OTHER FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR EXPECT AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
IN THE OTHER SERVICES SECTOR, FIRMS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES EXPERIENCED A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WHEREAS BANKS AND FIRMS IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES HAD A STABLE BUSINESS.
REGARDING BUSINESS PROSPECT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, WHILE FIRMS IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES EXPECT A STABLE BUSINESS, OTHER FIRMS TN THIS SECTOR ANTICIPATE AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
ABOUT 1,000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY. THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS THEY FACED.
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEMS OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS OR CONTRACTS, PRICE COMPETITION FROM OTHER FIRMS IN HONG KONG, HIGH WAGE RATES AND SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS OR CONTRACTS IS EXPECTED TO EASE OFF IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
/IN THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
2 -
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, FIRMS HAD THE PROBLEMS OF SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR, HIGH WAGE RATES AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS IN HONG KONG IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THIS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF FIRMS IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR AND OTHER SERVICES SECTOR CITED SHORTAGE OF STAFF GENERALLY AND HIGH (STAFF TURNOVER AS MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
PRICE COMPETITION WAS ALSO GENERALLY CITED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM BY FIRMS IN THESE SECTORS EXCEPT FOR THOSE IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES INDUSTRY.
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE PROBLEMS, HOTELS HAD THE PROBLEMS OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND HIGH STAFF COSTS WHILE BANKS HAD THE PROBLEMS OF SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED STAFF AND HIGH STAFF COSTS.
THESE SITUATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD IMPROVED, REMAINED THE SAME OR DETERIORATED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE, REMAIN THE SAME OR DETERIORATE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990.
THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. MOREOVER, THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS, AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUP.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $5.50 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4779.
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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
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EXCO CLEARS THE WAY FOR HELIPAD LEASE * * * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS CLEARED THE WAY TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE HELIPAD AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL TO BE LEASED BY WAY OF A FIVE-YEAR SHORT TERM TENANCY TO SHUN TAK ENTERPRISES CORPORATION LTD (STE) .
THE TENANCY WILL CONTAIN A SERIES OF STRICT CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE WAY IN WHICH THE HELIPAD WILL BE OPERATED.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, HONG KONG WEST WILL GRANT THE TENANCY SHORTLY, ONCE ITS DRAFTING HAS BEEN FINALISED.
THE HELIPAD, BUILT ON THE ROOF OF THE INNER PIER AT THE FERRY TERMINAL, IS AN ELEVATED PLATFORM WHICH IS CAPABLE OF BEING RAISED AND LOWERED HYDRAULICALLY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’UNDER STE’S MANAGEMENT, IT WILL BE OPEN TO USE BY ANY HELICOPTER OPERATOR, SUBJECT TO THAT OPERATOR COMPLYING WITH A SERIES OF CONDITIONS COVERING SUCH MATTERS AS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES,” HE SAID.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT A MACAU REGISTERED OPERATOR, EAST ASIA AIRLINES, INTENDS TO INAUGURATE A HONG KONG/MACAU HELICOPTER SERVICE FROM THE HELIPAD ONCE IT HAS COMPLETED ALL NECESSARY PROCEDURES.
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LADY WILSON VISITS YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE
*****
LADY WILSON VISITED THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE AT LO WAI, TSUEN WAN, THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON AND WAS BRIEFED ON ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1953, THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE HAS BECOME A FOCAL POINT FOR Till WORSHIP OF A RELIGION WHICH COMBINES THE TEACHINGS OF CONFUCIANISM, BUDDHISM AND TAOISM.
THE INSTITUTE HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO CHARITY AND WELFARE SERVICES.
LADY WILSON WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MR ADOLF HSU, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER MR RAYMOND YOUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE INSTITUTE, SHE WAS MET BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR TONG KWOK-WAH, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THE PARTY BEGAN THE TOUR BY VISITING THE "TAI DIN”, THE MAIN TEMPLE; THE ’’YUEN SUN DIN”, THE TEMPLE OF THE 60 PATRON SAINTS; AND THE AUDITORIUM, WHICH HOUSES VARIOUS ANTIQUES.
/LADY WILSON .......
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
LADY WILSON WAS TOLD THAT THE INSTITUTE IS PLANNING A 18,000-SQUARE-METRE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT THE HILL SLOPES OF LO WAI FOR A RELIGIOUS COMPLEX WHICH WOULD COMPRISE A MUSEUM, A LIBRARY AND SEVERAL TEMPLES.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE YUEN YUEN HOME FOR THE AGED IN THE VICINITY, WHERE LADY WILSON WATCHED SOME CLASSES OF HANDICRAFT AND CALLIGRAPHY.
THIS HOME, ESTABLISHED BY THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE 15 YEARS AGO, CAN ACCOMMODATE 120 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
WITH THE GROWING DEMAND FOR CARE AND ATTENTION SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE INSTITUTE HAS FURTHER PLANS TO BUILD A NEW CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED.
LADY WILSON WAS TOLD THAT THE SITE FORMATION OF THE $31 MILLION PROJECT HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED, AND THAT, UPON COMPLETION OF THE NEW HOME NEXT YEAR, AN ADDITIONAL 150 PLACES WOULD BE AVAILABLE AND SERVICES FOR THE AGED FURTHER IMPROVED.
-------------------------0------- EDUCATION IMPORTANT TO DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE
EDUCATION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE VALUABLE RESOURCES OF SOCIETY, A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS MIRIAM LAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING IN HER CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST COMMITTEE AT A BURSARY CERTIFICATES PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MRS LAU SAID BRAIN DRAIN WAS A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS BECOMING MORE ACUTE IN RECENT YEARS.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE THE BEST TO MAKE PEOPLE STAY AND TO ACTIVELY TRAIN UP THOSE WITH POTENTIALS.
"AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPANDING AND IMPROVING BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION, AND IS INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN TERTIARY EDUCATION," SHE NOTED.
MRS LAU SAID THE SETTING UP OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST NOT ONLY HELPED RELIEVE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF PARENTS BUT ALSO ENCOURAGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK HARD IN THEIR STUDIES AND CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG.
THE EDUCATION TRUST WAS SET UP IN 1983 WITH A DONATION FROM MR WILLIAM MONG TO PROVI DE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE CHILDREN OF ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND EQUIVALENT GRADES TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION.
/SPEAKING AS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
- 5 -
SPEAKING AS THE TRUSTEE OP THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR MR AND MRS MONG FOR THEIR BENEVOLENT SUPPORT.
EDUCATION TRUST, THE
CHAN WA-SHEK, THANKED
HE ALSO THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY BOARD, SIR OSWALD CHEUNG, AND BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR SOUND ADVICE ON INVESTMENT AND WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENT OF MRS LAU AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION TRUST.
FIFTEEN STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED BURSARY CERTIFICATES AND CHEQUES FROM MRS MONG TODAY.
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10 QUESTIONS, 12 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER 12 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE BILLS IS THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990, WHICH IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
SECOND READING DEBATES WILL BE RESUMED ON THE OTHER NINE GOVERNMENT BILLS AND EACH IS LATER DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THE BILLS ARE THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989 AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES BILL 1990.
TWO PRIVATE BILLS WILL BE BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
THE DAO HENG BANK LIMITED BILL 1990 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, AND DEBATE WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE DEN NORSKE BANK BILL 1990 WILL RESUME, AND WHEN IT IS COMPLETED THE BILL IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS, UNDER THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, WILL TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.
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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
******
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE 79 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TOTALLING $947,000 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN Hl ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT *******
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ENV1RONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1990-91 AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 17).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER HOLDING AN ’’ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS FROM ME” FUNCTION ON JUNE 5 IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO SEWERS IN PRIVATE STREETS, PROVISION OF SHELTERS IN SITTING-OUT AREAS, REPLACEMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S NOTICE BOARDS AND FUNDING A "KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN DAY” FILM SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY (MAY 17) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ON SATURDAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL
VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 19) AT THE CITY HALL
RECITAL HALL. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
BIDDING. THEY ARE •
EE 899 CR 8 AA 338 EE 1668
CC 314 EE 7388 EF 205 EG 789
EH 707 EF 330 EE 8878 EE 621
EF 215 EE 8628 167 EE 2817
AW 26 DS 21 EE 950 EE 456
EE 816 EF 786 EE 6668 EE 8555
EH 1234 EE 1228 EE 817 EF 110
EF 730 EF 156 EE 9 EF 1068
AA 192 BB 109 EE 1733 EF 448
EF 288 CK 6688 EF 638 EF 788
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 150TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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/8........
8
TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1990
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT
* » * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 17), THE EXISTING 24-HOUR BAN ZONE FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT BUSES, THOSE WITH PERMITS AND THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS, ON THE SECTION OF KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO MAN HONG STREET, WILL BE CANCELLED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF TIN CHIU STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
THE EXISTING RESTRICTED AREA FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TIN CHIU STREET, WILL BE CANCELLED:
- THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE FROM A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MARBLE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
- THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANI? FROM A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MARBLE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
EFFECT GIVEN TO COMMISSION'S MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ............................. 1
BILL IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL TREND, LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ...................... 3
UNWISE TO LOWER AGE OF MAJORITY ............................................... 4
AGE LIMIT CHANGE BEARS GREAT IMPLICATIONS ..................................... 5
CALL TO ACKNOWLEDGE CHANGING TIMES ............................................ 6
LOWERING THE AGE OF MAJORITY OPPOSED........................................... 6
YOUNG PEOPLE NOW MORE EDUCATED AND SOPHISTICATED............................... 7
18-YEAR-OLDS ARE MATURE ENOUGH ................................................ 8
MEASURE WILL PROVIDE HELP FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES ............................... 9
CIVIL SERVICE PENSION INCREASE APPROVED ...................................... 10
LEGISLATION GIVEN NEW NUMBER ................................................. 11
PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER EXPLAINED ........................ 11
UNLEADED PETROL UPGRADING POSES NO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ...................... 12
CLOSE CO-OPERATION IN TRAINING AMBULANCEMEN .................................. 13
FEE-CHARGING POLICY ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTERS ............................... 14
FORMATION OF CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY ENCOURAGED ............................... 15
NO INTENTION TO EXTEND HA PACKAGE TO SUBVENTED SECTORS ....................... 16
SUPPLY OF GRADUATES EXPECTED TO BE ADEQUATE .................................. 16
ACCOUNT OF MAY 3 MARINE INCIDENT GIVEN ....................................... 17
MEASURES FOR TACKLING WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY HEAVY METALS ................. 19
UNIFICATION A LONGER-TERM QUESTION ........................................... 22
BILL ON LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE PASSED........................................... 23
PROVISION OF POST OFFICES TO KEEP PACE WITH DEVELOPMENT......................... 24
STATISTICS ON TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE .................... 24
GOVT REPLY TO UNHCR ON SEARCH AT WHITEHEAD...................................... 26
KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ....................... 28
FIRST TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ........................................ 28
/AIDS EXHIBITION
9
AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN ....................................................... 29
TENDERS INVITED FOR KWAI CHUNG SITE............................................... 30
ACAF MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED......................................................... 31
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY ................................... 31
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHEUNG SHUI ................................................... 32
ROAD CLOSURE IN TSUEN WAN ........................................................ 32
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG.................................................... 32
WEDNESDAY, MAY If!, 1990
1
EFFECT GIVEN TO COMMISSION’S MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS
******
THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989, WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), GIVES EFFECT TO THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF A LAW REFORM COMMISSION REPORT PUBLISHED IN 1986.
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THE COMMISSION’S REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON ATTAINED FULL LEGAL CAPACITY SHOULD, FOR MOST PURPOSES, BE REDUCED FROM 21 TO 18.
"THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION ATTAINED IN HONG KONG, THE ATTITUDE OF ITS PEOPLE TO WORK AND TO EARNING ONE’S LIVING, THE NATURAL ASPIRATION TO OWN PROPERTY AND TO GO INTO BUSINESS, IN SHORT THE WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF NORMAL ADULT LIFE INDICATED TO THE COMMISSION THAT THE ARBITRARY AGE OF 21 WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"IN MEETING THAT RECOMMENDATION THIS BILL REMOVES SOME OF THE IMPEDIMENTS WHICH PROHIBIT MINORS FROM ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND CONSEQUENTLY EFFECTS CHANGES TO THE LAW RELATING TO CONTRACTS, WILLS AND COMPANIES," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT OTHER LEGISLATIVE CHANGES WHICH WOULD BE NECESSARY TO OTHER AREAS OF THE LAW BECAUSE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF DISPARATE SUBJECTS.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE AGE AT WHICH PERSONS SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE AND STAND FOR ELECTION, MR MATHEWS SAID THE COMMISSION’S REPORT MADE NO RECOMMENDATION IN THIS REGARD, TAKING THE VIEW THAT THIS ASPECT WAS OUTSIDE ITS REMIT.
"THE QUESTION HAS NEVERTHELESS BEEN GIVEN THOROUGH CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
■ "AS MEMBERS WILL RECALL, ON MARCH 21 THIS YEAR THE CHIEF SECRETARY MADE A STATEMENT IN THIS COUNCIL ON THIS ISSUE.
"HE RECOGNISED THAT THE ARGUMENTS WERE FINELY BALANCED, ADDRESSED MEMBERS AS TO THE COMPETING CONSIDERATIONS, AND INFORMED THEM THAT IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES THE ADMINISTRATION HAD DECIDED THAT THE VOTING AGE SHOULD, FOR THE PRESENT, STAY AT 21, BUT THAT CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO LOWERING THE VOTING AGE TO 18 IN 1995," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
MR MATHEWS SAID THERE HAD BEEN SOME MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE BILL.
HE SAID THAT 18-YEAR-OLD COMPANY DIRECTORS OR TRUSTEES WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO VOTE IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
/"PART III .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
2 -
"PART III OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE DEALS WITH THE ELECTORAL FRANCHISE IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
"PUTTING IT SIMPLY, ONE IS ENTITLED TO VOTE IN A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ONLY IF ONE IS REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR AND IN ORDER TO BE REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR FOR A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, ONE MUST FIRST OF ALL BE REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.
"SECTION 9 OF THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE PROHIBITS PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS FROM REGISTERING AS AN ELECTOR IN ANY REGISTER," HE EXPLAINED.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION THAT 18 SHOULD BE THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON COULD MARRY WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.
HOWEVER, THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION DID RECOMMEND THAT CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP ORDERS SHOULD CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT AT 18.
"THE RESULT OF THIS WOULD BE THE IMPLIED PARTIAL REPEAL OF THE INHERENT JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT TO HEAR APPLICATIONS FROM MINORS FOR CONSENT TO MARRY WHERE SUCH CONSENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
"IT WAS DECIDED, THEREFORE, THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PROVISION WHICH WOULD ENABLE ANY PERSON OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE, WHICH IS 16, WHO REQUIRES THE CONSENT OF A PARENT OR A GUARDIAN TO MARRY, TO APPLY TO A COURT FOR PERMISSION TO MARRY IF CONSENT IS WITHHELD," MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE MARRIAGE ORDINANCE WOULD ENABLE A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE TO HEAR IN CHAMBERS AN APPLICATION FOR CONSENT TO MARRY BY ANY PERSON OTHER THAN A WARD OF COURT WHO NEEDED THE CONSENT OF ANY OTHER PERSON TO MARRY.
HE EXPLAINED THAT WARDS OF COURT, BECAUSE OF THEIR LEGAL STATUS, ALWAYS REQUIRED THE CONSENT OF A HIGH COURT JUDGE TO CONTRACT A MARRIAGE.
THE BILL WILL BECOME LAW AS THE AGE OF MAJORITY (RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE 1990.
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/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
3
BILL IN LINE WITH 1N.ERNATIONAL TREND, LOCAL DEVELOPMENT *****
THE LAW REEORM (LEGAL EFFECT OF AGE) BILL 1989, IF PASSED, WILL BE A MAJOR STE1 'ORWARD IN RECOGNISING AND AFFIRMING THE ABILITY AND MATURITY OF . )UI PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, ACCORDING TO THE HON ROSANNA TAM, CON ;F OF THE AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL.
SPEAKING 'N SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS TAM SAID THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL WAS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL TREND AS WELL AS THE TERRITORY’S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
SINCE HO ! KONG WAS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY AND ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST H RTANT FINANCIAL CENTRES, AND SINCE ITS DEVELOPMENT ANU ACHIEVEMENTS WERE COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, MRS TAM BELIEVED THAT IT WAS ONLY PROPER FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH MORE RESPONSIBILITIES.
SHE NOTED THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WERE ATTAINING MATURITY AND ENJOYING VARIOUS DEGREES OF SOCIAL FREEDOM AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AT A MUCH EARLIER AGE NOWADAYS.
MRS TAM STRESSED THAT AS FAR AS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL AWARENESS WAS CONCERNED, HONG KONG HAD UNDERGONE RAPID CHANGES SINCE THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION MADE ITS RECOMMENDATION FOUR YEARS AGO TO LOWER FROM 21 TO 18 THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON ATTAINED MAJORITY.
EVEN THEN, HONG KONG WAS PREPARED TO GIVE MORE RIGHTS TO ITS YOUNG PEOPLE, SHE POINTED OUT.
"SOCIETY WILL ONLY MOVE FORWARD AS TIME GOES BY," SHE SAID. "WHEN WE REFER TO THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, WE SHOULD OBJECTIVELY ANALYSE THE PRESENTLY PREVAILING SOCIAL CONDITIONS."
MRS TAM CALLED FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS IN THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE THE LEGISLATION A SUCCESS.
SHE SAID: "AS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY, WE SHOULD CONSIDER IT OUR DUTY TO LOOK AHEAD WITH DECISIVENESS AND TO PREPARE OUR YOUNGER GENERATION FOR THIS CHANGE."
SHE APPEALED TO THOSE ADULTS WHO CONSIDERED YOUNG PEOPLE NOT MATURE ENOUGH AND SOMETIMES UNWILLING TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES TO GIVE UP THEIR "PATERNALISTIC” ATTITUDE. SHE BELIEVED THAT THE BEST WAY TO TEACH THE YOUNG TO FACE UP TO THE CHALLENGES OF SOCIETY WAS TO ENTRUST THEM WITH RESPONSI BILTIES WHICH THEY COULD RIGHTLY SHOULDER.
"OPPORTUNITIES MUST BE GIVEN TO THEM TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES IN AN INDEPENDENT MANNER. IT IS ONLY BY SO DOING THAT WE CAN REALLY GUIDE THEM TO PLAY AN ACTIVE AND POSITIVE ROLE IN SOCIETY," SHE SAID.
/"TO LOWER .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1'190
"TO LOWER THE AGE OF MAJORITY IS A FIRST STEP TOWARDS SHOWING OUR TRUST IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE," SHE ADDED.
MRS TAM’S MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE WAS THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE USE OF EVERY AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITY, SO THAT SOCIETY WOULD REALISE THAT TODAY’S YOUNGER GENERATION WAS FAST BECOMING SOCIETY’S MASTERS TOMORROW.
MRS TAM SAID SHE RESPECTED PEOPLE’S DIFFERENT VIEWS ON THE AGE OF MARRIAGE WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT AND THE AGE OF VOTING, ADDING THAT IT HAD BEEN AGREED AT THE LEGCO IN-HOUSE MEETING THAT SINCE THOSE TWO ISSUES WERE NOT DEALT WITH BY THE BILL, THEY COULD BE SEPARATELY CONSIDERED.
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UNWISE TO LOWER AGE OF MAJORITY
*****
IT IS UNWISE TO GIVE OUR YOUTH TOO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY TOO EARLY IN THEIR STATION TN LIFE, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR TAI MADE THE REMARK WHEN SPEAKING AGAINST THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR TAI FELT THAT.THE LAW REFORM BODY HAD FAILED TO NOTE THE SOCIAL SITUATION IN HONG KONG AND THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WHEREBY A LOT OF YOUTH AT THE AGE OF 18 YEARS WERE STILL RECEIVING EDUCATION.
HE NOTED THAT WHILE THE BILL REDUCED THE AGE OF MAJORITY TO 18 YEARS, IT DID NOT LOWER THE AGE OF PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MARRIAGE NOR FOR VOTING RIGHTS. HE PERSONALLY DID NOT AGREE WITH THE PIECEMEAL APPROACH.
"IF WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT A YOUNG PERSON AT THE AGE OF 18 IS MATURE ENOUGH TO BE TRUSTED AS AN ADULT, THEN THERE MUST BE CONSISTENT CHANGES.
"THE CHANGE SHOULD EXTEND TO LOWERING THE VOTING AGE AND THE RIGHT TO MARRIAGE WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT, BECAUSE IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRAW A DIVIDING LINE,” HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 5 -
AGE LIMIT CHANGE BEARS GREAT IMPLICATIONS ******
. THE CHANGING FROM 21 TO 18 AT WHICH A PERSON ATTAINED FULL CAPACITY SHOULD CARRY MORE IMPLICATIONS THAN JUST LEGAL EFFECT, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT WAS IF ANYTHING MORE OF A SOCIAL ISSUE THAN A LEGAL ISSUE, HE SAID.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989, MR CHEONG SAID HE DID NOT SUPPORT THE BILL BECAUSE MOST OF THE 18-YEAR-OLD YOUTHS MIGHT NOT BE MATURE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MAKE INDEPENDENT DECISIONS THAT MIGHT HAVE PROFOUND EFFECT EITHER ON THEMSELVES OR ON OTHERS IN THE SOCIETY.
HE SAID YOUTHS HAD LITTLE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY BEFORE 18 AND THE LIMITED SOCIAL INTERACTION WOULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE MATURING PROCESS OF YOUTH.
"THEREFORE, I AM OF THE VIEW THAT, BY AND LARGE, A 21-YEAR-OLD WILL HAVE HAD MORE OF AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE EXPERIENCE TO BECOME MORE MATURE THAN AN 18-YEAR-OLD," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT UNDER SECTION 109A OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURES ORDINANCE, NO COURT SHOULD SENTENCE A PERSON BETWEEN 16 AND 21 YEARS OF AGE TO IMPRISONMENT UNLESS THE COURT FOUND THAT NO OTHER METHOD OF DEALING WITH SUCH PERSON WAS APPROPRIATE.
"MY VIEW IS THAT IF A PERSON UNDER 21 IS NOT CONSIDERED OLD ENOUGH AND MATURE ENOUGH TO ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR HIS CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, THE SAME LOGIC SHOULD APPLY FOR CIVIL LAW," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID HE FOUND MANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES SHARED HIS SENTIMENT AND REASONING ON THE ISSUE ALTHOUGH THEY DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE BILL.
HE NOTED THAT THESE MEMBERS GAVE THEIR SUPPORT TO THE BILL BECAUSE THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS IN THE BILL, NAMELY MARRIAGE AGE AND VOTING AGE, WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROVISIONS, AND IN THE INTEREST OF STABILITY.
"WHILST I SALUTE MY COLLEAGUES FOR BEING SO UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEED FOR COMPROMISE AND QUIET DIPLOMACY IN HONG KONG, I MUST CAUTION THE ADMINISTRATION THAT ANY FUTURE LEGISLATION ON THIS SUBJECT SHOULD BE HANDLED WITH GREAT CAUTION.
"MY HUMBLE ADVICE IS THAT BEFORE THE QUESTIONS OF MARRIAGE AGE AND VOTING AGE ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO THIS COUNCIL, CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, ESPECIALLY PARENTS, SHOULD BE WIDELY HELD," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
6
CALL TO ACKNOWLEDGE CHANGING TIMES * * * *
THE HON DAVID LI CONCURRED WITH THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP THAT STUDIED THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989 THAT THE CHANGING TIMES IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORMALLY REDUCING THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM 21 TO 18 YEARS.
"IN SO DOING, WE WOULD BE CORRECTING AN ANOMALY OF THE LAW THAT IS NEITHER REASONABLE NOR REALISTIC IN THIS DAY AND AGE," HE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THAT IN 1983 HE CHAIRED THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION SUB-COMMITTEE CONVENED TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES SURROUNDING A REDUCTION IN THE AGE OF MAJORITY IN HONG KONG, MR LI SAID THE BILL FOLLOWED LARGELY THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND WAS, IN THE MAIN UNCONTROVERSIAL.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, IT WAS MORE THAN A LITTLE STRANGE THAT IF THE BILL BECAME LAW, A PERSON OF 18 YEARS COULD BECOME A DIRECTOR OF A PUBLIC COMPANY, THEREBY INFLUENCING THE LIFESTYLES OF THOUSANDS, YET COULD NOT MARRY OF HIS OWN ACCORD.
------0-'-------
LOWERING THE AGE OF MAJORITY OPPOSED
******
THE HON NELLIE FONG SAID IN (WEDNESDAY) A CHANGE IN THE AGE CONTEMPLATED WHEN THE GOVERNMENT FELT THE PUBLIC HAD RISEN AND THAT THEY RESPONSIBILITIES AT AN EARLIER AGE.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
OF MAJORITY SHOULD ONLY BE THAT THE GENERAL MATURITY OF COULD BE GIVEN MUCH HEAVIER
THE FIXING OF A LEGAL AGE OF MAJORITY WAS BOTH SUBJECTIVE AND SENSITIVE, SHE SAID.
THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON
EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989, MRS FONG OPPOSED THE RECOMMENDATION OF I AW REFORM COMMISSION TO LOWER THE AGE OF MAJORITY BECAUSE SHE nnrwn. ---- ----- -------COUNTRIES
THE ARGUMENT OF WEAK.
MAKING A COMPARISON
WITH
OTHER
WAS
THE FOUND VERY
SHE ALSO FOUND THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF PUBLIC OPINION REVEALED THAT THE SENTIMENTS OF THOSE SEGMENTS WERE COMPLETELY THE OPPOSITE OF THE RECOMMENDATION.
THE SURVEY ATTRACTED 1,500 REPLIES FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND THESE WERE OVERWHELMINGLY IN FAVOUR OF RETAINING THE AGE OF MAJORITY AT 21 IN EIGHT OUT OF THE 10 SCENERIOS PRESENTED, SHE SAID.
/THE EXCEPTIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
THE EXCEPTIONS INVOLVED ONLY LOWERING THE AGE FOR SEEING MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND THE MINIMUM AGE PERMITTED TO GET MARRIED, SHE ADDED.
"I FOUND NO GOOD REASON WHY OVERWHELMING GENERAL OPINIONS COULD BE IGNORED. THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION INDICATED THAT IT WAS GUIDED BY THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY. THAT IS NOT APPARENT.
"HOWEVER, THE REPORT ALSO REFERRED TO THE SURVEY AS NOT HAVING BEEN A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY, BUT RATHER A SURVEY OF THOSE ORGANISATIONS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVING DEALING WITH YOUNG PERSONS IN THEIR DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES," SHE SAID.
IF THAT WAS THE CASE, SHOULD THEIR OPINIONS NOT HAVE BEEN HEARD, SHE ADDED.
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YOUNG PEOPLE NOW MORE * *
EDUCATED AND SOPHISTICATED t * * *
THE HON MIRIAM LAU TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989, SUGGESTING THAT IT ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY A GREATER PART IN THE
THE LAW REFORM WAS A MOVE TO RUNNING OF THE
SOCIETY.
SHE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IT WAS PATERNALISTIC AND OUTDATED VIEW OF YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD WERE NOW MORE EDUCATED AND MORE SOPHISTICATED.
TIME THAT A END AS THEY
SPEAKING TN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MRS LAU SAID IT WAS NOT RIGHT TO ALLOW HONG KONG TO LINGER BEHIND TIMES WHEN MOST COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, INCLUDING ASIAN COUNTRIES, HAD LOWERED THE AGE OF MAJORITY TO UNDER 21 YEARS, IN MOST INSTANCES 18 YEARS.
SHF SAID THE BILL WAS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN RECOGNISING THE CAPABII IT IES AND VALUE OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AND SHE REGRETTED THAT MOST MEMBERS DISAGREED WITH THE AD HOC GROUP’S MAJORITY VIEW THAT MARRIAGE AGE AND VOTING AGE SHOULD ALSO BE LOWERED TO 18.
MRS LAU SAID THAT THERE WERE SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS IN THE LAWS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO ENABLE 18-YEAR-OLD YOUTHS FULLY TO TAKE UP THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING COMPANY DIRECTOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARANTOR, AND MANY OF THE WORRIES EXPRESSED BY SOME MEMBERS WERE UNFOUNDED.
"HONG KONG IS MOVING TOWARDS A TIME WHEN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL NECESSARILY HAVE A GREATER PART TO PLAY IN THE RUNNING OF OUR SOCIETY.
/"IT REMAINS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
8
"IT REMAINS OUR SOCIETY’S DUTY TO EDUCATE THEM, TRAIN THEM AND GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITIES OR ADVANCEMENT, BUT EVENTUALLY IT MUST BE THE YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES WHO MUST SHOW THEIR WORTH.
"T( ENABLE THEM TO DO SO, WE MUST GIVE THEM THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE WHICH THEY DESERVE.
"IN THIS REGARD, I PERSONALLY HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THEY WILL LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS," SHE SAID.
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18-YEAR-OLDS ARE MATURE ENOUGH
*****
THE 18-YEAR-OLDS ARE PHYSICALLY AND SOCIALLY MATURE ENOUGH TO TAKE UP RESPONSIBILITIES, DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989, DR LEONG ALSO ADVOCATED THAT THE VOTING AGE SHOULD BE LOWERED TO 18.
IT MUST BE ESTABLISHED THAT WHILST RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD ONLY BE GIVEN IN THE FACE OF MATURITY, RESPONSIBILITIES CULTIVATED MATURITY, HE NOTED.
DR LEONG SAID ONE COULD NOT DISPUTE THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT LAST YEAR IN THE TERRITORY HAD VIVIDLY SHOWED THE HIGH LEVEL OF POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONCERN OF YOUNG PEOPLE OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THAT OF CHINA.
HE ADDED THAT LOWERING THE VOTING AGE WAS DEFINITELY A MEANS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN THE FACE OF THE EXODUS OF PROFESSIONALS AND BUSINESSMEN WHO CHOSE TO VOTE WITH THEIR FEET.
HE SAID, "OVER A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, A POLITICAL SYSTEM NEW TO HONG KONG WILL COME INTO BEING. AMONG ITS FEATURES IS A HIGH DEGREE OF MASS PARTICIPATION."
YOUNG PEOPLE MUST BE ENCOURAGED AND ALLOWED TO SHAPE THEIR OWN DESTINY, HE CONCLUDED.
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/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 9 -
MEASURE WILL PROVIDE HELP FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES *****
THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES BILL 1990 WILL GO A LONG WAY IN PROTECTING UNFORTUNATE EMPLOYEES WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED AT WORK, THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR NGAI, CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL, WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE MEASURE.
THE MAIN CONCERN OF THE GROUP HAD BEEN THE HIGH COST OF SETTING UP THE SECRETARIAT OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD, WHICH WAS ESTIMATED AT $650,000 PER ANNUM, HE SAID.
HE SAID MEMBERS OF THE GROUP SUGGESTED THAT AS THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL ALREADY HAD A SECRETARIAT, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES MANAGEMENT BOARD SHOULD BE ASKED TO CONSIDER MAKING USE OF IT FOR RECEIPT AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEVIES SO AS TO MINIMISE THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.
DISCUSSION WAS NOW BEING HELD WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL TO ENSURE THAT THE LEVY SCHEME WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER, HE SAID.
THE GROUP ALSO FELT THAT THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WAS A VERY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS, AND SECRECY SHOULD BE MAINTAINED REGARDING THE INFORMATION IT GAVE TO THE BOARD IN THE COURSE OF COLLECTING THE LEVY ON THE BOARD’S BEHALF, MR NGAI SAID.
HE SAID THE GROUP tiAD SUGGESTED, AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED, TO INTRODUCE AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL TO THE EFFECT THAT EMPLOYEES OF THE BOARD WHO DID NOT KEEP THE INFORMATION SECRET WOULD COMMIT A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD ENSURE THAT THE LEVY IMPOSED ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIA WAS COLLECTED AND DISTRIBUTED IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.
HE SAID THE COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION WOULD INVOLVE A DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT BOARD AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, THE DETAILS OF WHICH WERE NOW BEING EXAMINED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"I AGREE WITH THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE EMPLOYEES OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD TO REFRAIN FROM DISCLOSING ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES, EXCEPT IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTIES.
"THIS WILL PROTECT BUSINESS INFORMATION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE," HE SAID.
/MR YEUNG .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 10 -
MR YEUNG ALSO AGREED WITH THE VARIOUS TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND SAID THEY SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE BILL TO BE READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
’’FOLLOWING ITS ENACTMENT WE WILL PROCEED QUICKLY TO APPOINT THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES MANAGEMENT BOARD AND TO INTRODUCE THE TWO PER CENT COMBINED LEVY ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIA.
’’AS I SAID IN THIS COUNCIL ON MARCH 14, THE MANAGEMENT BOARD WILL COLLECT THE COMBINED LEVY ON BEHALF OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL AND THE PROPOSED EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME,” HE SAID.
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CIVIL SERVICE PENSION INCREASE APPROVED
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT IN CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1990.
THE ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE UNDER THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE, IN TWO MOTIONS MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD.
SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY WAS TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING PENSIONS PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC PENSION ADJUSTMENTS IN LINE WITH MOVEMENTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A),’’ HE SAID.
"DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1989 TO MARCH 31, 1990, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 12 POINTS WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO 10 PER CENT.”
THE TOTAL COST OF THE PENSION ADJUSTMENT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $107 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR, SIR DAVID ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
11
LEGISLATION GIVEN NEW NUMBER ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990 DURING THE BILL’S COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID THE AMENDMENT WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 21, 1990, WAS STILL BEING EXAMINED BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF LEGCO.
’’THE NUMBERING OF THIS PRESENT PIECE OF LEGISLATION, THEREFORE, NEEDS TO BE CHANGED FOLLOWING ENACTMENT," HE ADDED.
’’IT WILL RE ENTITLED THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1990. ’’
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PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER EXPLAINED
*******
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG AND CHINESE VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER WERE ALREADY STREAMLINED.
MR LEUNG MADE THIS REMARK IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NELLIE FONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID HONG KONG VEHICLES ENTERING CHINA HAD TO SATISFY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES’ INSPECTION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE THEY COULD CROSS THE BORDER.
SIMILARLY, CHINESE VEHICLES ENTERING HONG KONG HAD TO BE INITIALLY REGISTERED AND LICENSED WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
SUBJECT TO CHINESE VEHICLES PASSING THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S VEHICLES EXAMINATIONS AND ON PAYMENT OF THE NECESSARY I EES, I HEY COULD BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED IN HONG KONG.
THIS PROCEDURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THAT APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG VEHICLES AND NORMALLY TOOK ONLY A FEW DAYS TO COMPLETE.
"IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW IT CAN BE FURTHER STREAMLINED GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING THAT ALL VEHICLES RUNNING ON HONG KONG’S ROADS SATISFY THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSING AND ROAD WORTHINESS," MR LEUNG SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
-'12 -
DE SAID THAT IN ADDITION, BOTH HONG KONG AND CHINESE VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER HAD TO POSSESS VALID CROSS BORDER PERMITS ISSUED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO PASS THROUGH THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.
THE PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR SUCH PERMITS WAS MADE AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE. NORMALLY, AN APPLICATION COULD BE PROCESSED WITHIN A FEW DAYS, HE SAID.
TO FACILITATE GOODS VEHICLE TRAFFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, MR LEUNG SAID, THERE WERE AT PRESENT NO RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG GOODS VEHICLES CROSSING THE BORDER TO CHINA.
OTHER CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES WERE SUBJECT TO QUOTAS BILATERALLY AGREED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
FOR CHINESE VEHICLES, THERE WAS AT PRESENT A QUOTA OF 350 GOODS VEHICLES AND 100 FOR OFFICIAL CARS. THESE WERE ALSO SUBJECT TO REV EW.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THERE WERE REGULAR LIAISON MEETINGS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON TRANSPORT MATTERS. IF ANY NEW MEASURES TO FACILITATE VEHICULAR MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE BORDER I ERE CONSIDERED NECESSARY, THEY COULD ALWAYS BE RAISED FOR DISCUSSION AT THESE MEETINGS.
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UNLEADED PETROL UPGRADING POSES NO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
THE UPGRADING PROCESSES TO IMPROVE THE OCTANE RATING IN UNLEADED PETROL WOULD HAVE NO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON I HE ENVIRONMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND I>5NDS, THE HON CL1XE OXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM PROF THE HON C.K. POON, MR OXLEY SAID OIL COMPANIES HAD AGREED NOT TO INCREASE THE TOXIC COMPONENTS OF PETROL IN THE PRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL.
"1 WOULD EMPHASISE THAT THERE IS NO RISK OF ENGINE DAMAGE, HE SAID.
ON THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL, MR OXLEY SAID 66 PER CENT OF VEHICLES COULD SWITCH TO UNLEADED PETROL WITHOUT MODIFICATION OR ADVERSE EFFECTS, ACCORDING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S STUDIES.
/A FURTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 13 -
A FURTHER 13 PER CENT COULD SWITCH IF MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO SPARK IGNITION TIMING WERE MADE.
OF THE REMAINING 21 PER CENT, SOME 14 PER CENT COULD USE UNLEADED PETROL FOR MOST OF THE TIME, ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD NEED AN OCCASIONAL DOSE OF LEADED PETROL TO LUBRICATE VALVE SEATS.
NOTING THAT THE REMAINING SEVEN PER CENT OF VEHICLES COULD NOT USE UNLEADED PETROL, MR OXLEY SAID LEADED PETROL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THESE VEHICLES.
------0--------
CLOSE CO-OPERATION IN TRAINING AMBULANCEMEN
THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY CLOSE CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR AMBULANCEMEN, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"HENCE, IT IS NOT CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO PLACE THE AMBULANCE SERVICE UNDER THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SO AS TO ACHIEVE THESE TRAINING OBJECTIVES," HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS ALWAYS USEFUL, WHEN EXAMINING THE CURRENT PROVISION OF A PUBLIC SERVICE, TO CONSIDER HISTORICALLY WHY SUCH A SERVICE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WAY IT WAS.
HE SAID IN 1953, NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES, PROVIDED BY THE THEN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES, PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WERE AMALGAMATED AND PLACED UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR STRACHAN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT HISTORY HAD PROVEN THIS DECISION TO HAVE BEEN A CORRECT ONE.
"THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONTROL CENTRE DEALS WITH ALL EMERGENCY CALLS FOR FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES.
"THE TRANSFER OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE TO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD RESULT IN EITHER THE ESTABL1 SHMEN'l OF A NEW CONTROL CENTRE, WITH CONSIDERABLE DUPLICATION AND LOSS OF FLEXIBILITY AND EXPERTISE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE EXISTING CONTROL CENTRE, OR IT WOULD RESULT IN PROBLEMS OF COMMAND AND CONTROL IF THE PRESENT COMBINED CONTROL CENTRE WERE RETAINED, BUT UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF TWO DEPARTMENTS.
"THUS, TO ENSURE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF THESE RESOURCES AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, TO ENABLE A PROMPT RESPONSE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, I CONSIDER THAT THE AMBULANCE SERVICE SHOULD REMAIN UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
------0
/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
14
FEE-CHARGING POLICY ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTERS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING A FEE-CHARGING POLICY ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTERS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON CLIVE OXLEY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RONALD CHOW, MR OXLEY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S BROAD INTENTIONS WERE THAT POLLUTERS SHOULD PAY.
"THIS GENERAL POLICY HAS NOT IN THE PAST BEEN APPLIED CONSISTENTLY FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS.
"HISTORICALLY NO CHARGE HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATERS AND SOLID WASTES, ALTHOUGH SOME Ol? THESE COSTS ARE MET BY GOVERNMENT AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
"THE QUESTION OF DIRECT CHARGING FOR THESE SERVICES IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO COST RECOVERY ON LICENSING AND THE ISSUE OF PERMITS, MR OXLEY SAID THERE WAS ALREADY FULL COST RECOVERY IN SOME CASES, SUCH AS REGISTRATION AND LICENSING FEES UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
IM OTHER CASES, SUCH AS LICENCES FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF OFTEN SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, ONLY A NOMINAL FEE WAS CHARGED IN ORDER NOT TO DISCOURAGE APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES SINCE FAILURE TO BE LICENSED WOULD INCREASE THE CONTROL EFFORT REQUIRED AND BE GENERALLY COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE.
AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE, AND PARTICULARLY AS POLLUTERS AND GENERATORS OF WASTE COME TO ACCEPT MORE FULLY THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DEALING WITH THIS ASPECT OF THEIR OPERATIONS, THEN THE FEES CHARGED WILL BE RECONSIDERED WITH A VIEW TO BRINGING THEM MORE IN LINE WITH TIE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF FULL COST RECOVERY," MR OXLEY ADDED.
- - 0---------
/15........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 15 -
FORMATION OF CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY ENCOURAGED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS ENCOURAGED THE FORMATION OF CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY AT THE LEVEL OF INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISES, TO HELP RESOLVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR YEUNG SAID WHERE NEGOTIATIONS FAILED THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS SHOWN ITSELF WILLING TO MEDIATE.
"VOLUNTARY NEGOTIATION, UNDERPINNED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CONCILIATION SERVICE, HAS SERVED US WELL," HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO WHERE THE EXTENSION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION NO. 98 TO HONG KONG OBLIGED THE TERRITORY TO LEGISLATE FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, MR YEUNG SAID THE OBLIGATION DID NOT EXIST.
HE SAID ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONVENTION PROVIDED THAT MEASURES APPROPRIATE TO NATIONAL CONDITIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN, WHERE NECESSARY, TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE THE FULL DEVELOPMENT AND UTILISATION OF MACHINERY FOR VOLUNTARY NEGOTIATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS AND WORKERS’ ORGANISATIONS.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO NEGOTIATE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE CONVENTION HAVING CREATED AN OBLIGATION UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPOSE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BY STATUTE.
"COLLECTIVE BARGAINING TENDS TO WORK EFFICIENTLY ONLY IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE A SMALL NUMBER OF BUSINESSES EMPLOY LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE REPRESENTED BY TRADE UNIONS, AND WHERE BOTH SIDES CONSIDER IT MUTUALLY ADVANTAGEOUS TO AVOID THE TROUBLE AND EXPENSE OF NEGOTIATING AT THE LEVEL OF INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISES," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT CLEARLY DID NOT EXIST IN HONG KONG GIVEN THE MULTIPLICITY OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE TERRITORY AND HAVING REGARD TO THE FACT THAT THE LOCAL TRADE UNIONS REPRESENTED A RELATIVELY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE WORKFORCE.
ON THE LOSS OF WORKING DAYS THROUGH INDUSTRIAL ACTION, MR YEUNG SAID HONG KONG COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
"THE NUMBER OF MAN DAYS PER 10,000 WORKING MAN DAYS HONG KONG HAS LOST THROUGH INDUSTRIAL ACTION OVER THE THREE YEARS 1986 TO 1988 WAS 0.04, COMPARED WITH 0.12 FOR JAPAN, 0.13 FOR SOUTH KOREA, 1.86 FOR THE UNITED STATES AND 3.53 FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"MOREOVER, OF THE 47,150 DISPUTES INVOLVING THE CONCILIATION SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OVER THE THREE YEARS 1987 TO 1989, NO FEWER THAN 35,719 CASES, OR 76 PER CENT, HAVE BEEN RESOLVED SATISFACTORILY," HE SAID.
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/16................................................
WEDNESDAY, M/X 16, 1990
- 16 -
NO INTENTION TO EXTEND HA
* *
PACKAGE TO SUBVENTED SECTORS
* * * »
THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT INTEND TO EXTEND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY REMUNERATION PACKAGE TO THE SUBVENTED SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION SECTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MRS WONG SAID THERE WERE ENTIRELY SEPARATE CONSIDERATIONS SURROUNDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS AUTHORITY WHICH AMOUNTED TO A RE-ORGANISATION EXERCISE TO BRING ABOUT MANAGEMENT REFORMS.
’’GIVEN THE INTENTION THAT THE SUBVENTED AND GOVERNMENT MEDICAL SECTORS WILL MERGE UNDER A SINGLE AUTHORITY, IT IS CLEARLY NECESSARY TO PROVIDE COMMON TERMS OF SERVICE FOR STAFF WHO ELECT TO JOIN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
’’THERE ARE NO SUCH ARRANGEMENTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR OR FOR AIDED SCHOOLS,” SHE SAID.
-----0------
SUPPLY OF GRADUATES EXPECTED TO BE ADEQUATE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT EXPECT ANY SHORTFALL IN THE SUPPLY OF GRADUATE LEVEL MANPOWER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT-RELATED OCCUPATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES TIEN, MR YEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THE DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED MANPOWER CAME MAINLY FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, WHICH ENFORCED LEGISLATION; THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, WHICH PROVIDED A RANGE OF ADVISORY AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO INDUSTRY; AND INDUSTRY ITSELF, WHICH ENGAGED CONSULTANTS TO DESIGN ANTI-POLLUTION SYSTEMS AND STAFF TO RUN THEM.
AT PRESENT, THE ENTRY QUALIFICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK AT THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS A FIRST DEGREE, PREFERABLY IN THE SCIENCES OR IN ENGINEERING, AND THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE LN A RELEVANT AREA.
NOTING THAT THE PRESENT ANNUAL OUTPUT OF SOME 1,800 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING GRADUATES FROM OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE MORE THAN DOUBLED BY THE MID-1990S AS THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAME ON STREAM AND THE EXPANSION OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES GATHERED PACE, MR YEUNG SAID HE DID NOT EXPECT ANY SHORTFALL IN THE SUPPLY.
/MOREOVER, MR ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
17 --
MOREOVER, MR YEUNG SAID, THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAD ANTICIPATED THE GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THEY NOW OFFERED NO FEWER THAN 22 ENVIRONMENT-RELATED COURSES AT FIRST DEGREE AND POST-GRADUATE LEVELS AND FIVE AT SUB-DEGREE LEVEL.
ADDITIONAL COURSES WERE BEING PLANNED FOR THE NEXT TRIENNIUM.
"THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH A DIVERSIFIED RANGE OF CHOICES MEANS THAT STUDENTS ARE GIVEN THE BROADEST POSSIBLE GROUNDING BEFORE THEY ENTER THE JOB MARKET," MR YEUNG NOTED.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS UP TO THE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NEWLY APPOINTED GRADUATES BECAME PROFICIENT IN THEIR JOBS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, OUT OF A CURRENT STRENGTH OF 133 PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS IN THE EPD, 100 HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED SOME KIND OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND THERE ARE PLANS TO TRAIN THE REST WITHIN THREE YEARS.
"AT THE NON-PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL OPERATES EIGHT ENVIRONMENT-RELATED COURSES EACH YEAR FOR ABOUT 650 TECHNICIANS AT ITS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES," MR YEUNG SAID.
AS HONG KONG BECAME ACCUSTOMED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF OUR ANTI-POLLUTION MEASURES AND ACCEPTED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AS AN IMPORTANT CIVIC OBLIGATION OVER TIME, MR YEUNG SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE DEMAND FOR ORGANISED TRAINING WOULD GROW AND TAKE MORE CONCRETE SHAPE.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD BE WILLING TO RESPOND WITH MORE SPECIFIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY," HE ADDED.
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ACCOUNT OF MAY 3 MARINE INCIDENT GIVEN * * » » »
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE MARINE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED ON MAY 3, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU, MR STRACHAN STATED THE FACTS OF THE INCIDENT AS THE GOVERNMENT KNEW THEM AS FOLLOWS:
/"THE POLICE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
18
’’THE POLICE ORGANISED AN OPERATION ON MAY 2 AGAINST A GROUP WHO WERE BELIEVED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE THEFT OF CARS WITH THE INTENTION OF SMUGGLING THE VEHICLES TO CHI INA.
’’THE OPERATION INVOLVED THE HIRE BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE POLICE, WORKING UNDER COVER, OF A LIGHTER AND A TUGBOAT, TOGETHER WITH THEIR FIVE-MAN CREW.
’’THE VESSELS WERE MOORED AT THE PIER AT TAP SHEK KOK AT 8 PM ON MAY 2. AN AMBUSH WAS SET BY OTHER POLICE OFFICERS SURROUNDING THE PIER.
’’JUST AFTER 10 PM A SPEEDBOAT CAME TO THE SIDE OF THE LIGHTER. IN IT WERE FIVE MEN IN WHAT APPEARED TO BE CHINESE OFFICIAL UNIFORM, AND ONE MAN IN PLAIN CLOTHES.
’’THE LATTER BOARDED THE LIGHTER AND ENQUIRED ABOUT THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOODS. AFTER HALF AN HOUR HE RETURNED TO THE SPEEDBOAT WHICH DEPARTED.
"THE SPEEDBOAT SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED AROUND MIDNIGHT AND THE SAME MAN AGAIN BOARDED THE LIGHTER. HE MADE TELEPHONE CALLS WITH A WIRELESS TELEPHONE. THE FIVE MEN IN UNIFORM WERE STILL ON BOARD THE SPEEDBOAT.
"THE SPEEDBOAT SUBSEQUENTLY LEFT BUT RETURNED ONCE MORE AROUND 3 AM. SHORTLY AFTER 4 AM THREE MERCEDES BENZ CARS ARRIVED AT THE PIER AND WERE LOADED ONTO THE LIGHTER.
’’JUST AFTER 4.10 AM THE MAN WHO HAD BEEN TN CIVILIAN BUT WAS BY NOW ALSO WEARING WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN OFFICIAL GAVE THE ORDER TO SAIL. HE HIMSELF LEFT IN THE SPEEDBOAT.
CLOTHES, UNIFORM,
"FOUR OF THE PERSONNEL IN UNIFORM STAYED ON BOARD THE TUG AND
THE LIGHTER. AT LEAST ONE OF THEM WAS ARMED. ALSO ON BOARD THE TUG AND LIGHTER WERE THE FIVE-MAN CREW AND THE TWO UNDERCOVER POLICE
OFFICERS.
"AT 4.50 AM THE POLICE ARRESTED THREE MEN ON THE PIER IN CONNECTION WITH THE THEFT OF THE CARS.
"SHORTLY AFTER 5 AM THE MARINE POLICE INTERCEPTED THE TUGBOAT AND REQUESTED IT TO STOP. THIS REQUEST WAS REFUSED. WHEN THE POLICE LAUNCH SUBSEQUENTLY ATTEMPTED TO COME ALONGSIDE, A WEAPON WAS POINTED AT THE LAUNCH.
"AT ABOUT 5.50 AM A CHINESE BORDER INSPECTION VESSEL CAME ALONGSIDE THE HONG KONG POLICE LAUNCH. THE POLICE LAUNCH SOUGHT CO-OPERATION FROM THE CHINESE VESSEL IN STOPPING THE LIGHTER, BUT THIS WAS NOT FORTHCOMING.
/"ON RECEIVING .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
"ON RECEIVING A REPORT OF THE INCIDENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE POLITICAL ADVISER’S OFFICE REQUESTED THE IMMEDIATE RETURN OF THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE POLICE, THE TUG, THE LIGHTER AND THE FIVE CREW, AND THE STOLEN CARS.
"THE GOVERNMENT EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN TO THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY OVER THE INCIDENT AND REQUESTED A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO WHAT HAD OCCURRED. THE TWO POLICE OFFICERS RETURNED TO HONG KONG ON THE EVENING OF MAY 3."
IN REPLY TO MRS LAG’S QUESTION ON WHETHER OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN INCIDENTS OF CHINESE BOATS CARRYING ARMED OFFICIALS STRAYING INTO HONG KONG WATERS, AND IF SO, HOW DID THE MARINE POLICE DEAL WITH SUCH INCIDENTS, MR STRACHAN SAID THAT IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAD BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN CHINESE BORDER INSPECTION VESSELS HAD STRAYED IN ERROR INTO HONG KONG WATERS AND SOUGHT TO EXERCISE JURISDICTION.
"ON THESE OCCASIONS, THE MARINE POLICE HAVE INFORMED THE CHINESE PERSONNEL INVOLVED THAT THEY WERE IN HONG KONG WATERS AND DIRECTED THEM TO LEAVE,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
MEASURES FOR TACKLING WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY HEAVY METALS
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES SIX LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM MEASURES TO TACKLE WATER POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS FROM ELECTROPLATING AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FACTORIES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON CLIVE OXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD CHOW, ON GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO TACKLE WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE DISCHARGE OF HEAVY METALS FROM THESE INDUSTRIES, MR OXLEY SAID THERE ARE ABOUT 800 ELECTROPLATING AND OVER 100.PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FACTORIES IN HONG KONG.
MR OXLEY SAID THE MEASURES PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE:
1. THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE EXISTING WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO) (SHORT TERM).
THIS ORDINANCE WAS CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED IN FOUR WATER CONTROL ZONES -- TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL, SOUTHERN WATERS, PORT SHELTER AND JUNK BAY.
/UNDER THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 20 -
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, UNLESS THEY QUALIFIED FOR EXEMPTION, ALL POLLUTING EFFLUENTS INCLUDING THOSE FROM ELECTROPLATING FACTORIES AND THOSE MANUFACTURING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS MUST BE LICENSED.
ALL NEW FACTORIES MUST INSTAL ADEQUATE WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES BEFORE A LICENCE WAS GRANTED TO ALLOW THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR EFFLUENTS INTO THE SEWERS.
MR OXLEY SAID THERE HAD BEEN SEVEN SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS AGAINST OFFENDERS IN FO TAN AND TAI PO IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE REMAINING WATER CONTROL ZONES WILL BE DECLARED BY THE END OF 1991.
2. STRENGTHENING THE WPCO (MEDIUM TERM).
THE ORDINANCE’S EFFECTIVENESS WAS SEVERELY LIMITED BY ITS GENEROUS EXEMPTION PROVISIONS. THESE ALLOWED MOST FACTORIES IN EXISTENCE WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED IN EACH WATER CONTROL ZONE TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND TO INCREASE THEIR EFFLUENTS BY UP TO 30 PER CENT. THE EXEMPTION PROVISION ALSO CREATED A CONTROL STRUCTURE THAT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO ADMINISTER.
MR OXLEY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THEREFORE GAZETTED A BILL TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY DELETING’ THE EXEMPTION PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE. UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, ALL EFFLUENTS WOULD, WITHIN TWO YEARS, HAVE TO COMPLY WITH EFFLUENT STANDARDS BASED ON GUIDELINES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE AS A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM.
THE BILL WAS DUE FOR ENACTMENT IN THE CURRENT SESSION OF LEGCO. THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT ITS PROVISIONS WOULD APPLY TO THE NEXT GROUP OF WATER CONTROL ZONES TO BE DECLARED LATER IN THE YEAR, HE SAID.
3. LANDFILL DISPOSAL OF TOXIC WASTES (SHORT TERM).
SOME WASTES FROM ELECTROPLATING AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD MANUFACTURING CONTAINED TOXIC CHEMICALS IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS, AND COULD NOT PRACTICALLY BE TREATED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCHARGE TO THE SEWERS.
THESE WASTES HAD TO BE COLLECTED AT THE FACTORIES IN DRUMS AND TAKEN BY THE PRODUCER TO THE GOVERNMENT’S JUNK BAY WASTE DISPOSAL LANDFILL, WHERE THEY COULD BE DEPOSITED IN AN APPROVED AND SAFE MANNER.
THE CHEMICAL WASTE WAS DEPOSITED ALONG WITH MUCH LARGER QUANTITIES OF MUNICIPAL WASTE. HOWEVER, THE CAPACITY OF THE LANDFILL TO RECEIVE CHEMICAL WASTE WAS VERY LIMITED, HE SAID.
4. PROVISION OF A CENTRALISED CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY (MEDIUM TERM).
/TO OVERCOME .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 21 -
TO OVERCOME THIS DEFICIENCY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR OTHER CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL NEEDS, A CENTRALISED CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY WOULD BE DEVELOPED ON TSING YI ISLAND.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WERE NOW BEING EXAMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE SERVICE WOULD BE IN OPERATION IN 1992-93.
5. ENFORCEMENT OF CHEMICAL WASTE CONTROL REGULATIONS (MEDIUM TERM).
INDUSTRY, INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THOSE ASSOCIATIONS MORE CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH ELECTROPLATING FACTORIES AND CIRCUIT BOARD MANUFACTURERS, WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THESE REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD BE PROMULGATED BEFORE THE TREATMENT FACILITY COMES INTO OPERATION.
6. PROMOTING LOCALLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY IN WASTE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY (LONG TERM).
MR OXLEY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROMOTING LOCALLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELDS OF CLEAN PRODUCTION, POLLUTION CONTROL AND . WASTE RECOVERY FOR THE INDUSTRIES.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS' ALSO ENCOURAGED TO INSTAL WASTE RECOVERY SYSTEMS AND SOME FACTORIES IN THESE SECTORS HAD, VIA ENERGY SAVING AND RESOURCE RECOVERY, FOUND THAT SUCH SYSTEMS PROVIDE A GOOD FINANCIAL RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT.
IN CONCLUSION, MR OXLEY SAID THE PROVISION OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND WAS A KEY ^FEATURE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME TO DEAL WITH WASTEWATERS. \
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE COST OF OPERATING THIS PLANT IS ESTIMATED AT $365 MILLION PER ANNUM.
"A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THIS COST WILL BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITIES OF TOXIC METALS DISCHARGED FROM INDUSTRIAL AREAS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG," HE ADDED.
/22 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 22 -
UNIFICATION A LONGER-TERM QUESTION
******
THE WORKING PARTY ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION WILL ADDRESS ISSUES OF WHOLE-DAY NURSERY CLASSES, CONTROL OF STAFFING STANDARDS, TEACHER:PUPIL RATIOS AND SPACE RATIOS IN SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR YEUNG SAID ONCE THE WORKING PARTY HAD FINALISED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THESE ISSUES, IT WOULD TURN ITS ATTENTION TO THE LONGER-TERM QUESTION OF UNIFICATION OF CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION.
"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER UNIFICATION WITHOUT HAVING FIRST SORTED OUT THE FOREGOING ISSUES," HE SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY.
HE SAID THE WORKING PARTY HAD MET THREE TIMES SINCE DECEMBER 1989 AND HAD EXAMINED ASPECTS OF TEACHER TRAINING AND OVER-ENROLMENT.
MR YEUNG SAID THE WORKING GROUP ON PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, SET UP IN OCTOBER 1986, COMPLETED ITS TASK LAST SEPTEMBER.
HE SAID THAT PARTLY ON THE STRENGTH OF ITS ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT PUT FORWARD A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER.
"THE PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TRAINING OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, FOR INTRODUCING A NEW FEE REMISSION SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND FOR THE ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED SALARY SCALES ARE NOW WELL KNOWN TO HONOURABLE MEMBERS," MR YEUNG SAID.
THE PROPOSALS WERE DEBATED AT SOME LENGTH IN RECENT WEEKS.
"BUT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO ENDORSED THE VIEW THAT, HOWEVER DESIRABLE IT MAY BE IN THE LONG TERM, THE UNIFICATION OF CHILD CARE SERVICES WITH KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE IN THE SHORT TERM.
"IN ARRIVING AT THE DECISION, BOTH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS SERVE DIFFERENT PURPOSES, THAT THE STANDARDS OF THE TWO TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS DIFFER WIDELY, AND THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE MODUS OPERANDI ARE DIFFERENT," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT IT WAS PARTLY IN RECOGNITION OF THESE DIFFERENCES THAT A CONSCIOUS DECISION WAS TAKEN TO INTRODUCE A SYSTEM OF FEE REMISSION TO HELP NEEDY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN.
"THE ADMINISTRATION, HOWEVER, DOES NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF UNIFICATION BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF SERVICES IN THE LONG TERM," HE SAID.
ACCORDINGLY, THE WORKING PARTY ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION, WITH BOTH OFFICIAL AND NON-OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION, HAD BEEN SET UP TO STUDY, INTER ALIA, THE FEASIBILITY OF ULTIMATE UNIFICATION.
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/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 23 -
BILL ON LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE PASSED ******
THE LAW REFORM (LEGAL EFFECTS OF AGE) BILL 1989 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FIFTEEN MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, AND FIVE OF THEM SPOKE AGAINST THE MEASURE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOUND UP THE DEBATE.
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 WAS ALSO PASSED.
OTHER BILLS PASSED INCLUDED THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES BILL 1990.
DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, IT WOULD BE ENTITLED THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1990.
A PRIVATE RILL, THE DEN NORSKE BANK BILL 1990, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED RY THE HON LAU WAH-SUM, WAS ALSO PASSED.
ANOTHER PRIVATE RILL, THE DAO HENG BANK LIMITED BILL 1990, WAS INTRODUCED BY THE HON DAVID LI FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, TWO MOTIONS CONCERNING CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS AND PENSIONS INDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSION SCHEME WERE ALSO PASSED. THESE WERE MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
24
PROVISION OF POST OFFICES TO KEEP PACE WITH DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE POST OFFICE IS NOW A PART OF DAILY LIFE FOR EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG AND THE PROVISION OF NEW POST OFFICES MUST THEREFORE KEEP PACE WITH THE TERRITORY’S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PO LAM POST OFFICE, THE FIRST POST OFFICE AT TSEUNG KWAN 0, MR WONG SAID IT WAS THB DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING POLICY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE POSTAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES WITHIN EASY REACH OF CITIZENS IN ALL POPULATED AND COMMUNITY AREAS.
"WITH THIS IN MIND WE ARE PLANNING FOR THE OPENING OF MORE NEW POST OFFICES IN THE NEXT FFW YEARS," HE SAID.
THE NEW PO LAM POST OFFICE, LOCATED AT RBI, GROUND FLOOR, RESTAURANT BLOCK, PO LAM ESTATE, OPENED FOR BUSINESS TODAY AT NOON.
THIS POST OFFICE PROVIDES THE NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER SERVICES. ITS BUSINESS HOURS ARE FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 703 0000.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING WERE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN HON-CHEUNG, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK K.S. TONG.
WITH THE OPENING OF THIS NEW OFFICE, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG IS NOW 114.
- - 0 - -
STATISTICS ON TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE
******
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, SOME 59 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING. ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME 56 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 78 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 47 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
IN JANUARY - DECEMBER 1989, SOME 58 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING; WHEREAS SOME 53 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, THE FIGURE WAS 76 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 44 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
/TO PROVIDE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
25
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY AS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA -BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS - INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS ALSO BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT. THE RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 AND JANUARY - DECEMBER 1989 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
IN VALUE TERMS, SOME $31,586 MILLION OF THE $53,358 MILLION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING. >•
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME $20,272 MILLION OF THE $35,982 MILLION OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE $8,545 MILLION OUT OF $10,978 MILLION FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND $11,727 MILLION OUT OF $25,003 MILLION FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
IN JANUARY - DECEMBER $195,390 MILLION OF IMPORTS PROCESSING.
1989, SOME $113,581 MILLION OF THE
FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, SOME $76,868 MILLION OF THE $145,051 MILLION OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN 1989 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE $31,962 MILLION OUT OF $42,080 MILLION FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND $44,906 MILLION OUT OF $102,971 MILLION FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTING OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURERS FROM HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING, WITH THE RESULTING PROCESSED GOODS BEING SUBSEQUENTLY RE-IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG; WHILE IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTING OF GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURERS ARE UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED .FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (IMPORTS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) ARE SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM ESTABLISHMENTS.
: <• A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FI/1WS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE PijQORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE. THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE
REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
/"THE FINDINGS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 26 -
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE. IN THIS RESPECT, THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS."
SURVEY RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 AND MORE DETAILED STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - DECEMBER 1989 WILL BE INCLUDED IN PART I OF THE MARCH 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WHICH WILL BE ON SALE NEXT WEEK AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $27 PER COPY.
--------0-----------
GOVT REPLY TO UNHCR ON SEARCH AT WHITEHEAD
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, HAS DENIED CHARGES BY THE UNHCR THAT TEAR GAS WAS EXCESSIVELY USED DURING THE WEAPONS SEARCH ON MAY 4 AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE.
HE HAS ALSO REJECTED CLAIMS THAT LARGE NUMBERS OF BOAT PEOPLE WERE LEFT IN THE OPEN IN POOR WEATHER AND WITHOUT ADEQUATE TOILET FACILITIES FOR THE FULL DURATION OF THE SEARCH.
IN HIS REPLY LETTER TO THE UNHCR, MR ASPREY SAID PEPPER FOG, A MILD FORM OF TEAR GAS, WAS USED IN OVERCOMING VIOLENT RESISTANCE FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD BARRICADED THEMSELVES INSIDE THE DORMITORY BLOCKS.
"C.S. GAS WAS ALSO USED, BUT I DO NOT CONSIDER THE USE OF EITHER TO HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT AS THE POLICE COMPLETED THE SEARCH OF EACH DORMITORY, THE RESIDENTS WERE PERMITTED TO RETURN.
THE SEARCH WAS A LONG AND COMPLEX OPERATION WHICH WAS NOT COMPLETED UNTIL MID-AFTERNOON. HOWEVER, NONE OF THE VBP WERE LEFT IN THE OPEN FOR THE DURATION OF THE WHOLE OPERATION AS THE UNHCR CLAIMS," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY EMPHASISED THAT THE POLICE AND CSD OFFICERS CARRIED OUT THEIR DUTIES WITH THE MINIMUM DEGREE OF FORCE.
"THERE WAS A REAL THREAT TO THEIR SAFETY, AS THERE WAS TO THE SAFETY OF THE CAMP POPULATION IN GENERAL FROM THE VIOLENT MINORITY, AND I BELIEVE THAT THESE OFFICERS BEHAVED WITH GREAT DISCIPLINE AND RESTRAINT IN VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID HE HAD NOT YET RECEIVED ANY SPECIFIC CLAIM OF ILL-TREATMENT DURING THE SEARCH BUT ANY SUCH CLAIM WOULD BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE (CAPO).
/HE ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 27 -
HE ALSO REJECTED CLAIMS THAT NO PRIOR WARNING WAS GIVEN TO THE WHITEHEAD POPULATION.
"THE POLICE MADE THEIR PURPOSE PLAIN AS THE OPERATION BEGAN; THE VIOLENT RESISTANCE OF SOME VBP CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED BY CLAIMING THAT THEY MISUNDERSTOOD THE NATURE OF THE POLICE OPERATION."
MR ASPREY ALSO SAID THAT UNHCR OFFICERS WERE INFORMED OF THE NATURE OF THE OPERATION AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY ONCE THE OPERATION BEGAN.
"THEY WERE GIVEN FULL AND UNRESTRICTED ACCESS DURING THE SEARCH," HE SAID.
"IN MOST INSTANCES, WE AIM TO PROVIDE UNHCR WITH PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF SEARCHES AND THIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE GENERAL PRACTICE. HOWEVER, IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE IT WAS DECIDED THAT PRIOR NOTIFICATION WOULD NOT HAVE FACILITATED A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL SEARCH."
MR ASPREY EXPLAINED THAT THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE SEARCH WAS TO FIND AND REMOVE DANGEROUS WEAPONS.
"THE FACT THAT MORE THAN 2,500 DANGEROUS WEAPONS WERE REMOVED FROM THE CAMP IS AMPLE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE OPERATION," HE SAID.
"IT TOOK PLACE AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF INTIMIDATION BY GANG MEMBERS OF OTHER BOAT PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE, ASSAULTS ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF, ARMED ESCAPES AND THE WIDESPREAD POSSESSION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS.
"THESE ARE SERIOUS OFFENCES WHICH CANNOT BE IGNORED. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THE RULE OF LAW INSIDE THE DETENTION CENTRES, AND THE MAY 4 SEARCH WAS INTENDED TO DO EXACTLY THAT."
MR ASPREY SAID THE PROGRAMME OF SEARCHES AT WHITEHEAD AND THE OTHER DETENTION CENTRES WOULD CONTINUE.
' "WEAPONS WILL BE REMOVED AND THOSE COMMITTING OFFENCES WILL EITHER BE CHARGED OR REMOVED TO ANOTHER CENTRE," HE SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE SCOPE AND QUALITY OF THE SERVICES TO THE BOAT PEOPLE AND TO IMPROVE THE REPRESENTATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS."
MR ASPREY SAID THIS WORK WAS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT IMPROVEMENTS WOULD ONLY BE EFFECTIVE AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF LAW AND ORDER IN THE CENTRE.
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/28 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
28
KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
**♦♦♦♦
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ASK ABOUT THE PROVISION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AT THE NEW LUNG PING ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
TWO WORKING GROUPS ON THE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY AND ON THE REPORT ON HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BRIEF THE COMMITTEE ON THEIR WORK PROGRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
FIRST TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ******
THE FIRST TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 20), PROVIDING A RICH PROGRAMME TO CULTIVATE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN MUSIC.
AMONG THE ACTIVITIES, THE ANNUAL MUSIC AFFAIR NEW TERRITORIES TRAINEES’ CONCERT WILL BE HELD IN THE AUDITORIUM OF TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
SOME LESS FORMAL MUSICAL ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CULTURAL SQUARE ADJACENT TO THE TOWN HALL. THESE INCLUDE POPULAR MUSIC, FOLK SONGS, KARAOKE PERFORMANCE, CHINESE MUSIC, CANTONESE OPERATIC SINGING AND CHINESE FOLK DANCES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY ORCHESTRAS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS.
ACTIVITIES IN THE SQUARE WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM WHILE THE TRAINEES’ CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 3.15 PM. ADMISSION TO BOTH IS FREE.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TUEN HI ROAD, THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AND THE MUSIC OFFICE’S TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE AT 167 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
/JOINTLY ORGANISED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 29 -
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ’90 TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING AT THE CULTURAL SQUARE WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MR ADOLF HSU, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR LAU WONG-FAT, DISTRICT OFFICER MR JOHN WAN AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR TAI CHIN-WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ’90 TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 20) AT 2.30 PM AT TUEN MUN CULTURAL SQUARE, ADJACENT TO TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
------0--------
AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN ♦ * * t t *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT AIDS WHEN THEY VISIT AN AIDS EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN WHICH WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (MAY 18) .
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION, THE 11TH IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON AIDS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WILL BE HELD AT THE LUNG HANG COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM DAILY.
’’THE EXH (BITTON AIMS AT INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AIDS, AND FOSTERING A POSITIVE, SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE IN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE FOCUS IS ON YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY BE MORE LIKELY THAN OTHERS TO ENGAGE IN RISK BEHAVIOUR, YET ARE OFTEN LESS LIKELY TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF INFECTION WITH AIDS,” HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COVERS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AIDS.
/APART FROM .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- 30 -
APART FROM SHOWING THE WORLDWIDE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE, IT ALSO ILLUSTRATES HOW AIDS THREATENS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS CAN BE COUNTERED.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON AIDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS WHO WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN HANDSOME PRIZES BY ANSWERING A QUIZ DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON AIDS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL SUNDAY (MAY 20), AND WILL MOVE TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN ON JUNE 15.
--------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR KWAI CHUNG SITE
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A GOVERNMENT SITE IN LAI KING HILL ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
OPEN
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT STORAGE OF’ NON-OFFENSI VE
1,960. SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR GOODS EXCLUDING CONTAINERS, CONTAINER
TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 1« MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 1.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE 0BTAJNED itohm Awn TENDER PI AN INSPECTED AT THE KWAI TS1NG DISTRICT LANDS FROM AND TENDER llI/R_ST0REY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK
OFFICE, TSUEN
(’ASTLE PEAK
WAN ROAD,
NEW TERRITORIES;
DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR,
THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
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/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
- <
ACAI- MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF 13 NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) FOR THE 1990-91 TERM.
THEY ARF MR ANDREW WONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, MR CHENG FOR-YAU, PR STAN CHEUNG, MR HO TAK-YAU, MR IP YEUK-LAM, DR LAM KIN-CHE, MR LEUNG CH IK, MR LEUNG TIN-PUI, MR SO MOON-CHEUNG, MR YUNG TIN-TACK AND DR ZEE SZE-YONG.
MOST OF THEM HAVE BEEN SERVING ON THE ACAF SINCE ITS INAUGURATION IN MAY 1988 AND THEY WILL NOW SIT ON THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 20.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. IT IS CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
A GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED BODY, THE ACAF PROVIDES A FORMALISED CONSULTATION MECHANISM TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION, ON THE FORMULATION OF THEIR LONG-TERM POLICIES AND ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCTS.
ITS MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM THE AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND MARKETING SECTORS AND EXPERTS IN THE RELATED FIELDS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF OMELCO, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
THE ACAF IS ASSISTED TN ITS WORK BY ITS FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES ON CROP FARMING, LIVESTOCK, AQUACULTURE, CAPTURE FISHERIES AND MARKETING.
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THESE SUB-COMMITTEES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT CERTAIN IEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 18) FOR TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIR WORKS.
I UN HING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, WHILE TSUN YUEN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 METRES IN LENGTH WILL BF PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF HIP WO LANE BETWEEN LUN HING STREET AND TSUN YUEN STREET 24 HOURS DAILY.
------0--------
/32 .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1990
32
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHEUNG SHUI * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 18), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* FAN KAM ROAD SECTION BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD (KWU TUNG) AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT; AND
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (KWU TUNG) BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN KAM ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0--------
ROAD CLOSURE IN TSUEN WAN ♦ * * *
OT TSUEN NAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
----o------
WATER CUT in SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG
*****
WILL BE bvu. Z.ri7rTPlcrTY SUSPENSION 01 ELECTRI
™E sXk’Si SSS "lK
SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK bbl
ESTATE,
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPOINTMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISER FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS ..................................................................... 1
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS APPOINTED ............................................ 1
PARTICIPANTS COMMITTED TO SUCCESS OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS .............................. 2
MAXIMISING ACCESS OF HK'S EXPORTS IMPORTANT ......................................... 4
EXCO APPROVES MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT FOR ARTICULATED VEHICLES .......................... 5
MARINE COURT TO INVESTIGATE CATAMARAN CASUALTY ....................................... 7
PUBLIC URGED TO MAKE USE OF DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES ................................. 8
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PROGRAMME ......................................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT PROGRAMMES ....................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS ....................
MORE NEW GMB ROUTES TO BE ANNOUNCED ................................................. 10
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ...................................................... 11
TRAINING COURSE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ....................................
FAREWELL RECEPTION AT TUEN MUN CLOSED CENTRE ..............................
WINNERS OF STORY WRITING COMPETITION SELECTED .............................
GROUND FLOOR OF A TSIM SHA TSUI FLAT TO BE CLOSED .........................
18
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAN CHAI ................................................
1 8
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR UNDERPASS ............................
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
APPOINTMENT GE FINANCIAL ADVISER FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSIN . AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS ******
THE GOVERNMF T HAS APPOINTED KLEINWORT BENSON LTD AS FINANCIAL ADVISER FOR THE I.AN’7 AU FIXED CROSSING AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS.
A TRANSPORT BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): ’’KLEINWORT BENSON LTD HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE PRIVATISATION OF MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS.
’’THE FIRM HAS ACTED AS FINANCIAL ADVISER TO SIMILAR PROJECTS IN THE UK. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THEIR APPOINTMENT WILL GREATLY ASSIST GOVERNMENT IN THE INVITATION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING FRANCHISE.
’’THE TRANSPORT BRANCH IS PLANNING TO ISSUE SUCH INVITATION IN LATE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISER REPRESENTS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THIS PRIVATISATION EXERCISE.”
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE A DUAL SERVICE - AN EXPRESS AND DEDICATED SERVICE FOR AIRPORT PASSENGERS AS WELL AS A COMMUTER SERVICE.
’’THE AIRPORT SERVICE WILL ENABLE PASSENGERS TO HAVE A CONVENIENT, FAST AND RELIABLE ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT, AND AT THE SAME TIME GREATLY REDUCE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON ROADS, GENERATED BY THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC.
’’ITS COMMUTER SERVICE WILL ALSO REDUCE THE PRESSURE ON THE MTR TSUEN WAN LINE.
’’THE FINANCIAL ADVISER IS EXPECTED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CONSULTANTS OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY WHICH IS NOW UNDERWAY AND TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE FINANCIAL STRATEGY FOR THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT.”
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DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS APPOINTED
******
THE DIRECTOR OF THE SERIOUS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS WOOD, HAS BEEN X APPOINTED AS PROSECUTIONS FOR HONG KONG.
FRAUD OFFICE AND A FORMER DEPUTE FOR ENGLAND AND WALES, MR JOHN THE NEW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
MP WOOD, 59, HAS MORE THAN WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IS FRAUD OFFICE.
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF
PROSECUTIONS
THE SERIOUS
/MR WOOD ......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 2
MR WOOD WILL RELINQUISH THAT POST TO TAKE UP THIS NEW APPOINTMENT. HE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
MR WOOD WAS ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR IN 1955 AND JOINED THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS IN 1958. HE ACQUIRED EXPERIENCE IN VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THAT OFFICE AND WAS INVOLVED IN PRESENTATION OF CASES IN THE COURTS, AND IN THE HANDLING OF MAJOR PROSECUTIONS.
IN JULY 1985 MR WOOD WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND WAS IN OVERALL CHARGE OF ALL OPERATIONAL WORK. HE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE MOST SERIOUS MURDERS AND FRAUDS AND WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAWYERS AND ACCOUNTANTS IN THE OFFICE. HE HAS ALSO BEEN HEAD OF LEGAL SERVICES TN THE CROWN PROSECUTIONS SERVICE.
THE SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987. AS ITS DIRECTOR, MR WOOD HAS SUPERVISED THE MOST COMPLEX CASES SUCH AS THOSE RELATING TO THE TAKEOVER OF DISTILLERS PLC BY GUINNESS, AND TO THE BATTLE FOR THE HOUSE OF FRASER GROUP.
HE IS THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BUSINESS CRIME COMMITTEE OF THE SECTION ON BUSINESS LAW OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION.
MR WOOD HAS TRAVELLED EXTENSIVELY, HAS VISITED HONG KONG SEVERAL TIMES, AND HAS BEEN A REGULAR SPEAKER AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES. HE ALSO HAS A DI STINGUfSHED RECORD AS A SPORTSMAN, AND HAS PLAYED RUGBY FOR HARLEQUINS.
MR WOOD IS MARRIED WITH TWO GROWN UP SONS. HIS WIFE, JEAN, WILL BE COMING TO HONG KONG WITH HIM.
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PARTICIPANTS COMMITTED TO SUCCESS OE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ♦ »**♦**
TMF CONTRACTING PARTIES OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE ISe CURRENTLY ENGAGED FN THE MOST AMBITIOUS NEGOTIATIONS IN HISTORY IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A MORE OPEN, DURABLE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
TARIFFS AND
ROUND OF
VIABLE AND
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN OFFICIALLY OPENING I HE EXHIBITION AT THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION
MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS "TRADE AND INVESTMENT 90”
CENTRE.
MR CHAN SAID: "THESE NEGOTIATIONS ARE LONG THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS TO BE RESOLVED, BUI ALL THE COMMITTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND.
and arduous and PARTICIPANTS ARE
/HE QUOTED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
3 -
HE QUOTED THE OPINION OF A PAMPHLET PRODUCED BY THE ORGANISERS TO PROMOTE THE EXHIBITION, THAT WITH THE RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE LAST DECADE, THE ASIA/PACIFIC REGION HAD BEEN A MOST ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT FOR GLOBAL INVESTORS.
IT HAD DRAWN MORE DIRECT UNITED STATES INVESTMENT THAN ANY OTHER PART OF THE WORLD, AND HAD PROVEN ITSELF TO BE A MOST PROFITABLE INVESTMENT GROUND FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES IN THE RECENT DECADE.
LOOKING INTO THE 90S, THE PAMPHLET COMMENTED, THE REGION WAS ANTICIPATED TO HAVE EVEN MORE TO OFFER GLOBAL TRADERS AND INVESTORS AS AN INVESTMENT SITE ON THE ONE HAND AND TO EMERGE AS A NEW SOURCE OF CAPITAL FUNDS ON THE OTHER.
"I HEARTILY ENDORSE THESE REMARKS," MR CHAN SAID.
"MODERN TECHNOLOGY, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF COMMUNICATIONS, HAS CONTINUOUSLY BROUGHT THE WORLD’S MARKETS AND ECONOMIES CLOSER TOGETHER AND MADE THEM MORE INTER-DEPENDENT.
"IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT,. AND EVEN IN PRODUCTION, WE MUST INCREASINGLY LOOK BEYOND NATIONAL OR TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES AND THINK IN GLOBAL TERMS.
"WE MUST SEEK, IN OUR OWN INTERESTS, AS WELL AS THOSE OF OTHERS, TO DISMANTLE BARRIERS TO THE FREE AND SMOOTH FLOW OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT."
MR CHAN SAID IN THE FIELD OF INVESTMENT MORE AND MORE OF THE WORLD’S ECONOMIES WERE PLAYING THE DUAL ROLE, SEEKING BOTH INVESTMENT FROM ABROAD AND LOOKING FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN OTHER ECONOMIES.
"THIS TREND TOWARDS GLOBALISATION AND MULTILATERALISM SHOULD BE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED," HE SAID.
MR CHAN DESCRIBED THE EXHIBITION AS "PARTICULARLY TIMELY". HONG KONG PROVIDED THE IDEAL VENUE FOR SUCH EVENTS, HE SAID; NOT ONLY DID WE OFFER EXCELLENT PHYSICAL FEATURES, BUT WE ALSO PROVIDED THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT.
"HONG KONG IS STRATEGICALLY LOCATED ON THE WESTERN RIM OF THE FAST-GROWING ASIA PACIFIC REGION," HE SAID.
IT HAD WELL ESTABLISHED TRADE, INVESTMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS LINKS WITH ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.
"ABOVE ALL, IT IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S FREEST AND MOST OPEN ECONOMIES, IN WHICH THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT FLOURISHES AND HARD WORK IS AMPLY REWARDED," HE ADDED.
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/4 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 4 -
MAXIMISING ACCESS OF HK’S EXPORTS IMPORTANT
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MAXIMISING ACCESS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
"TO THIS END WE SHALL TRY OUR BEST IN THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS TO ACHIEVE AN OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN GENERAL, AND TO SECURE AN MFA-BASED TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN PARTICULAR," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON "OPPORTUNITIES FOR GARMENT MANUFACTURERS IN THE 90’S", MR CHEUNG SAID COUPLED WITH THE ADAPTABILITY AND VERSATILITY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS, AN IMPROVED INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM WOULD CERTAINLY ENABLE OUR EXPORTS TO GROW FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.
HE SAID LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, HONG KONG’S GARMENT EXPORTS WERE FACING GREAT CHALLENGES IN THE 1990’S.
THE USA AND CANADA HAD ENTERED INTO A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA) WHOSE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS THE EVENTUAL ELIMINATION OF TARIFF AND NON-TARIFF TRADE BARRIERS.
HOWEVER, THE IMPACT OF THE FTA ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE TWO COUNTRIES SHOULD NOT GIVE UNDUE CAUSE FOR CONCERN, GIVEN THE PRICE DIFFERENTIALS AND THE RELATIVELY LONG DURATION OF TARIFF ELIMINATION UNDER THE FTA.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, HE SAID, HONG KONG COMPANIES SURVEYED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FTA ON JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR GENERALLY EXPRESSED A CAUTIOUS WELCOME.
THEY NOTED THAT THE FTA SHOULD IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF PRODUCTION AND EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA, THEREBY INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE CANADIAN MARKET, MR CHEUNG SAID.
THEY CONSIDERED THAT, WITH THE PROSPECT OF GROWING CANADIAN DEMAND AND IMPROVED ACCESS TO THE U.S. MARKET, THE FTA SHOULD ALSO MAKE CANADA MORE ATTRACTIVE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
TURNING TO THE EEC, MR CHEUNG SAID IT WAS QUITE DIFFICULT TO PREDICT, AT THIS MOMENT, THE LIKELY IMPACT OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET ON THE GARMENT SECTOR.
"A MORE ACCURATE FORECAST OF THE LIKELY OUTCOME CAN PERHAPS ONLY BE MADE NEARER 1992 WHEN CLEARER INDICATIONS EMERGE," HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
THURSDAY. MAY 17, 1990
- 5 -
ON THE OPENING OF EASTERN EUROPE, MR CHEUNG Sa ID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION TO ENSURE THAT ANY INCREASE IN TEXTILES QUOTAS THERE WOULD NOT BE GIVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF HONG KONG BY GRANTING A SMALLER GROWTH TO HONG KONG’S TEXTILES QUOTAS THAN IT WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE RECEIVED UNDER A FUTURE TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
IN THE FACE OF INCREASING PROTECTIONISM IN THE WEST, HONG KONG’S GARMENT MANUFACTURERS WERE WELL ADVISED TO DIRECT THEIR ATTENTION TO OTHER MARKETS SUCH AS JAPAN WHICH HAD NO QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON GARMENT IMPORTS.
’’RATHER THAN COMPETING WITH LOW-COST SUPPLIERS, HONG KONG SHOULD HOLD ON TO ITS POSITION IN THE MIDDLE-RANKING SLOT AND MOVE UP MARKET WITH BETTER QUALITY AND DESIGN TO MAKE OUR EXPORTS WORTH MORE,” HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID JAPAN WAS A SUBSTANTIAL MARKET WITH HIGH PURCHASING POWER. HONG KONG IS JAPAN’S FIFTH LARGEST SUPPLIER OF GARMENTS AFTER SOUTH KOREA, CHINA, TAIWAN AND ITALY.
--------0-----------
EXCO APPROVES MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT FOR ARTICULATED VEHICLE.., *****
HAS GIVEN \PPROVAL FOR LEGISLATIVE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW TYPE OF OVERLOADING OF THESE VEHICLES, AND TO W TRAFFIC SIGNS TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENT
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AMENDMENTS TO BE MADE FOR ARTICULATED VEHICLE TO PREVENT PROVIDE FOR THE ERECTION OF NE
OPERATION OF WEIGH STATIONS.
EXPLAINED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE USE OF AN ARTICULATED VEHICLE WITH GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT OF UP TO 44 TONNES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN AMENDMENTS WOULD PERMIT THE A MINIMUM OF SIX AXLES AND A
THIS WAS IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE IN SOME EUROPEAN \ND WAS EXPECTED TO REDUCE ROAD DAMAGE BY SPREADING I HE
COUNTRIES
LOAD OVER
MORE AXLES.
THE PRESENT WEIGHT OF 38 TONNES
REGULATIONS PERMIT THE MAXIMUM GROSS FOR A FIVE-AXLED ARTICULATED VEHICLE.
COMBINED
Tn AIIOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS TO
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHTS AT 40 AND 42 IONNES.
THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF A TRAILER WOULD ALSO BE FROM THE SPECIFIED LIMIT OF 32 TO 38 TONNES AS THE UNLADEN ^TRAILER IS ABOUT FIVE TO SEVEN TONNES, AND THE CONTAINER
INCREASED WEIGHT OF IT CARRIES
MAY WEIGH UP TO 30 TONNES.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
6
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OVERLOADING CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO ROADS AND WAS DETRIMENTAL TO ROAD SAFETY.
THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ALSO PROVIDE FOR A NEW SET OF TRAFFIC SIGNS TO BE ERECTED TO FACILITATE THE OPERATION OF WEIGH STATIONS.
THE SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED ON THE APPROACHES TO THE STATIONS TO DIRECT GOODS VEHICLES ABOVE THE SPECIFIED WEIGHT LIMIT OF 5.5 TONNES TO PROCEED ALONG THE NEARSIDE LANE OF THE TRUNK ROAD WHERE A NORMAL SPEED WEIGHTING DEVICE IS INSTALLED TO SCREEN PASSING VEHICLES.
"WHEN AN OVERLOADED VEHICLE PASSES THROUGH THE SENSOR OF THE DEVICE, A TRAFFIC SIGN WILL BE ILLUMINATED, OBLIGING THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED TO THE WEIGH STATION FOR ACCURATE WEIGHING AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
"TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES, SUCH AS THE USE OF CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS, WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLES CONCERNED WILL PROCEED TO THE WEIGH STATIONS.
"OVER-WEIGHT VEHICLES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNLOAD PART OF THEIR LOAD BEFORE THEY ARE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PRESENT REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DRIVE OR CAUSE TO BE DRIVEN AN OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLE OR SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE ON A ROAD.
UNTIL RECENTLY, THE POLICE HAVE BEEN RELYING ON PORTABLE WEIGHING EQUIPMENT AND WEIGH BRIDGES TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OFFENDING TRUCK DRIVERS.
TO TACKLE OVERLOADING EFFECTIVELY, A NUMBER OF STRATEGICALLY LOCATED, PURPOSE-BUILT VEHICLE WEIGH STATIONS ARE BEING PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED. THESE WILL PROVIDE CONSTANT CHECKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OF DESIGNATED CATEGORIES AT STRATEGIC POINTS ALONG THE ROAD NETWORK.
THE FIRST PERMANENT WEIGH STATIONS AT MA LIU SHUI, SHA TIN, ALONG THE TOLO HIGHWAY, CAME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 15 THIS YEAR. THE NEXT ONE IS BEING PLANNED AT TAI LAM KOK, ALONG THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.
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/7........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 7 -
MARINE COURT TO INVESTIGATE CATAMARAN CASUALTY » » » ♦ » »
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED A MARINE COURT TO CONDUCT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE INCIDENT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR INVOLVING THE HONG KONG REGISTERED VESSEL, APOLLO JET.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COURT IS MAGISTRATE MR HENRY LIONEL BRAZIER ASSISTED BY TWO MARINE ASSESSORS, MR ALAN WILLIAM CURTIS AND MR JOHN TREVOR KAY-RUSSELL.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE CASUALTY INVOLVED A HIGH SPEED WATER JET PROPELLED CATAMARAN, WHICH IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY HONG KONG MACAO HYDROFOIL COMPANY LIMITED. IT OCCURRED WHEN THE VESSEL ENTERED YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AT SPEED, APPARENTLY OUT OF CONTROL. .
THE VESSEL COLLIDED WITH AND DAMAGED SEVERAL VESSELS BEFORE STRANDING ON THE SEAWALL.
FOUR PERSONS DIED AND SEVEN WERE INJURED AS A RESULT, ALTHOUGH THE CREW ESCAPED ANY INJURY.
THE CATAMARAN WAS NOT CARRYING PASSENGERS AT THE TIME AND WAS ON ITS WAY BACK TO ITS OVERNIGHT MOORINGS.
ANNOUNCING THE MARINE COURT’S APPOINTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR JOHN TSE, SAID THE CASUALTY HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY CONDUCTED BY TWO MARINE DEPARTMENT SURVEYORS.
IT WAS ON THE BASIS OF THEIR REPORT THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED A MARINE COURT.
ITS MAIN PURPOSE, HE SAID, WAS TO FIND THE CAUSE AND ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE ON MEASURES TO PREVENT A SIMILAR ACCIDENT, ALTHOUGH THE OWNERS HAD ALREADY IMPLEMENTED SOME PREVENTIVE MEASURES IDENTIFIED BY THE INVESTIGATING SURVEYORS.
MR TSE SAID: ’’PREPARATIONS FOR PRESENTING THIS VERY COMPLEX CASE TO COURT ARE WELL ADVANCED AND INCLUDE THE COMMISSIONING OF A FURTHER REPORT BY AN EXPERT FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM.
’’THESE LENGTHY PREPARATIONS AND THE UNAVAILABILITY OF SOME MEMBERS OF THE COURT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS MEAN THE EARLIEST DATE THE COURT CAN CONVENE IS OCTOBER.’’
------0--------
/8.........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 8 -
PUBLIC URGED TO MAKE USE OF
* * *
DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD, TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE’S HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE, MR PESCOD SAID DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WERE KEEN TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF HUNG HOM AND KOWLOON CITY.
HE SAID HIS STAFF WOULD FURTHER STEP UP LIAISON WITH RESIDENTS.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, POINTED OUT THAT HUNG HOM WAS AN OLD DISTRICT WITH LARGE NEW HOUSING ESTATES.
HENCE, HE SAID, THE HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE HAD AN IMPORTANT TASK IN BRINGING NEW AND OLD RESIDENTS TOGETHER.
THE HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE HAS MOVED FROM ITS OLD ADDRESS IN BULKELEY STREET TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF SITE 5, WHAMPOA GARDEN. IT PROVIDES STATUTORY DECLARATION AND OTHER SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AND -HANDLES PUBLIC ENQUIRIES.
-----0------
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PROGRAMME
*****
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ITS WORK PROGRAMME FOR THE CURRENT YEAR AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PREPARATION WORK FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW WHICH WILL BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING
BOARD’S COMMERCE, TOMORROW (FRIDAY)
INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE
IN THE
CONFERENCE ROOM
OF THE NORTH AND FISHERIES [ OF THE NORTH
DISTRICT COMMITTEE
DISTRICT
OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/9 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
9
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT PROGRAMMES
******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS TO BE CARRIED OUT LN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE SHORTENING OF THE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE PLYING BETWEEN SHING MUN RESERVOIR AND TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN WO YI HOP ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
------ 0-----------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY
******
INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS
RECREATION AND SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS COMMUNITY IN 1990-91 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CULTURE, COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CORRUPTION WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE AND EDUCATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT REGIONAL OFFICE DURING THE YEAR.
INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST PLANNED ANTI-CORRUPTION SERVICES BY ITS KOWLOON EAST/SAI KUNG
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY REPORTS ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
KWUN TONG
COMMUNITY
I TOMORROW
THE AND
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER
DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORIS
HU I I DING COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AI 2.30 IM
(FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, 6 IUNG
YAN STREET.
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/10.........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
10
MORE NEW GMB ROUTES TO BE ANNOUNCED t t * * *
ANOTHER PACKAGE OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE PUT UP FOR TENDER IN JULY, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PACKAGE WOULD INCLUDE A TOTAL OF ABOUT 25 ROUTES WITH ABOUT SEVEN USING THE NEWLY OPENED ROUTE 5 AND THE TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL TO BE OPENED LATER THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
AT A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC AND MAXICAB LIGHT BUS MERCHANTS’ UNITED ASSOCIATION TODAY, MR PANG SAID THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND PACKAGE OF NEW ROUTES TO BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR IN AN EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE THE CONVERSION OF RED MINTBUSES TO GREEN MINIBUSES.
A SELECTION BOARD WOULD SOON SELECT APPLICANTS TO OPERATE THE 10 NEW GMB ROUTES ANNOUNCED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW GMB ROUTES COULD BE INTRODUCED FROM JULY ONWARDS.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE SEVERAI DISTRICT BOARD AND REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MR PANG ADDED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO
IDENTIFY AND DRAW UP MORE NEW ROUTES IN THE COMING MONTHS.
HE REITERATED THAT THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICY ON PUBLIC
LIGHT BUSES WAS TO MAINTAIN THE NUMBER OF PLB’S AND GRADUALLY TO
CONVERT THEM TO GMB’S WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF GMB ROUTES.
ON THE QUESTION- OF ALLOWING PLB’S TO RUN SERVICES INSIDE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, MR PANG SAID THE EXISTING POLICY TO RESTRICT PLB OPERATING AREAS WOULD CONTINUE.
TO RELIEVE TRANSPORT DEMANDS WITHIN HOUSING ESTATES DURING RUSH HOURS, GMB ROUTES WOULD BE INTRODUCED. AS FOR LARGER HOUSING ESTATES, THESE COULD BE SERVED BA RESIDENTIAL COACHES.
MR PANG SAID FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REASONS THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF PLB’S ENTERING HOUSING ESTATES.
HE SAID PLB ASSOCIATIONS AND DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THE INTRODUCTION OF MORE GMB ROUTES AND HE HOPED THAT THE CONVERSION OF RMB’S TO GMB’S WOULD BE SPED UP.
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/Il .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 199.0
11 GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES. THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION. THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES. HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE ”2” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BAS6P ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
/NORMALLY, THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 12 -
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES- AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 3.5.90) (AS AT 17.5.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH *
BIG WAVE BAY 2 4
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1 1
HAIRPIN 1 2
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK 0 2 3
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 2 2
STANLEY MAIN 1 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
/TUEN MUN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
13
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 3
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH . 1
KWUN YAM WAN 2
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
SILVERMINE BAY 4
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU ’ 2
TUNG O» 1
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
X
2
X
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
/TSUEN WAN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 2 2
APPROACH 3 2
CASAM 2 2
GEMINI 2 2
HOI MEI WAN 3 2
LIDO 2 2
TING KAU 4 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1 2
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
KWUN YAM WAN, FROM "2" TO "1"; APPROACH, HOI MEI WAN, NEW CAFETERIA, KADOORIE AND BUTTERFLY, FROM "3" TO "2"; HAIRPIN, STANLEY MAIN, PUI O, TUNG O AND TUNG WAN ON MA WAN, FROM "1" TO "2"; SHEK O, FROM "2" TO "3".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
TING KAU, FROM "4" TO "3".
TING KAU BEACH IS UPGRADED ON THIS OCCASION, AS REMEDIAL ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN TO STOP THE OVERFLOW OF SEWAGE FROM THE MANHOLE OF A SEWAGE OUTFALL NEAR THE BEACH.
BIG WAVE, FROM "2" TO ”4".
THE DOWNGRADING OF BIG WAVE BAY BEACH IS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAS CAUSED POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEAWATER.
--------0---------
/15 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
15 -
TRAINING COURSE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ******
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A TRAINING COURSE NEXT MONTH TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED FOR THE SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR, AIMS AT MOTIVATING MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE LAST YEAR, THIS YEAR’S INTAKE WOULD BE INCREASED TO 70 PARTICIPANTS.
EXPERTS IN THE FIELD WILL SPEAK ON TOPICS INCLUDING THE SELECTION AND MONITORING OF A MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, MAINTENANCE WORK AND FIRE SAFETY.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM 8 PM TO 10 PM ON JUNE 12, 15, 22 AND 26 IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 880-866 KING’S ROAD.
AN ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO EACH PARTICIPANT ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE WITH AT LEAST A 75 PER CENT ATTENDANCE RATE. A NOMINAL FEE OF $10 WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSE.
THE COURSE IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE COURSE PROGRAMME AhlD APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES AND THE HENG FA CHUEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES COUNTER.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY JUNE 4. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM ON 563 0181.
- - 0 - -
/16 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 16 -
FAREWELL RECEPTION AT TUEN MUN CLOSED CENTRE
******
A FAREWELL RECEPTION WAS HELD AT THE TUEN MUN CLOSED CENTRE TODAY (THURSDAY) TO MARK THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HANDING OVER OF THE CENTRE’S MANAGEMENT TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ALSO ATTENDED THE RECEPTION.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES, PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE STAFF TO EXPRESS HIS APPRECIATION OF THEIR MANY YEARS OF HARD WORK IN RUNNING THE CENTRE.
MEANWHILE, IN ANOTHER OCCASION AT THE SAN YICK CLOSED CENTRE, REFUGEE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE CENTRE’S SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR THEIR WORK.
THE TUEN MUN AND SAN YICK CLOSED CENTRES HAD BEEN MANAGED BY THE CSD SINCE 1985 AND 1988 RESPECTIVELY. THE DEPARTMENT WILL OFFICIALLY PASS THE MANAGEMENT OF. THE CENTRES ON TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FROM MONDAY (MAY 21).
------0--------
WINNERS OF STORY WRITING COMPETITION SELECTED * ♦ * ♦ *
FIFTEEN YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR IN A CREATIVE STORY WRITING COMPETITION SPONSORED BY NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
WRITING TALENT
THE CITY AND
AND CERTIFICATES
CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITIONS, AT
THEY WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES, PLAQUES OF COMMENDATION AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION TERRITORY-WIDE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS THE CITY HALL ON AUGUST 11.
BY THE SCOUTS CULTURAL AND
THE STORY WRITING COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AS PART OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH WHICH IS ALSO SPONSORED BY THE CNTA.
ARTS COMPETITIONS,
THE STORY WRITING COMPETITION ATTRACTED OF MORE THAN 250 ENTRIES IN THE OPEN, SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS.
FOLLOWING A
FROM EACH
COMPRISING
PRELIMINARY SELECTION, THE AUTHORS OF
WERE INTERVIEWED BY A PANEL CF
OF
FIVE ENTRIES
ADJUDICATORS
WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITIES FROM THE LOCAL ACADEMIC CIRCLE.
---------0-----------
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
- 17 -
DURING THE INTERVIEW, HELD RECENTLY, THE ADJUDICATORS DISCUSSED WITH THE FINALISTS ABOUT THE CONTENT AND COMPOSITION OF THEIR ENTRIES AND GAVE ADVICE ON CREATIVE WRITING SKILL.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, ALSO MET THE FINALISTS AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO FURTHER CULTIVATE THEIR INTEREST IN WRITING.
HE THANKED THE SCOUTS ASSOCIATION FOR ORGANISING THE STORY WRITING COMPETITION.
"IT IS ALL THE MORE MEANINGFUL FOR THE ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE THE COMPETITION BECAUSE IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE ASSOCIATION’S AIM TO PROMOTE THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE BY PROVIDING VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES AND AWARD SCHEMES.
’’THEIR EFFORTS IN GROOMING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE GOOD CITIZENS COINCIDE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS,” HE ADDED.
0
TO BE CLOSED
CLOSE THE GROUND FLOOR
THE DEMOLITION OF AN OF PART OF THE EXTERNAL BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT
ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED
GROUND FLOOR OF A TSIM SHA TSUI FLAT ******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO OF 57 GRANVILLE ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI SO THA' UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE AND THE REINSTATEMENT WALL AT THE REAR YARD OF THE PREMISES CAN DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO
UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE STRUCTURE AND REINSTATEMENT OF THE WALL.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 19 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OE THE BUILDING TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE A CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
------0-----------
/18........
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1990
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 19), THE SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN HOUSE NO.179 AND HOUSE NO.211 WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY ON THE ABOVE SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF VEHICULAR UNDERPASS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS IN HUNG HOM WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 19) TO FACILITATE CLEANSING OF THE UNDERPASS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, DRIVERS ON WINSLOW STREET HEADING FOR TO KWA WAN ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA WINSLOW STREET, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, COOKE STREET, GILLIES AVENUE AND WUHU STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA TO KEEP PEOPLE UP-TO-DATE: GOVERNOR ................... 1
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ................ 2
NEW SYSTEM FOR REGISTERING COMPANY NAMES PROPOSED ............................ 7
CHANGES TO WINDING-UP PROCEDURES PROPOSED .................................... 8
CASH AID SCHEME FOR STUDENTS SIMPLIFIED....................................... 10
BOARDS PAY OUT $5.7M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION ................................ H
SPORTS EVENTS TO CELEBRATE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY .................................. 12
FURTHER PITCHING-IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN .................................. I4
IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING HEALTHY ATTITUDES ON SEXUALITY STRESSED ............. 16
CHANGE IN FORMAT OF PASSPORTS NEXT MONTH ..................................... 17
HK TO HOST SESSION OF TEXTILES, CLOTHING BUREAU .............................. 18
WAN CHAI POST OFFICE GAZETTED AS MONUMENT..................................... I9
WORK OF AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE PRAISED ....................................... 20
TUEN NG A STATUTORY HOLIDAY .................................................. 20
KING'S ROAD POST OFFICE TO REOPEN ............................................ 21
THREE FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT IN TSING YI .................................... 21
WORK TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN YUEN LONG....................................... 22
ACTION ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN ..................................... 22
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1918-22 .............................. 23
WITHDRAWAL OF GMB ROUTE NT 10 ................................................ 24
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN KWAI CHUNG....................................... 25
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWAI CHUNG................................................. 25
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE .........................................
TEMPORARY PARTIAL ROAD CLOSURE IN NT.......................................... 27
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
1
VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA TO
* *
KEEP PEOPLE UP-TO-DATE: GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA IS TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA ARE KEPT UP-TO-DATE AND WELL-INFORMED ON THE DETAILS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR LONDON, TONIGHT (FRIDAY), SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD GO TO NEW YORK FIRST WHERE HE WOULD BE TALKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ASIA SOCIETY, WHICH IS A VERY LARGE ORGANISATION IN THE UNITED STATES WITH AN INTEREST IN ASIA.
"THEY ARE DEVOTING THEIR ANNUAL DINNER THIS YEAR, AND THE WHOLE DAY ON MONDAY, TO HONG KONG WITH A SEMINAR THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BEFORE AND AFTER 1997," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID WILL ALSO BE MEETING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES IN NEW YORK AS WELL AS THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN GO TO CANADA FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO OTTAWA AND TORONTO.
"IT WILL BE THE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO OTTAWA BY A GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IT’S A VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO TRY TO BUILD UP THE RELATIONSHIP WE HAVE WITH CANADA WHICH HAS BEEN INCREASING OVER THE YEARS. TRADE HAS BEEN INCREASING, THERE ARE OF COURSE A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG NOW LIVING IN CANADA, PARTICULARLY IN TORONTO," HE ADDED.
"SO IT WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET ACROSS TO THOSE PEOPLE ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG SO THAT THEY ARE BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THERE ARE FOR TRADE AND OTHER INVOLVEMENT FROM CANADA IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS IN TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS SOMETHING HE WOULD CERTAINLY WANT TO GET ACROSS IN THE UNITED STATES: "THAT THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A QUESTION OF UNITED STATES RELATIONS WITH CHINA, WHICH MUST BE A MATTER FOR THE UNITED STATES, NOT US, BUT IT IS SOMETHING WHICH WILL HAVE A VERY MARKED EFFECT ON HONG KONG.
"AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT AS THEY COME TO MAKING THOSE DECISIONS, THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG, OF THE DECISIONS THAT THEY WILL TAKE ON MFN STATUS," HE SAID.
/IN REPLY .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 2 -
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT BE CALLING ON U.S. OFFICIALS WHILE IN NEW YORK.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT HE WOULD BE SPEAKING IN PUBLIC AND MEETING A W DE SELECTION OF THE MEDIA IN THE UNITED STATES TO PUT ACROSS THE POINTS ON CHINA’S MFN STATUS.
HE SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE TALKING ABOUT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PLANS FOR THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE FACT THAT OUTSIDE INVOLVEMENT WAS WELCOME.
SEEING THE GOVERNOR OFF AT THE AIRPORT WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN; AND THE ACTING SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG.
--------0 - -
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED
*******
IN MARCH 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990, BUT DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT WHEN WITH HaSS 1989, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990,
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MARCH 1990 INCREASED PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
SLIGHTLY PRODUCTS
IN THE PLASTIC INDUSTRIES, BUT
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REMAINED ALMOST
UNCHANGED.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, THE ORDERS POSITION DROPPED MODERATELY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN MOST OF THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT INCREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
/ON EMPLOYMENT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
3 -
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN MARCH 1990 DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990 AND MARCH 1989 RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN ALMOST ALL THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, EXCEPT FOR THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY WHICH SHOWED A FAIRLY' SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, DECREASES IN EMPLOYMENT WERE RECORDED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASES RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.
HOWEVER, A MODERATE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
IN MARCH 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED SHOWED SOME INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
THESE INCREASES WERE DUE PARTLY TO MORE WORKING DAYS IN MARCH 1990 THAN IN FEBRUARY 1990, PARTICULARLY SINCE QUITE A NUMBER OF THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED STILL HAD THEIR CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS IN THE EARLY PART OF FEBRUARY 1990.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS.
INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1990 WAS ALMOST THE SAME AS IN FEBRUARY 1990, BUT DECREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1989.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MARCH 1990 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER FEBRUARY 1990, MAINLY DUE TO MORE WORKING DAYS IN MARCH THAN IN FEBRUARY, PARTICULARLY SINCE SOME OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED STILL HAD THEIR CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS IN THE EARLY PART OF FEBRUARY.
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH MARCH 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS INDUSTRY COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 4 -
IN THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1990 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1989.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MARCH 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990, BUT INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER MARCH 1989 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT AS THE SURVEY IS NOT BASED ON A SCIENTIFICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE, THE MAGNITUDES OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE MERELY A REFLECTION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED.
HOWEVER, GIVEN THE COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL, IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MARCH 1990 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4820.
/TABLE 1 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 5 -
TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
AS AT THE END OF MARCH 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY FEB. 90 MAR. 89
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.35 * -2
— — ——
WEARIN( APPAREL 4.69 * -2
TEXTILES 2.45 -2 -4 ®
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.39 + 1 -3
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.32 * -8
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 5.28 + 1 + 2
PRODUCTS OTHERS 4 . 17 * -2
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5X. TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF MARCH 1990
INDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
FEB. 90 MAR. 89
(%) (%>
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -1 -9
FOOD AND DRINKS -1 + 4
WEARING APPAREL -1 -10
TEXTILES * -6
PLASTIC PRODUCTS + 9 -2
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -3 -14
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -17
OTHERS -1 *
CONSTRI CTION# ♦ -4
SERVICES ♦ + 3
BANKS * + 1
HOTELS -1 -2
PUBLIC UTILITIES ♦ + 2
OTHERS + 1 + 6
/* CHANGES WITHIN ........
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
6
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5%.
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN MARCH 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
FEB. 90 MAR. 89
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 5,645 + 7 + 18
— — — —
FOOD AND DRINKS 6,200 + 3 + 18
WEARING APPAREL 4,432 + 8 + 11
TEXTILES 5,049 + 11 + 12
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 5,075 + 2 + 7
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 6,601 + 15 + 23
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 5,554 + 6 + 23
PRODUCTS 7,551
OTHERS + 5 + 18
CONSTRUCTION# 7,984 + 13 + 17
— — — — — — —
SERVICES 9,425 -1 + 19
— — —
BANKS 8,816 -2 + 17
HOTELS 6,416 * + 15
PUBLIC UTILITIES 9,232 + 3 + 22
OTHERS 10,967 -3 + 17
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5%.
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
NOTES TO TABLES 1-3:
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS’, WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
7
NEW SYSTEM FOR REGISTERING COMPANY NAMES PROPOSED ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO INTRODUCE A STREAMLINED SYSTEM FOR THE REGISTRATION AND APPROVAL OF COMPANY NAMES WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE TIME TAKEN TO INCORPORATE NEW COMPANIES.
THE PROPOSED SYSTEM IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1990, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"BASED ON THE UNITED KINGDOM APPROACH, THE NEW SYSTEM IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE SIMPLER AND QUICKER, AND ITS INTRODUCTION SHOULD GREATLY REDUCE THE TIME TAKEN TO REGISTER NEW COMPANIES," THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID.
"AT PRESENT, OWING TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS AND THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE, THE OVERALL TIME TAKEN TO INCORPORATE COMPANIES, INCLUDING THE APPROVAL OF THE NAME, IS BETWEEN TWO AND THREE MONTHS WHICH IS CONSIDERED UNSATISFACTORY.
"UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, A COMPANY NAME IS REGISTRABLE IF IT IS NOT THE SAME AS A NAME ALREADY IN THE COMPANY NAME INDEX IN THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.
"HOWEVER, WHERE A NAME REGISTERED IS, TN THE OPINION OF THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, TOO LIKE A NAME PREVIOUSLY ENTERED IN THE INDEX, THE REGISTRAR MAY, WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF REGISTRATION, DIRECT THE COMPANY TO CHANGE ITS NAME WITHIN SUCH PERIOD AS HE MAY SPECIFY," MR GLEESON SAID.
"THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM WILL RESULT IN THE NAME RESERVATION SYSTEM BEING ABOLISHED, THEREBY CUTTING DOWN THE TIME TAKEN TO INCORPORATE COMPANIES TO A PERIOD OF ABOUT 10 WORKING DAYS.
"ONE OF THE RESULTS OF THE NEW APPROACH WILL BE TO RELIEVE STAFF OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY FROM THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DECIDING WHETHER A NAME IS ’TOO LIKE’ AN EXISTING COMPANY NAME AND TO PLACE THIS RESPONSIBILITY ON THE PARTY REGISTERING THE NEW COMPANY.
"TO THIS END, MANUAL (FOR ’SAME NAME’ AND ’TOO LIKE NAME’ SEARCHES) AND COMPUTERISED (FOR ’SAME NAME’ SEARCHES ONLY) SEARCH FACILITIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE AT THE PUBLIC SEARCH AREA OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY," HE SAID.
"MORE DETAILS OF ARRANGEMENT FOR SEARCHES WILL BE GIVEN BEFORE THE NEW SYSTEM COMES INTO OPERATION,” HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE NEW "SAME NAME" SYSTEM COMES INTO FORCE.
/MR GLEESON .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
8
MR GLEESON SAID THE EFFECT OF THIS WOULD BE THAT NAMES WHICH ARE ON RESERVED LIST AT THE START OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD CAN CONTINUE TO BE USED FOR INCORPORATING NEW COMPANIES DURING THAT PERIOD UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
"IT WILL STILL BE POSSIBLE TO INCORPORATE A COMPANY DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, EVEN IF THE NAME FOR THAT COMPANY HAS NOT BEEN RESERVED, BUT AFTER THE END OF THAT PERIOD ALL NAME RESERVATIONS WILL LAPSE,” HE SAID.
"THE OTHER MAJOR PURPOSE OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD IS TO ENABLE THE COMPANIES REGISTRY TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF COMPANY INCORPORATIONS SO THAT IT CAN START WITH A CLEAN SLATE ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW SYSTEM," MR GLEESON ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30.
--------0-----------
CHANGES TO WINDING-UP PROCEDURES PROPOSED ♦ * * * ♦
A BILL GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSION FROM A COMPULSORY WINDING-UP OF A COMPANY TO A CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.4) BILL 1990 PROPOSES THAT ANY APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION HAS TO BE MADE WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE DATE OF A RESOLUTION PASSED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CREDITORS, OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OF THAT MEETING.
’’THE EXISTING SECTION 209A OF THE ORDINANCE ALLOWS CREDITORS TO APPLY FOR CONVERSION AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF A COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSED CHANGES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) RULES, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER (OR), WHO ACTED AS LIQUIDATOR IN MOST COMPULSORY WINDING-UP CASES, OPERATED A SCHEME OF PAYMENT BY RESULTS AND CHARGED FEES PROPORTIONAL TO THE AMOUNT OF ASSETS REALISED TO RECOVER COSTS OF WORK DONE.
’’SECTION 209A PROVIDES THAT THE COURT MAY, UPON APPLICATION BY THE LIQUIDATOR OR ANY CREDITOR, ALLOW A COMPULSORY WINDING-UP TO BE CONVERTED AND CONDUCTED AS IF IT WERE A CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP,” HE SAID.
END/KO
/•'WHILE THIS..........
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 9 -
"WHILE THIS IS A LEGITIMATE COURSE OF ITSELF SHOULD NOT RULE OUT CONVERSION, 209A IS DEEMED TO BE UNSATISFACTORY," THE
FOR CREDITORS AND ONE WHICH THE OPERATION OF Sir ION SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT MAINLY STEMS FROM THE CREDITORS’ KNOWLEDGE THAT IF CONVERSION TAKES PLACE, ANY FEES PAYABLE TO A PRIVATE SECTOR LIQUIDATOR, WHO CHARGES FEES ON A TIME-COST BASIS, WILL BE LESS THAN THE FEES PAYABLE TO THE OR AS THE TIME CONSUMING WORK OF IDENTIFYING ASSETS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE BY THE OR.
"THIS SECTION IN EFFECT PROVIDES CREDITORS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK CONVERSION JUST BEFORE THE REALISATION OF ASSETS SO AS TO AVOID FEES PAYABLE TO THE OR FOR INVESTIGATORY WORK DONE EARLIER.
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES TO REMEDY THIS WEAKNESS BY REQUIRING ANY APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION TO BE MADE WITHIN A SET PERIOD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THE THREE-MONTH PROPOSED PERIOD WILL GIVE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR CREDITORS TO REACH A DECISION ON THE BEST WAY FORWARD AND TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS," HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES THE COURT TO HAVE REGARD TO VARIOUS MATTERS RELATING TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN DECIDING WHETHER AN APPLICATION SHOULD BE ACCEPTED, FOR EXAMPLE, WHETHER OR NOT THERE HAS BEEN AN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OR CONVICTION OF OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY FOR FRAUD.
"AT PRESENT, THE COURT IS ONLY REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WISHES OF CREDITORS AND CONTRIBUTORIES IN DECIDING APPLICATIONS," HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES CREDITORS OF COMPANIES WHICH WENT INTO LIQUIDATION AFTER AUGUST 30, 1984, THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SECTION 209A, WITH A FURTHER THREE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PRESENT BILL TO APPLY FOR CONVERSION UNDER THE PRESENT PROCEDURE.
• "NO GRACE PERIOD WILL HOWEVER BE GIVEN TO CREDITORS OF COMPANIES WHICH WENT INTO LIQUIDATION BEFORE AUGUST 30, 1984," HE ADDED.
"FOR THESE CASES THE RIGHT FOR CONVERSION AS GRANTED BY SECTION 209A COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENVISAGED AT THE TIME OF MAKING THE PETITION TO WIND UP THE COMPANY; AND MORE THAN FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED IN WHICH THEY COULD HAVE EXERCISED THE RIGHT SUBSEQUENTLY GRANTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30.
------0-----------
/10 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
10
CASH AID SCHEME FOR STUDENTS SIMPLIFIED *****
HE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED A SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR CALCULATING THE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AT THE TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE SIMPLIFIED METHOD HAD BEEN WARMLY WELCOMED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND THE STUDENTS’ UNIONS.
THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES HAD EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT IT REPRESENTED A GREAT IMPROVEMENT WHICH WOULD CONSIDERABLY HELP SIMPLIFY THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE REVISED METHOD, A "SIMPLE FAMILY APPROACH" WOULD BE ADOPTED SO THAT ONLY THE "CORE MEMBERS" OF THE FAMILY WOULD BE COUNTED IN CALCULATING THE STUDENT’S ANNUAL DISPOSAL INCOME (ADI), WHICH WAS THE BASIS FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE STUDENT.
"’CORE MEMBERS’ MEANS THE APPLICANT’S PARENTS AND SIBLINGS WHO ARE SINGLE AND LIVING WITH THE FAMILY. IN THE CASE OF A MARRIED APPLICANT, ONLY HIS SPOUSE AND CHILDREN WOULD BE COUNTED," HE SAID.
"UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WOULD BE COUNTED IN CALCULATING THE STUDENT’S ADI INCLUDE THE APPLICANT’S PARENTS, SPOUSE, CHILDREN, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER RELATIVES LIVING IN THE HOUSEHOLD. THEY ALSO INCLUDE THE APPLICANT’S SIBLINGS WHO ARE SINGLE BUT LIVING AWAY FROM THE HOUSEHOLD.
"ANOTHER CHANGE IN THE REVISED SYSTEM IS THAT IN ORDER TO AVOID CAUSING HARDSHIP TO CERTAIN FAMILIES, AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYABLE TO SINGLE PERSONS SHOULD BE DEDUCTED FOR EACH DEPENDENT GRANDPARENT LIVING IN THE HOUSEHOLD."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN APPLICANT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HIS FAMILY MEMBERS.
"THE APPLICANT IS ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO VERIFY THE FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS," HE SAID.
"THERE HAVE BEEN GROWING COMPLAINTS FROM STUDENTS THAT THE EXISTING APPLICATION FORM IS TOO COMPLICATED AND THAT THEY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
"THE PROCESS HAS ALSO CAUSED INCONVENIENCE TO FAMILY MEMBERS AND SOMETIMES LED TO DISPUTES."
/IT IS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
IT IS HOPED THAT THE NEW APPROACH WOULD ENSURE THAT NO NEEDY STUDENT WOULD BE DETERRED FROM APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE OF COMPLICATED APPLICATION PROCEDURE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY STUDENTS IN THE FORM OF BOTH GRANTS AND LOANS.
IT AIMS AT ENSURING THAT NO ELIGIBLE STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN OFFERED A PLACE IN ONE OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED SHOULD BE JI ABLE TO ACCEPT IT BECAUSE OF LACK OF MEANS.
- - 0 - -
BOARDS PAY OUT $5.7M IN INJURIES COMPENSATION ******
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOAR’S PAID OUT $5.7 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DE”F DANTS IN 1988-89, COMPARED WITH ABOUT $4.9 MILLION IN THE PRECEDING YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ LATEST ANNUAL REPORT.
THESE PAYMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 1,190 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES ANI ONE LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES CASE.
THEY ALSO BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE INCI TION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME IN 1973 TO $43.47 MILLION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT C. TANG, NOTED THAT IN TOTAL 1,138 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, REPRESENTING 14.5 PER CENT OF THE 7,841 REPORTED CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES DURING THE PERIOD.
VICTIMS OF ASSAULT AND WOUNDING AS WELL AS ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY MADE UP THE MAJORITY - ABOUT 93 PER CENT - OF THE APPLICATIONS.
THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS ARISING FROM CASES OF ARSON WITH 12 APPLICATIONS, COMPARED WITH FIVE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
APPLICATIONS RELATED TO CASES OF HOMICIDE, MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER INCREASED FROM 34 TO 38. APPLICATIONS RELATED TO ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY DROPPED BY ABOUT 26.5 PER CENT, TOTALLING 188 AS AGAINST 25G.
OF THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 777 WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE, 350 SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST REFERRED BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
/DURING THE
FRIDAY,- MAY 18, 1990
- 12 -
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $56,500 WAS AWARDED TO THREE SURVIVING DEPENDANTS OF A MURDER CASE VICTIM. THE LOWEST AWARD WAS $80.
THE ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICANT’S ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS TYPES OF GRANTS UNDER THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE OF THE SCHEME DEPENDED ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE VICTIM’S MEDICAL CONDITION, EMPLOYMENT RECORDS, AND DEGREE OF DISABILITY.
IN SOME CASES, IT WOULD TAKE A CONSIDERABLE TIME BEFORE THE ENTITLEMENT COULD BE FULLY COMPUTED.
IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE APPLICANTS, IT WAS THE USUAL PRACTICE TO APPROVE INTERIM AWARDS AS SOON AS THE APPLICANTS’ ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF GRANTS COULD BE ESTABLISHED.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE WORKING OF THE CLEIC SCHEME, THE BOARDS HAD PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT PERIOD OF INJURY GRANT AND INTERIM MAINTENANCE GRANT TO VICTIMS OF SERIOUS INJURIES FROM THREE MONTHS TO SIX MONTHS, MR TANG SAID.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL WAS TO GIVE THE BOARDS DISCRETIONARY POWER TO INCREASE THE AWARDS TO RAPE VICTIMS, AND TO VICTIMS WHO HAD DEMONSTRATED EXEMPLARY EFFORTS IN ASSISTING THE POLICE IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND ARREST OF CRIMINALS, IN SPITE OF PERSONAL EMBARRASSMENT, INCONVENIENCE OR FEAR.
MR TANG SAID THE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THEY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, PENDING THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
SPORTS EVENTS TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
*****
THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR WILL BE CELEBRATED ON JUNE 16 (SATURDAY) WITH SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN IN THE FUN OF ABOUT 70 DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT VARIOUS GPORTS AND RECREATION GROUNDS, SWIMMING POOLS AND PARKS.
THE GOVERNOR, STR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON WILL ATTEND THE ACTIVITIES AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR HAIDER B ARMA.
/EVENTS WILL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 13 -
EVENTS WILL INCLUDE A BASKETBALL COMPETITION, POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN, GAMES FOR THE ELDERLY, AEROBIC DANCE, TAI CHI AND GATEBALL PLAY-IN.
THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN GO TO THE NEARBY SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WHERE ROLLER SKATING AND KARAOKE FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A WATER SPORTS CARNIVAL, TENT-CAMPING, ARCHERY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND OTHER SPORTS EVENTS INCLUDING TENNIS, SQUASH, TRAMPOLINING, BADMINTON AND TABLE TENNIS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, AND LADY YANG WILL ATTEND THE ACTIVITIES AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU KIN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, THE WO YI HOP ROAD SPORTS GROUND AND THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN KWAI CHUNG IN THE MORNING.
THEY WILL SEE VARIOUS SPORTS COMPETITIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS INCLUDING VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, SQUASH, DIVING, FITNESS EXERCISE, AEROBIC DANCE, MAGIC SHOW, A WATER SPORTS CARNIVAL AND A PERFORMANCE BY THE GURKHA PIPE BAND.
IN KOWLOON, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL G.D. JOHNSON, WILL VISIT THE LAI CHI KOK PARK WHERE THE PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN WITH A BAND PERFORMANCE BY THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS.
OTHER EVENTS SUCH AS MINI-TRAIN FOR FAMILIES, CHILDREN POTTED SPORTS, FUN KART, CREATIVE PAINTING, JUDO, AN AQUATIC FUN DAY AND VARIOUS SPORTS MATCHES WILL ALSO BE HELD.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN LAU, WILL SPEND THE MORNING WATCHING VARIOUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT VICTORIA PARK.
THERE WILL BE A BAND PERFORMANCE BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, A "SUPER BOUNCE" FOR CHILDREN, A BASKETBALL MATCH AND SEVEN-A-SIDE MINI-SOCCER AND HANDBALL COMPETITIONS.
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE FUN KART, CYCLING, GAMES FOR FAMILIES, PONY RIDING AND MODEL BOAT FOR CHILDREN, AND FISHING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO TAKE PART IN ANY OF THE FREE EVENTS MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS IN THEIR AREAS.
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/14 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 14 -
FURTHER PITCHING-IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ******
THIS YEAR, THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE TO APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY FOR FURTHER PITCHING-IN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR TONG KAM-BIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE CAMPAIGN IN 1990-91, MR TONG SAID, "THE TWO COUNCILS HAVE SPECIALLY ENGAGED A PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM AND ADVERTISING AGENCY TO PROVIDE NEW IDEAS FOR THE CAMPAIGN’S STRATEGY, TO ARRANGE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES AND TO INVITE CELEBRITIES TO PITCH-IN."
AS PART OF THE CONTINUED EFFORT TO REVITALISE THE 18-YEAR-OLD CAMPAIGN, NEWLY DESIGNED POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (API’S) WOULD BE PRODUCED TO REINFORCE THE SLOGAN OF "BE A SPORT ... PITCH IN".
"THIS YEAR, THE CAMPAIGN WILL STILL FOCUS ON PUBLICITY, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT," HE SAID.
BUT THE PUBLICITY STRATEGY WOULD STRESS THAT LITTERING WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED AND WOULD BE PUNISHED. EQUAL EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON ENFORCEMENT AGAINST LITTERING.
"DURING EACH PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN, LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE STEPPED UP WITH PUBLICITY ON PENALTIES THROUGH POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND API’S", HE SAID.
SPEAKING ON COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT INVOLVEMENT, MR TONG SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD ENCOURAGE DISTRICT BOARDS TO ORGANISE DISTRICT CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS OR OTHER PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CAMPAIGN.
HE SAID VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD ALSO JOIN IN TO CARRY OUT THE PHASE-BY-PHASE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
"IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CAMPAIGN IN THE PAST YEARS, THE STEERING COMMITTEE HAS APPOINTED A PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH COMPANY TO CONDUCT A SURVEY AND ANALYSIS," MR TONG SAID.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE SURVEY WAS TO PROVIDE A MEASUREMENT OF CHANGES IN LEVELS OF AWARENESS, RECALL, PERCEPTION, ATTITUDE, AND STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF RELEVANT PUBLICITY EFFORTS OF THE CAMPAIGN.
THE RESULTS WOULD BE USED TO FORMULATE FUTURE CAMPAIGN STRATEGY.
/ALSO SPEAKING
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 15 -
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE VICE-CHAtRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD ORGANISE VARIOUS PROMOTION AND CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES IN PHASES THIS YEAR TO DISSEMINATE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE.
DR PANG ELABORATED ON THE COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN WHICH INCLUDED THE "CLEAN ROAD AND WORKSITE" PHASE FROM APRIL TO JUNE THIS YEAR, BLITZ OPERATIONS AGAINST ROAD LITTERING FROM VEHICLES AND PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST LITTER OFFENDERS.
THE COMMUNITY WAS CALLED UPON TO SUPPORT THE MAJOR LAUNCH OF THE CAMPAIGN, THE ACTION-PACKED "CLEAN HONG KONG DAY" ON JULY 8, INVOLVING PARTICIPATION BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT BOARDS, YOUTH GROUPS, AND COMMUNITY BODIES TO PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER INTERESTED GROUPS WOULD ORGANISE CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICTS TO SUPPORT THE EVENT, DR PANG SAID.
IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, PUBLICITY WOULD BE DIRECTED AT KEEPING BEACHES CLEAN AND THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME, INVOLVING STUDENTS WHO ADVISF BEACH-GOERS AGAINST LITTERING, WOULD BE IN ACTION AT BFACHES IN BOTH THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AS FAR AS TERRITORY-WIDE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WERE CONCERNED, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD FOCUS THEIR CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER THIS YEAR ON NEIGHBOURHOOD CLEANLINESS, WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
THERE WOULD BE ALSO A CLEAN ESTATE AWARD SCHEME AND INTER-SCHOOL CLEANSING COMPETITIONS.
CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER TO REMIND PICNICKERS AND BIKERS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN.
■ EXTENSIVE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES WOULD ALSO BE MOUNTED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
"A KEEP HONG KONG Cl,EAN SPECTACULAR PROMOTION PROJECT COINCIDING WITH THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP IS BEING NEGOTIATED WITH A TV STATION," DR PANG ADDED.
- - 0---------
/16 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 1 1990
- .16 -
IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING HEALTHY
* * »
ATTITUDES ON SEXUALITY STRESSED
* ♦ *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) WARNED THAT A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUALITY COULD, AND DID, LEAD TO MARITAL DISCORD OR BREAKDOWN, TO SEX ABUSE AND EVEN TO CHILD ABUSE, IN CASES WHERE CHILDREN HAD BECOME THE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF UNHAPPY RELATIONSHIPS.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SEXUALITY IN ASIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT A KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUALITY WOULD INCULCATE A SENSE OF COMMITMENT AND EMOTIONAL AWARENESS.
"IT IS MOST IMPORTANT, THEREFORE, THAT ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RECEIVE PROPER FACTUAL INFORMATION AND TO DEVELOP HEALTHY ATTITUDES ABOUT SEXUALITY, AND ITS PLACE IN A RELATIONSHIP," SHE SAID.
"IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO BE ABLE TO SEEK ADVICE AS TO HOW TO DEAL WITH THEIR CHILDRENS’ QUESTIONS ON THIS ISSUE, AS WELL AS HOW TO ENSURE THAT THEY DO NOT DEVIATE FROM AN INDIVIDUAL’S ROLE IN SOCIETY."
MRS WONG ALSO GAVE A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS APPROACHES USED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION. .
SHE SAID THAT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE ADVISED TO SET ASIDE TEACHING TIME AND ORGANISE EXTRA-CURRICULA ACTIVITIES FOR SEX EDUCATION.
"ALL STUDENTS AT OUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION RECEIVE SOME TRAINING IN THIS SUBJECT, AND SINCE 1986 SEVERAL THOUSAND TEACHERS HAVE ATTENDED IN-SERVICE SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE 10-WEEK COURSE ON SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS RUN BY THE HONG KONG FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, OR EXTRAMURAL COURSES RUN BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES," SHE SAID.
■ "OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, YOUNG PEOPLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR MARITAL STATUS, CAN OBTAIN MEDICAL AND COUNSELLING SERVICES AT THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRES RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT."
MRS WONG SAID THAT TO PROMOTE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, HONG KONG HAD FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE, AND ENHANCED FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND PREVENTED FAMILY BREAKDOWNS.
"TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, WE ORGANISE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS WITH SPECIFIC THEMES, MASS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS AND CAMPS, AND PRODUCE POSTERS, BOOKLETS AND LEAFLETS," SHE SAID.
/"TO FACILITATE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 17 -
"TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE IS OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"BOTH SOFTWARE, SUCH AS FILMS, VIDEO, TAPES, SLIDES AND REFERENCE MATERIAL, AND HARDWARE ARE AVAILABLE TO SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS TO HELP THEM ORGANISE PROGRAMMES."
MRS WONG SAID FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION HAD FOUR MAIN PROGRAMME AREAS -- HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOUR, SEX EDUCATION, HUMAN ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS AND HOME MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
"ON THE SUBJECT OF SEX EDUCATION, DURING 1988-89, 186 PROGRAMMES ON SEX EDUCATION WERE ORGANISED, REPRESENTING SEVEN PER CENT OF THE TOTAL FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR THAT YEAR," SHE SAID.
"IT IS CLEAR THEREFORE THAT THROUGH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION YOUNG PEOPLE AS WELL AS THEIR PARENTS CAN ACQUIRE AN APPROPRIATE SET OF VALUES.
"WITH THE INCLUSION OF SEX EDUCATION IN SUBJECTS SUCH AS HEALTH EDUCATION, SOCIAL STUDIES AND HUMAN BIOLOGY IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM, AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AS WELL IN GIVING ADVICE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT, WE CAN ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SEXUALITY AND, THEREFORE, OF OURSELVES AS HUMAN BEINGS."
CHANGE IN FORMAT OF PASSPORTS NEXT MONTH
*****
THE FORMAT OF THE HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN (HKBDTC) AND BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) BN(O) PASSPORTS WILL BE CHANGED NEXT MONTH WHEN PASSPORTS TN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COMMON FORMAT WILL BEGIN TO BE ISSUED, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FROM JUNE 1, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPLYING FOR PASSPORTS WILL RECEIVE THE "NEW FORMAT DOCUMENT WHICH IS MACHINE READABLE.
THE NEW PASSPORT CONTAINS 32 PAG4ES . IT HAS A BURGUNDY SOFT COVER AND IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE. CURRENT BLUE HARD-COVER PASSPORT.
THE MACHINE READABLE PASSPORT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HAVING ALL THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE HOLDER ON ONE PAGE INSTEAD OF SEVERAL PAGES AS DOES THE CURRENT PASSPORT. THIS WILL REDUCE CONSIDERABLY THE TIME TAKEN FOR VISUAL INSPECTION.
/THE MACHINE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 18 -
THE MACHINE AT THE IMMIGRATION OPERATION.
READABLE FEATURES WILL FURTHER EXPEDITE CLEARANCE CHECKPOINTS OVERSEAS WHERE PASSPORT READERS ARE IN
"ONLY THE PASSPORT FORMAT WILL CHANGE, THE HOLDER’S RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED," THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
. /■ . - '■
THE PRESENT HARD-COVER 94-PAGE "JUMBO" PASSPORTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
THIS PASSPORT WILL BE REPLACED VERSION OF THE COMMON FORMAT PASSPORT
IN DUE COURSE BY A "JUMBO" WHICH WILL HAVE 48 PAGES.
THE PLAN IS THAT HONG KONG WILL ISSUE THE FORMAT PASSPORT AFTER IT IS INTRODUCED IN THE SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
"JUMBO" COMMON
UK, TENTATIVELY
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HK TO HOST SESSION OF TEXTILES, CLOTHING BUREAU « » * »
HONG KONG WILL HOST THE .12TH COUNCIL SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (TTCB) NEXT WEEK WHICH WILL TAKE STOCK OF THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
DELEGATES WILL ALSO AIM AT FORMULATING A DETAILED PROPOSAL ON THE MODALITY FOR INTEGRATING THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR INTO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) WHEN THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) EXPIRES IN JULY 1991.
THE ITCB, WHOSE MEMBERS ACCOUNT FOR THE BULK OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING EXPORTS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, WAS SET UP IN 1985 TO CO-ORDINATE AND PROMOTE ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AND PROTECTIONISM DIRECTED AGAINST MEMBERS’ EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, AND TO ASSIST MEMBERS IN ENSURING THAT THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE MFA ARE EFFECTIVELY PRESERVED.
IT IS ITCB’S VIEW THAT ANY MEANS OF- INTEGRATING THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR INTO THE GATT MUST PROVIDE CERTAINTY AND PREDICTABILITY, AND CAUSE MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO TRADE.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL OPEN THE MEETING AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON TUESDAY (MAY 22).
/THE MEETING .......
FRIDA” "AY 18, 1990
- 19 -
THE MEETING WILL Bi: ATTENDED BY SOME 50 19 MEMBERS OF THE ITCB, INCLUDING HONG KONG.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE SESSION OF THE THE HONG KONG
INVITED FO COVER THE OPENING OF THE 12TH COUNCIJ
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB) AT
CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON TUESDAY (MAY 22).
FOYER MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER AT THE LEVEL 4 rv i Al y AM .
---------o - -
WAN CHAI POST OFFICE GAZETTED AS MONUMENT
***♦♦♦
THE WAN CHAI POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) GAZETTED AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND WAN CHAI GAP ROAD, THE WAN CHAI POST OFFICE IS THE OLDEST SURVIVING POST OFFICE IN HONG KONG.
THE L-SHAPED BUILDING WHICH HOUSED THE PRESENT WAN CHAI POST OFFICE WAS BUILT BETWEEN 1912 AND 1913.
IT IS NOT KNOWN WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT AND DESIGNED AS A POST OFFICE. ACCORDING TO THE RECORD OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, IT WAS OPENED ON MARCH 1, 1915 AS THE WAN CHAI POST OFFICE.
THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE BUILDING LIES IN THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY SERVING WAN CHAI RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 70 YEARS AND IN THE LINKS WHICH IT PROVIDES WITH THE TERRITORY’S EARLY DEVELOPMENT.
THE SMALL AND SIMPLE TWO-STOREY PITCHED-ROOF STRUCTURE, WHICH IS IN GENERALLY SOUND CONDITION, HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR MANY YEARS.
IT HAS CHARM AND POSSESSES SOME ATTRACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS SUCH AS THE STRIKING GABLED ENDS, AND THE NAME PLAQUES AND MOULDINGS.
THE POST OFFICE WAS FEATURED IN A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUE ON HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN 1985. IT HAS ALSO BEEN WELL PUBLICISED AS A BUILDING OF PARTICULAR HISTORICAL INTEREST.
TO TIE IN WITH THE QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WIDENING PROJECT, A MINOR ALTERATION INVOLVING THE REPOSITIONING OF THE FRONT STEPS TO ONE SIDE OF THE BUILDING WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT.
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/20 ........
ERIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
WORK OF AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE PRAISED * r ♦ t * ♦
THE LOW CRIME RATE LN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SUSTAINED EFFORTS BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE PuRCE IN COMBATING CRIME, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON BAY, MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MIGHT HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD THE MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND WOULD SOMETIMES REFUSE TO CO-OPERATE AND EVEN INSULT POLICE OFFICERS.
’’HOWEVER, OUR CRIME FIGHTERS MANAGE TO STAY CALM EVEN IN THESE ADVERSE SITUATIONS AND WILL NEVER ABUSE THEIR POWERS BY TAKING REVENGE,” MR HUI ADDED.
NOTING THAT MANY PROFESSIONS WERE AFFECTED BY THE BRAIN DRAIN PROBLEM, MR HUI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WHO NOT ONLY REMAINED STEADFAST TN THEIR OWN JOBS BUT ALSO SACRIFICED THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 147 AUXILIARY OFFICERS, RANGING FROM POLICE CONSTABLES TO SUPERINTENDENTS, WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING COURSE.
- - 0 - -
TUEN NG A STATUTORY HOLIDAY t ♦ ♦ *
TUEN NG FESTIVAL FALLS ON MAY 28 (MONDAY) THIS YEAR AND IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL WORKERS, AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASK' WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
- - 0 - -
/21
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 21 -
KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE TO REOPEN ******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, HAS ANNOUNCED THAT RENOVATION WORK IN THE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE AT 275-283 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THAT THE BRANCH POST OFFICE WILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY, MAY 29.
ALL POSTAL FACILITIES PREVIOUSLY OFFERED AT THIS OFFICE WILL BE RESUMED.
------0--------
THREE FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT IN TSING YI ******
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD THREE FOOTBRIDGES IN TSING YI TOWN CENTRE.
OF THE THREE PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGES, ONE WILL BE BUILT ACROSS TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD NEAR THE TSING YI POLICE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS TO LINK WITH THE ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM OF GREENFIELD GARDEN.
THE SECOND ONE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS FUNG SHUE WO ROAD TO LINK WITH THE ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEMS OF GREENFIELD GARDEN AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
THE THIRD ONE WILL BE BUILT ACROSS FUNG SHUE WO ROAD NEAR TSING YI ESTATE PHASE II.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START LATE THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING
GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
» KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH-11TH FLOORS, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
» KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JULY 10 THIS YEAR.
/22 ......
0
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 22 -
WORK TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN YUEN LONG ******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A FLOODWAY AND A CONCRETE NULLAH AT KAM TIN RIVER TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN YUEN LONG AREA.
THE PROPOSED WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 5.9 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT KAM TIN RIVER.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED 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 A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 17 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
ACTION ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IS ERECTED ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT A, FIRST FLOOR, 61 CHUEN LUNG STREET, TSUEN WAN.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 2 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
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/23........
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
23
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1918-22 ******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MEN BORN IN 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921 AND 1922 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY. FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM MAY 29 TO JUNE 30 THIS YEAR.
"MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
"HE OFFICE HOURS OF THE HONG KONG AND WEST KOWLOON NEW .DlNTtTY CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. OTHER ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MOI DAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
AL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG • BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON • AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON • CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424 SECOND
TSUEN WAN EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117 FLOOR,
SHA TIN • SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 11-17, SHATIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG • HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN • CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646 FLOOR,
SIIEUNG SHUT • TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191 84 SAN
/APPLICANTS MAY .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 24 -
APPLICANTS MAY MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED.
"AS THE APPLICANTS IN THE COMING PHASE ARE OVER 65 YEARS OLD, SOME MAY, DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO GO TO THE ISSUE OFFICES AND WISH TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE REGISTRATION OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS.
"THEY MAY APPLY IN WRITING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 824 6111.
AGED APPLICANTS LIVING ON HONG KONG SIDE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN USING ESCALATORS AT THE HONG KONG NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE AT BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, MAY TELEPHONE 574 7070 TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS REPLACED AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE - HONG KONG OFFICE ON EIGHTH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, WHERE LIFT SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE SUCH ARRANGEMENT, THEY NEEDED TO GIVE THEIR NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER AND YEAR OF BIRTH TO IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF.
HE REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 AND 1927 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 MAY 26.
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.
-------- o----------
WITHDRAWAL OF GMB ROUTE NT 10
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM SUNDAY (MAY 20), GMB ROUTE NT . 1 0 (Till KENG LENG TO KWUN TONG VIA ANDERSON ROAD AND SHUN LEE) WILL BE CANCELLED.
PASSENGERS WISHING TO TRAVEL BETWEEN TIU KENG LENG AND KWUN TONG CAN USE GMB NT 10A (TIU KENG LENG TO KWUN TONG VIA PO LAM ROAD).
/PASSENGERS WISHING
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
25 -
PASSENGERS WISHING TO TRAVEL BETWEEN TIU KENG LENG AND ANDERSON ROAD/SHUN LEE ESTATE CAN USE KMB ROUTES 90 (TIU KENG LENG TO CHOI HUNG VIA ANDERSON ROAD) OR 290 (TIU KENG LENG TO CHOI HUNG VIA SHUN LEE ESTATE).
SHUN LEE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN USING GMB ROUTE 10 TO TRAVEL BETWEEN SHUN LEE AND KWUN TONG ARE ADVISED TO USE KMB ROUTES 23 (SHUN LEE TO KWUN TONG FERRY), 23M (LOK WAH - SHUN LEE), OR 26M (KWUN TONG -CHOI HUNG MTR STATION VIA SHUN LEE ESTATE) INSTEAD.
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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN KWAI CHUNG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE TAI LIN PAI INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN KWAI CHUNG TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 20), THE SECTION OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD BETWEEN KWAI TING ROAD AND KWAI WING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
ACCORDINGLY, SOME TURNING MOVEMENTS OF THE ASSOCIATED ROADS, INCLUDING THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM KUNG YIP STREET WESTBOUND ONTO TAI LIN PAI ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
AT THE SAME TIME, SECTIONS OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND ITS ASSOCIATED ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWAI CHUNG *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 20), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND ITS ASSOCIATED ROADS IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD BETWEEN ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI WING ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
/THE SECTION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 26 -
THE SECTION OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING YIP STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN UBRAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
ALSO, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
» THE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI SAU ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI WING ROAD;
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWAI WING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI LIN PAI ROAD TO A POINT OUTSIDE 34 KWAI WING ROAD;
* THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWAI WING ROAD FROM A POINT OUTSIDE 37 KWAI WING ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI CHUNG ROAD;
♦ THE SECTION OF WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO A POINT OUTSIDE 190-192 TAI LIN PAI ROAD;
t THE SECTION OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI
ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING YIP STREET TO A POINT
NORTH OF SAN KWAI STREET; AND
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI LIN PAI
ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION
WITH WING YIP STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI ON ROAD.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
/27.........
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1990
- 27 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSING YI BRIDGE
* » * » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE STRUCTURAL MONITORING WORK, TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (MAY 20).
THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, EACH LASTING FOR TWO HOURS, FROM 12.01 AM TO 2 AM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM RESPECTIVELY.
DURING THE PERIODS OF CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL BE REOPENED TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON SITE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0----------
TEMPORARY PARTIAL t *
ROAD CLOSURE IN NT * ♦ ♦
ROAD HING
ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ...
CONSTRUCTION WORKS. THE SECTION OF SHUN LUNG STREET BETWEEN SHUN STREET^AND BUS TERMINUS, ADJACENT TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD - SHEK CHUNG AU, WILL BE cEoIeD TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 20) FOR A PERIOD
OF ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, VEHICLES HEADING FOR SHUN HING STREET MAY USE THE NEW SECTION OF ROAD LI EAST OF ROAD L4 INSTEAD OF ROAD L4 AND SHUNG LUNG STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HAROLD BEATON APPOINTED TRANSPORT CONSULTANT ........................................ 1
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS ........................................ 1
NEW FIRE STATION FOR MA ON SHAN ..................................................... 2
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ................................................. 2
SERVICE ADJUSTMENT ON KMB ROUTE 18 ................................................. 3'
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSUI .................................................... 4
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURES OF ROAD D9 IN TUEN MUN ..................................... 5
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ..................................... 5
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS ................................. 6
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN .................................................. 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL LANE .................................... 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE? OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SLIP ROAD ............................. 7
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ................................................. 7
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TAI HANG ................................................. 8
WATER CUT IN TAI PO.................................................................. 8
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
- 1 -
HAROLD BEATON APPOINTED TRANSPORT CONSULTANT * * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED MR HAROLD BEATON AS TRANSPORT CONSULTANT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON ALL PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT (PAD) RELATED TRA PORT PROJECTS WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, 1990.
AS TRANSPORT CONSULTANT, HIS AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE ASSISTING THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT IN CO-ORDINATING THE PAD-RELATED TRANSPORT PROJECTS, MONITORING PROGRESS OF THESE PROJECTS AND RENDERING HIM SPECIALIST ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.
MR BEATON, AGED 59, WAS THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS. HE RETIRED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE LAST OCTOBER.
-----0------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
******
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 21).
THE PIER HAS BECOME A PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC BLACK SPOT, WITH PEDESTRIANS INVOLVED IN 10 OUT OF THE 12 ACCIDENTS RECORDED IN A 12-MONTH PERIOD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE FINDINGS OF THE PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS SURVEY MADE BY THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS
FOR 1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD TO BE ™L0"n Z”! 21> AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROON,
SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/2 ........
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
- 2 -
NEW FIRE STATION FOR MA ON SHAN * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SUB-DIVISiONAL FIRE STATION AT MA ON SHAN.
THE LOCATION IS A 1,687-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 92.
THE PROJECT WILL ADOPT A ONE-OFF BUILDING DESIGN HOUSING A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, AN AMBULANCE DEPOT AND AN AMBULANCE TRAINING SCHOOL UNDER ONE ROOF.
THE NEW STATION WILL BE A SEVEN-STOREY BUILDING CONSISTING OF TWO FOUR-BAY APPLIANCE ROOMS, QUARTERS, LECTURE ROOM, GYMNASIUM, SYNDICATE ROOMS, DUTY ROOM, A CANTF.EN/RECREATION ROOM, AND EQUIPMENT STORES.
EXTERNAL WORKS FOR THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS, DRILL YARDS, REFILLING STATIONS, UNDERGROUND FUEL OIL TANK CHAMBERS, AND SOIL DRAINAGE.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND COMPLETE BY NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 8.
----------------0-------- SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION *****
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $997,500 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CR8 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $170,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER AA338 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $100,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR CC314 AND EFl 56.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY' S AUCTION •
$ $ $ $
EE899 21,000 CR8 170,000 AA338 100,000 EE1668 70,000
CC314 1,000 EE7388 8,000 F.F205 5,500 EG789 15,000
EH707 4,000 EF330 13,000 EE8878 12,000 EE621 5,000
EF21 5 6,000 EE8628 4,500 167 70,000 EE2817 3,000
AW26 25,000 DS 21 21,000 EE950 10,000 EE456 13,000
EE816 8,500 EF786 2,500 EE6668 28,000 EE8555 6,000
EH1234 11,000 EE1228 81,000 EE817 11,000 EFl 10 15,000
BF730 5,500 EF156 1,000 EE9 95,000 EF1068 4,000
AA192 20,500 BB 1 09 22,000 EEI 7 33 3,500 EF448 16,000
EF288 22,000 CK6688 33,000 EF638 22,000 EF788 13,000
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
- 3
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL. fiE. ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS'WITH IN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY'S SALE, THE 150TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $101,673,305.
-----0------
SERVICE ADJUSTMENT ON KMB ROUTE 18
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY KMB ROUTE 18 WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM MONDAY (MAY 21).
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 01 MAN ESTATE AND SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER INSTEAD OF BETWEEN 01 MAN ESTATE AND MEI FOO.
THE FARE PER SINGLE JOURNEY WILL BE REDUCED FROM $2 10 $1.70.
THE ROUTE WILL.NOT SERVE THE AREA BETWEEN YEN CHOW STREET AND MEI FOO BUS TERMINUS DIRECTLY.
ON JOURNEYS FROM OI MAN ESTATE TO SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER, ROUTE WILL OBSERVE ADDITIONAL BUS STOPS AT YEN CHOW STREET NEAR CHAU STREET AND SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER BUS TERMINUS.
THE TUNG
THE BUS
ON JOURNEYS FROM SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER TO OI MAN ESTATE, ROUTE WILL OBSERVE ADDITIONAL BUS STOPS AT SHAM SHUI PO PERRY TERMINUS, YEN CHOW STREET NEAR YEE KUK STREET, CHERRY STREET OUTS I MING KEI COLLEGE AND SHANGHAI STREET OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 629.
THE ABOVE CHANGES ARE INTRODUCED TO MEET PASSBNGEE PEM^S GENERATED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE VICINITY OF SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER
AND TO ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL ECONOMY.
AFTER THE CHANGES, PASSENGERS TRAVELLING BETWEEN OI MAN AND SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER WILL ENJOY A FARE REDUCTION OF 30 EACH. THE FREQUENCY OF THE SERVICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
ESTATE cents’
PASSENGERS WHO USE WAN/MEI FOO AREA. THE CHEUNG
SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO TO AND FROM CHEUNG SHA
ALTERNATIVE BUS
THIS ROUTE TO TRAVEL -- „
THESE SERVICES OPERATE VIA THE OI MAN/HO MAN TIN AREA AND
SHA WAN/MEI FOO AREA. THEY INCLUDE:
/* KMB ROUTE
SATURDAY, MA i9, 1990
♦ KMB ROUTE 41 WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY FERRY PIER AND CHEUNG CHING; AND
♦ KMB ROUTE 45 WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY FERRY PIER AND LAI KING (NORTH).
ALTERNATIVE BUS SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PASSENGERS IN TAI KOK TSUI WHO TRAVEL TO AND FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN/MEI FOO AREA ON ROUTE 18 NOW. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE:
* KMB ROUTE 12 WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND LAI CHI KOK VIA TONG MEI ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD; AND
» KMB ROUTE 33A WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN TAI KOK TSUI FERRY PIER AND TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER.
------0--------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSUI * * * » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
» THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CARNARVON ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH GRANVILLE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 85 METRES TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GRANVILLE ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CARNARVON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES TO THE WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
» THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD TO EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD TO EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
OF GRANVILLE ROAD FROM ITS
A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES TO THE
OF GRANVILLE ROAD FROM ITS
A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES TO THE
THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CAMERON ROAD JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH TO A POINT ABOUT TO THE WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CAMERON ROAD JUNCTION WITH CARNARVON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT TO THE EAST OF 'HE SAME JUNCTION; AND
FROM ITS
40 METRES
FROM ITS
45 METRES
♦ THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CAMERON ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CARNARVON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES TO THE WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
--------0-----------
/5.........
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
5
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURES OF ROAD D9 IN TUEN MUN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM MONDAY (MAY 21) TO THURSDAY (MAY 24), BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5.30 AM, ROAD D9 IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE DISMANTLING OF ROAD CROSSING STEEL BEAM FALSEWORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, ALL VEHICLES INCLUDING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI).
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING ROADS/ROAD SECTIONS:
♦ THE SLIP ROADS LEADING TO ROAD P2;
♦ THE SLIP ROADS LEADING TO TUEN MUN ROAD AND TUEN FAT ROAD;
* THE SECTION OF PUI TO ROAD WEST OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD; AND
* THE SECTION OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD SOUTH OF TUEN
MUN CLINIC.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TOLO HIGHWAY IN TAI PO WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW.
ON MONDAY (MAY 21), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE AND PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE.
ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.4 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE AND PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE.
ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (MAY 24 AND 25), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE AND ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
6
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTING AND VENTILATION EQUIPMENT IN THE WUHU
VEHICULAR UNDERPASS, FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM DAILY ON MONDAY (MAY 21) AND
TUESDAY (MAY 22) THE WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS LEADING FROM CHATHAM
ROAD NORTH (NORTHBOUND) TO GILLIES AVENUE SOUTHBOUND WILL BE
TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
DURING THE ABOVE TEMPORARY CLOSURE, MOTORISTS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WISHING TO PROCEED TO HUNG HOM AREA ARE ADVISED TO USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
- CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHEONG WAN ROAD, ON WAN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE; OR
- GASCOIGNE ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH,'CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, PAR KUNG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET, FAT KWONG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.
-----0------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT MAINTENANCE WORK, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHA HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED SPECIFIED BELOW:
TO FACILITATE ROAD TIN ROAD AND TOLO DURING THE PERIOD
FROM 11 PM ON. MONDAY (MAY 21) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE OUTERMOST LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN FO TAN NULLAH AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
FROM 11 PM ON MAY 29 TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE SLOW LANE OF SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD FROM TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD TO SHA 1 IN WAI ROAD.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
PATIENCE.
------0-----------
/7........
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL LANE
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, FROM 2 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21) TO MAY 29, TOLL LANE NO. 9N IN LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC 24 HOURS DAILY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------0--------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SLIP ROAD .******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE NOISE REDUCING HIGHWAY SURFACING WORKS, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND (NEAR HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL) TO ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM TODAY (SATURDAY) TO 5 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21).
MOTORISTS MAY USE THE SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM TONG SHUI ROAD NORTHBOUND TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND.
-----0------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SERVICE LAYBY ON QUEEN’S ROAD EAST EASTBOUND OUTSIDE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL IN WAN CHAI WHICH IS NOW PROHIBITED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE FOR ^CCE TO ^E TOSPtTAt" WILLBE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (HAY 21) FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE TRENCH REINSTATEMENT WORKS.
QUEEN’S ROAD EAST EASTBOUND
KIN HOSPITAL MAY TRAVEL VIA NORTHBOUND, SUNG TAK STREET AND THE 01 KWAN ROAD ACCESS TO THE
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON INTENDING TO GAIN ACCESS TO TANG SHIU QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, MORRISON HILL ROAD 01 KWAN ROAD CLOCKWISE TO MAKE USE OF
HOSPITAL.
---------0-----------
/8.........
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1990
8
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TAI HANG t ♦ * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21), THE SECTION OF SECOND LANE BETWEEN WARREN STREET AND JONES STREET IN TAI HANG WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE CABLE LAYING WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON JONES STREET HEADING FOR WARREN STREET MAY TRAVEL VIA SECOND LANE SOUTHBOUND, LAI YIN STREET, TUNG LO WAN ROAD, BROWN STREET AND KING STREET OR SUN CHUN STREET.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT TN TAI PO ♦ * * t
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 21) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN FU SHIN ESTATE, MING NGA COURT AND SUN HING GARDEN.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NEW DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL APPOINTED ........
RECRUITS PRAISED FOR CHOOSING TO SERVE COMMUNITY FIRE SERVICES DEPT STARTS NEW RECRUITMENT DRIVE VERIFICATION OF VOTERS IN MONG KOK .............
ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ATTRACT 65 TEAMS .— TRUST FUND TO PROMOTE MUSIC IN TUEN MUN ........
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS .....
MAIL SERVICES ON TUEN NG FESTIVAL DAY ..........
REMINDER ON CAISSON WORK SAFETY ................
URBAN CLINIC TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN ............
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN .............
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
1
NEW DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL APPOINTED *****
J HE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY ™AT MRSS EI'LE SHUM MUN-UNG HAS TAKEN OVER ?HE POsJ
POSTMASTER GENERAL FROM MR HENRY WISE, WHO HAS RETIRED AFTER NEARLY EIGHT YEA; S OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MISS SHUM IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER. IN SHE HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE FORMER HOME THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE PAST 17 YEARS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT AND THE
SHE WAS A DEPUTY JOINING THE POST OFFICE.
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE BEFORE
------0--------
RECRUITS PRAISED FOR CHOOSING TO SERVE COMMUNITY * * t * * * *
NEWLY TRAINED RECRUITS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WERE PRAISED TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR CHOOSING TO GIVE THEIR TIME, ENERGY AND SKILL IN MAINTAINING A LONG TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO HONG KONG.
THE PRAISE CAME FROM THE COMMANDER, 48 GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE,BRIGADIER T.A.L. GLASS, WHEN ADDRESSING THE 132 MEN AND WOMEN OF CADRE 46 AT THEIR PASSING OFF PARADE HELD AT THE REGIMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN HAPPY VALLEY.
BRIGADIER GLASS SAID BEING PREPARED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN TIMES OF TURBULENCE, DANGER OR DEED, DEMANDED COURAGE AND SACRIFICE.
’’BUT IT OFFERS IN RETURN GREAT REWARDS; OF CLOSE FRIENDSHIP AND THE SHARED EXPERIENCE OF BEING BROTHERS IN ARMS WHICH IS AT THE HEART OF REGIMENTAL LIFE,” HE SAID.
”SO IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY AT LARGE LONG MAY THE SPIRIT OF THE VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO THRIVE," HE ADDED.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HARD WORK PUT IN BY THE RECRUITS OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS OF TRAINING, BRIGADIER GLASS URGED THEM TO ATTEND ALL TRAINING EVENTS, WHICH WAS IMPORTANT IN BUILDING UP TEAMS WITHIN TROOPS AND SQUADRONS.
/BRIGADIER GLASS .......
■ >A
1990
BRIGADIER GLASS TOOK THE SALUTE AS THE 111 MEN AND 21 WOMEN MARCHED PAST. DURING THEIR TRAINING THEY HAD BEEN GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS IN VARIOUS SKILLS RANGING FROM WEAPONS TRAINING AND MAP READING TO RADIO OPERATING AND FIRST AID.
AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO THE BEST MALE AND FEMALE RECRUITS, THE BEST SHOT IN TARGET PRACTICE AND THE BEST TROOP.
BRIGADIER GLASS ALSO PRESENTED AN EFFICIENCY DECORATION AND EFFICIENCY MEDALS TO 18 SERVING VOLUNTEERS.
- - 0 - -
FIRE SERVICES DEPT STARTS NEW RECRUITMENT DRIVE
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A FRESH RECRUITMENT DRIVE STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY) THROUGH RADIO ADVERTISEMENTS AND NEWLY DESIGNED POSTERS.
AS PART OF THE FIRE SERVICES’ CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT EXERCISE, THE CAMPAIGN AIMS AT RECRUITING ABOUT 250 NEW STAFF INCLUDING 70 STATION OFFICERS, 100 FIREMEN, 12 AMBULANCE OFFICERS AND 70 AMBULANCEMEN.
THE STARTING SALARY OF A STATION OFFICER VARIES FROM $12,250 TO $15,225 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE AND RISES TO A MAXIMUM OF $26,725 PER MONTH.
STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH, A NEW TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) WILL ALSO BE SCREENED TO FURTHER PUT ACROSS THE RECRUITMENT MESSAGE'.
IN ADDITION, RECRUITMENT COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE SHOPPING CENTRES UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THESE COUNTERS ARE EQUIPPED WITH PANELS DISPLAYING COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE FIRE SERVICES AND JOBS BEING OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE COUNTERS ARE SET UP AT BUTTERFLY ESTATE IN TUEN MUN AND WAH FU ESTATE IN POK FU LAM THIS MONTH AND WILL BE MOVED TO LONG PING ESTATE IN YUEN LONG AND LOK FU ESTATE IN WONG TAI SIN NEXT MONTH.
THEY ARE MANNED BY FSD STAFF FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
MEANWHILE, THE RECRUITMENT CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, I HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON SATURDAYS.
THE CENTRE STAFF GIVE ON-THE-SPOT EXAMINATION TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS TO TEST THEIR PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EYESIGHT AND ASSIST THEM TO FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORMS.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 733 7519.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY
1990
3
VERIFICATION OF VOTERS IN MONG KOK
*****
STAFF OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE WILL VISIT HOUSEHOLDS IN THE DISTRICT FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO VERIFY THE PARTICULARS OF REGISTERED VOTERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DOOR-TO-DOOR VISIT EXERCISE, WHICH WOULD LAST UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER, WAS ALSO AIMED AT REGISTERING NEW VOTERS.
THERE WERE OVER 54,000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN MONG KOK AS AT MARCH 31, 1990.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VOTERS, THE EXERCISE WOULD HELP TO IDENTIFY THOSE REGISTERED VOTERS WHO HAD MOVED OUT OF THE DISTRICT.
"COMMUNITY ORGANISERS, BEARING IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS DURING EARLY EVENINGS," HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE OVER 21 YEARS OLD AND ARE HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS OR HAVE RESIDED IN THE TERRITORY FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
THE EXERCISE IS TO COINCIDE WITH THE FORTHCOMING VOTERS REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED IN AUGUST, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0-----------
ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES ATTRACT 65 TEAMS
*****
A TOTAL OF 65 TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE IN THE 1990 ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM
THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY ASSISTED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE
TERRITORY WILL TAKE PART BE HELD ON MAY 28 TO
AND
THE
DISTRICT BOARD.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (SUNDAY) DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN, SAID I HE CHIEF DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE RACES.
, THE SOUTHERN SECRETARY, SIR ’
SHE ADDED THAT THE RACES WILL TAKE P^ACE £L°NG \ 3 30-METRE COURSE OFF THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT FROM 8.30 AM TO 5 PM ON THE DAY
THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
/THE CHAIRMAN .......
SUNDAY, MAY 20,
- 4 -
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHAU YiM-PING, SAID THERE WILL BE A RECORD 10 TEAMS COMPETING IN THE FISHERMEN'S LARGE DRAGON BOAT DIVISION.
ANOTHER 55 TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN THE MEDIUM SIZED DRAGON BOAT DIVISION.
ALTOGETHER THERE WILL BE 38 RACES THAT DA/, WITH HEATS MAINLY IN THE MORNING AND SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS IN THE AFTERNOON. THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WILL BE HELD AROUND 4.30 PM.
THERE WILL BE FOUR WINNERS IN EACH SECTION OF THE DRAGON BOAT RACES, AND SOME OF THE UNPLACED TEAMS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE ’’PETIT RACES”, NEWLY INTRODUCED THIS YEAR.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL PRESENT TROPHIES TO THE WINNING TEAMS AT A CEREMONY AT 4.40 PM.
THE NEWLY-COMPLETED URBAN COUNCIL ABERDEEN PROMENADE WILL PROVIDE A VANTAGE POINT FOR THE PUBLIC TO WATCH THE RACES. A 600-SEAT SPECTATORS’ STAND WILL BE PUT UP AT THE WESTERN PART OF THE PROMENADE.
AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE, AN EYE-DOTTING AND EMBLEM-HANGING CEREMONY WAS HELD TO LAUNCH SIX DRAGON BOATS.
------0-------
TRUST FUND TO PROMOTE MUSIC TN TUEN MUN
*****
A TRUST FUND WILL BE SET UP IN TUEN MUN TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE MUSIC STANDARD OF RESIDENTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE ’90 TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL, MR HSU SAID THE FUND, WHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING MUSIC-RELATED ACTIVITIES, WAS BEING ORGANISED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
’’DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR, IN THE DISTRICT, MANY YOUNG PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT TO ATTEND MUSICAL COURSES.
"THIS SHOWS THAT THERE IS A GREAT DEMAND FOR MUSICAL TRAINING IN THE DISTRICT.
"TUEN MUN IS A YOUTHFUL COMMUNITY WTTH A POPULATION OF 400,000; AND MOST PARENTS ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE IP CHILDREN’S CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES," HE POINTED OUT.
/MR HSU .......
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
5 -
MR HSU SAID THE ESTAI LTSHMENT OF A TRUST FUND FOR MUSIC WAS STILL IN THE PREPARATORY STALE. WHEN PREPARATION WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE ASSISTANCE <>!• THE MUSIC OFFICE WOULD BE SOUGHT TO PROVIDE VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES.
TURNING l<> HIE MUSIC CARNIVAL, MR HSU CONSIDERED IT "QUITE A NEW CONCEPT".
"THE ORGANISERS HAVE MADE USE OF THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE VENUE TO STAGE SIMULTANEOUSLY A TRADITIONAL INDOOR PERFORMANCE AND A RELAXING OPEN-AIR CONCERT.
"ALSO, MUSIC LOVERS CAN EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES THROUGH PARTICIPATION,” HE SAID.
APART FROM PERFORMANCES OF POPULAR WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSIC, FOLK SONGS AND CANTONESE OPERATIC SINGINGS, THE CARNIVAL ALSO PROVIDED KARAOKE SESSION FOR RESIDENTS.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CARNIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ’90 TUEN MUN MUSIC CARNIVAL HAS BEEN SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
------0-----------
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR HOLDING ACTIVITIES BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF $50,000 TO SPONSOR THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND ANOTHER $25,000 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A DIRECTORY OF SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT AND THE CLOSURE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MONG KOK LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL COMMENT ON THE THEMES FOR THE SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED IN 1992.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
------0--------
/6 .....
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
6
MAIL SERVICES ON TUEN NG FESTIVAL DAY *«*»»*«
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MAY 28 (TUEN NG FESTIVAL) EXCEPT FOR THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE TWO POST OFFICES WILL OPEN FOR COUNTER BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
LETTERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE DELIVERED, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
REMINDER ON CAISSON WORK SAFETY *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO TAKE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING UNDERGROUND, SUCH AS IN WELLS, MANHOLES AND CAISSONS.
IN A RECENT ACCIDENT, A WORKER PLUNGED TO HIS DEATH IN A WELL BECAUSE HIS LIFTING EQUIPMENT FAILED.
NOTING THE INCREASING USE OF CAISSON IN BUILDING FOUNDATIONS, THE ACTING CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID EMPLOYERS MUST ENSURE THAT LIFTING APPLIANCES WERE INSTALLED AND ANCHORED PROPERLY.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE SAFE MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS FOR WORKERS ENGAGED IN UNDERGROUND WORK,” HE STRESSED.
TO FURTHER ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CAISSON WORKERS, MR CHAN SAID CONTRACTORS SHOULD TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
* EXAMINE THE SAFETY CONDITIONS OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND THEIR SUPPORTS;
» USE RECEPTACLES PROVIDED WITH ANTI-SPIN AND TIP-PROOF DEVICES TO CARRY, LIFT OR LOWER WORKERS IN CAISSONS;
* INSTALL SECURE FENCING AND TOEBOARDS AT CAISSON HEADS TO PREVENT FALL OF PERSONS OR OBJECTS;
* TEST AIR CONTENTS AND ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FRESH AIR TO WORKERS IN CAISSONS;
* USE LOW-VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY WHERE POSSIBLE AND MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IN SAFE CONDITION; AND
* PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO WORKERS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON SAFETY IN CAISSON WORK MAY BE MADE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
7
URBAN CLINIC TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN ******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN URBAN CLINIC IN SHA TIN.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SIU LEK YUEN URBAN CLINIC IS SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY MAIN BUILDING, A ONE-STOREY ANCILLARY STORE BUILDING AND EXTERNAL WORKS INCLUDING FENCING, DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, PAVING AND PARKING FACILITIES.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN * * * *
(MAY TOLO WILL
THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM 22? A SECT!™ OF THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND FAST
HIGHWAY BETWEEN SHA
BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO
LIU SHUI
TWO MONTHS.
ON TUESDAY
LANES OF
INTERCHANGE
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO GANTRIES ALONG TOLO HIGHWAY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL
FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION
TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
OF SIGN
PATIENCE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS HONG KONG: SES ................................. 1
INCREASING TRADE, FINANCING, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HK ................
CHILD WELFARE HEADS SWAC AGENDA .................................................. 4
10 QUESTIONS, 6 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................................... 6
NEW RESEARCH STUDY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRIES ..................................
LOCALLY GROWN SUPER-SWEET CORN NOW AVAILABLE ...............................
$20M DONATION FOR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ...........................
NORTH DISTRICT GETS READY FOR BIG FARM SHOW ........................................ 10
LRT EXTENSION ON DB JOINT COMMITTEE AGENDA ......................................... 10
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YAU MA TEI ............................................... 11
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES OF TUEN MUN ROAD.................................... 11
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF FLYOVER IN KOWLXDON CITY ................................ 11
MONDAY, MAY 21^ 1990
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP * ♦ * * *
BENEFITS HONG KONG: SES
HONG KONG LOOKS FORWARD TO A CONTINUATION OF THE FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE IT’ WHAT IT IS TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON ChAn, SAID IN NEW YORK TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CORPORATE CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE J ASIA SOCIETY, MRS CHAN OUTLINED THE FUTURE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS AND HIGHLIGHTED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE AND AMERICANS HAVE A NOSE FOR OPPORTUNITIES. IN TERMS OF OUR AIRPORT PROJECT, AMERICAN FIRMS HAVE ALREADY STOLEN A MARCH ON OTHER COMPETITORS BY SECURING THE TWO MAJOR CONSULTANCIES LET SO FAR AND I AM SURE YOU WILL PURSUE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WITH EQUAL VIGOUR," SHE SAID.
SHE EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT HONG KONG OPERATED A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL ITS PROJECTS AND FOR ALL ITS INVESTORS.
"HISTORICALLY WE HAVE GIVEN NO SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO EITHER LOCAL OR OVERSEAS CONCERNS. SELECTION IS BASED ON THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSALS.
"IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT FOR COMPANIES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO PUT IN IMAGINATIVE AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS," SHE POINTED OUT.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT FOR THE FUTURE AIRPORT, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED THAT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SHOULD BE MAXIMISED AND THE ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT RED TAPE MINIMISED.
"THIS IS WHERE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN AIRPORT AUTHORITY SHOULD COME INTO PLAY," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE AUTHORITY WOULD EMPLOY ITS OWN STAFF, LET ITS OWN CONTRACTS AND BUILD AND OPERATE THE NEW AIRPORT.
"AS EACH COMPONENT PROJECT DEVELOPS, EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AND DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR PARTICIPATION BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL BE INVITED."
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ENVISAGED A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC CONSULTANCIES INCLUDING THE MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY AWARDED TO GREINER AND THE APPOINTMENT OF BECHTEL AS PROJECT MANAGER.
"AT THE SAME TIME WE INTEND THERE TO BE INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL CONSULTANCIES FOR THE AIRPORT, THE RAIL LINK TO THE AIRPORT AND THE FIXED CROSSING FROM THE MAINLAND TO LANTAU ISLAND ON WHICH THE NEW AIRPORT WILL BE BUILT," SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION, A LARGE NUMBER OF ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY, INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN STUDIES WOULD REQUIRE BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL EXPERTISE, SHE SAID.
/"THE AIRPORT .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
- 2 -
"THE AIRPORT, IN PARTICULAR, WILL OFFER VERY CONSIDERABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS OF EQUIPMENT - BOTH FOR CONSTRUCTION AND FOR OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT," SHE ADDED.
AS FOR OVERALL FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT AND RELATED TRANSPORT LINKS, MORE WORK WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT WAS READY TO GO TO THE MARKET.
TO GIVE HER AUDIENCE A PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SITUATION, MRS CHAN SAID THAT THE GROWTH OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AT AROUND 2.5 PER CENT LAST YEAR WAS A CYCLICAL DOWNTURN THAT WAS BOUND TO COME SOONER OR LATER.
"WE COULD NOT COPE FOR LONG WITH AN OVERHEATED ECONOMY AND WE ARE NOT ALONE IN EXPERIENCING A SLOWER GROWTH," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE IMPORTANT THING WAS THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY REMAINED BASICALLY SOUND WITH FULL EMPLOYMENT AND RISING WAGES AND THE FUNDAMENTALS WERE RIGHT.
"OUR FISCAL RESERVES ARE STRONG WITH VIRTUALLY NO EXTERNAL DEBT. OUR MONETARY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS ARE NOW ON A STRONGER FOOTING AND WE HAVE A HEALTHY CURRENCY.
"GEOGRAPHICALLY WE ARE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED AT THE CENTRE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ASIA/PACIFIC RIM AND WE HAVE STRONG LINKS WITH SOUTHERN CHINA," SHE NOTED.
HOWEVER, THE POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS WAS AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELL-BEING.
HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD BECOME UNEXTRICABLY INVOLVED WITH THAT OF CHINA’S AND ANYTHING DESIGNED TO PUNISH OR DAMAGE CHINA ECONOMICALLY WOULD INEVITABLY PUNISH OR DAMAGE HONG KONG, MRS CHAN EXPLAINED.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SAID BECAUSE OF HONG‘KONG’S SIZE AND ITS GREATER DEPENDENCE ON TRADE, THE WITHDRAWAL OF MFN STATUS FROM CHINA WOULD PROPORTIONATELY DAMAGE HONG KONG’S ECONOMY MORE SERIOUSLY THAN IT WOULD THAT OF CHINA.
"IT WOULD DAMAGE U.S. FIRMS OPERATING IN HONG KONG AND, IN THIS CONTEXT, IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THE U.S. IS PROBABLY THE LARGEST FOREIGN INVESTOR IN HONG KONG WITH 900 U.S. FIRMS AND 158 FACTORIES OPERATING THERE," SHE SAID.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE', MRS CHAN SAID THE RESUMPTION OF SOVEREIGNTY BY CHINA IN 1997 WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY INFLUENCE DEVELOPMENTS BUT THE BASIC APPROACH TO THE WAY WE MANAGED OUR AFFAIRS WOULD REMAIN ESSENTIALLY UNCHANGED.
/"THE IMMEDIATE .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
- 3 -
"THE IMMEDIATE TASK FACING US IN THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS IS TO STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMIC FOUNDATION AND TO PUT IN PLACE A POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE THAT MEETS HONG KONG’S UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING THE REALITY OF CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AFTER 1997.
"OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR NEW SOVEREIGN POWER REQUIRES CAREFUL MANAGEMENT. THE ROAD AHEAD WILL NOT BE SMOOTH BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE WE WILL FAIL THE TEST.
"WE HAVE MADE SOME DIFFICULT BUT IMPORTANT DECISIONS TO DEVELOP OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT, PROVIDE FOR MORE AND BETTER SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
"THESE PLANS CARRY ON WELL BEYOND 1997 AND ARE ALL ESSENTIAL TO OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WELL-BEING.
"COUPLED WITH OUR GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES AND OUR COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND FREE TRADE, THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN A BUSINESS CENTRE OF CHOICE WHERE HUMAN INGENUITY AND ENTERPRISE CAN FLOURISH,” MRS CHAN SAID.
------0-------
INCREASING TRADE, FINANCING, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HK * * * * ♦
HONG KONG’S AMBITIOUS PLAN TO FURTHER DEVELOP ITS PORT, AIRPORT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE WILL GIVE RISE TO INCREASING TRADE, FINANCING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN OFFICE OF OHIO STATE.
MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG WELCOMED AMERICAN COMPANIES TO BE ITS PARTNERS IN THIS GREAT UNDERTAKING, INCLUDING OF COURSE OHIO COMPANIES WHICH HAD BEEN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL IN CONTRACT CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND SERVICES.
"LIKE THE GOVERNMENT OF OHIO, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS MAKING INCREASING EFFORTS TO FACILITATE GROWTH OF TECHNOLOGY-ORIENTED INDUSTRIES, TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT AND TO PROVIDE MORE AND BETTER EDUCATION TO OUR YOUNGSTERS.
"THERE MUST BE MUCH SCOPE FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN OUR TWO PLACES IN THESE AREAS," HE SAID.
MR CHAN WELCOMED THE OHIO STATE DECISION TO BASE ITS REGIONAL OFFICE IN HONG KONG.
/"WE ARE .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
"WE ARE SITUATED AT THE HUB OF THIS RAPIDLY GROWING REGION, WHICH IN TURN FORMS PART OF THE LARGER ASIAN PACIFIC REGION, AND WE ARE EQUIPPED WITH EXCELLENT TRADE, TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION LINKS WITH ALL THE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITHIN IT.
"IN PARTICULAR, HONG KONG’S UNIQUE ROLE AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA WILL, I AM SURE, BE OF IMMENSE HELP TO OHIO BUSINESSMEN NOW AND IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE HORIZONS FOR THE OHIO STATE OFFICE EXTENDED BEYOND HONG KONG INTO THE ENTIRE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION AND HONG KONG PROVIDED THE IDEAL BASE FOR THIS.
"HONG KONG IS ONE OF OHIO’S LARGEST ASIAN EXPORT MARKETS, IT MUST ALSO BE THE MOST OPEN MARKET IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.
KONG, AND
THERE
"OHIO STATE EXPORTS A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS TO HONG SUCH AS MACHINERY, CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS AND PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS. THESE EXPORTS HAVE BEEN GROWING, AND ARE STILL AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER GROWTH," HE SAID.
THE OHIO STATE OFFICE, WHICH IS BEING OPENED TO STRENGTHEN TRADE RELATIONS WITH EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES, HAS JOINED CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK AS THE THIRD STATE TO OPEN AN OFFICE IN HONG KONG WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.
OVER 20 OTHER U.S. STATES OR PORT AUTHORITIES HAVE ALREADY SET UP SIMILAR OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
-----0-----
CHILD WELFARE HEADS SWAC AGENDA
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) TODAY (MONDAY) RECOMMENDED THAT LEGISLATION BE PASSED TO PROHIBIT UNSUITABLE PERSONS FROM SERVING AS CHILD MINDERS. IN ADDITION, THE SWAC ALSO ADVISED THAT SOME FORM OF LEGISLATION BE CONSIDERED TO PROHIBIT PARENTS AND GUARDIANS FROM LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN THE HOME.
SWAC MEMBERS HAD EXAMINED THREE OPTIONS ON THE CONTROL OF CHILD MINDING OUTSIDE OF CHILD CARE CENTRES. THEY INCLUDED:
A) A VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SCHEME;
B) MANDATORY REGISTRATION; AND
C) PROHIBITION BY LEGISLATION OF UNSUITABLE PERSONS SERVING AS CHILD MINDERS.
/THEY GENERALLY .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
5
THEY GENERALLY FELT THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEASURE APPEARED TO BE A LEGAL PROHIBITION AGAINST ’’UNSUITABLE” PERSONS MINDING CHILDREN. THEY CONSIDERED THAT SUCH A PROHIBITION IN LAW WOULD REMEDY THE PRESENT SITUATION WHEREBY THOSE CONVICTED OF OFFENCES SUCH AS CHILD ABUSE COULD CONTINUE ACTING AS CHILD MINDERS WITHOUT ANY FORM OF SPECIFIC LEGAL SANCTION AGAINST THEM.
SWAC MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED WHETHER OR NOT LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO PROHIBIT PARENTS AND GUARDIANS FROM LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN THE HOME.
SOME MEMBERS HELD THE VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME FORM OF LEGISLATION FOR THIS PURPOSE. THE VIEWS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL BE SOUGHT. MEMBERS RECOMMENDED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED SHOULD STRENGTHEN PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, SWAC MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE. THESE PROPOSALS WOULD EFFECT IMPROVEMENTS BY REMOVING OBSOLETE PROVISIONS AND MAKING SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT AREAS.
SOME OF THE MAJOR AMENDMENT PROPOSALS INCLUDED:
1. WIDENING OF THE DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE. THE AMENDMENT WOULD BROADEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A CHILD OR JUVENILE WOULD BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION AND WOULD THUS GIVE THE JUVENILE COURT WIDER DISCRETION TO HANDLE PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (DSW) MIGHT ONLY INTERVENE ON THE GROUNDS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT IF A PSYCHOLOGICAL OR MEDICAL REPORT ON THE CHILD HAD FIRST BEEN OBTAINED.
2. INCLUSION OF A PROVISION WHEREBY THE DSW OR HIS AUTHORISED OFFICER MIGHT CONDUCT A VISUAL INSPECTION OF A CHILD IN THE HOME, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHECKING FOR OBVIOUS EXTERNAL PHYSICAL INJURIES WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE BE CONCEALED BY CLOTHING, TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE CHILD WAS AT RISK. THIS WOULD AVOID THE LIKELY PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA TO BOTH THE CHILD AND HIS PARENTS UNLESS REMOVAL WERE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. THERE WOULD ALSO BE A PROVISION THAT A FEMALE CHILD COULD ONLY BE INSPECTED BY A FEMALE OFFICER.
/3. IN CASES .........
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
- 6 -
3. IN CASES WHERE THE PARENTS WERE UNCO-OPERATIVE, AND WHERE THE CHILD WAS NOT IN IMMINENT DANGER, THERE WOULD BE PROVISION OF A CHILD ASSESSMENT ORDER WHEREBY A MAGISTRATE, DSW OR HIS AUTHORISED OFFICER MIGHT ISSUE AN ORDER TO THE PARENTS REQUIRING THEM TO TAKE THEIR CHILD TO A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, CLINIC OR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL UNIT FOR EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT WITHIN A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF DAYS. THIS WOULD ALSO AVOID THE TRAUMA INVOLVED IN UNNECESSARILY REMOVING A CHILD FROM ITS FAMILY. IF THE PARENTS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE ASSESSMENT ORDER, THE DSW WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO REMOVE THE CHILD TO A PLACE OF REFUGE OR TO A HOSPITAL, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT AN EXAMINATION HAD NOT BEEN CONDUCTED.
4. REPEAL OF SECTIONS 30 AND 31 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH ENABLE THE DSW TO REGISTER OR DECLARE FEMALE MINORS HIS WARDS. THIS WOULD MEAN THAT IN FUTURE THE DSW COULD ONLY ASSUME GUARDIANSHIP OF A CHILD OR JUVENILE THROUGH AN ORDER OF THE COURT.
5. THE ORDINANCE WOULD IN FUTURE APPLY ONLY TO CHILDREN AND JUVENILES UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. AT PRESENT, THE ORDINANCE APPLIES TO CHILDREN AND JUVENILES (UNDER THE AGE OF 18), TO FEMALE INFANTS (A PERSON AGED UNDER 21) AND TO FEMALES OVER THE AGE OF 21.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE DRAWN UP AFTER AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD REVIEWED THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE.
IN THE COURSE OF THE REVIEW, THE WORKING GROUP HAD ALSO CONSULTED A NUMBER OF CONCERNED PARTIES — THE WORKING GROUP ON CHILD ABUSE, VARIOUS LAW BODIES AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
--------0-----------
10 QUESTIONS, 6 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23).
OF THE SIX BILLS, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON IT WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THE OTHER FIVE BILLS ARE DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
/THEY ARE .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
7 -
THEY ARE THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) BILL 1989, MERCHANT SHIPPING (LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION FOR OIL POLLUTION) BILL 1989 AND TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL SPEAK ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1989 TO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
- - 0----------
NEW RESEARCH STUDY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRIES
*****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH AN AMERICAN CONSULTANCY FIRM, ARTHUR D. LITTLE ASIA PACIFIC INC, TO UNDERTAKE A TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY ON HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE AIM OF THE STUDY WAS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY THE CHARACTERISTICS AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY AND THE DETERMINANTS OF AND THE CONSTRAINTS UPON ITS GROWTH.
"IT WILL ALSO LOOK AT THE ADEQUACY OF MANPOWER TRAINING, CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES AND TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STUDY WOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REMOVING THE CONSTRAINTS UPON THE INDUSTRY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"IN CONDUCTING THE STUDY, THE CONSULTANT WILL ANALYSE THE MARKET, ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WORLDWIDE AND ASSESS THE CURRENT STATUS OF HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
"THE CONSULTANT WILL ALSO SUGGEST A POSITIONING STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT MEASURES TO HELP THE LOCAL INDUSTRY FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY AND PROFITABLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT CONDUCTS REGULAR TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDIES IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR INDUSTRIES - TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, ELECTRONICS, PLASTICS AND METALS. THE LAST STUDY ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1986.
THE CURRENT STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
------0-------
/8 ........
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
8
LOCALLY GROWN SUPER-SWEET CORN NOW AVAILABLE
*****
LOCAL FARMERS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN Gi OWING SUPER-SWEET CORN ON A MARKET SCALE UNDER A PILOT PRODUCTION SCHEME JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVES (HKFVMC).
MARKETING OF THE PRODUCE AND LIAISON WITH BUYERS IS BEING LOOKED AFTER BY THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO).
THE PRODUCTION TRIAL FOLLOWS AN AFD DEMONSTRATION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR TO ENCOURAGE HONG KONG FARMERS TO GROW EXOTIC VEGETABLES BY USING THE MASS SEEDLING PRODUCTION TECHNIQUE. BY RAISING THE SWEET CORN SEEDLINGS IN THE GREEN HOUSE, THE GROWING PERIOD IN THE OPEN FIELD CAN BE SHORTENED FROM AROUND 70 DAYS TO 50 DAYS.
"SUPER-SWEET CORN, A NOVEL TYPE OF VEGETABLE RECENTLY DEVELOPED FOR MARKET PRODUCTION MAINLY IN THE U.S., WAS SELECTED FOR THE TRIAL BECAUSE IT WAS THE CROP WHICH ATTRACTED THE MOST ATTENTION FROM UP-MARKET BUYERS DURING THE JANUARY DEMONSTRATION," AFD’S AGRICULTURAL OFFICER (HORTICULTURE), MR HO KOON-YU, EXPLAINED TODAY (MONDAY).
ANOTHER REASON FOR CHOOSING THE SUPER-SWEET CORN WAS THAT THE CROP WAS EXPECTED TO FETCH A GOOD RETURN FOR GROWERS BECAUSE OF ITS HIGH QUALITY AND THIS WOULD STIMULATE FARMERS’ INTEREST IN CULTIVATING EXOTIC VEGETABLE VARIETIES.
THE PRODUCTION TRIAL STARTED AROUND THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR AND 3R FARMERS HAVE SET ASIDE A TOTAL OF THREE HECTARES OF FARM LAND FOR THE PROJECT.
IN THIS PILOT SCHEME, AFD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING SUPER-SWEET CORN SEEDLINGS TO PARTICIPATING FARMERS AND ADVISING THEM Oil THE CULTIVATION TECHNIQUE WHILE THE HKFVMC IS RESPONSIBLE For ORGANISING THE PRODUCTION PROGRAMME.
"THE CROPS ARE SCHEDULED TO SPREAD OUT SUPPLY OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 50 DAYS AND ABOUT 1,000 COBS OF SUPER SWEET CORN WILL BE HARVESTED DAILY AS FROM THIS WEEK," MR HO SAID.
TO MARKET THE PRODUCE, THE VMO TODAY ORGANISED A TASTING PANEL AND A TRIP TO THE FARMERS’ FIELDS IN KAM TIN, YUEN LONG, FOR INTERESTED BUYERS FROM 12 LEADING HOTEI, SUPPLIERS, SUPERMARKETS, FAST FOOD CATERERS AND JAPANESE DEPARTMENT STORES.
THE BUYERS WERE GENERALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALIFY OF THE SUPER SWEET CORN ALTHOUGH SOME EXPRESSED WORRY OVER THE STEADY SUPPLY OF THE PRODUCE. SOME: PLACED ORDERS WITH THE VMO IMMEDIATELY.
PLAYING A MIDDLE-MAN ROLE BETWEEN FARMERS AND BUYERS, Till' VMO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MARKETING, PACKAGING, QUALITY CONTROL AS WELL AS DELIVERY OF THE SUPER-SWEET CORN.
/ACCORDING TO .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
9
ACCORDING TO MR HO, THE ORGANISED PRODUCTION PROGRAMME FOR SUPER-SWEET CORN THIS TIME HAD MADE HISTORY IN HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.
"FOR THE FIRST TIME EFFORTS ARE MADE TO BALANCE THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF A CROP TO AVOID WASTAGE RESULTING FROM OVER-SUPPLY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE ORGANISED PRODUCTION PRACTICE CAN STABILISE PRICES AND ENSURE EFFICIENT MARKETING AS WELL AS THE TOP-FRESH QUALITY OF THE PRODUCE," MR HO POINTED OUT.
"ALL PARTIES CONCERNED - INCLUDING FARMERS, PRODUCE DEALERS AND CONSUMERS AT LARGE - WILL STAND TO BENEFIT FROM SUCH A PLANNED AND MARKET-ORIENTED FARMING PRACTICE," HE CONCLUDED.
- - 0 - -
$20M DONATION FOR LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
*****
THE LINK BETWEEN THE COMMERCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL SECTORS WAS STRENGTHENED FURTHER WHEN, ON BEHALF OF THE HONGKONG BANK FOUNDATION, MR WILLIAM PURVES, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONGKONG BANK, RECENTLY PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $20 MILLION TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR YEUNG KAI-YIN.
THE CHEQUE WAS A DONATION TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONGKONG BANK LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND WILL SUPPORT LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PROJECTS FOCUSSED ON EMPLOYMENT-RELATED LANGUAGE NEEDS; PILOT PROGRAMMES IN SELECTED SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS TO TEST LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES; AND RESEARCH INTO LANGUAGE NEEDS, LANGUAGE USE AND LANGUAGE EDUCATION.
• IT WILL ALSO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLICATION OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING MATERIALS AND RESEARCH AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WHICH WILL OFFER SCOPE FOR THE DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
THE FUND WILL BE MANAGED BY A TRUST SET UP BY THE BANK AND DISBURSED ON THE ADVICE OF THE TRUST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE PROGRAMME WILL COMPRISE CAREFULLY SELECTED PROJECTS WHICH WILL BE OF PRACTICAL VALUE TO LANGUAGE TEACHERS, TEACHER TRAINERS AND EDUCATIONAL PLANNERS AND WHICH WILL FACILITATE A GREATER INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS AMONG WRITERS AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPERS.
RY COVERING EMPLOYMENT-RELATED LANGUAGE NEEDS, THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN VARIOUS BUSINESS SECTORS AND FEED INFORMATION BACK INTO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ON THE LANGUAGE NEEDS OF THE WORKPLACE.
- - 0 - -
/10
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
- 10 -
NORTH DISTRICT GETS READY FOR BIG FARM SHOW
*****
PREPARATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S FIRST JOINT EXHIBITION OF LIVESTOCK AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS ARE WELL UNDERWAY IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND.
"FARMERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN WORKING BUSILY IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS TO MAKE THE THREE-DAY SHOW A SUCCESS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"ABOUT 30 FIRMS ARE ERECTING BOOTHS TO DISPLAY THE BEST OF THEIR PRODUCTS. STALLS FOR AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITS AND LIVESTOCK PENS ARE ALSO BEING SET UP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SHOW, SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL BE HELD FROM SATURDAY (MAY 26) TO MONDAY (MAY 28).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE SHOW WILL INCLUDE A FOUR-LEGGED ROOSTER AND A 700-CATTY BOAR AND 20 OTHER BOARS TAKING PART IN THE BEST BREEDER COMPETITION FOR PIGS.
IN INDUSTRY, A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN ON LOK TSUEN IN FANLING AND THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES OF SOME LEADING INDUSTRIES IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE DISPLAYED.
THE COMMERCE SECTION WILL TRACE HOW THE TWO TRADITIONAL MARKET TOWNS, LUEN WO HUI IN FANLING AND SHEK WU HUI IN SHEUNG SHUI, HAVE EVOLVED INTO BUSY COMMERCIAL CENTRES.
ADMISSION TO THE SHOW IS FREE.
- - 0---------
LRT EXTENSION ON DB
* *
JOINT COMMITTEE AGENDA * * *
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION
WILL BRIEF MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ COMMITTEE ON MONITORIHG LRT SERVtCES, ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LRT EXTENSION TO TIN SHUI WAI, AND THE PURCHASE OF 30 LIGHT RAIL CARS, AI
A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS TWO PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE PLATFORM SHELTERS AT THE ON TING STOP AND TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL TICKET VENDING MACHINES AT THE TUEN MUN TERMINUS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER A MEETING OF THE
DISTRICT BOARDS' JOINT COMMITTEE ON HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE YUEN
MONITORING
TUEN LRT
LONG DISTRICT
ROOM, 13TII FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT
OFFICES, 2
YUEN LONG.
MUN/YUEN LONG
SERVICES TO BE
BOARD CONFERENCE KIU LOK SQUARE,
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
------0--------
/Il .......
MONDAY, MAY 21, 1990
11
.TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YAU MA TEI ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, FROM 8 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23) TO 5 PM ON MAY 30, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF MAN CHEONG STREET BETWEEN MAN SING STREET AND FERRY STREET IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ON MAN CHEONG STREET EASTBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA MAN SING STREET SOUTHBOUND, MAN YUEN STREET EASTBOUND INTO FERRY STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----0-------
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES OF TUEN MUN ROAD
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 9.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23) TO 6 AM ON JUNE 4, THE THREE TRAFFIC LANES OF THE TUEN MUN BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR SIU LAM INTERCHANGE WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED IN TURN TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
CLOSURE OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 9.30 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY WHILE ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE CLOSURE PERIOD.
---------0-----------
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF FLYOVER IN
******
KOWLOON CITY
TO 4
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THA'l PROM 12.01 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23), THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE LINKING PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD ^EST ST TERESA’S HOSPITAL) IN KOWLOON CITY, WILL RE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AM
FLYOVER (NEAR
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FLYOVER.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA'S MFN STATUS WILL DAMAGE HK: GOVERNOR ............................ 1
ASIA SOCIETY TO OPEN HK CENTRE .................................................... 4
NEXT SIX MONTHS CRUCIAL FOR URUGUAY ROUND........................................... 5
CONCERTED EFFORTS NEEDED IN REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL ...............
TAC RECOMMENDS NT AND LANTAU TAXI FARE INCREASES .............................
SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION, REAL ESTATE SECTORS BEGINS ........................ 11
YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE..................................................... 12
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS .......................................... i3
STUDENTS' SWIMMING GALA IN SHA TIN .................................................. 13
PRAISE FOR WORK OF TUNG WAH GROUP ................................................... I4
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.................................. I4
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN TAI ....................................................... 15
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990 1
WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS WILL DAMAGE HK: GOVERNOR **»»»**
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS WOULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WARNED IN NEW YORK.
"IT WOULD DO THIS AT A TIME WHEN, WITH SEVEN YEARS TO GO BEFORE A CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY AND MANY DIFFICULT ISSUES TO TACKLE IF WE ARE TO BUILD HONG KONG SECURELY FOR THE FUTURE, WE CAN DO WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS," THE GOVERNOR SAID WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ASIA SOCIETY ON MONDAY EVENING (NEW YORK TIME).
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS NOT FOR HIM TO SAY WHAT UNITED STATES’ POLICY TOWARDS CHINA SHOULD BE, BUT WHEN THAT POLICY COULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, PERHAPS INADVERTENTLY, THEN HE MUST WARN OF THE DANGERS.
THE GOVERNOR OUTLINED THE GROWING LINKS BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG, AND SAID THAT OVER TWO THIRDS OF CHINA’S EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WERE RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG.
"IF CHINA LOSES ITS MFN STATUS THAT WOULD KNOCK AN ESTIMATED US$10 BILLION OFF OUR TRADE FIGURES. THERE WOULD BE SEVERE JOB LOSSES FOR ALL THOSE ENGAGED IN THIS RE-EXPORT TRADE, AS WELL AS THOSE MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG, A GOOD MANY OF THEM AMERICAN, ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ACROSS THE BORDER," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID ENDING MFN STATUS MIGHT BE DIRECTED AGAINST PEKING BUT IT WOULD BE A BODY BLOW TO HONG KONG JUST WHEN WE NEEDED TO KEEP UP ECONOMIC GROWTH TO GET US THROUGH A TIME OF CRUCIAL POLITICAL CHANGE.
"ENDING CHINA’S MFN STATUS WOULD ALSO PUT A SUDDEN BRAKE ON THE ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF THOSE SOUTHERN COASTAL PROVINCES WHICH HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF CHINA’S RECENT ECONOMIC LIBERALISM AND OPENNESS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE PROCESS OF BUILDING CLOSER LINKS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD -- IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE — WOULD INEVITABLY BE SET BACK, AND SET BACK BADLY.
"SO WE IN HONG KONG WATCH WITH GREAT ANXIETY HOW THE CHINA MFN STATUS QUESTION IS RESOLVED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS OR WEEKS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"ONE OF THE REASONS WE IN HONG KONG HOPE FOR A STABLE EXTERNAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, AND NO SUDDEN MAN-MADE SHOCKS LIKE THE REMOVAL OF MFN STATUS FROM CHINA, IS THAT WE HAVE A GREAT DEAL TO DO TO BUILD SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR THE NEW HONG KONG WHICH WILL BE BORN IN SEVEN YEARS’ TIME,” HE ADDED.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 2 -
THE GOVE )R SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW PROVIDED THE BLUEPRINT FOR HONG KONG’S TRANSITION, WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, FROM BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY TO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FOUNDATIONS WERE LAID AND WE MUST NOW GET ON WITH THE BUILDING. "I DO NOT PRETEND THAT THIS WILL BE EASY. NO ONE HAS USED THIS BLUEPRINT BEFORE."
"SOMETIMES THE WEATHER FOR BUILDING IS NOT AS GOOD AS WE WOULD WISH. NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE MAKING REAL PROGRESS IN SORTING OUT A WHOLE SERIES OF DETAILED INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TRANSITION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT OF COURSE MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE STILL WORRIED, PARTICULARLY OVER THE LAST YEAR. "SOME WILL NOT STAY TO SEE IF IT WORKS. SOME WANT INSURANCE IN CASE ANYTHING GOES WRONG."
HE POINTED OUT THAT LAST YEAR 42,000 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN EMIGRATED. "THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MIGRATION FROM HONG KONG, BUT THIS FIGURE IS HIGHER THAN THE HISTORICAL NORM.
"ALMOST NONE OF THESE NEW EMIGRANTS WANT TO LEAVE HONG KONG. BUT THEY FEEL THE NEED TO SECURE A RIGHT TO RESIDE ELSEWHERE AS INSURANCE AGAINST FUTURE UNCERTAINTY," HE SAID.
"MANY OF THE BREADWINNERS AMONG THESE 42,000 — WE ESTIMATE ONE QUARTER OF THEM -- ARE PROFESSIONALS. A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER ARE YOUNG," THE GOVERNOR SAID, AND ADDED: "WE CAN ILL AFFORD THIS OUTFLOW OF YOUNG TALENT."
HE POINTED OUT THAT LEGISLATION BEING PUT THROUGH PARLIAMENT BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO GRANT PASSPORTS TO 50,000 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD IN HONG KONG AIMED TO ANCHOR KEY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG BY GIVING THEM THE ASSURANCE NEEDED TO STAY, AND NONE OF THEM WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE HONG KONG TO EARN THE RIGHT TO RESIDE IN BRITAIN.
"WE HOPE THAT OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, WILL ALSO LOOK AT MEASURES WHICH WILL HELP TO KEEP PEOPLE IN HONG KONG CONTRIBUTING TO ITS FUTURE PROSPERITY," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALWAYS WELCOME BACK THOSE WHO WENT AND THEN RETURNED. "BUT WE ARE ALSO IMPROVING OUR ABILITY TO MAKE GOOD THE LOSS."
OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS THE NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE LEVEL DEGREE PLACES WOULD BE DOUBLED AND, BY 1995, 25 PER CENT OF SCHOOL LEAVERS WOULD GO ON TO FURTHER EDUCATION -- THREE QUARTERS OF THEM TO EARN DEGREES, SIR DAVID SAID.
"AND WHAT WE CANNOT FIND LOCALLY WE WILL HIRE FROM ABROAD. OUR ATTITUDE TO FIRMS WHO WANT TO BRING IN SKILLED STAFF FROM OVERSEAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN FLEXIBLE. YOU WILL FIND IT MORE SO IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID .......
r
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 3 -
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, WE MUST PLAN AND BUILD FOR THOSE WHO STAYED AND A KEY PART OF THIS WAS PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE BASIC LAW HAD SET THE SEAL ON A PROCESS OF EVOLUTIONARY CHANGE WHICH WAS ALREADY IN HAND AND WHICH WOULD RUN THROUGH THE TRANSITION INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
REFERRING TO DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR, SIR DAVID SAID THE CHANGES THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE THEN WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT STEP IN BUILDING HONG KONG FOR THE FUTURE.
ON HONG KONG/U.S. LINKS, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT HONG KONG'S COSMOPOLITAN CHARACTER COULD BE SEEN CLEARLY IN THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY WHICH NOW NUMBERED ABOUT 17,000.
"IT IS THE LARGEST FOREIGN BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND IS GROWING STEADILY BY MORE THAN 1,000 EACH YEAR. ITS VIGOUR IS WELL DEMONSTRATED BY THE WORK OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER, WHO ARE THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE CHAMBER IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE VIGOUR OF THE AMERICAN PRESENCE IN HONG KONG COULD BE SHOWN BY THE FACT THAT MORE THAN 900 U.S. FIRMS WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY --- DOUBLE THE NUMBER FIVE YEARS AGO, SIR DAVID NOTED.
"MANY HAVE FOUND THAT OUR LOCATION AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS MAKE HONG KONG THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS. AMERICAN FACTORIES PRODUCED MORE THAN US$3 BILLION LAST YEAR: THIS MADE UP OVER NINE PER CENT OF OUR EXPORTS," HE ADDED.
"AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS IN FACT DOUBLE THAT IN CHINA AND BIGGER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA OTHER THAN JAPAN. THESE FIGURES SHOW WHAT AN IMPORTANT BRIDGEHEAD HONG KONG IS FOR AMERICAN BUSINESS INTERESTS IN ASIA,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE PLANS WERE AMBITIOUS BUT CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
"TRUE TO HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET PHILOSOPHY, WE WILL BE LOOKING TO INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN THEM. SO FAR OVER 700 FIRMS HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN OUR AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT PLANS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE UNITED STATES WAS ALREADY INVOLVED.
"BECHTEL HAVE RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED AS PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR FOR THE NEW TWIN RUNWAY AIRPORT WE ARE BUILDING ON LANTAU ISLAND. GREINER, FROM FLORIDA, TWO WEEKS AGO WON THE CONTRACT FOR DESIGNING THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN IN A JOINT VENTURE WITH THE BRITISH HONG KONG FIRM OF MAUNSELLS," HE SAID.
"WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR OTHERS AS WELL FROM ALL ROUND THE WORLD," HE ADDED.
/SPEAKING OF .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
4
SPEAKING OF THE FUTURE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ”OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE IS A CLEAR ONE. WE ARE UNIQUELY PLACED TO PLAY SEVERAL ROLES: INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE; REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS, MANUFACTURING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT BASE; FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES HUB; AND CHINA'S WINDOW ON THE WORLD.
’’THERE ARE SEVERAL CITIES IN THE REGION WHICH WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE FOR SOME OF THE BUSINESS WHICH WE DO. BUT THEY SUFFER FROM NOT BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
’’WE ARE TO SOUTHERN CHINA WHAT NEW YORK IS TO THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF THE UNITED STATES. NOTHING CAN CHANGE THAT. WE HAVE THE LOCATION — WE HAVE THE PEOPLE — AND WE HAVE THE DETERMINATION TO KEEP UP THE HONG KONG SUCCESS STORY.
’’YOU -- YOUR BUSINESSMEN -- HAVE BEEN A KEY PART OF THIS ENDEAVOUR IN THE PAST. WE HOPE YOU WILL BE WITH US FOR THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.
------0--------
ASIA SOCIETY TO OPEN HK CENTRE ♦ * * ♦ *
THE ASIA SOCIETY IS TO OPEN A HONG KONG CENTRE LATER THIS YEAR, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN NEW YORK BY THE SOCIETY’S CHAIRMAN, MR MAURICE GREENBERG, AT ITS ANNUAL DINNER AT WHICH THE
GOVERNOR WAS GUEST OF
HONOUR AND SPEAKER.
THE CENTRE WILL BE THE SOCIETY’S FIRST IN ASIA AND WILL BRING HONG KONG PEOPLE, OTHER- ASIANS AND AMERICANS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON CURRENT ISSUES AND TO SHARE CULTURAL INSIGHTS.
IT WILL ALSO REACH OUT BEYOND HONG KONG TO DEVELOP CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE SOCIETY AND INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS IN ASIAN NATIONS, MR GREENBERG SAID.
HE SAID CHAIRMAN OF THE HANG SENG BANK, SIR Q.W. LEE, WILL CHAIR THE CENTRE’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND MR BURT LEVIN WHO IS CURRENTLY U.S. AMBASSADOR TO MYANMAR OR BURMA, WILL BECOME ITS FIRST DIRECTOR WHEN HE RETIRES FROM THE FOREIGN SERVICE LATER IN THE YEAR.
MR LEVIN WAS U.S. CONSUL GENERAL IN HONG KONG FROM 1981 TO 1986.
AT THE SAME TIME, MAYOR DAVID DINKINS OF NEW YORK CITY ALSO DECLARED MAY 21, 1990 AS "HONG KONG DAY".
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THE SOCIETY COULD HARDLY HAVE CHOSEN A BETTER PLACE TO OPEN ITS FIRST CENTRE AND ADDED THAT HONG KONG WAS HONOURED TO HAVE A DAY NAMED FOR IT.
/EARLIER IN .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 5 -
EARLIER IN THE DAY, ACC; MPANIED BY HONG KONG’S MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS IN WASHINGTON, MR PETER LO, AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR KERRY MCGLYNN, SIR DAVID MADE A ROUND OF VISITS, INCLUDING MEETINGS WITH THE MEDIA AND LUNCH WITH MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, NEW YORK’S LEADING FOREIGN POLICY "THINK TANK".
HE ALSO VISITED THE HONGKONG BANK’S EXHIBITION ON "CHINNERY AND THE CHINA COAST", A COLLECTION OF 70 PAINTINGS BY EUROPEAN AND CHINESE ARTISTS IN SOUTH CHINA DURING THE 19TH CENTURY.
STAFF OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL PROMOTIONS OFFICES ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO MEET SIR DAVID AND DISCUSS THEIR WORK WITH HIM WHEN HE VISITED THEIR OFFICES.
SIR DAVID FLIES TO OTTAWA LATER TODAY TO BEGIN THE FIRST EVER VISIT TO CANADA BY A HONG KONG GOVERNOR.
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NEXT SIX MONTHS CRUCIAL FOR URUGUAY ROUND ******
THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WILL BE CRUCIAL FOR THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR MORE THAN THREE AND A HALF YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 12TH COUNCIL SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB), MR CHAN SAID THE WORLD’S ATTENTION WOULD INCREASINGLY BE FOCUSSED ON THE LIKELY OUTCOME OF THIS UNPRECEDENTED ROUND OF TRADE TALKS TO SEE IF THE CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM COULD BE UPHELD.
HE SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE ROUND WOULD DEPEND ON THE SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION OF MANY LONG STANDING TRADE PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, TROPICAL PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
"IN RESPECT OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, IT IS RECOGNISED THAT THE ROUND OFFERS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REVERSE THE LONG TREND OF RELENTLESS, SELECTIVE AND DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT TARGETED AT EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES.
"I HASTEN TO ADD THAT THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY WE SHOULD NOT MISS," HE SAID.
/BECAUSE THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
6 -
BECAUSE THE TEXTILES SECTOR WAS SO IMPORTANT TO MANY DEVELOPING EXPORT \S , THEY MUST SECURE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS AREA IF THEY WERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE REST OF THE TRADE PACKAGE TO F IERGE FROM THE ROUND.
’’FAILURE TO Ai IVE AT A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO THE TEXTILES PROBLEM WOULD 1NEV1TA LY UNDERMINE THE ROUND AS A WHOLE,” MR CHAN SAIJ
"THIS WOULD HAVE EXTREMELY SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD TRADE AND WOULD BE IN NOBODY’S INTEREST, DEVI . OPED AND DEVI.LOPING PARTICIPANTS ALIKE.”
ill' SAID TEXTILES IMPORTING COUNTRIES HAD SUBMITTED THEIR PRO -S ON HOW TO PHASE OUT EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.
SOME OF THESE PROPOSALS WERE CONSTRUCTIVE AND ADDED MUCH TO THE DEBATE ON THE SUBSTANTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE PHASING-OUT PROCESS.
OTHERS PUT FORWARD A RADICAL NEW MODALITY WHICH, IF ADOPTED, WOULD BRING GRAVE UNCERTAINTY TO THE TRADE AND WOULD BE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE CURRENT REGIME UNDER THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
“THIS IS CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID ANY MODALITY TO REPLACE THE EXISTING MFA REGIME MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY AND PREDICTABILITY TO EXPORTERS AS WELL AS IMPORTERS.
’’WHERE RESTRAINTS CAN CONTINUE TO BE JUSTIFIED THIS CAN BE BEST ENSURED BY BUILDING ON THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF EXPORT CONTROL WHICH IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY ALL INVOLVED IN THE TEXTILES AND GARMENTS TRADE.
"MOREOVER, THE CHOSEN MODALITY MUST BE PREDICTABLE AND CAUSE MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO TRADE, AND MUST ACCORD EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT AMONG SUPPLIERS AND PROVIDE GREATER MARKET ACCESS FOR ALL EXPORTING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE GLOBAL QUOTA APPROACH PUT FORWARD SEPARATELY BY THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA FAILED TO MEET THESE CRITERIA.
"IT IS NOW ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THERE IS A CONSENSUS MINUS TWO FOR ADOPTING AN MFA-BASED MODALITY,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID, TO BREAK THE IMPASSE AND TO TAKE THE NEGOTIATIONS FORWARD WITH A VIEW TO PUTTING TOGETHER A DRAFT OUTLINE AGREEMENT FOR THE JULY MEETING OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE, IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE ITCB TO DEVELOP AND TABLE A FURTHER DETAILED PROPOSAL AT THE JUNE MEETING OF THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING NEGOTIATING GROUP.
/"FOLLOWING THE
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1> '
"FOLLOWING THE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED LAST DECEMBER BY THE BUREAU, THIS WOULD REPRESENT A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION FR -M EXPORTERS TO THE NEGOTIATIONS AND, HOPEFULLY, WOULD BECOME THE BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE WORLD TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING," HE SAID.
"TO THIS END, THIS WEEK’S MEETING OF THE ITCB IN HONG KONG IS MOST TIMELY. THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY ENTAIL A LOT OF HARD THINKING WHEN THOSE AROUND THIS TABLE TRY TO THRASH OUT DETAILS OF THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT," HE SAID.
THE MEETING, WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL FRIDAY (MAY 25), IS BEING ATTENDED BY SOME 50 REPRESENTATIVES FROM 19 MEMBERS OF THE ITCB, INCLUDING HONG KONG.
THE ITCB WAS SET UP IN 1985 TO CO-ORDINATE AND PROMOTE ACTIVITIES LEADING TO THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AND PROTECTIONISM DIRECTED AGAINST MEMBERS’ EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, AND TO ASSIST MEMBERS IN ENSURING THAT THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE MFA ARE EFFECTIVELY PRESERVED.
---------0-----------
CONCERTED EFFORTS NEEDED IN REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL
*******
SUCCESS IN THE THE CONCERTED EFFORTS AND DEDICATED MEMBERS
REHABILITATION OF MENTAWLY ILL PERSONS REQUIRES OF THE GOVERNMENT, CONCERNED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, OF VARIOUS RELATED PROFESSIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR- HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG,, ^ID
AND
EXHIBITION CENTRE.
MRS WONG EXPLAINED BRIEFLY SOME RECENT REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL IN HONG KONG.
DEVELOPMENTS IN
THE
OF TO
A WIDE RANGE BEEN ESTABLISHED
SHE SAID DURING THE LAST DECADE, ?aKut1?ETS InSeGrXn OAFNDPErSsCEWItJADDISABILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAD RECOVERED FROM MENTA1 ILLNESS, INTO THE COMMUN
MRS WONG SAID THE EMPHASIS OF SUCH PROGRAMMES SHIFTED FROM INSTITUTIONAL CARE TO COMMUNITY CARE.
HAD GRADUALLY
”TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES PERSONS WE HAVE, SINCE 1989, ESTABLISHED TWO TYPES PURPOSE-BUILT HALF-WAY HOUSE AND THE LONG STAY CARE
FOR MENTALLY
OF FACILITY:
HOME."
ILL
THE
/MRS WONG .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 8 -
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE PURPOSE-BUILT HALF-WAY HOUSE WAS BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WHICH DEMONSTRATED THAT THE CHANCE OF SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION WOULD BE SMALLER IF ALL THOSE REQUIRING INTENSIVE CARE AND SUPERVISION WERE SEGREGATED INTO AN ISOLATED AND EXCLUSIVE GROUP.
THIS TYPE OF FACILITY SERVED NOT ONLY DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS WHO NEEDED A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUPERVISION AND CARE, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAD AN ASSESSED DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE, BUT ALSO DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS WITHOUT SUCH A BACKGROUND, SHE SAID.
"IN A PURPOSE-BUILT HALF-WAY HOUSE, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A SMALL GROUP LIVING ENVIRONMENT, COUPLED WITH PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT, THE RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTED TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF SELF IDENTITY TO HELP EFFECT POSITIVE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS, WORK HABITS, VALUES OF LIFE AND DECISION-MAKING ABILITIES.
"IN THIS WAY, THE HALF-WAY HOUSE SERVES AS A TRANSITIONAL VENUE FOR READJUSTMENT BACK INTO THE NORMAL ROUTINE OF DAILY LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY," MRS WONG SAID.
"TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE CHRONIC MENTAL PATIENTS WHO ARE IN STABLE OR CONTROLLED MEDICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS BUT DO NOT REQUIRE ACTIVE TREATMENT EXCEPT MINIMAL NURSING CARE, THE LONG STAY CARE HOME WAS SET UP IN HONG KONG EARLIER THIS YEAR.
"IT PROVIDES FOR REHABILITATION OUTSIDE A HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT, CONSTITUTES ACCOMMODATION COUPLED WITH CARE AND TRAINING.
"THE AIM IS FOR RESIDENTS TO PROGRESS FROM A STATE OF DEPENDENCY TO SEMI-DEPENDENCY THROUGH SOCIAL SUPPORT, APPROPRIATE STIMULATION AND SUPERVISION.
"SOME INDEED CAN BE EXPECTED TO PROGRESS TO INDEPENDENT LIVING AND EVENTUAL RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WHO HAD RECOVERED OR WERE RECOVERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.
"SINCE 1985, PUBLIC EDUCATION ON REHABILITATION HAS BEEN GIVEN A MAJOR STATUS IN THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS OF THE GOVERNMENT," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO RECENT CHANGES TO RELEVANT LEGISLATION, SHE SAID THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED IN 1988 TO REINFORCE THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE MENTALLY ILL.
"IN PARTICULAR, TWO NEW PROVISIONS OF MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE WERE INTRODUCED, NAMELY THE GUARDIANSHIP SCHEME AND THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL.
"THE PURPOSE OF THE GUARDIANSHIP SCHEME IS TO SAFEGUARD THE WELFARE OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS AGED 18 AND ABOVE AND AT THE SAME TIME TO PROTECT OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.
/"THE ESTABLISHMENT .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 9 -
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL, ON THE OTHER HAND, STRENGTHENS THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS.”
MRS WONG SAID HONG KONG FACED MANPOWER DIFFICULTIES AS WELL AS THE NEED TO GAIN GREATER COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS.
’’NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE DETERMINED TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR MENTALLY ILL PERSONS AND EXPLORE NEW INITIATIVES,” SHE ADDED.
------0--------
TAC RECOMMENDS NT AND LANTAU TAXI FARE INCREASES ♦ ♦*»♦*
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS.
THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED A FARE INCREASE AT A LOWER PERCENTAGE THAN THOSE REQUESTED BY THE TRADE.
IN ARRIVING AT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE TAC TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE POLICY OF ESTABLISHING A SUBSTANTIAL FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN TAXIS AND OTHER MODES; THE EFFECT OF INCREASED OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE AND FUEL COSTS AND THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF TAXI SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU.
APART FROM INCREASES IN MAIN TAXIMETER FARES, A RECOMMENDATION TO INCREASE THE SURCHARGE ON RADIO-CALL SERVICE HAS ALSO BEEN MADE.
THE RECOMMENDED FARE SCALES WILL YIELD AN INCREASE IN TAXI DRIVERS’ MONTHLY INCOME AFTER OFFSETTING THE INCREASED DIESEL PRICE AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT .AN ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN OPERATING COSTS IN THE COMING YEAR.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD CARRIED OUT ROADSIDE SURVEYS IN BOTH THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON LANTAU TO MEASURE THE LEVEL OF TAXI SERVICE WITH REFERENCE TO WAITING TIME, QUEUE LENGTH AND HEADWAY BETWEEN VACANT TAXIS.
THE RESULTS REVEALED THAT THE DEMAND FOR TAXI SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS REMAINED STABLE IN RECENT YEARS WHILE THE AVAILABILITY OF TAXIS ON LANTAU HAS IMPROVED.
THE TAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES OF AVERAGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC SPEEDS IN THE URBAN AREAS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OTHER MAJOR CITIES.
/THEY NOTED .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 10 -
THEY NOTED THAT FROM TIME TO TIME, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT UNDERTAKES CAR JOURNEY TIME SURVEYS DURING PEAK HOURS.
THESE SURVEYS SHOW THAT THE AVERAGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC SPEEDS VARIED FROM 20 TO 28.1 KILOMETRES PER HOUR BETWEEN 1979 AND 1989.
THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE TRAFFIC SPEED BETWEEN 1979 (20 KPH) AND 1984 (28.1 KPH) WAS DUE MAINLY TO THE COMMISSIONING OF A NUMBER OF MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILV.'AY, THE ELECTRIFIED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
THE INTRODUCTION OF FISCAL RESTRAINT MEASURES IN RESPECT OF PRIVATE CARS IN MAY 1982 ALSO HELPED TO EASE THE TRAFFIC FLOW CONSIDERABLY.
AS A RESULT OF SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE TOTAL VEHICLE FLEET, PARTICULARLY PRIVATE CARS, STARTED TO GROW AGAIN IN EARLY 1987 (25.7 KPH). THE GENERAL TRAFFIC SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE GRADUALLY, BUT STEADILY, DROPPING FROM 28.1 KPH IN 1984 TO 21.5 KPH IN JUNE 1989.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT, THE AVERAGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC SPEEDS FOR SINGAPORE AND LONDON WERE 26.7 AND 18.5 KPH RESPECTIVELY AS COMPARED TO 23.8 KPH FOR HONG KONG.
ON AVERAGE PEAK HOUR BUS SPEEDS, THE STUDY SHOWS HONG KONG STANDS AT 17.1 KPH AS COMPARED TO THE LOWEST OF 12 KPH IN THE CASE OF TOKYO AND THE HIGHEST OF 22.9 KPH AS IN THE CASE OF SEOUL.
OTHER THAN TOKYO, HONG KONG STANDS AT A BETTER POSITION THAN KOBE AND OSAKA BUT COMES AFTER SINGAPORE, LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER AND BERLIN, OTHER THAN SEOUL.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HONG KONG’S HEAVY TRAFFIC DENSITY, THE AVERAGE PEAK HOUR BUS SPEED IN HONG KONG COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE OF SOME CITIES.
MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT AN INITIAL REPORT HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND A FINAL REPORT WAS EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF MAY.
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TUESDAY, MAY 22,
1990
- 11 -
SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION, REAL ESTATE SECTORS BEGINS *******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR 1989 HAS JUST COMMENCED.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED ANNUALLY AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE AIMS OF THE SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
ABOUT 4,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY, INCLUDING A FULL COVERAGE OF PROMINENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:-% •
» BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION;
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT;
* ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING; AND
» REAL ESTATE LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 14 IN THE GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
A DIFFERENT VERSION OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS USED FOR EACH OF THE FOUR AFORE-MENTIONED CATEGORIES OF ESTABLISHMENTS.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP; NUMBER OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES; PAYMENTS FOR SUB-CONTRACT WORK; OPERATING EXPENSES; VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED; VALUE OF PROPERTIES UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT OUTLAYS (INCLUDING LAND VALUES); OTHER FORMS OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS; AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE SURVEY. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31 THIS YEAR.
/IF REQUIRED........
TUESDAY, MAY 22, • >90
- 12 -
IF REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES. THESE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEY, SO AS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE. ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION, WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE RETURNS, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4977.
YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE * * * « *
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES AT GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON MAY 29.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER ARE 301 2130 AND 301 2131 WHILE THE NEW NUMBER FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT IS 301 2150.
THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5.30 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
IT WILL CONTINUE TO HANDLE GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH STATUTORY DECLARATION AND OTHER SERVICES.
---------0-----------
/13........
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 13 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS * * * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER SEVERAL APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 24).
THESE INCLUDE AN EYE-CARE PROJECT FOR THE ELDERLY, THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND A CHILDREN’S MUSIC CAMP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTI ICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 24) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
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STUDENTS’ SWIMMING GALA IN SHA TIN
*****
ABOUT 350 PUPILS FROM 34 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN WILL TAKE PART IN A SWIMMING GALA ON THURSDAY (MAY 24).
ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION SHA TIN BRANCH, THE 12TH SHA TIN DISTRICT INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOLS SWIMMING GALA WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS VICTORIA TANG; AND THE DISTRICT’S SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR HO WAI-MAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 12TH SHA TIN DISTRICT INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOLS SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 24) AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 14 -
PRAISE FOR WORK OF TUNG WAH GROUP
* * * t
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, COMMENDED THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY WHEN MEETING ITS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR LDD1E LEE, PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO MR CARTLAND TO DISCUSS THE ' DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR WELFARE SERVICES BY THE GROUP.
IN THE MEETING, MR CARTLAND ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE DEPA IHENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SLIP ROADS CONNECTING AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED ON VARIOUS DATES TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND WITH WONG CHUK HANG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (MAY 24 AND 25).
VEHICLES ON AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WONG CHUK HANG AND ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD FLYOVER, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, LOK YEUNG STREET, TUNG SING ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD AND THEN REJOIN WONG CHUK HANG ROAD.
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD EASTBOUND WITH AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.30 AM TO 5 AM ON MAY 26 AND 28.
VEHICLES ON ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR AP LEI CHAU WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, FLYOVER, OCEAN PARK ROAD, ROUNDABOUT, OCEAN PARK ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, SLIP ROAD AND THEN REJOIN AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD.
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND WITH ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM ON MAY 29 AND 30.
/VEHICLES ON .......
TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1990
- 15 -
VEHICLES ON AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR ABERDEEN WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA SLIP ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, FLYOVER, OCEAN PARK ROAD, ROUNDABOUT, OCEAN PARK ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND THEN REJOIN ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD.
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WESTBOUND WITH AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM ON MAY 31 AND JUNE 1.
VEHICLES ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR AP LEI CHAU WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD, FLYOVER, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, LOK YEUNG STREET, TUNG SING ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD, SLIP ROAD AND THEN REJOIN AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
------0--------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN TAI PO ♦ ♦ t * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (TAI WO) NORTHBOUND NEAR HONG LOK YUEN WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 24) TO 9 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 27).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
NEW MEASURES TO CURB WATER POLLUTION OUTLINED ................................. 1
ADVICE OF MEDICAL COUNCIL SOUGHT ON COMPLEX PROFESSIONAL ISSUE ................ 3
$4M DONATION FOR FUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION .............................. 4
REVIEW OF NT TAXI OPERATION .................................................. 4
FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES BENEFITS ECONOMY ................................... 5
TENANTS NOT EXPOSED TO UNDUE THREATS DURING REDEVELOPMENT ..................... 5
SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR MALADJUSTED CHILDREN ...................................... 6
HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSIDERS TAKING MORE ACTIVE PART IN PSPS ................... 7
DISCUSSIONS ON CASES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS ............................. 8
■OUTWORKER' AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ......................................... 9
STAGE SET FOR HOLDING MORE INT'L EXHIBITIONS, CONFERENCES ..................... 9
KCRC MAINTAINS ROBUST FINANCIAL POSITION ..................................... 11
FIVE BILLS PASSED ............................................................ 12
PADS PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES ..................................... 13
HONG KONG PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE .............................................. 15
PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT TO BENEFIT HK AND CHINA ........................... 38
IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY, ENERGY CONSERVATION STRESSED .................. 19
IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES STRESSED ............................. 21
MORE IMPORTANT ROLE FOR GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS ............................... 22
MEDICAL SERVICES ON DB AGENDA .................................................. 23
DB TO DISCUSS PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY REPORT ............................ 24
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON AMENDMENT ORDINANCE .............................. 25
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ................................... 25
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS NEW UNIVERSITY SITE ................................. 27
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN ........................................................ 27
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN .................................................... 28
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF BRIDGE IN TUEN MUN ................................... 29
/TEMPORARY TRAFFIC .....
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG ........... URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG .......................... TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN TSIM SHA TSUI .............. RESCISSION OF PROHIBITION AT PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS SPEED LIMIT ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD...................
URBAN CLEARWAY IN ABERDEEN
30
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
NEW MEASURES TO CURD WATER POLLUTION OUTLINED ♦ t ♦ t *
THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH IS CONSIDERED A CORNERSTONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO CURB POLLUTION, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON CLIVE OXLEY, SAID IT WAS NOW TIME TO ACT, BEFORE IT WAS TOO LATE.
"IF WE DO NOT RECTIFY THE WRONGS OF THE PAST, HONG KONG WILL BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POLLUTED CITIES IN THE WORLD,” MR OXLEY SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT THE LEGISLATION WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AND TO DECLARE THE REMAINING SIX WATER CONTROL ZONES OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
MR OXLEY SAID THE MAIN IMPROVEMENTS WHICH WERE INTENDED TO BE EFFECTED BY THE BILL WERE:
» THE DELETION OF THE RIGHT OF EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING FOR DISCHARGES IN FUTURE WATER CONTROL ZONES;
♦ THE REPLACEMENT OF EXEMPTION BY A RIGHT TO A LICENCE UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS;
* THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROVISION THAT WHEN SETTING LICENCE CONDITIONS, THE AUTHORITY, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SHOULD BE GUIDED BY EFFLUENT STANDARDS WHICH WERE TO BE LAID DOWN IN A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS; AND
* TO INCREASE PENALTIES.
HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY SAID THERE WERE TWO POINTS HE WANTED TO EMPHASISE.
FIRSTLY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT TAKING AWAY, OVERNIGHT, THE RIGHT TO DISCHARGE WASTE WATERS.
"DISCHARGERS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN GRANTED EXEMPTIONS IN THE FOUR EXISTING WATER CONTROL ZONES WILL BE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE THEIR CURRENT EMISSIONS. WHEN THE AMENDED BILL COMES INTO EFFECT THEY WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN GRANTED LICENCES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS,” HE SAID.
THIS REPRESENTED, IN EFFECT, A TWO-YEAR GRACE PERIOD FOR A VERY STRICTLY LIMITED GROUP OF EFFLUENT PRODUCERS. BUT AFTER TWO YEARS THOSE DISCHARGERS WOULD HAVE TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
/ALL DISCHARGERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 2 -
ALL DISCHARGERS IN FUTURE WATER CONTROL ZONES WOULD HAVE TO APPLY FOR LICENCES. AND THE AU\ OR1TY, IN GRANTING LICENCES, WOULD BE GUIDED BY THE STANDARDS IN THE TiCHNICAL MEMORANDUM.
SECONDLY, MR OXLEY SAID, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT THERE WOULD BE CO " TO INDUSTRY IN COMPLYING WITH THE NEW PROVISIONS, THESE COSTS NEED i BE ONEROUS.
THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS FOR SAYING THIS,” HE SAID.
"FIRSTLY, ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY WILL FACE EFFLUENT TREATMENT COSTS.
"SECONDLY, THERE IS SCOPE FOR REDUCING COSTS THROUGH WASTE MINIMISATION IN THE FACTORY.
"THIRDLY, RECYCLING OF SOME VALUABLE RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY, ESPECIALLY HEAT, CAN REDUCE POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS DRAMATICALLY.
"AND FOURTHLY, UPGRADING PRODUCTION PLANT AND PROCESSES CAN INCREASE PROFITABILITY AS WELL AS REDUCE POLLUTION LOADS."
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS REPLACING THE PRESENT OUTDATED SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH A COMPREHENSIVE NEW SCHEME, REQUIRING A TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXCESS OF $15 BILLION.
"WITHOUT THIS INVESTMENT, THE DIRECT COSTS TO INDUSTRY OF MEETING EVEN MINIMAL EFFLUENT STANDARDS WOULD BE MANY TIMES HIGHER," HE SAID.
HE SAID SOME INDUSTRIAL SECTORS HAD CLAIMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE SPACE TO INSTALL THE EFFLUENT TREATMENT EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO MEET THE PROPOSED STANDARDS.
IF THAT WERE THE CASE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LOOK AT THEIR DATA, AND WOULD FIND WAYS TO EASE THEIR PROBLEMS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
"HOWEVER, I MUST STRESS THAT OUR ENVIRONMENT MUST BE RESTORED TO A TOLERABLE CONDITION, SO THERE MAY BE A NEED FOR SOME RESTRUCTURING," MR OXLEY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THESE PROPOSED REFORMS BE TAKEN FORWARD IN A SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION.
AS FOR HONG KONG’S WATERS GENERALLY, THERE HAD BEEN A MORE OR LESS STEADY DECLINE IN EVERY MAJOR POLLUTION INDICATOR SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1972, HE SAID.
"THE WASTE RECEIVING CAPACITY OF OUR COASTAL WATER IS LIMITED, AND URGENT ACTION IS NOW REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER CONTROL, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF ENORMOUS QUANTITIES OF WASTES GENERATED BY OUR POPULATION AND OUR INDUSTRIES," HE STRESSED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 3 -
ADVICE OF MEDICAL COUNCIL SOUGHT ON COMPLEX PROFESSIONAL ISSUE
*******
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WED ESDAY) SHE APPRECIATES THAT THERE IS A NEED TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE ADEQUATE NUMBERS OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS TO CATER FOR SPECIAL GROUPS AS WELL AS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BUT THIS MUST BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT ANY DECLINE IN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.
"I AM ALSO MINDFUL THAT PROVISION MUST BE MADE FOR THE FUTURE WHEN HONG KONG WILL NO LONGER BE PART OF THE COMMONWEALTH," MRS WONG SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN BARROW.
MR BARROW HAD ASKED WHAT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE ON A PROPOSAL THAT NON-COMMONWEALTH DOCTORS BE ALLOWED TO PRACTISE IN CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE.
WITH THE ABOVE OBJECTIVES IN MIND, MRS WONG SAID, SHE WAS NOW SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AS TO HOW THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE MIGHT BEST BE AMENDED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND WAS AWAITING ITS REPLY.
"HOWEVER, AS THIS IS A COMPLEX PROFESSIONAL ISSUE, IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT AN EARLY SOLUTION," SHE SAID.
PENDING CHANGE TO THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE UNHCR AND MEDICINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) HAD BEEN ASKED TO ESTABLISH A RECRUITMENT BASE IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TO TAP THE UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS ORGANISATION AS A SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR REGISTRABLE DOCTORS, SHE ADDED.
THE LATTER HAD PROVIDED TWO DOCTORS FROM NEW ZEALAND WHO WOULD BE ARRIVING SHORTLY.
"MSF HAS THUS BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS IT REQUIRES TO MEET ITS PRESENT NEEDS," MRS WONG SAID.
MRS WONG EARLIER EXPLAINED THAT THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE PROVIDED THAT ONLY PERSONS HOLDING A HONG KONG DIPLOMA, A UNITED KINGDOM OR IRISH DIPLOMA OR A RECOGNISED COMMONWEALTH DIPLOMA OR ANY LICENTIATE SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
"THERE IS PRESENTLY NO PROVISION TO ALLOW PERSONS WITH OTHER MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS TO PRACTISE IN. HONG KONG, EVEN IF THEY ONLY SERVE RESTRICTED GROUPS SUCH AS VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE OR SPECIFIC FOREIGN COMMUNITIES," MRS WONG NOTED.
SUCH DOCTORS WOULD NEED TO PASS THE EXAMINATIONS AND COMPLETE THE PERIOD OF ASSESSMENT NECESSARY TO BECOME A LICENTIATE, THOUGH EXEMPTIONS FROM SOME OF THESE REQUIREMENTS MIGHT BE POSSIBLE IN CERTAIN CASES, SHE ADDED.
------0-----------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
4
$4M DONATION FOR FUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
******
A DONATION OF $4 MILLION RAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR FUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMMES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HUN CLIVE OXLEY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER WONG, MR OXLEY SAID THE SUM WOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR THE NEWLY FORMED ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TO FUND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED WITH VOLUNTARY GROUPS.
"IN THE LONGER TERM, WE ARE CONSIDERING HOW SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AS ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE ADMINISTRATION’S OBJECTIVES IN THIS FIELD CAN BE FURTHER FUNDED," MR OXLEY SAID.
ONE OF THE CONSIDERATIONS WAS TO SUBVENT SUCH ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED.
-----0-------
REVIEW OF NT TAXI OPERATION
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONDUCT A REVIEW TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF EXTENDING NEW TERRITORIES TAXI OPERATION TO INCLUDE ROUTE 5, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG, MR LEUNG SAID THE REVIEW WAS IN LINE WITH ESTABLISHED PRACTICE OF EXAMINING TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND TRANSPORT NEEDS ARISING FROM THE OPENING OF NEW FACILITIES.
"THE REVIEW WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN SHING MUN TUNNELS AND THE ADJACENT ROAD NETWORKS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, THE DEMAND FOR NT TAXIS TO USE SUCH A LINK FROM AREAS OUTSIDE THE TWO NEW TOWNS, AND GENERAL POLICY CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ROLE OF NT TAXIS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THE REVIEW WAS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
AT PRESENT, MR LEUNG SAID, ROUTE 5 INCLUDING SHING MUN TUNNELS WAS OUTSIDE THE PERMITTED AREAS FOR THE OPERATION OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS AS DEFINED BY THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
"ROUTE 5 PROVIDES A DIRECT ACCESS BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN NEW TOWNS WHICH ARE ALREADY SERVED BY URBAN TAXIS.
"NT TAXIS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE TWO NEW TOWNS EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN LOCATIONS WHERE INTERCHANGE WITH OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES IS PERMITTED," HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 5 -
FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES BENEFITS ECONOMY ♦ * ♦ » ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GENERAL POLICY IN RELATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT INTERFERE IN COMMERCIAL DECISIONS REACHED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID LI, SIR PIERS SAID THAT BUSINESS DECISIONS WERE BEST TAKEN BY BUSINESSMEN BUT, OCCASIONALLY, WHEN IT WAS CLEARLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTERVENE, THEN IT DID SO IN AN APPROPRIATE MANNER.
’’IN GENERAL, THIS INTERVENTION TAKES PLACE WHERE IT IS ESTABLISHED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STEPS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
”WE ALSO INTERVENE WHERE THERE IS A CASE FOR REGULATION, BUT THAT IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT,” HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ADHERING TO THIS POLICY FOR MANY YEARS. THE HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM ACCORDED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR ALLOWED THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES AND THIS HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
”MR LI HAS REFERRED TO THE POLICY OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTIONISM. WHAT I HAVE DESCRIBED IS ESSENTIALLY THAT POLICY. THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION,” HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
TENANTS NOT EXPOSED TO UNDUE THREATS DURING REDEVELOPMENT
EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT DURING REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE REMAINING TENANTS ARE NOT EXPOSED TO UNDUE THREATS TO THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ENABLE
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR HSU SAID TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMEMT PROGRAMME WERE NORMALLY GIVEN 18 TO 24 MONTHS’ FORMAL ADVANCE NOTICE TO THEM TO PLAN AHEAD AS REGARDS THEIR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
’’THE HOUSING AUTHORITY RECOGNISES THAT, INEVITABLY, HOUSING UNITS LEFT VACANT DURING THE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS BECOME PROBLEM AREAS FOR ESTATE MANAGEMENT,” MR HSU SAID.
PUBLIC
COULD
/A TOTAL ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 3990
6 -
A TOTAL OF 87 INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS. OF THESE, ONE WAS CONNECTED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT, 15 WITH DRUGS AND THE REMAINDER INVOLVED TRESPASSING, MOSTLY CONCERNING PEOPLE SEEKING SALEABLE ITEMS FROM VACATED FLATS.
MR HSU SAID THESE STATISTICS SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH INVOLVED RECOVERING 49,743 VACANT UNITS IN 196 BLOCKS IN SAME PERIOD.
"THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS BEING COMPLACENT WITH THE SITUATION," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES TO PREVENT ANY MISUSE OF VACANT FLATS:
(A) ALL VACANT UNITS ARE IMMEDIATELY SEALED AND PAINTED WITH A WARNING NOTICE AGAINST TRESPASSING. LUMINOUS STICKERS ARE PLACED AT CONSPICUOUS PLACES FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION. WHEN A WHOLE FLOOR IS EMPTY, THE CORRIDORS AND STAIRCASES ARE CLOSED SUBJECT TO FIRE SERVICES REQUIREMENTS;
(B) OFFICERS PATROLLING THE ESTATES KEEP AN UPDATED LIST OF VACANT UNITS, WHICH IS ALSO SENT TO THE LOCAL POLICE REGULARLY TO FACILITATE THEIR ROUTINE PATROLS. rN ADDITION, WHEN HALF OF THE UNITS IN A HOUSING BLOCK ARE VACANT, SECURITY GUARDS ARE POSTED TO THE BUILDING; AND
(C) REGULAR MEETINGS ARE HELD WITH RESIDENTS AND LOCAL LIAISON BODIES TO IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ARISE AND TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE.
--------0-----------
SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR MALADJUSTED CHILDREN
*****
THERE ARE NOW EIGHT SPECIAL SCHOOLS CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 16, AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE (WEDNESDAY).
CATERING FOR MALADJUSTED THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
HON
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE THESE CHILDREN WERE PROVIDED WITH RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS SCHOOLS.
ELSIE TU,
MR YEUNG
CARE SERVICES
WHILE ATTENDING
BY
SAID THE
SPECIAL
"THEY RESIDE EITHER IN HOMES ATTACHED TO THE SPECIAL OR HOSTELS NEARBY THE SPECIAL SCHOOLS," HE SAID.
SCHOOLS
MR YEUNG SAID SUCH SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RESIDENTIAL PROVIDED TO CHILDREN FROM BROKEN HOMES, WHO WERE BETTER LIVING AT HOME.
CARE
OFF
WAS
NOT
/ALL THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
7 -
ALL THE SPECIAL SCHOOLS WERE PROVIDED WITH SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
"COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT SERVICES SUCH AS PLAY THERAPY, STUDY SKILLS TRAINING AND SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING ARE OFFERED TO BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE PUPILS AT SCHOOL.
"THE BOARDING SECTIONS OF THE SCHOOLS ARE ALSO PROVIDED WITH SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL WORKERS AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID IN THESE SCHOOLS, THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM WAS MODIFIED AND ADAPTED TO HELP THE PUPILS TO REGAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE AND INTEREST IN THEIR WORK.
"INDIVIDUALISED PROGRAMMES ARE OFFERED WHENEVER NECESSARY.
"ALL THE PUPILS ARE PREPARED FOR INTEGRATION INTO THE MAINSTREAM ON COMPLETION OF THEIR PRIMARY OR JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED COUNSELLING SERVICES SUCH AS PSYCHOTHERAPY TO MALADJUSTED SCHOOL CHILDREN WITHOUT CRIMINAL RECORDS.
"CASES OF MILD MALADJUSTMENT ARE USUALLY DEALT WITH BY THE CLASS TEACHER AND THE DISCIPLINE TEACHER WITH SUPPORT WHERE NECESSARY FROM SCHOOL-BASED STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND FROM THE SCHOOL’S GUIDANCE TEAM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
"THESE TEACHERS ARE SUPPORTED BY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS," HE ADDED.
HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSIDERS TAKING MORE ACTIVE PART IN PSPS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE
HOUSING AUTHORITY
OF
POSSIBILITY
CONSIDERING THE
RELATION TO THE
IS IN
PLAYING A MORE ACTIVE ROLE
PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) BOTH BEFORE^AND, AFTER^PROJECT^
PLAYING
PRIVATE SECTOR
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
COMPLETION, TOLD THE
RONALD CHOW,
HSU A
THE
MR WITH
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON
SAID: "THE MEASURES UNDER CONSIDERATION, WHICH ARE require
u/tdv pamcf OF IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING PRACTICE, WILL REQUIRE AGREEMENT OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
CONCERNED
A
/"BUT I .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
"BUT I CAN ASSURE MEN. ERS THAT PROMPT ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE MORE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS IN THE PSPS DEVELOPMENTS UNDER COMPLAINT."
MR HSU POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVEbNMENT’S MAIN OBJECTIVE IN THE SCHEME WAS TO PRODUCE, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, FLATS WHICH WERE BUILT AND MANAGED TO SIMILAR STANDARDS AS HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECTS DEVELOPED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ITSELF.
THE AUTHORITY HAS HITHERTO PLAYED AN ADVISORY AND SUPERVISORY
ROLE IN THIS SCHEME,
HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
DISCUSSIONS ON CASES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS
*******
THE CASES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WHO WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA IN JANUARY 1988 HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON MANY OCCASIONS, WITH THE AIM OF ENSURING THE EARLY RETURN OF THE MOTHERS TO HONG KONG.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
"ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE HAD TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN THE QUEUE FOR ONE-WAY PERMITS, WE HOPE THEY WILL GET THEIR PERMITS WITHIN THE REASONABLY NEAR FUTURE.
"IN THE MEANTIME I UNDERSTAND THAT HUSBANDS AND CHILDREN CAN VISIT WIVES REGULARLY TO MAINTAIN CLOSE FAMILY TIES AND THAT THE MOTHERS ARE ABLE TO VISIT THEIR FAMILIES HERE ON TWO-WAY PERMITS," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE, ONE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHER FROM THE GROUP OF 56 REPATRIATED TO CHINA IN JANUARY 1988 HAD RETURNED TO HONG KONG.
"IN JANUARY 1988, IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION IN THIS COUNCIL, THE THEN SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SAID THAT MOST ONE-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS HAD OBTAINED THEIR ONE-WAY PERMITS WITHIN THREE YEARS OF APPLICATION.
"HE BASED THIS ON INFORMATION OBTAINED AT THAT TIME FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD COME TO HONG KONG ON ONE-WAY PERMITS. HIS REPLY WAS NOT A PROMISE," MR ASPREY SAID.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
3
'OUTWORKER' 1 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR *****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF EXISTING EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION TO "OUTWORKERS", THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID AT THE PRESENT TIME OUTWORKERS WERE DEFINED IN EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION AS "A PERSON TO WHOM ARTICLES OR MATERIALS ARE GIVEN OUT TO BE MADE UP, CLEANED, WASHED, ALTERED, ORNAMENTED, FINISHED, OR REPAIRED, OR ADAPTED FOR SALE, IN HIS OWN HOME OR ON OTHER PREMISES NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OR MANAGEMENT OF THE PERSON WHO GAVE OUT THE MATERIALS OR ARTICLES".
"THIS DEFINITION MAKES IT CLEAR THAT AN OUTWORKER IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RATHER THAN AN EMPLOYEE," MR YEUNG SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RONALD CHOW.
--------0----------
STAGE SET FOR HOLDING MORE INT’L EXHIBITIONS, CONFERENCES
******
NOW THAT HONG KONG HAS A WORLD CLASS FACILITY -- THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE STAGE IS SET FOR AN EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S ROLE IN HOSTING MORE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES.
THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF SECRETARY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID CHEUNG.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT AS TO ORGANISING LARGE SCALE FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, HE WAS PLEASED TO ADVISE THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES WERE BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED.
"IT IS INDEED THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY, AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO RAISE HONG KONG'S PROFILE, TO ENCOURAGE BOTH PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND THE HOSTING OF CONFERENCES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
IN THIS REGARD, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT FELT THAT ITS ROLE WAS NOT SO MUCH THAT OF FINANCING SUCH ACTIVITIES (UNLESS THEY WERE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT) BUT RATHER OF FACILITATING THEIR ORGANISATION.
"NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS ARE THEREFORE BEING ENCOURAGED TO BRING IN MORE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/COMMENTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
10
COMMENTING THAT NOTHING SPOKE LOUDER THAN FACTS, SIR DAVID SAID: ’’LAST YEAR, HONG KONG HOSTED OVER 500 EVENTS, OF WHICH JUST OVER 400 WERE CONFERENCES AND THE REMAINDER EXHIBITIONS.
’’BETWEEN THEM THEY ATTRACTED 108,000 VISITORS FROM ABROAD -NEARLY 50 PER CENT UP ON THE FIGURE FOR 1987.
’’THE CONFERENCE FACILITIES ARE ALREADY HEAVILY BOOKED FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND PRESENT FORECASTS ARE FOR OVER 600 EVENTS IN 1993 ATTRACTING SOME 190,000 VISITORS.”
SIR DAVID SAID THAT QUITE APART FROM THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF SUCH EVENTS, THERE WAS A BENEFIT TO BE GAINED BY EXPOSING MORE PEOPLE FROM ABROAD TO MODERN COSMOPOLITAN HONG KONG.
BOTH THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION DESERVED SPECIAL PRAISE FOR THE WORK THEY WERE DOING IN ATTRACTING THESE CONFERENCE VISITORS TO HONG KONG.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO SAID SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS TO BOOST LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WERE BEING TAKEN BY BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
AND IN A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER AREAS, EFFORTS WERE TAKEN EITHER JOINTLY OR INDEPENDENTLY BY GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS BOTH IN HONG KONG AND THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE OVERSEAS OFFICES. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
* HIGH-LEVEL VISITS, SOMETIMES LED BY THE GOVERNOR, TO TARGET COUNTRIES. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, THESE VISITS WERE LINKED TO BUSINESS PROMOTIONS.
♦ TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TOURISM PROMOTION MISSIONS AND CAMPAIGNS, UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE VARIOUS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.
* SPONSORED VISITS TO HONG KONG BY INFLUENTIAL PERSONS FROM TARGET COUNTRIES.
* SPEAKERS SENT FROM HONG KONG TO ADDRESS INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCES OVERSEAS.
* PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, AND THE HOSTING OF SUCH CONFERENCES IN HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 11 -
KCRC MAINTAINS ROBUST FINANCIAL POSITION
*****
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN A ROBUST FINANCIAL POSITION IN 1989, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OPERATING REVENUE STOOD AT $1,359 MILLION, REPRESENTING A 14 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1988, SIR PIERS SAID WHEN MAKING A STATEMENT ON THE CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1989, WHICH WERE TABLED IN THE COUNCIL.
SIR PIERS SAID PROFITS AFTER DEPRECIATION AND INTEREST AMOUNTED TO $285 MILLION.
"SINCE NO NEW PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED IN 1989, NET PROFIT INCLUSIVE OF INCOME FROM OTHER COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES WAS 49 PER CENT BELOW THE LEVEL OF 1988.
"HOWEVER, BORROWING WAS CONTAINED UNDER $1.5 BILLION WITH A DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO OF 1 TO 2.1," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD SET ASIDE $150 MILLION IN A DEVELOPMENT RESERVE FOR THE PURPOSES OF UPGRADING EXISTING FACILITIES AND MEETING NEW INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS NECESSITATED BY GROWTH IN SERVICE DEMAND.
THE HEAVY RAIL CARRIED OVER 171 MILLION PASSENGERS DURING 1989, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF SOME 12 PER CENT OVER 1988 AND AVERAGE DAILY PATRONAGE FOR THE YEAR EXCEEDED 500,000, HE SAID.
"TO FURTHER COPE WITH THIS LEVEL OF DEMAND, TRAIN CAPACITY WILL BE EXPANDED BY 51 PER CENT IN 1992, WHEN DELIVERY OF A PREVIOUS ORDER OF 54 TRAIN CARS AND AN ADDITIONAL ORDER FOR 42 NEW CARS WILL BE COMPLETED.
"FREIGHT TRAFFIC WAS SLIGHTLY CURTAILED DURING THE YEAR. WHILE IN-BOUND CARGO RECORDED A MODEST GAIN OF 2 PER CENT TO 3.2 MILLION TONNES, OUT-BOUND TRAFFIC DROPPED BY 8 PER CENT TO 1.3 MILLION TONNES,” SIR PIERS SAID.
NOTING THAT THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM OPERATING IN THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES OFFERED SIX LIGHT RAIL AND EIGHT BUS ROUTES AT THE END OF 1989, SIR PIERS SAID AVERAGE DAILY PATRONAGE INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT FROM 181,000 AT THE END OF 1988 TO 227,000 BY THE END OF 1989.
"IN JUNE 1989, A NEW LIGHT RAIL ROUTE WAS INTRODUCED TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF TIN KING ESTATE.
"THE LRT WILL BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY THE END OF 1991 WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THREE REGIONAL EXTENSIONS IN TUEN MUN," SIR PIERS SAID.
/THESE EXTENSIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
THESE EXTENSIONS WERE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THE COVERAGE OF THE SYSTEM, IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE JOURNEY TIMES, HE SAID.
"IN OVERALL TERMS, THE CORPORATION PERFORMED WELL IN 1989. IT HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY EFFECTIVELY BY PROVIDING SAFE, HIGH QUALITY AND ECONOMIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
"I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CHAIRMAN AND THE MANAGING BOARD, THE MANAGEMENT AND ALL THE STAFF OF THE CORPORATION FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR," SIR PIERS ADDED.
- - 0 - -
FIVE BILLS PASSED * * *
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) BILL 1989, MERCHANT SHIPPING (LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION FOR OIL POLLUTION) BILL 1989 AND TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
THE TWO MERCHANT SHIPPING BILLS WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS MADE IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
/13
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 13 -
PADS PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES * * » « *
THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION BY FIRMS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN CONSTRUCTION, FINANCING AND PROVISION OF SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE UNITED STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN WASHINGTON TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS CHAN GAVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) HAD BEEN DRAWN UP.
SHE SAID THAT MANY ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECTS WOULD BE ATTRACTIVE TO THE PRIVATE INVESTOR AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE INTEREST SHOWN TO DATE.
"THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, THE MAJOR BRIDGE AND TUNNEL LINKS, TENANT FACILITIES AT THE AIRPORT AND NEW PORT FACILITIES WOULD ALL INVOLVE A HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION," SHE NOTED.
"ON THE FINANCING OF THE PADS PROJECTS, WE BELIEVED THAT IN BROAD TERMS AS MUCH AS 60 PER CENT OF IT COULD BE BORNE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S PLANS FOR FUTURE GROWTH WERE NECESSARILY ON A GRAND SCALE SINCE HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A TERRITORY OF SOME SIGNIFICANCE IN TERM OF THE WORLD’S ECONOMY.
THE NEW INFRASTURCTURE TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE PADS AND THE UPGRADING OF HONG KONG’S TARGETS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION WERE MAJOR INVESTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE AND THEY WERE NOT PIPE DREAMS OR GRAND POLITICAL GESTURES, MRS CHAN SAID.
"THEY ARE DECISIONS BASED ON COOL HEADED ECONOMICS. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL IF HONG KONG IS TO REMAIN THE HUB OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION," SHE ADDED.
UPDATING PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT PROJECT, MRS CHAN SAID THAT THE • CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY WAS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.
"IT WILL INVOLVE THE PREPARATION OF THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN, DETAILED CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN WORKS FOR THE RECLAMATION AND SURROUNDING SEAWALL AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY,” SHE SAID.
"WE ARE ESTABLISHING AN AIRPORT AUTHORITY WHICH WILL BE A STATUTORY CORPORATION. THE LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WAS PASSED IN APRIL THIS YEAR," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE AUTHORITY WOULD, AT LEAST INITIALLY BE 100 PER CENT GOVERNMENT OWNED AND, IN ADDITION TO AN INJECTION OF GOVERNMENT EQUITY, WOULD BE FINANCED BY LOANS RAISED IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET, SHE ADDED.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 14 -
ON THE LATEST ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID THAT CURRENTLY THE ECONOMY HAD SLOWED AND A LOWER GROWTH OF THREE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS FOR 1990 WAS FORECAST.
"THIS SHOULD ALLOW OUR OVERHEATED ECONOMY TO COOL AND EASE PRESSURES ON PRICES AND WAGES,” SHE SAID.
THE CONTINUED HIGH LEVEL OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INDICATED THAT FOREIGN INVESTORS APPRECIATED THE FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO OFFER.
"OUR STOCK MARKET IS NOW 40 PER CENT UP FROM THE LEVEL PREVAILING IN JUNE 1989. DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES REMAINS STRONG AND RECENT GOVERNMENT LAND SALES HAVE FETCHED PRICES ABOVE EXPECTATION," SHE SAID.
WE HAD SEEN NEW FOREIGN INVESTMENTS PARTICULARLY FROM THE USA AND JAPAN AND MORE OVERSEAS BANKS WERE APPLYING TO COME TO HONG KONG, SHE NOTED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM BEING A SIGNIFICANT PRODUCER OF LIGHT MANUFACTURED GOODS, HONG KONG WAS ALSO AN IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND SERVICE CENTRE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA.
"SERVICES ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND RE-EXPORTS ARE NOW LARGER IN VALUE THAN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS," SHE ADDED.
HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS WERE QUICK TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MOVE UP MARKET AND INTO AREAS OF HIGHER TECHNOLOGY OR INDEED TO DIVERSIFY ABROAD, MRS CHAN NOTED.
MRS CHAN SAID ' THAT 1997 MARKED A POLITICAL EVENT BUT ECONOMICALLY HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS ROLE AS A VIBRANT TRADING, FINANCIAL AND SERVICES CENTRE IN THE FAST GROWING ASIA PACIFIC RIM REGION, WITH A FIRST CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE AND A STABLE ADMINISTRATION, UNDERPINNED BY A LOW TAX STRUCTURE, FREE MARKET PRINCIPLES AND RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS.
"OUR ECONOMY, LIKE ALL OTHER ECONOMIES, WILL UNDOUBTEDLY SUFFER CYCLICAL DOWN-TURNS BUT AS IN THE PAST PROVIDED WE ARE BOLD IN OUR VISION AND PLAN AHEAD, WE WILF, TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF OUR RESILIENCE AND FLEXIBILITY," SHE SAID.
------0-----------
/15 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
15 -
HONG KONG PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE * * * * *
HONG KONG IS PLANNING SENSIBLY AND IMAGINATIVELY FOR THE FUTURE, NOT JUST TO 1997 BUT WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
STATING THIS AT A U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE ON HONG KONG INFRASTRUCTURE IN WASHINGTON D.C. TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, SAID THE PROJECTS THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE TACKLING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WERE HUGE, EVEN BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
"BUT WE HAVE A GOOD TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESSFULLY HANDLING LARGE PROGRAMMES AND CHALLENGES BEFORE," MR KWOK STRESSED.
ON AIRPORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENT, MR KWOK SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED THAT THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE BUILT AT CHEK LAP KOK AFTER A DETAILED SITE SEARCH INVOLVING MORE THAN 30 INITIAL OPTIONS.
"THE PRELIMINARY PLAN WAS TO SEPARATE THE TWO RUNWAYS BY 900 METRES. BUT WE ARE GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO INCREASING THE RUNWAY SEPARATION TO 1,300 METRES FOR A POSSIBLE BETTER PLANNING LAYOUT AS WELL AS TO ALLOW BOTH RUNWAYS TO BE OPERATED FULLY INDEPENDENTLY.
"THIS SUBJECT WILL BE FURTHER EXAMINED AS PART OF THE US$12 MILLION MASTER LAYOUT PLAN AND ENGINEERING STUDY WHICH WOULD VERY SHORTLY BE COMMISSIONED,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE STUDY WOULD ALSO COVER THE FULL DESIGN OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE AIRPORT AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
THE TARGET DATE FOR THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST OF THE TWO RUNWAYS IS EARLY 1997. .
BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ADVANCE WORKS, ESTIMATED TO COST SOME US$40 MILLION, WOULD BE CALLED BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR FOR A ONE YEAR CONTRACT WORKS PERIOD, WITH A ONE YEAR OPTIONAL EXTENSION FOR US$25 MILLION WORTH OF EXTRA WORKS.
"THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY INVITING BIDS FOR THE MAIN SITE DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR SOME 700 HECTARES IN MID 1991 AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WILL FOLLOW. THE NEW AIRPORT ITSELF IS EXPECTED TO COST IN TOTAL ABOUT US$4.4 BILLION,” HE SAID.
ON TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, MR KWOK SAID THE AIRPORT WOULD BE LINKED WITH THE URBAN AREAS BY MEANS OF A SIX-LANE EXPRESSWAY AND A DEDICATED RAIL SERVICE.
"THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY WOULD BE A DUAL THREE-LANE HIGHWAY RUNNING ALONG THE NORTHERN COASTLINE OF LANTAU.
/"THE PROJECT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
16
"THE PROJECT WOULD HE AN ENORMOUS ONE AS THE ELEVATED HIGHWAY WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED ON COLUMNS AND EMBANKMENTS ON STEEP HILLSIDES AND OVER DEEP VALLEYS FOR A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 10 MILES.
"AS FOR THE MAIN FIXED CROSSING FROM LANTAU ISLAND VIA MA WAN TO TSING YI, IT WILL EITHER BE A SUSPENSION BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL; EITHER ONE WILL BE A WORLD CLASS UNDERTAKING AND WOULD TAKE' FOUR YEARS TO BUILD.
"FROM TSING YI, THE MAIN ROUTE TO CENTRAL WOULD BE ROUTE 3, THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND THE WEST KOWLOON CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO HONG KONG ISLAND."
MR KWOK POINTED OUT THAT VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE ROUTE FROM THE AIRPORT TO HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD BE HANDLED SEPARATELY.
THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY PROJECT WOULD LIKELY BE FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT AND EXECUTED IN-HOUSE BY CONSULTANTS WHILE THE FIXED CROSSING WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED BY PRIVATE CONSORTIA.
A BID PACKAGE WOULD BE ISSUED BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THE BIDDERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT BIDS INCLUDING THE FUNDING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION FOR EITHER A BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION.
MR KWOK ADDED THAT ROUTE 3 WOULD PROVIDE THE CONNECTION RUNNING SOUTHWARDS TO HONG KONG ISLAND. THE SECTION OF THE ROUTE WHICH WOULD BE USED AS A PRINCIPAL ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BY GOVERNMENT.
THE WEST KOWLOON. EXPRESSWAY PROJECT TOGETHER WITH THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN-HOUSE.
TO TIE IN WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST RUNWAY, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO BUILD PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY BEFORE RECLAMATION AND ON PILES.
A FEASIBILITY STUDY WAS IN HAND FOR THE WEST HARBOUR CROSSING WITH A VIEW ALSO TO PRIVATISATION. THE CROSSING WOULD LIKELY BE A TUNNEL BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE VERTICAL CLEARANCE FOR SHIPPING IN THE HARBOUR.
MR KWOK POINTED OUT THAT ALL THE HIGHWAY PROJECTS WERE SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED SIX MONTHS AHEAD OF THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST RUNWAY OF THE AIRPORT. THE COST OF MAJOR AIRPORT-RELATED LINKS IN TOTAL WAS ABOUT US$2.3 BILLION.
AS FOR THE RAIL LINK, IT WOULD RUN IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH THE HIGHWAY AND TO BE DESIGNED TO TAKE A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC. IN-TOWN CHECK-IN FACILITIES WOULD BE PROVIDED.
/"A VERY .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 17 -
"A VERY COMPLEX MONITORING AND CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE STRUCTURE IS REQUIRED AS YOU CAN SEE, BUT EVERY SECTION AS WELL AS EVERY ELEMENT OF THE PLAN AND PROGRAMME AS YOU WILL AGREE IS WELL PLANNED ON A WORKABLE, PRACTICABLE BASIS.
"THAT IS WHY WE HAVE ENGAGED THE AMERICAN FIRM OF INTERNATIONAL BECHTEL ON A US$10 MILLION CONTRACT TO TAKE OVER THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MASTER PROGRAMME AND TO CO-ORDINATE AND MONITOR THE WORKS AND EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES OF THE AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS AS OVERALL PROJECT MANAGERS."
ON PORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENT, MR KWOK SAID IT DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON THE MARKET DEMAND.
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT CONSISTED OF ROUGHLY FIVE PACKAGES, AND THOUGH EACH WAS INDEPENDENT, THERE WAS SOME INTERFACED INFRASTRUCTURE.
BRIEFLY THE PACKAGES ARE:
(A) HARBOUR, TSING YI/STONECUTTERS ISLAND (CONTAINER TERMINALS 8 AND 9),
(B) TUEN MUN WEST AND TRANSHIPMENT CENTRE (AREA 38),
(C) NORTH LANTAU PORT PENINSULA,
(D) NORTH OF THE AIRPORT - DEVELOPMENT OF TUNG CHUNG TO BE INTERFACED WITH THE NEW AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT,
(E) BREAKWATERS - THIS PACKAGE WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-MILE LONG MAIN BREAKWATER AND NEW TYPHOON SHELTERS IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR, AS WELL AS IMPROVEMENT TO THE SHIPPING CHANNELS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ALSO SOME BROAD PROPOSALS FOR PORT FACILITIES AT KWUN TONG WHEN KAI TAK IS RELEASED BY THE NEW AIRPORT AND AT JUNK BAY SUPPORTED BY THE NEW TOWN TO THE NORTH.
ON PARTICIPATION BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MR KWOK QUOTED THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AS HAVING SAID: "BECAUSE OUR ECONOMY IS COMPLETELY OPEN, WE HAVE ALWAYS WELCOMED PARTICIPATION BY COMPANIES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN OUR DEVELOPMENT.
"INDEED MANY OF OUR EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS HAVE BEEN BUILT BY COMPANIES FROM JAPAN, EUROPE, USA AND AUSTRALIA. WE HAVE BUILT BIG PROJECTS IN THE PAST BUT THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WILL BE THE BIGGEST YET.
/"NOT ALL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 18 -
"NOT ALL OF THE PROJECTS WILL BE GOVERNMENT FUNDED. AS AT PRESENT, THERE WILL BE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR DIRECT PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN CONSTRUCTING AND OPERATING MANY OF THE FACILITIES. IT IS THIS CLOSE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CO-OPERATION WHICH HAS TRADITIONALLY PROVIDED HONG KONG WITH ITS GREAT EFFICIENCY."
MR KWOK ADDED THAT THERE WERE ALSO AMBITIOUS PROGRAMMES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INCLUDING RESEWERING URBAN AREAS AND UPGRADING OUTFALL CAPACITIES AND TREATMENT AS WELL AS FOR WATER SUPPLIES.
HE ADDED THAT CHINA HAD ALREADY STARTED WORK ON THE LONG TERM HONG KONG WATER SUPPLIES PROJECT, FURTHER INDICATING CHINA’S SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
----0------
PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT TO BENEFIT HK AND CHINA
*******
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR CHINA TO SEE THAT THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS CRITICAL TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID IN LONDON YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO A HIGH POWER AUDIENCE FROM THE FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, PORT AND AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION, MR BARNES SAID THE PROJECT WOULD BENEFIT BOTH HONG KONG AS WELL AS CHINA AND WAS THEREFORE CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
HE FIRST OUTLINED THE GEOGRAPHICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE TERRITORY IN THE PACIFIC RIM, POINTING OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 85.4 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO WERE HANDLED BY HONG KONG LAST YEAR, MAKING HONG KONG THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD.
"WE ESTIMATE THE TOTAL VOLUME OF TRAFFIC IN PORT TO GO UP TO ABOUT' 450 MILLION TONNES IN 2011," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SURGING TRAFFIC AT KAI TAK, MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE WORLDWIDE INCREASE IN AIR TRAVEL AND PARTLY BECAUSE OF HONG KONG’S FUNCTION AS A COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE AND ITS BEING THE GATEWAY TO AN INCREASINGLY OPEN CHINA.
"BETWEEN 1987 AND 1988, AIR TRAFFIC ROSE 21 PER CENT TO REACH 15.3 MILLION PASSENGERS. IT IS FORECAST TO RISE TO 47 MILLION BY 2010," HE SAID.
/MR BARNES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
0
MR BARNES TOLD THE AUDIENCE THAT THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT WOULD BY BUILT AT CHEK LAP KOK WHILE THE PORT FACILITIES WOULD BE SPREAD AROUND THE COASTLINE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VARIOUS DEEP WATER SHIPPING CHANNELS AND SHELTERED PLACES IN THE HARBOUR.
ALTOGETHER THERE WILL BE SIX BRIDGES AND TUNNELS IN THE FIRST STAGE AND SOME 70 KILOMETRES OF ROAD AND RAILWAY TO LINK THE URBAN AREAS WITH THE AIRPORT.
THE TARGET DATE FOR THE OPENING OF THE FIRST RUNWAY IS JANUARY 1997, HE SAID.
--------0----------
IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY, ENERGY CONSERVATION STRESSED
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO COMMISSION A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING MEASURES FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SHOW (ELENEX 90).
MR KWOK SAID THE STUDY, TO BE CARRIED OUT THROUGH A DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK TO DESIGN AND BUILD MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS IN THE FUTURE AND, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS.
HE CITED THE PROPOSED STUDY AS AN EXAMPLE OF MEASURES PROVIDING FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION, IN WHICH HE BELIEVED THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE MUCH TO OFFER, AND WOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE COMING DECADE.
HE NOTED THAT WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH THE METROPLAN IN HONG KONG, THE FORESEEABLE GROWTH IN LOCAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES WOULD CERTAINLY REQUIRE THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IN PROVIDING FOR THE BEST PART OF THE ENERGY TO MAKE IT WORK.
THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH OF ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION IN HONG KONG WAS FURTHER REFLECTED BY THE COMMITMENT OF THE TWO POWER COMPANIES EITHER TO BUILD NEW POWER STATIONS OR TO INSTALL MORE GENERATING UNITS WITHIN THE 90’S SO AS TO MEET THE EVER-RISING ELECTRICITY DEMAND.
/COUPLED WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 20 -
COUPLED WITH THE CLOS R LINKAGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA AS 1997 APPROACHED, THEY WERE ALL POSITIVE FACTORS INDICATING THAT THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG WOULD GROW MORE PROSPEROUSLY IN THE 90’S.
HOWEVER, MR KWOK POINTED OUT THAT WHILE HONG KONG WAS EXPECTING CONTINUOUS GROWTH IN THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE COMING YEARS, AN IMPORTANT ASPECT - THE ECONOMIC UTILISATION OF ELECTRICITY, HONG KONG’S LIMITED ENERGY RESOURCES - HAD BEEN MUCH NEGLECTED IN THE PAST.
"AS WE ALL KNOW, HONG KONG IS STILL AND WILL REMAIN LARGELY DEPENDENT IN THE FUTURE ON THE IMPORTATION OF FOSSIL FUELS, SO WE ARE VERY VULNERABLE TO THE EFFECTS OF ENERGY PRICE FLUCTUATIONS.
"ALSO, TO MINIMISE POLLUTION AND TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT, IT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO LIMIT THE USE OF ELECTRIC ENERGY AND TO LIMIT OUR DEPENDENCE ON ENERGY DERIVED FROM FOSSIL FUELS," HE SAID.
MR KWOK ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER EXPECTED TREND, AND PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY, WAS THE GROWING AWARENESS OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY.
HE STRESSED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF USING ELECTRICITY SAFELY DID NOT JUST LIE WITH THE CONSUMERS BUT REALLY WITH EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS.
"THAT IS TO SAY ON THOSE WHO SET THE STANDARDS, THOSE WHO DESIGN AND INSTALL THE FACILITIES, THOSE WHO MANUFACTURE THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, THOSE WHO TEST AND COMMISSION THE INSTALLATIONS AND FINALLY THOSE WHO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLAYED A LEADING ROLE BY INTRODUCING THE NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE IN MARCH TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ORDINANCE, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A COMPLETELY NEW FRAMEWORK FOR DETAILED REGULATORY CONTROL ON ELECTRICITY RELATED MATTERS.
THE ORDINANCE DELINEATES THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE SUPPLY COMPANIES, ELECTRICAL TRADE AND ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS.
IT ALSO ACTS AS AN ENABLING ORDINANCE FOR A NUMBER OF ITEMS OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION WHICH CONTAIN THE TECHNICAL AND DETAILED MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE USE OF ELECTRICITY.
THESE INCLUDE THE PROPOSED ELECTRICITY (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS THAT WILL SET OUT THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL WORKS AND CONTRACTORS AND THE PROPOSED ELECTRICITY (WIRING) REGULATIONS THAT WILL PRESCRIBE THE MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WIRING OF FIXED INSTALLATIONS.
/THEY ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
21
THEY ARE NOW UNDER PREPARATION AND WILL BE READY FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT, MR KWOK SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SET UP A SUPPLY VOLTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON THE PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VOLTAGE UPGRADING IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS TARGETTED FOR COMPLETION IN THREE PHASES OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT SEVEN YEARS.
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO UPGRADE THE LOCAL SUPPLY VOLTAGE FOLLOWS A SERIES OF CONSULTANCY STUDIES, PRACTICAL TESTS AND CONSULTATION WITH A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF RELEVANT BODIES SUCH AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION.
MR KWOK ALSO SAID THAT CURRENTLY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS PARTICIPATING IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE SUBJECT OF SAFE USE OF LASERS IN HONG KONG AS THE TECHNOLOGY HAD BECOME MORE POPULAR BOTH IN LOCAL INDUSTRY AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THAT FOLLOWING A SURVEY ON THE USE OF LASERS IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAD COMPLETED A CODE OF PRACTICE ON LASER SAFETY FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON THE SAFE USE OF LASERS BY THE PUBLIC.
-----0------
IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES STRESSED
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO DEVELOPING SCHOOL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ALWAYS ENCOURAGES SCHOOLS TO OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE TOLD KOWLOON WEST ROTARIANS IN A LUNCHEON MEETING THAT ADDITIONAL TEACHERS WERE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS TO HELP DEVELOP THESE ACTIVITIES AND ALSO TO COMPLEMENT AND REINFORCE THE FORMAL CURRICULUM.
MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, HE SAID, INCLUDED:
* REINFORCING CLASSROOM LEARNING AND ALLOWING STUDENTS TO APPLY THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS;
* PROMOTING STUDENTS* PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BY BROADENING THEIR INTERESTS AND DEVELOPING THEIR POTENTIAL;
/* PROMOTING STUDENTS’ ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 22 -
* PROMOTING STUDENTS’ SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BY BROADENING THEIR SOCIAL EXPERIENCES; AND
* MAKING SCHOOL LIKE MORE CHALLENGING AND INTERESTING.
”A BROAD RANGE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR STUDENTS AND THIS RANGE WIDENS AS THEY MOVE SCHOOL LEVEL,” MR LI SAID.
ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN TO FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY
HE SAID THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES MIGHT SCHOOL TO SCHOOL BUT PARENTAL SUPPORT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT.
VARY FROM
HE SAID A SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SECTION WAS SET UP LAST YEAR TO CO ORDINATE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHEN TH CENTRALLY-ORGANISED PROGRAMMES.
MR LI PRAISED THE HONG KONG EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATORS’ ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR HELP IN IMPROVING AND PROMOTING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. rnvuviiNu
A RECENT SURVEY SUGGESTED EXTENDING THEIR SERVICE SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
TO PRIMARY
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS.
WOULD PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL
---------0-----------
MORE IMPORTANT ROLE *
FOR GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS ******
GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, WILL HAVE A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHEN DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR RAYMOND WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THEREFORE, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD CONSIDER STRENGTHENING THEIR COMPOSITION, RECRUIT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE STUDYING OR WORKING AS MEMBERS, AND REDEFINE THEIR DIRECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK," HE NOTED.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS IN THE 1990’S ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS WERE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING PEOPLE FROM THE DIFFERENT STRATA OF SOCIETY IN UNDERSTANDING REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, OBJECTIVELY REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINIONS AND PROVIDING DIVERSIFIED AND NEW SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 23 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE ADDED, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE THEIR OBJECTIVES, COMPOSITION AND OPERATIONS WERE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS, AND WINNING PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT.
’’THEREFORE, THE-FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES SHOULD TIE IN WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION. PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WILL BE THE GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS COMING FROM DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS TO STICK TOGETHER, TO BE CONCERNED WITH COMMUNITY MATTERS AND TO BUILD UP THEIR COMMUNITIES,” HE NOTED.
IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE 1987 REPORT ON REVIEW OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR WONG CONTINUED, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD ASSIST AND SUPPORT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE FOR THE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE DISTRICT OFFICES, APART FROM SETTING UP NEW MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, WOULD STRENGTHEN LIAISON WITH, AND ASSISTANCE FOR, EXISTING COMMITTEES.
’’THE GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE POLICY ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THESE GRASS-ROOT ORGANISATIONS WITH SUPPORT, ASSISTANCE AND MORE RESOURCES SO THAT THEY WILL MAKE MORE CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS COMMUNITY-BUILDING,” MR WONG NOTED.
SPEAKING ON MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES’ CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR WONG SAID MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES CULTIVATED A CIVIC SENSE AMONG RESIDENTS AND GROOMED THEM TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
AT PRESENT, ABOUT 1,000 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE ALSO SERVING ON VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES, AND IN THE 1985 AND 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE AREA OR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
---------0-----------
MEDICAL SERVICES ON DB AGENDA *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROVISION MEDICAL SERVICES AT MA ON SHAN AT ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 25).
OF
MEMBERS WILL ASK ABOUT THE FOR CONVERTING DOUBLE-SEATED CONSTITUENCIES IN THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
GOVERNMENT’S RATIONALE INTO SINGLE-SEATED ONES
/OTHER AGENDA .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND THE PROVISION OF SINGLE-PERSON UNITS IN MEI LAM ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITOS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA .TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
- - 0 - -
DB TO DISCUSS PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY REPORT ******
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT ON THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, MR GREGORY LEUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE LATEST POSITION OF THE SHEK O SEWERAGE SCHEME, WHICH HAS BEEN REVISED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS GIVEN BY THE BOARD IN ITS PREVIOUS MEETINGS, WILLALSO BE DISCUSSED.
A SENIOR OFFICER FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR V. MCNALLY, AND A SENIOR ENGINEER FROM THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR Y.W. KAN, WILL PRESENT THE REVISED SCHEME TO MEMBERS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS BY THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- 0 - -
/25
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 25 -
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON AMENDMENT ORDINANCE
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1989 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEND THE MEETING ON THE SUBJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
---------0 - -
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
* * * * »
A SET OF SPECIAL.STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 5 TO COMMEMORATE THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS SET OF STAMPS HIGHLIGHTS HONG KONG’S GROWING AWARENESS OF ITS ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE EFFORTS MADE IN THIS REGARD.
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS: 60-CENT, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5.
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR THE ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, AND THE SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM FRIDAY (MAY 25).
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KEN LI AND PRINTED BY LEIGH-MARDON PTY LTD OF AUSTRALIA.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 70 CENTS EACH.
/ORDERS FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 26 -
ORDERS FOR SERVICED OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS CAN BE PLACED IN ADVANCE AT ANY POST OFFICE BETWEEN NOW AND MAY 31. THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE COVERS. CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $11 EACH AT THE DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING POST OFFICES ON JUNE 5:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE MONG KOK 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
TURN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
- - 0 - -
/27
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 27 -
LABOUR COMMISSIONER vfSITS NEW UNIVERSITY SITE ♦ t * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE BUILDING SITE OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SAI KUNG TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE LATEST SAFETY AND LABOUR RELATIONS SITUATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IS DIVIDED INTO THREE .MAJOR PHASES, WITH A DONATION OF $1,600 MILLION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC) TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST.
THE UNIVERSITY WILL TAKE IN ITS FIRST BATCH OF 700 STUDENTS IN OCTOBER 1991 UPON COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE 2,000 FULL-TIME STUDENTS.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE SITE, MR HAMMOND WAS GIVEN A GENERAL BRIEFING BY THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR F.G. STOREY, WHO WAS ENGAGED BY THE RHKJC TO MONITOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
MR HAMMOND WAS THEN TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE PROJECT AREAS BEING DEVELOPED BY THE THREE MAIN CONTRACTORS - HIP HING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD, SUNG FOO KEE LTD AND GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LTD.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE SITE SAFETY COMMITTEE HOLDS MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH THE RESIDENT ENGINEERS, SENIOR SITE MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY OFFICERS OF THE CONTRACTORS, WITH FACTORY INSPECTORS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ATTENDING.
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE SAFETY STANDARDS AND LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS ON THE SITE ARE GENERALLY SATISFACTORY.
------0--------
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN * » ♦ * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT 107-151 CAINE ROAD (ODD NUMBERS), PO HING FONG, KUI IN FONG, BRIDGES STREET, SHING WONG STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS, WAH IN FONG EAST, WAH IN FONG WEST, PO WAH STREET, WING LEE STREET, U LAM TERRACE, LADDER STREET BETWEEN CAINE ROAD AND BRIDGES STREET, 3-21 CHUNG WO LANE (ODD NUMBERS), ROZARIO STREET, AND 70-90 STAUNTON STREET (EVEN NUMBERS).
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/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
- 28 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE FOLLOWING SECTIQNS OF ROADS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUEN WUI STREET BETWEEN TUEN SHUN STREET AND TUEN HI ROAD;
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUEN SHUN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TUEN WUI STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUEN SHUN STREET BETWEEN TUEN LUNG STREET AND TUEN WUI STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONES ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUEN WUI STREET BETWEEN TUEN SHUN STREET AND TUEN HI ROAD AND ON THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TUEN SHUN STREET BETWEEN TUEN LUNG STREET AND TUEN WUI STREET WILL BE CANCELLED.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HING TIN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D7 AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS AT THESE URBAN CLEARWAYS.
MEANWHILE, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TUEN SHUN STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED TAXI URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS DAILY:
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUEN WUI STREET TO A APOINT ABOUT 90 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUEN WUI STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
/29........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF BRIDGE IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE WESTBOUND LANE OF THE BRIDGE CONNECTING TSING LUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED FOR EIGHT CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS BETWEEN 8 PM AND 5 AM FROM FRIDAY (MAY 25) TO JUNE 1.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, ALL VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD HEADING FOR SIU HONG COURT, INCLUDING BUSES ON KMB ROUTES 67M AND 67X AND ON LRT FEEDER BUS ROUTE 559, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD P2, TSUN WEN ROAD, TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD AND TSING LUN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SIU HONG BOUND BUS STOP ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD OPPOSITE BOWRING CAMP FOR THESE BUS ROUTES WILL BE SUSPENDED.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CABLES REPAIR WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF FLYOVERS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) TO 5 AM THE NEXT DAY:
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE FLYOVER LINKING KWUN TONG ROAD AND KAI FUK ROAD; AND
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE FLYOVER LINKING WAI YIP STREET AND KAI FUK ROAD WESTBOUND.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WAI YIP STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD HEADING FOR KAI FUK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAI CHEUNG ROAD.
- - 0 - -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LAM HING STREET IN KWUN TONG FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG CHIU ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 37 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- - 0 - -
/30
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1990
30
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WESTBOUND FROM HUNG HOM INTERCHANGE TO ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, IN TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM FRIDAY (MAY 25) FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORK THERE.
VEHICLES ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA GASCOIGNE ROAD WESTBOUND, PAK HOI STREET WESTBOUND AND NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO TSIM SHA TSUI; OR VIA GASCOIGNE ROAD WESTBOUND, JORDAN ROAD WESTBOUND, COX’S ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND AUSTIN ROAD EASTBOUND TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
-----0------
RESCISSION OF PROHIBITION AT PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE CURRENT PROHIBITION IMPOSED AT THE HANG HAU ROAD PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS, IN SAI KUNG, WILL BE CANCELLED.
------0--------
SPEED LIMIT ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT ON THE SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD EASTBOUND, IN SAI KUNG, FROM A POINT ABOUT 750 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO A POINT ABOUT 250 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE REDUCED TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
--------0-----------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN ABERDEEN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SAI ON STREET IN ABERDEEN BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT THREE METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG SING ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 28 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CANADA HAS REAL KINSHIP CONNECTION WITH HK: GOVERNOR .......................... 1
GOVERNOR WELCOMES U.S. DECISION ON MFN ........................................ 3
GOOD NEWS FOR HK: STI ......................................................... 3
GOVERNOR CONCLUDES TWO-DAY VISIT TO OTTAWA .................................... 4
WORKING GROUP LOOKING INTO WAYS TO CURB SMUGGLING ............................. 4
QUALITIES OF GOOD SPORTSMAN IMPORTANT IN FACING FUTURE CHALLENGES ............. 5
GOVT TO MAKE GREATER USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ............................ 6
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL PUBLISHED .................................... 8
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL RELEASED ................................. 11
WRITTEN PART OF DRIVING TEST COMPUTERISED .................................... 14
DRAGON BOAT RACES ............................................................ 15
NEW DRAGON BOATS LAUNCHED IN TAI PO .......................................... 16
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIR QUALITY REPORT ................................... 17
BID TO INCREASE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES .................... 18
REMINDER ON SALARIES TAX RETURNS ............................................. 19
TUEN NG HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ............................................... 19
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE BUILT IN WAN CHAI .............................. 20
TSING YI LOT TO LET BY TENDER ................................................ 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR .............................. 21
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN HUNG HOM .................................................. 21
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY ...................................... 21
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KOWLOON CITY ............................................... 22
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
CANADA HAS REAL KINSHIP CONNECTION WITH HK: GOVERNOR ******
CANADA AND HONG KONG HAVE A REAL KINSHIP CONNECTION AND THE 70,000 HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES AND RETURNED HOME HAVE BUILT UP A NETWORK OF BUSINESS CONTACTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN TORONTO ON THURSDAY (MAY 24).
"EACH MIGRANT IS ALSO A POTENTIAL BUSINESS LINK. THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY BUSINESS BETWEEN US IS BOOMING," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE UNIVERSAL SPEAKERS’ FORUM LUNCHEON, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS HARDLY SURPRISING THEN THAT SIX CANADIAN PROVINCES ONTARIO, ALBERTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, MANITOBA, SASKATCHEWAN AND QUEBEC — HAD SET UP COMMERCIAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
"SOME 70 CANADIAN COMPANIES HAVE BRANCHES OR SUBSIDIARIES IN HONG KONG. ANOTHER 400 ARE REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"PARTLY AS A RESULT, TRADE IS BOOMING. IMPORTS OF CANADIAN GOODS HAVE RISEN NEARLY 40 PER CENT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS A MAJOR MARKET FOR CANADIAN WOOD PRODUCTS, PAPER BOARD, NEWSPRINT AND PULP, AND THE COUNTRY ALSO SOLD US PLASTICS AND PRECIOUS METALS, AS WELL AS SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
"THE MAPLE LEAF IS A BEST SELLER — YOU ARE IN FACT OUR LARGEST SUPPLIER OF GOLD COINS — TO THE TUNE OF WELL OVER C$600 MILLION LAST YEAR. YOU ARE ALSO A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF GOODS TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT, TRADITIONALLY, THE BALANCE OF TRADE, PARTICULARLY IF GOLD COINS WERE LEFT OUT, HAD BEEN IN HONG KONG’S FAVOUR. BUT THE BALANCE OF DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWED STRONGLY THE OTHER WAY.
SIR DAVID SAID CANADIAN INVESTORS WERE, OF COURSE, WELCOME, ADDING: "THERE ARE 17 FACTORIES IN HONG KONG WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY CANADIAN INTERESTS. THEY PRODUCE WELL OVER C$100 MILLION IN GOODS A YEAR, MAINLY FOR EXPORT."
CANADIAN INVESTMENT WAS ESPECIALLY WELCOME BECAUSE OF WHAT IT BROUGHT IN THE WAY OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND UPGRADING OF SKILLS, HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT LINKS BETWEEN NUMEROUS, STRONG AND WERE GROWING. "THEY GO GROWN WITH EVERY HONG KONG STUDENT WHO UNIVERSITIES -- WITH EVERY HONG KONG FAMILY
HONG KONG AND TORONTO WERE BACK A LONG WAY. THEY HAVE HAS GRADUATED FROM YOUR WHICH HAS SETTLED HERE."
/"IN RECENT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 2 -
"IM RECENT YEARS, THEY HAVE BECOME EVEN STRONGER AS A RESULT OF YOU).' OWN GROWING COMMERCIAL PRESENCE. THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG IS THE BIGGEST CHAMBER OUTSIDE CANADA.
"SOME 11,500 OF YOUR COUNTRYMEN, AT LEAST, NOW LIVE AND WORK IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF "BRAIN DRAIN" FROM HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID EVIDENCE OF IT WAS NOWHERE MORE APPARENT THAN IN TORONTO. BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO STAND BACK FROM THE PROBLEMS; SET THEM IN CONTEXT, AND LOOK AT WHAT HAD BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE FUTURE AND WHAT WE WERE WORKING FOR.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT MIGRATION FROM HONG KONG WAS NOT NEW, AND SAID IN THE LAST CENTURY THE TERRITORY WAS ALREADY A STAGING POST FOR CHINESE WORKERS HEADING ACROSS THE PACIFIC.
IN THE EARLY 1980’S, EMIGRATION FROM HONG KONG RAN AT THE RATE OF ABOUT 20,000 A YEAR BUT, MORE RECENTLY, THE NUMBER LEAVING HAD BEEN HIGHER, SIR DAVID SAID.
"PEOPLE WITH A NATURAL ANXIETY ABOUT THE FUTURE ARE LEAVING IN SEARCH OF AN ’INSURANCE POLICY’. LAST YEAR SOME 42,000 LEFT. MANY OF THEM CAME TO CANADA. THIS YEAR THE NUMBERS WILL BE HIGHER," HE ADDED.
"WE WILL, OF COURSE, BE SORRY TO SEE THEM GO. BUT WE WILL DO NOTHING TO STOP THEM. THE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT. WE INTEND TO PROTECT IT," THE GOVERNOR STRESSED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT WISH TO DISGUISE THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE, AND THE DBMXND FOR TRAINED PERSONNEL WAS HIGH.
'THE MEDIA ATTENTION MIGRATION ATTRACTS CAN EASILY PAINT HONG KONG IN AN UNFAVOURABLE LIGHT. NONETHELESS, IT IS ESSENTIALLY A PRACTICAL PROBLEM AND WE ARE TAKING PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEAL WITH IT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY. "OUR ECONOMY IS MORE DIVERSIFIED THAN EVER BEFORE \ D THEREFORE STRONGER.”
"WE HAVE A LEAN AND INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIAL SECTOI - OUR ECONOMIC ENGINE IS RACING; IF ANYTHING RUNNING A LITTLE TOO HOT, WITH UNEMPLOYMENT SHRUNK TO THE VERY LOW RATE OF 1.7 PER CENT
"URAL WAGES CONTINUE TO RISE AND PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT HAS REACHED NEARLY C$13,000, AMONGST THE HIGHEST IN ASIA," HE SAID.
"WE MUST ALSO GET ON WITH THE OTHER VITAL PART OF BUILDING FOR THE I 'URE: THE PHYSICAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY," SIR DAVID ■ ‘ D.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
3
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT 1997 WAS NOT A SPECIAL DATE IN THE MINDS OF OUR PLANNERS.
"THEY PLAN FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT BE LEAVING -- THE AT LEAST SIX MILLION PEOPLE WHO, COME WHAT MAY, WILL STILL HAVE THEIR HOMES IN HONG KONG IN THE 21 ST CENTURY. AND THEY PLAN FOR POST-INDUSTRIAL HONG KONG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WAS ALL ABOUT TRADE AND FINANCE, AND GOVERNMENT LETTING BUSINESSMEN DO WHAT THEY DID BEST.
TO PHYSICAL
NECESSARY. IT
ENVIRONMENT FOR
DEVELOPED CENTRE
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PLAN THE IMPROVEMENTS INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO EDUCATION WHICH IT KNEW TO BE WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SENSIBLE REGULATORY BUSINESS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR A MAJOR OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCE, HE SAID.
"WE WILL LOOK TO OUR MAIN TRADING PARTNERS, LIKE CANADA, CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US, TO THE GAIN OF BOTH OF US. WE WILL RELY ON ECONOMICS AND THE IRREPRESSIBLE BUSINESS INSTINCTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TO DO THE REST," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
-----0-----
GOVERNOR WELCOMES U.S. DECISION ON MFN
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) IN TORONTO WELCOMED THE DECISION BY PRESIDENT BUSH TO MAINTAIN CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCHEON OF THE UNIVERSAL SPEAKER’S FORUM, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN EXPLAINING TO U.S. GOVERNMENT AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS THAT ENDING MFN STATUS WOULD HAVE A VERY DRASTIC EFFECT ON HONG KONG.
------0--------
GOOD NEWS FOR HK: STI * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WELCOMED
THE DECISION TAKEN BY RESIDENT BUSH TO RENEW CHINA’S MOST
FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
"THIS IS VERY GOOD NEWS FROM HONG KONG’S POINT OF VIEW," HE
SAID.
"OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS, BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG HAVE WORKED HARD TO CONVEY TO US OFFICIALS, SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN THE MESSAGE THAT WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS WOULD HAVE SERIOUS ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HONG KONG. I BELIEVE THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN HEARD AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," MR CHAN SAID.
HE CAUTIONED, HOWEVER, THAT CONTINUED VIGILANCE WAS NEEDED.
"IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN MAY SEEK TO PASS LEGISLATION TO OVERTURN THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH DEVELOPMENTS VERY CLOSELY AND WE’LL DO OUR BEST TO ARGUE AGAINST ANY SUCH LEGISLATION," MR CHAN SAID.
------0--------
/4 ......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
4
GOVERNOR CONCLUDES TWO-DAY VISIT TO OTTAWA * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, CONCLUDED A TWO-DAY ROUND OF MEETINGS WITH SENIOR CANADIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS IN OTTAWA ON WEDNESDAY, IN THE FIRST PART OF HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA.
OF HIS MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS THERE, SIR DAVID SAID: "I DID GET THE IMPRESSION OF A GENUINELY WARM WELCOME AND A GENUINE WISH TO TRY TO BUILD UP A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG, A PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES, AND ON THE CANADIAN SIDE TO DO ANYTHING THAT THEY COULD WHICH WAS HELPFUL FOR HONG KONG AND HELPFUL FOR MAKING SURE THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE ACTUALLY WORK OUT IN PRACTICE."
SIR DAVID’S SECOND DAY IN THE CANADIAN CAPITAL BEGAN WITH A MEETING AND DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION, MRS BARBARA MCDOUGALL.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A MEETING IN THE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WITH THE MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, MR JOHN CROSBIE.
THE GOVERNOR THEN WENT ON TO A WORKING LUNCH WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND 20 BUSINESS LEADERS, MOST OF WHOM HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH, OR INTERESTS IN, HONG KONG.
IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, THE GOVERNOR FLEW TO TORONTO WHERE ON THURSDAY HE WILL START THE SECOND PART OF HIS VISIT WITH FURTHER MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS A LUNCH GATHERING OF THE UNIVERSAL SPEAKERS’ FORUM AT THE TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE.
-----0-----
WORKING GROUP LOOKING INTO WAYS TO CURB SMUGGLING
******
A WORKING GROUP IS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO LIMIT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMUGGLING INTO CHINESE WATERS, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"OF COURSE THE EXPORT OF GOODS FROM HONG KONG IN ITSELF IS NOT AN OFFENCE BUT THE SMUGGLING INTO CHINA IS AND WE’LL OBVIOUSLY WISH TO CO-OPERATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMUGGLING," HE SAID.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE’S WAI HANG SPORTS CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SMUGGLING WHICH WAS GOING ON.
"WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT NOW AND I HOPE THAT WITHIN A DAY OR SO WE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY MORE ABOUT WHAT WE INTEND TO DO TO CURB THIS ACTIVITY," HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON BANNING THE USE OF HIGH POWER SPEED BOATS WHICH MIGHT BE USED FOR SMUGGLING, HE SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE MEASURES WHICH WAS BEING LOOKED AT.
/"CLEARLY WHEN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
’’CLEARLY WHEN THERE ARE HIGH SPEED BOATS USED IT MAKES IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR THE MILITARY VESSELS ON BOTH SIDES TO APPREHEND THEM BECAUSE SIMPLY THEY CAN OUTSTRIP THEM IN TERMS OF SPEED. .
“AND ONE OF THE MEASURES THAT WE ARE LOOKING INTO IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE BOATS CANNOT BE USED FOR ILLEGAL PURPOSES,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALSO THE INTEREST OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIGH SPEED BOATS FOR THEIR OWN PLEASURE. I BELIEVE WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A COMPROMISE WHICH WILL HELP THE SITUATION,” HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE MARINE INCIDENT, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ANXIOUS TO GET THE INCIDENT RESOLVED AND TO FIX A DATE FOR A MEETING OF THE BORDER LIAISON COMMITTEE.
"SO FAR WE HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO FIX A DATE BUT WE ARE CONTINUING OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM AND HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING THERE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS OR SO," SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0 ------
QUALITIES OF GOOD SPORTSMAN IMPORTANT IN FACING FUTURE CHALLENGES
******
GOOD
SPORTSMAN
MUST HAVE
DRIVE, STAMINA, REALISM,
DETERMINATION AND RESILIENCE, AND THESE ARE THE QUALITIES --------------------------------------- AND WHICH WILL
MADE HONG KONG THE PLACE IT IS TODAY IMPORTANT IN FACING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
WHICH HAVE
ALSO BE SO
THIS WAS TODAY (THURSDAY) WAI HANG SPORTS
STATED BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.
SIR DAVID SAID FACILITIES LIKE LABORATORIES AND LIBRARIES WERE ESSENTIAL IN EXCELLENCE OF STUDENTS.
TEACHING BUILDINGS, STRIVING FOR ACADEMIC
ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE
’’SPORTS FACILITIES, ON THE OTHER HAND, THR QUALITIES WHICH TfiEY WILL NEED IN THEIR SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE iULY l2 THEIR STUDIES BUT ALSO IN THEIR LIVES AND CAREERS LATER
NOT ON , ”
HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE WAI HANG SPORTS CENTRE PROVIDED MUCH NEEDED SPORTS FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, WHOSE NUMBER AT PRESENT STOOD AT 3,000.
"THIS NUMBER IS LIKELY THIS IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT INSTITUTION ONLY SEVEN YEARS
TO BE INCREASED TO 4,000 BY 1994-95.
AS THE COLLEGE BECAME A UPGC-FUNDED AGO WITH 2,000 STUDENTS," HE ADDED.
A
/HE CONGRATULATED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
6
HE CONGRATULATED THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, THE COUNCIL, THE PRESIDENT AND ALL COLLEGE STAFF ON A JOB WELL DONE AND PAID TRIBUTE TO DR HO SIN-HANG AND MR WILLIAM MONG, WHO HAD BOTH GIVEN GENEROUS DONATIONS AND SUPPORT TO THE COLLEGE IN THE PAST.
’’THE NAMING OF THIS SPORTS CENTRE ’ AFTER THEM IS A FITTING RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY.
’’THE NAMING OF THE SWIMMING POOL IN THIS CENTRE AFTER THE LATE MRS FLORENCE HO IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE GENEROUS DONATION TO THE COLLEGE BY MR DAVID HO TZU-CHO, THE HUSBAND OF MRS HO,” SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0-------
GOVT TO MAKE GREATER USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO MAKE SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TO IMPLEMENT NEW POLICIES ADOPTED LAST YEAR AFTER A MAJOR CONSULTANCY ON THE SUBJECT, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMAT[ON TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, DR COLIN GREENFIELD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY). *
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE IBM/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY AND SKILL ENHANCEMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME.
"THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENTERED INTO SUCH A LARGE-SCALE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR ” DR GREENFIELD SAID.
"A PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IN THIS PARTNERSHIP IS TO TRAIN MORE STAFF IN USING AND SUPPORTING OUR STANDARD MAINFRAME COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS FOR COMPUTERISATION,” HE ADDED.
DR GREENFIELD SAID UNDER THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME, IBM WOULD PROVIDE COMPUTER FACILITIES AND EXPERIENCED STAFF FOR TRAINING THE GOVERNMENT’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF AND ENHANCING THEIR SKILLS II USING AND SUPPORTING SYSTEM/370 ARCHITECTURE SYSTEMS, WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAI) RECENTLY ADOPTED AS THE STANDARD PLATFORM FOR ITS MAINFRAME COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
ADDITIONALLY, IBM WOULD PROVIDE CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN SPECIFIC AREAS.
DR GREENFIELD SAID SEEKING WAYS TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS WAS CLEARLY ESSENTIAL.
IT HAD BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PURCHASE COMPUTER SYSTEMS THROUGH COMPETITIVE TENDERING, AND STAFF HAD BEEN SPENDING A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT IN PREPARING AND EVALUATING TENDERS AND PROPOSALS.
"IT IS NORMAL FOR A COMPUTER PURCHASE TO TAKE SIX TO NINE MONTHS FROM TENDER PREPARATION, AFTER THE REQUIREMENTS ARE KNOWN, TO CONTRACT SIGNING.
/"IN ENTERING .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
"IN ENTERING INTO THIS PARTICULAR AGREEMENT WITH IBM, WE EXPECT THE PROCESS TO BE SHORTENED CONSIDERABLY FOR MOST OF OUR MAINFRAME PURCHASES TOGETHER WITH A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN PROFESSIONAL INPUT FOR TENDER EVALUATION," HE SAID.
DR GREENFIELD SAID IBM WOULD PROVIDE A TEAM OF FULL-TIME STAFF WITH EXPERTISE IN SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE S/370 ARCHITECTURE SYSTEMS IN THE NEXT 30 MONTHS TO TRAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS, AND TO ENHANCE SKILLS.
DR GREENFIELD EMPHASISED THAT THE AGREEMENT WAS VERY FLEXIBLE AND THE GOVERNMENT COULD USE THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM BEING PROVIDED BY IBM.
"THIS WILL ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO STUDY AND EVALUATE I.T. PRODUCTS FROM OTHER VENDORS AS WELL AS IBM," HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, THE AGREEMENT DOES NOT PRECLUDE PROCUREMENT FROM OTHER COMPUTER VENDORS. THE GOVERNMENT IS FREE TO PURCHASE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FROM ANY VENDOR, INCLUDING OTHER S/370 SUPPLIERS," HE ADDED.
DR GREENFIELD ADDED THAT THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME ONLY DEALT . WITH MAINFRAME SYSTEMS. PURCHASES FOR OTHER SYSTEM TYPES, NAMELY MID-RANGE SYSTEMS AND PERSONAL SYSTEMS, WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
REFERRING TO- THE US$25 MILLION WORTH OF EQUIPMENT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BUY FROM IBM OVER THE NEXT 30 MONTHS, DR GREENFIELD SAID THIS AMOUNT WAS REACHED THROUGH CAREFUL, DETAILED ESTIMATION BASED ON KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ NEEDS WOULD BE IN THE 30-MONTH PERIOD FOR S/370 FACILITIES, WITH DUE CONSIDERATION FOR PURCHASING PLUG COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS FROM OTHER 370 EQUIPMENT VENDORS.
THERE WAS STILL SIGNIFICANT ROOM FOR PURCHASING S/370 EQUIPMENT FROM OTHER VENDORS WITHIN THIS PERIOD THROUGH COMPETITIVE TENDERING. •
TURNING TO STAFF SHORTAGE IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT IMMUNE, IN THIS RESPECT, ADDING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM A SEVERE SHORTAGE OF SUCH PROFESSIONALS.
"THE STAFF TURNOVER IN 1989-90 IS ABOUT 14 PER CENT WITH A HIGH CONCENTRATION AT THE SENIOR ANALYST AND ANALYST PROGRAMMER LEVELS," HE SAID.
"THIS, TOGETHER WITH A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS EMPLOYED IN THE GOVERNMENT IN RECENT YEARS MEANS THAT WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT AND CONTINUING TRAINING
• REQUIREMENT," DR GREENFIELD SAID. i
ALSO SPEAKING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR ROY KILVERT, SAID DURING 1988 AND 1989, IBM WERE FAIRLY SUCCESSFUL IN COMPETING FOR A SHARE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DATA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS AND SECURED 45.17 PER CENT AND 38.43 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL PURCHASES.
"THEY ARE ALSO VERY MUCH THE FRONT RUNNERS FOR SIX ADDITIONAL NEW, REPLACEMENT OR ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW," HE SAID.
/HE SAID ....
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 8 -
HE SAID HIS STAFF, IN CONJUNCTION WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, WOULD CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THAT SPECIFICATIONS, CONTRACTUAL TERMS, CONDITIONS AND PRICES PAID REPRESENTED FINANCIALLY VIABLE PACKAGES AND ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TAXPAYER RECEIVED ’’VALUE FOR MONEY".
"IN THIS CONTEXT, IT IS WORTH MENTIONING THAT DURING THE 1989-90 FINANCIAL YEAR, MY COLLEAGUES AND I ACHIEVED IDENTIFIABLE SAVINGS OF SOME $97 MILLION AS A RESULT OF SUCCESSFUL LIAISON WITH OUR CLIENT DEPARTMENTS AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH- SUPPLIERS.
"THIS COMPARES VERY FAVOURABLY WITH THE ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST OF MY DEPARTMENT WHICH IS CURRENTLY SOME $68 MILLION," MR KILVERT SAID.
---------0-----------
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL PUBLISHED
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1990.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR APRIL 1990, AT 139.3 AND 138.8 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 9.4 PER CENT AND 9.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1989.
THESE RATES OF’INCREASE WERE LOWER THAN THOSE RECORDED FOR MARCH 1990 (10.0 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO APRIL 1990, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 9.4 PER CENT AND 9.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) IN APRIL 1990 WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION), SERVICES, TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES, AND FOODSTUFFS AT 18.1 PER CENT, 13.4 PER CENT, 13.3 PER CENT AND 10.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE 'CPI(B) WERE 17.8 PER CENT, 13.0 PER CENT, 13.0 PER CENT AND 10.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) WAS MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF CIGARETTES. THE INCREASE IN THE SERVICES COMPONENT WAS PARTLY DUE TO HIGHER SCHOOL FEES FOR KINDERGARTEN AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND HIGHER MEDICAL CHARGES OF PRIVATE DOCTORS.
/AS REGARDS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 9 -
AS REGARDS THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES, THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER FARES OF BUS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS. THE INCREASE IN THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT WAS LARGELY DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN CANTONESE RESTAURANTS.
THESE FOUR COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND THREE QUARTERS OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING APRIL 1990 WITH MARCH 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 1.2 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1990, AT 133.3 AND 132.8 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 9.9 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1989.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1990, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 0.8 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990 AND APRIL 1989, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B)
SECTION INDEX FOR APR. 90 % CHANGE OVER MAR. 90 % CHANGE OVER APR. 89 INDEX FOR APR. 90 % CHANGE OVER MAR. 90 % CHANGE OVER APR. 89
— — — — — — — — ——————— — — — —
FOODSTUFFS 141 . 3 + 0.2 + 10.1 142.9 + 0.3 + 10.5
HOUSING 128. 6 + 1.3 + 6.7 123.2 + 0.9 + 6.4
FUEL AND 104. 1 + 1.6 + 8.3 104.3 + 1 .7 + 7.7
LIGHT
/ALCOHOLIC DRINKS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 10 -
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 166.9 + 2.2 + 18.1 157.6 + 2.2 + 17.8
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 145.3 • + 5.8 + 7.7 148.6 + 7.0 + 7.6
DURABLE GOODS 124.0 + 0.6 + 2.3 123.2 + 0.6 + 2.2
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 136.9 -0.5 + 4.1 137.3 -0.3 + 4.8
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 149.2 + 3.1 + 13.3 147.8 + 2.8 + 13.0
SERVICES 155.1 + 0.8 + 13.4 155.1 + 0.9 + 13.0
ALL ITEMS 139.3 + 1.0 + 9.4 138.8 + 1.2 + 9.3
COMPARING APRIL 1990 WITH MARCH 1990, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.3 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO AN INCREASE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND FRESH VEGETABLES. .
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS (INCLUDING RATES) FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 1.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.7 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR ELECTRICITY AND TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) INCREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B), REFLECTING THE EFFECT OF THE RECENT INCREASE IN DUTIES ON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 5.8 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 7.0 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING AS THE CLEARANCE SALES OF SOME DEPARTMENT STORES AND FASHION SHOPS HAD ENDED IN EARLY APRIL.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 3.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 2.8 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO THE EFFECT OF THE RECENT INCREASES IN BUS FARES AND IN DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCE FEES.
/FIGURES HEREIN .....
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 11 -
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR APRIL 1990, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 823 5089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 147.4 IN APRIL 1990, UP BY 1.5 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1990 AND BY 10.6 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1989.
THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT $10,000-24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
----------------------0------- PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL RELEASED *****
IN APRIL 1990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED COMPARED WITH TH! SAME MONTH IN 1989, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS GREW SIGNIFICANTLY. IMPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW A MODERATE INCREASE.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL 1990 WAS $16,407 MILLION, $1,073 MILLION OR 6.1 PER CENT LESS THAN IN APRIL 1989, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS {NCREASED BY $2,785 MILLION OR 9.9 PER CENT TO $30,860 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $47,267 MILLION IN APRIL 1990, WAS THUS $1,712 MILLION OR 3.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1989.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 5.7 PER CENT OR $2,721 MILLION FROM A YEAR EARLIER, TO $50,640 MILLION IN APRIL 1990.
/AS THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 12 -
AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3,373 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.7 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN APRIL 1990.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $2,364 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN APRIL 1989.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1990 WAS $176,876 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $62,867 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $114,009 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $8,272 MILLION OR 4.9 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS FALLING BY $2,540 MILLION OR 3.9 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS RISING BY $10,812 MILLION OR 10.5 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS ROSE BY $5,371 MILLION OR BY 3.0 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, TO $183,321 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $6,445 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1990.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $9,346 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1989.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED WEAK IN APRIL.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SUPPORTED MAINLY BY SUSTAINED GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN, RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE. THIS HAI) LED TO A CONTINUED PROPORTIONATE SHIFT FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO RE-EXPORTS IN HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORT TRADE.
MOREOVER, A SIZEABLE PART OF THE RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN WERE KNOWN TO BE PRODUCTS OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS COMMISSIONED BY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS.
AS REGARDS RETAINED IMPORTS, AFTER ALLOWING FOR A RE-EXPORT MARGIN IN THE DERIVATION OF THEIR VALUE, THERE WAS ONLY A SMALL I NCR :A .E IN APRIL COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
i'HE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1990.
/MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC ........
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 13 -
MERCHANDISE:
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE
$16,407 $30,860 $47,267 $50,640 $ 3,373
MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION
[IN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS
FEB 90 FEB 89
TO TO
APR 90 APR 89 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE
46,229 48,145
86,049 76,943
132,278 125,088
142,229 134,816
-9,951 -9,728
-1,916 -4.0
9,106 11.8
7,190 5.7
7,413 5.5
-223
APRIL APRIL
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1990 1989 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16,407 17,480 -1,073 6.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (34.7%) (38.4%)
RE-EXPORTS 30,860 28,075 2,785 9.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,267 45,555 1,712 3.8
IMPORTS 50,640 47,919 2,721 5.7
TRADE BALANCE -3,373 -2,364 -1,009
LAST MONTH APRIL 1990 HK$ MN. MARCH 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16,407 16,512 -105 -0.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (34.7%) (34.9%)
RE-EXPORTS 30,860 30,743 117 0.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,267 47,255 12 0.0
IMPORTS 50,640 51,117 -477 -0.9
TRADE BALANCE -3,373 -3,862 489
JAN-APR JAN-APR
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1990 1989 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 62,867 65,407 -2,540 -3.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.5%) (38.8%) 10.5
RE-EXPORTS 114,009 103,197 10,812
TOTAL EXPORTS 176,876 168,604 8,272 4.9
IMPORTS 183,321 177,950 5,371 3.0
TRADE BALANCE -6,445 -9,346 2,901
/MAY 89 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 14 -
LAST 12 MONTHS
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
RE-EXPORTS
TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS
TRADE BALANCE
MAY 89 TO APR 90 HK$ MN. MAY 88 TO APR 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
221,564 222,846 -1,282 -0.6
357,218 305,098 52,120 17.1
578,782 527,944 50,838 9.6
568,152 537,801 30,351 5.6
10,630 -9,857 20,487
-----0------
WRITTEN PART OF DRIVING TEST COMPUTERISED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS GAUGING PUBLIC RESPONSE TO A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM DESIGNED TO TEST POTENTIAL DRIVERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROAD USERS’ CODE.
AT PRESENT, ANYONE APPLYING FOR A DRIVING LICENCE HAS TO PASS THE WRITTEN PART OF A DRIVING TEST.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY TRANSCRIBED THE WRITTEN TEST ONTO A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM AND IS PUTTING IT ON TRIAL FOR SIX MONTHS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID FOUR TEST UNITS HAD BEEN INSTALLED AT THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD AND THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, FOR THE PUBLIC TO TRY OUT AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS.
THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM HAS TWO MODELS OF TEST EQUIPMENT, ONE OPERATED BY TOUCHING THE SCREEN AND THE OTHER BY PRESSING KEYPADS.
EACH MODEL IS AN INDEPENDENT UNIT WITH A VISUAL DISPLAY, LASER DISK PLAYER WITH QUESTIONS ON DISK, COMPUTER HARDWARE AND DISPLAY CABINET. FULL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ARE DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN.
A PERSON WILL BE GIVEN THE CHOICE OF TAKING THE TEST IN EITHER ENGLISH OF? CHINESE. HE WILL ANSWER A RANDOM SELECTION OF 10 QUESTIONS BY TOUCHING THE APPROPRIATE AREAS ON THE SCREEN OR PRESSING THE APPROPRIATE KEYPAD.
AT THE END OF THE TEST, THE PERCENTAGE OF CORRECT ANSWERS WILL BE CALCULATED BY THE COMPUTER AND A PASS OR FAIL RESULT WILL BE DISPLAYED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CONDUCTING THE WRITTEN TEST THROUGH THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM WOULD HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF REDUCING THE WAITING TIME TO SIT FOR SUCH A TEST.
/MOREOVER, THE
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 15 -
MOREOVER, THE TESTS WOULD BE CONDUCTED MORE EFFICIENTLY AS THE RESULTS WOULD BE DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TESTS AND CANDIDATES NEED NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN HOUR OR SO FOR THEIR RESULTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE BALLOT SYSTEM IN SELECTING QUESTIONS COULD BE DISPENSED WITH AS THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM COULD RANDOMLY SELECT 20 QUESTIONS FROM A GENERAL POOL OF QUESTIONS OF DIFFERENT TEST TERMINALS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED ANYONE TAKING THE WRITTEN TEST TO TRY OUT THE SYSTEM AND TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS BY ANSWERING A QUESTIONNAIRE.
HE STRESSED THAT THE TRIAL WAS PURELY VOLUNTARY AND FOR THE PRESENT THE RESULTS ACHIEVED BY CANDIDATES WOULD ONLY BE DETERMINED BY THE WRITTEN TEST.
"IF PUBLIC RESPONSE IS FAVOURABLE, THE CURRENT MANUAL SYSTEM WILL BE CHANGED TO THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM. IT IS EXPECTED THAT IMPLEMENTATION WOULD TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS, INCLUDING THE SIX-MONTH TRIAL PERIOD," HE ADDED.
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DRAGON BOAT RACES * * *
RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY DRAGON BOAT RACES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR FROM SATURDAY (MAY 26) TO MONDAY (MAY 28).
THE FIRST MATINEE RACES WILL BE HELD AT THE WATERFRONT OFF THE CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING BASIN ON SATURDAY. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL ATTEND THE EVENT AT 3 PM.
ON SUNDAY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL ATTEND THE RACES AT THE WATERFRONT OFF RIVIERA GARDENS, TSUEN WAN, AT 12.30 PM, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL ATTEND THE RACES AT THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER IN SHAU KEI WAN, AT 3.30 PM.
ON MONDAY, AT 12.30 PM, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE TAI PO RACES WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE WATERFRONT OFF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL ATTEND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RACES AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE AT 4 PM.
ON THE SAME DAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE RACES AT THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AT 3 PM, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE RACES AT SHING MUN RIVER, SHA TIN, AT 12.30 PM.
/THE SECRETARY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 16 -
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, ’ • 1 I, ATTEND THE RACES AT THE WATERFRONT OFF RECLAMATION AREA 16, THEN MUN, AT 12.30 PM. THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S. H. LEE, WILL ATTEND THE RACES AT THE WATERFRONT OFF SAI KUNG TOWN AT 12.30 PM.
NOTE TO. EDITORS:
SPECIAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE FOLLOWING RACES:
♦ TSUEN WAN ON SUNDAY RACES (MAY 27) : A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING AT 10.45 AM TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE RACE VENUE.
TAI ON PO RACES MONDAY (MAY 28) : PRESS BADGES AND PARKING LABELS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES BETWEEN THE VENUE AND TAI PO MARKET STATION WILL BE PROVIDED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON MONDAY.
* SAI ON KUNG MONDAY RACES (MAY 28) : A SPECIAL LAUNCH WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES OFF SHORE TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AT A VANTAGE POINT. THE LAUNCH WILL LEAVE THE WATERFRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN AT 11.30 AM ON MONDAY.
--------0 - -
NEW DRAGON BOATS LAUNCHED IN TAI PO *****
TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS FOR THIS YEAR’S TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE WERE LAUNCHED AT A CEREMONY AT THE TAI WONG YEH SHRINE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE CEREMONY STARTED WITH AN OFFERING AND SACRIFICE TO THE PATRON SAINT OF THE FISHERMEN, TAI WONG YEH, BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMEN, MR CHUNG YICK-MING, MR WONG CHUN-WAI AND MISS MARY CHOW.
/THE TAI .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 17 -
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS YIU, AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THEN DOTTED THE EYES OF THE DRAGON BOATS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION RACE BY TWO WINNING TEAMS IN LAST YEAR’S RACES.
COSTING ABOUT $40,000 EACH, THE TWO NEW BOATS WILL COMPETE WITH 19 OTHERS IN THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE EVENTS NEXT WEEK.
THE RACE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE 1990 AND IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD.
THE RACES WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 28).
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIR QUALITY REPORT
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE LATEST REPORT ON AIR QUALITY IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY REPORTS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
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/18 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 18 -
BID TO INCREASE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL SOON CLOSE DOWN TWO OF ITS LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OFFICES IN A MOVE TO PROVIDE A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS.
THE TWO LES OFFICES, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY MADE USE OF, ARE THE MONG KOK OFFICE TO BE CLOSED FROM SATURDAY (MAY 26) AND THE YAU MA TEI OFFICE TO BE CLOSED FROM JUNE 2.
HOWEVER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED TO RESIDENTS IN THE TWO DISTRICTS RESPECTIVELY BY THE LES SHAM SHUI PO OFFICE AT 234 TAI PO ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, AND THE HUNG HOM OFFICE AT 125 DOCK STREET, GROUND FLOOR, WHAMPOA ESTATE PHASE I.
ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT CAN ALSO BE MADE TO THE SHAM SHUI PO OFFICE ON 777 0189 OR 777 0296 AND TO THE HUNG HOM OFFICE ON 365 6261, 365 6262 OR 365 6263.
STARTING ON TUESDAY (MAY 29), THE LES SHAM SHUI PO OFFICE WILL SERVE JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN MONG KOK, TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SHUI PO, CHEUNG SHA WAN AND LAI CHI KOK.
AS FOR THE HUNG HOM OFFICE, IT WILL CATER FOR RESIDENTS IN YAU MA TEI, TSIM SHA TSUI, HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN AND HO MAN TIN AFTER JUNE 4.
MEANWHILE, THE EMPLOYMENT HOTLINE FOR ENQUIRIES BY EX-IVORY WORKERS WILL ALSO BE CHANGED FROM 735 5527 TO 393 6178 AS FROM JUNE 4 FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE YAU MA TEI OFFICE.
THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROVIDES FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES THROUGH A NETWORK OF 15 BRANCH OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
JOB-SEEKERS ARE REQUIRED ONLY TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS DURING OFFICE HOURS TO REGISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AT THEIR RESPECTIVE LES OFFICES, WHILE EMPLOYERS CAN SIMPLY PLACE THEIR VACANCY ORDERS BY TELEPHONE.
VACANCY INFORMATION SO OBTAINED WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AND TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE TO ALL OTHER LES OFFICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF JOB-SEEKERS IN OTHER DISTRICTS.
- - 0---------
/19........
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
REMINDER ON SALARIES TAX RETURNS * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED SALARIED TAXPAYERS TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED SALARIES TAX RETURNS TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 31).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT MORE THAN 1,040,000 RETURNS FOR FINAL ASSESSMENT 1989-90 AND PROVISIONAL PAYMENT 1990-91 HAD BEEN ISSUED ON MAY 1.
’’FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED RETURNS BEFORE MAY 31 IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES,” HE WARNED.
’’MAKING AN INCORRECT OR FALSE RETURN WITH A FRAUDULENT INTENT TO EVADE TAX, OR TO ASSIST ANY OTHER PERSON TO DO SO, IS ALSO AN OFFENCE. ON CONVICTION, AN OFFENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTY, THE MAXIMUM BEING IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS AND A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
"THE COURT OF APPEAL OF HIGH COURT HAS RECENTLY WARNED THAT, ON CONVICTION, THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE LIABLE TO IMMEDIATE CUSTODIAL SENTENCE,” HE SAID.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO MAKE ENQUIRY ON SALARIES TAX RETURNS IS ADVISED TO TELEPHONE 894 2050 OR 894 2150 DURING OFFICE HOURS (8.15 AM - 12.15 PM AND 1.15 PM - 4.45 PM ON WEEKDAYS; 9 AM - 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS), OR WRITE TO GPO BOX 132, HONG KONG.
CURRENT SALARIED TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURN FORMS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE RELEVANT ASSESSING SECTIONS, THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF WHICH ARE SHOWN IN THE TAX DEMANDS OR ANY OTHER CORRESPONDENCE THAT THEY RECEIVED FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT PREVIOUSLY.
- - 0 - -
TUEN NG HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE *****
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON MONDAY, MAY 28, WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE, THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND THE SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
- - 0 - -
/20
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 20 -
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE BUILT IN WAN CHAI » * » * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT SHIU FAI TERRACE, WAN CHAI.
OCCUPYING A SITE OF ABOUT 185 SQUARE METRES, THE SINGLE-STOREY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH CARBON FILTERS TO PREVENT THE EMISSION OF FOUL SMELL.
IT WILL HAVE AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM, PUMP ROOM.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY THIS IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS
A STAFF TOILET AND A YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IS NOON ON JUNE 8.
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TSING YI LOT TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A LAND LOT ON TSING YI ISLAND.
LOCATED IN AREA 8, THE SITE MEASURES ABOUT 6,500 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS, EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS AND PARKING OF CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 8.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
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/21........
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
21
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE NOISE REDUCING HIGHWAY SURFACING WORKS, THE SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR EASTBOUND TO JAVA ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 26) TO 5 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 28).
MOTORISTS MAY USE THE SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR EASTBOUND TO TONG SHUI ROAD OR THE SLIP-ROAD LEADING FROM ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR EASTBOUND TO TAIKOO WAN ROAD.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN HUNG HOM » » ♦ ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 26), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI WAN ROAD, IN HUNG HOM, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 108 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
ALSO, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HOK YUEN STREET, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 38 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARD FOR ABOUT 12 METRES.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TOLO HIGHWAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TOLO HIGHWAY IN TAI PO WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED BELOW:
* ON SATURDAY (MAY 26), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE.
* ON MAY 29 AND 30, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE.
♦ ON MAY 31, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANI OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR ISLAND HOUSE
INTERCHANGE.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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/22 .....
THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1990
- 22 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KOWLOON CITY *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 26), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG NING STRE'ET AND TO KWA WAN ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TO KWA WAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. CONCURRENTLY THE URBAN CLEARWAY WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARD FOR ABOUT 12 METRES.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1990 PUBLISHED ......................................... 1
BUSY FIRST DAY IN TORONTO FOR GOVERNOR ............................................... 7
DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY APPOINTED .......................................... 8
STEPPED UP EFFORTS AGAINST SMUGGLING ANNOUNCED ....................................... 8
IMPROVEMENTS TO INSURANCE LAW PROPOSED ............................................... 9
LAW CHANGES RECOMMENDED ON INHERITANCE .............................................. 11
ANTI-POLLUTION VIDEO ON SALE ........................................................ I5
CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED TO PROMOTE FRENCH INVESTMENT IN HK ......................... 16
NEW AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ORDER COMES INTO EFFECT ............................. I7
ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES ............................................. I7
HIGHER SAFETY STANDARDS IN USE OF ELECTRICITY ....................................... 20
POSTPAK CARTONS ON SALE AT POST OFFICES ............................................. 21
RECLAMATIONS AT TAI A CHAU AUTHORISED ............................................... 22
THREE LOTS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ............................................... 22
GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT ABERDEEN ............................................. 23
FIRE SERVICES COMMENDED FOR PROMPT ACTION ........................................... 24
NORTH FARM SHOW TO OPEN TOMORROW .................................................... 25
RE-REGISTRATION OF PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS ................................ 26
CHAI WAN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE ON MOVE ................................... 26
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE ............................................................. 27
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN TO BE CLOSED ......................................... 27
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND TAI KOK TSUI ............................................. 28 #
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ............................................ 28
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ................................................. 29
FARE REVISION ON NT GREEN MINUBUS ROUTES ............................................ 31
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1990 PUBLISHED ******
ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS GENERALLY MODEST, ACCORDING TO THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1990.
ALTHOUGH RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW AN APPRECIABLE INCREASE, BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC DEMAND REMAINED SLUGGISH. THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR HAD BECOME RELATIVELY LESS INTENSE, BUT THE RATE OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION WAS STILL HIGH, THE REPORT SAID.
THE REPORT, WHICH ANALYSES THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K.Y. TANG, SAID THAT ON THE BASIS OF THIS REPORT AND OTHER RECENT INFORMATION, A REVIEW HAD BEEN MADE OF THE FORECASTS OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) AND OF PRICE TRENDS FOR 1990.
"AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW, MINOR ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO SOME OF THE COMPONENT FORECASTS, BUT THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN THE GDP (AT 3 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS), THE GDP DEFLATOR (AT 9 PER CENT), AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) (AT 8.5 PER CENT) REMAINED UNCHANGED FROM THOSE RELEASED WITH THE BUDGET," HE SAID.
"THE UPDATED VIEW REGARDING THE OUTLOOK FOR THE ECONOMY IN 1990 WAS THUS LARGELY THE SAME AS THAT IN THE EARLIER FORECAST," HE ADDED.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL FURTHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990, BY ABOUT 5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1989. THE LARGEST DECREASE OCCURRED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, FOLLOWED BY THOSE TO JAPAN. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA RECORDED MORE MODERATE DECREASES.
THE UNITED STATES REMAINED THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WITH A SHARE OF 29 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990.
RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 6 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
"THIS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTINUED RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN," MR TANG SAID.
RE-EXPORTS TO MARKETS OTHER THAN CHINA CONTINUED TO RISE MARKEDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECLINED, BEING AFFECTED MAINLY BY CHINA’S AUSTERITY PROGRAMME AND TO A LIMITED EXTENT BY THE LESS RAPID GROWTH IN OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.
/AS RE-EXPORTS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 2 -
AS RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED FURTHER, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE TO 64 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 FROM 61 PER CENT IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
’’THE DECLINES IN IMPORTS AND RETAINED IMPORTS HAD BECOME MORE MODERATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990,” HE SAID.
”ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, IMPORTS FELL BY ABOUT 1 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WHILE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 THE DECLINE WAS 4 PER CENT,” MR TANG SAID.
RETAINED IMPORTS FELL BY ABOUT 7 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 13 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3,072 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
’’THIS WAS SMALLER THAN THE DEFICIT OF $6,982 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR,” THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID.
DOMESTIC DEMAND WAS RELATIVELY SLACK IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
ON CONSUMPTION, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS CONTINUED TO SHOW A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ALSO FELL.
ON INVESTMENT, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS SHOWED ONLY A SMALL INCREASE. RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING USE, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO DECREASE SIGNIFICANTLY.
’’INFLATION WAS STILL HIGH, EVEN THOUGH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) HAD DECELERATED TO 9.4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 FROM 10.1 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND 9.9 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989,” MR TANG SAID.
’’COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THE CPI (A) WAS HIGHER BY 9.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY, 8.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AND 10.0 PER CENT IN MARCH 1990,” HE ADDED.
’’THE FASTER RATE OF INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES IN THE MONTH OF MARCH WAS PARTLY DUE TO A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN MARCH LAST YEAR, AND PARTLY DUE TO THE INCREASES AS FROM MARCH IN DUTIES ON PETROL, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO, AS WELL AS IN BUS FARES,” MR TANG POINTED OUT.
’’WITH THE SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RECENT QUARTERS, THERE WERE SIGNS THAT THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR WAS EASING,” HE SAID.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ROSE TO 1.7 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WITH THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE STAYING AT 0.7 PER CENT.
/THE NUMBER .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
3
THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN MOST SECTORS RECORDED MARKED DECREASES BETWEEN DECEMBER 1989 AND DECEMBER 1990, AND THE PROPORTION OF THE EMPLOYED POPULATION WORKING OVERTIME WAS ALSO SMALLER.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE LIMITED LABOUR SUPPLY, THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT," MR TANG SAID.
HAVING REVIVED CONSIDERABLY SINCE LATE JULY LAST YEAR, THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS RELATIVELY LESS ACTIVE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBERS AND VALUE OF AGREEMENTS FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AND OF MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS.
"WHILE THE MARKET FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED RESIDENTIAL FLATS HELD FIRM, DEMAND AS WELL AS PRICES AND RENTALS FOR OTHER TYPES OF PROPERTY GENERALLY SOFTENED IN THE FIRST QUARTER," HE ADDED.
IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS WERE OBSERVED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRST, REFLECTING A STRONGER U.S. DOLLAR AGAINST SOME OF THE MAJOR CURRENCIES, THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ROSE SLIGHTLY.
SECONDLY, LOCAL MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES WERE MARGINALLY HIGHER, KEEPING BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE CORRESPONDING U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES.
THIRDLY, DEPOSITS AND THE MONEY SUPPLY GREW MORE SLOWLY, IN LINE WITH THE SLOWER GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY.
THE GOVERNMENT .ECONOMIST SAID THAT THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1990 WERE UPDATED IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS.
"THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP WAS, HOWEVER, UNCHANGED AT 3 PER CENT," HE SAID.
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS LOWERED FROM 2.5 PER CENT TO 2 PER CENT.
"CURRENT INFORMATION ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SUGGESTS THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WOULD PROBABLY REMAIN WEAK IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS," MR TANG SAID.
"THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS WAS, HOWEVER, RAISED FROM 8 PER CENT TO 9 PER CENT," HE POINTED OUT.
RE-EXPORTS TO MARKETS OTHER THAN CHINA SHOULD CONTINUE TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY. RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WOULD PROBABLY RECOVER LATER IN THE YEAR IN LINE WITH CHINA’S MEASURES TO REFLATE ITS ECONOMY.
/"MOREOVER, THE ........
DTIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
’’MOREOVER, .TEND OF DEVELOPMENT OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES RESULTING IN MORE PRODUCTS BEING SHIPPED OUT AS RE-EXPORTS RATHER THAN AS DOMESTIC EXPORTS SEEMED LIKELY TO CONTINUE,” HE NOTED.
REFLECTING IT* FASTER GROWTH EXPECTED FROM RE-EXPORTS, THE FORECAST GROWTH I AT- IN REAL TERMS OF IMPORTS WAS ADJUSTED UPWARDS FROM 6.4 PER CENT TO 6.9 PER CENT.
GIVEN AN IMPROVED OUTLOOK FOR TRADE-RELATED SERVICES AND TOURISM, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVJ :ES WERE ALSO RAISED MARGINALLY, TO 5.8 PER CENT AND 5.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FROM THE EARLIER FORECASTS OF 5.5 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT.
IN THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE BUDGET FORECAST OF A 3.5 PER CENT INCREASE IN REAL TERMS IN PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE WAS RETAINED.
ON CAPITAL FORMATION, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION WAS RAISED FROM 0.5 PER CENT TO 1 PER CENT, AS WORK ON SOME PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECTS WAS EXPECTED TO GATHER MOMENTUM IN THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR.
”AS A RESULT, THE DECLINE IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN WAS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE SMALLER THAN WAS ENVISAGED EARLIER,” THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID.
”ON THE OTHER HAND, PARTLY BECAUSE OF CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION WAS REDUCED FROM 15 PER CENT TO 12 PER CENT,” HE SAID.
AS REGARDS EXPENDITURE ON PLANT AND MACHINERY, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE WAS KEPT AT AROUND 3 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
’’TAKING THESE COMPONENTS TOGETHER, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION WAS LITTLE CHANGED, AT AROUND 2 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS,” MR TANG SAID.
ON INFLATION, THE RECENT SPATE OF INCREASE IN FEES AND CHARGES MAY HAVE LED TO SUGGESTIONS FOR A SMALL UPWARD REVISION IN THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) FOR 1990, BY SAY HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT.
HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF FACTORS ARE CONDUCIVE TO A FURTHER MODERATION IN THE RATE OF INFLATION. THESE INCLUDE :
* MODEST GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY;
* INDICATIONS OF FURTHER EASING IN LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS AND
OF LESS RAPID INCREASE IN WAGES AND SALARIES THAN LAST YEAR;
/* A SOFTENING ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
5
* A SOFTENING OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY RENTALS;
» RECENT DEVALUATION OF THE RENMINBI AND A RELATIVELY WEAKER YEN, AS THE CURRENCIES OF TWO MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF HONG KONG’S RETAINED IMPORTS;
t STABLE WORLD COMMODITY PRICES; AND
» A SLOW-DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATES OF THE LOCAL MONEY SUPPLY AND
OF DOMESTIC LOANS AND ADVANCES THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE FOR SOME TIME.
"IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE TN THE CPI(A) SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AT 8.5 PER CENT," MR TANG SAID.
"A FURTHER REVIEW OF THE SITUATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN AUGUST," HF. SAID.
"IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT AN ANNUAL FORECAST OF 9.5 PER CENT FOR THE CPI(A) WOULD IMPLY NO FURTHER EASING, WHILE AN ANNUAL FORECAST OF 10 PER CENT OR MORE WOULD IMPLY A RE-ACCELERATION OF INFLATION.
"BOTH APPEAR UNLIKELY IN THE LIGHT OF THE TREND IN RECENT QUARTERS AND OF THE FACTORS MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1990 WILL BE ON SALE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $23 A COPY.
/FORECAST FOR.......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 6 -
FORECAST FOR 1990 RELEASED WITH THE BUDGET ON 7.3.1990 UPDATED FORE.CAST RELEASED ON 25.5.1990 (%)
(%)
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF:
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 3.5 3.5
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 10 10
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION 2 2.1
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS -5 -5
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 5.5 5
PRIVATE 0.5 1
PUBLIC 15 12
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN -3 -2
PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 2.8 2.9
PRIVATE 3 3
PUBLIC -4 -1
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 5. 7 6.1
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2.5 2
RE-EXPORTS 8 9
IMPORTS OF GOODS 6.4 6.9
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 5.5 5.8
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 5 5.4
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 3 3
PER CAPITA GDP 1.9 1.9
GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF:
GDP 12.3 12.3
PER CAPITA GDP 11 11
RATE OF INCREASE IN:
GDP DEFLATOR 9 9
DOMESTIC DEMAND DEFLATOR 7.6 7.7
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) 8.5 8.5
--------0-----------
/7........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
7
BUSY FIRST DAY IN TORONTO FOR GOVERNOR
* * * * *
ON THE FIRST DAY OF HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO TORONTO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD A BUSY DAY ON THURSDAY (MAY 24) MEETING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
HIS DAY BEGAN WITH A BREAKFAST MEETING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE.
HE THEN PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO PROVINCE, THE HONOURABLE LINCOLN J. ALEXANDER, AT THE TORONTO LEGISLATURE.
AT LUNCH IT WAS A PUBLIC APPEARANCE AS THE GUEST SPEAKER OF THE UNIVERSAL SPEAKERS FORUM BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF 800 OF THE CITY’S TOP EXECUTIVES FROM THE BANKING, BUSINESS, COMMERCE AND EDUCATION COMMUNITIES. A JOINT PRESENTATION WITH CANADIAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL, THE LUNCH WAS HELD AT THE METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE GOVERNOR CALLED ON TWO MINISTERS FOR DISCUSSIONS.
THE FIRST WAS THE HONOURABLE ROBERT WONG, MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP, RESPONSIBLE FOR RACE RELATIONS, MULTICULTURALISM AND THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
FROM THIS MEETING, SIR DAVID TOOK A WALK THROUGH CENTRAL TORONTO TO THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE HONOURABLE MONTE KWINTER.
IN THE EARLY EVENING, THE GOVERNOR PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO, THE HONOURABLE DAVID PETERSON, AT WHOSE OFFICE HE SIGNED THE DISTINGUISHED VISITORS BOOK.
HE THEN ATTENDED A DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR BY MR PETERSON AMONG THOSE ATTENDED WERE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNTiY IN TORONTO.
SIR DAVID CONCLUDES HIS VISIT TO THE CITY ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) AND AMONG HIS ENGAGEMENTS IS A BREAKFAST MEETING WITH EXECUTIVES OF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
8
DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY APPOINTED * * ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MS ALICE TAI YUEN-YING WILL BECOME THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WHEN THE NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT IS ESTABLISHED ON JULY 2 THIS YEAR.
AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B, MS TAI HAS BEEN SECONDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE NEW DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT THE REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS.
"IT WILL BECOME THE FOCAL POINT OF ACTION FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION REGIME WHICH IN DUE COURSE SHOULD INCLUDE NEW LEGISLATION ON COPYRIGHTS AND PATENTS, THE INTRODUCTION OF A REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICE MARKS AND THE STRENGTHENING OF PROTECTION FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS.
"IT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION," HE SAID.
MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN, MS TAI JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1974, AND HAD HELD VARIOUS POSTS IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION BRANCH, THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, AS WELL AS THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
MORE RECENTLY, SHE HAD SERVED IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSEUMS) IN 1983-87.
SHE WENT ON OVERSEAS TRAINING IN 1987-88 AND SERVED AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, LONDON, IN 1988-89.
SHE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS IN SEPTEMBER 1989 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B ON DECEMBER 1, 1989.
------0-------
STEPPED UP EFFORTS AGAINST SMUGGLING ANNOUNCED
A PACKAGE OF MEASURES HAS BEEN DRAWN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP ACTION AGAINST SMUGGLING INTO CHINA.
THESE INCLUDE STRICTER LICENSING CONTROL ON HIGH-POWERED SPEEDBOATS AND TIGHTER CONTROL OVER THE EXPORT OF CIGARETTES WHICH ARE POPULAR ITEMS UNLAWFULLY TAKEN INTO CHINA.
/ANNOUNCING THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
ANNOUNCING THE COUNTER MEASURES TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SUCH PREVENTIVE ACTION WAS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING ONGOING ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS UNDERTAKEN BY VARIOUS DEPARMENTS TO TACKLE THIS GROWING PROBLEM.
"WE ARE CONCERNED AT THE INCREASE IN ILLICIT ACTIVITY, INCLUDING SMUGGLING INTO CHINA, OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS," HE SAID. "THE MEASURES ARE DESIGNED TO CURB THESE ACTIVITIES."
"WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL NOT ISSUE LICENCES TO PLEASURE CRAFT WHICH HAVE MULTIPLE PETROL OUTBOARD ENGINES WITH A TOTAL RATING IN EXCESS OF 600 HORSEPOWER AND/OR WHOSE FUEL TANK CAPACITY EXCEEDS 180 GALLONS.
"IT HAS ALSO BEEN DECIDED THAT A LICENSING CONDITION WILL BE IMPOSED ON HIGH SPEED PLEASURE VESSELS PROHIBITING THEM FROM BEING USED BETWEEN SUNSET AND SUNRISE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED OWNERS OF PLEASURE CRAFT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT STRICTLY ADHERING TO LICENSING CONDITIONS. "THE LICENCE OF A PLEASURE CRAFT WHICH BREACHED LICENSING CONDITIONS BY CARRYING CARGO WAS CANCELLED ON MAY 23," HE POINTED OUT.
ON CUSTOMS CONTROL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAS DECIDED TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL ON THE EXPORT OF CIGARETTES TO CHINA.
A NEW CONTROL MEASURE WHICH HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO EFFECT TODAY IS TO RESTRICT THE ISSUE OF EXPORT PERMITS FOR CIGARETTES.
"UNDER THE NEW MEASURE, WHERE CIGARETTES ARE TO BE EXPORTED ANYWHERE BY SEA, PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED ONLY IF THE CIGARETTES ARE CARRIED BY A VESSEL OF NOT LESS THAN 250 TONS NET REGISTER OR BY A SCHEDULED PASSENGER VESSEL PERMITTED TO OPERATE IN HONG KONG WATERS BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
"ALL APPLICATIONS FOR THE EXPORT OF CIGARETTES TO CHINA WILL HAVE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE THAT THEY MAY BE LAWFULLY IMPORTED," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
IMPROVEMENTS TO INSURANCE LAW PROPOSED
*****
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH AIMS TO REMEDY TWO WEAKNESSES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE BILL CLEARS THE DOUBT ABOUT THE ENFORCEABILITY OF INSURANCE CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY UNAUTHORISED INSURERS AND RECTIFIES THE UNSATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY AN AUTHORISED INSURER IS ONLY REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY (IA) OF ANY CHANGE OF CONTROLLER AFTER THE CHANGE HAS TAKEN PLACE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/UNDER THE
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 10 -
UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE CARRYING ON OF ANY CLASS OF INSURANCE BUSINESS IN OR FROM HONG KONG IS SUBJECT TO AUTHORISATION BY THE IA.
’’HOWEVER, THERE REMAINS A DOUBT IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION AS TO WHETHER INSURANCE CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY UNAUTHORISED INSURERS ARE VALID AND ENFORCEABLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO PROTECT THE POLICY HOLDER, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT A DIRECT INSURANCE CONTRACT ISSUED BY AN UNAUTHORISED INSURER SHOULD BE ENFORCEABLE AT THE OPTION OF THE POLICY HOLDER WHO CAN CHOOSE EITHER TO ENFORCE OR VOID THE CONTRACT.
"IF THE POLICY HOLDER CHOOSES TO VOID THE CONTRACT, HE IS ALLOWED TO RECOVER ANY CONSIDERATION PAID UNDER THE CONTRACT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT A REINSURANCE CONTRACT ENTERED INTO BY AN UNAUTHORISED INSURER SHOULD BE ENFORCEABLE," HE ADDED.
"IF A REINSURANCE CONTRACT WERE TO BE UNENFORCEABLE BECAUSE OF A CONTRAVENTION BY EITHER THE INSURER OR REINSURER, THIS COULD MATERIALLY AFFECT THE ABILITY OF THE INSURER TO MEET CLAIMS OF DIRECT POLICY HOLDERS," HE SAID.
"TO PROTECT THE POLICY HOLDER, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT AN INSURER SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECOVER FROM ITS REINSURER ANY DIRECT CLAIMS PAID, WHETHER OR NOT THE INSURER OR REINSURER WERE DULY AUTHORISED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ALSO UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, AN INSURER HAS TO NOTIFY THE IA AFTER EVERY CHANGE IN CONTROLLER OF THE COMPANY AND, UPON NOTIFICATION, THE IA MAY OBJECT TO SUCH APPOINTMENT OR CHANGE IF IT APPEARS TO HIM THAT THE CONTROLLER IS NOT A FIT AND PROPER PERSON TO HOLD SUCH POSITION.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY BECAUSE IN THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS, A PERSON WHO IS NOT FIT AND PROPER SHOULD NOT BE IN CONTROL OF AN INSURER FOR EVEN A SHORT PERIOD," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE BILL PROPOSES THEREFORE TO REQUIRE PERSONS WHO ARE TO BE APPOINTED AS OR OTHERWISE TO BECOME CERTAIN TYPES OF CONTROLLERS OF AUTHORISED INSURERS TO SEEK PRIOR APPROVAL OF IA BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT OR CHANGE TAKES PLACE.
A CONTROLLER, AS DEFINED UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE ORDINANCE INCLUDES, INTER ALIA, A PERSON WHO, ALONE OR WITH AN ASSOCIATE OR NOMINEE, CONTROLS 15 PER CENT OF THE VOTING POWER OF THE INSURER (I.E. CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER).
/'•TO PREVENT.......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 11 -
"TO PREVENT AN UNFIT CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER FROM CONTINUING TO EXERCISE ANY INFLUENCE OVER AN INSURER, THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO EMPOWER IA TO IMPOSE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE SHARES HELD BY A PERSON WHO HAS BECOME A CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDER WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE IA AND, WHERE NECESSARY,TO APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE SALE OF SUCH SHARES.
’’THE RESTRICTION ORDER IMPOSED BY IA WOULD EFFECTIVELY PROHIBIT THE TRANSFER OF THE SHARES, THE EXERCISE OF VOTING RIGHTS, THE ISSUE OF BONUS SHARES AND THE PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE BILL ALSO MAKES IT AN OFFENCE TO ATTEMPT TO EVADE SUCH RESTRICTIONS,” HE ADDED.
------0-------
LAW CHANGES RECOMMENDED ON INHERITANCE
* * t t t t
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO SIMPLIFY AND MODERNISE THE LAW OF SUCCESSION UPON DEATH.
THE COMMISSION TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE LAW OF WILLS, INTESTATE SUCCESSION AND PROVISION FOR DECEASED PERSONS’ FAMILIES AND DEPENDANTS.
THE REPORT WAS THE RESULT OF FIVE YEARS WORK BY THE COMMISSION, AND A SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR B.S. MCELNEY TO EXPLORE IN DETAIL THIS COMPLEX BUT IMPORTANT AREA OF THE LAW.
THE PROPOSALS RECOGNISE THE SOCIAL AND LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE THE LAST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THIS AREA OF THE LAW IN 1971.
RECENT OVERSEAS LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES HAVE ALSO PROVIDED USEFUL EXAMPLES OF HOW OTHER JURISDICTIONS HAVE MODIFIED THE LAW IN THIS AREA.
THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL WILL AFFECT ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AS THEY ENCOMPASS BOTH THE SITUATION WHERE A DECEASED HAS MADE A WILL AND THE SITUATION WHERE HE HAS FAILED TO DO SO.
THE EXISTING LAW GOVERNING THE POSITION WHERE A DECEASED LEAVES A WILL IS IN THE COMMISSION’S VIEW EXCESSIVELY TECHNICAL.
THE WILLS ORDINANCE IMPOSES A NUMBER OF FORMAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH MUST BE SATISFIED FOR A WILL TO BE VALID.
IN PARTICULAR, THE REQUIREMENT THAT A TESTATOR’S SIGNATURE BE IN A PARTICULAR PLACE, THAT IS, AT THE END OF THE WILL, HAS RESULTED IN WILLS BEING HELD INVALID AND THE TESTATOR’S CLEAR INTENTIONS BEING DEFEATED.
/THE LAW .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 12 -
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS THAT WILL SUBSTANTIALLY RELAX THESE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT RETAINS THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT THAT THE TESTATOR SIGNS THE WILL IN THE PRESENCE OF TWO WITNESSES.
WHILST THE EXISTING FORMAL REQUIREMENTS OF WILLS ARE OVERLY STRINGENT, THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A PROVISION WHICH IS EXCESSIVELY LAX. THE PROVISION PRESENTLY PROVIDES THAT ANY WILL OF A CHINESE TESTATOR, WRITTEN WHOLLY OR SUBSTANTIALLY IN CHINESE AND SIGNED BY THE TESTATOR, SHALL BE VALID ALTHOUGH FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE FORMALITIES.
THIS PROVISION ALLOWS INFORMAL WILL-MAKING BY THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION WITHOUT ANY FORMAL CHECK AS TO AUTHENTICITY.
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THIS LACK OF SAFEGUARDS AGAINST FORGERY AND THE LIKE UNSATISFACTORY. IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS, THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT PROVISION RELATING TO CHINESE WILLS.
IT RECOMMENDS A PROVISION APPLYING TO ALL WILLS TO THE EFFECT THAT IF THE DOCUMENT IS SIGNED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE TESTATOR AND IT APPEARS TO THE COURT TO BE ONE WHICH THE TESTATOR INTENDED TO BE HIS WILL, THEN REGARDLESS OF ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS IT IS A VALID WILL. THE COMMISSION BELIEVES THAT THIS PROVISION WILL ENSURE BOTH SIMPLICITY AND RELATIVE CERTAINTY IN THE LAW.
THE COMMISSION HAS FUNDAMENTAL AMENDMENTS TO REMOVING THE ANOMALIES • THAT PROVISIONS HAVE CREATED.
ALSO RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF LESS
THE WILLS ORDINANCE WITH THE AIM OF
THE SOMETIMES ARCHAIC EXISTING LEGAL
MANY PEOPLE DIE WITHOUT LEAVING WILLS AND ARE THEN SAID TO HAVE DIED "INTESTATE". THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE 1971 GOVERNS THE MANNER IN WHICH AN INTESTATE ESTATE IS TO BE ADMINISTERED.
THE ORDINANCE CONTAINS A NUMBER OF RULES WHICH ARE BASED UPON THE ASSUMPTION THAT PEOPLE WHO DIE INTESTATE WOULD, IF THEY HAD MADE A WILL, HAVE WISHED TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEAR RELATIONS.
THE PRIMARY ASSUMPTION IS THAT PEOPLE WISH TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR WIDOWS OR WIDOWERS AND FOR THEIR CHILDREN EQUALLY.
BUT IN THE COMMISSION’S VIEW THE EXISTING ORDINANCE INSUFFICIENTLY IMPLEMENTS THESE ASSUMPTIONS.
AT PRESENT WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN A SURVIVING SPOUSE IS ENTITLED TO ONLY $50,000 AND ONE HALF OF THE REMAINDER OF THE ESTATE, AND WHERE THERE ARE NO CHILDREN THE AMOUNT IS $200,000.
/THE COMMISSION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 19°i>
- 13 -
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT THE LEVEL OF THESE STATUTORY LEGACIES IS PRESENTLY TOO LOW. NOR DO THE EXISTING PROVISIONS CONFER DIRECTLY ON A SURVIVING SPOUSE THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE THE INTESTATE’S INTERESTS IN THE MATRIMONIAL HOME WITH THE STATUTORY LEGACIES.
THE COMMISSION ACCORDINGLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STATUTORY LEGACY LEVELS TO THE SURVIVING SPOUSE BE INCREASED TO $500,000 WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN, AND $1,000,000 WHERE THERE ARE NO CHILDREN.
THESE AMOUNTS ARE MUCH MORE IN KEEPING WITH CURRENT PROPERTY PRICES AND SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THE PURCHASE OF THE AVERAGE SMALL MATRIMONIAL HOME.
THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT THE SURVIVING SPOUSE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACQUIRE THE INTERESTS OF THE DECEASED IN THE MATRIMONIAL HOME. THE INCREASED STATUTORY LEGACY LEVELS WILL FACILITATE THE EXERCISE OF THIS RIGHT.
ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE EXISTING LAW WHICH THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS UNSATISFACTORY RELATES TO THE PERSONAL CHATTELS OF AN INTESTATE.
UNDER THE EXISTING LAW WHERE AN INTESTATE IS SURVIVED NOT ONLY BY THE SPOUSE BUT ALSO OTHER RELATIONS, THAT SURVIVING SPOUSE DOES NOT INHERIT THE PERSONAL CHATTELS.
AT MOST HE OR SHE MAY BE PERMITTED TO BUY THEM OUT OF HIS OR HER STATUTORY LEGACY. THIS CREATES THE POTENTIAL FOR FAMILY QUARRELS.
THE COMMISSION ACCORDINGLY RECOMMENDS THAT A SURVIVING SPOUSE INHERIT FROM THE INTESTATE THE HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS THAT ONE COULD REASONABLY EXPECT TO BE IN OR ABOUT A MATRIMONIAL HOME.
THE COMMISSION ALSO CONSIDERS THAT THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE OPERATES UNFAIRLY DUE TO ITS DEFINITION OF CHILD.
AS A RESULT WHERE A HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE EACH IN THEIR SECOND MARRIAGE, PREVIOUS CHILDREN OF THE HUSBAND ARE DEEMED TO BE HIS SECOND WIFE’S CHILDREN, BUT PREVIOUS CHILDREN OF THE WIFE ARE NOT DEEMED TO BE HER SECOND HUSBAND’S CHILDREN. ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN ARE ALSO EXCLUDED.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF A NEW DEFINITION OF CHILD WHICH WILL ABOLISH THESE ANOMALIES AND PROVIDE THAT RELATIONSHIPS BE CONSTRUED REGARDLESS OF THE CONCEPT OF LEGITIMACY.
THE CONCEPT OF ILLEGITIMACY ALSO UNFAIRLY AFFECTS THE DETERMINATION OF THE RIGHT OF RELATIVES TO INHERIT FROM AN ILLEGITIMATE INTESTATE. SIMILARLY, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT IN DETERMINING THESE RIGHTS THE ILLEGITIMACY OF THE INTESTATE IS IRRELEVANT.
/IN DISCARDING .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 19 >
14
IN DISCARDING THE RELEVANCE OF ILLEGITIMACY IN DETERMINING RIGHTS OF INHERITANCE, THE COMMISSION IS MINDFUL OF ARTICLE 26 OF HE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT OF CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS WHICH AMONG OTHER THINGS PROVIDES THAT PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ON THE BASIS OF SOCIAL ORIGIN OR BIRTH.
THE LAW OF INHERITANCE IN HONG KONG IS COMPLICATED BY THE FACT THAT WHILST THE LEGISLATION ON THE MATTER GENE1 Y FOLLOWS THAT OF ENGLAND, A DEGREE OF STATUTORY RECOGNITION ALSO ACCORDED TO CHINESE CUSTOMARY LAW. THUS CONCUBINAGE IS RECOGNISED IF IT WAS ENTERED INTO PRIOR TO OCTOBER 7, 1971.
THE RULES RELATING TO CONCUR I NACE ARE COMPLEX AND IN SOME RESPECTS ANOMALOUS AND THE COMMISSK HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BE MODIFIED.
IN ONE SPHERE CHINESE CUSTOMARY LAW DISPLACES THE OPERATION OF THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE ALTOGETHER. CHINESE CUSTOMARY LAW STILL GOVERNS INHERITANCE UPON INTESTACY IN RESPECT OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH IS NOT EXEMPTED UNDER THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE.
CHINESE CUSTOMARY LAW FAVOURS DESCENT THROUGH THE MALE LINE AND DAUGHTERS CAN BE CUT OUT OF AN INHERITANCE.
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS IT DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY THIS PRESERVATION OF CUSTOMARY LAW IN THIS CONTEXT AND RECOMMENDS THAT IT BE ABOLISHED AND THAT THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE APPLY.
IF A COMPLETE ABOLITION ( I IS CUSTOMARY LAW IS CONSIDERED UNACCEPTABLE, THE COMMISSION PROl'OSLS THE VERY LEAST THAT SHOULD BE DONE IS THAT THE LAW BE AMENDED, SO THAT ITS OPERATION IS LIMITED ONLY TO NON-EXEMPTED LAND IN T MI'W TORIES WHICH IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF OR HELD FOR T INEI•■T OF A CHINESE CLAN, FAMILY, TONG OR TSO. LAND REGISTER! ID OTHERWISE WOULD ACCORDINGLY DEVOLVE UPON INTESTACY UNDEI ill NORMAL PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE WILLS ORDINANCE : ON THE BASIS THAT A WILL-MAKING TESTATOR IS FREE TO DISPOS Oi In PROPERTY TO WHOM HE PLEASES. BUT THIS PRINCIPLE OF FREEDOM TARY DISPOSITION CAN RESULT IN INADEQUATE PROVISION FOR A TESTATOR’S DEPENDANTS.
THE DECEASED'S FAMIi ■. ANCE ORDINANCE GIVES JURISDICTION TO THE COURTS TO INTERFERE i'Hii TESTATOR’S EXPRESSED TESTAMENTARY INTENTIONS IN CASES WHERE RE PROVISION HAD NOT BEEN MADE FOR THE DEPENDANT’S MAINTENANCE.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO M TP EASED HAD NOT MADE A WILL AND THE PROVISIONS OF STAT1 I STATES ORDINANCE DETERMINE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE IN ORI ER I'O AVOID HARDSHIP IN PARTICULAR CASES.
/THE PRESENT .......
FRlfiAY, MAY 25, 1990
THE PRESENT ORDINANCE LIMITS THE CLASSES OF THOSE ENTITLED TO CLAIM UNDER IT TO THE DECEASED’S SPOUSES, LEGITIMATE UNMARRIED DAUGHTERS’ LEGITIMATE INFANT SONS, LEGITIMATE ADULT SONS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY DISABLED, AND A PARENT SUBSTANTIALLY MAINTAINED BY THE DECEASED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO HIS DEATH.
THESE CLASSES ARE OBVIOUSLY RESTRICTIVE AND THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT THESE QUALIFICATIONS ON ENTITLEMENT TO CLAIM BE SUBSTANTIALLY RELAXED.
TO ACCOMMODATE LEGITIMATE CLAIMS BY THOSE OUTSIDE THE DECEASED’S IMMEDIATE FAMILY THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THE INCLUSION OF A NEW CLASS OF PERSONS ENTITLED TO APPLY, NAMELY ANY PERSON WHO IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE DEATH OF THE DECEASED WAS BEING MAINTAINED BY HIM.
AT PRESENT IN FAMILY MAINTENANCE PROCEEDINGS THE COURT IS ONLY EMPOWERED TO ORDER THAT MAINTENANCE BE PAID. CAPITAL PAYMENTS MAY NOT BE ORDERED.
TO INCREASE THE COURT’S FLEXIBILITY THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT ITS POWERS BE EXTENDED SO THAT THEY ARE SIMILAR TO THE COURT’S POWERS TO ORDER FINANCIAL PROVISION IN MATRIMONIAL PROCEEDINGS.
THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT THE MATTERS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY A COURT WHEN CONSIDERING A FAMILY MAINTENANCE APPLICATION BE SPELT OUT IN GREATER DETAIL.
AS A TESTATOR MAY WISH TO SO ARRANGE HIS AFFAIRS AS RENDER FRUITLESS ANY APPLICATION AFTER HIS DEATH, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THE ENACTMENT OF AN ANTI-AVOIDANCE PROVISION. THIS WOULD CONFER UPON COURTS CERTAIN POWERS TO SET ASIDE TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE INTENDED TO AVOID APPLICATIONS FOR.FAMILY MAINTENANCE.
- - 0 - -
ANTI-POLLUTION VIDEO ON SALE *****
A VIDEO ON THE ENVIRONMENT PRODUCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AS PART OF ITS ANTI-POLLUTION PACK, IS NOW ON SALE.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE VIDEO TAPE CONSISTS OF FIVE SECTIONS ON WATER, WASTE, AIR, NOISE AND A GENERAL INTRODUCTION, AND IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS.
ENTITLED "ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT", THE VIDEO AIMS TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE SCALE AND NATURE OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE COMMUNITY.
/THE ENGLISH
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 16 -
THE ENGLISH VERSION AND CHINESE VERSION OF THE VIDEO, AT $70 EACH, CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE EPD AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
THE VIDEO HAD TAKEN A YEAR TO PRODUCE AND INVOLVED FILMING IN AS MANY AS 120 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THESE RANGED FROM LANDFILL SITES TO CLASSROOMS; FROM BACKSTREETS RUNNING DEEP WITH FACTORY EFFLUENT TO THE STILLNESS OF COUNTRY PARKS; FROM BENEATH THE FLIGHT PATHS OF JET AIRCRAFT TO SEWAGE WORKS, INCINERATORS, POLLUTED BEACHES AND EAR-SPLITTING CONSTRUCTION SITES.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THE VIDEO CAN APPROACH THE EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION AT 27TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; OR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
---------0-----------
CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED TO PROMOTE FRENCH INVESTMENT IN HK ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO PROMOTE FRENCH INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE PROJECT IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY EDITIONS TECHNIQUES PROFESSIONNELS, A SUBSIDIARY OF CNPF INTERNATIONAL, A PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION IN FRANCE WITH 170 MEMBER FEDERATIONS.
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID THERE WAS SCOPE FOR EXPANDING FRENCH INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
"IN THIS CHANGING DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT, WORLD TRADE IS LIKELY TO EXPAND, PARTICULARLY TRADE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WHERE HONG KONG IS LOCATED.
"FURTHERMORE, ECONOMIC REALITIES ALSO POINT TO THE CONTINUAL EXPANSION OF CHINA’S TRADE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.
"AND HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO PLAY AN INCREASINGLY PIVOTAL ROLE BOTH AS A REGIONAL CENTRE AND AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ALSO HIGHLIGHTED HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A SUPPORT CENTRE IN PROVIDING FINANCIAL, MARKETING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN SOUTH CHINA AND ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION.
HE SAID THE COMPANY WOULD WORK WITH THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS TO DEVELOP INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION STRATEGIES SPECIFICALLY TAILORED FOR THE FRENCH MARKET WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING FRENCH INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
/17........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 17 -
NEW AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ORDER COMES INTO EFFECT *****
AN ORDER PROMULGATING AMENDMENTS TO AN EXISTING ORDER GOVERNING HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF AIRCRAFT USING THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDER 1990 WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE ORDER HAS EXEMPTED PART OF THE CAPE COLLINSON CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY SITE FROM EXISTING AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION DESCRIBED ON A NEW PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID: "THE PURPOSE OF THE EXEMPTION IS TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL OPEN AIR OSSUARY NICHE BLOCKS TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN DEMAND IN THE COMING YEARS."
THE ORDER ALSO RECTIFIES A CLERICAL ERROR IN ONE OF THE AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS PLANS BY INTRODUCING A NEW PLAN TO IMPOSE THE INTENDED HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR AN AREA WHICH COVERS PART OF TUNG LUNG CHAU AND PO TOI O.
THE INTENDED HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR THE AREA CONCERNED WILL BE IN THE REGION OF 200 METRES ABOVE PRINCIPLE DATUM.
"IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT ANY EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AS THE AREA CONCERNED LIES IN THE REMOTE COUNTRYSIDE, NO CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION IS EXPECTED," HE ADDED.
------0-------
ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES
*****
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF RESOURCES AND IMPROVED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ARE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE ANNUAL ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOI. PLACES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN WAS ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA ON THIS YEAR’S AI.LOCATION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SHA TIN AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS.
"SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ARE ALLOCATED ON A TERRITORY-WIDE, AND NOT DISTRICT BASIS," HE SAID.
/THIS MEANS
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
18
THIS MEANS, HE EXPLAINED, THAT SURPLUS SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN ONE DISTRICT, FOR EXAMPLE SHA TIN, WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN BY STUDENTS FROM OTHER DISTRICTS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME SHOWED SOME DEVIATION FROM STUDENT POPULATION PROJECTIONS PROBABLY BECAUSE FORMER URBAN RESIDENTS NOW LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE STILL SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO STUDY IN THEIR FORMER DISTRICTS.
THIS OBVIOUSLY AFFECTED THE DISTRIBUTION OF TYPE A (GOVERNMENT AIDED, ASSISTED PRIVATE OR CAPUT GRANT SCHOOLS) AND TYPE B (PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH BOUGHT PLACES) SCHOOL PLACES AND SHORTAGES WOULD HAVE TO BE FILLED BY OTHER DISTRICTS WITH SURPLUS PLACES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE CASE OF SHA TIN, HE SAID A SHORTAGE OF TYPE B PLACES HAD TO BE FILLED BY A SURPLUS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPRECIATES THE CONCERN OF PARENTS IN OPTING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND THE EXPECTATION THAT THE ALLOCATED SCHOOL WOULD BE AS CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOCATED SCHOOLS WHERE THEY CAN REACH WITH THE EASY AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUCH AS BUSES OR TRAINS."
HE ADDED THAT THE SHA TIN SITUATION SHOULD IMPROVE IN THE ALLOCATION NEXT YEAR AS THE PRIMARY 6 POPULATION WILL INCREASE AND AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WILL NOT BE ANY NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR THE AREA IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
FOLLOWING ARE STATISTICS FOR SHA TIN AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS (THESE FIGURES ARE TENTATIVE AS THE PROCESSING OF THE CROSS-NET TRANSFER AND DISCRETIONARY PLACES IN TYPE A SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAS NOT YET BEEN FINALISED):
SHA TIN
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO TYPE A 49
SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO TYPE A 244
SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TAI PO
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO TYPE B 219
SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS (ALL OF TYPE A) IN OWN DISTRICT
512 (7.1%)
6,750 (92.9%)
TOTAL: 7,262
/NO. OF ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 19 -
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES 8,314
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES RESERVED FOR OWN DISTRICT 6,750
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES RESERVED FOR KOWLOON 1,564
THE ALLOCATION OF 49 PUPILS TO KOWLOON IS BECAUSE THREE TYPE A SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON HAVE LINKAGES, UNDER THE NOMINATED SCHOOLS SCHEME, WITH FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN.
SOME 460 PUPILS NEED BE ALLOCATED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT PARTLY BECAUSE SHA TIN DOES NOT HAVE ANY TYPE B SCHOOLS AND PARTLY BECAUSE THERE IS A SURPLUS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT AS A WHOLE. THESE SURPLUS PLACES WILL BE TAKEN UP BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS FROM SHA TIN. THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL REDUCE THE TRAVELLING TIME SPENT BY PUPILS AS A WHOLE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE CONSEQUENTIAL SURPLUS OF SOME 1,500 SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TAKEN BY GRADUATING PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS FROM KOWLOON.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO SECONDARY 857
SCHOOLS IN OTHER DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO SECONDARY 418
SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON
1,275 (37.7%)
NO. OF PUPILS ALLOCATED TO SECONDARY 2,103 (62.3%)
SCHOOLS IN OWN DISTRICT
TOTAL: 3,378
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES 2,765
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES 2,103
RESERVED FOR OWN DISTRICT
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES 652
RESERVED FOR OTHER DISTRICTS ON
HONG KONG ISLAND
NO. OF SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES 10
RESERVED FOR ISLANDS DISTRICT
/ABOUT 400 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 20 -
ABOUT 400 PUPILS NEED TO 00 TO KOWLOON BECAUSE THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THIS DISTRICT. ALSO, IN ORDER THAT PUPILS IN A DISTRICT CAN HAVE A WIDER RANGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO CHOOSE, SCHOOLS ARE ALLOWED AND ENCOURAGED, UNDER THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM, TO SERVE A NUMBER OF DISTRICTS PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE PUPILS FROM THE DISTRICTS THEY SERVE.
TEN PUPILS FROM LAMMA ISLAND WILL TAKE UP SECONDARY 1 SCHOOL PLACES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN AS THIS IS THE C-.LY POSSIBLE TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN LAMMA ISLAND AND THE OTHER NETS THAT CAN PROVIDE PLACES FOR ITS PUPILS.
-----0------
HIGHER SAFETY STANDARDS IN USE OF ELECTRICITY
******
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AND THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE AND ITS' SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE PUBLIC WILL ENJOY A HIGHER STANDARD OF SAFETY AT WORK SITES, IN THE OFFICE OR AT LEISURE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, IN A SPEECH AT THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER PARTY OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRIC TRADE ASSOCIATION THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED ON MARCH 23 THIS YEAR. TOGETHER WITH ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, IT IS AIMED AT ACHIEVING THE DUAL PURPOSE OF:
- REPLACING THE EXISTING ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ORDINANCE THE PROVISIONS OF WHICH HAVE BECOME OUT OF DATE AND DEFICIENT IN A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT AREAS; AND
- INTRODUCING MEASURES TO IMPROVING SAFETY STANDARDS IN RELATION TO ELECTRICAL WORK AND APPLIANCES.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR KWOK TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER ELABORATE ON THE MAJOR ASPECTS OF THE LEGISLATION AND HOW ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN DUE COURSE WOULD COVER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARTIES CONCERNED IN THE ELECTRICAL FIELD, INVOLVING NOT JUST SUPPLY COMPANIES BUT ALSO CONSUMERS, WHO AT THE SAME TIME WERE OWNERS OF INSTALLATIONS.
REGARDING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS, MR KWOK SAID A SET OF REGULATIONS STIPULATING THE SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS WAS BEING DRAFTED AND WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION SHORTLY.
/HE SAID ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 21 -
HE SAID THAT SUBSEQUENT TO ITS EVENTUAL ENACTMENT, A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WOULD BE LAUNCHED TO INFORM THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC OF THE DETAILS OF THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM.
THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WOULD INCLUDE SEMINARS, DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS THROUGH VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES AND BROADCASTING OF API’S (ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) OVER TELEVISION AND RADIO, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AT MAKING A START ON REGISTERING WORKERS LATER IN THE YEAR.
TURNING TO SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, MR KWOK SAID ANOTHER SET OF REGULATIONS, THE PROPOSED ELECTRICITY (WIRING) REGULATIONS, WAS ALSO BEING PREPARED TO SET OUT THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMERS’ FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, OF EITHER LOW OR HIGH VOLTAGE, IN BUILDINGS AND PREMISES.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD PUBLISH A CODE OF PRACTICE PROVIDING TECHNICAL GUIDELINES TO HELP THE TRADE TO COMPLY WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
MR KWOK SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BRING THE PROVISIONS OF THESE REGULATIONS INTO OPERATION AFTER THE COMPLETION OF REGISTERING EXISTING CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS, WHICH WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS OR SO.
--------0-----------
POSTPAK CARTONS ON SALE AT POST OFFICES
*»»♦»♦
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE INTRODUCTION OF ANOTHER POSTPAK PRODUCT — THE POSTPAK CARTONS — FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS.
THE CARTONS WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES (EXCEPT MOBILE POST OFFICES) FROM JUNE 11.
THESE CARTONS ARE MADE OF STRONG CORRUGATED CARDBOARD TO FACILITATE PACKING ITEMS SENT BY PARCEL POST, AND ARE AVAILABLE IN TWO POPULAR SIZES:
SIZE CODE DIMENSIONS (CM) PRICE
1 40 X 24 X 15 $11
2 50 X 28 X 20 $16
POSTERS SHOWING THESE CARTONS ARE ON DISPLAY AT ALL POST OFFICES. EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
POSTPAK ENVELOPES ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE IN FOUR DIFFERENT SIZES.
------0--------
/22.......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 22 -
RECLAMATIONS AT TAI A CHAU AUTHORISED ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CARRY OUT TWO RECLAMATIONS AT TAI A CHAU AND CONSTRUCT A SMALL BOAT PONTOON LANDING FACILITY AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG.
THE RECLAMATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 9.51 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI A CHAU TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE BERTHING OF BOATS, CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS.
A SMALL BOAT PONTOON LANDING FACILITY FOR USE BY THE MARINE POLICE WILL BE BUILT WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1,125 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE OPERATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE NEW MARINE POLICE DIVISION BASE BEING CONSTRUCTED AT THE TUI MIN HOI SITE.
WORK ON THE PROJECTS WILL COMMENCE LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED ABOUT MID 1991.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEABEDS INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKINGS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE MAY 24, 1991.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
------0-------
THREE LOTS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
*****
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON JUNE 22 AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS A 2,900-SQUARE-METRE GODOWN SITE LOCATED AT HOI CHAK STREET, QUARRY BAY, HONG KONG.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,530 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1994.
/THE OTHER .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 23 -
THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE IS LOCATED IN AREA 29B, FANLING AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,841 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 2,324 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
THE OTHER SITE IS LOCATED IN AREA 2A, TUEN MUN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,400 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING GODOWN, PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE PLOT RATIO IS 9.5/5 AND MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE IS 66.6 PER CENT. A BUILDING OR BUILDINGS HAVE TO BE COMPLETED WITH IN 48 MONTHS.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
------0--------
GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT ABERDEEN *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $88 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT THE JUNCTION OF ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD AND TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD IN ABERDEEN.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (HONG KONG), MR LEUNG MIN-SUN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC CORPORATION, MR HUANG XUNGENG.
THE INTERCHANGE WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING SIGNAL CONTROLLED JUNCTION AT ABERDEEN AND TIN WAN PRAYA ROADS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT KELLETT BAY.
/CONSTRUCTION WORK .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
24
CONSTRUCTION WORK INCLUDED A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE FOR VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS AT THE JUNCTION OF ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD, TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD AND TIN WAN HILL ROAD; A NEW FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM NFAR TIN WAN STREET TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE OPPOSITE ABERDEEN FISHERIES AND MARINE OFFICE; AND ASSOCIATED AMENITY AREAS, FOOTWAYS, ISLANDS, CENTRAL DIVIDERS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
OTHER ROAD WORKS INVOLVE WIDENING, RECONSTRUCTION AND RESURFACING OF ABERDEEN PRAVA ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD; RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION !■ \CH OF TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD ANP TIN WAN STREET; AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE OPEN AIR LORRIES AND COACHES CARPARK ADJACENT TO THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALES FISH MARKET AND THE PUBLIC CARPARK NEAR YUE KO STREET.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS, APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. UPON COMPLETION, THERE WILL BE UNRESTRICTED TRAFFIC MOVEMENT.
--------0-----------
FIRE SERVICES COMMENDED FOR PROMPT ACTION
******
PROMPT ACTION TAKEN BY MEMBERS STOPPING A FISHING TRAWLER FROM SINKING MASTER OF THE TRAWLER.
OF THE FIRE SERVICES IN HAD WON PRAISE FROM THE
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT SHEUNG WAN FIRE STATION TODAY (FRIDAY), tut? MASTER OF THE FISHING TRAWLER, MR KWOK CHI-KIN, PRESENTED A SILVER PLATE TO THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR RAYMOND JOHNSTON, AS A GESTURE OF APPRECIATION.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR GREEN ISLAND IN THE MARCH 12 THIS YEAR WHEN THE TAIL SHAFT OF THE FISHING INTO SEA AND LEFT A HOLE IN THE HULL OF THE 1RAWLER. IT IN WATER AND WAS IN DANGER OF SINKING.
AFTER RECEIVING A REPORT FROM THE MASTER OF FIREBOAT "ALEXANDER GRANTHAM" WAS DEPLOYED TO THE SCENE THE TRAWLER NEAR KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR.
AFTERNOON OF TRAWLER FELL BEGAN TAKING
THE TRAWLER,
AND LOCATED
FIREMEN ON BOARD "ALEXANDER GRANTHAM GAVE PUMPING OUT WATER FROM THE TRAWLER AND IN COVERING WOODEN PLANKS. THE TRAWLER WAS LATER TOWED FOR REPAIR.
ASSISTANOE IN THE HOLE WITH
THE SAME STATION THE CHIEF FIRE PUBLIC SPIRITED
MEANWHILE, AT A SEPARATE CEREMONY HELD AT EARLIER TODAY, FIREMAN WONG WING-WAI WAS PRESEN I ED OFFICER’S COMMENDATION FOR HIS BRAVERY, PROMPT AND ACTION IN RESCUING AN OLD WOMAN FROM THE SLA.
/ABOUT 9 AM .......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
25
ABOUT 9 AM ON MARCH 13 WHEN HE WAS OFF DUTY, MR WONG SAW A WOMAN DROWNING AT SEA NEAR KOWLOON CITY PIER. DESPITE THE CHILLY WEATHER, HE IMMEDIATELY JUMPED INTO THE SEA AND BROUGHT HER TO SHORE.
HE APPLIED CARDIAC PULMONARY RESUSCITATION TO THE WOMAN UNTIL THE AMBULANCE ARRIVED AND TOOK HER TO HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
THE COMMENDATION WAS PRESENTED BY MR RAYMOND JOHNSTON.
----------------0------- NORTH FARM SHOW TO OPEN TOMORROW ******
THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW WILL BE STAGED AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND FROM SATURDAY TO MONDAY (MAY 26 TO 28).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHOW’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SHOW IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC AND LOCAL FARMERS ABOUT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN AGRICULTURE AND TO PROMOTE THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN ON LOK TSUEN IN THE FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN.
ON SHOW WILL BE FARM ANIMALS SUCH AS PIGS, DAIRY CATTLE AND GOATS, AND POULTRY SUCH AS CHICKENS, DUCKS AND GEESE, AND ALSO PIGEONS AND QUAIL.
STALLS WILL DISPLAY VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS GROWN IN NORTH DISTRICT, LIVESTOCK FEED, AGRICULTURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS, TOOLS, AUXILIARY TRADES, LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL, AND POLLUTION CONTROL.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE A STALL ON FARMING CHARACTERISTICS'AND MARICULTURE IN THE DISTRICT.
INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITS WILL INCLUDE RATTAN FURNITURE, GARMENTS, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, SPORTING GOODS, FEATHER FANS AND SOAPS.
THE SHOW, SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE FROM 1 PM TO 6 PM TOMORROW AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY. %
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU; DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR ALFRED CHAN; NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
- - 0 - -
/26
FRIDAY, MAY 25,
1990
26
RE-REGISTRATION OF PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH (RCB) OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON ALL PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS IN SPORTS, MUSIC AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO REGISTER WITH THE RCB BEFORE NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 31).
THE AIM OF THIS EXERCISE IS TO UPDATE THE INFORMATION OF ALL REGISTERED INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE RCB.
FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT RCB AT 25TH FLOOR, SHUI ON CENTRE, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 866 0794 DURING OFFICE
HOURS
ALL REGISTERED INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED FORMS TO THE RCB BEFORE MAY 31.
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CHAI WAN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE ON MOVE
THE CHAI WAN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM ITS NEW ADDRESS AT 233 CHAI WAN ROAD, NEW JADE GARDEN, LEVEL 2 FROM JUNE 4, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING INFANT AND CHILD HEALTH CARE, IMMUNISATION, COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SERVICE, ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL CARE, AND FAMILY PLANNING.
THE HOURS OF OPERATION WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
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/27
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 27 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE * » ♦ ♦
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 24 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
JUNE 1 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 2 (SATURDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 8 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 9 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 14 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 15 (FRIDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 21 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 22 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 23 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 30 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN TO BE CLOSED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSUEN WAN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURE IS ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT E, 13TH FLOOR, SAM WO BUILDING, 14-24 CHUNG ON STREET.
/NOTICE OF ......
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 28 -
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 29 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
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WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND TAI KOK TSUI *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8.30 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 27) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT SHAM TSENG, TSING LUNG TAU AND CHOI YUEN TSUEN.
ALSO TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 30).
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, TONG MI ROAD, FIR STREET, FUK TSUN STREET, WALNUT STREET AND TUNG CHAU STREET.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DUALLING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 27):
* THE EXISTING RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST INTO KA ON STREET WILL BE BANNED FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FOUR WEEKS UNTIL SIGNALISATION OF THIS JUNCTION IS COMPLETED.
* VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST HEADING FOR KA ON STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO SHEUNG WAN FIRE STATION AND WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST TO JOIN KA ON STREET.
/* VEHICLES EXITING ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 29 -
♦ VEHICLES EXITING NORTHWARDS FROM WATER STREET AT ITS
JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT, RIGHT OR PROCEED STRAIGHT AHEAD.
* ONLY FRANCHISED BUSES EXITING SOUTHWARDS FROM WATER STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM 5 AM TO 7 AM DAILY.
» VEHICLES EXITING FROM WHITTY STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT.
* VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO BEYOND WESTERN STREET AND PROCEED TO THE JUNCTION OF HILL ROAD, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
* AT THE JUNCTION OF HILL ROAD, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO THE WESTERN CARGO HANDLING AREA; VEHICLES EXITING FROM THE SURFACE ROAD OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT AND PROCEED TO KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA OR TURN LEFT INTO EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST; AND VEHICLES ON HILL ROAD AND ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED VIA A TWO-LANE SLIP ROAD TO JOIN EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
-----------------0------- URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN DISTRICT *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 27), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS DAILY:
* THE SECTION OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KA ON STREET, EXCLUDING THE LAY-BYS;
* THE SOUTHERN LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WHITTY STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD LEADING TO THE WESTERN CARGO HANDLING AREA;
* THE SOUTHERN LANE OF THE SURFACE ROAD OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CENTRE STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTERN STREET;
* THE NORTHERN LANE OF THE SURFACE ROAD OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WHITTY STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST;
/* THE SOUTHERN ........
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 30 -
* THE SOUTHERN LANE OF THE SURFACE ROAD OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WHITTY STREET TO ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST;
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST;
* THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST;
* THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
» THE NORTHERN LANE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL ROAD;
* THE SOUTHERN LANE OF WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WATER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN WATER STREET AND CHIU KWONG STREET;
* THE SECTION . OF WATER STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE EASTERN LANE OF HILL ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
/31
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1990
- 31 -
FARE REVISION ON NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FARES OF THREE NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE REVISED ON SUNDAY (MAY 27).
THEY ARE ROUTE 36 (YUEN LONG FOOK HONG STREET TO TAI SANG WAI RURAL OFFICE), ROUTE 37 (YUEN LONG FOOK HONG STREET TO YAU TAM MEI VILLAGE OFFICE) AND ROUTE 38 (YUEN LONG FOOK HONG STREET TO HA CHUK YUEN).
THE FULL FARE PER SINGLE JOURNEY ON THESE SERVICES WILL BE REVISED FROM $3 TO $3.50.
FOR JOURNEYS BETWEEN YUEN LONG TOWN AND CHUK YUEN VEGETABLE STATION, AND JOURNEYS BETWEEN AU TAU AND HA CHUK YUEN, THE SECTION FARES WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2.50 TO $3.
THE SECTION FARES FOR JOURNEYS BETWEEN FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD AND TAI SANG WAI RURAL OFFICE, NGAU TAM MEI ROAD AND YAU TAM MEI VILLAGE OFFICE, CHUK YUEN ACCESS ROAD AND HA CHUK YUEN WILL BE INCREASED BY 20 CENTS TO $1.70.
NOTICES WILL BE PUT UP BY THE GMB OPERATOR AT TERMINAL POINTS AND INSIDE VEHICLES TO INFORM PASSENGERS OF THE FARE REVISION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR ENDS OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA ................................................ 1
GREAT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL FOR NORTH DISTRICT......................................... 1
SHING MUN TUNNELS RELIEVE CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL .............................. 2
BETTER ACCESS TO NORWAY FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS ......................................... 4
NEW IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ON ADMISSION OF FOREIGNERS ................................. 5
MARINE DEPT OFFICES OPENING HOURS DURING HOLIDAY ...................................... 6
POST OFFICE SERVICES TO BOUGAINVILLE AFFECTED.......................... • 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR YAU MA TEI DRAGON BOAT RACES ................................ 7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE ........................ 7
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE............................... 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN STANLEY .............................................. 8
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
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GOVERNOR ENDS OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ENDED HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO CANADA, THE FIRST BY A GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, WITH A MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) WITH 16 EXECUTIVES REPRESENTING CHAPTERS OF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IS THE LARGEST BILATERAL TRADE ASSOCIATION IN CANADA AND AIMS AT PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING COMMERCIAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND INDUSTRIES.
SIR DAVID ALSO VISITED THE TORONTO OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS THEIR WORK.
BEFORE LEAVING FOR LONDON, SIR DAVID SAID HE FELT HIS VISIT HAD GONE WELL.
’’IT’S ACHIEVED THE SORT OF THINGS THAT I WANTED TO ACHIEVE WHEN I SET OUT,” HE SAID.
HE SAID WHAT HAD BEEN SO STRIKING ABOUT HIS VISITS TO NEW YORK AND TO CANADA WAS THE GREAT WELL OF SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP FOR HONG KONG THAT HE HAD FOUND IN BOTH PLACES.
’’OVERALL, I’M PLEASED,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID
RETURNS TO HONG KONG ON MONDAY.
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GREAT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL FOR NORTH DISTRICT ******
THE NORTH DISTRICT HAS A GREAT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND, MR HSU SAID ON LOK TSUEN IN THE FANLING/SHEUNG SHUT NEW TOWN HAD NOW BEEN DEVELOPED INTO A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREA, ACCOMMODATING ABOUT 90 FACTORIES.
"WITH THE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 30 INDUSTRIAL SITES IN ON LOK TSUEN WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, 11,000 JOBS WILL BE CREATED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS," HE NOTED.
HE ADDED THAT MANY INDUSTRIALISTS SET UP THEIR FACTORIES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO CHINA.
/ON COMMERCE
SATURDAY, MAY 26 1990
- 2 -
ON COMMERCE, MR HSU SAID TWO BIG SHOPPING CENTRES WOULD BE BUILT ADJACENT TO THE FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI STATIONS, WHILE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING WOULD PROVIDE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THOSE TWO TOWNS.
’’AS FOR AGRICULTURE, THE 4,000 FARMERS IN THE DISTRICT ARE PRODUCING $540 MILLION WORTH OF PRODUCTS EACH YEAR, REPRESENTING ONE THIRD OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO MARICULTURE, MR HSU POINTED OUT THAT THE YIELD FROM THE SIX FISH CULTURE ZONES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT CONSTITUTED ONE SIXTH OF THE TERRITORY’S TOTAL PRODUCTION, AND WAS WORTH $30 MILLION LAST YEAR.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR ALFRED CHAN; NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHOW WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM . TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND ON MONDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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SHING MUN TUNNELS RELIEVE CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL
******
THE OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS HAS PROVIDED MUCH NEEDED RELIEF TO THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD AS WELL AS A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MRS DOROTHY CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT AN OCCASION MARKING THE USE OF THE NEW ROAD FACILITY BY THE ONE MILLIONTH VEHICLE SINCE ITS OPENING ON APRIL 20.
DURING A PRESS VISIT TO SHING MUN TUNNELS, MRS CHAN SAID AN AVERAGE OF 26,625 CARS WENT THROUGH THE TUNNELS DAILY.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE DAILY TWO-WAY TRAFFIC THROUGH LION ROCK TUNNEL HAD DECREASED BY ABOUT 14 PER CENT FROM 102,700 VEHICLES TO 88,225 VEHICLES AFTER THE OPENING OF THE TUNNELS.
SIMILARLY FOR TAI PO ROAD, THE DAILY TWO-WAY TRAFFIC HAD DECREASED BY ABOUT 13 PER CENT FROM 47,400 TO 41,060 VEHICLES.
THIS WAS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE TOTAL DAILY TRIPS IN THE CORRIDOR HAD INCREASED BY ABOUT FOUR PER CENT FROM 150,100 TO 155,900, SHE ADDED.
/"THE JOURNEY .......
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
3 -
"THE JOURNEY TIME OF THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AT LION ROCK TUNNEL DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM HAS REDUCED BY 9.^MTNUTES FROM 16 MINUTES TO 6.9 MINUTES, AND BY 1.5 MINUTES FROM 6%6 MINUTES TO 5.1 MINUTES DURING THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD BETWEEN o PM AND 7 PM.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, PRESENTED A SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBER, AA 8808, TO THE ONE MILLIONTH VEHICLE WHICH PASSED THROUGH THE TUNNELS THIS MORNING.
MRS CHAN SAID THAT DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD, THERE WAS LITTLE CHANGE TO THE LION ROCK TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FLOW AND THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD FLOW HAD DECREASED BY 11 PER CENT FROM 5,450 TO 4,840 AFTER THE OPENING OF THE TUNNELS.
THE MORNING PEAK HOUR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FLOW HAD DECREASED BY NINE PER CENT FROM 4,690 TO 4,260, WHILE THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD FLOW HAD DECREASED BY FOUR PER CENT FROM 5,830 TO 5,600.
"THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC QUEUE IN THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD WHICH USED TO EXTEND BACK TO THE JUNCTION WITH SHA TIN ROAD (TSANG TAI UK), AND SOMETIMES FARTHER BACK, NOW ONLY EXTENDS TO JUST BEYOND THE HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE, WHICH IS A REDUCTION IN LENGTH OF ONE KILOMETRE," SHE SAID. $
"NO PERSISTENT QUEUE WAS OBSERVED IN THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC DURING THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD AS COMPARED TO THE 0.78 KILOMETRE LONG TRAFFIC QUEUE EXTENDING BEYOND JULIMOUNT GARDEN OBSERVED PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS."
ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, MRS CHAN SAID THE SOUTHBOUND BUS JOURNEY TIME DURING THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD HAD DECREASED BY 1.6 MINUTES FROM 8.8 MINUTES TO 7.2 MINUTES, AND BY 0.5 MINUTE FROM 5.6 MINUTES TO 5.1 MINUTES DURING THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD.
"THE JOURNEY TIME FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND TRAFFIC FROM WESTBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IMPROVED FROM 7 MINUTES TO 3.8 MINUTES IN THE MORNING AND FROM 12.7 MINUTES TO 2.6 MINUTES IN THE EVENING.
"THESE IMPROVEMENTS IN JOURNEY TIME HAVE RESULTED IN THE BUSES OPERATING TO A MORE RELIABLE BUS SCHEDULE," SHE SAID.
AT TAI PO ROAD, THE MORNING PEAK PERIOD SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FLOW HAS DECREASED BY 30 PER CENT FROM 4,080 TO 2,840, AND THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD FLOW HAS DECREASED BY 12 PER CENT FROM 2,600 TO 2,290.
MRS CHAN SAID THE EXISTING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN OPERATION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL SHOULD BE RETAINED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE EXISTING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES INCLUDE TIDAL FLOW FROM 6 AM TO 7.35 AM ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS; BUS LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD FROM 7.30 AM TO 9.30 AM AND 4 PM .TO 7 PM DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS; AND BANNING OF GOODS VEHICLES TO USE THE 'SLIP ROAD FROM WESTBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD ONTO NORTHBOUND WATERLOO ROAD FROM 7 AM TO 8 AM ON MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS.
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/4 ........
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
4
BETTER ACCESS TO NORWAY FOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS ******
HONG KONG AND NORWAY HAVE REACHED A NEW AGREEMENT WHICH WILL GIVE CERTAIN HONG KONG TEXTILE PRODUCTS BETTER ACCESS TO THE NORWEGIAN MARKET.
THE NEW AGREEMENT, WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1 ON EXPIRY OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT AND LAST TWO YEARS, REDUCES THE NUMBER OF CATEGORIES UNDER QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTION FROM THE EXISTING EIGHT TO SEVEN.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE DERESTRAINT OF TWO OTHER CATEGORIES AS FROM THE SECOND YEAR. CHILDREN’S WEAR, CURRENTLY UNDER QUOTA RESTRICTIONS, WILL ALSO BE PARTIALLY DERESTRAINED.
THE EXISTING CATEGORY 8 (WOVEN BLOUSES AND SHIRTS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS) WILL BE DERESTRAINED WHEN THE AGREEMENT TAKES EFFECT.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE DERESTRAINT, AS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND YEAR (JULY 1, 1991), OF CATEGORY 3 (KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHIRTS, T-SHIRTS AND BLOUSES FOR MEN, BOYS, WOMEN, GIRLS AND INFANTS); AND CATEGORY 6 (KNITTED OR CROCHETED PULLOVERS, SWEATERS, JUMPERS, CARDIGANS AND JACKETS, NOT ELASTIC NOR RUBBERISED, FOR MEN, BOYS, WOMEN, GIRLS AND INFANTS).
IN ADDITION, CHILDREN’S WEAR IN ALL CATEGORIES WILL BE PARTIALLY AND GRADUALLY DERESTRAINED. FROM THE TIME THE NEW AGREEMENT IS IMPLEMENTED, GARMENTS ABOVE 140 CENTIMETRES IN SIZE WILL BE FREE FROM QUOTA RESTRICTIONS AND THERE WILL BE FURTHER LIBERALISATION UP TO AND INCLUDING 152 CENTIMETRES AS FROM JULY 1, 1991.
THE NEW HONG KONG/NORWAY AGREEMENT ALSO PROVIDES FOR IMPROVED GROWTH RATES AND FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL CATEGORIES.
"THIS NEW BILATERAL AGREEMENT REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT OVER THE CURRENT ONE AND SHOULD AFFORD BETTER MARKET ACCESS FOR A NUMBER OF TEXTILE EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO RESTRAINT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE SPIRIT OF GRADUAL AND PROGRESSIVE LIBERALISATION EMBODIED IN THE AGREEMENT IS ENCOURAGING AND IS TO BE WELCOMED," HE SAID.
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY ON THE NEW AGREEMENT BEGAN IN LATE MARCH IN HONG KONG AND WERE CONCLUDED IN A FURTHER ROUND OF TALKS HELD IN OSLO THIS WEEK (MAY 21-23).
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR STUART HARBINSON. MR JOHN IVERSEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL AT THE ROYAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, LED FOR NORWAY.
HONG KONG EXPORTED $570 MILLION WORTH OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS TO NORWAY I,AST YEAR.
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
- 5 -
NEW IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ON ADMISSION OF FOREIGNERS
***»»»*
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT NEW PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE ADMISSION OF FOREIGNERS INTO HONG KONG WILL BE INTRODUCED ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
AS FROM THAT DATE, FOREIGNERS COMING TO HONG KONG FOR RESIDENCE, EMPLOYMENT, INVESTMENT AND EDUCATION (OTHER THAN THOSE FOR SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION, ETC) WILL BE ISSUED WITH ENTRY VISAS FOR A STAY OF 12 MONTHS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. AT PRESENT, THESE VISAS NORMALLY SPECIFY A STAY OF SIX MONTHS.
FOREIGN RESIDENTS (OTHER THAN FOREIGN STUDENTS, FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS AND CONTRACT WORKERS ADMITTED UNDER THE SPECIAL SCHEME OF IMPORTATION OF LABOUR), MAY ALSO APPLY FOR UNCONDITIONAL STAY ON COMPLETION OF SEVEN YEARS RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG. UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, THEY CAN ONLY DO SO ON COMPLETION OF NINE YEARS’ RESIDENCE HERE. .
CONCURRENTLY, FOREIGN RESIDENTS WILL NOT NORMALLY REQUIRE RE-ENTRY VISAS TO RESUME RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG, PROVIDED THAT THERE IS NO CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES SINCE THEIR LAST DEPARTURE AND THAT THEY RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHIN 12 MONTHS OR WITHIN THE LIMITATION OF STAY IMPOSED, WHICHEVER IS THE SHORTER PERIOD.
THE WAIVING OF RE-ENTRY VISAS DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONS NOT HOLDING A NATIONAL PASSPORT, FOREIGN STUDENTS, FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS AND CONTRACT WORKERS ADMITTED UNDER THE SPECIAL SCHEME OF IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, ETC.
"THESE MEASURES ARE INTRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUED EFFORTS TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES AND ACHIEVE STAFF SAVINGS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THIS MATTER ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI (TEL. 824 6111).
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SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
- 6 -
MARINE DEPT OFFICES OPENING HOURS DURING HOLIDAY
*****
c
SEVERAL OFFICES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ON MONDAY (MAY 28), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THESE OFFICES ARE:
* THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN CONTINUOUSLY;
* THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (TSIM SHA TSUI) WHICH WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM;
* THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, WESTERN DISTRICT, RAMBLER CHANNEL, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHUI PO, SHEUNG WAN, CHA KWO LING AND THE PUBLIC WATERFRONTS AT YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON BAY AND TUEN MUN,; WHICH WILL BE OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATION FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM;
* THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN
CONTINUOUSLY;
* THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AT ROOM 314, THIRD FLOOR,
HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM FOR ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE ONLY; AND
* THE PORT FORMALITIES AND DANGEROUS GOODS OFFICE AT ROOM 318, THIRD FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM.
--------0----------
POST OFFICE SERVICES TO BOUGAINVILLE AFFECTED ******
THE POST OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY) ADVISED ITS CUSTOMERS THAT DUE TO CIVIL UNREST IN BOUGAINVILLE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, LETTER AND PARCEL SERVICES TO THE LOCALITIES OF ARAWA, BUKA, KIETA, LOLOHO AND PANGUNA IN BOUGAINVILLE ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
LETTER AND PARCEL SERVICES TO ALL OTHER DESTINATIONS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA ARE NOT AFFECTED.
- - 0----------
/7........
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR YAU MA TEI DRAGON BOAT RACES
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON MONDAY (MAY 28) IN YAU MA TEI IN CONNECTION WITH THE DRAGON BOAT RACES IN YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.
MAN CHEONG STREET BETWEEN MAN WAI STREET AND FERRY STREET WILL
BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC DURING THE PERIOD FROM 0.01 AM
TO 6 PM THAT DAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, MAN WAI STREET BETWEEN MAN CHEONG STREET AND
MAN SHING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.
DURING THE ABOVE ROAD CLOSURE PERIOD, THE FOLLOWING
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES WILL BE AVAILABLE:
* TRAFFIC ON SOUTHBOUND FERRY STREET FOR JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER MAY USE FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND, CANTON ROAD SOUTHBOUND, JORDAN ROAD FERRY CONCOURSE AND CANTON ROAD NORTHBOUND; AND
* TRAFFIC IN FERRY POINT AREA HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI MAY USE MAN WUI STREET, FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND, SAIGON STREET, CANTON ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND.
THE METERED PARKING SPACES AT MAN CHEONG STREET AND THE PUBLIC CAR PARK ADJACENT TO THE JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM.
AS PARKING FACILITIES IN THE AREA ARE LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
------------------------------0------- TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE *******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE 1990 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD ON SHING MUN RIVER, SAND MARTIN BRIDGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO 1 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 28).
DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL VEHICLES CROSSING SHING MUN RIVER VIA SAND MARTIN BRIDGE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LION BRIDGE AND BANYAN BRIDGE.
/AT THE .......
SATURDAY, MAY-26,1990
AT THE SAME TIME, SEVERAL BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED. THEY ARE KMB ROUTES 47X (WO CHE TO KWAI SHING (EAST), 48X (WO CHE TO TSUEN WAN FERRY), 70 (SHEUNG SHUI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY), 72A (TAI WAI TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE), 73A (CHOI YUEN TO YUEN CHAU KOK), 81K (SAN TIN WAI TO SUI WO COURT), 83K (WONG NAI TAU TO SHA TIN CENTRAL-CIRCULAR), 89R (SHA TIN CENTRAL TO SAI KUNG), AND 284 (SHA TIN CENTRAL TO RAVANA GARDEN); CMB/KMB ROUTE 170 (SHA TIN KCR STATION TO WAH FU-CENTRAL); GMB ROUTES 68K (SHA TIN KCR STATION PAI TAU STREET TO JULIMOUNT GARDEN), 65K (WONG NAI TAU TO FO TAN KCR STATION) AND 67K (A KUNG KOK TO SHA TIN KCR STATION).
IN ADDITION, THE CYCLE TRACKS ALONG BOTH BANKS OF SHING MUN RIVER BETWEEN SAND MARTIN BRIDGE AND BANYAN BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO 1 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE, ON MONDAY (MAY 28) BETWEEN 7 AM AND 4 PM, DAI HEI STREET, DAI KING STREET AND DAI KWAI STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DAI CHEONG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
CYCLISTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING TAI PO INDUSTRIAL
ESTATE
TRAFFIC CONGESTION MAY OCCUR ALONG TING KOK ROAD NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY. THE PUBLIC ARE THEREFORE URGED TO USE KMB ROUTE 72K OR OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE VENUE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN STANLEY
*******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE SMOOTH FLOW OF BOTH PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC IN STANLEY FOR THE 1990 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, STANLEY LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT THOSE FOR ACCESS TO THE PRIVATE PREMISES IN THE ROAD FROM 7.30 AM TO 6.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 28).
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
62 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH .................................. 1
HANDBOOK HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENT VENTILATION .................. 1
SUMMER JOB INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DRIVE FOR STUDENTS .......................... 2
FULL OPENING OF THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ........................ 3
•SAN-TA' KUNG FU ON DB AGENDA ............................................ 3
RE-ROUTEING OF KMB NO. 3A ................................................ 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY ..................................... 5
URBAN CLEARWAY IN YAU MA TEI ............................................. 5
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG ...i......................................... 5
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
62 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 62 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN MARCH.
TWENTY-FIVE OF THE PLANS WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 16 FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PLANS INCLUDED 21 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; 23 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT; AND FOUR FOR FACTORY AND WORKSHOP PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 45 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 91,471.4 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 263,549.7 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $2,441 MILLION. THE USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 190,557.8 SQUARE METRES AND 230,752.7 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 43 OCCUPATION PERMITS — 14 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 20 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 31 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 80 BUILDINGS'.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 627 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 953 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 208 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 435 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED THREE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
-----0-----
HANDBOOK HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENT VENTILATION
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF IN THE WORKPLACE.
A REFERENCE GUIDE TO EFFICIENT VENTILATION
UNTITLED "A REFERENCE NOTE ON VENTILATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS", THE PAMPHLET AIMS TO HELP W0^RRS AND EMPLOYE AVOID POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS IN BUILDINGS AND WORKPLACES.
/IN HIGHLIGHTS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
- 2 -
IT HIGHLIGHTS HOW A POORLY DESIGNED OR IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED VENTILATION SYSTEM CAN HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HEALTH.
IN ADDITION, THE HANDBOOK OUTLINES THE FUNCTIONS AND METHODS OF VENTILATION. IT ALSO GIVES ADVICE ON THE VENTILATION REQUIREMENT, FRESH AIR STANDARD AND PROPER MAINTENANCE OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS.
PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE PAMPHLET IS AVAILABLE FREE AT ALL DISTRICT OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION.
FURTHER ADVICE ON THE SUBJECT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 15TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL OR BY TELEPHONING 852 4041.
-----0-----
SUMMER JOB INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DRIVE FOR STUDENTS
******
THE WORKING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY FOR STUDENTS HAS PLANNED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF SUMMER JOB INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
FORMED IN 1988, THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.
THE ANNUAL SAFETY AWARENESS PROMOTION PROGRAMME INCLUDES POSTERS, PAMPHLETS, TALKS, TV PROGRAMMES AND A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION.
PART OF THE PROGRAMME IS A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ENABLE THEM TO ADVISE STUDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WHILE TAKING UP TEMPORARY SUMMER JOBS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
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/3 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
- 3 -
FULL OPENING OF THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE *******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD OPPOSITE THE LAM TIN MTR STATION WILL BE FULLY OPENED TO TRAFFIC WITH EFFECT FROM 6 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 29).
THE EXISTING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS INSIDE THE INTERCHANGE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE SECTION OF THE NEARSIDE LANE OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH THE INGRESS TO THE INTERCHANGE AND THE WESTERN EGRESS FROM THE INTERCHANGE WILL BE DESIGNATED A BUS LANE.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS LANE 24 HOURS DAILY. •
THE EXTENT OF THE BUS LANE WILL BE INDICATED BY APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS.
KMB BUS ROUTES NO. 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14X, 62X, 93M, 601 AND 606 WILL CONTINUE TO STOP INSIDE THE INTERCHANGE AND ROUTES NO. 15, 15A, 15B, 15C AND 15X WILL BE DIVERTED BACK TO STOP AT LEI YUE MUN ROAD ON-STREET OUTSIDE THE INTERCHANGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE 38 PLYING BETWEEN KWAI SHING (EAST) AND KWUN TONG (YUE MAN SQUARE) WILL BE EXTENDED TO TERMINATE AT LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 24M PLYING BETWEEN LEI YUE MUN (SAM KA TSUEN FERRY) AND LAM TIN MTR STATION WILL CONTINUE TO TERMINATE IN THE INTERCHANGE.
---------0-----------
’SAN-TA’ KUNG FU ON DB AGENDA * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAT SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 29) THE PRACTICE OF "SAN-TA” KUNG FU BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN THE DISTRICT.
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO RECENT PRESS REPORTS THAT SOME PUPILS ACTED STRANGELY AFTER PRACTISING THIS FORM OF ’’SPIRITUAL” MARTIAL ART.
A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR MAK TIT-WAH, WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING HIS DEPARTMENT’S VIEW ON THE SUBJECT.
/MEMBERS WILL
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, MR GREGORY LEUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REPORT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE FIVE YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND THE CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE AND WORKING GROUP ON TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 29) AT FUNG MING HALL, SIK SIK YUEN, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
RE-ROUTEING OF KMB NO. 3A * * * * *
THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO ENHANCE THE BUS SERVICE BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN AND WONG TAI SIN/CHUK YUEN, KMB ROUTE NO. 3A WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO PROVIDE AN INTER-ESTATE CIRCULAR BUS SERVICE BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN (NORTH) AND CHUK YUEN ESTATE INSTEAD OF PLYING BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN AND WONG TAI SIN, WITH EFFECT FROM TUESDAY (MAY 29) .
NOTICES WILL BE PUT UP AT THE EXISTING BUS TERMINAL TO INFORM PASSENGERS OF THE RE-ROUTETNG ARRANGEMENT.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
- 5 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 29), ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF HIP WO LANE BETWEEN CHEONG MING STREET AND SHING PING STREET, IN HAPPY VALLEY, 24 HOURS DAILY FOR TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIRS WORK.
AT THE SAME TIME, CHEONG MING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, WHILE SHING PING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
------0--------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN YAU MA TEI *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 29), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PITT STREET, IN YAU MA TEI, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES TO THE EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY IN PITT STREET WILL BE CANCELLED.
-----0-----------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 29), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHOI HA ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
»
OF
FOR 24 HOURS DAILY, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY VALLEY NORTH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH 'I HE EGRESS OF NGAU TAU KOK BUS TERMINUS TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES
JORDAN
THE
EAST
OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* FOR 24 HOURS DAILY, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ROAD C IN KWUN TONG FACTORY ESTATE.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA WELL WORTHWHILE: GOVERNOR ....................................... 1
SUCCESS IN MACHINE SAFETY CAMPAIGN ..................................................... 2
PUBLIC INVITED TO TAKE UP ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ...................................... 3
NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1918-22 ................................................... 5
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN QUARRY BAY ............................................ 7
MONDAY, MAY 28, 19 )
VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA WELL WORTHWHILE: GOVERNOR
********
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED HIS VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA AS WELL WORTHWHILE AND SAID THE OVERWHELMING IMPRESSION HE HAD WAS THERE WAS MUCH SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THE TURNOUT OF 1,200 PEOPLE AT THE ASIA SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER IN THE UNITED STATES WAS A MARK OF THE SUPPORT FOR AND INTEREST IN HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IN CANADA THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE TERRITORY AND A GREAT DEAL OF WILLINGNESS TO BUILD UP ON THE COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL LINKS THAT ALREADY EXISTED BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG.
"WHAT WE MUST NOW DO IS TRY TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL LINKS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE DISCUSSED GENERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG WITH THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, MR BRIAN MULRONEY, AND THE WAY IN WHICH THESE HAD BUILT UP A LOT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.
"THERE ARE A LOT OF COMMERCIAL LINKS NOW AND THESE ARE PARTLY BASED ON THE NUMBER OF EX-HONG KONG PEOPLE THERE ARE IN CANADA. BUT THEY GO MUCH WIDER THAN THAT.
"WE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE COULD BUILD ON THOSE AND I SUGGESTED TO HIM, FOR INSTANCE, THAT CANADA MIGHT CONSIDER RUNNING A CANADA WEEK IN HONG KONG NEXT YEAR, AND THEN THE YEAR AFTER THAT WE MIGHT DO THE SAME. WE MIGHT RUN A HONG KONG WEEK IN CANADA, JUST TO BUILD UP ON THOSE RELATIONS," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND THE BRAIN DRAIN SITUATION, ADDING: "I SAID THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE LEAVING HONG KONG FOR CANADA, AND ALTHOUGH IN MANY WAYS WE MIGHT LIKE THOSE PEOPLE TO REMAIN HERE IN HONG KONG, I DIDN'T TREAT THIS AS BEING JUST A NET LOSS."
"IT WAS SOMETHING WHICH WE COULD TURN INTO AN ASSET ON BOTH SIDES, IN OTHER WORDS, THOSE PEOPLE WHO SETTLED IN CANADA WOULD USE THEIR HONG KONG CONNECTIONS TO BUILD UP COMMERCIAL LINKS, AND THAT COULD BE USEFUL TO US IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS TO CANADA," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE UNITED STATES’ RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION TRADE STATUS, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WAS GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG AND THAT HE WAS PLEASED THAT PRESIDENT BUSH RENEWED THE MFN STATUS AND PUT IN HIS WAIVER.
/"BUT AN .......
MONDAY, MAY 28, 19'
- 2 -
’’BUT AN IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THAT’S NOT NECESSARILY THE END OF THE STORY. WHAT MATTERS NOW IS THAT THAT DECISION SHOULD NOT BE OVERTURNED BY CONGRESS.
"I THINK THAT PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES DO REALISE WHAT A SERIOUS EFFECT IT WOULD HAVE ON HONG KONG IF CHINA’S MFN STATUS WAS ENDED, AND TO THAT EXTENT, ALL THE LOBBYING AND EXPLANATIONS THAT WAS DONE BY MANY DIFFERENT GROUPS IN HONG KONG HAS PAID DIVIDENDS AND I HOPE THAT THAT DECISION WILL STICK. IT’S IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT JUNE 4 MEMORIAL ACTIVITIES, SIR DAVID SAID PEOPLE WERE FREE TO DO WHAT THEY WISHED IN THE WAY OF COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATIONS OR EVENTS, PROVIDED THAT THEY STAYED WITHIN THE LAW.
”OF COURSE IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT PEOPLE HAVE THESE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS, THOSE EVENTS LAST YEAR WERE TRAGIC. BUT WE MUST ALSO THINK AHEAD. WE MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE AND NOT SIMPLY LOOK OBSESSIVELY AT THE PAST, WE MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE AS WELL,” HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE PROSECUTION OFgFIVE PEOPLE FOR THE ILLEGAL USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS DURING A PROTEST, TrfE GOVERNOR SAID WHILE HE WOULD NOT COMMENT ON THE DETAIL OF ANY CASE 'BEFORE THE COURTS, HE STRESSED THAT PROSECUTIONS WERE A MATTER FOR THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS ACTING INDEPENDENTLY AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT.
MEETING THE GOVERNOR AT THE AIRPORT WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN; AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE.
----------------0------- SUCCESS IN MACHINE SAFETY CAMPAIGN ♦ * * * ♦
FACTORY MANAGEMENTS AND WORKERS ARE INCREASINGLY WILLING TO ENSURE A SAFER WORKING .ENVIRONMENT AND HAVE RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CALL TO CURB INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
DURING THE RECENT MACHINE SAFETY CAMPAIGN 1990 MOUNTED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY, FACTORY MANAGEMENTS SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN SENDING THEIR STAFF TO ATTEND THE SAFETY TRAINING COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE.
IN MARCH AND APRIL, 1,087 PEOPLE ATTENDED MACHINE SAFETY COURSES ORGANISED RY THE TRAINING CENTRE, COMPARED WITH 822 IN THE SAME MONTHS LAST YEAR.
/”WE VISITED .......
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990
- 3 -
"WE VISITED ABOUT 11,200 FACTORIES DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO ADVISE MANAGEMENTS AND WORKERS ON THE PROPER METHODS OF MACHINE GUARDING AND MAINTENANCE," SAID ACTING CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING.
"WE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE TO THEM SAFE WORKING SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES, BESIDES DISTRIBUTING PUBLICATIONS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY," MR CHAN ADDED.
"THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND SHOULD HELP BRING DOWN THE NUMBER OF MACHINERY ACCIDENTS THIS YEAR," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR HAD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE NUMBER OF SUCH ACCIDENTS.
THE CAMPAIGN ALSO RESULTED IN SOME 330 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS.
"THERE IS ALWAYS A GRIM SIDE OF THE PICTURE WHERE SOME EMPLOYERS STILL SHOW TOTAL DISREGARD FOR SAFETY LAWS DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS BY FACTORY INSPECTORS," MR CHAN NOTED.
-----0-----
PUBLIC INVITED TO TAKE UP ADULT EDUCATION COURSES
******
APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT IN THE 1990-91 ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ARE NOW BEING INVITED.
ABOUT 40,000 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AGED 18 OR ABOVE ATTENDED THE COURSES AT 53 CENTRES LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
AVAILABLE ARE THE ADULT EDUCATION COURSE (GENERAL BACKGROUND), GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, ENGLISH COURSE, EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, AND THOSE OFFERED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.
THE ADULT EDUCATION COURSE PROVIDES A THREE-YEAR GENERAL EDUCATION EQUIVALENT TO PRIMARY 3 TO 6 IN DAY SCHOOL, AND THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND SOCIAL STUDIES.
ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION, STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR THE FIVE-YEAR GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ENGLISH COURSE PROVIDES ADULTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE, STARTING FROM PRIMARY 4 TO GCE O-LEVEL.
/STUDENTS IN .......
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990
4
STUDENTS IN THE SECONDARY 5 AND GCE CLASSES WILL BE PREPARED TO SIT FOR THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUBJECT OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON GCE O-LEVEL EXAMINATION.
APPLICANTS FOR THE ENGLISH COURSE AND THE GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE ARE REQUIRED TO SIT FOR AN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION IN JULY.
THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES OFFERS A NUMBER OF SHORT COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO WISH TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES IN CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE.
STUDENTS WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE ON COMPLETION OF EACH COURSE.
ANYONE WISHING TO TAKE PART IN INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING MICRO-COMPUTER STUDIES, RUN BY THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES MUST APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COURSES, EXCEPT FOR THOSE IN ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES, ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS; DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES; AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM JUNE 1 (FRIDAY).
THE CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENGLISH COURSE AND OTHER COURSES ARE JUNE 20 (WEDNESDAY) AND 30 (SATURDAY).
APPLICATION FORMS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING CENTRES:
HONG KONG
KING’S COLLEGE QUEEN’S COLLEGE NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
KOWLOON
QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL
FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL
FUK WING STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL
KAI TAK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL
/NEW TERRITORIES .......
MONDAY, MAY 28, J990
- 5
NEW TERRITORIES
HOI PA STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL FANLING GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL NTHYK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL NTHYK TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
APPLICANTS WISHING TO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS BY POST SHOULD WRITE TO ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AND ENCLOSE A STAMPED RETURN ENVELOPE.
ENQUIRY MAY ALSO BE MADE BY TELEPHONE AT 839 2309 DURING
OFFICE HOURS.
-------0-------
NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1918-22 ♦ * * * ♦
MEN BORN IN 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921 AND 1922 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARD FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO JUNE 30.
MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE HONG KONG AND WEST KOWLOON NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. OTHER ISSUE‘OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
ALL OFFICES ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
/SHA TIN .......
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990
- 6 -
SHA TIN
YUEN LONG
: SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 11-17, SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191
’’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,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
’’HOWEVER, IF THE APPLICANT’S IDENTITY CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE *** SYMBOL, HE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE PERSONAL PROOF.
"IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING HIS EXISTING IDENTITY CARD, HE MUST PRODUCE HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND EITHER OF THE FOLLOWNG (IF ANY) -HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE OR HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.
"IN SOME CASES, APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEIR CLAIM TO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY WILL BE ADVISED INDIVIDUALLY."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AS THE APPLICANTS IN THE COMING PHASE ARE OVER 65 YEARS OLD, SOME MAY, DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO GO TO THE ISSUE OFFICES AND WISH TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE REGISTRATION OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS.
"THEY MAY APPLY IN WRITING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS," HE SAID.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 824 6111.
AGED APPLICANTS LIVING ON HONG KONG ISLAND WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN USING ESCALATORS AT THE HONG KONG NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE AT BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, MAY TELEPHONE 574 7070 TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS REPLACED AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSON.S OFFICE (HONG KONG OFFICE) ON EIGHTH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, WHERE LIFT SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
FOR SUCH ARRANGEMENT, THEY NEED TO GIVE THEIR NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER AND YEAR OF BIRTH TO IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
/7........
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MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990
7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN QUARRY BAY
t $ » » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SECTION OF MOUNT PARKER ROAD SOUTH OF QUARRY BAY STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM FOR ABOUT FOUR HOURS ON WEDNESpAY (MAY 30),
THE CLOSURE IS TQ FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WORKING HOURS OF FIREMEN TO BE REDUCED ..................................... 1
SEVEN QUESTIONS, THREE BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................... 1
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED ............................................... 2
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................................... 4
GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN OF SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ...................... 4
CHILDREN 'PITCHING IN' WITH THEIR ARTISTIC FLAIR ........................... 5
DB TO DISCUSS ABOLITION OF APPOINTED SEATS ................................. 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES ..................... 6
TUNG WAH GROUP PRAISED FOR EXPANDING MEDICAL SERVICES ...................... 7
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ....................................................... 7
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG WAN AND HA KWAI CHUNG ................................. 8
INTRODUCTION OF KMB ROUTE 203 .............................................. 8
LANE CLOSURE ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WESTBOUND ............................... 9
REINSTATEMENT OF VEHICULAR TURNING MOVEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO ............... 9
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD ........................... 1°
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
1
WORKING HOURS OF FIREMEN TO BE REDUCED ♦ * * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE ADVICE OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO REDUCE THE WORKING HOURS OF OPERATIONAL FIREMEN FROM 60 TO 54 A WEEK, SUBJECT TO A CHANGE IN THE SHIFT SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INACTIVE HOURS.
I
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO DECIDED THAT A WORKING PARTY SHOULD BE SET UP TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF A FURTHER REDUCTION IN THE WORKING HOURS OF FIREMEN.
’’THE WORKING PARTY WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE WORKING HOURS OF THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES,” HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE WORKING HOURS OF FIREMEN FROM 60 TO 48 HOURS A WEEK WAS NOT JUSTIFIED UNDER THE PRESENT SHIFT SYSTEM AS IT INCLUDED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INACTIVE HOURS.
’’HOWEVER, THE STANDING COMMITTEE FELT THAT THERE WAS . A CASE FOR A LIMITED REDUCTION OF NOT MORE THAN SIX HOURS IN ORDER TO BRING THE WORKING HOURS OF FIREMEN MORE INTO LINE WITH THOSE OF STAFF IN OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES, PROVIDED THAT THE SHIFT SYSTEM WAS CHANGED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INACTIVE HOURS.
’’THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO ACCEPTED THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COST OF THE REDUCTION IN WORKING HOURS SHOULD BE PAID FOR FROM SAVINGS IDENTIFIED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT,” HE SAID.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD PREVIOUSLY MET WITH THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THEIR VIEWS ON THIS ISSUE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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SEVEN QUESTIONS, THREE BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF SEVEN QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE THREE BILLS, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1990 AND COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1990 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
/A PRIVATE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
2
A PRIVATE BILL, THE DAO HENG BANK LIMITED BILL 1990, IS DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, DR THE HON DANIEL TSE WILL SPEAK ON THE REPORT OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE 1989.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED *****
ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAS BEEN CONFIRMED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 37, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE NEW PATIENT DIED LAST MONTH SHORTLY AFTER HE WAS CONFIRMED TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE.
THIS BRINGS TO 22 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS PATIENTS WHO HAD PASSED AWAY WHILE 15 OTHER PATIENTS ARE UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT.
RELEASING THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID FOUR MORE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTI-BODY TEST.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS WAS 145 AT THE END OF APRIL. OF THESE, 53 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 75 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, THREE WERE DRUG ABUSERS, THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND THE INFORMATION FOR THE OTHER 11 WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 157,732 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE AIDS VIRUS.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.
• UP TO LAST MONTH, 711,636 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 10 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
3
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing Virus unit, Department of Health
Apr 85 - Mar 90 April 90 Total
No. # No. Nc. , No. No. , No.
tested ♦ve tested +ve tested +ve
Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics IC 293 58 194 4 10 487 62
Referrals from private 40
practitioners and subvented hospitals 1 918 40 22 o 1 940
Attendances at social hygiene clinics 137 821 20 2 C80 0 139 901 20
% Haemophiliacs 424 56 u 0 428 56
IV drug abusers 4 010 1 83 0 4 093 1
Referrals from 202 0 /> 0 202 0
Family Planning Association
041^- Health care personnel 665 0 16 0 681 0
Total 155 333 175 2 399 4 157 732 179
* This indicates the number cf specimens and ; certain, individuals. Aug 35 K 3>4 § not person - Mar 90 s as test April 3 are 90 repeated for Total
No. tested No. 4-ve No. tested Nc. *ve No. tested No. + ve
Heng Kor.g Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service 699 601 10 12 035 0 711 636 10
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
- 4 -
DEATH SENTENCE’COMMUTED *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LIU CHI-KONG ON NOVEMBER 6, 1987 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
LIU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MADAM LAM FUN.
-----0-----
GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN.OF SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS PUBLISHED A BOOKLET CALLED "GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN OF SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT . PLANT".
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THIS BOOKLET WOULD SERVE AS USEFUL MATERIALS FOR DEVELOPERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, PLANT DESIGNERS AND CONTRACTORS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MANY AREAS OF HONG KONG WERE NOT SERVED BY PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS.
PRIVATE DEVELOPERS IN THESE AREAS WERE THEREFORE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO TREAT THE SEWAGE TO ACCEPTABLE STANDARD FOR DIRECT DISCHARGE TO THE RECEIVING WATERS.
THE EPD ESTIMATES THERE ARE ABOUT 150 SUCH PLANTS IN THE TERRITORY AND THE NUMBER IS STILL INCREASING.
IN A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN 1988 TO ESTABLISH THE STANDARD OF OPERATION OF THESE PLANTS, IT WAS FOUND THAT MOST OF THESE PLANTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, AND THAT LESS THAN ONE-THIRD OF THE PLANTS WERE PRODUCING EFFLUENT UP TO THE DESIGNED STANDARD.
INADEQUATE DESIGN WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR SHORTFALLS IDENTIFIED.
THE NEW BOOKLET IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS SUCH DESIGN SHORTFALLS. IT PLACES SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISION OF AN ACCEPTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE OPERATORS WORKING AT THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ACCESS, VENTILATION, LIGHTING AND HEADROOM IS HIGHLIGHTED. FURTHERMORE, APPROPRIATE DESIGN PARAMETERS ARE DEVELOPED, BEARING IN MIND THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THESE SMALL PLANTS.
THOSE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING A COPY OF THE "GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN OF SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT" SHOULD APPROACH THE EPD’S SOLID WASTE CONTROL GROUP, 24TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
/5 ........
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TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
- 5 -
CHILDREN 'PITCHING IN* WITH THEIR ARTISTIC FLAIR
*******
A CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE VICTORIA PARK FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON JUNE 10 (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY.
"ALL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 13 ARE WELCOME TO ENTER THE CONTEST," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION IS TO ENHANCE CHILDREN’S AWARENESS TOWARDS CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THROUGH ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION."
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND DISTRICT OFFICES (ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
PARTICIPANTS CAN ALSO ENTER ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION FROM 9 AM TO 10 AM AT VICTORIA PARK.
THEY SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN BRUSHES AND PAINTS OR OTHER MATERIALS THEY CHOOSE TO USE. PAPER WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISER. THE ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE SPOT BEFORE NOON.
ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WHICH INCLUDE BOOK COUPONS, PLAQUES AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR TONG KAM-BIU, OFFICIATING. THERE WILL BE A 45-MINUTES PERFORMANCE BY THE FRINGE CLUB STARTING AT 3 PM.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE TO THE PROMOTIONS SUB-DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON TEL. 842 8850.
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/6.........
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
6
DB TO DISCUSS ABOLITION OF APPOINTED SEATS
******
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A MEMBER’S PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH APPOINTED SEATS ON DISTRICT BOARDS NEXT YEAR, AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE BOARD WILL ALSO SEEK MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON COMMISSIONING AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT TESTS ON NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES BEING CARRIED OUT BY HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LTD AT THE WHITTY STREET TRAM TRACK BEND.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXAMINE WAYS TO EXPEDITE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SMITHFIELD URBAN COUNCIL/GOVERNMENT JOINT USER BUILDING.
SEVERAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO RAISE QUESTIONS ON THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT.
AN URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON NEW RECLAMATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES
******
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE KAI TAK AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES STUDY AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 31).
THE STUDY, WHICH WAS UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE CENTRAL KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY, PROPOSES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE AIRPORT AND OTHER TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
SENIOR ENGINEERS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF A CONSULTANCY FIRM WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
/MEMBERS WILL
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST BETWEEN KING TAI STREET AND KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE. •
NOTE TO EDITORS: 4 • I
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND .TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MAY 31) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, .141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
TUNG WAH GROUP PRAISED FOR EXPANDING MEDICAL SERVICES
* *****
?
THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, DR T.Y. CHAU, TODAY (TUESDAY) MET THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS (TWGH) AND PRAISED THE GROUP FOR MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ITS MEDICAL SERVICES.
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TWGH PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH ITS DIRECTORATE STAFF ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
IN IIIS WELCOMING SPEECH, DR CHAU COMMENDED THE TWGH FOR PROVIDING EREE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE NEEDY AND IMPLEMENTING VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO FURTHER EXPAND AND IMPROVE ITS SERVICES.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
AT 41.1
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 240.884
AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD MILLION CUBIC METRES.
cub ic
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51.1
CONTAINED PER CENT OF
299:573 CAPACITY.
MILLION
---------o-----------
/8...........
I
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
- 8 -
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG WAN AND HA KWAI CHUNG * * * * »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 31) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT 2-54 AND 60 POK FU LAM ROAD, 5-131 AND 2-116 FIRST STREET, 1-121B AND 2-118 SECOND STREET, 1-127B AND 2-106 THIRD STREET, 3-119 AND 2B-126 HIGH STREET, 5-45 AND 24-36 WESTERN STREET, 46-50 AND 27-51 CENTRE STREET, 23A-43 AND 36-42 EASTERN STREET, 18-27 HING HON ROAD, SAI WA LANE, WESTERN GARDEN, YU PO LANE, NG FUK LANE, FUK SAU LANE, SHEUNG FUNG LANE, TAK SING LANE, DAVID LANE, UN FUK LANE, UI ON LANE, KWOK HING LANE, YU LOK LANE, CHEUNG ON LANE, LEUNG I FONG, UN SHING LANE, WEST END TERRACE AND WESTERN DENTAL CLINIC.
ON THURSDAY (MAY 31), FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HA KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT CHO YIU ESTATE, LAI YIU ESTATE, LAI KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, WONDERLAND VILLAS, WAH YUEN CHUEN AND ALL PREMISES ALONG WAH KING HILL ROAD.
--------0 - -
INTRODUCTION OF KMB ROUTE 203
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT KMB WILL INTRODUCE A NEW COACH SERVICE, ROUTE 203, TO PLY BETWEEN TAT CHEE AVENUE AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM THURSDAY (MAY 31).
THE SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED WITH AIR-CONDITIONED SINGLE DECK COACHES AT A FARE OF $5 PER SINGLE JOURNEY. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 7.30 AM AND 7.10 PM DAILY AND WILL OPERATE AT A BASIC FREQUENCY OF 12 MINUTES.
------0 - -
/9.........
'I
2
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
- 9 -
LANE CLOSURE ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WESTBOUND * * * » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WESTBOUND FROM HUNG HOM INTERCHANGE TO ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES.
THE CLOSURE, TO LAST ABOUT FOUR WEEKS, IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS ON GASCOIGNE ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH.
MOTORISTS ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH HEADING FOR TSIM SHA TSUI AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
* HONG CHONG ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD;
* GASCOIGNE ROAD, JORDAN ROAD, COX’S ROAD AND AUSTIN ROAD;
* GASCOIGNE ROAD, JORDAN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND; OR
♦ WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET, BULKELEY STREET, MING ON STREET, BAKER STREET, GILLIES AVENUE AND CHEONG WAN ROAD.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRAFFIC DIVERSION, THE DIRECTIONAL ARROWS ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JORDAN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO ALLOW VEHICLES TO TURN LEFT INTO NATHAN ROAD FROM THE KERBSIDE AND MIDDLE LANES.
MOTORISTS EXITING FROM TAK SHING STREET SHOULD EXERCISE CARE IN THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.
-----0------
REINSTATEMENT OF VEHICULAR TURNING MOVEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 31), THE RIGHT-TURN VEHICULAR MOVEMENT FROM MAN FAT STREEP NORTHBOUND ONTO KWONG LEE ROAD EASTBOUND, AND THE MOVEMENT FROM KWONG LEE ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO MAN FAT SI REEP SOUTHBOUND, WILL BE REINSTATED UPON THE COMPLETION OF PART OF THE DRAINA > . IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT-TURN VEHICULAR MOVEMENT FROM KWONG LEE ROAD EASTBOUND ONTO MAN FAT STREET SOUTHBOUND, AND THE
VEHICULAR MOVEMENT FROM MAN FAT STREET NORTHBOUND ONTO KWONG LEE ROAD
WESTBOUND WILL CONTINUE TO BE BANNED TO FACILITATE THE REMAIN
DRAINAGE WORKS FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOPORISTS.
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/io .......
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
- 10 -
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD it****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 PM ON JUNE 6, TWO TRAFFIC LANES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD SECTION BETWEEN SHAM TSENG VIADUCT AND PAI MIN KOK FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN TURN TO FACILITATE RESURFACING WORKS.
CLOSURE OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY. DURING THE DAY TIME, ONLY ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
NEW SYSTEM FOR APPROVING COMPANY NAMES PROPOSED .............................. 1
BILL INTENDED TO REMEDY WEAKNESSES IN PROCEDURE .............................. 2
AG PROVIDES CHRONOIjOGY OF PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING OSMAN EXTRADITION.. 4
FACSIMILE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE .......................... 11
FIGURES ON BDTC RETURNING RESIDENTS IN UK ................................... 12
GOOD PROGRESS ON AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS .................................... 12
MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPROVE SUPPLY OF THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS ............... 13
FISHERMEN WARNED TO AVOID DISPUTED AREAS .................................... 14
DEVELOPMENTS OVER MFN RENEWAL BEING MONITORED CLOSELY ....................... 15
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE'S REPORT FOR 1989 ............................... 16
PRIVATE BILL PASSED ......................................................... 16
JOINT STATEMENT................................................................ 19
NEW BANK HEADQUARTERS A SYMBOL OF COMMITMENT .................................. 19
IMF DELEGATION TO VISIT HK .................................................... 20
SCHEME ON LABOUR IMPORT EXTENDED .............................................. 20
LONGER PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS PROPOSED ................................. 24
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............................ 25
HK PLANNING INTO NEXT CENTURY ................................................. 26
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY ........................................... 28
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS .............................................. 29
SUPPORT FOR YAN CHAI HOSPITAL PROJECTS ........................................ 30
YAN CHAI SERVICES ESSENTIAL IN THE NT ......................................... 30
BRAVE FIREMAN COMMENDED ....................................................... 31
SWD VOLUNTEERS WIN YOUNG DISTRICT LEADERS AWARD ............................... 31
$45,000 SOUGHT FOR DEMOLISHING VILLAGE INCINERATORS ........................... 32
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30,
1
NEW SYSTEM FOR APPROVING COMPANY NAMES PROPOSED
******
THE PURPOSE OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.5) BILL 1990 IS TO INTRODUCE A NEW SYSTEM FOR APPROVAL OF COMPANY NAMES WHICH IS BASED ON THE UK APPROACH AND IS INTENDED TO SHORTEN THE TIME REQUIRED TO REGISTER NEW COMPANIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS SAID UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WAS REQUIRED TO DECIDE, BEFORE REGISTERING A COMPANY, WHETHER OR NOT THE PROPOSED NAME OF A NEW COMPANY BORE SUCH RESEMBLANCE TO THE NAME OF AN EXISTING COMPANY THAT OPPORTUNITIES EXISTED FOR DECEPTION.
HE SAID THE PRESENT SYSTEM ALSO ALLOWED APPLICANTS TO RESERVE A NAME FOR A PROPOSED COMPANY.
IN 1989, THE COMPANIES REGISTRY RECEIVED MORE THAN 20,000 APPLICATIONS EACH MONTH FOR RESERVATION OF COMPANY NAMES.
"OWING TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS AND THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE, THE TIME TAKEN TO RESERVE A COMPANY NAME NOW VARIES BETWEEN FOUR TO SIX WEEKS.
"TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER PROCEDURES, INCLUDING THE PREPARATION OF INCORPORATION PAPERS BY THE APPLICANT AND THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY, THE WHOLE PROCESS OF REGISTERING A COMPANY CAN TAKE UP TO THREE MONTHS.
"THIS PROCESS IS UNSATISFACTORILY LONG. WE THEREFORE PROPOSE TO ADOPT A NEW, SIMPLER AND QUICKER SYSTEM BASED ON THE UK APPROACH," HE SAID.
•
SIR PIERS SAID UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM, A COMPANY NAME WOULD BE REGISTRABLE IF IT WAS NOT THE SAME AS A NAME ALREADY APPEARING IN THE INDEX OF COMPANY NAMES.
"HOWEVER, WHERE A NAME IS REGISTERED WHICH IS, IN THE OPINION OF THE REGISTRAR, TOO SIMILAR TO A NAME PREVIOUSLY ENTERED IN THE INDEX, THE REGISTRAR MAY, WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF REGISTRATION, DIRECT THE COMPANY TO CHANGE ITS NAME WITHIN SUCH PERIOD AS HE MAY SPECIFY," HE SAID.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD RESULT IN THE NAME RESERVATION SYSTEM BEING ABOLISHED.
EXISTING STAFF RESOURCES COULD BE REDEPLOYED AND IT WAS AIMED TO INCORPORATE NEW COMPANIES WITHIN A PERIOD OF FIVE TO 10 DAYS, INSTEAD OF UP TO THREE MONTHS AS AT PRESENT.
ON PUBLIC SEARCH, SIR PIERS SAID UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, THE REGISTRAR WOULD NO LONGER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DECIDING WHETHER A PROPOSED NAME WAS TOO SIMILAR TO AN EXISTING COMPANY NAME.
"IN FUTURE, THIS RESPONSIBILITY WILL FALL ON THE PARTY REGISTERING THE NEW COMPANY.
/"TO THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
"TO THIS END, FACILITIES FOR NAME SEARCHES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE AT THE PUBLIC SEARCH AREA OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY," HE SAID.
ON A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, SIR PIERS SAID MANY PROFESSIONAL FIRMS HAD BUILT UP "NAME BANKS" OF RESERVED NAMES IN THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.
TO AVOID A RUSH TO RUN DOWN THESE NAME BANKS, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE NEW SYSTEM CAME INTO FORCE.
"FROM THE START OF THIS PERIOD, NO NEW APPLICATION FOR NAME RESERVATION OR FOR RENEWAL OF RESERVATION WILL BE ACCEPTED, AND UNPROCESSED APPLICATIONS WILL BE DROPPED.
"IT WILL STILL BE POSSIBLE TO INCORPORATE A COMPANY DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, EVEN IF THE NAME OF THE COMPANY HAS NOT BEEN RESERVED.
"HOWEVER, AT THE END OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, ALL RESERVED NAMES STILL UNUSED WILL LAPSE," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL INTENDED TO REMEDY WEAKNESSES IN PROCEDURE ******
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1990 IS INTENDED TO REMEDY WEAKNESSES IN THE PROCEDURE FOR CONVERSION FROM A COMPULSORY WINDING-UP OF A COMPANY TO A CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS SAID SECTION 209A OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, INTRODUCED IN 1984, PROVIDED THAT THE COURT MIGHT, UPON APPLICATION BY THE LIQUIDATOR OR ANY CREDITOR, ALLOW A COMPULSORY WINDING-UP TO BE CONVERTED AND CONDUCTED AS IF IT WERE A CREDITORS' VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP, AND THIS PROVISION WAS CONSIDERED UNSATISFACTORY.
SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WAS APPOINTED LIQUIDATOR IN MOST COMPULSORY WINDING-UP PROCEEDINGS ORDERED BY A COURT, BUT NOT IN A VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP.
"WHEN HE IS APPOINTED AS LIQUIDATOR, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER CHARGES FEES PROPORTIONATE TO THE AMOUNT OF ASSETS REALISED IN ORDER TO RECOVER THE COST OF THE WORK DONE," HE SAID.
/HOWEVER, SECTION ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 3
HOWEVER, SECTION 209A DID NOT SPECIFY A TIME LIMIT FOR MAKING ANY APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION FROM A COMPULSORY WINDING-UP TO A VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP.
"CREDITORS ARE ABLE TO APPLY FOR CONVERSION AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF A COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION," SIR PIERS SAID.
"THIS FREEDOM STRIKES AT THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN MADE WITH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
"IN EFFECT IT ENABLES CREDITORS TO SEEK CONVERSION SHORTLY BEFORE THE REALISATION OF ASSETS IN ORDER TO AVOID FEES BEING PAID TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER."
TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, THE BILL PROPOSED THAT AN APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE DATE OF A RESOLUTION PASSED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CREDITORS OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OF THAT MEETING OR WITHIN SUCH FURTHER PERIOD AS THE COURT MIGHT PERMIT.
"WE BELIEVE THIS WILL GIVE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR CREDITORS TO : REACH A DECISION ON THE BEST WAY FORWARD AND TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR PRESENTATION TO THE COURT," SIR PIERS SAID.
SIR PIERS ALSO SAID SECTION 209A DID NOT SUFFICIENTLY SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"THE EFFECT OF A CONVERSION TO A CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP IS TO REMOVE THE LIQUIDATION FROM THE COURT’S SUPERVISION," HE SAID.
"THERE MAY BE GOOD REASONS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT AN APPLICATION SHOULD BE OPPOSED OR DENIED," HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAD NO RIGHT OF AUDIENCE BEFORE THE COURT, AND THE COURT WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WISHES OF CREDITORS AND CONTRIBUTORIES IN DECIDING AN APPLICATION.
THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT A REPORT ON THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COURT BY THE LIQUIDATOR, AND THAT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD.
IT ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE COURT SHOULD. HAVE REGARD TO VARIOUS MATTERS RELATING TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN DECIDING WHETHER AN APPLICATION SHOULD BE ACCEPTED.
"THESE ARE, ESSENTIALLY, WHETHER OR NOT THERE HAS BEEN AN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OR CONVICTION OF OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY FOR FRAUD, DISHONESTY, MISFEASANCE OR OTHER BREACH OF DUTY IN RELATION TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY," SIR PIERS ADDED.
/SIR PIERS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 4 -
SIR PIERS SAID ON THE TECHNICAL CONSEQUENCES INVOLVED IN A CONVERSION FROM A COMPULSORY TO A VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP, THE BILL PROPOSED THAT THEY BE DEALT WITH BY GIVING THE COURT A -GENERAL POWER OF DIRECTION.
"FURTHERMORE, A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE CREDITORS OF COMPANIES IN LIQUIDATION AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE THIS RIGHT BEFORE IT LAPSES, AND THIS IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 209C," HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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AG PROVIDES CHRONOLOGY OF PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING OSMAN EXTRADITION ******
A CHRONOLOGY OF PROCEEDINGS REGARDING THE EXTRADITION OF MR LORRAIN OSMAN WAS PROVIDED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR, MR MATHEWS SAID HE WAS ANXIOUS TO SAY NOTHING WHICH COULD PREJUDICE THE EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS AGAINST MR OSMAN, THE CASE WHICH WOULD FOLLOW HIS EXTRADITION, OR INDEED ANY RELATED PROCEEDINGS.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID MR OSMAN WAS ARRESTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON DECEMBER 6, 1985 UNDER A PROVISIONAL WARRANT OF ARREST ISSUED ON DECEMBER 2, 1985.
"THE HEARING OF EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS AT BOW STREET MAGISTRATES COURT IN LONDON COMMENCED ON MAY 27, 1986. IT WAS COMPLETED A YEAR LATER.
"ON JUNE 1, 1987 HE WAS COMMITTED TO PRISON TO AWAIT HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG ON 42 CHARGES INCLUDING CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD, CONSPIRACY TO STEAL, ACCEPTING ADVANTAGES, THEFT AND FALSE ACCOUNTING. THE CHARGES INVOLVE A SUM IN EXCESS OF 800 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS.
"SINCE THEN MR OSMAN HAS PURSUED NUMEROUS APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS BEFORE THE COURTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, HONG KONG AND MALAYSIA AND BEFORE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER AND DETAIL OF THESE PROCEEDINGS A CHRONOLOGY HAD BEEN PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS’ BENEFIT.
MR MATHEWS SAID: "IN ESSENCE MR OSMAN HAS MADE FOUR APPLICATIONS FOR WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS. THE FOURTH IS PENDING. THE FIRST THREE SUCH APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL, AS HAVE THE VARIOUS APPEALS WHICH MR OSMAN HAS PURSUED FROM THE DETERMINATION OF THESE APPLICATIONS FOR HABEAS CORPUS.
/"MR OSMAN'S
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 5 -
"MR OSMAN'S FOURTH APPLICATION FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS HAS BEEN SET DOWN FOR HEARING IN THE DIVISIONAL COURT IN LONDON ON JUNE 19, 1990 BUT THAT HEARING WILL BE PRECEDED BY A HEARING OF AN APPLICATION BY MR OSMAN SEEKING DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS.
”MR OSMAN HAS APPEALED AGAINST A DECISION OF THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA STRIKING OUT HIS APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW. THAT APPEAL IS EXPECTED TO BE HEARD IN THE MALAYSIAN SUPREME COURT IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
"MR OSMAN HAS ALSO LODGED WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS A FURTHER COMPLAINT WHICH HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED."
THE FOLLOWING IS THE CHRONOLOGY OF PROCEEDINGS PROVIDED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS AN ANNEX TO HIS REPLY:
6 DECEMBER 1985
MR OSMAN ARRESTED ON PROVISIONAL EXTRADITION WARRANT.
7 DECEMBER 1985
MR OSMAN REMANDED IN CUSTODY.
14-16 JANUARY 1986
MR OSMAN WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN AN APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT OF MALAYSIA CONCERNING AN ORDER OF THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA RELATING TO THE EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES.
24 JANUARY 1986
HOME OFFICE ISSUED AUTHORITY TO BOW STREET MAGISTRATES TO PROCEED WITH EXTRADITION CASE UNDER FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ACT 1967, IN RESPECT OF AN ARREST WARRANT ISSUED IN HONG KONG ON JANUARY 20, 1986.
18 APRIL 1986
MR OSMAN WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN A FURTHER APPLICATION TO THE SUPREME COURT OF MALAYSIA CONCERNING THE EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES.
25 APRIL 1986
FURTHER WARRANT OF ARREST ISSUED IN HONG KONG IN RESPECT OF 43 OFFENCES.
/I3 MAY ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 6 -
13 MAY 1986
SECOND AUTHORITY TO PROCEED ISSUED SUPERSEDING THE AUTHORITY TO PROCEED OF JANUARY 24, 1986.
27 MAY 1986
EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS BEGAN AT BOW STREET.
1 JUNE 1987
BOW STREET MAGISTRATE COMMITTED MR OSMAN TO AWAIT THE HOME SECRETARY’S ORDER FOR SURRENDER TO HONG KONG.
10 JUNE 1987
APPLICATION BY MR OSMAN FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS TO HAVE THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION SET ASIDE ON GROUNDS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE.
30 JUNE 1987
COMPLAINT TO EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
6 JULY 1987
MR OSMAN APPLIED TO THE HIGH COURT OF HONG KONG FOR LEAVE TO APPLY FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW. THE APPLICATION IS REFUSED.
JULY 1987
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE RECEIVED A CLAIM ON BEHALF OF MR OSMAN REGARDING DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY.
20 NOVEMBER 1987
MR OSMAN’S APPEAL AGAINST THE DECISION OF JULY 6, 1987 WAS
CONDITIONALLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE COURT OF APPEAL OF HONG KONG.
12 JANUARY 1988
MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION TO THE HIGH COURT OF HONG KONG FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE GOVERNOR’S REQUEST FOR HIS EXTRADITION WAS REFUSED.
30 MARCH 1988
AFTER FOUR WEEKS HEARING DIVISIONAL COURT DISMISSED THE FIRST
APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS.
/26 APRIL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
26 APRIL 1988
COURT OF APPEAL OF HONG KONG REFUSED MR OSMAN’S APPEAL IN RESPECT OF THE DECISION OF JANUARY 12, 1988.
29 APRIL 1988
DIVISIONAL COURT REFUSED LEAVE TO APPEAL TO HOUSE OF LORDS IN RESPECT OF THE DISMISSAL OF HIS APPLICATION ON MARCH 30, 1988.
13 MAY 1988
MR OSMAN PETITIONED HOUSE OF LORDS DIRECT FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL AND MADE SECOND APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS ON GROUNDS OF DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY.
14 JULY 1988
PETITION TO HOUSE OF LORDS REJECTED.
6 SEPTEMBER 1988
THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA GRANTED A STAY OF A WITNESS EXAMINATION ORDER PENDING AN APPEAL BY MR OSMAN TO THE SUPREME COURT OF MALAYSIA.
20 OCTOBER 1988
PRIVY COUNCIL REFUSED MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE HONG KONG COURT OF APPEAL OF APRIL 26, 1988.
17 AND 21 OCTOBER 1988
DIVISIONAL COURT HEARING OF SECOND APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS.
9 NOVEMBER 1988
THE HIGH COURT OF HONG KONG GRANTED MR OSMAN LEAVE TO APPLY FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW IN RESPECT OF THE ISSUE OF WARRANTS.
28 NOVEMBER 1988
APPLICATION BY MR OSMAN TO THE DIVISIONAL COURT TO FURTHER ADJOURN THE SECOND APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IS REFUSED.
/21 DECEMBER .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 8 -
21 DECEMBER 1988
DIVISIONAL COURT DISMISSED SECOND APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS SOUGHT ON THE BASIS OF DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY AND ABUSE OF PROCESS.
19 JANUARY 1989
DIVISIONAL COURT REFUSED LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
27 JANUARY 1989
THE HIGH COURT OF HONG KONG REFUSED MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW AND FOR A DECLARATION.
24 FEBRUARY 1989
MR OSMAN PETITIONED HOUSE OF LORDS DIRECT FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL IN RESPECT OF THE DISMISSAL OF HIS APPLICATION ON DECEMBER 21, 1988.
13 MARCH 1989
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DECLARED INADMISSIBLE MR OSMAN’S COMPLAINT UNDER THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS.
17 MARCH 1989
MR OSMAN GRANTED AN ORDER BY THE SUPREME COURT OF HONG KONG RELATING TO LETTERS OF REQUEST TO MALAYSIA.
22 MARCH 1989
ORDER OF HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA RELATING TO THE EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES BY MR OSMAN.
4 MAY 1989
COURT OF APPEAL, HONG KONG QUASHED THE ARREST WARRANT ISSUED IN HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 30, 1985, ON THE GROUND THAT IT HAD BEEN VITIATED BY BIAS.
9 MAY 1989
MR OSMAN’S SOLICITORS SOUGHT ADJOURNMENT OF THEIR PETITION OF FEBRUARY 24, 1989 FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND GAVE NOTICE OF THEIR INTENTION TO MAKE A THIRD APPLICATION FOR HABEAS CORPUS BECAUSE OF THE QUASHING IN HONG KONG OF THE WARRANT OF NOVEMBER 30, 1985, AND THE ISSUE OF A DIPLOMATIC NOTE BY THE LIBERIAN AMBASSADOR RELATING TO MR OSMAN’S CLAIM OF DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY.
/5 JUNE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
9
5 JUNE 1989
MR OSMAN APPLIED TO THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA FOR A DECLARATION RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS AND TO THE LETTERS OF REQUEST.
6 JUNE 1989
MR OSMAN APPLIED TO THE DIVISIONAL COURT FOR A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS FOR A THIRD TIME.
26 JULY 1989
THE DIVISIONAL COURT REFUSED MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION FOR BAIL.
26 SEPTEMBER 1989
APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW BY MR OSMAN DEFERRED TO START OF HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS WHICH WERE DUE IN THE DIVISIONAL COURT ON OCTOBER 3.
4 OCTOBER 1989
JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCEEDINGS BEGAN, TO BE FOLLOWED BY HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS ON THE QUESTION OF WHAT CONSTITUTED "RELEVANT OFFENCES" FOR THE PURPOSES OF MR OSMAN’S EXTRADITION.
5 OCTOBER 1989
APPLICATION FOR INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY REFUSED. APPLICATION FOR BAIL REFUSED. CASE ADJOURNED TO OCTOBER 19.
26 OCTOBER 1989
THE DIVISIONAL COURT ADJOURNED FOR JUDGMENT ON BOTH JUDICIAL REVIEW AND HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDINGS.
1 NOVEMBER 1989
HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA ADJOURNED PART HEARD THE CROWN’S APPLICATION TO STRIKE OUT AN APPLICATION BY MR OSMAN FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW.
17 NOVEMBER 1989
THE DIVISIONAL COURT DISMISSED MR OSMAN’S APPLICATIONS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW AND HABEAS CORPUS. THE COURT DECIDED THAT MR OSMAN HAD BEEN LAWFULLY ARRESTED AND THERE HAD BEEN NO DISHONESTY OR ABUSE OF PROCESS.
/5 DECEMBER .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
10
5 DECEMBER 1989
THE DIVISIONAL COURT REFUSED LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS IN RESPECT OF THE DISMISSAL OF NOVEMBER 17, 1989.
12 DECEMBER 1989
HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA, HAVING RESUMED THE PART HEARD HEARING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1989 RESERVED JUDGMENT UNTIL JANUARY 6, 1990.
15 DECEMBER 1989
MR OSMAN LODGED A FURTHER PETITION FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS DIRECT, AGAINST THE DIVISIONAL COURT’S JUDGMENT (ON THE THIRD HABEAS CORPUS APPLICATION) OF NOVEMBER 17, 1989.
6 JANUARY 1990
HIGH COURT OF MALAYSIA STRUCK OUT MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION FOR A DECLARATION.
1 FEBRUARY 1990
MR OSMAN'S OUTSTANDING PETITIONS FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS WERE REFUSED BY THE HOUSE OF LORDS APPEAL COMMITTEE.
5 FEBRUARY 1990
MR OSMAN LODGED HIS FOURTH HABEAS CORPUS APPLICATION.
23 MARCH 1990
MR OSMAN APPEALED TO THE SUPREME COURT OF MALAYSIA IN RESPECT OF THE DECISION OF JANUARY 6, 1990.
30 MARCH 1990
MR OSMAN'S APPLICATION TO A MAGISTRATE IN HONG KONG FOR THE ISSUE OF A SUBPOENA UNDER SECTION 104A OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE IS ADJOURNED.
10 APRIL 1990
MR OSMAN APPLIED FOR SUMMONS FOR DISCOVERY IN RESPECT OF HIS FOURTH APPLICATION FOR HABEAS CORPUS.
/15 MAY ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
11
15 MAY 1990
MR OSMAN’S APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 104A OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE WAS STRUCK OUT.
25 MAY 1990
MR OSMAN APPLIED TO A MAGISTRATE IN HONG KONG FOR A FURTHER SUBPOENA UNDER SECTION 104A. HIS APPLICATION WAS REFUSED.
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FACSIMILE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE
******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FACSIMILE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MATTERS CONCERNING COMPLAINTS, ENQUIRIES AND FILING OF RETURNS.
SIR DAVID WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER H.Y. WONG, WHO HAD ASKED TO WHAT EXTENT WERE FACSIMILE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS ACCEPTABLE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MATTERS CONCERNING COMPLAINTS, ENQUIRIES, AND FILING OF RETURNS.
MR WONG HAD ALSO ASKED WHETHER LEGISLATIVE CHANGES WOULD BE EFFECTED TO PERMIT FACSIMILE MACHINES TO BE USED TO SERVE LEGAL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS NOTICES AND WRITS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE SUPREME COURT AND DISTRICT COURT RULES GOVERNED THE SERVICE OF WRITS, NOTICES AND OTHER PROCESS ISSUED OUT OF THOSE COURTS.
"UNDER THE RULES OF COURT TRANSMISSION OF A COPY OF THOSE DOCUMENTS BY FACSIMILE MACHINE IS NOT EFFECTIVE AS PERSONAL SERVICE OF SUCH PAPERS BECAUSE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE SENDER TO PROVE THAT SUCH A DOCUMENT WAS DELIVERED TO THE PARTY TO WHOM IT WAS ADDRESSED.
"AT MOST, THE SENDER CAN PROVE THAT SUCH A DOCUMENT WAS SENT TO A FACSIMILE MACHINE ON A PARTICULAR TELEPHONE NUMBER," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO POINTED OUT THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS CONCERNED WITH PROOF THAT ANY DOCUMENT RECEIVED BY FACSIMILE MACHINE WAS GENUINE.
"THE RULES MAY BE ALTERED BY THE RULES COMMITTEES OF THE TWO COURTS, BUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PRESSURE FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION TO CHANGE THE RULES OF COURT TO FACILITATE SERVICE BY FACSIMILE MACHINE," HE ADDED.
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
12
FIGURES ON BDTC RETURNING RESIDENTS IN UK ******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE HAD BEEN INFORMED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES THAT SOME 3,500 HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS WERE ADMITTED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AS RETURNING RESIDENTS DURING 1989.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SO CHAU YIM-PING, MR ASPREY SAID THIS FIGURE, HOWEVER, MIGHT INCLUDE AN ELEMENT OF DOUBLE COUNTING, SINCE SOME MIGHT WELL HAVE DEPARTED AND ENTERED THE UNITED KINGDOM ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION.
MR A_iPREY ALSO SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS NOT CONSULTED ABOUT THE RECENT AMENDMENT TO UK IMMIGRATION RULE 58, BUT WAS INFORMED OF THE AMENDMENT BEFORE IT CAME INTO FORCE.
"WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE AMENDMENT IS TECHNICAL IN NATURE, AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY CHANGE IN POLICY OR PRACTICE," HE ADDED.
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GOOD PROGRESS ON AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS
**«♦»**
GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VARIOUS COUNTRIES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON RAFAEL HUI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN LEE, MR HUI SAID SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN 1984, HONG KONG HAD CONCLUDED FOUR AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS (OR ASA’S) WITH THE NETHERLANDS, SWITZERLAND, CANADA AND BRUNEI.
"ANOTHER ASA IS EXPECTED TO BE SIGNED WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO.
"IN ADDITION THE TEXTS OF FIVE MORE DRAFT ASA’S HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATED AND WILL BE SIGNED ONCE THE USUAL PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED," HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THAT NEGOTIATIONS WITH SEVEN OTHER COUNTRIES HAD BEGUN AND WERE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF PROGRESS.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT NEGOTIATIONS FOR ASA’S WITH HONG KONG’S REMAINING AIR SERVICES PARTNERS WOULD TAKE PLACE AS AND WHEN OPPORTUNITIES AROSE.
HE ADDED THAT ALL HONG KONG ASA’S NEGOTIATED TO DATE HAD BEEN DESIGNED WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN MIND AND WERE CAPABLE OF REMAINING IN FORCE AFTER 1997.
"THE CONCLUSION OF THESE ASA’S WILL THEREFORE LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION," HE SAID.
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/13......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
13
MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPROVE SUPPLY OF THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS ****»♦*#
A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE RECRUITMENT OF THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS FOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND TO REDUCE WASTAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RONALD CHOW, MRS WONG SAID THE SUPPLY OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHERS HAD BEEN STEADY IN RECENT YEARS AND NO SHORTAGE PROBLEM WAS ENVISAGED.
"HOWEVER, THE SUPPLY OF THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS IS LESS SATISFACTORY," SHE SAID.
OUTLINING THE MEASURES TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SUPPLY OF THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS, MRS WONG SAID FROM JULY 19, 1989, THE PAY SCALE FOR STUDENT RADIOGRAPHERS (THERAPEUTIC) HAD BEEN REVISED FROM THE OLD TRAINING PAY SCALE (TPS) POINTS 5-7 TO POINTS 12-14 (I.E. THE
NEW TPS POINTS 9-11). "BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE PAY SCALES FOR RADIOGRAPHERS I AND II HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPROVED WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1989," SHE SAID.
"THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SALARY POINTS FOR BOTH RADIOGRAPHERS I AND II HAVE BEEN RAISED BY ONE POINT, AND A NEW OMITTED POINT HAS BEEN INSERTED IN THE PAY SCALE OF RADIOGRAPHER I."
ALSO, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHERS (UKCR) TO REGISTER HOLDERS OF A PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY (PDDR) FOR TRAINING IN RADIOTHERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES WITH A VIEW TO QUALIFYING IN 18 MONTHS.
HOLDERS OF A PDDR AND FINAL YEAR STUDENTS ATTENDING THE PDDR COURSE AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAD ALSO BEEN INVITED TO JOIN THE THERAPEUTIC STREAM, SHE SAID.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT TO WIDEN THE NET FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS, AGREEMENT HAD BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE UKCR TO MODIFY THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT RADIOGRAPHERS (THERAPEUTIC).
"FOR INSTANCE, UKCR NOW ACCEPTS GRADES A TO E IN USE OF ENGLISH IN THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION AS AN EQUIVALENT TO GCE O-LEVEL," SHE EXPLAINED.
ON TRAINING, THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD RECOMMENDED THE PRESENT HOSPITAL-BASED PROGRAMME FOR TRAINING THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHERS BE TAKEN OVER BY A TERTIARY INSTITUTION.
"A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN PUT TO THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE," MRS WONG ADDED.
/THE SECRETARY .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
14
THE SECRETARY SAID RECRUITMENT PUBLICITY HAD BEEN STEPPED UP TO BOOST THE SUPPLY OF RADIOGRAPHERS.
APART FROM DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON THE TRAINING AND CAREER PROSPECTS OF RADIOGRAPHERS TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CAREER TALKS HAD ALSO BEEN ORGANISED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS.
"THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PARTICIPATE IN CAREER EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MORE RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS WILL APPEAR IN THE PRESS," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG ADDED THAT AUTHORITY HAD BEEN OBTAINED FOR RECRUITING RADIOGRAPHER II (THERAPEUTIC) FROM OVERSEAS.
"ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO ADVERTISE THE VACANCIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS," SHE SAID.
- - 0 - -
FISHERMEN WARNED TO AVOID DISPUTED AREAS
*****
MEASURES ARE ALREADY IN PLACE TO WARN HONG KONG FISHERMEN NOT TO ENTER AREAS OF TERRITORIAL DISPUTE OR WHERE THEIR SAFETY MAY BE ENDANGERED, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON RAFAEL HUI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AREAS INCLUDED 200 NAUTICAL MILES OFF THE SHORE OF VIETNAM WHICH THAT COUNTRY CLAIMED TO BE ITS "EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE", MR HUI SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU WONG-FAT.
TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE, MR HUI SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME FOR FISHERMEN WHICH INCLUDED:
* NOTICES DISPLAYED AT ALL FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE FISH MARKETS, LIAISON OFFICES, FISHERIES OFFICES AND FISHERMEN’S ORGANISATIONS PREMISES;
* A BROADCAST ON "THE FISHERMEN’S HALF HOUR" WEEKLY PROGRAMME ON CHANNEL 5 OF RTHK; AND
* MEETINGS, SEMINARS AND VISITS, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE FISHERMEN WHO CONTEMPLATED FISHING IN WATERS WHICH MIGHT BE DANGEROUS.
MR HUI SAID THAT FISHERMEN WERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO ADOPT MODERN NAVIGATIONAL AIDS SUCH AS SATELLITE NAVIGATORS, SO THAT THEY WOULD BE LESS LIKELY TO ENTER BY MISTAKE INTO AREAS OF DISPUTE OR DANGER.
"MOREOVER, WE REGULARLY CONDUCT TRAINING COURSES ON NAVIGATION AND THE USE OF NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, AND MAKE AVAILABLE LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO NEEDY FISHERMEN FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SUCH AIDS," HE ADDED.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
15
DEVELOPMENTS OVER MFN RENEWAL BEING MONITORED CLOSELY ******
THE ADMINISTRATION IS MONITORING CLOSELY DEVELOPMENTS
CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES' RENEWAL OF MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN)
TRADING STATUS FOR CHINA AND WILL CONTINUE TO UNDERTAKE SUCH LOBBYING
ACTIVITIES AS ARE NECESSARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR
PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI, SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT, AS MEMBERS WERE AWARE, PRESIDENT BUSH HAD ANNOUNCED ON MAY 24 HIS DECISION TO EXTEND MFN STATUS TO CHINA FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
’’SOME SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN HAVE CRITICISED THIS DECISION AND MAY SEEK TO OVERTURN IT.
“PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SUPPORT IN CONGRESS FOR SUCH A MOVE TO SUCCEED.
"NEVERTHELESS, THERE REMAINS A RISK, SMALL THOUGH IT MAY BE, OF THE U.S. WITHDRAWING MFN TREATMENT FOR CHINA," SIR PIERS SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATED THAT, IN THE NOW UNLIKELY EVENT OF CHINA'S MFN STATUS BEING WITHDRAWN, HONG KONG MIGHT LOSE HK$55-78 BILLION IN TRADE, HK$5-7 BILLION IN INCOME AND OVER 20,000 JOBS AS A DIRECT RESULT.
"THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ARE MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO QUANTIFY AND CANNOT, IN ANY CASE, BE ASSESSED ON A ONE-OFF BASIS.
"MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON HOW SUCCESSFULLY HONG KONG’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY ADJUSTS TO THE SITUATION," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID WITHDRAWAL BY THE U.S. OF MFN TREATMENT FOR CHINA WOULD BE A MAJOR CHANGE TO HONG KONG'S EXISTING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT.
"THE PROCESS OF ADJUSTING TO SUCH A MAJOR CHANGE WOULD INEVITABLY BE PAINFUL," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING, ON A CONTINGENCY BASIS, WAYS OF FACILITATING THAT ADJUSTMENT.
THESE WAYS MIGHT INCLUDE FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ALREADY CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS IN HELPING HONG’ KONG BUSINESSMEN TO OPEN UP NEW OR ALTERNATIVE MARKETS, AND REMOVING ANY CONSTRAINTS THAT MIGHT EXIST WITHIN THE SYSTEM ON HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS' ABILITY TO UNDERTAKE MORE OF THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES IN HONG KONG.
"OBVIOUSLY, THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT PROVIDE A SHIELD AGAINST THE REALITIES OF CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, WHICH ARE PART OF THE RISKS FACING BUSINESS ENTERPRISES EVERYWHERE; NOR DO WE WISH TO INTERFERE IN COMMERCIAL DECISIONS REACHED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"BUT, AS I STATED IN THIS COUNCIL ON MAY 23, 1990 IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM MR DAVID LI, THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTERVENE IN AN APPROPRIATE MANNER WHEN IT IS CLEARLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DO SO," SIR PIERS SAID. -----------------------------------0--------
/16......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
16
POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE’S REPORT FOR 1989 ******
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE HAS RELEASED ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1989. IT WAS SET UP IN EARLY 1986 TO TAKE OVER THE WORK PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE FORMER UMELCO POLICE GROUP. THE COMMITTEE OVERSEES THE HANDLING BY THE POLICE OF COMPLAINTS BY THE PUBLIC.
TABLING THE REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, DR THE HON DANIEL TSE SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR 1989, THE COMMITTEE HAD REVIEWED AND ENDORSED 2,675 COMPLAINT CASES, EMBRACING 4,026 ALLEGATIONS, PROCESSED BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE (CAPO) OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. WITH THE SUPPORT OF AN INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT, DR TSE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ABLE TO VET IN DETAIL EACH AND EVERY COMPLAINT CASE.
THE REPORT STATED THAT THE LARGEST SINGLE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT WAS ABOUT ASSAULT (30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS). THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY OVERBEARING, IMPOLITE CONDUCT OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OF POLICE OFFICERS (25.4 PER CENT), NEGLECT OF DUTY OR IMPROPER ACTION (19 PER CENT), UNNECESSARY USE OF AUTHORITY (13.9 PER CENT) AND FABRICATION OF EVIDENCE (6.5 PER CENT).
IN ADDITION, THE REPORT STATED THAT AS A RESULT OF : INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINTS MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE, APPROPRIATE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN AND ADVICES GIVEN AGAINST 602 POLICE OFFICERS DURING 1989.
THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT THE DECLINING TREND OF COMPLAINTS WHICH BEGAN IN APRIL 1987 HAD STABILISED TOWARDS THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989. A TOTAL OF 3,234 COMPLAINT CASFS WERE REGISTERED BY CAPO IN 1939, REPRESENTING A 0.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 3,219 CASES REGISTERED IN 1988. NEVERTHELESS, DR TSE- NOTED THAT THE 1989 FIGURE STILL REPRESENTED A 16.4 PER CENT DECREASE OVER THE FIGURE OF 3,870 FOR 19S7. AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINT CASES (91.8 PER CENT) WERE MADE DIRECT TO THE POLICE FORCE.
THE REPORT FURTHER SHOWED THE COMMITTEE’S CONCERN OVER THE HIGHER INCIDENCE OF ASSAULT CASES RECEIVED IN 1989 (19.1 PER CENT) THAN FOR 1988. THE COMMITTEE HAD STUDIED THE TREND RELATING TO ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CAPO. THE STUDY INDICATED SOME CORRELATION BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT AND THE NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED TOGETHER WITH CONSEQUENTIAL CRIME ARRESTS. THE MATTER HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF FORMATION COMMANDERS OF POLICE DISTRICTS BY CAPO FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION. THE SITUATION WAS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE.
HOWEVER, THE REPORT EMPHASISED THAT THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND VARIOUS FORMS OF LEGAL AND DISCIPLINARY OR INTERNAL ACTIONS TAKEN AND ADVICES GIVEN AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE DIFFICULT FRONT-LINE NATURE OF POLICE WORK. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE INTERPRETED IN THE CONTEXT OF 3.07 MILLION POTENTIAL POLICE - PUBLIC CONFRONTATION SITUATIONS DURING THE YEAR, INCLUDING 1.56 MILLION PERSONS STOPPED AND CHECKED THROUGH THE POLICE OPERATIONAL MOMINAL INDEX COMPUTER SYSTEM (PONICS) AND 1.51 MILLION TRAFFIC SUMMONSES AND TICKETS ISSUED.
/IN REVIEWING .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
IN REVIEWING THE COMPLAINT CASES, THE COMMITTEE HAD PROPOSED A NUMBER OF REVIEWS OF, AND CHANGES TO, POLICE PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING UPON THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPLAINTS SYSTEM AND ASSISTING THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN MINIMISING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE. SOME OF THE STUDIES AND CHANGES INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED:
(A) A REVIEW OF THE USE OF POLICE DOGS IN HIGH RISE PATROL IN HOUSING ESTATES;
(B) AN EXAMINATION OF THE EXISTING PRACTICE RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF REFRESHMENT TO PRISONERS;
(C) A REVIEW OF THE PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE COURT APPEARANCE OF A DEFENDANT;
(D) A REIVEW OF THE RELEVANT POLICE GENERAL ORDERS ON RECORDING THE TIME OF AN ARREST;
(E) THE ISSUE OF INSTRUCTIONS TO BRIEF POLICE OFFICERS THAT IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POLICE TO GIVE ADVICE CONCERNING THE RIGHT OR LIABILITIES OF PARTIES INVOLVED IN : A CIVIL DISPUTE;
(F) THE ISSUE OF A FORCE-WIDE NOTIFICATION TO REMIND POLICE OFFICERS THAT NO STATEMENTS ONCE TAKEN SHOULD EVER BE DESTROYED; AND
(G) THE ISSUE OF A REMINDER TO POLICE OFFICERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SWORN BEFORE MAGISTRATES IN RELATION TO SEARCH AND ARREST WARRANTS.
DR TSE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE INFORMAL RESOLUTION SCHEME TO
PROCESS CERTAIN MINOR COMPLAINTS WAS INTRODUCED IN 1989 ON A TRIAL
BASIS FOR SIX MONTHS. THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO RESOLVE QUICKLY,
THROUGH PERSONAL DISCUSSION, COMPLAINTS ARISING AS A RESULT OF A FAULT IN PROCEDURE OR POLICY, A GENUINE MISUNDERSTANDING OR
CIRCUMSTANCES OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF THE POLICE OFFICER CONCERNED. THE SCHEME, IF SUCCESSFUL, WILL ENABLE MORE RESOURCES TO BE DEVOTED TO MORE SERIOUS COMPLAINTS. FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE TRIAL PERIOD, THE COMMITTEE HAS ENSORSED THE EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME WITH SOME MINOR MODIFICATIONS FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.
DURING THE YEAR, A PAMPHLET ON THE WORK OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPLAINTS MACHINERY AND THE INDEPENDENT ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE.
THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE IS AN INDEPENDENT MONITORING GROUP APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. IN 1989, THE COMMITTEE COMPRISED A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN, ALL DRAWN FROM OMELCO AND EIGHT MEMBERS, BEING ACTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BEING THE TWO EX-OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COMMITTEE.
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/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 18 -
PRIVATE BILL PASSED * * »
A PRIVATE BILL, THE DAO HENG BANK LIMITED BILL 1990, WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILL HAD BEEN INTRODUCED BY THE HON DAVID LI.
TWO OTHER BILLS, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1990 AND THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1990, WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATES ON BOTH THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
19
THE FOLLOWING IS A JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS:
"IN RESPONSE TO THE HONG KONG SIDE’S SUGGESTION, BORDER LIAISON OFFICIALS FROM BOTH HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG HELD A MEETING IN SHENZHEN ON 30 MAY ABOUT THE CASE OF THE HONG KONG SMUGGLING VESSEL WHICH HAPPENED ON 3 MAY.
"AT THE MEETING, BOTH SIDES GAVE THEIR OWN ACCOUNT OF THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AND HELD CONSULTATIONS ON HOW TO RESOLVE THE CASE. THE GUANGDONG SIDE AGREED TO RELEASE THE ARRESTED MEN AND THE BOATS AND STATED THAT THE SMUGGLED CARS HAD BEEN CONFISCATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT CHINESE LAWS.
"AT THE MEETING BOTH SIDES EXCHANGED VIEWS ON IMPROVING COOPERATION AND MEASURES TO CURB SMUGGLING BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG. BOTH SIDES STRESSED THAT ON THE BASIS OF PREVIOUS FRIENDLY COOPERATION, FURTHER LIAISON WOULD HELP TO CURB SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE PEACE AND GOOD ORDER OF THE HONG KONG/GUANGDONG BORDER."
------0--------
NEW BANK HEADQUARTERS A SYMBOL OF COMMITMENT
THE IMPRESSIVE NEW HEADQUARTERS OF THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK IS A SYMBOL OF THE BANK’S CONTINUING INVOLVEMENT IN AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW STANDARD CHARTERED BANK BUILDING, SIR DAVID SAID: "SO EQUALLY IS THE MAJOR INVESTMENT THE BANK HAS MADE IN RENOVATING THE WHOLE OF ITS BRANCH NETWORK IN HONG KONG AND PROVIDING, IN THIS NEW BUILDING, ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S LARGEST DEALING ROOMS.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK HAD, LIKE HONG KONG ITSELF, GROWN AND PROSPERED SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN THE TERRITORY OVER 130 YEARS AGO.
"INDEED HONG KONG NOW PROVIDES ONE OF THE BANK’S MAIN WORLDWIDE PROFIT CENTRES.
"FOR US, STANDARD CHARTERED AS ONE OF OUR TWO NOTE-ISSUING BANKS WITH A NETWORK OF OVER 100 BRANCHES, IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ECONOMY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT STANDARD CHARTERED BANK HAD SHARED IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESSES -- AND OUR PERIODIC TIMES OF DIFFICULTY -- AND HAD PLAYED ITS PART OVER THE YEARS IN MAINTAINING ALL IMPORTANT STABILITY IN THE TERRITORY’S FINANCIAL SYSTEM.
/"THE BANK'S .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 20 -
’’THE BANK’S PARTICIPATION IN THE LIFE BOAT FACILITY PROVIDED FOR THE FUTURES EXCHANGE IN 1987 IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THIS," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE BANK’S SUCCESSIVE GENERAL MANAGERS HAD ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE PRESENCE IN HONG KONG OF fiANKS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING AND WORLDWIDE BUSINESS OPERATIONS WAS A VITAL PART OF OUR RESOLVE TO MAINTAIN THE TERRITORY’S ROLE AS A LEADING CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AND TRADE; A ROLE THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW GUARANTEED WOULD CONTINUE BEYOND THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN SEVEN YEARS’ TIME.
"WE THEREFORE LOOK FORWARD TO STANDARD CHARTERED CONTINUING TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SYSTEM THROUGH THE 1990’S AND ON INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, WORKING HARD FOR HONG KONG AS IT HAS FOR THE PAST 130 YEARS," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATED THE BANK ON ITS LONG AND SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH HONG KONG AND WISHED IT, AND ALL WHO WOULD WORK IN THE NEW HEADQUARTERS, A BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE.
------0--------
IMF DELEGATION TO VISIT HK
* ♦ ♦ ♦
A STAFF TEAM FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND WILL ARRIVE THIS EVENING FOR A NINE-DAY FACT-FINDING VISIT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE TEAM, COMPRISING A DIVISION CHIEF AND THREE ECONOMISTS OF THE FUND, WILL COLLECT STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL ON HONG KONG’S MONETARY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE VISIT IS PART OF THE FUND’S CURRENT EXERCISE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES IN THE REGION," HE ADDED.
------0--------
SCHEME ON LABOUR IMPORT EXTENDED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE SCHEME ON THE INFLATION OF LABOUR WOULD BE EXTENDED IN VIEW OF THE PERSISTENCE Jf J E LABOUR MARKET AND AN EXPECTED SLOW GROWTH IN THE DOMESTIC
SUPPLY OF LABOUR.
THE DECISION AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY SAID THAT THE CURRENT AND SUPERVISORS WOULD
ANNOUNCING
FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K. Y. YEUNG, SCHEME FOR IMPORTING TECHNICIANS, CRAFTSMEN CONTINUE WITH A NEW QUOTA OF 2,700 WORKERS.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 21 -
IN ADDITION, A SCHEME FOR IMPORTING EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES WOULD BE ESTABLISHED, SUBJECT TO A QUOTA OF 10,000 WORKERS.
A SEPARATE SCHEME FOR THE IMPORTATION INITIALLY OF 2,000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WOULD ALSO BE ESTABLISHED TO FACILITATE THE NEW AIRPORT AND AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS;
MR YEUNG SAID THIS LIMITED IMPORTATION OF SKILLED WORKERS AND EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES WOULD BENEFIT THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE BY RELIEVING LABOUR SHORTFALLS IN CRITICAL AREAS AND ALSO BY COMPLEMENTING CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
"THERE WILL BE NO LARGE SCALE IMPORTATION OF UNSKILLED LABOUR," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT RELAXATION OF THE SCHEME DID NOT MEAN CHEAP LABOUR, AND THAT IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF LOCAL WORKERS, EMPLOYERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FAIR WAGES.
ADEQUATE ENFORCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYERS COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS FOR BRINGING IN FOREIGN WORKERS, HE SAID.
ON THE DECISION TO CONTINUE THE SCHEME FOR IMPORTING TECHNICIANS, CRAFTSMEN AND SUPERVISORS, MR YEUNG SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PRESENT SCHEME HAD PROVIDED SOME RELIEF TO THOSE SECTORS SUFFERING FROM ACUTE SHORTAGES, THE EXCESS DEMAND HAD PERSISTED AND FURTHER RELIEF WAS NECESSARY.
"BUT IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF LOCAL WORKERS AND BECAUSE ONLY ABOUT 2,700 WORKERS HAVE BEEN APPROVED UNDER THE CURRENT SCHEME, THE NEW QUOTA SHOULD BE 2,700 WORKERS."
TURNING TO THE SCHEMES FOR IMPORTING EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES, MR YEUNG SAID AN EXPERIENCED OPERATIVE WAS DEFINED AS A PERSON WHO WAS ABLE TO START WORK WITHOUT TRAINING IN A HONG KONG-BASED VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTION.
"AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL, THIS WOULD GENERALLY MEAN AT LEAST ONE YEAR’S EXPERIENCE IN THE RELEVANT JOB."
HE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO LATEST STATISTICS, THE VACANCY RATIO BETWEEN TECHNIC1ANS/CRAFTSMEN AND OPERATIVES WAS 1:3.7. GIVEN THE NEW QUOTA OF 2,700 WORKERS FOR TECHNICIANS/CRAFTSMEN, THE QUOTA FOR OPERATIVES WOULD BE 10,000 WORKERS.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF QUOTA ALLOCATION, A LIST OF INDUSTRIES RANKED IN ORDER OF PRIORITY ON THE BASIS OF VACANCY RATES WOULD BE PUBLISHED TOGETHER WITH THE MEDIAN WAGE LEVEL FOR OPERATIVES IN EACH INDUSTRY.
ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS OFFERING WAGES AT OR ABOVE THE MEDIAN LEVEL WOULD BE CONSIDERED.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THAT THOSE INDUSTRIES THAT HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM THE HIGHEST VACANCY RATES AND SUSTAINING THE HIGHEST GROWTH RATE IN WAGES WOULD BE GIVEN A HIGHER PRIORITY.
/HALF OF .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 22 -
HALF OF THE QUOTA WOULD PROBABLY GO TO THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, AND TO HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURIST BUSINESSES, LARGELY BECAUSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE, THEIR RELATIVELY HIGH VACANCY RATES, AND THE CONCENTRATION OF WORKERS AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT HIERARCHY.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE EMPLOYMENT OF FISHERMEN FROM CHINA ON DUALLY-LICENSED HONG KONG-BASED FISHING VESSELS WOULD BE SUBSUMED GRADUALLY UNDER THE SCHEME FOR IMPORTING EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES.
"THIS WOULD BE DONE BY REFUSING TO REPLACE ANY OF THE PRESENT 791 SUCH WORKERS AS THEY RETIRE, THUS GRADUALLY REDUCING THE NUMBER, AND INVITING THE FISHING INDUSTRY TO APPLY UNDER THE SCHEME FOR EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES."
ON THE NEW SCHEME FOR IMPORTING LABOUR FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS, MR YEUNG SAID THE UNDERLYING RATIONALE FOR HAVING A SEPARATE SCHEME LAY IN THE TIME SPAN WITHIN WHICH THESE PROJECTS HAVE TO BE COMPLETED, THE NEED TO KEEP COSTS WITHIN REASONABLE LEVELS, AND THE NEED TO GIVE CONTRACTORS AN ASSURANCE THAT THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR WOULD BE ADEQUATE.
MR YEUNG SAID THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES AND THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS HAD EXAMINED THESE CONTRACT-RELATED AND TASKSPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR LABOUR, AND HAD ADVISED THAT A SEPARATE QUOTA OF INITIALLY 2,000 BE ESTABLISHED.
FOR THESE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, THE SAME GROUND RULES AS THOSE OF THE SCHEME FOR IMPORTING TECHNICIANS/CRAFTSMEN AND EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES WOULD APPLY, SUBJECT TO THERE BEING NO SPECIFICATIONS AS TO SKILLS.
ONE ESSENTIAL GROUND RULE IS THAT THE IMMIGRATION CONTROLS MUST BE BUILT AROUND A STANDARD CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OF NOT MORE THAN TWO YEARS.
TO MINIMISE SOCIAL COSTS, THE EMPLOYER WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PASSAGES AND HOUSING, AND TO MEET THE COST OF MEDICAL TREATMENT.
TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF LOCAL WORKERS, PAYROLL WOULD HAVE TO BE THE SAME AS THAT OFFERED TO LOCALLY DOMICILED WORKERS. ACCEPTABLE WAGES WOULD BE REPRESENTED BY PUBLISHED MEDIAN WAGES.
"IN THE EVENT OF REDUNDANCIES, IMPORTED WORKERS WOULD BE THE FIRST TO GO," MR YEUNG SAID.
"TO ENSURE THAT IMPORTED LABOUR COMPLEMENTS CAPITAL INVESTMENT, IMPORTED WORKERS AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL MUST BE EXPERIENCED."
SINCE THE GRANTING OF PERMISSION TO IMPORT LABOUR IS DESIGNED TO ACT AS AN ADDED STIMULANT TO INVESTMENT IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY, THE PERMISSION SHOULD BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO YEARS.
/HOWEVER, IT ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 23 -
HOWEVER, IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO REOPEN THE SCHEME FOR APPLICATION AT THE END OF TWO YEARS. IN THIS CASE, THE FIRM’S INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY AND IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY WOULD BE IMPORTANT FACTORS IN DECIDING WHETHER IT MAY IMPORT FOREIGN LABOUR FOR A FURTHER TWO YEAR PERIOD, MR YEUNG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT AN EXAMINATION OF THE WAY THE CURRENT SCHEME FOR TECHNICIANS/CRAFTSMEN HAD BEEN ADMINISTERED SUGGESTED THAT CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE IN BOTH ADMISSION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURE.
HE NOTED THAT AGAINST A QUOTA OF 3,000 UNDER THE CURRENT SCHEME, ONLY 2,718 HAD BEEN APPROVED AND ONLY 1,809 VISAS HAD BEEN ISSUED. THE SOMEWHAT SLOW TAKE-UP WAS DUE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS. ONE DIFFICULTY COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ABSENCE OF GUIDANCE FOR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS OVER THE GOING WAGE, AND THIS HAD OFTEN LED TO ARGUMENT BETWEEN PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS AND THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER DIFFICULTY COULD BE TRACED TO THE REQUIREMENT IN THE CURRENT SCHEME THAT THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER MUST NOT ALLOW MORE THAN 20 PER CENT OF JOBS OF THE SAME SKILL IN HIS BUSINESS TO BE FILLED BY IMPORTED WORKERS.
"THIS REQUIREMENT HAD RESULTED IN THE REJECTION OF A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS THAT OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED."
TO TACKLE THESE PROBLEMS, MR YEUNG SAID, MEDIAN WAGES WOULD BE PUBLISHED AND BE ACCEPTED AS REPRESENTING THE GOING WAGES FOR IMPORTED LABOUR, AND THE 20 PER CENT CEILING FOR IMPORTED WORKERS WOULD BE REMOVED.
THESE CHANGES WOULD BE APPLIED TO ALL THE THREE SCHEMES OF IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, MR YEUNG SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE REVIEW OF POLICY TO ALLOW FURTHER LEGAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR DID NOT MEAN THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD RELAX ITS ONGOING POLICY TO ARREST AND REPATRIATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO SOUGHT TO ENTER HONG KONG, OR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MIGHT CURRENTLY BE HERE.
THE GOVERNMENT STRONGLY REFUTES ANY NOTION OF AN AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY.
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/24 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
. - 24 •-
LONGER PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS PROPOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO INCREASE AN EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO PAID ANNUAL LEAVE OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM SEVEN TO 14 DAYS DEPENDING ON THE LENGTH OF SERVICE.
UPON ENACTMENT OF A BILL SOON TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AN EMPLOYEE WITH THREE YEARS’ SERVICE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO EIGHT DAYS’ PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, AN EMPLOYEE WITH FOUR YEARS WOULD BE ENTITLED TO NINE DAYS AND THOSE WITH FIVE YEARS OR LONGER WOULD GET 10 DAYS.
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES WITH FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE OR LONGER WOULD BE INCREASED FROM 10 TO 14 DAYS OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
THE FOLLOW TNG TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN PAID ANNUAL LEAVE:
YEARS OF
SERVICE OF
EMPLOYEE NUMBER OF DAYS OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5
(1990)* ( 1991)* ( 1992)* ( 1993)* ( 1994)*
1 7 7 7 •7 7
2 7 7 7 7 7
3 8 8 8 8 8
4 9 9 9 9 9
5 10 10 10 10 10
6 10 11 11 11 11
7 10 1 1 12 12 12
8 10 1 1 12 13 13
9 OR ABOVE 10 1 1 12 13 14
* THE CALENDER YEAR (FOR 1990, THE PART ENACTMENT) IN WHICH THE EMPLOYEE COMPL OF THE ETES THE YEAR AFTER LENGTH OF
SERVICE SPECIFIED IN THE LEFT-HAND COLUMN.
UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AT LEAST FOUR OF THE SEVEN DAYS’ PAID ANNUAL LEAVE MUST BE TAKEN CONSECUTIVELY.
IN LINE WITH THE PRINCIPLE THAT A MAJOR PORTION OF THE LEAVE SHOULD BE ENJOYED WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, AND IN ORDER TO MAKE LEAVE-TAKING MORE FLEXIBLE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT WHERE THE LEAVE ENTITLEMENT DOES NOT EXCEED 10 DAYS, UP TO THREE DAYS MAY BE GRANTED SEPARATELY AT THE EMPLOYEE’S REQUEST.
ALSO, WHERE THE LEAVE ENTITLEMENT EXCEEDS 10 DAYS, THE NUMBER OF DAYS IN EXCESS OF SEVEN DAYS MAY BE GRANTED SEPARATELY AT THE EMPLOYEE’S REQUEST.
/WITH THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 25 -
WITH THE INCREASE IN PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, THE EMPLOYEE WOULD BE PERMITTED TO ACCEPT PAYMENT IN LIEU OF THE PART OF HIS LEAVE ENTITLEMENT WHICH EXCEEDED 10 DAYS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY FOR BOTH THE EMPLOYEE AND THE EMPLOYER.
AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST POSSIBLE ABUSE OF THIS PROVISION, IT IS PROPOSED TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO INCLUDE IN AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ANY CLAUSE WHICH WOULD COMMIT THE EMPLOYEE CONCERNED TO FOREGO ALL OR ANY OF HIS ANNUAL LEAVE ENTITLMENT.
THE PROPOSED PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE WOULD BE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE ESTIMATED THAT THERE WILL BE A DEMAND FOR GOODS AND SERVICES EXCEEDING $50 BILLION TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE COMING DECADE.
THE BUSINESS SECTOR HAD, THEREFORE, A VERY IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY AND CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE TO SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG.
DR REED WAS SPEAKING AT THE INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE.
HE SAID THE COMMUNITY’S PROBLEMS AND THE PROGRAMMES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEVELOPED TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS PRESENTED BOTH UPSIDE AND DOWNSIDE BUSINESS POTENTIAL FOR PROVIDERS OF SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT AND INVESTMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO INVEST SOMETHING LIKE $20 BILLION OVER THE COMING DECADE ON SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE AND COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR MUNICIPAL WASTES.
’’THERE WILL ALSO BE PROGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT OF POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION WHICH WILL GIVE RISE TO DEMAND FOR CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS AS WELL AS SERVICES, SUCH AS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS.
’’OTHER OPPORTUNITIES WILL ARISE THROUGH THE GENERAL PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY BY THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES AS WELL AS THOSE OF THE RECENTLY FORMED ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WHICH WILL GENERATE A DEMAND FOR MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CONSUMER PRODUCTS.
’’ALL THIS ADDS UP TO A VERY ROUGH GUESS AT A DEMAND FOR GOODS AND SERVICES EXCEEDING $50 BILLION IN THE COMING DECADE,” DR REED SAID.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
26
HK PLANNING INTO NEXT CENTURY *****
HONG KONG IS PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, NOT JUST TO 1997 BUT WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SYMPOSIUM IN TOKYO, MR BARMA SAID WORK HAD BEGUN IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS ON SOME OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS ENGINEERING PROJECTS EVER IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, WHICH WOULD BE IMPORTANT IN LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"THE CO-ORDINATED NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT FACILITIES, CALL FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF US$16.3 BILLION.
"THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE 80 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR, OVER THREE TIMES THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
"WITH REGARD TO THE EXPANSION OF OUR PORT, WE HAVE LOOKED AHEAD TO 2006, BY WHICH TIME WE SHALL NEED TO INCREASE OUR CONTAINER THROUGHPUT BY FIVE TIMES," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE METROPLAN PROPOSALS HAD A SIGNIFICANT BEARING ON THE PATTERN OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE AND WERE DESIGNED TO RESTRUCTURE THE CITY "TO BRING ABOUT A BETTER ORGANISED, MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE DESIRABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK".
METROPLAN OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMOVE MANY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSTRAINTS WHICH BORE UPON HONG KONG’S MANFACTURING SECTOR. IT WOULD ALSO INVOLVE A DRAMATIC RELOCATION OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FROM WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN AREA TO THE NEW TOWNS AND TO AREAS CLOSE TO THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT FACILITIES.
"ALL THESE PROJECTS WILL INVOLVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN PROJECT FINANCE, ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY, CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS.
"RESPONSE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PARTICIPATION IN THESE PROJECTS HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG-CHINA RELATIONSHIPS, MR BARMA SAID CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE CLOSE INVESTMENT PARTNERS.
BY THE END OF 1988, CHINA BECAME THE THIRD LARGEST INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ACCOUNTING FOR 11.3 PER CENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG ACCOUNTED FOR TWO-THIRDS OF THE REALISED DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA, AT US$11.5 BILLION.
/MR BARMA .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 27 -
MR BARMA SAID MOST OF HONG KONG’S INVESTMENT WAS IN GUANGDONG, PARTICULARLY IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION, IN THE FORM OF RELATIVELY LABOUR-INTENSIVE, OUTWARD PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS OR JOINT VENTURES.
"THE SHIFT OF MORE LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES TO CHINA HAS HELPED EASE THE TIGHT LABOUR SITUATION IN HONG KONG, SUSTAIN THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND FACILITATE A DIVISION OF LABOUR WHEREBY HONG KONG COULD CONCENTRATE ON DEVELOPING MORE CAPITAL- AND TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THIS ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED BY THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN CHINA IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
"CHINA HAS REPEATEDLY REAFFIRMED ITS ’OPEN DOOR’ POLICY AND HONG KONG CONTINUES TO USE SOUTH CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING OPFRATIONS, PROVIDING THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL, MARKETING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT, INCLUDING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, QUALITY ASSURANCE, TESTING AND OTHER SKILL-INTENSIVE SERVICES," HE SAID.
TURNING TO JAPAN’S INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MOST FAVOURED PLACE FOR JAPANESE INVESTORS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELAESED BY JAPAN’S MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY (M1TI), JAPAN’S TOTAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO US$7.11 BILLION UP TO THE FIRST HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 1989.
HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE JAPAN’S SECOND MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT DESTINATION IN ASIA. SINCE THE FIRST HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 1988, JAPAN’S INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG GREW BY 35.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 23.2 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLE OF ASIA.
HE SAID JAPAN WAS ALSO THE LARGEST INVESTOR IN 1988 IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS COMPARED WITH OTHER FOREIGN INVESTORS.
ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, JAPAN’S CUMULATIVE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, AT US$893 MILLION, ACCOUNTED FOR OVER ONE-QUARTER (26.6 PER CENT) OF THE OVERALL TOTAL UP TO THE END OF 1988.
JAPAN REMAINED AS THE SECOND LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR AFTER THE UNITED STATES, WHICH CONTRIBUTED 34 PER CENT.
MR BARMA SAID ONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE FOR JAPANESE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS IN HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS WAS THAT JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN THE ELECTRONICS SECTOR HAD INCREASED BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.
IN 1988, 34.1 PER CENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN WAS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, COMPARED TO MERELY 18 PER CENT IN 1985. THIS CONTRASTED WITH A GRADUAL DROP IN THE SHARE OF INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 28 -
HE SAID THERE WAS THUS A MARKED SHIFT OUT OF BASICALLY ASSEMBLY-TYPE OPERATIONS INTO RELATIVELY SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS OF HIGHER QUALITY, REFLECTING GROWING CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO MANUFACTURE HIGHER END PRODUCTS.
MR BARMA SAID A NUMBER OF PRIVATE COMPANIES HAD ALSO RECOGNISED THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THESE INCLUDED HIMONT EAST LTD, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE U.S. FIRM HIMONT INC; MOTOROLA OF THE U.S.; ALPHA METALS LTD OF THE UK; AND NIPPON ELECTRIC COMPANY LTD OF JAPAN. THE INVESTMENT BY EACH OF THESE COMPANIES RANGED FROM OVER US$4 MILLION TO US$77 MILLION.
MR BARMA TOLD JAPANESE COMPANY EXECUTIVES AT THE SYMPOSIUM: ’’HONG KONG IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FIND OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.
’’THE OPPORTUNITY IS THERE FOR JAPANESE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS TO SHARE TN THIS DYNAMIC CITY THAT IS HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
MORE THAN 150 JAPANESE COMPANY EXECUTIVES ATTENDED THE SYMPOSIUM WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANISATION (JETRO) TO PROMOTE JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
MR BARMA WILL ALSO SPEAK ON THE SAME SUBJECT AT ANOTHER INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SYMPOSIUM IN YOKOHAMA TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
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FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1), IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.
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/29 ........
A
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 29 -
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS ♦ * ♦ ♦
SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS RECENTLY BECAME MARKET RESEARCHERS, ACCOUNTANTS, RETAIL CONSULTANTS AND STOCKBROKERS IN A COMPETITION AIMED AT AROUSING THEIR INTEREST IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.
WINNERS OF THE 1990 COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1).
THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING, AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY, MR YIP SHIU-MING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THERE WERE SEVEN GROUPS OF ENTRIES:
♦ FINANCIAL MARKET IN HONG KONG;
♦ ADVERTISING IN HONG KONG;
♦ RETAIL BUSINESS IN HONG KONG;
♦ ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE;
» OFFICE AUTOMATION;
♦ HONG KONG’S FOREIGN TRADE; AND
* STUDENTS’ OWN CHOICE.
RESULTS OF THE WORK BY THE STUDENTS WERE PRESENTED IN THE FORM OF AN ESSAY, MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS, SLIDES AND SOUND TAPES OR A COMBINATION OF THESE METHODS.
THE COMPETITION WAS OPEN TO STUDENTS WHO ARE TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN MARINA ROOM 1, SECOND FLOOR, EXCELSIOR HOTEL, GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1).
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/30 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
SUPPORT FOR YAN CHAI HOSPITAL PROJECTS
******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL IN IMPLEMENTING ITS VARIOUS PROJECTS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HSU WAS SPEAKING DURING A COURTESY CALL THAT THE HOSPITAL’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS MADE ON THE CNTA.
HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE BOARD AIMED TO COMPLETE EIGHT PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRIORITIES. THESE INCLUDED THE FOURTH PHASE OF THE HOSPITAL CLINICAL WING EXPANSION PROGRAMME, A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, A NURSERY, A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AND A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
’’OTHER WELFARE SERVICES CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL INCLUDE SIX NURSERIES, FOUR SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND FIVE PRIMARY SCHOOLS,’’ HE SAID, ADDING THAT ALL THESE HAD SERVED THE COMMUNITY WELL.
MR HSU ALSO NOTED THAT RAISING FUNDS FOR THE HOSPITAL’S VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECTS WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR TASKS FOR THE BOARD.
’’JUDGING FROM THE RESULTS OF FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE BOARD WILL MEET ITS TARGET THIS YEAR. NO LESS THAN $2 MILLION WAS RAISED BY THE BOARD’S ’ROAD SAFETY CHARITY DRIVE’ LAST JULY,’’ HE SAID.
MR HSU COMMENDED THE BOARD FOR ITS OTHER FUND-RAISING EFFORTS LAST YEAR, ADDING THAT THEY HAD CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS PROJECTS FOR THE NEEDY.
- - 0 - -
YAN CHAI SERVICES ESSENTIAL IN THE NT ******
YAN CHAI HOSPITAL IS NOW PLAYING AN IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, DR T.Y. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR CHAU MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL VISITED THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING.
’’AFTER YEARS OF HARD WORK, THE FIRST THREE PHASES OF EXPANSION OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL ARE NOW COMPLETED, AND WORK ON STAGE IV OF THE EXPANSION IS NOW IN FULL STEAM.
’’WHEN THE WHOLE EXPANSION PROJECT IS COMPLETED IN EARLY 1992, YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A GENERAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL WITH 700 BEDS TO PROVIDE MORE WIDE-RANGING MEDICAL SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA,” DR CHAU SAID.
- - 0 - -
/31
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
31
BRAVE FIREMAN COMMENDED * * » * *
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR RAYMOND JOHNSTON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRAISED A FIREMAN FOR BRINGING CREDIT TO THE FIRE SERVICES.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE WAN CHAI FIRE STATION, MR JOHNSTON PRESENTED THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION TO FIREMAN LO KAM-CHUEN FOR HIS INITIATIVE AND PROMPT AND PUBLIC SPIRITED ACTION WHILE OFF-DUTY, IN RESCUING A PASSENGER IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 1.30 PM ON FEBRUARY 14 WHEN MR LO WAS ON THE WAY HOME IN A BUS PASSING BY TAI PO ROAD NEAR SCENERY COURT IN SHA TIN.
HE SAW A FULLY-LOADED CONTAINER TRUCK HAD TOPPLED AND CRUSHED A GOODS VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE LANE.
ALIGHTING FROM THE BUS, MR LO RAN TO THE GOODS VEHICLE IN WHICH TWO MEN WERE TRAPPED. THROUGH STRENUOUS EFFORT, HE MANAGED TO PULL OUT THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF FIREMEN.
IdM
------U--------
SWD VOLUNTEERS WIN YOUNG DISTRICT LEADERS AWARD
TWO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE SPENT THEIR LEISURE TIME ON COMMUNITY WORK WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) COMMENDED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION AND COMMITMENT TO THEIR DISTRICTS.
MISS LAU PO-SHAN AND MR SINN PONG-NAM, VOLUNTEERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICE RESPECTIVELY, WON THIS YEAR’S YOUNG DISTRICT LEADERS AWARD ORGANISED BY THE ZONTA CLUB IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.
AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 13 VOLUNTEERS WERE NOMINATED FOR THE AWARD WHICH GIVES FORMAL RECOGNITION TO YOUNG LEADERS WHO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS SHAPING A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEIR DISTRICTS.
’’THESE VOLUNTEERS ARE MEMBERS OF OUR SUPPORTIVE OR SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS.
"OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNIT, THEY AIM AT PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONAL GROWTH, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, AND AT MEETING INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL NEEDS.”
/A PRIMARY .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
- 32 -
A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER, MISS LAU BECAME A VOLUNTEER IN 1985. AS THE LEADER OF A SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUP, SHE ORGANISED A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN, THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY IN SAU MAU PING, KWUN TONG.
MR SINN, A STUDENT, HAS PARTICIPATED IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES SINCE 1987. HE AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS FORMED A NEW GROUP LAST SUMMER AND PLANNED TO ORGANISE A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES FOR EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS THIS YEAR.
THREE OTHER VOLUNTEERS WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT. THEY ALE MR CHAN KWOK-FAI OF NORTH DISTRICT, MISS YAU CHIU-FAI OF SHA TIN AND MISS YUEN YUEN-SIU OF WAN CHAI.
--------0-----------
$45,000 SOUGHT FOR DEMOLISHING VILLAGE INCINERATORS ******
SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF $45,000 FOR DEMOLISHING FIVE DESERTED VILLAGE INCINERATORS AT THE BOARD’S MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1).
THE INCINERATORS ARE AT PAK SHEK WO, MAU WU TSAI, LUK MEI, PAK SHA O AND SHE TAU.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXAMINE PROGRESS REPORTS OF FIVE DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW AIRPORT PROJECT WITHIN HONG KONG'S CAPABILITIES .......................... 1
SECRETARY GIVES JOINT PRESENTATION ON AIRPORT PROJECT ........................ 3
LATEST MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS REVIEWED ........................................ 4
PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISKS ............................. 7
GOVT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO SIXTH FORM EDUCATION ....................... 8
GOVERNOR VISIT TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT .............................. 9
REVAMPING OF BUILDING REGULATIONS TO ALLOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY .............. 10
ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN ANNOUNCED ........................................ 12
HK REPRESENTATIVES PLAY FULL ROLE IN URUGUAY ROUND .......................... 13
1ST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED 15
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BUILDING TWO LAUNCHES ........:......................... 18
SCRAP MERCHANT FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING EQUIPMENT ................ 18
PRACTICAL EDUCATION CENTRE HELPS SCHOOLS RUN TECHNICAL COURSES .............. 19
POK 01 PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ....................................... 20
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY .............................................. 20
REMINDER ON CHANGE IN PASSPORT FORMAT ....................................... 24
EASTERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ............................ 25
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PHA REPORT .......................................... 26
FOUR GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ............................................. 26
NEW SALT WATER PUMPING STATION FOR HO MAN TIN ............................... 27
URBAN CLEARWAY IN MONG KOK .................................................. 28
TEMPORARY DIVERSION OF KMB ROUTE 5A ......................................... 28
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE IN TAI PO .................................... 28
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 1 -
NEW AIRPORT PROJECT WITHIN HONG KONG’S CAPABILITIES
»«»»»»
HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED WORKS ARE ACHIEVABLE AND WITHIN HONG KONG’S PROVEN CAPABILITIES.
THAT WAS THE MESSAGE TODAY (THURSDAY) FROM THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, AS SHE OPENED THE HONG KONG AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT EXHIBITION.
SPEAKING AT THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, SHE SAID THE AIRPORT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF HONG KONG AS A WORLD AND REGIONAL CENTRE FOR FINANCE, TRADE, MANUFACTURING AND TOURISM.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE HAD BEEN, AND WAS? BEING DONE TO EXPAND THE EXISTING AIRPORT, BUT EVEN AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE $3.6 BILLION PACKAGE OF EXPANSION WORKS NOW IN HAND, THERE WAS A REAL RISK THAT THE AIRPORT WOULD BE SATURATED AS EARLY AS 1994.
CONSULTANTS HAVE ESTIMATED THAT IF KAI TAK WERE SATURATED IN 1996 AND NO REPLACEMENT AIRPORT WERE PROVIDED, HONG KONG WOULD SUFFER ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS FROM LOST BUSINESS OF ABOUT $100 BILLION IN THE 14 YEARS BETWEEN THEN AND 2010.
"THE NEW AIRPORT IS GOING TO BE BUILT," MISS CHUNG STRESSED.
"THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IS NO LONGER AN IDEA, A PROPOSAL, AN ALTERNATIVE, A 'MAY BE'," SHE SAID.
"ANYONE WHO IS AT THIS STAGE ASKING: 'WILL IT REALLY GO AHEAD?’ IS ASKING TO BE LEFT REALLY FAR BEHIND," SHE ADDED.
MUCH OF THE WORK GOING ON AT THE MOMENT MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY APPARENT TO PUBLIC VIEW, BUT THAT SITUATION WILL SOON CHANGE DRAMATICALLY.
AMONG THE TENDERS EXPECTED TO BE INVITED THIS YEAR ARE THOSE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, AN ADVANCED WORKS FOR THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE FIRST PHASE OF WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
IN SEPTEMBER, PROPOSALS WILL BE INVITED FOR THE FINANCE, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING BETWEEN TSING YI AND LANTAU ISLAND UNDER A FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENT.
MISS CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THE COMPONENT PROJECTS FOR THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT ARE LARGE AND COMPLEX IN THEMSELVES. THEY PRESENT CHALLENGING ENGINEERING AND SCHEDULING PROBLEMS, WHICH ARE COMPOUNDED BY THE CLOSE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY BETWEEN THE PROJECTS.
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"THESE REQUIREMENTS SET AGAINST THE VERY TIGHT TIME-FRAME WHICH WE HAVE SET OURSELVES, POINTS TO THE NEED FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND DEDICATION OF RESOURCES PLUS BOLD, TIMELY AND INNOVATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE SUCCESS," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE WHOLE OF THE AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED WORKS PROJECTS AND THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A VERY HIGH LEVEL OF INTERNATIONAL INTEREST SHOWN.
"WE EXPECT THAT BETWEEN 40 TO 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF IMPLEMENTING OUR PLANS WILL COME FROM PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND FUNDING.
"THE CLOSURE OF KAI TAK AND THE ASSOCIATED LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FLIGHT PATH LEADING TO IT WILL IN THE LONGER TERM GENERATE CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES," SHE SAID.
SAYING THAT THE NEW AIRPORT PROGRAMME WOULD PUT PRESSURE ON THE CAPACITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY DURING THE YEARS 1992 TO 1996 WHEN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY WOULD BE AT ITS PEAK, MISS CHUNG SAID IT SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD MET CHALLENGES IN THE PAST BY UPGRADING ITSELF AND BY THE ENTRY OF NEW FIRMS AND ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY.
"THE MAJOR WORK INVOLVED, AT LEAST INITIALLY, TENDS TO BE CAPITAL-INTENSIVE AND ALLOWS GREATER SCOPE FOR UTILISING MAJOR EQUIPMENT AND FOR HIGHER LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY.
"FOR SOME TIME NOW, GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ACUTELY AWARE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF THE EXISTING SCHEME FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITHIN CERTAIN PARAMETERS ON NEW SCHEMES WHICH WERE ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY.
"I HOPE THESE NEW SCHEMES AND THE ABOLITION OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS WILL GO SOME WAY TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, IN PARTICULAR, THOSE BIDDING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS," SHE SAID.
"BUT HONG KONG’S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ITS PEOPLE.
"AND IT IS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHO WILL ENSURE THAT THE NEW AIRPORT WILL BE BUILT AND WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM HAVING A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY WHICH WILL ENSURE THEIR PROSPERITY WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," MISS CHUNG ADDED.
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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
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SECRETARY GIVES JOINT PRESENTATION ON AIRPORT PROJECT
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ON THE FINAL LEG OF HIS TOUR OF NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 30) GAVE A JOINT PRESENTATION IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH A BECHTEL CORPORATION VICE PRESIDENT, MR STUART HILL, IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
ADDRESSING AROUND 150 MEMBERS AND GUESTS AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, MR KWOK GAVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS).
HE DESCRIBED THE TRANSPORTATION LINKS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT AND THE COMPLEX CO-ORDINATION ROLE IN TYING TOGETHER ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT FOR A COMMON TARGET DATE.
OR THIS REASON, THE GOVERNMENT HAD APPOINTED A WORLD-CLASS STATUS PROJECT MANAGER, SAN FRANCISCO-BASED BECHTEL CORPORATION, AS OVERALL PROJECT MANAGER FOR T^E WORKS, MR KWOK SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPANY WOULD BE INVOLVED IN ENSURING THAT THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WAS IN PLACE SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE AIRPORT WAS READY, IN FULLY CO-ORDINATING ALL THE CONSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND IN MONITORING THE CASH FLOW.
TURNING TO THE PORT DEVELOPMENT, MR KWOK SAID THIS WAS QUITE DIFFERENT TO THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME.
"WE WANT THE PORT EXPANSION PROGRAMME TO BE DEMAND LED. WE DON’T HAVE A TARGET DATE FOR THE PHYSICAL EXPANSION OF THE PORT BUT WE KEEP A VERY CLOSE MONITOR ON THE THROUGHPUT OF THE PORT TO TRIGGER OFF FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WITH SUFFICIENT LEAD TIME TO MEET THE DEMAND.
"WE HAVE JUST FINISHED CONTAINER TERMINAL NUMBER SIX AND THIS IS JUST IN OPERATION; NUMBER SEVEN IS BEING BUILT; NUMBER EIGHT WILL BE CONTIGUOUS WITH STONECUTTERS ISLAND; AND NUMBER NINE WILL BE AT TSING YI. AFTER TERMINAL NUMBER NINE WE WILL HAVE COMPLETED ALL THE CONTAINER TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT AT KWAI CHUNG," MR KWOK SAID.
"FOR FURTHER EXPANSION, WE WILL COME TO NORTHERN LANTAU ISLAND TO DO WHAT WE CALL A ’PORT PENINSULA’ WITH CONTAINER TERMINALS AND MULTI-PURPOSE TERMINALS, WITH A POSSIBLE SECOND LINK FIXED CROSSING TO IIONG KONG ISLAND."
MR KWOK ASSURED HIS AUDIENCE THAT A GOOD PORTION OF THE US$16 BILLION PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE DIRECTLY FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES, FOR INSTANCE THE 10-MILE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY PROJECT, ESTIMATED TO COST AROUND US$700 MILLION.
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LATEST MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS REVIEWED * * * » ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING REVIEWED RECENT MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS AND ALLAYED CONCERN OVER WHAT HAS BEEN SEEN AS A NEW DECLINE IN THE SHARE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS IN TOTAL DEPOSITS.
ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC SCIENCE, MR NENDICK SAID THERE HAD BEEN A CONTINUOUS GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND THE GROWTH RATE AT 15.5 PER CENT FOR 1989 WAS INDEED HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN MONEY TERMS.
’’GIVEN THAT THE GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT BASE HAS AT LEAST KEPT UP WITH THE EXPANSION IN THE ECONOMY, IT SEEMS THAT THE FACTS DO NOT SUPPORT THE PREMISE THAT HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WHETHER BUSINESSES OR INDIVIDUAL, HAVE BEEN SHIFTING FROM HONG KONG DOLLARS INTO FOREIGN CURRENCIES TO ANY GREAT EXTENT.
"OR AT LEAST, IF THEY HAVE, THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A MATCHING INCREASE IN THE HOLDING OF HONG HONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS BY NON-RESIDENTS.
’’OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, SAVINGS DEPOSITS, WHICH ONJ£ WOULD EXPECT TO BE MAINLY HELD BY RESIDENTS, HAVE BEEN GROWING AT LESS THAN HALF THE PACE OF TIME DEPOSITS - A MEDIUM MORE LIKELY TO BE USED BY NON-RESIDENTS," MR NENDICK SAID.
"WHILE THIS LENDS SOME CREDENCE TO THE SECOND SUPPOSITION, IT MAY ONLY INDICATE THAT SMALL SAVERS IN HONG KONG HAVE BECOME INTERESTRATE CONSCIOUS," HE ADDED.
MR NENDICK STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING NEW ABOUT A DECLINE IN THE SHARE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS IN TOTAL DEPOSITS.
"HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN DECLINING XS A PROPORTION OF TOTAL DEPOSITS SINCE THE EARLY 1980’S.
"ADJUSTED FOR SWAP DEPOSITS BOOKED LOCALLY, THE STOOD AT 43.3 PER CENT AT THE END OF MARCH 1990 COMPARED PER CENT AT THE ENI) OF 1984.
PROPORTION
WITH 60.1
"BUT 'THE FIGURE HAS BEEN WITHIN ABOUT TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS OF 45 PER CENT SINCE MID-1988 AND HAS THEREFORE BEEN BROADLY STABLE FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS.
"CERTAINLY IT IS NOT A PHENOMENON WHICH CAN BE AS( RIBED TO EVENTS IN CHINA LAST JUNE," HE SAID.
lib POINTED OU1 CHAT IT WAS NOT THAT HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS HAD FALLEN OR CEASED TO RISE, BUT THAT FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS HAD BEEN INCREASING EVEN MORE RAPIDLY.
THE EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE MOVEMENTS WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT LED TO THE RAPID INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, MR NENDICK EXPLAINED.
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"OVER THE PERIOD 1985-89, THE U.S. DOLLAR, AND THEREFORE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, TENDED TO DEPRECIATE AGAINST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES.
"DEPOSITS IN THESE CURRENCIES, WHEN TRANSLATED INTO HONG KONG DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF VALUATION, THEREFORE TENDED TO GROW MORE RAPIDLY THAN THEIR RATE OF INCREASE WHEN MEASURED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCIES CONCERNED," HE SAID.
INVESTORS IN HONG KONG WHO HAD BEEN ALIVE TO EXCHANGE FlUCT'JATIONS SHIFTED PART OF THEIR FINANCIAL ASSETS INTO FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS IN THE HOPE OF EXCHANGE GAINS WAS ANOTHER REASON, HE SAID.
"SOME INVESTORS, TOO, HAVE BEEN ATTRACTED BY THE HIGHER INTEREST YIELDS AVAILABLE ON CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS," HE NOTED.
"UNTIL MID-1988, EVEN U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS, WHERE BECAUSE OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM THERE IS NO EXCHANGE RATE R*ISK, OFFERED CONSISTENTLY HIGHER INTEREST RATES THAN THE CORRESPONDING HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS," MR NENDICK SAID.
PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON OF ALL WAS THAT HONG KONG’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE HAD RESULTED IN A GROWTH IN OFFSHORE BUSINESS CONDUCTED THROUGH HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO ANOTHER TREND IN THE MONETARY AGGREGATES WHICH HAD ATTRACTED RECENT ATTENTION - THE INCREASE IN THE RATIO OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS TO DEPOSITS, MR NENDICK SAID THE INCREASE WAS THE RESULT OF A RAPID GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS IN 1988 AND 1989.
"THIS IN TURN MUST BE LARGELY A REFLECTION OF THE SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF NEW EQUITY RAISED SINCE THE STOCK MARKET CRASH IN OCTOBER 1987 AND THE SLOWDOWN IN CAPITAL MARKET ISSUES SINCE 1986," HE SAID.
"SLOWER GROWTH IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY WILL ALSO HAVE HAD ITS EFFECT, IN THAT FIRMS WILL HAVE BEEN LESS ABLE TO RELY ON RETAINED PROFITS TO MEET THEIR FINANCING REQUIREMENTS AND HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE MORE RESORT TO BANK LOANS,” HE EXPLAINED.
PARTLY IN RESPONSE TO THESE TRENDS, HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES WERE INCREASED IN MARCH AND APRIL THIS YEAR, MR Nl ’ DICK NOTED.
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS HOPED THAT THIS WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF ROTH ENCOURAGING MORE RAPID GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND DETERRING BORROWERS FROM TAKING LOANS FROM NON-ESSENTIAL PURPOSES, HE POINTED OUT.
REVIEWING THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE EXCHANGE FUND BILL, MR NENDICK SAID RESPONSES AT TENDERS SO FAR HAD BEEN VERY SATISFACTORY.
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"IT IS ALREADY CLEAR THAT OUR PRINCIPAL OBJECT, THAT OF CREATING A MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENT TO ASSIST IN EFFECTIVE MONETARY MANAGEMENT, IS BEING ACHIEVED," HE SAID.
ALL BILLS AVAILABLE FOR TENDER IN THE FIRST 12 ISSUES WERE FULLY ALLOTTED EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF THE NINTH ISSUE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO WITHHOLD PART OF THEM DESPITE SUBSTANTIAL OVERSUBSCRIPTION, MR NENDICK SAID.
AS THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE YIELD ON THAT OCCASION WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO EXPENSIVE, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE TAX FREE STATUS OF THE BILLS AND THE LIQUIDITY THAT THE BILLS OFFERED, IT DECIDED TO WITHHOLD PART OF THE ISSUE, HE SAID.
REGARDING THE MARKET MAKERS’ RESPONSE AT TENDERS, MR NENDICK DESCRIBED IT AS ENCOURAGING, ADDING THAT OF THE $3.5 BILLION OF BILLS SO FAR OFFERED, AROUND 69 PER CENT HAD BEEN ALLOTTED TO THEM.
THE MARKET MAKERS HAD ALSO BEEN SUPPORTIVE IN THE SECONDARY MARKET, MR NENDICK SAID.
TURNOVER IN THE SECONDARY MARKET IN MAY HAD BEEN MUCH HIGHER THAN APRIL, AVERAGING ABOUT $500 MILLION PER DAY, COMPARED WITH $95 MILLION PER DAY IN APRIL, HE POINTED OUT. (
THE INCREASE IN SECONDARY MARKET ACTIVITIES WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR A MARKET MAKER TO QUOTE BOTH BID AND OFFER YIELDS; ALLOWING A MAXIMUM OF 10 BASIS POINTS FOR THE SPREAD BETWEEN THE BID AND OFFERED YIELDS AND PERMITTING A MARKET Maker to run short positions as long as its net position in all issues WAS NOT SHORT, MR NENDICK SAID.
"WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MARKET COMMITTEE, WE HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF MARKET DEVELOPMENTS SINCE BILLS WERE FIRST ISSUED AND SOME MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE END OF THE INITIAL 13 WEEK PROGRAMME.
"WHILE THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE INTENTION OF MAKING ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF 91-DAY BILLS, WHICH WILL BE OFFERED AT WEEKLY TENDERS, THIS WILL BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW AND THE AMOUNTS MAY BE INCREASED IF CIRCUMSTANCE SO WARRANT.
"IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BILLS AS MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS, BILLS OF OTHER MATURITIES UP TO 12 MONTHS MAY BE ISSl ED ADDITIONALLY FROM TIME TO TIME,’’* HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISKS * * * * *
FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE BANKING INDUSTRY, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A MORE STRUCTURED APPROACH TO THE SUPERVISION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK IS TO BE INTRODUCED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"THE APPROACH IS ONE WHICH ENCOURAGES BANK MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE THAT THEIR OWN INTERNAL CONTROLS IDENTIFY AND LIMIT THE BANK’S EXPOSURES TO EXCHANGE RATE MOVEMENTS TO AMOUNTS IN KEEPING WITH THEIR CAPITAL AND WITH THE NATURE OF ITS BUSINESS," HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSIONER IS SATISFIED, IN THE LIGHT OF HIS CONSULTATIONS, THAT THE APPROACH WILL HAVE NO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOLLOWING IS AN EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THE NEW APPROACH TO SUPERVISING FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISKS.
EXPLANTORY NOTE
SUPERVISION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISKS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMISSIONER’S REGULAR OVERSIGHT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS. HOWEVER, SUPERVISION UNTIL NOW HAS BEEN INFORMAL; FOREIGN EXCHANGE OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN MATTERS DISCUSSED IN ROUTINE PRUDENTIAL CONSULTATIONS WITH BANKS.
THE COMMISSIONER HAS REVIEWED THE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE LIGHT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, AND THE FACT THAT FOREIGN CURRENCIES ACCOUNT FOR A GROWING PROPORTION OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS' BALANCE SHEETS.
FOR HONG KONG INCORPORATED INSTITUTIONS, THE OVERSIGHT OF WHOSE CAPITAL ADEQUACY IS DIRECTLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSIONER, GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS IN RESPECT OF LIMITS ON OPEN POSITIONS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE. AN INSTITUTION'S AGGREGATE NET OVERNIGHT OPEN POSITION SHOULD NOT NORMALLY EXCEED 5 PER CENT OF ITS CAPITAL BASE; ITS NET OVERNIGHT OPEN POSITION IN ANY INDIVIDUAL CURRENCY SHOULD NOT NORMALLY EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF ITS CAPITAL BASE. IN PARTICULAR CASES, IF AN INSTITUTION HAS DEMONSTRATED A HIGH DEGREE OF MARKET AND SYSTEM PROFICIENCY, THE NORMAL AGGREGATE LIMIT CAN BE HIGHER THAN 5 PER CENT, BUT IN ANY EVENT NO MORE THAN 15 PER CENT OF CAPITAL BASE.
IN VIEW OF THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USS AND HK$ UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE, POSITIONS BETWEEN THESE TWO CURRENCIES WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE CALCULATION OF OPEN POSITIONS. ARBITRAGE IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET WHEN THE RATE DEVIATES FROM HKS7.8 TO US$1 IS AN IMPORTANT MEANS FOR MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF THE EXCHANGE RATE. INSTITUTIONS ARE HOWEVER EXPECTED TO SET IN-HOUSE LIMITS FOR SUCH POSITIONS.
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FOR HONG KONG BRANCHES OF OVERSEAS BANKS, WHERE CAPITAL ADEQUACY IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OVERSEAS SUPERVISOR, THE SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE LESS STRUCTURED. THE COMMISSIONER WILL MONITOR MANAGEMENTS’ INTERNAL LIMITS AND, WHERE THE FIGURES SEEM UNDULY LARGE, REVIEW THESE WITH OVERSEAS HEAD OFFICES, AND IF NECESSARY WITH THE OVERSEAS SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES.
AS PART OF THE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY, THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE SURVEYED INSTITUTIONS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG TO ASSESS WHAT LIMITS THEY REQUIRED IN ORDER TO MEET THEIR NORMAL OPERATIONAL NEEDS. THE SURVEY CONFIRMED THAT INSTITUTIONS’ INTERNAL LIMITS GENERALLY FITTED WELL WITHIN THE GUIDELINES.
FOR MONITORING PURPOSE, INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REPORT THEIR OPEN POSITIONS AS AT THE END OF EACH MONTH, INCLUDING DATES DURING THE MONTH ON WHICH THE GUIDELINE HAS BEEN EXCEEDED.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPERVISION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK WILL BECOME OPERATIVE AS FROM JULY 1, 1990.
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GOVT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO SIXTH FORM EDUCATION ******
THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO SIXTH FORM EDUCATION AND THERE HAS BEEN MUCH CAREFUL PLANNING AND CONSIDERATION TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAS A SCHEME THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF BOTH THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE 12TH SPEECH DAY OF NG YUK SECONDARY SCHOOL.
MR YEUNG SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MAJOR EDUCATIONAL CONTROVERSIES OVER THE LAST DECADE.
HE NOTED THAT AS RECOMMENDED IN THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, HONG KONG WAS NOW MOVING TOWARDS A SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, A CENTRALISED ADMISSIONS SYSTEM TO HIGHER EDUCATION, AND AN INTEGRATED SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM WITH A TWO-YEAR A LEVEL COURSE FOR ALL SCHOOLS, BOTH ANGLO-CHINESE AND CHINESE MIDDLE.
"AS PART OF THIS, BILINGUAL A LEVELS ARE AVAILABLE TO CATER FOR THE LATTER. H LEVELS IS BEING ABOLISHED AND A NEW CURRICULUM, DERIVED FROM A LEVELS TO BE TERMED ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY (AS) LEVEL, IS TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1992," HE SAID.
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"THE NEW TYPE OF SIXTH EORM EDUCATION FOR THE 1990’S WILL BE BOTH A MATRICULATION STREAM FOR THOSE WHO PROCEED TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND SOMETHING THAT WILL HAVE REAL VALUE FOR THOSE WHO ENTER THE JOB MARKET."
HE SAID WORK WAS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY TO ACHIEVE THE TIMETABLE OF INTRODUCING THE NEW ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL COURSES TO ALL SCHOOLS IN 1992.
TO HELP TEACHERS TEACH THE NEW AS LEVEL SUBJECTS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS PLANNING TWO TYPES OF SERVICE TRAINING COURSES.
"THEY CONSIST, FIRSTLY, OF SHORT COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ORGANISED AND RUN BY’ THE INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SECONDLY, OF COURSES COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT BUT RUN BY TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"SOME OF THESE COURSES WILL COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR," MR YEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY HAD SECURED RECOGNITION OF AS LEVEL RESULTS BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ON THE BASIS THAT TWO AS LEVEL PASSES WOULD EQUATE WITH ONE A LEVEL PASS FOR ADMISSION PURPOSES.
"THE NEXT HURDLE IS TO SECURE ACCEPTANCE OF AS LEVELS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, SOMETHING THAT IS BEING WORKED ON AT THE MOMENT," HE ADDED.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE NEW AS LEVELS WILL FIND FAVOUR WITH STUDENTS, WHO WILL FIND THEMSELVES MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND BETTER ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES OF LATER LIFE," HE SAID.
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THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT DURING A VISIT TO THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE GOVERNOR FIRST VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN.
DR NIP EXPLAINED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EIGHT NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, NAMELY TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI, YUEN LONG, TIN SHUI WAI AND TSEUNG KWAN 0.
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EACH NEW TOWN HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO BE SELF-CONTAINED AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF CO-ORDINATING THE WORK OF ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT UP TO MARCH THIS YEAR, SOME $29 BILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON THE NEW TOWNS, EXCLUDING EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC HOUSING AND LAND ACQUISITION.
THE POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWNS HAS GROWN FROM JUST OVER HALF A MILLION IN THE MID SEVENTIES TO OVER TWO MILLION IN 1990, AND IS EXPECTED TO REACH THREE MILLION BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON, SUCH AS THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI AND THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATIONS.
ABOUT $6 BILLION IS EARMARKED FOR PROJECTS IN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE OTHER NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS FOR THIS YEAR.
SIR DAVID ALSO VISITED TIN SHUI WAI TO SEE AT FIRST HAND PROGRESS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN. HE NOTED THAT TIN SHUI WAI IS THE LATEST OF THE NEW TOWNS, AND IS NOW BEING DEVELOPED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON A JOINT VENTURE BASIS WITH A PRIVATE DEVELOPER.
A TOWNSHIP OF ABOUT 169 HECTARES IS TO BE DEVELOPED TO ACCOMMODATE 135,000 PEOPLE WITH HALF OF THE POPULATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE REMAINING HALF IN PRIVATE LOTS. THE FIRST RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE IN BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
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REVAMPING OF BUILDING. REGULATIONS TO ALLOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY
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THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO COMPLETE A REVAMPING OF THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS IN A BID TO ALLOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR TONY EASON, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE 7TH INTERNATIONAL BUtLDING EXHIBITION (IBEX 90) THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
MR EASON SAID THE REVISED REGULATIONS SHOULD BE IN PLACE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND OBSOLETE PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS WHICH WERE OFTEN REGARDED AS RIGID WOULD BE REPLACED BY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND CRITERIA.
"GUIDELINES AND INDICATORS AS TO HOW THE STANDARDS AND CRITERIA CAN BE SAT1SIFIED WILL BE EMBODIED IN CODES OF PRACTICE ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED AND UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME.
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’’BUILDERS WILL BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THESE CODES TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE, OR EMPLOY ALTERNATIVE METHODS WHICH WILL GIVE EQUALLY SATISFACTORY RESULTS,” HE S D.
MR EASON ALSO POINTED I’ THAT THE THEME WHICH RAN THROUGH MUCH OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S WORK HAD TO DO WITH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, OR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND SAID HIS WAS IN FACT VERY MUCH A ’’QUALITY OF LIFE" DEPARTMENT.
"AS BUILDING AUTHORITY, PART OF MY MISSION IS TO ENSURE THAT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IS ENHANCED AND NOT DIMINISHED THROUGH BUILDING DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
WITHIN THIS BRIEF, HE WAS ANXIOUS TO SEE THAT STATUTORY CONTROL WAS EXERCISED REASONABLY AND THAT THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE BE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW TO KEEP PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT AND THE CHANGE IN DEMAND BY BUILDING USERS.
"TOO STRINGENT CONTROL SUPPRESSES INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY AND RESTRICTS FLEXIBILITY. TOO LOOSE CONTROL COMPROMISES STANDARDS AND SAFETY," HE STRESSED.
MR EASON SAID THE REVISED REGULATIONS WOULD ALLOW, AMONG OTHER THINGS, NEW BUILDING PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS BOUGHT TO HONG KONG TO BE PUT TO GREATER USE.
IT WOULD ALSO HELP PROSPECTIVE BUYERS GREATLY IF MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS COULD VERIFY THAT THEIR PRODUCTS SATISFIED LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.
MR EASON SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO COMMISSIONED A STUDY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ENERGY CONSERVATION WITH A VIEW TO INCORPORATING ENERGY-SAVING FEATURES INTO BUILDING AND BUILDING PRODUCT DESIGN.
ON OTHER ASPECTS OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S WORK, MR EASON SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAD IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR BEGUN A SURVEY OF ALL EXISTING BUILDINGS IN THE TERRITORY.
SO FAR, ABOUT 95 PER CENT OF THESE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN GIVEN AN INITIAL EXTERNAL INSPECTION AND ABOUT ONE-THIRD OR 20,000 BUILDINGS HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS REQUIRING FURTHER DETAILED INTERNAL SURVEY AND INEVITABLY WOULD NEED REPAIR.
MR EASON SAID THE MAIN LESSON FROM THE EXERCISE WAS THAT IF BUILDINGS WERE TO LAST LONGER AND COST LESS IN THE LONG RUN, IT WAS VITAL THAT THEY BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
"IF THE NEED FOR REPAIR IS TO BE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM AND REDEVELOPMENT IS NOT THE ANSWER, GREATER ATTENTION WILL NEED TO BE PAID TO THE USE OF MAINTENANCE-FREE BUILDING PRODUCTS AND BUILDING SYSTEMS AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF READY ACCESS FOR MAINTENANCE IN THE FUTURE," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
/12 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
12
ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN ANNOUNCED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED A SERIES OE MEASURES THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE TO STOP FURTHER MALPRACTICE IN ASBESTOS WASTE MANAGEMENT.
THE EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER CONTROL), MR JOHN BOXALL, SAID THE MEASURES INCLUDED THE ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN AND A NEW TRIP TICKET SYSTEM ON THE CONTROL OF ASBESTOS WASTE.
MR BOXALL SAID UNDER THE ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN THE EPD WOULD INCREASE THE SUPERVISION OF ASBESTOS WASTE DISPOSAL AT THE LANDFILLS AT TSEUNG KWAN O AND PILLAR POINT.
THE ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN AND THE TRIP TICKET SYSTEM WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
WASTE PRODUCERS AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS WILL BE GIVEN A TWO-WEEK GRACE PERIOD BEOFRE FULL-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACTION PLAN ON JUNE 15.
MR BOXALL SAID ADVISORY AND WARNING LETTERS WOULD BE ISSUED TO PARTIES INVOLVED IN MALPRACTICES. IF THEY DID NOT HEED THE ADVICE OR WARNING, THE EPD WOULD SUSPEND OR CANCEL THEIR PERMITS.
THE ISSUE OF NEW PERMITS WOULD BE SUSPENDED IF A CONTRACTOR CONTINUED TO CONTRAVENE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE HANDLING, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTE (COP), MR BOXALL SAID.
THUS CONTRACTORS WOULD BE DENIED ENTRY TO THE LANDFILL FOR ASBESTOS WASTE DISPOSAL AND HAVE TO CEASE BUSINESS IN ASBESTOS WASTE MANAGEMENT.
ANY CONTRACTORS FOUND GUILTY OF REPEATED MALPRACTICES WOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S SPECIALIST LIST OF ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.
MR BOXALL SAID CURRENTLY THE EPD REGULATED THE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTE THROUGH A PERMIT SYSTEM.
THE PERMIT REQUIRED THE WASTE PRODUCERS AND DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS TO FOLLOW THE COP FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1985.
IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF ASBESTOS WASTE REQUIRING DISPOSAL AND MANY CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COP.
THIS PLACED AT RISK THE HEALTH OF THE WORKERS INVOLVED IN ASBESTOS WASTE MANAGEMENT AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL, PARTICULARLY IF THE ASBESTOS WASTE WAS TRANSPORTED IN AN UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION.
MR BOXALL SAID APART FROM THE ASBESTOS WASTE ACTION PLAN THE EPD WOULD ALSO INTRODUCE A NEW TRIP TICKET SYSTEM TO CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF ASBESTOS WASTE FROM ONE PARTY TO ANOTHER.
/UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 13 -
UNDER THE SYSTEM, THE EPD WOULD ISSUE A "TRIP TICKET" TO EITHER ASBESTOS WASTE PRODUCERS OR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS WHO WOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECORD THE MOVEMENT OF WASTE STARTING FROM THE WASTE ARISING SITE TO THE WASTE DISPOSAL SITE.
THIS WOULD ENABLE EPD TO KNOW EXACTLY THE MOVEMENT AND WHEREABOUT OF ASBESTOS WASTE.
CONSULTATION ON THE ACTION PLAN HAS BEEN HELD WITH ALL RELEVANT PARTIES IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE INDUSTRY DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS.
TO ASSIST INDUSTRY TO ADAPT TO THE NEW MEASURES, A SEMINAR HAS BEEN HELD WITH MAJOR ASBESTOS WASTE PRODUCERS AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS ON THE ACTION PLAN AND NEW TRIP TICKET SYSTEM.
--------0-----------
HK REPRESENTATIVES PLAY FULL ROLE IN URUGUAY ROUND ******
HONG KONG’S STATUS IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) HAS ENABLED ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO PLAY A FULL AND OFTEN LEADING ROLE IN THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY HAD BEEN AMONG A SELECT GROUP OF MINISTERS INVITED TO TWO INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETINGS CONCERNING THE URUGUAY ROUND.
"IN DECEMBER, WHEN THE ROUND IS SCHEDULED TO COME TO A AT A FORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING IN BRUSSELS, WE EXPECT HIM FULLY INVOLVED IN THE MAJOR DECISIONS WHICH WILL DETERMINE THE OF THE GATT," HE SAID.
CLOSE TO BE FUTURE
MR CHAU SAID THE GATT WAS THE CORNERSTONE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE POLICY AND ITS INVOLVEMENT WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG'S TRADE INTERESTS.
HE SAID PRIOR TO ACQUISITION OF SEPARATE GATT MEMBERSHIP IN 1986 HONG KONG HAD FOR MANY YEARS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE GATT; BUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS REPRESENTATION WAS SOMEWHAT HAMPERED BY THE FACT THAT THE TERRITORY WAS NOT A MEMBER IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVES AT THAT TIME HAD TO BE PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM MISSION IN GENEVA AND, WHEN THEY SPOKE DURING GATT MEETINGS, THEY DID SO AS THE UK REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKING FOR HONG KONG.
/"BECAUSE OF .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 14 -
"BECAUSE OF THE UK’S EEC MEMBERSHIP, THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES FOUND THEMSELVES SITTING AT GATT MEETINGS AS PART OF THE UK DELEGATION WHICH IN TURN SAT WITH OTHER EEC MEMBER STATES AS PART OF THE EEC DELEGATION.
"SO, AT LEAST DURING MY DAYS IN GENEVA, OTHER GATT DELEGATES WERE OFTEN TREATED TO WHAT THEY REGARDED AS AN AMUSING SPECTACLE OF A UK REPRESENTATIVE ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG RAISING THE UK FLAG AND SPEAKING FROM AMIDST THE EEC DELEGATION TO CRITICISE THE EEC OR TAKE A POSITION OPPOSITE TO THE EEC’S," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A MORE SERIOUS AND SUBSTANTIVE DISADVANTAGE; MOST OF THE GATT’S BUSINESS WAS NOT CONDUCTED IN FORMAL PLENARY MEETINGS AND THE REAL NEGOTIATIONS TOOK PLACE IN PRIVATE AND INFORMAL MEETINGS INVOLVING A SMALL NUMBER OF KEY PLAYERS.
"lN SPITE OF HONG KONG’S HIGH RANKING AS A TRADING ENTITY, I FOUND FIAT, BECAUSE OF ITS LACK OF FORMAL MEMBERSHIP AND POLITICAL CLOUT, IT WAS VERY OFTEN NOT INVITED TO SUCH MEETINGS. THUS, WE SOMETIMES FOUND OURSELVES UNABLE TO INFLUENCE DEVELOPMENTS EVEN IN AREAS OF IMPORTANCE TO US.
"NOT ONLY WAS THIS AN UNFAVOURABLE SITUATION, BUT IT WAS ALSO A VERY FRUSTRATING ONE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S AUTONOMY IN TRADE AND ECONOMIC MATTERS WAS EVENTUALLY CONFIRMED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND ONE OF THE FIRST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS THE AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S STATUS IN THE GATT.
THIS WAS FIRMLY SECURED IN 1986 WHEN, THROUGH THE UK’S SPONSORSHIP, HONG KONG WAS TURNED INTO A FULL, SEPARATE MEMBER.
"THUS IT WAS THAT, WHEN I RETURNED TO THE GATT IN FEBRUARY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX YEARS, 1 FOUND MYSELF SITTING PROUDLY BEHIND A 'HONG KONG’ SIGN AND QUITE FAR AWAY FROM THE EEC DELEGATION,” HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HE ALSO FOUND THAT THE HONG KONG OFFICE TN GENEVA HAD BECOME A FREE-STANDING HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE AND THAT THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE HAD BECOME HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT.
HE SAID THESE CHANGES HAD BEEN BENEFICIAL AND ALSO MEANT THAT HONG KONG’S IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD TRADE COULD NO LONGER BE IGNORED.
OUR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE HAS ACCESS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT TNFORMAI GROUPS IN THE GATT. OUR REPRESENTATIVES CHAIR IMPORTANT GATT COMMITTEES," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THERE HAD BEEN SOME VERY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SINCE HE LEFT THE EXTERNAL TRADE POLICY AREA IN EARLY 1984 AFTER MORE 1 HAM FOUR YEARS AS HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT IN GENEVA.
/IN 1983 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 15 -
IN 1983 THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS ALMOST DOUBLE THAT OF ITS RE-EXPORTS. IN 1989, HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS WERE OVER 50 PER CENT HIGHER THAN ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
TO FURTHER ILLUSTRATE THE POINT, BETWEEN 1983 AND 1989, WHILE HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 115 PER CENT AND ITS TOTAL TRADE BY 237 PER CENT, ITS RE-EXPORTS WENT UP 517 PER CENT.
"THESE FIGURES SERVE TO REFLECT THE MAJOR STRUCTURAL CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY FOLLOWING THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY IN THE EARLY 1980’S," HE SAID.
AN IMPORTANT CHANGE HAD ALSO OCCURRED IN HONG KONG’S POSITION AMONG THE WORLD’S TRADING ENTITIES.
IN 1983, HONG KONG RANKED 17TH AMONG THE WORLD'S MAJOR TRADING NATIONS OR TERRITORIES WHICH, HE SAID, WAS NO MEAN ACHIEVEMENT, CONSIDERING HONG KONG’S VERY SMALL SIZE AND POPULATION.
"BY 1988, HOWEVER, WE HAD SHOT UP TO 11TH PLACE, A TRULY REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT.
"THE LARGEST TRADING NATION, THE UNITED STATES, WITH A POPULATION 40 TIMES THAT OF HONG KONG, HAD A TOTAL TRADE VALUE WHICH WAS ONLY ABOUT SIX TIMES THAT OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
------0--------
1ST QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED *****
ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WERE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS; WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR; TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING; PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT; BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS; AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS.
THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 80.0 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 WERE: TOBACCO (+$288 MILLION); TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING (+$209 MILLION); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$207 MILLION); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+$99 MILLION); AND FOOD (+$51 MILLION).
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 WERE: TOBACCO (+68.3 PER CENT); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+20.9 PER CENT); PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL (+18.0 PER CENT); RUBBER PRODUCTS (+16.3 PER CENT); AND FOOD (+13.8 PER CENT).
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 16 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, SEVERAL INDUSTRIES RECORDED DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH TflE SAME QUARTER OF 1989.
AMONG THEM WERE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-$981 MILLION OR -8.3 PER CENT); BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-$416 MILLION OR -17.1 PER CENT); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$269 MILLION OR -11.8 PER CENT); MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (-$219 MILLION OR -12.2 PER CENT); AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$110 MILLION OR -2.4 PER CENT).
OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ORIGINATING FROM OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING DECREASED BY $60 MILLION OR 31.1 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICITY DECREASED BY $27 MILLION OR 17.5 PER CENT.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.I.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASSIFIED STATISTICS. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THEIR PRODUCTION.
IN SUCH CASES, THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED IS NOT THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE EXPORT VALUE OF THAT ITEM. HOWEVER, THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE ITEM HAS WHOLLY BEEN ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY IN THIS RE-CLASSIFICATION.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE EXPORT VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE PART OF THE VALUE MAY BE DUE TO PRODUCTION BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS.
FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED TABLE WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (ON TEL. 823 4832).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1990".
/VALUE OF .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
17
Value of merchandise domestic exports reclassified by industrial origin for the first quarter of 1990
(HKS’OOO)
Merchandise domestic exports
Industrial origin of the 1990 1989 Value %
commodities exported 1st qtr. 1st qtr. change change
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural, livestock and 2,359 1,443 +915 +63.4
poultry production
Ocean and coastal fishing 134,031 194,480 -60,449 -31.1
Mining and Quarrying 2,887 1,496 +1,391 +93.0
Manufacturing
Food 421,359 370,186 +51,174 +13.8
Beverages 70,720 83,163 -12,443 -15.0
Tobacco 708,428 420,905 +287,523 +68.3
Textiles (including knitting) 8,302,691 8,093,698 +208,993 +2.6
Wearing apparel, except 9,570,959 9,656,339 -?5,380 -0.9
footwear and knitwear
Leather and leather products 211,146 193,742 +17,404 +9.0
Footwear 199,860 257,749 -57,889 -22.5
Wood and cork products, 141,683 181,460 -39,777 -21.9
furniture and fixtures
Paper and paper products, 1,227,970 1,128,897 +99,073 +8.8
printing and publishing
Chemicals and chemical products 1,197,440 990,143 +207,298 +20.9
Products of petroleum and coal 1 ,.321 1,119 + 201 +18.0
Rubber products 41,918 36,057 +5,861 + 16.3
Plastic products 2,006,263 2,275,464 -269,201 -11.8
Non-metallic mineral products 107,208 179,370 -72,162 -40.2
Basic metals and fabricated 2,023,547 2,439,776 -416,229 -17.1
metal products
Machinery, except electrical 1,573,625 1,792,849 -219,223 -12.2
E ectrical and electronic 10,848,385 11,829,263 -980,878 -8.3
produf ts
Transport equipment 41,666 41,127 + 539 +1.3
Professional and optical 4,407,296 4,517,119 -109,823 -2.4
equipment
Other manufacturing industries 3,059,379 3,054,410 +4,970 +0.2
Electrici tv 128,964 156,320 -27,356 -17.5
Miscellaneous items 29,015 30,660 -1,645 -5.4
(e.g. developed photographic
plates and film, antiques.
and works of art)
Total 46,460,121 47,927,235 -1,467,114 -3.1
Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated based on unrounded figures.
Industrial Research Section, (Tel. : 823 4832)
Census & Statistics Department, Hong Kong.
May 1990
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/18 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 18 -
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BUILDING TWO LAUNCHES
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $4.25 MILLION CONTRACT TO CHEOY LEE SHIPYARDS LIMITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO LAUNCHES.
THE LAUNCHES, TO BE DELIVERED IN APRIL AND MAY NEXT YEAR, WILL BE 13.7 METRES IN LENGTH WITH A SPEED OF 16 KNOTS.
THEY WILL BE USED FOR THE CONTROL OF SHIPPING MOVEMENT AND ACTIVITIES IN THE PORT, AND TO ENSURE THAT LOCAL LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL MARITIME REGULATIONS AND CONVENTIONS ARE COMPLIED WITH, AND THAT SAFETY STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE PORT USERS.
CHEOY LEE CONSTRUCTED TWO SIMILIAR VESSELS FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN 1988.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (GOVERNMENT FLEET), MR PETER CRISP, AND DIRECTORS OF CHEOY LEE, MR KEN LO AND MR FRANK LO.
------0-------
SCRAP MERCHANT FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING EQUIPMENT t * t * * t *
c
MERCHANTS USING WEIGHING OR MEASURING EQUIPMENT HAVE BEEN WARNED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK THEIR EQUIPMENT REGULARLY. I
THE WARNING CAME TODAY (THURSDAY) AFTER A METAL AND PAPER
SCRAP DEALER WAS FINED $3,000 AT SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY AFTER
Pleading guilty to using inaccurate weighing machinery.
IT WAS THE FIRST PROSECUTION TO BE BROUGHT BY THE CUSTOMS AND
EXCISE DEPARTMENT AGAINST A NON-FOOD BUSINESS SINCE THE WEIGHTS AND
MEASURES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT 17 MONTHS AGO. 1
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT, 20 OF THE 149 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED SO FAR UNDER THE ORDINANCE WERE LODGED AGAINST NON-FOOD BUSINESSES. I
OF THESE, 11 WERE LODGED AGAINST PETROL STATIONS, WHILE THE OTHERS INVOLVED LAUNDRIES, A LIQUEFIED CHLORINE DISTRIBUTOR AND SCRAP DEALERS.
THE COURT HEARD THAT THE DEFENDANT, TSANG KWONG-TING, TRADED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 7-11 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
C
ACTING ON A COMPLAINT, CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND TWO GOVERNMNET CHEMISTS VISITED THE DEFENDANT’S SHOP ON DECEMBER 14 LAST YEAR.
I V
(
/A PRELIMINARY .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
19
A PRELIMINARY CHECK OF THREE PLATFORM WEIGHING MACHINES REVEALED THAT THEY WERE INACCURATE.
AN EXAMINATION LATER BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY SHOWED THAT THE WEIGHTS INDICATED WERE 18.99 TO 27.85 PER CENT LESS THAN THE ACTUAL WEIGHT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ANY PERSON WISHING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SHOULD CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. 714 6146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
HE SAID COMPLAINTS COULD ALSO BE MADE BY TELEPHONE TO DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON 852 3185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
PRACTICAL EDUCATION
CENTRE HELPS SCHOOLS RUN TECHNICAL COURSES *»*♦**♦
SCHOOLS WITHOUT SPECIAL ROOMS AND FACILITIES CAN SEND THEIR STUDENTS TO THE PRACTICAL EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL COURSES.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WERE TOLD THIS WHEN THEY VISITED THE CENTRE IN JUNCTION ROAD, LOK FU, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE VISITORS WERE TOLD THE CENTRE IS RUNNING 265 COURSES FOR MORE THAN 7,000 STUDENTS FROM 17 SCHOOLS.
"STAFF AT THE CENTRE ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TALKS ON CIVIC EDUCATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
SUBJECTS TAUGHT COMPRISE ART AND DESIGN (SECONDARY 1), DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (SECONDARY 2), AND HOME ECONOMICS (SECONDARY 3).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DESPITE THE LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND THEIR FREQUENT MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF THE CENTRE, THE TEACHERS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN PROVIDING AN ALL-ROUND EDUCATION.
"GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES ARE OFFERED AS IN OTHER ORDINARY SCHOOLS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SITE VISITS AND EXHIBITIONS ARE ALSO ORGANISED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WHO VISITED THE CENTRE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR S.T. KWAN, WERE MRS MINNIE LAI AND MR SAMUEL WONG.
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/20........
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
20
POK 01 PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES
******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRAISED THE POK 01 HOSPITAL FOR ITS MULTI-FACETED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
IN A MEETING WITH DIRECTORS OF THE HOSPITAL DURING THEIR COURTESY CALL ON THE CNTA THIS AFTERNOON, MR HSU SAID THESE SERVICES CATERED WELL FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MR TANG YING-YIP, OUTLINED THE BOARD’S WORK THIS YEAR.
ON THE HOSPITAL’S WELFARE PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY SAID THEY WOULD BE FULLY SUPPORTED BY THE CNTA.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDED AN EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR QUARTERS FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES, REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITAL’S SOUTH WING BLOCK AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATION CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME, A KINDERGARTEN, A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A FUNERAL SERVICE PARLOUR, MR HSU NOTED.
’’THESE WILL PROVIDE VALUABLE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND TIN SHUI WAI,” HE SAID.
MR HSU ALSO PRAISED THE DIRECTORS’ FUND-RAISING EFFORTS, NOTING THAT THESE HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE HOSPITAL’S FAST DEVELOPMENT.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF $12 MILLION WAS RAISED THROUGH VARIOUS FUND-RAISING DRIVES.
----0------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING IS BEING ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
/AS WITH .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 21 -
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION. THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE ”1” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE ”2” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A ’4" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS. SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
/IN ADDITION .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 22 -
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 17.5.90) (AS AT 31.5.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 4 3
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1 1
HAIRPIN 2 3
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK 0 3 3
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 2
TURTLE COVE 2 2
STANLEY MAIN 2 2
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* TUEN MUN DISTRICT 1 1
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 2 2
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 2 2
BUTTERFLY 2 2
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 23 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER
9 CHEUNG SHA LOWER
9 DISCOVERY BAY*
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
2
PU1 O
SILVFRMTNE BAY 4
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
2
, TUNG O*
SAI KING DI STR I Cl'
„ 1
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
3
SILVERSTRAND
9
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
, 2
anglers’
2
approach
2
casam
2
GEMINI
2
HOI MEI WAN
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
4
1
2
2
1
1
1
I
1
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
/LIDO
2
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 24 -
LIDO 2 2
TING KAU 3 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 1
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES. » NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
TUNG WAN ON CHEUNG CHAU AND TUNG WAN ON MA WAN, FROM "2" TO "1"; SILVERSTRAND, FROM "3" TO "2"; ST STEPHEN’S AND CAMPERS, FROM "1" TO "2"; HAIRPIN AND TRIO IN HEBE HAVEN, FROM "2" TO "3" .
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
BIG WAVE BAY, FROM "4" TO "3".
BIG WAVE BAY BEACH IS UPGRADED ON THIS OCCASION. THE PREVIOUS GRADE WAS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAD CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEAWATER. SAMPLES TAKEN RECENTLY AT THE BEACH INDICATE THE WATER QUALITY HAS RETURNED TO ITS USUAL CONDITION OF "FAIR” TO "ACCEPTABLE".
------------------0------- REMINDER ON CHANGE IN PASSPORT FORMAT I * * * *
THE FORMAT OF THE HKBDTC AND BN(O) PASSPORTS WILL BE CHANGED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WHEN PASSPORTS IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COMMON FORMAT WILL BEGIN TO BE ISSUED.
IN ISSUING A REMINDER ON THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FROM TOMORROW, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPLYING FOR PASSPORTS WILL GET THE NEW FORMAT DOCUMENT WHICH IS MACHINE READABLE.
THE NEW PASSPORT CONTAINS 32 PAGES. IT HAS A BURGUNDY SOFT COVER AND IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE CURRENT BLUE HARD-COVER PASSPORT.
THE SPOKESMAN EXP).AI NED THAT THE MACHINE READABLE PASSPORT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HAVING ALL THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE HOLDER ON ONE PAGE INSTEAD OF SEVERAL PAGES AS THE CURRENT PASSPORT. THIS WILL REDUCE CONSIDERABLY THE TIME TAKEN FOR VISUAL INSPECTION.
(HE MACHINE READABLE FEATURES WILL FURTHER EXPEDITE CLEARANCE AT THE IMMIGRATION CHECK POINTS OVERSEAS WHERE PASSPORT READERS ARE IN OPERATION.
/(ONLY THE.........
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990.
- 25 -
’’ONLY THE PASSPORT FORMAT WILL CHANGE. THE HOLDER’S RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED,” THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
THE PRESENT HARD-COVER 94-PAGE ’’JUMBO” PASSPORTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. IT WILL BE REPLACED IN DUE COURSE BY A ’’JUMBO” VERSION OF THE COMMON FORMAT PASSPORT WHICH WILL HAVE 48 PAGES.
THE PLAN IS THAT HONG KONG WILL ISSUE THE ’’JUMBO” COMMON FORMAT PASSPORT AFTER IT IS INTRODUCED IN THE UK, TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
---------0-----------
EASTERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) TO EXPLORE THE PROBLEMS BEING FACED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND RESIDENTS’ BODIES IN ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
THE SEMINAR IS THE FOLLOW-UP TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE LAST YEAR ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY OVER 100 DISTRICT BODIES.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS INDICATED THAT THE FOUR MAJOR DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY COMMUNITY GROUPS WERE SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER, INSUFFICIENT FUNDS, LACK OF SUITABLE VENUES AND INADEQUATE FACILITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE.SEMINAR WILL BE THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, MR TSANG SHU-MING, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR SUNNY WU, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR LAM TAK-ON AND MR TO BOON-MAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2), FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
--------0 - -
/26 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 26 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PHA REPORT
******
THE SECRETARY GENERAL 01' THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL ATTEND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR LEONG CHE-HUNG AND A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR GREGORY LEUNG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REPORT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROVISION OF SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
------0--------
FOUR GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF FOUR LAND LOTS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,730 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER THREE LOTS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST ONE IS A 6,550-SQUARE-METRE LOT LOCATED IN AREA 45C, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN. IT IS ALSO FOR OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS ARE LOCATED IN ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, WITH TENANCY FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
ONE IS A 490-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT KUI SIK STREET WHILE THE OTHER LOT IS AT ON LOK MUN STREET WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 525 SQUARE METRES.
/BOTH LOTS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 27 -
BOTH LOTS ARE FOR OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS AND VEHICLES BELONGING TO THE TENANT, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE FOUR LOTS IS NOON ON JUNE 15 THIS YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, PIK 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 CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
---------0-----------
NEW SALT WATER PUMPING STATION FOR HO MAN TIN ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AT KING’S PARK RISE, HO MAN TIN.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-STOREY SALT WATER PUMPING STATION, INLET AND OUTLET WATER MAINS, ASSOCIATED SLOPE WORKS AND RETAINING WALLS.
THE PUMPING STATION WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL PUMPING STATION WHICH WILL CEASE OPERATION.
THE NEW STATION WILL IMPROVE THE FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO HO MAN TIN HIGH LEVEL AREAS.
IT WILL HAVE A PUMPING CAPACITY OF 9,200 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 15.
------0-----------
/28........
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
- 28 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN MONG KOK
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2), THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WILL BE CONVERTED TO A URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
CONCURRENTLY, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND THE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET.
-----0-----
TEMPORARY DIVERSION OF KMB ROUTE 5A
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 3), IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL - INTERNATIONAL RACES 1990 TO BE HELD AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE, BUSES ON KMB ROUTE 5A (KOWLOON CITY (SHING TAK STREET) TO STAR FERRY) WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SALISBURY ROAD TO STAR FERRY.
DURING THE PERIOD OF ROUTE DIVERSION, BUS STOPS FOR KMB ROUTE 5A WILL BE DESIGNATED ON CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH NEAR ITS JUNCTIONS WITH CHEONG WAN ROAD, GRANVILLE ROAD AND MODY ROAD.
THE EXISTING BUS STOPS ON SALISBURY ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN KCR KOWLOON STATION AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH SERVING ROUTE 5A WILL BE SUSPENDED.
--------0------------
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE IN TAI PO
*****
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW SHEK BRIDGE AND THE
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.5 LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN PAK ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
LANE OF TOLO
ALSO, ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2), A SECTION OF ABOUT 1•4oiKILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND, NEAR THE ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
---------0-----------