Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1990 - OCT - ENG





 DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT COMPLETES STUDY ON GORDON WU'S PROPOSALS ON PADS .............................. 1

PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JULY ................................ 3

NO-DIG TECHNOLOGY: A REMEDY TO ROAD DIGGINGS ...............................

ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED ...............................................

ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO VOTER REGISTRATION .................................

COMMENT ON PRESS REPORT CONCERNING WELFARE ASSISTANTS ............................. 10

4,735 APPLY FOR KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION ......................................... U

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS .................................................... 12

FIFTEEN NOMINATED FOR LAB ELECTION ................................................ 12

ANNUAL MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE COMPLETED ................................ 14

THREE Il'S FROM CHINA ARRESTED..................................................... 15

RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS ............................................. 15

HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ........................................................... 16

GOVT LOT IN KOWLOON BAY TO LET BY TENDER........................................... 16

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 1 -

GOVT COMPLETES STUDY ON GORDON WU’S PROPOSALS ON PADS *****

A DETAILED GOVERNMENT STUDY OF PROPOSALS MADE BY MR GORDON WU IN RELATION TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT HAS REVEALED A NUMBER OF DISADVANTAGES IN COMPARISON WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN STRATEGIC PLANS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR WU’S PROPOSALS WERE SIMILAR TO ITS OWN PLANS IN SEVERAL IMPORTANT RESPECTS. THESE SIMILARITIES MAY BE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:

(A) THE RECOGNITION OF CHEK LAP KOK AS THE MOST SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THE NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT;

(B) RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE FURTHER DEEP WATER BERTHS IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR AND PENNY’S BAY ON LANTAU;

(C) RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR A WESTERN HARBOUR ROAD AND RAIL CONNECTION FROM HONG KONG ISLAND TO LANTAU;

(D) THE DESIRABILITY OF PROVIDING A RING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR ROAD AND RAIL SERVICES LINKING HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND LANTAU TO THE NEW AIRPORT, PORT AND METRO DEVELOPMENT; AND

(E) THE DESIRABILITY OF ENHANCING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SYSTEM TO EAST KOWLOON, NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE. INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

WHERE THEY DIFFER FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE ABSENCE OF DETAILED TECHNICAL INFORMATION, FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS AND PROGRAMMING HAS MADE ASSESSMENT DIFFICULT. NONETHELESS, FROM THE MATERIAL PROVIDED THE GOVERNMENT HAS SATISFIED ITSELF THAT THE PROPOSALS HAVE THE FOLLOWING DISADVANTAGES:

(A) FAIL TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO PROPERLY INTEGRATE THE AIRPORT WITH OTHER OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLANS;

(B) DO NOT MEET COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC NEEDS;

(C) FAIL TO TAKE ADEQUATE ACCOUNT OF SEVERAL IMPORTANT TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES;

(D) ARE UNREALISTIC IN TERMS OF PROGRAMMING;

(E) WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EXPENSIVE AND FINANCIALLY LESS ROBUST AND LESS c ATTRACTIVE TO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION;

(F) WOULD PUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF KEY STRATEGIC FACILITIES AT RISK BY PLACING THEM UNDER THE CONTROL OF A SINGLE PRIVATE SECTOR INTEREST; AND

(G) WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

/CONCEPTUALLY, THE .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 2 -

CONCEPTUALLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, MR GORDON WU’S PROPOSALS HAVE SEVERAL ATTRACTIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, MORE DETAILED SCRUTINY OF INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS HAS REVEALED A NUMBER OF SERIOUS FLAWS, AND THEY ARE:

(A) CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHAM MA BRIDGE AND ROAD-RAIL LINK INSTEAD OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, WHILE PRESENTED AS A CHEAPER OPTION, WOULD, IN FACT, BE ALMOST AS EXPENSIVE AS THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING. ANY POTENTIAL ADVANTAGE IN COST, SCHEDULING OR RELIABILITY WOULD BE MORE THAN OFFSET BY SEVERE TRANSPORT AND. ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS;

(B) SEVERE CONGESTION WOULD CONTINUE ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY/NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR AND ON THE STREETS OF WEST KOWLOON BECAUSE OF THE ELIMINATION OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION. THE PROPOSALS WOULD ALSO SEVERELY OVERLOAD THE ROAD AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES OF THE TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AREA WHILE PROVIDING NO IMPROVEMENT OF ACCESS TO TSING YI;

(C) A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE UNACCEPTABLY CROWDED ENVIRONMENT OF MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, AND TAI KOK TSUI - SOME OF THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS IN THE WORLD - WOULD BE LOST BY THE ELIMINATION OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION;

(D) THE BRINGING FORWARD OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GREEN: ISLAND LINK WOULD REQUIRE THE LANTAU, PORT ISLAND AND GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION TO BE CONSTRUCTED WELL IN ADVANCE OF BOTH PORT AND TRAFFIC DEMAND. IT WOULD, THEREFORE, HAVE TO BE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT ANY PRIVATE SECTOR INTERESTS WOULD WISH TO BE INVOLVED AT THAT EARLY STAGE;

(E) THESE DEFICIENCIES TAKEN TOGETHER WOULD RESULT IN BOTH SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE, WHICH WOULD FALL LARGELY ON THE PUBLIC PURSE, AND SUB-OPTIMAL CASH FLOWS, WHICH WOULD RENDER VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT UNATTRACTIVE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR; AND

(F) PLACING THE TOTAL PLAN FOR HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE UNDER AN OVERALL BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER (BOT) FRANCHISE WOULD INVOLVE AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF RISK AS COMPARED TO THE CURRENT PLANS FOR A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"OUR STUDY SHOWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS ARE MORE SUITED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," ,THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/3 ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

3

PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JULY

* t » * *

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JULY 1990, ESTIMATED AT $9,819 MILLION, INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1989 WHILE THEIR VOLUME INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

WHILE THE MARKED INCREASES WERE TN PART DUE TO A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN JULY 1989, THEY ALSO SUGGEST A PICK-UP IN CONSUMER SPENDING.

COMPARING WITH JULY 1989, RETAIL SALES OF' FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 39 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 28 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 21 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 24 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKET SALES INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 17 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT WENT DOWN BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 2 PER GENT JN VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES SALES ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUMES

/COMPARING WITH .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

COMPARING WITH JUNE 1990, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JULY 1990 INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FUELS WENT UP BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 15 PER CENT TN VOLUME, WHILE CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME. IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS AND "MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS” WENT UP BY 7 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF SUPERMARKETS WENT DOWN BY 1 PER CENT.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JUNE 1990 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JULY 1990.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1990 AND JULY 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 JULY 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JUNE 1990 AND WITH THOSE FOR JULY 1989, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF JULY 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).

/TABLE 1 .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

5

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for July 1990 (Provisional Figure) « HK$9,819 Billion

for June 1990 (Revised Figure) * HK$9,393 Billion

TABLE 2 : VALUE AMD VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOK JUNE 1990 AND JULY 1990

(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 « 100)

1 1 1 Itei 1 Index of 1 Retail 1 Sales June 1990 1 1 July 1 1990 1 July 1 coipared 1 June 19$0 1 July 1990 1 Jan.-Jul. 1990 1

with 1 1990 1 coipared July with 1 1989 1 coipared with 1

Jan.-Jul. 1989 1 1

1-1 (Revised 1 (Provisional 1 Points A 1 Points h 1 Points A I

1 figures) 1 figures) 1 1 1 1

1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1 । 1 1 1 | 1 | 1 I

1 1 1 Value 168 1 175 1 +8 ♦5 1 ♦25 ♦16 1 ♦10 ♦6 1

! 1 Voluie 122 1 128 । 1 *6 I ♦5 1 1 ♦11 ♦9 1 | 1 1 1 |

1 1 (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 1

1 1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 Value 166 1 174 1 >8 ♦5 1 ♦27 ♦19 1 ♦18 ♦13 1

1 drinks and tobacco 1 Voluie 122 1 129 1 *7 i ♦5 1 । ♦13 ♦11 1 ♦6 ♦6 1 i

1 I Fuels 1 Value 132 I 1 140 1 *8 *6 1 ♦20 ♦17 1 ♦17 ♦17 1

1 1 Voluie 114 1 122 1 *8 ♦7 1 । ♦4 ♦3 f । ♦1 ♦1 1 1

1 1 Clothing, footwear 1 Value 154 1 1 172 1 HI ♦12 1 ♦24 ♦16 1 ♦5 ♦3 1

1 and allied products 1 Voluie 100 1 115 । 1 *15 I ♦15 1 । ♦8 ♦7 1 | -6 -4 1 1

1 1 Consuier durables 1 Value 172 1 180 1 18 ♦5 1 ♦42 ♦31 1 ♦9 ♦6 1

1 1 Voluie 123 1 129 1 *6 । ♦5 1 । ♦25 ♦23 : } ♦2 ♦2 1 1

1 1 Other consuier goods 1 Value 175 । 1 180 1 *5 ♦3 1 ♦16 ♦10 1 ♦6 ♦4 1

1 1 Voluie 128 1 132 1 1 *4 I ♦3 1 | ♦5 ♦4 1 | -3 -2 1 1

i 1 (C) BY SELECTED TRADES 1 I 1 | 1 | 1 1 1 1

। 1 (see note 1 below) 1 1 1 1 1

1 Supenarkets 1 Value 228 1 226 1 -2 -1 1 ♦31 ♦16 1 ♦36 ♦21 1

1 1 Voluie 161 1 159 1 -2 i -1 1 । ♦9 ♦6 1 । ♦14 ♦10 1 I

1 1 Motor vehicles 1 Value 324 1 1 328 1 *4 ♦1 1 ♦92 ♦39 1 ♦9 ♦3 1

1 and parts 1 Voluie 200 1 203 1 *2 1 ♦1 1 । ♦45 ♦28 1 | -7 -4 1 I

1 1 Consuier durables 1 Value 126- । 1 c H5 1 *9 ♦7 1 ♦27 ♦25 1 ♦9 ♦8 1

1 other than lotor 1 Voluie 100 1 ' 107 1 *7 ♦7 1 ♦18 ♦21 1 ♦5 ♦5 1

1 vehicles and parts 1 j 1 1 1 | 1 | 1 |

1 1 Departient stores 1 Value 198 1 236 1 *38 ♦19 1 ♦45 ♦24 1 ♦24 ♦12 1

1 1 Voluie 132 1 161 1 *29 ♦22 1 ♦20 ♦14 1 ♦6 ♦4 1

NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN najor trade groups, the value and voluie indexes in respect of the following selected trades are<coipiled :

(a) 'Supermarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuff, alcoholic drinks and tobacco* group.

(b) 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuier durables' group.

(c) 'Consuier durables other than aotor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuier durables' group.

(d) 'Departient stores* - a trade in the 'Other consuier goods' group.

2. Figures denoting changes are derived froi the unrounded index figures.

3. ”8* denotes a figure within ±0.5.

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/6.............

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

6

NO-DIG TECHNOLOGY: A REMEDY TO ROAD DIGGINGS

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF "NO-DIG" TECHNOLOGY OFFERED A REMEDY TO REDUCE TRAFFIC DISRUPTION CAUSED BY UTILITY WORKS ON THE ROADS OF HONG KONG.

MR KWEI EXPECTED TO SEE SUCH TECHNOLOGY TO BE USED MORE FREQUENTLY IN HONG KONG ALTHOUGH THE "NO-DIG" TECHNOLOGY STILL HAD CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE OVER COMPLETELY THE TRADITIONAL TRENCHING METHOD.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A "NO-DIG TECHNOLOGY FOR HONG KONG" ENGINEERING SEMINAR ORGANISED BY CHARLES HASWELL & PARTNERS.

MR KWEI SAID THE "NO-DIG" OR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY WAS A NEW CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE ALLOWING UTILITY COMPANIES TO CARRY OUT THE REQUIRED INSTALLATION, REPLACEMENT OR RENOVATION OF SERVICES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING THE ROAD SURFACE AT ALL TIMES FOR ROAD TRAFFIC.

ON THE NEED FOR ROAD OPENINGS IN HONG KONG, MR KWEI SAID ROAD AND UTILITY WORKS WENT IN PARALLEL WITH URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

THE MORE FREQUENTLY OLD BUILDINGS WERE TORN DOWN AND REBUILT, THE MORE OFTEN THE UTILITIES HAD TO CARRY OUT WORKS TO EXPAND THEIR NETWORKS AND TO SUPPLY THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITH ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

THE RAPID RATE OF DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS HAD LED TO A SHARP RISE IN THE AMOUNT OF ROAD AND UTILITY WORKS. HE SAID 10 YEARS AGO, 21,000 ROAD OPENING WORKS WERE UNDERTAKEN IN A YEAR. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH WORKS PER YEAR HAD GRADUALLY INCREASED TO 43,000 LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 100 PER CENT IN NINE YEARS.

HE SAID THERE

THIS LARGE AMOUNT OF

WAS A NEED TO CONTAIN THE ROAD OPENING ACTIVITIES.

DISRUPTION CAUSED BY

"THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS DETERMINED TO REDUCE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT CAUSED BY ROAD OPENING ACTIVITIES AND EARLY LAST YEAR THE UTILITIES TECHNICAL LIAISON COMMITTEE WAS FORMED BETWEEN THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND THE UTILITY UNDERTAKERS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH UTILITY OPERATIONS.

"THIS IS A FORUM AT SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVEL WITH THE AIM TO REVIEW AND PROMOTE TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES TO REDUCE DISRUPTION TO THE PUBLIC AS A RESULT OF ROAD OPENING ACTIVITIES," MR KWEI SAID.

/7........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

7

ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED *****

ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN SEPTEMBER, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 42, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE NEW PATIENT HAD ACQUIRED THE DISEASE SEXUALLY. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTI-BODY TEST.

SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 29 AIDS PATIENTS HAVE PASSED AWAY WHILE 13 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT HONG KONG.

RELEASING THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THREE MORE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTI-BODY TEST.

THEY ALL ACQUIRED THE DISEASE SEXUALLY AND TWO OF THEM, WHO WERE LATER REPORTED AS AIDS CASES HAD DIED IN THE SAME MONTH.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS REMAINED AT 150 AT THE END OF AUGUST. OF THESE, 54 WERE■ HAEMOPHILIACS, 78 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FOUR 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 STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 168,774 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, 768,846 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED AND 13 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.

/AIDS VIRUS .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 8 -

1 4 ■&

MDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing

£ 45 5

Virus Unit, Department of Health

• mW Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics Referrals from private practitioners and subvented hospitals Attendances at social hvgiene clinics Haembpnxliacs £ $ ft ~ IV drug abusers &4 $- Ta, ft & % 'Z'l -’i Referrals from Family Planning Association < & h a. i Health care personnel Apr 85-Ju‘ tested* 11143 1987 147188 445 4427 210 736 1 90 Aug 90 FltMCk tfo. No. No. *ve tested* *ve 63 299 3 * 40 1" 0 22 2212 0 59 14 0 1 91 0 0 0 0 0 .5 0 Total N’o. No. tested* *ve 11442 68 2004 40 149400 22 459 59 4518 1 210 0 . 741 0

TOTAL . _ , „ „ 166136 fa % Tfi- 3~ , X A. > a This indicates the numoer of specimens are repeated for certain individuals. 187 and not 2638 persons 3 168774 190 as tests

% >%> Ax < & ^rJ J* Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion Service

Aug 85-Jul 90 Aug 90 Total

No. No. No. No. No. No.

tested -ve tested -ve tested -ve

c753713 12 15133 1 768846 13

Department of Health September 1990

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/9.........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 9 -

ENCOURAGING RESPONSE * ♦

TO VOTER REGISTRATION ♦ * *

A TOTAL OF 412,549 PEOPLE HAVE SENT IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SINCE THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN STARTED IN MID-AUGUST.

THESE ARE ON TOP OF THE 1.6 MILLION VOTERS ALREADY ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) REGULATION, LATE APPLICATIONS ARE STILL ACCEPTED UP TO NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR. THOSE ELIGIBLE PERSONS WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED ARE URGED TO SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.

TO FACILITATE REGISTRATION, THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS SET UP A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE 827 1122. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED CAN PICK UP THE TELEPHONE TO GET REGISTERED.

"ALL A CALLER HAS TO DO IS TO GIVE HIS NAME, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER AND TELEPHONE NUMBER ON THE PHONE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID.

A COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM WILL BE SENT TO THE CALLER FOR SIGNATURE. THE FORM CAN THEN BE MAILED BACK TO THE OFFICE POSTAGE FREE.

MEANWHILE, REGISTRATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES AND LEADING BANKS.

THOSE WHO REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MAY AND THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.

"DON’T MISS THE CHANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

STARTING FROM THIS WEEK, NEW APPLICANTS WHO SENT IN THEIR FORMS BY OCTOBER 1 WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING THAT THEIR NAMES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROVISIONAL ELECTORAL ROLL TO BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH.

THEY ARE REQUESTED TO CHECK THE CORRECTNESS OF THEIR PERSONAL PARTICULARS AS PRINTED ON THE NOTICE. ANY PRINTING MISTAKE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.

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/10 .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

10

COMMENT ON PRESS REPORT CONCERNING WELFARE ASSISTANTS

t t * t *

COMMENTING ON A PRESS REPORT TODAY (TUESDAY) ON A DECISION MADE BY THE WELFARE ASSISTANT’S BRANCH OF HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION IN RELATION TO MANPOWER FOR ADDITIONAL WORK, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MANAGEMENT HAS RECEIVED A REPORT FROM THE FINANCE BRANCH ON REVISED MANNING SCALE.

THE DEPARTMENT IS DISCUSSING THE DRAFT REPORT WITH THE FINANCE BRANCH WITH A VIEW TO PRODUCING A REVISED DRAFT REPORT. WHEN THIS SECOND DRAFT REPORT IS READY, THE STAFF ASSOCIATION WILL BE CONSULTED BEFORE THE REPORT IS FINALISED FOR IMPLEMENTATION.

ON ADDITIONAL WORK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS HAS RESULTED FROM THE LOWERING OF THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FROM 70 TO 66 AND THE INTRODUCTION OF HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, AS WELL AS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAICES MATCHING RECENTLY.

TRAICES MATCHING IS TO DETECT THROUGH COMPUTER RECORDS ANY ABSENCE OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS FROM HONG KONG AND TO IDENTIFY CASES WHO HAVE BEEN OVER-PAID AS A RESULT OF BEING AWAY FROM THE TERRITORY FOR OVER 90 DAYS IN ONE YEAR.

"A SERIES OF MEASURES TO SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS TO ACHIEVE STAFF SAVINGS TO COPE WITH THE ADDITIONAL WORK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THESE INCLUDED EXTENSION OF PAYMENT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE : WITHOUT CASE REVIEWS AND RELAXING THE REVIEW CYCLES FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES SUCH AS STABLE CASES, SINGLETONS AND SIMPLE FAMILY CASES."

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT OF THE TOTAL OLD AGE ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS, 200,000 HAD THE RECORD OF HAVING BEEN AWAY FROM THE TERRITORY. OF THESE, ABOUT 16,000 RECIPIENTS WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR OVER 90 DAYS IN ONE YEAR.

"THE MANAGEMENT ESTIMATED THAT HALF OF THE 16,000 RECIPIENTS ARE STILL AWAY FROM HONG KONG. FOR THE REMAINING 8,000 THE PROCEDURES TO REVIEW THEIR ELIGIBILITY WOULD BE AFFECTED," HE SAID.

"THE DEPARTMENT HAS A STRENGTH OF 400 WELFARE ASSISTANTS. WE ESTIMATE EACH WELFARE ASSISTANT WOULD HANDLE AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 40 CASES OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS," HE ADDED.

UP TO END OF AUGUST, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WELFARE ASSISTANT GRADE OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENTSOCIAL SECURITY BRANCH WAS 655 AND THE STRENGTH WAS 651.

"WHILE HOPING THAT THE WELFARE ASSISTANTS WOULD PUT THE INTEREST OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE FIRST PLACE, THE MANAGEMENT WILL MAINTAIN DIALOGUE WITH THE WELFARE ASSISTANT’S BRANCH OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION WITH A VIEW TO SOLVING THE ISSUE," THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED.

- - 0-----------

/Il .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 11 -

4,735 APPLY FOR KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION *****

NEARLY 5,000 PARENTS OF CHILDREN STUDYING IN KINDERGARTENS HAVE APPLIED FOR FEE REMISSION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

APPLICATIONS TO DATE TOTALLED 4,735, COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF 4,400 LAST YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING PROCESSED AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT PAYMENT, THROUGH THE KINDERGARTENS, WILL BE MADE TO THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL 1,000 APPLICANTS AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

"UNDER THE NEW MEANS-TESTED SCHEME, ELIGIBLE PARENTS MAY RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AT RATES OF 25, 50, 75 AND 100 PER CENT OF THE ACTUAL FEE CHARGED OR THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEE OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS, WHICHEVER IS THE SMALLER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEE WILL BE ADJUSTED ANNUALLY.

THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEES OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS FOR THE 1990-91 SCHOOL YEAR ARE $336 FOR HALF-DAY AND $740 FOR FULL-DAY SESSION SCHOOLS.

ONE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW SCHEME OVER THE PREVIOUS ONE IS THAT AN ELIGIBLE PARENT WILL GET AT LEAST 25 PER CENT OF THE WEIGHTED; AVERAGE FEE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

HE ALSO SAID THAT PARENTS MAY FORWARD APPLICATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE KINDERGARTENS EITHER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, OR AT ANY TIME WHEN THE FEE REMISSION IS REQUIRED.

APPLICATIONS, HE EXPLAINED, SHOULD BE RETURNED WITH COPIES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO THE KINDERGARTENS, BUT THE DEPARTMENT WILL DIRECTLY INFORM PARENTS OF THE RESULT.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THE REMITTED FEES TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS THROUGH THE KINDERGARTENS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

COPIES OF A LEAFLET INTRODUCING THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME ARE AVAILABLE FROM KINDERGARTENS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES, AND THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME UNIT ON TEL. 839 2546 OR 839 2344.

--------0-----------

/12 .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

12

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:

AA889 EK188 EC6 EK122

AB625 EK662 EK877 AB900

BB3523 EK778 ' EK2232 , EK1013

EL919 2948 AJ180 EK7787

EK7368 BL605 EMU EM171

5707 AZ280 EL230 EK902

EK693 750 BB625 AA7960

CC55 ED8918 EL1386 EK275

EK1975 EK302 EK779 EK1990

EK928 EK883 EL100 EJ7333

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 156TH ORGANISED B\ 1 HE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

---------0-----------

0 FIFTEEN NOMINATED FOR LAB ELECTION

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT I£AS RECEIVED FROM EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS 15 NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.

OF THE CANDIDATES, FIVE WILL BE ELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD FOR TWO YEARS STARTING FROM JANUARY 1, 1991.

/THE ELECTION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 13 -

THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 10 AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL IN KOWLOON.

THE CANDIDATES ARE:

MR CHAN YAN-CHONG

CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG STAFF ASSOCIATION

MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX

HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS GENERAL UNION

MISS LI FUNG-YING

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES’ GENERAL UNION

MR MAN SAI-KWONG

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT LOCAL STAFF UNION, HONG KONG

MR LO CHAI-FAI

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT LOCAL STAFF UNION, HONG KONG

MR LEE YIU-KI

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT LOCAL STAFF UNION, HONG KONG

MR LEE HIM-LONG

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT LOCAL STAFF UNION, HONG KONG

MR LAM KUEN

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT LOCAL STAFF UNION, HONG KONG

MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG

AMALGAMATED UNION OF SEAFARERS, HONG KONG

MR LEE CHEUK-YAN

CLOTHING INDUSTRY WORKERS GENERAL UNION

MR CHU MING

HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION

MR LEUNG FU-WAH

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION

MR LEUNG CHOK-PO c

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CLOCK AND WATCH TRADE WORKERS UNION

MR TSANG PING-FAT HONG KONG STOREHOUSES AND TRANSPORTATION STAFF ASSOCIATION

MR WU MAN-LUNG

ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT SURVEY OFFICERS (ESTATE)

MEANWHILE, ALL REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS WILL BE INVITED TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS AND TO APPOINT UP TO TWO PERSONS AS AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE ELECTION BY SECRET BALLOT.

/THE LABOUR .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 14 -

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAS 12 MEMBERS, INCLUDING FIVE ELECTED EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, FIVE NOMINATED EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, AND ONE EACH APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REPRESENT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY.

NOMINATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVES ARE BEING INVITED FROM THE HONG KONG, GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE BOARD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS, INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

------0--------

ANNUAL MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE COMPLETED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

AN ANNUAL MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS WAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

CO-ORDINATED BY THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE DAY-LONG EXERCISE INVOLVED THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND ROYAL NAVY.

THE MARINE OFFICER (SEARCH AND RESCUE) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR TREVOR BERRY, SAID: "THE ANNUAL EXERCISE IS DESIGNED TO TEST AND EVALUATE HONG KONG’S SEARCH AND RESCUE RESOURCES."

THE SCENARIO OF THE EXERCISE, WHICH STARTED SHORTLY AFTER 8 AM TODAY, WAS A "MAN OVERBOARD, TIME AND POSITION UNCERTAIN".

THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATED AN AIR-AND-SEA SEARCH AND THE "MISSING MAN" WAS LATER LOCATED 30 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF<HONG KONG.

FOR EXERCISE PURPOSES, THE "RESCUED MAN" WAS TAKEN ON BOARD HMS STARLING, TRANSFERRED TO MARINE POLICE LAUNCH NO. 71 AND THEN AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL BY ONE OF THE NEW SIKORSKY S76 HELICOPTERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AT 5 PM.

------Oy-------

/15 ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

- 15 -

THREE Il’S FROM CHINA ARRESTED

* * » «

ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN TSUEN WAN YESTERDAY (OCTOBER 1).

THE THREE MALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AGED 16, 27 AND 39, WERE

ARRESTD AT A MOULD FACTORY.

THEY ARE SUSPECTED TO HAVE USED OTHER PERSON’S HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS TO OBTAIN JOBS.

ALL OF THEM ARE CHIU CHOW NATIVES AND CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR OR AUGUST THIS YEAR.

TWO PERSONS IN CHARGE OF THE FACTORY ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY GRANTED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

HE ALSO REMINDED ALL EMPLOYERS TO CHECK THE IDENTITY OF THEIR RECRUITS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR NATIONALITY AND THAT THEY WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION IF THEY FAILED TO OBSERVE SUCH LEGAL REQUIREMENT.

EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE COME ACROSS DOUBTFUL PROOF OF IDENTITY MAY CALL THE INVESTIGATION HOTLINE ON TEL. 824 1551 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

_ _ _ _ u - - - -

RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS *****

DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, TONIGHT (TUESDAY) URGED SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS SO AS TO ENABLE THEM TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.

SPEAKING AT A DISTRICT "VARIETY SHOW TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, MR FUNG ALSO APPEALED TO LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO ENROL.

THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, HE ADDED, HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THOSE WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR/ADDRESSES SHOULD ALSO INFORM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICEf MR FUNG SAID.

/THOUSANDS OF .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1990

16

THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS ATTENDED TONIGHT’S SHOW WHICH FEATURED CHOIR PERFORMANCES, GAMES STALLS, DEMONSTRATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE HANDICRAFTS, LANTERN RIDDLES AND POP SINGING.

THE FUNCTION WAS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS

ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE._ /

------o--------

HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES * * * * *

EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 4), THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, 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-----

GOVT LOT IN KOWLOON BAY TO LET BY TENDER

*****

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF WANG KWONG ROAD AND KAI WAH STREET, KOWLOON BAY.

MEASURING ABOUT 6,710 SQU^E METRES, THE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NON-DANGEROUS GOODS.

THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 19.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT ,THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST PUBLISHED ........................................... 1

ECONOMIC TIES ON GLOBAL BASIS URGED................................................. 4

CHANGING THE FACE OF URBAN HONG KONG................................................ 5

GOVT PAID TRIBUTE TO TFC ........................................................... 7

TFC DECIDES TO CALL IT A DAY ....................................................... 7

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, I960

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST PUBLISHED

*****

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS REGISTERED ANOTHER CONSIDERABLE INCREASE DURING AUGUST, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

CONSISTENT WITH THIS, ALL DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ROSE DURING THE MONTH. TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE DURING AUGUST.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, GREW BY 3.2 PER CENT IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.7 PER CENT AND 2.4 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY.

OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT AND 11.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST. ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, TOTAL HONG EONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 21.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 3.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.2 PER CENT AND 0.3 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY.

AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 3.4 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 27.7 PER CENT.

DURING AUGUST, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 3.3 PER CENT. PARTLY DUE TO THE UPGRADING OF A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY TO THE STATUS OF AS A RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK, IN AUGUST, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 13.7 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 4.5 PER CENT.

COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY 25.6 PER CENT AND 53.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 11.1 PER CENT.

MONEY SUPPLY

HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 ROSE BY 1.8 PER CENT, 3.3 PER CENT AND 3.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JULY WERE 0.8 PER CENT, 2.4 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT. FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 8.9 PER CENT, 22.3 PER CENT AND 20.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 ROSE BY 2.7 PER CENT, 3.2 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JULY WERE 0.3 PER CENT, 1.6 PER CENT AND 1.3 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 12.0 PER CENT, 24.7 PER CENT AND 24.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

/LOANS AND .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

2

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 6.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.0 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 0.6 PER CENT DURING AUGUST, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ROSE BY 10.6 PER CENT.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.2 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY ONLY 0.5 PER CENT.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 1.5 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.6 PER CENT.

LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 13.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 4.1 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 93.9 PER CENT.

LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG ROSE BY 14.9 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER DECLINES OF 4.8 PER CENT AND 5.1 PER CENT IN JUNE AND JULY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 11.6 PER CENT.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 164 WHILE THAT OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY TWO TO 40 AND THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO TO 194.

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$M3 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS. TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS AND US$ 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 THE SAME 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.

/MONETARY statistics........

MOHETARY STATISTICS - AUGUST 1990

(HKSmn)

;DAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

months (X change to August 1990)

Earlier

Aug 1990

Money Supply Jul 1990 May 1990 Aug 1989

Ml - HK.S 36.52? 84.980 ( 1.8 X) 82.103 ( 5.4 X) 79.478 ( 3.9 X)

Foreign currency 12.257 11.220 ( 9.2 %) 10.823 ( 13.2 X) 8.695 ( 41.0 %)

Total 98.734 96,200 ( 2.7 X) 92,926 ( 6.3 X) 88.172 ( 12.0 X)

M2 - HK3* 535,082 517.389 ( 3.3 X) 488.269 ( 9.6 X) 437.544 ( 22.3 X)

Foreign currency* 602,630 584.552 ( 3.1 X) 571,225 ( 5.5 X) 474,450 ( 2".O X)

1.137.711 1.102.441 ( 3.2 X) 1.059,495 ( 7.4 X) 911.994 ( 24.7 X)

M3 - HK$* 566.928 550.268 ( 3.0 X) 520,003 ( 9.0 X) 470.462 ( 20.5 X)

Foreign currency* Total 647.518 625.419 ( 3.5 X) 615.721 ( 5.2 X) 508,263 ( 27.4 X)

1.214.447 1,175,687 ( 3.3 X) 1.135.724 ( 6.9 X) 978,724 ( 24.1 X)

Notes and coins in circulation 40.064 38,925 ( 2.9 X) 38,901 ( 3.0 X) 36,192 ( ( 10.7 X) 9.2 X)

of which held by public 34.430 33,732 ( 2.2 X) 33,664 ( 2.4 X) 31,563

Total Deposits

Total Demand deposits Total Savings deposits Total Time deposits with licensed banks 64.304 223.200 797.236 62,468 204.470 783.110 t ( ( 2.9 9.2 1.8 X) X) X) 59.261 189.748 759.273 ( ( ( 8.5 X) 17.6 X) 5.0 X) 56.610 173. 163 633,727 ( ( ( 13.6 X) 28.9 X) 25.8 X) 1 1

Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 42.009 36.946 < 13.7 %) 40.183 ( 4.5 X) 27,357 ( ( ( ( 53.6 X) -11.1 X) 21.7 X) 19.5 X) 1

T^tal Tim': deposits wi*h deposit-taking companies 33.205 34.782 -4 5 34.568 ( -3.9 X) .37.337 1

HKS deposits* US® deposits* Other foreign currency deposits All deposits 513.364 239.995 502.780 280.483 ( ( 3.2 3.4 %) X) 473.481 266.340 ( ( 9.6 X) 8.7 X) 426.18 t 242.702 o

351.096 1.159.954 338.514 1.121.776 ( ( 3.7 3.4 X) X) .342.713 1,083,034 ( ( 2.4 X) 7.1 X) 259.305 928,194 ( ( 35.4 X) 25.0 X) 1 1

Foreign currency swap deposits 70.088 73.183 ( -4.2 X) 63.578 ( 2.2 X) 59.561 ( 17.7 X) 1 1

Total Loans and advances

To finance H.K.’s visible trade To finance merchandising trade 67.513 10.046 66.913 8.744 ( ( 0.9 14.9 X) X) 65.152 9.672 ( ( 3.6 X) 3.9 X) 67.201 3.998 ( ( 0.5 X) 11.6 X)

not touching H.K. Other loans for use in H.K. Other loans for use outside H.K. 658.325 750.445 648.308 663.790 ( ( 1.5 13.1 X) X) 635,100 633,982 ( ( 3.7 X) 18.4 X) 554.892 386.980 ( ( ( 18.6 X) 93.9 X)

Other loans where the place of 110.852 103.635 ( 2.0 X) 98,009 ( 13.1 %) 87,277 27.0 X)

use is not known Loans in HKS Loans in foreign currencies 580.108 576.593 ( 0.6 X) 571.007 ( 1.6 X) 500.363 ( 15.9 X)

1.017.078 919.796 ( 10.6 X) 870,908 ( 16.8 X) 604.986 ( 68.1 X)

Total loans and advances 1.597.186 1.496.389 ( 6.7 %) 1,441.915 ( 10.8 X) 1,105.349 ( 44.5 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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

- 4 -

ECONOMIC TIES ON GLOBAL BASIS URGED

*****

ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BEST BB PURSUED IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT AND IN THE SPIRIT OF FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1990 SYMPOSIUM OF ASIAN CHIEF EXECUTIVES AT A LOCAL HOTEL, MR CHAN SAID THAT IN SAYING THIS HE DID NOT DECRY THE VIRTUES OF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION.

HE SAID THERE WAS MUCH THAT THE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES OF ASIA COULD DO FOR AND WITH ONE ANOTHER TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR OWN ECONOMIES AND OF THE REGION'S ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.

’’HONG KONG TAKES A KEEN INTEREST IN REGIONAL CO-OPERATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTES TO THEM AS BEST WE CAN.

’’FOR EXAMPLE: WE PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN THE UNITED NATIONS. ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, AND THE ASIAN

DEVELOPMENT BANK. WE ARE GEARING UP FOR A BIGGER ROLE IN THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE AND WE REMAIN DEEPLY INTERESTED IN THE WORK OF THE INFORMAL ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION FORUM,” HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID BILATERAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN THE REGION HAD BROUGHT CONSIDERABLE PRACTICAL BENEFITS TO BOTH SIDES.

AT THE SAME TIME, HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH THE WIDER ASIA PACIFIC REGION INCREASED BY SOME 25 PER CENT A YEAR OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS. TODAY, HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH ITS ASIA PACIFIC PARTNERS ACCOUNTED FOR 79 PER CENT OF ITS GLOBAL TRADE.

BUT, MR CHAN SAID THAT BY DEFINITION THE WORLD WAS A BIGGER PLACE THAN A REGION. "IF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION CAN BRING BENEFITS, HOW MUCH MORE BENEFICIAL WOULD GLOBAL CO-OPERATION BE. ‘

’’AND HOW MUCH MORE SENSIBLE WOULD IT BE FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION ARRANGEMENTS, BE THEY CUSTOMS UNIONS, FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS OR WHATEVER, TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN OUTWARD LOOTING AND OPEN TO THE OUTSIDE, AND NOT CLOSE IN UPON THEMSELVES,” HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE CLEAR INDICATIONS THAT MORE AND MORE RECOGNITION WAS BEING GIVEN TO THE INTRINSIC EFFICIENCY OF THE FREE MARKET MECHANISM AND TO THE WISDOM OF ALLOWING THINGS TO BE DECIDED BY THE NATURAL OPERATION OF MARKET FORCES IN A FREELY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.

"THE SIGNS AUGUR WELL FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION ON A GLOBAL SCALE. AND INCREASINGLY THE ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD ARE COMING TOGETHER TO TRY AND SORT OUT THEIR PROBLEMS AND SEEK COMMON SOLUTIONS," HE SAID

/MR CHAN .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

5

MR CHAN SAID THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE.

"FOR THE PAST THREE-AND-THREE-QUARTER YEARS, THE CONTRACTING PARTIES OF THE GEENRAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE HAVE BEEN SEEKING TO NEGOTIATE FOR GREATER LIBERALISATION OF WORLD TRADE, NOT ONLY IN GOODS BUT ALSO IN SERVICES, AND FOR FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM," HE SAID.

THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE DUE TO BE CONCLUDED IN DECEMBER.

"AS OF NOW THE TASK STILL LOOKS VERY DIFFICULT. SOME HAVE EVEN SAID IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. PERSONALLY, I AM STILL HOPEFUL, AND I BELIEVE NOT UNREALISTICALLY SO," HE SAID.

HE SAID THE REALISATION AMONG MOST PARTICIPANTS OF THEIR INCREASING ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE WAS STRONG, SO WA8 THEIR RECOGNITION OF THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE.

"THESE ARE STRONG FORCES WHICH WILL PUSH THE URUGUAY ROUND TOWARDS BECOMING THE SUCCESS THAT IT HAS TO BE," HE SAID.

---------0-----------

CHANGING THE FACE OF URBAN HONG KONG

*****

WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN RELATION TO THE AIRPORT RELOCATION AND THE MATERIALISATION OF THE METROPLAN, URBAN RENEWAL IS GOING TO ASSUME AN EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN BRINGING ABOUT A TRANSFORMATION TO THE URBAN AREA OF HONG KONG.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 ZONE II JOINT LUNCHEON MEETING.

MR LAN REVIEWED THE URBAN RENEWAL EFFORTS IN THE PAST, ITS ROLE IN THE 1990’S, NEW INITIATIVES AND THE ROLE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IN THE PROCESS.

FROM THE "SLUM CLEARANCE SCHEME" AND THE REDEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY OF THE EARLY DAYS, THE ROLE OF URBAN RENEWAL AS A WAY TO IMPROVE THE OBSOLETE URBAN AREA HAD BECOME MORE IMPORTANT IN THE NINETIES, MR LAN NOTED.

"THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN VIEWED FROM THE STRATEGIC PLANNING CONTEXT," HE SAID.

"WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION LAST YEAR TO DEVELOP OUR NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, TOGETHER WITH THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS, IT PROVIDES A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY AND IMPETUS TO RESTRUCTURE AND RATIONALISE OUR URBAN DEVELOPMENT PATTERN.

/"IN ORDER .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

6

"IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BROAD FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE THIS URBAN RESTRUCTURING, THE METROPLAN IS DRAWN UP," HE ADDED.

ALTHOUGH THE FINAL RECOMMENDED METROPLAN OPTION WAS STILL BEING WORKED OUT WITHIN GOVERNMENT, THE BROAD AIM REMAINED TO BRING ABOUT A BETTER ORGANISED, MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE DESIRABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK AND URBAN RENEWAL WAS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MAJOR KEYS IN ACHIEVING THIS, HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) WAS FORMED IN JANUARY 1988 WITH THE PRIMARY AIM OF IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF HOUSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG THROUGH URBAN RENEWAL.

SO FAR, HE SAID, THE LDC HAD COMPLETED THREE STUDIES ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES COVERING THREE OF THE OLDEST URBAN AREAS, NAMELY THE MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI AREA, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN AREA AS WELL AS THE WAN CHAI AREA WHILE ANOTHER THREE COVERING HUNG HOM AND MA TAU KOK, SHAM SHUI PO AS WELL AS SHAU KEI WAN HAD YET TO BE COMPLETED.

MEANWHILE, EIGHT JOINT VENTURE PROJECTS AT VARIOUS PLANNING OR DESIGN STAGES WERE BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED BY THE CORPORATION, MR LAN ADDED.

HE SAID THAT WHILE URBAN RENEWAL WAS MEANT TO UPGRADE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF THE OLDER DEVELOPED URBAN AREA, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO GRIEVANCES AMONG AFFECTED RESIDENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN THEIR CONCERNS WERE NOT GIVEN DUE CARE AT AN EARLY STAGE.

"THIS IS AN AREA WHERE THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION CERTAINLY HAS A ROLE TO PLAY," HE SAID.

"IN FACT, CNTA REGARDS ITSELF AS A BRIDGE TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE LOCALS AND GOVERNMENT.

"THE SIMPLE AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION IS CLEARLY EXPLAINED TO THE PEOPLE CONCERNED, AND THAT THE LATTER’S VIEWS CAN BE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN FINALISING ANY REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.

"THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED, FIRST BY CLOSELY INVOLVING OURSELVES IN THE PLANNING OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND SECONDLY, BY GIVING EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE IN ARRANGING NECESSARY CONSULTATION AND BRIEFING SESSIONS TO LOCAL BODIES CONCERNED," HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT DISTRICT OFFICES WERE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING PROCESS OF REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THEIR OWN | DISTRICTS DURING WHICH LOCAL CONCERNS WERE REFLECTED. |

LOCAL VIEWS WERE ALSO SOUGHT WHENEVER APPLICABLE DIRECTLY THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARDS OR AREA COMMITTEES, HE SAID.

AMONG OTHER ISSUES WHICH ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO CNTA ARE THE QUESTIONS OF COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LDC’S URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS.

/"THE BASIC .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

7 -

"THE BASIC PREMISE REMAINS THAT NOBODY WILL BE RENDERED HOMELESS OUT OF THESE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS," MR LAN SAID.

LOOKING AHEAD, HE SAID CNTA WOULD CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CONSULTATION WOULD BE CONDUCTED WITH THOSE CONCERNED SUCH AS THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN REGARD TO THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS AND THE METROPLAN SO THAT LOCAL NEEDS COULD BE CATERED FOR.

------0--------

GOVT PAID TRIBUTE TO TFC * ♦ * * «

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOSEPH WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE PAST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL (TFC).

COMMENTING ON TFC’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO CEASE OPERATIONS, MR WONG SAID TFC PIONEERED TRADE FACILITATION WORK IN HONG KONG AND HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TRADING COMMUNITY IN THE LAST 10 YEARS.

"THE NEXT MAJOR STAGE OF TRADE FACILITATION LIES WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) WHICH WILL REDUCE THE USE OF PAPER DOCUMENTS.

"THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THIS AND IS WORKING WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH A JOINT PROJECT WITH TRADELINK, A GROUP OF 11 HONG KONG LEADING BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS," MR WONG SAID.

HE ADDED: "IT IS TFC WHICH FIRST INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT OF EDI IN HONG KONG, AN EXAMPLE OF ITS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS."

"WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH TFC TO ENSURE THAT THE RESIDUAL WORK WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE GOVERNMENT AND RELEVANT TRADE ORGANISATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, TDC HAS AGREED TO HANDLE TRADE-RELATED ENQUIRIES," MR WONG SAID.

------0-------

TFC DECIDES TO CALL IT A DAY *****

THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL (TFC) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL .SHORTLY CEASE OPERATIONS. FOR THE FUTURE, THE CONTACT POINT FOR TRADE FACILITATION WORK IN HONG KONG WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT. THIS WAS THE ARRANGEMENT THAT APPLIED UNDER THE FORMER TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE, PRIOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL IN 1981.

MR HARRY GARLICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TFC, SAID THAT THE DECISION HAD BEEN MADE AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

/"WE HAVE........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

- 8 -

"WE HAVE BEEN AWARE FOR SOME TIME THAT WE WERE REACHING THE END OF AN ERA. THE COUNCIL IN THE PAST 10 YEARS HAS ACCOMPLISHED A WORTHWHILE PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR THE TRADING COMMUNITY, BUT NEW FACTORS WILL DETERMINE THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NINETIES. THE COUNCIL, WITH ITS LIMITED RESOURCES, MAY NOT BE THE BEST VEHICLE TO COPE WITH THESE FACTORS," MR GARLICK SAID.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI), WHICH THE TFC CHAMPIONED IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES WAS A CASE IN POINT. ”WE ACTED AS AN EDUCATIVE FORCE TO BRING EDI TO THE NOTICE OF THE TRADING COMMUNITY. SPECIFICALLY, WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PIONEERING WORK WHICH EVENTUALLY LED TO THE SETTING-UP OF THE TRADELINK CONSORTIUM," HE SAID.

"TODAY HOWEVER PROJECTS SUCH AS SPEDI, WHICH IS THE SHARED EDI PROJECT UNDERTAKEN JOINTLY BY GOVERNMENT AND TRADELINK, ARE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR UNDERTAKINGS. THE TFC DOES NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO OPERATE ON THIS SCALE."

MR IAN TOMLIN - WHO HAS BEEN HONG KONG’S "MR TRADE FACILITATION" FOR THE PAST QUARTER-CENTURY, FIRST AS CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY FOR SIMPLER TRADE DOCUMENTS, AND THEN AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE, BEFORE BECOMING CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL - STEPPED DOWN EARLIER THIS YEAR, BUT CONTINUES AS PRO TEM CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S DOCUMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE TO ASSIST IN WINDING-UP THE COMMITTEE’S PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE COUNCIL WAS ORIGINALLY FUNDED AS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WITH THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDING AN ANNUAL SUBVENTION AND PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES PAYING ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES RELATED TO SIZE OF COMPANY.

IT BECAME APPARENT AS EARLY AS THE MID-EIGHTIES THAT THE GROWING LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE NECESSARY TO SUSTAIN A MEANINGFUL LEVEL OF TRADE FACILITATION WORK COULD NOT BE FUNDED BY THESE MEANS.

IN 1986, A NEW APPROACH WAS INITIATED, GOVERNMENT PROVIDED A ONCE-OFF GRANT TO SUPPLEMENT PRIVATE SECTOR FEES, AND THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GAVE SUPPORT TO THE COUNCIL IN THE PROVISION OF OFFICE PREMISES AND SERVICES, AND SECONDED MR HARRY GARLICK AS PART-TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

"FOR 10 YEARS THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS SUPPORTED US EXTREMELY WELL, WITH ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AT $10,000 FOR A CORPORATE MEMBER, WHICH EVEN TODAY IS WELL ABOVE THE HONG KONG NORM FOR A TRADE ASSOCIATION. EVEN SO, CONTINUAL INFLATION HAS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO PROVIDE A TRULY PRO-ACTIVE, AS OPPOSED TO MERELY RE-ACTIVE, SERVICE," MR GARLICK SAID.

THE COUNCIL HAS ALSO BEEN PLAGUED IN RECENT YEARS BY THE BRAIN DRAIN AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER. "ON THE ONE HAND THE NATURE OF THE TFC’S WORK REQUIRES A SMALL CORE OF SPECIALIST DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A SMALL ORGANISATION WITH LIMITED FUNDS CANNOT OFFER THE CAREER PROSPECTS DEMANDED BY TODAY’S BRIGHT YOUNG EXECUTIVES."

/FOR THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990

- 9 -

FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE COUNCIL’S STAFF HAD CONSISTED ENTIRELY OF EXPATRIATE PART-TIME WORKERS.

MR GARLICK STRESSED THAT THE COUNCIL WAS NOT FACING AN IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL CRISIS, BUT SIMPLY ACCEPTED THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF BEING ABLE TO FINANCE THE LEVEL OF PRO-ACTIVE SERVICE REQUIRED FOR THE FUTURE.

"THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THEREFORE FELT THAT IT WAS BEST TO FACE REALITY AND TO THINK FORWARD WHILE WE WERE AHEAD OF THE GAME," MR GARLICK SAID.

HIGHLIGHTS OF A 10 YEAR PROGRAMME OF WORK INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOTLINE EDI CONCEPT, THE PRECURSOR OF TODAY’S SPEDI; THE ESTABLISHMENT IN 1989 OF THE HK ARTICLE NUMBERING ASSOCIATION; AN INVESTIGATION BY A HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE INTO LEGAL BARRIERS TO ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; THE INTRODUCTION TO THE HK MARKET OF SPEX, THE FIRST SOFTWARE PACKAGE DEDICATED TO THE PROCESSING OF TRADE DOCUMENTS; AND MORE RECENTLY A THREB YEAR PROGRAMME TO REVIEW AND REVISE A SERIES OF COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT TRADE DOCUMENTS.

"PERHAPS OUR MAIN ACHIEVEMENT HOWEVER HAS BEEN TO ESTABLISH HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL LEADER IN TRADE FACILITATION. WE HAVE ALWAYS PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING SEMINARS HELD IN THE PRC. AS A RESULT, HONG KONG IS HELD IN HIGH REGARD REGIONALLY, AND I BELIEVE INTERNATIONALLY," MR GARLICK SAID.

NOTE:

PRESS ENQUIRIES TO MR HARRY GARLICK ON TEL. 823 1255.

------0 - -

I

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 TO BE GAZETTED ....................... 1

SEPT SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED ................... 1

RENT OFFICERS SCHEME ............................................................... 2

WATER SUPPLIES DEPT ON MOVE ........................................................ 3

SPECIAL GUARDING TEAM BOLSTERS UP PRISON SECURITY .................................. 4

LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT ................................ 5

DRAWING CONTEST FOR YOUTHS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ......................... 6

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR MOCK DB MEETING ............................................ 7

EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY AT VICTORIA PARK .................................. 8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 TO BE GAZETTED *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE TO BRING DOMESTIC AND OTHER NON-AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES UNDER PROPER LEGISLATIVE CONTROL.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE PESTICIDES INCLUDED PRODUCTS SUCH AS AEROSOLS, MOSQUITO COILS, RAT POISONS AND MOTH REPELLENTS.

"THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION IS TO REDUCE POTENTIAL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS TO THE PUBLIC, IN THEIR HOMES AS WELL AS OUTDOORS," HE ADDED.

THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 12.

UNDER THE PROPOSALS, A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION WILL INTRODUCED FOR ALL PESTICIDES. THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WILL EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED PESTICIDES BY MEANS OF LICENCES AND PERMITS.

AS FAR AS REGISTERED PESTICIDES ARE CONCERNED, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WILL MAINTAIN A REGISTER, PART I OF WHICH WILL CONTAIN READY-FOR-USE DOMESTIC PESTICIDES AND PART II OF WHICH WILL CONTAIN ALL OTHER PESTICIDES.

"SUCH A CLASSIFICATION WILL GIVE A CLEARER INDICATION OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO USERS, FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT CONTROL AND PROVIDE A BASIS FOR INTRODUCING DIFFERENT FEES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF LICENCES," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 31.

- - 0-------

SEPT SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED

*****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THE SEPTEMBER 1990 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 36,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).

/QUESTIONNAIRES WERE .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

- 2 -

QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF LAST MONTH. REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1990 FOR EACH SAMPLED

ESTABLISHMENT.

SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY-SEPTEMBER 1990.

SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE TEL. 823 5076.

------0--------

RENT OFFICERS SCHEME * * * * ♦

MORE THAN 12,600 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON TENANCY MATTERS WERE DEALT WITH UNDER THE RENT OFFICERS SCHEME DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS HANDLED WERE RECOVERY OF PREMISES, EVICTION OF TENANTS, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ON TENANCY DISPUTES, THE USE AND COMPLETION OF TENANCY FORMS.

UNDER THE SCHEME, RENT OFFICERS FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT ARE ON DUTY AT SPECIFIC DISTRICT OFFICES TO ADVISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON TENANCY MATTERS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICES PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES ARE CENTRAL AND WESTERN, EASTERN, SOUTHERN, WAN CHAI, KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, WONG TAI SIN, YAU TSIM, SHA TIN, KWAI TSING, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.

THOSE WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE 70 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI OR CALL THE SECTION ON TEL. 835 1501.

------0-------

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

3 -

WATER SUPPLIES DEPT ON MOVE *****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS WILL OPERATE FROM ITS NEW PREMISES AT WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 22 (MONDAY).

THE MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT PREMISES AT LEIGHTON CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES FROM OCTOBER 12 TO 21.

"THE NEW HEADQUARTERS WILL OCCUPY THE 42 TO 48TH FLOORS OF THE TOWER, WHICH IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE WAN CHAI MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

AT THE SAME TIME, THE CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TOWER WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 15 (MONDAY).

"TO FACILITATE THE MOVE, THE CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED ON OCTOBER 13 (SATURDAY).

"ANYONE SEEKING CONSUMER SERVICES SUCH AS PAYING WATER BILLS, SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR CONNECTION OF SUPPLY, CHANGE OF CONSUMERSHIP AND ENQUIRY OF WATER ACCOUNTS IS ADVISED TO USE OTHER CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES (CEC’S) DURING THE OFFICE REMOVAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE ADDRESSES OF OTHER CEC’S ARE:

HONG KONG

PERFECT MOUNT GARDENS, GROUND FLOOR, PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN

KOWLOON

128 SAI YEE STREET, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK

NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 21 ON WAH STREET, NGAU TAU KOK

NEW TERRITORIES

KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG

TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET

FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN

SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

THE SPOKESMAN SAID INSTEAD OF COMING TO THE CEC’S IN PERSON, CONSUMERS MAY ALSO SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS THROUGH THE POST.

THESE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO "THE WATER AUTHORITY, GPO BOX 4030, HONG KONG".

FOR ENQUIRIES ON ACCOUNT MATTERS, CONSUMERS MAY TELEPHONE 890 0221 BEFORE OCTOBER 15, AND 824 5000 ON AND AFTER OCTOBER 15.

FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 829 4500 ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 22.

- - 0 - -

SPECIAL GUARDING TEAM BOLSTERS UP PRISON SECURITY

******

THEY ARE WORLD-RENOWNED FOR THEIR TOP-NOTCH PATROL WORK. IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, THEY ARE BECOMING AN INDISPENSIBLE PART IN PRISON SECURITY.

NOT ONLY ARE THEY AGILE AND VIGILANT, PARTICULARLY IN THE NIGHT TIME WHEN HUMAN VISIBILITY IS LOW, THEY ARE ALSO FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT.

AND IN HONG KONG, THERE ARE 22 OF THEM. BUT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER TO 50.

COMMONLY KNOWN AS GUARD DOGS, THEY HAVE, AMONG THEM, GERMAN SHEPHERD, DOBERMAN AND BULL-TERRIER.

ACCORDING TO THE SUPERINTENDENT (OPERATIONS), MR KWOK LEUNG-MING, WHO OVERSEES THE DOG UNIT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD), PRISON DOG SERVICE HAS TIGHTENED UP PERIMETER SECURITY OF PENAL INSTITUTIONS.

"PRISON DOG SERVICE IS RECOGNISED IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD AS AN EFFECTIVE AND FLEXIBLE MEANS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

"FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE ABOUT 400 GUARD DOGS IN THE U.K. PRISON SERVICE PROVIDING AN INDISPENSIBLE SUPPORT TO PENAL ADMINISTRATION," MR KWOK SAID.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1987, THE UNIT HAS EFFECTIVELY STEPPED UP PRISON SECURITY.

THE DOGS WERE FIRST BROUGHT INTO STANLEY PRISON, TO PATROL THE STERILE AREA OF THIS MAXIMUM-SECURITY PRISON. THE SERVICE HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO MA PO PING PRISON AND TONG FUK PRISON.

/MR KWOK

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

5

MR KWOK SAID THE CSD HAD PLANS TO SET UP THE UNIT’S HEADQUARTERS AT TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.

"BY THEN, IT IS HOPED THAT THE GUARD DOG SERVICE CAN BE EXTENDED TO OTHER PRISONS," HE ADDED.

APART FROM GUARDING PRISONS, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO WANTED TO TRAIN THE DOGS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF SEARCHING AND PREVENTING UNAUTHORISED ITEMS, PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS DRUGS, FROM BEING SMUGGLED INTO THE PRISONS.

"THE DOGS HAVE DONE WELL IN THE TRAINING AND ARE NOW ABLE TO DISTINGUISH A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS, INCLUDING DANGEROUS DRUGS.

"GIVEN MORE TIME, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY COULD BE TRAINED TO BECOME SEARCH/SNIFFER DOGS," MR KWOK SAID.

MANNING THE DOGS WERE 18 CSD OFFICERS WHO ARE QUALIFIED DOG TRAINERS AND HANDLERS.

THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE DOG UNIT, PRINCIPAL OFFICER MR CHENG KIN SAID HE AND HIS COLLEAGUES WERE DOG-LOVERS AND ALL ENJOYED WORKING THERE.

"IT GIVES US A GREAT SENSE OF SATISFACTION IN TRAINING AN ORDINARY DOG INTO AN OBEDIENT AND VIGILANT DOG PERFORMING SUCH MEANINGFUL DUTIES AS GUARDING A PRISON," MR CHENG SAID.

ALL DOG HANDLERS HAD TO ATTEND AN EIGHT-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE ON HOW TO HANDLE GUARD DOGS.

NORMALLY, A GUARD DOG HAD TO UNDERGO TRAINING FROM EIGHT TO 12 WEEKS BEFORE THEY COULD BE SENT OUT ON PATROLLING DUTIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THREE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE CSD DOG UNIT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM GIS DUTY OFFICER.

---------0-----------

LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE PROJECT THIS YEAR TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT DRAMA AS A REGULAR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY IN

A NEW CHINESE DRAMA OF CHINESE LANGUAGE SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE 1990 SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON (KCRC) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CO-ORGANISERS AND SPONSORS.

IS ORGANISED BY THE RAILWAY CORPORATION

CORPORATION

(MTRC) AS

/TO MARK .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

6 -

TO MARK THE DEBUT OF THE CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT, A LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR WONG SEK-WAH; DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (OPERATIONS AND SUPPORTING SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS KONG LEE CHI-HO; HEAVY RAIL DIRECTOR, KCRC, MR IAN MCPHERSON; LIGHT RAIL DIRECTOR, KCRC, MR JONATHAN YU; DEPUTY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, MTRC, MR ROGER KYNASTON; PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, MTRC, MRS MIRANDA LEUNG; AND THE DEAN OF DRAMA, HONG KONO ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, MR CHUNG KING-FAI.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1990 SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT TO BE HELD AT THE PAVILION, FIRST FLOOR, LEE GARDENS HOTEL AT 3 PM ON OCTOBER 9 (TUESDAY).

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DRAWING CONTEST FOR YOUTHS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT » ♦ ♦ » *

YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING OR STUDYING IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARE INVITED TO ENTER A DRAWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDEN ON OCTOBER 28.

THE FOUR-HOUR COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THOSE AGED FOUR TO 15, STARTING FROM 9 AM ON THAT DAY.

ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS, WHOSE ENTRIES MAY BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE 1991 INTERNATIONAL DRAWING CONTEST IN JAPAN.

PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DRAW PICTURES ON THEMES RELATING TO THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OR THE DISTRICT'S PRESENT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK.

THIS OUTDOOR CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, MID-LEVELS EAST AREA COMMITTEE AND THE YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM PENTEL (HONG KONG) LIMITED.

ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE THREE DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES AT HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) AND 71 SMITHFIELD, AS WELL AS FROM THE WESTERN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET.

/COMPLETED FORMS .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH STAMPED RETURN ENVELOPES SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 14.

ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 300 AND IS ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MISS SUSANNA LEONG ON TEL. 852 3485.

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NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR MOCK DB MEETING

*****

A MOCK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS OF A DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE HELD IN SHAM SHUI PO ON NOVEMBER 24.

IT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST AND INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

INDIVIDUALS MAY APPLY TO TAKE PART WHILE DISTRICT BODIES MAY NOMINATE UP TO FOUR PARTICIPANTS FOR THE MOCK MEETING. THEY MAY BE TEACHERS, STUDENTS, SOCIAL WORKERS OR OTHERS WHO WORK IN THE DISTRICT.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE OCTOBER 27.

AS THERE ARE ONLY 40 PLACES, A SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS MAY BE MADE. A BRIEFING FOR THE CHOSEN ONES WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 13.

DURING THE MOCK MEETING, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS TO PLAY THE ROLE OF DB MEMBERS. DB PAPERS ON TOPICAL ISSUES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE "MEMBERS".

INCUMBENT DB MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR COMMENTS DURING THE REVIEW SESSION AFTER THE MEETING.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 729 5334.

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/8........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1990

8

EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY AT VICTORIA PARK

*****

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) TO DRIVE HOME THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE POLICE, THE ANNUAL ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL RUN FROM 3 PM TO 5.30 PM.

THERE WILL BE A PERFORMANCE BY A 16-MEMBER MOTORCYCLING TEAM FROM THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, A SKID CAR DEMONSTRATION AND SINGING.

CHILDREN WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE FUN OF SAFE DRIVING IN SPECIALLY DESIGNED "CAREFUL COBBERS" MINI-VEHICLES TRAVELLING AT A SPEED OF 20 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.

A ROAD SAFETY TOWN WILL BE SET UP FOR PARTICIPANTS TO LEARN THE PROPER WAYS OF ROAD USE AND TWO WRECKED VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WILL BE DISPLAYED.

ADMISSION IS FREE. COUPONS FOR THE GAMES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE THAT DAY. THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BEFOREHAND FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SANDY CHAN; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DB TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR FU YUEN-CHEUNG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) AT VICTORIA PARK FOOTBALL PITCHES NOS. 1 TO 3.

I

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»

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT DETERMINED TO RESOLVE EDUCATION PROBLEMS ............................. 1

TENDERS TO BE INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LANTAU FIXED CROSSING ........... 2

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM ........... 4

PREQUALIFICATION FOR WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT INVITED ............. 5

CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS SIGNED ........................ 6

PUBLICATION OF SEVEN INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS ............ 7

GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ............................................ 8

CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ................................................... 13

TWO PROJECTS TO IMPROVE MARINE ACCESS TO ISLANDS .......................... 14

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE CLOSED ...................... 14

CENTRAL AND WESTERN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ON SUNDAY ...................... 15

SOUTHERN DB TO COMMEND VOLUNTEERS ......................................... 36

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 1 -

GOVT DETERMINED TO RESOLVE EDUCATION PROBLEMS *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE AND THE GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE RECOGNISE THE PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION AND ARE DETERMINED TO RESOLVE THEM.

SPEAKING AT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD AND THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOW FACE UP TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH INEVITABLY ACCOMPANIED EXPANSION AT THE SORT OF SPEED EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG.

SIR DAVID SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, TASKED TO RECOMMEND HOW BEST TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS, HAD NEARLY COMPLETED ITS FOURTH REPORT.

"THIS WILL HAVE A GREAT DEAL TO SAY ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF THE CURRICULUM AND ABOUT HOW IT SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE.

"IT WILL LOOK CLOSELY INTO THE PROVISION OF SUPPORTING SERVICES SUCH AS COUNSELLING, GUIDANCE AND REMEDIAL TEACHING.

"IT WILL ASK WHETHER THE TIME HAS NOT COME FOR SOME SORT OF ASSESSMENT AND TESTING MECHANISM TO BE INTRODUCED INTO OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM," SIR DAVID SAID.

"AND, FINALLY, IT WILL DEAL WITH THE DIFFICULT, LONG-STANDING AND MUCH ARGUED PROBLEM OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID THERE WOULD BE TIME FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.

WHILE THIS WAS GOING ON, THE COMMISSION WOULD BE TACKLING ITS FIFTH REPORT WHICH WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION.

"WHEN THE FIFTH REPORT IS OUT, BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, WE WILL HAVE DRAWN UP A BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS FOR THE DECADE AHEAD," HE SAID.

THE SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL WOULD NOT BE A PASSIVE OBSERVER IN THIS IMPORTANT PROCESS, SIR DAVID SAID.

THE COUNCIL HAD A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY THROUGH ITS REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, HE SAID.

"MORE IMPORTANTLY, ONCE WE HAVE AGREED OUR AIMS AND SET THE FUTURE COURSE OF SCHOOL-LEVEL EDUCATION, WE SHALL RELY ON THE SCHOOLS THAT MAKE UP THIS COUNCIL TO PUT THEM INTO PRACTICE," HE ADDED.

NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD OVER ONE MILLION SCHOOL CHILDREN; NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF THE TOTAL POPULATION, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN THEM LIES HONG KONG’S FUTURE."

/THE GOVERNOR .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 2 —

THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG'S CHILDREN WERE GROWING UP IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT WHICH COMBINED BOTH STRONG CHINESE CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND HONG KONG’S COSMOPOLITAN NATURE.

’’THEY ARE LEARNING TO SEE LIFE FROM HONG KONG’S SPECIAL PERSPECTIVE. IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THESE CHILDREN WILL BE GRADUATING FROM OUR SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES IN LARGE NUMBERS.

’’THEY WILL REPRESENT A RESERVOIR OF TALENT ON WHICH HONG KONG WILL DRAW FAR INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," HE SAID.

LOOKING BACK, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS ONLY 20 YEARS AGO THAT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL HONG KONG’S CHILDREN WERE GUARANTEED A FULL PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION.

"TODAY ALL COMPLETE SECONDARY 3; AND MOST GO ON TO SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL. THIS HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN ONE THINKS ABOUT THE WAY OUR POPULATION HAS GROWN IN THIS PERIOD AND OUR MANY OTHER PRIORITIES.

"IT HAS ONLY BEEN POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF A DRAMATIC EXPANSION IN THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS IN THE PAST 20 YEARS. MUCH OF THIS EXPANSION HAS TAKEN PLACE IN SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS; AND MOST OF THESE SCHOOLS ARE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

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TENDERS TO BE INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LANTAU FIXED CROSSING

*****

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INVITE BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, MARKING AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE ON THE ROAD TO CHEK LAP KOK.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS AFTERNOON (FRIDAY).

THE DECISION IS A FIRM DEMONSTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.

"IN COMING TO A DECISION ON HOW THE PROJECT SHOULD BE HANDLED WE HAVE REVIEWED ALL THE OPTIONS OPEN TO US AND HAVE DECIDED ON A STRAIGHTFORWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT APPROACH," SIR DAVID SAID.

"THERE ARE GOOD REASONS FOR THIS APPROACH RATHER THAN A BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER OPTION.

ADOPTING

"FIRST OF ALL THERE IS CERTAINTY. IT IS CLEAR THAT THE FIXED CROSSING IS THE KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WHOLE PROJECT.

/"THE CONSTRUCTION .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

3

’’THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT APPROACH PROVIDES CERTAINTY IN TERMS OF PLANNING, COMPLETION AND OPERATION, AND FURTHERMORE ALLOWS US TO START CONSTRUCTION SIX TO NINE MONTHS AHEAD OF A BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER OPTION.”

SIR DAVID SAID THAT A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIA HAD EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE BOT OPTION. DESPITE THIS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO OPT FOR A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT APPROACH BECAUSE IT REPRESENTED BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY AND, BY AVOIDING THE PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS LIKELY OVER A BOT TENDER, WOULD ENABLE AN EARLIER START.

’’HAVING STUDIED ALL ASPECTS VERY CAREFULLY OVER A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD, WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS A GREATER ADVANTAGE IN FUNDING THE PROJECT OURSELVES. BUT CLEARLY WE WOULD ALSO WISH TO CONSIDER FINANCIAL PACKAGES PUT FORWARD IN RESPONSE TO THE CONSTRUCTION TENDER EXERCISE.

"WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE TENDER WILL ATTRACT A LARGER NUMBER OF WELL-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS, AND THAT THE ADDED COMPETITION WILL RESULT IN A VERY KEEN PRICE FOR THE BRIDGE.”

SIR DAVID SAID THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT APPROACH ALSO OPENS UP ANOTHER ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR FINANCING THE PROJECT AT A LATER STAGE, THAT IS TO CALL FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR THE FRANCHISE TO OPERATE THE BRIDGE AFTER IT IS COMPLETED.

"OUR VIEW IS THAT SUCH A FRANCHISE WOULD BE ATTRACTIVE AND THE PROCEEDS FROM THE TENDER EXERCISE COULD AT LEAST MATCH THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION.

"WE HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN THE PROJECT'S LONG-TERM VIABILITY.”

SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT IF THE PROJECT WERE TO BE TENDERED ON A BOT BASIS, THE BIDDERS WOULD BASE THEIR JUDGEMENT OF ITS VIABILITY ON THREE MAIN FACTORS: THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION, THE REVENUE WHICH IN TURN DEPENDS ON TRAFFIC FORECASTS AND THE LEVEL OF TOLLS, AND THE PERCEIVED RISKS INVOLVED.

"WE ARE ADVISED THAT THERE CAN BE A HIGH DEGREE OF CERTAINTY OVER THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION, BUT THAT PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS MIGHT NOT HAVE THE SAME DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE WITH REGARD TO THE OTHER TWO FACTORS.

"THE CONTINUING CRISIS IN THE GULF AND THE WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION HAVE NOT HELPED THE COMMERCIAL CLIMATE.

"DESPITE THESE PERCEIVED UNCERTAINTIES, AND I STRESS THE WORD 'PERCEIVED' BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT SOME OF THEM ARE UNFOUNDED, WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL RESPONSE TO OUR CALL FOR BOT BIDS.

"BUT THE COMMERCIAL WORLD WORKS ON THE PRINCIPLE OF 'THE HIGHER THE RISK THE GREATER THE REWARD' WITH THE LIKELY RESULT THAT THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE BECOME MORE COSTLY IN TERMS OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT THAN WE BELIEVE TO BE JUSTIFIED.

/"IT WOULD .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

"IT WOULD THUS HAVE BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE FOR THE HONG KONG TAX-PAYERS."

THE CHIEF SECRETARY STRESSED THAT AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IS THE OPPORTUNITY IT PROVIDES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING.

"THE COST OF THE LANTAU BRIDGE REPRESENTS LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF THE WHOLE PROJECT AND SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN FOR PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN SUCH MAJOR PROJECTS AS THE AIRPORT ITSELF, THE PORT, THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND THE THIRD CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.

"WE BELIEVE THAT THE CERTAINTY INJECTED INTO THE WHOLE PROJECT BY OUR DECISION TODAY WILL DO MUCH TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN THESE OTHER PROJECTS, AND WE WILL OF COURSE DO ALL WE CAN TO FACILITATE THIS," HE SAID.

------0-------

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM.

THIS WILL MEAN THAT DRIVERS DISQUALIFIED UNDER THE SYSTEM MUST SURRENDER ALL DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCES AND PERMITS.

THE AMENDMENTS WILL PROVIDE FOR SUMMONSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION TO BE SERVED BY POST AND SEEK TO AUTHORISE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT THE USE OF THE SAME METHOD OF A MAGISTRATE IN CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS INCURRED BY A PERSON.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WHEN 15 OR MORE POINTS HAD BEEN INCURRED WITHIN TWO YEARS UNDER THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS (DOP) SYSTEM, AN OFFENDER WAS LIABLE TO BE DISQUALIFIED FROM HOLDING OR OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENCE FOR THREE MONTHS ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND SIX MONTHS ON SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.

WHEN A DISQUALIFICATION ORDER WAS ISSUED BY THE COURT, ALL DRIVING LICENCES OR PERMITS, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCES OR FOREIGN DRIVING LICENCES/PERMITS MUST BE SURRENDERED TO THE COURT DURING THE DISQUALIFICATION PERIOD.

"THE MOVE IS AIMED AT PREVENTING A DRIVER DISQUALIFIED UNDER THE DOP SYSTEM FROM DRIVING ON EITHER AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE, OR A FOREIGN DRIVING LICENCE/PERMIT DURING THE DISQUALIFICATION PERIOD," HE SAID.

ON THE SERVING OF SUMMONSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION BY POST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM WAS TO REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.

/AT PRESENT .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 5 -

AT PRESENT, THE SUMMONSES MUST BE EITHER DELIVERED PERSONALLY OR LEFT WITH ANOTHER PERSON AT THE OFFENDER’S LAST OR MOST USUAL PLACE OF ABODE.

HE ADDED THAT UNNECCESARY ADMINISTRATION WORK WOULD ALSO BE SAVED BY AUTHORISING THE COMMISSIONER TO USE THE SAME METHOD USED BY A MAGISTRATE IN CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS INCURRED BY A PERSON.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT CLARIFIES THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN LIABILITY TO A FIXED PENALTY ARISES, CEASES OR REVIVES.

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PREQUALIFICATION FOR WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT INVITED

DEVELOPMENT

THE TERRITORY

PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FROM SUITABLE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION

DEPARTMENT

IS

CONTRACTORS

INVITING

FOR

NORTHERN AREA PHASE

THE 1 .

TENDERS FOR THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE WORKS ARE LIKELY TO BE INVITED FROM THE APPROVED CONSTRUCTORS IN JANUARY 1991.

THE WORKS COMPRISE ABOUT 65 TAI KOK TSUI AND LAI CHI KOK WITH TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINUS, COOLING WATER INTAKE AND ROADS.

HECTARES OF RECLAMATION BETWEEN ASSOCIATED SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION, PIERS, A FERRY TERMINUS, A BUS PUMPHOUSE, AND ASSOCIATED ACCESS

BEING CARRIED OUT BY MOTT MACDONALD

AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE

THE DESIGN OF THE WORKS IS HONG KONG LIMITED FOR THE URBAN TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

A NOTICE ON THE PREQUALIFICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 2.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

6

CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS SIGNED

■»****

THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH A GROUP OF CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE INVESTIGATION, DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD -- A KEY URBAN ROUTE TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT ON LANTAU ISLAND.

WITH THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT TO CHEK LAP KOK, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD WILL BECOME AN ESSENTIAL EAST-WEST ROUTE ACROSS NORTHERN KOWLOON TO THE NEW AIRPORT.

THE GROUP OF CONSULTANTS AWARDED THE AGREEMENT, PHH/ARUP CONSULTANTS, COMPRISES PYPUN-HOWARD HUMPHREYS, OVE ARUP AND PARTNERS HONG KONG, MVA ASIA, ERL (ASIA) AND CLOUSTON.

THE GROUP WILL COMMENCE THIS MONTH A $6.9 MILLION ENGINEERING STUDY ON THE PROJECT.

"THE EXTENT OF ROAD COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT IS A SECTION OF THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD FROM PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD INTERCHANGE TO CHING CHEUNG ROAD, AND THE ENTIRE CHING CHEUNG ROAD," MR KWEI SAID.

"THESE ROADS ARE PART OF ROUTE 4 WHICH PROVIDES THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG.

"IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE FORECAST TRAFFIC DEMAND, AND TO RELIEVE CURRENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG THE SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD FROM LION ROCK TUNNEL INTERCHANGE TO CHING CHEUNG ROAD, AND THE ENTIRE CHING CHEUNG ROAD, THIS SECTION OF ROUTE 4 WILL BE UPGRADED TO URBAN TRUNK ROAD STANDARDS WITH DUAL THREE CARRIAGEWAYS.

"SLOPES ADJACENT TO THE ROADS TO BE UPGRADED WILL BE IMPROVED.

"THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO INVESTIGATE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE CAPACITY OF THE SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD FROM PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD INTERCHANGE TO LION ROCK TUNNEL INTERCHANGE."

MR KWEI SAID THE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS WORKS WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE ENGINEERING STUDY.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

7 -

PUBLICATION OF SEVEN INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS *****

THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF SEVEN MORE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (IDPA) PLANS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THESE PLANS ARE IN KAM TIN NORTH, KAM TIN SOUTH, SHEK KONG, TAI TONG, PAT HEUNG, KWUN YUM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG, AND PING KONG. THE TOTAL AREA COVERED BY THESE PLANS IS ABOUT 3,740 HECTARES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID SINCE THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 27 THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 24 IDPA PLANS HAD BEEN PUBLISHED INCLUDING THOSE PUBLISHED TODAY.

SO FAR, A MAJORITY OF THOSE AREAS FACING SERIOUS THREAT OF PROLIFERATION OF OPEN STORAGE AND OTHER UNDESIRABLE USES TO THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS IDPA’S.

AMONG THE SEVEN IDPA PLANS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, FIVE OF THEM, NAMELY, KAM TIN NORTH AND SOUTH, SHEK KONG, TAI TONG AND PAT HEUNG ARE LOCATED IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT.

ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, THERE ARE AREAS DESIGNATED FOR ’’VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT” ON THESE FIVE PLANS TO PROVIDE FOR THE NECESSARY EXPANSION OF ESTABLISHED VILLAGES.

BESIDES, IN ORDER TO CATER FOR THE CONTINUING DEMAND FOR OPEN STORAGE SITES, A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 65 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE USES ON THE KAM TIN NORTH, TAI TONG, AND PAT HEUNG IDPA PLANS.

KWUN YAM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG ARE LOCATED TO THE EAST OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LIMITED SUPPLY OF DEVELOPMENT LAND IN SHA TIN HAD POSED GREAT PRESSURE TO THESE AREAS.

IN VIEW OF THE INFILTRATION OF UNDESIRABLE USES SUCH AS OPEN STORAGE, CAR REPAIRING AND TEMPORARY WORKSHOP IN THE AREA, WHICH WAS ALREADY IMMINENT, THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT CONTROL.

AS FOR PING KONG, WHICH IS LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AREA WAS COMPARATIVELY FREE FROM INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES SUCH AS OPEN STORAGE AND WORKSHOPS. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE RURAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA, DEVELOPMENT CONTROL WAS NEEDED.

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, DEVELOPMENT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PLANS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.

/ON ENACTMENT......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 8 -

ON ENACTMENT, THE IDPA’S WOULD BE INCLUDED IN STATUTORY DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS (DPA’S). THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COULD THEN SERVE NOTICE REQUIRING REINSTATEMENT OF THE LAND TO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE GAZETTING OF THE IDPA PLANS OR THE RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO HIS SATISFACTION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EXISTING USES WOULD BE TOLERATED WITHIN THE IDPA’S. PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR WOULD BE HONOURED WHEN THE IDPA’S WERE INCLUDED INTO STATUTORY DPA’S.

IF PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED, AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH PERMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL REGISTRY, PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR SMALL HOUSE SITES IN AREAS COVERED BY THE NEW IDPA’S SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY DIRECT TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER.

THE SEVEN IDPA PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED UNTIL DECEMBER 5 AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;

PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

» RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES.

COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.

--------0-----------

GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) 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 ......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 9 -

• 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 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 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 10 -

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 20.9.90) (AS AT 5.10.90)

HONG KONG SOUTH

BIG WAVE BAY 2 2

CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2

DEEP WATER BAY 2 2

HAIRPIN 2 2

MIDDLE BAY 1 1

REPULSE BAY 1 1

SHEK 0 2 3

SOUTH BAY 1 1

ST STEPHEN’S 1 2

TURTLE COVE 1 2

STANLEY MAIN 1 1

ROCKY BAY X X

TO TEI WAN* 1 1

SAI KUNG DISTRICT

CAMPERS 1 1

CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2 2

CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2

/HAP MUN .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 11 -

HAP MUN BAY 1

KIU TSUI 1

PAK SHA CHAU 1

SILVERSTRAND 1

TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1

ISLANDS DISTRICT

CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1

CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2

DISCOVERY BAY* 1

HUNG SHING YEH 1

KWUN YAM WAN 2

TONG FUK 2

LO SO SHING 1

PUI O 1

SILVERMINE BAY 2

TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1

TUNG O* 1

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT

ANGLERS’ 4

APPROACH 3

CASAM 2

GEMINI 2

HOI MEI WAN 2

LIDO 3

TING KAU 4

TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1

1

1

1

2

1

1

2

1

1

2

1

1

1

2

2

1

3

3

2

3

3

3

4

2

/TUEN MUN .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 12 -

TUEN MUN DISTRICT

OLD CAFETERIA X X

NEW CAFETERIA 3 4

CASTLE PEAK X X

KADOORIE 3 4

BUTTERFLY 2 3

NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.

* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.

THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:

TONG FUK, FROM "2" TO "1"; ST STEPHEN’S, TURTLE COVE, SILVERSTRAND, TUNG WAN ON CHEUNG CHAU AND TUNG WAN ON MA WAN, FROM "1” TO "2”; SHEK O, GEMINI, HOI MEI WAN AND BUTTERFLY, FROM "2" TO "3"; ANGLERS’, FROM "4" TO "3".

THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.

NEW CAFETERIA AND KADOORIE, FROM "3" TO "4".

THE DOWNGRADING OF NEW CAFETERIA AND KADOORIE IS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAS FLUSHED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND INTO THE BEACH WATER.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL R. HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, ON TEL. 835 1234.

--------0-----------

/13 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 13 -

CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM

*****

THE 23RD CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM WILL BE HELD IN TAI PO ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7).

OF THE 1,276 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, 1,063 WERE FROM MEN AND 223 FROM WOMEN. THE YOUNGEST ENTRANT IS 12 YEARS OLD AND THE OLDEST 70.

THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.

IT WILL START AT 10.30 AM AT SHA LAN BEACH IN SHUEN WAN AND FINISH AT THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE, COVERING A DISTANCE OF 2,400 METRES.

TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS YIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE WATER SPORTS CENTRE AT 12.10 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 23RD CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM IN TAI PO ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7).

A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE FOR THE STARTING POINT AT SHA LAN FROM THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION’S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRES, 2 ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO, AT 9.15 AM.

THOSE TRAVELLING ON THEIR OWN SHOULD GATHER AT THE PIER NEAR THE ROUNDABOUT OF SAM MUN TSAI ROAD (I.E. NEAR THE LUEN YICK SEAFOOD HOUSE) IN THE LUEN YICK FISHERMEN VILLAGE BY 9.45 AM.

--------0-----------

/14........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 14 -

TWO PROJECTS TO IMPROVE MARINE ACCESS TO ISLANDS ******

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PROCEED WITH TWO PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED (RECLAMATION) ORDINANCE TO IMPROVE MARINE ACCESS TO TSING YI AND PO TOI ISLANDS.

FOR TSING YI, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 8.62 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE ISLAND.

THE DREDGING WORK, WHICH WILL START THIS DECEMBER, IS TO PROVIDE FOR AN APPROACH TO THE PROPOSED PIER AT TSING YI TOWN.

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 BEFORE DECEMBER 4.

FOR PO TOI, A PIER IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,360 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.

WORK WILL START NEXT JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE OCTOBER 4 NEXT YEAR.

THE EXTENT OF THE TWO AREAS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.

---------0-----------

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE CLOSED

******

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE CERTAIN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT THEY CAN DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOFTOP AND THE COMMON STAIRCASE LANDING AT GROUND FLOOR OF 202-220 (EVEN NUMBERS) NAM CHEONG STREET.

/NOTICES OF .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

- 15 -

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 6 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE THE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.

-----0-----

CENTRAL AND WESTERN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ON SUNDAY

**»»*»

A TWO-HOUR CARNIVAL TO KICK OFF THE 1990 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) AFTERNOON.

THE CARNIVAL, FEATURING A LION DANCE, PIPE AND DRUM BAND PARADE, TA CHI DEMONSTRATION, AEROBIC DANCE SHOW AND CYCLING DISPLAY, WILL START AT 2.30 PM.

APART FROM THESE PERFORMANCES, THERE WILL ALSO BE GAME STALLS AND TELEMATCHES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, THE DISTRICT S RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN, MR LAWRENCE LAM.

DURING THE TWO-MONTH SPORTS FESTIVAL, A NUMBER OF EVENTS CATERING FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED. THESE WILL INCLUDE SWIMMING, ATHLETIC MEET, VOLLEY BALL, SQUASH AND SOCCER TOURNAMENTS, DANCING COMPETITION AND A RECREATIONAL CAMP IOR THE ELDERLY.

THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES. ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS IS FREE BUT THIS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.

LEAFLET ON

DETAILS OF

THE

ENTRY FORMS AND A

AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, AND ITS KENNEDY TOWN OR THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROOM

ACTIVITIES ARE ON THE GROUND SUB-OFFICE IN

AMENITIES

1001, UC

SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX.

/TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1990

16

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 853 2566.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1990 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.

- - 0 - -

SOUTHERN DB TO COMMEND VOLUNTEERS ♦ * * * *

FIFTEEN VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL AND A 75-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, AND THREE VOLUNTARY GROUPS WILL BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICES TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT AT A CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE.

SELECTED AS WINNERS IN THE 1990-91 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICE AWARD SCHEME, THEY WILL BE AWARDED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES AND GIFT COUPONS DURING THE CEREMONY.

NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE SOCIAL SERVICE SCHEME HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS.

THE PRESENTATION WILL FORM PART OF A DAY CAMP ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NOMINEES TO THE AWARD SCHEME TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON VOLUNTARY WORK.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR PAUL CHEUNG; THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG KONG-CHEUNG; AND THE DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, MR CHAN KAM-CHEUNG.

MR CHAN WILL GIVE A TALK ON ’’SOCIAL SERVICE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE 90’S”.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1990-91 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICE AWARD SCHEME ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 7) IN THE HALL OF THE LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2801, WILL DEPART FROM THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION AT 2 PM TO TAKE REPORTERS TO THE VENUE. THOSE WISHING TO USE THE FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S CHAI WAN SUB-OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF NEW JADE GARDENS, KUT SHING STREET. INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

CONTENTS

AIRPORT PROJECT VITAL FOR OUR FUTURE WELL-BEING ........................

STEPS TO IMPROVE ATTRACTIVENESS OF TEACHING PROFESSION .................

GOVT WELCOMED BUSH'S VETO OF TRADE BILL ................................

SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FINANCES MORE THAN 3,000 PROJECTS ................

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ............................

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES TO MEET YOUNGSTERS' CHANGING NEEDS ATHLETIC MEET FOR ISLANDERS ......................................

PAGE NO.

1

3

5

5

6

7

7

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

1

AIRPORT PROJECT VITAL FOR OUR FUTURE WELL-BEING » ♦ ♦ * *

IN THE ON-GOING DEBATE ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, ONE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE PARAMOUNT NEED TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TRADING, FINANCIAL AND SERVICE CENTRE.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN MADE THESE REMARKS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT A PUBLIC SEMINAR ON ISSUES RELATING TO HONG KONG’S NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPLACEMENT PROJECT.

"TRADE IS OUR LIFE BLOOD. WE MUST HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE GOODS AND PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY.

"WITH AIR TRAVEL SET TO CONTINUE ITS STRONG GROWTH PARTICULARLY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND WITH MORE AND MORE OF OUR GOODS GOING BY AIR, WE NEED TO HAVE AN AIRPORT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IF OUR ECONOMY IS TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND IF WE ARE TO REMAIN AS THE MAJOR CONDUIT FOR TRADE IN SOUTHERN CHINA.

"THE GOVERNMENT FAS PUT TOGETHER AN INTEGRATED AND COHESIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AFTER EXTENSIVE STUDIES, WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL MEET BOTH HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA’S MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM NEEDS IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER," SHE SAID.

EMPHASISING THAT THE MANY POINTS OF VIEW EXPRESSED ON THE STRATEGY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED WOULD BE NOTED AND CONSIDERED, MRS CHAN SAID THE TIME FOR USEFUL DISCUSSION ON THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE STRATEGY HAS, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, ALREADY PASSED.

"WE ARE ALREADY IN AN IMPLEMENTATION PHASE. USEFUL DISCUSSION NEEDS TO FOCUS ON THE MANY PROBLEMS WE FACE WITH IMPLEMENTATION," SHE SAID.

THE MATTER NOW IN HAND IS HOW, AND NOT WHETHER, THE AGREED STRATEGY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, MRS CHAN ADDED.

’HOW’ IS A VERY BIG QUESTION. IT IS ONE WHICH WE LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING WITH A TEAM OF CHINESE EXPERTS WHO ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG THIS MONTH, SHE SAID.

"THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED TO BE KEPT INFORMED AND IS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED TO BE REASSURED THAT THE SAR (SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION) GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF SUCH AN ENORMOUS UNDERTAKING," MRS CHAN SAID.

SHE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FULLY UNDERSTOOD THIS CONCERN AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO DISCUSSING IT WITH THE CHINESE EXPERTS.

SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS FOLLOWED AN EXTREMELY PRUDENT BUDGETARY POLICY AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.

/"WE DO .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

- 2 -

"WE DO NOT EMBARK ON PROJECTS WE CANNOT AFFORD. WE TOOK A DECISION TO PROCEED HAVING REGARD TO THE SOUNDNESS OF OUR FINANCIAL POSITION BOTH NOW AND IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS (OUR FISCAL RESERVES EXCEED HK$70 BILLION QUITE APART FROM THE SAR LAND FUND WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE SAR RESERVES). WE ALSO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT PROJECTED REVENUE FROM AIRPORT OPERATIONS.

"COST IS A CONCERN SHARED BY ALL. IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT WE WOULD STRIVE TO KEEP THE OVERALL COSTS DOWN CONSISTENT WITH AN EFFICIENT AIRPORT MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS," SHE SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, WE WOULD ENCOURAGE THE MAXIMUM PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION BOTH TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT COSTS TO THE MINIMUM AND TO INTRODUCE THE COMMERCIAL DISCIPLINES AND EFFICIENCIES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"CHINESE SUPPORT FOR THE AIRPORT PROJECT WOULD OBVIOUSLY IMPROVE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE. CONVERSELY, A LACK OF SUPPORT WOULD MAKE IT HARDER TO RAISE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AND, THEREFORE, INCREASE THE COSTS.

"I AM SURE THAT WE ALL SHARE A COMMON AIM TO GET THIS AIRPORT BUILT AS QUICKLY AND AS COST EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE," SHE SAID.

EARLIER, MRS CHAN OUTLINED THE THOROUGH AND PROFESSIONAL APPROACH WHICH THE GOVERNMENT TOOK IN REACHING ITS DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.

OVER 40 STRATEGIES HAD BEEN EXAMINED IN THE SEARCH FOR THE BEST OVERALL SOLUTION AND EACH STRATEGY WAS ASSESSED AGAINST FIVE MAIN PRIMARY GOALS: ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS, PROGRAMMING, FLEXIBILITY AND ROBUSTNESS, AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.

MRS CHAN NOTED THAT SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT ALMOST A YEAR AGO OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, SOME DOUBTS HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IN VARIOUS QUARTERS ABOUT ALL OR SOME PARTS OF IT.

AS A RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO THOSE EXPRESSIONS OF DOUBT, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATED THE SPIRIT IN WHICH THESE CRITICISMS HAVE BEEN MADE.

"IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE CONCERN FOR THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG MOTIVATING LOCAL EXPERTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SPEND CONSIDERABLE TIME AND EFFORT IN STUDYING THESE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES.

"IT IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE SPIRIT IN WHICH THESE CRITICISMS HAVE BEEN MADE THAT WE IN GOVERNMENT HAVE SPENT SOME TIME GIVING THEM FULL AND CAREFUL STUDY," SHE SAID.

"WE ARE ALL WORKING FOR THE SAME GOAL AND AN OPEN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS IS HELPFUL IN ENSURING THE BEST ROUTE IS TAKEN," MRS CHAN SAID.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

- 3 -

STEPS TO IMPROVE ATTRACTIVENESS OF TEACHING PROFESSION

THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF TEACHER WASTAGE AND TO RESTORE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING TWO MAIN SHORT-TERM MEASURES TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE GENERALLY FOR TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS.

THE FIRST IS TO IMPROVE THE TEACHERS’ PAY AND CAREER PROSPECTS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ON PAY, STRUCTURE AND RELATED MATTERS CONCERNING ALL EDUCATION GRADES WILL MAKE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

"ANOTHER SHORT-TERM MEASURE THAT IS BEING CONSIDERED IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE AIDED, RATHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR," MR YEUNG SAID.

WHILE THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE AT PRESENT TO ACHIEVE COMPLETED PARITY OF TREATMENT FOR THE AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS WITH GOVERNMENT TEACHERS BECAUSE OF FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES IN THE TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE GAP TO BE NARROWED.

"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT ARE NOW EXPLORING VARIOUS OPTIONS," MR YEUNG SAID.

IF ALL GOES WELL, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO CONSTRUCT A PACKAGE OF MEASURES BY THE END OF THE YEAR THAT WOULD RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT FOR MANY TEACHERS, HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT PAY AND RATIONS ARE NOT THE ONLY THINGS THAT INSPIRE AN ARMY.

"THE TEACHING PROFESSION IS A HIGHLY INTELLIGENT WORKFORCE AND MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE JOB SATISFACTION, AND TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EXERCISE OF PERSONAL INITIATIVE AND CREATIVITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULUM," MR YEUNG SAID.

"WE PROPOSE TO INTRODUCE CERTAIN CHANGES IN THIS AREA IN THE MEDIUM TERM, THAT IS TO SAY, OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG NOTED THAT THE PRESENT SCHOOL SYSTEM HAS BEEN SERVED BY A SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS WHICH SELECT STUDENTS FOR PROGRESSION FROM ONE KEY STAGE OF EDUCATION TO ANOTHER.

"IN SUCH A SELECTIVE SYSTEM, IT IS NATURAL THAT PUPILS ARE GRADED BY COMPARING THEIR PERFORMANCE AGAINST THAT OF EACH OTHER. THEY ARE EFFECTIVELY CATEGORISED INTO THOSE WHO HAVE DONE WELL, THOSE WHO PASSED AND THOSE WHO FAILED.

/"IT IS .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

4

"IT IS JUST AS NATURAL THAT SUCH GRADING PRACTICES HAVE FILTERED DOWN INTO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR THE PURPOSES OF INTERNAL ASSESSMENT AND HAVE EXERTED A POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON TEACHING AND LEARNING STYLES.

"OUR EDUCATORS SHOULD NOW BE TURNING THEIR MINDS TO AN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT THAT WOULD MOTIVATE STUDENTS, PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION TO TEACHERS AND ENCOURAGE MORE EFFECTIVE STYLES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING," MR YEUNG SAID.

A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO EXISTING PRACTICES IS A SYSTEM THAT BEGINS BY SETTING ATTAINMENT TARGETS FOR CERTIAN KEY SUBJECTS AT VARIOUS KEY STAGES OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOL, MR YEUNG SAID.

"UNDER THIS SYSTEM, ALL STUDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE HOW MUCH PROGRESS THEY HAVE MADE UP THE LADDER OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS, WITHOUT HAVING TO BE RELEGATED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CLASS.

"TEACHERS WOULD SEE MORE CLEARLY THE EFFECT OF THEIR TEACHING AND BE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION ON THE AREAS OF UNDER-ACHIEVEMENT THEY SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG STRESSED THAT BECAUSE PROGRESS WOULD BE VISIBLE AND MEASURABLE THE INCENTIVE TO TEACH AND TO LEARN WOULD BE THAT MUCH GREATER.

HE DESCRIBED THIS AS A MAJOR CHALLENGE THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS HANDING DOWN TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION IN THE 1990S.

TURNING TO OTHER MAJOR TASKS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD BE ASKED TO ADDRESS THE WAY IN WHICH EXISTING TEACHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES ARE DELIVERED.

"THESE SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDED IN A FRAGMENTED WAY, WITH LITTLE OR NO ATTEMPT AT CO-ORDINATION OR OVERALL PLANNING," MR YEUNG SAID.

HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT EACH INSTITUTION SEEMS TO BE TRYING TO DO ITS OWN THING -- THE UNIVERSITIES PROVIDE POST-QUALIFICATION TRAINING FOR GRADUATES, THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TRAIN NON-GRADUATES AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION PROVIDES IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS.

MR YEUNG STRESSED THAT THIS AREA OF ACTIVITY CLEARLY NEEDS SORTING OUT.

ANOTHER MATTER THE COMMISSION WILL NEED TO ADDRESS IS THE SUGGESTION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ULTIMATELY HAVE AN ALL-GRADUATE, TEACHER-TRAINED WORKFORCE, HE SAID.

"WE SHALL NEED TO CONSIDER THE EXTENT TO WHICH AN ALL GRADUATE WORKFORCE REPRESENTS MERELY A DESIRABLE GOAL, OR WHETHER IT IS SOMETHING WE CANNOT AFFORD TO DO WITHOUT.

"IT WILL BE FOR THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TO STRIKE A HAPPY MEDIUM BETWEEN WHAT IS DESIRABLE AND WHAT IS ATTAINABLE," HE ADDED.

/5 ........

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

5

GOVT WELCOMED BUSH’S VETO OF TRADE BILL

NEWS OF PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO OF THE TEXTILES, APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR BILL WAS TODAY (SATURDAY) WELCOMED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU.

"THE DECISION WAS NOT UNEXPECTED AS PRESIDENT BUSH HAD ALREADY INDICATED HIS INTENTION TO VETO THE BILL WHEN IT WAS FIRST PASSED BY THE SENATE," MR CHAU SAID.

"WE WELCOME THE VETO. THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WOULD NOT ONLY SERIOUSLY JEOPARDISE THE MULTILATERAL TEXTILES TALKS UNDER THE GATT URUGUAY ROUND WHICH HAS ENTERED INTO A CRITICAL STAGE, BUT THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND AS A WHOLE," HE ADDED.

MR CHAU SAID THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE MONITORING CLOSELY ACTION BY THE CONGRESS TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT’S VETO AND EXPRESSED HOPE THAT THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO WOULD NOT BE OVERTURNED BY CONGRESS.

--------0-----------

SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FINANCES MORE THAN 3,000 PROJECTS

THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION HAD FINANCED ABOUT 3,000 NON-CAPITAL AND 170 CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MRS LAU SAID THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, HAD BENEFITTED FROM THESE PROJECTS.

"WITH THE RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES, THE STANDARD OF LIVING HAS RISEN, RESULTING IN GREATER EXPECTATIONS AND DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES," SHE SAID.

NOTING THAT THERE HAD ALSO BEEN CHANGES IN THE PATTERNS OF COMMUNITY RECREATION, MRS LAU SAID TODAY’S SEMINAR PROVIDED A USEFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE CHANGING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND HOW THE FUND COULD BE BETTER UTILISED TO MEET THESE NEEDS.

"IT IS ALSO MEANT TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE AND THE RECIPIENTS OF THE FUND, AND TO IMPROVE GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY IN DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS," SHE ADDED.

/ALSO ADDRESSING .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

- 6

ALSO ADDRESSING THE SEMINAR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KA-KUI, NOTED THAT THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED 20 YEARS AGO TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARY AND EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR BUILDING FACILITIES FOR RECREATIONAL, SPORTING, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL PURPOSES.

THE FUND WAS INITIALLY USED FOR NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS AND STARTING FROM 1981, ALSO COVERED CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS SUCH AS REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS TO OR PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES, HE SAID.

MORE THAN 120 REPRESENTATIVES FROM ABOUT 90 ORGANISATIONS ATTENDED THE SEMINAR TODAY.

--------0-----------

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $732,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER AA889 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $63,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER AJ180 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $55,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR EK1975 AND EK1013.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:

AA889 $ 63,000 EK188 $ 22,000 EC6 $ 50,000 EK122 $ 8,000

AB625 7,000 EK662 28,000 EK877 5,000 AB900 20,000

BB3523 3,500 EK778 13,000 EK2232 7,000 EK1013 1,000

EL919 30,000 2948 20,000 AJ180 55,000 EK7787 8,000

EK7368 4,000 BL605 3,500 EMU 40,000 EM171 5,000

5707 47,000 AZ230 13,000 EL230 14,000 EK902 8,000

EK693 10,000 750 42,000 BB625 10,000 AA7960 3,000

CC55 38,000 ED8918 7,000 EL1386 10,000 EK275 4,000

EK1975 1,000 EK302 13,000 EK779 7,000 EK1990 3,000

EK928 28,000 EK883 22,000 EL100 51,000 EJ7333 8,000

AFTER SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS THE BIDDING. WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 156TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $107,116,505.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

7 INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES TO MEET YOUNGSTERS’ CHANGING NEEDS

» * * * *

PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SHOULD BE INNOVATIVE TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE OF YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YWCA), MR CARTLAND SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE CENTRES SHOULD BE WELL-DESIGNED AND PHYSICALLY ATTRACTIVE TO MEET THE MODERN STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS IN THE 90’S.

"TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE HAS TO IDENTIFY ITS TARGET GROUPS AND MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THEM, AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES AND RELATED ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS SCHOOLS AND OTHER AGENCIES," HE ADDED.

HE NOTED THAT THE SHA TIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE WAS THE YWCA’S 14TH YOUTH CENTRE WHICH WILL PROVIDE CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH A WIDE RANGE OF GROUP ACTIVITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHARACTER, PERSONALITY, LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL SKILLS.

"I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE A CREDITABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW APPROACHES AND TO THE DELIVERY OF GOOD QUALITY SERVICE TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN SHA TIN," HE SAID.

------0-----------

ATHLETIC MEET FOR ISLANDERS » t » »

THE 13TH ISLANDS DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET WILL BE HELD AT THE SHATIN SPORTS GROUND, YUEN WO ROAD, TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

FIELD AND

ABOUT 360 ISLANDERS WILL COMPETE IN THE 16 TRACK AND EVENTS, INCLUDING LONG JUMP, HIGH JUMP, SHOT PUT, SPRINT, RELAY HURDLES.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SEVEN GROUPS ACCORDING THEIR AGE AND SEX. WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WIIH MEDAL. .

ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDIE POON, WILL OFFICIATE THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM.

TO

AT

/THE ANNUAL.......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1990

- 8 -

THE ANNUAL EVENT, AIMED AT RAISING THE ISLANDERS’ INTEREST IN SPORTS AND ENHANCING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS OF DIFFERENT ISLANDS, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL COUNCIL, ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET TO BE HELD AT THE SHATIN SPORTS GROUND, YUEN WO ROAD, TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

A GOVERNMENT VAN RC 888 WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER, CENTRAL AT 10 AM TO TAKE REPORTERS TO THE VENUE.

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG ON EUROPEAN TOUR .............................................. 1

RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION ....................................... 1

LAYING OF CABLES TO IMPROVE TELEPHONE SERVICES TO OUTLYING ISLANDS .................. 2

BIG NUMBER OF CONTESTANTS JOINED CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ............................ 3

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR "OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP" ................................. 3

REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR LAB..................................................... 4

THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ....................................... 5

VOLUNTEERS PRAISED FOR THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE .............................

ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY FOR YAU TSIM RESIDENTS .......................................... 7

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

- 1 -

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG ON EUROPEAN TOUR ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL PAY A VISIT TO ROME, PARIS AND BRUSSELS FROM OCTOBER 14 TO 19. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR RICHARD HOARE.

IN EACH OF THE THREE CITIES, THE GOVERNOR WILL CALL ON MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS. IN BRUSSELS, HE WILL ALSO CALL ON COMMISSIONERS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION.

DURING HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID WILL GIVE SPEECHES AT FUNCTIONS ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF ITALIAN INDUSTRIES IN ROME, THE FRANCE-HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN PARIS, AND THE FEDERATION OF BELGIAN ENTERPRISES AND THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY IN BRUSSELS.

THE GOVERNOR VISITED FRANCE AND BELGIUM IN OCTOBER 1988. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO ITALY BY A GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. THE VISITS ARE A DEMONSTRATION OF THE IMPORTANCE THAT HONG KONG ATTACHES TO ITS RELATIONS WITH MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.

SIR DAVID WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 20, 1990.

------0-------

RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION ♦ ♦ * ♦ »

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION AND TO HELP DEVELOP A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE TERRITORY.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1990 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL, MR LAN ALSO CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE ELECTIONS.

”IT WILL BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY BUILDING AND TO SERVE THE SOCIETY,” HE SAID.

HE HOPED MEMBERS OF LOCAL DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WOULD TAKE PART IN THE CURRENT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE WITH THE SAME ENTHUSIASM AS IN PROMOTING SPORTS.

MR LAN NOTED THAT IN THE PAST DECADE, THE GOVERNMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND LOCAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS HAD WORKED TOGETHER TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND THAT MANY NEW PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES HAD BEEN BUILT IN THE DISTRICT.

HE PRAISED THESE DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS WHICH HAD HELPED TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF LOCAL SPORTSMEN.

/AS FOR ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

2

AS FOR THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL, MR LAN NOTED THAT THE TWO-MONTH FESTIVAL HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.

"ABOUT 21,500 PEOPLE HAVE ENTERED THE VARIOUS SPORTS ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT.

"A TOTAL OF 11 EVENTS, RANGING FROM SWIMMING GALA, ATHLETIC MEET AND BALL GAMES TO A RECREATIONAL DAY CAMP FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE,” HE SAID.

MR LAN ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1982.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAWRENCE LAM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM.

LAYING OF CABLES TO IMPROVE TELEPHONE SERVICES TO OUTLYING ISLANDS

*****

THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY HAS PROPOSED THE DREDGING OF A TRENCH AND LAYING OF AN OPTICAL FIBRE SUBMARINE CABLE FROM HONG KONG ISLAND TO LANTAU ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU FOR IMPROVING THE TELEPHONE SERVICES TO THE TWO OUTLYING ISLANDS.

THE PROPOSED WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 176.4 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND, LANTAU ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU.

THE CABLE LINK WILL PERMIT THE COMPANY TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE ITS SERVICES TO THE INCREASING POPULATIONS ON THE TWO ISLANDS AND TO MEET THE EXPECTED HIGH DEMAND FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES FROM ALL NEW AIRPORT RELATED DEVELOPMENTS AND PROJECTS ON LANTAU.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.

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 DECEMBER 4 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-------

/3 ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

- 3 -

BIG NUMBER OF CONTESTANTS JOINED CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ♦ * * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE 23RD CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM TOOK PLACE IN TAI PO THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING, ATTRACTING 1,011 SWIMMERS.

THE SWIMMERS INCLUDED 843 MEN AND 168 WOMEN. THE YOUNGEST WAS 12 YEARS OLD AND THE OLDEST 70.

THEY SWAM FROM SHA LAN BEACH IN SHUEN WAN TO THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE, COVERING A DISTANCE OF 2,400 METRES.

THE RACE WAS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.

THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS YIU, OFFICIATED AT THE STARTING CEREMONY AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

TROPHICS WERE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 WINNERS IN THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS RESPECTIVELY WHILE 981 SWIMMERS WHO COMPLETED THE FULL COURSE WITHIN 90 MINUTES RECEIVED COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES.

THE CHAMPION IN THE MEN’S SECTION WAS MR NG MING-KIT WHILE MISS CHENG HOI-YAN CAME FIRST IN THE WOMEN'S SECTION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE 23RD CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM GIS DUTY OFFICER.

-----0------

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR "OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP”

******

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) ACTIVITIES ARE INVITED TO MAKE NOMINATIONS OF OUTSTANDING YOUTH LEADERS FOR THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIPS.

THE SCHOLARSHIP, FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, IS MANAGED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS AN AWARD TO OUTSTANDING YOUTH LEADERS OF SYP IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROGRAMME AND THEIR SERVICES RENDERED TO THE COMMUNITY.

/"ORGANISATIONS ARE .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

4

"ORGANISATIONS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE THE MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH LEADER FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP. NOMINEES SHOULD BE DEDICATED YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO HELP OUT IN THE 1990 SYP.

"NOMINEES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A SELECTION INTERVIEW AND THOSE SUCCESSFUL ARE FREE TO CHOOSE FROM THE 1991/92 COURSE SCHEDULE OF THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL A RELEVANT COURSE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OUTWARD BOUND COURSES ARE ORGANISED FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED BETWEEN 19 TO 35.

IT IS AN 18-DAY DIPLOMA COURSE EITHER ON LAND OR ON BOARD A SAILING SHIP ’JI-FUNG’. THOSE WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WILL BE AWARDED THE OUTWARD BOUND DIPLOMA AND A METAL ’OUTWARD BOUND LAPEL PIN’ AS A SOUVENIR.

PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF LEARNING THROUGH ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING. THEY WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER ON SITE TO WADE THROUGH VARIOUS DIFFICULTIES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, 31TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD, WANCHAI.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO RELEVANT MEMBER ORGANISATIONS OR SYP DEPARTMENTS FOR FIRST ROUND SCREENING BEFORE PASSING TO THE COMMITTEE SECRETARY. THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION IS OCTOBER 12, 1990.

-----0------

REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR LAB

******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS THAT THEY MUST REGISTER AS ELECTORS IF THEY WISH TO VOTE IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) ELECTION NEXT MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID REGISTRATION FORMS HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL 445 EMPLOYEES' TRADE UNIONS REGISTERED UNDER THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE.

"EACH ELECTOR MAY APPOINT UP TO TWO AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE ELECTION, WHO MUST BE EITHER PAID-UP MEMBERS, OFFICERS OR PAID STAFF OF THE UNION," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE LAB ELECTION OFFICE, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL, BY NOON ON OCTOBER 27 (SATURDAY).

/"ANY FORMS ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

"ANY FORMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THE POST MARK ON THE ENVELOPE CLEARLY SHOW THAT THE FORM IS POSTED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 26," HE ADDED.

THE LAB ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 15, CANDIDATES NOMINATED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS WILL COMPETE FOR FIVE EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE SEATS ON THE BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

- - 0 - -

THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL

******

THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL HELD AT VICTORIA PARK THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY.

"THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUT UP SIGNBOARDS AT 60 BUSY TRAFFIC POINTS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT TO REMIND PEDESTRIANS THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY," HE SAID.

TODAY’S CARNIVAL WAS THE FINALE OF THE DISTRICT’S TWO-MONTH ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN, SAID TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WERE MAINLY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF PEDESTRIANS AND THE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ROAD REGULATIONS.

THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR SAW A TOTAL OF 1,819 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, OF WHICH 528 OCCURRED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF ABOUT NINE PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, SHE SAID.

MRS WONG SAID THE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE ITS EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR PEDESTRIANS AND WOULD REGULARLY PROSECUTE THOSE WHO BROKE THE RULES.

A NEW ROAD SAFETY TOWN HAS BEEN SET UP AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, LAST MONTH FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN THE PROPER WAYS TO CROSS THE ROAD, SHE ADDED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS DUTY OFFICER.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

6

VOLUNTEERS PRAISED FOR THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE

*****

FIFTEEN VOLUNTEERS AND THREE VOLUNTARY GROUPS TODAY (SUNDAY) WON AWARDS AT THE 1990-91 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICE AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

SPEAKING AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG KING-CHEUNG, SAID THE WINNERS AND THE AWARD SCHEME’S OTHER NOMINEES HAD MADE OUTSTANDING VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE TO LOCAL COMMUNITY.

MR WONG WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE VOLUNTEERS, YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE, HAD SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND ENERGY, IN A MOST SELFLESS AND DEDICATED MANNER, TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

THE LIST OF THE AWARD WINNERS ARE:

THE ELDERLY SECTION: CHENG SUET-CHING, AGED 67; WONG KWAI, 69; AND YUNG SAU-MEI, 75.

NON-WORKING PEOPLE SECTION: LAU WAI-FONG, 34.

WORKING PEOPLE SECTION: POON PO-WAH, 26; TSANG SAI-WING, 26; AND CHAN CHI-MING, 20.

YOUTH SECTION: WONG ON-CHI, 16; NG KA-YAU, 16; AND LEE SIN-KWAN, 16.

CHILDREN’S SECTION: CHUNG LIM-YAN, 11; CHOW KWOK-KUEN, 14; FUNG KAM-HUNG, 14; LAI HO-SEE, 14; AND YUNG WING-PO, 13.

GROUP SECTION: YOUNG LEADERS’ CLUB OF THE AP LEI CHAU CENTRE OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION; SUNLIGHT CLUB OF THE WONG CHUK HANG CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS; AND THE AP LEI CHAU YIN NGAI SOCIETY.

THE WINNERS HAD BEEN SELECTED BY AN ADJUDICATION PANEL COMPRISING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THEY WERE AWARDED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES AND GIFT COUPONS DURING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

THE OTHER 19 NOMINEES, WHO ALSO HAVE OUTSTANDING SERVICE RECORDS TO THE COMMUNITY, WERE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION.

/OFFICIATING AT .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1990

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR PAUL CHEUNG; AND THE DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, MR CHAN KAM-CHEUNG.

THE CEREMONY WAS PART OF A TRAINING DAY CAMP FOR THE WINNERS AND NOMINEES AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE. ACTIVITIES INCLUDED GROUP DISCUSSIONS, GAMES AND A SEMINAR ON ’’SOCIAL SERVICE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE 90S”.

- - 0 - -

ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY FOR YAU TSIM RESIDENTS * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

ABOUT 100 RESIDENTS FROM YAU TSIM DISTRICT TOOK PART IN AN "ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY" AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN TODAY (SUNDAY).

THEY ATTENDED A LECTURE AND A VIDEO SHOW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF COMBATING GRAFT ARRANGED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND TOOK PART IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING AND BALL GAMES.

TODAY’S EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JORDAN AREA COMMITTEE AND THE ICAC WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD.

THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, WAS ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.

_ - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

WORKS TO IMPROVE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES OF CHINA WATER ...................... 1

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH .................... 2

FS REVOKED EAST ASIA WARBURG LTD'S RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE .............. 3

TRADERS MAKE USE OF DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME ............................. 3

PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT ELECTIONS .......................................... 5

DB MEMBERS BRIEFED ON DRAFT SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER ..................... 5

TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD BUILDING ON WESTERN RECLAMATION ................... 6

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ....................................................... 7

WATER CUT IN THREE KOWLOON DISTRICTS ....................................... 7

AWARDS FOR CARETAKERS AND WATCHMEN ......................................... 7

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

1

WORKS TO IMPROVE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES OF CHINA WATER * * * * *

THE RECEPTION AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR WATER FROM CHINA WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED BY 1995 WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF A CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.

ON THE COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE CAPACITY OF CHINA WATER RECEPTION AND TRANSFER SYSTEM WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING MAXIMUM OF 620 TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR.

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LAI, TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PHH/SWK WATER CONSULTANTS FOR DETAILED DESIGN AND CONTRACT SUPERVISION FOR THE FIRST PACKAGE OF THE STAGE I IMPROVEMENT WORK.

AFTER THE SIGNING CEREMONY, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/CHINA WATER, MR C.G. KO SAID.:

’’FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT ON THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO HONG KONG FROM THE EAST RIVER ON DECEMBER 21, 1989, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED THE CONCEPTUAL PLANNING FOR THE WORKS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE AND DISTRIBUTE ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA TO COPE WITH ANTICIPATED DEMAND BEYOND 1994.

’’IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORKS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO STAGES WITH THE FIRST STAGE TO BE COMPLETED BY 1995 AND THE REMAINING STAGES PROGRAMMED OVER THE PERIOD 1995 TO 2001.

’’THE STAGE I WORKS, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1.9 BILLION, ARE SPLIT INTO TWO PACKAGES FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE DETAILED DESIGN AND CONTRACT SUPERVISION,” MR KO ADDED.

THE FIRST PACKAGE OF THE STAGE I WORK CONSISTS:

(I) CONSTRUCTION OF MUK WU ’C’ PUMPING STATION AND THE ASSOCIATED RECEPTION TANKS AT THE BORDER INCLUDING RIVER CROSSING PIPEWORK TO CONNECT WITH THE DELIVERY SYSTEM OF CHINA AT THE NORTHERN BANK OF SHENZHEN RIVER. THE PUMPING STATION HAS A PLANNED ULTIMATE PUMPING CAPACITY OF 2,300 MEGA-LITRES PER DAY (MLD). THE INSTALLED CAPACITY FOR STAGE I WILL BE 2,000 MLD.

(II) CONSTRUCTION OF AU TAU ’B’ PUMPING STATION TO BOOST PUMP WATER DELIVERED FROM MUK WU TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR. THE INITIAL INSTALLED PUMPING CAPACITY WILL BE ABOUT 700 MLD. THIS WILL BE INCREASED ULTIMATELY TO ABOUT 1,000 MLD IN SUBSEQUENT STAGES.

(Ill) UPRATING THE TRANSFER CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING MUK WU/TAI PO TAU AQUEDUCT BY DUPLICATING SOME 16 KILOMETRES OF ABOUT 2,200 MILLIMETRES DIAMETER WATERMAINS ALONG ITS WHOLE ROUTE.

/(IV) UPRATING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

- 2 -

(IV) UPRATING THE TRANSFER CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING MUK WU/AU TAG AQUEDUCT BY DUPLICATING THE WATERMAINS SECTIONS OF THIS AQUEDUCT. ALTOGETHER, APPROXIMATELY SIX KILOMETRES OF ABOUT 2,200 MILLIMETRES DIAMETER WATERMAINS WILL BE LAID IN THIS ROUTE.

THESE WORKS WILL ENHANCE THE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES OF WATER RECEIVED FROM CHINA IN THE WESTERLY AND CENTRAL DIRECTIONS.

THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS PACKAGE OF WORKS IS $1 BILLION, ALL OF WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE END OF 1994.

THE SECOND PACKAGE OF THE STAGE I WORKS, WHICH AIMS TO ENHANCE THE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES IN THE EASTERLY DIRECTION AS WELL AS IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION DURING THE ANNUAL CHINA WATER SHUT-DOWN PERIOD, WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAI PO TAU 'D' PUMPING STATION AND SAI O PUMPING STATION, AND THE UPRATING OF THE EXISTING TAI MEI TUK ’A’ PUMPING STATION.

--------0-----------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ♦ * * * »

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE FORTNIGHTLY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL BETWEEN NOVEMBER 10 AND 24.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS PEGGY LAM, AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA TODAY (MONDAY).

MRS LAM POINTED OUT THAT "IT IS A LARGE-SCALE EVENT INTENDED TO BE HELD ANNUALLY TO INSTALL THE WEIGHT OF MOMENTUM OF A RECOGNISABLE CAMPAIGN IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

"WE HAVE GAINED THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM DISTRICT BOARDS, ALL THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNED GROUPS AND SCHOOLS."

A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE VICTORIA PARK ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10. THE MAIN THEME OF "REDUCE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE" WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED.

MRS LAM SAID: "IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS A TEN-YEAR PLAN AND A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK TO CARRY FORWARD EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES.

"ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS NOT JUST THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES, IT IS OURS TOO AS IT DIRECTLY AFFECTS OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND PARTICULARLY TO THE CHILDREN.

/IN THIS .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

IN THIS CONTEXT, MRS LAM SAID: "THE COMMITTEE HAS CHOSEN 'ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH ME’ AS ITS SLOGAN AND IT IS OUR MISSION TO PROTECT OUR OWN ENVIRONMENT."

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WAS FORMED EARLY THIS YEAR UPON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE GOVERNOR. IT AIMS AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ISSUES, AND ENCOURAGING AND MOBILIZING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.

IT IS A NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION AND ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ACADEMIC FIELD, THE EDUCATION SECTOR, PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS, INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS, ANTI-POLLUTION BODIES, DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AS WELL AS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS GRANTED $4 MILLION TO THE COMMITTEE FOR ALL ITS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES AND THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES EXECUTIVE SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

- - 0 - -

FS REVOKED EAST ASIA WARBURG LTD’S RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE ******

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE OF EAST ASIA WARBURG LIMITED WAS REVOKED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 5, 1990 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 32(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.

TRADERS MAKE USE OF DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME

******

IN LINE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT THAT MORE AND MORE TRADING FIRMS ARE HANDLING THEIR DOCUMENTATION BY COMPUTER, THE GOVERNMENT HAS OPERATED THE DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME SINCE JULY 1 LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE TRADERS WITH AN OPTION TO SUBMIT IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS ON MICRO-COMPUTER DISKETTES.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO HELP TRADERS IN PREPARING AND SUBMITTING THEIR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS MORE ACCURATELY AND EFFICIENTLY THROUGH THE USE OF COMPUTERS.

/ABOUT 600

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

4

ABOUT 600 FIRMS ARE ALREADY USING THE SCHEME AND THEY SUBMIT SOME 53,000 DECLARATIONS EACH MONTH. THIS REPRESENTS SOME SEVEN PER CENT IN TERMS OF DECLARATIONS.

FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS INDICATES THAT THE SCHEME HAS GREATLY FACILITATED THEIR DECLARATION WORK, PARTICULARLY THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DECLARATIONS.

FIRSTLY, ACCORDING TO THE PARTICIPANTS, THEIR WORK IN PREPARING DECLARATIONS HAS BEEN HALVED. SECONDLY, THE PROCESSING TIME AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S DECLARATION COLLECTION OFFICES HAS BEEN GREATLY REDUCED.

TO JOIN THE SCHEME, TRADERS NEED ONLY TO HAVE A SIMPLE MICRO-COMPUTER SYSTEM.

FOR TRADERS WHO ARE USING COMPUTERS BUT HAVE NOT YET COMPUTERISED THEIR TRADE DOCUMENTATION WORK, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AVAILABLE USER FRIENDLY MICRO-COMPUTER SOFTWARE. THE SOFTWARE, TOGETHER WITH THE OPERATION MANUAL, IS AVAILABLE AT $160 PER SET FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TRADERS CAN, IF THEY WISH, DEVELOP THEIR OWN COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO MEET THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS THAT THE OUTPUT FORMATS OF DECLARATIONS MUST CONFORM TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SPECIFICATIONS WHICH ARE DETAILED ' IN THE RELEVANT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE (G.N. 3747 ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 4, 1988).

FOR TRADERS WHO PREFER TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN JOINING THE SCHEME, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ASSISTING THEM IN THE PROCESS. AS A RESULT, THE REJECTION RATE FOR SUBMISSIONS ON DISKETTES IS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A NUMBER OF SEMINARS/DEMONSTRATIONS/HANDS-ON SESSIONS FOR TRADERS TO ASSIST THEM IN UNDERSTANDING THE SCHEME.

FOR THOSE TRADERS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED THE GOVERNMENT’S SOFTWARE BUT HAVE DIFFICULTY IN USING IT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS OFFERED A NUMBER OF FREE TRAINING SESSIONS. MORE OF THESE WILL BE ORGANISED. THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD TELEPHONE 866 3196 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

- 5 -

PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT ELECTIONS * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON URGED THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT EYE-CARE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELDERLY, MR HSU STRESSED THAT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ELECTIONS WILL HAVE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL SYSTEMS.

"I HOPE LOCAL PEOPLE WOULD SHOW MORE CONCERN ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND WORK FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.

ON THE EYE-CARE CAMPAIGN, MR HSU PRAISED THE TWO ORGANISERS -THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS - FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY.

THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH RUNS UNTIL NOVEMBER 3, IS AIMED AT DISSEMINATING EYE-CARE KNOWLEDGE TO RESIDENTS, AS WELL AS PROVIDING FREE EYE CHECK-UPS AND FREE SPECTACLES FOR THOSE AGED 60 AND ABOVE.

THE EYE CHECK-UP SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EYE-CARE EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD IN SIX VENUES IN THE DISTRICT BETWEEN TOMORROW (OCTOBER 9) AND NOVEMBER 3.

OFFICIATING GUESTS OF TODAY’S CEREMONY INCLUDED THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN; THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR LEE CHUNG-KEUNG.

ENQUIRIES ON THE CAMPAIGN MAY BE MADE TO THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE ON TEL. 675 1697 OR THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS ON TEL. 544 7480.

------0-------

DB MEMBERS BRIEFED ON DRAFT SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER

*****

MORE THAN 30 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY) BRIEFED BY MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES ON THE DRAFT SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER.

THE BRIEFING AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO CLARIFY, ELABORATE AND EXPLAIN ISSUES OF CONCERN OR INTEREST IN THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER TO BOARD MEMBERS, SO THAT THE DOCUMENT CAN BE THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED IN FUTURE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.

/IN HIS ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

- 6 -

IN HIS OPENING REMARKS, DR NELSON CHOW, A WORKING PARTY MEMBER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BRIEFING SESSION EXPLAINED TO BOARD MEMBERS THE GIST OF THE DRAFT.

THE PANEL OF SPEAKERS INCLUDED FOUR OTHER WORKING PARTY MEMBERS. THEY WERE MR THOMAS KWOK, DR WONG HOI-KWOK, MR ERIC LI, AND MS ALICE YUK. CHAIRMEN OF FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE WORKING PARTY WERE ALSO PRESENT TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED BY BOARD MEMBERS.

MRS LOUISE WONG, SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY SAID THE BRIEFING SESSION WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL AND THE RESPONSE ENCOURAGING.

"THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER BEFORE DECEMBER 17,” MRS WONG SAID.

THE WORKING PARTY WILL THEN ASSESS PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER AND, IF APPROPRIATE, INCORPORATE THEM IN ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.

---------0------------

TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD BUILDING ON WESTERN RECLAMATION

*****

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINS ON WESTERN RECLAMATION -PHASE I.

A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

WORK FOR THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF TWO ACCESS ROADS TO THE WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET - PHASE I AND THE WESTERN PARK -PHASE I.

IT WOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE LAYING OF DRAINS ALONG THESE TWO ROADS.

CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON SITE IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE WORKS WERE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

------0-------

/7........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

7

WATER STORAGE FIGURE

*****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 337.512 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 391.074 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

---------0-----------

WATER CUT IN THREE KOWLOON DISTRICTS

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 10) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST. .

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY SHATIN PASS ROAD, LUNG FUNG STREET, SHEUNG FUNG STREET, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, FUNG TAK ROAD AND YING FUNG LANE.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, NATHAN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, WATERLOO ROAD, JORDAN ROAD AND THE SEA FRONT.

------0-------

AWARDS FOR CARETAKERS AND WATCHMEN

*****

RESPONSIBLE AND DILIGENT CARETAKERS AND WATCHMEN OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE HONOURED UNDER AN AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT BOOSTING THE MORALE OF CARETAKERS AND WATCHMEN BY GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO THEIR HARD WORK AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE.

RESIDENTS MAY NOMINATE THEIR CARETAKERS AND WATCHMEN THROUGH A BUILDING’S OWNERS CORPORATION, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE, MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR OWNERS ASSOCIATION.

/THERE IS .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1990

- 8 -

o„tt™ERE IS N0 Restriction ON THE NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS FROM EACH BUIDDINC AS LONG AS EACH CANDIDATE SECURES THE VOTES OF AT LEAST 30 PER CENT OF THE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE BUILDING.

nopTr.® N2ni^TI°N F0RMS ARE N0W AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT FL00R’ 880-886 KING’S ROAD. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE

RETURNED TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT

DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE OCTOBER 19.

THE EASTERN

AFTER RECEIVING THE FORMS, THE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES TO VISIT THE BUILDINGS AND ASSIST PROCEDURES.

WILL SEND IN VOTING

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY DECEMBER AND THE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES.

WINNERS

THE AWARD SCHEME IS CO-ORGANISED OFFICE, THE DISTRICT POLICE STATION AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, WITH DISTRICT BOARD.

BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT DISTRICT FEDERATION OF SPONSORSHIP FROM THE

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

»

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR PRESENTS 1990/91 POLICY ADDRESS ...................................

BARONESS DUNN INTRODUCED INTO HOUSE OF LORDS ...............................

PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY 1990 ..................

CHINESE EXPERTS TO VISIT HK ................................................

Q

LIST OF HK GOVT TEAM ON NEW AIRPORT ........................................

CONSULTANT APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON RTHKC'S STRUCTURE ........................

Q

GOOD RESPONSE TO GREEN MINI-BUS TENDERING EXERCISE .........................

9

SWD HOTLINE RECEIVED 170,000 CALLS .........................................

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT CRUCIAL TO TERRITORY'S FUTURE ...........................

KIU YAM STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE RESUMED AND REBUILT ..................

SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT KICKED OFF ...................................

SINGING SKILLS COURSE AND SINGING COMPETITION ORGANISED .................... 9 * * * * 14

STREET CLEANING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ..........................................

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

1

GOVERNOR PRESENTS 1990/91 POLICY ADDRESS

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL PRESENT HIS POLICY ADDRESS AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE OPENS THE 1990-91 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY TVB (PEARL AND JADE); ATV (WORLD AND HOME); AND RTHK RADIO 5 (CHINESE), RADIO 3 (ENGLISH) AND COMMERCIAL RADIO ENGLISH CHANNEL.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

SPECIAL CLOSED WORKING SESSION WILL (WEDNESDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BEACONSFIELD HOUSE TO ENABLE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COPIES OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. THE SESSION

BE ARRANGED

ON THE

FIFTH

WORK ON

TOMORROW

FLOOR OF

ADVANCE

WILL START

AT 12

A

NOON.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WORKING ON ADVANCE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE GIS PRESS WITH THEIR COPIES BEFORE 2.30 PM.

COPIES OF CONFERENCE

THE ROOM

EDITORS ARE REMINDED THAT CONTENTS OF THE POLICY ADDRESS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL THE GOVERNOR HAS DELIVERED HIS SPEECH.

------0--------

BARONESS DUNN INTRODUCED INTO HOUSE OF LORDS * * * » *

BARONESS DUNN WAS FORMALLY INTRODUCED INTO BRITAIN’S HOUSE OF LdRDS TODAY (TUESDAY).

SHE BECAME THE 581ST LIFE PEER IN THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER’S UPPER CHAMBER, AND AS SUCH WILL PRESENT A STRONG VOICE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG.

WHILE STEEPED IN ANCIENT BRITISH TRADITION, THE CEREMONY WAS VERY MUCH A HONG KONG OCCASION.

BARONESS DUNN WAS SPONSORED BY A FORMER HONG KONG GOVERNOR, LORD MACLEHOSE, AND A FORMER COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES IN THE TERRITORY, LORD BRAMALL.

/AMONG THE .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

2

AMONG THE MANY FAMILIAR FACES IN THE GALLERY WERE LADY MACLEHOSE AND LADY YOUDE, WIDOW OF SIR EDWARD YOUDE. OTHER GUESTS IN THE SOUTH-EAST GALLERY WHICH WAS GIVEN OVER ENTIRELY FOR LADY DUNN'S INTRODUCTION, INCLUDED MEMBERS OF HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY, HER HUSBAND MICHAEL THOMAS AND SISTER GLORIA WONG WHO HAD FLOWN TO LONDON ESPECIALLY TO WITNESS THE CEREMONY, AND SOME OF HER MANY FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS IN BRITAIN.

THE COLOURFUL CEREMONY, CARRIED OUT BEFORE A PACKED HOUSE OF LORDS LASTED NINE MINUTES.

BARONESS DUNN AND HER SUPPORTERS IN THEIR PARLIAMENTARY ROBES OF RED TRIMMED WITH WHITE FUR, THE KNIGHTS OF ORDERS WEARING THEIR COLLARS, WITH GARTER KING OF ARMS AND BLACK ROD, ASSEMBLED IN THE PEERS’ LOBBY.

AS THE PROCESSION ENTERED THE CHAMBER THE LORD CHANCELLOR WAS SEATED ON THE WOOLSACK WEARING COURT DRESS, BLACK GOWN, FULL-BOTTOMED WIG AND TRICORNE HAT.

AT THE BAR BARONESS DUNN BOWED TO THE CLOTH OF ESTATE, ENTERED THE HOUSE AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS THE WOOLSACK.

REACHING THE WOOLSACK BARONESS DUNN STOPPED, KNELT ON HER RIGHT KNEE, AND PRESENTED HER WRIT AND HER PATENT WHICH SHE HAD RECEIVED FROM GARTER, TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR WHO IN TURN PASSED THEM TO THE READING CLERK.

BARONESS DUNN THEN ROSE, STEPPED BACK AND TURNED TOWARDS THE TABLE. LORD MACLEHOSE, AS SENIOR SUPPORTER, LED BARONESS DUNN BACK TO THE TABLE AT THE SAME TIME AS BLACK ROD AND GARTER PLACED THEMSELVES BEHIND THE CLERKS’ SEATS.

AT THIS POINT IN THE CEREMONY, THE READING CLERK READ THE PATENT AND THE WRIT AND ADMINISTERED THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

BARONESS DUNN WAS THEN LED TO HER SEAT LN THE HOUSE WHERE SHE AND HER SUPPORTERS REPEATED A SERIES OF BOWS, BEFORE ONCE MORE FORMING A PROCESSION AND STEPPING TO THE WOOLSACK.

THERE BARONESS DUNN PAUSED AND SHOOK HANDS WITH A SMILING LORD CHANCELLOR AND MEMBERS BROKE INTO LOUD CHEERS OF ’’HEAR, HEAR”. FINALLY THE PROCESSION PASSED INTO THE PRINCE’S CHAMBER.

BARONESS DUNN REMAINED IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS UNTIL QUESTION TIME WAS COMPLETED.

HONG KONG NOW HAS ITS FIRST LADY PEER IN BRITAIN, ITS FIRST CHINESE MEMBER OF THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER AND AN ACCOMPLISHED SPOKESPERSON IN BRITAIN’S PARLIAMENT ON HONG KONG AFFAIRS.

LATER IN THE AFTERNOON BARONESS DUNN HOSTED A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION WITH HONG KONG CORRESPONDENTS AND A GALA RECEPTION ATTENDED BY MORE THAN A HUNDRED GUESTS.

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK, BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON FRIDAY, BARONESS DUNN WILL SPEND MUCH OF HER TIME IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS MEETING OTHER PEERS AND OFFICIALS.

------0--------

/3 .....

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

3

PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY 1990 ♦ ♦»***

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 10 PER CENT IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 5 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 4 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 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 2 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 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.

COMPARING THE MONTH OF JULY 1990 WITH JULY 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT. TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT.

THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, INCLUDING RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-36 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-22 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-22 PERCENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-19 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND ^THREAD (-16 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-15 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-12 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-7 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (-3 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+6 PER CENT); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+3 PER CENT).

/THE PRICES .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

4

THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989. THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+8 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+5 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+4 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+3 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (+1 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-5 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-3 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-1 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR); TEA AND COFFEE; AND LIVE POULTRY. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SUGAR; RICE; AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; AND FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; AND FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 30 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989.

AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN JULY 1990 OVER JULY 1989. DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); AND TEXTILE MACHINERY. ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES. WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.

COMPARING JULY 1990 WITH JULY 1989, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED : CONSUMER GOODS (+4 PER CENT); FOODSTUFFS (+3 PER CENT); CAPITAL GOODS (+3 PER CENT); AND FUELS (+2 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT.

/THE CHANGES .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 5 -

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING JULY 1990 WITH JULY 1989, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS; FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 44 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JULY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989: FUELS (+4 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+3 PER CENT); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2 PER CENT); AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1 PER CENT). RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JULY 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND OCTOBER 15 AT $3 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL. 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4918.

TABLE 1: CHANGES

IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP

COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % COMPARING JUL 1990 WITH JUL 1989 COMPARING JAN-JUL WITH JAN-JUL 1990 1989 )LUME %

UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VC %

CLOTHING -2 1 -3 * 2 -2

TEXTILE FABRICS 3 3 * 5 3 2

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -12 5 -16 -9 4 -13

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -12 -1 -12 -6 2 -8

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -34 3 -36 -37 -37

/ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 6 -

ELECTRONIC -3 3 15 2 12

COMPONENTS *

FOOTWEAR -12 4 -15 -24 2 -25

METAL MANUFACTURES -16 8 -22 -17 6 -22

METAL ORES AND SCRAP -12 -5 -7 -20 -6 -15

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 7 6 5 -1 6

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -18 2 -19 -18 3 -21

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -22 * -22 -28 1 -29

ALL COMMODITIES -3 1 -4 -2 2 -3

* LESS THAN 0.5%

TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % COMPARING JUL 1990 WITH JUL 1989 COMPARING JAN-JUL 1990

VALUE % WITH JAN-JUL 1989 UNIT VALUE VOLUME

UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %

% %

FOODSTUFFS 5 3 2 4 3 *

CONSUMER GOODS 25 4 20 18 5 13

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 5 -1 7 -2 -1 -1

FUELS -29 2 -30 -2 7 -8

CAPITAL GOODS 8 3 6 4 2 2

ALL COMMODITIES 12 1 10 6 2 4

* LESS THAN 0 .5%

/TABLE 3 .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

COMPARING JUL 1990 WITH JUL 1989 COMPARING JAN-WITH JAN- JUL 1990 JUL 1989

END-USE category VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %

FOODSTUFFS -4 * -3 -9 1 -10

CONSUMER GOODS 29 3 25 30 4 25

RAW MATERIALS AND 2 -2 3 -5

SEMI-MANUFACTURES * 2

FUELS -42 4 -44 30 10 18

CAPITAL GOODS 11 1 10 8 3 5

all COMMODITIES 15 2 12 14 3 10

* LESS THAN 0.5%

-----0-----

CHINESE EXPERTS TO VISIT HK

*****

OCTOBER 15 TO OCTOBER 25.

they will hold discuss ions on the new *>^by‘;;d SES?EE™EN™ETCEAiEFLKCES «RS ANSON CHAN, THE SECRETARY FOR economic services.

they will also visit airport and port sites.

the governor will meet the team.

--------0-----------

/8.........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

8

LIST OF HR GOVT TEAM ON NEW AIRPORT * * * ♦ ♦

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TEAM HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE EXPERTS ON THE NEW AIRPORT WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:

MRS ANSON CHAN SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES (TEAM LEADER)

MR MICHAEL LEUNG SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT

MR HAMISH MACLEOD SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY

MR KENNETH KWOK SECRETARY FOR WORKS

MR GRAHAM BARNES SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS

MR WILLIAM EHRMAN POLITICAL ADVISER

THE TEAM WILL BE SUPPORTED BY OTHER EXPERT STAFF.

--------0-----------

CONSULTANT APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON RTHKC’S STRUCTURE

*****

A FURTHER STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN IN THE PROCESS OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG CORPORATISATION WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF MCKINSEY & COMPANY, INC., HONG KONG TO ADVISE ON THE OPTIMAL ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSED RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG CORPORATION (RTHKC), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSULTANTS STARTED THEIR STUDY TODAY.

’’DRAWING ON THE RESOURCES OF THEIR INTERNATIONAL TEAM, THEY WILL PRODUCE A FINAL REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF RTHKC AS A STATUTORY CORPORATION INDEPENDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CONSULTANCY WILL TAKE TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THE REPORT WILL ADVISE PRIMARILY ON THE OPTIMAL ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR RTHKC AND ON THE SUPPORTING MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS NEEDED.

THE STUDY WILL ALSO COVER MEANS OF ACHIEVING OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY IN TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMME PRODUCTION.

’’THROUGHOUT THE STUDY, THE CONSULTANTS WILL BE WORKING IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

------0--------

/9.........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

9

GOOD RESPONSE TO GREEN MINI-BUS TENDERING EXERCISE ******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 49 APPLICATIONS IN THE LATEST GREEN MINI-BUS OPERATORS TENDERING EXERCISE WHICH CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 28.

THIS COMPARED TO 19 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE LAST TENDERING EXERCISE IN FEBRUARY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE MOST POPULAR ROUTES AMONG THE TENDERERS INCLUDED THOSE FROM RICHLAND GARDENS TO SHUNG YAN STREET, AND SHUN TIN TO LOK FU IN KWUN TONG; YUE ON COURT IN AP LEI CHAU TO TIN HAU MTR STATION AND STANLEY VILLAGE TO CAUSEWAY BAY.

’’ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO ATTEND A PRELIMINARY INTERVIEW WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A SELECTION BOARD, COMPRISING A TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF ITS ESTABLISHED CRITERIA.

THESE CRITERIA INCLUDE THE APPLICANT’S EXPERIENCE IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES.

THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.

---------0-----------

SWD HOTLINE RECEIVED 170,000 CALLS

*****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE HAS, IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 170,000 CALLS.

TO MARK THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPERATION OF THE HOTLINE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, VISITED ITS OPERATION CENTRE THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, AND PERSONALLY ATTENDED THE 170,000TH ENQUIRY.

THE CALL ENQUIRED ABOUT FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, WHICH WAS IMMEDIATELY REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE.

COMMENTING ON THE SERVICE, MR CARTLAND SAID THE HOTLINE HAD PROVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE COUNSELLING AND INFORMATION CHANNEL FOR THE PUBLIC.

/"I EXPECT .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 10 -

"I EXPECT MORE PEOPLE WILL USE THE HOTLINE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF MORE NEW SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE SERVICES," HE SAID.

THE HOTLINE WAS WELL-RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC AS THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES RECEIVED WERE ON THE INCREASE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE ADDED.

THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE HOTLINE, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER 1980, ARE TO ANSWER PUBLIC INQUIRIES IN RELATION TO THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES, TO REFER CALLERS TO APPROPRIATE SWD OFFICES, RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES FOR ASSISTANCE AND FOLLOW-UP SERVICES, AND TO RENDER IMMEDIATE COUNSELLING WHEN NECESSARY.

THE HOTLINE SERVICE IS OPERATED ROUND-THE-CLOCK. IT IS MANNED BY FOUR SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANTS, WORKING ON SHIFT FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY AND FROM 1 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. AN AUTOMATIC RECORDING SYSTEM WILL OPERATE OUTSIDE THESE HOURS.

MR VICTOR KWAN, A SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT WHO HAS BEEN WITH THE HOTLINE OFFICE FOR MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS, SAID HE ENJOYED THE JOB. IN ANSWERING TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES, HE REALISED THAT HE WAS ACTUALLY HELPING OTHERS TO SOLVE THEIR SOCIAL AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS.

HE SAID HIS JOB REQUIRED COMMON SENSE AND PATIENCE.

MR KWAN SAID: "WHEN A PERSON DECIDED TO CALL US, HE WAS LIKELY TO BE IN A STATE OF DEPRESSION OR FRUSTRATION, AND IS IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. IN SITUATION LIKE THESE, I HAVE TO PACIFY THE CALLER AND PATIENTLY PROVIDE PROPER ADVICE."

OVER THE YEARS, MR KWAN HAS ASSISTED THOUSANDS OF NEEDY PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT PROBLEMS TO OBTAIN APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES.

FALLING INTO REMINISCENCE, HE RECALLED THAT ONE EVENING, A GENTLEMAN CALLED UP ON ISSUES RELATING TO HIS FAMILY LIFE. DURING THE CONVERSATION, MR KWAN HEARD A "CLICK" OVER THE PHONE.

”1 WAS IMMEDIATELY ALERTED AND REALISED THAT IT SHOULD BE SOMEONE LISTENING TO THE CONVERSATION OVER AN EXTENSION. THE LISTENER HAPPENED TO BE THE WIFE OF THE CALLER.

"I GOT HOLD OF THE CHANCE AND ADVISED THE CALLER’S WIFE THE IMPORTANCE OF MUTUAL TRUST FOR A MARRIED COUPLE. THEY TOOK HEED OF MY ADVICE AND THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY REFERRED TO A FAMILY SOCIAL WORKER FOR FOLLOW-UP COUNSELLING SERVICE," HE ADDED.

--------0-----------

/Il .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

11

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT CRUCIAL TO TERRITORY’S FUTURE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

A BETTER HONG KONG IS ANTICIPATED IF ITS LARGE POOL OF TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BE CHANNELLED INTO MORE ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR LAN MADE THIS REMARK WHEN MEETING THE WORLD PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR JORGE SUNCAR, WHO IS CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT.

FOR THIS REASON, MR LAN SAID, THE GOVERNMENT'S IMMEDIATE CONCERN WAS TO ENCOURAGE ELIGIBLE VOTERS, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER ONES, TO ENROLL.

’’AND, IN THIS CONNECTION, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL VISIT PLACES SUCH AS LIBRARIES AND EVENING INSTITUTES WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE PREDOMINANT TO ENCOURAGE REGISTRATION,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT MORE EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON CIVIC EDUCATION FOR YOUTHS.

MR LAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN THE EARLIER PART OF THE CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED FROM MID-AUGUST TO THE END OF LAST MONTH, EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON HOUSE VISITS BUT NOW, THE EMPHASIS HAD BEEN CHANGED TOWARDS OTHER DIRECTIONS.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY WENT ON TO URGE THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO RALLY THEIR MEMBERS TO GO AND REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

TURNING TO CRITICISMS ON THE LACK OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL YOUTHS, MR LAN SAID THIS WAS NOT AT ALL FAIR AS 32 PER CENT OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE AGED 40 OR BELOW.

HOWEVER, HE ADMITTED THAT HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE LACK OF INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 25.

THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN 1987 SHOWS A 12 PER CENT . REGISTRATION RATE FOR THIS AGE GROUP, COMPARED WITH A TERRITORIAL OVERALL OF 44 PER CENT.

"OF COURSE, NOTHING IS PERFECT. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR PLACES WHERE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE," HE SAID.

MR LAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD MUCH TO SHARE WITH THE JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ITS IDEAL, THAT IS, DEVELOPING ONESELF THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS.

WHILE APPRECIATING THE JAYCEE'S EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, HE HOPED THEY WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE GOOD WORK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

------0-------

/12 .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 12 -

KIU YAM STREET IN SHAM SHUT PO TO BE RESUMED AND REBUILT

*****

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND RECONSTRUCT KIU YAM STREET AND A NEARBY SCAVENGING LANE IN SHAM SHUI PO.

THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE RESURFACING OF THE STREET AND THE LANE, AS WELL AS UNDERTAKING REPAIR WORKS TO THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM.

KIU YAM STREET IS, AT PRESENT, NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED BECAUSE IT IS UNDER MULTIPLE SUBDIVIDED OWNERSHIP.

AS A RESULT, IT IS GENERALLY IN POOR CONDITION SO FAR AS MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT WERE CONCERNED, GIVING RISE TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS PROBLEMS.

IT IS, THEREFORE, NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO RESUME THIS PRIVATE STREET FOR PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE.

THE REPAIR WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

A NOTICE TO EFFECT THE RESUMPTION AND THE REPAIR WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

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;

* KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND

* SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, GROUND. FLOOR, KOWLOON.

ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 4, 1990.

---------0-----------

/13 ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 13 -

SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT KICKED OFF ♦ * ♦ » ♦

THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT LAST YEAR HAD DEMONSTRATED THE NEED TO INTRODUCE A SIMILAR PROJECT IN CHINESE THIS YEAR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR WONG SEK-WAH, SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1990 SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT TODAY (TUESDAY), MR WONG SAID DRAMA ACTIVITY WAS NOT ONLY AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN ALL ROUND EDUCATION, IT ALSO HELPED STUDENTS DEVELOP THEIR AESTHETICS, CREATIVITY AND GOOD PERSONALITY.

THIS VIEW WAS SHARED BY BOTH THE LIGHT RAIL DIRECTOR OF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, MR JONATHAN YU, AND THE DEPUTY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, MR ROGER KYNASTON.

MR YU NOTED THAT STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY IN DRAMA PRODUCTION. THE PROJECT COULD ALSO HELP PARTICIPANTS THINK THROUGH THE VALUES OF THE SOCIETY, MR KYNASTON ADDED.

THE 1990 SCHOOLS CHINESE DRAMA PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY THE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC).

MORE THAN 50 SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE APPLIED TO TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT WHICH STARTS THIS MONTH. ITS MAIN THEME IS TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS WITH REFERENCE TO ENCOURAGING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

THE CURTAIN WILL RISE FROM LATE FEBRUARY TO MARCH NEXT YEAR AND THE BEST PERFORMANCES WILL BE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE FINALS IN MID-APRIL.

HIGHLY COMMENDED PLAYS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT A GALA EVENING TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE ON MAY 4.

APART FROM A CASH GRANT OF $1,000 TO EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL TOWARDS THE COST OF PRODUCING A PLAY, ASSISTANCE IN SCRIPT WRITING, PRODUCTION OF PLAY AS WELL AS TRAINING AND OUT-REACHING SERVICES WILL , BE PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

ANOTHER PRODUCTION SUBSIDY OF $1,000 WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH FINALIST TO POLISH THEIR PLAYS AND TEAMS INVITED TO THE GALA EVENING WILL AGAIN BE AWARDED $1,000 EACH.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE MR IAN MCPHERSON, HEAVY RAIL DIRECTOR OF KCRC; MRS MIRANDA' LEUNG, PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER OF MTRC; MR CHUNG KING-FAI, DEAN OF DRAMA OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS; AND MRS KONG LI CHI-HO, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (OPERATIONS AND SUPPORTING SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

- - 0 - -

/14 ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1990

- 14 -

SINGING SKILLS COURSE AND SINGING COMPETITION ORGANISED ♦ » * * ♦

YOUTH WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SINGING ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SERIES OF TRAINING COURSES ON SINGING PERFORMANCE SKILLS WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.

THOSE WHO ARE TO PARTICIPATE WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF WINNING GRAND PRIZES IN THE FORTHCOMING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINGING CONTEST, TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.

THE TRAINING COURSES, TO BE CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED PERSONALITIES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT CIRCLE, WILL BE HELD FROM THE END OF THIS MONTH TO DECEMBER IN KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

LYRICS SKILLS, SINGING SKILLS AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS WILL BE TAUGHT IN THESE COURSES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A SPECIAL TRAINING COURSE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TO ENTER THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINGING CONTEST AT THE END OF THE TRAINING COURSES.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE FREE TRAINING COURSES ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH OFFICES, BRANCH OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.

COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD REACH THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 24TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 22.

MRS PATRICIA CHU, CHAIRMAN OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT TO COPE WITH THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH COMMERCIAL RADIO I WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) MUSIC PROGRAMME EARLY NEXT YEAR.

’’THE MUSIC PROGRAMME, IN THE FORM OF CONTEST, WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS: THE LYRICS COMPETITION AND THE SINGING COMPETITION.”

FOR LYRICS COMPETITION, YOUTHS OR THEIR PARENTS CAN SEND IN THEIR LYRICS EITHER BY USING THE MELODY OF POPULAR SONGS OR MELODIES COMPOSED BY THEMSELVES.

CONTESTANTS SHOULD CONVEY THE THEME AND MESSAGE OF THE FLE CAMPAIGN. PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE SENT IN THEIR LYRICS COULD EITHER SING THEIR OWN SONGS OR ASK SOMEONE TO SING THE SONG ON THEIR BEHALF IN AN OPEN COMPETITION.

FOR SINGING COMPETITION, CONTESTANTS CAN EITHER SING THE SONGS SUGGESTED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OR OTHER SONGS THAT CONVEY THE THEME OF THE FLE CAMPAIGN.

/PRIZES FOR .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 199U

15

PRIZES FOR LYRICS COMPETITION:

WINNER $6,000 (GIFT COUPON)

FIRST RUNNER UP $4,000 (GIFT COUPON)

SECOND RUNNER UP $2,000 PRIZES FOR SINGING COMPETITION: (GIFT COUPON)

WINNER $5,000 (GIFT COUPON)

FIRST RUNNER UP $3,000 (GIFT COUPON)

SECOND RUNNER UP $1,000 (GIFT COUPON)

ENTRY FORMS OF THE FLE MUSIC PROGRAMME ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH OFFICES, BRANCH OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND DISTRICT OFFICES. THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS NOVEMBER 22, 1990.

MRS CHU POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO BRING THE MESSAGE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ANNUALLY.

’’WHILE THE GENERAL THEME OF THE CAMPAIGN IS RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD, THE TARGETED GROUP OF THIS YEAR IS ADOLESCENTS WITH THE EMPHASIS OF THE CAMPAIGN ON RECIPROCAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADOLESCENTS IN THE FAMILY AS WELL AS PARENTAL ROLES IN THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS,” SHE SAID.

------0-------

STREET CLEANING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

♦ ♦ ♦ * *

A STREET CLEANING CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN MONG KOK WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE TWO-WEEK STREET ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED BY THE STREET ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAlD THEY WOULD FOCUS ON CLEANING OPERATIONS IN VIEW OF THE POOR CONDITIONS’ OF THE STREETS.

HE CALLED ON SHOPOWNERS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND KEEP THE PAVEMENT CLEAN AND TIDY.

’’GARBAGE BAGS WITH THE CAMPAIGN SLOGAN TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL BE JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

---------0-----------

4

4

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSULTANCY STUDY ON CONTAMINATED SPOIL MANAGEMENT ....................... 1

PARTIAL POSTAL SERVICES TO IRAQ AND KUWAIT................................ 2

GOVERNOR COMMUTED DEATH SENTENCE OF LAI SUN-LOY

2

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

CONSULTANCY STUDY ON CONTAMINATED SPOIL MANAGEMENT ******

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINATED SPOIL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID HONG KONG’S PROPOSED MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN NEXT TEN YEARS, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE LARGE-SCALE RECLAMATION AND SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION, WOULD GENERATE AN ESTIMATED 200 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE SPOIL.

A PORTION OF THIS SPOIL WOULD BE HEAVILY CONTAMINATED WITH ORGANIC COMPOUNDS, HEAVY METALS AND OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES DUE TO THE UNCONTROLLED DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATERS INTO COASTAL WATERS OVER THE PAST DECADES.

IMPROPER HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED SPOIL WOULD RESULT IN FURTHER SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS.

THE STUDY WOULD RECOMMEND A COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR CONTAMINATED SPOIL INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMMES FOR DREDGING, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED SPOIL.

IT WOULD ESTIMATE THE QUANTITY OF CONTAMINATED SPOIL FROM CURRENT, PROPOSED AND FUTURE DREDGING PROJECTS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON DISPOSAL TO ENSURE THE PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD NOT BE DELAYED.

THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $1.7 MILLION, WOULD TAKE EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR PAUL HOLMES, AND THE DIRECTOR OF MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED, MR G.W. LOVEGROVE.

/2 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

2

PARTIAL POSTAL SERVICES TO IRAQ AND KUWAIT * * * * *

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AIR MAIL LETTERS CONTAINING ONLY PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR IRAQ AND KUWAIT.

CUSTOMERS ARE ADVISED TO USE AEROGRAMMES AND POSTCARDS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. OTHER POSTAL SERVICES TO THESE PLACES REMAIN SUSPENDED.

---------0-----------

GOVERNOR COMMUTED DEATH SENTENCE OF LAI SUN-LOY

******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON LAI SUN-LOY ON MAY COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

AFTER TAKING INTO , HAS DECIDED THAT 30 1988 SHOULD BE

LAI WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE YUEN-MAN AND CHENG TSE-KIT.

MURDER OF CHENG

PING-WO,

CHENG

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK MUST FACE FUTURE WITH REALISM AND DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED: GOVERNOR 1 GDP TO INCREASE BY 2.5 PER CENT ......................................... 1 NO EASY CURE FOR INFLATION: GOVERNOR .................................... 2 GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN ECONOMY IS TO FACILITATE EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH .... 4 COMMUNITY HAS VITAL ROLE IN FIGHTING CRIME .............................. 6 GOVERNMENT TAKES STEP TO ENCOURAGE RETURN OF EMIGRANTS .................. 8 GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PURSUE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF CPA ............... 9 MORE PERSONAL CONTROL OF LIFE QUALITY IN THE NEXT DECADE ................ 10 TWO-THIRDS OF FAMILIES WILL OWN HOMES BY TURN OF CENTURY ................ 11 IMPROVED BASIC STANDARD, GREATER CHOICE IN EDUCATION NEEDED ............. 12 1991 WILL BE LANDMARK YEAR IN HEALTH FIELD .............................. 15 IMPROVING SOCIAL WELFARE WITHOUT CREATING DEPENDENCY CULTURE ............ 17 PADS VITAL TO HK'S RAPID GROWTH IN THE NEXT CENTURY ..................... 19 AIRPORT PROJECT PROVIDES CORNERSTONE OF PROSPERITY OF HKSAR ............. 20 HK: A MAJOR TRANS-SHIPMENT CENTRE FOR EAST ASIA IN 2000 ................. 23 A BETTER CITY TO LIVE IN BY END OF DECADE ............................... 24 FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN DEVELOPMENT OF GOVT SYSTEM 27 WELL-MOTIVATED AND COMMITTED CIVIL SERVICE ESSENTIAL TO HK SUCCESS:

GOVERNOR ................................................................ 28 CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA FUNDAMENTAL TO FUTURE WELL-BEING .. 30 LINKS WITH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT ................ 33 1990S WILL BE DECADE OF STEADY PROGRESS ................................. 34 GOVERNOR DELIVERS POLICY SUMMARY ........................................ 35

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 1 -HK MUST FACE FUTURE WITH REALISM AND DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED: GOVERNOR

* ♦ * ♦ ♦

AT THE START OF THIS CRUCIAL DECADE, HONG KONG IS, AND MUST REMAIN, A COMMUNITY FACING ITS FUTURE WITH REALISM AND THE DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS TO OPEN THE 1990/91 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID AFTER THE PROBLEMS OF 1989, WE HAD MADE STEADY AND SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS THIS YEAR - ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND POLITICALLY.

"WE HAVE CONTINUED TO DEAL SUCCESSFULLY WITH THE CHALLENGE OF PREPARING FOR THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. BUT, ONCE AGAIN, WE HAVE HAD TO FACE NEW STRAINS.

"THIS SUMMER SAW THE SUDDEN ERUPTION OF A CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST WHICH HAS CAST A DARK SHADOW OVER THE WORLD ECONOMY," SIR DAVID SAID.

LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW INITIATIVES FOR THE 1990S AND BEYOND. "AT A TIME OF ECONOMIC DIFFICULTY, AND UNCERTAINTY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, MEMBERS WILL NOT EXPECT ME TODAY TO UNVEIL A FURTHER RANGE OF MAJOR NEW INITIATIVES.

"NOR DO I INTEND TO DO SO," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WE WERE NOW IN A PERIOD WHEN WE SHOULD TAKE STOCK OF THE PROGRAMMES ALREADY LAUNCHED, AND ALSO OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE, AND CONSIDER HOW BEST TO PROVIDE THEM.

"WE WILL NEED TO TAKE DECISIONS ON HOW TO FUND THESE SERVICES AND PROGRAMMES AND SEE WHETHER THERE ARE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE SCOPE FOR INDIVIDUAL CHOICE AND QUALITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

--------0 - -

GDP TO INCREASE BY 2.5 PER CENT ♦ t * * ♦

HONG KONG’S RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR 1990, ALTHOUGH HEALTHY BY WORLD STANDARDS, WILL BE MODEST IN TERMS OF OUR OWN PAST PERFORMANCE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED THAT GDP WOULD INCREASE THIS YEAR BY 2.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, SIR DAVID SAID.

ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE 1990/91 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID LAST YEAR, HE WARNED THAT HONG KONG FACED A SLOWDOWN IN THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THIS HAD INDEED BEEN THE CASE.

/"OUR PROSPECTS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 2 -

"OUR PROSPECTS HAVE BEEN FURTHER DAMPENED BY THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS. HIGHER OIL PRICES WILL MEAN, INEVITABLY, SOME INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING.

"AT THE SAME TIME, OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS FACE A NEW CHECK TO THEIR ECONOMIC EXPANSION. THIS WILL REDUCE THEIR DEMAND FOR THE GOODS AND SERVICES WE EXPORT," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT, FORTUNATELY, HONG KONG LEARNT THE LESSONS OF THE OIL CRISES OF THE 1970S.

"IN 1979, OIL WAS OUR PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF ENERGY. TODAY, BY CONTRAST, WE GENERATE VIRTUALLY ALL OF OUR ELECTRICITY FROM COAL.

"BECAUSE OF THIS SUCCESSFUL ADJUSTMENT TO OUR ENERGY SOURCES, WE ARE BETTER PLACED THAN MANY OTHER ECONOMIES TO COPE WITH THE SLUGGISH WORLD MARKETS WE MUST EXPECT IN 1991,” SIR DAVID SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNOR SAID WE MUST ACCEPT THAT, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS, WE FACED A HARSHER ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT WOULD BE MUCH TOUGHER GOING TO DEFEND OUR SHARE OF EXISTING MARKETS AND TO DEVELOP NEW BUSINESS.

TO RETAIN THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE, SIR DAVID SAID FIRMS WOULD NEED TO MAKE BETTER USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES.

"THIS MEANS HIGHER STANDARDS OF MANAGEMENT; RESTRAINT IN SETTING PRICES AND PROFIT MARGINS; AND, ABOVE ALL, REALISM WHEN IT COMES TO WAGE DEMANDS.

"WAGES HAVE KEPT AHEAD OF INCREASES IN CONSUMER PRICES; BUT WE MUST BE ALERT TO THE DANGERS OF A WAGE AND PRICE SPIRAL.

"THIS WOULD BENEFIT NOBODY - NEITHER EMPLOYERS NOR WORKERS. WE ARE AN OPEN ECONOMY. THE WORLD WILL NOT ALLOW US TO PAY OURSELVES MORE THAN OUR PRODUCTS WILL EARN," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

-----------------0-------- NO EASY CURE FOR INFLATION: GOVERNOR *****

THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES THAT INFLATION WILL AVERAGE 9.5 PER CENT FOR 1990 AS A WHOLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT WITH INFLATION OF THIS LEVEL AND THE PROSPECT OF IT RISING AS A RESULT OF THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS, RATHER THAN FALLING AS WE HAD EXPECTED, WE CLEARLY COULD NOT AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT.

/"NOR CAN .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 3 -

"NOR CAN WE EXPECT AN EASY CURE FOR INFLATION," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID DRASTIC MEASURES AIMED AT SUPPRESSING PRICE INCREASES WOULD BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE AND THEY WOULD FRUSTRATE THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES AND DO LASTING DAMAGE TO THE ECONOMY.

"THIS SORT OF INTERFERENCE WITH THE MARKET WOULD NOT BE IN CHARACTER FOR HONG KONG. BUT WE CAN, AS WELL AS BEING SENSIBLE ABOUT WAGES, TRY TO LIMIT THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF RISING PRICES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE SAID THAT OUR FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE TO ENSURE THAT WE DID NOT CREATE UNDUE PRESSURE ON SCARCE RESOURCES - AND, IN THIS WAY, FUEL INFLATION.

"WE WILL ALL HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT, FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE AT ANY RATE, WE WILL NOT HAVE THE SURPLUS REVENUE TO MEET ALL THE COMPETING CLAIMS FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SPENDING.

"THERE WILL BE DIFFICULT CHOICES TO MAKE BETWEEN DEMANDS FOR NEW SERVICES. THERE CAN BE NO DUCKING THESE HARD CHOICES. CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS DICTATE THAT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MUST BE KEPT UNDER TIGHT CONTROL," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT, AS THE TERRITORY’S BIGGEST EMPLOYER, WAS DETERMINED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT DID NOT ADD TO THE PRESSURES ON AN ALREADY STRAINED LABOUR MARKET.

"ACCORDINGLY, NEXT YEAR, MANY DEPARTMENTS WILL FACE ZERO GROWTH.

"IF STANDARDS ARE TO BE MAINTAINED, INDIVIDUAL BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE TO STRIVE FOR PRODUCTIVITY GAINS THROUGH THE BETTER USE OF THE STAFF AND OTHER RESOURCES UNDER THEIR CONTROL. THIS WILL BE A REAL CHALLENGE. IT WILL BE A TEST OF MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

NOTING THAT THE BULK OF THE LABOUR FORCE WORKED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE ECONOMY DEPENDED HEAVILY ON THE ABILITY OF PRIVATE EMPLOYERS TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY.

"IN PRACTICE, THERE ARE LIMITS TO HOW FAR EMPLOYERS CAN REPLACfe WORKERS WITH NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.

"THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT MANY FIRMS HAVE ALREADY REACHED THESE LIMITS: IN SOME CASES THEY CANNOT EXPAND THEIR BUSINESSES ANY FURTHER BECAUSE THEY CANNOT FIND ENOUGH WORKERS LOCALLY.

"THERE IS A GENUINE DANGER THAT THE ACUTE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR MAY ACT AS A BRAKE ON FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, EVERYBODY SUFFERS. OUR POLICY HAS BEEN, AND WILL REMAIN, TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH.

"THAT IS WHY WE HAVE RELAXED THE CONTROLS ON THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR IN CERTAIN CRUCIAL AREAS OF THE ECONOMY," SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.

/THE GOVERNOR .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT THIS DID NOT MEAN CHEAP LABOUR, AND EMPLOYERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY IMPORTED WORKERS MARKET WAGES.

"THERE WILL BE NO INDISCRIMINATE IMPORTATION OF UNTRAINED LABOUR. EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO PREVENT ABUSE BY EMPLOYERS.

"THE SCHEME WILL BE KEPT UNDER CAREFUL REVIEW, AND WILL BE ADJUSTED IF NECESSARY, TO MAKE SURE THAT IT CONTINUES TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID A SIMILAR FLEXIBILITY OF APPROACH - INVOLVING ADAPTING TO NEW CIRCUMSTANCES IN A WAY WHICH WOULD BENEFIT HONG KONG, RATHER THAN STICKING RIGIDLY TO OUTDATED POLICIES - LAY BEHIND THE DECISION TO ALLOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO RECRUIT STUDENTS FROM CHINA TO WORK IN HONG KONG, PROVIDED THEY HAD COMPLETED AT LEAST TWO YEARS’ STUDY OVERSEAS AND WERE PROPERLY QUALIFIED.

"ALL OF THESE THINGS MATTER BECAUSE A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY IS CRUCIAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO.

"WITHOUT IT, WE LACK THE MEANS TO ACHIEVE ANY OF OUR GOALS. AT THE SAME TIME, WE ALSO HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE DISADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FROM THE MOST DAMAGING EFFECTS OF INFLATION," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT LEVELS WERE REVIEWED REGULARLY AND WERE ADJUSTED TO COMPENSATE FOR CHANGES IN CONSUMER PRICES.

"IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT, SO FAR THIS YEAR, THESE BENEFITS HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY 10.5 PER CENT. WHILE ENCOURAGING THE SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT THE WEAK,” HE SAID.

--------0

GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN ECONOMY IS TO FACILITATE EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN ROLE IN THE ECONOMY IS TO FACILITATE EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH.

SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY WAS ONE WHICH WAS CLEAR AND HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL. "WE BELIEVE IN THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF FREE MARKETS. THESE ALLOW OUR BUSINESSMEN TO BE FLEXIBLE AND DYNAMIC," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BOTH THE BUSINESSMAN AND THE INVESTOR MUST BE LEFT FREE TO PERFORM THEIR ROLES AND MUST NOT BE HAMPERED BY EXCESSIVE OFFICIAL RESTRICTIONS AND DETERRED BY EXCESSIVE TAXATION.

/"WE NEED .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 5 -

"WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT THE SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE FLOURISHES -TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS THE FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED BY THEIR OWN EFFORTS.

"OF COURSE, WE MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT OUR BUSINESS PRACTICES CONFORM TO THE STANDARDS OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF TRADE AND FINANCE. OTHERWISE, WE CANNOT ATTRACT THE OUTSIDE INVESTMENT WE WANT AND WELCOME," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS STEPPING UP ITS PROTECTION OF THE ORDINARY INVESTOR IN AREAS IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE.

"AFTER A PERIOD 4JF NECESSARY TIGHTENING UP, I BELIEVE WE NOW HAVE THE BALANCE ABOUT RIGHT. WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT IT IS KEPT RIGHT - NEITHER TOO LITTLE NOR TOO MUCH," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG DID NOT INVENT THE FREE MARKET PRIVATE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY, BUT, OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS THE TERRITORY HAD BECOME ONE OF ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL EXPONENTS.

"BY HOLDING FIRM TO OUR PRINCIPLES, WE HAVE ACHIEVED NOTABLE ECONOMIC SUCCESS DOMESTICALLY.

"NOW, INTERNATIONALLY, WE ARE PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUPPORTING FREEDOM OF TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY FOR US, BUT FOR THE WORLD ECONOMY, THAT THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS ABOUT THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE REACHED A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION IN DECEMBER.

"WE WILL CONTINUE WORKING HARD TO THIS END," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE ECONOMY COULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY AND THIS MEANT MAKING MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN THE TERRITORY’S PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

WITHOUT THESE INVESTMENTS, THE ECONOMY COULD NOT PRODUCE THE PROSPERITY ON WHICH FAMILIES BASED THEIR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, SIR DAVID SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT AS HONG KONG grew Richer, the government must see to it that the community had ADEQUATE HOUSING, MEDICAL AND OTHER SERVICES.

"THE LABOUR FORCE IS ENTITLED TO A DECENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS TO PROPER REWARDS. THROUGH PUBLICITY AND LEGISLATION, WE ARE STEADILY IMPROVING CONDITIONS IN THE WORK-PLACE, BE IT OFFICE OR FACTORY.

"BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY HAVE CONSISTENTLY, AND RIGHTLY, BEEN WILLING TO INVEST HEAVILY IN CREATING THE PUBLIC SERVICES NECESSARY TO MEET THE COMMUNITY’S ESSENTIAL NEEDS," SIR DAVID SAID.

/NOTING THAT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

*

- 6

NOTING THAT THE LAST DECADE HAD SEEN A RADICAL CHANGE IN ECONOMIC THINKING THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND A GROWING REALISATION THAT THE FREE MARKET OFFERED THE BEST PROSPECT OF ECONOMIC SUCCESS, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN A MODEL IN THE REVIVAL OF FREE TRADE AND FREE MARKET ECONOMICS.

"WITH A CLEAR VISION OF OUR ESSENTIAL OBJECTIVES, PLUS PRUDENT MANAGEMENT, WE CAN ENTER THE 1990S WITH CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO SURPRISE THE WORLD AND CONFOUND THE PESSIMISTS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

-----0------

COMMUNITY HAS VITAL ROLE IN FIGHTING CRIME

*****

THERE IS A VITAL ROLE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO PLAY IN MAINTAINING AN ORDERLY AND PEACEFUL SOCIETY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR DAVID SAID WE ALL HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES - BY REPORTING CRIME, INCLUDING TRIAD ACTIVITY AND CORRUPTION; BY CO-OPERATING WITH INVESTIGATIONS; BY COMING FORWARD WITH EVIDENCE; AND BY TAKING PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IN OUR OWN HOMES.

"THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND ITS NETWORK OF DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WILL WORK HARD TO GET THIS MESSAGE ACROSS TO THE PUBLIC.

V

"IT WILL LOOK FOR WAYS OF MAKING IT EASIER FOR THE PUBLIC TO PLAY THEIR PART BY, FOR EXAMPLE, IMPROVING REPORTING PROCEDURES.

"AND IT WILL MOUNT SPECIAL PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS AGAINST JUVENILE CRIME AND IN SUPPORT OF PARENTAL CARE AND AUTHORITY.

"RESPONSIBLE, CARING PARENTS ARE OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST THE SORT OF LAW AND ORDER PROBLEMS THAT THREATEN MANY OTHER URBAN SOCIETIES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

NOTING THAT SOME RECENT CRIMINAL CASES HAD SHOCKED THE COMMUNITY, SIR DAVID SAID. THEY WERE A REMINDER THAT WE COULD NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED HONG KONG’S RECORD AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST AND MOST LAW-ABIDING URBAN COMMUNITIES.

"NEVERTHELESS IT IS STILL THE CASE THAT OUR CRIME RATES, IN RELATION TO THE SIZE OF THE POPULATION, REMAIN SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THOSE OF MAJOR CITIES IN THE WEST.

"THEY COMPARE FAVOURABLY TO THOSE IN OUR OWN REGION. AND THE GENERAL LEVEL OF REPORTED CRIME PER THOUSAND OF THE POPULATION HAS ACTUALLY DECLINED OVER THE PAST DECADE," HE SAID.

/HOWEVER, THE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THESE GENERALLY HEALTHY STATISTICS WERE NOT A CAUSE FOR COMPLACENCY.

"THEY DESCRIBE A STATE OF AFFAIRS WE MUST NOW FIGHT HARD TO MAINTAIN. THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME. THAT CANNOT BE TOLERATED.

"IN PARTICULAR, WE MUST TAKE FIRM AND EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST CRIMINALS WHO USE FIREARMS AND AGAINST ANY REVIVAL OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE INCREASED EFFORTS TO PREVENT THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS, AND IT HAD HAD GOOD CO-OPERATION FROM THE AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG IN TACKLING THIS PROBLEM.

"AT THE SAME TIME, WE WILL BE TARGETING ORGANISED CRIME. DRAFT LEGISLATION, AIMED SPECIFICALLY AT ORGANISED CRIME SYNDICATES, INCLUDING TRIADS, WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN THE NEW YEAR,” SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT SUCCESS IN FIGHTING CRIME DEPENDED ON THE PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY OF OUR POLICE.

"TO KEEP OUR STREETS SAFE, WE MUST HAVE A WELL-TRAINED, STRONGLY MOTIVATED AND ADEQUATELY REWARDED POLICE FORCE.

"AT A TIME WHEN A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET MAKES RECRUITMENT DIFFICULT IN ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ABILITY OF THE FORCE TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN STAFF, SO THAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE EFFECTIVE SERVICE UPON WHICH WE ALL DEPEND," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT PART OF THAT EFFORT HAD BEEN A REVIEW OF THE SALARY LEVELS OF JUNIOR RANKS IN THE POLICE AND OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES.

"THAT REVIEW HAS BEEN COMPLETED. IT IS NOW THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POLICE, AND THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES, TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF EFFICIENCY AND SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

"WE HAVE HAD THIS IN THE PAST. WE EXPECT TO SEE IT CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

- - 0---------

/8.........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

8

GOVERNMENT TAKES STEP TO ENCOURAGE RETURN OF EMIGRANTS ♦ » * * »

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE WHAT IT CAN TO MEET THE ANXIETIES OF THOSE WHO, OFTEN RELUCTANTLY, HAVE CONSIDERED LEAVING HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. WE HAVE ALSO TAKEN STEPS TO REMOVE THE DISINCENTIVES FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO RETURN," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY CONCERN WAS WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR PEOPLE WHO WOULD STAY HERE PERMANENTLY - THE REAL HONG KONG BELONGERS.

HE SAID THAT HOWEVER SMOOTH THE GOVERNMENT COULD MANAGE TO MAKE THE TRANSITION TO HONG KONG’S NEW STATUS IN 1997, THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE THOSE WHO FELT THE NEED TO SEEK STRONGER PERSONAL SAFEGUARDS FOR THE FUTURE.

"LAST YEAR, I NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SURGE IN APPLICATIONS FOR EMIGRATION.

"THIS YEAR, ABOUT 62,000 PEOPLE MAY EMIGRATE: THE HIGHEST LEVEL FOR MANY YEARS. NEARLY A QUARTER OF THESE ARE LIKELY TO BE PROFESSIONALS, MANAGERS, TECHNICIANS, BUSINESSMEN AND OTHER KEY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WELCOMED THE ENACTMENT OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) ACT, WHICH PROVIDED FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP AND RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR UP TO 50,000 HONG KONG FAMILIES.

SUBJECT TO PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO INVITE APPLICATIONS UNDER THIS SCHEME FROM DECEMBER 1, HE SAID.

"IT BEARS REPEATING THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE ACT IS TO GIVE THOSE SELECTED THE CONFIDENCE TO STAY IN HONG KONG UP TO AND BEYOND 1997.

"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THE CONTINUED PRESENCE OF THE PEOPLE WHOM THIS SCHEME, AND SCHEMES INTRODUCED BY OTHER COUNTRIES, WILL KEEP IN THE TERRITORY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

- - 0 - -

/9 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

9 -

GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PURSUE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF CPA ♦ * * * ♦

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1989 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS MEANT THAT ALL THOSE WHO DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REFUGEE STATUS MUST RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM, SAID SIR DAVID, NOTINO THAT THE PLAN OF ACTION HAD BEEN UNDER GREAT STRAIN ELSEWHERE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE PAST YEAR.

"IF IT IS TO BE THE BASIS FOR POLICY THROUGHOUT THE REGION -AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS IS THE MOST HUMANE AND EFFECTIVE ANSWER TO A LONG-STANDING PROBLEM - THEN WE MUST GET IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ORDERLY RETURN OF NON-REFUGEES," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN HANOI ON SEPTEMBER 21 WAS A WELCOME STEP IN THAT DIRECTION, AND THE GOVERNMENT NOW LOOKED TO THE STAFF OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES TO DO ALL THEY COULD TO COUNSEL AND PERSUADE NON-REFUGEES TO ACCEPT THE REALITY OF THEIR POSITION, AND TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM.

"WE WILL GIVE OUR FULL SUPPORT TO THIS EFFORT," HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNOR SAID, WE MUST CONTINUE WITH THE TASK OF HOUSING, FEEDING AND CARING FOR ALL THOSE WHO WERE ALREADY HERE.

"I SHOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THS WORK OF ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOOKING AFTER THE 54,000 VIETNAMESE WHO REMAIN IN OUR CAMPS; AND ALSO FOR THE IMPORTANT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HONG KONG HAS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHICH HAS TOTALLED OVER $500 MILLION OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.

"I HOPE THAT WE CAN NOW MOVE TOWARDS A HUMANE SOLUTION WHICH WILL BRING THIS TRAGIC MIGRATION TO AN END," SIR DAVID SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE PROBLEM OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WAS STILL WITH US, BUT PICTURE WAS NOT AS BLEAK AS IT WAS THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS, REPORTED THE ARRIVAL OF 34,000 VIETNAMESE, THE HIGHEST NUMBER IN ANY YEAR SINCE 1979.

"SINCE THEN, OUR EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM, AND THOSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, HAVE PRODUCED SOME RESULTS," HE SAID.

/NOTING THAT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 10 -

NOTING THAT ARRIVALS SO FAR THIS YEAR HAD DROPPED SHARPLY, TO LESS THAN ONE IN SIX OF THE NUMBER DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’THE CAREFUL OPERATION OF OUR SCREENING PROCEDURES; THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION SCHEME; THE PUBLICITY EFFORT IN VIETNAM; AND THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION FLIGHT LAST DECEMBER HAD ALL GIVEN POTENTIAL BOAT PEOPLE AN UNAMBIGUOUS MESSAGE - THE DAYS OF AUTOMATIC RESETTLEMENT THROUGH HONG KONG ARE OVER."

HE SAID THAT TAKING THE CAMP POPULATION AS A WHOLE - REFUGEES AND PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE REFUGEE STATUS - THERE HAD BEEN A NET OUTFLOW OF OVER 2,700 SINCE LAST OCTOBER. THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR SINCE 1986 WHEN THE NUMBERS IN HONG KONO HAD ACTUALLY GONE DOWN.

"THE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME FOR REFUGEES IS ON TARGET. WE EXPECT SOME 7,000 TO LEAVE THIS YEAR. AND SOME 4,500 HAVE RETURNED TO VIETNAM OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS, THAT IS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION SCHEME," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

MORE PERSONAL CONTROL OF LIFE QUALITY IN THE NEXT DECADE

*****

THE DESIRE FOR MORE PERSONAL CONTROL OVER THE INDIVIDUAL’S AND THE FAMILY’S QUALITY OF LIFE WILL BE A KEY TREND IN THE 1990S, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS WE HAD MADE, PARTICULARLY DURING THE 1980S, HAD CREATED NEW ASPIRATIONS.

"PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER CONTENT SIMPLY WITH A BASIC LEVEL OF ' PROVISION.

"IN AN INCREASINGLY PROSPEROUS AND EDUCATED HONG KONG, THEY EXPECT A HIGHER QUALITY OF SERVICE AND MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO CHOOSE PARTICULAR TYPES OF SERVICE," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT THERE WOULD BE, QUITE RIGHTLY, A DEMAND FOR CHOICE, SIR DAVID SAID FAMILIES WOULD LOOK FOR MORE SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL CARE; FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES; AND FOR ACCESS TO GOOD PRIVATE SCHOOLING.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COST OF THIS WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES COULD NOT ALL BE BORNE BY THE TAXPAYER, ADDING THAT GREATER CHOICE AND HIGHER INCOMES MEANT THAT FAMILIES MUST INCREASINGLY PAY FOR SERVICES WHICH WENT BEYOND THE BASIC LEVEL.

/REFLECTING ON .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 11 -

REFLECTING ON WHERE HONG KONG NOW STOOD IN WORLD TERMS AND WHERE THE TERRITORY HAD COME FROM, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT BY THE STANDARD OF INCOME PER HEAD, HONG KONG TODAY RANKED AMONG

THE WORLD’S TOP 20 ECONOMIES.

”IN THE 1950S AND 1960S, THIS COMMUNITY STRUGGLED AND MADE SACRIFICES TO ACHIEVE EVEN MINIMAL STANDARDS OF HEALTH CARE, SHELTER AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

’’NOW THE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN MEDICINE, HOUSING, WELFARE AND EDUCATION MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF OUR

FAMILIES.

”INDEED, IN SOME AREAS, THESE SERVICES MATCH MUCH MORE AFFLUENT SOCIETIES. WE HAVE CREATED A EQUIPPED, URBAN COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.

THE STANDARDS OF THRIVING, WELL-

---------0-----------

TWO-THIRDS OF FAMILIES WILL OWN HOMES BY TURN OF CENTURY

*****

BY THE YEAR 2000, IT IS LIKELY THAT TWO OUT OF EVERY THREE FAMILIES WILL OWN THEIR OWN HOMES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING TREND. IT MEANS GREATER FAMILY COHESION; DEEPER COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG; AND THE REINFORCEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SELF-RESPECT,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

A MORE IMMEDIATE AIM, SAID SIR DAVID, WAS TO ELIMINATE THE SQUATTER PROBLEM.

"OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS OR SO, WE WILL BE ABLE TO CLEAR MOST • OF THE SQUATTER HUTS FROM THE URBAN AREAS.

"THIS WILL BE A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. ALL OF US HERE CAN REMEMBER THE SQUATTER-CROWDED HILLSIDES OF THE 1960S AND 1970S.

"WE SHOULD ALSO HAVE REHOUSED THE MAJORITY OF FAMILIES LIVING IN TEMPORARY HOUSING," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

TO ACHIEVE THESE AMBITIOUS GOALS, SIR DAVID SAID, WE WOULD NEED TO BUILD SOME 430,000 NEW PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS BY THE YEAR 2000.

"WE ARE CURRENTLY ON TARGET. LAST YEAR’S PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION REACHED THE RECORD NUMBER OF 53,000 FLATS. WE EXPECT TO ACHIEVE A SIMILAR PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR REITERATED THAT NUMBERS ALONE WERE NO LONGER THE YARD-STICK FOR PUBLIC SERVICES.

/"QUALITY COUNTS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990-

- 12 -

"QUALITY COUNTS MORE AND MORE," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE LAST BLOCKS OF THE MARK I AND II ESTATES, BUILT NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO, WOULD BE DEMOLISHED NEXT YEAR AND THE FLATS NOW BEING BUILT WERE 10 PER CENT LARGER ON AVERAGE THAN THEIR IMMEDIATE PREDECESSORS, AND FOUR TIMES THE SIZE OF THE OLD MARK II UNITS.

"THEY HAVE A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SET OUT IN A PLEASANT AND CAREFULLY PLANNED ENVIRONMENT. RENTS MAY NEED TO BE INCREASED IN LINE WITH THE COMMUNITY’S GROWING PROSPERITY; BUT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE FAIR AND AFFORDABLE," HE SAID.

IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR HOUSING PROGRAMME, SIR DAVID SAID WE MUST RESPOND TO THE WISH OF MORE AND MORE FAMILIES TO OWN THEIR OWN HOMES.

HE SAID MORE THAN 100,000 FAMILIES WERE ALREADY LIVING IN FLATS BUILT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE RELATED PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.

BY THE END OF THE DECADE, THE NUMBER OF FLATS BUILT UNDER THESE SCHEMES WOULD HAVE MORE THAN TREBLED TO 350,000.

"THE YEARS AHEAD WILL ALSO SEE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OFFERING GOOD QUALITY RENTAL UNITS FOR SALE TO SITTING TENANTS. AND THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME WILL CONTINUE TO HELP MORE OF THE AUTHORITY’S TENANTS TO BUY THEIR OWN HOMES," SIR DAVID SAID.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE DEMAND FOR BETTER-DESIGNED AND MORE SPACIOUS FLATS, INCREASINGLY OWNER-OCCUPIED, COULD NOT BE MET BY THE GOVERNMENT ALONE.

"INDEED, IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO FALL ON THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS HEAVILY AS IT HAS IN THE PAST.

"SO WE LOOK TO A FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR'S CONTRIBUTION. BY THE END OF THE DECADE, WE EXPECT THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO BE PRODUCING NEARLY HALF OF ALL NEW HOUSING IN HONG KONG," SIR. DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

IMPROVED BASIC STANDARD, GREATER CHOICE IN EDUCATION NEEDED * » » * »

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT IN EDUCATION, AS IN HOUSING, WE ARE FACING PRESSURES BOTH FOR IMPROVED BASIC STANDARDS AND FOR GREATER CHOICE.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GROWING SOPHISTICATION OF OUR ECONOMY HAD PUT A PREMIUM ON BETTER EDUCATED AND BETTER TRAINED PEOPLE AND THE RAPID GROWTH OF OUR SERVICES SECTOR IN THE 1980S HAD CREATED AN UPSURGE IN DEMAND FOR NEW SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS.

/NOTING THAT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

13 -

NOTING THAT THE PRESENT SUPPLY OF GRADUATES WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO KEEP UP WITH THE GROWING REQUIREMENTS OF EMPLOYERS, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IN HIS LAST POLICY ADDRESS HE HAD SAID WE MUST INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LOCAL GRADUATES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND HAD ASKED THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER HOW TO ACHIEVE A MAJOR INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES.

THE COMMITTEE HAD NOW PRODUCED A PLAN WHICH WOULD DELIVER THE NUMBERS NEEDED AND, AT THE SAME TIME, MAINTAIN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS.

"ITS PROPOSALS WILL MEAN THAT, BY 1994, SIX OUT OF 10 STUDENTS LEAVING THE SIXTH FORM WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY FOR A DEGREE COURSE AT ONE OF OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

"THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WHICH WILL OPEN ON SCHEDULE NEXT AUTUMN, WILL PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS EXPANSION," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

RECOGNISING THE EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAMME WAS AMBITIOUS AND THE STRAIN WOULD FALL PARTICULARLY HEAVILY ON THE TEACHING STAFF, SIR DAVID SAID WE SHOULD NEED TO RECRUIT UP TO 3,000 NEW UNIVERSITY TEACHERS, AGAINST A WORLDWIDE SHORTAGE OF ACADEMICS AND A LOCAL BACKGROUND OF LOSSES THROUGH EMIGRATION.

"THIS WILL NOT BE EASY; BUT THE UPGC HAS ALREADY PUT FORWARD RECOMMENDATIONS ON WAYS TO MEET THE CHALLENGE," HE SAID.

ON THE NEED TO MOVE FROM QUANTITY TO QUALITY IN THE FIELD OF SCHOOLING, THE GOVERNOR SAID WE NOW HAD SUFFICIENT SCHOOL PLACES, AND WE NEEDED TO RAISE THEIR STANDARD AND TACKLE MANY QUALITY-RELATED ISSUES.

"WE HAVE ALREADY INTRODUCED INTO THE CURRICULUM A SERIES OF SUBJECTS DESIGNED TO MEET MODERN EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING ART AND DESIGN, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER STUDIES.

"WE HAVE REFORMED THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM; AND A-LEVBL EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE IN 1992.

"THESE IMPROVEMENTS ARE PART OF THE CONSTANT UPDATING REQUIRED TO KEEP UP WITH NEW DEMANDS AND REACH HIGHER STANDARDS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT BOTH HIGHER STANDARDS AND GREATER CHOICE WERE IMPORTANT AND GIVING FAMILIES GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE WAS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE NEW DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME.

"EXISTING AIDED OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS WHICH QUALIFY FOR ENTRY TO THIS SCHEME WILL HAVE SUBSTANTIAL FREEDOM IN SELECTING THEIR OWN PUPILS; SETTING THEIR OWN CURRICULA; AND MANAGING THEIR OWN FINANCES.

"THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY THEY GET WILL BE IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO THE NUMBER OF PUPILS THEY ATTRACT.

/'•THE SCHEME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 14 -

’’THE SCHEME IS INTENDED TO DEVELOP A THRIVING AND INNOVATIVE PRIVATE SECTOR IN EDUCATION. PARENTS WILL THEN HAVE A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO WHAT IS OFFERED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR SAID THESE IMPROVEMENTS DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH AND THERE WERE STILL SOME COMPLEX AND CONTROVERSIAL PROBLEMS WHICH WE WOULD HAVE TO TACKLE WITH IMAGINATION AND DETERMINATION.

’’THE TIME HAS COME TO REVIEW THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF OUR BASIC CURRICULUM, AND TO DECIDE WHETHER IT MEETS THE NEEDS OF ALL CHILDREN.

”WE MUST LOOK AT HOW TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM WHICH ESTABLISHES TARGETS FOR STUDENTS AND THEN TESTS HOW WELL THEY AND THEIR SCHOOLS HAVE DONE IN MEETING THESE GOALS.

"WE MUST FACE UP TO THE HOTLY-DEBATED QUESTION OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AND DECIDE WHAT IS THE RIGHT ANSWER NOW FOR THIS COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID ALL THESE ISSUES WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION'S FOURTH REPORT, WHICH WAS DUE TO BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH.

’’THERE WILL THEN BE A CHANCE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. THE DECISIONS WE TAKE AFTER THAT WILL BE CRUCIAL IN DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOLS IN THE 1990S," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT A GOOD EDUCATION REMAINED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPIRATIONS OF EVERY HONG KONG FAMILY, THE GOVERNOR SAID. BY THE END OF THE CENTURY, ALL PARENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH PROVIDED A RELEVANT CURRICULUM, MODERN FACILITIES AND WELL-TRAINED AND MOTIVATED TEACHERS.

"THERE WILL BE A GREATER VARIETY OF SCHOOLS TO CHOOSE FROM, INCLUDING PRIVATE SCHOOLS OFFERING THEIR OWN CURRICULA.

"FOR THOSE WITH THE INCLINATION AND THE ABILITY, THERE WILL BE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON TO HIGHER EDUCATION OR VOCATIONAL TRAINING WITHIN HONG KONG. THE EDUCATION THEY RECEIVE WILL BE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY.

"AND, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BENEFITTED FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, OR WHO WISH TO UPDATE THEIR SKILLS, THERE WILL BE ORGANISATIONS LIKE THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SELFIMPROVEMENT, ’’ THE GOVERNOR SAID.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 15 -

1991 WILL BE LANDMARK YEAR IN HEALTH FIELD

*****

NEXT YEAR WILL BE A LANDMARK YEAR IN THE HEALTH FIELD, WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, THE INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS INTO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, AND NEW INITIATIVES FROM THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKING PARTY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

“THESE ARE ALL INVESTMENTS IN THE LONG-TERM HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT SOME OF THESE CHANGES INVOLVED A FUNDAMENTAL RE-BUILDING OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM.

"BUT IF WE CAN MEET THE CHALLENGE, WE WILL SOON SEE AN END TO CAMP-BEDS, TO LONG QUEUES AT CLINICS AND TO MANY OTHER UNSATISFACTORY FEATURES OF OUR PRESENT SYSTEM,” HE SAID.

HE SAID BY THE YEAR 2000, THERE WOULD BE ACCESSIBLE, DISTRICTBASED HOSPITALS RUN EFFICIENTLY AND COST-EFFECTIVELY BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY; INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF SPECIALISED MEDICAL TRAINING, MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE, AND A WIDER CHOICE OF HIGHER QUALITY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR ALL PEOPLE AT PRICES THEY COULD AFFORD.

SIR DAVID SAID THE 1990S WOULD ALSO SEE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN MEDICAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES.

"WE CAN ALREADY BE PROUD OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROVIDING VIRTUALLY FREE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO ALL.

"HONG KONG PEOPLE LIVE LONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES THAN PEOPLE IN MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. OUR AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY IS 74 YEARS FOR MEN AND 80 FOR WOMEN. THIS IS TWO YEARS LONGER THAN IN EITHER BRITAIN OR THE USA. BUT, AS WITH HOUSING AND EDUCATION, EXPECTATIONS HAVE RISEN IN LINE WITH GREATER PROSPERITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE RATE OF PROGRESS IN MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGY WAS SO RAPID THAT THERE WAS CONSTANT PRESSURE TO INTRODUCE NEW FACILITIES AND TYPES OF TREATMENT.

THE GOVERNOR SAID NEW SERVICES WERE ENORMOUSLY EXPENSIVE. ALREADY THE AVERAGE COST OF PROVIDING A BED IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL WAS OVER $1,000 PER DAY AND, OF THIS, 97 PER CENT WAS MET BY THE TAXPAYER.

"WE CAN BE PROUD THAT PROPER TREATMENT FOR THE SICK IS NOT A PRIVILEGE RESERVED FOR THE BETTER OFF.

"BUT WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MORE AND MORE SOPHISTICATED TREATMENT, OR THE CHOICE OF SERVICE THAT PEOPLE INCREASINGLY WANT, UNLESS WE BEGIN TO MOVE AWAY FROM OUR TRADITIONAL ’PUBLIC ASSISTANCE' APPROACH TO HOSPITAL CARE. THIS HAS TENDED TO ASSUME THAT THE AVERAGE IN-PATIENT IS IMPOVERISHED.

/"IN THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 16 -

"IN THE HONG KONG OF THE 1990S, SUCH AN APPROACH WILL BE OUT OF DATE," SIR DAVID SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS ACHIEVING AN IMPROVED AND MORE EFFICIENT STANDARD OF PROVISION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE BIRTH OF THE AUTHORITY WAS NOT PAINLESS.

"THIS WAS NO SURPRISE, GIVEN THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE CHANGES INVOLVED. NOW THAT THE INITIAL HURDLES HAVE BEEN CLEARED AND WE HAVE THE NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM IN PLACE, I HOPE THAT ALL CONCERNED WILL WORK TOGETHER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT WHICH THE NEW SYSTEM WILL OFFER," HE SAID.

BY NEXT YEAR, THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE TAKEN OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, AND THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED FACILITIES WOULD GRADUALLY DISAPPEAR. ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS WOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO A SYSTEM WHICH WOULD PERMIT BOTH THE BETTER DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES AND THE ELIMINATION OF OVERCROWDING.

"ONCE BETTER SERVICES ARE IN PLACE, WE CAN CONSIDER A FEE STRUCTURE THAT TAKES MORE ACCOUNT OF THE IMPROVED INCOMES OF SO MANY OF OUR FAMILIES.

"BUT WE WILL STILL HAVE A SYSTEM OF WAIVING CHARGES FOR THOSE UNABLE TO PAY. IT WILL REMAIN A KEY PRINCIPLE THAT NO ONE WILL BE DENIED ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF LACK OF MEANS. AS A RESULT, HOSPITAL SERVICES WILL REMAIN HIGHLY SUBSIDISED BY THE TAXPAYER," SIR DAVID SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE BELIEVED THAT A GROWING NUMBER OF FAMILIES IN THE 1990S WOULD WISH TO USE THEIR INCREASING INCOMES TO PURCHASE THE TYPE OF HEALTH CARE THEY WANTED.

"THEIR ABILITY TO DO SO WILL BE MADE THAT MUCH GREATER BY THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEMES. IN ADDITION, WE CAN EXPECT BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO FIND WAYS TO CATER FOR THIS NEW TYPE OF DEMAND FOR HEALTH CARE,” HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID ONE PROPOSAL NOW BEING CONSIDERED WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF "B-CLASS" WARDS INTO PUBLIC HOSPITALS. THESE WOULD PROVIDE MORE SPACE AND PRIVACY FOR THOSE WHO WERE PREPARED TO PAY FOR A LEVEL OF SERVICE ABOVE THAT OF THE ORDINARY PUBLIC WARDS.

THIS WAS ALL PART OF GIVING PEOPLE A WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WE COULD MOVE FORWARD TO THE SECOND STAGE OF REFORM: THE BETTER PROVISION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.

/"THE AIM .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

17 -

"THE AIM WILL BE TO PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY SERVICE DIRECTED AT THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL. WE NEED TO PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON THE CONTINUITY OF CARE, FROM PREVENTION THROUGH TO CURE, AND ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN HEALTH CARE AND HOSPITAL TREATMENT.

"IMPROVED PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES CAN BRING FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GENERAL STANDARD OF THE COMMUNITY’S HEALTH AND REDUCE THE NEED FOR HOSPITALISATION," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WAS NOW EXAMINING THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF WOMEN, THE YOUNG AND THE ELDERLY.

IT WAS LOOKING AT HOW TO INVOLVE HEALTH CARE WORKERS, TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS IN IMPROVED PROGRAMMES OF HEALTH EDUCATION.

THE WORKING PARTY WAS ALSO STUDYING HOW A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM COULD PROVIDE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, AND HOW TO IMPROVE TRAINING IN FAMILY MEDICINE FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES AT OUTPATIENT CLINICS.

"I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

--------0-----------

IMPROVING SOCIAL WELFARE WITHOUT CREATING DEPENDENCY CULTURE

*****

THE CHALLENGE FOR HONG KONG IS TO IMPROVE OUR SOCIAL SERVICES WITHOUT CREATING THE SORT OF DEPENDENCY CULTURE FOUND IN SOME WESTERN WELFARE STATES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID THE FACT THAT SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFIT LEVELS WERE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO MAINTAIN THEIR REAL PURCHASING POWER SHOWED THE COMMITMENT MADE TO PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL HELP, CARE OR PROTECTION.

"WE HAVE IN PLACE A SAFETY-NET FOR THE NEEDY AND THE VULNERABLE," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WE WOULD NOT BE SATISFIED WITH ACHIEVING SIMPLY A LEVEL OF BASIC PROVISION.

"HONG KONG IS A DYNAMIC AND CONSTANTLY DEVELOPING SOCIETY. FULL EMPLOYMENT MEANS THAT JOBS AND REASONABLE WAGES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIRTUALLY EVERYONE.

/"BUT CHANGING ......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 18 -

"BUT CHANGING LIFE STYLES AND SOCIAL HABITS, CHANGES IN THE POPULATION STRUCTURE AND NEW PRESSURES ON TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE FAMILY CREATE, INEVITABLY, NEW TENSIONS AND STRAINS.

NOTING THAT SOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES COULD NOT COPE WITHOUT OUTSIDE SUPPORT, SIR DAVID SAID: "OUR EXISTING SOCIAL SERVICES ALREADY TAKE CARE OF THE BASIC NEEDS OF THESE PEOPLE.

"INCREASINGLY, THEY NOW TEND TO REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE RATHER THAN FINANCIAL HELP - A SIGNIFICANT BREAK WITH THE PAST IN THE WELFARE FIELD," HE SAID.

ON THE WHITE PAPER ON WELFARE SERVICES WHICH HAD BEEN PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENT WOULD BE ISSUED IN ITS FINAL FORM EARLY NEXT YEAR.

"THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER EMPHASISES THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FAMILY. RIGHTLY SO. THE FAMILY HAS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN PROVIDING CARE, MUTUAL SUPPORT AND EMOTIONAL SECURITY TO ITS MEMBERS.

"CHANGES OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS WILL BRING WITH THEM INCREASING PRESSURES ON THE FABRIC OF OUR SOCIETY. IN SUCH TIMES OF CHANGE, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES TO PRESERVE, STRENGTHEN AND SUPPORT THE FAMILY AS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COMMUNITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE SAID ONE IMPORTANT PROPOSAL WHICH HAD EMERGED IN THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER WAS THE SUGGESTION TO GIVE FAMILIES ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE A CHILD SUPPLEMENT TO HELP TOWARDS THE EXTRA COSTS OF THE FOOD AND RECREATION WHICH EVERY CHILD NEEDED FOR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT.

IN ADDITION, MORE SERVICES IN THE FORM OF DAY CARE CENTRES, AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMMES AND HOME HELP SERVICES WOULD BE NEEDED TO EASE THE BURDEN UPON THE INCREASING NUMBER OF FAMILIES WHERE BOTH PARENTS WERE AT WORK.

SIR DAVID SAID NEXT YEAR WOULD ALSO SEE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEGISLATION TO GIVE CHILDREN BETTER PROTECTION FROM THE RISK OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT.

"LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY AND A LOW BIRTH-RATE ARE NOW PRODUCING AN OLDER SOCIETY. SOME 15 PER CENT OF OUR POPULATION WILL BE OVER THE AGE OF 60 SOON. THIS UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE EXTENDED IN APRIL TO INCLUDE ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS AGED 65 OR ABOVE. IT WOULD THEN BE PAYABLE TO SOME 380,000 PEOPLE - NEARLY SEVEN PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.

"AS THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER MAKES CLEAR, WE WILL ALSO HAVE TO PROVIDE MORE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND DEVELOP NEW APPROACHES, SUCH AS SELF-SUPPORTING BUT NON-PROFIT-MAKING HOMES.

/"LEGISLATION WILL .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 19 -

"LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ENSURE THAT RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR OLD PEOPLE MEET ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID ANOTHER IMPORTANT GROUP WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WAS THE DISABLED.

"SOME MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE RANGE AND QUALITY OF OUR REHABILITATION SERVICES ARE ALREADY IN HAND. BUT WE NEED NOW TO STAND BACK AND RE-EXAMINE OUR POLICIES IN THIS AREA.

"I HAVE, THEREFORE, ASKED THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO PREPARE A COMPREHENSIVE GREEN PAPER, RECOMMENDING THE WAY FORWARD FOR OUR POLICY ON ASSISTANCE TO THE DISABLED IN THE 1990S.

"IN DOING SO, WE SHOULD AVOID PRECONCEIVED IDEAS ABOUT THE ABILITIES OF HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. WE MUST ACCEPT A RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK WITH THEM TO HELP THEM LEAD LIVES AS DIGNIFIED AND FULFILLING AS THE ABLE-BODIED," HE SAID.

-----0-----

PADS VITAL TO HK’S RAPID GROWTH IN THE NEXT CENTURY

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) WILL GIVE HONG KONG THE AIRPORT AND PORT FACILITIES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ITS RAPID GROWTH AS A MAJOR BUSINESS CENTRE IN THE NEXT CENTURY.

BRINGING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS UP-TO-DATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PADS AND THE OTHER AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNDERTAKING IN THE 1990S, SIR DAVID SAID FIRST HE SHOULD LIKE TO DISPEL SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE NATURE OF PADS AND ITS LONG TERM COSTS AND BENEFITS.

HE SAID THE PADS WAS NOT A SINGLE PROJECT. IT WAS A COORDINATED PACKAGE OF PROJECTS WHICH WOULD TRANSFORM OUR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE OVER THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND.

"THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT THAT THESE PROJECTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY.

"NATURALLY THEY ARE EXPENSIVE. SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WILL BE NECESSARY," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID WE WOULD ALSO HAVE TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT AND MEDIUM-TERM COMMITMENTS AND THESE LARGE CAPITAL PROJECTS, WHOSE BENEFITS WOULD NOT BE FELT UNTIL THE LATTER PART OF THE 1990S.

/"NEVERTHELESS, THERE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 20 -

"NEVERTHELESS, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT, PROPERLY MANAGED, THESE PROJECTS ARE WITHIN OUR FINANCIAL CAPABILITY," HE STRESSED.

THE GOVERNOR SAID BY ANY MEASURE, PADS OFFERED EXCELLENT FUTURE RETURNS AS A SOUND INVESTMENT.

IN THE MEDIUM TERM, THE MOST OBVIOUS BENEFIT WOULD BE THE NEW LAND WHICH IT WOULD OPEN UP FOR DEVELOPMENT.

ON THE NORTH LANTAU COAST, SOME 200 HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE FORMED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE APPROACHES TO THE NEW AIRPORT.

THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION WOULD GIVE US ABOUT ANOTHER 70 HECTARES OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION, ONCE THE NEW AIRPORT WAS BUILT, THE 270 HECTARE SITE OF THE PRESENT KAI TAK AIRPORT WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT, AND THE WAY WOULD BE OPEN FOR RECLAIMING OVER 300 HECTARES OF NEW LAND IN KOWLOON BAY.

"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ONLY THE AREAS I HAVE JUST MENTIONED, THIS MEANS THAT THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT ALONE WILL CREATE A POTENTIAL REVENUE FROM LAND SALES OF NEARLY $40 BILLION AT PRESENT DAY PRICES.

"FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR RE-DEVELOPMENT WILL RESULT FROM THE REMOVAL, IN DUE COURSE, OF HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN KOWLOON AFTER THE CLOSURE OF KAI TAK," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

-----0------

AIRPORT PROJECT PROVIDES CORNERSTONE OF PROSPERITY OF HKSAR

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE HOPES TO SEE CHINA’S SUPPORT FOR THE AIRPORT PROJECT WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE CORNERSTONE OF THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.

"THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH JUST AFFECTS HONG KONG. THE NEW AIRPORT WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH CHINA IN GENERAL AND GUANGDONG IN PARTICULAR," SIR DAVID SAID.

IN TURN, ECONOMIC EXPANSION IN SOUTH CHINA WOULD GENERATE MORE THAN ENOUGH BUSINESS FOR THE OTHER EXISTING AND PROPOSED AIRPORTS IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG.

"WE HAVE PROVIDED THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WITH COMPREHENSIVE DETAILS OF OUR PLANS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS THESE PLANS ARE UPDATED," SIR DAVID SAID.

/HE STRESSED.......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, iy9O

- 21 -

HE STRESSED THAT WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINED BY INADEQUATE AIRPORT CAPACITY.

"THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A QUESTION OF CONVENIENCE FOR TRAVELLERS. IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS ROLE AS THE REGION’S KEY FINANCIAL, TRADING AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE, WE MUST BE ABLE TO MOVE INCREASING VOLUMES OF PASSENGER AND CARGO TRAFFIC QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID SINCE HIS ANNOUNCEMENT LAST OCTOBER OF THE APPROACH WE WOULD TAKE TO PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, THE CASE FOR BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK HAD BECOME EVEN MORE COMPELLING.

"OUR EARLIER FORECASTS OF GROWTH IN TRAFFIC AT KAI TAK HAVE PROVED TOO CONSERVATIVE. OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS USING THE PRESENT AIRPORT HAS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT AND THE NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS BY 12 PER CENT.

"AT THIS RATE, KAI TAK WILL REACH SATURATION POINT BY 1994.

"LAST YEAR, 16 MILLION AIR PASSENGERS LANDED OR TOOK OFF FROM KAI TAK. IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS, KAI TAK IS NOW THE SIXTH BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD. IT IS THE FOURTH BUSIEST IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT.

"ACCORDING TO OUR PRESENT PROJECTIONS, BY THE YEAR 2000, HONG KONG WILL NEED TO HANDLE SOME 32 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR, OR AN AVERAGE OF OVER 80,000 PASSENGERS EVERY DAY OF OPERATION," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR CAUTIONED THAT FAILURE TO MOVE AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD MEAN POSTPONING OUR PLANS FOR CONTINUING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

"WITHOUT A NEW AIRPORT, THE AIR TRANSPORT AND TOURIST SECTORS WOULD OBVIOUSLY LOSE SUBSTANTIAL EARNINGS.

"AND, OF COURSE, THE REST OF THE ECONOMY WOULD FACE A LOSS OF ’ BUSINESS: BUSINESS WHICH WOULD BE QUICKLY SNAPPED UP BY OUR RIVALS.

"IN THE END, WE WOULD FIND IT HARD TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE, AND BOTH PROFITS AND WAGES WOULD BE PUT AT RISK," HE SAID.

THE NEW AIRPORT AUTHORITY WOULD COME INTO EXISTENCE NEXT YEAR, AND IN THE MEANTIME, THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WAS HARD AT WORK AND HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

IN JULY, IT APPOINTED CONSULTANTS TO DRAW UP THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN, TO CARRY OUT AN ENGINEERING DESIGN WORK, AND TO ASSESS THE IMPACT THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

SIR DAVID SAID THE CONSULTANTS HAD FINISHED THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MASTER PLAN, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ALIGNMENT OF THE TWO RUNWAYS.

/THE PROVISIONAL .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 22 -

THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WOULD SOON TAKE DECISIONS ON THE OVERALL LAYOUT OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE CONSULTANTS WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR DETAILED DESIGN WORK.

"THIS WILL BE FINISHED BY NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR. I EXPECT THE MAIN SITE FORMATION WORKS FOR THE AIRPORT TO BEGIN IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1991,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE PRESENT ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF THE NEW AIRPORT WAS APPROXIMATELY $38 BILLION AT TODAY’S PRICES, EXCLUDING ITS RELATED TRANSPORT LINKS AND OTHER SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE.

"CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO ADVISE HOW BEST TO HANDLE THE FINANCING OF THIS MAJOR INVESTMENT.

"BY JUNE NEXT YEAR, THEY WILL HAVE MADE DETAILED

RECOMMENDATIONS ON AN EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL STRATEGY.

"A CRUCIAL PART OF THEIR BRIEF IS TO DEVELOP PLANS FOR COOPERATING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRPORT IS NOT ONLY COMMERCIALLY VIABLE, BUT ALSO MAKES THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.

TO SUM UP, SIR DAVID SAID, LAST OCTOBER HE ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BUILD A NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THIS DECISION FOLLOWED DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS OVER MANY YEARS.

"1990 HAS SEEN THE LAYING OF THE VITAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE PROJECT, WITH EXPERTS AT WORK ON THE FINANCIAL PACKAGES, AS WELL AS THE ENGINEERING AND OTHER FEASIBILITY STUDIES.

"WE HAVE MADE A GOOD BEGINNING, AND SOME CONTRACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT HAVE ALREADY BEEN LET," HE SAID.

THE FIRST WORK ON THE GROUND WOULD BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR. SOON AFTERWARDS, TENDERS WOULD BE CALLED FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, THE CENTREPIECE IN THE NEW ROAD AND RAIL SYSTEM WHICH WOULD LINK THE AIRPORT TO KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

SIR DAVID SAID PROGRESS WOULD ACCELERATE AS THE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS BEING ASSEMBLED, INCLUDING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY, TOOK UP THEIR POSTS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.

"AND WE STILL HAVE SOME FLEXIBILITY TO TAILOR INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS WITHIN THE TOTAL PROJECT IN RESPONSE TO ADDITIONAL DATA AND FURTHER ANALYSIS BY THE EXPERTS," HE ADDED.

/23........

WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 23 -

HK: A MAJOR TRANS-SHIPMENT CENTRE FOR EAST ASIA IN 2000 *****

HONG KONG WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE NOT ONLY THE MAJOR EXPORT OUTLET FOR HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA, BUT ALSO THE MAJOR TRANSSHIPMENT CENTRE FOR EAST ASIA IN THE YEAR 2000, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE POINTED OUT THAT BY THE END OF THE DECADE, THE FOCUS OF ACTIVITY IN OUR PORT WOULD HAVE SHIFTED TO THE WESTERN HARBOUR.

"NEW CONTAINER AND MULTI-PURPOSE TERMINALS WILL BE DEVELOPED ON A PORT PENINSULA EXTENDING FROM NORTH-EAST LANTAU.

"IN THE YEAR 2000, THE BEST ESTIMATES SUGGEST THAT HONG KONG’S PORT WILL HANDLE NEARLY 200 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO PER YEAR, THAT IS, WELL OVER TWICE THE PRESENT LEVEL," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT SEPARATE FROM THE NEW AIRPORT, BUT CLOSELY LINKED TO IT AS PART OF HONG KONG’S ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, WAS THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PORT FACILITIES.

"AS WITH THE AIRPORT, THIS PROJECT IS VITAL TO OUR CONTINUED PROSPERITY.

"WITH MORE AND MORE OCEAN-GOING SHIPS ENTERING THE PORT, WE MUST PLAN AHEAD TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG KEEPS ITS POSITION AS A KEY COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE FOR BOTH SOUTHERN CHINA AND SOUTH EAST ASIA," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID MOST OF THE PORT EXPANSION WOULD BE FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THIS WAS A WELL PROVEN APPROACH IN HONG KONG.

"THE RECORD SHOWS THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN MAKE A FIRST-RATE JOB OF FINANCING, CONSTRUCTING AND OPERATING THE MAJOR FACILITIES IN OUR PORT," HE SAID.

HE SAID PROGRESS ON TERMINAL SEVEN AT KWAI CHUNG WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE.

THE FIRST PHASE WAS COMPLETED IN THE RECORD TIME OF 19 MONTHS -TWO YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE - AND IT WOULD BE FULLY OPERATIONAL IN TWO WEEKS’ TIME.

THE SITE FOR TERMINAL EIGHT WOULD BE LET FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR AND THE AIM WAS TO HAVE IT READY FOR USE DURING 1993, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT, TOO, HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN PORT DEVELOPMENT.

PART OF THIS WAS TO PROVIDE BREAKWATERS, TYPHOON SHELTERS AND ADDITIONAL LAND FOR CARGO HANDLING AND CONTAINER STORAGE.

/ANOTHER, CRUCIAL, ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

24

ANOTHER, CRUCIAL, ROLE BECAME AVAILABLE AT THE RIGHT

WAS TO ENSURE THAT ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TIME AND IN THE RIGHT PLACES.

"IN CARRYING OUT THIS TASK, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF ADVICE FROM THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD, WHICH STARTED WORK IN AUGUST,” HE POINTED OUT.

THE ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE NEW PORT DEVELOPMENT WAS SOME $55 BILLION AT CURRENT PRICES.

BUT, THE GOVERNOR SAID, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THIS EXPENDITURE WOULD BE COMMITTED IN PHASES, BETWEEN NOW AND THE YEAR 2006, AND THAT THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT WAS EXPECTED TO INDUCE PRIVATE BUSINESS TO INVEST SOME 80 PER CENT OF THE FINANCE REQUIRED.

"THE POLICY IS TO PROVIDE NEW PORT CAPACITY AS SOON AS, BUT NO SOONER THAN, IT IS REQUIRED.

"THIS INCREMENTAL APPROACH MEANS THAT THE DETAILED PHASING OF EXPENDITURE WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENT, SO THAT IT MATCHES THE CHANGING REQUIREMENTS OF THE ECONOMY," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

A BETTER CITY TO LIVE IN BY END OF DECADE *****

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT ARE WELL WITHIN OUR REACH, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

BY THE END OF THE DECADE, HONG KONG’S HOSPITALS WOULD HAVE FEWER PATIENTS WITH LUNG DISEASE, AND THE AIR WE BREATHED WOULD BE CLEANER, SIR DAVID SAID.

WITH THE WIDESPREAD USE OF UNLEADED PETROL AND THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF DIESEL-ENGINE VEHICLES, THERE WOULD BE FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION.

"MORE PEOPLE WILL ENJOY A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, UNINTERRUPTED BY NOISE FROM PILE-DRIVERS, MACHINERY OR AIRCRAFT LANDING AND TAKING OFF.

"CLEANER BEACHES WILL ATTRACT MORE VISITORS. OUR COUNTRY PARKS WILL REMAIN INTACT, INCLUDING THOSE IN SAI KUNG, PAT SIN AND SOUTH AND WEST LANTAU, AS WELL AS THE INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS BIRD SANCTUARY AT MAI PO," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID EVEN OUR MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD HAVE THE CAPACITY TO IMPROVE RATHER THAN DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT, BECAUSE THEY PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LESS OVERCROWDING AND BETTER URBAN PLANNING.

/IN THE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 25 -

IN THE YEAR 2000, THE GOVERNOR SAID, THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE IN OPERATION, WITH ROAD AND RAIL LINKS TO TSING YI AND KOWLOON VIA A STRING OF BRIDGES AND TUNNELS.

"THE KOWLOON PENINSULA WILL HAVE EXPANDED IN SIZE BY A THIRD AS A RESULT OF RECLAMATION IN THE WEST.

"IN THE AREA SURROUNDING THE OLD KAI TAK RUNWAY, RECLAMATION EQUIVALENT TO ALMOST THE ENTIRE SIZE OF KOWLOON TODAY WILL BE NEARING COMPLETION," HE SAID.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIR DAVID SAID, THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED BY ITS EXPANSION ONTO THE NEW HARBOUR RECLAMATION.

NEW AND WELL-DESIGNED TOWNS WOULD BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TUNG CHUNG AND TAI HO ON LANTAU.

"IN CARRYING OUT THESE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLANS, BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY MUST CONTINUE TO PAY ATTENTION TO OUR ENVIRONMENT," SIR DAVID STRESSED.

"HERE AGAIN, THERE ARE HARD CHOICES TO BE MADE. WE CANNOT SHY AWAY FROM DEVELOPMENT IN AN ATTEMPT TO PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO. THAT WOULD BE STAGNATION. NOR CAN WE PRESS AHEAD REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES. THAT WOULD BE WANTON DESTRUCTION," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID LAST YEAR’S WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION FORMED THE BASIS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

"WE ARE ALREADY OPERATING THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE; AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR LOWER SULPHUR CONTENT FUEL, INTRODUCED IN JULY, HAS RESULTED IN A DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN AIR QUALITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

"THE AVERAGE LEVEL OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE AIR WE BREATHE HAS FALLEN BY OVER 40 PER CENT TERRITORY-WIDE, AND BY AS MUCH AS 80 PER CENT IN SOME AREAS.

"BY EARLY NEXT YEAR, WHEN WE INTRODUCE UNLEADED PETROL AND TAKE OTHER MEASURES TO DEAL WITH SMOKY VEHICLES, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK FORWARD TO STILL CLEANER AIR," HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNOR SAID, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAMME WAS BEGINNING TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY AT OUR BEACHES.

THE NUMBER OF BEACHES CLOSED BECAUSE OF UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF POLLUTION HAD BEEN HALVED THIS YEAR TO THREE.

"BUT WE HAVE STILL A LONG WAY TO GO. THE NEXT STAGE IS TO STRENGTHEN THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.

"THIS WILL HAPPEN IN DECEMBER, WHEN AMENDMENTS ALREADY PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL WILL TAKE EFFECT," HE SAID.

/AS A .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 26 -

AS A RESULT, SIR DAVID SAID, SOME 11,000 FACTORIES WOULD HAVE TO ADOPT MORE STRINGENT ANTI-POLLUTION STANDARDS, SETTING UP TREATMENT FACILITIES WHERE THESE WERE NECESSARY.

THESE AMENDMENTS ALSO REMOVED PREVIOUSLY PERMITTED EXEMPTIONS, WHICH VIRTUALLY AMOUNTED TO A LICENCE TO POLLUTE.

’’BUT THAT WILL NOT BE THE END OF THE STORY. FURTHER AMENDMENTS WILL BE PUT TO THIS COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.

"WE MUST ALSO PRESS ON WITH OUR $14 BILLION SEWAGE PROGRAMME. SITE INVESTIGATION AND ENGINEERING STUDIES FOR THIS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN.

"ALL THESE MEASURES WILL IMPROVE DRAMATICALLY THE QUALITY OF WATER IN OUR NULLAHS AND STREAMS AND, MOST NOTABLY, IN OUR HARBOUR," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT LEGISLATION WAS ONLY PART OF OUR EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE COMMISSIONING IN APRIL OF HONG KONG’S FIRST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION AT KOWLOON BAY HAD MADE IT POSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL.

WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR WOULD HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN - WELCOME NEWS TO THOSE LIVING NEARBY.

HE SAID TENDERS WERE BEING EVALUATED FOR A SECOND TRANSFER STATION; A THIRD WAS BEING PLANNED; AND A CONTRACT FOR A CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE WAS DUE TO BE SIGNED SHORTLY.

"NOR HAVE WE LOST SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT POLLUTION IS NO RESPECTER OF BORDERS.

"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP IN JULY SHOWS YET AGAIN THE IMPORTANCE WE ATTACH TO CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA ON SPECIFIC ISSUES WHICH AFFECT US-BOTH," SIR DAVID SAID.

ENCOURAGING AS THESE DEVELOPMENTS WERE, SIR DAVID SAID, THERE WAS MUCH MORE STILL TO BE DONE.

"I HOPE THAT NOT ONLY THE GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO OUR MAJOR TRADING AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART AND SHOW THEIR DETERMINATION TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.

"THE ADOPTION OF RECYCLING SCHEMES BY COMPANIES AND HOUSING ESTATES IS A SIGN THAT THE COMMUNITY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONSCIOUS OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID ONE WELCOME MOVE WAS THE OPENING IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR OF A CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRY AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, FUNDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

--------0----------

/27.........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 27 -

FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN DEVELOPMENT OF GOVT SYSTEM *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.

SIR DAVID TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WAS A PRODUCT OF OUR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES: OUR STATUS AS A NON-SOVEREIGN TERRITORY; OUR SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA; THE REQUIREMENTS OF OUR ECONOMY; AND THE INCREASING POLITICAL AWARENESS OF OUR POPULATION.

"OUR SYSTEM HAS EVOLVED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS AND POSITION OF HONG KONG. THE NEXT STAGE IN THIS EVOLUTION WILL BE THREE SETS OF ELECTIONS IN 1991," HE SAID.

"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY RESPOND POSITIVELY. WE NEED CANDIDATES OF HIGH CALIBRE, REPRESENTING A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTS.

"TAKING PART IN ELECTIONS MEANS BEING PREPARED NOT JUST TO WIN, BUT TO LOSE AS WELL. THERE IS NO DISHONOUR IN THAT," HE SAID.

APPEALING THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHT TO VOTE, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR FULL AND PROPER CONTRIBUTION TO SHAPING HONG KONG'S FUTURE ONLY IF THEY ACCEPT A PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENTHUSIASTIC AND WELL-INFORMED PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MANY PEOPLE WERE STILL UNINTERESTED IN POLITICS AND PREFERRED TO BE LEFT TO GET ON WITH WHAT THEY DID BEST -HELPING THEIR FAMILIES TO ACHIEVE A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING.

"THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL IN THIS, NOR IS IT UNIQUE TO HONG KONG. BUT WE MUST ENCOURAGE SUCH PEOPLE - WE MUST ENCOURAGE ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY - TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO WILL SPEAK ON THEIR BEHALF.

"EQUALLY, OUR POLITICIANS MUST BE PREPARED TO FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK - NOT JUST THOSE WHO MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT, BUT • THOSE WHO KEEP QUIET AS WELL - AND PROVIDE LEADERSHIP WHICH MEETS THE OVERALL NEEDS OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT.

"OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP WILL BE REDUCED TO THE THREE EX OFFICIO MEMBERS. THERE WILL BE A SUBSTANTIAL ELECTED MAJORITY.

"THE COMMUNITY WILL LOOK TO MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL TO PLAY A GREATER PART IN THE CONDUCT OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. THIS IS A NATURAL AND WELCOME DEVELOPMENT.

/"INEVITABLY, THESE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 28 -

"INEVITABLY, THESE CHANGES WILL HAVE THEIR IMPACT ON THE DAY-TO-DAY WORKINGS OF THE COUNCIL. WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AGAIN AT SOME OF OUR RULES OF PROCEDURE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CHANGES WOULD ALSO AFFECT THE WAY THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WORKED WITH THIS COUNCIL IN DEALING WITH THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT.

"AS OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT EVOLVES AND BECOMES MORE COMPLEX, WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE KEY PARTS OF THAT SYSTEM REMAIN EFFECTIVE AS WELL AS RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE TERRITORY," SIR DAVID SAID.

- - 0---------

WELL-MOTIVATED AND COMMITTED CIVIL SERVICE ESSENTIAL TO HK SUCCESS: GOVERNOR *****

A WELL-MOTIVATED AND COMMITTED CIVIL SERVICE IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG IN THE 1990S AND BEYOND, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS ALSO A NEED TO PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CIVIL SERVICE MORALE.

"THIS GOES BEYOND MAINTAINING A FAIR SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

"I AM, FOR EXAMPLE, CONSCIOUS OF THE CONCERNS WHICH MANY CIVIL SERVANTS EXPRESS ABOUT THE SECURITY OF THEIR PENSIONS. WE BELIEVE THAT PENSIONS ARE SECURE: THEY ARE NOW A STATUTORY RIGHT AND THERE ARE FIRM COMMITMENTS TO THEIR PAYMENT IN BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.

"NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER MEASURES WHICH MIGHT BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS STAFF WORRIES. BUT I MUST CAUTION THAT ANY CHANGES WHICH REQUIRE SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE IN THE SHORT TERM," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID CIVIL SERVANTS’ ATTITUDES AND ASPIRATIONS HAD CHANGED, AS THEY HAD IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

"THE GOVERNMENT, AS AN EMPLOYER, MUST RESPOND TO THIS situa:ion.

"WE MUST LOOK FOR NEW WAYS BOTH TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN STAFF. FOR ITS PART, THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN ITS IMPARTIALITY AND KEEP UP ITS FINE TRADITION OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. THE COMMUNITY, RIGHTLY, EXPECTS A GOOD DEAL OF ITS CIVIL SERVICE. SO DOES THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.

!(

/THE GOVERNOR .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 29 -

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE TOO WOULD FACE ADJUSTMENTS AS A RESULT OF NEXT YEAR’S CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM.

"BUT THE NEED TO MAINTAIN CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN THIS COUNCIL AND THE ADMINISTRATION WILL REMAIN.

"IT WILL, IF ANYTHING, BE GREATER. AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST DRAW A CLEAR DISTINCTION BETWEEN POLITICIANS AND CIVIL SERVANTS.

"AS OUR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS EVOLVE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL. THE SERVICE EXISTS TO SERVE THE OVERALL INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. IT MUST NOT BE IDENTIFIED WITH SECTORAL INTERESTS," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE REITERATED THAT THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD REMAIN VIRTUALLY STATIC NEXT YEAR. "AS WE ENTER A PERIOD OF MINIMAL GROWTH IN NUMBERS, WE NEED TO LOOK AT WAYS OF INCREASING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THOSE INVOLVED IF THE LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IS TO BE MAINTAINED."

"OUR CIVIL SERVANTS ALREADY PERFORM WELL BY ANY STANDARDS, IN TERMS OF THEIR INTEGRITY, COMPETENCE, COMMITMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM. TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN THIS CONTEXT WILL BE NO EASY TASK,," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO LOOK FIRST TO THE QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT. "WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH WAYS TO GIVE DEPARTMENTS THE INCENTIVE TO BECOME MORE EFFICIENT, AND TO GIVE POLICY SECRETARIES INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN THEIR POLICY AREAS.

"WE HAVE ALSO IDENTIFIED SCOPE FOR DEVOLUTION OF CENTRAL AUTHORITY TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE," HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR SAID ONE STEP WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN WAS THE DELEGATION TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE AUTHORITY TO DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ON ALL APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS BELOW DIRECTORATE LEVEL.

"THERE ARE FURTHER PLANS FOR DEVOLUTION, INCLUDING GIVING HEADS OF DEPARTMENT THE FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF THEIR STAFF.

"AT THE SENIOR LEVEL, CIVIL SERVANTS MUST NO*T ONLY HAVE DEDICATION, INTEGRITY AND BALANCED JUDGEMENT: THEY MUST'ALSO BE GOOD AT THE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES AND PEOPLE, AND THEIR PERFORMANCE WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDINGLY," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE APPLICATION OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND TO COMPENSATE FOR LABOUR SHORTAGES WOULD BE CRUCIAL.

/"THIS IS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 30 -

"THIS IS AN AREA WHERE THE GOVERNMENT HAS MUCH TO LEARN FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR. INVESTMENTS IN UPGRADING ESSENTIAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT WILL ENABLE THE CIVIL SERVICE TO ACHIEVE THE PRODUCTIVITY GAINS WHICH ARE NECESSARY IF WE ARE TO MEET NEW STANDARDS AND MAINTAIN STANDARDS AT A TIME OF MINIMAL GROWTH IN MANPOWER.

"COMPUTERISATION IS NOW AN INTEGRAL PART OF LONG-TERM PLANNING IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. AND MORE CIVIL SERVANTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS WILL BE TRAINED IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

--------0-----------

CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA FUNDAMENTAL TO FUTURE WELL-BEING ♦ * ♦ ♦ «

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT AS WE GET NEARER TO 1997, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASING NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS WELL INFORMED ON IMPORTANT MATTERS OF POLICY WHICH WILL EXTEND BEYOND 1997.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE AMBITIOUS SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PROGRAMMES WHICH HE HAD DESCRIBED EARLIER IN HIS POLICY SPEECH WERE BEING UNDERTAKEN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY.

"IN OUR EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, THERE ARE STILL, INEVITABLY, STRESSES AND STRAINS WHICH CAN ONLY BE OVERCOME BY MUTUAL EFFORT AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING," SIR DAVID SAID.

"ONE THING IS CLEAR. A CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG, BOTH BEFORE 1997 AND AFTER. NEGLECTING THIS TRUTH, OR MAKING NO ATTEMPT TO FOSTER SUCH A RELATIONSHIP, WOULD DO NO SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE STRESSED.

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT - AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - HAD . THEREFORE TRIED OVER THE PAST YEAR TO DISPEL MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND TO IMPROVE OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH PEKING, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

"MY OWN VISIT TO PEKING IN JANUARY WAS PART OF THIS PROCESS. MR. MAUDE’S VISIT IN JULY PROVIDED A FURTHER VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR CHINESE LEADERS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TRIED TO CONVINCE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT ACTIONS TAKEN OVER THE PAST YEAR ABOUT WHICH THEY HAD EXPRESSED DOUBT - FOR INSTANCE, THE BRITISH NATIONALITY PACKAGE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS - HAD BEEN PART OF A SINCERE EFFORT TO BOLSTER HONG KONG SO THAT IT WOULD HAVE THE STRENGTH TO PROSPER AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 1997.

/•'SIMILARLY OUR.........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 31 -

’’SIMILARLY OUR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANS, SUCH AS THE BUILDING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE EXPANSION OF THE PORT, ARE PART OF THE LONG-TERM EXPANSION WHICH MUST BE STARTED NOW IF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IS TO BE GIVEN THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SUCCESS,” SIR DAVID SAID.

NOTING THAT THE WORKING ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN OURSELVES AND CHINA HAD IMPROVED DURING THE YEAR, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP MET IN SEPTEMBER AND MADE PROGRESS ON SOME OF THE MATTERS IT WAS HANDLING.

"IT HAS A GREAT DEAL OF IMPORTANT WORK STILL TO DO IN THE YEARS AHEAD. FOLLOWING THE UNDERSTANDING REACHED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHICH WILL ALLOW THE 1995 LEGISLATURE TO CONTINUE BEYOND 1997, WE NOW NEED TO PLAN FOR THE CONTINUITY OF DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION.

"THERE ARE MANY COMPLEX LEGAL MATTERS TO BE SORTED OUT -INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AFFECTING HONG KONG, THE LOCALISATION OF LAWS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEY ELEMENTS OF ITS ECONOMIC LIFE," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE CONTINUITY OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WAS ANOTHER AREA OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997.

"WE NEED TO GET IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING IN HONG KONG OUR OWN COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. SO THERE IS MUCH TO DO, AND A NEED TO TACKLE IT QUICKLY, PRAGMATICALLY AND EFFICIENTLY," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID FOR CHINESE LEADERS TO HAVE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF HOW HONG KONG WORKED, WHAT OUR KEY PRIORITIES WERE AND HOW WE WENT ABOUT TAKING DECISIONS, WOULD BE HELPFUL TO HONG KONG BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997.

"AN INCREASE IN THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION IN THIS WAY SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS GIVING THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT A VETO OVER DECISIONS WHICH ARE PROPERLY FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO TAKE. THEY HAVE NOT SOUGHT THIS; NOR WOULD I EXPECT THEM TO DO SO," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENSIVE AUTONOMY IN MANY FIELDS WHICH HONG KONG NOW ENJOYED WAS OF LONG STANDING, AND ITS’ CONTINUATION AFTER 1997 WAS GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND PROVIDED FOR IN THE BASIC LAW.

"MEANWHILE, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION TO GIVE ITS CO-OPERATION TO BRITAIN IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG UP TO THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. IT IS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WE AIM TO IMPROVE CONSULTATION, ACHIEVE A GREATER EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND BUILD UP BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON BOTH SIDES," SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.

HE SAID THAT HONG KONG ALREADY HAD EXTENSIVE CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AT THE WORKING LEVEL ON SPECIFIC MATTERS SUCH AS CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC, CONTROL OF SMUGGLING AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, POLLUTION CONTROL AND HEALTH.

/"THESE EXCHANGES -------

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 32 -

"THESE EXCHANGES MEAN THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF HONG KONG OFFICIALS HAVE FREQUENT CONTACT WITH THEIR CHINESE COUNTERPARTS. THIS IS A RELATIVELY NEW BUT IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT.

"SO FAR THIS YEAR, OVER 60 OFFICIAL VISITS HAVE BEEN MADE BY HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS TO VARIOUS PARTS OF CHINA. I HOPE TO SEE MORE SUCH CONTACTS IN THE COMING YEAR, AND ALSO TO SEE MORE CHINESE OFFICIALS VISITING HONG KONG.

"WE NEED, IN ADDITION, TO MAKE MEMBERS OF OUR CIVIL SERVICE BETTER-INFORMED ABOUT CHINA. WE WILL, THEREFORE, DEVELOP OUR PRESENT CHINA TRAINING PROGRAMME SO THAT CIVIL SERVANTS, AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AND WITH DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES, CAN BECOME MORE FAMILIAR WITH CHINA AND THE WAY IN WHICH CHINA OPERATES.

"I BELIEVE THAT GREATER FAMILIARITY, AND MORE PERSONAL CONTACT AT ALL LEVELS, WILL HELP US TO HANDLE DIFFERENCES OF OPINION, WHEN THEY OCCUR, IN A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE WAY," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT, ABOVE ALL, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. CHINA WAS OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO OUR GDP GROWTH.

THE FLOW OF CAPITAL, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCIAL EXPERTISE FROM HONG KONG INTO GUANGDONG, AS WELL AS OTHER PARTS OF SOUTHERN CHINA, WAS A LONG-TERM FEATURE OF OUR ECONOMY. SO WAS THE FLOW OF GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS FROM CHINA TO HERE.

"IN 1989, NO LESS THAN 14,000 HONG KONG-BASED FACTORIES EMPLOYED SOME TWO MILLION WORKERS IN SOUTHERN CHINA. THIS HAS NOT ONLY STRENGTHENED OUR PRODUCTION BASE, BUT HAS ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN BRINGING ABOUT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE IN OUR TOTAL CHINA TRADE OF 30 PER CENT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

"THE SOUTHERN COASTAL BELT OF CHINA, AND THE PEARL RIVER DELTA IN PARTICULAR, IS SET TO BE AN AREA OF SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR THE NEXT TWO OR THREE DECADES. HONG KONG MUST BE READY AND ABLE TO PLAY A MAJOR PART IN THIS PROCESS," HE SAID.

/33 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 33 -

LINKS WITH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THE LINKS WITH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG IS IMPORTANT, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE INVESTMENT THEY BRING INTO THE TERRITORY, BUT BECAUSE HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO DEPEND IN THE 1990S ON ITS ABILITY TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO THE FLUCTUATING DEMANDS OF WORLDWIDE MARKETS.

"THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE CAN AFFORD TO NEGLECT OUR TRADITIONAL TRADING PARTNERS, SUCH AS THE UNITED STATES. BUT IT DOES MEAN THAT WE MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS EMERGING, NOT ONLY IN CHINA, BUT AROUND THE WORLD," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT ECONOMICALLY, HONG KONG HAD A GLOBAL, AS WELL AS A REGIONAL, ROLE TO PLAY.

HE SAID THAT THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMITTEE SET UP LAST YEAR UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS MORE THAN JUST A SYMBOL OF THE KEY ROLE WHICH OVERSEAS INVESTORS AND COMPANIES WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY IN HONG KONG.

"IT BRINGS TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE FOREIGN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN A HIGH-LEVEL FORUM WHERE MAJOR PRACTICAL ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE OVERSEAS COMMUNITY CAN BE DISCUSSED.

"THIS COMMUNITY IS GROWING FAST. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES BASED IN HONG KONG HAS INCREASED FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS AT THE RATE OF NEARLY 60 PER YEAR. THIS IS A NET FIGURE: NEW ARRIVALS FAR MORE THAN COMPENSATE FOR THE FEW, OVER-PUBLICISED CASES OF COMPANIES DECIDING TO LEAVE," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID IN 1992, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY WOULD ESTABLISH THE SINGLE EUROPEAN MARKET AND REMOVE ALL INTERNAL BARRIERS.

"THIS MARKET HAS A TOTAL OF 320 MILLION CONSUMERS, AND ALREADY ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF WORLD TRADE. THE TRANSFORMED POLITICAL CLIMATE IN EASTERN EUROPE WILL ALSO GIVE OUR EXPORTERS NEW, LONG-TERM BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

"AND, ABOVE ALL, WE MUST LOOK TO THE EXPANDING ECONOMIES OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AS MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS - AS WELL AS RIVALS. IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 60 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL TRADE WAS WITH COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION, AND THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES OUTPACED THOSE TO ALL OTHER AREAS.

"SELLING OUR PRODUCTS IN ALL THESE FAST-DEVELOPING MARKETS WILL REQUIRE NEW SKILLS AND EVEN GREATER ADAPTABILITY. THE COMPETITION, PARTICULARLY IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, WILL BE FIERCE. THE POTENTIAL REWARDS ARE CORRESPONDINGLY GREAT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

/34 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 34 -

1990S WILL BE DECADE OF STEADY PROGRESS *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT 1990 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION, AND THE 1990S WILL BE A DECADE OF STEADY PROGRESS.

"WE FACE THE IMMEDIATE PROSPECT OF A TOUGHER TRADING ENVIRONMENT AND HIGHER COSTS AND PRICES. WE HAVE FACED DIFFICULT TIMES BEFORE. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK AND TO DO SO QUICKER THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD. WE MUST PUT OURSELVES IN A POSITION WHERE WE CAN DO THAT AGAIN," SIR DAVID SAID IN CONCLUDING HIS POLICY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE RETAIN OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN WORLD MARKETS. TO DO SO, WE MUST MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF WAGE AND PRICE INCREASES.

"IN A FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY, THIS MEANS ALLOWING MARKET MECHANISMS TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY. PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MUST REMAIN UNDER TIGHT CONTROL, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT THOSE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES HAD BEGUN LAST YEAR WHICH WOULD TRANSFORM OUR INFRASTRUCTURE; UPGRADE OUR SOCIAL SERVICES; AND MODERNISE OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM.

"WE HAVE NOT BEEN INTIMIDATED BY THESE CHALLENGES. TODAY I HAVE REPORTED ON A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARDS OUR OBJECTIVES," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID WORK ON THE NEW AIRPORT, EXPANSION OF THE PORT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RELATED TRANSPORT LINKS WAS WELL UNDERWAY.

"WE STILL HAVE SOME HARD DECISIONS TO MAKE, AND MANY OF THE DETAILS HAVE YET TO BE SETTLED. NEVERTHELESS, THESE PROJECTS ARE ESSENTIAL INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND WE SHOULD BE CLEAR IN, OUR DETERMINATION TO SEE THEM CARRIED OUT," HE SAID.

ON SOCIAL SERVICES, HE SAID: "IN THE NEXT DECADE, THERE WILL BE MAJOR ADVANCES IN THE QUALITY AND RANGE OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICES, ON WHICH THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ORDINARY HONG KONG FAMILIES DEPENDS. WE HAVE MOVED INTO A NEW PHASE."

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICES WOULD REMAIN, AND STANDARDS WOULD IMPROVE. PROTECTION OF THE VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WOULD REMAIN A PRIORITY, BUT WE HAD NO INTENTION OF MOVING TOWARDS A STATE WELFARE SYSTEM WHICH CARRIED THE INEVITABLE RISK OF UNDERMINING THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY AND CREATING DEPENDENCE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

"IN OUR NEXT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, SERVICES WILL BE UPGRADED. THERE WILL BE A MUCH WIDER CHOICE. NO-ONE WILL BE DEPRIVED OF OUR HIGHER LEVEL OF STANDARD SERVICES THROUGH LACK OF MEANS.

/"BUT THOSE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 35 -

"BUT THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD TO WILL BE ASKED TO PAY MORE FOR THE STANDARD SERVICES THEY RECEIVE, AND THEY WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO CHOOSE, AND PAY FOR, ADDITIONAL SERVICES BEYOND THE BASIC LEVEL,”

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE ESSENCE OF THE HONG KONG WAY OF LIFE WAS THE INDIVIDUAL’S ABILITY TO TAKE DECISIONS AND TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY.

"THIS WILL BE THE DECADE OF GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE. POLITICALLY, WE HAVE REACHED THE POINT WHERE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST ASSUME GREATER RESPONSIBILITY. THE THREE SETS OF ELECTIONS IN 1991 ARE THE NEXT STAGE IN THE EVOLUTION OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM.

"NOW IS THE TIME FOR HONG KONG TO DEVELOP ITS OWN LEADERS: TO FIND HONG KONG SOLUTIONS TO HONG KONG PROBLEMS," SIR DAVID SAID.

"WE ARE NOW DEVELOPING THE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE UPON WHICH OUR PROSPERITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE WILL DEPEND IN THE YEAR 2000.

"WE WILL NOT BE KNOCKED OFF COURSE BY SHORT-TERM DIFFICULTIES. NOR MUST WE BE PARALYSED BY SELF-DOUBT.

"WE ARE DETERMINED TO REACH OUR GOALS, BECAUSE WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THEY ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG FAMILIES WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY."

SIR DAVID SAID WE SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OURSELVES, AND GET ACROSS THAT MESSAGE OF CONFIDENCE TO OTHERS, SO THAT THEY TOO HAD CONFIDENCE IN US.

"THE PAST EFFORTS AND GOOD SENSE OF OUR COMMUNITY HAVE CREATED A CITY OF WHICH WE CAN BE TRULY PROUD.

"THAT RECORD SHOULD GIVE US THE STRENGTH TO BE AMBITIOUS IN OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE - THE VISION OF A HONG KONG THAT IS CONFIDENT NOT ONLY IN ITS UNIQUE ROLE AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WORLD, BUT ALSO AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE AND A DECENT HOME FOR ITS PEOPLE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

--------0-----------

GOVERNOR DELIVERS POLICY SUMMARY

*****

THE FOLLOWING IS THE SUMMARY DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ON HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH WAS TAPED FOR BROADCAST ON RADIO AND TELEVISION THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

TODAY, I WAS GIVING MY ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AND NOW I’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME OF WHAT I HAD TO SAY THEN. IT’S CLEAR THAT WE FACE THREE MAJOR IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES:

/FIRST, WE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 36 -

FIRST, WE HAVE TO GO ON EXPANDING OUR ECONOMY AND WINNING NEW BUSINESS OVERSEAS; AND WE’VE GOT TO DO THAT DESPITE THE STRAINS CAUSED BY THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS;

AND THEN NEXT YEAR, WE MUST ORGANISE AND WE’VE GOT TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF OUR FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

AND LASTLY, WE ARE DUE TO START WORK ON OUR NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER KEY DEVELOPMENTS WE NEED TO TAKE HONG KONG - A GENUINELY PROSPEROUS HONG KONG - INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

CONTINUED ECONOMIC SUCCESS HAS GOT TO COME FIRST. AFTER ALL, IT’S FUNDAMENTAL TO EVERYTHING ELSE WE WANT TO ACHIEVE. FOR BOTH FAMILIES AND GOVERNMENTS, IT’S A SIMPLE ENOUGH TRUTH - YOU CAN’T DO WHAT YOU WANT WITHOUT HAVING THE MONEY TO PAY FOR IT. WE HAVE TO BE COMPETITIVE. WE CAN ONLY BE COMPETITIVE IF WE STICK TO WELLS-TRIED HONG KONG PRINCIPLES: THAT’S FREE MARKET; MINIMUM RED-TAPE; AND LOW TAXES WHICH REWARD ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK.

DURING THIS LAST YEAR OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS SLOWED DOWN SOME WHAT. AND BECAUSE OF THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS, THE WORLD ECONOMY IS GOING TO BE IN AN UNEASY STATE FOR SOME TIME TO COME. SO IT’S GOING TO BE A TOUGHER MARKET FOR US TO COMPETE IN. HERE IN HONG KONG, THAT MEANS THAT WE’VE GOT TO MEET THE THREAT OF INFLATION. BUSINESSMEN ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WORK HARD AT REDUCING OVERHEADS AND RAISING PRODUCTIVITY. WE MUSTN’T LET INCREASED LABOUR AND OTHER COSTS PRICE US OUT OF OUR FOREIGN MARKETS.

WE FACED ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES BEFORE. WE’VE GOT TO BE READY TO BOUNCE BACK, AS WE ALWAYS HAVE IN THE PAST. THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PART WILL KEEP A TIGHT GRIP ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.

THANKS TO OUR PAST ECONOMIC SUCCESS, HONG KONG FAMILIES HAVE THE BASIC SERVICES THAT THEY NEED. NOW, MANY OF THEM ARE LOOKING FOR HIGHER STANDARDS AND MORE FREEDOM OF CHOICE. AND, AS THEY BECOME BETTER-OFF, THEY’RE PREPARED TO PAY MORE FOR BETTER QUALITY AND FOR GREATER CHOICE. IT’S RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD RESPOND TO THESE RISING EXPECTATIONS.

FOR PARENTS, EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO A DECENT FUTURE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. WE HAVE ALREADY MET OUR TARGET OF PROVIDING SCHOOL PLACES FOR ALL HONG KONG CHILDREN. NOW WE ARE WORKING ON PLANS TO RAISE THE QUALITY OF OUR SCHOOLING. THE OBJECTIVE IS THAT, BY 1994, SOME 60 PER CENT OF ALL STUDENTS WHO FINISH SIXTH FORM WILL BE ABLE TO STUDY FOR A DEGREE AND STUDY FOR THAT DEGREE HERE IN HONG KONG.

HOSPITAL SERVICES ARE ANOTHER HIGH PRIORITY. THE NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OPENS THE WAY TO BETTER STANDARDS OF SERVICE; WIDER CHOICE FOR PATIENTS; AND MORE INTERESTING CAREERS FOR THE STAFF. GETTING THESE IMPROVEMENTS MEANS WE NEED EFFECTIVE AND CAREFUL MANAGEMENT OF OUR HOSPITAL RESOURCES AND IT ALSO MEANS A MORE REALISTIC POLICY FOR CHARGES - THAT’S ONE WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT NEARLY EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY IS BETTER OFF NOW THAN THEY WERE. OF COURSE, WE’VE ALSO GOT TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE BADLY OFF. NO MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE DENIED PROPER MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE THEY CAN’T AFFORD IT.

/HIGHER INCOMES .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1990

- 37 -

HIGHER INCOMES MAKE OTHER CHOICES POSSIBLE AS WELL. IN HOUSING, THIS MEANS A CHANCE TO BUY A HOME - THAT’S A MAJOR GOAL FOR HONG KONG FAMILIES. BY THE YEAR 2000, TWO OUT OF THREE FAMILIES WILL HAVE DONE THIS. AT THE SAME TIME, WE’RE WELL ON THE WAY TO UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF THE AVERAGE PUBLIC HOUSING. THE FLATS THAT WE ARE BUILDING TODAY ARE A VAST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE OLD RESETTLEMENT BLOCKS.

AS A COMMUNITY, WE BELIEVE IN CARING FOR OUR MORE VULNERABLE MEMBERS. OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES STEP IN WHEN THE FAMILY CAN’T COPE. BUT THE FAMILY REMAINS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO. IT’S THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIETY. WE ARE NOW WORKING ON A NEW WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE FOR THE 1990S. ALREADY, IT’S CLEAR THAT WE WILL HAVE TO INCREASE OUR SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, PARTICULARLY BY PROVIDING MORE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE.

WE ALSO HAVE TO INVEST IN OUR LONG-TERM FUTURE. EARLY NEXT YEAR, CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW AIRPORT WILL BEGIN. SINCE, LAST YEAR, I ANNOUNCED THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THIS PROJECT, THE CASE FOR THE NEW AIRPORT HAS BECOME EVEN STRONGER THAN IT WAS THEN. WE NOW KNOW THAT KAI TAK WILL REACH SATURATION POINT MUCH EARLIER THAN EXPECTED. OF COURSE, THE NEW AIRPORT REPRESENTS A HUGE CHALLENGE. BUT WE HAVE THE RESOURCES, THE SKILLS AND THE DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED, AND THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE CAN AFFORD IT.

NEXT YEAR, WE’LL BE ORGANISING THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. WE NEED FOR THAT, GOOD CANDIDATES TO STAND FOR ELECTION. AND THE COMMUNITY HAS GOT TO PLAY ITS PART BY EXERCISING ITS RIGHT TO VOTE. THESE ELECTIONS WILL ALLOW THE COMMUNITY TO CHOOSE ITS OWN REPRESENTATIVES - THE MEN AND WOMEN WHOSE TASK IT WILL BE TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP DURING THE COMING, CRUCIAL DECADE.

WE CAN’T DEVOTE ALL OUR ATTENTION SIMPLY TO DOMESTIC ISSUES. AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO 1997, THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA WILL BE INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT TO EVERYTHING THAT WE DO. IT’S VITAL THAT WE SHOULD DO ALL WE CAN TO REMOVE MISUNDERSTANDINGS THROUGH CLOSER CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.

HONG KONG’S RECORD IS ONE OF CONTINUED ACHIEVEMENT, NO MATTER WHAT THE OBSTACLES, NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPORARY DIFFICULTIES. THIS IS A TERRITORY OF WHICH WE CAN ALL BE PROUD. AND WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE PAST SHOULD STRENGTHEN OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE: HONG KONG CAN AND I’M SURE HONG KONG WILL REMAIN AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE; A UNIQUE BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WORLD; AND, ABOVE ALL, THE PLACE WHICH ITS PEOPLE ARE PROUD TO CALL THEIR HOME.

- - 0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHAU WELCOMED U.S. TEXTILES BILL OUT OF THE WAY ....................... 1

AMERICANS TOLD OF HK'S IMPORTANCE TO CHINA ............................ 1

OPERATIONS TO SUPPRESS ILLEGAL SALE OF DIESEL OIL ..................... 3

FACTORY INSPECTORS TO EXPLAIN NEW SAFETY LAW .......................... 3

VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSES DECLARED DANGEROUS ................................ 4

ROOF-MOUNTED ADS ON TAXIS APPROVED .................................... 5

TSEUNG KWAN 0 - AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE ........................... 6

SIMULATED HELICOPTER CRASH AND FIRE AT THE MACAU FERRY. TERMINAL HELIPAD 7

ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT FILM SERIES ON POLLUTION ....................... 7

THE WEATHER OF SEPTEMBER 1990 ......................................... 8

34 INMATES PASSED PITMAN EXAM ......................................... 11

CONCERT IN MONG KOK ................................................... 11

95 OFFICERS RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS .................................... 12

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

1

CHAU WELCOMED U.S. TEXTILES BILL OUT OF THE WAY *****

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT THE UNITED STATES TEXTILES BILL IS NOW OUT OF THE WAY.

MR CHAU WAS COMMENTING ON THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES’ VOTE YESTERDAY (OCTOBER 10) WHICH FAILED TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT’S PRIOR VETO OF THE BILL.

THE VOTE WAS 275 FOR AND 152 AGAINST, WITH SEVEN ABSTENTIONS. THIS FELL SHORT OF THE TWO-THIRDS MARGIN NECESSARY FOR THE OVERRIDE.

"THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT A PRESIDENT’S VETO ON A TEXTILES BILL HAS BEEN SUSTAINED,” MR CHAU SAID.

"THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION IS STRONGLY AGAINST SUCH PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION. THIS IS WELCOME NEWS, BUT WE WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH CLOSELY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.S.," HE ADDED.

--------0 - -

AMERICANS TOLD OF HK’S IMPORTANCE TO CHINA * * * *

STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS OF TWO TOP AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN BRIEFED ON HONG KONG'S LINKS WITH CHINA AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE TO CHINA’S ECONOMY.

THEY WERE ALSO TOLD OF THE POLITICAL EVENTS THAT HAD OCCURRED AND WOULD CONTINUE OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS TO THE TIME WHEN CHINA WOULD RESUME SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG IN 1997.

SPEAKING AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK AND PRINCETON UNIVERSITY IN NEW JERSEY, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR DARWIN CHEN, TOLD THEM THAT CHINA’S SPECTACULAR GROWTH IN THE LAST DECADE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT HONG KONG.

THE REASON MR CHEN SAID WAS THAT SOME 30 PERCENT OF CHINA’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND TWO-THIRDS OF ITS FOREIGN INVESTMENTS CAME THROUGH HONG KONG.

MR CHEN ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND EXPLAINED TO THE GROUPS, AMONG WHOM WERE ALSO LAWYERS AND POLITICAL ANALYSTS, THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

/HE TOLD.......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

HE TOLD THEM THAT AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS OWN IDENTITY AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) OF CHINA UNDER THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT, AND WOULD ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN ALL AREAS EXCEPT FOR DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

ON THAT "SEPARATENESS", HE SAID: "WE WILL, FOR EXAMPLE, MAINTAIN OUR OWN LEGAL SYSTEM: A COMMON LAW SYSTEM DRAWING ON PRECEDENTS FROM OTHER COMMON LAW SYSTEMS AND WITH JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW COUNTRIES; WE WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR OWN SEPARATE FINANCIAL SYSTEM; WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BALANCING OUR OWN BUDGET, FOR DECIDING AND LEVYING OUR OWN TAXES."

MR CHEN POINTED OUT TOO THAT IT WAS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT PAY TAXES TO CHINA.

"SO, IN SEVEN YEARS, HONG KONG WILL BE PART OF CHINA; YET IT WILL RETAIN ITS OWN UNIQUE LIFE-STYLE AND BUSINESS SYSTEMS - THE ESSENTIALS OF ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS.

"THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT. IT IS ALSO WHAT CHINA WANTS BECAUSE HONG KONG IS IMPORTANT TO CHINA," HE SAID.

HE SAID CHINA HAD MADE SURE THAT ALL THESE MATTERS WERE WRITTEN INTO THE FORMAL FRAMEWORK KNOWN AS THE BASIC LAW WHICH ENSHRINED HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. PROMULGATED BY CHINA IN APRIL THIS YEAR THE BASIC LAW FOR THE HONG KONG SAR WOULD APPLY FOR 50 YEARS BEYOND 1997.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BASIC LAW WOULD SPELL OUT IN CHINESE LAW ALL THE GUARANTEES FOR THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY PROMISED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WOULD BE THE FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.

"BY FAR, THE GREATER PART OF THE BASIC LAW REFLECT THE PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, MANY ARTICLES ACTUALLY WORD FOR WORD," HE SAID, AND EXPLAINED THE MORE SIGNIFICANT PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENT THAT GUARANTEED THE CONTINUATION OF VARIOUS • SYSTEMS AND WAY OF LIFE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW HAD.

MR CHEN SAID THAT IN SPITE OF THE EVENTS OF LAST JUNE CHINESE LEADERS HAD REPEATEDLY ASSURED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN CHINA'S "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" POLICY.

THEY HAVE ALSO RECOGNISED THAT HONG KONG WOULD PLAY "AN IRREPLACABLE AND TREMENDOUS ROLE" IN HELPING CHINA PUSH FORWARD AN OPEN-DOOR POLICY AND THAT HONG KONG WITH ITS INTERNATIONAL MARKET, ITS QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND ITS ECONOMIC MECHANISMS, WOULD MAKE AN IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO CHINA’S RENAISSANCE.

"THEREIN LIES THE GUARANTEE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO SHINE, AS THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT FOR MANY MORE YEARS AFTER 1997," MR CHEN SAID.

MR CHEN WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS SPEAKING TRIPS BY MR KERRY MCGLYNN, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK.

--------0-----------

/3.........

- 3 -

OPERATIONS TO SUPPRESS ILLEGAL SALE OF DIESEL OIL *****

CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY SEIZED ABOUT 6,093 LITRES OF DIESEL OIL IN THE PAST THREE DAYS IN A SERIES OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO SUPPRESS ITS ILLEGAL SALE.

DURING THE OPERATIONS, A TOTAL OF 12 CHINESE MALE WERE ARRESTED AND 14 VEHICLES DETAINED.

THE VALUE OF THE SEIZURE AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $23,762 WITH A DUTY POTENTIAL OF $10,845.

IN A JOINT OPERATION BY THE INVESTIGATION AND OPERATION BRANCHES OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), 10 CHINESE MALE WERE ARRESTED AND 3,180 LITRES OF DIESEL WERE SEIZED.

THE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT IN TAI PO, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND TSUEN WAN AREAS.

ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, CUSTOMS OFFICERS SEIZED 2,913 LITRES OF DIESEL OIL AT TAI PO AND FANLING AREAS.

AS A RESULT, TWO CHINESE MALE SUSPECTED TO BE SELLING THE DIESEL WERE CHARGED UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.

THE SEIZED DIESEL OIL IS SUSPECTED TO BE IMPORTED FROM MAINLAND CHINA BY DUMP TRUCKS FOR SALE TO LOCAL USERS AT $3.90 PER LITRE. THE SELLING PRICE OF DIESEL IN CHINA IS HK$2.90 PER LITRE.

UP TO TODAY, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF DIESEL SEIZED THIS YEAR IS 21,180 LITRES WHILE THE AMOUNT SEIZED FOR THE WHOLE YEAR LAST YEAR WAS 4,940 LITRES.

- - 0 - -

FACTORY INSPECTORS TO EXPLAIN NEW SAFETY LAW

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN FROM NOW TO DECEMBER TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF INDUSTRIAL PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS IN SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.

THE DRIVE WAS AIMED AT HELPING BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE "GENERAL DUTIES" PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.

"A SPECIAL TEAM OF EIGHT EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL VISIT FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES TO EXPLAIN TO PROPRIETORS THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NEW LAW AND ADVISE THEM ON NECESSARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THEIR EMPLOYEES," ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN HON-TING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

/MR CHAN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

4

MR CHAN SAID THE INSPECTORS WILL ALSO TALK TO MEMBERS OF WORKERS UNIONS ABOUT THEIR DUTIES TO COOPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN IMPLEMENTING SAFETY MEASURES AND TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE OF THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THEMSELVES AND OTHERS AT WORK.

IN ADDITION, PUBLICATIONS ILLUSTRATING THE NEW PROVISIONS AND RELATED SAFETY SUBJECTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE VISITS. COPIES ARE ALSO OBTAINABLE FROM ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 4075.

--------0-----------

VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSES DECLARED DANGEROUS

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED A NUMBER OF VILLAGE-TYPE TERRACED HOUSES IN SHA KOK MEI, SAI KUNG, DANGEROUS AND LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDINGS WERE SINGLE-OR TWO-STOREY VILLAGE-TYPE TERRACED HOUSES CONSTRUCTED OF MUD AND RUBBLE WALLS WITH TIMBER PITCHED ROOFS. THEY WERE INSPECTED FOLLOWING A COMPLAINT IN RESPECT OF ANOTHER ADJOINING BUILDING.

HOUSE NOS. 5/6, 9, 10 AND 11/12 ON THE 6TH LANE, NOS. 3, 12, 16, 17, 18 AND 20 ON THE 7TH LANE, NO. 1 ON 8TH LANE, AND NOS. 6, 13 AND 14 ON THE 9TH LANE HAD BEEN DESERTED FOR SOME TIME AND THEY WERE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DILAPIDATION WITH EITHER PARTIAL OR TOTAL COLLAPSE OF ROOFS AND/OR WALLS.

THESE BUILDINGS WERE IN DANGER OF FURTHER COLLAPSE AND THEY SHOULD THEREFORE BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

HOUSE NOS. 3 AND 7 ON THE 6TH LANE WERE IN A DILAPIDATED CONDITION AND UNABLE TO WITHSTAND DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS. THEY WERE THEREFORE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

HOUSE NOS. 2, 3, 14 AND 15 ON THE 8TH LANE WERE OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION AND HAD BEEN DESERTED FOR SOME TIME.

THEY WERE ALSO IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DILAPIDATION WITH EITHER PARTIALLY COLLAPSED ROOFS OR DECAYED TIMBER ROOFS.

THESE BUILDINGS WERE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND WERE IN DANGER OF FURTHER COLLAPSE, AND THEY SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

/HOUSE NO. 4 .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

- 5 -

HOUSE NO. 4 ON THE 6TH LANE HAD ALREADY BEEN CLOSED UNDER EMERGENCY POWERS ON JUNE 11 AND IS TO BE DEMOLISHED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS.

DUE TO THE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF THESE TERRACED HOUSES, THE STABILITY OF EACH HOUSE TO SOME EXTENT DEPENDED ON THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION OF THE NEIGHBOURING HOUSES.

THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE HOUSES IN ONE OPERATION.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 25 WERE POSTED TODAY ON ALL THE BUILDINGS.

- - 0 - -

ROOF-MOUNTED ADS ON TAXIS APPROVED

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR TAXIS TO CARRY ADVERTISING SIGNS ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLES WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 15).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TAXI OWNERS APPLYING FOR ADVERTISING IN OR ON TAXIS FOR THE FIRST TIME SHOULD SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT. A $100 FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR PERMISSION TO DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT ON EACH TAXI.

"FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED APPROVAL, THEY SHOULD SEND COPIES OF THE CAR REGISTRATION DOCUMENT AND THE EXISTING APPROVAL LETTER FOR A NEW APPROVAL LETTER, WHICH SEEKS TO EXTEND THE EXISTING APPROVAL TO COVER ROOF-MOUNTED ADVERTISING DISPLAY. IT WILL BE ISSUED AT NO EXTRA COST,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE REMINDED TAXI OWNERS WHO WISH TO INSTALL TAXI ROOF-MOUNTED ADVERTISING SIGNS TO OBSERVE THE GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT. THE GUIDELINES SPECIFIED THAT THE ADVERTISING PANEL, WHICH MAY CARRY DOUBLE-SIDED DISPLAY, SHOULD BE FITTED SECURELY. ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS MAY BE INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED.

THE TAXI SIGN TO BE INCORPORATED AT THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE ADVERTISING UNIT SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DESIGN OF THE ADVERTISING SIGN SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION DIVISION OF DEPARTMENT FOR TYPE APPROVAL.

/THE INSTALLATION .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

THE INSTALLATION AND THE ADVERTISEMENT DISPLAYED WOULD BE CHECKED AT THE ANNUAL VEHICLE EXAMINATION OR HALF-YEARLY INSPECTION, HE ADDED.

"THERE IS NO CHANGE TO THE CONDITIONS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE DISPLAYED UNDER THE EXISTING TWO METHODS, I.E. ON THE INTERIOR PARTS OF THE VEHICLE OR ON THE EXTERIOR FRONT AND/OR REAR DOOR PANELS OF THE VEHICLE BELOW THE SIDE WINDOWS," HE SAID.

IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID NO ADVERTISING OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO-RELATED PRODUCTS SHOULD BE DISPLAYED ON THE ROOF-MOUNTED ADVERTISING PANEL.

------0-----------

TSEUNG KWAN 0 - AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE * * * » »

TSEUNG KWAN O, WITH ITS SPECTACULAR NATURAL SETTING AND AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS, WILL BE A VERY ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE.

THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM FAN, MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF ON NING GARDEN, A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING PROJECT (PSPS) IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

DR NIP SAID NOT ONLY WAS THE ON NING GARDEN A PRIME EXAMPLE OF A PSPS PROJECT, IT ALSO MARKED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.

HE SAID: "SINCE I TOOK OVER AS DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO, TSEUNG KWAN 0 HAS GROWN FROM A POPULATION OF ABOUT 25,000 TO OVER THREE TIMES THAT FIGURE TODAY.

"THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS PACE OF DEVELOPMENT RELIES ON A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR -A COMMITMENT WHICH I AM CONFIDENT IS SET TO CONTINUE."

DR NIP ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ' TSEUNG KWAN O EXTENDS WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

"RECLAMATION FOR THE FUTURE TOWN CENTRE BEGAN IN JUNE AND IN A FEW MONTHS WORK WILL COMMENCE ON LAND FORMATION FOR HONG KONG’S THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND AN EXTENSION TO THE SEWAGE WORKS AT TAI CHIK SHA.

"NOVEMBER WILL SEE THE OPENING OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL WITH TRAVEL TIMES TO URBAN KOWLOON BEING SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.

"OUR LONGER TERM PLANS INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT PORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOUTH OF THE TOWN, MORE RECLAMATION FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IN THE TOWN CENTRE AREA AND FURTHER EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROAD NETWORK," HE SAID.

- 0-----------

/7........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

7 -

SIMULATED HELICOPTER

CRASH AND FIRE AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL HELIPAD

*****

A DISASTER EXERCISE INVOLVING NEARLY 150 OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS CONDUCTED ON THE NEW HELIPAD ON TOP OF THE INNER PIER LEVEL 4 OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE SCENERIO OF THE EXERCISE WAS THAT A HELICOPTER WITH SIX PASSENGERS ON BOARD CRASHED ONTO THE HELIPAD AND CAUGHT FIRE.

THE MARINE OFFICER (MACAU FERRY TERMINAL) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR TREVOR ROBERTS, TODAY SAID: "THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE ARE TO TEST THE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES, THE COMMUNICATIONS AND THE COOPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE FIRE SERVICE AND EMERGENCY INSTALLATIONS AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN A HELICOPTER CRASH BEFORE THE ACTUAL SERVICE STARTS POSSIBLY NEXT (NOVEMBER) MONTH."

COORDINATED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE EXERCISE INVOLVED THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.

STAFF OF THE COMMERCIAL OPERATOR OF THE NEW HELIPAD, SHUN TAK ENTERPRISES CORPORATION LIMITED, AND THE HELICOPTER COMPANY, EAST ASIA AIRLINES, WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE EXERCISE.

- - 0 - -

ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT FILM SERIES ON POLLUTION ♦ ♦ * ♦

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE A CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WILL GET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH A FILM SERIES ON POLLUTION ON TELEVISION FROM SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13).

THE ’’ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT” FILM SERIES ON POLLUTION, WHICH IS PART OF THE $5 MILLION ANTI-POLLUTION PACK FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WAS PRODUCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.

THE DOCUMENTARY CONSISTS OF FIVE FILMS — AN INTRODUCTION ON THE WAY WE LIVE, WATER POLLUTION AND SEWAGE TREATMENT, AIR POLLUTION, NOISE POLLUTION, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL.

THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE FILM SERIES WILL BE SHOWN ON TVB’S JADE, STARTING EVERY SATURDAY FROM OCTOBER 13 TO NOVEMBER 17 (EXCEPT NOVEMBER 3) AT 11:00 PM.

CURRENTLY, THE ENGLISH FILM SERIES ARE BEING SHOWN ON TVB’S PEARL EVERY THURSDAY AT 6:45 PM TO 7:15 PM TILL OCTOBER 18.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

8 -

THE FILMS TOOK A YEAR TO COMPLETE AND INVOLVED SHOOTING IN ALMOST 120 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THESE LOCATIONS VARIED FROM LANDFILL SITES TO CLASSROOMS; FROM BACK STREETS RUNNING DEEP WITH FACTORY EFFLUENT TO THE STILLNESS OF COUNTRY PARKS; FROM BENEATH THE FLIGHT PATHS OF JET AIRCRAFT TO SEWAGE WORKS, INCINERATORS, DIRTY BEACHES AND EAR-SPLITTING CONSTRUCTION SITES.

IN ADDITION, MATERIAL WAS SECURED FROM UPWARDS OF A DOZEN OVERSEAS SOURCES TO HELP SET HONG KONG’S PROBLEMS IN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.

THE PROJECT WAS LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT, IF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION WERE TO BE ACHIEVED, IT WOULD BE ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE UNVARNISHED INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROBLEMS FACED.

THIS "ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT" SERIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN SHOWN ON ATV’S ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHANNELS IN JULY AND AUGUST.

---------0-----------

THE WEATHER OF SEPTEMBER 1990 *****

THE WEATHER IN SEPTEMBER WAS ON THE WHOLE RELATIVELY CLOUDY AND WET.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 409.9 MILLIMETRES WAS 28 PER CENT ABOVE THE MONTH’S NORMAL OF 320.4 MILLIMETRES.

OVER HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAINFALL COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE PASSAGE OF TYPHOON DOT OVER SOUTHERN CHINA.

THE TOTAL RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 AMOUNTED TO 1,909.2 MILLIMETRES, SEVEN PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 2,043.5 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.

THE WEATHER ON THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH WAS SUNNY AND VERY HOT.

THE PASSAGE OF TYPHOON ABE OVER EASTERN CHINA BROUGHT AN AIR MASS OF CONTINENTAL ORIGIN TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.

THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON SEPTEMBER 2 DROPPED BELOW 50 PER CENT WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CLIMBED TO A PEAK OF 33.8 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

A MOISTER EASTERLY AIRSTREAM SET IN THAT NIGHT AND GAVE RISE TO SOME LIGHT SHOWERS.

/GENERALLY FINE .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

9 -

GENERALLY FINE WEATHER THEN PREVAILED TILL SEPTEMBER 7, APART FROM AN OUTBREAK OF THUNDERSTORMS ON THE AFTERNOON OF SEPTEMBER 6.

A WORKER WAS KILLED AND HIS TWO COLLEAGUES WERE INJURED AFTER THEY WERE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE WORKING ON A HILLTOP SITE IN SHAU KEI WAN.

TYPHOON DOT SWEPT PAST TAIWAN ON SEPTEMBER 8 AND MOVED INTO SOUTHERN CHINA THE FOLLOWING DAY BEFORE DEGENERATING INTO A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE.

THE TYPHOON AND ITS REMNANT BROUGHT TORRENTIAL RAIN TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.

RAINFALL IN HONG KONG EXCEEDED 230 MILLIMETRES OVER THE FIVE-DAY PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 8 TO 12.

THE RAIN WAS HEAVIEST ON SEPTEMBER 10 WHEN OVER 100 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED. THE DOWNPOUR, ACCOMPANIED BY THUNDERSTORMS AT TIMES, TRIGGERED OFF FLOODING AND LANDSLIP OVER VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE MOST AFFECTED. ABOUT 100 SCHOOL-CHILDREN WERE TRAPPED BY FLOOD WATER IN TA KWU LING, WHILE THE FLOODING OF FISH PONDS IN KAM TIN RESULTED IN AN ESTIMATED LOSS OF OVER HK$100,000.

AN INCREASE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WAS ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON SEPTEMBER 13 AND GENERALLY FINE CONDITION PREVAILED IN THE NEXT FIVE DAYS APART FROM SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS ON THE AFTERNOON OF SEPTEMBER 15.

SQUALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE SHOWERS BLEW DOWN SOME SCAFFOLDINGS IN NORTH POINT. WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST IN THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 15 AS TYPHOON ED MOVED INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

A MAN WAS RESCUED FROM THE SEA OFF CHAI WAN AFTER HIS RUBBER BOAT WAS OVERTURNED BY BLUSTERY WINDS AND ROUGH SEAS ON SEPTEMBER 16.

DESPITE THE WINDY CONDITION, THE WEATHER STAYED ON THE FINE SIDE WHILE ED PASSED BY TO THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG. THE WEATHER FINALLY DETERIORATED ON SEPTEMBER 19 WHEN ED TURNED TO A MORE NORTHWESTWARD TRACK TOWARDS NORTHERN VIETNAM AND ONE OF THE ASSOCIATED RAINBANDS REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.

THE RAIN PERSISTED THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND BROUGHT NEARLY 100 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL TO THE TERRITORY.

THUNDERSTORMS WERE ALSO REPORTED DURING THE AFTERNOON AND THE TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FELL TO 23.9 DEGREES, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH. THE DELUGE CAUSED MINOR FLOODING AND TRAFFIC JAM AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS OVER THE TERRITORY.

/THE RAIN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

- 10 -

THE RAIN EASED OFF ON SEPTEMBER 20 AND OVER THE NEXT FOUR DAYS, THERE WERE PERIODS OF SUNSHINE INTERSPERSED WITH ISOLATED LIGHT SHOWERS.

THE PASSAGE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 24 WAS FOLLOWED BY HEAVIER RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS THE NEXT DAY.

THEREAFTER, A COMBINATION OF CLOUD, LIGHT SHOWERS, AND SUNNY INTERVALS CONTINUED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28 BEFORE BRILLIANTLY FINE WEATHER SET IN FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH.

SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES, OF WHICH FIVE FORMED WITHIN THE MONTH, OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, SEVEN AIRCRAFTS WERE DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.

THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 5-12, 19-20, 24-25, AND 28. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 10-11, AND 19 AND A LANDSLIP WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 11.

THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:

WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

TYPHOON ED 1 SEPTEMBER 14 11.00 PM SEPTEMBER 17 7.45 AM

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:

TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 168.8 HOURS 19.7 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 13.72 MJ/SQ METRE 3.01 MJ/SQ METRE BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL RAINFALL 409.9 MM 89.5 MM ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 65 PER CENT 3 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL

MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 79 PER CENT NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM 30.2 DEGREES 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW

AIR TEMPERATURE CELSIUS NORMAL

MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 27.8 DEGREES CELSIUS 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN DAILY MINIMUM 25.8 DEGREES 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE

AIR TEMPERATURE CELSIUS NORMAL

MEAN DEW POINT 23.8 DEGREES CELSIUS 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 107.2 MM 0 48.7 MM BELOW NORMAL /Il

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

- 11 -

34 INMATES PASSED PITMAN EXAM

*****

THIRTY-FOUR TRAINING CENTRE INMATES RECEIVED CERTIFICATES THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON FOR PASSING THE PITMAN EXAMINATION.

THE INMATES CAME FROM THE CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.

THEY PASSED IN A TOTAL OF 47 PAPERS ON THREE SUBJECTS -ARITHMETIC, ENGLISH AND TYPING.

SPEAKING AT A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT'S (CSD) STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINNG AUTHORITY, MR ALBERT TONG, PRAISED THE EDUCATION STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR WORK ON THE REHABILITATION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS.

HE NOTED THAT AN IMPORTANT AREA OF' THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME BEING CARRIED OUT IN YOUNG OFFENDERS’ INSTITUTIONS IS THE ORGANISATION OF EDUCATIONAL COURSES LEADING TO EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION.

’’PAST EXPERIENCE HAS FOUND THAT INMATES WOULD MAKE BETTER CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOCIETY AND THEY STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF SECURING EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUING THEIR STUDIES AFTER RELEASE, IF THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO STUDY AND OBTAIN RECOGNITION THROUGH ACCREDITED EXAMINATIONS,” HE SAID.

SINCE 1979, A TOTAL OF 1,550 INMATES HAD SAT FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE HELD BY THE PITMAN EXAMINATION INSTITUTE, THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE, THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.

THEY ACHIEVED A TOTAL OF 527 DISTINCTIONS, 235 CREDITS AND 1053 PASSES. THE AVERAGE PASS RATE IS 85 PER CENT.

------0--------

CONCERT IN MONG KOK * * *

A CONCERT OF POPULAR CHINESE FOLK SONGS WILL BE HELD IN MONG KOK ON OCTOBER 27 (SATURDAY) AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI.

SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK WEST AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, AND AT ITS TAI KOK TSUI SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 45 TIT SHU STREET.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 381 5291.

/12.........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1990

- 12 -

95 OFFICERS RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS

*****

A TOTAL OF 95 OFFICERS SERVING WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMISSIONER, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE COMMENDATIONS WERE AWARDED TO OFFICERS OF VARIOUS RANKS RANGING FROM SUPERINTENDENT TO CUSTOMS OFFICER, INCLUDING SENIOR TRADE CONTROLS OFFICERS, TRADE CONTROLS OFFICERS AND A STATISTICIAN.

THEY WERE RECEIVED FOR THE DISPLAY OF A VARIETY OF PERSONAL QUALITIES, SUCH AS LEADERSHIP, ABILITY, INITIATIVE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY OF A VERY HIGH ORDER.

MANY OF THE RECIPIENTS, WHO INCLUDED SEVEN WOMEN OFFICERS, WERE INVOLVED IN ANTI-DRUG OPERATIONS AT THE AIRPORT AND AT THE BORDER, AS WELL AS BREAKING UP SYNDICATES OPERATING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

SEVENTEEN OFFICERS WERE COMMENDED FOR TAKING PART IN THE SEIZURE OF 24 KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS AND FIVE KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN BROUGHT TO HONG KONG ON A VIETNAMESE BOAT [N JULY. TWO CREW MEMBERS WERE ARRESTED AT THE TIME AND FURTHER ARRESTS WERE MADE WHEN FIVE VIETNAMESE MEN WERE AMBUSHED BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS ON BOARD THE BOAT.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CS URGES ENTREPRENEURS TO SHOW CONFIDENCE ............................. 1

GOVERNMENT OUTLINES PADS TO HONG KONG'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY ............ 2

HONG KONG - A POPULAR PLACE FOR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS ................. 4

HONG KONG: AN IMPORTANT CAPITAL ENTREPOT FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION .. 5

HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 1990 ................. 6

PUBLIC SAFETY ENSURED AGAINST FUEL GAS RISKS .......................... 14

FIRST MEETING OF COLLAPSED BUILDING RELIEF CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE .... 16

LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS AMENDED FOR 1991 LEGCO .......... 17

NEW ORIGIN/ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES ANNOUNCED ................. 17

NEW I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1941-46 ......................... 18

RATE-PAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON THIRD QUARTER PAYMENT ................... 20

TYPHOON SHELTER AND RECLAMATION WORKS PROPOSED ........................ 21

128 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE RETURNED.................................... 22

SWD TO HOLD THREE REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ............... 22

OWNERS CORPORATION - KEY TO GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT................... 23

BUILDING MANAGEMENT MONTH FOR KOWLOON CITY ............................ 24

EXHIBITION ON PADS AND METROPLAN IN TUEN MUN .......................... 25

POSTPONEMENT OF TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL......................... 26

INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS PUBLISHED ................... 26

FURTHER AMENDMENT TO THREE OUTLINE ZONING PLANS ....................... 28

ROADS TO BE REBUILT TO IMPROVE MONG KOK TRAFFIC........................ 28

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TO HOLD ATHLETIC MEET..................... 29

YAU TSIM TO LAUNCH ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN ON SUNDAY ................... 30

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 1 -

CS URGES ENTREPRENEURS TO SHOW CONFIDENCE *****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ENTREPRENEURS CAN MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY BY HAVING CONFIDENCE IN THEIR BUSINESS AND BY DEMONSTRATING THEIR COMMITMENT THROUGH INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE YOUNG INDUSTRIALIST AWARDS 1990, SIR DAVID SAID THEY COULD DO MORE TO HELP BY EXPRESSING THEIR CONFIDENCE PUBLICLY.

"WE AS A COMMUNITY HAVE A TENDENCY TO LOOK ON THE DARK SIDE, TO BE NEGATIVE RATHER THAN POSITIVE, AND AS A RESULT TO WORRY OURSELVES INTO A GLOOMY FRAME OF MIND," HE SAID.

"SO VOICES WHICH LIFT THE SPIRIT AND MOOD OF OUR PEOPLE ARE NEEDED NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE," HE ADDED.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY WHO PRESIDED AT THE ADJUDICATION OF THIS YEAR’S YOUNG INDUSTRIALIST AWARDS, SAID HE AND MEMBERS OF THE PANEL WERE MUCH IMPRESSED WITH THE BREADTH OF THE TALENTS OF ALL THE CANDIDATES.

"INDEED, THE PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF EACH OF THEM EPITOMISE THE QUALITIES OF EXCELLENCE AND ENTERPRISE WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG INTO AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF COMMENCE AND INDUSTRY.

"HONG KONG WOULD NOT HAVE BECOME A LEADING GLOBAL EXPORTER OF WATCHES, TOYS, ELECTRONICS AND FASHION, WITHOUT THE INNOVATION AND DRIVE OF OUR ENTREPRENUERS WHO CONTINUALLY UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS," SIR DAVID SAID.

"THOUGH MUCH OF OUR PRODUCTION NOW TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE HONG KONG THROUGH OUTWARD-PROCESSING, THE NERVE CENTRE OF OUR INDUSTRIES REMAIN HERE.

"IT IS HERE THAT THE MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR EXPORT OVERSEAS ARE MAPPED OUT AND THE SERVICING OF CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS IS MET," • HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT TO SURVIVE AND TO SUCCEED IN THE EVER CHANGING WORLD CALLED FOR BUSINESS ACUMEN AND FLEXIBILITY.

THE SWEEPING CHANGES ACROSS EASTERN EUROPE LAST YEAR AND THE CURRENT CRISIS IN THE GULF DEMONSTRATED CLEARLY HOW DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS CREATED NEW CHALLENGES FOR HONG KONG, HE NOTED.

"THERE IS A CHINESE SAYING THAT ’IF WE DO NOT PROGRESS, WE FALL BEHIND’.

"HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE WELL AWARE OF THIS AND OUR ABILITY TO BE ONE STEP AHEAD IS FUNDAMENTAL TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS," SIR DAVID SAID.

"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE PERSEVERANCE AND THE TALENTS WHICH HAVE SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL IN THE PAST WILL CONTINUE TO HELP US FACE THE CHALLENGES AHEAD," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.

--------0-----------

/2 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 2 -

GOVERNMENT OUTLINES PADS TO HONG KONG’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

******

TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY (FRIDAY) OUTLINED THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) TO HUNDREDS OF BUSINESS LEADERS AT A SPECIAL SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

THE OFFICIALS TAKING PART WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD.

OPENING THE SEMINAR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DR HELMUT SOHMEN, SAID HE HOPED THE EVENT WOULD HELP TO DISPEL SOME CONCERNS THAT HAD BEEN EXPRESSED AND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

"THE CHAMBER BELIEVES THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT IS A VITAL NECESSITY FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND IT SHOULD PROCEED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

"WE ARE HERE TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE PROGRESS, NOT JUST TO VOICE CRITICISMS," DR SOHMEN ADDED.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT WAS MADE ON THE GROUNDS OF THE "ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR HONG KONG. IT HAD NO POLITICAL CONNOTATIONS".

HE SAID PEOPLE SHOULD ASK THE QUESTION "WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF WE DIDN’T BUILD THE AIRPORT AND WHAT EFFECT IT WOULD HAVE ON THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG?"

"PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SURVIVE AND ARE ABLE TO LIVE A COMFORTABLE LIFE IF THE ECONOMY IS VIBRANT, IF THEY HAVE WORK TO DO, IF THEY CAN EARN GOOD WAGES.

"THAT IS THE OVERRIDING CONSIDERATION IN WHY WE ARE BUILDING THE AIRPORT AND FOR NO OTHER OVERRIDING POLITICAL CONSIDERATION WHATSOEVER. I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THAT CLEARLY IN OUR MINDS."

SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW PORT AND AIRPORT WAS NOT NEW AS A SERIES OF STUDIES INTO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WENT BACK AS EARLY AS 1972.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CRITICISED FOR NOT MAKING A DECISION AFTER EMPLOYING A RANGE OF CONSULTANTS TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

"NOW WE HAVE MADE THE DECISION, WE ARE BEING CRITICISED FOR BEING TOO HASTY AND THAT WE NEED EVEN MORE STUDIES.

/"THE DECISION .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 3 -

"the Decision to proceed is part of our long-term strategy for THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG."

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IF THE AIRPORT WAS NOT BUILT EVERYONE WOULD SUFFER.

"OUR VITAL SERVICES WILL DETERIORATE AND WE WILL SACRIFICE THE STANDARDS OF LIVING OF OUR PEOPLE," HE SAID.

PLANNED PROPERLY, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE NEW AIRPORT, STRONG RESERVES, BALANCED BUDGETS, AND AN ABILITY TO BRING DOWN TAXES, HE SAID.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, DISMISSED CLAIM THAT A NEW AIRPORT FOR HONG KONG WAS NOT NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE PLANNING DEVELOPMENTS IN MACAU AND SHENZHEN.

SHE SAID PEOPLE WHO HAI) SUCH THOUGHTS WERE OVERLOOKING THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE AIRPORT TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG IN BUSINESS, TOURISM AND FREIGHT.

MRS CHAN SAID UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG WOULD BE MAINTAINED AS AN INTRNATIONAL AND REGIONAL AVIATION CENTRE.

"HOW CAN WE DO THAT IF WE HAVE NO AIRPORT UNDER OUR CONTROL?"

SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE PLANS FOR MACAU AND SHENZHEN BEFORE THE DECISION WAS TAKEN TO GO AHEAD WITH THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

THE ADVICE GIVEN WAS THAT THE SHENZHEN DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE NO MORE THAN A DOMESTIC AIRPORT CAPABLE OF HANDLING THREE TO FOUR MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR, AND MACAU WOULD BE ABOUT THE SAME SIZE.

LAST YEAR, 16 MILLION INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH KAI TAK AND THE GROWTH WS 12 PER CENT. UP TO AUGUST THIS YEAR THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT.

MRS CHAN SAID AT THE CURRENT RATE OF GROWTH, KAI TAK WOULD REACH SATURATION POINT AS EARLY AS 1993. EVEN WHEN PLANNED EXPANSION AT KAI TAK WAS COMPLETED, IT WOULD ONLY BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING 24 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.

SHE SAID SHE COULD SEE NO DIRECT COMPETITION BETWEEN THE AIRPORTS AT MACAU AND SHENZHEN AND WITH THE NEW ONE IN HONG KONG.

--------0 - -

/4 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

4

HONG KONG - A POPULAR PLACE FOR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS

THE PACE AT WHICH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN SETTING UP THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG HAS CERTAINLY SHOWN NO SIGNS OF SLACKENING, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID.

SPEAKING AT A DINNER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE TREASURERS IN LONDON ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11), MR NENDICK SAID THAT IN THE 12 MONTHS AFTER JUNE 4 LAST YEAR, MORE MAJOR BANKS ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN THE TERRITORY THAN IN ANY COMPARABLE PERIOD SINCE 1980.

HE NOTED THAT RECENT ARRIVALS INCLUDED THE PERSONAL BANKING DIVISIONS OF TWO OF THE BRITISH CLEARING BANKS.

MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT OVER RECENT YEARS, A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF EUROPEAN, AMERICAN AND JAPANESE MONEY-MANAGEMENT COMPANIES HAVE ESTABLISHED REGIONAL BASES IN HONG KONG.

THEY DEPLOY FUNDS NOT ONLY INTO HONG KONG AND CHINA, BUT ALSO INTO OTHER BURGEONING MARKETS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, FROM SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN IN THE NORTH TO MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN THE SOUTH, HE ADDED.

AS AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 177 OVERSEAS SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, UNDERTAKING A WIDE SPECTRUM OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING STOCKBROKING, UNDERWRITING, FUND MANAGEMENT AND THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT ADVICE, MR NENDICK SAID, ADDING THAT THERE WERE 146 OVERSEAS INSURERS AUTHORISED TO CARRY ON INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG OF WHICH SOME WERE USING HONG KONG AS THEIR REGIONAL BASE FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.

FROM 1985 TO LAST YEAR, FINANCIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS HAVE ON AVERAGE BEEN ESTABLISHING AROUND 60 NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS TN HONG KONG EACH YEAR, HE NOTED.

TURNING TO STOCK AND GOLD MARKETS, MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT THE STOCK MARKET CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ONE OF THE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF-CAPITAL FOR LOCAL ENTERPRISES, ATTRACTING INTEREST FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS.

"AT THE END OF AUGUST 1990, 290 PUBLIC COMPANIES, WITH A TOTAL MARKET) CAPITALISATION OF SOME 45 BILLION POUNDS, WERE LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE.

I"THIS MAKES IT THE THIRD LARGEST STOCK MARKET IN ASIA AFTER JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA," HE SAID.

HONG KONG’S GOLD MARKET IS BELIEVED TO BE THE THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD AFTER LONDON AND ZURICH IN TERMS OF TRADING VOLUME, MR NENDICK SAID.

/"HONG KONG .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 5 -

"HONG KONG IS ALSO A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ENTREPOT FOR CAPITAL FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION THOUGH WE NEITHER WISH, NOR COULD AFFORD, TO BE BANKERS TO THE WORLD IN THE SENSE THAT LONDON, NEW YORK AND TOKYO NOW ARE," HE SAID.

MR NENDICK NOTED THAT THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR INCLUDING REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY IN RECENT YEARS.

"IN 1988, IT ACCOUNTED FOR 19 PER CENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP), COMPARED WITH A 20 PER CENT SHARE FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY," HE SAID.

BY COMPARISON, IN THE EARLY 70S ITS CONTRIBUTION TO GDP WAS ONLY HALF OF THAT OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

"WHILE MANUFACTURING STILL PROVIDES THE LARGEST SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR NOW EMPLOYS WELL OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE," HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN MAINTAINING AND DEVELOPING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, MR NENDICK STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO A FREE MARKET PHILOSOPHY.

"WE SEE OUR ROLE AS THAT OF PROVIDING THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK IN WHICH BUSINESS CAN FLOURISH.

"THE LAST THING WE WANT TO DO IS TO STIFLE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT. AS FAR AS OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM IS CONCERNED, INTERVENTION IS RESTRICTED TO ENSURING THAT THE INTEGRITY OF THE SYSTEM IS MAINTAINED AND THAT A PROPER MEASURE OF PROTECTION IS PROVIDED FOR NONPROFESSIONAL PARTICIPANTS," HE STRESSED.

- - 0---------

HONG KONG: AN IMPORTANT CAPITAL ENTREPOT FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

******

HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT CAPITAL ENTREPOT FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND WILL REMAIN VERY MUCH IN BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR AS FAR AHEAD AS CONCERNS ANY OF US HERE TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR PETER JOHNSON, SAID ON THURSDAY, (OCTOBER 11).

ADDRESSING A GROUP THAT INCLUDED A NATIONAL GOVERNOR OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK, ITS REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND SENIOR STAFF IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR JOHNSON SAID THERE ARE OVER 400 OVERSEAS BANKS FROM SOME 50 COUNTRIES IN THE TERRITORY, MORE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD EXCEPT NEW YORK AND LONDON.

/"A SURVEY .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

6

”A SURVEY IN APRIL 1989 INDICATED OUR FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET HAS A AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER OF US$49 BILLION. OUR GOLD MARKET IS POSSIBLY THE THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD AFTER LONDON AND ZURICH.”

SPEAKING ON THE ALLEGED FLIGHT OF CAPITAL FROM HONG KONG, MR JOHNSON POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG’S BANKING SYSTEM NEARLY TRIPLED BETWEEN 1985-1989, WITH AVERAGE GROWTH OF 23 PER CENT PER ANNUM.

’’SINCE THE END OF 1984, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS TN OUR BANKING SYSTEM HAVE BEEN GROWING AT 16 PER CENT PER ANNUM, BROADLY CONSISTENT WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.”

COMMENTING ON SKEPTICAL REMARKS ABOUT THE FALLING SHARE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, MR JOHNSON POINTED OUT THAT TN LONDON, STERLING DEPOSITS REPRESENT ONLY ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, AND IN SINGAPORE, THE CORRESPONDING SHARE FOR THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY IS ABOUT 50 PER CENT.

’’THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD OF SUPPOSED CAPITAL FLIGHT, THERE HAS BEEN NO DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON OUR LINKED EXCHANGE RATE WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR, INDEED ANY PRESSURE HAS BEEN TOWARDS A REVALUATION RATHER THAN A DEVALUATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

"OUR GENERAL CONCLUSION IS, THEREFORE, THAT DESPITE THE DIVERSION AND EXPANSION OF HONG KONG BASED COMPANIES OVERSEAS AND DESPITE THE MOVEMENT OF ASSETS OVERSEAS BY EMIGRANTS FROM HONG KONG, THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A BALANCING FLOW OF FUNDS INTO HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG DOLLAR,” MR JOHNSON SAID.

---------0-----------

HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 1990 ******

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN AUGUST 1990, AT $115,138 MILLION, GREW BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN AUGUST 1990-RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SLIGHTLY DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT TO $21,128 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 20 PER CENT TO $38,304 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT TO $59,432 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT TO $55,706 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990, AT $801,686 MILLION, INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.

/OVER THE ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT TO $142,075 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT TO $257,594 MILLION.

THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TO $399,669 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TO $402,017 MILLION.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

COMPARING AUGUST 1990 WITH AUGUST 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE RECORDED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE BY 37 PER CENT. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE NETHERLANDS, TAIWAN AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ALSO INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, JAPAN, THE USA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND FRANCE DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 39 PER CENT AND 24 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE USA AND FRANCE ALSO DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 10 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF

THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $664 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL. RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $463 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $322 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $129 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,553 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $769 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT). THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

/COMPARING AUGUST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

8

COMPARING AUGUST 1990 WITH AUGUST 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SINGAPORE, BY 28 PER CENT AND 27 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THOSE FROM CHINA, JAPAN, SWITZERLAND, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, TAIWAN AND THE USA INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT, 19 PER CENT, 17 PER CENT, 1.4 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA, SWITZERLAND AND THE USA INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, ITALY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THAT FROM JAPAN WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD TN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $5,991 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $5,535 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,749 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,752 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR IRON AND STEEL (BY $1,587 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,450 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN AUGUST 1990 OVER AUGUST 1989. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF. GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, THE USA AND TAIWAN, BY 65 PER CENT, 42 PER CENT, 36 PER CENT, 28 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THOSE TO CHINA, SINGAPORE AND JAPAN INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, THE USA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 55 PER CENT, 33 PER CENT, 28 PER CENT, 27 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT, 25 PER CENT AND 18 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

/THOSE TO .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 9 -

THOSE TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $8,946 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $6,651 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,718 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,298 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,652 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT) AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $1,000 MILLION OR 17 -PER CENT).

ALL THE 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 AUGUST 1990 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1990.

DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

THE AUGUST 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND OCTOBER 20, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $27.00 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE • DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE 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 AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) AUG 90 OVER AUG 89 ( % ) JAN-AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 90 OVER JAN-AUG 89

( % )

U.S.A. 6,163 - 11 42,088 - 7

CHINA 4,489 + 16 30,075 + 6

/F.R. OF GERMANY .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 10 -

F.R. OF GERMANY 1,712 + 10 10,765 + 5

U.K. 1,273 - 6 8,046 - 16

JAPAN 1 , 161 - 15 7,470 - 10

SINGAPORE 754 + 37 4,650 + 24

TAIWAN 482 + 13 3,699 + 39

CANADA 527 - 16 3,602 - 15

NETHERLANDS 480 + 13 3,190 + 1

FRANCE 285 4 2,276 5

TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION (H] AUG 1990 KD MN.) AUG 90 OVER AUG 89 ( % ) JAN-AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 90 OVER JAN-AUG 89

( % )

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,194 - 1 44,735 *

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,525 - 7 16,850 8

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,853 + 2 12,853 + 3

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,570 - 4 11,031 - 7

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,415 - 8 10,927 + 1

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,554 + 11 10,662 + 1

* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%

/TABLE 3: .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS

AUG AUG 90 JAN-AUG JAN-AUG 90

MAJOR SUPPLIER 1990 OVER AUG 89 1990 OVER JAN-AUG 89

(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( %

CHINA 21,976 + 20 146,481 + 17

JAPAN 8,754 + 19 63,558 *

TAIWAN 4,989 + 12 36,042 + 5

U.S.A. 4,084 + 10 34,178 + 11

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,237 + 13 18,110 + 1

SINGAPORE 2,239 + 27 15,494 + 6

F.R. OF GERMANY 1,319 + 14 9,124 - 2

U.K. 1,333 + 28 8,958 + 2

SWITZERLAND 869 + 17 7,151 + 12

ITALY 995 + 1 7,087 + 3

* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%

TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) AUG 90 OVER AUG 89 ( % ) JAN-AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 90

OVER JAN-AUG ( * 89 ) 1

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,517 + 6 50,076 + 4 ■ •

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,628 + 18 40,482 + 6

/ARTICLES OF

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 12 -

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5, 192 + 17 33,312 + 22

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,397 + 30 30,506 + 18

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,798 + 29 29,126 + 23

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,046 + 27 20,994 + 8

TABLE 5: RE- EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS

AUG MAJOR MARKET 1990 (HKD MN.) AUG 90 OVER AUG 89 ( % ) JAN-AUG 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 90 OVER JAN-AUG 89 ( % )

CHINA 9,611 + 10 69,184 - 1

U.S.A. 9,308 + 26 55,756 + 26

JAPAN 2,089 + 3 14,514 + 2

TAIWAN 1,660 + 23 13,605 + 25

F.R. OF GERMANY 2,094 + 65 12,730 + 55

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,041 - 4 8,593 - 5

SINGAPORE 1,045 + 8 8,343 + 18

U.K. 1,305 + 36 7,325 + 28

CANADA 715 + 28 4,344 + 27

FRANCE 652 + 42 3,995 + 33

/TABLE 6: .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 13 -

TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

AUG

COMMODITY 1990

DIVISION

(HKD MN.)

AUG 90 JAN-AUG JAN-AUG 90

OVER 1990 OVER

AUG 89 JAN-AUG 89

( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED

ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,638 + 36 34,538 + 35

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,767 + 26 29,834 + 29

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,014 + 5 29,379 + 5

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,049 + 7 23,974 + 8

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,440 + 35 21,778 + 28

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,433 + 29 9,895 + 28

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/14 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

14

PUBLIC SAFETY ENSURED AGAINST FUEL GAS RISKS ******

A PACKAGE OF SIX SETS OF GAS SAFETY REGULATIONS HAS BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER THE GAS SAFETY ORDINANCE ENACTED IN JULY THIS YEAR.

THE REGULATIONS SEEK TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF GAS CONSUMERS, PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE GAS INDUSTRY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AGAINST RISKS TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARISING OUT OF THE IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE, STORAGE, TRANSPORT, SUPPLY AND USE OF FUEL GASES.

FUEL GASES COVERED IN THE LEGISLATION ARE TOWN GAS, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPGI, NATURAL GAS AND ANY MIXTURE OF SUCH GASES, WHETHER IN THE FORM OF A LIQUID OR VAPOUR.

THE SIX SETS OF REGULATIONS ARE THE GAS SAFETY (GAS QUALITY) REGULATIONS, THE GAS SAFETY (GAS SUPPLY) REGULATIONS, THE GAS SAFETY (INSTALLATION AND USE) REGULATIONS, THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS) REGULATIONS, THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES) REGULATIONS, AND THE GAS SAFETY (MISCELLANEOUS) REGULATIONS.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THESE SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS UNDER THE GAS SAFETY ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR MIAO CHI SAID: "THE REGULATIONS WERE DRAWN UP IN FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE GAS INDUSTRY AND WITH THE BENEFIT OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED BY THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE AND THE GAS INDUSTRY IN IMPROVING GAS SAFETY STANDARDS SINCE 1982.

"AS A RESULT, THE REGULATIONS ARE PROPERLY ADAPTED TO SUIT LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE GAS INDUSTRY WHICH IS NOW GEARED UP TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THESE COMPREHENSIVE, WIDE-RANGING REGULATIONS."

THE GENERAL APPROACH OF THE REGULATIONS IS TO STATE IN GENERAL TERMS THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET, MR MIAO SAID.

"WHERE APPROPRIATE, HOWEVER, SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ARE LAID DOWN. FOR EXAMPLE, WITH RESPECT TO COMPETENCE OF GAS INSTALLERS, THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED AS \ GAS INSTALLER ARE DETAILRD," HE ADDED.

AS FOR GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET, THEY WILL BE SET OUT IN CODES OF PRACTICE DRAWN UP EITHER BY RELEVANT PARTS OF THE GAS INDUSTRY FOR GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OR BY THE GAS STANDARDS OFFICE ITSELF.

loF THE SIX SETS OF REGULATIONS THE GAS SAFETY (GAS QUALITY) REGULATIONS SPECIF! SAFETY LIMITS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE FUEL GASES BEING MANUFACTURED IN OR IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG, SO THAT AT ALL TIMES, THE GASES MAY BE SUPPLIED TO PREMISES AND USED IN GAS APPLIANCES WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO SAFETY.

/THE GAS .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 15 -

THE GAS SAFETY (GAS SUPPLY) REGULATIONS IMPOSE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ON GAS FACILITIES, VEHICLES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT SO AS TO SECURE THE SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE GAS SUPPLY ACTIVITIES OF THE GAS INDUSTRY AND TO PROTECT GAS CONSUMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM RISKS TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARISING FROM THE GAS SUPPLY ACTIVITIES OF THE GAS INDUSTRY.

THESE REGULATIONS COVER THE STANDARDS FOR THE LOCATION, DESIGN CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF GAS INSTALLATIONS; THE CONVEYANCE OF GAS IN PIPES; STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF BOTH LPG ROAD TANKERS AND LPG CYLINDER WAGONS, AS WELL AS GAS INDUSTRY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.

THE GAS SAFETY (INSTALLATION AND USE) REGULATIONS IMPOSE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ON THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF GAS FITTINGS, INCLUDING GAS APPLIANCES AND PLACE OBLIGATIONS ON PERSONS INSTALLING GAS FITTINGS AND SERVICING AND REPAIRING GAS FITTINGS; GAS SUPPLIERS AND PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR PREMISES IN WHICH GAS IS USED.

ANOTHER SET OF REGULATIONS, THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS) REGULATIONS, REQUIRES THAT GAS INSTALLATION WORK SHALL ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A COMPETENT REGISTERED GAS INSTALLER WHO IS AN EMPLOYEE OF A REGISTERED GAS CONTRACTOR, MR MIAO EXPLAINED.

IT PROVIDES FOR THE REGISTRATION AND DE-REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS, AND LIST OUT THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS AS WELL AS THE SCOPE OF WORK PERMITTED TO BE CARRIED OUT BV THE VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF GAS INSTALLERS.

"A REGISTRATION SCHEME WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED UNDER THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES) REGULATIONS FOR GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES TO ENSURE THAT ONLI COMPETENT ORGANISATIONS IMPORT MANUFACTURE OR SUPPLY FUEL GASES," HE SAID.

THE REGULATIONS SET OUT THE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET TO BE REGISTERED AS A GAS SUPPLY COMPANY, AND THE DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITES OF REGISTERED GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES.

THE GAS SAFETY (MISCELLANEOUS) REGULATIONS COVER THE APPROVAL BY THE GAS AUTHORITY OF FLEXIBLE GAS TUBING MANUFACTURED IN OR IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG FOR LOCAL USE; THE CONVERSION OF GAS APPLIANCES IN THE EVENT OF A CHANGE IN THE COMPOSITION OF TOWNGAS SUPPLIED TO CONSUMERS, AND THE RANK BELOW WHICH PUBLIC OFFICERS SHALL NOT BE APPOINTED AS GAS SAFETY INSPECTORS.

ON THE TIMING OF THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE, MR MIAO SAID: "FROM APRIL I NEXT \EAR, THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMMENCE REGISTRATION OF EXISTING GAS INSTALLERS, GAS CONTRACTORS AND GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES. THIS WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS.

/"AS FROM .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 16 -

"AS FROM APRIL 1, 1992, ONLY GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN REGISTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT MAY CARRY OUT GAS INSTALLATION WORK, AND CONSUMERS WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO ONLY EMPLOY REGISTERED GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS FOR GAS INSTALLATION WORK."

HE ADDED THAT SOME PUBLICITY MATERIALS WOULD BE PRODUCED TO FAMILIARISE THE GAS INDUSTRY WITH THE REGISTRATION SCHEMES.

--------0-----------

FIRST MEETING OF COLLAPSED BUILDING RELIEF CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

THE BONHAM STRAND WEST BUILDING WHICH COLLAPSED ON MONDAY HAS BEEN DECLARED STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF A RELIEF WORK CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE, MISS MONICA CHEN, FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.

MISS CHEN, ASSISTANT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, SAID RESIDENTS OF THE DAMAGED BUILDING WILL NOT, AT PRESENT, BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PREMISES TO CLAIM THEIR BELONGINGS.

"THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT (BLD) HAS NOTIFIED THE OWNERS TO DEMOLISH THF ENTIRE BUILDING BY NOVEMBER 9,” SHE SAID, ADDING THAT RESIDENTS COULD RETRIEVE THEIR BELONGINGS BY THEM.

SHE SAID THAT IF THE AFFECTED BUILDING WAS NOT PULLED DOWN BY THEN, THE BLD WOULD HIRE CONTRACTORS TO DO THE JOB.

MEANWHILE, MISS CHEN URGED AFFECTED RESIDENTS TO REGISTERE WHATEVER BELONGINGS THEY HAVE LEFT BEHIND WITH THE WATERFRONT POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE DIVISIONAL STATION’S PROPERTY OFFICE ON TEL. 515 2005 EXT. 28 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

"AFFECTED RESIDENTS WHO ARE IN DIFFICULTIES OR HAVE ENQUIRIES CAN CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON TEL. 852 3462 OR THE CENTRAL, •

WESTERN AND ISLANDS DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE ON TEL. 852 3125,"

SHE ADDED.

THE RELIEF WORK CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS FORMED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRAGIC INCIDENT WHICH KILLED ONE WOMAN AND INJURED TWO OTHERS, COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS SOCIAL WELFARE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, HOUSING, FIRE SERVICES AND THE POLICE.

/17........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 17 -

LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS AMENDED FOR 1991 LEGCO

********

AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL TO THE LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES TO BE MADE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991 ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE CHIEF SECRETARY INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 21 OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991.

IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH IS TO BE FORMED IN 1991 SHOULD COMPRISE 18 DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS, 21 MEMBERS RETURNED BY FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, 17 APPOINTED MEMBERS, THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AND A DEPUTY PRESIDENT TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

"THESE AMENDMENTS REFLECT THE NEW COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"APART FROM THESE CHANGES, THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE ALSO AMENDED TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM TO ENABLE THE NEXT TERM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CONTINUE UNTIL 1995," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

---------0---------

NEW ORIGIN/ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES ANNOUNCED *****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES.

UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (COUNTRY OF ORIGIN) (WATCHES) ORDER 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE, THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF WATCHES IS TO BE THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE MOVEMENTS ARE MANUFACTURED. THIS ORDER WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID ORIGIN MARKING OF A PRODUCT WAS NOT MANDATORY UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, BUT THE ORDINANCE STIPULATED THAT ANY ORIGIN MARKING OF A PRODUCT MUST REFLECT ITS TRUE ORIGIN.

HE SAID THE EXISTING HONG KONG ORIGIN RULE FOR WATCHES STIPULATED THAT A WATCH WAS OF HONG KONG ORIGIN WHERE CERTAIN WATCH COMPONENTS WERE MADE AND ASSEMBLED INTO FINISHED WATCHES.

/"OVER RECENT .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

18

’’OVER RECENT YEARS, HONG KONG’S WATCH AND COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAVE UNDERGONE STRUCTURAL CHANGES. IN VIEW OF THE CHANGE IN THE PATTERN OF PRODUCTION, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS IT APPROPRIATE TO ADOPT NEW ORIGIN RULES AS PROPOSED BY THE LOCAL WATCH INDUSTRY.

’’THIS NEW RULE DETERMINES THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF A WATCH BY THE ORIGIN OF ITS MOVEMENT AND BRINGS HONG KONG’S PRACTICE INTO LINE WITH A NUMBER OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS, SUCH AS THE USA, JAPAN AND SWITZERLAND,” HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE NEW ORIGIN RULE CERTIFICATES OF HONG KONG ORIGIN COULD BE ISSUED FOR WATCHES INCORPORATING MOVEMENTS MANUFACTURED IN HONG KONG, AND SUCH WATCHES COULD BE MARKED 'HONG KONG’.

"AS FOR WATCHES INCORPORATING IMPORTED MOVEMENTS, THEY CAN BE MARKED ACCORDING TO THE ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENTS,” HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE NEW RULE VIGOROUSLY AGAINST FRAUDULENT DESCRIPTIONS UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE.

"ANY PERSON FOUND TO HAVE INFRINGED THE LEGISLATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $500,000 AND FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT,” HE SAID.

ANY ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 398 5538 OR TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 852 3392.

---------0-----------

NEW I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1941-46 ******

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WOMEN BORN IN 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 AND 1946 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM OCTOBER 22 TO DECEMBER 8.

’’WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.

ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

/APPLICANTS MAY .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 19 -

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 : 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 MAY MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED.

HE REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1947, 1948, 1949 AND 1950 WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW I. I). CARDS TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE IS ONLY ONE MORE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON OCTOBER 20.

FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW I.D. 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.

--------0----------

/20.........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 20 -

RATE-PAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON THIRD QUARTER PAYMENT ******

RATEPAYERS SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES FOR THE QUARTER OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1990 WHICH ARE DEMANDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RATING ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE MAY BRING A RATES DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER AND MAKE PAYMENT AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

THE TREASURY CENTRAL COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;

THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING FIRST FLOOR, 28 SHU KUK STREET, HONG KONG;

* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;

* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON.

ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE AND CANNOT PRODUCE A RATES DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), NINTH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.

NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON OCTOBER 31, 1990 AND UNLESS SO. PAID MAY BE SUBJECT TO SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE.

A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.

RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE.

IN THIS CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON OCTOBER 31, 1990. RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.

RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE.

/UNDER SECTIONS .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 21 -

UNDER SECTIONS 30(1A) AND (2A), HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).

TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.

---------0-----------

TYPHOON SHELTER AND RECLAMATION WORKS PROPOSED

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO PROCEED WITH TWO PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED (RECLAMATION) ORDINANCE OFF THE COAST OF TO KWA WAN AND AT CHOK KO WAN, LANTAU ISLAND.

AT TO KWA WAN, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT ABOUT 950 METRES OF BREAKWATER AND SIX MOORING DOLPHINS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 35 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED TO FORM A TYPHOON SHELTER WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 18 HECTARES.

THE WORK, WHICH WILL START NEXT APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER 1992, IS TO BE CARRIED OUT AS PART OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.

ON EAST LANTAU ISLAND, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECLAIM ABOUT 19.95 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN AN AREA NEAR CHOK KO WAN.

THE WORK IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEMPORARY STOCKPILING OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL FROM AN ADJACENT BORROW AREA AND FOR THE MOORING OF BARGES FOR THE LOADING AND TRANSPORTATION OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL TO OTHER GOVERNMENT RECLAMATION PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE EXTENT OF THE TWO AREAS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES OF THE TWO PROJECTS.

THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED IN THE ABOVE WORKS MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE DECEMBER 11, 1990

------0--------

/22 .....

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 22 -

128 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE RETURNED ♦ * * * *

A GROUP OF 128 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION

COMPRISING 39 MEN, 36 WOMEN, 29 BOYS AND 24 THE 35TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

(FRIDAY) RETURNED PROGRAMME.

GIRLS, THEY WERE

SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 4,581 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

--------0-----------

SWD TO HOLD THREE REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ******

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE THREE REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ON SUNDAY (OCOTBER 14) TO PROMOTE YOUNGSTERS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR ROLES IN MEETING NEW CHALLENGES AND THE WORK OF VOLUNTEERS.

THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH INCLUDED TWO SEMINARS AND ONE DAY CAMP, ARE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG AND NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND WEST DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES.

THE TWO SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN AND THE SHA TIN CLUBHOUSE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. MORE THAN 240 YOUNGSTERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

AT THE SAME TIME, ABOUT 100 VOLUNTEERS WILL ATTEND THE CAMP TO BE HELD AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP.

A CHINESE UNIVERSITY LECTURER, DR LAM MAN-PING, AND MR CHAN YUK-CHEUNG FROM THE RTHK, WILL TALK ON ’’CHALLENGES TO BE FACED BY YOUNGSTERS IN THE 90S AND THEIR ROLES IN ESTABLISHING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG” AT THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB.

AT THE SHA TIN CLUBHOUSE SEMINAR WILL BE PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF THE APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, MRS AGNES YEUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS’ ASSOCIATION, MR CHU PUI-HING.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEMINARS AND DAY CAMP TO BE HELD IN THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14), BEGINNING AT 9 AM.

/THE REGIONAL .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

THE REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE SWD’S NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGIONAL OFFICE, WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN CLUBHOUSE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

ANOTHER SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES WEST REGIONAL OFFICE, WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN.

SHUTTLE BUSES WILL BE LEAVING FOR THE CLUB IN SAI LAU KOK ROAD NEAR TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AT 8.30 AM AND 9.45 AM ON THAT DAY.

THE DAY CAMP IS TO BE HELD AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP.

- - 0 - -

OWNERS CORPORATION - KEY TO GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE IMPROVED PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG BY ENCOURAGING FLAT OWNERS TO FORM OWNERS CORPORATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES LIMITED, MR TSAO SAID THIS WAS TO HAMMER HOME THE MESSAGE THAT A WELL-MANAGED AND WELL-MAINTAINED

BUILDING GOES A VERY LONG WAY TOWARDS PROTECTING THEIR INVESTMENT IN

THE PROPERTY CONCERNED.

HOWEVER, MR TSAO SAID SATISFACTORY MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE

BUILDINGS SHOULD NOT I.EFT ENTIRELY TO THE FLAT OWNERS ALONE ALTHOUGH

THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATELY-OWNED BUILDINGS WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNED.

"THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE IS TO HELP THEM MANAGE THEIR PROPERTIES MORE EFFECTIVELY, BY TAKING STEPS TO PROVIDE A BETTER LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH TO OPERATE," HE SAID.

MR TSAO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MANY INITIATIVES IN THIS AREA WAS THE STUDY AND THE DISCUSSIONS ON THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT.

"ANOTHER MAJOR PLAYER IN GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT IS THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROFESSION AND THE COMPANIES CONCERNED."

HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES LIMITED HAD DRAWN UP A CODE OF CONDUCT WITH WHICH MEMBER COMPANIES WERE REQUIRED TO ABIDE WITH A VIEW TO ASSURING A HIGH LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

24 BUILDING MANAGEMENT MONTH FOR KOWLOON CITY * * * » *

A "BUILDING MANAGEMENT MONTH" TO PROMOTE COOPERATION BETWEEN OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AS WELL AS HOME SAFETY WILL.BE LAUNCHED IN KOWLOON CITY NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER).

ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE "BUILDING MANAGEMENT MONTH" WILL COMPRISE A SERIES OF FREE WORKSHOPS, VISITS AND SEMINARS.

THESE ACTIVITIES ARE AIMED AT HELPING OFFICE-BEARERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO IMPROVE THEIR MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

THREE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 2, 9 AND 16.

THEY WILL COVER AREAS IN THE OPERATION AND FINANCIAL CONTROL OF AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF BUILDINGS, FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES.

LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN BY PROFESSIONALS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM ICAC, THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE.

VISITS TO THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU AND HUNG HOM FIRE STATION HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR NOVEMBER 10 AND 17.

A SEMINAR ON HOME SAFETY COMPRISING TALKS AND AN EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 24.

THOSE WHO ATTEND MORE THAN THREE OF THE WORKSHOPS AND VISITS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD; ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, PHASE 5, WHAMPOA GARDEN, AND LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 68-74 JUNCTION ROAD.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 711 0171.

- - 0-----------

725 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 25 -

EXHIBITION ON PADS AND METROPLAN IN TUEN MUN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

A ROUND-THE-DISTRICT EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND METROPLAN WILL BE MOUNTED IN TUEN MUN FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14 I.

THE "HONG KONG IS OUR HOME" EXHIBITION WILL BE DISPLAYED AT:

TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA (BY THF. MUSIC FOUNTAIN) OCTOBER 14

BUTTERFLY COMMERCIAl CENTRE OCTOBER 20 AND 21

TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL OCTOBER 27 AND 28

SIU HONG COURT (FOUNTAIN SQUARE) NOVEMBER 3 AND 4

SHAN KING COMMUNITY HALL NOVEMBER 10 AND 11

ON TING/YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRF NOVEMBER 17 AND 18

LEUNG KING ESTATE NOVEMBER 24 AND 25

THE EXHIBITION WILL COMPRISE 14 DISPLAY PANELS, EACH WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION, A SEMINAR ON THF SAME THEME WILL BE HELD IN TUEN MUN TOWN HALL ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14) MORNING.

TO FOSTER CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN, ESSAY AND PAINTING COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD.

THE EVENTS ARE ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE "HONG KONG IS OUR HOME -- EXHIBITION ON METROPLAN AND PADS” IN TUEN MUN WILL BE KICKED OFF BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR OFFICER OF TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG;

JOHN WAN, AND THE DISTRICT PLANNING MR W. P. NG, ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14)

AT 10 AM BY THE

MUSIC

FOUNTAIN

IN TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA.

BE HELD IN THE AM ON SUNDAY.

HONG KONG TOWN

TOWN PLANNER OF DEPARTMENT, MS

THE SEMINAR ON THF METROPLAN AND THE PADS WILL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF TUEN MUN TOWN HALL AT 11 SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE PLANNING ASSOCIATION, DR YIP KA-ON, AND THE SENIOR THE CENTRAL INFORMATION UNIT OF THE PLANNING

PHYLLIS LI.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.

- - 0----------

/26 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

POSTPONEMENT OF TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL

*♦♦♦♦♦

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE FIRST READING OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER 7 IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY THE HEUNG YEF KUK FOR MORE TIME TO EXPLAIN THE BILL TO THE RURAL COMMUNITY.

"IT WOULD ALSO PERMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE MORE DETAILED EXAMINATIONS TO PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- - 0 - -

INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS PUBLISHED

*****

THF DIRECTOR OF PLANNING TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF SIX MORE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (TDPA) PLANS FOR THE NORTH AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS.

THE PLANS COMPRISE MAN UK PIN, LUK KENG AND WO HANG, PAK KONG, SHA KOK MEI, HEBE HAVEN AND TSENG LAN SHUE. THEY COVER A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 1,980 HECTARES.

ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, S1NCF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 27 THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 30 IDPA PLANS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED INCLUDING THOSE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, DEVELOPMENT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PLANS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.

IN RESPECT OF THE IDPA PLANS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, THE MAN UK PIN, LUK KENG AND WO HANG AREAS ARE LINKED WITH FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN AND SHA TAU KOK BY SHA TAU KOK ROAD. .

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THE UPGRADING OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY OF THE AREAS, PRESSURE FOR DEVELOPMENT WOULD BECOME IMMINENT.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF PUBLISHING THE IDPA PLANS FOR THESE AREAS WAS TO IMPOSE PROPER LAND USE PLANNING CONTROL FOR PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

PAK KONG, SHA KOK MEI, HEBE HAVEN AND TSENG LAN SHUE ARE SITUATED NOT FAR AWAY FROM FAST KOWLOON AND THUS HAVE GOOD ACCESSIBILITY TO THE MAIN URBAN AREAS.

/AS THE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 27 -

AS THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, THESE AREAS ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO GREAT DEVELOPMENT PRESSURE.

TO CATER FOR THE DEMAND, A NUMBER OF AREAS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR THE USE OF RESIDENTIAL AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE PLANS.

ON ENACTMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, THE IDPA’S WOULD BE INCLUDED IN STATUTORY DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS (DPA), AND THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COULD THEN SERVE NOTICE REQUIRING REINSTATEMENT OF THE LAND TO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE GAZETTING OF THE IDPA PLANS OR RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO HIS SATISFACTION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID EXISTING USES WOULD BE TOLERATED WITHIN THE IDPA’S. PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR WOULD BE HONOURED WHEN THE IDPA’S WERE INCLUDED INTO STATUTORY DPA’S.

IF PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED, AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH PERMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL REGISTRY OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR SMALL HOUSE SITES IN AREAS COVERED BY THE NEW IDPA’S SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY DIRECT TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER.

THE SIX IDPA PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED UNTIL DECEMBER 12, 1990 AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;

PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES.

COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.

--------0----------

/28 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

- 28 -

FURTHER AMENDMENT TO THREE OUTLINE ZONING PLANS It***

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS REFERRED THREE OUTLINE ZONING PLANS FOR TAI PO, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG BACK TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND AMENDMENT.

A TOWN PLANNING BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE THREE PLANS WERE NOT YET READY FOR APPROVAL BECAUSE FURTHER AMENDMENTS WERE EXPECTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

HE ADDED THAT THE BOARD WOULD GIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE PLANS AND DECIDE WHAT AMENDMENTS WOULD BE NECESSARY TO MEET THE PLANNING NEEDS OF THE THREE AREAS.

"POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS MIGHT INCLUDE THE INCORPORATION OF LATEST LAND USE PROPOSALS FOR THE PAK SHEK KOK AREA IN TAI PO AND KAU WAH KENG AREA IN KWAI CHUNG, AS WELL AS THE REZONING OF AN AREA WITHIN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.

UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO THE THREE PLANS WOULD BE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LODGE OBJECTIONS TO THE BOARD.

------0-------

ROADS TO BE REBUILT TO IMPROVE MONG KOK TRAFFIC ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT SECTIONS OF THE EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS ALONG ARRAN STREET, PORTLAND STREET, SHANTUNG STREET, SOY STREET, NATHAN ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD IN MONG KOK.

THE RECONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE 4 PHASE I PROJECT.

THE PROPOSED WORKS ALSO INCLUDE:

RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING FOOTWAYS;

* CONVERSION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING FOOTWAYS INTO

CARRIAGEWAYS, CENTRAL DIVIDERS, ISLANDS AND VERGES;

CONVERSION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS INTO

FOOTWAYS, CENTRAL DIVIDERS, ISLANDS AND VERGES;

♦ CONVERSION OF EXISTING CENTRAL DIVIDERS, ISLANDS AND VERGES INTO FOOTWAYS AND CARRIAGEWAY.

/ON COMPLETION

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

ON COMPLETION, THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS WILL ALLEVIATE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MONG KOK ESPECIALLY DURING THE MAIN CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE IV PHASE I.

THE WORKS ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MAY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE PLANS AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFF ICES:-

» CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICES, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

OFFICES, WEST WING, HONG KONG;

» KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;

* MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND

* YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, KOWLOON.

ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT 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 DECEMBER 11, 1990.

---0

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TO HOLD ATHLETIC MEET ******

CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET LATER THIS MONTH ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE NEXT WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17).

A LIMITED NUMBER OF APPLICATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38 PIER ROAD, AND ITS SUB-OFFICE IN KENNEDY TOWN OR THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1001, UC SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX.

ENROLMENT, WHICH IS LIMITED TO 500 PARTICIPANTS, WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

THE ATHLETIC MEET, ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS OF THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) IN THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND.

/RESIDENTS AGED

■ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1990

RESIDENTS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 50 ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE 66 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED BY AGE AND SEX INTO EIGHT GROUPS.

THE OUTDOOR FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 853 2566.

--------0-----------

YAU TSIM TO LAUNCH ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN ON SUNDAY

*****

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1990-91 YAU TSIM DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP EXERCISE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

TO IMPROVE THE SANITARY CONDITION OF CANOPIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN THEME HAS BEEN SET AS "CANOPY CLEANLINESS".

A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND A QUIZ SHOW WILL BE STAGED AFTER THE CEREMONY.

OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHUNG SIU-LAM AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR WU MAN-KEUNG.

THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL NEXT FEBRUARY, IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REG1ONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD DURING THE PERIOD.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 2.30 PM.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

POLICE GIVE OVERVIEW OF LAW AND ORDER SITUATION TO FCC MEMBERS AND DFCC CHAIRMEN .................................................................. 1

"PREVENT CRIME, REPORT CRIME, PROVE CRIME" ................................ 3

WORLD STANDARDS DAY TOMORROW .............................................. 5

QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 ........................................................... 6

YOUTH URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS .............................. 9

EMPLOYERS URGED TO HIRE MORE DISABLED PEOPLE ............................. 10

SCOUT GROUP INAUGURATED IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE .................... 10

BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSES IN YAU TSIM .................................. 11

MAINLAND SOUTH DIVISION OF DSD MOVED ..................................... 12

TUEN MUN ART FAIR ........................................................ 12

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 1 -

POLICE GIVE OVERVIEW OF LAW AND ORDER SITUATION TO FCC MEMBERS AND DFCC CHAIRMEN *****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (SATURDAY) CHAIRED A MEETING OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT WHICH MEMBERS WERE JOINED BY THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.

THIS SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WAS CALLED TO EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT’S POSITION WITH RESPECT TO COMBATTING CRIME AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION.

IN HIS OVERVIEW OF THE CRIME SITUATION, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS, MR JOHN SHEPPARD, SAID THE MAIN THRUST OF POLICE OPERATIONS HAD FOR MANY YEARS BEEN A STRONG AND CONVINCING PRESENCE ON THE STREETS OF HONG KONG AT ALL HOURS OF THE DAY AND NIGHT.

"THIS DEPLOYMENT PHILOSOPHY ENABLES US TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO EMERGENCIES," HE SAID. "WE BELIEVE, ALSO, THAT IN PRACTICE THIS HAS A SIGNIFICANT DETERRENT EFFECT ON CRIMINALS AND, EQUALLY IMPORTANT, IT MAKES POLICE OFFICERS READILY AVAILABLE TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO SEEK OUR ASSISTANCE."

MR SHEPPARD ASSURED FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN THAT THE FORCE WAS WELL TRAINED, WELL EQUIPPED, DEDICATED, AND PROFESSIONAL AND THAT DESPITE RECRUITMENT AND WASTAGE PROBLEMS IT REMAINED OF CONSIDERABLE SIZE.

"THE STRENGTH OF THE FORCE NOW STANDS AT 26,508, A FIGURE WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE 5,329 AUXILIARY POLICEMEN OR 5,239 CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ATTACHED TO THE POLICE," HE POINTED OUT.

"WE ARE WELL MOTIVATED AND THE MORALE ISSUES ABOUT WHICH WE HAVE ALL READ A GREAT DEAL IN RECENT MONTHS HAVE NOT IN THE SLIGHTEST WAY AFFECTED THE DETERMINATION OF POLICEMEN TO DEAL EFFICIENTLY WITH CRIME, AND OTHER POLICE WORK."

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS INTO THE TERRITORY FROM CHINA, THEIR USE IN ROBBERIES AND THE INCIDENCE OF TRIAD AND GANG ACTIVITY WERE CAUSE FOR CONCERN, MR SHEPPARD SAID CURRENT POLICE ACTION - BOTH ON OUR STREETS AS WELL AS WITHIN INVESTIGATORY AND SUPPORT UNITS - WAS CALCULATED TO FRUSTRATE THIS ACTIVITY AND APPREHEND THOSE RESPONSIBLE.

"ALL POLICE OFFICERS AGONIZE OVER CRIME STATISTICS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DON’T FIND IT ESPECIALLY HELPFUL TO BE INFORMED THAT THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE THE VICTIM OF A ROBBERY IN 1990 THAN THEY WERE IN 1980," MR SHEPPARD WENT ON. "NEVERTHELESS THIS IS TRUE. IN 1980 ROBBERIES AVERAGED 25 A DAY COMPARED WITH 21 A DAY THIS YEAR.

"CRIMINALS ARE NOT HAVING IT ALL THEIR OWN WAY AND WE HAVE HAD A GOOD DEAL OF SUCCESS IN BOTH INTELLIGENCE BASED OPERATIONS AND THROUGH THE QUICK RESPONSE OF PATROLLING OFFICERS.

/"I AM ........

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 2 -

"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE FULLEST COOPERATION FROM POLICE AUTHORITIES IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN OUR EFFORTS TO STOP THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF WEAPONS INTO HONG KONG.

"WE SHALL CONTINUE TO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THEM - WE ARE DETERMINED TO DEAL RESOLUTELY WITH CRIMINALS WHO IMPORT GUNS INTO HONG KONG AND USE THEM ON OUR STREETS."

ENDORSING MR SHEPPARD’S VIEW THAT VISIBLE PRESENCE OF UNIFORMED OFFICERS IN THE STREET WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DETER CRIME, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR EDDIE HUI, SAID EVERY DISTRICT IS NOW PUTTING OUT AS MANY BEAT OFFICERS AS POSSIBLE AND DEPLOYING THEM IN AREAS PRONE TO CRIME.

"UNLIKE YEARS GONE BY, WHEN THE BEAT PC WAS VERY MUCH CONCERNED WITH HAWKERS, OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE STREET AND PARKING TICKETS, SUCH MATTERS ARE NOW AT THE BOTTOM OF HIS PRIORITIES AND HE IS DIRECTED VERY MUCH TO CRIME," HE SAID. "WHEN POUNDING THE BEAT HE IS NOT ALONE AND HE IS SUPPORTED BY MANY OTHER UNITS INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY UNITS, POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, TRAFFIC, UNIFORM BRANCH TASK FORCES, AND CID ACTION SQUADS.

"WHEN ALL THESE ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THERE ARE PLENTY OF RESOURCES ON THE GROUND TO RESPOND TO CRIME REPORTS. WE CAN RESPOND TO A 999 CALL IN JUST A FEW MINUTES. WE ARE A VERY FLEXIBLE ORGANISATION AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO SHIFT THE EMPHASIS OF OPERATION QUICKLY IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES."

POINTING OUT THAT THE CRIME DETECTION RATE HAD REMAINED STEADY DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS AT AROUND 46 PER CENT, MR HUI SAID THIS WAS A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE FOR ANY POLICE FORCE.

REFERRING TO THE RISE IN THE USE OF FIREARMS IN CRIME, MR HUI SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD PUT THIS CATEGORY OF CRIME AT THE VERY TOP OF HIS ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES.

A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN LOCALLY TO COMBAT THE INCREASE IN AVAILABILITY OF FIREARMS. THE FORCE HAD ENHANCED ITS CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS AND ENSURED THAT ALL ARRESTED PERSONS WERE PROPERLY DEBRIEFED IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN THE SOURCE OF FIREARMS. MANY FIREARMS WERE KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND BY SMUGGLERS, SO POLICE HAD MOUNTED A NUMBER OF OPERATIONS IN AREAS SUCH AS LAU FAU SHAN WHERE FIREARMS WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE PASSED THROUGH FROM CHINA.

"WE HAVE HAD SOME SUCCESS. WE HAVE SEIZED 52 GENUINE FIREARMS SO FAR THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR, WE SEIZED A TOTAL OF 93 BUT THIS FIGURE IS MISLEADINGLY HIGH BECAUSE 32 OF THEM WERE FOUND IN ONE CONSIGNMENT AT THE AIRPORT AND WERE POSSIBLY NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN HONG KONG,” HE ADDED.

TURNING TO TRIAD-RELATED CRIME, MR HUI SAID EVERY MONTH POLICE CONDUCTED AN AVERAGE OF 3,450 RAIDS AND ARRESTED ABOUT 800 PERSONS.

/HE EMPHASISED .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 3 -

HE EMPHASISED THAT THE TRIAD SOCIETIES DIVISION (TSD) HAD BEEN DISBANDED IN 1983 NOT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO TRIAD PROBLEM, BUT BECAUSE THE FORCE WANTED TO MAKE BETTER USE OF RESOURCES BY AMALGAMATING THE FORMER TSD, SERIOUS CRIME AND HOMICIDE DIVISIONS INTO THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP (OSCG).

SINCE ITS FORMATION, OSCG HAS CONDUCTED SOME VERY SUCCESSFUL LONG-TERM INTELLIGENCE-BASED INVESTIGATIONS, ONE CASE - AGAINST A MAJOR TRIAD SOCIETY - TAKING NEARLY FIVE YEARS TO COMPLETE. THOUGH TIME-CONSUMING, THIS TACTIC IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED.

WITH THE RECENT ADDITION OF THE SOPHISTICATED CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE COMPUTER SYSTEM (CICS) THE FORCE WAS NOW ABLE TO MAKE BETTER ASSESSMENTS IN RELATION TO ORGANISED, SERIOUS AND TRIAD-RELATED CRIME, MR HUI POINTED OUT.

"WE HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN STREAMLINING CERTAIN PROCEDURES TO ELIMINATE TRIAD INFLUENCE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN FISH MARKETS AND ABATTOIRS AND MOST RECENTLY IN THE REGISTRATION FOR THE SALE OF FLATS.

"FROM TIME TO TIME, WE CONDUCT HIGH PROFILE ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS BY FLOODING BLACK SPOTS WITH BOTH UB AND CID OFFICERS. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THE RECENT OPERATION AFTER THE HUNG HOM ARSON AND HOMICIDE CASE WHICH RESULTED IN 477 ARRESTS."

IN CONCLUSION MR HUI STRESSED THAT THE POLICE COULD ONLY ACT WITHIN THE LAW. THE ULTIMATE AIM WAS TO ARREST, PROSECUTE AND REMOVE CRIMINAL ELEMENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY BY PUTTING THEM BEHIND BARS.

"HOWEVER, WITHOUT THE NECESSARY EVIDENCE, PARTICULARLY THAT OF WITNESSES WHO ARE VICTIMS, WE FIND THAT OUR HANDS ARE TIED.

"I THEREFORE CALL UPON THE CHAIRMEN OF ALL DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES TO CONVEY THIS MESSAGE TO THEIR OWN DISTRICT. THE POLICE NEEDS THE HELP OF THE COMMUNITY IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST TRIAD-RELATED CRIME. THE PUBLIC MUST COME FORWARD, REPORT CRIME AND BE PREPARED TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT SO THAT THE TIDE CAN TURN IN OUR FAVOUR."

--------0 - -

"PREVENT CRIME, REPORT CRIME, PROVE CRIME"

*****

"PREVENT CRIME, REPORT CRIME, PROVE CRIME" - THESE ARE THE KEY MESSAGES IN A NEW GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO UNITE THE COMMUNITY AND THE POLICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL PUBLICITY DRIVE TO SUPPLEMENT THE ON-GOING FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN TODAY (SATURDAY), THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THE DRIVE WILL CARRY THE SLOGAN "JOIN FORCES AGAINST CRIME".

/IT WILL .......

I

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

4

IT WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH AND WILL RUN FOR FOUR MONTHS.

THE NEW INITIATIVE WAS DISCUSSED DURING AN EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT WHICH MEMBERS WERE JOINED BY THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) CHAIRMEN.

STRESSING THAT THE DFCCS HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN SPEARHEADING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, SIR DAVID CALLED UPON THEM TO EXPLORE ALL METHODS BY WHICH CRIME AWARENESS COULD BE IMPROVED IN THEIR LOCAL AREAS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TAKING EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DO THEIR CIVIC DUTY.

SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THE REASON FOR INCLUDING THE THEME "PROVE CRIME" IN THE THREE KEY MESSAGES. HE SAID PUBLIC COOPERATION WAS ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY IN THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION BUT ALSO BY WITNESSES’ WILLINGNESS TO COME FORWARD AND GIVE EVIDENCE.

ON CRIME PREVENTION, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS NOT MERELY CONFINED TO PROTECTING HOMES, PROPERTY AND VEHICLES. "PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ARE REMINDED OF THE MEASURES THEY MUST TAKE TO PREVENT YOUNG PERSONS FROM BECOMING INVOLVED IN CRIME OR TRIAD ACTIVITIES."

AS FOR REPORTING CRIME, IN ADDITION TO DIRECTLY APPROACHING A POLICE OFFICER, CALLING AT A POLICE STATION OR DIALLING 999, OTHER METHODS INCLUDE THE USE OF CONFIDENTIAL CRIME INFORMATION FORMS, POLICE TELEPHONE HOTLINES, THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BOX 999 AND NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICES.

"CRIME CAN ONLY BE EFFECTIVELY TACKLED THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER AND THAT IS WHAT THE NEW CAMPAIGN IS INTENDED TO ACHIEVE."

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES IN GETTING THE CAMPAIGN OFF THE GROUND WILL INCLUDE A NEW CAMPAIGN LOGO AND THEME SONG, POSTERS, LEAFLETS, TELEVISION AND RADIO COMMERCIALS, ADVERTISING ON CINEMA SCREENS AND MTR POSTER SITES AND UTILISING TELE-SCREEN DISPLAY FACILITIES AT STADIA AND RACE-COURSES.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE A MASSIVE FIGHT CRIME RALLY EARLY NEXT YEAR AT WHICH JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS FROM ALL 19 POLICE DISTRICTS WILL BE MOBILIZED TO COMPETE ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY LEADERS, CELEBRITIES AND LOCAL ARTISTES IN A COLOURFUL TELE-GAME CONTEST WITH PUBLIC COOPERATION IN COMBATTING CRIME AS ITS THEME.POLICE WILL ORGANISE A "MINI TATTOO" AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME.

JPCS WILL THEN BE ASKED TO SPREAD THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE BY ORGANISING DISTRICT RALLIES AFTER WHICH PUBLICITY PACKAGES WILL BE DELIVERED TO QUARTER-OF-A-MILLION HOMES.

- 0 - -

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

1990

- 5 -

WORLD STANDARDS DAY TOMORROW *****

HONG KONG WILL BE JOINING MANY COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN RECOGNISING WORLD STANDARDS DAY WHICH MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDISATION.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION (ISO) AND THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION (IEC), OF WHICH HONG KONG IS A MEMBER.

THE TWO ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT STANDARDS AND WORKING TOWARDS COMPATIBILITY OF SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF BOTH MANUFACTURERS AND CONSUMERS.

AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ERNEST EVANS, SAID HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS HAD BEEN PLACING INCREASING EMPHASIS ON QUALITY AND CONSUMER SAFETY IN RECENT YEARS.

"TO PROMOTE STANDARDISATION AND THE AWARENESS OF QUALITY IN HONG KONG, THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS SET UP SIX YEARS AGO TO COLLECT AND DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS IN HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS TO THE INDUSTRY.

"THE BUREAU’S PRODUCT STANDARDS LIBRARY MAINTAINS THE NATIONAL STANDARDS OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ISSUED BY THE ISO AND IEC.

"TO GAIN EFFICIENT ACCESS TO THE EXTENSIVE DATABASE OF OVERSEAS STANDARDS INSTITUTIONS, THE BUREAU SET UP DIRECT ON-LINE COMPUTER LINKS WITH THESE INSTITUTIONS LATE LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, MR EVANS SAID, THE BUREAU OPERATED A SALES AGENCY SERVICE THROUGH WHICH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS COULD BE PURCHASED.

"IT IS ALSO AUTHORISED TO REPRODUCE AND SELL PHOTOCOPIES OF BRITISH, EUROPEAN, ISO AND IEC STANDARDS TO FACILITATE USERS OF STANDARDS. THE PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE WILL SOON BE EXTENDED TO COVER AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS," HE SAID.

APART FROM ANSWERING GENERAL ENQUIRIES ON STANDARDS, THE BUREAU ALSO PROVIDES A TECHNICAL ENQUIRY SERVICE TO EXPLAIN THE PARTICULAR FEATURES OF OVERSEAS REQUIREMENTS AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, OFFERS SUGGESTIONS ON WAYS TO ENABLE A PRODUCT TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.

THE SERVICE HAS BEEN WELL-RECEIVED BY LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS WITH THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES HANDLED BY THE BUREAU GROWING FROM 25 IN 1984 TO 1,600 LAST YEAR.

TO FURTHER ASSIST THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS BY SECURING A PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION FOR QUALITY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS’ OWN EFFORTS TO UPGRADE THEIR PRODUCTION.

/THE PROGRAMME

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

6

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO HONG KONG’S EXISTING QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE, THE INTRODUCTION OF A VOLUNTARY QUALITY CERTIFICATION SCHEME AND THE LAUNCHING OF A THREE-YEAR CAMPAIGN IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF QUALITY AWARENESS AMONG LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES WILL ENABLE THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO MEET THE INCREASINGLY STRINGENT PRODUCT STANDARDS IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS.

- - 0---------

QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990

*****

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, ESTIMATED AT $8,392 MILLION, WAS 15 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1989, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS ONE PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 WAS $3,294 MILLION, WHICH WAS NINE PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE TERMS THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, BARS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, NONCHINESE RESTAURANTS AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS WENT UP BY 24 PER CENT, 21 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989, WHILE THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" -COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY, ETC. REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED.

IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT, SIX PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE FOR CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT.

IN VALUE TERMS, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR BARS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES", AT 24 PER CENT, 23 PER CENT, 22 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

/IN VOLUME .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

IN VOLUME TERMS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS GREW BY 15 PER CENT, SEVEN PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY; WHILE THOSE OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" DROPPED BY FIVE PER CENT AND EIGHT PER GENT RESPECTIVELY,

COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER - AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS - TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS DECREASED BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS FELL BY FIVE PER CENT.

IN VALUE TERMS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES", FAST FOOD SHOPS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS WENT UP BY 12 PER CENT, NINE PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THAT OF BARS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED, WHILE THAT OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS WENT DOWN BY SEVEN PER CENT.

IN VOLUME TERMS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" AND FAST FOOD SHOPS INCREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THAT OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED, WHILE THOSE OF BARS AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS DROPPED BY TWO PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE FIRST AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.

ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 AND FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989. COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE. GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT SI PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 802 1258.

/TABLE 1 : .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

8

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES

1st qtr. 1990 (Revised figures) 2nd qtr. 1990 (Provisional figures)

Total restaurant receipts (in HK$ Billion) 8 654 8 392

Total purchases by restaurants (in HKS Billion) 3 455 3 294

TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OP TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 1ST QUARTER 1990 AND 2ND QUARTER 1990

(Quarterly average of October 84 - September 85 = 100)

I Type of restaurant ; Index of ; ! total 1 1 restaurant 1 1 receipts 1 1st quarter 1990 ' 1 ; 2nd : 1 quarter 1 1 1990 1 I 2nd qtr. 1990 1 coipared with 1 1st qtr. 1990 1 2nd qtr. 1990 coipared with 2nd qtr. 1989 ! 1 |lst-2nd qtr. 19901 ; coipared with ! !lst-2nd qtr. 19891

(Revised figures) }(Provisional 1 (figures) 1 । Points t ! । । • Points * 1 Points 1 । X 1 1 |

{ Chinese restaurants I । 1 Value 1 183 । ! 171 1 । -12 -7 : । ♦20 ♦ 13 1 +17 । ♦ 10 1 1

i ! Voluie I 120 : 108 -12 -10 1 1 -2 -2 1 -6 -5 1 1

! Non-Chinese restaurants 1 Value 1 187 i i : 194 i ♦7 ♦4 : ♦32 ♦20 1 1 +34 । 1 ♦22 1 !

1 । 1 Voluie ! 1 i 123 । 1 123 1 1 1 t « । i ♦5 ♦4 1 +7 ♦6 1 1

1 Past food shops 1 Value 1 231 1 251 1 । I ♦20 i ♦9 1 ■ +44 ♦21 i H4 1 1 ♦23 1

1 । 1 Voluie । 165 । । ; 174 I ♦8 ♦5 1 1 ♦10 ♦6 1 +12 । । ♦7 I 1

| Bars 1 1 1 Value ! 151 1 1 1 151 1 I । । I ♦29 ♦24 । 1 +29 । 1 ♦24 1 i

। 1 Voluie 1 1 1 120 1 118 1 1 1 -2 -2 1 1 ♦15 ♦ 15 1 +16 । । ♦ 15 1 1

lOther eating and drinking places : 1 1 Value 1 । 144 1 1 i 161 : ♦18 1 ♦12 : I i t 1 1 1 ♦2 1 1

। । 1 Voluie 1 100 1 108 ♦8 ♦8 1 -11 -9 ! -9 -8 1 1

1 Entire restaurant sector ! 1 ! Value 1 । 186 ! ! 1 181 : । -6 । । -3 1 1 ♦24 ♦15 1 1 +22 | 1 ♦14 1 i

। 1 Voluie 1 1 1 123 1 116 1 -7 -6 : ♦1 ♦1 1 -2 । -2 1 1

Notes: I. Figures denoting changes are derived froi unrounded figures.

2. 1 denotes a figure within +0.5.

- - 0----------

/9.........

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 9

YOUTH URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS

*****

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY INVOLVED IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND POLITICS SO AS TO ENSURE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SENATORS, MR LAN STRESSED THAT NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS HAD GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

THE CHOICE OF LEGISLATORS WILL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, HAVE PROFOUND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AS IT DRAWS CLOSER TO THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, HE SAID.

"PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG WILL SOON HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THAT CHOICE AND IT IS A RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ABANDON," HE SAID.

"THEY CAN, HOWEVER, ONLY EXERCISE THAT RIGHT IF THEY REGISTER AS VOTERS THIS YEAR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE REGISTRATION ON NOVEMBER 20," HE ADDED.

HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS GOING THROUGH A PERIOD OF CHANGE AND OUR FUTURE LARGELY DEPENDED ON HOW THAT CHANGE WAS BEING HANDLED.

"IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTAMCE THAT THE YOUNG ARE NOW ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE EVOLUTION OF OUR POLITICAL STRUCTURE BECAUSE IN THE COURSE OF TIME, WE NEED TO COUNT ON THEM TO PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP TO GUIDE OUR SOCIETY INTO A NEW ERA," HE SAID.

HE ADVISED YOUNG PEOPLE THAT PUTTING THEIR TIME AND ENERGY IN MAKING WEALTH ALONE WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

"YOU MUST GET YOURSELVES DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY INVOLVED IN POLITICS. IT IS ONLY THROUGH THIS THAT YOU CAN ENSURE A BETTER FUTURE FOR YOURSELVES AND YOUR FAMILIES," HE SAID.

MR LAN’S APPEAL WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF THE COMPARATIVELY LOW REGISTRATION RATE AMONG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 25.

HE FOUND THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO DID NOT REGISTER AS VOTERS SAID THEY BELIEVED DISTRICT BOARDS WERE NO MORE THAN "A COLLECTION OF LOCAL DEBATING CLUBS IN OPEN FORUM TOTALLY DEVOID OF EXECUTIVE POWERS" AND THAT THEIR ADVICES WERE NOT RESPECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

MR LAN CITED THE FINDINGS OF RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THE CNTA IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO DISPEL THIS ’GRAVE MISCONCEPTION".

/"IT WAS .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 10 -

”IT WAS FOUND THAT DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN MAY 1987 AND MAY 1989, A TOTAL OF 493 ISSUES WERE DISCUSSED AT DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.

"THE ADVICES GIVEN BY THE BOARDS ON 416, OR 84 PER CENT, OF THESE ISSUES WERE IN FACT ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. ADVICES THAT WERE NOT ACCEPTED ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 69, OR 14 PER CENT, OF THE ISSUES BEING DISCUSSED, WHILE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE REMAINING BIGHT ISSUES WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT AT THE TIME OF THE RESEARCH," HE SAID.

--------0-----------

EMPLOYERS URGED TO HIRE MORE DISABLED PEOPLE » ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO DISABLED PEOPLE.

MR CARTLAND MADE THE PLEA WHEN VISITING THE DEPARTMBNT’S KAI NANG SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOSTEL IN KWUN TONG.

DURING HIS TOUR OF THE WORKSHOP IN WHICH A NUMBER HANDICAPPED WORKERS PERFORMED BOOK BINDING AND OTHBR TASKS, HE "I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT SHELTERED WORKERS CAN DO SUITABLE VERY WELL INDEED. THEY ARE VERY HARD-WORKING.

OF SAID: JOBS

"I THEREFORE APPEAL TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THE GROUP BY PLACING MORE JOB ORDERS WITH SHELTERED WORKSHOPS." MR CARTLAND ADDED.

MR CARTLAND, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON), MR LOK MAN-PAN, TOURED THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THE VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES THERE.

------0--------

SCOUT GROUP INAUGURATED IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ♦ *»*»*

VIETNAMESE CHILDREN AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE CAN NOW HAVE THEIR LIFE ENRICHED THROUGH SCOUTING ACTIVITIES, FOLLOWING THE INAUGURATION OF A SCOUT GROUP IN THE CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).

ESTABLISHED BY THE CORRECTIOAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD), THE 64TH SHATIN SCOUT GROUP (WHDC) COMPRISES 60 MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 16.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE THREE CSD OFFICERS, WHO VOLUNTEER TO TAKE UP THE JOB AS SCOUT LEADERS DURING THEIR SPARE TIME TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING FOR THE BOYS.

/THE ASSISTANT .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 11 -

THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (VIETNAMESE UNIT), MR RAYMOND LAI MING-KEE, SAID APART FROM GIVING VIETNAMESE CHILDREN WIDE-RANGING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE SCOUT GROUP IS ALSO INTENDED TO HELP DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND CULTIVATE SELF-CONFIDENCE.

LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAD FORMED A SCOUT GROUP AND A GIRL GUIDE GROUP AT THE HEI LING CHAU DETENTION CENTRE.

CSD HAD, PREVIOUSLY, ORGANISED SCOUTING ACTIVITIES FOR VIETNAMESE CHILDREN DURING THEIR MANAGEMENT OF CLOSED CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.

’’PAST EXPERIENCES SHOWED THAT VIETNAMESE WELCOMED SCOUTING ACTIVITIES WHO FIND IT MEANINGFUL AND BENEFICIAL FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO JOIN,” MR LAI ADDED.

SCOUT MEMBERS ARE OFFERED NORMAL SCOUT TRAINING SUCH AS FOOTDRILL, MAP READING, EXPEDITION, FIRST AID, PIONEERING AND KNOTTING.

AT TODAY’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, MR LAI AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMISSIONER (NT REGION) OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, MR PANG CHI-MAN, INSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE GROUP.

THERE WAS ALSO A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY A GROUP OF VIETNAMESE CHILDREN.

AT PRESENT, THE DETENTION CENTRE ACCOMMODATED 24,500 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE OF WHOM 30 PER CENT WERE CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OLD.

------0-------

BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSES IN YAU TSIM

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

ABOUT 100 MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNER’S CORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT HAVE ENROLLED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE COURSES AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.

THESE COURSES WILL COVER SIX AREAS INCLUDING INSURANCE, SECURITY AND MAINTENANCE, AND WILL BE HELD EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT FROM 8 PM TO 10 PM FROM (OCTOBER 18) TO NOVERMBER 22.

ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM BUILDING MANAGEMENT JOINT PARTICIPATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE COURSES ARE AIMED AT HELPING PARTICIPANTS IN DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS.

EACH SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEMINAR FORM WITH OPEN DISCUSSIONS AND A PROFESSIONAL OF THE TRADE WILL BE INVITED TO SPEAK ON EACH SUBJECT.

/THE FIRST .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1990

- 12 -

THE FIRST SESSION WILL TOUCH ON LEGAL ASPECTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL, MR AUGUSTINE TONG.

AN ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL BRIEF PARTICIPANTS ON THE NEWLY ENACTED 1990 ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE IN THE FOLLOWING SESSION.

THOSE WITH AN ATTENDANCE RATE OF NO LESS THAN 75 PER CENT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES.

--------0-----------

MAINLAND SOUTH DIVISION OF DSD MOVED * * * *

THE MAINLAND SOUTH DIVISION OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE THEIR NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATED ON 3RD FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, 68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 15).

BY THEN, THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR DRAINAGE COMPLAINTS OF KOWLOON REGION WILL ALSO BE CHANGED TO 310 2637.

----0------

TUEN MUN ART FAIR

*****

A FAIR TO PROMOTE VARIOUS HANDICRAFT AND ART FORMS WILL BE HELD IN THE CULTURAL SQUARE ADJACENT TO TUEN MUN TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

ORGANISED BY TUEN MUN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, THE FAIR WILL FEATURE THE ART OF POTTERY, RIBBON-FLOWER MAKING, FLOWER ARRANGEMENT AND MANY OTHER FORMS OF HANDICRAFT.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ART FAIR TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2 PM IN THE CULTURAL SQUARE ADJACENT TO TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.

- - 0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR HOPES EXPERTS WILL HAVE OPEN MIND IN DISCUSSIONS ............... 1

GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN ROME ................................................ 2

ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO VOTER REGISTRATION ..............................

YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES ........... 4

HANDBOOK TO EXPLAIN GENERAL DUTIES IN WORK SAFETY ....................... 5

WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED................................. 5

CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TRAINING IN 1990'S .......... 6

RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION FOR RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ..........

TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS TO POKFULAM RESERVOIR DAM ..................... 8

FIGHT-DRUG PHOTO CONTEST ................................................

EARLY SUBMISSION FOR HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH CONTEST REMINDED ...........

STUDENTS' VIEW ON HK FUTURE IN DRAMA FORM ............................... 10

ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH ..................................... 11

AREA COMMITTEES TO REPORT THEIR WORK .................................... 12

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

GOVERNOR HOPES EXPERTS WILL HAVE OPEN MIND IN DISCUSSIONS

*»***«

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID LAST NIGHT (SATURDAY) THAT HE HOPED THE CHINESE EXPERTS WHO ARE HERE TO DISCUSS THE NEW AIRPORT PLANS, WOULD COME TO THOSE DISCUSSIONS WITH AN OPEN MIND.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR HIS EUROPEAN TOUR, SIR DAVID SAID HE ALSO HOPED: "AT THE END OF THE PROCESS THEY WILL UNDERSTAND, FIRST OF ALL THE NEED FOR THIS AIRPORT FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY AND SECONDLY THE REASONS WHY WE HAVE DECIDED TO DO IT AS WE HAVE."

"PEOPLE ON OUR SIDE HAVE BEEN PREPARING VERY CAREFULLY FOR THESE DISCUSSIONS AND WE’LL TAKE THE CHINESE EXPERTS THROUGH IT, STEP BY STEP VERY CAREFULLY.

"EXPLAINING THE REASONS FOR NEEDING AN AIRPORT; NEEDING AN AIRPORT TO BUILD FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY AND WHY WE HAVE TAKEN THE VIEW WE HAVE ABOUT WHERE IT SHOULD BE AND HOW IT SHOULD BE BUILT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID ALL THE BACKGROUND TO THE REASONS FOR BUILDING THE AIRPORT WERE VERY WELL KNOWN, AND THAT THE BUILDING OF A FIXED CROSSING, A BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL TO LANTAU WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS NEW.

"I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT WE’RE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT. WE’RE TALKING ABOUT A DECISION WHICH WAS TAKEN TO LINK UP WITH LANTAU ABOUT A YEAR AGO," HE SAID.

"ON OCTOBER 5, EVERYBODY KNEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT, WHICH ORIGINALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A TENDERING EXERCISE FOR A BUILD AND OPERATE OPERATION, AND IN FACT WHAT WE’VE DONE IS ANNOUNCE THAT WE WILL FINANCE IT IN A DIFFERENT, MUCH SIMPLER WAY, WHICH MEANS THAT THE WHOLE TENDERING PROCESS ACTUALLY WON’T BE TILL JANUARY," HE ADDED.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON A DECISION BY POSTMEN TO PETITION THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THEIR REQUEST FOR BETTER PAY, SIR DAVID SAID: "I HEARD THAT THE POSTMEN HAD DECIDED TO CALL OFF WHAT WAS GOING TO BE A SIT-IN AND I THINK THAT IS A VERY SENSIBLE ATTITUDE FOR THE POSTMEN TO TAKE."

"THE DECISIONS ON PAY ARE MADE IN HONG KONG. THEY ARE NOT MADE IN LONDON, THERE IS NO POINT WHATSOEVER IN PEOPLE PETITIONING THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS WHICH ARE FOR HONG KONG TO DEAL WITH," HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR SAID DURING HIS VISITS TO ROME, PARIS AND BRUSSELS HE WOULD BE MEETING A NUMBER OF SENIOR POLITICAL LEADERS AND SENIOR BUSINESSMEN.

/"THE REASON .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

2

"THE REASON FOR THESE TRIPS IS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AT THIS STAGE IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY THAT WE SHOULD HAVE PEOPLE GOING ROUND THE WORLD EXPLAINING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, LOOKING BEHIND THE NEWS IN THE NEWSPAPERS, TALKING TO SENIOR BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE SURE THEY GO ON BEING INTERESTED IN US," SIR DAVID SAID.

"AND THEN BY EXTENSION, THAT THEY GO ON BEING ECONOMICALLY INVOLVED HERE, THAT MEANS INVESTMENT, TRADE AND SO ON. THAT IS ALL VERY IMPORTANT FOR MAINTAINING THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WERE SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE ACTING SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MISS MARIA TAM; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE; THE ACTING ITALIAN CONSUL-GENERAL, MR FEDERICO FAILLA, AND THE BELGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL, MR GASTON VAN DUYSE-ADAM.

------0------------

GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN ROME ♦ » * ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ARRIVED IN ROME TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE START OF A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO EUROPE.

ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR RICHARD HOARE, SIR DAVID WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY HONG KONG'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EEC, MR STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY, THE ITALIAN CONSUL-GENERAL AND THE ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG, AND THE MANAGER OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, ITALY.

AFTER A BRIEF REST, THE GOVERNOR MET OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING HIS VISIT TO ROME AND LATER ATTENDED A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR, SIR STEPHEN EGERTON, AND HAD DINNER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONG ORGANISATIONS IN ITALY -- HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE ITALY-HONG KONG ASSOCIATION.

--------0-----------

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO VOTER REGISTRATION

* t * ♦ ♦

UP TO OCTOBER 11, MORE THAN 441,200 VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION FORMS WERE SUBMITTED TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL, MR HSU DESCRIBED THE RESULT AS ENCOURAGING.

AS THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPIGN HAS BEEN EXTENDED BY ONE MONTH, MR HSU URGED THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED TO ENROLL SO AS TO TAKE PART IN NEXT YEAR'S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.

HE EMPHASISED THAT A BETTER COMMUNITY AND A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING CANNOT BE ACHIEVED THROUGH GOVERNMENT EFFORTS ALONE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT REQUIRES THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE.

’’THIS IS WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN RECENT YEARS,” HE SAID.

’’NEXT YEAR,” HE ADDED, ”WE WILL SEE A NEW MILESTONE IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG AS 30 PER CENT OF THE 60 SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE OPENED TO DIRECT ELECTIONS.”

AFTER THE CEREMONY, HE VISITED THE ARTS EXPOSITION AT PO LAM SUNKEN PLAZA WHERE THERE WAS AN ENTERTAINMENT GALORE WITH A STREET THEATRE, A BRASS QUINET, MODERN DANCES, KUNG FU, ACROBATICS, MIME AND HANDICRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS.

THE SAI KUNG FESTIVAL, FIRST HELD IN 1988, IS A BIENNIAL EVENT. ITS OBJECTIVES ARE TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF ART APPRECIATION AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.

THE FAIR, TO BE HELD UNTIL OCTOBER 30, WILL ALSO FEATURE DRAMAS, CANTONESE OPERAS, FOLK SONG KARAOKE, POP CONCERTS, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND PAINTING EXHIBITIONS.

THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL IS ESTIMATED TO BE $700,000, OF WHICH $360,000 COMES FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WHILE THE REST ARE DONATIONS FROM LOCAL DIGNITARIES.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE COMPRISING 60 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMMES ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MISS LAI SIU-FAN ON TEL. 791 0016.

------0-----------

/4 .........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES

******

LOCAL YOUNGSTERS WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES.

THE PLEA WAS MADE BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALEXANDER FUNG, WHEN ADDRESSING THE CLOSING OF A DAY CAMP AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

HE NOTED THAT THE DAY CAMP PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PARTICIPANTS WHICH INCLUDED 100 VOLUNTEERS AND 500 PEOPLE WHO WERE CLIENTS OF THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

’’THE VOLUNTEERS’ COOPERATION AND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING HAD BROUGHT THE GATHERING A GREAT SUCCESS. I HOPE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH ACTIVITIES CAN HELP DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP AND FURTHER AROUSE THEIR CONCERN WITH THE COMMUNITY,” SAID MR FUNG.

EARLIER, SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEMINAR AT THE SHA TIN CLUBHOUSE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR FUNG NOTED THAT YOUNGSTERS HAD TO FACE MORE CHALLENGES IN THE 90S.

"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO BEAR A GOOD SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY IN A BID TO CONTINUE MAINTAINING THE TERRITORY’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY AND TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY,” HE STRESSED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS ATTACHING GREAT IMPORTANCE TO YOUTH SERVICES.

”IN ADDITION TO INTRODUCING POLICIES, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS AND SERVICES PATTERN, WE ALSO OFFER SUBVENTIONS TO NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TO RUN VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THE YOUTH," HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE, THE REGIONAL OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES WEST), MR ANTHONY CHAN, SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF ANOTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEMINAR HELD AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUBN WAN, APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES.

”1 HOPE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS COULD KNOW WELL THE EXPECTATIONS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS THROUGH THE SEMINAR AND WOULD ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY WORK IN THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.

MORE THAN 240 YOUNGSTERS ATTENDED THE TWO SEMINARS, ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND WEST DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES.

_ _ 0---------

/5 ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

HANDBOOK TO EXPLAIN GENERAL DUTIES IN WORK SAFETY * » » *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A HANDBOOK TO HELP INDUSTRIAL PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND THEIR GENERAL DUTIES IN MAINTAINING SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.

ENTITLED "A GUIDE TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE - KNOW YOUR GENERAL DUTIES", THE BOOKLET EXPLAINS THE LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS AND ASSISTS THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

THE LAW REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING TO TAKE ALL REASONABLE MEASURES TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK OF ALL HIS EMPLOYEES.

IN PARTICULAR, ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SAFETY OF THE PLANT, WORK SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, WORKING ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY TRAINING, SUPERVISION, INSTRUCTION AND INFORMATION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO COOPERATE WITH HIS EMPLOYER IN IMPLEMENTING SAFETY MEASURES AND TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE OF THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF HIMSELF AND OTHERS AT WORK.

THE BOOKLET PROVIDES CHECKLISTS TO HELP PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES MEET THEIR DUTIES UNDER THE NEW LAW WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE CASE STUDIES TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD CARRY OUT THEIR GENERAL DUTIES OF RENDERING THE WORKPLACE SAFE AND WITHOUT RISKS TO HEALTH.

PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE BOOKLET IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 4075.

- - 0 - -

WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY APPROVED $1,828,000 FOR MODIFICATION WORKS TO 50 EXISTING GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS TO FACILITATE ACCESS FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

THE WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAMPS AND HANDRAILS AT BUILDING ENTRANCES, THE PROVISION OF DISABLED TOILETS AND THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNS INDICATING THE AVAILABILITY AND LOCATION OF FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

/THESE 50

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

- 6

THESE 50 PUBLIC BUILDINGS ARE MOSTLY PUBLIC CLINICS AND HOSPITALS. MARKETS, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND POST OFFICES ARE ALSO INCLUDED.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 1984 DESIGN MANUAL, ALL NEW GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS BUILT AFTER AUGUST 1, 1985 MUST BE PROVIDED WITH ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED.

ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE IN 1985, ABOUT 1,100 PUBLIC BUILDINGS BUILT BEFORE 1985 REQUIRED ALTERNATIONS TO FACILITATE ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS INVOLVED, THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPROVING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THESE BUILDINGS TO THE DISABLED, AND TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY ALTERATIONS IN PHASES.

"THIS MODIFICATION PROGRAMME IS TO SUPPLEMENT THE ON-GOING EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS REGARD WHEREBY NECESSARY IMPROVEMENT ARE INCORPORATED IN THE PROCESS OF REFURBISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.

"THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MODIFICATION PROGRAMME WHICH COVERED 31 BUILDINGS HAD BEEN COMPLETED,” HE ADDED.

WORKS FOR THIS BATCH OF 50 GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS WILL COMMENCE THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

---------0-----------

CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TRAINING IN 1990’S

*****

SOME OF THE WORLD’S LEADING SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD OF LANGUAGE STUDIES AND TRAINING WILL GATHER IN HONG KONG IN MID DECEMBER TO ATTEND THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LANGUAGE STUDIES AND LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION.

THEY INCLUDE DR THELMA HENDERSON OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK IN BRITAIN; PROFESSOR BERNARD SPOLSKY OF BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY, ISRAEL; PROFESSOR MERRILL SWAIN OF THE ONTARIO INSTITUTE FOR STUDIES IN EDUCATION, CANADA; PROFESSOR XU JIA-LU OF BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY; PROFESSOR ZHU ZUO-RBN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HANGZHOU, CHINA; PROFESSOR JACK RICHARDS OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG; PROFESSOR CHIU LINQ-YEONG OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; AND PROFESSOR SIU PING-KEE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS "WHERE FROM HERE?"

/ORGANISED BY .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTER BETWEEN DECEMBER 17 AND 19.

”IT IS AIMED AT EXAMINING KEY ISSUES RELATING TO THE PLANNING, MANAGING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN THE 1990’S,’’ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

"IT WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION IN TUB AREAS OF SOCIAL AND EDUCATION DETERMINANTS OF LANGUAGE PROGRAMME DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION, METHODICS AND THE CURRICULUM, THE CULTURAL COMPONENT, AND PEDAGOGICAL ISSUES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERACY."

DURING THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE, ABOUT 100 PAPERS AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE PRESENTED BY WORLD EXPERTS IN THE FIELD FOLLOWED BY A PANEL DISCUSSION.

THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON ACADEMICS AND PRACTITIONERS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION, OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN THE 1990’S, TO ENROLL AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR EACH PARTICIPANT IS $400 WHICH WILL INCLUDE COPIES OF ABSTRACTS AS WELL AS TWO BOUND AND EDITED VOLUMES OF THE CONFERENCE PAPERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR REGISTERED GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS TO RECEIVE A PARTIAL REFUND OF THEIR REGISTRATION FEES.

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTER, 21ST FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONFERENCE MAY ALSO BE MADE ON TEL. 771 9418.

- - 0 - -

RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION FOR RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (TDD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION OF A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN PENG CHAU.

THE RECLAMATION COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,000 SQUARE METRES. IT IS TO PROVIDE SITES FOR A PUMPING STATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, ASSOCIATED ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS, AND THE FORMATION OF A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING SITE.

/WORKS ARE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

8

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WILBUR SMITH ASSOCIATES, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR TDD’S SOUTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AT SUITE 805, TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE, WEST WING, 66 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

-----0------

TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS TO POKFULAM RESERVOIR DAM

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO CARRY OUT REMEDIAL WORKS TO THE POKFULAM RESERVOIR DAM ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BERM OF FREE-DRAINING MATERIAL, THE EXTENSION OF ASSOCIATED WATERWORKS INSTALLATIONS AND MONITORING NETWORKS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

TENDERS FOR THESE WORKS ARE BEING INVITED AND THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDER IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9, 1990.

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FIGHT-DRUG PHOTO CONTEST * ♦ ♦ ♦ »

PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO ENTER A PHOTO COMPETITION TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AS PART OF THE ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT.

THE EVENT IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR'S ANTI-DRUG PUBLICITY DRIVE.

THE FORTNIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE FROM OCTOBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 2.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF ACAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID: ’’THE PHOTO COMPETITION, ENTITLED ’TO CREATE A BRIGHT TOMORROW’, IS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGSTETRS, WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE THE POSITIVE MEANING OF LIFE THROUGH CREATIVE THINKING AND ADOPT A DRUG-FREE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.”

/IT CONSISTS ......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

9 -

IT CONSISTS OF TWO DIVISIONS: STUDENTS DIVISION (FOR STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 21) AND OPEN DIVISION (FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MUST BE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS).

NO RESTRICTION IS IMPOSED ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES BUT EACH ENTRY IS REQUIRED TO BE ADHERED TO A SEPARATE ENTRY FORM UPON SUBMISSION. NO PARTICIPANTS CAN ENTER BOTH DIVISIONS.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE COLOUR PRINTS OF 3R-SIZE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN IN LINE WITH THE THEME, "TO CREATE A BRIGHT TOMORROW", WHICH IS NAMED AFTER THE 1990 ANTI-DRUG THEME SONG, SUNG BY POP SINGER, MR HACKEN LEE.

A TOTAL OF 13 PRIZES COMPRISING THREE WINNING PRIZES AND 10 MERIT PRIZES FOR EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED.

THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL EACH BE PRESENTED WITH A KONICA CAMERA AND 25 ROLLS OF FILM. EACH MERIT PRIZE WINNER IS ENTITLED TO 15 ROLLS OF FILM. BOTH THE EVENT AND PRIZES ARE SPONSORED BY THE KONICA HONG KONG LTD.

ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, (23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES); KONICA HONG KONG LTD, (ROOM 1818, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI); KONICA AGENTS; AND DISTRICT OFFICES.

ENTRIES CAN BE FORWARDED IN PERSON OR BY MAIL TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OR PUT INTO THE KONICA COLLECTION BOXES AT 13 MAJOR MTR STATIONS.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 12.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 867 2766.

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EARLY SUBMISSION FOR HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH CONTEST REMINDED ******

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 INTER-SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH CONTEST ARE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE ENTRY CLOSES ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20).

THE CONTEST, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CONTEST IS AIMED AT ENHANCING HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS.

/THE THEME ......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

- 10 -

THE THEME FOR THE COMPETITION IS "TO BE HAPPY, TO BE CLEAN".

THE CONTEST WILL COMPRISE TWO SECTIONS: PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SECONDARY SCHOOL WITH EACH SUB-DIVIDED INTO THREE DIVISIONS NAMELY, ENGLISH, PUTONGHUA AND CANTONESE.

IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES, THE TOP THREE CONTESTANTS WILL EACH ADDITIONALLY RECEIVE BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $400 AND $800.

THE WINNER, THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL BE GIVING A PERFORMANCE AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR.

COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EIGHTH FLOOR, UC FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, 123A FA YUEN STREET, KOWLOON.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 787 1229.

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STUDENTS’ VIEW ON HK FUTURE IN DRAMA FORM

*****

A STUDENT DRAMA NIGHT, THE "HONG KONG IN THE 90’S VARIETY SHOW - THE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE", WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN KOWLOON TONG ON OCTOBER 27, BEGINNING AT 7 PM.

THE DRAMA NIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HARBOUR JAYCEES TO PROVIDE A CHANCE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF DRAMAS AND TO AROUSE THEIR CONCERN ON LOCAL AFFAIRS.

SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL SEND THEIR DRAMA TEAMS TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES WHICH WILL BE AWARDED AT THE END OF THE PERFORMANCES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A CHINESE DANCE PERFORMANCE.

TICKETS AT $30 FOR ADULTS AND $20 FOR STUDENTS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, TSIM SHA TSUI, AND ITS SUB-OFFICE IN CARNARVON ROAD.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 301 2130 AND 366 1908.

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/Il ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

- 11 -ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH *****

A SERIES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON MENTAL HEALTH HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR RESIDENTS OF SHAM SHUI PO TO ENHANCE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABLED, ESPECIALLY THE EX-MENTALLY ILL PERSONS.

THE PROGRAMMES ARE ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, AREA COMMITTEES, NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WITH A SUBSIDY OF $50,000 FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED AN OPENING CEREMONY CUM SEMINAR TO BE HELD NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16), VISITS FOR STUDENTS AND INTERESTED PUBLIC TO REHABILITATION SERVICE UNITS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND A CLOSING CEREMONY CUM CARNIVAL IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR ALAN WONG; CHAIRMAN OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHAM SHUI PO MR A. FUNG; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER MR CHAN SIU-KEI AND REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MRS PUN LEE WAI-CHUN.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SEMINAR ON PUBLIC EDUCATON ON MENTAL HEALTH. SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE DR SYLVIA CHEN, SENIOR LECTURER OF CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR FANNY CHEUNG, AND MISS DEBORAH WAN, GENERAL SECRETARY OF NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION.

DETAILS OF THE VISITS TO THE REHABILITATION SERVICE UNITS AND THE ESSAY COMPETITION COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT PUBLIC EDUCATION TASK FORCE ON MENTAL HEALTH ON TEL. 778 1658.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY CUM SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM, ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16) AT THE VERBENA CAFE OF YAU YAT CHUEN GARDEN CITY CLUB.

- - 0-----------

/12 .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1990

- 12 -

AREA COMMITTEES TO REPORT THEIR WORK ♦ * » * ♦

THE WONG CHUK HANG AND WAH FU AREA COMMITTEES WILL REPORT AT TWO SEPARATE SEMINARS THEIR WORK TO REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS LATER THIS WEEK.

THE SEMINARS, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AREA COMMITTEES AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS.

THE WONG CHUK HANG AREA COMMITTEE’S SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17) AT THE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE, WHILE THE WAH FU AREA COMMITTEE'S SEMINAR IS ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18) AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL, WAH FU ESTATE.

BOTH SEMINARS WILL BEGIN AT 8.15 PM WITH AN OPENING SPEECH BY THE SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID LEUNG. THE AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN WILL REPORT THEIR WORKS AND PROGRESSES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ISSUES.

ALL THE TOPICS RAISED DURING THE DISCUSSIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED UP BY THE AREA COMMITTEES AND THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS BODIES, INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, WILL ATTEND THE SEMINARS ALONG WITH OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

’’THESE SEMINARS ARE ALSO OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS AND THOSE WORKING IN THE TWO AREAS,” A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SIMILAR MEETINGS WILL BE HELD SHORTLY IN AP LEI CHAU; TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN; POK FU LAM; STANLEY, SHEK O AND BAYS; AND ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO DISTRICT AFFAIRS SEMINARS.

THE WONG CHUK HANG AREA COMMITTEE’S SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 8.15 PM ON OCTOBER 17 (WEDNESDAY) AT THE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE WHILE THE WAH FU AREA COMMITTEE’S SEMINAR ON OCTOBER 18 (THURSDAY) AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL, WAH FU ESTATE, BEGINNING AT 8.15 PM.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR MEETS ITALIAN TRADE OFFICIALS ............................................ 1

FREEDOM, OPENNESS AND CONSISTENCY: ESSENCE OF HONG KONG'S SUCCESS ................. 1

.STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) ORDER 1990 .............................................. 3

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1990 ................ 4

GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONSULTANCY CONTRACT FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS STUDY ............................................................................ 6

LEGCO WILL SOON CONSIDER LEGAL AMENDMENT ON PEST CONTROL........................... 6

POSTMASTER GENERAL MEETS UNIONS REPRESENTATIVES .................................. 7

11 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IN LEGCO.................................................. 8

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .............................................................. 8

WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS AND MONG KOK .............................................. 8

SECOND CLINIC IN YUEN LONG OPENS

9

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

1

GOVERNOR MEETS ITALIAN TRADE OFFICIALS * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) HELD TALKS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS AT THE ITALIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE AT THE jTART OF HIS VISIT TO ROME.

SIR DAVID WELCOMED THE GROWING ITALIAN INTEREST IN HONG KONG AND THE INJECTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE. HE NOTED THAT, AMONG EUROPEAN NATIONS, ITALY WAS NOW HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND THE MONTEDISON COMPANY HAD MADE THE LARGEST SINGLE FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN ITS YUEN LONG PLANT.

THE GOVERNOR, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY HONG KONG’S SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, ALSO DISCUSSED TRADE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.

AMONG THE FOREIGN TRADE OFFICIALS HE MET WERE THE ADVISER TO THE MINISTER STEFANO GANAVESIO AND DIRECTOR GENERAL GIOVANNI SARDI.

SIR DAVID HAD LUNCH WITH AMBASSADOR PERLOT, DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS AT THE FOREIGN MINISTRY BEFORE CALLING ON PRIME MINISTER GIULIO ANDREOTTI.

IN THE EVENING, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WERE DUE TO ATTEND A DINNER HOSTED BY THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR, SIR STEPHEN EGERTON.

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FREEDOM, OPENNESS AND CONSISTENCY: ESSENCE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS

******

THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT OF FREEDOM WHICH PERVADES EVERY ASPECT. OF LIFE HERE, PERSONAL FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE FREEDOM TO DO BUSINESS IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNENCUMBERED BY BUREAUCRACY ARE THE FACTORS WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG SUCCESSFUL, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

’’THIS IS VITAL BECAUSE HONG KONG PEOPLE PARTICULARLY THRIVE IN SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT,” SIR DAVID SAID WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG CONFERENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH PRESS UNION.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NATURAL EBULLIENCE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD BEEN AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AT THE HEART OF THE SUCCESS OF THIS COMMUNITY.

NOTING THAT THE OBVIOUS QUESTION WAS WHETHER THESE FREEDOMS WOULD CONTINUE AFTER 1997, SIR DAVID SAID: ’’THE FACT IS THAT HONG KONG HAS SURVIVED AND FLOURISHED AND MAINTAINED ITS FREEDOMS DURING PERIODS OVER THE PAST DECADES, WHEN CHINA WAS PURSUING POLICIES VERY DIFFERENT TO THOSE PRACTISED HERE.

/"THOSE ESSENTIAL .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

2

"THOSE ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE NOW RECOGNISED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW, DIFFERENCES WHICH RELATE NOT ONLY TO THE ECONOMY BUT TO THE LEGAL, FISCAL AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS."

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE THOSE ASSURANCES NO DOUBT SOME STRAINS WOULD DEVELOP FROM TIME TO TIME OVER THE EXERCISE OF FREEDOM HERE.

"MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING WILL BE ESSENTIAL IF THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" IS TO WORK OUT WELL IN PRACTICE.

"CERTAINLY HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE VERY PRAGMATIC ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND HAVE NO WISH TO CONFRONT HER," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE UNDERLYING KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THAT RELATIONSHIP, AND IT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL DESPITE SOME HIGHLY PUBLICISED DIFFERENCES, HAS BEEN THE RECOGNITION BY ALL CONCERNED OF THE IMMENSE MUTUAL BENEFIT TO BE GAINED FROM A PROSPEROUS HONG KONG MAKING A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MODERNISATION OF CHINA.

"AND SO I REMAIN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.

ILLUSTRATING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY, SIR DAVID SAID THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS WERE OPENNESS AND CONSISTENCY.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED IN GIVING MARKET FORCES FREE REIN AND ACCEPTED AS AN ARTICLE OF FAITH THAT FREE TRADE BENEFITTED ALL.

"NEITHER OPERATE EFFICIENTLY WITHOUT FREEDOM OF TRAVEL AND FREE MOVEMENT OF CAPITAL. BOTH DEPEND FOR THEIR SUCCESS ON THE FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION IN WHICH YOU, THE PRESS, PLAY SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IN A GLOBAL MARKET PLACE, EARLY WARNING OF EVENTS AND TRENDS WAS AT A PREMIUM.

"WE ARE STRONG BELIEVERS IN THE CHINESE PHILOSOPHY THAT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS ONE ALWAYS HAS TO BE ONE STEP AHEAD," SIR DAVID SAID.

UNDERLINING THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY ON GOVERNMENT POLICY, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT FEW OTHER GOVERNMENTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PURSUE A SET OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICIES SO UNWAVERINGLY.

"THE RELATIVELY SLOW PACE OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT HERE AND THE ENSUING LACK OF THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICAL DOGMA ON PUBLIC POLICY HAS CLEARLY BEEN A MAJOR FACTOR IN ENSURING CONTINUITY.

”AS A RESULT OUR TAX REGIME HAS BEEN A MODEL OF STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY. SO ALSO HAS THE RELENTLESS DETERMINATION WITH WHICH WE, AS A GOVERNMENT, HAVE PLOUGHED BACK OUR SURPLUSES INTO THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.

/SIR DAVID .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

3 -

SIR DAVID INVITED DELEGATES OF THE CONFERENCE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES AND MAKE THEIR OWN JUDGEMENT ON THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG AS THERE WAS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FIRST-HAND INFORMATION.

"I HOPE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TIME OFF FROM CONFERENCING TO WALK IN OUR STREETS - WALK CAREFULLY AS THE UNWARY ARE LIKELY TO BE BOWLED OVER BY HONGKONGERS RUSHING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS - AND I HOPE YOU WILL ALSO TAKE IN SOME OF THE SENSE OF PRIDE WHICH PEOPLE HERE, HAVE IN WHAT THEY HAVE BUILT.

"HONG KONG IS A REMARKABLE PLACE. IT IS A NOISY, CROWDED, BOISTEROUS, UNRULY AND WORLDY-WISE; IT IS ALSO VITAL PROOF OF WHAT THE HUMAN SPIRIT, UNFETTERED BY THE DEADENING HAND OF BUREAUCRATIC CONTROL, CAN ACHIEVE," SIR DAVID SAID.

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STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) ORDER 1990 ******

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT MADE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING BY THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD TSANG, ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) ORDER 1990:

"THE PURPOSE OF THIS MEETING IS TO BRIEF YOU ON THE DRAFT BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) ORDER 1990 WHICH IS BEING LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT TODAY.

YOU WILL RECALL THAT THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) ACT 1990 PROVIDING FOR THE GRANT OF BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO 50,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG BECAME LAW ON JULY 26. THE ACT PROVIDES FOR THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SELECTION SCHEME TO BE SET OUT IN AN ORDER IN COUNCIL. THE DRAFT ORDER LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT TODAY HAS EMBODIED THE SELECTION SCHEME APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR.

THE DRAFT ORDER CONTAINS FOUR PARTS. PART I EXPLAINS THAT THE 1 SCHEME WILL ACCEPT FOUR CLASSES OF APPLICANTS : GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS (GOC), DISCIPLINED SERVICES CLASS (DSC), SENSITIVE SERVICE CLASS (SSC) AND ENTREPRENEURS CLASS (EC). PART II STIPULATES THE SELECTION METHOD FOR THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS, WHICH IS BASED ON A POINTS SYSTEM. IT PROVIDES FOR APPLICANTS APPLYING IN THE GOC TO BE RECOMMENDED PROVIDED THAT THE NUMBER OF POINTS ALLOCATED TO THEM IS SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TO BRING THEM WITHIN THE QUOTA PRESCRIBED FOR THE RELEVANT OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS. PART III DEALS WITH THE DSC, THE SSC AND THE EC. SELECTION OF CANDIDATES UNDER THE DSC WILL FOLLOW A

POINTS SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THAT FOR THE GOC. THE BROAD CRITERIA FOR SELECTING SSC AND EC CANDIDATES ARE ALSO SET OUT IN PART III. PART IV DEALS WITH VARIOUS MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS, SUCH AS THE POWER TO SELECT EQUALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES.

/THE ORDER .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

- 4

THE ORDER CAN ONLY BE MADE AFTER A DRAFT HAS BEEN LAID BEFORE AND APPROVED BY A RESOLUTION OF EACH HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT. DEBATES ON THE DRAFT ARE LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS NEXT WEEK, AND IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. IF THE DRAFT ORDER IS APPROVED BY BOTH HOUSES WITHIN OCTOBER, IT WILL BE PUT TO THE QUEEN IN COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20, AND WILL ENTER INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 1.

IF THERE IS NO SLIPPAGE OF THE ABOVE SCHEDULE, WE AIM TO START RECEIVING APPLICATIONS ON DECEMBER 1. THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THREE MONTHS IN WHICH TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS. THE APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER EXPLANATORY AND REFERENCE MATERIAL WILL BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED THROUGH DISTRICT OFFICES, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES AND POST OFFICES, AS SOON AS THE ORDER IS MADE BY THE QUEEN IN COUNCIL. WE WILL BE MAKING A MORE DETAILED ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING APPLICATION PROCEDURES NEXT MONTH.”

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UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1990

*****

BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED STABLE DURING THE PERIOD JUNE - AUGUST 1990, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1990 WAS 1.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.6 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990 AND 1.3 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.

THE INCREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.

THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JUNE - AUGUST 1990 WAS* ESTIMATED AT 48,600, COMPARED WITH 44,200 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990 AND 36,700 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1989.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1990 WAS 0.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH ONE PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990 AND 0.6 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989.

THE DECREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989 IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.

/THE ESTIMATED .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990


5

THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN JUNE - AUGUST 1990 WAS 26,200, COMPARED WITH 26,900 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1990 AND 17,500 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 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 IT IS BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.

THE COMMTSS lONER^AID BASE41ON A SYSTEM OF PROVISIONAL COUNTS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREEMONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WE^KS AFTER THE SURVEY. THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.

THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1990 WAS 1.7 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS ONE 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 JUNE - AUGUST 1990 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,500 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 SEPTEMBER 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND DECEMBER 20, 1990 AT $11.50 PER COPY.

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/6 ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

- 6 -

GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONSULTANCY CONTRACT FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS STUDY ♦ * * ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONSULTANTS, J ROGER PRESTON & PARTNERS (JRP), TO LEAD AN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY TEAM IN A STUDY OF ENERGY CONSERVATION IN BUILDINGS, n

ON COMPLETION, THE REPORT WILL RESULT IN A DRAFT CODE WHICH WILL FORM THE BASIS OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS COVERING OVERALL THERMAL TRANSFER VALUES (OTTV) FOR OFFICE AND HOTEL BUILDINGS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE $2 MILLION PROJECT, FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND ADMINISTERED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE CONSULTANTS WILL MAKE A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE BUILDING ENVELOPE DESIGN IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS THE UK, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA AND THE USA, WHERE STRINGENT OTTV REGULATIONS ALREADY EXISTED.

THE INTENTION IS THAT FUTURE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT MANNER AND THE CONTROL OF OTTV IN AIR-CONDITIONED BUILDINGS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS ACHIEVING THIS GOAL.

THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS OF OTTV CONTROLS ON LOCAL BUILDING INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF COST, TIME AND DESIGN.

BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG DESIGNED BY JRP WHICH DEMONSTRATE THE PRACTICE’S EMPHASIS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION INCLUDE THE HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS AND THE RETTONJEE CENTRE.

------0--------

LEGCO WILL SOON CONSIDER LEGAL AMENDMENT ON PEST CONTROL

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO PEST MANAGEMENT REFLECTED ITS BELIEF THAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS PRODUCED BETTER AND MORE LASTING RESULTS THAN THE USE OF PESTICIDES ALONE.

MRS WONG SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSIDERING AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAW WHICH WOULD BRING ALL PESTICIDES UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME OF STATUTORY CONTROL.

"THE NEW LAW DOES NOT SEEK TO DIRECTLY REGULATE THE ACTIVITIES OF PEST MANAGERS; THIS IS LEFT TO A CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH HAS BEEN DRAWN UP JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT,” SHE SAID.

/SPEAKING AT .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE 1990 FEDERATION OF ASIAN AND OCEANIA PEST MANAGERS ASSOCIATION (FAOPMA), MRS WONG SAID THE USE OF LESS PESTICIDES WAS NOT ONLY MORE WELCOME IN THESE DAYS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS, BUT ALSO REDUCED THE LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENT AND CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AMONG OPERATORS AND THE CLIENT PUBLIC.

"A FURTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IS THAT RESTRAINED USE OF PESTICIDES AVOIDS PROBLEMS OF RESISTANCE DEVELOPING AMONG THE VARIOUS PESTS WE ARE TRYING TO ELIMINATE AND THIS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN THE CONTROL OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES.

"WE SHOULD TRY TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON PESTICIDES BY EXPLORING OTHER ALTERNATIVES THROUGH INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT," SHE SAID.

MRS WONG ALSO SAID THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEST CONTROL INDUSTRY WAS THE KEY TO SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND FOSTERING A PEST-FREE ENVIRONMENT.

SHE SAID THE INDUSTRY WAS STILL RELATIVELY SMALL WITH ONLY AN ESTIMATED 50 PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL COMPANIES EMPLOYING SOME 500 TECHNICAL PERSONNEL AND THE ANNUAL BUSINESS VALUE OF PEST CONTROL SERVICES WAS ABOUT $50 MILLION.

------0-------

POSTMASTER GENERAL MEETS UNIONS REPRESENTATIVES * * * * *

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES CONCERNING HIS MEETING WITH THE POSTAL WORKERS UNIONS THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG SAID: "I EXPLAINED AGAIN TO OUR STAFF UNION REPRESENTATIVES THAT MY LETTER OF OCTOBER 12 SINCERELY URGED THEM TO CONSIDER DROPPING THE PROPOSED SIT-IN ACTION.

"I CLARIFIED THAT I DID NOT WARN OR THREATEN THEM AGAINST TAKING SIT-IN ACTION. I MERELY TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND THEM OF EXISTING REGULATIONS GOVERNING CIVIL SERVANTS, THIS WAS INTENDED PURELY AS A REMINDER."

"THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE MEETING WAS FRIENDLY," MR WONG ADDED.

--------0-----------

/8 ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

- 8 -

11 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IN LEGCO

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 11 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17).

OF THE FIVE BILLS, FOUR WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.

THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990, CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

THE OTHER BILL, THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, IS DUE FOR THE SECOND READING BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THE THIRD READING.

IN THE MEETING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL GIVE A STATEMENT ON THE EXCHANGE (SPECIAL LEVY) ORDINANCE.

IN ADDITION, THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM WILL SPEAK ON THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR APRIL 1, 1989 TO MARCH 31, 1990; AND THE HON MARTIN BARROW WILL SPEAK ON THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 1989/90.

PROF C.K. POON WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WHICH READS: ’’THAT THE ELECTRICITY (WIRING) REGULATIONS 1990, PUBLISHED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 214 OF 1990 AND LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 11, 1990, BE AMENDED IN REGULATION 10(4) BY ADDING ’OR WITHOUT USING A TOOL’ AT THE END.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.20 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 335.017 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 391.926 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0-----------

/9 ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1990

9 -

WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS AND MONG KOK *****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, YIM BO FONG STREET, WYLIE ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, PUI CHING ROAD AND SOARES AVENUE.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, HONITON ROAD, BABINGTON PATH, LYTTELTON ROAD, OAKLANDS AVENUE, ROBINSON ROAD AND PEEL STREET. CORONATION TERRACE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

SECOND CLINIC IN YUEN LONG OPENS

*****

MEDICAL SERVICES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE ENHANCED WHEN THE NEW MADAM YUNG FUNG SHEE HEALTH CENTRE OPENS NEXT MONDAY (OCTOBER 22).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE NEW CLINIC, LOCATED AT SAI CHING STREET, WILL REINFORCE THE EXISTING YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE BY PROVIDING GENERAL OUTPATIENT SERVICE TO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE NEW CLINIC WILL OPERATE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO • 5 PM DURING WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW CLINIC WOULD BE THE FIFTH GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC TO KEEP MEDICAL RECORDS FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS, A SCHEME WHICH WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN APRIL LAST YEAR.

MEANWHILE, THE YUEN LONG MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, NOW HOUSED IN YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AT 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL ALSO BE MOVED TO THE NEW HEALTH CENTRE, STARTING NEXT MONDAY.

THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING INFANT AND CHILD HEALTH CARE, IMMUNISATION, COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SERVICE, ANTENATAL CARE, POSTNATAL CARE AND FAMILY PLANNING.

THE HOURS OF OPERATION WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG HAS KEYS TO MODERN BUSINESS: SIR DAVID............................. 1

HK: A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF WORLD'S ECONOMIC SYSTEM ........................ 3

GOVERNMENT PLAYING ITS PART TO CURB INFLATION ............................... 6

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED .................................. 8

STUDY ON SURVEY AND MAPPING SERVICES COMMISSIONED ........................... 13

SWD STAFF VISITS BUILDING COLLAPSE VICTIMS .................................. 15

KOWLOON CITY TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ...................'......... 15

KWAI TSING FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH SOON .......................................... 16

MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF .................................... 17

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

1

HONG KONG HAS KEYS TO MODERN BUSINESS: SIR DAVID

♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦

HONG KONG IS A PLACE IN WHICH, AND FROM WHICH, TO DO BUSINESS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON TOLD THE ITALIAN ENTREPRENEURS IN ROME TODAY (TUESDAY).

SIR DAVID SAID CONVENIENT TRAVEL CONNECTIONS, FIRST CLASS COMMUNICATIONS AND ACCESS TO UP-TO-THE-MINUTE INFORMATION WERE THE KEYS TO MODERN BUSINESS.

"HONG KONG - AT THE CENTRE OF THE MOST ECONOMICALLY DYNAMIC PART OF THE WORLD - HAS THESE KEYS. IT IS DETERMINED TO KEEP THEM," THE GOVERNOR SAID WHEN ADDRESSING THE FEDERATION OF ITALIAN INDUSTRIES.

ON THE PROBLEM OF BRAIN DRAIN IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID UNDERSTANDABLY, THE PROSPECT OF CHANGE STILL CREATED SOME UNCERTAINTY IN THE MINDS OF MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE.

SIR DAVID SAID EMIGRATION WAS A PRACTICAL PROBLEM AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS ADOPTING PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR IT WHICH INCLUDE:- THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME; DOUBLING THE OUTPUT OF THE TERRITORY’S UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AND MAKING IT EASIER FOR FIRMS TO RECRUIT OVERSEAS SKILLED PERSONNEL WHICH COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THE LOCAL MARKET.

HE SAID COMPETITION FOR TALENT WAS ALREADY VERY FIERCE AND AS THE SERVICES SECTOR EXPANDED, DEMAND FOR EDUCATED AND SKILLED WHITECOLLAR STAFF HAD INCREASED.

AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, CHINA’S MODERNISATION HAD OPENED UP OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE BORDER.

"WE ESTIMATE THAT SOME 50,000 PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG NOW WORK IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF CHINA, PASSING ON THEIR SKILLS TO PEOPLE THERE.

"THIS IS JUST ONE ASPECT OF THE GROWING INTER-DEPENDENCE OF THE HONG KONG AND MAINLAND ECONOMIES," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS WERE QUICK TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY CHEAPER LAND AND MORE ABUNDANT LABOUR WHEN CHINA OPENED ITS DOORS TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT.

"THEY HAVE PROVIDED ABOUT 70 PER CENT Of THIS INVESTMENT -L13,000 BILLION IN ALL (US$11.3 BILLION)."

SIR DAVID SAID IN GUANGDONG ALONE, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ESTIMATED THAT HONG KONG INVESTORS HAD CREATED JOBS FOR SOME TWO MILLION PEOPLE.

"THAT IS MORE THAN DOUBLE HONG KONG’S OWN MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE," HE SAID.

/HONG KONG .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 2 -

HONG KONG PROVIDED CAPITAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL SKILLS, DESIGN, MARKET KNOWLEDGE AND COMMERCIAL CONNECTIONS.

FOR OTHER FOREIGN INVESTORS, HONG KONG ALSO PROVIDED THE KNOWHOW REQUIRED FOR GETTING AN ENTERPRISE OFF THE GROUND.

HE SAID THESE TRADING LINKS HAD BROUGHT HONG KONG AND CHINA CLOSER AND CLOSER TOGETHER.

"JUST OVER 10 YEARS AGO, THE ONLY WAY INTO CHINA WAS TO WALK ACROSS THE RAILWAY BRIDGE AT LO WU.

"TODAY, THE TRAVELLER AND BUSINESSMAN CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN RAPID ROAD, RAIL, AIR AND RIVER LINKS. ON ANY DAY, SOME 14,000 VEHICLES CROSS THE BORDER VIA THREE DIFFERENT ROUTES," SIR DAVID SAID.

LAST YEAR FROM HONG KONG, WITH A POPULATION OF SOME SIX MILLION PEOPLE, THERE WERE MORE THAN 15 MILLION VISITS TO CHINA.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT ITALIAN POPULATION IN HONG KONG HAD DOUBLED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND 14 ITALIAN BANKS WERE REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG; SEVEN OF THESE HAD FULL BANKING LICENCES.

"THEY COME BECAUSE THEY SEE IT AS THE RIGHT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN ASIA. NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, APART FROM NEW YORK AND LONDON, HAS BROADER BANKING REPRESENTATION," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT ITALIAN ENTREPRENEURS HAD INVESTED ABOUT L3.5 BILLION (US$3 MILLION) IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID: "THEY ARE WELCOME AS ALL FOREIGN INVESTORS ARE WELCOME, NOT JUST FOR THE CAPITAL, BUT BECAUSE THEY BRING WITH THEM THE UPGRADING OF TECHNOLOGY AND DIVERSIFICATION OF PRODUCTS."

THE GOVERNOR SAID ITALIAN BUSINESSMEN HAD ALSO FOUND THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE DEVELOPING A TASTE FOR HIGH QUALITY CONSUMER GOODS.

"THIS IS PERHAPS NOT SURPRISING WHEN PER CAPITA INCOME IS AMONGST THE HIGHEST IN ASIA AND HIGHER THAN SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE OECD (L14 MILLION).

"ALMOST EVERYTHING WE BUY FROM EUROPE, AND FROM ITALY IN PARTICULAR, IS AT THE TOP END OF THE MARKET. BRAND-NAME LEATHER GOODS, JEWELRY, TEXTILES, APPAREL, CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE AND CERAMICS HEAD THE LIST. BUT OFFICE MACHINES AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ARE ALSO IMPORTANT," SIR DAVID SAID.

LAST YEAR, THE AVERAGE PERSON IN HONG KONG IMPORTED ITALIAN GOODS WORTH NEARLY L25O.OOO.

HE SAID THIS WAS 10 TIMES THE COMPARABLE FIGURE FOR JAPAN; MORE THAN SIX TIMES THAT FOR THE UNITED STATES; AND MORE THAN THREE TIMES THAT FOR AUSTRALIA AND CANADA.

/BILATERAL TRADE .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 3 -

BILATERAL TRADE WAS DOING WELL AND IT HAD GROWN AT AN AVERAGE OF 22 PER CENT EACH YEAR FOR THE LAST DECADE WITH THE BALANCE HEAVILY IN ITALY’S FAVOUR (L450 BILLION/HK$2.98 BILLION).

SIR DAVID SAID EUROPEAN FIRMS WERE ALSO FINDING THAT THEY COULD MANAGE THEIR FAR EASTERN SALES AND DISTRIBUTION BETTER FROM HONG KONG THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE REGION.

ABOUT 600 FOREIGN FIRMS HAD REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER FIVE YEARS AGO AND SOME 40 PER CENT WERE EUROPEAN, AMONG THEM, MANY ITALIANS.

"I KNOW THAT YOU SHARE THE SAME COMMERCIAL BELIEFS AS HONG KONG: THAT BUSINESSMEN ARE BEST AT JUDGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, AND THAT TRADE, FREE OF GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE, GENERATES GREATER BENEFITS FOR ALL," SIR DAVID SAID.

------0-----------

HK: A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF WORLD’S ECONOMIC SYSTEM

******

THE CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS ABOUT HONG KONG IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE TERRITORY’S LONG-TERM ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT AN INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION SYMPOSIUM IN OSAKA, JAPAN, MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE WORLD’S ECONOMIC SYSTEM WITH ITS GDP GROWING AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 8.4 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE PAST DECADE.

"SECONDLY, UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG HAS BECOME A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT AND A SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN MANY INTERNATIONAL BODIES IN OUR OWN RIGHT BEYOND 1997.

"WE HAVE NEGOTIATED SEVERAL OF OUR OWN SEPARATE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS. WE ARE ESTABLISHING OUR OWN SHIPPING REGISTER. THESE. INTERNATIONAL LINKS AND SEPARATE STATUS WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT HONG KONG AND CHINA BEYOND 1997," MR WONG SAID.

THIRDLY, MR WONG SAID, HONG KONG HAD AN EXCELLENT AND EVER-IMPROVING BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING A FREE ECONOMY, A HARD-WORKING LABOUR FORCE, A WORLD-RENOWNED CONTAINER PORT AND AIRPORT, HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.

"FOURTHLY, EVEN AFTER RECENT EVENTS, CHINA HAS REPEATEDLY REAFFIRMED ITS 'OPEN DOOR’ POLICY. MUCH OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA HAS BEEN SPEARHEADED BY GUANGDONG, WHICH IN TURN DEPENDS ON HONG KONG FOR ITS FOREIGN CAPITAL, FOR MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE, AND FOR THE SUPPLY OF PARTS, COMPONENTS AND PROCESSED MATERIALS.

/"FIFTHLY, HONG

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

"FIFTHLY, HONG KONG HAS PROVED TO BE HIGHLY RESILIENT, EMERGING STRONGER. THAN BEFORE THROUGH PREVIOUS RECESSIONS AND POLITICAL UPHEAVALS IN CHINA," HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD ENJOYED A HIGH RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH DURING THE LAST 20 YEARS AND, INDEED, THE AVERAGE OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS WAS AS HIGH AS NINE PER CENT.

HE SAID THAT AS WITH OTHER ECONOMIES, HONG KONGi WAS NOW EXPERIENCING A SLOWDOWN IN GROWTH AND WAS ALSO FACING A V«?Y TIGHT LABOUR MARKET. *

"BUT BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS ARE CONFIDENT OF THE BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR DOING PROFITABLE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

"APART FROM ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AS A HUB FOR DOING BUSINESS IN ASIA PACIFIC WITH A SOUND ECONOMIC FOUNDATION AND EXCELLENT BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE, HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE POLICY, ITS HARD-WORKING AND EFFICIENT LABOUR FORCE, LOW TAXATION RATE AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK HAVE LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS FAVOURABLE FACTORS," HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID PAST EXPERIENCES HAD SHOWN THAT THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG WAS EXTREMELY RESILIENT.

"WHENEVER THERE WAS A GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN, THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO BOUNCE BACK QUICKLY WITH ENHANCED VIGOR."

HE SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS NOT WITHOUT UNCERTAINTIES. "BUT NEIHTER DOES IT LACK EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES."

"THE LARGE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, AND THE CONTINUOUS INFLOW OF TECHNOLOGY AND INVESTMENT, SHOWS CLEARLY THAT HONG KONG IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FIND OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGE FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.

TURNING TO JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID THAT UP TO THE END OF JAPAN’S FISCAL YEAR.1988 (APRIL TO MARCH), JAPAN’S CUMULATIVE OVERALL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO US»6.17 BILLION.

"WE ARE THE SECOND MOST FAVOURED INVESTMENT DESTINATION (AFTER INDONESIA) TN ASIA FOR JAPANESE FIRMS.

"MOREOVER, IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1988 ALONE, HONG KONG GAINED THE LARGEST SHARE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA, ALMOST DOUBLED THAT FOR THE COUNTRY IN THE SECOND POSITION.

"THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT OVER FISCAL YEAR 1987, COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF 21 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLE OF ASIA,” HE SAID.

/AS FOR ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

5

AS FOR INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, JAPAN SURPASSED THE USA IN BOTH 1987 AND 1988 AS THE TOP OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG IN A SINGLE YEAR.

ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A RECENT SURVEY, JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS CHANNELLED 36.5 PER CENT MORE FUNDS IN 1988 TO ACQUISITIONS OF FIXED ASSETS IN HONG KONG THAN IN 1987.

BY THE END OF 1988, JAPAN’S CUMULATIVE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG STOOD AT US$893 MILLION, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 27 PER CENT OF THE OVERSEAS TOTAL, UP FROM 21 PER CENT IN 1985.

SPEAKING ON THE HONG KONG-CHINA RELATIONSHIP AND HOW IT HELPED HONG KONG REMAIN COMPETITIVE, MR WONG SAID THAT AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE, HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED A "SYMBIOTIC" RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOUTHERN REGION OF CHINA, SPECIFICALLY WITH GUANGDONG, GUANGXI AND FUJIAN PROVINCES.

"WHEN THE MANAGEMENT SOPHISTICATION AND MARKETING FLAIR OF HONG KONG ARE INTEGRATED WITH THE LOW-COST AND HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES OF CHINA, THE RESULT IS A FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC FORCE THAT PRESENTS A GENUINE CHALLENGE TO THE OTHER DYNAMIC ASIAN ECONOMIES’ CURRENT DOMINATION OF LIGHT AND LOW-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID THIS "SYMBIOTIC" RELATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WAS NOT JUST A THEORY BUT A REALITY.

"HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURERS NOW EMPLOY OVER TWO MILLION WORKERS IN (HINA, WHICH IS THREE TIMES HONG KONG’S OWN INDUSTRIAL LABOUR FORCE,” HE SAID.

CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE ALSO CLOSE INVESTMENT PARTNERS.

"CHINA IS THE THIRD LARGEST NON-LOCAL INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AFTER THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.

"ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG ACCOUNTS FOR TWO-THIRDS OF DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA, AT US$11.5 BILLION, MOST OF WHICH IS IN SOUTH CHINA.

"THIS ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED BY THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN CHINA IN JUNE LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

THE INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION SYMPOSIUM IS ORGANISED BY- THE JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANISATION AND THE OSAKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. IT NOT ONLY SERVES TO HIGHLIGHT AND UPDATE THE SITUATION ON THE LATEST JAPANESE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG BUT ALSO POINTS TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE.

AFTER THE ADDRESS BY MR WONG, A FILM ENTITLED "HONG KONG WORKS" IN JAPANESE WAS SHOWN TO PROVIDE A FEEL OF WHAT ONE WOULD ENCOUNTER WHEN PLANNING AN OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING BASE IN HONG KONG.

- - 0---------

/6 ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

GOVERNMENT PLAYING ITS PART TO CURB INFLATION

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONSCIOUSLY DOING ITS PART TO CURB INFLATION IN SUCH A WAY THAT ANY MEASURES TAKEN WILL NOT JEOPARDISE THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE ECONOMY AND WILL REFLECT A BALANCE OF THE VARIOUS SECTORAL INTERESTS, THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K.Y. TANO SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNIVERSARY SEMINAR ORGANISED BY SURVEY RESEARCH HONG KONG THIS AFTERNOON, MR TANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP A TIGHT GRIP ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO ENSURE THAT IT WILL NOT CROWD OUT THE RESOURCES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITIES AND FUEL INFLATION.

"IN THIS REGARD, IT REMAINS OUR OVERALL STRATEGY TO KEEP PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN LINE WITH THE SIZE AND GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY, AND NOT MERELY BY REFERENCE TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT’S DISPOSAL," HE STRESSED.

MR TANG POINTED OUT THAT THE CURRENT HIGH INFLATION RATE IS NO DOUBT A MATTER OF CONCERN, BUT THIS IS PERHAPS NOT ALTOGETHER UNEXPECTED GIVEN THE PRESSURES ON CAPACITY THAT HONG KONG HAS EXPERIENCED FOR QUITE SOME TIME.

"THE HIGH GROWTH RATE IN 1986 TO 1988 HAS CONTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO THESE PRESSURES.

"THE MARKET PROCESSES SUGGEST THAT, IN DUE COURSE, THE HIGHER PRICES AND WAGES WILL WORK THROUGH TO RESTRAIN DEMAND FOR OUR RESOURCES BOTH LOCALLY AND EXTERNALLY AND BRING IT TO A BETTER BALANCE WITH THE AVAILABLE SUPPLY," HE EXPLAINED.

HOWEVER, THE CONTINUING STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, RESULTING IN A GREATER ORIENTATION AWAY FROM MANUFACTURING TOWARDS THE SERVICE SECTORS, REQUIRES PRICE AND WAGE INDUCEMENTS IN THE MARKET IN ORDER THAT RESOURCES WILL READILY SHIFT ACROSS SECTORS, MR TANG SAID.

"MOREOVER, MANY OF THE SERVICES IN THE LOCAL MARKET ARE NOT EXPOSED TO FOREIGN COMPETITION BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT BEING TRADED INTERNATIONALLY.

"THE SECTORAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES THUS MAINTAINED RESULT IN A HIGHER INFLATION RATE OVERALL, AND THIS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR SOME TIME,” HE ADDED.

TOUCHING ON THE IMPACT OF RECENT INCREASES IN OIL PRODUCT PRICES, MR TANG POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASES GENERATED ADDITIONAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WHICH TEND TO OFFSET THE TENDENCY TOWARDS LOWER INFLATION FOLLOWING THE SLOW-DOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH.

"THE ADDITIONAL INFLATIONARY IMPACT FROM THE OIL PRICE HIKE WILL PROBABLY TAKE SOME TIME TO FILTER THROUGH COMPLETELY.

/"BUT EVEN .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

"BUT EVEN SO, AND PARTICULARLY IF THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST DETERIORATES, A DOUBLE-DIGIT INFLATION RATE FOR CERTAIN MONTHS IN THE REST THE YEAR IS NOT UNLIKELY," MR TANG SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT IN HONG KONG'S FREE MARKET SETTING, DIRECT REGULATION OF THE LEVEL OF DEMAND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS SIMPLY NOT FEASIBLE.

"IMPOSITION OF ARTIFICIAL CONTROLS ON PRICES, WAGES AND RENTAL IS UNREALISTIC BECAUSE THE EXCESS DEMAND WOULD ONLY BE SUBMERGED, NOT ELIMINATED.

"MORE SERIOUSLY, BY INTERFERING WITH THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES, IT COULD CAUSE LASTING DAMAGE TO OUR ECONOMIC SYSTEM," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SUPPRESSING LOCAL OIL PRICES BELOW THOSE IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET WILL NOT HELP HONG KONG’S SUPPLY SITUATION, AS THE OIL SUPPLIES COULD BE DIVERTED ELSEWHERE.

TURNING TO GOVERNMENT’S SPENDING, MR TANG NOTED THAT A MARGIN OF RELAXATION AT THIS POINT IN TIME TO ALLOW FOR INCREASES IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON THOSE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WHICH ARE CRUCIAL TO CONTINUED GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY IS JUSTIFIED.

"EVEN SO, PROJECT PRIORITIES ARE CAREFULLY REVIEWED AND PROGRAMME CONTROLS TIGHTENED TO AVOID CREATING AN EXCESSIVE BUDGETARY BURDEN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKLOAD.

"FURTHERMORE, AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO THE STATE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES, WE MUST ALWAYS KEEP A STRICT CONTROL OVER THE LEVEL OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE,” HE STRESSED.

THIS MEANS THAT DFMANDS FOR NEW SERVICES WILL BE PUT UNDER EVEN CLOSER SCRUTINY, AND THAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE TO STRIVE FOR AN EVEN BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY’FOR THEIR EXISTING SERVICES, MR TANG SAID.

REGARDING THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR RESOURCES, MR TANG SAID. THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD AGREE THAT A MORE EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM IS TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF THE ECONOMY THROUGH RAISING OVERALL LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY.

"OUR PLANS FOR EXPANDING EDUCATION AND TRAINING AT THE TERTIARY AND TECHNICAL LEVELS CARRY THIS IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE," MR TANG SAID.

WITH THE NEED TO MAKE PROVISIONS FOR THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, WE ARE ACUTELY AWARE OF THE PRESSURES THEY WILL IMPOSE ON THE CAPACITY OF THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR, HE SAID.

"ANY DRASTIC UPSURGE IN CONSTRUCTION WAGES OR UNIT CONSTRUCTION COST SHOULD BEST BE AVOIDED, IN THE INTEREST OF KEEPING THE PROJECT COSTS WITHIN BUDGET.

/"THUS CONSTANT ......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

8

’’THUS CONSTANT ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER USE OF CAPITAL-INTENSIVE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES SO AS TO ECONOMISE ON THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR RESOURCES,” HE NOTED.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, MR TANG SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS QUITE A LOT TO DO BY WAY OF ENHANCING OUR PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY FOR THE FUTURE, AND THIS HAS TO BE TAKEN THROUGH THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT OF MODEST * GROWTH AND INCREASED ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES.

”WE HAVE TO BE PRUDENT PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN THE SHORT TERM.

’’BUT OVER THE MEDIUM TO LONGER TERM WE HAVE NO REASON TO BE PESSIMISTIC.

’’THE NEW INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES THAT WILL BE WITH US BY THAT TIME, COUPLED WITH PRESERVATION OF ALL VIRTUES THAT UNDERLIE OUR ECONOMIC SYSTEM, WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MAJOR ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CENTRE OF THE REGION WILL STAY INTACT, IF NOT FURTHER ENHANCED," HE SAID.

--------0------------

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAD BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN COURT, DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY ON A MONTHLY BASIS.

THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR:

NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT

1.WINDSANG INVESTMENT LTD TAI NAM ST, MONG KOK 10.8.89- 28.8.89 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION 3,000 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

OR ALTERATION

OF FURNACES

/2.FAST STEP .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

9

2.FAST STEP CAUSEWAY 10.9.89- APCO: 2,500 1ST CENTRAL

INVESTMENTS LTD BAY PLAZA, CAUSEWAY BAY 24.10.89 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES

3.KA KA LOK SNACK SHOP ASHLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 1.10.89- 30.10.89 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

4.NEW WORLD HARBOURVIEW HOTEL CO LTD HARBOUR RD, WAN CHAI 1.10.89- 30.11.89 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,000 1ST CENTRAL

5.CHOSERISE LTD SHAU KI WAN RD, SAI WAN HO 6.10.89- 18.2.90 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,500 2ND CENTRAL

6.TUNG FAT METAL CO WING KIN RD, KWAI CHUNG 1.11.89 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 3RD TSUEN WAN

7.PO YIP LAUNDRY & DYEING CO WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 29.11.89 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

8.FLOATA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT LTD CHEUNG SHA WAN RD, CHEUNG SHA WAN 6.12.89- 13.2.90 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 2,000 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

9.BODHI VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT LTD GRANVILLE RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 7.12.89- 6.1.90 APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,500 ■» 2ND TSUEN WAN

10.SOUTH OCEAN KNITTERS (KLN) LTD KWAI WING RD, KWAI CHUNG 15.12.89- 27.12.89 -APCO: UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

11.CHAI WAN HON PO RESTAURANT LTD CHAI WAN RD, CHAI WAN 15.2.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1,500 1ST CENTRAL

/12.YU KWEN .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 10 -

12.YU KWEN YICK FOOD PRODUCTS MFG LTD DAVID LANE, WESTERN 20.2.90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 8,000 1ST WESTERN

13.CHAI WAN HON PO RESTAURANT LTD CHAI WAN RD, CHAI WAN 28.2 .90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 2ND CENTRAL

14.SUN LIGHT COLORING MFG LTD YEUNG UK RD, TSUEN WAN 1.3. 90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

15.SZE YAU KONG LUNG DYEING & BLEACHING FACTORY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 6.3. 90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

16.WIDA CORDUROY FACTORY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 8.3. 90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 4TH TSUEN WAN

17.CHI SHING FAT KNITTING FACTORY LTD WAH SING ST, KWAI CHUNG 9.3. 90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

18.WARMTEX FIBERFILLS INDUSTRIAL CO LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 15.3 .90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

19.FRANKI KIER LTD JUNCTION RD, KOWLOON TONG 20.3 .90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1,500 ■> 1ST TSUEN WAN

20.SUNLAND LAUNDRY & DYEING CO LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 20.3 .90 APCO: 4 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION ,500 3RD TSUEN WAN

21.CHUNG LUEN DYEING FACTORY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 21.3 .90 APCO: 3 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION ,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

/22.SHINE HARBOUR

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

22.SHINE HARBOUR CO LTD CHAI WAN RD, CHAI WAN 3.4.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 2ND CENTRAL

23.TAT KWONG DYEING FACTORY CO LTD TSING YI INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, TSING YI 4.4.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 5TH TSUEN WAN

24.SUN LIC (LUEN HOP) DYEING CO LTD KWAI CHEONG RD, KWAI CHUNG 18.4.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 3RD TSUEN WAN

25.SHUN WAH CHEMICAL FIBRES LTD TA CHUEN PING ST, KWAI CHUNG 25.4.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN

26.THE INCORPORATED OWNERS OF SOUTHVIEW VILLAS TAI PO RD, TAI PO 14.5.90 WPCO: DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED DOMESTIC SEWAGE INTO STORM DRAIN WITHOUT A LICENCE 10,000 1ST SHA TIN

27.YIP WO OIL FACTORY CHAU TAU, YUEN LONG 15.5.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 4TH FANLING

28.GOOD YEAR RESTAURANT LTD NGA TSIN WAI RD, KOWLOON CITY 21.5.90 NCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST SAN PO KONG

29.SUNLEY MIU’S ENG. & CONST.CO LTD ON PO RD, TAI PO 23.5.90 NCO: 5,000 CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE 2ND SHA TIN

WITH THE CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT

/30.RHEEM (HK) .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 12 -

30.RHEEM (HK) LTD TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TAI PO 30.5.90 wpco: DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE INTO STORM DRAIN WITHOUT A LICENCE 3,000 1ST SHA TIN

31.TAI HING TUNG YUEN RESTAURANT FA YUEN ST, MONG KOK ■> 27.6.90 APCO: FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 3,000 । 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

32.SUNLAND LAUNDRY & DYEING CO LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 18.7.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 4TH TSUEN WAN

33.TSANG YIU-TANG CAPE D'AGUILAR RD, SHEK 0 18.7.90 WPCO: DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO A STREAM 7,000 1ST CENTRAL

34.WONG '’TN-LUNG CAPE D’AGUILAR RD, SHEK 0 18.7.90 WPCO: DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO A STREAM 7,000 1ST CENTRAL

35.HON YICK CONSTRUCTION LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 23.7.90 DSA: SHORT DUMPING OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION 3,000 1ST CENTRAL

36.SHEK PING-KEE (TUG MASTER) AND FANTA CONSTRUCTION CO LTD, WAI CHING ST, YAU MA TEI 26.7.90 DSA: DUMPING OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA WITHOUT A LICENCE 5,000 ■> 2ND CENTRAL

LEUNG KOON-YAU (BARGE OPERATOR) •» tt 3,000 1ST I,

/37.LAI SHUK ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 13 -

37.LAI SHUK-FUK (TUG MASTER)

LAU CHEONG 27.7.90 KEE MARINE ENGINEERING CO, NATHAN RD, MONG KOK

DSA: 3,000

DUMPING OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION

1ST CENTRAL

NOTE:

APCO: AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE

DSA: DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975

NCO: NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE

WPCO: WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE

ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE, ONE PERSON WAS PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACES AT NIGHT. HE WAS FINED

AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID CASE NUMBER 28 WAS THE FIRST CONVICTION UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ON THE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL NOISE INCLUDING VENTILATING SYSTEM NOISE.

THE RESTAURANT HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO INSTALL NOISE CONTROL MEASURES WITHIN 60 DAYS THROUGH THE SERVING OF A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT WAS FOUND AT THE EXPIRY OF THE PERIOD.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN CASE NUMBER 36, ONE OF THE DEFENDANTS WAS A REPEATED OFFENDER AND WAS CONVICTED WITH A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 FOR DUMPING OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA WITHOUT A LICENCE. THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO STEP UP ITS ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL DUMPING ACTIVITIES.

--------0 - -

STUDY ON SURVEY AND MAPPING SERVICES COMMISSIONED

uatdduhhoc BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED PRICE WATERHOUSE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS LTD TO CARRY ' OUT A $2 MILLION CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE SURVEY AND MAPPING SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

rHE STUDY WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR•

/THEY INCLUDED .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 14 -

THEY INCLUDED THE MAINTENANCE OF THE GEODETIC CONTROL NETWORK, TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY, ENGINEERING SURVEY, CARTOGRAPHIC SERVICES, COMPUTERISED LAND INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE SALES OF MAPS, NAUTICAL CHARTS AND NAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS.

THE CONSULTANTS WILL REVIEW SERVICES RELATING TO THESE ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS WHICH ARE PROVIDED OR REQUIRED AND WILL ASSESS THEIR DEMAND, STANDARDS, ADEQUACY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS.

THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO EXAMINE AND ADVISE ON THE INSTITUTIONAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY, QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE NEED FOR A SURVEY AUTHORITY, AND OTHER MEASURES NECESSARY TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF SURVEY AND MAPPING SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "ON THE BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT, THE CONSULTANTS WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONS, ORGANISATION AND STAFFING AND FUTURE REQUIREMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE (SMO) AND ASSOCIATED UNITS IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES, DRAINAGE SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, WATER SUPPLIES, HOUSING, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND MARINE DEPARTMENTS."

THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE, EITHER WITHIN THE SMO OR AS A SEPARATE ENTITY, AND ITS FUNCTIONS, ORGANISATION AND STAFF.

ALL RECOMMENDATIONS MADE WILL HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE NEED FOR COST-RECOVERY AND OVERALL COST-EFFECTIVENESS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN VIEW OF THE VERY LIMITED DEVELOPABLE LAND AND MARINE AREAS IN HONG KONG, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT, DEVELOPERS, LANDOWNERS, PORT USERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD BE ABLE TO OBTAIN LAND AND ENGINEERING SURVEY, CARTOGRAPHIC AND NAUTICAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES WHICH WERE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, EFFICIENT AND UP-TO-DATE.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR RELIED LARGELY ON ITS OWN IN-HOUSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SMO AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF SECONDED FROM THE SMO TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO DIRECT AND SUPERVISE LAND AND ENGINEERING SURVEY WORK.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RESTRICT CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH AND IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY HAS PROMPTED THE .NEED TO EXAMINE AND DEFINE THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN PROVIDING THESE SERVICES.

"THE DECISION TO EMBARK ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS SUCH AS THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT EXPANSION GALVANIZES tHE URGENCY OF THIS TASK."

WORK ON THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WILL START SHORTLY. THE CONSULTANT IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS STUDY AND SUBMIT ITS DRAFT FINAL REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.

------0 - -

/15........

- 15 -

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

SWD STAFF VISITS BUILDING COLLAPSE VICTIMS

* * * * » *

A TEAM OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) STAFF VISITED THE VICTIMS OF LAST WEEK’S BUILDING COLLAPSE IN SHEUNG WAN LATE MONDAY NIGHT.

THE INCIDENT RESULTED TN A TOTAL OF II PEOPLE FROM II FAMILIES HOMELESS. THEY ARE NOW STAYING AT THE WONG CHUK HANG TEMPORARY SHELTER.

LED BY MRS LESLIE HUNG, DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF CENTRAL, WESTERN AND ISLANDS; AND MR PAUL CHEUNG, DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF SOUTHERN, THE OFFICIALS CAME FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND SOCIAL SECURITY UNIT. THEY INTERVIEWED THE VICTIMS AND EXPLAINED TO THEM THE FORMS OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.

A SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE WELFARE OF THESE PEOPLE. THEY HAD BEEN ENCOURAGED TO APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE IF NEEDED.

DURING THE VISIT, SWD STAFF ALSO DISTRIBUTED TOYS TO YOUNG VICTIMS. HOT MEALS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED FOR THEM, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

------0--------

KOWLOON CITY TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

THE 1990-91 KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE KICKED OFF WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY AND A CARNIVAL "CIVIC EDUCATION DAY" ON OCTOBER 28 (SUNDAY) AT ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OPENING DAY WILL INCLUDE GAME STALLS, AN EXHIBITION, BUS TOURS, A BAND PARADE AND A VARIETY SHOW BY LOCAL GROUPS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ CIVIC AWARENESS AND THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT. IT IS ORGANISED BY THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.

THE CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN ELECTION POLLS AND TO DEVELOP A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON THE RULE OF LAW.

A TOTAL OF 10 ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED FROM MID OCTOBER TO FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

/THE ORGANISING .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

- 16 -

THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS BY ALLOCATING TO THEM FUNDS TO ORGANISE A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS, LECTURES, CARNIVALS AND VISITS.

A DISTRICT INFORMATION HANDBOOK AND A CALENDAR POSTER WILL BE PRINTED FOR DISTRIBUTION.

THE CAMPAIGN WILL END WITH A CLOSING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW ON FEBRUARY 23 AT KO SHAN THEATRE.

MOST OF THE EVENTS ARE FREE. APPLICATION FORMS AND ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE OTHER FUNCTIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS HUNG HOM AND LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICES.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 711 0171.

---------0------------

KWAI TSING FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH SOON ♦ » * ♦ ♦

A LARGE-SCALE FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND ARTS WILL BE HELD IN KWAI TSING FROM OCTOBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 18.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG, SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FESTIVAL WERE TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AND TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.

SEPARATE ANNUAL FESTIVALS FOR ARTS AND SPORTS HAD BEEN ORGANISED IN KWAI TSING SINCE 1986. THIS YEAR, THE TWO FESTIVALS WILL BE COMBINED INTO ONE LARGE-SCALE DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR BETTER UTILISATION OF RESOURCES, MR TANG SAID.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING FESTIVAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SO HOI-PAN, SAID MORE THAN 50 ARTS AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WOULD BE ORGANISED.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETICS, SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS, TABLE-TENNIS, BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, GATEBALL, SWIMMING, ARCHERY AND ISLAND MARATHON WALK.

ARTS ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERAS, SINGING AND DANCING, CHILDREN’S DRAWING, CALLIGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITIONS.

APART FROM LOCAL TEAMS, CHINESE AND MACAU TROUPES WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL.

/THE KWAI .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1990

17 -

THE KWAI TSING FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1.4 MILLION, PARTLY SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

IT WILL BE KICKED OFF WITH A MATCH BETWEEN THE KWAI TSING AND GUANGZHOU SOCCER TEAMS ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.

--------0-----------

MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF

*****

THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN AURAL, THEORY, CHORAL AS WELL AS VIOLIN.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL ENTER THE GRADE OF ASSISTANT MUSIC OFFICER II WITH A PAY SCALE BETWEEN $9,035 AND $14,640 PER MONTH.

CANDIDATES SHOULD BE GRADUATES OF:

* THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, OR

* THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, OR

« THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, OR

* HAVE A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY, OR

* POSSESS EITHER LRSM, LRAM, LTCL, ARCM OR EQUIVALENT.

APPLICANTS MUST MAJOR IN EITHER PIANO, SINGING OR VIOLIN.

FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT MUSIC OFFICER II (VIOLIN), CANDIDATES WITH CHINESE QUALIFICATION MAY ALSO APPLY.

FINAL YEAR MUSIC STUDENTS OF THE INSTITUTES MAY APPLY;. IF SELECTED, THEIR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THEIR OBTAINING OF THE REQUISITE QUALIFICATION.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ON G.F. 340 AND FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PERSONEL & GENERAL), MUSIC OFFICE, 25TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 29.

PLEASE TELEPHONE 823 5340 FOR ENQUIRIES.

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS:

SECOND READING OF BILL TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ...................... 1

AG EXPLAINS PROSECUTIONS POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ................... 4

NO RELAXATION IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME ..................................... 6

TWO-PRONG ACTION TO COUNTER ORGANISED CRIME AND TRIAD .................... 7

SOME OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS ALLOW TO CARRY FIREARMS .................... 8

BILL TO CLARIFY TAXATION FRINGE BENEFITS MOVED ........................... 9

REDUCTION IN LIFEBOAT LEVY AIMS AT REVIVING STOCK INDEX MARKET ........... 11

MEASURES TO MAINTAIN ORDERLY QUEUING FOR FLATS ........................... 12

MARK SIX PILOT SCHEME CONDITIONAL ON DB APPROVAL: SHA .................... 13

CONTROL ON LOUDHAILERS IS TO CURB NUISANCE ............................... 13

GOVT CONSIDERING OVERSEAS OFFICE IN SINGAPORE ............................ 14

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES ENERGY CONSERVATION ................................ 14

MEASURES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POWER FAILURES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES 15

DRAFT GUESTHOUSE LICENSING LAW COMPLETED: SHA ............................ 16

NO POLLUTING INDUSTRIES WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS ............................. 17

GREATER EMPHASIS ON GOOD DESIGN AND QUALITY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ............ 17

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY CAN ACHIEVE SAVINGS: FS .............................. 19

CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 ....................... 19

FOUR BILLS FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ................................. 19

GOVERNOR STARTS BUSY PARIS PROGRAMME ....................................... 20

HK: A SHOWCASE FOR FREE ENTERPRISE AND TRADE ............................... 21

ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IN CRIMINAL CASES ................................... 23

NO DECISION YET ON TOLL CHARGE FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.................... 24

NATIONAL TECHNICAL BARRIERS ON PRODUCTS IN EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TO VANISH BY

1992 ..................................................................... 25.

JUNE 1990 EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED ............ 26

NEW MEASURES TO STREAMLINE CNTA OPERATIONS ................................. 31

/FIVE IIS .......

FIVE IIS FROM CHINA ARRESTED..................................................... 32

ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT TO BEGIN ON SATURDAY ........................................ 33

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE CLOSED.............................. 34

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 1 -

SECOND READING OF BILL TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ******

THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO REINFORCE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF DETERRENCE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY DENYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN WORK IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOR MORE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION OF EMPLOYERS AND FOR INCREASED PENALTIES, WITH THE OBJECT OF REDUCING THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THUS STEMMING THE FLOW AT SOURCE.

"THE GREAT MAJORITY OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COME TO HONG KONG TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT.

"WE NEED THEREFORE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM AT ITS SOURCE BY MAKING IT CLEAR TO EMPLOYERS THAT IT DOES NOT PAY TO EMPLOY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AND TO PROSPECTIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT THERE IS NO POINT COMING TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THERE WILL BE NO WORK AVAILABLE FOR THEM HERE.

"THIS PROVIDES THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL," MR ASPREY SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THE PROSECUTION OF EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

THEY HAD PROVED EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING THE EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN RESTAURANTS, FACTORIES AND OTHER PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT WHERE THERE WAS ONLY ONE EMPLOYER WHO COULD BE EASILY IDENTIFIED.

THE EXISTING PROVISIONS, HOWEVER, SUFFERED FROM TWO DEFECTS, MR ASPREY ADDED.

"FIRST, THE PENALTIES ARE INADEQUATE, AND THERE HAS IN PARTICULAR BEEN CRITICISM OF THE DISPARITY IN MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND FOR THOSE WHO EMPLOY THEM.

"THE PRESENT LEGISLATION SETS A MAXIMUM OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ENTERING AND REMAINING IN HONG KONG WITHOUT PERMISSION, COMPARED TO A MAXIMUM OF ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT FOR AN EMPLOYER OF AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL SOUGHT TO REMEDY THIS BY INCREASING THE MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT FOR AN EMPLOYER TO THREE YEARS, AND AT THE SAME TIME, INCREASING THE MAXIMUM FINE FROM $50,000 TO $250,000.

/"THIS, WE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

2

"THIS, WE BELIEVE, WILL MAKE IT VERY CLEAR TO EMPLOYERS HOW SERIOUSLY WE VIEW THE OFFENCE OF HIRING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AND SHOULD I HOPE PROVE AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY STRESSED THAT THE OFFENCE WAS AT PRESENT ONE OF STRICT LIABILITY; BUT CLAUSE 2 WOULD ALSO IN FUTURE PROVIDE AN EMPLOYER WITH A DEFENCE AGAINST THE CHARGE IF HE COULD SHOW THAT HE HAD TAKEN ALL PRACTICABLE STEPS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PERSON WAS LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE, AND THAT IT WAS REASONABLE TO CONCLUDE THAT THE PERSON WAS LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE.

SECONDLY, HE ADDED THAT RECENT EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT THE PRESENT LAW WAS INADEQUATE IN CASES WHERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE FOUND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.

"IT IS DIFFICULT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION TO BRING A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION AGAINST EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES," HE SAID.

THIS WAS BECAUSE THE SUB-CONTRACTING SYSTEM WHICH WAS USUAL IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MEANT THAT THERE WERE GENERALLY SEVERAL EMPLOYERS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE.

SINCE COMPREHENSIVE RECORDS WERE SELDOM KEPT, IT WAS FREQUENTLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL FOR WHICH EMPLOYER AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MIGHT BE WORKING.

ON THE OTHER HAND, MR ASPREY SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OFTEN DID NOT KNOW WHO WAS EMPLOYING THEM.

"CONTACT WITH THE EMPLOYER IS OFTEN THROUGH A THIRD PARTY WHO HAS NO APPARENT CONNECTION WITH THE EMPLOYER; AND EVEN IF THEY DO KNOW THEIR EMPLOYER, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE UNLIKELY TO BE WILLING TO IDENTIFY' HIM EITHER FOR FEAR OF NOT BEING PAID, OR BECAUSE OF PEER PRESSURE NOT TO INFORM ON SOMEONE WHO IS ALSO PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

"ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE WELL BRIEFED ON WHAT TO SAY TO THE POLICE WHEN ARRESTED," HE ADDED.

MR ASPREY SAID THAT CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL PROVIDED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE CONTROLLER SHOULD BE LIABLE IF AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WAS PRESENT ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE, THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THESE DIFFICULTIES OF PROVING WHO WAS THE EMPLOYER OF AN ILLEGAL- IMMIGRANT FOUND ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE, INDEED THE DIFFICULTY EVEN OF PROVING EMPLOYMENT IN SUCH CASES.

THERE WOULD, HOWEVER, BE A DEFENCE AVAILABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE CONTROLLER THAT HE TOOK ALL PRACTICABLE STEPS TO PREVENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM BEING ON THE SITE.

"I BELIEVE THE EXPLICIT RECOGNITION OF THIS DEFENCE WILL HELP ALLAY THE FEARS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED CONCERNING THE VICARIOUS LIABILITY NATURE OF THE OFFENCE," MR ASPREY SAID.

HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION WAS PLANNING TO INTRODUCE A SELF-REGULATORY CODE OF PRACTICE COVERING THE EMPLOYMENT OF WORKERS.

/"THIS IS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

3 -

"THIS IS TO BE WELCOMED.

"CONSTRUCTION SITE CONTROLLERS WILL HAVE TO ENSURE THAT BOTH THEY AND THEIR SUB-CONTRACTORS EMPLOY PERSONS WHO ARE LEGALLY EMPLOYABLE," HE ADDED.

SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE BILL, MR ASPREY SAID CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED WHETHER DOMESTIC PREMISES WERE INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF A "CONSTRUCTION SITE".

AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR ASPREY PROPOSED TO MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 38A OF THE ORDINANCE TO EXEMPT FROM THE DEFINITION OF "CONSTRUCTION WORK" REDECORATION, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR IN INDIVIDUAL DOMESTIC PREMISES.

HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS ONE ADDITIONAL MEASURE PROPOSED IN THE BILL: CLAUSE 3 INCREASED THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR LANDING AND REMAINING WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM $5,000 TO $10,000.

"THE PRESENT LEVEL OF FINE WAS SET IN 1980 AND IT IS NOW TIME TO CHANGE IT TO BE MORE IN LINE WITH TODAY’S VALUES," MR ASPREY SAID.

ON THE BACKGROUND TO THE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL, MR ASPREY SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HAD FOR MANY YEARS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

IN NOVEMBER 1980 THE ’TOUCH BASE’ POLICY WAS ENDED, AND SINCE THEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN REPATRIATED.

"THE RESULT WAS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL DROP IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ENTERING HONG KONG," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, IN THE MID-1980S, THE NUMBERS BEGAN TO INCREASE ONCE AGAIN.

IN 1987, OVER 26,700 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED.

THIS CAUSED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS POLICIES ONCE MORE, MR ASPREY EXPLAINED.

"IN MAY 1988, WE STARTED TO PROSECUTE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN HONG KONG. IF CONVICTED, THEY HAVE HAD TO SERVE THEIR SENTENCE BEFORE REPATRIATION.

"IN JULY 1988 THE COURT OF APPEAL LAID DOWN A SENTENCING GUIDELINE OF 15 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CONVICTED OF REMAINING ILLEGALLY IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT PROSECUTION HAD A MARKED AND IMMEDIATE DETERRENT EFFECT. THE NUMBERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED DROPPED SUBSTANTIALLY.

"HOWEVER, THIS DETERRENT EFFECT HAS NOT LASTED.

"IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, NEARLY 21, 500 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. CLEARLY FURTHER MEASURES ARE REQUIRED," HE SAID.

/MR ASPREY .......

WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 17, 1990

MR ASPREY SAID HE BELIEVED THE MEASURES HE HAD OUTLINED SHOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT IN REDUCING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION INTO HONG KONG.

"I WOULD FINALLY REITERATE THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"OUR POLICY REMAINS THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED,” HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0------

AG EXPLAINS PROSECUTIONS POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

*****

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPLAINED THE PROSECUTIONS POLICY THAT WOULD BE ADOPTED IN IMPLEMENTING MEASURES PROPOSED UNDER THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WOULD CONSTITUTE IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE LAWS CONCERNING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MATHEWS SAID FROM THE DATE OF ENACTMENT HE PROPOSED TO PROSECUTE ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FOUND AT A PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, FOR SUCH OFFENCES AS POSSESSION OF ANY IDENTITY CARD RELATING TO ANOTHER, AND LANDING OR REMAINING IN HONG KONG WITHOUT THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION.

"SUCH AN OFFENDER WILL BE PROSECUTED WHETHER OR NOT OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE FOUND AT THE PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THAT PERSON HAS BEEN TO HONG KONG AS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BEFORE, AND WHETHER OR NOT HE CAME AS PART OF A GROUP," MR MATHEWS SAID.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO COMMITTED OTHER OFFENCES WOULD BE PROSECUTED FOR SUCH OTHER OFFENCES IN THE NORMAL WAY. OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, NOT WITHIN THE CATEGORY DESCRIBED, WOULD GENERALLY BE REPATRIATED TO CHINA WITHOUT PROSECUTION.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID IT SHOULD BE CLEAR THAT THE POLICY WOULD BE DIRECTED AT THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO HONG KONG FOR ECONOMIC REASONS.

AS FAR AS EMPLOYERS WERE CONCERNED, MR MATHEWS SAID HE WOULD CONTINUE TO PROSECUTE UNDER CURRENT PROVISIONS EMPLOYERS WHO WERE SHOWN TO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

/"IT SHOULD .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 5 -

"IT SHOULD BE WELL UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS APPLIES TO ALL EMPLOYERS, AND NOT ONLY TO THOSE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY," HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE NEW PROVISIONS WOULD PENALISE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS IN CONTROL OF BUILDING SITES UPON WHICH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE FOUND. IN THIS REGARD HE MADE TWO POINTS:

"FIRST, WHERE A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE FOUND ON SUCH A SITE AT ONE TIME, I INTEND THAT ONE CHARGE WILL BE LAID AGAINST THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR, RATHER THAN SEPARATE CHARGES IN RESPECT OF EACH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, SINCE THE LATTER COURSE WOULD EXPOSE A CONTRACTOR TO MULTIPLES OF THE MAXIMUM PENALTY.

"HOWEVER, SUCH A CONTRACTOR SHOULD REALISE THAT THE COURTS ARE LIKELY, FOLLOWING ORDINARY PRINCIPLES OF SENTENCING, TO IMPOSE A HIGHER PENALTY IF MORE THAN ONE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS FOUND ON THE SITE.

"SECONDLY, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS WILL EXAMINE CASES WHERE CHARGES MIGHT BE LAID UNDER THIS NEW PROVISION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR HAS DONE ALL THAT CAN BE EXPECTED OF HIM TO PREVENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM BEING ON THE SITE FOR WHICH HE IS RESPONSIBLE.

"IF THE DIRECTOR IS SATISFIED THAT SUCH PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN, A PROSECUTION IS UNLIKELY TO FOLLOW," SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

t

MR MATHEWS ALSO SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR HIM TO PUBLICISE PROSECUTIONS POLICY IN ANY SPECIFIC AREA. ♦

"BUT I DO SO IN THIS INSTANCE BECAUSE THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT ABOUT OUR DETERMINATION TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, AND BECAUSE I WISH THERE TO BE NO MISUNDERSTANDING OR FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY BY THOSE AGAINST WHOM THESE LAWS ARE TARGETTED."

HE ALSO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT HE WOULD NOT HESITATE TO ALTER THAT POLICY TO CATER FOR SUCH CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES AS MIGHT ARISE, PARTICULARLY SHOULD IT PROVE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DETERRENCE AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

--------0-----------

/6 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 199C

NO RELAXATION IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ASSURED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 DOES NOT REPRESENT A RELAXATION IN GOVERNMENT’S FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR ASPREY EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL SOUGHT TO REPEAL THOSE PARTS OF SECTION 33(2) OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDED FOR A MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT OR A SENTENCE OF CANING FOR THE OFFENCE OF BEING IN POSSESSION OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON IN A PUBLIC PLACE.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REPEAL SECTION 33(2A) WHICH ENABLED THE COURTS TO EXERCISE THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE TO ISSUE DETENTION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF A SECTION 33 OFFENCE.

"THIS PROVISION BECOMES REDUNDANT ONCE MANDATORY SENTENCES ARE REMOVED FOR SECTION 33 OFFENCES," MR ASPREY SAID.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT, SECTION 33(2) OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE REQUIRED THE COURTS TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY SENTENCE OF CANING OR IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT LESS THAN SIX MONTHS ON ANY PERSON AGED 14 YEARS OR OVER CONVICTED OF BEING IN POSSESSION OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON IN A PUBLIC PLACE.

"THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ARE THAT YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 17 YEARS OF AGE MAY BE SENTENCED TO DETENTION IN A TRAINING CENTRE, AND PERSONS UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE MAY BE SENTENCED TO DETENTION IN A DETENTION CENTRE,” HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ON JULY 11 THIS YEAR, THE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (REPEAL) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO REMOVE FROM THE COURTS THE POWER TO AWARD SENTENCES OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.

"RETENTION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT FOR OFFENCES UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE WOULD THEREFORE BE AN ANOMALY, AND THE BILL PROVIDES THAT CANING SHOULD NO LONGER BE A SENTENCING OPTION," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY SAID IF THE POWER OF THE COURTS TO AWARD A SENTENCE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ALONE WERE REMOVED, THE COURTS WOULD IN MOST CASES BE REQUIRED TO IMPOSE A MANDATORY MINIMUM PRISON SENTENCE ON PERSONS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE ORDINANCE.

"THE RETENTION OF A MANDATORY PRISON SENTENCE FOR THIS OFFENCE HAS HOWEVER BEEN WIDELY CRITICISED BECAUSE IT DEPRIVES THE COURTS OF THE OPPORTUNITY OF TAILORING SENTENCES TO THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF OFFENCES AND OFFENDERS.

"THE BILL THEREFORE ALSO REMOVES FROM SECTION 33 THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO A MANDATORY SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT," HE SAID.

/MR ASPREY .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

7

MR ASPREY SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE POSSIBILITY OF RAISING THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SECTION 33 OFFENCES UPON THE REMOVAL OF MANDATORY SENTENCES.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION DECIDED AGAINST DOING SO AT PRESENT BECAUSE:

(A) THE EXISTING MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS NOT INADEQUATE GIVEN THAT THIS OFFENCE WAS ESSENTIALLY A CRIME PREVENTION MEASURE. A SECTION 33 OFFENCE CARRIED A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT WHEN TRIED IN THE DISTRICT COURT OR THE HIGH COURT; AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT WHEN TRIED IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT; AND

(B) IF IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSIDERED THAT THE SENTENCE AWARDED WAS MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE, HE MIGHT APPLY TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR A REVIEW OF THAT SENTENCE TO ENSURE THAT THE OFFENDER WAS APPROPRIATELY PUNISHED.

MR ASPREY SAID FUTURE TRENDS IN SECTION 33 OFFENCES, AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING MAXIMUM PENALTIES, WOULD BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

"IN PARTICULAR, THE POSSIBLE NEED FOR HIGHER MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON WILL BE RECONSIDERED WHEN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS COMPLETED ITS REVIEW AND SUBMITTED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON POLICE POWERS OF STOP, SEARCH AND SEIZURE," HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - 0 - -

TWO-PRONG ACTION TO COUNTER ORGANISED CRIME AND TRIAD

ACTION BEING TAKEN TO COUNTER ORGANISED CRIME AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES INCLUDES BOTH OPERATIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE MEASURES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR ASPREY SAID THAT AS REGARDS OPERATIONAL MEASURES, THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP WOULD CONTINUE TO CONDUCT LONG-TERM INTELLIGENCE-BASED OPERATIONS, AND TO TAKE OFFENSIVE ACTION AGAINST THE HIERARCHIES OF TRIAD SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

MR ASPREY ALSO NOTED THAT AT THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVEL, ACTION HAD BEEN STEPPED UP AGAINST TRIAD ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EXTORTION, LOANSHARKING, DANGEROUS DRUGS, GAMBLING AND VICE.

"AS REGARDS LEGISLATIVE MEASURES, THIS COUNCIL HA8 IN THE PAST YEAR ENACTED LEGISLATION WHICH ENABLES MORE EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST GAMBLING, VICE AND DRUG TRAFFICKING WHICH ARE MAJOR REVENUE-PRODUCING ACTIVITIES FOR TRIAD SOCIETIES.

/"WE ARE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

8

"WE ARE NOW PREPARING NEW DRAFT LEGISLATION TO ATTACK ORGANISED CRIME, AND WE EXPECT TO PUBLISH THIS LEGISLATION EARLY NEXT YEAR IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION,” HE SAID.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT IF THESE MEASURES WERE TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY WAS VITAL.

"EVERYONE HAS A DUTY TO ASSIST THE POLICE BY REPORTING ALL TYPES OF CRIME AND, IF NECESSARY, BY BEING PREPARED TO GIVE EVIDENCE AS A WITNESS.

"THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE MESSAGES OF THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED SHORTLY TO CALL FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE EXPLAINED.

MR ASPREY NOTED THAT BECAUSE OF THE VERY NATURE OF TRIAD SOCIETIES, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO QUANTIFY ACCURATELY THE LEVEL OF THEIR ACTIVITY IN OUR SOCIETY.

"TAKEN OVER THE PAST FIVE OR 10 YEARS, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CRIMES INVOLVING TRIADS HAS DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY," THE SECRETARY SAID.

BUT MR ASPREY SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN A WORRYING INCREASE IN TRIAD-RELATED CRIME IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CASES INVOLVING TRIADS ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF TOTAL CRIME LAST YEAR.

"BUT WE MUST NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE THREAT WHICH TRIADS POSE TO LAW AND ORDER IN OUR SOCIETY, AND THE POLICE ARE CERTAINLY NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT THE PRESENT SITUATION," HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

SOME OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS ALLOW TO CARRY FIREARMS

SOME POLICE OFFICERS, MAINLY THOSE INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND CERTAIN OTHER SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL TASKS, WERE AUTHORISED TO CARRY FIREARMS WHEN OFF DUTY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR ASPREY SAID THIS WAS ALLOWED PROVIDED THE SECURITY OF THE FIREARMS WAS NOT COMPROMISED.

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN TWO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE USE OF REVOLVERS BY OFFICERS WHILE OFF DUTY.

/THE SECRETARY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

9

THE SECRETARY SAID ONE OF THESE OCCURRED RECENTLY IN WANCHAI AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION.

THE OTHER CASE OCCURRED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN A DETECTIVE CONSTABLE WHILE OFF DUTY FIRED ONE SHOT AT A METAL GATE.

”HE WAS DISMISSED FROM THE POLICE FORCE AFTER BEING SENTENCED TO NINE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE OFFENCE OF RECKLESSLY DISCHARGING A FIREARMS,” MR ASPREY SAID.

--------0-----------

BILL TO CLARIFY TAXATION FRINGE BENEFITS MOVED

*****

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO CLARIFY THE POSITION IN RELATION TO THE TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS EXPLAINED IT WAS OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO PAYMENTS MADE BY EMPLOYERS TO THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE EDUCATION OF THE EMPLOYEES’ CHILDREN.

"MEMBERS WILL RECOLLECT THAT IN DECEMBER 1988 THE COURT OF APPEAL HANDED DOWN A DECISION ON THE INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 9 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.

"THE DECISION DTD NOT REFLECT THE ASSESSING PRACTICE IN RESPECT OF FRINGE BENEFITS FOLLOWED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE CASE AROSE," SIR PIERS SAID.

HE NOTED THAT PRIOR TO THE APPEAL COURT DECISION, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT HAD LONG ACCEPTED THAT PRINCIPLES DERIVED FROM UNITED KINGDOM CASE LAW DETERMINED WHETHER FRINGE BENEFITS, OR "PERQUISITES", WERE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX.

"THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSESSING PRACTICE WAS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE DECISIONS HAD ESTABLISHED THAT BENEFITS RECEIVED TN A FORM OTHER THAN MONEY, EXCEPT FOR THOSE COVERED BY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, COULD NOT BE TREATED AS CHARGEABLE INCOME UNLESS THEY TOOK THE FORM OF ’MONEY’S WORTH’.

"A BENEFIT WAS REGARDED AS CONSTITUTING MONEY’S WORTH IF IT WAS CAPABLE OF BEING CONVERTED INTO MONEY BY THE RECIPIENT, OR INVOLVED THE DISCHARGE BY THE EMPLOYER OF A PERSONAL LIABILITY OF THE EMPLOYEE," STR PIERS EXPLAINED.

ACCORDINGLY, IF AN INCONVERTIBLE BENEFIT HAD BEEN PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECOGNISED THAT THE EMPLOYER, RATHER THAN THE EMPLOYEE, WAS THE PARTY LIABLE FOR THE RELEVANT EXPENSE, THE BENEFIT WAS ACCEPTED AS NOT BEING CHARGEABLE.

/"THE COURT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

10

"THE COURT OF APPEAL RULED, HOWEVER, THAT THE WORD ’PERQUISITE' IN THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE GIVEN ITS ORDINARY MEANING, RATHER THAN THE RESTRICTED MEANING RECOGNISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

"IN ESSENCE, THE COURT FOUND THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, ALL BENEFITS DERIVED BY AN EMPLOYEE FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT WERE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX," HE SAID.

IN VIEW OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECISION, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO THE IDENTIFICATION AND VALUATION OF BENEFITS, SIR PIERS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION DECIDED THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED TO ACCORD WITH THE PRACTICE THE DEPARTMENT FOLLOWED BEFORE THE CASE AROSE.

"THIS DECISION WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN A PUBLIC STATEMENT ISSUED IN MARCH 1989.

"IT WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED AT THE SAME TIME THAT PENDING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATION THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY ITS PREVIOUS PRACTICE," HE SAID.

IN THE MEANTIME AN APPEAL HAD BEEN MADE TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL.

SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT THE DECISION OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN JANUARY THIS YEAR WAS NOT AS WIDE IN SCOPE AS THAT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL.

"THE PRIVY COUNCIL FOUND THAT NOT ALL BENEFITS DERIVED BY AN EMPLOYEE FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT WERE CHARGEABLE UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION.

"INCONVERTIBLE BENEFITS WHICH DID NOT INVOLVE THE EXPENDITURE OF MONEY OR WHICH INVOLVED EXPENDITURE WHICH COULD NOT BE ATTRIBUTED WHOLLY OR PROPORTIONATELY TO ONE EMPLOYEE WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT IN CONTRAST TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PREVIOUS PRACTICE, THE PRIVY COUNCIL DID NOT ACCEPT THAT AN INCONVERTIBLE BENEFIT WOULD ESCAPE THE CHARGE TO SALARIES TAX IF THE EMPLOYER RATHER THAN THE EMPLOYEE HAD THE LIABILITY FOR THE RELEVANT PAYMENT.

HE ADDED THAT THE PRIVY COUNCIL CONSIDERED THAT THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL DEBT DISCHARGED BY AN EMPLOYER PURSUANT TO AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND MONEY PAID FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE EMPLOYEE PURSUANT TO THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.

"THE PRIVY COUNCIL DECISION ALLOWS THE TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS ON A WIDER SCALE THAN WAS THE PRACTICE BEFORE THE CASE AROSE.

"SO, IN ORDER TO BRING THE LAW INTO LINE WITH LONG ACCEPTED PRACTICE IN HONG KONG, THE ORDINANCE NEEDS TO BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THAT PRACTICE.

"WE DO NOT WISH TO WIDEN THE EXTENT TO WHICH PERQUISITES HAVE BEEN TAXED PREVIOUSLY IN HONG KONG," SIR PIERS SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

11

REDUCTION IN LIFEBOAT LEVY AIMS AT REVIVING STOCK INDEX MARKET

*****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE REDUCTION IN SPECIAL LEVY ON HANG SENG INDEX FUTURES CONTRACT WILL HOPEFULLY ACCELERATE THE REVIVAL OF THE STOCK INDEX MARKET.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) ORDINANCE SAID THAT ALL THE PARTIES TO THE FACILITIES HAD AGREED TO THE REDUCTION IN LEVY, WHICH TOOK EFFECT AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS WEEK.

"THE AMENDED AGREEMENT GIVES THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AN ENTITLEMENT TO RECEIVE $25 OUT OF EACH LEVY OF $30 PAID, AND REQUIRES THE TRUSTEE OF THE SPECIAL LEVY FUND TO PAY THAT ENTITLEMENT TO THE FUTURES EXCHANGE FORTHWITH UPON THE TRUSTEE RECEIVING EACH PAYMENT OF LEVY FROM THE FUTURES EXCHANGE.

"ADOPTION OF THIS PROCEDURE HAS ENABLED THE REDUCTION TO BE EFFECTED QUICKLY AND WITHOUT AMENDING THE LEGISLATION," HE SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE SO-CALLED "LIFEBOAT" LEVY OF $30 PER TRANSACTION, BUYING OR SELLING, IN RESPECT OF TRADING DONE IN THE STOCK INDEX MARKET OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE WAS PROVIDED FOR IN THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) ORDINANCE ENACTED IN OCTOBER 1987.

"IT PROVIDES A SOURCE OF REPAYMENT FOR THE CREDIT FACILITIES EXTENDED TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION AT THAT TIME," SIR PIERS SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT TURNOVER IN THE STOCK INDEX MARKET HAD BEEN LOW AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAD ARGUED THAT THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGH TRADING COSTS, AND THAT IF THE MARKET WAS TO RECOVER IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE SPECIAL LEVY TO BE REDUCED.

"IN EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF A REDUCTION, WE HAVE NOTED THAT RELATIVELY SMALL SUMS ARE BEING RECEIVED FROM THIS SOURCE.

"I SHOULD ADD THAT INTEREST AT PRIME LENDING RATE IS BEING PAID ON THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL, AND IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT INTEREST WILL NOT BE ADEQUATELY COVERED FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN THE SPECIAL LEVY ON THE FUTURES CONTRACT," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE VIEW WHICH HE HAD TAKEN WAS THAT THE RELATIVELY SMALL REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF REPAYMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT FACILITY WAS A PRICE WORTH PAYING FOR THE POTENTIAL INCREASE IN ACTIVITY IN THE STOCK INDEX MARKET.

"THE RULES OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE ONLY COLLECT, BY WAY OF THE SPECIAL LEVY, $5 PER STOCK INDEX CONTRACT. THIS AMENDMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.

--------0----------

/12 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 12 -

MEASURES TO MAINTAIN ORDERLY QUEUING FOR FLATS

* * * * »

A NUMBER OF MEASURES ARE BEING WORKED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH CONCERNED BODIES TO MAINTAIN ORDERLY QUEUING DURING THE SALE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG WAI-TUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BARNES SAID FOLLOWING THE RECENT INCIDENTS IN QUEUES FOR SALE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DISCUSSED WITH THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION POSSIBLE WAYS TO PROTECT GENUINE HOME BUYERS AS WELL AS TO DISCOURAGE THE INVOLVEMENT OF UNRULY PEOPLE IN THE QUEUES.

HE SAID THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD AGREED, AS A FIRST STEP, TO ASK DEVELOPERS TO ADOPT A NUMBER OF MEASURES IN FUTURE SALES OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS IN LARGE DEVELOPMENTS WHEN QUEUES BEGAN TO FORM.

THESE MEASURES, HE EXPLAINED, WOULD REQUIRE THE DEVELOPERS TO REGISTER THE NAMES AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE QUEUE, GIVING EACH A PRIORITY NUMBER FOR RETURN AT A SPECIFIED TIME LATER IN THE DAY TO SELECT FLATS.

ONLY ONE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR EACH IDENTITY CARD, BUT NO RESTRICTION WOULD BE MADE ON THE NUMBER OF UNITS A PURCHASER CAN BUY.

MR BARNES NOTED THAT THESE MEASURES HAD BEEN TRIED OUT IN A NUMBER OF SALES RECENTLY, AND THE RESULTS HAD SO FAR BEEN SATISFACTORY IN THAT THEY SEEMED TO HAVE AVERTED ORGANIZED SWAMPING OF THE QUEUES BY UNRULY PEOPLE AND THE CONSEQUENT QUARRELLING AND FIGHTING.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WATCH FUTURE SALES TO SEE IF THESE MEASURES CONTINUED TO WORK.

IN ADDITION, THE POLICE WOULD MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE DEVELOPERS TO GIVE ADVICE ON NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE A SALE BEGAN, HE ADDED.

MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE MEASURES WERE BEING WORKED OUT TO MAINTAIN ORDERLY QUEUING, NOT TO CURB SPECULATION.

HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS ALSO DISCUSSING WITH THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SALE PROCEDURES OF UNCOMPLETED RESIDENTIAL FLAT AND TO REDUCE SPECULATION.

"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL SUBMIT ITS FORMAL PROPOSALS TO GOVERNMENT IN ABOUT ONE MONTH'S TIME AND THESE WILL BE EXAMINED CAREFULLY ON ARRIVAL," HE SAID.

/13 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 13 -

MARK SIX PILOT SCHEME CONDITIONAL ON DB APPROVAL: SHA

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS YET TO SUBMIT DETAILS OF A PILOT SCHEME TO EXTEND THE SALE OF MARK SIX TICKETS TO SUPERMARKETS AND CONVENIENCE STORES.

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN APPROVAL-IN-PRINCIPLE FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB ON JULY 16 TO DEVELOP THE IDEA OF THE PILOT SCHEME.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT ANY APPROVAL OF THE PILOT SCHEME ,'OULD BE CONDITIONAL ON EVIDENCE BEING PRODUCED DEMONSTRATING THAT THE PILOT RUN WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD IN QUESTION.

"THE PUBLIC REACTION AND THE WORRIES AND CONCERNS ABOUT THE POSSIBLE AVAILABILITY OF MARK SIX TICKETS TO YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 WILL BE TAKEN INTO FULL ACOUNT IF AND WHEN A FORMAL PROPOSAL IS RECEIVED AND ANALYSED," HE SAID.

MR TSAO WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT.

-----0------

CONTROL ON LOUDHAILERS IS TO CURB NUISANCE

*****

THE EXISTING CONTROLS ON THE USE OF LOUDHAILERS ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT NUISANCE AND DO NOT INFRINGE CIVIL LIBERTIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU, MR ASPREY SAID BASED ON THE RECORDS AVAILABLE, WHICH ARE NOT COMPLETE, THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS INSTITUTED UNDER SECTION 4(29) OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE IN 1987 WAS 40; IN 1988, TWO; IN 1989, TWO; AND SO FAR IN 1990, 10.

"HOWEVER, AS I SAID IN THIS COUNCIL ON JULY 18 THIS YEAR, WE ARE EXAMINING WHETHER THERE IS ANY UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO LOUDHAILERS IN THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AND THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.

"WE HAVE NOT YET REACHED ANY CONCLUSIONS," HE SAID.

------0--------

/14 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 14 -

GOVT CONSIDERING OVERSEAS OFFICE IN SINGAPORE ******

IN VIEW OF THE GROWING SIGNIFICANCE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND TARDE LINKS WITH THE ASEAN NATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN CONSIDERING SETTING UP AN OFFICE IN THAT REGION, AND SINGAPORE CERTAINLY MUST BE CONSIDERED A SUITABLE LOCATION.

INFORMING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SIR PIERS JACOBS SAID IT HAD BEEN GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ESTABLISH PROGRESSIVELY ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICES IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES WHICH HAD SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC TIES WITH HONG KONG.

"THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THESE OFFICES IS TO FACILITATE THE CONDUCT OF EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND TO PROMOTE INWARD INVESTMENT INTO HONG KONG.

"INEVITABLY THESE OFFICES ARE ALSO INVOLVED IN PROMOTING HONG KONG’S IMAGE ABROAD," SIR PIERS SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT CURRENTLY MAINTAINED OFFICES IN LONDON, GENEVA, BRUSSELS, WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, SAN FRANCISCO AND TOKYO AND WAS PLANNING TO OPEN ANOTHER OFFICE IN TORONTO.

SIR PIERS SAID WE SHALL PURSUE THE POSSIBILITY OF OPENING A KONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SINGAPORE AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TORONTO OFFICE.

"THE TIMING WOULD BE DEPENDENT ON CONSULTATIONS WITH THE HOST COUNTRY AND THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES," HE ADDED.

---------0-----------

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES ENERGY CONSERVATION

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THERE WERE MANY GOOD REASONS TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS STUDYING WHAT FURTHER MEASURES COULD BE ADOPTED.

MR BARNES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

HE SAID: "THESE MEASURES INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE EXAMINATION OF HOW ENERGY CAN BE SAVED THROUGH DESIGN IN NEW BUILDINGS AND THROUGH ALTERATIONS OF OLD ONES, AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH CONSERVATION SHOULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION RESPECTIVELY.

/"WHILE THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

15

"WHILE THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE GULF DOES NOT CALL FOR EMERGENCY ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES AS SUCH, WE HAVE NEVERTHELESS CONDUCTED A THOROUGH REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE FULLY PREPARED IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS A DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION LEADING TO A SEVERE SHORTAGE OF OIL PRODUCTS," MR BARNES SAID.

HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE OIL COMPANIES OVER THE RECENT GULF CRISIS AND THEY HAD BEEN ASSURED BY THE COMPANIES THAT DESPITE THE POLITICAL TENSIONS IN THE GULF REGION, THE SUPPLY OF OIL PRODUCTS TO HONG KONG HAD REMAINED UNAFFECTED.

HE ADDED THAT FOLLOWING THE TWO PREVIOUS OIL CRISES IN 1973 AND 1979, HONG KONG HAD NOW BECOME MUCH LESS DEPENDENT UPON OIL FOR BASIC ENERGY REQUIREMENTS.

"NONETHELESS CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY STILL UTILISE OIL AS THEIR SOURCE OF ENERGY. THESE INCLUDE THE BUS SERVICES AND TAXIS, CERTAIN INDUSTRIES SUCH AS THE BLEACHING AND DYEING INDUSTRY, AND TOWNGAS USERS.

"THEREFORE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT SUPPLIES OF OIL PRODUCTS ARE MAINTAINED AT ADEQUATE LEVELS, AND IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE OIL COMPANIES IN HONG KONG ARE OBLIGED TO FOLLOW A CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM RESERVE OF 30 DAYS SUPPLY OF THE ESSENTIAL FUELS," SAID MR BARNES.

MEASURES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POWER FAILURES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES

* * » * »

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BOTH SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM MEASURES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM OF POWER FAILURE OR INTERRUPTION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR BARNES SAID AN INTERIM REINFORCEMENT SCHEME WAS NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED.

THESE MEASURES WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE 80 BUILDINGS MOST PRONED TO POWER FAILURES BEFORE NEXT SUMMER.

THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT WILL BE DEALT WITH DURING THE SUMMER, HE SAID.

"THIS (THE SCHEME) INVOLVES LOAD SHARING BETWEEN RISING MAINS AND THE INSTALLATION OF SOME ADDITIONAL RISERS, WHICH SHOULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS.”

THE STANDBY EMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICE HAD ALSO BEEN STRENGTHENED, MR BARNES SAID.

/HE ALSO .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 16 -

HE ALSO SAID THAT SINCE 1979, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD BEEN REWIRING ALL ITS PRE-1973 ESTATES. THE PROGRAMME IS NEARING COMPLETION, COVERING 157,000 FLATS IN 40 ESTATES.

THERE HAD BEEN MORE INCIDENTS IN BUILDINGS COMPLETED SINCE 1973, LARGELY AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASED USE OF HIGH CURRENT ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, ESPECIALLY AIR-CONDITIONERS.

UNDER ITS CURRENT PROGRAMME, A TOTAL OF 120 BUILDINGS WITH INADEQUATE POWER LOADING WILL BE BROUGHT UP TO PRESENT-DAY STANDARDS OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS, HE SAID.

MR BARNES SAID A TOTAL 1,287 INCIDENTS OF POWER FAILURES OR INTERRUPTIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAD TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST THIS YEAR AND OF THESE, ONLY ONE CASE OF OVERLOADING RESULTED IN A MINOR EXPLOSION IN A METER ROOM.

"IT NORMALLY TOOK ABOUT TWO HOURS TO RESUME ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, BUT OF COURSE, THE TIME IN EACH CASE DEPENDED ON ITS SERIOUSNESS OF EACH CASE," HE SAID.

------0-------

DRAFT GUESTHOUSE LICENSING LAW COMPLETED: SHA

******

THE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO LICENSE GUESTHOUSES HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON KINGSLEY SIT HO-YIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, ALSO SAID ALTHOUGH THE ENABLING LEGISLATION WAS YET TO BE IN PLACE, THE LICENSING AUTHORITY HAD BEEN SET UP.

"THE FIRST BATCH OF STAFF FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SIX OF THEM , WERE SECONDED TO CNTA (CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION) ON OCTOBER 1, 1990, TO WORK OUT OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ISSUING LICENCES, TO RENDER SAFE THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH POSE PARTICULAR RISKS TO LIFE AND LIMB," MR TSAO SAID.

"THESE INTERIM MEASURES WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO MORE PERMANENT ARRANGEMENTS WHEN THE LICENSING SCHEME BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL," HE ADDED.

HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT ALL STAFF WOULD BE IN POST, SO THAT THE LICENSING AUTHORITY COULD SWING INTO FULL ACTION ONCE THE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED AND BROUGHT INTO OPERATION.

------0 - -

/17........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

17

NO POLLUTING INDUSTRIES WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS t ♦ t ♦ * ♦

THE PRACTICE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY TO REFUSE APPROVAL TO ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD HARM THE ENVIRONMENT SEEMED TO BE WORKING OUT VERY WELL.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON J D MCGREGOR, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY POLLUTING INDUSTRIES OR RATHER INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ACTUALLY SITUATED WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS.

MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT THINK THAT IT WAS ABLE OR NEEDED TO IMPOSE A BLANKET BAN.

HE SAID THAT WHEN THE COUNTRY PARKS WERE FIRST ESTABLISHED, MOST OF THE EXISTING VILLAGES WITHIN THE GENERAL AREA OF THE COUNTRY PARKS WERE ACTUALLY EXCLUDED FROM THE PARKS.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND ELSEWHERE, THE BORDERS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS CAME RIGHT UP TO THE URBAN AREAS INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL AREAS, HE SAID.

"SO A BAN ON INDUSTRIES JUST OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY PARKS WOULD BE VERY MUCH A CASE BY CASE BUSINESS, FOR WHICH DISCRETIONARY BUT ENFORCEABLE PLANNING POWERS WOULD SEEM TO BE MORE APPROPRIATE THAN A TOTAL BAN.

MR BARNES SAID PROPOSALS WERE BEING MADE TO EXTEND TOWN PLANNING CONTROLS TO COVER NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RURAL AREAS, AND POLICIES ON SQUATTER CONTROL WERE UNDER CONTINUAL REVIEW.

------0-----------

GREATER EMPHASIS ON GOOD DESIGN AND QUALITY IN PUBLIC HOUSING

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS PLACING GREATER EMPHASIS ON GOOD DESIGN AND QUALITY IN ITS PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.

THIS IS STATED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IN THE LATEST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)

IN HIS REVIEW OF THE YEAR, SIR DAVID POINTS OUT THAT WITH 2.9 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING, THE PROGRAMME IS WELL ON THE WAY TO PROVIDING HOMES FOR ALL IN NEED BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.

/"THE HOUSING........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 18 -

"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO EXTEND ITS PLANNING HORIZONS BEYOND THE YEAR 2001 WHICH WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO WORK IN CO-ORDINATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN CARRYING OUT METROPLAN AND THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT", HE SAYS.

"AS CAN BE IMAGINED, DEVELOPMENT OF THESE HUGE PROJECTS WILL INVOLVE THE OPENING OF NEW LAND AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE AND WORK NEAR NEW PLACES OF ACTIVITY.

"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THESE DEVELOPMENTS IS BOTH SIGNIFICANT AND VITAL".

PRICED AT $30, THE 1989-90 ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

ATTRACTIVELY-DESIGNED, THE 132-PAGE BILINGUAL REPORT PROVIDES A WEALTH OF VALUABLE INFORMATION COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING, AND IS WELL ILLUSTRATED WITH PICTURES AND DETAILED STATISTICS.

THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT WHILE BUILDING LARGE NUMBERS OF MODERN HOMES, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS ALSO PLACING INCREASING EMPHASIS ON IMPROVING QUALITY THROUGH BETTER DESIGNED, ROOMIER, BRIGHTER AND MORE COMFORTABLE HOMES.

TOWARDS THIS AIM, IT SAYS, THE AUTHORITY HAS DESIGNED A HARMONY SERIES OF FLATS THE FIRST OF WHICH WILL BE READY IN EARLY 1992.

IT HAS ALSO ESTABLISHED ITS OWN LIST OF APPROVED BUILDING CONTRACTORS WHO WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ACCREDITATION UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANISATION GUIDE 9000 WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

THE COMBINATION OF MORE QUALITY-CONSCIOUS BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND THE NEW HARMONY RANGE OF STANDARD RENTAL BLOCKS SHOULD MAKE FOR EVEN BETTER HOUSING IN THE 1990S.

A RECORD 53 000 FLATS WERE BUILT IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE PAST YEAR, INCLUDING SOME OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER THE AUTHORITY’S VARIOUS HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES.

------0------------

/19........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

19

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY CAN ACHIEVE SAVINGS: FS

*****

THE FINANICAL SECRETARY, THE HOU SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SAVINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, SIR PIERS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT WORK AGAINST FIXED CRITERIA IN DECIDING AS TO WHERE ECONOMIES COULD BEST BE MADE.

"WE RELY ON VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND JUDGEMENT IN ASSESSING RELATIVE PRIORITIES."

"OFTEN CUTS IN EXPENDITURE DO NOT RESULT IN ANY APPRECIABLE REDUCTION IN SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.

-----0--------

CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990

*»»*♦♦

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL SOUGHT TO AMEND SECTION 15 OF THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES ORDINANCE 1989 AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1989.

MR MATHEWS SAID: "BY A CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE ARBITRATION ORDINANCE, SECTION 15 OF THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES ORDINANCE SERVES TO PROVIDE CONTROLS OVER DOMESTIC ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS, AS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS WHICH ARE NOT SO CONTROLLED."

THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1989 HAD SINCE AMENDED THE ARBITRATION ORDINANCE BY PROVIDING NEW DEFINITIONS FOR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS. THE BILL SOUGHT TO REFLECT THESE CHANGES.

------0--------

FOUR BILLS FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS

*****

THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

A MOTION MOVED BY PROF C.K. POON ON THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WAS ALSO PASSED.

IN ADDITION, FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1990, CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

/20 .......

- - 0----------

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

20

GOVERNOR STARTS BUSY PARIS PROGRAMME

******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SPENT HIS FIRST FULL DAY IN PARIS (WEDNESDAY) WITH A BUSY ROUND OF OFFICIAL CALLS AND A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AT THE FRANCE-HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

HIS DAY STARTED AT 8 AM WITH A BREAKFAST MEETING WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER FOR FOREIGN TRADE, JEAN-MARIE RAUSCH DURING WHICH TALKS FOCUSSED ON THE GROWING FRENCH BUSINESS PRESENCE IN HONG KONG AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER INVOLVEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT.

SIR DAVID ALSO HELD WIDE-RANGING TALKS WITH THE INFLUENTIAL PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, LAURENT FABIUS WHEN HE STRESSED HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE AS WELL AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.

THE GOVERNOR MET A NUMBER OF LEADING POLITICIANS AND BUSINESSMEN AT A LUNCH HOSTED BY TONY DREYFUS, STATE SECRETARY TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND LATER CALLED ON THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, MADAME EDWIGE AVICE.

IN THE EVENING, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE DUE TO MEET A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF PARIS SOCIETY AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR, SIR EWEN FERGUSSON.

AN OVERFLOW AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 60 BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS ATTENDED THE FRANCE-HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FUNCTION, RAISING A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AND SEEKING ASSURANCES ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT, THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD NOW WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF THE SAR UNDER CHINA’S SOVEREIGNITY, AS WELL AS FOR THAT OF SOUTHERN CHINA. IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO LEAVE IT TO THE SAR GOVERNMENT AFTER 1997 WHEN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY COULD ALREADY HAVE BEEN BADLY AFFECTED BY THE DELAY, HE SAID.

IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS ABOUT CHINA’S VIEWS ON THE PROJECT, SIR DAVID SAID EXPERTS FROM CHINA WERE NOW IN HONG KONG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DETAILS AND HE HOPED THEY WOULD TAKE A "BENEVOLENT" ATTITUDE ONCE ALL ASPECTS HAD BEEN UNDERSTOOD. THIS WOULD GIVE PARTICIPANTS MORE CONFIDENCE.

BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT DECISIONS ON SUCH PROJECTS HAD ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALONE, WITHOUT ANY NEED FOR PERMISSION FROM BRITAIN. WHILE THERE WOULD BE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIVATE INVOLVEMENT AND FINANCING, HONG KONG HAD SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES TO COVER THE COSTS.

/THE GOVERNOR .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 21 -

THE GOVERNOR REFUTED SUGGESTIONS THAT THERE WAS A TREND FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES TO MOVE THEIR BASES OUT OF HONG KONG, NOTING THERE WAS A NET GAIN OF 60 NEW SET-UPS EACH YEAR.

HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS SPECIAL ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA AND AS A REGIONAL CENTRE HOWEVER MUCH OTHER CENTRES IN CHINA AND ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION MIGHT GROW IN THE FUTURE.

SIR DAVID ALSO DEFENDED THE CONTINUING HONG KONG DOLLAR LINK TO THE US DOLLAR DESPITE ITS RECENT FALLS, POINTING OUT THAT IT HAD PROVEN TO BE A STABILISING INFLUENCE THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1983. ANY CHANGE WOULD CAUSE UNCERTAINTY AND THREATEN THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY AND STABILITY.

------U--------

HK: A SHOWCASE FOR FREE ENTERPRISE AND TRADE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

HONG KONG IS A SHOWCASE OF WHAT FREE ENTERPRISE AND FREE TRADE CAN DO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN PARIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WAS THE PERFECT BASE FOR THOSE SEEKING TO DO BUSINESS, BREAK INTO AND EXPAND MARKET SHARE IN THE EAST, OR LOOKING FOR RELIABLE OFF-SHORE PRODUCTION AND A PLACE TO MANAGE IT FROM.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ADDRESSING THE FRANCE-HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ON ’’HONG KONG IN THE 1990S”.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HISTORICALLY THE WEST TENDED TO VIEW THE EAST AS AT THE OTHER END OF A VERY LONG LINE - THE SILK ROAD SYNDROME.

’’THIS IS MISLEADING. IN TODAY'S WORLD, COMMERCIAL NETWORKS NEED A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE. DRAMATIC EVENTS ARE CHANGING THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL MAP OF BOTH EAST AND WEST EUROPE.

”WE IN HONG KONG HOPE THAT THESE WILL NOT DISTRACT BOARDROOMS FROM OUR PART OF THE WORLD.

"IF IT DOES, IT WILL BE TO THEIR DISADVANTAGE. EAST AND SOUTH EAST ASIA IS THE FASTEST GROWING REGION OF THE WORLD. HONG KONG IS AT THE HUB OF THIS REGION,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.

THE GOVERNOR TOLD THE BUSINESSMEN THAT DESPITE WHAT THEY MIGHT HAVE READ OR HEARD ABOUT HONG KONG'S PROBLEMS, FOREIGN FIRMS SHOWED LITTLE SLACKENING OF INTEREST IN HONG KONG.

/TODAY, THERE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 22 -

TODAY, THERE ARE 600 FOREIGN FIRMS WHOSE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IS IN HONG KONG - MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER ONLY FIVE YEARS AGO. OVER ONE THIRD ARE EUROPEAN BASED.

HE SAID ARRIVALS FAR EXCEEDED DEPARTURES.

"OPENNESS, LOW TAX, PRUDENT AND PREDICTABLE FISCAL POLICIES, IMPARTIAL AND ACCESSIBLE LEGAL SYSTEM, EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION, FIRST CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATIONS, COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, THE HONG KONG WORK ETHIC, AND THE INGENUITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF OUR LABOUR FORCE CONTINUE TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTORS," SIR DAVID SAID.

OUTLINING THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG/CHINA TRADE AND HONG KONG’S INVESTMENTS IN CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAD NOT CONFINED THEIR INVESTMENT ATTENTION TO SOUTH CHINA.

"IN THIS, THEY ARE VERY MUCH AHEAD OF THEIR MAJOR COMPETITORS, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN.

"THEY HAVE DIVERSIFIED THEIR MANUFACTURING INTERESTS, NOT ONLY IN CHINA, BUT THROUGHOUT SOUTH EAST ASIA, AND EVEN IN NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN AND THE EEC," HE SAID.

THERE HAD BEEN A PARALLEL EXPORT OF CAPITAL IN THE SERVICES SECTOR, PARTICULARLY INTO HOTEL NETWORKS, PROPERTY AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.

"BUT THIS IS NOT, AS SOME CLAIM, A CAPITAL FLIGHT. THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF CAPITAL IN HONG KONG, BUT THOSE WHO CONTROL CAPITAL HAVE AN EYE TO THE MAIN CHANCE, WHEREVER IN THE WORLD THAT MAY BE," HE SAID.

TURNING TO HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SERVICES, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD GROWN RAPIDLY.

"FROM A SECONDARY TRADE-RELATED ACTIVITY THEY HAVE EXPANDED TO BECOME A VITAL PART OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.

"HONG KONG IS THE REGION’S MOST OPEN AND MOST ENTERPRISING FINANCIAL CENTRE, WITH NO DISTINCTION DRAWN BETWEEN OFF-SHORE AND DOMESTIC BANKING BUSINESS. WE HAVE BECOME THE REGION’S LARGEST SYNDICATION CENTRE," HE SAID.

"NOT SURPRISINGLY, OVER 400 FOREIGN BANKS FROM 45 COUNTRIES ARE REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG. 78 OF THE WORLD’S TOP 100 IN TERMS OF CAPITAL HAVE FULL BANK LICENCES IN HONG KONG.

"THERE IS SCARCELY A MAJOR BANK IN THE WORLD WHICH IS NOT REPRESENTED IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE EUROPEAN INVOLVEMENT IN HONG KONG'S BANKING SECTOR WAS SIGNIFICANT, COMPRISING ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF LICENCED BANKS.

/"THE FRENCH .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 23 -

"THE FRENCH PRESENCE IS VERY STRONG - TAKEN TOGETHER THE EIGHT FRENCH BANKS RANK FOURTH AMONGST ALL FOREIGN BANKS IN HONG KONG. FRANCE IS ALSO WELL REPRESENTED IN OUR GROWING INSURANCE SECTOR,” HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FRENCH PRESENCE IN OTHER SECTORS IS ALSO IMPORTANT. NOT LEAST IN THE SALE OF TOP-OF-THE-MARKET, BRAND NAME GOODS.

"THESE ARE SOUGHT AFTER, NOT ONLY BY TOURISTS, BUT BY A NEWLY AFFLUENT POPULATION. THEIR APPETITE FOR FINE COGNAC IS WELL KNOWN; THAT FOR OTHER FINE THINGS INCREASING."

FRENCH COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR ONE PER CENT (US$30.3 MILLION) OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING, SIR DAVID SAID.

"AND THE INCREASING NUMBER OF FRENCH COMPANIES OPERATING IN AND FROM HONG KONG IS REFLECTED IN THE GROWING SIZE OF THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION - NOW NUMBERING MORE THAN 400.

"THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE TO BE COMPETED FOR," THE GOVERNOR ADDED.

------0-------

ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IN CRIMINAL CASES * * » * *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE THE COURTS OF HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO HAVE JURISDICTION AFTER 1997 OVER CRIMES COMMITTED AT SEA.

THE CRIMINAL LAW (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WOULD BE GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 26 (FRIDAY) AND WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL SEEKS TO ENACT LOCAL LEGISLATION WHICH WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AFTER JUNE 30 1997 TO PROVIDE THE COURTS OF HONG KONG WITH ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION OVER CRIMES COMMITTED AT SEA.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE COURTS OF HONG KONG ALREADY HAD SUCH JURISDICTION IN CRIMINAL CASES. IT WAS DERIVED FROM CERTAIN UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS WHICH APPLIED OR HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG. THESE UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO APPLY TO HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 30 1997.

"HOWEVER, SIMILAR LEGISLATION WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO ENABLE THE COURTS TO DEAL WITH CRIMES COMMITTED AT SEA. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE UK ENACTMENTS BY LOCAL LEGISLATION WITH SIMILAR EFFECT WHICH SURVIVES BEYOND 1997," HE SAID.

"SIMILAR LOCAL LEGISLATION CONFERRING JURISDICTION ON THE COURTS OF HONG KONG TO DEAL WITH CIVIL PROCEEDINGS IN ADMIRALTY CASES WAS ALREADY ENACTED LAST YEAR TO REPLACE THE RELEVANT UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS. THE CRIMINAL ASPECT OF ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IS NOW DEALT WITH IN THIS BILL."

/THE BILL .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

24

THE BILL CONFERS JURISDICTION ON THE HONG KONG COURTS:

- TO TRY OFFENCES COMMITTED ON HONG KONG SHIPS;

- TO TRY OFFENCES COMMITTED BY BRITISH NATIONALS ON NON-HONG KONG SHIPS;

- WITH THE GOVERNOR’S CONSENT AND CERTIFICATE, TO DEAL WITH CRIMES COMMITTED WITHIN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG ON NON-HONG KONG SHIPS; AND

- TO TRY HOMICIDE WHEN THE PERSON CONCERNED DIES IN HONG KONG FROM INJURIES INFLICTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

THE BILL ONLY CONCERNS HONG KONG SHIPS, NOT NON-HONG KONG BRITISH SHIPS. THE HONG KONG COURTS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE CRIMINAL ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IN CASES CONCERNING NON-HONG KONG BRITISH SHIPS UNTIL JUNE 30 1997, BY VIRTUE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS.

AFTER THOSE ENACTMENTS CEASE TO APPLY IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 1 1997, NON-HONG KONG BRITISH SHIPS WILL BE TREATED NO DIFFERENTLY FROM ANY OTHER NON-HONG KONG SHIPS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AT THE SIXTEENTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD IN LONDON LAST MONTH, THE TWO SIDES OF THE GROUP FORMALLY REACHED A COMMON VIEW ON THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON CRIMINAL ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION.

- - 0 - -

NO DECISION YET ON TOLL CHARGE FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING

*****

THE TOLL CHARGE FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING HAS NOT BEEN DECIDED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING WITH THE CHINESE TEAM OF EXPERTS TO DISCUSS THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WAS MISUNDERSTANDING IN SOME REPORTS ON THE TOLL CHARGE.

"WE HAVEN’T MADE ANY DECISION ON THAT YET. CERTAINLY IT WILL NOT BE AS EXPENSIVE AS THESE REPORTS SAID. IT WILL BE CLOSE TO THE PRESENT TUNNEL CHARGES," HE SAID.

MR LEUNG SAID THAT IT WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE AS EXPENSIVE AS $200 AS MENTIONED IN THE REPORTS.

HE TOLD THE PRESS THAT THE TWO SIDES HAD A VERY DETAILED AND FRANK DISCUSSION ON TRANSPORT PLANS AND THEIR LINKS TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT.

"AN INTRODUCTION ON THE PLAN IN GENERAL WAS MADE TO THEM THIS MORNING, AND A FURTHER SESSION TO ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON," HE SAID.

------0--------

/25......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

25

NATIONAL TECHNICAL BARRIERS ON PRODUCTS IN EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TO VANISH BY 1992 * » » * »

NATIONAL TECHNICAL BARRIERS ON THE CIRCULATION OF PRODUCTS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY ELIMINATED AS THE SINGLE MARKET IS COMPLETED BY 1992, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON GOLDEN MILE, MR BARMA SAID A COMMON SET OF STANDARDS WOULD EMERGE AND ULTIMATELY A PRODUCT WHICH COULD BE SOLD IN ONE MEMBER STATE OF THE COMMUNITY WOULD BE FREELY MARKETABLE IN ALL OTHER MEMBER STATES.

AT PRESENT, HE SAID, MEMBER STATES OF THE COMMUNITY, LIKE OTHER COUNTRIES, HAD THEIR OWN QUALITY AND SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR GOODS SOLD IN THEIR HOME MARKET.

’’THESE NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS HAVE FRAGMENTED THE MARKET AND ADDED TO COSTS BY FORCING PRODUCERS TO MODIFY THEIR PRODUCTS AND SUBJECT THEM TO DIFFERENT NATIONAL TESTING AND CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES,” HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD IN RECENT YEARS FOUND THAT AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART OF ITS WORK WAS PROMOTING THE WIDER APPLICATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

"IT IS CLEAR THAT THE INFLUENCE OF OUR MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ON HONG KONG’S PROGRESS INTO QUALITY ASSURED MANUFACTURING WILL BI PROFOUND.

"AFFLUENT MARKETS WILL BE DEMANDING HIGHER QUALITY PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. THE PRICE OF A PRODUCT WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPORTANT, BUT ITS QUALITY WILL BE THE DETERMINING FACTOR IN ITS ACCEPTABILITY IN THE MARKET PLACE," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID OVERSEAS BUYERS ENGAGED TO SOURCE GOODS BY MAJOR IMPORTERS WOULD INCREASINGLY DEMAND THAT COMPANIES BE "PRE-QUALIFIED” AS ISO 9000 REGISTERED ENTERPRISES.

COMPANIES PRODUCING GOODS DESTINED FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET WOULD BE THE FIRST TO BE AFFECTED, BUT THERE WERE ALSO LIKELY TO BE SIMILAR DEMANDS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF OTHER MARKETS, INCLUDING THE USA, AS THE IMPORTANCE OF ISO 9000 BECAME MORE APPARENT.

HE SAID HONG KONG COMPANIES WHICH SUCCESSFULLY MET THE QUALITY CHALLENGE AND ADOPTED A COMPREHENSIVE QUALITY POLICY SHOULD REACH THE STANDARD NECESSARY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ISO 9000, AND BE WELL PLACED TO PURSUE A CONTINUING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.

/'•OF COURSE......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

26

"OF COURSE, WHATEVER STAGE A COMPANY ACHIEVES IN THE PURSUIT OF QUALITY, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

"SOME IMPROVEMENTS MAY BE INCREMENTAL AND MODEST; OTHERS MAY NEED A MORE RADICAL APPRAISAL OF A COMPANY’S CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY AND OPERATIONS.

"BUT THREE ELEMENTS MUST ALWAYS BE PRESENT: A CLEAR AND STRONG QUALITY POLICY; A COMMITTED AND PARTICIPATIVE MANAGEMENT; AND A WELL PLANNED AND EXECUTED QUALITY SYSTEM," HE SAID.

--------0-----------

JUNE 1990 EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED ******

IN JUNE 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989, WHILE EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THUS THE SHIFT IN EMPLOYMENT FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICES CONTINUED.

THERE WERE 755,000 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN JUNE 1990, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 8.4 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH JUNE 1989.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 804,400 IN JUNE 1990, WAS 7.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1989.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 269,300, WAS UP BY 6.3 PER CENT.

EMPLOYMENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989.

THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR JUNE 1990 IN THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, WITH COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 1989 AND MARCH 1990, ARE AS FOLLOWS

PERSONS ENGAGED

(EMPLOYMENT) IN* PERCENTAGE CHANGE**

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 89 MAR. 90 JUN. 90 JUN. 90 ON JUN. 89 JUN. 90 ON MAR. 90

MANUFACTURING 824 300 764 700 755 000 -8.4 -1.3

CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 72 000 74 200 70 400 -2.2 -5.0

/WHOLESALE AND

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 27 -

WHOLESALE AND 746 300 773 400 804 400 +7.8 +4.0

RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

FINANCING, 253 300 263 300 269 300 +6.3 +2.2

INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

♦ FIGURES ARE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST HUNDRED.

** BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.

COMPARING JUNE 1990 WITH MARCH 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING AND THE CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT AND 5.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLSALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 4.0 PER CENT AND 2.2. PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN JUNE 1990 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THESE SECTORS COVER THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE CONSTRUCTION SITES; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO PROVIDE VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS. THE VACANCY DATA TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 1989 AND MARCH 1990 ARE AS FOLLOWS :

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY NUMBER OF VACANCI JUN. 89 MAR. REPORTED ES IN * 90 JUN. 90 PERCENTAGE CHANGE** JUN. 90 ON JUN. 90 ON JUN. 89 MAR. 90

MANUFACTURING 43 450 38 270 37 410 -13.9 - 2.2

CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) N. A. 3 050 2 160 N. A. -29.2

/WHOLESALE AND .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 28 -

WHOLESALE AND 23 070 34 910 27 560 +19.4 -21.1

RETAIL, IMPORT

AND EXPORT TRADES

AND RESTAURANTS

AND HOTELS

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

8 990 10 940 9 530 + 6.0 -12.9

* FIGURES ARE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST TEN.

* * BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.

N.A. FIGURES ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES WAS THREE PER CENT LOWER IN JUNE 1990 COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989. OVER THIS PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL FURTHER BY 13.9 PER CENT, IN LINE WITH THE WEAK DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990.

HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 19.4 PER CENT AND 6.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, LARGELY DUE TO A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN JUNE 1989.

COMPARED WITH MARCH 1990, AND BEARING IN MIND THE INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL BY ONLY 2.2 PER CENT IN JUNE 1990.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, AND IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS DECREASED MARKEDLY, BY 29.2 PER CENT, 21.1 PER CENT AND 12.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

THUS, THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR HAD APPARENTLY BECOME LESS INTENSE IN THE SECOND QUARTER COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990.

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE

/TOTAL QUARTERLY .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

29

TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE*

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY 2ND QTR. 1989 2ND QTR. 1990 2ND 2ND QTR. 1990 ON QTR. 1989

HK$ MN HK$ MN

MANUFACTURING 10,647 11,398 + 7.0

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 10,012 12,680 + 26.7

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 5,561 6,881 + 23.7

* BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES

COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 7.0 PER CENT, 26.7 PER CENT AND 23.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990.

AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN JUNE 1989 AND JUNE 1990, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED.

TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR JUNE 1989 AND JUNE 1990 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW

NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED % CHANGE

(JUNE 1980 = 100)

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 89 JUN. 90 JUN. 90 ON JUN. 89

MANUFACTURING 309.2 359.6 + 16.3

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 298.8 351.7 + 17.7

/FINANCING, INSURANCE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

30

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 294.7 343.6 + 16.

REAL PAYROLL PER (JUNE INDEX OF PERSON ENGAGED 1980 = 100) % CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 89 JUN. 90 JUN. 90 ON JUN. 89

MANUFACTURING 152.0 162.0 + 6.6

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 146.9 158.4 + 7.8

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 144.9 154.8 + 6.8

BETWEEN JUNE 1989 AND JUNE 1990, AN INCREASE OF 16.3 PER CENT WAS REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 17.7 PER CENT AND FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 16.6 PER CENT.

SALARY REVISION AND THE ISSUE OF BONUSES WERE REPORTED AS THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE INCREASE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED OVER THIS PERIOD.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 6.6 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, 7.8 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND 6.8 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, JUNE 1990 AND THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, JUNE, 1990.

THEY ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $ 11 PER COPY AND $7.5 PER COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

------0------- /31 ................

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 31 -

NEW MEASURES TO STREAMLINE CNTA OPERATIONS ♦ * * » ♦

A NUMBER OF MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR TO REDUCE SPENDING AND TO STEAMLINE THE OPERATIONS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA).

’’THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP AFTER A CAREFUL STUDY ON HOW TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES,” A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

’’THE AIM IS TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS IN MANPOWER AND EXPENSES AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S AUSTERITY PROGRAMME WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING STANDARDS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

"GREAT CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC IS KEPT TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM,” HE ADDED.

VACANT POSTS WILL BE DELETED TOGETHER WITH OTHER STAFFING CUTS.

THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE (PES) CENTRES WILL BE REDUCED FROM 69 TO 20 BUT THEY WILL HAVE A MUCH STRONGER BACKUP AND SUPPORT THROUGH EXPANSION OF THE PES UNIT IN CNTA HEADQUARTERS, INCLUDING A CENTRALISED TELEPHONE HOTLINE ENQUIRY SYSTEM AND A COMPUTERISED DATA BANK.

AS PART OF THE REORGANISATION OF THE PES, CNTA WILL FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR ADMINISTER ONLY THOSE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO RE-EXAMINE THE NECESSITY FOR STATUTORY DECLARATIONS.

WHERE THESE ARE STILL REQUIRED, THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WILL PROVIDE THE STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE INSTEAD OF CNTA.

HOWEVER, CNTA WILL CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER A LIMITED STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

"CNTA IS JOINTLY WORKING OUT THE DETAILS WITH THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT AND NOTICE WILL BE ISSUED IN EARLY 1991,” HE ADDED.

ANOTHER MEASURE INVOLVES THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOOKING

COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF CNTA.

BOOKING IN FUTURE WILL BE THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE WHICH WILL ENABLE THE STAFF NOW STATIONED IN THE CENTRES TO BE RELEASED FOR REDEPLOYMENT.

HOWEVER, THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES WILL BE KEPT SIMPLE AND THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY EFFECT ON THE ACTIVITIES IN THESE PREMISES.

/ALSO STARTING .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 32 -

ALSO STARTING FROM THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS WILL BE CHANGED WITH ONE DISTRICT OFFICER SERVING THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS.

HOWEVER, THE TWO SECRETARIATS WILL REMAIN SEPARATE.

"IN VIEW OF THE SMALL SIZE OF THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS (YAU TSIM: 12 MEMBERS, MONG KOK: 15 MEMBERS), THERE SHOULD BE NO PROBLEM IN PROVIDING THEM WITH SERVICES FROM ONE DISTRICT OFFICER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

------0--------

FIVE IIS FROM CHINA ARRESTED « * * » *

ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED FIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA CHEUNG SHA WAN AREA TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE FIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, TWO MEN AND THREE FEMALES, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 26, WERE APPREHENDED AT A JEWELLLERY FACTORY.

DURING THE OPERATION, THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS REFUSED TO OPEN DOOR AND TRIED TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE WINDOWS.

THE IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS LATER SUCCEEDED IN ARRESTING ALL OF THEM.

THEY ARE NATIVES OF HOI FUNG AND TOI SHAN AND CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

THEY ALSO CLAIMED THAT WHEN THEY WERE IN CHINA, THEY WERE OFFERED JOBS HERE WITH A MONTHLY SALARY RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $2,000. THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ARRANGED TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.

THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE OF THE FACTORY IS ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY GRANTED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

HE ALSO REMINDED THAT ALL EMPLOYERS SHOULD CHECK THE IDENTITY OF THEIR RECRUITS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR NATIONALITY AND THEY WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION IF THEY DO NOT OBSERVE THIS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT.

EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE COME ACROSS DOUBTFUL PROOF OF IDENTITY MAY CALL THE INVESTIGATION HOT-LINE ON TEL. 824 1551 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID ANY PERSON WHO IS THE EMPLOYER OF A PERSON NOT LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE OR AIDS AND ABETS THE ILLEGAL REMAINING OF A PERSON IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.

------0-------

/33 ........

f.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

- 33 -

ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT TO BEGIN ON SATURDAY

******

AN ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID: "ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE FORTNIGHT COMPRISES A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE, YOUNGSTERS IN PARTICULAR, TO ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND SAY ’NO’ TO ALL DRUGS.

"IT ALSO APPEALS TO PARENTS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN SO THAT THEY DO NOT FALL PREY TO DRUGS."

DURING THE FORTNIGHT EVENT, THOSE WHO WANT TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL STRATEGY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ARE WELCOMED TO A ’HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS’ EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI, FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) TO SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21).

ANOTHER EXHIBITION ON ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WILL BE STAGED IN TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA BETWEEN OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 2.

LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON THE SPOT.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SINGING OR PHOTOGRAPHY, THE ’SAY YES TO LIFE’ SINGING CONTEST AND THE ’TO CREATE A BRIGHT TOMORROW’ PHOTO COMPETITION WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH GOOD OPPORTUNITIES TO DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS ON ONE HAND AND ASSIST IN PUBLICISING ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE ON THE OTHER.

THE SINGING CONTEST IS OPEN TO PEOPLE AGED 15 TO 30 WHILE THE PHOTO COMPETITION WILL INCLUDE TWO DIVISIONS: STUDENT DIVISION FOR STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 21 AND OPEN DIVISION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MUST BE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE TWO COMPETITIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ON THE 23RD FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE FORTNIGHT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FAMILY OUTING AND A KITE FLYING DAY ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) IN TAI HAN TUN, SAI KUNG. MORE THAN 300 FAMILIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT TO PROMOTE HAPPY FAMILY LIFE.

TO PROMOTE DRUG EDUCATION, A WORKSHOP FOR ABOUT 200 STUDENT COUNSELLORS, OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKERS AND STAFF OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS WILL BE HELD AT HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, KOWLOON, ON OCTOBER 23 AND 24, AND A TRAINING CAMP FOR ABOUT 250 YOUTH LEADERS FROM NINE ORGANISATIONS ORGANISED AT LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, SAI KUNG, BETWEEN OCTOBER 26 AND 28.

/IN ADDITION .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990

IN ADDITION TO PUBLICITY ON TELEVISION AND RADIO, ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE SHOWN ON THE TELE-SCREEN DISPLAY FACILITIES AT THE RACE COURSES AND HONG KONG STADIUM ON THE EVENT DAYS FROM THIS SATURDAY.

THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE HOPE THAT BY GROUPING THESE MAJOR ANTI-DRUG ACTIVITIES OF A YEAR TOGETHER AND MOUNTING THEM WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, IT CAN CREATE A MAXIMUM IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC."

- - 0 - -

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE CLOSED

******

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE STRUCTURE IS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF NO. 55 NAM CHEONG STREET, KOWLOON.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE :-:UEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON DECEMBER 17 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER

THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK BUSINESSMEN WORRY ABOUT OPENNESS OF EUROPEAN MARKET: GOVERNOR ......... 1

CIVIL SERVICE GUIDELINES ON POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ......................... 3

REGISTRATION OF WARDLEY FINANCE LIMITED REVOKED .......................... 4

LEGISLATION TO ENSURE FIRE AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY IN CLUBS ................ 4

PEOPLE WITH TAIWANESE RIGHT OF ABODE WILL HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED UNDER BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME ............................................... 5

GOVERNMENT DETERMINES TO RETAIN, PRODUCE AND ATTRACT QUALIFIED MANPOWER .. 6

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE WORKERS ................................... 8

MORE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PLANS ....................................... 9

GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ........................................... 10

113 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE RETURNS ....................................... 14

DEEP-POOL WARNING SIGNBOARDS AT TSO KUNG TAM ............................. 15

EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARDS ................................ 15

SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN'S CHOIR IN CONCERT ............................ 16

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR OF THE 90S' .................................. 17

52 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS AWARDED ..................................... 18

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

HK BUSINESSMEN WORRY ABOUT OPENNESS OF EUROPEAN MARKET: ♦ » » » ♦

GOVERNOR

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON TODAY (THURSDAY) TOLD THE BELGIAN BUSINESSMEN THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTERS, RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY, WORRIED THAT 1992 WILL MEAN EUROPE OPENING UP INTERNALLY, BUT NOT TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ADDRESSING THE FEDERATION OF BELGIAN ENTERPRISES AND THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY IN BRUSSELS DURING THE LAST LEG OF HIS VISIT TO EUROPE. 1

"THEY CITE THE EXAMPLE OF EXISTING QUANTITATIVE RESTRAINTS ON MANY OF OUR TRADITIONAL EXPORTS, TOGETHER WITH HEAVY DUTIES. BOTH CONTRAST ODDLY WITH HONG KONG’S OPENNESS.

"THEY CITE ALSO THE RESORT BY SOME EUROPEAN INDUSTRIES TO ANTIDUMPING MEASURES WHICH DAMAGE TRADE BY CREATING UNCERTAINTY EVEN BEFORE THE CASE HAS BEEN EXAMINED," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN UP THIS TYPE OF ISSUE WITHIN THE GATT.

"I HOPE THAT THE URUGUAY ROUND, IN WHICH WE HAVE MADE A POINT OF PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART, AND WHICH ENDS IN BRUSSELS IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR, WILL HELP FREE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FROM BUREAUCRACY AND REGULATION," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE URGED THE EUROPEAN BUSINESSMEN THAT AS THEY GRAPPLED WITH THE INTEGRATION OF THEIR INTERNAL MARKET, THEY DID NOT FORGET THE REST OF THE WORLD AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH WHICH LAY THERE.

"MANY OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE FOUND IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID, CITING HONG KONG’S PLANS FOR MAJOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURAL INVESTMENT.

ON BILATERAL TRADE, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY WAS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, AFTER CHINA AND THE USA, AND HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST SUPPLIER AFTER CHINA AND JAPAN.

"OVER THE PAST DECADE, EUROPEAN EXPORTS TO HONG KONO HAVE INCREASED AT OVER 17 PER CENT PER ANNUM.

"EVEN SO, I BELIEVE THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EUROPEAN ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY EXPLOITED.

/'•OUR MARKET...........

Hl irSi

• >HEH 18, 1990

- 2

"OUR MARKET IS OPEN AND IT IS A HIGH-VALUE ONE. THE HONG KONG MARKET IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, BUT WE WELCOME NEWCOMERS FROM EUROPE WHO HAVE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO COMPETE," HE SAID.

ON THE BELGIAN PRESENCE IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS SMALL BUT WAS LIVELY AND GROWING, AND IT EMBRACED FIELDS AS DIVERSE AS BANKING, CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING AND TRADING.

"TRADE BETWEEN US, WHILST SMALL IN COMPARISON WITH SOME OTHER EC MEMBER STATES, IS NEVERTHELESS SIGNIFICANT.

"BELGIUM IS AN IMPORTANT SUPPLIER OF SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES FOR OUR JEWELRY INDUSTRY; IN FACT THESE STONES ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN HALF OF BELGIUM’S EXPORTS TO HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE LAST STATISTIC HIGHLIGHTED A PARTICULAR POINT ABOUT THE TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.

"MOST OF WHAT HONG KONG BUYS FROM EUROPE IS HIGH VALUE AND HIGH QUALITY - BRANDY, DIAMONDS, BRAND-NAME GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES, QUALITY MOTOR VEHICLES, PERFUMES AND PHARMACEUTICALS.

"AS HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY BECOMES MORE SOPHISTICATED, THE MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS WHICH WE BUY FROM ABROAD, WHETHER THEY BE DYESTUFFS OR DIAMONDS, ALSO BECOME HIGHER VALUE.

"SO, WHILE THE BALANCE OF VISIBLE TRADE HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN IN OUR FAVOUR, WE BUY FROM EUROPE 70 TIMES MORE PER HEAD OF POPULATION THAN EUROPE DOES FROM US [HK$9,720 PER CAPITA VS HK$139J," SIR DAVID SAID.

ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE THE QUIET DIPLOMACY OF DEVELOPING A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND MANAGING THE TRANSITION.

"ALL OF YOU HERE FACE SIMILAR PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATION. THERE MAY BE DIFFICULTIES, BUT YOU ACCEPT THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR LONG-TERM BENEFITS.

"ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD, WE HAVE PLANNED AND LAID THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE RETURN OF SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA WHILE PRESERVING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AUTONOMY."

SIR DAVID SAID THERE MIGHT WELL BE DIFFICULTIES ON THE WAY -BUT THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT HONG KONG WOULD REACH ITS DESTINATION.

"THAT QUALITIES WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS TODAY WILL CONTINUE TO AMAZE THE WORLD. I HOPE THAT YOU HERE - AND THE BUSINESSMEN OF EUROPE - WILL NOT SIMPLY BE SPECTATORS. BE A PART OF IT,” HE SAID.

/3 ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

CIVIL SERVICE GUIDELINES ON

« » « »

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES t

k CIRCULAR WILL BE ISSUED TO CIVIL SERVANTS CONTAINING GUIDELINES REGARDING THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.

THE PURPOSE OF THE CIRCULAR IS TO REITERATE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE POLITICAL NEUTRALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AS EXPLAINED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE ALREADY RESTRICTIONS GOVERNING THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.

"IN VIEW OF A LIKELY INCREASE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR IT TO BE MADE CLEAR TO CIVIL SERVANTS WHAT CONSTITUTES CONFLICT OF INTEREST, SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IS, AND IS SEEN TO BE, CONDUCTED IMPARTIALLY,” HE POINTED OUT.

AT PRESENT, CIVIL SERVANTS OTHER THAN DISCIPLINED OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ARE NOT PROHIBITED FROM JOINING POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS.

THE PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IS PERMISSIBLE ONLY WHERE THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.

ADDITIONALLY, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AND OUTSIDE WORK.

ALL CIVIL SERVANTS ARE ALSO CURRENTLY DISQUALIFIED FROM BEING NOMINATED AS CANDIDATES OR BEING ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS.

"IN ADDITION TO PREVENTING CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THIS DISQUALIFICATION ENSURES THE NECESSARY SEPARATION OF LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE POWERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CIRCULAR POINTS OUT THAT WHILE THERE IS NO OBJECTION TO CIVIL SERVANTS BECOMING MEMBERS OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS, THEY SHOULD EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.

A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR DUTIES. THEY ARE DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS AND INFORMATION OFFICERS.

"THESE OFFICERS ARE IN POLICY-MAKING POSITIONS OR HAVE A HIGH PUBLIC PROFILE AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN OUTSIDE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES COULD GIVE RISE TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE IMPARTIALITY IN THEIR WORK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/THE POLITICAL .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

4

THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO INCLUDE INVOLVEMENT IN SIGNATURE CAMPAIGNS OR PUBLIC RALLIES, DISTRIBUTING POLITICAL PUBLICATIONS, MAKING SPEECHES IN SUPPORT OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS, PROMOTING OR ADVOCATING PUBLICLY THE POLITICAL VIEWS OR ELECTIONEERING PLATFORM OF CANDIDATES AND CANVASSING OR CAMPAIGNING ON BEHALF OF POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID CAREFUL THOUGHT HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THESE GUIDELINES WITH A VIEW TO MAINTAINING THE FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WHILE RETAINING THE PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO FUNCTION WITHOUT BIAS OR PREJUDICE.

-----------------------0------- REGISTRATION OF WARDLEY FINANCE LIMITED REVOKED * » ♦ » ♦

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF WARDLEY FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 18 1990 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.

---------0-----------

LEGISLATION TO ENSURE FIRE AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY IN CLUBS ♦ » » ♦ »

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE LEGISLATION BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PRIVATE CLUBS TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE WITH STRUCTURAL REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF THEIR PREMISES.

THAT NEW REQUIRING FIRE AND

SUCH CERTIFICATE WOULD NOT COVER THE REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUBS WHICH MIGHT BE CONTROLLED UNDER LEGISLATIONS.

THE OTHER

SECRETARY

PUBLIC

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID A COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH WAS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT ALL CLUBS FREQUENTED BY THE MEET THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION.

BUILDING REGULATIONS WERE AN AD HOC BASIS AND IN OF A PROPERLY CONSTITUTED

AT PRESENT, MR TSAO SAID, FIRE AND ENFORCED AGAINST UNSAFE CLUB PREMISES ON RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS OWING TO THE ABSENCE

CONTROL SCHEME.

’’ANOTHER DRAWBACK OF THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT IS THAT THERE NO CENTRAL RECORD OF THE WHEREABOUTS OF ALL THE CLUBS WHICH REGISTERED OR EXEMPTED BY THE DIFFERENT AUTHORITIES.

IS ARE

/"FURTHERMORE, IT .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 5 -

’’FURTHERMORE, IT IS NOT ALWAYS CLEAR FROM THE INFORMATION IN THE VARIOUS REGISTRIES WHETHER A CLUB IS RUNNING A BUSINESS OR WHETHER IT WAS OPERATING A CLUB-HOUSE AT ALL,” MR TSAO STRESSED.

HOWEVER, MR TSAO BELIEVED THAT THESE TWO DRAWBACKS COULD BE REMOVED IF A CONTROL SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED AS THIS WOULD ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP A COMPREHENSIVE REGISTER OF CLUBS AND TO IMPOSE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS TO ERADICATE UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN THEM.

AS TO THE PRIMARY AND INITIAL TARGETS OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE, MR TSAO SAID THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WHICH HE CHAIRED, HAD RECOMMENDED ’’SHAM” AND PROPREITARY CLUBS.

THIS WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE NORMALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH ’’MEMBERS" NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

BUT THERE WOULD BE A SYSTEM OF EXEMPTION WHEREBY GENUINE CLUBS WOULD BE EXEMPTED AFTER CONSIDERATION OF SAFETY.

TO ENSURE THE CERTIFICATION SCHEME IS EFFECTIVE WITH PROPER POLICING AND ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY STANDARDS, A DEDICATED TEAM APPROACH UNDER ONE SINGLE AGENCY WILL BE ADOPTED.

THIS WILL MEAN PROFESSIONAL STAFF SECONDED TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR TSAO SAID.

---------0-----------

PEOPLE WITH TAIWANESE RIGHT OF ABODE WILL HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED UNDER BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME

IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES ON WHETHER ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN TAIWAN WILL HAVE POINTS DEDUCTED FROM TOTAL SCORE IF THEY APPLY FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME, THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT SUCH PEOPLE WILL HAVE 200 POINTS DEDUCTED BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND THE MAINLAND OF CHINA.

MR TSANG EXPRESSED REGRET AT ANY INCONVENIENCE OR CONFUSION CAUSED BY HIS EARLIER REPLY TO QUESTIONS ON THE SUBJECT DURING THE PRESS BRIEFING ON OCTOBER 15.

”1 HAVE SINCE RECONSIDERED THE PROVISIONS IN ARTICLE 27 OF THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL AND HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE DEDUCTION OF 200 POINTS MUST TAKE PLACE IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES,” HE ADDED.

--------0-----------

/6 ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

6

GOVERNMENT DETERMINES TO RETAIN, PRODUCE AND ATTRACT QUALIFIED MANPOWER * * ♦ * ♦ »

THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CREATE A NEW TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING FUND TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIDDLE MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS TO ACQUIRE SPECIALISED TRAINING, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K. Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THIS IS AMONG THE MEASURES AIMED TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED MANPOWER THAT HONG KONG NEEDS FOR SUSTAINING GROWTH. ,

’’THROUGH THE MECHANISM OF LOANS * CONCESSIONARY-. RATES; OF INTEREST, THE TRAINING FUND WILE ENABLE Abi EMPLOYER TO SEND 'HIS MANAGERS, TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS FOR TRAINING IN THE APPLICATION OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGY THAT ARE NOT AT PRESENT COVERED BY CONVENTIONAL COURSES AT OUR EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS,” MR YEUNG SAID.

”WE ENVISAGE LOANS BEING MADE TO COVER PURPOSE-DESIGNED SHORT COURSES, TO BE MOUNTED LOCALLY BY OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WHERE THEY HAVE THE EXPERTISE, AS WELL AS WORKING ATTACHMENTS WITH OVERSEAS BUSINESSES THAT ARE APPLYING THE TECHNOLOGY WE NEED TO LEARN,” HE ADDED.

AS USUAL, THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT TRY TO PICK WINNERS, MR YEUNG STRESSED. "THE EMPLOYER, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, WILL BE FREE TO CHOOSE THE TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE TO HIS BUSINESS, SO LONG AS IT WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVING QUALITY AND CREATING VALUE."

IN A KEY-NOTE ADDRESS TO THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE, MR YEUNG OUTLINED THE MEASURES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT OUR ECONOMY GETS THE EDUCATED AND TRAINED MANPOWER IT NEEDS FOR FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH LAUNCHED FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST YEAR AN EXERCISE TO PROVIDE SOME FORECASTS OF MANPOWER NEEDS.

"WHILE TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IS FORECAST TO GROW FROM 2.74 MILLION PERSONS IN 1988 BY ONLY 4 PER CENT TO 2.86 MILLION PERSONS IN 1996, THE DEMAND FOR PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL WORKERS WILL GROW BY SOME 93,000 JOBS, OR 26 PER CENT OVER THE 1988 LEVEL.

"THE AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT GROWTH ARE EXPECTED TO BE CONCENTRATED IN THE COMMUNITY AND PERSONAL SERVICES GROUP OF INDUSTRIES, FOLLOWED BY THE FINANCIAL SERVICES, CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING AND THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES,” HE SAID.

/TO MEET .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

7

TO MEET FORECAST GROWTH AND TO REPLENISH LOSSES DUE TO WASTAGE DURING THE EIGHT YEARS 1989 TO 1996, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 113,000 NEW GRADUATE ENTRANTS INTO THE LABOUR MARKET WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR ALL OCCUPATIONS.

’’THE PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL GROUP OF WORKERS ALONE WOULD REQUIRE ABOUT 96,000 OR 85 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW GRADUATE ENTRANTS,” HE POINTED OUT.

TURNING TO THE SUPPLY SIDE, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS WALKING A TIGHTROPE.

’’WHILST WE HAVE A REASONABLE DEGREE OF CONTROL OVER PRODUCTION, REPRESENTED BY THE OUTPUT OF OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, ANYTHING THAT DAMAGES CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF CREATING FURTHER WASTAGE IN OUR DWINDLING STOCK OF GRADUATE MANPOWER.

"IT WILL ALSO HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING OUR OVERSEAS STUDENTS THINK TWICE BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO RETURN.

"IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THEREFORE, THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING REASONABLY WITHIN ITS POWER TO RETAIN, PRODUCE AND ATTRACT AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED MANPOWER," MR YEUNG SAID.

"THE MEASURES AT ITS DISPOSAL ARE VARIED BUT THEY ARE NOT UNLIMITED," HE ADDED.

FIRST AND FOREMOST IS THE NEED TO RETAIN. "HERE THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME, AND SIMILAR SCHEMES THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAVE TRIED SO HARD TO SECURE FOR US, SHOULD BE VERY USEFUL."

"THEY ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE THOSE WHO ARE MOST PRONE TO EMIGRATE THE DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE THEY NEED TO CONTINUE WORKING AND LIVING IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

REGARDING NEW PRODUCTION, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SEEKING TO PROVIDE TERTIARY EDUCATION TO A MUCH LARGER PROPORTION OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE THAN BEFORE.

"WE NOW PROVIDE ABOUT 7,100 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES, SUFFICIENT TO COVER ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP OR ABOUT ONE IN THREE MATRICULANTS.

"WE AIM TO DOUBLE THIS LEVEL OF PROVISION TO 15,000 PLACES BY 1994-95, REPRESENTING NOT LESS THAN 18 PER CENT OF THE AGE GROUP OR ABOUT FOUR IN FIVE MATRICULANTS," HE SAID.

TOGETHER WITH THE OUTPUT OF OUR SUB-DEGREE COURSES, THIS MEANS THAT 25 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP WOULD BE GOING ON TO SOME FORM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

"THIS AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PROGRAMME SHOULD PRODUCE SOME 88,400 FIRST DEGREE GRADUATES BETWEEN 1989 AND 1996, OR ABOUT 78 PER CENT OF THE 113,000 NEW GRADUATES THAT OUR FORECAST SAYS WE WILL NEED BY 1996.

/"WHILST, ON ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

’’WHILST, ON THE FACE OF IT, THESE FIGURES PROVIDE SOME COMFORT, WE SIMPLY CANNOT ASSUME THAT NONE WILL EMIGRATE, OR THAT ALL WILL JOIN THE WORKFORCE,” HE SAID.

JUpT AS THE CHANGES WITHIN OUR ECONOMY CALLS FOR A SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION, SO THgY ALSO CALL FOR A DETERMINED EFFORT IN UPGRADING THE LEVEL OF OUR VOCATIONAL TRAINING, MR YEUNG SAID.

"THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED PARTLY THROUGH THE TRANSFER OF HIGHER DIPLOMA WORK FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AND PARTLY THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIFIC TRAINING CENTRES.”

DESPITE THESE MEASURES AIMED AT RETENTION AND PRODUCTION, HONG KONG WILL STILL HAVE TO RELY HEAVILY ON OVERSEAS SUPPLIES OF GRADUATES IN THE MEDIUM TERM.

IT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH MERELY TO BE FLEXIBLE IN TERMS Of OUR IMMIGRATION POLICIES.

"THE TIME HAS COME WHEN WE MUST START ADOPTING A MORE PROACTIVE APPROACH TOWARDS ATTRACTING VALUABLE MANPOWER.

"IN NORTH AMERICA, WESTERN EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN COMING HERE FOR WORK, AND MANY OF THEM HAVE A PAST ASSOCIATION WITH HONG KONG.

"WHILE THE JOB MARKET HAS TO SPEAK FOR ITSELF, THE GOVERNMENT IS IN A POSITION TO FACILITATE THEIR RETURN OR ARRIVAL,” HE SAID. • • •

MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED PARTLY THROUGH OVERSEAS PROMOTION. J ' < ,

"AND, IN THIS CONNECTION, I SHALL SOON BE TALKING TO THE INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE PLAN THEY HAVE CONCEIVED FOR TAKING OUR PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS OVERSEAS.

"IT CAN ALSO BE ACHIEVED BY ENSURING THAT THE CHILDREN OF THESE PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE RIGHT TYPE OF EDUCATION. HENCE OUR INTEREST IN HELPING THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS TO EXPAND," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE WORKERS « t « * *

THE PROBLEM OF MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY HAS EASED CONSIDERABLY ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES REMAINS HIGH, ACCORDING TO FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE ”1990 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY" FOUND THAT THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES AND THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES REFLECTED EMPLOYERS’ EFFORTS IN RECRUITING AND TRAINING OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER FOR MEETING THEIR BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS.

'ACCORDING no

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 9 -

ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THE INDUSTRY HAD SOME 13,200 WORKERS AND A VACANCY FIGURE OF OVER 1,000. THE WORKFORCE HAD GROWN AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 2.26 PER CENT SINCE THE LAST SURVEY CONDUCTED IN 1988.

THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES HAD ALSO RISEN FROM SOME 1,500 TO 2,300.

THE MANPOWER INCREASE IS DUE TO THE GROWTH OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY. THE TRAINING BOARD PREDICTED THAT THE POPULATION OF BOTH PRIVATE CARS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS OWING TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, BETTER ROAD TRANSPORT NETWORK IN THE TERRITORY, INCREASING TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTH CHINA AND INCREASING AFFLUENCE OF PEOPLE.

HOWEVER, IN THE FACE OF A SLOWDOWN IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCED TRANSPORT POLICY, THE TRAINING BOARD ANTICIPATED THAT THE VEHICLE POPULATION WOULD GROW AT A SLOWER RATE THAN IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

THE INDUSTRY WOULD REQUIRE AN ADDITION OF ABOUT 20 TECHNOLOGISTS, 90 TECHNICIANS AND 1,220 CRAFTSMEN IN EACH YEAR OF THE NEXT DECADE, THE TRAINING BOARD ESTIMATED.

DETAILED STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER STRUCTURE OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN EACH PRINCIPAL JOB AS WELL AS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ROUTES FOR TRAINING TECHNICAL MANPOWER IS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT.

’’THE 1990 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY” IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $16 PER COPY.

--------0-----------

MORE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PLANS » ♦ » ♦ ♦

OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 15 DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, 15 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND 21 HOSTELS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, WHEN ADDRESSING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAI YIU ADULT TRAINING CENTRE OF THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED IN KWAI CHUNG.

"THE RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED PEOPLE TO EDUCATION, TRAINING AND GAINFUL OCCUPATION SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE OF ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

/"REHABILITATION SERVICES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

"REHABILITATION SERVICES ARE GEARED TOWARDS THIS END," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE SERVICES AIMED TO ASSIST THE DISABLED TO DEVELOP THEIR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL POTENTIALS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT.

IN DEVELOPING SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, NEW INITIATIVES WERE REQUIRED TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE, HE ADDED.

MR CARTLAND ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THROUGH CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, HONG KONG HAD MANAGED TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES, FROM DAY AND RESIDENTIAL CARE TO EDUCATION, AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

HE, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS STILL A DEMAND TO BE

MET.

"OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS UP TO 1994/95, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO PLAN THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL 15 DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, 15 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND 21 HOSTELS," HE SAID.

IN CONCLUSION, HE SAID THAT THE LAI YIU ADULT TRAINING CENTRE HAD MADE A TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CARE OF THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND OF MULTIPLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.

"I AM GLAD THAT THE CENTRE HAS THE PREMISES AVAILABLE TO EXPAND ITS CAPACITY FROM 70 TO 100 HOSTEL PLACES, WHICH WILL HELP TO EASE THE DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE," HE ADDED.

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 11 -

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, 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, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 12 -

THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:

OF VARIOUS BEACHES

BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING

(AS AT 5.10.90) (AS AT 18.10.90)

HONG KONG SOUTH

BIG WAVE BAY 2 3

CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2

DEEP WATER BAY 2 2

HAIRPIN 2 2

MIDDLE BAY 1 2

REPULSE BAY 1 1

SHEK 0 3 3

SOUTH BAY 1 1

ST STEPHEN’S 2 2

TURTLE COVE 2 2

STANLEY MAIN 1 2

ROCKY BAY X X

TO TEI WAN* 1 1

SAI KUNG DISTRICT

CAMPERS 1 1

CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2 2

CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2

HAP MUN BAY 1 1

KIU TSUI 1 1

PAR SHA CHAU 1 1

SILVERSTRAND 2 2

TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1

/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

13

ISLANDS DISTRICT

CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1

CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2

DISCOVERY BAY* 1

HUNG SHING YEH 1

KWUN YAM WAN 2

TONG FUK 1

LO SO SHING 1

PUI O 1

SILVERMINE BAY 2

TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2

TUNG O» 1

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT

ANGLERS’ 3

APPROACH 3

CASAM 2

GEMINI 3

HOI MEI WAN 3

LIDO 3

TING KAU 4

TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2

TUEN MUN DISTRICT

OLD CAFETERIA X

NEW CAFETERIA 4

CASTLE PEAK X

KADOORIE 4

BUTTERFLY 3

1

2

1

1

2

1

1

1

3

2

1

4

3

2

2

2

2

4

1

X

4

X

4

3

/NOTE: "X” ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 14 -

NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.

* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.

THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:

MIDDLE BAY AND STANLEY MAIN, FROM ”1" TO "2"; SILVERMINE BAY, FROM "2" TO "3"; ANGLERS’ FROM "3" TO "4"; GEMINI, HOI MEI WAN AND LIDO, FROM "3" TO "2"; TUNG WAN ON MA WAN, FROM ”2" TO "1".

THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.

BIG WAVE BAY, FROM "2" TO "3".

THE DOWNGRADING OF BIG WAVE BAY IS DUE TO THE PERIODIC SPELLS OF HEAVY RAIN THAT OCCURED IN SEPTEMBER AND EARLY OCTOBER, AND WHICH CAUSED POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE BEACH WATER.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR DAVID HALL, >N TEL. 835 1234.

------0-------

113 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE RETURNS

*****

A GROUP OF 113 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR'S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 37 MEN, 26 WOMEN, 30 BOYS AND 20 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 36TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 4,694 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

--------0 - -

/15........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 15 -

DEEP-POOL WARNING SIGNBOARDS AT TSO KUNG TAM » » * * » ♦

FIVE SIGNBOARDS HAVE BEEN PUT UP TO WARN THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS, TO KEEP AWAY FROM DEEP-WATER POOLS OF A STREAM IN TSO KUNG TAM.

"SHORTLY AFTER THE TRAGIC DROWNING OF TWO BOYS LAST MONTH, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE HAVE PUT UP SEVERAL WARNING SIGNBOARDS AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS ALONG THE STREAM," TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

"IT IS HOPED THAT PEOPLE VISITING THE AREA WILL TAKE HEED OF THE WARNING AND REFRAIN FROM FISHING OR SWIMMING IN THE POOLS TO PREVENT MISHAPS," MR YOUNG SAID.

HE SAID THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD CONSIDERED PROPOSALS TO FENCE OFF THE AREA OR FILL UP THE MAIN POOL AT A MEETING YESTERDAY.

"AFTER DETAILED DISCUSSION, THE COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT IT WOULD BE MORE PRACTICABLE TO PUT UP WARNING SIGNS AND TO PUBLICISE, THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DANGERS OF PLAYING AT THESE POOLS," HE SAID.

---------0-----------

EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARDS * « * * *

EASTERN DISTRICT IS IN SEARCH OF 10 CIVIC-MINDED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND VOLUNTARY WORK.

THEY WILL BE HONOURED WITH THE TITLE OF "1990 EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH" AND AWARDED TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS.

YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 30 WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT MAY BE NOMINATED FOR THE AWARDS IF THEY HAVE A GOOD COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD.

THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA WILL ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THEIR ANALYTICAL ABILITY AND THEIR WORKING ATTITUDE.

THE AWARD SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH AN AIM OF MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE SOCIETY.

/ADJUDICATION WILL .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 16 -

ADJUDICATION WILL BE MADE BY A FOUR-MEMBER PANEL COMPRISING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM; EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LINDA SO; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP, MISS CHAN YUEN-HAN.

NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES, AND THE HENG FA CHUEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER.

COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH A 300-WORD ESSAY ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S ROLE IN CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE NOVEMBER 16.

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INTERVIEWED BEFORE THE END OF NOVEMBER.

WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE AWARDS AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION NIGHT AT THE SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE ON DECEMBER 1.

--------0-----------

SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR IN CONCERT

******

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL GIVE A CONCERT ON OCTOBER 20 (SATURDAY) AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE.

THE CONCERT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION (SDACA), THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SOLO, CHORUS, DANCING AND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AT THE SDACA OFFICE AT LAI CHAK HOUSE, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE AND AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 555 0187.

- - 0-----------

/17........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

17 -

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR OF THE 90S’

******

MORE THAN 250 PROPERTY MANAGERS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF, AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, WILL ATTEND A PUBLIC SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

ENTITLED ’’BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE 90S”, THE SEMINAR AIMS AT PROMOTING THE CONCEPT AND KEY ELEMENTS OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS WILL COVER VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT INCLUDING SELF-HELF IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AGENTS; LEGAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT; EFFECTS OF MANAGEMENT CHARGES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT; UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS; AND REFURBISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR CNTA SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

’’THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO INCLUDE MANAGEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL, SHOPPING, OFFICES AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS; BUILDING MAINTENANCE, FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION, SECURITY, HYGIENE; PROPERTY AND ASSETS MANAGEMENT; FACILITIES MANAGEMENT; AND COMPUTERISED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE VENUE.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON ’’BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE 90S” AND ITS OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THEATRE II, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 1 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEGINNING AT 9 AM.

THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR.

- 0----------

/18 ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1990

- 18 -

52 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS AWARDED « » * * «

FIFTY-TWO CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WHO HAD COMPLETED A BASIC TRAINING COURSE WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES TODAY (THURSDAY).

IN A CEREMONY AT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID DOWDING, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE GRADUATES OF THE TWELFTH, THIRTEETH, FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH BASIC TRAINING COURSES FOR NEWLY-RECRUITED CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS.

THE BASIC TRAINING COURSE LASTS ABOUT ONE YEAR AND WAS ORGANISED BY THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE WAS TO HELP NEWLY-RECRUITED CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS DEVELOP THE NECESSARY TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME AND PRACTICAL WORK.

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR ENDS EUROPEAN VISIT ....................................................... 1

GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT: FORD .......... 1

AUGUST ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED .............. 3

PRODUCE RETAILERS MORE PRONE TO USE INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS ......... 7

HK MANUFACTURERS COMPLYING TO WORLD MARKET REQUIREMENTS ..................... 8

PROPOSED TSEUNG KWAN 0 DEVELOPMENT .......................................... 9

PREVENTION IS KEY TO HILL FIRE PROBLEM ...................................... 10

DISTRICT EFFORTS CRUCIAL IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................ 12

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ................................ 13

CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS STATUTORY HOLIDAY ................................... i4

RUN-DOWN AREA IN SHEUNG WAN TO BE REDEVELOPED ............................... i4

AMENDMENTS TO TWO DRAFT OZP'S ............................................... 15

"HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS" EXHIBITION OPEN TO PUBLIC .......................... I7

TENDERS INVITED FOR BRIDGE WORK ............................................. 1®

FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER ................................................. 19

TRADE STAFF PRAISED FOR MULTILATERAL TRADE TALKS ............................ 20

EXCITING PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ............................ 21

NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HK CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY .................................. 22

RELOCATION OF DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE ........................................... 22

FIGHT CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN MONG KOK ................................. 23

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

1

GOVERNOR ENDS EUROPEAN VISIT

* * * * »

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, CONCLUDED A WEEKLONG VISIT TO EUROPE TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH CALLS ON SENIOR EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND BELGIAN OFFICIALS IN BRUSSELS.

AT AN EARLY MORNING MEETING, EC COMMISSIONER OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS, FRANS ANDRIESSEN TOLD THE GOVERNOR THAT THE COMMUNITY WAS KEEN TO OPEN AN OFFICE IN HONG KONG, POSSIBLY NEXT YEAR.

FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE EC TOOK PLACE AT A LUNCH HOSTED BY DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS, HORST KRENZLER.

SIR DAVID ALSO MET SENIOR OFFICIALS AT THE BELGIAN ECONOMICS MINISTRY AND VISITED THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE BEFORE TAKING HIS FLIGHT BACK TO HONG KONG.

--------0-----------

GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT: FORD *******

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH ITS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS' CORPORATIONS WHICH, NOT ONLY FOSTERS BETTER BUILDING MANAGEMENT BUT ALSO ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AND THEMSELVES, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE 90’S AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THESE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WOULD PROVIDE THE FRAMEWORK AND ORGANISATION FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS.

HE SAID THERE WERE NOW SOME 2,400 OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS REGISTERED WITH THE REGISTRAR GENERAL - AN INCREASE OF 200 COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.

POINTING OUT THAT REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAD BECOME VERY PROFESSIONAL, SIR DAVID SAID NEW RESIDENTIAL ESTATES WERE NOW BEING DEVELOPED WITH A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY AND SHOPPING FACILITIES, PACKAGED TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT.

"BUT THERE ARE MANY PRIVATE BUILDINGS DEVELOPED IN AN EARLIER ERA WHICH DO NOT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF MODERN MANAGEMENT, WHERE OWNERSHIP IS FRAGMENTED AND WHERE THERE IS NO FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH RESIDENTS CAN BE BROUGHT TOGETHER," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID LIKE MANY OTHER PROSPERING AND DEVELOPING ECONOMIES, AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF FAMILIES IN HONG KONG NOW HAD THEIR OWN HOMES.

/"SOME 66 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 2 -

"SOME 66 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ARE NOW OWNER-OCCUPIERS. THAT COMPARES WITH 54 PER CENT IN 1986.

"THIS UPWARDLY MOBILE TREND HAS RAISED EXPECTATIONS NOT ONLY FOR A HIGHER QUALITY OF ACCOMMODATION BUT ALSO FOR GOOD MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE HELP TO PRESERVE THE VALUE OF PROPERTIES, WHICH TO MOST HOUSEHOLDS IS THEIR MAIN INVESTMENT.

"AND OF COURSE OWNERS AND RESIDENTS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURITY IN ESTATE MANAGEMENT," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

HE SAID DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAMS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAD BEEN SET UP IN URBAN DISTRICTS.

AND IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE TEAMS HAD WORKED ON OVER 1,000 BUILDINGS TOGETHER WITH THE OWNERS CONCERNED.

SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS ALSO ONE OF GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS.

"THROUGH PUBLICITY IN THE MEDIA, ORGANISING WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLISHING HANDBOOKS ON THE SUBJECT, WE BELIEVE THAT THE MESSAGE IS FILTERING THROUGH TO THE COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.

ADDRESSING TO THE SEMINAR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT (ACPBM), MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, SAID THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ACTIVELY REVIEWING THE PROVISIONS IN THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE EVER SINCE ITS INAUGURATION.

"ON ACCOUNT OF THE COMPLEXITY AND DIVERSITY OF THE PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ISSUES, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS SET UP A TOTAL OF FOUR WORKING SUB-COMMITTEES TO LOOK INTO PARTICULAR AREAS OF CONCERN, INCLUDING WAYS AND MEANS TO PROMOTE AND DISSEMINATE THE CONCEPT AND PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT," MR CHUNG SAID.

MORE THAN 250 PROPERTY MANAGERS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, DEVELOPERS AND POST-SECONDARLY STUDENTS ATTENDED THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND ACPBM TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT AND KEY ELEMENTS OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

TALKS ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT WERE GIVEN BY PROFESSIONALS IN BUILDING AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT.

AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS ALSO HELD AT TODAY’S VENUE.

------0-------

/3 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

3

AUGUST ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ******

IN AUGUST 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990 AND AUGUST 1989, ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN AUGUST 1990 DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, ORDERS INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.

COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989, THE ORDERS POSITION IN AUGUST 1990 DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY INCREASED MODERATELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.

ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN AUGUST 1990 DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, AND BY 11 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989.

COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN AUGUST 1990 DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.

THESE DECREASES WERE PARTLY DUE TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF SUMMER WORKERS IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHILE THAT IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY INCREASED SLIGHTLY.

COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN AUGUST 1990 DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.

HOWEVER, A MODERATE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS REPORTED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

/IN AUGUST .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

IN AUGUST 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990. OVER THIS PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES; AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.

THESE INCREASES WERE PARTLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF MID-YEAR BONUSES BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, LITTLE CHANGE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.

COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1990 IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS. INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN AUGUST 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990 AND AUGUST 1989. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1990 INCREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, BUT SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER AUGUST 1989.

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 SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN AUGUST 1990 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1990 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990.

A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED IN HOTELS OVER THIS PERIOD, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES IN JULY 1990 BY SOME HOTELS SURVEYED.

COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1990 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY 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 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 5 -

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 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR AUGUST 1990 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, 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. 839 3222.

TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

ORDERS-ON-HAND

INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF AUGUST 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

JUL. 90 AUG. 89

(MONTHS) (%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.23 -2 -2

— — — — — — ——

WEARING APPAREL 4.66 + 1 -3

TEXTILES 2.10 -5 -10

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.58 -6 -10

FABRICATED METAL 4.07 -3 -12

PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND 5.26 -3 + 4

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS 4.11 -1 *

* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%

/TABLE 2 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

6

TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT

PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF AUGUST 1990

INDUSTRY/SERVICES

CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

JUL. 90 AUG. 89

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL

PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS

(%) (%)

-1 -11

+4

-1 -10

-1 -12

-5 -21

+ 2 -8

-3 -16

•/

» -2

CONSTRUCTION #

SERVICES

BANKS

HOTELS

PUBLIC UTILITIES

OTHERS

* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%

*

*

-1

*

+ 1

+ 3

+ 3

-3 + 1

+ 7

# 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

AVERAGE CHANGE WHEN

AS IN COMPARED WITH

INDUSTRY/SERVICES AUGUST 1990 JUL. 90 AUG. 89

(HK$) (%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 5,964 + 2 + 15

FOOD AND DRINKS 6,819 +9

WEARING APPAREL 4,997 + 5 + 12

TEXTILES 5,523 + 1 + 8

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 5,714 +6 + 14

FABRICATED METAL 5,940 + 3 + 19

PRODUCTS

/ELECTRICAL AND........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

ELECTRICAL AND 5,781 + 2 ♦ 18

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS 7,602 ♦ 1 ♦ 14

CONSTRUCTION # 8,483 + 4 + 15

SERVICES 10,320 + 1 + 15

BANKS 9,427 + 13

HOTELS 6,398 -15 + 13

PUBLIC UTILITIES 10,203 -2 + 17

OTHERS 12,189 + 9 + 15

* 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.

------0-----------

PRODUCE RETAILERS MORE PRONE TO USE INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS

*****

FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SHOWED THAT FRUIT AND SEAFOOD RETAILERS ARE MORE PRONE TO USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS.

THE FIGURES SHOWED THAT OF 38 TRADERS CONVICTED OF OFFENCES UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE SINCE IT CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR, 11 WERE FRUIT RETAILERS AND EIGHT WERE SEAFOOD RETAILERS.

THE OTHERS WERE SCRAP DEALERS AND OTHER RETAILERS SELLING VEGETABLES, ROAST MEAT AND POULTRY.

IN FOUR RECENT CASES, THREE FRUIT RETAILERS AND ONE SEAFOOD RETAILER WERE PROSECUTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND FINED A TOTAL OF $6,000 AFTER TESTS BY OFFICERS OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY SHOWED THAT THE DEFENDANTS’ WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS WERE IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT FROM 3.12 TO 25.51 PER CENT.

/ACTING PRINCIPAL .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

8

ACTING PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR WONG CHUN-KWONG, SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR RECEIVED 276 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC.

MR WONG SAID A TOTAL OF $92,550 HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON THE 38 OFFENDERS CONVICTED SO FAR.

HE REMINDED PRODUCE RETAILERS SUPPLYING GOODS BY WEIGHT OR MEASURE TO CHECK WEIGHING OR MEASURING EQUIPMENT REGULARLY TO ENSURE ITS ACCURACY.

ANY PERSON WHO WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SHOULD CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 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.

------0--------

HK MANUFACTURERS COMPLYING TO WORLD MARKET REQUIREMENTS » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE WILLINGNESS OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS TO COMPLY WITH RATHER THAN CIRCUMVENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORLD MARKET WILL BE A FUTURE PREREQUISITE FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING LASTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.

AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ERNEST EVANS, MADE THESE REMARKS AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFICATION LABORATORIES TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR EVANS SAID MANUFACTURERS HAD TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO SATISFYING CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS, EVEN IF THEY WERE SOMETIMES UNPALATABLE TO THEM.

"WE HAVE TO COMPLY WITH, AND NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT, THE DIFFICULTIES AND STRICT REQUIREMENTS BEING IMPOSED.

"IT WILL COST US MORE TO PUT THINGS RIGHT, BUT THE REWARDS IN TERMS OF ENHANCED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AND PROFITABILITY WILL MORE THAN COMPENSATE IN THE LONGER TERM," HE SAID.

MR EVANS ALSO SAID THE QUESTION OF THE COMPETENCY OF OVERSEAS LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES HAD BEEN DISCUSSED AT A MEETING IN THE UNITED STATES RECENTLY.

A PROMINENT FIGURE IN THE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE (ILAC) HAD COMMENTED THAT THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) WAS PROBABLY THE BEST OPERATING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

/"THIS IS .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

9 -

"THIS IS AN INDICATION OF THE STANDARDS YOU - HONG KONG’S TESTERS - HAVE ACHIEVED IN ONLY A RELATIVELY SHORT TIME," HE SAID.

MR EVANS SAID ENQUIRIES WERE BEING RECEIVED FROM OVERSEAS BUYERS AND LARGE CHAINSTORE PURCHASING AGENTS TO SUPPLY THE NAMES OF THOSE HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS CERTIFIED TO INTERNATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS.

"THIS IS BECOMING THE PATTERN FOR THE NOT-SO-DISTANT FUTURE: THAT IS,.IF YOU ARE NOT CERTIFIED TO INTERNATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS, YOU DON’T GET THE ORDERS.

"IT APPLIES EQUALLY TO TESTING SERVICES - IF YOU ARE NOT ACCREDITED, THEN TESTING WORK WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO ARE.

"NOT ONLY ARE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS DEMANDING IT, BUT MANUFACTURERS WILL SHORTLY HAVE TO DO SO - MAINLY AS A RESULT OF PRESSURES FROM OVERSEAS," HE SAID.

------0-------

PROPOSED TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT * » * » *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT DREDGING AND RECLAMATION WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1.96 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN TSEUNG KWAN O.

THIS IS TO PROVIDE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION AS A MEANS TO PROTECT FUTURE RECLAMATION EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND PURPOSES. IT IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 18, 1990.

THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHTS OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.

MEANWHILE, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PERMIT A BREWERY TO USE AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 900 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT SHAM TSENG, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBMARINE OUTFALL.

THE AREA WILL BE USED FOR DREDGING OF SEA-BED TO FORM A TRENCH AND LAYING OF A CONCRETE PIPE.

/THE WORK .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

THE WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY MAY 1991. I

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 18, 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 - -

PREVENTION IS KEY TO HILL FIRE PROBLEM

*****

MOST HILL FIRES IN HONG KONG ARE CAUSED BY HUMAN CARELESSNESS AND, PREVENTION, RATHER THAN FIRE FIGHTING, IS THE KEY TO THE PROBLEM, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1990/91 COUNTRYSIDE Fire prevention publicity campaign held at shing mun country park, mr CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT FIRE FIGHTING ALONE IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION.

THIS IS DESPITE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE AFD, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE HELICOPTER SERVICES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RHKAAF), HAD TRIED THEIR BEST AND WERE STEADILY IMPROVING THEIR CAPABILITY TO DEAL WITH HILL FIRES.

"NO MATTER WHAT ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE, THE FINAL SOLUTION DEPENDS ON FIRE PREVENTION," HE SAID.

"THE NUMBER OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN THE LAST FIRE SEASON WAS THE SMALLEST IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, YET, THERE WERE STILL 160 HILL FIRES INSIDE OR ADJACENT TO COUNTRY PARKS RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF SOME 84,000 TREES," HE ADDED.

MR CHEUNG WAS WORRIED THAT IT MIGHT NOT BE SO FORTUNATE THIS YEAR AS RAINFALL IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS HAD FALLEN ABOUT 22 PER CENT BELOW THE AVERAGE AND SUCH DRY WEATHER COULD CONTINUE TO PREVAIL.

DURING THE DRY SEASON OF 1985/86, OVER 300 FIRES SWEPT 6,300 HECTARES OF COUNTRY PARKS AND DESTROYED OVER HALF A MILLION TREES, HE SAID.

/"HILL FIRES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

11 -

"HILL FIRES CAUSE DAMAGES TO OUR COUNTRYSIDE VEGETATION, ADVERSELY AFFECTING OUR COUNTRYSIDE LANDSCAPE QUALITY AND WILDLIFE HABITATS AND EXPOSE THE SOIL TO EROSION, CAUSING SILTING UP OF STREAM COURSES.

"THE ABOVE DAMAGES AND DETERIORATION IN THE QUALITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT WILL DEPRIVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THE ENJOYMENT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE," MR CHEUNG SAID,

HE URGED EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO TAKE EXTRA EFFORT AND CARE TO PROTECT THE COUNTRYSIDE THROUGHOUT THE DRY SEASON, PARTICULARLY DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.

"COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS SHOULD LIGHT BARBECUE FIRE ONLY IN DESIGNATED BARBECUE PITS. THEY SHOULD NOT DROP BURNING CIGARETTE ENDS.

"FARMERS OR VILLAGERS SHOULD NOT LEAVE A BURNING STACK OF HAY . OR RUBBISH UNATTENDED. GRAVE-SWEEPERS SHOULD ENSURE LIGHTING JOSS PAPERS ONLY IN CONTAINERS AND NEVER LEAVE BURNING JOSS STICKS UNATTENDED," MR CHEUNG SAID.

"ANY PERSON WHO CHOOSES TO IGNORE THESE SIMPLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT," HE SAID.

ON THE DETAILS OF THE 1990/91 COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, MR CHEUNG SAID THROUGHOUT THE DRY SEASON, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE REMINDED TO HANDLE FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH CARE THROUGH RADIO AND TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS, POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND MOBILE EXHIBITIONS.

HE THANKED THE MEDIA FOR THEIR VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN PROMOTING HILL FIRE PREVENTION IN THE PAST YEARS AND HOPED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO HELP IN THIS MEANINGFUL EXERCISE.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY TODAY WERE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR S.S. CHEUNG; SENIOR PILOT OF THE RHKAAF, FLIGHT LIEUTENANT BRIAN BUTT; AND STAFF OFFICER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR S.F. LAM.

AFTERWARDS, A HELICOPTER FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION WAS JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE RHKAAF AND THE AFD GROUND CREW.

/12 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

12

DISTRICT EFFORTS CRUCIAL IN

* * *

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION * *

THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES EQUAL IMPORTANCE TO PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOTH AT THE DISTRICT AND THE TERRITORY-WIDE LEVELS, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR LAN MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN ADDRESSING THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN JOINT AREA COMMITTEES SEMINAR ON "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION".

CITING CENTRAL AND WESTERN AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE NOW WORKING ON A NUMBER OF PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND OTHER RELATED FACILITIES.

"THE $350 MILLION HONG KONG PARK, WHICH OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 10 HECTARES ON THE FORMER VICTORIA BARRACKS, IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION NEXT YEAR,” MR LAN SAID, ADDING THAT IT WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL ATTRACTION TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.

HE SAID TWO MAJOR URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOULD FURTHER IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT SUPPORT OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS WAS VITAL TO MORE EFFECTIVELY TACKLE THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

MR LAN SAID THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD (DB) AND THE DISTRICT’S VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES (AC’S) HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS BY MAKING SUGGESTIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO THE GOVERNMENT.

FOR INSTANCE, HE SAID, THE AC’S CONCERNED HAD HELPED MINIMISE THE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM BY THE KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR BY-PRODUCT PLANT AND THE SAI STREET LARD WORKSHOP TO RESIDENTS.

FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE SHEUNG WAN AC MEMBERS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY MADE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO YU LAM TERRACE IN CENTRAL, HE SAID.

APART FROM MAKING CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS, MR LAN SAID, THE DB AND ACS HAD ALSO TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN ORGANISING A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

HE BELIEVED THAT A LARGE-SCALE COMPETITION ON RETRIEVING OLD NEWSPAPERS BEING HELD IN THE DISTRICT WOULD GENERATE A BETTER AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT.

/ON THE ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 13 -

ON THE ROLE OF AC’S IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, HE SAID THEY HAD GRADUALLY BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR CONSULTATIVE MACHINERIES IN THE TERRITORY’S DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

"THEY WILL BECOME EVEN MORE IMPORTANT AS HONG KONG ENTERS INTO ANOTHER PHASE OF DEMOCRATISATION," HE ADDED.

MR LAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO URGE AC MEMBERS TO CONTINUE THEIR GOOD WORK AND MAKE HONG KONG LIVE UP TO ITS REPUTATION AS THE "PEARL OF THE ORIENT”.

PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR DANIEL LAU, ALSO SPOKE AT THE SEMINAR WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY SEVERAL HUNDRED AC MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

------0-------

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION *»»»»»

A CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AT MORETON PLAYGROUND IN CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE MIMIC PERFORMANCES, COUNTRY MUSIC, GAME STALLS AND AN EXHIBITION. ADMISSION IS FREE AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME.

OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM AND A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR STEPHEN WONG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY AT 4 PM AT MORETON PLAYGROUND IN CAUSEWAY BAY.

-----0------------

714 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

14

CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS STATUTORY HOLIDAY *****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 26 (FRIDAY), IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.

ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

- - 0 - -

RUN-DOWN AREA IN SHEUNG WAN TO BE REDEVELOPED

*****

A SMALL AREA OF DILAPIDATED TENEMENTS, SHOPS AND WORKSHOPS IN SHEUNG WAN IS TO BE REDEVELOPED INTO A MODERN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH LOWER FLOORS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

REDEVELOPMENT OF THE 393-SQUARE-METRE SITE WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY AS ONE OF ITS URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME PROJECTS.

WHEN THE SCHEME IS COMPLETED IN 1993, IT WILL PROVIDE 50 DOMESTIC UNITS FOR SALE, A LANDSCAPED PODIUM FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS AND APPROXIMATELY 380 SQUARE METRES OF COMMERCIAL FLOOR SPACE.

THE SCHEME IS SEEN AS AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE TO UPGRADE AND REVITALISE PART OF SHEUNG WAN.

TO ENABLE THE SCHEME TO GO AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED IN ITS GAZETTE AN ORDER FOR THE RESUMPTION OF FIVE PRIVATE LOTS IN BONHAM STRAND AND WING LOK STREET WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA.

/THE LOTS

FRIDAY, 'OCTOBER 19, 1990

15

THE LOTS ARE LOCATED AT 129,131 AND 133 BONHAM STRAND AND 147 ANb 153 WING LOK STREET.

GENUINELY AFFECTED TENANTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR REHOUSING WILL BE RESETTLED IN EXISTING RENTAL ESTATES OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, OR ALTERNATIVELY THEY CAN SELECT TO PURCHASE A FLAT IN ONE OF THE SOCIETY’S URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS AT A DISCOUNT RATE.

AS REGARDS THE AFFECTED NON-DOMESTIC OCCUPANTS, THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO COMPENSATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE STATUTORY PROVISIONS UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 124.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL OFFER STATUTORY COMPENSATION TO THE LOT OWNERS.

. ------o--------

AMENDMENTS TO TWO DRAFT OZP’S

*****

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND THE DRAFT KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

ONE AMENDMENT ITEM WHICH IS COMMON TO BOTH DRAFT PLANS IS THE INCORPORATION OF STATUTORY PLOT RATIO CONTROL FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.

A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 9.5 IS IMPOSED ON ALL LAND DESIGNATED "INDUSTRIAL" ON BOTH PLANS.

IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN FLEXIBILITY FOR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES, MINOR RELAXATION OF THE STATED RESTRICTION, BASED ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF EACH CASE, MAY BE CONSIDERED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.

A TOWN PLANNING BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID: "CONTROLS ON THE INTENSITY OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT HAVE BECOME NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT A REASONABLE BALANCE EXISTS BETWEEN THE DEMANDS CREATED BY INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES AND THE CAPACITY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE THESE DEMANDS."

OTHER AMENDMENT ITEMS TO THE DRAFT TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN INCLUDE REZONING OF THE AREA BOUNDED BY SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI HO ROAD, YEUNG UK ROAD AND WO TIK STREET; AND THE CHINA DYEING WORKS FACTORY SITE IN PLANNING AREA 21 TO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" (CDA).

"THE ’CDA’ ZONING WILL ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WOULD BE DESIGNED IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT VARIOUS PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, NEIGHBOURHOOD COMPATIBILITY, PROVISION OF SHOPPING, COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AS WELL AS TRAFFIC AND PHASING REQUIREMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/THE CHINA .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

16

THE CHINA DYEING WORKS FACTORY, LOCATED IN TSUEN WAN PLANNING AREA 21, HAS BECOME INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE NEARBY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

DESIGNATION OF THE FACTORY SITE AS "CDA" WOULD NOT ONLY FACILITATE THE PHASING OUT OF THIS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY BUT ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THIS PART OF TSUEN WAN, ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN.

THE AREA BOUNDED BY SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI HO ROAD, YEUNG UK ROAD AND WO TIK STREET WHICH IS STRATEGICALLY LOCATED NEAR THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WITHIN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE, IS NOW RIPE FOR REDEVELOPMENT.

DESIGNATION OF THE AREA AS "CDA" WOULD PROVIDE A BASIS FOR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA WHICH WOULD PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE.

OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN RELATE MAINLY TO UPDATING OF THE PLAN WITH MORE RECENT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.

AS FOR THE DRAFT KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF KAU WA KENG AREA INTO "CDA" AND "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT".

THE REZONING ALLOWS FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA AND EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE KAU WA KENG VILLAGE.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS UNDER THE "CDA" ZONING WILL BE SUBJECT TO PLANNING APPROVAL OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD. THIS WILL ENSURE PROPER REPLANNING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THIS AREA.

A SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND LEI MUK ROAD IS REZONED TO "OPEN SPACE" IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE RELOCATION OF THE EXISTING GIRLS’ HOME TO A BETTER SITE AND AT THE SAME TIME PRESERVE A UNIQUE LANDSCAPE FEATURE IN THE AREA.

A SITE IS PROPOSED FOR RECLAMATION IN RAMBLER CHANNEL AREA AND ZONED "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "SLAUGHTERHOUSE AND ANIMAL LANDING AREA".

A PORTION OF THE EXISTING SHEK YAM ESTATE AND SHEK LEI ESTATE TOGETHER WITH TWO SITES ARE REZONED TO "OPEN SPACE".

THE EXISTING SHEK LEI PLAYGROUND IS REZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".

THIS GENERAL LAND USE RESTRUCTURING FOLLOWS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT STUDY FOR THE AREA.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE TO MITIGATE THE RESIDENTIAL/INDUSTRIAL INTERFACE PROBLEMS AND TO PROVIDE OPEN SPACE IN A CENTRAL LOCATION. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A HOUSING SITE WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SHEK LEI ESTATE.

/OBJECTIONS TO .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 17 -

OBJECTIONS TO THESE AMENDMANTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD HONG KONG AND SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 1990.

BOTH DRAFT PLANS 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;

- THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN MULTISTOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN (FOR DRAFT TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN);

- THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG (FOR DRAFT KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN);

- THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SECTION, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

- THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, HO FAI COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 222-224 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.

--------0-----------

"HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS” EXHIBITION OPEN TO PUBLIC * * » ♦ *

THE CURTAIN OF AN ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT, THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, WAS RAISED TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH A ’’HONG KONG FIGHTS DRUGS” EXHIBITION AT HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI.

ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE FORTNIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) UNTIL NOVEMBER 2.

EQUIPPED WITH VIDEOS, THE EXHIBITION OUTLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL STRATEGY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS WHICH INCLUDES LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION.

MAKING A PREVIEW THIS MORNING, THE ACTING NARCOTICS, MISS WINDY KWOK, SAID THE EXHIBITION FORTNIGHT WERE AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ABUSE PROBLEM.

COMMISSIONER AS WELL AS THE LOCAL

FOR THE DRUG

/"NO CAMPAIGN .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

18

"NO CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUGS CAN HOPE TO SUCCEED WITHOUT THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE," SHE STRESSED.

SHE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THE FORTNIGHT EVENT.

MISS KWOK SAID THE FORTNIGHT IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE, YOUNGSTERS IN PARTICULAR, TO ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND SAY ’NO’ TO ALL DRUGS, AND APPEAL TO PARENTS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN SO THAT THEY DO NOT FALL PREY TO DRUGS.

THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM AT THE OCEAN GALLERIES EXHIBITION CORNER OF THE HARBOUR CITY UNTIL SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21).

LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON THE SPOT.

AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THE FORTNIGHT ARE FAMILY OUTING AND KITE-FLYING DAY, DRUG EDUCATION WORKSHOP, TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTH LEADERS, EXHIBITION ON ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, ’SAY YES TO LIFE’ KARAOKE SINGING CONTEST AND ’TO CREATE A BRIGHT TOMORROW’ PHOTO COMPETITION.

------0-------

TENDERS INVITED FOR BRIDGE WORK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 216-METRE-LONG PIPE BRIDGE ACROSS SHING MUN RIVER FOR TRANSPORTING TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT.

TO BE BUILT NEAR SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO AN EXISTING SERVICE BRIDGE, THE PILED-SUPPORT BRIDGE WILL CARRY A TWIN TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT MAIN (WHICH IS 1.4 METRE IN DIAMETER) AND OTHER UTILITIES.

IT IS ONE PART OF THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME UNDER THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN, WHICH IS AIMED AT REDUCING POLLUTION IN TOLO HARBOUR, ONE MANIFESTATION OF WHICH IS THE FORMATION OF "RED TIDES".

ACCORDING TO THE EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME, TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM TAI PO AND SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, A NUTRIENT SOURCE TO THE HARBOUR, WILL BE TRANSPORTED THROUGH PIPELINES AND A TUNNEL TO THE HEAD OF KAI TAI NULLAH FOR DISPOSAL.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIPE BRIDGE IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT JANUARY AND LAST FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS UNDER THE DESIGN OF, AND SUPERVISION BY BALFOURS-HASWELL, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, THIRD FLOOR, BAY TOWER, 2-4 SUNNING ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 30.

------0-------

/19......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 19 -

FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER

*****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE RANGE ON 23 DAYS NEXT MONTH.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS HOISTED.

FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE TAKE PLACE:

PEAK

ARE

WILL

DATE TIME

NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 2 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 5 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

NOVEMBER 8 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 12 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

NOVEMBER 13 (TUESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM

NOVEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 19 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 20 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 22 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 10 PM

NOVEMBER 23 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 26 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

/NOVEMBER 27

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 20 -

NOVEMBER 27 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

NOVEMBER 29 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 30 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

------0--------

TRADE STAFF PRAISED FOR MULTILATERAL TRADE TALKS * * » » *

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU, PRAISED HIS STAFF TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THEIR "WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT AND DEDICATION" IN CARRYING OUT DUTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.

SPEAKING AT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL DINNER AND HOUSEWARMING GATHERING THIS EVENING, MR CHAU SAID THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS IN GENEVA HAD EXERTED VERY HEAVY DEMAND ON DIRECTORATE OFFICERS.

"WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COPE WITHOUT THE WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT AND DEDICATION OF STAFF OF ALL RANKS. I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO ALL COLLEAGUES," HE SAID.

MR CHAU SAID THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN A HECTIC ONE IN WHICH THE INCREASING VOLUME OF LICENCE APPLICATIONS HAD BROUGHT GREAT PRESSURE TO BEAR ON FRONTLINE STAFF.

"WE ISSUED 4.4 MILLION LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES OF VARIOUS SORTS IN 1989. FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, OUR OUTPUT WAS 3 MILLION," HE SAID.

ON THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW PREMISES AT TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, MR CHAU SAID THERE WAS A LIFT LINKING THE VARIOUS LICENSING OFFICES ON THE LOWER FLOORS WITH THE COMPUTER HALL ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, WHICH HAD IMPROVED THE FLOW OF WORK.

"ALSO, WITH MORE SPACE IN THE NEW PREMISES, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LAUNCH AN INSTANTANEOUS SERVICE FOR TEXTILE EXPORT LICENSING FOR THE NON-RESTRAINED MARKET WHEN THE NEW PREMISES CAME ON STREAM IN TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER," HE SAID.

MR CHAU ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO 14 STAFF MEMBERS AND THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION FOR LONG AND VALUABLE SERVICE TO FOUR MEMBERS.

/IN ADDITION ......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 21 -

IN ADDITION, 23 OTHERS WERE AWARDED THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE’S LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES.

HE ALSO PRESENTED AWARDS TO 12 STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE MOST COURTEOUS IN DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC.

ABOUT 350 STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ATTENDED THE EVENT.

---------0-----------

EXCITING PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL » ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE 12TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 28 TO PROVIDE SOME 40 RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS EVENTS FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID A NUMBER OF LARGE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES BUILT OR BEING PLANNED IN THE DISTRICT WOULD PROVIDE IMPETUS TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT.

’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY EARMARKED A 2,500-SQUARE METRE SITE IN TSUEN WAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS COMPLEX,” HE SAID.

HE SAID THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL, FIRST HELD IN 1979 AND WITH KEEN SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, HAD DEVELOPED INTO AN ANNUAL EVENT IN THE DISTRICT.

ON THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR CHUNG WAI-PING, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE KICKED OFF WITH A GO-KART RACE AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.

OTHER EVENTS WILL INCLUDE ARCHERY, MINI-SOCCER, FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER, HANDBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL, TENNIS, TABLE TENNIS, AEROBIC DANCES AND CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON.

THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY AND THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE CHINESE NATIONAL ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS TEAM.

THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS.

THE EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $900,000, WITH $300,000, COMING FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, $350,000 FROM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND THE REST FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.

---------0-----------

/22 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

22

NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HK CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ♦ * ♦ t »

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT FANLING PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

THE CARNIVAL, WHICH IS OPEN FREE TO THE PUBLIC, IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN. IT IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

PROGRAMMES WILL COMPRISE A VARIETY SHOW, STALL GAMES AND INFLATED ANIMAL-LIKE SPRING BED.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN; REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR PANG HOK-TUEN AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR LAW CHAK-TONG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.

- - 0 - -

RELOCATION OF DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE

*****

THE YAU CARNARVON ROAD EXPIRY.

TSTM DISTRICT OFFICE’S TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 40 WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) DUE TO LEASE

MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 301 2130 AND 301 2164.

- - 0 - -

/23 .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1990

- 23 -

FIGHT CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN MONG KOK

*****

A FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-JUVENILE CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21), BEGINNING AT 11 AM.

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

SIXTEEN LOCAL TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN MATCHES WHICH WILL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY THEREON.

A KICK-OFF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE MATCHES. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE POLICE MONG KOK DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR JAMES WALKER; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HO FEI-CHI; ASSISTANT MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT FUNG; AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS TAM CHEUNG KIT-YING.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY OF

THE MONG KOK ANTI-JUVENILE CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW AIRPORT ALSO BENEFITS SOUTHERN CHINA: GOVERNOR ................................. 1

SWD TO HELP SETTING UP OF CHILD CARE CENTRES ....................................... 2

CHILDREN CENTRE ESSENTIAL TO DEVELOPMENTS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS .............. 3

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1990

NEW AIRPORT ALSO BENEFITS SOUTHERN CHINA: GOVERNOR

******

THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT IS OF BENEFIT NOT JUST TO HONG KONG BUT ALSO TO SOUTHERN CHINA AND ITS DEVELOPMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM A SEVEN-DAY VISIT TO EUROPE,SIR DAVID SAID HE FOUND THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE ROLE HONG KONG COULD PLAY AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

"I THINK THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE POINT I WAS MAKING TO THEM WAS THAT NOW OUR RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG ARE GREATER THAN OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND MOST OF THOSE RE-EXPORTS ARE FROM CHINA. SO WE ARE PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.

"ALSO, THE OTHER WAY, INVESTMENT BETWEEN THE REST OF THE WORLD AND CHINA. AND I THINK IT’S THAT BRIDGE ROLE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA THAT PEOPLE SEE AS VERY IMPORTANT," HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE AIRPORT PROJECT, SIR DAVID SAID : "THAT IS WHY HAVING VERY GOOD COMMUNICATIONS HERE IS OF BENEFIT NOT JUST TO HONG KONG BUT TO SOUTHERN CHINA,AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTHERN CHINA AS WELL."

HE SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE PROJECT BUILT ON

TIME WHEN THEY WERE NEEDED, AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL IF

HONG KONG HAD STARTED BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT SOME YEARS AGO.

"WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW IS TO BUILD FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG

KONG AND IF YOU DON’T START DOING THAT NOW, YOU WILL MISS THE BUS,"

HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID IT IS INCONCEIVABLE THAT A FUTURE GOVERNMENT WOULD SIMPLY WANT TO PUT THAT AUTOMATICALLY INTO REVERSE OUT OF SPITE AS THAT WOULD NOT DO ANY GOOD FOR HONG KONG.

"WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO DO IS BUILD FOR THE GOOD OF HONG KONG FOR THE FUTURE, AND I THINK ANYBODY WHO HAS THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AT HEART WILL SEE THAT," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID HIS VISIT TO EUROPE WAS USEFUL AND HE BELIEVED THAT SUCH VISITS WERE PART OF AN ESSENTIAL PROCESS: "WE NEED TO TELL PEOPLE THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT HONG KONG,ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE PART IN THE ECONOMY HERE."

"I FOUND A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, AND I FOUND A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AS AN AREA OF OPPORTUNITY," HE SAID.

/SIR DAVID .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1990

SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY SORRY INDEED TO HEAR THAT THE LEADER OF THE CHINESE TEAM OF EXPERTS, MR YONG LONGGUI, HAD SUSTAINED INJURY.

"I AM TOLD THAT HE IS NOW RECOVERING. I CERTAINLY WOULD LIKE TO

SEND HIM MY BEST WISHES FOR HIS RECOVERY." HE SAID.

MEETING THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON AT THE AIRPORT WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BARONESS DUNN, AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE.

- - 0 - -

SWD TO HELP SETTING UP OF CHILD CARE CENTRES ******

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE ADVICES, SITE-SELECTION ASSISTANCE, DESIGN AND REGISTRATION MATTERS RELATING TO THE SETTING UP OF WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONGKONG BANK CHILD CARE CENTRE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, DESCRIBED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS CHILD CARE CENTRE AS A WELCOME INITIATIVE BY THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISION OF CHILD CARE CENTRE FACILITIES WAS A USEFUL TOOL, CONDUSIVE TO STAFF MORALE AND IN MITIGATING STAFF TURNOVER.

"FROM A BROADER PERSPECTIVE, IT SHOULD HELP TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON OTHER NURSERY FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR THE POPULATION AT LARGE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.

IN SOME SOCIETIES

EMPLOYERS PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN

THE

PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES BUT IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING.

"THE NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AND THE WELFARE AGENCIES ARE THE MAIN VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING SERVICES.

"IT WOULD BE A WELCOME TREND IF MORE EMPLOYERS WERE ENCOURAGED TO FOLLOW THE BANK’S LEAD AND ESTABLISH WELFARE FACILITIES FOR THEIR STAFF, THUS SPREADING THE BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY AND HOPEFULLY IMPROVING STANDARDS AND HELPING TO MAKE UP OVERALL SHORTFALLS IN PROVISION," MR CARTLAND SAID.

WHILE COMMENDING THE BANK’S CONCERN FOR ITS STAFF WELFARE, MR CARTLAND SAID: "EMPLOYER’S PARTICIPATION INDICATES AN ENLIGHTENED APPROACH TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AS WELL AS SHARING OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY THE EMPLOYER."

- - 0 - -

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1990

3 -

CHILDREN CENTRE ESSENTIAL TO DEVELOPMENTS

********

OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

A CHILDREN CENTRE SERVES AS A FOCAL POINT FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS TO SUSTAIN THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AND TO BOOST THEIR SOCIALISATION SKILLS.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE CHEVALIER GARDEN CHILDREN CENTRE CUM STUDY/READING ROOM OF THE BOYS' AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION AT MA ON SHAN ESTATE, SHA TIN TODAY (SATURDAY).

"THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF A CHILDREN CENTRE IS TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE CHILDREN CAN ACQUIRE PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL GROWTH AND ABILITY TO USE THEIR LEISURE TIME BENEFICIALLY," MR CARTLAND NOTED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE FORMATIVE YEARS OF A CHILD’S LIFE, GUIDANCE FROM PARENTS AND TEACHERS, AS WELL AS PEER GROUP INFLUENCE, HAD GREAT IMPACT ON A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT.

"IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL SYSTEMS OF MEMBERS OF CHILDREN CENTRES, ESPECIALLY THE FAMILY, WHICH HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT SOCIAL INSTITUTION THAT CAN INFLUENCE THE BEHAVIOUR AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD," HE ADDED.

ALL CHILDREN CENTRES OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION VERY FREQUENTLY INVOLVED THE PARENTS IN CENTRE ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.

"THE NEW CENTRE HAS MADE A PROMISING START TO MEET A GROWING NEED AS THE POPULATION OF MA ON SHAN HAS ALREADY REACHED OVER 70,000 AND MORE THAN 25,000 OF THEM ARE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE," MR CARTLAND SAID.

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHINESE EXPERTS ASK GOOD QUESTIONS ...................................... 1

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN AIR RIFLE PELLETS ....................... 1

41 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST ................................ 2

NEW I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1941-46 .......................... 2

IMPROVEMENT ON CLINIC FACILITIES ........................................ 4

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY CELEBRATES ............................... 4

READING SCHEME TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE SKILLS ..................... 5

STUDENTS INVITE TO ATTEND CSD OPEN DAY .................................. 6

'JING YING' CONCERT FOR CHINESE MUSIC LOVERS ............................ 7

ENTRY FOR HEALTH EDUCATION SONG CONTEST CLOSES SOON ..................... 8

COMPETITION TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ......................... 8

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION............................. 9

HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA ........................... 10

YAU TSIM TO HOLD FEAST FOR ELDERLY ..................................... 10

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

1

CHINESE EXPERTS ASK GOOD QUESTIONS ******

THE CHINESE EXPERT TEAM ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS ASK VERY GOOD QUESTIONS AND YOU GOT TO HAVE TALKS OF THIS SORT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE OPENING OF THE BRADBURY BUILDING OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY KAI-FONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, SIR PIERS SAID: "THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT WE ARE TALKING, WE ARE EXCHANGING INFORMATION AND WE ARE EXCHANGING VIEWS."

"THIS IS HOW BUSINESS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED," HE ADDED

WHEN ASKED IF THERE WOULD BE A JOINT STATEMENT AFTER THE MEETING, SIR PIERS REPLIED: "WHETHER THERE WILL BE A STATEMENT OR NOT, WE WILL DECIDE AT THE END."

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN AIR RIFLE PELLETS

*****

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC NOT TO BRING IN AIR RIFLE PELLETS WHEN RETURNING FROM CHINA.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID POSSESSION OF AIR RIFLE PELLETS WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE.

"ANY PERSON CONVICTED FOR POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 14 YEARS," HE SAID.

SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, SIX PASSENGERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 33 ARRIVING FROM CHINA VIA LOWU HAD BEEN PROSECUTED FOR POSSESSION OF A TOTAL 5,159 AIR RIFLE PELLETS.

THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CONVICTED AND FINED ABOUT $500 EACH. IN ADDITION, A CRIMINAL RECORD FOR EACH OFFENDER HAS BEEN ENTERED AS ORDERED BY THE COURT.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

- 2 -

41 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST

*****

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAD APPROVED A TOTAL OF 41 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN AUGUST.

OF THE PLANS, 20 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE IN KOWLOON AND 12 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 20 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; SEVEN FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT; AND TWO FOR FACTORY AND GODOWN PURPOSES.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 42 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 139,309.2 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 238,585.7 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,191 MILLION. THE USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 46,252 SQUARE METRES AND 123,246.3 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.

ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 28 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 10 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE FOR KOWLOON AND 13 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 27 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 60 BUILDINGS.

THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 540 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,039 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 403 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 326 BUILDINGS WITH NO EMERGENCY CLOSURES REQUIRED.

-----0-----

NEW I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1941-46

******

WOMEN BORN IN 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 AND 1946 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DECEMBER 8.

WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.

THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.

/ALL OFFICES .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

3 -

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 : 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 I.D. 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, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IF THE APPLICANT’S I.D. CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE »»» SYMBOL, SHE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE PERSONAL PROOFS.

"IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING HER EXISTING I.D. CARD, SHE MUST PRODUCE HER TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING (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 REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

------0--------

/4 .....

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

4

IMPROVEMENT ON CLINIC FACILITIES

*****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS SPENDING $1.5 MILLION THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE COVERED WAITING AREA AT SEVEN GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS TO KEEP PATIENTS FROM RAI AND SUNLIGHT.

THIS IS PART OF AN IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

WORK ON FIVE OF THE CLINICS HAS EITHER BEEN FINISHED OR IS NEARING COMPLETION, WHILE WORK ON THE REMAINING TWO WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PATIENTS AND THE PHYSICAL LIMITATION OF CLINICS, PEOPLE OFTEN HAVE TO QUEUE UP FOR REGISTRATION OUTSIDE THE BUILDING.

ON COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS, HE ADDED, PATIENTS ATTENDING THESE CLINICS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO LINE UP IN THE OPEN.

PLANS ARE IN HAND TO MAKE SIMILAR IMPROVEMENT TO 12 OTHER CLINICS.

- - 0 - -

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY CELEBRATES

*****

HONG KONG’S CREDIT UNIONS TODAY (SUNDAY) CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY TOGETHER WITH SOME 74 MILLION CREDIT UNION MEMBERS AROUND THE WORLD.

SPEAKING AT A DINNER PARTY ORGANISED BY THE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE OF HONG KONG TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND REGISTRAR OF CREDIT UNIONS, DR LAWRENCE LEE, PRAISED CREDIT UNIONS OF HAVING CREATED A POSITIVE VISION OF INDIVIDUAL AND GLOBAL POTENTIAL BY PROVIDING PEOPLE TO SHARE A COMMON BOND WITH A DEMOCRATIC ORGANISATION FOR SAVING AND BORROWING.

IN FACT, THE VERY THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY WAS "CREDIT UNIONS : CREATING A GLOBAL VISION".

"THE UNIQUENESS OF CREDIT UNIONS AS A SPECIALISED FORM OF COOPERATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DESERVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO HELP THOSE IN NEED OF THEIR SERVICES.

"THEREFORE, NOT ONLY MUST THE CREDIT UNION VISION SURVIVE BUT IT NEEDS TO BE CONTINUOUSLY RE-CREATED TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROMISE OF THE MOVEMENT," DR LEE SAID.

HE WISHED THE LEAGUE SUCCESS IN ITS PLANS TO SPREAD THE CREDIT UNION GOSPEL TO CHINA.

/CREDIT UNIONS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

CREDIT UNIONS, WHOSE MEMBERS JOIN VOLUNTARILY TOGETHER TO PROMOTE SELF-HELP AND MUTUAL HELP THROUGH LENDING THEIR SAVINGS TO NEEDY MEMBERS AT A LOW RATE OF INTEREST, HAD A HISTORY OF MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN HONG KONG.

AS AT MARCH 31 THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 66 REGISTERED CREDIT UNIONS IN THE TERRITORY WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 37,600.

ON AVERAGE, EACH MEMBER OF THE LOCAL CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT HAD SAVINGS OF $4,750, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT DURING THE YEAR. TOTAL DEPOSITS SAVED BY MEMBERS WERE $162 MILLION, OF WHICH 84 PER CENT WERE ON LOAN TO NEEDY MEMBERS.

NEVERTHELESS, DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT A CREDIT UNION WOULD NOT BE A PANACEA TO ALLEVIATE MEMBERS’ FINANCIAL PROBLEMS UNLESS ITS MEMBERS HAD A STRONG COMMON BOND AND UNLESS IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY AND EFFICIENTLY.

"AS THE MANAGEMENT OF A CREDIT UNION DEPENDS LARGELY ON VOLUNTEER HELP BY ENTHUSIASTIC MEMBERS, IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THEM TO RECEIVE AS MUCH TRAINING AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO EQUIP THEMSELVES FOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE CREDIT UNIONS,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE LEAGUE HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN PROVIDING THE REQUISITE EDUCATIONAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES FOR ITS MEMBERS.

DR LEE WENT ON TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTARY WORKERS AND LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.

HE THEN PRESENTED OUTSTANDING SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO FIVE CREDIT UNION MEMBERS - MADAM SIU SHIU-KUEN, CHIU WING-NIEN, LAM CHAI-CHUNG, YIP WAI-KUEN AND YUEN PAK-NIN.

TWO OTHER MEMBERS, CHAN KWOK-KUEN AND MA LEUNG-HANG, WERE HONOURED WITH LONG SERVICE AWARDS.

- - 0 - -

READING SCHEME TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE SKILLS * * t ♦ *

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1991 READING AWARD SCHEME WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND APRIL NEXT YEAR.

THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS' CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS, IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS AND PROMOTE THE USE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

/ABOUT 30,000

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

6

ABOUT 30,000 STUDENTS FROM 209 SCHOOLS JOINED THE SCHEME LAST YEAR, COMPARED WITH 27,000 FROM 194 SCHOOLS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, HE SAID.

’’STUDENTS JOINING THE SCHEME ARE REQUIRED TO READ NO LESS THAN 10 LIBRARY BOOKS INCLUDING AT LEAST THREE ENGLISH AND THREE CHINESE BOOKS.

’’THEY ARE THEN REQUIRED TO WRITE AN ESSAY TYPE BOOK REPORT ON ONE OF THE BOOKS IN 700-1,000 WORDS FOR SECONDARY 4 TO 5 STUDENTS AND 400-700 WORDS FOR SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS.

’’THEY MAY ALSO CHOOSE TO DESIGN A NEW BOOK COVER ON ONE OF THE BOOKS READ OR TO PROVIDE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR A BOOK TO EXPLAIN A MAIN POINT OR EPISODE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS OF $2,000, $1,500, AND $1,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST THREE BOOK REPORTS FOR BOTH THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR GROUPS.

IN ADDITION, TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPON OF $1,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST BOOK COVER DESIGN AND BOOK ILLUSTRATION.

PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO STUDENTS WHOSE ENTRIES ARE HIGHLY COMMENDED.

SCHOOLS WISHING TO JOIN THE SCHEME MAY SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE OCTOBER 31. FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL. 839 2505 AND 839 2506.

------0--------

STUDENTS INVITE TO ATTEND CSD OPEN DAY

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AN OPEN DAY TO BE HELD BY THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 11.

A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID INVITATION LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT OUT TO OVER 400 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS AND RESPONSE HAD SO FAR BEEN ENCOURAGING.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID LAST YEAR'S OPEN DAY WAS WELL RECEIVED BY STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FORM FOUR AND ABOVE, WHO FOUND THE VISIT TO THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE INTERESTING AND BENEFICIAL.

"THAT IS WHY THIS YEAR WE HAVE DECIDED TO OPEN THE INSTITUTE TO VISITORS ON TWO DAYS INSTEAD OF ONE SO AS TO FACILITATE MORE VISITS BY SCHOOL STUDENTS,” HE SAID.

APART FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ALSO WELCOMED TO ATTEND THE OPEN DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/"IN FACT ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

"IN FACT, WE HAVE ALSO SENT INVITATION LETTERS TO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, JUNIOR POLICE CALLS AND YOUTH CENTRES," HE ADDED.

THE OPEN DAY IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED WITH THE AIM OF INTRODUCING THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT ALSO FORMS PART OF CSD’S RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN.

THROUGH VARIOUS DISPLAYS, VISITORS WILL GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE PENAL INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS THE TRAINING OF CORRECTIONAL STAFF.

THERE WILL ALSO BE DEMONSTRATIONS ON HANDCUFFING TECHNIQUE, ANTI-RIOT CONTROL AND SELF-DEFENCE EXERCISES.

TRAINING FACILITIES, INCLUDING INDOOR FIRING RANGE, MUSEUM, TRAINING COURT ROOM AND TRAINING CELLS WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO VISITORS.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT VISIT ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 823 5118.

- - 0 - -

'JING YING’ CONCERT FOR CHINESE MUSIC LOVERS *****

THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL HOLD A ’JING YING CONCERT’ FOR LOCAL CHINESE MUSIC LOVERS AT THE DRAMA THEATRE OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25) STARTING 7.45 PM.

IT WILL BE PART OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE 1990 HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL WHICH STARTED SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20).

THE CONCERT WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE PLUCKED STRING ORCHESTRA. WINNERS OF THE SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL AND TWO GUEST MUSICIANS - CAI JINGMIN (DIZI) AND SAO HIOUX CHUN (QUZHENG) - WILL BE THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL.

UNDER THE BATON OF MISS CHAN MAN-CHONG, THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE PLUCKED STRING ORCHESTRA WILL PRESENT TO THE AUDIENCE TWO WELL-KNOWN COMPOSITIONS - ’AUTUMN MOON’ AND ’NIGHT SONG’.

MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA HAD GIVEN A SERIES OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCES DURING THEIR VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA THIS SUMMER.

TO ADD COLOUR TO THE FESTIVAL, THE TWO GUEST MUSICIANS WILL ALSO GIVE A SERIES OF MASTERCLASSES AT THE FIVE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY BETWEEN TOMORROW (OCTOBER 22) AND WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24). ADMISSION TO THE MASTERCLASSES IS FREE.

TICKETS FOR THE JING YING CONCERT, AT $20 AND $30 EACH, ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 823 5321.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

8

ENTRY FOR HEALTH EDUCATION SONG CONTEST CLOSES SOON

WITH ONLY SIX MORE DAYS TO GO BEFORE ENTRY FOR THE 1990 INTER-SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION SONG CONTEST CLOSES, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS, WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SINGING AND LYRIC WRITING, ARE URGED TO SEND IN THEIR ENTRIES WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ALL ENTRIES MUST CARRY THE THEME OF THE CONTEST - "TO BE HAPPY, TO BE CLEAN".

THE CONTEST, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

AIMED AT ENHANCING HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS, THE CONTEST WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS : THE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS.

EACH SCHOOL MAY SEND ONLY ONE CHOIR OF 30 TO 60 STUDENTS INCLUDING MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR EACH SECTION.

APART FROM TROPHIES, BOOK COUPONS WORTH OF $700 TO $1,600 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP THREE PARTICIPATING TEAMS IN EACH SECTION.

A TROPHY WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE BEST LYRIC WRITER. THE CHAMPION AND THE FIRST AND SECOND-RUNNER-UP WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY LATE THIS YEAR.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EIGHTH FLOOR, UC FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, 123A FA YUEN STREET, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 27.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 787 1229.

--------0------------

COMPETITION TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION « ♦ » ♦ »

A DESIGN COMPETITION MAKING USE OF WASTE MATERIALS IS BEING ORGANISED IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT TO AROUSE RESIDENTS' AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD'S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY STUDENT, SECONDARY STUDENT AND ADULT SECTIONS.

PARTICIPANTS CAN MAKE USE OF WASTE MATERIALS TO MOULD THEIR FAVOURITE TYPES OF OBJECTS FOR ARTISTIC APPRECIATION OR PRACTICAL USE.

/ADJUDICATION WILL .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

9 -

ADJUDICATION WILL BE BASED ON WHETHER OR NOT THE DESIGNS HAVE EMPHASISED THE THEMES OF RECYCLING OF WASTE MATERIALS, THEIR ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE VALUE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PC DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY OCTOBER 30 AND ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL AT NAM CHEONG STREET ON NOVEMBER 3 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 1 PM FOR ADJUDICATION.

THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A GIFT. PRIZES WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THE FOUR OUTSTANDING WINNERS IN EACH SECTION.

WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE KEEP SHAM SHUI PO CLEAN CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 11 AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 361 7125.

- - 0 - -

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

♦ t » » »

WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CARNIVAL TO HIGHLIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR MANN SAID THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE TOGETHER WITH THE DENSE POPULATION HAD GENERATED SERIOUS POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

"TO PREVENT THE ENVIRONMENT FROM BEING FURTHER POLLUTED, WE NEED TO START PROTECTING AND CONSERVING IT," HE ADDED.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S CARNIVAL AT MORETON PLAYGROUND IN CAUSEWAY BAY WERE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM AND DB MEMBER, MR STEPHEN WONG.

HUNDREDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS ATTEND THE CARNIVAL WHICH INCLUDED MIMIC AND COUNTRY MUSIC AS WELL AS GAME STALLS.

--------0 - -

/10 .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1990

10

HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA

*****

MORE THAN 200 CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THERE WERE KEEN COMPETITIONS IN THE 43 EVENTS WHICH WERE OBSERVED BY THRONGS OF SPECTATORS.

THE EVENT, ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT’S CURRENT SPORTS FESTIVAL, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES.

AFTER THE COMPETITIONS, ASSISTANCE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MONICA CHEN, PRESENTED TROPHIES TO WINNERS.

MISS CHEN SAID THE SWIMMING GALA WAS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.

SHE ALSO URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT’S MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE GALA WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAWRENCE LAM; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MS YIP SAU-WAH AND MRS IRENE LEE; AND AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.

- - 0 - -

YAU TSIM TO HOLD FEAST FOR ELDERLY

*****

MORE THAN 1,200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A VEGETARIAN FEAST TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE CONCOURSE.

THE DINNER IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIPS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS CHARITY FUND.

THERE WILL BE CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES AND THOSE ATTENDING WILL BE GIVEN LAI SEES AND SOUVENIRS.

DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER FERRY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT FOR THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 7 PM AT HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK MUST STRENGTHEN ITS ROLE TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO CHINA ........................... 1

SERIES OF BRIEFINGS TO CHINESE TEAM COMPLETED: CHIEF SECRETARY .................... 3

SHOPS FINED FOR FAILURE TO DISPLAY NOTICES IN GOLD AND PLATINUM SALES ............. 4

KAI TAK CENTRE FOR NEW CATEGORY OF RETURNEES ...................................... 5

182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TO BE ISSUED NEXT WEEK................................. 6

POST OFFICE ISSUES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS STAMPS AND POSTCARDS ......................... 6

LEGCO TO DEBATE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS ......................................... 8

KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TO DIVERSIFY SERVICES: LAN URGES ............................. 9

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .............................................................. 9

HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES .......................................................... 10

ALL POST OFFICES CLOSE ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ................................... 10

WATER CUTS IN THREE DISTRICTS .................................................... 10

LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS KMB .................................................... U

VEGETARIAN FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY ................................................. 12

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 1 -

HK MUST STRENGTHEN ITS ROLE TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO CHINA * » * * *

ONE OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR ROLES MUST CONTINUE TO BE TO PROVIDE A MART FOR THE EXCHANGE OF GOODS AND RESOURCES GENERATED AND NEEDED BY PRODUCTIVE ENTERPRISES IN THE HINTERLAND, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ADDRESSING THE PACIFIC RIM CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN GROWTH, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS TO SOUTH CHINA WHAT ROTTERDAM WAS TO EUROPE, OR NEW YORK TO THE EAST COAST AND THAT THERE WAS A CLEAR, COMPLEMENTARY ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THIS WIDER HINTERLAND.

HE SAID THAT HONG KONG BEING THE BEST DEEP WATER PORT ON CHINA’S SOUTHERN COAST WAS FAST APPROACHING CAPACITY AND HONG KONG MUST STRENGTHEN THAT ROLE BY THE INCREMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERMINALS IN ITS WESTERN HARBOUR, BY PROVIDING NEW TRANSPORT LINKS ACROSS OUR BORDER, AND BY EXPANDING FACILITIES FOR THE PEARL RIVES TRADE.

"A KEY PART OF THIS IS OUR DECISION TO BUILD A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK ON NORTH LANTAU.

"IT MUST BE CONSIDERED AS AN ENTREPOT FACILITY BECAUSE OF ITS CENTRAL ACCESSIBILITY TO THE TRIANGLE OF POTENTIAL URBAN GROWTH WHOSE CORNERS ARE MARKED BY HONG KONG, GUANGZHOU AND MACAU," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO DOUBT WHEN ONE CONSIDERED METROPOLITAN PARALLELS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD (SUCH AS GREATER LONDON, LOS ANGELES AND THE CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL BASE OF NORTH EUROPE) THAT THE LONG TERM URBAN DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA WAS SUCH THAT THE THREE AIRPORTS CURRENTLY PLANNED AT CHEK LAP KOK IN HONG KONG, HUANGTIAN NEAR SHENZHEN AND MACAU WOULD ALL BE REQUIRED.

OUTLINING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG IN ITS CITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PAST DECADES, SIR DAVID SAID ALL THIS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH THE PROGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CAREFULLY STRUCTURED HOUSING-LED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

"WE HAVE BUILT ON BASICS: MODEST INITIAL STANDARDS PROGRESSIVELY IMPROVED AS OUR ECONOMY GREW IN STRENGTH.

"PERIODICALLY, WE PAUSE, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND GIRD UP OUR LOINS FOR A MAJOR UPGRADING OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES -MASSIVE RESERVOIRS WHERE ONCE WAS SEA AND ISLANDS; TERRITORY-WIDE MASS TRANSPORT SYSTEMS; HUGE POWER STATIONS (PRIVATELY BUILT) AND NOW THE BIGGEST STEP OF ALL, THE DOUBLING IN SIZE OF OUR PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES."

SIR DAVID SAID THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN SUCH WORKS WAS OFTEN VERY SUBSTANTIAL - $25 BILLION FOR THE MTR ALONE.

/"BUT WE........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

2

"BUT WE TAKE THE LONG VIEW: THAT SURPLUSES SHOULD BE PLOUGHED BACK SO THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS CAN REAP THE BENEFIT OF EXPANDED ECONOMIC POTENTIAL.

"CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH, COUPLED WITH IMPROVED URBAN DESIGN, ARE ESSENTIAL FOR CREATING A BETTER CITY IN WHICH TO LIVE," HE SAID.

ON THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG INTO A STRONG INDUSTRIAL BASE, SIR DAVID SAID: "BECAUSE WE, AS A GOVERNMENT, OFFER NEITHER SUBSIDIES NOR PROTECTION TO OUR ENTREPRENEURS, OUR ECONOMY IS FREE CONSTANTLY TO ADAPT TO THE CHANGING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.

"MANUFACTURING HAS BECOME MORE SOPHISTICATED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY. PRODUCTIVITY HAS IMPROVED AND THE INDUSTRIAL WORK FORCE HAS DECLINED.

"A KEY CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR IN THIS LATTER TREND HAS BEEN CHINA’S ’OPEN DOOR POLICY’," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S ENTREPRENEURS WERE QUICK TO GO THROUGH CHINA’S DOOR WHEN IT OPENED IN THE LATE SEVENTIES; QUICK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PLENTIFUL LAND AND LABOUR IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA.

"MANY THOUSANDS OF HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS HAVE SET UP JOINT VENTURES OVER THE BORDER, WHILST RETAINING IN HONG KONG KEY FUNCTIONS SUCH AS PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, RESOURCE PROCUREMENT, PACKAGING, INFORMATION PROCESSING AND MARKETING.

"MUCH OF THE DELTA HAS THUS BECOME HONG KONG’S ’INDUSTRIAL HINTER-LAND’, AND HONG KONG HAS BEGUN TO DEVELOP AS THE SERVICE CENTRE FOR MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

"CHINA’S RE-OPENED DOOR HAS ALSO RESULTED IN A TREMENDOUS SURGE IN THE RE-EXPORT TRADE WHICH, OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS HAS GROWN AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF ABOUT 45 PER CENT," HE SAID.

TURNING TO HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO RELY ON EXCELLENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SOPHISTICATED COMPUTERISED INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND CONVENIENT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSPORTATION.

"MORE IMPORTANT IT WILL CONTINUE TO RENEW THESE VITAL INFRASTRUCTURAL COMPONENTS TO ENSURE THAT IT STAYS AHEAD AS THE COMMUNICATIONS HUB OF THE REGION," HE SAID.

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY WHICH PUMPED MANY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY EACH YEAR, SIR DAVID REITERATED THAT IF WE WERE TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF TOURISM AND SEE ITS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION GROW, WE WOULD NEED TO BUILD OUR AIRPORT QUICKLY AND TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS.

"NOTHING DETERS THE TRAVELLER MORE THAN CONGESTION AND DELAYS AT AN AIRPORT," HE SAID.

/THE CHIEF .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 3 -

THE CHIEF SECRETARY TOLD THE CONFERENCE THAT THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG WERE HIGHLY INTERDEPENDENT AND IN A CONSTANT STATE OF FRENETIC INTERACTION.

"IF ANY ONE ELEMENT IS ALLOWED TO FALTER EITHER BY INTENT OF DEFAULT, THEN THE EFFICIENCY OF THE WHOLE COMPLICATED SYSTEM COULD BE DIMINISHED," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HONG KONO APPROACH WHICH, CONSISTENTLY APPLIED, HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO ITS SUCCESS.

"THE FIRST IS A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL REINVESTMENT, WITH PRAGMATIC, INCREMENTAL DECISIONS TAKEN IN A TIMELY WAY TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF GROWTH.

"AND THE SECOND IS THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP OUT OF THE MARKET PLACE AND LEAVE BUSINESS DECISIONS TO THOSE WHO READ FREE MARKET SIGNALS BEST," HE SAID.

--------0-----------

SERIES OF BRIEFINGS TO CHINESE TEAM COMPLETED: CHIEF SECRETARY

******

THIS MORNING’S MEETING COMPLETES THE SERIES OF BRIEFINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO THE CHINESE TEAM OF EXPERTS WHO ARE HERE FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETING, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT WAS A REVIEW MEETING TODAY, THE FIRST OF TWO REVIEW MEETINGS. THERE IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY LATER IN THE WEEK."

"WE ANSWERED A SERIES OF QUESTIONS FROM THE CHINESE SIDE. WE HAVE AGREED TO GIVE FURTHER INFORMATION WHICH THEY HAVE REQUESTED,” HE ADDED.

"AS USUAL, THE MEETING WAS A VERY POSITIVE AND A USEFUL MEETING AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING THE TEAM LATER ON ON THURSDAY," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

/4.........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 4 -

SHOPS FINED FOR FAILURE TO DISPLAY NOTICES IN GOLD AND PLATINUM SALES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

OPERATORS OF SEVEN JEWELLERY SHOPS HAD BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $57,100 SO FAR THIS MONTH FOR FAILING TO DISPLAY THE MARKING ORDER NOTICES REQUIRED IN THE SALE OF GOLD AND PLATINUM ITEMS.

APPEARING IN DIFFERENT COURTS, MOSTLY THE SHATIN AND THE WESTERN MAGISTRACIES, THE DEFENDANTS PLEADED GUILTY TO CHARGES OF FAILING TO DISPLAY IN THEIR SHOPS MARKING ORDER NOTICES AS SPECIFIED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (GOLD AND GOLD ALLOY) ORDER 1984 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988.

THE GOLD MARKING ORDER NOTICE OR THE PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICE SHOULD INDICATE THAT EVERY ARTICLE MADE OF GOLD, GOLD ALLOY OR PLATINUM THAT IS SUPPLIED OR OFFERED FOR SUPPLY IN THE COURSE OF TRADE, SHOULD BEAR A MARK INDICATING THE FINENESS OF THE GOLD OR PLATINUM CONTENT.

THESE NOTICES SHOULD BE DISPLAYED AT A PROMINENT SITE IN PLACES WHERE GOLD OR PLATINUM ITEMS ARE SUPPLIED OR OFFERED FOR SUPPLY IN THE COURSE OF TRADE OR BUSINESS.

THE DEFENDANTS WERE TAI FOOK GOLD AND SILVER CO. LTD., CHEUNG HING JEWELLERY LTD., LEE WAI-LING OF SHATIN SUN TUNG SHING JEWELLERY AND GOLDSMITH, CHENG CHUN-TING OF CHENG KIN SHING GOLD SHOP, LEE SHUN-FOON OF WOO PING JEWELLERY CO., LO SI-YUNG OF YU WO AND TSANG HUNG OF TAI SANG GOLDSMITH.

THE COURTS HEARD THAT OFFICERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT VISITED THE SHOPS DURING A TERRITORY-WIDE INSPECTION ON JULY 12 THIS YEAR.

IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT SIX OF THE SHOPS HAD NOT DISPLAYED THE REQUIRED GOLD MARKING ORDER NOTICES, WHILE ONE WAS WITHOUT BOTH THE PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICE AND THAT OF THE GOLD MARKING ORDER NOTICE.

THE PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR C.K. WONG, SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR CONTRAVENING THE ORDER WAS A FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, AND A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR FIVE YEARS ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT.

HE REMINDED TRADERS OF GOLD AND PLATINUM ARTICLES THAT OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS OF THEIR SHOPS FROM TIME TO TIME.

"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADERS COMPLY WITH THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS IN THE LEGISLATION," HE SAID.

------0-------

/5.........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 5 -

KAI TAK CENTRE FOR NEW CATEGORY OF RETURNEES

*****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PART OF THE EXISTING KAI TAK DEPARTURE CENTRE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ACCOMMODATE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO WILL RETURN TO VIETNAM UNDER THE NEW SCHEME AGREED IN HANOI LAST MONTH BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM, HONG KONG, VIETNAM AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR).

UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THOSE BOAT PEOPLE WHO, WHILE NOT VOLUNTEERING TO RETURN ARE NEVERTHELESS NOT OPPOSED TO GOING BACK TO VIETNAM, CAN BE SENT BACK TO VIETNAM UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNHCR.

CURRENTLY, VBP’S WHO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN TO VIETNAM WERE ACCOMMODATED AT THE LO WU DETENTION CENTRE PRIOR TO REPATRIATION.

"AS PARTICIPANTS IN THE NEW SCHEME WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH DIFFERENT PROCEDURES, THE UNHCR AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE AGREED THAT THESE RETURNEES SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED IN A SEPARATE CENTRE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE NEW ACCOMMODATION WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF ABOUT 200 PLACES.

THE KAI TAK DEPARTURE CENTRE IS AT PRESENT USED TO HOUSE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, NORMALLY A FEW DAYS, BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT.

"THESE BOAT PEOPLE, LIKE THE REFUGEES IN THE EXISTING DEPARTURE CENTRE, ARE EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE CENTRE FOR ONLY A FEW DAYS BEFORE THEIR RETURN TO VIETNAM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO MAKE THE CENTRE MORE SECURE AND SUITABLE FOR USE AS A DETENTION CENTRE, MORE AND BETTER QUALITY FENCING WILL BE ERECTED AND OTHER MINOR RENOVATION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT.

THE DETENTION CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANAGED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WITH SUPPORT FROM THE POLICE TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER.

"THE CENTRE WILL BE GAZETTED AS A DETENTION CENTRE UNDER SECTION 13H OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 25 (THURSDAY)," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE REST OF THE KAI TAK CENTRE WOULD REMAIN AS A REFUGEE DEPARTURE CENTRE. BUT THE REFUGEES WOULD BE KEPT PHYSICALLY SEPARATE FROM THE BOAT PEOPLE IN THE CENTRE, HE ADDED.

- - 0---------

/6........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TO BE ISSUED NEXT WEEK ♦ * * * »

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS APPROVED THE ISSUE OF 182-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS IN ADDITION TO THE 91-DAY BILLS WHICH WERE ISSUED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

THE FIRST TENDER FOR 182-DAY BILL WILL BE HELD NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).

INITIALLY, UP TO $200 MILLION OF 182-DAY BILLS WILL BE ISSUED ON ALTERNATE WEEKS. THE RESERVE HELD BY THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL BE $60 •MILLION PER ISSUE.

"THE PROGRAMME FOR 91-DAY EXCHANGE FUND BILLS HAS BEEN OPERATING WELL. THE NEXT STEP IS TO EXTEND THE PROGRAMME BY THE ISSUE OF 182-DAY BILLS," THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

"THIS WILL HELP TO DEVELOP THE HONG KONG DOLLAR PAPER MARKET AND ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BILLS AS MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS," HE ADDED.

"WE HAVE CONSULTED THE MARKET COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG CAPITAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION. BOTH OF THEM SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE," MR NENDICK SAID.

ALL THE SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES FOR TENDER, ISSUE, REDEMPTION AND TRANSFER OF 91-DAY BILL WILL BE USED FOR THE 182-DAY BILL AS WELL.

THE FREQUENCY AND SIZE OF ISSUE WILL BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW AND ADJUSTED IF NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF ACTUAL RESPONSES IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MARKETS.

- - 0 - -

POST OFFICE ISSUES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS STAMPS AND POSTCARDS

*****

FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL SET OF CHRISTMAS STAMPS AND POSTCARDS THIS YEAR.

THE STAMPS FOR CHRISTMAS 1990 WILL BE ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 8.

THERE WILL BE SIX DENOMINATIONS: 50 CENTS, 60 CENTS, $1.4, $1.8, $2 AND $5.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC WONG, SAID: "THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE ISSUES A SET OF CHRISTMAS STAMPS AND POSTCARDS. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BE POPULAR."

/IN ADDITION

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL DATESTAMPS, MR WONG SAID SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR THE HAND-BACK SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 8.

THE POST OFFICE ORGANISED AN OPEN STAMP DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE 1990 CHRISTMAS STAMP AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.

OVER 8,500 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED.

THE FINAL STAMP DESIGNS WERE BASED ON THE CONCEPTS OF THE WINNING ENTRIES AND WERE REDRAWN BY A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER, MR IAN LEUNG, TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY IN STYLE AND FORMAT.

THE STAMPS ARE PRINTED BY LEIGN-MARDON PTY LTD. OF AUSTRALIA.

A SET OF FOUR POSTCARDS WITH DESIGNS DIFFERENT FROM THE STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED. THESE POSTCARDS ARE PRINTED BY SMITH AND WATTS LTD. OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 70 CENTS EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM TODAY (MONDAY). POSTCARDS AT $1 EACH WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM NOVEMBER 1.

THE STAMPS, POSTCARDS AND FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24) FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC.

ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM TODAY (MONDAY) TO NOVEMBER 2. 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 SPECIAL DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $13.5 EACH AT THE DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF 21 POST OFFICES ON NOVEMBER 8. THEY ARE:

HONG KONG ISLAND

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE KING'S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE

/KOWLOON........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 8 -

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 TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE

---------0----------

LEGCO TO DEBATE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS *****

FORTY-ONE LEGISLATORS ARE TO SPEAK IN THE TWO-DAY POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO) BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24).

THE DEBATE, ON A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS, WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY.

THE MOTION, TO BE MOVED BY THE SENIOR LEGCO MEMBER, THE HON ALLEN LEE, WILL READ: "THAT THIS COUNCIL THANKS THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ADDRESS".

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGCO MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

------0-------

/9 ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TO DIVERSIFY SERVICES: LAN URGES

*****

KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD CONSTANTLY REVIEW THEIR ROLE AND ORGANISATION AND TO RECRUIT YOUNGER MEMBERS TO KEEP UP WITH THE PACE OF THE TIME, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ADDRESSING THE 41ST KAIFONG FESTIVAL, HE SAID THAT IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC EXPECTED MORE INNOVATIVE AND TIMELY SERVICES WITH POPULATION INCREASE AND SOCIETAL CHANGES.

MR LAN WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SOME KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO MODERNISE AND DIVERSIFY THEIR SERVICES IN A HOPE THAT OTHERS WOULD FOLLOW SUIT.

"AS FOR THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, APART FROM REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINION, CAN ALSO HELP THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ACQUIRE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MEANING OF ELECTION AND THE PLATFORMS OF THE CANDIDATES AS WELL AS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT AND TO VOICE THEIR VIEWS," HE ADDED.

MR LAN SAID MANY KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS HAD SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS BY ACTIVELY PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION.

"I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE COMBINED STRENGTH OF MORE THAN 60 KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, MORE PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS TO JOINTLY PROMOTE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.

MR LAN ALSO PRAISED THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL WELFARE, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PAST FOUR DECADES.

- - 0 - -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 331.701 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 390.590 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0 - -

/10

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES

*****

EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN IN THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).

THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, 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 - -

ALL POST OFFICES CLOSE ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL

*****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THERE WILL BE NO LETTER DELIVERY AND ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).

- - 0 - -

WATER CUTS IN THREE DISTRICTS *****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME MONG KOK PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY SHAN TUNG STREET, CANTON ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD, TONG MEI ROAD AND FERRY STREET.

IN KWUN TONG, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED AT THE SAME TIME TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MING ROAD, SAU MAU PATH, INCLUDING BLOCKS 19-31 AND 42-45 OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE.

/ON THE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

i

- 11 -

ON THE SAME DAY, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES TO THE WESTERN SIDE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE, PEDDER STREET, WYNDHAM STREET, GLENEALY; AND TO THE NORTHERN SIDE OF CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, HOK SZ TERRACE; AND TO THE EASTERN SIDE OF SANDS STREET.

--------0-----------

LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS KMB

*****

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY AT LAI CHI KOK TO KEEP ABREAST OF LABOUR DEVELOPMENT THERE.

THE BUS COMPANY OPERATES FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUS SERVICES IN KOWLOON AND MOST PARTS. OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HAS A WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 10,000.

MR HAMMOND WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMPANY’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE COMPANY’S OPERATION AND ITS GENERAL LABOUR SITUATION.

THE COMMISSIONER WAS THEN SHOWN AROUND THE COMPANY’S CLINIC COMPUTER CENTRE AND THE LAI CHI KOK DEPdT AND MET STAFF AT WORK.

MR HAMMOND WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE COMPANY ESTABLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY SYSTEM IN 1988 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE TO PROMOTE IN-PLANT SAFETY.

IT INCLUDES A CENTRAL SAFETY COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMULATING OVERALL SAFETY POLICY AND SEVEN DEPOT SAFETY COMMITTEES WHICH CARRY OUT SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PLANTS ON A MONTHLY BASIS. THE COMMITTEES ALSO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS.

- - 0---------

/12 .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1990

- 12 -

VEGETARIAN FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY

*****

MORE THAN 1,200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT WERE TREATED TO A VEGETARIAN MEAL AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE CONCOURSE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.

THE DINNER WAS ARRANGED BY THE YAU MA TEI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AND A NEWSPAPER’S CHARITY FUND.

"LAI SEES" (RED PACKETS) WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED AND THOSE AGED OVER 90 WERE GIVEN COMMEMORATIVE GOLD PENDANTS.

THE OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THIS EVENING’S FUNCTION INCLUDED THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER FERRY; ICAC REGIONAL OFFICER (KOWLOON WEST), MR CHAN FEI-HUNG; REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (KOWLOON WEST), MRS PUN LI WAI-CHUN AND THE CHARITY FUND DIRECTOR, MR LI CHUNG-SING.

---------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, OCTOBER

CONTENTS

NATIONALITY STEERING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ...............................

CHINESE MEDICINE TO CONTAIN PART 1 POISIONS ...............................

GOVERNMENT LOTS SOLD FOR $243M ............................................

TAC RECOMMENDS TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT FOR ALL TAXIS ....................

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ......................................

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL SEEKS PUBLIC COMMITMENT .................

STUDY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY COMMISSIONED ...................................

ADDITIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR UNHCR .........................................

UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR LAB ELECTION ..............................

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED.......................................

SUSPENSION OF FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY .......................................

SURVEY ON ELDERLY LIFESTYLE ...............................................

23, 1990

PAGE NO.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

NATIONALITY STEERING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE INTENDED TO APPOINT THE FOLLOWING PERSONS TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE TO ADVISE HIM ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME

SIR DAVID FORD, CHIEF SECRETARY (CHAIRMAN) BARONESS DUNN SIR Q.W. LEE MR ANDREW SO

MR PETER WONG HON-YUEN

PROFESSOR CHARLES K. KAO

MR PETER HEAP, SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER

MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, COMMISSIONER, ICAC

MR E.B. WIGGHAM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE <

MR A.P. ASPREY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY

THESE APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE ON COMPLETION OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE IS MADE UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) ACT 1990 WHICH WILL NOT COME INTO FORCE UNTIL A COMMENCEMENT ORDER HAS BEEN LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT, PROBABLY IN NOVEMBER.

---------0-----------

CHINESE MEDICINE TO CONTAIN PART 1 POISONS

* « ♦ » ♦

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ASKED THE PUBLIC TO BE WARY OF A CHINESE MEDICINE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAME "CHUIFONG TOUKUWAN, NAN LIEN” AFTER SOME SEIZED SAMPLES OF THE MEDICINE WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN PART 1 POISONS.

THIS FOLLOWED A JOINT OPERATION BY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BRANCH AND PHARMACISTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH YESTERDAY (MONDAY) DURING WHICH ABOUT $3 MILLION WORTH OF SUCH MEDICINE WAS SEIZED.

/THE MEDICINE .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

THE MEDICINE, COMPRISING 1,910 KG OF BLACK PILLS BRANDED "CHUIFONG TOUKUWAN, NAN LIEN”, 660 KG OF RAW MATERIAL AND 77.5 KG OF SEMI-PRODUCT, WAS SEIZED WHEN OFFICERS RAIDED A CHINESE MEDICINE FACTORY IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN CHAI WAN.

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST FOUND THE MEDICINE TO CONTAIN FOUR CONTROLLED DRUGS, NAMELY MEFENAMIC ACID, DIAZEPAM, HYDRO-CHLOROTHIAZIDE AND INDOMETHACIN, WHICH ARE PART 1 POISONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLLIC THAT THE MEDICINE, IF TAKEN WITHOUT MEDICAL SUPERVISION, COULD CAUSE UNDESIRABLE SIDE-EFFECTS SUCH AS PEPTIC ULCERATION, GASTRO-INTESTINAL BLEEDING, HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA, CONFUSION, DRUG DEPENDENCE AND ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE, IN PARTICULAR IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES, HEPATIC OR RENAL IMPAIRMENT.

”AS IT IS AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS OR SELL SUCH PART 1 POISONS UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, MEDICINE DEALERS ARE REQUESTED TO SURRENDER THEIR STOCK OF THIS MEDICINE, IF ANY, TO THE FORENSIC PHARMACY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, CENTRE POINT BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI (TELEPHONE NO. 5735628) FOR DISPOSAL,” HE SAID

TWO MEN AND A WOMAN, AGED 40 TO 46, WERE ASSISTING CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT LOTS SOLD FOR $243M *****

THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $243.3 MILLION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT SUNG ON STREET, KOWLOON, WHICH WAS BOUGHT BY ANTIER INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED FOR $155 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $140 MILLION.

THE LOT, COVERING AN AREA OF 4,971 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR MULTISTOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, PETROL FILLING STATION, GODOWN AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.

THE SECOND LOT IS A GODOWN SITE LOCATED IN AREA 11, ON MUK STREET, SHA TIN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,050 SQUARE METRES.

IT WAS SOLD AT THE OFFSET PRICE OF $80 MILLION TO GENRIGHT INVESTMENT LIMITED.

/THE THIRD

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

3

THE THIRD LOT, LOCATED AT AH KUNG WAN, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,860 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

THE LOT WAS BOUGHT BY GARCODE COMPANY LIMITED FOR $8.3 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $4.5 MILLION.

THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA KEMPINSKI, WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR NIGEL BURLEY.

--------0-----------

TAC RECOMMENDS TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT FOR ALL TAXIS *****

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) RECOMMENDED A TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT FOR ALL TAXIS IN CONSIDERATION OF THE IMPACT OF FUEL PRICE INCREASES ON THE TAXI TRADE.

TAC MEMBERS NOTED THAT AMONG THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS MADE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY TAXI DRIVERS AND OPERATORS, BOTH THE TAXI TRADE AND THE DEPARTMENT PREFERRED A TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT TO A GENERAL FARE REVISION.

TAC SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT A GENERAL FARE INCREASE WAS "RIGID" AND COULD NOT BE EASILY ADJUSTED OR WITHDRAWN IN LINE WITH FUTURE FUEL PRICE CHANGES.

A GENERAL FARE INCREASE WILL ALSO REQUIRE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE OVERALL FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE TRADE, THEREBY TAKING A MUCH LONGER TIME TO PROCESS BEFORE A CASE COULD BE ESTABLISHED.

MOREOVER, THE LAST GENERAL FARE INCREASE WAS APPROVED ABOUT FIVE MONTHS AGO.

FOR EASY IMPLEMENTATION WITHOUT USING COMPLICATED TABLES SHOWING SCALED CHARGES OR REQUIRING FREQUENT ADJUSTMENTS, A FLAT ADDITIONAL CHARGE IS PROPOSED TO AVOID CAUSING CONFUSION AND DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PASSENGERS AND THE DRIVERS.

THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL CHARGE WILL ENABLE THE DAILY INCOME OF AN AVERAGE URBAN, NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI DRIVER TO INCREASE BY $30, $33 AND $18 PER SHIFT RESPECTIVELY.

THE TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT WILL BE WITHDRAWN ONCE THE COST OF DIESEL OIL FALLS BACK TO ITS PRE-AUGUST 22 LEVEL AND WHEN CONSIDERING THE NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATION FOR TAXI FARE INCREASE, THE TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT WILL BE SUBSUMED INTO THE PROPOSED NEW FARES.

/TAC'S RECOMMENDATION .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

TAC’S RECOMMENDATION WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND DECISION.

ON THE ISSUING OF NT TAXI LICENCES, THE TAC RECOMMENDED THAT THE ISSUE OF 100 NT TAXI LICENCES SHOULD BE WITHHELD THIS YEAR.

HOWEVER, FROM NEXT YEAR, NOT MORE THAN 100 SUCH LICENCES SHOULD BE ISSUED ANNUALLY, SUBJECT TO A REVIEW TO BE CONDUCTED IN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

IN ENDORSING THE RECOMMENDATION, THE TAC TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE NT TAXI OPERATION.

THE FINDINGS SHOWED THAT INCREASING COMPETITION FROM OTHER TRANSPORT MODES SUCH AS THE EXPANSION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY FEEDER BUSES, THE INCREASES IN GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE AND RESIDENTS’ SERVICES IN THE NT HAD AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE NT TAXI TRADE.

TAC MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE INDICATORS USED TO ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS.

IN JUNE THIS YEAR, WHEN TAC WAS PRESENTED WITH THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS MANAGEMENT REVIEW, MEMBERS SUGGESTED THAT THE YARDSTICKS USED TO ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS SHOULD BE CLEARLY MADE KNOWN TO THE BUS COMPANIES.

THE PURPOSE IS TO HELP MONITOR COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS LAID DOWN IN THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE AND ILLUSTRATE THE SERVICE STANDARDS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD LOOK FOR WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER THE EXCLUSIVE OPERATING RIGHTS OF A PARTICULAR FRANCHISEE SHOULD BE FURTHER EXTENDED.

THE TAC NOTED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN A REVIEW OF THE APPRAISAL PROCESS AND COME UP, IN THE LIGHT OF PAST EXPERIENCE, A REVISED SET OF INDICATORS WHICH WOULD BE APPLIED TO ALL FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS.

AREAS COVERED BY THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL INCLUDE ADHERENCE TO SERVICE SCHEDULE, CUSTOMER FEEDBACK, MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY STANDARD, GENERAL MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PRODUCTIVITY.

THE INDICATORS WOULD BE USED PRIMARILY COMPARING THE PRESENT AND PAST PERFORMANCE OF EACH BUS COMPANY, THEREBY ENSURING THAT IMPROVEMENTS OR DETERIORATION IN SERVICES CAN BE READILY IDENTIFIED, ON WHICH FURTHER MANAGEMENT OR POLICY ACTIONS WOULD BE BASED.

------0 - -

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

- 5 -

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES

*****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE INTEREST RATE PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.

AS FROM OCTOBER 24, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 7.08 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.56 PER CENT (TAX FREE).

THE AUTHORISATION WAS CONTAINED IN A LEGAL NOTICE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY).

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.59 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.

INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.

THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 24, 1990.

CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 24 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:

5.28% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER JUNE 29, 1988 AND BEFORE JULY 27, 1988;

5.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER JULY 27, 1988 AND BEFORE AUGUST 17, 1988;

6.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER AUGUST 17, 1988 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 1988;

6.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER DECEMBER 7, 1988 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 15, 1989;

7.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 8, 1989;

7.80% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER MARCH 8, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 22, 1989;

8.28% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER MARCH 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JUNE 22, 1989;

7.80% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER JUNE 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JULY 12, 1989;

7.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER JULY 12, 1989 AND BEFORE AUGUST 9, 1989;

/6.8% .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

- 6

6.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER AUGUST 9, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 7, 1990;

7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR

AFTER MARCH 7, 1990 AND BEFORE APRIL 4, 1990;

8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 4, 1990 AND BEFORE AUGUST 15, 1990; AND

7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 15, 1990 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 24, 1990.

BUT THIS IS ALWAYS SUBJECTED TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.

FOR EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 24, 1990, NOVEMBER 24, 1990 AND DECEMBER 24, 1990

RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 23, 1991 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

ON $1,000, OCTOBER 24, 1990 TO JANUARY 23, 1991

3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $5.90 PER MONTH =$17.70

ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 24, 1990 TO JANUARY 23, 1991

2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $5.90 PER MONTH =$11.80

ON $1,000, DECEMBER 24, 1990 TO JANUARY 23, 1991

1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $5.90 PER MONTH = $5.90

$35.40

-----0------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL SEEKS PUBLIC COMMITMENT

*****

HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL BE ASKED TO SHOW THEIR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BY HANGING A LEAF ON A "COMMITMENT TREE" DURING THE TWO-WEEK ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL, THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECC) ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE ECC CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, WHO IS ALSO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, SAID IN A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT A SYMBOLIC COMMITMENT TREE WILL BECOME THE FOCUS FOR COMMITMENTS FROM INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.

/"LEAVES PRODUCED .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

"LEAVES PRODUCED FROM RECYCLABLE MATERIALS WILL BE WRITTEN ON AND SIGNED, AND WILL SERVE AS THE SYMBOL OF THAT COMMITMENT AND THE PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BY THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,” MRS LAM SAID.

"THE EEC SLOGAN IS 'ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH ME!’ AND THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR WILL BE THE THREE R’S ---------- 'REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE’. THESE ARE ACTIONS WE MUST TAKE WITH OUR WASTE MATERIAL TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT," SHE ADDED.

SHE SAID THEY HOPED, BY ORGANISING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL, THAT THE AWARENESS OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG COULD BE RAISED.

"WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS FESTIVAL BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT," SHE SAID.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL, THE FIRST-EVER IN HONG KONG, WOULD BE OPENED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AT 11 AM-ON NOVEMBER 10 IN VICTORIA PARK.

MRS LAM SAID SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY TAKEN AN ACTIVE ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING THE THREE R’S. SOME 28 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD ALREADY STARTED SEPARATE COLLECTION OF WASTE PAPER.

MORE REMARKABLY, MRS LAM SAID, WAS THE PLAN THAT ALL PRINTED MATERIAL PRODUCED BY THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH WOULD BE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER IN FUTURE.

SHE HOPED THAT OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY WOULD PURSUE THE SAME COURSE.

TO TIE IN WITH THE PUBLICITY, MRS LAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES YESTERDAY (MONDAY) RELEASED A 30-SECOND TV API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST) THROUGH THE TWO LOCAL TELEVISION STATIONS URGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO WASTE PAPERS AS A MEANS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.

FOLLOWING THE HALF-HOUR OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL, THERE WOULD BE A SHOW PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR, WITH GAMES AND EXHIBITION STALLS ORGANISED BY THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.

A DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD ALSO BE HELD FOR THE BEST GAME STALL IN THE FAIR.

IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, THE ECC WOULD BUILD THE COMMITMENT TREE AND MOVE IT AROUND FOUR SEPARATE LOCATIONS IN THE TERRITORY DURING THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL, INVITING PEOPLE TO HANG THEIR COMMITMENT LEAVES AND BLOSSOMS ON IT.

/THE FOUR .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

- 8 -

THE FOUR SPOTS ARE VICTORIA PARK ON NOVEMBER 10, TELFORD GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY BETWEEN NOVEMBER 11 AND 16, NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN BETWEEN NOVEMBER 17 AND 23, AND FINALLY CHATER GARDEN IN CENTRAL ON NOVEMBER 24.

THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF WALES WOULD HELP TO TAKE CARE OF THE TRANSPORTATION OF THE COMMITMENT TREE AROUND THESE SPOTS.

MRS LAM SAID SHE WAS EXCITED TO SEE A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE ECC AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO LAUNCH A WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME IN ALL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

01 MAN ESTATE HAD BEEN SELECTED AS THE SITE FOR THE LAUNCH ACTIVITIES OF THE PROGRAMMES ON NOVEMBER 11.

IN ADDITION TO THESE PROGRAMMES, A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES WOULD BE ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY BY DISTRICT BOARDS, SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

AMONGST THE PROGRAMMES WERE WASTE PAPER COLLECTING AND RECYCLING PROGRAMMES, FUN FAIR, EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, VARIETY SHOWS AND DIFFERENT KINDS OF COMPETITIONS FOCUSING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE CONCLUDED WITH A CLOSING CEREMONY IN CHATER GARDEN ON NOVEMBER 24 WITH SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR, THE BARONESS DUNN, AS THE GUEST OF HONOUR. THE BARONESS DUNN WILL HANG THE LAST BLOSSOM ON THE COMMITMENT TREE.

MRS LAM EXPRESSED HER HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE SUPPORT FROM THE ELECTRONIC AND PRINT MEDIA, IN PARTICULAR, COMMERCIAL RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED (TVB), FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE FESTIVAL BY BROADCASTING A NUMBER OF EVENTS, AS WELL AS PRODUCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES DURING THE FESTIVAL.

DEPUTY CONVENER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL ORGANISING WORKING GROUP, MR HUNG WING-TAT, SAID A NUMBER OF COMPANIES IN HONG KONG WHO HAD TAKEN UP MAJOR SPONSORSHIPS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL HAD DEMONSTRATED CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

DONOR OF THE FESTIVAL WAS THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THE OTHER MAJOR SPONSORS INCLUDED CITIBANK, M.A.; ESPRIT DE CORP (ASIA) LTD; THE HONGKONG ELECTRIC CO LTD; HONG KONG TRADE FAIR GROUP; ISETAN OF JAPAN LTD; JARDINE PACIFIC; AND THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST PUBLISHERS LTD.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WHICH WAS FORMED IN EARLY 1990 WITH MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON. IT IS HOPED THAT THE FESTIVAL WOULD BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT.

------0-------

/9.........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

- 9 -

STUDY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY COMMISSIONED * * ♦ ♦ *

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A STUDY ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING WHAT FURTHER BASIC SUPPORT SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE’S INDUSTRIAL CLUB AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR BARMA SAID THE STUDY WAS PART OF REGULAR TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON MAJOR GROUPS OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

’’THESE STUDIES AIM TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS HAPPENING WORLDWIDE SO AS TO ASSIST THEM IN UPGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS AND IN ACHIEVING HIGH VALUE-ADDED IN THEIR PRODUCTS,” HE SAID.

HE SAID A STUDY ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS FIRST CONDUCTED IN 1985 AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM IT LED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THIS INDUSTRY. THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WAS A NOTABLE EXAMPLE.

THE LATEST STUDY ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR, HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE A TECHNOLOGY-ORIENTED CONSULTANCY SERVICE TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF LOCAL PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS, AND TO HELP THEM INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY.

"AS THE CENTRE’S CAPABILITY IN PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF . CONSULTANCY SERVICES HAS GRADUALLY BUILT UP, IT WAS FELT THAT AN INDUSTRIAL CLUB SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE CAN REACH A GREATER NUMBER OF MANUFACTURERS.

"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL CLUB IS PARTICULARLY TIMELY IN THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO HELP OUR PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE THEIR OPERATIONS IN VIEW OF THE GROWING COMPETITION THEY FACE IN WORLD MARKETS," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID WHILE THE HONG KONG PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS STILL COMPETITIVE IN MANY SECTORS, NOTABLY TOYS, THIS POSITION WAS BEING THREATENED BY THE PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE ON THE ONE HAND AND THE IMPROVED CAPABILITIES OF OUR COMPETITORS ON THE OTHER.

"THIS REINFORCES THE NEED FOR OUR PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS TO MOVE TOWARDS GREATER EFFICIENCY AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS IF THEY ARE TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMPETITIVENESS.

"TECHNOLOGY IS THE KEY TO ACHIEVING HIGH VALUE-ADDED THROUGH PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PRODUCT PRECISION AND INNOVATION," HE SAID.

------0-------

/io........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

- 10 -

ADDITIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR UNHCR

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AVAILABLE AN ADDITIONAL 130 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR USE BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.

THE NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING UNHCR OFFICE IN YAU MA TEI, WAS HANDED OVER TO THE UNHCR YESTERDAY (MONDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED TO ENABLE THE UNHCR TO PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO THE BOAT PEOPLE AND REFUGEE POPULATION NOW IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THIS EXPANSION WILL ALSO HELP THE OFFICE TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW PROGRAMME FOR THE RETURN OF BOAT PEOPLE WHO, WHILE NOT VOLUNTEERING TO RETURN, NEVERTHELESS ARE NOT OPPOSED TO GOING BACK TO VIETNAM,” HE ADDED.

------0-------

UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR LAB ELECTION

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS TO REGISTER IMMEDIATELY AS ELECTORS IN ORDER TO VOTE IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) ELECTION NEXT MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS MUST REACH THE LAB ELECTION OFFICE, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL, BY NOON ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27).

"ANY FORMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THE POST-MARK ON THE ENVELOPE CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE FORM IS POSTED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 26," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

"REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS WHICH DID NOT RECEIVE THE REGISTRATION FORM BY NOW SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE LAB ELECTION OFFICE ON TEL. 852 4027," HE ADDED.

THE LAB ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL ON NOVEMBER 10 (SATURDAY) AND EACH ELECTOR MAY APPOINT UP TO TWO AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE ELECTION.

REPRESENTATIVES MUST BE EITHER PAID-UP MEMBERS, OFFICERS OR PAID STAFF OF A UNION. THEY WILL CHOOSE FROM AMONG THE 15 NOMINATED CANDIDATES UP TO FIVE PERSONS TO SIT ON THE BOARD AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

/Il........

------0----------

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1990

11

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE A NUMBER OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT FLAT B ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND PORTIONS OF THE FLAT ROOF, PEARL COURT, 183 BOUNDARY STREET.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).

UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, THE CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.

-----0------

SUSPENSION OF FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY

*****

FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 3.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.

--------0-----------

SURVEY ON ELDERLY LIFESTYLE * * » ♦ »

THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE WORKING GROUP IS NOW CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL MID-NOVEMBER, IS TO DETERMINE THE LIFESTYLE OF THOSE AGED 50 OR ABOVE AND THEIR DEMANDS IN SOCIAL SERVICE.

SURVEY FINDINGS WILL BE RELEASED IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

STUDENTS SHOULD BE HELPED TO FORM OWN POLITICAL OPINION: ED......................... 1

NEW APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ....................................... 1

URBAN TAXI LICENCES FOR 1990 ....................................................... 2

1989 PILOT CENSUS DATA BURNT........................................................ 2

FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR GRAVE-SWEEPERS .............................................. 3

BE CAREFUL WITH BURNING TRIBUTES IN CHUNG YEUNG: FSD REMINDED ................... 3

YOUTH CAMP TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION......4.............................. 4

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990

1

STUDENTS SHOULD BE HELPED TO FORM OWN POLITICAL OPINION: ED ♦ * * ♦ ♦

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE VIEWS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEACHERS BEING URGED TO DISCUSS THE DIAOYUTAI ISLANDS ISSUE WITH THEIR STUDENTS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF THE GUIDELINES ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR CONCERNING THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION OR EXPRESSION OF OPINION OF A POLITICAL NATURE IN SCHOOLS.

THESE GUIDELINES WERE ISSUED FOLLOWING THE EARLIER AMENDMENT OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.

HE SAID THAT WHILST THE DEPARTMENT WISHES TO ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OR IN TOPICAL ISSUES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT TEACHERS SHOULD ADOPT AN OBJECTIVE AND BALANCED APPROACH WHEN DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES.

’’THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO HELP STUDENTS FORM THEIR OWN OPINIONS ON MATTERS DISCUSSED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

”IF TEACHERS CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO EXPRESS THEIR PERSONAL OPINIONS, THEY SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IT IS A PERSONAL OPINION THAT IS BEING EXPRESSED AND THAT STUDENTS SHOULD FORM THEIR OWN VIEWS.

’’THESE POINTS, AMONGST OTHERS, ARE CLEARLY SET OUT IN THE GUIDELINES WHICH THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS TO FOLLOW,” HE ADDED.

------U--------

NEW APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION * * * » ♦

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM AS A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

MR POON WAS A DIRECTOR AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE HAS WIDE COMMUNITY INTERESTS AND IS A MEMBER OF THE ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BOARD AND THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

MR POON ALSO SERVES ON THE CHINA COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND IS A COUNCIL MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED.

HE WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON NOVEMBER 1, 1990.

---------0-----------

/2.........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990

2

URBAN TAXI LICENCES FOR 1990

*****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON WHEN URBAN TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED FOR 1990, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE PUBLICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON NOVEMBER 2, 1990 THE TENDERING OF THE 150 URBAN TAXI LICENCES.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BASED ON A DECISION BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN ITS MEETING ON JUNE 21, 1990 THAT 150 URBAN TAXI LICENCES SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR 1990.

------0--------

1989 PILOT CENSUS DATA BURNT » » ♦ » »

QUESTIONNAIRES CONTAINING INDIVIDUAL DATA COLLECTED IN THE 1989 PILOT CENSUS WERE BURNT TO ASHES THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR UNDER THE CLOSE SUPERVISION OF STAFF OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT AS STIPULATED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE, PARTICULARS OF INDIVIDUAL PERSONS AND HOUSEHOLDS OBTAINED FROM A POPULATION CENSUS MUST BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. ALL QUESTIONNAIRES CONTAINING SUCH PARTICULARS MUST BE DESTROYED WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE CENSUS.

HE STRESSED THAT AT ALL STAGES OF THE OPERATION OF THE PILOT CENSUS, STEPS WERE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT CONFIDENTIALITY OF INDIVIDUAL DATA WAS STRICTLY MAINTAINED.

’’OTHER THAN THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CENSUS OPERATION, NO ONE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CAN HAVE ACCESS TO INDIVIDUAL DATA. THE CENSUS OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO DECLARE NOT TO DISCLOSE SUCH INFORMATION.

’’THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOW ARRANGED TO HAVE ALL THE QUESTIONNAIRES DESTROYED SO THAT THE PUBLIC WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY THAT THE QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE USED FOR OTHER MEANS,” HE ADDED.

THE 1989 PILOT CENSUS WAS CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER 1989 TO TEST THE DESIGN OF THE SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS TO BE HELD IN NEXT MARCH.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PICTURE TAKEN AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR WILL BE BOXED.

------0--------

/3 ......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990

3

FIRE SAFETY ADVICE FOR GRAVE-SWEEPERS » » * ♦ ♦

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED GRAVE-SWEEPERS TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.

THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR RAYMOND LAY, SAID AS THE DRY SEASON HAS SET IN, ANY CARELESS HANDLING OF WORSHIPPING ITEMS COULD EASILY SET THE COUNTRYSIDE ABLAZE.

"IN THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL DAY LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 64 HILL FIRE REPORTS WERE RECEIVED. AMONG THEM, 13 OCCURRED IN COUNTRY PARKS, DAMAGING 35 HECTARES OF PLANTATION AND 540 TREES," HE SAID.

HE SAID ALL THESE FIRES WERE CAUSED BY HUMAN NEGLIGENCE WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF PEOPLE OBSERVED A FEW SIMPLE RULES.

THESE RULES ARE:

» BURN WORSHIPPING ITEMS ONLY IN METAL CONTAINERS;

* DO NOT LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS STICKS AND PAPERS UNATTENDED;

* MAKE SURE ALL WORSHIPPING ITEMS ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING THE GRAVE SITES.

MR LAY ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD, IN FACT, PROVIDED FOR THESE PEOPLE METAL CONTAINERS IN VARIOUS PROMINENT LOCATIONS INSIDE THE COUNTRY PARK.

------0-------

BE CAREFUL WITH BURNING TRIBUTES IN CHUNG YEUNG: FSD REMINDED

PEOPLE ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE CAREFUL WITH BURNING JOSS STICKS AND PAPER TRIBUTES WHEN WORSHIPPING THEIR ANCESTORS DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.

A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE NUMBER OF FIRES RESULTING FROM CARELESS BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND PAPER TRIBUTES WAS ALWAYS HIGHER DURING THE GRAVE-SWEEPING PERIODS IN APRIL AND OCTOBER.

SEVEN OUT OF 80 FIRES OF THIS NATURE IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OCCURRED IN APRIL ALONE. LAST YEAR, 16 SUCH FIRES OCCURRED IN APRIL AND 54 OCCURRED IN OCTOBER, AGAINST A TOTAL OF 209.

/'•WORSHIPPERS MUST.........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1990

’’WORSHIPPERS MUST NOT LEAVE BURNING TRIBUTES UNATTENDED AND THEY SHOULD EXTINGUISH THEM BEFORE THEY LEFT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO URGED PEOPLE TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT FIRES IN THE DRY SEASON.

THERE WERE 14,491 FIRE CALLS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARING WITH 17,367 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989, HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

YOUTH CAMP TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ♦ » » » »

ABOUT 200 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS AND CIVIL AID SERVICES CADETS WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY CAMP AT YUEN TUN, TSING LUNG TAU FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS C.H. KONG, AND CAS CADETS COMMANDANT, MR LAU SHIU-NIN, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING.OF THE FIRST JOINT CAMP AT 4 PM ON FRIDAY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

WITH THE THEME ”TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP”, THE CAMP IS DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE PARTICIPANTS’ AWARENESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND TO INVOLVE THEM IN CONSERVATION WORK, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMP WILL INCLUDE FORUMS, EXHIBITION, ENTERTAINING PERFORMANCES, BALL GAMES AND ORIENTEERING COMPETITION.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT CAMP AT YUEN TUN, TSING LUNG TAU, NEW TERRITORIES AT 4 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 ........................... 1

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 ..............................

GOVT TEAM TO ATTEND REGIONAL MEETING ON REHABILITATION ................. 6

REGISTRATION OF PHILADELPHIA INT'L FINANCE CO AS DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED .................................................................. 7

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED ............................ 8

THREE GOVERNMENT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION .............................. 8

APPLICATION TO CLOSE A KOWLOON BUILDING ................................

TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INDUSTRY NEEDED .......... 10

JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED ....................... 11

GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET BY TENDER ................................... 12

STUDENTS' VIEW OF HK'S FUTURE IN DRAMA FORM ............................ 13

THURSDAY. OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 1 -

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990

******

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED STABLE IN SEPTEMBER AS COMPARED TO A YEAR EARLIER, WHILE RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE MARKEDLY.

RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

THESE WERE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1990, AT $19,525 MILLION, SHOWED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE OVER SEPTEMBER 1989.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, HOWEVER, INCREASED BY $4,665 MILLION OR 15.3 PER CENT TO $35,100 MILLION.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY $4,648 MILLION OR 9.3 PER CENT OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $54,625 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER 1990.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $6,944 MILLION OR 14.8 PER CENT OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $53,852 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER 1990.

AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $773 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER 1990.

THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $3,069 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER 1989.

PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1990 WAS $454,294 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $161,600 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $292,694 MILLION.

COMPARED WITH THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1989, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $35,578 MILLION OR 8.5 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS FALLING BY $2,328 MILLION OR 1.4 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS RISING BY $37,906 MILLION OR 14.9 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $35,578 MILLION OR 8.5 PER CENT, TO $455,869 MILLION.

A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1,575 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1990.

THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $1,514 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.

/COMMENTING ON .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 2 -

COMMENTING ON THE SEPTEMBER FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO BE ROBUST, WHILE THE DECLINES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SEEMED TO HAVE MODERATED OR STABILISED IN RECENT MONTHS.

THE STRONG GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A RAPID INCREASE IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN.

RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA ALSO PICKED UP IN RECENT MONTHS.

AS REGARDS RETAINED IMPORTS, A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER. THEY HAD ALREADY SHOWN POSITIVE GROWTH FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. THIS MIGHT SUGGEST SOME IMPROVEMENT IN DOMESTIC DEMAND.

THE SPOKESMAN, HOWEVER, SAID THAT DEVELOPMENTS STEMMING FROM THE GULF CRISIS WERE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, DEPENDING ON THE IMPACT OF THE CRISIS ON HONG KONG’S MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990:

MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $19,525 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS : $35,100 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS : $54,625 MILLION

IMPORTS : $53,852 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE : $773 MILLION

[IN SURPLUS]

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

JUL 90 TO

LATEST 3 MONTHS SEP 90 HK$ MN.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 61,062 RE-EXPORTS 109,597 TOTAL EXPORTS 170,659 IMPORTS 164,036 TRADE BALANCE 6,623

JUL 89 TO SEP 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

61,870 -808 -1.3

93,692 15,905 17.0

155,562 15,097 9.7

143,607 20,429 14.2

11,955 -5,332

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 1990 HK$ MN. SEPTEMBER 1989 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19,525 19,542 -17 -0.1

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.7%) (39.1%)

RE-EXPORTS 35,100 30,435 4,665 15.3

TOTAL EXPORTS 54,625 49,977 4,648 9.3

IMPORTS 53,852 46,908 6,944 14.8

TRADE BALANCE 773 3,069 -2,296

/LAST MONTH ......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

3 -

LAST MONTH SEPTEMBER 1990 HK$ MN. AUGUST 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19,525 21,128 -1,603 -7.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.7%) (35.5%)

RE-EXPORTS 35,100 38,304 -3,204 -8.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 54,625 59,432 -4,807 -8.1

IMPORTS 53,852 55,704 -1,852 -3.3

TRADE BALANCE 773 3,728 -2,955

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-SEP 1990 HK$ MN. JAN-SEP 1989 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 161,600 163,928 -2,328 -1.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.6%) (39.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 292,694 254,788 37,906 14.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 454,294 418,716 35,578 8.5

IMPORTS 455,869 420,230 35,639 8.5

TRADE BALANCE -1,575 -1,514 -61

LAST 12 MONTHS OCT 89 TO SEP 90 HK$ MN. OCT 88 TO SEP 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 221,776 225,219 -3,443 -1.5

RE-EXPORTS 384,311 337,245 47,066 14.0

TOTAL EXPORTS 606,087 562,464 43,623 7.8

IMPORTS 598,419 564,426 33,993 6.0

TRADE BALANCE 7,668 -1,962 9,630

- - 0 - -

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990.

THE CPI(A) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR SEPTEMBER 1990, AT 145.5, WAS 9.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1989 WHILE THE CPI(B), AT 144.9, WAS 9.9 PER CENT HIGHER.

THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE IN JULY AND AUGUST WERE 9.4 PER CENT FOR BOTH MONTHS FOR CPI(A), AND 9.5 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR CPI(B).

/FOR THE ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1990, THE AVERAGE CPI(A)

AND AVERAGE CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 9.4 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989. *

ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) IN SEPTEMBER 1990 WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION), TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES, FUEL AND LIGHT, AND SERVICES AT 18.2 PER CENT, 13.9 PER CENT, IT? 2 PER CENT AND 13.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE CPI(B) WERE 18.0 PER CENT, 14.8 PER CENT, 12.0 PER CENT AND 12.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ' .

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS, WHICH HAS THE LARGEST WEIGHTING IN THE OVERALL INDEX, INCREASED BY 9.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 9.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B).

THESE FIVE COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 76 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND 70 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH AUGUST 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED : BY 1.8 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 1.6 PER CENT, LARGELY BECAUSE OF INCREASES IN SCHOOL FEES AND PRICES OF TEXTBOOKS, HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS, INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES.

THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED IN SEPTEMBER 1990, AT 138.4 AND 138.0 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 9.5 PER CENT AND 9.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1989.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 1990, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.9 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 SEPTEMBER 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 1989, ARE GIVEN BELOW.

/(OCTOBER 1984 .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

5

(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)

SECTION CPI(A) CPI(B)

INDEX FOR SEP. 90 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 90 % CHANGE OVER SEP. 89 INDEX FOR SEP. 90 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 90 % CHANGE OVER SEP. 89

FOODSTUFFS 147.3 + 1.4 + 9.1 149.0 + 1.3 + 9.5

HOUSING FUEL AND 136.6 + 2.5 + 10.3 130.8 + 1.6 + 10.4

LIGHT 108.4 + 3.9 + 13.2 107.6 + 3.2 + 12.0

ALCOHOLIC 158.0 + 0.3 + 18.2 159.1 + 0.4 + 18.0

DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION)

CLOTHING AND 145.5 -0.0* + 7.8 148.6 + 0.0* + 7.7

FOOTWEAR DURABLE GOODS MISCELLANEOUS 126.4 + 0.4 + 3.5 125.4 + 0.6 + 3.4

GOODS 139.0 + 0.6 + 5.0 139.7 + 1.0 + 5.5

TRANSPORT AND 157.0 + 0.4 + 13.9 156.9 + 0.6 + 14.8

VEHICLES SERVICES 168.6 + 5.9 + 13.0 166.6 + 4.4 + 12.2

ALL ITEMS 145.5 + 1.8 + 9.7 144.9 + 1.6 + 9.9

» LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH AUGUST 1990, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 1.4 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.3 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND MOONCAKES AND IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER. EATING PLACES.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 2.5 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.6 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME FLATS IN HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 3.9 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 3.2 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AS WELL AS THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.

THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY AND COSMETICS.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 5.9 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 4.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO INCREASES IN SCHOOL FEES AND PRICES OF TEXTBOOKS, AND HIGHER NURSERY CHARGES.

/FIGURES HEREIN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 6 -

FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN 1 DECIMAL PLACE.

MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR SEPTEMBER 1990, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $5.0 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.

THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 154.7 IN SEPTEMBER 1990, UP BY 1.7 PER CENT OVER AUGUST 1990 AND BY 11.4 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1989.

THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT HK$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.

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GOVT TEAM TO ATTEND REGIONAL MEETING ON REHABILITATION ******

A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, LEFT FOR BEIJING TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ATTEND A REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON REHABILITATION.

THE CONFERENCE, WHICH IS THE NINTH ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL, WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (OCTOBER 26) TO NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).

MRS WONG IS TO GIVE A SPEECH AT A PLENARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE ON THE HONG KONG EXPERIENCE IN THE PROVISION OF EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE "SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT" SCHEME.

THE SCHEME IS A NEW MODEL OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED NOW BEING EXPERIMENTED IN HONG KONG UNDER THE COORDINATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

SPEAKING BEFORE HER DEPARTURE FOR BEIJING, MRS WONG SAID SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO LEARNING MORE ABOUT REHABILITATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

/"THE KNOWLEDGE .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

7 -

"THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN REHABILITATION WILL BE OF GREAT RELEVANCE TO THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG AND ALSO TO THE DRAFTING OF THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION," SHE SAID.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, WHOSE MEMBERS INCLUDED THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR ALAN WONG, WOULD ATTEND DISCUSSION SESSIONS ON THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT IN REHABILITATION, THE CREATION OF WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS, THE ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, AND IMPROVEMENT TO INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND COMMUNICATIONS ON DISABILITIES.

THE DELEGATION WOULD ALSO VISIT REHABILITATION CENTRES, SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND WELFARE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE IN BEIJING.

REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL IS A FEDERATION OF NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER ON BEHALF OF DISABLED PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TO PROMOTE THE PREVENTION OF DISABILITY, THE REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE AND THE EQUALISATION OF OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN SOCIETIES.

IN ADDITION TO MRS ELIZABETH WONG AND MR ALAN WONG, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION WERE: PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER MR PAUL LAM TIN-SIK, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR HOUDINI HO HO-TANG, AND SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS MRS KAN CHIK WAI-KWAN AND MRS WAN LEE LAI-MUI.

THE DELEGATION ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE AT THE INVITATION OF THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL.

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REGISTRATION OF PHILADELPHIA INT’L FINANCE CO AS DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED *****

THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FINANCE COMPANY - HONG KONG LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 25, 1990 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.

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/8 ........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 8 -

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED

*****

THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WHICH AIMS AT ALLOWING HOLDERS OF FOREIGN CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY TO SERVE AS OFFICERS ON SHIPS ON THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING UNDER A LICENSING SYSTEM WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE BILL PROVIDES POWER FOR REGULATIONS TO BE MADE TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO ISSUE LICENCES TO HOLDERS OF THOSE CERTIFICATES WHICH ARE RECOGNISED AS BEING BROADLY EQUIVALENT TO THE CORRESPONDING CLASS OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATES.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO ESTABLISH NEW DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES TO DEAL WITH ALLEGED CASES OF INCOMPETENCE OR MISCONDUCT BY OFFICERS ON SHIPS ON THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE . STEERING GROUP ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING RECOMMENDED THAT HOLDERS OF FOREIGN CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON SHIPS ON THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER UNDER A LICENSING SYSTEM WHICH WOULD ENSURE THAT MANNING STANDARDS COMPLIED WITH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REQUIREMENTS.

------0--------

THREE GOVERNMENT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION * * * *

THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 22.

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT YEN CHOW STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,198 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS, MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL AND RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA NOT EXCEEDING 77,738 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.

THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ONE IS LOCATED IN AREA 37A, SHA TIN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 16,305 SQUARE METRES.

/IT IS .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

9 -

IT IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA NOT LESS THAN 9,960 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.

THE THIRD LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 29A, FANLING, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 12,670 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 25,087 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1993.

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, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

------0--------

APPLICATION TO CLOSE A KOWLOON BUILDING ♦ * * * »

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY INTENDS TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN RESPECT OF THE EXTERNAL REAR STAIRCASE AND STRUCTURES IN THE OPEN YARD AND AT COCKLOFT AND ROOF LEVEL AT 106 SOY STREET, KOWLOON.

IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDING WAS A FOUR-STOREY POSTWAR BUILDING SERVED BY TWO STAIRCASES.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, AN ORDER WAS ISSUED REQUIRING THE OWNERS TO MAKE THE BUILDING SAFE BY CARRYING OUT REPAIRS AND DEMOLITION OF THE REAR STAIRCASE. THIS ORDER HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH AND WAS NOW IN DEFAULT.

THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT, ON BEHALF OF THE OWNERS, WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THE OCCUPANTS CONCERNED.

THE REAR STAIRCASE IS IN A SEVERELY DILAPIDATED CONDITION AND IS CONSIDERED TO BE DANGEROUS AND BEYOND REPAIR AND SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED.

/THE DEMOLITION .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 10 -

THE DEMOLITION OF THE REAR STAIRCASE WILL RENDER THE STRUCTURES IN THE YARD AND AT COCKLOFT AND ROOF LEVELS DANGEROUS DUE TO LACK OF SUPPORT AND THESE SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS BEING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 27 WERE POSTED TODAY.

MEANWHILE, THE AUTHORITY ALSO SEEKS TO CLOSE SOME UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT THE FLAT ROOF (FACING THE REAR LANE) ADJACENT TO WORKSHOP I, FIFTH FLOOR, 110 HOW MING STREET, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON IN ORDER THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 3, 1991 HAVE BEEN POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.

THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE SAID UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL BEGIN ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.

------0------------

TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INDUSTRY NEEDED

*****

THE EMERGENCE OF A TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL LINKAGE INDUSTRY.

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF CERTIFICATES OF MERIT IN THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN AWARD CATEGORY OF THE 1990 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY.

MR BARMA SAID AS HONG KONG MOVED AHEAD INTO THE 1990S, THE STRENGTH OF THE LINKAGE INDUSTRY WOULD BE A VITAL FACTOR IN ITS EXPORT PERFORMANCE.

HE SAID HONG KONG’S LINKAGE INDUSTRY MUST DEVELOP THE CAPACITY TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF MODERN MANUFACTURING.

”1 AM SURE THAT ALL INDUSTRIALISTS HERE TODAY FULLY APPRECIATE THAT THE SUCCESSFUL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER MUST BRING TO HIS MANUFACTURING OPERATION A BLEND OF HARD-HEAD MANAGEMENT AND CREATIVE IMAGINATION," HE SAID.

/MR BARMA .......

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 11 -

MR BARMA SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THE EXCELLENT RESPONSE IN THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT CATEGORY OF THE 1990 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY.

"NOT ONLY WERE THERE TWICE AS MANY ENTRIES AS LAST YEAR, BUT THE QUALITY OF ENTRIES WAS ALSO VERY HIGH. THE WINNERS OF CERTIFICATES OF MERIT IN THIS AWARD CATEGORY CAN BE JUSTLY PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT," HE SAID.

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JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED * ♦ * ♦ ♦

A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 32 PERSONS.

THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, SIX WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. OF THEM, FIVE WERE CAUGHT BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS DURING IDENTITY CHECKS AT FACTORIES AND THE OTHER ONE WAS CAUGHT BY LABOUR OFFICERS IN A SIMILAR OPERATION.

THE REMAINING 26 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO RE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

”OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.

"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO RE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.

DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH REGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY AND ENDED THIS MORNING, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTITY SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

/AS A........

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 6,660 PERSONS AND 545 VEHICLES WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTITY CHECKS.

NINE PERSONS WERE SUMMONSED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. A FURTHER THREE PERSONS WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 3,624 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

A TOTAL OF 13,952 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.

TWENTY-NINE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR INSPECTION A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET BY TENDER *****

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF THE EASTERN ROOM AT QUEEN’S PIER, HONG KONG.

THE ROOM, MEASURING ABOUT 12 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE (EXCLUDING STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS) PURPOSE.

THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 16.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND TENANCY AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MEZZANINE FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

- - 0 - -

/13

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1990

- 13 -

STUDENTS’ VIEW ON HE'S FUTURE IN DRAMA FORM

A STUDENT DRAMA NIGHT, THE ”HONG KONG IN THE 90’S VARIETY SHOW - THE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE”, WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN KOWLOON TONG ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27), STARTING AT 7 PM.

DRAMA TEAMS FROM SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS - CMA PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, NG WAH COLLEGE, SAM YUK MIDDLE SCHOOL, SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, ST PAUL’S COLLEGE AND ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE - WILL PLAY THEIR OWN SCRIPTS.

THE DRAMA NIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HARBOUR JAYCEES TO PROVIDE A CHANCE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF DRAMAS AND TO AROUSE THEIR CONCERN ON LOCAL AFFAIRS.

YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HARBOUR JAYCEES, MR YIP SING-KEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE STUDENT DRAMA NIGHT, ’’HONG KONG IN THE 90’S VARIETY SHOW - THE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE” WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON TONG, BEGINNING AT 7 PM.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ’ BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SECOND QUARTER 1990 SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED ...... 1

APPEAL TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD INCREASED ............................. 4

PARENTS TO RECEIVE FEE REMISSION PAYMENT SOON ......................... 5

ANTI-DRUG YOUTH LEADER CAMP ........................................... 6

KOWLOON CITY TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ....................... 7

SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN ............................... 7

TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH KART RACE ....................... 8

YAU TSIM TO HOLD WATERFRONT RACE ...................................... 9

CONCERT FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ........................................ 9

GOVERNMENT LOT TO LET BY TENDER ....................................... 10

TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD WORK ......................................... 10

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

SECOND QUARTER 1990 SHIPPING, * * *

PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED ♦ * * ♦ ♦

IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, 4,764 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 27.9 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 306 (OR SEVEN PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 0.8 MILLION NRT (OR THREE PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

THIS IS SHOWN IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT APRIL - JUNE 1990" PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) DECREASED BY FIVE PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF OIL TANKERS (+159), CONTAINER VESSELS (+86) AND SEMI-CONTAINER VESSELS (+31).

WHEN ANALYSED BY FLAG OF VESSELS, MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+197), LIBERIA (+44), DENMARK AND GREENLAND (+22), SOUTH KOREA (+19), WEST GERMANY (+19) AND SINGAPORE (+18), WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE REGISTERED IN PANAMA (-42) AND JAPAN (-31).

THE NUMBER OF INCOMING SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 10,000 DEADWEIGHT TONS INCREASED BY 175 WHILST THE NUMBER OF THOSE WITH A LARGER CAPACITY INCREASED BY 131.

IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, THERE WERE 4,783 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 28 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 319 (OR SEVEN PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF ONE MILLION NRT (OR FOUR PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 11 PER CENT. ABOUT 68 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.

OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, 87 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS IMPORTS AND 13 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.

OF THE CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, 63 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 37 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.

/THE MAJOR .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 199C

2

THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (18 PER CENT), JAPAN (13 PER CENT), CHINA (12 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (11 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (NINE PER CENT), AND TAIWAN (EIGHT PER CENT), WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE USA (20 PER CENT), CHINA (17 PER CENT), TAIWAN (12 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (FIVE PER CENT) AND JAPAN (FIVE PER CENT).

TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (36 PER CENT) AND THE USA (16 PER CENT), AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN THE USA (15 PER CENT-) AND CHINA (12 PER CENT).

COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM INDONESIA (+175 PER CENT), MALAYSIA (+75 PER CENT), CHINA (+16 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+12 PER CENT); WHILE MAJOR DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM SOUTH KOREA (-32 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (-26 PER CENT) AND AUSTRALIA (-23 PER CENT).

AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS DROPPED BY THREE PER CENT.

AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ORGANIC CHEMICALS (+59 PER CENT), CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (EXCLUDING FURNITURE) (+38 PER CENT), LOGS AND TIMBER (+23 PER CENT) AND PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+22 PER CENT); WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES (-24 PER CENT) AND COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (-23 PER CENT).

COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS REEXPORTS) INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT.

MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY (+58 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+24 PER CENT), THE PHILIPPINES (+19 PER CENT), INDONESIA (+17 PER CENT), CHINA (+14 PER CENT) AND THE USA (+12 PER CENT); WHILE A MAJOR DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO SOUTH KOREA (-14 PER CENT).

AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (+54 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (+42 PER CENT), OTHER MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+38 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+30 PER CENT) AND GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+23 PER CENT); WHILE A MAJOR DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PULP AND WASTE PAPER (-26 PER CENT).

OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 37 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO. OF THOSE LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 78 PER CENT WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO.

/IN TERMS .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

- 3 -

IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 31 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM (92 PER CENT), THE USA (83 PER CENT), TAIWAN (81 PER CENT) AND SOUTH KOREA (80 PER CENT).

THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE IMPORTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 ROSE BY SIX PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR, IN TONNAGE TERMS, 98 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, 95 PER CENT OF TEXTILE FIBRES, 94 PER CENT OF PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD AND 94 PER CENT OF OTHER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES AND PARTS.

FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR ALL SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, AND ALMOST ALL TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE USA AND AUSTRALIA.

THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE EXPORTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 ROSE BY 14 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989.

SEABORNE EXPORTS OF SOME PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES WERE ALL OR NEARLY ALL CONTAINERISED. THESE INCLUDED GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED; TOYS; COTTON GARMENTS; FOOTWEAR; TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS; COTTON TEXTILES AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED.

SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPMASTERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS AND COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT.

PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFESTS IS USED FOR COMPILING PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS BECAUSE OF RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.

MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 ARE CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT APRIL - JUNE 1990", WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, AT $26.50 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4887.

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/4.........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990 ,

4

APPEAL TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD INCREASED ♦ * » * ♦

THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 93 APPEALS IN CONNECTION WITH SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS IN 1989/90, REPRESENTING A SHARP INCREASE OF 52 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD, THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY GENERATED FROM APPEALS IN SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE, WHICH JUMPED FROM 50 IN THE PRECEDING YEAR TO 87 CASES IN 1989/90.

THE REMAINING CASES INCLUDED FOUR ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND TWO ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE.

REGARDING THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE APPEALS, 39 WERE ON NORMAL DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, 45 ON HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, TWO ON NORMAL OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND ONE ON HIGHER OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.

ALL APPEALS WILL BE HEARD BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WHO ARE UNOFFICIALS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

THEY FORMED AN INDEPENDENT BODY TO PROVIDE A MEANS OF REDRESS FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) IN RESPECT OF ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

IN 1989/90, THE BOARD HEARD A TOTAL OF 49 CASES, INCLUDING 16 CASES BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR.

A TOTAL OF 13 CASES WERE WITHDRAWN BY THE APPELLANTS AND ANOTHER 47 WERE CARRIED FORWARD TO THE YEAR 1990/91, PENDING HEARING.

THE BOARD HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO SEEK ITS ASSISTANCE IN ARRANGING MEDICAL BOARDS FOR RE-ASSESSMENT IN APPEALS WHERE A MEDICAL OPINION WAS REQUIRED.

THE MAJORITY OF THESE CASES RELATED TO DISABILITY ALLOWANCE APPEALS.

DURING THE YEAR, THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED 126 COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

OF THE COMPLAINTS, MORE THAN 60 PER CENT WERE SETTLED BY BOARD STAFF, 34 PER CENT EVENTUALLY BECAME APPEALS AND FOUR PER CENT WERE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES FOR SETTLEMENT.

TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD, POSTERS ABOUT THE APPEAL BOARD WERE DISPLAYED AT THE RECEPTION AREA OF EACH SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND RECEPTION AREA OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION. EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS ARE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE AT THESE OFFICES.

IN ADDITION, WHENEVER A PERSON WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE RESULT OF HIS APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BY THE SWD, HE WAS ALSO INFORMED OF HIS RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE BOARD IF HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION.

- - 0 - -

/5

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

- 5 -

PARENTS TO RECEIVE FEE REMISSION PAYMENT SOON

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE FIRST 1,100 APPLICATIONS FOR KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION AND SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE THEIR PAYMENTS FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, AMOUNTING TO $360,000, AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

OF THE APPLICATIONS PROCESSED, 976 WERE SUCCESSFUL. THESE INCLUDED 119 ELIGIBLE PARENTS WHO WILL RECEIVE 100 PER CENT OF THE ACTUAL FEE CHARGED OR THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEE OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS, WHICHEVER IS THE LESS.

ANOTHER 93 PARENTS WILL RECEIVE 75 PER CENT AND THE REST BETWEEN HALF AND A QUARTER OF EITHER THE ACTUAL FEE OR THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEE.

THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEES OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS FOR. 1990/91 SCHOOL YEAR ARE $336 FOR HALF-DAY AND $740 FOR FULL-DAY SESSION SCHOOLS. THE FEES WILL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT SINCE AUGUST THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 5,900 APPLICATIONS FOR FEE REMISSION FROM 508 KINDERGARTENS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, COMPARED WITH 4,400 LAST YEAR.

"PROCESSING OF ANOTHER 2,000 APPLICATIONS WILL BE COMPLETED SOMETIME NEXT MONTH AND THE REST BY DECEMBER," HE SAID.

"THEREAFTER, PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE, THROUGH THE KINDERGARTENS TO PARENTS, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY MAY APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE KINDERGARTENS FOR FEE REMISSION AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

COPIES OF A LEAFLET INTRODUCING THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME ARE AVAILABLE FROM KINDERGARTENS, DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME UNIT ON TEL. 839 2546 OR 839 2344.

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Z6 ........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

- 6

ANTI-DRUG YOUTH LEADER CAMP *****

ABOUT 250 YOUTH LEADERS FROM NINE ORGANISATIONS ARE NOW TAKING PART IN A THREE-DAY ANTI-DRUG TRAINING CAMP IN LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, SAI KUNG, STARTING TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE CAMP IS PART OF THE ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT PROGRAMME AND IS ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS.

IT IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN UP YOUTH LEADERS WITH KNOWLEDGE ON DRUGS AND NECESSARY SKILLS IN HELPING ABUSERS.

THE CAMP IS ALSO AIMED TO MOTIVATE PARTICIPANTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.

A NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID: "THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AT THE CAMP , IT IS HOPED THAT THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE WILL REACH, NOT ONLY THE CAMPERS, BUT ALSO OTHER MEMBERS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANISATIONS.

"APART FROM AN ANTI-DRUG SEMINAR, GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A TALENT SHOW COMPETITION, THE CAMPERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES,” HE ADDED.

THE CAMPERS CAME FROM THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG RED CROSS, THE HONG KONG AIR CADET CORPS, THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT JUNIOR LEADER CORPS, THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE (HONG KONG), AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP.

BEFORE THE CLOSING OF THE ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT NEXT FRIDAY, A "SAY YES TO LIFE" EXHIBITION ON ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE WILL BE HELD IN TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA BETWEEN OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 2.

A "TO CREATE A BRIGHT TOMORROW" PHOTO-TAKING COMPETITION IS STILL ACCEPTING ENTRIES FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND STUDENTS.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

7 -

KOWLOON CITY TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ******

A CARNIVAL TO KICK OFF THE 1990-91 KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.

THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A QUIZ COMPETITION, A BAND PARADE, CHILDREN KUNG-FU PERFORMANCES, DRAMA AND SINGING, GAME STALLS AND AN EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE; THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG.

THE CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED DURING THE FIVE-MONTH CAMPAIGN PERIOD.

THESE WILL INCLUDE A PROJECTS PARTICIPATION SCHEME, AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD SCHEME, AN ELDERLY PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND A CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CERFMONY OF THE KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.

--------0-----------

SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN *****

MOST OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF WORKERS USED SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AT WORK.

TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF USING PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT WORK, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN A THREE-DAY SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.

/THE EXHIBITION .......

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990.

- 8 -

THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK PROGRAMME ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.

THE EXHIBITION WILL EXPLAIN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND ILLUSTRATIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF USING SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT WHEN HANDLING ASBESTOS AND CHEMICALS AS WELL AS WORKING AT A HEIGHT OR IN A NOISY ENVIRONMENT.

A WIDE RANGE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT WILL BE ON DISPLAY AND SAFETY TRAINING VIDEOS WILL BE SHOWED ON A LARGE TELEVISION WALL.

THE DEPARTMENT’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DIVISION WILL SET UP A BOOTH IN THE EXHIBITION TO INTRODUCE ITS WORK AND SERVICES.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL MONDAY (OCTOBER 29).

-----0--------

TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH KART RACE

******

THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A KART PRIX ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28).

ABOUT 100 PARTICIPANTS WILL COMPETE FOR VARIOUS TROPHIES AT THE RACE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM IN THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.

OFFICIATING AT THE GRAND OPENING AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH-LONG TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE CHINESE NATIONAL ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS TEAM, FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER, HANDBALL, ARCHERY AND A CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE 12TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS. THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL IS ABOUT $900,000.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN KART PRIX AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28).

THE RACE WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM.

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/9 ........

4

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1990

9

YAU TSIM TO HOLD WATERFRONT RACE

MORE THAN 260 JOGGERS WILL COMPETE IN THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT ROUND-THE-PARK RACE ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE PARK.

SPONSORED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, THE 4,200-METRE RACE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

PARTICIPANTS WILL START THEIR RACE NEAR THE NEW WORLD HOTEL AND COMPETE ALONG THE WATERFRONT TO THE HONG KONG COLISEUM BEFORE TURNING BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.

THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH WILL OFFICIATE AT THE START-OFF CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ROUND-THE-PARK RACE ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE PARK WHICH WILL START AT 9 AM. THE ASSEMBLY POINT WILL BE AT THE PARK BEHIND THE NEW WORLD HOTEL. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES WILL BE HELD AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE RACE.

------0--------

CONCERT FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR CONCERT ON POPULAR CHINESE FOLK SONGS AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BEGINNING AT 7.45 PM.

THE CONCERT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK WEST AREA COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN CHINESE MUSIC.

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE CONCERT. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA; AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BEGINNING AT 7.45 PM AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI.

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/10........

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26,

1990

- 10 -

GOVERNMENT LOT TO LET BY TENDER ♦ ♦ » « »

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A LOT IN SHA TIN, THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE 3,875-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS LOCATED AT ON MUK STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN AND IS TO BE USED FOR STORAGE OF GOODS, EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES, TRAILERS, CHASSIS AND CONTAINERS.

THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.

FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

* THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN;

♦ THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

------0--------

TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD WORK » » ♦ ♦ ♦

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD FOR THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL.

WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLECARRIAGEWAY ROAD LINKING THE LANDFILL WITH SHA TAU KOK ROAD, STREAM DIVERSION, EARTHWORKS, LANDSCAPING AND WATERMAIN LAYING.

THE CONTRACT PERIOD IS 20 MONTHS AND WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY L.G. MOUCHEL AND PARTNERS (ASIA), CONSULTING ENGINEERS, HONG KONG FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, 24TH FLOOR CITICORP CENTRE, 18 WHITFIELD ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.

- - 0---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BUILDING OWNERS HAVE ONUS TO CHECK SAFETY: GOVERNOR ...................... 1

GOVT DETERMINED TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY: GOVERNOR ................... 2

NEW MODE OF EMPOLYMENT FOR THE DISABLED................................... 3

LONG DISTANCE RUN ON CHEUNG CHAU ......................................... 5

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

1

BUILDING OWNERS HAVE ONUS TO CHECK SAFETY: GOVERNOR

******

THE OWNERS OF OLD AND NEW BUILDINGS MUST CHECK THE SAFETY OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND MUST MAINTAIN AND KEEP THEM UP TO STANDARD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK AT SHA TIN, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WAS THE WAY TO TRY TO AVOID THE SORT OF APPALLING ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED LAST NIGHT.

"WE ARE ALL HORRIFIED BY THE INCIDENT YESTERDAY WITH THE COLLAPSE OF A CANOPY AND I HEARD THE NEWS WITH DEEP DISTRESS FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE CONCERNED," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WAS WORKING ON TRYING TO ESTABLISH WHAT CAUSED THE COLLAPSE. "AND I’VE ASKED FOR A REPORT ON IT."

HE ALSO STRESSED THAT IT WAS NOT JUST DURING CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING THAT WAS IMPORTANT, BUT MAINTAINING IT WAS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE WOULD PROBABLY BE A CORONER’S INQUIRY INTO THE INCIDENT AND DETAILED QUESTIONS WOULD THEN BE ASKED: "SO IF THERE IS A CORONER’S INQUIRY, THE PEOPLE CONCERNED CAN’T SAY ANYTHING UNTIL THE INQUIRY."

"BUT IF THERE HAD BEEN INFRINGEMENTS OF THE REGULATIONS THEN OBVIOUSLY THAT HAS TO BE LOOKED INTO, BUT WE DON’T KNOW THE CAUSE SO I WOULDN’T LIKE TO GO INTO THAT AT THE MOMENT," HE SAID.

"I DO WANT TO EMPHASISE THAT OWNERS OF BUILDINGS HAVE A REAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR BUILDINGS," HE ADDED.

ASKED IF SOMETHING URGENT SHOULD BE DONE BECAUSE OF THE SHORTAGE OF BUILDING INSPECTORS AND THE RECENT COLLAPSE OF AN OLD BUILDING IN SHEUNG WAN, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE BUILDING INSPECTORS GOING AROUND INSPECTING EVERY SINGLE BUILDING EACH YEAR IN HONG KONG.

"OF COURSE, THEY WANT TO LOOK AT THE OLD BUILDINGS AND DO IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. OF COURSE, THEY HAVE LIMITATIONS ON MANPOWER. EVERYBODY HAS THAT. THEY DO THE BEST THEY CAN AND THAT IS WHAT THEY HAVE GOT TO GO ON DOING," HE SAID.

"BUT WITH A NEW BUILDING, SOMETHING CLEARLY IS WRONG. THE BUILDING HASN'T JUST DETERIORATED OVER AGE AND FOR THAT, ONE HAS TO LOOK TO THE OWNERS TO SEE WHAT WENT WRONG," HE ADDED.

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/2 ........

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

2

GOVT DETERMINED TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY: GOVERNOR

******

THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S RECORD IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WOULD BE DONE THROUGH A SET OF NEW REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD COME INTO FORCE IN JUST OVER A MONTH’S TIME.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE MESSAGE SHOULD BE CLEAR TO ALL -EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE.

HE SAID MUCH HAD BEEN DONE IN HONG KONG TO PROMOTE GREATER SAFETY AT WORK.

THESE INCLUDED REGULAR AND INCREASINGLY-SOPHISTICATED PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, REINFORCED INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND TIGHTENED AND IMPROVED LEGISLATION.

HOWEVER, SIR DAVID SAID MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE AND ATTITUDES STILL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ACCIDENTS AT WORK COST SOCIETY DEARLY IN LOST PRODUCTIVITY AND HEALTH CARE, DESTROY LIVES AND IMPOVERISH FAMILIES.

’’THEY REMOVE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE FROM THE WORKPLACE AND DEMORALISE THOSE WHO REMAIN.

"OUR ACCIDENT RECORD IS OUT THAT THIS WAS PARTICULARLY THE ACCIDENT RATE HAD BEEN PROPORTION OF THE WORKFORCE.

STILL FAR FROM GOOD," HE SAID, POINTING TRUE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHERE INCREASING BOTH IN TOTAL AND AS A

IT WAS THUS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE "FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE" WAS AMENDED LAST YEAR TO REINFORCE OBLIGATIONS ON BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.

PRISON SENTENCES WERE INTRODUCED FOR SERIOUS BREACHES OF THE REGULATIONS, HE ADDED.

"EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN GIVEN 12 MONTHS TO PREPARE FOR THESE NEW OBLIGATIONS. THEY COME INTO FORCE IN JUST OVER A MONTH’S TIME.

"WORKING SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES SHOULD BY NOW HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY REVIEWED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.

/"IF ANY .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

- 3 -

"IF ANY OF THOSE INVOLVED STILL HAVE QUERIES ABOUT THE NEW REGULATIONS THEY SHOULD QUICKLY CONTACT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL WHO WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR, HOWEVER, SAID IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, EDUCATION WAS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN LEGISLATION.

"THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK WILL EDUCATE," HE SAID, "IT WILL FOCUS PUBLIC ATTENTION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK."

"IT WILL ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO SEE SAFETY AS A VITAL ELEMENT IN EFFICIENT, MODERN MANAGEMENT.

"AND IT WILL HIGHLIGHT FOR EMPLOYEES THE PERSONAL BENEFITS OF SENSIBLE WORK PRACTICES,” HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL HAS THE GOVERNMENT'S FULL SUPPORT.

"I WISH THE COUNCIL AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK EVERY SUCCESS IN DRIVING HOME THE SAFETY MESSAGE," HE SAID.

------0-------

NEW MODE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED *****

HONG KONG IS CURRENTLY EXPERIMENTING A NEW EMPLOYMENT SCHEME FOR THE DISABLED, WHICH IS A MODE OF EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT IN THE OPEN MARKET AND SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD A REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN BEIJING.

SPEAKING AT THE NINTH ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL IN BEIJING TODAY (SATURDAY), MRS WONG SAID SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT WAS NO LONGER THE ONLY OUTLET FOR THOSE PEOPLE WITH RELATIVELY SEVERE DISABILITIES.

"EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT, GIVEN ADEQUATE TRAINING AND SUPPORT, SUCH PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO WORK OUTSIDE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS," SHE SAID.

AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE CONCEPT OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG. IT WAS SUITABLE FOR THOSE FOR WHOM COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT AT OR ABOVE MARKET WAGE LEVEL WAS UNLIKELY UNLESS ONGOING SUPPORT WAS AVAILABLE IN THE FORM OF ON-THE-JOB SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND COUNSELLING.

/"THROUGH SUCH .......

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

"THROUGH SUCH SUPPORT, DISABLED PERSONS CAN GAIN ACCESS TO A WIDER RANGE OF WAGE-GENERATING WORK IN A VARIETY OF WORK SETTINGS, OBTAINING HIGHER INCOME AND BETTER JOB SECURITY."

MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE FOUR PROGRAMME MODELS OF SUPPORTED EMPOLYMENT UNDER WHICH VARIOUS TYPES AND CONDITIONS OF WORK WERE MATCHED TO ABILITY. THE FOUR WERE: SUPPORTED JOBS MODEL, ENCLAVE MODEL, MOBILE CREW MODEL AND BENCHWORK MODEL.

THE SUPPORTED JOBS MODEL PLACES INDIVIDUAL ADULTS IN ORDINARY JOBS, AND SUPPORT IS PROVIDED AT THE WORK PLACE BY TRAINED STAFF IN THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL OR NON-PROFIT-MAKING ESTABLISHMENT.

IN THE ENCLAVE MODEL, A GROUP OF SIX TO EIGHT HANDICAPPED PERSONS WORK IN A REGULAR INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL SETTING WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EMPLOYER-AGENT. WITHIN AN ENCLAVE, DISABLED EMPLOYEES HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO WORK IN THE COMPANY AND ENJOY THE SAME WORKING CONDITIONS AND THE SAME SALARY.

IN THE MOBILE CREW MODEL, A MOBILE CREW OR TEAM CONSISTS OF A SMALL NUMBER OF HANDICAPPED PERSONS WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A NON-HANDICAPPED SUPERVISOR. THEY OPERATE WITH A VAN AND TAKE UP TASKS SUCH AS LARGE-SCALE PAINTING, CLEANING OR GARDENING ON A CONTRACTUAL BASIS.

THE BENCHWORK MODEL RESEMBLES A SHELTERED WORKSHOP IN OPERATION BUT ON A MUCH SMALLER SCALE AND HENCE GREATER FLEXIBILITY. WORK IS DONE IN THE PREMISES OF THE HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

IT DIFFERS FROM A SHELTERED WORKSHOP IN RESPECT OF THE RELATIVELY GREATER COMPLEXITY OF WORK AND HEAVIER EMPHASIS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, AND HENCE HIGHER LEVEL OF INCOME.

MRS WONG SAID THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS HAS SO FAR CONFIRMED THE FEASIBILITY OF THE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CONCEPT.

MRS WONG ALSO SAID HONG KONG WOULD CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE POLICY ON ASSISTANCE TO THE DISABLED TOWARDS THE 21ST CENTURY.

"THROUGH JOINT EFFORTS BY BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, DISABLED PERSONS IN THE COMMUNITY WILL BE ASSISTED TO LEAD A LIFE AS DIGNIFIED AND FULFILLING AS THOSE OF THE ABLE-BODIED", SHE SAID.

--------0-----------

/5........

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1990

5

LONG DISTANCE RUN ON CHEUNG CHAU

******

ABOUT 350 RUNNERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE CHEUNG CHAU LONG DISTANCE RUN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF RUNNING EVENT ON FOUR MAIN ISLANDS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FOR 1990-91.

RUNNERS IN TOMORROW'S SIX-KILOMETRE RACE WILL START FROM CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND AT 10.30 AM, PASS THROUGH PEAK ROAD AT SAI WAN AND TURN BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.

ASSISTANT ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MIMI LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AND PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LONG DISTANCE RUN IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL COUNCIL, ISLANDS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND ISLANDS POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SECTION, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ISLANDS ROTARY CLUB.

SIMILAR EVENTS ON PENG CHAU, LAMMA AND LANTAU ISLANDS WILL BE HELD IN DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT CHEUNG START AT 10.30 AM.

CHEUNG CHAU LONG DISTANCE RUN TO CHAU SPORTS GROUND. THE RACE WILL

--------0-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW LAW HAS DEALT FATAL BLOW TO VICE DENS .................................. 1

RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR'S ELECTIONS ........................... 2

CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE TIES BETWEEN PRODUCTIVITY AND LABOUR RELATIONS ....... 3

NEW DISTRICT OFFICERS FOR YAU TSIM AND KWUN TONG............................ 4

DISABLED PAINTER VISITING LONDON ........................................... 5

SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS ON DISPLAY ................................ 6

WAN CHAI RESIDENTS ATTRACTED TO ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ....................... 7

TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY ..................................... 7

BARGAIN SALE AT CSD AUTUMN FAIR ............................................ 8

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

1

NEW LAW HAS DEALT FATAL BLOW TO VICE DENS *****

HONG KONG’S VICE ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE SUFFERED ANOTHER CRUSHING BLOW WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF NEW LEGISLATION ALLOWING POLICE TO REMOVE SIGNS ADVERTISING PROSTITUTION WITHOUT FIRST APPLYING FOR A WARRANT.

BUILDINGS, DOORWAYS AND CORRIDORS DISPLAYING SIGNS ADVERTISING PROSTITUTION HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO SWOOPS BY' POLICE AND THE OFFENDING SIGNS SUMMARILY REMOVED AND CONFISCATED.

AS THE NEW CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 CAME INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 1 THE SIGNS IMMEDIATELY CAME TUMBLING DOWN ALL OVER HONG KONG.

MAIN THRUST OF THE OPERATION WAS IN MONGKOK, WHERE 47 LOCATIONS WERE VISITED, 164 VICE SIGNS REMOVED AND 33 ADVERTISEMENTS ERASED FROM WALLS.

IN THE FAST FADING WORLD OF SUZIE WONG IN WAN CHAI A TWO HOURS LONG OPERATION SAW THE REMOVAL OF 33 SIGNS FROM ONE BUILDING WITH A SECOND SERIES OF RAIDS ERADICATING THE REMAINDER OF KNOWN SIGNS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE CLEAN UP RESULTED IN A MAJOR FACELIFT FOR ADVERTISING SIGNS AND FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON NEW VICE SIGNS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.

BEFORE THE LAW WAS AMENDED POLICE WERE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A WARRANT TO REMOVE ILLEGAL SIGNS. NOW AN OFFICER OF THE RANK OF CHIEF INSPECTOR OR ABOVE WHO BELIEVES THAT A SIGN IS DISPLAYED TO ADVERTISE VICE MAY AUTHORISE ITS REMOVAL.

MONG KOK DISTRICT OPERATIONS OFFICER MR KWAN KAI-LUEN SAID: "THERE ARE ABOUT 70 ONE WOMAN BROTHELS SCATTERED AROUND SHANGHAI STREET, PORTLAND STREET AND RECLAMATION STREET AND EACH SUCH DEN MAY HAVE HAD THREE OR FOUR SIGNS ADVERTISING PROSTITUTION.

"SINCE OCTOBER 1 WE HAVE CARRIED OUT A SERIES OF OPERATIONS AND IN FACT WE ARE NOW REMOVING OBSCENE SIGNS EVERY DAY AND SUCH OPERATIONS WILL BE CONTINUING TO FULLY EXERCISE OUR LEGAL POWERS.

"IT IS TO OUR CONVENIENCE THAT WE ARE NOW ABLE TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION WHEREVER WE RECEIVE A COMPLAINT FROM THE PUBLIC."

SAID MR PHIL FRASER, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OPERATIONS OFFICER: "WE HAD IDENTIFIED ALL THE PROSTITUTION SIGNS IN WAN CHAI IN ADVANCE AND WERE READY TO GO INTO ACTION AS SOON AS THE LAW CAME INTO FORCE."

WAN CHAI'S FIRST BLITZ WAS CENTRED ON ONE BUILDING TN LOCKHART ROAD WHERE RESIDENTS HAD FREQUENTLY COMPLAINED TO THEIR DISTRICT BOARD OF OFFENSIVE ADVERTISING.

"THERE ARE 10 ONE GIRL BROTHELS IN THERE, WHICH IS A LOT FOR A BUILDING WITH 10 FLATS. WE HAD HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS."

/THE SIGNS .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

- 2 -

TEN SIGNS WERE REMOVED FROM THE LOBBY, 15 OUTSIDE THE BUILDING AND OTHERS OUTSIDE DOORS. "FERVENT LADY" AND "JAPANESE COMPASSIONATE GIRL" NO LONGER ADVERTISE THEIR WARES.

"WE HAD NO TROUBLE WHILE OUR CONTRACTORS DISMANTLED THE SIGNS," MR FRASER SAID, "APART FROM ONE PROSTITUTE MOANING ABOUT IT.

"WAN CHAI IS NOW A CLEANER PLACE AND WE’RE KEEPING A DAILY LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS THROUGH REPORTS BY CONSTABLES ON THE BEAT AND BY OUR WOMEN AND JUVENILE SQUAD.

"BUT THEY’LL FIND SOME OTHER WAYS TO TRADE. THEY WON’T GO OUT OF BUSINESS I’M SURE."

TWO NEW SIGNS HAD APPEARED IN THE LOCKHART ROAD BUILDING BY THE END OF THE FIRST DAY’S OPERATIONS.

THE SIGNS WILL BE KEPT FOR A MONTH AND IF THEY ARE NOT CLAIMED BY THEIR OWNERS THEY WILL BE DESTROYED.

"WE’RE NOT EXPECTING ANY COMPLAINTS," MR FRASER SAID. "IF ANYONE COMES TO CLAIM THEIR SIGNS THEY WILL BE PROSECUTED FOR DISPLAYING THEM."

--------0-----------

RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS

*****

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGOUND, MR LAN EMPHASISED THAT THIS WAS ONLY THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS EXERCISING THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS.

"I HOPE REGISTERED VOTERS WILL FULFILL THEIR DUTIES AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS BY CASTING THEIR VOTES IN NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS," HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS GOING THROUGH A PERIOD OF CHANGES IN ITS POLITICAL SYSTEM, MR LAN SAID THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY DELAY IN THE PRMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP PACE WITH THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS, BOTH PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND IN PRACTICE.

HE SAID THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT HAD ACHIEVED VERY GOOD RESULTS IN VOTER REGISTRATION WITH MORE THAN 35,600 OF THESE FORMS RETURNED SINCE THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN STARTED IN MID-AUGUST.

/MR LAN ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

- 3 -

MR LAN ALSO PRAISED THE DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.

"MORE ACTIVITIES OF THIS NATURE WILL BE ORGANISED FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD FROM NEXT MONTH TO FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

"THESE WILL INCLUDE A CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP, AN OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD SCHEME, AN ELDERLY PARTICIPATION SCHEME, THE PRODUCTION OF A CIVIC EDUCATION HANDBOOK AND A CALENDER POSTER," HE SAID.

MORE THAN 6,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN A CARNIVAL AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE CARNIVAL FEATURED GAME STALLS, A VARIETY SHOW, A VIDEO SHOW, A BAND PARADE AND AN EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG AND THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN SING-KONG.

- - 0-----------

CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE TIES BETWEEN PRODUCTIVITY AND LABOUR RELATIONS * » * * *

THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT TRENDS ON HONG KONG’S LABOUR RELATIONS AND STAFF TRAINING POLICIES WILL BE PUT UNDER MICROSCOPE AT A LARGE-SCALE CONFERENCE NEXT MONTH.

THE LABOUR RELATIONS CONFERENCE '90, WHICH CARRIES THE THEME "PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVED LABOUR RELATIONS" IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.

MORE THAN 600 EMPLOYERS, PROPRIETORS, BUSINESS EXECUTIVES, PERSONNEL AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERS, EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, TRADE UNIONISTS, ACADEMICS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS WILL TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL EVENT ON NOVEMBER 30 (FRIDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

"THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE A FORUM FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXAMINE FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STAFF DEVELOPMENT, LABOUR RELATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY," SAID SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR PONG PING-KWAN.

/"IT IS .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

4

"IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS AMONG EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL WORKERS THROUGH LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN HUMAN RESOURCES," MR PONG ADDED.

THE ONE-DAY CONFERENCE WILL TAKE THE FORM OF A PLENARY SESSION OF KEYNOTE SPEECHES IN THE MORNING AND WORKSHOP DISCUSSIONS IN THE AFTERNOON CONDUCTED BY EMINENT ENTREPRENEURS, TRADE UNION LEADERS, TRAINING CENTRE HEADS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD.

THE TALKS WILL COVER TOPICS SUCH AS THE IMPLICATIONS OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT POLICIES IN THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, THE OBLIGATION TO TEAM PERFORMANCE THAT MAXIMISES EFFECTIVENESS, FLEXIBLE TOOLS FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTIVITY DRIVE AND LABOUR RELATIONS, AND THE ROLE PLAYED BY TRADE UNIONS IN MANPOWER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT.

MR PONG SAID A SERIES OF PRE-CONFERENCE VISITS TO REPUTABLE ESTABLISHMENTS WITH TRAINING FACILITIES WOULD BE ARRANGED FROM NOVEMBER 19 TO 23 TO FURTHER AROUSE THE INTEREST OF PARTICIPANTS AND ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING.

"THESE COMPANIES WILL INCLUDE THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO. LTD., KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, COMITEX HOLDINGS, MAXIM’S CATERERS LTD., MOTOROLA SEMI-CONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD AND NEW WORLD HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL," HE SAID.

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CONDUCTED MAINLY IN CANTONESE AND THE ENROLMENT FEE IS $700, INCLUDING LUNCH AND REFRESHMENTS. THERE WILL BE DISCOUNT FOR "EARLY BIRDS", GROUP APPLICANTS AND TRADE UNION OFFICIALS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, 12TH FLOOR, HABOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE CONFERENCE CAN BE MADE ON TEL 852 3511, 852 3517 AND 852 3509.

--------0-----------

NEW DISTRICT OFFICERS FOR YAU TSIM AND KWUN TONG ♦ ♦ * * ♦

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED MISS ANNIE TANG HOI-YEE AS YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER AS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

MISS TANG SUCCEEDS MR WONG HON-HO, WHO WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, FROM TOMORROW.

/MR WONG .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

- 5 -

MR WONG HAD BEEN SERVING AS YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER SINCE DECEMBER, 1988.

FORMER KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN CHUNG-CHU VACATED THE POST ON OCTOBER 8 FOR THE POST OF PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON).

MISS TANG JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1982 AND HAS SUBSEQUENTLY SERVED IN A NUMBER OF POLICY BRANCHES, INCLUDING THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND THE SECURITY BRANCH.

SHE ALSO SERVED IN THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AS WELL AS OMELCO.

MISS TANG’S LAST POSTING WAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY WITH THE SECURITY BRANCH WHERE SHE HANDLED ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY MATTERS.

SHE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER LAST YEAR.

-----0------

DISABLED PAINTER VISITING LONDON

*****

LAU WAI-MING SHOWED HOW SUCCESSFUL A HANDICAPPED PERSON COULD BE WITH DETERMINATION AND HARD WORK.

DURING A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO LONDON, 25-YEAR-OLD LAU TOLD 63 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PUPILS AT RICHARD CLOUDESLEY SCHOOL IN LONDON HOW HE OVERCAME HIS SEVERE DISABILITIES AND PURSUED Hls INTEREST IN PAINTING SINCE HE WAS FOUR YEARS OLD.

LAU HAS TO COMMUNICATE AND DRAW WITH A PENCIL ATTACHED TO HIS FOREHEAD.

HE DEMONSTRATED HIS SKILLS WHICH WERE GREATLY ADMIRED BY A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING OF GUESTS INCLUDING MRS JOHN YAXLEY, WIFE OF THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, PARENTS AND PUPILS OF THE SCHOOL DURING A PRIVATE EXHIBITION OF HIS WORKS EARLIER IN THE MONTH.

LAU’S VISIT WAS SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS. DURING HIS STAY HERE HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY PUPILS OF THE SCHOOL TO SEVERAL ART GALLERIES. HE ALSO MET AND DISCUSSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORLD OF ART WITH A HANDICAPPED COUPLE IN EASTBOURNE - THEMSELVES ARTISTS.

PAT ROSCAMP, AN ART TEACHER AT THE SCHOOL DEMONSTRATED TO LAU SOME COMPUTER DRAWING SKILLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.

------0-------

/6 ........

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

- 6 -

SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS ON DISPLAY

******

PROJECTS DEVELOPED BY TEACHERS UNDER THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SCHEME IN 1989/90 WILL SOON BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE IN PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.

THE SCHEME, LAUNCHED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 1988, PROVIDES GRANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CURRICULUM PROJECTS CATERING FOR THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT IT WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE A MORE FLEXIBLE DEVICE FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY.

"IT IS BELIEVED THAT THROUGH TEACHERS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME, THE CENTRALLY DESIGNED CURRICULUM WILL BECOME MORE SUITED TO THE VARIED NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF PUPILS IN SCHOOLS AND AT THE SAME TIME THE PROFESSIONALISM OF TEACHERS WILL BE ENHANCED," HE SAID.

THE RESPONSE FROM TECAHERS IS MOST ENCOURAGING WITH 49 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED IN 1988/89, 77 IN 1989/90 AND 88 SO FAR THIS YEAR.

A SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT CAN BE DEVISED BY A TEACHER OR A GROUP OF TEACHERS TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR CURRICULUM NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS.

IT MAY INCLUDE PROJECTS ON NEW TEACHING APPROACHES TO SPECIFIC TOPICS IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CDC) SYLLABUSES OR CURRICULUM GUIDELINES, AND IN NEW TOPICS OR AREAS OF STUDIES AS ALTERNATIVES TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE CDC SYLLABUSES OR GUIDELINES.

THE PROJECTS MAY LEAD TO THE PRODUCTION OF SIMPLE TEACHING MATERIALS SUCH AS A SET OF WORKSHEETS FOR A SPECIFIC TEACHING TOPIC, TEACHERS’ GUIDES, TEACHING MATERIALS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR LEARNING ACTIVITIES, AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS SUCH AS SLIDES, CASSETTE TAPES, OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCIES, ETC.

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE SCHEME WILL IDENTIFY KEY THEMES OR AREAS OF STUDIES, AND INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE PROJECTS EACH YEAR. SCHOOLS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE OTHER CURRICULUM INNOVATIONS PARTICULARLY RELEVENT TO THEIR PUPILS’ NEEDS.

"SELECTION OF THE PROJECTS WILL BE BASED ON THE ACTUAL NEEDS OF SPECIFIC SCHOOLS AND WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE RELEVANCE, CONTENT, FEASIBILITY, CREATIVENESS AND ORIGINALITY OF THE PROJECTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/"ALL PROJECTS .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

- 7 -

"ALL PROJECTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO BE FIELD TESTED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE TRULY SCHOOL-BASED, RELEVANT AND USEFUL TO THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED.

"A GRANT RANGING FROM $5,000 TO $21,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO A SUCCESSFUL ENTRANT."

THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN NOVEMBER 3 AND 7 (EXCEPT SUNDAY) AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE.

ADMISSION IS FREE. ---------------------------0--------

WAN CHAI RESIDENTS ATTRACTED TO ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ******

THE WAN CHAI ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR WILL EMPHASISE ON URGING DRIVERS TO OBSERVE ROAD RULES FOLLOWING A MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CECILIA YEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WAN CHAI ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL, MISS YEN SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED EACH YEAR TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY.

IN THE LATEST CAMPAIGN, PUBLICITY BOOKLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PEDESTRIANS AT VARIOUS TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS. A ROAD SAFETY QUIZ AND VISITS TO A MODEL ROAD SAFETY TOWN HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED.

MANY LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE ATTRACTED TO THE CARNIVAL WHICH FEATURED GAME STALLS, SINGING PERFORMANCES AND AN EXHIBITION.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MS JACQULINE HA.

-----0-----------

TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY

******

THE 12TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS LAUNCHED WITH A GRAND OPENING AND A KART PRIX TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE GO-KART RACE, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, ATTRACTED ABOUT 100 PARTICIPANTS.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PRESENTED TROPHIES TO THE WINNERS.

/OTHER EVENTS .......

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1990

OTHER EVENTS OF THE FESTIVAL IN THE COMING WEEK WILL INCLUDE MINI-SOCCER, BASKETBALL, AEROBIC DANCE COMPETITIONS AND A CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS. THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL IS AROUND $900,000.

- - 0 - -

BARGAIN SALE AT CSD AUTUMN FAIR ***»*»

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) WILL HOLD A BARGAIN SALE OF STUFFED TOYS AND HANDICRAFT ITEMS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT ITS AUTUMN FAIR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 3).

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITABLE . ORGANISATIONS.

THE FAIR MARKS THE ANNUAL SALE OF ARTS AND HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS MADE BY INMATES DURING THEIR DETENTION IN VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT.

"THE PURPOSE OF THE FAIR IS TO MOTIVATE THE INMATES TO ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE AS WELL AS TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY,” A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FAIR HAD BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT POPULAR TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THOSE "BARGAIN HUNTERS".

"LAST YEAR, OUR FAIR ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF VISITORS WHO WERE GENERALLY HAPPY WITH THE WIDE RANGE OF GOOD-QUALITY AND LOW-PRICE PRODUCTS ON SALE THERE," HE ADDED.

PRODUCTS OFFERED AT THE FAIR THIS YEAR WILL INCLUDE STUFFED TOYS, HANDICRAFTS, RATTAN AND WOODEN FURNITURE. THEY WILL BE ON SALE AT SOME 30 STALLS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE GAME STALLS FOR CHILDREN.

IN ADDITION, THE LION DANCE TEAMS OF THE CSD SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM, AND CAPE COLLINSON BAND WILL PERFORM AT THE FAIR.

THE FAIR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOON AND 5 PM AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON. ADMISSION IS FREE.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SALARY REVISION FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS ENDORSED .......................... 1

HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO VISIT HONG KONG ................................ 2

A FAIR LEGAL CONTROL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ............................... 2

SURVEY ON AIRPORT-ASSOCIATED BUSINESS .................................... 3

PART OF COLLAPSED CANOPY IN TO KWA WAN IS ILLEGAL STRUCTURE .............. 4

DB CHAIRMAN VISITS CANOPY-COLLAPSE VICTIMS ............................... 5

WOMEN'S WORKSHOP ON AIDS ................................................. 5

DIAL-A-RIDE REHABUS SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED ............................. 6

DEBATE ON GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS RESUMED .............................. 6

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................... 7

FISHERIES RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CALLED ........................... 7

YIN NGAI SOCIETY PRAISED FOR ITS WORK .................................... 9

MONDAY. OCTOBER 29, 1990

SALARY REVISION FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS ENDORSED

*****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) ENDORSED AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) A RECOMMENDATION TO ADJUST THE SALARY SCALE OF CHILD CARE WORKERS.

THE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL IMPLICATION ON GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS AND THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME ARISES FROM THE ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE $9.6 MILLION.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADJUSTMENT WILL BE SUBJECTED TO THE AVAILABITY OF FUNDS OR SAVINGS.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE IS A COMPARISON OF THE EXISTING AND REVISED SALARY SCALE FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS:

QUALIFICATIONS EXISTING SCALE/MPS PT. REVISED SCALE/MPS PT. .

(I) HKCE 2ES 1 - 11 ($4,285 -$8,015) 3 -($4,860 - 13 $9,035)

(II) HKCE 2ES PLUS (1-YEAR OR 2-YEAR CERTIFICATE IN CHILD CARE) 1 - 11 4 -($5,175 - 13 $9,035)

(III) FORM 3 1 - 11 2 -($4,560 11 - $8,015)

(IV) FORM 3 PLUS (1-YEAR OR 2 CERTIFICATE CARE) -YEAR IN CHILD 1 - 11 3 -($4,860 11 - $8,015)

HOWEVER, SWAC MEMBERS SHARED THE VIEW THAT AN UPWARD REVISION OF THE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION AND AGE REQUIREMENT OF CHILD CARE WORKERS WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITMENT. THEY AGREED THAT THE EXISTING ENTRY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE RETAINED.

MEMBERS ALSO AGREED THAT IN THE LONG RUN, THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS SHOULD BE FORM 5 WITH FIVE ES, AGED 21 PLUS RELEVANT TRAINING.

A STUDY ON THE UPGRADING QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AFTER TWO YEARS TO REVIEW WHETHER IT SHOULD BE ADDED AS AN OPTION FOR RECRUITMENT.

/IN A.........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

IN A RELATED ISSUE, THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT AND SALARY SCALE OF CHILD CARE WORKER SUPERVISORS WERE ALSO DISCUSSED.

AFTER STUDYING THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS, SWAC MEMBERS RECOMMENDED THAT THE EXISTING QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SALARY SCALE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. THE EXISTING SALARY SCALE FOR SUPERVISORS IS MPS 12 - 18 ($8,510 - $11,535).

- - 0 - -

HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO VISIT HONG KONG *****

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 5 TO 8 IN HER CAPACITY AS HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.

IN ADDITION TO CARRYING OUT A NUMBER OF ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE POLICE, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL VISIT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CENTRE FOR THE BLIND IN SHAM SHUI PO, A CHILD DAY CARE CENTRE IN SHAU KEI WAN AND ATTEND A COMMUNITY RECEPTION AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE. SHE WILL ALSO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A BRITISH GOODS PROMOTION AT A DEPARTMENT STORE IN CENTRAL AND THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

THE HON SIR ANGUS OGILVY WILL ACCOMPANY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS DURING THE VISIT.

- - 0 - -

A FAIR LEGAL CONTROL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

*****

RECENT PROPOSALS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL PROVIDE A WORKABLE AND FAIR LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COTROLLING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR ASPREY TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA THAT THE PROPOSALS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO KNOWINGLY EMPLOYED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND TO INTRODUCE A NEW OFFENCE FOR A MAIN CONTRACTOR WHO ALLOWED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO BE PRESENT ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE UNDER HIS CONTROL HAD A CLEAR MESSAGE.

"FOR THE EMPLOYER, THE MESSAGE IS THAT IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK OF EMPLOYING AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT; AND FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, THE MESSAGE IS THAT THERE IS NO POINT COMING TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THERE WILL BE NO WORK AVAILABLE."

/MR ASPREY

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

- 3 -

MR ASPREY SAID MEASURES TO CURB ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MUST NOT BE ALL NEGATIVE IN CHARACTER.

.'A'.

"WE NEED ALSO TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT THE PRESENT LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG IS VERY TIGHT, AND THERE ARE VERY CLOSE ECONOMIC AND FAMILY LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA," HE SAID.

"THERE IS A NEED FOR IMMIGRATION INTO HONG KONG, BOTH TO MEET ITS ECONOMIC NEEDS, AND TO CATER FOR FAMILY REUNION. WE AIM TO PROVIDE LEGAL AVENUES THROUGH WHICH THESE NEEDS CAN BE MET.”

THESE LEGAL AVENUES INCLUDE THE QUOTA OF 75 PERSONS A DAY PERMITTED TO ENTER HONG KONG FROM CHINA ON ONE-WAY PERMITS - THIS AMOUNTS TO OVER 27,000 PERSONS A YEAR, THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS.

MR ASPREY ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG PERMITTED THE ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT, WITHOUT ANY NUMERICAL RESTRICTION, OF THOSE WITH PROFESSIONAL AND MANAGERIAL SKILLS WHICH WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY IN HONG KONG.

ANOTHER LEGAL AVENUE IS THROUGH THE SCHEME WHICH THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED AND EXPANDED RECENTLY FOR THE IMPORTATION OF TECHNICIANS AND SKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED LABOUR, WHICH SHOULD AMOUNT TO NEARLY 15,000 PERSONS OVER THE COMING 12 MONTHS.

"OUR IMMIGRATION POLICIES EXIST TO MEET THE ECONOMIC NEEDS OF HONG KONG, NOT TO FRUSTRATE THEM.

"WE REGULARLY REVIEW AND ADJUST THESE POLICIES TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL OBJECTIVES," MR ASPREY SAID.

BUT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO BELIEVED STRONGLY THAT IMMIGRATION NEEDED TO BE REGULATED PROPERLY THROUGH LEGAL MEANS, AND NOT THROUGH TURNING A BLIND EYE TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

THIS WAS IN THE INTERESTS NOT ONLY OF HONG KONG BUT ALSO OF THE IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES, WHO DESERVED PROTECTION FROM EXPLOITATION BY THOSE WHO ORGANISED ILLEGAL ENTRY AND BY THE SMALL NUMBER OF UNSURUPULOUS EMPLOYERS, MR ASPREY SAID.

--------0-----------

SURVEY ON AIRPORT-ASSOCIATED BUSINESS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN A SURVEY ON EXISTING INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF KAI TAK AIRPORT.

THE SURVEY ALSO TRIES TO ESTABLISH THE IMPACT OF THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT ON THE OPERATION OF THEIR BUSINESS.

/THE SURVEY, ........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

THE SURVEY, COMMISSIONED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND CARRIED OUT BY SURVEY RESEARCH HONG KONG LTD., IS PART OF THE ’STUDY OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERICAL ENTERPRISES THAT NEED RELOCATION WITH THE AIRPORT’ BEING UNDERTAKEN BY A CONSULTANT CONSORTIUM FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

A PLANNING DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) SUCH INFORMATION WOULD FACILITATE THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR LAND AND FACILITIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE NEW AIRPORT ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ONE MONTH, IS AIMED AT IDENTIFYING THOSE INDUSTRIES AND MAJOR COMMERCIAL AREAS BY TYPE, SIZE, JOB CAPACITY AND MODUS OPERANDI WHICH ARE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE AIRPORT AND NEED LOCATIONS CLOSE BY THE AIRPORT TO MORE EFFICIENTLY CONDUCT THEIR OPERATIONS.

THE RESEARCH FIRM HAS SELECTED, BY RANDOM SAMPLING, SOME 1,000 ESTABLISHMENTS FOR INTERVIEW. SENIOR DIRECTORATE OR MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE APPROACHED AND INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE SELECTED COMPANIES INVITING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY.

- - 0 - -

PART OF COLLAPSED CANOPY IN TO KWA WAN IS ILLEGAL STRUCTURE

******

IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) CONFIRMED THAT PART OF THE COLLAPSED CANOPY FROM THE WEARBEST INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN TO KWA WAN ROAD WAS UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORK.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILING TO OBTAIN CONSENT AND APPROVAL FOR THE WORKS FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE INCIDENT BUT NO DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS STAGE.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CONFIRMED THAT A REPORT WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

- - 0

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

- 5 -

DB CHAIRMAN VISITS CANOPY-COLLAPSE VICTIMS

*****

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED FOUR VICTIMS OF THE TO KWA WAN CANOPY COLLAPSE AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD.

DURING THE VISIT, T*HEY PRESENTED EACH WITH $1,500 FROM THE GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION;

’’OTHER VICTIMS OF THE INCIDENT, INCLUDING THOSE WHO WERE KILLED, WILL RECEIVE A SIMILAR AMOUNT FROM THE SAME FUND," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY.

-----0------

WOMEN’S WORKSHOP ON AIDS

*****

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN A WOMEN’S WORKSHOP ON AIDS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 1.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE WORKSHOP IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS UNDER THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS, IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD AIDS DAY 1990.

ENTITLED "PREVENTION OF AIDS - A WOMEN’S MISSION", THE WORKSHOP AIMS TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF AIDS WHICH WILL, IN TURN, HELP THEM IN THEIR WORK TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE AND IN CARING FOR HIV CARRIERS.

THE WORKSHOP, TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF TALKS ON THE IMPACT OF AIDS ON WOMEN, THE EFFECT OF THE DISEASE ON THE SOCIETY, AND EDUCATION AND PREVENTION ON AIDS.

FOLLOWING THE TALKS WILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY AND VIDEO SHOW ON AIDS.

ADMISSION IS FREE AND SERVED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SEVENTH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE UNIT BY NOVEMBER 15.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 835 1820.

------0------------

/6.........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

- 6 -

DIAL-A-RIDE REHABUS SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED | * * * *

A FULL-DAY DIAL-A-RIDE REHABUS SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY) BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION (HKSR).

THE PILOT SCHEME, WHICH WILL BE PUT ON TRIAL FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS, WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A SUBVENTION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

TWO 12-SEATER MINIBUSES WILL BE DEPLOYED FROM HKSR’S EXISTING FLEET TO OPERATE THE SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM DAILY.

THE CHARGING RATE FOR EACH JOURNEY OF THIS SUBVENTED SERVICE WILL BE $1.5 PER KILOMETRE PLUS $30 PER HOUR FOR GROUP FARES, AND $1 PER KILOMETRE PLUS $20 PER HOUR FOR INDIVIDUAL FARES.

HKSR IS CURRENTLY OPERATING 30 SCHEDULED ROUTES USING REHABUS FLEET TO PROVIDE DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE DISABLED WHO NEED TO TRAVEL TO THEIR PLACES OF WORK, STUDY OR RECREATION.

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR THE DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICE MAY BE MADE TO THE HKSR ON TEL. 817 8154 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

- - 0 - -

DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS RESUMED *****

NINE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO) WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY OTHER MEMBERS LAST WEEK ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS WHEN THE COUNCIL RESUMES ITS DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 31).

THE DEBATE IS ON A MOTION OF THANKS MOVED BY THE SENIOR LEGCO MEMBER, THE HON ALLEN LEE.

APART FROM THE DEBATE, FOUR BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.

THEY ARE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

THREE BILLS ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.

THEY ARE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (REPEAL) BILL 1990 AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

/IN ADDITION,

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

7

IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF DENSITY OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON) ORDINANCE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

--------0-----------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 329.357 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 390.232 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-----0-----

FISHERIES RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CALLED

******

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RATIONAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR FISHERIES RESOURCES IN THE EAST AND SOUTH CHINA SEAS IN THE FACE OF DECLINING MARINE RESOURCE LEVELS IN THE AREA.

DR LEE, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARINE BIOLOGY OF HONG KONG AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

SINCE FISHERIES RESOURCES IN THE EAST AND SOUTH CHINA SEAS WERE EXPLOITED BY A NUMBER OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, A PROPER MANAGEMENT SCHEME COULD ONLY MATERIALISE WITH INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION, DR LEE STRESSED.

THE CONFERENCE, WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER MORE THAN 100 MARINE BIOLOGISTS AND FISHERIES SCIENTISTS FROM 12 REGIONS INCLUDING CHINA, TAIWAN, THE SOVIET UNION AND VIETNAM, WAS THE BIGGEST WORKSHOP OF ITS KIND HELD IN HONG KONG SO FAR.

IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO MARK THE OPENING OF ITS SWIRE MARINE LABORATORY.

/OVER THE .......

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

- 8 -

OVER THE NEXT FIVE DAYS, DELEGATES WILL BE EXCHANGING VIEWS IN EIGHT SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS ON DIVERSE TOPICS RANGING FROM FISHERIES TO CONSERVATION.

’’WITH BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONGST SCIENTISTS FROM WHOM GOVERNMENTS SEEK OPINION TO HELP FORMULATE POLICIES, THIS WILL PERHAPS PAVE THE WAY FOR INTER-GOVERNMENTAL DISCUSSIONS, AND FINALLY AGREEMENT ON COLLABORATIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION,” DR LEE SAID.

A CASE IN POINT WAS THE NORTH SEA FISHERIES WHERE COMMUNICATION AMONG SCIENTISTS LED TO INTER-GOVERNMENTAL DISCUSSIONS AND EVENTUALLY AGREEMENT ON A COLLABORATIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SCHEME, HE ADDED.

”1 AM HOPEFUL THAT WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NORTH SEA CAN ALSO HAPPEN IN THIS REGION,” DR LEE SAID.

UNDERLINING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, DR LEE SAID FISHERIES PRODUCE WAS POSSIBLY THE ONLY FOOD ITEM THAT THE TERRITORY COULD ALMOST BE SELF-SUFFICIENT.

IN 1989, HONG KONG’S FISHERIES PRODUCTION AMOUNTED TO SOME 243,000 TONNES VALUED AT $2,400 MILLION.

ALTOGETHER THE INDUSTRY SUPPLIED 70 PER CENT OF THE DEMAND OF THE LOCAL 5.7 MILLION POPULATION WITH AN AVERAGE PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF 40 KG EACH YEAR. THIS PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION FIGURE IS AMONG THE TOP FIVE OF THE WORLD.

TURNING TO THE SWIRE MARINE LABORATORY, DR LEE BELIEVED THAT WITH ITS COSY YET INEXPENSIVE ACCOMMODATION PLUS RESEARCH FACILITIES OPEN TO BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SCIENTISTS, THE NEW LABORATORY WOULD CERTAINLY BECOME A FOCUS OF MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.

THREE FISHERIES OFFICERS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT - MR ALBERT LEUNG, MR EDWARD WONG AND MR JOSEPH SHAM -TOOK PART IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION TODAY AND SPOKE RESPECTIVELY ON DEEP SEA PRAWN RESOURCE ON THE CONTINENTAL SLOPE SOUTH OF HONG KONG, TREATMENT AGAINST ECTOPARASITES OF MARINE FISHES AND THE FISHING PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRST PAIR OF STEEL TRAWLERS LICENSED IN HONG KONG.

--------0-----------

/9.........

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1990

9

YIN NGAI SOCIETY PRAISED FOR ITS WORK

THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG, THIS EVENING (MONDAY) PRAISED THE YAU MA TEI (NORTH AND SOUTH) YIN NGAI SOCIETY FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

SPEAKING AT THE SOCIETY’S ANNUAL FUND-RAISING CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL, MISS TANG SAID THE SOCIETY’S ENTHUSIASM IN COMMUNITY SERVICE CLEARLY HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF CHINESE WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL VIRTUES IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF A MODERN SOCIETY.

MISS TANG ADDED THAT THIS HAD RESULTED IN THE RESIDENTS GIVING HIGH ESTEEM TO THE SOCIETY.

SHE SAID WITH GRATITUDE THAT THE SOCIETY HAD TAKEN ONE STEP FURTHER TO PROMOTE ITS ACTIVITIES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.

A WOMEN’S GROUP FROM JAPAN WILL VISIT THE TERRITORY IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, ALSO ATTENDED THE SHOW WHICH HAD ATTRACTED MORE THAN 1,500 PEOPLE.

---------0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT IN MANUFACTURING: GOVERNOR ............... 1

HK OFFICIALS STRIVING TO BREAK TRADE BARRIERS IN GENEVA .......................... ' 3

R

CSD STUDY ON VIOLENT PRISONERS ..............................................

DEBATE ON GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS RESUMED .................................

PIER RELOCATION IN AP LEI CHAU ..............................................

MOVE OF INDUSTRY DEPT OFFICE POSTPONED.......................................

REMOVAL OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BIRTHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES ...................... 8

SEMINAR ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN SHAM SHUI PO .............................

SAI KUNG ARTS FESTIVAL WELL-RECEIVED

9

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

GOVT COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT IN MANUFACTURING: GOVERNOR *****

THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING ITS DEVELOPMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1990 GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO THIS IN THE FUTURE AS IT HAD IN THE PAST, BY ENSURING THAT MANUFACTURERS HAD THE LAND, THE TRAINED MANPOWER, AND THE ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY WHICH THEY NEEDED.

"THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE NEW TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING FUND AND THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE ARE RECENT EXAMPLES OF INITIATIVES AIMED AT ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS," SIR DAVID SAID.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE WAS ESSENTIALLY ONE OF SUPPORT.

"IT CAN REMOVE CONSTRAINTS. IT CAN CREATE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHOICES. BUT IT CANNOT, AND SHOULD NOT, TAKE DECISIONS WHICH ARE FOR MANUFACTURERS THEMSELVES TO TAKE.

"THIS IS AN AXIOM WHICH IS AT THE HEART OF OUR ECONOMIC POLICIES: THAT BUSINESSMEN ARE BETTER PLACED TO TAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR BUSINESSES THAN CIVIL SERVANTS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

ULTIMATELY, HE ADDED, IT WAS UP TO MANUFACTURERS THEMSELVES TO DECIDE HOW TO USE THE RESOURCES AT THEIR DISPOSAL.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT MANUFACTURING WAS NOW MORE COMPLEX THAN EVER BEFORE.

HE NOTED THAT TEAMS OF HIGHLY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS NOW OVERSAW PROCESSES WHICH, LESS THAN 20 YEARS AGO, NEEDED ONLY A KNOWLEDGE OF SIMPLE MANUAL SKILLS.

THE PROCESSES WERE HIGHLY SPECIALISED AND OFTEN HIGHLY FRAGMENTED, SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT COORDINATION THROUGH LEADERSHIP WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS.

"LIKE THE GENERAL OF AN ARMY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF A MODERN MANUFACTURING COMPANY MUST KNOW WHAT HIS FORCES CAN AND CANNOT DO, AND THEN DEPLOY THEM SENSIBLY.

"BUT SENSIBLE MANAGEMENT IS ONLY HALF THE BATTLE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

"THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ALSO HAS TO MAKE SURE THAT HIS COMPANY IS CREATIVE," HE ADDED.

/SIR DAVID .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 2 -

SIR DAVID SAID CREATIVITY, APPLIED BOTH TO PRODUCT DESIGN AND TO THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, WAS THE ADDITIONAL WEAPON THAT COULD GIVE A MANUFACTURER A DECISIVE EDGE OVER HIS COMPETITORS.

"THE SUCCESSFUL COMPANY IS ONE WHOSE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ’AND SENIOR STAFF CAN COMBINE THE SCIENCE OF SENSIBLE MANAGEMENT WITH THE ART OF CREATIVITY.

"THESE ARE THE QUALITIES WHICH THE GOVERNOR-* S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY RECOGNISES," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE FOUR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES IN THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD, NAMELY, CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN; MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN; PRODUCTIVITY; AND QUALITY.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF THIS YEAR’S ENTRIES HAD BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING, AND SOME EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGNS WERE SUBMITTED IN BOTH DESIGN AWARD CATEGORIES.

"I WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN TWICE AS MANY ENTRIES IN THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN CATEGORY AS LAST YEAR.

"ALL OUR MAIN EXPORT ITEMS, PARTICULARLY ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WERE REPRESENTED IN THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS ALSO GLAD TO SEE THAT THE TWO NEW AWARD CATEGORIES - PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY - ATTRACTED SOME FIRST-RATE ENTRIES.

"THE PRODUCTIVITY AWARD CATEGORY IS OPEN NOT ONLY TO THE TRADITIONAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES BUT ALSO TO CERTAIN SERVICE INDUSTRIES. BOTH SECTORS WERE REPRESENTED AMONG THE ENTRANTS.

"AS FOR THE QUALITY AWARD MOST COMPANIES WHICH ENTERED WERE MANUFACTURERS OF ELECTRONIC OR ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS.

"THIS SURELY REFLECTS CUSTOMER DEMAND FOR HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND RELIABILITY IN SUCH PRODUCTS," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS PUBLICISING THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD SCHEME, BOTH IN HONG KONG AND IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS.

"WINNING THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY IS ALREADY RECOGNISED IN HONG KONG AS A HIGH HONOUR, AND A GUARANTEE OF EXCELLENCE.

"I HOPE THAT THE AWARD WILL SOON ENJOY AN EQUALLY HIGH REPUTATION OVERSEAS.

"WE WILL BE SENDING THE SIGNAL THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS COMMITTED TO QUALITY. OUR EXPORTS SHOULD BENEFIT ACCORDINGLY," HE ADDED.

/THE WINNER .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 3 -

THE WINNER OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD IN THE CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN CATEGORY WAS RADOFIN ELECTRONICS (FAR EAST) LTD FOR ITS INNOOM 2020 IN-ROOM CONTROL SYSTEM.

THE WINNER OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD IN THE MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN CATEGORY WAS CAPITAL AUTOMATION COMPANY LTD FOR ITS POWERFUL AND FLEXIBLE COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN SYSTEM WDS-1000.

THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD IN THE PRODUCTIVITY CATEGORY WENT TO MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD, WHICH HAD PUT THEORIES SUCH AS JUST-IN-TIME AND WORK IMPROVEMENT TEAM INTO PRACTICE TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.

MELITTA HONG KONG LTD WON THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD IN THE QUALITY CATEGORY, THE COMPANY WAS A MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.

IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR GOVERNOR’S AWARDS, THERE WERE ALSO 14 ORGANISER’S AWARDS AND 22 CERTIFICATES OF MERIT PRESENTED TO OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.

WINNERS OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD WERE ENTITLED TO DISPLAY AN OFFICIAL LOGO FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, AND RECEIVE THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD TROPHY, A HANDSOME AND INDIVIDUALLY-CRAFTED SCULPTURE, AS A PERMANENT MEMENTO OF THEIR SUCCESS.

THIS YEAR’S AWARD ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

--------0-----------

HK OFFICIALS STRIVING TO BREAK TRADE BARRIERS IN GENEVA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A TEAM OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE NOW WORKING DAY AND NIGHT IN GENEVA TOWARDS A FINAL PACKAGE WHICH WOULD BRING ABOUT A FURTHER LIBERALISATION OF WORLD TRADE AND STRENGTHENED DISCIPLINES TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST NEW BARRIERS OR RESTRICTIONS.

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOSEPH WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN HE SPOKE AT AN SYMPOSIUM OF AIESEC S (ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE DES ETUDIANTS EN SCIENCES ECONOMIQUES ET COMMERCIALES) PRESIDENTS’ MEETING.

MR WONG SAID HONG KONG ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE URUGUAY ROUND MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.

/HE SAID .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

HE SAID: "WE HAVE A TEAM OF OFFICIALS NOW IN GENEVA, WORKING LITERALLY DAY AND NIGHT, TO NEGOTIATE WITH OTHER CONTRACTING PARTIES IN MANY AREAS, INCLUDING TEXTILES, SERVICES, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, REDUCTIONS IN TARIFFS, AND RULES GOVERNING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH IMPORTING COUNTRIES CAN IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS, ETC.”

MR WONG SAID THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE DIFFICULT.

"BUT I HOPE THIS MULTILATERAL OR INTERNATIONAL EFFORT WILL RESULT IN A FREE INTERNATIONAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT, PROVIDE A LEGAL AND MORAL CHECK AGAINST PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES, AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHER REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS."

MR WONG SAID THE GATT HAD PROVIDED A STABLE, AND WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS SUCH AS TRADE IN TEXTILES, NON-DISCRIMINATORY FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH FREE TRADERS LIKE HONG KONG COULD OPERATE AND PROSPER.

HE SAID HONG KONG FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS AS A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT AND ITS PRIMARY EXTERNAL TRADE POLICY WAS TO PROMOTE A FREE, OPEN AND STABLE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.

SPEAKING ON REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS, MR WONG SAID THAT AS ECONOMIES WITHIN A REGION BECAME CLOSER ECONOMICALLY, COUPLED WITH THEIR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES, IT WAS ONLY NATURAL, OVER TIME, FOR SUCH A RELATIONSHIP TO BE INSTITUTIONALISED.

HE SAID THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, AND ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS A SINGLE MARKET IN 1992, WAS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF THE SINGLE MARKET WAS TO REMOVE ALL INTERNAL BARRIERS.

"UNLESS IT CLOSES ITSELF INTO A FORTRESS - AND WE HAVE BEEN REASSURED BY MANY DISTINGUISHED EUROPEAN MINISTERS THAT THIS WILL NOT BE THE CASE - IT WILL OPEN UP NEW AND LONG-TERM BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL THOSE OUTSIDE EUROPE."

HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT HE WOULD NOT BE SO NAIVE AS TO IGNORE THE UNDERLYING PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENTS OF SOME EUROPEAN DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES AND THE PRESSURES THEY MIGHT BEAR ON THE COMMUNITY TO RESTRICT OR FRUSTRATE EXTERNAL COMPETITION.

IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC, MR WONG SAID THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) WAS LAUNCHED LAST YEAR AS AN INFORMAL PROCESS INVOLVING THE ECONOMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, ASEAN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

"AT THE SECOND MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN SINGAPORE IN MAY THIS YEAR, APEC PARTICIPANTS RE-AFFIRMED THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE OF THE THREE ECONOMIES OF CHINA, HONG KONG AND TAIWAN IN THE REGION AND EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR THE THREE TO JOIN.

"HONG KONG MADE IT CLEAR FROM THE VERY BEGINNING THAT IT IS IN OUR INTEREST AS WELL AS IN THE INTEREST OF APEC FOR HONG KONG TO PLAY A FULL PART IN THIS PROCESS.

/"WE HAVE .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 5 -

"WE HAVE NOT DEPARTED FROM THIS POSITION AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE," HE SAID.

AS AN EXAMPLE OF HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS ECONOMIC COOPERATION IN THE REGION, MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD APPLIED FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP WITH ANOTHER AND EARLIER ESTABLISHED BODY, PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION CONFERENCE (PECC).

PECC IS A TRIPARTITE BODY MADE UP OF MEMBER COMMITTEES WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ACADEMIC AND BUSINESS LEADERS PARTICIPATING IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITIES.

THE PRESENT MEMBER COMMITTEES COME FROM ALL THE EXISTING APEC ECONOMIES, PLUS CHINA, TAIWAN AND THE PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS.

MR WONG, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COMMITTEE, SAID HONG KONG’S APPLICATION HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY PECC.

"WE WILL BE FORMALLY ADMITTED AS A FULL PECC MEMBER IN MAY NEXT YEAR AT THEIR EIGHTH GENERAL MEETING," HE SAID.

------0-------

CSD STUDY ON VIOLENT PRISONERS

*****

A STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) HAS SHOWN THAT THE IRON CONTENT IN THE HAIR OF VIOLENT PRISONERS IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THAT OF NON-VIOLENT PRISONERS.

THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SAID THIS FINDING HAD POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN PRISON MANAGEMENT BECAUSE HAIR ANALYSIS MIGHT BE USED AS ONE OF THE MEANS TO HELP IDENTIFY VIOLENT PRISONERS ON ADMISSION.

"HOWEVER, SUCH USAGE CAN ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED AFTER ETHICAL, LEGAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PRACTICE ARE RESOLVED," HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY ALSO POINTED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTERVENTION, SUCH AS MEDICAL TREATMENT AND DIETARY CONTROL, TO REDUCE VIOLENCE IN PRISON CUSTODY.

"FURTHERMORE, VIOLENT PRISONERS MAY BE TAUGHT ON HOW TO MAKE USE OF MEDICAL TREATMENT AND DIETARY METHODS TO CONTROL THEIR VIOLENT PROPENSITIES AFTER THEIR RELEASE FROM PRISON CUSTODY.

"NEVERTHELESS, ALL THESE REQUIRE FURTHER RESEARCH AND CONSULTATION WITH THE MEDICAL AND DIETICIAN PROFESSIONS," HE ADDED.

MR CHAN EMPHASISED THAT MANAGING A PRISON WAS BY NO MEANS AN EASY TASK.

/"UNLESS YOU .......

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 6

"UNLESS YOU ARE A PERSON WHO HAS WORKED IN PRISON, YOU MAY NEVER REALISE THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN MANAGING IT.

"IN ADDITION TO RELYING ON OUR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES IN HANDLING INMATES, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN RESEARCHING ON NEW KNOWLEDGE THAT IS USEFUL IN UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE OFFENDERS TO SERVE THEIR SENTENCE IN A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE WAY AND HOPEFULLY TO MAKE THEMSELVES USEFUL TO SOCIETY UPON RELEASE,” HE SAID.

IN THE CSD STUDY, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE HELP OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY, HAIR AND BLOOD SAMPLES OF 94 PAIRS OF VIOLENT AND NON-VIOLENT PRISONERS TAKEN WITH THEIR CONSENT WERE ANALYSED AND COMPARED.

THE GROUP OF VIOLENT PRISONERS CONSISTED OF THOSE WHO HAD COMMITTED VIOLENT OFFENCES BEFORE ADMISSION AND HAD A RECORD OF INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES INVOLVING THE USE OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE ON TWO OR MORE OCCASIONS.

THEY HAD ALSO BEEN ASSESSED BY A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AS VIOLENCE-PRONE BEFORE THEIR INCLUSION IN THE STUDY GROUP.

BLOOD TESTS SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS.

AS FOR HAIR SAMPLES, AMOUNTS OF 13 TRACE METALS WERE ANALYSED. THE AVERAGE IRON CONTENT WAS FOUND TO BE 13.45 UG/G FOR VIOLENT PRISONERS, SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE OF 7.92 UG/G FOR NON-VIOLENT PRISONERS.

THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY ARE IN LINE WITH CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCHES CONDUCTED IN ADVANCED COUNTRIES, NOTABLY IN THE US, WHICH HAD IDENTIFIED CERTAIN BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS AS HAVING CORRELATION WITH VIOLENCE-PRONENESS.

-----0------

DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS RESUMED

*****

NINE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO) WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY OTHER MEMBERS LAST WEEK ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS WHEN THE COUNCIL RESUMES ITS DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 31).

THE DEBATE IS ON A MOTION OF THANKS MOVED BY THE SENIOR LEGCO MEMBER, THE HON ALLEN LEE.

APART FROM THE DEBATE, FOUR BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.

THEY ARE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

/TWO BILLS ........

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

TWO BILLS ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.

THEY ARE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (REPEAL) BILL 1990 AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE MOTION TO BE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS UNDER THE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF DENSITY OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON) ORDINANCE HAS BEEN DEFERRED FOR ONE WEEK.

--------0-----------

PIER RELOCATION IN AP LEI CHAU *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE PIER OFF THE HUNG SHING TEMPLE IN AP LEI CHAU WILL BE MOVED TO THE SHORE OFF THE LONDON LANE AND THE LICENSED FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN AP LEI CHAU AND ABERDEEN WILL BE OPERATED AT THE NEW PIER FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1).

---------0-----------

MOVE OF INDUSTRY DEPT OFFICE POSTPONED *****

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE PLANNED MOVE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) OF ITS QUALITY SERVICES DIVISION TO WANCHAI TOWER II WOULD BE POSTPONED BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFFLICTING THE BUILDING.

HE SAID MANUFACTURERS HAD BEEN NOTIFIED TWO WEEKS AGO OF THE MOVE BY CIRCULAR.

THE OFFICES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN MOVING INCLUDED THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU (PSIB), THE OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) AND THE QUALITY CAMPAIGN OFFICE (THE QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT).

"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MOVE MAY TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 5). AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

------0--------

/8 .....

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 8 -

REMOVAL OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BIRTHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES . **♦»**

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BIRTHS REGISTRY AND YUEN LONG MARRIAGE REGISTRY CURRENTLY SITUATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, TAI YUK ROAD WILL BE MOVED TO THE SECOND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER 12.

THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE TWO REGISTRIES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.45 AM TO 12.45 PM

2 PM TO 4.45 PM

SATURDAY 9 AM TO 11.30 AM

SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS . CLOSED

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111 FOR ENQUIRIES.

-----0-----

SEMINAR ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN SHAM SHUI PO

******

SOCIAL WORKERS, SCHOOL COUNSELLORS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) AFTERNOON AT THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL IN LAI KOK ESTATE.

ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE SEMINAR WILL FOCUS ON OUT-REACH SOCIAL WORK FOR YOUNG DELINQUENTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELLING SERVICE. VETERAN SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS WILL TALK ON THESE SUBJECTS.

COUPLED WITH GROUP DISCUSSIONS, FILM SHOWS AND CASE ANALYSIS, IT WAS HOPED THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE ABLE TO GET MORE INSIGHT . INTO HOW TO PREVENT YOUTHS FROM COMMITTING CRIMES.

THE TWO-HOUR SEMINAR WILL START AT 4 PM AND ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND ITS FOUR SUB-OFFICES.

------0--------

/9........

r

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1990

- 9 -

SAI KUNG ARTS FESTIVAL WELL-RECEIVED

*****

THE SECOND SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL CLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER 17 DAYS OF EXCITING AND ENTERTAINING PROGRAMMES.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, SAID THE FESTIVAL HAD PROVIDED A WELL-BALANCED MIX OF PROGRAMMES IN VARIOUS ART FORMS BY DISTRICT AND PROFESSIONAL TALENTS.

"I AM SURE THAT THROUGH THE EXCITING ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, THE FESTIVAL HAS NOT ONLY ACHIEVED ITS AIM OF CULTIVATING ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE DISTRICT BUT ALSO ENHANCED THE COMMUNITY’S APPRECIATION OF ARTS," HE SAID.

THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WAS HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER 14 AND 30, FEATURED A VARIETY OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM AN ARTS EXPOSITION, DRAMAS, CANTONESE OPERAS, DANCING PERFORMANCE, FOLK SONG KARAOKE, POP CONCERT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND PAINTING EXHIBITIONS.

IT HAD ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

NEW AIRPORT VITAL TO HONG KONG'S FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH ................. 1

UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IS IMPORTANT................... 4

HONG KONG WELL SERVED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE .............................. 5

PADS TO BRING BENEFITS FAR GREATER THAN COST............................. 10

GREAT DEAL OF CONSULTATION ON PADS: CS .................................. 13

WE SHOULD HAVE FAITH IN OUR ABILITY: CS ................................. 16

GOVERNMENT HAS CLEAR STRATEGY TO PROMOTE HK OVERSEAS .................... 19

HK LOOKS FORWARD TO A SUCCESSFUL LEGCO ELECTION ......................... 19

MORE FOREIGN BANKS SHOW CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG'S FINANCIAL SECTOR ...... 21

GOVT SHOULD NOT DETERMINE DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: FS........ 22

GOVT ACTIVELY REGULATES SECURITIES MARKET ............................... 24

RIGHTS PROTECTED THROUGH COURTS, AG SAYS ................................ 25

HK NEEDS NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, SAYS SES .......................... 29

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR LAUTAU FIXED CROSSING BEST FOR HONG KONG.......... 36

POLICE NEED COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO FIGHT CRIME ......................... 38

MORE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SERVICES TO BE PRIVATISED...................... 40

GOVERNMENT AIMS TO REACH TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPANSION TARGET ON TIME .... 42

GOVERNMENT TARGETS AT RESPONSIVE AND FLEXIBLE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES .............................................................. 44

GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO ABANDON LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES ....... 46

THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO REFORM MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE ............. 47

GOVERNMENT SEEKS WAYS TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICE ......................................................... 48

GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING COMMITMENT IN WELFARE SERVICE IS BEYOND QUESTION 50

TOWN PLANNING LEGISLATION ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER RURAL PLANNING: BARNES ... 51

/HK MUST .......

HK MUST ACHIEVE STEADY REDUCTION IN VBP POPULATION ............................ 55

BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND CONTROL TO ALL PESTICIDES ................................ 56

BILL TO BRING IN CATERING TRADE INTO SAFETY NET FOR WORKERS ................... 57

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED ................................. 59

BILL SEEKS TO CLEAR CLOUDS OVER APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SPEED ASCERTAINING 60

LEGCO PASSED MOTION OF THANKS FOR GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS .......................... 61

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S DECISION ON SATELLITE TELEVISION ............................ 62

FS TO VISIT SHANGHAI ............................................................ 64

GUIDE TO NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW .. 65

PROCEEDINGS RULES FOR THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL .................. 66

REGISTRATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED ....................................... 67

CHANGES OF PERMITTED RENTS FOR PRE-WAR/POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES ............... 67

GOVERNMENT ADVISED OF PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HANG LUNG BANK ........................ 68

205 VBP RETURNED ................................................................ 68

UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ........................................ 68

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ............................................ 69

CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR HAWKERS ...................................... 69

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 1 -

NEW AIRPORT VITAL TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH

*******

THE FINANCIAL STRENGTH OF HONG KONG IS THE KEY FACTOR ENABLING THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED WITH THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.

"WE WOULD NOT HAVE PROCEEDED WITH THIS PACKAGE IF WE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT DOING SO WAS CLEARLY WITHIN OUR FINANCIAL CAPACITY."

SIR PIERS, WHO WAS ONE OF FIVE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) IN LEGCO TODAY, DETAILED THE STATE OF HONG KONG'S RESERVES, THE SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND, AND THE POTENTIAL LAND SALES REVENUES AS DEMONSTRATING THE STRENGTH OF THE TERRITORY'S FINANCIAL POSITION.

HE SAID THAT EVEN ON FAIRLY CONSERVATIVE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT FUTURE LAND SALES AND INTEREST, THE LAND FUND SHOULD BE WELL OVER $70 BILLION BY MARCH 1997. AT THE END OF LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, 1989-90 THE FUND STOOD AT OVER $17 BILLION.

"OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSUMES THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT DRAW AT ALL ON THE LAND FUND.

"WHEN THE SAR GOVERNMENT COMES INTO BEING IT SHOULD HAVE AN AIRPORT WHICH WILL PRODUCE REVENUE - A GREATLY IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE MUCH OF IT ALSO REVENUE-PRODUCING - AND SOMEWHAT LARGER RESERVES THAN WE PRESENTLY ENJOY," SIR PIERS SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S RESERVES ALREADY TOTALLED MORE THAN $70 BILLION - UP FROM $24 BILLION FIVE YEARS AGO, AND THAT POTENTIAL LAND SALES REVENUE AMOUNTED TO SOME $40 BILLION.

THESE THREE FACTORS - THE RESERVES, THE SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND AND THE POTENTIAL LAND SALES - DEMONSTRATED THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S POSITION.

SIR PIERS ADDED:"INVESTMENT IN THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME IS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE. WHEN COMPLETED THE AIRPORT AND RELATED FACILITIES WILL BRING TO HONG KONG LONG TERM ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS FAR GREATER THAN THE COST OF THE INVESTMENT, AND THESE BENEFITS WILL BE ENJOYED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY."

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALBERT LAM , SAID THE DOOR TO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING REMAINED WIDE OPEN.

THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CROSSING DID NOT PRECLUDE CONSIDERATION OF OFFERS OF FINANCE OR PLEDGES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT THE TENDER STAGE. AND THE GOVERNMENT ALSO RETAINED THE OPTION OF CALLING FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS TO OPERATE THE FIXED CROSSING ONCE COMPLETED.

/MR LAM ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

x

- 2 -

MR LAM SAID THE "PREQUALIFICATION" EXERCISE IN SELECTING TENDERERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WOULD BEGIN SHORTLY.

THE PROJECT WOULD BE SPLIT INTO A NUMBER OF SELF CONTAINED CONTRACTS SO THAT INTERESTED PARTIES, WHETHER LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL, COULD TENDER FOR THE CONTRACTS IN THE FIELD BEST SUITED TO THEIR EXPERTISE AND ABILITY.

MR LAM DESCRIBED THE TRANSPORT LINKS IN PLACE FOR PADS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE OVERALL STRATEGY TO MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS IN THE NEXT 10 TO 20 YEARS.

HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTED TO RECEIVE THE CONSULTANTS FINAL REPORTS BY THE END OF THE YEAR ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. THESE QUESTIONS INCLUDED WHAT IS THE BEST ALIGNMENT, HOW SOON THE RAILWAY IS REQUIRED, AND WHAT THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG OF A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT A CONSTRAINED AIRPORT WOULD SEVERELY LIMIT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MAKE HONG KONG INCREASINGLY LESS ATTRACTIVE AS A MAJOR CENTRE FOR TRADE, FINANCE AND COMMERCE.

"KAI TAK IS ALREADY THE SIXTH BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS AND THE FOURTH BUSIEST IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT. IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY BUSIER THAN ANY AIRPORT ANYWHERE IN CHINA."

SHE SAID THAT IF DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH CONTINUED IN PASSENGER AND AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS, CAPACITY AT KAI TAK WOULD BE REACHED AS EARLY AS 1993.

ON THE QUESTION OF COMPETITION FROM NEW AIRPORTS AT MACAU AND SHENZHEN, MRS CHAN SAID THAT MACAU WAS NOT EXPECTED TO ATTRACT ANY SIGNIFICANT VOLUME OF TRAFFIC FROM AN AVIATION HUB LIKE HONG KONG.

HOWEVER, SHENZHEN WOULD POTENTIALLY FULFIL A HELPFUL ROLE IN RELIEVING PRESSURE ON KAI TAK PRIOR TO CHEK LAP KOK COMING ON STREAM.

"IN THE LONGER TERM, WE SEE THE ROLES OF CHEK LAP KOK, MACAU AND SHENZHEN AIRPORTS AS LARGELY COMPLEMENTARY. ALL THREE ARE NEEDED TO SERVICE ADEQUATELY THE DYNAMIC AREA OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AND SOUTHERN CHINA GENERALLY, " MRS CHAN SAID.

THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, MENTIONED SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

"ALMOST UNBELIEVABLY ON THAT DAY THERE WILL BE NO AIRCRAFT ROARING OVER KOWLOON TONG AND SHAM SHUI PO AND MUCH OF THE TRAFFIC ON CHATHAM ROAD FLYOVER AND AROUND THE KOWLOON CITY ROUNDABOUT WILL BE GONE.

/"THIS WILL .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 3 -

"THIS WILL BE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF A SOMEWHAT QUIETER KOWLOON TO THE RELIEF OF OVERCROWDING AND FOR NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

"IT IS PROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE FROM WHICH THE METROPLAN WILL BENEFIT," MR BARNES SAID.

IN SUMMING UP THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THERE WAS NOTHING "MAGIC" ABOUT THE 1997 TARGET DATE FOR BUILDING THE AIRPORT.

"THE VIEW THAT THE AIRPORT MUST BE BUILT IN THE PERIOD OF THE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION FORMS NO PART OF GOVERNMENT’S THINKING."

THE TWO FACTORS WERE THE NEED TO BUILD THE AIRPORT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE BECAUSE OF THE GROWING CONGESTION AT KAI TAK - AND ON THE THE BEST ADVICE AT THE TIME, SEVEN YEARS WAS THE SHORTEST PERIOD NECESSARY FOR COMPLETION OF THE CORE PROJECTS.

THE CORE PROJECTS INCLUDED ONE RUNWAY AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND THE WEST KOWLOON . EXPRESSWAY.

SIR DAVID SAID THE DECISION TO BUILD THE AIRPORT WAS NOT A SUDDEN ONE AS THE LONG TERM NEED FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT WAS DEFINED IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES.

"OVER THE INTERVENING PERIOD, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXHAUSTIVELY REVIEWED FROM EVERY ANGLE: FROM FORECAST OF DEMAND, THROUGH LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, TO COST AND THE DISBENEFITS OF DOING NOTHING. THE DECISION IN OCTOBER 1989 COULD HARDLY BE DESCRIBED AS A SURPRISE."

BRIEFINGS FOR MANY EMINENT VISITORS WERE ALSO GIVEN LONG BEFORE THE DECISION TO PROCEED WAS ANNOUNCED. THIS INCLUDED A GROUP OF SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE MAINLAND WHO WERE GIVEN A FULL PRESENTATION ON PADS IN MARCH 1989.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE TRADITIONAL HONG KONG STYLE OF CONSULTATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS HAD BEEN FOLLOWED.

THE ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CONSULTATION FOLLOWED IN SOME OTHER PLACES WHICH INVOLVES FORMAL PUBLIC INQUIRIES COULD HAVE SEVERE PENALTIES IF APPLIED IN HONG KONG.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY CITED THE MUNICH AIRPORT, WHICH WAS STILL NOT FINISHED AFTER A DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN IN 1969 TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT; AND THE STANSTED AIRPORT IN THE UK WHICH HAD BEEN ARGUED ABOUT SINCE 1964 AND WAS NOT DUE TO OPEN UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

"SOMEHOW THAT STYLE OF DOING THINGS DOESN’T QUITE SEEM TO FIT INTO HONG KONG’S ’GET UP AND GO’ IMAGE," SIR DAVID SAID.

------0-------

/4 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

4

UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IS IMPORTANT

*****

THERE IS WIDE CONSENSUS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING AN UNDERSTANDING ON HONG KONG AND CHINA, NOT LEAST THROUGH GREATER CONTACTS - BETWEEN CIVIL SERVANTS, IN THE COMMERCIAL FIELD, AND BETWEEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND CHINA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED THAT THIS PROCESS COULD BE A TWO-WAY ONE.

"AT THE SAME TIME, THERE IS A STRONG FEELING THAT AN INCREASING EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND A BETTER DIALOGUE WITH CHINA SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS GIVING THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT A VETO OVER DECISIONS WHICH ARE PROPERLY FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THESE VIEWS COULD BE WELL APPLIED TO THE SPECIFIC CASE OF THE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT.

"WE WOULD LIKE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT WE ARE PLANNING AND WOULD WELCOME EXPRESSIONS OF SUPPORT FROM THEM FOR PROJECTS WHICH ARE TO THE LONG TERM BENEFIT OF HONG KONG.

"WE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE ARE WILLING TO KEEP THEM INFORMED AS OUR PLANS DEVELOP, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT OF COURSE SEEKING FORMAL APPROVAL FROM THEM NOR DO WE INTEND THAT THESE DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD PLACE ANY BURDEN ON THE CHINESE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.

THE CHINESE EXPERT TEAM WHICH RECENTLY VISITED HONG KONG HELD CANDID AND CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS WITH US IN A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, SAID SIR DAVID ADDING THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOUND THE TALKS USEFUL.

"THE CHINESE TEAM WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE FINANCIAL POSITION WHICH THE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL INHERIT IN 1997. WE HOPE THAT THE INFORMATION WHICH WE HAVE GIVEN THEM WILL REASSURE THEM.

"OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE THE SAR IN 1997 NOT ONLY WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY FOR ITS CONTINUED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO WITH STRONG FINANCES.

"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN DO BOTH. WE LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER TALKS ON THE MATTER WITH THE CHINESE SIDE," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 5 -

HONG KONG WELL SERVED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE

*****

HONG KONG COMMUNITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL SERVED BY ITS PUBLIC SERVICE, NOTWITHSTANDING OCCASIONAL DRAMATIC HEADLINES AND STORIES ABOUT INDIVIDUALS OR SMALL MINORITIES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

CONCLUDING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID AT A TIME WHEN IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE IMAGE OF THE SERVICE AS A WHOLE HAD BEEN DAMAGED BY THE FEW, IT WAS AS WELL TO REMEMBER AND TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS WHO DAY AFTER DAY CONTINUED TO PROVE THAT OUR PUBLIC SERVICE WAS LOYAL, DEDICATED AND EFFICIENT.

’’AND IN SAYING THIS I AM NOT SIMPLY RELYING ON MY OWN OPINION BUT DRAWING ON THE MANY PERSONAL COMMENTS WE RECEIVE FROM OVERSEAS POLITICIANS, ACADEMICS AND BUSINESSMEN," SIR DAVID SAID.

AT THIS TIME OF TRANSITION, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT ADDITIONAL DEMANDS WERE PLACED ON OUR PUBLIC SERVICE.

’’IN MANY WAYS, SURROUNDED AS WE ARE BY CHANGE, WE LOOK INCREASINGLY TO THE CIVIL SERVICE TO PROVIDE THE CONTINUITY WHICH WILL PROVE ESSENTIAL AS WE MOVE THROUGH THE NINETIES AND BEYOND,” HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID HE AGREED WITH THE SUGGESTION MADE BY A NUMBER OF MEMBERS THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT TO REDUCE BUREAUCRACY AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE SERVICE.

’’WITH A WORKFORCE OF SOME 190,000, MORE THAN 400 GRADES AND SOME 60 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL.

"IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE - IF IT EVER WERE - FOR MANAGEMENT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS A RESPONSIBILITY EXERCISED EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE CENTRE.

"IN ITS WIDEST SENSE, SIR DAVID SAID, MANAGEMENT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL THOSE WHO PLAY A SUPERVISORY ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION: IN THE GOVERNMENT, OUR FOCAL POINT MUST BE THE DEPARTMENTAL LEVEL.

"WE ARE THEREFORE IN THE PROCESS OF DEVOLVING MORE RESPONSIBILITIES TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENT. IN TURN THIS MEANS THAT THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR OWN RESOURCES, HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY, FOR INSTANCE, DELEGATED TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENT OR HEADS OF GRADE THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS TO ALL POSTS BELOW DIRECTORATE LEVEL, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE ADVICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.

"THIS COVERS 99 PER CENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.

/"A START .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 6 -

”A START HAS ALSO BEEN MADE IN DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENT TO GRANT VARIOUS PAYMENTS AND ALLOWANCES PROVIDED FOR UNDER CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS.

”WE ARE ALSO DELEGATING TO DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ARRANGING THEIR OWN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.

"I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS WE DO NOT ALLOW THE GRASS TO GROW UNDER OUR FEET AS FAR AS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS CONCERNED AND WE ARE PREPARED TO ADAPT TO KEEP PACE WITH MODERN DEVELOPMENTS AND PRACTICES,” HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ADMINISTRATION WAS GIVING MORE RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGERS, IT WAS TAKING STEPS TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS THROUGH MANAGEMENT TRAINING.

"TRAINING OF STAFF AT SUPERVISORY LEVELS GIVES MANAGERS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR LEADERSHIP ROLE AND HELPS THEM TO MOTIVATE THEIR STAFF AND SET HIGHER STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENT," HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGERIAL SKILLS WAS A CONTINUOUS AND EXPANDING PROGRAMME, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN 1987/88, SOME 9,500 STAFF WERE SENT ON A WIDE RANGE OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES, THE TOTAL IN 1989/90, HAS RISEN TO AROUND 10,300."

ON THE COMMENTS BY MEMBERS ABOUT THE NEED FOR PUBLIC SECTOR WAGE RESTRAINT, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM AND CLEAR POLICY THAT CIVIL SERVICE PAY SHOULD FOLLOW, AND NOT LEAD, THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"CIVIL SERVICE PAY IS ADJUSTED ANNUALLY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR OVER THE PREVIOUS TWELVE MONTHS, THE ECONOMIC SITUATION AND OUR BUDGETARY POSITION.

"WE LOOK, IN THE FIRST PLACE, AT WHAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS DOING BY WAY OF PAY INCREASES," HE EXPLAINED.

THE ANNUAL PAY TREND SURVEY, WHICH FORMED THE BASIS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT, WAS THE METHOD THE GOVERNMENT USED TO FIND OUT WHAT THESE INCREASES HAD BEEN, HE SAID.

"BUT WE ALSO PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, SUCH AS WHETHER A PARTICULAR LEVEL OF PAY ADJUSTMENT WOULD ADD UNDULY TO THE INFLATIONARY PRESSURE, AND OF COURSE THE EXCHEQUER’S ABILITY TO PAY.

"WHERE THESE CONSIDERATIONS WARRANT, A SMALLER PAY INCREASE IS MADE," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WAS THE SITUATION EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHEN THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT WAS ON AVERAGE 2 PER CENT LESS THAN THE PAY TREND SURVEY RESULTS.

/"IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

"IT IS PERHAPS TOO EARLY TO DISCUSS CURRENT PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BUT OUR ECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY POSITION DICTATES THAT WE SHALL CERTAINLY HAVE TO BE PRUDENT ON PAY ADJUSTMENTS NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT SOME MEMBERS, REFLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE MATTER, EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT GET ITSELF LOCKED INTO AN ENDLESS ROUND OF SALARY REVIEWS FOR DIFFERENT GRADES.

"REFERENCES IN THE MEDIA, AND INDEED BY SOME OF THE AFFECTED GRADES THEMSELVES, MAY HAVE GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE IS A NONSTOP PROCESS OF SALARY AWARDS TO LUCKY CIVIL SERVANTS.

"IT IS IMPORTANT THEREFORE TO SET THE RECENT AWARDS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE, WHICH BEGAN ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO AND WAS INITIATED AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF INCREASING DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING STAFF," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ONE EXERCISE; BUT BECAUSE OF ITS COMPREHENSIVENESS AND THE NUMBERS INVOLVED, THAT WAS SOME 400 GRADES, IT HAD TO BE SPREAD OUT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

"THE REVIEW IS NOW DRAWING TO A CLOSE. THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WILL COMPLETE THE FINAL STAGE OF ITS REVIEW OF NON-DIRECTORATE SALARY STRUCTURE IN DECEMBER, BY WHICH TIME THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WILL ALSO HAVE MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SALARY OF DISCIPLINED SERVICE OFFICERS.

"THE END IS THEREFORE IN SIGHT, AND I DO NOT FORESEE ANOTHER OVERALL SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW FOR MANY YEARS TO COME," HE SAID.

ON CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT CONDITIONS OF SERVICE REMAINED APPROPRIATE IN PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES.

"THIS DOES NOT MEAN THROWING MORE MONEY INTO THE PACKAGE OF CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS, WHICH IS ALREADY GENERALLY ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE GOOD - AND WHICH BEFITS A GOOD EMPLOYER.

"THE MAIN AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT RESOURCES ARE USED MORE COST-EFFECTIVELY, AND THAT CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS ARE STRUCTURED IN A WAY THAT BEST MEET THE CHANGING ASPIRATIONS OF STAFF,” HE SAID.

"THE RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED NEW CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING PACKAGE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE: WHILE MEETING THE STAFF’S WISH FOR GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, THE SCHEME WILL ALSO RESULT IN LONG TERM SAVINGS OF ABOUT $3 BILLION.

"ITS POPULARITY IS ATTESTED BY THE FACT THAT, FROM ITS IMPLEMENTATION ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR TO THE END OF LAST WEEK, SOME 5,500 CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE APPLIED UNDER THE PACKAGE TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN HOMES," SIR DAVID SAID.

/HE ALSO .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 8 -

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS, SOME OF WHICH WERE UNDOUBTEDLY OUTDATED, WERE MODERNIZED TO KEEP UP WITH CHANGING ASPIRATIONS.

’’THE GOVERNMENT’S ADVISORY BODIES ON PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WOULD HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE HERE,” SIR DAVID SAID.

ON THE CONCERN OVER SECURITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ PENSIONS, SIR DAVID SAID HE MUST REPEAT THE POINT MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ADDRESS THAT CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS WERE SECURE.

"THEY ARE BOTH A STATUTORY RIGHT AND A STATUTORY CHARGE ON THE GENERAL REVENUE OF HONG KONG WHICH INCLUDES THE FISCAL RESERVES.

"THERE ARE ALSO FIRM COMMITMENTS TO THEIR PAYMENT IN BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW,” HE SAID.

DESPITE THIS AND RECOGNISING THE CONTINUING WORRIES OF THE SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SEEING IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER MEASURES WHICH IT COULD TAKE TO E£SE STAFF CONCERNS.

”1 HOPE IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT ANY CHANGES MUST BE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES,” HE ADDED.

ON CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: ”WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SEE A TOTALLY CONTENTED CIVIL SERVICE; NONE OF US CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH REPORTS OF DISAFFECTION AND INDUSTRIAL UNREST, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS GIVEN SUCH PUBLIC EXPRESSION.

’’BUT THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE SEEN IN PERSPECTIVE,” HE SAID.

ONE OF THE DIFFICULTIES OF MANAGING A CIVIL SERVICE LIKE OURS, SAID SIR DAVID, WAS ITS SIZE: THE GOVERNMENT WAS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, WITH ALMOST 190,000 PEOPLE ON THE PAYROLL.

"IN MY VIEW WE SHOULD NOT BE TOO SURPRISED IF, IN SUCH A LARGE ORGANIZATION, THERE IS AT ANY ONE TIME ONE GROUP OR OTHER WITH A COMPLAINT OR A CONCERN WHICH THEY ARE PREPARED TO EXPRESS PUBLICLY.

"THIS IS PERHAPS ESPECIALLY UNDERSTANDABLE AT A TIME WHEN THEIR PAY IS UNDER REVIEW,” HE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO CONCLUDE FROM THIS, THAT THE WHOLE OF THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IS SEETHING WITH DISCONTENT.

"THE VAST MAJORITY, AS RECOGNIZED BY SOME MEMBERS, ARE STILL PUTTING IN A HARD AND HONEST DAY’S WORK.

”WE STILL HAVE AN EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE. INDEED, THIS IS OFTEN SEEN AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIONS AS A PLACE TO INVEST AND DO BUSINESS," HE SAID.

/IN CASES .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 9 -

TN CASES WHERE DISPUTES DID OCCUR, STR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVED IN RESOLVING THEM THROUGH PRANK AND DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.

"AS I SAID EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE SUCCESS OF OUR SYSTEM SHOULD BE MEASURED BY THE QUIET CONSENSUS WHICH ENDS THE MAJORITY OF DISAGREEMENTS; NOT BY THE NOISY AND UNREPRESENTATIVE FEW," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID SINCE THE GOVERNMENT DID EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF DIALOGUE AND CONSULTATION, IT WAS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT THAT ITS SYSTEM OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATION WAS EFFECTIVE.

"THE PRESENT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY IS AN ELABORATE ONE.

"THERE ARE PLENTY OF AVENUES OPEN TO STAFF TO AIR THEIR GRIEVANCES, OR SIMPLY TO EXPRESS A VIEW.

"THIS THEY CAN DO EITHER INDIVIDUALLY THROUGH ONE-TO-ONE CONTACT WITH DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT; OR COLLECTIVELY THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE 88 DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE, AS WELL AS THE FOUR CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS," STR DAVID SA ID ADD I NG THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY FINALISING SOME PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE PRESENT MACHINERY FURTHER.

NOTING THAT THE RANGE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT HAD GROWN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT FELL ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES AND RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO NEW DEMANDS.

"A DEDICATED AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE IS THE KEY TO THE CONTINUANCE OF SOUND ADMINISTRATION.

"WE NEED PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE VISION TO SET NEW GOALS FOR THE COMMUNITY; AND THE INTEGRITY, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO SEE THEM THROUGH," HE SAID.

HE RECOGNISED THAT THE CHALLENGES OF BOTH THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE MIGHT WELL PUT ADDITIONAL STRAIN ON THE CIVIL SERVICE.

"WE NEED TO REASSURE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE UP THAT SERVICE, THAT MANAGEMENT IS ALIVE TO THEIR CONCERNS AND IS ADDRESSING THOSE CONCERNS CONSTRUCTIVELY; IS GIVING THEM BOTH THE TOOLS TO DO THE JOB AND APPROPRIATE PAY FOR THE JOB; AND IS GIVING THEM EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THEIR PART IN SHAPING THE HONG KONG OF THE FUTURE.

"IN THIS, I AM SURE THEY CAN LOOK TO THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

/10 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 10 -

PADS TO BRING BENEFITS FAR GREATER THAN COST ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED FACILITIES WHEN COMPLETED WILL BRING TO HONG KONG LONG-TERM ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS FAR GREATER THAN THE COST OF INVESTMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, SIR PIERS SAID THESE BENEFITS WILL BE ENJOYED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

CLEARLY, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND THE RELATED TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DOES INVOLVE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT. ’’BUT I WISH TO UNDERLINE THE FACT THAT INVESTMENT IN THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME IS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE,” HE SAID

SIR PIERS SAID THE KEY FACTOR ENABLING THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE ON PROCEEDING WITH THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME WAS HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL STRENGTH.

"I HAVE IN MIND, FIRST, THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES OF OVER $70 BILLION WHICH WE HAVE BUILT UP IN RECENT YEARS THROUGH PRUDENT MANAGEMENT. THIS COMPARES WITH RESERVES OF ONLY $24 BILLION FIVE YEARS AGO.

’’SECONDLY, I HAVE IN MIND THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT LAND FUND,” HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID WHILE THE SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND WOULD NOT BE PART OF THE RESERVES UNTIL JULY 1997, IT CONSISTED OF INCOME FROM LAND SALE PREMIA WHICH PREVIOUSLY WOULD HAVE GONE INTO THE RESERVES.

’’THE LAND FUND IS CLEARLY OF RELEVANCE WHEN ASSESSING THE LONGTERM STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S FINANCES, AND PARTICULARLY THE STRENGTH OF THE FINANCIAL SITUATION WHICH THE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL INHERIT ON ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1997," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE BALANCE TRANSFERRED TO THE SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND ALREADY STOOD AT OVER $17 BILLION AT THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 1989-90.

"EVEN ON FAIRLY CONSERVATIVE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT FUTURE LAND SALES AND INTEREST, THE LAND FUND SHOULD BE WELL OVER $70 BILLION BY MARCH 1997 - THAT IS TO SAY, MORE THAN OUR EXISTING RESERVES.

"OUR FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSUMES THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT DRAW AT ALL ON THE LAND FUND UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE RELEVANT SECTION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.

THUS, WHEN THE SAR GOVERNMENT CAME INTO BEING, IT SHOULD HAVE AN AIRPORT WHICH WOULD PRODUCE REVENUE, A GREATLY IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE, MUCH OF WHICH WOULD ALSO BE REVENUE-PRODUCING, AND SOMEWHAT LARGER RESERVES THAN WE PRESENTLY ENJOY.

/SIR PIERS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 11 -

SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT HAVE PROCEEDED WITH THIS PACKAGE OF PROJECTS IF IT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT DOING SO WAS CLEARLY WITHIN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL CAPACITY.

"I HOPE THE FIGURES I HAVE JUST REFERRED TO, THAT IS, OUR RESERVES,- THE SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND TOGETHER WITH THE POTENTIAL LAND SALES REVENUE WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAD INDICATED IN HIS ADDRESS TO BE SOME $40 BILLION AT PRESENT DAY PRICES, WILL DEMONSTRATE THE STRENGTH OF OUR POSITION," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, SIR PIERS SAID THERE WERE OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF OUR FINANCIAL STRATEGY FOR THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME AND THE FIRST WAS THE NEED TO CONTROL THE OVERALL COST OF THE PROGRAMME EFFECTIVELY.

THE SECOND RELATED TO THE NEED TO KEEP PUBLIC SECTOR COSTS TO THE MINIMUM BY ENCOURAGING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION WHERE THIS MADE FINANCIAL SENSE, HE SAID.

"THIS STRATEGY IS FOUNDED ON HONG KONG’S SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE IN FUNDING PROJECTS LIKE THE CONTAINER TERMINALS AND VARIOUS MAJOR TUNNELS, WHOLLY OR PARTLY FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION NOT ONLY WOULD REDUCED THE REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC FUNDS, IT ALSO INTRODUCED THE COMMERCIAL DISCIPLINES AND EFFICIENCIES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"THE EXACT MIX OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR FUNDING WILL EMERGE GRADUALLY AS REFINED COST ESTIMATES, REVENUE PROJECTIONS AND FINANCIAL ANALYSES OF THE VARIOUS PROJECTS BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE COMING MONTHS.

"THIS MIX MUST ENSURE THAT WE OBTAIN THE BEST OVERALL RESULTS FOR HONG KONG IN THE LONGER TERM.

"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE THAT SOME 40 PER CENT TO 60 PER CENT OF THE PACKAGE OF PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CAN BE FINANCED'BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR REMAINS TRUE," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THAT SOME HAD ARGUED THAT THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME WAS CROWDING OUT OTHER DESIRABLE PROJECTS, AND HAD TENDED TO BLAME ALL TIGHTENING OF CONTROL ON PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON THE AIRPORT PROGRAMME.

HE SAID THIS VIEW WAS MISGUIDED FOR TWO PRINCIPAL REASONS.

"FIRST, EVEN WITHOUT A DECISION TO BUILD THE NEW AIRPORT, LOWER GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY AND A HIGH LEVEL OF INFLATION WOULD IN ANY EVENT REQUIRE US TO CONTAIN THE INCREASE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MORE TIGHTLY.

"SECONDLY, WE MUST DISTINGUISH BETWEEN RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE,” HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE PRIME NEED, EVEN WITHOUT THE DECISION TO BUILD THE AIRPORT, WAS TO KEEP RECURRENT EXPENDITURE GROWTH TO A REASONABLE LEVEL.

/"THIS MEANS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 12 -

"THIS MEANS CONTROLLING THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.

"TO PROVIDE A LITTLE REASSURANCE I SHOULD ADD THAT IT WILL NEVERTHELESS STILL BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SOME PROVISION FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES, PARTLY BY CARRYING OUT SOME EXISTING ACTIVITIES MORE COST-EFFECTIVELY," HE SAID.

ON THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FRONT, SIR PIERS SAID IT WAS TRUE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVING PRIORITY TO AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS, AND THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE PARTICULARLY PRUDENT OVER NEW PROGRAMMES WITH SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IMPLICATIONS.

"BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THIS IN PERSPECTIVE. WE HAVE ALLOWED FOR COMMITMENTS IN OTHER AREAS TOO, SUCH AS EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES, THE ENVIRONMENT, WATER SUPPLY AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.

"CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON NON-AIRPORT PROGRAMME AREAS IS PROJECTED TO BE A MASSIVE $140 BILLION AT 1990 PRICES IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1997," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID CLEARLY HONG KONG WOULD FACE A FEW YEARS OF BUDGETARY DEFICITS AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUILT UP AND PEAKED OVER THIS PERIOD.

"THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED, AND IS PRECISELY ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE HAVE BUILT UP SUCH CONSIDERABLE RESERVES.

"DRAWING ON THESE RESERVES TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL INVESTMENTS WHICH WILL ALLOW THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY AND THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG IS TO SOME EXTENT INEVITABLE," HE SAID.

• HOWEVER, SIR PIERS SAID, THERE IS ANOTHER OPTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NEED TO CONSIDER FURTHER, AND THAT IS BORROWING.

"BORROWING BY STATUTORY CORPORATIONS SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IS ALREADY A WELL-ESTABLISHED WAY OF FUNDING, AND CLEARLY ONE OF THE METHODS THAT THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY IS LIKELY TO USE.

"ALSO, WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF JUDICIOUS BORROWING BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ITSELF, A WELL-TRIED METHOD ELSEWHERE FOR FINANCING MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS AND SMOOTHING PUBLIC SECTOR CASHFLOW.

"I HAVE MADE NO DECISION YET AS TO WHETHER THIS IS AN OPTION WE SHOULD ACTUALLY PURSUE, BUT I WILL REVERT TO THE ISSUE IN MY BUDGET SPEECH NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID HONG KONG’S LONGER TERM ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD ONLY BE SECURED BY ENSURING THAT ITS PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE REMAINS ADEQUATE TO FACILITATE THE EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG.

/"THIS IS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 13 -

"THIS IS CRUCIAL TO MAINTAINING OUR POSITION AS A MAJOR FINANCE, TRADE AND SERVICES CENTRE FOR THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION. THE NEW AIRPORT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THAT INFRASTRUCTURE.

"AS THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES HAS ALREADY POINTED OUT, KAI TAK IS EXPECTED TO REACH SATURATION AS EARLY AS 1993. THEREAFTER, GROWTH WILL BE CONSTRAINED BECAUSE OF LIMITED CAPACITY, AND THIS COULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH," HE SAID.

-----0------

GREAT DEAL OF CONSULTATION ON PADS: CS

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF CONSULTATION ON THE PADS: PROJECT AND THE DECISION TO BUILD THE NEW AIRPORT WAS NOT A SUDDEN ONE.

"TRUE WE DID NOT ISSUE A "PADS GREEN PAPER" COVERING THE WHOLE OF THE PROJECT. BUT WE HAVE MADE NO SECRET OF WHAT WE ARE DOING, THE MEDIA HAS BEEN FULL OF IT FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND THE VARIOUS PROJECTS HAVE ALL BEEN PUT TO THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES FOR CONSIDERATION, SIR DAVID SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID THROUGHOUT ALL THE YEARS THIS PROJECT'S GESTATION, THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL HAD SERVED ON THAT BOARD.

"ON THE TRANSPORT FRONT, THERE HAS BEEN FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS. THEIR COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER "MOVING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY” WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE WHITE PAPER ISSUED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

"AND, OF COURSE, SERIOUS CONSIDERATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN GIVEN TO THE VIEWS AND ADVICE VOLUNTEERED BY INDIVIDUALS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ATTENDED NUMEROUS PUBLIC SEMINARS AND WERE PREPARED TO DO MORE AND THERE WERE PLANS FOR TELEVISION PROGRAMMES WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN ALL ASPECTS OF THE PADS . TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE ABOUT ITS STYLE OF CONSULTATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, EITHER IT CONTINUED TO DO THINGS THE WAY WE HAD DONE SO FAR, TRADITIONAL HONG KONG WAY OR WE MADE A DRASTIC CHANGE AND ACCEPTED THE CONSEQUENCES.

/"THE HONG .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 14 -

’’THE HONG KONG STYLE OF CONSULTATION FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS IS TO TAKE THE BEST ADVICE AVAILABLE, MAKE A DECISION BASED ON THAT ADVICE AND THEN ENSURE THAT EVERYONE WHO IS DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE DECISION IS FULLY CONSULTED,” HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY CITED THE EXAMPLE THAT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WHICH HAD A KEEN INTEREST IN THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION WAS ALREADY DISCUSSING THE ALIGNMENT AND IMPACT OF THE ROAD ON THE COMMUNITY THERE.

’’MANY MORE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE INVOLVED AS TIME GOES ON. AND OF COURSE THE PLANNING PROCESS IS SUBJECT TO THE SCRUTINY OF THIS COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAVE TO BE SATISFIED WITH THE FUNDING," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CONSULTATION WHICH WAS ADOPTED IN SOME OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD.

"IT IS TO HAVE A SERIES OF FORMAL PUBLIC ENQUIRIES OPEN TO THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC AT WHICH EVERY ELEMENT OF THE PROJECT IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC DEBATE. :

"THAT MAY BE A PERFECTLY SUITABLE COURSE TO FOLLOW IN SOME COUNTRIES BUT EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE LEADS US TO BELIEVE THERE WOULD BE SEVERE PENALTIES IF WE APPLIED THE SAME APPROACH IN HONG KONG," HE NOTED.

SIR DAVID SAID A DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH MUNICH AIRPORT, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS MADE IN 1969 AND IT WAS STILL NOT FINISHED LARGELY BECAUSE OF DELAYS CAUSED BY PUBLIC ENQUIRIES WHICH TOGETHER TOOK OVER EIGHT YEARS TO COMPLETE AND STANSTED AIRPORT IN THE UK HAD BEEN ARGUED ABOUT SINCE 1964 AND WAS DUE TO OPEN NEXT YEAR.

"SOMEHOW THAT STYLE OF DOING THINGS DOESN’T QUITE SEEM TO FIT INTO HONG KONG’S ’GET UP AND GO’ IMAGE," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY STRESSED THAT AS A GOVERNMENT, IT DID NOT TAKE RASH DECISIONS ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE VITAL FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH.

"AS YOU’VE HEARD OUR PLANNING FOR HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY BEGAN IN 1972.

"THE LONG TERM NEED FOR PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WAS DEFINED IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES, AND CURIOUSLY ENOUGH, THE SORT OF SOLUTION EVEN THEN PROPOSED WAS BROADLY SIMILAR TO THAT WE ADOPTED LAST YEAR," HE REMARKED.

OVER THE INTERVENING PERIOD, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN EXHAUSTIVELY REVIEWED FROM EVERY ANGLE: FROM FORECAST OF DEMAND, THROUGH LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, TO COST AND THE DISBENEFITS OF DOING NOTHING.

THE DECISION IN OCTOBER 1989 COULD HARDLY BE DESCRIBED AS A SURPRISE AS THE GOVERNOR DEVOTED NINE PARAGRAPHS TO PADS IN HIS 1988 SPEECH, ALMOST AS MUCH AS THIS YEAR.

/AT THAT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

15 -

AT THAT TIME THE GOVERNOR GAVE A CLEAR INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT’S THINKING ON THE PROJECT AND SIGNALLED A FIRM DECISION IN 1989, SIR DAVID SAID.

"WE FULLY BRIEFED MANY EMINENT VISITORS TO HONG KONG ON THE PROJECT LONG BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO GO AHEAD WAS MADE LAST YEAR.

"INCIDENTALLY THESE VISITORS INCLUDED A GROUP OF SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE MAINLAND WHO WERE GIVEN A FULL PRESENTATION ON PADS BY ME AND POLICY SECRETARIES IN MARCH 1989," SIR DAVID SAID.

ON QUESTION OF THE TIMETABLE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS NOTHING MAGIC ABOUT THE 1997 TARGET DATE FOR BUILDING THE AIRPORT AND IT HAD NO POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

"THE VIEW THAT THE AIRPORT MUST BE BUILT IN THE PERIOD OF THE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION FORMS NO PART OF GOVERNMENT’S THINKING. TWO FACTORS LED US TO THE TARGET DATE,” SAID SIR DAVID.

"FIRST WE NEEDED TO BUILD THE AIRPORT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE BEARING IN MIND THE GROWING CONGESTION AT KAI TAK.

"SECONDLY OUR BEST ADVICE AT THE TIME WAS THAT SEVEN YEARS WAS THE SHORTEST PERIOD NECESSARY FOR COMPLETION OF THE CORE PROJECTS. THAT BROUGHT US TO 1997,” HE SAID.

EXPLAINING WHAT HE MEANT BY THE CORE PROJECTS, SIR DAVID SAID THESE WERE THE PROJECTS WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL TO THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT BY THE TARGET DATE.

"THEY INCLUDE ONE RUNWAY OF THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FIRST RUNWAY AT CHEK LAP KOK OPERATING 24 HOURS A DAY, AND WITHOUT THE CONSTRAINT OF THE CURFEW AT KAI TAK, WOULD PROVIDE AMPLE CAPACITY TO MEET OUR AIR TRAFFIC DEMAND BY THE MID-1990S.

"IT FOLLOWS THAT THE COMPLETION DATE FOR THE SECOND RUNWAY IS FLEXIBLE. AS THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT HAS EXPLAINED, WHILE THE DESIGN OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND THE EXPRESSWAYS WILL PROVIDE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WE DO NOT NEED TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE TIMING OF THAT RAILWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS YET,” HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT ON LANTAU WOULD OF COURSE CONTINUE TO BE BASED ON DEMAND, IT WOULD THEREFORE BE INCREMENTAL AND IT WOULD ALSO BE LARGELY FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT WHILST WE HAD A PROGRAMME FOR COMPLETION OF THE CORE PROJECTS IT WAS NOT SET IN STONE.

"AS MORE INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE THE PROGRAMME IS REVIEWED AND REFINED TO REFLECT THE OPTIMUM TIME FRAME WITHIN WHICH EACH PROJECT CAN BE COMPLETED AT A REASONABLE COST.

/"I USE ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

"I USE THE WORD OPTIMUM ADVISEDLY," HE ADDED.

NOTING THAT BECAUSE TIME EQUALED MONEY IN TWO WAYS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID SPEEDY COMPLETION COULD SAVE MONEY BY AVOIDING THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT ON COSTS, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND AN UNREALISTIC TARGET DATE WOULD RESULT IN CONTRACTORS BIDDING HIGHER PRICES TO COVER THE RISKS INVOLVED IN A TIGHT SCHEDULE.

"OUR PRIME CONCERN IN COMING TO A CONCLUSION ON PROGRAMMING THEREFORE IS TO ENSURE SPEEDY COMPLETION WITH OPTIMUM VALUE FOR MONEY," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

WE SHOULD HAVE FAITH IN OUR ABILITY: CS *****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY : (WEDNESDAY) THAT IT IS VITAL THAT WE DO NOT CREATE CRISIS WHERE NONE EXISTS BY LOSING FAITH IN OUR OWN WELL ESTABLISHED ABILITY NOT ONLY TO SURVIVE BUT TO PROSPER.

"AS SEVERAL MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT THIS COMMUNITY HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF BEING ABLE TO OVERCOME ANY PROBLEM WHICH CONFRONTS IT.

"THOSE OF US WHO LIVED THROUGH THE DARK DAYS OF 1967, AND THE OIL CRISIS OF THE 1970’S CAN TESTIFY TO HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK," SAID SIR DAVID SUMMING UP THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS.

SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A SAD REFLECTION OF THE TIMES THAT THE INTERNATIONAL VIEW OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS SOMETIMES MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN THAT OF OUR PEOPLE HERE.

"THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE DANGERS IN THAT, BECAUSE THE CONFIDENCE OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS WILL BE AFFECTED BY OUR OWN VIEW OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPECTS.

"AND INDEED HONG KONG NEEDS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IF IT IS TO CONTINUE TO FLOURISH AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING CENTRE," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THERE COULD BE FEW GOVERNMENTS WHICH HAD MANAGED TO MAINTAIN SUCH CONSISTENT POLICY DIRECTION OVER WIDE AREAS OF ADMINISTRATION AND FOR SUCH LONG PERIODS OF TIME AND HAD SUCH A SUCCESSFUL RECORD OF DELIVERING THE GOODS ON ITS LONG TERM PROMISES AND PLANS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WE SOMETIMES TOOK FOR GRANTED OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN SUCH FIELDS AS HOUSING, EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND IT TOOK VISITORS TO REMIND US THAT NO TERRITORY IN THE WORLD HAD TACKLED, WHAT ONE OF THE FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY CALLED, "THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE", WITH SUCH DETERMINATION, IMAGINATION AND SUCCESS.

/"JUST LOOK

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 17 -

’’JUST LOOK AROUND THE TERRITORY. WE HAVE OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS EMBARKED ON ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMAGINATIVE AND SUCCESSFUL NEW TOWN BUILDING PROGRAMMES.

"WE HAVE MOVED TWO MILLION PEOPLE INTO MODERN COMMUNITIES COMPLETE WITH SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND COMPREHENSIVE WELFARE, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

"IN ADDITION AND AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE BUILT TWO NEW RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEMS, A SECOND TUNNEL UNDER THE HARBOUR AND SEVERAL OTHERS UNDER OUR MOUNTAINS," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT ALL THESE WERE WITHIN BUDGET AND AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

"IN. EDUCATION, WE HAVE ACHIEVED FREE EDUCATION FOR NINE YEARS. IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH WE HAVE ERADICATED PREVIOUSLY ENDEMIC DISEASES.

"WE HAVE REDUCED INFANT MORTALITY RATES TO BELOW THE LEVELS^ OF EVERYWHERE APART FROM JAPAN AND SCANDINAVIA, AND OUR PEOPLE LIVE LONGER ON AVERAGE THAN THOSE IN EITHER THE UNITED KINGDOM OR THE UNITED STATES.

"AND ALL THIS WITH NO FOREIGN AID PROGRAMMES TO HELP US AND WHILE KEEPING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE BELOW 20 PER CENT OF GDP.

"NOTHING ’LAME DUCKISH’ ABOUT THAT RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT I THINK," HE SAID.

AS TO THE FUTURE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WOULD INDEED HAD BEEN MUCH EASIER TO TAKE THE LOW ROAD, TO FORGET ABOUT PADS, POLLUTION, EDUCATION AND POLICY PLANNING.

"OUR LIVES WOULD MUCH MORE SIMPLE AND YOU AND I, SIR, MIGHT HAVE HAD FEWER GREY HAIRS AND THE OCCASIONAL WEEKEND TO CALL OUR OWN.

"BUT ALL OF US IN THE GOVERNMENT ARE COMMITTED TO STRIVE TO DO* WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG REGARDLESS OF THE STRESSED AND STRAINS THAT MAY IMPOSE ON US PERSONALLY AND INDEED ON THEj ADMINISTRATION AS A WHOLE," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID HE BELIEVED IT WOULD BE TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO REST ON ITS LAURELS AND TAKE THE EASY ROAD TO 1997 BY DOING THE MINIMUM NEEDED TO KEEP HONG KONG TICKING OVER.

"WE ARE FIRM BELIEVERS IN THE CHINESE SAYING ’UNLESS WE CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS WE LAG BEHIND’ B/jT JUN JAK TUI.

"SO WE HAVE LIFTED OUR HORIZON WELL BEYOND 1997 AND ARE MAKING PLANS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY," HE SAID. jl

IN ADDITION TO BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW FIRMLY ON TRACK IN EXPANDING THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SECTOR ON A MASSIVE SCALE BY MORE THAN DOUBLING THE PROVISION OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1995 AMONG OTHER THINGS.

I I

/"OUR THIRD .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 18 -

"OUR THIRD UNIVERSITY IS NEAR COMPLETION. OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE OUR PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BY IMPLEMENTING THE WIDE-RANGING AND DETAILED PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION WILL CONTINUE TO BEAR FRUITS IN THE COMING DECADE.

"AND WE PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR A DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT AS FAR AS THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING DECISIONS WERE CONCERNED, WHICH COVERED SUCH AREAS AS SOCIAL SERVICES, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, 1997 WAS NOT A SIGNIFICANT DATE.

"WHEN I SIT DOWN WITH THE POLICY SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS I AM OFTEN STRUCK BY HOW MUCH IS GOING ON IN EACH OF THEIR AREAS OF ACTIVITY.

"THERE IS NOT ONE OF THEM WHO DOES NOT HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE LONG TERM PLAN FOR THE FUTURE STRETCHING WELL BEYOND THE END OF THIS CENTURY. AND THEY ARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY DETERMINED TO SEE THEM THROUGH," SIR DAVID SAID.

"THIS CONSISTENCY AND DETERMINATION IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG BECAUSE IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WE MUST NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE DISTRACTED BY IMMEDIATE OR SHORT-TERM WORRIES, SUCH AS THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH 1997," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNOR IN HIS QUIET AND DETERMINED WAY HAD SET DOWN FAR SIGHTED PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS WHICH WOULD DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG IN THE NEXT CENTURY.

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD GIVEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A VISION OF THE FUTURE BASED ON A CONFIDENT BUT REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF WHAT WAS POSSIBLE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

HOWEVER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID TO MAKE THAT VISION A REALITY THE GOVERNMENT MUST CARRY THROUGH THE PLANS WITH DETERMINATION AND ENTHUSIASM.

"THERE IS NO LACK OF EITHER OF THESE QUALITIES AMONGST MY COLLEAGUES. WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GIVEN THE SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY WE CAN, IN THE TIME HONOURED HONG KONG WAY, DELIVER THE GOODS ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET," SIR DAVID SAID.

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/19 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 19 -

GOVERNMENT HAS CLEAR

STRATEGY TO PROMOTE HK OVERSEAS * * » ♦ *

THE GOVERNMENT DOES HAVE A CLEAR STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED BY COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE HONG KONG OVERSEAS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME COVERED SPONSORED VISITS BY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE FROM ABROAD, JOINT HONG KONG INC. PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, OVERSEAS VISITS BY SENIOR OFFICIALS AND SPONSORED SPEAKING TOURS IN WHICH MEMBERS OF OMELCO, AMONGST OTHERS, HAD PLAYED AN ACTIVE PART.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT MIGHT BE TIMELY TO MENTION THE WELL-KNOWN AND WIDELY ACCEPTED CONVENTION THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE TRAVELLING ABROAD DID NOT RUN DOWN HONG KONG.

"I KNOW MANY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL SHARE MY REGRET THAT THIS CONVENTION IS OFTEN FLOUTED BY A FEW OF THEIR COLLEAGUES.

"HARSH CRITICISM AND NEGATIVE COMMENTS CAN ALWAYS BE ASSURED OF BIG NEWSPAPER HEADLINES INTERNATIONALLY BUT IT RUNS TOTALLY AGAINST THE CONTINUING NEED, MENTIONED BY MANY MEMBERS, TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE IMAGE OF HONG KONG OVERSEAS," SIR DAVID SAID.

--------0-----------

HK LOOKS FORWARD TO A SUCCESSFUL LEGCO ELECTION ♦ » * * *

THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY LOOKS FORWARD TO THE SUCCESS OF THE TERRITORY’S FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE, AND EXPECTS THAT THESE WILL SERVE AS A FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPING OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

CONCLUDING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID IN MEASURING THE SUCCESS OF THE ELECTIONS, IT WOULD BE EASY TO FALL INTO THE TRAP OF RESTRICTING OURSELVES TO SUCH STERILE REFERENCES TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION RATE AND VOTER TURN-OUT.

"I HESITATE TO USE THE WORD PRIZE, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST PRIZE, IS FOR THIS COUNCIL TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION SMOOTHLY AND EFFICIENTLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT SOME DOUBTS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO WHETHER THE ELECTORAL PROCESS WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN A TRULY DEMOCRATIC MANNER, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF ELECTORAL LAWS AND PRACTICES WAS IN LINE WITH THOSE ADOPTED IN DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES AND THEY WOULD ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS.

/"THE SYSTEM .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 20 -

"THE SYSTEM WE HAVE PROPOSED FOR THE 1991 DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS NOT NEW.

"IT IS MODELED ON THE STATUTORY FRAMEWORK WHICH HAS BEEN USED SINCE 1982 FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE SYSTEM HAS SERVED US WELL AND THE PUBLIC WAS FAMILIAR WITH IT.

"WE BELIEVE IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE OF US TO CAST ITS AWAY AND EXPERIMENT WITH AN UNTRIED NEW SYSTEM AT THIS STAGE OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID HE TOTALLY REJECTED ANY ACCUSATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GERRYMANDERING OVER ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES.

"IN REACHING DECISIONS ON BOUNDARIES, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS AVAILABLE IN 1991, PRESENT AND FUTURE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION, GEOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND THE EXISTING ELECTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES.

"PARTY POLITICS WAS NO PART OF OUR THINKING AND INDEED IT TAKES A MACHIAVELLIAN MIND TO CONGER UP A CONSPIRACY THEORY OVER THE WAY WE HAVE DRAWN UP THE ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES," HE SAID.

ON THE SUGGESTION THAT VOTER REGISTRATION SHOULD BE MADE AUTOMATIC, BASED ON THE RECORDS OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROPOSAL DID HAVE ITS ATTRACTIONS AND FOR THIS REASON IT HAD BEEN CAREFULLY EXAMINED.

"HOWEVER, THERE ARE MAJOR PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES. THESE RECORDS WOULD NOT AND DO NOT ESTABLISH WHETHER A PERSON WAS QUALIFIED TO REGISTER AS A ELECTOR.

"IT IS ALSO UNLIKELY THAT ADDRESSES WOULD BE UP-TO-DATE, GIVEN THE MOBILITY OF THE POPULATION WITHIN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON MEMBERS SUGGESTED CHANGES IN THE WAY IN WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OPERATED, SIR DAVID SAID THE CHANGES TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1991 WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE WORKINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

"WE ARE ALREADY CONSIDERING THESE BROAD QUESTIONS BUT WE ALSO NEED TO LOOK AGAIN AT SOME OF OUR RULES AND PROCEDURES.

"A PARTICULAR ISSUE IS THE PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO MEMBERS. TWO SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE: THAT MEMBERS SHOULD BE REGARDED AS FULL TIME POLITICIANS AND PAID ACCORDINGLY, AND THAT RESOURCES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO EMPLOY THEIR OWN ASSISTANTS.

"THESE SUGGESTIONS AND OTHERS ARE WELCOMED AND WILL BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND DECIDED WELL BEFORE THE 1991 ELECTIONS," SIR DAVID SAID.

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/21 ..........................................

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 21 -

MORE FOREIGN BANKS SHOW CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR *****

REFLECTING CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN BANKS SETTING UP OR UPGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO INCREASE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR PIERS SAID IN THE 12 MONTHS AFTER JUNE LAST YEAR, MORE MAJOR BANKS ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN THE TERRITORY THAN IN ANY COMPARABLE PERIOD SINCE 1980.

"IN ADDITION, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS SECURITIES COMPANIES AND NEW REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED DURING THIS SAME PERIOD," HE SAID.

OVERALL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN THE MEDIUM TO LONGER TERM REMAIN GOOD, BUT THE GULF CRISIS HAD INJECTED NEW UNCERTAINTIES, AND THESE UNCERTAINTIES COULD WELL HAVE SOME IMPACT ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.

SIR PIERS SAID THAT RECENTLY, THERE HAD BEEN SOME ENCOURAGING SIGNS IN THE RE-EXPORTS, DOMESTIC DEMAND AND RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS.

"OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, WE HAVE WITNESSED STRONG GROWTH IN OUR RE-EXPORTS. THIS, TO AN EXTENT, HAS COMPENSATED FOR THE SOMEWHAT SLACK PERFORMANCE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

"WE HAVE ALSO WITNESSED SOME RECOVERY IN RELATION TO DOMESTIC DEMAND. RETAIL SALES RECORDED INCREASES IN BOTH JUNE AND JULY, AND WE HAVE ALSO SEEN AN INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITORS TO HONG KONG.

"I AM HAPPY TO ADD THAT IN RELATION TO RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, THERE WERE MODERATE INCREASES IN BOTH JULY AND AUGUST FOLLOWING ZERO GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR." HE SAID.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, SIR PIERS SAID HONG KONG CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE A TIGHT MARKET, ALTHOUGH SOME SLIGHT EASING WAS EVIDENT IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES FOR JUNE TO AUGUST.

NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, WAGES AND EARNINGS CONTINUED TO SHOW RAPID INCREASES.

"IN OUR CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES,BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS MUST EXERCISE RESTRAINT TO AVOID THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF RISING COSTS AND PRICES ON THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE TIGHT CONTROL OVER THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE TO ENSURE THAT IT DOES NOT COMPETE FOR SCARCE RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITIES AND THUS FURTHER FUEL INFLATION.

/"THE RECENT........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

22

"THE RECENT SCHEMES FOR IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SHOULD HELP TO RELIEVE LABOUR SHORTAGES AND REDUCE WAGE PRESSURE IN CERTAIN CRITICAL AREAS IN THE LABOUR MARKET.

SIR PIERS SAID ONE DARK CLOUD ON THE HORIZON WAS INFLATION. BUT THERE WERE TWO POSITIVE FACTORS WHICH HE WOULD LIKE TO MENTION.

"FIRST, WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A CYCLICAL SLOWDOWN FOLLOWING STRONG GROWTH FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1986 TO 1988.

"AS A CONSEQUENCE, OUR LARGELY DOMESTICALLY-GENERATED INFLATION HAD BEEN EDGING DOWNWARDS SINCE THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR, AND THIS TREND WOULD HAVE CONTINUED BUT FOR THE SURGE IN OIL PRICES THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED RECENTLY.

"SECONDLY, ALTHOUGH THE RECENT DEPRECIATION OF THE US DOLLAR MAY WELL ADD PRESSURES ON IMPORT PRICES IN DUE COURSE, THERE COULD WELL BE SOME RELIEF FLOWING FROM THE SLOWDOWN IN THE RATE OF INFLATION IN CHINA AND THE PRESENT RELATIVELY STABLE WORLD COMMODITY PRICES FOR NON-OIL PRODUCTS.

"I CANNOT, THIS AFTERNOON, OFFER TOO MUCH BY WAY OF COMFORT ON THE INFLATIONARY FRONT BEYOND SAYING THAT IF WE ARE NOT HIT BY FURTHER ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS, IT IS LIKELY, IN MY VIEW, THAT THE DOWNWARD TREND IN INFLATION WILL BE RESUMED NEXT YEAR." SIR PIERS SAID.

--------0-----------

GOVT SHOULD NOT DETERMINE DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: FS *****

THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL PHILOSOPHY IS TO LEAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR FREE TO MAKE ITS OWN DECISIONS ABOUT MARKETS, PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW WAS THAT CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD NOT DETERMINE THE DIRECTION WHICH INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD TAKE.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS RESPONDING TO SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO GUIDE HONG KONG’S FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. SOME HAD ARGUED IN PARTICULAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD IN PROMOTING TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT.

"THAT IS PROPERLY A MATTER FOR BUSINESSMEN," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, THE GOVERNMENT DID ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR FACILITATING THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

/"OVER THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 23 -

’’OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE A RANGE OF POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES WHICH AIM TO REMOVE OBSTACLES TO ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND TO HELP COMPANIES IN THEIR DRIVE TO BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE, MORE INNOVATIVE AND MORE QUALITY-CONSCIOUS - IN SHORT, MORE COMPETITIVE.

’’AND IN DRAWING UP EACH ELEMENT IN THE OVERALL PICTURE, WE HAVE HAD FULL REGARD TO THE ROLE TECHNOLOGY HAS TO PLAY IN DETERMINING COMPETITIVE STRENGTH,” HE SAID.

ILLUSTRATING THE POINT WITH A FEW EXAMPLES, SIR PIERS SAID, THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AT TAI PO AND YUEN LONG AIMED TO ATTRACT NEW INDUSTRIES AND IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES TO HONG KONG.

A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TSEUNG KWAN O WILL COME ON STREAM IN 1993, HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDING FOR A DRAMATIC EXPANSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION, WITH MANY MORE PLACES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS.

"WE INTEND ALSO TO STRENGTHEN THE RESEARCH BASE IN THE . UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.” HE SAID.

THROUGH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, WE PROVIDE A HOST OF SERVICES TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND ADOPT USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES.

"INTENSIVE PLANNING IS NOW UNDER WAY FOR THE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. AND OUR INWARD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME SEEKS TO UPGRADE HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THIS APPROACH HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL, AND THE ALL TOO COMMON PERCEPTION THAT HONG KONG WAS "LAGGING BEHIND" ITS NEIGHBORING ECONOMIES DID NOT STAND UP TO CLOSE INSPECTION.

"LOOK AT OVERALL PROSPERITY: OUR PER CAPITA GDP IS THE HIGHEST IN ASIA OUTSIDE JAPAN.

"LOOK AT TECHNOLOGY: MANY HONG KONG COMPANIES CAN AND DO EXPLOIT STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY.

"LOOK AT INVESTMENT: WHETHER IN MANUFACTURING, FINANCIAL SERVICES, REAL ESTATE OR RETAILING, INVESTMENT IS CONTINUING TO FLOW INTO HONG KONG FROM A WIDE RANGE OF SOURCES," HE SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, SIR PIERS SAID HE DID PAY HEED TO WHAT SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAD SAID IN THE DEBATE IN RELATION TO UPGRADING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND ITS APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY.

"WHILE I BELIEVE THAT OUR APPROACH IS FUNDAMENTALLY ON THE RIGHT LINES, I WOULD STRESS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS IN NO WAY COMPLACENT.

"WE RECOGNISE THAT WE MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO INDUSTRY’S CHANGING NEEDS," HE SAID.

/THE GOVERNMENT ......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 24 -

THE GOVERNMENT HAD KEPT ITS INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW, AND IT WAS ENGAGED IN ONE SUCH REVIEW AT THIS TIME.

"A PARTICULAR CONCERN IS HOW THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES CAN BE BETTER COORDINATED. THE REVIEW IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD,” HE SAID.

-----0------

GOVT ACTIVELY REGULATES SECURITIES MARKET

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PLACE A HIGH PRIORITY ON ENHANCING THE FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY OF HONG KONG'S SECURITIES MARKET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, SIR PIERS SAID ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT ISr AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF OVER-REGULATION, IT HAD EXPERIENCED THE EFFECTS OF INADEQUATE REGULATORY CONTROL OVER THE PURSUIT OF SELFINTEREST IN THE MARKET.

"THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROGRESS AND BALANCE IN THIS FIELD IS NO LESS NOW THAN IT WAS IN 1987.

SIR PIERS SAID THERE WERE THOSE WHO HAD SUGGESTED THAT, AS HONG KONG MANAGED WELL IN THE PAST WITH FEW REGULATORY DISCIPLINES, IT COULD CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

HE SAID THIS VIEW WAS OUT OF STEP WITH THE CURRENT REALITIES OF THE SECURITIES MARKET.

"WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, WE ARE PART OF AN INCREASINGLY INTER-DEPENDENT WORLD MARKET IN WHICH INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS PLAY A KEY ROLE. BOTH THEY AND OUR OWN INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY EXPECT APPROPRIATE STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

"THE HONG KONG MARKET, MORE THAN MOST, DEPENDS FOR ITS FUTURE GROWTH ON DEVELOPING ITS INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION.

"ACCORDINGLY, WE WILL CONTINUE TO PLACE A HIGH PRIORITY ON ENHANCING THE FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY OF OUR MARKETS," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF MARKET PLAYERS AND IN DOING SO, IT WOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE OVERALL INTEREST OF THE MARKET AND THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.

"WE SHALL PLAY THIS ROLE WITH SENSITIVITY AND GOOD COMMON SENSE," HE SAID.

------0--------

/25 .....

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 25 -

RIGHTS PROTECTED THROUGH COURTS, AG SAYS

*****

THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS BILL 1990 INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY WAS NOT ONLY A STATEMENT OF RIGHTS, IT ALSO ENSURED THAT THESE RIGHTS WERE CAPABLE OF BEING PROTECTED AND ENFORCED THROUGH ACTION IN THE COURTS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON A DEBATE ON A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR MATHEWS SAID THE BILL, AS PRESENTLY DRAFTED, WAS EXPRESSED TO BIND THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL AUTHORITIES AND PERSONS.

HE SAID IT WAS, THEREFORE, A MATTER FOR SURPRISE THAT IN THE COURSE OF THIS DEBATE MR MARTIN LEE HAD CONTENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD WATERED DOWN THE PROPOSED BILL "ALMOST TO THE POINT OF IRRELEVANCY".

"IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW A BILL WHICH CONSTITUTES AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND JUSTICIABLE STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN BE DESCRIBED AS IRRELEVANT," SAID MR MATHEWS.

HE SAID MR LEE TOUCHED UPON THREE PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF THE BILL.

"I AM AWARE THAT THE IDEA OF A FREEZE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONTROVERSY, AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ALREADY RESPONDED TO UNEASE IN THIS REGARD BY PROPOSING TO REDUCE THE BLANKET FREEZE TO EXISTING LEGISLATION FROM TWO YEARS TO ONE YEAR, ALTHOUGH ALLOWING FOR FURTHER TIME IN RELATION TO IDENTIFIED ORDINANCES, IF ANY.

"IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE FREEZE WILL CRIPPLE THE BILL. THAT, TOO, IS A SUGGESTION THE LOGIC OF WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW.

"THE FREEZE IS INTENDED TO BE A PRUDENT AND PRACTICAL MEASURE, THE IDEA OF WHICH IN THE CONTEXT OF BILLS OF RIGHTS IS NOT NEW IN THE COMMON LAW WORLD. THERE IS PRECEDENT FOR IT IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS, AND THE PERIODS ELSEWHERE HAVE BEEN LONGER.

"IN ANY EVENT, IF THE FREEZE PROVISION IS ENACTED FOR OUR BILL OF RIGHTS, THE PROVISION’S LIFE SPAN WILL BE LIMITED, AND THE BILL WILL OTHERWISE HAVE IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

"I SUGGEST THEREFORE THAT TO SEE THE BILL AS CRIPPLED BY THE FREEZE PROPOSAL IS TO TAKE A SOMEWHAT SHORT-TERM AND NARROW VIEW OF ITS IMPACT," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.

HE SAID MR LEE SUGGESTED THAT THE CROWN PROCEEDINGS ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED TO PERMIT CITIZENS TO OBTAIN INTERIM RELIEF AGAINST THE CROWN.

/MR MATHEWS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 26 -

MR MATHEWS SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER THE CROWN PROCEEDINGS ORDINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PROGRAMME OF ADAPTATION AND MODIFICATION OF LEGISLATION WHICH COULD NOT SURVIVE 1997 WITHOUT AMENDMENT.

MR LEE’S POINT CONCERNING INTERIM RELIEF WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THAT CONTEXT, HE SAID.

’’FINALLY, MR LEE SUGGESTED THAT THE LETTERS PATENT SHOULD RE AMENDED SO THAT ANY HONG KONG LAW - PRESENT OR FUTURE - WILL BE STRUCK DOWN IF INCONSISTENT WITH OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.

’’THE BILL OF RIGHTS ITSELF WILL, AFTER THE FREEZE PERIOD, HAVE THAT EFFECT IN RELATION TO EXISTING LEGISLATION.

"THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AMEND THE I,ETTERS PATENT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG LAWS MADE AFTER THAT AMENDMENT, WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG, WILL BE INVALID. THIS PROVISION WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS ARTICLE 39 OF THE BASIC LAW," MR MATHEWS SAID.

IN THE COURSE OF THE DEBATE, MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN OVER OTHER ASPECTS OF THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS, IN PARTICULAR URGING THAT THE PROTECTION OF CITIZENS AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS SHOULD NOT BE JEOPARDISED.

MR MATHEWS SAID THESE POINTS WERE FULLY NOTED AND HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS EVER WILLING TO DISCUSS POINTS OF CONCERN RELATING TO THE BILL.

HE NOTED THAT THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL SUCH DISCUSSIONS WITH MEMBERS TN THE COMING WEEKS AND THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT.

ON REFERENCE MADE IN THE COURSE OF THE DEBATE TO THE SYSTEM OF JUSTICE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIRST ADDRESSED A POINT OF GENERAL AND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE.

"WE MUST, I BELIEVE, BEWARE NOT TO DENIGRATE OUR PROSECUTION SERVICE WHENEVER A DEFENDANT IS ACQUITTED.

"IT IS AS WRONG TO LABEL THE PROSECUTOR AS VICTOR WHEN THERE IS A CONVICTION, AS IT IS TO SUGGEST THAT HE IS INEPT IF THERE IS AN ACQUITTAL," MR MATHEWS SAID.

HE SAID THAT THOSE WHO BELIEVED OTHERWISE IGNORED TWO CARDINAL PRINCIPLES.

"FIRST, THAT THE ROLE OF THE PROSECUTOR IS FAIRLY TO PRESENT THE FACTS.

"SECOND, THAT ANY DEFENDANT WHO ENTERS A COURT TO FACE TRIAL IS DEEMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS SHOWN."

/THE ATTORNEY .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 27 -

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID HE AGREED WITH A STATEMENT MADE IN A RECENT ARTICLE BY MISS MARGARET NG IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST THAT : "IT IS A SERIOUS MISUNDERSTANDING TO SEE THE DUTY OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS SECURING CONVICTIONS, AND TO JUDGE ITS ABILITY BY THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS IT MANAGES TO SECURE."

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID MR MARTIN LEE, IN THE COURSE OF HIS VARIOUS CRITICISMS, TURNED HIS ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR PUBLIC FAITH IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.

"I AM SURE THAT HE AND I ARE AT ONE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH FAITH.

"NO ONE SHOULD SEEK TO DETRACT FROM THE PARTICULAR STIGMA WHICH MUST ATTACH TO THOSE IN RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS WITHIN THE LEGAL . SYSTEM WHO ABUSE THE RESPONSIBILITY WHICH HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO THEM," ' MR MATHEWS SAID.

HOWEVER, MR MATHEWS SAID: "FAITH IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IS NOT ENHANCED BY EXAGGERATED AND INACCURATE ATTACKS MADE ON IT, AND IN FAIRNESS TO THAT PRINCIPLE I CANNOT ALLOW TO PASS THE ATTACKS MADE BY MR LEE."

"FIRST, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS, FOR REASONS OF FACE, ADHERED TO THE PROSECUTIONS POLICY OF SEEKING 15-MONTH JAIL SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"THAT IS A REMARKABLE STATEMENT. IT IS ALSO INACCURATE.

"IT IS THIS COUNCIL WHICH DETERMINES THE SENTENCING BOUNDARIES FOR OFFENCES.

"IT IS THE COURTS WHICH APPLY THE LAW.

"IT WAS THE COURTS WHICH SET DOWN SENTENCING GUIDELINES FOR THESE OFFENCES, AND IT IS THE CROWN WHOSE DUTY,.AND I EMPHASISE THE WORD DUTY, IT IS TO SEEK REVIEW WHEN GUIDELINES SET BY THE COURTS ARE NOT IMPLEMENTED, IN OTHER WORDS WHERE SENTENCES ARE MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE OR WRONG IN PRINCIPLE.

"WHETHER A SENTENCE IS IN FACT INADEQUATE OR WRONG IN PRINCIPLE IS A MATTER FOR THE COURTS AND THE COURTS ALONE. I AM SURE THAT MR LEE WOULD NOT WISH IT OTHERWISE," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.

HE REJECTED THE SUGGESTION NEXT MADE, THAT THE GOVERNMENT ABUSED ITS PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION FOR POLITICAL REASONS IN PROSECUTING CERTAIN PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS FOR BREACHES OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE.

MR MATHEWS SAID THE CASE WAS UNDER APPEAL AND HE FOR ONE WOULD NOT COMMENT ON IT.

"BUT I WILL SAY THIS. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE A PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES. THE DECISION TO PROSECUTE OR NOT IS A MATTER FOR HIS DISCRETION AND HIS ALONE.

/"THAT IS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 28 -

’’THAT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO OUR SYSTEM. THE SUGGESTION THAT I WOULD EVER PROSECUTE FOR POLITICAL REASONS IS UNWORTHY AND IS A SUGGESTION WHICH I REFUTE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS.

”1 REFUTE IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE WAY WE OPERATE IN HONG KONG, AND BECAUSE IT IS UNTRUE.

’’INDEED, THE RULE OF LAW ON WHICH MR LEE PLACES SUCH A PREMIUM, AND RIGHTLY SO, MEANS THAT THE LAW MUST BE APPLIED TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR PROMINENCE IN SOCIETY.”

AS TO THE TROUBLES WHICH MR LEE SAID WERE PLAGUING THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MR MATHEWS SAID THERE HAD INDEED BEEN TROUBLES.

“BUT THE POINT BEARS REPETITION THAT SUCH TROUBLES MUST BE PUT IN PERSPECTIVE.

’’THE DEPARTMENT HAS 250 LAWYERS, WHOSE WORK COVERS MANY AND DIVERSE FIELDS OF EXPERTISE, VITAL TO THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THIS GOVERNMENT.

"IT WOULD BE A TRAVESTY OF FAIRNESS TO SULLY THEIR REPUTATIONS, THEIR HIGH INTEGRITY AND THEIR HARD WORK WITH THE MISBEHAVIOR, HOWEVER BAD, OF A FEW. I KNOW THAT MR LEE WOULD NOT WISH TO DO SO,” HE SAID.

ON HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MAINLAND, MR MATHEWS POINTED OUT THAT THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH HAD MADE SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AND WHAT HE BELIEVED TO BE AN IMPLIED POWER FOR THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO BE KEPT INFORMED OF, CONSULTED ON, AND TO EXERCISE A VETO POWER OVER MAJOR QUESTIONS AFFECTING HONG KONG.

HE SAID MR TAI ALSO SEEMED TO BE SUGGESTING THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM’S RIGHT TO ADMINISTER HONG KONG WAS DERIVED FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION.

"SO FAR AS MR TAI’S HISTORICAL OBSERVATIONS ARE CONCERNED, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE UNITED KINGDOM’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG IS WELL-KNOWN AND I DO NOT NEED TO REPEAT IT. THIS COUNCIL WILL NOT BE SURPRISED TO HEAR ME SAY, HOWEVER, THAT I DO NOT ACCEPT MR TAI’S VIEW OF THE POSITION,” SAID MR MATHEWS.

TURNING TO MR TAI’S SUGGESTION THAT SOME KIND OF FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP EXISTED BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THAT CHINA HAD A RIGHT TO VETO DECISIONS ON MAJOR QUESTIONS, MR MATHEWS SAID THE POSITION WAS AS FOLLOWS:

"IN PARAGRAPH 1 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA DECLARES THAT IT HAS DECIDED TO RESUME THE EXERCISE OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY, 1997.

”IN PARAGRAPH 2 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM DECLARES THAT IT WILL RESTORE HONG KONG TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997.

/"IN PARAGRAPH ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 29 -

"IN PARAGRAPH 4 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION,IT IS DECLARED BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS THAT, DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD BETWEEN THE DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND 30 JUNE 1997, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG WITH THE OBJECT OF MAINTAINING AND PRESERVING ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY AND THAT THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL GIVE ITS COOPERATION IN THIS CONNECTION."

MR MATHEWS SAID THE POSITION COULD NOT BE CLEARER.

"IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL, UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997, CONTINUE TO EXERCISE SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG AND REMAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ADMINISTRATION.

"IN THE MEANTIME, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER ANNEX II TO THE JOINT DECLARATION TO CONDUCT CONSULTATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN 1997," HE SAID.

"NOTIONS OF FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIPS AND VETO POWERS THEREFORE GO WELL BEYOND THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ARE NEITHER RELEVANT NOR HELPFUL.

"CONSULTATIONS, HOWEVER, TO ENSURE THE PROPER WORKING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT ARE PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IT IS PRIMARILY THE TASK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO CONDUCT THOSE CONSULTATIONS.

"AS MEMBERS ARE AWARE, CONSULTATIONS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS," MR MATHEWS SAID.

-----0-----

HK NEEDS NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, SAYS SES

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT DECISIONS ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT ARE GENERALLY SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY AS BEING IN THE OVERALL INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT TAKEN UPON ITSELF AN EASY TASK BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE, AND DONE WELL, IF HONG KONG WAS TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER.

/GIVING THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 30 -

GIVING THE RATIONALE TO PUSH AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT ACCORDING TO MODEST RATES OF GROWTH, BOTH THE PORT AND THE AIRPORT WOULD REACH CAPACITY WITHIN THE NEXT SIX YEARS OR SOONER, UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT TOOK STEPS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR EXPANSION.

"OF THE FORTY OR SO DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES CONSIDERED, IT WAS THAT BASED ON AN AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND PORT EXPANSION ON LANTAU WHICH PERFORMED BEST AGAINST FIVE KEY TESTS," MRS CHAN SAID.

THE FIVE KEY TESTS WERE:

(1) ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE. THAT IS: ITS CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM AND CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH;

(2) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT. THAT IS: ITS EFFECT ON THE QUALITY OF THE PHYSICAL, LIVING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT;

(3) PROGRAMMING. THAT IS: ITS AMENABILITY TO IMPLEMENTATION IN INCREMENTAL STAGES ACCORDING TO DEMAND;

(4) FLEXIBILITY AND ROBUSTNESS. THAT IS: ITS ABILITY TO COPE WITH VARIATIONS IN FUTURE DEMANDS; AND

(5) FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE. THAT IS: ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE AN OPTIMAL BALANCE OF PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AND THE OPTIMAL IMPLEMENTATION OF WORKS IN VIEW OF FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS.

RECALLING THE DECISION ON CHEK LAP KOK, MRS CHAN SAID: "WELL BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS REDEFINED TO INCLUDE THE PORT, WE HAD, SINCE THE EARLY 1970’S, BEEN SEEKING TO IDENTIFY THE BEST SITE FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT."

IN 1973, THE ORIGINAL AIR TRANSPORT SYSTEM LONG-TERM PLANNING INVESTIGATION HAD STUDIED AN INITIAL LIST OF 30 SITES, WHICH HAD BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCED, BY STAGES, TO A SHORTLIST OF SIX.

THE SIX PROPOSED SITES WERE:

* TOLO CHANNEL AT THE ENTRANCE TO TOLO HARBOUR IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES;

A RECLAMATION SITE TO THE WEST OF LAMMA ISLAND;

* A RECLAMATION SITE TO THE EAST OF CHEUNG CHAU;

* A RECLAMATION SITE OF NIM WAN IN DEEP BAY, OFFSHORE AND TO THE NORTH OF BLACK POINT;

* A RECLAMATION SITE IN THE SHAM CHUN RIVER DELTA, ADJACENT TO THE BORDER; AND, LASTLY,

* CHEK LAP KOK.

/"THE CHEK .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 31 -

"THE CHEK LAP KOK SITE WAS SELECTED AS THE PREFERRED OPTION AND A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF IT WAS UNDERTAKEN IN 1979 FOLLOWED BY A FULL MASTER PLAN STUDY IN 1982," MRS CHAN EXPLAINED.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TOLO CHANNEL SITE WHICH WAS REJECTED IN 1973 BECAUSE OF ITS POOR OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ITS ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY IN TOLO HARBOUR, THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT ALL THE OTHER SITES HAD SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN REVIEWED AGAIN.

"THE WESTERN HARBOUR SITES IN THE AREA OF LAMMA AND CHEUNG CHAU ISLANDS WERE RECONSIDERED IN THE ALTERNATIVE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT SITES STUDY IN 1989.

"THE BEST SITE IN THAT AREA WAS THEN COMPARED WITH THE CHEK LAP KOK SITE DURING THE PADS STUDY WHICH COMPLETED ITS WORK LATER THAT YEAR.

"IN 1981 - 83, WHILE A MASTER PLAN FOR CHEK LAP KOK WAS BEING PREPARED, THE DEEP BAY SITES AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE MORE ATTRACTIVE SITE OF NIM WAN WERE ALSO RE-EXAMINED BUT FOUND TO BE LESS DESIRABLE THAN CHEK LAP KOK,” MRS CHAN SAID.

AS THE NIM WAN SITE WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN A REPORT PREPARED BY A GROUP OF HONG KONG ACADEMICS THIS YEAR, MRS CHAN SAID THIS PROMPTED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK YET AGAIN AT THAT SITE.

"BUT THIS REPORT AND THE SUBSEQUENT REVIEW ONLY RECONFIRMED OUR BELIEF THAT CHEK LAP KOK WAS THE CORRECT CHOICE,” SHE STRESSED.

MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROBLEMS WITH NIM WAN WERE MANY AND SERIOUS AND THOSE RECOMMENDING THE SITE HAD NOT SUGGESTED HOW THEY MIGHT BE OVERCOME.

THE SITE WAS SO CLOSE TO THE NEW SHENZHEN AIRPORT UNDER DEVELOPMENT THAT AIRSPACE COORDINATION WOULD BE VERY COMPLEX; AN AIRPORT AT NIM WAN WOULD CREATE SERIOUS CONFLICTS WITH A VERY IMPORTANT SHIPPING CHANNEL SERVING THE PEARL RIVER; AIRCRAFT NOISE FROM SUCH AN AIRPORT WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN SHENZHEN AND TIN SHUI WAI; THE PROXIMITY OF THE MAI PO MARSHES WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS RISK OF BIRD STRIKE FOR AIRCRAFT; THE SITE WOULD NOT ALLOW FOR PORT EXPANSION TO SHARE THE NEW TRANSPORT LINKS REQUIRED FOR THE AIRPORT; AND THE DELICATE ECOLOGY OF DEEP BAY COULD ALSO BE SERIOUSLY HARMED, SHE ADDED.

ON THIS, MRS CHAN EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID LISTEN TO SUGGESTIONS AND CONSIDER THEM THOROUGHLY, BUT HAD YET TO HEAR ANY PROPOSAL WHICH WAS A SERIOUS AND WELL RESEARCHED ALTERNATIVE TO CHEK LAP KOK.

"WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT CHEK LAP KOK MAY NOT BE THE BEST SITE AERONAUTICALLY TAKING SOUTH CHINA AS A WHOLE, BUT IT IS, NEVERTHELESS, THE BEST SITE IN TERMS OJF RESOLVING THE COMPLEX PROBLEM WE ARE FACING," SHE STRESSED.

/OUR PROBLEM........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- * 32 -

OUR PROBLEM WAS NOT ONE SIMPLY OF AIR TRAFFIC GROWTH AND DIFFICULT TERRAIN, MRS CHAN SAID.

THIS OVER-SIMPLIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM HAD LED SOME TO SUGGEST HONG KONG SHOULD THINK SOLELY IN TERMS OF SITING AN AIRPORT SOMEWHERE ON THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE BORDER WHERE TERRAIN CONSTRAINTS WERE LESS PROBLEMATIC TO SERVE THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AS A WHOLE.

’’THIS SUGGESTION MISSES THE POINT THAT THE AIRPORT IS NEEDED PRIMARILY TO SERVE HONG KONG AND THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WHICH WILL COME INTO BEING IN 1997.

’’THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW REQUIRE US TO ’TAKE MEASURES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL AVIATION’.

”WE SHALL HAVE OUR OWN AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND BE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE OUR OWN AIR TRAFFIC RIGHTS WITH THIRD COUNTRIES WITHIN THE LIMITS LAID DOWN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION,” SHE NOTED.

IF WE FAILED TO HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITS OF HONG KONG WHICH WAS CAPABLE OF MEETING DEMAND, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WE WOULD IN EFFECT BE GIVING UP THIS AUTONOMY IN CIVIL AVIATION WHICH HAS BEEN GUARANTEED FOR US IN THIS WAY.

"KAI TAK IS ALREADY THE SIXTH BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS AND THE FOURTH BUSIEST IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT.

"IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY BUSIER THAN ANY AIRPORT ANYWHERE IN CHINA.

’’ANY SUGGESTION THAT A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT OF SUCH WORLD AND REGIONAL IMPORTANCE WOULD BE BETTER SITED OVER THE BORDER IN SOUTHERN CHINA OR THAT WE SHOULD RELY ON SHENZHEN AIRPORT TO ABSORB HONG KONG’S FORECAST AIR TRAFFIC GROWTH IGNORE ALL OF THESE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS," SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN ALSO DISMISSED THE POSSIBILITY OF SIMPLY STRUGGLING ON USING KAI TAK.

"INDEED, WE ARE ALREADY DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF KAI TAK, BUT THAT CAPACITY IS ULTIMATELY CONSTRAINED BY THE FACT THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE RUNWAY, WHICH, BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION, CANNOT EVEN BE USED 24 HOURS A DAY," THE SECRETARY NOTED.

ALTHOUGH KAI TAK HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL THESE PAST DECADES, ITS LOCATION WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT.

"SOME 350,000 PEOPLE LIVE UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH AND THE NOISE IMPACT OF AIRCRAFT EXCEEDS INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS.

"SAFETY STANDARDS IMPOSED BY THE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE SITE ARE ALSO LESS THAN IDEAL," MRS CHAN SAID.

/OVER THE........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

33

OVER THE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD IMPLEMENTED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF KAI TAK. THESE WORKS CONTINUED AND WOULD PROVIDE MORE PARKING BAYS FOR AIRCRAFT, IMPROVED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS TO KAI TAK.

"EVEN ONCE ALL THIS HAS BEEN DONE, KAI TAK WILL BE OPERATING AT CAPACITY WELL BEFORE THE NEW AIRPORT CAN OPEN.

"IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER, BOTH PASSENGER AND AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS HAD GROWN BY 12 PER CENT.

"IF DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH CONTINUES, CAPACITY AT KAI TAK WILL BE REACHED AS EARLY AS 1993," SHE EXPLAINED.

MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME MISUNDERSTANDING AS TO WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN.

"IT WILL NOT MEAN THAT AN AIRCRAFT WILL BE LANDING AND TAKING OFF EVERY MINUTE OF ALL THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT.

"IT MEANS THAT THE TIME-SLOTS REMAINING FOR SCHEDULING AIRCRAFT WILL BE SO UNATTRACTIVE TO COMMERCIAL AIRLINES THAT THEY WILL BE EITHER UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES TO MEET DEMAND.

"THEY WILL THEN TURN TO OTHER AIRPORTS WHICH CAN OFFER MORE ATTRACTIVE TIME SLOTS THAT WOULD ENABLE THEM TO MAKE OPTIMUM USE OF THEIR AIRCRAFT AND PROVIDE A BETTER INTERFACE WITH THEIR ROUTE NETWORK," THE SECRETARY SAID.

THUS WHEN KAI TAK REACHED CAPACITY MRS CHAN FORESAW THAT WE WOULD LOSE POTENTIALLY NEW PASSENGER TRAFFIC AND EXPERIENCE GROWTH ONLY IN CHARTER FLIGHTS AND CARGO OPERATORS WILLING TO USE NON SOCIAL TIME SLOTS.

"THE IMPACT ON OUR ECONOMY WOULD BE CONSIDERABLE," SHE EMPHASISED.

MRS CHAN SAID MOST EXPERTS AGREED THAT THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION WOULD EXPERIENCE HIGHER LEVELS OF GROWTH IN AIR TRAFFIC THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD IN THE COMING DECADE. ’OUR NEIGHBOURS AND COMPETITORS WERE WELL AWARE OF THIS; THE SECOND TERMINAL AT CHANGI AIRPORT IN SINGAPORE WAS ABOUT TO OPEN NEXT MONTH AND THE AUTHORITIES WERE ALREADY PLANNING FOR A THIRD RUNWAY, A NEW AIRPORT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT OSAKA, A MASSIVE NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON AN EVEN LARGER SCALE THAN CHEK LAP KOK WAS BEING PLANNED TO SERVE SEOUL, EXTENSIVE EXPANSION OF BANGKOK AIRPORT WAS BEING PLANNED AND A SECOND PASSENGER TERMINAL WAS TO BE COMPLETED IN JAKARTA BY 1991.

"WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LEAVE KAI TAK CONGESTED AND OPERATING AT ITS ULTIMATE CAPACITY, BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EFFICIENT AIRPORT TO OUR ECONOMY," SHE STRESSED.

IN 1989, 730,000 TONNES OF AIR CARGO PASSED THROUGH KAI TAK; THAT MADE UP JUST UNDER 30 PER CENT OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 20 PER CENT OF OUR IMPORTS AND OVER 16 PER CENT OF OUR RE-EXPORTS BY VALUE. ABOUT 85 PER CENT OF TOURISTS IN HONG KONG ARRIVED BY AIR.

/IN 1989 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 34 -

IN 1989, RECEIPTS FROM TOURISM AMOUNTED TO NEARLY $37 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT OVER 1988. HONG KONG WAS THE MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION IN ASIA, MRS CHAN SAID.

THE INVESTMENT MADE BY THE HOTEL SECTOR ALONE IN THIS FIELD WAS HUGE, WITH AN ADDITIONAL 3,000 HOTEL ROOMS PROVIDED IN 1989, AND A FURTHER 6,500 ROOMS EXPECTED BY THE END OF 1992.

MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT MORE DIFFICULT TO QUANTIFY WERE THE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THE EASE WITH WHICH BUSINESSMEN COULD COME AND GO.

’’THERE IS NO DOUBT HOWEVER THAT A CONSTRAINED AIRPORT WOULD SEVERELY LIMIT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MAKE HONG KONG INCREASINGLY LESS ATTRACTIVE AS A MAJOR CENTRE FOR TRADE, FINANCE AND COMMERCE," SHE SAID.

AS TO THE SUGGESTIONS THAT NEW AIRPORTS IN MACAU AND SHENZHEN WOULD SOMEHOW MEAN THE NEED OF CHEK LAP KOK WOULD NOT BE AS URGENT AS WE CLAIM, MRS CHAN SAID FIRST, WE DID NOT SEE HOW MACAU WOULD, IN THE LONG TERM, DRAW AWAY ANY SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC FROM HONG KONG.

"IT WILL HAVE A SEPARATE COMPLEMENTARY ROLE IN THE REGION OF SERVING MACAU AND ITS ADJACENT PEARL RIVER DELTA HINTERLAND.

"IT CANNOT POSSIBLY BE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT TRAFFIC IN ANY SIGNIFICANT VOLUME FROM AN AVIATION HUB THE SIZE OF HONG KONG, WITH THE CONVENIENCE IT OFFERS IN PROVIDING CONNECTIONS TO A VAST NETWORK OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ROUTES.

"THE RESISTANCE TO ROUTING PASSENGERS TO HONG KONG THROUGH MACAU WOULD BE VERY HIGH," SHE SAID.

ON THE OTHER HAND, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT HUANGTIAN AIRPORT IN SHENZHEN WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE SOME EFFECT ON HONG KONG.

"IT WILL POTENTIALLY FULFIL A HELPFUL ROLE IN RELIEVING PRESSURE ON KAI TAK WHEN CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED THERE AND UNTIL CHEK LAP KOK OPENS.

"ONCE KAI TAK BECOMES SEVERELY CONGESTED, IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT MAINLAND TRAFFIC COMING TO HONG KONG MAY FIND IT MORE CONVENIENT TO FLY TO SHENZHEN IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND TO TRAVEL ON INTO HONG KONG BY ROAD.

"THIS IS, OF COURSE, ASSUMING THAT AN EFFICIENT ROAD LINK CAN BE INTRODUCED IN TIME TO PROVIDE FOR THIS," MRS CHAN NOTED.

IN THE MOST OPTIMISTIC SCENARIO OF ALL MAINLAND AIR CARRIERS OPTING TO DO THIS, MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT THOUGHT KAI TAK WOULD BE RELIEVED OF 10 PER CENT OF ITS PASSENGERS AND 17 PER CENT OF ITS AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS. THIS WOULD HELP HONG KONG BY DELAYING CAPACITY AT KAI TAK BY 12 TO 18 MONTHS, THAT WAS UNTIL 1995, ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT FORECASTS, SHE ADDED.

/"ANOTHER OPTIMISTIC ......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

35

"ANOTHER OPTIMISTIC SCENARIO, WHICH MIGHT ALSO PROVIDE KAI TAK WITH SOME RELIEF, WOULD BE THE COMMENCEMENT OF DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN CHINA AND TAIWAN.

"THIS WOULD RELIEVE KAI TAK OF POSSIBLY ANOTHER FIVE PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC," MRS CHAN NOTED.

TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE POTENTIAL RELIEF PROVIDED BY SHENZHEN, MRS CHAN ESTIMATED THAT THE TIMING FOR KAI TAK TO REACH CAPACITY COULD BE DELAYED THROUGH TO THE END OF 1995.

"IN OTHER WORDS, EVEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THESE MOST OPTIMISTIC OF ASSUMPTIONS, THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT WE SHOULD BE MAKING EVERY EFFORT, AS WE ARE DOING, TO WORK TOWARDS THE OPENING OF CHEK LAP KOK AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

”1997 REPRESENTS THE EARLIEST FEASIBLE TARGET DATE,” SHE SAID.

IN THE LONGER TERM, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ROLES OF CHEK LAP KOK, MACAU AND SHENZHEN AIRPORTS WERE SEEN AS LARGELY COMPLEMENTARY.

"ALL THREE ARE NEEDED TO SERVICE ADEQUATELY THE DYNAMIC AREA OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AND SOUTHERN CHINA GENERALLY.

"EACH HAS ITS OWN PARTICULAR FUNCTION," SHE SAID.

NOTING THAT IT WAS NOT A UNIQUE SITUATION, MRS CHAN SAID THE ONLY TECHNICAL PROBLEM WHICH WAS, IN HONG KONG'S CASE, CURRENTLY UNDER DISCUSSION, WAS THE NEED FOR AIRPORTS IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY TO COORDINATE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE USE OF AIRSPACE AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE TO OPTIMISE THE CAPACITY OF ALL THE AIRPORTS CONCERNED.

AGAINST THESE BACKGROUND, MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENT AS THE WORLD’S 11TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY HAD NOT COME ABOUT BY ACCIDENT.

"ONE CRUCIAL ELEMENT CONTRIBUTING TO OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN THE FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPED OVER MANY YEARS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ENSURING THAT OUR TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS REMAIN ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

"WE HAVE CONSIDERABLE . EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OUR RECORD IS SECOND TO NONE,” SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN NOTED THAT WE DID NOT HAVE A REPUTATION OF TYING UP SCARCE RESOURCES IN FACILITIES THAT LAID IDLE BECAUSE THE DEMAND WAS NOT THERE. IF ANYTHING WE HAD SOMETIMES BEEN CRITICISED FOR LAGGING BEHIND DEMAND.

”THE AIRPORT PROJECT HAD BEEN WELL RESEARCHED OVER MANY YEARS.

"WE MUST NOT ALLOW INDECISION OR FURTHER STUDIES TO BECOME PART OF THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN HELP TO BRING ABOUT ACTION.

"WE HAVE MADE A DECISION THAT HONG KONG NEEDS A NEW AIRPORT AND THAT THIS SHOULD BE BUILT AT CHEK LAP KOK," MRS CHAN SAID.

------0--------

/36 .....

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

36

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR LAUTAU FIXED CROSSING BEST FOR HONG KONG

*****

THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO PUBLICLY FUND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WAS BASED ON THE CERTAINTY OF PROJECT COMPLETION TIME AND IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A BETTER OVERALL DEAL FOR HONG KONG TAXPAYERS, ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON. ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS, MR LAM SAID THE ADOPTION OF THE "DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT" APPROACH WOULD ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS WITH TENDERERS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE NECESSARY IF THE PRIVATE SECTOR WERE TO FINANCE THE PROJECT UNDER THE "BUILD-OPERATE-AND-TRANSFER" ARRANGEMENTS.

THE OTHER ADVANTAGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION WAS THAT BY TAKING OUT THE RISK FACTOR, THE COST FOR CONSTRUCTING THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WOULD BE GREATLY REDUCED GIVEN THAT THE COMMERCIAL WORLD OPERATES ON THE PRINCIPLE OF HIGHER THE RISK, HIGHER THE REWARD, MR LAM SAID.

"THE DECISION TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE GOVERNMENT FROM CONSIDERING OFFERS OF FINANCE OR PLEDGES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT THE TENDER STAGE," MR LAM ADDED.

MR LAM ALSO EMPHASISED THAT UPON COMPLETION OF THE CROSSING, THE GOVERNMENT COULD CONSIDER THE OPTION TO CALL FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO OPERATE IT UNDER A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT.

HE SAID A PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE WOULD BE CALLED SHORTLY TO SCREEN IN THOSE TENDERERS JUDGED TO HAVE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE, PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND FINANCIAL BACKING TO UNDERTAKE A PROJECT OF THIS MAGNITUDE.

"WE INTEND TO SPLIT UP THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT INTO A NUMBER OF SELF-CONTAINED CONTRACTS, SO THAT INTERESTED PARTIES, WHETHER THEY BE LOCALLY BASED OR INTERNATIONAL .CONSORTIA, WILL FEEL ABLE TO TENDER FOR THOSE CONTRACTS IN THE FIELD BEST SUITED TO THEIR EXPERTISE AND ABILITY," MR LAM SAID.

"AT THE TENDER EVALUATION STAGE, COST CONSIDERATION, OR THE TENDERED QUOTATION, WILL BE A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," HE SAID.

EARLIER, MR LAM REFUTED SUGGESTIONS THAT THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CROSSING WAS MADE SUDDENLY.

"THE TIMING WAS IN FACT ENVISAGED WHEN WE CALLED FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST IN THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

/"OVER 1,000 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 37 -

"OVER 1,000 COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTS DESCRIBING THE PROJECT AND STATING QUITE CLEARLY THAT WE WOULD CALL FOR TENDERS IN SEPTEMBER WAS DISTRIBUTED TO INTERESTED PARTIES," HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON OTHER TRANSPORT LINKS, MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES SET IN PLACE FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT ALSO FORMED AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN OVERALL TRANSPORT STRATEGY MAPPED OUT FOR THE TERRITORIAL NEEDS OF HONG KONG IN THE NEXT DECADE.

THE MAJOR NORTH-SOUTH ROAD SYSTEM PLANNED IS THE ROUTE 3 — A 30-KILOMETRE LONG EXPRESSWAY LINKING SAI YING PUN ON HONG KONG ISLAND WITH THE LOK MA CHAU BRIDGE VIA THE WESTERN PART OF THE TERRITORY.

THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF ROUTE 3, NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF MEETING THE TRAFFIC DEMANDS OF HONG KONG, BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF MOVING PEOPLE AND GOODS ACROSS THE CHINA-HONG KONG BORDER.

"IT IS A VITAL LINK FOR THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS SOUTHERN CHINA, PARTICULARLY BEARING IN MIND THAT SOME TWO MILLION CHINESE WORKERS ARE HELPING HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION," MR LAM SAID.

THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROVIDES THE ONLY LAND ACCESS TO LANTAU ISLAND TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT AS WELL AS THE NEW PORT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU.

THE CENTREPIECE OF THE LINK IS THE TSING MA BRIDGE, A 1,377-METER SUSPENSION BRIDGE WHICH CONNECTS TO ANOTHER SMALLER BRIDGE ACROSS THE KAP SHUI MUN CHANNEL, TO LINK MA WAN ISLAND WITH THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AND THEN TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

OTHER THAN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURES TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT AT LANTAU, AN AIRPORT-RAILWAY WAS NEEDED IN THE LONG TERM TO LINK UP WITH THE CITY CENTRES, MR LAM STRESSED.

HE SAID THE QUESTION OF TIMING, THE ALIGNMENT AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MATTERS NOW BEING STUDIED BY CONSULTANTS. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE A DECISION AFTER STUDYING THEIR REPORTS AND AFTER CONSIDERING ALL THE RELEVANT FACTORS, MR LAM ADDED.

---------0-----------

/38 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 38 -

POLICE NEED COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO FIGHT CRIME

*****

THE POLICE FORCE IS VERY WELL EQUIPPED TO TACKLE CRIME, BUT IT CAN DO SO SUCCESSFULLY ONLY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE OVERALL CRIME RATE WAS LOWER NOW THAN IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 1980S, IT HAD INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

"AND OF PARTICULAR CONCERN IS THE RECENT INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME,” HE SAID.

ON THE SUGGESTIONS THAT MUCH CRIME WENT UNREPORTED, MR ASPREY SAID IT WAS INEVITABLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN RELIABLE INFORMATION ON UNREPORTED CRIME, WHICH WAS BY NO MEANS UNIQUE TO HONG KONG.

"NEVERTHELESS, WE DO HAVE AN INDICATION OF THE EXTENT OF UNREPORTED CRIME, FROM THE FINDINGS OF CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEYS CARRIED OUT REGULARLY EVERY FEW YEARS.

"THE LATEST SURVEY, WHICH IS TO BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH, SHOWS THAT THE PROPORTION OF PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD CRIME REPORTED TO THE POLICE, ALTHOUGH STILL LOW, IS INCREASING STEADILY," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY SAID THIS WAS AN ENCOURAGING TREND, ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO BUILD THE FORTHCOMING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC COOPERATION WITH THE POLICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

HE SAID PARTICULAR CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE RELUCTANCE OF PEOPLE TO REPORT, AND GIVE EVIDENCE RELATING TO, CRIMES WITH TRIAD INVOLVEMENT, BECAUSE OF A FEAR OF VICTIMISATION.

MR ASPREY SAID ALTHOUGH THE CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEYS DID NOT SPECIFICALLY COVER TRIAD-RELATED CRIME, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS OF INCREASING RELUCTANCE ON THE PART OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT SUCH CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

"INDEED, THIS YEAR HAD SEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRIAD-RELATED CRIMES REPORTED TO THE POLICE, PARTICULARLY WOUNDING AND SERIOUS ASSAULTS, CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION AND BLACKMAIL, AND ROBBERIES," HE SAID.

MR ASPRfeY SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE THE INCREASING REPORTING OF CRIMES INVOLVING TRIADS.

"FUNDS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR THREE ADDITIONAL ONE-WAY MIRROR FACILITIES FOR USE IN IDENTIFICATION PARADES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WITNESSES, AND ALL NEW DISTRICT POLICE STATIONS WILL INCLUDE SUCH FACILITIES.

/"THE POLICE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 39 -

"THE POLICE WILL ALSO REVIEW REPORTING PROCEDURES WITH A VIEW TO SIMPLIFYING THEM, AND THUS REDUCING THE TIME TAKEN TO REPORT CRIME," HE SAID.

ON CALLS FOR THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE FORMER TRIAD SOCIETY BUREAU, MR ASPREY SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THESE WERE BASED ON A MISUNDERSTANDING.

"THERE HAS BEEN NO REDUCTION IN THE POLICE EFFORT AGAINST TRIADS, INDEED THE POLICE HAVE IN RECENT YEARS DEVOTED CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AT TERRITORIAL, REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS TO COMBAT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TRIADS AND OTHER ORGANISED CRIME SYNDICATES.

"THESE POLICE RESOURCES ARE NOW BETTER ORGANISED AND MORE EFFICIENTLY DEPLOYED TO COUNTER THE INCREASING COMPLEXITY AND SOPHISTICATION OF PRESENT-DAY ORGANISED CRIME," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE RECENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMES INVOLVING THE USE OF FIREARMS, MANY IMPORTED FROM CHINA, HAD HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION AGAINST CRIME.

"WE SHARE A COMMON INTEREST WITH GUANGDONG IN PREVENTING THE ILLEGAL IMPORT OF FIREARMS INTO HONG KONG.

"THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON AND GOOD COOPERATION WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA.

"MANY SUCCESSFUL SEIZURES OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED WEAPONS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE POLICE, AMOUNTING TO ALMOST 250 WEAPONS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY SAID ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF PREVENTING CRIME REMAINS AN ADEQUATE POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS.

THE DIFFICULTIES OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET WHICH THE POLICE FACED EARLIER THIS YEAR WERE BEING ADDRESSED THROUGH A REVIEW' OF SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, ALREADY COMPLETED FOR THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS.

OTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE DEPLOYMENT WERE BEING PURSUED, INCLUDING WHERE POSSIBLE CIVILIANISATION OF CERTAIN POSTS IN THE POLICE FORCE, AND INCREASED USE OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE, MR ASPREY SAID.

"SOME 800 AUXILIARY POLICEMEN ARE NOW ON DUTY EVERY DAY, MOST OF THEM ON BEAT PATROL. THEY PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE POLICING OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, SAID MR ASPREY, MUST ALSO BE PURSUED THROUGH THE PENAL AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.

"ONE OF THE MORE ENCOURAGING CONCLUSIONS FROM RECENT CRIME STATISTICS IS THE GRADUAL DECREASE IN CRIME BY JUVENILES.

/"THE EXTENSIVE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 40 -

"THE EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES AGAINST JUVENILE CRIME UNDERTAK' N IN RECENT YEARS BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL, I BELIEVE, HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS SUCCESS. SO ALSO WILL OUR REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF JUVENILE AND YOUNG OF1- "NDFRS WHO WERE GIVEN CUSTODIAL SENTENCES WERE SENT TO TRAINING CENTRES WHERE THE EMPHASIS WAS ON EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND REHABILITATION.

"FOLLOWING THEIR RELEASE, ALL JUVENILE AND YOUNG OFFENDERS ARE SUBJECT TO AFTERCARE SUPERVISION TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO REINTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY AS USEFUL, LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.

"THE ADMINISTRATION IS INTRODUCTION OF A MORE GENERAL SCHEME FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF

NOW WORKING ON PROPOSALS FOR THE STATUTORY POST RELEASE SUPERVISION ADULT OFFENDER," MR ASPREY SAID.

------0--------

MORE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SERVICES TO BE PRIVATISED

* * « * *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF PRIVATISING MORE SERVICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, SAID THIS AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LAM SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY DECIDED TO CONTRACT OUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AND FROM THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.

HE SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER IS PROVIDED WITH THE RIGHT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO DEVELOP HIS COMMERCIAL INITIATIVES, AND THAT, IN RETURN, HE PROVIDES A HIGH STANDARD OF MANAGEMENT SERVICE."

HE ADDED THAT IN EARLY 1992, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONDUCT A REVIEW BASED ON THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL EXPERIENCE TO SEE IF PRIVATISING THE MANAGEMENT OF OTHER GOVERNMENT TUNNELS SHOULD BE PURSUED.

MR LAM STRESSED THAT THE TOLL LEVELS FOR ALL TUNNELS WOULD REMAIN UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL.

OTHER PRIVATISATION POSSIBILITIES BEING CONSIDERED INCLUDED PARKING METERS AND THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD CROSSHARBOUR TUNNEL KNOWN AS THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, AND PART OF ROUTE 3 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/TURNING TO .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

41

TURNING TO THE PROPER ALLOCATION OF ROAD SPACE, MR LAM SAID Vr.A. THE RAPID GROWTH IN PRIVATE CAR OWNERSHIP WAS MORE WORRYING.

"AFTER A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION BETWEEN 1982 AND 1987, THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS HAS GROWN AT THE RATE OF ABOUT NINE PER CENT PER ANNUM OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS FROM 143,000 IN SEPTEMBER 1987, TO 194,000 IN SEPTEMBER 1990.

”1 SHALL BE MONITORING THE SITUATION VERY CLOSELY, TO SEE WHAT MEASURES ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE ROAD SPACE CONTINUES TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 90 PER CENT OF OUR DAILY COMMUTERS WHO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND WHO, BETWEEN THEM, MAKE 10 MILLION TRIPS A DAY," HE SAID.

MR LAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT POLICY WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF MASS CARRIERS, ESPECIALLY THE OFF-STREET MODES SUCH AS RAILWAY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.

"MODERN TRAINS ARE NOT ONLY ENERGY EFFICIENT, BUT ALSO ENVIRONMENTALLY MORE ACCEPTABLE."

HE SAID PUBLIC BUSES STILL MOVED A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AROUND - 3.4 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS A DAY - AND OCCUPIED THE LEAST AMOUNT OF ROAD SPACE.

"THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCORDED PRIORITY IN ROAD USE THROUGH BUS - ONLY LANES AND BUS - PRIORITY SCHEMES, AS A MATTER OF POLICY."

ON TAXIS, MR LAM SAID THEIR NUMBER WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REGULATED BY QUOTAS SET BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,.ON THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

TURNING TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, HE SAID THAT SINCE 1976, THEIR NUMBER HAD BEEN STABILISED AT 4,350, INCLUDING A SIZEABLE FLEET OF "GREEN MINIBUSES" WHICH ENJOYED POPULAR SUPPORT AND GOOD PATRONAGE.

MR LAM SAID HE PROPOSED NO CHANGE TO THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WERE WORKING SATISFACTORILY.

/42 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

42

GOVERNMENT AIMS TO REACH TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPANSION TARGET ON TIME * * * ♦ *

THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THE TARGETS ON EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION CAN BE REACHED ON TIME, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR YEUNG SAID FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS, A STEERING GROUP INCLUDING THE CHAIRMEN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC), THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND HIMSELF HAD BEEN WORKING ON VARIOUS PLANS TO ENSURE THAT THE VTC AND THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS GOT THE ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL CAPACITY AND THE FUNDS THEY NEEDED FOR EXPANSION.

"THESE PLANS

ALLOCATION," HE SAID.

HAVE BEEN FINALISED AND AWAIT RESOURCE

AS REGARDS HUMAN RESOURCES, MR YEUNG SAID THE UPGC ESTIMATED THAT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS NEEDED TO RECRUIT AN ADDITIONAL 3,000 TEACHERS TO MEET THE GROWTH AND TO CATER FOR NATURAL WASTAGE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ITS RECENT REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMITTEE WAS SATISFIED THAT, GIVEN THEIR COMPETITIVE WAGE PACKAGE, THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS STOOD A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING ABLE TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN UP THIS NUMBER.

"THIS TASK CAN BE ACHIEVED MORE READILY IF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH ARE INCREASED AND FRINGE BENEFITS ARE IMPROVED.

"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT THE COMMITTEE’S LEADING RECOMMENDATION, NAMELY, A SUBSTANTIAL ENHANCEMENT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES, HAS ALREADY BEEN ENDORSED BY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. ITS IMPLEMENTATION NOW AWAITS RESOURCE ALLOCATION," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG NOTED THAT CERTAIN MEMBERS WERE.CONCERNED ON WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ENOUGH SECONDARY 7 LEAVERS TO FILL THE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY THAT WOULD BE CREATED AT FIRST DEGREE LEVEL, AND WHETHER THE QUALITY OF THE MATRICULANTS COULD BE MAINTAINED.

ON THE FIRST POINT, MR YEUNG SAID THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAD ADVISED HIM THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT’S EXISTING POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE ONE SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 6 PLACE FOR EVERY THREE SUBSIDISED SECONDARY 4 PLACES TWO YEARS AGO, THE PULL-THROUGH RATE INTO SECONDARY 6 WAS ACTUALLY LOWER THAN THIS.

"WITH MY AGREEMENT, THE DIRECTOR IS NOW CONSULTING THE SCHOOLS COUNCILS AND THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY ON A NUMBER OF MEASURES DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER PULL-THROUGH RATE.

/"THESE INCLUDE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 43 -

"THESE INCLUDE A SLIGHT BUT JUSTIFIABLE LOWERING OF THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR A-LEVEL EXAMINATIONS, AND PERSUADING SCHOOLS TO FILL ALL AVAILABLE SECONDARY 6 PLACES, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO THEIR OWN SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS," MR YEUNG SAID.

AS REGARDS THE SECOND POINT, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM HAD RECENTLY BEEN REFORMED ON THE ADVICE OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.

"THE NEW A-LEVEL AND AS-LEVEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN FULLY ACCEPTED BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. WE SHOULD THEREFORE BE CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WILL PRODUCE SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO ARE NOT ONLY MORE ADEQUATELY PREPARED FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION BUT ALSO BETTER EDUCATED," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG SAID THAT OVER TIME, AS THE NUMBER OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES GREW, HE ENVISAGED THAT INCREASING USE WOULD BE MADE BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF CREDIT UNIT SYSTEMS, NOT ONLY FOR DETERMINING INITIAL ENTRY INTO TERTIARY EDUCATION BUT ALSO TO FACILITATE TRANSFER BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS.

"ALTHOUGH THE BENEFITS OF A CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM ARE MANY, THIS FEATURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION MUST BE GIVEN TIME TO DEVELOP AND WE MUST AVOID PUSHING IT TOO FAR TOO FAST," HE SAID.

HOWEVER, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT.

"THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION RECENTLY HOSTED A SEMINAR AT WHICH THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE HAD A FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS IDEAS, PRACTICALITIES AND MODALITIES," HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON REMARKS BY SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ON THE BASIC EDUCATION PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS, MR YEUNG SAID THE ANSWERS WOULD BE FOUND IN THE FOURTH REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION (ECR4) WHICH WOULD BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC ON NOVEMBER 22.

"THE REPORT CONTAINS A REVIEW OF THE COMMON CORE CURRICULUM, DEALS WITH RELATED CURRICULAR ISSUES, ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN AT BOTH ENDS OF THE ABILITY RANGE, LOOKS AT THE NEED FOR COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE IN SCHOOLS, TRIES TO RESOLVE THE LONG-STANDING ISSUE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, AND PLANS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF WHOLE DAY SCHOOLING AT SENIOR PRIMARY LEVEL," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSION HAD SPENT OVER A YEAR DEBATING THESE ISSUES, NONE OF WHICH LED ITSELF TO EASY RESOLUTION, AND DURING THE LATTER PART OF ITS DELIBERATIONS IT MET SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.

MR YEUNG THANKED THOSE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO HAD WORKED ON ECR4 FOR THE TIME AND EFFORT THEY HAD SPENT ON IT, AND PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS RITA FAN FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND PATIENCE IN MANY HOURS OF LIVELY DEBATE.

HE SAID THE COMMISSION WAS NOT TAKING A BREAK, WELL DESERVED THOUGH THIS MIGHT BE.

/"PRELIMINARY WORK

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 3990

- 44 -

’’PRELIMINARY WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON ITS FIFTH REPORT, WHICH WILL DEAL WITH THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF TEACHERS, THE DELIVERY OF TEACHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES, AND THE FUTURE OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION.

”IN THE COURSE OF ITS DELIBERATIONS, THE COMMISSION WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE POINTS THAT HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE MADE IN THIS DEBATE FOR IMPROVING TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND FOR RAISING THE MORALE OF OUR TEACHERS,” MR YEUNG SAID.

----0----

GOVERNMENT TARGETS AT RESPONSIVE AND FLEXIBLE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN RECENT YEARS APPOINTED TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) AND ALL ITS TRAINING BOARDS WORKER REPRESENTATIVES FROM HONG KONG’S LEADING INDUSTRIES.

THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE VTC’S TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE SUFFICIENTLY RESPONSIVE AND FLEXIBLE TO MEET ANY RE-TRAINING NEEDS THAT MAY ARISE FROM SECTORAL UNEMPLOYMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID.

HE WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR YEUNG SAID THE PRESENT SCHEME FOR RE-TRAINING IVORY WORKERS, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS SET UP IN THREE MONTHS, AND WAS WORKING WELL.

NOTING THAT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, IN HIS SPEECH, SAID THE GOVERNMENT APPEARED DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO CREATING A SYSTEM THAT WAS OVERLY BIASED TOWARDS TERTIARY EDUCATION, AT THE EXPENSE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING, MR YEUNG SAID:

"I AM AFRAID I CANNOT AGREE. WE ARE NOT PUTTING ALL OUR EGGS IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION BASKET.”

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN RECENT YEARS, THE NEED TO UPGRADE THE LEVEL OF HONG KONG’S VOCATIONAL TRAINING HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AND THIS NEED WOULD BE MET IN THREE WAYS.

"FIRST, THE TRANSFER OF HIGHER DIPLOMA WORK FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO THE VTC WILL NOT ONLY CREATE ADDITIONAL DEGREE CAPACITY IN THE POLYTECHNICS BUT, EQUALLY IMPORTANT, WILL ENABLE THE VTC TO TRAIN SENIOR TECHNICIANS.

"THIS WILL ACCOUNT FOR 40 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON EXPANDING TERTIARY EDUCATION," HE SAID.

/SECONDLY .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 45 -

SECONDLY, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CREATING NEW UNITS IN THE VTC THAT WOULD PROVIDE TRAINING IN USEFUL RECENT TECHNOLOGIES.

"FOR EXAMPLE, THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED PRECISION SHEET METAL TRAINING CENTRE AND THE DESIGN CENTRE FOR APPLICATIONS SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS MEET THE NEEDS OF A MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT IS INCREASINGLY GOING UP-MARKET IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS END-PRODUCTS," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT OTHER TRAINING AUTHORITIES HAD NOT BEEN SLOW TO REACT.

"WITH OUR HELP AND THAT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAS SET UP A CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE TO PROMOTE THE IMPROVEMENT OF WORK FLOWS," HE SAID.

THIRDLY, MR YEUNG SAID HE WAS PURSUING THE INITIATIVE THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1989, BY PLANNING THE CREATION OF A NEW TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING FUND.

"THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION FOR THIS SCHEME IS BEING DRAFTED. WHEN IT COMES INTO OPERATION IT WILL ENABLE VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO BE RAISED TO AN EVEN HIGHER LEVEL.

"THE FUND WILL BE USED TO HELP MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS LEARN THROUGH PURPOSE-DESIGNED SHORT COURSES AND OVERSEAS WORKING ATTACHMENTS - THOSE TECHNOLOGIES THAT HONG KONG NEEDS BUT DOES NOT YET POSSESS," HE ADDED.

COMMENTING ON POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS ON THE NEEDS FOR MORE GRADUATES AND ON THE "BRAIN DRAIN" PROBLEM, MR YEUNG REITERATED THAT IF WE WERE TO MAINTAIN THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF OUR ECONOMY, HONG KONG WOULD NEED MANY MORE GRADUATES.

HE SAID THAT IF THE MANPOWER FORECASTS WERE RIGHT, IN 1996, DEMAND IN THE LABOUR MARKET FOR GRADUATES WOULD ONLY BE PARTIALLY SATISFIED BY WHAT WAS LEFT OF OUR EXISTING STOCK OF GRADUATE MANPOWER AND THE EXPANDED OUTPUT OF OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

"WE ESTIMATE THAT, IN 1996, SOMETHING LIKE 34 PER CENT OF FORECAST DEMAND WILL HAVE TO BE MET BY OVERSEAS SUPPLIES OF GRADUATES.

"THIS MEANS THAT HONG KONG WILL STILL BE HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON OVERSEAS SUPPLIES. THE GOVERNMENT IS THEREFORE DOING ALL IT CAN TO RETAIN, PRODUCE AND ATTRACT EDUCATED AND QUALIFIED MANPOWER," HE SAID.

AS REGARDS RETENTION, MR YEUNG SAID THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME, AND SIMILAR SCHEMES THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAD TRIED TO SECURE FOR US, SHOULD BE VERY USEFUL.

THEY WERE DESIGNED TO GIVE THOSE WHO ARE MOST PRONE TO EMIGRATE THE DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE THEY NEED TO CONTINUE WORKING AND LIVING IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.

/AS REGARDS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

46

AS REGARDS PRODUCTION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DOUBLING THE FIRST DEGREE OUTPUT OF OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

’’AND, RETURNING OR BY RELAXING EDUCATIONAL

FINALLY, ‘WE ARE ATTRACTING THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN COMING HERE, PARTLY BY WAY OF PROMOTING HONG KONG, PARTLY OUR IMMIGRATION RULES, AND PARTLY BY PROVIDING SUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEIR FAMILIES," HE SAID.

PROVIDING

SUITABLE

---------0-----------

GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO ABANDON LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF ABANDONING THE SCHEMES ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

EQUALLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF REVISING OR EXTENDING THESE SCHEMES AT THE PRESENT TIME, MR YEUNG SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR YEUNG SAID DESPITE SOME SOFTENING IN CERTAIN SECTORS, COMPETITION IN THE LABOUR MARKET WAS STILL INTENSE.

"THE SCHEMES FOR IMPORTING TECHNICIANS AND EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES HAVE BEEN OVER-SUBSCRIBED BY SIX TIMES AND FOUR TIMES RESPECTIVELY.

"THE STEERING GROUP ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR UNDER MY CHAIRMANSHIP HAS SPENT THE PAST TWO MONTHS VETTING APPLICATIONS FROM OVER 4,500 COMPANIES FOR 57,000 JOBS.

"IT HAS FINISHED ITS TASK AND I AM GLAD TO REPORT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW READY TO ALLOCATE QUOTA," MR YEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT HE WOULD GIVE A MORE DETAILED ACCOUNT IN A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT ITS NEXT SITTING.

HE ASSURED THAT NO APPLICATION INVOLVING WAGES BELOW THE PUBLISHED MEDIAN HAD BEEN ACCEPTED.

"INDEED A GOOD PROPORTION, REPRESENTING SOME 55 PER CENT OF ALL SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS, OFFER WAGES ABOVE THE MEDIAN," HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF REVISING OR EXTENDING THESE SCHEMES AT THE PRESENT TIME, MR YEUNG SAID THE STEERING GROUP WOULD BE KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SCHEMES AS THEY WERE IMPLEMENTED.

HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT CONSIDER ANY REVISION UNTIL IT HAD GAINED SOME EXPERIENCE OF QUOTA UTILISATION, THE INCIDENCE OF ABUSE AND THE EFFECT OF IMPORTATION ON THE BUSINESSES INVOLVED.

/AS REGARDS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 47 -

AS REGARDS THE SUGGESTION THAT PLANS SHOULD BE MADE FOR IMPORTING LABOUR FOR LARGE-SCALE CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE 1990S, MR YEUNG SAID QUOTA HAD IN FACT BEEN SET ASIDE UNDER A SEPARATE SCHEME SPECIFICALLY INTENDED FOR AIRPORT-RELATED WORKS.

"APPLICATIONS UNDER THIS THIRD SCHEME WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO COMPETE WITH THE TWO GENERAL SCHEMES THAT I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED," HE SAID.

-----0------

THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO REFORM MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS IN PURSUIT OF MAJOR REFORMS TO MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES BY A THREE-PRONGED APPROACH, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, MRS YU SAID THE REFORMS WOULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THROUGH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND THROUGH THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE.

MRS YU SAID THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN PROVIDING HOSPITAL SERVICES, AND THE FINAL PREPARATIONS ARE NOW IN HAND FOR ITS FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE WITHIN THE YEAR.

ITS PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WILL ALL BE IN POST NEXT MONTH, SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THIS WAS A MAJOR STEP TOWARD HEALTH SERVICES REFORM.

"WE ARE FIRM IN OUR RESOLVE TO FACILITATE THE AUTHORITY IN INTEGRATING PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MAXIMISING VALUE FOR MONEY AND, ABOVE ALL, IMPROVING PATIENT CARE.

"IN ACHIEVING THESE OBJECTIVES, THE AUTHORITY WILL HAVE ADVICE FROM A BROAD CROSS-SECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INTERESTS.

"IT. WILL HAVE DUE FLEXIBILITY AND AUTONOMY IN OPERATION," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT AND DETERMINATION ALONE WOULD NOT SUFFICE.

"WE NEED THE SAME DEDICATION AND DILIGENCE FROM OUR MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.

/"IN THIS ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

"IN THIS CONTEXT, I AM ENCOURAGED BY THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE DOCTORS IN SHARING OUR VISION FOR REFORM. I HAVE FAITH THAT OUR OTHER HEALTH CARE COLLEAGUES ARE EQUALLY COMMITTED,1' SHE SAID.

WITH CONVICTION AND COOPERATION FROM ALL, MRS YU SAID, A MUCH IMPROVED PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM WITH HIGHER STANDARDS OF SERVICE WILL SOON BE A REALITY.

MRS YU SAID AS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE HAD BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THE WHO’S OBJECTIVE OF "HEALTH FOR ALL BY THE YEAR 2000", HEALTH EDUCATION AND DISEASE PREVENTION WOULD REMAIN OUR PRIORITIES.

"THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IS MAPPING OUT A BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. IT WILL REPORT IN TWO MONTHS," SHE SAID.

WITH THE INAUGURATION OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE NEXT YEAR, MRS YU SAID, HONG KONG CAN BOAST ITS OWN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ADVANCEMENT AND SPECIALISATION IN MEDICAL TRAINING.

THE THIRD COMPONENT OF OUR STRATEGY FOR HEALTH SERVICES REFORM WILL THEN BE IN PLACE, SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THESE MAJOR INITIATIVES TOGETHER WOULD SET A NEW SCENE FOR HEALTH CARE IN HONG KONG AND WE MUST GIVE THE ACTORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM.

"NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO REWRITE THE SCRIPT THROUGH A WHITE PAPER. IT IS TIME FOR ACTION," SHE SAID.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT SEEKS WAYS TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICE

* * * * »

THE GOVERNMENT WILL LOOK FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AND TO OFFER GREATER CHOICE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, MRS YU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SET ITS SIGHTS HIGH AND CAST ITS VISION FAR IN RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE FOR BETTER SERVICE.

"WE WILL IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF FUNDING. WE WILL ADJUST OUR SERVICES TO MEET CHANGING COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS. IN SO DOING, WE WILL BEAR IN MIND THE NEEDS OF ALL, BE THEY RICH OR POOR, OR FROM ’SANDWICH CLASS’," SHE SAID.

/MRS YU

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

49

MRS YU SAID THAT MUCH HAS BEEN SAID OVER THE GOVERNMENT'S FUTURE POLICY ON HOSPITAL FEES AND CHARGES.

’’THE CONCEPT OF * A WIDER CHOICE OF HIGHER QUALITY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AT PRICES THEY CAN AFFORD* HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY MANY MEMBERS. BUT SOME HAVE SOUNDED A NOTE OF CAUTION ON IMPLEMENTATION AND ASKED FOR RETENTION OF THE SAFETY NET FOR THE POOR AND THE NEEDY," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THE SAFEGUARD FOR TiOSE IN NEED WAS SECURE.

"NO ONE WILL BE PREVENTED, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, FROM OBTAINING ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT. THIS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE IS ENSHRINED IN THE LAW.

"MOREOVER, THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO FEE POLICY UNTIL DISCERNIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICES AND A SATISFACTORY WAIVER SYSTEM ARE IN PLACE," SHE SAID.

AS REGARDS MEDICAL INSURANCE, SHE SAID THAT A RECENT TERRITORY-WIDE SURVEY HAD SHOWN THAT ONE IN SEVEN RESPONDENTS HAD HEALTH INSURANCE.

OF THESE, HALF HAD THEIR PREMIUM PAID FOR BY EMPLOYERS.

"THERE ARE SIGNS OF A GROWING TREND FOR HEALTH INSURANCE," SHE SAID.

BY ENCOURAGING HEALTH INSURANCE, MRS YU SAID, ONE CAN REDISTRIBUTE THE COST OF MEDICAL CARE MORE EQUITABLY AMONG OUR COMMUNITY AND ALLOW THE INDIVIDUAL A GREATER CHOICE OF CARE.

"WE WILL EXPLORE VARIOUS OPTIONS. POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE COMPULSORY OR VOLUNTARY SCHEMES, INSURER-BASED OR CENTRALLY MANAGED.

"WE WANT TO INCREASE PUBLIC COST EFFICIENCY, MAXIMISE VALUE FOR TAX-PAYERS* MONEY AND MAKE FOR MORE RATIONAL RATIONING OF LIMITED PUBLIC RESOURCES. AT THE SAME TIME, WE AIM TO MAINTAIN ACCESSIBILITY TO ADEQUATE CARE AND ENHANCE BOTH THE QUALITY AND CHOICE OF SERVICES, SHE SAID.

/50........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 50 -

GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT IN WELFARE SERVICE IS BEYOND QUESTION *****

THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT IN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES IS BEYOND QUESTION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HELEN YU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, MRS YU SAID THE TREND IN EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE HAD BEEN RISING STEADILY, BOTH IN REAL TERMS AND AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE OVER THE PAST DECADE.

"IN THE PERIOD 1989/90 - 1991/92, TOTAL GOVERNMENT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 21 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE WILL RISE BY 25 PER CENT.

"THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE CAPITAL ITEMS, ALLOCATIONS FROM LOTTERIES FUND AND SERVICES BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN AT LENGTH ON WELFARE SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FAMILY SERVICES, AND THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY FOR THEIR PROVISION, AND MOST OF THEIR SUGGESTIONS WERE REFLECTED IN THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.

"WE ARE CONSULTING THE PUBLIC NOW ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER AND THERE WILL BE A MOTION DEBATE NEXT WEEK," SHE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE GOVERNOR’S ASSURANCE IN HIS POLICY SPEECH THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SUPPORT THE ESSENTIAL STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPROVE STANDARDS, UPGRADE SERVICES, INCREASE THEIR SCOPE AND GENERALLY ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE ORDINARY HONG KONG FAMILY, MRS YU SAID: "THE SAFETY NET STAYS FIRMLY IN PLACE."

"PROTECTION OF THE VULNERABLE AND THE DISADVANTAGED WILL REMAIN GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY; NO ONE WILL BE DENIED THROUGH LACK OF MEANS," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THERE HAD BEEN SOME MISAPPREHENSION ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE TO THE FAMILY ITSELF AND SHE EMPHASISED THAT THE FEAR WAS UNFOUNDED.

"WE HAVE NO SUCH INTENTION WHATSOEVER. ON THE CONTRARY, WE WILL BE IMPROVING THESE SERVICES, IN QUALITY AND QUANTITY, TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID AS MANY OF US WERE LOCAL BORN, LOCAL BRED AND HAD LIVED AND THRIVED ON THE FINE TRADITION OF THE FAMILY PROVIDING MUTUAL CARE AND SECURITY, THE FAMILY HAD BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY.

/"FAMILIES WHICH .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 51 -

’’FAMILIES WHICH CAN DO SO WILL WISH TO CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR PART IN GIVING ALL POSSIBLE SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. WE IN HONG KONG APPRECIATE WELFARE SERVICES BUT WE MUST NEVER EVER FORSAKE OUR PROUD TRADITION OF THE FAMILY,” SHE SAID.

AS REGARDS REHABILITATION, MRS YU SAID THERE HAD BEEN SUGGESTIONS FOR A CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR ADMISSION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO SHELTERED WORKSHOP. SHE SAID THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION.

’’A WORKING PARTY WILL BE SET UP EARLY NEXT YEAR WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING A GREEN PAPER IN 1992 FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION," SHE SAID.

--------0-----------

TOWN PLANNING LEGISLATION ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER RURAL PLANNING: BARNES * » * * *

THE PURPOSE OF TOWN PLANNING LEGISLATION IS TO INTRODUCE PROPER PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS BY EXTENDING STATUTORY PLANNING JURISDICTION TO COVER THE WHOLE TERRITORY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE MEMBERS’ MOTION OF THANKS, MR BARNES SAID ANY RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT HAD TO TRY TO PROVIDE SOME RATIONAL MEANS OF CONTROL, AND "THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IS ABOUT JUST THAT".

THE BILL WAS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY CARRYING OUT AN OVERALL REVISION OF THE EXISTING TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE AND A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT WOULD BE PUBLISHED EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

THE REVISED ORDINANCE WAS NOT EXPECTED TO BE ENACTED BEFORE 1992, AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WOULD BE SUBSUMED IN OR REPLACED BY THE REVISED ORDINANCE.

AFTER ITS GAZETTAL IN JULY THIS YEAR, THE AMENDMENT BILL HAD AROUSED SUPPORT IN SOME SECTORS AND OPPOSITION IN OTHERS, MR BARNES ADDED, AND IT MIGHT BE WORTHWHILE TO ATTEMPT TO ANSWER SOME OF THE MAIN QUESTIONS RAISED ABOUT IT.

THE SITUATION IN NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES HAD BECOME SUCH THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT MOVE FASTER TO INSTITUTE PLANNING CONTROLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THAN IT WAS IN A POSITION TO MOVE IN RESPECT OF THE REVISION OF THE WHOLE ORDINANCE, "THE MIXED PATTERN OF LAND USES IN MANY AREAS OF THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE VIRTUALLY INCAPABLE OF FUTURE PLANNING AND ORDER".

/A RECENT .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 52 -

A RECENT SURVEY SHOWED THAT SOME 380 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE

NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN CONVERTED TO OPEN STORAGE USES, OF WHICH 45

PER CENT WERE FOR STORAGE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT, 23 PER CENT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND 13 PER CENT FOR CONTAINERS.

MR BARNES SAID DURING 1986-87, THE RATE OF CHANGE WAS SUCH THAT IT SHOWED TO THE ADMINISTRATION THAT LEGAL POWERS OF CONTROL WERE NECESSARY, AND IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR THERE WAS AN ADDITION OF SOME 82 HECTARES OF NEWLY CONVERTED OPEN STORAGE IN NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES ALONE.

AN ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL SYSTEM AS CONTROL WOULD NOT HAVE WORKED, MR BARNES SAID.

HE SAID: "IN MAKING A CHANGE OF USE IN THEIR LAND, OWNERS ARE EXERCISING RIGHTS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE COURTS. SO, THE ONLY WAY IN WHICH THESE RIGHTS CAN BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, WHETHER IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR NOT, IS BY AGREEMENT OR BY ORDINANCE, AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NO REASON TO EXPECT LAND OWNERS TO AGREE TO VOLUNTARY RESTRAINTS AGAINST THEIR OWN IMMEDIATE INTERESTS."

A STATUTORY LICENSING SYSTEM WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE, MR BARNES SAID.

CONTROLS TO ACCOMMODATE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT HAD TO BE DEALT WITH ON THEIR OWN MERITS AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THAT LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID.

ON COMPENSATION, MR BARNES SAID THE PRESENT TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE CONTAINED NO PROVISION FOR COMPENSATION EXCEPT WHEN A RESUMPTION MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED.

HE SAID: "COMPENSATION IN PLANNING LAW IS A VERY COMPLICATED ISSUE INVOLVING A DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND THE NEED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY INTERESTS.

"MY INTENTION IS TO SET UP AN EXPERT GROUP, WITH PARTICIPATION ALSO FROM THE NON-GOVERNMENT SECTOR, TO DELIBERATE ON THE ISSUES CONCERNED AS A PART OF THE CONSULTATION IN THE FULL REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE."

COMMENTING ON THE NEED FOR INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS, MR BARNES SAID GOVERNMENTS NORMALLY INTRODUCED LEGISLATION DEEMED TO ANTICIPATE THE DATE OF ENACTMENT WHEN THEY FORESAW THAT PUBLICATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE LEGISLATION WOULD ITSELF ENCOURAGE THE VERY ACTION WHICH THE LEGISLATION WAS INTENDED TO CONTROL.

"THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON IN TAX LAW IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND WE HAVE A PRECEDENT IN HONG KONG OF A BUILDING MORATORIUM IN THE POKFULAM AND IN MID-LEVELS UNDER THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (POKFULAM AND MID-LEVELS) ORDINANCE 1973 WHICH GAVE COVERAGE TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IN REFUSING BUILDING PLANS IN THE SPECIFIED AREAS BEFORE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE.

/THESE POWERS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 53 -

THESE POWERS INVOLVED NO INFRINGEMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, MR BARNES SAID.

TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF APPEALS, MR BARNES SAID THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE HAD BEEN CRITICISED BECAUSE IT PROVIDED FOR THE BOARD TO HEAR OBJECTIONS TO ITS OWN PLANS AND TO CONDUCT ITS OWN REVIEWS OF ITS REFUSALS OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS.

THESE CRITICISMS HAD ALSO BEEN APPLIED TO THE BOARD’S FUNCTIONS AS EXTENDED UNDER THE AMENDING ORDINANCE, AND ALSO TO THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING’S POWERS TO REFUSE APPROVALS UNDER THE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (IDPA) SYSTEM AND HIS MORE PERMANENT POWERS TO ATTACH CONDITIONS TO NOTICES OF REINSTATEMENT.

THE QUESTION OF THE BOARD’S FUNCTION HAD TO BE DEALT WITH IN THE OVERALL REVIEW, MR BARNES SAID.

"AN APPEAL AGAINST THE DIRECTOR’S POWERS TO ATTACH CONDITIONS TO NOTICES UNDER THIS BILL COULD, HOWEVER, BE CONSIDERED, BUT HIS POWERS TO APPROVE OR REFUSE PERMISSION UNDER THE IDPA SYSTEM WILL DISAPPEAR WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, AND IN ANY CASE HIS DECISIONS, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE, WILL HAVE TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BOARD. SO IT MAY BE UNNECESSARY TO CONSIDER APPEAL PROCEDURES AGAINST THESE POWERS WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE FOR SO SHORT A TIME".

TURNING TO THE MATTER OF OLDER PRIVATE BUILDINGS, WHOSE CONDITION BECAME A MATTER.OF CONCERN FOLLOWING TWO RECENT INCIDENTS, MR BARNES SAID THESE INCIDENTS APPEARED TO SHOW THAT THERE WERE SERIOUS PROBLEMS RESULTING BOTH FROM LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND FROM ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION.

"WE HAVE VERY LITTLE TRADITION OF PROPER AND SUSTAINED BUILDING MAINTENANCE IN HONG KONG, AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE’S INITIAL SURVEY HAS SHOWN JUST HOW LARGE A TASK OF REMEDIAL ACTION AWAITS US."

THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, WOULD CONTINUE WITH ITS PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS- TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DANGER AND BRING THEM TO THE ATTENTION OF THEIR OWNERS FOR URGENT REMEDIAL ACTION.

"PRIVATE BUILDING OWNERS MUST NOW FACE UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT THEIR BUILDINGS ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND REPAIRED.

"UNAUTHORISED “ BUILDING WORK MUST CEASE AND ALTERATIONS TO BUILDINGS MUST NOT BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT PROPER PLANNING AND APPROVAL.

"PRIVATE ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS SHOULD BE EMPLOYED ON WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO MINIMISE RISKS AND TO CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS."

/THE DIRECTOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1993

- 54 -

THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS HAD BEEN ASKED TO CONSULT WIDELY WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, WITH INTERESTED PROFESSIONALS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND REPORT TO HIM BY EARLY NEXT YEAR ON HOW PRESENT EFFORTS COULD BE STRENGTHENED, MR BARNES SAID.

ON RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY, MR BARNES SAID THE PROGRAMME, ESTIMATED LAST YEAR AT AROUND $4 BILLION, OVER 10 YEARS, WAS FUNDED TO THE EXTENT OF ABOUT $1.5 BILLION ON FLOOD PREVENTION WORKS AND $390 MILLION ON OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS IN THE RURAL AREAS.

HE WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES THE EXTENT TO WHICH DEVELOPERS MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING NEW SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, MR BARNES ADDED.

TURNING TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS), MR BARNES SAID PLANNING FOR THE AIRPORT AND PORT HAD TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF EACH OTHER’S DEMANDS.

THE PADS STUDY, WHICH BEGAN IN 1987 AND WAS COMPLETED LAST YEAR, FIRST BUILT UP A MORE DETAILED PICTURE OF THE LIKELY DEMAND FOR PORT FACILITIES AS A BASIS FOR PORT PLANNING. IT THEN APPLIED THE RESULTS TO THE MAIN OPTIONS FOR THE AIRPORT.

THE GROWTH OF NEW FACTORIES, HOWEVER, HAD CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN SINCE 1986 AND THIS WAS REFLECTED IN A LOWER DEMAND FOR CONVENTIONAL FACTORY LAND, THE TERMS OF SALE OF WHICH PRESUPPOSED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLATTED FACTORY BUILDING, MR BARNES SAID.

EXPANSION OF PORT SERVICES HELPED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE REDUCED EXPANSION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, AND WAS IN A WIDER SENSE CRITICAL TO THE EXPANSION OF THE MANUFACTURING CAPACITY OF THE REGION.

THE OTHER TREND WAS PRESSURE FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH AND WEST OF THE TERRITORY.

MR BARNES SAID: "THERE IS MUCH EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT FOR MANY YEARS OUR ECONOMIC SURVIVAL WILL DEPEND ON THE PORT AND OTHER SERVICES WHICH CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGION IN WHICH WE OPERATE AND THE PADS POLICY SHOULD BE SEEN IN THIS LIGHT."

- - 0-----------

/55 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 55 -

HK MUST ACHIEVE STEADY REDUCTION IN VBP POPULATION

*****

HONG KONG NEEDS TO ACHIEVE AND SUSTAIN A MUCH GREATER FLOW OF PEOPLE RETURNING TO VIETNAM IN THE FUTURE IF WE ARE TO ACHIEVE A STEADY REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL BOAT PEOPLE POPULATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"WE SHALL DO ALL WE CAN TO THAT END BY WORKING WITH THE UNHCR ACTIVELY TO PROMOTE REPATRIATION, AND TO REINFORCE THE MESSAGE THAT THOSE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES HAVE NO PROSPECT OF RESETTLEMENT," MR ASPREY SAID WHEN SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR’S RATE OF REPATRIATION OF 400 PER MONTH WAS NEARLY FIVE TIMES LAST YEAR’S RATE.

MR ASPREY SAID AT THE END OF OCTOBER LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL POPULATION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG PEAKED AT NEARLY 57,000, THE HIGHEST NUMBER SINCE 1979 AND THE NUMBER WAS JUST UNDER 53,500, 12 MONTHS LATER.

"THIS IS A MODEST ACHIEVEMENT, GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM WE FACE; BUT IT IS ALSO AN ENCOURAGING REVERSAL A TREND WHICH HAD SEEN HONG KONG’S BOAT PEOPLE POPULATION INCREASE BY NEARLY 50,000 IN THE PREVIOUS TWO AND A HALF YEARS, AND BY OVER 30,000 IN 1989 ALONE," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPONENTS TO THE EQUATION OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE POPULATION - ARRIVALS AND BIRTHS ON THE ONE HAND, RESETTLEMENT AND REPATRIATION ON THE OTHER.

"THE RESULT IS THAT WE HAVE TO RUN HARD EVEN TO STAND STILL. A NET REDUCTION IN POPULATION OF 3,500 OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AS A RESULT OF SOME 12,000 DEPARTURES OVER THE SAME PERIOD," HE SAID.

PROGRESS ON RESETTLEMENT, MR ASPREY SAID, HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING WITH SOME 6,000 HAVING LEFT FOR RESETTLEMENT THIS YEAR, AND THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES REMAINING IN HONG KONG HAD DROPPED FROM 12,000 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR TO SOME 8,500 TODAY.

"I EXPECT THIS TREND TO CONTINUE. WE HAVE MADE LESS PROGRESS ON REPATRIATION. ALTHOUGH SOME 4,000 PERSONS HAVE RETURNED TO VIETNAM SO FAR THIS YEAR, OUR TOTAL POPULATION OF UNSCREENED OR SCREENED-OUT BOAT PEOPLE HAS INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

NOTING THAT VIETNAM WAS SEEKING TO IMPROVE ITS RELATIONS WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AT LARGE, MR ASPREY SAID:

"WE MUST HOPE THAT THE BENEFITS OF TRADE, INVESTMENT AND AID WHICH ARE LIKELY TO FLOW FROM A NORMALISATION OF RELATIONS WILL TRANSLATE INTO IMPROVED ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM; AND THAT THIS IN TURN WILL HELP TO STEM ILLEGAL DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM, AND ENCOURAGE THOSE NOW IN THE DETENTION CENTRES TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND AND PICK UP THE THREADS OF THEIR LIVES ONCE MORE."

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/56 ...........................................

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 56 -

BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND CONTROL TO ALL PESTICIDES

*******

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE AND APPLY THE EXISTING CONTROL SYSTEM TO ALL PESTICIDES, FOR AGRICULTURAL, DOMESTIC AND OTHER PURPOSES, ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MRS YU SAID THIS IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, MRS YU EXPLAINED THAT THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN 1977, PROVIDED FOR THE CONTROL OF PESTICIDES FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS ONLY.

HOWEVER, MRS YU POINTED OUT THAT ALL PESTICIDES CONTAINED TOXIC CHEMICALS WHICH, IF MISUSED, POSED A HEALTH OR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD.

MRS YU STRESSED THAT THIS APPROACH WAS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION AND THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION THAT A PESTICIDE CONTROL SCHEME SHOULD BE COMPREHENSIVE AND SHOULD CONTROL PESTICIDES USED IN ALL SITUATIONS INCLUDING AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, FORESTRY, HOME GARDENING, PUBLIC HEALTH, HOUSEHOLD AND WAREHOUSE PEST CONTROL.

ON THE AMENDMENT BILL, MRS YU SAID THAT CONTROL WOULD BE IN THE FORM OF REGISTRATION AND A SYSTEM OF LICENSES AND PERMITS.

"A NEW REGISTER OF PESTICIDES WILL BE INTRODUCED,” MRS YU SAID.

PART I OF THE REGISTER WOULD CONTAIN READY-FOR-USE DOMESTIC PESTICIDES AND PART II WOULD CONTAIN ALL OTHER PESTICIDES.

SUCH A CLASSIFICATION WOULD GIVE A CLEARER INDICATION OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO USERS OF A CERTAIN PESTICIDE, FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT CONTROL AND PROVIDE A BASIS FOR DIFFERENT FEES FOR PROCESSING DIFFERENT LICENCES, SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO CONTROL THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF REGISTERED PESTICIDES COLLECTIVELY BY MEANS OF LICENCES AND TO CONTROL THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORT, SALE, SUPPLY AND POSSESSION OF UNREGISTERED PESTICIDES INDIVIDUALLY BY MEANS OF PERMITS.

”TO CATER FOR CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE IT IS NEITHER PRACTICAL NOR NECESSARY TO IMPOSE A REQUIREMENT FOR A PERMIT, A PERSON WHO HAS POSSESSION OF UNREGISTERED PESTICIDES WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM SUCH REQUIREMENT IF HE OBTAINED POSSESSION OF THE PESTICIDES FROM A PERMIT HOLDER WHO PASSED THE PESTICIDES TO HIM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PERMIT CONDITIONS,” SHE SAID.

IN ADDITION TO THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WHICH KILLED THE PESTS, MRS YU POINTED OUT THAT PESTICIDES MIGHT CONTAIN INERT INGREDIENTS SUCH AS SOLVENTS AND ADDITIVES.

/"SOME CAN ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 57 -

"SOME CAN BE QUITE TOXIC IN THEMSELVES AND MAY HAVE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

"A PROVISION IN THE BILL THEREFORE ENABLES THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO PROHIBIT OR CONTROL THE USE OF SUCH INERT INGREDIENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PESTICIDES AND THE IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF PESTICIDES CONTAINING SUCH INERT INGREDIENTS.

"THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORT, SALE OR SUPPLY OF PESTICIDES CONTAINING PROHIBITED OR CONTROLLED INERT INGREDIENTS IN CONTRAVENTION OF ANY PROHIBITION OR THE IMPOSED CONDITIONS WILL BE OFFENCES PUNISHABLE UNDER THE ORDINANCE,” SHE SAID.

TO FACILITATE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, MRS YU EXPLAINED THAT ANYONE WHO DEALT IN A PESTICIDE WOULD HAVE A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS WITHIN WHICH TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW PROVISIONS.

"FURTHERMORE, A LICENCE OR A PERMIT FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE WHICH WAS GRANTED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT DATE WILL REMAIN VALID FOR THE REMAINDER OF ITS UNEXPIRED PERIOD," SHE SAID.

MRS YU SAID THE BILL ALSO CONTAINED OTHER AMENDMENTS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

--------0-----------

BILL TO BRING IN CATERING TRADE INTO SAFETY NET FOR WORKERS *****

IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF WORK ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE CATERING TRADE, THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAS ADVISED THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO EXTEND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE TO THIS TRADE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, MR YEUNG SAID THE BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE TO THE CATERING TRADE BY INCLUDING CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING.

THE ORDINANCE, WHICH PROTECTS THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS, NOW COVERS FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY BUT NOT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS.

MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE MORE WORK ACCIDENTS IN THE CATERING TRADE THAN IN ANY OTHER CLASS OF BUSINESS NOT AT PRESENT COVERED BY THE ORDINANCE.

/IN 1989 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 199V

- 58 -

IN 1989, THE CATERING TRADE WAS INVOLVED IN 14,800 ACCIDENTS, REPRESENTING 32 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENTS IN THE NON-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.

"AT 91 ACCIDENTS FOR EVERY THOUSAND WORKERS, THE ACCIDENT RATE IN THE TRADE IN 1989 WAS NOT ONLY THE HIGHEST IN THE NON-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, BUT WAS ALSO MUCH HIGHER THAN THAT FOUND IN MANUFACTURING AT 30 ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS.

"MOREOVER, BOTH THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND THE ACCIDENT RATE IN THE CATERING TRADE HAVE BEEN INCREASING STEADILY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS," MR YEUNG ADDED.

THE ORDINANCE NOW COVERS ABOUT ONE MILLION WORKERS, OR ABOUT 36 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE.

"THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE ORDINANCE TO THE CATERING TRADE WILL BRING ANOTHER 162,000 EMPLOYEES, OR A FURTHER SIX PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE, UNDER ITS PROTECTION," HE SAID.

THE SECRETARY FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT BY BRINGING CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, THE BILL WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF PROHIBITING THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN ALL AREAS OF A CATERING ESTABLISHMENT.

"THIS IS NOT OUR INTENTION," MR YEUNG SAID.

AT PRESENT, THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROHIBITED THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN AGED 13 AND 14 IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND IN THE KITCHEN OF A CATERING ESTABLISHMENT.

THEY WERE PERMITTED TO WORK, HOWEVER, IN OTHER AREAS OF A CATERING ESTABLISHMENT AND IN ANY NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

"APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE, THEREFORE, TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN COULD CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE NON-KITCHEN AREAS OF CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS.

"SUBJECT TO THIS COUNCIL APPROVING THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WILL BE INVITED TO MAKE THE NECESSARY AMENDING REGULATIONS," MR YEUNG SAID.

BOTH THE BILL AND THE AMENDING REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.

"WE INTEND TO BRING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INTO EFFECT 12 MONTHS AFTER THEIR ENACTMENT, SO AS TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE CATERING TRADE TO PREPARE FOR COMPLIANCE," MR YEUNG SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE CATERING TRADE WILL BE ADVISED AND ASSISTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THIS PROCESS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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/59 ...........................................

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 59 -

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED ******

THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STEERING GROUP ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING WERE ADOPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AS THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER IN JUNE.

"THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (REGISTRATION) BILL 1990 INTRODUCED TO THIS COUNCIL ON JULY 4 PROVIDES FOR THE NEW REGISTRATION ARRANGEMENTS BUT A NUMBER OF OTHER LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE REMAINDER OF THE STEERING GROUP’S RECOMMENDATIONS.

"SOME OF THESE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BILL AND OTHERS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO BE LAID BEFORE THIS COUNCIL SHORTLY.

"ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STEERING GROUP WAS THAT FOREIGN SEAFARERS SHOULD BE LICENSED TO SERVE IN SENIOR POSTS ON SHIPS REGISTERED ON THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER," MRS ANSON CHAN SAID.

MRS CHAN ALSO SAID AT PRESENT, AS A GENERAL RULE, NO ALIEN MIGHT BE EMPLOYED AS MASTER, CHIEF OFFICER OR CHIEF ENGINEER OF A SHIP REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.

"TN OTHER WORDS, THE MASTER AND HIS SENIOR OFFICERS MUST BE OF BRITISH NATIONALITY.

"THE NEED TO ALLOW FOREIGN SEAFARERS TO SERVE IN THESE POSTS ON HONG KONG SHIPS WAS IDENTIFIED AS LONG AGO AS 1986 WHEN THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER WERE PUBLISHED.

"IT WAS ACCEPTED THAT THE CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONALITY RESTRICTION WOULD SERIOUSLY LIMIT THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE NEW REGISTER AND THAT THERE WERE INSUFFICIENT HONG KONG SEAFARERS TO FILL THESE POSTS.

"THIS REMAINS THE POSITION," SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL THEREFORE ENABLED THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUE OF LICENCES TO HOLDERS OF FOREIGN CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY TO ENABLE THEM TO SERVE ON HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS.

"IT WILL CLEARLY BE IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPETENCE OF FOREIGN SEAFARERS ALLOWED TO MAN HONG KONG SHIPS IS UP TO THE REQUIRED STANDARD.

"ACCORDINGLY, A VALIDATION PANEL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO EVALUATE THE STANDARD OF THE CERTIFICATES HELD BY FOREIGN SEAFARERS.

/' THOSE WHO.......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

60

"THOSE WHO HOLD CERTIFICATES WHICH HAVE BEEN VALIDATED IN TERMS OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AS BEING BROADLY EQUIVALENT TO THOSE ISSUED IN HONG KONG WILL, ON APPLICATION, BE LICENSED TO SERVE IN OFFICER POSTS ON HONG KONG SHIPS," SHE SAID.

TO ENSURE THAT STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM TO HANDLE ALLEGATIONS OF SERIOUS NEGLIGENCE, MISCONDUCT AND INCOMPETENCE AGAINST AN OFFICER, WHETHER HE WAS A LICENSEE OR A HOLDER OF A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY OBTAINED IN HONG KONG.

"AT PRESENT, SUCH INQUIRIES CAN BE CONDUCTED ONLY IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF A SHIPPING CASUALTY. THIS IS UNDULY RESTRICTIVE.

"THE BILL THEREFORE PROVIDES FOR SUCH INQUIRIES TO BE HELD AT ANY TIME AND FOR THE OFFICER’S LICENCE OR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY, AS THE CASE MAY BE, TO BE SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SO WARRANT," SHE EXPLAINED.

THIS PROPOSAL WAS BASED ON SIMILAR PROVISIONS IN THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT 1970 OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, MRS CHAN ADDED.

SHE SAID THAT THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER WAS WELL ADVANCED AND, SUBJECT TO ENACTMENT OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (REGISTRATION) BILL BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS ON NOVEMBER 7, THE NEW REGISTER WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SCHEDULE ON DECEMBER 3.

"WITH REGARD TO THE MATTERS IN THIS BILL, THE VALIDATION PANEL HAS ALREADY CONVENED TO LAY THE GROUND WORK FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ISSUE OF LICENCES TO SUITABLY QUALIFIED FOREIGN SEAFARERS TO COINCIDE WITH THE INCEPTION OF THE NEW REGISTER," MRS CHAN SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0--------

BILL SEEKS TO CLEAR CLOUDS OVER APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SPEED ASCERTAINING ******

THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 SEEKS TO CLARIFY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 28 OF THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE APPLY TO ANY APPARATUS DESIGNED AND USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE SPEED OR WEIGHT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID THE EXISTING SECTION 28 OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR THE ADMISSION AS EVIDENCE IN COURT OF A CERTIFICATE OF THE ACCURACY OF A RADAR DEVICE OR APPARATUS DESIGNED AND USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE SPEED OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

/"IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 61 -

"IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE EXPRESSION ’APPARATUS’ IN THE SECTION AS PRESENTLY DRAFTED WOULD INCLUDE NON-RADAR APPARATUS NOW BEING USED BY THE POLICE TO MEASURE THE SPEED OF VEHICLES.

"THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE EX. CESSION DOES INCLUDE SPEED DETECTION EQUIPMENT WHICH OPERATE OTHER THAN BY RADAR," MR ASPREY SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0--------

LEGCO PASSED MOTION OF THANKS FOR GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS * * * * *

AFTER THREE DAYS OF DEBATE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR BE THANKED FOR HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL THIS MONTH.

MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION FOR TWO DAYS LAST WEEK, AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS REPLIED TODAY TO THE POINTS THEY HAD RAISED.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL LED THE REPLIES, AND THE CLOSING SPEECH FOR THE OFFICIALS WAS MADE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.

MEANWHILE, FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.

THEY WERE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990’ MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990; AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND EVIDENCE (.AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

TWO OTHER BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW AFTER GOING THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

THEY WERE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (REPEAL) BILL 1990 AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.

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/62 ........

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

62

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION ON SATELLITE TELEVISION

******

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AFTER RECEIVING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, HAS APPROVED THE POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR LICENSING SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION (SMATV) SYSTEMS WHEREBY SIGNALS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE TELEVISION SET AND SATELLITE TELEVISION UPLINKING FROM HONG KONG.

IN ITS CONSIDERATION OF THE REGIMES, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE DEGREE OF COMPETITION CONSIDERED DESIRABLE BETWEEN SATELLITE TELEVISION AND EXISTING OR PLANNED TELEVISION SERVICES IN HONG KONG INCLUDING CABLE TELEVISION.

THE COUNCIL WAS ALIVE TO THE NEED FOR THE REGIMES TO BE EQUITABLE WITH REGARD TO THE INTERESTS OF THOSE TELEVISION SERVICES.

’’THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT IT WILL BE ILLEGAL FOR. SMATV SYSTEMS TO BE INSTALLED IN HONG KONG OTHER THAN BY SMATV OPERATORS WHO HAVE BEEN LICENSED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (TA),” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’SMATV OPERATORS WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY TO PROVIDE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE ONCE OF THE EQUIPMENT. THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMES.”

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STATED THAT BEFORE BEING GRANTED A .LICENCE, SMATV OPERATORS WILL HAVE TO MEET STANDARDS OF TECHNICAL COMPETENCE LAID DOWN BY THE TA AND TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROOF OF GOOD FINANCIAL STANDING.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF LICENCE WILL BE THAT THE LICENSEE SHOULD:

- NOT TAKE CABLE ACROSS UNLEASED CROWN LAND OR PUBLIC STREETS;

- NOT CHARGE A SUBSCRIPTION FEE OR COLLECT A SUBSCRIPTION FEE FOR A PROGRAMME PROVIDER (ALTHOUGH HE WOULD BE PERMITTED TO CHARGE FOR PROVIDING INSTALLING AND MAINTAINING SMATV EQUIPMENT);

- NOT PROVIDE OR PACKAGE PROGRAMMES FOR DISTRIBUTION;

- DISTRIBUTE ONLY SIGNALS INTENDED FOR GENERAL RECEPTION;

- INSTALL ONLY EQUIPMENT COMPATIBLE WITH GOOD QUALITY RECEPTION OF THE LICENSED TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTERS’ SIGNALS; AND

- COMPLY WITH ANY DIRECTION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL NOT TO DISTRIBUTE THROUGH THE SYSTEMS HE HAS INSTALLED PROSCRIBED PROGRAMME SERVICES.

/WHEN THE .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 63 -

WHEN THE SMATV LICENSING REGIME IS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT, SMATV SYSTEMS IN EXISTENCE BEFORE AUGUST 1, 1990 AND REGISTERED WITH THE TA WILL HAVE TO ’’COME ONTO THE BOOKS” OF LICENSED OPERATORS.

"IT REMAINS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUBMIT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AN AMENDMENT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATION REGULATIONS PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF LICENCE TO BE ISSUED BY THE TA BASED ON THE CONDITIONS NOW LAID DOWN BY THE COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TURNING TO SATELLITE TELEVISION UPLINKING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FAVOURED DEVELOPING HONG KONG AS A BASE FOR UPLINKING SATELLITE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING FOR AN AUDIENCE PRINCIPALLY OUTSIDE HONG KONG. THIS WOULD ENHANCE HONG KONG'S GLOBAL AND REGIONAL IMAGE.

HAVING REGARD FOR EQUITABILITY AS REGARDS THE INTERESTS OF EXISTING AND PLANNED TELEVISION BROADCASTERS IN HONG KONG, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED THAT AS CONDITIONS OF LICENCE, THE LICENSEES SHOULD:

- NOT FINANCE THEIR BUSINESS THROUGH SUBSCRIPTION IN HONG KONG DURING THE PERIOD OF HONG KONG CABLE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED (HKCC)’S LICENCE EXCLUSIVITY;

- NOT RELY PRINCIPALLY ON HONG KONG’S LOCAL ADVERTISING MARKET IF THEY FINANCE THEIR BUSINESS THROUGH ADVERTISING REVENUES;

- (SO AS TO BE EQUITABLE TO EXISTING AND PROPOSED

BROADCASTERS) NOT BROADCAST CANTONESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING. EXCEPT THAT AFTER THREE YEARS, PROGRAMMES IN CANTONESE PREVIOUSLY BROADCAST IN HONG KONG COULD BE BROADCAST AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD AT THAT TIME REVIEW WHETHER NEWLY PRODUCED CANTONESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES COULD ALSO BE BROADCAST;

- BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT MATERIAL BROADCAST BY THEM DID NOT INFRINGE OTHERS’ COPYRIGHT AND FOR TAKING ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THEIR PROGRAMMES IN RECIPIENT COUNTRIES;

- OBSERVE PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING CODE OF PRACTICE ON TELEVISION PROGRAMME STANDARDS EXCEPT THOSE RELATED TO TIME OF BROADCAST;

- NOT BROADCAST TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS; AND

- COMPLY WITH EXISTING ADVERTISING STANDARDS OTHER THAN THOSE NOT APPROPRIATE TO A PROGRAMMING SERVICE INTENDED TO SPAN SEVERAL TIME ZONES AND CONTAINING ADVERTISEMENTS OF FOREIGN ORIGIN.

IN ADDITION, LICENSEES WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPANIES INCORPORATED AND REGISTERED IN HONG KONG AND NOT BE SUBSIDIARIES OF ANY OTHER COMPANY.

/MAJORITY OWNERSHIP .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 64 -

MAJORITY OWNERSHIP WOULD HAVE TO BE IN THE HANDS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS.

LICENSEES WOULD ALSO NEED TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT CALCULATED ON A PERCENTAGE OF THAT PORTION OF THEIR REVENUE DEEMED TO BE DERIVED FROM HONG KONG.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO AGREED THAT PROSPECTIVE LICENSEES SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO APPLY FOR UPLINK FACILITIES INDEPENDENT OF HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL AND THAT EACH CASE WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS. ANY LICENCES GRANTED FOR SATELLITE UPLINKING WOULD BE UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE.

DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WILL NOW BE HELD WITH PROSPECTIVE LICENSEES.

IN APPROVING THE LICENSING REGIMES FOR BOTH SMATV SYSTEMS AND SATELLITE TELEVISION UPLINKING FROM HONG KONG, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED THE DESIRABILITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVING AS MUCH ACCESS AS POSSIBLE TO INFORMATION AND OF HONG KONG KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS.

THE COUNCIL HAD SOUGHT TO BALANCE THIS AGAINST THE DESIRABILITY OF MAINTAINING A CONSISTENT REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR BROADCASTING WHICH IS FAIR TO ALL PARTIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE INFORMATION UNIT OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH ON TEL. 574 7832 OR 573 5045.

---------0-----------

FS TO VISIT SHANGHAI *****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, WILL VISIT SHANGHAI FOR THREE DAYS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF THE MAYOR OF SHANGHAI, MR ZHU RONGJI.

HE WILL RETURN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 4).

DURING HIS VISIT, SIR PIERS WILL MEET MR ZHU AND THE ADVISER ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPALITY, MR LI CHUWEN.

HE WILL ALSO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT WORKING COMMITTEE, THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION, THE PUDONG DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE SHANGHAI BRANCH OF THE BANK OF CHINA.

/BESIDES .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 65 -

BESIDES, SIR PIERS WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE UNITED WOOL TEXTILE CORPORATION, A JOINT HONG KONG-SHANGHAI VENTURE.

ACCOMPANYING SIR PIERS WILL BE LADY JACOBS; HIS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MR JOHN TSANG, AND THE DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, MR STEPHEN BRADLEY.

---------0-----------

GUIDE TO NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW

COPIES OF AN INFORMATION BOOKLET -- A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME -- WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FROM MORE THAN 200 GOVERNMENT OUTLETS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THIS FOLLOWS THE PASSAGE OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) ORDER 1990 YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY IT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING THAT BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT HAD NOW APPROVED THE ORDER, WHICH SET OUT THE MECHANISM FOR SELECTING 50,000 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS TO BE REGISTERED AS BRITISH CITIZENS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) ACT.

’’THE ORDER WILL GO TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20, AND, IF MADE, WILL COME INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.

’’PENDING THE DECISION OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL, WE AIM TO START ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE SCHEME FROM DECEMBER 1, 1990 TO FEBRUARY 28, 1991,” HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, ONE MILLION COPIES OF THE GENERAL GUIDE TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME IN ENGLISH, AND ANOTHER MILLION COPIES IN CHINESE, HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED TO ENABLE THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING UNDER THE SCHEME TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE SELECTION MECHANISM.

’’THE GENERAL GUIDE GIVES DETAILS OF VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME, APPLICATION PROCEDURES, THE POINTS SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING APPLICATIONS ETC,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’THOSE INTERESTED IN APPLYING UNDER THE SCHEME WILL HAVE A FEW WEEKS TO STUDY THE SELECTION MECHANISM BEFORE THE SCHEME IS LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER 1.”

’’THE GENERAL GUIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ONWARDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES,” HE SAID.

/ALSO STARTING .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 66 -

ALSO STARTING FROM TOMORROW, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A SPECIAL HOTLINE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE POINTS SYSTEM UNDER THE SCHEME.

THE HOTLINE WILL BE MANNED BY SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND WILL OPERATE DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS. ITS NUMBER IS 802 3300.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT APPLICATION FORMS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE SELECTION SCHEME, WHICH WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, HAVE BEEN METICULOUSLY DESIGNED TO MAKE THEM AS SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD AS POSSIBLE.

"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THESE FORMS WITHOUT HIRING IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS OR LAWYERS TO HELP THEM," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CARRIED OUT TWO TRIAL RUNS IN WHICH REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONS HAD BEEN INVITED TO FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORMS.

"ALL OF THEM FOUND NO MAJOR DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS," HE SAID.

"ALL INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES, NUMBERS OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS, COMPUTER CODES ETC WILL BE READILY AND EQUALLY AVAILABLE TO ALL, AND THE HIRING OF CONSULTANTS WILL NOT BRING ANY MATERIAL BENEFIT TO AN APPLICANT," HE STRESSED.

------0-------

PROCEEDINGS RULES FOR THE *

SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED RULES TO REGULATE THE PROCEDURE AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL (SFAP) UNDER THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) ORDINANCE.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SFAP WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SFC ORDINANCE TO HEAR APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS MADE BY THE SFC IN RELATION TO APPLICATION FOR, OR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION, AND AGAINST THE EXERCISE OF INTERVENTION POWERS BY THE SFC ON THE BUSINESS OF A REGISTERED PERSON.

THE SFAP PROCEEDINGS RULES 1990 ARE BASED LARGELY ON THE RULES GOVERNING THE FORMER SECURITIES COMMISSION DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.

"THE RULES MAKE IT CLEAR THAT EVERY QUESTION BEFORE THE PANEL SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE MAJORITY AND THAT AN APPELLANT MAY APPLY TO THE PANEL FOR A RE-HEARING OR FOR A REVIEW OF THE PANEL’S DECISION TO DISMISS HIS APPEAL AFTER HE HAS FAILED TO APPEAR AT A HEARING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/"THE RULES .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

’’THE RULES ALSO ENABLE THE PANEL TO ORDER PARTIES TO AN APPEAL TO PAY FOR THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE PANEL IN THE COURSE OF HEARING AN APPEAL," HE ADDED.

THE RULES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON NOVEMBER 9, 1990.

- - 0 - -

REGISTRATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED

******

THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, THE REGISTRATION OF CREDIT COMMERCIAL DE FRANCE FINANCE (HONG KONG) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 31, 1990.

- - 0 - -

CHANGES OF PERMITTED RENTS FOR PRE-WAR/POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES

******

ONE OF THE CHANGES MADE BY THE RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 18, 1990 UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO OPERATION TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE PERMITTED RENT OF PRE-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES UNDER PART I OF THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE RAISED FROM 43 TO 48 TIMES THE STANDARD RENT OF THE PREMISES.

WHERE THE CURRENT RENT IS LESS THAN THE PERMITTED RENT, THE LANDLORD MAY SERVE A NOTICE IN THE SPECIFIED FORM ON THE TENANT INCREASING THE RENT TO THE PERMITTED LEVEL.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE OTHER CHANGE MADE BY THE RESOLUTION IN RAISING THE MINIMUM RENT OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES UNDER PART II OF THE ORDINANCE, FROM 65 PER CENT TO 70 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT WOULD NOT BECOME OPERATIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 19.

ANYONE HAVING ENQUIRIES ON THESE CHANGES COULD OBTAIN ASSISTANCE FROM RENT OFFICERS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 805 7888) OR THE STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

- - 0 - -

/68

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

- 68 -

GOVERNMENT ADVISED OF PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HANG LUNG BANK * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS ADVISED THAT PROCEEDINGS HAD BEEN ISSUED BY PNC INTERNATIONAL FINANCE (ASIA) LTD AND THE ROYAL BANK OF CANADA AGAINST THE HANG LUNG BANK ("HLB") (NOW KNOWN AS DAO HENG BANK) IN USA TO RECOVER LOSSES INCURRED IN LOANS TO DOLLAR CREDIT AND FINANCING LTD (’’DOLLAR CREDIT") AS A RESULT OF AN ALLEGED CONSPIRACY BETWEEN HLB AND DOLLAR CREDIT BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT TOOK OVER HLB IN 1983.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF HLB IN SEPTEMBER 1989, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED HAS GIVEN AN INDEMNITY AGAINST ANY ACTUAL LOSSES OR COSTS INCURRED BY HLB (NOW DAO HENG BANK) AS A RESULT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. PURSUANT TO THIS INDEMNITY, THE GOVERNMENT IS ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ACTION WITH THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF HLB (NOW DAO HENG BANK). IT IS INTENDED THAT THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE VIGOROUSLY CONTESTED.

------0--------

205 VBP RETURNED * * *

A GROUP OF 205 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 79 MEN, 52 WOMEN, 41 BOYS AND 33 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 37TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 4,899 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

--------0-----------

UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT THE UPPER ROOF OF 14 CHUNG WO LANE IN CENTRAL SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 17, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG 991 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES

UNDER THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE BEFORE THE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.

ORDER IS REQUIRED

IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.

- - 0----------

/69 .......

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1990

UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED *****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE A NUMBER OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN WESTERN DISTRICT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.

THE STRUCTURES WERE LOCATED AT THE REAR LANE OF NO. 554 TO 560, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 30, 1991 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION COULD BE CARRIED OUT.

- - 0 - -

CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR HAWKERS *****

THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) FOR HAWKERS ON HOW TO UNDERSTAND MORE OF HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

A SENIOR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MR CHAN YUK-CHEUNG, WILL ADDRESS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, WHILE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MISS LINDA SO, WILL REVIEW THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR SEMINAR WILL START AT 8 PM AT THE CITYPLAZA PALACE RESTAURANT, TAIKOO SHING.

THE EVENT IS PART OF A SERIES OF CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS WOULD INCLUDE AN OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD SCHEME AND A CIVIC EDUCATION GALA NIGHT.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL START AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) AT THE CITYPLAZA PALACE RESTAURANT, THIRD FLOOR, CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING.

- - 0 - -


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